There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But the harsh reality is that very many loss making companies burn through all their cash and go bankrupt.

Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Neptune Wellness Solutions (TSE:NEPT) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. Let's start with an examination of the business's cash, relative to its cash burn.

Check out our latest analysis for Neptune Wellness Solutions

When Might Neptune Wellness Solutions Run Out Of Money?

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 Neptune Wellness Solutions last reported its balance sheet in September 2019, it had zero debt and cash worth CA$24m. In the last year, its cash burn was CA$31m. So it had a cash runway of approximately 9 months from September 2019. To be frank, this kind of short runway puts us on edge, as it indicates the company must reduce its cash burn significantly, or else raise cash imminently. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time.

TSX:NEPT Historical Debt, January 20th 2020

How Well Is Neptune Wellness Solutions Growing?

Notably, Neptune Wellness Solutions actually ramped up its cash burn very hard and fast in the last year, by 101%, signifying heavy investment in the business. While that's concerning on it's own, the fact that operating revenue was actually down 14% over the same period makes us positively tremulous. Considering both these metrics, we're a little concerned about how the company is developing. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company.

Story continues

How Hard Would It Be For Neptune Wellness Solutions To Raise More Cash For Growth?

Neptune Wellness Solutions revenue is declining and its cash burn is increasing, so many may be considering its need to raise more cash in the future. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future 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.

Neptune Wellness Solutions's cash burn of CA$31m is about 8.3% of its CA$373m market capitalisation. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money.

So, Should We Worry About Neptune Wellness Solutions's Cash Burn?

Even though its increasing cash burn makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Neptune Wellness Solutions's cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. When you don't have traditional metrics like earnings per share and free cash flow to value a company, many are extra motivated to consider qualitative factors such as whether insiders are buying or selling shares. Please Note: Neptune Wellness Solutions insiders have been trading shares, according to our data. Click here to check whether insiders have been buying or selling.

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
London: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have fired a warning shot at the world's press in a salvo designed to discourage paparazzi from strangling their new life in Canada.

Lawyers for the pair sent legal warnings to media outlets on Tuesday following the overnight publication of a photograph of Meghan taking eight-month-old son Archie for a hike in a public park on Vancouver Island.

The image highlights what the couple will be up against outside the protection of a 'gentleman's agreement' in Britain - struck following the death of Princess Diana - that severely limits the ability for paparazzi to sell their work to newspaper editors.

Their UK legal team has claimed the image was obtained without the consent of the Duchess of Sussex and that the photographer was hiding in bushes when it was taken. They also criticised previous attempts to photograph the couple in their holiday home using long-range lenses and flagged the pair were willing to take legal action.
- To say talents abound in Nigeria is stating the obvious as Nigerians within and outside the country continues to make the nation proud

- Nigerian writers have been the leading lights in projecting the image of the country positively over the years

- More and more immensely talented Nigerian writers continue to spring up on a daily basis, showcasing their talents across the globe

Nigerian writers have been outstanding over the years and they continue to make the country proud within and outside the shores of the West African nation.

More and more immensely talented Nigerian writers continue to spring up on a daily basis, showcasing their talents across the globe.

Legit.ng lists some of the amazing young Nigerian writers to watch out for in 2020

1. Nikkita Duke

After graduating from her masters adorned like an African queen, this writer easily topped our list as number one.

Nikkita Duke is a law graduate and a multiple award-winning Nigerian writer with an MFA in Screen/Stage Writing from Northwestern University. Her debut play, Affiongs First Novel won second place in an acclaimed national contest in Nigeria and shes been on a roll since. Her writing has been acclaimed internationally across continents from Africa to Europe to North America through writing competitions such as Little Wonder Short Radio Play Competition, Desi Writers Lounge Short Story Competition, Wild Claw Theatres Deathscribe Festival, etc.

She is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America and her works have been read at The Goodman Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Fehinty African Theatre Ensemble, Crowd Theatre and NU Wirtz Centre.

In 2019, Nikkitas screenwriting and playwriting skills got her the most attention. Her co-written TV pilot United States of Aliens (U.S. Aliens) won Northwesterns highest Sitcom Grant and was produced and then licensed to the esteemed TV platform, OpenTV. Her other script Happy to Host won her a Krevoy Screenwriting Prize and she was selected for the 2019 Evanston Literary Festival. She was highly praised in popular screenwriting competitions including the Austin Film Festival, StoryPros International Screenplay Contest and Coverflys annual 2019 and 2020 Red List.

Now based in Los Angeles, Nikkita continues to shine in her different projects. 2020 continues with a well-deserved greenlight for her play in Nigerian Pidgin, Fatty Bum Bum which will be produced this February in America by the Fehinty African Theatre Ensemble. The play, which is a comedy, comments on issues such as fat-shaming and self-preservation in Nigeria and promotes the universal message of unity.

Speaking to Legit.ng about her selection on the list, She said: Its always an honour to be recognized for the work you do, especially on this platform.

With my writing, Im intentional about representing Nigeria and Africans and our various cultures in different aspects of my stories. Creating and infusing my upbringing into my stories will always motivate and inspire me and greater things will come.

I love penning down new ideas and telling stories in different genres and formats. In the last quarter of 2019, I wrote four new scripts: a comedy full-length play, a horror feature script, a horror-comedy short script and a musical dramedy TV pilot. Being prolific and telling powerful stories is a goal for me. Also, I include at least one Efik or Ibibio name in all my stories. For representation and visibility.

Duke is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America. Photo credit: Nikkita Duke

Source: Facebook

2. Obiageli Odimegwu

Obiageli Odimegwu is originally from Nigeria but moved to the United States in adolescence and recently graduated from University of Southern Californias MFA program. After spending her childhood constantly relocating and attending boarding schools, she mastered the art of telling stories as an outsider in insulated societies.

Obiagelis fantastic screenwriting skills shone in two of her scripts: The Show (a feature film script) and Peculiar Animals (a TV pilot script). In the span of 2019, these two scripts and her impressive talent won her many awards including a Humanitas New Voice Award, a PAGE Award, a Screencraft Screenwriting Fellowship and a Bafta Newcomers Program admission. These accolades are only the beginning for her so watch out for her incredible storytelling skills in the news or possibly on your TV screen.

Odimegwu is one fantastic Nigerian writer to look out for. Photo source: Twitter

Source: Facebook

3. Nnamdi Ehirim

Nnamdi s a 27-year-old Nigerian writer based in Lagos and Madrid. His writing has appeared in Afreada, Brittlepaper, Catapult, The Kalahari Review, and The Republic Journal. He co-founded a clean energy start-up in Nigeria and is currently pursuing an MBA, focused on entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector. Prince of Monkeys is his first novel which was released in 2019. The novel tackles tackling politics, class, spirituality, and power as a group of friends come of age in Lagos.

Speaking with Pacific Standard magazine, Nnamdi confirmed that social justice is a prominent focus in his writing including a new untitled manuscript he is currently writing. Look out for more news and books from Nnamdi as his talent continues to shine bright!

Ehirim, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, is currently pursuing his MBA. Photo credit: national.ae

Source: Facebook

4. Reni K. Amayo

Reni K was born and raised in London to two Nigerian immigrant parents. After watching Legally Blonde she was certain that she would grow up to be an amazing lawyer. Those plans were thwarted when her love for mathematics led her to study Aeronautical Engineering instead. After university, much to the disappointment of her seven-year-old self, Reni did not become an astronaut, instead, she entered the world of finance.

Craving an outlet from the pressures of her job, Reni K did what she always did during stressful periods: she wrote. She wrote poems (that will never see the light of day), she wrote short stories, she wrote the beginnings of many novels. She wrote on the train, she wrote during her lunch breaks, she wrote after work, she wrote on the weekends.

Until one day Reni wrote a story that she fell in love with. A story that she couldnt wait to read. The debut book is Daughters of Nri, the first instalment of The Return Of The Earth Mother series. The book reimagines the Nigerian land untouched by the scars of colonialism, and instead enriched with its deep, old and powerful magic.

The concept was born on a packed train five years ago, and now Reni K is ready to share it with the world. The fantasy novel was released in Fall of 2019 and is a must-read on our list!

Reni was born and raised in London to two Nigerian immigrant parents. Photo credit: BBC

Source: Facebook

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Source: Legit.ng
In brief: Disneys new streaming service is set to launch in the UK on March 24, a full week earlier than originally scheduled. The powers that be have also revealed pricing - locals will pay 5.99 per month for access, or a discounted rate of 59.99 when paid annually.

That is in line with US pricing which is set at $6.99 per month (5.35). According to Tom Harrington with Enders Analysis, at this rate, none of these services are going to make money for years.

Disney+ launched in the US and Canada back in mid-November. The service attracted a staggering 10 million subscribers in the first day alone en route to 41 million downloads in its first two months, likely shattering even the best of Disneys expectations.

In addition to the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland will also get Disney+ on March 24. Users in The Netherlands already have access as this region served as a test bed for the platform, the BBC reports.

So, why is Disney moving its launch date ahead by a full week? According to Harrington, executives may have wanted to make The Mandalorian available as quickly as possible, before any more people pirate it. The new Star Wars-based TV series is exclusive to Disney+ and has been instrumental in the platforms early success.

The Mandalorian by Ivan Marc
DAKOTA CITY -- A Sioux City woman faces up to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to striking and killing a pedestrian in South Sioux City before driving away from the crash scene.

Maria Gonzalez-Diego pleaded guilty Tuesday in Dakota County District Court to one count of motor vehicle homicide, a Class II felony that carries a prison sentence of one to 50 years in prison.

A plea agreement filed in the case does not specify the length of Gonzalez-Diego's sentence, and prosecutors and her lawyer will be able to argue for any sentence they believe appropriate at her sentencing hearing, which District Judge Bryan Meismer scheduled for March 10.

A charge of failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death will be dismissed, according to terms of the plea agreement.

Gonzalez-Diego, 20, will remain in custody in the Dakota County Jail on a $500,000 bond. She struck Antonia Lopez De Ramirez with her white Hyundai car on June 24 in the intersection of East 15th and B streets. Lopez De Ramirez, 62, died later at a hospital.

According to court documents, Gonzalez-Diego told police that she was on her phone while driving and had already hit the woman by the time she looked up. Gonzalez-Diego told police she became scared and took off.

Sioux City police stopped Gonzalez-Diego about 10 minutes later on suspicion of drunken driving after receiving a report of a white car swerving and nearly hitting other vehicles in the 1300 block of Summit Street. A preliminary breath test showed her blood alcohol content at .292 percent, more than three times above the legal limit of 0.08 percent, and she was charged with second-offense operating while intoxicated.

Police in South Sioux City later used debris at the scene of the hit and run to link Gonzalez-Diego's car to the incident.

At the time of her June 24 arrest, Gonzalez-Diego was out on bond in Woodbury County after being arrested in Sioux City a week earlier for second-offense OWI.

Gonzalez-Diego has pleaded guilty in Woodbury County to both OWI charges and will be sentenced after her vehicular homicide case is concluded.

A second person charged in connection with the hit and run told police he and Gonzalez-Diego spent three hours drinking tequila and smoking THC wax at his home prior to the crash.

Joel Perea Duenas, 19, of South Sioux City, has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of procuring alcohol for a minor resulting in serious bodily injury or death. He is scheduled to change his plea on Feb. 11 in Dakota County.

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UPPER THUMB  The potential lack of ambulance service was a topic of conversation at January's Argyle Township meeting.

Austin Township Supervisor Ed Sadro was among the audience members who attended the meeting to discuss the possibility of having Argyle Township furnish fire stand-by service as well as medical first-responder service for Austin Township because Bingham Township officials are discontinuing their ambulance service.

The matter was discussed, taken under consideration, but no decision was made.

However, it was decided that Argyle Township Clerk Ed Pfaff and Fire Chief Lyle Ramer would attend the next Austin Township meeting to further discuss the issue.

In November 2019, the Bingham Township Board announced it planned to shut down the ambulance service Jan. 31. The service has operated since 1978.

There are a couple of reasons for ending the service  not enough personnel to man the service 24/7, low pay of $3 per hour on stand-by and $20 for a run, and operational expenses.

For the last four years, the township had to take $120,000 out of its general fund budget to keep the ambulance operating, according to Bingham Township Supervisor Donald Wright.

In mid-December, the township met with Central Huron Ambulance officials to try to work out a deal for it to take over the ambulance service. According to CHA Executive Director Linda Shisler, the two entities are still negotiating.

Bingham officials want CHA to take over the township's ambulance coverage area and to keep the ambulance base at 2241 Pierce St, Ubly, operational. They offered CHA a proposal for consideration, and a decision could possibility be made sometime next month.

Because negotiations are ongoing, the closing of the Bingham Ambulance Service has been pushed back to March 31.

Currently CHA provides service to 13 townships ranging from Port Austin to Bad Axe and part of Sheridan Township.

Bingham Ambulance service provides coverage to the townships of Bingham, Paris and half of Sheridan Township in Huron County. In Sanilac County, the service covers the townships of Austin, part of Minden, and part of Argyle.

In other township matters, Ramer questioned why there are no rumble strips on M-19 at the Deckerville Road intersection. Supervisor Jerome Foote said he would check with the Sanilac County Road Commission on the issue.

The next road issue discussed was dust control for the coming year. The total cost before discounts is $19,620 or $17,985 if paid before April 1 or $17,440 if a deposit of $4,360 was paid before Feb. 28.

The board approved paying $17,440 with a $4,360 deposit to be paid next month.

The annual township meeting was set for 1 p.m., Saturday, April 4.
Imran Khan to attend WEF in Davos

ISLMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to attend the upcoming session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the Foreign Office announced on Monday.



Founder and Executive Chairman of WEF Professor Klaus Schwab invited Prime Minister Imran to attend the forum, to be held from January 21 to 23, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



The prime minister will deliver a WEF special session and also interact with corporate leaders at the Pakistan Strategy Dialogue.



On the sidelines, Prime Minister Imran will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, the most significant of which will be the meeting with US President Donald Trump. The prime minister will also speak to international media during a session with the forums International Media Council.



According to the press release, Prime Minister Imran will share Pakistans vision and achievements in the areas of economy, peace & stability, trade, business and investment opportunities during his visit to Davos. He will also "highlight the current situation in the India-held Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistans perspective on key regional and international issues".
Figure 1: MQ-1 wing test section installed in the IRT tunnel The testing conducted at NASAs Icing Research Tunnel has moved the hybrid technology to a readiness level of 6 (TRL6).

Invercon Inc. and NEI Corporation have recently announced that their newly developed de-icing system was tested successfully at the NASA Glenn Research Centers Icing Research Tunnel. The test was witnessed by engineers and scientists at the Research Center, as well as from the industry. The Invercon-NEI team met the objective of demonstrating a low power anti-ice system in conjunction with NEIs NANOMYTE SuperAi anti-ice coating that prevents ice accretion on the leading edge of an airfoil. The test was performed on a full-size airfoil under simulated in-flight conditions, following nearly two years of development and laboratory testing.

All commercial aircraft have a built-in ice protection system, which could be either a thermal, thermo-mechanical, electro-mechanical, or pneumatic system. A common issue with de-icing devices is that they consume substantial power. Aircraft generally look to reduce power consumption, and with the advent of battery-powered aircraft, mechanisms or features that reduce power consumption are critically important. Icing presents a particular challenge for commercial and military drones, where ice can build up on the wings and propellers and result in crashes. In fact, the current practice is not to fly drones when icing conditions are predicted. Applying a passive anti-ice coating that functions synergistically with an active de-icing device is an attractive hybrid approach, which the team of NEI and Invercon has now demonstrated on full-scale prototypes.

NEIs NANOMYTE SuperAi anti-ice coating is a durable coating, suitable for permanent application. The coating leads to a lubricating surface that drastically reduces the adhesion strength of ice  by as much as 80%, compared to bare polished aluminum. The coating is usually applied by spraying, similar to conventional painting. NANOMYTE SuperAi coating is available for commercial use.

Invercon has developed a new, retrofittable, electro-pneumatic deicing system that combines the most attractive aspects of several existing systems without their associated drawbacks. The Invercon system requires remarkably low power ( 2.5 kW), is retrofittable on any airfoil, adds very little weight (~50 lbs), and is durable enough to last the life of the aircraft once retrofitted. Importantly, the system looks, feels, and acts like the original leading edge and can provide millions of maintenance-free deicing cycles. The entire wing test section (Figure 1) was coated with NANOMYTE SuperAi.

Invercon successfully completed icing tests of the electro-pneumatic deicing system at NASA Glenns Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) under a full range of representative icing conditions. The Invercon system was able to provide continuous deicing of the wing section leading edge over all of the test conditions ranging from temperatures of -3C to -20C with various liquid water content. Typically, the system allows ice to accrete for about 2 minutes and then completely sheds upper and lower surface ice upon system activation.

The testing at NASAs IRT, which is the longest running icing facility in the world, has moved the hybrid technology to a readiness level of 6 (i.e., TRL6), which is a scale used by NASA and Department of Defense to gauge the maturity level of a technology.

Both NEI Corporation and INVERCON LLC are grateful for the financial support extended by the Small Business Innovation Research Program from the Air Force and NASA. The SBIR program funds product development efforts that reduce concepts to practice and then to prototypes, thereby reducing technology risk. The successful full-scale demonstration by the team has advanced a new technology to a state of commercial readiness.

About NEI Corporation:

NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The companys core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces. The coatings have tailored functionalities, such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistance, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.

About Invercon LLC:

Invercons mission is to develop advanced technologies that enable revolutionary leaps forward in aircraft performance and safety. For rotorcraft, these include centrifugally powered, pneumatic actuation systems that can actively trim rotors and de-ice rotor blades using almost no power or weight, resulting in significantly improved performance and safety. For fixed wing aircraft, Invercon has developed extremely low power deicing solutions using a novel electro-pneumatic actuation approach.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Monday dismissed suggestions that there was a change in his stance on the amended Citizenship Act, saying it is "unconstitutional", he is arguing against it in the Supreme Court and state assembly resolutions on the law are valid.

His remarks came after he had said that there was no way a state can deny the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) when it has already been passed by Parliament.

Sibal had, however, later asserted that every state assembly has the constitutional right to pass a resolution and seek the amended Citizenship Act's withdrawal, but if the law is declared constitutional by the Supreme Court then it will be problematic to oppose it.

"Have always maintained CAA is unconstitutional. In Kerala on 18th at a public meeting said CAA should be thrown into the Arabian Sea. Posted my speech on Twitter. Please check. Arguing for invalidity in Supreme Court. Said Assembly resolutions valid. Stop spreading lies!" he said in a tweet.

"On 18th at UDF's maha-rally (over 2lakh attended) exposed the 9 lies of government on CAA. At rally said CAA should be thrown into the Arabian Sea. Speech on YouTube. Said Assembly resolutions valid. Arguing against CAA in SC. So no change of stand; no clarification," Sibal said in another tweet.

Amid a debate over the implementation of the amended Citizenship Act, the Congress on Sunday had said states have the right to challenge the Centre and cannot be "forced" to implement the "unconstitutional law" till the petition over it in the Supreme Court is decided.
Hundreds of Central American migrants were stranded on the river border between Guatemala and Mexico on Monday after being stopped by Mexican National Guard troops preventing them from entering the country en route to the United States.

Naked children played amid sand and rubbish as clothing and shoes hung from the trees to dry along the Suchiate River, normally a porous waterway plied all day by rafts ferrying people and goods. Migrants bedded down under blankets on the banks or dry sections of the riverbed.

The path forward was blocked on Monday by Mexican troops with riot shields. Around 100 National Guard agents continued to form a barrier with anti-riot gear into the night, but for most migrants a return home to impoverished and gang-plagued Honduras was unthinkable.

We are in no-mans land, said Alan Mejia, whose two-year-old son was cradled in his arms clad only in a diaper as his wife and 12-year-old son stood nearby.

Mr Mejia said he had joined in five previous migrant caravans but never made it past the Mexican city of Tijuana, on the countrys border with the US.

Expand Close Central American migrants return to the Guatemala shore of the Suchiate river on the border with Mexico (Moises Castillo/PA) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Central American migrants return to the Guatemala shore of the Suchiate river on the border with Mexico (Moises Castillo/PA)

Unlike with many previous such caravans, there was no sign of humanitarian aid arriving for those stuck at the river.

Throngs waded across the Suchiate into southern Mexico on Monday hoping to test US President Donald Trumps plan to keep Central American migrants away from the US border.

The push also challenged Mexicos ramped-up immigration policing that began last year in response to threats of economic tariffs from Mr Trump, a change that effectively snuffed out the last caravan in April.

Some would-be migrants scuffled with National Guard troops on the riverbank while others slipped through the lines and trudged off on a rural highway, with most taken into custody later in the day. Still others were taken into custody on the spot or chased into bushland. Some migrants hurled rocks at police, who huddled behind their plastic shields and threw some of the rocks back.

Most of the migrants, however, stayed at the rivers edge or stood in its waters trying to decide their next move after being blocked earlier in the day from crossing the bridge linking Tecun Uman, Guatemala, with Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico.

In an approach that developed after the first migrant caravan in late 2018, Mexican officials seem to be succeeding in their effort to blunt large-scale incursions by breaking up the mass of people repeatedly and into increasingly smaller groups. Over the weekend, government officials convinced about 1,000 people they should enter legally via the bridge.
NHLANGANO  Usually, a sense of despair overwhelms many when they get locked up in a police van.

But not for Nokwanda Mdluli (28) of KaMzizi and Buhle Mkhonta (24) of Hlatikhulu, two brazen women who were picked up during a police raid on illegal shebeens on Sunday. The pair seemed to have welcomed the idea of being locked in the back of the police van with a stash of alcoholic drinks which had been confiscated during the police operation, and decided to enjoy the experience. Police officers, who were transporting the suspects to the Nhlangano Police Station, were caught off-guard when the women proceeded to drink about eight (250ml) cans of Smirnoff Guarana and one Flying Fish beer (500ml) while at the back of the police van.

Outing

It was the driver of the vehicle who discovered that the suspects had turned their predicament into some kind of outing. What caught the drivers attention was the unusual noise which to emanated from the back of the van. He then took a peep through the vehicles rear end mirror, and saw something like cans that appeared to be swinging up and down. On close scrutiny, he realised that the two women were actually drinking the alcoholic beverages. The police officer first asked one of his colleagues to also ascertain if his eyes were not playing games with him, and the officers confirmed that the suspects were indeed drinking. The officers decided not to spoil the party for the two and continued with their journey to the police station, where their adventure came to an end. Upon parking the vehicle, the officers retrieved the nine empty cans of alcoholic beverages from the back of the van.

Interrogation

During a subsequent interrogation, the women confessed to drinking the alcoholic beverages, an act which was viewed by the officers as an attempt to destroy evidence. This attracted a charge for trying to defeat the ends of justice. At the back of the van, the women had been locked in with about 27 crates of different beer brands and several six packs of an assortment of ciders ranging from Flying Fish, Hunters Dry and Smirnoff Guarana, to mention a few.

It all started shortly after 2pm when officers were conducting a compliance inspection in different grocery shops around Makhosini and KaDlovunga in the Mahamba precinct on Sunday. During the inspection, it was established that some of the shop owners were also selling liquor illegally, as demonstrated by the number of residents who were found enjoying their favourite beverages outside the shops. According to the police, the operation sought to control the proliferation of drinking in residential places and to crack down on retailers who sold alcoholic beverages without a liquor trading licence. During the operation, officers searched two particular shops and found a lot of alcoholic beverages inside.

Confiscate

The officers then proceeded to confiscate the liquor and further charged the two women, who were looking after the stock. Both women were charged for the illegal sale of the booze. They were also slapped with a further charge, which was in relation to their act of consuming the alcoholic beverages while being transported to the police station. Each of the two counts attracted fines of E500, with the option to spend five months behind bars, for both women. The duo appeared at the Nhlangano Magistrates Court yesterday morning, where they entered guilty pleas. The offenders apologised for their behaviour and pleaded for leniency. Presiding over the matter was acting Nhlangano Magistrate Raymond Masimula.
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Some 2.2 billion years ago, an asteroid slammed into the Earth, leaving behind a massive, 43-mile-wide crater in what's now Western Australia, scientists announced Tuesday.

It's the world's oldest known impact site, the new study said, one that also may have changed Earth's climate: It occurred at a time that coincided with Earths recovery from an ice age known as "Snowball Earth," where most of Earths surface was covered with ice sheets up to 3 miles thick, according to a statement from Imperial College in London.

The impact left behind a scar on the land that's known as the Yarrabubba impact crater. "The age we've got for the Yarrabubba impact structure makes it the oldest impact structure on the planet," study co-author Chris Kirkland, a geologist at Australia's Curtin University, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

That's about half the age of Earth itself and 200 million years older than the previous record-holder, the 190-mile-wide Vredefort Dome in South Africa, according to Space.com.

The Yarrabubba crater in Western Australia is now believed to be the world's oldest impact crater, at some 2.2 billion years old.

The Earth has a continually changing surface due to tectonics and erosion, which means that very old impact craters are difficult to identify, the study said. Scientists analyzed minerals within the crater that revealed the precise age for the impact event.

Did volcanoes kill the dinosaurs?: Nope, it was all about the asteroid, new study finds

After blasting into the continental ice sheet, the impact could have released up to 11,000 trillion pounds of water vapor into the atmosphere, a potent greenhouse gas that may have played a role in modifying Earths climate.

"The impact event itself might not have been the full reason for a global climate shift, but if we are in a dynamic period of Earth's history when other things are happening this might have been the straw that broke the camel's back," Kirkland said to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

In a statement, study co-author Aaron Cavosie of Curtin University said the study may have potentially significant implications for future impact crater discoveries: Our findings highlight that acquiring precise ages of known craters is important  this one sat in plain sight for nearly two decades before its significance was realized."

Story continues

"Yarrabubba is about half the age of the Earth and it raises the question of whether all older impact craters have been eroded or if they are still out there waiting to be discovered, Cavosie said.

The study was published in the peer-reviewed British journal Nature Communications.

More: A secret firefighter operation saved prehistoric 'dinosaur' trees from Australia's raging fires

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Earth's oldest asteroid impact site discovered in Australia
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Ukraine's Ambassador to Austria Oleksandr Shcherba has said he believes that the new Austrian government will not be lobbying Russian interests in Europe.

The diplomat said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"I don't think Austria will be a lobbyist for Russian interests," Shcherba said, when asked whether Austria should be among top lobbyists in Europe for lifting anti-Russian sanctions.

The ambassador noted that the coalition agreement of the new Austrian government "expressed Austria's interest in the rapprochement between Ukraine and the European Union": "It was clearly stated that Ukraine is important. And another important thing is that in the key issue of sanctions against Russia, Austria will remain in the mainstream of European politics."

Shcherba also shared his impressions of communicating in the past with the Austrian Greens, which joined the new coalition government headed by Austrian People's Party leader Sebastian Kurz.

"My impression is that, on the one hand, they are pragmatists, honest and very sincere in their aspirations for both animal rights and environmental protection. One the other hand, they understand the situation our country is in. I think we will be working very well with them," he said.

op
Black Indianapolis experienced a rocky start to 2020 from a quick flurry of 10 homicides only 12 days into 2020, to a fire temporarily shutting down Kountry Kitchen, to tensions amongst community leaders following an ill-advised meeting with the governor  Will peace be still?

IMPD has now released both the criminal homicide data as well as non-fatal shooting data from 2019. The vast majority of violence is occurring in our community. It is the sober, cruel, alarming, heart-breaking data that should inform not only our community but policymakers.

In the last four years there have been 616 criminal homicides in Indianapolis and 451 were Black people. We lost 387 Black males and 64 Black woman in the last four years, compared to 90 white males and 38 white woman, and 28 Latinx males and 5 Latinx females. Two Asian males and one Asian woman were killed within the same time period. One person had an unknown race.

Within the last four years we lost over 100 Black males twice inside of a year.

Last year, 15 young people under the age of 18 were killed in Indianapolis  at least 11 of them were Black, and six were Black and a year or less old. Weve lost 36 young people under the age of 18 in Indianapolis.

Defenseless Black babies were murdered in Indianapolis.

While criminal homicides were down from last year many observers have noted the nonfatal shootings were alarming.

They were.

Nonfatal shooting victim numbers have increased yearly since 2016 moving from 468, to 473 in 2017, to 492 in 2018.

In 2019, of the 524 nonfatal shooting victims, 411 were Black people. There were 132 Black males between the ages of 20 and 29 who were victims of nonfatal shootings. There were 109 white victims and one Asian victim of a nonfatal shooting.

These numbers do not include the trauma people experienced by witnessing the shootings, or even the concern about a family member or others believing they might become the next target.

This isnt just a Black problem  not only because violence might impact a tourist or a business location decision. It is an Indianapolis problem due to the culpability of city leaders over the years whose policy indifference or bad policies undermined the prosperity, stability and cohesion of our community.

But if we are going to assign blame, weve also got to look at the reality that of the known assailants  they mostly look like our Black victims. Theres also too many known assailants that are unknown to IMPD.

We must save us.

For starters, we cannot protect people who are killing us.

In any given year cases go unsolved because IMPD does not have the information it needs to solve crimes. And while there has been some frustration with IMPD and the prosecutors office regarding the processing of cases, the city has a witness protection program that works.

But more important, the prosecutors office has significantly lowered the cases that are dismissed from 22 in 2015 to only 2 in 2019, increased jury verdicts for murder cases by 40% and boasts an overall jury trial conviction rate of 70%.

But beyond addressing violent crimes after the fact, a Black agenda must focus on economic issues like housing, food insecurity, livable wages and a respect for life. (While the Black male numbers are staggering I remain concerned about Black women dying in homicides; we also lose too many mothers and babies to maternal and infant mortality.)

AACI continues the work of facilitating discussions on a Black agenda.

In the last several months three Black businesses have been impacted by fire or violence  one of them twice.

Mississippi Belle caught fire several months ago.

Kountry Kitchen had a fire, which temporarily impacted its restaurant operation.

A&I Variety Meats and Produce was recently vandalized yet again and it is just about to be a year in business.

Weak minds deal in conspiracies so I wont do that here. I will just say this rash of incidents should compel us to focus on supporting our Black owned businesses even more  especially those that support us.

It has been heartening to see people express support for Kountry Kitchen and their employees in particular. I know the last time the community rallied to A&I as well. Lets do that again.

We continue to be all we got.

Finally, a meeting was held at Cleos Bodega on the Black agenda last week. The meeting was packed, cathartic in many ways  but it also resolved a couple of issues.

One  we do need to establish our own social contract/code of conduct. We must create and enforce it. This column will adhere to the code of endorsement, reconciliation and restoration.

Second  and in a show of mature leadership there will not be a protest at Barnes United Methodist Church. The group will instead participate in a gathering to continue the discussion on a Black agenda for the community. This too is on code.

See you next week 

Marshawn Wolley is a lecturer, commentator, business owner and civic entrepreneur. Contact him at marshawnwolley@gmail.com.
According to Coherent Market Insights, the global stairlifts market is expected to be valued at US$ 762.3 million in 2019, and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period (20192027).

Key Trends and Analysis of the Global Stairlifts Market:

Key trends in market are rising incidence of musculoskeletal disorder, increasing product launches, and increasing adoption of collaboration and acquisition strategies by key players operating in market.

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According to the World Health Organizations 2019 report, musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability worldwide, with low back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally. Moreover, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2017 musculoskeletal conditions were the highest contributors to global disability and 16% of patients lived with disability.

Increasing product launches are expected to contribute to the growth of the global stairlifts market over the forecast period. For instance, in January 2019, Stairlift manufacturer, Handicare, launched a new Handicare 1100 straight stairlift model, incorporating a modern design that aims to appeal to both end-users and the companys dealer network. Its tooth and grease-free slimline rail and continuous charging strip were regarded as the standout features, making it quicker to install and easier to sell.

Furthermore, key players operating in the market are focused on adopting acquisition and collaboration strategies, in order to expand their product offerings. For instance, in July 2018, Savaria Corporation announced that it has entered an acquisition agreement with Garaventa Accessibility AG in which Savaria would acquire all of Garaventa Lift for a total purchase price of around US$ 98 million. Garaventa Lift manufactures a wide range of wheelchair lifts, including inclined platform lifts, vertical platform lifts and portable wheelchair lifts for persons with disabilities.

Browse Press Release: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/press-release/stairlifts-market-2721

Key Market Takeaways:

The global stairlift market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. Rising awareness about accessibility and mobility devices, and technological advancements in the industry are propelling the market growth.

over the forecast period. Rising awareness about accessibility and mobility devices, and technological advancements in the industry are propelling the market growth. North America is expected to hold a prominent share in the global market owing to increasing geriatric population and technological advancement for marketing of mobility device. For instance, in October 2018, Thyssenkrupp, is a German multinational conglomerate company launched HoloLinc, a first of its kind, fully digitalized sales process for the stairlift industry. Developed in partnership with Zuhlke and Microsoft, HoloLinc offers customers quicker delivery time and the opportunity to see how a stairlift will fit into their environment via a specially developed combination of mixed-reality and a fully digitalized system.

Key players operating in the global stairlift market include Acorn Stairlifts, Bruno Independent Living Aids, Stannah Stairlifts Ltd., Inc., Handicare Group AB, Otolift Stairlifts Ltd., Prism U.K. Medical Limited, Platinum Stair Lifts Ltd., Kumalift Co., Ltd., Symax Lift (China) Co, Ltd, Taamal Seed Electra Group, Savaria Corp, Lehner Lifttechnik GmbH, Thyssenkrupp AG.

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Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.

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Description

GIS - 21 January, 2020: A two-day training programme on the Management Information System (MIS) to prepare the Public Sector towards efficiency, resilience and technologically responsive, opened this morning at the Intercontinental Hotel in Balaclava. A two-day training programme on the Management Information System (MIS) to prepare the Public Sector towards efficiency, resilience and technologically responsive, opened this morning at the Intercontinental Hotel in Balaclava.

The Minister of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, Mr Teeruthraj Hurdoyal, the Secretary for Public Service, Mr S. Ragen and the Director-General of the Civil Service College, Dr R. Durbarry, were present.

The training, an initiative of the Public Sector Business Transformation Bureau (PSBTB), targeted mainly Transformation Implementation Committees who are responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the development of the Public Sector Business Transformation Implementation and Action Plan for different Ministries and Departments.

In his keynote address, Minister Hurdoyal highlighted that the implementation of the MIS heralds a new milestone in shaping the Public Service into a high performing, knowledge based and citizen-centric institution which upholds the principles of good Governance and ethics. The system, he stressed, will be a key tool for the PSBTB to successfully implement transformation initiatives and projects and ensure that Key Performance Indicators set are within targets.

The Ministry, he stated, has taken a number of initiatives towards the transformative journey of the Public Service and realising the vision of Government in gearing up to become a high-income country in the years to come. These include: the construction of a state-of-the art building which will host a modern Civil Service College in Ebene; high-level capacity building programmes on Artificial Intelligence, Block Chain, Data Analytics, Fintech, Internet-of-Things and 3-D printing; implementation of a Government Medical Insurance Scheme for Public Officers; and an SMS based platform to ensure closer and more effective communication in the Public Service.

Mr Ragen, on his side, spoke of the Public Sector Business Transformation Strategy developed with the assistance of the Commmonwealth Secretariat and approved by the Government in 2017 adding that it plays a pivotal role in bringing a change. The goal, he said, is to achieve resilience and adaptability while ensuring that public officers and the population in general are satisfied with the quality of services provided. According to him, team work, dedication and determination are the essential ingredients to revamp the current ecosystem into an effective and robust administration.

For his part, Dr Durbarry underlined that the strategy holds great importance for training and upskilling of public officers thereby ensuring that the latter become efficient and well-prepared to confront various challenges which hamper progress and technological advancement at work. At the same time, he said, the Public Sector is becoming more resilient and responsive to face competitive global landscape by leveraging on innovative technologies, lean and smart processes and a fit-for-purpose organisational redesign.
The UK government on Tuesday announced a host of new tougher counter-terrorism measures, including subjecting convicted terrorists to lie-detector tests for parole and longer prison sentences.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government had faced up to some "hard truths" after convicted terrorist Usman Khan killed two people in a stabbing spree at London Bridge last November as she unveiled the plans, which are to be tabled before the UK Parliament by mid-March in the form of a Counter-Terrorism Bill.

"The senseless terror attack at Fishmongers' Hall in November confronted us with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders, which is why we immediately announced a review into sentencing and licence conditions, to do whatever is necessary to stop these sickening attacks from taking place," said Patel, the senior-most Indian-origin UK Cabinet minister.

"Today we are delivering on those promises, giving police and probation officers the resources they need to investigate and track offenders, introducing tougher sentences, and launching major reviews into how offenders are managed after they are released. We will also review the support available for victims and their families to make sure they receive the help they need," she said.

As part of an overhaul of the terrorist licensing or parole regime, the government plans to double the number of specialist counter-terrorism probation officers who will have measures such as polygraph testing, or lie-detector testing, at their disposal.

Polygraphs are inadmissible in UK courts but they are used by the probation service in certain cases, such as with serious sexual offenders.

Usman Khan, whose family hailed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), had been out on licence half-way through his sentence for the preparation of a terrorist attack a few years ago when he launched his attack last year before being shot dead by counter-terror police.

The government had launched a review into such cases, with plans to further tighten the monitoring around criminals convicted for terrorist offences.

Under new norms, dangerous terrorist offenders who receive extended sentences must serve the whole time behind bars and those convicted of serious offences, such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation, must spend a mandatory minimum of 14 years in prison.

"Coupled with our strong measures to manage terrorists behind bars, this Counter-Terrorism Bill toughens restrictions on offenders' communications, increases the number of specialist staff managing them and will ensure they are monitored effectively," said UK Justice Secretary Robert Buckland.

The government would also increase counter-terror police funding by GBP 90 million next year, a 10 per cent hike on this year's funding. These would cover an increase in the number of specialist psychologists and imams working to deradicalise offenders and an increase in the number of places in probation hostels to help police monitor offenders in their first weeks after release from prison.

A separate investment of GBP 500,000 will cover a review into the support in place for victims of terrorism.

The UK's Indian-origin head of counter-terror policing, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, welcomed the announcement as he called for more resources to be put into preventing extremism.

The only way we are going to turn the tide is by throwing our support behind the only strategy which attempts to divert people away from violent extremism in the first place Prevent, said Basu, in reference the government's deradicalising programme.

Whether Prevent is attempting to stop someone following a path towards terrorism, or hoping to rehabilitate and deradicalise those who have already been convicted, it is our best hope in reducing the threat in the long term, he said.

The Opposition Labour Party described the new measures as an admission of failure by the government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
P iers Morgan has announced hes done with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as the couple reunite in Canada.

Speaking on the ITV breakfast show earlier today, he said: Im done with them now. Im actually bored with them, and now shes doing her little photocalls to the paparazzi, Im really done with them.

He was referring to shots that emerged last night of the duchess on a woodland walk with Archie and their dogs.

As one of the pictures flashed up on screen, Mr Morgan commented scathingly: Oh someones happy. Someones got what she wants. There we are. How long did it take her?

His exasperated co-presenter Susanna Reid protested: What would you rather she looked?

Very happy for her, very happy for her, he replied dismissively, adding: I wish Harry would smile, then you might think that theyre both happy about this.

As he launched into his next critique of the couple, newsreader Charlotte Hawkins pointed out: I thought you said you were done talking about this?

Charlotte Hawkins was unimpressed by Morgan's comments / Good Morning Britain/ITV

Ignoring her quip, Mr Morgan went on to brand the pair disingenuous over Harrys expression of their great sadness at stepping back from royal duties.

In a speech on Sunday, the duke said he and Meghan had hoped to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and (his) military associations without public funding.

But he added: Unfortunately, that wasnt possible.

Prince Harry Says There Is 'No Other Option' But To Stand Down

The outspoken GMB presenter dismissed Harrys claims, asking: How many seconds did they serve before they realised they couldnt serve anymore? Five? Six?

Its a bit disingenuous, isnt it? If you really are that dedicated to service, you ought to give it a little more than three seconds.

Mr Morgan's inflammatory comments during today's episode didn't end there.

Introducing the morning's news headlines a short while later, he referred to Ms Hawkins as an "autocutie".

She sharply responded: "What did you just call me?"

"A professional autocutie," he laughed, as she sighed and carried on.

But when the flustered newsreader stumbled over her announcements, Mr Morgan retracted his newly-forged job title for her.

"I would like to withdraw the allegation that you're a professional autocutie," he said.
New Delhi, India  In the first week of the new year, police in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand registered a criminal complaint against more than 3,000 people protesting against a new citizenship law, accusing them of sedition among other charges.

India has seen nationwide protests since mid-December following the passage of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that activists and opposition politicians have described as divisive, discriminatory and against the countrys secular constitution. The new law is being challenged in the Supreme Court.

The sedition provision, which was drafted by the British colonial rulers in 1870, comes under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code.

Rights activists say the law has been used to suppress dissent in India particularly against marginalised communities and minorities.

Nationwide protests are taking place across India since December 13 against CAA [Javed Sultan/Anadolu]

Over the past 18 months, more than 10,000 tribal farmers in mineral-rich Jharkhand state were accused of sedition in 19 police cases for opposing acquisition of lands for so-called developmental projects.

Law is not meant to suppress people's voice, but to create a sense of security among the people. Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Jharkhand state

Following criticism, Jharkhands newly elected Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the withdrawal of sedition charges slapped by his predecessor belonging to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Soren told Al Jazeera that he had asked for an inquiry into why the police used the charge against those who peacefully demonstrated in Wasseypur  a working-class Muslim neighbourhood in Dhanbad district, which was the subject of the 2012 Bollywood hit Gangs of Wasseypur.

Charge of sedition is a serious allegation which needs to be applied with careful scrutiny. In this case, we have asked the officials to drop the charges and provide an explanation.

Law is not meant to suppress peoples voice, but to create a sense of security among the people. My government will respect law and protect people, said Soren, who comes from the Santhal tribal community.

Soren government has also dropped charges against more than 10,000 Adivasis slapped by the previous BJP government.

Attack on dissent

The sedition provision punishes anyone seen to excite, or attempt to excite feelings of disaffection against the government, even though this may be by their words alone. It is a non-bailable offence, and has life imprisonment as the maximum punishment.

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Jawahar Raja, a lawyer based in New Delhi, explained that once police add the sedition charge, the maximum quantum of punishment increases, and the courts then view it as a serious offence, making it harder for the accused to secure bail, even if booked only for a speech offence. The process of a long-drawn trial then becomes the punishment, said Raja.

Aloka Kujur was among the more than 10,000 slapped with sedition cases in Jharkhand. She says the police booked her under sedition for a Facebook post in 2018.

Kujur, who publishes magazines on literature and art, said the police issued a warrant to confiscate her property for her post that mentioned the threat to a rape victim.

I faced threats online. The local newspapers started publishing official statements saying that anyone with Marxist and Maoist books will be arrested. I had to give away my small collection of books, as I was unsure what will the police misconstrue against me using this sedition charge, she said.

Police continue to misuse the provision even though the Supreme Court in 2016 said criticising the government does not amount to sedition [File: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters]

Kujur recounts how prosecution lawyers called her anti-national in the court during her trial.

In a similar case, an 83-year-old Jesuit priest, Stan Swamy, who has documented police abuse in tribal areas across the country, was charged with sedition in 2018 for his Facebook posts. One of his posts was a statement by the then home minister calling for dialogue.

Swamy declined to speak to Al Jazeera as he is facing police case in the western Maharashtra state. His associate Solomon said because of the sedition charge, the elderly activist was forced to stop writing on human rights abuses.

Our state governments are using colonial-era laws to suppress even peaceful dissent of our own people. Sadaf Jafar, activist

Referring to the recent sedition cases, a senior Jharkhand police official admitted that the local police acted with excessive hostility against anti-CAA protesters.

I cannot comment on use of sedition in previous cases against tribal farmers, but in this instance, the district police action shows a lack of knowledge and a lack of professional competence, Anil Palta, additional director general of police (training), Jharkhand, told Al Jazeera.

If a provision of prevention of assembly of more than four persons, Section 144 is violated, the protesters ought to have been booked under Section 188, for disobedience, a bailable order. It was very far-fetched of the district police to apply sedition charges.

Harsh police action

The harsh police action against anti-CAA protesters particularly in BJP-ruled states has alarmed rights activists.

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More than 20 people have been killed in Indias most populous state Uttar Pradesh (UP) where some of the initial protests turned violent. Authorities in the state have also said they would seek compensation from protesters for damages to state properties.

Sadaf Jafar, a political activist, was arrested from Lucknow, the capital of UP during anti-CAA protests.

The police arrested me and imprisoned me for 20 days, I was not allowed to inform anyone, Jafar told Al Jazeera.

We are supposed to be in an elected democracy, but our state governments are using colonial-era laws to suppress even peaceful dissent of our own people.

Jafar alleged she was tortured and called Pakistani in custody because of her Muslim name. They beat me so much that three weeks later, my ankles are still swollen and blue, and my limbs hurt when I breathe.

Repeated cases of sedition show the police have been brainwashed to act like colonial masters. Solomon, activist

Al Jazeera reached out to the office of the director general of police of UP and the circle officer of the area where Jafar was held but received no response at the time of the publication of the article.

Last December, about 600 anti-CAA protesters were accused of sedition in UP but later police dropped the charge.

Across India, a number of people have been slapped with sedition charges for protesting against the law that people say is part of Modis Hindu supremacist agenda as it makes faith as the basis for citizenship.

In the BJP-ruled Karnataka state, police invoked sedition case against a student for holding a Free Kashmir placard on January 9.

Last August, the Hindu nationalist government stripped Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status and imposed a crippling communications and security lockdown in the Muslim-majority region.

Subsequently, thousands of Kashmiris, including minors, were thrown into jails under Public Safety Act (PSA), which Amnesty International has dubbed lawless law. Under PSA people can be imprisoned for up to two years without trial.

Between 2016 and 2018, the National Crime Records Bureau data shows, 332 people were arrested under the sedition provision, but only seven were convicted.

Lawyers point out that the problem is not the conviction, but opposition to the government is termed anti-national, making it easier for the police to make arrests citing any protests as a threat to national security.

Governments exploit legal loopholes

Legal scholars pointed out that the police continue to misuse the provision even though the Supreme Court in 2016 reiterated that criticising the government does not amount to sedition, or even to defamation.

Though the court upheld the Section 124A of sedition to be constitutional, it has watered down the provision, said Chitranshul Sinha, a Supreme Court lawyer and author of The Great Repression  The Story of Sedition in India.

190920073101403

He added that the Supreme Court said only an action that incites or has the tendency to incite violence or public disorder can be construed as seditious. But the definitions of tendency, public disorder have been left open so wide to interpretation that the police routinely use it to suppress dissent, he explained.

Gautam Bhatia, a lawyer and scholar, said colonial-era laws that criminalised any opposition has no place in a democracy.

In his book Offend, Shock or Disturb: Free Speech Under the Indian Constitution, Bhatia has documented how during Indias independence movement, the British colonial government had accused Indian nationalist leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, and cultural activists under the same section for their writings, speeches, and theatre plays.

The sheer breadth of its language allows it to be misused, said Bhatia.

The police book thousands as unnamed claiming they will add the names as they get further evidence, and as the case proceeds they are allowed to file supplementary charge-sheets in which they, for instance, can add names of any farmers from a village or a demonstrator or a political organiser, thus keeping a sword dangling over their heads to chill dissent.

Modi, who has been accused of turning authoritarian, has plans to overhaul the Indian Penal Code, most of which draws from the British colonial laws. But it has caused concern among activists as the right-wing government may further add stringent provisions in the law.

It recently amended the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act to empower the government to declare individuals terrorists and seize their properties.

Rights activists fear the law can be misused  a charge the government has denied.

Solomon, the Jharkhand activist, told Al Jazeera: Repeated cases of sedition show the police have been brainwashed to act like colonial masters.

The result is that the most vulnerable communities suffer.
MAX train double murder defendant Jeremy Christian told a judge Tuesday that he will wear his blue jail uniform throughout jury selection and the trial that will follow.

Christian, 37, said he doesnt want to put on a show for jurors by wearing regular clothes. He said hes going to trial to tell the world his side of the story about the fatal stabbings of two men on the train.

If I wear (civilian) clothes, Id be lying to the jury, Christian said on the first day of what could be four or five days of jury selection. "... I dont care how much time I spend in prison.  All I care about is the public gets to see and hear what happened on the train.

Christian is charged with the first-degree murders of Ricky Best and Taliesin Namkai-Meche on a packed Green Line train on May 26, 2017. He also is charged with attempted first-degree murder for seriously wounding a third passenger, Micah Fletcher, by stabbing him in the neck and second-degree intimidation for allegedly launching into a hate-filled tirade against two teenage girls, one who was wearing a hijab.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Cheryl Albrecht told Christian that defendants typically don civilian clothes -- a dress shirt, tie and sometimes a suit jacket for male defendants -- while on trial. They have a right to do so to reduce any likelihood that jurors might brand them a criminal before hearing all the evidence.

The concern is that jail clothing carries the stigma of guilt, Albrecht said as she asked him about his choice of attire.

Christian said he understood and it is indeed his choice to move forward in what essentially are blue scrubs with JAIL stamped on the back.

Christian also shared his perspective on being charged and held in the case. I understand that Ive been held against my Eighth Amendment right against my will," he said. The Eighth Amendment protects people from cruel and unusual punishment.

Despite Christians choice, court officials took measures to obscure his ankle cuffs, which remained on throughout the day. A black tablecloth had been draped over the sides of the table where Christian sat, so jurors couldnt see the shackles.

After the clothing discussion, potential jurors were called into the courtroom to be questioned by defense attorneys Greg Scholl and Dean Smith and prosecutors Jeff Howes and Don Rees.

The judge referred to the prospective jurors by a letter and a number to protect their privacy. The move is unusual but not without precedent in high-profile trials.

In all, 2,400 Multnomah County residents had been summoned to the downtown Portland courthouse earlier this month, and 682 responded in person to fill out a 22-page survey with 130 questions about their backgrounds and beliefs.

The lawyers interviewed a total of 12 people in two batches Tuesday, one with seven people and the other with five.

The lawyers asked if they wanted to serve on the jury, whether they could deal with very bloody photos and video and whether theyve ever encountered a ranting person on public transportation and how they reacted. Other questions included how deeply they believed in free speech, if free speech isnt acceptable in some circumstances and whether someone can injure someone else but not have committed a crime.

Lets talk about self-defense, Howes, one of the prosecutors, said to one group of potential jurors. If someone throws a Wiffle ball at you, are you allowed to pull out a .44 Magnum and blow their head off?

They shook their heads no, in unison.

Its not proportionate, Juror A25 said.

Its not reasonable, A23 said.

Rees, the other prosecutor, asked the other batch of potential jurors if they believed there should be a ban on people wearing religious clothing.

Does anyone have a problem with someone wearing religious garb in public? he asked.

No, the group answered.

Scholl, one of the defense attorneys, asked the potential jurors if any of them had heard about Christians case before they were called to jury duty. Two answered that they were completely unaware of the case, while the others knew about it. Knowledge of the case wasnt automatically grounds to remove people from consideration for trial.

Juror A16 said hed seen news footage of Christian yelling in court and hed come to the conclusion that Christian is racist. A16 also said it would be difficult to be an impartial juror during trial because hes been called racially derogatory names at times in his life.

At the defenses request, the judge excused A16 for cause.

One juror, A2, said she knew of Micah Fletcher because he grew up in her neighborhood and his siblings had been over to her house to play with her siblings. She added, though, that she didnt think she had ever spoken directly to Fletcher. She remained in the jury pool.

Defense attorneys also were clearly gearing up to combat any preconceived notions that jurors might have about Christian or the events that unfolded on the train.

Does saying something over and over again make it true? Scholl asked one of the potential jurors.

No, he answered.

Scholl asked Juror A13: Everybody knows he did it, and were going to kind of rubber stamp that through. That isnt true, is it?

No, she responded, adding that she would look at the evidence in the case.

That woman also said shes a believer in people.

I believe everybody is a good person at heart, she said. And everybody deserves a chance. And people arent born bad people. They dont wake up in the morning and go out and decide Im going to do something horrible.

Jury selection is scheduled to continue throughout the week and conclude no later than Monday. Attorneys are still questioning people in the jury pool and have made no choices yet.

Opening statements are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, and are expected to be followed by as many as five weeks of testimony, arguments and deliberations.

-- Aimee Green

agreen@oregonian.com

o_aimee

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Amit S Upadhye By

Express News Service

HUBBALLI: Abbe, as she is fondly called by her younger family members, is all set to turn 100 this week. And her family members decided to make the occasion more memorable, and have together planned to pledge for eye donations, and are in talks with a Sirsi-based eye hospital. The 100th birthday celebrations of Devamma Hegde, a resident of Chapkhand village of Joida taluk in Uttara Kannada district, will be held on January 22. At least 15 members of the family are expected to sign for eye donations and more are expected to join them on the birthday.

We are proud that our grandmother is healthy at 100. We wanted to make the occasion memorable and pass on a social message in it. We discussed our idea of pledging for eye donations with doctors at a Sirsi hospital. The team of doctors were happy with the idea, and they will be presenting an awareness programme about eye donation during the birthday celebrations, said Narasimha Hegde, grandson of Devamma.

Another family member noted that till 85 years of age, Devamma used to do all the work that one can do in a farmers family. She used to even go into wooded areas at that age to get firewood and green fodder for the cattle. Even at this age, her eyesight is fine and she can hear clearly. Our grandmother was widowed at the age of 12, and since then, she has been living here. Her way of living and healthy eating are the main reasons behind her long life, informed the family member. Narasimha pointed out that there are a lot of misconceptions attached to eye donations and at the rural level, the amount of awareness is even lesser.

Even today, in many villages people fear pledging their eyes. The government agencies are doing their bit, but its also our responsibility to ensure such work is taken up by all. My grandmother has been an example throughout her life and this could be the best gift that we could give her, he added.
JACKSON, MI  Patti Poppe is now president and CEO of Consumers Energy. But her first job was at the Jackson YMCA.

Poppe was a day camp counselor in the summer of 1986, right after graduating from Napoleon High School before going off to Purdue University.

Shes now playing a part in giving back to her first employer.

The Consumers Energy Foundation announced its largest gift in company history on Tuesday, Jan. 21, offering a $3 million matching gift to help build a new YMCA in downtown Jackson.

It's three times larger than Consumers' previous largest gift.

"I got my start here, and I treasure those memories," Poppe said. "You took a bet on me a long time ago. I'm blessed to be able to return the favor."

The foundation is matching every donated dollar, up to $3 million. Once the $6 million is in, it will put the Jackson YMCA above the $20 million mark in pledges.

"(It's) monumental," Jackson YMCA CEO Shawna Tello said. "When people respond to this challenge, it's going to propel us forward and bring this dream to fruition."

The goal is still to raise $25 million to build a new YMCA in the parking lot adjacent to the current building, but that includes some budgeted money for an endowment fund. Once enough money is raised for the building itself  the exact number is to be determined  construction will begin.

Tello hopes shovels can go in the ground to coincide with the Jackson YMCA's 125th anniversary in 2021.

The current 65,000-square-foot building at 127 W. Wesley St. opened in 1962. But the layout isnt fully accessible and would need $2 million to $4 million in upgrades to be up to state code for a child care facility  although its already up to code for day camp and other current activities, Tello said.

Once open, the new 75,000-square-foot space will have child care, preschool and be accessible for all, Tello said. Other plans include a state-of-the-art aquatics center and 24-hour access.

The Consumers pledge goes beyond money, as well. Its offering technical support to make sure the new building has the latest energy efficiency technology, Poppe said. Its the next step in making Jackson the clean energy capital of the world, she said.

The YMCAs campaign started in 2017 and had raised more than $14 million from businesses and individuals before Tuesday.

The question is no longer if the project will happen, but when, said Jackson YMCA Capital Campaign Chairman and Consumers Vice President Scott McIntosh.

We have faith that that will spur some of the people whove been waiting on the sidelines to decide, Poppe said. You dont want to commit to a project that isnt going to cross the finish line. This really sets the tone.

More Jackson news:

Layout of new Jackson YMCA could be molded by donors

Contract tweak could net city manager extra $20K if he leaves for Ohio job

Born and raised on Jacksons south side, quiet storm of a leader earns lifetime honor
Plans to build an 85million Disney-style 'D-Day Land' theme park close to the World War II landing beaches of northern France have caused outrage.

Herve Morin, President of the Normandy region, said he wanted to see the tourist attraction in place for the 80th anniversary of the June 6th 1944 invasion by Allied troops.

'All that's left is to find building land, not on the D-Day beaches themselves, but very close to Juno, Omaha or Utah,' he said, referring to three of five landing sectors.

American shock troops land on a Normandy beach, June 6, 1944. Opponents to the plan said the proposed park would be an insult to the thousands who were killed and wounded on D-Day, and during the ensuing Battle of Normandy

Mr Morin said he hoped a Hollywood director would help choreograph a 'spectacular' permanent show which would attract thousands to his region.

There would be battle re-enactments, cinemas, sound-and-light shows, and other attractions designed to appeal to thrill-seeking tourists.

But opponents said the proposed park would be an insult to the thousands who were killed and wounded on D-Day, and during the ensuing Battle of Normandy.

The new British memorial to the World War Two (WWII) Normandy landings by sculptor David Williams-Ellis, is silhouetted along Gold beach at Ver-sur-Mer

These included British and American troops who were involved in the Liberation of France, and then the final defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

A spokesman for France's National Research Group, made up of historians who cover the war years, said: 'The Normandy landings is a page in the history of France which should be respected' and not turned into a money-spinning business venture.

The spokesman said the project 'will seriously harm the ecology of the area, but also lacks respect for the veterans and those killed during the Normandy landings and the battle than followed.'

The group has launched a petition against the park, which by Tuesday morning had already reached more than 900 signatures.

Their fear is that the theme park  which has been nicknamed 'D-Day Land'  would be in the style of the hugely popular Disneyland Paris, which attracts more than 15 million visitors a year.

Olivier Paz, the Mayor of Merville-Franceville, where British parachutists were involved in fierce fighting to destroy a German gun battery before the D-Day landings, said the new project 'should not be allowed to become Disneyland.'

D-Day commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy last year

Some five million tourists a year visit Normandy to view world famous historical sites, including the Normandy beaches, and the cemeteries, monuments and museums nearby.

A memorial dedicated to the British Fallen was inaugurated in 2019 by then Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron on the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

It is currently under construction in the coastal village of Ver sur Mer, just above the British Gold Beach, and will open in September.
Chattanooga firefighters put out a fire inside a mobile home on Tuesday, keeping it from spreading to the rest of the residents trailers.

It happened at 1:20 p.m. on Cassie Lane in Hixson at the Riverglen Mobile Home Community.

When crews arrived on scene, they found a mattress on fire in a back bedroom.

They worked quickly and kept the flames contained to the bedroom.

One of the residents was using an oxygen tank, so extra precautions were taken to keep firefighters safe. The resident tried to put the fire out with his hand and suffered minor burns. He was treated at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Red Cross is assisting three impacted residents.

Units from Stations 16, 19, and 22 were on scene, along with EPB and Hamilton County EMS and Battalions 1 and 3.

As firefighters were cleaning up at the Hixson scene, other crews were responding to a call in the Lookout Valley area.

Just after 2 p.m., the Chattanooga Fire Department went to Lookout Lake Road off of Browns Ferry Road on a smoke investigation.

Once in the area, units saw heavy smoke and found an unoccupied, secluded structure on fire in the woods.

It is believed to be someones art studio. No one was there at the time of the fire.

Firefighters faced a muddy climb to get to the structure because they could not access it with fire trucks, then an extensive firefighting operation got underway.

The scene was about 100 yards off a gravel road so they stretched and extended hose lines up the hill to extinguish the fire.

There is extensive damage to the building, but there were no injuries.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Units on scene included: Battalions 1 and 2, Squad 1, Squad 20, Ladder 5, Ladder 1, Quint 14, Quint 3, Hamilton County EMS and EPB.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said his government will take all steps to ensure that the mortal remains of eight tourists from the state who died at a resort in Nepal are brought back at the earliest.

The bodies are expected to be brought to the state on Wednesday, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office said.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said he has asked the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to make all arrangements to bring back the bodies.

The tourists, including four minors, died after they fell unconscious probably due to a gas leak from a heater in their room at a mountainous resort, police said.

The Indian nationals were airlifted to HAMS hospital in Kathmandu where they were pronounced dead on arrival, they said.

Vijayan expressed "deep grief" over the incident, the statement said.

According to the chief minister's directions, officials of Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) have gotten in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal, it said.

The bodies are expected to be brought to the state on Wednesday after post-mortem, it added.

Makwanpur police said the victims, who were a part of a group of 15 tourists, might have fallen unconscious due to asphyxiation.

Muraleedharan told PTI that he has asked the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to make all arrangements to bring back the bodies.

He said he has also deputed a doctor from the Indian Embassy to coordinate the medico-legal procedures.

A doctor from the Indian Embassy also went to the hospital where the bodies have been kept to examine the cause of the deaths, he added.

"We are in regular touch with the Indian embassy in Kathmandu", Muraleedharan, who is also a Rajya Sabha member from Kerala, said.

Transport for the remaining tourists of the group is also being arranged, he said.

The victims were identified as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and Vyshnav Ranjith.

They were on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night.

According to the manager at the resort, the guests stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
To the Editor:

Re Lessons in the Lost Art of Listening, by Kate Murphy (Sunday Review, Jan. 12):

At 76, I can honestly say I have fallen deeply in love with only one person in my life, and it was because he was, and is, the only person who has ever truly listened to me.

He had a knack for turning his face to mine when I spoke, and focusing his gaze directly on my eyes. It felt as if he was looking into me. He would sit silently and never interrupt. When he was sure that I was done, he would then respond directly to the topic of my statement, either by a clarifying question or a related comment to continue our discussion to its natural end.

If there is one single definition I would give to love, it would be to listen as he did, and never stop.

Ann Grogan

San Francisco

To the Editor:

True listening requires that you resist the temptation to respond immediately. But Ive found this increasingly difficult in group discussions  especially in the virtual meetings so prevalent today.
TalkTalk has sold its Fibrenation business to Cityfibre for 200m (John Stillwell/PA)

TalkTalk has sold its fibre networks rollout business to Cityfibre for 200 million.

The deal for Fibrenation was supposed to be completed last year, but was delayed following Labours announcement that it planned to nationalise parts of BT if it won the general election.

But it has now been finalised and makes Cityfibre the UKs third largest digital infrastructure platform behind Virgin and BT.

Greg Mesch, chief executive of Goldman Sachs-backed Cityfibre, said: The UK is a service-based economy, and this runs best on full fibre.

Our investment over the last five years and the excellent work delivered by the Fibrenation team, combined with Cityfibres well-established platform, will support wide geographical reach of full fibre and further drive competition and customer take-up in the marketTristia Harrison, TalkTalk

Ensuring national coverage is critical and this can only be achieved by driving infrastructure competition at scale. This deal demonstrates the appetite from industry to see it established.

The deal comes as survey by comparison site Cable found that Britain is now in 81st place in the world for the value of home broadband packages due to slow internet speeds compared with other countries.

Fibrenation was founded in 2018, four years after a joint venture between TalkTalk, Sky and Cityfibre was launched to roll out full-fibre broadband across York.

The deal also sees Cityfibre announce that it has changed the terms of its partnership with Vodafone to allow other internet providers to access its networks sooner than planned.

Vodafone aims to bring full-fibre broadband to one million homes and businesses by 2021, with a further four million added by 2025.

TalkTalk chief executive Tristia Harrison said: This agreement is good news for TalkTalk and good news for Britains fibre rollout.

Our investment over the last five years and the excellent work delivered by the Fibrenation team, combined with Cityfibres well-established platform, will support wide geographical reach of full fibre and further drive competition and customer take-up in the market.

This agreement will help to stimulate competition in the market so that the UK has the infrastructure in place to support businesses and our economyBaroness Morgan, Culture Secretary

The deal is subject to approval from TalkTalks shareholders.

The Governments Culture Secretary Baroness Morgan also welcomed the deal.

She said: This is great news for full-fibre rollout.

We want every corner of the country to benefit from world-class, gigabit-speed broadband and this agreement will help to stimulate competition in the market so that the UK has the infrastructure in place to support businesses and our economy.
A Chicago Tribune archival photo of a young man being arrested in 1963 at a South Side protest shows Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, his campaign has confirmed, bolstering the candidates narrative about his civil rights activism.

The black-and-white photo shows a 21-year-old Sanders, then a University of Chicago student, being taken by Chicago police toward a police wagon. An acetate negative of the photo was found in the Tribunes archives, said Marianne Mather, a Chicago Tribune photo editor.

See more vintage photos from the Tribunes archives >>

Bernie identified it himself, said Tad Devine, a senior adviser to the campaign, adding that Sanders looked at a digital image of the photo. He looked at it  he actually has his student ID from the University of Chicago in his wallet  and he said, Yes, that indeed is (me). Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, was traveling Friday near Reno, Nev., on the eve of the states Democratic presidential caucuses.

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Sanders activism at the University of Chicago has been in the news recently, after questions arose about a different photo that appeared to show Sanders addressing students at a 1962 campus sit-in. At first, several alumni identified the speaker as another man, according to the University of Chicago Librarys Special Research Center. The other man is no longer alive.

However, photographer Danny Lyon, who took that photo, contacted the research center and made available more photos from the same sequence, confirming Sanders identity, the center said.

Devine called those questions about the sit-in photo unfair and unfounded.

His activism and when it occurred, as a young college student, set in motion the direction of his life, Devine said.

After the 1962 photos surfaced, Mather and photographer Brian Nguyen looked in the newspapers archival collection and found several negatives that appeared to be Sanders.

The subjects of the photographs were not listed on the negatives, but information filed with them indicated that the Tribune arrest photo was taken in August 1963 near South 73rd Street and Lowe Avenue, which is in the Englewood neighborhood.

A January 1964 Tribune story on the court cases of those who had been arrested in August identified a Bernard Sanders. The negatives were scanned and an image was shown to the Sanders campaign Friday. On Saturday, the campaign confirmed that a second photo also shows Sanders.

In the early 1960s, protests over segregation in the Englewood area raged over mobile classrooms dubbed Willis Wagons, named for then-Chicago Schools Superintendent Benjamin Willis. Critics charged that the trailers kept black children in the area instead of sending them to white schools.

Sanders was arrested Aug. 12, 1963, and charged with resisting arrest. He was found guilty and fined $25, according to a Tribune story about the protests.

Sanders enrolled at the University of Chicago on Oct. 3, 1960, and graduated in June 1964 with a bachelor of arts degree in political science, said Jeremy Manier, a university spokesman.

Sanders attended Brooklyn College before coming to the U. of C., Manier said.

At the University of Chicago, he was a leader of the Congress of Racial Equality, a major civil rights group. News accounts from the time had Sanders leading protests over racial inequality.

kskiba@tribpub.com

Twitter @Katherine Skiba
A mineral beauty brand has made $10,000 in 16 hours after YouTube star Lauren Curtis shared a half-done makeover on her Instagram.

The Australian beauty blogger - who has more than 3.5 million subscribers - took to Instagram on Monday to share her glowing review about Tribe Skincare's $65 mineral foundation.

Alongside her picture caption, the 26-year-old uploaded a snap of herself after applying the powder to half her face to see the difference - and she was very impressed with the results.

In less than one day, the Perth lifestyle vlogger sparked a surge in sales after giving the powder a plug on social media.

Beauty blogger Lauren Curtis (pictured) has sparked a surge in sales within 16 hours of posting a candid picture of herself wearing foundation on half her face

In less than one day, the Australian skincare brand swiftly made $10,000 in sales after the Perth lifestyle vlogger gave the mineral foundation powder a plug on social media

'I'll be honest, I haven't used a powder foundation (especially loose) in a very long time,' Lauren said in the caption.

'I'm a creature of habit and I always thought liquid was better. I received this one by Tribe Skincare and put it to the test instantly, only applying it to half of my face to see the difference. I'm so impressed. I've been wearing it most days since.'

Suitable for all light skin tones, Lauren raved about the 'quick, easy and lightweight' formula with SPF15 and its natural coverage.

'One layer will help even out your skin tone and a second layer will give you a fuller coverage - yes it's buildable,' she gushed.

'I use light/medium for my fair skin and bring it down my neck to blend it. I'm not wearing anything else on my face except brow pencil and mascara.'

Fellow YouTuber Brittney Lee Saunders - who's a massive fan of the powder - described the product as a 'serious game changer'.

The YouTube star - who has more than 3.5 million subscribers - took to Instagram on Monday to share her glowing review about Tribe Skincare's $65 mineral foundation

Their glowing reviews come after founder of cruelty-free brand Tribe Skincare Kayla Houlihan revealed she made $27,000 within 24 hours of launching her natural moisturising sunscreen at $58 each on Instagram.

The sunscreen is made with all-natural ingredients and large quantities of purified zinc, something Kayla believes sets it apart from other offerings.

'Australians associate zinc with the thick white paste that we were forced to wear as kids,' Kayla previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'Zinc offers incredible protection from the harsh Aussie sun, but we needed to create something really wearable.

'By using smaller particles of zinc set in a luxe, silky and mattifying formula, we have created a one-step routine for Aussies in the morning, with their daily moisturiser, sun protection and makeup-base all in one.'

Since launching her skincare brand more than two years ago, she made a staggering $1.3 million in the 12 months alone between November 2018 and November 2019.

Last September, the brand's Chill Out! Hydrating Mask sold out in 24 hours, netting them more than $43,000 in profit in a single day.
After reading a Jan. 2 CBC article depicting poet-laureate George Elliott Clarke as insensitive to Indigenous peoples trauma, I felt incredulous. Before despairing, however, I reminded myself to practice what I preach to my students: Think critically and reject sensationalism and mob hysteria.

Privileged that I could exercise due diligence in ways that more marginalized people simply cant, I re-read some of Clarkes work on human rights, anti-racism, and indigeneity.

Clarkes most vociferous critics have an axe to grind, and not all are grinding the same axe.

Its absurd and implausible that a proud Indigenous Canadian (Clarke is a card-carrying member of Nova Scotias Afro-Metis of the Eastern Woodland Metis Nation) who champions Indigenous peoples and is a celebrated poet and professor would be uncaring towards his Saskatchewan compatriots.

Clarke is also a proud African Canadian, which begs the question: Would journalists and critics have portrayed him as a callous academic who cavorted with a white settler poet and murderer of an Indigenous woman, if Clarke looked more like his Mikmaq and Cherokee relations than he does his African ancestors?

In other words, why didnt Clarkes indigeneity immediately shield him from the meddling and demeaning questions that progressives and liberal journalists withhold when perceived antagonists belong to certain minority communities? The uncomfortable truth is that, despite Clarkes Black and Indigenous heritage, journalists and critics could only read him as Black, non-Indigenous, settler.

Indigenous people who are part-white or white-passing arent dismissed as bad white actors or settlers when theyre involved in controversy. They retain their indigeneity regardless. This double standard, rooted in white privilege, reveals a particular disdain for Black-Indigenous (or Afro-Metis) persons who are read as illegitimate or settlers.

It is worth underscoring that those whose African ancestors endured chattel slavery on Turtle Island arent settlers. Inferring so is a non-starter. Therefore, we must be careful when challenging the Indigenous heritage of such people, like Clarke.

In the United States (and British North America), Blacks enslaved in  or who married into  Indigenous communities became indigenized. Carelessly challenging their descendants indigeneity could open a can of worms harmful to Black-Indigenous relations.

Although some Native communities expelled their Black members without redress after the U.S. Civil War, causing bitterness between some African Americans and Native communities, some communities were racially integrated. Some mixed Black-Indigenous people, such as Oklahomas Creek-Negroes, attempted to homestead in the Prairies during the 1910s. Canadas racist immigration policy, which dreaded the dual African and Indigenous heritage of these would-be nation-builders, barred many from entering the country.

Questions over Clarkes indigeneity also imply that he invoked it merely to deflect. Another double standard.

The misinformation campaign and online hysteria made Clarke a cause celebre. Some journalists placated the mob, portraying him as guilty. Since when did polling social mediathe woke regimes judge and jurybecome the new mode of journalism?

Journalists who made Clarke appear self-absorbed and anti-Indigenous did not show the sensitivity needed to write about race, reconciliation, and a Black-Indigenous person. As a result, a non-sensational story about a Black-Indigenous poet-laureate whom the University of Regina invited to deliver a lecture on justice and reconciliation became a dog whistling affair about a chauvinistic Black poet-laureate who holds Indigenous peoples, particularly murdered and missing women and girls, in contempt.

Herein lies the danger of under-representing Clarkes indigeneity in a story fundamentally about Indigenous peoples. Those who understand the machinations of inter-racial animus should be troubled.

Manufactured controversies involving Black-Indigenous people could impair inter-group relations, and impede Indigenous liberation and self-determination (i.e., reconciliation).

Moreover, scapegoating Clarke excuses the colonial justice system that failed Pamela George, the murdered Indigenous mother at the heart of this controversy, and countless other Indigenous and Black people whom our justice systems often fail.

In this moment of polarization, Black and Indigenous peoples cannot afford to have misinformation divide us. We should seek opportunities to affirm inter-racial solidarity, especially in Saskatchewan, for we are a suffering people. Journalists must take great precaution when writing about us, instead of pitting us against each other.

A free and fair media is our firewall against misinformation and tyranny. More than ever, our national cohesion will depend largely on journalists who can delicately but courageously discuss our complex settler-colonial, ethno-racial, and religious character.

If theres a silver lining here, its that Pamela George might receive a semblance of post-mortem dignity that a violent world denied her in life and an anti-Indigenous justice system denied her in death.
The modern world has never seen anything quite like these Australia fires.

About 16 million acres have burned in New South Wales and Victoria, where the crisis is centered. Thats an area about the size of West Virginia. Millions more acres have burned in other parts of the country.

What sets these blazes apart, in terms of their size, is that they are happening in populated areas. Until now, fires this large happened mostly in places like northern Canada or Siberia, where few people live and blazes burn largely uncontrolled.

What were seeing in Australia, in a completely different environment, are fires that are approaching or even exceeding the magnitude of things that we only saw in the most remote forested regions in the world, said Ross Bradstock, the director of the Center for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires at the University of Wollongong in New South Wales.

Were looking at a globally significant fire season in Australia, he added.

The numbers from Australia dwarf those from some of the most high-profile fires in recent years.

The bushfires in southeastern Australia this season have burned about eight times as much land as the 2018 fires in California, which covered nearly two million acres and were the worst in that states recorded history. They are also far larger than the estimates of 2.2 million acres burned by September last year in the Amazon basin, where farmers, some emboldened by the policies of President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, ignited tens of thousands of fires to clear land.
Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei has been jailed for 13 years in China over a $2million bribery case that shook international police organisations.

Meng, a former vice president minister of public security, was detained on a visit to China in late 2018.

He is among a growing group of Communist Party cadres caught in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, which critics say has also served as a way to remove the leader's political enemies.

He vanished during a visit to China from France, where Interpol is based, and was later accused of accepting bribes and expelled from the Communist Party.

Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei, pictured at his trial, is among a growing group of Communist Party cadres caught in President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign

His wife was granted political asylum in France last year, after saying she was afraid she and her two children would be the targets of kidnapping attempts.

Meng was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison and fined two million yuan RMB ($290,000), said the Tianjin First Intermediate People's Court on Tuesday.

At his trial last June, he pleaded guilty to accepting $2.1 million in bribes, after the court said he used his status and positions to 'seek improper benefit' and accumulate bribes.

The court statement on Tuesday said Meng had 'truthfully confessed to all the criminal facts' and would not appeal the decision.
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Norway finance minister quits over IS woman's return from Syria FILE PHOTO: Euronext stock exchange's annual conference in Paris

By Terje Solsvik and Victoria Klesty

OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian Finance Minister Siv Jensen and her right-wing Progress Party will resign from the government over a cabinet decision to help bring a woman suspected of Islamic State affiliation back home to Norway, Jensen said on Monday.

The resignation robs Conservative Prime Minister Erna Solberg of her parliamentary majority and could make the country more difficult to govern, but Solberg still plans to remain in office as head of a minority coalition.

"I brought us into government, and I'm now bringing the party out," Jensen told a news conference.

There had been "too many compromises", Jensen said, while adding she wants to have a close dialogue with the prime minister in the future.

The Norwegian crown currency <EURNOK=> was largely unchanged after the announcement.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg said she would remain in office as head of a minority three-party coalition.

Most Norwegian governments since the 1970s have ruled with a minority in parliament, including Solberg between 2013 and January 2019.

Jensen's departure was triggered by the decision, announced last week, that the Norwegian woman and her two children would receive help to return to Norway from Syria so that one of the children could receive medical treatment.

The woman, who left Norway in 2013, was arrested on her return on suspicion of being a member of the Islamist militant group that briefly controlled a territory the size of Britain across Iraq and Syria.

While Progress had offered to help the children, the populist party sought to deny any government assistance for adults seeking to return home after joining Islamist groups abroad or marrying foreign fighters.

Decisions on whether to help women with IS ties return from Syria has caused controversy in Europe, including in Finland where the recently appointed government settled on a compromise to decide each case individually.

Story continues

The Norwegian woman, who has not been named, has denied the charges against her and will fully cooperate with police during interrogation, her lawyer has said.

Jensen's exit, along with six other Progress cabinet ministers, leaves Solberg with a string of posts to fill, including that of oil and energy minister to oversee Western Europe's biggest oil and gas industry.

At the finance ministry, the new appointee will chart the course for the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, with assets of $1.1 trillion.

Norway's constitution does not allow early elections, and the next vote for parliament will take place in September 2021.

(Editing by Gwladys Fouche and Nick Macfie)
If Apple really wanted its fledgling streaming service to nab more awards last year, it probably should have worked Little America into its launch lineup. This little anthology of eight unrelated half-hour episodeseach following immigrants from different countriesis the best thing weve seen from Apple TV+ to date. Its smart, both in content and how it handles casting. Its relevant, especially in an age when immigration dominates frightful headlines and lies at the heart of some of our countrys worst contemporary sins. Little America has big things to say.

The anthology approach works well, as it allows this series to paint a fuller picture of the American immigrant experience. Some tales have direct relevance for the recent news, as in the case of a young gay man attempting to flee Syria as a refugee (and notably, almost the entire tale unfolds outside the U.S.). Elsewhere, an Iranian man tries to build a house, and a Vietnamese mother struggles with the way her fully American children are drifting away from her. Had it focused on a single family or individual, it would have risked slipping into a niche viewership grounded in a single ethnicity.

Little America works because none of these tales feel implausible. They feel real: I could imagine them happening to someone on my block. On some level they are, as each (save one) started life as photo essays in Epic magazine. Indeed, Little America tells us that its episodes are inspired by a true story, and it emphasizes its wondrous diversity by reproducing those words in the native language of the episodes subject before each tale.

In what must amount to a first for Apple TV+ apart from the kids shows, few of the stars here have marquee clout. (Youll find some exceptions, though, such as Zachary Quinto.) If you need big names for some kind of legitimacy, youll find them instead in the list of producers, which includes folks like Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. Gordon, Lee Eisenberg, and Alan Yang (known for his works with Parks and Recreation).

The actors, though, spark such little recognition that they could be the very people theyre portraying. Apple might have spent big bucks on actors for shows like The Morning Show, but here it wisely seems to have funneled most of the production money toward on-location filming instead. Its an approach that pairs well with the tales low-key settings, but more importantly, its one of the many tactics Little America employs to win over viewers who might have conflicted thoughts about immigration.

You know these immigrants, Little America wants to tell that conflicted audience. Theyre your waiters, your Uber drivers, your coworkers, or even the person running shoulders with you on the city bus. Had Kumail and his colleagues chased down more recognizable faces, that lesson might have been lost.

And Apple clearly isnt preaching to the choir with Little America: Instead, its trying to lure in people who normally wouldnt watch a show like this. Thats part of the reason for the title, and why the vaguely patriotic intro looks kindly on American small-town life.

Youll also see that approach in the way multiple episodes take time to dwell on the goodness of Americans who were born here, even if it also hints at conflict. As a rural Texan by upbringing, I shuddered to think of what Id see in the episode about Iwegbuna Ikeji, a young Nigerian man who heads to college in Oklahoma in 1981, partly out of a desire to see the real cowboys that fascinated him in movies as a kid in 1967.

Apple Sometimes Little America focuses on individuals, but at other times, as in The Grand Prize Expo Winners, it shifts the focus to families.

At one point, Iwegbuna moseys into a good ol boy Western clothing shop in search of a proper cowboy hat, and the two old white men inside regard him warily. But the tensions relax. One man even gives him a gift. Having grown up in almost that precise environment, I know moments like this could just as easily have happened as the ones that make headlines. As such, Little America is not just important for reminding middle America of the trials immigrants face, but for reminding them of the good experiences theyve had with immigrants themselves.

With that in mind, its also no surprise that Little America doesnt make references that might cause that audience to shut down. It never mentions Trump, for one. I dont know if people from that audience will actually watch Little America, but it takes great care not to chase them away.

Even so, its a clear rebuke of the hateful headlines that spawn from tendencies to reduce such people to abstractions or to slip them in categories based on nothing more substantial than skin color or language. By setting its episodes in places that tend to wolf down such accounts, Little America is making a valiant attempt to build a bridge to a better place by appealing to the common human experience. These people, it tells us, face many of the same troubles and as we who were born here.

Its careful not to slap its viewers with any agenda of its own, and it laughs at the idea that immigrants have no love for America. A good chunk of the episodes, in fact, revolve around people who came here precisely because their mindsets werent compatible with those they grew up among. In some cases, staying where they came from might have even meant deatheven from their own families. Little America shows us recent immigrants still speaking of America as a land of wonder and opportunity, which itself chides those of us who find little foundation for hope in the current climate.

Apple Kamiran Aldeo and Adam Ali deliver two of Little Americas most memorable performances in The Son.

Little America reminds us that our problems are often minor compared to those they were fleeing. And once upon a time, virtually all of our fathers found themselves in a similar situation. These are all our stories, it seems to sayand wed do well to remember that.

All of this leads to the question: Is Little America too hopeful? Not all of the stories have strictly happy endingsfamily members even get deported in onebut even the grimmest ones leave a bittersweet aftertaste. It never gets too dark: You wont see children starving in camps along the Texas border. And if you need the grim reality of immigration stories that dont work out so well, we still have masterpieces like El Norte, which remains as relevant today as it did in 1983.

Stories like that have their placeand its an important place. Little America, though, knows that progress will be more easily attained through understanding rather than simmering in anger. Theres enough of the latter going on right now. It wants its audience to see glimpses of themselves in the immigrants in portrays to better communicate their humanityalthough I imagine some critics may bristle at the way it subtly encourages varying degrees of assimilation. Little America should even appeal to the pull yourself up by your bootstraps crowds, as episode after episode, it drives home the idea that chasing after a dream is one of the bravest things anyone can do.

Maybe even its release timing is significant, considering its subjects: Little America may not have been around as long as some of the rest of Apple TV+s shows, but it can hold its own with the best of them.
Zimbabwe player Kevin Kasuza suffered a concussion after being hit on the head by a ball while fielding on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka here on Tuesday.

Kasuza was taken off the field for a scan.

Resuming their innings from 42/1, Sri Lanka played cautiously as Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis put on 50 runs stand between them for the second wicket. However, Donald Tiripano struck in 29th over as he dismissed Karunaratne (37).

Mendis on the other brought up his half -century and took the visitors total past 150 runs.

At the time of filing this story, Sri Lanka were in a commanding position at 174/2. Mendis is at the crease on 78 runs and Angelo Mathews is at 30 runs. Both players have stitched a partnership of 82* runs.

Earlier, Prince Masvaure, Kevin Kasuza and Craig Ervine's knocks of 55, 63 and 85 respectively helped Zimbabwe post a total of 358 in their first innings.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
My adviser gave me an additional semester to work on it. I let it drag on and continued to work on it over the summer. At this point, my friends had already started on their first chapters of their dissertations and mine was just not going anywhere.

I spent that summer opening the Word document that held my prospectus, staring at it, and closing it again. I also used the summer to think about whether I wanted to continue on. I asked myself, is it worth finishing a program that I didnt feel confident about, or should I cut my losses and try something different?

Youve read the headline, so you know where this story is going. I should pause here to tell you that theres no one reason I quit the program, but if I had to pinpoint one thing it would be the overwhelming suffocation of procrastination.

I kept delaying my decision because actually saying the words Im going to quit this program was just too difficult. I was living in Brooklyn when I had a phone call with my adviser about leaving the program. She encouraged me to just do it, and I kept walking around a single block crying. You dont know what to do with your body in moments like that, but I had to do something, so I was just pacing.

Yet I still couldnt bring myself to fully quit. After my third year in the program, I took a leave of absence. I was even signed up to teach a course in the fall that I had written a syllabus for, but it was so obvious that I was never going back, even if I wasnt ready to admit it. Every time I drove past New Haven, my heart would start racing. Just the thought of New Haven would give me severe anxiety, which is a shame because they have great pizza.

During that time, I was working a job copy editing romance novels for an e-book distributor. Then, a friend of mine started at Digg and needed help, so I started working there. Getting that job helped me fully quit. I could finally see how I could have a career that I loved but that didnt define me. I could read novels again as an escape.
L - R_Donor, Good News along with recipient brother Gehojadak

21.01.2020 LISTEN

Bangalore, 21st January 2020: In yet another commitment to saving lives using the latest technologies in medical treatment, Aster CMI Hospital Bangalore successfully performed Indias first live liver transplant on Jehovahs Witnesses from Nigeria. The surgery was challenging compared to a normal liver transplant because in order to protect the patients religious beliefs, the medical team could not use blood or blood products (Fresh frozen plasma, Cryoprecipitate, Platelets etc). Very few such surgeries have been successfully conducted worldwide.

Jehovahs Witnesses are followers of a Christian faith that prohibits the use of blood or blood products in the treatment of the followers of the faith. 39-year-old Jehozadak, a Jehovahs Witness follower had developed decompensated liver disease.

At Aster CMI Hospital, a team of liver specialists, comprising of Dr. Rajiv Lochan, Dr Sonal Asthana - Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeons, Dr. Mallikarjun Sakpal - Consultant Hepatologist, Dr. Arun V - Consultant Anesthesiologist and Dr. Prakash Doraiswamy - Consultant Intensivist, thoroughly reviewed the patients medical history before recommending a bloodless liver transplant and charted out a feasible pathway to make the surgery a success.

Preparation is key, says Dr Rajiv Lochan, Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon. He continued At Aster CMI, we have reduced blood use by 50% in all our procedures. We follow the WHO recommendation of three pillars of blood management. This transplant was especially challenging as we did not have the safety net (of using blood) even if the patients life was at risk due to their advance directive. We have performed other non-transplant liver surgeries in Jehovahs Witnesses and this gave us the confidence to take on Jehozadaks transplant.

The team spent several counseling sessions with the recipient-donor and family to fully understand the various interventions and supportive measures that could be used during surgery. Even if their hemoglobin levels dropped to life-threatening levels, the patients were clear that they would not accept a blood transfusion. Keeping the limitations in mind, the most effective treatment path was planned, and we spent close to 2 months preparing the patients for surgery. The hospital arranged customized artificial products like synthetic drug molecules, to conduct a bloodless liver transplant, said Dr. Arun V, Consultant Anesthesiologist.

Dr. Sonal Asthana, Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon said In preparation for the surgery the patient and his brother also had to undergo prehabilitation  a process during which the brothers strengthened their haematopoietic system to withstand the surgery without external blood transfusion. The patients were given haematinics  Iron and various vitamins and erythropoietin to improve their haemoglobin levels supported by regular physiotherapy and nutrition to strengthen their muscles.

Without a liver transplant, Jehozadaks chances of survival were less than 10% over the next 2 years. Typically, during a liver surgery, patients tend to lose a large amount of blood which needs to be replaced for the patients survival. For a normal liver transplant, doctors keep at least 3-4 units of blood and a similar quantity of plasma/platelets on reserve for the patient. In this case, we had to figure out an alternative, Dr Mallikarjun Sakpal, Consultant Hepatologist said.

We instead used a Normo-volemic hemodilution technique where we took two units each of both the patient and donors blood and kept it connected to their system throughout the surgery using special equipment so that there is no break in the blood circulation loop. This technique was discussed beforehand with the patient and was in line with their beliefs. The patient lost about 2 Units of blood during this surgery, but through this technique we were able to compensate for the loss, said Dr Prakash Doraiswamy, Consultant Intensivist. He added that the surgeons used a cell-salvage technique during surgery to collect and reuse the blood lost during the surgery.

This kind of cell savage technique is rare, and the technical expertise used to perform this is not widely available in India.

The critical surgery took a 12-hour period to complete where two teams of specialists with close to 25 doctors including anesthetists, intensivists worked in absolute sync with each other and Jehozadak finally received a life-saving liver transplant. In a period of two weeks, the patient and his brother were fit enough to go home and were discharged from the hospital.

The kind of surgical technique and technology required in order to successfully pull off this surgery is par excellence and we are extremely proud of our team for being able to give this patient a new lease of life. India is always seen as one of the preferred medical destinations, the reasons being many on the list such as cost effectiveness, focus on advanced medical technology and availability of skilled medical professionals and we believe that the countrys medical tourism sector is expected to become more popular with continuing development in the near future. said Dr. Nitish Shetty, CEO, Aster Hospitals, Bangalore.
A custodian who worked at a Hunterdon County school until 2017 when he was fired after being accused of stealing a gift-wrapped box of candy around Christmas in what he described as a misunderstanding, has filed a lawsuit against the district.

Peter A. Marro, 58, of Flemington, said in the suit he thought the wrapped boxes he came across in December 2017 in the maintenance room at Readington Middle School were meant as a year-end thank you to the crew from staff.

I chose one and put it in my car. I was happy to be thought of by the staff, he wrote in the lawsuit, filed last month in Hunterdon County Superior Court.

About 20 minutes later, Marro says he was called into an office for a meeting with the principal, vice principal, two supervisors and two police officers, according to the suit.

They asked me if I took one of the gifts and I said, Yes. They then said I intentionally stole the box of Christmas candy worth $20. I said it was a mistake, Marro states in the suit. They did not believe me. They said they had me on camera putting the gift in my car.

Marro said he told them he had keys to every area of the school and had never stolen anything before.

I had found laptops, jewelry, cellphones and other items of value and promptly brought them to the office, he states in the suit. I would not risk my job for a box of candy.

Marro said the principal told him he was fired and demanded his badge and keys.

By this time I was stunned, I could not understand why they were doing this, he said. There were six people in the room for the school and myself. I was overwhelmed and disoriented.

Marro said that the principal instructed the police officers to arrest him for theft and remove him from the premises.

I was then escorted by the officers through the school and everyone was looking at me, Marro said.

The officers handcuffed Marro and placed him in a patrol car parked near the main entrance to the school, the lawsuit states.

Marro was charged on Dec. 19, 2017 with theft of moveable property worth less than $200. The municipal court prosecutor dropped the charge on Feb. 22, 2018, according to court records.

The prosecutor was very nice and said he needed to talk to the arresting officer, Marro said in the suit. After a time, he came back and said he spoke with the officer and the charges were dropped. I was not convicted for the mistake of thinking the $20 Christmas gifts were for everyone.

Despite the dismissal of the criminal charge, Marro claims the damage was already done. The arrest was posted to online news websites and from that moment on, if you Google my name, the arrest comes up and there is no way for me to remove it. It is permanent, he states in the suit.

Marro claims that when he shops at the supermarket or department stores, students and parents he once chatted with now avoid him, the suit states.

They look at me with disgust and anger, he wrote in the suit. Since it was a high visibility job, lots of people know who I am in our small community.

Following the arrest, Marro claims he has been severely depressed, has had trouble sleeping and suffers from headaches and vertigo.

Marro is suing for the intentional infliction of emotional distress, workplace harassment, defamation and loss of income.

Readington Township Public School district officials did not immediately return a call Tuesday seeking comment on the suit.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch in the Ashanti Region expects 20,000 people to join the Inter-Party Resistance Against New Voters' Register in its Kumasi protest against the compilation of a new voters register on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

This will be the second of three planned demonstrations by the coalition.

The NDCs Ashanti Regional Secretary, Kwame Zu, said the protestors will pour their frustrations on the streets of Kumasi in a peaceful way.

We expect to see not less than 20,000 pour onto the streets of Kumasi tomorrow and this in our bid to demonstrate and convey our displeasure at the consultative posture of the Electoral Commission, he told Citi News.

In turn, the Ashanti Regional Police Command says it has put in place adequate security measures ahead of the demonstration.

The Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Godwin Ahianyo, urged the protestors to stick to the route agreed to beforehand.

The police will ensure that the route agreed on for the event is secured and that law and order is maintained throughout the entire period, ASP Godwin Ahianyo said to Citi News.

He also warned that police will not entertain the throwing of stones, burning of tyres and any other forms of unrest.

The protesters will start the demonstration from the Aboabu school park through to the Asawase Police station to the Central Mosque and then to Asante Mampong Senior high school and a number of other routes before finally ending at the jubilee park.

Aside from the NDC, the Inter-Party Resistance Against New Voter Register is made up Progressive People's Party (PPP), Convention People's Party (CPP), People's National Convention (PNC), Eagle Party, All People's Party (APC) and Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP).

The coalition has already held a protest in Tamale dubbed Tikusayi demo.

The group maintains that GHS390 million approved to be spent on the register and a new Biometric Voter Management System (BVMS) will be a waste of taxpayer money.

citinewsroom
Iowa City-based consultant Jeff Nock reveals the basics of developing an operating system to help scale a business that's truly effective.

IOWA CITY, IA / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Often companies that successfully launch hit a ceiling. This is because while the business model can be sound and customer base may embrace the product or service, the company can't scale because their business doesn't have a scalable operating system. That's according to marketing and product development specialist Jeff Nock, a business consultant from Iowa City, Iowa, as he explains more about the process.

"In essence, companies can "wing it" in an entrepreneurial way and often get far due to hard work. But, eventually, there will be a need for more formal, documented processes that ensure that work is done in a prioritized and efficient manner," suggests Jeff Nock, an Iowa City-based business consultant and marketing and product development specialist.

Beyond this, a business operating system should include a formalized method of using data to monitor success. There are a number of different scorecard methodologies that can be implemented to help companies know if what they are doing is working or needs adjustment. is what defines a company's approach to everything from operations and going to market, to dealing with customers and clients, according to the expert. "It is proven that when companies pick the right metrics and consistently monitor those metrics, this enables teams to focus on making sure the results are positive. The emphasis on measurement is not intended to be punitive but rather a motivating reminder to excel in the prioritized areas," Jeff Nock explains.

In addition to formalized processes and a scorecard, a business operating system should also include a personnel component that ensures that people who are added to the team not only have the skills to do their jobs successfully but also are compatible with the company's culture. "Too often as company's grow beyond a startup to a later stage company, they rush to hire and fill openings and end up bringing aboard people who don't mesh with their culture. This inevitably affects the company negatively even to the extent of changing the company culture for the worse," adds the expert.

Touching more deeply on personnel, Jeff Nock shared, "It's essential to take the time to identify roles and responsibilities at a more specialized level. When companies first start, everyone is doing a little of everything. But as they scale, roles need to become more specialized organizational charts, without becoming overly bureaucratic, have to reflex these new, more defined roles," suggests the Iowa-based business consultant, speaking from his office in Iowa City, Iowa.

Jeff Nock is the founder and CEO of Prescient Consulting, LLC, based in Iowa City, Iowa. Renowned for helping early-stage and mid-cap companies to achieve their visions and growth goals, Nock and his stellar group of partners have, together, now assisted more than 250 companies in building and executing successful strategic, business and annual operating plans. To find out more, visit https://prescient.us/.

CONTACT:

Caroline Hunter

Web Presence, LLC

+1 7862338220

SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573719/Jeff-Nock-explains-developing-an-operating-system-to-help-scale-a-business
The 95-year-old resident told police on Jan. 11 that he had received a phone call the previous day from someone asking him to help the federal Drug Enforcement Administration with the arrest of a felon. The man was told to withdraw $12,000 in cash from his bank, lie to the bank about what the money was for and then send it to an individual in Monterey Park, California, police said. The resident was reportedly told that when the investigation was complete, his money would be returned to him.
Intel said Tuesday that Andy Bryant, long the chipmakers most senior Oregon executive, has stepped down as chairman and will retire from the board altogether in May.

Omar Ishrak, CEO of medical technology company Medtronic, took over as Intels chairman at the boards Jan. 15 meeting. Additionally, Intel named Square Inc. executive Alyssa Henry to the companys 11-member board.

I have full confidence in Omar leading the board, which is fortunate to have his expertise at leading an innovative, global company, Bryant said in a written statement Tuesday. In addition, Alyssas wealth of senior leadership, cloud computing and emerging technologies experience further strengthens Intels board.

Intel said Bryant will remain an executive adviser to the company after leaving the board.

Bryant, 69, joined Intel in 1981, when the companys sales totaled $789 million. The company he leaves generated more than $70 billion in revenue annually and makes the vast majority of computer chips running PCs and laptops and nearly every processor running the data centers that power the internet.

At Intel, Bryant rose through the company to hold a variety of executive titles including chief financial officer and chief administrative officer. He had been chairman since 2012 and had announced last year that he planned to leave Intels board in 2020. Bryant also serves on Columbia Sportswears board.

Intel did not report any direct compensation for Bryant last year, but indicated he owned more than 470,000 shares of company stock. At Tuesdays closing stock price they would be worth nearly $29 million.

A rapidly rising finance executive in the early 1990s, Bryant initially resisted when legendary Intel CEO Andy Grove asked him to take over as CFO. Bryant recalled later that he didnt want to leave Oregon, where his children were in school, and move them closer to the companys headquarters in Silicon Valley.

So Grove agreed to allow Bryant to remain in Oregon as CFO, beginning in 1994.

Over the next 13 years Bryant helped guide the company as it became the dominant manufacturer of microprocessors for PCs and laptops.

During that period Intels Oregon site grew from a satellite outpost into the companys largest and most advanced operation. The chipmaker now employs 20,000 in Oregon, more than any other company, and it is currently building a multibillion-dollar expansion of its D1X research factory.

In 2012, after a stint as chief administrative officer, Bryant became Intels chairman  its first from Oregon. None of Intels other board members work in Oregon, though a number of its top executives do.

Intel weathered a succession of storms during Bryants eight years running the board, beginning with the surprise resignation of CEO Paul Otellini in 2013 and followed by the abrupt ouster of Otellinis replacement, Brian Krzanich, in 2018.

The company endured a wrenching cultural transformation beginning in 2016, when Intel eliminated 15,000 jobs across the organization.

More recently, Intel has struggled to maintain its lead in microprocessor technology amid a succession of manufacturing setbacks. As features on its computer chips approached the atomic level, Intel was unable to maintain the two-year cadence of new architecture predicted by Moores Law  and that opened the door for rivals to match or exceed Intels chip capabilities.

Intel finally began shipping its newest, 10-nanometer microprocessor late in 2019, years behind schedule.

And yet Intel has in many ways grown more dominant, benefitting from enormous growth in the data center market and the innovations produced in its Oregon factories, where the company develops each new generation of microprocessor.

Andy has been a rudder for Intel during a time of change and transformation, Intel CEO Bob Swan said in Tuesdays statement. He has led the board with integrity and always with Intels best interest in mind.

Intels stock closed Tuesday up 1.6% at $60.55, near its highest point since the dot-com era.

Clarification: The headline has been changed to indicate Bryant is retiring from the board, not retiring from Intel. He will remain an executive adviser to the company.

-- Mike Rogoway | mrogoway@oregonian.com | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699

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On a recent Saturday afternoon in downtown Chicago, Tara Lattas 36th-floor apartment with stunning river views is a complete mess.

Im watching the 39-year-old trying to jam the contents of a storage unit into her new one bedroom, and it doesnt appear to be going well. Lattas kitchen table is teeming with CVS receipts, unused thank-you notes, catalogues, utility bills and to-do lists. U-Haul boxes are stacked halfway to the ceiling. The counters are overflowing with tea cups, mixing bowls and water bottles.

But all is not as it seems. Latta is in the midst of her second of three, five-hour sessions with tidying consultant Kristyn Ivey. One of the first steps Ivey demands of her clients is to bare all. That means all the stuff  even old underwear-gets laid out in full sight, and then she gets to work. The former chemical engineer, who charges about $100 an hour, promises to clean up peoples homes-and much more.

This is about confronting yourself and learning about the things that you keep around you, Ivey said. This is more than an organization strategy.

Ivey is a disciple of Marie Kondo. For the uninitiated, Kondo, also known as KonMari, is the tidying guru and best-selling author who debuted a hit Netflix show a year ago that catapulted her from cult following into the mainstream. Kondo has said she became obsessed with order as a kid-reportedly organizing bookshelves during recess and after one freak out over what to throw away had a breakthrough: What she really should be doing is keeping the things that make her happy.

That evolved into Kondos spark joy gospel thats now being spread by nearly 400 certified consultants like Ivey, who had her own come-to-Kondo moment when she parted ways with $300 worth of clothes that still had the tags on. She left her job at consultant Booz Allen Hamilton and three years ago started For The Love of Tidy (tag line: Tidy your home, change your life).

Ivey found a willing devotee in Latta, who is paying $1,350 for 15 hours of consulting. Latta is fresh off a solo hiking trip in Sedona, Ariz., where she practised her new ethos of buying less stuff and purchased only a couple things. For Christmas, she focused on experiences instead of physical gifts, including tickets on a replica of the Polar Express for two nieces.

This purge is kind of like when you go into therapy, Latta says. This has been giving me the tools to have a process to really face this stuff and really design a life that I enjoy.

Latta is a recent convert to a growing tribe of Americans who are rejecting the post-Second World War consumerism that served as the engine of the worlds biggest economy. Consumer spending makes up about 70 per cent of the U.S. economy, one of the worlds highest rates, and its even more crucial now that manufacturing has slowed.

But there are signs everywhere of people living stripped-down lives. Its not just KonMari: Reality TV is flooded with shows about tiny houses and saving money. More people are convinced they can live cheaply in their 20s and 30s, and then retire in their 40s  a movement thats been dubbed financial independence retire early, or FIRE.

Instead of buying stuff, consumers are opting to rent, with entire ecosystems built to lease everything from wardrobes to camping gear to toys. Last year proved to be the year when the re-sale market mainstreamed to the point that buying used goods became OK for Christmas gifts.

Plaster all that with mounting anxiety about climate change and the environmental impact of consumption, including the packaging and miles from e-commerce deliveries, and you have the ingredients for a seismic shift, not just a short-lived trend. It would be more bad news for a struggling U.S. retail sector and a potential long-term threat to consumer spending, according to Michael Solomon, a marketing professor at Saint Josephs University.

Americans are moving away from pride of ownership, which has been a bedrock of our capitalist society, Solomon says. It becomes more like: Use it and give it back, as opposed to own it forever.

Big retail has taken notice. Macys is selling second-hand clothing at about 40 U.S. locations. Neiman Marcus bought a stake in an e-commerce company that sells pre-owned luxury handbags and other accessories. Meanwhile, malls are filling spaces once occupied by department stores and apparel chains with restaurants and trampoline gyms-another nod to the surging demand for experiences, not stuff.

To be sure, the average American was expected to increase Christmas spending by 4 per cent this year with plans to shell out more than $1,000, according to the National Retail Federations annual survey. But other data shows increasing dissatisfaction. In the U.S., 61 per cent of people say they recently received at least one unwanted gift, according to personal finance website Finder.com. Clothes and household wares top the list.

I was intrigued watching Ivey help Latta achieve her goal to eliminate as much paper as possible and create a clear, cozy environment. Bloomberg paid for her to come to my four-bedroom house, which I share with my husband and three young kids, for a two-hour session. But I was skeptical because I already considered myself a minimalist of sorts: Were constantly donating to Goodwill, and Ive never been shy about re-gifting.

Ivey arrived with a pair of indoor grey flats to slip on, a nice courtesy during a slushy winter day, and a small backpack with a label maker for tagging containers. We started at the kitchen table where we open the The Tidy Home Joy Journal, her own creation that she sells for $9.99 on Amazon and her website. In the Visualizing Your Best Life section, I write down that I want to spend more time with family and being outdoors.

That leads us to home in on holiday decor and my closet. I find a candle and two pairs of stretch pants that I hadnt worn in at least a year to ditch. A heart-covered candy bowl, a hand-me-down from my mom, was added to the list. Throughout, Ivey emphasizes being positive. She discourages using words like junk or mess because even the discarded should be honoured. It sounds a little silly at first, but even a few weeks later I find myself treating my things with more care and thought. It seems like a good practice to pass down to my kids.

But this isnt just about throwing stuff away. Ivey suggested rolling socks sushi style, instead of balling them, which can stretch out the elastic. She recommended cutting off store tags from all household goods and clothing to make them yours. This even includes peeling those super sticky labels off Sterilite storage bins (shes equipped with a special little tool to do just that).

In the end, the biggest takeaway  or maybe breakthrough  from my certified KonMari tidying is the ceremonial release of an item. It should be treated with respect and thanked for its service in your life, Ivey says. After more reflection, I think about how my daughter likes decorating for holidays, even smaller ones like Valentines Day.

So that candy dish with the hearts is staying.
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker had always planned to be in South Carolina to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

But when he returned Monday he did so as a former White House hopeful.

While eight Democratic presidential candidates marched arm-in-arm through Columbia for King Day at the Dome, Booker was less than a mile away delivering a private and undisclosed "thank you" to his South Carolina staffers.

In a video obtained by The Post and Courier which was later shared on his Instagram account, Booker described his visit to his Columbia campaign office as "very emotional."

"It's a very spiritual race we ran and this is, in many ways, the soul of so much of what we stood for across the country," Booker said in the video, looking straight into the camera.

"There is a determination in this room that the campaign may be over but the light of each and every one of us has got to shine on," he said before leading his team in a rendition of "This Little Light of Mine."

Laurin Manning Gandy, who was Booker's S.C. digital director, was in the room when it happened.

"He just kept saying that coming to South Carolina was like coming home," Gandy said.

Booker, of New Jersey, stayed with his staff and volunteers for about three or four hours. He took them to lunch at "The Grand" on Main Street. Back at the office, a campaign photographer was on site to take new headshots of staffers as they begin their next job search.

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"I'm used to a campaign ending and it just evaporates," said Gandy. "This is the exact opposite."

Gandy previously was director of political operations for Barack Obamas victory in South Carolinas 2008 Democratic primary.

"They've offered optional counseling, and the sort of things youd expect from a Democratic candidate, like severance pay and having your health insurance extended until you can get squared away. This campaign has done that, plus offered a wide range of professional development opportunities and job placement assistance," she added.

Booker invested heavily in South Carolina, making the early-voting state with the highest proportion of African American voters a top priority for his campaign.

With 47 public events, Booker also made more stops in the Palmetto State than nearly any other candidate  second only to U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California, who dropped out last month and had 50 in South Carolina.

Booker's national communications director Jeff Giertz said the Booker campaign had 20 paid staffers in South Carolina.

The thank-you visit Monday was a continuation of stops Booker made over the weekend when he visited his campaign teams in Iowa on Saturday and New Hampshire on Sunday.

Gietz said Booker is trying to squeeze in a trip to Nevada maybe this weekend, but the timing is fluid due to the start of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 04:53:00|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday sent congratulatory letters to the opening of the China-Italy year of culture and tourism in the Italian capital of Rome.

In his letter, Xi pointed out that China and Italy are outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations respectively.

He said that more than two thousands years ago, the Chinese and Italian civilizations, which were far apart, complemented to each other thanks to the ancient Silk Road, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative has today refreshed their millenium-old friendly exchanges.

Noting that both China and Italy enjoy rich cultural and tourism resources, Xi said he hopes people in the two countries' cultural and tourism sectors can jointly paint new colourful vistas of the dialogue between two old civilizations in a new era so as to make new contributions to cultural diversity and inter-cultural exchanges in the world.

Mattarella, in his letter, said that the Italy-China friendship has a long history, adding that the two peoples were once main characters in the exchanges between different peoples in different regions along the ancient Silk Road, and they always respect and appreciate each other.

He called on both countries to have a deep understanding of the value of interdependence and mutually beneficial cooperation in the face of an increasingly complicated situation in today's world, and push for quality people-to-people exchanges so as to deal with future challenges.

During Xi's visit to Italy in March last year, the two presidents announced that the two sides will designate the year 2020, which marks the 50 anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties, as the year of culture and tourism.
Edward Kallon, United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, has reacted to the burning of the organisations facility in Ngala, ...





Edward Kallon, United Nations humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, has reacted to the burning of the organisations facility in Ngala, Borno state, confirmed an attack by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.





The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in a statement on Monday said the humanitarian hub in Ngala was the direct target of a complex assault by heavily armed non-state armed groups operatives.





An entire section of the facility, UNOCHA said, was burnt down as well as one of the few vehicles UN agencies rely on for movement and aid delivery.





Protective security measures deployed at the humanitarian hub, however, prevented any harm to the staff who was in the facility.

Reacting, Kallon said the attack is a discouragement for aid workers providing assistance to vulnerable people in the area.





I am outraged by the extremely violent attack on this key humanitarian facility where five United Nations staff were staying at the time of the incident, he said.





I am shocked by the violence and intensity of this attack, which is the latest of too many incidents directly targeting humanitarian actors and the assistance we provide. I am relieved all staff is now safe and secure. Aid workers, humanitarian facilities and assets cannot be a target and must be protected and respected at all times.





Such incidents have a disastrous effect on the lives of the most vulnerable people who depend on our assistance to survive. Many of them had already fled violence in their area of origin and were hoping to find safety and assistance in Ngala. This also jeopardises the ability for aid workers to stay and deliver assistance to the people most in need in remote areas in Borno State.





I call on all parties to the conflict to respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality which guide the assistance the humanitarian community delivers in the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.





The UNOCHA said aid workers are providing assistance to more than 55,000 people in the town of Ngala, near the border with Cameroon, where over 10,000 people in 2019 arrived in search for security and basic services.




LONDONPrince Harry joined his wife, Meghan, and their son, Archie, Tuesday on Canadas Vancouver Island, to begin mapping out a life outside the royal fold.

Harry and Meghan won their freedom, but things didnt go quite as planned. Two weeks ago, they announced they wanted to step back as front line royals and carve out a progressive new role within this institution. But they arent stepping back so much as stepping down.

As of the spring, the couple will no longer perform royal duties on behalf of the queen, receive public funding or be able to use their royal highness titles. They will continue to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, titles gifted to them by the queen on their wedding day.

The British tabloids have dubbed it a hard Megxit  playing off the most severe version of Brexit discussed in negotiations with the European Union.

In his first public comments on Sunday night, Harry suggested he didnt expect quite so many ties would be broken.

Our hope was to continue serving the queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible, he said.

Peter Hunt, former royal correspondent for the BBC, tweeted: Theres no third way for senior royals. You either stiffen that lip or you leave.

A debate is underway in Britain about whether Harry and Meghan should be allowed to use their SussexRoyal brand  the name they use on their social media platforms and their newly launched website, where they still call themselves Their Royal Highnesses.

They are also reportedly trying to register the SussexRoyal name as part of a global trademark.

Thomas Woodcock, a senior adviser to the queen who was speaking in a personal capacity, told the Times of London: I dont think its satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are (royal) or youre not.

Robert Lacey, a royal historian and consultant to The Crown TV series, suggested there would be a good case for giving up SussexRoyal.

Neither Meghan nor Harry have anything special to do with the county of Sussex, and now they have been told they are not royal, Lacey said. I think they should go out to the world as Harry and Meghan. Thats who they are, and thats what people love and respond to. Sussex is a posh, old-fashioned pre-revolution title of privilege and distinction and most people, especially young people, dont get it. They should leave all that behind.

While the couple hasnt outlined next steps, they could face a backlash if they attempt to cash in on their status.

When Prince Edward, the queens youngest son, ran a television company, he was criticized for exploiting his connections to make royal documentaries, including Edward on Edward, a film about his great uncle, Edward VIII.

Even those who dont have any royal titles  like the queens grandchildren Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips  have faced criticism for allegedly trading off their relations.

Lacey said even having a royal aura, as opposed to an actual royal title, can open members of the royal family to accusations of abusing their connections.

There may be other reasons, too, why the queen didnt greenlight a hybrid model for Harry and Meghan.

Canada, though it remains a member of the British Commonwealth, wasnt especially enthusiastic about becoming an outpost for the royal family.

Our royals dont live here. They reign from a distance. Close to our hearts, far from our hearths, The Globe and Mail editorial board wrote last week.

But the newspaper seemed satisfied by the terms of the deal agreed over the weekend.

The editorial board wrote: The Queens decision announced on Saturday, under which Harry remains a member of the Queens biological family, but is no longer a member of the Royal Family, is a neat bit of splitting hairs, and heirs. It answers the concern about a Royal resident changing Canadas distant, yet solid relationship to the Crown.

The queens rejection of a half-in, half-out deal may also address potential grumbling within the royal family.

Robert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution at University College London, said the couple must be allowed to opt out of royal life, because if they didnt have that right, then their position is akin to modern slavery. Theyre trapped in a gilded cage.

But he said any special treatment could spark complaints within the the Firm, as the royals are said to call their family.

If Harry and Meghan wanted to pick and choose, do engagements that interested them  and maybe this is unfair, but if they were interested in attending a film premiere in Londons West End with other celebs, but less interested in being asked to go visit a primary school in Yorkshire and do the typical local event, ... other members of the royal family might be rather resentful, Hazell said.

The queen, 93, is the undisputed captain of her ship, as she has demonstrated over the past two weeks. But she is also supported by a core team of working royals who fan out across the country, taking part in engagements. Many of the events arent glamorous; royals cut ribbons for new hospital wings, attend basketmaking trade fairs, open the new Highland Pony Society headquarters.

I think people dont generally know quite how much hard work, and possibly rather boring work, it all involves. The visits are far more numerous than people think, Hazell said.

In 2019, 15 working royals took part over 3,500 engagements across Britain, according to figures compiled and published annually in the Times of London. Princess Anne, the queens only daughter, is known for being one of the hardest working members of the royal family. Last year she carried out 506 engagements, second only to Prince Charles, who did 521 events.

In exchange for these public duties, senior royals receive public funds, paying for their lifestyle.

As Harry and Meghan enter into a period of transition, there are already signs of a new approach. They are posting videos straight to their Instagram account. Meghan showed up at a Canadian charity wearing a sweater and jeans.

A palace official said after the new arrangements come into effect in the spring, they will be reviewed after a year and could be modified.

Being a half-in, half-out royal is a non-starter. Youre either one or the other. You cant do both. Both leads to a conflict of interest, said Dickie Arbiter, the queens former press secretary.

Harry knows the rules, and Meghan may be frustrated by the rules, but its not an option, which is why they have chosen both feet out rather than one foot in, he said.

Read more about:
(Read the report)

(En francais)

BAMAKO, MALI (Jan. 21, 2020)  The Carter Center, which serves as the Independent Observer of Malis 2015 peace agreement implementation, today released its 2019 end-of-year report, which criticizes the overall stagnation of the process and urges vigorous measures to consolidate peace in Mali.

The Independent Observer cites poor leadership and trust among the parties, as well as the deficit in the international communitys mediation efforts.

The report states that in 2019, the people of Mali hardly benefited from the implementation of the agreement. An upsurge in violence, both inter-communal clashes and terrorist acts, resulted in hundreds of deaths. By delaying the reconstitution of the national army and by failing to resolve longstanding socio-political grievances, the signatory parties contributed to the worsening crisis in Mali and the region. The report also criticizes the exclusion of civil society, including women, youth, and traditional leaders, from the implementation process. The failure to engage the public in the implementation process has contributed to skepticism about the agreement.

Four-and-a-half years after the agreement, more than two-thirds of the security commitments have not been fulfilled. The economic and justice provisions have received scant attention. The international Monitoring Committee (CSA), the main body overseeing the implementation, did not meet in the last four months of the year.

The signatory parties began discussions on virtually every point from diametrically opposed positions, requiring lengthy negotiations to overcome even the most minor differences. In-fighting among ministries over their respective roles in the implementation and a lack of clear decision-making also hampered progress. The report also notes that the governments establishment, in October, of an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate implementation and a commission on development have the potential to foster future progress.

The report notes that nearly all significant provisions of the agreement can be implemented through legislation, without constitutional amendments.

It concludes with a series of recommendations to restore momentum and public confidence in the agreement, including: (1) the government should share its plan for decentralization; (2) the government should empower fully the new commissions; (3) the international community should assume a stronger role in resolving blockages; (4) the government and Signatory Movements jointly should recommit to the agreement; (5) the dispute over the presence of government troops in Kidal should be resolved rapidly; and (6) the CSA should organize high-level meetings between the government, the Signatory Movements and civil society about the inclusion of civilians in the implementation process and about humanitarian access and justice.

The full report is available here.

Background: The Carter Center was designated as the Independent Observer in late 2017. According to Article 63 of the 2015 agreement, the Independent Observers job is to impartially identify blockages in the implementation process and recommend steps for enhancing implementation. The Centers role as the Independent Observer was recognized by the United Nations Security Council in resolutions 2391 (December 2017), 2423 (June 2018), and 2480 (June 2019), and it assumed its role in January 2018. This report, intended for the Malian parties, the international community, and the public, is the sixth from the Independent Observer.

Translations:

Mali - L'Observateur independant appelle a une action vigoureuse sur la mise en oeuvre de lAccord

Observations sur la mise en uvre de lAccord pour la paix et la reconciliation au Mali, issu du processus dAlger (PDF) 

Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org

In Bamako, Laurence Barros, laurence.barros@cartercenter.org

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Since mid-June, Janet Samuels has been in charge.

By court order, shes was appointed Harrisburg School Districts receiver and given nearly all of the decision-making power typically held by the nine elected members of the districts school board.
Iran confirms two missiles fired at Ukraine airliner



Tehran, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



Iran has confirmed two missiles were fired at a Ukrainian airliner brought down this month, in a catastrophic error that killed all 176 people on board and sparked angry protests.

The country's civil aviation authority said it has yet to receive a positive response after requesting technical assistance from France and the United States to decode black boxes from the downed airliner.

The Kiev-bound Ukraine International Airlines plane was accidentally shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on January 8.

Iran has come under mounting international pressure to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the air disaster.

"Investigators... discovered that two Tor-M1 missiles... were fired at the aircraft," Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation said in a preliminary report posted on its website late Monday.

It said an investigation was ongoing to assess the bearing their impact had on the accident.

The statement confirms a report in The New York Times which included video footage appearing to show two projectiles being fired at the airliner.

The Tor-M1 is a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by the former Soviet Union that is designed to target aircraft or cruise missiles.

Iran had for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence reports that the Boeing 737 had been shot down.

It came clean on January 11, with the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace commander Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh accepting full responsibility.

But he said the missile operator who opened fire had been acting independently.



- Black box impasse -



The deadly blunder triggered days of student-led protests mainly in the Iranian capital.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the demonstrations were unrepresentative of the Iranian people and accused the country's enemies of exploiting the air disaster for propaganda purposes.

In its report, the Civil Aviation Organisation said it was "impossible" for it to read the flight data and cockpit voice recorders -- commonly known as black boxes -- because they were so advanced.

But it suggested Iran wants to keep them for now.

"If devices are provided, the information (on the black boxes) can be restored and retrieved in a short period of time," it said.

The aviation body said it had asked its French and US counterparts, the BEA and NTSB respectively, to provide a list of the equipment required to read the black boxes.

It said it had also sought the transfer of the equipment, but added that neither the BEA nor NTSB had "so far responded positively".

It said it had acquired the list nonetheless, without saying how, and hinted it would use it to buy the equipment itself.

The report said that based on passports used to board Flight PS752, there were 146 Iranians, 11 Ukrainians including nine crew members, 10 Afghans and four Swedes on the ill-fated airliner.

Canada, which says 57 of its nationals were on the plane, has repeatedly asked Iran to hand the black boxes over to Ukraine or France for expert analysis.



- US-Iran tensions -



The 737 was downed when Iran's air defences had been on high alert hours after its armed forces fired more than 20 ballistic missiles at US troops stationed in Iraq.

That was carried out in reprisal for a January 3 US drone strike that killed Iran's most prominent military commander, Qasem Soleimani, near Baghdad airport.

US President Donald Trump had been poised to retaliate for the missile attack, but refrained after the missiles caused no casualties.

It was the second time in little more than six months that Iran and its sworn enemy have been on the brink of war.

In June 2019, Trump had approved a strike on Iran in response for the downing of a US drone in the Gulf, before calling it off at the last minute.

Longstanding US-Iran tensions have soared since May 2018 when Trump withdrew from a nuclear deal that offered Tehran sanctions relief in return for curbs to prevent it acquiring nuclear weapons.

Washington says it seeks to rein in Iran's ballistic missile programme as well as its "destabilising behaviour" in the region.

It has since slapped crippling sanctions on Iran, which denies it wants to acquire nuclear weapons and has hit back by progressively rolling back commitments to the nuclear deal.

bur/dv/kir

THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
Former Shade coach Fyfe taking over Central Cambria football

Former Shade football coach Don Fyfe was announced as the new Central Cambria head coach on Monday.
MBABANE  Many emaSwati are hungry and this has been demonstrated by the influx of people who flooded the offices of the National Disaster Management Agency seeking food or cash assistance.

As a result, the NDMA has clarified that the money that has been released by the European Commission to Sub-Saharan countries, including the Kingdom of Eswatini, was not enough to cater for all food insecure families. The European Commission (ECO) mobilised a humanitarian aid package of over E366 million to help address emergency food needs and support vulnerable people in Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Eswatini is set to receive E16 million. NDMA Chief Executive Officer Russell Dlamini said 232 000 emaSwati were food insecure and in dire need of food and cash assistance. However, he said only 122 500 people would be assisted through ECO funding, other funds from government and other stakeholders and the assistance would not reach 109 000 people who are also in dire need of food help.

Received

Dlamini said this was because the money they received from ECO and government funding was inadequate to cater for all the needy families. Dlamini said since the news of the funding from ECO was aired through the media, there were people who have been knocking at the doors of the agency seeking food and cash assistance. Dlamini said of the 122 000 that would be assisted, 40 000 would be assisted by the ECO funding, 12 000 by Red Cross, 9 500 by government and others would be assisted by the World Food Programme. He stated that it would be those assisted by government who would get food hampers and the rest would be getting cash transfers from the aforementioned entities.

He said the reason they opted for cash transfers was because that modality reached a wider group because it was cutting all commodity handling expenses like storing and transporting of the food, which also entails hiring and paying people. The reason we are communicating all this is because we want to eliminate the assumption from the public that we have raised enough money to assist every family that is food insecure. We have had people coming to us to seek food and financial assistance with the thinking that the funding from ECO was enough for everyone to get a piece of the pie.

Insecure

Only 52 per cent of the people who are food insecure will be assisted but because it is the governments responsibility to ensure a food secure nation, other ways are being explored to try and raise enough funding to assist the populace, he said. The ECO funding comes as large parts of southern Africa are currently in the grip of their harshest drought in decades. In Zimbabwe, over E270 million from this aid package will boost food and nutrition assistance, as well as improving access to basic health care, clean water and providing protection to vulnerable people. The remaining amount will be channelled to providing food assistance and nutrition support in Eswatini, Madagascar, Lesotho and Zambia.

The Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region, as a whole, is prone to natural disasters and oscillates between droughts and floods that are destroying harvests and further weakening fragile communities. Since January 2019, the EU has allocated over E1 billion for humanitarian assistance across the region. The bulk of this funding went for emergency relief assistance in the wake of natural disasters (cyclones Idai and Kenneth), food assistance, and helping at-risk communities equip themselves better to face climate-related disasters.
Caitlyn Jenner is ruling out of finding love again.

In a recent interview with OK Magazine, the former Olympian said she has vowed to remain single and is not looking for a partner -- not now, not ever.

"To be honest with you, I don't see myself having a relationship with anybody in the future. It's not what I'm looking for," Jenner told the publication.

Caitlyn also said that she got "so many other things" in her life, so much so that if she could scale it from one to ten, her love life is going to be a one.

"I've been married three times. I've been down that road. I'm 70 years old, I want to enjoy my life, and I have great friends. I don't even think about it," Jenner saiid, referring to her marriages with Chrystie Jenner, Linda Thompson and Kris Jenner.

The revelation comes after talks that she and her business partner Sophia Hutchins were together. Jenner said they are strictly friends.

"I'm very fortunate to have a great friend in Sophia. We have a wonderful life, and we do everything together. Everybody needs those people in their lives," she added

Sophia, also a transgender person, currently lives with Jenner and manages her career. She is also the reason how the former KUWTK patriarch got a gig on the British series "I'm a Celebrity.. Get Me Out of Here!"

Sophia confirmed that they were never romantically involved after so much speculation being rife that they were more than friends, with some rumors claiming that the two had even planned to tie the knot.

"We made a lot of money together and still do. We were never romantically involved." Sophia said.

Speaking to The New York Times, the 23-year-old model said she is dating a 30-year-old Harvard graduate who is working on Wall Street.

Speaking to KIIS FM's Kylie and Jackie O Show, Jenner clarified their relationship and said: "She is beautiful, but she is only 23, and I'm 70. Come on! She is younger than my daughters!"

The two met through a makeup artist, and they discovered instantly they had a "similar sense of humor."

Their close bond formed at the point when the reality star's ties with the Kardashian family appeared to fall apart after publishing her explosive book, "The Secrets of My Life." The said book caused a wedge between her and Kardashian-Jenner clan.

When asked if there were some things she would have changed in the past, Jenner said that despite spending more than six decades as Bruce Jenner, she would not alter anything in her life because she does not regret getting married and having kids.

"I wouldn't change a thing. Yes, there were a lot of struggles - the 80s were the worst," Caitlyn added.

Jenner shared that she lived in a house for six years in her 30s and isolated herself from the world. She also admitted that she wanted to try and transition before she reached 40, but at 39, she could not do it.

But then five months later, as soon as she decided to get back into life, she met Kris Jenner and they "were together for 23 years and raised a great family."

While Caitlyn admitted that her life is still a "work in progress," even at her age, she insisted that she feels more feminine every year.

"Little Bruce was living in her for 65 years, so I've had to grow into my femininity," Caitlyn highlighted.
(Alliance News) - Lekoil Ltd said Tuesday it has agreed with the operator of the OPL 310 licence in Nigeria to defer its financial and operational obligations for February - following the turmoil surrounding the company's apparent financing for the project.

Optimum Petroleum Development Co, the operator of the licence, located in offshore Nigeria, required Lekoil to pay a consent fee, estimated at about USD10 million, along with proof it could fund 43% of the costs and expenses for the drilling of the first appraisal well in February, which was estimated at USD28 million.

As part of the deferred agreement, Lekoil will now pay Optimum USD2.0 million on or before March 20 and USD7.6 million on or before May 2. Lekoil, also, now has until July to prove it can fund 43% of the first appraisal well.

Lekoil was forced into the deferred agreement after it discovered it had been duped by fake investors.

At the start of January, Lekoil announced it agreed a USD184.0 million loan from Qatar Investment Authority for the drilling and development of OPL 310.

Then, on January 13, Lekoil said was it was seeking legal counsel after confirming representatives from the QIA had questioned the validity of the loan agreement.

Lekoil also confirmed it had paid USD600,000 to Seawave Investment Ltd which acted as an introducer to those "purporting to be the QIA". Lekoil added the fake investors "constructed a complex facade in order to masquerade as representatives of the QIA".

In a statement Tuesday, Lekoil Chief Executive Lekan Akinyanmi said: "We remain excited about the opportunities of OPL 310 and are focused on securing the necessary funding under the revised schedule. We are grateful for the support and commitment shown by our partner Optimum, the operator of the OPL 310 license. This alignment with our partner is crucial in unlocking significant value for all our investors and stakeholders."

Shares in Lekoil were 6.3% higher in London on Tuesday afternoon at 3.27 pence each.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Presently, Earth is the only known location where life exists in the Universe. This year the Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to three astronomers who proved, almost 20 years ago, that planets are common around stars beyond the solar system. Life comes in various forms, from cell-phone-toting organisms like humans to the ubiquitous micro-organisms that inhabit almost every square inch of the planet Earth, affecting almost everything that happens on it. It will likely be some time before it is possible to measure or detect life beyond the solar system, but the solar system offers a host of sites that might get a handle on how hard it is for life to start.

Mars is at the top of this list for two reasons. First, it is relatively close to Earth compared to the moons of Saturn and Jupiter (which are also considered good candidates for discovering life beyond Earth in the solar system, and are targeted for exploration in the coming decade). Second, Mars is extremely observable because it lacks a thick atmosphere like Venus, and so far, there are pretty good evidence that Mars' surface temperature and pressure hovers around the point liquid water--considered essential for life--can exist. Further, there is good evidence in the form of observable river deltas, and more recent measurements made on Mars' surface, that liquid water did in fact flow on Mars billions of years ago.

Scientists are becoming increasingly convinced that billions of years Mars was habitable. Whether it was in fact inhabited, or is still inhabited, remains hotly debated. To better constrain these questions, scientists are trying to understand the kinds of water chemistry that could have generated the minerals observed on Mars today, which were produced billions of years ago.

Salinity (how much salt was present), pH (a measure of how acidic the water was), and redox state (roughly a measure of the abundance of gases such as hydrogen [H 2 , which are termed reducing environments] or oxygen [O 2 , which are termed oxidising environments; the two types are generally mutually incompatible]) are fundamental properties of natural waters. As an example, Earth's modern atmosphere is highly oxygenated (containing large amounts of O 2 ), but one need only dig a few inches into the bottom of a beach or lake today on Earth to find environments which are highly reduced.

Recent remote measurements on Mars suggest its ancient environments may provide clues about Mars' early habitability. Specifically, the properties of pore water within sediments apparently deposited in lakes in Gale Crater on Mars suggest these sediments formed in the presence of liquid water which was of a pH close to that of Earth's modern oceans. Earth's oceans are of course host to myriad forms of life, thus it seems compelling that Mars' early surface environment was a place contemporary Earth life could have lived, but it remains a mystery as to why evidence of life on Mars is so hard to find.

###

Reference:

Keisuke Fukushi1*, Yasuhito Sekine1,2, Hiroshi Sakuma3, Koki Morida4 & Robin Wordsworth5, Semiarid climate and hyposaline lake on early Mars inferred from reconstructed water chemistry at Gale, Nature Communications, DOI?10.1038/s41467-019-12871-6

1 Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

2 Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

3 National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

4 Division of Natural System, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

5 Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.

Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) stands at the forefront of research and higher education as the leading university for science and technology in Japan. Tokyo Tech researchers excel in fields ranging from materials science to biology, computer science, and physics. Founded in 1881, Tokyo Tech hosts over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students per year, who develop into scientific leaders and some of the most sought-after engineers in industry. Embodying the Japanese philosophy of "monotsukuri," meaning "technical ingenuity and innovation," the Tokyo Tech community strives to contribute to society through high-impact research.

The Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) is one of Japan's ambitious World Premiere International research centers, whose aim is to achieve progress in broadly inter-disciplinary scientific areas by inspiring the world's greatest minds to come to Japan and collaborate on the most challenging scientific problems. ELSI's primary aim is to address the origin and co-evolution of the Earth and life.

The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) was launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to help build globally visible research centers in Japan. These institutes promote high research standards and outstanding research environments that attract frontline researchers from around the world. These centers are highly autonomous, allowing them to revolutionize conventional modes of research operation and administration in Japan.

Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research since it was founded in 1949 as the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast. The University has 3 colleges and 17 schools, 7 graduate schools offering courses in subjects from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and life sciences. The University is located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa - a city where tradition and innovation are existing in harmony. Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,100 students including over 650 from overseas.
Xtalks Life Science Webinars This webinar will take the attendees through the due diligence process through the eyes of a small company interested in making a transaction with its intellectual property.

Join Eyal Barash, JD, Attorney at Law, Barash Law, LLC in a live webinar on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 1pm EST to hear about:



An overview of the due diligence process from a small companys point of view

Different classes of pharmaceutical patents

Value drivers for each class of patent

Due diligence concepts around inventorship, chain of title and scope of filing

Common due diligence inquiries (e.g. patent validity, infringement, design-arounds)

Innovation in drug discovery often starts in universities or with small enterprises. While the initial research and discovery are well within the purview of many university labs and small companies, advanced clinical development and commercialization are often well beyond the means of such entities. In order to bring drugs to market, smaller companies have to make enormous investments to build infrastructure (i.e. through public offerings), license their valuable pharmaceutical assets or simply sell the company to more established players who have the bandwidth for successful commercialization.

Patents provide exclusionary rights without which there is often insufficient barrier to competition to warrant investment. As a result, sophisticated investors and acquirers devote substantial resources to perform due diligence, which refers to research on financial analysis, clinical efficacy, human resource investigations and intellectual property, on patent assets they are considering for deal-making.

This webinar will take the attendees through the due diligence process through the eyes of a small company interested in making a transaction with its intellectual property. As such, this webinar will be appropriate for senior-level executives such as CEOs, CFOs, VPs of business and in-house counsel working at small to medium-sized pharma companies or law firms with corporate transaction teams.

For more information or to register for this event, visit Surviving and Thriving in Due Diligence  Major Transactions from the Perspective of Small Pharma.

ABOUT XTALKS

Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers.

To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com

For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/

Contact:

Candice Tang

Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x 400

Email: ctang@xtalks.com
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Mrs. Cynthia Mamle Morrison has donated three (3) motorbikes to Swedru Divisional Command of the Ghana Police Service, a Tricycle Motorbike to Transport Unions in Agona Swedru and a Fire Attack Line to Personnel of the Swedru District of the Ghana National Fire Service to enhance their operations.

The presentation which coincided with the MP's Birthday was to help improve security in the Agona West Municipality, enhance effective waste management at lorry stations that have been engulfed with filth and also improve efficiency in terms of fighting fire outbreaks.

Presenting the items to the beneficiary institutions at Agona Swedru on Saturday, Hon. Cynthia Morrison noted that the donations were to support the institutions to facilitate their operations effectively.

"I decided to give the three motorbikes to Police to combat crime-related activities effectively not only in Agona Swedru but in the Agona West Municipality as a whole

Though Security situation is not all that bad, the police ought to be equipped to boost their daily activities especially in the night

The Tricycle Motorbike will also go a long way to improve sanitation in Agona Swedru and its environment.

It saddens my heart whenever I see Filth scattered all over our main lorry stations. This has become a source of worry because Agona Swedru is a transit place for commuters who find it easier passing through Swedru to their various destinations.

They complain daily about filthy nature of the stations being operated by GPRTU, PROTOA and Cooperative Driver's Unions.

It is my hope that the Tricycle Motorbike will be used judiciously to improve Sanitation situation in our lorry stations.

The Fire Attack Line given to Swedru branch of the Ghana National Fire Service is to help them improve efficiency during fire fighting in case of fire outbreak in the Municipality"

The Agona West Member of Parliament expressed the hope that the beneficiary institutions will take proper take care of the Machines and use them judiciously to serve the purpose for which they were given adding her office was opened for support of any kind needed to enhance their operations.

"I am of a strong conviction that Agona West Constituency will succeed and major uncompleted projects under my auspices will be completed to facilitate the development of the Municipality" Hon. Cynthia Mamle Morrison noted

The Agona Swedru Divisional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police ( ACP), Mr. Samuel Yankey who received the Three motorbikes on behalf of the police lauded Honourable Cynthia Morrison for the donation pledging that the motorbikes would be put into judicious use while proper culture of maintenance would be kept to last longer than expected.

The Police Commander calls on Philanthropist, NGOs, Churches and cooperates bodies to emulate what Hon. Cynthia Morrison has done to support them accordingly.

Leaders of the various Transport Unions in Agona Swedru also expressed their appreciation to Hon. Cynthia Morrison for her kind gesture

The Central Regional Director of National Disaster Management Organization ( NADMO), Mr. Joseph Donkor is popularly known as 'Joe Donkor or Joe D' appealed to NPP Faithful to ensure unity prevail within them to enhance total victory in the upcoming December 7, 2020, General Elections.

In a related development, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon Mrs.Cynthia Mamle Morrison has appealed to parents to take proper care of their Disabled Children urging them to send them to school.

Addressing the Chiefs and People of Oteiprow to climax their annual Akwambo Festival last the weekend, Hon. Cynthia Morrison who is also the Member of Parliament for Agona West entreat the people to take advantage of Government's programmes and policies to better themselves.

"I have particular interest for Persons With Disabilities especially the children. We must not hide them in our rooms but to expose them to the general public. They must enjoy formal education.

They are part and parcel of society. We shouldn't discriminate against them simply because they are Disabled"

She assured the people that the local Basic School would in the community soon benefit from the School Feeding Programme.

Chief of Oteiprow, Nana Osompa Nyamekye II praised the MP for the number of development projects she was undertaking for the people in the Area.
HAMDEN  A Naugatuck woman is accused of stealing money and jewelry from Larson Place Senior Living Facility.

According to a release from the Hamden Police Department, officers responded to Larson on Friday on a report of a suspicious person. Upon investigating the incident, police said, they learned that Camile Dzemailoska, 40, of Naugatuck, was reportedly observed by staff entering and leaving several residents apartments.

Police said Dzemailoska was confronted by an employee, whom she allegedly told that she was an aide for a resident. Dzemailoska was asked to leave.

Shortly thereafter, police said, a resident reported that she was missing a large sum of money. Through further investigation, police said, it was determined that Dzemailoska had illegally entered multiple apartments, stealing money and jewelry.

Hamden Police arrested Dzemailoska in Cheshire. A search of her motor vehicle led to the discovery of several pieces of stolen jewelry.

Dzemailoska was charged with five counts of third-degree burglary, one count of sixth-degree larceny, and one count of third-degree criminal mischief. She posted a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Jan. 31.
Lawyers representing the family of an Irish teenager who died in Malaysia last year appeared in court on Wednesday to file a claim against the resort at which they were staying when she went missing.

15-year-old Nora Quoirin, who had learning difficulties, was found naked in the jungle surrounding the Dusun resort in Seremban after an extensive search ten days after she went missing.

The family is claiming negligence on the part of the resort owners.

Sankara Nair, who is representing her family, claims that because a window latch in their accommodation was broken at the time of their stay, it would have been easy for someone to kidnap Nora.

The family is attempting to claim damages amounting to 152,000 Ringgit (37,000 US dollars).

The family has also requested that Malaysian authorities begin an inquest into the circumstances of the teenager's death and say there are still many unanswered questions surrounding death of Nora.
Dublin, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Injectable Drug Delivery" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This seminar has been designed to provide all those working in the industry with the latest information on the next generation of injectable drugs and devices and an update on recent trends, technologies and applications. It will also be a great opportunity to meet industry leaders, as well as like-minded professionals, and share common experience and best practice.

Attending this two-day seminar, presented by experts in the field, will:

Give you a valuable update on the advances in injection technology and drug delivery

Present you with up-to-date information on the latest market trends and opportunities for your organisation

Provide you with an opportunity to develop significant business partnerships

Injectable drug delivery is considered to be one of the most effective routes of administration due to the speed and effectiveness of delivery to the target, and recent developments have improved the patient experience.

The global injectable drug delivery market continues to grow and technology is advancing. This, coupled with the ever-changing regulatory requirements, means that it is imperative for companies to stay abreast of the latest developments and challenges within the industry in order to remain compliant, as well as gaining a competitive edge.

Agenda



Programme Day One



Devices, technology, and latest trends

Latest developments for injectable drug delivery solutions

Market overview and trends

How can a science-driven CDMO help to accelerate developments for biologics? - Case study

Dr Thomas Schoenknecht

Recent advances in large-volume injection

Large-volume autoinjectors

Patch injectors

Latest usability insights into autoinjector and patch injector systems

Ian Thompson

Discussion session

Developments in technology with injectables - digitalisation and smart technology

Internet of me' - connected drug delivery advances

Sustainable patient engagement for better outcomes

Market forces and business drivers

Neil Williams

Story continues

Digital design in the development of injectable systems

Hardware and software solutions

Integration into the connected ecosystem

Device management trends

Markus Bauss

Discussion session

Case study: Connected needle-free technology

Adherence to treatment in injectable therapies for chronic disease is very low

Opportunities with a new form of drug delivery that is needle-free

Transforming the perception and approachability of therapies based on injectable biologics

Next-gen needle-free drug delivery platform that is computer-controlled - Supporting patient needs

Clinical and market studies - results and findings

Patrick Anquetil

Patient considerations and design processes

Assessing injection site pain

Understanding how to measure pain and tolerability during injection and how to interpret the results

Summary of recent clinical investigations

Impact on the design and selection of drug delivery devices

Chris Muenzer

Discussion session

Betwixt and between - managing the interface between PFS and autoinjector

Understanding the physical interface between PFS and autoinjector

A framework for ensuring compatibility across the interface

Working together in harmony - the organisational interface between pharma, syringe manufacturer and device developer

Dr Jeffrey Philippson

Interactive panel discussion: Next-generation innovations in drug delivery

Moderator: Dr Gregory Berman

Panellists: Ian Thompson, Neil Williams, Markus Bauss, Dr Thomas Schoenknecht

Drinks reception

Programme Day Two

Regulatory update and human factors

The EU regulatory framework for injectable delivery systems

Deciding on your regulatory strategy

Implications of the Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/74 and Article 117 for drug delivery systems

Classification - the importance of getting it right from the start

Combination products - drug/device, device/drug?

Essential considerations for injectable medicinal products

Brexit implications

Dr David Jefferys

Human factors validation - when is usability testing not required?

Overview of regulatory guidelines covering human factors for combination products - Considerations for determining if a study will be required

Utilising comparative analyses

Approaches to compiling supporting evidence

Lee Wood

Discussion session

Sustainability - its impact on self-care drug delivery

The circular economy

Sustainability and the pharma industry

Gregor Anderson

Packaging and quality

Extractables and leachables (E&L) in injectable drug products

The ongoing evolution of thresholds for control of E&L in drug products

Raphael Nudelman

Discussion session

Pre-filled syringes in a nutshell

The components

The building blocks

Potential options

Lure-tip syringes, dual-chamber pre-filled syringes and staked-in needles

How everything comes together

Dr Andreas Rothmund

The relationship between the ICH guidelines for impurities and E&L thresholds

ICH guidelines for impurities and non-mutagenic impurities

Principles from the ICH guidelines for impurities that can be used for the risk assessment of E&L in drug products

Raphael Nudelman

Interactive panel discussion: The future with smart injection devices

Moderator: Dr Gregory Berman

Panellists: Ian Thompson and Dr Thomas Schoenknecht

Chair's closing remarks

For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/f6c2eo

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.



CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com

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Bannon: Ukraine Is a Sideshow, the Main Thing Is the Chinese Communist Party

Narration: The U.S. and China just signed the phase one trade deal. What is the biggest takeaway from it?

Steve Bannon: Tariffs work, tariffs broke the CCP. It forced them to the table.

Narration: Taiwan just elected a new president,

Mr. Bannon: I think it shocked everybody of how big a landslide it was.

Simone Gao: Do you think that was a referendum on the CCP?

Mr. Bannon: Yes, it was 100%.

Narration: Iranian General Soleimani was killed by American drone strikes. Who had been providing financial support to his terrorist operations?

Mr. Bannon: To me, the, the decisive factor there is the Chinese communist party because thats essentially keeping them alive.

Narration: Nancy Pelosi sent the impeachment articles to the Senate. Whats in play next?

Mr. Bannon: Either a complete dismissal because it didnt reach the standards of impeachment or you go all in and have a trial that could take six months to a year.

Narration: I sat down with Steve Bannon to talk about the U.S.-China phase one trade deal, Impeachment, Taiwan election and Soleimanis death. And just how many of these things have connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

Host: I am Simone Gao and you are watching Zooming In.

Title: Bannon: Ukraine Is a Sideshow, the Main Thing Is the Chinese Communist Party

Ms. Gao: Okay. Taiwan election, Taiwan just elected a new president. Is the result what you expected?

Mr. Bannon: I think it shocked everybody of how big a landslide it was. Remember, in the United States, we knew this was going to be very tough. There are so many people that support the freedom and democracy movement in Taiwan. And I think what people were most concerned about was the Chinese communist party trying to put their hand on the scale and trying to tilt it in their direction. Also, Terry Guo. People were very concerned when Terry Guo got into the race. I Understand he got beaten in the primary, but people thought it was going to be a very, very tough race. So number one, the turnout, the enthusiasm, and the results of 57%. I mean, in the United States, we consider that a landslide,

Ms. Gao: Right.

Mr. Bannon: So it was an incredible result and it really got the attention of so many people in the United States of America and particularly in DC, that people realize that the people of Taiwan want their independence and they want their freedom.

Ms. Gao: Do you think that was a referendum on the CCP?

Mr. Bannon: Yes, it was, 100%. If you look at whats happened in the last few months between the vote in Hong Kong at the municipal level, at the council level, and then this stunning victory in Taiwanwe look at that..I think people in the West, and particularly the United States, look at it as a proxy on a rejection of President Xi and the Chinese communist party. People want their freedom. And its pretty obvious. And I think that theI was doing many live streams and broadcasts into Taiwan over the last few months in support of the president. In 2020 theres two big elections or three big elections, Taiwan Israel and in the United States. And I dont know which ones the biggest one, but I gotta tell you it was a shocking victory. I always thought they would win, but I thought itd be much closer. But the turnout and the victory margin I think really sent a message throughout the world.

Ms. Gao: So whats next for the U S Taiwan relations? Do you think the U S and Taiwan will move towards establishing formal diplomatic relations?

Mr. Bannon: I hope so. I think theres a big effort right now here in Washington, D C and throughout the country, of this kind of reawakening to the importance of Taiwan and our long term friendship with Taiwan and also with the people of Hong Kong and I think youre going to see a lot of movement (in that direction). And I believe the first thing youll see is a lot more Americans going to Taiwan and getting to know the people and reconnecting. So I think theres going to be tremendousparticularly when you see whats happening in Beirut, whats happening in Baghdad or on the streets, and whats happening in Taiwan. You see this kind of (situation where) the millennials are now in what looks like global revolt against the dictatorships, whether its the Mullahs, Hezbollah or the Chinese communist party. So I anticipate that youre going to have a real sense of momentum here for US-Taiwan relationships. And thats why the Chinese communist party wanted to defeat the president. It was very obvious that they were makingtrying to have a real influence operation that changed the direction of that election.

Ms. Gao: So if Trump wins a second term

Mr. Bannon: I would like to say now when Trump wins a second term.

Ms. Gao: Thats funny. So if thats the case, to what extent do you think the CCP will have influence over US policy towards Taiwan? Because the U S policy toward Taiwan before Trump was always kind of relying on the U S relationship with China.

Mr. Bannon: Remember, President Trump won the election here because of the rejection of the elites in the United States and about this managed decline. The elites in the United State were very comfortable with the managed decline of the country. And thats why from the Southern border to the relationship with the middle East to the relationship with our Asian allies and about the rise of the Chinese communist partythe Trump victory was a total rejection of that. President Trump has had to manage, as you know, many, many complicated relationships, including with the CCP, with the trade negotiations and also really with our whole of government kind of strategic confrontation with them. But I think youre already starting to see, and I think youll even see more in the future, a strengthening of the relationship between Taiwan and the United States. It shouldnt be lost on people and Ive been saying this now for a while .the two biggestbesides the democratic party, also the Chinese communist party and the Mullahs in Tehran both want the defeat of president Trump. Now I dont (mean to say) the democratic party is working together (with them) ecetera. They want to defeat Trump for a different set of reasons. But clearly the dictators in Beijing and the dictators in Tehran, dont want to see a continuation of the Trump presidency.

Ms. Gao: Right. Lets talk about Soleimani. The media has been criticizing President Trump (by saying that) hes not justified to authorize the killing of Soleimani,. And by doing so, hes also risked dragging us to another Middle East war, while his whole thing is supposed to be about pulling us out of the middle East war. What do you think?

Mr. Bannon: President Trump clearly had the authorization. Soleimani is the top of the terror list about killing Americans, and American troops. He was in on the IEDs and obviously he was plotting to do something with the embassy. Theyd already started with the embassy. So the tactical mission of just taking Soleimani out, I dont think anybody in the United States is questioning whether hes a bad guy. And it should have been done. Now for political purposes theyre trying to kick up some dust, but you should know the bulk of the American people are saying, Hey, Soleimani, General Soleimani was a very bad guy and was on the terrorist watch list. I think the deeper issue is this confrontation of the Mullahs and the Chinese communist party that were seeing in Iran. President Trumps economic warfare, and particularly getting our European allies to go along with thenot just the sanctions, but the secondary sanctions to choke down economically, the Mullahs. And I think this is going to have a big impact. To me the decisive factor there is the Chinese communist party because thats what is essentially keeping them alive.

Ms. Gao: I think part of the opposing narrative is about China. President Trump is supposed to beThe United States primary rival is China. So by still being involved in the middle East war does the US have enoughwill the US be able to deal with the CCP challenge adequately?

Mr. Bannon: Its a great question. I think the way to look at this, and you could see that the CCP, what the CCP is trying to do, is expand exponentially to control the Eurasian landmass. Through one belt one road through made in China 2025 through the 5G rollout with Huawei. Remember theyre doing this withobviously they have North Korea, but I think both Iran, and I also say Turkey and now you see the beginnings of the Russia relationship. It shouldnt be lost on you, Simone, that it was two weeks ago that China, Iran and Russia were doing Naval exercises in the North Arabian sea, in the straits of Hormuz. Right outside of the Persian Gulf. As they try to work together as a Naval force for the Mahan strategy of Naval warfare, in addition to what theyre trying to do of consolidating the European landmass.

Mr. Bannon: So to me, this is central in the confrontation with the CCP and now we have a whole of government approach. Mike Pence has said this, Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State Pompeo said this, that we now have a real whole of government confrontation with the CCP. So the resources are there. Its just to kind of think through the strategy. But people should realize that President Trump is very, very, very focused on the Western Pacific. Hes very focused on the South China sea. Hes very focused on whats going on in the Eurasian landmass.

Ms. Gao: So I think the worry is if the US gets dragged into regime change and nation building again, it wont have enough energy to deal with the CCP challenge,

Mr. Bannon: I will tell you the president Trump will not get into nation building again.

Mr. Bannon: Realize that he continues to talk about the $7 trillion that we spent in the middle East already. Hes actually saying that we need to restructure our relationship with Afghanistan. What hes going to do is confront these regimes, particularly where we have the high ground in technology, capital markets, currency and trade, right? (Hell) Use economic and information warfare to really change their behaviors. I dont know if hes so much into regime change as (he is into) dramatic change of their behaviors. That is what youre starting to see. Youre already seeing in the streets of Tehran where the young people are coming and supporting president Trump. The riots that Soleimani, the 1500 that they arrested a few weeks ago or actually killed I think over the last couple of weeks has come from Soleimani and the Republican guard, to put these protests down. So president Trumps very savvy. Thats why he did a drone strike, a surgical drone strike to take out General Soleimani and remember some of the top leadership in the Shiite militias (as well).

Mr. Bannon: So president Trumps not going tohes too savvy and he understands. He does not want an overburden of commitments in the middle East because hes very focused on whats happening in China.

Ms. Gao: And is that going to be enough to achieve what America wants to achieve without regime change, nation building and all that?

Mr. Bannon: Well, I think it is. I believe youre seeing a new system start to come up. And I think thats (coming) from the young people. I think in Hong Kong, in Taiwan, in Beirut, in Tehran, in Baghdadwhere you see people taking to the streets. I think youre seeing young people and I think Hong Kong is a perfect example of that. In Taiwan where young people were saying, Hey, what I want is I want freedom. I want Liberty, I want capitalism. I believe in self-reliance right?

Mr. Bannon: We Have to work together as a community, but I want some freedom here and I want to actually have ownership, personal property rights. And above all, I want the rule of law, right? I dont wantno more dictators, no more authoritarian governments. That message is very powerful to me. Thats the Trump revolution. And I think youre seeing it spread throughout the globe. And I think president Trump is adamant when he saidpeople in Taiwan and in Hong Kong, should understand that president Trump tweeted out in Farsi over the weekend, his support of those protesters in the street, nothing could be more powerful.

Ms. Gao: I was going to ask you that. Like you said, the protest in Tehran. On Monday, thousands of Iranians took to the street to protest the governments shooting down the Ukrainian aircraft. And that quickly spread to other things. So theyre burning Soleimanis portrait and theyre chanting things like,Soleimani is a murderer, Khamenei is a murderer. Things like that. And thats very different from, just a week ago when the state media reported that 1 million Iranian people took to the street tocame out for Soleimanis funeral in support of him. So how do you think? How do the Iranian people really feel?

Mr. Bannon: Well, listen, as a young Naval officer, I was in the Pacific fleet in the seventh fleet. We were patrolling the South China sea and the East China sea and we were taken over in 1979-1980 and we were sent to Iran because of the hostage crisis. Ive been there basically since 79 or 80. My destroyer was one part of a carrier battle group that went to the North Arabian Sea and eventually to the Persian Gulf to work up for the assault, the eventual assault in Tehran to free the 52 hostages. So weve been there forIve been there for a long time. I think heres the huge difference. The most important thing of those protests last week was not simply the burning of the picture of General Soleimani. They had the American flag and they had the flag of Israel that the regime had put down for people to stomp on, and the young millennials avoided it.

Mr. Bannon: They would not step on the American flag. They would not step on the Israeli flag. They said, our problem here thats holding us back from our freedom is not the United States, Its not Donald Trump. It is people like General Soleimani, Its Khamenei, the Supreme leader of the Islamic Republic. It is the Mullahs that have taken away their freedom, just like its the CCP in China. Remember, the Chinese people are the most hardworking, decent people on earth. This is not about the American people versus the Chinese people, this is not even about America versus China. The Chinese Communist Party, the CCP uses China and its people as an instrument for its own self-gratification and the building of its own wealth. So I think youre starting to see the people, whether its in Beirut against Hezbollah, whether its in Hong Kong against the CCP, whether its in Taiwan against the CCP, whether its in Tehran against the Mullahs, youre seeing people, and particularly young people say, I dont want to do this anymore. And I dont want to hear their lies. What I want. I want them gone. I want Liberty, I want freedom. I want the rule of law. And I want capitalism.

Ms. Gao: So do you think Iran is on the verge of another revolution that could topple the regime?

Mr. Bannon: Listen, I think over time. Clearly the brutal repression youre going to see isI think theres 1500 demonstrators that have been killed in the month of November and December. Theres obviously going to be brutal repression like theres brutal repression in Hong Kong, like theres brutal repression in mainland China, in these big cities when anybody tries to get up to protest. So its not going to happen overnight. But youre seeing a new day dawn, right? Youre seeing a new day Dawn. As they try to suppress it, as they try to crack down on it because of modern communicationsAnd quite frankly, the courage and determination and gritthis is why I think the world owes so much to the young men and women in Hong Kong. They have shown such incredible courage in the face of adversity. Theyve shown such incredible courage in the face of suppression. Theyve shown such incredible courage in the face of the iron fist of the Chinese communist party. To me, theyd been an inspiration and I continued to call themThey are like the Patriots of 1775 and 1776 in the United States. They are truly, and I think that theyll be remembered throughout history as a generation with just tremendous patriotism, o their countries and to really to the rule of law and to freedom.

Ms. Gao: As you said, President Trump tweeted in Farsi and English in support of the protestors saying, Iran, you cannot have a massacre against the protesters and do not shut down your internet. It seems like the president is engaging the Iranian people and also separating the people and the regime. Do you think thats a good move?

Mr. Bannon: I think because he speaksI think just like here in the United States where he had aremember he had a direct connection to working class people in this country that the elites had kind of abandoned and didnt think about anymore. As president Trumps going around and giving those rally speeches where hes just very, right to the heart. He understands this, I think he understands whats going on in Taiwan, I think hes understands whats going on in Hong Kong. I think he understands whats going on in Tehran. So I think youll see more of this. I just think Farsi was so unexpected, right? Peoples heads here are blowing up and clearly the Mullahs understand that President Trump is watching this. The leadership in Tehran, these radical Mullahs that have kind of suppressed the people in Iran, and particularly in Tehran ought to understand, president Trump already took out one of your generals with a drone strike. Okay? He was vaporized. And now hes directly communicating via modern social media directly to the protesters in the streets. They should be very worried.

Ms. Gao: Talking about the potential Iranian retaliation. How do you compare the mindset Ali Khamenei and Osama bin Laden? Would Khamenei be contemplating something like a 911 against America on American soil?

Mr. Bannon: Look, Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. State-Sponsored terrorism. This is what they are. It was the Mullahs in Tehran that took our 52 hostages in 1979 and kept them for what, a year? Almost a year. Theyre also the ones that take credit for blowing up the Marine barracks in Lebanon in 1983. So theyve been engaged in war with the United States, to take as many casualties as possible for what, 40 some years or almost 50 years. And theyre adamant all the time that Americas the great Satan America is the devil. America has to be destroyed. This is not language Donald Trump or Steve Bannon or other allies of freedom and democracy and the rule of law are saying. This comes from their own lips. The other day they said, America has to be destroyed and that American is the great enemy.

Mr. Bannon: So we always have to be on watch. We had to be on watch with ISIS. But remember, president Trump destroyed the physical caliphate within one year. Mosul, Raqqa, the whole physical caliphate. They had 8 million people enslaved. They had oil fields, had tax revenues, they were recruiting what, 20,000 people a month out of Europebeheading peopleputting Christians in cages like animals and then beheading them. Torturing Muslims that didnt agree with them. And he killed al-Baghdadi with a drone strike. He understands and I think thats why America is on guard. And at the first movement that general Soleimani was planning on something on the embassy And people in your listening audience ought to understand that what Trump said is No more Benghazis. No Benghazis on his watch, and hes also going to be proactive. And if youre on the terror watch list, you better be concerned. Instead of worrying about killing Americans or Europeans or other Muslims in the middle East, you ought to be concerned about your own life because if youre on the terror watch list, president Trump is going to come after you.

Ms. Gao: So youre saying the Supreme leader of Iran is not any more benign than Osama bin Laden. So the question is

Mr. Bannon: They have bragged for many years that through Hezbollahremember they control essentially the capitols of Baghdad, Damascus and Beirut and now Yemen. Theyre a massive exporter ofHezbollah is an expeditionary military force for them. They try to get this arc to the sea and a Shiite caliphate. But the Supreme leader in Iran, all the way from the fall of the Shah of Iran, they have not been shy about sayingthe Islamic Republic of Irantheyre the biggest leader of state-sponsored terrorism.

Ms. Gao: But Irans economy is very weak. So at this moment, do you think theyre crazy enough to really contemplate a war, like a real war against America?

Mr. Bannon: I think they were very upfront the other night when they shot the missiles and obviously didnt want to hit anything. They do not want a physical war with United States. Number one, people in the United States are not looking for a war. We do not want to engage in more combat, but we will defend ourselves. And I think if they tried to, if theyd killed a lot of soldiers, if they had come and tried to inflict damage on our embassiesPresident Trump has been up front, he would have hit and he would have hit hard. And thats coming from president Trump and the people around him. Hes not shy about saying, Hey, we will defendthere wont be any more Benghazis. President Trump will defend American assets and hell defend American people. And it looks to me like the Mullahs waved off of that.

Mr. Bannon: They understand president Trump. If he was prepared to take out General Soleimani in a drone strike, hes prepared to inflict damage upon them. And I think theyI think they essentially waved off that. Now were anticipating that some of their militias or some of these underground sleeper cells or whatever, may try to hit American allies or people around the world. And thats what we have to be always on watch for. But this is something I think that day in and day out people are on watch for because the Iranians have been doing this for 40 years. It didnt happen overnight.

Ms. Gao: Where is China in all of this? Does China want the U S and the Iran getting into a real war?

Mr. Bannon: Well the Chinese communist party? I dont think theres any doubtLook number one, the Iranians are a subsidiary of China right now.

Mr. Bannon: Its the Chinese purchase of oil and the Chinese credit facilities that are keeping the Mullahs on life support. So the Chinese communist party I thinkand they look at their expansion plans with one belt, one road to try to consolidate their control over the Eurasian landmass. Iran is essentially their junior partner. And so the Chinese communist partyI think they need to be called out on this. I think that they needthat the sanctionsthat the first thing we have to sanction is we have to sanction any oil thats going to the CCP. That all oil must be cut off, that all credit facilities must be cut off. You really have to quarantine the regime in Tehran. And so I think the Chinese communist party is up to their neck in supporting the Mullahs in Iran.

Ms. Gao: But if the US and Iran get into a war. It will impact the oil and they will be impacted too. So I wonder

Mr. Bannon: But I think you can do that without getting into a physical war. Like I said, I dont thinkfirst of all President Trump is the least trigger happy president weve had in many, many decades. Hes very prudent. Remember before the strikehes only had a couple of strikes. In Syria to counter the chemical weapons against al-Baghdadi, the head of ISIS and against Soleimani, basically the field commander of thenot just the Quds force, but really the field commander of all the Iranian exportation of the expeditionary force in terrorism throughout the middle East. So hes been very selective. President Trump is not somebody thats gonna go in and start shooting, I dont believe, and start shooting up a place unless weve been attacked or theres been some attempt of an attack. And listen, its quite evident after president Trump directed this hit, that the counter (from Iran) was so weak because they tried to stay out and make sure there was no damage. They sent a very strong signal. We do not want to get in a shooting war with the United States. I dont think for your viewers or your readers that we have to worry about that right now. I think that what President Trump has donethe next day he sent the secretary of treasury and Pompeo to say, Im increasing the sanctions and Im going to kick in secondary sanctions.

Ms. Gao: So in that sense, how do you compare the policies of President Bush, president Obama and president Trump in the middle East?

Mr. Bannon: Well you cant compare it. BushAnd this is not about Republicans and Democrats. Bush and Obama essentiallyBush buried the United States in the middle East. The war in Afghanistan to mewe should have gone in and cleaned out the Taliban and then left. And the same thing in Iraq. We never should have invaded Iraq. I think that was ridiculous, particularly on this misleading information. But the Republican establishment and Bush got us in there. Obama essentially reinforced it to a large extent and really didnt make any real bold moves. Particularly he allowed the rise of ISIS, which should have been decapitated immediately. I think president Trump very succinctly came inremember the very first thing he did is went to Riyadh and had a conference to try to pull everybody together.

Mr. Bannon: So everybodys trying to stop the spread of radical Islamic terrorism. Not just in Europe or the United States, but also throughout the middle East. In addition, trying to stand up and confront Iran. He tore up the JCPOA because they had been cheating and it was a terrible deal. And so president Trump said, Im not going to do this, and were going to stop the expansion of Hezbollah. Were going to stop the expansion of these expeditionary forces and these terror forces throughout the world. So number one Im going to take down the physical caliphate of ISIS which he did, which was extraordinary. And he killed General Soleimani and hes engaged in a full economic war with Tehran. But I dont think your viewers should worry too much that President Trump is going to get engaged in a big land war in the middle East. Thats just not gonna happen. Hes stated that many times. Its not gonna let that happen.

Ms. Gao: So the bottom line is, would you say, the American people are not for nation building, regime change, that kind of stuff, but they will be with the president on those surgical operations that the president does.

Mr. Bannon: Well not just the surgicalI think its deeper than that. I think the American people very much support the young people in Hong Kong, of what theyre trying to do for the rule of law. I think they support the people in Beirut, the young people in Beirut.

Ms. Gao: So regime change is

Mr. Bannon: Well if regime change has to comeLook, Im considered a super Hawk as you know, in the United States, right? Theres hawk and then super Hawk, right? Im a super Hawk and proud of it. But I continue to say the only people who are going to take down the CCP are the Chinese people. Right? And thats why the Taiwan situation was so powerful. With all the pressure that came in on her partywith all the pressure from the Koumingtang and others from the CCP to defeat her, you had a landslide victory. That speaks volumes of where the people in Taiwan are. Look at the kids in Hong Kong, nobody has backed off. They continue to protest and they continue to say, we need the rule of law and we need the five demands met. You see that in Beirut. You see that in Baghdad. Youre seeing it in Tehran and so the American people understand. What do they support? The American people support freedom. They support Liberty, they support democracy, and they support the rule of law. But they understand that has to come from the people. We cant do another exercise like we did in Afghanistan. Were there for 18 years and it looks like were trying to force a model onto people that may not want that. It has to come from the people, the indigenous people in these countries.

Ms. Gao: Lets talk about impeachment a little bit. House speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would hand over the impeachment articles this week to the Senate. What do you think will happen?

Mr. Bannon: Well, I think today shes meeting with her caucus and tomorrow theyre going to vote. For your audience (it is important) to understand this was (characterized as)so urgent, and had to be done before the Christmas holidays, right? She had to put us in a constitutional crisis. Why? She said president Trump was a clear and present danger. He was a clear and present danger and had to be impeached and removed from office immediately. Yet. Shes held these now for almost a month. Okay. Why did she hold those? She didnt have the evidence and she wanted to basically interrupt his state of the union address. And so on (waiting before) handing it over, she was scrambling to get new information, new data, new witnesses that could come forward because she doesnt have a case and she understands that her case in the House was all made or hearsay in a 100% partisan vote. In fact, she didnt even keep her own caucus.

Mr. Bannon: There were two members. One, a senior member thats a chairman of the agriculture committee from Minnesota, didnt vote for it at all. And, and another individual voted (against impeachment and) then shifted parties. He was so outraged and disgusted about what they had done. So Nancy Pelosi has been running this game, right? And not that Nancy Pelosi is not very smart. Shes very smart and very tough, but she didnt have the evidence and so shes trying to slow walk this so she could get more evidence. And now youre going to see it handed over to the Senate this week. And well see (one of) three things. Number one, if its dismissed outright. Number two, if theres some (kind of) short trial where some limited evidence is brought in, or number three, which Im recommending: a deep long trial with lots of witnesses and lots of witnesses that the president calls.

Ms. Gao: This is Nancy Pelosis explanation. She said by holding the articles of impeachment for the last few weeks, the house was able to make the American public see the need for more witnesses. So is she right? I mean, do more Americans now want to see witnesses?

Mr. Bannon: I dont think so. I think what she wanted was she had to have time to get more evidence. She wanted to go on and get more emails. She wanted to get even additional witnesses. Remember they impeached him already on two articles of impeachment. She should have been very comfortable to go immediately. And if he was such a clear and present danger, and just go back to the day they voted, every speaker came up and said hes a clear and present danger from the Democrats. He Must be removed from office because hes going to interfere with a foreign power in the 2020 election. If that was the case she shouldve gotten it over that night and they should have already had the trial. She knows she didnt have the evidence. He would be acquitted. In fact, hed be more than acqitted,

Mr. Bannon: He would be exonerated in front of the American people. And thats what she didnt want. So shes been slow walking this to try to get more evidence. And I think, and Ive been a big advocate, if you want witnesses, lets get witnesses. Lets bring in the whistleblower. Lets bring in Hunter Biden. Lets bring in Joe Biden. Lets bring in Brennan, the CIA. Lets bring it all so that people can see the rot and the corruption. And what you will see as part of this is why the elites in this country looked the other way and didnt see the rise of the Chinese communist party.

Ms. Gao: Mitch McConnell is seeking a speedy acquittal. Also I think he intends to have a process thats similar to the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton for president Trump. And I think president Trump is sending out contradicting signals. People dont know what he really wants. So do you think the president should agree with Mitch McConnells plan?

Mr. Bannon: I do see the logic of what President Trump and many of the constitutional conservatives have said, that this should be dismissed out of hand. It was a sham process not run by the constitution. President Trump had no due process rights. So in one regard, people are saying (in order) to keep true to the constitution, this thing should be brought up and dismissed immediately with no Adam Schiff, no going back through the testimony, no trial whatsoever. That it doesnt raise itself to the level of seriousness. And I think that that is a very serious argument. And the president has tweeted that out over the last couple of days. However, if you are not going to do that and you have determined for political reasons, because Nancy Pelosi is always going to try to smear you If you just dismiss itIf you decide to have a trial, you need to bring in witnesses. President Trump needs to be able to call his witnesses.

Mr. Bannon: You need the whistleblower. You need Adam Schiff. I think you need Horowitz that did the IG report and you particularly need Hunter Biden and you need Joe Biden. You need those five witnesses at a minimum. And if those witnesses were ever to come forward and to be able to be examined and cross-examined under a penalty of perjury before the whole world and the well of the Senate, the support by the American people for President Trump I think would soar to 60, 70, 80% cause they would see the innate corruption of our elites.

Ms. Gao: On the democratic side. One of the top witnesses they want to get is John Bolton. And he already said, I would testify if subpoenaed. But president Trump doesnt want him to testify. What do you think

Mr. Bannon: Its not president Trump. I think theres something different here. Number one. I think if Bolton, if the president gets his witnesses, I would give them Bolton, Mulvaney and the other guys at OMB, all the emails, it wouldnt make a difference. What the president said at the very beginning when we started our show War Room was that it was a perfect call and he kept saying, unity and substance. Substance is; the more granular you get, the more into the details you get, you understand it was perfect call. Its what the American people hired him to do, not to ship their money over there until they were absolutely certain it going to be used in the right way. And that all the corruption that we could possibly get, particularly the exporting of American crony capitalism, as you saw through Biden and his son, right? At Burismauntil that was all vetted and to make sure that no money was going to go to that.

Mr. Bannon: Thats what I think is so powerful. And thats what I think is what president Trump has been very smart about doing. Thats why I wouldnt care what Bolton has to say about this. I wouldnt care what Mick Mulvaney, the head of OMB has to say about this. I wouldnt care about Russell Vought the deputy of OMB, or any emails. When you offset that with the whistleblower and Biden and the IG report, people are going to understand that what theyve been hiding is everything. And thats whats very important. And thats where I think the president needs to get to. Now what the president has said (regarding John Bolton) is to protect the office of the president. Okay. Theres certain things about John Bolton because he was national security advisor that have to be protected under executive privilege. Thats not to protect Donald Trump, thats to protect the office of the presidency. And thats to protect presidents going forward. That your national security advisor, your close inner circle has to be able to have free and frank conversations with you, send you emails, texts, and have conversations that really cant be divulged to the public.

Ms. Gao: So if president Trump is acquitted, would that signify?

Mr. Bannon: When Hes acquitted.

Ms. Gao: Thats so funny. You always stress that point. So if thats the case

Mr. Bannon: Well he will be acquitted. Theres no doubt about that. The question is, theres acquittal and theres an exoneration. What we believe is important, and weve been arguing for president Trump is; you get exonerated now and vindicated at the polls in November. Exoneration I think needs to come from either dismissal out of hand or go long trial and bring in witnesses. This middle ground I think is just playing games with the Democrats and to me you have all the power and you ought to do the right thing. Either a complete dismissal because it didnt reach the standards of impeachment or you go all in and have a trial that could take six months to a year.

Ms. Gao: So if president Trump is exonerated do you think this will signify a total failure on the Democrats or it would still have done some harm to his reelection chances.

Mr. Bannon: They know they cant remove president Trump from office. They dont have the votes What theyre trying to do is, their (candidates for president) field is so weak. And what I would recommend to the, to the readers of the Epoch Times and the folks that go on your TV and watch your your live stream of Zooming in et cetera, is just to go look, go online and see the democratic partys responses when asked questions about China or are asked questions about national security, its so immature. It sounds like theyre in seventh grade. Okay. The kind of happy talk they put out there is like, theyre not serious. And I think Nancy Pelosi is quite smart, understands that field as it is composed now is so weak. Theyll never be able to take on someone like Donald Trump in the fall of 2020 in the upper Midwest, in Michigan, in Pennsylvania, right? In Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio.

Mr. Bannon: And so shes got to damage Trump, and this is all part of the 2020 campaign. What theyre trying to do is damage and to smear president Trump and trying to damage him politically so that he is defeated in November. I happen to think the way shes played this is an epic fail. And heres why. She had a free shot on goal from about three or four weeks before the campaign, when the White House, ourselves and others started coming together and president Trump said unity and substance. I want all the details that come out and in that were going to get unity of the Republican party, which hes clearly gotten. So I think that that has been one of the big game changers and I think were going to see that all the way through. Youre going to see a more united Republican party and more united in back of president Trump.

Ms. Gao: So this has strengthened president Trump.

Mr. Bannon: I think it is. President definitely strengthen president Trump in the, in the Republican party. And I think youre starting to see people are tired of the opportunity costs related to, uh, related to, um, this impeachment process. We havent done US MCA, right? The, the, the following didnt have to deal. We havent done prescription drug, uh, medication. We havent gotten to infrastructure. All the business of the people that really make your life better. Right? Nothings been accomplished because the house is totally obsessed with the Democrats are totally obsessed with impeaching president Trump. President Trump understands the American people understand this, that doesnt have anything to do with their daily lives. This is this obsession to nullify the Trump presidency and thats what theyve been attempting to do.

Ms. Gao: Last question. Do you think president Trump has done anything wrong or improper in this Ukrainian incident? A Lot of people, I think a lot of people believe even if the president has done something improper, it doesnt amount to impeachment.

Mr. Bannon: This is the key point. When we started the show, I think 75 or 80% of the Republicans in this town said, Hey, the call wasnt perfect. What he did wasnt perfect. In fact, I dont agree with, it may have even been wrong, but it didnt rise to the level of being impeachable. We said from the beginning thats (perspective is) dead wrong. What president Trump said is, its a perfect call. It was a perfect call and what I did, I did everything right. In fact, I did what the American people hired me to do. Thats the point. Not only didnt president Trump not do anything wrong, he did what the American people hired him to do and what they hired him to do is to make sure that in someI call Ukraine a sideshow to a sideshow. The main event, the main thing, the thing itself is the rise of the Chinese communist party.

Mr. Bannon: The thing itself is now this kind of whole of government approach to basically going to the Chinese communist party and saying, Hey, we understand youre not a strategic competitor. Youre doing things here that we dont agree with Right? With our allies and throughout this kind of expansion to the South China sea. So youve seen the American government change dramatically under President Trump. And to the point of President Trumps economic policy of putting in tariffs to break the back of the Chinese communist party in their economic model so that they then can have some sort of a deal that theyll announce in the next couple of days that is more equitable and has fairness to it. Understanding that, what he did in the Ukraine is 100% correct. And thats what weve been a big believer inbeen one of the most avid, strongest advocates out there for what he did is 100% correct.

Mr. Bannon: So no, I dont think theres anything he did wrong. And in fact, I think what he did was right. I think what we did was right. It was right for the country, it was right for the American people, it was right for the people in the Ukraine. It was right for the world. And thats why I think that this is a been a total sham process. And Im a big believer in doing the whole trial because I think you need to turn the guns and you need to turn the light and the focus on what the Democrats have done in this permanent political class in this town, that essentially appeased the dictators in China. They appease the dictators, the Mullahs in Tehran. And what Trump is, is like a Churchill figure in the 1930s. Hes saying no more appeasement.

Mr. Bannon: Theres going to be confrontation and theres going to be a rectification. Okay? And whether its through trade or through economic warfare or through just a general confrontation that were not going to get to kinetic war because we dont need to go there. But the way to do that is to stand up to the dictators and the presidents doing that. So I think what he did is 100% correct. And I believe that all the opposition party the media and all the opposition in the national security and foreign policy establishment should be totally exposed. And in that exposure, I believe we should drill down into who are the appeasers in the American government about the Chinese communist party. And I want to get that all out and Im dedicated to do that over the next couple of years.

Ms. Gao: Okay. You know what I thought one more question. You know the Chinese trade delegation is arriving today and theyre going to sign a deal. I never got a chance to ask you. What do you think of this phase one trade deal with China?

Mr. Bannon: Look, overall what president Trump, the real deal he wanted was the Lighthizer-Trump deal from May of 2019. For the CCP, clearly thats too catastrophic for them to sign. That would actually couple the two economies and couple, really the Chinese communist partysthe economy of China into the kind of world economy, not the mercantilist dictatorship that they currently run. They realize, I believe if theyd signed that their power would probably slip away. This interim (deal) I think what president TrumpIm not a fan of all aspects of it, but I think its what president Trump could get for right now and it kind of moved the ball forward and (may) go into a phase two. I think it could be quite powerful, right? I hope that thereswe havent seen the deal it has not been released here. Its just what its been rumored. But I believe if its got enough enforcement capability and enough snapback on the tariffsbecause they absolutely fear the tariffs.

Mr. Bannon: The single thing that your reader should understand is that the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times of London, all the business press told Trumpthe business section of the New York timesthey told Trump consistently, tariffs dont work. Tariffs are going to be awful. And it turns out they were dead wrong, as theyre wrong at so many different things. Tariffs work, tariffs broke the CCP. It forced them to the table. And so I think in that regard as an exercise to get them in to at least sign something that now theyre going to have to be held accountable for. And they can see with president Trump, somebody thats tried to balance so many things, right? He is trying to be a statesman in doing this. Its going to be something that could potentially be very powerful and lead to a phase two. Like I said, Im a super Hawk, so I would have tripled the tariffs, right? And brought the Chinese communist party to its knees. But president Trump, I think is more statesman-like, understanding he has to balance a number of things. But I think the people in Taiwan, people in Hong Kong and people in mainland China should understand, with president Trump, youre seeing for the first time a leader of the free world that has stood up to the Chinese communist party and is winning.

Ms. Gao: Thank you very much. Mr Bannon.

Mr. Bannon: Thanks for having me.
Nightclubs and bars must create a supportive environment that cracks down on unwanted sexual attention and allows women to enjoy their nights out, according to a new study.

Increasing numbers of women are prepared to speak back to sexual harassment whilst enjoying a night out with female friends by confronting the men responsible and telling them clearly and robustly that their behaviour is unacceptable.

But researchers say that such a response - which they dub 'feisty femininity' - is complex and can result in backlash. It, therefore, needs businesses within the Night Time Economy to take seriously unwanted encounters in order to foster safer venues and help to end gendered violence.

Researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Liverpool worked with colleagues at Liverpool John Moores University to explore women's navigation of unwanted sexual attention when in bars and nightclubs. They published their findings in Feminist Criminology.

They conducted focus groups with young women in Liverpool and discovered two broad forms for unwanted sexual attention when women went out: 'the pick-up routine', which men used to start sexual encounters; and 'showing off for the lads', where males engaged in undermining and abusive interactions with women for the purpose of impressing their male friends.

Encountering 'the pick-up routine' tended to prompt the use of 'diplomatic' rejection responses, which were carefully constructed in order to manage a potentially aggressive reaction. In contrast, 'showing off for the lads' approaches were more likely to spark a robust 'feisty' rebuttal from the targeted woman.

Article author Dr. Clare Gunby, from the University of Birmingham's Institute of Applied Health Research, commented: "Young people, globally, are starting to demand accountability for sexist structures and norms, partly due to the re-emergence of feminism and activism on University campuses and beyond.

"Women practicing 'feisty femininity' overtly resist unwanted encounters and this approach can arguably play a role in ending gendered violence. However, such responses may expose women to risks and place the labour of managing unwanted incidents onto women directly.

"Indeed, our participants felt that staff in nightclubs and bars did not take their concerns around safety seriously. Hence, women's informal strategies for dealing with unwanted attention become especially important because more formal lines of recourse often remain unavailable.

"Venues must, therefore, play a key role in creating a safe environment that makes it clear that unwanted sexual aggression will not be tolerated. There must be a multipronged approach across the Night Time Economy to addressing sexual violence."

The study sheds light on women's navigation of unwanted sexual attention when in bars and nightclubs - about which little is known, especially in the UK context. In addition to 'feisty femininity', the researchers found that women had developed three other risk management solutions:

'Emotion management' - offering a tactful and diplomatic explanation for their lack of interest (in order to mitigate negative reactions when rejecting men).

'Men as protector' - specifically going out with male friends or using a boyfriend (actual and mythical) to reduce the likelihood of an unwanted encounter.

'From individualism to camaraderie among the girls' - cutting an evening short, moving to another venue, laughing off unwanted attention or stepping in to stop men from exploiting drunken friends and strangers.

"There was a shared reticence to report unwanted incidents to venue staff or police as women felt that any report would be shrugged off and that no one would care due to the perceived normality of such practices when out in bars and nightclubs," Dr. Gunby notes.

"The lack of formal sanction for such behaviours could arguably play a role in their maintenance, prompting women to fill this gap by taking it upon themselves to monitor friends and strangers."

###

For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312 or email t.moran@bham.ac.uk . For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165.

Notes to editor:

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.

Unwanted Sexual Attention in the Night-Time Economy: Behaviors, Safety Strategies, and Conceptualizing "Feisty Femininity' - Clare Gunby , Anna Carline, Stuart Taylor, and Helena Gosling is published in Feminist Criminology. A copy of the research paper can be downloaded at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1557085119865027. Please feel free to publish this link in any online article.

More information about Dr. Gunby and her research can be found at https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/applied-health/gunby-clare.aspx
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell announcement about their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family may have shocked the world. However, it also brought something good and positive.

Apparently, Prince Harry and his older brother Prince William decided to make up before the Duke of Sussex moves to Canada. The two-year feud ended after they realized that it was either "now or never."

According to The Sun, the royal brothers patched up their rocky relationship with "secret peace talks" to end their feud. It was also reported that their wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, were present during their discussions.

These talks were separate from conversations with Queen Elizabeth II over Prince Harry's future role.

"William and Harry have spent time together privately away from the official Sandringham Summit, working on their relationship and discussing their future," a royal source of The Sun said.

"It has been groundbreaking in terms of saving their bonds as brothers. Given Harry is now permanently moving away, there was a realization if they didn't sort things out, they never would."

These sentiments were echoed by Daily Mail's Rebecca English, who wrote on Twitter that negotiations over the "exit package" brought the two brothers closer than they have been for more than a year.

Another senior royal source told The Sun that Prince Harry and Prince William have decided to "cut out all the toxic people stirring around them" so they could deal with others as brothers.

"There have been serious differences in opinions, but the family warmth is back. And they're sad they're going to be so far apart," says the royal source.

Despite patching things up with Prince William, one royal family member still has not made a breakthrough with Prince Harry.

Prince Charles' relationship with his youngest son is described to be as "far more complicated," with there being a "lack of trust." The Prince of Wales is still at odds following the Sussexes' dramatic exit from royal life.

"It's fair to say that the past week has brought William and Harry back together, but the relationship with Charles and Camila is far more complicated and complex," The Sun surce added.

According to the Daily Mail, it is believed that Prince Charles is saddened by what has happened. However, he reportedly believes that if his son is going to be happier abroad, then seeing less of him and his grandson, Archie, is a price he is willing to pay.

Less than two weeks after announcing he and his wife will be leaving their royal lives, Prince Harry told an audience at a dinner for his charity in London that they had "no other option" and that the move was a "leap of faith."

"I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share - not as a Prince or Duke, but like Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years," Harry told the audience in the video posted on the Sussex Royal Instagram page

The 35-year-old Prince said that the decision they made to step down is not one he took lightly, adding that there were so many months of talks after years of "challenges."
March 13, 2020

Editor's note: Many events have been canceled or postponed in accordance with current university policy on the COVID-19 outbreak. Cinematheque film screenings have been canceled through April 5. Visit the Coronavirus Updates for the Emory Community website to learn more about how Emory is responding to COVID-19.

The Emory Cinematheque, a weekly series of free film screenings, presents African Americans in American Film for its spring 2020 program. The series showcases and examines African American narratives, performers and filmmakers in American cinema over the last 100 years. Four of the titles feature Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., who will be in attendance at the screenings of his films and will participate in post-screening discussions.

Gossett, along with filmmakers, scholars and archivists, will explore the implications of race in Hollywood, examined through a socio-political and historical lens. Gossett has a particular interest in using media to eliminate racism, which will also be discussed following the screenings of his films.

All screenings are on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in White Hall, Room 208. The series runs from Jan. 22 until April 22 and is free and open to the public.

The participation of African Americans in the U.S. film industry reflects the challenges faced by African Americans in American society over the last 100 years, says series curator Nsenga Burton, Film and Media Management concentration co-director. The struggles and triumphs and everything in between have been represented in film, often from our perspective, over the last century. I am excited about the opportunity to screen these important films, explore this rich narrative and have critical discussions about race and the cinematic imagination through this series.

The series begins with a centennial screening of Oscar Micheauxs stunning and controversial silent classic Within Our Gates (1920), Otto Premingers innovative musical Carmen Jones (1954) and the landmark adaptation A Raisin in the Sun (1961), which features a distinctive performance by Gossett.

The series also features Ivan Dixons rarely-screened The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973), Julie Dashs groundbreaking Daughters of the Dust (1992), Kasi Lemmons highly-acclaimed Eves Bayou (1997), Theodore Witchers crowd-pleasing Love Jones (1997), Slam (1998), Academy award-winning director Barry Jenkins first feature film Medicine for Melancholy (2008) and the first two episodes of HBOs must-view new series Watchmen, which features Gossett.

Additional films screened starring Gossett include Enemy Mine (1985) and An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), featuring his Academy Award-winning performance.

At the end of the most productive decade for African American filmmaking, in which Hollywood is highly conscious of the need for diversity on screen, this is a great opportunity to look back and see how far weve come and how far we still have to go, says Matthew H. Bernstein, Goodrich C. White Professor and chair of the Department of Film and Media Studies.

All films will be shown in professional Digital Cinema Package (DCP) or 35mm formats and introduced by Burton. For more information, visit the Emory Department of Film and Media Studies website or call 404-727-6761.

Emory Cinematheque Spring 2020 Series

Jan. 22: Within Our Gates (1920)

Southern teacher Sylvia Landry (Evelyn Preer) takes a fundraising trip to Boston in hopes of collecting $5,000 to keep a southern school for impoverished black children open. She then meets the warmhearted Dr. V. Vivian (Charles D. Lucas), who falls in love with Sylvia and travels with her back to the South to fulfill her destiny. There, Vivian learns about Sylvias difficult past and come to grips that the woman he loves has many unearthed layers. Pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheauxs film Within Our Gates explores themes of love and betrayal, pure and prurient interests, while offering historical insight into struggles over class, northern migration and the impact of racism on the everyday lives of black Americans.

Jan. 29, 2020: Carmen Jones (1954)

Bizets 1875 opera Carmen is translated into a contemporary story of sultry factory worker Carmen Jones (Dorothy Dandridge) and Joe (Harry Belafonte) a fearless GI who is engaged to sweet Cindy Lou (Olga James) and has set his sights on flying school. A free-spirit, Carmen sets her sights on Joe, who succumbs to her allure and pursues her with a vengeance. Carmen and Joe risk it all to be together going on the lam until Husky Miller (Joe Adams), a flamboyant prize fighter, enters the picture. Performing with Brock Peters and Diahann Carroll, Dandridge became the first black woman nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for her iconic performance.

Feb. 5: A Raisin in the Sun (1961)

This iconic and groundbreaking adaptation of Lorraine Hansberrys Tony award-winning play explores the lives of the Younger family, who stand to inherit $10,000 after the death of the family patriarch. Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil, who won Tony awards for their performances on Broadway, reprise their roles as Walter Younger Jr. (Poitier) and Lena Younger (McNeil), a mother and son with vastly different idea on how to spend the money. Ruby Dee, Diana Sands and Louis Gossett Jr., who also starred in the Broadway production, reprise their roles in the film. Gossett plays George, the bougie suitor for the hand of Walters sister Beneatha (Diana Sands).

Feb. 12: Claudine (1974)



Legendary actress Diahann Carroll stars as Claudine, a poor, single mother of six, living in New York City and working as a maid in the suburbs. A welfare recipient, Claudine must hide any signs of material gain including her soon-to-be boyfriend Rupert (James Earl Jones), a trash collector with a problematic past who hesitates to become a father to six children. Will their romance survive the reality of raising six kids, government interference and the pitfalls of being poor and black in America?

Feb. 19: The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973)

The CIAs first black agent Dan Freeman (Lawrence Cook) takes what he learns in his government training back to the Southside of Chicago to turn the Cobras, a local gang, into revolutionaries. Dan must navigate the push and pull of the black middle-class (a police captain best friend; a bourgeois sometime girlfriend; and a prostitute with the sense that God gave her) while training youth from the streets who will lead black Americans to a different kind of freedom. Based on the novel by Sam Greenlee and directed by actor/activist Ivan Dixon, The Spook Who Sat by the Door offers a compelling perspective of what it means to black and free in America.

Feb. 26: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

The arrogant and presumptuous military brat Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) joins the U.S. Navy with his sights set on the Aviation Academy, but he needs an attitude adjustment. At the Academy, he meets Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley (Louis Gossett Jr.), a strict officer who makes it his mission to teach Zach humility and what it really means to be a soldier. Through an unexpected friendship with fellow cadet Sid (David Keith), impetuous romance with Paula (Debra Winger) and Foleys torment which eventually turns to mentorship, Zack begins to discover who he really is as a man relative to who he wants to be as a soldier. Gossett won the 1982 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding performance in this film.

March 4: Enemy Mine (1985)

War has been declared between humans and the reptilian Drac race. Following a battle, Spaceship pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and Drac soldier Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr.) become stranded on an isolated planet. The sworn enemies encounter hostile alien life and are forced to work together to survive. Will they be able to maintain a truce in order to survive in this new territory together or will fear of betrayal and the unknown tear them apart? Action and witty dialogue have rarely been combined this effectively.

March 11: No screening; Emory spring break

March 18: Daughters of the Dust (1991)

Julie Dashs groundbreaking film, which proved a major inspiration for Beyonces Lemonade, explores the lives of three generations of Geechee women living on a Gullah community off the coast of South Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. Former West African slaves who adopted many of their ancestors' Yoruba traditions, the Peazant women are in conflict over the next phase of their lives. Should they remain with their tradition-bound matriarch Nana (Cora Lee Day) or move to the mainland as urged by the young and vibrant Haagar (Kaycee Moore)? Featuring compelling performances, gorgeous cinematography by Sundance Award winner Arthur Jafa and sweeping shots of untethered beauty on the Georgia coast, Dashs beautiful film wonders aloud if generational splits can be healed and if progress means letting go of the past or bringing it with you.

March 25: Love Jones (1997)

Theodore Witchers film explores the complicated relationship between slam poet Darius (Larenz Tate) and photographer Nina (Nia Long) as they pursue artistic careers in the Windy City. Nestled among a bevy of hood films, this gem showcases Chicagos black middle class and black cultural practices that underscore Darius and Ninas angst ridden definition and pursuit of love. Buoyed by strong performances by Isaiah Washington and Lisa Nicole Carlson and one of the decades seminal soundtracks, the cult classic reminds audiences of what it feels like to fall in love and what it takes to stay there.

April 1: Slam (1998)

With so much creative promise, Ray Joshua (Saul Williams), a gifted MC and poet trapped in a Washington, D.C., war-zone housing project known as Dodge City, falls victim to the call of the streets and falls in love with fellow poet Lauren Bell (Sonja Sohn) en route to coming to grips with his past choices and the impact on his future. The real-life effects of poverty and the prison industrial complex loom large in this film. Directed by Marc Levin and written by hip-hop writer Bonz Malone along with Williams and Sohn, Slam explores how the struggle just might prepare you for the dream.

April 8: Eves Bayou (1997)

Louis Batiste (Samuel L. Jackson), head of an affluent black family in rural Louisiana, is a doctor, loving father and husband with a wandering eye and insatiable bedside manner. Roz (Lynn Whitfield) is a beautiful mother and dutiful wife being pushed to the brink of insanity by Louis public dalliances and their rebellious children. Precocious Eve (Jurnee Smollett) witnesses one of her father's infidelities and struggles to make sense of it all. With no help from the adults, Eve feels compelled to take matters into her own hands. With lush cinematography and costumes, Kasi Lemons first feature film explores the ties that bind and what happens when they begin to unravel, while giving audiences a dramatic look into Creole culture.

April 15: Medicine for Melancholy (2008)

Micah (Wyatt Cenac), a passionate social activist, meets affluent professional Joanne (Tracey Heggins) at a party. After getting drunk together, they have a one-night stand. Academy Award-winning director Barry Jenkins first feature film explores the morning after and the issues that arise when trying to build something meaningful out of what was supposed to be nothing. Medicine for Melancholy brings a story of convenience, connection and compromise to audiences.

April 22: Watchmen, Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2 (2019)

Set in an alternate history in 1985 where Robert Redford has been president for 30 years, police officers wear masks to protect their identities from a skeptical public and superheroes are forced to live on the margins of society after a government crackdown, HBOs Watchmen embraces and explodes the idea of nostalgia, creating a universe that mirrors contemporary society while simultaneously pushing against it. Based on the groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name, the series explores the ongoing racial and political tensions of society, how we got here, and if real freedom is ever a possibility. With Regina King, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson and Louis Gossett Jr.
Government and media are the least trusted institutions for people across the world with trust levels falling across categories amid rising inequality, but China and India are the two countries that have the highest levels of trust, a survey said on Tuesday.

At the same time, India figures among the countries where worries are at high level for job losses, according to the annual Edelman Trust Barometer released here on Tuesday.

China tops the chart in terms of trust among informed public as well as among the mass population, while India is at the second place. Russia is at the lowest for both.

The 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that despite a strong global economy and near full employment, a majority of respondents in every developed market do not believe they will be better off in five years' time, and 56 per cent believe that capitalism in its current form is now doing more harm than good in the world.

"We are living in a trust paradox," said Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman.

"Since we began measuring trust 20 years ago, economic growth has fostered rising trust. This continues in Asia and the Middle East but not in developed markets, where national income inequality is now the more important factor. Fears are stifling hope, and long-held assumptions about hard work leading to upward mobility are now invalid," Edelman said.

The concerns are wide-ranging and deep. Most employees (83 per cent) globally are worried about job loss due to automation, a looming recession, lack of training, cheaper foreign competition, immigration and the gig economy.

Fifty-seven per cent of respondents worry about losing the respect and dignity they once enjoyed in their country. Nearly two in three feel the pace of technological change is too fast. And there is no agreed-on truth; 76 per cent said they worry about fake being used as a weapon.

A record number of countries are experiencing an all-time high "mass-class" trust divide, spreading from developed into the developing world. Globally, there is a 14-point gap between the informed public (65) and the mass population (51).

Business (58 per cent) is the most trusted institution, taking the lead role in global governance. "Business has leapt into the void left by populist and partisan government," said Edelman.

CEOs are expected to lead from the front. Ninety-two per cent of employees say CEOs should speak out on issues of the day, including retraining, the ethical use of technology and income inequality.

Three-quarters of the general population believe CEOs should take the lead on change instead of waiting for government to impose it.

This year's results reveal that none of the four institutions is seen as both competent and ethical. Business ranks highest in competence, holding a massive 54-point edge over government as an institution that is good at what it does (64 per cent against 10 per cent).

NGOs lead on ethical behavior over government (a 31-point gap) and business (a 25-point gap).

Government is perceived as both incompetent and unethical but is trusted more than twice as much as business to protect the environment and close the income inequality gap.

Media is also viewed as incompetent and unethical: a majority (57 per cent) do not believe that media does a good job of differentiating opinion and fact and found them to be invaluable on covering (58 per cent).

Both business and government can take specific actions to achieve a higher trust score. Respondents expect business to focus on paying fair wages and retraining.

For government, the actions include reducing partisanship, addressing community-level problems and partnering with business and NGOs. Local/state government (54 per cent) is more trusted than central/federal government (51 per cent).

While government remains tied with media as the least trusted institution, it is the group, most believe is best suited to address the issues of healthcare (53 per cent); income inequality (51 per cent); immigration (48 per cent); harmful products (42 per cent); and inclusion (41 per cent).

Technology (75 per cent) remained the most trusted sector but saw the biggest drop globally at four points.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A stonemason claims he contracted a deadly lung disease after breathing in toxic dust while building the new Parliament House in the 1980s.

Frank Scott worked as an apprentice for R.M. Watson, cutting and grinding marble and granite slabs in Canberra between 1986 and 1988.

The 50-year-old contracted silicosis - a fatal disease caused by working with silica dust found in sand and rock which leads to lung scarring.

Mr Scott now suffers a lifetime of breathing problems, needs a double lung transplant and relies on an oxygen tank 16 hours a day.

The grandfather is suing his former employer in the ACT Supreme Court, claiming he was only provided with a paper mask that didn't protect his lungs.

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Frank Scott worked as an apprentice cutting and grinding marble and granite slabs in Parliament House, but now suffers silicosis - a deadly lung disease

'We just assumed that was the best protection we could get so we just used those,' Mr Scott told Nine News.

'We did blow [the dust off] ourselves at the end of the day, but it's still in your hair, on your clothes, on your skin. Sometimes you look like Casper the Ghost.

'I thought I would take a couple of Panadols or something and be back to work, not a lifelong sentence.

'I was thinking that it wasn't going to happen to me, and it has, so all these young people think it's not going to happen to them. It can and it will.'

Mr Scott was even forced to uproot his life from his home in Canberra and move to Broome in Western Australia because the cold weather in winter made his illness unbearable.

A stonemason works on Parliament House in the 1980s before it was opened in 1998 costing $1.1 billion

Mr Scott's lawyer Roger Singh is seeking compensation on behalf of his client, for the 'significant damage that has been done to his health'.

Mr Singh believes adequate protective masks should be mandatory on all work sites, and he is calling on politicians to take immediate action to tackle the 'crisis'.

'Frank is one of at least 300 Australian workers whose lungs have been destroyed as a result of exposure to silica dust,' he said.

In the last year alone, 20 per cent of stonemasons tested in Queensland were diagnosed with silicosis.

Some have called the startling figures the worst industrial health crisis since the asbestos crisis.

In March 2018, Gold Coast man Anthony White, 36, became the first recorded stonemason to die after contracting silicosis.

The life expectancy for those who contract the most serious and aggressive form of the disease is as little as three years.

Victoria is also seeing a 'very disturbing' rise in the deadly lung disease.

By the middle of 2019, 24 Victorian tradies were diagnosed with silicosis.

It comes after the state government banned dry-cutting and brought in free health screening for Victoria's 1,400 stonemasons.

Mr Scott is suing his former employer, claiming he was required to work up to seven days a week and was only provided with a paper mask that didn't protect his lungs (stock image)

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said the 24 stonemasons had been diagnosed with silicosis since the tests were announced in May.

A ban on dry-cutting in Victoria came into effect last week.

State and federal workplace regulators in July agreed to reduce the national silica workplace exposure standard in a bid to better protect tradies.

In New South Wales, new rules were put in place to protect workers from the risks of contracting silicosis.

Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson on Friday announced new standards to reduce the possible exposure of workers to silica dust.
ABC News

Former President Donald Trump, his sister Maryanne Trump Barry and the estate of his late brother Robert Trump tried on Tuesday to convince a New York judge to dismiss a lawsuit by Mary Trump that accused her family of swindling her out of at least $10 million. Attorneys for the Trump siblings argued Mary Trump's claims are time-barred by a six-year statute of limitations and prohibited by legal releases she signed in 2001 when the family settled the estate of Fred Trump Sr., the former president's father. The Trumps also argued Mary Trump possessed "boxes and boxes of information" about the estate settlement that should have given rise to any claims at the time.
Thousands of sailors are in San Diego after completing the longest carrier deployment since the end of the Cold War.

The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrived at Naval Air Station North Island on Monday, marking the end to a 295-day round-the-globe deployment. The flattop deployed from Virginia on April 1 as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.

The carrier spent about seven months in the Middle East after the strike group was ordered to the region to temper Iranian aggression in May. Its deployment was extended several times as the Navy worked to repair a broken carrier that was set to replace it.

The strike group left the Middle East just weeks before the U.S. took out a top Iranian general, resulting in retaliatory strikes on U.S. forces in Iraq.

Related: Navy's Top Admiral Has No Apologies Over Carrier Lincoln's Extra-Long Deployment

Families told Military.com more than seven months into the carrier's deployment that multiple extensions were taking a toll. They not only missed their loved ones on Halloween, when they were supposed to return, but Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

Many also carried out cross-country moves without their sailors as the ship's homeport moved from Virginia to California.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday last week defended the decision to keep the Lincoln at sea much longer than planned. Several factors contributed to the decision, he said at the annual Surface Navy Association meeting outside Washington.

"That's sometimes how it goes," the CNO said. "I don't make any apologies for that.  If I had a better solution, I would've offered it."

With some families worried the Lincoln crew's experience could become the new norm as the Navy shakes up its deployments with harder-to-predict schedules, the carrier's commanding officer said they should not assume they'll have the same experience.

"This certainly was outside what anybody would characterize as normal," Capt. Walter Slaughter told Military.com as the carrier headed back toward the U.S. "There were extraordinary circumstances."

Rear Adm. Michael Boyle, Carrier Strike Group 12's commander, said in a statement that the carrier strike group's presence made a difference in some of the world's most critical waterways, "deterring aggression through strength and readiness."

The ships traveled more than 64,000 nautical miles since April, including transits through several choke points, such as the straits of Gibraltar and Hormuz and the Suez Canal.

"They can return home knowing that their service to our Navy and our nation made a positive difference," Boyle said.

Slaughter said tensions were high when the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Middle East in May. That started to decrease as time went on, he said.

"Having a carrier strike [group] on station certainly is a message that we're concerned about what's going on in that part of the world," he said.

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group replaced the Lincoln in the region.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Read more: Carrier Lincoln Is Finally Headed Home. But Families Say the Navy Broke Trust
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell abruptly changed his proposed rules for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, backing off the condensed two-day schedule to add a third for opening arguments after protests from senators, including Republicans.

The trial quickly burst into a partisan fight at the Capitol as the president's lawyers opened arguments Tuesday in support of McConnell's plan.

Democrats objected loudly to McConnell's initially proposed rules, and some Republicans made their concerns known in private.

Without comment, the Republican leader quietly submitted an amended proposal for the record, after meeting behind closed doors with senators as the trial opened. He added the extra day and allowed House evidence to be included in the record.

"It's time to start with this trial," said White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, the president's lead lawyer as the proceedings opened in public.

"It's a fair process," he said. "There is absolutely no case."



Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do "impartial justice" as jurors.

Senators were stunned by McConnell's shift, and aides offered no immediate answers/ But a spokeswoman for Republican Sen. Susan Collins said that she and others had raised concerns. The Maine senator sees the changes as significant improvements, said spokeswoman Annie Clark.

Democrats had warned that the rules package from Trump's ally, the Senate GOP leader, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

"This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial" Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Ca., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters. He called it a "cover-up".

McConnell opened the chamber promising a "fair, even handed" process and warned that the Senate would stay in session until his proposed rules package was adopted.

"The president's lawyers will finally receive a level playing field," the Kentucky Republican said, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

The first test was coming as senators prepared to begin debate and vote on McConnell's proposed rules.

The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Trump's actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

The Democrats say the prospect of middle-of-the-night proceedings, without allowing new witnesses or even the voluminous House records of the trial, will leave the public without crucial information about Trump's political pressure campaign on Ukraine and the White House's obstruction of the House impeachment probe.

"The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump," said the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer.

He vowed to call for a series of votes to amend the rules and demand testimony and documents, but it seemed unlikely Republicans would break from the party to join Democrats.

"This is a historic moment," Schumer said. "The eyes of America are watching. Republican senators must rise to the occasion."



If the senators agree to McConnell's proposal for speedy trial and acquittal, Schiff said, "It will not prove the president innocent, it will only prove the Senate guilty of working with the president to obstruct the truth from coming out."Rep. Jerry Nadler, the Judiciary Committee Chairman also leading the House team, said: "There's no trial in this country where you wouldn't admit relative witnesses."McConnell had promised to set rules similar to the last impeachment trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways.

GOP Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, whose votes are being closely watched, said he was satisfied with the proposal, even as he hopes to hear from former national security adviser John Bolton who had a front-row seat to Trump's actions.

The first several days of the trial are expected to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor and behind closed doors. Senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

Like Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will also be away for the proceedings, leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Poland and Israel to commemorate the 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz at the end of World War II.

She issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing McConnell's proposed ground rules as a "sham" because of the compressed schedule and lack of guarantee that witnesses will be called or that evidence gathered by the House would be admitted in the Senate trial.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mr. Battiste is the first African-American to serve as National President. He also made history in 1983 by becoming one of the first two African-Americans elected to Columbia City Council since Reconstruction. He served 15 years as a member of the Columbia City Council, including two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore. In 1998, the City of Columbia dedicated to Luther J. Battiste, III the Monument and Plaza in honor of his dedicated service as a public servant.

Mr. Battiste was admitted to ABOTA in on January 29, 2000, and has served as a National Board Member since 2005. He served two terms as National Treasurer and has served as a chair or member on a number of committees and task forces. In 2011, he served as the President of the Southeastern Chapters of ABOTA, a regional organization representing 11 ABOTA chapters. He is active with the ABOTA Foundation and has long recognized that civics education has been neglected in this country and that failure has resulted in a serious diminution of citizens' understanding of the key role of an impartial judiciary and the jury system in our constitutional democracy.

Mr. Battiste and his wife, Judy, are spearheading the Foundation's newest effort launching this year, the Civics Education Literacy Program, which provides free books related to the U.S. Constitution to elementary schools. ABOTA members are financially supporting the program and are serving as volunteers to read to the students.

Mr. Battiste recognized his mentor, the Hon. Matthew J. Perry, Jr., who served as the first African-American United States District Judge in South Carolina. "Judge Perry demonstrated under difficult circumstances that lawyers who practice with skill, civility, and integrity are respected," Mr. Battiste said. "We should continue, as an organization, to stress that in an increasingly intemperate world civility and integrity matter. We must continue the efforts of the ABOTA Foundation to communicate the need for civility among lawyers and to educate our youth through civics education."

As a board member for the National Center for State Courts, Mr. Battiste said that working closely with judges nationwide provided a perspective into the challenges faced by the Third Branch.

"We must continue to support making the judicial system accessible to all and responsive to the changing needs of technology. Advocating for an independent judiciary is essential," Mr. Battiste said. "Understanding the past and preparing for the future to protect our valued legal system should be our greatest pursuit."

Professional Information

American Board of Trial Advocates

American Inns of Court

American Association for Justice

National Bar Association

Southern Trial Lawyers Association

Richland County Bar Association

Columbia Lawyers Association

South Carolina Association for Justice

International Society of Barristers

Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference

Civic and Community Involvement

American Board of Trial Advocates, Board Member

President of University Associates, University of South Carolina

Chairman of Board, Capital City Club

Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Member, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity

Member, NAACP

Honors and Awards

Matthew J. Perry Public Service Award from the South Carolina Association of Justice, 2018

Award from the South Carolina Association of Justice, 2018 The John Richard Craft Leadership Award for board service, committee participation, and philanthropy (the museum's highest award) from the Columbia Museum of Art, 2018

Super Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in America

30 Most Significant African Americans In Richland County, Historic Columbia Foundation, 2008

John H. Williams Award, Richland County Bar Association's highest award, 2007

Award, Richland County Bar Association's highest award, 2007 Bell South African-American Calendar Honoree, 2004

South Carolina Black Hall of Fame Honoree

of Fame Honoree Walker Solomon Award, Columbia Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2003

Award, Columbia Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2003 University of South Carolina Distinguished Alumni Award, 1999

Distinguished Alumni Award, 1999 Luther Battiste Monument and Plaza Dedication, 1998

and Plaza Dedication, 1998 University of South Carolina Black Alumni of the Year Award, 1986

Education

University of South Carolina, B.A., International Studies, 1971; Emory University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1974

Personal

Host of the "World Class Jazz" radio show, WVCD 96.5, WVCD 790AM, Voorhees College

Married to Judy M. Battiste, and they have two children, Justin and Jade.

ABOTA is an invitation-only national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to civil jury trials. ABOTA's primary goal is to educate the American public about the history and value of the right to trial by jury and is dedicated to elevating the standards of skill, integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession.

Founded in 1958 with a membership of more than 7,600 experienced attorneys representing both the plaintiff and defense bars in civil cases, ABOTA supports the value of the constitutionally-mandated jury system as the protector of the rights of persons and property. The ABOTA Foundation, the nonprofit educational arm of the organization, was established in 1992 to provide education to the American public about the right to trial by jury and to improve the professional skills of trial attorneys.

For more information contact:

Brian Tyson at (800) 932-2682

[email protected]

SOURCE American Board of Trial Advocates

Related Links

http://www.abota.org


NAMPA  An Idaho teen has overdosed from a blue pill that he thought was OxyContin, police said.

Cher Gray, from Nampa, says her son overdosed on Jan. 18 from a pill that he bought on Snapchat, according to CBS2.

My sons life was worth $30. Thats what he paid for this pill, she told CBS2.

Gray said that she and her husband started performing CPR after her son stopped breathing, CBS2 reported. He was taken to a hospital and ended up at St. Lukes ICU and was given Narcan five times. He has since been released from the ICU.

I might add that his toxicology report showed no diploids in his system meaning this is not OxyContin but most likely a synthetic drug laced with fentanyl, Gray wrote in a Facebook post. Several doctors have said to him that he must have a guardian angel because he should be dead!

Had we got to him a minute later I would be sharing a different story! We have talked to our kids about drugs and the risks but unfortunately our kids dont always listen or hear what we are saying, she continued. When we tell our kids no its not because we are trying to punish them we are trying to protect them.

The Nampa Police Department also posted about the pill on Facebook, warning people about the potentially dangerous drug.

Officers have responded to three overdose related calls in the past two days, which we believe are connected to an illicit/illegal drug, the post read. The drug is described as a small blue pill and may be getting distributed under the premise it is OxyContin.

These drugs are extremely potent and potentially fatal, the department said. We strongly urge consumers to avoid this substance.

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Legislatures LGBTQ and black caucuses on Tuesday asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to posthumously pardon a civil rights leader who was jailed for having gay sex nearly 70 years ago.

Bayard Rustin was a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with being an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. He also helped plan other nonviolent boycotts and protests to end racial discrimination.

In 1953, he was arrested on a charge of vagrancy when he was caught having sex with two men in a parked car after he gave a speech in Pasadena as part of a lecture tour on anti-colonial struggles in West Africa, Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Assemblywoman Shirley Weber wrote on behalf of the caucuses.

He served 50 days in Los Angeles County jail and had to register as a sex offender before returning to his home state of New York. He died in 1987,

He deserves to be remembered as one of the towering figures in the cause of justice and freedom, both as a black man and as a gay man, Weber said. A pardon ... would ensure his legacy and his place in history is unsullied by this event.

The Democratic governor said in a supportive statement that he will closely consider the request.

In California and across the country, sodomy laws were used as legal tools of oppression, Newsom said. They were used to stigmatize and punish LGBTQ individuals and communities and warn others what harm could await them for living authentically.

The lawmakers said Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey supports a pardon, though her office did not immediately comment.

Rustins inner circle knew he was gay, the lawmakers said, but his arrest embarrassed his religious and political associates, particularly after U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina read Rustins arrest file into the Congressional Record.

He was immediately removed from the Fellowship of Reconciliation, where he was secretary for student and general affairs.

At the time, racial segregation was in full effect and LGBTQ people were under a constant threat of violence and targeting, the lawmakers said. President Dwight D. Eisenhower had just issued an executive order banning gay individuals from federal employment.

President Barack Obama honoured Rustin posthumously with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013 as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people were included in the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

San Diego City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez said a pardon could also help a national letter-writing campaign he is leading to have a commemorative stamp made in Rustins honour.

Gay sex is no longer a crime, but Rustins arrest and status as a registered sex offender haunted him for the rest of his life, and it continues to tarnish his name 33 years after his death, the lawmakers wrote in asking Newsom for the pardon as a positive step toward reconciliation.
Lucknow, Jan 21 : The Uttar Pradesh Police has lodged FIRs against the daughters of famous Urdu poet Munawwar Rana, among many others, for holding protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) at the Clock Tower in Lucknow.

Three separate FIRs were lodged late on Monday night at the Thakurganj police station naming 20 women, two men and around 135 unnamed women under IPC Sections 147(rioting), 145 (joining or continuing in unlawful assembly knowing it has been commanded to disperse), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 283 (danger or obstruction in public way).

The FIR has been lodged on the complaint of one Seth Pal Singh from Thakurganj who originally belongs to Haridwar.

The FIR against the two daughters of Munnawar Rana, Sumaiya and Fauzia Rana, also includes two other named women -- Rukhsana and Safi Fatima and another eight to 10 unnamed protesters.

The complaint said that the women had not only refused to disperse when a woman police personnel asked them to move out but also pushed her around.

The protest against the CAA that started on the lines of the Shaheen Bagh protests in Delhi on Friday afternoon with barely 15 women has grown in size and now has more than 5,000 women in support.

On Friday night, the police had not only cut off electricity at the protest site at but also locked the washrooms. They forcibly took away blankets and poured water on the bonfires.

The city's Sikh community had been holding round the clock langar for the women and children protesting continuously for the last four days.

The police had not allowed men to join the protest and they remained silent spectators to the women who have been raising anti-CAA slogans, singing the national anthem, reading out the preamble and singing other nationalist songs.

Lucknow Police Commissioner Sujit Pandey had imposed CrPC Section 144 on Sunday, in view of the Republic Day celebrations and the Defence Expo in Lucknow in the first week of February.
The Philippine military on Sunday said it has launched search and rescue operations for five Indonesian fishermen kidnapped by militants belonging to the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf group in Malaysian waters last week.

Eight Indonesians were abducted in Sabah on Thursday. Three were released, while the remaining five were probably brought by their captors to the southern Philippine province of Sulu, said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the militarys Western Mindanao Command.

Sulu is Abu Sayyafs stronghold.

Sobejana disclosed the abduction a day after soldiers clashed with Abu Sayyaf members in Sulare island in Parang town, in Sulu, killing one militant and destroying a speed boat believed to have been used in the kidnapping.

Sobejana said Malaysian authorities had immediately coordinated with the Philippine military after the abduction.

Indonesias foreign ministry said it also has coordinated with the Philippine government and was still waiting for official information about the incident.

The speed boat was positively identified by the three Indonesian fishermen who have been freed as the one used in the abduction staged by six militants, Sobejana said.

The likelihood they are in Sulare island or Parang, Sulu is very high, he said.

Abu Sayyaf, which has its roots in separatism, is notorious for banditry and piracy, including beheading some captives if no ransom is paid.
By Parisa Hafezi

DUBAI (Reuters) - An Iranian lawmaker offered a $3 million reward to anyone who killed U.S. President Donald Trump and said Iran could avoid threats if it had nuclear arms, ISNA news agency reported on Tuesday amid Tehran's latest standoff with Washington.

U.S. disarmament ambassador Robert Wood dismissed the reward as "ridiculous", telling reporters in Geneva it showed the "terrorist underpinnings" of Iran's establishment.

Tensions have escalated since Trump in 2018 pulled the United States out of a multilateral 2015 agreement meant to contain Iran's nuclear program, saying it was flawed, then reimposed heavy U.S. sanctions on Tehran. The standoff erupted into tit-for-tat military strikes earlier this month.

"On behalf of the people of Kerman province, we will pay a $3 million reward in cash to whoever kills Trump," lawmaker Ahmad Hamzeh told the 290-seat parliament, ISNA reported.

He did not say if the reward had any official backing from Iran's clerical rulers.

The city of Kerman, in the province south of the capital, is the hometown of Qassem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian general whose killing in a drone strike ordered by Trump on Jan. 3 in Baghdad prompted Iran to fire missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq.

"If we had nuclear weapons today, we would be protected from threats ... We should put the production of long-range missiles capable of carrying unconventional warheads on our agenda. This is our natural right," Hamzeh was quoted as saying by ISNA.

The United States and it Western allies have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Tehran insists it has never sought nuclear arms and never will, saying its nuclear work is for research and to master the process to generate electricity.

The 2015 nuclear accord overall was designed to increase the time Iran would need to obtain enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb. Parties to the deal believed, at the time, Iran could produce enough material in 2-3 months if it wanted.

Story continues

Under the deal, known as the JCPOA, Iran received relief from sanctions in return for curbing its nuclear activities. In response to the U.S. withdrawal and pressure from U.S. sanctions, Iran has rolled back its commitments to the deal.

This month, Iran announced it was scrapping all limits on its uranium enrichment work, potentially shortening the so-called "breakout time" needed to build a nuclear weapon.

Iran on Tuesday repeated its position that its steps to reduce compliance could be reversed.

Iran has said steps taken in full conformity with JCPOA will be reversible should other JCPOA participants take meaningful decisions to live up to their commitment, Irans ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh, told the U.N.-backed disarmament conference on Tuesday.

Reports issued by the U.N. nuclear watchdog have suggested Tehran is still far from sprinting ahead with uranium enrichment.

After Iran's latest step, Britain, France and Germany triggered a dispute mechanism in the nuclear pact, starting a diplomatic process that could lead to reimposing global, U.N. sanctions that were lifted under the JCPOA.

Iran said on Monday it would pull out of the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which commits all signatories seeking nuclear energy to use it only for peaceful purposes, if United Nations sanctions were reinstated.

Wood, the U.S. disarmament envoy, said the Iranian threat to quit the NPT, the foundation of global nuclear arms control since the Cold War, would send a "very, very negative message".

(Additional reporting by Emma Farge and Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva; Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
A debt-ridden elderly farmer allegedly committed suicide at a village near here in Maharashtra on Tuesday, police said.

Arun Khushal Kanhonkar (65), a resident of Wakodi village under Saoner tehsil of Nagpur district, hanged himself from a ceiling hook with a rope at his residence, they said.

Kanhonkar, who was owner of seven acres of agriculture land, had borrowed a loan of Rs 1.70 lakh from a nationalised bank in Saoner tehsil in 2016-17, the police said.

Due to heavy losses in farming, he was unable to pay installments of the loan, they said.

He had even mortgaged the family's jewellery with a local moneylender to pay loan installments, but his financial woes had not ended, the police said.

The farmer was under depression since a week as he was unable to get back the ornaments from the lender, they said.

He committed suicide in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday when his family members were asleep, the police said.

The Saoner police have registered a case of accidental death and started a probe.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Students write Chinese calligraphy during a New Year gala for Chinese and international youth in New York, the United States, Jan. 19, 2020. The great hall of the Chinese Consulate General in New York was filled with joyful laughter, beautiful melodies and the smell of dumplings on Sunday night. Some 200 Chinese, U.S. and other international college students gathered here for a Lunar New Year Gala to welcome the Year of the Rat. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
[January 21, 2020] Remine Taps Former Redfin Executive, Chelsea Goyer, for Executive Team

Remine, a fast-growing technology company that serves over 1,000,000 real estate professionals through more than 50 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), announced today that it has named Chelsea Goyer as chief of staff for the company. Remine has quickly established itself as a market-leader by developing the best MLS solutions in the industry. After seeing significant year-over-year growth, the company is seeking to take its products and services to the next level. "We know that a company is only as strong as its people, products and partnerships - which is why we are thrilled to welcome Chelsea on-board as our Chief of Staff," said Jonathan Spinetto, COO of Remine. Goyer brings vast experience to the executive team, having held senior positions at Redfin for more than 12 years. As the former vice president, Partner Program & MLS Relations at Redfin, she understands the chllenges facing the industry, and the importance of deepening the connection between the real estate community and Remine's tried-and-true solutions.



"Remine is a leading technology company with an energetic, innovative mentality that's key to thriving in this ever-changing industry," said Goyer. "I'm thrilled to join the team, and am looking forward to helping Remine ensure MLSs across the industry can serve their customers with the best possible solutions." "I'm excited for what the future holds, because here at Remine, we are bringing digital transformation to the real estate transaction," said Mark Schacknies, CEO of Remine. "Chelsea brings invaluable operational experience, industry relationships and strategic vision to help realize this goal."

About Remine Remine is a data and technology platform that enables a digital real estate experience without limits. The privately-held company is headquartered in Northern Virginia, with offices in Chicago, Toronto, and Irvine. Remine is live in 50 markets and available to more than 1,000,000 agents and their clients. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005363/en/

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PARIS, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lancome and Mert & Marcus unveils a unique make-up capsule collection. The world's leading luxury beauty brand and the photographers duo bring their expertise and creativity on beauty to new heights with a game changing electric coloured collection.

Over the years Lancome formed a unique creative partnership with Mert & Marcus - the iconoclastic creative powerhouse behind images of the world's most influential brands and celebrities. Together they have defined our perception of modern beauty. Today, their partnership raises the stakes on rebellion with an explosive, must-have collection for make-up lovers.

Audacious Mert & Marcus colors meet Lancome's characteristically addictive textures in next-generation formulas to blow your mind. Get ready to break all the rules, the Lancome x Mert & Marcus After Dark Collection has arrived.

"Working with such talented and exceptional personalities like Mert & Marcus has been an exhilarating and passionate adventure. Mert & Marcus are not only brilliant artists and renowned photographers, but they are also incredible beauty experts. I am extremely proud of this collaboration, the visual universe they have created and the innovative textures." - Francoise Lehmann, Lancome Brand President

By day, the Lancome woman is sophisticated and elegant - the epitome of French allure; by night, she reveals her dark side. Radically glamorous, her cat-like eyes smolder as cold as ice, her flaming lips seduce - as hot as fire.

"We were never really interested in beauty in its original form. Somehow, what excited us over the past 26 years, was transforming and creating characters with light, make-up and stories, and this is what we tried to achieve with this collection." - Mert & Marcus

EYE LIKE ICE, SET LIPS AFLAME

Her partner by day; her partner in crime by night. Electrifying eyes and lips, the After Dark collection includes Lancome's first-ever make-up kits for the most dramatic looks. Expect only the unexpected. The collection features:

Eyes Cold as Ice Kit

Liquid shadow, a glittery topper, flared cat-eye lashes and Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara come together in Lancome's first make-up kit for eyes that command all the attention. Available in Green 01 and Blue 02.

Transforming Liquid Eyeshadow

Uncompromisingly bold matte-to-glitter shades for endlessly mysterious eyes. Available in 01 Green, 02 Blue, 03 Purple, 04 Gun Metal.

Flaming Lips Lip Kit

A duo color lipstick delivers an ombre lip effect, while L'Absolu Gloss adds radical shine. Available in 01 Red and 02 Violet.

After Dark Eyeshadow Palette

10 disruptive shades in shining pearlescent, matte or iridescent finishes promise to let eyes break all the rules.

Teint Idole Ultra Duo Stick

A highlighter and blur come together to seal the deal on your mind-blowing nighttime glow. Available in Light Pink 01 and Dore 02.

L'Absolu Rouge

Three fiery shades in matte to sheer finishes get set to ignite daredevil lips. Available in 359 Sheer, 198 Matte and 189 Matte.

Download all images: https://we.tl/t-koTPiX9Isy

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079424/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079425/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079421/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_3.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079427/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_Flaming_Lips.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079423/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_Eyes_Cold_as_Ice.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079426/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_Absolu_Rouge.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079428/Lancome_Mert_Marcus_Liquid_Eyeshadow.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079416/Lancome_Logo.jpg
Because some of the patients worked at a seafood market where birds, snakes, and organs of rabbits and other game were also reportedly sold, there is concern that the pathogen comes from animals, as was the case with SARS. (OSTILL is Franck Camhi)

Two Concerning Meat-Related Diseases Booming in China

Commentary

Do you remember SARS? Severe acute respiratory syndrome was so contagious that a SARS-afflicted man on an Air China flight in 2003 infected 20 passengers sitting at a distance away from him and also two crew members.

The simple act of flushing the toilet spread the deadly lung disease, and health care workers needed to wear hazmat suits to treat patients. Eight hundred people died, including Pekka Aro, a senior official with the United Nations.

Where did the disease come from? This is what the Journal of Virology wrote:

Exotic animals from a Guangdong marketplace are likely to have been the immediate origin of the SARS that infected humans in the winters of both 2002-2003 and 2003-2004. Marketplace Himalayan palm civets and raccoon dogs harbored viruses highly similar to SARSthe sporadic infections observed in 2003-2004 were associated with restaurants in which palm civet meat was prepared and consumed.

Chinas response to SARS was to drown, incinerate, and electrocute 10,000 civets. The slaughter was depicted in heartbreaking photos.

Now, a SARS-like disease is back in China.

Because some of the patients worked at a seafood market where birds, snakes, and organs of rabbits and other game were also reportedly sold, there is concern that the pathogen comes from animals, as was the case with SARS, Bloomberg reported this month.

And theres another meat-based disease that has the potential to become a pandemic.

African swine fever (ASF), caused by the African swine fever virus, has killed one-fourth of the worlds pigs, including half of all Chinas factory farm pigs. In addition to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, and the Philippines, ASF has spread to Europe, dashing European Union pig farmers hopes of exporting to China and other devastated regions.

Even though the disease doesnt kill people, it lives in the meat.

The agriculture ministry has even contacted the German army and nurses to alert them about the risks of crossing into Germany from Eastern Europe with bacon sandwiches, POLITICO Pro Agriculture reported.

Germanys local governments are building fences along the Polish border to try to stop the disease, which wild boar may be spreading.

Like EU pig farmers, U.S. pig farmers have hoped to export to China. But their hopes are probably dimming as the likelihood of ASF spreading to the United States grows.

Its not a question of whether ASF reaches American shores, but when, Thomas Parsons, professor at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine, and Scott Michael Moore, the universitys China program director, wrote in the Hill.

Should the virus enter the U.S., your future as a pork producer would radically change, Pork Business says.

While The New York Times blamed Chinas small farms, often packed together in crowded agricultural areas, for the ASF pandemic, factory farms in the United States have similar conditions.

As another respiratory epidemic threatens, its clear the SARS outbreak taught Chinas live animal market purveyors nothing. And the same may be said about U.S. pork farmers.

In 2014, the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus killed one-tenth of all U.S. pigs in 2014. The virus was so devastating, a Kentucky farm fed dead pigs to other pigs in an attempt to induce immunity in survivors. Although PEDv didnt harm humans, photos of dump trucks depositing the dead pigs in landfills were largely suppressedto keep people eating pork.

When it comes to meat-originated diseases, producers have the ability to cause worldwide epidemics.

Martha Rosenberg is author of the award-cited food expose Born With a Junk Food Deficiency. A nationally known muckraker, she has lectured at the university and medical school level and appeared on radio and television.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Peak union and business groups have agreed a better system is needed to manage health and safety risks linked to dangerous pollution levels from bushfire smoke.

The state government will consider a Unions NSW plan to overhaul work health and safety regulations to encourage workplaces to take a more informed and consistent response to managing dangerous pollution levels.

During the height of the bushfire crisis, some workers were sent home while others lost pay for refusing to work outdoors in heavy pollution.

Many people wore masks during the height of Sydney's bushfire smoke haze. Credit:Getty Images

Unions NSW has urged the government to restrict outdoor work when air quality exceeds hazardous levels as part of a package of reforms. It has called for a panel of environmental, occupational health and safety authorities, lung health experts, business and union representatives to urgently establish new guidelines.
Dropsuite (ASX:DSE), a leading cloud data backup and archiving platform for businesses, today announced that the Dropsuite cloud platform has integrated with leading WebOps platform, Plesk, making its Cloud Website Backup product available for purchase and provisioning in all major international markets. Cloud service providers, webmasters, and independent website owners can now purchase, provision and backup their website data in just a few clicks, safeguarding one of their most valuable, yet vulnerable business assets.

According to Sophos Labs, tens of thousands of websites are hacked every day. These attack methods often lead to ransomware injections, phishing attacks and SEO spam, causing significant harm to unsuspecting business. Moreover, webmasters need to constantly change and update their own or their client websites. Having multiple, point in time offsite website backup copies gives them the peace of mind that they can always roll back the changes even after they have committed them with ease if needed.

Dropsuite Website Backup empowers customers to fight back against cyber threats by automatically securing copies of their websites and databases in the cloud, ensuring that victimized websites can be brought back to life  anytime, from anywhere. Dropsuites easy-to-use user experience (UX) and military-grade security has catapulted the Dropsuite Website Backup product into a leadership position amongst professional website security vendors.

Dropsuites cloud integration with Plesk brings many benefits to website and database administrators and IT service providers:



Website administrators and service providers can now buy and install Dropsuite Website backup directly from the Plesk Marketplace. Once purchased, the Dropsuite Extension will automatically identify and backup all websites and databases in that Plesk installation

Webmasters can select which AWS instance they want to use to store their backups. They can also change backup schedule and restore or download a local copy of their website file(s) or database objects for point-in-time recovery, as needed

Website and database backups are accessible from the Plesk dashboard, allowing website administrators to conduct receive blacklist alerts, run backups, or commence a restore

Database management professionals can access Plesk to restore lost data files in almost all databases such as MS SQL, WordPress, Magento, PostgreSQL, DB2, Mondo DB, MODX, Drupal and more.

With cyber-attacks on the rise, website data recovery could be the difference between business success and failure, said Ridley Ruth, COO of Dropsuite. Plesk is a well-respected WebOps company and we look forward to a successful partnership.

Website managers and IT service providers utilizing Plesk now have a simple and cost-effective way to safeguard, manage and restore websites plus associated databases without having to contact their web hoster for support, said Nils Hueneke, CEO at Plesk. Dropsuite is one of the most successful, secure and easy-to-use website backup and database recovery solutions available on the market. Were excited to make Dropsuite available to millions of Plesk customers worldwide.

About Plesk

Plesk is the leading WebOps hosting platform to run, automate and grow applications, websites and hosting businesses. Being the only OS agnostic platform, Plesk is running on more than 384,000 servers, automating 11M+ websites and 19M+ mail boxes. Available in more than 32 languages across 140 countries, 50% of the top 100 service providers worldwide have partnering with Plesk. Plesks global team is made up of 200+ tech-loving professionals with offices in the US, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Spain, Russia, Japan, and Singapore. More information on Plesk can be found at https://www.plesk.com.

About Dropsuite

Dropsuite Limited (ASX: DSE) is a global cloud software platform that provides cloud backup, eDiscovery, archiving and recovery solutions delivered at scale to power business defense. Dropsuites network of preferred reseller partners has a combined customer reach of millions of businesses worldwide. Dropsuite has partnered with some of the biggest names in the web hosting and IT service provider markets such as STRATO (Germany), Ingram Micro (USA), Pax8 (North America) UOL (Brazil) and ALSO (EU) to safeguard businesses from the threat of unexpected data loss. Dropsuite was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Singapore. Dropsuite Delivers. https://dropsuite.com

Dropsuite Media Contact:

Ridley Ruth

E: ridley(at)dropsuite(dot)com

P: +1 408-608-5742
Poland has emerged as Europe's leader in stem cell storage, a billion-dollar global industry that is a key part of a therapy that can treat leukaemias but raises excessive hopes. Submerged in liquid nitrogen vapour at a temperature of minus 175 degrees Celsius, hundreds of thousands of stem cells from all over Europe bide their time in large steel barrels on the outskirts of Warsaw. Present in blood drawn from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby, stem cells can help cure serious blood-related illnesses like leukaemias and lymphomas, as well as genetic conditions and immune system deficits. Polish umbilical cord blood bank PBKM/FamiCord became the industry's leader in Europe after Swiss firm Cryo-Save went bankrupt early last year. It is also the fifth largest in the world, according to its management, after two companies in the United States, a Chinese firm and one based in Singapore. Since the first cord blood transplant was performed in France in 1988, the sector has significantly progressed, fuelling hopes. - Health insurance - Mum-of-two Teresa Przeborowska has firsthand experience. At five years old, her son Michal was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, the entrepreneur from northern Poland said. The most compatible donor was his younger sister, Magdalena. When she was born, her parents had a bag of her cord blood stored at PBKM. More than three years later, doctors injected his sister's stem cells into Michal's bloodstream. It was not quite enough for Michal's needs but nicely supplemented harvested bone marrow. As a result, Michal, who is nine, "is now flourishing, both intellectually and physically," his mum told AFP. A cord blood transplant has become an alternative to a bone marrow transplant when there is no donor available, with a lower risk of complications. Stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood are like those taken from bone marrow, capable of producing all blood cells: red cells, platelets and immune system cells. When used, stem cells are first concentrated, then injected into the patient. Once transfused, they produce new cells of every kind. At the PBKM laboratory, "each container holds up to 10,000 blood bags... Safe and secure, they wait to be used in the future," its head, Krzysztof Machaj, said. The bank holds around 440,000 samples, not including those from Cryo-Save, he said. If the need arises, the "blood will be ready to use without the whole process of looking for a compatible donor and running blood tests," the biologist told AFP. For families who have paid an initial nearly 600 euros ($675) and then an annual 120 euros to have the blood taken from their newborns' umbilical cords preserved for around 20 years, it is a kind of health insurance promising faster and more effective treatment if illness strikes. But researchers also warn against unrealistic expectations. - Beauty products - Haematologist Wieslaw Jedrzejczak, a bone marrow pioneer in Poland, describes promoters of the treatment as "sellers of hope", who "make promises that are either impossible to realise in the near future or downright impossible to realise at all for biological reasons." He compares them to makers of beauty products who "swear their cream will rejuvenate the client by 20 years." Various research is being done on the possibility of using the stem cells to treat other diseases, notably nervous disorders. But the EuroStemCell scientist network warns that the research is not yet conclusive. "There is a list of almost 80 diseases for which stem cells could prove beneficial," US haematologist Roger Mrowiec, who heads the clinical laboratory of the cord blood programme Vitalant in New Jersey, told AFP. "But given the present state of medicine, they are effective only for around a dozen of them, like leukaemia or cerebral palsy," he said. "It's not true, as it's written sometimes, that we can already use them to fight Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease or diabetes." EuroStemCell also cautions against private blood banks that "advertise services to parents suggesting they should pay to freeze their child's cord blood... in case it's needed later in life." "Studies show it is highly unlikely that the cord blood will ever be used for their child," the network said. It also pointed out that there could be a risk of the child's cells not being useable anyway without reintroducing the same illness. Some countries, such as Belgium and France, are cautious and ban the storage of cord blood for private purposes. Most EU countries however permit it while imposing strict controls. - Rapid growth - In the early 2000s, Swiss company Cryo-Save enjoyed rapid growth. Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Spaniards and Swiss stored blood from their newborns with the company for 20 years on payment of 2,500 euros upfront. When the firm was forced to close in early 2019, clients were left wondering where their stem cells would end up. Under a kind of back-up agreement, the samples of some 250,000 European families were transferred for storage at PBKM. The Polish firm, founded in 2002 with two million zlotys (around 450,000 euros, $525,000), has also grown quickly. Present under the FamiCord brand in several countries, PBKM has some 35 percent of the European market, excluding Cryo-Save assets. Over the last 15 months, outside investors have contributed 63 million euros to the firm, PBKM's chief executive Jakub Baran told AFP. But the company has not escaped controversy: the Polityka weekly recently published a critical investigative report on several private clinics that offer what was described as expensive treatment involving stem cells held by PBKM.
Several top contenders to the February 8 Delhi Assembly elections from across the three main rivals  the AAP, Congress and the BJP  filed their nominations on Monday.

Prominent among those who filed their election affidavits before returning officers are Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain, who is contesting from Shakur Basti  the seat from where he won in 2015. In his election affidavit, Jain declared total assets worth Rs 8.07 crore a major chunk of which includes bank deposits by him and his wife Poonam Jain, a patch of agricultural land, a plot in Meerut and residential property in Pitampuras Saraswati Vihar. In 2015 polls, Jain had declared his total assets worth Rs 8.08 crore.

Jain, who holds multiple portfolios including home department, health and public works department (PWD), is an architect by profession and used to run his own companies until he won the 2015 assembly elections.

More than 40 candidates of the BJP filed their nominations papers on Monday. This included leader of the opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta, party national secretary Sardar RP Singh, MLAs OP Sharma and Jagdish Pradhan and Delhi BJP general secretary Ravindra Gupta.

Vijender Gupta, Jagdish Pradhan and OP Sharma were the only three BJP candidates who had won in 2015 polls, in which the AAP bagged all the remaining 67 seats.

Vijender Gupta, who is contesting from his seat, Rohini, led a road show of supporters and party workers for 15 kilometres on his way to file his nomination.He filed his papers in the office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM),Kanjhawala. He filed four sets of nominations. He was accompanied by his wife Shobha Vijender, a former municipal councillor.

As per documents submitted by Gupta, his total assets have grown by almost Rs 2 crore, which mainly includes bank deposits, a commercial property and two houses in Rohini.

Gupta began his road show at 9am from his house in Vinoba Kunj in Setor-9, Rohini. On its way to Kanjhawala, the rally stopped at several places. BJP MP from West Delhi Hans Raj Hans was also present on the occasion.

While RP Singh will contest from Rajender Nagar seat, Ravindra Gupta files his nomination to contest from the Matia Mahal seat in old Delhi.

Senior party leaders and Union ministers including Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and Ramesh Bidhuri, all three MPs, accompanied the candidates in Assembly segments lying in their Lok Sabha constituencies.

Other BJP candidates who filed their nominations included Jai Prakash JP (Sadar Bazar), Rekha Gupta (Shalimar Bagh), Ashish Sood (Janakpuri), Shikha Rai (Greater Kailash), Subhash Sachdeva (Moti Nagar) and Anil Jha (Kirari).

Three prominent Congress faces also filed their nominations on Monday. This included two former ministers in the erstwhile Sheila Dikshit government  Arvinder Singh Lovely and Haroon Yusuf. While Lovely filed his papers from the Gandhinagar seat in east Delhi, Yusuf registered as a poll candidate from the Ballimaran seat in old Delhi.

Yusuf, a former food and civil supplies minister, had lost as the party nominee in 2015. His total assets, according to the affidavit filed on Monday before the returning officer, have grown to Rs 4.69 crore from Rs 3.73 crores in the previous election. As per his affidavit, the Congress leader has also got a car (Suzuki Vitara Brezza) while he declared none in 2015.

Alka Lamba, the former AAP MLA from Chandni Chowk, filed her papers from the same seat, albeit as a Congress nominee. As per the affidavit filed by Lamba, her total assets have grown by Rs 1.99 crore from those declared in 2015. She has also got a two-wheeler (Honda scooter) while she already owned a Hyundai Getz, which she declared during the last election.

With both the BJP and the Congress were yet to come out with their full list for the polls, Tuesday, which is the last day to file nominations, is going to see maximum number of nominations from all the political parties. Congress is yet to declare 12 candidates while BJP has to release names of candidates for 13 seats.

According to returning officers (ROs), who accept nominations, the maximum number of candidates rushing to file nominations is usually seen on the last day. Every election this has been a trend that most candidates end up filing their nominations on the last day. Many times, it has been the case that the process goes on till late in the night, said an officer, who did not wish to be named.
Giant fish sold at auction for over 16 million yen

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World Economic Forum: Cybersecurity and space pose new risks to the global economy

Defense Ministry confirms Armenian side has 2 victims

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Unofficial data: 2 servicemen killed as a result of Azerbaijan provocation

CSTO and Kazakh Defense Ministry developing plan

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NEWS.am daily digest: 11.01.22

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Alikhan Smailov appointed Kazakhstan Prime Minister

Newspaper: Health minister makes decision full of contradictions in terms of Covid-related restrictions in Armenia

Newspaper: Armenia authorities once again showed their being unprincipled, worthless, opposition MP says

Germany teacher who had cannibalism fantasies is sentenced to life in prison

Israel's military and other security services undergo largest rearmament in years

Spain PM calls for a debate to consider COVID-19 endemic disease

Flyone Armenia and Pegasus receive permission for Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan flights

Pope condemns "baseless" ideological misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines

Arab foreign ministers to visit Beijing

Azerbaijanis stoned an Armenian car on the Stepanakert-Goris road

Armenian FM has a phone call with his Polish counterpart

Macron travels to French Riviera to discuss internal security issues

Artsakh Foreign Ministry: Azerbaijan's aggressive behavior aims to disrupt Russian peacekeepers' activities

US COVID-19 cases reach 60 million

European Parliament President hospitalized due to immune system dysfunction

Washington and Ankara discuss normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey

WHO excludes emergence of deltacron strain

In Karabakh Azerbaijanis shelled tractor

Indian Defense Minister tests positive for COVID-19

US-Russia talks on security guarantees lasting for seven hours already

NEWS.am daily digest: 10.01.22

Pashinyan appoints Hayk Mkrtchyan as Deputy Governor of Kotayk province

Blast in eastern Afghanistan kills nine children

Pashinyan: One of key priorities of Armenia presidency at CSTO is strengthening of crisis response mechanisms

Internet cut off in Kazakhstan

Armenia, Kazakhstan ombudspersons confer on Armenian communitys rights

Armenia, Russia defense ministers discuss Kazakhstan

Turkey defense minister meets with their envoy in process of normalization of Armenia relations

Iranian Foreign Ministry reports progress in Vienna negotiations

Dollar continues going up in Armenia

New attempt by migrants in Belarus to storm Poland border

Skat Airlines resumes Yerevan-Aktau and Aktau-Yerevan flights

New Covid-related restrictions to be introduced in Armenia

Karabakh police: Firefighters also targeted by Azerbaijan shooting (PHOTOS)

Artsakh Defense Army has not fired on Azerbaijan positions

Azerbaijani military are protesting amid military awards deprivation

Azerbaijanis open fire in Nagorno-Karabakh

Karabakh MFA: Events in Kazakhstan are result of actions planned by Turkey

Armenia army General Staff has new deputy chief

Australia to buy US $ 2.5 billion of armored vehicles

Artsakh emergency service: Search for soldiers remains continued during holidays
TUNIS - An exhibit of images from the 'Book of dreams' by Italy's great filmmaker Federico Fellini has been inaugurated in Tunis.

The initiative called 'Fellini, a dream-maker' is hosted by the Italian cultural institute until the end of February. The event also included a retrospective on some of Fellini's most iconic movies, including La Strada (1954), Roma (1972), Amarcord (1973), Prova d'Orchestra (1978) and others in collaboration with Cinematheque Tunisienne. At the opening of the show, which included a conference hosted by the artistic director of the Cinematheque Tunisienne, Hichem Ben Ammar and director Mourad Ben Cheickh, the Italian ambassador to Tunisia, Lorenzo Fanara, intervened highlighting the great importance and influence of Fellini's art who has made such an impact on cultural heritage worldwide.

The 'Book of dreams' is a diary in which Fellini - following the advice of psychiatrist Ernst Bernhard - sketched drawings inspired his dreams. Each morning Fellini would represent his dreams in the book, which he described as ''hasty notes'' and ''marks''. The drawings represent characters, circumstances and themes that have inspired his films, along with sentences, comments and dialogues. A selection of his drawings reproduced from the Book of Dreams are part of the show. The book was acquired by the Fellini Foundation in 2006 and gifted to the City of Rimini in 2015. It is currently exhibited at the Museum of the City of Rimini. The Book of Dreams includes two volumes with over 400 pages. The sketches on display in Tunis are on themes that are central to Fellini's creativity such as eroticism, travelling, history, cinema, fashion, art, literature and religion.


Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the region, today announced that three of its branches in the UAE have been awarded LEED Gold certification, making it the first bank in the Mena region to launch LEED Gold-certified branches.

Emirates NBDs branches in Arabian Centre, Umm Suqeim and Burj Khalifa branch have secured the prestigious LEED Gold certification, marking a significant milestone in the banks sustainability journey.

Commenting on the announcement, Ahmed AlSheryani, Executive Vice President, Head of Procurement & Realty Services, Emirates NBD, said: We are pleased to receive LEED Gold certification for three Emirates NBD branches in Dubai, an achievement that further aligns our ongoing sustainability efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UAE Vision 2030, and the Dubai Declaration for Sustainable Finance. Emirates NBD remains committed to operating in a sustainable manner in complete alignment with international guidelines, industry best practice and the national vision.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost programme for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.

LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed and operating to achieve high performance in key areas of human and environmental health while enhancing the triple bottom line  people, planet and profit, said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC.

By prioritising sustainability, Emirates NBD is leading the way in its industry and helping USGBC continue toward our vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation.

Emirates NBD strives to contribute to and invest in socially responsible programmes and solutions that address the United Nations SDGs, the UAE Vision 2030, and the United Nations Environmental Programme Dubai Declaration for Sustainable Finance that was launched during the UNEP FI (UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative)s 14th Global Roundtable under the auspices of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

A regional pioneer in sustainability initiatives, the bank began formally reporting on its efforts in 2016 with the publication of its first Sustainability Report. Emirates NBD is also an active player in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arena, in addition to being a champion of private volunteering through its Exchanger programme.

The key focus areas for Emirates NBDs 2019 CSR programme included enhancing donation platforms, promoting financial literacy, encouraging volunteering efforts, and collaboration with corporate peers towards sustainable social responsibility. -- Tradearabia News Service
Essentially no progress has been made on curbing global carbon emissions since Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg rose to prominence with protests in 2018, she said on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, just hours before President Donald Trump was set to address the conference.

Thunberg, 17, told Time Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal climate is now a hot topic because of young people pushing but nothing has been done [because] global emissions of carbon have not been reduced.

That is of course what were trying to achieve, Thunberg said. Without treating this as a real crisis, we cant solve it.

She called on the global community to dramatically reduce carbon emissions over the next decade, but added that such an effort must include an awareness of equity, which addresses the disproportionate carbon emissions released in affluent countries.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg, 17, arrives for a panel on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. (Photo credit: Brian Sozzi)

Richer countries need to get down to zero degrees much faster, Thunberg said.

The panel, entitled Forging a Sustainable Path towards a Common Future, included three other teenage climate activists from Puerto Rico, Zambia, and Canada. Were tired of empty promises, said Salvador Gomez-Colon, a 16-year-old activist who has focused on rebuilding his home territory of Puerto Rico We get stuck in talk.

Before the conference, Thunberg and other young activists called on this years World Economic Forum participants  including all private and public sector institutions  to divest from fossil fuels.

Asked about whether the voices of young people are being heard, Thunberg acknowledged her significant platform, which includes four million Twitter followers

Im not the person who can complain about not being heard, she said. Im being heard all the time.

But in general the science and voice of young people is not in the center of the conversation and it needs to be, she added.

Max Zahn is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Find him on twitter @MaxZahn_.

Read more:
The BMMI Group will support 20 Injaz Bahrain students with full scholarships each year following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Injaz Bahrain and the group.

Hana Sarwani, Executive Director of Injaz Bahrain, and Marek Sheridan, CEO of BMMI, signed the agreement at BMMIs premises with several members in attendance including Esraa Janahi, company Program Manager at Injaz Bahrain and May Al Mousawi, Corporate Communications and CSR Manager at BMMI.

In-line with Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 goals for continued economic development, this agreement will enable students to pursue their goals, prepare for a successful future and will empower Bahraini youth to succeed in the global economy, said a statement.

We are proud to work jointly with BMMI to help our students achieve their goals, said Sarwani. This comes as a token of recognition for the efforts made and the time dedicated by our students. We would like to extend our gratitude to Mr Marek Sheridan and Ms Reem AlTajer, BMMIs CSR Partner, for both their continuous support and trust in our mission.

We are looking forward to the opportunity to support these talented students and to explore various ways we can help further their education and future careers, said Sheridan. Supporting communities where we operate is of high priority to us at BMMI, especially when it comes to education which is one of our CSR policys focus areas.

Since its inception, Injaz Bahrain has launched many initiatives that would enable students to learn new skills, acquire knowledge about the market and prepare for a successful future. With the support of its partners, staff and volunteers, Injaz Bahrain has been able to help more than 220,000 students over the past 15 years, it said.

BMMI believes that investing in people and local communities is of utmost importance. The group is an active and involved partner, with a CSR strategy that supports various programmes that lead to meaningful contribution, development and advancement of the local community, the company added.  TradeArabia News Service
Iraqi military officials said three rockets landed near Baghdads Green Zone, which houses the U.S. Embassy and foreign missions.

Three Katyusha rockets landed in the vicinity of the Green Zone without any casualties, said the Iraqi Security Media Cell, which falls under the responsibility of the Iraqi Prime Ministers office. It did not elaborate but said more details would be provided at a later time.

One reporter posted video footage that purported to show rocket attack alarms in the Green Zone. Heard the booms myself on Union III. Speakers telling all to take shelter immediately, said the BBC reporter, Nafiseh Kohnavard, on Twitter.

A Katyusha is a type of rocket artillery that was first built by the Soviet Union during World War II, but later variants were exported to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East.

Last week, several rockets of the same type were fired targeting the Taji training camp, said the Security Media Cell.

No Coalition troops were affected by this small attack at Taji Base, Col. Myles Caggins, spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition, said in a statement at the time.

Tensions have been high in the Middle East after the United States carried out an airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in early January. Iran then fired a barrage of missiles at Iraqi bases holding U.S. troops the following week, and sanctions were levied against Tehran by the White House.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, responding to another attack on an Iraqi airbase this month, wrote that he was outraged and said that continued violations of Iraqs sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end.

The Iranian regimes new Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, on Monday said Tehran would hit his enemy in a manly fashion, referring to the United States, adding that Washington killed his predecessor in a cowardly way. He added: through endeavors of [those] around the world who want vengeance over his blood, we will hit his enemy in a manly fashion, Al Jazeera reported.

Meanwhile, six Iraqis, including two police officers, were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday in clashes with security forces, medical and security sources said, as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks.

They (security forces) should stop shooting and aiming, who are they and who are we? Both sides are Iraqis. So why are you killing your brothers? said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From The Epoch Times
White House lawyers have argued for a swift rejection of flimsy charges against Donald Trump on the eve of the historic impeachment trial against the US president.

As the Capitol awaited the start of the contentious proceedings  which are unfolding in an election year  the Senate leader also proposed a compressed calendar for opening statements.

Final trial preparations were underway on Monday on a tense day of developments, with Mr Trumps legacy  and the judgment of both parties in Congress  at stake.

The presidents legal team, in its first full filing for the impeachment court, argued Mr Trump did absolutely nothing wrong and urged the Senate to swiftly reject the flawed case against him.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn, the presidents lawyers wrote. The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.

Donald Trump glances at journalists as he leaves the White House on Monday on the eve of his impeachment trial (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

The brief from the White House, and the House Democratic response, came as it emerged that 12-hour sessions were on the agenda for the rare Senate trial, with some of the very senators running to replace Mr Trump as president sitting as jurors.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening statements, ground rules that Democrats immediately rejected.

Voting on the Republican leaders resolution will be one of the first orders of business when senators convene on Tuesday. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats had demanded.

The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, called the GOP leaders proposed rules package a national disgrace.

Senators are poised for only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history, coming just weeks before the first primaries of 2020 election season and as voters assess Mr Trumps first term and consider the candidates who want to challenge him in the autumn.

Story continues

House Democrats impeached the president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed that country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to comply with their investigation.

The Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, seen here last week, has accused Republicans of trying to rush the impeachment proceedings (Julio Cortez/AP)

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president and the Senate the final verdict by convening as the impeachment court for a trial.

Mr McConnell is angling for a speedy trial towards acquittal, and with Republicans holding the Senate majority, the proposal is likely to be approved by senators in the presidents party.

Its clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, said Mr Schumer, who vowed to propose votes on Tuesday to try to amend the rules package.

The first several days of the trial are now almost certain to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor or, more likely, behind closed doors, since senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

At the White House, where the president was embarking for an overseas trip to the global leaders conference in Davos, Switzerland, officials welcomed the Republican trial proposal.

We are gratified that the draft resolution protects the presidents rights to a fair trial, and look forward to presenting a vigorous defence on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible, said White House Legislative Affairs Director Eric Ueland.

After the four days of opening arguments  two days per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

At the end of deliberations, the Senate would then vote on each impeachment article.

Mr McConnell had promised to set rules similar to the last trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways, which may leave some senators from both parties uneasy.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah said in an email message to his constituents on Monday that the resolution put forth by Mr McConnell overall, aligns closely with the rules package approved 100-0 during the Clinton trial.

Mr Romney is among a small number of Republican senators who want to consider witness testimony and documents that werent part of the House impeachment investigation.

In their filing on Monday, House prosecutors issued fresh demands for a fair trial in the Senate.

President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax. He is wrong, the prosecutors wrote.

The White House document released Monday says the two charges against the president dont amount to impeachable offences. It asserts the impeachment inquiry, centred on Mr Trumps request that Ukraines president open an investigation into Democratic rival Mr Biden, was never about finding the truth.

House Democrats in their initial court filing over the weekend called Mr Trumps conduct the worst nightmare of the founding fathers who framed the Constitution.

But Mr Trumps team contended Monday that even if Trump were to have abused his power in withholding the Ukraine military assistance, it would not be impeachable because it did not violate a specific criminal statute.
Bei ihrem zweiten Auftritt am WEF in Davos appellierte Greta Thunberg (17) an die Wirtschaftsbosse und Politiker der Welt. Diese sollen unverzuglich handeln.

1/4 Der Klimaschutz sei keine Frage von links oder rechts, sagte Greta Thunberg (17) am ersten WEF-Tag. Es gehe ihr nicht um Parteipolitik.

2/4 Greta Thunberg nutzt das Klima-Panel am WEF und redet der Welt ins Gewissen.

3/4

4/4 Die Klimaaktivistin fordert, dass sofort samtliche Investitionen in fossile Energietrager gestoppt und entsprechende Subventionen gestrichen werden.

Die Klima-Ikone Greta Thunberg (17) hat einen strengen Tag. Heute Morgen trat sie auf einer Podiumsdiskussion zusammen mit weiteren jungen Aktivisten auf. Kurz nach Mittag war sie dann Teil eines Klima-Panels.

Zum Beginn ihrer Rede blickte Thunberg zuruck auf ihren WEF-Auftritt vom letzten Jahr. Vor einem Jahr kam ich nach Davos GR, um euch zu sagen, dass unser Haus brennt. Ich wollte, dass ihr Panik bekommt. Ich bin gewarnt worden, dass es sehr gefahrlich ist, Menschen zu sagen, dass sie wegen der Klimakrise in Panik sein sollen, eroffnet sie ihre Rede.

Niemand kummert sich

Ich kann euch beruhigen: Es ist rein gar nichts passiert, sagte die am Dienstag vor den WEF-Teilnehmern. Die wenigen bisher von der Politik ergriffenen Massnahmen gingen allesamt viel zu wenig weit.

Es sei nett, dass ab und an ein paar Baume gepflanzt wurden, doch bringe das herzlich wenig, wenn gleichzeitig die CO2-Emissionen nicht drastisch gesenkt wurden. Samtliche Staaten wurden die Ziele des Pariser Klimaabkommens standig verletzen. Doch das scheint niemanden zu kummern, kritisierte Thunberg.

Spater warnt sie: Unser Haus brennt noch immer. Eure Untatigkeit heizt die Flammen stundlich an. Wir sagen euch immer noch, dass ihr in Panik geraten und so handeln sollt, als ob ihr eure Kinder uber alles liebt.

Die ganze Rede von Greta Thunberg zum Nachlesen im Original:

One year ago I came to Davos and told you that our house is on fire. I said I wanted you to panic. Ive been warned that telling people to panic about the climate crisis is a very dangerous thing to do. But dont worry. Its fine. Trust me, Ive done this before and I assure you it doesnt lead to anything. And for the record, when we children tell you to panic were not telling you to go on like before.

Were not telling you to rely on technologies that dont even exist today at scale and that science says perhaps never will. We are not telling you to keep talking about net zero emissions or carbon neutrality by cheating and fiddling around with numbers.

We are not telling you to offset your emissions by just paying someone else to plant trees in places like Africa while at the same time forests like the Amazon are being slaughtered at an infinitely higher rate. Planting trees is good, of course, but its nowhere near enough of what needs to be done, and it cannot replace real mitigation or rewilding nature.

Lets be clear. We dont need a low carbon economy. We dont need to lower emissions. Our emissions have to stop. And until we have the technologies that at scale can put our emissions to minus then we must forget about net zero  we need real zero.

Because distant net zero emission targets will mean absolutely nothing if we just continue to ignore the carbon dioxide budget  which applies for today, not distant future dates. If high emissions continue like now even for a few years, that remaining budget will soon be completely used up.

The fact that the USA is leaving the Paris accord seems to outrage and worry everyone, and it should. But the fact that were all about to fail the commitments you signed up for in the Paris Agreement doesnt seem to bother the people in power even the least.

Any plan or policy of yours that doesnt include radical emission cuts at the source starting today is completely insufficient for meeting the 1.5-degree or well-below-2-degrees commitments of the Paris Agreement.

And again  this is not about right or left. We couldnt care less about your party politics.

From a sustainability perspective, the right, the left as well as the centre have all failed. No political ideology or economic structure has been able to tackle the climate and environmental emergency and create a cohesive and sustainable world. Because, in case you havent noticed, that world is currently on fire.

You say children shouldnt worry. You say: Just leave this to us. We will fix this, we promise we wont let you down.

And then  nothing. Silence. Or something worse than silence. Empty words and promises which give the impression that sufficient action is being taken.

All the solutions are obviously not available within todays societies. Nor do we have the time to wait for new technological solutions to become available to start drastically reducing our emissions.

So of course the transition isnt going to be easy. It will be hard. And unless we start facing this now together, with all cards on the table, we wont be able to solve this in time.

In the days running up to the 50th anniversary of the World Economic Forum, I joined a group of climate activists who are demanding that you, the worlds most influential business and political leaders, begin to take the action needed. We demand that at this years World Economic Forum participants from all companies, banks, institutions and governments:

Immediately halt all investments in fossil fuel exploration and extraction.

Immediately end all fossil fuel subsidies.

And immediately and completely divest from fossil fuels.

We dont want these things done by 2050, 2030 or even 2021, we want this done now.

It may seem like were asking for a lot. And you will of course say that we are naive. But this is just the very minimum amount of effort that is needed to start the rapid sustainable transition.

So either you do this or youre going to have to explain to your children why you are giving up on the 1.5-degree target. Giving up without even trying. Well Im here to tell you that unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight.

The facts are clear, but theyre still too uncomfortable for you to address. You just leave it because you think its too depressing and people will give up. But people will not give up. Youre the ones who are giving up.

Last week I met with coal miners in Poland who lost their jobs because their mine was closed. And even they had not given up. On the contrary, they seem to understand the fact that we need to change more than you do.

I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing a climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them? The 1.5-degree target? That it seemed so bad for the economy that we decided to resign the idea of securing future living conditions without even trying?
Get this newsletter in your inbox Monday-Friday by signing up at subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters.

Top stories for Tuesday, Jan. 21

CLIMATE CHANGE: A new Portland State University study indicates that "heat islands," areas where development has exacerbated the effects of high temperatures, are disproportionately populated by low-income communities and people of color due to long-running racist housing policies. Of the 108 urban areas analyzed, Portland came in with the worst temperature discrepancy between rich and poor.

About 300 people from several activist organizations gathered at Peninsula Park Monday, honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a march that emptied out onto the Portland boulevard named for the slain civil rights leader. (Beth Nakamura/Staff)

HOMELESSNESS: Kaiser Permanente announced Monday that it plans to donate $5.1 million to finance an initiative to find permanent housing for 300 people who are homeless by the end of 2020. The Metro 300 project will work with people older than 50 who have disabilities.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE: Oregon lawmakers should not pass campaign contribution limits this year, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said recently. As a result, voters will likely have to decide in November on a state constitutional amendment that would allow political donation limits without knowing what those limits might be.

OREGON RENTS: Rents continued to rise across the country last year, according to a new report. That trend includes Oregon, but rent in Oregon cities remains lower than the national average.

CHILD CARE: Oregon child care regulators have imposed first-of-their-kind restrictions on a Hillsboro day care where an infant died Jan. 6. The day care must stop caring for children younger than 2, watch over sleeping children at all times, and increase staffing beyond the baseline required by law.

NOTE TO READERS: Weve launched a Jeremy Christian trial newsletter that will track key events and takeaways in the trial of the man accused in the 2017 MAX stabbings. Sign up for free to get it in your inbox.

Snap of the day

The Oregonian/file

DOUBLE THE DUMPLINGS: Korean restaurant Han Oak, whose pork and chive dumplings in black vinegar broth are shown here, will expand with Pocha, a noodle and dumpling micro restaurant coming this spring. (Stephanie Yao Long/Oregonian file photo)

More news

Man arrested after pointing gun at Portland food cart worker, firing shot into the air, police say

Oregon baby falls 8 feet down air vent, is unharmed and unbothered

Dragons Love Tacos is a play for kids, so we asked a kid to review it

Hood River residents must boil water before consuming, city says

Find more at oregonlive.com

Weather and traffic

Expect rain and showers in Portland Tuesday morning. An incoming cold front will also bring windy conditions. High 50, low 45.

In Tigard, photo traffic-enforcement cameras for red-light violations are now live at the intersection of Southwest Hall Boulevard and Pacific Highway/OR99W. Two more intersections are slated to get the cameras.

Get the latest forecast at oregonlive.com/weather

Stay up to date on traffic conditions at oregonlive.com/commuting

Advice

Ask Amy: Daughter need not apologize for Dads online bullying

Dear Abby: Mom regrets example her abusive marriage set for her children

Dear Annie: What we can draw from Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy

Find more, including todays horoscope, at oregonlive.com

Today's comics

Click here to see today's comics

Today's obituaries

Click here to find area deaths reported recently

Today in history

In 1954: The first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus, was launched at Groton, Connecticut (it made its first nuclear-powered run nearly a year later).

In 1977: On his first full day in office, President Jimmy Carter pardoned almost all Vietnam War draft evaders.

In 2003: The Census Bureau announced that Hispanics had surpassed blacks as Americas largest minority group.

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
James Frayne: Ten errors that Conservatives must avoid making about the new working class voters who backed them last month

James Frayne is Director of Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion.

Because few Conservative strategists supported the Partys working class provincial pivot, theres a dearth of decent advice on what next, and a great deal of bad advice. Listening to conversations in Westminster in recent days, I fear that a number of misconceptions will drive bad decision-making. Heres a brief summary.
New business unit will help joint customers with digital transformation initiatives

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, just announced the launch of a dedicated HCL Microsoft Business Unit focused on Microsoft technologies to extend the offerings of Business Applications, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Azure, IoT, AI/Machine Learning and helping employees accomplish more with Microsoft 365 and Windows 10. The HCL Microsoft Business Unit will create intellectual property extending the Microsoft platform for customer-specific scenarios and will also provide additional support to clients in the financial services, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, retail, and travel industries. The business unit incorporates one of the largest award-winning Microsoft Dynamics practices in the world, PowerObjects, an HCL Technologies Company, and will bring together more than 5,500 professionals, reaching more than 2,000 customers.

"The HCL Microsoft Business Unit is the next phase to bolster HCL's successful and long-standing relationship with Microsoft. Increasingly, customers are making bold strides, incorporating IoT solutions with machine learning for analytics, running this solution in the public cloud and supported by CRM. This business unit combines HCL's specialized services and global reach with Microsoft's powerful cloud and business technologies, making a strong and unique offering for clients. These offerings are coming at a critical time when enterprises are aggressively implementing digital technologies for competitive advantage," said Kalyan Kumar, Corporate Vice President and Global CTO of HCL Technologies. "Spearheading the HCL Microsoft Business Unit is Don Jones who brings 20+ years of Microsoft experience, having created numerous successful solutions and Go-To-Market campaigns with Microsoft."

Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President at Microsoft said, "By establishing a Microsoft Business Unit, HCL is taking an important step forward in the long-standing partnership between our two companies. As a result, companies will benefit from unique products and services tailored to their digital journey while fostering modern work and collaboration. Together, we will be able to offer our joint customers a rich experience."

IDC named HCL a leader in its Marketscape report : Worldwide Microsoft Implementation Services 2019 Vendor Assessment. Forrester Ranks HCL as a Leader in Dynamics 365. In addition, Microsoft named HCL-PowerObjects as the winner of the Microsoft 2019 Dynamics 365 for Customer Service Partner of the Year and Financial Services Partner of the Year awards.

SOURCE PowerObjects, An HCL Technologies Company

Related Links

https://www.hcltech.com


Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 17:11:46|Editor: ZX

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MOSCOW, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Eleven people were killed in a fire that broke out at a Siberian village in Russia's Far East on early Tuesday morning, the regional office of the Russian Emergencies Ministry said.

The fire broke out at a private residential building in the Prichulymsky village in the Tomsk region. It was put out within two hours with the single-story building partially destroyed.

Eleven bodies were discovered under the collapsed structure, the emergencies ministry said in a statement, adding that two people managed to escape from the fire.

Tomsk's Governor said in an online statement that the victims were 10 Uzbek nationals who worked at a local sawmill and an unidentified Russian woman.

The Tomsk office of the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement that the people killed are believed to be foreigners.

A criminal investigation is underway.
This is the moment an RAF pilot gave a celebratory hand signal as he swooped past a startled photographer.

The flyer was snapped as he raced by in his Hawk T2 jet during a training mission in Snowdonia.

The high speed jets are used for training elite airmen from the RAF Valley in Holyhead.

Pictured: The pilot gestures as the Hawk T2 swoops past the photographer during a training exercise in the valleys

One of its two pilots signalled as he shot past while his co-pilot flew them through the Mach Loop at the National Park in west Wales.

Wayne Lewis captured the stunning shot as the plane swept through the formation of valleys.

Mr Lewis - who is a regular sight at the training area - said: 'I love all the aircraft whistling past below and was so happy the pilot saw me.'

Produced by BAE Systems, the Hawk has been a mainstay of the air force since 1974, when it was flown at Dunsfold, Surrey.

The jets are used for the advance training of elite pilots in the RAF and one photographer captured an airman making a celebratory hand gesture

It began life as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk and is a single-engine aircraft used for advanced training.

The latest incarnation - also known as the Hawk 128 - is also used in training by the Royal Navy.

It boasts a Rolls-Royce Adour 951 engine and is also a favourite of the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Royal Omani Air Force.

The plane features modern LCD display screens rather than traditional instrumentation.
In a normal scenario, these suggestions make sense. But, the state of Indian banking sector is far from normal.

If one analyses the third-quarter earnings of Indian banks reported numbers so far, two clear trends are visible. Banks are witnessing a rise in stressed loans. Second, most lenders are trimming growth in their corporate loans. Both trends are not surprising in a slowing economy. But, banks lending less to companies is a clear bad news to Indias struggling economy because when credit growth slows to companies, that impacts progress of projects, cash flows and employment generation and so on.

In this context, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has her tasks cut for the Indian banking sector in the Union Budget 2020. The Budget is an opportunity for the finance minister to address some of the long-pending critical issues, beginning with addressing the massive capital requirement for the banks.

These entities, hit by massive provisioning requirement for bad loans in the aftermath of the clean-up exercise, will require a substantial amount of fresh capital infusion to generate growth capital to resume lending to productive sectors once demand picks up, analysts said.

There is not enough credit demand at the moment. But, that may not be the case next year when growth begins to pick up. Banks need to be funded well to resume lending to industries, said an analyst with a leading brokerage in Mumbai.

Since coming to power in 2014, the Narendra Modi-government has pumped in around Rs 2.8 lakh crore in the state-run banks. This fiscal year, the government infused close to Rs 70,000 crore capital in the public sector banks (PSBs). But, that was inadequate considering the fact that the banks required a substantial chunk of money to clean up their bad loans besides meeting their Basel-III requirements.

Recently, news agency PTI had reported that the government was unlikely to announce capital infusion for the PSBs in the upcoming Budget. Instead, the government wants banks to expedite the recovery of bad loans and raise funds from the market. Besides, the government also wants banks to sell their non-core assets and generate money.

In a normal scenario, these suggestions make sense. But, the state of Indian banking sector is far from normal. There wont be too many takers for state-run banks in the market, except for the likes of State Bank of India (SBI). The gross non-performing asset (NPA) levels of the banks have slightly eased from the peak levels but still constitute 9.3 percent of the total loans. A report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report recently said that the gross NPA levels could touch 9.9 percent by September this year. In simple words, this means that the banks will require more capital this year to make provisions. The Budget needs to address this part.

Privatisation, not merger

The Modi-government has been averse to the idea of privatising state-run banks. Instead, it has only resorted to merging smaller and weaker banks with bigger ones. But experts have long argued that merger of weak banks will not solve the problem of governance issues and lack of autonomy. Besides, merging a weak bank with a strong bank could even impact the health of the big bank.

The only major bank acquisition that happened in the recent past is the LIC-IDBI Bank deal. But, this cannot be termed as a case of privatisation since the LIC is a government-owned entity. In a highly competitive market scenario, a fiscally constrained government cannot continue with the ownership of state-run banks. It will have to look at options to gradually cede ownership control in some of the public sector banks (PSBs). Sitharaman could use her Budget speech to lay out a roadmap for the privatisation of the PSBs.

Better risk management

The government should also look at the loopholes in the risk-management systems in the PSBs. The state-run banks continue to have weak risk management tools and are exposed to frauds. A series of frauds at banks like Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative (PMC) Bank have shaken the confidence of customers in the banking institutions.

The RBI has initiated steps to ringfence the banking system from fraudsters such as revising the rules for co-operative banks. But, the government will have to bring in legislation to overhaul the governance structure of the co-operative banking sector more effectively. It should also take steps to significantly increase the limit of deposit insurance scheme, which is just Rs 1 lakh per depositor at the moment. In the event of a bank failure, this will prove to be severely inadequate. The insurance cover needs to be upped to give protection to all depositors.

Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2020-21 here
Sanitation workers at Incheon International Airport disinfect the Arrival Hall as a part of efforts to stop the spread of a new type of coronavirus here, Tuesday. /Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



The health authorities are increasing their monitoring of people who have recently been to China, following confirmation that the new type of coronavirus discovered in Wuhan there can be spread by infected people, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) announced Tuesday.



International airports nationwide, including, Gimpo and Cheongju have strengthened the screening of travelers arriving from China after a woman from the neighboring country was confirmed as the first patient here.



"Considering the cases in China, it is difficult to say that there is no transmission between people," Jeong Eun-kyung, head of the KCDC, said in a briefing at the Sejong Government Complex.






Eight Indian tourists died after falling unconscious at a mountain resort in Nepal in what is suspected to be suffocation by carbon monoxide emanating from a gas heater inside their poorly ventilated room, officials said on Tuesday.

The eight Kerala residents  two couples and their children  slept in one room at a hotel in Daman, a popular tourist spot about 55km from capital Kathmandu.

They were found unconscious this [Tuesday] morning and airlifted to Kathmandu, but died during treatment, police spokesperson Shailesh Thapa Chettri told news agency AFP.

The tourists, who were returning to India and were part of a 15-member group, used a gas heater to keep their room warm, a district official said. The area is at an altitude of nearly 2500 metres above sea level, according to a report on The News Minute website.

We suspect they died of suffocation, but autopsy reports will confirm the cause, Chettri said.

The group reportedly turned on the gas heater inside the room while the windows and doors were closed. The police suspected that they might have passed out due to lack of ventilation, according to some reports in the Nepali

media. Deeply distressed by the tragic news of the passing away of eight Indian tourists in Nepal, external affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep grief over the deaths, a release from his office said. The bodies are expected to be brought to the state on Wednesday after autopsy, the statement added.

V Muraleedharan, the minister of state for external affairs, said officials in Kathmandus Indian Embassy were taking steps to bring the bodies back as early as possible. A doctor at the embassy went to the hospital where the bodies were kept to examine the reasons for the deaths, he said.

The 15-member group of tourists was travelling from Pokhara to take a flight back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night.

Although they booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in one room while the remaining stayed in another room, The Himalayan Times quoted the manager of the resort as saying. All windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside, the manager, Shiva KC, said, according to the daily.

Praveen Krishnan Nair, a 39-year-old Thiruvananthapuram resident who was working in Dubai; his 34-year-old wife, Saranya, who was doing a masters degree in Kochi; and their three children, Sreebhadra (9), Aarcha (8) and Abhi Nair (7), died in the incident, according to The News Minute.

Nairs friend Renjith Kumar TB, a 39-year-old from Kozhikode; his wife, Indu Renjith, 34; and their son Vaishnav Renjith (2) were in the same room and died, the website said, citing a press release by the police in Nepal. The couple had another son, who was sleeping in a different room, it reported.

Nair returned to India from Dubai on leave two weeks ago, said K Balachandran, one of his uncles, over phone from the familys ancestral home in Chengottukonam on Thiruvananthapurams outskirts. Five men, all belonging to the 1995 batch of an engineering college in Thiruvananthapuram, had planned the [Nepal] tour with their family members. They left Kochi last Saturday, he said.

The eight tourists were found unconscious inside their room when other members of the group went to check on them around 7.30-8am. The police were informed, and the tourists were airlifted to the Hospital for Advanced Medicine and Surgery (HAMS) in Kathmandu, where they were declared dead.

A doctor at the hospital said the four adults and four children showed no signs of life when they arrived at the facility, according to news agency AP.

Running a gas heater in a closed room with no ventilation can lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide, which is colourless, tasteless and odourless. Poisoning occurs when its levels increase in the bloodstream, with oxygen in red blood cells getting replaced with carbon monoxide. It could be dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated as there could be irreversible brain damage or even death.

Theres always the risk of carbon monoxide build-up when a gas heater is running in a poorly ventilated space. When carbon monoxide levels go alarmingly up in blood, its oxygen carrying capacity goes down, and affects the vital organs. The brain being the most sensitive organ collapses due to lack of oxygen, which is why people get drowsy and dont realise whats happening, said Atol Gogia, senior consultant, department of medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.

(With inputs from HTC in Delhi)
WUHAN, China  Facing growing pressure to contain a deadly viral outbreak that has spread halfway around the world, Chinas ruling Communist Party raced on Tuesday to confront the disease, slapping restrictions on the city where it started and warning that anyone who hides infections will be forever nailed to historys pillar of shame.

The response by the Chinese leadership, which has come under intensifying criticism that it has been slow to acknowledge the severity of the outbreak, came as fatalities from the disease tripled to at least nine. Infections surged from 200 to 440, and global financial markets were rattled by the possibility of a pandemic emanating from the worlds most populous country during the Lunar New Year  Asias heaviest travel season.

Already, cases of the pneumonia-like virus have been found in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and South Korea, and on Tuesday the first was confirmed in the United States. Airports in Atlanta and Chicago said they would screen passengers from Wuhan, joining airports in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and cities around the world in doing so. North Korea temporarily closed its borders to foreign tours, the vast majority of them from China. The World Health Organization has called a meeting on Wednesday over whether to declare the outbreak an international health emergency.
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MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  The last of the Great Lakes Fresh Market grocery stores in West Michigan will soon be history, with the announced closure of the supermarket in North Muskegon.

The permanent closure of the store at 520 Whitehall Road was announced on Facebook last week. The post indicated the closure would be soon with no exact date provided.

The store is the fourth former Plumbs supermarket operated by Great Lakes Foods, a grocery distributor, to close. Two stores rebranded as Great Lakes Fresh Markets on Sherman Boulevard in Norton Shores and on Apple Avenue in Muskegon Township closed in late 2018.

A fourth, at 3271 E. Colby St. in Whitehall Township was closed by the new owners during October 2017.

Phone messages left at the North Muskegon store were not returned, nor where calls placed with Great Lakes Foods LLC, based in Menominee.

North Muskegon City Manager Sam Janson said he was disappointed but not surprised by the stores closure. He said he has not spoken with the owners of the market.

Having a full-service grocery store is something a lot of communities are missing these days, Janson said.

In November 2016, Great Lakes Foods took over as primary distributor for the three Plumbs stores in Muskegon, North Muskegon and Whitehall Township.

When Plumb, Inc. ceased operations on Feb. 12, 2017 after more than 80 years as a Muskegon-based business, L.M. Foods LLC took ownership of Plumb Inc. assets as the grocers secured creditor. L.M. Foods LLC and Great Lakes Foods LLC are both located in Menominee and owned by Tom Kuber.

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Iran says it will quit global nuclear treaty if case goes to U.N. An Iranian flag flutters in front of the IAEA headquarters in Vienna

By Babak Dehghanpisheh

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran said on Monday it could quit the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if European countries refer it to the U.N. Security Council over a nuclear agreement, a move that would overturn diplomacy in its confrontation with the West.

The 1968 NPT has been the foundation of global nuclear arms control since the Cold War, including a 2015 deal Iran signed with world powers that offered it access to global trade in return for accepting curbs to its atomic program.

The fate of the 2015 pact has been in doubt since U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of it and reimposed sanctions. Iran has responded by scaling back its commitments, although it says it wants the pact to survive.

Britain, France and Germany declared Iran in violation of the 2015 pact last week and have launched a dispute mechanism that could eventually see the matter referred back to the Security Council and the reimposition of U.N. sanctions.

"If the Europeans continue their improper behavior or send Iran's file to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the NPT," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, according to comments carried by IRNA and other Iranian news agencies.

He also said Iran could take other steps before withdrawing from the NPT, although he did not specify them.

The nuclear dispute has been at the heart of an escalation between Washington and Tehran which blew up into military confrontation in recent weeks.

The 190-member NPT bans signatories other than the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France from acquiring nuclear weapons, in return for allowing them to pursue peaceful nuclear programs for power generation, overseen by the United Nations.

The only country ever to declare its withdrawal from the NPT was North Korea, which expelled nuclear inspectors and openly tested atomic weapons. Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan never signed up, nor did Israel, which does not say whether it has nuclear weapons but is widely presumed to have them.

Story continues

The West has long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear arms. Tehran denies this and says its goal is to master the whole process of generating electricity from nuclear energy.

A steady escalation over Iran's nuclear plans flared into tit-for-tat military action this month, with Trump ordering a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, prompting Iran to fire missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq. During a state of alert, Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner in error.

Amid that escalation - one of the biggest since Iran's 1979 revolution - Tehran has faced mounting pressure from European states which say they want to save the 2015 nuclear deal. They have also indicated a readiness to back Trump's call for a broader deal with Iran that goes beyond its nuclear plans.

'MAXIMUM PRESSURE'

"Despite the ill will that we see from some European countries the door of negotiations with them has not been closed and the ball is in the court of these countries," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

But he also told a news conference: "I don't think Iran is ready to negotiate under the conditions they have in mind."

Since Washington withdrew from the deal, Trump began a policy of "maximum pressure", saying a broader deal should be negotiated on nuclear issues, Iran's missile program and Iranian activities in the Middle East.

U.S. sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, slashing its oil exports. Iran has long said it would not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place.

Tehran has repeatedly held talks with European officials to find ways to keep the nuclear agreement alive, but has blamed the Europeans for failing to guarantee economic benefits that Iran was meant to receive in return for curbing nuclear work.

"The European powers' claims about Iran violating the deal are unfounded," Mousavi said. "Whether Iran will further decrease its nuclear commitments will depend on other parties and whether Iran's interests are secured under the deal."

In a report on a parliamentary website, Iran's foreign minister said steps to scale back its commitments under the nuclear deal were now over.

Britain has said a "Trump deal" could replace the 2015 deal, and France has called for broad talks to end the crisis.

Iran says it cannot negotiate with Trump, who broke promises by repudiating the deal reached under his predecessor Barack Obama. Mousavi repeated Iran's rejection of a "Trump deal".

"The fact that a person's name is put on an agreement shows they're not familiar with the conditions. An agreement with a person doesn't mean anything," he said.

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Babak Dehghanpisheh; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Peter Graff)
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
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Upset over withdrawal of security cover, former MP and Congress spokesperson Udit Raj, here on Tuesday, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had shown its anti-Dalit face again.

"The anti-Dalit face of the BJP government has been exposed again. The government has tried to endanger my life by removing the Y category security," he said in a statement.

Raj said he was provided security at a time when he was not even a member of any political party. "In 2005, the government felt that my life might be in danger and provided the security. After the 2009 review, my security was increased," he said.

"After the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when I became MP, the BJP government didn't provide any additional security even after the scope of my work grew. Instead, there was also an attempt to reduce it," Raj said.

Raj, who joined the Congress ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said the government first reduced his security from the Y plus to the Y category and then to the X category. "On January 20 it has been withdrawn," he said.

Stating that he remained a target for a particular section, the former MP said, "Even now, on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), I am expressing my stand firmly. That's not acceptable to this government." Raj claimed after he conducted a survey on his Twitter wall on the CAA and the NRC, he came into the eyes of the BJP IT cell. "And I am constantly being threatened by them," he said.
File photo

Dr Boniface Okolo, the Director of Public Health, Enugu State, has cautioned Nigerians against the consumption of soaked garri to avoid contacting Lassa fever.

Okolo, who gave the warning in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Enugu, said the rats that caused the disease were mostly in contact with Nigerian most popular staple food garri, a cassava product.

He added that it was necessary to discourage consumption of soaked garri since it did not require boiled water.

Okolo noted that boiled water could go a long way to kill bacteria caused by pest or rodents in garri.

It is better that the cassava flakes called garri is used for eba, because of the use of hot water.

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 them 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, he said.
(Bloomberg) -- Follow Bloomberg on Telegram for all the investment news and analysis you need.

Indias electricity grid operators will have to install firewalls and other measures used by companies to avert an attack on their information technology systems and check rising hacking incidents of power networks across the world.

Grid operators and regulatory agencies will need to have a continuity plan handy in the event of a cyber attack, according to draft rules published by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. The move is part of a overhaul of the decade-old guidelines.

The report comes barely months after the nations monopoly nuclear power producer admitted its information system had been breached, underscoring the need for more action to protect critical installations. Energy networks across the world have been key targets for hackers, prodding governments to take safeguard measures.

The draft report advises central and state transmission utilities and load dispatch centers to ensure protection of sensitive data and identify reserve transmission capacities that can take over in case of a disruption apart from regular monitoring of risks. It also recommends that these bodies prioritize resources and alllocate adequate workforce for online security.

To deal with malware, India protects its central power grid through multiple firewalls and has isolated it from office networks, power minister R.K. Singh told lawmakers in parliament last month.

The country has been a target of cyber attacks, with 529 federal and state government websites being hacked since 2016, according to information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

--With assistance from Archana Chaudhary.

To contact the reporter on this story: Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi at rsingh133@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Ramsey Al-Rikabi at ralrikabi@bloomberg.net, Unni Krishnan, Ruth Pollard

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Kazakh sanitary-epidemiological service worker uses a thermal scanner to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms possibly connected with the previously unknown coronavirus, at Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan January 21, 2020. Pavel Mikheyev | Reuters

Fears that China's latest coronavirus could disrupt travel and commerce, and slow economic growth sent a chill through global risk markets, hitting Asian stocks hard, depressing copper and oil prices, and sending investors into safe havens like U.S. Treasurys and German bunds. Wall Street's big investors and strategists said the virus, which appears to have spread from seafood or meat at a Wuhan food market, has created a new level of uncertainty for global markets, at a time when some investors are concerned about high valuations. They made comparisons to the SARS virus, which was first surfaced in late 2002 in China, for clues on how it might impact the economy and markets. "We've got a curveball with this coronavirus. I think that's a big deal. If you look at what happened in 2003, estimates ranged 0.5% to 2% in GDP for China, half a percent for Southeast Asia," investor Paul Tudor Jones told CNBC's "Squawk Box" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "Stock markets sold off double digits. If you look at the escalation of the reported cases, it feels a lot like that."

Stocks traded lower Tuesday afternoon after news that the U.S. had discovered its first case of the coronavirus. Stocks had previously recovered much of their early losses ahead of the report of an ill traveler from China, who was diagnosed in Washington state. Treasury yields moved to lows of the day after the report, and the 10-year touched 1.76%. Yields move opposite price. Oil futures was off about a half percent, after reversing earlier steeper losses, and copper remained under pressure, down 1.8%. Some analysts said while it's still early, the virus does not seem to be as lethal as SARS, which killed about 10% of patients. Chinese authorities on Monday acknowledged that the virus was now being transmitted between humans, creating more concern of a mass epidemic. The coronavirus infection can create respiratory problems, coughing, fever and in more severe cases pneumonia, or acute respiratory syndrome and death. "For now, we are keeping our economic forecasts for this year unchanged, but the spread of the virus is clearly a major downside risk and we will continue to monitor the situation closely," Capital Economics senior economist Gareth Leather wrote. "If the virus does spread, the worst affected countries are likely to be those most dependent on Chinese tourist spending. In addition to China itself, Hong Kong stands as the most exposed. Thailand and Vietnam are also vulnerable."

300 cases

There have been about 300 documented cases, mostly in Hubei province. With a population about 11 million, the capital, Wuhan is its largest city. "So far there have only been six fatalities, mostly apparently of people with pre-existing conditions. Most patients have shown only relatively mild symptoms," Leather said. China's severe acute respiratory syndrome killed about 700 people. Leather said the hit to the Chinese economy from the SARS epidemic could have been far greater than the decline in GDP that was reported by China. Some analysts said SARS shaved about 1% from Chinese GDP growth. "While the authorities in China were initially slow to respond, in the past couple of days they have become much more open about the spread of the virus and proactive in trying to contain it. People in Wuhan found to have flu-like symptoms have been prevented from taking planes or trains out of the city, while tour groups have also reportedly been banned from leaving the city," Leather noted. "Other countries have also been taking precautions such as screening people at airports and isolating people suspected of having the virus. The contrast with 2003, when China's authorities were heavily criticised for trying to conceal the spread of SARS, is marked." China's Xinhua News Agency reported that Wuhan is taking preventative measures, like canceling what it considers unnecessary, large gatherings of people. It also is setting up a prevention and control center and improving protection for medical workers, some of whom have already been infected. Sick patients are being quarantined.

Travel stocks fall

Stocks of travel-related companies, including airlines and hotel companies fell Tuesday. Cathay Pacific lost 4% on the Hong Kong market, while American Airlines, was down about 2% and United Air Lines lost 3.3%. Casino companies Wynn Resorts was off 4.4% and Las Vegas Sands fell nearly 4%, as investors considered the impact in Macau and elsewhere. Marriott Vacations Worldwide lost 2%, and Marriott International, was off 1.9%. U.S. stocks were trading slightly lower, with the S&P down fractionally, but Hong Kong stocks lost 2.8%; Shanghai fell 1.4% and South Korea was down 1%. "Psychologically, travel takes a hit when there's fears of a pandemic. We're at the early stages," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at National Securities. He added that luxury goods also get hit because of expectations that Chinese tourists will cut back. LVMH Moet Hennessy was off 2.3% in U.S. trading. Cruise ship companies also fell, with Royal Caribbean Cruises off 4.6%. The iShares China Large-Cap ETF was down 4%, and iShares MSCI China ETF was off 3.3% in U.S. trading. "I don't want to be complacent because you don't know. Investors often react to the possibility of disaster rather than disaster itself," said Ed Keon, chief investment strategist at QMA. "It's the possibility that things could get worse that's causing some of those moves, not the current reality.  It's fair to say that China, because they've had a few of these events in the past, has gotten better at containing them." The health scare comes as some investors see the recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China as a catalyst for better global growth this year. "As an investor, I'm not planning on making any changes to the portfolio today. We, of course, will monitor the situation, as we always do," said Keon. "It looks like the global economy is bottoming to us, and maybe will grow a little faster in the second half of the year. The U.S. economy is the same story. Though valuations are not cheap, but given some positive news on geopolitics ... I think you don't make any changes today, but you have to keep your head up."

Bad timing


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Facebook plans to add 1,000 new jobs in the UK this year, with more than half of this focused on technology.



The new jobs come ahead of Facebook's planned opening of its new office premises in King's Cross, London next year. It will take the social media giant's total employee count in the UK to more than 4,000 by the end of this year.



An announcement regarding the new jobs is expected to be made by Facebook's Chief Operating officer Sheryl Sandberg later on Tuesday, before she travels to Davos for the World Economic Forum.



The UK capital is already Facebook's biggest engineering hub outside of the U.S.



According to reports quoting Facebook, more than half of the new jobs will be technology-focused roles across software engineering, product design, and data science. The new roles will also focus on developing the WhatsApp app and Workplace, the business-focused version of Facebook.



Some of the new jobs could be within Facebook's 'Community Integrity' or CI team, which builds the tools used to detect and remove harmful content across Facebook's platforms such as Messenger Instagran and Whatsapp.



The expansion of Facebook's CI team comes as the social media giant strives to regain user trust following the Cambridge Analytica scandal.



The company had come under heavy criticism in 2018 in the wake of revelations that data relating to 87 million people was accessed by British political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica without their permission.



In July 2018, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or FTC imposed a $5 billion penalty on Facebook for the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The fine was for allegedly failing to protect users' data and for violating a legally binding agreement with the U.S. government to protect the privacy of the data.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over his order for the disbandment of local government caretaker committees in Oyo State.

Mr Malami in a letter addressed to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Oyewo Oyelowo, also directed the state government to recall the elected council officials sacked by Governor Seyi Makinde in May last year.

The sacked officials were elected on May 12, 2018, in local government elections conducted under the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

A few hours after he took over from Mr Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ordered the chairmen to hand over to the most senior career officers in their councils.

The sacked chairmen have since taken the matter to court.

Reacting to the directive to reinstate the officials, the PDP in Oyo State urged the caretaker committees to disregard the order.

The party described the order as unexpected of the number one legal officer of the Federation.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Akeem Olatunji, the PDP said the Constitution did not empower the President or his agents to withhold funds due to a federating unit or even the National Judicial Council.

Rather than poke nose into the internal affairs of Oyo State, Mr Abubakar Malami should be more concerned about Federal Governments various disregard of judiciary pronouncements and lack of respect for rule of law.

Nigeria as a federation is governed by constitution not by a decree fiat and its not anybodys fault that the drafters of Nigerian Constitution put the control, legislation and supervision of the local governments under the purview of the State governments through the various State House of Assemblies.

What the present Attorney-General of the Federation, Malam Abubakar Malami, and his APC cohorts are trying to achieve is purely 2023 political agenda similar to attempt by former Attorney-General, Mr Akin Olujimi, SAN, to stop Federal allocations meant for Lagos State through executive fiat.

I want to reiterate that nowhere in the 1999 Constitution is the President or his agents given the power to withhold funds due to States or Local Government Councils or even the National Judicial Council by virtue of the provision of Section 162 subsection (9) thereof. In other words, the President has no supervisory power over the state and the local government councils.

Nigeria as a country is practising federalism, not a unitary system of government, hence the needs for separation of power and avoid ridiculous action that can jeopardize the image of Nigeria within the comity of Nations.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court judgement delivered by Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, CJN, on 10th of December 2004 stated clearly that pursuant to section 162 (5) of the Constitution; if the President or any of his agents have any grievances or whatsoever with any tier of government, he should go to court.

Oyo State PDP as the ruling party is advising APC in Oyo State to look for their saviour elsewhere as Mr Abubakar Malami is not constitutional empowered to assist them in foisting illegality on the good people of Oyo State at the grassroots level.

Hence, the Caretaker Chairmen across the 33 Local Councils and 35 LCDAs are enjoined to face the herculean task before them and disregard the former illegal chairmen who are merely seeking attention.
Did life arrive in an ancient comet impact? (Getty)

Did the building blocks of life on Earth arrive in an ancient comet impact, with chemicals inside a hurtling comet making life on our planet possible?

This theory gained new support this week as a study showed that comets may be covered in ammonium salts, containing nitrogen, a building block for life.

Previous measurements of comets, such as when the European comet mission Giotto flew past Halleys comet three decades ago, found a surprising lack of nitrogen.

READ MORE

But new measurements of dust from the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from the European Space Agencys Rosetta space probe suggest that nitrogen may be present in the form of salts.

Less than a month before the end of the Rosetta mission, the probe was a mile above the surface of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimen as it flew through a dust cloud from the comet.

Kathrin Altwegg, of the University of Bern, said: This dust almost destroyed our instrument and confused Rosettas position control.

Thanks to the flight through the dust cloud, it was possible to detect substances which normally remain in the cold environment of the comet on the dust particles and therefore cannot be measured.

Altwegg said: We came up with the idea that the incidence of ammonia in the ROSINA [Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis] data could potentially be traced back to the occurrence of ammonium salts.

The surface of the 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet (Photo ESA via Getty Images)

As a salt, ammonia has a much higher evaporation temperature than ice and is therefore mostly present in the form of a solid in the cold environment of a comet.

It has not been possible to measure these solids either through remote sensing with telescopes or on the spot until now.

The ammonium salts discovered include several astro-biologically relevant molecules which may result in the development of urea, amino acids, adenine and nucleotides.

Story continues

Altwegg said: This is definitely a further indication that comet impacts may be linked with the emergence of life on Earth.

The ROSINA team has found traces of five different ammonium salts: ammonium chloride, ammonium cyanide, ammonium cyanate, ammonium formate and ammonium acetate, said the teams chemist, and co-author of the study, Dr. Nora Hanni.

Until now, the apparent absence of nitrogen on comets was a mystery. Our study now shows that it is very probable that nitrogen is present on comets, namely in the form of ammonium salts.
Around 2004, Mr. Maitland asked Mr. Litman to take over the charity that his mother, Virginia Maitland Sachs, had started before her death. Ms. Sachs had married into the Goldman-Sachs family and had been devoted to philanthropy.

Mr. Litman eagerly took the helm of the nonprofit, which was renamed Virginias House of Hope. It donated to the homeless, students and young families, and offered college scholarships.

The fact that he had grown up in poverty and want, he felt a great sense of sympathy for the poor and homeless, Mr. Maitland said. He was a very compassionate guy.

Mr. Litman, who was in his mid-50s, lived alone and had recently considered renting out part of his home to make extra money, Mr. Maitland said. The authorities did not say if others were inside the house at the time of the fire.

On Monday afternoon, his block was cordoned off with police tape. Gospel music played nearby, and a sign that read Hope hung in one of Mr. Litmans windows.

People passing by praised his altruism. One mentioned that Mr. Litman had bought hoverboards as gifts for young neighbors; another said he had once paid for a Star Wars-themed birthday party for a residents son.

Around the corner, at Imani Caribbean Kitchen and Bar, Lisa Boone, 50, and her friend Angela Panton, 50, each raised a glass to Mr. Litman.
- Force dangerous terrorists who receive extended determinate sentences to serve the whole time behind bars.

- Ensure those convicted of serious offences such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation would have to spend a minimum of 14 years in jail.

- Scrap early release from jail for those classed as dangerous and handed extended determinate sentences - in which criminals have to spend longer on licence after prison.

- Double the number of counter terrorism probation officers.

- Make more places available in probation hostels so authorities can monitor terrorists in the weeks after they are released from prison.

- Increase counter-terrorism policing funding by 90 million year-on-year for the coming year to 906 million.

- Give an immediate 500,000 cash injection for support for victims of terrorism and a review of services available.

- Provide more specialist psychologists and trained imams who help to assess the risk of radicalised offenders.

- Offer more training for front-line prison and probation staff to identify and challenge extremism behind bars and on licence.
A widely anticipated agreement between Afghanistans Islamist Taliban movement and the United States is expected to include safeguards to ensure that it leads to ending over four decades of war in the country.

The accord, likely to be signed in the Qatari capital, Doha, where the two sides have negotiated for nearly 18 months, will outline a timetable for withdrawing roughly 13,000 U.S. troops in return for the Talibans counterterrorism guarantees, a reduction in violence, and the beginning of talks among the Taliban, the Afghan government, and other factions on their countrys political future and power sharing.

This process provides the only existing opening to start intra-Afghan negotiations. The inter-relationships among the parts of the process are structured in such a way as to provide safeguards, says Barnett Rubin, a former UN and U.S. government adviser, told RFE/RLs Gandhara website.

As an academic, Rubin has followed developments in Afghanistan for over three decades. He acknowledges that while no peace process is guaranteed to succeed, the expected agreement offers a lot to end the war in Afghanistan, which is currently the worlds most violent conflict.

On day one, the Taliban are obligated to cut ties with Al-Qaeda and fight ISIS, he said while referring to the ultra-radical Islamic State group by one of its acronyms. The U.S. troop withdrawal begins; a cease-fire enters into effect between the Taliban and the U.S., he added, detailing his understanding of the agreement. An agreement on reduction of violence between the Afghan parties for 10 days begins.

Rubin says that by day 10 the intra-Afghan negotiations are expected to begin in the Norwegian capital, Oslo. He says that by day 135 of the agreement the American troops levels will be reduced to 8,600. That means that intra-Afghan negotiations will go on for four months while U.S. troop levels are higher than at the end of the Obama administration [in 2016], he noted.

He says that if Washington believes the Taliban are not holding up their end, it can pause its troop withdrawal and demand further negotiations. The U.S. is not obligated to do so, but it believes that it has that option, Rubin noted, declining to elaborate on how he obtained the details of the impending agreement.

The Taliban and U.S. officials have not shared details of the agreement. But Suhail Shaheen, a Taliban spokesman in Doha, has said that a Taliban delegation including deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Bardar, Sher Mohammad Abas Stanikzai, and Amir Khan Muttaqi met with U.S. Peace Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and General Scott Miller, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, on January 20.

The two sides discussed further steps for the peace negotiations in detail and their discussions will continue tomorrow, he wrote on Twitter.

When asked whether the brief window of reducing violence levels by the Taliban can translate into a lasting cease-fire, Rubin said the Taliban are poised to use their main leverage, violence, rather than giving it up unilaterally.

The offer of a cease-fire is the major concession that the Taliban can offer in return for the other side meeting some of their political demands, he explained. Therefore, they are unwilling to give it up unilaterally but instead want to use it as leverage in negotiations. The Taliban are willing to negotiate the conditions of a comprehensive cease-fire with the Afghan government in the intra-Afghan negotiations.

In Kabul, however, the Afghan government is not keen on embracing a Taliban offer to reduce violence. The results of the [peace] efforts by the Afghan government and the United States should result in a cease-fire, Afghan presidential spokesman Sediq Seddiqi told Radio Free Afghanistan last week. We want a cease-fire that has a clear definition and results in ending the violence and war.

But President Ashraf Ghanis administration is facing a major political challenge as it engages in a seemingly unending election dispute with Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. The two still share power in a dysfunctional national unity government but are at loggerheads over presidential elections last September, which both claim to have won. A preliminary vote count announced by the Afghan election commission last month showed Ghani set to win a second term.

Abdullah, former President Hamid Karzai, and other Afghan political elites support jumpstarting talks with the Taliban and have even supported accepting the Talibans offer of reducing violence levels to begin talks.

Peace is not one person's monopoly, one person's wish -- but it is a collective desire, and the people of Afghanistan have the right to take a position regarding the peace process, Tolo News, a leading private television station in Afghanistan, quoted Abdullah as saying on January 20.

The Afghan government should not use the lack of a cease-fire as an excuse to begin [intra-Afghan] negotiations, Karzai told BBCs Pashto service recently.

Najia Anwari, spokeswoman for the Afghan Peace Ministry, however, emphasized the need for a mutually agreed mechanism to attain peace.

There is a national consensus over peace in the country. Even all sides in the region and globally want peace in Afghanistan, she told Radio Free Afghanistan on January 20.

Rubin, however, does not see the U.S. agreement with the Taliban waiting for an Afghan elite consensus.

The U.S. is not going to keep fighting in Afghanistan until Afghan elites unite. That is not an objective that can be achieved through military means, he noted. The U.S. is not able to force Afghan elites to change their political behavior by military or any other means, and it is not willing to let Afghan elites hold U.S. deployment hostage with their own divisions.

He sees the international consensus for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region as stronger today than it has been for 40 years. It is important to take advantage of this moment, he noted. The chances are better now than they have been at any time since 1978.

In an interview with Pakistans English-language daily Dawn last week, Taliban spokesman Shaheen said he hoped to be able to sign the agreement latest by this months end.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:13:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TOKYO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Three British fugitives who fled Japan after allegedly robbing a jewelry store in Tokyo in 2015 of goods worth around 106 million yen (963,000 U.S. dollars), may be handed over to Japanese authorities, sources with knowledge of the matter said Tuesday.

British authorities, while not revealing whether the three have been arrested and are in custody in Britain, intimated that they may know the whereabouts of the alleged fugitives, the sources said.

If a handover were to take place, it would mark the first time for authorities in Japan to receive fugitives from a country with which it does not have an extradition treaty with.

Currently, Japan only has such treaties with the United States and South Korea.

But sources here have said that British police, after the fugitives were put on the international wanted list through the Interpol, after arrest warrants for them were obtained in October 2017, showed an understanding for the extradition request, based on its own judicial philosophy.

Britain's basic judicial philosophy holds that offenders should, in most cases, be tried and punished if convicted, in the countries and regions in which the offenses were committed.

Following the three men now aged between 19 and 23 carrying out the heist on the evening of Nov. 20, 2015, at a Harry Winston jewelry store in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward and injuring a security guard in the process, the three, who have been identified by security camera footage, fled Japan two days later.

British police have received evidence from their counterparts in Tokyo along with other supporting material, sources here said, and in cooperation, both sides have been making the necessary arrangements and holding talks on the potential handover.

As no extradition treaty exists between Japan and Britain, the latter is not legally bound to release the fugitives into Japanese custody.

Usually, in such cases, the country in which the crime was committed asks for the cooperation of the country where the alleged fugitive is living to charge them in accordance with its laws.
VANCOUVER, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO, NYSE AMERICAN: BTG, NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce positive results from the Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Gramalote Ridge deposit ("Gramalote Ridge") at the Gramalote gold project in Colombia (the "Gramalote Project"), a joint venture between B2Gold and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd ("AGA"). B2Gold assumed the role of manager of the Gramalote joint venture on January 1, 2020. All dollar figures are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated.

Highlights

Assuming an effective date of January 1, 2020 , and a gold price of $1,350 per ounce, Gramalote Ridge project economic highlights from the PEA (100% basis) include:

, and a gold price of per ounce, Gramalote Ridge project economic highlights from the PEA (100% basis) include: Open-pit gold mine with an initial life of mine (" LoM ") of 13.6 years based on current Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources (for Gramalote Ridge only)

") of 13.6 years based on current Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources (for Gramalote Ridge only)

LoM gold production of 3.85 million ounces



Average annual gold production of 416,600 ounces per year for the first five full years of production



Average annual gold production LoM of 283,990 ounces per year at cash operating costs of $544 per ounce of gold

per ounce of gold

Average LoM all-in sustaining costs (" AISC ") of $648 per ounce of gold, and average LoM all-in costs (including pre-production capital costs) of $882 per ounce of gold

") of per ounce of gold, and average LoM all-in costs (including pre-production capital costs) of per ounce of gold

Annual processing rate of 11.0 million tonnes per annum (" Mtpa ")

")

Average LoM gold recovery of 94.3% from conventional milling, flotation and cyanide leach of the flotation concentrate



Estimated pre-production capital cost of $901 million (includes approximately $160 million for mining equipment)

(includes approximately for mining equipment)

LoM pre-tax net cash flow of $1,827 million , and after-tax net cash flow of $1,283 million

, and after-tax net cash flow of

Assuming a discount rate of 5%, net present value (" NPV ") pre-tax of $1,027 million and NPV after-tax of $671 million , generating an after-tax internal rate of return (" IRR ") of 18.1% at the project construction decision date (estimated to be January 1, 2021 ), with a project payback (including construction capital) of 3.6 years

") pre-tax of and NPV after-tax of , generating an after-tax internal rate of return (" ") of 18.1% at the project construction decision date (estimated to be ), with a project payback (including construction capital) of 3.6 years

Assuming a gold price of $1,500 per ounce and a discount rate of 5%, NPV pre-tax increases to $1,394 million and NPV after-tax increases to $928 million , generating an after-tax IRR of 21.9% at the project construction decision date (estimated to be January 1, 2021 ) and reducing the project payback (including construction capital) to 3.2 years

per ounce and a discount rate of 5%, NPV pre-tax increases to and NPV after-tax increases to , generating an after-tax IRR of 21.9% at the project construction decision date (estimated to be ) and reducing the project payback (including construction capital) to 3.2 years Continue ongoing feasibility work to optimize the PEA results and a final feasibility study expected to be completed by December 31, 2020

Amended and restated shareholders agreement signed by B2Gold and AGA on December 23, 2019 , under which B2Gold agreed to sole fund the next $13.9 million of expenditures on the Gramalote Project, following which B2Gold and AGA will each hold a 50% ownership interest in the joint venture (currently 48.3% B2Gold and 51.7% AGA)

, under which B2Gold agreed to sole fund the next of expenditures on the Gramalote Project, following which B2Gold and AGA will each hold a 50% ownership interest in the joint venture (currently 48.3% B2Gold and 51.7% AGA) Exploration drilling is ongoing at the Trinidad deposit, with additional drilling at the Monjas zone to commence later in 2020

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA based on these Mineral Resources will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

B2Gold is currently completing approximately 42,500 metres of infill drilling at Gramalote Ridge to convert existing Inferred Mineral Resources to an Indicated category, and 7,645 metres of geotechnical drilling for site infrastructure.

Gramalote Project Mineral Resource Estimate

The Mineral Resource estimate for the overall Gramalote Project (100% basis), effective December 31, 2019, within a pit shell run at a gold price of $1,500 per ounce includes:

Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate

Area Tonnes Gold Grade

(g/t) Contained Gold

Ounces Gramalote Sulphide 78,200,000 0.85 2,140,000 Total Indicated Resources 78,200,000 0.85 2,140,000

Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate

Area Tonnes Gold Grade

(g/t) Contained Gold

Ounces Gramalote Oxide 6,000,000 0.61 120,000 Trinidad Oxide 3,100,000 0.55 50,000 Subtotal Oxide Inferred 9,100,000 0.59 170,000







Gramalote Sulphide 105,600,000 0.70 2,370,000 Trinidad Sulphide 14,400,000 0.62 290,000 Subtotal Sulphide Inferred 120,100,000 0.69 2,660,000







Total Inferred Resources 129,200,000 0.68 2,830,000

Notes: 1. Mineral Resources have been classified using the CIM Standards. 2. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. 3. The Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource estimate is Tom Garagan, P.Geo., B2Gold's Senior Vice President, Exploration. 4. Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% project basis (B2Gold currently holds a 48.3% attributable interest with the remaining 51.7% interest held by AGA). 5. Mineral Resources for Gramalote assume metallurgical recoveries of 83.9% for oxide and 95% for sulphide, and operating cost estimates of an average mining cost of $2.13/t mined, processing cost of $3.35/t processed for oxide and $6.58/t processed for sulphide, general and administrative cost of $1.89/t processed and selling cost of $50.52/oz produced. 6. Mineral Resources for Trinidad assume metallurgical recoveries of 81.7% for oxide and 90.9% for sulphide, and operating cost estimates of an average mining cost of $1.82/t mined, processing cost of $3.35/t processed for oxide and $6.58/t processed for sulphide, general and administrative cost of $1.89/t processed and selling cost of $50.52/oz produced. 7. Mineral Resources for Gramalote and Trinidad are reported at cut-offs of 0.15 g/t gold for oxide and 0.20 g/t gold for sulphide. 8. All tonnage, grade and contained metal content estimates have been rounded; rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade and contained metal content.

PEA Overview

The Gramalote Project is located in central Colombia, approximately 230 kilometres ("km") northwest of Bogota and 120 km northeast of Medellin, in the Province of Antioquia which has expressed a positive attitude towards the development of responsible mining projects in the region. The PEA was prepared by B2Gold and evaluates recovery of gold from a an open-pit mining operation that will move up to 143,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") (50.0 Mtpa), with a 30,137 tpd (11.0 Mtpa) processing plant that includes crushing, grinding, flotation, with fine grinding of the flotation concentrate and agitated leaching of both the flotation concentrate and the flotation tails, followed by a carbon-in-pulp recovery process to produce dore bullion. The PEA is based solely on production from the Gramalote Ridge deposit and does not include potential production from the nearby Trinidad deposit, which has a current Inferred Mineral Resource estimate (see above), and the Monjas West zone. The Mineral Resource estimate for Gramalote Ridge that forms the basis for the PEA includes Indicated Mineral Resources of 70,110,000 tonnes grading 0.92 g/t gold for a total of 2,070,000 ounces of gold and Inferred Mineral Resources of 79,030,000 tonnes grading 0.79 g/t gold for a total of 2,010,000 ounces of gold.

The PEA updates and enhances the previous studies on the Gramalote Project in several areas, including:

For Gramalote Ridge, additional drilling has been completed and a new Mineral Resource model has been developed

The PEA is based solely on Gramalote Ridge Mineral Resources, where previous studies included mining and processing ore from the Trinidad deposit and the Monjas West zone

deposit and the Monjas West zone Recent metallurgical test work has resulted in slightly lower processing costs and improved economics

The new Mineral Resource model for Gramalote Ridge includes new interpretations of higher grade ore zones and has allowed more efficient mine optimization, which has resulted in higher grade ore being fed to the plant during the first years of production, significantly improving project economics

Due to better defined high-grade zones in Gramalote Ridge in the block model, the overall gold grade for the PEA is 0.85 g/t, which is significantly higher than previous studies

Accelerated mining is planned in the early years of production to provide higher grade feed to the plant while stockpiling lower grade material. The final four years of plant feed are from low-grade stockpiles and oxide ore. Oxide ore, which only makes up about 3% of the plant feed, will be stockpiled and processed at the very end of the project life as blending this material with the fresh ore does not yield optimal gold recoveries.

The PEA assumptions include revenues using a gold price of $1,350 per ounce and current prices for fuel, reagents, labour, power and other consumables. The key parameters of the PEA are presented in the following table (100% basis):

Production Profile

Contained gold ounces processed (Moz) 4.082 Gold recovery (%) 94.3 Average gold grade (g/t) 0.85 Gold ounces produced (Moz) 3.85 Average gold production for the first five years (oz) 416,600 Average annual gold production (oz) 283,990 Mine life (years) 13.6 Ore tonnes processed (Mt) 149 Waste material mined (Mt) 288 Waste to ore strip ratio 1.93 Project Economics - $1,350 /oz gold price

Construction capital ($M) 901 Sustaining capital ($M) 103 Gross gold revenue ($M) 5,198 Net cash flow (pre-tax) ($M) 1,827 Net cash flow (after tax) ($M) 1,283 NPV 5.0% (pre-tax) ($M) 1,027 NPV 5.0% (after tax) ($M) 671 IRR (after tax) (%) 18.1 Payback (years) 3.6 Unit Operating Costs

LoM cash operating costs (mining, processing and site G&A) ($/oz gold) 544 LoM AISC (cash operating costs + royalties, corporate G&A, selling costs and

silver credits and excluding pre-production capital costs) ($/oz gold) 648 LoM all-in costs (AISC and pre-production capital costs) ($/oz gold) 882 Average LoM mining cost ($/t mined) 2.16 Average LoM processing cost ($/t processed) 5.61

Based on the positive results from the PEA, B2Gold believes that the Gramalote Project has the potential to become a large, low-cost open-pit gold mine, subject to completion of ongoing infill drilling and the results of a final feasibility study expected by the end of 2020. The Gramalote Project has several key infrastructure advantages, including:

Reliable water supply  high rainfall region and located next to the Nus River

Adjacent to a national highway, which connects directly to Medellin and to a major river with port facilities, capable of bringing supplies by barge to within 70 km of the site

and to a major river with port facilities, capable of bringing supplies by barge to within 70 km of the site Proximity to the national electricity grid with ample low-cost power and a stable record of hydroelectric power

Skilled labour workforce within Colombia

In addition, B2Gold expects the Gramalote Project to benefit from several key operational advantages, including:

Excellent metallurgical characteristics of the ore, which results in high recovery rates at low processing costs

Relatively low strip ratio in the mine (1.9:1)

Ability to mine and process higher grade ore in the initial years of the mine life resulting in improved project economics

The PEA is subject to a number of assumptions and risks, including among others, that a Modified Environment Impact Study and a Modified Project Implementation plan will be approved within the required timeline, all required permits and other rights will be obtained in a timely manner, the Gramalote Project will have the support of the local government and community, the regulatory environment will remain consistent and no material increase will have occurred to the estimated costs.

Economic Sensitivities

Gramalote is a large, low-grade, low-cost project and sensitive to the gold price, as demonstrated in the following table:

Gold Price

($/oz) NPV 5%

($M) After Tax IRR

(%)

Pre-tax Post tax

$1,250 $783 $497 15.2% $1,300 $905 $585 16.7% $1,350 $1,027 $671 18.1% $1,400 $1,150 $757 19.4% $1,450 $1,272 $842 20.7% $1,500 $1,394 $928 21.9% $1,550 $1,516 $1,014 23.2% $1,600 $1,638 $1,099 24.3% $1,650 $1,761 $1,185 25.5%

Project Next Steps

B2Gold and AGA have agreed on a budget for the feasibility study on the Gramalote Project of approximately $37 million through the end of 2020. This budget will fund 42,500 metres of infill drilling to convert existing Inferred Mineral Resources to the Indicated category, and 7,645 metres of geotechnical drilling for site infrastructure. The Company currently expects to complete all drilling by the end of May 2020. In addition, the budget will fund feasibility work including an updated Mineral Resource estimate, detailed mine planning, ongoing environmental studies, additional metallurgical test work, engineering and detailed economic analysis.

The Gramalote joint venture will continue to advance resettlement programs, establish coexistence programs for small miners, work on health, safety and environmental projects and continue to work with government and local communities on social programs. B2Gold, as manager, plans to continue the feasibility work with the goal of B2Gold completing a final feasibility study by December 31, 2020. Due to the amount of work completed by AGA over the past several years, including extensive testing programs, the work with local communities and small miners, and the high level of engineering performed in 2017 for an internal study, the work remaining to reach final feasibility is not extensive. The main work program for feasibility is infill drilling to confirm and upgrade the Inferred Mineral Resources to the Indicated category.

The Environmental Impact Study and Project Implementation Plans for the Gramalote Project have been fully approved by the National Authority of Environmental Licenses of Colombia. Due to the desired modifications to the processing plant and infrastructure locations, a Modified Environment Impact Study and a Modified Project Implementation plan were submitted and are currently in the final approval process. If the final economics of the feasibility study are positive and the joint venture makes the decision to develop Gramalote as an open-pit gold mine, B2Gold would utilize its proven internal mine construction team to build the mine and mill facilities and operate the mine on behalf of the joint venture.

Qualified Persons

Tom Garagan, Senior Vice President, Exploration at B2Gold, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information regarding exploration matters and the Mineral Resource estimate contained in this news release.

Bill Lytle, Senior Vice President, Operations at B2Gold, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to operations matters contained in this news release. Mr. Lytle has visited the Gramalote Project several times since 2009 and has reviewed the mining operations and has reviewed the technical aspects of the PEA that form the basis for this news release.

About B2Gold Corp.

B2Gold is a low-cost senior gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has three operating gold mines and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including the Philippines, Namibia, Mali and Colombia. In 2020, B2Gold forecasts consolidated gold production of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces.

On Behalf of B2GOLD CORP.

"Clive T. Johnson"

President & Chief Executive Officer

For more information on B2Gold, please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact:

Ian MacLean Katie Bromley Vice President, Investor Relations Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations +1 604-681-8371 +1 604-681-8371 [email protected] [email protected]

The Toronto Stock Exchange and NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release.

Production guidance presented in this news release reflects the total production at the mines B2Gold operates on a 100% basis. Please see our Annual Information Form, dated March 19, 2019 for a discussion of our ownership interest in the mines B2Gold operates. In respect of La Libertad and El Limon, production guidance is on a 34% attributed basis (to reflect B2Gold's approximate current ownership interest in Calibre).

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including: projections; outlook; guidance; forecasts; estimates; and other statements regarding future or estimated financial and operational performance, gold production and sales, revenues and cash flows, and capital costs (sustaining and non-sustaining) and operating costs, including projected cash operating costs and AISC, and budgets; statements regarding future or estimated mine life, metal price assumptions, ore grades or sources, gold recovery rates, stripping ratios, throughput, ore processing; statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, development, construction, permitting and other activities or achievements of B2Gold; and including, without limitation: consolidated gold production of between 1,000,000 and 1,055,000 ounces in 2020; the results of and estimates in the Gramalote PEA, including the mine life, average annual gold production, total gold production, processing rate, capital cost, net present value, pre-tax and after-tax net cash flow and payback; the potential to convert existing inferred resources to the indicated category; the timing to complete a feasibility study at Gramalote; the completion and results of a feasibility study at Gramalote; receipt of the final approval of the Modified Environment Impact Study and the Modified Project Implementation plan from all regulatory authorities, including the National Authority of Environmental Licenses of Colombia; the potential to develop Gramalote as an open-pit gold mine and any decision from the joint venture in respect thereof. Estimates of mineral resources and reserves are also forward-looking statements because they constitute projections regarding the amount of minerals that may be encountered in the future and/or the anticipated economics of production, should a production decision be made. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made.

Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks and uncertainties identified in the Gramalote PEA and risks associated with or related to: the volatility of metal prices and B2Gold's common shares; changes in tax laws; the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; not achieving production, cost or other estimates; actual production, development plans and costs differing materially from the estimates in B2Gold's feasibility and other studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; the unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; financing and debt activities, including potential restrictions imposed on B2Gold's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations in Colombia and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements or resource nationalization generally; remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; community support for B2Gold's operations, including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; conflicts with small scale miners; failures of information systems or information security threats; the outcome of the ongoing tax assessment by the Colombian Tax Office (DIAN) in respect of the Gramalote property; the ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; compliance with anti-corruption laws, and sanctions or other similar measures; social media and B2Gold's reputation; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, B2Gold's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect B2Gold's forward-looking statements.

B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions contained in the Gramalote PEA and assumptions and factors related to B2Gold's ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; B2Gold's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. B2Gold's forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management and reflect their current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. B2Gold does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

Non-IFRS Measures

This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including "cash operating costs" and "all-in sustaining costs" (or "AISC"). Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with B2Gold's consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to B2Gold's Management Discussion and Analysis, available on the Websites, under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" for a more detailed discussion of how B2Gold calculates certain of such measures.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The disclosure in this news release was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), which differs significantly from the current requirements of the SEC set out in Industry Guide 7. Accordingly, such disclosure may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report in accordance with Industry Guide 7. In particular, this news release may refer to "mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources". While these categories of mineralization are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, they are not recognized by Industry Guide 7 and have not historically been permitted to be disclosed in SEC filings by U.S. companies subject to Industry Guide 7. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of a "mineral resource," "indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be converted into a "reserve." In addition, this news release uses the terms "reserves" and "mineral reserves" which are reported by the Company under Canadian standards and may not qualify as reserves under Industry Guide 7. Under Industry Guide 7, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the mineralization can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the "reserve" determination is made. Accordingly, information contained or referenced in this news release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be compatible to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of Industry Guide 7. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian reporting standards; however, Industry Guide 7 normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by Industry Guide 7 standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Further, while NI 43-101 permits companies to disclose economic projections contained in preliminary economic assessments and pre-feasibility studies, which are not based on "reserves", U.S. companies subject to Industry Guide 7 have not generally been permitted to disclose economic projections for a mineral property in their SEC filings prior to the establishment of "reserves." Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance.

SOURCE B2Gold Corp.
British police bodyguards are guarding Meghan, Harry and Archie in Vancouver  but have been partnered with 'Mounties' as the row over who will pay the multi-million pound annual bill rumbles on, MailOnline can reveal today.

A smiling Meghan was pictured walking through a forest with Archie and her two dogs yesterday trailed by one of her regular British security men, who was accompanied by a Canadian counterpart.

The Duke of Sussex, who landed in the country last night, has travelled across the Atlantic by at least two Met close protection officers, who can earn 100,000-plus each year including overtime, expenses and other payments.

Scotland Yard has said they 'never comment on personal protection matters' - while The Royal Canadian Mounted Police haven't commented either as experts claimed the cost of protecting the Sussexes abroad could be between 3million and 6million.

A security source told MailOnline today: 'Meghan is being guarded by her long-term British police bodyguard who has been paired with a Canadian Mountie. Harry flew in with Met officers last night. This is likely to be the arrangement for the Sussexes going forward until the deal over who pays is thrashed out'.

There is fury in both Britain and Canada that taxpayers could be forced to pay for the Sussexes' bodyguards despite - with a 'cost-sharing' deal between the two countries being predicted.

Meghan Markle, Archie and the Sussexes two dogs were followed by two police bodyguards today - one from Scotland Yard in Britain and the other from Canada's famous armed 'Mountie' unit

Harry leaves his plane at Victoria International Airport after taking a commercial flight from Vancouver flanked by two bodyguards

An insider has said that the Sussexes probably have a team of six police protecting them 24/7 at their Vancouver mansion  three from the UK and three from Canada.

The source said: 'While British royal protection officers can carry arms in Canada they will be working closely with their Canadian colleagues to ensure the best possible security.'

Mounties were stationed outside Meghan's house in Toronto when she began dating the Duke in 2016  and already protect Canada's Governor General, the Queen's representative in the country.

Experts have said The Royal Canadian Mounted Police would be obliged to do the same for her grandson, his wife and great-grandson, even if the family keeps British royal protection officers with them.

Despite the Megxit deal being hammered out at the Sandringham summit hosted by the Queen this month, there are still a number of unanswered questions about who will fund the couple once they settle abroad - and how they will make money.

There is a row brewing because the British taxpayer could pick up the couple's estimated 3million security bill because an American private firm would be 'woefully ill-equipped' to protect the high profile couple.

Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said: 'Ultimately I think the British public will still be paying for it.

'The private security firms simply cannot cope with the professional demands that protecting Harry and Meghan would put on them.

'By moving abroad they are making it harder to set up adequate protection.'

Meghan Markle took son Archie and her dogs Oz and Guy for a walk in the woods in Vancouver yesterday as her husband Harry flew in from the UK

Hours later Harry landed on a BA flight to Vancouver Int (left). Harry flew on to Victoria airport on a smaller plane and smiled as he arrived having been away from his wife and son for almost two weeks

Currently the Sussexes' bodyguards cost around 1million-a-year - but experts claim this could reach 3million if they spend most of their time in Canada. Some Canadians claim it could be 6million.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had intimated that his country would pick up some of the expense - but a poll of 1,154 Canadian adults found last week that 73 per cent do not want their government to pay for the couple's security costs.

Canada covers royal security costs on official visits when Scotland Yard close protection teams also travel.

Under the Canadian criminal code, an internationally protected person (IPP) who requires state-funded security is defined as 'a head of state' or member of their family.

Meghan and Harry are expected to lose that IPP status under Canadian law now they are no longer full-time royals.

But former Mountie officer, Larry Busch, who has also protected the royals, has predicted Canada would still have to agree to a 'cost-sharing' agreement with the UK even though the couple have lost their HRH.

Who pays for Meghan and Harry's lifestyle, where does their cash come from and how much could they make in North America? Home Office The government department covers Harry, Meghan and Archie's 24/7 Met police security - estimated at 600,000-a-year. With overtime, travel and accommodation expenses this would likely reach 1million. However experts have said that this could reach 3million to 6million - with British taxpayers expected to pick up some or all of the bill despite the couple living in Canada. The details have not yet been agreed but sources expect the Home Office to pick up some or all of the bill when their royal duties end in the spring. Prince Charles Harry receives up to 2.3million annually from his father's royal estate, the Duchy of Cornwall. It is understood that Charles will continue to fund his son for the first year at least, either via the Duchy of Cornwall, the estate which provides him with private funding, or more likely from his own personal investments from income such as his bequest from the late Queen Mother. No public funds will be used. Personal wealth Harry inherited around 20million from his mother, Princess Diana, who died when he was 12. The Queen Mother also left him up to 7million. Much of his cash is tied up in trust funds with some of the money kept from him until his 40th birthday Meghan has a personal fortune of 4million, mainly from her acting work and property in Canada. Advertisement

Mr Busch, who runs his own firm, Strategic Security, estimated that the couple would need a protection team of 24 RCMP officers at an annual cost of 1.2million. 'We don't want any of the royals injured or embarrassed while they are here so it behoves us to apply the proper level of security.

'Hollywood people get security provided by private companies. Politicians will get security provided by police officers and that would be the case here.'

Scotland Yard has already had to nearly double its flight budget to cover the escalating cost of protecting the globe-trotting royals on official visits and holidays.

Taxpayers faced a 4.6million bill for officers' flights in the year to March 31, 2019, almost double the 2.5million in 2016.

The police already struggle to train enough specialist officers to cope with increasing royal security demands.

Despite the Home Office recommending a 20 per cent rise in Scotland Yard bodyguards in 2017, the force said it had found it 'extremely difficult' to obtain the necessary training courses, adding that maintaining security has meant a 'reliance on overtime'.

Asked about who would pay for their protection, Britain's justice minister Robert Buckland said there was an issue about how public money was spent.

'Quite clearly there have already been arrangements made about how that family are going to live and how they are going to be able to get private income but there clearly has to be a line of delineation,' he told Sky News.

'I think we all want a family like that to be safe, but at the same time I think what really needs to happen is they need to understand how their lifestyle is to adapt and what their needs might be.'

Meanwhile, 5,000 miles away, Harry's brother Prince William chaired a meeting of an African wildlife charity he set up.

The Duke of Cambridge hosted a summit of the United for Wildlife [UfW] taskforces at St James's Palace, having held his first solo engagement at Buckingham Palace, while his brother flew to meet his wife and child.

UfW was set up by the Royal Foundation - a joint foundation that was founded by William, Kate and Harry six years ago before he married - but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex then broke away from the foundation last June as rumours of a rift between the couples grew.

The Duke of Sussex will be focusing on his own charity commitments with Sentebale, the charity he founded in 2006, it emerged today.

He has already organised events across America for the organisation, which supports children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.

The Duke of Cambridge today makes a speech during the meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces at St James's Palace

Harry, who used a Sentebale dinner in London this week to claim he and Meghan 'no choice' but to quit as senior royals, has pledged to help the world beat AIDS as a legacy to his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, while his close friend Sir Elton John's foundation has raised 240million [$300 Million] to fight the virus and help its victims.

Sentebale chairman Johnny Hornby told the Evening Standard today: 'The duke is a global figure and HIV is a challenge for the world to try to help solve.

'We know the duke has the ability to challenge the stigma that surrounds HIV and shine a light on these issues, whichever side of the pond he finds himself on.'

Yesterday the Duke of Sussex rushed through a series of meetings at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich and is not believed to have seen William before catching a 5.30pm flight out of Heathrow to Vancouver.

But he did reportedly hold a meeting with his Kensington Palace team about managing his and Meghan's affairs because they will now be in Canada for the foreseeable future.
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
(Newser)  A court in Germany has convicted a 31-year-old man of attempted murder in more than a dozen cases for tricking women into giving themselves electric shocks while he watched over the internet. Munich's regional court on Monday sentenced the man, identified only as David G. for privacy reasons, to 11 years' imprisonment. Court spokesman Florian Gliwitzky said the defendant was sent to a secure psychiatric clinic for treatment, the AP reports. Prosecutors said the man contacted women online, claiming to be a doctor seeking paid volunteers for a medical experiment on pain perception. He then persuaded them to attach a homemade contraption to the electricity mains and their extremities while he watched and issued instructions.

story continues below

Judges concluded that 13 of the 88 cases constituted attempted murder because the defendant had told the women to hold the cables to their temples or feet, causing electricity to flow through their brains or hearts. The court also convicted him of two counts of serious bodily harm and five counts of premeditated bodily harm, of breaching the victims' privacy by filming them, and of illegally claiming to have a medical degree.

(Read more electrical shocks stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 05:16:02|Editor: zh

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U.S. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (1st L), U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (2nd L) and other impeachment managers arrive at the Senate Chamber before the start of the Senate impeachment trial on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 21, 2020. The impeachment trial against U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off Tuesday in the Senate as the chamber debated, and would later vote on, a resolution stipulating rules guiding the process. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The impeachment trial against U.S. President Donald Trump kicked off Tuesday in the Senate as the chamber debated, and would later vote on, a resolution stipulating rules guiding the process.

With Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the session and the Senate clerk finishing reading the draft resolution proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the two opposing sides - House managers as prosecutors and Trump's legal defense team - debated the trial rules.

Speaking on the Senate floor on behalf of the lawyers representing Trump in the trial, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone defended McConnell's draft resolution. "We support this resolution. It is a fair way to proceed with this trial," he said.

In a last-minute change to his original resolution, McConnell extended the duration of the 24-hour time slot granted to each of the two opposing sides in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial for their opening statements from two days to three days. The resolution was firmly opposed by Democrats.

"We believe that once you hear the initial presentations, the only conclusion will be that the president has done absolutely nothing wrong, and that these articles of impeachment do not begin to approach the standard required by the Constitution," said Cipollone.

Trump was impeached in December by the Democratic-controlled House, which passed two articles of impeachment accusing him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who has led the House impeachment inquiry and who now heads the team of House managers, denounced McConnell's proposal, saying "the resolution should allow the House managers to call their witnesses, and then the President should be allowed to do the same and any rebuttal witnesses."

"Why should this trial be different than any other trial? The short answer is it shouldn't. But leader McConnell's resolution would turn the trial process on its head," Schiff, a California Democrat, said, adding that "the president places himself beyond accountability, above the law."

McConnell's four-page resolution does not require additional witnesses to be subpoenaed and does not allow House prosecutors to admit evidence into the Senate trial record until after the opening arguments are heard.

Instead, the resolution allows for a motion to be introduced to dismiss the impeachment charges by a simple majority vote in the Republican-controlled upper chamber.

Democrats had demanded that whether to subpoena new witnesses or request additional documents be decided before the start of the trial. In a statement Monday bashing McConnell's resolution, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he would be "offering amendments to address the many flaws in this deeply unfair proposal and to subpoena the witnesses and documents we have requested."

McConnell in a floor speech Tuesday ahead of the debate vowed to block early votes on witnesses. "If a senator moves to amend the resolution in order to subpoena specific witnesses or documents, I will move to table such motions because the Senate will decide those questions later in the trial," said the Kentucky Republican.

Schumer seized the opportunity of McConnell changing his resolution to press for calling witnesses and producing documents.

"The public is understanding how unfair Senator McConnell's trial rules are and Republican Senators are beginning to tell him to change them," the New York senator said in a statement. "The real test will be if they pressure Senator McConnell to allow witnesses and documents."

Later during the trial, Schumer offered up his first amendment to the resolution, saying that it requested to "subpoena certain documents and records from the White House." The amendment was subsequently debated in the chamber.

"I just took the floor to demand a vote to subpoena the witnesses and documents needed for a fair trial," Schumer tweeted in the meantime. "Will Senate Republicans vote for a fair trial? Or will they enable a cover-up?"
BERLIN - Explosives experts on Tuesday successfully defused an unexploded American bomb from World War II in the western German city of Cologne, authorities said.

The 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) bomb was found Monday evening during construction near the Rhine River in the centre of the city. A TV station and the opera house had to be evacuated during the defusing operation. Shipping on the river and air traffic overhead were also interrupted before the defusing operation got underway.

Officials closed down a bridge across the Rhine that takes most trains to Colognes main train station, one of Germanys major rail hubs. The suspension of traffic in Cologne led to delays in train services across all of Germany.

Almost 75 years after the end of the war, unexploded bombs are frequently found in Germany. Disposing of them sometimes entails large-scale evacuations as a precaution.
To celebrate director David Lynch's 74th birthday, Netflix has uploaded a new short film from the filmmaker, which sees him interrogate a talking monkey about a murder.

The 17-minute short film What Did Jack Do? was filmed in 2016, and screened at Lynch's New York event, Festival of Disruption, in 2018. However, it has never previously been available online before, the Film Stage reported.

Lynch's notable movies included Eraserhead, The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. He also created the TV series Twin Peaks.
Without comment, the justices turned down a motion by the House of Representatives and Democratic-led states to expedite review of a decision last month by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. The panel struck down the laws mandate that individuals buy health insurance but sent back to a lower court the question of whether the rest of the statute can stand without it.
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hilb Group, LLC ("THG") announced today the acquisition of New York-based BR Vital Brokerage, Inc. ("BRV"). The transaction became effective January 1, 2020.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, BRV is an independent brokerage primarily providing property and casualty insurance with a specialty in providing liability coverage to medical professionals. Steven Bykovsky, owner of BRV, will continue to lead BRV's associates out of their existing location in Brooklyn.

"We are looking forward to the added capabilities we will have as part of THG," said Bykovsky. "Access to a national network and pool of resources will help us provide clients with better, more expansive service than ever before."

"BRV's specialty focus goes a long way toward strengthening both our program offerings and presence in the Tri-State region," said Ricky Spiro, THG CEO. "We look forward to welcoming Steven and his associates to THG's team."

About THG: THG is a leading middle market insurance agency headquartered in Richmond, Virginia and is a portfolio company of global investment firm, The Carlyle Group. THG seeks to grow through targeted acquisitions in the middle market insurance brokerage space. The company now has over 90 offices in 20 states. Please visit our website at: http://hilbgroup.com.

Media Contact:

Margaret Goldman

804-205-1209

[email protected]

M&A Contact:

Ryan Havermann

804-414-6508

[email protected]

SOURCE The Hilb Group, LLC

Related Links

https://www.hilbgroup.com


More than 470 million people worldwide are currently unemployed or underemployed, the UN said, warning that a lack of access to decent jobs was contributing to social unrest.

The global unemployment rate has remained relatively stable over much of the past decade, according to the UN's International Labour Organisation.

But while the rate -- which stood at 5.4 per cent last year -- is not expected to change much, overall jobless numbers are likely to inch up as slowing economies reduce the number of jobs available to a growing population.

This year, the number of people registered as unemployed is expected to rise to 190.5 million up from 188 million in 2019, ILO said in its annual World Employment and Social Outlook report.

At the same time, the UN body stressed that some 285 million people worldwide are considered underemployed, meaning they either work less than they want to, have given up searching for work or otherwise lack access to the labour market.

That amounts to nearly half a billion people and represents a full 13 per cent of the global labour force, the ILO pointed out.

"For millions of working people, it is becoming increasingly difficult I think to build better lives through work," ILO chief Guy Ryder told reporters in Geneva.

He warned that "persisting and substantial work-related inequalities and exclusion" were preventing many from finding decent work and thereby also creating better futures.

"I think that this is an extremely worrying finding," he said, adding that lacking access to decent work appeared to be part of what was spurring growing protest movements and unrest around the world.

"Labour market conditions are contributing to... this erosion of social cohesion in many of our societies," he said, referring to mass demonstrations in places like Lebanon and Chile.

According to the ILO's "social unrest index", measuring the frequency of things like demonstrations and strikes, there was an increase both at the global level and in seven out of 11 subregions between 2009 and 2019.

The ILO report highlighted that more than 60 percent of the global workforce currently work in the informal economy, often toiling for substandard wages and lacking basic social protections.

And in 2019, more than 630 million people -- a fifth of the global working population -- lived in so-called working poverty, meaning they made less than USD 3.20 per day in purchasing power.

At the same time, the ILO report warned of significant income and job access inequality, driven by things like gender, age and geographic location.

In particular, it warned that a staggering 267 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are not in employment, education or training, while many more in this group endure substandard working conditions.

The study showed that the average share of national income going to pay wages and other labour costs shrank from 54 percent to 51 percent between 2004 and 2017.

And within the waged population, the gap between the highest earners and those at the bottom is "extremely unequal", Ryder said.

The ILO report found that it took 11 years for the bottom 20 percent of wage earners to make the same amount as the top 20 percent make in a year.

"The situation is worse than we previously thought," Ryder said.
(Natural News) Fifth generation wireless technology (5G) will forever alter human evolution, inundating human cells and subtle energy systems of the human body with constant pulses of radio-frequency radiation and electromagnetic fields. 5G is a technological terror and could cause a global catastrophe of human health problems. Here are ten reasons why 5G must be stopped:

Disruption of voltage-gated calcium channels in human cells

5G alters cellular activity by activating the bodys voltage-gated calcium channels. According to EMF scientist Dr. Martin Pall, 5G electromagnetic fields force excess calcium ions to release into cells. This sets off a chain of reactions that increase peroxynitrite formation and free radical activity, damaging DNA and causing premature aging.

Deep EMF penetration and oxidative stress

The studies of Professor Hassig and his colleagues in Switzerland find microwave frequency EMFs to cause oxidative stress deep within the body of animals. Animals that grazed near cell phone towers were born with increased incidence of cataracts.

Multi-generational mitochondrial damage

Exposure to millimeter wave frequency EMF radiation causes damage to the mitochondria of cells and contributes to brain cancer.The DNA damage is cross-generational, mutagenic and can be inherited by offspring.

Neuro-psychiatric effects

The impacts of EMFs on the brain are subtle at first, but with cumulative, repeated exposure, can cause headaches, irritability, sleep disturbances, altered memory and depression.

Pulsed wave EMFs proven more dangerous and cause breaks in cellular DNA

EMF scientists Dr. Pall points to thirteen studies proving why 5Gs pulsed wave EMFs are more active and dangerous than the old continuous wave EMFs. Pulsed wave EMFS can cause single strand and double strand breaks in cellular DNA, while oxidizing cellular bases in cellular DNA. This is one way to cause cancer in the body.

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Manipulation of the skin through sweat duct antennae

The frequencies that emanate from 5G can affect sweat ducts across the human body, potentially manipulating how the body regulates temperature. Because sweat ducts work like helical antennaes, they absorb the electromagnetic energy from 5G radiation between 75 and 100 GHz. If the sweat ducts can be manipulated by 5G, then a persons body can be manipulated into stress through this external channel.

Potential to become a direct energy weapons system

5G hardware uses a dielectric lens and can reportedly be operated in the sub-gigahertz range. Because of this, it will ultimately allow autonomous vehicles to communicate with one another. This technology could eventually double as a weapons system, because it is similar to long range radar, phased array radar, and directed energy weapons. In fact, the same technology is already used for crowd dispersal.

Potential to manipulate crowd movement

Because 5G uses short wavelength frequencies in the millimeter range, it could ultimately be used to hurt and manipulate crowds of people. These same short wavelength frequencies are used by the militarys non lethal Active Denial Systems to disperse crowds. When the waves hit a person, the person feels a burning sensation and will move.

Phased array densification

In order for 5G to work, there will need to be significantly more cell towers, stations and bases. Cities and residential neighborhoods will become polluted with new sources of radiation, which will send frequencies into homes, through brick walls and concrete. This influx of 5G infrastructure will include thousands of new small phased array antennas shooting out radiation in all directions, penetrating homes and human bodies.

Re-Radiation inside the body

Radiofrequency researcher Arthur Firstenberg explains that 5G pulses are shorter and must be delivered in multiple bursts. Because of this, the bursts are capable of re-replicating, over and over inside the body. In 2002, Firstenber wrote,  when extremely short electromagnetic pulses enter the body, something else happens: the moving charges themselves become little antennas that re-radiate the electromagnetic field and send it deeper into the body 

5G promises faster internet speeds, but ushering in this new world of hyper-connectivity comes with multiple risks to human health. Some nations are banning 5G, while others are openly embracing it, without any care.

For more, visit Radiation.News.

Sources include:

WakingTimes.com

S3.AmazonAWS.com

NaturalNews.com
An independent commission established by Myanmars government has concluded there are reasons to believe that security forces committed war crimes in counterinsurgency operations that led more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

However, the commission, headed by a Philippine diplomat, said in a report given Monday to President Win Myint that there is no evidence supporting charges that genocide was planned or carried out against the Rohingya.

The Independent Commission of Enquiry announced its findings in a statement posted on its Facebook page and the full report does not appear to have been publicly released. Nevertheless, it went further than any public statements issued by Myanmars government in suggesting government forces were guilty of major abuses.

Although these serious crimes and violations were committed by multiple actors, there are reasonable grounds to believe that members of Myanmars security forces were involved in war crimes, serious human rights violations, and violations of domestic law in 2017, it said.

The killing of innocent villagers and destruction of their homes were committed by some members of the Myanmars security forces through disproportionate use of force during the internal armed conflict, it said.

The statement came ahead of a decision by the United Nations top court, scheduled for Thursday, on a request that Myanmar be ordered to halt what has been cast as a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya. Gambia brought legal action last year to the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, alleging on behalf of the 57-country Organization of Islamic Cooperation that genocide occurred and continues.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars top leader, strongly denied wrongdoing by government forces at the initial hearing on the case in December .

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has long considered the Rohingya to be Bengalis from Bangladesh even though their families have lived in the country for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless, and they are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights.

The long-simmering crisis exploded in August 2017 when Myanmars military launched what it called a clearance campaign in northern Rakhine State in response to an attack by a Rohingya insurgent group. The campaign forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh and led to accusations that security forces committed mass rapes, killings and burned thousands of homes.

Thoughs she has no control over the countrys military, Suu Kyis response to the crisis has led to global condemnation of the Nobel peace laureate.

The Independent Commission of Enquiry statement Monday said its members also met with Suu Kyi when submitting the report.

In addition to finding a basis for wrongdoing by security forces, the statement said the report also points out that the security forces acted in response to deadly attacks organized by Rohingya guerrillas belonging to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army  ARSA.

The commissions announcement said it would hand over its 461-page report to be used for investigations and possible prosecutions by Myanmar civil and military authorities.

The commission is led by senior Philippine diplomat Rosario Manalo, and included retired Japanese diplomat Kenzo Oshima, Myanmar presidential adviser Aung Tun Thet and legal expert Mya Theinn.

The inclusion of the Myanmar members close to the government raised doubts about its ability to deliver a credible report, especially because separate earlier investigations by the government and military did not yield much trustworthy information.

The panels investigation, including its methodology and operations, has been far from transparent, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Pending release of the full report, Robertson said the panels findings are what would have been expected from a non-transparent investigation by a politically skewed set of commissioners working closely with the Myanmar government. There is mention of serious human rights violations but no attempt to address allegations of crimes against humanity.

He said there would be no truth or accountability u nless all those in the security forces, regardless of position or rank, involved in the mass crimes against the Rohingya are fully investigated and fairly prosecuted.

A U.N. team also conducted a major investigation and found grounds for bringing charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Its members last year expressed skepticism that Manalos mission could lead to accountability for the alleged abuses.

The U.N. teams members were not allowed to enter Myanmar. They did much of their work interviewing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The Independent Commission of Enquiry said its investigators were dispatched to Rakhine State, where the violence occurred, Yangon and the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw for evidence collection. But it makes no mention of visiting refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders packed his campaign's Colorado headquarters Sunday as staffers and key endorsers promised that the Vermont senator's grassroots organization will lead to a repeat win in the state's Super Tuesday presidential primary.

"We are going to win this fight," said Pilar Chapa, the Sanders campaign's state director. "It's a long battle, and this is a rare opportunity for us. We get to elect someone who stands for the values that we believe in."

More than 300 Sanders backers converged for an opening celebration that was part rally and part organizing event inside the storefront office building in Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood, just over three weeks before mail ballots for the March 3 primary start going out to Colorado voters.

Sixteen Democrats are on Colorado's presidential primary ballot, including Sanders' fellow front-runners Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg, as well as billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who has been flooding the state with advertising and is hiring dozens of staffers.

Sanders won Colorado's precinct caucuses in 2016 with roughly 60% of the vote to Hillary Clinton's 40%, but this year's semi-open primary  unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in either major party's primary for the first time  and crowded contest for the Democratic nomination could scramble the elements that led to one of Sanders' biggest wins last cycle.

"The progressive movement has grown, and it's grown up here in Colorado," said former state Rep. Joe Salazar, the Thornton Democrat who was among the first elected officials in Colorado to endorse Sanders in 2016.

"In 2016, we were laughed at, the progressive movement. We were laughed at, we were chided, we were made fun of at the caucus. The establishment didn't think that there was a real movement happening," he said.

Recalling how he "threw down" at that year's state convention, and Sanders emerged with a larger share of delegates than his vote share on the night of caucuses, Salazar said: "Here we are, four years later, and we have the same candidate, who doesn't shift based on the political winds, who's saying the same things he said four years ago, that other candidates are trying to attach themselves to. We have him leading in states where he needs to lead, and he's coming to Colorado to whoop some ass."

After narrowly losing the 2018 Democratic nomination for state attorney general to Phil Weiser, Salazar was named executive director of Colorado Rising, an organization opposed to fracking.

At Sunday's office opening, the pugnacious Salazar boasted that he'd just received an award from the Democratic Party, despite "all those naysayers back in 2016, who didn't think this movement would survive."

"It's to show the establishment, it's to show those people who believe in incrementalism  who are moderates  that not only are we here, we are the backbone of the party," he said, drawing sustained cheering. "And if you don't want to listen to us, there will be consequences to that. Because the true Democrats are in this room."

The tension between the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the "billionaires, corporations and the candidates bankrolled by billionaires and corporations" was on display throughout the event, with nearly every speaker contrasting Sanders' "people-powered" grassroots support with his opponents, including fellow Democrats.

"We are willing to stand up to them and say, 'Your days are over with, and we are coming,'" Salazar said, jabbing his finger in the air.

Chapa, a former executive director of the Colorado Democratic Party, urged Sanders supporters not to abandon the Democrats.

"We have to infiltrate the party," she said. "If you look at the platform, the Democratic platform, they have had to follow Bernie's lead."

Denver-based journalist David Sirota, a longtime Sanders confidante and a senior adviser and speech writer with the national Sanders campaign, told the crowd to brace for "an intense, unprecedented set of attacks on Bernie Sanders to try to stop him from winning the nomination" as the primary enters its next phase.

Sanders' detractors, Sirota said, "are terrified  and they should be terrified, because they can see the polls that show their nonsense, the attacks they have been throwing at us, are not working."

He added: "It's not working, because we've built an unprecedented grassroots campaign."

Tim Dickson, the state field director, told Colorado Politics that around 15,000 volunteers have signed up to work for Sanders in Colorado. Through this weekend, he said, they've organized more than 500 voter-contact events, including meet-and-greets, phone banking, canvassing and the campaign's "very data-driven friend-to-friend program," that builds voter lists from volunteers' contacts.

Chapa noted that the Colorado Sanders campaign expects an influx of dozens of organizers arriving from Iowa and New Hampshire after those states finish voting in mid-February.

"Bernie's not kidding when he says this is a grassroots effort," Dickson said. "We have more volunteers than anyone here in Colorado."

Supporter Leslie Eiler of Woodland Park said she's putting together several organizing events every week in heavily Republican Teller County.

"It's a challenging environment, but we have Berners up there," she said as she piled her arms with yard signs and a T-shirt to give away.

State Rep. Emily Sirota of Denver, who was endorsed by Sanders in 2018 before unseating a moderate Democrat in a primary, said she was thrilled to see Sunday's turnout.

"People are always looking to discount Bernie and underestimate him," she said after posing for a snapshot with her husband, David, and a pair of Sanders fans. "Then you see the incredible number of people, this diverse working-class, racially diverse, generationally diverse coalition of people who are here because they believe in a government that works for the people."
Chief judges assumed the helm at two courts in New Orleans with the arrival of the new year.

Judge Christopher Bruno has become the new chief at Orleans Parish Civil District Court. A spokesman said in a press release that he was selected by his fellow judges and will serve a two-year term.

Bruno was first elected as Division F judge in 2009 and won re-election in 2014.

Bruno is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Tulane Universitys Law School.

Separately, Judge Sean Early has become the chief at Municipal and Traffic Court. Early, who presides over Division E at the recently combined court, has already had his hands full dealing with the fallout from the December cyber attack that crippled the courts computers.
Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday met a delegation of protesters from Shaheen Bagh and appealed to them to call off their agitation as it has been causing inconvenience to schoolchildren, patients and general public.

The eight-member delegation submitted a memorandum of their demands, including withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, to the LG, an official said.

Thousands of people, including women and children, have been protesting for over a month at Shaheen Bagh and nearby Jamia Millia Islamia against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"Met the delegation of protestors from Shaheen Bagh. Assured them to convey their concerns to appropriate authorities. Appealed to call off their agitation in view of continued inconvenience to school children, patients, daily commuters, local residents, etc due to blockade of road," Baijal tweeted.

In another tweet, the LG said, "I once again request all to maintain peace and order."



Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) Devesh Srivastava and DCP (South-east) Chimnoy Biswal were present in the meeting.

According to the LG office, the delegation assured Baijal that they would convey his message to other protestors at Shaheen Bagh.

"The LG also directed the police officers concerned to take all steps as per law to ensure peace and harmony in the area," officials said.

Earlier in the day, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) asked authorities to identify and arrange counselling for children seen at protests against the CAA at Shaheen Bagh.

According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to escape religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

It does not include Muslims.

Those opposing the CAA have contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. They also allege that the CAA along with the NRC is intended to target the Muslim community in India.

However, the central government has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to the persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
This disgusting incident is yet another example of the violence that has become far too common in Baltimore City, Hogan (R) said in a tweet Monday. None of our efforts to back up the beleaguered city police force can be successful until we do something to get the violent criminals off the streets.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Tuesday said that India is struggling with a massive trade deficit, particularly with China and other countries in the region.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, 2020, in Davos, the Union minister said, "Any pact needs to take into account several factors. India is grappling with a huge trade deficit, particularly with China and many other nations in the region."

Goyal added that the Indian government is exploring ways to ensure just and more equitable terms in terms of its trade relations with several countries.

He also emphasised on enhanced cooperation among several countries in order to achieve the enormous growth prospects in the Indian Ocean region as well as addressing the critical issue of climage change.

Speaking on the Strategic Outlook of the Indian Ocean Rim @WEF in Davos, Switzerland. #wef20 https://t.co/xDW3lZUlHV - Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 21, 2020

Also Read: WEF 2020: Trump says phase two of trade deal with China to start soon

Talking about the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Goyal also stated that the regional economic pact in its present form was clearly an unrealisable agreement.

For the first time, India demonstrated that trade cannot be dictated by diplomacy, he said, referring to India's decision to pull out of the RCEP.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has had to factor in several diversities among partners, but India has serious concerns about climate change and is seeking greater cooperation on fair terms, he asserted.

Goyal was speaking at a Strategic Outlook session on 'The Indian Ocean Rim'.

"We are like a pivot for the Indian Ocean and we believe this region has huge potential. At the same time, India is very much concerned about the issue of climate change," he said.

Also Read: WEF 2020: Trump, Greta Thunberg to face-off at Davos

"Going forward, the entire grouping around the Indian Ocean will play a very important role, while keeping in mind fair and equitable distribution. India also expects greater cooperation among various nations on climate change," he said.

Goyal further said, "We in India are also working on how to put in place more equitable terms in our trade relations with various countries."

The Indian Ocean Rim sees two-thirds of the world's oil shipments pass through its waters and is home to half of the world's container ships that support 2.7 billion people.

Also Watch: Deepika Padukone honoured with the Crystal Award at WEF

The panellists discussed what are the strategic priorities for the Indian Ocean Rim in 2020, including advancing regional cooperation, strengthening the blue economy and mitigating climate change.

The panellists included Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer DP World Limited; Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance; Leader of the Government in the Senate of Australia; and Njoki Njehu, Director, Daughters of Mumbi Global Resource Center, Kenya.

Also Read: WEF 2020: Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to lead Indian delegation at annual event

(With inputs from PTI)
The missions began after mysterious explosions last summer targeted oil tankers near the strait, attacks the US blamed on Iran. Tehran denied being involved, though it did seize tankers amid wider tensions with the West over its unraveling nuclear deal with world powers.

Dubai (United Arab Emirates): Iran acknowledged on Tuesday that its armed forces fired two Russian anti-aircraft missiles at a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed after taking off from Tehran's main airport earlier in January, killing all 176 people on board.

The new preliminary report by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization however stopped short of blaming the TOR-M1 for the crash of the Boeing 737-800, flown by Ukraine International Airways.

For days after the 8 January shootdown, Iran denied that it fired missiles at the plane, initially blaming a technical malfunction and engine fire for the crash.

However, after the US and Canada blamed missile fire for the crash, Iran's armed forces said anti-aircraft fire from the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had downed the flight.

The new report identified the missiles fired at the aircraft as coming from the TOR-M1. In 2017, Iran received the delivery of 29 TOR-M1 units from Russia under a contract worth an estimated $700 million.

However, the report said the impact of these missiles on the accident and the analysis of this action under is under investigation.

Surveillance footage earlier obtained by The Associated Press showed two missiles were fired at the plane. The two minutes of black-and-white footage purportedly shows one missile streaking across the sky and exploding near the plane. Ten seconds later, another missile is fired. Some 20 seconds after the first explosion, another strikes near the plane. A ball of flames then falls from the sky out of frame.

The footage corresponded with AP reporting, appeared genuine and matched geographic features of the area. It also explained how so many people filmed the shoot down: the first explosion drew their attention so they turned their mobile phone cameras to the predawn sky.

The Tor short-range air defense system, code-named the SA-15 by NATO, was designed during Soviet times to shoot down aircraft and precision guided weapons.

It is mounted on a tracked vehicle and carries a radar and a pack of eight missiles. Each vehicle can operate independently. Tor has a range of up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and can hit aerial targets at altitudes of up to 6 kilometers (about 19,700 feet).

Tor missiles explode near their target, taking it down with shrapnel that devastates engines, fuel tanks and other vital components.

In other developments on Tuesday, South Korea Defense Ministry announced its anti-piracy unit operating in the Gulf of Aden was temporarily expanding its mission to the Strait of Hormuz. A ministry statement said the decision was meant to help ensure the safe passage of South Korean vessels and nationals through the waterway. It said the units expanded operation will include the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

The ministry said the unit will conduct an independent operation but, will cooperate with a US-led coalition if necessary. Already, a US-led operation is surveilling the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20 percent of all the world's oil passes. A French-led naval coalition is also being created.

The missions began after mysterious explosions last summer targeted oil tankers near the strait, attacks the US blamed on Iran. Tehran denied being involved, though it did seize tankers amid wider tensions with the West over its unraveling nuclear deal with world powers.
For the first time in history, Texas has topped 16 million registered voters and is adding voters faster than its population grows heading into the 2020 presidential election.

With the voter registration deadline for the March 3 primaries just two weeks away, the state is already on the brink of having 2 million more registered voters than it did just four years ago when President Donald Trump was first elected.

What youre seeing is a true transformation of the Texas electorate, said Antonio Arellano, interim executive director of Jolt, a voter advocacy group focused on registering young Latino voters and getting them involved in politics.

He said despite all the barriers Texas has put in place to depress voter registration and voter turnout, groups like his are drawing younger and more diverse voters, which is making the politics of Texas more reflective of its demographics  about 40 percent of the states population is Latino, census data shows.

Since 2017, the population in Texas has grown by about 5 percent. But the states voter registration has grown about 8 percent during that period. The increase is even more dramatic in urban areas such as Harris County, the states most populous county. While Harris Countys population has grown an estimated 4 percent since 2014, its voter registration has jumped 14 percent.

In Bexar County the population has grown an estimated 11 percent since 2014, while the voter registration has jumped 19 percent.

More Information Texas population and voter registration totals 2014: Population of 26,876,429. Registered voters: 13,601,324 2016: Population of 27,782,691. Registered voters: 14,238,436 2018: Population of 28,702,243; Registered voters: 15,182,885 2020: Projected population of 29,677,668; Registered voters: 16,106,984 Source: Texas Secretary of State, Texas Demographic Center Voter registration deadline approaches To vote in the March 3 presidential primaries, new voters must register to vote by Feb. 3. Voters who are not sure if they are registered they can check online at https://www.votetexas.gov. Feb. 3 is also the deadline to change the address on a voter registration. Address changes made within the same county are effective 30 days afterward. Voters who move to a new county must submit a new voter registration application. People can also register to vote with the local county voting registrar. In Harris County, voters can apply with the Harris Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar Office by calling (713) 274-8200 or visiting online at www.hctax.net In Bexar County, voters can submit an application with the Bexar County Elections Department, call 210-335-8683 or visit online www.bexar.org. See More Collapse

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

The voter registration surge is dramatic compared to whats happened in Texas historically. It took from 2002 to 2012 for Texas to go from 12.1 million to 12.9 million voters. Since 2012, Texas has added over 3 million voters, with the bulk of those coming in the past four years.

Arellano said the numbers show that groups like his are finding the people who have been marginalized in Texas politics for decades.

We are beginning to make history by connecting with potential voters who have been overlooked for far too long, Arellano said.

Last year, Republicans launched two high-profile voter registration efforts as they seek to keep their majority in the Legislature, and their control of every statewide elected office.

While Texas doesnt require voters to register by party, Texas Democratic Party officials say their internal data shows that the voter gains are largely due to voters that skew their way  younger and more diverse.

Cliff Walker, Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Democratic Party, said as the state has looked more competitive with each election, that in turn has drawn even more younger and diverse voters to sign up, which then makes the state still more competitive. In other words, the success begets more success, he said.

For subscribers: As Democrats build up campaigns in Texas, Trump campaign responds

Texas has added nearly a million voters just since Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Beto ORourke came within 219,000 votes of being U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018.

Republicans dont have to be told that they are losing the voter registration game in Texas.

In early 2018, Gov. Greg Abbott had a program called Abbott University to train volunteers. At those meetings, strategists were ringing the alarm that left-leaning voter registration groups were having a lot more success than they expected, particularly in Harris County. It was an apt warning. When November hit, every statewide Republican candidate lost Harris County, including Sen. Cruz and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who are from the county. In addition, more than 70 judicial races down-ballot flipped into Democratic hands.

Now Republicans are getting more aggressive, too. In 2019 a handful of GOP donors started a new super PAC called Engage Texas with the goal of educating and registering Texas voters. The Republican Party of Texas also announced its own initiative called the Volunteer Management Project, which includes longtime Texas GOP strategist Karl Rove, and aims to engage in nuts-and-bolts party building such as voter registration for the 2020 election cycle.

Rove said Democrats still have a long way to go before they can claim Texas as a blue state.

They dont have a shot as long as Republicans use this as an opportunity to get our act together, Rove said in an interview in Houston in December.

Rove said the Republican engagement project is already boosting the number of volunteers and driving up membership in groups like the Texas Federation of Republican Women, which are key to boosting turnout and voter registration efforts.

For subscribers: Democrats cry foul as GOP group solicits voters at Texas drivers license offices

For Democrats, frustrations with registering voters in Texas hit a head after 2012. With the states demographics continuing to diversify and get younger, voter registration was stagnant. From 2010 to 2012, Texas actually lost 30,000 registered voters even as the states population grew.

In 2013, former campaign operatives who worked with President Barack Obama launched a group called Battleground Texas. The mission was to more aggressively register voters in Texas, a place that has a history of making it difficult to register to vote. That was a tall task, given a 2011 Texas law that significantly toughened voter registration rules to require people wanting to register voters to go through county-specific voter registrar training; the law also blocked non-Texans from joining that work.

So to register voters statewide, a volunteer would be forced to attend 254 different trainings. Texas also does not accept online voter registration applications  the paperwork must include a handwritten signature, and that signature cannot be a copy, digital signature or photo of a signature.

But slowly Battleground Texas and other groups started to make headway. Other groups have joined the cause, with Jolt, The Lone Star Project and Be One Texas among them.

For subscribers: Texas rejects 2,400 online voter registrations ahead of 2018 elections

Those groups only see more potential as the state grows more diverse and younger. Latinos are on target to become the largest population group in Texas as soon as 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And every year about 300,000 Texas high school students become eligible to vote, according to Battleground Texas data.

Voter registration is increasing even while Republicans are trying to do everything they can to slow down registration efforts, said Matt Angle, founder of the Lone Star Project.

The Democrats point to last years botched purge of the voter rolls as an effort to tamp down the surging registration.

In January, the Texas Secretary of States office launched an effort to purge almost 100,000 Texas voters, saying they may have been non-U.S. citizens. But the data was flawed and failed to account for the 50,000 immigrants who are naturalized each year in Texas and are eligible to vote.

For subscribers: Texas officials launched voter purge with big splash, little accuracy

Arrellano said the fact that 90 percent of the people on the purge list had Hispanic surnames made it clear to him what was happening, though Republicans insist they were not targeting Hispanic voters, and that the purge was aimed at preventing voter fraud.
In the wake of the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, at least 164,865 people were evacuated from their homes as far as thirty kilometers away. Most have now returned, but some 40,000 people are still unable to do so, as the government prohibits lodging in areas where the annual radiation dose exceeds 50 millisieverts, roughly equivalent to three full-body CT scans.

But where humans are absent, wildlife has flourished.





University of Georgia wildlife biologist James Beasley and a team of colleagues recently set up 106 cameras in Fukushima's evacuation zone and captured more than 267,000 images of animals over 120 days. Wild boar, hares, macaques, pheasants, foxes, raccoon dogs, martens, bears, and civets were a few of the many creatures spotted. Beasley and his co-authors found no evidence that radiation exposure had harmed animal populations.

Based on these analyses, our results show that level of human activity, elevation and habitat type were the primary factors influencing the abundance of the species evaluated, rather than radiation levels, he said in a statement.

What Beasley noticed around Fukushima echoes what scientists have already discovered around Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster: where humans are absent, wildlife thrive.

"Relative abundances of elk, roe deer, red deer and wild boar within the Chernobyl exclusion zone are similar to those in four (uncontaminated) nature reserves in the region and wolf abundance is more than 7 times higher. Additionally, our earlier helicopter survey data show rising trends in elk, roe deer and wild boar abundances from one to ten years post-accident," scientists reported in 2015 in the journal Current Biology.

The breathtaking re-wilding in regions contaminated with radiation initially surprised a great many researchers. Given radiation's ominous reputation, many initially predicted that the area around Chernobyl would become a desert of life. After more than thirty years, it's growing apparent that the opposite is true. On the whole, animal populations have multiplied within the 1,000-square-mile Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in both diversity and number.

That's not to say that radiation hasn't done damage  it has. Many birds and mammals in the most contaminated areas have cataracts in their eyes, smaller brains, tumors, deformed sperm, and other abnormalities. This is a direct result of ionizing radiation scrambling their DNA. Farther away, where contamination is only ten times natural levels, these deleterious effects are less pronounced.

Yet despite these handicaps, animals of all shapes and sizes are maintaining viable, growing populations. Threatened animals like the European bison and Przewalski's horse have found a safe haven in the exclusion zone. Birds even nest near the decrepit nuclear plant.

In an article, German Orizaola, a Senior Researcher in Zoology at University of Oviedo in Spain, described a few of the reasons why animals have managed to thrive despite radiation's insidious reach.

"First, wildlife could be much more resistant to radiation than previously thought. Another alternative possibility is that some organisms could be starting to show adaptive responses that would allow them to cope with radiation and live inside the exclusion zone without harm. In addition, the absence of humans inside the exclusion zone could be favouring many species  big mammals in particular."

He placed particular emphasis on the latter explanation.

That final option would suggest that the pressures generated by human activities would be more negative for wildlife in the medium-term than a nuclear accident  a quite revealing vision of the human impact on the natural environment.

Fukushima and Chernobyl have now provided us with two tragic data points inexorably leading to a blunt conclusion: humans are far worse for wildlife than nuclear radiation. Animals can adapt and even prosper in contaminated habitats, but they can't survive in those polluted and often completely destroyed by humans.
Disney+ is headed to Europe, with Disney saying on Tuesday that the new streaming service will debut in the United Kingdom on March 24.

To catch Baby Yoda on The Mandalorian or watch classic Disney shows, U.K. customers will need to pay between 5.99-6.99 per month  or about $7.82 to $9.12 per month, making it a bit more expensive than the $6.99 per month subscribers pay in the U.S.

Several other European countries will get Disney+ at the same time as well, including Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. The Netherlands already has access to Disney+ since it was used as a test market. British and European subscribers will also have the option of paying between 59.99-69.99 per year for the service, depending on the market.

Also Read: Netflix Q4 Earnings: Will Disney+ Slow March Toward 160 Million Subscribers?

While Disney hasnt shared an update on Disney+s performance since its early November debut, research firm Sensor Tower recently shared its app was downloaded 31 million times during Q4 in the U.S., easily making it the most downloaded app of the quarter. A deal with Verizon certainly helped boost Disney+ downloads, but the service has also been helped by the strong response to The Mandalorian, as well as its massive library of shows and movies.

Disneys expansion announcement comes hours before Netflix is set to reports its Q4 financial performance.

Read original story Disney+ Gets Launch Date for UK, Several Other European Countries At TheWrap
Were very comfortable the patient is isolated and poses little risk to the staff or general public, said Dr. Chris Spitters, health officer at the Snohomish Health District, adding that the strict isolation practices were implemented in an abundance of caution.

News of the first case of the virus in the United States surfaced as officials studied growing evidence that the disease can be transmitted from person to person, although it is not clear how easily.

There is new information hour by hour, day by day, that we are tracking and following closely, said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the C.D.C.s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

The C.D.C. has deployed staff overseas who are working closely with the ministries of health in China and Thailand. The key issue we all need to understand is how easily and sustainably the virus is spread from human to human, Dr. Messonnier said.

Federal health officials plan to expand the screening of passengers arriving in the United States from Wuhan to five airports that are major international hubs. All travelers from the city will be funneled through those airports.

Screenings started on Friday and Saturday at New Yorks Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International and Los Angeles International. Now they will be expanded to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Chicago OHare International over the next few days.

Passengers from Wuhan planning to arrive in other cities will be issued new tickets taking them to one of the five screening airports, officials said.
A lawyer has shared the inside story of how #Anambra businessman, Ignatius Odunukwe, was killed. Read his narration below. ****...





A lawyer has shared the inside story of how #Anambra businessman, Ignatius Odunukwe, was killed.





Read his narration below.





****





Mans Inhumanity To Man:





HOW THE BILLIONAIRE  OWNER OF FIREMAN GENERATOR WAS MURDERED AND HIS BODY STACKED INSIDE A BAG:





Anambra State Billionaire and owner of FIREMAN GENERATORS  CHIEF IGNATIUS ODUNUKWE who went missing since first week of December 2019 has been found dead. (according to the story).

The story had it that the Billionaire was killed by his assailants, cut into pieces and his body packed into a Ghana Must Go bag, took to the expressway and dumped inside a forest and the sum of N900 Million and Original Land Documents Collected From Him.





Facts Of The Story:





Some criminals who pretended to be land buyers drew his attention requesting to purchase a property, since he had one for sale.





The deal was concluded and having agreed on the purchase price, the agreement was drafted by his lawyer.





the suspects





Both parties agreed to meet on an agreed date and place for the exchange of money and signing of documents, thats when the whole drama unfolded.





Chief Odunukwes Lawyers suggested going with him for the perfection of the deal, but he declined on the ground that he needed to see someone at Ikoyi club  and that was the last time he was seen alive.





When the billionaire could not return home, his family reported the incident to the police and investigation commenced.





The Police mounted a serious surveillance and pressure on the parties involved and eventually arrested one of them.





And when a search was conducted in his house, the original land documents patterning the transaction already signed and sealed was found and recovered from his house.





On interrogation, the man claimed he had already finalized the deal and paid the billionaire the purchases price.





At this point the intelligent Officers demanded that he provides the Account Details and the exact Bank where the money was lodged, but he claimed he didnt pay in cash but with gold.





That was when the police knew he was the principal suspect in the prevailing gory circumstance.





A Crack Team of the Nigerian Police Intelligent Officers swept into further action to unravel the mystery.









Few days later, further break through was made as the police arrested two more men involved in perpetration of the mayhem.





On interrogation, a useful and confessional statement by the suspects revealed that the Billionaire was abducted and forced to sign the documents.









Consequently, in order to conceal the crime, they killed him, cut his body in pieces and packed the remains in a polyester bag, popularly known as Ghana Must Go bag and dumped same inside a forest along Badagry expressway.





Having discovered the truth, on January 16th 2020, the criminals led the Police and the family of the victim to the scene of the incident vie the forest where the body was dumped,

and same was retrieved, intact in the the bag.





It is always good to disclose your movements to your family. It was his lawyer who unveiled the whole deal to the police.




[January 21, 2020] Seaport Global Strengthens Equity Business

Seaport Global Securities LLC ("Seaport Global"), a full-service investment bank, announced significant changes to the structure of the Equity business in Q4 2019 and anticipates further adaptations in 2020. Michael Meagher, CEO, said, "While we have reduced the size of our Equity Sales, Trading and Research teams, we retain a strong Equity Sales and Trading execution desk, led by Scott Lynch, as well as robust European Equities and Event Driven teams. Moreover, we continue to provide Equity Research coverage including Chemicals and Coatings, Cannabis and Ingredients, Paper and Forest Products, Homebuilders, Timber REITs, Diversified Industrials, Flow Control, Midstream MLP's and Infrastructure." "In addition to these capabilities, our focus is on the growth of options, risk arbitrage and event driven in order to create added value for our institutional clients," Meagher affirmed. Seaport Global's Equity Derivatives group, run by industry veterans Adam Templeton, Ryan Sylvester and Andrew Kramer is comprised of more than 10 investment professionals. The Derivatives strategy group continues to thrive under the Seaport umbrella. Michael Meyer, Head of Global Sales and Trading, provided further insight, "Options analytics and executionis a product independent of traditional equity research and presents significant potential for growth and profitability. The key to Seaport's success is our ability to maintain flexibility and anticipate marketplace fluctuations in order to meet our clients' evolving needs. We recognize a change in the traditional way equity research is delivered and are working toward taking advantage of that opportunity."



Meyer expanded, "Our goal at Seaport is to take advantage of the rapidly changing landscape in the traditional equity sales and trading models. Given the significant downsizing that continues to occur in that segment of the equity industry, Seaport's goal is to position itself proactively to be prepared for the opportunities that will arise." Seaport Global is evaluating a new, independent research platform, intended to bring members of Seaport Global's existing Equity Research team together with external analysts. Ultimately, the platform will offer a broader range of research coverage and expanded product offering to buy-side and corporate clients. In addition to the exceptional coverage provided by Seaport Global's Credit analyst team, the firm looks forward to expanded coverage and continued growth.

About Seaport Global Seaport Global Securities LLC is a full-service investment bank that offers investment banking, capital markets, financial advisory, sales, trading and research services. Headquartered in New York with offices across the US and in Europe, Seaport Global pairs its extensive knowledge and relationships with a large platform of equity and fixed income sales, trading and research. The firm's forward-thinking practitioners, backed by decades of experience, focus on meeting clients' goals in all business and economic cycles. Visit www.seaportglobal.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005938/en/

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Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  New Mexico lawmakers greeted one of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams signature initiatives  tuition-free college  with a heavy dose of skepticism Monday as they prepared to open the 2020 session.

In a committee hearing, legislators from both parties expressed doubt about whether the governors proposal for a new scholarship program is the right answer to helping more students New Mexicos colleges and universities.

They also examined a new report by legislative analysts that questioned the administrations $35 million-a-year cost estimate and whether the money would be better spent helping low-income students, rather than made more broadly available to state residents.

Lawmakers on the Legislative Finance Committee, nevertheless, said Monday that they like the concept and share the goal of making college more affordable.

If we do this, we need to get it right, said Sen. Clemente Sanchez, D-Grants.

Higher Education Secretary Kate ONeill told lawmakers the proposal is realistic and would be a strong complement to existing programs, such as the lottery scholarship.

To increase the impact, she said, the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, as its called, would be offered as a last-dollar program, covering the cost of tuition and fees after a students other financial aid is factored in.

Were looking at building on what weve got and making this affordable, ONeill said.

College costs

In a report presented Monday, analysts for the Legislative Finance Committee raised a variety of concerns about the proposed scholarship.

Research, the analysts said, indicates that the full cost of attendance  not just tuition  is a real barrier for low- and middle-income students who want to pursue a degree. Tuition is one factor, the analysts said, but students must also contend with the cost of books, transportation, food and housing.

They suggested that first-dollar approaches that provide a certain amount of aid to qualified students  regardless of any other scholarships they receive  are a better strategy for making college affordable for students whose families cant otherwise afford it.

Tuition and fees are not the full story, said Clayton Lobaugh, a program evaluator for the Legislative Finance Committee.

The LFC report also bluntly outlined the challenges facing higher education in New Mexico. The states high schools have succeeded in turning out more graduates, but college enrollment has fallen 14% over the last five years, according to the report.

Enrollment, meanwhile, is increasing in Utah and Arizona.

Our surrounding states may be getting our graduates, said Mark Valenzuela, a principal analyst for the LFC.

Legislative analysts also said the governors tuition-free proposal might cost as much as $49 million a year, rather than the $35 million her administration estimated. The actual cost would depend on enrollment growth and other factors.

A budget recommendation released by the governor includes the $35 million figure, while the LFCs budget plan would appropriate a similar dollar amount but use the funding for traditional financial aid programs, including for low-income students.

Still a lot to cook here

Rep. Jason Harper, R-Rio Rancho, said he worries that the last-dollar approach favored by the administration would discourage students from seeking other financial aid. Why bother seeking extra financial aid, he asked, if its just going to be deducted from your state scholarship?

Its essentially throwing away free money, Harper said.

Rep. Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, said the opportunity scholarship might disproportionately help high-income families, although he likes the concept of increasing financial aid for students.

Theres still a lot to cook here, he said.

Other lawmakers asked whether the proposal might encourage students to seek out higher-cost institutions rather than local community colleges.

Were going to see a distortion of enrollment, said Sen. John Arthur Smith, a Deming Democrat and chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

Lujan Grisham, a Democrat entering her second session as governor, has pitched the Opportunity Scholarship as a powerful, cost-effective way to help students pursue a degree or career.

It would, she said, fulfill the original promise of the lottery scholarship  a program that once paid full tuition at public universities but now covers just 60% to 75%.

The opportunity scholarship would be aimed at recent high school graduates and adults who want to return to college.

The states public colleges and universities enter into agreements with the Higher Education Department, imposing requirements for services to improve student success and retention.

We look forward to investing in New Mexico students, said ONeill, the higher education secretary.

The proposal would boost economic diversification, she said, among other benefits. In addition to academic degrees, the opportunity scholarship would support certain certificates, such as for welding.

A 30-day session of the Legislature starts Tuesday and runs through Feb. 20.
Adding another feather to her cap, actor Deepika Padukone on Monday (local time) received the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for spreading awareness about the importance of mental health.

The actor received the award on the Martin Luther King Day and quoted the civil rights activist in her acceptance speech.

"For in the words of Martin Luther King, everything that is done in this world is done with hope," she said.

Padukone started voicing her opinion on the importance of mental health through her foundation The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF) in June 2015.

Through the program, the actor launches nationwide awareness as well as destigmatisation campaigns. The foundation raises awareness about mental adolescent mental health disorders and organises training sessions, research and lecture series that feature some of the most known thinkers and achievers.

"Live Love and Laugh exemplify my personal philosophy to life. The foundation aims to provide hope to every person experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression," the actor said.

Speaking about what she learned from her personal experiences of mental problems, she further said, "Mental illness has presented us all with a very tough challenge, but in my love-hate relationship with the illness has taught me much. To be patient for one, that you are not alone, but most importantly that there is hope."

On the front of work, Padukone was last seen in biographical-drama 'Chhapaak'. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the movie is based on the real-life acid attack survivor Laxmi, who was attacked allegedly by a spurned lover in 2005 at the age of 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Collin County Sheriff's Office

A 38-year-old Plano man was arrested and charged after investigators found 18 terabytes of child pornography in his residence during a search, according to the Collin County Sheriffs Office.

Christopher Michael Chairez was arrested last Thursday and charged with possession with intent to promote child pornography and possession of child pornography. He was released from custody after posting a $30,000 bond, according to court records.
[January 21, 2020] Floridians for Lawsuit Reform Launches Campaign to Lower the Cost of Living for Florida Families

Today, Floridians for Lawsuit Reform, a nonprofit aimed at lawsuit reform, launched its website FLTortReform.com to raise awareness of the need for lawsuit reform and demonstrate the impact of frivolous lawsuits on Florida families. With Florida's legislative session underway, the organization has identified one of its priorities in its overall mission to create a better, more fair, legal climate: reducing the financial incentives for trial attorneys to take advantage of Florida homeowners. According to a review of data available through the Florida Department of Financial Services, lawyers in Florida file an estimated 50,000 new lawsuits each year over property insurance disputes. Florida law allows attorneys to receive "fee multipliers" for their work on common property insurance claims. That means an attorney can pocket up to 30 times more in fees than the families they represent in an insurance dispute. When companies are forced to pay the exorbitant legal fees, rates must increase. Due to frivolous lawsuits and excessive attorney's fees, homeowners' property insurance rates could climb 10-fold over the next 10 years. Higher raes contribute to the rising cost of homeownership in Florida.



Sen. Jeff Brandes has introduced SB 914 to reform the legal climate in Florida and reduce the burden of frivolous lawsuits on Florida homeowners. SB 914 would:

Change the fee paid to an attorney for a property insurance claim. The maximum fee a court may award will be determined by the "lodestar method." The lodestar method considers the number of hours reasonably spent by an attorney at a reasonable hourly rate. Prohibit the court from considering contingency risk or using a contingency risk multiplier, a common tactic used by attorneys to collect higher fees. Bring homeowners property insurance rates down by cutting back on excessive attorney fees. Put an end to "fee multipliers." The proposed legislation requires that attorney fees for claims involving property insurance must be fair and reasonable. According to the 2019 Lawsuit Climate Survey: Ranking the States by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, Florida ranks 46 out of 50 and is one of the top five worst states for unfair and unreasonable legal environments. Additionally, multiple homeowners' insurance companies in Florida are currently at risk of being downgraded, which would make them financially insolvent. This would force hundreds of thousands of homeowners to look for alternative homeowners' insurance policies, which are often more expensive or put the state at risk of adding these homeowners to the state-run Citizens Property Insurance, increasing costs for all taxpayers. ABOUT FLORIDIANS FOR LAWSUIT REFORM Floridians for Lawsuit Reform is a 501(c)3 organization that was formed by Floridians to pursue lawsuit reform. The goals of the nonprofit are to: 1) raise awareness for the abuse of the system; 2) demonstrate the impact of frivolous lawsuits and over-the-top attorney fees on Floridians' cost of living; and 3) promote possible solutions that will benefit Florida families. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005950/en/

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NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Industrial Centrifuges market worldwide is projected to grow by US$3.3 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 4.7%. Sedimentation Centrifuges, one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 4.4%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$7.5 Billion by the year 2025, Sedimentation Centrifuges will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798838/?utm_source=PRN

- Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 3.6% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$117.5 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$97.3 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Sedimentation Centrifuges will reach a market size of US$421.9 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 7.3% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$954.9 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.



- Competitors identified in this market include, among others, ANDRITZ AG; Ferrum Ltd.; Flottweg SE; FLSmidth & Co A/S; GEA Group AG; Gruppo Pieralisi MAIP SpA; Haus Centrifuge Technologies; Heinkel Drying and Separation Group; Hiller Separation & Process; Mitsubishi Kakoki Kaisha Ltd.; Schlumberger Ltd.; SPX Flow, Inc.; TEMA Systems, Inc.; Thomas Broadbent & Sons Ltd.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798838/?utm_source=PRN



I. METHODOLOGY



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Industrial Centrifuge Market Growing Significantly

Centrifugation Equipment Market Dynamics

North America: The Largest Industrial Centrifuges Market

Rising Centrifuge Demand from Process Industry Drives Growth in

European Market

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Centrifuge: A Rapidly Spinning Device

Industrial Centrifuge Defined

Functions and Benefits

Types of Centrifuges

Sedimentation Centrifuges

Filtering Centrifuge

End-Use Application Industries

Municipal Wastewater and Water Treatment Industry

Oil & Gas Equipment

Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

Mining Industry

Global Competitor Market Shares

Industrial Centrifuges Competitor Market Share Scenario

Worldwide (in %): 2019 & 2025

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

INNOVATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS

Technology Advances Driving Innovation

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Table 1: Industrial Centrifuges Global Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 2: Industrial Centrifuges Global Retrospective Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 3: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Shift across Key

Geographies Worldwide: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 4: Sedimentation Centrifuges (Type) World Market by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 5: Sedimentation Centrifuges (Type) Historic Market

Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 6: Sedimentation Centrifuges (Type) Market Share

Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

Table 7: Filtering Centrifuges (Type) Potential Growth Markets

Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 8: Filtering Centrifuges (Type) Historic Market

Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 9: Filtering Centrifuges (Type) Market Sales Breakdown by

Region/Country in Percentage: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 10: Batch (Operation) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide

in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 11: Batch (Operation) Region Wise Breakdown of Global

Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 12: Batch (Operation) Market Share Distribution in

Percentage by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 13: Continuous (Operation) World Market Estimates and

Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 14: Continuous (Operation) Market Historic Review by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 15: Continuous (Operation) Market Share Breakdown by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 16: Chemical (End-Use) Worldwide Latent Demand Forecasts

in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 17: Chemical (End-Use) Global Historic Analysis in US$

Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 18: Chemical (End-Use) Distribution of Global Sales by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 19: Food & Beverages (End-Use) Sales Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2018

through 2025

Table 20: Food & Beverages (End-Use) Analysis of Historic Sales

in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Years 2009 to 2017

Table 21: Food & Beverages (End-Use) Global Market Share

Distribution by Region/Country for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 22: Mining (End-Use) Global Opportunity Assessment in US$

Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 23: Mining (End-Use) Historic Sales Analysis in US$

Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 24: Mining (End-Use) Percentage Share Breakdown of Global

Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 25: Metal Processing (End-Use) Worldwide Sales in US$

Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 26: Metal Processing (End-Use) Historic Demand Patterns

in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 27: Metal Processing (End-Use) Market Share Shift across

Key Geographies: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 28: Water & Wastewater Treatment (End-Use) Global Market

Estimates & Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country:

2018-2025

Table 29: Water & Wastewater Treatment (End-Use) Retrospective

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 30: Water & Wastewater Treatment (End-Use) Market Share

Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 31: Power (End-Use) Demand Potential Worldwide in US$

Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 32: Power (End-Use) Historic Sales Analysis in US$

Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 33: Power (End-Use) Share Breakdown Review by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 34: Other End-Uses (End-Use) Worldwide Latent Demand

Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 35: Other End-Uses (End-Use) Global Historic Analysis in

US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 36: Other End-Uses (End-Use) Distribution of Global Sales

by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025



III. MARKET ANALYSIS



GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS

UNITED STATES

Market Facts & Figures

US Industrial Centrifuges Market Share (in %) by Company: 2019

& 2025

Table 37: United States Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates

and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 38: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the United States by

Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 39: United States Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 40: United States Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates

and Projections in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to 2025

Table 41: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the United States by

Operation: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 42: United States Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 43: United States Industrial Centrifuges Latent Demand

Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 44: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Demand Patterns in

the United States by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 45: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Breakdown in the

United States by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

CANADA

Table 46: Canadian Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 47: Canadian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Review by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 48: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Canada: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 49: Canadian Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to 2025

Table 50: Canadian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Review by Operation in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 51: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Canada: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Operation for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 52: Canadian Industrial Centrifuges Market Quantitative

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 53: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Canada:

Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by

End-Use for 2009-2017

Table 54: Canadian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

JAPAN

Table 55: Japanese Market for Industrial Centrifuges: Annual

Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 56: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Japan: Historic

Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2009-2017

Table 57: Japanese Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 58: Japanese Market for Industrial Centrifuges: Annual

Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Operation for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 59: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Japan: Historic

Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Operation for the Period

2009-2017

Table 60: Japanese Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 61: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Industrial Centrifuges in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 62: Japanese Industrial Centrifuges Market in US$ Million

by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 63: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Shift in Japan by

End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

CHINA

Table 64: Chinese Industrial Centrifuges Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 65: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Analysis in

China in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 66: Chinese Industrial Centrifuges Market by Type:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 67: Chinese Industrial Centrifuges Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Operation for the Period 2018-2025

Table 68: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Analysis in

China in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 69: Chinese Industrial Centrifuges Market by Operation:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 70: Chinese Demand for Industrial Centrifuges in US$

Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 71: Industrial Centrifuges Market Review in China in US$

Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 72: Chinese Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Breakdown

by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

EUROPE

Market Facts & Figures

European Industrial Centrifuges Market: Competitor Market Share

Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025

Table 73: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Demand

Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 74: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Europe: A Historic

Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 75: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Shift by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 76: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 77: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Europe in US$

Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 78: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 79: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018-2025

Table 80: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Europe in US$

Million by Operation: A Historic Review for the Period

2009-2017

Table 81: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 82: European Industrial Centrifuges Addressable Market

Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025

Table 83: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Europe:

Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for

the Period 2009-2017

Table 84: European Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

FRANCE

Table 85: Industrial Centrifuges Market in France by Type:

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 86: French Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 87: French Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 88: Industrial Centrifuges Market in France by Operation:

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 89: French Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 90: French Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 91: Industrial Centrifuges Quantitative Demand Analysis

in France in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025

Table 92: French Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Review

in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 93: French Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis:

A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2009, 2019, and 2025

GERMANY

Table 94: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Germany: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 95: German Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 96: German Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Breakdown

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 97: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Germany: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Operation

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 98: German Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 99: German Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Breakdown

by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 100: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Germany: Annual

Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 101: German Industrial Centrifuges Market in Retrospect

in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 102: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Distribution in

Germany by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ITALY

Table 103: Italian Industrial Centrifuges Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 104: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Analysis in

Italy in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 105: Italian Industrial Centrifuges Market by Type:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 106: Italian Industrial Centrifuges Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Operation for the Period 2018-2025

Table 107: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Analysis in

Italy in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 108: Italian Industrial Centrifuges Market by Operation:

Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 109: Italian Demand for Industrial Centrifuges in US$

Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 110: Industrial Centrifuges Market Review in Italy in US$

Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 111: Italian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

UNITED KINGDOM

Table 112: United Kingdom Market for Industrial Centrifuges:

Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 113: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the United Kingdom:

Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2009-2017

Table 114: United Kingdom Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 115: United Kingdom Market for Industrial Centrifuges:

Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by

Operation for the Period 2018-2025

Table 116: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the United Kingdom:

Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Operation for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 117: United Kingdom Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 118: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Industrial Centrifuges in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 119: United Kingdom Industrial Centrifuges Market in US$

Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 120: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Shift in the

United Kingdom by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

SPAIN

Table 121: Spanish Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 122: Spanish Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Review by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 123: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Spain: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 124: Spanish Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to 2025

Table 125: Spanish Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Review by Operation in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 126: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Spain: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Operation for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 127: Spanish Industrial Centrifuges Market Quantitative

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 128: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Spain:

Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by

End-Use for 2009-2017

Table 129: Spanish Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

RUSSIA

Table 130: Russian Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 131: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Russia by Type: A

Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 132: Russian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 133: Russian Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Projections in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to 2025

Table 134: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Russia by

Operation: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 135: Russian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 136: Russian Industrial Centrifuges Latent Demand

Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 137: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Demand Patterns in

Russia by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 138: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Breakdown in

Russia by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF EUROPE

Table 139: Rest of Europe Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 140: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of Europe in

US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 141: Rest of Europe Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 142: Rest of Europe Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018-2025

Table 143: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of Europe in

US$ Million by Operation: A Historic Review for the Period

2009-2017

Table 144: Rest of Europe Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 145: Rest of Europe Industrial Centrifuges Addressable

Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025

Table 146: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of Europe:

Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for

the Period 2009-2017

Table 147: Rest of Europe Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ASIA-PACIFIC

Table 148: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates

and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 149: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Asia-Pacific:

Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Region/Country for

the Period 2009-2017

Table 150: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 151: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Asia-Pacific by

Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 152: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 153: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 154: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Asia-Pacific by

Operation: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 155: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 156: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 157: Industrial Centrifuges Quantitative Demand Analysis

in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025

Table 158: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 159: Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2009, 2019, and

2025

AUSTRALIA

Table 160: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Australia: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 161: Australian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 162: Australian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 163: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Australia: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Operation

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 164: Australian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 165: Australian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 166: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Australia: Annual

Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 167: Australian Industrial Centrifuges Market in

Retrospect in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 168: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Distribution in

Australia by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

INDIA

Table 169: Indian Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 170: Indian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Review

by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 171: Industrial Centrifuges Market in India: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 172: Indian Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates and

Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to 2025

Table 173: Indian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Review

by Operation in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 174: Industrial Centrifuges Market in India: Percentage

Share Breakdown of Sales by Operation for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 175: Indian Industrial Centrifuges Market Quantitative

Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 176: Industrial Centrifuges Market in India:

Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by

End-Use for 2009-2017

Table 177: Indian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

SOUTH KOREA

Table 178: Industrial Centrifuges Market in South Korea: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 179: South Korean Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 180: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Distribution in

South Korea by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 181: Industrial Centrifuges Market in South Korea: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Operation

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 182: South Korean Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 183: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Distribution in

South Korea by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 184: Industrial Centrifuges Market in South Korea: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 185: South Korean Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 186: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Distribution in

South Korea by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC

Table 187: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Industrial

Centrifuges: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 188: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of

Asia-Pacific: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type

for the Period 2009-2017

Table 189: Rest of Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market

Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 190: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Industrial

Centrifuges: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$

Million by Operation for the Period 2018-2025

Table 191: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of

Asia-Pacific: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by

Operation for the Period 2009-2017

Table 192: Rest of Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market

Share Analysis by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 193: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts

for Industrial Centrifuges in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to

2025

Table 194: Rest of Asia-Pacific Industrial Centrifuges Market

in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 195: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Shift in Rest of

Asia-Pacific by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

LATIN AMERICA

Table 196: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market Trends

by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018-2025

Table 197: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Latin America in

US$ Million by Region/Country: A Historic Perspective for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 198: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market

Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2009, 2019,

and 2025

Table 199: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 200: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Analysis in

Latin America in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 201: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market by

Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 202: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market Growth

Prospects in US$ Million by Operation for the Period 2018-2025

Table 203: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market Analysis in

Latin America in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 204: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market by

Operation: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and

2025

Table 205: Latin American Demand for Industrial Centrifuges in

US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 206: Industrial Centrifuges Market Review in Latin

America in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 207: Latin American Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ARGENTINA

Table 208: Argentinean Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates

and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 209: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Argentina in US$

Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2009-2017

Table 210: Argentinean Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 211: Argentinean Industrial Centrifuges Market Estimates

and Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018-2025

Table 212: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Argentina in US$

Million by Operation: A Historic Review for the Period

2009-2017

Table 213: Argentinean Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 214: Argentinean Industrial Centrifuges Addressable

Market Opportunity in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025

Table 215: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Argentina:

Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by End-Use for

the Period 2009-2017

Table 216: Argentinean Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

BRAZIL

Table 217: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Brazil by Type:

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period

2018-2025

Table 218: Brazilian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 219: Brazilian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 220: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Brazil by

Operation: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 221: Brazilian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Scenario in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 222: Brazilian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 223: Industrial Centrifuges Quantitative Demand Analysis

in Brazil in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018-2025

Table 224: Brazilian Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Review in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 225: Brazilian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by End-Use for 2009, 2019, and

2025

MEXICO

Table 226: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Mexico: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 227: Mexican Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 228: Mexican Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 229: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Mexico: Recent

Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Operation

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 230: Mexican Industrial Centrifuges Historic Market

Analysis in US$ Million by Operation: 2009-2017

Table 231: Mexican Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 232: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Mexico: Annual

Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 233: Mexican Industrial Centrifuges Market in Retrospect

in US$ Million by End-Use: 2009-2017

Table 234: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Distribution in

Mexico by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF LATIN AMERICA

Table 235: Rest of Latin America Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 236: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of Latin

America by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 237: Rest of Latin America Industrial Centrifuges Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 238: Rest of Latin America Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to

2025

Table 239: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Rest of Latin

America by Operation: A Historic Review in US$ Million for

2009-2017

Table 240: Rest of Latin America Industrial Centrifuges Market

Share Breakdown by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 241: Rest of Latin America Industrial Centrifuges Latent

Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025

Table 242: Industrial Centrifuges Historic Demand Patterns in

Rest of Latin America by End-Use in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 243: Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Breakdown in

Rest of Latin America by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

MIDDLE EAST

Table 244: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country:

2018-2025

Table 245: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the Middle East by

Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 246: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 247: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 248: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Historic

Market by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 249: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the Middle East:

Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009, 2019,

and 2025

Table 250: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Operation: 2018 to

2025

Table 251: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Historic

Market by Operation in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 252: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the Middle East:

Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Operation for 2009,

2019, and 2025

Table 253: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Market

Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to

2025

Table 254: Industrial Centrifuges Market in the Middle East:

Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million by

End-Use for 2009-2017

Table 255: The Middle East Industrial Centrifuges Market Share

Analysis by End-Use: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

IRAN

Table 256: Iranian Market for Industrial Centrifuges: Annual

Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2018-2025

Table 257: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Iran: Historic

Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2009-2017

Table 258: Iranian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 259: Iranian Market for Industrial Centrifuges: Annual

Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Operation for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 260: Industrial Centrifuges Market in Iran: Historic

Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Operation for the Period

2009-2017

Table 261: Iranian Industrial Centrifuges Market Share Analysis

by Operation: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 262: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Industrial Centrifuges in US$ Million by End-Use: 2018 to 2025



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President Trump called Greta Thunberg 'very angry' in a new interview, after saying climate activists were out-of-touch 'alarmists' and 'heirs of yesterday's fortune tellers' during his appearance Tuesday morning at the World Economic Forum.

Thunberg had been seated in the audience looking on, but Trump told the Wall Street Journal afterward that, 'I don't really know anything about her,' before calling her angry.

Portions of Trump's remarks seemed to be aimed at Thunberg and her supporters.

'This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism,' Trump said, which was in stark constrast to Thunberg and others, who used the conference to warn that the Australian wildfires and other disasters were only the beginning of the climate chaos that lie ahead.

To 'embrace the possibilities of tomorrow,' Trump said, 'we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse.'

'They are the heirs of yesterday's fortune tellers,' Trump stated. 'They predicted an over-population crisis in the 1960s, mass starvation in the 70s, and an end of oil in the 1990s.'

'These alarmists always demand the same thing - absolute power to dominate, transform and control every aspect of our lives,' Trump continued. 'We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country or eradicate our liberty.'

The bulk of Trump's speech was touting the American economy under his leadership, a curtain-raiser as he works more seriously toward his re-election bid.

Tuesday's speech was also counter-programming with the Senate beginning its impeachment trial of Trump. House Democrats will start making their case as Trump dines with world leaders.

President Trump used his appearance at the World Economic Forum to tout the economic gains the U.S. has seen during his administration

President Trump sits onstage at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Tuesday as WEF head Klaus Schwab introduces the president

President Trump gives a wave as he arrives on Air Force One in Zurich, Switzerland. The president will then head to Davos, Switzerland to give a speech and hold meetings at the World Economic Forum's 50th anniversary conference

President Trump is due to speak mid-morning Tuesday on the main stage at the World Economic Forum. He appeared at the conference in 2018, a year into his presidency, but skipped in last year due to the ongoing government shutdown

President Trump heads to Marine One, which will ferry him to the remote town of Davos, Switzerland, where the World Economic Forum takes place every year. His trip Tuesday and Wednesday will mark the second time as president he's attended

As President Trump was arriving, teen climate activist Greta Thunberg was making her first of two appearances Tuesday at the World Economic Forum

Greta Thunberg read climate statistics during her early morning appearance at the World Economic Forum

Greta Thunberg (right) has been mocked by President Trump on Twitter. She'll bookend his Davos appearance Tuesday, making two appearances

At a second appearance in Davos, Greta Thunberg said that while planting trees 'is good, of course' it's 'nowhere good enough to what is needed'

'He has a full day here in Davos, but will be briefed by staff periodically,' White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.

But thanks to the time difference, the bulk of the Senate proceedings will happen after Trump returns to his hotel, a ripe environment for live-tweeting.

Trump's day at Davos started with his speech.

'America's thriving, America's flourishing, and yes America is winning again like never before,' Trump told the crowd.

His appearance began and ended with polite applause.

He boasted of the 'blue collar boom' he had brought on, while touting the two trade deals he signed last week, comparing his record to the 'rather dismal state' of the economy under his predecessor, President Obama.

And while he snarked at climate activists, he said upon entering the forum that he was a 'very big believer in the environment,' and did announce that the U.S. would join the 'One Trillion Trees' initiative taking root at the conference.

The effort aims to do exactly what it says - plant a trillion trees by 2050. On Wednesday in Davos, environmentalists including the famed Jane Goodall will discuss the program at greater length.

Trump's arrival in Switzerland early Tuesday morning created a splitscreen moment as Thunberg was making her first of two appearances of the day.

President Trump (left) met with Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga (right) Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Sommaruga had taken the stage to warn the world about climate change, while Trump, minutes later, criticized climate 'alarmists'

'We are all fighting for the environment and climate. If you see it from a bigger perspective, basically nothing has been done. It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning,' Thunberg said during an early morning panel discussion. 'I'm not a person that can complain about not being heard,' Thunberg also said at the event, cueing laughs.

Later, Thunberg gave a more traditional address.

'One year ago, I said I wanted you to panic,' she said. 'I've been warned that telling people to panic about the climate crisis is a very dangerous thing to do.'

THE US DELEGATION AT DAVOS President Donald J. Trump Treasure Secretary Steven Mnuchin Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer Under Secretary for Growth, Energy and the Environment Keith Krach Assistant to the President Ivanka Trump Assistant to the President Jared Kushner Assistant to the President Christopher Liddell Advertisement

'Don't worry, it's fine, trust me, I've done this before and it doesn't lead to anything,' again blasting leaders for not enough action.

In her remarks, Thunberg also noted that while 'planting trees is good, of course' it's 'nowhere good enough to what is needed.'

Her remarks were in line with what World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said at the beginning of Tuesday's programming, as he and Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga took the stage before Trump.

'The world is in a state of emergency and to not act is crazy,' Schwab said. 'The world is on fire,' is how Sommaruga greeted participants.

Trump has done the opposite of making climate change a priority during his three-year presidency.

Early on, he pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement, while he's deregulated domestic oil and gas. In the past, he's called climate change a Chinese 'hoax,' though he's also touted to supporters that he's an environmentalist because he cares about clean air and clean water.

Over the past few months, Trump has made Thunberg a target on Twitter.

Last month, Trump reacted to the teenager being named Time magazine's 2019 'Person of the Year' by mocking her serious demeanor.

Trump shared a congratulatory tweet about Thunberg's win from actress Roma Downey.

'So ridiculous,' the president responded. 'Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!'

Thunberg responded by briefly changing her Twitter bio to read: 'A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend.'

Trump had also weighed in September after Thunberg made a passionate plea to world leaders during the United Nations General Assembly to do something about the warming earth.

Greta Thunberg's (center) expression when she saw President Trump (left) enter the United Nations in September went viral and became a meme

President Trump took to Twitter last month to call it 'ridiculous' that the climate activist got the honor. Trump was Time's person of the year in 2016 after his shock win of the presidential election

Greta Thunberg replied by briefly changing her Twitter bio to mimic the words President Trump had used calling herself 'A teenager working on her anger management problem'

President Trump had also tweeted about Greta Thunberg in September when he mocked her for being hysterical during her address to the United Nations General Assembly

'I shouldn't be up here,' Thunberg said at the time. 'I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean. Yet you all come to us young people for hope? How dare you!' she exclaimed.

Trump then tweeted a video of Thunberg's speech. 'People are suffering, people are dying, entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is money and fairytales of eternal economic growth,' Thunberg had said.

'She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!' Trump said sarcastically.

Thunberg changed her Twitter bio then as well, calling herself 'a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future.'

However Thunberg's expression when she saw Trump entering the U.N. the day she gave her speech was not-so-happy.

The stink eye Thunberg gave the American president went viral online.

Trump has gotten a mixed reaction on the world stage, including at Davos.

His criticism of the media during his 2018 appearance elicited a mix of boos and groans from the audience.

Several months later, during an appearance at the United Nations General Assembly - the gathering where he ran into Thunberg a year later - members of the audience, which included heads of state, laughed out loud at Trump's bombast.

Preparations are being made in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum's 50th year. President Trump is due at the conference on Tuesday and Wednesday

Thousands of people - including heads of state, business leaders and celebrities - descend on Davos, Switzerland every year for the World Economic Forum. President Trump will make his second appearance as president on Tuesday

Climate activists march in Switzerland in advance of the World Economic Forum set to kick off Tuesday in Davos, Switzerland

'In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than any administration in the history of out country,' Trump touted to laughter.

'So true,' he added. 'Didn't expect that reaction, but that's OK.'

And then there was the incident at the NATO summit where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was caught on hot mic discussing Trump's behavior at the summit.

Trudeau was describing to U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanual Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte how Trump essentially holds a press conference before his bilateral meetings with world leaders. The group was seen having a laugh.

Trump called the Canadian PM's behavior 'two-faced.' Trudeau fessed up to it.

'Last night I made reference to the fact that there was an unscheduled press conference before my meeting with President Trump. I was happy to be part of it but it was certainly notable,' Trudea said in a press conference the next day.

The moment inspired a 'Saturday Night Live' skit that featured actor Paul Rudd as Macron and Jimmy Fallon as Trudeau, who bully Trump - played by Alec Baldwin - in the U.N. cafeteria - and ask Kate McKinnon's Angela Merkel to sit with them instead.

The Trumps had some hiccups on the world stage in 2019, including when the French government showed this clip of Ivanka Trump being snubbed by world leaders including French President Emmanual Macron

Another incident, from the NATO summit in December, inspired this 'Saturday Night Live' skit, in which Jimmy Fallon as Justin Trudeau, Paul Rudd as Emmanual Macron and James Corbin as Boris Johnson pick on Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump in the U.N. cafeteria

The SNL skit concludes with the leaders taping an 'Impeach Me!!!' sign to Alec Baldwin's back. Trump was impeached later that month and his Senate trial begins Tuesday, the same day he'll give a main stage address at Davos

The incident also called back to the video shared by the Frech government that showed Ivanka Trump being snubbed by leaders including Macron, Christine Lagarde, who now serves as the president of the European Central Bank, and then-U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May.

WHO IS TRUMP MEETING WITH AT DAVOS Dr. Barham Salih, President of the Republic of Iraq Imran Khan of Pakistan, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the Swiss Confederation Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Regional Government World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab Advertisement

As the first daughter tries to engage in the discussion, talking excitedly with her hands, she's largely ignored, the video clip from the July G-20 showed.

Both Trumps are heading to Davos.

Merkel and Lagarde will also be on hand.

Ivanka Trump is a member of the seven-person delegation announced to represent the U.S. at Davos before even the president committed to attend.

She tweeted about her participation Monday.

'Headed to Davos to call on the worlds largest employers to sign our #PledgetoAmericasWorkers and join us in unleashing the potential of our people and accelerating the historic wave of opportunity, wage growth and job creation in the United States,' Ivanka Trump wrote.

The president can use the opportunity to steer heads away from the Senate impeachment trial, which will kick off in the hours following his Davos speech.

Trump is also due to host a dinner and will participate in several bilateral meetings with leaders during his two-day stay in Switzerland.

He'll have the benefit of not having an awkward run-in with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif who dropped out Monday.

The Iranians are blaming organizers who they claim 'abruptly changed its agenda' for the summit.

Trump has taken a victory lap for the American drone strike in Iraq that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, a move that brought the countries to the brink of war.

And while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is attending the conference, he wasn't on the list of leaders Trump planned to meet.

At the summit Trump will, however, be meeting with Iraqi President Barham Salih and Nechirvan Barzani, the president of the Kurdistan Regional Government - two important meetings that could impact America's future in the Middle East.

The White House also announced Monday that Trump would sit down with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sommaruga, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Schwab.
Hyderabad: In the wake of speculation and leaks from the ruling party about the abolition of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, the YSR Congress and Telugu Desam parties are digging up history.

Former ministers and TD MLCs Nara Lokesh and Yanamala Ramakrishnudu told the media that the abolition of the Legislative Council is undemocratic. But when Telugu Desam founder N.T. Rama Rao was Chief Minister, he abolished the Council in 1985. The TD had said then that the Council was a burden on the state budget and caused delays in passing important bills.

Now YSRC leaders are throwing this in the face of the TD. When the partys founder could abolish the Council, the TD has no right to criticise the YSRC for doing the same. Former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had opposed the revival of the Legislative Council during Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddys regime. He had commented that the Council would become a rehabilitation centre for unemployed politicians.

After 22 years, the Council was reconstituted in 2006. In the Opposition then, Mr Naidu boycotted the inaugural functio. But now, the TD is opposing the proposal to abolish the Council.

The TD can only counter by saying that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy always says he will follow in the footsteps of his father, Rajasekhar Reddy, who reinstated the Council. So why now is he going against what his father did?

TD MLC Nara Lokesh said that they are not scared at the governments proposal to abolish the Council. At present, the TD has 26 members in the Council and the YSRC has nine. In the coming years, the TDs strength would decrease and the YSRCs strength would increase.
On 5 January, JNU had witnessed protests after a masked mob attacked students and teachers inside the campus, leading to outrage across the country. JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh was among the injured.

New Delhi: The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Inter Hostel Administration's (IHA) decision amending the Hostel Manual which has provisions for fee hike.

The plea filed by JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh and its other office bearers Saket Moon, Satish Chandra Yadav and Md Danish, challenged the minutes of the IHA issued on 28 October, 2019, the jurisdiction of the High Level Committee constituted on 24 November, 2019, and their recommendations.

The petition submitted that decisions taken by the IHA are malafide, arbitrary and illegal and adversely affect the students.

"The decisions to bring about amendments in the Hostel Manual are contrary to provisions of the JNU Act, 1966, Statutes, Ordinances and the Hostel Manual. The amendments include reducing JNUSU representation in IHA, increased rates as applicable to hostel residents and also brought amendments to clauses of the Hostel Manual adversely affecting reserved category students in the University," the plea submitted.
The CCIC is a prestigious competition where community college students, working with a faculty or administrator team mentor, use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to innovate solutions to real-world problems. Teams of two to four students will spend up to six months growing their proposal from a unique, game-changing idea into a Shark Tank-style business pitch for STEM industry leaders and feature their projects at a poster session for members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

"AACC is proud of our partnership with NSF," said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. "Our nation's community colleges are leaders and innovators in STEM curriculum and education. They deliver technical education and training programs that provide opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship to meet growing workforce needs nationwide. This program showcases amazing students whose ideas illustrate the high level of innovation that happens at community colleges across the country."



The competition fosters the development of students' innovation, research and entrepreneurial skills. It also enables students to discover and demonstrate their capacity to use STEM to make a difference in the world and translate that knowledge into action.



"The Community College Innovation Challenge is a national competition designed specifically to offer community college students a seat at the STEM innovation table," added Ellen Hause, program director of Academic & Student Affairs at AACC. "We encourage students to submit their novel research and innovative ideas and look forward to working with the finalist teams to provide them the tools to make their ideas a reality."

Given the rapid pace of technological advancement and the requirement of new skills sets to prepare for the future of work, students of today must be prepared to compete in an increasingly competitive and global market.



CCIC finalist teams will compete for cash awards and earn travel support to attend an Innovation Boot Camp in the Washington, D.C., metro area, where students interact with entrepreneurs and experts in business planning, stakeholder engagement, communication and marketplace dynamics.



AACC's mission to build a nation of learners by advancing America's community colleges aligns with the goals of the NSF's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program to prepare students for meaningful employment in the high-technology fields that drive our nation's economy. In 2015, the NSF funded the initial launch of CCIC alongside AACC.



"NSF is committed to nurturing student talent across the U.S. in STEM and supporting the advancement of STEM careers," said Karen Marrongelle, NSF assistant director for Education and Human Resources (EHR). "Community colleges are at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education improvement in the U.S. and serve a broad diversity of learners. CCIC provides the opportunity for students to not only learn and showcase their innovative ideas, but to foster their entrepreneurial skills."

All team submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on March 31, 2020. To learn more and apply, visit www.aaccinnovationchallenge.com .



About AACC

As the voice of the nation's community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC's nearly 1,000 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/



About NSF

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2020, its budget is $8.3 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 50,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards. https://www.nsf.gov/

SOURCE American Association of Community Colleges

Related Links

https://www.aacc.nche.edu


This week, the fourth annual flash mob launched by the World Jewish Congress for the Holocaust Remembrance Day #WeRemember is taking place around the world. The campaign aimed at reminding the world of the Holocaust victims is taking place on social networks. The President of the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine Boris Lozhkin and members of the Supervisory Board have already joined the campaign, informs the official website of the JCU.

Seventy-five years after the end of the Holocaust, anti-Semitism has reached an unprecedented level since the mid-20th century. Jews  from Germany to the USA  are again verbally and physically attacked, simply because they are Jews. There is not a single Jewish holiday without an attack by anti-Semites; our historical and cultural monuments are desecrated, our cemeteries are ruined. We are sure that the reason for this phenomenon is the loss of knowledge about the greatest crime in the history of mankind, about the Holocaust, which took six million innocent lives, JCU writes.

The Jewish Confederation of Ukraine urges everyone to join the millions of people supporting the #WeRemember campaign already for the fourth year in a row. The flash mob will end with a live broadcast of all the participants' photos on a screen installed next to the debris of the crematorium at the former Auschwitz concentration camp, as evidence of the survival of the Jewish people in the face of disasters.

Remember to post your photos on social networks with the hashtag #WeRemember. Remind yourselves and your friends, what failure to act in the face of a threat leads to. Recall that anti-Semitism is not only a problem of Jews, but of the entire civilized world, is written in the news.
A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos State to dismiss a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC ) for final forfeiture of his house in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The EFCC in December had secured an interim order for the forfeiture of the house located at 1, Abdulkadir Street, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State, on the grounds that it was acquired with proceeds of corruption. Justice Rilwan Aikawa had ordered the interim forfeiture of the property and invited anyone with an interest in the property to show cause why it should be seized.

But in response, the two-term Kwara State Governor through his lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, described the suit as an abuse of court processes and a move to irritate, annoy and scandalise him.

In the suit no. FHC/L/CS/1867/2019, Mr Ogunwumiju filed a preliminary objection to the court ruling, stating that the suit filed by the EFCC was an abuse of court processes.

He argued that it was a ploy by the EFCC to review the July 6, 2018, decision of the Supreme Court discharging the applicant from culpability arising from the same money and houses which are the subject matter of this action.

He further said the case was filed at a time when a suit on the same subject matter was still pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Despite the pendency of the above-captioned suit, service of the originating processes and the subsistence of the aforesaid order of this court, the respondent surreptitiously commenced Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1867/2019 between the EFCC v Dr Bukola Saraki on 14th October 2019 in this court where it seeks orders aimed at neutralising the order of the Abuja Division of this court, he said.

He, therefore, urged Mr Aikawa to dismiss it.

An operative of the EFCC, Olamide Sadiq, informed the court that the commission had received intelligence report showing monumental fraud perpetrated in the treasury of the Kwara State Government between 2003 and 2011, at the time the defendant was the governor of the state.

He said: Whilst investigation was ongoing several fraudulent transactions were discovered. I know for a fact and verily believe that our investigation has revealed the following mind-boggling findings, among others:

That between 2003 and 2011, Dr Olubukola Abubakar Saraki was the Executive Governor of Kwara State.

That whilst he held the aforementioned position, the common pattern was that after payment of monthly allocation by the Federal Government to the Kwara State Government, a cumulative sum of not less than N100m will be deposited into the Kwara Government House account.

That upon the payment of the said N100m, same will, in turn, be withdrawn in cash by one Mr Afeez Yusuf from the Kwara State Government House, Ilorins account in bits and brought to the Government House.

The judge later adjourned the case till February 5 to take arguments on Sarakis objection.

Journey to Probe

Mr Sarakis probe by the EFCC started when the agency wrote a letter to the Kwara State Government demanding a breakdown of Mr Sarakis income, as well as his entitlements as governor of the state.

The anti-graft agency said it was investigating Mr Saraki for conspiracy, abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, theft, and money-laundering.

Before being elected to the Senate in 2011, Mr Saraki was the governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

In reaction, Mr Saraki had repeatedly described the probe as politically motivated and a witch-hunt.

Mr Saraki, a leader of the main opposition party, PDP, said the anti-graft agency was only investigating matters that were already settled.

He had previously accused the commission of misleading the judge.
Department of Tourism Official Mira Acharya confirmed that the Nepal Army has deployed its helicopter from Pokhara to search and rescue missing four Koreans and three Nepali near the Annapurna Base Camp."Today from 7 in the morning, a team comprising Nepal Army's Rescue Team, Tourism Department, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Himalayan Rescue Association, TAAN-Kathmandu's Representatives flew to Pokhara from Kathmandu then flew to the site of the incident. Upon reaching there we tried three to four times to take our team onto the ground and make attempt to search the missing ones but it was not possible. There was continuous and heavy snowfall and the area which was at first hit by an avalanche is continuously hit by snow slides because of which our team was not able to work on the search operation," Acharya, Director of Mountaineering, Hotel and Monitoring Section of Department of Tourism, Nepal told ANI on Monday.A total of nine Army officials were present in the group that went to the avalanche area on Monday."In the course of this time South Korean Ambassador, concerned Chief District Officers and other officials were present there for the observation and site-seeing of the area as well as effort. Our team has flown back for today and we are under consultation about the steps that are to be undertaken," Acharya further added.After the recommendation from the Department of Tourism's emergency rescue meeting of Sunday the Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Ministry had requested the Nepal Army to help in the search and rescue operation.Despite the ongoing effort to locate and rescue the missing personnel from one of the most famed trekking routes in the Himalayan Nation, no progress has been made so far.Frequent avalanches in the area of the incident has been creating a problem in the search and rescue operation for the missing trekkers."We have requested (Nepal) Army's helicopter and was sent there (Pokhara) from here (Kathmandu). Along with the helicopter, Army's High Altitude Rescue and a search team were sent over to the field in that helicopter. The team was well equipped with a search and rescue device. But we couldn't carry on our work there; we have to return back because of the weather condition. We are working on over how we can work over it," Department of Tourism Official Mira Acharya said.An area that lies between Annapurna village council-11 Himalaya and Deurali of Kaski district was hit by an avalanche on Friday afternoon after heavy snowfall in the area which has left seven people missing.A total of five choppers now has been deployed on to search and locate the missing ones they only are able to take a round of presumed area from where trekkers are supposed to be missing.A search team deployed on Friday to take the tool on foot to the area of the incident on Sunday reached the area but could not find any clue about whereabouts of the missing personnel.The avalanche hit the area between Deurali and Macchapuchre Base Camp lying between 3200- 3700 meters above the sea level. (ANI)
Chief Justice John Roberts swore in senators last week to officially begin the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, but the trial starts in earnest Tuesday afternoon, when Republicans and Democrats are expected to battle over a resolution setting the rules for the trial and start opening arguments shortly afterward. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will propose a timeline for the trial that would break from the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, according to a four-page organizing resolution obtained by CNN.

It's possible senators will vote to go into closed session in order to debate the issues that divide them because impeachment rules prevent them from speaking publicly during the trial.

Here's what we know:

When will the trial get started?

The trial will start Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET, after which it will run six days a week, Monday through Saturday, also starting at 1 p.m. The condensed timeline for opening arguments proposed in McConnell's resolution raises the prospect that the trial, at least in its first week, will feature 12-hour days and stretch late into the night.

The first session on Tuesday, when they deal with the organizing resolution, may go past 6 p.m., according to aides in each party.

What will the schedule look like each day?

The Senate will come into session at noon ET on each trial day, and there will be time for leadership remarks and possibly some legislative action before 12:30 p.m., when preparations will be made for the trial to get underway.

McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, plans to give House impeachment managers and Trump's legal team each 24 hours divided over two days for their opening arguments, according to the resolution. The move indicates that Senate Republicans are pushing to finish the trial as quickly as possible -- potentially ahead of the President's February 4 State of the Union address. If the Senate doesn't agree to call any witnesses or subpoena any documents, Trump could even be acquitted by the middle of next week.

We won't know exactly what the schedule will be for the trial until senators pass the organizing resolution, which could happen Tuesday.

Each side having up to 24 hours to do opening arguments follows the model from Clinton's trial -- although the 24 hours were split over a four-day period then -- as McConnell had previously said he wanted to do. After that, there would be up to 16 hours for senators to ask questions, which would be submitted in writing. But the two sides don't have to use their full 24 hours, which could cut time from the opening arguments.

The opening arguments are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon, according to aides to McConnell. Only after the opening arguments and questions are completed does McConnell want the Senate to debate the questions of compelling witnesses and documents.

What will the first day look like?

The Senate convenes Tuesday at noon for leadership remarks and will adjourn at 12:30 p.m. to prep the floor for the trial.

At 1 p.m., the trial convenes and there are expected to be a few housekeeping items -- including swearing in Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, who missed last Thursday's session because of a family medical issue.

After that, senators are expected to turn to a debate over the resolution from McConnell that will set the rules of the trial. The debate will last two hours equally divided on both sides. It is expected the debate won't take place between senators -- who are not allowed to speak at the trial -- but between the House impeachment managers and the President's defense lawyers.

Then Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, will offer an amendment. While it's unknown what it will say, Schumer's plan is likely to call either for witnesses generally or for a specific witness to be called to testify, as well as documents to be produced.

The Schumer amendment is debatable for two hours -- one hour for the supporters and one hour for the opponents. Time can be yielded back so the full two hours don't need to be used. A roll call vote on the amendment would then take place, with senators voting from their desks for all roll call votes during the trial. Fifty-one votes are needed for the amendment to be adopted.

Will we see witnesses?

McConnell's organizing resolution puts off the question of witnesses until after the two sides present their opening arguments and there are 16 hours of questions for senators, which they will ask through Chief Justice John Roberts.

At that point, the resolution includes a proposal in which the Senate would vote on a motion on "whether it shall be in order to consider and debate under the impeachment rules any motion to subpoena witnesses or documents."

If the Senate votes no, no one -- not the impeachment managers, the President's legal team or senators -- will be permitted to move to subpoena witnesses or documents, according to a Senate GOP leadership aide. If the Senate approves the resolution, both sides would be able to make motions to subpoena witnesses, at which point the Senate would debate and vote on them.

Democrats don't want to wait that long to resolve the witness issue and plan to force early debate and votes on the question by pressing for amendments to the organizing resolution. Most Republicans, including key swing votes like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, say they won't even consider calling witnesses until after the opening arguments so this effort by Democrats appears poised to fail, although it will draw attention to their push for new testimony.

Fifty-one senators have to vote for witnesses, so if all 47 Democrats are unified, only four Republicans would need to support it to pass. It's still an open question if those three Republicans vote to hear witnesses, if they can also wrangle a fourth as well.

Will the entire trial be open to the public?

The Senate may go into closed session at certain times because impeachment trial rules prevent senators from speaking. During the Clinton trial, some of this was done in the Old Senate Chamber down the hall from the Senate chamber but this time they plan to stay on the Senate floor. We have no idea how long these closed sessions could last. But it's possible to happen Tuesday and then again after the opening arguments and questions.

In fact, the reason Senate authorities are planning to put metal detectors where the press enter the chamber -- something that has rankled the Capitol press corps -- is because they want to ensure no devices are left in the chamber that could record those closed sessions, according to a Republican aide.

How long will the trial go?

Entirely unknown right now, especially with Republicans considering condensing the schedule. Some of Trump's supporters are hoping the trial will be done by the time he is scheduled to address the Congress and the nation with his State of the Union address on February 4.

Bill Clinton's trial lasted for about five weeks, from January 7, 1999 through February 12, 1999.

How will evidence be handled?

The resolution does not automatically admit the House's evidence that has been submitted to the Senate, and instead allows for a vote on whether the evidence should be admitted for the trial. A Senate GOP leadership aide said the evidence in the Clinton trial was different from the House's in this case, because it came from a federal grand-jury process, and not the impeachment inquiry where Republicans say the President was denied due process.

For any new evidence that surfaces to be admitted and presented during the trial, 51 senators would have to vote to approve it. But if any senator or Trump's legal team objects -- Roberts could either rule on it or punt it back to have senators vote to decide. Senators could also overrule the chief justice.

Most Senate Democrats appear to be unified on wanting to include any new pertinent evidence or materials about the President's dealings in Ukraine that emerge after the start of the trial. On the other side, many Senate Republicans have said they don't want to consider new evidence and blame the House for not conducting a complete investigation before impeaching Trump.

Who will make the case to convict or acquit the President?

House impeachment managers will act as prosecutors making the case against Trump, and White House legal counsel Pat Cipollone will lead a team of lawyers that the President selected to defend him and make the case for his acquittal, with Roberts presiding over the chamber.

The impeachment managers were announced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi last Wednesday and include House Intelligence Chair Rep. Adam Schiff of California as the lead manager. The other six will be:

Judiciary chairman, Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York

Chairman of the Democratic Caucus Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York

Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California, who is on the Judiciary Committee and has also worked on three House impeachment inquiries

Rep. Val Demings of Florida, who is on the Judiciary and Intelligence committees

Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Texas, a freshman who is on the Judiciary Committee

Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, a freshman lawmaker who is a former lawyer

On the other side, Trump's defense team, led by Cipollone, will make the case for his acquittal. Cipollone will be joined by lawyer Jay Sekulow, and according to people familiar, Trump will add to his defense team constitutional lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Bill Clinton special prosecutor Ken Starr and Robert Ray, who was also part of Clinton's impeachment prosecution team. Two other lawyers assisting the team are Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Trump's longtime personal counsel Jane Raskin.

Additionally, the White House announced on Monday members of Congress who would "serve as part of his team working to combat this hyper-partisan and baseless impeachment," according to a press release. Those eight Republican members, who have all staunchly defended the President, will be:

Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee and a former attorney

Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a former attorney

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee

Rep. Debbie Lesko of Arizona

Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, the former chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus

Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas, a former US attorney and federal terrorism prosecutor

Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York

Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, a former attorney

Will the Senate still conduct any legislative business?

It's possible some legislation business could be conducted between noon and 12:30 p.m. ET each day they are in session.

The only measure that's out there that appears ready to get a vote is Sen. Tim Kaine's war powers resolution. It is a privileged motion, so the Virginia Democrat can force a vote on it. It's expected to legislatively "ripen" this week so a vote is possible, but not set.

UPDATE: This story has been updated after CNN reported the contents of McConnell's proposed rules for the trial.
Russian warplanes have struck the towns in the western Aleppo countryside, killing a number of civilians, while regime fighters in Idleb were killed in attacks reports Alsouria Net.

Russian warplanes have stepped up their bombardment on parts of the western Aleppo countryside, killing seven civilians and wounding dozens, according to the preliminary toll.

According to the Syrian Civil Defense on Monday, the victims were spread across three areas in the Aleppo countryside.

The Civil Defense said that two women were killed, and that three others were wounded, including two children, during the strikes by warplanes on the town of Kafr Joum west of Aleppo in the morning.

Two civilians were meanwhile killed and others wounded during a bombardment by Russian warplanes on the al-Jina countryside west of Aleppo.

According to the Civil Defense, the Russian warplanes struck a house in the village of Kafr Taal in the western Aleppo countryside, killing three civilians and wounding seven others, mostly children.

The Assad regime reported that Assads forces have intensified their strikes on parts of the southern and western Aleppo countryside over the last three days.

The semi-official Al-Watan newspaper added that the bombardment was a, prelude to a land campaign which aims to extend the influence of the Syrian Army to the western Aleppo countryside to secure the city and the international highway from Aleppo to Saraqeb up to Maarat al-Numan.

The Russian Ministry of Defense meanwhile announced that 47 members of Assads forces had been killed during attacks on their positions in Idleb province during the last four days.

The ministry published a statement from the Hemeimeem Reconciliation Center on Facebook on Monday saying that regime positions in the Idleb area had been hit by 16 attacks since Jan. 16, 2020, killing 47 people.

The Hemeimeem center claimed that what it called terrorist groups had also over the same period carried out 253 strikes on peaceful towns and cities without naming them.

The Assad regime justifies its campaign on the towns and cities of the western Aleppo countryside by citing the bombardment carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on the areas though which it transits in Aleppo city, as it claims.

The Humanitarian Response Coordinators in the North group published a statement on Sunday in which it said the number of displaced from the western and southern Aleppo countrysides had reached 4,698 families (26,779 people), more than 73 percent of them women and children.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
 Flash

Three Katyusha rockets on Monday landed near the U.S. embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad, an Interior Ministry official said.

The attack took place around midnight when the three rockets landed near the U.S. embassy in the Green Zone, which also houses some of the main Iraqi government offices, the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

There were no immediate reports about casualties, the source said.

The heavily fortified Green Zone has been frequently targeted by insurgents' mortar and rocket attacks. The roughly 10 square km zone is located on the west bank of the Tigris River, which bisects the Iraqi capital.

Earlier in the month, the Iraqi Iranian-backed Shiite militia, known as Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, led by Qais al-Khazali said that the Iranian initial response to the killing of Iranian military leader is done, and it is time for Iraq to respond to the U.S. airstrike.

Al-Khazali's threat came after Iran fired ballistic missiles on Jan. 8 on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.

On Jan. 3, a U.S. drone attacked a convoy at Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces.

More than 5,000 US troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants.
Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast

They're the Quds Force officers who tracked and killed Iraqis working with the U.S.-led coalition, hunted those deemed hostile to Iranian influence through a council of assassins, and smuggled the spies, money, weapons, and secrets into Iraq that sowed chaos across the country during the American occupation.

Qassem Soleimani first gained the attention of Western media through his role in instigating a campaign of covert violence against the U.S. in Iraq which cost the lives of over 600 American troops. But underneath the now famous Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps icon, other officers managed the war that first made Soleimani notorious.

For a period during the mid-2000s, one of those officers was Brigadier General Ahmed Foruzandeh, who rose to command the Ramazan Corps, part of the Guards elite Quds Force, after cutting his teeth in the unit running guerrilla warfare operations during the Iran-Iraq war.

OK, Now What?: Inside Team Trumps Scramble to Sell the Soleimani Hit to America

Although Qassem Soleimani was the architect of that broader strategy, it was his lesser known lieutenants who ran and oversaw the operations, Dr. Afshon Ostovar, a scholar at the Naval Postgraduate School, said. Foruzandeh was one of the top Quds Force operatives in the field in Iraq, yet his name was hardly known at the time.

Declassified documents obtained by The Daily Beast through the Freedom of Information Act offer new details of Foruzandehs campaign of violence in Iraq during the latter 2000s. They show how Foruzandeh and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) funneled guns, money, and spies into Iraq and assassinated both Americans and Iraqis. And they offer hints that the man who helped Iran kill hundreds of Americans throughout the Iraq war may not have actually retired years ago as he let on, but continued to consult for his former boss long after the war ended.

Iranian and American media alike have treated Foruzandehs old boss, the former Quds Force commander Soleimani, with something approaching hagiography. In profiles and obituaries, hes cast as a legendary shadow commander possessed of superhuman abilities and cunning, a judgment not entirely supported by Soleimanis colleagues.

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By contrast, declassified documents obtained by The Daily Beast and other sources paint a more prosaic picture of Foruzandeh. Like a number of Quds Force personnel, Foruzandehs career in Iraq drew on nothing more mystical than relationships and experience.

His first brush with the world of covert operations in the Iran-Iraq war met with middling success and the guerrilla warfare effort he supported barely moved the needle in the conflict. But by the time the U.S. showed up on Irans doorstep, Foruzandeh had been carrying out guerrilla warfare and covert operations across the Iran-Iraq border for nearly 20 years with some of the same people and organizations.

They clearly have, one, home court advantage. Two, these guys have been doing special operations in the region for their entire adult life and theyre veterans of the brutal Iran-Iraq war, Doug Wise, a former CIA officer and station chief in Baghdad, told The Daily Beast of Iranian Quds Force officers who worked on Iraq. These guys are worthy adversaries. Theyre not 10 feet tall. They have human and physical limitations but extraordinary experience in conducting the operations that they were required to conduct, Wise said.

Big picture, Col. Donald Bacon, then the chief of special operations and intelligence information for the coalition, said in a 2007 press conference, the Ramazan Corps is the organization that does operations here in Iraq tothey use it tothey're the ones who transit in the weapons, the funding and help coordinate Iraqi militia extremists into Iran to get them training and then get them back into Iraq.

Ramazan was the Quds Force unit in charge of causing chaos in Iraq and, at least for a time, Foruzandeh was its commander. The unit, which dated back to the Iran-Iraq war, divided its forces between a handful of sub-commands along the Iraqi border. Foruzandeh had worked in Fajr command, based in Ahwaz, Iran, which handled operations in Basra and southern Iraq, working his way up to deputy commander of Ramazan.

By 2007, as violence in Iraq peaked, intelligence reports surveyed Iranian covert operations in Iraq as the U.S. turned its attention away from the Sunni jihadist insurgency and towards the violence instigated by Iran and its proxies.

The documents include raw reporting marked as "not finally evaluated intelligence" from sources whose motivations are described as "based on favorable experiences with U.S. forces and desire to rid Iraq of destructive foreign influences" but they track broadly with what U.S. officials have said about Ramazan Corps and its personnel.

Taken together, they show a sprawling campaign of covert violence with Foruzandeh and the Ramazan Corps in charge.

The documents spend considerable space detailing the elaborate process by which the Iranian-overseen Golden Death Squad targeted, approved, and carried out assassinations against Iraqis they viewed as obstacles.

The unit, the report wrote, consists of Iranian intelligence leadership that provide guidance and funding to Iraqis that are recruited from [Jaish al-Mahdi], Badr Corps, the Al-Fadilah Party, and other Shia Iraqi parties and militias that conduct assassination operations against former Ba'ath party members, Iraqis that are working with the [Coalition Forces], and Iraqis that are not supporting Iranian influence in Iraq.

Iranian officers shuttled Iraqi members of the assassination teams to Ahwaz, Iran, the headquarters of Ramazans Fajr command, for training. The 10-day long course included instruction from Iranian officers on information collection to support the targeting of coalition forces in Iraq, assassinations, and the use of indirect fire systems such as Katyusha rockets and mortars. Iran also trained its proxies in the use of what is described as very sophisticated explosives that can penetrate [Coalition Forces'] armor, an apparent reference to the notorious Iranian-made explosively formed projectiles which killed and maimed hundreds of American troops.

When it came time to decide who would be killed, Quds Force officers set up a process for adjudicating assassination targets, giving Iraqi allies a role in the process, according to the documents. Iraqis that are agents of the Iranians are allowed to produce lists of Iraqis that are to be assassinated, it notes. Most of these Iraqis that are authorized to make decisions regarding who is to be killed by the Golden Death Squad are members of the Iraqi government and security forces. Meetings of the hit squad reportedly took place at the Basra governors office where members of Basra police intelligence would "routinely attend.

Iranian intelligence officers also nominated their own targets for assassination. Their names were handed to a member of the Iranian-backed Badr militia. The Iranian officer who passed the targets alonghis name is redacted in the reportis described as a Persian Iranian that is fluent in Iraqi Arabic and has a southern Iraqi accent due to the years he has spent in Iraq."

Those slated for assassination included not just former Baathists but Iraqis who worked with the U.S.-backed coalition. The documents recount how one Quds Force officer, assigned to Ramazans Fajr command in southern Iraq, ran an Iraqi agent who photographed coalition informants for the IRGC. The unnamed Quds Force officer then passe[d] the pictures to Iraqis that he tasks and funds to kill those identified by [redacted's] reporting and pictures."

In at least one case, Foruzandeh reportedly intervened to help one of his militia allies after coalition officials arrested them.

Mehdi Abdmehd al-Khalisi allegedly ran the Muntada al-Wilaya militia, a small, Iranian-backed Shiite militia implicated in the murder of a number of former Baathist officials and an attack on coalition troops. When coalition officials arrested al-Khalisi in 2005, senior Iraqi officials began pressuring the coalition to release him.

A classified cable leaked by WikiLeaks show that informants told the U.S. that al-Khalisi had been communicating with Foruzandeh about attacks on British forces in Iraqs Maysan governorate via encrypted telegrams as early as 2003. After his arrest, the cable says that an informant of unknown reliability reported that Foruzandeh has authorized an expenditure of up to $500,000 for operations to secure Mr. al-Khalisi's release, and that senior [Iraqi Transitional Government] officials have received telephone calls from the Brigadier requesting assistance.

Along with the assassinations came Iranian weapons and trainers. Reporting by the Long War Journal first sketched out Ramazans rat lines in Iraq and documents obtained by The Daily Beast note that the unit oversaw a complex smuggling apparatus from Ahwaz, Iran into Iraq" that included "weapons, information, financial support, and Iranian intelligence officers." The money, guns, and Iranian personnel began their journey in Ahwaz and were handed off to smugglers at the border with Iraq.

Iranian intelligence officers would vet smugglers for loyalty and to ensure that they had a "pre-existing relationship with the [Iraqi border police] because of their tribal relationship"a relationship that nonetheless "usually involves a pre-arranged bribe." Once across the border, smugglers toting money, guns, and Iranian personnel were typically met by a reception element that represents a Shia militia group that the operation support package was built for."

In the ports of southern Iraq, Ramazan agents smuggled weapons via hidden compartments in the fuel tanks of fishing boats, according to the documents.

As violent as Foruzandehs tenure in occupation-era Iraq war was, he wasnt entirely averse to covert diplomacy. Ahmed Chalabi, the exiled Iraqi lobbyist who helped push the Bush administration to war in Iraq, met with Foruzandeh in the spring of 2004, according to a 2008 biography of Chalabi by journalist and former Daily Beast senior correspondent Aram Roston. At the time, Chalabi had transitioned from pro-war lobbyist to an Iraqi member of parliament and was seeking to accommodate himself to Irans newfound influence in Iranian politics.

Some time after the meeting, the U.S. learned that Iranian intelligence had suddenly realized American spies were reading their cable traffic and had broken their codes. A few months later, American intelligence officials told The New York Times they believed Chalabi had walked into the Iranian embassy in Baghdad and blown the operation to the station chief of Iranian intelligence at the embassy. Chalabi denied any involvement in the leak but the incident led the Bush administration to end its relationship with him.

Foruzandehs father worked for the Abadan oil company and when he left the company, his family of 13 sons and daughters moved to Khorramshahr, just across the border from Basra in Iraq. His son Ahmed was an early supporter of Irans Islamic Revolution, a stance which earned him a stint in prison at universitythanks to the ruling Shahs secret policeand the revolutionary bonafides that came with it when the Shahs government was ousted.

In the early days of the Islamic Revolution, Foruzandeh worked with the IRGC to identify and arrest Arab dissidents in Khorramshahr opposed to the new government. His knowledge of the area, proven commitment to the regime, and background in underground work made him a natural fit for intelligence when the Iran-Iraq war started.

After Iraq's invasion, he was the intelligence chief of the Khorramshahr unit that later played a key role in re-taking the city from the Baathists in 1982, Amir Toumaj, an Iran researcher whos written extensively on the Quds Force, explained of Foruzandeh.

His biography states that he started developing a relationship with Hassan Bagheri around the time of Khorramshahr's fall and sent him reports, Toumaj says. Bagheri, the founder of the Islamic Republics intelligence service, was killed during the war but went on to become one of Irans most famous martyrs. His brother, Mohammad, is now Irans highest-ranking military officer and it was those kinds of connections that would help pave Foruzandehs ascent to the highest ranks of the IRGC.

Trump, Iran, and Where The Forever War Was Always Headed

Later in the war, Foruzandeh left his position in Khorramshahrs 22nd Badr Brigade and joined the Ramazan Corps. The unit was designed to work with dissident groups in Iraq and carry out guerrilla operations behind enemy lines while the otherwise static style of trench warfare that characterized the Iran-Iraq conflict played out.

At Ramazans Fajr headquarters, where Foruzandeh first worked, the unit carried out operations with Iraqi Shiite groups like the Badr Brigade, a group of exiled dissidents and former prisoners of war. The militia was originally conceived by the Iranians as an adjunct to the IRGC-QF Ramazan Corps, according to a 2005 State Department cable, and drew support from their political arm, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.

During the Iran-Iraq war, radio broadcasts from Tehran hailed operations by the Ramazan Headquarters which claimed assassination attempts with Iraqi mujahidin on Saddams interior minister Samir al-Shaykhali in Baghdad, the revolutionary execution of a Baath Party official in Baghdads Mansur neighborhood, and having set fire to one of Saddams Baghdad palaces "used for pleasure by Ba'ath party officials and senior officers of that regime.

Ramazans Fajr headquarters and the Badr Brigade didnt do much to change the tide of the war. It ended in a bloody stalemate in 1988, more of exhaustion than because of guerrilla daring. One of the Ramazan Corpss most valuable relationships actually lay farther north with Kurdish forces from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The group carried out strikes deep into Iraqi Kurdish territory with Ramazans backing, including a 1986 raid on Iraqi oil infrastructure in Kirkuk (later memorialized in a cheesy Iranian action flick, Kirkuk Operation).

But the relationships forged by Ramazan with Iraqi Shia militants would prove useful to both the Revolutionary Guards and Iran years down the road when groups like Badr took on an important role in Iraqi politics and security.

When the war ended, both Ramazan Corps and Foruzandeh remained focused on Iraq, particularly during the Shia uprising against Saddam at the end of the Persian Gulf War. One Iranian news account put Foruzandeh in charge of working with Iranian-backed militias to support the uprising in order to speed up the support of the Iraqi Mujahideen because his unit, Ramazans Fajr headquarters, was closest to the revolt in Basra.

Theres not much evidence about how Foruzandeh spent his time in the interim between Americas first two wars in Iraq. The most evidence available is a fragmentary report from Saddam-era intelligence documents captured by the U.S. after the war that shows Foruzandeh running an agent inside a camp for the Mujahideen-e-Khalq, an Iranian dissident cult group which fought on behalf of Iraq during the war and carried out a series of terrorist attacks in Iran.

Not many senior Ramazan Corps veterans appear to have retired. Iraj Masjedi, another Quds Force Iraq veteran, took over as Irans ambassador in Baghdad in 2017. Abdul Reza Shahlai, who served in Iraq during the occupation alongside Foruzandeh, is now at 63 years old reportedly the top Quds Force officer in Yemen and was unsuccessfully targeted in a U.S. airstrike there the same night that special operations forces killed Soleimani.

After the U.S. wound down its occupation in Iraq, Foruzandeh, gray-haired and portly, gave every impression of having retired and contented himself with the hobbies of old age, despite a U.S. sanctions designation on him during the war. He told an Iranian news outlet that hed retired from the Quds Force in 2008, and was working on an oral history project about his hometown. In public, he spent his spent time shuffling between memorial ceremonies for fallen comrades.

It doesnt appear to be true.

Another declassified intelligence document obtained by The Daily Beast offers hints that Foruzandeh may not have retired after all. The report, an account of senior Iranian officials participation in a museum project "documenting lessons learned from the Iran-Iraq war," suggests he kept at least a consulting role in Quds Force operations.

In describing the background of officials present at the meeting, the report says Foruzandeh still dabbled in "management of personnel and logistic support to IRGC-QF external activities." Irans Khorasan province has been recently added to his portfolio." Irans Khorasan province borders northwest Afghanistan and by 2013, the Obama administration had already been arguing for years that Quds Force officers were secretly supporting the Taliban in order to weaken U.S. and NATO forces in the country.

There are some reasons to be skeptical of the declassified report. The sources claim that Foruzandeh was appointed a director of Irans Iran-Iraq war museum, but hes not listed by the museum as an official or referred to as such in news accounts. Its also dated around the same time Foruzandeh gave an interview to an Iranian news outlet announcing that he was working on a history project about his hometowns role in the Iran-Iraq war.

Still, other evidence suggests Foruzandeh was still in the irregular warfare business.

In 2014, one of Foruzandehs closest colleagues in the Quds Force, fellow brigadier general and Ramazan Corps veteran Hamid Taghavi, was killed by ISIS in Iraq. The death came as a surprise, not least because Taghavi was one of the highest-ranking IRGC officers killed in Iraq since the Iran-Iraq war.

Like Foruzandeh, Taghavi was also supposed to have left active duty. Instead, he was in Iraq supporting a Shiite militia loyal to Iran, Sayara al-Khorasani, and organizing Irans fight against ISIS.

Commander Taghavi was retired. No one thought hed go to Iraq and be able to play a role in the mobilization and organization of the [Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units militia], Foruzandeh told a meeting of Ahwaz city officials after his death.

Taghavis death hit Foruzandeh hard and he would break down in tears recounting his comrades life when talking to reporters. In one interview, Foruzandeh suggested hed been in contact with Taghavi by phone shortly before his death and offered advice for his work standing up pro-Iranian militias after ISIS took Mosul

He came to the place where we were stationed, Foruzandeh said without elaborating. We told him about the situation in Iraq, the characteristics of the conflict, the various Iraqi groups, and the challenges that existed. The Iraqi forces had deficiencies that needed to be addressed.

Taghavi was concerned about Iranian-backed militias performance during operations in Jurf al-Sakhar, an Iraqi town captured by ISIS and taken back during a brutal operation coordinated by the Quds Force.

He believed that unless these forces received better training they would suffer severe casualties. The casualties these forces suffered were generally due to a lack of proper military training. They didnt know how to move, what to do when theyre under fire from the enemy, how to provide cover when attacking, or even how to clear traps and contaminants from an infected area, Foruzandeh recalled.

One of the last public glimpses of Foruzandeh comes from an unlikely source: Facebook. Foruzandeh doesnt appear to have a profile, but his acquaintances identified him in pictures during a 2016 visit to meet with Iraqi officials from Maysan Province. The photos show a grandfatherly Quds Force officer with his trademark scowl described as an advisor to Irans Supreme Leader, a tailored visiting dignitary in a place where decades before he was once a spry, hunted guerrilla in hand-me-down fatigues.

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ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For investors seeking outsized growth, Life Sciences--the more speculative end of the healthcare sector--is certainly one sub-industry thats hard to beat. Granted, investments in this space might carry a greater degree of risk, but that can be said of almost any prospect in an emerging high-growth industry. When it comes to Life Sciences, the demand for innovation is arguably a key factor. The capacity to disrupt standard industry practice is a critical element that investors focus on to determine a companys potential for success or likelihood of failure.



But no matter how innovative a company in this space may be, or no matter how well-managed its operations, regulatory clearance is the gatekeeper to a products commercial entrance or endpoint. So, when a company receives FDA clearance--the green light that allows a company to commercialize its product--its a big deal.

Among the latest emerging healthcare companies to gain FDA clearance is NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation (OTC: NMTC), a medical device company committed to providing minimally invasive and hi-definition solutions for EEG recording, brain stimulation and ablation solutions for patients suffering from Epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, Essential Tremors and other related neurological disorders such as back pain that may improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural costs.

Turning Brain Signals Into Actionable Solutions

NeuroOne specializes in developing electrodes to record, stimulate, or ablate sections of the brain. Designed as a minimally invasive solution, NeuroOnes devices are focused on treating and diagnosing patients who suffer from neurological conditions such as epilepsy, essential tremors, Parkinsons disease, dystonia, pain from failed back surgeries and potentially any pain caused by nerve damage.

For investors who are unfamiliar with this medical practice, neurostimulation works by altering brain signals. It modulates activity in the nervous system. A specialized discipline in the medical industry, neurostimulation exists in many forms, from cochlear implants to deep brain stimulation.

As a therapy for patients suffering from Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, and dystonia (among others), the use of neurostimulation is still a relatively new field. The problem is there has been zero innovation in electrode therapy in the marketplace for many years. All the focus has been on the impulse generator and software creating a gap for the device that is actually in contact with the problematic area of the body. NeuroOne's technology is scalable meaning the technology is capable of increasing the number of contacts on a footprint that today has fewer (but larger) contacts. In essence, an electrode today that has 16 contacts could be increased in multiples by making the contacts smaller. This allows the surgeon more precision in what he stimulates, records or ablates.

In limited trials, the Mayo Clinic was able to successfully document pre-seizure activity in epileptic patients using NeuroOnes technology. The Mayo Clinic tests were conducted as part of a licensing and development agreement between the two companies--a partnership that constitutes a significant first step toward NeuroOnes commercial adoption.

NeuroOnes Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Its Evo Cortical Electrode Device

On December 2, NeuroOne announced that it received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin marketing its Evo Cortical Electrode device for the purpose of short-term brain stimulation, monitoring, and recording.

For those of you who might not be familiar with this term, a 510(k) is a technical document detailing technical, performance, and safety information for a given product. The FDA must review a companys 501(k) submission and clear its product prior to a company commercializing the technology.

NeuroOnes now-cleared Evo Cortical Electrode product line is the culminating result of the companys collaboration with the Mayo Foundation and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, another institution to which the company has an exclusive licensing agreement.

"This is certainly a monumental achievement for the Company," says Dave Rosa, NeuroOne's President and CEO. "This 510(k) clearance is a critical step in executing our corporate strategy, and we look forward to working towards our goal of applying this platform to a variety of other devices for recording, monitoring and stimulation for various therapeutic applications such as epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, spinal cord stimulation and artificial intelligence."

NMTC Currently at Market Lows

Having been granted the regulatory green light to begin bringing its product line to market, NeuroOnes stock is still ranging within its lows (currently at around $2.45 per share). This shouldnt come as a surprise, as the emerging healthcare space is often too specialized a sub-industry for most mainstream investors to monitor let alone understand.

But for the few who can grasp both the relevance and growth potential of NeuroOnes product line, the company offers early investors an opportunity to get in on a much-needed medical product that, to date, sees neither comparable solutions nor formidable competition.

About NeuroOne:

NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation is a medical technology company focused on providing minimally invasive and high-definition solutions for EEG recording, brain stimulation and ablation solutions for patients suffering from epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, essential tremors, dystonia, back pain and other related neurological disorders that may improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural costs.

About The Emerging Markets Report:

The Emerging Markets Report is owned and operated by Emerging Markets Consulting (EMC), a syndicate of investor relations consultants representing years of experience. Our network consists of stock brokers, investment bankers, fund managers, and institutions that actively seek opportunities in the micro and small-cap equity markets.

For more informative reports such as this, please sign up at http://www.emergingmarketsllc.com/newsletter.php

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We may purchase Securities of the Profiled Company prior to their securities becoming publicly traded, which we may later sell publicly before, during or after our dissemination of the Information, and make profits therefrom. EMC does not verify or endorse any medical claims for any of its client companies.

EMC has been paid $15,000 plus 15,000 restricted shares by NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation for various marketing services including this report. EMC does not independently verify any of the content linked-to from this editorial. http://emergingmarketsllc.com/disclaimer.php
by Michael Schulson - Undark Magazine

When Cristine Legare gives talks to groups of psychology researchers, she likes to take a quick poll of the room. How many of them, she asks, consider themselves to be "Western ethnopsychologists?" The question does not go over well. Theyre like, What? Legare, a developmental psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, said. It doesnt resonate at all.

That confusion is precisely Legares point. For decades, the overwhelming majority of psychology research has examined people who live in the United States and other affluent Western countries. By focusing on such a narrow population, Legare and other critics argue, psychology researchers have  mostly unwittingly  presented a skewed view of the human mind.

It's not that it's not interesting or useful to study your American middle-class population. But they dont want to claim theyre just studying that population, said Legare. They want to claim that humans are alike enough that it really doesn't matter which population you study. Often, psychology papers do not even mention the nationality, socioeconomic status, or other basic demographic statistics about their subject populations.

In many cases, other research suggests, the population being studied does matter often in subtle and profound ways  and Legare is not the first researcher to voice these concerns. Debates about the diversity of psychology subjects reached a peak around 2010, when a widely read paper charged that an overreliance on research from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic societies  often shortened to the acronym "WEIRD"  amounted to a crisis for the behavioral sciences. At the time, it seemed possible that the field would undergo major reforms.

A decade later, however, many psychologists say that little has changed. In the process, they are raising questions about how, exactly, psychology researchers should account for nationality, class, gender, sexuality, race, and other identities in their work  and expressing frustration at the lack of concrete reform.

Its the issue that we all like to talk about, said University of Kentucky psychologist Will Gervais, but nobody likes to actually change.

Beginning in the early 20th century, psychology researchers  who, in the fields first decades, had mostly experimented on themselves  began to seek larger samples. In many cases, they turned to the most convenient captive populations they had at hand: local schoolchildren or undergraduates at their own universities. Given that recruiting people to participate in studies can be both difficult and costly, such close-to-home recruiting has persisted to the present day, though it is now sometimes augmented by services like Mechanical Turk, or MTurk, an Amazon platform that connects freelance workers (read: subjects) with low-wage menial tasks.

Whatever the source, these samples, at least on university campuses, typically skew toward white and affluent populations. They also draw heavily from industrialized Western societies. And yet, researchers often downplay the social identities of their subjects in published research  a tack that serves to highlight the universality of their results. It became customary to emphasize the experimental identity of human data sources at the expense of their ordinary personal and social identity, writes historian Kurt Danziger in "Constructing the Subject," a classic 1990 study.

Researchers had some good reasons to be hesitant about emphasizing identities like race or nationality. Theres a long history of scientists seeking to bolster racist, xenophobic arguments by positing, without any actual evidence, deep-seated differences among groups. Especially after World War II, intellectual currents swung in the opposite direction, emphasizing the universality of human experience.

And often those other identities don't particularly matter. A lot of what we do is consistent across people," said Daniel Simons, a psychologist at the University of Illinois who has written about generalization in psychology.

Early psychology research, Simons points out, often focused on basic behaviors that were unlikely to be influenced by culture or environment. Over time, research began to study more complex, social behaviors, and continued to assume that it was the same sort of universal principles. Today, a lot of psychological research does examine topics where culture or particular experiences might shape or inform results  indeed, culture and environment might be at the very center of the issue. And on a lot of questions, Simons said, "we just dont know.

Given that knowledge gap, some psychologists have been sounding alarms for years. In the late 1990s, the psychologist Stanley Sue expressed concern that his field paid too little attention to the experiences of non-white ethnic groups. A 2008 study, which found that the research in six major psychology journals only rarely examined people outside the West, wryly proposed that a top journal rename itself the "Journal of the Personality and Social Psychology of American Undergraduate Introductory Psychology Students.

The issue gained traction in 2010, when Joseph Henrich and two colleagues at the University of British Columbia marshaled evidence from dozens of studies to demonstrate that people who grew up in the so-called "WEIRD" societies often act very differently from people in other parts of the world. For example, certain optical illusions that consistently fool people from industrialized countries simply do not trick people who grow up in rural, non-industrialized societies. Or when asked to play a game that involves sharing money with a stranger, American undergraduates act very differently from members of the Tsimane people, who live in the Bolivian Amazon.

If the database of the behavioral sciences consisted entirely of Tsimane subjects, researchers would likely be quite concerned about generalizability, Henrich and his colleagues wrote. Why, they wondered, were researchers less concerned when their databases were made up almost entirely of Americans and Europeans?

The paper generated countless responses, meetings, and calls for reform. Widely covered in the media, it has since been cited thousands of times in the scholarly literature. But Henrich, now a professor at Harvard, says that so far the paper has had little effect on psychology research as a discipline. On one level, I feel like theres a lot more enthusiasm around addressing sample variability, Henrich said. But if you actually look at the numbers, the latest numbers coming in the last few years don't actually show any shift in the diversity of samples.

Some research backs him up. One recent analysis of papers published in the leading journal Psychological Science found that, of the studies that even noted the nationality of participants, 94 percent focused exclusively on WEIRD samples. And more than 90 percent did not offer any data about participants socioeconomic status.

Over the last 10 years, psychology has undergone a seismic change  just not exactly the one Henrich and others envisioned. Researchers began to realize that, when they redid many major studies in the field, they could not replicate the results. Shoddy experimental practices and bad statistical habits, which helped to make random fluctuations in the data seem like big, meaningful results, were largely blamed for this replication crisis. But another and less frequently surfaced culprit, some psychologists say, is the lack of diversity in the original research samples: Studies tested in one population were simply not working in other populations.

In my mind those two things have always gone together, said Neil Lewis, Jr., a psychologist at Cornell University, of the relationship between sample diversity and the replication crisis.

And yet, when psychologists launched major efforts to replicate old research and to reform their experimental practices, critics say, they paid less attention to the lack of diversity in their samples. Figuring out whether or not the finding you have today really works in all places and with all populations has not really been incentivized, Lewis said.

Instead, some reform-minded psychologists suggest, it can seem as if the field continues to favor quick, flashy research over conscientious improvements in study design. In many institutions, the reward structure is such where I would get ahead by publishing 20 crappy MTurk studies instead of one big cross-cultural one, said Gervais, the Kentucky psychologist. I dont think wed learn 20 times as much, but my CV would look better.

There is also pressure, some researchers say, to draw large, universal lessons from studies. We're really encouraged to make these big bold claims, and to have what feels like these groundbreaking papers, said Jasmine DeJesus, a psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro who has documented the prevalence of broad, unsupported claims in psychology papers.

Adding to the challenge, since the replication crisis began, psychology researchers have been increasingly expected to use bigger samples sizes in their research. Those new standards have been widely praised for increasing rigor in the social sciences, but they can place additional burdens on researchers who study underrepresented populations, which can be more difficult and expensive to recruit.

Taken together, these challenges can be formidable. Sarah Gaither, a psychologist at Duke University, studies identity, including how people conceptualize racial categories. Much of her work focuses on biracial children, a group that is often shunted into one racial category, or simply excluded from studies altogether. But biracial childrens experiences, Gaithers research suggests, subvert some assumptions about how peoples minds come to conceptualize difference.

The second you look at non-white people, you find very different effects on how they see these multiracial faces, said Gaither, who pointed out that most of the work on the psychology of racial categorization has taken place on predominantly white samples. Without having a diverse sample, you would never know that, because the majority of our papers don't even report race and ethnicity properly.

Gaither says she entered the field of psychology because she wanted to study underrepresented groups. Lacking tenure, however, she says she feels the need to publish frequently, compelling her to spend more time on studies that focus on predominantly white samples, recruited online.

And even when studies on underrepresented groups are done, Gaither adds, they typically attract less attention. If you do study an underrepresented group, youre just naturally not going to have the kind of citation count as someone who's studying a more mainstream question, Gaither said. Thats because researchers who are otherwise quick to extrapolate from predominantly white samples, her experience suggests, may be less likely to do so when the sample is more diverse. Instead, the study ends up in a specialty journal that focuses on minority groups, where it may get fewer citations. If youre not studying black people, there's no reason why you would want to cite a paper looking at black participant outcomes, for example.

Some reform efforts are underway. The Psychological Science Accelerator is a new global effort that takes specific experimental findings and then tests them in dozens of cultural contexts around the world. As Dalmeet Singh Chawla reported in Undark last November, the effort recently released its first study, which used more than 11,000 subjects from 41 countries to replicate an influential 2008 experiment on how humans judge the faces of strangers.

Other, more modest attempts to address the issue focus on reforms at the academic journals that publish scientists work. Simons, the Illinois psychologist, has suggested that psychology papers adopt an entirely new section for what he calls Constraints on Generality, or COG, statements, that require researchers to define exactly which populations their research applies to. Other psychologists have urged journals to set explicit policies that favor research that includes underrepresented and non-WEIRD samples  even, perhaps, setting quotas to ensure that research represents a broader slice of humanity.

Some leaders of the fields most influential institutions have heard those criticisms. We have to embrace the need for greater diversity in our samples, said Patricia Bauer, a psychologist at Emory University who this month started a four-year term as the editor in chief of Psychological Science.

Still, Bauer stressed that changes will take time. She pointed to the recent calls for 50 percent of papers in the journal to involve non-WEIRD subjects in 2020. I don't think I can reach that goal, she told Undark. I think that's too high. But having that in my mind, that will cause me to take certain steps.

Bauer, who had not yet assumed the editorship of the journal when interviewed by Undark, shared some thoughts on what those steps might be. They included appointing a more diverse editorial board; sending signals that research in non-WEIRD populations is important work, a theme that Bauer brought up forcefully in her first editors note in the journal; and, perhaps, pushing authors to do more to justify why they pick the samples they do. Proposals like mandatory COG statements or other fixed policies, though, give her pause: I dont like requirements," she said.

Bauer stressed that researchers have to balance competing needs, citing some of her own recent research on educational outcomes in a community in the American South thats roughly one-third black, one-third Latino, and one-third white. By lumping everyone together, Bauer has a large enough sample to do the sorts of analyses that allow researchers to identify meaningful results from statistical noise. But, if she were to try to break down the population by race, or by socioeconomic status, each group would be too small to actually analyze.

I sometimes tell my students, don't put information in there about your sample that's going to cause a reviewer to ask you to analyze your data by subgroups, because our studies are not [statistically] powered that way, Bauer said.

Those kinds of suggestions are unlikely to win support among people pushing for more attention to sample diversity, who might want more disclosure, or bigger sample sizes, rather than simply leaving out the information. Thats grim, Henrich said when I told him about Bauers advice to students.

For some reform-minded psychologists, leaders in the field cannot respond quickly enough. Legare, the Texas psychologist, said that there is still an unspoken assumption that the most legitimate studies  the ones that best point to universal truths  are those that used white, English-speaking subjects.

Theres some really uncomfortable ethnocentrism associated with this issue that makes people squirm, Legare said. We should all be doing a lot of more squirming.

This article was originally published on Undark. Read the original article.
The Divisional Police Officer, Itam, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Francis Erhabor, says he has never taken a bribe in the course of his work as a police officer.

The issue of my being here today started from when I entered the job, I took a strong vow, I knew my system thrive in corruption and I said to myself, If I would in any way corrupt myself, I told the Lord dont humiliate me in secret, show me on big time televisions like NTA, BBC, and CNN, Mr Erhabor said recently.

He said he was prepared to be disgraced even if it is N20 which we were synonymous with.

Mr Erhabor was one of the five icons awarded at the Integrity Icon Award Summit in Abuja on Monday.

The summit was organised by Accountability Lab in partnership with Luminate, MacArthur and Ford Foundation to identify and celebrate Nigerias most honest government officials.

Others awarded include Tani Nimlan, Assistant Director of NAFDAC; Christian Ahiauzu, head of ICT Unit University of Port Harcourt; Tina Odinakachi, a lecturer at the University of Jos and Kacheilom Roberts-Ndukwe, a secondary school teacher in Rivers State.

Integrity Icon is a global campaign by Accountabilitylab that is powered by citizens in search of honest government officials.

It hopes to inspire a new generation of effective public servants.

Integrity Icon began in 2014 in Nepal, spread to Liberia in 2015 and has now evolved into a global campaign that is active in Nepal, Liberia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Mali, South Africa and Mexico.

Testimony

Mr Erhabor said he has been in the Police Force for over 30 years.

I got appointed into the force as a Cadet Inspector on the 2nd of April 1990. I was just 17 plus when I got into the academy and graduated at the age of 19 as an Inspector and confirmed, he said.

He said sometimes his life is threatened, but the beautiful thing is that at the end of the day, I earned respect, I got confidence not only from my colleagues but also from outside forces.

Delivering his keynote address, Joe Abah, the Country Director for International Development (DAI), defined Integrity as being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.

He said in a society like Nigeria, people that are honest and morally upright are regarded as fools, instead of Icons, while those that are dishonest and untrustworthy are seen as sharp and smart, instead of thieves.

How we nominate

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, the Country Director of Accountabilitylab, Odeh Friday, said the summit and award project kickstarted in 2017.

He said five icons have been celebrated each in 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. He said the nomination of awardees is done by the citizens as a way of promoting accountability in Nigeria.

We basically go out to source nominations from the citizens who tell us the people working in the public service that they know are doing amazing things, working for the good of the people they are serving, he said.

READ ALSO:

According to Mr Odeh, the selection process involves independent judges from the civil society space, retired civil servants and governance experts.

Previous winners

Meanwhile, one of the 2018 Icons, Aremu Kehinde, who is currently undergoing the mandatory national youth service, said the 2018 recognition spurred him on to strongly believe that Nigeria can be better.

With or without the award, I was already fixated on my path in life but then, having that award reinforced not just me, but has helped to convert others into living a life of integrity, he said.

Also, Magdalene Igbolo, who is currently the Head of Department of Sociology, University of Abuja, was among those who bagged the Integrity Icon Award in 2017.

She said it was a moment of joy being celebrated for standing up for the truth, and for trying to do what is right at all times and to know that she was nominated by students.

It means that there is something that they have seen that I didnt even recognise, she said.

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New Delhi:

According to the latest reports, Maharashtra Class 12 Admit Card for HSC Board Exam 2020 is likely to be released online today by Maharashtra Board for school admins. Maharashtra Board may release the HSC Admit Card 2020 for Class 12 exam today on the official website, i.e. mahahsscboard.in. Nevertheless, it is to note that the Board will release the HSC Admit Card 2020 for school administration only as they access the admit card through official login IDs.

Maharashtra Class 12 HSC Admit Card 2020

Students will not be able to download the Maharashtra HSC Admit Card 2020 from the official website. Only school administration will be able to get the admit card through online login details who will then distribute the admit cards to students. As per media reports, the board has issued a notification regarding the release of HSC Admit Card 2020 and has also stated that in case School Administrators face problem in downloading admit cards for Board Exam they may contact the divisional boards.

Apart from this, Maharashtra Board has also stated that respective schools and colleges need to download the HSC Class admit cards 2020, take printouts of all the admit cards and distribute the same to all students free of cost. In addition, the HSC Class 12 admit cards should be stamped and signed properly by the school principals before distributing them to students.

The Board has also stated that schools and colleges must ensure to provide the admit cards to students with correct information. In the case of any problem, schools must get in touch with the board and get all the mistakes corrected on time, reports confirmed. Other than this, if any admit card is lost by students, schools may provide duplicate admit cards with proper signature and stamp.
Nationals MP George Christensen has paid back more than $2,100 for taxpayer-funded flights and cars linked to trips to the Philippines.

The Member for Dawson, 41, was forced to pay back funds after an Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) audit of his domestic travel found he breached the rules.

Mr Christensen used taxpayer funds on a luxury chauffeur to Canberra Airport and a connecting flight from the Australian capital to Sydney in March, 2018.

Once in Sydney, he boarded an international flight to the Philippines to meet his wife April Asuncion, who was his fiancee at the time.

Nationals MP George Christensen has payed back more than $2,100 for taxpayer-funded flights and cars linked to international trips to the Philippines. Mr Christensen is pictured with his wife April Asuncion

The IPEA audit discovered Mr Christensen had breached the rules and forced him to pay back $327.28, including a 25 per cent penalty for misusing entitlements.

During the audit, Mr Christensen voluntarily repaid $1,843.16 for a number of domestic airfares and luxury cars funded by the public purse.

Combining the IPEA audit fine and voluntary repayment, the Queensland MP has paid back $2,170.44 in total.

The Mackay-based MP was dubbed the 'Member for Manila' after it was revealed that he spent 294 days in the Philippines between 2014 and 2018.

Mr Christensen met his wife through mutual friends at the beginning of 2017 while he was on holidays in the Philippines.

The pair started dating and after 18 months, Mr Christenen proposed to her over the phone.

Last year Mr Christensen married Ms Asuncion at a ceremony at his parents' house near Mackay in Queensland.

The wedding was brought forward due to his mother Margaret's terminal cancer diagnosis.

She tragically died just a day after the couple exchanged their vows.

An Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) audit revealed Mr Christensen used taxpayer funds on a luxury chauffeur to Canberra Airport and a connecting flight from the Australian capital to Sydney in March, 2018




Me Sylvain Souop archives

The President of Cameroons Bar Council, Barrister Charles Tchakoute Patie has in a correspondence to the Advocate General of the Centre Court of Appeal requested an autopsy to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the death of Barrister Souop Sylvain.

Barrister Souop Sylvain, Member of the Cameroon Bar Association and Member of the Bar Council died on January 16, 2020 at the Emergency Centre of the Yaounde Central Hospital under conditions that need to be elucidated, the Bar President writes.

On behalf of the Cameroon Bar Association, the Bar President goes on to lodge a complaint against x while calling for an autopsy that will lay blame on the appropriate doorsteps.

The complaint and request for autopsy was received at the registry of the Centre Court of Appeal on January 20, 2020.

Barrister Sylvain Souop was lead lawyer for Maurice Kamto and the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, CRM. He is known to have led a spirited legal battle during the post 2018 presidential election litigations in favour of candidate Kamto.

He is said to have been involved in an accident on the night of January 10 breaking January 11 at the entrance to Bafoussam from Dschang. He was reportedly rushed to the Bafoussam Regional Hospital and later evacuated to Yaounde where he would die on January 16 after it seemed he was not in any form of danger. He was said to be nursing a fractured arm.

With claims that Barrister Souop died because of neglect and with supporters of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement suspecting a foul play, the Minister of Public Health has ordered investigations into the issue.

Taking to twitter on January 19, 2020, Public Health Minister Dr Manaouda Malachie wrote: Following the death of Me Souop Sylvain at CURY, on 01/16/2020, I have just instructed an administrative investigation at the same time as I seized the National Order of Doctors, to find out the exact circumstances of this important loss . Sincere condolences to his family.

Over the weekend, the National Order of Medical Doctors in Cameroon equally released a statement requesting that investigations be opened into the circumstances surrounding the death of Barrister Souop.
Dozens of advocates are calling for the release of an Iranian national who was detained at Boston Logan International Airport after he landed to study at Northeastern University, attorneys and university officials said.

Shahab Dehghani, a 24-year-old economics student who transferred to Northeastern, landed at the airport Sunday night only to be detained overnight by immigration officials, said Susan Church, a Boston immigration attorney. He narrowly escaped being flown back to Iran after Church and Kerry Doyle, another immigration attorney, managed to got his deportation postponed until he could get a federal court hearing Tuesday morning.

This is what they dreamed of, coming here to study. With one stroke of a pen, these officers are taking it away," said Church, who has represented other international students with immigration issues. "Its wrong and it needs to stop.

For at least three hours on Monday, dozens gathered outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection area chanting stop deporting students and let him in!"

Protests continuing in Logan. Akram Kamrani, a local advocate, says CBP hasnt responded to their efforts to communicate all day.



Protesters are yelling, stop deporting students! pic.twitter.com/3HoShqGP9s  Steph Solis (@stephmsolis) January 21, 2020

On Monday night, Doyle filed a federal lawsuit on Dehghanis behalf asking a judge to stop his removal. She argues his detainment and removal, following him being granted a student visa, violates his due process and equal protection rights.

It is unclear why defendants would now decide, after conducting a full visa issuance process, that plaintiffs student visa should be revoked, Doyle wrote in the lawsuit, referring to immigration officials as the defendants.

Dehghani attended UMass Boston before transferring to Northeastern, Church said. He had been in the United States for two years when he returned to Iran to visit family, advocates said. He re-applied for a student visa after being accepted to Northeastern.

The renewal process took nearly a year, but he received another student visa in 2019.

In a statement to MassLive, a Northeastern spokeswoman said the university was aware of a student who was denied entry into the country.

Northeastern welcomes thousands of international students and supports them with an array of resources, the statement reads. We have been in touch with federal officials to learn more about this case and to provide our student with the appropriate assistance to facilitate a successful return to Northeastern.

When asked about Dehghanis detainment, a CBP spokesperson did not confirm or deny that he was in custody.

A CBP spokesperson said in an email statement that the agency is not at liberty to discuss an individuals processing due to the Privacy Act...Applicants must demonstrate they are admissible into the U.S. by overcoming all grounds of inadmissibility, including health-related grounds, criminality, security reasons, public charge, labor certification, illegal entrants and immigration violations, documentation requirements and miscellaneous grounds.

At Logan now where protesters have gathered. Attorneys say that the student may be deported within the next hour or two. pic.twitter.com/6G0aiEWU26  Sarah Betancourt (@sweetadelinevt) January 21, 2020

As news of Dehghanis detainment spread, attorneys joined the protesters in Logan.

The fact that this is happening on Martin Luther King Day is simply shameful, said Carol Rose, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.

Rose said the detainment is concerning considering its not the first. She cited a report from the Guardian that states that at least 10 Iranian students have been sent back after arriving in U.S. airports since August. Seven of those 10 students had flown into Logan.

Given the Trump administrations xenophobic policies and Logan Airports troubling practice of sending students back to Iran, we are deeply concerned that Shahab was detained," Rose added. "The ACLU supports the attorneys Kerry Doyle and Susan Church in their emergency lawsuit and are working closely with them to ensure due process and justice for students with valid visas to come study in Massachusetts.
Posted on: January 20, 2020 2:49 PM

The ancient city of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great more than 300 years before Christs birth, will give its name to the 41st Province of the Anglican Communion. The new province will be formed when the current Diocese of Egypt becomes independent of its current home in the province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The move had been requested by the Diocese  which covers Egypt, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, and has been endorsed by the Synod of the current province.

The Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council sent an exploration committee following the request form the diocese. At a conference call meeting earlier this year, the Standing Committee agreed to the formation of the new province, subject to the completion of legal processes. Under the Anglican Consultative Councils constitution the creation of new provinces requires the assent of two thirds of the Communions primates. At their meeting in Jordan last week, the primates agreed to the move.

The new province will contain four dioceses: Egypt, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and Gambella. Last September, Bishop Rajan Vincent Jacob was consecrated as Area Bishop for Gambella by Archbishop Suheil Dawani, who was the primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East at that time.

The Diocese of Egypt says that Bishop Rajan has three priorities: to raise up and train Christian leaders, to give oversight to community development projects, and to continue to promote peace-building through youth ministry and the Mothers Union.

In their report to the Standing Committee, the exploration group said: We have a strong sense that this is the appropriate time for the provincial independence of the Diocese of Egypt as it is poised for future development, which would be difficult to achieve whilst maintaining balance within the current province.

We are convinced that the rationale for the proposal is sound and that the Diocese of Egypt has the potential to become a vibrant independent church.

The Standing Committee and Primates also received an update about steps being made for the creation of a proposed new Province for the Church of Ceylon. Currently, the two dioceses of Colombo and Kurunegala are outside any province and under the direct metropolitical authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury. In the communique released at the end of last weeks meeting, the Primates said that they noted progress towards a province in Sri Lanka.
Toni:

Last fall, I was diagnosed with a serious illness and began taking Humira, which is very expensive costing over $5,000 per month. I was told that the Medicare Part D Donut Hole was vanishing in 2020 and I would not have to pay more than I did in 2019.

This did not happen when I went to pick up my prescription at CVS after Jan. 1. I had to pay over $1,700 for the Humira and my diabetic insulin. I was under the impression that my prescriptions were not going to be as expensive as 2019. Can you please explain what has happened?

Shane from West U area

Shane:

The Donut Hole is a stressful time for most Americans because the cost of your brand-name drug is simply more expensive. Now the Donut Hole is called the Donut Hole discount and that discount is 25 percent of the cost for both brand-name and generic prescriptions.

When Healthcare Reform began, the Donut Hole slowly began to close but was never intended to go completely away.

In the past, one had to pay 100 percent of the cost of the prescription for brand-name drugs when one would hit the Donut Hole and now the cost is a whopping 25 percent of the brand-name and generic drugs.

It is amazing how the cost of prescriptions has increased. Maybe this is because, the prescription drug manufacturers and Part D plans have to pay a percentage to Medicare for the prescription. In 2020, the prescription drug manufacturer must pay 70 percent and the Medicare Part D plan must pay 5 percent and the Medicare beneficiary must pay 25 percent until the out-of-pocket cost reaches $6,350.

Below are the Medicare Part D costs before and after reaching the Donut Hole discount:

Part D changes for 2020 are:

Initial Deductible: will be increased by $20 from $415 in 2019 to $435 in 2020.

Initial Coverage Limit: will increase by $200 from $3,820 in 2019 to $4,020 in 2020 where the 2020 Donut Hole begins.

Out-of-Pocket threshold cost: or (TrOOP) will increase from $5,100 in 2019 to $6,350 in 2020.

Coverage Gap (Donut Hole): begins once you reach your Medicare Part D plans initial coverage limit ($4,020 in 2020) and ends when you spend a total of $6,350 out-of-pocket in 2020.

Donut Hole Discount: Part D enrollees will receive a 75 percent Donut Hole discount on the total cost of their brand-name drugs purchased while in the Donut Hole. The discount includes, a 70 percent discount paid by the brand-name drug manufacturer and a 5 percent discount paid by your Medicare Part D plan. The 70 percent paid by the drug manufacturer combined with the 25 percent you pay, count toward your TrOOP or Donut Hole exit point.For example: If you reach the Donut Hole and purchase a brand-name medication with a retail cost of $100, you will pay $25 for the medication, and receive $95 credit toward meeting your 2020 total out-of-pocket spending limit.

Be sure that all prescription drugs are covered on the new Part D prescription drug standalone or MAPD plan that you choose and enroll in for a 1st of the month effective date whether turning 65 or retiring past 65 and leaving employer benefits.

Workshop

A January 2020 Confused about Medicare Workshop will be held in west Houston/Katy from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Spring Creek BBQ-Katy in the Banquet Room (dinner will not be provided). The site is located at 21000 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77449. To RSVP call 832-519-8664 or visit tonisays.com and sign up via the Toni Says website.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global livestock grow lights market size is estimated to reach USD 10.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, according to the new report conducted by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing adoption of smart technology for domestic animal farming and consumption of meat, eggs, and milk is expected to drive the growth of the market. Increasing number of domestic animals, especially in developing economies such as India, China, and Brazil is subsequently necessitating building of new livestock farms. This is driving demand for new installation of grow lights in these countries.

Key suggestions from the report:

Increasing adoption of LED lights in livestock farms is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. LED lights are energy-efficient with one-fifth of the power consumption of incandescent light bulbs

The cattle segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2018. The grow lights in the cattle farms help increase the productivity of milk from dairy cattle

The new installation segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the rising livestock population, especially in regions such as Asia Pacific and Europe

North America held considerable livestock grow lights market share in 2018 owing to early and relatively greater adoption of advanced technologies such as LED lighting in the livestock sector

The players operating in the market include Once Inc. (U.S.); DeLaval Inc. ( Sweden ); and Greengage Lighting and Agri-tech (U.K.).

Read 110 page research report with ToC on "Livestock Grow Lights Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Fluorescent, Incandescent, LED), By Livestock, By Installation Type, By Light Color Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025' at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/livestock-grow-lights-market

The traditional incandescent light bulbs are increasingly getting replaced by LEDs, which is helping to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, LED lights do not generate hazardous waste. Thus, there is an increase in the adoption of LEDs. India has joined other countries such as China and Japan, in achieving a rapid shift to LEDs. Under the new initiative 'The Domestic Efficient Lighting Program,' India has distributed around six crores LED bulbs. This initiative has resulted in saving of around 1.8 gigawatts of electricity in the past year.

In addition, the governments across countries such as India and the U.S. are taking initiatives for an increase in domestic animal production. This, in turn, is expected to have positive impact on demand for grow lights. For instance, the Government of India is taking efforts to strengthen the infrastructure required for the production, processing, procurement, and marketing of quality milk under the dairy development schemes such National Dairy Plan (Phase-I), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF).

Increasing adoption of new technologies/technology-based products such as automatic incubators for poultry farms is expected to fuel the market growth. The automatic incubators consist of gear-motor-operated panels that enable them to rotate at the appropriate speed to ensure perfect condition for an egg to hatch and incubate successfully. The incubator is designed to regulate incubation humidity and temperature. The presence of LED lights during the incubation improves the chick quality in broiler and white layer eggs, reduces the stress susceptibility of broilers post-hatch, and increases the hatchability rate.

The prominent players operating in the market include Signify Holding (U.K.); HATO BV (Netherlands); Big Dutchman (Germany); OSRAM GmbH (Germany). The market players are mostly focusing on merger and acquisition in order to provide a significant lighting system for animal barns.

Grand View Research has segmented the global livestock grow lights market based ontype, livestock, installation type, light color type, and region:

Livestock Grow Lights Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Fluorescent



LED



Incandescent



High-Intensity Discharge

Livestock Grow Lights Livestock Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Cattle



Poultry



Swine



Others

Livestock Grow Lights Installation Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Retrofit



New-Installation

Livestock Grow Lights Color Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Green



Red



White



Blue

Hydroponics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S.





Canada





Mexico



Europe



U.K.





Germany





France



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India



South America



Brazil



Middle East & Africa

Find more research reports onNext Generation Technologies Industry, by Grand View Research:

Grow Light Market - The global grow light market size was valued at USD 2.64 billion in 2016, owing to the growing urban cultivation & vertical farming and growing adoption of environment-friendly production of fruits and vegetables.

The global grow light market size was valued at in 2016, owing to the growing urban cultivation & vertical farming and growing adoption of environment-friendly production of fruits and vegetables. Vertical Farming Market - The global vertical farming market size was valued at USD 2.51 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 21.3% over the forecast period.

The global vertical farming market size was valued at in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 21.3% over the forecast period. Agricultural Robots Market - The global agricultural robots market size was valued at USD 1.05 billion in 2015, owing to electronics technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Precision farming, a crop management technique that uses Big Data and GPS, is gaining traction in the market.

Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

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New Ross character Richie Roche lived an alternative lifestyle and did it his own way
Filipinos and residents in the UAE can get a chance to enjoy the most exciting festivities in the Philippines as Cebu Pacific, the Philippines largest national carrier, offers flights from Dubai to Manila for as low as Dh395 ($107.5) base fare.



The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches some of which are recognised as one of the best in the world. But aside from its magnificent coastlines, the country is also a home to some of the best festivals youll ever get to see.



Cebu Pacific celebrates the success of their hometown's Sinulog Festival with this Festivals of Fun seat sale! Catch the remaining festivals of the Philippines this year by starting with Panagbenga aka annual flower festival in February.



In addition, Cebu Pacific has the widest network in the Philippinesconnecting travellers from the UAE to 37 local destinations and 25 international destinations with over 120 routes.



The sale will be from January 20 to 23 and will cover the travel period from February 1 to June 30, which means a chance to experience as many festivals in the country as one can.



Book now through www.cebupacificair.com or the mobile app, available both in Google Play and App Store. Those who prefer to pay in cash may pay over the counter at any branch of Al-Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange and Al Rais Travels located across the country, within 24 hours of making a booking online. - TradeArabia News Service


[January 21, 2020] Cogeco Communications ranked among the World's 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by Corporate Knights

MONTREAL, Jan. 21, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) ("Cogeco Communications" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has been named among the World's 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by Corporate Knights. Corporate Knights released its 16th annual ranking of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations in Davos today, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum being held in Davos. The Company holds the 88th spot in this highly-regarded ranking, placing it among companies that lead the way on making the world a better place. The World's 100 Most Sustainable Corporations ranking is the result of a rigorous assessment of 7,395 companies with more than US$1 billion in revenues. "The Global 100 companies show that companies that put sustainability at their core outlast and outperform the competition," said Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights. Indeed, analysis of the company age and financial performance of the 2020 Global 100 continues to demonstrate that top sustainability performers tend to last longer and perform better for investors than comparable companies. The average age of a Global 100 company is 83 years, while the average age of a company in the MSCI ACWI All Country World Index is 49 years.



"We are proud of this significant achievement and honored to have received this international recognition for our ongoing efforts to include high environmental, social and governance standards into our daily business decisions. This award confirms that we are on the right track," said Philippe Jette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cogeco Inc. and Cogeco Communications Inc. "We will continue to lead by example and always consider what is best for our stakeholders, for our communities and for our society." Cogeco Communications also ranks among Corporate Knights' Carbon Clean200 list 2019 and among the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada 2018 and 2019.

ABOUT COGECO COMMUNICATIONS INC. Cogeco Communications Inc. is a communications corporation. It is the 8th largest cable operator in North America, operating in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario, and along the East Coast of the United States under the Atlantic Broadband brand (in 11 states from Maine to Florida). The Corporation provides residential and business customers with Internet, video and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks. Cogeco Communications Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA). About World's 100 Most Sustainable Corporations Index by Corporate Knights For full rankings and methodology details, please see: corporateknights.com/global100 . To read the press release, please visit https://www.corporateknights.com/us/press-releases/ SOURCE Cogeco Communications Inc.

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By Liz Lee and Anshuman Daga

KUALA LUMPUR/SINGAPORE, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Proposals to invest in ailing Malaysia Airlines include one from Air France-KLM which wants as much as 49% while Japan Airlines is looking at a 25% stake, sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Domestic carrier AirAsia Group Bhd and Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesia's Lion Air, have also submitted proposals, the sources said.

"The bids from the foreign carriers are more comprehensive and strategic as both plan to capitalise on the strategic location of Malaysia for their operations," said one of the sources.

The Malaysian government has been seeking a strategic partner for its national airline, which has struggled to recover from two tragedies - the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 and the shooting down of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.

In 2014, it was taken private by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which paid 1.4 billion ringgit ($345 million) for the 30% of shares it did not already own.

The sources declined to be identified as the discussions are confidential. Representatives for Air France-KLM, Japan Airlines (JAL), AirAsia and Malindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday five proposals had been received as part of a review that started last year but declined to name the suitors.

Malaysia Airlines last year signed a joint venture agreement with JAL covering flights between Malaysia and Japan, which the Japanese airline said could be expanded in the future to cover U.S. flights.

Malaysia Airlines and JAL are both members of the oneworld airline alliance, while Air France-KLM is part of the rival SkyTeam alliance.

Khazanah, which appointed Morgan Stanley last year to advise on potential options for the airline, said it was working closely with the government.

"While there have been several proposals in this regard, a review of the options available to us is still ongoing," Khazanah said in a statement.

Story continues

Sources said Air France-KLM had proposed setting up a hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul services in Malaysia, while Japan Airlines had offered to make the Southeast Asian country its regional hub, including for low-cost flights.

Business news website Focus Malaysia said on Monday, citing an official document, that Khazanah had been pushing for AirAsia's long haul unit AirAsia X to merge with Malaysia Airlines.

"An international solution is probably better in this situation as AirAsia would have competition concerns," one of the sources said.

"This is still a work in progress but the story is around the potential for a massive hub in Southeast Asia and it's clear that international airlines see value in Malaysia Airlines because of this," the source said. ($1 = 4.0675 ringgit) (Reporting by Liz Lee in Kuala Lumpur and Anshuman Daga in Singapore; Additional reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney; Writing by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
TORONTO - A police officer who fatally shot a distraught teenager on an empty Toronto streetcar more than six years ago has been granted full parole, with officials noting his progress reintegrating into society.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Const. James Forcillo leaves court in Toronto on Monday, May 16 , 2016, after a suspension in his sentencing hearing. Forcillo, who fatally shot a distraught teenager on an empty Toronto streetcar in 2013, has won full parole. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

TORONTO - A police officer who fatally shot a distraught teenager on an empty Toronto streetcar more than six years ago has been granted full parole, with officials noting his progress reintegrating into society.

In a written decision released Tuesday, the Parole Board of Canada said James Forcillo is a low risk for reoffending and has shown a high level of motivation and accountability while on day parole.

The two-member board panel said Forcillo, 37, no longer requires ongoing psychological counselling, which had been a condition of his day parole. But it renewed a restriction barring him from contacting any of the victim's relatives, in order to "prevent any further trauma" to the grieving family of Sammy Yatim.

"Your actions took the life of a much-loved son, brother, and member of the community. His loss continues to devastate the family. You acknowledge the trauma that you have caused the victim's family and that you continue to reflect upon the harm that your actions caused," the panel wrote.

"With the benefit of counselling, you now understand that your own fear, impulsivity, and stress contributed to your poor decision-making, poor problem-solving, and resulted in fatal consequences. As a result, you are now more cautious of the impact of your decisions and are better able to consider the consequences of your actions."

Forcillo was convicted in 2016 of attempted murder in the shooting of Yatim, who was 18. He was later convicted of perjury for claiming to be living with his ex-wife while on bail awaiting his appeal, when he had in fact moved in with his new fiancee. He was sentenced to a total of 6 1/2 years behind bars for both offences.

The parole board panel said there was no indication Forcillo breached the conditions of his day parole since his release last summer, which it said was "reflective of an offender with high levels of motivation, accountability, and reintegration potential."

The former officer's attitude improved during his incarceration and he now shows "no immediate need" in that area, the panel wrote.

It also said Forcillo has taken steps to balance his work life and his responsibilities at home, something it said he struggled with in the time leading up to the shooting.

"As you are now aware that a balanced lifestyle is ... necessary in ensuring your safe reintegration, you are focused on maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In particular, you spend your free time studying or attending the gym on campus," it wrote, adding Forcillo has also maintained relationships with his children.

Forcillo is now enrolled in a full-time college program with the goal of becoming an electrician, the document said. "Your success and high marks demonstrate your motivation and commitment to your chosen field," it said.

Forcillo was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene in the summer of 2013, after someone reported that a teen was exposing himself on the streetcar while brandishing a small knife. By then, Yatim was the only person left on the streetcar.

Forcillo was the only officer to open fire, firing three shots that caused Yatim to fall to the floor of the streetcar, followed by a second volley of six more shots. Another officer then Tasered the teen.

A jury acquitted Forcillo in 2016 of second-degree murder in Yatim's death, but convicted him of attempted murder in connection with the second volley, which came as Yatim was down and dying.

His lawyers appealed the conviction, arguing the first and second volleys the officer fired were artificially divided into discrete events. They also sought to challenge his initial six-year sentence, which was a year longer than the mandatory minimum.

Ontario's highest court rejected the appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the case.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
The need for an agent-broker-specific accelerator at this time is clear, said Jackovin. To be able to help shape the first program specifically for investors and innovators building the next generation of tech solutions for insurance agencies and brokerages is truly a dream.

Read more: BrokerTech Ventures strikes partnership with four new investors

John brings with him a unique skillset, which we believe will add tremendous value to our BTV accelerator program as we embark on our inaugural year, said Susan Hatten, interim executive director at BTV. His lens into the start-up world, including his own first-hand experience going through the Techstars Accelerator, will prove invaluable in creating the kind of experience we hope to deliver through the BTV accelerator.

Jackovins appointment comes as BTV prepares to host its top 20 selected broker-centric, early-stage start-ups as they pitch to the groups nine super-regional owners and partners during its Selection Series Days in Iowa.

When the Selection Series is complete, BTV will select the top firms to take part in the first BTV Accelerator cohort, the group said in a statement. In addition to access to BTV Partners and distribution platforms, each of the selected start-ups will receive $50,000 in the form of a convertible note.
Credit: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

Scientists at the University of Strathclyde are researching a system to measure and monitor blood chemistry levels in premature and sick babies through their skin, which if successful, could eventually replace the need for invasive blood tests.

When babies are born early or sick there is a medical need to track levels of electrolytes such as glucose, lactate, sodium and potassium in their bodies, as the balance of these can be critical.

The levels are currently measured by heel stick blood tests or blood taken from a vein, which can be distressing and risk depleting the blood at the time when the infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are already vulnerable.

The University team is researching whether levels of glucose and lactate can instead be accurately collected through the skin. A clinical trial is in progress with the medical team at the Neonatal Unit of the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

If the technique is found to work, it will be transferred into a future medical device in the form of a wireless patch sensor that could be used for any sick baby.

Professor Patricia Connolly from Biomedical Engineering at Strathclyde, said: "At the moment, the blood chemistry on the babies is measured by taking a blood sample through a heel prick capillary or through a vein, which needs to be performed regularly.

"Our technology is aimed at removing the need for that because many of these molecules and ions will also come through the skin.

"Instead of actually having to take blood, our trial is using a skin patch that will collect glucose and lactate.

"We can collect the levels in a special type of gel electrode, and the levels are also compared to the level of glucose in the blood samples that are still being routinely taken by medical staff.

"Through our research we aim to show that what we take through the skin can be calibrated against what's in the blood."

Wearable devices

"If the trial confirms this, then it opens up the way for wearable devices to monitor these babies through the skin, without taking any blood or using a needle.

"The wearable system would also mean that parents won't have the distress of watching their babies having blood sampled and would also minimize the amount of blood being taken at a time when they're already challenged."

The research team are using laboratory equipment to carry out the trial, but work has already begun on a miniaturized system which would work wirelessly.

Strathclyde spin-out bioelectronics company Ohmedics Ltd, of which Professor Connolly is also CEO, will take forward the commercialization of any future technology.

The sensor should work by extracting the molecules and ions across the skin, detecting this flow and using Bluetooth to send the levels to a mobile phone device.

The patch, which is being designed to be placed on the baby's stomach, would need changed every 24 hours, would measure in real time and take just 30 seconds for a reading.

The wearable, wireless devices would also make it easier for parents to take the babies out of their incubators and hold them, something that is known to help babies' health.

Blood transfusions

Credit: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

Presently, babies who need to undergo frequent conventional sampling, often need blood transfusions every one to two weeks, particularly those who have been born preterm and have lower blood volumes. The new system could help prevent this.

Any pain or distress caused by sampling in this way may have an effect on neurodevelopmentthe brain's development of neurological pathways.

Project partner, consultant paediatrician Dr. Neil Patel said: "The distress and pain of blood sampling in a newborn baby is not just short-term discomfort, but may cause long-term neurodevelopmental issues as well, which this approach could completely avoid.

"There is also a real risk of the need for blood transfusion for these babies due to the depletion of blood volumes. Some of the babies in the unit need to have blood samples taken four or more times every day. The sickest babies or those with unstable blood glucose results, may need to have samples taken even more frequently, sometimes every hour.

"If the research results are good then this work could translate into a patch which would remove the need for conventional blood sampling for glucose and lactate."

Laboratory prototype

Fellow consultant paediatrician, Dr. Helen McDevitt said: "If the outcomes of the hospital trial are positive, then it is hoped to plan for a future, wearable, wireless device.

"It's in development as a laboratory prototype."

The researchers say the finished product wouldn't be expensive to manufacture and could lend itself to further use in challenged medical environments abroad where clinical access can be difficult.

If the research is successful, a device could eventually also be developed for adults.

Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity funded the preparation for the clinical trial and Strathclyde, in collaboration with the Royal Children's Hospital and Ohmedics, also received a grant through the Grand Challenges Explorations initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for the initial development of a future, wearable, wireless device for use in low resource settings.

Kirsten Sinclair, the Chief Operating Officer of Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, said: "We are proud to have supported this pioneering research which could transform the care of Scotland's tiniest and most vulnerable babies."

The project has also benefited from a Doctoral Studentship within the Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Devices at Strathclyde from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation.

According to the UK's leading neonatal charity Bliss, around 60,000 babies are estimated to be born prematurelybefore 37 weeks of pregnancyeach year in the UK.

Debbie Bezalel, Head of Services, said: "Anything that can be done to reduce a baby's experience of pain is a huge step in the right direction to ensuring that babies born needing neonatal care receive the best possible standard of care."

Parents Adam Davidson and Lindsay Chalmers took part in the clinical trial with their baby girl Georgia. She was born six weeks early in a planned Caesarean section on 19 June this year due to a build-up of fluid around her lungs. This can make it difficult for her to breathe, and she has undergone surgery.

Dad Adam, 25, from Livingstone, said: "We were pleased to take part in the trial because anything that could make taking the blood samples easier and without using a needle, is better.

"At one stage Georgia had blood samples taken every four hours and she has had to have blood transfusions regularly, so anything that means she wouldn't actually have to give blood would be a good thing."

Mum Emma Campbell-Reid's 12-week-old son Orion is taking part in the trial.

She said they were happy to take part as they had noticed how often the babies needed to have blood sampled and added: "We were happy to take part in what seems very worthwhile research that could make a real difference to babies like Orion one day."

Explore further Trial into skin collection of babies blood chemistry seeks to replace invasive sampling
[January 21, 2020] FB Financial Corporation Announces Merger With Franklin Financial Network

FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK), parent company of FirstBank, and Franklin Financial Network, Inc. (NYSE: FSB), parent company of Franklin Synergy (News - Alert) Bank, jointly announced their entry into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Franklin will be merged with and into FB Financial. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006058/en/ Franklin is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee with 15 branches throughout Williamson, Rutherford and Davidson counties in the Nashville MSA. Franklin is the leading community bank in its primary markets, demonstrated by its strong market shares in Williamson and Rutherford counties. Franklin reported total assets of $3.9 billion, loans of $2.8 billion and deposits of $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2019. The combination significantly enhances FirstBank's operations in the Nashville MSA, specifically in the attractive Williamson and Rutherford counties where Franklin has a strong community presence. Pro forma for the transaction, FirstBank's deposit market share will be #6 in the Nashville MSA, #1 in Williamson County and #2 in Rutherford County. FB Financial's President and CEO Christopher T. Holmes commented, "We are very excited to announce our proposed merger with Franklin. Franklin is a well-known, high-service community bank with a leading position in Williamson and Rutherford counties. We are joining forces with the leading community bank in two of the most attractive counties in our market area. We look forward to building on the strong customer relationships that Franklin has fostered." Franklin's CEO, J. Myers Jones, III, commented, "Our team is excited to join the FB Financial family. We believe that this transaction benefits all of our stakeholders, and we firmly believe that we will be better together. Our focus will remain concentrated on our customers, and our ability to serve their needs will be stronger than ever." As part of the transaction, key Franklin executives have agreed to remain with FB Financial following the closing and have entered into employment arrangements that will become effective upon the completion of the merger with FB Financial. Following the transaction, FB Financial will establish a primary operations center and its mortgage headquarters for the combined company at Franklin's existing corporate headquarters in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Following the close of the transaction, three members of Franklin's board of directors will be appointed to the FB Financial board of directors. According to the terms of the merger agreement, Franklin shareholders will receive 0.9650 shares of FB Financial common stock and $2.00 in cash for each share of Franklin stock. Based on FB Financial's closing price of $38.80 per share as of January 17, 2019, the implied transaction value is approximately $611 million in the aggregate or $39.44 per share. The transaction is expected to be approximately 10% accretive to FB Financial's earnings per share on a fully-phased in basis and neutral to FB Financial's tangible book value per share at the close of the transaction. These strong return metrics include a substantial loan mark and achievable cost savings assumptions as well as plans to reduce the risk of Franklin's balance sheet by exiting approximately $430 million of shared national credits and non-strategic healthcare and corporate loans and paying down non-core funding with the net proceeds. Additionally, Mr. Holmes commented, "The combination provides FB Financial meaningful earnings accretion, while remaining neutral on tangible book value per share. As in every combination, protecting the balance sheet is paramount, so these financial returns come after taking a conservative approach to the balance sheet; we are assuming a 3.9% mark to loans. We are also assuming 30% cost savings, even though we have significant overlap in our respective branch networks. We will accelerate Franklin's strategy of exiting non-strategic assets and growing the core community bank. The combined franchise will be well positioned to build on our strong existing customer relationships and grow our greater Nashville area presence." The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors. The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020 and is subject to regulatory approvals, approval by FB Financial's and Franklin's shareholders and other customary closing conditions. James W. Ayers, FB Financial's Executive Chairman and 44% owner of FB Financial, has entered into a customary voting agreement to vote his shares in favor of the transaction. Additionally, each member of Franklin's board of directors has entered into similar voting agreements. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as financial advisor to FB Financial Corporation, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal advisor. Evercore served as financial advisor to Franklin Financial Network, Inc., and Alston & Bird LLP served as legal advisor. In addition to the information contained within this press release, an Investor Presentation has been posted to FB Financial's website (www.firstbankonline.com) and Franklin's website (www.franklinsynergybank.com) and has been furnished as an exhibit to a Form 8-K filed by each company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION FB Financial Corporation will host a conference call to discuss the announced merger with Franklin Financial Network, Inc. and the company's financial results at 5:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, and the conference call will be broadcast live over the internet at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1631/32670. An online replay will be available approximately an hour following the conclusion of the live broadcast.

ABOUT FB FINANCIAL CORPORATION FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK) is a bank holding company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. FB Financial operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, FirstBank, the third largest Tennessee-headquartered bank, with 68 full-service bank branches across Tennessee, North Alabama and North Georgia, and mortgage offices across the Southeast. FirstBank serves five of the largest metropolitan markets in Tennessee and has approximately $6.1 billion in total assets. ABOUT FRANKLIN FINANCIAL NETWORK, INC. Franklin Financial Network, Inc. (NYSE: FSB) is a financial holding company headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The company's wholly owned bank subsidiary, Franklin Synergy Bank, a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank founded in November 2007 and a member of the Federal Reserve System, provides a full range of banking and related financial services with a focus on service to small businesses, corporate entities, local governments and individuals. With consolidated total assets of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2019, the Bank currently operates through 15 branches in the growing Williamson, Rutherford and Davidson counties and one loan production/deposit production office in Wilson County, all within the Nashville metropolitan statistical area. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND INVESTORS In connection with the proposed merger, FB Financial will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC (News - Alert)"). The registration statement will contain the joint proxy statement of Franklin Financial Network, Inc. ("Franklin") and FB Financial to be sent to the FB Financial and Franklin shareholders seeking their approvals in connection with the merger and the issuance of FB Financial common stock in the merger. The registration statement will also contain the prospectus of FB Financial to register the shares of FB Financial common stock to be issued in connection with the merger. A definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will also be provided to FB Financial and Franklin shareholders as required by applicable law. Investors and shareholders are encouraged to read the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be part of the registration statement, as well as any other relevant documents filed by FB Financial and Franklin with the SEC, including any amendments or supplements to the registration statement and other documents filed with the SEC, because they will contain important information about the proposed merger, Franklin, and FB Financial. The registration statement and other documents filed with the SEC may be obtained for free on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will also be made available for free by contacting FB Financial Corporation Investor Relations at (615) 564-1212 or [email protected], or by contacting Franklin Investor Relations at (615) 236-8327 or [email protected]. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION FB Financial, Franklin, and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from FB Financial and Franklin shareholders in connection with the proposed merger under the rules of the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of FB Financial may be found in the definitive proxy statement for FB Financial's 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC by FB Financial on April 16, 2019, and other documents subsequently filed by FB Financial with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Franklin may be found in the definitive proxy statement for Franklin's 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC by Franklin on April 12, 2019, and other documents subsequently filed by Franklin with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the paragraph above. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this communication may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to the timing, benefits, costs, and synergies of the proposed merger with Franklin (which we refer to as the "Franklin merger"), and FB Financial's and Franklin's future plans, results, strategies, and expectations. These statements can generally be identified by the use of the words and phrases "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "goal," "plan," "potential," "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "expect," "target," "aim," "predict," "continue," "seek," "projection," and other variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon current expectations, estimates, and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond FB Financial's or Franklin's control. The inclusion of these forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by FB Financial, Franklin or any other person that such expectations, estimates, and projections will be achieved. Accordingly, FB Financial and Franklin caution shareholders and investors that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements including, without limitation, (1) the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the proposed Franklin merger or another acquisition may not be realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, (2) disruption from the proposed Franklin merger with customer, supplier, or employee relationships, (3) the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement with Franklin, (4) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for the Franklin merger, (5) the failure to obtain the approval of FB Financial and Franklin's shareholders in connection with the Franklin merger, (6) the possibility that the costs, fees, expenses, and charges related to the Franklin merger may be greater than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected or unknown factors, events, or liabilities, (7) the failure of the conditions to the Franklin merger to be satisfied, (8) the risks related to the integration of the combined businesses (Franklin, as well as FB Financial's pending acquisition of FNB Financial Corp. and any future acquisitions), including the risk that the integration will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected, (9) the diversion of management time on merger-related issues, (10) the ability of FB Financial to effectively manage the larger and more complex operations of the combined company following the Franklin merger, (11) the risks associated with FB Financial's pursuit of future acquisitions, (12) the risk of expansion into new geographic or product markets, (13) reputational risk and the reaction of the parties' customers to the Franklin merger, (14) FB Financial's ability to successfully execute its various business strategies, including its ability to execute on potential acquisition opportunities, (15) the risk of potential litigation or regulatory action related to the Franklin merger, and (16) general competitive, economic, political, and market conditions. Further information regarding FB Financial, Franklin and factors which could affect the forward-looking statements contained herein can be found in FB Financial's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, and its other filings with the SEC, and in Franklin's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2019, June 30, 2019 and September 30, 2019, and its other filings with the SEC. Many of these factors are beyond FB Financial's and Franklin's ability to control or predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, shareholders and investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, and neither FB Financial nor Franklin undertakes any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for FB Financial or Franklin to predict their occurrence or how they will affect FB Financial or Franklin. FB Financial and Franklin qualify all of their forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006058/en/

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A Tory activist friend of Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds opened the door on their life in Downing Street today, suggesting they could take down an album signed by Stormzy after he attacked the PM's politics.

Nimko Ali, 36, a campaigner against female genital mutilation, said that the Grenfell disaster charity disk given to previous leader Theresa May could be on Ms Symonds' hit list now they can 'finally unpack their boxes'.

Stormzy, real name Michael Owuo Jr, has made repeated attacks on Mr Johnson, including leading a chant of 'F*** Boris' as he headlined the Glastonbury Festival last year.

And after Mr Johnson's election win in December he accused the PM of spurring on racists in the UK.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Evening Standard Ms Ali she hailed the 'incredible taste' of Mr Johnson's partner.

'Her flat in Camberwell was impeccable,' she said.

'She has an eye for style and detail and makes you feel welcome, putting up photos that remind you of times together.

'Theresa May had a Grenfell record on the wall signed by Stormzy. I'm not sure if that will still be there.

'I don't think much else will change.'

Nimko Ali, a female genital mutilation campaigner, said that the Grenfell Disaster charity disk given to previous leader Theresa May could be on Ms Symonds' hit list now they can 'finally unpack their boxes'

Ms Ali is close to Ms Symonds and they were pictured together on social media during the election campaign before Mr Johnson's 80-seat win

The London musician, real name Michael Owuo Jr, has made repeated attacks on Mr Johnson, including leading a chant of 'F*** Boris' as he headlined the Glastonbury Festival last year

Croydon-born Stormzy, 26, was among stars who collaborated on a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water in 2017 to raise funded for survivors of the tragedy in West London that left 72 people dead.

He became the first black British solo artist to headline the famous festival last year.

During his act he sang 'Vossi Bop', which includes the lyrics: 'I'll never die, I'm Chuck Norris.'

He then held out his microphone and the 100,000 crowd chanted the rest of the words: 'F**k the government and f**k Boris.'

Ms Ali is close to Ms Symonds and the pair have visited Somaliland, where she was born.

They were also pictured together during the election campaign before Mr Johnson's 80-seat win.

Ms Ali is a former Women's Equality Party candidate turned Tory supporter. But she admitted to the Standard that she had tactically voted Green in December, despite her closeness to Mr Johnson.

'He knows. I've told people in the Conservative Party and no one called me a traitor as they would've on the Left,' she said.

'I voted Green because I wanted to take away from a Labour majority.'
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.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams made a controversial appeal to gentrifiers at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event on Monday.

"Go back to Iowa," Adams, who is expected to be a top Democratic contender in New York's 2021 mayoral race, told transplants. "You go back to Ohio! New York City belongs to the people that [were] here and made New York City what it is."

The fiery remarks, which some critics compared to President Donald Trump's tweet last year declaring that four minority Democratic congresswomen should "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came," took place during a celebration honoring King that was hosted by the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network in Harlem. Though Adams later clarified that he only objected to new arrivals who don't bother to acknowledge longtime residents or get involved in their communities, many on social media said that his remarks were unnecessarily divisive and uncomfortably close to xenophobic diatribes aimed at new immigrants.

"I guess we should look to relocate the Statue of Liberty," read one typical response. "Don't want to give anyone the impression we want anymore out of towners. Good way to honor the spirit of Martin Luther King."

READ ALSO: Is a 400% rent increase the future of Coney Island?

Though Adams has yet to make an official announcement, he has told reporters that he is "pursuing running for mayor" in 2021, when New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's, D, reaches the end of his term limit. According to the Gotham Gazette, he boasts the second-largest war chest out of all of the likely contenders, and had raised a total of $2.3 million as of last week.

At the start of his impassioned speech on Monday, Adams lamented that issues like drug addiction and gun violence had long plagued urban areas, but weren't taken seriously until they reached the suburbs. Then, he started talking about rodents. The borough president recently faced criticism from animal rights activists for showing off dead rats at a news conference and declaring that the city wasn't doing enough to fight what he described as a "pervasive" infestation of vermin. On Monday, he defended his approach, saying that rats were going after children in public housing projects.

"We have had these characters come up and say, 'How dare you kill these rats?' " Adams told the crowd. "What the hell is wrong with you? You are saying that the rats are more important than our children."

The borough president invoked King's legacy, noting that "he did not allow others to be comfortable while everyone else was living in horrific conditions." He went on to suggest that anyone uncomfortable with discussing the issues he raised, such as homelessness and racial inequities in the education system, "would just have to get over it."

"You are not going to enjoy this city, and watch the displacement of the people who made this city," he said, according to live-streamed video of the event that was shared by the National Action Network.

Before telling new arrivals to go back to the Midwest, Adams offered up praise for the city's longtime residents. "You were here before Starbucks," he told the audience. "You were here before others came and decided they wanted to be part of this city. Folks are not only hijacking your apartments and displacing your living arrangements, they displace your conversations and say that things that are important to you are no longer important."

According to a Bloomberg News analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, the New York City metro area saw more of its residents move away in 2018 than any other U.S. city. While it's impossible to say how much of that exodus can be attributed to gentrification, a 2017 study conducted by the New York City Comptroller's Office found that the number of black residents in gentrifying neighborhoods had sharply declined between 2000 and 2015. While those areas saw an influx of new businesses, the city also experienced a 31.4 percent drop in the number of black-owned businesses between 2007 and 2012, according to the report.

Adams's comments, which the New York Daily News categorized as "racially charged," received loud applause at the Harlem forum, but faced a markedly different reception on social media. Some questioned whether Iowa was "the new dog whistle for white people," while others pointed out that New York has long prided itself on being an international city that welcomes newcomers from all over.

"As a gay man who migrated to NYC from a conservative town in rural [O]regon, I am appalled that MY borough president would use such discriminatory rhetoric towards those of us who sought a more welcoming city to call home," read one response.

The backlash even reached Ohio. The state's GOP chairman, Robert Frost, told the New York Post, "We got a lot of great things going on in Ohio. Ohio has an open door if people are frustrated in New York."

Other critics pointed out that Adams has accepted campaign donations from real estate developers, who directly benefit from an influx of wealthy new arrivals. "If Eric Adams wants to dunk on gentrifiers and people who move into the city, maybe he should stop taking so much damn money from the real estate industry who created this problem," tweeted Brandon West, a Brooklyn-based candidate for New York City Council. "I won't hold my breath."

Adams, who will face a competitive primary if he vies for the city's top office, later amended his remarks. "Let me be clear: Anyone can be a New Yorker, but not everyone comes to our city with the spirit of being part of our city," he wrote on Twitter. "I have a problem with that, and I'm unapologetic in asking more of our new arrivals to communities who were once waking up to gun shots and not alarm clocks."

When asked what, specifically, he wanted new transplants to do differently, Adams replied, "Some of it is as simple as saying 'hello' to your fellow neighbors. It's also patronizing local businesses that have been there for years. It's adopting a local school or shelter and lending a hand. It's breaking bread with new faces and building bonds."

Many of his critics weren't satisfied by that answer. "Sounds a lot like the other side when they say they don't hate immigration, it's just that immigrants need to assimilate better," said one reply. Another described Adams's insistence that newcomers have the proper "spirit" as "Trumpian chauvinism/xenophobia, just applied on a local level."

"This is how Republicans talk about immigration," tweeted Josh Barro, a business columnist for New York magazine.

But others defended the borough president, saying that they were tired of seeing newcomers treat native New Yorkers with disrespect. "As a displaced Brooklyn native, lemme translate," tweeted the writer Kwanza Osajyefo. "Dear Colonizers, we know our low-income hoods are a steal to rent/buy but for us POC with longterm retail leases and rent controlled apts, it'd be nice if you acknowledge we live here too."

De Blasio, meanwhile, suggested that Adams had simply expressed himself badly.

"The mayor doesn't agree with how it was said, but the borough president voiced a very real frustration," the mayor's spokeswoman, Freddi Goldstein, told the Daily News. "We need to improve affordability in this city to ensure New Yorkers can stay in the city they love, but New York City will always be a city for everyone."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, responding to accusations of inaction on climate change, said, Blame doesnt help anybody, at a recent news conference.

Well, yeah, but youd been warned hundreds of times that the ecosystem of your country has had unprecedented dry spells for many years. Dry makes for excellent tinder, you know!

For a long time, California has seen a lot of blaming towards PG&E  a major utility company  as the single bad guy for the states wildfires. If those blamers understood the relevant climate impacts, theyd realize it doesnt matter if toppling power towers started the blazes. The Santa Ana winds are not a new thing. Its what followed that matters.

Recently, the Amazon rainforest had similar problems. Climate dismissives sometimes targeted environmentalists for starting these fires. But again, thats not the point. It doesnt matter who lit the match. It matters how long the fires last. It matters how intense they get. It matters how far they travel.

It should be obvious: The problem is the dry underbrush. These areas have all been prone to fires, for, well, forever. Whats new is the extent of dry. Climate change affects the environment. The hot dry season is getting longer and hotter. Sorry, there are no heroes or villains to simplify it for you.

But its human nature that if we dont understand the paradigm of what is happening, well fight against any efforts to change. Yes  blame doesnt help anybody, but neither does inaction!

Bill Hurley is a member of Citizens Climate Lobby of San Antonio.
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ('Benton' or 'the Company') is pleased to announce that the Company has received its first anniversary option payment of $25,000 from Rio Tinto Exploration Canada ("RTEC") for Baril Lake project (see PR dated January 2, 2019). The Baril Lake project is situated approximately 4km west of Benton's Bark Lake project, also under option to RTEC (see PR dated October 25, 2016), and 100km west along the major crustal-scale east-west oriented Quetico fault of the Escape Lake and TBN projects.

While the Baril and Bark Lake projects are early stage in nature, the Company believes they have the potential to contain a magmatic conduit system that could host Copper-Nickel and Platinum Group metals. At Bark Lake, numerous mineralized boulders are host to a number of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) showings. The mineralized occurrences are situated along or proximal to the Quetico Fault. Grab samples have returned grades up to 4.35gpt Pd, 2.64gpt Pt, 0.74gpt Au, 1.2% Cu, 0.5% Ni by Hackl Prospecting. Samples collected by Benton personnel have confirmed significant precious and base metals returning individual assays grading up to 1.5% Nickel, 1.2% Copper, 2.6gpt Pt, 1.4gpt Pd and 0.7gpt Au. Drilling completed by RTEC in 2018 on the Bark Lake project encountered mineralization of 0.31% Cu and 0.72gpt Pt + Pd over 19.2m (see PR dated May 25, 2018). A map showing the location of the Baril and Bark Lake projects appears on the Benton website (www.bentonresources.ca).





To view an enhanced version of this graphic [Map showing the location of the Baril and Bark Lake projects], please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/51670_6e55835db4db9823_003full.jpg

QP

Nathan Sims (P.Geo.), Senior Exploration Manager for Benton Resources Inc., the 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc.,

"Stephen Stares"

Stephen Stares, President

About Benton Resources Inc.

Benton Resources is a well-funded Canadian-based project generator with a diversified property portfolio in Gold, Silver, Nickel, Copper, and Platinum group elements. Benton holds multiple high-grade projects available for option which can be viewed on the Company's website. Most projects have an up-to-date 43-101 Report available.

Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Stares, President & CEO

Phone: 807-475-7474

Email: sstares@bentonresources.ca

Website: www.bentonresources.ca

Twitter: @BentonResources

Facebook: @BentonResourcesBEX

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

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Linkedin Devina Heriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 17:02 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20605d703 1 National capital-city-relocation,new-capital,steering-committee,Abu-Dhabi,UAE,United-Arab-Emirates,Mohammad-bin-Zayed-al-Nahyan,Masayoshi-Son,SoftBank-Group-Corp,united-states,Tony-Blair Free

Relocating a capital is a gargantuan national project, and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has enlisted three renowned international figures to help.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan, chief executive officer of a Japan-based diversified conglomerate, the Softbank Group, Masayoshi Son, and former British prime minister Tony Blair have all accepted Jokowi's invitation to be part of Indonesia's steering committee for the new capital city.

On Friday, Jokowi explained that the move was aimed at securing the trust of foreign investors, as the government sought to finance the projects with contributions from the private sector.

The new capital is projected to cost the country Rp 466 trillion (US$34.06 billion), one fifth of which will be funded with the state budget.

Aside from the financial motive, Jokowi mentioned that the three figures had experience developing capitals.

"Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed has experience reconstructing Abu Dhabi, building a new city called Masdar City, [...] Masayoshi Son has a good reputation in technology and finance [and] Tony Blair has a good reputation in governance," said the President, who previously served as Jakarta governor and Surakarta mayor.

On the same occasion, Jokowi said that the steering committee members would not be paid for their assistance, as reported by tempo.co.

Below are short profiles of the three global figures:

Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan (MbZ)

The 58-year-old MbZ is "one of the most powerful men on Earth", according to The New York Times. MbZ has carried out day to day decisions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates that comprise the UAE, since his half-brother, UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, suffered a stroke in 2014.

According to the Crown Prince Court's official website, MbZ studied at Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun before going to the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. After graduating, he carried out several roles in the UAE military and now serves as Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Under his leadership, the UAE has turned into one of the most significant regional powers on the Arabian peninsula. MbZ also chairs the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, which is responsible for the initiative Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

Masayoshi Son

When Son was 24, he founded SoftBank Group Corp., a holding company that would later become a giant of information technology and telecommunication. SoftBank ranked 13th on Forbes' Top 100 Digital Companies 2019. Its investment portfolio includes Yahoo! Japan, Tokopedia and WeWork. Son was also an early investor in Alibaba.

Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, Son turned his attention to renewable energy at home and abroad. In 2017, media reports stated that Son would be working with Saudi Arabia on the development of a megacity dubbed Neom.

In 2018, Son and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a massive solar power project aiming to reduce Saudi Arabias dependence on oil. According to CNN, the initial investment alone required US$ 5 billion.

Tony Blair

The British politician was a Labour Party leader and served as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Blair was responsible for revamping the Labour Party's platform and establishing the partys support for the integration of the United Kingdom into the European Union.

Under his leadership, Britain enjoyed steep economic growth. He oversaw the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which ended the conflict in Northern Ireland. Blair also introduced the first elected Mayor of London and led the city to win a bid for the 2012 Olympics.

After leaving office, he founded the Institute for Global Change, which focused on governance, counter-extremism and peace in the Middle East. Through the institute, Blair has helped development in several states, namely Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Ghana.

Who will finance the new capital?

An estimate puts the cost of building the capital city at $34.06 billion. National Planning Agency (Bappenas) head Bambang Brodjonegoro said in August last year that the private sector would finance most of the cost through public-private partnership (PPP) schemes.

The PPP schemes will make up approximately 54.4 percent of the budget. This will be used to fund the construction of government offices, courts, schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other related infrastructure.

Over a quarter, or 26.4 percent, will be financed by the private sector to build public housing, universities, shopping malls and improve existing infrastructure like airports and toll roads.

The remaining 19.2 percent is expected to be covered by the state budget and will primarily be used to build basic infrastructure, a new state palace and a military base, as well as to acquire new land.

According to Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, in a meeting with Jokowi on Jan. 10, Son offered to invest between $30 billion and $40 billion.

The government is also preparing a sovereign wealth fund to finance the capital city, which so far has attracted the UAE, SoftBank and United States International Development Finance Corporation. During Jokowi's visit to the Gulf state, it was announced that the UAE government had prepared US$22.8 billion for investment in Indonesia.
A Belfast man who withdrew just over 23,000 from cash machines during a technical glitch has walked free from court. (stock photo)

A Belfast man who withdrew just over 23,000 from cash machines during a technical glitch has walked free from court.

More than 1,500 people from Northern Ireland helped themselves to 1.6m of Danske Bank money during the IT meltdown in September 2017.

Belfast Crown Court heard that Thomas Joseph Mongan (58) from Beechmount Walk made 87 withdrawals totalling over 23,000 from 10 ATMs.

Freeing him, Judge Neil Rafferty told Mongan that while he should have realised that he was never going to get away with it, he felt constrained to follow sentences already passed in similar cases and suspended his 12-month jail term for two years.

Earlier, prosecution lawyer Simon Jenkins explained that for several hours Danske Bank suffered a technical fault which allowed their customers here to make unlimited withdrawals regardless of what was in their accounts.

Mr Jenkins said that Mongan later told police he was sorry and, given the chance to get money, he took it.
Brazils right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday he will create an Amazon Council to protect and ensure the sustainable development of the worlds largest rainforest, following intense criticism of his environmental policies.

The council will be led by Brazils vice president, General Hamilton Mourao, Bolsonaro said on Twitter, and will coordinate diverse actions within each ministry focused on the protection, defence and sustainable development of the Amazon.

Bolsonaro has said previously that his government is protecting the rainforest, but he wants economic development in the Amazon to improve the lives of its 30 million inhabitants, including its Indigenous tribes. Environmentalists fear that will hasten deforestation.

Under Bolsonaro, the number of fires in the Amazon reached a 10-year high last year, prompting world leaders to denounce his environmental record.

 Determinei a criacao do Conselho da Amazonia, a ser coordenado pelo Vice Presidente @GeneralMourao, utilizando sua propria estrutura, e que tera por objetivo coordenar as diversas acoes em cada ministerio voltadas p/ a protecao, defesa e desenvolvimento sustentavel da Amazonia.  Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) January 21, 2020

Translation: I have ordered the creation of the Amazon Council, to be coordinated with Vice President General Mourao, using its own structure it will coordinate diverse actions within each ministry focused on the protection, defence, and sustainable development of the Amazon.



On January 15 MapBiomas, an environmental group that monitors the rate of forest destruction said deforestation of Brazils Amazon rainforest threatens to accelerate and draw increased global concern since no new fire prevention measures have been taken in the crucial run-up to this years dry season, according to Tasso Azevedo, coordinator of a group called MapBiomas that monitors the rate of forest destruction.

It would be expected that it will be worse than last year unless something really big happens in the next two or three months to avoid the high season of deforestation that starts in May, Tasso Azevedo told Reuters news agency.

The number of fires in the Amazon rainforest increased 30.5 percent in 2019 from the previous year, while deforestation rose 85 percent, according to recent data released by Brazils space research agency INPE.

The Amazon, the worlds largest rainforest, is a bulwark against global warming because of the vast amounts of heat-trapping carbon dioxide it soaks up from the atmosphere. It also provides Brazil with hydropower, and its abundant rain provides irrigation-free agriculture.

Risks to the forest sparked a public outcry in August when fires raged through the Amazon, drawing sharp international criticism.

Last week, Brazilian Indigenous leaders issued a rallying call to protect the Amazon rainforest and its native tribes from what they called the genocide, ethnocide and ecocide planned by Bolsonaro.

A manifesto signed on Friday at the end of a four-day meeting in the Xingu reservation said Bolsonaro was threatening the survival of Indigenous people with plans to allow commercial mining and ranching on their protected lands.

Invasions of reservations by illegal loggers and miners have increased since Bolsonaro took office last year, leading to violent clashes. At least eight indigenous leaders were killed last year in circumstances that have not yet been clarified.
A protestor walks past a caricature made of coffee cups outside of the Starbucks Annual Shareholders Meeting at McCaw Hall, on March 21, 2018 in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks announced Tuesday that it will strive to become "resource positive," storing more carbon than it emits, eliminating waste and providing more clean freshwater than it uses.

The coffee chain is among the growing number of companies that are announcing sweeping sustainability goals as consumers grow increasingly concerned about climate change. BlackRock, the world's largest investment firm, announced a week ago it plans to overhaul its investing strategy to make sustainability the new standard. On Thursday, Microsoft said it is trying to remove more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits by 2030.

"By embracing a longer-term economic, equitable and planetary value proposition for our company, we will create greater value for all stakeholders," Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in announcing the new goal.

In 2018, Starbucks emitted 16 million tons of greenhouse gases, withdrew 1 billion cubic meters of water and created 868 kilotons of waste. These numbers track the journey of its products starting with suppliers and coffee producers all the way to its cafes.

To help reach its long-term targets, Starbucks has set three preliminary goals for 2030: to cut carbon emissions by half in direct operations and its supply chain, to conserve or replenish half of the water taken for coffee production or operations and to reduce half of the waste sent to landfills by stores and manufacturing.

The company plans to formalize those goals by March 2021, when it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

As part of its far-reaching goal to become resource positive, Starbucks plans to offer more plant-based options on its menu. Dairy accounted for 21% of its global carbon footprint in 2018, and animal protein was the highest contributor to its carbon and water usage in the food category.

Realistic meatless meats from companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, coupled with studies that have shown the negative environmental impacts of meat consumption, have led many consumers to reduce their meat intake and eat more plant-based foods instead.

The coffee chain also plans to shift to reusable packaging. Getting consumers to ditch single-use cups in favor of reusable ones has proved to be tricky for the company. Starbucks previously set a goal in 2008 to have a quarter of consumers use reusable cups by 2015, but the company fell short of that goal.

Along with McDonald's, Nestle and other multinational companies, Starbucks is a partner in the NextGen Consortium to fund recyclable and compostable cup designs.

Starbucks' announcement came on the day 17-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg exhorted world leaders at Davos, Switzerland, to take action on climate change.

"I know you don't want to talk about this," Thunberg told them.
HALIFAX - The lawyer for a former medical student convicted of murder said Monday his client should be granted a new trial, partly because his defence team was allegedly "betrayed" by one of their own.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HALIFAX - The lawyer for a former medical student convicted of murder said Monday his client should be granted a new trial, partly because his defence team was allegedly "betrayed" by one of their own.

Lawyer Ian Smith told the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal that a private investigator hired by William Sandeson's defence team turned out to be a "traitor" when he told police about a key aspect of the case and asked to remain an anonymous source.

"Hiding his identity from the defence was for an improper purpose," Smith told the court, adding that police kept the information secret and "failed to get any legal advice."

He said that when Sandeson's lawyer learned about Bruce Webb's actions in the middle of the murder trial in 2017, he asked for a mistrial  but the trial judge refused. Instead, Justice Josh Arnold adjourned the case to allow the defence enough time to investigate what happened and conduct further cross-examinations.

Sandeson was later convicted by a jury of first-degree murder in the August 2015 death of 22-year-old Taylor Samson, who like Sandeson was a student at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Court heard Sandeson fatally shot Samson during a drug deal at Sandeson's apartment. He was sentenced in July 2017 to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. Samson's body has yet to be found.

Smith told the three-judge panel Monday that Webb's actions amounted to "state misconduct," and he suggested there was an "active coverup" of a breach of litigation privilege.

In his role as a private investigator, Webb was told to interview two of Sandeson's neighbours, both of whom initially told police they didn't see or hear anything the night of the crime. But when Webb talked to them, they admitted they had seen a badly injured man in Sandeson's apartment.

Court heard that Webb was worried he could face an obstruction of justice charge if he didn't disclose the new information to police. That's why he told an investigator it would be wise for police to conduct another interview with the two men, which they did.

Crown lawyer Jennifer MacLellan said the trial judge took reasonable steps to ensure the defence could deal with the issue in court. She said the declaration of a mistrial should be seen as a last resort.

"It's a very significant and serious remedy," she told the court, adding that police had acted properly when approached by Webb. "What were they supposed to do, turn him away?"

She argued that the incident involving Webb resulted in nothing more than a slight delay in disclosure.

During Monday's hearing, Smith also argued that police acted improperly when they searched Sandeson's apartment three times without a warrant. He said police entered the apartment on suspicion that Samson may have been taken hostage.

However, Smith said that line of reasoning didn't make any sense because Samson had been missing for 68 hours and Sandeson was already under surveillance.

"There was no evidence that waiting (for a warrant) was impractical," he said. "They only had a hunch that Samson was present."

As well, Smith argued the police acted improperly when they failed to tell Sandeson he was under suspicion of murder during a lengthy interrogation that was supposed to focus on allegations of kidnapping and drug trafficking.

Smith closed his submissions by arguing that the verdict on the first-degree murder charge was unreasonable because the evidence did not point to planning with intent to kill.

He said the evidence allowed for the inference that Sandeson may have intended to complete the drug deal or that he was planning to steal the large quantity of marijuana Samson had to sell.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020.
A pioneering Australian filmmaker has used her speech at the elite Davos meeting in Europe to send a message to Scott Morrison that he is siding with the "dinosaurs" on climate change.

"We need new leaders," Lynnette Wallworth told the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Monday night, in an emotional speech accepting a Crystal Award for global cultural leadership.

Lynette Wallworth won the Byron Kennedy Award at the 6th AACTA Awards in 2016 Credit:Caroline McCredie

"Those who led us here aligned themselves with corporations over community, with privilege and power over shared humanity and with ledgers over values.

"There is an extinction going on, it is the death of a worn-out way that no longer serves. As powerful as their last rampant thrashing will appear, the dinosaur industries will die, they are dying now.
UTC's Graduate School will hold a Graduate School Fair on Thursday, March 19, from 2-6 p.m. in the Tennessee Room of the UTC University Center.

Faculty and current graduate students will be on hand to discuss the many different degree options the Graduate School has to offer. This free event is open to everyone who is interested in learning more about opportunities for advanced education at UTC.

This is an opportunity for members of the Chattanooga community and surrounding areas to learn about the opportunities that graduate school can aid in their career advancement.

Application fee waivers will be available for all guests who complete an application at the event. Parking is free on campus after 5 pm. Free swag bags will be given to the first 100 applications submitted; computers will be available for usage. Lite refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit the UTC Graduate School or call 425-1780.
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 19:21:59|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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TUNIS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Kais Saied has assigned Elyes Fakhfakh to form the new government, according to a statement by the Tunisian presidency.

The prime minister-designate should form his government within one month starting Tuesday in accordance with the constitution, said the statement released late Monday.

The proposed government should then be submitted to the parliament for a confidence vote, it added.

In a speech at the presidential palace, Fakhfakh promised to "spare no effort to form a government that lives up to this responsibility, this historic moment and the aspirations of my people."

The new government will avoid all tensions and political calculations and focus on socio-economic challenges while preserving democratic gains, he said.

It should be noted that the Tunisian parliament on Jan. 11 rejected the government proposed by last Tunisian Prime Minister-designate Habib Jemli.
Headline indices of the Hong Kong stock market finished session steep lower on Tuesday, 21 January 2020, as risk aversion selloff triggered across the board on deepening fears over the outbreak of a new pneumonia coronavirus in mainland China, after the country confirmed the first person-to-person spread of a new virus in central city of Wuhan, which has killed four people so far. Meanwhile, a downgrade of Hong Kong's rating by credit rating agency Moody's on Monday also weighed on blue-chip stocks. At closing bell, the benchmark Hang Seng Index tumbled 2.81%, or 810.58 points, to 27,985.33. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index was down 3.2%, or 361.36 points, to 10,970.13.

Market commenced trading with a back foot amid increasing concerns over a new strain of coronavirus after the country confirmed the first person-to-person spread of a new virus in central city of Wuhan, which has killed four people so far. A new coronavirus has spread from the central city of Wuhan to cities including Beijing and Shanghai, with more than 200 cases reported so far. Four cases have been reported outside China - in South Korea, Thailand and Japan.

Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the city's rating amid concerns about a failure to address political, economic and social concerns in wake of the protests there.

Blue-chip stocks suffered heavy losses as investors took profits ahead of Lunar New Year, which this year will be haunted by the outbreak of a new coronavirus in China.

Gaming giant Tencent Holdings (0700 HK) plunged by 2.7% to HK$385.4, while insurer AIA Group (1299 HK) softened 3.4% to HK$81.85.

Aviation counters were badly hurt, amid concerns that a viral outbreak would deter air travel just as China is in the early days of its annual Lunar New Year holiday, when an estimated 3 billion trips will be made over a 40-day holiday period ending on February 18. That includes 450 million trips by Chinese tourists to such favourite destinations as Bangkok, Seoul, Osaka and Tokyo. China Southern Airlines (01055) dived 6.5% to HK$4.74. China Eastern Airlines (00670) plunged 6.7% to HK$3.76. Air China (00753) slid 5.9% to HK$6.81. Cathay Pacific (00293) sank 4.1% to HK$10.38.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hong Kong's top politician Carrie Lam said she is "very disappointed" by the Moody's ratings downgrade for the city-state.

Speaking to CNBC's Geoff Cutmore at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Lam said: "We are very disappointed by the downgrading by Moody's from Aa2 to Aa3."

The chief executive said she was even more upset by the reasons given by the ratings agency.

"If you ask me, I am even more disappointed by their assessment of the Hong Kong situation and their comment on the 'weak institutions and governance,' because after seven months of unrest, what has proven to be resilient is Hong Kong's institutions and governance."

Last week, Lam announced a $1.3 billion fiscal pledge, designed to kickstart Hong Kong's muddling economy back into life. On Tuesday, Moody's ratings agency appeared to dismiss that plan by cutting the city's rating by one level. Fellow ratings agency Fitch had already downgraded the city-state in September last year.
In the old quarter of Moroccos coastal city of Essaouira, a newly-opened House of Memory has been dedicated to the historic coexistence of its Jewish and Muslim communities.

Nestled in a narrow alleyway among labyrinthine lanes, Bayt Dakira (House of Memory) is situated in a former family home of wealthy traders, who added a small synagogue decorated with woodwork and carved furnishings.

The restored building testifies to a period when Islam and Judaism had an exceptional closeness, complicity and intimacy, said Andre Azoulay, an adviser to King Mohammed VI.

Azoulay, himself a member of Essaouiras Jewish community, launched the project in partnership with Moroccos culture ministry.

We said to ourselves: Were going to let our patrimony speak, and protect what was the art of living together in mutual respect, he said.

His daughter Audrey Azoulay, who is director-general of the UN cultural agency UNESCO, was also present last Wednesday when the king made an official visit to the centre.

- Countering amnesia -

Bayt Dakira showcases objects donated by local families alongside stories of members of the Jewish community from the southwestern city on the Atlantic.

They include Leslie Belisha (1893-1957), who was Britains minister of finance, transport and war, and David Yulee Levy (1810-1986), the first Jew elected in United States history.

A panel lists Jewish royal advisers from Essaouira, including Azoulay who was called to the palace in 1991 by Hassan II, the late father of Mohammed.

Bayt Dakira also houses old photographs, archive footage, musical recordings, traditional dress and religious objects.

Upstairs will house a research centre.

At the time of Sultan Mohamed III, who in the 18th century transformed the small port into a diplomatic and commercial hub, Essaouira was the only city in the Islamic world with a majority Jewish population, the 78-year-old royal adviser says.

Azoulays goal is to turn his citys history into a symbol of the art of the possible, and push back against what he calls amnesia, regression and archaism.

At one point, Essaouira had 37 synagogues, but most have fallen into ruin.

- Ancient community -

The Jewish community has been present in Morocco since antiquity and grew over the centuries, particularly with the arrival of Jews expelled from Spain by the Catholic kings after 1492.

At the end of the 1940s, Jewish Moroccans numbered about 250,000 -- some 10 percent of the population.

Many left after the creation of Israel in 1948, and the community now numbers around 3,000, still the largest in North Africa.

Essaouira was largely forgotten during the French protectorate (1912-1956), but has experienced a gradual rebirth since the early 1990s, turning into a tourist destination and cultural beacon.

It is not the only city to house a memorial to the countrys Judeo-Moroccan heritage, something which the king often highlights. Cemeteries, synagogues and historic Jewish quarters are also being restored.

Since 1997, Casablanca has housed a Moroccan Jewish Museum, the only one of its kind in the Arab world. And in Fez, the countrys spiritual capital, a museum dedicated to the Jewish memory is under construction.

While the kingdom doesnt have official ties with Israel, thousands of Jews of Moroccan descent visit every year -- including from the Jewish state.

They come to rediscover the land of their ancestors, celebrate religious events or make pilgrimages.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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Linkedin Vela Andapita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 20:09 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206068889 1 National labuan-bajo,Joko-Widodo,Tourism-Ministry,East-Nusa-Tenggara Free

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has put high hopes on Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, saying that the development should be accelerated as he expects the tourism destination to be ready to host international events in the years to come.

Jokowi returned to Jakarta on Tuesday from the town of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the popular Komodo National Park, after embarking on a two-day visit during which he and several of his Cabinet ministers, among others, gathered to discuss the development of the area into a "super premium" tourist destination to lure more foreign visitors.

We need to improve everything in here, including the infrastructure and the landscape. There are also waste problems and clean water issues that we should tackle. We should work hard so that in 2021 the Tourism Ministry can start promoting the island, Jokowi said as quoted in a statement released by the State Palace on Monday.

"More importantly, we also want to prepare Labuan Bajo [to host] the G20 [Summit] in 2023 and the ASEAN Summit in 2023," he said, noting that in 2023 Indonesia is to hold the presidency of the G20 and the chairmanship of ASEAN.

During Monday's coordination meeting, Jokowi also highlighted the waste problems both on land and in the ocean.

Starting in February, the ministries and agencies are to go deep into the water to clean up the ocean.

Jokowi said that the Public Works and Housing Ministry is to develop an incinerator to manage the trash retrieved from the sea and landfills as he called for the local government to educate residents about better managing their domestic waste. He also ordered the ministry to increase the capacity of the existing water treatment plants to 100 milliliters per second and keep increasing the figure.

The President had also asked Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya to establish a nursery that can produce around five to seven million trees per year so that ecosystem could be preserved in Labuan Bajo.

We hope the tourists will spend more money and stay longer here. It will no longer be about the number of the tourists, but the amount of money they splurge when in the area, he said.

Jokowi's administration has targeted Labuan Bajo to become one of the government's five super-priority destinations as a part of its efforts to make the tourism industry one of the new drivers of economic growth.

In July last year, Jokowi said that the government planned to accelerate the development of tourism facilities in Labuan Bajo to attract more visitors, including through the construction of Komodo Airport -- with a bigger terminal and longer runway -- to accommodate more international flights to the region.

The President had expressed hope in October for Labuan Bajo to become a "super premium" tourist destination and ordered the management not to mix it with a tourist destination for middle- to lower-income tourists. He even asked Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio to apply a quota system for tourists visiting Labuan Bajo, the nearest town to access Komodo Island, where Komodo dragons live.

Prior to leaving for Jakarta, Jokowi handed out land certificates to residents on Tuesday morning, during which he told them that the government planned to upgrade Labuan Bajo so that it could receive more international tourist visits, which in turn was expected to bring economic growth and welfare for local people.

"Thus I request for [residents] living around Labuan Bajo to be ready. Be friendly to tourists and please don't litter; we need such preparedness in Labuan Bajo," he said.
The New South Wales and Victorian state governments will coordinate the clean-up of insured and uninsured residential and commercial properties destroyed in the deadly wildfires.

Under the plan, the states will appoint major contractors to do the work, which will include the clearing of asbestos-contaminated and fire-impacted materials, dangerous debris and trees, and the removal of concrete slab foundations.

Victorias Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Lisa Neville, told a press conference Sunday there are still 14 active bushfires burning in the state, which has lost 396 residential properties.

More than 1,300 firefighters are on the ground today across 69 firegrounds in NSW. 19 fires are still yet to be contained. Crews are trying to strengthen containment lines with assistance from heavy machinery and aircraft before conditions increase during the week #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/xSKt7JCa8T

 NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) Jan. 18, 2020

While rain in the past few days has helped tame conflagrations, the fire season isnt over yet. The first of four large airtankers arrived in Australia from the U.S. Saturday morning to boost aerial firefighting capability during the ongoing bushfire emergency.

The Insurance Council of Australia reported claims between Nov. 8 and Jan. 17 had reached A$1.41 billion ($970 million). Thats up 42% from Jan. 10.

Cleaning up eligible destroyed properties will ensure that these costs are not deducted from funds available under residents insurance policies for rebuilding, New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro said Saturday.

Steven Lam, a Bloomberg Intelligence insurance analyst, said total insurance losses for Australias 2019-20 bushfires could reach billions of dollars.

The key cause was the surge in number of cases, up 45% to 16,380. Whilst the cost per claim stabilized at A$86,000, it may still climb higher when commercial claims come in, he said.

The catastrophic blazes have claimed 28 lives, killed an estimated 1 billion animals and have destroyed more than 2,700 homes as an area almost the size of England burned.

Photograph: The remains of a house destroyed by a recent bushfire stands in bushland at Nowra Hill, located on the outskirts of the town of Nowra in New South Wales, Australia, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. Photo credit: David Gray/Bloomberg.

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Their son, a Chaldean priest in Istanbul, is deeply concerned. He cares for over 7,000 refugees. The last contact dates back to January 7. Neighbors did not report the disappearance for fear of retaliation. A Kurdish activist, who has been in prison and ill for 28 years, commits suicide in protest against abuses and human rights repressions.

Istanbul (AsiaNews) - "We only heard about the disappearance of my parents when my relatives and I [...] arrived at the village on January 12th" and since then there has been no news. "The last time my brother spoke to them was January 7."

The disappearance of two elderly Christian spouses in south-east Turkey remains shrouded in mystery, with no news from them for almost two weeks, as confirmed by the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, by one of their sons, the priest Fr. Adday Remzi Diril of the Chaldean Church in Istanbul.

"A neighbor in the village - he adds - at first did not tell us that my parents had been kidnapped, out of fear of retaliation", but later confirmed that "they had been taken by armed men".

Diril is an Assyrian-Chaldean priest in the economic and commercial capital of Turkey and is known within the community for his work and service for over 7,000 Christian refugees across the country.

As the days pass his concern increases for his father and mother, both elderly and sick, from the Assyrian-Chaldean village of Meer (Kovankaya, Srnak province), in south-east Turkey, taken by "unidentified men".

Since 11 January, there has no certain information on the fate of 71-year-old Hurmuz Diril and his wife Simoni (65 years). Their children have been joined by some special teams in their search for their parents, while the winter cold and sub-zero temperatures do not lead to optimism. Local authorities have opened an investigation, but the search operations are difficult and, to date, there are no elements that give hope for a quick solution.

The news of their disappearance came a few days after the arrest, followed by the release, of a Greek Orthodox priest, also in the southeast. Behind the arrest, along with two other Christians from the local community, the accusation of "terrorism" for helping PKK members. Now they are on probation, awaiting trial.

The south-east of Turkey has long been the scene of a clash between Turks and Kurdish independence activists, which has also ended up involving Christians.

Our village - remembers Fr. Diril - was evacuated for the first time in 1989, during the war between the PKK and the Turkish army. There were 80 houses at that time. In 1992 four families returned, in 1994 the area was evacuated again. Most of the inhabitants fled to Europe. Since 2010 we have resumed visits to the village "and his parents were the first to want to rebuild it, resisting pressure and threats.

At the moment - concludes the priest - we suspect everyone. We have no specific information. "

Meanwhile, the suicide of another political activist has taken place in Turkish prisons. 47-year-old Nurcan Bakir, who has been in prison and sick for 28 years, killed herself in a cell to protest the repression in Turkish prisons and denounce unworthy conditions. Nurcan had been transferred from Gezbe Women's Prison to Burhaniye Special Prison, near Mardin, in retaliation for participating in the hunger strike last year in protest against total isolation from Kurdish leader Ocalan.

Her release was still two years away; the woman had gone to the European Court of Justice for human rights to be released for health reasons. In her last contact with family members, the previous day, she said he did not want to "keep silent in the face of repression", but above all to remember "her children murdered by the regime every night in her dreams".
President Kais Saied Monday picked former finance minister Elyes Fakhfekh to form a cabinet after the parliament early this month rejected a first government led by Habib Jemli, an independent named by Ennahda, the leading party in the legislature.

Fakhfekh is chosen for the Prime Minister job after Jemli failed to win the vote of confidence.

Tunisia has been without cabinet since October following the legislatives. Jemli struggled to lure the political establishment in his proposed cabinet. He finally opted for a government of independent personalities and technocrats.

Fakhfekh, in a first meeting with President Saied last Saturday, presented his vision on the priorities and challenges facing the country, as well as his perceptions regarding the action and the lineup of the next government.

If the former finance and tourism minister has received the state backing, he is set to face rejection from 9alb Tounes (Heart of Tunisia), party of presidential candidate Nabil Karoui.

The party, the second force in the Parliament, is against Fakhfekhs nomination on the grounds that the nominal Premier will not make the right nominations at state top positions namely heads and delegates of governorates who are in favor of its electoral promises, Tunisie Numerique reports.
Police at the scene of an accident on the Glenavy Road in Maghaberry

A pedestrian has died after being hit by a car in Co Antrim.

The collision happened on the Glenavy Road in Maghaberry at around 11.30pm on Sunday.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Local councillor James Tinsley said his thoughts are with all those involved in the tragic incident.

"I was speaking to people who were leaving a church meeting and were the first on the scene of the accident," he said.

"Sympathies go to the family of the man who has died, but thoughts also for the driver of the car involved and with those who arrived on the scene and tried to assist."

PSNI Inspector Gordon said: "We are appealing to anyone who may have been on the Glenavy Road just prior to or around the time of the collision, or anyone who recorded any dashcam or mobile phone footage that could help our investigation.

"The investigation team can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference number 1771 of 19/01/20."
Monday saw the start of the trial involving Major Josep Lluis Trapero, the former director of the Mossos Pere Soler, the former Secretary General of Catalonias Interior Ministry, Cesar Puig and Inspector Teresa Laplana, at Spains National Court in Madrid.

Trapero, Soler and Puig stand accused of rebellion, while Laplana faces sedition charges. Trapero, Soler and Puig are looking at eleven years in prison, and Laplana four.

It is worth reminding ourselves of the events which led to these outrageous charges. On 20 September, outside the Ministry of the Economys headquarters, in the early hours of the morning, the Mossos [Catalan police] received a request from Spains Guardia Civil to provide backup at the Rambla Catalunya gate. The Mossos response was clear: "Well come, but if youd warned us earlier wed have been able to close off the street around the building. We couldve established a security perimeter. Now, with crowds of people already in the area, what do you expect us to do?". Whats more, they had informed the Guardia Civil that the Rambla Catalunya building had an underground car park where they could leave their vehicles. However, they chose to leave them outside the front door, ostentatiously, unlocked and with weapons inside. The latter is a grave breach of a security protocol which is so basic that even those who did their military service had it drilled into them that you take your gun with you everywhere, including the toilet.

And what about 1 October 2017? The day the Mossos meticulously followed the court order calling on them to enforce the law (the independence referendum was not to go ahead) while maintaining normal peaceful coexistence. Not the police officers sent from all over Spain, stationed on a ship in the port of Barcelona, who unleashed a wave of violence against an unarmed civilian population who simply wished to vote, leading to images which were shown all over the world and which were so embarrassing that during the trial of the political prisoners neither Rajoy, Soraya, Zoido nor anyone else took responsibility. Does anyone remember? Soraya even claimed that they were watching it on TV, in La Moncloa [the seat of the Spanish government in Madrid].

The charges of rebellion, whether or not they get downgraded to sedition, when considered alongside the sentences the political prisoners received, are nothing more than the states revenge for the success of a referendum asking a question which was considered unaskable. As works of fiction, the reports by the Guardia Civil and the Prosecutor's Office sought to give the impression that the alleged acts of rebellion a crime which requires the use of armed violence had in fact taken place because 17,000 armed officers serve in the Catalan police force.

In the trial that has begun today we will once again hear evidence from Perez de los Cobos and Baena [high-ranking Guardia Civil officers]. During the trial in the Supreme Court, the Mossos were targeted as being the accomplices of Puigdemont and his ministers, when it turns out that the Catalan police even had a plan to arrest the entire cabinet, including President Puigdemont.

In actual fact, the Mossos were caught in the middle, between a government organizing a referendum which had been suspended by the Constitutional Court, and a justice system acting as the right hand of the Let em have it brigade, trying to be fair to all. Its clear that the courts wont be fair. As ARA has reported, the presiding judge of the court where Trapero stands trial is Concepcion Espejel. I quote: "She was recused from the Gurtel trial because of her ties to the PP shes a close friend of [PP VP] Maria Dolores de Cospedal and presided over the court which found the youths from Altsasu guilty". Its plain to see that impartiality is guaranteed.

Without forgetting the events which are being judged in the current trial, the Mossos are seen as similar to Catalan schools and TV3: theyre a nuisance, or theyre viewed with suspicion, or they result in the Spanish government losing its influence [in Catalonia]. Its been said before that Rajoy could have used the way the Mossos behaved during the terrorist attacks on Barcelona and Cambrils as an example of how well decentralized Spain works. On the contrary, in the hours after 17 August 2017, when the Spanish government found out that the Mossos were able to handle the security crisis, that they gained international respect following the attacks and that Spains Interior Ministry had no part to play, they were worried. When Major Trapero reported to Rajoy, Puigdemont and Soraya, the Spanish Vice President was stunned: theyd acted like the police force of an independent country. One of the Mossos high command remarked to a colleague on the way out: One day theyll make us pay for this. That day has come.

Freedom for the political prisoners, for those on trial, for those in exile. A good day to us all.
Bob Katter says small country towns and remote indigenous communities are the perfect locations for a nuclear reactor to power Australia into the new decade.

The rogue Federal MP earmarked the north-western Queensland towns of Doomadgee, Normanton and Burketown for a new power plant.

He told the Townsville Bulletin he chose these locations due to their proximity to vast deposits of uranium, small populations and the very low chance they will be targeted by terrorists.

The controversial 74-year-old said while he did not personally endorse nuclear power, shutting down debate around the issue was 'childish'.

Federal MP Bob Katter (pictured) has named several isolated Queensland towns as prime locations for a nuclear reactor

Mr Katter said the north-western Queensland towns of Doomadgee, Normanton and Burketown were ideal for nuclear power due to their small population and isolation

'As for the issue of terrorists, there's a hundred ways they can carry out mass killings,' he said.

'Nuclear shouldn't be easily dismissed but there are dangers.'

Australia holds a third of the world's uranium deposits but the resource is exported after a ban on using nuclear power to produce electricity was introduced in 1998.

Australia's nuclear timeline 1969 Proposal to build Australias first nuclear reactor at Jervis Bay. Tenders were called and land cleared, but low cost coal and fiscal constraints saw the plan deferred and eventually scrapped. 1980-90 Anti-nuclear movement gains traction against a back-drop of French nuclear testing in the Pacific; the Rainbow Warrior incident; the siting of a nuclear waste repository for medical and industrial nuclear waste; and leaked plans to commercially site international nuclear waste in Australia. 1998 The ARPANS Act 1998 passes into law. The Australian Radiation Laboratory and the Nuclear Safety Bureau are merged and renamed the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). Horsetrading with the Greens and the Australian Democrats results in the prohibition on certain nuclear installations included in the Act. 1999 A similar clause, but with greater effect, is written into the EPBC Act 1999. Section 140A(1)(b) reads: The Minister must not approve an action consisting of or involving the construction or operation of a: b) nuclear power plant. Information is provided by the Minerals Council of Australia Advertisement

Queensland's major parties don't support a proposal for nuclear power to be reintroduced but several Federal Liberal ministers proposed an inquiry into the matter late last year.

The inquiry concluded that while nuclear power should be considered it should only go ahead with the definitive support of the majority of Australians.

It noted that while nuclear power could not realistically be introduced for at least a decade, there had been notable developments in technology that make the option more attractive.
COLUMBUS, Ga., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated today announced that it is one of 325 companies across 50 industries included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). This is the first year that Aflac participated in the survey to become part of this prestigious index.

The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies and pro-women brand. This year, Bloomberg expanded the eligibility for inclusion in the index to nearly 6,000 companies across 84 countries and regions.

"Aflac Incorporated's inclusion as one of only 325 companies in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index is the ultimate third-party validation of our company's commitment to fairness, diversity and inclusion, and parity," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said. "I am convinced that our steadfast commitment to fairness, which has made Aflac a workplace of choice for women, continues to contribute to the consistent growth that has seen annual revenues increase from $2 billion in 1990 to more than $22 billion today."

Aflac's workforce comprises 67% women, while the list of Aflac's female senior leadership includes the company's U.S. President, General Counsel, Chief Accounting Officer, Chief ESG and Communications Officer, Chief Services Officer, Senior Vice President, Brand and Creative Services and U.S. Chief Investment Officer. In addition, 33% of Aflac's senior executives and managers and 31% of board members are women.

Through disclosure of gender-related metrics using the GEI framework, the firms included in the 2020 GEI have provided a comprehensive look at their investment in workplace gender equality and the communities in which they operate. Aflac Incorporated was included in this year's index for scoring at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect a high level of disclosure and overall performance across the framework's five pillars.

"The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting," said Peter T. Grauer, chairman of Bloomberg. "Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally."

"Significant components of inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index require companies to demonstrate openness and clarity when sharing key data points about the way they conduct business, including ethical behavior and a commitment to corporate responsibility," said Aflac Senior Vice President, Chief Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Communications Officer Catherine Hernandez-Blades. "As ESG issues continue to powerfully influence the actions of consumers, investors and stakeholders, it is important that Aflac demonstrates  with authenticity  that we are a responsible company that understands the correlation between profits and purpose. Through our award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility Report, public-facing websites, financial disclosures and more, we believe Aflac is extremely forthright and are pleased that the Bloomberg Gender Equity Index analysts agree."

Both the framework and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. The GEI is a reference index and is not for use as a financial benchmark. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of $1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index. To learn more, please visit the GEI website.

About Aflac Incorporated

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is a Fortune 500 company helping provide protection to more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., where it is a leading supplemental insurer, by paying cash fast when policyholders get sick or injured. For more than six decades, insurance policies of Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance in Japan, where it insures 1 in 4 households. Through its trailblazing One Day PaySM initiative in the United States, for eligible claims, Aflac can process, approve and electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in just one business day. For 13 consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive year, and in 2019, Fortune included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 18th time. To find out more about One Day PaySM and learn how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999.

Media contact  Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact  David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or [email protected]

Bloomberg contacts  Veronica Henze, +1-646-324-1596 or [email protected] or Liidia Liuksila, +1 212-617-5424 or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac

Related Links

http://www.aflac.com


By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

Trade

Mission Impossible: China cant meet its commitments on U.S. crude, LNG, coal  Russell [Reuters]. The more you delve into the details of Chinas commitment to buy an additional $52.4 billion in U.S. energy over the next two years, the more it becomes apparent the goal is unachievable, even with the best will in the world. Chinas imports from the United States this year would have to be more than double past record monthly imports of U.S.-sourced crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal. If that already seems difficult, it would take a tripling of the best-ever months to meet the 2021 target.

Politics

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51

They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune

Here is a second counter for the Iowa Caucus, which is obviously just around the corner:

* * *

2020

Alert reader dk (not to be confused with DK) is in the process of developing the following interactive chart. Today, we combine Survey USA and IPSOS nationally, as of 1/21/2020, 12:00 PM EST, two polls in IA, and polls in CA and NJ. On the average, the pattern of Biden first, Sanders slowly closing on Biden, Warren fading, and then Buttigeig is still pronounced, with Bloomberg still closing on Buttigieg, which is interesting or concerning. NOTE: If we take out the averaging, Biden had a massive drop, Sanders slightly leads, followed by Undecided (!), and Warren has slipped back into a tie for fourth with Buttigieg. Of course, these are national polls, about to be massively thrown into confusion by IA, NH, SC, and NV  and then CA. And the numbers: NOTE: The national polls are the ones with the black circles around the results. The state polls follow, ordered chronogically. I didnt want to make charts for them all, so numbers only: In CA, a new Survey USA poll: In IA, a Neighborhood Research and Iowa Media poll: Again in IA, a David Binder Research poll In NJ, an Emerson poll: Summary: Biden juggernaut rolls on, Sanders challenging strongly, Warren in difficulties, Buttigieg patchy. And California has turned into a three-way tie. CAVEAT I think we have to track the polls because so much of the horse-race coverage is generated by them; and at least with these charts were insulating ourselves against getting excited about any one poll. That said, we should remember that the polling in 2016, as it turned out, was more about narrative than about sampling, and that this year is, if anything, even more so. In fact, one is entitled to ask, with the latest Buttigieg boomlet (bubble? (bezzle?)) which came first: The narrative, or the poll? One hears of push polling, to be sure, but not of collective push polling by herding pollsters. We should also worry about state polls with very small sample sizes and big gaps in coverage. And thats before we get to the issues with cellphones (as well as whether voters in very small, very early states game their answers). So we are indeed following a horse-race, but the horses dont stay in their lanes, some of the horses are not in it to win but to interfere with the others, the track is very muddy, and the mud has splattered our binoculars, such that its very hard to see whats going on from the stands. Also, the track owners are crooked and the stewards are on the take. Everythings fine. I think dk has started a really neat project, and in the near future well seek your feedback (within reason) for the tool live. * * * UPDATE Biden (D)(1): Middle Class Joe Biden has a corruption problem  it makes him a weak candidate [Zephyr Teachout, Guardian]. t looks like Middle Class Joe has perfected the art of taking big contributions, then representing his corporate donors at the cost of middle- and working-class Americans. Converting campaign contributions into legislative favors and policy positions isnt being moderate. It is the kind of transactional politics Americans have come to loathe. There are three clear examples. First, Bidens support for finance over working-class Americans. His career was bankrolled by the credit card industry. Second, healthcare. On 25 April, the day he announced his campaign, Biden went straight to a fundraiser co-hosted by the chief executive of a major health insurance corporation Third, climate change. Biden signed a pledge not to take money from the fossil fuel industry, then broke his promise.  All correct. This is the article for which Sanders apologized. See below. UPDATE Biden (D)(2): EXCLUSIVE POLL: Just as Many African-Americans Say Theyd Consider Voting for Bernie Sanders as Joe Biden [Vice].  Just as many African-Americans say theyd consider voting for Bernie Sanders as Joe Biden, according to new a VICE News-Ipsos Poll, suggesting Sanders might not have as much of a problem wooing black voters if hes the Democratic nominee as some have assumed. Fully 56% of African-Americans said theyd consider voting for Sanders in 2020  a statistical tie with the 54% who said the same about former Vice President Joe Biden and significantly higher than any other candidate. Only 23% of African-Americans said they wouldnt consider voting for Sanders, about the same number as the 24% who said they wouldnt consider voting for Biden. Sanders does even better relative to Biden and the rest of the field among Hispanics: 47% say theyd consider voting for Sanders, while 37% said theyd consider voting for Biden. More Hispanics say they wouldnt consider voting for Biden (37%) than wouldnt vote for Sanders (31%).  Maybe its time to adopt Bro as a badge of honor, as exemplary of the multiracial working class. UPDATE Biden (D)(3): Op-ed: Joe Biden Is The White Moderate Dr. King Warned Us About [Essence]. Joe Biden, the architect of the 1994 Crime Bill and former U.S. Vice-President, is not as slick as he thinks he is. In fact, hes a cliche, a stock photo, an avatar, for every single liberal white man who believes that just because hes not a member of the Republican Party or an adherent to the most virulent white supremacist policies, that he can disguise his rancid racism behind Aw shucks, I just tell it like it is performative politic-ing and Black people will just fall in line. Because at least hes not Donald Trump. He proved that again Tuesday night at an NYC fundraiser, during which he reportedly told the crowd that he and James O. Eastland, the long-serving, segregationist, white supremacist Mississippi senator known as The Voice of the White South, and the Godfather of Mississippi Politics, shared a mutual fondness and respect for each other.  From June, still germane. Note the source (!). UPDATE Biden (D)(4): Bidens appeal, right here: A video of Joe Biden taking a selfie with an elevator operator on the way to his endorsement interview with The New York Times has accumulated thousands of views. The Times ultimately endorsed presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar. https://t.co/D65nJwUo7p pic.twitter.com/UyB2xieyg0  CNN (@CNN) January 21, 2020 Even my stone-cold heart is touched. Bloomberg (D)(1): Mike Bloomberg is assembling a team of fundraising experts to recruit wealthy donors  but not to take their money [CNBC]. Presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg is creating a team of fundraising experts to recruit wealthy donors. But he doesnt want their money. He wants them to act as surrogates for his campaign. In recent weeks, Bloomberg has tapped veteran fundraising consultant Shari Yost Gold as a senior advisor for this effort, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter who declined to be named as these decisions have been made in private. Her consulting firm previously worked for Sen. Kamala Harris 2020 campaign, Federal Election Commission records show.  Oh. Buttigieg (D)(1): Out there in the tall corn. My understanding is that Pete Buttigieg lives in South Bend near where this is centered. Based on Google searches, Pete would have to walk over 2 hours to the nearest corn field. I actually live 10mins from a cornfield, I guess I'm better qualified than Pete then. https://t.co/6T8IS8fxV4 pic.twitter.com/Py819k80KF  Zach D Roberts (@zdroberts) January 21, 2020 UPDATE Klobuchar (D)(1): The Gaping Hole in Senator Amy Klobuchars Electability Argument [Daily Beast]. Deck: To be this scrappy underdog that is the terminator of elections isnt exactly true, one well-placed Iowa Democratic official said.  Paywalled, but from the reporter: But theres one thing missing from that pitch: She never really faced a competitive race. UPDATE Sanders (D)(1): Black caucus in Nevadas largest county endorses Sanders [The Hill]. The Clark County Black Caucus (CCBC) in Nevada on Thursday endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president. Bernie Sanders has been a lifelong advocate for civil rights and economic justice. His presidential campaign goes the furthest in addressing issues that impact the African American community nationally and here in Nevada, caucus chairwoman Yvette Williams said in a statement. Sanders (D)(2): Bernie adopting Corbyn's failed strategy of apologizing to all the wrong people for all the wrong reasons.

Gotta wonder if Bernie isn't really in this to win, like 2016. At least you can be sure Warren's in it to win. But Berniehard to shake doubts.https://t.co/G1sHVC6gFE  Mark Ames (@MarkAmesExiled) January 21, 2020 Readers, I am not sure I agree. I will add a short essay on this topic at this point in a few minutes. UPDATE Here it is: * * * Sanders apologizes to Biden for surrogates op-ed alleging he has a big corruption problem' [CBS]. This is Teachouts Guardian article, linked to above. It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And Im sorry that that op-ed appeared, Sanders told CBS News While Teachout does not officially work on the Sanders campaign, she stumps for him, and has introduced and endorsed him  In other words, not a surrogate. More: CBS News asked Sanders if he approved of his supporters aggressively attacking his opponents online. No, I really dont, he said. If anyone knows me, what I believe is we need a serious debate in this country on issues. We dont need to demonize people who may disagree with us. I appeal to my supporters: Please, engage in civil discourse, he added. And by the way, were not the only campaign that does it. Other people act that way as well. I would appeal to everybody: Have a debate on the issues. We can disagree with each other without being disagreeable, without being hateful. That is not what American politics should be about. Later Monday night, Biden night thanked Bernie for his remarks via Twitter. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary, the former vice president added. Lets all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president. So this is a little bit of a mess (and Sanders were not the only campaign that does it is getting lost in the shuffle). So a few remarks: 1) My guess that Sanders wanted, at all costs, 14 days before the Iowa caucus, to avoid a Trump tweet during the impeachment trial calling out Joe Biden (and his failson, Hunter) for corruption, with the addition And Bernie agrees with me. 2) The Sanders campaign seems to have some issues keeping the distinction between surrogates and supporters clear (as the CBS story points out), making it clear that the surrogates are on message at all times, and that the campaign is not responsible for what supporters say. The Cenk debacle shows the same issue with the campaign machinery, which is easily fixed. 3) The Sanders campaign is also unique in its enormous canvassing operation and the fervor, let us say, of its online supporters, especially on the Twitter. (They seem to be able to make hashtags rise effortlessly, and amazingly, this cynical observer doesnt see signs of coordinated inauthentic activity, e.g., scripting). His opponents, collectively, are using a Rovian strategy of attacking this strength, by painting his online supporters as uniquely aggressive, and hoping that bleeds over into delegitimizing the canvassers. (So far, that has not happened; see the tweet from Kurt Hackbarth, below.) Personally, Im happy to adopt the successful Clean for Gene strategy online, but thats not necessarily enough. Liberal Democrat and PMC fragility is very real, and they are prone to interpret any conflict as aggression, or even assault (This is violence!). Here, the campaign needs to do more than issue pleas for civility; they need to give or propagate actual guidance in handling liberal fragility. 4) Why worry about liberal fragility? Because although Sanders support has been inexorably rising, the hard core of Sanders support is not enough, all on its own, to win the primaries. Others need to be brought in. (Paris is worth a mass.) I dont know if polls mean anything at all any more, and perhaps small donors are a better proxy for candidate support. See this chart: Which 2020 Democrat's donors are more likely to have given to another candidate in the primary?https://t.co/SGhZhfD0c0 pic.twitter.com/cgeNA5Mfst  OpenSecrets.org (@OpenSecretsDC) January 21, 2020 4a) Note that Sanders voters are least likely to have given to any other candidate. His support (light blue) is hard core (which the puppet masters of the DNC would do well to consider). 4b) The candidates from whom Sanders can expect to flip votes are, in order of their weakness for having votes peeled off, are Klobuchar (dark blue 52.9%), Warren (47.3%), Buttigieg (38.7%), and Biden (30.3%). So the apology? For Klobuchar voters to flip, I suggest Iowa Nice matters. (Readers will correct me; for all I know Iowa voters reward viciousness, as long as its done passive-aggressively, say.) For Warren voters, it may be that those who are not diehard Clintonites/first woman President types may see the apology to Biden as a proxy or precursor of an apology to them (flimsy, I know). For Buttigieg voters, perhaps they are still smarting from Warrens attacks. For Biden voters, I think first that the Social Security issue should do the trick, and theres no need to over-egg the pudding. Finally, corruption (as opposed to the billionaire class) is Warrens framing, and its no more helpful to have Warren say Bernie agrees with me than Trump saying it. 5) Finally, I think the Sanders campaign needs better control over messaging. Coincidentally or not, Warrens smear threw the Sanders campaign off-stride just when it was getting rolling on Social Security, and Biden promptly conflated Warren calling Sanders a liar with Sirota doctoring a tape. But making Social Security the issue one day, and corruption the issue another day looks scattershot. Because it is! 6) So my interpretation is that Sanders put out a potentially raging conflagration instantly, but clumsily. The campaign shouldnt have allowed the situation to arise. * * * Sanders (D)(3): Haitian protesters are holding up a giant Bernie Sanders tweet about their human rights as police repress their demonstrations against corruption ( via @danicacoto) pic.twitter.com/Wh2JXXvPmH  Ansel Herz (@Ansel) October 4, 2019 Sanders (D)(4): New ad: Warren (D)(1): Elizabeth Warrens Electoral Track Record Is Incredibly Worrying [Jacobin]. To win in November, Democrats do not need to unite all parts of their party: they need to win more votes than Donald Trump, especially in key battleground states. Warren will struggle to match even Hillary Clintons historically poor record in Republican-trending rural and small-town communities. That means that three groups of voters are especially critical, none of which voted Democrat in the last cycle: Obama voters who defected to Trump, Obama voters who did not vote in 2016, and people who typically do not vote at all Who has had more success winning over independents and Republicans, and who has brought more voters to the polls, Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren?  I think we know the answer * * * UPDATE He totally said it or complete BS? Sanders and Warren voters dig in [Politico]. I would have rather him said: it was wrong of me to ever give you that impression . Boom. Done, said Tanya Keith, 48, who works in historic preservation in Des Moines and attended a Planned Parenthood event with Warren on Saturday. Her reaction to the back-and-forth: He totally said it! Women are watching, Bernie.'  Im not clear on Keiths logic. She wants a non-apolgy apology? But: I made 200+ calls for #Bernie2020 this weekend. Know how many times the Warren smear came up? Zero. Not once. Know what did? Medical bankruptcy, kids in cages, feelings of helplessness at a climate out of control. People have better things to worry about than craven hit jobs.  Kurt Hackbarth  (@KurtHackbarth) January 20, 2020

Our Famously Free Press

UPDATE From Sanders single vote on the New York Times Editorial Board. Well worth a listen: .@MaraGay on @BernieSanders #TheWeeklyNYT "He really deeply understands a lot about life in working America that frankly other establishment Democrats aren't talking about pic.twitter.com/TKu3P8ApyL  People for Bernie (@People4Bernie) January 20, 2020 UPDATE More on the Times: I hereby endorse butter. And also margarine. These are perilous times.  Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) January 20, 2020 UPDATE Well, they dont call it Talking Points Memo for nothing: When your bizarre hatred of Bernie makes you defend something you spent *years* criticizing pic.twitter.com/0OzdzxMxPg  Samuel D. Finkelstein II (@CANCEL_SAM) January 20, 2020

2016 Post Mortem

Hillary Clinton in Full: A Fiery New Documentary, Trump Regrets and Harsh Words for Bernie: Nobody Likes Him' (interview) [Hollywood Reporter].  An extraordinary emission of bile, real Cersei Lannister territory, well worth a read. Here is the key point: If [Sanders] gets the nomination, will you endorse and campaign for him? [CLINTON] Im not going to go there yet. Ill be waiting for Neera Tanden to slap down this extra-ordinary assault on party unity from [cough] a respected party elder. Note this also says Open season! on Sanders to every remaining Clinton supporter. Be sure to bring phones to the polls.

Impeachment

Trump Impeachment: What to Expect as the Senate Trial Begins Today [New York Times]. Mr. McConnells proposed rules put off a debate over whether to call witnesses and compel new evidence until the middle of the trial. Senate Democrats say that may have worked in the past, but this case is different. Mr. Trump systematically blocked testimony in the House impeachment inquiry from a dozen government officials and refused to hand over a single document, and now, Democrats say, the Senate has an obligation to set it right.  How can anybody possibly accept this argument, when the Democrats didnt let the court challenges to Trumps blocked testimony play out? Its all performative, certainly; but the nature of the performance bewilders me. Justice Department backed Trump strong-arm of House impeachment probe [Politico]. The Justice Department secretly blessed President Donald Trumps decision to stonewall the Democratic-led House over impeachment last year, the presidents legal team disclosed Monday. The legal brief submitted to the Senate as part of Trumps defense includes an opinion from the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel concluding that Trump was justified in categorically rejecting the Houses demands for information before lawmakers passed a formal impeachment resolution on Oct. 31. UPDATE Trumps impeachment trial could render verdict on Senate and key players [USA Today]. When the Senate trial convenes Tuesday at 1 p.m., members will debate the rules for the proceedings. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has proposed beginning opening arguments Wednesday. Each side would have 24 hours to present its argument over two days, meaning sessions would need to go late into the night. Under his proposal, the debate over whether to subpoena witnesses or documents would come after the opening arguments and questions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized the proposal, saying it wouldnt automatically allow House Democrats to admit their evidence into the record and would have arguments continue into the wee hours of the night to hide information from the American people.  Ya know, Chuck, a lot of Americans work into the wee hours of the night. Consider coffee?

Realignment and Legitimacy

Hawley 2024? Missouri Republican could be Trump 2.0, say conservative supporters [Kansas City Star]. The Capitol Hill publication compared Hawley to another Midwesterner with an Ivy League pedigree who won the White House as a first-term senator: Barack Obama. Hawley, 40, is not eager to embrace the comparison to a Democratic president. But as the youngest member of the Senate he has grabbed Washingtons attention by introducing more than 20 bills and resolutions during his first year in office and picking fights with some of the worlds largest companies. But while Obamas early message centered on hope, Hawleys has focused on despair. Hawley warned in a September speech that the nation is witnessing a slow-motion collapse of the working class, that is leading to deaths of despair. It was striking rhetoric at a time when Republicans, who control both Jefferson City and the White House, want to celebrate economic victories.  And simultaneously, the New York Times Editorial Board looks at the only Democrat candidate who brings up deaths of despair like hes something they scraped off their shoes. Theyre asking for it, theyre just asking for it.

Stats Watch

Shipping: New Analysis Puts Price Tag on Shipping Decarbonization [Maritime Executive]. At least $1 trillion of capital investment in land-based and ship-related infrastructure is required to halve international shippings greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to a new study by UMAS and the Energy Transitions Commission for the Getting to Zero Coalition. Radical change is needed to meet the IMO goal of reducing shippings total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent of 2008 levels by 2050. The transition requires significant infrastructure investments in new fuel production, supply chains and a new or retrofitted fleet. Depending on the production method, the cumulative investment needed between 2030 and 2050 to halve shippings emissions amounts to approximately $1-1.4 trillion or an average of $50-70 billion annually for 20 years. If shipping is to fully decarbonize by 2050, this will require further investments of some $400 billion over 20 years, bringing the total to $1.4-1.9 trillion. The biggest share of investments is needed in the land-based infrastructure and production facilities for low carbon fuels, which make up around 87 percent of the total. This includes investments in the production of low carbon fuels and the land-based storage and bunkering infrastructure needed for their supply. Only 13 percent of the investments needed are related to ships.  When you spread the costs out like that, arent they trivial?

Tech: Amazon may offer hand recognition payments to other stores [Engadget]. Amazons rumored hand recognition payment tech might be useful beyond paying for produce at Whole Foods. Wall Street Journal sources say the company is developing hand-based checkout terminals that it would sell to coffee shops, fast-food restaurants and other stores that tend to have repeat customers, not just Whole Foods. Its also clearer as to how the technology might work. The system would reportedly start by linking your payment card to your hand, asking you to insert your old-school plastic and scan your hand before you could pay using your hand alone. Amazons cloud would store the data and might even tie it to Amazon.com spending to help target ads, although we can imagine some hesitation given that people are already concerned about creepy targeting.  Cool. Remember to bring disinfectant spray when you shop.

Tech: White House Favors a Light Touch in Regulating AI [Wired]. The White House has issued principles for regulating the use of artificial intelligence that call for as little government interference as possible and offer only broad guidance to federal agencies. In fact, the principles might deter regulation of AI at a time when many think it is increasingly needed.. The principles state that when drawing up regulations, federal agencies must consider fairness, non-discrimination, openness, transparency, safety, and security. They also call for as little regulation as possible, with a risk assessment and cost-benefit analyses prior to any regulatory action. And they stipulate that any regulation must reflect scientific evidence and feedback from the American public. After a 90-day period for public input, agencies will have 180 days to come up with plans for implementing the principles.

Tech: Why Apple CEO Tim Cook Invested in a Shower Head [Bloomberg].  Hows the keyboard?

The Bezzle: The SEC posted Squares comment letters on its revenue recognition and revenue non-GAAP metrics [Francine McKenna, The Dig]. The SECs scattershot comment letter campaign against measures that substitute individually tailored recognition and measurement methods for those of GAAP, is, to say it gently, still a work in progress. In particular, it doesnt seem that Corporation Finance, the group in the SEC that reviews company filings and send out comment letters, has a full awareness or consistent approach to addressing the deferred revenue purchase accounting adjustments that create ghost revenue.'  Seems like ghost revenue is something youd really want to be tracking.

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Todays Fear & Greed Index: 84 Extreme Greed (previous close: 89 Extreme Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 90 (Extreme Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jan 21 at 12:39pm.

Rapture Index: Closes unchanged [Rapture Ready]. Record High, October 10, 2016: 189. Current: 18t4. Remember that bringing on the rapture is a good thing. I would expect the Rapture Index to jump if evangelicals thought impeachment was likely to hurt Trump. So it looks to me like this index is delivering a verdict on the likelihood of Trump being impeached as well.

The Biosphere

Friends in need [Reuters]. Extinction Rebellion and Davos sound like odd bedfellows. Why would a direct-action campaign, increasingly visible in the United Kingdom for warning starkly about the climate emergency, want to rub shoulders with the global financial elite at its main annual forum in Switzerland? The answer is that robust green activism turns out, when you think it through, to be high finances best friend.. Today 15% of global fossil-finance flows pass through the City of London , according to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. With the next major U.N. climate conference, COP26, due to take place in Glasgow in November, the UK is only going to be more in the spotlight. XR has three demands. First, we all need to tell the truth about the extreme, long emergency we face together. Second, we need to act now to address that emergency: we must bring climate-deadly emissions and biodiversity destruction down to net zero by 2025, and globally by about 2030. Targets weaker than these are very unlikely to keep us within the safe operating space for humanity. Finally, we need to give citizens assemblies the power to decide how we reach these eye-watering targets. Only a deliberative democratic body that can sift the best expertise can come up with a plan that will yield both political and citizen buy-in.  Not sure how high finance is going to feel about citizen assemblies, unless they can manipulate and/or buy the outcome.

Ozone-depleting gases might have driven extreme Arctic warming [Nature]. Gases that deplete the ozone layer could be responsible for up to half of the effects of climate change observed in the Arctic from 1955 to 2005. The finding could help to explain the disproportionate toll of climate change on the region, which has long puzzled scientists. The Arctic is warming at more than twice the average rate of the rest of the globe  a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification  and it is losing sea ice at a staggering pace By running the models with fixed CFC concentrations while varying the thickness of the ozone layer, the team was able to attribute the warming directly to the chemicals  rather than changes these substances caused in the ozone layer. Global CFC concentrations have been on the decline since the turn of the millennium, following the 1989 adoption of the Montreal Protocol, which called for a phase-out of the substances. Although many other factors contribute to Arctic amplification, the result suggests that Arctic warming and sea-ice melt might be tempered in the future as ozone-depleting substances continue to leave the atmosphere, [Cecilia S, a climate scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle] says. Its a very important paper because it has a little shred of optimism.'  No physical mechanism suggested, however.

For sale: The East Coasts biggest oil refinery [Grist]. On Friday, an auction held in the New York City offices of the law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP, will determine the future of 1,300 acres in South Philadelphia and signal what lies ahead for shuttered oil and gas facilities all over the country. For more than 150 years, the land has hosted the largest refinery on the East Coast, processing up to 335,000 barrels of crude oil per day into gasoline and home heating oil. But after an explosion and fire tore through the facility last summer, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, the company that owned it, filed for bankruptcy and put the massive lot up for sale The land is located along the Schuylkill River, just a few miles from downtown Philly, and measures roughly the same size as the city center. If it werent burdened with 150 years of contamination, it would be prime real estate for a waterfront park, housing, or a mixed-use development.  Big if. Well worth a read; a very Philly story, and very sad.

Choosy Eggs May Pick Sperm for Their Genes, Defying Mendels Law [Quanta]. The egg is not the submissive, docile cell that scientists long thought it was. Instead, researchers now see the egg as an equal and active player in reproduction, adding layers of evolutionary control and selection to one of the most important processes in life. Subhead: Sexual Selection at the Cellular Level.  Fascinating stuff!

Phage Crusade [Maisonneuve]. [P]hage therapy [is] a controversial treatment that uses a type of virus to defeat bacterial infection.It makes use of one of the oldest enemies of bacteria found in nature Antibiotic medicine is essentially made of natural antibacterials redesigned to deal a knockout blow to infectious bacteria. But it hasnt quite worked out that way. Global overprescription of antibiotics and their misuse as preventative measures have spurred superbugs to mutate and defeat virtually all antibiotics. Bacteriophages (literally bacteria eaters, called phages for short) are viruses that destroy bacteria. Wherever there are bacteriaand human intestines contain billionseven tinier phages exist as well; phages are in fact the most ubiquitous life form on the planet, and probably the oldest antibacterial found in nature. The advantage of phages as bacteria-killers is that, unlike antibiotics that nuke many bacteria in the bodyboth bad and gooda phage attacks only one species or strain of bacteria.

Health Care

Does The Dutch Healthcare System Show The Way? Peoples Policy Project. While Dutch people still rate their own health situation quite well, a majority (57%) want to abolish the new healthcare system and see it replaced with something more akin to single payer.

Department of Feline Felicity

The movie Cats elicited strong reactions (This was hands down the most disturbingly awful movie I have ever seen). Heres a reviewer who liked it:

(I didnt know there was a genre called Reaction Video.)

The Carceral State

The Economic Origins of Mass Incarceration [Catalyst (dk)]. The standard story is that mass incarceration is a system of racialized social control, fashioned by a handful of Republican elites in defense of a racial order that was being challenged by the Civil Rights Movement. Law and order candidates catalyzed this white anxiety into a public panic about crime, which furnished cover for policies that sent black Americans to prison via the War on Drugs. It is difficult to overstate how influential this story has become. Michelle Alexanders The New Jim Crow, which makes the case most persuasively, has been cited at more than twice the rate of the next most-cited work on American punishment. Yet this conventional account has some fatal flaws. Numerically, mass incarceration has not been characterized by rising racial disparities in punishment, but rising class disparity. Most prisoners are not in prison for drug crimes, but for violent and property offenses, the incidence of which increased dramatically before incarceration did. And the punitive turn in criminal justice policy was not brought about by a layer of conniving elites, but was instead the result of uncoordinated initiatives by thousands of officials at the local and state levels.  Well worth reading in full.

Class Warfare

Prepared Testimony for the Hearing Antitrust and Economic Opportunity: Competition in Labor Markets' (PDF) [Ioana Marinescu, US House of Representatives Committee of the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law].

In my testimony, I will make four points: Employers can suppress wages due to limited competition in the labor market. Simply put, workers cannot easily find alternative jobs in response to wage decreases (Azar, Berry, and Marinescu 2019). This allows an employer to pay a worker less than the marginal revenue productthe amount of value that the worker adds to the employers bottom line The majority (60%) of US labor markets are highly concentrated (Azar et al. 2018), i.e. they have a Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI) above the 2,500 high concentration threshold established by the Horizontal Merger Guidelines. Higher labor market concentration tends to lower wages (Azar, Marinescu, and Steinbaum 2017). For example, hospital mergers decrease wages by increasing labor market concentration (Prager and Schmitt 2018). Workers in concentrated labor markets are underpaid, so there is room to increase the minimum wage without reducing employment (Azar et al. 2019). Antitrust enforcement in labor markets should be strengthened. There is currently a large antitrust enforcement gap between product and labor markets, with labor antitrust lagging behind (I. E. Marinescu and Posner 2019). Yet, it is straightforward to take into account anticompetitive effects on the labor market in merger reviews (I. Marinescu and Hovenkamp 2018). Legislative action could facilitate antitrust enforcement in the labor market by codifying, clarifying, and in some cases strengthening the antitrust law (I. Marinescu and Posner 2019).

UPDATE Our Great Economy:

Today's new figures show that real wages are still below where they were before the recession. A return back to pre-recession levels will be just that: getting back to where we were 11 years ago. It won't instantly make up for the pay squeeze that's lasted for over a decade. pic.twitter.com/oXn8iTjzLz  Alex Collinson (@Alex__Collinson) January 21, 2020

News of the Wired

New twist on marshmallow test: Kids depend on each other for self control [Ars Technica]. In the 1970s, the late psychologist Walter Mischel explored the importance of the ability to delay gratification as a child to ones future success in life, via the famous Stanford marshmallow experiment. Now a team of German researchers has adapted the classic experimental setup with German and Kenyan schoolchildren and found that kids are more likely to delay gratification when they depend on each other. They described their findings in a recent paper in Psychological Science.  Fascinating study. Readers may wish to comment on the methodology.

The Internet of Sh*t. Thread:

Short Thread: staying with some friends and last night after everyone went to bed I could not figure out how to turn off the large ceiling light in their living room. There is a wall controller that seemed fairly straightforward. pic.twitter.com/vMcaqL6Gbr  Brock Wilbur (@brockwilbur) January 17, 2020

When you come at the king:

"What did you bring that book I don't want to be read to out of up for?" E.B. White, in a letter, proposing in his next book of grammar, to show how to end a sentence with five prepositions. (The speaker is a child whose parent has gone downstairs & returned with the wrong book.)  Jedediah Britton-Purdy (@JedediahSPurdy) January 21, 2020

The ineluctable Oxford Comma:

Does it have to be either/or? https://t.co/iinyBjTh4g pic.twitter.com/J6TZg4dnzS  Bernie Beats Trump (@doctorow) January 21, 2020

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JU writes: Flocked Forest, from last winter @ Mammoth.

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Above, impeachment managers Adam Schiff, Jerrold Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries. (AP Photo)

By Eric Felten, RealClearInvestigations

January 21, 2020

President Trump must be removed from office immediately, Democratic impeachment managers argue in a new brief, because he poses an immediate threat to the nation and the rule of law.

Given that the House majority sat on its impeachment referral for almost a month before taking it to the Senate, the sudden urgency may come as a surprise  though not to students of argument and language. The Democratic case against Trump detailed in the much more extensive House impeachment report shows how language can be used to compensate for shortcomings in the evidence. A careful reading of the report shows that its authors  not unlike those who wrote the Mueller report to suggest guilt they couldnt prove  are convinced that thin allegations can be bulked up if repeated often enough.

The repetitions that immediately stand out in the House report are the adjectives that dismiss the presidents defense well before that defense is made. Assertions or questions involving Ukraine made by Trump or his attorney Rudy Giuliani are typically prefaced with the words debunked or discredited, and usually followed by the characterization conspiracy theory. Debunked appears 22 times in the report; discredited 15 times; baseless 16 times and conspiracy 56 times. A few of those uses are by Republicans  Giuliani is quoted as saying the impeachment inquiry is baseless  but the vast majority are by Democrats to dismiss Trumps claims.

For example, arguing that Trump had committed high crimes and misdemeanors, the report accuses the president of pushing a discredited conspiracy theory alleging Ukrainian interference in the 2016 United States Presidential election. (Editors note: Phrases are italicized for emphasis here and throughout.)

In describing the trip Giuliani planned to take to Ukraine last May, the impeachment report might have stated in a straightforward manner that he wanted to pursue information about alleged Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election. Instead, the authors wrote that the presidents lawyer was pursuing debunked conspiracy theories about alleged Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election. In the same way, the report says that Giuliani was hoping to chase down not just claims about the Bidens but discredited claims about the Bidens.

Not debunked by the House impeachment report: this Politico article

But what are the Ukraine interference theories that have supposedly been discredited? Yes, there are speculations that are unverified (to use a term that was often repeated when the Steele dossier was in vogue). But for a Ukraine question that has not been discredited, the president and his allies often point to a January 2017 article in Politico that said Kiev officials were scrambling to make amends with the president-elect after quietly working to boost Clinton. Politico reported that Ukrainian government officials disseminated documents implicating a top Trump aide [Paul Manafort] in corruption and suggested they were investigating the matter, only to back away after the election. And they helped Clintons allies [Democratic National Committee contractor Alexandra Chalupa] research damaging information on Trump and his advisers.

The majority report not only neglects to provide any evidence that debunks or discredits this reporting, it ignores it altogether.

Ambassador Kurt Volker: Biden's a "person of integrity." End of story, according to the Democrats' impeachment report.

Questions about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter  who was reportedly paid $50,000 a month to serve on the board of a Ukrainian gas company while his father served as the U.S. governments point man for Ukraine policy -- get the same treatment.

According to the impeachment report, over breakfast Mr. Giuliani and Ambassador [Kurt] Volker discussed the discredited allegations against former Vice President Biden relating to Ukraine. Heres how Volker recounted this in his testimony to House investigators: I said to Rudy in that breakfast the first time we sat down to talk that it is simply not credible to me that Joe Biden would be influenced in his duties as vice president by money or things for his son or anything like that. Ive known him a long time, hes a person of integrity, and thats not credible.

Volker is not claiming to have any direct knowledge of Bidens thoughts or actions. Instead, he is offering ad hominem praise  Biden couldnt have acted corruptly because hes a good guy. This, of course, is a mirror image of the Democrats posture toward Trump, a posture made explicit in the report: a President who takes concrete steps toward engaging in impeachable conduct is not entitled to any benefit of the doubt.

Baseless is another of the adjectives authors of the report put to use in extensive question-begging. They might have stated that in his call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump made two demands for investigations. Instead they say the president made two demands for baseless investigations. The word is also put to work accusing Trump of giving currency to a baseless allegation that Vice President Biden wanted to remove the corrupt prosecutor because he was investigating Burisma, a company on whose board the Vice Presidents son sat at the time.

The use of baseless in the report is so reflexive as to be redundant. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, for example, is said to have been the target of a baseless smear campaign. The very notion of a smear campaign is that it is untrue. If the allegations werent baseless they wouldnt be a smear.

Yuri Lutsenko: In one part of the impeachment report, he's a truthteller. Elsewhere, he's unrelaible.

This is not to say the impeachment report never tries to justify its dismissive adjectives.

In footnote 620, House Democrats at last offer an argument rather than a mere assertion for dismissing accusations that the Bidens engaged in corruption involving Hunters well-paid seat on the board of Burisma. The argument goes like this: Viktor Shokin was the general prosecutor that Vice President Biden demanded be fired. Footnote 620 asserts that Shokin failed to prosecute corruption in Ukraine. Thus, his removal made it more  not less  likely that Ukrainian authorities might investigate any allegations of wrongdoing at Burisma

Equally telling are the reports handling of claims made by the prosecutor who succeeded Shokin as prosecutor general, Yuri Lutsenko. Initially, Lutsenko was not to be trusted because he had perpetuated this allegation of wrongdoing by the Bidens. Now he is a truthteller because he has since recanted and stated that there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Vice President Biden or his son. The footnote concludes: For these reasons, the allegations that Vice President Biden inappropriately pressured Ukraine to remove Mr. Shokin in order to protect his son are baseless.

Hunter and Joe Biden.

The accusation against the vice president is baseless because the man who had been making the allegation has since recanted and now says there in no evidence to support what he had been saying. It is a stretch to argue that an accusation is baseless because one witness has recanted. At the very least, one would want to know why he recanted. Was he finally free, for some compelling reason, to tell the truth? Or perhaps someone pressured him to change his story? Maybe he plays fast and loose with the facts, lying when convenient.

Any and all of these possibilities would have to be explored and answered before one could make any declaration as definitive as that accusations against the Bidens are baseless. The last possibility  that Lutsenko is a practiced liar  would be the most damaging to the argument that accusations against the Bidens are baseless. How inconvenient, then, that elsewhere in the impeachment report, Lutsenko is declared unreliable: Ambassador Yovanovitch described Mr. Lutsenko as an opportunist who will ally himself, sometimes simultaneously  with whatever political or economic forces he believes will suit his interests best at the time.

The use of the word baseless isnt just reserved for shutting down discussion and debate over disputed facts. It extends to dismissing legal claims as well: Trumps lawyers, according to the impeachment report, make baseless arguments.

Other repetitions, beyond baseless, discredited, and debunked, are employed in the impeachment reports jurisprudence. Working overtime is the Constitutions statement, in Article I, Section 2, Clause 5, that the House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. While invoking this phrase more than 60 times, the report seeks to make sole a synonym for carte blanche, arguing that sole power means a power unchecked by other branches. Thats the authors ace and they play it time and again.

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone: His call for due process is dismissed in the House report because none of these procedures are due to [Trump] under the Constitution.

White House Consel Pat Cipollone called on Congress to afford the president basic procedural safeguards in the impeachment investigation, including the right to see all evidence, to present evidence, to call witnesses, to have counsel present at all hearings, to cross-examine all witnesses, to make objections ... and to respond to evidence and testimony. No go.

Citing its sole Power of Impeachment, the House dismissed Trumps call for due process, claiming that none of these procedures are due to him under the Constitution.

Lets accept for the sake of argument that the Constitution does grant the House sole impeachment powers, defined as powers that stand unchecked and unquestionable by any other branch of government. Such a jurisprudential quirk stands at odds with the Constitutions basic structure and spirit of checks and balances. The House is claiming that its sole power of impeachment is an absolute power, and such claims are not attractive: Given the political nature of impeachment, an unseemly grasping at power could well color the Houses entire case.

'Where's the Crime?'

The case has another political weakness, one that the constitutional students of the House have labored furiously to shore up. Trumps supporters have asked repeatedly, But wheres the crime? The report responds that the president doesnt need to have committed a crime to be impeached because impeachment proceedings are not criminal in character.

If there is no crime being alleged, then what is the presidents offense and why is it impeachable? Offenses against the Constitution are different in kind than offenses against the criminal code, reads the House impeachment report. Some crimes, like jaywalking, are not impeachable. Some impeachable offenses, like abuse of power, are not crimes.

Abuse of power might seem vague and amorphous, but thats okay when it comes to removing a president. The House report cites more than once the eminent 19th-century Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, who wrote that impeachable offenses are of so various and complex a character, so utterly incapable of being defined, or classified, that the task of positive legislation would be impracticable, if it were not almost absurd to attempt it.

Where can we turn, then, to determine what is and is not (at least other than jaywalking) impeachable? The impeachment report turns once again to the Houses unchallengeable, sole power of impeachment, a power so categorical that it would trump any law Congress might pass in an effort to make clearer the grounds for removing a president from office. The Constitution vests the sole Power of Impeachment in the House, the report reminds us yet again; it is therefore doubtful that a statute enacted by one Congress  could bind the House at a later date.

A false quote in the House impeachment report is in the style of the fabricated transcript read by Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and later explained away as a parody of Trumps conversation with Ukraine's president.

Even if one accepts the argument that theres no specifying or cataloguing of impeachable offenses, it would seem that principle creates as much of a problem as it solves for the House impeachment managers. If X is a crime, the managers job is to prove that the president committed X; if X is not a crime, the managers must not only prove the president committed X, they have to persuade the Senate  and the public  that X is such an affront to decency and such a threat to the Constitution that it is rightly regarded an impeachable offense. Though the authors of the impeachment report insist that criminal law and impeachment are separate beasts, they grudgingly admit that the commission of crimes may strengthen a case for removal.

It may be in an effort to make its accusations have the appearance of criminality otherwise missing that the impeachment report makes up a faux presidential statement. The false quote is in the style of the fabricated transcript read by Adam Schiff and later explained away as a parody of Trumps conversation with Zelensky. The evidence thus demonstrates that President Trump used the powers of his office to make Ukraine an offer it had no real choice but to accept, according to the impeachment report: Help me get re-elected or you will not get the military and security assistance and diplomatic support you desperately need from the United States of America. But, of course, the president never said any such thing. He never said, Help me get re-elected, nor did he condition aid on acquiescence to something he hadnt said.

One can choose whether to refer to the House impeachment reports false quote as debunked, discredited, or baseless.
By PTI

PATNA: Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Monday sought to dispel misgivings about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Population Register but underscored that the Constitution guaranteed "right to freedom of expression" which ought to be respected while dealing with protests.

Paswan also claimed that it was at his instance that the Union Home Ministry agreed to "amend" the NPR forms wherein columns like those pertaining to places of birth of parents had triggered fears that the exercise might be a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"Even I do not know my date of birth. Do I cease to become a citizen on that account? I had told the Home Ministry that these things will cause confusion. Now the ministry has amended the forms", he told reporters here.

Notably, the Union Home Ministry had recently stated that people could "skip" the aforementioned columns after a request to the effect was made by many states, not ruled by the BJP, that these be "dropped".

The Union Minister, who holds Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution System portfolio, however sought to allay fears that people not possessing required documents could lose their citizenship and Muslims whom the CAA allegedly discriminates against would suffer the most.

"No government can dare to snatch away any persons citizenship. It will lead to an upheaval. Any regime which seeks to do so will be torn apart by the media. This is simply not possible", he said.

However, he added "we owe our rise in politics to the 1974 students movement. Now, students, the youth have their own sentiments. We cannot do much about that. But it is true that the police often goes overboard in enforcing rule of law", said Paswan, who is the founder of Lok Janshakti Party an NDA constituent.

"I do not hold an uncharitable view of the protests in Jamia Milia Islamia or JNU. People associated with these do keep meeting me over issues. We have cut our political teeth with freedom of speech and restraint in action as a cardinal principle."

"All these protesters including the women of Shaheen Bagh they all enjoy the right to freedom of expression", Paswan added.

Notably, the BJP the mightiest constituent of the NDA - has adopted a belligerent stance against the country-wide protests with top leaders like Union Home Minister Amit Shah dubbing these as a "conspiracy" hatched by those aiming at "disintegration" of the country.

The LJP founder, however, sought to defend the CAA, which seeks to fast-track grant of citizenship to non-Muslim refugees, who might have landed on the Indian soil by the year 2014, from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

"Unlike India, which is not a Hindu state, the three countries are Islamic republics. The Act aims at granting citizenship to refugees, as distinct from infiltrators, who may have fled because of religious persecution", he said.

Asked about the rationale behind leaving out Muslims, Paswan said "it is not that doors of Indian citizenship have been slammed shut on Muslims from any country.

But when the Amendment sought to help minorities in three Islamic countries, Muslims could not have been brought under its ambit".

The LJP leader who was previously with the UPA sought to know "why did the Congress not raise objections while in power if it really has so much of a problem with NPR? "Why did it preside over a similar exercise in 2010? And the CAA has come into force after being passed by both Houses of the Parliament, with us (NDA) not having a majority in the Rajya Sabha.

In this backdrop, the noise by the opposition parties leaves me bewildered? he asked.
The European Union will discuss all ways to uphold a formal ceasefire in Libya but any peace settlement will need real EU support in order to make it hold, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said yesterday.

Asked about whether the EU could consider a military peace-keeping mission, Mr Borrell said: "A ceasefire requires someone to take care of it.

"You cannot say, 'this is a ceasefire' and forget about it," he said.

"Someone has to monitor it, to manage it."

Foreign powers agreed at a summit in Berlin on Sunday to shore up a shaky truce in Libya, which has been in turmoil since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, as two rival governments in the east and the west vie for power and energy resources.

The EU, which has military missions around the world, has struggled to keep a team of experts in Tripoli in order to support the UN-backed government there due to security concerns.

But Mr Borrell has said that the EU must do more to defend its interests.

Also asked if the EU's naval mission off the Libyan coast could be restarted, Mr Borrell said: "I think we have to revive it, yes."

The EU ceased maritime patrols under its EU operation, called Sophia, at the end of March last year after Italy, where anti-migrant sentiment is rising, said it would no longer receive those rescued at sea.

EU governments did want the mission to continue because they felt that it had been effective in dissuading people-smugglers and upholding a UN arms embargo on Libya, meaning Rome's position remains central to putting boats back on the water.
Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou leaves B.C. Supreme Court for lunch break during the first day of her extradition trial in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Jan. 20, 2020. (REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson)

Huawei CFO Extradition Trial Kicks Off in Canada

Huaweis Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou appeared in a Vancouver court for the first day of her extradition trial, which would decide if she can be transferred to the United States for criminal processing.

Mengs trial comes more than a year after she was arrested in Vancouver in December 2018, upon an extradition request by the United States, where she is indicted on fraud charges.

U.S. federal prosecutors allege that Meng misled U.S.-based banks about the companys business dealings in Iran, causing the banks to violate U.S. sanctions. They say she lied to bank representatives about Huaweis relationship with an Iranian company, which was in fact a subsidiary of Huawei.

The trial could take monthsor even yearsto conclude.

Mengs case sparked an escalating diplomatic row between Canada and China. Weeks after her arrest, Chinese authorities detained two Canadiansformer Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavoron spying charges in apparent retaliation. Beijing went on to block imports of Canadian canola seed and other agricultural products.

Meng, 47, who is also the daughter of the companys founder Ren Zhengfei, is currently out on bail in Canada. She says she is innocent and will fight extradition, in part, on grounds that her alleged conduct is not illegal in Canada. This is known as the standard of double criminality.

Double Criminality

The first phase of the trial, held at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is expected to last at least four days. It will focus on the issue of double criminality: Prosecutors will need to prove that the U.S. crime that Meng is accused of committing also constitutes a crime in Canada.

Canadian prosecutors case rests on the accusation that Meng lied to representatives of HSBC in 2013 about Huaweis relationship with Skycom, an affiliate of the company that did business in Iran. Meng, prosecutors allege, told HSBC that Skycom was a partner when it was in fact a subsidiary, which caused the bank to clear transactions in violation of Iran sanctions.

They say that Mengs alleged conduct put HSBC at risk of financial loss, and thus makes it sufficient to establish a case of fraud in Canada.

Inducing a bank to extend financial services by lying to it is criminal, the prosecution said in court filings.

To establish HSBCs deprivation, there is no need to consider American sanctions law.

Mengs lawyers, however, argue that the alleged fraud does not constitute a crime in Canada because it, unlike the United States, has not imposed sanctions against companies doing business with Iran.

Would we be here in the absence of U.S. sanctions law? And  our response is no, defense lawyer Richard Peck told the court on Jan. 20.

In a typical case, double criminality is not contentious. This case however is founded on an allegation of breach of U.S. sanctions, sanctions which Canada has expressly repudiated, he added.

The courtroom was packed, with more than 100 people in the gallery.

Michael Splatt, criminal defense counsel at Ottawa-based firm Abergel Goldstein & Partners, told The Epoch Times that while Meng faces as uphill battle due to the extremely low standards of proof in extradition hearings, her defense team does present a very good argument on the point of double criminality.

If you take the United States out of the picture, would she have been arrested and detained when she came into Canada? And the answer is, obviously, no, he said.

However, Toronto-based lawyer and adjunct professor of international law at York University Leo Adler, told The Epoch Times that the key issue is whether a fraud has been committed. Canadas lack of sanctions against Iran is not a primary factor in this inquiry, he said.

If the prosecutors can convince the judge that Meng lied to the bank about Huaweis relationship with Skycom, and that it occurred during the course of negotiations, then I think [the prosecution]  has a decent shot in proving double criminality, Adler said.

If the effect [of the alleged lie] is that it could have created a danger to HSBC, then its a fraud, Adler said.

You can call it a sanctions [violation] on the one side [United States]. Its a fraud here [in Canada].

Both Splatt and Adler are not involved in the case.

Legal experts have said it could be years before a final decision is reached in the case, since Canadas justice system allows many decisions to be appealed.

The Canadian case also stands amid a backdrop of intensifying scrutiny of Huawei in the United States. The Trump administration blacklisted the company in 2019 from doing business with U.S. firms on national security grounds. U.S. authorities are reportedly considering adding further restrictions on U.S. companies that sell to the Shenzhen-based company.

U.S. officials and experts have sounded the alarm about the potential for Huawei equipment to be used by the Chinese regime for spying or to disrupt communication networks. Such concerns arise from the companys links with the Chinese military, as well as the fact that Chinese law compels companies to cooperate with intelligence agencies when asked. The company denies the allegations.

While U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in December 2018 that he would intervene in Mengs case if it served U.S. national security interests or helped close a trade deal with China, the matter did not feature in the phase one trade deal struck between the two countries last week.

Recently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC that security issues surrounding Huawei do not figure into trade discussions with Beijing, but part of the national security dialogue, which is ongoing.

Mengs legal team is currently only scheduled to call evidence in the last week of April, and a second phase of the trial, focusing on abuse of process and whether Canadian officials followed the law while arresting Meng, is set to begin in June. Closing arguments are expected in the last week of September and first week of October.

Reuters contributed to this report.
NEW YORK and LONDON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR) and FundsLibrary Limited announce that Broadridge has entered into an agreement to acquire FundsLibrary, a leader in fund document and data dissemination in the European market, from its parent company Hargreaves Lansdown. Combining FundsLibrary's capabilities with Broadridge's existing regulatory communications offerings will enable Broadridge to significantly reduce complexity and cost for global fund managers, helping them to increase distribution opportunities and meet their regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

FundsLibrary's services link fund managers to distributors and investors to provide complete, accurate and timely information supporting fund sales. The solution helps fund managers increase distribution opportunities and comply with both UK domestic and EU regulations such as Solvency II and MiFID II, and makes information easily accessible for investors in digital format. Integrating FundsLibrary's data platform and technology with Broadridge's existing fund calculation, translation and document creation capabilities creates an end-to-end solution for fund managers and distributors. This comes at a time where there is growing demand for transparency, operational efficiency and compliant communications in an increasingly competitive and highly regulated environment.

"Today, global fund managers face a real challenge in creating and disseminating compliant marketing and regulatory documents that meet domestic and cross-border requirements throughout the EU and UK," said Samir Pandiri, president, Broadridge International. "The acquisition is a natural extension of Broadridge's regulatory communications business and the next step in creating a leading pan-European digital data platform, supporting the lifecycle of fund data, documents, and regulatory reporting for the investment industry."

"FundsLibrary has had an enviable track record within the investment industry for its breadth, quality and timeliness of fund data solutions," said Arun Sarwal, CEO of FundsLibrary. "We are excited to be joining forces with Broadridge to enable us to serve our clients across a larger part of their global value chain and to extend our services across multiple geographies."

The acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and is expected to close in mid- to late-February. Grant Thornton UK LLP acted as lead financial advisor to Hargreaves Lansdown plc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical in nature and which may be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "assumes," "projects," "anticipates," "estimates," "we believe," "could be" and other words of similar meaning, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on Broadridge management's expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include:

the success of Broadridge in retaining and selling additional services to its existing clients and in obtaining new clients;

Broadridge's reliance on a relatively small number of clients, the continued financial health of those clients, and the continued use by such clients of Broadridge's services with favorable pricing terms;

material security breach or cybersecurity attack affecting the information of Broadridge's clients;

changes in laws and regulations affecting Broadridge's clients or the services provided by Broadridge;

declines in participation and activity in the securities markets;

the failure of Broadridge's key service providers to provide the anticipated levels of service;

a disaster or other significant slowdown or failure of Broadridge's systems or error in the performance of Broadridge's services;

overall market and economic conditions and their impact on the securities markets;

Broadridge's failure to keep pace with changes in technology and the demands of its clients;

the ability to attract and retain key personnel;

the impact of new acquisitions and divestitures; and

competitive conditions.

There may be other factors that may cause Broadridge actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Broadridge's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Broadridge can give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully read the factors described in the "Risk Factors" section of Broadridge's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 for a description of certain risks that could, among other things, cause Broadridge's actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this press release. Broadridge disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than as required by law.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR), a $4 billion global Fintech leader, is a leading provider of investor communications and technology-driven solutions to banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and corporate issuers. Broadridge's infrastructure underpins proxy voting services for over 50 percent of public companies and mutual funds globally, and processes on average more than U.S. $7 trillion in fixed income and equity securities trades per day. Broadridge is part of the S&P 500 Index and employs over 11,000 associates in 18 countries.

About FundsLibrary

FundsLibrary is a leading digital platform supporting the life cycle of fund data, documents and regulatory reporting for the Asset Management industry. The company manages data for around 40,000 investment products, sourced from some 700 global fund groups and supports over 180 million requests each year.

Recognised for the breadth and depth of their fund data and document distribution, they have been delivering a wide range of fund data, digital and regulatory solutions for over 15 years, providing digital solutions to 10 of the top 20 UK investment platforms and supporting the regulatory services of 15 of Europe's largest fund managers.

Media Contacts:

Broadridge:

North America:

Matthew Luongo

Prosek Partners

+1 646-396-0966

[email protected]

Europe:

Charlie Morrow

Cognito

+44 (0) 20 7426 9400

[email protected]

FundsLibrary:

Caroline Abrahams

+44 (0)117 313 4637

[email protected]

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.broadridge.com


Ministries demand more airports open to private investment Updated: 10:26 - 21/01/2020

A view of Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCM City__Photo: VNA

Five ministries have universally rejected a proposal by the transport ministry to restrict private investment in the countrys biggest airports and instead hand the job to a single company.In its proposal on mobilizing private investment into airports, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) suggested fully opening three planned small-scale airports in Sa Pa town and Lai Chau and Quang Tri provinces to private firms.Investment in 22 airports, including the biggest and those generating the highest annual revenue, like Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and Da Nang together with the mega airport project Long Thanh, would continue to be in the sole hands of the joint-stock company Airports Corporations of Vietnam (ACV).Private companies could participate in infrastructure projects at the airports in question, but would be limited to minor tasks. ACV would be the one to manage and supervise all investment projects at the airports.In a document responding to the transport ministry regarding its proposal, the Ministry of Justice said that facilitating more private investment into building and running airports was essential given the strained national budget.The MoT should hold a thorough assessment to scrutinize the capabilities and performance of ACV while managing the airports.The assessment result would serve as a factual base to determine whether to go along with the proposal or to strip ACV of its current role and level the market for private firms.The ministry said that any airports deemed not of highest importance to be invested and owned by the State were found to be mismanaged by ACV should have their doors opened to private investors.The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), meanwhile, lashed out at the transport ministrys proposal for not being able to ensure of both theoretical and practical bases".It also recommended lifting the restrictions on the number of airports open to private investment. The decision to determine whether an airport might need investment from the private sector should not be based on a particular list, MPI said, but rather the airports demand for capital and the capability to balance the budget.The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Construction in their own responses to the proposal also asked the transport ministry to reconsider its limited list of airports allowed to receive private investment.The somewhat key role of ACV in the proposal raised red flags from the ministries.The justice ministry demanded the MoT prove the legal basis for its proposal to leave ACV in charge of selecting investors for projects in 22 airports it was overseeing.It explained that ACV, though 95.4 percent of its shares were owned by the State, was not a State-owned but a joint stock company. Thus it was ineligible for ACV to represent the Government to choose investors to invest in, build and upgrade airports, the ministry added.The MPI was also against such big role for ACV, pointing out the firm was simply a State majority-owned enterprise and not a public entity holding jurisdiction on the matter.Handing ACV the power to determine the private investment in aviation ports was plainly inappropriate", it concluded.The Ministry of Finance, meanwhile, called on the MoT to clarify the reasons why ACV was allowed to play such a big role in the proposal - to oversee all 22 airports and take charge of private investment there  in order to maintain standards of transparency.-
A Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed after taking off from the Iranian capital on Jan. 8 was downed by two short-range surface-to-air missiles, Irans Civil Aviation Organization said in a second preliminary investigation report, Trend reports citing Bloomberg.

The Tor-M1 missiles were launched at the Kyiv-bound Boeing 737-800 jetliner from the north, according to the report.
MIAMI, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MediGreen US, a leading innovator of vertical production and retail services for the cannabis industry, announces an agreement in principle to acquire a farm in Oregon. The move comes shortly after Oregon's legislature voted to allow interstate commerce in cannabis-related goods, and awaits a license from Oregon authorities.

Since 2014, Oregon's legal recreational-cannabis industry has developed even more successfully than its early proponents imagined. Licenses to grow cannabis were distributed relatively freely in legalization's early years, and growers responded enthusiastically. With federal laws prohibiting interstate commerce in cannabis, states have been reluctant to pursue their own agreements. Robust production and a closed retail market have created a glut of cannabis in Oregon that has sent wholesale prices plummeting and threatened the livelihoods of growers throughout the state.

That may be about to change, says MediGreen US CEO Eliran Bar.

"States have been leading the conversation about sensible cannabis laws for decades," he notes, "and they will continue to. It's been a slow process, but the industry has done a remarkably good job of proving its operational soundness and economic value. Interstate commerceespecially between neighboring states like Oregon and Washingtonis the next step toward developing a mature nationwide cannabis industry."

MediGreen is uniquely poised to help that development. Its operations include a complete vertical chain, including farms in Colorado and Florida, state-of-the-art testing labs, a proven distribution chain, and successful retail operations. Its entry into the Oregon market promises to advance both the state's cannabis industry and the drive to relax federal prohibitions on the interstate transfer of cannabis-related goods.

"Oregon was just the third state to legalize recreational cannabis," Bar points out. "Back in 2014, that was a bold move. It turned out to be the right one, but six years later the entire industry is ready for the next step."

"We understand why Oregon has curtailed the licensure of new cannabis-growing operations. We also agree the Oregon legislature that the best way forward isn't to contract Oregon's cannabis industry. It's to expand it across state lines. MediGreen is an ideal partner in that effort, and we look forward to helping advance Oregon's cannabis industry and overall economy."

MediGreen is a global cannabis pioneer that leverages research and vertical innovation partnerships to create cross-industry growth.

Contact:

Eliran Bar

+1-917-703-2465

[email protected]

SOURCE MediGreen

Related Links

http://www.medigreenus.com


Its a big shift for him personally, and his use of the bully pulpit is a new dynamic in Democrats push to shore up voting laws in key states before its too late to make a difference for them in the midterms.
The Irish Farmer's Association (IFA) says farmers are tired of being kicked around and scapegoated when it comes to climate action.

It is holding an event today in an effort to address some of the issues.

The 'Climate Action in Agriculture - A Balanced Approach' event takes place at the RCPI in Dublin this afternoon.

President of the Irish Farmer's Association Joe Healy says Irish farmers are the most carbon efficient in the world.

"Very little has been said about what Irish farming has done sequestering carbon. Irish dairy farmers are the most carbon efficient producers of dairy product in Europe and in the top five when it comes to beef production," said Mr Healy.

"What we don't want to see is carbon leakage and if we stop producing those two products here then we will see other countries, like Brazil, jumping in to fill that vacuum and they are up to five times less carbon efficient than we are."

Mr Healy claims that since 1990 emissions have only increased by 1% despite the fact that agriculture has increased it's production by 40%.

"We also have a roadmap for the next 10 years, the Teagasc Climate Abatement Plan, and within that Teagasc guesstimates that we have the potential to reduce our emissions by over 30-40% over the next ten years."

However, An Taisce says that the claim that Irish beef is greener is completely false.

It claims that the IFA has set out to "systematically misrepresent" the science on climate change.

"Our agricultural emissions in this sector have risen by well over 20%," said spokesperson for An Taisce, John Gibbons.

"There has been no decoupling, there is no magic formula to remove methane from the atmosphere quickly.

"This is nothing more than a political talking point being pushed from a very partisan point of view by an organisation that has set about to systematically misrepresent the science."

Mr Gibbons said that farmers are importing vast amounts of feed from overseas because there is not enough grass.

"Lasy year, Ireland imported 5.3 million tonnes of feed for our vast herd because we couldn't grow enough of this grassland that we keep talking about to actually feed our own animals," said Mr Gibbons.

"Where are we importing this feed from? South America and from Asia.

"In so doing, we are contributing to food insecurity in other parts of the world."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 21:42:13|Editor: mingmei

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HONG KONG, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's food safety authority decided on Tuesday to suspend the import of poultry products from the Czech Republic and part of Ukraine due to bird flu outbreaks there.

The Center for Food Safety (CFS) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said that in view of notifications from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza in the Czech Republic and an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in Vinnytsia Oblast in Ukraine, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products, including poultry eggs, from the above areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that since Hong Kong has not established any protocol with the Czech Republic for import of poultry meat and eggs, there is no import of such commodities from the country.

According to the HKSAR government's Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 3,100 tons of frozen poultry meat and 59.7 million poultry eggs from Ukraine in the first nine months of last year.

"The CFS has contacted the Czech and Ukrainian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the OIE and the relevant authorities on avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate actions will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.
I have received so much from so many, and Im deeply grateful. PPA enabled me to reach higher and to help others to reach higher, too. -- Helen Yancy

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) held its Award and Degree ceremony and Grand Imaging Awards last night at Imaging USA 2020, the largest annual conference and trade show for professional photographers. The overall Grand Imaging Award went to Dani Miller, for her image, Myrtle and Amelia, in the Animal Portrait category. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to highly decorated photographer and mentor, Helen Yancy.

Yancy is just the 17th photographer in the associations 152-year history to receive that designation. In my wildest dreams, I never expected to be honored in such an amazing way by PPA, she said. I have received so much from so many, and Im deeply grateful. PPA enabled me to reach higher and to help others to reach higher, too.

A member of the prestigious Portrait Society of America, Cameracraftsmen of America, and the Society of XXV, Yancy is one of fewer than 100 fellows of the American Society of Photographers. She has served as PPA president and chairman of the Board of Directors and holds numerous degrees and accolades, including being honored by the United Nations International Photographic Council with a medallion of leadership. Yancy is one of only a few Americans to be honored as a Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography, in part thanks to her leadership in establishing ties between PPA and the British Institute.

Accolades aside, it is Yancys artful imagery portraying people and their relationships that has endeared her to clients and made her a sought-after mentor for countless photographers. Her book Ordinary to Elegant: Transforming Photographs into Digital Paintings, remains a bestseller, and her oil, watercolor, mixed-media, and photographic portraits are displayed in hundreds of homes and in permanent collections and exhibitions around the world.

Yancys distinct painterly styleinfused with sensitivity, realism, and imaginationhas influenced generations of artists. Helen Yancy has made so many extraordinary contributions to professional photographers and artists around the world, says PPA President Audrey Wancket, M.Photog.Cr., CPP.

Her film and image retouching and artistry skillsand the early adoption of digital art along with teaching these skillsimproved the beauty and quality of all photographers work.

The ceremony honoring Yancy was followed by the Grand Imaging Awards, the top prize going to Dani Miller, a multiple-award-winning portrait photographer from St. Charles, Iowa, who was selected as the winner from a pool of 12 category winners. The other winners were:



Gena Tussey in the Creative Open category

Kimberly Smith in the Photographic Open Album category

Johnathan Fusco and Tomas Munoz in the Wedding Album category

Michelle Parsley in the Artist category

Irene Bowers for the top Restoration image

Erica Harvey in the Landscape/Nature category last years GIA winner, Ella Carlson, in the Illustrative/Commercial category

Heather Cook in the General Portrait Category

Dani Miller in the Animal Portrait category

David Beckham in the High School Senior category

Gigi Odea in the Childrens Portrait category

Mario Munoz in the Wedding category

Each category winner received a crystal award. Miller received an award and an additional $1000 prize. Upon winning Miller thanked her mentor, Barbara Breitsameter, and PPA itself, thanking the association for "opening our creative minds and inspiring each other."

The Grand Imaging Awards encourage photographers to up their creativity by pushing themselves through competition. The Grand Imaging Award winner was selected from 5,245 entries. Millers image was judged by a panel of 36 jurors to be the very best of images in this years loan collection.

In addition to the Grand Imaging Award, PPA awarded medalists from the IPC. Bronze medalists had all four of their submitted images earn merits. Silver medalists had one of their images entered into the Loan collection and on up to a four-for-four, perfect case for Diamond medalists. At this years ceremony, PPA awarded 170 bronze, 128 silver, 60 gold, 37 platinum, and 20 diamond medalists.

The night concluded with a presentation on the images selected for Team USA at the World Photographic Cup, the Olympics of photography, wherein 43 countries compete in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2020. Erich Caparas was given the honor of "Best of Nation" for the U.S.

District Photographic Competitions are held June 7-12, 2020. It is followed by the International Photographic Competition August 16-21, 2020. All PPA photographic competitions are open to the public. For more information, visit PPA.com/Competitions.

About PPA:

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association with a 150-year history. It currently helps 30,000+ pros elevate their craft and grow their business with resources, protection, and education, all under PPAs core guiding principle of bridging the gap between what photographers do as artists and entrepreneurs and what consumers want.
AMES, Iowa - As the Senate begins President Donald Trumps impeachment trial on Capitol Hill, Democrat Joe Biden is 1,000 miles away in Iowa, trying to capitalize on the circumstances without allowing the proceedings to overshadow the closing case hes making ahead of the first 2020 votes.

The character of the nation is on the ballot, Biden told a few hundred potential caucus-goers Tuesday at Iowa State University. Weve never seen ... such an abuse of power by a president.

Yet Biden mostly sidestepped the potentially complicating reality that hes intertwined with the root cause of Trumps impeachment case: The president pressured the Ukraine president to declare a public investigation of Biden and his son Hunter Biden based on discredited theories about the younger Bidens foreign business dealings.

I fully understand the way they tried to malign my only surviving son, Joe Biden said in his only brush with the specifics. Yet Bidens aides have worked furiously to get ahead of any effort by Senate Republicans to use the trial to smear him.

Kate Bedingfield and Tony Blinken, top campaign aides to Biden, distributed a memo to the media on Monday, at the start of a three-day Iowa swing for Biden, saying Trump is the only American president to have weaponized foreign and national security policy in an attempt to coerce a foreign country into lying about a rival presidential candidate.

Separately Tuesday, the campaign released a nearly four-minute video featuring a Biden staffer drinking a beer and explaining to viewers what really happened in Ukraine. In it, Andrew Bates uses a vulgarity in describing Trumps framing of the situation.

The memo and video underscore the Biden campaigns long-established strategy of aggressively countering Trumps broadsides, a lesson his aides say they learned from Hillary Clintons handling of Trump in 2016. But it is also an acknowledgment that Biden cannot necessarily control this story line, especially as some Republicans and conservative media push the idea, however unlikely, that the Bidens should testify before the Senate.

With that in mind, the memo urged media not to repeat a malicious and conclusively debunked conspiracy theory from the White House and GOP claiming that the Bidens engaged in wrongdoing when Hunter Biden served on the board of a Ukrainian energy firm while Joe Biden handled U.S. foreign affairs in the same country.

Indeed, Trumps unsupported assertions have always depended on the discredited accusation that the elder Biden pressed for the firing of top Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin to spare his sons company, Burisma, from scrutiny. Ousting Shokin was, in fact, the official position of the U.S. government and its Western allies, including European Union nations and the International Monetary Fund leadership, because Shokin was believed to be incompetent or corrupt himself.

House impeachment articles now being considered by the Senate are pegged to disclosures that Trump held up congressionally appropriated aid to Ukraine as he pressured President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to announce an investigation into the Bidens.

The Biden campaign insists that Trumps trial wont distract from the former vice-presidents campaign effort and can be a boon to Bidens argument that he is the Democrat with the best shot to defeat Trump in November.

Its certainly not something people talk about at town hall meetings, insisted senior campaign adviser Anita Dunn. It illustrates the lengths to which Donald Trump will go not to run against Joe Biden.

Indeed, no one in Ames asked Biden about Hunter Biden or the Senate trial, but there are instances from the campaign trail showing potential risks for Biden.

In late December, he spent several days dealing with questions about whether hed testify if called. He eventually told a voter at one of his events that hed comply with a subpoena, though he sees no legal basis to be called, because the impeachment case against Trump is about the presidents actions, not Bidens or his sons. It now seems unlikely that the Bidens will be called. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated he prefers a quick trial that is virtually guaranteed to end without Trump being convicted and removed from office.

Earlier in December, Biden angrily rebuked an Iowa voter who accused him of selling access to the president and getting Hunter a job and work for a gas company that he had no experience to justify. Biden called the man a damn liar. He offered the usual details during the campaign event and to reporters afterward: Hunter Biden joined the Burisma board without notifying his father; theres no law preventing a vice-presidents son from taking international posts, just as Trumps children still advance his real estate interests abroad; and Ukrainian officials have said they found no wrongdoing in Hunter Bidens service on the board.

Yet the result was a new round of headlines and a day of cable news coverage involving Trump, Biden and Ukraine. And, on that day at least, it overshadowed what would have been a significant story for Biden: an endorsement from former Secretary of State John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee.

___

AP National Political Writer Steve Peoples in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.

___

Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast, Ground Game.
The family of a woman who died from a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer has said she may not have suffered as much pain had her GP sent her for a scan earlier.

Christine Monahan died five months after attending her GP, Dr Pawel Kaminski, complaining of a painful throat.

Dr Kaminski accepted three allegations of poor professional performance in relation to the treatment of Ms Monahan over five visits to his surgery at the Ballyowen Lane Medical Centre in Lucan in 2015 at a hearing of the Irish Medical Council's Fitness to Practise Committee yesterday.

The committee heard Ms Monahan (52), of Wood Avens, Clondalkin, attended his clinic with a painful throat in June 2015 and was ultimately diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer and died on October 20.

Dr Kaminski accepted he failed to arrange for Ms Monahan to be referred for an ultrasound or other appropriate radiological investigation as well as failing to keep an adequate medical record for follow-up action when she visited his surgery on June 11, 2015.

The GP said he could not recall the consultation but accepted he had recorded "for US" in her medical records, which indicated an intention to refer her for an ultrascan.

He said the reason he didn't may have been because he was waiting for the transfer of medical records from her previous GP.

Dr Kaminski also accepted he had failed to refer her to an endocrinologist or prescribe appropriate medications for her condition on four subsequent visits over the next eight weeks after he had diagnosed her with an overactive thyroid.

He further acknowledged that his referral letter for Ms Monahan to the radiology department at St James's Hospital on August 6 failed to provide adequate information about her condition to ensure the case was treated as urgent.

Independent medical expert Dr Triona Farrell said while Dr Kaminski could not have been expected to diagnose anaplastic thyroid cancer, he had failed to recognise the potential serious nature of Ms Monahan's condition.

Dr Kaminski, who is originally from Poland, has been working as a GP in Ireland since 2012. He now works in a practice in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

Before giving evidence he apologised to Ms Monahan's family for the distress his errors had caused them.

In a statement, Janice Monahan said her mother, who had Parkinson's disease, had felt unwell after attending a Take That concert in late May 2015.

She said her mother had attended Dr Kaminski after her pain increased and she began losing weight.

She returned a number of times to the GP as she was in agony and had become ashamed about going out in public because of the size of the lump on her neck.

Ms Monahan said her family were never told by the GP their mother could have cancer.

"If the GP had sent her for a scan earlier she may not have suffered as much pain," she said.

Ms Monahan said they did not want Dr Kaminski to lose everything but also felt he should not be allowed to make the same mistake again.

The committee did not disclose the sanctions it has proposed to the Medical Council.
[January 21, 2020] Verto Analytics Gains $16 Million in Latest Funding Boost

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verto Analytics Inc., a behavioral analytics platform based in Helsinki and New York City, announced today it has successfully completed its new growth round of $16 million. The round was completed over the past 18 months in several tranches, and formally closed before the end of December 2019.

This latest growth round is Vertos third significant round of funding, following the seed round in 2014, and the Series A round in 2016. Vertos earlier venture rounds were used to boost Vertos product development and panel build-out. This new round is focused on accelerating commercial rollout of new solutions (both syndicated and custom), and making strategic improvements to Vertos excellent customer service. Why Verto Analytics Attracts Venture Capital This latest round of funding came from some of Vertos earlier venture capital investors, including Conor Venture Partners, Open Ocean Capital, and Finnish Industry Investment, and its existing management team and founders. Several new investors also came onboard. They include: OP Bank Finland

Saastopankki Bank Fund

Professional and private investors via Springvest

Angel investor Tom Glocer (former CEO of Thomson Reuters)

Angel investor Ben Feder (currently an executive at Tencent, formerly CEO of Take Two Interactive)

Angel investor Steve Marshall (founder of Invision)

Angel investor Steve Farella (chairman of MDC Media Partners) The round also welcomed investments from technology-focused private angel investors and professional family offices, who believe in Vertos growth potential. Verto Analytics continues to attract funding for several reasons: Strong customer base.

Excellent track record of solving key business problems for technology and Internet companies, brands, publishers, market researchers.

Strict adherence to current regulatory guidelines; all Vertos processes and solutions comply with the strictest data privacy standards. Vertos panel-based approach is fully GDPR and CCPA compliant.



This new round gives us added momentum to strengthen our commercial operations and continue our R&D, says Pat Brennan, president of U.S. operations at Verto Analytics. Well leverage key customer feedback to add new features to our market research solutions.

About Verto Analytics Verto Analytics is a media measurement company. Its behavioral analytics platform helps brands and companies get a holistic view of consumers, including their behavior, along with demographics, lifestyles, attitudes, and interests. Verto Analytics owns and operates single-source, passively metered panels in different countries; these panels measure behavioral changes over time across all media, second by second. Brands, publishers, and researchers leverage Vertos services to benchmark against competitors and the market, fill in the gaps in the consumer journey, and identify ways to increase engagement and loyalty. Vertos behavioral research platform equips market researchers with deep, passive meter data solutions and the application of triggered surveys on top of the panel. Verto has been awarded in many categories over the years, in market research, including the Winner of Technology Breakthrough Award at Media Excellence Awards All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. For more information: https://www.vertoanalytics.com Contact: Hannu Verkasalo +1 (347) 223 1856 hannu.verkasalo(at)vertoanalytics(dot)com

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An Alabama lawmaker is calling for the resignation of Limestone County Judge Doug Patterson, who remains on the state payroll despite being suspended and indicted on felony charges.

State Rep. Andy Whitt, whose district includes a portion of Limestone County, said Patterson should resign so taxpayer money isnt wasted on the salary of a judge who isnt working.

Whitt said the countys other three judges are overworked because theyve taken on Pattersons cases since he was suspended from the bench last fall.

As AL.com has reported previously, Patterson continues to draw his $10,808.84 monthly gross salary. Most recently he received his bi-weekly paycheck on Jan. 13, according to the state checkbook.

Thats the only thing keeping him in office  his desire to draw a salary, Whitt said. Its keeping us from moving forward. Enough is enough.

Efforts to reach Patterson for comment were unsuccessful. Its unclear whether he has an attorney.

Whitt said Limestone Countys other judges have told him that court dockets are overflowing and cases are being delayed. A new judge cant take office while Patterson still holds the position.

Robert Baker, the countys presiding judge, didnt return a call for comment.

Whitt said hes drafting legislation that would prevent indicted public officials from drawing paychecks if they are suspended. He said if an official is acquitted at trial and returns to work, their pay would be returned. But if an official is convicted, the new legislation could prevent a waste of taxpayer money.

Whitt said his proposed legislation wouldnt affect public officials who are indicted but continue carrying out the duties of their offices. For example, Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely has been indicted in an unrelated case on a dozen felony charges of theft and abuse of power. But because he continues to fulfill the duties of his office, he would continue drawing a paycheck under the legislation Whitt is proposing. Whitt said he plans to introduce a bill during the upcoming session, which begins Feb. 4.

Patterson was indicted late last year on three felony charges of abuse of power, theft and financial exploitation of the elderlycrimes he confessed to in a letter written to the other local judges.

He is accused of using his position as a district judge to steal about $47,000 from a juvenile court fund. During his previous work as a lawyer, Patterson is accused of stealing thousands from two clients: one who was incapacitated and living in a nursing home for veterans, and a second who died.

Whitt called Pattersons case a black eye for Limestone County.

In addition to his criminal case, Patterson faces a separate trial at the Alabama Court of the Judiciary, which is solely dedicated to ruling on complaints filed against judges by the state Judicial Inquiry Commission. A trial date hasnt yet been scheduled.

The court could take actions against Patterson such as removal from office, suspension without pay, censure or a lifetime ban from being a judge.

If Patterson resigns before trial, an official said, the proceedings would likely move forward  unless the commission asked the court to dismiss the complaint.

Patterson is accused of violating the Alabama Canons of Ethics by either having committed at least one of the crimes charged in the indictment or having created the appearance he had committed one or more of those crimes, according to the commissions complaint.

In either instance, his conduct has brought the judicial office into disrepute and degraded public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary, the complaint states.

In the criminal case, Patterson is scheduled to appear in Limestone County Circuit Court on Feb. 11 for arraignment. At the hearing, hell be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Retired Circuit Judge Steven Haddock, of neighboring Morgan County, is presiding over Pattersons criminal case. Haddock has said he plans to schedule Pattersons criminal trial in June.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the first day of the 2020 legislative session. It begins Feb. 4.
PINEVILLE, S.C. - Three people who were found dead in a car in rural South Carolina appear to have been fatally shot and may have been involved in a crash, according to a sheriff.

The car was found in a field near Pineville, Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis told news outlets late Monday night. Authorities responded after receiving a call Monday afternoon about a disabled car.

It does appear that there were gunshots fired, but because of the wide area, were having to painstakingly go through the scene to try to determine what happened, Lewis said.

The men killed were Martice Green, 23, Desmond Williams, 22, and Malik Gibbs, 19, Berkeley County Coroner George Oliver said. Autopsies have been scheduled for Wednesday.

Pineville is about 45 miles (72 kilometres) north of Charleston.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday urged youths to realise their potential and commit themselves to the development of society.

Value-based services are of utmost importance in today's world and working for only individual success does not give much satisfaction, Sonowal said at the concluding ceremony of the three-day Chief Minister's Youth Conclave.

"Youths must strive to equip themselves with required skills, knowledge through and hardwork to achieve excellence. Students should judiciously utilise time and not get distracted in pursuit of a successful life," he said.

The state government is committed to making northeast the new engine of growth for the country and capture the market in Southeast Asian countries through the Act East Policy, he added.

The youth conclave, organised by the Assam state-level advisory committee, offered a platform to the students to seek guidance from experts in entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

Noted Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, who was invited to the conclave, shared anecdotes from his life's struggles on the occasion and inspired the students with stories of his philanthropy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of "speaking the language of a dictator", the Uttar Pradesh Congress on Tuesday objected to his rally held here and sought to know why prohibitions under section 144 of the CrPC were not valid for him.

"Virtually soaked in pride of being in power, the country's Home Minister is speaking the language of a dictator. Why is section 144 not for him?" UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu asked in a statement.

"On one hand the state government is registering cases against the women who are protesting in Lucknow against the CAA and NRC, while on the other hand the state government, the police and the administration despite imposition of section 144 of CrPC is organising the rally of the Union Home Minister under full security. The Congress and the people of the state will not tolerate this dual law," he said.

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting gatherings of four or more people, was imposed in Uttar Pradesh in December last year following protests against the CAA is various parts of the state.

Stressing that the Constitution allows the opposition to put forward its views, Lallu also sought to know when will Shah speak on issues such as women's safety, law and order, rising prices, rising electricity rates, the DHFL scam, corruption, unemployment and the sinking economy.

"Amit Shah is insulting the mandate," Lallu said.

Referring to Shah's comments on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party's UP chief said, "Pakistan flows in the blood of the BJP and people believing in the ideology of RSS. It is for this reason that they frequently refer to Pakistan".

Putting up a brave defence for Rahul Gandhi, Lallu said, "Rahul Gandhi has been raising his voice from time to time on failures of the government and on issues of public interest, and will continue to do so".

In the statement, Lallu also said, "The Union Home Minister's statement is to mislead the public. A large chunk of the society feels that it will be isolated and discriminated against due to this law, which our Constitution does not allow. The government has to make improvement in this law. Till then, the Congress will be supporting the fight of the common public.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend had taken three grams of cocaine and was threatening self harm before she slapped a policewoman in the face.

Tegan Kynaston, 34, bombarded the radio star with a series of disturbing text messages including 'I hate u' and 'I have no hope' before she struck the police officer on December 7.

Officers were called to a disturbance involving the pair in Beach Road, Bondi Beach, about 7am that Saturday.

The call was 'in relation to an irate female attempting to exit a moving vehicle', according to a statement of facts tendered to Waverley Local Court.

Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Tegan Kynaston (above) pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting police during an appearance at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday

Court facts detailed a series of messages Tegan Kynaston sent Kyle Sandilands at 4.39am before the public incident at Bondi in December

Responding police spoke to 'all parties at the location including the accused and her 48-year-old partner Kyle Sandilands' the facts state.

Officers also spoke to the accused's mother, who was at the scene.

Police then read a series of text messages on Sandilands' phone which had been sent at 4.39am.

Among the messages were:

'U are a coward' 'You are the worst', 'I leave me', 'And that's when you're guilt' and 'I hate u'.

Other texts included 'You were my life line', 'Now you leave me again and again' 'I can't take it', 'So it's on you', 'I have tried my hardest', and 'I have no hope'.

The police facts said: 'Due to these text messages, the accused's mental health history and her erratic behaviour at the scene, police have called an ambulance for a Section 22 mental health assessment.'

When an ambulance arrived Kynaston resisted leaving her mother's car until she had a cigarette and could call her lawyer.

Kynaston was told she was being detained for a mental health assessment and would be physically escorted to the ambulance.

Sandilands and Kynaston are pictured leaving Cairns after holidaying with her mother and stepfather days after she was arrested in Bondi

Kynaston (right), 34, and Sandilands (left), 48, were involved in a spat in Bondi in December. When police were called Kynaston slapped an officer in the face

While this was occurring Constable Davina Goonewardene's body camera fell to the ground but continued recording.

'Once inside the ambulance Constable Goonewardene has let go of the accused's left arm so she could sit on the ambulance seat for assessment,' the facts state.

'The accused has then turned around and hit Constable Goonewardene on the front of her head with an open palm, causing immediate pain.'

The assault was witnessed by two ambulance officers. The offence occurred between 8.15am and 8.30am, more than an hour after police first arrived.

Kynaston was handcuffed and restrained on a stretcher then taken to Prince of Wales Hospital.

'Whilst in the ambulance the accused has informed the ambulance officer that she had consumed three grams of cocaine during the night,' the facts state.

'Whilst waiting for hospital staff the accused has asked to speak to Constable Goonewardene, where she has stated "I am sorry for hitting you, I just took all my anger out on you".

Ms Kynaston faced Waverley Local Court on Tuesday morning, where her solicitor Greg Goold entered a guilty plea to assaulting a police officer in the execution of her duty.

Kynaston's solicitor Greg Goold (right) told the registrar at Waverley Local Court that he would be seeking to have his client's matter dealt with under mental health provisions

The communications director for Sandilands' company King Kyle Pty Ltd was seen in a dispute with Sandilands on Beach Road at Bondi on the morning of Saturday, December 7

If Kynaston is successful in having the matter dealt with under the Mental Health Act it may not lead to a criminal conviction

Kynaston (pictured) is already on a bond for possessing cocaine after being caught with about half a gram of the drug outside a Surry Hills pub in March 2018

Mr Goold told a registrar his client would seek to have the matter dealt with under Section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act.

Mr Goold told the court Ms Kynaston, the communications director for Sandilands' company King Kyle Pty Ltd, had an appointment with a psychiatrist on March 17.

If the matter is dealt with under the Mental Health Act it may not lead to a criminal conviction.

Kynaston is already on a bond for possessing cocaine after being caught with about half a gram of the drug outside a Surry Hills pub in March 2018.

That matter was mentioned in court during Tuesday's brief appearance.

Kynaston is reported to have been dating Sandilands for several months but initially denied being in a relationship with the KIIS FM breakfast host.

Kyle unexpectedly announced his split from long-term girlfriend Imogen Anthony (pictured) 28, live on The Kyle & Jackie O Show in November after eight years together

Having insisted for weeks they were just friends and colleagues, Kynaston eventually shared a picture of her kissing Sandilands on the cheek in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year's Eve.

In their initial statement about the incident, a New South Wales Police spokesperson said officers arrived in Beach Road on December 7 to find a 'woman who was visibly distressed', along with a man who was driving a car.

'While speaking with the woman it will be alleged in court she assaulted one of the officers before being taken to hospital for a mental health assessment,' the spokesperson said.

'The man was spoken to by police and left the area soon after.'

A spokesman for King Kyle said at the time the company would not be commenting on the matter.

'There have been reports of an incident that occurred in Bondi this morning,' the spokesman said.

'As this is now a police matter and out of respect and concern for those affected, we're unable to comment.'

Days later Kynaston and Sandilands were pictured on holiday in Cairns with her mother and stepfather.

Kynaston denied in November she was dating her employer. 'I know that's kind of been said, but it's completely not true,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

About the same time Sandilands' manager Bruno Bouchet described rumours of romance between Kynaston and his client as hurtful 'fabricated garbage'.

The radio star announced his split from girlfriend of eight years, 28-year-old Imogen Anthony, live on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on November 5.

'We haven't been with each other for quite a few months now,' Sandilands said. 'Unfortunately it's run its course.'

Kynaston is due back in the same court on April 14.

For 24/7 confidential support call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Stephen Booth is Acting Director of Open Europe.

The UK is leaving the EU in two weeks time but, as Mark Wallace noted recently on this site, much of the Governments policy for life after EU membership is as yet unpublished and unknown. What we probably can say we know is that this Government will prioritise the ability to diverge from EU rules in the future over securing the best possible EU market access after the transition period ends in January 2021. In other words, its priority will be to take back control.

As I have argued in previous columns, the UK-EU trade negotiations over the next 11 months will be important and the specific details will matter for individual sectors and firms. Nevertheless, whatever the exact form our new trade relationship with the EU takes, it will mean greater freedom for the UK to set its own course on matters of trade, regulation and immigration. The question is what the UK should do with this independence.

The Prime Minister yesterday outlined the broad shape of the UKs new immigration regime. By putting people before passports, we will be able to attract the best talent from around the world, wherever they may be, he said. Immigration is arguably the policy area in which it will be easiest to reach a new post-Brexit consensus. There is already evidence to suggest that the prospect of the Government regaining the ability to fully control who can legally work and live in the UK is changing attitudes. According to YouGov, prior to the 2016 referendum Immigration and Asylum ranked above Health, Crime, Environment and the Economy as the issue voters thought the most important facing the country. It has now completely slipped down the publics list of priorities.

Theoretically, EU membership did not prevent the UK from attracting the brightest and the best from the rest of the world, but the political reality was that an almost unlimited supply of labour from Europe meant that policy towards the rest of the world became too restrictive. Many UK industries will still be reliant on lower-skilled labour and future governments may differ in their view on the appropriate scale of immigration, and how much of this to leave to the market. But the UK will have far greater flexibility to tailor policy to prefer higher skills, which, all things being equal, is likely to be more economically productive.

Withdrawal from the EU provides a necessity and an opportunity to illustrate that the UK is open for business. While some EU regulation has liberalised trade across the single market, the UK must now consider how it might alter existing EU rules it has inherited, diverge from EU rules in the future, and also ensure domestic legislation is geared towards maximising the UKs competitive position.

Financial services are one of the UKs natural strengths and a crucial part of the economy, contributing seven per cent of economic output and 23 per cent of UK service exports. There are several examples of financial regulations the UK would have approached differently independently of the EU. For instance, the EUs Solvency II rules for insurance firms do not adequately reflect a UK market where insurers tend to play a bigger role in providing long-term savings, such as annuities, than in many other EU countries. UK regulators have resorted to cumbersome workarounds, but instead the Government should prioritise reforming the rules to allow the sector to more effectively channel funds towards long-term investment, such as the infrastructure projects beloved of the new administration.

The bankers bonus cap is another example of how EU policymaking can go awry. The cap was introduced under the EUs implementation of the global Basel III banking rules on capital requirements. The UK opposed the cap but not for the laissez-faire reasons often assumed. The UK was actually leading the calls to enable national regulators to impose tougher capital requirements on their banks, against resistance from France and Germany, which feared that higher capital thresholds might expose their banks fragility in the wake of the eurozone crisis. The result was a fudge, which the European Parliament felt compelled to adorn with the bonus cap. Ultimately, the cap did little to curb the problem it sought to solve: ending excessive remuneration and incentives to take risk. Meanwhile, rival financial hubs, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and New York, do not have a cap on bonuses; the rule therefore acts as a drag on UK competitiveness.

An independent trade policy represents a different challenge and opportunity. It is unlikely that, in and of themselves, new trade deals will radically transform UK GDP in the short-term. However, Brexit or no Brexit, it is vital that the UK diversifies its economic relationships away from Europe. It was Angela Merkel who pointed out that Europe had only seven per cent of the global population and produced only 25 per cent of global GDP, but that it accounted for almost 50 per cent of global social expenditure. We know that the first two figures are only bound to fall, due to demographics, and reducing the third will be incredibly difficult for European politicians already fearful of a populist wave. The UK will lose the EUs mass but will gain flexibility with new and old trade partners. It must ensure that it uses its new-found suppleness in order to give itself a head start on positioning itself for the global economy of the future.

Ultimately, what I am describing are examples of the choices the UK can make as a self-governing national democracy. I suspect that the increased scrutiny, accountability and responsibility that flows from this change of circumstances will be the greatest benefit of Brexit, although this is of course unquantifiable.

With greater freedom and independence comes opportunity but also greater risks. Elections will be higher stakes, as any government with a majority can steer the country on a radically different course, for good or bad. But no longer can the EU be blamed, rightly or wrongly, for the nations ills. We will all be forced to up our game.
Anne-Marie Walsh explains where the main parties stand on the pension row.

What's going on?

The political parties have met with a sour response on the doorsteps to Government plans to push up the age you qualify for the State pension to 67 next year.

Following this, the State pension age is due to rise again to 68 in 2028.

The pension age increases were legislated for by a Fine Gael/Labour government in 2011. It claimed the increases were agreed under the bailout deal. It began by effectively pushing up the qualifying age from 65 to 66 from 2014 by abolishing a State-funded 'transition' pension. Previously, you could draw this until State pension age at 66 and it was paid at the same rate as the State pension.

What's the problem with increasing the pension age?

The problem is that some workers may have to retire at 65 because of mandatory clauses in their contracts, while others may not want to work that long for health or other reasons. Others may have retired early, and the pension age increases will make a big dent in their savings.

They can claim the dole, but this is 45 a week less than the full State contributory pension. It could be much lower if they are means-tested. Older people on jobseekers' benefits have claimed they feel humiliated having to sign on and highlighted issues like restrictions on travelling abroad and an official requirement that they must be looking for work.

Where do the parties stand?

Fine Gael

It is promising to put a 'transition' pension back in place to tide over pensioners who are forced to retire at 65. But it will push ahead with the pension age increases.

The key question is whether this 'transition' pension will be paid at the same rate as the State pension.

Fianna Fail

It is promising to park next year's increase to 67 while it sets up a task-force to consider the issues. It also plans to legislate to stop employers forcing workers to retire at 65.

Labour

It was ahead of the posse in promising to keep the State pension age at 66.

However, those with long memories may remember its role in rolling out the plans to hike the pension age in the first place.

Sinn Fein

It promises to return the State pension age to 65.

Social Democrats

It opposes the changes.

People before Profit

It will return the pension entitlement age to 65.

Why is it such a big issue?

The number of 65-year-olds on the dole has trebled since the Government made them wait an extra year for a pension. There are now 5,263 of them and the number will get higher as the pension age increases.

Why is the Government increasing the pension age?

It wants to make the system more financially sustainable due to increasing life expectancy. The Department of Social Protection said putting the transition pension back in place would cost in the region of 100m a year.
USM Professor Conducting Human Rights Research in Kenya

Thu, 01/23/2020 - 20:53pm | By: Van Arnold

USM Professor Bob Press speaks with current human rights activist Javan Owala. (photo by Betty Press)

An abiding love for Kenya and its people has drawn University of Southern Mississippi Associate Professor Bob Press back to the African nation to research past and present non-violent, human rights social movements.

Press arrived in Nairobi, Kenya on August 1 of last year, along with his wife, Betty, who is a professional photographer. The couple plans to stay approximately one year. Bob Press spent eight years in Kenya previously working as a foreign correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor.

Among the theories Press is testing as part of his human rights research are cycles and framing in such non-violent social movements. In essence -- the rise and decline and possible rebirth of a movement and how its participants frame or shape their messages for maximum impact on government and public policy.

Traditionally, most studies focus on the rise of a movement; less is known about what leads to its decline or the linkages, if any, between a former movement and a new one, said Press. The research is prompted by the fact that in countries where there are major human rights issues, it is important to understand how non-violent resistance movements operate and what impact they may have.

According to reports, human rights in Kenya internationally maintain a variety of mixed opinions; specifically, political freedoms are highlighted as being poor and homosexuality remains a crime. In the Freedom of the World index for 2017, Kenya held a rating of 4 for civil liberties and political freedoms, in which a scale of 1 (most free) to 7 (least free) is practiced.

Press is an Associate Professor of political science and legal studies in the School of Social Science and Global Studies at USM. After working as a journalist in Africa and the U.S., Press earned his Ph.D. in political science at the University of Florida in 2004. He combines lectures with classroom discussions, community service, and research assignments to encourage all students' critical thinking and knowledge.

Last fall Press was a featured speaker in the Tangaza University College Forum Series where he shared some insights about his Kenyan research.

As part of my professional service here, I volunteer one day a week to teach and help masters and Ph.D. candidates advance their research skills, he said. I appreciate that Tangaza encourages students to use their education to improve the human condition.

Press notes that research such as the Kenyan project provides significant benefits, not only to him, but to the broader USM community.

Research gathered in the field allows USM faculty to enrich their classroom teaching and stimulate student interest to travel and learn, he said. For example, when my USM colleague Dr. Josh Hill and I take USM students to Italy to meet African migrants and learn about their challenges and European migration law and politics, our students expand their global awareness and outlook.

His goals for the project are simple; yet, they offer profound implications.

I hope to add knowledge about why human rights social movements grow and decline and how new ones start, said Press. This can benefit human rights movements in any country. The literature, understanding, on this is limited.

Press is the author of three books: Ripples of Hope: How Ordinary People Resist Repression without Violence (Amsterdam University Press/University of Chicago Press, 2015); Peaceful Resistance: Advancing Human Rights and Democratic Freedom (Ashgate, U.K., 2006); and The New Africa: Dispatches from a Changing Continent (U. Press of Florida, 1999). His articles on sub-Sahara Africa have appeared in various journals, including the Journal of Human Rights, Journal for Contemporary African Studies, Africa Today, Journal of Human Rights Practise, African Conflict and Peacebuilding Review; and Theory in Action.
Gov. Noem lauds state economy, but big legislative fights are coming

Noems speech flowed between business and economic development, lifestyle issues and social issues that were united by their conservative themes.
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Quarantine officials at a port near Tokyo have conducted a drill aimed at preventing the new coronavirus linked to a pneumonia outbreak in China from spreading in Japan.

About 100 personnel, including officials from the Yokohama quarantine station, Japan Coast Guard and police, took part in the exercise in Yokohama Bay.

The drill was based on the scenario that a passenger aboard a large cruise ship was diagnosed with a new type of influenza. Quarantine officials and doctors were seen covering the patient with special sheets to prevent the flu from spreading.

They also confirmed procedures to send the patient to hospital without delay.

As other passengers could test positive for the flu, officials checked if people have high fevers using thermography cameras that measure their surface temperatures.

Officials were also seen taking samples from those who were suspected of having caught the flu.

The drill comes amid a pneumonia outbreak in China, Last week, a resident of Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo was confirmed to have been infected after returning from a visit to China.

The head of the Yokohama quarantine station says he will work hard while joining efforts with related organizations to prevent little-known viruses, including the new strain of coronavirus linked to the pneumonia outbreak, from entering Japan.
This is Bibliography Week in New York, an annual showcase for the Bibliographical Society of America and the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (A.B.A.A.), with exhibits, book sales and events in many locations. Vintage culinary volumes are on display and for sale from several merchants, including Ben Kinmont of Sebastopol, Calif., whose specialty is books and manuscripts about food and drink from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Among them is a rare first edition of Gustave Davins 1887 volume, A Propos des Vignes Americaines, which discusses American rootstock at the time of the phylloxera infestation in Europe.

ABAA Booksellers Showcase, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., French Institute Alliance Francaise, 22 East 60th Street, no admission fee, Ben Kinmont Bookseller, kinmont.com.

Follow NYT Food on Twitter and NYT Cooking on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Get regular updates from NYT Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice.
Arctic sea ice cannot "quickly bounce back" if climate change causes it to melt, new research suggests.

A team of scientists led by the University of Exeter used the shells of quahog clams, which can live for hundreds of years, and climate models to discover how Arctic sea ice has changed over the last 1,000 years.

They found sea ice coverage shifts over timescales of decades to centuries - so shrinking ice cannot be expected to return rapidly if climate change is slowed or reversed.

The study examined whether past ice changes north of Iceland were "forced" (caused by events such as volcanic eruptions and variations in the sun's output) or "unforced" (part of a natural pattern).

At least a third of past variation was found to be "forced" - showing the climate system is "very sensitive" to such driving factors, according to lead author Dr Paul Halloran, of the University of Exeter.

"There is increasing evidence that many aspects of our changing climate aren't caused by natural variation, but are instead 'forced' by certain events," he said.

"Our study shows the large effect that climate drivers can have on Arctic sea ice, even when those drivers are weak as is the case with volcanic eruptions or solar changes.

"Today, the climate driver isn't weak volcanic or solar changes - it's human activity, and we are now massively forcing the system."

Co-author of the study Professor Ian Hall, from Cardiff University, said: "Our results suggest that climate models are able to correctly reproduce the long-term pattern of sea ice change.

"This gives us increased confidence in what climate models are telling us about current and future sea ice loss."

When there is lots of sea ice, some of this drifts southwards and, by releasing fresh water, can slow the North Atlantic Ocean circulation, otherwise known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

The AMOC brings warm water from the tropics towards the Arctic, so slowing it down cools this region and allows sea ice to grow further.

So, with less ice the AMOC can bring in more warm water - a so-called "positive feedback" where climate change drives further warming and sea ice loss.

Quahog clams are thought to be the longest-living non-colonial animal on Earth, and their shells produce growth rings which can be examined to measure past environmental changes.

Dr Halloran is part of the Global Systems Institute, which brings together experts from a wide range of fields to find solutions to global challenges.

The new study is part of a project including Cardiff University, the Met Office and an international team working on climate model simulations of the last millennium. The work was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

###

The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, is entitled: "Natural drivers of multidecadal Arctic sea ice variability over the last millennium."
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP)  Four young climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, scolded the elites gathered at the World Economic Forum for not doing enough to deal with the climate emergency and warned them that time was running out.

At a panel in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, the four said Tuesday that they hoped their generation had found its voice and can work with those in power to bring about the necessary change to limit climate change. Yet Thunberg said not enough has been done.

We need to start listening to the science, and treat this crisis with the importance it deserves," said the 17-year-old, just as U.S. President Donald Trump was arriving in Davos and was due to give a speech. Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the Paris accord to limit climate change and has traded barbs with Thunberg on social media.

Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it, Thunberg said.

The Swedish teenager came to fame by staging a regular strike at her school, sparking a global movement that eventually earned her Time Magazine's award as the 2019 Person of the Year.

She said that people are more aware about climate issues now. It feels like the climate and environment is a hot topic now, thanks to young people pushing."

The others on the panel were just as forceful and passionate about the effects of global warming and how they, as young people, need to play a central role in raising awareness and insist on change.

The older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions," said Natasha Wang Mwansa, an 18-year-old activist from Zambia who campaigns for girls and womens rights.

Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.

Were not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. Were not the future of the world, were the present, were acting now. Were not waiting any longer.

Thunberg said the time for action was now, that being at the top of the agenda meant nothing if the world doesn't get to grips with the climate emergency.

I am not the person who can complain about not being heard. Im being heard all the time," she quipped. But in general the science and the voice of young people is not in the center of the conversation."

Autumn Peltier, the chief water commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation of indigenous people in Canada, said plaudits are not what they are looking for at the World Economic Forum.

I dont want your awards. If you are going to award me, award me with helping to find solutions and helping to make change.
As the 59-year-old who started his political career with the ABVP takes charge of the sprawling top floor of the BJP headquarters, which is entirely dedicated to the BJP president, there are many challenges ahead of him.

"Madhyamon se samarthan milne ki ummeed nahin aur hamein madad se jeene ki aadat bhi nahin hain (the mediums are not going to support us and we have never been dependent on them)", was a blunt dig at 'medium' and a caution to Nadda that the road ahead is not full of roses.

1. Crucial Delhi and Bihar elections:

The immediate challenge at hand for Nadda as the BJP president will be the Delhi election that is scheduled for February 8 and the BJP does not seem to be poised well, according to multiple poll trackers. While the BJP officially maintains it will cross the 50 mark in the 70-member Delhi Assembly, trackers show it is struggling to reach double digits. With a slew of losses from Punjab to Jharkhand, the BJP needs a win desperately to cling to its "aparajeya" image which has taken a beating in the past one year. As BJP president, he cannot escape responsibility as he was involved in each decision as the BJP's working president. And no one wants to start his or her tenure with a loss.

The Bihar election has been on track ever since the BJP, after facing a few defeats, rushed to accept that the election later this year will be fought under the "leadership" of Nitish Kumar. The BJP also gave a couple of seats to ally JD-U in the Delhi polls to keep it in good humour. Not to miss, PM Modi stressing on Nadda's Bihar connection on Monday, during his speech. These are all to retain the state where the JD-U's popularity seems to be waning.

2. Managing Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) anger:

While predominantly it's the task of the Home Ministry led by his former boss Amit Shah, an array of opposition parties joining the anti-CAA bandwagon and throwing their weight behind the protests which often became law and order issues, has the BJP thinking. As the BJP's new boss, who has an "affable" image, according to Modi, it will be one of his first assignments to assuage the anger without compromising the stated party position that the "CAA wont be rolled back, even by an inch".

The BJP kicked-off a statewide pro-NRC rally in Uttar Pradesh which was addressed by Shah in Lucknow on Tuesday. The finale at Agra will be addressed by the BJP's new President Nadda, on January 23, signalling that Nadda is in charge now. Starting January 18, the BJP is holding as many as six big rallies across Uttar Pradesh. The BJP state unit has given adequate feedback that India's most populous state has a massive "silent majority" which supports the amended Citizenship Act. But beyond Uttar Pradesh, Nadda needs to reach out to a majority of the populace who are opposed to the CAA.

While efforts were made from within the BJP to make it look like a protest organised by the minorities, that is far from the truth. Many states across the northeast, including BJP-ruled Assam and Tripura are continuously witnessing protests which are not minority led. After Himanta Biswa Sarma's comment that "There can be no proof of religious persecution", AASU took sharp digs at the BJP claiming they stand vindicated. This complex situation needs a nuanced political reach-out more than a law and order crackdown. Nadda as the new BJP chief, who is known to be more approachable, will have this enormous task of finding a way for a nuanced political reach-out without compromising on the party's stand.

3. Fixing faction ridden Bengal unit:

There are two well known facts -- the West Bengal election in 2021 is very crucial for the BJP and its organisation there is faction ridden. To bring the two contradictions in harmonious symphony will be a major challenge for the Patna University graduate BJP boss.

Sources say the acrimony between the Mukul Roy and Dilip Ghosh factions was in full display during the organisational elections in Bengal, just ahead of the election of the BJP's national president. The Central leadership leaned towards Ghosh due to his "non corrupt" image, insist BJP sources, but not without facing constant problems from the "Mukul Roy lobby", a BJP leader told IANS.

Both Ghosh and Roy were in Delhi on Monday for Nadda's election. But Ghosh left for Kolkata soon after while Roy had a flight on Tuesday evening. While it may seem normal, many believe it was to avoid a pro-CAA rally at Tufanganj in Cooch Bihar district on Tuesday afternoon which was attended by Ghosh.

No wonder, the BJP has made considerable inroads inside Bengal and caught Mamata Banerjee off-guard, but with such covert acrimony which is otherwise enveloped in pleasantries at social dos, the BJP cannot hope to win Bengal in 2021. As the new BJP boss, he has a little above one year to fix this problem.

4. Bringing back allies to NDA fold:

Bringing back allies seems to be a mid-term goal but a challenge nevertheless for Nadda. Many BJP allies have left the ship in the past few years. From time-tested friends like the Shiv Sena to smaller parties like the AJSU in Jharkhand -- they are no longer part of the NDA. Most of them accuse the BJP leadership of "arrogance", something the BJP laughs off.

Sena, Akalis, JD-U -- all have expressed discomfiture at the BJP's "big brotherly attitude". Even Chirag Paswan in a sugar-coated manner demanded "better coordination" between the NDA partners last November. He had demanded: "There should be better coordination among allies and an NDA convener should be appointed."

Sources say that when the Jharkhand election was at the door step, AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto demanded a one-on-one meeting with Amit Shah to finalise seat sharing. Instead, he was asked to meet Nadda, then BJP working President. An upset Mahto took a flight back and unilaterally released his party's list to assert that the AJSU will fight alone. Eventually, the BJP lost the election.

As recently as Monday, the Shiromani Akali Dal refused to fight elections with the BJP in Delhi owing to its stand on the CAA. Though its another matter that the same party voted for the Bill when it came up in Parliament. The JJP, its ally in Haryana, too has reportedly refused to fight the Delhi polls with the BJP.

Nadda, who is known to be mild-mannered and often wears a smile, has to work extra hard to shed the BJP's bully image and re-forge a rainbow alliance that is crucial for the BJP-led NDA to start winning state elections.

"Be it as a young party 'karyakarta', MLA, Minister in Himachal Pradesh or organisational duties at the Centre, MP and Union Minister, JP Nadda Ji has added value to any responsibility he has held," Modi tweeted on Monday, praising the BJP's new boss. But none of his previous assignments held as much a challenge as this job does.

There is a sprawling room at the fifth floor, at the BJP headquarter where from BJP's national president works. The glass wall gives an unparalleled view of the greenery of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park situated just next to the party office. But with his hands full, Nadda won't have the luxury to soak in that view lazily. He has his work cut out for him.

(Anindya Banerjee can be contacted at anindya.b@ians.in)
At the time, in 1971, I thought that what we were doing was dictated inescapably by the national security interests, Mr. Krogh told the New York Times in 1992. He had since learned, he added, that you have to remain true to your deepest sense of what is right. You have to be willing to question what youre being asked to do. I wasnt willing to question what I was doing.
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More than 140 petitions seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the citizenship law will come up for hearing.

Indias Supreme Court is set to hear appeals filed against a new citizenship law that has sparked widespread opposition and protests across the country.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde will hear over 140 petitions on Wednesday, which seek to examine the constitutional validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The top court had said earlier that it would hear the challenges to the law once the violence stops, referring to incidents of violence during the protests.

Nearly 30 people across the country have been killed in the protests amid allegations of police brutality.

Critics say the law passed in December is discriminatory to Muslims  Indias largest minority  as it makes faith the basis for obtaining citizenship.

The Bharatiya Janata Party government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the law aims to give persecuted minorities from three neighbouring countries the right to apply for citizenship.

The legislation has provoked weeks of protests, with critics calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional as it excludes Muslims from these countries.

Home Minister Amit Shah, a close aide of Modi, has ruled out rollback of the law.
Scott Galloway, NYU Stern professor and author, calls out the performance of FedEx and discusses what the company should do to compete with Amazon. Galloway also highlights numerous red flags within Casper's plans to go public. Additionally, Barron's senior writer, Leslie Norton, discusses what to expect from Davos.
(Newser)  A potentially deadly coronavirus that first surfaced in China has reached the US. The CDC says a man in Washington state who recently returned from China has the mysterious coronavirus, reports the Washington Post. The man is in Snohomish County, and he was hospitalized last week after returning from a visit to the Wuhan area of China, where the illness first emerged, reports the New York Times. Few other details about him were available, though the Times says he is "quite ill." The coronavirus, which can be spread from person to person, has killed six people in China and sickened about 300 there, and it also has spread to Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea. It is believed to have started in a poultry and seafood market in the city of Wuhan.

story continues below

There are still more questions that we dont know the answers to than things we do know, an expert on infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville tells the Times. "For example, what is the source? We dont know exactly. The location likely was the live animal market, but we dont know the particular animal." The World Health Organization meets Wednesday to determine whether a global health emergency should be declared over the illness, reports CNBC. A "coronavirus" is actually a group of viruses, explains CNN in a primer on the outbreak. (The US is screening travelers at major airports.)
Today's Paris Live opens with climate change and how it has made it to top spot on the agenda of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The summit opened on Tuesday with teen activist Greta Thunberg urging participants to avert a "climate apocalypse".

On the business front, it's been a good week for France, securing several million-dollar investment deals announced at the Choose France summit held in Versailles.

We have an update from India, where the government has sent a group of 36 cabinet ministers to visit Jammu and Kashmir for a week, five months after the special status was removed from the contested region.

In Africa news, we get an update on what was said at the African National Congress new year retreat, where President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ruling party has agreed to speak with one voice on key issues like nationalizing the Reserve Bank and bailing out inefficient state-owned enterprises.
Online matchmaking service provider, BharatMatrimony on Tuesday said it has strengthened the presence of TamilMatrimony in Tamil Nadu by adding three outlets in city.

The Chennai-based company recently inaugurated three stores in Pammal, Hasthinapuram and Ambattur taking the total to 41 in the state, a press release said.

BharatMatrimony has more than 145 stores in 13 states, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An academic who detransitioned after regretting painful sex swap surgery claims he was 'hurtled' through the process and would never have gone through with it if therapists had addressed his traumatic past.

Criminologist Richard Hoskins, 56, was sexually abused as a child and suffered the earth-shattering loss of three of his children.

He started exploring the idea of changing his gender after the death of his third child and the breakdown of his second marriage, buying illegal hormones off the Internet in 2014.

Just a few weeks later he was in what he calls the 'NHS gender identity machine' and was being fast tracked through a process that usually takes years.

He flew to Thailand to have operations to remove his testicles and reconstruct his face to look more like 'Rachel' and less like Richard.

But when he returned to the UK and the Health Service offered him surgery to fully transition, he started to doubt everything.

He says he soon realised he was 'using gender transition to escape his past' and claims he regrets his operations 'every day'.

Speaking on Victoria Derbyshire today, he said: 'For the sake of the nation's sanity, we first need to explore if something else is going on before people transition.'

Richard Hoskins, 56, (pictured before surgery or hormones left) lived as Rachel (right) for four years but says he now regrets transitioning into a woman

After taking powerful testosterone blockers and oestrogen he went to his GP, who referred him to a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) within two weeks, he told the BBC.

He said: 'I went to the GP who felt sorry for me. They referred me to the GIC, which usually takes the best part of a year. But I saw my first consultant in two weeks, which is incredible.'

Quizzed on why he was referred so quickly, he added: 'They knew I was self-prescribing and I needed help.

'But another theory is that I'm highly educated, I had done my research and I was very convincing. If that's the truth, it's highly disturbing.'

He said that soon after he returned from Thailand, where he underwent a number of gruelling procedures, he was being offered vaginoplasty, the operation that turns penises into vaginas, on the NHS.

Mr Hoskins said: 'The NHS offered me full construction of a vagina from my penis.

'When that letter landed on my doormat it was a very fast process. I was due to go to hospital in a couple of months' time. That was the first moment of absolute doubt.

Richard Hoskins is pictured recovering after painful face construction surgery

'I had started to question things from around four weeks earlier. I went to see a gender psychotherapist and she said to me, what pain are you carrying?

'It was a life-changing, jaw dropping moment.'

He told the BBC he did have counselling on the NHS, but it was only three sessions, which he maintains only focused on gender dysphoria - not any other underlying issues.

Mr Hoskins said: 'It was the first time anybody had stopped and asked what is going on underneath the surface.

'You get counselling, but it's gender counselling, and it's only three appointments.

'They are only focused on the gender issue. They do ask for your back story, but they didn't address my painful past.

'All they wanted to talk about was gender dysphoria.'

Speaking on Victoria Derybyshire today, he said: 'For the sake of the nation's sanity, we first need to explore if something else is going on before people transition.'

The 56-year-old said that had he done his two years of counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder before he started his journey to become Rachel, he would not have gone through with it.

He told the programme: 'I'm not against gender transition. But what I would equally say is there are a huge number of people who use gender transition to escape their pain.

'I was escaping my pain and my past. I had gone through extreme trauma, but PTSD switches off the normal ways in which we analyse things.

Mr Hoskins (pictured earlier this month said: 'I went to the GP who felt sorry for me. They referred me to the GIC, which usually takes the best part of a year. But I saw my first consultant in two weeks, which is incredible.'

He added: 'I'm saying, let's pause the process, let's slow it down.

'I have a lot of trans friends who now regret transitioning.'

Asked whether he regrets transitioning, he said: 'Absolutely. Every day.

'I have made irreversible changes. I have no naturally-occurring hormones.

'I have breasts. I can't go outside in a T-shirt. I still can't feel my skull in some places.

'But I am lucky to be alive. I've been through hell but I do believe it's possible to live in your own skin and be happy again.'

Mr Hoskins' trauma began in his childhood when one of his teachers got a 10-year prison sentence for sexual abuse.

He says it 'ripped' his childhood apart.

Then, when he was working in the Congo his twins fell ill and died. His marriage to their mother later ended.

In October 2009 in Weston-Super-Mare, his 19-year-old son David climbed a 65ft electricity pylon and came into contact with a 33,000-volt cable.

He sat at his bedside for 42 days as his son slowly succumbed to horrendous burns.

He died on December 4 2009 after Mr Hoskins left his then-wife to agree to his life-support being switched off.

Reflecting on his past, he said today: 'I should have had weekly therapy. I know now.

'I suffered the deaths of three children and sexual abuse as a child. I was in deep, deep pain.

He told the BBC he did have counselling on the NHS, but it was only three sessions, which he maintains only focused on gender dysphoria - not any other underlying issues

'And I do think a lot of people are using gender transition to escape their identity.

'There may be other issues, certainly in the case of children.

'If children are saying they want a different identity, we have to explore underneath.

'For the sake of the nation's sanity and their sanity, we first need to explore is there something else going on.

Do we need to offer them full extensive therapy first?

'The highest rate of suicide of any mental health issue is those who believe they have gender dysphoria.

'That alone should say is it gender dysphoria or is it another issue?'

Nottinghamshire Healthcare said in a statement: 'We are unable to comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality however, we follow national and international guidance and all patients undergo a comprehensive assessment to establish eligibility for physical interventions and to ensure that they are fully aware of the complexities surrounding medical transition.'
It didnt take long for a majority of the Holmdel Township Committee to begin remaking the local government after voters ousted the mayor following a scandal involving his failed effort to build a $2.1 million turf field without the committees explicit authorization.

The committees actions following the departure of the former mayor, Eric Hinds, have included replacing the township engineering firm that had worked on the turf field project, T&M Associates, which had billed the township $58,000 for the work.

I think there was a general consensus, Hinds successor as mayor, Gregory Buontempo, said in an interview, that there needed to be some changes.

Buontempo did not unseat Hinds in the November election. In fact, he wasnt even up for re-election. Rather, Buontempo was named mayor by fellow members of the township committee during a Jan. 7 reorganization meeting. Hinds was running for re-election to the committee, but not necessarily for the mayors post, a position akin to a chairmanship that is decided by committee members, not voters.

In a way, reforms began even before the November election. Starting last spring, Buontempo and two other committee members who had been opposed to the turf field project used their 3-2 majority to direct a special counel to look into the matter. That investigation was followed by the resignation of the township administrator who, on Hinds instructions, had directed the engineering firm and township staff to begin work on the project.

After press coverage of the controversy, followed by meetings packed with concerned members of the public, and finally a vote to censure Hinds by a majority of the committee, Hinds was the low vote-getter among the four candidates vying for two committee seats in the Nov. 5 race. This, despite Hinds being an incumbent and, along with his running mate, having the backing of the Monmouth County Republican Organization.

Cathy Weber, who ran as an independent, was the high vote-getter and was subsequently named deputy mayor at the reorganization meeting. Webers independent running mate, local businessman Prakash Santhana, was also elected in November, edging out Hinds GOP-backed running mate, Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu, by just two votes.

The local Democratic organization failed to take advantage of Hinds potential vulnerability in light of the turf field scandal, and the Democrats did not field even a single candidate for the two committee seats up for grabs.

In December, after the October censure vote and the November election, Hinds filed a complaint in Superior Court seeking to overturn his official rebuke, rejecting the committees assertion that Hinds had violated the townships ethics rules, and insisting there had been insufficient public notice had been given before the vote.

The townships attorney, Michael Collins, filed a response rejecting the suit as baseless, insisting proper notice had been given. Collins was reappointed township attorney at the reorganization meeting, carrying on in the position he held during last years special council probe, the committees hearings into the turf matter, and its vote to censure Hinds.

The lawyer representing Hinds in the suit is Lawrence Luttrell, who is also Holmdels Democratic municipal chairman and the person most responsible for recruiting and fielding Democratic candidates for the committee. Luttrell endorsed Hinds for mayor in an open letter circulated during the campaign last fall.

Weber and Santhana criticized the Hinds lawsuit as a frivolous action that will cost township taxpayers to defend, while questioning Democrat Luttrells alliance with the former Republican mayor.

"Its very surprising that Larry Luttrell, as the local chair of the Holmdel Democratic Party, not only endorsed the Republican candidate Hinds in the 2019 election and is now representing him in what appears to be a frivolous lawsuit that will waste taxpayers money, Weber said in a statement.

In an interview on Tuesday, Luttrell said neither the Holmdel Democrats failure to field candidates in last years election nor his endorsement of Hinds had anything to do with their attorney-client relationship.

He said he only endorsed Hinds last fall, long after would-be Democratic candidates would have had come forward to run, and none had. In terms of any vulnerability of Hinds and his Republican running mate, Luttrell said the issue likewise only began to generate negative attention in the late spring or early summer, too late for Democrats to take advantage.

Finally, Luttrell said, he approached Hinds with the idea of representing him in a complaint to overturn the censure after the committee had taken its vote in October, which was also after his endorsement.

I was born and Democrat, and I will die a Democrat, Luttrell said.

As mayor and deputy mayor, Buontempo and Weber now lead what appears to be a 4-1 majority faction on the township committee, along with Santhana and Committeeman Rocco Pascucci. The committees fifth member, Tom Critelli, had been Hinds sole ally. Critelli did not respond to requests for comment on the committees alignment moving forward.

It was Pascucci who in April first noticed a resolution on a draft consent agenda that would have authorized the $2.1 million turf field project among a long list of otherwise minor or routine items to be approved en-masse, without individual discussion or authorization votes. The turf field project was scrapped after the April meeting was boycotted by Pascucci, Buontempo and then-Deputy Mayor Michael Nikolas, who did not received the GOP nomination in last years primary and then lost to Hinds running mate.

The former township administrator, Donna Vieiro, was replaced last fall by Cherron Roundtree.

In response to the consent agenda incident, the committee took a separate step at the reorganization meeting intended to enhance transparency and public input by adding a second public comment period to each meeting, this one before resolutions are voted on, in addition to the regular comment period after votes are taken.

Some residents have questions on things, Buontempo said. And they dont necessarily disagree. They just want to know what were doing and why were doing it. And, also, they may want to provide their thoughts on alternatives. We have a very engaged community and they want the township to be run appropriately.

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips
With City Hall uninhabitable and a lease with Napa Valley College off the table, the city is looking to its Railroad Avenue buildings to serve as a base of operations for the next few years.

On Friday the council stuck with their decision not to invest in the decrepit City Hall building on Main Street. Instead they authorized $50,000 in repairs to the former CDF building at 1572 Railroad Ave., which is functioning as a temporary City Hall.

With HVAC and ducting work and some new cubicles, the building will be able to accommodate 19 workers, including everyone who was displaced after a malfunctioning heater damaged the old City Hall on Dec. 18.

Space will be tight but, if necessary, the Railroad Avenue building could serve as a temporary City Hall until a new one is built, said City Manager Mark Prestwich.

I think we can coexist there, Prestwich said, but I recognize its not a great long-term solution beyond three or four years.

The council also told staff to evaluate the cost of moving the St. Helena Police Department to 1574 Railroad Ave.  formerly the Teen Center and currently the Parks & Recreation headquarters  and demolishing the City Hall/police station.

The police station was built separately from City Hall, but theyve become so interconnected over time that it would be unwise to tear down City Hall without tearing down the police station too, Prestwich said.

He proposed moving the police to the Parks & Rec building, tearing down the City Hall/police station, and replacing it with a parking lot that could serve the downtown while the sidewalks are being replaced in 2021.

The new police department wouldnt have a jail cell, but its basement could serve as an evidence room/armory. Parks & Rec staff would move to the Carnegie Building, the library, or rented space somewhere else in town.

Councilmembers said they liked the idea of the old City Hall being demolished, but they want to know the cost of moving the police department to Railroad Avenue before moving ahead.

They are also wary of the unknown cost of demolition. If the city decides to sell the City Hall property, that cost could be shifted to the buyer.

Councilmembers were also concerned about how long staff could endure the cramped temporary City Hall on Railroad Avenue.

This is like a two-month solution, not a three-year solution, said Councilmember David Knudsen. I dont know if we can ask staff to do this.

The $50,000 in repairs will come from General Fund reserves or impact fees, if applicable.

Revisiting NVC lease

The city and Napa Valley College had preliminary talks about the city leasing part of the Upper Valley Campus for a temporary City Hall. The two sides issued a joint statement Jan. 15 announcing that they couldnt agree on terms, with the college not willing to commit to the three-year minimum sought by the city.

On Friday the council asked staff to remain receptive if the college is willing to restart the talks.

Weve abandoned the discussion with Napa Valley College because the initial offer they made, which was quite reasonable, got pulled off the table, Knudsen said. I just wonder if theres a chance for us to engage further with the college.

Other councilmembers werent optimistic.

My sense is that theres not a consensus among the decision-makers there to move forward, Councilmember Mary Koberstein.

I dont get the sense that they really want us there, frankly, added Vice Mayor Paul Dohring.

You can reach Jesse Duarte at 967-6803 or jduarte@sthelenastar.com.

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Damage to the ozone layer might also be liable for half of Arctic warming over 50 years, a new study claims.

An international team of researchers says the findings highlight ozone-depleting substances (ODS) as an unrecognized source of twentieth-century Arctic climate change.

ODS, a set of very harmful greenhouse gases, are halogen compounds that destroy the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

These compounds could also be liable for 50 percent of Arctic warming and sea ice loss from 1955 to 2005 and almost one 0.33 of global warming at some point in that period.

The researchers wrote in Nature Climate Change that the compounds have long been recognized as potent greenhouse gases aside from causing the ozone hole over Antarctica.

(ALSO READ: Humans Already Slowed The Climate Crisis Once, New Research Shows)

"ODS are much more powerful greenhouse gases on a molecular basis compared to carbon dioxide," the researchers added.

ODS was developed in the 1920s and 30s and used as refrigerants, propellants, and solvents in the 20th century. These molecules have been emitted into the atmosphere in substantial quantities in the late 50s.

But the invention of the ozone hole of Antarctica, which causes specific atmospheric and chemical conditions there at certain times of the year, caused the phase-out of the production.

The ozone later is now in gradual recovery because of ODS emissions, with the help of the nations agreeing to defend the ozone layer since 1987.

However, ODS are mighty greenhouse gases and have lengthy atmospheric lifetimes, an excellent way to add to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect.

The research lead author Lorenzo Polvani and his colleagues at Columbia University in New York used a weather model to estimate how global warming could be attributed to ODS.

The team simulated worlds - one with natural and human emissions as measured between 1955 and 2005, and any other with ODCs and their ozone affects removed - to measure the net impact of ODS on climate.

Their fashions showed that when ODS numbers are saved fixed, compelled Arctic surface warming and forced sea-ice loss are best half of as large as whilst ODS are allowed to increase.

The results advise that persevered phase-out of ODS will help mitigate Arctic warming and sea ice melt in the destiny.

'If our findings are showed by destiny studies, the position of the Montreal Protocol as a prime environmental treaty will count on a brand new dimension,' the researchers state.

ODS include chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and haloalkanes. These compounds are generally very strong in the Earth's lowest atmospheric layer. It only degrade under intense ultraviolet mild in the stratosphere - the second essential layer of Earth's atmosphere.

Once inside the stratosphere, they launch halogen atoms through photodissociation, which catalyze the breakdown of ozone (O3) into oxygen (O2).

This depletes the Earth's protective ozone layer, leaving humans uncovered to the sun's harmful radiation.

Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, found the result "interesting and provocative," but she is not yet convinced of its conclusions.



Both Strahan and Cecilia Bitz, a climate scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle, suggested that replicating the results in various climate models would be crucial for improving estimates of how CFCs bear for heating the Arctic.
A minority-led insurance and reinsurance broker has launched with ambitious goals of achieving $100 million in revenue within five years and having the most diverse workforce in the industry.

Protecdiv, based in Philadelphia, is being led by experienced insurance industry professionals Kael Coleman and Paul Little.

Prior to Protecdiv, Coleman led the global mortgage reinsurance team at Willis Re, where he placed mortgage risk transfer business into the global reinsurance market for several government-related entities and international banks. He also led the team that built the first broker-developed, loan-level mortgage default predictive model.

Coleman was a senior broker at Guy Carpenter, the reinsurance broker subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan, and at independent reinsurance broker Holborn, where he met and worked closely with Little.

Prior to Protecdiv, Little founded and was president of Maxfield Risk Consulting, which specialized in risk management and analytics consulting. Before forming Maxfield, Little was CEO at Ultimate Risk Solutions, an economic capital software development company. Little has also served as president of EQECAT Inc., a natural hazards software and risk management company, which is now part of CoreLogic. He also worked at brokerage Guy Carpenter as a managing director for more than 20 years.

The entrepreneurs hope to take advantage of what they believe is a drive in the U.S. by larger enterprises to have greater diversity among their supplier base. They said Protecdivs business model addresses this demand by creating a diverse company that can deliver top tier insurance and reinsurance services.

American industry is evolving to encourage greater diversity and Protecdiv is here to meet this need, said Coleman, who is founder and chief executive officer of the new brokerage.

He said his firm will be the only minority-owned insurance broker that will universally qualify as a tier one broker for Fortune 2000 companies.

Protecdiv will target Fortune 2000 clients, with an initial focus on auto manufacturers and suppliers and financial institutions, as well as government and government-related entities.

In the reinsurance sector, Protecdiv will focus on providing risk transfer options to large and specialty insurers. In the mortgage markets, the broker will deliver credit risk transfer services to U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage insurers, banks and other asset holders.

Protecdiv will use modern data management and data analytics tools.

As a technology-efficient broker, we can move quickly to seize new market opportunities, allowing us to deliver exceptional service for clients, said Little, who is chief operating officer.

Topics Agencies Reinsurance
The Senate adopted a resolution that outlines basic rules for how President Donald Trumps impeachment trial will operate after a marathon hearing that stretched into the early morning hours and resulted in both House managers and the presidents defense team being admonished by Chief Justice John Roberts.

The Senate adopted a resolution in a party-line vote of 53-47.

Each of the 11 amendments offered by Senate Democrats, which included measures subpoenaing a variety of entities and officials  including the White House and John Bolton  were defeated by the Republican-held Senate.

The resolution calls for opening arguments to begin Wednesday at 1 p.m. House managers and the presidents counsel will be given 24 hours over three days to argue the case. After that, senators will have 16 hours to ask questions of the two panels. At that time, senators will have the opportunity to vote on whether they want to hear from additional witnesses or see additional documents.

Read the updates below if you missed any of the key moments from Tuesday's debate.

Senate votes to kill Schumer's 9th and 10th amendment

The Senate voted to table two measures that would have provided for a vote on any motion to subpoena documents and witnesses and given additional time for parties to file responses to motions.

The rules as written, Democrats argued, did not allow for votes to be taken on documents and witnesses - only for a vote on a procedural motion to allow for later votes on documents and witnesses.

This amendment failed along party lines in a 53-47 vote.

Both Democrats and the president's counsel offered brief remarks about the 10th amendment but did not debate the measure in detail as the clock ticked closer to 1:30 a.m. Democrats wanted to allow each side additional time to respond to motions. This amendment failed in a 52-48 vote with Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, voting with Democrats. It was the first time a Republican had voted with Democrats throughout Tuesday's marathon debate.

Story continues

- Christal Hayes

Roberts admonishes House managers, Trump's defense team for heated back-and-forth

Chief Justice John Roberts admonished both the House managers and the presidents counsel after a fiery back and forth debating whether John Bolton should be subpoenaed to testify before the Senate.

Those addressing the Senate should remember where they are, Roberts told the panels, advising them to use language conducive to civil discourse."

The talking to came after the presidents legal team got into a heated back-and-forth with Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, who said if senators voted against subpoenaing Bolton they would be part of the coverup.

Either you want the truth and you must permit the witnesses or you want a shameful cover-up. History will judge and so will the electorate, Nadler argued.

Cipollone shot back, calling for Nadler to apologize to the Senate, the president and most of all, you owe an apology to the American people.

Mr. Nadler came up here and made false allegations against our team. He made false allegations against all of you. He accused you of a coverup, Cipollone said. The only one who should be embarrassed, Mr. Nadler, is you for the way you've addressed this body. This is the United States Senate. You're not in charge here.

- Christal Hayes

Senate votes to table Schumer's eighth amendment as Senate trial goes on past midnight

The Senate voted 53-47 along party lines to table a measure subpoenaing former national security adviser John Bolton.

The trial seemed it would continue later into the night, though, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced another amendment, the ninth of the day, to provide for a vote on any motion to subpoena documents and witnesses.

The rules as written, Democrats argued, did not allow for votes to be taken on documents and witnesses - only for a vote on a procedural motion to allow for later votes on documents and witnesses.

- Nicholas Wu

Collins, others were behind McConnell altering resolution

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was one of the leading voices that led Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to abruptly change his resolution that outlines how the president's trial will operate.

McConnell originally established that both House managers and the president's defense team would have 24 hours to present opening arguments and would be able to do this over two days, which would likely leave arguments stretching into the evening and early morning hours. The original resolution also did not automatically enter evidence gathered by the House into the Senates record.

McConnell announced Tuesday afternoon that he was altering the rules he proposed just one day earlier to allow the arguments to span over three days instead of two and allowing House evidence to automatically be entered into the Senates record.

Collins joined Democrats in criticizing the resolution, causing McConnell to adjust the language before it was debated on the floor throughout the day and evening.

Senator Collins and others raised concerns about the 24 hours of opening statements in 2 days and the admission of the House transcript in the record, said Annie Clark, a spokeswoman for Collins. Her position has been that the trial should follow the Clinton model as much as possible. She thinks these changes are a significant improvement.

- Christal Hayes

Senate votes to table seventh Democratic amendment as Schumer introduces subpoena for testimony from John Bolton

The Senate voted to table Schumer's amendment on the handling of evidence by a 53-47 vote.

Shortly after, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a subpoena for the testimony of former national security adviser John Bolton.

House Democrats invited Bolton to testify during the impeachment inquiry but Bolton failed to appear. Bolton said he would appear before the Senate if subpoenaed.

- Nicholas Wu

Schumer introduces seventh amendment on handling of evidence

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced Democrats' seventh attempt to amend the rules for the Senate trial.

The measure would require that any new documents admitted in the Senate trial that had previously been subpoenaed by the House be made available to members of both parties, which Democrats said would prevent the "selective" admission of evidence from the president.

Speaking in support of the measure, Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff said the trial rules as written would allow the president to "cherry-pick documents he has failed to provide to the House in an attempt to admit them into evidence here."

Republicans thought the amendment would not be necessary.

"This amendment doesn't have anything to do with the rule of completeness," shot back Patrick Philbin, Deputy counsel to the president.

- Nicholas Wu

Sixth amendment calling for subpoenas fails

The Senate voted 53-47 to kill an amendment offered by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer that would have subpoenaed testimony from Robert Blair, an assistant to the president and adviser to Mulvaney, and Michael Duffey, a senior official at the Office of Management and Budget.

Both officials were key to the Houses impeachment inquiry but were blocked from testifying by the administration.

As a former judge, I have never seen anything like this before, where someone is ordered not to appear by one party and witnesses just dont appear. The United States Senate should not allow the president and his admin to continue to evade accountability, Rep. Sylvia Garcia, said in her arguments. We need to hold him [the president] accountable because no one is above the law.

- Christal Hayes

Senators starting to doze off after hours of debate

As the night wore on, the hours of debate in Trump's impeachment trial appeared to take a toll on some senators. Several appeared to doze off, or at least begin to before catching themselves.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells eyes closed several times as House managers argued that officials and documents should be subpoenaed. As his body started to lean forward, falling deeper into sleep, he caught himself and jolted back.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., also nodded off multiple times as the night wore on. At one point, she dozed off, startled, and then immediately started writing something in her notes. Afterward, she shook her head lightly and stood up, leaving the chamber for a few minutes.

Some senators got up and stood in the back of the chamber. At one point, Gillibrand went to the back of the chamber, took off her black high-heels and took a deep sigh before returning to her desk and wrapping herself with a red blanket. Sen. Tom Cotton resorted to holding up a stack of papers to hide his yawns.

-Christal Hayes and Savannah Behrmann

Schumer introduces sixth amendment

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced his sixth amendment, a measure that would subpoena testimony from Robert Blair, an assistant to the president and adviser to White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, and Michael Duffey, a senior official at the Office of Management and Budget.

Both are officials that the House attempted to question during the impeachment inquiry, but were blocked from appearing by the administration.

The Senate has already rejected five subpoena requests from Schumer on party-line votes of 53 to 47.

- Christal Hayes

Democrats fifth attempt to call witnesses and documents fails

The Senate voted 53-47 to table Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers amendment that would have subpoenaed documents relevant to the allegations against Trump from the Pentagon.

Democrats had advocated for the amendment as a necessary part of the case against Trump because of the Pentagons failure to comply with the impeachment inquiry.

The Senate has an opportunity to obtain and review the full record that could fully demonstrate how and why the president was holding the aid, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., an Army veteran and one of the House impeachment managers said in remarks supporting the amendment.

Patrick Philbin, deputy counsel to the president, said the reason the Pentagon had not complied with the inquiry was because the inquiry itself was "unlawful."

"It was unlawful and that's why no documents were produced," Philbin said.

- Nicholas Wu

Donald Trump impeachment trial could continue late into the night

The Senate briefly halted proceedings to take a quorum call, or what is basically a roll call of senators, in order to give Senate Republican and Democratic leaders time to negotiate over proceedings.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had suggested Democrats bundle their amendments together for a single vote, rather than the sequence of debates and votes that have happened so far.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, however, disagreed.

"We will not back off on getting votes on all of these amendments, which we regard as extremely significant and important to the country," he said on the Senate floor.

"We are willing to do some of those tomorrow," he acknowledged. "There is no reason we have to do them all tonight and inconvenience the Senate and Chief Justice."

When the Senate finished its quorum call, though, the trial continued with the introduction of Schumer's amendment to subpoena Pentagon records, and it seemed no deal had been reached between senators.

Senate votes down Democrats' fourth attempt to subpoena witnesses and documents

In a party-line, 53-47 vote, the Senate voted down Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers amendment to subpoena acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

Democrats sought his testimony as someone with firsthand knowledge of the campaign to pressure Ukraine into opening politically motivated investigations.

Mr. Mulvaney was in the loop at each critical stage of President Trumps scheme, Jeffries said.

The subject of this amendment should appear before the Senate if were going to have a free and fair trial, Jeffries argued.

Mulvaney had acknowledged Trump had held up military assistance to Ukraine to pressure the country, before walking back his comments.

"We do that all that time with foreign policy, Mulvaney had said at a press briefing in October 2019.

Republicans countered by saying the president did nothing wrong.

Michael Purpura, one of the presidents lawyers, said: this chambers role is not to do the Houses job for it.

There wasnt any quid pro quo, said White House Counsel Pat Cipollone.

Only in DC would someone say its wrong to not spend taxpayer dollars fast enough, even if it was on time, Cipollone quipped.

- Nicholas Wu

Ted Cruz thinks Trump's impeachment trial will end with an acquittal

Speaking to reporters in the basement of the Capitol, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX., said he didnt think we're going to see a dismissal, and I think a dismissal is not nearly as good an outcome for the president and for the country as will be a final judgment on the merits.

I think the judgment here is not going to be a dismissal but rather on acquittal on the merits at the end of both sides having an opportunity to present their case, he continued.

He criticized Democrats for disagreeing with the president politically" but not "satisfying the constitutional standard" to remove him.

If you have the facts, you bang the facts. If you have the law, you bang the law. If you don't have either, you bang the table. Well, this afternoon we've seen a whole lot of table banging, Cruz continued during his condemnation of Democrats.

Klobuchar talks about running for president during an impeachment trial

2020 Democratic candidate and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke about her GOP colleagues, saying that during the trial she "keeps looking" at them "to see if they look guilty, and some of them are kind of looking down.

I don't know how they can deny all witnesses. Let's see what they do after a few days of this but I think that the House Managers made a very effective case for the fact that we have evidence, and we need to listen to evidence, and we need to listen to witnesses. You cant have a trial with zero witnesses and zero documents. That is not how this works, she said.

She also touched on juggling the 2020 campaign with the Iowa Caucus approaching with serving as a Senator.

That's always been my plan, we were prepared for this," she said. "That's why my husband and daughter are there right now. But, I have a constitutional duty and so whatever the president's lawyers want to say, and poke at us for simply doing our jobs and being here, and act like it's some kind of political disadvantage, I think the people of this country understand it, she continued. The people in these early states are going to understand that I have to do my job.

Trump being 'constantly updated,' Ueland says

Although President Donald Trump is away at Davos, he is being "constantly updated" of events in the impeachment trial, White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland told reporters during a break in proceedings."

Trump was "very impressed" by how his defense team was handling themselves, Ueland added.

- Nicholas Wu

Schumer proposes to subpoena Mulvaney

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., proposed Tuesday to subpoena acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

The Senate recessed for dinner until 8 p.m. before debating the proposal.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said there could be votes to subpoena witnesses and documents after opening arguments by the House managers prosecuting the case and Trumps defense lawyers.

The Senate has already rejected three subpoena requests from Schumer on party-line votes of 53 to 47.

- Bart Jansen

Senate again rejects subpoena for budget documents

The Senate voted 53 to 47 to reject a proposed subpoena Tuesday for budget documents about Ukraine military aid for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

The defeat was the third party-line vote to reject proposals from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. But the Senate could vote again after hearing opening arguments from House managers prosecuting the case and Trumps defense lawyers.

One manager, Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., said withholding the $391 million in military aid was personal to him after he served as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When we talk about troops not getting the equipment they need when they need it, its personal to me, Crow said. Real peoples lives are at stake.

He noted that 87 senators voted to provide the funding. Office of Management and Budget documents could help explain how and why the money was held, he said.

Its clear the president is trying to hide this evidence because he knows what they would show, Crow said.

Jay Sekulow, one of Trumps private lawyers, quoted Ukraine officials saying that the suspension was short enough that they didnt notice the lack of funding. He noted that the aid was released Sept. 11 without Ukraine announcing investigations that Trump requested.

Sekulow argued that U.S. policy toward Ukraine strengthened with the security aid, rather than just humanitarian assistance.

This president has been concerned about how aid has been put forward, Sekulow said.

Another manager, Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., noted that the Government Accountability Office found the suspension of funding violated the law and the money was released after Congress asked about it.

Yes, they got the money after the president got caught, Schiff said.

- Bart Jansen

Schumer proposes subpoena for budget documents

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., proposed a third amendment Tuesday to rules for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

The Senate has already rejected his two earlier proposals on party-line votes to subpoena documents from the White House and the State Department.

The Office of Management and Budget defied a House subpoena for documents about withholding $391 million in military aid from Ukraine.

The online publication Just Security published emails from Michael Duffey, an associate director OMB, said that said there was Clear direction from POTUS to continue the hold, referring to the president of the United States. But Schumer sought more documents to explain how the money was suspended and whether there were concerns about it.

The Government Accountability Office reported that the hold on the money violated federal law because the Trump administration withheld the money for policy reasons rather than programmatic reasons.

-Bart Jansen

Senate rejects subpoena for State Department documents

The Senate voted 53 to 47 Tuesday to reject a proposal to subpoena State Department documents about Ukraine for President Donald Trumps impeachment trial.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., proposed to subpoena department documents to overcome the administrations stonewalling. The House impeached Trump for accusations that Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate his political rival.

But White House counsel Pat Cipollone told the House on Oct. 8 that the administration would defy subpoenas from what he called an illegitimate inquiry.

Democrats continue to seek documents about a series of four calls March 27 from Trumps personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, to the State Department switchboard. The calls came at a time when Giuliani was organizing a campaign to remove Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.

Another document Democrats seek is a cable that William Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine, sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to describe concerns about withholding $391 million in military aid from Ukraine.

The State Department has not produced a single document in response to the congressional subpoena, said Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., one of the managers prosecuting the president.

But the Senate voted against issuing a subpoena. Another vote could come after House managers and Trumps defense lawyers make their opening arguments and senators pose written questions to them.

Jay Sekulow, one of Trumps defense lawyers, said courts have long recognized executive privilege to protect the confidentiality of communications with the president. Sekulow argued that the privilege also applied to communications between the presidents aides, as they formulate advice.

Sekulow called it a dangerous moment for America if Trump couldnt assert executive privilege and defend the claim in federal court.

The Constitution allows it, if necessary, Sekulow said. The Constitution demands it, if necessary.

- Bart Jansen

What's it like inside the Senate trial?

Senators Ben Sasse, R-NE., and David Perdue, R-GA., sometimes whispered back and forth, resulting in quiet chuckles, while Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., handed Sen. Warner, D-VA., what appeared to be a cough drop or a piece of candy.

Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, two Republican senators who are considered to be moderates of their party and potential key voters during the trial, sat intently when listening to House Manager Rep. Zoe Lofgren. When White House legal counsel Patrick Philbin stood up to rebuke, both GOP senators sat up and began to scribble notes.

Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney, who has been critical of Trump in the past, sat mostly still when listening to Trump lawyers, at one point raising his eyebrows when one of them argued their view of the use of executive privilege.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer gave his GOP colleagues a glance when Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., asked the Senate, We are ready to present our case, we are ready to call witnesses. The question is: will you let us?

Jay Sekulow, one of Trumps personal lawyers, patted the backs of fellow legal team members as they filed out of the chamber for recess.

- Savannah Behrmann

Sleepy senator?

Sen. Jim Risch, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was the first senator who appeared to doze off during the hours-long debate.

Risch, R-Idaho, who was slouched back in his chair on the Senate floor, cradled his head in hand and shut his eyes as Rep. Demings argued that the chamber should subpoena the State Department for documents regarding Ukraine.

Risch perked up and opened his eyes when House managers played a video of testimony given by Gordan Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union. After looking up for a moment, Risch put his head back down and shut his eyes.

The feverish notetaking by senators slowed down as proceedings  and evening  wore on. Some fiddled with pens and eyeglasses or sipped from water glasses on their desk. Others sat with their arms crossed or leaned back further in their chairs.

- Christal Hayes

Demings becomes first African American impeachment trial manager

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., became the first African American to serve as an impeachment trial manager when she spoke in favor of a Democratic resolution today that would subpoena all relevant State Department documents.

Demings is one of three women on the seven-person group of House impeachment managers, who serve a role akin to prosecutors. Two of the managers are members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and one is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

The 13 Republican impeachment managers appointed for President Bill Clintons trial were all white men. Cheryl Mills, an African American woman, defended Clinton during his trial.

Demings argued the documents Democrats sought could shed additional light on the alleged scheme to pressure the Ukrainian government into opening politically motivated investigations. The White House failed to comply with many of the congressionally issued subpoenas during the impeachment inquiry, so the documents needed to be called during the Senate trial, Demings said.

The president sought to conceal evidence of misconduct, Demings said on the Senate floor. He did so by ordering his entire administration, every office, every agency, every official, to defy every subpoena that was served in the House impeachment inquiry. No president in history has ever done anything like this.

Schumer introduces a second amendment

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a second amendment to the rules that would subpoena all relevant State Department documents.

It calls for all documents from Jan. 1, 2019 until the present, including President Donald Trumps communications with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy, top State Department officials communications with Ukrainian officials about potential investigations, and communications regarding U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitchs removal as ambassador.

A similar amendment to subpoena all relevant White House documents was voted down on a party-line vote

- Nicholas Wu

First vote of the Trump impeachment trial goes against Democrats

By a 53-47 vote along party lines, the Senate voted to table Schumers amendment, which would change the organizing rules for the trial to subpoena all documents from the White House relevant to Democrats allegations against Trump.

Republicans argued Democrats call for more documents meant they were bringing a factually deficient case to trial, while Democrats highlighted the White Houses prior failure to comply with congressionally issued subpoenas.

-Nicholas Wu

Rep. Lofgren makes impeachment history

Rep. Zoe Lofgren became the first female house manager to offer an argument on the Senate floor as part of a presidents trial.

Lofgren, D-Calif., is one of three women on the seven-member team of house managers. The impeachment trials of Presidents Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson featured an all-male team of house managers.

Lofgren offered arguments on behalf of Democrats on why the Senate should approve an amendment that would subpoena a number of key documents regarding Ukraine. The documents were among those that Democrats have been after for months but were blocked from being released by the administration.

The Senate should act on this subpoena now at the outside of the trial, she argued, explaining it was common sense to request such information now, rather than at the end of the trial after both sides have made their arguments.

We don't know with certainty what the documents will say. We simply want the truth, whatever that truth may be, Lofgren said. So do the American people. They want to know the truth.

She concluded, explaining that how this trial is remembered will be up to senators. History is watching.

- Christal Hayes

"It pains me": Jeff Flake spotted watching the trial unfold

Former Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., was among the spectators in the balcony watching today's impeachment trial proceedings. Flake sat in the front row of the balcony ringing the Senate floor, silently observing the proceedings unfold.

On his way out of the Capitol, he told USA TODAY he was "just in town and thought I'd take a look."

"They're taking it seriously," he said of his former senatorial colleagues, noting how rare it was to see the Senate with "all there, all quiet."

Flake called the proceedings a "very solemn thing," but was unsure if he would vote to impeach the president if he were still a senator.

"You can make a compelling argument on both sides," he said of whether Trump's conduct merited impeachment, but added, "what you can't do is argue the president did nothing wrong."

Trump in Davos: President says 'America is thriving' at Davos, Switzerland, economic forum before trial

"I've always said I would like to see the voters remove the president," he said.

"It pains me," he said, to hear House Republicans insist Trump did nothing wrong with Ukraine.

Asked whether he thought proceedings were fair, Flake replied, "fairness is what the Senate decides."

Flake said he had talked to "a number of senators" about the current proceedings but declined to elaborate on which members or about what.

- Nicholas Wu

Schumer seeks to subpoena White House records

Schumer introduced the first of what could be several amendments to the resolution setting up the rules for the trial.

Schumers amendment would subpoena all White House records related to Democrats allegations against Trump, including National Security Council records, conversations about Ukraine, and the delay in military assistance to Ukraine.

Senate Republicans have indicated they wanted to vote on subpoenaing witnesses and documents after the first phase of the trial.

"If any amendments are brought forward to force premature decisions on mid-trial questions, I will move to table such amendments and protect our bipartisan precedent," McConnell said in a speech on the Senate floor earlier.

- Nicholas Wu

White House lawyers attack case as threat to the republic

President Donald Trumps defense team blasted the impeachment case against him as a "ridiculous" and "outrageous" threat to the republic, rather than debate the trial rules they supported.

In a wide-ranging pair of speeches on the Senate floor, private lawyer Jay Sekulow and White House counsel Pat Cipollone accused Democrats in bracing language of seeking to remove Trump since he was elected.

Sekulow said Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., committed a trifecta of improprieties by denying Trump access to evidence, counsel access at hearings and the right to cross-examine witnesses during the House inquiry.

Thats a trifecta, a trifecta that violates the Constitution of the United States, Sekulow said.

House Democrats on three committees held closed-door depositions during the inquiry, but Republicans were allowed to attend and ask questions. The Judiciary Committee then invited Trump's lawyers to attend and participate in hearings by questioning witnesses, but the White House declined to participate in what Cipollone called a "baseless and highly partisan" inquiry.

Cipollone called the impeachment dangerous to the republic for seeking to remove the president elected in 2016 and block him from the ballot in the 2020 election.

A partisan impeachment is like stealing an election, Cipollone told senators. Its a partisan impeachment that they delivered to your doorstep.

- Bart Jansen

Schiff: Trump corrupt even if dressed in gaudy legal clothing

The lead House manager, Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., outlined the case against Trump while arguing the Senate needs to subpoena more witnesses and documents in order to conduct a fair trial.

Schiff said the articles accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress describe misconduct that is the most serious ever charged against a president.

The abuse of power came when Trump pressured Ukraine to investigate his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, to help him cheat in the next U.S. presidential election, Schiff said. The request came as Trump withheld $391 million in military aid that Ukraine needed in its fight against Russia, Schiff said.

Astonishingly, the presidents trial brief, filed yesterday, contends that even if this conduct is proved, that there is nothing the House or this Senate may do about it, Schiff said. It is the presidents apparent belief that under Article II he can do whatever he wants, no matter how corrupt, outfitted in gaudy legal clothing.

The charge of obstruction resulted from Trump directing his administration to defy congressional subpoenas while investigating the misconduct, Schiff said.

This is every bit as destructive of our constitutional order as the misconduct charged in the first article, Schiff said. It makes him a monarch, the very evil against which our Constitution and the balance of powers it carefully laid out, was designed to guard against.

- Bart Jansen

Schiff: 'Process makes no sense'

The lead House impeacment manager, Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., told senators that their vote on the rules would be more important than their eventual vote on whether to convict or acquit Trump.

Schiff said a fair trial would depend on whether to subpoena witnesses or documents, or introduce evidence already gathered. He opposed McConnells proposal, saying it would conduct the trial backwards, with arguments first and evidence at the end.

That process makes no sense, Schiff said.

- Bart Jansen

'President has done nothing wrong'

White House counsel Pat Cipollone supported McConnells rules package, saying that it would provide a fair process for the president to defend himself.

The president has done absolutely nothing wrong, Cipollone said. It is long past time to start this proceeding and we are here today to do it.

- Bart Jansen

The process: President Trump's impeachment: What happens now in the Senate trial

Schiff plays videos of Trump

The Senate reacted sedately as Democratic impeachment managers played video and audio of Trump saying he "would love" for senior administration officials like acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to testify.

Unlike the more raucous proceedings in the House, when Republicans would vocally voice their disapproval of Democrats' arguments by booing Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, senators quietly took notes, intently listening to Schiff's arguments.

Senate rules prohibit side conversations and enforce a quiet debate "on pain of imprisonment."

- Christal Hayes and Nicholas Wu

Roberts is not wearing Rehnquist's stripes

The last time the Senate conducted a president's impeachment trial in 1999, Chief Justice William Rehnquist presided. And Americans immediately were struck by his fashion statement: four gold stripes on each arm.

Was it a special impeachment flourish? Nope. Rehnquist added the stripes four years earlier, in January 1995, in a whimsical emulation of Lord Chancellor in the Gilbert and Sullivan opera "Iolanthe."

The chief justice went right on wearing those stripes for the remainder of his tenure, until his death in 2005  both on the bench and during his public appearances, including when he delivered the oath of office at presidential inaugurations.

Roberts, who succeeded Rehnquist and is in his 15th term as chief justice, has never adorned his robe with any accoutrements. The trial of Trump will be no exception.

- Richard Wolf

In this screenshot taken from a Senate Television webcast, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts presides over impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump in the Senate on Tuesday.

Public packing balcony at trial

Members of the public packed the balcony overlooking the chamber, including actress and activist Alyssa Milano, who sat in the front row, listening intently.

As senators took their seat, they were greeted by staff passing out the trial briefs filed by both House managers and the White House. Many senators brought along notebooks.

Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., came prepared with a stack of sticky notes at the ready on his desk, along with dividers.

Republican senators warmly greeted Trump's defense team, many smiling and shaking hands or patting members of the group on the back. The team sat prepared with stacks of books and binders, including one with the White House logo that was labeled simply: "Impeachment."

Democratic senators similarly shook hands and exchanged words with House managers before the trial got underway.

The two opposing panels sat at curved black tables, with glasses of water.

- Christal Hayes

Schumer: McConnell wants 'rushed' trial

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Tuesday he will propose changes to Republicans' proposed rules for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

Leader McConnell wants the process rushed with as little evidence as possible in the dark of night, Schumer said.

Schumer said the first amendment will seek to subpoena White House documents that deal with withholding $391 million in military aid for Ukraine. Democrats impeached Trump for withholding the money in order to allegedly pressure Ukraine into investigating his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

A series of Schumer amendment proposals will deal with other documents and witnesses. Schumer has called for testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

It cannot be overstated how serious this charge is, Schumer said. If foreigners can interfere in our elections and determine the outcome instead of the American people determining the outcome, our democracy is vastly eroding.

What to expect Tuesday: What is planned to take place as the Senate trial resumes

Schumer acknowledged the difficulty he faces in changing McConnells proposal. A 51-vote majority will set the rules in the chamber, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority over Democrats.

We need four Republicans who are willing to stand up for whats right, who are willing to stand up for what America wants and needs, and not simply bow down to the president, Schumer said.

Schumer also accused McConnell of working with the White House on the resolution, saying it appeared the resolution was written in the White House, not the U.S. Capitol. He said it was a "blueprint for an impeachment trial on fast-forward."

The Senate will resume its impeachment trial of the president at 1 p.m.

- Bart Jansen and Christal Hayes

Romney: late trial hours 'a nothing issue'

Republican senators decried Democratic objections to McConnell's proposed impeachment trial rules,saying they did not believe that Democratic amendments would garner any support from the conference.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah and a key potential swing vote in the chamber, said the objections over arguments being heard over two days  possibly leaving the trial in session into the early morning hours  was kind of a nothing issue." He explained that the media will cover the trial whether it happens at 2 a.m. or 2 in the afternoon and that most people would not watch the trial in its entirety but rather would watch short clips of the events.

Our Democratic friends, I think, have failed to learn the lesson that if you call everything outrageous, then nothing is outrageous, Romney said. And whether it's two days or four days, we have the time to review what is presented because we have the full 24 hours.

Republicans pushed back on the notion that the American people would not be awake for key parts of the presidents trial. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said the time difference would help those along the West Coast watch the proceedings. Its prime time for the West Coast, he said.

- Christal Hayes

Schiff slams McConnell's proposed trial rules

House managers who will prosecute the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump blasted the proposed Senate rules for how the trial will be conducted as rigged," just hours before the trial resumes Tuesday.

The lead manager, Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said requiring votes to admit evidence the House has collected, and to determine whether to subpoena witnesses or documents, is a recipe for hiding evidence from the American people.

Schiff also said compressing arguments into 12-hour days that begin at 1 p.m., as proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., would discourage people from watching the trial. Schiff said the argument time was expanded from six-hour days during the 1999 trial of former President Bill Clinton.

This is not a process for a fair trial. This is the process for a rigged trial, Schiff told reporters at a news conference. This is the process for if you do not want the American people to see the evidence.

Sham? 'Rule of law?: How the House debate set the stage for the impeachment trial

As an example, Schiff cited text messages between top diplomats questioning Trumps dealings with Ukraine, which are at the heart of his impeachment. Schiff also said it is important to hear from former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, who each declined invitations to testify during the House inquiry.

It will not prove the president innocent, Schiff said of blocking their testimony. It will mere prove the Senate guilty of working with the president to obstruct the truth from coming out.

- Bart Jansen

Trent Lott and Tom Daschle: Senate leaders from Clinton's impeachment trial say two sides must work together

For Senators: No gabbing, no milling

No cell phones. No talking out of turn. And stay at your desks.

And bathroom breaks? Theyre allowed but only through the adjoining cloakroom.

During the impeachment trial, senators accustomed to moving about the chamber, chatting with colleagues and checking their phones will have to get used to decorum not unlike those practiced in a strictly run classroom. Even if the stakes are a little higher.

Here are some of the rules that must be followed during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump:

Senators should attend as much of the proceedings as they can.

Senators will only have limited opportunities to speak. And they should refrain from conversing with other senators while the case is being presented.

Senators can only read materials related to the matter before the Senate.

No use of phones or electronic devices are permitted in the chamber during the proceedings.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., stopped by the press pen outside the chamber to do an impression of "Gollum" from Lord of the Rings to demonstrate how senators feel when they get their phones back during recess, acting out: Oh my precious!

- Ledyard King

Poll: majority of Americans say evidence should be allowed

A new poll found that a majority of Americans say introducing new evidence should be allowed in the impeachment trial.

In a Monmouth University poll released Tuesday before the trial, 57% of respondents said House managers should be able to present new evidence. Thirty-seven percent said they should be limited to evidence that was revealed as part of the impeachment inquiry in the House.

- Jeanine Santucci

Poll: Majority support allowing new evidence at Trump's impeachment trial

Debate on rules to begin at 1 p.m. EST

After House Democrats and Trump's legal team traded written jabs over the weekend, the Senate will resume its impeachment trial of the president at 1 p.m. Tuesday with a contentious debate about the rules for conducting the proceeding.

McConnell proposed allocating 24 hours to each side to present their case over two session days for each side. With sessions expected to start at 1 p.m. daily, Democrats assailed the proposal for having the trial run late into the night.

After opening arguments, senators would have 16 hours to pose written questions to both sides through Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial.

But the Senate wouldn't automatically accept the House evidence gathered so far. Under McConnell's proposal, four hours of debate over whether to subpoena witnesses or documents would come after the opening arguments and questions.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the proposal a "national disgrace" and said he would offer amendments.

Under this resolution, Sen. McConnell is saying he doesnt want to hear any of the existing evidence, and he doesnt want to hear any new evidence," Schumer said.

Who are the managers?: Who are the 7 impeachment managers selected for the Senate trial of President Donald Trump?

The seven House managers who will prosecute the case issued a joint statement calling McConnells proposal an effort to prevent the full truth of the presidents conduct from coming to light. The managers said it could become the first trial in history without House witnesses and documents.

That is not a fair trial. In fact, it is no trial at all, said the managers: Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff of California, Jerry Nadler and Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Zoe Lofgren of California, Val Demings of Florida, Jason Crow of Colorado and Sylvia Garcia of Texas. A White House-driven and rigged process, with a truncated schedule designed to go late into the night and further conceal the Presidents misconduct, is not what the American people expect or deserve.

The Constitution sets few requirements for a Senate trial, so senators must still decide basic rules such as to when the trial will be conducted each day and how long each side will have to speak. The set of rules is called an organizing resolution.

A 51-vote majority of senators will set the rules  both at the beginning of the trial and whether to call witnesses  in a chamber with 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.

Trump will spend the opening two days of the trial at an economic conference in Davos, Switzerland. "He has a full day here in Davos, but will be briefed by staff periodically," said White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham.

- Bart Jansen

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arrives at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. The articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump will be formally read to the Senate by Adam Schiff, lead impeachment manager.

White House lawyer could be disqualified, Dems say

House managers who are prosecuting the case against Trump suggested Tuesday that the presidents top defense lawyer, White House counsel Pat Cipollone, could be disqualified from the trial because of his first-hand knowledge about the case.

The managers sent a five-page letter to Cipollone saying he could be a witness and should disclose any facts and information before making legal arguments on Trumps behalf in the trial. The managers said the disclosure is important so that senators and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the trial, could be aware of any ethics issues, conflicts or biases.

These risks are so serious that they can require a lawyers disqualification, the letter said.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler said Tuesday that Cipollone should be recused from the trial because of he was a fact witness.

Yes, he should, Nadler said when asked if Cipollone should recuse himself.

Cipollone is a fact witness, Nadler added, and one of the participants in what weve accused the president of.

What is a manager?: What is an impeachment manager, and what do they do?

Managers focused on information that Cipollone had about concerns about Ukraine that several officials raised to the top lawyer at the National Security Council, John Eisenberg. Fiona Hill, a former NSC aide, said Eisenberg became very concerned when he learned that Trumps personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was involved. Other NSC staffers  Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman and Tim Morrison  also reported concerns to Eisenberg about Trumps July 25 call to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The call is at the heart of the impeachment accusations against Trump, which accuse him of pressuring Zelensky to investigate his political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

In light of your extensive knowledge of these key events, your personal representation of President Trump threatens to undermine the integrity of the pending trial, the managers said in the letter.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley pushed back on the request of Cipollone.

The Democrats are an utter joke - they have no case, and this latest political stunt proves it," he said. "The idea that the Counsel to the President has to turn over protected documents and confidential information is ludicrous, and to imply he cant represent the President of the United States in an impeachment proceeding is completely absurd.

- Bart Jansen, Nicholas Wu and David Jackson

Will witnesses and documents be permitted?

Whatever logistics are set for arguments, one of most contentious issues is whether the Senate will subpoena witnesses and documents, to gather additional evidence. But the final answer to that question isn't expected Tuesday.

Schumer has proposed issuing subpoenas for four witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, and three batches of documents.

Senate legacy: Trump's impeachment trial could render verdict on Senate and key players

But McConnell has said he has the votes to postpone that decision until after opening arguments and written questions. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., suggested that if Democrats are allowed to call their witnesses, Republicans will call witnesses such as Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President Joe Biden, who worked at a Ukraine gas company.

The articles of impeachment accuse Trump of abuse of power for pressuring Ukraine to investigate Biden and his son, while withholding $391 million in military aid. The articles also accuse Trump of obstruction of Congress because the White House then directed aides and agencies to defy subpoenas for testimony and documents during the inquiry.

Once the organizing resolution is adopted, the arguments about the evidence begins. House managers and Trump's legal team offered a sample of their arguments over the weekend, in written briefs.

Trump in Davos: Trump says 'America is thriving' at Davos, Switzerland, economic forum before impeachment trial

House Democrats said there was "overwhelming" evidence against Trump and said he was a danger to the country's national security.

"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 seven House managers wrote in a 111-page filing summarizing their opening arguments for the trial.

Trump's legal team, meanwhile, called the House impeachment drive "a brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election and interfere with the 2020 election  now just months away."

Trump's lawyers said the articles "do not identify any impeachable offense" and that the inquiry was "irredeemably flawed."

"All that House Democrats have succeeded in proving is that the President did absolutely nothing wrong," the filing said.

- Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Live Trump impeachment trial updates: Senate adopts rules
By Pepe Escobar

January 20, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The US targeted assassination, via drone strike, of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, apart from a torrent of crucial geopolitical ramifications, once again propels to center stage a quite inconvenient truth: the congenital incapacity of so-called US elites to even attempt to understand Shiism  thus 24/7 demonization, demeaning not only Shias by also Shia-led governments.

Washington had been deploying a Long War even before the concept was popularized by the Pentagon in 2001, immediately after 9/11: its a Long War against Iran. It started via the coup against the democratically elected government of Mosaddegh in 1953, replaced by the Shahs dictatorship. The whole process was turbo-charged over 40 years ago when the Islamic Revolution smashed those good old Cold War days when the Shah reigned as the privileged American gendarme of the (Persian) Gulf.

Yet this extends far beyond geopolitics. There is absolutely no way whatsoever for anyone to be capable of grasping the complexities and popular appeal of Shiism without some serious academic research, complemented with visits to selected sacred sites across Southwest Asia: Najaf, Karbala, Mashhad, Qom and the Sayyida Zeinab shrine near Damascus. Personally, I have traveled this road of knowledge since the late 1990s  and I still remain just a humble student.

In the spirit of a first approach  to start an informed East-West debate on a crucial cultural issue totally sidelined in the West or drowned by tsunamis of propaganda, I initially asked three outstanding scholars for their first impressions.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

They are: Prof. Mohammad Marandi, of the University of Tehran, expert on Orientalism; Arash Najaf-Zadeh, who writes under the nom de guerre Blake Archer Williams and who is an expert on Shia theology; and the extraordinary Princess Vittoria Alliata from Sicily, top Italian Islamologist and author, among others, of books such as the mesmerizing Harem  which details her travels across Arab lands.

Two weeks ago, I was a guest of Princess Vittoria at Villa Valguarnera in Sicily. We were immersed in a long, engrossing geopolitical discussion  of which one of the key themes was US-Iran  only a few hours before a drone strike at Baghdad airport killed the two foremost Shia fighters in the real war on terror against ISIS/Daesh and al-Qaeda/al-Nusra: Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi second-in-command Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Martyrdom vs. cultural relativism

Prof. Marandi offers a synthetic explanation: The American irrational hatred of Shiism stems from its strong sense of resisting injustice  the story of Karbala and Imam Hussein and the Shia stress on protecting the oppressed, defending the oppressed and standing up against the oppressor. That is something that the United States and the hegemonic Western powers simply cannot tolerate.

Blake Archer Williams sent me a reply that has now been published as a stand-alone piece. This passage, extending on the power of the sacred, clearly underlines the abyss separating the Shia notion of martyrdom from Western cultural relativism:

There is nothing more glorious for a Moslem than attaining to martyrdom while fighting in the Way of God. General Qasem Soleymani fought for many years for the objective of waking the Iraqi people up to the point where they would want to take the helm of the destiny of their own country in their own hands. The vote of the Iraqi parliament showed that his objective has been achieved. His body was taken away from us, but his spirit was amplified a thousand fold, and his martyrdom has ensured that shards of its blessed light will be embedded in the hearts and minds of every Moslem man, woman, and child, inoculating them all from the zombie-cancer of the Satanic Novus Ordo Seclorum cultural relativists.

[a point of contention: Novus Ordo Seclorum, or Saeculorum, means new order of the ages, and derives from a famous poem by Virgil which, in the Middle Ages, was regarded by Christians as a prophecy of the coming of Christ. To this point, Williams responded that while that etymological sense of the phrase is true and still stands, the phrase was hijacked by one George Bush The Younger as representative of the New Worldly Order globalist cabal, and it is in this sense that is currently predominant.]

Enslaved by Wahhabism

Princess Vittoria would rather frame the debate around the unquestioning American attitude towards Wahhabism: I do not think all this has anything to do with hating Shiism or ignoring it. After all the Aga Khan is super embedded in US security, a sort of Dalai Lama of the Islamic world. I believe the satanic influence is from Wahhabism, and the Saudi family, who are much more heretic than the Shia to all Sunnis of the world, but have been the only contact to Islam for the US rulers. The Saudis have paid for most of the murders and wars by the Islamic Brothers first, then by the other forms of Salafism, all of them invented on a Wahhabi base.

So, for Princess Vittoria, I would not try so much to explain Shiism, but to explain Wahhabism and its devastating consequences: it has given birth to all extremisms as well as to revisionism, atheism, destruction of shrines and Sufi leaders all over the Islamic world. And of course Wahhabism is so close to Zionism. There are even researchers who have come up with documents which seem to prove that the House of Saud is a Dunmeh tribe of converted Jews expelled from Medina by the Prophet after they tried to murder him despite having signed a peace treaty.

Princess Vittoria also emphasizes the fact that  the Iranian revolution and Shia groups in the Middle East are today the only successful force of resistance to the US, and that causes them to be hated more than others. But only after all other Sunni opponents had been disposed of, killed, terrified (just think of Algeria, but there are dozens of other examples) or corrupted. This is of course not only my position, but that of most Islamologists today.

The profane against the sacred

Knowing of Williams immense knowledge of Shia theology, and his expertise in Western philosophy, I prodded him to, literally, go for the jugular. And he delivered: The question as to why American politicians are incapable of understanding Shia Islam (or Islam in general for that matter) is a simple one: unrestrained neoliberal capitalism engenders oligarchy, and the oligarchs select candidates that represent their interests before they are elected by the ignorant masses. Populist exceptions such as Trump occasionally slip through (or dont, as in the case of Ross Perot, who pulled out under duress), but even Trump is then controlled by the oligarchs through threats of impeachment, etc. So the role of the politician in democracies seems not to be to try to understand anything but simply carry out the agenda of the elites who own them.

Williams go for the jugular response is a long, complex essay that Id like to publish in full only when our debate gets deeper  along with possible refutations. To summarize it, he outlines and discusses the two main tendencies in Western philosophy: dogmatists vs. skeptics; details how the holy trinity of the ancient world were in fact the second wave of the dogmatists, trying to save the Greek city states and the Greek world more generally from the decadence of the Sophists; delves into the the third wave of skepticism, which started with the Renaissance and peaked in the 17th century with Montaigne and Descartes; and then draws connections to Shia Islam and the failure of the West to understand it.

And that leads him to the heart of the matter: A third option, and a third intellectual stream over and above the dogmatists and the skeptics, and that is the tradition of the traditional (as opposed to the philosophical) Shia scholars of religion.

Now compare it with the last push of the skeptics, as Descartes himself admits, by the daemon which came to him in his dreams and which resulted in his writing his Discourse on the Method (1637) and Meditations on First Philosophy (1641). The West is still reeling from the blow, and it would seem has decided to put away its stilts of reason and the senses (which Kant tried in vain to reconcile, making things a thousand times worse and more convoluted and discombobulated), and just wallow in the self-congratulatory form of irrationalism known as post-modernism, which should rightly be called ultra-modernism or hyper-modernism as it is no less rooted in the Cartesian Subjective Turn and the Kantian Copernican Revolution than are the early moderns and the moderns proper.

To summarize a quite complex juxtaposition, what all this means is that the two civilizations have two utterly different views of what the world order should be. Iran believes that the order of the world should be what it has always been and actually is in reality, whether we like it or not, or whether we even believe in reality or not (as some in the West are wont not to do). And the secularized West believes in a new worldly (as opposed to other-worldly or divine) order. And so it is not so much a clash of civilizations as it is a clash of the profane against the sacred, with profane elements in both civilizations arrayed against the sacred forces in both civilizations. It is the clash of the sacred order of justice versus the profane order of the exploitation of man at the hands of his fellow man; of the profaning of Gods justice for the (short-term or this-worldly) benefit of the rebels against Gods justice.

Dorian Gray revisited

Williams does provide a concrete example to illustrate these abstract concepts: The problem is that while everyone knows that the 19th and 20th century exploitation of the third world by Western powers was unjust and immoral, this same exploitation continues today. The continuation of this outrageous injustice is the ultimate basis for the differences that exist between Iran and the United States, which will ineluctably continue as long as the US insists on its exploitative practices and as long as it continues to protect its protectorate governments, who only survive against the overwhelming will of the people they rule because of the bullying presence of the US forces that are propping them up in order for them to continue to serve their interests rather than the interests of their peoples. It is a spiritual war for the establishment of justice and autonomy in the third world. The West can continue to look good in its own eyes because it controls the reality studio (of world discourse), but its real image is plain for all to see, even though the West continues to see itself as Dorian Gray did in Oscar Wildes only novel, as a young and handsome person whose sins were only reflected in his portrait. Thus the portrait reflects the reality which the third world sees every day, whereas the Western Dorian Gray sees himself as he is portrayed by the CNNs and the BBCs and the New York Timess of the world.

Western imperialism in Western Asia is usually symbolized by Napoleon Bonapartes war against the Ottomans in Egypt and Syria (17981801). Ever since the beginning of the 19th century, the West has been sucking on the jugular vein of the Moslem body politic like a veritable vampire whose thirst for Moslem blood is never sated and who refused to let go. Since 1979, Iran, which has always played the role of the intellectual leader of the Islamic world, has risen up to put a stop to this outrage against Gods law and will, and against all decency. So it is a process of revisioning a false and distorted vision of reality back to what reality actually is and should be: a just order. But this revisioning is hampered both by the fact that the vampires control the reality studio, and the ineptitude of Moslem intellectuals and their failure to understand even the rudiments of the history of Western thought, be this in its ancient, medieval, or modern period.

Is there a chance to smash the reality studio? Possibly: What needs to happen is for world consciousness to shift from the paradigm wherein people believe a maniac like Pompeo and a buffoon like Trump represent the paragon of normality, to a paradigm where people believe that Pompeo and Trump are just a couple of gangsters who go about doing whatever they please, no matter how disgusting and depraved, with almost complete and utter impunity. And that is a process of revisioning, and a process of awakening to a new and higher state of political consciousness. It is a process of rejecting the discourse of the dominant paradigm and of joining the Axis of Resistance, whose military leader was the martyr General Qasem Soleymani. Not least, it involves a rejection of the absurdity of the relativity of truth (and the relativity of time and space, for that matter; sorry, Einstein); and the abandonment of the absurd and nihilistic philosophy of humanism, and the awakening to the reality that there is a Creator, and that He is actually in charge. But of course, all this is too much for the oh-so-enlightened modern mentality, who knows better.

There you go. And this is just the beginning. Input and refutations welcomed. Calling all informed souls: the debate is on.

Pepe Escobar is correspondent-at-large at Asia Times. His latest book is 2030. Follow him on Facebook.

This article was originally published by " Unz Review " -

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here

==See Also==
Schrodinger's cat is a concept that was deliberately created by a physicist from Austria, Erwin Schrodinger, as a counterstatement to Copenhagen's interpretation of quantum mechanics. In his experiment, which fortunately for all the feline species remained on a thought level only, the cat can be both alive and dead when certain experiment factors are deconstructed.

Quantum Mechanics And A Cat

Why did Schrodinger develop this thought construct in the first place? In 1935, he critiqued the way quantum mechanics scientists were explaining the state of an object. From the so-called Copenhagen interpretation, an object is able to exist in all possible configurations within a specific period. However, if we extrapolate that system to observation, all other options collapse, and we can see only one possible state of an object.

How did Schrodinger approach this problem? Well, he told people to imagine an experiment that involves: a cat, a bottle of poison, radioactive material, the Geiger counter, and a hammer all inside one box. The way he set up the rules is essential to understand the paradox that comes out of the possible results. The amount of radioactive material inside the box is so small that there is only a 50% chance that the Geiger counter would detect it in 60 minutes. If radiation was recognized, the hammer would fall and smash the bottle of poison, thus killing the cat.

Cat in a box - it is clearly alive.

Schrodinger claimed that, until we open the box and see what actually happened, the cat is both dead and alive. When an object takes that form, it is called a superposition. Of course, this was enough to point out the paradox that occurs in Copenhagen's explanation. The paradox is contained in the fact that the cat cannot be both alive and dead at the same time, and Schrodinger applied the whole critique to how quantum mechanics scientists offered their explanation.

Schrodinger's Concept Does Not Prove Anything

This experiment Schrodinger explained, in its essence, is not a legitimate one and did not actually prove anything. The Schrodinger's cat concept was used merely as a mechanism to explain the problems in interpretation quantum mechanics was having as a field. This kind of thinking was further embellished by Albert Einstein, who not only agreed with Schrodinger's explanation but extended the critique even further, asking the question: is the state of an object created only when it is under investigation at a specific moment?

From that period, there have been enough advances in the way quantum mechanics explain the state of an object. Now, it is documented how a quantum particle can collapse in almost any kind of interaction. Put shortly, together with Einstein, Schrodinger has implemented a fundamental view of thinking in modern science; the one which suggests that the change in state can come in many other ways, and not only when performed by a conscious observer, or a scientist. However, the theory in which the truth is in the eye of the observer is still very much used by scientists that take part in writing and thinking about filling the popular science category on the bookshelves.
You know the old saying, coffee before beer, youre in the clear, but beer IN your coffee, will set it off-y. Youve never heard that? Weird. I say it all the time as a justification for my breakfast beer; it helps grease the wheels of creativity. And clearly there are more than a handful of like-minded souls up in Vancouver, British Columbia because the Hopwired Festival is back! Now in its thirdAND FINAL!year, Hopwired is a festival of coffee and beer and coffee beer, and tickets are on sale now!

Returning to the Croatian Cultural Centre on Saturday, February 29th, Hopwired will feature over 30 brewers and roasters who will be sampling their fine wares for the public, including the likes of Counterpart, Mischief, and Transcend on the coffee side as well as Blind Enthusiasm, House of Funk, and Wild Ambition bringing up the beer.

And of course, the twain shall meet with Mean Muggin, the official coffee beer for Hopwired 2020. The coffee stout is a collaboration between Prototype Coffee and Nickel Brook Brewing (NOT Nickelback, the Canadian heartthrobs who just so happen to also reside in the Couv).

For those in need of a palate cleanser between all the big flavors swirling around them, Hopwired has quite a few palate cleansers on offer, including lagers from Chuckanut Brewing, nitro kombucha, and a variety of fruit beers from the Fruit Beer Festival, Hopwireds sister fest. And if youre preferred palate cleanser isnt more alcohol, you can take a quick five at any of the panel discussion being held this year. You can learn from industry professionals about wild beer, foeders, malting, or you know, drink more at a wild beer tasting.

Tickets for Hopwired 2020 are currently on sale, with a few early bird spots left for just $45 CAD. After that the price will jump to $65 CAD for advanced tickets and $75 CAD for regular tickets. Admission includes all the coffee and beer you can (responsibly) consume as well as an official Hopwired glass, access to the Award Show hosted by Sprudgie Finalist Vancouver Coffee Snob, and so much more. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Hopwireds official website.

Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Top image by Dave Upshaw of Canoe Coffee
Iranians demonstrate against the regime in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (Obtained from social media by Reuters)

Unprecedented Iran Protests Target Islamic Regime, Experts Say

Protests in Iran that began after the countrys military shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all 176 people on board, are unique in that they are opposing the main institutions that constitute Irans Islamic regime, experts say.

Pierre Pahlavi, an expert on Iranian foreign policy, told The Epoch Times that the widespread protests that started on Jan. 11mostly on university campuses across Iranare unlike other protests the country has seen in recent years because they are targeting the supreme leadership and the military.

Unlike the November demonstrations, which were motivated by the increase in the cost of living, these demonstrations target the main institutions of the Islamic regime: the Supreme Leader himself [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, whom the street [protesters] blame for their amateurism and incompetence, Pahlavi, chair of the Department of Security and International Affairs at the Canadian Forces College, said in an email.

Pahlavi, a member of the Pahlavi royal family that ruled the country until the 1979 Islamic revolution put in place the current regime, said the recent protests indicate a reversal of popular support, which was grandly portrayed in favor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) after the assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani until the regime acknowledged having downed the plane.

Even after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the militarys unforgivable error of shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, he couldnt assuage the widespread feeling of distrust among the people, according to a report by the Atlantic Council.

Iranians students chant slogans as they demonstrate following a tribute for the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 in front of the Amirkabir University in the capital Tehran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)

So many lives have been lost so tragically, but I dont think anybody in the upper echelons will pay for it, Maryam, a 29-year-old teacher who joined protesters in Tehrans Azadi Square on Jan. 12 and 13, told the author of the report.

The protests in Azadi Square were in themselves symbolic of the flip indicated by Pahlavi. The square, which is a popular spot for revolutionary protests, is built around a tower that was commissioned by the last monarch of Iran to celebrate 2,500 years of the establishment of imperial Iran. Before the Islamic revolution, the landmark was called Shahyad Squaremeaning a square built in the memory of the Shah.

The square was the venue of many mass protests that led to the revolution, and in its wake was called Azadi, which means freedom in Persian. The Islamic Republic of Iran holds its annual celebrations commemorating its founding in the square.

Last year, crowds streamed in from the capitals far-flung neighborhoods waving Iranian flags and chanting Death to Americastandard fare at rallies across Iran that the regimes critics say are massive propaganda events.

The flip of scenarios seen in the most recent protests, though not yet proportional in terms of numbers, appears to showcase a marked change in sentiment toward the regime and its institutions.

Theyve shown many times over that they latch on to power and their titles at any cost, despite the deaths of so many people, which I think is what has made many like me feel that their lives are not worth much in the eyes of those in power, Maryam said.

While there have been similar protest movements, previously there have been decade-long gaps between them (1999, 20092011), Pahlavi said.

The fact that recent demonstrations take place at an increasingly closer interval is in itself a significant factor, he said.

An expert on Iranian politics told The Epoch Times that the protests represent a deep sense of crisis among Iranians.

Muhammad Sahimi attributes the current protests to the terrible state of the economy, which he says suffers from U.S. sanctions, mismanagement, and deep corruption.

At the same time, the protests are against the restrictive nature of the Islamic Republic, the press censorship, and at least some aspects of the foreign policy of the government, Sahimi said.

Iranian police officers take a position while protesters gather in front of Amir Kabir University in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020, to remember victims of a Ukrainian airplane shot down by an Iranian missile. (AP Photo)

Suppression of Protests

Recently, video footage has been circulating on social media showing violence allegedly perpetrated by the Iranian regime against protesters. Amnesty International has verified incidents of forces [firing] pointed pellets from airguns, usually used for hunting, at peaceful protesters causing bleeding and painful injuries.

Security forces also used rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse protesters as well as kicking and punching them, beating them with batons and carrying out arbitrary arrests, the organization wrote.

During last Novembers protests in Iran, Reuters citing anonymous officials inside the regime as saying that authorities had killed 1,500 protestors, which would make it the bloodiest suppression of protests since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. A spokesman for Irans Supreme National Security Council called the reported death toll fake news, according to semi-official Tasnim news agency.

An Iranian protester prepares to throw a tear gas canister back at police in front of Amir Kabir University in Tehran, Iran, during a demonstration to remember victims of a Ukrainian airplane shot down by an Iranian missile on Jan. 11, 2020. (AP Photo)

It is appalling that Irans security forces have violently crushed peaceful vigils and protests by people demanding justice for the 176 passengers killed on the plane and expressing their anger at the Iranian authorities initial cover-up, said Philip Luther, research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

Amnesty said it has evidence in the form of photos and testimonials from injured protesters, and that it has received a shocking allegation of sexual violence committed against a female protester who was arbitrarily arrested by security forces in plain clothes.

More videos have surfaced that allege that the families of the air crash victims have been harassed by authorities, and havent yet received compensation.

The victims families are very upset for obvious reasons, Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, chair in Middle East Studies at Northwestern University, told The Epoch Times. The fact that the government initially tried to cover up its role in the crash has laid bare the frustrations and fear of many Iranians who feel that the government is not working in the interest of the people.

Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and an activist who has been posting on Twitter about the aftermath of the plane crash and the protests, wrote Jan. 16 about allegations that the Iranian authorities extracted forced statements from the families of the victims for its state TV propaganda.

Iran has extracted forced statements from Amir-Hossein Saeed-Nias parents on state TV, Alinejad wrote in a tweet to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Before being forced to appear on TV, Amir-Hosseins mum had said his son was Canadian and that only Canada could help them.

In the statement, Saeed-Nias father was made to praise Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Alinejad later shared that after the parents were forced to give statements, Saeedi-Nias grandmother sought accountability from the authorities.

They killed my kid, the grandmother said in a video shared by Alinejad. God didnt kill him; they killed him. They killed him. When God kills him, theyll say it is an accident. The airplane exploded in the air. But they killed my son. Muslims, hear us: They killed our Amir-Hossein. Whoever did this, I hope suffers the worse end.

Right after Irans government extracted forced statements from the family of Amir-Hossein Saeedi-Nia (where the father is forced to praise the Supreme Leader), the grandmother went out to ask for accountability. Families of the plane downed by Iran are under a lot of pressure https://t.co/8GNzPWYHBp pic.twitter.com/EX2vaK24Z6  Masih Alinejad  (@AlinejadMasih) January 16, 2020

In reaction to the video, Hurd said, It is important to listen to women like this grandmother and understand that there is a space occupied by many Iranians who are critical of the regime and also fiercely opposed to U.S. interference in Irans affairs and in the region more generally.

Hurd believes that the protests represent peoples wish for a democratic third way and that the United States needs to understand this better, and act accordingly with more respect.

Alinejad also shared a video of a wailing mother whose son was killed in the crash and who was prevented from mourning him because the authorities built a fence around his grave. The woman is heard screaming in the video: Leave us alone! Leave us alone!

My brother died for this country 30 years ago. I have been proud he died for his country, but our rulers are bloodsuckers, the woman says in the video.

Put yourself in the shoes of this poor Iranian mother: -The regime killed her son, who was on the Ukrainian Airlines plane -They also built a fence around her sons grave, preventing her from mourning him. Hear her screams to authorities: Leave us alone! Leave us alone pic.twitter.com/c0uVWa2Vnn  Masih Alinejad  (@AlinejadMasih) January 17, 2020

To highlight the kind of anger Iranians are feeling toward the regime, Hurd talked about Kimia Alizadeh, the Iranian Olympic athlete who recently defected.

How do I start? With a hello, a goodbye or to offer my condolences? Hello to the oppressed people of Iran, goodbye to the noble people of Iran, and my condolences to the perpetually mourning people of Iran, Alizadeh said on Instagram.

Where Is Iran Heading?

Hurd believes the protests represent a new phase in the history of dissent inside Iran.

The Iranian government is getting nervous and, unfortunately, the repression of these protests may become even more violent, she said.

Amir Taheri, a former editor-in-chief of Kayhan, Irans main newspaper, said reports of protests from four Iranian cities indicate its the first time that regime change is being demanded at the grassroots level by young Iranians.

I receive[d] reports from Ahvaz, Tabriz, Mashhad & Kashan of protests against Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei with more & more clear demands for regime change.

This is first-time regime change is demanded at a grassroot level, especially by young Iranians. No cosmetic reform will do! said Taheri, the author of 13 books, in a message on Twitter.

Sahimi said that if the Iranian regime neglects protesters demands, then, obviously, the protests will grow more and moves toward replacing the political system by a better and more representative government.

Sam Bazzi, a Lebanese expert on the Middle East, told The Epoch Times that the protests, while small in number compared to the volume of crowds that the Iranian regime gathered for Soleimanis funeral, are an embarrassment for the regime on the international stage.

Worshippers chant slogans during a Friday prayers ceremony at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 17, 2020, as a banner shows Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, left, and Iraqi Shiite senior militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were killed in Iraq in a U.S. drone attack on Jan. 3, and a banner which reads in Persian: Death To America. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

There are millions of silent regime opponents who have been cowed by the brutality of the IRGC and the Basij mobilization militia, Bazzi said. The regime monitors opposition activists and, ever since the 2009 Green Revolution, the IRGC deploys snipers to take out protest organizers and zealot activists. Therefore, most Iranians prefer to avoid the regimes wrath and killing machine.

Pahlavi says the political influence of the IRGC, the most powerful institution in the regime, has been constantly increasing inside Iran and a significant part of Iranian leadership is now held, directly or indirectly, by its members. As a result, its possible the IRGC has deepened its roots in Iranian society, with the countrys regime increasingly becoming a military dictatorship with a theocratic facade.

He said that while the newest wave of grievances has conjured a new test for the solidity of the Islamic regime, but any rumors about the irreversible deterioration of the regime may still be greatly exaggerated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Correction: This article has been updated to correctly attribute a statement made by Pierre Pahlavi. The Epoch Times regrets the error.
[January 20, 2020] Global Digital Education Content Market 2019-2023 | Growing Emphasis on Personalized Content to Boost Growth | Technavio

Technavio has been monitoring the global digital education content market and it is poised to grow by USD 22.97 billion during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005321/en/ Technavio announced its latest market research report titled global digital education content market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire) Growing emphasis on personalized content has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, challenges with increased availability of open educational resources, might hamper market growth. Request a free sample report Digital Education Content Market 2019-2023: Segmentation Digital Education Content Market is segmented as below: End-Users K-12

Higher education Geographic segmentation Americas

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Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of digital education content market vendors About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005321/en/

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Italys right-wing opposition leader Matteo Salvini has challenged legislators to lift his Senate immunity so he could be tried for allegedly keeping migrants hostage for days aboard a coastguard rescue ship, and some did as he asked.

But the only Senate immunity commission members who voted in favour of lifting his protection from prosecution were from his own anti-migrant League party, acting on his directive.

Nothing is definite since the whole Senate must decide on his immunity in February.

Legislators from parties in the governing coalition, unwilling to make Mr Salvini seem a martyr ahead of a crucial regional election next week, boycotted the commission vote.

That left only opposition senators among commission members. They split, five votes to five, on lifting Mr Salvinis immunity. Under commission rules that was tantamount to allowing immunity to be lifted, a matter which will be decided by the full Senate.

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Governing centre-left parties fear Mr Salvini pushed to have his immunity lifted to win sympathy votes for his League party in a January 26 regional election, where he hopes to triumph in a left-wing stronghold.

If someone wants to put me on trial, thats OK, he tweeted on Monday. Ill look them in the eyes, and if it costs me going to jail, Ill go with my head high.

Commission chairman Maurizio Gasparri, from the centre-right opposition forces, had recommended that the members vote to keep Mr Salvinis immunity, but the five League legislators did what Mr Salvini wanted.

In the end a political consideration prevailed on the part of the League, Mr Gasparri told reporters after the vote.

Mr Salvini insists that while interior minister he acted to safeguard Italys borders when he refused for six days to allow the coastguard ship Gregoretti to bring 131 rescued migrants ashore to Sicily in July 2019. His League party blames migrants for crime and contends there is a risk some might be terrorists.

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Drug dealers, rapists, mafiosi should end up in jail, not ministers who defend citizens, Mr Salvini told an election rally for the Leagues regional candidate.

Prosecutors in Sicily investigated him for alleged kidnapping, then decided to shelve the case, but another judicial body, the Tribunal of Ministers, which has jurisdiction over the handling of alleged crimes by government officials, wants to proceed.

Coalition parties in premier Giuseppe Contes government last week unsuccessfully sought to have the vote delayed until after the election for the governorship of Emilia Romagna, a long-time left-wing stronghold.

If the Democrats, a main government party, lose in Sundays vote to the right-wing League, Mr Salvini would gain momentum to resume pressing for an early national election.

As interior minister in Mr Contes previous government, Mr Salvini cracked down on migrants who were rescued by the thousand in the Mediterranean Sea from human traffickers unseaworthy boats.

He has insisted the decision to refuse to let the migrants disembark was shared by Mr Conte and 5-Star chief Luigi Di Maio, who was the other coalition leader in the previous 5-Star-League government.

That government collapsed in August after Mr Salvini withdrew support in a thwarted bid to trigger earlier elections.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 04:47:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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OTTAWA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday that his government will table legislation to ratify the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) next week.

"On Monday, we will present a ways and means motion, and on Wednesday we will table legislation to ratify the deal," Trudeau said at a press conference after a three-day cabinet meeting in Winnipeg, Canada.

The House of Commons will resume sitting on Jan. 27 and the Senate will resume sitting on Feb. 4.

"Passing the new NAFTA in Parliament is our priority ... millions of Canadians depend on stable, reliable trade with our largest trading partners," Trudeau said.

It might take some time for Canada to pass the new NAFTA bill as it will have to work its way through both the House and the Senate.

The Trudeau-led Liberal Party has a minority government and it needs the support of MPs from other parties in order to get their bill passed.

"There are going to be many conversations to come between our excellent house leader Pablo Rodriguez and the other parties as we negotiate our way through," Trudeau said. "What we've been doing is reminding everyone in the House and across the country of how important it is to secure our most important trading relationship for future generations."

"We are going to make sure we move forward in the right way, and that means ratifying this new NAFTA as quickly as possible, but responsibly in the House of Commons," he added.

Canada, Mexico and the United States signed the CUSMA last December. Mexico was the first to ratify the text just days after the deal was signed. The United States followed suit last week.

Canada is the last country to ratify the text. The CUSMA can't come into effect until all three parties ok it.
Princess Dianas niece has joined the Queens grandson in exploiting royal connections to promote milk sales in China.

A day after the Mail exposed Peter Phillips lucrative commercial work in Shanghai, it emerged that Lady Kitty Spencer has got in on the act too. The pair are going head to head by plugging rival Chinese dairy brands.

Endorsing Satine Jersey milk, Earl Spencers daughter posed in a stunning emerald dress with a cup of tea for a photoshoot at the British Museum.

The 29-year-old model, a first cousin to Princes William and Harry, said she was thrilled, telling Chinese journalists: The day of the Royal Family usually begins with a cup of milk or a cup of tea.

Sales pitch: Lady Kitty Spencer helps launch the Chinese Jersey milk brand in a commercial event at the British Museum

The 29-year-old model, a first cousin to Princes William and Harry, said she was thrilled, telling Chinese journalists: The day of the Royal Family usually begins with a cup of milk or a cup of tea

Lady Kittys involvement emerged as:

The Cabinet Office was urged to probe Peter Phillips blatant trading on his royal status;

MPs condemned Princess Annes son for demeaning the very essence of the monarchy;

A former royal chef derided his claim that Mr Phillips was brought up on Jersey milk from the herd at Windsor;

Buckingham Palace came under pressure to explain why it allowed his advert;

Prince Harry arrived in Canada to embark on his own life of financial independence.

On Tuesday, the Mail revealed that Mr Phillips, who with his Canadian wife Autumn sold their 2008 wedding to Hello! magazine, had appeared in two adverts for a Chinese state-owned dairy firm.

Dressed in a black bow tie and dinner jacket, the 42-year-old said in a dubbed Chinese voice I love to drink Jersey Milk while a caption read British Royal Family member Peter Phillips.

He is likely to have been paid tens of thousands of pounds for the adverts, which give the impression of being set in a royal palace.

The two aristocrats effectively went head to head in a milk marketing war because their rival promotions were both launched in June last year

Model look: Lady Kitty attending the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 show in Paris on January 20

In fact the scenes use footage from Longleat House in Wiltshire. The stately home did not give permission for this.

Yesterday, it emerged that Princess Dianas niece has been promoting a rival brand, Satine, which is sold by Chinese food giant Yili Group.

It competes in the growing Chinese market for high end milk against Jersey Cattle Fresh Milk, the product that is being marketed by the Queens grandson.

The two aristocrats effectively went head to head in a milk marketing war because their rival promotions were both launched in June last year. The rival brands bill themselves as milk from Jersey cows, a key selling-point for Chinese middle-class consumers.

Dozens of photographs were taken of Lady Kitty, whose dress was designed with a nod to Far Eastern couture, at the Satine launch event on June 8.

With the grand backdrop of the British Museums marble atrium, Lady Kitty sipped tea while a Chinese woman poured milk from a carton  with the title Satine Jersey Milk British Museum Classic Edition  into a jug.

The milk carton is emblazoned with Satine  The British Museum and features a sketch based on an 1846 lithograph of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children, titled The Royal Children in the Nursery

On Tuesday, the Mail revealed that Mr Phillips, who with his Canadian wife Autumn sold their 2008 wedding to Hello! magazine, had appeared in two adverts for a Chinese state-owned dairy firm

A press release issued by the milk company made great play of her royal connections, saying: Kitty Spencer, niece of the late Princess Diana, made an authentic English breakfast tea with Jersey milk and shared the story of Jersey milk and the British Royal Family.

Lady Kitty, who is not a member of the Royal Family, was quoted as saying: Jersey milk has a close relationship with the British Royal Family. At Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen in London, the Queens day begins with drinking a cup of tea.

Jersey milk has been enjoyed by the British Royal Family for many years. Jersey milk is considered to be the finest and most special from the United Kingdom.

The launch event led to gushing articles in the Chinese media about Satine milk and British noble member Lady Kitty.

The eldest child of Earl Spencer, Lady Kitty grew up in South Africa with her mother, Victoria, the peers first wife.

She has been based in London for five years since signing with Storm Management, the modelling agency which launched the careers of Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne.

Lady Kitty made her runway debut for Dolce & Gabbana in 2017, has modelled for the Italian luxury jewellery brand Bulgari, and has graced the covers of Tatler and Harpers Bazaar.

Dianas niece posted on her Instagram feed a photo of herself at the launch of Satine milk, writing: Paid partnership with British Museum. A fascinating morning learning and speaking at the Satine x British Museum Limited Edition Launch Event.

Princess Dianas niece has joined the Queens grandson in exploiting royal connections to promote milk sales in China

In a promotional video, she added: Hello, Im Kitty Spencer, and Im thrilled to be here to celebrate the collaboration between the British Museum and Satine.

The British Museum received a fee for hosting the event, which it said was commercially sensitive.

A spokesman said: The British Museum started its brand licensing programme back in 2016 and has an international programme, with select licensee partners in China, the UK, Europe and North America.

The press release details the collaboration on this particular product and the role of the British Museum, whereby the design of the packaging for a specific product was inspired by objects in the British Museums collection.

This is a reference to the milk carton that is emblazoned with Satine  The British Museum and features a sketch based on an 1846 lithograph of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their children, titled The Royal Children in the Nursery.

A copy of the original artwork is in the Royal Collection.

Yesterday there was no comment from Lady Kittys agent or from Buckingham Palace.

Mr Phillips declined to comment. But a source close to him said: As Peter does not undertake any Royal duties and does not receive any income from the tax payer, he is entitled to go about his business and earn a living.

Lady Kitty is newly engaged to South African businessman Michael Lewis who, at 60, is five years older than her father, Earl Spencer.

She has been at a fashion show in Paris over the past few days, sporting a dazzling diamond ring believed to be worth up to 300,000.
Its funny, Issa met me as a standup, yet so many fans are just discovering that this is a thing that I do," she said. "This is how I got my start. So going on this tour has kind of introduced my fans to, this is what the creator of the show saw and thats how we became friends  that common bond of Hey girl, I see you out here in LA trying to do it, and me being like, Hey girl, I see you out here in trying to do it  before there was ever an Insecure. So I love that fans get to see that side of me, because at the end of the day Molly is a character. Shes a beautiful mess, but shes a character. Whereas Yvonne? Im a whole other character.
Cascais Portugal So imagine being able to access high-quality health care at a fraction of the cost back homeand in a place that has beautiful weather, rich culture, and a generally lower cost of living across the board."

Health care costs can present such a challenge to many people that it becomes the single most important factor in their choice of a retirement destination, says Dan Prescher, a senior editor at International Living.

So imagine being able to access high-quality health care at a fraction of the cost back homeand in a place that has beautiful weather, rich culture, and a generally lower cost of living across the board.

Those are exactly the retirement destinations that score the highest on health care in this years Global Retirement Index, says Dan. Many of these countries have national health systems that foreign residents can easily access. Indeed, in some of the places International Living ranks in the Index, health care costs can be so low that its possible to actually pay out of pocket for many procedures and medications without breaking the bank."

The five countries that scored the highest marks for Best Healthcare in the World in this years Annual Global Retirement Index are...

#1 Portugal

Scoring 99 out of 100, Portugal claims the top spot in the Healthcare category of International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index 2020.

Affordable, professional healthcare in Portugal costs a fraction of that in the United States and Canada, and savings also exist for those from the UK and other countries who choose Portugal as a destination for routine and elective procedures, says Tricia Pimental, IL Portugal Correspondent.

Portugal has some of the finest doctors and medical training available anywhere. Teaching facilities include the School of Health Services at the University of Minho in the north, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Coimbra in the centerrenowned for its expansive research fields and Ph.D. programsand the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the New University of Lisbon in the south.

Many if not most doctors who graduate from these fine universities do studies and residencies in the U.K. and other European countries. Additionally, many of their upper-level courses use English language texts and are taught in English. This results in most medical professionals having some level of fluency in the lingua franca of the 21st century.

In big cities and tourist areas you are likely to find as good or better medical treatment as you have experienced in your home country. Even in a small town you can find excellent care.

My husband and I have accessed both the public and private care options multiple times over the past seven years, with great satisfaction, says Tricia Pimental.

We have mid-tier private insurance at a cost of about $130 a month for the two of us, but the public system works great for us as well. We pay $6 for a visit to a clinic.

And in terms of prescriptions, the costs are also low. They fall under three different categories:

With a doctor's prescription and if you are a resident with an identifying number in the National Health Service, items like insulin and Metformin, for example, are free, and statin drugs, to use another example, cost only a few euros.

Without being part of the system but with an Rx, you will pay the fixed retail cost printed on the box. To use the same example, a month's supply of Metformin is about 3 euros. A normal course of antibiotics runs about 15 to 20 euros.

And if you have no prescription and you are not seeking either an antibiotic or a controlled substance like pain medication, frequently it can be purchased over the counter at that same fixed price.

The ideal is to fall into the first category, involving less cost and more convenience.

#2 Spain

In second place, with 97 points, is Spain. The World Health Organization ranks Spain as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The public system is widely used, but private healthcare is excellent and affordable, including 26 JCI-accredited facilities. (JCI, or Joint Commission International, is a non-profit patient-safety organization that certifies hospitals around the globe.)

Facilities tend to be modern, with state-of-the-art equipment, and Spanish doctors must pass rigorous qualifying exams to get their license to practice. The central government used to be the sole regulator of healthcare, but now each of the countrys 17 Autonomous Communities takes individual responsibility for implementing and executing healthcare.

Spain has both private and public healthcare systems.

I think one reason Spaniards enjoy life as much as they do is because they have no healthcare worries, says Marsha Scarbrough, IL Spain Correspondent. They know that their health needs, whether minor or catastrophic, will be handled without financial burden. That kind of peace of mind is priceless.

Just like Michele and Stanton Cohen who believe they struck lifestyle gold in their retirement. They moved to Girona over three years ago from Yuma, Arizona.

The citys Mediterranean climate, proximity to Barcelonas international airport, and relaxed lifestyle are the factors most compelling to outsiders. It is also affordableleaving more money in their pockets.

And after working at a hospital in Arizona, Michele has good things to say about Gironas medical infrastructure.

Medical and dental care are excellent, says Michele. The prices are about one-third of U.S. medical costs, if your insurance doesnt cover it.

#3 Costa Rica

With 96 points, Costa Rica takes third place in the Healthcare category of International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index 2020.

By almost any standard, Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. There are two systems, both of which legal residents can access: the government-run universal healthcare system, Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, known as Caja, and the private system. Both health systems are constantly being upgradednew clinics, new equipment, and improvements in staff training.

Despite the advancements, costs are low in comparison to those in the U.S.

One of the reasons Costa Rica is so appealing for retirees, and expats in general, is because of the low-cost, excellent healthcare options, says Kathleen Evans, IL Costa Rica Correspondent.

The country has 3 JCI certified medical centers in the nation's capital, San Jose. This is the highest global designation awarded in the heath-care industry.

Once you become a legal resident and pay into the universal social security system (typically 7-11% of your reported income) you qualify for public healthcare through the Caja.

There are also private health insurance policies available and many expats opt for a blending of both public and private. Those who prefer to simply pay out-of-pocket for procedures can save as much as 30-90% compared to the prices in the USA.

Panama and Colombia are tied for fourth place with 94 points.

#4 Panama

Panama provides good quality, affordable healthcare with clinics and hospitals tactically located in hubs across the country. And since the country is so small, youre unlikely to be more than an hour from a modern facility, no matter where you choose to live. Its also not unusual to find English-speaking doctors here, as many study abroad after finishing their initial training in Panama.

The thing about healthcare in Panama is that its consistently excellent and affordable, says Jessica Ramesch, IL Panama Editor.

Ive been living in Panama City for 15 years now and Ive received top-notch care from my general MD, chiropractor, dermatologist, and the list goes on. Nowhere on earth is perfect. But for me, living in a nice place, where I am not constantly stressing about the cost of doctors visits and expensive dental proceduresthats as close as it gets.

Nanette Witmer, IL Chiriqui Correspondent, adds, Most clinics charge a nominal fee of between $20 and $60 for an office visit. Hospitals in larger cities have all of the state-of-the-art equipment and specialists can be found in any field. Doctors in Panama work one on one, no medical assistants or other staff. You deal directly with the doctor and most prescription drugs are cheaper than in North America.

#4 Colombia (tie)

Colombias healthcare systems offers a great balance of high quality, easy access, and low cost.

When America Economia, a financial publication, put together their latest annual list of Latin Americas top 58 hospitals, 23 of those hospitals were based in Colombia. That means that 40% of the top Latin American hospitals are located in Colombia.

Four of these hospitals are Joint Commission International accredited, the gold standard in world health. Two are located in Bogota (Fundacion Cardioinfantil  Instituto de Cardiologia, and Hospital Universitario Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota), one is located in Medellin (Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe), and one is located just outside of Bucaramanga (Fundacion Cardiovascular de Colombia  Instituto del Corazon).

There are many excellent hospitals and clinics all around Colombia which offer services from routine office visits and testing to complex procedures such as joint replacements, organ transplants, ICU services, and cancer treatment.

As a retired healthcare executive from the U.S., I know quality healthcare when I see it, says Nancy Kiernan, IL Colombia Correspondent. The high-tech, world-class care I receive in Colombia does not cost an arm and a leg. My premium for public health insurance is only $75 per month, and my co-pay for lab tests, prescription medications and other services is only $4.

More details on the top-ranked countries in the Healthcare category of International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index 2020 can be found here: The 5 Countries with the Best Healthcare in the World 2020

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - American Battery Metals Corp. (CSE: ABC) the "Company" or "American Battery") today announced that it proposes to complete a non-brokered private placement of common shares ("Shares") at a price of $0.20 per Share for gross proceeds of $500,000 (the "Private Placement"). The Company anticipates completing the financing with a strategic off-shore investment partner and expects to close the financing in February 2020.

The Company may pay finder's fees in connection with the Private Placement and all securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period. Net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used by the Company for general working capital purposes.

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 referred to herein will not be or have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

Subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval, the Company reserves the right to increase the size of the Private Placement by an additional $500,000.

About the Company

American Battery Metals Corp. is a junior mineral exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring, exploring and evaluating natural resource properties. The Company has an option to acquire a 50% interest in the Fish Lake property located in Esmeralda County in the state of Nevada, USA and an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Temple Mountain Vanadium Property located in Emery County, Utah, USA.

Jeremy Poirier

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Phone: 604.722.9842

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of American Battery's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, information concerning the Private Placement including the potential increase thereof, the intended use of net proceeds from the Private Placement and the proposed payment of finder's fees. Although American Battery believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that the Private Placement will be completed. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this press release, and American Battery does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. newswire services

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51684
Five people were killed, including a child, in Russia on Monday after a heating pipe burst and flooded the rooms of a small hotel with boiling water, according to reports.

The incident occurred overnight at the Mini Hotel Caramel in the city of Perm, and sent at least three additional people to the hospital for burn injuries, Reuters and the BBC reported.

Six people total were injured, according to the Associated Press, and all of the victims were guests of the hotel, which is located in the basement of a residential building.

Their bodies were only found after the scalding water was pumped out of the hotel, the BBC reported.

Injured victims include a 33-year-old woman with burns covering 35 percent of her body, and a 28-year-old man and 35-year-old man, according to The Moscow Times.

RELATED VIDEO: 8-Year-Old Girl Dies After Drinking Boiling Water On Dare

The buildings management company said that the hotel did not have an emergency exit, and that the water pipe that burst was from 1962, Agence France-Presse reported.

Citing local media, the BBC reported that the hotels last inspection, in February, found numerous safety violations.

RELATED: 2 Men Killed When Sinkhole Swallows Car and Broken Pipe Sprays Them with Boiling Water

Russian police have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident, which left 20 local buildings  including a hospital and school  without heat or hot water.

Hostels shouldnt be open in basements, where all pipelines are located, Russian lawmaker Oleg Melnichenko told the AP as he mulled over a possible ban on accommodations in residential buildings.
Sainsbury's and Argos blamed integration for job losses. Photo: Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/Sipa USA

Sainsburys and Argos are set to slash hundreds of office jobs as teams are merged following the supermarkets 2016 takeover of the catalogue retailer.

The major UK supermarket (SBRY.L) became the latest in a long line of high street names to announce more staff cuts as retailers struggle, despite rising employment in Britain overall.

It announced roles on Sainsburys senior leadership team had already been cut, with a steep drop in headcount of more than 20% since March last year.

It said in a statement released to the media the integration of the two retail firms would lead to a reduction of hundreds of management roles across the business.

The axe is likely to fall in commercial, retail, finance, digital, technology and HR teams, according to Sainsburys. Store support centre teams are also set to be merged, while the companies are finalising leadership structures.

READ MORE: UK employment hits new record high as Bank weighs up rate cut

The retailer said Mike Coupe, Sainsburys CEO, told staff: I firmly believe that with our trusted brands, great quality products in over 2,000 locations, leading digital and delivery capabilities and outstanding colleagues, we are uniquely placed to deliver a seamless shopping experience and to help our customers live well for less.

But we have to adapt to continue to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future and, while change can be hard, its also necessary. We have a clear purpose and a strong and compelling set of priorities that will support us to deliver for our customers.

The supermarket said recently its total sales fell by 0.7% in the 15 weeks to 4 January. The performance was largely driven by a slump in sales at Argos.

READ MORE: Sainsburys sales fall over Christmas as Argos struggles

Grocery sales at Sainsburys meanwhile were stagnant over Christmas, growing by just 0.4%, although online grocery sales jumped by 7.3% in the period. Clothing sales of Sainsburys Tu range rose by 4.4%.

Story continues

The two retailers also announced in September dozens of stores were set to close as part of a 500m ($650m) cost-cutting drive over the next five years.

Up to 15 Sainsburys supermarkets, up to 40 convenience stores and up to 70 Argos stores were due to open at the time.

But Sainsburys, which bought Argos in 2016, said it also planned to open around 10 new supermarkets, 80 Argos outlets in Sainsburys and 110 new convenience stores.

Sainsbury's is still battling to rebuild investors' confidence in its future after its planned mega-merger with rival Asda was blocked by regulators last year.

READ MORE: UK wage growth slows as small firms struggle to raise salaries
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday assailed environmental prophets of doom, delivering an uncompromising message in Davos after Swedish teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg slammed government inaction on the climate crisis.

Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear a typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the start of his Senate impeachment trial in Washington.

The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) got under way in the ski resort with an avowed focus on climate change but with starkly different visions over global warming laid bare.

We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, said Trump, growling that they want to see us do badly.

He claimed that alarmists had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil.

Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters the heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers.

Trump told reporters later that his Davos trip was devoted to meeting the most important people in the world and were bringing back tremendous business.

The others just a hoax, he said of the disgraceful impeachment trial.

Nothing has been done

Before Trumps appearance, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying basically nothing has been done to fight climate change.

It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning, the 17-year-old said.

Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign which began with school strikes had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change.

There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something, she said.

While the WEF and individual business leaders have been detailing their own concerns about climate change, Greenpeace complained in a new report that some of the worlds biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016.

Story continues

Trump in his speech reeled off a list of achievements for the American economy and touted the United States as the number one producer of oil and natural gas.

Davos showdown?

There are no expectations that Trump and Thunberg, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, would actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

Although Trumps Republican party holds a majority in the Senate and is almost sure to acquit him on charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress, the impeachment adds volatility to an already tense 2020 presidential election.

We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, said Trump, apparently referring to his Democratic party opponents ahead of the presidential election in November.

Governments continue to fall

Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trumps opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the thrust of this years event.

People are paying a lot more attention to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremner told AFP at Davos, adding there was genuine action by some big players, after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal.

But lets be cleara big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail, he added.

Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the worlds 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

(AFP)
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Mumbai Police are bringing back their mounted police unit after 88 years and the unit's new uniform has sparked a debate on social media.

It all started after Mumbai Police released a 63-second clip on Twitter along with photos of policemen wearing the new uniform with the caption, "Regal in stature, Formidable in form, the 'Mounted Police Unit' returns to Mumbai Police. Thank you @ManishMalhotra for designing such an elegant uniform for our Riders. Our Mounted Unit is sure to make a strong impact during law and order situations." The tweet has gone viral, leading to some hilarious jokes, memes and sarcasm on Twitter. The new dress code also triggered a debate between the Twitterati.

A user wrote, "I think you should invest in buying more motorcycles. You can buy 4-5 motorcycles in the cost of a single horse. Lesser maintenance, more life and more effective in emergency situations." Another user wrote, "What's with that heavy stupidly designed uniform in a humid city like Mumbai? What was Manish Malhotra thinking, he's designing for a film? Idiotic." "This is fantastic!! Just ensure that especially during summers the horses are taken care off," read one post.

"Can someone please explain the need to bring in policemen on horseback to maintain law and order in the streets of Mumbai? Shouldn't we instead be arming our current force with better training, weapons and surveillance technology (best in the world) to help them do their jobs better," asked one user.

A Tweeple remarked, "Honestly, a uniform must strike fear in the law breakers. This one doesn't seem to do justice to the Uniform."
Serebrennikov was a particularly Russian type of rebel: one who sought, and attained, mainstream success, often with the blessing and support of the state. Until, that is, his sudden arrest in 2017 on charges of embezzlement widely believed to be trumped-up  and his unexpected release last year. Just as your downfall may come with no warning or explanation, so, too, can your redemption. An excerpt from Joshua Yaffas Between Two Fires: Truth, Ambition, and Compromise in Putins Russia.  The Guardian
Immigrants seek entry daily; grabbing attention, while forgotten American citizens receive little notice, ie,: a) 43 million in poverty; b) 750,000 homeless (40,000+ are veterans); c) more than 2 million incarcerated; d) 600,000 inmates released yearly, (hoping to remain free); e) 48 million able-bodied unemployed; f) over 1 million high school dropouts yearly. Immigration considerations should be based on our world as it is.

FACTFULNESS by Hans Rosling presents current facts about our world, including these:

The majority of the world lives in *middle income countries, as defined by four regions. Life expectancy in the world is 70 years; thanks to groups ie, World Health Organization et al. In the last 20 years, world population living in extreme poverty has nearly halved, helping others where they live has proven successful.

Helping countries achieve living conditions they seek is important; but restoration is equally important for Americas health and prosperity.

We do need immigrants; American family numbers are in decline, but overlooking American citizens in favor of preferred (and illegal) immigrants seems destined to create a permanent under-class of Americans.

Preference for immigrants is unfair; its also racist; those ignored are minorities. Read Roslings book about misperceptions and why they exist to better understand our world.

Melvin Pete Snyder, West Donegal Township
TEHRAN, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday that the Islamic republic will leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in case the nuclear case of the country is sent to the UN Security Council.

"If the Europeans continue their unjustifiable behavior or send Iran's nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council, Iran will leave the NPT," Zarif was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

The remarks by the Iranian foreign minister followed the last week move of the three European countries of Britain, France and German as they announced they had taken a step to trigger the dispute mechanism with Iran in response to Tehran's back-off the nuclear commitments over the past months.

In Nov. 2018, Iran informed Europeans that following the exit of the United States from the Iranian 2015 landmark nuclear deal, Iran triggered the dispute mechanism and concluded it, said Zarif.

Therefore, "the Europeans move (to re-trigger the mechanism) is by no means legal," Zarif added.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed that "in case the Europeans try to do another measure, Iran will consider the quit of the NPT."

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to put limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for the termination of western and UN sanctions. However, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal in May 2018 and slapped old and new sanctions against Iran.

Trump urged for new deal with the aim of more limits in Iran's nuclear program.

Iran dismissed the U.S. calls and, since May 2019, started to reduce commitments to the accord and recently announced that its had given up all the "practical measures" pertaining to the JCPOA.

Presently, Iran is only bound to the IAEA's supervisory measures enshrined by the NPT which Tehran accepted to undertake in 2015.

On Monday, Zarif noted that Iran will re-embrace its nuclear commitments if the Europeans honor their own obligations and help Iran reap economic interests that the nuclear deal safeguarded.
The proposed legislative package envisages that legal entities and individual entrepreneurs operating in the mass media will have the chance to receive free information from the Unified State Register. This is what Deputy Minister of Justice of Armenia Srbuhi Galyan declared during a discussion on the package of bills on making amendments to the Law On state registration of legal entities, separate state subdivisions, institutions of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs and related bills in the first reading at the National Assembly today.

Thus, anyone wishing to have access to information included in the Unified State Register must submit to the Unified State Register a relevant application without paying a state duty, and the form of the application is approved under the order of the Minister of Justice of Armenia.

One still has access to all information, but only after paying a certain state duty.
Downing Street today gave a strong hint a government plan to impose a minimum earnings threshold on migrants who want to come to the UK after Brexit will be dropped.

A proposal to require migrants to earn at least 30,000 if they want to work in Britain was a flagship proposal of the Theresa May government.

But Number 10 has suggested the policy will be scrapped because it would not fit with Boris Johnson's plans to introduce an Australian-style immigration system after the UK has left the EU.

Meanwhile, Downing Street also suggested the old government's proposal of phasing in the border control changes next year will be ditched, with the replacement system due to be rolled out in full in January 2021.

Mr Johnson set out his 'key guiding principles' which will underpin the new immigration system at a meeting of his Cabinet this morning.

He gave a cast iron commitment that unskilled immigration would be reduced under the new system while the overall number of people moving to the UK would also be cut.

Boris Johnson, pictured in Downing Street today, has given a cast iron assurance that low-skilled migration to the UK will be reduced after Brexit

Sajid Javid ordered a review of Mrs May's planned earnings threshold last June in an initial sign that it could be dropped.

The then home secretary ordered the Migration Advisory Committee, an independent body which advises the government, to examine whether the policy would be workable.

Concerns have been expressed that the 30,000 figure would mean workers in important and skilled, but not particularly well-paid professions, being unable to come to the UK.

The MAC is due to publish its report on the issue shortly, while a major government-ordered review of the UK's overall migration needs is expected to be released next week.

The findings of that review will then help inform the government's new immigration system.

Asked whether the 30,000 threshold was discussed during today's Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: It wasnt. That is something we asked MAC to do a separate piece of work on and I would expect that to be published shortly as well.

I think it is worth pointing out that that obviously reflects the immigration system set out by the former government.

The Prime Minister is looking at an Australian-style points-based system which is something slightly different.

The Australian-style system would likely see people scored on their skills and what they could contribute to the economy, rather than just on their earnings potential.

The spokesman said Mr Johnson had told the Cabinet that the 'public have been clear that they want us to end freedom of movement and take back control of our borders and it is our duty to deliver on this promise'.

The PM said that the key guiding principles of the new system would be taking back control, unleashing global talent and attracting the brightest and the best, and reducing unskilled immigration,' the spokesman added.

Pushed on whether the new system would also result in a reduction in overall immigration, the spokesman said: I think the governments manifesto set out that there will be fewer low-skilled migrants and overall numbers will come down.

Theresa May's proposal to impose a 30,000 earnings threshold on migrants after Brexit was controversial and was opposed by Sajid Javid who ordered a review of the issue last year

EU freedom of movement rules will continue to apply to the UK during the Brexit transition period when the two sides will try to hammer out the terms of a future partnership.

The transition period will end in December this year and Mrs May's government had suggested that a new immigration system would be phased in at the start of 2021.

But Downing Street today suggested the new system would be rolled out in full on January 1.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'The new system will come into force on the 1st of January next year.

He added: You will have to wait until we set out the details in the immigration bill but the new system will come into force in January next year, and again, I think youre passing reference to what was in the system proposed by the previous government and not by this one.
In South Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa in general, traditional enterprises are looking to transition into fully-fledged digital businesses.

George Stylianou, CEO of three6five, said that one of the most important reasons to become a true digital business is that it saves your company money.

What weve seen is that many companies are becoming a lot more cost-conscious based on the economy not being where it should be.

This means theyre looking to Managed Service Providers to help improve their digital platforms and systems while also saving on costs, said Stylianou.

Our aim is to do both  to look at a business from a cost perspective and reduce the customers costs while also improving on their current service.

Managed Service Providers (MSP) are preferred over in-house management by enterprises for a number of reasons, said Stylianou.

These include:

You have someone to hold accountable.

MSPs have dedicated expertise.

MSPs add another service layer to wrap around your system.

MSPs are more affordable than employing an in-house team.

Business and the cloud

Another significant factor that has seen many businesses use MSPs is the rise of the cloud revolution.

Many customers and enterprises  small or large  used to run their own data centres, which were either in-house or operated on a larger scale, said Stylianou.

However, with the cloud revolution, we find that our customers are now looking to move their data centre services and applications onto the cloud  and part of that journey involves working alongside a Managed Service Provider.

MSPs can help these businesses use the cloud to be closer to their content.

Three6five

One MSP that stands out from the crowd is three6five.

One of their major selling points is technical prowess. This is because they were founded by engineers  meaning that having employees with high skill levels has always been the primary focus for the business.

According to Stylianou, if you compare three6five to its competition, you will find that three6five has a much better certifications-per-staff-member ratio than any of these other businesses.

Three6fives staff are experts both in the technical elements of service provision, and on what enterprises need out of their digital platforms.

This results in them being expertly qualified to help businesses develop the right solution for their full range of specific needs.

This process is also helped by the fact that three6five works with numerous highly reputable vendors.

This means we can give the best product to our clients rather than treating one vendor better based on relationships, said Stylianou.

Software and security

Another key area where three6five stands out is how it always uses newer and safer software technologies to ensure that its customers are receiving the best possible service.

We have a dedicated software team that handles the integration of new technologies and solutions either into new systems, or existing ones that we are optimising, said Stylianou.

This software-focused mindset combines well with three6fives security-centric approach to service management.

Security and cybersecurity are great strengths of ours  we have our own cybersecurity team that is focused on regulations such as POPI and GDPR to ensure that our clients data is always safe.

The client journey

Three6five uses a three-tier approach to build the perfect managed service strategy for its customers.

The core of any digital business is its network, so three6five begins by analysing the current network of the business to see if it needs to be replaced or improved.

More content and services are being run and stored in the cloud and on the Internet, meaning customers require bigger links and connectivity services to reach the cloud, said Stylianou.

This stage includes the consideration of a variety of possible network types  such as LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi and Enterprise Wi-Fi.

Next, secondary infrastructure will be implemented into the system  including security measures and a cloud system.

Finally, this infrastructure will be used to action the functional requirements and needs of the business.

As part of this comprehensive process, three6five will conduct an infrastructure audit which comprises a complete analysis of your systems.

Click here to learn more about three6fives managed services.
Prince Harry has arrived in Canada to begin his new life with his wife Meghan and their baby son Archie.

The 35-year-old, who recently relinquished his royal duties, was pictured leaving a commercial flight in Vancouver on Monday evening. Just hours before, Harry had took part in an engagement with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and African leaders before boarding a British Airways flight from Heathrow.

The outing comes shortly after the Queen announced Prince Harry and Meghans decision to step down as senior members of the royal family.



The couple  along with their son Archie  will now split their time between the UK and North America as they begin to transition into their new independent life. Despite the imminent move, Harry told guests at a charity dinner for Sentebale that the UK will always be his home and that he and Meghan had hoped to serve the Queen and country.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GA Telesis, LLC ("GAT") acts as Structuring Agent for the successful acquisition and financing of ten Boeing aircraft for a major US Airline.

GAT facilitated the acquisition of ten Boeing aircraft by a major US Airline last month. GAT, as Structuring Agent, negotiated the purchase and arranged the financing from a US bank to fund the transaction.

"This transaction was a great opportunity for our experienced team to identify, structure, and arrange a compelling aircraft acquisition for one of our valued airline clients," commented Marc Cho, President of GA Telesis' Leasing Investment Financing & Trading (LIFT) Group. "This transaction is a prime example of the diverse suite of products and capabilities of the LIFT Group in addition to aircraft and engine leasing and trading," he added.

About GA Telesis

LIFT is the group within the GA Telesis Ecosystem responsible for Leasing, Investments, Finance & Trading through its business units ATG, LFG, and CMG. The Asset Transaction Group (ATG) engages in aircraft and engine leasing and trading. The Leveraged Financing Group (LFG) is a direct lending platform that provides senior debt, sub-debt, and uni-tranche financing solutions for lessors, investors, and airlines. The Capital Management Group (CMG) oversees the management of third-party investor capital including the GAIN 1 and 2 vehicle.

For further information: please contact [ [email protected] ]

SOURCE GA Telesis, LLC

Related Links

www.gatelesis.com


A team led by investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital has stated that cardiology patients should be warned and counseled about the potential risks of using marijuana until further evidence is available.

Image Credit: Tunatura/Shutterstock.com

Despite more states starting to legalize marijuana, and more products becoming available, the effects on heart health are understudied and not properly understood, says the team.

According to a review published today in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, cardiologists should inform patients about the risks, including the effects marijuana may have on some commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications.

The review, which estimated that more than 2 million people with a cardiovascular disease currently use or have used marijuana, pointed towards a worrying link between smoking the drug and increased cardiovascular risk.

Muthiah Vaduganathan and colleague Ersilia M. DeFilippis assessed responses to the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to estimate how many adult marijuana users in the United States had cardiovascular disease. Of 89.6 million people who reported current or previous use of the drug, an estimated 2 million (2.3%) had a cardiovascular disease in 2015-2016.

Many more may be at risk"

Since then, more states have legalized marijuana for both recreational use and medical purposes, meaning its use may now be even more widespread.

In addition to the 2 million marijuana users with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, many more may be at risk. With many adolescents and young adults turning to marijuana, it is important to understand the cardiovascular implications they may face years down the line." DeFilippis

The researchers say some observational studies have suggested a connection between marijuana use and a range of cardiovascular problems, including coronary heart disease, smoking-related cardiotoxicity, arrhythmia and cardiovascular events such as stroke.

For the first time, marijuana users are exceeding cigarette smokers in the U.S.

Now, their review suggests that smoking marijuana is associated with many of the same cardiovascular health risks as smoking tobacco, says Vaduganathan.

"This was eye-opening for us," he said. "We're experiencing an epidemiological shift. More patients are curbing their cigarette smoking, and we're seeing big improvements in cardiovascular health for those who quit. In contrast, we're seeing an accelerating use of marijuana and now, for the first time, marijuana users are exceeding cigarette smokers in the U.S.

Vaduganathan adds that, while the level of evidence is modest, there is now enough data to advise highest-risk patients about using marijuana, including those who present with a heart attack or new arrhythmia, or who have been hospitalized with heart failure.

Marijuana can interfere with heart medications

The investigators also encourage physicians to ask cardiology patients about how often and how much marijuana they use because it can interfere with other medications they might be taking.

According to the review, statin levels can increase when used in combination with marijuana as both drugs use the same metabolic pathway - the cytochrome P450 system. The same applies to blood thinners such as warfarin if they are used together with marijuana.

In their review, the authors outline the drug interactions that marijuana can have with commonly prescribed cardiovascular medications.

"The review provides detailed tables of many drugs administered for various cardiovascular conditions, with the anticipated effects of marijuana on each one," says Vaduganathan. "These will be helpful to cardiologists and pharmacists reviewing patients' medications and will help them collaboratively decide whether they need to adjust dosing if the patient continues to use marijuana."

The reviewers advise limiting use as much as possible

The reviewers recommend that patients who wish to continue using marijuana (or have medically indicated reasons for doing so,) limit its use as much as possible.

They also advise that clinicians inform patients that vaping and certain synthetic forms of cannabinoids are particularly potent and may be associated with even greater adverse effects.

"Vaping marijuana is becoming more and more common, and we know vaping marijuana increases the pharmacological effects of the drug," says Vaduganathan.

Studies into cardiovascular health risks have been limited by federal laws

Data on the exact cardiovascular health effects of marijuana are limited, mainly because federal laws that classify marijuana as a Schedule I drug have restricted its use in high-quality research.

However, real-world data can be used to study its effects, by comparing before-and-after health data in states where marijuana has been legalized, for example.

Furthermore, as marijuana use becomes more common in the US, epidemiologists may be able to conduct large-scale studies to verify the link between marijuana and cardiovascular risk.

"Now that we have seen marijuana use becomes more popular than tobacco smoking, we need more rigorous research, including randomized clinical trials, to explore the effects of marijuana on cardiovascular health," advises Vaduganathan.

It is important for cardiologists to talk to their patients about marijuana use

DeFilippis says that although more data are still needed, the evidence so far indicates that marijuana use has been associated with coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy and more.

"Therefore, asking patients about marijuana use may help in risk assessment. Also, we know that marijuana use affects the metabolism of many common cardiac drugs. To make sure patients are getting therapeutic doses without untoward side effects, it is important for cardiologists to talk to their patients about marijuana use, she concludes.
ANSONIA  The life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. was marked Monday at Macedonia Baptist Church, as more than 150 people, including local and state officials, packed the church and for more than two hours, sang together, prayed together and joined hands in celebration of the inspirational Baptist minister and civil rights leader.

The uplifting event was organized by the church and the Ansonia Branch No. 2000 of the NAACP. A hopeful message of helping neighbors, learning how to love and not hate, putting service above self and coming together as a community to fight injustice, along with so many other beliefs King held so dear, resounded throughout the churchs walls.

In todays world, where the country is seemingly divided by political views, speakers during Mondays tribute encouraged all to rise above the hate and tumultuous times, and reflect on Kings words that you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love, to continue to push forward his dream of equality and justice for all.

Dr. King strove to bring everyone together and to put service before self, said state Sen. George Logan, R-Ansonia. His dream will never die.

State House Majority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, said growing up in a large Greek family, surrounded by love, she didnt see the world in black and white where people were defined by the color of their skin. It wasnt until college that Klarides realized the injustices people fight every day, because of their skin color, and that motivated her.

I fight all day, every day, Klarides said. Its in my genes. I go to sleep fired up and I wake up fired up. People say they see me on TV and I say, who was I fighting with? When we (politicians) fight with each other, thats OK, because we are passionate about what were fighting for. But we should never fight because of the color of our skin or what religion we believe in. Rev. King fought for what he believed in and that wasnt the popular thing to do back then. But he did it because he believed it. And I ask everyone here to embrace one of his quotes: I have decided to stick with love hate is too great a burden to bear.

Mayor David Cassetti encouraged all those in power, with the ability to persuade in front of large audiences, to help fight the forces of evil.

Whatever your role is in this world, use your power to do good, he said.

Church pastor the Rev. Alfred L. Smith Jr. said Ansonia has come a long way in honoring Kings legacy, especially in having a bronze bust of King  the second in the state  grace the front lawn of City Hall, and dedicated last year. The fundraising effort for the bust over the last couple of years found the community coming to achieve something great.

Its an example of what we can accomplish together, black or white, Smith said.

Keeping alive Kings legacy and inspiring future generations to carry his message forward is something Superintendent of Schools Joseph DiBacco is out in front of. DiBacco made an announcement, to uproarious applause from the crowd, that all Ansonia High School students going forward will graduate having earned an MLK community service credit.

That is how we will help to make a great mans legacy live on, DiBacco said.

Following the program, many attendees walked across the nearby Maple Street Bridge in a silent march to City Hall to pay homage and their respects at Kings memorial.

jean.sos@snet.net
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Unbridled Capital recently provided sell-side advisory to Zak Family Foods on the sale of 25 KFC, Taco Bell and co-branded restaurants in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. The restaurants were sold to FMI Dollar Bell Inc., a related entity to Canadian-based Yum franchisee FMI Group.

"We are very thankful to Unbridled Capital for their help in selling our family business. It was an emotional decision to sell and Unbridled took great care of us throughout the course of the transaction. I have experience with other M&A advisory firms, and I am convinced that Unbridled is the best in the business. Our family is a happy customer, and we would recommend them unequivocally to anyone considering a sale of their franchise company," said Jason Zakaras.

"The Zakaras family is indeed special  they are great people. Jason has been a fantastic operator and face of the KFC brand for the last decade. His passion for the business did not go unnoticed by anyone who met him. Parents Jerry and Debbie were looking to retire, and we are so happy that they now get to enjoy a quieter phase of their lives. Many best wishes to Jerry, Debbie, Jason and the entire family, and we congratulate FMI Group on adding to their KFC business here in the US," said Rick Ormsby, Managing Director.

As a condition of this closing and token of our appreciation, Unbridled Capital will make a charitable contribution to the KFC Foundation which assists employees obtaining education, navigating crisis situations and with their personal finances. We want to be a blessing because we've been blessed.

With a success rate of 91.4% in closing recent M&A assignments, Unbridled Capital provides the franchise community with unrivaled success in investment banking services.

SOURCE Unbridled Capital LLC

Related Links

http://www.unbridledcapital.com


106 people have died from an outbreak of a coronavirus strain that originated in Wuhan, China, the country's National Health Commission said on Monday.

The latest: Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Tuesday that the semiautonomous city would cut its rail links to mainland China and flights would be reduced, though the measures stopped short of a total closure of the border, per the AP.

The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for China to "Level 3: Reconsider travel" this week because of the virus. Last week, the department raised the advisory for the Hubei province, where Wuhan is located, to "Level 4: Do Not Travel."

Officials in China have extended the Lunar New Year holiday until Feb. 2, instead of Jan. 30 as scheduled, in an attempt to stop people from traveling and spreading the respiratory illness, Bloomberg reports.

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing plans to evacuate its Wuhan consulate personnel and some private citizens on a limited-capacity charter flight to San Francisco, per AP, which reports that those "at greater risk from coronavirus" would be prioritized over others.

Impact in the U.S.: Five Americans  all of whom traveled in Wuhan, China, and are now in California (2), Arizona, Washington state, and Chicago  have contracted the virus.

What's happening: The number of confirmed cases in China has increased to more than 4,500, according to the country's National Health Commission. Health officials confirmed earlier last week that the virus, which causes fever and respiratory symptoms, can be passed from person to person.

Major cities in China, including Beijing, have canceled large public gatherings for the Lunar New Year holiday, the most important in the country, to help contain the outbreak, according to the Washington Post.

Wuhan is quickly building a pre-fabricated 1,000-bed hospital to treat only patients infected with coronavirus, as other hospitals struggle to meet demand and deal with a shortage of supplies.

The Chinese government this past week locked down the cities of Wuhan, Huanggang and Ezhou, collectively home to nearly 20 million people, AP reports.

The big picture: Several countries in the region are also experiencing cases, and North Korea is temporarily banning foreign tourists in response to the outbreak, according to Reuters.

On Monday, Australia confirmed its fifth case after diagnosing its first on Saturday.

The first case in Canada was confirmed by health officials Saturday after a patient presented with symptoms in Toronto.

In France, the country's Health Minister Agnes Buzyn confirmed two patients were hospitalized in Paris with the illness. The other case is in the southwestern city of Bordeaux, per Reuters.

What they're saying: The World Health Organization decided last week that it's "too early" to declare an international health emergency.

"Make no mistake, this is an emergency in China, but it is not yet a global health emergency," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference.

"People's lives and health should be given top priority and the spread of the outbreak should be resolutely curbed," Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday, according to Reuters.

What's next: A possible live animal source is still being investigated in China. There is no specific treatment for the virus, though several antivirals and experimental vaccines are under investigation.

Go deeper:

Editor's note: This story has been updated with more recent developments.
It has been a year since she formally joined politics and took up the task of reviving the partys fortunes in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. But contrary to the expectations, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is yet to make any significant impact in the countrys most politically important state.

The Lok Sabha polls saw the grand old party lose its traditional bastion of Amethi from where Union minister Smriti Irani defeated the then Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The Congress managed to win just one seat with current Congress chief Sonia Gandhi retaining Rae Bareli.

There was also a growing chorus in the party that Priyanka Gandhi contest the Lok Sabha polls either from Varanasi or Allahabad but she decided to focus on campaigning and for the first time stepped out of the family bastion of Rae Bareli and Amethi - she had till then confined her role to the election management of these two constituencies only - to canvas for party candidates not only in UP but in other parts of the country as well.

After Lok Sabha elections, Priyanka Gandhi has kept her focus on UP. She has also been at the forefront of the partys protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in a desperate bid to tap the anger of the youth, especially the students, against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government.

She has also raised the issues pertaining to the state and repeatedly attacked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his government over law and order situation in UP, especially the alleged increase in the incidents of rapes.

Having been decimated in UP in the 2017 assembly elections and this years Lok Sabha polls, the Congress is struggling to make its presence felt in the states political landscape.

The grand old party had dominated the politics of UP till the emergence of Mandal-Mandir issues in late 1980s. Over the years, it has been relegated to political margins.

Priyanka Gandhi is seeing the anti-CAA protests as an opportunity for the Congress to gain some lost ground. The big challenge, however, for the Congress is to ensure that the prevailing anger and protests sustain at least for some time.

Reports of police excesses during the anti-CAA protests and the crackdown in the state, the Congress feels, provides the right moment for it to build a campaign against the Yogi government.

She has also kicked off her preparations for the 2022 assembly elections in the state. Launching Mission UP 2022, she directed party leaders to compile the data of Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Muslims in each of the 403 assembly constituencies in the state to know the caste composition.

The project was initiated following assessment that these sections are disillusioned with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in view of their alleged subdued response to the CAA and the NRC.

UP Congress leaders claim that Priyanka Gandhis outreach to Dalits and Muslims has rattled BSP chief Mayawati, who has in the past some days consistently attacked the partys top leadership.

Priyanka Gandhi has also sought a report on the impact on her party due to its alliance with the SP in the 2017 assembly polls. The Congress registered its worst ever performance in the last assembly elections in UP despite having a tie-up with the SP. It bagged just seven seats.

One of the reasons identified then was the failure on the part of the two parties to transfer their votes.

Priyanka Gandhi has activated the party on the ground by reorganising district and city units, naming their new heads after years.

Much depends now on how she is able to galvanise the party workers and also win back the support of the communities that have shifted to other parties over the years.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 10:59:09|Editor: Wang Yamei

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WUHAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A fourth patient with the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection has been confirmed dead in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, according to a statement released by local health authorities early Tuesday.

The male patient surnamed Chen, 89, showed symptoms on Jan. 13 and was hospitalized on Jan. 18 due to severe dyspnea. He died at 11:39 p.m. on Jan. 19. The patient had hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and frequent ventricular premature beats before being infected.

Fifteen medical workers in Wuhan have been diagnosed with pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, plus one suspected case. One of the 16 patients is in critical condition. All of them are being treated in isolation.

As of 12 midnight Jan. 19, 198 coronavirus infection cases had been reported in Wuhan, of which 25 had been cured and discharged from hospital. Currently, 169 patients are still being treated in hospital, including 44 in severe or critical conditions.

New cases were also reported in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. Early Tuesday, Shanghai reported the second case of coronavirus-related pneumonia, local health authorities said, adding that four other suspected cases are under analysis.

Zhong Nanshan, a renowned respiratory expert and head of a high-level expert team of China's National Health Commission, predicted an increase of viral pneumonia cases during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. But he expressed confidence in curbing the virus spread, saying the SARS epidemic in 2003 will not be repeated.

"It took just two weeks to identify the novel coronavirus," Zhong said, noting that with well-rounded monitoring and quarantine systems, China will not suffer the social and economic impact as serious as 17 years ago.

The geographical distribution of Wuhan's infection cases indicated a close relationship between the epidemic and a local seafood market -- where trade of wild animals were allegedly spotted. Wuhan has intensified inspection, monitoring and disinfection of open fairs, prohibited sales of live poultry and all kinds of wild animals.

China will take preventive and control measures of category A infectious diseases to effectively fight against the pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), according to the National Health Commission.

The pneumonia, resulted from infection of the novel coronavirus, has been classified as the category B infectious diseases and a quarantinable disease at the border, according to an announcement by the commission on Monday.

Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a member of the expert team, said the outbreak of the new coronavirus can be reversed if measures are taken now.

He said the constant emergence of new cases at present indicated that the epidemic is still at its early stage.
Coles has announced a big change to fruit and vegetables with a new plan to help drought-ravaged farmers.

The Australian supermarket giant on Tuesday revealed it would begin selling imperfect-looking 'flawed but adored' produce.

'It's all about making sure we support farmers through the drought,' Coles told Daily Mail Australia.

Coles have announced big changes to fruit and vegetables as the store announce a new plan to help drought-ravaged farmers

'The fruit and veg may have marks or not as much colour but it's still good quality.'

Fourth-generation horticulturist Tim Carnell from Stanthorpe, Queensland, has been severely impacted by prolonged drought and recent hail storms impacting his crops of field grown gourmet tomatoes and capsicums.

'This past 18 months has seen some of the most challenging growing conditions of our generation,' he said.

'The worst thing for us would be for shoppers to turn their nose up at tomatoes that might not be as firm or big, or capsicums that are slightly miss-shaped.'

'It's critical for the long-term survival of Aussie farmers that customers continue to buy and enjoy the fresh food we grow, even if it's not perfect to look at.'

David Thomson, CEO of Growcom, the representative horticulture body for Queensland, said the plan was a great way to stop food waste.

'Too much of our produce has been wasted because it hasn't met specifications. So we'd hope having been given a taste this season, that consumers will continue to choose small, blemished or misshaped fruits and vegetables.'

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner supported the movement and said cosmetic blemishes don't affect the quality of the produce.

The Australian supermarket giant unveiled the plan on Tuesday to sell imperfect-looking fruit and vegetables (stock image)

'We know that many retailers, such as Coles, have been helping drought and bushfire-affected producers by paying higher wholesale prices and accepting produce that may not be to the visual standards customers have become accustomed to expect,' he said.

'Mangoes may have a few marks, apples may be a little smaller, but it's important for consumers to know that even if fresh produce doesn't look absolutely perfect, it still tastes just as good.'

'Supporting our farmers is vital to supporting regional jobs and regional economies.'

Coles Group CEO Steven Cain said the company had been working closely with farmers to adjust product specifications where necessary, to give them certainty that they could continue to sell their produce.

'Our customers are very keen to support Australian farmers, so we're hoping they join us in looking beyond a few surface imperfections  the beauty of Australian produce is certainly more than skin deep.'
Yet cracks in the color-free facade are emerging. Between 2018 and 2019, BHG.com consumer insights found a 115% spike in interest in cabinet paint trends and a 10% increase in interest in colorful kitchen cabinetry. And from March 2018 to March 2019, interest in blue and green for paint and home decor rose 50%. Navy cabinets have become increasingly popular along with two-toned ones, with choices like blue for the lower ones and blond wood for the uppers. Greens of all shades have been nudging their way onto the stage, too, appearing as emerald cabinetry, avocado backsplashes and sage pendants.
I made my 2020 resolution and the substance of this is to stay close and deflect any needless attack on HE John Dramani Mahama and anything that will stand his way in his quest to rescue this country come December 2020. So, if you notice that I often respond to such attacks especially from known critical voices in the past, please it is just part of my solemn pledge that I made and not that I have any personal scores to settle with any of such voices.

From where I sit, I think HE John Mahama is the most vilified and most abused President in and out of office in our recent history. Some people have become big boys in government today while others have earned lofty rewards for waging unwarranted attacks on President Mahama in the run-up to the 2016 general elections.

In fact, Mr Mahama had become a political market for some people so that even if they mentioned his name loudly and sought to heap all problems of Ghana on his head on their programs, they were given stipends to buy more fuel. All these happened and still happening because of the singular personality of John Mahama. He always wants his humility to reflect in the actions of all his supporters. Today, we want to declare that that enough is enough.

Let it be known that the John Mahama today is a rebranded man; Hes gentle but stiff, humble but slippery, truthful but witty, opened but unpredictable. We shant sit aloof and allow greedy political contractors to make their daily bread out of the name Mahama. We shall fight, we shall form a firewall around him and we shall build him up to rescue Ghana for the interest of the suffering masses. Nobody will get the opportunity to wash him down on the back of his maturity and tolerance. Get the message!

Hello Manasseh, it is your brother Kudus Gbeadese from Laribanga once again. I have taken the pain to read on your twitter handle since you blocked me on Facebook. You sought to shut down the National Chairman of the NDC and told him to his face that he has no moral right to simply say the next NDC government under John Mahama wont pack Ambulances while the poor pregnant women die in the hinterlands due to lack of emergency services. Mr Manasseh, what moral right do you have to comment on any issue in this country which Chairman Ofosu Ampofo doesnt have? Are you the Next of Kin to Jesus Christ? Do you pay taxes more than all of us in Ghana?

One thing about you that always gets me fuming is you always playing the angel in the midst of our struggle for survival. Dont let me open your box on how you used draft reports of the so called GYEEDA scandal to make sumptuous meals for yourself. Your fingers stink and if we want to measure you using same standards you use to qualify people before they secure their rights to speak to some specific issues, I dont think you would have the right to own a twitter accounts how much more operating it the way you do.

Who has the moral right to talk in this country?

-Does Pious have the right to speak on corruption on TV3 News day?

-Does HE Dr Bawumia have the right to speak about the depreciation of the cedi at Town Hall meetings?

-Does HE Nana Addo himself have the moral right to talk about corruption and nepotism in this country and even ask for more years to lead?

Mr Manasseh, did you read from the tabloids that Nana Addo took a gift of $1m from the Indian government for the purposes of renovating the Flag Staff House? What says thou? Is it qualified to be a Presidential bribe-taking exercise or Nana Addo is too special to be describe as one?

Mr anti-corruption campaigner, if you are happy that Ambulances are parked for about four months because of a simple ceremony to score political points, come out and state it and leave the NDCs National Chairman and President Mahama alone. The very dishonesty you talked about in your post starts with you. The likes of you creates the soft landing for Nana Addo and his appointees anytime the times are catching up with them. You smartly do this by finding your way back to pluck on some issues that are somehow close in color to the current happenings. How on earth would you want to justify the packing of the Ambulances because a similar thing happened under John Mahama? Is Mahama the standard measure for Nana Addos government? How do you use an incompetent man as a standard measure to Nana Addo and his 40 competent men? Leave Mahama alone and chase after your taxman.

The NPP In 2016 had a blank cheque to talk about everything including the school feeding program under John Mahama. Were you not in this country when the school feeding program was bedeviled with corrupting to the extent that the Dutch government had to withdraw its support in 2008?

Were you not here when the NDC under Mills and Mahama had to pick the pieces of this program together, refined it, did retargeting and expansion all alone without any external support? Who questioned their moral right to speak about that program? Only about 48 hours ago, Hon KT Hammond had the moral right to call for the arrest and jail persons he calls corrupt appointees of NDC and that will shut them up. Who is KT Hammond to talk about arresting and jailing corrupt officials when he led the sale of our drill ship like kelewele? What says thou?

Well, today, I have decided to unfold the second part of the this folder on SADA/NDA. Before I do this, let me set the following records:

-That the issue about guinea fowls flying to Burkina Faso never ever happened as being bandied about. There is no any official record to that effect. The said episode was just a joke in passing which the NPP decided to wrap into one of their propaganda pieces meant to ridicule and haunt Mr John Mahama. Mr Manasseh knows this fact and can attest to it.

-That an investigation commissioned by SADA under the Chairmanship of Prof S.K Oppong into the tree planting program revealed that, 85% of the trees survived. The report from UDS on the tree planting project undertaken by ACI Construction Limited, a subsidiary of the AGAMS Group, indicated that out of 145 plantation surveyed in the 4 afforestation zones encompassing 45 political Districts in 5 regions, average survival percentage was 85. So the April 15th, 2014 Joy News report which was particular about the Winkogo Afforestation in the Upper East Region and that of Kamina Barracks plantations cannot be a true reflection of the situation if we were to go by the UDS report.

I would like to admit that SADA had implementation challenges especially with policy communication, consultation with the beneficiaries and getting their popular support. These challenge arent peculiar to SADA but almost all public policies in Ghana. The FSHS policy is currently facing this very challenges. This is not to say some of the decisions taken were all good and justified. Same way I wont rubbish the entire SADA program.

Given the above, I want to know whether Mr Manasseh Azure Awuni has heard about the missing/stolen 400 tricycles from the premises of now constituted Northern Development Authority (NDA)? As was alleged and captured by the CID letter dated on the 12th of December 2019, the Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Mr Samba, the Deputy CEO of NDA and some National Security Operatives were complicit in this case. The 400 tricycles were said to have been stolen by a Youth Group who said they were acting on the orders of the Northern Regional Minister.

Did Mr Manasseh hear that the CEO of NDA, Alhaji Dr. Haroun Majeed was sacked by President Nana Addo the very day (12th December 2019) the CID wrote to indicate their interest in inviting the above-mentioned personalities the CEO had reported to the CID? I want to know whether you have any interest in this case or its because your rival (Kelvin Taylor) was the one who led in the revelations? Today, your love for the North has diminished or you have lost your appetite? Since its reconstitution, has NDA done anything or implemented any policy Mr. Manasseh is proud of?

Well, the Northern Regional Minister has denied knowledge of this stealing and Mr Samba has equally denied any knowledge of the missing/stolen 400 tricycles. So, who stole the 400 tricycles? I wish to formally invite Manasseh to conduct a full-scale investigation into this theft and decide himself which media house he would like to set the agenda and break the news. You are most welcome sir.

This is my second folder. Shalom!!!
Proper structures must be instituted to ...
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 20, 2020 | 03:15 PM | PADUCAH





According to the Paducah Police Department, on January 14 at a ceremony hosted by the National Quilt Museum, nine Paducah Police officers were honored with Quilts of Valor.







The Quilts of valor foundation was created in 2003 by Catherine Roberts after receiving the idea from a dream.







According to Roberts, "the dream was as vivid as real life. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and wellbeing. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was that quilts equal healing." Roberts Continued, " The model appeared simple: have a volunteer team who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top and the other would quilt it. I saw the name for this special quilt. It was a Quilt of Valor."







QOV has grown into a national movement, where the quilts are hand-made by volunteers across the country, which are then donated, to be given to veterans to honor their service.







The following Paducah Police officers received Quilts of Valor at the ceremony:







 Officer Eric Abbott



 Officer Travis Counts



 Captain Chris Baxter



 Detective Blake Quinn



 Detective Kevin Wilson



 Officer Will Hendrickson



 Captain Joe Hayes



 Sergeant Nathan Antonites



 Captain Wes Orazine.







You can learn more about Quilts of Valor at the link below.

Paducah Police officers were honored for their military service with Quilts of Valor (QOV).

On the Net:
Social media sensation TikTok is a magnet for paedophiles and Australian children are not safe, a cyber safety expert has claimed.

In a dire warning to parents, 'Cyber Cop' Susan McLean told Daily Mail Australia the popular app was 'not safe' for kids due to grooming, bullying and privacy fears.

Users of the app, which is now more popular than Snapchat, only have to be 13 years old to sign up - and can be contacted by anyone unless they make their profile private.

Even then, anyone can request to look at their pictures and videos, and even pretend to be another child.

The Beijing-based company behind TikTok has more than 500 million active users and is now worth more than $110billion, but has sparked security concerns (stock image)

'TikTok is not a safe app and there are many concerns, not the least bullying and grooming by predators,' Ms McLean, a former Victorian police cyber safety specialist of 27 years, said.

'Any app that allows communication can be used by predators.'

Worryingly, the cyber safety expert warned TikTok has been known to fail to remove suspicious accounts even after being warned they could be run by a child groomer.

'TikTok does not have the same safety sessions as some of the more well-known apps and routinely do not remove accounts that have been flagged as potentially a predator,' she explained.

'Paedophiles like to watch kids sing and dance so they can take the videos and share them.

'The data gathering is a huge concern and if the government is worried then it is not a place for kids.'

Susan McLean (pictured), one of the country's foremost experts on cyber safety and security, said TikTok is 'not safe'

How does TikTok work? Users post videos of themselves and broadcast them on the app Anyone can find these videos and post comments on them It also allows you to message that person privately Some of the most popular videos are watched more than 10 million times Each TikTok video is generally 15 to 60 seconds long The videos are typically set to music, often showing the user dancing, doing a trick, or lip-syncing Advertisement

Her comments come after an investigation in the UK found children as young as eight were being groomed on TikTok.

It found kids were being bombarded by explicit messages on the app.

On its website, TikTok explained to parents that they can set their child's profile to private.

But it admits that 'even with a private account, profile information  including profile photo, username, and bio  will be visible to all users.'

It encouraged parents to 'counsel' their children not to reveal personal information such as age, address, or phone number on their profile.

Kids Helpline also revealed there was scope for 'bullying' on the app, and said it had received concerning reports from its counsellors.

TikTok has around 1.4 million monthly active users in Australia and New Zealand, driving 1.6 billion video views every month (stock image)

In one incident, a child discovered a girl at school had posted a TikTok video saying she should 'die in a hole'.

There are also concerns about privacy and data used by the Chinese-owned company.

'Both the US and Australian governments have told serving soldiers that they are not to use it because of security fears,' Ms McLean explained.

'TikTok also received the biggest fine in US history for gathering data on kids and selling it.'

Cyber security expert Susan McLean (pictured) warned parents that TikTok has been known not to remove accounts even after they were flagged as being run by potential groomers

TikTok lets users create and share short singing and dancing videos that are set to well-known songs.

The Beijing-based company behind the app has more than 500 million active users and is now worth more than $110billion.

Since Instagram took away the option to see how many 'likes' a post has, TikTok has become teenagers' favourite app for checking their popularity.

TikTok also has a direct message function, as well as live-streaming and public comments.

A spokesperson for TikTok said: 'TikTok is an app for users age 13 and over, and weve given the app a 12+ App Store rating so parents can simply block it from their childs phone using device-based controls.

'In our Safety Centre we offer a library of educational resources for teens and their families, including safety educational videos and a safety blog series.

'As one of many apps with teenage users, we encourage parents to monitor their teenagers account, review and adjust their privacy settings, help them report any inappropriate behavior, and have an open dialogue with their teenagers about how to be responsible and safe in all online activity.'
A gang, which attempted to rob an SBI ATM in this district in the early hours, fled after the welding machine used by them set ablaze some papers in the bank premises, police said on Tuesday.

The ATM is located at the Anjetty bus-stand.

The gangsters tried to enter the ATM booth by drilling through window bars with the help of a welding machine attached to a gas cylinder but some documents on the floor of the bank caught fire besides rubber and plastic items.

Their efforts to douse the fire failed,though they managed to stop the gas supply before escaping.

A teashop owner alerted bank officials and fire force service personnel doused the blaze.

Police seized the gas cylinder and crowbar left by the gang.

The spot from where the gang members tried to enter the ATM room through the bank did not have CCTV, police said.

Police suspect four people were involved in the attempt to break open the ATM.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The heads of state, whose nations border a worsening conflict, said the international community must unite against the attackers. Both expressed concern that terrorism is on the brink of spilling into their countries, which have not previously grappled with such a threat.
The seemingly simple expedient of extensive investment in Spanish-language content, has seen subscription video-on-demand leader Netflix regain its hitherto declining US Latino viewing base says research from IHS Markit | Technology.





In its Consumer Research - Devices, Media & Usage Intelligence Service  Premium report the analyst calculated that Netflixs US penetration among the key demographic had plunged by almost a tenth between November 2018 and April 2019.Attributing reasons for the initial dip, IHS Markit | Technology noted that US consumers are increasingly prone to add or drop video services and that this trend was even more apparent in the Latino community. According to the survey conducted in November 2019, a fifth of US households cancelled a video service over a 12-month period and did not return and concurrently, nearly 30% of over-the-top (OTT) subscribers signed up to at least one new OTT service during the same period. Consumers also cancelled and re-subscribed to video services to watch new seasons of content. Latinos were found to be twice as likely to cancel and re-subscribe to a video service as other consumers and 50% are more likely to use a free trial only than the average consumer.Yet the research indicated that Netflix has now managed to reverse some of the declines during the following six months, with the penetration rising by 4% mainly at the expense of competitor Amazon Prime Video. A fifth of the Latino survey respondents subscribing to Netflix in the past year cited local content as the reason for subscribing to Netflix.IHS Markit | Technology said that the movement to Netflix and away from Amazon is in line with the two services investment in Spanish language content.Netflixs investment in Spanish content has increased considerably in the past years as the global video service seeks to increase its subscriber base globally following a plateau in its US subscriptions. Nearly 14% of Netflixs catalogue was in the Spanish language in September 2019, with the number of hours increasing by 12% when compared with the end of year of the 2018. Netflixs foreign language originals have seen success globally, such as the TV series La Casa de Papel (Money Heist ).The movement of Latino audiences from Amazon to Netflix reflects the two services level of investment in Spanish-language content, explained Fateha Begum, principal research analyst at IHS Markit | Technology regarding the findings of Consumer Research - Devices, Media & Usage Intelligence Service  Premium. Although Amazon leads in overall video content, with a total of 3.4 million hours of programming, Netflix offers 15 times more hours of Spanish-language content than Amazon Prime Video. In terms of total hours of Spanish programming, Netflix is the clear leader in the US video streaming market, followed by Hulu.
Scientists at UCL have discovered how immune cells, essential for tackling life-threatening infections and cancers, are able to 'recycle' material within themselves in order to stay healthy and function, a breakthrough finding which could lead to more effective immunotherapies.

In the study, published in Cell Reports, researchers investigated how 'autophagy' - the natural physiological process of 'self-eating' which allows intracellular components, such as mitochondria, to be degraded and replaced - takes place in liver-based T cells.

T cells are a subset of lymphocytes (white blood cells) that play a key role in protecting against chronic liver infection and tumours.

Researchers discovered that T cells in the liver had an enhanced rate of autophagy and that this is enabled by the presence and action of a soluble messenger protein found in the liver: the cytokine 'interleukin-15' (IL-15).

This is the first study to identify that IL-15 can boost autophagy in human T cells and researchers believe this new understanding could enable emerging immunotherapies, such as CAR T cell therapy, to be positively manipulated to boost T cell health and survival.

Corresponding author, Dr Leo Swadling (UCL Infection & Immunity), said: "The liver is a common site for chronic viral infection and tumours and T cells play a key role in protecting against these.

"T cells living within the liver must adapt to the stressful microenvironment, with low levels of oxygen and an abundance of inhibitory signals, to find ways of maintaining prolonged survival and functionality.

"We discovered that a population of T cells able to live exclusively within the human liver can switch on autophagy to maintain nutrient supply and renew organelles like mitochondria to maintain their fitness. We could imprint this same adaptation on T cells taken from blood by exposing them to the cytokine IL-15."

The research team were assisted by surgeons and the Tissue Access for Patient Benefit project (TAPb) at The Royal Free Hospital, London, and gained rare access to live immune cells from human liver samples.

Several cutting-edge single cell technologies were used to compare autophagy in the T cells from these liver samples to T cells in the blood.

Lead author, Professor Mala Maini (UCL Infection & Immunity), said: "Understanding how human T cells are adapted for autophagy opens up the possibility of manipulating this dynamic process, which could enable a wide range of new and effective therapeutic possibilities.

"For instance, we can now investigate whether modulating autophagy rates can be used to improve emerging immunotherapies for cancer and chronic viral infection (such as TCR-redirected T cells and CAR T cells), where T cells must persist and function in diverse tumour and tissue microenvironments."

###

The study was led by UCL Division of Infection & Immunity, with support from UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, King's College London, QMUL and the University of Oxford. Funding was provided with grants from Wellcome and the Medical Research Foundation.
Chilean Vice Minister of Trade Rodrigo Yanez (Photo: latercera.com)



During a recent interview to Vietnam News Agency, Yanez said since the FTA took effect in 2014, two-way trade between has improved considerably, surpassing USD1 billion.



In order to effectively tap commitments in the FTA, he suggested Vietnam and Chile enhance collaboration in science, technology, services and digital economy while reviewing the list of products and sectors benefiting from the deal.

He wished that the two countries businesses would further improve production efficiency to draw more investment.

On the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to which both Vietnam and Chile are members, Yanez said Chile is considering pushing for its ratification, which has quality and deepest commitments so far.

As Chile wrapped up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum 2019, he thanked Vietnam for providing support for the South American country last year.

Expressing appreciation for Vietnams assumption of ASEAN Chairmanship 2020, he said it also offers Chile a chance to reinforce ties with other Southeast Asian nations.

After becoming ASEANs development partner last year, Chile is stepping up the establishment of the Chile - ASEAN development and trade joint committee, he said.

Yanez hailed Vietnam as a strategic partner of top significance of Chile in expanding ties with ASEAN member states. Vietnam is now the second largest trade partner of the South American nation in ASEAN.

As the President of the Pacific Alliance, Chile wants to further boost ties between the AP and ASEAN, he said, affirming that Chile and Vietnam, as the Chair of the ASEAN 2020, will make positive contributions to the process./.
Gomez Gonzalez, a former commissioner of the town of Rosario, manages the local butterfly reserve. In an article published this month, he told The Washington Post that the protection of the species is steeped in local traditions. The people of Michoacan have long welcomed the remarkable annual migration of the insects who travel thousands of miles from the United States and Canada to Mexico to escape the winter weather.
Aaron Lennihan was arrested and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle

A Florida man was arrested by police after allegedly stealing a FedEx truck and driving it onto the runway at Tallahassee International Airport.

Aaron Lennihan was said to have been trying to get home when he got into the vehicle and crashed into a major piece of plane guidance equipment that could see aircraft grounded for weeks.

The 23-year-old found the truck with the keys in it after jumping several fences and was trying to drive out of the airport, police said.

He struck a localizer, which is a system used to guide aircraft along the runway, especially in low visibility.

A Tallahassee Police officer looking out the window of the airport noticed the truck driving on the runway at about 1.30am on Monday, according to court records.

Court documents state Lennihan told TPD officers he was trying to get back home in Pasco County but did not know where he was or how he got to Tallahassee.

But he did tell officials he remembered climbing over fences until he saw the truck and as the keys were still inside jumped inside.

Tallahassee International Airport guidance system seen (above) after Lennihan allegedly crashed into it in a FedEx truck, causing damage that could see planes grounded for weeks

The airport guidance localizer pictured (above) before it was damaged. Aaron Lennihan is accused of stealing a truck and driving down the airport runway before crashing

Earlier in the night, TPD received a call from his mother saying her son had gone missing and that he was suffering from 'mental duress'.

He was arrested at the airport and is charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, according to WCTV.

Police said Lennihan did not appear to be drunk, under the influence of any substances, or otherwise impaired.

The FedEx truck was damaged but the shipping company reportedly declined to press charges.

Since the incident the FAA has instituted new guidelines to try and keep as many flights a possible still coming into the airport.

David Pollard, director of aviation at Tallahassee International Airport, said: 'We are working with partners to identify how that happened. We have ordered an additional security assessment of that entire area to look at possibilities for strengthening our security.'
In one of the more modern meeting rooms at the over two centuries old State Capitol, 22 lawmakers gather on Mondays to confront the increasing cybersecurity threats looming over Virginia residents.

This session the House Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation will consider a variety of issues, including managing data in an increasingly digital world, regulating devices for children in schools and enabling consumers with the right to access their data and determine if it has been sold to a data broker.

The committee will also hear proposals on a range of cybersecurity issues. These include House Bill 322 which seeks to create a cybersecurity advisory council. HB 524 aims to create a volunteer group of tech industry professionals to help localities and school divisions address information technology and cybersecurity issues. HB 954 requires businesses to take reasonable steps to dispose of customer records when the company no longer needs those documents.

The committee leadership has a host of expertise in technology and cybersecurity. The chair, Del. Cliff Hayes Jr., D-Chesapeake spent over 25 years working in the cybersecurity field, including time as the director of information technology for the Norfolk Sheriffs Office. Hayes Jr. said he was optimistic about Virginias future in cybersecurity, but did not understate the risks.

Anywhere in the world is at a high risk in this day in age, Hayes said. We have to make sure we do everything we can to protect our infrastructure and those devices that are connected to it.

Vice Chair Del. Hala Ayala, D-Woodbridge, spent over 15 years working as a cybersecurity specialist for the Department of Homeland Security. She said the committee will work with the federal government to prevent cyber attacks from hostile foreign adversaries.

When it comes to cybersecurity, Virginians have reason to be cautious. Some of the biggest companies in the world such as Amazon store data in the state. Seventy percent of the worlds daily internet traffic is routed through Loudoun County, according to Loudouns department of economic development. Since 2010, Microsoft continues to expand its data center operations in Mecklenburg County. Facebook recently opened a 1 million square foot data center in Henrico, with plans to add another 1.5 million square feet.

Hayes said the committee plans to be proactive when it comes to dealing with the increasing cybersecurity threats.

Historically, most of the cyber, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and all of those types of issues were referred to other committees for some reason, he said. But now, those bills are going to be coming to this committee and we have an abundance of expertise in this area.

Virginias cyber investments arent invulnerable, especially given the growing threat of hostile foreign powers such as Iran. The Iranians have spent years cultivating a skilled team of hackers that could potentially threaten U.S. cybersecurity, according to a recent Washington Post survey of leaders from government, academia and the private sector.

Were trying to make steps at the federal level to strengthen our security infrastructure, Ayala said.

At the state level, Ayala said the committee plans to protect consumers against potential breaches and advocate for consumer privacy.

Youll see a lot of privacy legislation come out, she said. We want to strengthen consumer data and protection.

Del. Kathy Byron, R-Bedford, said the key to protecting Virginians against cybersecurity threats will be education.

Its critical that we continue to train young people so we have the workforce and workforce skills to be able to help companies, Byron said.

Byron also said there were a number of steps Virginians could take to protect themselves from identity theft.

Check daily for activity from your financial institutions to make sure someone hasnt used that information, Byron said.

Ayala said there are a number of ways to protect your online activities as well.

Change your passwords every 60 to 90 days, Ayala said. I use something called LastPass to encrypt passwords.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Tech Virginia
A county lines drug dealer was caught when he brazenly advertised his 'dial-a drug' business on his T-shirt along with his mobile telephone number, a court heard.

Wajid Hussain wore a T-shirt bearing the words 'Naz & Scooby - 4 for 25' followed by his telephone number.

He sold heroin and crack cocaine on a 'dial-a-service' basis but was busted when an undercover cop saw the telephone number and rang it to arrange 'a deal'.

Details of the bungling dealer were told at Bradford Crown Court when Hussain appeared to admit dealing class A drugs.

The court heard Hussain, 27, paid drivers in hire cars to deliver cut-price wraps of crack cocaine and heroin.

Wajid Hussain wore a T-shirt bearing the words 'Naz & Scooby - 4 for 25' followed by his telephone number

He ran the 'bring and ring' Scooby Line from April to July last year - and advertised his own phone number on a t-shirt to drum up businesses.

Prosecutors said West Yorkshire Police uncovered various drugs supply lines, with 'employees' bringing wraps of crack and heroin to waiting addicts.

The court heard how undercover police officers called the number to arrange a drug deal and a Skoda Octavia appeared with Hussain in the passenger seat.

The officer bought a wrap of heroin for 7. Another undercover cop bought a 10 wrap of heroin from the line and was told she could have 'three for 20.'

One of Hussain's 'workers' Kevin Hodgson, 59, was driving a Vauxhall Insignia on that occasion, the court heard.

The following day, Hussain and Hodgson drove up to sell 'Libby' another 10 wrap. She asked if they would do ten wraps for 60 and Hussain said yes.

Last month, cops raided Hussain's home and found a T-shirt with the Scooby Line's phone number on it, along with 'three for 25.'

Also seized from his address were scales, Kinder eggs, cash and dealer bags.

Michael Smith, prosecuting, said: 'It appears that it was in effect his operation, or one in the very least in which he played a very significant role.'

Hussain had 18 previous convictions for 31 offences, including supplying Class A drugs in 2012, when he was sent to a young offender institution for 16 months.

Hussain (left) pleaded guilty to five counts of supplying Class A drugs and was jailed for six years. Kevin Hodgson (right) was jailed for two years and two months after admitting supplying Class A drugs on June 19 and 20 last year

His other offences included aggravated vehicle taking, battery and racially aggravated harassment.

He had been recalled to prison on licence for a dangerous driving sentence and he was in breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Hussain's solicitor advocate, Andrew Walker, said it was an unusual feature of the case that the Scooby Line number was registered to his client.

But the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, replied: 'It is typical of the brazen arrogance of those who think they are big men in their society.'

The court heard that Hussain was the father of three young children and would miss seeing their formative years.

Shufqat Khan, for Hodgson, said he was out of work at the time and was asked to hire the vehicles and at first did not realise that he was driving for drug dealers.

Mr Khan added: 'He was relieved when he was arrested because it got him out of it.'

Judge Durham Hall said the Scooby Line was 'brazenly broadcast' on Hussain's T-shirt and its phone was registered to him.

He told Hussain: 'You are intimately linked to the operation of this line.'

The judge conceded that Hodgson's role was limited, but told him: 'People like you must resist the temptation of easy money for driving drug dealers.'

Hussain, of Bradford, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to five counts of supplying Class A drugs and was jailed for six years.

Kevin Hodgson, also of Bradford, was jailed for two years and two months after admitting supplying Class A drugs on June 19 and 20 last year.
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You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details.
Gippy Grewal has his fan base spread across not just India, but all around the world including the neighbouring nation of Pakistan. The artist was often asked by his Pakistani fans when he plans to visit their homeland, and today finally Gippy has made it to Pakistan. The artist first paid his homage at Nankana Sahib and then headed back to Lahore. He shared pictures of him from Nankana Sahib on his social media handle.
Kiernan Christopher Williams, 19, was arrested Monday after a fatal shooting at a bar in San Antonio, Texas, Sunday night

A 19-year-old Texas man promoted his Instagram account while claiming self-defense following his arrest for allegedly fatally shooting two people and wounding five others at a San Antonio bar during a concert.

Kiernan Christopher Williams, 19, was arrested Monday and faces capital murder charges for the Sunday night shooting at the Riverwalk bar called Ventura in San Antonio.

In a video obtained by by KSAT, Williams can be heard promoting his Instagram account while he was being taken into custody by police, saying to reporters, 'Don't worry about me, I'm gonna be aight, you all gotta follow me on Instagram' and adding that he's 'an upcoming artist.'

The shooting occurred at a concert which Williams was scheduled to perform at on Sunday night, according to a promotional poster that he had posted on his Instagram account.

The two men who died in the shooting were identified as Robert Jay Martinez, 20, and Alejandro Robles, 25.

A woman, 46, and four men, ranging in age from 16 to 19, were also injured during the shooting and are expected to survive, police said.

Williams told reporters that he was acting in self-defense when he opened fire during the bar concert.

During his perp walk following his arrest, Williams told reporters to follow him on Instagram

Williams' Instagram account is filled with videos of himself singing while holding guns

'He told me he was gonna kill me,' Williams said of one of the people at the venue. 'He told me cause I bumped into him, he was gonna kill me.'

'I regret everything that I did, no lie,' Williams said.

Police said in Williams' arrest affidavit that witnesses told investigators they that they had seen Williams fighting with one of the victims before the shooting occurred, according to News 4 San Antonio.

Police also said that a witness also claimed that Williams shot one of the victims 'intentionally' and that the Williams 'continued to fire his weapon into the crowded venue causing several victims to be struck by gunfire.'

Police have said the shooting was 'not a random incident' and that at least one of the seven victims knew Williams.

'It's nothing more complicated than an argument that occurred inside the club with someone pulling out a firearm,' San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said Sunday night.

Alejandro Robles (left) and Robert Martinez (right) were fatally shot during the incident

A promotional image for Sunday night's concert that Williams was scheduled to perform at

Police are seen outside the Ventura bar following the shooting on Sunday night

Police said witnesses told them that Williams had argued with one of the victims prior to the shooting. Police also said that Williams fired his gun into the crowded venue

The shooting took place at Ventura (pictured), which was hosting a concert that night

Robles, who was killed in the shooting, had gone to Ventura with his wife to support a childhood friend who was performing that night, family members told the San Antonio Express-News. His father, James Huff, said he did not believe his son knew Williams.

A since-deleted Facebook event indicated Sunday night's concert at the Ventura was 'Living the DREAM,' a showcase featuring multiple performers, and the Express-News reported that a flyer listed Williams as one of the scheduled performers. An email to the apparent promoters wasn't immediately returned.

Authorities said that the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing.

Jail records do not list an attorney who could speak on Williams' behalf.

Court records obtained by MySanAntonio indicate that Williams pleaded no contest to a charge of assault f a public servant causing bodily injury in 2017.

He was jailed on multiple occasions for probation violations, until being released from the state prison system in August 2019, according to those records.

Williams' Instagram account features multiple videos and photos of himself singing while holding a gun. It's unclear if that gun was the one that was used during the bar shooting.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York voters changed their minds -- bail reform was a bad idea.

According to a new Siena College Poll, 49% of voters said the recently passed bail reform laws  which eliminated monetary bail for people facing misdemeanors and non-violent felony charges  were bad for New York.

When asked in April 2019, only 38% of polled voters said they thought the reforms would be bad for New York, according to the poll.

In April, 55% of polled voters  of which 64% democrat, 34% republican, and 60% independent  said bail reform would be good for New York.

(Courtesy of Siena College)

Currently, only 37% of polled voters  53% Democrat, 15% Republican and 29% Independent  think the new laws are good for New York.

The poll was conducted by Siena College between January 11 and January 16 by telephone call to 814 New York State registered voters.

While small majorities of suburban and upstate voters had thought the law would be good, today, 56% of upstaters and 64% of downstate suburbanites think the law is bad. While every demographic group moved more negative since April, joining independents and downstate suburbanites with the largest movement from good to bad was voters 55 and older, said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg.

Greenberg said, its clear that a sizable number of New Yorkers, who were optimistic that the new bail law would be good for the state, now believe the law is bad for New York.

The percentage of voters who said Neither/Both/Dont Know rose from 7% to 10%, the poll shows.

Criminal justice issues were a top or second priority for only 13% of voters when polled in April 2019, however, 27% of voters say its currently one of their top two issues  14% of which said it was number one for them, according to the poll.

Again, the new bail law is having an impact on how voters are viewing issues, Greenberg said.

Support for bail reform has continued to drop, as news of repeat offenders being released and rearrested  sometimes multiple times in one week -- continue to spread.

Recently, a Mariners Harbor man was arrested and released three times in less than two weeks for allegedly stealing a credit card he used for a shopping spree, evading police during a high-speed chase and smashing an MTA bus window.

Twenty-five year old Emeka Aduba was released without bail after two of the three arrests as a result of the criminal justice reforms that went into effect on Jan. 1.
Uche Maduagwu has some word for veteran actress, Rita Dominic in his new Instagram post.

The actor who is known to be very vocal about other colleagues has predicted that Rita would find a husband in 2020 and welcome a baby girl.

Recall also that he has predicted a husband for Genevieve Nnaji in 2020.

READ ALSO  Uche Maduagwu Speaks On Davido, Chiomas Relationship

Sharing a photo of Rita, Uche wrote: 2020 is your year of double joy, a wedding and baby girl Congrats, honestly, the spiritual fulani herdsmen demon that will not allow this prophecy come into existence have not been manufactured in sambisa forest.

See Photo Here:
Freeman said events like the march and others created by Pollard are vital for a community.

At the march, Councilwoman Andrea Barefield said this years Waco celebration is also special because of its connection to another distinguished Wacoan, Pearl Harbor hero Doris Miller.

The U.S. Navy announced on Monday named an aircraft carrier after Miller, a black Navy messman who helped rescue other sailors and officers during the Japanese raid in 1941 and shot at invading warplanes. It is the first time an aircraft carrier has been named for an enlistee.

Thats a feat that is only accomplished by presidents, and very few non-presidents, Barefield said. This event is extra special because we also got an opportunity to honor Alice Pollard, who was a juggernaut in this community and an amazing human being, who did so much more than we will ever know. She is an example of the kind of legacy Dr. King left, that well plant trees well never sit under and dig wells well never drink from. 

Shevann Steuben, president of the Baylor chapter of the NAACP and president of the states youth and college division, held a banner with other NAACP officers at the march. She said students are eager to get involved every year.
Joseph Stiglitz at AlterNet:

As the worlds business elites trek to Davos for their annual gathering, people should be asking a simple question: Have they overcome their infatuation with US President Donald Trump?

Two years ago, a few rare corporate leaders were concerned about climate change, or upset at Trumps misogyny and bigotry. Most, however, were celebrating the presidents tax cuts for billionaires and corporations and looking forward to his efforts to deregulate the economy. That would allow businesses to pollute the air more, get more Americans hooked on opioids, entice more children to eat their diabetes-inducing foods, and engage in the sort of financial shenanigans that brought on the 2008 crisis.

Today, many corporate bosses are still talking about the continued GDP growth and record stock prices. But neither GDP nor the Dow is a good measure of economic performance. Neither tells us whats happening to ordinary citizens living standards or anything about sustainability. In fact, US economic performance over the past four years is Exhibit A in the indictment against relying on these indicators.

More here.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Tuesday, as the North African country's former coloniser seeks to boost ties and defuse regional conflicts.

Tebboune, who came to power last month in a presidential election, received the first senior French government official to visit Algeria since the justice minister a year ago.

That visit came just before an unprecedented protest movement burst onto the scene, forcing longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to step down in April.

"The presidential elections took place. There is now a new government and France wants to work with it," Le Drian said.

"President Tebboune has shown an ambition for Algeria -- one of deep reform, to reinforce governance, the rule of law and freedoms," he told reporters.

The Algerian leader's vision also seeks "to revive the economy in accordance with the aspirations that Algerians have shown for the last year," Le Drian said.

Tebboune, once a prime minister under Bouteflika, won the December election amid an official turnout of less than 40 percent.

Analysts believe voter participation was substantially lower, in a context where the Hirak protest movement viewed the election as a ploy by an unreformed elite to consolidate its power.

Le Drian's visit came amid international efforts to resolve the conflict in Libya -- a neighbour of Algeria -- and crises in the Sahel.

Tebboune was among invitees to a summit on Libya held in Berlin on Sunday.

"We were together in Berlin, the day before yesterday, on Libya's conflict and we will coordinate our efforts beyond even... a sustainable ceasefire" and recreating a political dialogue between Libya's warring parties, Le Drian said.

"We will also take stock of the situation in the Sahel and recall our common objectives of security and fighting against terrorism," he added.

France and five Sahel nations -- including three of Algeria's immediate neighbours -- pledged earlier this month to bolster efforts against jihadists waging an increasingly deadly insurgency.
On Dec. 9, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff hosted a surprise news conference surrounded by state and Norwalk Democrats Lucy Dathan, Chris Perone, Mayor Harry Rilling and others. Duff stood next to a sign that read: A Brand New Norwalk High School.

According to an article in the Norwalk Hour, Duff and other officials familiar with the project said, an agreement had been negotiated with the state to provide an 80 percent reimbursement, more than double the roughly 33 percent the state normally offers on school building projects.

If you care about the truth and your taxes, know this: right now there is no plan for a Brand New Norwalk High School, and there is no plan for 80 percent reimbursement by the state. As Konstantine Diamantis of the Office of School Construction Grants recently stated, and as Superintendent Steven Adamowski confirmed, special legislation must be approved before Norwalk can count on any state funding. There is no guarantee of 80 percent funding for a regional high school or the more typical 22 percent for a local one, despite Duffs promises and Rillings affirmation of that support. This being an election year for Duff, facts and words matter more than ever. And Duff was knowingly disingenuous when he implied that this was a done deal. It is not.

We elect a Board of Education. That board has a Facilities Committee comprised of some portion of the full board. The Facilities Committee decides the order in which facilities are repaired and replaced. Their recommendations go to the full board and then to the Common Council for approval. Finally, the state is invited to support the facilities plan.

We had several schools on the states list prior to Duffs high school announcement: Columbus Magnet at the old Ely site and a new school on Concord Street (current Columbus). As of today, Ely, which was essential as swing space to accommodate Columbus students during Concord construction, has dropped off the states radar due the open space dilemma. Effectively, both schools are no longer in the queue. Remember the Board of Education Facilities Committee  people we elect to make these decisions  had previously determined that our greatest need was at the elementary level, specifically in South Norwalk.

No one involved in this process has been forthcoming with information, despite a fairly detailed presentation from Duff and preliminary Ed Specs presented to the Boards Facilities Committee on the Dec. 12. A FOIA request was submitted on Dec. 10 to those individuals most likely to have records related to the development of Duffs high school plan. To date, more than five weeks later, that request has been met with no responsive records at all. At the Dec. 12 Facilities Committee meeting, Adamowski stated there had been a series of meetings, beginning in May, at which he, Rilling, Diamantis and Duff were present. All four have been copied on the FOIA request. All four have so far failed to produce any responsive records.

To further complicate matters, on Jan. 9, I received an email from Rosemond White, executive secretary of the Department of Administrative Services saying the, State Office of School Construction Grants do not have any record responsive to your request. I replied, Just to clarify, you are saying that there are no responsive documents related to Senator Duffs recent announcement regarding a new, state-of-the-art Norwalk High School to be 80 percent funded by the state ... Thank you for clarifying that this project seems to have been conceived without any supporting documentation regarding need and/or feasibility. Three hours later I received the following reply from White: I just received news from Mr. Diamantis that his assistant has records/emails that she is compiling to send to our office.

Duff has long sought to overthrow the authority of the local Board of Education. First, he demanded that School Governance Council positions remain open to elected officials. His SGC position seems to have led to NHS scheme cooked up with Diamantis in May, under the guise of, why spend $11 million when we can spend $200 million? Then Duff wanted municipal leaders to appoint BOE chairs instead of the boards themselves. Last year he floated a school regionalization plan no one wanted.

Bob Duffs high school plan is simply another attempt to usurp the authority of this elected body and to foist regionalization on an unwilling electorate. To repeat, there are no plans today for a new Norwalk High School and there is no money.

Our BOE and Common Council will be pressured in the coming months to appropriate funds, as the council did Tuesday when they approved $50,000 for the development of preliminary architectural drawings, diverted from the previously approved NHS capital budget. We have been given a false use it or lose it argument in favor of a new facility that no one asked for and that no one can afford to pay for. Whether or not Duff, Diamantis, Mayor Rilling and Adamowski eventually disclose what they knew and when they knew it, the lack of responsive documents more than five weeks after Duffs surprise announcement is telling.

Donna Smirniotopoulos lives in Norwalk.
Protest as much as you can, centre will not back out of CAA: Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday challenged the opposition and its leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, to hold an open debate with him on the Citizenship amendment Act (CAA) and explain how it strips Indian citizens, including Muslims, of their citizenship.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally in Lucknow, Shah said the Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC and other opposition parties are spreading lies and creating confusion among the gullible among Muslim citizens that the new legislation is against their interests.

The anti-CAA parties are spreading propaganda and spreading illusions thats why the BJP is running the Jan Jagran Abhiyan, which is a public awareness campaign against those who break the country, he said.

I have introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha. I want to tell the opposition that you should discuss this bill publicly. If it can take citizenship of any person, then prove it and show it, added Shah.

The opposition, Shah said, can protest as much as they want against the CAA but the BJP-led government at the Centre will not scrap the new law. "Let me say this here and now, this law will not be withdrawn, no matter who protests... We are not scared of opposition, we were born in it," he asserted.

Shah also attacked the opposition for misleading and trying to instigate Muslims in the name of CAA.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally at Bihar's Vaishali, on 16 January, Shah had accused the opposition parties of inciting violence during anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh and some other parts of the country.

The CAA, which grants citizenship to persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian refugees from Islamic nations like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before 31 December 2014, is being used as ammo by the opposition to trigger widespread protests across the country.
NORWALK  A suspicious fire at a Connecticut Avenue barbershop  just a few weeks before its grand opening  is now being investigated by police as arson.

Lt. Tom Mattera, commander of the Norwalk Police Detective Bureau, said Monday his unit is now leading the investigation into a December fire that destroyed the inside of the building at 108 Connecticut Ave.

The initial investigation leads us to believe that this fire did not start on its own, Mattera said.

Fire Marshal Broderick Sawyer confirmed the city fire department passed the investigation to police, though he said marshals will still collaborate on the case with detectives and the State Fire Marshals Office.

Sawyer declined to comment further on the case due to the ongoing investigation.

No one was injured in the fire, which occurred around 1 a.m. on Dec. 29.

Foul play had been suspected in the case as soon as the day after the blaze, according to Fire Inspector Dale Roos, who oversaw the early stages of the probe.

The building, a one-story, former liquor store, was in the final stages of renovation as a barbershop.

While Roos said the building is believed to be structurally sound, its interior and everything that had been inside were a complete loss.

Manish Patel, who owns the building, could not be reached Monday for comment. Patel said last month that everything was in order and his new tenant was expected to soon open the business.

Victor Santiago, who was expected to open the barbershop, also could not be reached on Monday.

The building is owned by a limited liability company controlled by the Patel family. They bought the building in 2005 for $420,000 and ran Norwalk Wine & Spirits there before moving the package store a short distance up Connecticut Avenue where it remains in business today.

The barbershop building was last appraised for about $500,000 and was listed in July for sale for $750,000.
Qatar Airways QSuite won the best Business Class at the Skytrax World Airline Awards held in Paris recently. With a fully lie-flat bed, in-suite accent lighting and generous storage spaces, this is what business travel looks like in 2020.

Qatar Airways' Qsuite Business Class

Qatar Airways has always had some of the worlds best business-class seats. Its retained the Worlds Best Business Class Seat award for its patented Qsuite and has won the Worlds Best Business Class fourth time in a row.

So what is the Qsuite

Certain seats in the Qsuite can be converted into double beds

Qsuite is Qatar Airways revolutionary design thats made flying Business Class even more comfortable. The highlights of the Qsuite are its doors and dividers that offer privacy in a way that other Business Class seats dont. Most Business Class seats, even those comfortable ones with lie-flat beds, dont always offer privacy. If youre walking up and down the aisle, youll likely have seen people in various states of slumber. Youll always know what the guy across the aisle is watching. And, if youre travelling with your partner, therell always be a partition or an aisle thatll keep the two of you separate.

Qsuite is Qatar Airways' revolutionary Business Class

Qsuite is Qatar Airways new Business Class. Its available on select Boeing 777-200LRs, 777-300ERs, Airbus A350-900s and all of Qatar Airways A350-1000s. What makes the Qsuite revolutionary is the fact that these are the first suite-style seats for business class. Which is to say that they come with closing doors and are designed such that two adjacent seats can be converted into a double bed. If youre a family of four, the partitions open up to create a cubicle that gives your group complete privacy. This unit can also double up as a collaborative workspace if youre travelling with your colleagues.

Note that not all QA flights have Qsuites so you need to check before you book.

What makes the Qsuite special?

Select centre-row seats can open up to form a four-seater unit that can double up as a collaborative workspace or just a private family suite

What doesnt change with the Qsuite is the seating pattern. Like most business class seats, the suites are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 pattern. Odd-numbered rows have seats that face the rear of the aircraft and even-numbered rows have seats that face forward.

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The rear-facing seats are closer to the window and offer more privacy whereas the front-facing ones are nearer to the aisle. Ditto for the centre-row seats the rear-facing ones are away from the aisle (and therefore closer to each other) and the front facing ones are closer to the aisle (and therefore further apart from each other).

In the centre row, this arrangement comes together to form the four-seat unit we spoke of earlier. The rear-facing seats can be converted to form a double bed so you dont have to sleep apart or fight over who shouldnt be sleeping with the baby through the night.

Its this arrangement that makes the Qsuite such a genius design. You no longer have to worry about people watching you as they walk to the loo, nor do you have to tolerate the glare of your neighbours TV screen.

Talking of which, each Qsuite has a 21.5-inch screen that has touch screen controls and more than 4,000 menu options. As with all enclosed rooms, each Qsuite has a DND sign for when youre catching a wink or need some, ahem, privacy (wink).
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This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics.
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Bolivia has revoked its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a partially recognized political entity in Western Sahara that is also claimed by Morocco, in an attempt to revive relations with Rabat, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry said in the early hours of Tuesday

NOUAKCHOTT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st January, 2020) Bolivia has revoked its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a partially recognized political entity in Western Sahara that is also claimed by Morocco, in an attempt to revive relations with Rabat, the Bolivian Foreign Ministry said in the early hours of Tuesday.

"The ministry decided to withdraw its recognition of the Sahrawi Republic and cut all ties with it," the ministry said in a statement.

Bolivia confirmed that it would adopt the principle of neutrality with regard to the territorial dispute and support all efforts that were made within the UN framework so that a sustainable political solution on the matter could be reached.

Bolivia also said it intended to base its future relations with Morocco on "mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric is currently working to restructure the foreign policy of interim President Jeanine Anez's administration, who came to power after Evo Morales was forced to step down due to a wave of public pressure  the former head of state won the October 20 election in his country, but opposition lawmakers refused to recognize the result over alleged irregularities in the vote-counting process.

Morocco has recently made important steps in the Western Sahara dispute, after a number of countries, including the Ivory Coast, Comoros, Gabon and Guinea, opened their diplomatic missions in Saharan provinces in southern Morocco at Rabat's request.

The SADR was created in 1976 by the Polisario Front political movement on the disputed territory of Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony. The SADR government controls only a small part of the territory, while Morocco governs the rest. Morocco has proposed a solution that involves granting autonomy to the SADR, while the United Nations has advocated a referendum on self-determination.

The SADR's sovereignty has been recognized by many nations in Africa, Latin America and Asia, while the Arab League backs Morocco's territorial integrity.
A minority of schools are gaming the system at the expense of disadvantaged pupils in order to maximise their exam results, Ofsted warned today.

The watchdog raised concerns that some schools are failing to act with integrity as it released its annual report this morning.

It claimed a handful of schools are making decisions in their own best interests at the expense of a well-rounded education, with poorer pupils most likely to miss out.

The watchdog highlighted various forms of gaming in which schools try to make things look better than they really are.

Examples include entering English-speaking pupils into English, for speakers of other languages qualifications, entering pupils for exams the school considers easier and removing pupils through off rolling.

Off-rolling is when a school removes a pupil from its roll without a formal, permanent exclusion or encourages a parent to remove them. This is often done to artificially boost its performance in league tables.

The report found more than 20,000 pupil movements between Year 10 and 11 over the 2017-18 period but could not find the destination of about half of those children.

Other tell-tale signs of gaming include pupils having very different GCSE results in English Literature compared to Language, which indicates the school has focused on teaching just one of those subjects.

Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman said that although the overall picture was good, disadvantaged children deserved a proper, substantial and broad education.

Speaking at the reports launch in Westminster, she said grades were hollow if they did not reflect a proper education, adding: We mustnt succumb to the seductive but wrong-headed logic that we help disadvantaged children by turning a blind eye to schools that narrow education in this way, as long as they deliver acceptable grades at the end.

All of them should have the chance to develop their talents. Poorer children shouldnt get a worse choice.

Ofsted introduced a new inspection regime last September, which focuses more on the quality of the curriculum and education on offer.

Ms Spielman added: Exam results are important but have to reflect real achievement. We should not incentivise apparent success without substance.

Ofsted said most schools act in the best interest of the children but a small minority do not.
Photo: Brandon Wilson/Unsplash

Looking for something to do this week? From an artist workshop to a jazz concert, here's a roundup of options to help you get off the couch and out into the world.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

2020 CultureBank with Zoo Labs

From the event description:

Our goal is to amplify your work and direct investment into artists enterprises that are impacting the West Oakland community. This will be a key workshop for artists and other community investors to set direction for our CultureBank/Zoo Labs pilot.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Zoo Labs, 1035 Seventh St.

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Montera Prospective Parent Mixer

From the event description:

Still have questions about Montera? Want to get to know the parent community and administrators a little better? This is a great opportunity to connect with current Montera Middle School parents and administrators.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Hughes Residence, 6647 Forestland Way

Admission: Free

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Peter Bernstein, Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart

From the event description:

Guitarist Peter Bernstein, organist Larry Goldings, and drummer Bill Stewart make up one of the best organ jazz trios of the past two decades. The respect the musicians have for one another comes through in the subtle and intricate manner of their musical conversation on stage. Indeed, you can hear them listening to each other. Drawing mainly on jazz standards, and a few original pieces, they re-imagine the organ jazz trio in a quiet, sensual, and grooving presentation.

When: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 8 p.m.

Where: Yoshi's Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West

Admission: $26. More ticket options available.

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

Traxamillion Presents: Celebrity StreetFighter Tournament & Listening Party

Story continues

From the event description:

The Street Fighter 2: Celebrity Hip Hop Edition Tournament brings forth a mission to merge the world of local gamers and Hip Hop heads alike. As an avid Street Fighter 2 fan and well known Bay Area Hip Hop producer, Traxamillion will showcase his instrumental project dedicated to this beloved game along with other fresh new music while battling it out right here at Emporium Oakland.

When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Emporium Oakland, 1805 Telegraph Ave.

Admission: $20

Click here for more details, and to get your tickets

This story was created automatically using local event data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Sen. Bernie Sanders apologized to Joe Biden late Monday for an op-ed a prominent supporter wrote accusing the former vice president of having a "big corruption problem," and Sanders urged his backers to exercise civility on the heels of heated disputes with his rivals.

In an interview with CBS News, Sanders, I-Vt., expressed contrition for the op-ed, which was written by law professor Zephyr Teachout for the Guardian newspaper and was promoted by the Sanders campaign in a newsletter. Teachout endorsed Sanders last year, and his campaign touted her support.

"It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And I'm sorry that that op-ed appeared," Sanders said in the interview. A Sanders campaign spokesman confirmed his comments.

Biden replied to Sanders on Twitter. "Thanks for acknowledging this, Bernie. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary. Let's all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president," he wrote.

It is rare for candidates to apologize for their actions or the activities of their supporters, particularly with the Iowa caucuses happening so soon, on Feb. 3.

The remarks marked at least a temporary de-escalation between two rivals who sit at or near the top of the polls and who had grown increasingly hostile to each other in recent days. Sanders also appeared keen on calming tensions with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; the two walked arm-in-arm at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in South Carolina six days after an explosive post-debate confrontation centering on a private conversation about gender and elections.

It was also a shift in tone for the Democratic race, which just 24 hours earlier had reached new levels of contentiousness. With President Trump's impeachment trial set to begin in earnest in the Senate this week, some Democrats have been hoping the party will project more unity.

Some Sanders supporters have aggressively criticized Biden and Warren on social media. Sanders told CBS he did not approve of personal attacks. "If anyone knows me, what I believe is we need a serious debate in this country on issues. We don't need to demonize people who may disagree with us," he said.

Sanders added, "I appeal to my supporters: Please, engage in civil discourse." Sanders said his supporters were not the only ones guilty of crossing the line. "We're not the only campaign that does it. Other people act that way as well. I would appeal to everybody: Have a debate on the issues. We can disagree with each other without being disagreeable, without being hateful. That is not what American politics should be about."

In her op-ed, Teachout wrote that "Biden has a big corruption problem and it makes him a weak candidate." She added, "I know it seems crazy, but a lot of the voters we need - independents and people who might stay home - will look at Biden and Trump and say: 'They're all dirty.' "

She accused Biden of being too close to the credit card, health-care and energy industries. Sanders adviser David Sirota highlighted the op-ed in his "Bern Notice" newsletter, which is distributed electronically.

Some Sanders campaign officials have long been pushing for the senator to be more aggressive against Biden. They have achieved mixed results. As recently as Sunday, Sanders directly attacked Biden's record on Social Security.

"I think anyone who looks at the vice president's record understands that time after time after time, Joe has talked about the need to cut Social Security," Sanders said in response to a question from The Washington Post as he left a radio interview in New Hampshire. "I don't think that that is disputable."

But Sanders has also shied away from other opportunities to go after at Biden, including at a debate last summer. On Sunday, he called Biden a "nice guy" and a "decent person," chalking up Biden's strong standing among older voters to those traits.

At a Brown & Black Forum in Iowa on Monday, Biden said that he would not pursue any changes to Social Security that Sanders had referred to. "There will be no compromise on Medicare and Social Security, period," Biden said. "That's a promise."

On Saturday, Biden criticized a video of him speaking about the topic that a Sanders aide publicized online, asserting without evidence that it was "doctored." That did not appear to be the case. But fact-checkers said the video was trimmed in a way that was misleading.

Sanders acknowledged Sunday that the video should have had "the whole context," even as he defended his larger critique, citing Biden's past support for a balanced-budget amendment as evidence the former vice president has been hostile to Social Security.

Speaking to reporters after Sanders' remarks at the Monday forum, Nina Turner, a national co-chair of the Sanders campaign, said that the senator and Biden were friends and he would not insult him.

"They disagree on many issues," she said, "but you have never heard Senator Bernard Sanders call Vice President Biden corrupt."

_ _ _

The Washington Post's David Weigel in Des Moines contributed to this report.
Kibawe, Bukidnon (CNN Philippines, January 21)  Police and soldiers recovered Friday 11 unexploded vintage bombs from the campus of an elementary school in Bukidnon.

The 60-mm mortars were unearthed by workers who were digging in preparation for the construction of a stage in Tumaras Elementary School in Kibawe town. Workers immediately reported their discovery to police.

The bombs were turned over to the polices explosive ordnance division with no untoward incidents, the police report said.

CNN Philippines Bukidnon-based Stringer Mel Velez contributed to this report.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- It takes a lot of energy to collect, clean and dispose of contaminated water. Some contaminants, like arsenic, occur in low concentrations, calling for even more energy-intensive selective removal processes.

In a new paper, researchers address this water-energy relationship by introducing a device that can purify and remediate arsenic-contaminated water in a single step. Using specialized polymer electrodes, the device can reduce arsenic in water by over 90% while using roughly 10 times less energy than other methods.

The findings of the new study are published in the journal Advanced Materials. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that enters aquifers, streams and lakes when water reacts with arsenic-containing rocks and is considered highly toxic, the researchers said. This is a global issue affecting more than 200 million people in 70 countries.

Not all arsenic is the same, said Xiao Su, a chemical and biomolecular engineering professor at the University of Illinois who directed the study. The most dangerous form of arsenic, known as arsenite, is highly reactive with biological tissues, but converts to a less toxic form, called arsenate, through a simple oxidation reaction.

"We can remove arsenite from water using absorbents, specialized membranes or evaporation, but these are all very energy-intensive processes that ultimately leave behind a lot of toxic waste," Su said. "By having a device that can capture arsenite with a high selectivity and convert it to a less toxic form, we can reduce the toxicity of the waste while purifying the water."

The proof-of-concept device works by integrating the contaminant separation and reaction steps within a single unit with an electrocatalytic cell - similar to a battery -using redox-active polymers. When the contaminated water enters the device, the first polymer electrode selectively captures the arsenite and sends it to the other polymer electrode, where it is stripped of two of its electrons - or oxidized - to form arsenate. Pure water then leaves the device, and the arsenate waste is concentrated for further disposal, Su said.

"The process is powered by electrochemical reactions, so the device does not require a lot of electricity to run and allows for the reuse of the electrodes based only on electrochemical potential," Su said. "Combining the separation and reaction steps into one device is an example of what we call processes intensification, which we believe is an important approach for addressing environmental concerns related to energy and water - in particular, the amount of energy it takes to purify and remediate contaminated water."

In addition to improved sustainability and energy efficiency, this elctrochemical approach has advantages for field deployment, the researchers said. Users can run the device using solar panels in areas where electricity is scarce - like in parts of rural Bangladesh, a country where over 60% of the population is affected by arsenic-contaminated water, the researchers said.

There are challenges to address before the device is ready for real-world implementation. "We need to increase the stability of the electrodes because this process will need to be cycled many times while running," Su said. "We're using very specialized, highly advanced polymer materials for the electrodes. However, we need to make sure we design them to be not only highly selective for arsenic, but also very stable and robust so that they do not need to be replaced constantly. This will require further chemical development to overcome."

###

Su also is affliated with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the U. of. I.

Postdoctoral researcher Kwiyong Kim and graduate student Stephen Cotty, both from the Su group, are the lead authors of the study. Professor Chia-Hung Hou, from the Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering at the National University of Taiwan, collborated with the U. of I. on this research.

The National Science Foundation and the U. of I. supported this research.

Editor's notes:

To reach Xiao Su, call 217-300-0134; email x2su@illinois.edu.

The paper "Asymmetric redox-polymer interfaces for electrochemical reactive separations: Synergistic capture and conversion of arsenic" is available online and from the U. of I. News Bureau. DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906877
Huawei chief Ren Zhengfei said Tuesday that his company is prepared for any further U.S. "attacks," but he believes the world can avoid splitting into two separate technology systems.

Why it matters: The U.S. and China are locked in a fierce battle, with trade restrictions already limiting Huawei's ability to sell phones around the world.

"We are more confident we can survive even further attacks," Ren said, appearing at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

The backdrop: Last year, the U.S. imposed a variety of restrictions that further limited Huawei's ability to do business in the U.S. as well as hampering its ability globally by limiting access to U.S. chips and software. It is also pressuring allies not to use Huawei's networking technology for their 5G systems.

Ren expressed optimism the tensions won't lead to a complete bifurcation of Western and Chinese technology. "Whether world will be split in two systems, I dont think so," he said. "Science is about truth; there is only one truth. It is unique."

Meanwhile: Israeli philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, who joined the Huawei chief on stage, talked about the existential threat posed when any tech company, be it Huawei or Facebook, can know human desires better than people themselves.

Ren replied: "We are not sure if that can become reality. We do not rule out this possibility."

The panel included a lot of harkening back to the Cold War and the race to build the atom bomb.

The key difference, Harari noted, is that it was largely clear that using the technology behind the atom bomb was bad. With AI, countries may believe they are best served by actively deploying such systems.

Harari also pointed out that the U.S.-China tech Cold War is very close to a real arms race  the development of lethal autonomous weapons. And while both sides likely know the danger, the distrust could prompt such systems to be built.

Yes, but: Harari ended on a hopeful note, pointing out that in theory surveillance technology could be used to keep tabs on big business and government, and antivirus software could in future detect efforts to manipulate your mind.

Go deeper: Why Huawei is the United States' 5G boogeyman
Irans threat to withdraw from a global non-proliferation treaty if European countries refer it to the UN for violations of the 2015 nuclear deal would send a very, very negative message, a US ambassador said on Tuesday.

Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday was quoted by Iranian news agencies as saying: If the Europeans continue their improper behaviour or send Irans file to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Following Zarifs comments, US disarmament envoy Robert Wood denounced Iran for threatening to walk away from the Cold War-era pact.

We think that Iran needs to end its malign behaviour and sit down with the United States and negotiate an agreement that deals not only with the nuclear issue but also with the other issues that concern us like the ballistic missile proliferation, the US envoy said.

Since its foundation in 1968, the NPT has regulated global nuclear weapons proliferation by banning its 190 members  other than the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France  from acquiring atomic arms. However, the treaty allows signatories to develop peaceful nuclear technology overseen by the UN.

Iran, which joined the NPT in 1970, agreed to constrain its nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief by signing the 2015 nuclear deal.

Tehran gradually scaled back its obligations under the accord following President Donald Trumps decision to pull the US out of the agreement in 2018 and reimpose crushing American sanctions that have severely harmed the Iranian economy.

Different options

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Three European signatories triggered a dispute resolution mechanism last week over Irans breaches of the accord, which could see the matter referred back to the Security Council and the reimposition of UN sanctions.

Iran contends its violations are justified by the Europeans failure to uphold their end of the bargain in securing its economic benefits guaranteed under the accord.

If the Europeans return to the commitments, Iran will also stop reducing its commitments, but if the Europeans continue as they have been  we have different options, said Zarif on Monday.

Irans ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh, told a UN-backed disarmament conference on Tuesday that Tehran is willing to get the accord back on track.

Iran has said steps taken in full conformity with JCPOA [nuclear deal] will be reversible should other JCPOA participants take meaningful decisions to live up to their commitment, Hamaneh said.

Reports issued by the UN nuclear watchdog have suggested Tehran is still far from sprinting ahead with uranium enrichment.
An attorney for Lev Parnas, the indicted associate of Rudy Giuliani, sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr on Monday, requesting the he recuse himself from Parnas' criminal case.

Parnas was arrested last October and charged with campaign finance violations. In the letter, which was also filed in New York federal court, attorney Joseph Bondy said Barr has a conflict of interest and asked that a special prosecutor from outside the Justice Department handle Parnas' case. "Federal ethics guidelines bar federal employees from participating in matters in which their impartiality could be questioned, including matters in which they were personally involved or about which they have personal knowledge," Bondy wrote.

Bondy cited several reasons why Barr should recuse himself, noting that the reconstructed transcript released by the White House of President Trump's July phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shows Trump telling Zelensky that Barr could help him facilitate an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden. Last week, Parnas told MSNBC host Rachel Maddow that Barr knew about efforts in the Ukraine to dig up dirt on Biden, saying, "Attorney General Barr was basically on the team." Read Bondy's letter here.

More stories from theweek.com

After rejecting amendments, Senate adopts impeachment trial rules

White House budget office releases heavily redacted Ukraine emails as Senate rejects OMB subpoenas

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow's odd impeachment rant about 'lawyer lawsuits' may stem from a misheard phrase


Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 04:06:34|Editor: huaxia

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A girl with a pattern of the national flag of Iran on her forehead. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

Russia cautions "hotheads in Europe" that may have the illusion that moving the whole issue to the UN Security Council will help resolve the problem, Ryabkov said.



MOSCOW, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Moscow hopes that Iran will not withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying Monday.

"We warn the Iranian side against reckless steps in terms of maintaining the obligations of the Islamic Republic under the NPT," RIA Novosti news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying.

"We talk about this openly and consider this treaty to be key to global security, especially taking into account the alarming processes that are developing in general in the area of arms control and non-proliferation," Ryabkov said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday that the Islamic republic will abandon the NPT Treaty if the nuclear case of the country is sent to the UN Security Council, which might lead to new sanctions against Iran.

Russia cautions "hotheads in Europe" that may have the illusion that moving the whole issue to the UN Security Council will help resolve the problem, Ryabkov said.

Such a step may have devastating consequences, he said, adding that "currently there is a crucial moment and everyone should be careful and balanced in their actions."

The NPT Treaty, regarded as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, entered into force in 1968 and was extended by its parties indefinitely from 1995. A total of 191 countries have joined the treaty. 
German metal band Rammstein dropped the biggest hint yet that theyll be making a stop in Philadelphia during their upcoming North American tour.

The band released a GIF Monday showing several cities and their respective stadiums, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

Philadelphia is also one of the cities included, but its really easy to miss.

Posted by Rammstein on Monday, January 20, 2020

The band started dropping hints last week about the tour with a short graphic on social media that highlighted several states, including Pennsylvania.

The band also posted several photos of a Zeppelin bearing the bands name hovering over several cities, including Chicago and Atlanta. One of those photos appears to show Philadelphia.

Tour dates and times have not yet been released. Fans are encouraged to sign up for a newsletter on their website under the tagline Get Ready, Amerika!" to learn more about upcoming tour dates.

The bands latest untitled album, also known by many as Rammstein, released in May and climbed to the #9 spot on the Billboard 200 in the U.S.

The Grammy award-winning band is best known for songs such as Du Hast, Feuer frei!, Sonne," and Engel.

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Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/21/2020 -- The Global Chemical Tanker Market study with 100+ market data Tables, Pie Chat, Graphs & Figures is now released by Data Bridge Market Research. The report presents a complete assessment of the Market covering future trend, current growth factors, attentive opinions, facts, and industry validated market data forecast till 2026. Delivering the key insights pertaining to this industry, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends, present and future business scenario, market size and share of Major Players such as Bahri, Stolt-Nielsen, Odfjell, Navig8, MOL CHEMICAL TANKERS PTE. LTD., Nordic Tankers A/S, Wilmar International Ltd. , MISC Berhad , teamtankers, Iino Kaiun Kaisha , Eitzen Chemical, seatrans.no, JO Tankers, Stolt-Nielsen, Tokyo Marine Asia Pte Ltd., Nordic Tankers A/S, IINO KAIUN KAISHA.



Global Chemical Tanker Market is expected to reach USD 37.56 billion by 2025, from USD 26.82 billion in 2017, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2025.



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Data Bridge Market Research presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The data thus presented is comprehensive, reliable, and the result of extensive research, both primary and secondary. The analysts have presented the various facets of the market with a particular focus on identifying the key industry influencers.



Major Drivers and Restraints of the Chemical Tanker Industry

Growth of the chemical industry.

Increasing demand for oilseeds/vegetable oils & fats.

Slow growth in crude oil production.

Oil bunkering regulations



Complete report is available @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-chemical-tanker-market



No stone is left unturned while preparing this Chemical Tanker market research report and others. This market report encompasses many vital parameters about market analysis which can be used for your business. This market report provides with CAGR value fluctuation during the forecast period of 2018-2025 for the market. All this data and information is very significant to the businesses when it comes to define the strategies about the production, marketing, sales, promotion and distribution of the products and services. A study on market overview is conducted by considering market drivers, market restraints, opportunities and challenges.



The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below:



Region Included are: United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India & Central & South America



Based on product type, the global chemical tanker market is segmented organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, vegetable oils & fats, and other.



On the basis of fleet type, the global chemical tanker market segmented into IMO 1, IMO 2, IMO 3, and others.



On the basis of fleet material, the global chemical tanker market segmented into stainless steel, coated, and others.



Top Players in the Market are: Bahri, Stolt-Nielsen, Odfjell, Navig8, MOL CHEMICAL TANKERS PTE. LTD., Nordic Tankers A/S, Wilmar International Ltd. , MISC Berhad , teamtankers, Iino Kaiun Kaisha , Eitzen Chemical, seatrans.no, JO Tankers, Stolt-Nielsen, Tokyo Marine Asia Pte Ltd., Nordic Tankers A/S, IINO KAIUN KAISHA.



How will the report help new companies to plan their investments in the Chemical Tanker market?



The Chemical Tanker market research report classifies the competitive spectrum of this industry in elaborate detail. The study claims that the competitive reach spans the companies of .



The report also mentions about the details such as the overall remuneration, product sales figures, pricing trends, gross margins, etc.



Information about the sales & distribution area alongside the details of the company, such as company overview, buyer portfolio, product specifications, etc., are provided in the study.



Any query? Enquire Here For Discount Or Report Customization: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-chemical-tanker-market



Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers:

Chapter 1: Methodology & Scope

Definition and forecast parameters

Methodology and forecast parameters

Data Sources

Chapter 2: Executive Summary

Business trends

Regional trends

Product trends

End-use trends

Chapter 3: Chemical Tanker Industry Insights

Industry segmentation

Industry landscape

Vendor matrix

Technological and innovation landscape

Chapter 4: Chemical Tanker Market, By Region

Chapter 5: Company Profile

Business Overview

Financial Data

Product Landscape

Strategic Outlook

SWOT Analysis



Thanks for reading this article, you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.



About Data Bridge Market Research

An absolute way to forecast what future holds is to comprehend the trend today!



Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data bridge is an aftermath of sheer wisdom and experience which was formulated and framed in the year 2015 in Pune.
BEIJING  A former senior Chinese police official who also served as president of Interpol was sentenced on Tuesday to 13 and a half years in prison for bribery, in a case that his wife has denounced as stemming from a political vendetta.

When the official, Meng Hongwei, was elected president of Interpol, the French-based international body that provides global coordination in fighting crime, in 2016, the appointment raised fears among rights groups that China would use the connection to abuse the organizations powers.

But two years later, Mr. Meng disappeared abruptly on a return visit to China, whose ruling Communist Party later disclosed that he was under investigation.

On Tuesday, a court in Tianjin, a port city in northern China, found that Mr. Meng had taken bribes worth more than $2 million from 2005 to 2017, when he was rising in Chinas domestic security apparatus. The judgment, and the lengthy prison sentence, followed a one-day trial in June last year.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reached the fifth position in the world and is first in the Arab world in providing humanitarian assistance, according to statistics published yesterday on the United Nations Financial Tracking Platform (FTS). The Kingdom's global assistance amounted to USD 1,281,000,000, which represents 5.5% of the total amount of humanitarian aid provided worldwide.

The Kingdom also topped the list of donors to Yemen at USD 1,216,000,000, an amount which represents 31.3% of the total aid provided to the Yemen in 2019.

Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on this remarkable achievement. Dr. Al Rabeeah affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been able to provide such extensive humanitarian support to those in need thanks to the ongoing commitment by the Kingdom's leadership to alleviating suffering around the world. He added that Islamic values dictate such generosity, and that the leadership reflects these values in their commitment to supporting people in need worldwide.

KSrelief registers, documents and maintains full details about the Kingdom's humanitarian assistance and funding on the UN's Financial Tracking System (FTS) coordinating with all relevant authorities to ensure that all aid is documented and reported in a timely manner to achieve full transparency.

SOURCE King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre
CHEYENNE, Wyo., Jan. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyoming's School Choice Fair will bring all types of schoolspublic, private, charter, homeschooling, and onlineunder one roof at Little America Hotel & Resort's Grand Ballroom on Saturday, Jan. 25. One of the state's largest events during National School Choice Week, this event is free and open to all families and community members.

While parents explore a diverse display of school vendors and learn more about K-12 education options in the Cheyenne area, children can enjoy face-painting, a photo booth, a magic show, refreshments, and other fun and games. The fair is hosted by Wyoming Parent Magazine and will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event builds on the success of last year's inaugural Wyoming School Choice Fair and 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.

"Today's students are tomorrow's leaders, and Wyoming Parent Magazine looks forward to bringing the state's schools together so parents of the 138,000 children in Wyoming can examine what's available in one venue," said Mary-Frances Main, editor of Wyoming Parent Magazine. "Our event kicks off National School Choice Week, where public, private, and charter schools come together with homeschooling groups and online academies to increase public awareness about the various K-12 education options."

This event is organized by Wyoming Parent Magazine, an online-only publication that provides informative, relevant, and timely articles with the interests of Wyoming parents in mind.

Little America Hotel & Resort's Grand Ballroom is located at 2800 W. Lincolnway.

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/wyoming.

SOURCE National School Choice Week

Related Links

www.schoolchoiceweek.com


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Working hand in glove with Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell is producing a Soviet-style sham trial reminiscent of a Kafka novel.

Its got the long arduous hours, giving equal validity to evidence laid out by the Democrats and to the slop Trumps lawyers threw together because they have nothing else to counter the facts.

Contrary to his, and other Republicans rhetoric about the Clinton impeachment trial, this one is nothing like it.

For one thing, under Mitchs rules every piece of evidence must be voted on before it is allowed to be submitted.

The Clinton trial also had witnesses following a prolonged investigation by an independent counsel and unlike this White House, the Clinton administration cooperated with all phases of that investigation.

Republicans are not merely lying to you. To quote, Rep. Jamie Raskin, they are perpetrating a fraud on you.

Thats a brutal way of minimizing admissible evidence and intimidating Jurors who dare to stray from the party line. Just how often will they be willing to be seen voting with Democrats to include relevant evidence  in front of a crazed Donald Trump or his cult members?

Mitchs process makes Star Chambers look like open and fair trials by comparison. But, we really dont need expertise on Senate rules to understand whats going on here.

One need only be familiar with the English language to know, thanks to Trumps own witnesses, that he used the presidency to shake down the Ukraine.

You dont have to be a lawyer or a constitutional expert to know that the shake-down was intended to influence the outcome of this years general election in Donald Trumps favor. You just have to know your country and your own heart to know that we must choose our president free of influence from hostile foreign powers.

Its because the facts are so overwhelming that Mitch McConnell wants a trial without witnesses or evidence, and going in the middle of the night when most of us will be sound asleep because we have real life responsibilities.

For some of us, watching these proceedings goes with the territory of our real life responsibilities and for some of us it may be tempting to say, my article tells you all you need to know about this process, the arguments made and whose arguments are valid.

This is too important to delegate off to opinion-makers, myself included. I urge everyone to take some time to look at the materials for yourselves. If you have a way to record the trial to watch later, do it.

You can read the Democrats articles of impeachment, to the Senate, the Trump response to the articles and the Trump brief. The Democrats also responded to Trumps brief.

Any amount of information you can see and consider for yourself empowers you to decide for yourself if you want to live in a country that makes its own decisions or instead to have someone from the outside imposing their will on you, to their benefit and to your detriment.

Upon answering these questions, youll know whether or not we should be going through this process:

Do you want to live in a country where government serves the powerful interests that buy it or a country where the government serves the people?

Should a president be removed from office because he (or some day, God willing, she) cheated their way into the White House and intends to do it again?

Should a president be removed from office because he or she sought help from a foreign power, then tried to cover it up when Congress sought oversight?

While Senators will go through the charade of presenting both sides, the fact is we already know this process is rigged in favor of Donald Trump. We know it because the Senate Majority Leader said hes working with the president to rig the process. We know it because he doesnt want witnesses and he doesnt want the people to see the proceeding.

Knowing the attention grabber that Trump is, does anyone really believe that he would turn down an opportunity for all the media to pontificate about him and only him? We dont need legal briefs or detailed constitutional arguments to know when Trump doesnt want you to see something about him, its because he comes out of it looking bad.

As someone who lives for reading and learning more about law and about politics, I live for moments when the two dance together. But this process that Moscow Mitch is setting up is an outrage. It should anger every American who loves this constitutional republic.

Their so-called response amounts to turning the most basic truths of the American Constitution on their head and with that, they are insulting your intelligence. Theyre saying dont you believe everything you know to be true, nor anything you have seen with your own eyes nor heard with your own ears.

Theyre singing the song of tyrants and hoping youll be hypnotized by the melody. Honest people dont do that.
India-born IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath said growth in India slowed sharply owing to stress in the non-bank financial sector and weak rural income growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Economist Gita Gopinath said India's much lower-than-expected GDP numbers was the single biggest drag on its global growth forecast for two years.

In a blog post on the IMF website, she said, the slight downward revision of 0.1 percent for 2019 and 2020, and 0.2 percent for 2021, is owed largely to downward revisions for India. "The biggest contributor to the revision is India, where growth slowed sharply owing to stress in the nonbank financial sector and weak rural income growth," she wrote.

The IMF on Monday lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 percent.

In October, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had pegged India's economic growth at 6.1 percent for 2019.

Listing decline in rural demand growth and an overall credit sluggishness for lowering of India forecasts, Gopinath, however, said the growth momentum should improve next year due to factors like the positive impact of corporate tax rate reduction, according to a PTI report.

#TopStory IMF cuts India's FY20 GDP growth projection by 130 bps to 4.8%,becomes 1st major agency to forecast sub 5% growth rate.Also says slowdown in India one of the key triggers for global #growth forecast cut. Details at 9pm on India Biz Hour,India's only news bulletin at 9pm pic.twitter.com/SKNWCl2XGF  CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) January 20, 2020

"Global growth, estimated at 2.9 percent in 2019, is projected to increase to 3.3 percent in 2020 and inch up further to 3.4 percent in 2021," the IMF said while releasing an update to its World Economic Outlook (WEO).

Compared to the October WEO forecast, the estimate for 2019 and the projection for 2020 represent 0.1 percentage point reductions for each year while that for 2021 is 0.2 percentage point lower.

India-born Gopinath said growth in India slowed sharply owing to stress in the non-bank financial sector and weak rural income growth.

The country's growth is estimated at 4.8 percent in 2019, projected to improve to 5.8 percent in 2020 and 6.5 percent in 2021 (1.2 and 0.9 percentage point lower than in the October WEO), supported by the monetary and fiscal stimulus as well as subdued oil prices, it added.

2019 refers to fiscal year 2019-20.

India's economy grew just 4.5 percent in July-September 2019 periodthe weakest pace in nearly six years. The Indian government has been taking various measures to bolster growth.

Emerging markets

For the emerging market and developing economy group, the IMF said growth is expected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2020 and 4.6 percent in 2021 (0.2 percentage point lower for both years than in the October WEO) from an estimated 3.7 percent in 2019.

"The growth profile for the group reflects a combination of projected recovery from deep downturns for stressed and underperforming emerging market economies and an ongoing structural slowdown in China," it noted.

Gopinath also said the pickup in global growth for 2020 remains highly uncertain as it relies on improved growth outcomes for stressed economies like Argentina, Iran and Turkey, and for underperforming emerging and developing economies such as Brazil, India and Mexico.

Further, the IMF said the balance of risks to the global outlook remains on the downside, but less skewed toward adverse outcomes than in the October WEO.

"The pickup in global growth for 2020 remains highly uncertain as it relies on improved growth outcomes for stressed economies like Argentina, Iran, and Turkey and for underperforming emerging and developing economies such as Brazil, India, and Mexico." she said in the blog post.

With trade wars weighing on exports and investment, the global economy expanded by 2.9 percent last year, its slowest pace since the global financial crisis, despite near synchronized central bank easing that added half a percentage point to global growth.

We have not reached a turning point yet, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said told a news conference on the eve of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss ski resort of Davos to Reuters. The reality is that global growth remains sluggish.

Just in the very first weeks of the new year we have witnessed increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and we have seen the dramatic impact that climate shocks could have. We saw them in Australia as well as parts of Africa.

The IMF now sees growth at 3.3 percent this year, below its October projections for 3.4 percent and also cut the 2021 forecast to 3.4 percent from 3.6 percent.

The reductions reflect the IMFs reassessment of economic prospects for a number of major emerging markets, notably India, where domestic demand has slowed more sharply than expected amid a contraction of credit and stress in the non-bank sector.

The IMF also said it marked down growth forecasts for Chile due to social unrest and for Mexico, due to continued weakness in investment.

The Fund said that an easing of tensions between the United States and China, which had stunted GDP growth in 2019, had boosted market sentiment, amid tentative signs that trade and manufacturing were bottoming out.
Hong Kong: The Hong Kong government has hit back after its international credit rating was downgraded for its inability to tackle the city's ongoing political upheaval.

The news comes after another weekend of violence that saw the second legal assembly of the new year prematurely shut down by police amid scenes of tear gas, chaos and violence.

Riot police stand guard outside a department store in Causeway Bay. Credit:Getty Images

"We strongly disagree with Moody's assessment of Hong Kong's current situation and are deeply disappointed by Moody's decision to downgrade Hong Kong's credit rating," a government spokesman said in a statement.

Moody's investment rating, changed from Aa3 from Aa2, could damage Hong Kong's long-term economic reputation and destabilise the city's financial institutions.
For now, Mr. Abbotts decree is without force  a federal judge last week issued a preliminary injunction blocking Mr. Trumps executive order, but the administration is expected to appeal the ruling.

Here in Amarillo, which for a time took in more refugees per capita than any other Texas city, few share the governors alarm over refugees, and those who do have a far more nuanced view. They have long lived with refugees, not as abstract political talking points, but as neighbors.

Many conservatives in Amarillo express support for Mr. Abbotts stance on refugees but have no harsh words for the people who have joined their city, some of whom they have invited into their homes and tried to help with donations of time and money.

Two nonprofit groups  Refugee Services of Texas and Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle  resettled and assisted nearly 7,000 refugees in Amarillo and nearby cities from 2007 through 2017. Refugee admissions have dropped sharply since Mr. Trump took office; only about 200 have come in since then.

Amarillo  a flat, wind-battered and majority-white city of 200,000  has become the Queens of the Texas High Plains.
The first case of coronavirus which has claimed the lives of six people in Asia, has been detected in the US, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention announced on Tuesday.

The United States has its first confirmed case of a new virus that appeared in Wuhan, China, last month, the CDC announced, reported CNN.

The male patient, who travelled from Wuhan to Washington, is in isolation at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.

CNN quoted him as saying that he did not attend the animal markets in the Chinese city where many of the patients were infected.

The virus can spread person to person, though not nearly as easily as viruses such as measles or influenza.

This comes even as Chinese healthcare authorities said that 291 confirmed cases of new coronavirus-related pneumonia and 54 suspected cases had been reported in the country by the end of Monday, reported Xinhua.

Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping had ordered resolute efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus (nCoV) that causes pneumonia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A new study shows that air pollutants from the smoke of fires from as far as Canada and the southeastern U.S. traveled hundreds of miles and several days to reach Connecticut and New York City, where it caused significant increases in pollution concentrations.

For the study, published 21 January in the European Geosciences Union (EGU) journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, researchers in the lab of Drew Gentner, associate professor of chemical & environmental engineering, monitored the air quality at the Yale Coastal Field Station in Guilford, CT and four other sites in the New York metropolitan area. In August of 2018, they observed two spikes in the presence of air pollutants - both coinciding with New York-area air quality advisories for ozone. The pollutants were the kind found in the smoke of wildfires and controlled agricultural burning. Using three types of evidence - data from the observation sites, smoke maps from satellite imagery, and backtracking 3-D models of air parcels (both the maps and models were produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - the researchers traced the pollutants' origin in the first event to fires on the western coast of Canada, and in the second event to the southeastern U.S.

Biomass burning, which occurs on a large scale during wildfires and some controlled burns, is a major source of air pollutants that impact air quality, human health, and climate. These events release numerous gases into the atmosphere and produce particulate matter (PM), including black carbon (BC) and other primary organic aerosols (POA) with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. Known as PM2.5, it has been shown to have particularly serious health effects when inhaled.

While more reactive components are often chemically transformed closer to their place of origin, PM2.5 tends to last longer. In the case of this study, that allowed much of it to travel from the fires to the monitoring sites - a period ranging from a few days to about a week.

"Given the sensitivity of people to the health effects emerging from exposure to PM2.5, this is certainly something that needs to be considered as policy-makers put together long-term air quality management plans," Gentner said.

The impacts of wildfire smoke will likely become increasingly important in the coming years.

"When people are making predictions about climate change, they're predicting increases in wildfires, so this sort of pollution is likely going to become more common," said lead author Haley Rogers, who was an undergraduate student when the study was conducted. "So when people are planning for air pollution and health impacts, you can't just address local sources."

Although the levels of the PM2.5 decreased over time and distance, co-author Jenna Ditto, a graduate student in Gentner's lab, noted that awareness of its presence in the atmosphere is critical to public health.

"Studies indicate that there are no safe levels of PM2.5, so typically any level of it is worth taking a look at," she said.

###

Please mention the name of the publication (Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics) if reporting on this story and, if reporting online, include a link to the paper or to the journal website.
A day on, not a day off was the theme connecting the speakers messages at the 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Commemorative Breakfast in Albuquerque.

Speakers, each in her or his own way, emphasized that there are no holidays in the struggle to keep martyred civil rights leader Kings dream of equality for all Americans alive.

We can make a difference despite significant challenges if we double down on our efforts, said keynote speaker Rodney Prunty, president and CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico. He said those united in the cause of equality can rededicate their efforts by employing the three Bs of leadership  bright leadership, bold leadership and brave leadership.

Bright leadership, Prunty said, is the hunger for learning and data analysis, doing the research to get to the root of inequities. Bold leadership, he said, is seeing the big picture and beyond, developing strategies and being aggressive.

And brave leadership is action oriented, Prunty said. It is doing something about the (inequitable) systems we see. It requires courage. Brave leadership changes our world.

More than 500 people attended Mondays breakfast at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North Hotel. It was hosted by the lay organization of Grant Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Besides Prunty, other speakers included New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland.

Prunty joined United Way of Central New Mexico in June 2019. A native of St. Louis, he grew up in Illinois and has worked 30 years in the nonprofit sector, serving previously as president and chief professional officer of United Way of Racine County, Wisconsin.

He said he is the middle child of five children, all born within a year of each other, and that he was the last one among those five siblings that anyone would have predicted would be president and CEO of United Way. Prunty explained that during his early years, he did not put much emphasis on or effort into education.

My mother called me a maverick before I even knew what that word meant, he said. But an early job taught Prunty the value and rewards of public service, and he became the first person in his family to earn a college degree.

Inequity, he told his audience, is the result of systems developed hundreds of years ago and inequity is the intended results of those systems.

This is not an accident, Prunty said. The work (we do) is hard because of the barriers thrown up. It takes time. Find an organization. Lend your time, talent and leadership. No matter what you do, do something. Martin Luther King said, If you cant fly, then run. If you cant run, then walk. If you cant walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward. 
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps impeachment trial began Tuesday, making him the third president in U.S. history to face possible removal from office by the Senate. He is charged with abusing his office and obstructing the House investigation of his actions.

Here are the latest developments:

Chief Justice Scolds Managers and Trump Team (1:13 a.m.)

Chief Justice John Roberts admonished House prosecutors and Trumps defense team to respect Senate decorum after the two sides engaged in a fiery back and forth, accusing each other of not telling the truth.

Roberts, who had stuck to procedural comments until that point, said, I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and presidents counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the worlds greatest deliberative body.

The remarks came after House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler accused White House Counsel Pat Cipollone of lying.

It is beyond belief that the president claims monarchical powers -- I can do whatever I want under Article 2, says he, and then acts on that, defies everything, defies the law to withhold aid from Ukraine, defies the law in a dozen different directions all the time and lies about it all the time and says to Mr. Cipollone here to lie about it, Nadler said

The exchange followed another 53-47 vote to shelve the eighth Democratic amendment to change Majority Leader Mitch McConnells resolution to set the trial rules. Schumer offered a ninth amendment as the trial stretched into its 12th hour.

Republicans Stick Together on Trial Rules (12:02 a.m.)

The Senate voted 53-47 to shelve the seventh amendment from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, continuing a long day of straight party-line votes on the rules for Trumps impeachment trial.

Schumer then offered his eighth amendment, calling for the Senate to subpoena former National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Late-Night Amendment Again Shelved by GOP (11:17 p.m.)

Story continues

The Senate voted by the same party-line margin, 53-47, to shelve Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumers sixth amendment to the resolution that will set the rules for the Senate trial.

Schumer previously rejected a request from McConnell to bundle his amendments together to speed the procedural debate. Democrats said the discussion about calling witnesses and seeking new evidence is too important to cut short.

With the debate stretching into its 10th hour, Schumer offered a seventh amendment regarding the admission of evidence.

GOP Votes Down Another Democratic Amendment (10:29 p.m.)

All 53 Republican senators voted to shelve the fifth amendment from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, which would have subpoenaed documents from the Department of Defense. They overruled the 47 Democratic senators who wanted to include Schumers amendment to the trial rules offered by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, one of the impeachment managers, acknowledged that the night was getting long for senators who had been in the chamber since 1 p.m. But he said its not our job to make it easy for you to disagree with calls for additional testimony.

Schumer then offered a sixth amendment to subpoena two additional Trump administration officials.

GOP Shelves Amendment to Call Mulvaney (9:27 p.m.)

The Senate once again voted on strict party lines to reject a Democratic amendment to subpoena acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney to testify in the impeachment trial. Mulvaney is one of four Trump administration officials that Democrats say they want to call. The vote was 53-47.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will also offered a fifth amendment to the resolution setting trial rules, which would have the Senate subpoena documents from the Department of Defense related to Trumps hold on aid for Ukraine.

Third Democratic Amendment Rejected by GOP (7:32 p.m.)

The Senate rejected the third Democratic amendment, which would have subpoenaed documents from the White House Office of Management and Budget. The vote again was 53-47.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer then offered an amendment that would require a subpoena for testimony from acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that after debate on the amendment, he will move to block it.

The Senate now will take a break until 8 p.m. for dinner before continuing into the evening.

Both Sides Spar Over Bolton Testimony (6:56 p.m.)

The House managers and the White House team sparred Tuesday over how seriously House Democrats tried to get testimony from Trumps former National Security Advisor John Bolton before the Senate trial began.

Lead House manager Adam Schiff disputed a claim by Trumps lawyers that the House needs the Senate to help put together its case against the president by insisting on subpoenas for witnesses and documents. Schiff said the House is ready to prosecute its case.

The House calls John Bolton! said Schiff. And, referring to the acting White House chief of staff, he added, The House calls Mick Mulvaney!

Trump lawyer Pat Cipollone responded that Schiff may be making such declarations now, but that House investigators declined to subpoena Bolton during the House investigation.

And now they come here and they ask you to issue a subpoena for John Bolton. Its not right, Cipollone said.

Later, Schiff said the House did invite Bolton to testify, but that Boltons lawyer said he wouldnt appear and would sue if the House subpoenaed him.

Now, said Schiff, Bolton is willing to testify.

I cant speak to his motivation, said Schiff. But he said that Bolton, for whatever reason, is now willing to testify.

Schumer Bid to Seek State Documents Rejected (6:31 p.m.)

The Senate rejected Minority Leader Chuck Schumers amendment that would subpoena State Department documents on another 53-47 party-line vote.

Democratic House manager Val Demings had argued in favor of the amendment, saying that Trump ordered his administration to defy every subpoena.

The president engaged in this coverup because he is guilty and he knows it, said Demings of Florida, who served as Orlandos first female police chief.

She said the Senate needs to see State Department officials text and WhatsApp messages, emails and notes. The agency has gathered the records and theyre ready to be turned over, Demings said.

Schumer proposed a third amendment that would subpoena documents from the White House Office of Management and Budget. -- Laura Litvan, Steven T. Dennis

GOP Defeats First Schumer Amendment to Rules (4:39 p.m.)

The Senate blocked Minority Leader Chuck Schumers amendment that would subpoena White House documents about the Trump administrations actions on Ukraine. The vote was 53-47.

Schumer offered another amendment that would subpoena State Department documents related to the articles of impeachment.

A statement from his office said the Trump administration prevented the State Department from turning over highly relevant records and communications that could shed light on the events in Ukraine underpinning the charge that Trump abused his office. -- Laura Litvan, Steven T. Dennis

Documents Vital to Fair Trial, Democrat Says (3:46 p.m.)

House impeachment manager Zoe Lofgren argued that Minority Leader Chuck Schumers amendment to subpoena White House documents would produce vital evidence that could get at the truth behind the allegations about Trumps decision to delay aid to Ukraine.

Getting the documents would ensure a fair, legitimate trial based on the full evidentiary record, Lofgren said.

While she insisted the House had already produced powerful evidence that Trump is guilty of the two articles, the White House has refused to produce key witnesses or documents.

Lofgren is the first female House impeachment manager to speak at a presidential impeachment trial.

The amendment prevents the president from hiding evidence, as he has previously tried to do, Lofgren said. She argued that the most important documents in the investigation would come from the White House.

She said those documents would reveal the extent of the administrations coordination with people who acted on Trumps behalf in Ukraine, and how key players in the White House, including acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, helped set up the deal by withholding the aid from Ukraine. -- Laura Litvan, Steven T. Dennis

Schumer Urges Senate to Subpoena Documents (2:51 p.m.)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced an amendment that would order the White House to produce what could be thousands of pages of documents related to the charges against Trump, including material from Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

That includes any records related to meetings or calls between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and any inquiries regarding Ukraine including those related to Joe Biden, his son Hunter and Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings, on whose board Hunter Biden served.

Other records that would be subpoenaed include those of then-White House National Security Advisor John Bolton and Robert Blair, a Mulvaney adviser, that relate to any efforts to coerce Ukraines leaders to investigate Biden in exchange for U.S. military assistance and a meeting between Zelenskiy and Trump.

In addition, the amendment seeks records related to efforts by Trump personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and his associates regarding the decision to recall former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. -- Laura Litvan, Steven T. Dennis

Democrats Want Fair Trial, Schiff Says (2:35 p.m.)

Lead House manager Adam Schiff said the most important decision senators will make is will the president and the American people get a fair trial?

If you only get to see part of the evidence, Schiff said, your verdict will be predetermined by the bias in the proceeding.

If the House cannot call witnesses or introduce documented evidence, it is not a fair trial, the Democrat said. It is not really a trial at all.

Trump lawyer Pat Cipollone said Democrats have no case. Frankly they have no charge. He said the two impeachment counts are not only ridiculous, theyre dangerous to our republic.

A partisan impeachment is like stealing an election, Cipollone said.

Another Trump lawyer, Jay Sekulow, asked whether Trump was impeached because of a phone call between Trump and the president of Ukraine or because there was a desire to see him removed.

He said House Democrats engaged in a rush to impeachment instead of going to court resolve possible disputes over witnesses and executive privilege. -- Laura Litvan, Steven T. Dennis

Trump Did Nothing Wrong, Lawyer Says (1:45 p.m.)

Trump lawyer Pat Cipollone and lead House manager Adam Schiff began up to two hours of debate on the GOP proposal for trial rules.

Cipollone said the presidents lawyers support McConnells proposed trial rules, and he added that in the trial, The only conclusion will be that the president has done absolutely nothing wrong.

Schiff argued that McConnells proposed procedural rules are completely backwards -- trial first, then evidence.

Although the evidence against the president is already overwhelming, senators may never know the full extent of Trumps wrongdoing, Schiff said.

McConnell made another change to his proposed rules, in addition to the one giving each side three days to present their case instead of two. The other change would allow House evidence to be made part of the record unless 51 senators vote to object, according to a Republican aide. Previously, the House record wasnt set to be automatically made part of the record.

After the debate on rules, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will offer his amendment to the rules, and there will be up to two hours of debate. McConnell said hell then propose tabling Schumers amendment. -- Laura Litvan, Steven T. Dennis

McConnell Tweaks Rules on Trial Length (1:31 p.m.)

A Senate Republican leadership aide said McConnell made a last-minute change to his resolution and it now will allow three days for the defense and impeachment managers to make their 24 hours of arguments, not two. -- Laura Litvan

Trump Trial Opens in Senate With Rule Debate (1:18 p.m.)

The Senate formally opened Trumps trial, the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history. Soon, senators will begin debating the rules proposed by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to govern the process.

Before the opening of the trial, McConnell said his resolution already has enough Republican support to be adopted and said the Senate should stay in session Tuesday until members agree to it.

This is the fair road map for our trial, McConnell said.

The demand from House Democrats for the Senate to call additional witnesses suggests that they ended their inquiry prematurely, without sufficient evidence to back up the claims against Trump, McConnell said.

The witnesses Democrats want to call were prohibited from participating in the House inquiry by the Trump administration. Some of them ignored House subpoenas, and the House impeachment investigators said they didnt want to wait for a court decision to enforce those subpoenas. -- Steven T. Dennis, Laura Litvan

Trump Must Be Ousted From Office, House Says (12:43 p.m.)

The House impeachment managers said in a reply to Trumps trial brief that if the Senate doesnt convict and remove him from office, he will have succeeded in placing himself above the law.

President Trumps view that he cannot be held accountable, except in an election he seeks to fix in his favor, underscores the need for the Senate to exercise its solemn constitutional duty to remove President Trump from office, the managers said.

They said Trumps defense consists of bluster and evasion, which amount to the frightening assertion that he may commit whatever misconduct he wishes.

Saying that the president hasnt offered any witnesses or documents in his defense, the House members said, This is not how an innocent person behaves. -- Billy House

Murkowski Open to Hearing From Hunter Biden (12:22 p.m.)

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said shes open to hearing from anybody as a trial witness, including possibly the unidentified whistle-blower or Joe Bidens son Hunter.

After presentations of evidence and questioning by the senators, the Senate should make a determination if they want to hear from anybody, said Murkowski of Alaska.

A number of Republicans have said they want to call Hunter Biden as a witness. Democrats contend any information he has isnt relevant to the question of whether Trump improperly withheld U.S. funds from Ukraine to pressure that country to investigate Bidens ties to a Ukrainian energy company.

Another GOP senator, John Kennedy of Louisiana, said the Senate might hear from witnesses but they wont make the decision until they understand the case. -- Laura Davison

Most Americans Back More Evidence, Poll Says (11:06 a.m.)

Most Americans support introducing new witnesses and new evidence in Trumps Senate impeachment trial, according to a poll from Monmouth University.

More than three in four Americans say Trump administration officials, and the president himself, should be invited to testify before the Senate. The poll found that 57% of Americans say the House impeachment managers should be able to introduce new evidence to support the two articles of impeachment.

Two other polls also show majority backing for calling witnesses. A CNN poll showed that almost seven in 10 Americans support witnesses, while a Quinnipiac poll found support for witnesses among two-thirds of Americans.

The Monmouth poll showed backing for new evidence from 87% of Democrats, 56% of independents and 24% of Republicans. Support for removing Trump from office remains split, with 49% saying he should be removed and 48% saying he should not be removed.

The process has now moved on to the Senate and there are some new revelations, but public opinion on impeachment and Trumps overall performance has shifted only slightly, said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. -- Daniel Flatley

Schiff Says Rules Would Lead to Rigged Trial (10:52 a.m.)

Lead House trial manager Adam Schiff said the procedures proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would set the stage for a coverup instead of a fair trial.

This is not a process for a fair trial, Schiff told reporters a few hours before the trial is scheduled to begin. This is a process for a rigged trial.

Schiff, the Intelligence Committee chairman, said the plan for House prosecutors to present 24 hours of arguments over only two days means that the sessions would go late into the night.

There is a wealth of evidence to present here, Schiff said. Is this about hiding the evidence from the American people with late-night sessions?

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler said that in any ordinary court trial, both sides would be allowed to present all their evidence, while in Trumps trial the Senate will decide whether to hear witnesses at all.

Do the Republican senators want to be complicit in the coverup of the president? Nadler said, adding that the presidents defenders are afraid of what the witnesses will say. -- Billy House

House Team Says Cipollone Is Fact Witness (9:25 a.m.)

The House impeachment managers on Tuesday declared in a letter that Trumps lead defense lawyer in his Senate impeachment trial is himself a fact witness who must turn over evidence, and whose trial involvement raises ethical questions.

The seven managers argued evidence gathered as part of the impeachment inquiry in the House indicates that White House counsel Pat Cipollone witnessed numerous critical events related to the presidents actions, and remains deeply involved in actions implementing Trumps alleged directive to obstruct the Houses impeachment inquiry.

You must disclose all facts and information as to which you have first-hand knowledge that will be at issue in connection with evidence you present or arguments you make in your role as the presidents legal advocate so that the Senate and chief justice can be apprised of any potential ethical issues, conflicts, or biases, they wrote.

These risks are so serious that they can require a lawyers disqualification, the managers added. Most importantly when one individual assumes the role of both advocate and witness it may so blur the line between argument and evidence that the [factfinders] ability to find facts is undermined.

The characterization by the House managers of Cipollone as a fact witnessappears to be designed, in part, to deflect some Republican calls for House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff to appear as a witness to testify about any of his or his committees first-hand dealings with the whistle-blower who initially brought Trumps Ukraine dealings to the attention of Congress. -- Billy House

Pelosi Says McConnell Lied About Trial Rules (8:43 a.m.)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the American public now knows why Mitch McConnell has been hiding his resolution for rules in the impeachment trial.

The Senate GOP Leader has chosen a cover-up for the President, rather than honor his oath to the Constitution, Pelosi said in her first statement on McConnells resolution, which was made public Monday.

Calling McConnells rules a plan for a dark of night impeachment trial, Pelosi slammed his plan to bar admitting the House record into evidence in the Senate trial and said the proposal doesnt adhere to the rules used during the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton.

The public now knows why Leader McConnell has been hiding his resolution: the Clinton comparison was a lie, Pelosi said. Clearly and sadly, Leader McConnell has misled the American people. For weeks, he has insisted that he will adhere to the rules used during the Clinton impeachment trial and that fair is fair -- but his proposal rejects the need for witnesses and documents during the trial itself.

In contrast, she said the Clinton trial included deposed witnesses and the President provided more than 90,000 documents.

Schumer to Push Votes on Witnesses, Evidence (8:05 a.m.)

Senate Democrats will force votes on the ability to call witnesses and include documents in the impeachment trial, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday.

We will have votes on witnesses, we will have votes on documents and we will have some votes to try and undo some of the most egregious things that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell laid out in his rules for the chambers handling of impeachment, Schumer told MSNBC.

McConnells impeachment resolution, released Monday, gives House managers and Trumps defense 24 hours of floor time each to make their arguments, but it limits them to just two days each, instead of the three allowed in Bill Clintons 1999 impeachment trial.

Neither side will be allowed to call witnesses or seek documents under the proposed rules unless a majority of the Senate votes to allow such motions after the opening phase of the trial, which includes up to 16 hours of senators questions. The trial is set to begin Tuesday and the rules need to be approved by a majority of the Senate.

McConnells approach creates a trial that is rushed and rigged, Schumer said in the interview. We can have votes before this awful resolution -- this resolution that I have called a national disgrace -- is enacted. -- Kathleen Miller

Trumps Historic Senate Trial Begins Today (6 a.m.)

The Senate trial is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Washington time, and the first day will be spent debating Majority Leader Mitch McConnells proposed rules for the proceedings, followed by a series of public votes on many expected Democratic amendments.

The rules for the impeachment trial that McConnell is proposing would allow just two calendar days and 24 floor hours each for the House and Trumps defense to make their case, a compressed schedule that accelerates the timetable for a trial Republicans intend to end in a quick acquittal.

Neither side will be allowed to call witnesses or seek documents unless a majority of the Senate votes to allow such motions after the opening phase of the trial. The proposed rules resolution wouldnt prevent Trumps team from swiftly moving to dismiss the case, though many GOP senators have said they at least want to hear arguments.

Democrats have said they plan to offer numerous amendments, including proposals to subpoena witnesses and documents Trump has blocked from Congress. -- Laura Litvan and Steven T. Dennis

Catch Up on Impeachment Coverage

McConnell Plans Compressed Timeline for Trump Impeachment Trial

Trump Impeachment Defense Remains Work in Progress Near Trial

Key Events

Trump chose celebrity lawyers Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, both seasoned by some of the most high-profile legal cases of the past half century, to join his legal team.The House impeachment resolution is H.Res. 755. The Intelligence Committee Democrats impeachment report is here. Here is House Democrats web page containing documents related to the impeachment trial.Gordon Sondlands transcript is here and here; Kurt Volkers transcript is here and here. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitchs transcript is here and here; the transcript of Michael McKinley, former senior adviser to the secretary of State, is here. The transcript of David Holmes, a Foreign Service officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, is here.The transcript of William Taylor, the top U.S. envoy to Ukraine, is here and here. State Department official George Kents testimony is here and here. Testimony by Alexander Vindman can be found here, and the Fiona Hill transcript is here. Laura Coopers transcript is here; Christopher Andersons is here and Catherine Crofts is here. Jennifer Williams transcript is here and Timothy Morrisons is here. The Philip Reeker transcript is here. Mark Sandys is here.

--With assistance from Laura Davison, Billy House, Kathleen Miller, Daniel Flatley, Emily Wilkins, Laura Litvan and John Harney.

To contact the reporter on this story: Steven T. Dennis in Washington at sdennis17@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Joe Sobczyk at jsobczyk@bloomberg.net, Laurie Asseo, Anna Edgerton

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Sophie, Countess of Wessex enjoyed a welcome return to the spotlight on Monday as the British royal family adjusts to life without Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Sophie (nee Sophie Rhys-Jones) has been married to Queen Elizabeth's son Prince Edward for more than 20 years and during that time, has become a quiet confidante to her mother-in-law, while also becoming one of her favourites in the inner sanctum of Buckingham Palace. Sophie and Edward both work as full-time royals, but their star - like most of the queen's children other than Charles - has been overshadowed in recent years by Kate Middleton and Prince William, and until now, Meghan and Harry.

But it was a return to their glory days as newlyweds and Sophie and Edward were recruited to help bolster the guestlist with some royal stardust at a reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace.

At the same time, 5,000 miles away, Harry finally returned to Canada to reunite with his wife and their eight-month-old son Archie, and officially begin their new life there as semi-private citizens. Grainy pictures of Prince Harry arriving at Vancouver International Airport were published this morning, as were pictures of Meghan carrying her son in an Ergobaby 360 Mesh Omni carrier, walking their two dogs Oz and Guy.

Expand Close Britain's Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (L) and Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex, (2nd L) talk with Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (R) at a reception for heads of State and Government at Buckingham Palace in London on January 20, 2020, following the UK-Africa Investment Summit. (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Britain's Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (L) and Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex, (2nd L) talk with Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (R) at a reception for heads of State and Government at Buckingham Palace in London on January 20, 2020, following the UK-Africa Investment Summit. (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP)

The former actress-turned-duchess beamed on a hike at Horth Hill Regional Park on a misty day in Vancouver, and this set of paparazzi shots juxtaposed with the formalities of last night's event at the Palace show the stark difference in the couple have chosen away from the UK.

And since their departure - the details of which was finalised on Saturday - there is a vacancy for qualified royals available for official engagements. Since Prince Andrew retired from public life in disgrace after his car crash BBC interview questioning his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, there are only a handful of experienced royals ready and able to carry them into this time of change.

For years, it has been reported that Prince Charles wanted a 'slimmed down' monarchy, similar to other European royal families, but his son - and his family - were central to that. Andrew's daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie both work full-time and the Cambridge children are still babies, which leaves only Princess Anne left to fill the growing workload, but she is turning 70 this year.

Her children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips are both private citizens as she opted not to give them a title at birth, and both are financially independent, only called upon for family-adjacent royal occasions.

Which means that suddenly Sophie and Edward have become the most valuable asset of the family now, hiding in plain sight for the last two decades. Although both experienced their own Sussex-esque controversy when it came to earning money prompting their decision to quit their professional lives in 2002 (Sophie as the director of her own PR firm and Edward as an aspiring film producer) and become full-time royals.

The couple were introduced to one another in 1993 and were dating for six years, before exchanging vows at St George's Chapel in Windsor, where Meghan and Harry wed in May 2018. Sophie works with 70 charities as part of her work, and spends the rest of her time at engagements working on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.

Expand Close Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at a reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace on January 20, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at a reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace on January 20, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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More pertinently, last night also marked Sophie's 55th birthday, a milestone occasion both personally and professionally as she gears up to play a greater role in the next chapter of the royal family. The mother-of-two (to 16-year-old Lady Louise Windsor and 12-year-old James, Viscount Severn) arrived to the event in a cap sleeved knit dress by Alaia and velvet Jimmy Choo heels in camel; acting as a welcome new icon for middle-aged women the world over and the first step into her new role as a potential superstar-in-waiting.

Meanwhile, it was business as usual for Kate, who debuted a new shimmering red midi dress by British label Needle & Thread, and husband William, who hosted the event. It's reported that Wililam and Harry had a private heart to heart before his departure to Canada as the brothers recognised it was time to begin mending their relationship.

It has been ground-breaking in terms of saving their bond as brothers and has been totally driven by them," a source told The Sun.

But Kate and Meghan, who was in Canada, did join in with some of the talks on more than one occasion, which is another sign of a real thaw in their relationship. Things are better."
FULTON, N.Y. -- Tom Heppell was behind the counter, starting to get an order ready Monday afternoon at Slice 'N' Go Deli in the city of Fulton when suddenly a tractor-trailer slammed into the shop.

There werent any customers inside at the time, but his wife, Sue Heppell, was sitting a few feet away. The Heppells, who have run the deli shop at the corner of Interstate 481 and Division Street for more than three decades, said they had no idea what was happening in that moment.

My husband said something to me and then, all of a sudden, there was a loud bang, Sue Heppell said. Then everything started to fall on top of us.

The tractor-trailer driver, Kristen Levy, 29, of San Antonio, Texas, said she hit a patch of ice and lost control, slamming into the deli shop at about 2:15 p.m.

The shop was destroyed by the truck, with walls knocked out and the roof falling down. The truck came to a stop in the pile of rubble that had seconds before been a building.

I just heard people so I knew that it wasnt a good situation, Levy said. Obviously there was a kitchen and I could smell (gas) so I didnt know if we were all going to blow up.

Levy said she climbed out the drivers side window of the cab to get to safety.

Inside the deli shop, Tom Heppell -- also known to many in the community as Dennis -- yelled to his wife who was still sitting in a chair. Something, possibly a full-size refrigerator, was leaning against her knee, she said.

I was going hysterical, Sue Heppell said. I couldnt move at first."

The Heppells could smell the gas too. They knew they needed to get out fast.

Fulton city firefighters said the tractor-trailer broke the gas line in the building, causing a natural gas leak. Thats why they temporarily closed Interstate 481 in both directions after the crash, so we didnt have an ignition source, Fulton Assistant Fire Chief Shane Laws said.

Levy and the Heppells had somehow escaped unharmed by the time rescue crews arrived minutes after the crash, Fulton Fire Capt. Adam Howard said.

Sue Heppell said she was able to wiggle free from whatever was leaning against her knee, then she and her husband pushed through the debris and wreckage. As they exited the building, she said, some good Samaritans were there helping them.

We found a small opening, Heppell said. I started pushing the stuff enough so we could inch our way out.

Fulton firefighters and Menter Ambulance crews said they evaluated the Heppells and Levy at the scene, but did not transport anyone to the hospital.

Although Sue Heppell said her knee still hurt Monday night, she and her husband said they were happy to be alive.

Im elated because Im not dead, Tom Heppell said. We got lucky. We were in the right place at the right time.

Tom Heppell, 64, and Sue Heppell, 63, said they had planned to retire at the end of March. They had run the business for the last 31 years.

Throughout those years, they lived in Fulton where they also raised their three children. Now they have two grandchildren and were looking forward to retirement. One person had expressed interest in the business, Sue Heppell said, but no one had bought it. The couple has business insurance, she said.

The Heppells say they thank God that they survived.

The sandwich bar (Tom Heppell was standing behind)," he said, is folded up like an accordion."

The Heppells say if there had been customers in the store, they would have likely been standing exactly where the tractor-trailer hit.

I thank the good Lord, Tom Heppell said, because they wouldnt have survived.

Levy said she was heading south on Interstate 481 when her tractor-trailer slid on ice and veered off the west side of the road, crashing into Slice 'N' Go Deli.

The ice block -- boom -- bumped me off and veered me right into the business, she said.

Levy said she has driven tractor-trailers through 48 states over the last three years, and shes never been in a crash until Monday.

I am so sorry," she said, standing in the freezing cold outside yellow police tape Monday night as an excavator worked to free her tractor-trailer.

The tractor-trailer was straddling the deli shops foundation, said Howard, among the first fire officials on scene. At the same time, the building was resting on the truck, Laws added.

Fulton police and firefighters, Menter Ambulance, National Grid and Big Red Towing responded to the scene.

National Grid crews dug along Division Street to shut off the natural gas line. They also shut off the power to the building.

Big Red Towing later lifted the tractor-trailer away from the building, then crews used an excavator to remove the roof and other parts of the building off the deli shop to free the tractor-trailer. Their main concern, firefighters said, was to remove the tractor-trailer without having it rupture the fuel tank.

Levy, a driver for Super Ego Holding in Chicago, said she had picked up aluminum cans at Ball Corp. in Goodyear, Arizona, and was about eight minutes from dropping them off at TQL in Fulton when the crash happened.

When emergency crews opened up the back of the truck after the crash, there were rows of Bud Light Seltzer cans. One official at the scene said the cans were empty.

Levy said she had planned to drop off those cans in Fulton and pick up another load to bring it to Charlotte, N.C.

But she never made it there.

Im just glad we all made it out, she said.

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(Newser)  If you were wondering why the hashtag #NobodyLikesHim was trending on Twitter on Tuesday, it's because the Hollywood Reporter dropped a big election-tied bomb. In a chat to promote the upcoming Hulu documentary Hillary, Hillary Clinton was asked to confirm that she said the following in the film about Bernie Sanders: "Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it." Asked if she still felt that way, Clinton replied, "Yes," noting what she says is a toxic, misogynistic culture among his supporters that Sanders won't address. She also wouldn't pledge to endorse or campaign for him if he's the Democratic nominee: "I'm not going to go there yet." As for whether she'd ever jump back into the ring herself, Clinton said, "I have had so many people [urge me to]. Every day."

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But while "I'm grateful for people's confidence ... I did think it was right for me to step back. I'll do anything I can to defeat the current incumbent." Meanwhile, Sanders had an apology for Joe Biden on Monday after one of Sanders' surrogates, law professor Zephyr Teachout, published a Guardian op-ed accusing Biden of having a "corruption problem" and being a "weak candidate." Teachout claimed Biden "has perfected the art of taking big contributions, then representing his corporate donors at the cost of middle- and working-class Americans." "It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way," Sanders tells CBS News. "I'm sorry that that op-ed appeared." Biden's response: "Thanks for acknowledging this, Bernie. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary. Let's all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president." More of the Clinton interview here. (Read more Hillary Clinton stories.)
Which activity is restaurant noise a byproduct of, though? The servers moving between tables (in rubber-soled shoes)? Money changing hands (by credit card)? Pots and pans hurled by angry cooks (behind swinging doors or in an open kitchen where almost nobody speaks)?

What you hear in a packed downtown brasserie on a Friday night isnt any of those things. Its mainly the unamplified voices of customers fleshed out with amplified, typically recorded music. A few chefs and owners love to play their favorite music at teenage-Metallica-fan volumes but in most restaurants, the music is mere accompaniment to the crowd. Restaurants are loud because were loud. With a few exceptions, when we complain about the noise, were complaining about ourselves.

If you believe a restaurants primary function is to serve food, then it doesnt make sense for us to respond by raising our voices. But we go out for other reasons. We go to look around, maybe to be noticed, usually to talk to the people we came with. Some of us want a drink or two, and almost all of us want to loosen the knots of tension that daily life ties.

Everything about the restaurant experience is designed to speed those things along, and when it all works, we respond by raising our voices. Far from being an accidental side effect, a noisy restaurant is the end product of a business that helps us have a good time, just as purring is the end product of scratching a cats chin the right way.

What makes a sound into noise is subjective. Just as a weed is a plant you dont want in your yard, noise is a sound you dont want in your head. Audio professionals call the sound we do want the signal. In a restaurant setting, we typically think of the signal as the voices of the people we are sitting with, plus the voice of any server who happens to be addressing us at that moment, but only at that moment. The minute the next table over wants help choosing the wine, the sommeliers voice becomes noise.

Zeroing in on one voice in a room full of people talking is a complex job. When were young our ears are good at it, up to a certain volume, but we have more and more trouble with it as we age. Microphones are pretty bad at it, as every journalist who has recorded an interview in a crowded room knows. So are hearing aids, which amplify noise and signal equally, and can make a reasonably loud room seem unbearable.
Greta Thunberg no longer has to worry about being heard on the issue the climate change, she told a room full of adults Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Im being heard all the time, she said.

The 17-year-old Swedish climate activists comment was met with chuckles from the audience, but her wry smile soon turned to a serious message. In general, the science and the voice of the young people is not at the center of the conversation, and it needs to be, she said. Because this is about us and our future, and future generations, and of course those who are already being affected today.

She added that pretty much nothing has been done, since the global emissions of CO2 have not reduced since she started staging school strikes to raise awareness of the climate crisis since August 2018.

Thunbergs message, of young people demanding action rather than empty promises, was echoed by fellow youth activists on TIMEs panel at the 2020 World Economic Forum. Titled Forging a Sustainable Path Towards a Common Future, the event on Tuesday morning was moderated by TIME CEO and Editor-in-Chief Edward Felsenthal.

Thunberg was joined on stage by three other young activists who have worked to make a difference in their communities: Salvador Gomez-Colon, 16; Autumn Peltier, 16; and Natasha Mwansa, 18.

All four activists used the platform and the global stage of the World Economic Forum to emphasize that collaboration with political leaders should take the form of meaningful action, rather than merely lip service. Even for me, people are awarding me, said Peltier. I dont want your awards. If youre going to award me, award me with helping me find solutions and award me with helping me make change.

Peltier is an Eagle Clan Anishnaabekwe from the Wikwemikong First Nation in Northern Ontario, Canada. In 2019, she was named the Chief Water Commissioner by the Anishinabek Nation, representing 40 First Nations in Ontario, many of which lack clean drinking water. Peltier told the panel that the role, which was previously held by her aunt Josephine, means having a seat at the table when decisions are made and being able to advocate for the Great Lakes.

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From left to right, Edward Felsenthal, TIME CEO and Editor-in-Chief; Natasha Mwansa, child and women's rights activist; Salvador Gomez-Colon, founder of Light & Hope for Puerto Rico; Greta Thunberg, climate activist; and Autumn Peltier, chief water commissioner of the Anishinabek Nation, take part in a TIME panel on the opening day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. | Jason AldenBloomberg via Getty Images

Gomez-Colon spoke of his moving experience distributing hundreds of solar lamps to Puerto Ricans without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and the power of youth resilience in the wake of natural disasters. In Puerto Rico with all the fair share of natural disasters and political crises weve had, weve seen youth stepping up. Around the world, weve seen our generation standing up for the world we want to see, even when our leaders arent really taking charge, Gomez-Colon said. Were not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. Were not the future of the world, were the present. Were acting now, were not waiting any longer.

Fellow panelist, journalist and womens rights advocate Mwansa also emphasized the importance of including young people in decision-making. Young people are no longer just seen as being young, were actually being involved in the whole system and were being asked what we want to do, Mwansa, who is from Zambia, said. The older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy and we have solutions for the now problems and the ones that are coming up.

While Mwansa spoke of seeing hopeful and positive change as a result of collaboration between youth activists and older leaders, other panelists implored leaders to look to the example of young people and push for radical rethinking of systems of power. Id like to assume that our politicians right now will see the tide shifting and will see the work that were doing, Gomez-Colon said. I think people need to start thinking about how we can make our world a better place for everyone, and see ourselves, instead of through our borders, as citizens of the world.

Thunberg took the opportunity to remind world leaders of the statistics outlined in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report released in October 2018, which pointed to a global temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius as a threshold at which the planet would see the worst effects of climate change. The report warned that if the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues, the 1.5C threshold could be passed as early as 2030.

These numbers arent anyones political views, this is the current best available science, said Thunberg, noting that the responsibility of removing CO2 from the air would fall heavy on future generations. Every fraction of a degree matters. Since last summer, Ive been repeating these numbers over and over again in almost every speech. But I dont think I have once seen any media outlet or person in power communicate this and what it means. I know you dont want to report about this. I know you dont want to talk about this. But I assure you I will continue to repeat these numbers until you do.

In December 2019, TIME recognized Thunberg as Person of the Year, making her the youngest person in the franchises history to be selected. Thunbergs wake-up call is a necessary jolt, Felsenthal wrote about the choice. It is up to us all to meet it with solutions.

The discussion concluded with the activists urging for more support for youth movements, at a time when they appear to be gaining greater attention and momentum worldwide, from the protests against inequality in Chile to the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Even the fact that us youth have to be up here trying to create awareness and make change feels kind of wrong, Peltier said.

Gomez-Colon added: Just because we are all teenagers doesnt mean we dont have the maturity, the knowledge or the drive to take action and impart positive change in the world we live in.
The National Institute of Mexican American History of Civil Rights, a San Antonio enterprise with a commitment for $500,000 in startup funding from City Council, has a home.

It will announce the details today.

It probably wont come as a big surprise that Our Lady of the Lake University will house the institute, which will collect and preserve historical data, showcase the stories of transformational Mexican American leaders and tell the story of Mexican American civil, voting, educational, labor and human rights.

If any city should host and nurture such an entity, its San Antonio, the U.S. capital of Mexican American development and leadership.

The announcement is another chapter in OLLUs own Mexican American civil rights history. The university, rooted in the citys West Side, long has been linked to leading figures and organizations in San Antonio and South Texas civil rights. The schools commitment to social justice can be traced to its founders, the Sisters of Divine Providence

In 1968, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights chose OLLU as the venue for six days of historic hearings on discrimination against Mexican Americans in housing, employment, education, voting rights and the justice system across the Southwest. In 2018, the 50th anniversary of those hearings, the university hosted a conference that looked back on the event and assessed its momentous legacy.

The new institutes space and staff will be modest, but its symbolism will be mighty. Its interim director is Ezequiel Pena, an associate professor of psychology and director of OLLUs Center for Mexican American Studies and Research. Hell have one administrative staff member.

Last year, City Council approved $250,000 in funding for the institute for 2020, with an additional $250,000 to follow next year.

The institutes board chair, retired educator Paul Ruiz, says a dozen academic researchers, working as consultants, will be tapped to create or uncover historical content. Theyll provide material for the public presentations and traveling exhibits the institute will create for K-12 students and the general public.

The nonprofits founders believe Mexican American student success is linked to an awareness of Mexican American history and culture. The goal is to tell a wider story of Texas and South Texas and arm students and citizens with a better understanding of that populations remarkable history.

Its a local story of national proportions, Pena said. So many things took off in San Antonio.

Thats not chest-pounding. Think of the national impact that lawyers for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund  founded in San Antonio in 1968  have had in cases involving education, housing and employment.

Think of the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project, founded by the late social activist Willie Velasquez, a San Antonio native, whose motto, Su Voto es Su Voz, became a national rallying cry for voting rights movements, both Latino and non-Latino.

Think of the Mexican American Youth Organization, which helped birth La Raza Unida, for a time one of the nations most successful third political parties. It produced leaders of regional and national stature.

Other South Texas organizations such as the American G.I. Forum and the League of United Latin American Citizens, both founded in Corpus Christi, expanded to San Antonio, where they had national influence, Pena said.

No other U.S. city has produced so many Mexican American social justice organizations, leaders and events, he said. We have a national-level story to tell.

OLLUs president, Diane Melby, said hosting the institute is a fitting next chapter for the university. OLLU is home to the Worden School, Texas first school of social work, and OLLU leaders helped found the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in 1985. The association started with 18 member institutions and today has more than 470.

Pena said the new institute will work quickly to preserve the oral histories of civil rights leaders in the region. The institute is calling that its legacy collection. Hes interested in building collections of what he calls the classic civil rights period of the last 50 years.

Board chair Ruiz has an interest in assembling historical materials from the period before and after Mexican territories were annexed to the United States. It is an era rich in stories, many of which have yet to be told in full.

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
Were going to get back to living life, even if it kills us
Formula 1's door is "not closed" to Hockenheim, according to Thomas Reister.

Reister is the boss of Emodrom, a company charged with the strategic development of the venue that has been left off F1's 2020 calendar.

It is reported that, in the wake of the collapsed F1 deal, Hockenheim will focus on hosting business, music, and other non-racing events.

But Reister told Kolner Express: "The door (to F1) for the future is not closed. It is only a question of the financial terms."

While Saudi Arabia is believed to be offering Liberty Media a $65 million per year race fee to host F1 from 2023, Hockenheim reportedly baulked at $16 million.
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The expanded late Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Mosque in Budaiya was opened yesterday by Southern Governor Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

He was deputised by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) Dr Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al-Hajeri and a number of dignitaries and citizens from Budaiya were present, a Bahrain News Agency report said.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali extended sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for deputising him to open the mosques expansion project.

The governor said the expansion of the mosque reflects HRH Premiers unwavering interest in developing and expanding mosques across the kingdom, commensurate with the citizens needs.

He affirmed that taking care of mosques and their development are basic in the Government Action Plan, extending congratulations to the Budaiya inhabitants on the opening of the iconic mosque.
Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Tuesday termed the bomb scare incident at Mangaluru airport as "unfortunate" as he tried to allay fears of citizens, while assuring them that the "forces" behind it would be curbed.

Leader of the Opposition and Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, termed it as "intelligence failure".

"The incident of bomb scare surfacing at Mangaluru International Airport is unfortunate. The forces behind this incident will be curbed. We will not tolerate any activity that will disturb the security. There is no need for citizens to fear," Yediyurappa tweeted from Davos.

The Chief Minister is currently in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meet.

Meanwhile, terming the incident as "frightening", Siddaramaiah demanded a detailed inquiry into the incident and that those behind it be brought to justice.

"I don't know what the intelligence was doing recently. Two people have died in 'golibar' (two people killed during anti CAA protets).

After that there have been repeated incidents. I want to call it an intelligence failure," he said.

A 'live' explosive device was found in an unattended bag near a ticket counter of the departure gate of the airport here on Monday and later defused at a nearby open ground.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 21, 2020] Study of Sprint Peripheral Nerve Stimulation System Demonstrates 12 Months of Low Back Pain Relief Following 60-Day Treatment

CLEVELAND, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPR Therapeutics, Inc ., a leader in neurostimulation technology for pain management, today announced publication of a prospective case series regarding its SPRINT Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System in the treatment of low back pain (LBP) demonstrating sustained pain relief at one year following treatment in the majority of patients. The study, now published in Pain Practice , provides new and encouraging data on the potential for long-term relief of low back pain following a 60-day percutaneous PNS treatment, thereby avoiding opioids, ablation, permanent implants and surgery.

The results reported in this latest study of the SPRINT PNS system showing sustained relief of chronic LBP and disability for at least 12 months in the majority of patients highlight the potential for percutaneous PNS to obviate the need for opioids and more invasive procedures. This is consistent with previously published research assessing percutaneous PNS for other pain syndromes, where clinically significant reductions in pain and improvements in pain-related disability were also sustained long-term, said Christopher Gilmore, MD, of the Carolinas Pain Institute who served as lead author of the study. This approach has the potential to significantly influence the care continuum for chronic back pain patients by providing a minimally-invasive and short term neurostimulation treatment to patients earlier than has been previously possible. This prospective case series study demonstrated a 63% reduction in average pain intensity at 12 months among responders in conjunction with highly significant reductions in disability. The present study demonstrated improvements in patients with LBP that are similar to those achieved in a recently published double - blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of a 60-day treatment using the SPRINT PNS System in patients with chronic post-amputation pain, often regarded as one of the most difficult to treat pain conditions.



All low back pain patients completing the 12-month follow-up visit were either satisfied or very satisfied with the pain relief they received and reported that had the SPRINT PNS System been available, they would have preferred percutaneous PNS as an earlier treatment. About the SPRINT PNS System

The SPRINT Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System is the only percutaneous PNS device that is cleared for both chronic and acute pain, including post-operative and post-traumatic pain. The SPRINT PNS System leads are implanted by a physician during an outpatient procedure without surgery, incisions, tissue destruction or anesthesia, and are connected to a wearable stimulator that delivers stimulation for up to 60 days of therapy, after which the leads are withdrawn. In multiple studies, the SPRINT system has demonstrated significant and sustained pain relief following the 60-day treatment. Physicians have used the SPRINT system to treat post-amputation pain, inoperable joint pain, lower back pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and post-operative pain following joint replacement and surgical reconstruction (partial listing). For additional information regarding safety and efficacy visit www.sprtherapeutics.com .

About SPR Therapeutics, Inc.

SPR Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately-held medical device company headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing non-opioid, minimally invasive, treatment options that improve quality of life. The companys SPRINT technology is the only percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) System cleared to treat both chronic and acute pain. More information can be found at: www.sprtherapeutics.com . SPR Contact:

Mark Stultz

Senior Vice President

[email protected]

612-770-0390 Media Contact:

Helen Shik

Shik Communications LLC

[email protected]

617-510-4373

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A massive protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Register of Citizens (NRC), and Population Register (NPR) was witnessed at Shivajinagar's Chandni Chowk area on Tuesday.

Scores of people came together carrying flags and placards to register their protest in the city.

Speaking to ANI, a protester said, "People of all religious community have assembled here in Chandni Chowk to protest against CAA, NRC, and NPR. We the people of India are against this law."

Terming the law as anti-constitutional, he said that we support all the states who oppose the CAA. We demand the revocation of CAA and the government should remove conditions in NPR which lead to NRC.

CAA grants citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian communities 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.)
Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday was elected unopposed as the 11th national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. A former ABVP functionary and an ex union minister, Nadda took over from Amit Shah, who served as party president from 2014 and is also the union Minister for home affairs. Shah himself had taken over from the then party president Rajnath Singh who was also inducted into the union cabinet after the BJP came to power at the Centre with a thumping majority.

So far of all the BJP party presidents only Atal Bihari Vajpayee became the Prime minister and LK Advani served as the deputy PM.

Atal Bihar Vajpayee

After it broke away from the Janata Party, the Jan Sangh recast itself as the BJP in 1980. Vajpayee became Its first National president and served In the position from 1980 to 1986. The only party president to be elected the Prime Minister of the country, Vajpayee was Conferred with the Bharat Ratna in2015.

Born in 1924 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh he was a member of Parliament since 1957 and was elected to the fifth, sixth and seventh Lok Sabha and again to the 10th, 11th 12th and 13th Lok Sabha; he was also a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1962 in 1986.

Vajpayees legacy as a politician was his ability to strike a balance between the hard line ideology of his party and political pragmatism. He withstood international pressure and carried out nuclear tests in Pokharan, but also undertook a bus ride to Pakistan as a peace building measure, much to chagrin of the RSS. Despite his Sangh background, Vajpayee also a poet and an orator, had a testy relationship with the RSS during his term in office.

LK Advani

In 1986 the party elected LK Advani as its president, he served from 1986 to 1991. He got a second term as president between 1993 and 1998. And a third term between 2004-2005.

Advani served as the deputy prime minister when the NDA was first elected at the centre with Vajpayee as the Prime Minister. Advani who also served as the countrys information and broadcasting Minister and the home Minister was born in 1927 in Sindh, now in Pakistan.

He is credited with reviving the party that won just two seats in the 1984 general elections by galvanising support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. In the party One 121 seats in 1992 and 161 seats in 1996. In 9096 the party became the single largest in Lok Sabha. After the BJP won the 2014 polls Advani along with other senior leaders including Murli Manohar Joshi who has made part of a Margdarahak Mandal, which was seen as a move to sideline the old guard. Advani who had seven year long stint as the editor of Organiser, a Sangh affiliated magazine did not contest the 2019 elections.

MM Joshi

In 1991 the party appointed Murli Manohar Joshi as its president. He served a term till 1993. Joshi, a A physicist was formerly a professor of physics in the Allahabad University. He credits RSS leaders like MS Golwalkar, Deendayal Upadhyay and Professor Rajendra Singh or Rajju Bhaiya for playing a major role in shaping his political thinking.

Joshi who held the portfolios of three ministries, human resource development, science and technology and ocean development, stoked a controversy after allegations were made by his political opens that under his charge the HRD ministry was saffronising education.

Joshi who was part of the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign was accused of doctoring history textbooks. Elected to the Lok Sabha, he became the general secretary of the party in Parliament and was also a Rajya Sabha member between 1992 and 1996. Proponent of Swadeshi he stressed on reviving Sanskrit education, modernising madarsas and started the Sarva Shiksha abhiyan, an education for all programme.

As the President of the BJP Joshi led the Ekta Yatra, that culminated in Kashmir with the national flag being raised.

Kushabhau Thakre

In 1998 Kushabhau Thakre was elected party president for a three year term. Also a Sangh acolyte, he was among the founder members of the BJP. While he held many positions in the party over the years, he is credited with strengthening the party fold and grooming a long line of leaders who eventually rose to power.

Born in Dhar, Madhya Prasesh, he was credited with strengthening the part in MP and then in Chhattisgarh, which was carved out as a new state. Jailed during emergency, Thakre was a bachelor, and steeped in the Sanghs ideology and was known for maintain grassroots connections with party workers.

When dissent broke out in the party ahead of his elevation, he worked to galvanise the party cadre to focus on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and colleagues recall he was able to bring up the tally from the previous election.

Bangaru Laxman

Thakre was succeeded by Bangaru Laxman who was president for a year till 2001 and has to face an inglorious exit following a sting operation.

He was caught on camera accepting money from people who pretended to broker on behalf of arms companies. He was subsequently booked for corruption and sentenced to a prison term.

He was the head of the BJPs scheduled caste morcha for several years and spent time in prison during emergency.

Jana Krishnamurthy

Jana Krishnamurthy who was also a former law minister became the party president from 2001 to 2002. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat and held in high esteem for his principles say party colleagues. Having started as a RSS volunteer, the Madurai born, Krishnamurthy opted for the BJP at a time when the party did not evoke much response in the southern states.

He left a full time position in the Sangh for the BJP on the instruction of the RSS leadership and was a recognised face against emergency from Tamil Nadu.

M Venkaiah Naidu

M Venkaiah Naidu, a close confidant of LK Advani took over the reigns of the party in 2002 till 2004. An activist of the ABVP who held several party posts and portfolios in the government, Naidu is currently the Vice President of the county.

An activist from Andhra Pradesh who was once in the forefront of the anti HIndi agitation, Naidu became a Rajya Sabha member in 1998. From 1978-85 he was member of the Andhra Pradesh assembly, and was known for raising issues related to farmers and agriculture. As part president he coined the slogan back to the villages, urging the party to build its cadre in the rural areas to expand its base.

Rajnath Singh

In 2005 Rajnath Singh took over from Advani who completed a third term between 2004 and 2005. Singh was also given a years second term in 2013.

Singh who started his political journey as an MLA in the UP assembly in 1977 moved to the national scene, holding various positions including the national general secretary of tbr youth wing.

He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1994 and became a union minister in the Vajpayee cabinet in 1999.

As party president he undertook the Bharat Suraksha Yatra to highlight the issue of national security and increasing terror threats.

At present he holds the office of defence minister.

Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari took over as party president from 2009 to 2013. An affable Marathi leader who remains a committed RSS man, Gadkari earned himself the title of a doer. He began his political career with the ABVP during emergency, and rose to become a minister in Maharashtra and subsequently at the centre.

Rural connectivity and empowerment of the socially backward were the focus of his presidency.

Amit Shah

In 2014 Amit shah was given charge to head the party when Rajnath Singh became the union home minister.

It was during his presidency that the party grew both in terms of numbers and geographically. Shah stressed on strengthening the party and ensure its presence at every district across the country. He also focused on contesting elections from the Panchayat upwards.

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She's was out for a day at the nail salon.

And Sofia Vergara, 47, looked as stylish as ever while as she headed to a Beverly Hills salon for a self-care day.

The Modern Family actress chatted away on her phone while heading to her favorite spot in the brisk Los Angeles weather.

Looking good: Sofia Vergara looked as stylish as ever while out in Beverly Hills as she headed to the salon for a self-care day

For her outfit of the day, she wore a forest green sweater that she matched perfectly to her hobo-style shoulder bag.

Sofia also wore a pair of her signature jeans from her Walmart collection and some chic black shades.

She added a bit of flare to the look with a pair of high-heeled snake-skin mules for her day on the town.

Looking good: For her outfit of the day, she wore a forest green sweater that she matched perfectly to her hobo-style shoulder bag

Recently, the Modern Family actress opened up about the possibility of taking on the screen with her husband Joe Manganiello again in the future.

The two worked together back in 2018 for their movie, Bottom of the 9th.

'Maybe not because we already did it and that's all we wanted to [do as far as] work together,' she said during an interview with Fox.

'But who knows? Maybe later. Why not?'

Love birds: The actress and her husband Joe Manganiello posed together a few days back at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills

With her schedule clearing up thanks to her 11-season run on Modern Family coming to an end, the actress has her sights set on new career aspirations.

'Well, I think, for me, it was a gift to land a show like Modern Family, because I never thought that I was going to be able  sounding like this, be able to get a job that was so successful, being seen all over the world, with a cast so amazing,' she said during an interview at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.

'To be able to get all the opportunities that I got, to be able to expand my brand and do all the business things that I wanted, it was all a gift to me. I am super sad that it's ending, but, of course, looking for the next thing, like everybody else.'

The 11th and final season is currently airing on ABC.
New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dared opposition for a public debate on new citizenship law, saying canards are being spread against CAA by Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP, and Trinamool Congress. Shah was addressing a public rally in Lucknow to dispel doubts over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The rally is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's countrywide campaign on the CAA issue.

He said that the new law has no provision of taking anyone's citizenship. "Congress has become blind due to vote bank politics,"he said. He also balmed the Congress for Partition.

Shah also declared that construction of a Ram temple touching the skies in Ayodhya will begin within three months.

According to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and face religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

Amit Shah is in Uttar Pradesh which has been the worst-affected state during the CAA violence. From Kanpur to Firozabad, violent clashes were reported in several cities of the state. Though there have been various claims and counter-claims, UP officials maintain that 19 people were killed in the state during violent clashes.

Police have faced flak over the manner in which they handled violent protests in Uttar Pradesh, with human rights activists accusing them of using excessive force and targetting innocent people. Most of the deaths during the violence had taken place due to firearm injuries. Officials claimed there was firing at some places by protesters but police opened fire at a couple of places only in self defence.

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Hundreds of disgruntled protesters against the elite World Economic Forum are marching through the Alpine snows toward its annual gathering in Davos, as officials on Monday detailed extra security measures like vehicle checks and webcam shutdowns with U.S. President Donald Trump and other notables set to arrive.

Zurich regional police said some 130 attendees who are "protected under international law" -- including royalty, presidents and prime ministers -- were expected to pass through toward the Davos gathering from Tuesday to Friday. All told, nearly 3,000 leaders from civil society, business, politics and elsewhere from 118 countries are expected as the Forum marks its 50th year.

Protesters with the "Strike-WEF" collective, who began marching toward Davos on Sunday, have taken issue with one security measure: An order from regional police that no more than 300 people can attend a planned protest near the town hall. Authorities insist the square is too small to hold more people. They call such limits anti-democratic.



"When they can have space for 3,000 people -- the majority of who are the richest people on the planet -- but for only 300 among the 99 percent of the rest of us, it's a joke," said Payal Parekh, a spokeswoman for the collective.
CHEYENNE  Wyoming regulators have issued a one-time permit for a company to test whether its technology to treat oil drilling and manufacturing wastewater can help vegetation grow on a farm.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality permit issued this month allows Encore Green Environmental to apply about 7,000 barrels of the treated water to private farmland outside Pine Bluffs near the Nebraska state line by the end of the year.

The Wyoming company's co-founder, Marvin Nash, told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle the permit marks the project's transformation to reality after several years of planning.

Stock growers have said they see how this could work, and that its going to be an opportunity for agriculture to improve, Nash said.

The company says on its website that it wants to solve the problem of too much oil and manufacturing wastewater being produced at industrial sites while nearby agricultural lands are in need of water.

The state permit sets maximum amounts for a wide range of chemicals, from ammonia to zinc, that can be found in the water. It also requires Encore Green to ensure the treated water does not pool or run off the land covered by each application.
At a time when the Chandigarh municipal corporation is struggling with poor financial condition, its councillors approved the agenda for free 100 litre fuel per month for their personal vehicles during the General House meeting on Tuesday.

They also cleared the agenda to provide official vehicles to both senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor, with fuel limit of 250 litres per month. As of now, only the mayor is entitled to an official vehicle along with 300 litres of fuel per month.

The MC has 26 elected and nine nominated councillors. According to rough estimates, the move will burden the civic body with an additional expenditure of around 40 lakh annually.

Most of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councillors supported the move when the newly elected senior deputy mayor, Ravi Kant Sharma, placed the matter as a table agenda after the Houses listed business was over. Even Congress leader of opposition Devinder Babla signed the agenda, showing his support.

It is despite the fact that the decision is against the provisions of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, extended to the UT.

Congress councillor Satish Kainth said the Act is very much clear that except a monthly honorarium, councillors have no entitlement to official car, fuel or any other privilege. Only the mayor is allowed an official vehicle and free fuel as he or she has to attend a lot of official functions and meetings.

It is an ill-advised move. BJP councillors seem to have no concern for the MCs poor fiscal condition. I appeal to the UT administration to immediately reject the proposal, since it is in violation of the Act, said Kainth.

SPLURGING GOES ON UNABATED

The House approved the agenda even as the UT administration had hiked the monthly honorarium of councillors from 10,000 to 15,000 in October last year.

There was a substantial hike in honorarium for top posts: from 20,000 to 45,000 for the mayor, from 15,000 to 30,000 for the senior deputy mayor and from 12,000 to 20,000 for the deputy mayor.

The move put an additional burden of 25 lakh per annum on the MC.

If this was not enough, the councillors cleared another agenda in the last House meeting in December, wherein they can now appoint personal staff (stenographer and peon) in their offices at community centres. In fact, even these offices have not been formally cleared in the bylaws governing community centres.

Councillors even approved three free parking passes for their vehicles at the time of finalising the new rates in July last year. Not only this, they spent 11 lakh on a religious tour to Leh and Ladakh in September, without seeking any approval from the UT administration.

The councillors, however, justified the move. BJPs Shakti Prakash Devshali said the media should not make such a hue and cry over the issue.

We visit the MC office everyday to resolve grievances of the general public, and also meet various officers for preparing development agendas for our wards. We also use our vehicles to attend official programmes. There is nothing wrong in fuel entitlement to the councillors, he said.

Ravi Kant Sharma, too, said the present honorarium of the councillors is not enough.

However, the decision has not gone down well with resident welfare associations. Chandigarh Residents Associations Welfare Federation chairman Hitesh Puri said such freebies can be justified only if the MC has no dearth of money.

The MC hardly has funds for development works. Its coffers are empty when it comes to paying the contractual staff, but councillors want more privileges for themselves instead of showing austerity. This move should be rejected immediately, he said.

Vinod Vashisht, convener, City Forum of Residents Welfare Organisations, too, said the councillors should think about judicious use of public money, instead of splurging it on themselves.

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. ("South Atlantic" or the "Company") (OTCQX: SABK), parent of South Atlantic Bank (the "Bank"), today reported net income of $6.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $3.5 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, reported for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 was $1.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, reported for the same quarter in 2018. Net income increased 75.5 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

Financial Highlights

Return on average equity was 7.20 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019 , compared to 4.74 percent for the year ended December 31, 2018 .

, compared to 4.74 percent for the year ended . Return on average assets was 0.87 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019 , compared to 0.57 percent for the year ended December 31, 2018 .

, compared to 0.57 percent for the year ended . The net interest margin, taxable equivalent, was 4.16 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019 , a 13 basis point decline from the year ended December 31, 2018 .

, a 13 basis point decline from the year ended . Total loans grew 8.4 percent year-over-year, from $531.0 million at December 31, 2018 to $575.7 million at December 31, 2019 .

at to at . Total deposits grew 16.3 percent year-over-year, from $530.3 million at December 31, 2018 to $616.8 million at December 31, 2019 .

at to at . Total assets grew 14.0 percent year-over-year, from $630.2 million at December 31, 2018 to $718.4 million at December 31, 2019 .

at to at . Asset quality continues to be pristine with non-performing assets to average total assets at 0.07 percent as of December 31, 2019 .

"We are pleased to report our outstanding 2019 results and expect our consistently strong financial performance to continue in 2020. All of our branches contributed to our double-digit earnings growth. The markets in our geographic footprint rank among the fastest growing in the country, and our tenth location recently opened to serve the expanding Myrtle Beach community," said Wayne Wicker, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board for South Atlantic.

Operating Results

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 totaled $6.1 million, or $0.80 per diluted common share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $3.5 million, or $0.47 per diluted common share.

Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 totaled $1.3 million, or $0.17 per diluted common share, compared to $1.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2018.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income increased $3.1 million to $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase resulted primarily from higher interest-earning average asset balances and increased interest income from loan growth of 8.4 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019. Net interest margin, taxable equivalent ("net interest margin"), decreased 13 basis points from 4.29 percent at December 31, 2018 to 4.16 percent at December 31, 2019. Net interest margin for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 decreased to 4.03 percent from 4.37 percent at December 31, 2018. These decreases in net interest margin are the result of higher cost of funds during the periods. Net interest income to average assets was 3.83 percent for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to 3.94 percent for the same period in 2018, and 3.70 percent for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared to 4.01 percent for the same period in 2018. These declines are due primarily to increased interest expense from a comparatively higher cost of funds during 2019.

Net interest income and the net interest margin are affected by purchase accounting accretion and amortization entries associated with the fair value measurements recorded effective September 1, 2018. Increases in interest income on loans totaling $429 thousand were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $382 thousand in the year ended December 31, 2018. Purchase loan accretion amounts vary from period to period as a result of periodic cash flow re-estimations, loan payoffs, and payment performance.

Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income totaled $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Noninterest income for the quarter ended December 31, 2019 totaled $1.1 million, compared to $838 thousand for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The increase in noninterest income was primarily related to increased mortgage production and gains on the restructure of the investment portfolio. Noninterest expense increased $1.1 million from $22.2 million for year ended December 31, 2018 to $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the quarter ended December 31, 2019, noninterest expense increased $803 thousand from $5.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 to $5.9 million for the same quarter in 2019. The increase in noninterest expense for both the quarter and year related primarily to increases in compensation, benefits and occupancy as we continue to expand our markets.

Loan Loss Provision

Provision for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $810 thousand and $710 thousand, respectively. This increase in provision for loan losses is due primarily to the increase in loan growth from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Provision for loan losses for the three-month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $315 thousand and $385 thousand, respectively. The allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31, 2019 was $5.2 million, or 0.91 percent of total loans, compared to $4.4 million, or 0.83 percent of total loans at December 31, 2018.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of average assets was 0.07 percent and 0.09 percent for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the three-month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, nonperforming assets as a percentage of average assets was 0.07 and 0.09, respectively.

Capital Position

Shareholders' equity totaled $88.4 million as of December 31, 2019, an increase of $9.1 million since December 31, 2018. The Bank's capital position remains above the minimum regulatory thresholds required to be considered "well-capitalized," with a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.41 percent at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, the Bank had approximately $2.7 million in excess of the 10.0 percent minimum regulatory threshold required to be considered a "well-capitalized" institution. In addition, the Company reported $15.8 million in additional capital available for distribution to the Bank. The Company reported 7,504,040 total shares outstanding at December 31, 2019.

About South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc.

South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: SABK) is a registered bank holding company based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with $725 million in total assets. The Company's banking subsidiary, South Atlantic Bank, is a full service financial institution spanning the entire coastal area of South Carolina, and is locally owned, controlled and operated. The Bank operates ten offices in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Georgetown, Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Bank specializes in providing personalized community banking services to individuals, small businesses and corporations. Services include a full range of consumer and commercial banking products, including mortgage, and treasury management, including South Atlantic Bank goMobile, the Bank's mobile banking app. The Bank also offers internet banking, no-fee ATM access, checking, CD and money market accounts, merchant services, mortgage loans, remote deposit capture, and more. For more information, visit www.SouthAtlantic.bank.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains, among other things, certain statements about future events that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements with references to a future period or statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project," "outlook" or similar terms or expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management team and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control). These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, the Company can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Company or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made, except as required by law.

Information contained herein, other than information at December 31, 2018 and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, is unaudited. All financial data should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Bank as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as contained in the Company's 2018 Annual Report located on the Company's website.

Member FDIC

SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS























For the For the For the For the



Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Year Ended Year Ended



December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018





















Quarter End/Year End Balances (In Thousands)













Total Assets $ 718,402 $ 630,216 $ 718,402 $ 630,216

Investment securities

76,399

49,993

76,399

49,993

Mortgage loans held-for-sale

4,904

924

4,904

924

Loans, net of unearned income (total loans) 575,721

531,035

575,721

531,035

Allowance for loan losses

(5,237)

(4,400)

(5,237)

(4,400)

Goodwill

5,349

5,349

5,349

5,349

Deposit Intangible

1,111

1,396

1,111

1,396

Deposits

616,807

530,339

616,807

530,339

Shareholders' equity

88,406

79,336

88,406

79,336

Common Stock period end actual shares

7,504,040

7,504,040

7,504,040

7,504,040





















Average Balances (In Thousands)

















Total Assets $ 714,442 $ 626,068 $ 700,692 $ 602,870

Earning assets

653,453

581,615

642,785

557,022

Investment securities

74,158

48,463

61,328

41,917

Loans, net of unearned income

565,184

522,730

553,036

491,812

Deposits

611,566

527,627

599,031

516,993

Shareholders' equity

87,415

79,664

84,240

72,957





















Earnings Breakdown (In Thousands, except share and per share amounts)











Total interest income $ 8,042 $ 7,261 $ 32,244 $ 26,660

Total interest expense

1,379

929

5,429

2,895

Net interest income

6,663

6,332

26,815

23,765

Total noninterest income

1,131

838

4,859

3,525

Total noninterest expense

5,871

5,068

23,358

22,211

Provision for loan losses

315

385

810

710

Income before taxes

1,608

1,717

7,506

4,369

Taxes

342

353

1,440

912

Net income

1,266

1,364

6,066

3,457

Diluted earnings per share

0.17

0.18

0.80

0.47

Weighted average shares outstanding















Common stock - basic

7,504,040

7,504,040

7,504,040

7,176,015

Common stock - diluted

7,603,468

7,616,976

7,601,903

7,307,507





















Selected % Increases (Period over Period)



Total assets

13.99 % 21.57 % 13.99 % 21.57 % Total interest earning assets

10.52

20.89

10.52

20.89

Total loans

8.41

22.10

8.41

22.10

Total deposits

16.30

20.74

16.30

20.74

Interest income

10.75

35.09

20.94

32.40

Interest expense

48.50

96.85

87.52

71.10

Noninterest income

34.99

(6.34)

37.87

13.19

Noninterest expense

15.84

12.18

5.16

30.28

Net income

(7.19)

46.24

75.45

7.51





















Selected Ratios

















Return on assets

0.70 % 0.86 % 0.87 % 0.57 % Return on equity

5.74

6.79

7.20

4.74

Net interest income to total average assets 3.70

4.01

3.83

3.94

Efficiency ratio

75.33

70.68

73.74

81.39

Loan loss reserve to total loans

0.91

0.83

0.91

0.83

Nonperforming assets to total average assets 0.07

0.09

0.07

0.09

Net charge-offs to total average loans (0.01)

0.06

(0.00)

0.01

Net interest margin

4.03

4.37

4.16

4.29























SOURCE South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.southatlantic.bank


A wedding venue in South Africa is refusing to host a ceremony for a lesbian couple because of its Christian beliefs, sparking a row in the only African country to permit gay marriage.

South Africans Sasha Lee Heekes and Megan Watling said they believed they had found the perfect venue for their wedding planned for April 2021.

But after enquiring, the owners of Beloftebos Wedding Venue told them they do not host same-sex weddings because of their Christian beliefs.

After the rejection Heekes took to social media to express her shock.

"You may not understand the hurt I feel, and how disheartened I am that such prejudices go unchallenged," Heekes said in recent days.

"But Beloftebos' way of thinking is one of many insidious ripples leftover from beliefs and ideologies that have contributed to mass human injustice," she said on Facebook.

The couple, who "are shocked by the homophobic vitriol flung at them," are considering some kind of action, a friend of the couple told AFP on Tuesday.

"They are currently in consultation with a wide variety of role players ... and are taking their time to consider their options," said the friend who declined to be named.

The incident has triggered a row in South Africa, the only country on the continent to allow same-sex marriage, which was legalised in 2006.

South African Human Rights Commission's official Andre Gaum suggested the decision taken by Beloftebos, a two-hour drive from Capetown, was discriminatory.

"You cannot in the name of religious freedom or religious beliefs unfairly discriminate on any of the prohibited grounds mentioned in the equality (law)," Gaum said.

But Michael Swain, spokesman for Beloftebos and director of Freedom of Religion South Africa, said it would be unfair for the venue owners to be forced to celebrate something that goes against their Christian beliefs and convictions.

But he said the venue would have no problem hosting any other event for a same-sex couple such as a birthday party.

"There is a constitutional court precedent which says that in the equality clause, there is no hierarchy of rights," Swain added.

"In other words, one right does not automatically trump another right. So sexual orientation rights do not automatically trump religious, conscience and belief rights," he said.

Heekes and Watling are not the first couple to be turned away by the venue.

In 2017 Alexandra Thorne and Alex Lu were also denied use based on their sexual orientation and their case is yet to be heard in court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORWALK  Cesar Ramirez, a 32-year city police veteran recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, died on Tuesday.

The 71-year-olds death comes just one month after he signed off from Norwalk Police Department for the final time and was sent off by a full honor guard and police escort.

Needless to say that we are all heartbroken over his loss, Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said Tuesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

More News Norwalk police salute longtime officer diagnosed with brain cancer

Ramirez was a longtime South Norwalk community police officer who worked for decades in collaboration with Columbus and Side By Side elementary schools.

Following his glioblastoma diagnosis, Ramirez had taken an extended medical leave from the department on Dec. 13. In honor of his legacy, Mayor Harry Rilling declared that day as Cesar Ramirez Day.

Cesar Ramirez was a really special person and Norwalk police officer. This is a great loss for our Norwalk police family. It was my honor to know him well, said Rilling, who was deputy police chief when Ramirez was hired.

He cared deeply about the community he served. He was a dedicated public servant in every sense of the word. His passing is a huge loss for our city, which I know he loved dearly. It is a sad day in Norwalk, but I know his legacy will live on through the programs he started and the difference he made in the lives of residents.

As a mix of police officers and community members watched on his final day in uniform, Ramirez accepted a key to the city. He told those gathered that his diagnosis was only another trial in his life and urged those he left behind at the department to keep compassion in mind during their own travails.

Stay strong, focus on your family and your health, do the right thing without expecting anything in return, and please respect others as you would like to be respected, Ramirez said.

Earlier this month, Norwalk police started a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Ramirezs wife, Ana Ramirez, to help with medical costs.

Ramirez leaves behind a long legacy of dedicated community service in Norwalk. During his time with the department, he introduced the Columbus Magnet Schools Community Police Christmas Party, which has since become an annual tradition.

Volunteering and community service were always a priority for him, Rilling said.

In addition to his work as an officer, Ramirez also served as the chairman of the Norwalk Housing Authority, which he joined in 1992. He also served on the Second Taxing Commission.

Prior to joining the Norwalk police force, Ramirez worked for the New York Police Department.
W hy would the BBC director general opt to quit in the run-up to the BBC centenary celebrations in 2022  a milestone the Beeb regards as akin to a royal jubilee?

The quick answer is a shift in the institutional arithmetic has resulted in a shorter goodbye for affable Lord Hall, appointed in 2012. Relations between the national broadcaster and the Government go through periods of calm, interrupted by ill-tempered squalls.

These happen when a government is on the back foot on sensitive issues (such as Iraq and weapons of mass destruction under New Labour), or because there is a sense that the broadcaster, however avid its denials, is acting as internal opposition to the government of the day. This brought matters to a head during the Thatcher years.

Lord Hall has been too pragmatic to get into an outright row with Boris Johnson, but it would take an implausible suspension of disbelief not to see that the BBC has struggled. To Lord Halls credit, he oversaw an 11-year charter which now looks like a prescient insurance policy. But a review in 2022 is likely to raise some of the questions that led to the option of replacing licence-fee funding with advertising, considered in the mid-Eighties. The context of digital disruption via the streaming services is more testing, too.

Moving to appoint a new figure this year also ensures Lord Halls successor is appointed under the present chairman, Sir David Clementi, rather than under a more radical replacement ushered in by Team Johnson.

Anne McElvoy

There will be no shortage of calls to save the BBC  though the question From what? looms. It can hardly be saved from the winds of digital competition. This means that its future (outside news and current affairs provision, which should rightly be protected from external interference) can only be secured by embracing ties with global digital businesses, rather than suggesting that its role is to fight Netflix, Apple et al. One useful aspect of the race to succeed Lord Hall will be the chance to overhaul a piecemeal digital strategy.

That leads to the next argument  whether the licence fee-funded model is worth the corporation dying on a hill for. It can only work if enough people are happy for a levy to be enforced. The Government is turning the screws on the BBC by moving to make the punishment for non-payment less onerous.

This logic suggests a smaller core service with add-ons to bring in revenue. It is not an easy transition, given the arguments about what the core would be, and the cost of encrypting paid-for content. But it is a prospect unlikely to melt away as younger audiences switch their viewing patterns.

I gather headhunters are looking to the US, yet the new boss needs knowledge of Broadcasting House

Impartiality is next on the checklist. I have long pestered commissioners to share more of the argument on this with audiences. It would be fair to say it is not their favourite subject. But as politics has become more disrupted  the rise of Jeremy Corbyn and Brexit being obvious examples  trying to calibrate what that impartiality means in practice is a lot harder. A broadcasters job is to home in on dubious, changeable or false claims made in an election campaign or in government (and opposition). Yet this needs to be tested against the BBCs tendency to become an echo chamber. Diversity of thought is not as much of a strength as it would like to think.

A shift at the top is happening against the backdrop of a flurry of cases being successfully brought against the BBC for underpaying female on-air staff in comparison to men. The Samira Ahmed ruling, and Sarah Montagues settlement of some 400,000 for pay discrepancies at the Today programme, are signs that the top brass dropped the ball and failed to pick it up again, as one leading female newsreader put it to me.

That might weigh in favour of female candidates for director general, from Charlotte Moore, the director of content (the job titles are a mix of Soviet planning and Nineties business school lingo) to external contenders such as Channel 4s Alex Mahon. I feel less sure a revolving door between Ofcom (where Dame Sharon White recently resided) and the BBC is a great idea. Ofcom has its own problems of over-reach to contend with.

Stepping down: Lord Hall / Getty Images

Setting the BBCs internal course is a vital part of the director generals role. The organisation is far better at acquiring staff than figuring out how to move people on. It needs to overhaul the scope of its union agreements  an area still consigned to the too difficult box. It would be nice, of course, if the BBC did not have to make such choices. But there is vanishingly little chance of a rise in the licence fee (rather the opposite), and a lot of money is going out of the door to resolve legacy issues.

Would a new broom help? The BBC usually appoints director generals like Lord Hall or Mark Thompson, sired by its News fiefdom. This looks less likely now. Two prominent possibilities have external and internal expertise. James Purnell, the strategy boss, has been in government but likely realises it is not the moment for an ex-Labour minister to rise in politics. BBC Studios boss Tim Davie jokes about himself as a Dial 0800: Tim for emergency director general. He is commercially successful and more at ease with mercantile Tories than many of his colleagues.

I gather headhunters are also looking to the US (including at expat media sorts) . Yet some working knowledge of Broadcasting House, or at least public service journalism, feels needed.

If you value the BBC, a director generals departure marks the handing on of something special. But beware the Joni Mitchell defence  You dont know what youve got till its gone. Too many people are deciding they can live without the BBC, or favour a more selective relationship with it. So it should take the chance for a reality check. Lord Hall hands on the baton at the right time in a generous spirit. A credible successor will combine pride in what W1A offers with a dose of salts. Whatever the job description, it is not business as usual.
Fianna Fail is back down to just one candidate in Limerick County after Cllr Eddie Ryan withdrew from the ticket - just twelve hours after he was added.

On Monday evening, following a meeting of the National Constituencies Committee, Fianna Fail announced that Cllr Ryan would join sitting TD Niall Collins on the ticket in Limerick County.

However, after reflecting on the decision overnight, he informed the party that he would not be running.

A Fianna Fail spokesperson confirmed the decision and conceded that a one-candidate ticket is now likely.

"We note Eddies decision to withdraw from the General Election ticket and are disappointed by it," they said.

"On the issue of a second candidate, we dont, at this stage, anticipate any further addition to the ticket."

After he had been added to the ticket, Cllr Ryan had said: "This is an exciting time for Limerick  this county has so much potential but it has been ignored by Fine Gael. Fianna Fail will get the best out of this county and I will provide a strong voice for the constituency.

"Together with Niall Collins, Fianna Fail has a strong ticket for Limerick and can deliver."

Also running in the constituency are sitting TDs Patrick ODonovan (Fine Gael) and Tom Neville (Fine Gael), Seighin O Ceallaigh (Sinn Fein), Claire Keating (Green Party), John Dalton (Renua), Conor ODonoghue (Aontu), Cristin Ni Mhaoldhomhnaigh (National Party) and Cllr Richard ODonoghue (Independent).

Meanwhile, in Cork-South West, the Green Party has added well-known environmental campaigner Bernie Connolly to its ticket.

Ms Connolly is the coordinator of the Cork Environmental Forum (CEF) and previously stood for the party in 2004.

Originally from Glengarriff, she has been coordinator of CEF since 2011.

It means the Green Party now has a candidate running in every constituency.

Ms Connolly has committed to focusing on community development and social issues.

"Weve been fighting for the environment and for biodiversity for years in West Cork, and now you have young people getting really passionate about the environment and the climate crisis," she said.

"In one way its terrible that these issues are still issues, but it means that we know what theyre going through, we can speak from experience when they ask for help, and it means that there are passionate people out there to work together to make sure these arent issues for our children and grandchildren."

Separately, in the city, the field is getting even more crowded. Glanmire councillor Ger Keohane is the latest name added to the Cork North-Central ticket. He will run as an independent.

Councillor Ger Keohane

Finally, in a milestone for the party, Labour will not have a candidate in Kerry for the first time since 1933.

Cllr Terry O'Brien, a former mayor of Tralee and Kerry, had been approached by the party but has opted not to run.

At its height in Kerry, Labour held two seats in the county - one in Kerry North and one in Kerry South.

In 2011, Arthur Spring, a nephew of Dick Spring, won a seat in Kerry North but he failed to retain it in 2016 when Kerry became one constituency.
Kim Kardashian said a law career has been 'in [her] soul for years'.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is currently studying to become a lawyer, and has now said that following in the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian - who was best known for being part of O.J. Simpson's defense team - has always been a dream of hers.

'I think that by the time I was a teenager and [my dad] was working on the O.J. case, I was sneaking in his office, looking at all of the evidence and things I shouldn't have been looking at,' said the wife of Kanye West. 'Maybe it was in my soul for years that that's what I would have wanted to do.'

Legal minded: Kim Kardashian said a law career has been 'in [her] soul for years'. The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is currently studying to become a lawyer, and has now said that following in the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian - who was best known for being part of O.J. Simpson's defense team - has always been a dream of hers

The star then added, 'And I've even seen interviews pop up now from six or seven years ago. People ask what I wanted to do if I wasn't filming my show. I always said I wanted to be a crime scene investigator or an attorney.'

Kim, 39, hopes that her father - who passed away in 2003 when Kim was 22 - would be 'so proud' to see her pursuing a career in law, and says whenever she gets 'frustrated' with studying, she thinks of him.

The beauty added to Us Weekly magazine: 'There are times when I could be frustrated and up studying really late and have to get up and wonder how he did it having four kids.

Family portrait: Kim, 39, hopes that her father - who passed away in 2003 when Kim was 22 - would be 'so proud' to see her pursuing a career in law, and says whenever she gets 'frustrated' with studying, she thinks of him

She misses her father every day: Here she posted a tribute to her dad

So much in common: 'He must've been going through some of the same things that I have gone through. It would have been exciting to talk to him about that, and I know that he would be so, so proud'

'He must've been going through some of the same things that I have gone through. It would have been exciting to talk to him about that, and I know that he would be so, so proud.'

Meanwhile, Caitlyn Jenner - who formerly known as Bruce Jenner, and was married to Kim's mother Kris Jenner until 2014, prior to undergoing gender reassignment - recently revealed Kim has plans to open her own law firm and employ legally-trained former inmates.

Kim - who has North, six, Saint, four, Chicago, two, and Psalm, eight months, with husband Kanye West - has been working on prison reform in recent years, and hopes setting up her own law firm will help get former inmates into work.

News from KK: Kim also had an announced on Tuesday. She said her SKIMS shapewear will be on sale at Nordstrom. The 39-year-old beauty dropped the news with a video where she wore one of her black SKIMS robed while fully made up in her Hidden Hills, California mansion

Caitlyn said: 'Kim told me she wants to start her own law firm and work on prison reform and try to hire as many former inmates [who've studied law], to help the prison system.'

Kim also had an announced on Tuesday. She said her SKIMS shapewear will be on sale at Nordstrom.

The 39-year-old beauty dropped the news with a video where she wore one of her black SKIMS robed while fully made up in her Hidden Hills, California mansion. When the line launched last year, it was only available online.

Also at Nordstrom is her sister Khloe's Good American line.
South Korean diplomats met with Nepalese police on Tuesday to discuss four South Korean trekkers who went missing since an avalanche swept across popular mountain trekking route. The avalanche hit part of the Mount Annapurna trekking route on Friday after heavy snowfall earlier in the week.

Special Nepalese army and government rescue personnel have since been searching for the South Korean trekkers and their three Nepali guides.

South Korea's foreign ministry said the missing trekkers are two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s and are teachers who were staying in Nepal for volunteer work.

All other trekkers who were in the area have been safely rescued and flown to safer areas, Department of Tourism official Mira Acharya said.
By Divya Chowdhury and Lisa Pauline Mattackal (Reuters) - Emerging markets are the 'anti-bubble' to increasingly expensive U.S. stocks, Barbara Ann Bernard, founder and chief investment officer of asset manager Wincrest Capital, said on Monday.

By Divya Chowdhury and Lisa Pauline Mattackal

(Reuters) - Emerging markets are the "anti-bubble" to increasingly expensive U.S. stocks, Barbara Ann Bernard, founder and chief investment officer of asset manager Wincrest Capital, said on Monday.

Lofty equity valuations of companies like Apple Inc were dangerous, Bernard, whose investments include Saudi Arabian gyms and Indian shoe maker Relaxo Footwears Ltd, said in an interview in the Reuters Global Markets Forum.

Although the trend towards passive investing threatens the process of price discovery, it creates opportunities for investors willing to bet on overlooked stocks, Bernard said on the eve of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

Question (Q) - Which countries do you find value in currently? Do emerging markets look appealing to you?

Answer (A) - Absolutely. Our fund is currently net short the U.S. market, not because we don't like the United States as a country, but rather, because we find twice the growth at half the multiple in Europe and emerging markets.

Last year, the earnings of the S&P 500 were flat. Yet its price-to-earnings multiple (P/E) expanded from 14 times earnings to 19 times by year-end. People are paying more for less there today.

As value investors, we are interested in paying less for more and are agnostic as to where we look for that opportunity.

Q: What is your view on the FAANG group (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google) of stocks, and in general, on U.S. tech valuations?

A: Things can be popular or safe, but in my experience, they are rarely both. FAANG is popular, but it is expensive, which makes it dangerous.

Today, the emerging market consumer is the "anti-bubble" to FAANG. For the market cap of Apple, you can buy every company in the four largest southeast Asian economies.

It is not normal, nor rational, to believe one company has a brighter future than several countries combined.

Q: What are your thoughts on quantitative easing's (QE)impact on value investing?

A: QE has distorted all valuations, not just in the public markets. With cheaper money, higher P/Es can be justified. But should they when you can still buy other markets at a discount with more growth and better yields?

You might have to look farther and work harder to uncover value today, but the harder we look the luckier we get.

Q: What is your view on the gradual fund flow from active investing to passive investing? Will passive flows eventually create more bubbles?

A: Today over 50% of the market is held by passive investors; three companies comprise 80% of that market share. I worry that this is eroding price discovery. I worry that more and more people are crowding into a room, but the exit door is still the same size. We have seen them indiscriminately buy, but we have not seen them sell.

At the same time, this is creating great opportunity. 80% of the positions in our fund are in no major index. We have adopted a private market approach to public equity markets.

(This interview was conducted in the Reuters Global Markets Forum, a chat room hosted on the Eikon platform. Sign up here to join GMF: https://refini.tv/2LbSKPl)

(Reporting by Divya Chowdhury in Davos, Savio Shetty in Mumbai, and Lisa Mattackal in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Alexander Smith)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunt Heroes Foundation (HHF), the non-profit organization founded by Hunt Military Communities (HMC), is excited to announce it has recently started accepting applications for its 2nd annual HHF scholarship grants.

Applicants to the Hunt Heroes Foundation Scholarship Program must be:

A high school senior or high school graduate or a current postsecondary undergraduate at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational school or a trade school student; or

Planning to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year

A qualified applicant must be one of the following:

An active-duty Service Member, National Guard or Reservist of one of the five branches of the United States Armed Services (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard) and with current military identification provided to HHF if selected as a recipient; or

A dependent of a Service Member (spouse, or child), prepared to provide documentation of dependent status to HHF if selected as a recipient by providing (a) birth certificate; (b) custody or guardianship order from a court with authority; and/or (c) marriage certificate; and be

Dependent children are defined as natural and legally adopted children or stepchildren living in the employee's household or primarily supported by the employee.

"We are pleased, for the second year, to help enable the ongoing education of military members and their families. Last year we were able to help nine worthy students and awarded $20,000," stated John Ehle, HMC President. "Because of the generous donations we received this year, we are able to increase scholarship awards and recognize 12 recipients and award $30,000 in scholarship grants in 2020. We will continue to grow the program each year and help as many people as we can."

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Up to twelve (12) awards will be granted as follows:

Three $5,000 awards for 2-year associates program or 4-year undergraduate studies;

awards for 2-year associates program or 4-year undergraduate studies; Four $2,500 awards for vocational-technical programs or certificates, or 2-year associates program or 4-year undergraduate studies program; and

awards for vocational-technical programs or certificates, or 2-year associates program or 4-year undergraduate studies program; and Five $1,000 awards for vocational-technical programs or certificates, 2-year associates program, or 4-year undergraduate studies program.

Scholarship recipients are selected based on community involvement, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, statement of goals and aspirations, unusual personal or family circumstances, an outside appraisal, and two (300 words or less) essays responding to the following questions:

How has being a part of the military or part of a military family affected your life? What would you like to change in your community, and how would you do it?

Scholarship America, a third party independent consultant, will coordinate, evaluate, and select the scholarship recipients.

All scholarships must be filled out online at: https://www.scholarsapply.org/huntheroesscholarship/

The deadline to submit a nomination is 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, February 21, 2020, or until 50 applications are received, whichever comes first. For questions or issues with the scholarship process, nominees are encouraged to email: [email protected]

About Hunt Heroes Foundation

Formed in 2018, the Hunt Heroes Foundation proudly serves military families, partners and communities through opportunities and ideas generated by our people and partnerships. Together, the HHF will discover new ways to ensure we help bring a positive change to the communities in which we live and work

About Hunt Military Communities

As the largest owner of military housing in the nation, Hunt Military Communities offers unsurpassed quality and service to more than 200,000 residents in over 52,000 homes on Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army installations throughout the country. With a 50-year legacy and a partnership with the Department of Defense, Hunt strives to build communities characterized by three clear promises: 5-star service, connectedness, and a culture of trust. For more information, visit www.huntmilitarycommunities.com.

SOURCE Hunt Heroes Foundation

Related Links

https://www.huntmilitarycommunities.com


A "merry-go-round" of extreme weather was hampering efforts by firefighters in Australia to tackle unprecedented bushfires that have killed at least 29 people and devastated vast swathes of the country. Parts of the country welcomed heavy rainfall overnight, but authorities warned Tuesday that storms were bringing added complications, and the fire-danger risk could be elevated in the coming days. "It has been a merry-go-round of weather over the last few days," the Bureau of Meteorology's Kevin Parkin said. "We have gone from fires and storms and floods, and giant hail -- the size of limes... producing widespread damage -- to fire danger escalating on our doorstep," the senior meteorologist added. The country has suffered a collision of extreme climate events in the past week, with storms, lightning, thunder and hail battering areas in the fire-hit east. The bushfire season has been made worse by climate change, experts say. Victoria state experienced bursts of intense rain over the past 48 hours that helped to contain long-running blazes in some areas, but landslides, fallen trees and lightning strikes have hampered recovery efforts. The temperature in Victoria is set to climb into the mid-30 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) range on Wednesday amid fierce winds, prompting extreme weather warnings in the western parts of the state, where authorities say "new start" fires will be difficult to contain. "New starts in unprepared communities are the biggest risk," Victoria Country Fire Authority chief officer Steve Warrington told media. "If communities are not prepared for fire -- whether they live or die, whether their property is saved or not saved -- is very much dependent on decisions people make right now." A change is expected to bring more rain to the state late Wednesday. Further north in New South Wales state, heavy rains have also been welcomed in some areas but in others it has left fire-ravaged areas too damp to undertake preventative controlled burns. Authorities there are bracing for elevated fire danger on Thursday, when temperatures in parts of the state will tip above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Storm clouds over Sydney Harbour gave some relief after weeks of intense bushfires
Outstanding workers on Vietnam Airlines' flight (Photo: Vietnam Airlines)

The special flights are sponsored by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCMYU) Central Committee coordination with Vietnam Airlines under a programme to encourage workers to channel more efforts to production activities.

Accordingly, Vietnam Airlines operated five such flights on January 20 and 21 to transport 900 workers from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, Quy Nhon (the central province of Binh Dinh), Vinh (the central province of Nghe An) and Dong Hoi (the central province of Quang Binh).

Apart from these flights, the HCMYU also booked 200 more seats for other labourers on two normal flights of Vietnam Airlines from HCM City to Hanoi.

This is the second year the HCMYU and Vietnam Airlines have carried out the programme.
A landlord has been left with a bill totalling thousands of pounds and unable to recoup a penny after her tenant deliberately left her property in squalor.

Photographs obtained by MailOnline reveal the filth left behind by a tenant at the home in Barking, Essex - with maggots engulfing the fridge and freezer, which the tenant left unplugged intentionally.

The homeowner was only able to evict the tenant after a seven-month battle - before learning he was a Romanian national with no UK assets.

She has now hit out at the lettings agency's for failing to carry out proper referencing checks and allowing the 'repeat offender' who had been evicted from other properties, to slip through the net.

Maggots can be seen engulfing the fridge and freezer, which the tenant left unplugged intentionally

Mounds of unopened debt letters were left piling up on the kitchen counters

LegalforLandlords has released sickening images of the filthy home to highlight the plight of landlords dealing with problem tenants.

Maggots can be seen engulfing the fridge and freezer, which the tenant left unplugged intentionally, while mounds of unopened debt letters pile up on kitchen counters.

It took seven months for the tenant to be evicted from the two-bedroom home in Barking, Essex, despite the appalling state of the property.

Rent arrears totaled 6,250, but because the tenant was an EU national with no UK assets, the landlord recouped nothing at all and has been left with a bill totalling thousands of pounds for cleaning, repairs and waste removal.

The landlord, who does not wish to be named, later discovered the tenant was a 'repeat offender', who left a trail of destruction in his wake.

While a letting agency dealt with tenant referencing checks on behalf of the landlord, she has questioned their thoroughness given that previous issues were not flagged.

LegalforLandlords represented the landlord in gaining possession of her property.

It took seven months for the tenant to be evicted from the two-bedroom home in Barking, Essex, despite the appalling state of the property

Sim Sekhon, Managing Director of LegalforLandlords, said: 'We've handled many cases where tenants have left properties in a state of squalor, but this is definitely one of the worst we've seen.

'Much of it was deliberate, with the intention of causing as much damage as possible, which made for a very frustrating wait for the landlord until the tenant could be evicted legally.

'It's a case that really sheds light on the scale of the problems caused by rogue tenants - we regularly hear about rogue landlords and the need to protect tenants, but these incidents aren't unusual and more should be done to make sure that landlords' rights are given equal consideration.

'Like many landlords forced to deal with something like this, I expect the owner of this home will go on to sell the property instead of continuing to rent - it can be a very stressful ordeal, particularly with such long delays, all the time knowing the damage is worsening, the repair bill edging upwards.

'It's extremely unfair that the landlord has been saddled with a hefty bill on top of the arrears, but I'm pleased we have been able to help her to regain control of her property.'
With one-time funding from the provincial government set to end in March, Peel Regions designated sexual assault crisis centre is in a bind.

Hope 24/7, which specializes in psychotherapy services for those over 12 years old who have experienced sexual, interpersonal or intimate partner violence, will likely lose a therapist if the Ford government doesnt intervene.

With a wait-list of around 90 people or a close to two-year wait for service, Hope 24/7 CEO Laura Zilney said losing a clinician could worsen a caseload that already sees people turned away from the Brampton-based crisis centre.

Its very distressing to know that were going to have this situation thats going to come to a head at some point and its desperate, she said.

And the longer someone waits for treatment, Zilney said, the more challenging the recovery.

Theres suicide attempts, self-harming, theres other sexual assaults that occur so then when we finally get them in its a much more complex case to deal with, she said.

Funding that Hope 24/7 used to hire the clinician was from a $1 million investment announced on Feb. 26, 2019 by the Ministry of the Attorney General, which oversees the provinces licensed sexual assault crisis centres.

According to a release from the ministry, the money was a one-time investment, despite a difficult fiscal outlook left by the previous government.

The $1 million was split between Ontarios 42 sexual assault crisis centres, and Hope 24/7 got $52,000, Zilney said, enough for a four-day-a-week clinician.

Brian Gray, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General, did not comment directly on questions about whether the Ontario government would renew its 2019 $1 million investment, or how sexual assault crisis centres would address their wait-lists with less funding.

In an email, Gray said victim service organizations in Ontario do important and valuable work in their communities.

Our government remains committed to supporting victims and their families through victim services programs and is working to make it easier for victims of crime and their families and witnesses to get the help they need when and where they need it, he said.

In 2018, the previous Liberal government pledged up to $84.2 million over three years to boost the number of people served through sexual assault crisis centres, emergency shelters and legal supports. The funds were part of the Kathleen Wynne governments $242-million gender-based strategy, aimed at boosting supports for survivors of sexual assault.

The money promised by the Liberals wasnt delivered before the start of the 2018 election, and the succeeding Ford government did not follow through on the funding boost.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie wrote a letter to then attorney general Caroline Mulroney asking for Hope 24/7s funding to be restored to the Liberals pledge. With the Liberal boost, the Peel sexual assault centre would have received over $584,000, but dropped to around $511,000 including the Ford governments one-time funding.

Nicole Pietsch of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, a network organization for the provinces sexual assault centres, said the funding the former government had pledged would have made a huge difference to sexual violence-related organizations.

Pietsch said that movements like #MeToo and Times Up have encouraged more people who have had experiences of sexual assault to come forward, and it can be really disheartening to be put on a waiting list after coming forward.

Its really timely that if at the moment that many of these survivors finally wish to share their stories and knock on the door of their community sexual assault centre, they shouldnt have to wait on a waiting list, Pietsch said.

According to numbers from Statistics Canada, reports of sexual assaults in Ontario have been steadily increasing since 2016, when there were 7,434 incidents. In 2017, reports spiked 18 per cent to 8,782, and up to 10,634 in 2018, an increase of 21 per cent over the previous year.

In Brampton and Mississauga, an October 2019 police report said that between January and Aug. 31 in 2019, there were 663 reports of sexual assault to Peel Region police, with 37 classified as unfounded, or determined not to have occurred. The previous year saw 971 sexual assaults reported to Peel police, down 11.9 per cent from 1,102 in 2017. Peel police deemed 75 of the sexual assault reports unfounded in 2017, and cited 48 such incidents in 2018.

Those statistics represent sexual assaults reported to police, but unreported incidents of sexual violence are likely higher.

Individuals in Brampton, Mississauga or Caledon in crisis following a sexual assault can call 1-800-810-0180 for 24-hour assistance.

Steve Cornwell is a reporter with the Mississauga News and Brampton Guardian. Reach him via email: scornwell@metroland.com

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Harry lands in Canada to be reunited with Meghan and baby Archie

The Duke of Sussex has landed in Canada and is set to be reunited with Meghan and their baby Archie.

Prince Harry boarded a flight to Vancouver last night after his meeting with Boris Johnson and world leaders at a summit in London.

The summit was likely to be one of his few remaining official engagements before he and Meghan step back as "senior" royals in spring.

Harry's return to Canada also came after his brother Prince William hosted his first reception alone at Buckingham Palace.

Trump's legal team demand 'swift' acquittal at impeachment trial

Donald Trumps legal team has demanded that the president is immediately acquitted by the Senate, branding his impeachment a perversion of the Constitution.

In a brief that submitted before hearings of only the third impeachment trial in US history begin later today, they called for the articles to be swiftly rejected.

Mr Trump was charged with abusing his presidential power by asking Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and with obstructing Congress.

Jailed British-Australian woman claims Iran tried to recruit her as spy

A British-Australian woman jailed in Tehran has said she feels "abandoned and forgotten" and claimed Iran tried to recruit her as a spy.

In letters smuggled out of her cell in the notorious Evin prison, university lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert begged to be allowed to leave the restrictive unit where she has served periods in solitary confinement.

Dr Moore-Gilbert was arrested in September 2018 while at an educational conference and later convicted of espionage.

China confirms human-to-human transmission of deadly virus

China has confirmed there has been human-to-human transmission of the deadly new coronavirus, raising fears it could spread more quickly and widely.

The development came after authorities announced a sharp uptick in the number of confirmed cases to more than 200.

Four people have now died after being infected, authorities confirmed.

McGuinness and Harris step out for Top Gear premiere

Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris reunited on the red carpet at the premiere of the latest series of Top Gear.

The duo looked cheerful as ever as they headed to Leicester Square to mark the return of the BBC Two motoring programme last night.

To mark the occasion, a number of the vehicles that will feature in the upcoming episodes were transported to the London landmark.

Together with The Stig, McGuinness and Harris posed alongside cars including an Aston Martin DBX - with the event marking the first time the model has been seen on public roads.

On this day...

AD 304: Saint Agnes was martyred - burnt at the stake at the age of 13 when she refused to marry the husband chosen by her father.

1793: Louis XVI, King of France since 1774, was guillotined after being found guilty of treason.

1846: The Daily News, the newspaper edited by Charles Dickens, was first published.

1907: Taxi cabs were officially recognised in Britain.

1911: The first Monte Carlo Rally began.

1924: Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, father of the Russian Revolution, died of a brain haemorrhage at Gorki, outside Moscow.

1954: The USA launched the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine.

1976: British and French Concordes made their maiden flights from London to Bahrain and Paris to Rio de Janeiro.
Council of State head Katerina Sakellaropoulou looks set to be Greeces first female president (Giorgos Zachos/AP)

A high court judge is set to become Greeces first female president after two opposition parties sided with the centre-right governments nomination.

Katerina Sakellaropoulou, 63, has served as president of the Council of State, a top administrative court, for the past 15 months.

A government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, said Ms Sakellaropoulou was set to receive well beyond the 200 votes needed for her election in a vote scheduled in the 300-seat Parliament on Wednesday.

Expand Close Greece is set to get its first female president (Nick Potts/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Two centre-left opposition parties have already backed Ms Sakellaropoulous nomination, raising the total number of politicians from parties declaring support to 266.

Greece has a historically low level of women in senior positions in politics.

In the current cabinet, all but one of the 18 senior positions are held by men.

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The president holds a largely ceremonial position and serves a five-year term.

If elected, Ms Sakellaropoulou will succeed President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, a 69-year-old veteran conservative politician and academic.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 17:37:49|Editor: ZX

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CAIRO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least seven were killed and 15 others wounded on Tuesday in a chain collision involving three vehicles and three motorbikes in the southern Egyptian province of Sohag, a medical source said.

The accident took place on the province's desert road where two private cars, a microbus and three motorbikes collided because of high speed, an official from Sohag University Hospital told Xinhua.

The dead included a female student and drivers of the motorbikes, the source added on condition of anonymity.

Egypt loses roughly 12,000 lives in traffic accidents every year, with a road traffic fatality rate of 42 deaths per 100,000 people, according to a report by the World Health Organization in 2018.

The majority of the killed are passengers of four-wheelers, although pedestrians also constitute a significant 20 percent of the fatalities, according to the report.
George Poikayil By

Express News Service

KASARGOD: Kareem Saheb, 68, a resident of Vorkady in Kasaragod district, was in Mangaluru on December 19, when the police opened fire on people protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The firing at Bunder killed two persons and injured many.

Kareem made the trip to the city to renew his driving licence.

Years ago, he took the licence with the address of his sister, who lives in Kudroli. As the date of expiry of his licence neared, he went to a driving school, made the payment and waited for the call. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mangaluru gave him the appointment on December 19.

I called up the driving school to change the date because I heard there will be a protest on the date. But the school said if I did not turn up, I will lose the deposit, he said. Kareem reached the office at 10.30 am, and after the due procedure, he took a bus back to Talapady on the border with Manjeshwar in Kasaragod. I was home by 1.30 pm and had my lunch with my family, he said.

A month on, Kareem gets a notice from the Mangaluru police asking him to appear before the Assistant Commissioner on January 20.

The notice -- sent by the Assistant Commissioner of Police of City Crime Records Bureau -- said: .. (a) credible source of information has been received showing your involvement as a member of unlawful assembly continuing to commit rioting with organised conspiracy and common intention to disrupt the public order by violating the order promulgated by the competent authority.

The notice charges him with 13 counts of crimes, including IPC sections 307 (attempt to murder), 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting with a deadly weapon), 188 (disobedience to order by public servant), 353 (assault to deter public servant from discharging duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to public servant), 324 (assault with deadly weapon), 427 (damage to property), and 120 (b) read with Section 149 (criminal conspiracy). He also faces charges under the Karnataka Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Kareem said his bus passed by the State Bank Junction, and signals from his phone might have pinged off from the mobile towers in the area.

I am sure that is why I got the notice. This is clear harassment, he said. The Mangaluru police have sent notices to 650 people from Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. According to reports, the police have zeroed in on 2,000 people from Kerala who were in the city on December 19, and they would get the summons notice.

Ahmed Asif, 35, a resident of Chengala in Kasaragod, runs a granite business and goes to Mangaluru thrice a month to lathe his quarry machinery. On December 19, he was at the workshop near State Bank Junction behind the Forum Mall.

When I got the notice on Saturday, I called up the workshop owner to check if he had installed CCTV cameras. The footage would prove my innocence. But the owner said he would come with me to the police to say I was there. I have the bills, in case that is not sufficient, he said.

Asif said he met two of his close friends from Kasaragod near the lathe workshop the same day.

But they have not received any notice, he said. Asif said his name is Ahmed Asif but the notice stated it as Mohammed Asif.

They got my phone number right, he said.

He also has to appear before the police on Tuesday.

Congress leader and district panchayat standing committee member Harshad Vorkady said the Mangaluru police were harassing residents of Kerala.

On the day police killed two protesters, police commissioner P S Harsha blamed the people of Kerala for the violence in the city. Now, they are sending notices to whoever was in the city to justify the statement, said Harshad.

It is a cover-up exercise. Chief Minister should intervene in the issue, he said.

The Congress leader accompanied 10 such people to the Mangaluru police.

When I told the commissioner that his police should not harass people from Kerala, he got angry because I used the word harass, he said. Harshad said the police had told him that the Crime Investigation Department, which has taken over the case, would send summons notice again.

Many, who got the notices, were regulars to the city, such as fish sellers, students, and patients and their caregivers, he said. Mohammed Rafeek, 31, a fish vendor, is clueless on what to do with the notice. Every day, he goes to Bunder harbour at 5 am to buy fish for his stall at Udyavar in Manjeshwar.

I dont have a break. I go to Bunder all 365 days and return to my shop by 8.30 am with fish. I have been doing this for 13 years. The slip from the toll gate at Talapady will vouch for it, he said. But what should I do? Should I hire a lawyer from Kerala and go before meeting the police. Kerala lawyers will fight my case better, I think, he said. His date is also January 21, Tuesday.

No need to appear in person

Lok Sabha member Rajmohan Unnithan said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should call an all-party meeting to discuss the summon notice sent to people in Kerala by the Mangaluru police. MLA N A Nellikkunnu said he spoke to the city police commissioner Harsha.

The officer said those who got the summons need not appear in person as mentioned in the notice. They can write back explaining their presence in Mangaluru on December 19. If the police find the explanation satisfactory, there will be no action against them, the MLA said.

The calls made to the commissioner went unattended.
The family of a man brutally attacked in Dublin say gardai have apologised for not responding to his 999 call.

The man had his jaw broken when he was jumped by a teenage gang at the Suir Road Luas stop after 5pm on Sunday, January 12.

His mother, Ann O'Hara, said no patrol cars were free to respond, and there was a delay in taking his statement.

Ms O'Hara said: "They did eventually come up to us on the Tuesday afternoon to apologise for what had happened and they said there would be no rush in giving a statement, it would be at his convenience whenever he was ready.

"So we had to bring him down, he was over three hours down there and when he came home he was in bits from the pain after doing a lot of talking."

On Newstalk radio's Pat Kenny Show this morning, his mother Ms OHara said he cannot eat solid food for six weeks and is on a range of painkillers and antibiotics.

She said the youths began intimidating her sons wife while on the Luas and followed the couple off the tram when they reached their stop.

When they got to the Suir Road stop, my son and wife got off Luas and one of the lads held the door open while others got off the Luas and attacked him from behind, she said.

She said the group got back on the tram after the assault and her daughter-in-law immediately phoned the Gardai for help.

After 20 minutes nobody showed up and they phoned back and said, look we are going home; he needs to get home, here are the details this is the address can you call to the house? she said.

Again nothing happened, they came home and just before 11pm they received a call from the Gardai to say there was no car available.

They said they might get out to them the next day but they would be better off going to the local garda station and giving a statement the following day.

She said while they were waiting, gardai responded to reports of a gang of youths acting suspiciously at a car in the area within five minutes.A car is worth more than a human life, she said.

She said the couple was afraid to go to the hospital in case they missed gardai calling to the house and for fear of long waiting times in the Emergency department.

They eventually went to their GP on Monday morning and were referred into hospital.

They found out that his jaw was broken; they had to remove some of his wisdom teeth and put in a steel plate, she said.

He cant eat solid food for six weeks, he is on a liquid diet and he is on painkillers and antibiotics. It is very uncomfortable.

She said gardai eventually went to see her son in hospital and asked him to come into the station to make a statement, which he did over the weekend.

In a statement, Gardai said they received the call on the Sunday afternoon and informed the couple that a unit would respond to the call as soon as possible.

However, the caller was then informed that due to a number of serious calls in the system at that time the Garda unit would be delayed, it said.

An arrangement was then made with the caller and agreed that Gardai would call to the injured party the following day.

An investigation is now underway by the Gardai at Kilmainham and the injured party has been updated regularly as to the status.
As fatalities doubled to at least six with hundreds more people infected, airports around the world, including in Australia and the U.S., were checking passengers on flights from Wuhan, where the virus began in a seafood and poultry market. North Korea temporarily closed borders to tours from China. Heres what else we know.

The World Health Organization called a meeting to decide whether to declare the outbreak an international health emergency as evidence mounted that the virus spreads from person to person. In one case, a patient appeared to have infected 14 medical workers.

Fears: Many in China recalled the governments slow response to the 2003 outbreak of the SARS virus, which killed more than 800 people and infected more than 8,000.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed multiple corruption charges against a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke.

The charges include those related to money laundering, denying Nigeria taxes and an alleged N300 million bribe.

According to court filings seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, the EFCC filed a seven-count charge against the former attorney-general before the Federal High Court in Abuja and a 12-count charge before the FCT High Court.

In the charge before the Federal High Court (FCT), the commission accused Mr Adoke of accepting N300 million from a controversial businessman, Abubakar Aliyu, as bribe sometime in September 2013, in Abuja.

Mr Aliyu was charged alongside the former minister.

Former Nigerian oil Minister Dan Etete, involved in the Malabu Scandal. [Photo credit: THE REPUBLICAN NEWS]

PREMIUM TIMES reported how almost half of the $1.1 billion paid by Shell and Eni in a controversial OPL 245 deal brokered by Mr Adoke ended in accounts controlled by Mr Aliyu. The oil multinationals paid the money through the Nigerian government to Malabu, a company then controlled by Dan Etete, a former petroleum minister who is on the run.

Malabu, which was illegally awarded OPL 245 when Mr Etete was minister in 1998, then transferred about half of the money into accounts partly controlled by Mr Aliyu. Mr Aliyu is believed to have shared the money to top officials of Shell and Eni as well as officials of the Jonathan administration. The EFCC believes the N300 million Mr Adoke received in 2013 was his share of the Malabu windfall.

Shell, Eni and their officials are already being prosecuted in Italy for the scandal.

The EFCC also accused Mr Adoke of money laundering by allegedly paying N367 million to an accomplice, Usman Bello.

In the charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/39/2017, the EFCC said the alleged offences are contrary to section 1 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 16 (2)(b)of the same Act.

Shell and Eni photo used to illustrate the story. [Photo credit: THISDAYLIVE]

In the charge before the FCT High court, the commission accused Mr Adoke of accepting gratification from Mr Aliyu to facilitate and negotiate the OPL 245 resolution agreement with Shell, Eni and their Nigerian subsidiaries.

The commission also accused Mr Adoke of conspiring and agreeing to waive taxes due to the Federal Government of Nigeria by illegal means through the execution of the OPL 245 Resolution Agreement between the Nigerian government, the oil multinationals and a shady company, Malabu Oil and Gas.

The EFCC said his offences are contrary to Section 115 of the Penal Code and punishable under the same section of the Penal Code.

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Charged alongside Mr Adoke at the FCT High Court are Mr Abubakar; Rasky Gbinigie who was a company secretary to Malabu; Malabu; Agip, a subsidiary of Eni; and two subdiaries of Shell (Shell Nigeria Ultradeep Limited and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited).

Long Road To Trial

The EFCC had been pursuing Mr Adoke for his role in the controversial Malabu oil scandal regarding the controversial sale of Nigerias OPL 245 oil field.

Mr Adoke has denied any wrongdoing and said he acted on the instructions of the former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

The former minister went on a self imposed exile outside Nigeria. He eventually travelled to Dubai where he was arrested by Interpol at the prompting of the EFCC.

Upon his return to Nigeria, he was arrested at the Abuja airport and handed over to the EFCC on December 19.

The EFCC secured an initial court warrant to hold Mr Adoke for 14 days following his arrest in Abuja.

Following the expiration of the first order, a judge approved a second warrant to keep the former attorney-general for another 14 days. The anti-graft agency said the detention was necessary to enable it conduct their investigation and arraign him in court.

The second warrant expired on January 16.

PREMIUM TIMES on Monday reported the EFCC admitting that the second remand warrant for Mr Adoke had expired. It however claimed the former ministers continuous detention was in line its extant operational procedure.

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However, the Nigerian Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) do not provide for prolonged detention of citizens without valid court orders. EFCC insiders say Mr Adoke may appear in court this week to face the charges.
Tepid corporate results and IMF's markdown of India's growth forecast pulled down equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty on January 21.

Sensex was down 205.10 points to 41,323.81 while Nifty fell 54.60 points to 12,169.90 and formed small bearish candle on daily charts as closing value was lower than opening.

Experts expect the correction along with consolidation, which was warranted after stellar run-up, to continue in coming sessions.

"The short-term trend of Nifty continues to be negative and one may expect some more weakness in the coming sessions. The formation of small negative candle with range movement on January 21 (immediately after the negative reversal of last session) could raise some hopes for bulls to show upside bounce from the lows," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, told Moneycontrol.

He said key lower support area to be watched around is 12,040, where one may expect upside bounce in the market.

All sectoral indices, barring pharma, closed in the red.

"We reiterate our cautious view on the Indian markets given the stretched valuation and muted start to the earnings season. Going forward, the IMF growth forecast cut to 4.8 percent is likely to raise hopes amongst market participants of a big bang budget. Further, the earnings announcement for corporates would also induce stock specific volatility," said Ajit Mishra, VP - Research at Religare Broking.

We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades:

Key support and resistance level for Nifty

According to the pivot charts, the key support level for Nifty is placed at 12,144.73, followed by 12,119.67. If the index moves up, key resistance levels to watch out for are 12,212.43 and 12,255.07.

Nifty Bank

Nifty Bank closed at 30,947.50, down 0.43 percent on January 21. The important pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 30,813.73, followed by 30,679.87. On the upside, key resistance levels are placed at 31,126.33 and 31,305.07.

Call options data

Maximum Call open interest (OI) of 34.54 lakh contracts was seen at the 12,500 strike price. It will act as a crucial resistance level in the January series.

This is followed by 12,300 strike price, which holds 28.57 lakh contracts in open interest, and 12,400, which has accumulated 24.09 lakh contracts in open interest.

Significant call writing was seen at the 12,300 strike price, which added 4.7 lakh contracts, followed by 12,200 strike price that added 4.22 lakh contracts and 12,500 strike which added 2.88 lakh contracts.

Call unwinding was witnessed at 12,700 strike price, which shed 0.56 lakh contracts, followed by 12,800 strike which shed 0.51 lakh contracts and 12,600 strike which shed 0.43 lakh contracts.

Put options data

Maximum Put open interest of 34.35 lakh contracts was seen at 12,000 strike price, which will act as crucial support in the January series.

This is followed by 11,500 strike price, which holds 26.95 lakh contracts in open interest, and 11,800 strike price, which has accumulated 20.13 lakh contracts in open interest.

Put writing was seen at the 11,800 strike price, which added nearly 1.62 lakh contracts, followed by 12,200 strike, which added 1.1 lakh contracts and 11,500 strike which added 1.04 lakh contracts.

Put unwinding was seen at 12,300 strike price, which shed 2.45 lakh contracts, followed by 12,500 strike which shed 0.91 lakh contracts and 12,400 which shed 0.77 lakh contracts.

Stocks with a high delivery percentage

A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in these stocks.

32 stocks saw long buildup

40 stocks saw long unwinding

Based on open interest (OI) future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which long unwinding was seen.

49 stocks saw short build-up

An increase in open interest, along with a decrease in price, mostly indicates a build-up of short positions. Based on open interest (OI) future percentage, here are the top 10 stocks in which short build-up was seen.

23 stocks witnessed short-covering

A decrease in open interest, along with an increase in price, mostly indicates a short covering. Here are top 10 stocks that witnessed short-covering on January 8.

Bulk deals

(For more bulk deals, click here)

Upcoming analyst or board meetings/briefings

Pokarna: Board meeting is scheduled on January 29 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Force Motors: Board meeting is scheduled on January 30 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Indian Energy Exchange: Board meeting is scheduled on January 31 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Dr Lal PathLabs: Board meeting is scheduled on February 3 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

HPCL: Board meeting is scheduled on February 5 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

AstraZeneca Pharma India: Board meeting is scheduled on February 3 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Time Technoplast: Board meeting is scheduled on February 13 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Redington (India): Board meeting is scheduled on February 6 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

NHPC: Board meeting is scheduled on February 7 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Phillips Carbon Black: Board meeting is scheduled on February 13 to announce October-December quarter earnings.

Stocks in the news

Results on January 22: Larsen & Toubro, Axis Bank, Asian Paints, SBI Life Insurance, RBL Bank, Agro Tech Foods, KPR Mill, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Hi-Tech Pipes, AU Small Finance Bank, Creditaccess Grameen, AXISCADES Engineering, Supreme Petrochem, Sharda Cropchem, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, RS Software, Syngene International, Genus Power Infrastructures, VST Industries, CEAT, Cigniti Technologies, Gateway Distriparks, Rane Engine Valve, Supreme Petrochem, Eimco Elecon, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Raymond, IIFL Wealth Management, Tata Communications, Hindustan Media Ventures

Glenmark Pharma: Board approved sale of India and Nepal gynecology operations for Rs 115 crore.

HDFC AMC: Q3 profit jumps 45 percent to Rs 352.55 crore, revenue rises 10 percent to Rs 524.73 crore YoY.

Polycab India: Q3 consolidated profit rises 14.4 percent to Rs 221 crore, revenue jumps 23.8 percent to Rs 2,507 crore YoY.

Hatsun Agro: Q3 consolidated profit surges 50 percent to Rs 28 crore, revenue increases 16.1 percent to Rs 1,340.2 crore YoY.

Havells: Q3 consolidated profit rises 7.4 percent to Rs 201.2 crore, revenue dips 9.9 percent to Rs 2,273.3 crore YoY.

Snowman Logistics: Q3 loss at Rs 3.4 crore against profit at Rs 2.35 crore, revenue dips to Rs 58.76 crore versus Rs 59.33 crore YoY.

IndiaMart InterMesh: Q3 consolidated profit jumps 123.83 percent to Rs 62 crore, revenue surges 23.4 percent to Rs 164.9 crore YoY.

Tejas Networks: Q3 consolidated loss at Rs 112 crore versus profit of Rs 32.8 crore, revenue falls sharply to Rs 86.7 crore versus Rs 184.3 crore YoY.

Sasken Technologies: Q3 profit rises 3.1 percent to Rs 23.4 crore, revenue dips 5.3 percent to Rs 119 crore QoQ.

Mayur Uniquoters: Company announced the commencement of commercial operation at PU plant in Morena.

ZF Steering Gear India: Pithampur plant started commercial production.

OnMobile Global: Branch of the company in United Kingdom has been dissolved.

Indian Card Clothing Company: Pimpri plant in Pune suddenly caught fire on January 20, 2020, which has been non-operational since last year.

Allahabad Bank: Board meeting is scheduled on January 24 to consider a proposal for raising equity capital of the bank by an amount aggregating upto Rs 2,153 crore through preferential allotment to the Government of India.

FII and DII data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 50.08 crore, and domestic institutional investors (DIIs) offloaded shares of worth Rs 307.81 crore in the Indian equity market on January 21, provisional data available on the NSE showed.

Fund flow

One stock under F&O ban on NSE

Yes Bank is under the F&O ban for January 22. Securities in the ban period under the F&O segment include companies in which the security has crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.
The Marine Unit of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it prevented a suicide attempt on Lekki Link Bridge, Lagos on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement released by Nosa Okunbor, the spokesperson of the agency, on Tuesday.

Mr Okunbor said Ikechuwku Ibeh, a 36-year-old man attempted to end his life by jumping off the Lekki Link Bridge on Admiralty way Lekki phase 1 on Tuesday.

The male adult who plunged into the Lagoon at about 16:45hrs was promptly rescued within 5 minutes of his committing the suicidal act, he said.

Mr Okunbor said the victim was rescued from the lagoon by the sharks squad alongside LASWA officials.

When interrogated, the rescued man reportedly said he tried to kill himself because of some financial difficulties, depression and diminished reasons to live.

Upon rescue, the man was examined to detect any signs of fractures and self-inflicted life-threatening injuries, the agency said.

He was counselled and thereafter handed over to the Maroko Police Station for further actions, it added.
Alex Wong/Getty

A Russian-American dual citizen who found himself at the center of allegations of Kremlin meddling in the 2016 presidential election has established a new nonprofit to combat the political vilification of his erstwhile countrymen.

Rinat Akhmetshin is a Washington-based lobbyist and former Soviet military officer whose 2016 meeting with Trump campaign hands including the presidents son and son-in-law was a major subject of interest for investigators into Russian election meddling. Last week, he officially incorporated the nonprofit Russian-American Anti-Defamation League, according to District of Columbia corporate records.

The nonprofits specific plans werent immediately clear. Neither Akhmetshin nor his attorney responded to requests for comment. But the groups formation comes as Akhmetshin tries to sustain legal action against a prominent Kremlin critic who dubbed him a Russian spy, allegations that caught fire after Akhmetshins June 2016 meeting with top Trump campaign aides came to light the following year.

Akhmetshin formed the Russian-American Anti-Defamation League on January 16, according to D.C. corporate records. The group is headquartered at his Washington home.

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The groups formation came a couple of months after Akhmetshin appealed a federal courts dismissal of his libel case against Bill Browder, a businessman who has spearheaded campaigns around the globe to sanction corrupt Russian government officials. Browder labeled Akhmetshin a Russian intelligence asset" and "a Russian GRU officer" in a number of tweets that Akhmetshin alleges were defamatory. He sued in 2018 in a federal court in Washington. The suit was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds last year. Akhmetshins appeal is currently pending.

Akhmetshin played a significant role in the controversy surrounding Russian meddling in the 2016 election, and the investigation into Trump campaign knowledge or solicitation of it. He was one of two Russian nationals who met with Trump aides including Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. in the summer of 2016 after promising damaging information on Hillary Clinton, Trumps opponent.

Story continues

After the Mueller probe concluded, and found no proof of Trump campaign collusion with the Russian government, Akhmetshin told ABC News that the affair had hit me hard financially and led to baseless personal attacks.

After his Trump Tower meeting came to light, The New York Times reported that Akhmetshin has an association with a former deputy head of a Russian spy service, the F.S.B., and a history of working for close allies of President Vladimir V. Putin. Last year, BuzzFeed News reported that financial investigators had flagged a number of suspicious payments to Akhmetshin around the time of the Trump Tower meeting.

Akhmetshin and Natalia Veselnitskaya, the other Russian who attended the Trump Tower meeting, also worked with the opposition research firm Fusion GPS to dig into Browders business activities in Russia on behalf of a sanctioned Russian company. That work coincided with Fusions efforts to dig up dirt on Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Last year, Akhmetshin was paid $60,000 to assist with lobbying efforts on behalf of a former Kazakh government official accused of defrauding the country out of millions.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The ruling Trinamool Congress on Tuesday announced that it will bring a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 27 January, the third such move after the Kerala and Punjab Houses against the contentious law.

Kolkata: The ruling Trinamool Congress on Tuesday announced that it will bring a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 27 January, the third such move after the Kerala and Punjab Houses against the contentious law.

The TMC's declaration comes amidst mounting criticism by the major anti-BJP parties in the state for not passing a resolution opposing CAA.

State parliamentary affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said the TMC had submitted a resolution under rule 169 to the Assembly Speaker on 20 January, which will come up in the House on 27 January.

Faced by a lot of "rumours and canards" from the fellow Opposition parties over its position regarding CAA and National Population Register, Chatterjee said they "do not need lessons from others on how to continue its fight against CAA-NPR-NRC."

"We have submitted a resolution to the speaker on 20 January regarding it. The resolution against CAA will be placed in the state assembly on 27 January. Our government in principle is opposed to CAA," Chatterjee said.

He said they would appeal to all the Opposition parties to extend support to the resolution so that its approved unanimously.

Adoption of the resolution in the house would not be a difficult task considering the fact that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party on its own enjoys an overwhelming majority in the 295-member Bengal Assembly.

The development comes just a day after the chief minister said that an anti-CAA resolution will be placed in the Assembly very soon.

When asked whether the government was also mulling to move to the Supreme Court to challenge the law, Chatterjee said "The government and the party will fight it out on the streets and then take a call, if needed, whether to move a court or not".

Kerala and Punjab assemblies have already passed resolutions against the new citizenship law. If the resolution is adopted, West Bengal will the third state to do so.

The Left Front and the Congress have been criticising the TMC government for not adopting a resolution against the CAA.

The West Bengal Assembly has earlier passed an all-party resolution, baring BJP, against NRC in September last year.

In January this year, during a one-day special session, the Congress and Left Front wanted to bring a resolution against CAA. But their demand was turned down by the government, drawing sharp criticism from both the parties which had termed TMC as "B team" of the BJP in Bengal.

Banerjee's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata on 11 January had further sharpened the charge of a "political match-fixing between the two parties".

The TMC had trashed the allegations as baseless.

Congress and the Left Front have welcomed the TMC's move to bring the resolution as a "positive step".

Praising the initiative, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Abdul Mannan of the Congress said it's better that the TMC realised the necessity for such a resolution.

"When we had said, they had opposed it. But it is better TMC has decided to bring it, atleast they have realised the need for such a resolution," Mannan said.

Left Front Legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty said "we want an anti-CAA resolution be passed but, would not take a call unless and until we have a look at the resolution brought in by the TMC government".

BJP legislature party leader Manoj Tigga said they would oppose the move as it is "unconstitutional" to bring a resolution against a law (CAA) which has been passed in the Parliament.

The new legislation to give citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, has emerged as the latest flashpoint in the state, with the TMC opposing the contentious legislation tooth and nail, and the BJP pressing for its implementation.
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President Donald Trump is scheduled to make a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday morning.

The five-day gathering in Davos is used by business leaders and politicians to meet and discuss some of the most pressing issues worldwide. This year, the meeting takes place at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and further calls for action against climate change.

Investors will be watching for Trump's comments on trade with Europe and any update on the progress of the second phase of the trade agreement with China. On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron and Trump discussed a French digital tax. The two agreed to hold of on a potential trade war until the end of the year, a source told Reuters.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer are also attending.

Last year the president skipped the event due to a partial government shutdown.

His remarks come on the same day that the Senate will begin in earnest its trial over Trump's impeachment.

CNBC's Silvia Amaro contributed to this report.

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DETROIT  Tesla will be able to sell and service its vehicles in the backyard of Detroits three automakers under a lawsuit settlement, a person briefed on the matter says.

The deal between the state of Michigan and Tesla is likely to be announced Wednesday, said the person, who asked not to be identified because terms of the deal have not been made public.

The settlement would end the suit that Tesla filed against the state in 2016 over a law that banned company-owned stores and stopped Tesla from opening service centers.

The offices of state Attorney General Dana Nessel and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declined to comment Tuesday.

The agreement also would allow Tesla to deliver vehicles in Michigan, the person said. Currently buyers have to leave the state to pick up their newly purchased electric cars or SUVs.

Thousands of Teslas are on the roads in Michigan but must be sold and serviced out of nearby Ohio or another state.

People buying Teslas in Michigan will still have to jump through a small hoop to do so. The person said that under the deal the Teslas will have to be titled in another state and then transferred to Michigan.

Vehicles will be serviced and sold in Michigan by a Tesla subsidiary under the agreement, the person added.

The settlement could cause other states that have stopped Tesla from selling to follow suit.

Shares of Tesla, which have more than doubled in value since last fall, closed Tuesday up 7.2% at $547.20.

Tesla now has what it calls a gallery at a shopping mall in the Detroit suburb of Troy. But employees there are barred from talking about pricing or lease terms or from completing sales deals.

Tesla sued former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials in September of 2016, challenging the 2014 law that ensures automakers can only sell vehicles through franchised dealerships.

The federal court complaint sought a declaratory judgment that the "anti-Tesla" law is unconstitutional and a court order to prevent its enforcement.

Story continues

Michigan had denied Tesla's application for a license to sell directly to consumers in Michigan, citing the law that is backed by big auto companies and their dealerships.

Tesla Inc. said at the time it would fight for the rights of Michigan consumers to be able to choose how they buy cars in Michigan.

The Michigan Automobile Dealers Association, which represents more than 650 franchised new-car dealerships across the state, supports the law.

It has been very good for all the manufacturers in the world that want to sell vehicles here, and its worked well for the consumer, said Terry Burns, executive vice president and secretary for the organization. Its been a privilege for the dealers to be able to be that intermediary and sell and represent the manufacturers in a local environment with local involvement. Its worked very well."

He said it would be premature to comment without knowing details of the settlement.

We look forward to hearing what the settlement arrangements are and seeing how we proceed from there, Burns said.

Related Video:



Click here to See Video >>
New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall said Senate impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump would resemble a cover-up and not a real trial if it does not include relevant witnesses and documents.

And fellow Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich criticized Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Twitter for creating an environment that clearly serves as a cover-up, echoing Udalls call for witnesses and evidence.

If the president has a strong defense, let him make a case, Udall said in a press call before the trial began on Tuesday.

Udall called the U.S. Houses case a compelling one, saying witnesses in that chamber presented a case that the president abused his power to benefit himself politically.

Well, anyone who has ever sat on jury duty knows that a fair trial includes relevant witnesses and relevant documents, Udall said, pointing to his time as a federal prosecutor. A cover-up, on the other hand, does not.

The senator said he found it appalling that many of his Republican colleagues opposed hearing witnesses and having documents presented that have been withheld by the Trump administration relating to activities that led to the House impeachment, including Trumps phone call with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in which he requested an investigation of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who was on the board of a Ukrainian gas company, and the withholding of aid to Ukraine at a time when the country was battling Russian-backed separatists.

Like all Americans, I watched as the White House blocked key witnesses and evidence from the House impeachment inquiry, Udall said. The Senate  and the American people  must hear from these witnesses if we are to have anything more than a sham trial.

Udall criticized McConnells proposal for a condensed trial, which included each side having two 12-hour days to present their case. Udall voiced concerns about the Senate conducting a trial in the middle of the night and out of the public eye.

McConnell backed off from that part of the proposal Tuesday.

Udall said he was disturbed by rules proposed by McConnell. Heinrich was critical of rules that limited access to the press.

The role of journalism is to seek the truth and report it, Heinrich said. And these restrictions deny the American people the full truth.

Udall said he preferred rules similar to the ones used by the Senate during the trial of President Bill Clinton in 1999.

A trial should be the search for the truth, he said.

Udall said it takes only a simple majority of 51 votes to allow witnesses and documents, and expressed hope that enough Republicans would vote to do so. He said he hoped the vote to do so would be made at the beginning of the trial, rather than at the end, which has been suggested.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to inform it within two weeks if a decision has been taken by the Governor under Article 161 on pardon, commutation or remission of the sentence of convicts in 1991 Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

A bench headed by Justices L. Nageswara Rao pulled up the Centre for failing to make any substantial progress in the probe by the CBI-led Multi Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) to unravel the larger conspiracy behind the killing of the former Prime Minister.

Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, representing the Centre, contended before the court that things were beyond its control, especially in the absence of response, from various foreign countries, on the Letters Rogatory.

The top court's response came on the plea of 46-year-old A.G Perarivalan, who sought suspension of his life sentence as the MDMA's probe is not completed. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Perarivalan, said his mercy petition application is pending before the Governor.

The Supreme Court had earlier expressed its discontent on the progress of the CBI probe, underway for the past 22 years, to unearth the larger conspiracy behind the assassination of the former Prime Minister.

The court had observed that the latest report filed by the investigating agency is apparently a mirror image of the report filed two years ago. "What is the progress we want to know", the court told the CBI.

In November 2019, the matter came up for hearing before the apex court, which sought latest status report on the assassination, and gave four weeks to CBI-led Multi Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA), probing the matter, to furnish its report.

The MDMA was set up in 1998 on the recommendations of Justice M.C. Jain Commission of Inquiry. This commission was tasked to probe the conspiracy which led to Gandhi's assassination.

The MDMA is headed by a CBI official and comprises officers from Intelligence Bureau, RAW and other agencies.

The top court had told the Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, representing MDMA, to include the updated status of Letters Rogatory (LRs) sent to Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries. "The latest status report has to be filed in four weeks," the bench had said.

The apex court observed the last report on the matter is a year old, and the response on LRs is awaited.

The Centre opposed the submission of Sankaranarayanan. The probe agency had maintained Perarivalan was an active conspirator in the assassination. In March 2018, the apex court had asked the MDMA to file a status report in connection with LR sent to Sri Lanka for examining one of the accused, Nixon alias Suren, lodged in a Colombo jail.

Latest updates on Gandhi Jayanti 2019
Cuttone & Company Selects Ironspheres Privileged Access Management Platform to Secure Global Network Infrastructure After reviewing a range of PAM solutions, we chose Ironsphere because of the strength of their software, the flexibility associated with their business model, the speed of implementation, and the quality of their team, and we are extremely pleased with that decision, said Donato J. Cuttone, CEO.

Ironsphere, a secure access management software and services company serving large enterprises and telecom services provider, today announced it has implemented a global Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution for Cuttone & Company, a longstanding member of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and related trading venues and platforms managed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), a Fortune 500 company that connects the largest community of participants in all major markets at key phases of the investing, trading, hedging and capital raising lifecycle.

Cuttone & Company is a market leader in providing advanced institutional trading technology and execution services. Founded in 1984, Cuttone & Company operates one of the largest independent NYSE brokerage firms on the NYSE trading floor and across U.S. Exchanges, ECNs, ATSs, and alternative venues and is one of the most respected broker dealers in the world. Cuttone & Company provides execution and consulting services to institutional asset managers, hedge funds, family offices, professional traders, and other broker dealers.

Cuttone & Company continuously is expanding and enhancing the institutional clients brokerage experience. Institutional direct market access, custom algorithmic trading strategies, prime brokerage, options execution, and fixed income trading are the firms foundational offerings, which now are protected by Ironspheres technology.

Cuttones reputation is built on 35 years of experience, integrity and customer service, said Donato J. Cuttone, CEO. Cuttone & Company built and operates a uniquely configured digital infrastructure affording our clients great flexibility in the routing and execution of order flow, while maintaining strictest compliance with NYSE, FINRA and SEC rules and regulations. After reviewing a range of PAM solutions, we chose Ironsphere because of the strength of their software, the flexibility associated with their business model, the speed of implementation, and the quality of their team, and we are extremely pleased with that decision.

The global finance sector is highly regulated, and organizations must demonstrate to auditors that appropriate controls always are in place. Ironspheres PAM platform has been deployed with distributed and scalable architecture with modules including:



Ironspheres Dynamic Password Controller, which randomizes and secures a vault of privileged accounts

Ironspheres Session Manager, which records sessions, analyzing them, and reports in real time on who has access to what, when and why

Ironspheres MFA Manager, which verifies the users on top of ensuring their basic credentials

Cuttone & Companys decades of success are based on consistently delivering the highest quality institutional execution experience with the fullest commitment to satisfying their clients sophisticated needs, while strictly adhering to the markets exacting regulatory standards. We are proud to support Cuttones continued success by ensuring only the appropriate professionals are able to access and impact the network and its connected systems and applications, said Michael Fritzlo, Executive Chairman of Ironsphere.

About Ironsphere

Ironsphere is a software company established in 2016 providing advanced technology software in the fields of Access Control Systems, Privileged Task Automation and Next-generation Security and Audit. With the worlds most cost-efficient, flexible, and easily deployed Access Control software, our technology platform supports many global telecom service providers and large enterprises. Our core offering is a Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution protecting enterprise resources, used as an engineering access, information security and governance tool to prevent internal data breaches and malfeasance using privileged accounts. We enable IT managers and network admins to efficiently gain secure access, control configurations and indisputably record all activities within their enterprise infrastructure, preventing the material impact a breach may have on business operations and continuity. Learn more at http://www.ironsphere.com.
(Alliance News) - Jangada Mines PLC has begun a new 2,500-metre drilling programme at the Pitombeiras vanadium project in Brazil, it said on Tuesday.

Vanadium is used to make a stronger and lighter version of steel, and is used in a variety of industries.

London-headquartered Jangada hopes to have finished the new drilling programme within 90 days, testing the three most prospective magnetic anomalies at the project. Jangada will release results "progressively" during the campaign.

The company said the drilling work can be fully funded from existing resources.

Chair Brian McMaster said: "Our extensive fully funded exploration programme has reached an important milestone with the commencement of drilling at Pitombeiras following the very encouraging results obtained in 2019.

"We will update the market as we receive the results and we look forward to a very busy and progressive quarter."

Shares were 2.4% higher on Tuesday afternoon in London at a price of 2.10 pence each.

Jangada is currently carrying out a preliminary economic assessment for the project, which it hopes to release late in the first quarter of 2020. As well as Pitombeiras, it owns the Pedra Branca palladium, platinum, and nickel project.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A woman involved a rollover crash along Interstate 25 near Rockrimmon Boulevard Monday faces charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, according to Colorado Springs police.

The crash happened about 11 a.m. along southbound I-25 just past the on-ramp. A video circulating on Facebook by Dionte Franklin shows the blue car traveling up the on-ramp, swerving and hitting a cement wall multiple times before rolling off the road and landing on its roof.

Police have not released the identity of the woman or the severity of her injuries, but said she is also facing other unspecified charges related to the nonfatal crash.

Franklin, who is visiting from Kansas with his family and a former Fort Carson soldier, said he initially saw the driver traveling south on Rockrimmon, west of the interstate, with a crooked front tire. Franklin said he followed the driver with his hazard lights on, assuming the driver was trying to get to the nearby Shell gas station.

"Then she started driving all over road," Franklin said. "We stopped at the stop light and her blinker was on so I let her pass in front of me, then she got on [the on-ramp] and almost hit the median. Then she sped up to the highway, hit the cement wall and accelerated, then hit the wall a few more times."

It was really crazy how fast she was going and how close she got to other cars," said Franklin, who had his wife and son in the car. "I thought 'this could be a 20-car crash' but then she whipped [the car] back and avoided other cars. I had my two-year-old son in the backseat and all I was hoping was there wasn't a baby in that car."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a meeting with Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Iran Mohammad Eslami who arrived in Kyiv to discuss the details of a Ukraine International Airlines plane crash that took place near Tehran on January 8.

"The Ukrainian president and the special representative of the Iranian president discussed the issue of transferring the UIA aircrafts flight data recorders to Ukraine to decode them. He stressed that Ukraine had the necessary technical means and experienced specialists to perform this work properly," the press service of the head of state reported on Monday evening.

A group of Iranian representatives is expected to arrive and get themselves acquainted with the technical capabilities of Ukraine to decode the black boxes. The parties agreed that all aircraft wreckage should be returned to Ukraine.

They also raised the issue of compensation to the families of those killed in the plane crash and the creation of a joint investigation team.

We will never be able to bring back parents, children and relatives to their families. The only thing we can give them is justice. And justice means truth. I promised the families and loved ones of the deceased, I promised the people of Ukraine that the truth would be established. We need to know what happened, Zelensky stressed.

Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Riaboshapka noted that cooperation of the respective authorities of the two countries should be ensured for effective investigation.

The parties expressed their condolences over the deaths of the citizens of Ukraine and Iran.

As reported, a Ukraine International Airlines plane (Flight PS752) heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport at about 06:00 Tehran time (04:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8.

There were 176 people on board  nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK).

On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner.

ish
Wuhan virus China Beijing railway station

Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

The death toll of a coronavirus outbreak sweeping China has reached 1,013, with more than 42,000 people infected as of Monday evening.

A man in the Philippines and a 39-year-old man in Hong Kong mark the only two deaths outside of mainland China.

The virus has spread to every province and region in China as well at least 25 other countries. Both the death toll and the number of infected patients now exceed those of the 2003 SARS outbreak.

The zoonotic virus may have jumped from animals to people at a market in the city of Wuhan. Researchers suggest that the virus originated in bats, and one study suggests the disease might have spread from the endangered pangolin to people.

Related: This Animation Shows How Far Your Sneeze Can Travel

Outside China, cases have been reported in Australia, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US, and Vietnam.

The US has reported 12 cases so far, the latest of which was confirmed in Wisconsin on February 6.

The World Health Organization has declared he outbreak a public-health emergency, and Chinese President Xi Jinping said the virus poses a "grave threat."

Here's everything we know:

The first case of the coronavirus was reported in Wuhan in December. The central Chinese city has a population of 11 million.



wuhan map



Ruobing Su/Business InsiderThe virus' pneumonia-like symptoms include fever and difficulty breathing.



Story continues

wuhan virus symptoms



Samantha Lee/Business Insider



According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person could be at risk if they have:

Fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, after traveling to Wuhan or having close contact with someone who was ill and is now under investigation for the virus in the past two weeks.

Fever or symptoms of lower respiratory illness after having close contact in the past two weeks with someone who's been confirmed to have the virus.

Chinese health officials say the incubation period for the virus ranges from one to 14 days, during which time carriers can be infectious.



The virus has killed at least 1,013 people.



Wuhan China virus coronavirus disease travel screening



Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images



"The people who are likely to die first will have other illnesses," Adrian Hyzler, the chief medical officer at Healix International, which offers risk-management solutions for global travelers, told Business Insider. "But as it spreads, it'll pick up more people like flu does."

Most patients who died were elderly or otherwise unwell, according to Chinese officials.



More than 42,000 people have been infected.



A vendor gives out copies of newspaper with a headlines of



Associated Press



The virus has infected at least 42,749 people as of Monday evening.



The virus has spread to at least 26 countries.





The total number of cases internationally has far surpassed that of the SARS outbreak.





This chart shows the rate at which the new coronavirus has spread.





But the true number of infected people is probably higher than the official total.



china wuhan virus



Reuters



On January 26, academics from Imperial College London estimated that the true number of infected people could be about 100,000.



On February 7, a whistleblower doctor in Wuhan who was censored after sounding the alarm about the coronavirus died from the disease.



LI WENLIANG



LI WENLIANG/GAN EN FUND via REUTERS



Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old doctor at the Central Wuhan Hospital, was one of the first people to sound the alarm about the new outbreak in December. He alerted a group of alumni from his medical school. But he was silenced by police in Wuhan and forced to sign a letter acknowledging he was "making false comments."

Li caught the coronavirus after treating patients. He died around 3 a.m. local time.



Few children have been infected, but Chinese authorities reported that a baby received a diagnosis just 30 hours after being born.



coronavirus child



Ezra Acayan/Getty Images



Other one-off cases of the virus in children include a 9-month-old girl in Beijing, a child in Germany whose father had the virus as well, and a child in Shenzhen who was infected but displayed no symptoms.

Still, the virus seems to affect mostly adults. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this month speculated that "children might be less likely to become infected or, if infected, may show milder symptoms" than adults.

Disease experts say it's good that the virus hasn't spread much among kids because children are less likely to wash their hands and cover their mouths  behaviors that can spread germs.



On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global public-health emergency.



World Health Organisation



FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images



"Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed the emergence of a previously unknown pathogen, which has escalated into an unprecedented outbreak," the WHO's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said. "We don't know what sort of damage this virus could do if it were spread in a country with a weaker health system. We must act now to help countries prepare for that possibility."

For now, the WHO doesn't recommend limiting the movement of travel and trade.

"This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China," Ghebreyesus added. "I have never seen in my life this kind of mobilization."

The global-health emergency declaration has been used five times since it was created in 2005.

"They only do this for extraordinary illnesses that are of international concern," Hyzler said. "Suddenly the world is alerted to a much greater extent and they'll start pouring a lot more assistance and aid to airports, to transport hubs, and do their best to control this outbreak."



The Trump administration has imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals who have been in China within the past 14 days.



Donald Trump Alex Azar



Reuters



The ban went into effect February 2, with exceptions made for immediate family members of American citizens and permanent residents.

US citizens returning home who have been in China's Hubei province where Wuhan is located  within the past 14 days may be quarantined for up to two weeks.

"The American public can be assured the full weight of the US government is working to safeguard the health and safety of the American people," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a briefing on January 31.



Health officials think the coronavirus may have jumped from animals to people at a seafood market in Wuhan where live animals were sold.



Wuhan China seafood market virus source



Photo by Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images



They initially said the virus could spread only from animals to humans. But on January 20, Chinese officials confirmed that the virus could be transferred among people.



Researchers think the virus originated in bats. One study suggested that it might have initially jumped from bats to snakes to humans, but that's unlikely. Pangolins, pigs, or civets are the more likely candidates.



FILE PHOTO: A man holds a pangolin at a wild animal rescue center in Cuc Phuong, outside Hanoi, Vietnam September 12, 2016. REUTERS/Kham/File Photo



Kham/Reuters



In a paper in the Journal of Medical Virology, researchers said the protein codes favored by the Wuhan virus closely resembled the protein codes in snakes. But Cui Jie, a virologist who helped identified SARS-related viruses in bats in 2017, said the strain from Wuhan was clearly a "mammalian virus."

On February 7, researchers at the South China Agricultural University suggested that the endangered pangolin may have been the intermediary species between bats and people.



SARS also originated in a Chinese market that sold live animals. It killed 774 people from November 2002 to July 2003.



Sars



AHMAD YUSNI / AFP) (Photo by AHMAD YUSNI/AFP via Getty Images



The new coronavirus appears to be more contagious but less deadly than SARS. The two belong to the same coronavirus family.



There are no vaccines to prevent humans from contracting a coronavirus.



China Virus



STR/AFP via Getty Images



Five leading drug companies  Johnson & Johnson, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Moderna, and Gilead Sciences  have announced plans to research and develop treatments for the new coronavirus.



In the US, 12 coronavirus cases have been confirmed across six states. A US citizen has also died from the virus Wuhan.



So far, six cases of the virus have been confirmed in California, along with a married couple in Chicago; a man in his 30s in Washington state; one patient in Arizona; one in Massachusetts; and a case in Wisconsin.

On February 6, the first US citizen died from the virus in Wuhan. The person was 60 years old. The New York Times reported it was a woman with underlying health conditions, citing two people familiar with the matter.

The risk in the US is still low, according to the CDC.



Two of the US patients transmitted the coronavirus to their spouses.



Coronavirus airport



Kyodo News via Getty Images



In Chicago, a woman in her 60s transmitted the virus to her husband. She had recently traveled to Wuhan to care for her elderly father, but her husband did not travel with her. He is in stable condition, CDC authorities said, and the woman is reportedly doing well, too.

In California's San Benito County, a 57-year-old man passed the virus to his wife after returning from Wuhan. Both were transferred via ambulance to a University of California, San Francisco hospital after their conditions worsened.



To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, all travelers should wash their hands frequently with soap and water, making sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds, the CDC says.



Travellers wearing masks arrive on a direct flight from China, after a spokesman from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a traveller from China had been the first person in the United States to be diagnosed with the Wuhan coronavirus, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in SeaTac, Washington, U.S. January 23, 2020. REUTERS/David Ryder



Reuters



Travelers should also avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Wearing a mask is unlikely to be your best defense, however.

"There's little harm in it," Eric Toner, a scientist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Business Insider. "But wearing masks, except in the situation of a healthcare provider, has never been shown to be a very effective way to protect yourself from infectious diseases."



Local officials have quarantined Wuhan by shutting down all transportation.



Health Officials in hazmat suits wait at the gate to check body temperatures of passengers arriving from the city of Wuhan Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, at the airport in Beijing, China. Nearly two decades after the disastrously-handled SARS epidemic, Chinas more-open response to a new virus signals its growing confidence and a greater awareness of the pitfalls of censorship, even while the government is as authoritarian as ever. (AP Photo Emily Wang)



Emily Wang/AP



All of the city's public transportation  including buses, metros, and ferries  was halted on January 23. Trains and airplanes coming into and out of the city were also shut down, and roadblocks were installed to keep taxis and private cars from exiting.

Wuhan's 11 million residents were told not to leave the city, barring special circumstances.



China has imposed travel restrictions on the rest of the Hubei province.



A man rides his bicycle past the closed Hankou Railway Station in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. Overnight, Wuhan authorities announced that the airport and train stations would be closed, and all public transportation suspended by 10 a.m. Friday. Unless they had a special reason, the government said, residents should not leave Wuhan, the sprawling central Chinese city of 11 million that's the epicenter of an epidemic that has infected nearly 600 people. (Chinatopix via AP)



Associated Press



Huanggang, a city of about 7.5 million people, placed its urban core under lockdown on January 23, closing subway and train stations as well as theaters and internet cafes.

Additional cities  Ezhou, Chibi, Xiantao, Zhijiang, Qianjjiang, Huangshi, Xianning, Yichang, Enshi, Xiangyang, Jingmen, Xiaogan, Dangyang, and Suizhou  have followed suit with their own travel restrictions.

The restrictions affect more than 50 million people.



Two new hospitals have been built in Wuhan. Construction on each lasted just 10 days.



Wuhan hospital



AP



Construction on the first hospital, the Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital, started January 23. The facility  which includes 1,000 beds  welcomed its first patients on February 3.

The second hospital, the Leishenshan Hospital, is slightly larger with 1,600 beds. The site's construction started January 27, and the building was completed on February 6.



Doctors in Wuhan have reported that there aren't enough resources to treat the rising tide of patients.



wuhan doctor



STR/AFP via Getty Images



A doctor in Wuhan told the BBC on January 23 that thousands of patients were waiting for hours in line to receive medical care. Another doctor told the South China Morning Post that medical workers did not have enough protective gear  and that some were catching the virus as a result.



Test kits have reportedly been reserved for patients with the most severe symptoms. That means many diagnoses could be delayed.



Wuhan



Xiaolu Chu/Getty Images)



Mimi Lau, a reporter at the South China Morning Post, said on January 23 that patients in Wuhan hospitals had likened getting a kit to winning the lottery.



Chinese officials have warned that the virus is mutating, which could make it harder to control and treat.



Passengers wearing masks walk by as a quarantine officer, center, monitors a thermography during a quarantine inspection at Kansai international airport in Osaka, western Japan, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. Chinese health authorities urged people in the city of Wuhan to avoid crowds and public gatherings after warning on Wednesday that a new viral illness infecting hundreds of people in the country. Japan, South Korea, the United States and Taiwan have all reported one case each. All of the illnesses were of people from Wuhan or who recently had traveled there. (Kota Endo/Kyodo News via AP)



Associated Press



Gao Fu, the director-general of China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said on January 22 that the virus was adapting and changing  making it harder to fight.



Airports around the world have implemented screening protocols.



Wuhan virus



Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images



Twenty US airports  including New York's John F. Kennedy, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago's O'Hare  have started screening passengers for the virus. Airports in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea are also screening people.



Several countries, including the US, have evacuated citizens and employees from China.



Picture uploaded to social media on January 25, 2020 by the Central Hospital of Wuhan show medical staff, in Wuhan, China



THE CENTRAL HOSPITAL OF WUHAN VIA WEIBO /via REUTERS



The US government has evacuated around 850 people from Wuhan since January 29.

The first set of 200 evacuees arrived at the March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California, on January 29. They were placed under a 14-day quarantine.

On February 5, another set of roughly 350 evacuees arrived in the US. They are being quarantined at two California military bases: the Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield and the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego. Of the 167 passengers who landed in San Diego, four were transported to local hospitals after showing symptoms of the virus, the CDC said.

Additional evacuees are being quarantined at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and the Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska.

Many other countries  including Japan, South Korea, Australia, France, and the UK  have evacuated citizens from China as well.



Japan quarantined a cruise ship with more than 3,700 people. At least 130 people on board have tested positive for the virus.



Cruise ship Diamond Princess



Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters



The ship  known as the Diamond Princess  arrived in Yokohama, Japan, on Monday after a trip to Hong Kong. It was quarantined January 31 after an 80-year-old passenger who had disembarked days earlier tested positive for the coronavirus. The passenger and 10 others who were diagnosed with the virus were taken into isolation at a nearby hospital on the Japanese mainland.

As of Monday, at least 130 cases of the virus had been confirmed on the ship.

"Cruise lines take public health issues very seriously  I've actually been quarantined myself on Diamond Princess in Japan," Liz Jarvis, editor of Cruise International Magazine, told Business Insider, referring to a time when she fell ill. "I know that passenger safety is absolutely paramount to all the team on board, and they act very swiftly in the event of any suspected issue."



The CDC issued a travel warning to avoid all nonessential travel to China.



Passengers arrive at LAX from Shanghai, China, after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 26, 2020. REUTERS/Ringo Chiu



Reuters



The CDC raised its travel warning to a level three, the highest, which advises US citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to China.



On January 25, the Chinese government barred its citizens from booking overseas tours, flights, and hotel stays.



wuhan virus airport

ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty ImagesThe outbreak began as hundreds of millions of people prepared to travel for the weeks-long Lunar New Year, which is one of the largest annual human migrations in the world.



chinese lunar new year travel



Aly Song/Reuters



The holiday started January 25 and ended on February 8. Experts worried the surge in travel could boost the virus' spread.

"This couldn't have happened at a worse time for Wuhan," Hyzler said.

Beijing canceled its Spring Festival celebrations.



Shanghai Disneyland is temporarily closed, along with other attractions.



shanghai disneyland



Bobby Yip/Reuters



The park closed January 25 without saying when it would reopen. The announcement came at a time of peak spending at the park, which has said it will refund tickets.

The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China temporarily closed as well.



Chinese President Xi Jinping said last week that the country faced a "grave situation."



Xi Jinping



Sergei Chirikov/AP Images



We're in an 'age of epidemics,' a scientist says. More diseases like the coronavirus will jump from animals to people.

The genetic code of the Wuhan coronavirus shows it's 80% similar to SARS. New research suggests a potential way to neutralize the virus.

Scientists have published over 50 studies on Wuhan coronavirus in the last 3 weeks. They learned that 75,800 people in Wuhan could be infected.

The first patients have arrived at the hospital China panic-built to treat the Wuhan coronavirus. Here's what it looks like inside.

Business Insider
Located on iconic Ocean Avenue, the 162-room Viceroy Santa Monica serves as the pinnacle for the highly sought-after sophisticated, yet relaxed Southern California lifestyle. The redesign will capture the energy of the surrounding neighborhood and turn the hotel into a vibrant gathering place for guests and locals alike. Hallmarks of the renovation will include eye-catching art and creative spins on mid-century pieces, creating an experience that walks the line between urban edge and coastal calm. Entering a new decade with the remodel, the hotel is primed to fully embody the present and future of LA's Westside, a place where innovation and imagination run rampant.

"The Santa Monica location represents the ideals that Viceroy Hotels & Resorts embraces. The hotel pays tribute equally to our past and our future. Viceroy Santa Monica was our first hotel and remains at the heart of everything we do," said Bill Walshe, CEO of Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. "We look forward to the impact this renovation will have on our entire brand, serving as a beacon for our newest chapter."

The phase one remodel of the hotel's public spaces in addition to six pilot hotel rooms, featuring both beach and urban models, is slated for a June 2020 completion. During this remodeling period, Viceroy Santa Monica will remain open for hotel reservations.

ABOUT VICEROY HOTELS & RESORTS

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts inspires travelers with one-of-a-kind authentic lifestyle experiences that bring together provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. A leader in modern luxury, Viceroy's vibe-led hospitality is guided by the brand promise "Remember to Live," an affirmation to create lifelong memories for each and every guest. Viceroy destinations are segmented into three distinct portfolio tiers to help travelers find exactly the kind of experience they're looking for. The Viceroy Icon Collection properties include epic hotels and resorts in Los Cabos, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Riviera Maya, Snowmass, and St. Lucia, with forthcoming openings in Serbia, Algarve and Panama. The Viceroy Lifestyle Series hotels and resorts are found in attitude-led destinations such as Santa Monica. The Viceroy Urban Retreats in San Francisco and Washington D.C. have an independent spirit and bold, eccentric personalities. Viceroy Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) DISCOVERY, a unique loyalty program offering exclusive benefits and experiences to its members at over 570 hotels around the world. For more information, visit www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com. Follow Viceroy Hotels & Resorts at facebook.com/viceroyhotelsandresorts and on Instagram and Twitter @viceroyhotels.

ABOUT PEBBLEBROOK

About Pebblebrook Hotel Trust: Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB ) is a publicly-traded real estate investment trust ("REIT")and the largest owner of urban and resort lifestyle hotels in the United States. The Company owns 56 hotels, totaling approximately 14,000 guest rooms across 16 urban and resort markets with a focus on the west coast gateway cities. For more information, visit www.pebblebrookhotels.com and follow us at @PebblebrookPEB.

Media Contact:

Cindy Nixon, The Door

[email protected]

619-981-0701

SOURCE Viceroy Hotels & Resorts

Related Links

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YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Justice Minister of Armenia Rustam Badasyan doesnt think that there will be a return from the parliamentary system to the semi-presidential one as a result of the constitutional reforms.

I cannot rule out anything, but I think that this issue should not be discussed. There are no plans to transition to the semi-presidential system of governance, the minister told reporters in the Parliament.

He added that most probably by the end of 2020 they will have a draft for constitutional reforms which would be possible to put for referendum.

The process of creation of a professional commission for the constitutional reforms has launched.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
BJP MP Roopa Ganguly Tuesday said only people who have felt the pangs of citizenship can understand the importance of the Citizenship Amendment Act and not the opposition parties who are misleading the people on it.

The actor-turned-politican is on a two-day tour to Odisha and is scheduled to meet refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan settled in Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts during her visit.

Ganguly said that she will meet the people to hel them understand the real meaning of CAA and how it helps them.

You (opposition) cannot understand the importance of CAA. I can because my father hails from Bangladesh. Had my father been alive he would have been very happy today with the passage of the CAA.

She said though many people have taken citizenship of the country in a different manner, it is not pucca. "Passage of the CAA in Parliament will give them great relief as they can enjoy citizenship in the real sense," she said.

Lambasting the opposition parties for opposing the legislation, the BJP MP alleged that the people were being misled by them.

The people are provoked by false statements, she said raising questions whether the opposition are citizens of India.

They (Opp) should have been happy that the people who settled in India after Partition are getting citizenship after a long time, Ganguly said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
But they werent training for law enforcement.Theyre just men who are worried about their churches.

Theyre preparing for the worst-case scenario, one where their congregations are the target of a mass shooting  something that was almost unthinkable a few years ago but has happened twice in Texas in the past three years.

In November 2017, a gunman opened fire inside First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, killing 26 people and injuring 20 more. And last month, days after Christmas, a shooter attacked the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, killing two people and injuring one before being fatally shot by Jack Wilson, an Army veteran and head of the churchs volunteer security team.

A few days before he left for the training seminar, Wagner said a few friends asked him, Do you think you need security at church?

A couple days later, the shooting at White Settlement church happened, and one of those friends later told him he was right to attend.
The Chronicles tasting panel, made up of wine-industry professionals, educators and knowledgeable consumers, convenes on a regular basis to blind-taste about three dozen wines, scoring them on a 10-point scale. An 8.5 or higher is considered a recommendation. I further grade the wines on value and determine local availability. To qualify as a bargain tout, a wine must sell for under $20 or way over-deliver for its price.

2017 Hanzell Sebella Pinor Noir Sonoma Coast

Overall score: 19 (9 for quality, 10 for value)

The panel: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with five scores of at least 9. Roses on the bouquet, cherries on the palate. A delicious, well-made wine.

My score: 9.1. Hanzell occupies an important place in American wine history because of its original winemaker, Ralph Bradford Webb, who introduced four huge enological advances that became elemental to California winemaking during his two decades with the winery: temperature-controlled fermentation, French oak barrels, malolactic fermentation and the blanketing of young wines with inert gas, which prevents oxygen from damaging them.

Winery/vineyards/winemaking: James D. Zellerbach, a wealthy businessman who served for about a year as President Dwight Eisenhowers ambassador to Italy in the 1950s, bought the 200-acre Hanzell Estate on the Mayacamas hillside above the town of Sonoma in 1943. He planted 4 acres of chardonnay and 2 acres of pinot noir a decade later that are believed to be the oldest continuously producing vines of these varietals in the Western Hemisphere. The first vintage, made by Webb, he released was the 1957. The winery has 42 acres under vine today  still two-thirds of them are chardonnay  and makes 6,000 cases total annually. Michael McNeill has been the winemaker since 2008.

Winemaker notes: Vibrant aromas of pomegranate, ripe cherry and orange peel are given complexity by notes of sweet pipe tobacco, gunpowder, damp earth and mocha. On the palate, the powerful flavors of pomegranate and plum are carried by a supple, silky texture and beautifully balanced acidity.

Critical acclaim: The Wine Spectator scored it a 93.

Alcohol: 13.4 percent

Pairing: Grilled salmon. Portobello Parmesan risotto

Price: $32.99 at Specs

BARGAIN TOUT

2018 Bricco dei Guazzi Gavi

Overall score: 19 (9 for quality, 10 for value)

The panel: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with six scores of at least 9. Flavors of lemon and green herbs. Clean and fresh. Excellent minerality.

My score: 9. The cortese grapes, which love the chalky, white limestone-rich clay soils, are grown across 11 communes with DOCG status in Italy.

Winery/vineyards/ winemaking: The 2015 partnering-up of Alessandro Marchionne and Riccardo Cotarella  the CEO of the parent company and the winemaker, respectively  has already paid big dividends, as the excellent quality of this wine will attest. A restored villa houses the winery, which is surrounded by 30 hectares of estate-owned vineyards. It contains one of the areas most impressive infernots, under ground chambers that receive no natural light or direct ventilation and are so unusual that the region earned World Heritage Site status from UNESCO. The de-stemmed grapes, all estate grown, are pressed gently; then fermentation takes place in steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine spends about four months on the lees before bottling, which enhances flavors, softens the mouthfeel and makes it more age-worthy.

Winemaker notes: Straw-yellow in color, it boasts clear floral scents accompanied by a hint of melon and a light suggestion of citrus. Elegant, very fresh and tasty.

Critical acclaim: The Wine Library scored it a 92, noting how nicely the wine reflects its terroir with a crisp, flinty and fresh acidity.

Alcohol: 12.5 percent

Pairing: Canapes. Delicate fish-based dishes. Tajarin al tartuffo, a pasta topped with truffle butter and Parmesan cheese

Price: $19.59 at Specs

sportywineguy@outlook.com

twitter.com/sportywineguy
*We are resending this newsletter because the earlier version misidentified the report's publisher. Although the report's author identified himself using his affiliations with the Reason Foundation and Cato Institute, we should not have listed those organizations as the publishers of the report. The report's publisher is now correctly listed as the Annenberg Institute for School Reform. We apologize for our mistake.*

A recent report published by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University argues that private and charter schools have a strong positive effect on parents reported satisfaction with their childrens education. argues that private and charter schools have a strong positive effect on parents reported satisfaction with their childrens education.

Steven V. Miller of Clemson University reviewed School Sector and Satisfaction: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Sample, and found critical errors that limit its value to those weighing its policy proposals.

The report presents regression analyses purporting to show that choice parents are more satisfied with their schools than are parents whose children attend their local public schools. It then explains this increased parental satisfaction by pointing to competitive pressures and the importance of reducing the monopoly power of the traditional public school system. Its analyses are based on a nationally representative sample from the National Household Education Surveys Program (NHES).

However, Professor Miller explains, the report suffers from two major flaws. First, it saturates the important analyses with over 230 covariates. This amounts to a garbage can regression modeling approach that obscures more than it illuminates; variables are misspecified and results are sensitive to the oversaturation of the regression model. A reader versed in statistical modeling will have no confidence in the substance of the findings.

Second, and even more importantly, the reports decision to focus on just the very satisfied overstates the comparative effect of private and charter schools on parent satisfaction. Almost 90% of public school parents are satisfied with their childs education, and the reports decision to focus on just the very satisfied appears to be a deliberate modeling choice to overstate the purported effects of private and charter schools on parent satisfaction. This appearance is confirmed by the reports selective use of past research literature, again suggesting an interest in findings that will support advocacy for curtailing the supply of public education.

For each of these reasons, the report is of little or no use to policymakers and others with an interest in understanding parent satisfaction associated with school choice.

Find the review, by Steven V. Miller, at:

http://nepc.colorado.edu/thinktank/school-satisfaction

Find School Sector and Satisfaction: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Sample, written by Corey A. DeAngelis and published by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, at:

https://edworkingpapers.com/sites/default/files/ai19-147.pdf

NEPC Reviews (http://thinktankreview.org) provide the public, policymakers, and the press with timely, academically sound reviews of selected publications. NEPC Reviews are made possible in part by support provided by the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice: http://www.greatlakescenter.org

The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), a university research center housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, produces and disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions. Visit us at: https://nepc.colorado.edu
Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England speaks at a Bank of England Financial Stability Report Press Conference, in London, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth,pool)

The Bank of England said on Tuesday that it had created a group with other central banks to assess the potential of central bank-backed digital currencies.

The group includes the Bank of Japan and the European Central Bank, and will join forces with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), a global institution owned by central banks.

The group will assess the use cases, the economic, functional and technical design choices, and share knowledge on emerging technologies, the Bank of England said.

Amid widespread criticism of Facebooks (FB) Libra  a digital currency known as a global stablecoin  the ECB last year began exploring the benefits of central bank-backed digital currencies.

The central bank, which governs the 19-member bloc that uses the euro currency, said it was focusing on the far-reaching implications for the financial system that would arise from their introduction.

The plans were welcomed by European Union finance ministers, who in December warned that no Libra-like global stablecoin should launch in the European Union until the legal, regulatory, and oversight challenges and risks have been adequately identified and addressed.

READ MORE: Circle CEO's YouTube analogy highlights cryptocurrency and financial system challenges

Central banks are uneasy about the introduction of such currencies that have global ambitions, fearing that they could replace traditional currencies and upend financial systems in the process.

The ministers admitted that they dont even know whether and how the existing EU regulatory framework applies to stablecoins, and that they would need further time to determine what action should be taken.

But a central-bank backed currency would virtually wipe out the attraction of private sector proposals, since people would instead flock to a currency guaranteed by institutions like the ECB and Bank of England.

The new group involving the Bank of England will be co-chaired by Benoit Coeure, a highly respected former ECB executive board member who is now head of the BIS Innovation Hub, and Jon Cunliffe, deputy governor of the Bank of England.

The BIS had previously announced that Coeure would work on a plan to create a digital currency that could be used by multiple central banks.

The Switzerland-based institution, launched after World War One to promote closer co-operation between central banks, called Libra a really bold challenge and said the Facebook plan had forced central banks to regroup and to rethink and not to neglect the issue.
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Attacks on tankers in Strait of Hormuz last year prompted US officials to urge allies to join maritime security mission.

South Koreas military has said it plans to expand the deployment of an anti-piracy unit now operating off the coast of Africa to the area around the Strait of Hormuz after the United States pressed for help to guard oil tankers.

Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran last year prompted US officials to call for allies to join a planned maritime security mission.

As a key US ally, South Korea has debated the prospect, and the decision to divert a navy unit already in operation southwest of the Arabian peninsula comes as a compromise that will not require fresh parliamentary authorisation.

While South Korea will deploy its forces to the area, including the Gulf, it will not officially be joining an international coalition of forces, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.

The South Korean government decided to temporarily expand the deployment of the Cheonghae military unit, a ministry official told reporters.

The step would ensure the safety of citizens and free navigation of South Korean vessels, he added.

The Cheonghae unit will continue with its mission while it cooperates with the coalition, the ministry said, adding that the US had been briefed on the decision, which was also explained to the Iranians separately.

The Strait of Hormuz is a busy passageway into the Gulf, with vessels sailing through it approximately 900 times a year for South Korea, which gets more than 70 percent of its oil from the Middle East, the defence ministry says.

The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, working to tackle piracy in partnership with African countries as well as the US and the European Union.

The 302-strong unit operates a 4,500-ton (4,082 tonnes) destroyer, a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and three speedboats, South Koreas 2018 defence white paper showed.

Among its operations were the rescue of a South Korean ship and its crew in 2011, shooting eight suspected pirates and capturing five others in the incident.
AirAsia India's former Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Kumar has joined IndiGo as its Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, a source said on Tuesday. Kumar had left IndiGo to join AirAsia India.

He has also worked at erstwhile Sahara Airlines.

"Sanjay Kumar has returned to budget carrier IndiGo. This time he has joined the airline as its Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer from this month," the source told PTI.

He was not available for comments.

There were no immediate response from IndiGo to PTI queries on this issue.

In November 2019, he quit AirAsia India after holding the position of Chief Operating Officer for less than a year. Prior to that, he was Chief Commercial Officer at IndiGo.
Victorias Secret prepares to land in Paraguay. The American brand will open its first store in the country next August together with Grupo David, its partner for the Latin American market. The company will also take Victorias Secret to Ecuador by the end of this year, Gerardo Marcano, Grupo Davids retail manager, told Mds.

The first store in Paraguay will be located at Shopping del Sol, in Asuncion. According to Marciano, the sales decrease of the brand in the US has not affected its evolution in Latin America. Victorias Secret is doing very well in the region and we forecast a growth of 5% in 2019 , stated the executive. The company expects 2020 to be the year of the brands relaunch.

Grupo David will also take American Eagle Outfitters and Bath&Body Works to the same shopping mall in the capital city of Paraguay. The company is also in negotiations to take Victorias Secret and Bath&Body Works to Ecuador. The first stores of the brands in the country will be located in Quito and Guayaquil.

Grupo David is also planning to take Bath&Body Works to Peru, but the project is not defined yet

Marcano says all of Grupo Davids brands have grown in 2019, although the final data is not yet available. In 2020, the group plans to grow 10%, fuelled by Bath&Body Works, American Eagle Outfitters and Victorias Secret. The company plans to keep the same openings speed and expand its brands in Panama, Dominican Republic and Curacao.

Grupo David has its headquarters in Panama City, where it manages its operations in eight Latin American countries. Its main markets by stores are Colombia, with 16 stores; Peru and Costa Rica, with 13 stores each.

Founded 30 years ago, Grupo David employs around 1,000 people and has 168 stores in the region with brands like American Eagle, Adidas, Reebok, Clarks, Victorias Secret and Bath&Body Works.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 08:04:51|Editor: xuxin

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by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from an oil pipeline explosion in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, has risen to five, according to the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Monday.

The National Emergency Management Agency said earlier at least two bodies had been recovered following Sunday night's explosion in the Alimosho area of Lagos, causing panic among local residents.

"It's unfortunate we lost five lives to this inferno, with many in critical condition in the hospitals, all due to unpatriotic acts of vandals who make insertions into our pipeline to steal products, leading to disasters such as this," said Mele Kyari, group managing director of the NNPC, in a statement via Twitter.

In August 2019, the NNPC said cases of oil pipeline vandalization in Nigeria were soaring, as the number of such incidents surged by 115 percent in July compared to June.

Nosa Okunbor, a spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, told Xinhua the victims killed in this incident included at least one child.

Some 11 trucks laden with 40-feet containers were also destroyed and seven buildings razed by the raging inferno caused by the explosion, Okunbor said.
Trend Micro Incorporated, a cybersecurity solutions provider, recently announced the results of a six-month honeypot trap imitating an industrial factory. The Operational Technology (OT) honeypot attracted fraud and financially motivated exploits.

The six-month investigation reportedly revealed that unsecured industrial environments are primarily victims of common threats. The honeypot was compromised for cryptocurrency mining, targeted by two separate ransomware attacks, and used for consumer fraud.

Too often, discussion of cyber threats to industrial control systems (ICS) has been confined to highly sophisticated, nation-state level attacks designed to sabotage key processes. While these do present a risk to Industry 4.0, our research proves that more commonplace threats are more likely, said Greg Young, VP, cybersecurity, Trend Micro. Owners of smaller factories and industrial plants should therefore not assume that criminals will leave them alone. A lack of basic protections can open the door to a relatively straightforward ransomware or cryptojacking attack that could have serious consequences for the bottom line.

IIoT Security will be a central feature of the content at the IoT Evolution Expo, Feb 11 to 14 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Click here to register.

To better understand the attacks targeting ICS environments, Trend Micro Research created a realistic, but fake, industrial prototyping company. The honeypot consisted of real ICS hardware and a mix of physical hosts and virtual machines to run the factory, which included several programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs), separate robotic and engineering workstations and a file server.

Trend Micro urges smart factory owners to minimize the number of ports they leave open and to tighten access control policies, among other cybersecurity best practices. In addition, implementing cybersecurity solutions designed for factories, like those offered by Trend Micro, can help further mitigate the risk of attack.

To read more about the research, including the design and deployment of the honeypot itself, visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/internet-of-things/fake-company-real-threats-logs-from-a-smart-factory-honeypot.

Edited by Ken Briodagh
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Security concerns led to a huge deployment of police on the second day of the state assembly session and for the bandh (shut down) called by Amaravati Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Tuesday.

The bandh has been called in villages of Amaravati against the police lathi charge on farmers.

All the 29 villages have been observing the bandh on Tuesday with shopkeepers closing their businesses voluntarily.

Meanwhile, the farmers' protest against the three capitals for the state reached the 35th day.

Dharnas are going on at Mandadam and Tulluru villages and hunger strikes at Velagapudi.

On Monday, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu, was detained outside the state assembly for expressing dissent over the passage of 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020' in the House.

He was later released in Mangalagiri town.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will make a working visit to Israel through January 23-24 to take part in the events as a part of the World Holocaust Forum, the President's Office reported.

"Through January 23-24, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will make a working visit to Israel to take part in the commemoration events as a part of the World Holocaust Forum devoted to the 75th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp," reads the report.

The program also foresee talks of Zelensky with the Israeli leadership and a meeting with the country's business leaders.
The Indian Space Research Organisation on Tuesday said it has provided "consultation" to San Diego-based chipmaker Qualcomm towards enabling NavIC capability in their Snapdragon mobile chipset platforms.

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also called NavIC--Navigation with Indian Constellation--is reportedly on par with US-based GPS, Russia's Glonass and Galileo developed by Europe.

"These chipsets are being released by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and the release will help accelerate the adoption of NavIC by smartphone OEMs," ISRO said on its website.

The OEMs can now release any new models for Indian market which are NavIC enabled, thus eventually making NavIC as a standard feature in the upcoming handsets, applications, processors, etc, the space agency said, adding that it will also enhance the geolocation capabilities of smartphones within the coverage region of NavIC.

Recently, ISRO had said, it is in talks with Chinese mobile manufacturer Xiaomi regarding provision of chipsets that can support NavIC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
IMAGE: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrives to file his nomination papers from the New Delhi constituency for the February 8 assembly election, at Jamnagar House, January 21, 2020. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo

The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer on Tuesday rejected allegations that the nomination process of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was being 'deliberately delayed', saying a set procedure has been followed.

The Returning Officer took such a long time due to the rush of candidates on the last day of filing nomination papers, they said.

The response from the Delhi CEO Office, in the form of a statement, came in the evening, hours after a number of Aam Aadmi Party leaders alleged that around 35 candidates with incomplete set of papers were insisting that they would not allow the chief minister to file his nomination unless their nominations were filed.

According to the statement, the CEO Office has received some information through social media that nomination process of the chief minister for New Delhi constituency was 'being deliberately delayed' by the Returning Officer and was taking 30-35 minutes to check the nomination of one candidate 'just to delay' the process and make the chief minister wait unnecessarily.

'It is hereby clarified that the information is misleading and there was no deliberate delay on the part of the election machinery,' the statement read.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had earlier in a tweet tagging the Bharatiya Janata Party, said, 'No matter how much you conspire, you will not be able to stop Kejriwal from filing his nomination or from becoming the chief minister for the third time.'

'Your conspiracies will not yield any result,' he said earlier in the day as Kejriwal waited to file his nomination. He is the sitting MLA of New Delhi seat -- Assembly Constituency - 40.

The CEO office responded, saying, "As far as nomination process in AC-40, New Delhi, is concerned, it is stated that today was the last date, till 3 PM, for receiving the nomination forms, and there was a huge rush of aspiring candidates (total 66) who presented before the RO today to file their nomination."

"In view of the huge rush on the last day, the nomination process has taken time, beyond 3 pm and the same is allowed as per the law," it added.

There is a set procedure to be adopted and followed by the returning officer while receiving nominations from candidates.

"There is a provision in Section 33 of the Representation of the People Act that one candidate can file four sets of nomination papers, and there are certain supporting documents including affidavit in Form-26 which have to be scrupulously checked as per the provisions of the election laws and rules," the CEO Office said.

A returning officer must follow all the prescribed procedures as per the law 'without compromising with the accuracy because any mistake in a hurried manner may vitiate the election process', it said.

On the last day of filing of nomination papers, a large number of candidates including Kejriwal filed their papers. With a long queue Jamnagar House the officer of the New Delhi returning officer, Kejriwal had to wait for over six hours for his turn.

Scrutiny of papers will take place on Wednesday and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 24. Elections are due on February 8 and counting of votes will be done on February 11.

According to the final electoral roll, over 1.46 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the upcoming polls.
Ozone-depleting substances -- widely used as propellants, refrigerants, and chemical solvents during the 20th century -- may be responsible for nearly half of warming in the Arctic region between 1955 and 2005, a new study says.

These chemicals, which are compounds made of halogen elements like chlorine, bromine, and fluorine, destroy the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere, according to the study, published in the journal Nature.

The researchers, including Lorenzo Polvani from Columbia University in the US, said emissions of these chemicals have been curbed, with the ozone layer now slow recovering since the 1987 Montreal Protocol -- a global agreement to phase out the ozone-depleting substances.

However, they said these potent greenhouse gases (GHGs) have long atmospheric lifetimes, adding substantially to human induced global warming.

"While the dominant role of carbon dioxide is undisputed, another important set of anthropogenic GHGs was also being emitted over the second half of the twentieth century: ozone-depleting substances (ODSs)," the researchers wrote in the study.

Polvani and his team used a climate model to evaluate the amount of global warming that can be caused by these substances.

They ran two simulations -- one in which the natural and human emissions were measured during 19552005, and the other with the halogen chemicals and their ozone impacts removed.

Comparing the two simulations, the scientists found the net impact of these chemicals on the climate system.

They said the impact of ODS on the Arctic was primarily not caused by ozone depletion, but by their own ability to trap the sun's radiation -- similar to other GHGs like carbon dioxide.

"We also demonstrate that the large impact of ODS on the Arctic occurs primarily via direct radiative warming, not via ozone depletion," the scientists reported in the study.

According to the researchers, the ODSs may have caused about half of Arctic warming and sea ice loss, and an additional one third of globally averaged warming during the second half the 20th century.

The findings, the researchers said, offer a new perspective on the climate impacts of ODSs.

They added that the continued phase-out of these chemicals via the Montreal Protocol may help mitigate further Arctic warming and sea ice melt.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pedro Marrero, License Partner & Broker of Engel & Volkers Orlando Downtown In my opinion, there is no brand more fitting for the Orlando market than Engel & Volkers

Engel & Volkers today announced its latest franchise expansion in Central Florida with Engel & Volkers Orlando Downtown. Local market expert Pedro Marrero will lead the new brokerage as License Partner and Broker, alongside wife Purnima Marrero who will serve as Shop Manager. The shop will be located at 230 E. Market Street. Marrero is actively recruiting talented local professionals to join his team of advisors. A grand opening is planned for early 2020.

In my opinion, there is no brand more fitting for the Orlando market than Engel & Volkers, said Marrero. My vision isnt to just open a real estate brokerage, but a real estate wealth management practice. I wanted the ability to build a brokerage that aligned with our business practice of providing a bespoke client service, where luxury is a lifestyle not a price point. An advisory, non-transactional approach to meet our clients real estate needs. Contrary to the traditional model of real estate sales, our team focuses on advising clients on effective long-term real estate wealth building strategies. A practice based on gaining a thorough understanding of our clients needs and developing lifelong relationships of trust.

Marrero comes to Engel & Volkers from Premier Sothebys International Realty Southeast Orlando, where he was among some of the highest producing agents. Before entering the real estate industry, Marrero was a franchisee for one of the largest indoor fitness franchise brands in the country, growing a new location from scratch to 195 members in just 10 months. Prior to this, Marrero worked as a financial advisor for over eight years. Within his first year in the financial industry, Marrero was selected as one of only three Financial Advisor Associates in the United States for the CISC National Convention.

Pedro is a quintessential example of our ideal franchisee, said Timo Khammash, Managing Partner of Engel & Volkers Florida. He is intelligent, worldly, entrepreneurial and success-driven.

With the addition of Engel & Volkers Orlando Downtown, the company now has five locations in the Central Florida area, including Engel & Volkers Clermont, Engel & Volkers Leesburg, Engel & Volkers Orlando Winter Park and Engel & Volkers Windermere.

We are extremely proud of our expansion in this region, said Peter Giese, Chief Growth Officer of Engel & Volkers Florida. We are hyper-focused on continuing to find ideal partners in other key markets in the greater Orlando area, including Celebration, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, Lake Mary, Sanford and Saint Cloud.

###

Press contact:

Linzee Werkmeister, Director, Public Relations & Franchise Support

Email: Linzee.Werkmeister(at)evrealestate.com

Tel: (239) 348-9000

About Engel & Volkers:

Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a bespoke, white-glove concierge client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for todays savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 175 shop locations with more than 3,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brands global network of over 11,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit evrealestate.com.

About Engel & Volkers Florida:

Engel & Volkers Florida is the Master License Partner of the global luxury real estate brand Engel & Volkers in the state of Florida. Recognized for uniquely recruiting, training and equipping some of the top professionals in the real estate industry, Engel & Volkers Floridas exclusive franchise model positions its license partners at the top of the premium market to gain market share and support their bottom line. The company represents franchise locations in: 30A Beaches, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Downtown, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jupiter, Orlando Downtown, Leesburg, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne Downtown, Melbourne Central, Miami-Coral Gables, Olde Naples, Orlando Downtown, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, South Tampa, St. Augustine, St. Pete, Stuart, Wellington, and Windermere.

Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strategically strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or how to join its global network, which is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000.

For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit evfranchise.com
Prince Harry on Tuesday began a new chapter in his life as he landed in Canada to reunite with his wife Meghan Markle and their eight-month-old son after a formal split with the British Royal family.

The 35-year-old Duke of Sussex was photographed stepping off a plane in Vancouver as he set off in a car to join his family already in the country for some time.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is already in Vancouver Island in Canada with Archie.

Their son Archie, who was born in May last year, has not been back to the UK since the family's Christmas break on Vancouver Island.

Over the weekend, Harry spoke of his "great sadness" as he described in his own words how he and his 38-year-old actress wife decided to take a "leap of faith" and step back as senior members of the royal family.

"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly," he said in a speech for charity Sentebale, co-founded by him in 2006 to support those affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana in southern Africa.

The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change, he said.

But it is expected that the couple plan to spend a majority of their time in Canada, a country Markle has known well from her days of shooting for the television series Suits'.

As part of a new exit deal cleared by Queen Elizabeth II, Harry and Meghan will forsake their His and Her Royal Highness titles and also any claim over UK taxpayer funding through the Sovereign Grant as they begin their new financially independent roles.

They would not be representing the 93-year-old monarch in any official capacity once the agreement kicks in by the end of March.

On Monday, Harry attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit likely to be one of his last official royal engagements. On the sidelines of the summit in London, he had a private one-on-one meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson before setting off for Canada.

"I think the whole country will want to join in wishing them the very best for the future," said Johnson.

Details around the couple's future security arrangements are in the process of being finalised, with the Canadian government having expressed some concerns around having to foot the enormous bill.

But the Queen has expressed her full support to her grandson following the shock announcement earlier this month, resulting in an unprecedented split within the top rung of the UK royal family.

Harry has made repeated references to the media as a powerful force, which was the primary reason behind his decision to remove his family from the spotlight as frontline royals.

I know I haven't always got it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you, he said, in reference to continuing his patronage for his charitable work.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An inmate who was assigned to a state work-release program in northwest Alabama left a job site on Monday and hasnt been seen since, authorities said.

Xavier Lamont Armstead, 26, escaped from custody in Colbert County, according to a report from the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Lamont was serving a more than 19-year sentence for third-degree burglary. He has multiple arrests on charges including burglary, forgery, theft and receiving stolen property over the last seven years, court records show.

A Colbert County judge sentenced Armstead to prison in 2016, the corrections report said.
Saudi Arabia started marketing on Tuesday U.S.dollar denominated bonds split into tranches of seven, 12 and 35 years, a document showed, as the kingdom taps international investors as part of plans to raise $32 billion worth of debt this year.

Riyadh has been borrowing extensively over the past few years, locally and internationally, to tap new financing channels in an era of lower oil prices.

It is offering initial price guidance of around 110 basis points (bps) over U.S. Treasuries for the seven-year paper, 135 bps over the benchmark for the 12-year tranche, and 180 bps over for the 35-year, a document by one of the banks leading the deal showed.

Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and Standard Chartered are joint global coordinators and lead managers, and BNP Paribas, HSBC, JPMorgan and NCB Capital have been hired as passive lead managers.

Of the total debt plans for this year, almost $12 billion will be to refinance existing local debt, and will be done locally, a finance ministry official told Reuters last month.

That leaves around $20 billion-worth of new funds that Riyadh plans to raise in the local and international markets, with the international debt accounting for 45% of the fundraising plans, the official said.

The new debt sale, which is expected to close later on Tuesday, will be of benchmark size, meaning each tranche is expected to be at least $500 million, according to the document.
President Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani responded Monday to allegations made by his former associate Lev Parnas, saying that the Ukrainian-American didnt just lie, he lied stupidly.

Giuliani said he was heartbroken, by Parnas and still feels sorry for him.

Lev is someone I was close to. Obviously, I was misled by him  I feel very bad, I was the godfather to his child, the former New York City mayor said.

Giuliani distanced himself from Parnas after his former friend and business associate began telling various media outlets that he and Giuliani were working at the presidents direction to have former ambassador to the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch fired and the Bidens investigated for corruption.

President Trump knew exactly what was going on, Parnas told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow in an interview last week. He was aware of all my movements. I wouldnt do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the President.

Speaking with Fox Newss Laura Ingraham, Giuliani went on to say he was not going to respond to him for each and every one of the misrepresentations hes made, because there are so many. But he suggested that Parnas was spinning unsubstatianted evidence because of the prosecution hanging over his head.

Whats his motivation? His motivation is not to go to prison, the same thing as Michael Cohen, Giuliani stated. He added that he was prepared to lay out the facts in court.

If Im called as a witness, Im prepared to do it, Giuliani continued. In fact, I wouldnt mind being called as a witness for a lot of reasons, including being able to reveal the unbelievable amount of corruption that went on between the Democratic Party and Ukraine all throughout the Obama Administration.

Giuliani then countered several of Parnass specific misrepresentations, including that a White House meeting he claimed to be in never happened, and that ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee Devin Nunes (R., Calif.) never met with former Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin in Austria in 2018. Nunes is suing CNN for reporting that Parnas is willing to tell impeachment investigators that Nunes met with Shokin to dig up dirt on Joe Biden, and says the meeting never took place.

Story continues

Parnas also told Maddow that attorney general William Barr was in the loop on his activities. Barr had to have known everything, Parnas said, a claim which Giuliani vehemently denied.

I will tell you this definitively, I never spoke to Attorney General Barr about this investigation. Never once, Giuliani told Ingraham.

The White House will reportedly block any requests for Parnas to testify in the Senate impeachment trial.

More from National Review
The European Commission has unveiled plans for a 100 billion fund intended to help some of the most greenhouse gas-producing parts of the continent move into cleaner ways of producing energy, jobs and wealth. It's known as the Just Transition Fund, and it's going to be the partial responsibility of our guest. Portugal's Elisa Ferreira is the new European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. She spoke to us about the Just Transition Fund, the EU budget, cohesion policy and relations with the UK after Brexit.
The British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing, on Tuesday said the UK-Africa Investment Summit has launched a new partnership for growth in Nigeria.

The British Commissioner said in a statement that commercial deals worth 324 million (over 153.4 billion) has been signed between Nigeria and UK Investors.

NAN reports that 21 African countries met in London on Monday for the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit, which included African leaders, UK and African businesses, international institutions and young entrepreneurs.

President Muhammadu Buhari led the Nigerian delegation and held private meetings with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.

The Summit was designed to create lasting new partnerships that deliver more investment, jobs and growth, benefiting people and businesses across Nigeria and the UK.

Ms Laing said the summit has a strong focus on sustainable energy and on female participation in the economy.

She said Nigeria and UK would be partners on a range of initiatives.

Ms Laing said the initiatives include significant UK commitments to support Nigeria to develop an enabling environment to turbo-charge economic growth, by helping to address land issues for investment.

We will also be strengthening and improving the finance sector by helping entrepreneurs to secure access to finance.

Also, we will be preparing the ground for the launch in the UK of naira-denominated bonds Jollof Bonds and developing the technology sector, she said.

Ms Laing also noted that there would be substantial initiatives to accelerate the clean energy transformation in Nigeria, through enhanced technical and financial support.

The British High Commissioner, added that strong commitments to harness private sector support for social development, particularly supporting women and young people in business would be formed.

Nigeria has already secured billions of naira worth of deals from the Summit.

With the launch of an exciting range of initiatives to help investors identify opportunities in Nigeria, I am confident much more will follow.

I am proud the summit had a strong focus on supporting female participation in the economy.

In Africa, women are more likely to become entrepreneurs than men and, with a fast-growing population, Nigeria needs to harness the dynamism of its women to ensure prosperity for its entire people, she said.

Also, the Head, Department for International Development in Nigeria, Chris Pycroft, said the private sector has a critical role to play in supporting Nigerias economic growth.

Mr Pycroft said UK-Africa Investment Summit was an excellent opportunity for Nigeria to show off the wealth of opportunities it offers businesses, from agriculture to mining to technology.

I am delighted we are able to use our aid programme in Nigeria to support this agenda from small steps like helping the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission to produce an investment guide, he said.

Mr Pycroft said the guide was produced to strengthen Nigerias agriculture and finance sector as well as to stimulate the economy and create the jobs needed to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

This package of partnerships will deliver a range of wider social benefits, from improving energy access to extending access to banking and loans to the poorest consumers, Mr Pycroft said.

(NAN)
In what is the first seizure of wildlife that was being smuggled into India via Chennai Aiport in 2020, Air Intelligence Officers have seized rare species such as marmoset monkeys, tamarin monkeys, tricolour squirrels and iguanas that were being smuggled in from Bangkok. Officials say that in most cases of smuggling be it wildlife or valuables, it is only the courier that is caught, but this case also saw the organizer being nabbed.

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Based on the information that wild animals are likely to be smuggled from Bangkok, Air Intelligence officers had been maintaining a special vigil. On Tuesday morning, AIU officers noticed that one passenger was moving in a suspicious manner in the arrival area. On a close watch, it was observed that he collected his checked-in stroller bag and started to walk hurriedly, after which he was intercepted and questioned at the exit. The passenger was identified as one Suresh (35) of Chennai who had arrived from Bangkok by Thai Airways flight TG337.

His evasive replies prompted the officials to proceed with checking his belongings. On examination, it was found to contain four plastic baskets and one small cardboard box concealed among chocolates and personal stuff. On opening the plastic containers and cardboard box some species of monkeys, rodents, and reptiles were recovered. On questioning, he informed that the stroller bag was given to him by someone outside Bangkok airport with instructions to hand over the same to some unknown person outside.

As he was taken outside the airport, the person (receiver) who approached him to collect the bag was apprehended. Based on the information given by receiver, a search was conducted at the residence of the organizer in Chennai. He has also been apprehended and detained for further investigation.

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) officials identified the species as Primates, Reptiles and Rodents. The primates were Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), Red-handed Tamarin (Saguinus Midas) and both were natives of South and Central America. The Rodents were found to be Prevost's Squirell tricolour (Callssciurus prevostii) and are native to Thai-Malay peninsula. The Black and Red Eastern Gray Squirells are native to Eastern North America. The Reptile species recovered were Blue, Yellow and Green iguanas that are native to South and Central America. Marmosets, Red handed Tamarins and Iguanas are listed under CITES Appendix II. The Squirrels are neither listed under CITES nor under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act.

"Such species are mainly being smuggled in for them to be used as pets. While smuggling of reptiles and rodents are quite common, monkeys are very rare ad we haven't had any seizures in a long time. Usually the people behind such smuggling cases getaway as the person outside the airport (receiver) leaves right after he/she notices an unusual delay in the courier's arrival. But this time we have nabbed the receiver and based on the information received from him, we have also gotten to the person who has been organizing such smuggling," said a senior customs official.

A team of veterinary doctors from Arignar Anna Zoological Park inspected the wildlife species and found three Squirrels dead on arrival and rest of the animals were found to be in healthy condition. The Animal Quarantine Officials recommended that the wildlife species be deported to the country of origin as the passenger did not have any NOC/ DGFT license for import into India.

The wildlife species were seized under the provisions of Customs Act 1962 read with FT (D&R) Act. Three persons have been detained. The seized primates, rodents and reptiles will be deported to Bangkok.

It is said that wildlife smuggling continues unabated as the Indian Wildlife Act does not include many exotic species, thus making the quantum of punishment for smuggling very less. It is only for the species that fall under the Indian Wildlife Act that the punishment is stringent.
Dozens of illegally operating commercial accommodations were discovered by website 24 in the Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Districts of Budapest.

Such accommodations accepted reservations but were not found in the districts accommodation registries.



Non-registered accommodations do not pay taxes on their income or the 4% tourism tax required by law. This could result in tax losses of tens of millions of forints, according to 24.



Head of the Association of Hungarian Apartment Leasers Balazs Schumiczky estimated that about 20% of all Hungarian hotels may be unregistered, while another source put the percentage at 30% to 40% in Budapest.



The website reports that the Hungarian Tourism Agency is working on an agreement with the largest accommodation websites which would only allow accommodations that have registered with the districts to post advertisements.
John Lennon made his mark on movies as well as music. Beatles movies like A Hard Days Night, Help!, and Yellow Submarine live on as timeless classics which are still popular today. However, many Beatles fans dont know that John once exchanged interesting letters with one of the most acclaimed directors in cinema history: Francis Ford Coppola.

John Lennon in Hyde Park, London | Rowland Scherman/Getty Images

Legendary movie director reaches out to John Lennon

Coppola gave us a string of masterpieces in the 1970s, specifically The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now. Since that winning streak, hes directed other popular films like Peggy Sue Got Married, The Outsiders, and Bram Stokers Dracula. During the making of Apocalypse Now, he got in touch with John, reports Alternative Nation.

According to Far Out Magazine, Coppolas letter to John said the following:

Dear John,

Weve never met but, of course, Ive always enjoyed your work.

I am presently in the Philippines making APOCALYPSE NOW. Ive been here eight months, expect to be here another several months. I live inside a volcano, which is a jungle paradise, where there are beautiful mineral springs; and thought of ever you were in the Far East or if ever you would enjoy spending a little time talking about things in general and some distant future projects that I have in mind, please, I would love to cook dinner for you and just talk, listen to music and talk about movies.

If coming to the Far East is difficult, then someday in the future, either in Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York, I would like to meet you.

Sincerely, Francis Coppola.

What Francis Ford Coppola wanted John Lennon to do

from the archive: Francis Ford Coppola and John Lennon correspond about music for "Apocalypse Now." pic.twitter.com/0Z9UvKQlAC  Cameron Crowe (@CameronCrowe) August 5, 2017 The correspondence between John Lennon and Francis Ford Coppola.

The letter doesnt specify what Coppola wanted John to do. However, The Beatles Diary Volume 2: After The Break-Up 1970-2001 by Keith Badman says the director wanted the former Beatle to compose music for Apocalypse Now. Fans of the film will note its soundtrack features classic rock tunes like (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones and The End by the Doors. Johns music would have been a welcome and fitting addition to the film.

Coppola and John did meet. By that point, the filming of Apocalypse Now was completed. Heres what John later had to say about the project.

John Lennons response letter

John Lennon wearing his trademark glasses and playing the guitar in a Parisian hotel room on January 16, 1964 | Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Johns response to the meeting was short, sweet, and casual.

Dear Frank,

Having given a lot more thought to this idea, I realise that due to my work schedule I really dont have the time for such a big new project.

I love the book but it would take to [sic] much energy etc.

Best wishes to you, it was nice meeting you

Love, John Lennon

Coppola has earned many accolades in his career. Despite this, his letter from John has to be among his most prized possessions. Even if John didnt work on Apocalypse Now, Coppola can take comfort knowing John enjoyed meeting him.

Also see: The Beatles: Lesser-Known Films Inspired by the Iconic Band
FLORISSANT, Mo. (AP)  Prosecutors have charged a man with murder in the death of a 16-year-old boy in a fire at his suburban St. Louis home.

Bobby Copass, 39, was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and first-degree arson after the victim, Dustin Baggett, died Saturday. Baggett was injured in a fire Friday at a Florissant home where he lived with his mother, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
As Union home minister Amit Shah lashed out at the opposition parties over the citizenship act, he also accused them of supporting those who shouted anti-national slogans in Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Two years ago, anti-national slogans were shouted inside JNU. I have come to ask the people whether those who talk about dividing Bharat Mata into thousands of pieces should be put in jail? Modi ji put them in jail and Rahul and company are saying that this is freedom of speech, Shah said in Lucknow.

The BJP and right-wing supporters use the Hindi term tukde tukde gang to attack the opposition, particularly Left and Left-backed outfits as well as those who support them, and level accusations against them of being linked to efforts to divide the country.

After that, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav was in the line of the senior Union ministers attack during a rally in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow to drum up support for the citizenship act.

Listen Akhilesh Babu and company, you can abuse us as much as you can but those who raise slogans against the country will be put in jail, he said.

Amit Shah also raised the issue of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and said that as long as the Congress party was in power it did not allow its construction.

Kapil Sibal used to stand in the court and obstruct the case. After the formation of Modi government, the case in the Supreme Court went fast and now the temple of Shri Ram, which will be as high as the sky, is going to be built within three months, he said.

Shahs address in the Uttar Capital was his first political rally after relinquishing the post of the Bharatiya Janata Partys chief in keeping with its one man, one post principle.

It was among the six rallies to be addressed by top BJP leaders that the party has planned in UP on citizenship law, which has triggered protests across the country.
Mr. Frasier himself, Kelsey Grammer, will be in Short Hills this month to host a tasting of his beer, Faith American Ale.

Grammer won four Emmys for playing Dr. Frasier Crane in the long-running NBC sitcom, which wrapped in 2004.

The actor, who spent part of his childhood in New Jersey, founded his Margaretville, New York-based Faith American Brewing Company in 2015 on the site of a former dairy and cauliflower farm.

Having visited the Catskills as a boy and spent some of my most precious days here, I always suspected I would have a future with these mountains, Grammer, 64, explains on the company website.

He describes Faith American Ale (a four-pack of 16-ounce cans is $10.99 at Kings in Short Hills) as beer that tastes like beer; with character and a hoppy flavor that does not overwhelm ... not sweet or like a malted drink but beer that smells, looks and tastes like life well lived; like the fields and the sky and the sun have been brewed into every sip.

The actor will be at Kings Food Markets in Short Hills (778 Morris Turnpike) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
In this image from video, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swears in members of the Senate for the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Thursday. Read more

WASHINGTON  The White House argued in a legal brief filed Monday that the two articles of impeachment against President Trump are structurally deficient, decrying a rigged process and urging senators to immediately acquit the president of the charges that will be formally presented at his trial that starts in earnest this week.

The legal team, led by White House counsel Pat Cipollone, wrote that Trump did absolutely nothing wrong as it accused the House Democrats who impeached the president of attempting to overturn the results of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election.

The only threat to the Constitution that House Democrats have brought to light is their own degradation of the impeachment process and trampling of the separation of powers, Trumps lawyers wrote in the 171-page legal brief. Their fixation on damaging the President has trivialized the momentous act of impeachment, debased the standards of impeachable conduct, and perverted the power of impeachment by turning it into a partisan, election-year political tool.

The filing came as the Houses designated impeachment managers and Trumps legal counsel conducted final preparations ahead of the trial proceedings that will begin Tuesday, marking the substantive start of just the third Senate trial of a U.S. president in history. On the Republican side, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., circulated a resolution with proposed ground rules for the trial, while Senate aides and GOP lawyers were also weighing contingency plans in case Democrats are successful in forcing witnesses to testify in the trial.

Some of the preparations Monday came in the form of walk-throughs of the Senate chamber by both sides, scoping out the surroundings that will house all 100 senators for hours of opening arguments and questions into Trumps impeachment case over the next several days. But the two sides also spent Monday previewing the case theyll make on the Senate floor through dueling filings and efforts to refute the other sides arguments about whether Trumps attempts to pressure Ukraine amount to impeachable conduct. Both the Democratic House managers and Trumps legal team are battling to persuade a small group of swing GOP senators who will decide whether they will need additional witnesses and evidence to determine Trumps fate.

McConnells organizing resolution, which he circulated late Monday afternoon, offers each side 24 hours to make their opening arguments starting on Wednesday but compressed into two session days. It is unclear whether Democrats would press to use all their time, which could push testimony past midnight.

After the House managers and Trumps lawyers make their case, senators will be allowed 16 hours to question the opposing sides.

After that, the sides will debate for a maximum of four hours on whether to consider subpoenaing witnesses or documents at all, followed by a vote on whether to do so. If a majority of senators agree, then there will likely be motions from both sides to call various witnesses, with subsequent votes on issuing subpoenas.

The resolution also allows Trumps team to move to dismiss the charges at any time  although it is not explicitly mentioned in the four-page measure  because doing so is allowed under standard impeachment trial rules. The Senate trial also wont automatically admit evidence from the House process, according to GOP officials, a key difference from the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton more than two decades ago. Though the material will be printed and made available to senators, it wont be automatically admissible unless a majority of senators approve it.

The resolution infuriated Democratic senators, with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) calling the document a national disgrace and accusing McConnell of shrouding testimony and rushing the trial.

We are gratified that the draft resolution protects the presidents rights to a fair trial, and look forward to presenting a vigorous defense on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible, said Eric Ueland, the White Houses director of legislative affairs.

The administration laid out two main points as it seeks a quick acquittal for Trump: that the articles of impeachment are deficient because they dont involve any violations of law, and that the Houses charge of obstruction of Congress will damage the constitutional separation of powers.

House Democrats  in a separate filing that was also due Monday  disputed the White Houses argument, asserting that abusing the powers of his presidency was an impeachable offense and that Trump was the Framers worst nightmare come to life.The White Houses legal brief submitted to the Senate  offering the first detailed glimpse into its defense against the two impeachment charges  was adamant that Trump did nothing wrong, deploying a legalese version of the scorched-earth rhetoric commonly used in the presidents Twitter feed. One Democratic aide working on the impeachment trial, who spoke to reporters in a briefing on the condition of anonymity, likened the brief to an extremely extended version of a presidential tweet.

The proceedings Tuesday will formally begin with a debate over the McConnell resolution. The impeachment managers and the presidents lawyers will have an opportunity to debate the proposed rules, while Schumer is expected to offer changes to the measure that would allow the Senate to call several witnesses desired by Democrats at the outset. Democrats could also push for more than one vote on witnesses and documents.

But all 53 Republican senators are expected to support the rules as written by McConnell. Once those parameters are set, the formal arguments will begin.

In a 111-page brief filed Saturday, the Houses seven impeachment managers laid out their case against Trump that they will present to senators later this week, arguing that the presidents conduct posed a national security threat and that he obstructed congressional efforts to obtain testimony and documents about his dealings toward Ukraine.

The Houses legal brief reiterated many of the findings and arguments that Democrats have made for months  including allegations that Trump withheld nearly $400 million in military aid for Ukraine and a coveted White House meeting with its leader, Volodymyr zelensky, to pressure the country into conducting investigations into former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

The presidents lawyers argued in their filing, however, that House Democrats had no evidence to back up its accusation that Trump conditioned the aid and the White House visit on an investigation into a political rival. The attorneys also defended Trumps conduct, saying a July 25 call between Trump and zelensky that is at the heart of the Houses impeachment case was perfectly appropriate and that the Ukrainian leader has not indicated any impropriety with the conversation.

The lawyers pointed to a rough transcript of the call as proof that Trump did not seek a quid pro quo in his request for the probe of the Bidens and of a debunked theory alleging Ukrainian interference in the 2016 election.

In the call, Trump told zelensky that I would like you to do us a favor though because our country has been through a lot and Ukraine knows a lot about it. Those favors do not involve Trumps personal interests, argued the White House lawyers, who added: The President cannot be removed from office because House Democrats deliberately misconstrue one of his commonly used phrases.

That transcript of the call, Trumps lawyers also said, shows that the president was speaking about issues of burden-sharing among European nations as well as corruption  two foreign policy issues that not only were in his purview as commander in chief but reflected his long-standing concerns about foreign aid.

 READ MORE: Read the White House summary of President Trump's phone call with the Ukrainian president

The lawyers said it would have been appropriate and entirely proper for Trump to ask zelensky about those issues, including about Hunter Biden, who served on the board of Burisma, Ukraines largest private gas company, whose owner came under scrutiny by Ukrainian prosecutors for possible abuse of power and unlawful enrichment. Biden was not accused of any wrongdoing.

In response to the White Houses argument that there was no underlying crime, Democrats are likely to cite an opinion issued after Trumps impeachment from the Government Accountability Office that the administrations withholding of aid was a violation of law. Trumps legal team is expected to argue that senators must focus solely on the information relied upon by the House in its Dec. 18 vote to impeach the president.

As for the obstruction of Congress charge, the presidents legal team called it frivolous and dangerous because Trump had the right to assert certain executive branch privileges.

Accepting that unprecedented approach [from Democrats] would fundamentally damage the separation of powers by making the House itself the sole judge of its authority, the lawyers wrote in the brief. It would permit Congress to threaten every President with impeachment merely for protecting the prerogatives of the Presidency.

Earlier on Monday, the seven Democratic managers walked in procession, with their staff following behind, from the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to the Senate chamber a few minutes after 11 a.m. Reporters were not allowed to view the walk-through, as the doors to the third-floor galleries above the Senate chamber were locked, and aides said the lawmakers would not discuss the visit.

Upon leaving, the managers slipped into a Rules Committee room near Schumers office. The area appears to be their workspace for the duration of the trial and was outfitted with two long tables  along which there are several computers set up  as well as a large elevated television screen.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., was not present for the managers meeting or the walk-through, though several of his staff were there.

Later Monday, the White House legal team conducted their own walk-through of the area. The presidents lawyers will have office space that is traditionally used by the vice president, a corner suite just off the floor in the reception room adjacent to the Senate chamber.

On the floor itself, each side will work from a specially designed set of tables that are curved in the arc of the well of the Senate, with the House managers on the Democratic side of the floor and Trumps legal team on the GOP side.

The Washington Posts Paul Kane contributed to this article.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the longtime national frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, has topped the latest poll in Iowa, where caucusgoers are set to vote in just two weeks.

Focus on Rural Americas Jan. 20 poll shows Biden leading the crowded field of contenders with 24% of support and a tight three-way race behind him. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who at one point surged in national polling to compete with Biden, garnered 18%, while South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont nabbed 16% and 14%, respectively.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar earned support from 11% of Iowa caucusgoers, but she picked up overwhelming support, at 29%, when voters were asked which candidate would best serve the needs and interests of rural Iowa.

The poll surveyed 500 likely 2020 caucusgoers and was conducted between Jan. 15 and 18, after the latest Democratic debate hosted by CNN and The Des Moines Register, which featured a testy exchange between Warren and Sanders related to whether a woman can win the White House in 2020. More than half of the respondents said they watched the debate, and of those, more than 10% said they wouldnt pick Warren or Sanders based on their debate performance.

Focus on Rural America said that voters indicated if their first choice wasnt available, 75% would pick another candidate but 17% would remain uncommitted and 4% would simply stay home.

Caucus Day is set for Monday, Feb. 3.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has named Eliud Faz as its new chief operating officer.

Faz served as a Houston Methodist administrative fellow and as an eight-year member of the management team at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, where he eventually was named director of finance.

He then served as chief financial officer for United Surgical Partners International, where his responsibilities included all financial operations of three acute care surgical specialty hospitals in the Houston area.

Eliuds background and expertise are a good fit for our hospital, and I know that everyone will quickly see first-hand how his skills, insights and communication approach reflect that, said Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Siebenaler said Fazs strengths include both organizational/service line growth as well as employee engagement and relationship-building. At each step in his career, he has created business opportunities, improved patient satisfaction and helped peers and direct reports develop new skills and achieve new career objectives.

Eliud has a bachelor of science degree in economics from the University of Arizona and a master of science degree in health care administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. He lives in Sugar Land with his family; wife, Andrea, and two sons, Mateo and Samuel.

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

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While we know that Prince Harry and his brother could be in the middle of a feud at the moment, its really not every day that we hear about a royal feuding with a celebrity. However, it seems that there was once a time when Prince Harry and Victoria Beckham were at odds with one another. Reportedly, it came from a ridiculous accusation that Prince Harry made about the fashion designer. Read on below to find out what happened and how the Sussexes and the Beckhams feel about each other now.

Prince Harry thought that Victoria Beckham was spreading rumors about Meghan Markle

Victoria Beckham | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Its no secret that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex gets talked about in the press a lot. Ever since the news came out about her relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan has received a significant amount of attention. It got to the point where even people close to her were speaking to the media about her.

In one instance, Prince Harry also believed that Beckham might have been one of those people who was spilling details about Meghans private life to newspapers.

A source shared with The Sun that Meghan and Beckham got along quite well and were in regular contact with one another. However, things became sour between the two of them when some stories about Meghan and Beckhams relationship started appearing in the press.

These stories include one in December 2017 about Beckham giving the Duchess of Sussex tips for where to find good stylists, hairdressers, and facialists. The insider alleged Meghan feared Victoria was behind these leaked news articles, so she went to Prince Harry about it.

Prince Harry had an awkward exchange with David Beckham

Prince Harry once confronted David Beckham over Victoria leaking Meghan stories: report https://t.co/1ypbyYlKou pic.twitter.com/duoDGcVVnn  Page Six (@PageSix) January 12, 2020

Prince Harry and David Beckham are known to be close. The pair have worked together a lot over the years, especially when it comes to their charity work.

Because of this, Prince Harry decided to confront Beckham about the possibility of his wife talking to the press about Meghan.

Harry is very protective of Meghan, and decided to deal with the matter head-on, by directly contacting his good pal, David, the sourced told The Sun. Harry was very polite, but obviously it was a pretty awkward exchange and David was mortified.

The insider continued: He quickly put Harry right, and the two men agreed to move on  but it certainly made things awkward for a while.

The parties involved also later found out that it was not actually Victoria who told the media stories about Meghan. Rather, it was someone from a beauty salon.

The source alleged that it took a few months before things got better between the Sussexes and the Beckhams. However, it seems that they do not have any bad blood between them anymore.

The Beckhams were present at Prince Harry and Meghans wedding in 2018, but they did not attend the evening do celebration afterward.

Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham might have also been feuding about something else

Although it was not very serious, some people have alleged that Meghan and Victoria Beckham had a bit of a scuffle about the latters fashion career.

Meghan once said that she would never wear a Victoria Beckham dress because she does not have the long torso to support that silhouette. But that was not the exact reason for their disagreement since Meghan has been spotted in a few Victoria Beckham designs that are not dresses.

The tension between Meghan and Beckham came because of the designers policy about giving things away for free.

Another source told The Sun: Victoria doesnt do freebies  its a principle shes had since day one, and she has stuck to it doggedly. But obviously when representatives for the Duchess get in touch to ask if Victoria can commission and send over some outfits, the subject of money is difficult.

However, things got better between the two women when Meghan learned that royals are not supposed to accept free gifts. As such, Meghan is now happy to pay for anything and there is no longer tension between her and Beckham regarding this subject.
(Bloomberg) -- Terms of Trade is a daily newsletter that untangles a world embroiled in trade wars. Sign up here.

Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump agreed to a truce in their dispute over digital taxes that will mean neither France nor the U.S. will impose punitive tariffs this year.

Macron said on Monday he had a great discussion with Trump on the issue, without giving details.

We will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation, he said on Twitter.

Excellent! Trump said in a reply to Macrons post, without providing additional information. Trump is en route to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum.

A White House readout of the call was notably more muted, saying only that the two leaders agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the digital services tax and discussed other bilateral issues. And neither a White House spokesman nor officials with the U.S. Trade Representatives office would confirm that the U.S. president had called off his announced tariffs.

Still, the possible respite may defuse transatlantic tensions that had been building between Washington and Brussels along another potential trade war front. Last week, Trump signed a cease-fire with China in phase one of a broader deal aimed at balancing trade between the worlds two largest economies.

The European Union is an even bigger U.S. trading partner than China and supply chains between the two economies, particularly in automotive and financial services industries, are intertwined in ways that would make a tit-for-tat tariff dispute even more harmful to the world economy.

Macrons government still hopes to find a solution that fits within discussions at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments work on the issue, according to a French official who asked not to be identified in line with government rules.

European finance ministers meeting in Brussels Tuesday will discuss progress of the OECD talks. While the OECD is still working on its proposal for taxing tech companies around the world, France pushed ahead with its own levy last year that hit U.S. internet giants like Google, Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

Story continues

We now have an agreement between the two presidents to avoid any tariff escalation and avoid any trade war, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told reporters in Brussels before the meeting. Its remains a difficult negotiation -- with digital tax, the devil is in the details and we need to resolve the details.

Paris and Washington have discussed the possibility of France suspending the collection of the digital tax payments due in April as long as the U.S. refrains from imposing new tariffs, French officials said. But that wouldnt constitute a withdrawal of the levy, they added. For its part, the French government denies its national tax is discriminatory and warned that the EU would retaliate if the U.S. imposed additional levies.

The U.S. has said that the French tax discriminates against American technology companies, citing Section 301 of a 1974 American law that Trump has thus far reserved to justify tariffs against China. That opened the door to the U.S.s threat to hit $2.4 billion of French goods with tariffs in retaliation.

Among the French products targeted with duties of as much as 100% were luxury items like wine, cheese and makeup. One American wine merchant called it the biggest threat to the industry since Prohibition a century ago.

For its part, the French government had warned that the EU would retaliate if the U.S. imposed additional tariffs.

The dispute was another headache for European trade officials scrambling to expand their policy arsenal as the U.S. takes aim at a rules-based system for global trade that Trump argues is outdated and tilted against America. It also coincided with a change in leadership at the European Commission, the EUs executive arm.

EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan visited Washington last week for the first time in the job, partly to plead for talks rather than tariffs in disagreements like the French digital tax. At stake, he said, was transatlantic trade in goods and services valued at more than $3 billion a day.

Sounds like a fairly healthy relationship to me, Hogan said Thursday in the U.S. capital. So why put tariffs on these EU products to make them more expensive for your people?

The truce follows weeks of discussions between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Le Maire, who were scheduled to meet Wednesday in Davos, Switzerland, the alpine resort town where government officials and business leaders gather during the winter to discuss whatever is ailing the global economy.

The dispute has ramifications outside France as other countries try to come up with ways to generate revenue from the digital economy. Mnuchin told the Wall Street Journal that the U.K. and Italy will face American tariffs if they proceed with similar levies on foreign tech firms.

U.S. and EU trade relations started to sour in 2018 when the Trump administration invoked national-security considerations to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe. As a U.S. military ally, the EU was infuriated and promptly retaliated with levies on iconic American brands such as Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycles and Levi Strauss & Co. jeans.

A subsequent U.S. threat to wreak significantly more economic damage by targeting the European auto industry with duties on the same security grounds led to a hastily agreed truce and a pledge by both sides to work toward reducing industrial tariffs across the board.

Since then, the Trump administration has refused to start the tariff-cutting negotiations unless Europe includes agriculture in them. Also, it imposed levies on EU products in retaliation over government aid to Airbus SE that was deemed illegal by the World Trade Organization, and disabled the WTOs appellate body,

The EU, meanwhile, is pressing ahead with a plan for tariffs against the U.S. in a parallel WTO case over unlawful subsidies to Boeing Co.

Trump, scheduled to speak Tuesday in Davos at the World Economic Forums annual meeting, on Sunday reiterated his frustration with Europe as a trading partner.

Europe has had tremendous barriers to us doing business with them. All those barriers are coming down. They have to come down, he told a conference of farmers in Austin, Texas. If they dont come down, were going to have to do things that are very bad for them.

He added, Europe was, in many ways, more difficult -- and is more difficult -- than China.

(Updates with possible French concession in the 11th paragraph)

--With assistance from Jonathan Stearns, Justin Sink and Chelsea Mes.

To contact the reporters on this story: Ania Nussbaum in Paris at anianussbaum@bloomberg.net;William Horobin in Paris at whorobin@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Ben Sills at bsills@bloomberg.net, Brendan Murray, Wendy Benjaminson

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
The return of Boeings 737 Max has been delayed again. On Tuesday, the company said it did not expect regulators to approve the jet to fly again until the middle of the year. American Airlines, United and Southwest had already taken Max flights off their schedules until June, and if this new timeline holds, it would further push back when the plane will be available for commercial flights.

The announcement reflects Boeings new appreciation for the challenges facing the company in its effort to persuade regulators that the Max is ready to fly. Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration have continued to find new flaws with the Max that go beyond an automated software system known as MCAS. The software contributed to two accidents, in late 2018 and early 2019, that killed 346 people and led to the worldwide grounding of the Max in March.

But the new estimate is conservative and intended in part to give Boeing some leeway with airline customers, who became frustrated over the past 10 months after the company repeatedly missed its own optimistic deadlines for the planes return to service, according to three people familiar with the matter. If regulators find no new problems with the plane, they could lift the grounding by the spring, the people said.

Once the plane is cleared to fly, it will take airlines weeks to reintegrate them into their commercial schedules. The three United States carriers that fly the Max  American, United and Southwest  had already pushed back Max flights until June. They did not immediately change those schedules in response to Tuesdays announcement.
The Arab Organisation for Industrialisation (AOI) CEO Abdel-Moneim Al-Toras discussed in Cairo on Monday means to boost cooperation in technology and co-industrialisation with the Ambassador of Belarus Sergei Terentiev.

According to the AOI's statement on the meeting, Al-Toras and Terentiev discussed means to boost cooperation including trainings and exchanging visits to know the abilities and needs of the AOI. They also tackled the possible localisation of technology and co-manufacturing in the defence and civilian industries, such as railways and passengers cars.

The two officials also discussed upgrading the AOI's Railway Equipment Factory for the manufacturing of trucks and agricultural tractors.

Ambassador Terentiev said Belarus was looking forward to cooperate with the AOI in transferring technology and training to achieve a long-term partnership.

He also stated that the co-production between Belarusian companies and AOI will be displayed at the exhibit planned to be held on the sidelines of the Egyptian-Belarusian business council during the visit of the Belarusian president to Cairo in February.

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Lebanon is facing its worst economic crisis since its civil war, an unprecedented protest movement and mounting international pressure for reform, yet under-fire politicians have yet to form a government. This raises questions about what is holding up the creation of a new cabinet and what comes next for a crumbling country that can ill-afford delays. - What's the holdup? - Lebanon has been waiting for a new government since former prime minister Saad Hariri resigned on October 29, two weeks into a protest movement demanding the removal of a political class deemed incompetent and corrupt. After weeks of political wrangling over who would head the next government, political parties on December 19 designated Hassan Diab, an engineering professor and self-professed technocrat. But Diab, who had pledged to form a government within six weeks of his nomination, has hit repeated snags. Quotas apportioning positions between the key Christian, Sunni and Shiite communities have been key to forming governments since the end of the 1975 to 1990 civil war. The process always involves an arduous "slicing (of) the pie", said Sami Nader, director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs. Lebanon's three-month-old protest movement has mobilised against this kind of political horsetrading but old habits die hard. "We are seeing the same modus operandi -- the same sectarian and partisan logic of distribution of shares," Nader said. This time around, political parties are objecting to a proposal by Diab to form a downsized cabinet of 18 ministers instead of 30, arguing that it would deprive some parties of their slice. Two of the smaller groups allied to Shiite movement Hezbollah -- the Marada Movement and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party -- appeared to be the most vocal critics of a tighter cabinet. Diab has yet to comment on a fresh proposal for a 20-minister government meeting those parties' demands. - What will the government look like? - Political parties also seem to be wrangling over names. Diab has pledged to form a government that includes independent experts and representatives of the popular movement -- a key demand of protesters who have lost faith in the established elite. But this is a tall order, said Hilal Khashan, a professor at the American University of Beirut, who argued that all proposed candidates are linked to established political parties. "A cabinet made up exclusively of technocrats is wishful thinking," he said. "Behind every candidate, there is a political party backing their nomination," he added. Established parties "are still in control of the process." Christian leader Sleiman Frangieh, whose Marada Movement is one of the largest Christian blocs, confessed to this in a press conference on Tuesday, saying a government of independent experts is "not realistic." "Our political partners are naming people that represent them," he said, justifying his demand for wider representation. "The popular movement should give us a chance -- the proposed names are good ones." - Will it ease the crisis? - Donors and citizens are pinning their hopes on a new government to spearhead reforms, unlock billions in international aid, and help stabilise a plummeting Lebanese pound that has lost over a third of its value on the parallel market. But analysts argue that there is little the next government can do. "The task that awaits any cabinet during this serious period is herculean," said Karim Mufti, a political scientist. "In view of the multidimensional nature of the crisis, it seems difficult to envisage short-term solutions to the country's financial, economic and social problems." Lebanon has one of the world's highest debt-to-GDP ratios. A grinding dollar liquidity crisis and restrictions imposed by banks on dollar transactions has compounded the crisis, leaving Lebanon on the brink of default. To make matters worse, political opponents of Hezbollah, including Hariri's Future Movement, have said they would not participate in the next government. This has sparked fears any administration would be lopsided, dominated by Hezbollah allies and lack support needed to foster goodwill at home and abroad. Khashan said that political wrangling suggested the existing parties are ill-equipped to deal with the challenges at hand. "Solving the country's economic problems are far more difficult than forming a cabinet, and yet politicians can't seem to agree on the simpler task."
Ceron has over 28 years of experience in international corporate management, most recently serving as the CEO of a consulting firm he founded in 2016, focusing on corporate governance and organisational growth strategy. Prior to that, he was associated with Marsh & McLennan, where he led the companys HR and sales operation in Latin America from 2002 to 2016. Ceron has also held a number of senior HR roles at Philips Lighting in the Netherlands and PepsiCo in Mexico.

According to BMS Latin America & Caribbean CEO Jose Astorqui, BMS has been expanding its operations and brand presence in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2015  with about $200 million in premiums brokered in the region in 2019. BMS is confident in launching the next phase of its expansion in the region, together with the expertise of Ceron, Astorqui added.

BMS is well-recognised for its talented team and versatility in market conditions. The Latin American and Miami market has been changing dramatically and Im excited to join BMS at this phase of development, commented Ceron.
The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces will give the keynote address at the unveiling of a monument to commemorate the Irishman acknowledged as the first person in the world to officially record spotting Antarctica.

Vice Admiral Mark Mellett will deliver a speech this Saturday January 25 on Edward Bransfield as a monument is unveiled to his memory in his native village of Ballincurra, Co Cork, 200 years after he first noted the continent.

It is believed Bransfield was born around 1785. As a young man he was taken off his father's fishing boat off the Cork coast by British sailors and press-ganged into the Royal Navy.

He fought bravely in the Napoleonic Wars and quickly moved up the ranks.

In 1819 the Royal Navy sent a ship, The Williams, to an area far further south than had ever explored. Bransfield was onboard and ordered to chart the area.

Bransfield landed on what became known as King George Island and took formal possession of it on behalf of King George III, who had died the day before on January 29, 1820.

Turning south, the ship crossed what is now known as the Bransfield Strait, named for him by James Weddell in 1822.

On January 30, 1820 the ship sighted Trinity Peninsula, the northernmost point of the Antarctic mainland.

Bransfield made a note in his log of two high mountains, covered with snow, one of which was subsequently named Mount Bransfield in his honour.

He died in Brighton, England October 31, 1852 and is buried there.

It was a discovery which began the era of Antarctic exploration later made famous by the exploits of Ross, Crozier, Borchgrevink, Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton and others.

The Remembering Edward Bransfield Commemoration Committee raised a considerable amount of money through supporters to get the project to fruition.

The statue in memory of Edward Bransfield was paid for by an avid group of people who have a fascination with polar exploration.

Jim Wilson, who comes from Cobh and is a noted tour guide on Antarctic cruise liners, will act as MC for the event.

Local historians Ursula O'Mahony and John Ahern will also give speeches as will Liam O'Riordan, secretary and treasurer of the commemoration committee, who is distantly related to the Bransfield family.

The monument will be unveiled at a site on the Cloyne road edge of the village at 2pm.

The site was given to the committee by Cork County Council.
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The fraudulent overseas call center boss who tricked thousands of people out of millions of dollars pleaded guilty in a Houston federal court earlier this month.

Hitesh Madhubhai Patel, 43, of Ahmedabad, India, admitted to operating a call center for years that used fraudulent tactics to swindle up to $65 million from thousands of unsuspecting victims. The call center operators would often impersonate U.S. government officials attempting to collect a debt, sometimes specifically targeting South Asian immigrants and elderly people.
Antonio Brown.(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Police have arrested Antonio Browns trainer in connection with a Tuesday incident at Browns Florida home.

The Hollywood Police Department says that a man claims that Brown and his trainer Glen Holt battered him, prompting a 911 call to Browns residence around 2 p.m, according to multiple reports.

Police unsuccessful in attempt to contact Brown

Holt is charged with one count of burglary with battery, while attempts to make contact with Brown were unsuccessful, according to police. Brown is a suspect, but is not currently facing charges, ESPNs Cameron Wolfe reports.

Police expect to provide another update on Browns status sometime Wednesday morning, according to Wolfe.

Incident reportedly involved moving crew

The incident reportedly involved the driver and crew of a moving truck that was seen outside of Browns home.

TMZ first reported that a large police presence arrived at his home and that Brown has been accused of felony battery and burglary involving a driver who works for a moving company.

A live-stream of a WPLG camera showed police cars and a large 18-wheel truck lined up outside of what WJAC reports is Browns home.

The truck left the vicinity later in the day followed by police vehicles.

The large moving truck that was involving in the alleged battery outside of Antonio Browns home just left the neighborhood followed by a series of police cars. There appeared to be no one inside the back of those cars. pic.twitter.com/fFGwpXAmtP  Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 21, 2020

More trouble for Brown

The news is the latest trouble for Brown, whom Hollywood PD cut ties with after a public tirade outside his home last Monday. Antonio Brown live-streamed a profane outburst at police outside his house as his children and their mother watched.

Police had maintained a relationship with Brown in spite of his recent legal troubles as he made donations to the departments Police Athletic League football team and used their facilities to work out.

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He is no longer welcome at their facilities.

Browns agent Drew Rosenhaus has since reportedly conditionally terminated his relationship with him until he seeks counseling.

Brown hasnt played since rape allegations

Brown, a 31-year-old seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, hasnt worked in the NFL since being released by the New England Patriots after Week 2 in light of rape allegations against him.

Browns former trainer Britney Taylor filed a lawsuit against Brown in September accusing him of three separate incidents of rape and sexual assault.

Another woman accused Brown of sexual misconduct when she was hired to work as an artist in his Pittsburgh home while he was a member of the Steelers in 2017.

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DAVOS, Switzerland  Greta Thunberg on Tuesday punched a hole in the promises emerging from a forum of the global political and business elite and offered instead an ultimatum: Stop investing in fossil fuels immediately, or explain to your children why you did not protect them from the climate chaos you created.

I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing the climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them? Ms. Thunberg, 17, said at the annual gathering of the worlds rich and powerful in Davos, a village on the icy reaches of the Swiss Alps.

Her remarks opened a panel discussion hosted by The New York Times and the World Economic Forum. The full transcript is available here.

Our house is still on fire, she added, reprising her most famous line from an address last year at the forum. Your inaction is fueling the flames by the hour.
KAMPALA  David Bahati, the Minister of State for Planning at the Ministry of Finance has assured Ugandans that they will be able to attain Middle Income Status by the end of 2020.

The Minister made the remarks on Tuesday, January 21 while appearing before Parliaments Budget Committee to present the 2020/2021 national budget framework paper.

During the meeting, a section of MPs including Amos Lugoloobi (Ntenjeru County) and Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County) tasked the Minister to explain how far Government has gone with delivering its promise of delivering middle income to Ugandans by 2020.

Muwanga asked, This is the 4th year of kisanja hakuna mchezo are you talking about a government which has failed? You made a promise to people is middle-income status, how far have you moved with this journey in real figures?

The Minister responded saying, We are making massive progress we hope and believe we would have attained middle income by end of this year. So far, we are at USD878 per capita and middle-income status requires USD1039 per capita income, so we think we get the reviews, we would have hit it by the end of this year.

The total resource envelope for 2019/2020 projected to be Shs39.640Trn down from Shs40.467Trn for 2019/2020 with the reduction blamed on reduction in external financing.

According to the breakdown, the Ministry of Works, Interest Payments and Education, and Security Sectors will be the highest earners while Trade, Science and Technology, and ICT sectors will receive the least funding.

The Minister said that in the 2020/2021 budget, priority will be put on increasing production and productivity in the productive sectors of the economy, enhancing private sector competitiveness, consolidating and increasing infrastructure stock, increase social service provision, improving the effectiveness of governance as well as maintaining peace and security.

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UK beef exports increased by nearly a quarter for the year ending November 2019 while imports plummeted, the latest figures show.

The latest figures published by HMRC showed that in November, UK beef trade continued to follow the trends recorded for most of the year.

UK beef exports increased by 23% on year, while imports were down by 23% on the year.

Analysing the figures, AHDB says UKs beef export market has continued to perform well for another month.

In November, shipments of fresh/frozen beef were up by 23% on the year, at 12,800 tonnes.

Throughout 2019, beef exports have continued to track above 2018 levels. In the year to November, exports totalled 125,600 tonnes, almost 25% more than in the previous year.

AHDB adds that the rise in value terms has not been as marked, increasing by only 8% over the same period, as export prices have been 14% lower. Shipments to all major destinations increased.

Looking at imports, UK fresh and frozen beef imports in November totalled 19,900 tonnes, 23% below the previous year.

As such, in the year to November, UK imports totalled 224,500 head, 15% less than during the same period in the previous year.

The reduction in imports was recorded from all major suppliers. Imports from Ireland, the UKs largest source of imported beef declined by almost 22%.

According to AHDB, weak domestic demand is a key driver of the decline in imports.

Furthermore, Chinese demand for imported protein has risen significantly, following the outbreak of African Swine Fever, it adds.

As such, many of the countries who historically supplied the UK market have increased shipments to China.

The Chinese market is particularly attractive as the average Chinese import price is tracking above the UK price.
Isaiah Wanjala, the 14-year-old boy who wanted to sell one of his kidneys to finance his high secondary education, has finally joined his dream school.

This follows intervention from the office of Trans Nzoia County MP Janet Nangabo through her foundation and other well-wishers.

Dressed in full school uniform of the Chewoiyet Boys High School, shortly after being admitted, Wanjala said that his dream of becoming an engineer is back on course.

Im very happy for this support. God has done me a favour. I didnt expect this, said Wanjala.



Fred Wanyonyi, his father, could not hide his joy, saying that he can sleep peacefully at night since the burden has been lifted. He has eight other children.

I feel relieved, thanks to all the well-wishers. I am sure I will sleep like never before, said the boys father.

Speaking on behalf of Trans Nzoia County National Government Affirmative Action Fund, Steve Wanuke said that every child has a right to access education and the fund will support similar genuine cases.

As an office we value education and no child should be left behind for lack of school fees. We support bright but needy students, said Wanuke.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
World leaders were ready yesterday to pledge an end to all foreign involvement in the conflict in Libya after a UN-sponsored peace summit in Berlin.

The UN wants foreign powers who wield influence in the region to stop supplying weapons, troops or finance  either to the UNbacked Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli or the rival Libya National Army (LNA) led by eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

All sides will be asked to sign up to a plan to refrain from interference, and commit to a truce that leads to a lasting end to hostilities. A draft communique from the summit also urges all parties to re-commit to a widely ignored UN arms embargo and raises the prospect of Libyan political talks in Geneva at the end of the month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent military trainers and advisers to help the beleaguered forces of GNA leader Fayez Al Sarraj, and has also redeployed up to 2,000 Turkish-backed mercenary fighters from the conflict in Syria. French President Emmanuel Macron said he had acute concerns over the arrival of Syrian and foreign fighters in the city of Tripoli, and added: That must end.

Clashes since April have killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displaced tens of thousands, until a fragile ceasefire backed by Russia and Turkey was put in place on Jan. 12. Nevertheless, GNA forces accused Haftars militia of opening fire on them in southern Tripoli on Sunday, and Al Sarraj asked for international protection troops if Haftar kept up his offensive.
Burma Myanmars National Dialogue Must Be for All NCA Signatories Ahead of Peace Summit, EAOs Say

Delegates attend the 21st-century Panglong peace conference in September 2016 in Naypyitaw. / The Irrawaddy

Organizing a national-level political dialogue before the next peace conference will be one of the key issues to discuss during next weeks meeting between the government and the ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

The national dialogue began in 2017 but not all the signatories were able to convene. These included the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) because of objections from the Tatmadaw (military) about the location and the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) in Rakhine State, citing security concerns.

The RCSS and ALP were missing from the dialogue in 2017 and 2018 and their input was therefore missing from the process to establish a federation.

With the formal peace process stalled, the national political dialogue has been abandoned for nearly two years.

Sai Ngern, the head of the EAOs negotiation team on the political dialogue framework and a secretary of the RCSS, said every NCA signatory must be able to organize the national-level political dialogue under a new framework.

We tentatively plan it to be able to hold talks in late March. It will be on the agenda of the talks with the government on Jan. 28-29, he told reporters after the 10 NCA signatories Peace Process Steering Team (PPST) meeting in Chiang Mai on Saturday.

He said the EAOs believed every group should organize a national-level political dialogue, as the recommendations from the consultations are passed to the Union Peace Conference (UPC) for consideration when developing federal principles.

The groups said they needed to negotiate in what form and where the dialogue can be held ahead of the fourth 21st-Century Panglong UPC, which is due no later than April.

The Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM) on Jan. 8 saw the government and EAOs agree eight points to further implement the peace process to establish a stronger ceasefire and pledge to continue to negotiate in finding ways to move forward in building a federal union.

The JICM, which was led by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vice-Senior General Soe Win and RCSS chairman General Yawd Serk, also agreed to implement interim arrangements from the NCA text. They planned to further prepare and establish a model for what to include in part three of the Union Accord, which will be discussed at the UPC.

Among the agreements made at the JICM were to convene the next UPC early this year; to form a working committee to ensure common understanding of the NCA terms and definitions; to ensure NCA non-signatories are included in the peace process; and to start the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) and Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee (JMC) meetings.

The PPST leaders said negotiators were to work on the key federal principles that can be agreed at the next UPC, added U Than Khe, the chair of the All Burma Students Democratic Front, an NCA signatory.

The negotiations with the government will also cover the drafting framework for the political dialogue and how to work together on the participation of the NCA non-signatories.

Sai Ngern reiterated that the PPST leaders also focused discussions on the inclusion of the non-NCA signatories in the peace process because inclusivity is vital, as the peace process cannot be achieved with only 10 EAOs.

He added: Therefore, we had been finding ways to include our brothers in the process. We talked about it in the JICM and in the PPST discussions. We are in talks with the governments Peace Commission, who also have talks with the non-NCA signatories and we need to link both of our approaches together. So far, we plan to invite our brothers [non-NCA signatories] to join the talks on drafting the political dialogue framework.

Part of their efforts on inclusion have been that the PPSTs negotiation team and the non-signatories, such as the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), met to discuss the basic federal principles last Monday in Chiang Mai, according to sources.

The KNPP, KIO and other members of the Northern Alliance, of which the KIO is a member, are holding peace talks with the government.

These groups were negotiating to reach the bilateral ceasefire agreements without pre-conditions, General Gun Maw of the KIO told The Irrawaddy last week. Only after it is signed, will the issues of the return of internally displaced people and the NCA be discussed.

The political dialogue framework is also key to starting the national-level dialogue, and non-signatories joined the framework-drafting meeting in 2018.

Later this week, the RCSS is due to hold talks with the Tatmadaw ahead of the Jan. 28 negotiations, according to Sai Ngern. The PPST leaders also said the Karen National Union would meet the Tatmadaw.

The New Mon State Party had talks with the military, which withdrew troops from an outpost at the Three Pagodas Pass on the Thai border on Jan. 8, according to Nai Ong Ma Nge of the NMSP. It helps to build trust with the Tatmadaw, he said.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:09:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SOFIA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has found three shipments of salmonella-contaminated chicken meat coming from Poland with a total weight of 50.05 tons, the agency said Tuesday.

The meat was not allowed for sale in Bulgaria, the agency said on its website.

"The salmonella found is from a strain that is not pathogenic to humans," it added.

The BFSA has prepared a notification to the Polish authorities about the detected contamination, it said.
FILE PHOTO: The Apple Inc. logo is seen hanging at the entrance to the Apple store on 5th Avenue in New York

By Stephen Nellis

(Reuters) - Attorneys for a former Apple Inc executive on Tuesday will try to convince a skeptical judge of a core tenet of tech startup culture - that employees can plan a competing venture while still in a job.

Apple's lawsuit against a former chip executive-turned-rival will have implications for employees all over California who are considering striking out on their own and creating the startups that drive tech business and culture.

California's long-held public policy favors employee mobility in contrast to states that allow strong non-compete agreements. That stance allowed for the "traitorous eight" who left their jobs at Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory for a rival in the late 1950s and who eventually spawned dozens of companies, including Intel Corp.

Apple filed the lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court against Gerard Williams III, who left the company last year after more than nine years as chief architect for the custom processors that power iPhones and iPads to start Nuvia Inc, which is designing chips for servers.

Judge Mark H. Pierce last week issued a tentative ruling allowing the case to proceed but barring Apple from seeking punitive damages. Pierce will decide after a hearing on Tuesday whether to make his ruling final.

Apple sued Williams in August, alleging that he breached an intellectual property agreement and a duty of loyalty to the company by planning his new startup while on company time at Apple, spending hours on the phone with colleagues who eventually joined the venture.

Apple declined to comment on the case. Through a spokesman, Williams declined to comment. Apple is not suing Nuvia itself or any of Williams' co-founders and it did not allege any intellectual property or trade secret theft.

According to a copy of Williams' agreement that Apple attached to its complaint, the contract required that Williams "will not plan or engage in any other employment" that competes with Apple or is directly related to the company.

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In a filing in November, Williams argued that Apple's contract was unenforceable because California law allows employees to make some preparations to compete while still in their current job.

Even in California, there are limits, said Cliff Palefsky, a prominent San Francisco-based employment attorney. Workers can lay some plans for a competitor on their own time, but recruiting fellow employees on company time "gets a little dicey."

In his tentative ruling, Pierce wrote that "an employee is not permitted to plan and prepare to create a competitive enterprise prior to termination if the employee does so on their employers time and with the employers resources."

The case will likely hinge the specific facts of Williams' planning for Nuvia, Palefsky said. Given that work at modern tech jobs rarely sticks to traditional business hours, it may be difficult to untangle whether calls were made during company time or personal time.

"That phrase - that you can't plan to compete - raises a very interesting question of whether (Apple's contract) is violative of the public policy and whether the courts are going to enforce it," he said. "This is going to be some groundbreaking stuff, one way or the other."

The court has not set a trial date.

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Peter Henderson, Rosalba O'Brien and Paul Simao)
A quarantine inspection station at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia. (AP)

North Korea is set to ban tourists from entering the country in an effort to stop its citizens becoming infected with the deadly new coronavirus from China.

A foreign tour operator said on Tuesday it had been told the country would be closing its borders to tourists from other countries to stop the disease spreading.

The vast majority of tourists to North Korea come from China, Pyongyang's main supporter.

Young Pioneer Tours, an adventure travel company based in China, announced the border closure in a statement on Tuesday.

The disease has already infected several hundred people in China. (Getty)

"I have confirmed the DPRK will temporarily suspend all foreign tourists from entering North Korea until they feel the coronavirus is well under control," Rowan Beard, of Young Pioneer Tours, said.

Further details are yet to be confirmed by the company's travel partners in North Korea, the Young Pioneer Tours statement said.

(PA Graphics)

A manager at another foreign tour company said they too had been told of the move, but that it was not yet clear who would be affected by such a policy, with more details expected on Wednesday.

Fears are growing over the virus, which could be spread through human contact, with millions of Asians travelling for the Lunar New Year holiday this week.

READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS UK:

In China, the number of confirmed cases rose to 291 on Monday.

Tourism is one of the last major ways that North Korea can legally earn foreign cash, as international sanctions restrict many other forms of business with the politically isolated country.

North Korea is estimated to earn millions of dollars from a steady flow of Chinese tourists.

South Korean budget airline T'way Air said on Tuesday it had postponed the scheduled launch of a new route to Wuhan because of concern over the spread of the new coronavirus.

---Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK---
J&K was better off before Article 370 was abrogated: Azad

Only 5 out of 36 Union Ministers to visit Kashmir

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 21: As part of the outreach programme, five Union Ministers would travel to Kashmir today.

Out of the 36 ministers, only five will be travelling to three districts in Kashmir starting today. This is part of the outreach programme by the government in the wake of Article 370 being abrogated.

The ministers who would visit Kashmir are Ravi Shankar Prasad, Ramesh Pokhriyal, Mukthar Abbas Naqvi, Shripad Naik and Kishan Reddy. The ministers will take part in. 8 programmes of the government.

#HumWapasAayenge: Kashmir Pandits observe 30 years of mass exodus from Valley

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

The aim is to convey to the people the developmental programmes initiated by the government after the article was scrapped.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi prior to the visit had advised the ministers to speak about the developmental programmes of the government. He also said that it was very important to convey the message of peace to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 10:22:03|Editor: Xiaoxia

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SYDNEY, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Teenagers from China and Australia have celebrated the Lunar New Year Down Under on Monday evening, at an inspiring event which showcased both traditional culture and cutting edge technology.

At the Sydney Chinese Cultural Center, around 130 young people were involved in the colorful extravaganza that saw visiting students from China's Jiangsu province perform Huangmei Opera in full costume for the local crowd.

In return, Australian students performed glamorous contemporary jazz routines.

"We are extremely lucky to be connected with these performances, and the artistic side of the Chinese community," Australian dance teacher from Select Dance Co Jocelyn Ide said during her address.

"It's always of a high standard and it's so exciting and unusual for us to watch."

"Of course, dance is a universal language which is spoken by all. So to be given the opportunity to experience the joining of our two cultures is invaluable, especially for our younger generations."

As part of a series of the "Happy Chinese New Year" events to be held over the Spring Festival period, the China-Australia Youth Culture and Technology Festival also showcased over 30 paintings and calligraphy creations with the theme of "Beautiful China" and "Australia in My Eyes."

In order to highlight technology exchanges between the two nations, students also gave impressive demonstrations of aerial drones and small robotic vehicles.

"The event provides a good opportunity for young people of both countries to experience the charm of Chinese and Australian multiculturalism, enhance friendship and broaden their horizons," Director of the Sydney Chinese Cultural Center Xiao Xiayong said.

"We hope that Chinese and Australian youths will conduct more cultural and scientific exchange activities in the future, to get a better understanding of different civilizations around the world and to view them with an open and inclusive mind."
D onald Trump has said he is "looking forward" to striking a new trade deal with Britain as he branded Boris Johnson a "wonderful" prime minister.

Addressing the World Economic Forum today in Davos, he said: "We look forward to negotiating a tremendous new deal with the UK.

"They have a wonderful new prime minister who very much wants to make a deal, as they say."

Downing Street will be hoping to secure a fresh agreement with the United States following Brexit and the US president's comments allude to such a plan being a possibility.

Davos: World Economic Forum 2020 - In pictures 1 /46 Davos: World Economic Forum 2020 - In pictures AP Clarence House/AFP via Getty Images AP AP REUTERS REUTERS AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AP REUTERS AP US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AP Prince Charles and climate activist Greta Thunberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Clarence House White House Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump gestures as she delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators protest during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters US President Donald Trump holds a news conference at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davo AFP via Getty Images Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum AP Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump follow U.S. President Donald Trump as they leave the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AP Demonstrators protest during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Bank of England head Mark Carney attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the World Economic Forum, AP U.S. President Donald Trump listens to FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak during a dinner with global CEOs during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters A banner hangs from the window during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters President Donald Trump meets with European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen at the World Economic Forum AP President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum AP Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Police officers on a tower wait for U.S. President Donald Trump arrival to the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Air Force One carrying US President Donald Trump arrives at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland AP US President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the airport in Zurich, Switzerlan AP U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum AP Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg takes her seat prior to the opening session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, AP Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Marine One, center, carrying US President Donald Trump leaves the airport in Zurich, Switzerland headed to Davos AP

Britain is set to depart from the European Union, allowing it to diverge in trade agreements from the bloc, on January 31.

Previously, the UK and US have said "extensive preparations" have been made. The nations are free to negotiate upon Britain's departure from the bloc and the timing of the US presidential election means that a deal in the summer of 2020 could be Mr Trump's goal.

His praise of Mr Johnson was not his only moment of being gregarious with comments towards a fellow leader - as he also spoke of his "love" for China's Xi Jinping.

"Xi is for China, I'm for the United States. Other than that we love each other," he said.

Touting his desire for fresh trade deals including that being negotiated with China he claimed to have stood up to "predatory practices" from the nation.

Despite stating tariffs placed on China would likely remain in place as negotiations continue he added: "Our relationship with China right now has probably never been better".

Donald Trump speaking in Davos / Reuters

The US president used the majority of his speech to trumpet his work in office - hitting out at his predecessor who he accused of leaving "wreckage".

"Today I'm proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before," he told the audience in Switzerland.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump / AFP via Getty Images

He went on to declare: "The American dream is back bigger, better and stronger than ever before."

The US leader also touted the nation as an example to other countries, while he called on nations to "free" citizens from "the crushing weight of bureaucracy".

He claimed his agenda decisions are all focused on "improving the lives" of workers.

Elsewhere in his speech he appeared to hit out at climate change activists, as teen protester Greta Thunberg looked on, stating that: "To embrace the possibilities of tomorrow we must reject reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse."

"They are the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers... and they want to see us do badly but we don't let that happen."

The White House has not named any of the business leaders the US president is set to meet with during his time in Davos.

However, he is scheduled to hold talks Tuesday and Wednesday with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forum's founder.

He will also have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader:
Kalaburagi : , Jan 21 (IANS) Thousands of people protested against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) here and urged the Central government to repeal it, the police said on Tuesday.

"About 75,000 people from the city and nearby areas assembled at the KCT College grounds to participate in a massive event organised by the Karnataka People's Forum to protest against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC)," Kalaburagi Police Commissioner M.N. Nagaraj told IANS over phone.

Kalaburagai is about 600km north of Bengaluru.

"The protest rally and demonstration were followed by a massive public meeting in which senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, state's former Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Swami Agnivesh participated and spoke against CAA and NRC," said Nagaraj.

Clarifying that the extended college grounds have a capacity to accommodate about 1 lakh people, the police chief refuted claims on social media that about six lakh people attended the event.

"It is an exaggeration to say there were six lakh people at the venue, as the population of the city and its surroundings is itself around 5.5 lakh. My estimate is about 70,000-75,000 people were present for the four-hour long event, which was extended by an hour beyond the three-hour permission," Nagaraj, who was present at the spot, asserted.

Terming the CAA anti-people, Kharge told the gathering that people across the country would not rest till the draconian law was withdrawn.

"The people will also not allow the extension of NRC across the country from Assam where it was imposed against the will of its citizens," noted Kharge, who was a two-time Lok Sabha member from the Gulbarga constituency till April 2019.

Accusing the BJP-led NDA government of polarising the people, Yechury said in Hindi that CAA and NRC were designed to isolate deprived communities and make them feel like "paraiah" (outcast) within the country.

"The intention of CAA and NRC is to isolate Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis, nomadic tribes and downtrodden communities, which have been marginalised and suppressed," Yechury said.

Terming the NRC as communal, Kumaraswamy said its proposed extension to other states would deny the people the right to live though they are citizens of the country since birth.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reported as many as 45,347 incidents of breaches on its oil pipelines between 2001 and mid-2019, the corporations managing director Mele Kyari said on Tuesday, after an explosion believed to have been caused by oil thieves killed at least five people late on Sunday.

NNPC and the other oil companies operating in Nigeria need to be able to operate efficiently so that Nigerias economy can prosper, NNPCs head Kyari said, as carried by Nigerian media.

Unfortunately, the combination of crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism, has become a major threat to Nigeria in meeting its revenue projections in recent time, Kyari noted.

On Sunday, at least five people died and dozens of others were rushed to hospital after an oil pipeline exploded in Nigeria in a blast that the authorities believe was caused by oil thieves who ruptured the pipeline belonging to the NNPC.

These insertions into the p/lines can never be done in isolation. Theres a huge conspiracy of silence around this tragic situation. I mean conspiracy of silence from those who have the responsibility to protect the pipeline & those who watch this happen, Kyari said on Tuesday.

We are counting on Nigerians to help us resolve this as it is becoming a matter of national security concern, he added.

NNPC has often raised the alarm that oil pipeline vandalism in Nigeria is soaring. For example, the number of incidents of breached pipelines surged by 115 percent in July 2019 compared to June, NNPC said last year.

Pipeline vandalism, as well as pipeline sabotages by militants in Nigerias oil-rich Niger Delta area, has plagued Nigerias oil production and exports for years. Over the past year and a half, militant activity has subsided, allowing Nigeria to boost its crude oil production, and also making Africas largest oil producer a full-fledged participant in the production cuts of the OPEC+ coalition.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
By Ulf Laessing and Nadeen Ebrahim

BERLIN (Reuters) - Libya will face a "catastrophic situation" unless foreign powers put pressure on eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar to lift a blockade of oilfields that has cut output to almost zero, the country's internationally recognised premier said on Monday.

Since Friday, Haftar's forces have closed Libya's major oil ports in a power play as European and Arab powers and the United States were meeting with his supporters in Berlin to push him to halt a campaign to capture the capital Tripoli.

Tripoli-based Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj told Reuters he rejects eastern demands to link a reopening of oil ports to a new distribution of oil revenues among Libyans, saying such income was in any case meant to benefit the entire country.

"The situation will be catastrophic should it stay like this," Serraj said in an interview in Berlin.

"I hope foreign countries will follow the issue," he said when asked whether he wanted them to lean on Haftar to lift the blockade of Libya's Mediterranean oil export terminals.

Much of Libya's oil wealth is located in the east of the sprawling North African state but revenues are channelled through Tripoli-based state oil firm NOC, which says it serves the whole country and stays out of its factional conflicts.

Haftar's parallel administration has repeatedly sought to export oil while bypassing the NOC but has been thwarted by a United Nations ban, diplomats say.

The NOC sends oil and gas revenues, Libya's economic lifeline, to the Tripoli-based central bank, which mainly works with Serraj's government though it also funds some public salaries, fuel and other services in the Haftar-controlled east.

A document sent to oil traders and seen by Reuters on Monday said that the NOC had declared force majeure - a waiver on contractual obligations - on crude loadings from the Sharara and El Feel oilfields in Libya's southwest.

At least nine oil tankers had been due to load in the coming days from the ports now under force majeure, according to a local shipping source. The NOC had previously declared force majeure for oil ports on Libya's northeast coast.

Story continues

Libya has lacked a stable central authority since strongman Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown by NATO-backed rebels in 2011. For more than five years, it has had two rival governments, in the east and the west, with streets controlled by armed groups.

RESPECT FOR CEASEFIRE

In the interview, Serraj also said his government would respect the summit's decision to turn a tentative truce into a permanent ceasefire in Tripoli and open intra-Libyan talks to end conflict as part of a U.N.-led plan.

But he ruled out meeting Haftar again. In Berlin Serraj and Haftar conferred with world leaders but not meet each other.

"For me it's clear....We will not sit down again with the other side," Serraj said, adding that the question of peacemaking should not be limited to a meeting of two leaders.

Serraj and Haftar, once a senior army general under Gaddafi, last met in Abu Dhabi in February 2019 where they failed to reach a power-sharing agreement, after which Haftar launched his offensive on Tripoli.

Sunday's Berlin summit convened the main foreign supporters of Libya's warring sides. Haftar enjoys the support of the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Russian mercenaries and some African troops, while Serraj is backed by Turkey.

The summit yielded a commitment to shore up Libya's ramshackle truce arrangement but the gathering was overshadowed by Haftar's oil blockades.

The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on Monday the EU would discuss all ways to uphold a formal ceasefire in Libya but any peace settlement will need real support from the bloc to make it stick. [nL8N29P1K9]

Under the Berlin deal, a joint committee will be formed, made up of five military men from each side, and convene in Geneva in about a week to discuss the mechanics of a viable ceasefire to pave the way for a resumption of peace diplomacy.

"Unfortunately the (Haftar-led) attackers have continued to violate a truce and haven't signed it anyway," said Serraj, referring to a meeting in Moscow last week where Haftar refused to endorse a ceasefire scheme. Serraj put his signature on it.

"We look forward to the committee meeting," Serraj said.

Many are sceptical about any ceasefire's prospects due to a lack of mutual trust and a massive deployment of Haftar's forces into the northwest in their bid to take Tripoli.

Turkish support for Tripoli's effort to repel Haftar has seen the fighting, which has displaced more than 150,000 civilians, take on the trappings of a proxy war.

(Reporting by Ulf Laessing and Nadeen Ebrahim in Berlin with additional reporting by Julia Payne and Ahmad Ghaddar in London; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
ATLANTA (Jan. 14, 2020)  Following an invitation from the government of Guyana, The Carter Center has launched an election observation mission to observe the March 2 general election in Guyana.



The mission will observe and examine key aspects of the electoral process, including the pre-electoral environment, status of the Guyana Elections Commissions preparations for elections, and campaigning. Teams of long-term observers are currently deploying across the country and will later be joined by short-term observers and high-level leadership to observe voting, counting, and tabulation procedures. The Carter Center will also follow the post-election process, including the tabulation of results and resolution of any legal disputes. The international election observation mission will build upon the work done by four fact-finding delegations deployed by the Center in 2019 in the lead-up to election.



Throughout election season, The Carter Center will issue periodic statements on key findings. At the end of the mission, it will provide an independent assessment of the electoral process and its compliance with the countrys international commitments, national law, and standards for democratic elections. All statements and reports will be available at www.cartercenter.org.



The Center has launched a Twitter account especially for this election observation mission  keep up with mission statements and activities @CarterGuyanaEOM.



The Center's election observation missions are conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, which provides guidelines for professional and impartial international election observation. The declaration was adopted at the United Nations in 2005 and has been endorsed by more than 50 election observation groups.

###



Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org



The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.



A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Technavio has been monitoring the global non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics market since 2019, and the market is poised to grow by USD 12.93 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast period. Request free sample pages

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005450/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire)

Read the 157-page report with TOC on "Non-Tumorous Skin Diseases Therapeutics Market Analysis Report by Application (psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, and other applications), Geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW), and the Segment Forecasts, 2020-2024".

https://www.technavio.com/report/non-tumorous-skin-diseases-therapeutics-market-industry-analysis

The high prevalence of skin diseases drives the market and increasing healthcare expenditure is anticipated to boost the growth of the non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics market.

Factors such as microorganisms living on the skin, compromised immune system, genetic factors, and exposure to irritants, allergens, or another person's infected skin have increased the prevalence of skin diseases across the world. According to estimates, nearly 125 million people across the world are currently affected by psoriasis, of which over 8 million cases are from the US. Also, the prevalence of other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and rosacea is increasing across the world. This is increasing the number of patient visits to dermatologists and the demand for numerous medications. These factors are fueling the growth of the global non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics market.

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Major Five Non-Tumorous Skin Diseases Therapeutics Market Companies:

AbbVie Inc.

AbbVie Inc. operates the business through the Pharmaceuticals segment. HUMIRA is the key offering of the company. It is a TNF inhibitor used for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and uveitis.

Amgen Inc.

Amgen Inc. operates the business through the human therapeutics segment. The company offers a wide range of non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics. ENBREL and Otezla are some of the key offerings of the company.

Bausch Health Companies, Inc.

Bausch Health Companies Inc. operates the business across segments such as Bausch Lomb/International, Salix, Diversified Products, and Ortho Dermatologics. The company offers a wide range of non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics. SILIQ and ONEXTON are some of the key offerings of the company.

Eli Lilly and Co.

Eli Lilly and Co. operates the business across segments such as human pharmaceutical products and animal health products. Taltz -. a biologic injection used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis is the key offering of the company.

Galderma Laboratories LP

Galderma Laboratories LP operates the business through the Medical solutions segment. The company offers a wide range of non-tumorous skin diseases therapeutics. Some of the key offerings include AKLIEF, MIRVASO, SOOLANTRA, and ORACEA.

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Non-Tumorous Skin Diseases Therapeutics Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 2024)

Psoriasis

Eczema

Acne vulgaris

Other applications

Non-Tumorous Skin Diseases Therapeutics Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020 2024)

Asia

Europe

North America

ROW

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Related Reports on Healthcare are:

Global Eczema Therapeutics Market Global eczema therapeutics market by geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW) and indication (atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and other indication).

Global Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment Market Global seborrheic keratosis treatment market by type (cryotherapy, electrocautery, and other treatments) and geography (Asia, Europe, North America, and ROW).

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(Newser)  The head of a Chinese government expert team said Monday that human-to-human transmission has been confirmed in an outbreak of a new coronavirus, a development that raises the possibility that it could spread more quickly and widely, the AP reports. Team leader Zhong Nanshan, a respiratory expert, said two people in Guangdong province in southern China caught the virus from family members, state media said. Some medical workers have also tested positive for the virus, according to the China Daily newspaper. The late-night announcement capped a day in which authorities announced a sharp uptick in the number of confirmed cases to more than 200, and China's leader called on the government to take every possible step to combat the outbreak.

story continues below

The new type of coronavirus appears to have originated in the central city of Wuhan, which has reported 198 cases and all four known fatalities. Cases have also been reported in at least three other provinces. Internationally, four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed among Chinese travelers in South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Concerned about a global outbreak similar to SARS, a different coronavirus that spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002-2003, numerous nations have adopted screening measures for travelers arriving from China, especially those from Wuhan. In Geneva, the World Health Organization will convene an Emergency Committee meeting on Wednesday to determine whether the outbreak warrants being declared a global health crisis.

(Read more coronavirus stories.)
At the same time, they believe Russian language should see no restrictions in citizens' private communications.

The majority of Ukrainians believe Ukrainian must remain the only official language  this opinion is shared by 69% of respondents, while only 15% support the status of the Russian language as official in some regions of Ukraine, and 12% say Russian should be the second official language, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies named after Oleksandr Razumkov.

At the same time, they believe Russian language should see no restrictions in citizens' private communications, an UNIAN correspondent reported from a Kyiv presser.

"There are significant regional differences on the issue: the Ukrainian language as the only official one is unequivocally supported in the western region (92%), where only 4% of respondents support the status of Russian as an official language, and less than 1% support it as a second official language," the survey says.

Read alsoMost citizens say officials must speak Ukrainian during working hours

The Ukrainian language as the only official one is also supported in the central region (77%), the status of Russian as an official language is backed by 12%, and only 4% of respondents stand for Russian as the second official language.

In the southern region, 51% of respondents support the status of Russian as the language of everyday communication and the recognition of Ukrainian as the only official language, 27% as the official language in certain regions, and 14% as the second state language.

"Most of all, the significant status of the Russian language is backed in the eastern regions, where support for Russian as language of communication in private life while recognizing Ukrainian as the state language also prevails, but 24% stand for the possibility of Russian as the official language in the regions, and 31% are in favor of Russian becoming the second official language," reads the report.

*** The survey was conducted on December 13-18, 2019 among 2,017 respondents over 18 in all regions of Ukraine (except the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Autonomous Republic Crimea and Sevastopol). The margin of error does not exceed 2.3%.
New Delhi [India], Jan 21 (ANI): India and Brazil will ink over 15 agreements and launch a plan of action for the strategic partnership between the two countries during Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's upcoming visit, the country's Ambassador to New Delhi Andre AranhaCorrea do Lago said on Tuesday.



"We are going to exchange more than 15 agreements with the government and institutions. We are also going to launch a plan of action for our strategic partnership. We want to make our strategic partnership more dynamic. The plan of action will be launched by the two leaders (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bolsonaro)," the Ambassador said.

Andre said that the focus of the visit would be on strengthening bilateral relationships in the fields of energy, agriculture, and defence.

"We have more than 80 Brazilian businessmen coming, and we are going to have a very important series of meetings, concentrating mostly on some areas that we believe and have identified as having a great potential for bilateral relations, which includes energy, agriculture, and defence industry," the Ambassador said.

Speaking on Bolsonaro's participation as in the Republic Day parade as a Chief Guest, the Ambassador said, "He (Bolsonaro) is very excited to participate in the most important day of the year. It is the most prestigious invitation India can make."

Bolsonaro will pay a four-day visit to India from January 24. He will be accompanied by a Brazilian delegation comprising of seven ministers, senior officials, Chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, and businessmen, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

During the visit, Bolsonaro will meet President Ram Nath Kovind -- who will host a banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in his honour -- and hold talks with PM Modi. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on President Bolsonaro. (ANI)


San Francisco Police Officers Association president Tony Montoya led by a scant 15 votes in last weeks election to be the new head of the police union, sending the race into a runoff in the coming weeks.

Montoya received 836 votes from union members, while Rich Cibotti, a San Francisco police sergeant at Tenderloin Station and attorney who defends officers in police discipline cases, received 821 votes. A third candidate, Joe Valdez, the unions former treasurer who works in the Airport Bureau, received 46 votes, according to an internal message to union members obtained by The Chronicle.

Because no candidate received more than 50% of votes, the election heads to a runoff between Montoya and Cibotti in the coming weeks.

The election comes at a time when rank-and-file officers have faced public attacks  including a widely seen eruption from progressive Supervisor Sandra Fewer who led a Fthe POA! chant at an election party for new District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Officers have also been increasingly concerned about Boudin, who ran on a platform saying he would be tougher on officers in cases of brutality.

Montoya and Cibotti would likely take similar positions on issues concerning union members, but are expected to differ in their style and approach.

The votes tell you all you need to know, said Gary Delagnes, the unions brash former president who supports Cibotti. Theres a tremendous difference in opinion in the way the POA should move forward. Tonys style has been Lets get along. Lets extend our hand and see if we can make things better. But I believe in aggressive leadership. You have to fight and scratch and claw for everything you get.

The union has become increasingly isolated in city politics under Delagnes and his successor, Martin Halloran, who fought police reform and defended officers in high-profile scandals  including revelations of racist text messages between cops. Where an endorsement from the citys rank-and-file is a boon to candidates in other major cities, many candidates in San Francisco dont even seek the unions backing.

Since taking over as president in May 2018, Montoya has tried to bring some prestige back to the union and pushed a more diplomatic and calculating approach to city politics than his bombastic predecessors.

Hes met with city officials he openly disagrees with politically, including Boudin and progressive supervisor Hillary Ronen, quietly advocating for the unions 2,000 members.

Delivering results to improve wages, benefits and working conditions is what our current board has done, Montoya wrote in a message to The Chronicle on Monday. There is a time to demonstrate our disgust and opposition with politicians as we did with Supervisor Fewer over her unhinged rant, and there is a time to work with other politicians who want a safer and cleaner San Francisco. I have demonstrated that I can do both and I believe the membership wants leadership that can do more than be angry, they want results.

Cibotti could not be reached for comment.

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.

After retiring as an officer, Delagnes stayed on as a consultant for the union and remained a major figure in the organization under Halloran. Montoya fired Delagnes last year over an inflammatory Facebook post attacking Public Defender Jeff Adachi just days after his death. Delagnes said hes not interested in coming back if Cibotti is elected.

While Montoya has been more diplomatic behind the scenes, he hasnt shied away from public fights when it concerns his members.

He took a parting shot at former District Attorney George Gascon, who left office in October, and blasted voters decision to elect Boudin after spending hundreds of thousands in attack ads against him. He called on Police Chief Bill Scott to resign following a famously bungled investigation into a leaked police report to a journalist. He also blasted the chief over his decision to promote officers over others who scored higher on their exams.

Montoya most recently participated in a week-long Fox News series titled American Dystopia focusing San Franciscos ongoing quality-of-life problems.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
For the first year, Hobbs said, her son lived in a dorm. And she had the expectation that he would return to the family home in Phoenix.

He came back for two months in the summer and then he moved to an apartment, Hobbs said.

He considers himself a Tempe resident, she said. Hes not planning to come back to our house.

And Hobbs said it makes no sense to treat all students as temporary residents of their college communities based simply on what you think is going to happen.

Thorpe said hes open to listening to any arguments that Hobbs has about the wording of the measure to ensure that students do not get disenfranchised.

I want them to vote, he said, but on issues that he believes affects their friends and parents. For them to be in a community part time and change the dynamics of a local election for people who live here 12 months out of the year and theyre only living here part time, I think thats really unfair philosophically.

Ditto, he said, on part-year residents.
Photo: Google Street View

A former Kelowna RCMP officer facing charges for allegedly sexually harassing several women has been named in a new civil lawsuit, alleging he harassed a woman on Vancouver Island prior to his transfer to the Okanagan.

Its the third lawsuit to make similar allegations against Brian Mathew Burkett, who is charged with seven counts of breach of trust for incidents alleged to have occurred while he was a Kelowna Mountie in 2015 and 2016.

The lawsuit filed Monday pre-dates the criminal allegations and two previous civil cases, claiming he sexually harassed a woman while he was an RCMP officer in Duncan in 2012.

The civil claim states the woman called 911 to report a dangerous and aggressive driver on Oct. 17, 2012. After providing her contact info to the dispatcher, she received a text from an RCMP member asking her to provide a statement at the Duncan RCMP detachment.

After she gave her recorded statement, the lawsuit claims Burkett began to comment inappropriately and suggestively about the plaintiffs appearance and body piercings.

Within minutes of the plaintiff leaving the Duncan RCMP detachment, Burkett sent the plaintiff more than 15 inappropriate, suggestive sexual messages, the lawsuit says, adding he acted obsessively and aggressively via text in his pursuit of the woman.

The civil suit says the alleged victim suffered anxiety and continues to experience mistrust in the RCMP.

The actions of Burkett and the RCMP were reckless, arrogant, high-handed, abusive and showed a callous disregard for the plaintiffs rights, the lawsuit continues.

The suit also names the provincial and federal governments and seeks a variety of damages. The alleged victim is being represented by Penticton-based lawyer Michael Patterson, who is also representing two other Kelowna women who have filed similar lawsuits. None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Castanet News is not naming the lawsuit's plaintiff, as there is a publication ban on the names of the women involved in the criminal case against Burkett.

Burkett quit the RCMP in August 2017. He appeared in Kelowna court Monday on a procedural matter related to the seven criminal counts of breach of trust.

Last month, a Kelowna woman alleged local RCMP officers retaliated against her once she complained about Burketts advances. In October, another woman filed a lawsuit naming the same parties, claiming Burkett demanded nude photos from her.

It was reported in December that another Kelowna RCMP officer has been suspended after he allegedly sent sexually explicit text messages to a victim in a 2018 case he was involved in. Sexual assault charges against yet another Central Okanagan Mountie, Chad Lincoln Vance, also came to light this month in relation to a 2015 incident.
The Libya conference, which took place this past Sunday in Berlin, was not about peace in the war-torn country, but about the distribution of the loot. It is reminiscent of the conferences at which the colonial powers of the 19th century divided up entire regions and continents among themselves.

The composition of the conference alone shows this. At the table sat the heads of state and government of the most powerful great and regional powers, but no representative of the country whose fate was being decided. The two main adversaries in the Libyan civil war, Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and General Chalifa Haftar, had indeed been summoned to Berlin, but they had to wait in the anteroom until they were told what the conference had decided. Moreover, neither of them represents the Libyan people, serving rather as puppets of the various powers fighting for control of the oil-rich country.

French President Emmanuel Macron, center left, speaks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, center right, during a group photo at the conference on Libya in Berlin on Sunday (AP Photo - Michael Sohn)

In 2011, France, Great Britain and the US, soon to be joined by numerous other countries, bombed Libya and brutally murdered the long-time head of state, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Since then, the country, which once had a well-developed infrastructure and the highest standard of living in North Africa, has been transformed into a hell by militias fighting each other.

The militias, which rely on Islamist mercenaries and local tribes, are financed and armed by foreign powers. Behind General Haftar, who has American citizenship and was long considered an asset of the CIA, are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France and Russia. Al-Sarraj is supported by Italy, Turkey, Qatar and officially also Germany. The US had long been committed to al-Sarraj, but recently tended to support Haftar again.

The goals pursued by the various powers are contradictory. Geopolitical and regional political goals are mixed up with economic interests. For example, the conflict between Italy and France is primarily about control over Libyan oil and gas. With 48 billion barrels, the country has the ninth largest oil reserves in the world. The former colonial power, Italy, controls almost half of the market with the oil company Eni, the largest oil and gas producer in Libya. Its biggest competitor is the French Total group. France is also dependent on Haftars support for its colonial war in the Sahel.

The civil war in Libya would probably have dragged on in this form for years if Russia and Turkey had not intervened. Russian mercenaries of the Kremlin-affiliated Wagner group have recently made a major contribution to Haftars military successes. Turkey, in turn, has sent its own soldiers as well as mercenaries of the Free Syrian Army to Libya to support al-Sarraj. In return, al-Sarraj signed an agreement on the delimitation of spheres of influence at sea, which divides the eastern Mediterranean between the two countries. Based on this agreement, Turkey claims large gas reserves, which Greece and Cyprus also claim.

The fear that Russia and Turkey would gain influence in Libya brought the European powers closer together. Germany saw its chance here. It had not taken part in the Libyan war in 2011 because it had good economic relations with the Gaddafi regime, and it has had little influence in the North African country since then. Now, Chancellor Merkel slips on the mask of Otto von Bismarck, who at the end of the 19th century had cleverly exploited the conflicts between other great powers, and in the guise of an honest broker asserts Germanys great-power interests.

The Berlin Libya Conference and the agreements reached there help Germany establish itself in the country and strengthen its political and economic influence in Africa. To this end, Merkel called together all adversaries, a total of 16 states and organizations, in Berlin.

French President Macron attended the conference, as did the heads of government of Italy and Britain, Conte and Johnson. President Putin came from Russia and President Erdogan from Turkey. The US government was represented by Secretary of State Pompeo. High-ranking members of government also came from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The UN and the European Union were also involved through their leading representatives.

The conference agreed on a 50-point declaration. According to it, the ceasefire, which had already been established earlier through the mediation of Russia and Turkey, is to be extended permanently. The militias are to be demobilized and disarmed, and the existing arms embargo, which has already been violated by everyone, is to be respected and monitored.

There is little doubt, however, that this is only the preliminary stage to a military occupation of the country. EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrel had already told Der Spiegel prior to the conference, If there is a ceasefire in Libya, the EU must be prepared to help implement and monitor this ceasefirepossibly also with soldiers, for example as part of an EU mission.

Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio also told the German news magazine, We need a European peace mission. He said that European blue helmets were needed, with a mission on water, land and air to monitor compliance with the agreement.

Demands for a deployment of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) are coming thick and fast from the German media and politicians. Christian Democratic Union (CDU) chairwoman and Defence Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer declared her support, and CDU parliamentarian Johann Wadephul called for monitoring the implementation of the arms embargo and armistice. We cannot tolerate Libya remaining a playground for arms smugglers, human traffickers and Islamic terrorists in the long run.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung commented, Germany will have to play a major role in both the establishment of security and the construction of a Libyan polity, not only for the sake of its role in Europe, but also because it is in Germanys interest to spare Libya the fate of Syria.

The German ruling class sees the Libyan conflict as an opportunity to push ahead with the long-propagated return to militaristic great power politics. Seventy-nine years after Hitlers favourite general Erwin Rommel landed in Libya to pursue his disastrous Africa campaign, they sense the chance to establish a military presence in North Africa. They are supported by all parties. Not only the governing partiesCDU, Christian Social Union (CSU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD)but also the Greens and the Left Party have enthusiastically welcomed and supported the Berlin conference.

There is no doubt, however, that the cease-fire in Libya, if it is concluded at all, is only a breathing space before the war, which has already devastated the country, intensifies further. None of the conflicts that are driving the imperialist powers into ever more brutal wars has been resolved. Experts believe that the civil war in Libya will flare up again in a short time. For both sides, the current situation is militarily and economically unacceptable in the long term, writes Die Zeit. Therefore, a renewed outbreak of major fighting in the coming weeks is not unlikely.

The conflict between Turkey and Greece, which was not invited to Berlin despite outraged protests by the Athens government out of concern for gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean, has also intensified. Over the weekend, Turkish hackers paralysed the websites of the Greek Foreign Ministry and secret service. Greek hackers retaliated by doing the same to the website of the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The two hostile NATO members have previously been on the verge of war.

Besides the struggle for oil, markets and influence, it is above all the intensification of the class struggle to which the imperialist powers are reacting with war and militarism. The mass protests in Iraq and Lebanon have intensified in recent days, despite brutal repressive measures. And in Europe too, especially in France, governments are facing massive resistance.
Benchmark palm oil prices will average 2,650 ringgit ($650.80) a tonne in 2020, up from 2,248 ringgit last year, according to the median estimate from a poll of 18 analysts and industry players.

Kaula Lumpur: Average palm oil prices will surge 17.9 percent this year, a Reuters poll of industry participants showed, as reduced output in the first half of the year and higher biodiesel consumption in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia tighten the market.

Benchmark palm oil prices will average 2,650 ringgit ($650.80) a tonne in 2020, up from 2,248 ringgit last year, according to the median estimate from a poll of 18 analysts and industry players.

With relatively low production in the first quarter, production will only be sufficient for export and not for topping up stock, said Derom Bangun, chairman of the Indonesia Palm Oil Board.

Supplies are expected to rebound later in the year, however, and prices could be much lower from April to December, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil importer based in Mumbai.

Indonesias palm production is pegged to rise 0.55 percent to 45.75 million tonnes in 2020 from an estimated 45.5 million tonnes in 2019, according to the median estimate of 14 poll respondents who answered questions specifically on Indonesias palm sector.

This is compared to output growth of 5.8 percent in 2019 over 2018s total of 43 million tonnes, sources said.

Output in No.2 producer Malaysia will grow by 0.35 percent to 19.93 million tonnes this year, based on the median estimate from 14 participants.

In 2019, Malaysias production rose 1.85 percent to 19.86 million tonnes, up from 2018s 19.5 million tonnes.

The slower output growth is due to dry weather and lower fertiliser usage in both countries last year, when palm prices dropped as low as 1,960 ringgit.

Indonesia and Malaysia together account for nearly 90 percent of global palm production.

Indonesia's biodiesel programme

(In) year 2020 much depends on whether Indonesia can produce 10 million kilolitres of biodiesel, said Christopher Chai, a general manager with Malaysias Kwantas Corp.

The market will be closely watching the roll-out of Indonesias B30 biodiesel programme - biodiesel with 30 percent palm content - and Malaysias newly implemented B20 programme, as together they are expected to increase local consumption by 10-13 percent, traders said.

Indonesia is targeting 10 million kilolitres (8.7 million tonnes) of biodiesel production this year, while Malaysias biodiesel association is expecting to produce 1.7 million to 2 million tonnes of the fuel.

Trade wars to hit exports this year

Ongoing trade disputes between China and the United States, India and Malaysia, and the European Union and Indonesia will likely affect export shipments this year, poll respondents said.

The Indonesian governments battle with the EU on the latter imposing anti-dumping duties on Indonesian biodiesel exporters will hog the media attention, Sathia Varqa, owner and co-founder of Singapore-based Palm Oil Analytics, said.

Malaysia benefited from the trade war between the United States and China in 2019, with exports to China rising by 33.9 percent last year. However, a trade deal between the two largest economies may see China resume purchases of US soybeans, which may result in a lower demand for palm oil.

India, the worlds largest edible oil buyer, as well restricted overall imports of refined palm oil on Jan. 8., and informally instructed its traders to avoid purchases from Malaysia following a diplomatic squabble.
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Based on true events, Dignity, a Chile-Germany co-production from co-creators Maria Elena Wood and Patricio Pereira, head writer-producer Andreas Gutzeit and director Julio Jorquera, has been a hit since its launch as the first original series from German digital platform Joyn, a streaming service run jointly by Discovery and German media giant ProSiebenSat.

The series is slated to launch on Mega, a co-commissioner along with Joyn, in Chile later this year. Distributor Red Arrow Studios International is currently in discussions with other broadcasters internationally.

Co-produced by Chiles Invercine & Wood and international production company Story House Productions, the multi-timeline series takes place in a post-WWII German cult in Chile, headed by the harrowing Paul Schaefer, a former Nazi soldier who fled to rural Chile after the war.

There, he established the German-speaking Colonia Dignidad (Dignity Colony) and reigned over a generations-long culture of torture, child abuse and murder, all under the protection of Chiles former dictator Augusto Pinochets dictatorship. The community flourished under Schaefers leadership and became an indispensable to the local natives, providing schooling and medical services in an area where there would otherwise be none.

Decades later, under a new federal government, fictional Spanish-German bi-lingual prosecutor Leo Ramirez is sent to the colony, tasked with bringing Schaefer out of hiding and into custody. Unbeknownst to those around him, Leo has a history with the cult. When they were children, Leos younger brother Pedro died at the colony under suspicious circumstances, and it was Schaefer who sent Leo to Germany to be educated, explaining his German fluency. Facing long-buried demons, Leo is determined to bring down the colony until a young man claiming to be Pedro appears, throwing everything he thinks he knows into question.

Story House producer and series head writer Andreas Gutzeit discussed the series, its production and its impact with Variety ahead of NATPE Miami, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 21.

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This is based on a true and very recent story that Im sure still impacts the region today. What kinds of special concerns did you take when portraying such a hot-button issue that affects and entire community?

We were well aware of the fact that many victims of the torturous system that was Colonia Dignidad are still alive and are still not compensated or even fully recognized until this day. It has been on our mind throughout the entire production. With the series we hope the plight of the victims, both German and Chilean, will be remembered and addressed appropriately.

How do you determine which truths you want to tell in the series? It appears there must be conflicting stories about what happened, and I wonder what kind of research was done to assure your story was accurate.

We had both German and Chilean writing teams working on Dignity who brought different sensibilities to the series. That was key. Of course, the entire team was well versed in the subject matter, which still is very much under historical investigation in both countries. We did not want to recount the history of Colonia Dignidad, we set out to create a powerful thriller with a deeply affected family at its core. The story of Leo and Pedro, two fictional characters that are based on several real but composite characters, is the story we tell.

Were there times when you had to take creative liberties to make something more viable for TV?

No, the real stories were much more dramatic and devastating. We didnt need to invent any of the horrors that took place there. Of course, the characters are all fictional, but in our series they live through the system that was the Colonia, just like the real victims did.

Did you film in the locations that these events took place?

We filmed all scenes taking place inside the compound in the actual locations in Colonia. This was quite remarkable, especially for the actors. The experience for them was very intense.

Does the story wrap up at the end of S1 or is there a possibility to continue?

A second season is currently being written. We hope that we can put together Season 2 very soon.

Can you talk about how production was handled from 13,000km apart?

We trusted that our director Julio shared our creative vision and was ably supported by his production team. We are very happy that this trust was rewarded.

How has the series been received in Germany? Are launch dates set for other territories soon?

The series was received spectacularly well in Germany. The press feedback from all the major newspapers was fantastic. Many outlets called it one of the best German series of the year.

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Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Harsh Vardhan Shringla (center), seen here with Amit Kumar, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy in Washington; Consul General in Atlanta Dr. Swati Kulkarni, members of Congress, Embassy officials and IAICC members, has left for India to assumed charge as Foreign Secretary of India. (photo provided)
The Berlin conference on Libya ended Jan. 19 with domestic and foreign actors agreeing on fragile proposals to enforce an arms embargo and to work toward de-escalating a conflict that has gripped the nation since the fall of Col. Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Though many of the conclusions set forth mechanisms for progress, including the establishment of a cease-fire committee that is to meet regularly, few expect short-term changes on the ground in Libya as a sustainable resolution remains elusive. Still, in the days following the summit, observers have said Turkeys increased involvement in the conflict acted as a catalyst for the European and international community to revisit developments in Libya.

Ankara, through agreements with the Tripoli government demarcating shared maritime boundaries in November and then with parliamentary approval of Turkish troop deployment to Libya earlier this month, has expanded its diplomatic clout in the nine-year conflict and has positioned itself as a key broker in developments moving forward.

In recent months, Turkish officials have increasingly supported the UN-recognized Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj in Tripoli against an offensive launched in April 2019 by eastern Libya commander Khalifa Hifter.

Sinem Adar, a research associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin, said Ankara has multiple interests in its logistical and material backing of the Government of National Accord, including territorial and energy claims in the eastern Mediterranean, political alignments and economic incentives in the form of prewar Turkish debt.

Adar told Al-Monitor that the summit has helped Ankara buy further time to keep the Government of National Accord intact, adding, One can perhaps argue that the summit for Ankara is a short-term gain, in this respect.

Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, director of the German Marshall Fund in Ankara, agreed that Turkish intervention had proved successful in slowing down the offensive by Hifter forces, which had gained momentum in the fall with the help of Russian mercenaries working under the Wagner Group and air support from drones provided by the United Arab Emirates.

Unluhisarcikli said, however, that the push for a cease-fire at the Berlin summit would be difficult to implement as few mechanisms were agreed upon regarding who would monitor developments on the ground. He expressed similar apprehensions regarding enforcement of the arms embargo.

Will this really prevent everyone from shipping arms? Unluhisarcikli asked during a phone interview with Al-Monitor. In Turkeys case, it might be slightly easier to monitor because Turkey will need to use a sea route, but on the other hand, Hifter could continue receiving support from the gulf region via a land route [through Egypt], which is more difficult to trace.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told Turkish broadcaster NTV on Jan. 21 that Hifter must heed calls for a political solution. Prior to the Berlin summit, Hifter blocked oil exports from ports under his control, cutting Libyan oil exports by more than half.

Does Hifter want a political or military solution? Until now, his stance has shown he wants a military one, Cavusoglu said from the World Economic Forum in Davos. Hifter must immediately fall back to the political solution line and take concrete and positive steps in line with calls of the international community for calm on the ground.

On Jan. 20, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara had not yet deployed Turkish troops to Libya, only military advisers and trainers. And while media reports have said Ankara is transferring Syrian fighters to Libya, multiple Turkish officials have denied this.

Asli Aydintasbas, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said Ankara has strongly voiced its support for the Tripoli government and, following the bilateral agreements in November, was only more likely to defend Sarraj against future offensives.

If news is to be believed, some of the foreign backers of Hifter have continued to send weapons over the weekend, which leads me to believe that no one has the intention to back down from the military aspect of the struggle, Aydintasbas told Al-Monitor.

She added, In other words we may be headed for another round of fighting. I hope Im wrong.

Aydintasbas also pointed to continued Turkish-Russian cooperation regarding the conflict following the collapse of peace talks in Moscow last week. Though Ankara and Moscow back opposing sides in both the Libyan and Syrian conflicts, she said officials have been able to compartmentalize disagreements and maintain a rapprochement in relations, most evident in Turkeys S-400 missile acquisition and cooperation on energy projects.

Thats really unprecedented and it tells us a lot about the new world we are entering, whereby two resurgent powers feel the West is dropping the ball, even on conflicts that are on its doorstep, Aydintasbas told Al-Monitor.

Though cease-fire infringements continue to be reported by both sides in Libya, Unluhisarcikli said multiple rounds of diplomatic talks have increased Ankaras regional influence, which officials will have to employ with tact.

If Turkey chooses to use its leverage to improve cooperation, particularly with Germany but also with other European countries, I think Turkey would benefit from this, Unluhisarcikli told Al-Monitor. But if Turkey sees this as a victory, as a sign that Turkey is a very important power and etcetera, and sees this as a basis for acting unilaterally, I think Turkey would waste this opportunity.
(Newser)  The search for a Native American teenager whose disappearance brought attention to the wider issue of missing and murdered women from the community came to a tragic end Monday morning. The body of 16-year-old Selena Not Afraid was found less than a mile from the I-90 rest stop in rural Montana where she was last seen on New Year's Day, the Billings Gazette reports. Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair says federal agents carrying out a systematic grid search found the teen's body. The sheriff says an autopsy will be conducted Tuesday or Wednesday, but foul play is not suspected. The sheriff says Selena, who had been in Billings for a New Year's Eve party, had been in a van with five adults that broke down at a rest stop.

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After the driver restarted the vehicle, they left without Selena and another woman. When a relative arrived to pick them up 10 or 15 minutes later, the teen, who had walked into a field and wasn't dressed for the weather, according to a missing person report, was nowhere to be found. Her aunt, Cheryl Horn, was among hundreds of people who camped out at the rest area during the search, NBC reports. "We brought our baby girl home," Horn said in a Facebook post Monday. "Now she can Rest In Peace. Jackie and I want to thank everyone for helping us bring our girl home." Horn said last week that even after Selena was found, she would be a voice for missing and murdered indigenous women. Almost 300 Native American women were reported missing in Montana alone last year. (Read more missing woman stories.)
The ongoing work on a memorial to BR Ambedkar, can be completed within two years if taken up as a challenge, NCP president Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday.

Mumbai: The ongoing work on a memorial to the chief drafter of the Constitution, BR Ambedkar, can be completed within two years if taken up as a challenge, NCP president Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday.

Speaking after reviewing the progress of the project in Dadar, whose 'bhumi pujan' was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, he said once completed, the monument can become a tourist hotspot.

Pawar said he was told 25 percent of the work on the memorial, coming up in the compound of now defunct Indu Mills, has been completed.

The former Union minister defended the construction of the memorial amid suggestions the fund required for the project be used for some other purposes, saying it will turn out to be an important attraction from tourism point of view.

The Maharashtra government last week approved a proposal to raise the height of the proposed statue of the Dalit icon at the site by 100 feet and cleared the revised expenditure of Rs 1089.95 crore for the project.

"The memorial work will complete in two years if taken up as a challenge," Pawar told reporters.

The former Union agriculture minister said the memorial will be a centre of attraction in India and outside, particularly in countries where the Buddhist community has large presence, like Sri Lanka, Thailand and China.

Pawar said he suggested the authorities implementing the project to ensure proper crowd management on 14 April and 6 December (birth and death anniversaries, respectively, of Ambedkar) as the number of the followers of the social reformer who visit Dadar on these two days was increasing.

He declined to comment on whether there was a delay on part of the previous Devendra Fadnavis government in executing the project.

On some people suggesting that the fund meant for the memorial be spent for some other purposes, Pawar said everyone has a right to express an opinion.

"And there is a big section in the society which thinks it must guide (others) on every issue. Since such a section is big, one should accept what is right and ignore (what is not)," the NCP leader added.

To a question, Pawar said the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, in which his party is a key ally, is strong enough to set up another university in the state.

Dalit leader and grandson of Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, last Saturday suggested that the Bombay High Court ask the government to utilise funds sanctioned for the proposed statue for improvement of functioning of cash-strapped Wadia hospitals for women and children instead.

Asked about it, Pawar said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has already held a meeting regarding the issues faced by Wadia hospitals, which receive funds from the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Noting the Statue of Liberty in the US is visited by tourists from across the world, Pawar said people would similarly like to see the memorials of Chhatrapati Shivaji (in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai coast) and Ambedkar.
Calls for the removal of JNU Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar are now not reasonable as the basic demand of students on hostel fee hike has been met, says Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'.

The situation in the university is turning normal and students who want to study should not be disturbed, the minister told PTI in an interview.

Last year in October, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration announced a hike in hostel fee, including introduction of service and utility charges.

Following this, students took to streets demanding a roll back, prompting the human resource development (HRD) ministry to form a three-member panel to mediate between the agitating students and the administration to restore normalcy in the campus.

"The basic demand of students about the hostel fee hike has been met. The calls for JNU VC's removal now are not reasonable, removing anybody is not the solution," Pokhriyal said.

After a series of meetings with the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) and the varsity administration, the ministry had directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to fund the utility and service charge, and appealed to the students to call off their agitation.

On the JNUSU's decision to move court against amendments in the hostel manual, including the fee hike, and continue its boycott of the semester registration process, Pokhriyal said, "It is the university's call on what to do next".

"I have been told that over 80 per cent students have already registered for the winter semester and more people are registering," he said, adding that "if our universities have to excel in the global competition, we need to rise above these issues."



The students' union on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the inter-hostel administration's decision on amending the hostel manual, saying the amendment is "malafide, arbitrary and illegal", and adversely affects students.

The academic issue has been resolved, the situation is turning normal at the university, and as far as the violence case is concerned, police are investigating it, Pokhriyal said.

Early this month, the university had witnessed a tussle between student groups over the issue of semester registration.On January 5, masked men had gone on a rampage inside the campus assaulting students and teachers, and storming hostels, drawing widespread outrage.

Pokhriyal said students should start studying because there is no issue now and time should not be wasted. JNU is a prestigious university, "we want to ensure an atmosphere for students to excel", he said.

As clamour grew for Jagadesh Kumar's removal following hostel fee hike and the January 5 violence, the ministry had ruled out sacking him, saying the government's focus is to address the main issues that have cropped up on the campus.

The minister reiterated that universities will not be allowed to turn into battlefields.

"We don't want anarchy in universities, we want conducive environment for academics. Our students are going places, we are investing more and more in research with an aim to take our universities and academic institutions among top rankers globally. Let's move forward in that way," he said.

Asserting that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is not aimed at taking away anybody's citizenship, Pokhriyal appealed to students "to explain this to those misleading the public on the issue and indulging in petty politics".

"The CAA is to give citizenship to those with Indian roots, it is not aimed at taking away anybody's citizenship. I appeal students, who are the future of the country, to explain this to those who are misleading the public on the issue and doing petty politics," he said.

"Because myths are being spread about the law, the image of the country is being harmed as well as damage to public property. The students can play a role in clearing this air," the minister added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- In Israel, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp will be marked by somber speeches, moments of silence, the attendance of many world leaders and the notable absence of one: Polish President Andrzej Duda.

His absence at the Jan. 23 commemoration is more than just a diplomatic oversight. It has angered senior members of President Donald Trumps administration and widened a rift between Poland and Israel. U.S. officials tell me that they fear the event itself will be seen as a victory for the Kremlin, which in recent years has sought to push propaganda that portrays Poland as the instigator of World War II instead of one of its first victims.

The controversy began when Israel President Reuven Rivlin declined to give Duda a seven-minute slot to deliver a speech with other world leaders at the event, which will also include Russian President Vladimir Putin. Polish governments have traditionally marked the liberation of Auschwitz with proper respect for its Jewish victims. Duda himself has participated in such commemorations in Poland.

After Rivlin rebuffed Duda, U.S. officials intervened. They included the U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, and Tom Rose, a senior adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, who will be also be attending the ceremony.

The U.S. is very disappointed by what we view as a preventable and unnecessary snub by one strong American ally of another strong American ally, Rose told me. It is very difficult to criticize Dudas decision not to attend, he said. This has been a difficult few years in the Polish-Israeli relationship and it is doubly regrettable that the one person who has worked harder than anyone else to rectify the split is the one who is publicly snubbed by the president of the state of Israel.

Rose is referring to a recent dispute between Israel and Poland over Jewish property belonging to families of Polish Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Last year, Polands prime minister rejected legislation aimed at providing the families restitution for its lost property, arguing that for Poland to pay for Hitlers crimes would amount to a posthumous victory for Nazi Germany.

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Duda has defended that position, arguing that Poland should not be forced to pay for the crimes committed by occupying forces in World War II. At the same time, he has gone out of his way to acknowledge the horrors of the Holocaust, recently telling an Israeli newspaper that he considers the true Polish national tradition to include both the Jews who perished and the brave partisans who fought the Nazis after their 1939 invasion.

But the disagreement is about more than the meaning and memory of the Holocaust. For the U.S., there are wider strategic implications.

First there is Iran: Since 2017, the Trump administration has been trying to get Eastern European countries, and Poland in particular, to join its campaign of maximum pressure against Iran. The idea is to take on France and Germany, which have sought to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal, within the European Union. Polands snub makes that diplomacy more difficult.

Then there is the Russia angle. Polands ambassador to the U.S., Piotr Wilczek, told me his country was disappointed by what we feel is a possible Russian influence on the shape of this event. The background: The commemoration in Israel, called the World Holocaust Forum, is being sponsored by the European Jewish Congress, an organization funded by a prominent Russian oligarch and ally of Putin named Moshe Kantor.

Putin himself has increasingly sought to emphasize the role the Red Army played in liberating Auschwitz, while covering up the treacherous pact that Stalin signed with Hitler in 1939, when the Soviet Union and Germany were temporarily aligned in their invasion of Poland. As recently as December, Putin claimed that Polands ambassador to Germany before World War II proposed expelling Polands Jews to Africa. This prompted a blistering response from the Polish prime minister. For Wilczek, its a travesty that Putin will be speaking at the Auschwitz commemoration but Duda will not.

For now, the event puts Israel in a precarious position. Israel has negotiated an arrangement with Russia in Syria, where its jets are given permission to bomb Iranian positions when intelligence indicates they are moving advanced weapons to Hezbollah militias close to its borders. At the same time, Israel has an interest in seeing the U.S. campaign against Iran succeed with allies such as Poland.

For this commemoration of Auschwitz, Israel chose Russia over America and Poland. That may be a wise short-term bet, but its not a decision that is in Israels long-term interests.

To contact the author of this story: Eli Lake at elake1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Newman at mnewman43@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Eli Lake is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering national security and foreign policy. He was the senior national security correspondent for the Daily Beast and covered national security and intelligence for the Washington Times, the New York Sun and UPI.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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This far into the American microdistillery renaissance, were almost reached a point in time where one can expect your average small city to be home to at least one award-winning distiller. As it was for American craft beer, urban centers and even small towns have become hotbeds for distillation, and as the market begins to mature, more and more of those distilleries have well-aged whiskeys to show off. No longer is the microdistillery market so defined by young companies trying to hawk bottles of moonshine and white whiskeymany of them are now packing bottled-in-bond bourbons, or something equivalent.

In Michigan, one of the more prominent has become Traverse City Whiskey Co., a northwoods distillery in a small city on the Grand Traverse Bay, which empties out into Lake Michigan. Blessed with the same limestone waters that make Kentucky an ideal whiskey distilling region, Traverse Citys extreme temperature swings likewise make it a potentially ideal place for whiskey aging, which the company has taken advantage of for the last half decade. Now, with a growing lineup of releases that includes classic bourbons and barrel proof expressions, along with influence from the citys reputation as the Cherry Capital of the World, theyre expanding their sights and sending their whiskey farther from home than ever before. That includes to Paste, where we received a tasting lineup of all five Traverse City Whiskey Co. releases, so a full-on tasting seemed to be in order.

So with no further ado, lets get to it.

The XXX certainly conjures something of a frontier vibe for this bourbon, which labels itself as being aged three years or more, although I hear its now closer to four. Its made with a high-rye mashbill (25% rye, pretty substantial), bottled at 86 proof (same as the base Old Forester) and carries an MSRP around $35, which is pretty fair, for a craft bourbon with at least three years of age on it.

On the nose, this is caramel rich and corny sweet, with a touch of vanilla. It evokes some light sweetness and smells fairly classic in terms of profile, with hints of char and roasted nutsslightly Beam-esque, even.

On the palate, this could absolutely pass as a Kentucky bourbon, which is interesting. I get caramel corn and a little bit of peanut shells and roasted pecan nuttiness, complemented by hot cinnamon candies. Theres some green oak as well, but this one isnt very oak-influenced. Notably, it strikes me as a bit hot on the palate for the mere 86 proof, with a lingering burn in the back of the throat, but a good classic bourbon palate. Overall not bad, although it seems a bit overly hot for that relatively modest proof.

This is the same Traverse City Whiskey Co. flagship bourbon, given an extra four months of aging in port casks, presumably in the hopes of capturing some of that same character that has made port-finished bourbons like Angels Envy popular.

On the nose, Im now picking up some plummy fruit notes. Caramel is also present, but the caramelized sugar/nuttiness of the base whiskey has been reduced a bit and its become more fruit forward, with jammy notes of dark fruit.

On the palate, this bourbon proves to be infused with those port flavors in a way that is perhaps more subtle than the average drinker might expect. I get notes of blackberry and plum, and a bit of cinnamon candy, but this isnt too sweet, treacly or syrupy overall; only slightly moreso than in the original bourbon, with a honeycomb note that is quite pleasant. The nuttiness has receded, but theres a graininess to this younger bourbon that the port barrels seem to accentuate a bit, giving it an overall impression of biscuits with jam. All in all, I do appreciate the way that the port barrel aging has tamed the heat of the original bourbon in particular.

Its a little bit more difficult to suss out the provenance of this whiskey, as it reads that it is a blend of two ryes: One that is 100% rye, and one that is 95% rye, 5% malted barley. That makes me assume that Traverse City has distilled one of the two (presumably the 100%) and then blended it with another, sourced whiskey, with MGP of Indiana always being the most likely supplier for this sort of thing. Regardless, this one bears no age statement on the label but is apparently three years old, and is bottled at a slightly higher 90 proof (45% ABV). Its a pretty familiar package, as there is a lot of similarly young rye on the market from microdistilleries, often at a roughly similar proof and price point (around $40 MSRP).

On the nose, this one is certainly brighter than the bourbons I was tasting before, and announces itself as a rye whiskey quite clearly. Theres a whole lot of rye spice, and its very rye bread on the nose, like a slice of Chicago rye, with notes of pepper and caramel apples.

On the palate this is a classic example of modern, high-rye whiskey, with vivacious notes of rye bread, grainy flavors and lots of peppery spice, giving way slowly to notes of apple fruit, mint and fennel seed in the finish. Those familiar with other high-rye whiskeys of similar age will find this very familiar and likely welcomecertainly, its up my alley, and would presumably work as a mixer in any classic cocktail that calls for rye. its not the most bombastic young rye on the market, but it certainly delivers on the pepper and rye grain-forward flavor profile.

Given that Traverse City styles itself as the Cherry Capital of the World, a cherry whiskey was an inevitability, and I can only imagine that its probably a point of local pride and very popular in the distillerys hometown. As for myself, I came into this tasting fully expecting to find this one as a syrupy abomination, but in truth its actually sort of interesting.

On the nose, to be sure, American Cherry Edition smells like its going to taste like a medicine bottle. The Montmorency cherry notes are not the kind of thing you could miss, falling somewhere in character between artificial cherry candy flavoring the rich fruit syrup you find in a jar of Luxardo cocktail cherries. Underneath the cherry, however, I get an unexpectedly strong note of cocoa and caramel, which really makes the dram as a whole smell quite like a classic cherry Tootstie Pop. Given that those are actually one of my favorite Halloween treats, I ultimately found the idea oddly enticing.

On the palate, this one is syrupy in texture despite the lower ABV (35%, 70 proof), but actually isnt all that overtly sweet or sugary. Theres a flash of sweetness on the front of the palate, with a combination of toasted bread, cocoa and juicy cherry, but the flavor profile then fades surprisingly quickly toward a dry-ish finish. The graininess of the base bourbon seems to be amplified here, but the cocoa note again evokes that cherry Tootsie Pop. All in all, this wasnt the sticky sweet, cordial-like drink I was expecting, and its clearly better for it. With that said, its still more of a novelty than anything, but at least its a palatable one.

This one notes that it was aged for more than four years and bottled at full barrel proof, which on this particular sample bottle was 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV). That suggests the barrel proof specimens may be a touch older than the 86 proof flagship bourbon bottles, but theyre certainly much stronger.

This dram certainly feels like a barrel proof expression from the first, with a very caramel and molasses-forward nose, accented by spices that remind me slightly of root beer. It has a slightly burnt quality to the nose that suggests very dark caramel sauce, and a considerably oakier presence to the nose as well.

On the palate, this one is sort of all over the place, with competing notes each striving for your attention. Its grain-forward, but at the same time also more oak-forward than the standard bourbon, with a tannic dryness imparted by the wood and a slightly bitter edge to the heat. After sitting out for a few minutes, things changea buttery caramel corn note comes forward and the whiskey reads as considerably more rich, which balances the more astringent notes from the oak. That deep, dark caramel is a major player, and theres some vanilla, along with some sweet baking spicesthe high-rye recipe seems more pronounced here to me, but the oaky astringency feels more indicative of something aged considerably longer than four years. It seems likely that the Michigan climate definitely had a hand here in speeding up the whiskeys maturation.

Jim Vorel is a Paste staff writer and resident brown liquor geek. You can follow him on Twitter for more drink writing.
A statement by the British government says it is aware that Ukraine's national symbol appears in a British police guide for identifying extremist symbols and that it is "regretful" of the fact.



"We are aware and regretful of the insult caused by the appearance of the Ukrainian Trident in the British police's visual guide," a U.K. government spokesperson said late on January 20 in a statement on the Facebook page of the British Embassy in Ukraine. "As stated by the police, the document clearly states that many of the symbols contained therein are of no interest in the fight against terrorism."



Written in the Ukrainian language, the statement further said the British authorities "deeply respect the official symbols of Ukrainian statehoodWe recognize the Trident as a major element of the state emblem of Ukraine, which has constitutional, historical, and cultural significance for the people of Ukraine."



The statement came a day after the Ukrainian Embassy in Britain publicly called on police officials to remove the trident, Ukraine's national symbol and state coat of arms, from a counterterrorism guide that was distributed to police officers, teachers, and medical staff last year.



The statement was in reference to a 24-page guide that British authorities produced while giving anti-extremism briefings last year to help front-line officers discern signs and symbols.



The daily newspaper The Guardian first reported on the guide's contents earlier this month.



Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistance Commissioner Dean Haydon told the BBC that the visual aid was produced in order to help police "identify and understand signs and symbols" so they could tell the difference between them.



In a statement, he said that many groups listed in the guide "are not of counterterrorism interest."

Based on reporting by The Guardian, BBC, UNIAN, and Interfax
The Trump administration is using a Justice Department investigation into the terrorist shooting at the Pensacola Naval Base on December 6 to advance its campaign to abolish end-to-end encryption and enable law enforcement unfettered access to personal data on consumer electronics devices.

At a press conference on January 13, Attorney General William Barr demanded that Apple provide the US Department of Justice (DOJ) with access to two iPhones used by the gunman, Second Lt. Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani. A cadet in the Saudi Air Force who was training with the American military, Alshamrani killed three sailors and wounded eight others in a shooting rampage in a training facility at the Pensacola base.

Alshamrani was shot and killed by sheriffs deputies who arrived on the scene an hour after he opened fire with a 9mm Glock handgun. The DOJ has characterized the incident as an act of terrorism motivated by jihadist ideology.

In his press conference, Barr said, We have asked Apple for their help in unlocking the shooters phones. So far, Apple has not given any substantive assistance. Apple issued its own statement later that day, however, disputing Barrs claim. We reject the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the Pensacola investigation, the tech giant stated. Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing.

On the day of the shooting, Apple provided the FBI with a wide variety of data, including the iCloud backups of the shooters data. Apple said that it gave support to investigators. We responded to each request promptly, often within hours, sharing information with FBI offices in Jacksonville, Pensacola and New York, it declared, adding, The queries resulted in many gigabytes of information that we turned over to investigators. In every instance, we responded with all of the information that we had.

Pointing to the scripted nature of Barrs press conference, Apple also noted, The FBI only notified us on January 6th that they needed additional assistancea month after the attack occurred. Only then did we learn about the existence of a second iPhone associated with the investigation and the FBIs inability to access either iPhone.

Barr eventually got around to explaining the reason for his public criticism of Apple, This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that the public be able to get access to digital evidence once it has obtained a court order based on probable cause. We call on Apple and other technology companies to help us find a solution so that we can better protect the lives of the American people and prevent future attacks.

The solution that Barr is demanding from the tech industry is a halt to end-to-end encryption implementation in consumer electronics devices orwhat amounts to the same thinggranting the state backdoor access to all encrypted data and locked and password-protected devices with a special universal key.

Speaking to reporters after the press conference, Barr said, Were seeing an increasing number of these cases and its becoming a grave problem. We dont want to get into a world where we have to spend months and even years exhausting efforts when lives are in the balance. We should be able to get in once we have a warrant that establishes that criminal activity is probably underway.

In other words, Barr is using the events in Pensacola as justification for abrogating fundamental privacy rights of the public. The mentioning of once we have a warrant is for PR purposes only, since everyone is well aware that the state is eavesdropping on and gathering their electronic communications without permission or authorization from any court.

In a statement to Recode, Apple explained its position on end-to-end encryption, We have always maintained there is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys. ... Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers. Today, law enforcement has access to more data than ever before in history, so Americans do not have to choose between weakening encryption and solving investigations. We feel strongly encryption is vital to protecting our country and our users data.

President Trump took to social media a day later to ramp up the pressure on Apple and other tech firms defending consumer-level encryption. He tweeted, We are helping Apple all of the time on TRADE and so many other issues, and yet they refuse to unlock phones used by killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements. They will have to step up to the plate and help our great Country, NOW!

The present public denunciations of Apple are an intensification of the campaign by the FBI, DOJ and White House going back to the Obama presidency and the terrorist shootings in San Bernardino, California on December 2, 2015. During that investigation into the rampage by Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik that killed 14 and wounded 22, the FBI demanded that Apple unlock an iPhone that belonged to Farook.

When Apple refused, the Obama administration, under the direction of Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FBI Director James Comey, attempted to skirt the constitutional issues involved by getting a US magistrate judge to issue a court order under the All Writs Act of 1789 that would compel the company to unlock the phone. When Apple vowed to challenge the writ in court, the FBI contracted with a third-party firm called Cellebrite to gain access to the iPhone contents by tethering it to a personal computer.

Last July, Attorney General Barr gave a speech at a cyber security conference in New York City where he said the DOJ would pursue either a legal challenge or legislation that will force the tech industry to provide backdoor access to encryption of consumer electronics devices and software apps. Inverting the democratic principle of the Fourth Amendment, Barr argued that individual privacy protections against unreasonable searches and seizures should always be balanced against public safety.

That the recent public statements by Barr and Trump are part of a political campaign to build support for abolishing end-to-end encryption is proven by other technical details about the Pensacola shooters iPhones.

According to Wired, the reason Cellebrite was able to access the locked San Bernardino shooters smartphone in 2015 was because it was an iPhone 5C running the iOS 9 operating system, which had security vulnerabilities. In response, Apple began to modify the operating system of iPhones and, in 2017 with iOS 11, the type of data protection circumvention used in 2015 had been specifically blocked.

However, hackers once again caught up to the 2017 security changes, with Cellebrite announcing publicly that it had cracked user data protections for all Apple mobile devices up to those with iOS 12.3, and other researchers discovered hardware security flaws that enable access to any Apple device released between 2011 and 2017.

It has been determined that both of the Pensacola shooters phonesan iPhone 5 and an iPhone 7fall within these parameters. As explained by Wired, Alshamrani did attempt to physically destroy both by shooting and smashing them, but attorney general William Barr has said that the FBIs Crime Lab was able to fix both damaged phones so that they are operational.

What this means is either the statements of Barr and Trump that Apple has refused to unlock the Pensacola shooters phones are irrelevant, or Barrs statement that the iPhones have been fixed is false.

As Matthew Green, a cryptographer from Johns Hopkins, told Wired, As far as we know, law enforcement has a number of workable options for unlocking phones, particularly older phones like these. Its not clear to me why those tools wouldnt work against these phones, but its possible that its related to the deliberately inflicted physical damage. If thats the case, then it seems that the FBI doesnt have an Apple problem, it has a bullet problem.

According to a report in the Washington Post, the White House campaign is making headway in Washington, D.C. with an increasing willingness on Capitol Hill to pass legislation requiring tech companies to make their encrypted devices accessible to law enforcement. In an interview with the Post, Assistant Attorney General John Demers said, Ive never seen the atmosphere here in D.C. to be so conducive to passing some kind of encryption legislation or lawful access legislation as it is today.

During a Senate hearing in December, Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (Republican of South Carolina) said that the Silicon Valley tech firms had to build access into their phones, adding, My advice to you is to get on with it because this time next year, if we havent found a way that you can live with, we will impose our will on you.
REDDING, Calif.  The Redding Police Department is letting the community know they are aware of a violent sex offender known as Pirate who is back on the streets of Redding.

Daniel Selovich, who legally changed his name to Pirate is back in Redding. Officers with Redding Police said they contacted Pirate on Sunday. At this time, he is not wanted for any crimes.

Since Pirate has returned to Redding, community members have been posting his possible whereabouts on social media. He is known for his dark tattoos that cover nearly his entire face.

Pirate has a lengthy criminal past that started back in 2004.

Court records show Pirate was charged with sexual assault, battery to commit sexual assault, and first-degree kidnapping, of a mentally and physically disabled woman in Las Vegas, according to KTUU.

After the February crime, a Redding woman was raped by an unknown man on December 14, 2004, according to investigators. These two cases went unsolved until 2010, Pirate was arrested in New Mexico on rape charges in Redding.

Court records show he took a plea deal, and the rape charge was dropped. Afterward, he was sentenced to four years in prison, according to KTUU.

His next crime he was charged with happened in Fairbanks, Alaska in 2015 after he was released from prison.

KTUU reports, that a woman identified as K.B. messaged a friend on Facebook saying she was being raped and held against her will by a man named Pirate. The woman arrived in Fairbanks on Sept. 26, 2015. Pirate picked her up from the airport in a U-Haul van. He then punched and sexually assaulted her in the van, according to investigators.

Investigators say the victim said the two stayed in a hotel and later flew by private charter on Oct. 1 to Pirates cabin, located about 16 miles south of Manley Hot Springs in Alaska.

During this time, he beat her with belts, a flashlight, and his fists as well as kicking and biting her, according to documents, according to investigators.

Court documents show Pirate sexually and physically assaulted K.B. up to six times a day from Sept. 26 until Nov. 8. He duct-taped her to him during the night to prevent escape. The woman wasnt able to go to the bathroom unless Pirate was with her, according to investigators.

Pirate tied her to a support beam so she could not move. Pirate told her he would cut her face off and at one point placed a knife to her neck, causing her to bleed, KTUU said.

On Nov. 8, 2015, a medical group responded and rescued the woman.

A grand jury indicted Pirate on four counts of sexual assault in the first degree, two counts of kidnapping, and multiple counts of assault. The case was proceeding to trial until the woman was found dead, at that point, it was dropped, the Associated Press said.

Action News Now spoke to people in Redding who said they're more alert now that they know he's in Redding.

"Everybody that I'm passing, if I see somebody that is potentially homeless, I'm watching to see if it's possibly him," Redding resident, David Walker said.
Terrorists will be forced to take lie detector tests after leaving prison to prevent them from carrying out fresh attacks.

The most dangerous extremists will be hooked up to polygraph machines and quizzed about their activities and intentions to help find out if they are plotting new crimes.

The measure is part of a multi-million pound crackdown on terrorism promised by ministers after the atrocity at Fishmongers Hall in London in November.

Usman Khan, a jihadist previously convicted of a plot to blow up the Stock Exchange, was left free to kill two victims in a knife rampage at a prisoner rehabilitation conference after leaving jail.

The major overhaul, unveiled yesterday by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, also means the most dangerous terrorists, including those who plot or train for attacks, will serve at least 14 years behind bars.

Terrorists serving shorter sentences will no longer be eligible for early release, and the plans will bring in tougher supervision of those released into the community, such as tighter curbs on phone and computer use.

Usman Khan, a jihadist previously convicted of a plot to blow up the Stock Exchange, was left free to kill two victims in a knife rampage at a prisoner rehabilitation conference after leaving jail

Under the plans, the number of specialist counter-terrorism probation officers will be more than doubled from 60 to 135.

And there will be a 90million boost for counter-terror police  raising total funding to 906million  in 2020-21, as well as an extra 500million to help victims of terrorism.

The flagship Counter Terrorism (Sentencing and Release) Bill also includes a sweeping review, led by the terror laws watchdog, of the way police, probation and security services monitor and manage terrorists. Under the plans to deploy lie detectors, terrorists will be attached to monitors and quizzed to find out if they have broken strict parole conditions, such as whether they have entered an exclusion zone or been in contact with other known extremists.

Culprits could be sent back to prison if the 4,000 machines uncover fresh evidence that they have re-offended. Around 70 terrorists are currently released on licence.

The tests have been used by the Ministry of Justice since 2014 to quiz serious sex offenders after they are freed  resulting in more than 160 being sent back to prison.

But the tests could prove controversial, as some experts suggest cunning offenders can deceive the machines.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Government would do whatever is necessary to stop these sickening attacks from taking place.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Government would do whatever is necessary to stop these sickening attacks from taking place (pictured: Flowers at London Bridge for the victims of the terrorist attack on November 29, 2019)

She said: The senseless terror attack at Fishmongers Hall confronted us with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders.

Today we are... giving police and probation officers the resources they need to investigate and track offenders, introducing tougher sentences and launching major reviews into how offenders are managed after they are released.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: Terrorists pose a great risk to our society and our way of life, which is why we must bring them to justice and keep the public safe.

Security expert Professor Anthony Glees, of Buckingham University, said: I think this is a major step forward.

Anything that makes people think twice about trying to hoodwink probation officers is worth the investment. This package of measures is extremely tough but is proportionate to the threats we have seen recently.

But Professor David Canter, of Liverpool University, warned polygraph tests should be treated with caution, saying: They can be defeated and in this country they are not allowed in courts as evidence.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene for rendering all possible assistance to the families and friends of the eight Indian tourists, who were declared dead after being found unconscious in their room at a resort in central Nepal on Tuesday.

In a letter to Minister of External Affairs, Jaishankar said: "We have heard the shocking news of the death of eight persons from Kerala who were on a visit to Nepal. I request your Ministry to kindly intervene for rendering all possible assistance to the families and friends of the victims."

The Chief Minister has condoled the passing away of eight Malayali tourists in Nepal. On the basis of the directions given by the Vijayan, NORKA (Non-Resident Keralite Affairs) officials have taken steps to expedite procedures for the repatriation of the mortal remains, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office said.

According to Nepal Police, eight died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu on Tuesday.The deceased -- four adults and four children -- were part of a group of 15 people who were visiting Daman, a tourist destination near Kathmandu, Makwanpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Singh Rathore told ANI.

All eight people, who hailed from Kerala, had stayed in the same room at night and turned on a gas heater to keep warm, suggesting that the cause of the death might be suffocation, Rathore added.

"The group had checked in at the hotel at 9 pm on Monday. An investigation is underway," Rathore said.

The postmortem will be carried out today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi [India], Jan 21 (ANI): The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is just an "excuse" and the target is Ram Temple, said BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha lawmaker GVL Narasimha Rao on Tuesday regarding protests against the new law.



He alleged that the anti-CAA protests are sponsored by "radical" Muslims and they are using the amended law to create unrest in the country.

"CAA protests which have been going on at several places over the past month are being carried out by some fundamentalists from Muslim community... CAA is not going to take citizenship of people protesting in Shaheen Bagh. Who is sponsoring the protest? These protests are the handiwork of radical Muslims," Rao told ANI.

"Parties like Congress, CPM supported citizenship for minorities from Pakistan... they are changing positions now. They all are now subject to blackmail.... CAA is just an excuse and their target is Ram Temple. They do not want that Ram Temple to be constructed. They are using CAA to create unrest in the country," he said.

In November last year, the Supreme 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.

When asked about Punjab and Kerala passing the anti-CAA resolutions, the BJP leader said questioning any law passed by Parliament does not come under rights of state assemblies.

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 (ANI)
Democratic Party is 'center conservative,' treats progressive activism as nuisance, AOC says

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NEW YORK  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., called out the Democratic Party on Monday for being a center or center conservative party that treats the activism of their more left leaning members as a "nuisance" while Republicans treat their members organizing for change as an asset.

Ocasio-Cortez made the distinction during a wide-ranging conversation with author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates at the MLK NOW 2020 event celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the historic Riverside Church in Manhattan.

I think they view it as a nuisance. Many of them feel that it is annoying, that they dont understand the inside. But I think people are protesting precisely because they understand the inside, Ocasio-Cortez replied to applause after Coates asked how the Democratic Party views activism.

The radical 30-year-old politician who has come under fire from veteran politicians from both inside and outside her party for her progressive ideas on issues such as healthcare and national defense, agreed with Coates that the Republican Party doesnt see their activists as a nuisance.

No they dont, said Ocasio-Cortez. They see it as an asset.

She disagreed with Coates, however, when he said the Democratic Party is the ostensible left party.

We dont have a left party in the United States. The Democratic Party is not a left party. The Democratic Party is a center or center conservative party. We do not advocate for, we cant even get a floor vote on Medicare for all. Not even a floor vote that gets voted down. We cant even get a vote on it, so this is not a left party, she asserted.

Ocasio-Cortez qualified that, adding: There are left members inside the Democratic Party that are working to try to make that shift happen. But youre right, it does convey a certain sentiment about true believers. And there are a lot of true believers that we can capitalism our way out of poverty in the Democratic Party. If anything thats probably the majority. And thats an area in which I agree with Dr. King that that assessment is flawed.

When asked how the party could evolve to better reflect the values of all factions, Ocasio-Cortez said it is going to take longstanding commitment from representatives who refuse to give up on people who need representation.

I say it all the time. I remember I was in the House Oversight Committee and I was one of the early ones, and there are quite a few members that are in swing districts on the Democratic and Republican side. And some of them won their races by one, two points.

"When you look across the aisle, the Republicans that won by one point dig their heels in and double down. And very often the Democrats that win by one point try to act like conservatives. And so its a difficult thing to measure because the people whose lives get compromised in that position are people like my district in the Bronx and Queens. They dont win from that arrangement. And it is a struggle because there is an intense pressure around this idea of unity, she said.

Dont challenge the party, dont try to show that there are differences. You know, its like people had a meltdown when I said in a parliamentary democracy, Joe Biden might have been in a different party.

"And its not to say that in America we arent in the same party. But its to say that there are different values and this idea of unity cannot work if the only thing we unify is around war and the concentration of wealth and injustice. Thats the only place we find common ground. We have way more work to do, she said.

Coates questioned whether it would be detrimental for politicians to take that stand as they could lose power.

Thats something that we hear very often. Thats why I often talk about the importance of dual power. In electoral spaces sure you need to have the votes, you need to have the seats but there are limitations to electoralism, and thats why we have to be in the streets. A lot of these cities and a lot of now Democrat or blue communities didnt just end up that way. Its because we see and we have studied that the long-term impact of activism is the elevation of political consciousness. And that is the work that is so incredibly important, Ocasio-Cortez said.

Because in our lifetime, states that we considered to be very red have been blue as recently as the early '90s. Blue around labor issues, blue around anti-poverty agendas and issues. But when we, and this is something the Democratic Party does, when we abandon communities then we just allow whoever fills that vacuum to predominate and I dont believe that we should give up on places like Alabama and Mississippi and Kentucky, Tennessee. I dont think we give up on those places. We just have to commit ourselves to a multi-decade struggle, she added.
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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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Maria on her way to Catalina Island.

I have pierced ears. I can hear you thinking, Yes, and? People have their tongues pierced nowadays. Lets put this into the right context.

Picture it: Italy, 1989. (Im not kidding, just go with it.) Im 17 years old and studying in Italy for a year to be near my Italian relatives and friends. Being truthful, I was also giving myself an ego boost. I have Goldenhar syndrome and hydrocephalus. I wasnt necessarily overprotected, but my life very much revolved around surgeries and other medical procedures and making sure I got a good education  all closely supervised by my mom. All this was to ensure I could be a responsible, self-sufficient adult.

But I wanted to prove to myself that I did have the ability to be on my own before I left my family for college. I told my parents I wanted to take a break from the current round of surgeries to study in Italy. Id have supervision from my aunts and uncles and the boarding school, but ultimately I would be deciding things without my moms supervision.

Related: 5 Reasons Why I Celebrate My 'Typical' Child

One of the characteristics of my disability is that I have atresia of my right ear and I wear a hearing aid in my left ear. I called my right ear a stump. In addition, the structure of my jaw meant my left ear was noticeably lower on my head than my right stump. It may be surprising to some, but this was the one aspect of my disability I cared the least about. However, my mom, trying to keep the teasing and bullying to a minimum, kept my hair long and my ears covered.

As the stubborn child I was prone to being  testa dura, as my mom often proclaimed  I would argue with her to put my hair in ponytails or braids. Sometimes I won that argument and I did not regret it. So it should come as no surprise that as I watched my sister get her ears pierced as a teenager, I expected the same to happen to me around the same age. In reality, my mom and I got into another argument. I didnt win this time and I regretted it.

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Related: What I Want Doctors to Remember This National Birth Defect Prevention Month

Going forward again to Italy in 1989, pierced ears were still a big deal  a rite of passage, if you will. Piercing anything else was still considered by most in the Western world as too extreme. With thousands of miles of distance from my mom, she could not argue with me or I with her as I considered getting my ears pierced. I wasnt looking to partner with a friend using a needle and an ice cube in a garage. This was not an act of rebellion. I considered this rite to be my right as a person. I genuinely did not see my disability as a factor in this.

However, I did know my relatives were watching out for me. I knew which of my relatives would seek my moms approval before taking me to get my ears pierced and which wouldnt. I made the easy choice and expected this to be a quick and simple experience. My cousins took me to their local jewelers, who reflexively agreed to pierce my ears.

Related: The Rite of Passage I Didn't Expect as Someone Who Grew Up With a Disability

As I settled into the chair she uncovered my left ear and then my right. Her face froze briefly and turned into pity when she saw my right ear. Quietly, as if she were afraid her mere words would break me, she said, Mi dispiace cara pero penso che non e possibile. Im sorry dear, but I dont think it is possible. I dismissed her tone and pointed to the lobe on my right ear stump.

Not wanting to be insensitive, but still looking doubtful, she placed the pen mark on my right stump lobe. She pierced one lobe and then the other. It hurt for a moment as I expected. When I looked at the jeweler, I could swear she was genuinely shocked that my stump did not fall off from the puncture. Still, she dutifully fitted me with the customary studs and gave me the routine care instructions before I went on my way.

Later, I called my mom and told her what I did. Again, this was not about rebellion. This was about me doing what anyone else would do without regard to my disability. Thats why I felt comfortable telling her after the fact.

She was quiet for a moment. I could tell she was thinking of what to say. She was mostly concerned. Not necessarily about how it looked. She brought up that I was in the middle of reconstructing my jaw. She reminded me that my latest bone graft wasnt as strong as the doctors hoped, so she was concerned that if I got an infection in my lobe it could travel to that part of my face and affect the graft. I dont know if that made sense, but I appreciated her concern and promised to maintain the piercing well.

That was the last time she voiced any concern. Shortly after that conversation, I bought big round, dangly earrings. I wore them as soon as I could remove the initial studs. If I looked carefully in the mirror, I could see they dangled unevenly because of my ears. Whether or not they made my uneven stump and ear more obvious to others, I dont know  because I didnt care.

I enjoyed collecting and wearing large, dangly earrings. Thirty years later, those earrings still hang among my collection of earrings. I wear them sometimes, look in the mirror and think they look great.

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KYODO NEWS - Jan 21, 2020 - 14:33 | Arts, All, Japan

A museum devoted to dolls and other items from Japan and abroad, including Japanese dolls from the 17th to the 19th centuries, unveiled its extensive collection for the first time in the city of Saitama, near Tokyo, on Tuesday.

The media were given a preview a month before the opening of the Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum located in Iwatsuki Ward, home to Japan's foremost makers of traditional "hina" dolls.

(A collection of Japanese dolls are shown to the media.)

"We have collected traditional hina ningyo dolls and court dolls. We would like people to see the high quality of our exhibition," Koichi Hayashi, the museum's director, told reporters.

The museum's displays include objects related to Japanese dolls such as a dog-shaped "inubako" box from the 17th to 19th century Edo period that was part of a bridal set for upper-class women of the time.

Used to keep makeup, the box was also a good luck charm for the safe delivery of children.

(Inubako)

The museum, which possesses more than 5,000 items, is the only public institution in Japan devoted to dolls and says it will collect, conserve and carry out research on dolls and the culture around them.

The single-story museum, which occupies around 2,000 square meters, was constructed by the city in the prefecture of Saitama at a cost of around 4.2 billion yen ($38 million).

It will open to the public on Feb. 22 with a general admission fee of 300 yen.

Related coverage:

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Ainu minority to file suit for fishing rights in northern Japan

Fukui dinosaur museum renovation to spark roaring trade

Tokyo manga hotel makes virtue of sleepless nights
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - The Yield Growth Corp. (CSE: BOSS) (OTCQB: BOSQF) (FSE: YG3) announces its subsidiary Flourish Mushroom Labs Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire approximately 18% of the outstanding stock of Translational Life Sciences Inc. ("TLS").





Flourish Mushroom Labs



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6377/51683_figure.jpg

TLS aims to develop proprietary formulations using restricted substances to focus on unmet medical needs in opioid dependence, psychotic illness, pain management and traumatic brain injury, including concussion. The company also offers services to design and oversee clinical trials of restricted substances such as psilocybin based formulations for third parties. It's team is comprised of physicians and scientists who are recognized thought leaders in the fields of Neurology, Pharmacology, Pain Management, Addiction and Biochemistry and have significant experience in the clinical application of cannabinoid compounds.

The company's medical team includes William Honer and Caroline MacCallum and Dr. William Panenka, MD, MSc, FRCPC (Neurology and Psychiatry). The founder of TLS, Dr. Panenka, is a dually boarded Neurologist and Psychiatrist and Canadian Institute of Health Research funded academic faculty member at the University of British Columbia. He did a post doctoral fellowship at UBC and Harvard University. He maintains an internationally recognized research program in brain injury, mental health and addictions. Dr. Caroline MacCallum is the Chief Medical Officer of TLS. She is a pharmacist and internal medicine physician with deep expertise in complex pain and medical cannabis. She is a medical director of a Vancouver based private cannabis clinic and an internationally sought after speaker and world recognized leader in cannabis education, policy, clinical guideline development and research. Dr. William G. Honer is a key scientist at TLS and an Internationally recognized translational scientist and physician. He is a Psychiatrist and the previous Head of Department at UBC. He is Fellowship trained at Columbia University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts including primary clinical trial authorship works in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine.

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The terms of the binding letter of intent are as follows:

Yield Growth subsidiary Flourish shall issue 15,000,000 units of Flourish, consisting of 15,000,000 shares and 15,000,000 units to acquire additional Flourish shares at $0.50 per share, and in exchange Flourish shall acquire approximately 18% of the TLS stock, at a deemed cost of $750,000.

The transaction assumes a post-closing valuation of Flourish of approximately $7,000,000.

No shares or warrants in Yield Growth shall be issued as part of the transaction, although Yield Growth's ownership in Flourish shall be diluted down to approximately 82% at closing and down to 70% on a fully diluted basis.

"I'm overjoyed that Flourish can provide a leading investment into a company with such enormous potential," says Yield Growth and Flourish CEO Penny White. "We will fully support TLS in its goal to develop over the counter products to prevent and treat opiate addiction, which is having devastating effects on individuals, families and communities across the globe."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

About Flourish Mushroom Labs Inc.

Flourish Mushroom Labs aims to be a leader in the fast-growing functional foods market-and improve life by offering high-quality mushroom-infused products. Flourish Mushroom Labs is planning to build a psilocybin mushroom laboratory in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and is conducting research into potentially therapeutic benefits of compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms. It has filed a U.S. patent application for the use of psilocybin to aid in weight loss and treat obesity, diabetes and to help prevent heart disease. Flourish Mushroom Labs is a majority owned subsidiary of The Yield Growth Corp.

About The Yield Growth Corp.

The Yield Growth Corp. develops and manufactures plant-based products and conducts research for plant-based therapeutics in what the Global Wellness Institute reports is a $4.2 trillion-dollar global wellness market. It owns the cannabis wellness brands Urban Juve, Wright & Well and Jack n Jane. The Yield Growth management team has deep experience with global brands including Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Skechers and Aritzia. Its all natural hemp skincare brand, Urban Juve, has signed agreements for distribution in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Peru, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. Yield Growth's Wright & Well brands have manufactured a THC/CBD line of topical and edible products in Oregon. Through its subsidiaries, Yield Growth has over 200 proprietary beauty, wellness, edibles and beverage formulas for commercialization. It has filed 13 patents to protect its extraction method and other intellectual property. Yield Growth earns revenue through multiple streams including licensing, services and product sales.

For more information about Yield Growth, visit www.yieldgrowth.com or follow @yieldgrowth on Instagram. Visit www.urbanjuve.com and #findyourjuve across social platforms to learn, engage and shop.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Penny White, President & CEO

Kristina Pillon, Investor Relations

invest@yieldgrowth.com

1-833-514-BOSS 1-833-514-2677

1-833-515-BOSS 1-833-515-2677

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements (collectively, "forward looking statements") under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates, forecasts, beliefs and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to: risks related to the development, testing, licensing, intellectual property protection, the potential for not acquiring any rights as a result of the patent application and any products making use of the intellectual property may be ineffective or the company may be unsuccessful in commercializing them; and other approvals will be required before commercial exploitation of the intellectual property can happen. The laws around cultivating, selling and using psychedelic mushrooms would need to change in most jurisdictions in order for the use of psychedelic products to be legal and sale of, and demand for, Urban Juve, Wright & Well, Flourish Mushroom Labs, Jack n Jane and UJ Beverages products, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals where applicable, and the state of the capital markets. Yield Growth cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements provided by Yield Growth, as such forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future results or performance and actual results may differ materially. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Yield Growth expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51683
Russian air strikes killed at least 15 civilians on Tuesday in northwestern Syria, as renewed violence tightened the noose around the country's last major rebel-held bastion and deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Retaliatory rocket attacks blamed on rebels and jihadists killed three more civilians in the government-held city of Aleppo in northern Syria, state agency SANA said.

The spike in violence in the neighbouring provinces of Aleppo and Idlib follow so far unsuccessful diplomatic attempts to reduce hostilities in the flashpoint region, with the latest truce in theory going into effect less than two weeks ago.

Most of Idlib and parts of Aleppo province are still controlled by factions opposed to President Bashar al-Assad's regime, including a group that includes onetime members of Al-Qaeda's former Syria franchise.

The Damascus regime, which controls around 70 per cent of the country after nearly nine years of war, has repeatedly vowed to recapture the region.

On Tuesday, air strikes by regime-ally Russia on a rebel-held region in Aleppo's western countryside killed eight members of the same family sheltering in a house, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Six children were among those killed in the raid on Kfar Taal village, where three girls already died a day earlier in strikes, according to the Britain-based monitor.

Another seven civilians were killed in Russian air strikes on western Aleppo and a southern region of Idlib.

"Over the past three days, the bombardment on Idlib and its surroundings, including in western Aleppo, has been exclusively Russian," saud Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

"They want to push rebels and jihadists away from the city of Aleppo and from the motorway linking Aleppo to Damascus," Abdel Rahman said.

SANA said rebel rocket fire on Tuesday also killed two women and a child in Aleppo city.

The surge in violence comes despite a ceasefire announced by Russia earlier this month that never really took hold.

Last Thursday, Russia denied launching any combat operations in the region since the start of the ceasefire earlier this month.

Russia has thousands of forces deployed across Syria in support of the army, while a contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground.

Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep Assad in power and marked a long, bloody reconquest of territory lost to rebels in early stages of the war.

Abdul Rahman said the latest spate in air strikes could be a prelude to a land offensive in western Aleppo, as the regime and its allies continue their drive to shrink the last opposition-held pocket.

"The regime has massed reinforcements on the outskirts of the city of Aleppo," Abdel Rahman said.

The violence in northern Syria is escalating an already dire humanitarian situation, with aid groups warning of displacement on an unprecedented scale.

Idlib province alone is home to at least three million people, many of whom are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

According to the UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, almost 350,000 people have fled their homes since December 1, mainly northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the air strikes.

The International Rescue Committee has warned another 650,000 people, mostly children and women, could be forced from their homes if the violence continues.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A paedophile dad who sexually abused his own nine-year-old daughter has complained about his criminal record because it 'hinders his love life'.

The man, 58, told the Supreme Court that restrictions imposed on him for his crime are stopping him from finding a 'suitable woman'.

As a convicted sex offender, he must tell any parent he meets about his criminal record.

His lawyer told the court the man, whose name is suppressed to protect his daughter's identity, intended to use the RSVP dating website, according to The Advertiser.

As a convicted sex offender, the man has to tell parents he meets about his criminal record (stock image)

The disgraced dad wants to meet a 'suitable woman and remarry', the court heard.

He has been using the RSVP dating app since 2013, but had struggled to meet a partner.

Under the Child Sex Offenders Registration Act, abusers must tell an adult of their prior offences if they come into contact with children.

Any contact with children must be disclosed to police within 48 hours.

The man asked the Supreme Court in South Australia to remove 'obligations that will hinder the development of a relationship'.

In February 2003, he admitted to the indecent assault of his nine-year-old daughter.

The man was given a 12-month suspended sentence in February 2003 for assaulting his then nine-year-old daughter (stock image)

He was given a 12-month suspended sentence.

Under the laws, the Supreme Court can only remove the obligations to report to police, not those that require an offender to tell parents about their past.

In a recent survey of 25,500 Australian women, 13-16 per cent reported experiencing sexual abuse as a child.

According to the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey, 11 per cent of women and 5 per cent of men in Australia report having been sexually abused before they reached the age of 15.

In 2017, there were 7,397 children aged 0-14 years who were recorded by police as being victims of sexual assault.

The dating site RSVP claims be for 'serious serious singles looking to start their next chapter' and calls itself 'the most trusted place to find your next date'.
.                ,  The Hill,  ,          ...
Speaking to media, AAP Delhi chief Gopal Rai said Kejriwal would participate in a roadshow in Burari assembly at 9 a.m. on Wednesday which will conclude at Adarsh Nagar. Other party leaders have already started public meetings from Tuesday.

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) After the nominations process ended on Tuesday, the AAP hit the campaign trail again with the ruling party planning another Arvind Kejriwal's town hall plus roadshows and rallies.

Rai said Kejriwal would hold eight town halls between January 23 and 30.

"The top AAP leaders will regularly hold public gatherings across Delhi besides foot marches and roadshows. Now that the nomination process is over, we have started our public campaign again," he said.

Party's Manish Sisodia started his public meeting from Jungpura and Kalkaji, while Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh held public meetings at Laxmi Nagar and Vishwas Nagar. Rai held the meetings at Rajinder Nagar and Hari Nagar Vidhan Sabha constituencies.

"All three of us will regularly hold public gatherings across Delhi. We will enter the last leg of the campaign with public gatherings, padyatras and roadshows" said Rai.

He said Kejriwal will hold a roadshow on Wednesday evening too, "that will begin from Krishana Nagar and end at Shahdara. From Wednesday, Kejriwal takes charge of the election campaign through roadshows."

From January 23 onwards, Rai added, town hall meetings are scheduled.

"On January 23, the town hall will be held at Siri Fort Auditorium. From then on, till January 30, seven more town hall sessions will be conducted. The roadshows and public meetings will continue alongside."

Also, a door to door campaign will be conducted, during which our volunteers will present Arvind Kejriwal's Guarantee Card to every household in Delhi, said Rai.

The AAP is creating a separate plan for candidates as well, which will focus on two aspects -- nukkad sabha (street corner meetings) and padyatra (foot marches).

"The last phase of our election campaign will be a three-tier one -- by Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders, second by our candidates and the third, by our volunteers. We hope the commitment and dedication with which Arvind Kejriwal has worked for the people will stand us in good stead. We are confident we will achieve our target of 67+ seats."

Polls are due for the 70-member Delhi Assembly on February 8.

nks/prs
Hong Kong Protesters Decry Police Inaction 6 Months After Brutal Mob Attack

HONG KONGSeveral hundred Hong Kong protesters gathered on Jan. 21 at the site of an attack six months ago by an armed mob on pro-democracy demonstrators, denouncing the lack of progress by police in bringing those responsible to justice.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has been embroiled by more than seven months of turmoil sparked by a now withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed individuals to be sent to China for trial.

The youth-led protests, including mass marches, petrol bomb attacks and battles on university campuses, have since morphed into a broader revolt against authorities and strong-arm Chinese rule.

Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with sweeping promises of a high degree of autonomy and freedoms. But the perceived failure of Beijing to honor these commitments has fueled the protests, posing a grave challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China denies meddling in Hong Kong and blames the West for stirring up trouble.

Some protesters in a concourse below the Yuen Long train station in a district close to the border with China said they remained traumatized by scenes of an armed mob of white-shirted men beating up black-shirted protesters and ordinary people on July 21 last year.

Men in white t-shirts and face masks attack anti-extradition bill demonstrators and reporters at a train station in Hong Kong on July 21, 2019, in this still image obtained from a social media live video. (Courtesy of Stand News/Social Media via Reuters)

A pro-democracy district councillor, Zachary Wong, criticized the police for not preventing the attack, and for not apprehending any of the attackers afterwards when they retreated into a nearby village and were surrounded by officers.

Yuen Long district councilor Tommy Cheung, who has helped set up a task force to probe the attack, said none of the 37 men arrested so far, some with organized criminal gang backgrounds, had yet seen their cases go to trial.

Jason Liu, a 29-year-old masked protester in the crowd, said hed lost confidence in police enforcement: harsh on pro-democracy protesters but lenient toward pro-government allies, even those suspected of serious crimes.

They always have excuses, and justify everything they do as right, said Liu, who was dressed in a gray hoodie while listening as riot police surrounded the area. Its really unfair how twisted and biased law enforcement has become.

More than 7,000 protesters have been arrested in connection with the protests so far, including nearly 1,000 who have been charged.

Moodys downgraded Hong Kongs credit rating one notch this week as the citys leader flew to the World Economic Forum in Davos for a charm offensive amid the turmoil.

Despite the backlash against Beijing, there are few signs of Beijing heeding demands for democracy and respect for the freedoms guaranteed at the handover.

By James Pomfret
Periyar row: The social media has been divided into two groups over Rajinikanth's controversial remark on Periyar.

Periyar row: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin on Wednesday criticised veteran actor Rajinikanth over his controversial comment on E V Ramasamy Periyars 1971 rally in Salem. Stalin said the actor should think twice before speaking on people like Periyar. The DMK chief also said that his friend Rajinikanths statements are not politically balanced because he is an actor and not a politician.

On January 14, Rajinikanth had created a stir after he told a gathering at the 50th-anniversary event of Tamil magazine Thuglak that Periyar took out a rally against superstition in which naked images of Lord Ramachandramoorthy and Sita were displayed at Salem in 1971. At the same time, the veteran actor said that no news outlet, except Cho Ramaswamy, the founder-editor of Thuglak, published and criticized the incident.

If we go by reports, the incident had taken place in 1971 when the DMK government headed by M Karunanidhi was at the helm of power in Tamil Nadu and the state govt seized copies of Tughlak magazine.

The controversial remark on the Father of the Dravidian Movement invited sharp criticisms while many parts of the politically sensitive Tamil Nadu witnessed massive protests. Periyar was a known social activist and politician who had started the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam.

On Tuesday, Rajinikanth refused to apologise for his comment on E V Ramasamy Periyars 1971 rally in Salem. Speaking on protests over his remarks on Periyar, Rajinikanth said he did not say anything that did not occur. The actor said he can show people published stories in media.

The Dravidar Viduthulai Kazhagam (DVK) had sought an apology from Rajinikanth.

The social media has been divided into two groups over Rajinikanths controversial remark on Periyar. While some people said the DMK is unnecessarily dragging the actors daughter into this political controversy, some others said Rajinikanth is trying to gain more media mileage by doubling down on attack on Periyar.

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The closure of Benins land borders with Nigeria since August has resulted in a drastic drop in the countrys rice imports from Asia.

The information was revealed by the Observatory of International Rice Statistics (Osiriz) in its latest economic outlook released in December.

Nigeria, one of Africas superpowers, closed all its land borders to tackle smuggling of Rice and other goods. Nigeria banned the importation of rice from Benin in 2004 and from all its neighbors in 2016, but that has not stopped the trade.

According to the Osirizs report, Benin saw its imports of Indian rice drop from a monthly average of 75,000 tons between January and September last year to less than 2,000 tons in the last quarter of 2019.

In addition, the volume of imported Thai rice fell from a monthly average of 100,000 tons to 5,000 tons last November.

The biggest rice contraband route was between Cotonou, Benins biggest city, and Nigerias commercial hub Lagos, which is just a few hours drive away.

According to the World Bank, Benins economy is heavily reliant on the informal re-export and transit trade with Nigeria, which accounts for about 20% of its GDP, or national income. And about 80% of imports into Benin are destined for Nigeria, the bank said.

According to the Nigerian maritime site Ships and Ports, in 2014 Benin lowered its tariffs on rice imports from 35% to 7% while Cameroon erased completely the 10% tax.
The usually dignified US senate could see rising tensions along party lines as Donald Trumps impeachment begins.

The upper chamber of US congress will see rock star legal teams cram the well just a few feet from each other and US chief justice John Roberts, as proceedings get under way.

Democrats in the US house of representatives impeached the president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed that country to investigate Mr Trumps Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of congress by refusing to comply with their investigation.

This is what to watch when the US presidents trial begins at around 1pm local time (6pm GMT) on Tuesday:

Expand Close Mitch McConnell (Senate television/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Mitch McConnell (Senate television/AP)

 Ground rules

The senate opens with a debate on the structure and rules of the proceedings. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is proposing a condensed, two-day calendar for opening arguments on the articles of impeachment passed by the US house on December 18.

Mr McConnells ground rules are outlined in a four-page resolution that must be voted on as one of the first orders of business. It pushes back any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats had demanded.

But Mr McConnells plan on witnesses lines up with the organising resolution which set the structure of former president Bill Clintons trial in 1999.

Expand Close The Senate side of the US Capitol at sunrise in Washington DC (AP) / Facebook

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 Drawing the curtain

At all times, according to senate rules, a majority of senators present can vote to close the proceedings and debate in private. That would mean the TV cameras will be shut off and everyone who is not a member of the senate will be kicked out of the chamber until the senators choose to reopen it.

Senators did just that at various points during the Clinton trial. Mr McConnell then argued that members of the chamber listen to each other better in private.

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 The long haul

After the four days of opening arguments  with a maximum of 24 hours per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

Senate rules say the trial must proceed six days a week  all but Sunday  until it is resolved.

 Off the grid

Watch out for a coterie of Democratic senators who literally would rather be somewhere else  specifically Iowa and New Hampshire  ahead of their partys first votes over the right to choose who will attempt to unseat Mr Trump in the November election.

Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Michael Bennet of Colorado and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota may show signs of fatigue as they fly between Washington and these places  as well as coping with being off the internet for hours at a time.

Also look out for more video calls to supporters and ads designed to give them a measure of presence in the early nominating states.

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 The prosecutors

Leading the case for the house is intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff of California, and judiciary committee chairman Jerrold Nadler of New York. Five other Democrats round out the prosecution team, a group US house speaker Nancy Pelosi said she chose in part for their experience with the law.

Zoe Lofgren of California has worked on three impeachment inquiries, starting with the one that helped persuade former president Richard Nixon to resign.

Val Demings of Florida is not a lawyer, but she is a former police chief, and as member of both committees is deeply familiar with the case against Mr Trump. Hakeem Jeffries is a lawyer and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, so he is close to Ms Pelosis ranks.

Ms Pelosi also chose two freshmen who helped flip the house from Republican control in 2018. Sylvia Garcia of Texas is a former judge. And Jason Crow of Colorado is a retired Army Ranger who was one of the seven new members with national security backgrounds to call for Mr Trumps impeachment over his conduct with Ukraine.

 For the president

Donald Trump has cast some big personalities in his defence team.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone and personal lawyer Jay Sekulow are expected to lead the argument that Mr Trump committed no crimes, that abuse of power is not an impeachable offence and that the president is a victim of a political witch hunt by Democrats.

Bringing experience both in constitutional law and the politics of impeachment, he has added retired law professor Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, the independent counsel who investigated Mr Clinton. The team also will include Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general.

The team, less experienced in the senate than the house prosecutors as a whole, visited the senate chamber on Monday, in part to test the equipment they expect to use for audio-visual presentations.

Look out for signs of tension involving the presidents outside legal team and lawyers within the White House. On Sunday, Mr Dershowitz tried to distance himself from the president.

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 In numbers

100: The total number of senators.

53: The Republican majority.

51: The number of senators who must agree on almost anything to make it happen during an impeachment trial.

Four: The number of Republican senators who must join the Democrats to get to the magical 51 level.

Two thirds: The proportion of senators required to convict and remove a president from office.

So, 67 members of the Senate would have to vote to convict, if every senator is voting.

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 The gang

Both sides will be keeping tabs on the senates moderates for an emerging gang of three to four who could influence the outcome on such matters as whether to subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton. That vote will not be taken for days, if not weeks.

Republican senator Susan Collins of Maine has been meeting with a small number of her party colleagues who want to consider witness testimony and documents that were not part of the house impeachment investigation.

Watch Republican senators Mitt Romney of Utah, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska for signs of whether this group can stick together and force the senate to consider additional material.
Seeding the growth and supporting the connectivity of important and emerging components of open research is critical to ensure that innovation continues and that we can deliver the impact the research community requires.

A new strategic partnership between EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) and protocols.io is designed to support the research ecosystem. Researchers, publishers, and academic institutions will benefit from a research workflow that is open, connected, reproducible and interoperable. EBSCOs investment in protocols.io highlights the importance of supporting services that extend and connect the publication of an article to its core analysis, and ongoing impact. As part of the agreement, EBSCO will leverage its global presence to expand the reach and impact of protocols.io to research institutions around the world.

protocols.io allows researchers to create and share research protocols and methods. The platform helps researchers develop, organize, troubleshoot and disseminate methods before, during and after publication. It also helps institutions maintain stewardship over an important component of research output. While protocols.io is free to anyone who shares their work openly, individual, group or site-wide enterprise licenses are available for private use.

Alexei Stoliartchouk, Irina Makkaveeva, and Lenny Teytelman co-founded protocols.io after being inspired by Lennys frustrations with method development during his postdoctoral research at MIT. Lenny spent a year and a half correcting one step of a previously published protocol. Because it was just a correction rather than a new technique, he had no good way of communicating this knowledge to other scientists using the same method. When starting protocols.io, Irina Makkaveeva said, As a software developer, I found it absurd that scientists did not have something like GitHub for sharing their protocols.

protocols.io CEO and co-founder Lenny Teytelman, says EBSCOs investment puts EBSCO in good company and offers opportunities to advance the development of protocols.io. EBSCO joins the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation as a major funder of protocols.io, and as with them, the partnership brings far more than funding alone. We are also delighted to have the Genetics Society of America as a co-investor in this round, Teytelman says, working together with EBSCO is likely to increase the adoption of protocols.io and the amount of sharing on the platform. EBSCO is lending us the expertise, support and scale to build out our mission alongside other important startups in this new exciting ecosystem. We expect to bring the company to sustainability, far faster than would be possible without EBSCOs involvement.

Hundreds of journals across all types of publishers already recommend and integrate protocols.io in their diverse submission, review and publication systems. Publishers do this to support the reproducibility and visibility of their published works while also improving services they offer to their authors and editors. A growing number of leading funding organizations recommend the inclusion of reusable protocols as they view these as important to making the research they fund more useful and ultimately more impactful.

EBSCO Information Services CEO Tim Collins says this investment is a natural evolution of EBSCOs mission to transform lives by providing reliable, relevant information when, where and how people want it. Seeding the growth and supporting the connectivity of important and emerging components of open research is critical to ensure that innovation continues and that we can deliver the impact the research community requires.

EBSCO Information Services Senior Vice President of Strategy Tommy Doyle says the protocols.io partnership aligns with EBSCOs recent partnership with Arkivum and continues to leverage EBSCOs broad portfolio of assets and relationships. As one of the largest intermediaries of publishers, institutions and researchers, EBSCO is uniquely placed to help scale the impact of these businesses. We bring more than 75 years of industry experience and relationships to any new strategic partnership. As we look at investments, we will continue to seek ways to support the future of research.

The announcement coincides with the announcement of EBSCOs partnership with Code Ocean which provides researchers with platforms to create, share, publish, preserve and reuse executable code and data.

About protocols.io

protocols.io was conceived in 2012 by geneticist Lenny Teytelman, and computer scientists Alexei Stoliartchouk and Irinia Makkaveeva to facilitate science communication and rapid sharing of knowledge. The protocols.io platform is an open access service for academic and industry researchers to record and share detailed up to date methods for research. It is free to read and free to publish and provides an open access hub for scientists to communicate improvements and corrections to research methods. The company is in Berkeley, California. More information is available at http://www.protocols.io.

About EBSCO Information Services

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the leading discovery service provider for libraries worldwide with more than 11,000 discovery customers in over 100 countries. EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) provides each institution with a comprehensive, single search box for its entire collection, offering unparalleled relevance ranking quality and extensive customization. EBSCO is also the preeminent provider of online research content for libraries, including hundreds of research databases, historical archives, point-of-care medical reference, and corporate learning tools serving millions of end users at tens of thousands of institutions. EBSCO is the leading provider of electronic journals & books for libraries, with subscription management for more than 360,000 serials, including more than 57,000 e-journals, as well as online access to more than 1,000,000 e-books. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: http://www.ebsco.com. EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries Inc., a family owned company since 1944.

For more information, please contact:

Kathleen McEvoy

Vice President of Communications

EBSCO Information Services

(800) 653-2726 ext. 2594

kmcevoy@ebsco.com

Anita Brollochs

Director of Outreach

protocols.io

anita@protocols.io
For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here.

Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size What began as a mysterious cluster of pneumonia cases in the Chinese city of Wuhan has exploded into the world's next pandemic in little more than three months. Since December, a virus never before seen in humans has infected more than two million people across 180 countries and killed 165,000. Cases in China have slowed dramatically under extraordinary lockdowns and testing regimes but new frontiers of the virus have erupted in Europe, the Middle East and the US, seeing more cities, from New York to Paris, grind to a halt. Now Australia is shutting large parts of daily life to slow the virus's spread here  including pubs, cinemas, gyms and many businesses  as states shutter their borders and call in police to enforce home quarantines for those at risk. More than 6500 people have been diagnosed with the new illness, COVID-19, in Australia and about 70 people have died here (see graphic below). Health Minister Greg Hunt says the nation needs to adopt a "war-time spirit" and everyone is urged to do their bit by practising good hygiene and staying away from others (about 1.5 metres away) or at home where possible, especially if sick. Experts stress this "social distancing" is about slowing down the virus, and so avoiding a sudden surge of cases overwhelming hospital resources. It is not an apocalyptic call for the community to start hoarding supplies or face masks. So what is a coronavirus, how does this one spread and how bad could it get? This article was originally published on January 21, 2020 and has been updated to reflect new developments. What is the coronavirus illness COVID-19?

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Coronaviruses are a family of viruses causing respiratory illness that are mostly found in animals (so named for their crown shape, not the beer). Only six have previously been identified in humans including four mild strains which cause the common cold and the more unusual SARS-CoV, the virus behind the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak almost 20 years ago. This illness, known as COVID-19, brings that tally to seven. When a new strain of virus jumps into the population from animals, often through the handling and slaughter of wildlife, it can be dangerous as there is little natural immunity to fight it off. COVID-19 first appeared in December, when people working and shopping at a live animal market in the capital of China's central Hubei province, Wuhan, started falling ill. Medical experts have unlocked the virus's genetic code  which is about 75 per cent similar to the SARS virus  in "record time". But a lot is still unknown. What are the symptoms and how serious is COVID-19? It appears to start with a fever, a cough, fatigue or shortness of breath and can lead to pneumonia and more serious complications including organ failure. So far, with a death rate estimated at about 1 per cent, COVID-19 is considered 10 times deadlier than the seasonal flu but less dangerous than both SARS and the other rare coronavirus to emerge in humans, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). As with those illnesses, it infects not just the nose and throat but the lungs as well. More than 600,000 people have already officially recovered from the illness worldwide, but like the mortality rate, this number is hard to track while the pandemic is still at full steam. Loading Anyone can catch COVID-19 but those most at risk of dying are the elderly and people with underlying conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. As of March 3, about 3.4 per cent of reported cases had been fatal, according to the WHO. Data of the first 55,000 or so cases in China reveals that about 20 per cent (one in five patients) suffered serious complications (meaning they needed medical intervention such as a ventilator to help them breathe). Further analysis of cases in Europe and the US show people under 50 are also being hospitalised in concerning numbers but very few children have been diagnosed or suffered serious cases  a phenomenon also observed during SARS. Still, they are not immune and some have died from the illness.

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Smokers are more likely to develop a nasty infection, as the virus breeds via cell receptors in the lungs known to increase with cigarette smoke. Experts say the higher the dose of virus you are hit with, the faster you will show symptoms and the more dangerous it can be for your immune system to fight off. While the global race to develop a vaccine is picking up speed, right now there is no cure. Treatment involves getting oxygen into the lungs, keeping fluids up and dealing with any resulting complications. Antibiotics do not work on the virus as it is not caused by a bacteria but can be deployed if patients are hit by secondary bouts of bacterial pneumonia. More experimental drugs such as those developed to combat malaria, HIV and Ebola are also being trialled in some parts of the world. Outside China, major clusters of the virus have broken out in Italy, where hospitals have been pushed to the brink as well as the US, Spain, Germany, Iran, France, the UK and South Korea. Many, including much of Europe, are now turning to the "China model" of forced quarantines and transport shutdowns to stop it. But experts note that China, as well as countries such as Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea, have also started to "flatten their curve" of infection growth through exhaustive testing, contact tracing of known cases and community take-up of "social distancing" measures such as working from home or taking schools online.

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How do you catch COVID-19? The virus needs us to spread  it can jump from one person to another through water droplets expelled from the nose and mouth, usually during coughing or sneezing (which can travel for close to a metre). Health authorities say you could be at risk if you touch a contaminated surface or are in close contact with an infected person  at least 15 minutes of face-to-face conversation, or two hours in an enclosed space together. The virus does not appear to be airborne for long periods (one study showed it can survive up to 3 hours in the air but this was under lab conditions). Research is still ongoing into how long it survives on surfaces; the WHO says "for a few hours or up to several days". So far, that same early study has found the virus could last up to three days on hard surfaces like plastic and stainless steel but was less stable on others such as cardboard, fabric and copper. That doesn't mean the virus could infect people for that entire length of time (as the tiny viral particles will begin to decay outside the body). The good news is it can be killed with simple disinfectant (look for the words virucidal or antiviral on the label). Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Is it a cold or COVID-19? The main symptoms of the new coronavirus are: Fever

Cough

Fatigue

Shortness of breath A patient might also complain of chills, headaches or a sore throat, and nausea or diarrhea have also been reported, though not in the numbers seen during SARS. Based off data out of China, less than five per cent of cases involve a blocked nose (which is a common sign of a regular cold). People can spread the virus before symptoms appear during the incubation period of between one and 14 days or even if they never get symptoms, making this outbreak harder to contain than others such as SARS, although people are still thought to shed the most virus when they are unwell. WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic says initial infection rates are constantly evolving, but it is believed each patient with COVID-19 will infect about two or three people. That makes it more infectious than the flu, SARS or MERS but much less infectious than measles, where one person is likely to infect up to 20 people. In the depths of winter (and flu season) in the northern hemisphere, more people have likely been infected than official counts, although many people with suspect symptoms may have a more common coronavirus or flu.

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But the WHO says you can't catch COVID-19 from your pet and it's still considered highly unlikely to spread from food, passing someone on the street, or receiving a package from an infected area. If you are travelling near a confirmed patient on a plane, either in the same row or up to two in front or behind, health authorities say this is considered close contact and you should get advice and self-isolate. Loading Everyone is urged to wash their hands regularly, keep 1.5 metres away from others and observe good "cough etiquette" by covering their mouth. Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy says people must not gather together and should stay home as much as possible but they shouldn't "waste" face masks needed for healthcare workers unless sick or caring for an infected person. Handshakes and kiss hellos should also be swapped for the more chaste pat on the shoulder or elbow bump. Who has to self-isolate? To stem the spread of COVID-19, millions of people infected or exposed to the virus around the world are also being urged to quarantine themselves at home, as health authorities turn to detective work to trace contacts of confirmed cases. While some people have chosen to start home isolation themselves, thousands of others have been issued formal notices to comply and many states have flagged hefty fines or penalties for those who break the rules. If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have returned from overseas, then you must self-isolate for a full fortnight from when you landed in Australia. (Overseas travellers will now be put up in mandatory hotel quarantine by governments). Loading Those with symptoms should seek medical advice (call ahead before fronting up to a clinic) and wear face masks around others to stop the spread  but not everyone in the community with a flu-like illness needs to go to hospital or rush out to get tested. Health authorities say testing kits are limited so are only testing those with symptoms likely to have the virus such as those exposed to a known case.

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Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Toyota begins production at its new Tacoma plant in Mexico; fatal shooting reported at family-owned trucking company in San Antonio; new superintendent appointed for international commercial bridges; and CBP seizes $1.5 million in cocaine inside shipment of fruit.

Toyota Begins Rolling Out Tacomas At $700 Million Plant In Mexico

Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM) officials said production is underway at its new manufacturing plant in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, for its flagship pickup truck, the Tacoma.

Toyota officials said they plan to employ 1,000 workers and manufacture 100,000 Tacoma pickups annually at the plant in central Mexico.

Most of the vehicles will be exported to the United States and Canada, Toyota Motor Sales Mexico President Tom Sullivan told reporters during a press conference in December.

Toyota broke ground on the plant in Guanajuato in 2016, originally planning to invest $1 billion and produce Corollas at the site.

The Apaseo el Grande plant is Toyota's 15th in North America and its latest investment in Mexico. Toyota also operates a factory in Baja, Mexico, where it currently produces about 170,000 Tacomas, of which it exports approximately 90% to the United States.

On Friday, Toyota also announced it would stop producing Tacoma pickups at its plant in San Antonio, Texas, in late 2021.

Toyota officials announced they would move production of the Sequoia SUV from Princeton, Indiana, to San Antonio, and begin manufacturing in 2022.

The Japanese automaker doesn't expect to create new jobs  or cut jobs  as a result of the switch.

"Since 2016, the San Antonio plant has been operating at maximum capacity," Toyota officials said in a statement. "The shift will make room for market growth and achieve long-term sustainability of future production in San Antonio."

Fatal Shooting At Family-Owned Trucking Company In San Antonio

Story continues

A 56-year-old man allegedly shot and killed his 47-year-old brother at a family-owned trucking company in San Antonio before turning the gun on himself, according to police.

Jaime T. Martinez was allegedly fatally shot by Baldemar M. Tamez on Tuesday, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

A family member later confirmed the two were brothers, according to several media outlets.

Jennifer Rodriguez, a spokeswoman for the San Antonio Police Department, said police responded to reports of a shooting at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday at JTM Transportation Inc. on San Antonio's far east side.

Officers arrived to find Martinez with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. He was allegedly shot by Tamez.

The JTM Transportation website lists Martinez as president of the company.

After the shooting, police said Tamez drove away from the scene to the parking lot of a store several miles away. Police said they found Tamez inside the vehicle with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

New Superintendent Named For International Bridges Along US-Mexico Border

Juan Olaguibel was named interim bridge superintendent of McAllen, Texas, on Monday.

In his new position, Olaguibel will oversee the Anzalduas and Hidalgo international bridges along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Olaguibel had been the deputy bridge director in McAllen for 10 years. Former bridge superintendent Rigoberto Villarreal resigned Jan. 6.

The board of directors that oversees the Anzalduas International Bridge and the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge voted unanimously to appoint Olaguibel at its regular monthly meeting Monday.

The Anzalduas commercial international bridge opened in 2009 for pedestrian traffic. In 2016, the bridge began allowing commercial truck crossings.

The empty commercial truck traffic heading south into Mexico across the Anzalduas bridge was down every month in 2019, from January to November, compared to those same months the year before, according to data from the city of McAllen.

There were 1,590 empty trucks that crossed south in November compared to 2,033 in November 2018, a 22% decline. Commercial trucks generated $20,268 in toll fees for McAllen in November.

In October, 2,048 trucks crossed southbound compared to 2,937 in November 2018, 30% less. Commercial traffic tolls generated $26,452 in October.

Cocaine Valued At $1.5 Million Seized In Shipment Of Malanga

U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility in Texas intercepted $1.53 million worth of cocaine hidden inside a tractor-trailer hauling a commercial shipment of fresh malanga (taro).

CBP officers assigned to the cargo facility at the Pharr International Bridge along the U.S.-Mexico Border stopped a tractor-trailer hauling the malanga for further inspection on Jan. 12.

Utilizing available tools and resources, including nonintrusive imaging technology, CBP officers allegedly discovered 80 packages with almost 200 pounds of cocaine hidden inside the trailer.

CBP officers seized the cocaine along with the tractor-trailer. The case remains under investigation by Homeland Security.

US Customs and Border Protection seized 80 packages of cocaine hidden inside a tractor-trailer at the Pharr International Bridge on Jan. 12. Image: US Customs and Border Protection

"Great teamwork and resiliency is what allows our frontline officers to make interceptions like this one this weekend at the cargo facility," Port Director Carlos Rodriguez of the Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas said in a release.

Image by Admiral_Lebioda from Pixabay

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Early College High School is the top-performing high school in Midland ISD and ranked No. 35 in the state by Children at Risk  a research and advocacy organization that focuses on education.

MISD rated ECHS a 90 in its overall school performance framework grade  85 percent in performance, 100 percent in progress and 81 percent in learning environment. The campus received a 98 in the Texas Education Agency accountability ratings with a 97 in student achievement, 95 in school progress and 100 in closing the gaps. It also received three designation distinctions from the TEA.

Serving freshmen through seniors, ECHS has a different degree program than the traditional comprehensive high school. By the time students graduate from high school, they will have received their associate degree from Midland College, where the campus is located.

MISD Executive Director of Secondary Education Jeff Horner said the goal is to eventually have 120 students per grade level. Though the enrollment does not currently match that, he said it doesnt mean the campus is below capacity.

He said capacity is different for ECHS than it does at Lee High School or Midland High School because of the number of students applying, the blueprint provided by the TEA and limited space at MC.

About 350 students currently are enrolled. Horner said capacity depends on the number of students entering when they are freshmen or sophomores. Because ECHS does not accept new juniors or seniors -- unless they are transferring from another early college high school  enrollment of a senior class should be the same  or within a few students  as when the students were freshmen.

If we have a small class of students coming in, it will be a small class leaving, Horner said. We cant backfill with juniors and seniors.

Horner said the reason is because the curriculum is different, and they would not receive an associate degree, which is a priority of the high school, or even meet high school graduation requirements. He said they will select five to 10 sophomores who are willing to catch up, but for the most part, most students are selected for their freshman year.

Additionally, the number of freshmen admitted depends on the pool of applications. Though many freshmen apply, the TEA has specifications for the demographics of students who attend ECHS campuses across the state.

The blueprint was designed to hold ECHS to a standard of recruiting first-time college-goers or traditionally underrepresented college-goers, Horner said.

The blueprint also specifies that the demographics of ECHS should match very similarly to the demographics of the entire district. The population at ECHS currently is 70 percent Hispanic, 16 percent white, 6 percent black, 5 percent Asian and less than 5 percent American Indian, Pacific Islander and multiple races.

The campus selects students through lottery, but if the pool does not match enough to keep similar demographics, some students may not be accepted into the program.

Lastly, he said Midland ISDs ECHS is located on a college campus  which is not typical for an early college high school. The school recently was given additional classrooms but only to be able to admit more freshmen rather than increase the number of seats for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Because of this, until the first group of freshmen with the full capacity of 120 students are seniors, and each grade level below contains 120 students, the campus cannot reach the approximate 480- student enrollment MISD hopes for  and the capacity cannot be considered below capacity.

Horner said MISD is very proud of the campus, and each year, the majority of MC honors graduates are ECHS students.

Students must submit an application and test scores to be selected through lottery.
Eight tourists from Kerala, including four minors, died in a hospital in Nepals Pokhara on Tuesday. The tourists were a part of 15-member group travelling to Nepal.

The tourists were found unconscious in the room of their resort and were airlifted to HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu where they were pronounced brought dead on arrival.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that he is deeply distressed by tragic news. Our embassy in Nepal has been closely following the situation. Embassy officials are stationed at the hospital and providing necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with bereaved families, he said on Tuesday.

The police say the tourists could have died due to suffocation. They were using gas heater in the room, suffocation might have caused their death, Superintendent of Police Sushil Singh Rathore said.

According to news agency PTI, the group of tourists was coming back from Pokhara and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Makwanpur district on Monday night.

The resort manager said that the guests stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm, according to PTI. Although they had booked four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and remaining others in another room, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside.

PTI identified the victims as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and Vyshnav Ranjith.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Malayali tourists in Nepal.

On the directions of the chief minister, officials have taken steps to expedite procedures for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the victims, his office said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

By President of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande

By its Resolution A/Res/73/25 of December 2018, the General Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations and civil society organizations, among others, to observe the 24th January of every year as the International Day of Education, and, even more noteworthy, to mark the occasion in an appropriate manner. The first International Day of Education was accordingly observed on 24th January 2019.

As the second anniversary of this major landmark draws near, it is pertinent to ask whether there is anything worth celebrating in the field of education, and if so, what constitutes the appropriate manner to do so.

The rising school enrollment rates worldwide is by itself cause for celebration. More and more children are going to, and staying in, school. This roughly translates into high literacy rates. Specifically, the literacy rate for all males and females that are at least 15 years old is 86.3 percent. The literacy rate for males aged 15 and over is 90 per cent worldwide, and for females, 82.7 percent.

The successes so far recorded notwithstanding, the education sector is wrestling with mammoth challenges worldwide. Among these are the precipitate decline in the quality and standards of education, the failure to factor the work places skills requirements into learning processes, the widening knowledge gap between students in technically advanced societies and their counterparts in developing countries, the danger and the obstacles that learning faces in conflict zones, the growing incidence of bullying in schools, and the declining esteem of the teaching profession.

The 2018 PISA results released by the OECD underscore the scope and magnitude of the contemporary learning crisis. According to the comparative survey of leaning outcomes in the participating countries, over 10 million students were not able to complete even the most basic reading tasks. What is intriguing is that those struggling with basic reading were 15-year old children in 79 high- and middle-income countries.

The OECD study also highlights the link between socio-economic advantage and learning outcomes. According to the study, the 10 percent most socio-economically advantaged students outperformed their 10 percent most disadvantaged counterparts in reading by 141 score points, on average across OECD countries.

If education fails to produce truly literate individuals or to close the digital gap between developed and developing economies, does it at least equip school leavers with the skills they need to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing world and to fulfil contemporary employment requirements? The typical workplace of today is very much unlike that of the past. By the same token, tomorrows workplace will be drastically different from that of yesterday or of today. The skills needed to operate assembly-line processes will be grossly inadequate for an information economy that relies on artificial, as it does human, intelligence.

And here lies the problem with the state of contemporary education. If truth be told, todays education needs to bridge the yawning gap between the modern workplaces needs for specialized skills, on the one hand, and actual learning opportunities, on the other. School curricular have yet to anticipate and respond to workplace needs for hands-on, vocational, ICT applications, and sundry technical skills, while still advancing the traditional scholastic pursuits.

The significance of the deficits in education outcome becomes obvious when viewed alongside the spiralling population crisis. Estimates by the Global Coalition for Business Education suggest that by 2030, there will be 1.5 billion school-age children in low- and middle-income countries. If the trend continues, over 50 percent880 million childrenwill not have the skills they need to be productive members of society. Countries with rapidly growing youth populations, especially the low-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, will not be on track to acquire the skills they need to succeed in the workplace of 2030.

Exacerbating the mismatch between school curricular and workplace demands are the other deficits which education has not adequately bridged. Notable among these are social skills gaps, meaning, the gaps in inter-personal and inter-cultural relations proficiency. Needless to add that the cause of peace and security cannot be served until humans in every part of the globe realize that they share a common destiny and that they are obliged to co-exist with one another regardless of cultural and other differences. Yet, crucial as it might be, education for global citizenship is still at a rudimentary stage.

We have thus far focused on education in relatively normal environments. The fate of school children trapped in conflict zones is deserving of even more urgent attention. According to UNICEF, 500 attacks were staged on schools in 20 countries worldwide in 2017. In 15 of the 20 countries, troops and rebel forces virtually commandeered schools and turned them into military posts. Thousands of children were recruited into fighting forces, made to serve as suicide bombers, or forced to endure direct attacks. The learning environment may also be rendered unsafe by gun-totting, matchet-wielding, gangs and unruly youths, and by sexual predators on school premises.

Natural disasters pose additional threats to the learning environment. Cyclones, hurricanes, and storms are among weather and climatic conditions that periodically wreak havoc on school buildings and facilities, and by so doing, make learning difficult, if not impossible.

The choices that education stakeholders make have direct impact on various social groups, particularly, disadvantaged groups like rural communities, the urban poor, persons with disabilities, and women. As regards the last category, it is significant to note that nearly two-thirds of all the illiterate adults in the world are female, the majority of whom are in under-developed countries.

Choice also becomes critical as the education sector struggles with how to elevate the status of the teaching profession, recruit competent and highly motivated teachers, and expose teachers to innovative teaching techniques.

Against the background just described, and considering the importance attached to inclusive quality education in my vision for the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, my Office, in collaboration with other partners, picked Aligning Inclusive Quality Education Policies with Sustainable Development Goals as the theme of this years International Day of Education. Fortunately, the gloomy picture earlier painted has its bright spots. Forward-looking education policies have contributed to the attainment of SDG targets in some countries. The high-level interactive sessions will, besides affording an opportunity for networking, enable participants at this years International Day of Education to share international good practices in inclusive quality education.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : India is likely to frame its own English language test, on the lines of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), for foreign students to improve its ranking among the most preferred countries for education in the world.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) President Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said that after several brainstorming sessions with the UGC, Niti Aayog and other related institutions, the government has identified several issues that held back India from being in top ten or 15 countries for education.

"As per the data, India is 26th most favorite destination for education, globally. We are trying to make efforts to move up the the ladder, and get into at least top 15 list," Sahasrabuddhe said.

One of the reasons for not being in the top ten list, he said, was that students from non-English speaking foreign countries, once admitted in Indian institutions, found it difficult to cope up with English medium education. The government, he said, is also looking at building hostels and providing accommodation to couples since a considerable number of foreign students are married.

According to the ICCR, there are around 50,000 foreign students, mostly from Asian and African countries, studying in various degree programmes in India. However, other ministries claim that there are around 100,000 foreign students. There is no definitive official data on foreign students nor has been there any survey on the most preferred graduate programmes among foreign students.

The ICCR, the cultural arm of the Ministry of External Affairs, has been promoting India's soft power for over 60 years, through cultural and education exchange programmes. The council is the largest governmental body to offer scholarships to foreign students. At present, around 4,000 foreign students are recipients of the ICCR scholarships.

Sahasrabuddhe also said that the number of foreign students would go up if people who visit India for studying and training in Indian classical music, dance, ayurveda, yoga, culinary under tourist visa are added. "We are yet to devise a mechanism which will give us an exact idea about the total number of foreign students in India," he said.

With a mission to make India a preferred hub for education, the ICCR in collaboration with Symbiosis International and Savitribai Phule Pune University, he said, is organising a national conference 'Destination India' in Pune on January 28 and 29. "This is the first time that all the institutions involved in hosting foreign students will come together to prepare a roadmap to bring two lakh foreign students to India by 2022." The ICCR will also honor four distinguished foreigners who studied in Indian universities and rose to high positions in their respective countries. The annual award was set up by then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in 2015.

(Aarti Tikoo Singh can be contacted at aarti.tikoo@gmail.com)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcome guests to a reception at Buckingham Palace (Yui Mok/PA)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have told African leaders about their aspiration to tour the continent which holds a very special place in Williams heart.

In a speech during a Buckingham Palace reception for delegates attending the UK-Africa Investment Summit, William movingly described how it was the place he visited after the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and where he proposed to his wife.

It was the first time the duke and duchess had hosted a reception for world leaders on behalf of the Queen, and was another milestone in their journey to one day becoming king and queen.

"The African continent holds a very special place in my heart."  The Duke of Cambridge at a Buckingham Palace reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit #InvestinAfrica pic.twitter.com/MVylx0ijiB  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) January 20, 2020

Earlier, the Duke of Sussex carried out what is likely to be one of his few remaining official engagements when he met some of the leaders during the summit staged in London for audiences  one-to-one meetings.

Harry is reportedly flying back to Canada to be reunited with his wife and child after concluding talks about his future role which will see the duke and wife Meghan step back from being a member of the royal family from the spring.

With Kate by his side, William told the prime ministers and presidents at the Buckingham Palace reception: The African continent holds a very special place in my heart. It is the place my father took my brother and me shortly after our mother died.

Expand Close William spoke of the important role Africa had played in some of the key moments of his life (Yui Mok/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp William spoke of the important role Africa had played in some of the key moments of his life (Yui Mok/PA)

And when deciding where best to propose to Catherine, I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee.

Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to spend time in many other parts of Africa. Im also honoured to be the Patron of the Royal African Society.

And as Catherine and I have said to several of you here tonight, we hope to have the chance to visit many more countries in the future and share our mutual love of your continent with our children.

William was 15 and Harry was just 12 when their mother was killed in a car crash in Paris on August 31 1997.

Expand Close The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with guests in the official group photograph (Yui Mok/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Charles took his sons to Africa as it was seen as an ideal place to offer the young boys the time and space to deal with their mothers death.

In 2010, William proposed to girlfriend Kate Middleton in Kenya, after they had dated for almost 10 years.

Kate wore a red gown from high-end high street store Needle & Thread, while the Countess of Wessex wore an outfit from Azzedine Alaia in a similar hue.

Other royals who attended the reception included the Earl of Wessex and the Princess Royal.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greet the Earl and Countess of Wessex, with the Princess Royal nearby, during the UK-Africa Investment Summit reception at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/SCj0Dw15uO  PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) January 20, 2020

Also among the guests was Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

After launching his Earthshot environmental award a few weeks ago, William returned to the theme in his speech to delegates.

He said: I know that today you have mainly been discussing financial investment. But let me end by saying that I hope we can also boost investment into Africas natural environment.

African countries have some of the most abundant, valuable ecosystems in the world, relied on by millions of people for their livelihoods. It is always deeply worrying to hear when those livelihoods are threatened, for example by the illegal wildlife trade, extreme weather events, or by the current devastating locust plague in East Africa.

At the start of this new decade, and as we lift our ambition towards the climate change conference in Glasgow later this year, we must all work together to invest in the natural world  our most precious asset.

And we must ensure that the growth ahead is used to protect and repair the delicate balance of nature.
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.




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Such minutes will be available within two weeks from the date of its confirmation in the next meeting of the central board and on being signed by the chairman in the same meeting, the RBI said in a statement on its website.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), for the first time, put out minutes of its October central board meeting, albeit with some information blacked out.

To enhance transparency, the central bank will continue to put out the minutes in the public domain in spirit of the Right to Information Act, after after appropriately severing information that is permitted to be severed in accordance with the Act.

Such minutes will be available within two weeks from the date of its confirmation in the next meeting of the central board and on being signed by the chairman in the same meeting, the RBI said in a statement on its website.

The PMC Bank crisis was not in the agenda of the meeting, but was discussed with the permission of the RBI governor, who is the chair of the board.

Presumably, the agenda was set before the PMC Bank crisis came to light towards the end of September.

The minutes put out for public viewing pertains to the 579th meeting of the central board held in Chandigarh on October 11 last year.

While the minutes as such did not point to anything that has not been publicly disseminated by the RBI, a general view of the various push and pull can be gauged.

The RBIs central board is made of representatives from the central bank, from corporate industry, as well as from the government.

While all work for a common goal of economic prosperity, there are some interesting viewpoints.

A director presented his perspective on select industries viz. automobiles, real estate, steel, power and road transport.

"He was of the view that a concerted effort on the part of the government as well as various regulators is needed to improve the situation, the minutes noted.

The board reviewed the macroeconomic developments, focused on issues related to financial markets, impact of monsoon on agriculture sector and prices, agriculture infrastructure and the external sector situation.

The board discussed in detail the current state of the financial sector with special focus on the regulatory and supervisory architecture of commercial and co-operative banks as also NBFCs.

While PMC Bank was discussed in relation to the framework of supervision of banks and other financial entities supervised by the central bank, the board was assured that the RBI has taken several measures to strengthen such aspects in the regulated entities.

The board also accepted a plethora of proposals, and review of various departments, proposed by various executive directors in the central bank.

Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters
Mercedis brings a wealth of knowledge to our team - and to our clients.

Axiom Bank N.A., a Maitland-based, leading community bank, recently hired Mercedis Couillard as VP, Payment Solutions Relationship Manager. In this role, Couillard will work with Axiom Banks clients to provide adaptable payment solutions that further their business and financial goals.

Couillard has over three decades of experience in financial management, customer relationship development, commercial payment solutions and sales.

Mercedis brings a wealth of knowledge to our team  and to our clients, said Ron Strand-Sorrell, Chief Operating Officer at Axiom Bank. That expertise, coupled with a client-centered approach and a belief in excellent service, will help us deliver adaptable solutions for every payment need.

Couillard attended Wilfrid Laurier University, and holds the Institute of Canadian Bankers Certification in financial management services.

For more information about Axiom Bank and to find the nearest location, visit AxiomBanking.com.

About Axiom Bank

Axiom Bank, a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Central Florida, serves the financial needs of its customers through a wide range of banking solutions and a commitment to exceptional service. The bank has a rich history dating back to 1963. By definition, axiom means a universally recognized truth  the name exemplifies the banks principles of truth, trust, value, convenience, and service excellence. Axiom Bank holds the SBA Preferred Lender status, and specializes in commercial loans, treasury management and other merchant services. The bank also offers asset-based lending and invoice factoring through its division, Allied Affiliated Funding. Axiom is constantly working to expand its services and products and provides consumer banking through over 20 branches, primarily in select Walmart Supercenters, to conveniently serve local communities. Visit http://www.AxiomBanking.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Three Katyusha rockets struck the Green Zone on January 21 in central Baghdad where many government buildings and foreign missions are located, Iraqi police sources told Reuters.



They were launched from the Zafaraniyah district outside the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, and two projectiles fell near the U.S. Embassy in the heavily fortified zone.



No one was injured and only material damage was reported in the shelling, the Al Hadath TV channel reported.



The early morning shelling came a day after anti-government protests resumed in Iraq in which six Iraqis, including two police officers, were killed and dozens were wounded in Baghdad and other cities.



Protesters in southern Iraq burned tires and blocked main roads in several cities, saying that Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had not delivered on promises, including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis.



Mass demonstrations have been a common occurrence in Iraq since October 1, with protesters demanding a makeover of a political system that they perceive as corrupt and which keeps most people impoverished.



More than 450 people have been killed in the unrest.



There was a lull of several weeks when attention turned to the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran following the killing earlier this month of Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian general.



Tehran responded to the lethal U.S. drone attack on Soleimani by firing ballistic missiles on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops.

Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS
We are pleased to have the talented team of Corkill Insurance join AssuredPartners, said AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley. Our corporate cultures align with a client-centered focus and dedication to delivering innovative insurance solutions.

AssuredPartners, Inc. is proud to announce Corkill Insurance Agency, Inc. of Elk Grove Village, IL has joined AssuredPartners as the first acquisition of 2020. The staff of 104 will remain under the operational leadership of Luke Praxmarer and Paul Praxmarer. The agency currently reports $23 million in annualized revenues.

Corkill Insurance Agency has been a trusted adviser and expert council for clients since the 1950s, stated Luke Praxmarer. Our dedication to our clients and employees led us to join one of the largest insurance brokerage agencies in the country and we are truly excited to partner with AssuredPartners.

With over 50 years of experience, we lead with a value-added service approach focused on serving our clients unique needs, said Paul Praxmarer. The decision to join AssuredPartners meant that truly we found a team to partner with that will enable us to grow and continue fulfilling our passion for client service.

Corkill Insurance is a trusted agency that has established solid foundations within its communities, stated AssuredPartners Regional President Todd Stocksdale. This partnership will strengthen our operations as we continue to expand our services and grow throughout the Chicago area.

We are pleased to have the talented team of Corkill Insurance join AssuredPartners, said AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley. Our corporate cultures align with a client-centered focus and dedication to delivering innovative insurance solutions. We welcome the clientele and team to AssuredPartners.

For more information on Corkill Insurance Agency, Inc., please visit: corkillinsurance.com.

ABOUT ASSUREDPARTNERS, INC

Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida and led by Jim Henderson and Tom Riley, AssuredPartners, Inc. acquires and invests in insurance brokerage businesses (property and casualty, employee benefits, surety and MGUs) across the United States and in London. From its founding in March of 2011, AssuredPartners has grown to over $1.4 billion in annualized revenue and continues to be one of the fastest growing insurance brokerage firms in the United States with over 170 offices in 30 states and London. For more information, please contact Dean Curtis, CFO, at 407.708.0031 or dean.curtis@assuredpartners.com, or visit http://www.assuredpartners.com.
[January 21, 2020] Despegar.com Announces 10-year Commercial Partnership Agreement With Naranja in Argentina

Despegar.com, Corp. (NYSE: DESP), ("Despegar" or the "Company") the leading online travel company in Latin America, today announced it has entered into a 10-year Commercial Partnership Agreement with Tarjeta Naranja S.A. (Naranja), the leading branded proprietary credit card issuer in Argentina, and subsidiary of Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. Through this agreement, Despegar will provide a white label online marketplace to Naranja to jointly sell Despegar's travel products and services to Naranja's customers. Naranja will carry the credit risk and together with Despegar will share the financing cost on an equal basis. Overall, this initiative will allow Despegar to sell its travel products and services to Naranja's five million customers. Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Damian Scokin, CEO of Despegar noted: "We are very pleased with this partnership with Naranja, the leading credit card issuer in Argentina. This partnership provides access to a complementary customer base and also selectively expands our business through a cross-channel platform. We look forward to continue offering customers unique products, services and experiences across their travel journey." "This partnership with Despegar, the leading online travel company in Latin America, is another step in our strategy to develop a digital ecosystem allowing us to enhance the value proposition, service and experiences w offer to our more than 5 million customers," noted Mr. Alejandro Asrin, CEO of Tarjeta Naranja S.A..



About Despegar.com Despegar is the leading online travel company in Latin America. With over two decades of business experience and operating in 20 countries in the region, Despegar accompanies Latin American travelers from the moment they dream of taking a trip until they share their memories of that trip. Thanks to the strong commitment to technological development and customer service, Despegar offers a customized experience to more than 18 million customers.

Despegar's websites and leading mobile apps, offer products from over 270 airlines, more than 512,000 accommodation options, as well as approximately 1,190 car rental agencies and approximately 326 destination services suppliers with more than 5,690 activities throughout Latin America. The Company owns and operates two well-recognized brands, Despegar, its global brand, and Decolar, its Brazilian brand. Despegar is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DESP). For more information, please visit www.despegar.com. About Tarjeta Naranja S.A. With over thirty years of experience, Naranja has evolved and has become an ecosystem of products and services, working to make life easier for people. It has over 5 million customers, a network of 240 branches throughout the country, more than 260 thousand adhered businesses and a team of 3,400 employees all over Argentina. In 2017 the company began to deploy its digitalization strategy. Naranja continues to introduce products with the goal of having digital products account for 50% of transactions by 2022, while developing its Fintech business segment. Credit card, benefits with discounts and promotions in multiple stores, insurance and assistance, alliances with other companies, its own marketplace, cultural activities, experiences throughout the country, branches with the best technology and solutions on every cell phone. There is much that Naranja offers to accompany each person at every stage of their life. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005724/en/

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Before the January 5 violence at JNU, the Delhi Police had written to the university authorities at least four times, stressing the need for them to "initiate dialogue with the JNUSU", a senior official said on Tuesday.

The letters were written between November and December last year, he said.

In one of the letters written to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Registrar Pramod Kumar on November 26, the station house officer (SHO) of Vasant Kunj (North) police station had said "a major law and order issue was created" as students were stopped twice by police during a protest march on November 18 against a hostel fee hike.

The JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) had given the call for the march towards Parliament.

"The students are demanding a dialogue with the JNU administration, but no such initiative has yet been taken" by the varsity and due to this the "students are very much agitated", the SHO had stated in the letter.

Referring to another protest by the students on November 9, the letter said, no one from the JNU administration came to meet the students.

"On this the JNU students were very much agitated and they gave call to block the administrative office of JNU from 10.11.2019," the letter said.

The letter by the SHO was written a day before the JNUSU had called for another protest.

"It is therefore suggested that the JNU administration should start dialogue with the students of JNU so that the issues can be resolved between the students and the JNU administration. There has to be continuous dialogue with the elected representatives of JNUSU also," the letter said.

Details of the other letters are not known.

The JNUSU has been on a strike against the draft hostel manual, which has provisions for fee hike, for nearly three months now.

It has asked students to boycott all academic activities and said the strike will not end till the hostel manual is withdrawn.

It has also asked the students to boycott registration for the winter semester.

Early this month, the university had witnessed a tussle between student groups over the issue of registration.

Amid the stir, masked men went on a rampage on the JNU campus on January 5, assaulting students and teachers with rods and sledgehammers, leaving over 30 people injured.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WASHINGTON (AP)  In an abrupt about-face, Hillary Clinton said Tuesday night that she would endorse her 2016 rival Bernie Sanders if he wins the Democratic nomination to face President Donald Trump in November.

The former secretary of state had earlier refused to say whether she would endorse Sanders in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Tuesday, instead telling the outlet: I'm not going to go there yet. She had also offered a broad condemnation of the progressive candidate's style of politics.

I thought everyone wanted my authentic, unvarnished views! Clinton tweeted Tuesday night. But, to be serious, the number one priority for our country and world is retiring Trump, and, as I always have, I will do whatever I can to support our nominee.

Her initial comments ripped open the scars of the brutal 2016 primary battle between Sanders and Clinton just as Democrats are poised to begin voting on their next nominee. Sanders' loyalists believed the Democratic establishment had rigged the primary in favor of Clinton, who won the nomination but ended up losing the general election to Trump.

For her part, Clinton wrote in her memoir What Happened after her 2016 defeat that she felt some of Sanders' criticism of her had helped propel Trump to victory, and she begrudged Sanders for not backing her campaign quickly enough after she sewed up the nomination. In The Hollywood Reporter interview, she accused Sanders of fostering a toxic culture in his campaign.

We're still in a very vigorous primary season. I will say, however, that it's not only him, it's the culture around him. It's his leadership team," Clinton had said. Then, referring to a cadre of aggressive, online Sanders backers, she continued: "It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women.

She added in the interview: I really hope people are paying attention to that because it should be worrisome that he has permitted this culture  not only permitted, (he) seems to really be very much supporting it."

Story continues

Sanders, like other senators who are running for president, was in Washington on Tuesday to participate in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial. He refused to comment on Clinton's critical comments, saying only in a statement,  Together, we are going to go forward and defeat the most dangerous president in American history.

Even before Clinton's evening tweet, her aides had sought to minimize any fallout from her comments. Nick Merrill, Clinton's spokesman, tweeted that we all need to work our heart out for the nominee, whoever that is, and @HillaryClinton, as usual, won't be any exception."

Still, the lingering tension between Clinton and Sanders is evident. In the interview, Clinton was asked about comments she makes in an upcoming documentary in which she says Sanders has been in Congress for years but "nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done.

Asked if that assessment still holds, she said yes."

Clinton's accusations that Sanders fostered a culture of sexism in politics are especially sensitive now given that Sanders top progressive rival in the 2020 race, Warren, has accused him of privately telling her a woman couldnt win the White House.

Sanders has denied that, but Warren refused to shake his outstretched hand after a debate last week in Iowa and both candidates accused the other of calling them "a liar. Warren has steadfastly declined to comment further, but the 78-year-old Sanders said Sunday that while sexism was a problem for candidates, so were other factors, like advanced age -- touching off another round of controversy.

Clinton said, I don't think we want to go down that road again where you campaign by insult and attack and maybe you try to get some distance from it, but you either don't know what your campaign and supporters are doing or you're just giving them a wink.

I think that that's a pattern that people should take into account when they make their decisions, she said.

His feud with Warren has overshadowed a series of clashes between Sanders and another 2020 rival, Biden, for an op-ed penned by one of the senators supporters suggesting that the former vice president was corrupt.

It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And I'm sorry that that op-ed appeared, Sanders told CBS.

The op-ed, published in The Guardian newspaper by Fordham University law professor Zephyr Teachout, claims Biden has perfected the art of taking big contributions, then representing his corporate donors at the cost of middle- and working-class Americans.

___

Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast,  Ground Game. 
Forty apartments were damaged, but no one was seriously injured in a large apartment complex fire overnight fire in Gloucester Township.

The fire broke out around midnight in Buttonwood Village along South Blackhorse Pike, Gloucester Township police said.

Smoke was pouring from Building A and flames were shooting from the roof when police and firefighters arrived to begin evacuations in frigid conditions.

The Union Fire Company of Deptford, which assisted, said the fire grew to three alarms and that two buildings were burned in the blaze.

Firefighters, police officers and even residents helped ensure everyone got out of the apartments safely, 6abc.com said. The fire is not considered suspicious, though it remains under investigation by police and the Camden County Fire Marshal, police Lt. Jason Gittens said.

The Red Cross of New Jersey said it provided 29 people in 20 families with temporary lodging as well as food and clothing. Two firefighters were treated and released from an area hospital for smoke inhalation, police said.

The building was deemed uninhabitable and boarded up, according to police.

Black Horse Pike was closed between Davistown Road and Church Street for several hours before re-opening at around 5:30 a.m, Gloucester Township police said in an alert.

Dozens of apartments were damaged in an overnight fire at Buttonwood Village in Blackwood on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 16:15 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20605adac 1 National Papua,koteka,activist-arrest,West-Papua,treason Free

Two of the six Papuan activists standing trial on charges of treason wore koteka (traditional Papuan dress) to a hearing on Monday at the Central Jakarta District Court, despite the judges ban last week.

The two activists, Dano Anes Tabuni and Ambrosius Mulait, donned the koteka, or penis sheathes made from gourds, wore traditional crowns and sang a traditional Papuan song called Hidang Makhendang.

Dano and Ambrosius, along with Indonesian Peoples Front for West Papua (FRI-West Papua) spokesperson Surya Anta and students Charles Kossay, Isay Wenda and Arina Elopere, are standing trial for holding a protest in support of Papuan independence in front of the State Palace on Aug. 28.

Central Jakarta District Court spokesperson Makmur denied allegations that the court had discriminated against the activists, who wanted to show their pride and cultural identity.

We do not want to show discrimination against, or exception to, the traditional culture of our Papuan friends, Makmur said.

He said he had been in talks with the Jayapura District Court about wearing koteka during the hearing.

The official statement from the Jayapura District court was that in Papua there had never been any defendant who wore a koteka at a hearing. he said.

According to Jayapura District Court staffers, Makmur said, koteka were used only during traditional ceremonies.

Following this hearing, the judges let the defendants wear koteka only outside of the court. They did not allow them to wear koteka during the hearing. It is the judges prerogative, he said. (gis)
Amateur detective who first went to Cambodian jungles to investigate the possible crash site of Malaysian Airlines flight (MH370) said that he is planning a return, international media reported. The plane went missing on March 8, 2014, while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Previous attempts

In 2018, Ian Wison along with his brother Jacky Wilson attempted to visit a site in the jungles of Cambodia which they believed could be the crash site of the disappeared flight. Follwing their visit, Wilson developed a theory after he stumbled across a plane like shape on Google Maps.

Read: Kangana Ranaut Spills The Beans On Marriage Plans, Says 'it Seems Like A Trap'

Read: YouTuber Gets Free Upgrade To Business Class After Faking A Broken Ankle On Flight

The brothers had to abandon their investigation due to growing dangerous conditions but when Wilson was asked about returning to the spot of investigation on Social media, he said that he would love to. Describing his experience to international media in November he said that the place was dangerous. He added that estimating the depths of the rivers was a real challenge. He further said that both of them had to climb over fallen rock and then crawl across them. He revealed that they returned back safely only because of their guides. Talking about his return, he said that money is the only hurdle in his journey adding that he hopes to go back again.

Read: Bodies Of 11 Ukrainians Killed In Iran Plane Crash Sent Home

Read: Bodies Of Ukrainian Victims Of Downed Plane Repatriated From Iran

A few months ago, scientists claimed to have identified a potential crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 using a new mathematical approach to analyse how debris moves around the ocean. The 2014 disappearance of flight MH370 remains ones of the biggest mysteries in aviation. Over $150 million has been spent so far to identify where the plane carrying 239 passengers crashed into the Indian Ocean, with no success.

An international team of researchers, including those from the University of Miami in the US, used what is known as Markov chain models to narrow down a potential crash location substantially north of the region where most search efforts have concentrated. A Markov chain model predicts the behaviour of complicated systems by determining the probability of each outcome from the current state of what is being studied. They have been used to power Google search algorithms and model financial markets. In the study, published in the journal Chaos, the group used data from the Global Drifters Program, a publicly available dataset that uses satellites to track spherical buoys as the ocean's currents, waves and wind push them along paths over time.
BOGOTA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Ivan Duque on Monday officially opened the third Hemispheric Ministerial Conference for the Fight Against Terrorism, which was held at a police academy in the capital Bogota.

The conference drew foreign ministers and envoys from 25 countries.

"This gathering serves to raise denunciations and sanctions, and to make international cooperation to tackle the scourge of terrorism increasingly tighter," said Duque.

Colombia's president met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo just before inaugurating the conference, which was also attended by observers from Spain and Israel, as well as representatives from the United Nations' Counter Terrorism Committee, Interpol, and the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism adopted by the Organization of American States (OAS).

Participants are scheduled to present the Bogota Declaration against terrorism later in the day.
Brand to debut new products and collections from its portfolio of five global luxury plumbing brands  Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Shaws, Victoria + Albert and ROHL

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The House of Rohl will unveil new additions to its product portfolio at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, Jan. 21-23 in booth N2719, featuring the latest products inspired by its dedication to design and innovation from the brand's portfolio: Riobel, Perrin & Rowe, Shaws, Victoria + Albert and ROHL.

The integration of innovation, craft and expansive design in its latest collections is House of Rohl's focus as the brand aims to set a precedent for the next decade of luxury design. In addition to the latest product introductions, the brand will also feature special appearances from renowned designers and House of Rohl executives including Lou Rohl, Michael Berman, Kavita Khatri, Eveline Simard, David Cole, and Justin Storm.

"Continuing to expand our focus to exceed consumer desires is key," notes founder and chair Lou Rohl. "We keep the consumer top of mind in everything we do. This decade will mark a new chapter for luxury design, and we're determined to be at the forefront of it. I believe our newest product selections demonstrate these efforts and will continue to do so as consumer desires evolve."

Known for design and craftsmanship, House of Rohl enhances its collections by introducing the latest innovation trends.

Victoria + Albert expands its unique ENGLISHCAST material offering to include four designs in a new Matte White finish for both the interiors and exteriors of the baths. This new casting process ensures a soft and contemporary look and feel for the Barcelona 2, Amiata, Vetralla and ios baths without compromising the durability and stain-resistance qualities that are so important to consumers.

expands its unique ENGLISHCAST material offering to include four designs in a new Matte White finish for both the interiors and exteriors of the baths. This new casting process ensures a soft and contemporary look and feel for the 2, Amiata, Vetralla and ios baths without compromising the durability and stain-resistance qualities that are so important to consumers. Perrin & Rowe combines English craftsmanship with touchless technology, now available in the traditional Georgian Era, NEW transitional Armstrong, and modern Holborn Pulldown Kitchen Faucet Collections. This technology allows consumers to turn water on and off with the motion of a hand, minimizing cross-contamination and improving the overall wellness of the kitchen. As one of the first luxury brands to incorporate touchless technology, Perrin & Rowe's faucets are sure to delight.

House of Rohl introduces two Italian additions from its brand's portfolio that support designers' and consumers' needs for creative design options.

ROHL's new Miscelo Bath Collection fashions a multitude of possible color and texture combinations to select from. Similar to the role that accessories serve in the wardrobe, the rich and dramatic options found in the collection serve as the eye-catching accents of the bathroom.

new Miscelo Bath Collection fashions a multitude of possible color and texture combinations to select from. Similar to the role that accessories serve in the wardrobe, the rich and dramatic options found in the collection serve as the eye-catching accents of the bathroom. ROHL unveils the new Eclissi Bath Collection inspired by the phenomenon of the perfect alignment of two planetary objects during a solar eclipse. Featuring a unique handle design with perfectly round inner and outer circles, the collection offers a variety of finish combinations designed to be a striking focal point in the bath space.

House of Rohl showcases its dedication to offering modern design options with two new collections and an expansion to an existing.

Riobel, celebrating its 25th Anniversary year , introduces its latest design with the Parabola Bath Collection. Inspired to be the focal point of the bathroom, as Parabola designer Eveline Simard explains, "the parabolic surface offers a simple design highlighting an inviting geometry and elegant curves, creating a unique profile."

celebrating its 25th Anniversary year introduces its latest design with the Parabola Bath Collection. Inspired to be the focal point of the bathroom, as Parabola designer explains, "the parabolic surface offers a simple design highlighting an inviting geometry and elegant curves, creating a unique profile." ROHL crafts the Tuario Kitchen Collection, showcasing the latest in contemporary design. With modern design touches that include a unique spout shape that transitions into a pulldown handspray, this new collection offers a style made to the same quality one would expect from boutique crafters in the Italian province of Novara.

crafts the Tuario Kitchen Collection, showcasing the latest in contemporary design. With modern design touches that include a unique spout shape that transitions into a pulldown handspray, this new collection offers a style made to the same quality one would expect from boutique crafters in the Italian province of Novara. ROHL adds to its existing Graceline Kitchen Collection by renowned designer Michael Berman with a Pulldown Kitchen Faucet styled to include a new black/gold dual finish option. This collection celebrates a glamorous age in American culture, now with an additional contemporary flair.

Consumers can find the latest decorative plumbing innovations from the House of Rohl portfolio of brands at houseofrohl.com . For press information, please visit houseofrohl.com/press-room .

About House of Rohl.

The House of Rohl is a portfolio of luxury decorative plumbing brands collected from around the world. Each has a unique story that connects craft, place of origin and a specialized manufacturing philosophy. Each of the brands has a particular place in the collection: Riobel is "Brilliantly Modern," Perrin & Rowe is "Quality Defined," Shaws is "Handcrafted for Life," Victoria + Albert is "Naturally Inspiring Design" and ROHL is "Authentic Luxury". Together they bring a richness of design and heritage that offers a complete assortment of options for the kitchen and bath. The House of Rohl and its portfolio of brands are a part of the Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.'s Global Plumbing Group (NYSE: FBHS).

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mallory Cohen

Zeno Group for House of Rohl

312-245-9315

[email protected]

SOURCE House of Rohl

Related Links

https://houseofrohl.com


I put it up there to mess with them," he said.

Hesseltine is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. When asked if his display is intended to incite violence, he responded, no way.

Matson, who asked the head of Davenport Police to look into the matter, denounced the display in strong terms.

"My personal reaction is that its terribly wrong and an embarrassment to our city," he said. All hate speech is wrong.

Other local leaders have criticized the display but said the city's hands are tied by free speech protections.

Its bad taste, unneighborly, said Ward 3 Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, who represents the neighborhood. If if does not violate a city ordinance, there is no action the city can take.

We are a country that allows people to have opinions, Meginnis added.

David Millage, chairman of the Scott County Republican Party, said he agreed, calling the display terrible but protected as free speech.

We find it to be in extremely poor taste, and theres no affiliation between what it depicts and the Republican Party, Millage said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 21:02:08|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KAMPALA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government has approved additional emergency funds for disaster victims in the different parts of the country.

Ofwono Opondo, government spokesman said on Tuesday that Cabinet on Monday approved 32 billion shillings (8.8 million U.S. dollars) for emergency relief supplies to the victims of floods, landslides, windstorms, hailstorms and lightening.

The funding comes after government early last month released 20 billion shillings for emergency response after deadly landslides and floods hit parts of the country.

Government figures then showed that thousands of people had been affected especially in the eastern part of the country.
By Rasana Gasimova

The Sustainable and Operative Social Security Agency (DOST) under Azerbaijans Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population will open more centers in the country in 2020, Minister Sahil Babayev has said.

Two of the DOST centers will be opened in capital Baku and more others in Sumgayit, Absheron, Sheki, Barda, Guba and Sabirabad regions.

Babayev noted that the creation of the DOST Agency under the ministry was the most successful innovation in the social sphere and ensured the transition of social services to a qualitatively new level of development.

He informed that the first DOST center opened in May 2019 in Baku served up to 65,000 citizens, noting that 95.2 percent of the people were satisfied with the service that the center provided.

Babayev also said that the Volunteer DOST program received 6,900 appeals, and 250 volunteers were involved in the work of the center.

Speaking about the results of 2019, Babayev said two reform packages that have provided direct support to 4.2 million citizens were the most important achievements of the past year.

Babayev added that last year the number of people attracted to the self-employment program reached 10,354, the number of families receiving state targeted social assistance increased by 70 percent, amounting to 72,000. He noted that the programs will be expanded in 2020.

He emphasized that the employment agencies of the ministry provided 103,028 people with job - 3,168 people were involved in professional training, and about 135,000 citizens were provided with career counseling services.

Babayev noted that the Ishsizin DOSTu (Friend of the unemployed) program allowed opening 38,000 paid public service jobs.

He informed that the number of employment contracts increased by 153,000 in 2019. He also said that 21 social security e-referral systems were launched last year, noting that the ministry has created 13 more e-reference services, and 15 more e-reference services will be launched in 2020.

DOST centers are created to provide a significant part of state social services (labor and employment, types of social security, pensions, social insurance and other services) through operational simplified procedures.

The centers are expected to provide 132 different types of social services to citizens, 91 of them being electronic. Currently, more than 20 types of electronic services are provided to the population in DOST centers. Every center is expected to employ approximately 100-150 people.

As many as 31 DOST centers are planned to be opened in Baku and regions by 2025: five in Baku, two in Sumgayit and Ganja, and the rest in other regions of the country. The services will be rendered to 2.8 million people.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

The authorities of the breakaway state of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), also known as Transnistria, have temporarily lifted restrictions on Moldovan vehicles crossing the Ukrainian borders from the Transnistrian side, President Vadim Krasnoselsky said on Tuesday after having a meeting with Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev

TIRASPOL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st January, 2020) The authorities of the breakaway state of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), also known as Transnistria, have temporarily lifted restrictions on Moldovan vehicles crossing the Ukrainian borders from the Transnistrian side, President Vadim Krasnoselsky said on Tuesday after having a meeting with Foreign Minister Vitaly Ignatiev.

On January 10, the Moldovan border police temporarily limited crossing of the Ukrainian border for cars with PMR registration plates. Tiraspol responded by announcing its own restrictions starting January 24. On Monday Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Kiku said that Ukraine was planning to prohibit vehicles registered in the PMR from crossing its border.

At the same time, he specified that the previous limitation would lose force on January 20.

"As Moldova has not overturned, but only suspended this discriminatory measure against Transnistrian citizens we similarly suspend the tit-for-tat measures against Moldovan citizens. If Moldova cancels its restrictions, we will cancel ours as well. If they suspend, we suspend as well," Krasnoselsky said.

Transnistria broke away from Moldova shortly after the latter's independence in 1992. After a failed attempt to resolve the issue by force, the region became de facto independent from Chisinau.
Giuliani Associate Parnas Asks Attorney General Barr to Recuse Himself

Lev Parnas, a businessman indicted for making illegal contributions to politicians and a political action committee, wants Attorney General William Barr to recuse himself from overseeing the case.

Parnas claims there are conflicts of interest and that its in the public interest to remove this matter entirely from the Department of Justice.

Parnas lawyer Joseph Bondy said in a Jan. 20 letter to Barr that Parnas wants a special prosecutor from outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) to handle the case.

Bondy cited mentions of Barr in President Donald Trumps July 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and in the complaint filed by an anonymous person regarding the call, as well as other requests for Barr to recuse himself by groups such as the New York City Bar Association, and Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The alleged conflict of interest appears to have caused actual harm to Mr. Parnas, Bondy said, who, given delays in the production of discovery in his federal case, was rendered unable to comply with a duly-issued congressional subpoena in time for congressional investigators to make complete use of his materials or properly assess Mr. Parnas as a potential witness.

The DOJ didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

Parnas has made claims about Barr, but has presented no evidence of his claims. The Department of Justice on Jan. 15 rejected the claims, calling them 100 percent false.

Others have reacted to claims by Parnas. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway called him desperate; Trump said he didnt know him; Ukraines foreign minister said Parnas isnt trustworthy; and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his department is looking into allegations by Parnas that former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch was surveilled by associates of Giuliani.

Attorney General William Barr speaks at a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington on Jan. 13, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has coffee with Ukrainian American businessman Lev Parnas at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on Sept. 20, 2019. (Aram Roston/File Photo/Reuters)

Democrats sent evidence Parnas submitted to the Senate to use during the Trump impeachment trial and have said that he appears to be a legitimate witness.

Under other circumstances, if somebody like Parnas came forward and there was evidencethere was reason to believe that some of that was factualthere would be a special prosecutor appointed, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said on Jan. 16.

But Barr, Pelosi said, wouldnt appoint a special prosecutor because hes implicated in all of this.

According to an indictment against Parnas and associate Igor Fruman, Parnas made illegal straw donations, including $325,000 to a political action committee that supports Trump. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Meanwhile, Giuliani appeared on Fox News The Ingraham Angle on Jan. 20 and said hes no longer close to Parnas, a former client. Giuliani said Parnas was largely lying.

One example, according to Giuliani, was a claim that Parnas met with Trump at the White House during Hanukkah and was deputized by the president.

The meeting never took place, Giuliani said. The records indicate that it never took place. He lied. The man is a demonstrated liar.

Lev is someone I was close to. Obviously, I was misled by him. I feel very bad. I still feel sorry for him. Im not going to respond to him for each and every one of the misrepresentations hes made because there were so many, he said. If Im called as a witness, Im prepared to do it.
Current distribution of the modern dovekie across the Atlantic. Credit: Kyoto University/Junya Watanabe (dovekie photo by Justin Ammendolia)

Findings from a 700,000-year-old fossil bone indicate that a close relative of the most abundant seabird species in the North Atlantic, the modern dovekie, or 'little auk,' used to thrive in the Pacific Ocean and Japan.

Seabirds are top predators in the marine ecosystem, and their distributions are shaped by numerous environmental factors in the ocean. As such, extensive scientific inquiries have been conducted on how seabirds respond to fluctuating oceanic environments in the ecologic and geologic timescales.

"The North Pacific has been one of the most intently investigated regions, but the fossil record of seabirds in the Pleistocene Epoch, about 2.6 to 0.01 million years ago, has been scarce," explains first author Junya Watanabe of Kyoto University's School of Science. "This has led to a frustrating lack of information in this critical time period concerning the origin of modern seabird communities."

In recent years, Watanabe and his team had been investigating seabird fossils from several locations in Chiba and Tokyo prefectures, gaining new insight on the Pleistocene seabird community in the region.

The group had been successful in identifying 17 fossils representing at least 9 species of birds: three species of ducks, a loon, an albatross, a shearwater, a cormorant, an extinct penguin-like seabird called mancalline auk, and a dovekie. Most of these species can be found in the region today; however, the presence of a dovekie was completely unexpected.

Watanabe explains his findings published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

"At first it confused us that the fossil didn't match any of the Pacific auks, but once we compared it with Atlantic ones, the similarity with the modern dovekie was apparent. It is not clear whether the present fossil is from the same species or a very close cousin, but we are positive it at least comes from the same lineage."

The dovekies we know today are mostly restricted to the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, with their rare sightings in Japan considered accidental visits. Given the unlikeliness of such accidental visitors to be preserved as fossils, the new findings suggest that dovekies were once fairly common in Japan and the Pacific.

He continues, "Now the question is why dovekies are so rare in the North Pacific today, it's almost paradoxical given their abundance in the North Atlantic. That question remains unexplained, at least until recovery and investigation of further fossil materials."

Interestingly, local decline and extinction events in the past are common in many seabird groups. Deciphering possible causes of such events requires integration of knowledge from various disciplines, including paleontology, paleoclimatology, oceanography and seabird ecology. Watanabe and his team see this as a challenging but rewarding endeavor.

Explore further Giant, recently extinct seabird also inhabited Japan

More information: Junya Watanabe et al, Seabirds (Aves) from the Pleistocene Kazusa and Shimosa groups, central Japan, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology (2020). Journal information: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology Junya Watanabe et al, Seabirds (Aves) from the Pleistocene Kazusa and Shimosa groups, central Japan,(2020). DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2019.1697277
Ri Son Gwon is a former army colonel who does not come from the traditional elite diplomatic background of his predecessor. He has no previous experience in dealing with the United States but had served as Pyongyangs point man on inter-Korean affairs since 2016, developing a reputation as a particularly testy negotiator.
Former Democratic nominee for President of the United States Hillary Clinton has blasted the man she beat to get that nomination Bernie Sanders in a new documentary set for release in March.

The four-part Hulu series Hillary will air interviews with Mrs Clinton as well as many of the people who were around her during the 2016 election loss to Donald Trump.

In a series advertised as having no topics off limits, Mrs Clinton speaks about her husband, former President Bill Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and how her own grasp on the most powerful political position in the world eluded her grasp.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the former First Lady and Secretary of State has a quote on Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who Mrs Clinton beat to secure her party's nomination, put to her.

"'He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.' That assessment still hold," the reporter asks.

"Yes, it does," she replies candidly.

Mrs Clinton also criticised Mr Sanders' supporters online - known as the Bernie Bros - and "their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women".

Mrs Clinton also said she believes a woman could become President of the United States, citing the number of votes more than Donald Trump she got in 2016, despite losing in the Electoral College.
Musician Jonathan Coulton spent a lot of time getting to know the title character in The SpongeBob Musical while composing for the live show, and he found that it took a while to dial into what sets the animated sponge apart.

The thing that I focused on with SpongeBob is that hes very positive and enthusiastic, but also, hes kind of annoying, Coulton said, laughing, in a telephone interview. Hes so positive that he annoys everybody around him. And once I figured out that little nugget, thats how I found him.

Of course, thats not all there is to the relentlessly chipper fry cook. Hes a good friend to best buddy Patrick, a dedicated employee of the Krusty Krab and a reliable source of good humor for fans of all ages.

And, over the course of his 21 years on Nickelodeon, hes proven to be a pop culture force.

Theres the musical, which follows SpongeBob and his neighbors as their lives in Bikini Bottom are threatened by a series of eruptions from the Mt. Humongous volcano. It gets a quick run at the Majestic Theatre this weekend. There are his forays to the big screen  the third outing, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, is slated for release in May. And then there are the many, many memes splashed across all sorts of prime real estate on social media.

On ExpressNews.com: Fans helped cast the Woodlawns Gloria Estefan jukebox musical

So, what the heck is it about the goofy sea critter that makes him work on so many platforms?

Playwright Tina Landau, who wrote the book for the musical, thinks his sunny perspective makes him appealing.

Hes such a pure-hearted optimist, she said. He is the quintessential see the glass half-full kind of guy, or kind of creature or kind of sponge. He sees things and experiences things with a childlike sense of wonder and play and abandon, and I think thats a really great antidote for so many of us for this moment of time in which we live.

The musical seems to have captured that spirit.

Someone wrote the only people who dont like The SpongeBob Musical are the people who havent seen it, Landau said. And I loved that. Because over the years, thats the main response weve gotten, people saying, I wasnt sure, I was a skeptic, I didnt think I wanted to be here, and lo and behold, I walked out in love with the thing, having had a glorious time.

In terms of his popularity as a meme, Don Caldwell, editor-in-chief of knowyourmeme.com, said some meme followers theorize that it has to do in part with nostalgia. Millennials who grew up watching SpongeBob SquarePants call on SpongeBob to express all sorts of things online.

Caldwell, though, thinks theres more to it than that.

I think there are some specific things about the show that make it particularly meme-able, he said. One of the unique things about the show is that the animation style is really unique and the characters are super-expressive and the detail of the facial expressions is really interesting. And they vary. SpongeBob will look completely different when he is expressing different emotions. And thats what we see in the memes a lot.

On ExpressNews.com: New SA theater company has LBGTQ focus

The No. 1 meme thats been spun off from the show has been dubbed Mocking SpongeBob. It comes from an episode in which his neighbor and sometime nemesis Squidward discovers that whenever SpongeBob sees plaid, he acts like a chicken.

The meme depicts the SpongeBob bent over at the waist, his nose pinched into a beak-like shape, his eyes bugged out and his skinny little arms wrenched back like wings. It is usually accompanied by text in a font thats a seemingly random blend of capital and lower-case letters, designed to convey a mocking tone. Naturally, the text of one of the memes reads, Dont use that weird spongebob mocking meme above Me: DonT uSe thAt weIrd spoNgEboB MoCkinG MEme.

It is San Antonio SpongeBob fan Nicholas Adams Bordovskys go-to when he wants to ridicule someone online.

I use that meme like crazy because I mock people constantly, said Bordovsky, 29, who runs a commercial furniture installation company.

Bordovsky, who has been a fan of the show since he discovered it at the age of 16, is excited that the musical is coming to town. He said hes kept an eye on it since the musicals trial run in Chicago and is looking forward to seeing it in person.

He loves the silliness of the show  Its exactly what you want in a cartoon  but he thinks the thing that makes SpongeBob such a popular pop culture presence is his humanity.

The optimism and underdog hero that he brings to life is something that we all kind of admire and wish for in ourselves, he said.  I think that there is a lot of relatability involved, whether the average person wants to admit it or not. I think a lot of us like to keep down those manically positive moments where were just overwhelmed with happiness  thats him all the time.

At the end of the day, what he is always wanting is to be the best version of himself possible, and I think thats something that comes home for all of us.

The SpongeBob Musical opens Friday. It can be seen at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p .m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston. Tickets range from $45 to $85 at the box office and ticketmaster.com.

dlmartin@express-news.net
Sunny Trump scorns 'doom' on impeachment day



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



From his mountain perch at the Davos conference on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump saw only a perfect world.

Back in Washington, the Senate was about to enter the heart of the impeachment trial threatening his presidency.

In the Swiss Alps, campaigners warned that climate change threatened the future of the planet itself.

But for the 45th US president, life was as sunny as the blazing white ski slopes flanking the mountains outside the conference centre.

Worried by impeachment?

That is "just a hoax", he told reporters.

"It's the witch hunt that's been going on for years and frankly it's disgraceful," he said.

Worried by global warming? Trump scoffed again.

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," he told a room of the elite business and political types who attend the Davos forum every year.

That organisers picked climate change as one of the session's main themes and that teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg was in the crowd did not faze Trump.

"Fear and doubt is not a good thought process," he said. "This is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action."



- Fear and loathing -



In Washington, fear and loathing were more the order of the day.

Trump's Republican party is all but certain to secure his acquittal on charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress.

But even before senators kicked off the full-fledged part of the trial, the air was thick with Democratic accusations of cover-ups and Republican complaints about presidential harassment.

Even if Trump is acquitted, the turmoil will have unpredictable effects on an already rancorous reelection campaign. Trump will also have the stain of impeachment on his record.

But whether on impeachment or the climate change that scientists agree imperils humanity, Trump seemed determined to see the world through his Trump-tinted glasses.

"America is thriving, America is flourishing, and yes, America is winning again like never before," he said in a speech that sounded more like a domestic campaign address -- minus the swearing, the insults and eccentric rants about poor-quality toilet flushing and other tidbits that delight his supporters.

The applause in Davos was polite but notably quieter than Trump expects at home.

"I have never been to a session where the applause was so weak for a major public figure," said Noble prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, a frequent Trump critic who was in the room.

"It was clear that they didn't want to boo. That would have been out of tune with the spirit of Davos, but it was clear that he was out of tune with the spirit of Davos."

Not that Trump showed any sign of caring.

Whether it was the heart-stopping vista outside, the high altitude air, or just his New York real estate salesman's sense of showmanship, this wasn't a day when he was going to let the doomsters get him down.

"I thought it was very well-received," he told reporters after his speech.

"We're doing very well."
Libyas National Oil Company has confirmed that is has lost virtually all of its oil production, at 1.2 million barrels per day of oil production, and $77 million in daily financial loss, according to the Libya Herald.

NOC has confirmed that the ports of Hariga, Brega, Sidra, and Ras Lanuf ports are closed and under force majeure.

The US Embassy in Libya today announced that the NOC should be allowed to immediately resume oil operations that have been offline since this weekend, after groups loyal to General Khalifa Haftar blocked all major oil ports. The US cited a worsening humanitarian emergency in the country.

The NOC responded favorably to the US calls for resuming oil production, but said that operations can only resume when illegal blockades are lifted. Blockading hurts Libyan people and inflicts severe damage to the countrys economy. All responsible parties should lift blockades and respect rule of law.

Libyas oil production, according to secondary sources provided in OPECs Monthly Oil Market Report for January, was 1.139 million bpd as of December.

Despite the significant loss of production, oil prices have failed to move up, and oil was trading down on Tuesday, with WTI trading down 0.55% at $58.26 per barrel and Brent trading down 1.03% at $64.53 per barrel.

The NOC has also warned that the shutdown of associated gas production, which supplies power plants in Zuetina and North Benghazi, will result in power shortages, which will lead to load shedding in the east. Supplies to the Ubari power plant in the south has also been disrupted, and when existing supplies run out, this power plant will shut down as well.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The wreckage of the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 at the scene of the crash in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, in an undated photo. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Iran Confirms Russian-Made Missiles Struck Ukrainian Passenger Plane

Iran confirmed that it fired two Russian anti-aircraft missiles at a Ukrainian International Airlines plane that crashed near Tehran earlier this month, leaving 176 people dead, including 57 Canadians.

Irans Civil Aviation Organization, which is investigating the incident, said Jan. 21 that a preliminary report found that two Russian Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missiles struck the jetliner. But how the projectiles contributed to the crash [was] still under investigation, according to state-run media, which cited the agencys report.

State media added that the Iranian operator who apparently authorized firing the two missiles had mistaken the Boeing jetliner for a cruise missile.

The Tor-M1 is a short-range surface-to-air missile system that was first developed by the Soviet Union designed to target cruise missiles or aircraft.

Last week, The New York Times and other news outlets published video footage that purported to show two projectiles hitting the plane over Tehran. In that video, a projectile traveling in the air before a bright flash is seen in the distance. Moments later, another projectile is seen, followed by another flash.

On Jan. 20, Ukrainian officials pressed Tehran to return the black boxes of the Ukrainian Airlines plane, as the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mohammad Eslami, visited Kyiv.

People gather in front of Amir Kabir University for a candlelight vigil to remember the victims of the Ukrainian airplane shot down by the Iranian military, in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 11, 2020. (Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Photo)

His main task is to apologize and acknowledge what happened. We hope that we can go a little further than just political discussions and discuss practical problems. Among them in particular is the return of the black boxes, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko told reporters.

But Iran said Jan. 19 that it was analyzing the black boxes, which contain the flight recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

President Volodymyr Zelenskys office said Iranian officials were expected to use Kyivs technical workers to decode the black boxes.

I promised the families and relatives of the victims, I promised the people of Ukraine that the truth will be established. We must know what happened, Zelenskys office said, according to a Reuters translation that cited the president.

Among those who died in the crash were 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, 4 Afghans, 3 Germans, and 3 Britons.

Iran shot down the plane after it launched a barrage of missiles at U.S. forces at two Iraqi bases in retaliation for a White House-approved drone strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani. For several days, Iranian officials denied Tehran was responsible but later admitted the plane was shot down in error.

Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps airspace division, said in a televised statement earlier this month: I wish I was dead. I accept all responsibility for this incident.

Following the admission, protesters gathered in Tehran to call for the end of the Iranian regime.
A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the killing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Chairman in Adamawa State.

Pastor Lawan Andimi, CAN Chairman, Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State was killed by the insurgents on Monday. The Boko Haram insurgents had invaded Michika on January 2nd, and were quickly confronted by soldiers but succeeded in seizing Lawan Andimi as they fled.

Reacting to this development, Atiku said the killing was saddened, saying there was a compelling need to re-calibrate the nations security architecture.

This development saddens me. Theres a compelling need to recalibrate our security architecture. I sympathise with the family of Pastor Lawan Andimi and the entire body of CAN in Nigeria. May the soul of the deceased Rest In Peace, Atiku said.

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By ANI

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who visited Shaheen Bagh area on Monday late night, said that CAA, NRC, and NPR are against the Constitution of India as "no one has the right to ask for proof of citizenship from people who chose to live in the country".

The Congress leader visited the Shaheen Bagh area in Delhi where people are protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR) from over a month.

"We are against CAA, NRC, NPR. These are against the Constitution. We are against the Centre's divisive policy. No one has the right to ask for proof of citizenship from people who chose to live here," he said.

The Congress leader was, however, not allowed by women protestors to go to the stage or to deliver a speech during in Shaheen Bagh area.

Singh, who visited the area along with his wife, later claimed that he was asked to deliver a speech but he refused stating that "it is not a political stage."

When asked about women saying this is not a political stage, the Congress leader said, "They were right. I was asked to deliver a speech but I refused as it is not a political stage."

Taking a dig at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Singh said if there is silence on CAA, one can understand Kejriwal is with whom.

"I want to request Delhi Police that the right to implement NSA that they have taken...why the NSA was not imposed on DSP Davinder Singh who was caught openly roaming with terrorist, why was he not charged with sedition," he said responding to a question about Delhi Police appealing the protesters to vacate the place.

CAA gives citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian refugees, who came from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to India on or before December 31, 2014.
The automotive dyno market is expected to grow by USD 172 million during 2019-2023 according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request a free sample report

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005192/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global automotive dyno market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The automotive industry is witnessing favorable conditions across multiple geographies. Vehicle production numbers, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles, stood at around 101.04 million units in 2018, and this is expected to reach approximately 117.02 million units by 2023. In terms of production and consumption, APAC is the fastest-growing vehicle market. The region has the highest number of car buyers, making it the dominant automotive industry market. APAC is expected to grow at a higher rate in terms of vehicle production numbers including both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Therefore, the increase in vehicle production across geographies will drive the global automotive dyno market.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR30122

As per Technavio, the cold and hot engine tests done to analyze complete engine performance will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other significant trends and market drivers that will influence market growth over 2019-2023.

Automotive Dyno Market: Cold and Hot Engine Tests Done to Analyze Complete Engine Performance

Cold and hot engine tests being performed to analyze complete engine performance is one of the major trends being witnessed in the global automotive dyno market. Complete powertrain final tests for engines, axles, and transmission are being developed to ascertain the performance of a powertrain. Hot and cold engine tests are conducted to analyze the performance of an engine in various circumstances. The test benches (dynamometers) used for powertrain testing are being developed constantly to accommodate certain component level tests such as engine tests. This is expected to drive the automotive dyno market during the forecast period.

"Other factors such as the development of computer and IT-enabled powertrain testing systems and development of engine torque pulsation simulation (ETPS) dynamometer in emerging economies will have a positive impact on the growth of the automotive dyno market during the forecast period," says a senior analyst at Technavio.

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Automotive Dyno Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market research report segments the automotive dyno market by end-user (chassis dyno and engine dyno), and geographic segmentation (APAC, EMEA, and Americas).

The APAC region led the automotive dyno market in 2018, followed by the Americas and EMEA. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to factors such as the rise in the urban population, and the substantial growth of the automotive industry in the region.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a free sample report

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Market characteristics

Market segmentation analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market size and forecast

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation

Geographical Segmentation

Regional comparison

Key leading countries

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

Competitive scenario

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of steel and cement to Iran from January through December 2019 amounted to $88.3 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on Jan. 21.

During this period, Turkeys export of steel and cement to Iran dropped by 21 percent compared to the same period of 2018, and reached $67.8 million.

Turkeys export of cement to Iran dropped by 36.9 percent, reaching $20.4 million.

In December 2019, Turkeys export of steel to Iran dropped by 34 percent compared to December 2018, amounting to $5.6 million.

In this month, Turkeys export of cement to Iran increased by 58.5 percent compared to the same month of 2018, and reached $1.9 million.

Export of steel from Turkey dropped by 10.6 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, amounting to $13.8 billion.

Turkeys export of cement increased by 17.8 percent, exceeding $3.5 billion.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Egor Magistrates Court in Benin, on Monday, sentenced Udoh Effong, 26, to one month in prison for stealing a laptop from his employer.

The Magistrate, Esohe Ighodan sentenced Effong, after he pleaded guilty to stealing and begged the court for leniency.

Ighodan, however, gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N10,000.

According to the Magistrate, the convict was sentenced based on facts and exhibits tenders.



The convict, however, alleged that he took the laptop after the complainant refused to pay him his money, hence he carried his laptop and gave his friend to keep it for him.

He added that his friend later gave the complainant the laptop, which complainant, however, denied.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp Sunday Lucky, told the court that the offence was committed on Dec. 27, 2019 at upper Ekenwan , Ugbiyokho, a suburb area under the LGA.

Lucky said that the convict stole a HP laptop valued N68,000.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provision of sections 390(9)of the Criminal Code Cap. 48 Vol. 11, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, now applicable in Edo.

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- U.S. fuel and petrochemical refiner selects GEP's unified procurement software platform for comprehensive source-to-contract capabilities

CLARK, New Jersey, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation is the latest leading organization to select SMART by GEP to provide full sourcing, contract lifecycle management and supplier information management across its non-hydrocarbon procurement operations.

As the industry's leading cloud-native direct and indirect procurement software platform, SMART by GEP is a complete procurement platform which unifies all the functions of procurement in a single product that is native to cloud, touch and mobile technologies. SMART by GEP leverages cloud economics to deliver a solution that easily handles the heaviest processing requirements of GEP's Fortune 500 and Global 2000 clients, while eliminating burdensome infrastructure and support costs.

All GEP products are platform-agnostic (they work with SAP, Oracle or any other major ERP or F&A system). And with superb support and service, GEP is an industry leader in customer satisfaction.

SMART by GEP provides complete source-to-pay functionality in one user-friendly, cloud-native platform, inclusive of spend analysis, sourcing, contract management, supplier management, procure-to-pay, savings project management and savings tracking, invoicing and other related functionalities. The award-winning, cloud S2P platform is native to touch and mobile technologies, enabling users to work anywhere, anytime, on any device.



About CITGO

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, La.; and Lemont, Ill., and wholly and/or jointly owns 48 terminals, nine pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,500 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels per day (bpd), CITGO is ranked the fifth largest and one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products, and supplies a network of approximately 4,700 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc. For more information, visit www.citgorefining.com.

About GEP

GEP helps global enterprises operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability, and maximize business and shareholder value.

Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain and subject expertise, and smart, passionate

people - this is how GEP creates and delivers unified supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness.

Named a Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrants, Winner for Best Procurement Software and Best P2P Provider at the World Procurement Awards, Best Procurement Consultancy at CIPS Supply Management Awards, and Best Provider at the EPIC Procurement Excellence Awards, GEP is frequently honored as an innovator and leader in source-to-pay direct and indirect procurement software by Gartner, Forrester, IDC, Procurement Leaders, Spend Matters and CPO Rising.

GEP is also ranked leader in managed procurement services (procurement outsourcing) by Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG, HfS and IAOP. In addition, the primary research firm in the management consulting sector, ALM Intelligence, ranks GEP leader in procurement strategy and supply chain consulting.

With 21 offices and operations centers in Europe, Asia and the Americas, Clark, New Jersey-based GEP helps enterprises worldwide realize their strategic, operational and financial objectives. To learn more about our comprehensive range of strategic and managed services, please visit www.gep.com. For more about SMART by GEP, our cloud-native, unified source-to-pay platform, please visit www.smartbygep.com.



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Sinn Fein says it is seeking legal advice into the decision by Virgin Media not to let them take part in tomorrow nights Leaders Debate with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald described it as a "bad joke" the fact that they are not being included in the televised debate hosted by Pat Kenny between Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin.

Speaking after this morning's polls put them just two points behind Fine Gael, she said that it was an issue of fairness and having a wide range of voices heard in the run-up to the Election.

Deputy Pearse Doherty said he is looking into the issue and said he is also calling on RTE to include the party in their forthcoming debates.

"I've written to Virgin Media late last night, we've already written to RTE about this decision. It's an issue of fairness. Will be meeting with our legal team later this evening and as I said, we haven't heard from the station. We will consider all our options at that point," he said.

"There is no obligation in terms of being under the Broadcasting Act but this is about fairness and I don't think any TV station wants to exclude a large section of the population and the voices of that population. We have seen two opinion polls now that put us neck and neck with Fine Gael.

"There is no justification. People right across the political divide are saying this is unfair at this point in time. We do expect them to reverse this decision and if they dont, we have to stand up for those voices which wont be heard and it will be a sham debate if the voice of Sinn Fein isnt tabled."

This morning saw Sin Fein launching its 42 Election candidates in 38 constituencies at a launch in the Mansion House.

Deputy McDonald said that it was "not fair to exclude voices such as ours" from the televised debate and she claimed that the election should not be perceived as a two-horse race.

Speaking after the launch, she said: "It's very clear that an election was overdue and people want to talk Politics. They want to talk about the big issues.

"I don't believe for a second that people on the ground regard this election as a two-horse race. I think that's a media construction. I think people understand fully that whoever can assemble a mandate for Government and lead that will become Taoiseach.

"It's not fair to exclude voices such as ours especially in circumstances where not just in opinion polls but in Elections, substantial amounts of the population dont vote and will never vote for Fianna Fail/Fine Gael so its imp that those voices are heard.

"The last thing we want to be is on a collision course with any section of the media but theres a moment to stand up for what's right and its just wrong to exclude people. It's a bad decision."

In response Virgin Media Television said their coverage "will be fair and impartial and in accordance with BAI guidelines".

"Virgin Media Television is allocating coverage throughout the General Election 2020 campaign in proportion to parties' performances in the 2016 General Election and the 2019 Local Election," the broadcaster said.

"Virgin Media Television will also host a Multi-Party Leaders debate on Thursday January 30th and a series of one to one interviews with the leaders of the main political parties."

Meanwhile, Ms McDonald also said at the Mansion House how she hopes to have a Referendum on the unification of the island by 2025, saying that Irish unity is "the best idea for the future of our country."

"The story of Ireland for the next decade will be shaped by the path to unity and the fight against climate change - two seismic shifts which will create profound change in all of our lives," she said.

"I believe that these changes can be positive but only if we act now, only if we prepare now. Irish unity and a 'Green new deal' for Ireland must be at the centre of everything we do."

She added: "The unification of our country and action on climate change can be the bedrock upon which we build a new, equal and prosperous Ireland."
Iraq and Lebanon have been rocked once again by mass protests and violent repression under conditions in which discredited caretaker governments in both countries have failed to meet any of the social and political demands made by hundreds of thousands who have taken to the streets.

The resurgence of the street demonstrations, which broke out in both countries last October, followed a lull in the wake of the US drone missile assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani on January 3 at Baghdads international airport and the mass outpouring throughout the region against the American war crime.

An injured protester receives first aid during clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in central Baghdad, Iraq on Monday (AP Photo - Khalid Mohammed)

At least five demonstrators were reported killed in the course of protests that swept Baghdad and other cities on Monday as security forces fired live rounds into the crowds. In Baghdad, three people died from wounds suffered in the protests, two from gunshots and a third who had been felled by a tear gas canister fired directly at his head. A fourth demonstrator was shot to death by police in the central Iraqi city of Karbala, southwest of Baghdad, and a fifth was killed in the northeastern city of Baqubah.

Two policemen were also reported killed in the southern city of Basra, the center of the countrys oil industry, when a panicked motorist trying to flee the scene of a violent confrontation drove his car into them.

The brutal repression of the Iraqi demonstrations has seen more than 500 killed since October 1 and another 25,000 wounded.

Beginning on Sunday and continuing into Monday, protesters sought to block the main highways and bridges in Baghdad and the south of the country with barricades and burning tires.

We blocked the road to demand our rights... the rights of young people to get a job, one of the protesters in the Iraqi capital told Al Jazeera.

Another protester denounced the violent repression, telling the news agency, For months no one listened to our demands. They are killing us. Its just bloodshed.

The government, headed by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who resigned two months ago but has stayed on as a caretaker with the Iraqi parliament still unable to choose a successor, has taken a hard line against the renewed protests, describing those blocking highways as outlaws. The spokesman for the commander of the Iraqi armed forces, Adel Karim Khalaf, said that security forces had absolute authority to repress such protests.

Iraqs mass demonstrations grew out of earlier scattered actions by university graduates protesting the lack of jobs under conditions of a more than 25 percent unemployment rate for younger workers. Repression of the initial protests led to their mushrooming into a generalized uprising against the conditions of poverty, the failure of essential social services and the endemic corruption in the sectarian-based regime created by the American military occupation that began with the criminal US invasion of 2003.

Popular anger has been driven by the glaring social inequality in a country that boasts the third largest oil exports in the world, bringing in over $1 trillion in revenue since 2005. These vast resources have flowed into the coffers of foreign corporations and banks, along with Baghdads politically connected oligarchy, while seven million of Iraqs 38 million people live below the poverty line, and 53 percent are vulnerable to food insecurity.

Similar social and political contradictions have motivated the mass protests in Lebanon, which also resurged over the weekend, with at least 540 people wounded in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Beirut over the weekend.

While the media focused on an alleged shift toward violence by protesters, the Lebanese government turned Beirut into an armed camp, ringing the parliament building with razor wire and deploying heavily armed elite US-trained special operations troops, including some carrying rocket launchers. There were reports of snipers deployed on rooftops and government thugs throwing rocks from nearby buildings into the crowds below. Security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters directly at the demonstrators. Police went so far as pursuing people and attacking them inside hospitals and mosques.

The weekends protests came in response to a call for a week of rage over the governments failure to meet any of the demonstrators demands or to create an acceptable replacement to the regime headed by Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a political stooge of Saudi Arabia, who resigned last year in the face of mass opposition.

Driving the protests are the countrys deteriorating economic and social conditions, as Lebanon faces its worst crisis since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war.

The Lebanese protests have been accompanied by attacks on some 300 banks and ATMs across the country. The banks have become the target of public ire. People have seen their savings destroyed as the value of the Lebanese currency has been cut in half over the past three months. Meanwhile, the banks have imposed limits on how much money depositors can withdraw in an attempt to prevent financial collapse. These restrictions are waived for the wealthy and politically connected, but enforced on the broad masses of the population.

Bank workers have remained on an extended strike, in part over concerns for their own safety.

The devaluation of the Lebanese pound has led to the soaring of imported food prices, together with the near halving of real wages. The countrys minimum wage, which was the equivalent of $450 a month, is now barely $270. The World Bank has warned that continuing devaluations will lead to the rise of the portion of Lebanons population living in poverty from one-third to one-half.

In many industries, employers have stopped paying salaries, leading to strikes. Hospitals have run out of essential medicines, and gasoline is being rationed.

Lebanons mass protests were triggered on October 17 of last year after the government announced a tax on popular messaging applications, including WhatsApp. The action triggered a mass revolt against all of the austerity measures imposed over the previous period, together with the conditions of growing poverty and unemployment, crumbling infrastructure and social services, and rampant corruption. As in Iraq, the driving force behind the demonstrators anger was the ever widening social inequality that constitutes the essential feature of Lebanese society.

The latest upsurge has been further fueled by the announcement that Lebanons outgoing foreign minister, Gebran Bassil, is to attend this weeks World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to speak on unrest in the Arab world. Bassil is President Michel Aouns son-in-law. An online petition has called for the Forum to rescind his invitation, declaring that he should not be invited to speak on behalf of a nation that has rejected him and accuses him of flagrant corruption.

As in Iraq, a caretaker administration headed by President Aoun has proven unable to cobble together a new government since Hariri resigned on October 29. Hezbollah, together with its fellow Shiite movement Amal and other allies, holds a majority in parliament and appears poised to put together a cabinet led by the former education minister and professor at the American University of Beirut.

While the demonstrations have advanced the demand for a government of independent technocrats, the bourgeois order, set up along sectarian lines in the wake of the countrys civil war, is incapable of jumping out of its skin.

Whatever government is formed by the existing bourgeois parties in Lebanon will be tasked with the speedy implementation of a sweeping agenda of additional austerity measures in order to meet the demands of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and major power creditors in return for a rescue package of $11 billion pledged at an international conference last year. Most of this money will go to meet debt obligations to the international banks. As early as 2016, interest payments on the countrys debt consumed fully half of the Lebanese budget.

Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, had initially taken a hostile stance toward the demonstrations, suggesting that they were being fostered by Washington, Saudi Arabia and Israel to further imperialist interests in the region. On several occasions the Shiite movement staged counterdemonstrations, clashing with protesters.

More recently, however, Hezbollah has sent its representatives to meet with protest leaders, expressing agreement with their demands and offering them support, undoubtedly with the hope of quelling the mass upheavals.

Social tensions within both Iraq and Lebanon have been exacerbated by US imperialisms drive to assert its hegemony over the region and roll back Irans influence by means of crippling economic sanctions and criminal military violence. Washington and its regional allies are undoubtedly attempting to manipulate these tensions to further their regional aims. Tehran has responded by supporting repression on the part of both the Iraqi and Lebanese governments in an attempt to defend the influence of the Shiite sectarian movements with which it is allied.

Iraqi protesters have expressed hostility to the prospect of the country being turned into a battlefield for a US-Iranian war. Washington, meanwhile, has rejected the Iraqi governments demand that it withdraw the 5,000 to 6,000 US troops that are deployed in Iraq.

In both Iraq and Lebanon, the popular protests have expressed a mass rejection of sectarian politics, making clear that in both countries, as all over the world, the decisive dividing line is class, not religion, ethnicity or nationality.

The demands of the masses of Lebanese and Iraqi workers and youth, like those of workers who have risen in revolt by their millions across the planet, cannot be resolved outside of the struggle for the overthrow of capitalism and the building of socialism on a world scale.
Scientists have identified the oldest known impact crater on Earth  and the ancient structure could tell us how our planet emerged from a long-ago frozen phase.

Yarrabubba Crater, a 43-mile-wide (70 kilometers) geological feature in Western Australia, is 2.229 billion years old, plus or minus 5 million years, a new study reports. That's about half the age of Earth itself and 200 million years older than the previous record holder, the 190-mile-wide (300 km) Vredefort Dome in South Africa.

Intriguingly, the Yarrabubba impact appears to have occurred just as our planet started coming out of a " Snowball Earth " period, when much of the planet was covered by ice. And that may not be a coincidence, study team members said.

Related: Crash! The 10 biggest impact craters on Earth

"The age of the Yarrabubba impact matches the demise of a series of ancient glaciations ," co-author Nicholas Timms, an associate professor in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin University in Western Australia, said in a statement.

"After the impact, glacial deposits are absent in the rock record for 400 million years," Timms added. "This twist of fate suggests that the large meteorite impact may have influenced global climate ."

Ancient craters such as Yarrabubba are difficult to find on our active Earth. Many get buried when crustal plates dive beneath each other, and most others are worn away by wind and water over the eons.

Indeed, "Yarrabubba no longer even looks like a crater," study lead author Timmons Erickson, from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, told Space.com.

But a different team of scientists  led by Francis Macdonald, now a geology professor at the University of California Santa Barbara  recognized Yarrabubba as such back in 2003, thanks to measurements of magnetic anomalies in the area and the presence of rocks shocked by an impact.

It was clear that the Yarrabubba strike occurred long ago, but its exact age had remained elusive until now. In the new study, which was published online today (Jan. 21) in the journal Nature Communications , Erickson and his colleagues analyzed tiny pieces of Yarrabubba's shocked rock.

Specifically, the researchers studied grains of monazite and zircon that were recrystallized by the impact, measuring the amounts of uranium, thorium and lead contained in each. Monazite and zircon readily take up uranium but not lead when they crystallize, and uranium and thorium radioactively decay into lead at known rates. So, these measurements told the team how long ago that recrystallization occurred.

Yarrabubba's age is intriguing, because a lot was going on 2.229 billion years ago. For example, photosynthesizing cyanobacteria had just started pumping large amounts of oxygen into Earth's atmosphere, initiating a dramatic process known as the Great Oxidation Event .

The planet also came out of a deep freeze  one of multiple snowball phases Earth has experienced during its 4.5-billion-year history  around the time of the Yarrabubba impact. To see if these two events might possibly have been connected, Erickson and his colleagues performed computer simulations of the Yarrabubba strike.

Related: Potentially dangerous asteroids (images)

This is not a crazy thought; after all, the catastrophic, dinosaur-killing impact of 66 million years ago is thought to have wrought much of its destruction via rapid and dramatic climate change.

The researchers' models slammed a 4.3-mile-wide object (7 km) into a frigid Western Australian landscape, one covered by an ice sheet that ranged from 1.2 miles to 3.1 miles (2 to 5 km) thick in various runs. They found that such a strike would instantly vaporize between 23 cubic miles and 58 cubic miles (95 to 240 cubic km) of ice and cause up to 1,300 cubic miles (5,400 cubic km) of total melting.

This suggests that between 200 trillion lbs. and 440 trillion lbs. (90 trillion to 200 trillion kilograms) of water vapor, a potent greenhouse gas, were blasted into Earth's upper atmosphere immediately after the Yarrabubba impact.

Not enough is known about the ancient Earth's atmospheric structure and composition to confidently model how this injection of water vapor would have affected climate, Erickson and his colleagues stressed.

"Nevertheless, considering that Earth's atmosphere at the time of impact contained only a fraction of the current level of oxygen, a possibility remains that the climatic forcing effects of H2O vapor released instantaneously into the atmosphere through a Yarrabubba-sized impact may have been globally significant," they wrote in the new study.

Discovering and dating additional ancient craters could help answer such questions. And there should be more such features out there to find, Erickson said. After all, Earth got pummeled by far more impactors in its youth than it does now. (By the way, the new study does not present the evidence of the oldest known impact. Researchers have found ejecta  bits of rock blasted out by asteroid or comet strikes  that are up to 3.4 billion years old. But their associated craters have not been identified.)

And geologists could conceivably get windows onto an even deeper past than that afforded by Yarrabubba, Erickson said. Researchers probably can't untangle the complicated history of the oldest known rocks on Earth, which are 4 billion years old, he said, but they might have some luck with the ancient nuclei known as cratons.

"They stretch back to 2.5 to 3.5 billion years old," Erickson said. "I think, theoretically, it's possible to find impact craters in that age range."

Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, " Out There " (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate ), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook .
Some companies that had been routinely pressured for kickbacks abroad welcomed the law, saying that a well-publicized threat of U.S. punishment helps tie their hands. Other companies have complained that the FCPA puts them at a disadvantage relative to less scrupulous competitors. In the decades since the FCPA was passed, however, it has inspired international anti-corruption agreements and copycat laws in dozens of countries, which have helped to level the playing field.
A former climate change campaigner who was frustrated that her efforts were leading nowhere has revealed why she decided to quit her job and move her family to New Zealand where her children can live 'without rules'.

In tonight's episode of Ben Fogle's New Lives In The Wild on Channel 5, British-born Lucy AitkenRead explains how she and her husband Tim sold their London home and moved to a remote part of New Zealand where they live off the 14,000 a year she makes from blogging about their lifestyle.

She spends her day with her two daughters Ramona and Juno, or working on the 25-acre farm she bought with her husband Tim, a New Zealander she met during her studies and married in 2005, with the profit from selling their Camberwell house in 2013.

In the 9pm show, she reveals she decided to raise her daughters on 'empathy' rather than rules, leaving them to fend for themselves most of the day with only a few safety restrictions.

She home-schools Ramona, 9, and Juno, 6, but does not 'sit them down' for lesson time and insists that the learning opportunities which arise naturally in their daily lives span all the traditional school subjects.

Lucy and Tim AithenRead qui their jobs, sold their house and left the UK in 2013 live in a yurt in New Zealand with their two daughters, Ramona (left) and Juno (right). They are featured on tonight's episode of Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild on Channel 5 at 9pm

The family live off the land and cultivate a wide range of vegetables and plants. They also keep hens and chicken, which Ramona and Juno look after, and collect their eggs.

The couple also plan to build an orchard and rely on the help of their fellow off-grid friends who live nearby to help out.

Ben is impressed with how comfortable the yurt is, noting it is powered by solar panels, but is somewhat baffled by their unconventional parenting.

'We live with family rhythms rather than schedules,' Lucy tells the adventurer.

'We've got a basic rule of not hurting each other, but apart from that, we don't really have rules we have a lot of conversations.

Ben, a father-of-three, is not immediately convinced by Lucy's argument, saying: 'I'm now imagining my children living in your house. They would stay in their pyjamas all day, they would eat chocolate for breakfast.

Ben is especially interested in the fact Lucy home-schools her two daughters, and wonders how they can learn about biology and history

'They would do everything that they want to do. Does that mean that if Juno and Ramona, if that's what they choose, are they allowed to do that?'

Lucy beams as she replies: 'Yeah, they could do that.'

That's a very interesting thing in society is that we usually don't trust our kids to make good decisions for themselves.'

She then goes on to further explain the non-conventional approach to parenting she and Tim use.

'So it starts when they're crawling, and we trust them to interact with their environment,' she says.

Well often go three to four hours and we wouldnt have seen the kids around the farm.'

Pictured: Ben with Jim and Lucy AithenRead with daughters Ramona and Juno. Lucy, who was raised by Salvation Army ministers, explains she was raised with a sense of agency, to fight injustice in the world

The two girls are not allowed to go to the river by themselves, but otherwise are left to explore their surrounding as they please. They are also very self-sufficient, cooking breakfast and feeding their chickens with little parental supervision.

Lucy admits she has the freedom to raise her children in this way because she has the luxury of time, not working a traditional nine-to-five job, and says she is 'extremely privileged' to get to do so.

However, she adds: 'We do live an incredible simple life. 'We've never bought our children a new pair of clothes ever in their lives, we don't buy them new toys.'

'A lot of people thing the way we parents is wacko and really extreme,' she later adds.

'The kind of empathetic and connection-based parenting is inimitably related to the kind of world we want to see.

Because if people were raised with this kind of empathy, they're much more likely to be empathetic when they're older, so for me it's very much about creating the beautiful word we want to live in,' she explains to Ben.

After years of campaigning for climate change awareness, Lucy explains she felt her efforts were leading nowhere, which pushed her to 'living the change' rather than just campaigning for it. Pictured with her family in the New Zealand wilderness

Later on in the episode, while the girls are drawing, Lucy explains she also adopted a creative approach to schooling, teaching her daughters not through sit down lessons, but letting them follow their own interests.

When Ben asks how the girls can learn to ready, count and write, she laughs: 'Those are usually the thing people think about when they say "What about curriculum?".'

She explains that instead of having dedicated time for reading or maths, she believes these issues come up naturally as the girls go about their day, citing Ramona trying to write her a card earlier that day.

Ben then asks how such an experience can realistically widen the girls' horizons or how they learn about biology and history if they're not in a classroom.

'In my own experience, all these topics permeate everyday life, so in just an hour of our day, we'd basically cover all of those topics,' Lucy answers.

But Ben continues to make his point, saying his son was 'super excited' about Vikings after learning about them at school.

'That, I think, is what he gets from the education system,' he says, 'is learning things I would not necessarily have touched on or thought about.'

The mother-of-two explains she wants to raise empathetic children and does not have strict rules about how her daughters should behave, which surprises Ben

But while Lucy understands Ben's point, she feels strongly that going out of the farm, meeting new people and doing lots of activities with her children is a good way to open their mind and hearts.

Lucy is driven by a big sense of agency she got from her own parents, who were Salvation Army Ministers. For this reason she dedicated her London life to helping others, and joining several social changes movements.

She was arrested twice for demonstrating, but this did not shake her beliefs.

Lucy worked as a social campaigner for the charity Oxfam for five years, but explains she eventually grew frustrated by the little change she witnessed when it came to the climate change crisis.

'Watching the climate change issue I'd seen very little movement on that in my five years and definitely started to feel a little sense of burnout,' she says.

'People that have the power to make a huge difference are not doing it despite all of our work trying to convince them.'

It was this that persuaded Lucy to focused her energy into simply living the change rather than campaigning for the change.

This led her and husband Tim to embark on a camper van trip in 2013 after quitting both their jobs and selling their house, which eventually led them to New Zealand.

Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.
Kathmandu [Nepal], Jan 21 (ANI): Eight Indian tourists, who were found unconscious at a resort in central Nepal, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu on Tuesday, police said.



The deceased -- four adults and four children -- were part of a group of 15 people who were visiting Daman, a tourist destination near Kathmandu, Makwanpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Singh Rathore told ANI.

All eight people, who hailed from Kerala, had stayed in the same room at night and turned on a gas heater to keep warm, suggesting that the cause of the death might be suffocation, Rathore added.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be ascertained.

"The group had checked in at the hotel at 9 pm on Monday. An investigation is underway," Rathore said.

The postmortem will be carried out today. (ANI)


President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Donald Trump of the United States agreed to a truce in their dispute over digital taxes that will mean neither France nor the U.S. will impose punitive tariffs this year.

Macron said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with Trump on the issue, without giving details.

"We will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation," he said on Twitter.

"Excellent!" Trump said in a reply to Macron's post, without providing additional information. Trump is en route to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum.

A White House readout of the call was notably more muted, saying only that the "two leaders agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the digital services tax" and "discussed other bilateral issues."

And neither a White House spokesman nor officials with the U.S. Trade Representative's office would confirm that the U.S. president had called off his announced tariffs.

Still, the possible respite may defuse transatlantic tensions that had been building between Washington and Brussels along another potential trade war front. Last week, Trump signed a cease-fire with China in phase one of a broader deal aimed at balancing trade between the world's two largest economies.

The European Union is an even bigger U.S. trading partner than China and supply chains between the two economies, particularly in automotive and financial services industries, are intertwined in ways that would make a tit-for-tat tariff dispute even more harmful to the world economy.

Macron's government still hopes to find a solution that fits within discussions at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's work on the issue, according to a French official who asked not to be identified in line with government rules.

European finance ministers meeting in Brussels Tuesday will discuss progress of the OECD talks. While the OECD is still working on its proposal for taxing tech companies around the world, France pushed ahead with its own levy last year that hit U.S. internet giants like Google, Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

"We now have an agreement between the two presidents to avoid any tariff escalation and avoid any trade war," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told reporters in Brussels before the meeting. "It's remains a difficult negotiation - with digital tax, the devil is in the details and we need to resolve the details."

Paris and Washington have discussed the possibility of France suspending the collection of the digital tax payments due in April as long as the U.S. refrains from imposing new tariffs, French officials said. But that wouldn't constitute a withdrawal of the levy, they added. For its part, the French government denies its national tax is discriminatory and warned that the EU would retaliate if the U.S. imposed additional levies.

The U.S. has said that the French tax discriminates against American technology companies, citing Section 301 of a 1974 American law that Trump has thus far reserved to justify tariffs against China. That opened the door to the U.S.'s threat to hit $2.4 billion of French goods with tariffs in retaliation.

Among the French products targeted with duties of as much as 100% were luxury items like wine, cheese and makeup. One American wine merchant called it the biggest threat to the industry since Prohibition a century ago.

For its part, the French government had warned that the EU would retaliate if the U.S. imposed additional tariffs.

The dispute was another headache for European trade officials scrambling to expand their policy arsenal as the U.S. takes aim at a rules-based system for global trade that Trump argues is outdated and tilted against America. It also coincided with a change in leadership at the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan visited Washington last week for the first time in the job, partly to plead for talks rather than tariffs in disagreements like the French digital tax. At stake, he said, was transatlantic trade in goods and services valued at more than $3 billion a day.

"Sounds like a fairly healthy relationship to me," Hogan said Thursday in the U.S. capital. "So why put tariffs on these EU products to make them more expensive for your people?"

The truce follows weeks of discussions between Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Le Maire, who were scheduled to meet Wednesday in Davos, Switzerland, the alpine resort town where government officials and business leaders gather during the winter to discuss whatever is ailing the global economy.

The dispute has ramifications outside France as other countries try to come up with ways to generate revenue from the digital economy. Mnuchin told the Wall Street Journal that the U.K. and Italy will face American tariffs if they proceed with similar levies on foreign tech firms.

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.

U.S. and EU trade relations started to sour in 2018 when the Trump administration invoked national-security considerations to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe. As a U.S. military ally, the EU was infuriated and promptly retaliated with levies on iconic American brands such as Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycles and Levi Strauss & Co. jeans.

A subsequent U.S. threat to wreak significantly more economic damage by targeting the European auto industry with duties on the same security grounds led to a hastily agreed truce and a pledge by both sides to work toward reducing industrial tariffs across the board.

Since then, the Trump administration has refused to start the tariff-cutting negotiations unless Europe includes agriculture in them. Also, it imposed levies on EU products in retaliation over government aid to Airbus SE that was deemed illegal by the World Trade Organization, and disabled the WTO's appellate body,

The EU, meanwhile, is pressing ahead with a plan for tariffs against the U.S. in a parallel WTO case over unlawful subsidies to Boeing Co.

Trump, scheduled to speak Tuesday in Davos at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, on Sunday reiterated his frustration with Europe as a trading partner.

"Europe has had tremendous barriers to us doing business with them. All those barriers are coming down. They have to come down," he told a conference of farmers in Austin, Texas. "If they don't come down, we're going to have to do things that are very bad for them."

He added, "Europe was, in many ways, more difficult -- and is more difficult -- than China."

- - -

Bloomberg's Jonathan Stearns, Justin Sink and Chelsea Mes contributed to this report.
Sesame Place is bringing out new attractions for its 40th birthday, as well as a season-long celebration, the theme park announced Monday.

A new ride, new eatery and play-space for younger kids were all unveiled Monday, along with the parks plans to celebrate in other ways. Located in Langhorne, the park less than an hour away from Philadelphias city center.

The new ride, Big Birds Tour Bus, is an oversized, red double-decker bus with Big Bird and friends. The bus goes around a Sesame Street-inspired cityscape, according to the Sesame Place website.

The new eatery, ABC Eats, includes healthy wraps, fresh salads and much more, the website says.

The final new addition is Slimeys Square, a shaded, soft play area targeted at kids 5 and younger, according to the website. The square is next to OScarys Wacky Taxi Coaster and is perfect for kids to climb, crawl and have fun. Parents will have a whole seating wall at the play area so they can keep an eye on their kids.

Aside from the new attractions, the park will be decorated with bright balloons, garland, an enormous inflatable birthday cake, and the Neighborhood Birthday Party Parade will feature festive birthday floats, colorful birthday decor and more, according to the website. There will be birthday themed photo opportunities located throughout the park, and all of Sesame Places furry friends will be dressed in their birthday best.

Sesame Place Park President Cathy Valeriano told The Courier Times Sesame Place has been a premier destination for families for 40 years, and were honored to have been a memorable part of so many lives.

Read more on PennLive:
On Tuesday, 21 January 2020, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will address the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Sub-Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) in Brussels.

The Secretary General speech will be streamed live on the NATO website.

Still and video images, as well as a transcript of the Secretary Generals remarks, will be available on the NATO website following the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress, @jensstoltenberg and @NATO)
Investing.com - Gold prices rose on Tuesday after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) kept its gloomy outlook for 2020.

Gold Futures traded 0.4% to $1,566.65 by 11:57 PM ET (03:57 GMT).

The IMF reduced its forecast for global growth this year to 3.3% from 3.4% in October. The forecasts for the U.S. and euro zone were both revised down by the same amount.

The Fund also cut the forecast for 2021 by 0.2 percentage point to 3.4%, citing the slowdown in India and other emerging markets as additional factors.

The report pushed prices of the safe-haven metal higher, while equities fell.

Adding to concerns were report that Moodys downgraded Hong Kongs credit rating. The rating agency said Monday that the absence of tangible plans to address either the political or economic and social concerns of the Hong Kong population that have come to the fore in the past nine months may reflect weaker inherent institutional capacity than Moodys had previously assessed.

Meanwhile, worries over Chinas coronavirus were cited as tailwinds for the yellow metal today, after reports suggested evidence of the virus contagiousness among humans.

Elsewhere, unrest in Iraq over the weekend were also in focus, although it did not provide any visible support for gold prices.

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To stay in Grey List or downgrade to Black List: Key FATF decision on Pak this week

Help us get out of FATF Grey List, Pakistan urges US

International

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Islamabad, Jan 21: Pakistan has urged the US to support its bid to exit from the grey list of the FATF ahead of a key meeting of the international terror financing watchdog in Beijing in which it will scrutinise Islamabad's efforts to adopt stricter laws against terror financing and money laundering.

A Pakistani delegation arrived in Beijing on Sunday for the three-day face-to-face talks with the Financial Action Task Force Working Group that would start on January 21. The briefing will go over whether Pakistan has complied with an earlier agenda presented to it by the Paris-based financial task force, The News reported.

The Pakistani delegation is being led by Minister for Economic Affairs Division Hammad Azhar and comprises representatives of National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), the foreign ministry, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), among others.

The FATF in October decided to keep Pakistan on its 'Grey' list for failure to curb funnelling of funds to terror groups LeT, JeM and others. If not removed off the list by April, Pakistan may move to a blacklist of countries that face severe economic sanctions, such as Iran.

Pakistan gets Parliament nod for bill to meet FATF deadline

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

Pakistan has submitted a 650-page review report to the FATF on January 8. The report was submitted in response to 150 questions raised by the FATF regarding new Pakistani policies on money laundering. The report outlined the steps taken by Pakistan between October 2019 to January 2020 to implement the group's recommendations.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi at a media briefing in Washington on Friday said that Pakistan hoped the US would back its efforts to get it off the list at the FATF's Beijing meeting, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"This meeting is very important for us as it leads to a plenary meeting in Paris in April where the world body will decide whether Pakistan remains on the list or is taken off," he said.

Qureshi concluded his three-day visit to the US on Friday after a series of meetings with key US lawmakers and officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien.

The foreign minister spent the week touring Iran, Saudi Arabia and the US on a diplomatic mission meant to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

At his news briefing, Qureshi also urged the US to review its travel advisories for Pakistan and encourage investments in the country. US travel advisories still present Pakistan as a country Americans should avoid travelling because of terrorism threats.

Asked why the FATF's Beijing meeting was important, Qureshi said that decisions taken in China's capital would also impact the Force's Paris plenary, which would decide whether Pakistan stayed in or was taken off the grey list.

"We want our American friends to tell us what's their policy," he said. "You share with us what measures you have taken or intend to."

FATF blacklisting may affect Pakistan's capital inflows: IMF Report

The minister acknowledged that removal from the FATF list could not happen overnight, but said that the US could enhance its engagements with Pakistan while waiting for the removal.

Qureshi noted that in his meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan last year, US President Donald Trump had said that he wanted to see Pakistan off the FATF grey list. "So, we expect US officials to work for it now."

The foreign minister said Islamabad had taken several concrete steps to meet FATF demands and the time had come for the US to fulfil President Trump's pledge.

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Story first published: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 7:28 [IST]
City, developer try to reassure Hood Heights homeowners over sewer line

Hood Heights Terry Gibbs makes a point during a meeting last week with a developer who is buying the Halfway Tree Mobile Home Park and officials with the city of Hendersonville.

Weeks ago, homeowners in Hood Heights, a neighborhood of nine homes on a short dead-end street off Erkwood Drive, watched with alarm as surveyors set up their transits and began taking land measurements.

Their concern escalated when they read news reports a few days later that the city planned to condemn land for a sewer easement through their subdivision.

We do not live in Hendersonville or Flat Rock but are county residents, said Rosalind Ryan, one of the residents. In May of 2018 the nine of us spent $17,600 to have our private road repaved.

The city and a developer who plans to buy the Halfway Tree Mobile Home Park on Rutledge Drive met the homeowners face to face last week after the city scheduled a meeting to explain what was happening and reassure them that their neighborhood would not be permanently scarred by the project. The neighbors concerns arise from the effort by A.M. Partners LLC, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, to fix longstanding septic tank problems at Halfway Tree before closing on its purchase of the 113-unit park bordering the village of Flat Rock. The current owner, Upchurch Marinas Inc., of South Florida, in November settled an ongoing enforcement action by state water regulators, agreeing to pay a reduced fine of $35,000 and apply for city sewer hookup for the 18-acre park by April 1.

All but one family among the homeowners in Hood Heights was represented last week as City Manager John Connet, city utilities engineers and the developer, Tim Manson, explained the sewer line easement and construction process.

Surface water pollution from the failing septic tanks was never resolved after numerous attempted enforcement events, Connet said. The need to provide sewer is critical because of the septic issues in the mobile home park.

Knowing residents were fearful about what was happening, Connet attempted to assure them that the developer would not leave their roads, yards and driveways torn up.

You put your own money in the paving, he said. Were very mindful of that.

The ownership of the road that makes up the spine of Hood Heights has caused the confusion that the city and developer are trying to sort out.

I was under the impression that the road was a public right of way and once we got into it further we realized it was not, Tim Thomason, the developers engineer, told the homeowners.

Attorneys for the city and the developer researched land records for the area back to 1924 and could not ascertain the exact legal ownership of the road. Some homeowners say theyve always thought they owned the road to the centerline but land records dont confirm that. The only legally sound way to run the sewer line, attorneys for the city and developer advised, is to condemn the property and create a recorded easement.

This legal situation is definitely a curveball, Manson said. Legally were really in a no mans land and as a private entity I cant take the risk and run a sewer line down the road and have someone make a claim to ownership. This is a very complex, very expensive project. Its above and beyond what we originally thought.

Manson and City Engineer Brent Detwiler sought to assure the homeowners that the contractor will cover sewer pipe trenches, resew grass, replant bushes and repave the road once the project is done.

Well limit the amount of disturbance on Hood Heights so folks can get around, so we dont have hundreds of feet of trench open at once, Detwiler said. Weve actually done projects like this in the past and these are provisions we require.  If a landscape buffer is removed, it will be put back  driveways, everything will be as good or better than prior to construction.

The developer hopes to have a permit for the sewer line by March and start construction by April.

This was the best, most equitable, least disturbing way to be able to provide gravity sewer service to the mobile home park, Thomason said. This was the least disruptive option to be able to get to a gravity flow scenario.

But the gravity flow option is not without challenges. A hump in the topography means that the high spot will require the contractor to dig a trench as deep as 22 feet.

That concerned Terry Gibbs, a Hood Heights homeowner who is also a grading contractor.

I know how much excavation you have to do to dig a hole that deep, he said.

Like those in Halfway Tree, Hood Heights homeowners are in unincorporated Henderson County and on septic tanks. Manson said the contractor will install lines from the sewer main for laterals  the service lines that lead from a home to a sewer pipe  so homeowners can connect to city sewer.

Im not totally against what youre doing, Gibbs said. He told Manson he could sweeten it up for these people by paying to run the sewer line all the way to homes. Were doing you a favor. You could do us a favor.

The final details for providing of the laterals have not been worked out, Manson responded. There would have to be some kind of stub-up for you guys to access. The main will be sized to everybody along the line. Some of you may not want sewer but we will leave the sewer accessible at the property line.

Not everyone was happy with that.

You are causing a huge disruption in our neighborhood and theres not too much we can do about it, Ryan said.

I am adding a lot of value to your property by bringing sewer to your property line, Manson responded.

Covering the cost of the laterals all the way to homes  Gibbs estimated that running the 4-inch connection would cost around $2,500  is not possible, Manson said.

The way I am today I could not commit to doing that financially, he said.

When someone asked about annexation, Connet ruled that out.

You will not be annexed by the city of Hendersonville, he said.

Mansons company has developed manufactured home neighborhoods in the South Carolina Upstate and run sewer lines before, he said, although the legal no mans land in Hood Heights makes this line more complicated than usual.

There is still a lot to do, he said. This meeting is a step in the right direction and will enable us to move ahead full steam ahead.
British actor confirmed not infected with Wuhan flu

PHUKET: A British actor recovering in Bangkok has not been infected by the Wuhan coronavirus, Phuket Public Health Office Chief Thanit has Sermkaew confirmed today (Jan 21).

tourismdeathChineseCoronavirusCOVID-19

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 05:33PM

Brit tourist Ash Shorely remains in hospital in Bangkok. Photo: Tracey Merle / GoFundMe

Ashley Shorley, a 32-year-old actor who has appeared in popular UK television shows Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, was brought to Phuket from Phi Phi Island after his condition deteriorated from a lung infection, Mr Thanit explained.

He arrived at a private hospital in Phuket on Jan 2. He was then transferred to a private hospital in Bangkok on Jan 5, Mr Thanit said.

Mr Thanit declined to name at which hospital in Phuket Mr Shorely was admitted, but said that doctors at Phi Phi Island Hospital had conducted a blood test to identify what had caused the lung infection.

He is not infected with the Chinese coronavirus, Mr Thanit told The Phuket News today (Jan 21).

He has contracted a serious form of pnemonia, he added.

Asked why doctors in Bangkok might now be questioning whether or not Mr Shorely might be infected with the new virus, Dr Thanit said, I have no idea what has happened since Mr Shorely was taken to Bangkok.

Mr Thanit confirmed that no special precautions were taken to prevent people from being infected by Mr Shorely while he was in Phuket.

No special action was taken to track down how he became infected because it had been confirmed that he was not infected by the Whuan virus, he said.

According to a plethora of reports posted online since yesterday, Mr Shorely arrived in Thailand on Dec 19.

He had sold his home to fund travel through Asia after recently suffering a traumatic break-up in a long-term relationship.

He was rushed to hospital on Phi Phi Island on Dec 27, where doctors had to insert tubes into his back to 2kg of fluid from his lungs. His condition forced doctors to make the decieion to have him moved to better-equipped hospitals in Phuket.

Mr Shorely is now in an intensive care unit at a Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, where he is in a stable condition and has been for two weeks, but his condition has not improved, reports The Mirror.

A ventilator is keeping him alive, but body temperature is fluctuating while he fights off the infection in his lungs, noted the report. (See report here.)

Mr Shorelys travel insurance is covering the medical bills for his ongoing treatment, but his parents are running out of money to pay for their living costs while they stay with him, The Mirror noted.

A GoFundMe page has been launched by family friend Tracey Hart to help raise funds to help keep his parents by his side as he continues his fight. (See GoFundMe page here.)

FOUR OTHER TOURISTS CLEARED

Meanwhile, Phuket health chief Mr Thanit confirmed that four tourists suspected of being infected with the Wuhan virus have since been cleared and been discharged from care at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

All four tourists arrived on flights landing at Phuket International Airport, Mr Thanit explained.

A Colombian woman, 31 years old was found to be sick when she arrived on Jan 10. She was discharged from the hospital the same day, he said.

A Chinese woman, 28, was found to be sick on arrival on Jan 11, and allowed to leave the hospital on Jan 14, he added.

A 36-year-old Chinese woman was found to be sick when she arrived with her son on Jan 16. She was allowed to leave the hospital yesterday (Jan 20), Mr Thanit said.

A Chinese boy, 8 years old, was found to be sick when he arrived on on Jan 17, but was allowed to leave the hospital today (Jan 21), he added.

All four tourists were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for observation and to have blood tests conducted. Medical officers confirmed that they were not infected with the Wuhan flu and all of them have already been discharged from the hospital, Mr Thanit confirmed.

So far no confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus have been found in Phuket, Mr Thanit said.

We will keep working with Phuket Airport Health Control division and other relevant officials to prevent the virus from spreading to Phuket, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 00:43:39|Editor: huaxia

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Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Lana Nusseibeh and Joanna Wronecka, co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the United Nations Security Council Reform of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met here Tuesday with Lana Nusseibeh and Joanna Wronecka, co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the United Nations Security Council Reform of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly.

Yang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said the purpose of the UN Security Council's reform is to enhance its authority and effectiveness, enable developing countries and medium- and small-sized countries to have a greater representation and say, and reflect the international trends of democracy and multi-polarization.

Yang said China will actively support the co-chairs to make sure that the reform will be carried out in line with the UN Charter and member countries' shared interests.

Nusseibeh and Wronecka, who are permanent representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Poland, respectively, to the UN, said they attach great importance to China's position on and role in the UN Security Council reform and are willing to maintain the momentum of communication and consultation between different sides.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met with Nusseibeh and Wronecka on Tuesday.

Wang said that the UN Security Council's reform should uphold extensive and democratic consultations and reflect the Member State-driven character.
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CONIFER, Colo. - As Democrats scramble for elusive Republican defectors so they can take charge of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial and summon witnesses to Capitol Hill, it would seem logical to look west to the freshman senator from Colorado.

Young, relatively moderate and with a proven reputation for independence - he didn't vote for Trump in 2016 - Cory Gardner faces a tough reelection this year in a Democrat-trending state where revulsion toward the president runs high. Standing up to the president now could affirm that the senator remains his own man.

Yet Colorado strategists on either side of the aisle and nonpartisan analysts all agree: Gardner is highly unlikely to break rank. And the reason reflects the reality of politics for GOP officeholders in the Trump era.

It's embodied by voters like Pat Dolan, a committed Republican who has every intention of supporting Gardner's reelection. Unless, of course, Gardner should dare to defy Trump.

"In that case, I wouldn't vote for him," said Dolan, a 68-year-old physical therapist, as he paused in a supermarket parking lot nestled among snow-draped hills on the cusp of the Rockies. "Impeachment is all about politics. Conservatives need to stay together to overcome the radical left."

To those scanning the political horizon for Republican officeholders with the inclination to stand up to Trump, the lack of prospects can be confounding.

As the president's impeachment trial kicks off in earnest, just three Republican senators - Mitt Romney (Utah), Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) - have expressed unease with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's strategy of "total coordination" with the White House.

They are considered the most likely senators to buck Trump and McConnell on the crucial questions of whether new witnesses - including, perhaps, former national security adviser John Bolton - and documents will be included. To secure a majority, Democrats need at least one more vote.

Among the likely targets are retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, as well as a handful of relative moderates facing reelection in swing states, including in North Carolina and Arizona.

Gardner is perhaps the most vulnerable Republican of all this year, seeking a second term in a state Trump lost by nearly five points in 2016. Colorado has only shifted further left in the time since as younger, more liberal voters have flooded in and Democrats have tipped a registration deficit in their favor.

But rather than run away from Trump as the evidence mounts of an abuse of power, Gardner has drawn nearer.

What little he has said about impeachment - advisers acknowledge he is being conspicuously quiet on the issue - has been critical, describing the process as "a total circus." Having already endorsed Trump's reelection, the 45-year-old has shown no inclination to bow to Democratic demands for what they describe as the basic ingredients of a fair trial.

The choice reflects the hyperpartisan backdrop as impeachment moves to the Senate for only the third time in American history: Even in a state where voters are famously independent and where demographics favor the Democrats, Republicans believe they have little to gain politically by swimming against the Trump tide.

"Gardner has made a calculus: The Republican base is more necessary to his reelection than being that profile in courage who would try to persuade the persuadable middle," said Kyle Saunders, a political science professor at Colorado State.

Strategically, Saunders said, that make sense: Colorado has more unaffiliated voters than it has either Democrats or Republicans. But he estimated that only up to 10% of the electorate is truly up for grabs, with opinions about Trump deeply entrenched on either side.

While a significant majority of Coloradans disapprove of Trump's performance, Gardner will need Republicans, who are nearly unanimous in their support of the president, if he has any hope of keeping his seat.

"If he takes on Trump now," Saunders said, "he demobilizes the base and has absolutely no chance."

Sticking with the president offers its own peril, allies acknowledge.

"Cory's got a tough race. The odds are 50-50 - at best," said Dick Wadhams, a veteran Republican strategist in Colorado and a friend of Gardner's. "There's no doubt about it: Trump is a liability."

The last time Gardner ran - scoring a narrow upset against the incumbent Democrat, Mark Udall - Trump was a New York real estate mogul and reality television star. Gardner, then a second-term congressman, ran as a politically nimble "new kind of Republican" who would stand up to GOP leadership.

"When my party is wrong, I'll say it," Gardner told viewers in an ad that aired during the closing weeks of the 2014 campaign.

Two years later, Gardner made good on that vow, rescinding his endorsement of the then-Republican nominee for president after a video surfaced of Trump boasting how he had groped women without their consent. Gardner urged the future president to drop out and said he would write-in Mike Pence's name rather than cast a ballot for Trump.

Since Trump's victory, Gardner has occasionally broken with the president; he was critical, for instance, after Trump's "both sides" treatment of the white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia. But on most issues, Gardner has fallen into line, voting with the president's position nearly 90% of the time and refraining from any stands that might draw Trump's notorious ire on Twitter.

"Cory Gardner has chosen a path, and he's very likely to stick with it: blind allegiance to Donald Trump," said Craig Hughes, a Democratic strategist who managed Michael Bennet's winning 2010 Senate campaign. "There are places where such a path might make more sense. Here, it's going to cause real problems."

The object of Gardner's strategy, Hughes surmised, has been to avoid a primary challenge on his right flank. That appears to have been successful, with no serious competition in sight.

But Gardner - whose office declined an interview request for this story, as it has with nearly all impeachment-related media queries in recent months - still faces a mortal threat to his senate career.

In November, he is likely to be pitted against Democrat John Hickenlooper. The popular former governor has already signaled that he will hammer the senator for his ties to a president who, polling shows, is deep underwater with Colorado voters.

Hickenlooper has called for Gardner and other senators to allow fresh impeachment witnesses and documents, saying that "a trial without witnesses and evidence isn't a trial at all - it's a sham."

Should Gardner choose to rebel against the White House and vote with Democrats on those issues, "it would be an opportunity for him to recast his image," Hughes said.

But a visit to Jefferson County, a traditional Colorado bellwether where Denver's western suburbs begin their jagged ascent into the Rockies, shows why that's unlikely.

Gardner and Udall fought to a virtual draw in the county in 2014. Two years later, Hillary Clinton beat Trump comfortably here. And in 2018, Democrats swamped Republicans across the board.

All the while, young, well-to-do transplants from the city - as well as from California, Illinois, New York and beyond - have fueled a boom that has housing developments and shopping centers sprouting from seemingly every turn in the twisty hillside roads.

The changes mirror those being felt statewide, nudging Colorado even further into the Democrats' column.

But far from pushing Gardner toward a more centrist path - and away from his alignment with Trump - Republicans in Jefferson County are urging him to stick as closely as possible to the president at a time when Democrats are pushing for his ouster, said Denise Mund, chair of the local GOP.

"The Republicans I know think this thing is all made up," Mund said. "It's political, it's mean-spirited and it's not based in fact. I don't think the president did anything wrong."

Mund said some local Republicans consider Gardner too willing to compromise; she herself has raised concerns with him when his votes have been out of sync with Trump's wishes.

But on impeachment, she said she has no fear that the senator will step out of line.

"I don't think Cory's going to go there," said Mund, who spoke at the party's local headquarters, an office filled with "Keep America Great" ball-caps and T-shirts that she said sell out almost as quickly as she can order them.

What animates the Trump base, however, has been alienating to voters who gave Gardner a chance in 2014 but who dislike the president.

It has also energizing progressives like Linda Kahanaui, a semiretired teacher who was rushing home from the grocery store one recent afternoon so she could write Gardner a letter demanding he hold Trump accountable for "degrading the office of the presidency."

She had little hope it would change the senator's mind.

"The only thing Republicans care about is retaining their power," she said. "They don't have the courage to stand up to the cult of Trump."
Usha Martin on Tuesday said it filed an appeal with the Appellant Tribunal against an order related to ED attaching Rs 190 crore worth of immovable assets of its wire ropes business at Ranchi.

In August last year, Usha Martin had informed stock exchanges that the Directorate of Enforcement, Patna (ED) had passed an order dated August 9, 2019 for provisional attachment of certain immovable properties of the company valued at about Rs 190 crore pertaining to the wire rope business situated at Ranchi.

"The Adjudicating Authority on January 10, 2020 issued an order confirming the Provisional Order, which was received by the company on January 20, 2020," Usha Martin said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday.

It added that the company has filed an appeal against the order passed on January 10 with the Appellant Tribunal, PMLA, New Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Davy Stockbrokers has appointed Donough Kilmurray as chief investment officer of its wealth management division

DAVY has appointed Donough Kilmurray as chief investment officer of its wealth management division. He joins from Goldman Sachs in London, where he led its investment strategy group.

Reporting to Davy chief executive Brian McKiernan, Mr Kilmurray, pictured, will be responsible for Davy's wealth management portfolios, including asset allocation, manager selection and portfolio construction. He will work alongside Pat Cooney, who leads all client-facing wealth management activities at Davy and oversees its Northern Ireland operations.

Mr Kilmurray joined Goldman Sachs in New York in 2000, moved to its London office in 2002 and became a managing director in 2008. He is the latest in a series of senior hires at Davy, including Bernard Byrne as head of capital markets; Caitriona O'Kelly, formerly of Deutsche Bank UK, as chief financial officer; and Orla Graham, previously chief talent officer at Deloitte, as chief people officer.
WASHINGTON - When President Donald Trumps historic impeachment trial is called to order in the Senate this week, he wont be watching from inside the chamber or on television from the White House.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

President Donald Trump returns to the White House in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, from a campaign trip to Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON - When President Donald Trumps historic impeachment trial is called to order in the Senate this week, he wont be watching from inside the chamber or on television from the White House.

He'll be thousands of miles away at the Davos economic forum in the Swiss Alps, trying to charm global CEOs over dinner.

Trump's participation in the annual World Economic Forum will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them. His two-day visit to Switzerland will test his ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Administration officials say Trump remains focused on serving the public.

"The president's work doesn't stop just because of the impeachment sham," White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in an email.

Trump, who departs Washington on Monday night, said he's going to Davos to encourage businesses to invest in the U.S.

"We're now where the action is," he said at a farmers' convention Sunday in Texas.

Swooping in for what will be his second appearance at the annual Swiss economic forum, Trump was scheduled to arrive at the ski resort early Tuesday and jet back on Wednesday to a Washington that will be consumed by the impeachment trial.

Trump will give a speech at the forum and meet with world leaders and business executives.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraines president to announce investigations into former Vice-President Joe Biden, a Democratic political rival. Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they cant deny him reelection in November. Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the U.S.

"Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world," he said at the White House last week. "There's nothing even close. Ill be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here."

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Trump is set to meet with. But he will hold talks with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forum's founder, the White House said Monday.

Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Trumps many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

"She's new and she's formidable," said Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice-president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for U.S.-EU relations.

"It could either go very well or very badly," Goodman said.

Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100% on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports. France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a "great discussion" about the digital tax and "will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation."

The U.S. has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on $7.5 billion worth of European airplanes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Trump also has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German autos, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Trump heads to Switzerland as just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial. Johnson and Clinton were both acquitted by the Senate.

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There is precedent for international travel by an impeached U.S. leader.

During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He travelled to Jordan for King Hussein's funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted by the Senate.

Two days after acquittal, Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial. He also has talked about travelling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
Actress Deepika Padukone on Tuesday said she was hit with mental illness when she had least expected it as she was going strong professionally with her movies doing well and was also in an amazing relationship.

Speaking here at the WEF 2020, the cine star said she had to lie for a long time when people asked her a simple question like 'how are you doing?' and she had to reply 'good'.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said people with mental illness not only face stigma and discrimination but there is also not enough healthcare facilities for them.

For every million people in India, there are only three psychiatrists. And for those who experience mental ill health, there is a stigma that often prevents them from seeking help.

Crystal Awardee Padukone was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2014. The following year, she set up the Live, Love, Laugh Foundation to bring hope to those in India who are faced with stress, depression and anxiety.

"Mental illness happened to me when I had least expected it. I was at a professional high, my movies were doing great and I was in an amazing relationship. Everything was going just perfect.

"One morning when I woke up and I felt all was well, I fainted. Luckily the house help came and saw me on the floor. I was taken to a doctor and I was told it was nothing and probably just some blood pressure fluctuation or something like physical tiredness," she recalled.

"Those were the first physical signs. For a long time, I just felt like sleeping, not going out, not meeting people.

"Luckily, my mother had come to my place and when my parents were packing, I just started crying. She asked me what was it and I had no answer. At that time, my mother told me that I probably needed professional help and that's how I began consulting a psychiatrist," the Bollywood star said.

She said she and her family initially didn't feel like telling everyone and letting media know about it or seeing me outside a psychiatric clinic.

"After I was diagnosed with a clinical depression regarding my mental health, I had to even lie when someone asked me how was I doing. I would say, I'm great, though I was actually terrible," she said.

Padukone said it is equally important to take care of our emotional and mental health, as is the case with our physical health.

"As I began on my path of recovery, I also understood the stigma attached with the mental health and the need to go public with it.

"Imagine what would have happened, if my mother had not said that I should a professional help for my problem," she said.

"I felt that I should do something to help others with their signs and symptoms and that was the reason for going public with my illness and then setting up the Live Love Laugh foundation," she said.

She said youth needs to be more aware about mental illness and the signs and symptoms.

"Are you feeling sadness and a low for a long period of time? You need to understand sadness is transient and depression is for a long period of time.

"It is very important to share with somebody around you about how you are feeling. It is also important that the people around you don't dismiss it as attention-seeking or some small thing. It is important for caregivers to encourage people to seek help," she noted.

Further, Padukone said that in our country, parents are not comfortable with taking their children for professional help.

"At times, it is other way round too when parents want to take, but children do not want to seek medical help or consultation," she added.

"I want every person experiencing mental illnesses to know that you are not alone - because there are no obvious physical symptoms. You feel like you are the only one going though this, and it comes with a lot of guilt," Padukone said.

For humanity, she said that people must realise that there are some fundamental things that need to change such as a notion that men are not supposed to have mental illness.

Ghebreyesus said the WHO would like to work with Padukone and her foundation.

To her request for helping get mental health included as a part of the sustainable development goals, he assured that the entire UN system would work for that.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vancouver, January 21, 2020 - Max Resource Corp. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report an entirely new discovery, called the AM Horizon, a NE-SW stratabound copper-silver horizon in excess of 1.4 km, which appears to continue under cover in both directions. The mineralized system dips approximately 40 degrees to the NW on the Company's 100% owned Cesar copper-silver project, located 420 km north of Bogota, Colombia (Refer Figure 1-2 & Video www.maxresource.com).

Highlight rock chip assay results of the AM Horizon include:

2.7% copper and 17.9g/t silver over 0.5m;

2.1% copper and 8.8g/t silver over 3m by 3m panel;

1.6% copper and 8.2g/t silver over 3m by 3m panel;

1.1% copper and 14.2g/t silver over 3m by 3m panel;

1.0% copper and 8.1g/t silver over 1.2m

Additional assay results from the Cesar project area are expected shortly.

The Phase II exploration program is underway consisting of follow up chip and/or channel sampling across stratigraphy and along and across strike, with the goal of both expanding the AM Horizon, and investigating additional horizons on trend and on a regional prospective.

"We are very excited with this notable discovery with highlight copper grades of 2.7%, associated silver grades to 18g/t and strike lengths in excess of 1,400 meters. There is obviously significant upside opportunity in this region," Max CEO, Brett Matich, stated.

"Assuming continued exploration success, Max believes it's Cesar copper-silver project would attract strategic partnerships with the view of exploiting the regional potential," he continued.





Figure 1. Statabound copper-silver mineralization within 1.4 km long horizon. The black material on the photograph is carbon and green is copper mineralization (malachite).

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51680_754b044b3422da78_001full.jpg





Figure 2

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51680_754b044b3422da78_002full.jpg

The rock chip samples consisted of three 3m by 3m panels with grades ranging from 1.11% to 2.11% copper; twenty-two rock chip with widths from 0.5m to 50m grades ranging from 0.01 to 2.69% copper; silver values ranging from 0.25 to 17.9 grams per ton.

The stratabound copper-silver horizon is observed to be hosted in well-bedded siltstone and sandstone and appears to be associated with reduced facies within the sediments. Rock samples collected from the horizon showed the presence of malachite and iron oxidation. Petrographic analysis is underway to assist in the identification of the copper minerals, as well as the parameters of the mineralization (Refer Figure 3).





Figure 3. Petrography sample 425303

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51680_754b044b3422da78_003full.jpg

Cesar Copper-Silver Project

The 100% owned Cesar project is located in north east Colombia within Jurassic sediments and volcaniclastics that run through the length of northern South America and host significant stratabound copper-silver mineralization in Ecuador and Peru. Worldwide deposit examples include the Copperbelt of Central Africa and the Kupferschiefer of Germany and Poland. Max cautions investors that the presence of stratabound copper-silver mineralization at Copperbelt and Kupferschiefer is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at Cesar.

Historically, the Cesar copper belt has only been explored from a local context, but never in a broader larger-scale perspective. The initial exploration program identified 19 distinct mineralized copper occurrences over an area of 9 sq. km, which is open in all directions.

The first part of the Phase 1 exploration program previously reported grab sample assays ranging from 0.3% to 4.2% copper with: 34 of the 43 assaying in excess of 1% copper, 15 of the 43 assaying in excess of 2% copper, and 4 of the 43 samples assaying in excess of 3% copper. Silver values ranged from 1 to 116g/t. The Company cautions investors that grab samples are selected samples and are not necessarily representative of mineralization hosted on the property.

North Choco Gold-Copper Project

North Choco consists of wholly owned mineral applications (200 sq. km), located approximately 80 km SW of Medellin, Colombia. The recent NW Gold-Copper Discovery (refer to 29 October 2019 news release) outcrop reported 1 metre of 49.8 g/t gold and 4.3% copper, which continues under cover in both directions. The target area is also coincident with a Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR) anomaly and with elevated gold-copper soil values. Future work would focus on mapping and sampling along strike to extend the zone and on locating additional parallel zones.

Choco Gold Project

Choco Gold project consists of wholly owned mineral applications (200 sq. km), located approximately 120 km SW of Medellin Colombia and cover or are adjacent to historic production of 605,110 ounces of gold by Choco Pacific Mining (1906 to 1990). Source; R.J. Fletcher and Associates (2011) Review of Gold and Platinum Exploration and Production in Choco Province Colombia Part 3. Private Report for Condoto.

The Company has commenced discussions with a potential partner with the prerequisite expertise to assist with the gold bearing conglomerates.

About Max Resource Corp.

Max is a mineral exploration company with an experienced and successful management team focused on advancing the development of its landholdings in the rich mineral belts of Colombia, with significant potential for the discovery of important-scale mineral deposits that can attract major partners.

Tim Henneberry, P Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Advisory Board, is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release on behalf of the Company.

For more information visit: https://www.maxresource.com/

For additional information contact:

Max Resource Corp.

Tim McNulty

E: info@maxresource.com

T: (604) 290-8100

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51680
By Luke Baker and Simon Robinson

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Often seen as the preserve of old, rich men, this year's World Economic Forum has thrust around a dozen teenage "change-makers" to the top of its agenda, adding fresh voices, energy and fashion to proceedings.

The first panel of the four-day Alpine gathering made clear the shift from 81-year-old founder Klaus Schwab, with four young activists, including Sweden's Greta Thunberg, discussing how to forge "A Sustainable Path towards a Common Future".

The combined age of the panel, which included water, electricity and health activists from Zambia, Puerto Rico and Canada, was 64 -- younger than many of those in the audience.

"Davos elite being rebuked by their future customers," Isabel Hilton, chief executive of China Dialogue, said on Twitter.

For Thunberg, now a familiar face globally, the transition from campaigner to participant has been rapid. A year ago she was leading protests at Davos as well as speaking, warning the world that "the house is on fire".

This year she is taking part in several high-profile panels, including delivering a speech shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke. Trump has ridiculed her in the past and glancingly referred to her as a "prophet of doom" on Tuesday.

Joining Thunberg among the 'change-makers' is Naomi Wadler, a 13-year-old anti-gun campaigner from the United States.

Wearing Doc Martens boots and chequered trousers, Wadler appeared entirely unfazed by her role as a Davos participant, saying she hoped to inspire as well as being inspired.

"I think it's so great that we're all invited... because this is something that hasn't been done before," Wadler, the youngest of the youth activists, told Reuters.

"The forum used to be made up of a lot of old, rich white men and so I think it's really cool that we have so many people of color."

Story continues

Among ten 'change-makers' profiled by the World Economic Forum on its website were Mohamad Al Jounde, 18, a Syrian education campaigner; Autumn Peltier, a 15-year-old Canadian who focuses on water resources; and Ayakha Melithafa, a 17-year-old environmentalist from South Africa.

The buzz around the group was infectious. On one climate panel, Fahd al-Rasheed, a 42-year-old Saudi official, joked that he wanted to be grouped with all the young people this year. The audience laughed, and Melithafa launched into an impassioned plea for more action on climate change.

"The WEF has finally realized that we have a role to play," she said later. "We can't leave youth out of the conversation any longer."

In South Africa, said Melithafa, people watch parliament "which is full of old white men and old black men talking about what's best for young people. They need to stop and listen because we also have voices."

(Writing by Luke Baker; Editing by Alexander Smith)
By Trend

In 2019 the Asian Development Bank (ADB) significantly increased the provision of its technical assistance and knowledge support to government agencies in Azerbaijan, ADB told Trend.

"The outgoing year was a special for our partnership. We marked its 20-year anniversary with number of events," said the Bank.

As the ADB said in summer the Azerbaijani government and the Bank endorsed the new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) which outlines directions of cooperation for the next five years.

"The CPS overall objective is to support diversified and inclusive growth in Azerbaijan in line with the governments strategic road maps," said ADB.

The CPS includes three strategic pillars: Boosting private sector development: 1) More sustainable and diverse non-oil private sector (e.g., improved business and investment climate environment; stronger micro, small, and medium enterprises; stronger value chains) 2) Deeper and more inclusive finance sector (e.g., stronger nonbank credit institutions, new financial instruments, capital market development, building up capabilities of financial intermediaries, effective risk-mitigation schemes); Raising Public Sector Efficiency: 1) Strengthened public resource management (e.g., fiscal rule on use of hydrocarbon revenues, medium-term expenditure framework, budget information management system, public procurement capacity, fiscal risk and public debt management, tax administration efficiency, enhancing social protection systems), 2) Increased efficiency and financial sustainability of state-owned enterprises; Improving Infrastructure and Strengthening Human Capital: 1) Better and more sustainable infrastructure to reduce cost of doing business and regional inequalities, and to support regional cooperation and integration; 2) Utility regulation and tariff reform; 3) More private sector participation in infrastructure; 4) Improved labor skills and productivity through better access and quality of technical and vocational education.

"In November ADB approved a $250 million policy-based loan in support of the government of Azerbaijans efforts to strengthen public sector governance and fiscal management, and encourage private sector development. Overall, this year can be assessed as another productive and fruitful year of our successful partnership," said ADB.

As the Bank said, since Azerbaijan joined ADB in 1999, ADB approved about $5.1 billion in sovereign and nonsovereign loans, guarantees, and technical assistance in various fields such as transport, energy, water supply and sanitation, public sector management, finance, agriculture and natural resources.

Of this amount, $1.9 billion went to energy, $1.4 billion  transport, $1 billion  public sector management, $583 million  water and other urban infrastructure and services, $214 million  finance, $1.2 million  agriculture, natural resources and rural development and $0.6 million  health. A total of 82 projects were supported in Azerbaijan by the ADB as of September 1, 2019.

"The priority areas of our cooperation are set in our Country Operational Business Plan (COBP) for 2020-2022. The COBP is the document which is being updated on annual basis. The updating process will start in early 2020 and new COBP will be finalized by summer," said ADB.

Azerbaijan, a group C developing member country, is eligible for regular ordinary capital resources (OCR) lending. The indicative resources available during 20202022 for sovereign operations total $820 million. Co-financing and funding from other sources, including the regular OCR regional cooperation and integration set-aside, will be explored.

During 20202022, ADB also expects to commit technical assistance (TA) amounting to $5.8 million to be financed from internal sources and supplemented, whenever feasible, by ADB-administered trust funds and other external sources.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will pay a four-day visit to India from January 24 to attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

Bolsonaro is visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be accompanied by a Brazilian delegation comprising of seven ministers, senior officials, Chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, and businessmen.

This is the first state visit by Bolsonaro to India. The last Presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the VIII BRICS Summit in Goa.

During the visit, Bolsonaro will meet President Ram Nath Kovind -- who will host a banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in his honor -- and hold talks with PM Modi.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on President Bolsonaro.

On 27 January, Bolsonaro will address Indian and Brazilian Business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum.

This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil.

India-Brazil relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster the economic growth of both countries.

"Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations. The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said in a statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In 2016, Bernie Sanders waited until July -- long after the Democratic nomination had been decided -- to endorse Hillary Clinton. Radio host Howard Stern asked Clinton if Sanders could have backed her earlier.

"He could have," she replied. "He hurt me. There's no doubt about it. He hurt me." Clinton added: "I hope he doesn't do it again to whoever gets the nomination. Once is enough."

Many of Clinton's most grievous wounds were self-inflicted. No one made her use a private email server, or give high-dollar speeches to Wall Street, or ignore warnings in key Midwestern states, or call Trump supporters "a basket of deplorables." It was her campaign that was deplorable.

But her comments about Sanders are still correct. His behavior remains one of the principal reasons for her defeat. As Hillary wrote in her book "What Happened," Sanders' attacks "impugning my character ... caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' campaign."

Sanders is poised to play the role of spoiler again. His huge fundraising haul over the last three months guarantees his staying power, and he is starting to do to Joe Biden what he did to Hillary -- emphasizing his rival's personal flaws and handing the Trump campaign a stockpile of ammunition.

In a recent Washington Post interview, Bernie echoed Trump's caustic condemnation of Biden as "Sleepy Joe" by saying, "It's just a lot of baggage Joe takes into a campaign, which isn't going to create energy and excitement."

Primary opponents have every right to criticize their rivals, but what makes Sanders so dangerous to the Democrats is his insufferable self-righteousness. We're pure, he tells his followers, and everyone else is corrupt. Like Trump, he warns that the system is "rigged" against them, so if they lose, they lose unfairly, and therefore have no obligation to support the winner.

Analysts studying the 2016 vote concluded that about 1 in 5 Sanders primary voters did not back Clinton in November. About 1 in 10 actually voted for Trump, while the rest supported third parties or stayed home. Professor Brian Schaffner of the University of Massachusetts calculates that in each of the three states that made Trump president -- Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan -- the number of Bernie backers who voted for Trump exceeded the president's margin of victory.

Sanders is threatening to repeat that perfidious performance this year. Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, a Biden backer, told the Post, "My big concern isn't that he'll beat Joe, but that this movement of his may decide to take a walk if Bernie isn't the nominee. It'd be deadly to the Democratic Party if he didn't do everything he could to support the nominee."

Sanders, of course, insists that he's not a spoiler -- that by calling for a "revolution," he can actually beat Trump by energizing marginal voters, particularly young people. But that is a delusional myth. This is NOT a revolutionary country. The last successful insurrection happened almost 250 years ago, when we liberated ourselves from a tyrannical British monarch. Since then, the core of our political culture, and its enduring stability, has been rooted in reason, not revolution, and pragmatism, not passion.

Since the death of Franklin Roosevelt, Democrats have elected six presidents; not one came from the Sanders-Elizabeth Warren wing of the party. The orthodox liberals who did win the nomination all lost badly.

In the 2016 exit polls, only 26% of voters identified as liberals; 39% called themselves moderate and 35% conservative. It is totally inconceivable that this country would elect a self-proclaimed socialist who proposes vast increases in government spending totaling more than $50 trillion. Sure, Sanders could galvanize some left-wing voters, but he would alienate far more moderates: exactly the voters Democrats will desperately need in battleground states to deny Trump a second term.

For example, Mason-Dixon Polling reports that Biden beats Trump by 2 points in Florida, while Sanders loses by 5; in Virginia, Biden has a 4-point lead over the president, while Sanders trials him by 6. Harry Sloan, a Republican fundraiser, reinforced that finding in The New York Times: "I've spoken to many Republicans who don't intend to vote for Trump. They're looking for an alternative. They are pretty polarized against Warren and Sanders and that so-called progressive wing of the party."

Bernie Sanders cannot win the White House, but he can stop another Democrat from winning. That's why many party pragmatists don't feel the Bern -- they fear the Bern.

Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com.

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Supreme Court next to lower instances refuses to close notorious Moscow Region landfill

 RIA Novosti, Sergey Korobko

11:00 21/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 21 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation will not reconsider refusal to shut down a notorious Moscow Regions solid waste landfill Yadrovo as was requested by the administration of Volokolamsk town, according to court records.

The Volokolamsk town administration in November filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against decisions of the Moscow District Commercial Court of April 18, the Tenth Commercial Court of Appeals of July 17 and the Moscow District Commercial Court of October 23.

The courts held that the damage to the environment could be removed with the further exploitation of the landfill but in compliance with legislation.

The Volokolamsk authorities filed their lawsuit last summer. The defendant in the case is Yadrovo company.

On June 19, 2018, the Volokolamsk City Court of the Moscow Region dismissed a lawsuit lodged by residents of the area, who asked to recover 1.4 million rubles ($21,800) in compensation from a company behind Yadrovo landfill.

The plaintiffs asked to compensate their moral damages, stop collection and transportation of waste by the company and organize redevelopment measures at the landfill.

According to the claimants, the company failed to meet its obligations regarding management of the site and violated their Constitutional right to live in beneficial environment and caused deterioration to the health of local residents.

The defendants said that there was no cause and consequence effect between gas emissions and health problems of the plaintiffs, asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. Local authorities also supported that motion.

Earlier, the court dismissed several other lawsuits against the landfill.

In March 2018, the Volokalamsk districts authorities initiated emergency protocol and announced measures to liquidate the consequences of ecological violations during exploitation of the landfill. Yadrovo company was fined 150,000 rubles ($2,300) by the Volokolamsk City Court.




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United States Attorney General William P. Barrs Visit to Mexico

Washington, DC - Friday, United States Attorney General William P. Barr concluded his second trip to Mexico City. The Attorney General participated in high-level meetings regarding joint counter-narcotic efforts as well as efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and the trafficking of arms and drugs.

The Attorney General reiterated the United States commitment to protecting U.S. and Mexican citizens and leaders from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral law enforcement cooperation.

To that end, leaders from both countries agreed to a joint meeting in February between key U.S. Attorneys' offices and their Mexican counterparts.

Together with U.S. Ambassador Christopher Landau, the Attorney General met with Mexicos Attorney General Alejandro Gertz, Mexicos Secretary of Foreign Relations, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, Secretary of Public Security and Citizen Protection, Alfonso Durazo Montano, Defense Secretary General Luis Crescencio Sandoval, Navy Secretary Admiral Jose Rafael Ojeda Duran, and Security Undersecretrary Ricardo Mejia Berdeja.
8K and Beyond: How Much is Too Much?

Last year, 8K was all the rage. At the CES, NAB, and IBC trade shows, a lot of the product and much of the chatter related to the impending 8K revolution. It's part and parcel of an industry built on technological advances and eager to leap on the Next Big Thing. This year too, CES featured 8K displays from Samsung, LG, Sharp, and more. 8K has become the TV vendor's latest flagship.

Any discussion of 8K elicits enthusiasts bowled along by the possibilities of super-resolution and naysayers, for whom 4K was a step too far. The truth, of course, lies in between with the pragmatists. The tail is not wagging the dog8K is unlikely to end up in a cul-de-sac like 3D TVbut the dog has its own ideas about how to use the technology.

The bald facts are that 8K TV is a micro-niche market now and will likely remain so for a decade, perhaps long after. At the same time, the use of 8K as a production and delivery format is likely to grow. And at some yet-to-be-determined point, the two will converge because the inevitable reduction in cost from all sides will make it so.

Samsung introduced its QLED 8K TV at CES 2019, and once again, 8K was the talk of CES 2020.

Zero Correlation

Globally, 4K UHD sets exceeded half of TV shipments for the first time in Q4 2018, according to figures from IHS Markit. In North America, around one-third of households own a UHD set; more than half will by 2021; and 64% will in 2023.

Western Europe will reach 46% of homes having a UHD set by 2023, a faster growth rate than China due to a more rapid TV replacement rate. China, however, will have 1.4 million homes with an 8K display this year, leading the world in adoption.

Here's the rub. There's nothing to watch in China. Instead, people are buying 8K TVs as a status symbol, in part because of the display's larger size.

There is only one TV channel broadcasting 8K in the world, and it's in Japan, where, by the summer, 62,000 people will be able to view NHK's coverage of the Tokyo Olympics in the 8K Super-Hi-Vision format. Impressive? Not in a country of 50 million inhabitants (0.1% of the population will have native 8K capability).

"Japan lags significantly behind due to its preference for smaller screen sizes," says Maria Rua Aguete, executive director at IHS Markit. "Only 19% of Japan households will own a UHD set in 2020, 32% by 2023. Despite UHD 4K and 8K broadcasts being available, the bulk of the country will rely on HD and SD by 2023."

The numbers for the 8K TV install base are tiny. "There is zero correlation between content and product," says Rua Aguete. In other words, the industry can pump as many 8K screens as it likes into the ether, but broadcasters are not taking the bait.

A larger screen in the 65"-plus range is reckoned to deliver the best 8K viewing experience in the home, and sizes are nudging up worldwide. However, the logistics of delivery and install could limit sales.

The cost of packaging, transporting, and delivering a 75" TV is double that of a 65" panel, estimates IHS Markit, not the least because it requires two people to maneuver it into the home.

While half of U.K. households should have a 4K screen by 2022 (an adoption happening at a comparable rate to historic sales of HD), the analysts remain extremely cautious about 8K TV penetration, forecasting worldwide sales of 3 million by 2023 (of which just 625,000 will be in Western Europe).

"We think 8K looks like an oversampled display, but SD is not high enough, so the sweet spot lies somewhere in between," IHS Markit Technology research and analysis director Paul Gray told a meeting of the U.K.'s DTG group in October.

Content producers may be unanimous in agreeing that High Dynamic Range (HDR) delivers a more significant visual punch than resolution, but this will take some time to catch on with a public groomed to believe that more pixels means better pixels.

"We pay more for a 6" handset than a 60" TV, and you keep the handset for less time," says Frode Hernes, SVP, core products, at Vewd. "TVs are far too cheap yet vastly complex to produce, and we expect them to have the same smoothness and quality of experience as a handset. That is unrealistic."

There is a lifeline for the TV manufacturing industry if it can innovate its way out of the current low-yield size-replacement cycle. One answer might lie in new form factors like rollable, modular, or wallpaper displays that have been prototyped at recent CES shows.

Screen Real Estate

Beyond that, the function of the TV itself is being broadened to include AI, voice control, and smart home control functions.

The display would likely be large in order to accommodate multiple use cases within the screen real estate. For that reason, 8K resolution would be useful less for full-screen viewing and more for the ability to watch, say, a 4K program in one portion of the screen with apps

like video sharing in another portion. Other use cases could be instructional (video of Google Maps for road conditions, for instance).

Computer vision is driving picture quality enhancements and is one solution to getting content input at lower resolutions upscaled into 8K as screens enter the market. "We can use AI to dynamically examine content input in real time and improve it so you don't necessarily have to have rubbish in rubbish out," explained Alan Delaney, international business development and marketing director at TV-chip maker HiSilicon, to the DTG.

With such a limited addressable market in terms of displays and distribution outlets, there is no incentive for premium content producers to master programming in 8K at this time.

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Whoopi fawns over him, brings up his studio on 300 acres, talks the history. TP says Atlanta always felt like the promised land for him, talks the irony of it all. Its down the street from where he was once homeless. Where he started and now his dream come true. Sunny brings up the 12 sound stages. Lists some of them, including Whoopi. Sunny thanked him for inviting her, said it was inspirational and aspirational. TP explains why he named them after people in the industry. Whoopi talks about how much she respected from the time they met, how much it meant to her that he asked to name a studio after her. Only wishes that her mom was around to see this. Joy mentions November debate was held at his studios. TP talks about how much that meant to him. Talks about Biden going to his replica of the WH after the debate. TP is waiting for the nominee, doesnt want to get ahead of it. Black people always make a difference, so hes waiting for the nomination. TP says he wants someone who is morally there for everyone, not just part of the country. Talks about his 5 yr old, and disciplining him. The boy was going at the nanny about this and that. Tells the experience of how he talked to his son.Promoteson Netflix. Plays clip. Sunny watched it last night, tells a bit of the plot. Lots of spoilers that she doesnt share, not as straightforward as it seems. TP explains what prompted him to put this story out there. Mentions a mom & son grifter who crossed the country. TP talks about the actress who he gave the leading role to, been in the business for 40 years, he wanted her to get her break. Joy says hes amazing, this is amazing. TP says everyone is talking about Oscars So White, but feels everyone should focus on the work, making something thats important. Joy mentions he has 8 shows in production, doesnt he want help. TP explains bad experience with writers room. There will be other projects that wont be TP projects, with other creators.
Lucknow, Jan 21 : Even as the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its campaign to clear misunderstandings over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has now stepped in to assist in the campaign by enlisting over 30,000 volunteers to distribute pamphlets containing details about the law.

The Lok Jagran Manch, an RSS-backed organization, has come up with a pamphlet carrying pictures of minor Hindu girls allegedly abducted, sexually abused and converted in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to put forth a strong case in favour of the citizenship law.

The coloured pamphlet explains the need for CAA, claiming that Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians and Parsis, on the other side of the borders, are facing atrocities after partition and continuously fleeing to India for the past 70 years.

The pamphlets which bear a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi cite his views that every Hindu and Sikh residing in Pakistan could always come to India if they do not wish to live in Pakistan.

"Then providing jobs to them and making their life normal would be the first duty of the Indian government," it said claiming that Gandhi expressed these views during a prayer meeting held on September 26, 1947.

The rear side of the pamphlet has five passport size photographs of minor Hindu girls aged between 12 to 17 years who have been abducted and abused in these neighbouring countries.

The pamphlet claims that on an average, every day, a Hindu girl is being kidnapped in Sindh province of Pakistan and after which they are forced to convert to Islam and marry a Muslim man. It says that some of these girls are as young as eight years.

Referring to the recent incident of Nankana Sahib in Punjab province of Pakistan, the pamphlet points out that 19-year-old daughter of a 'granthi' was kidnapped at gunpoint on August 28, 2019.

The pamphlet also points out the decreasing count of Hindus in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, grabbing of temples and lands of Hindus to prove its point.

The pamphlet distribution is being carried out by volunteers including those associated with pro-RSS organisations including Bhartiya Janata Party, BJP's Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Lok Jagran Manch (LJM), Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP), Bajrang Dal and Durga Vahini.

The RSS cadre plans to distribute these pamphlets in awareness programme for the CAA down to the villages and development blocks of Uttar Pradesh.

"We are fully backing the public awareness initiative. As many as 60 lakh of these pamphlets have been printed for distribution in UP alone at a rate of over 10 lakh for each of the six 'prants' in which the state is divided by BJP and RSS," said a senior RSS functionary.

Besides the pamphlet, two booklets on misinformation and doubts have also been printed on CAA and are being distributed among the opinion-makers and community leaders.

BJP media in-charge of Kashi Prant, Mrityunjay Tiwari, said the anti-CAA protests were politically motivated and the RSS and the BJP, along with affiliated and sister organizations, including ABVP, Akhil Bhartiya Adhivakta Sangh, Seva Bharti etc, were all working together under the banner of Lok Jagran Manch.

The new citizenship law has triggered nationwide protests and clashes with police that have led to 23 deaths across the country.
The emergence of a new coronavirus is reviving memories of the SARS epidemic that dented Asian economies 17 years ago.

Scary headlines about a new viral outbreak. People peering nervously over their surgical masks while on public transport. Colleagues and friends refusing to shake hands. Ask anyone who was in Hong Kong in early 2003, and they may recall these as some of their most vivid memories of that period.

The Chinese territory was suffering through an outbreak of what came to be called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). And with another deadly virus now emerging from mainland China, many people in the Asia Pacific region are reliving those worrying times.

So, it is little surprise that economists are also drawing parallels between the economic damage that SARS caused 17 years ago and what could happen now. And Hong Kong is once again near the epicentre of the outbreak while its economy is on the ropes.

The outbreak of a SARS-like coronavirus in (the central Chinese city of) Wuhan is developing into a major potential economic risk to the Asia Pacific region now that there is medical evidence of human-to-human transmission, Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at research firm IHS Markit, told Al Jazeera.

But a closer look at the economic fallout of SARS reveals a potential silver lining to the current outbreak: The region bounced back fairly quickly from the 2003 outbreak.

Since reports of a cluster of viral pneumonia cases in Wuhan first emerged around the start of this year, the numbers of reported infections and deaths has grown steadily.

Lunar New Year

Chinese authorities say the virus can be spread by human contact. And with the busiest time of year for travel in many parts of Asia just days away when the Lunar New Year celebrations begin  when millions of people in China and elsewhere board trains, planes and buses to visit their families  the potential for it to spread rapidly is worrying health authorities.

And that has also spooked financial markets.

On Tuesday, Hong Kongs main share index fell 2.8 percent, its biggest one-day drop since early August. Shanghais benchmark stock index lost 1.7 percent, with airline companies hit particularly hard. But shares of drugmakers soared as investors bet their sales will rise as demand for prescription drugs increases as the virus spreads.

Im no doctor, but I do think I understand human nature well enough to realise the potential for another economic hit to growth from this source, said Robert Carnell, chief economist for the Asia Pacific at Dutch bank ING, in a research note.

At least one analyst says investors should expect share prices to fall even further.

Markets have priced too little in, in terms of the spreading of this virus across multiple Asian cities from Wuhan and millions of travellers across China for [Chinese New Year] is likely to worsen the situation, Margaret Yang, an analyst at CMC Markets in Singapore, said in an emailed note.

Information asymmetry underscores the possibility that official figures of the number of patients might have been under-reported for social stability reasons, Yang said.

The SARS outbreak started in China in early 2003, but spread rapidly as far as the US [December 30, 2003: GN/FA/Reuters]

Back in 2003, over a period of a few months, more than 8,000 people fell ill because of the SARS virus, mainly across Asia, with some cases reported as far away as Europe and the United States, killing more than 770 people in total, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization.

As people stopped going to restaurants and shops, and curtailed their travel plans, industries such as leisure, tourism and transport across Asia suffered.

The Asian Development Bank estimates that the regions worst-affected economies  mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan  experienced economic losses totalling $13bn, shaving between half and a whole percentage point off the regions gross domestic product.

But the region bounced back pretty swiftly.

These losses, however, did not affect any of these economies for more than a couple of quarters, and even the most heavily affected countries started recovering by [the third quarter of] 2003, the bank says in a report published in October on the economic impact of SARS.

Hong Kongs open, service-oriented economy, however, suffered more than most places in Asia.

Its gross domestic product  the main measure of size of an economy  shrank by 0.5 percent in the second quarter, before recovering over the next two quarters and growing by 3.1 percent for 2003 as a whole.

More pain, no gain?

But there are some big differences between the state of Hong Kongs economy then, and now.

In 2003, its main trading partner  mainland China  was growing at an annual pace of about 10 percent. In fact, part of Hong Kongs economic policy response to the SARS epidemic was to open itself up further to mainland China to take advantage of growth across the border. One example: It started allowing individual mainland Chinese tourists to visit the territory, rather than confining them to tour groups.

But today, the mainlands annual growth rate is about six percent, its slowest pace in nearly 30 years . Chinas trade war with the US has affected not only the mainland, but Hong Kong as well, with its heavy reliance on its role as an important transshipment hub between mainland China and the rest of the world.

Medical staff in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, where the latest viral outbreak started [January 20: EPA]

And Hong Kong was already in a recession before the latest viral outbreak, its economy pummelled by months of violent anti-government protests triggered by anger at a now-withdrawn bill that would have allowed for suspects to be extradited to the mainland.

SARS and the latest viral outbreak seem to share a common trait: They appear to affect people who have already been weakened by either old age or other conditions.

With that in mind, the prognosis for Hong Kongs ailing economy for the months ahead  as it suffers under the perfect storm of a plunge in tourist arrivals due to protests and now a viral outbreak, combined with the effects of the US-China trade war  could spell yet more pain.
OTTAWA  The number of rail accidents involving dangerous goods more than doubled in Canada in 2018.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  The number of rail accidents involving dangerous goods more than doubled in Canada in 2018.

There were 25 accidents involving dangerous goods in 2018, involving one death, according to Transport Canada data published Monday.

There were 11 accidents recorded a year prior, and five in 2016.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Trains idle in Winnipeg's CP rail yard. The number of rail accidents in Canada involving dangerous goods more than doubled to 25 accidents in 2018.

These accidents involve dangerous goods  flammable or corrosive substances  that either exploded or leaked.

Seven of the reported incidents involved human error, up from three for each of the previous three years. Equipment problems made up for four incidents, a number that has been on the rise.

Bruce Campbell, an adjunct professor with York University, said the numbers are small but the increase in overall incidents is concerning.

"It's a pretty big bump," said Campbell, who has written extensively about railway regulation in the wake of the 2013 Lac-Megantic rail disaster, in which the explosion of a runaway oil train killed 47 people.

In Manitoba, there were two accidents in 2018, compared with none for the previous four years.

The data published Monday suggest that despite an apparent uptick in oil moving across Canada by rail, the number of explosions involving crude is trending downwards.

The number of accidents involving trains carrying either liquefied petroleum gases or gasoline went from 10 in 2016, to none the next year and eight in 2018.

Transport Canada qualifies these as "accidents" that companies must report under federal laws. They do not include near-misses in which there was a risk of dangerous goods leaving their container; instead of accidents, those incidents are known formally as an "anticipated release."

Monday's data shows a slight uptick in accidents involving trains carrying other chemicals like fuel oil and sodium hydroxide (also known as lye and caustic soda), though these are remain rare.

In November 2016, Ottawa phased out the use of DOT-111 tanks cars for crude oil, as they were considered the least resistant to crashes.

In Canada, those cars will be phased out for all dangerous goods in May 2025.

Campbell speculated that those cars are being used for other dangerous goods in the interim, and that this might account for an overall rise in dangerous-goods accidents.

John Byrne, vice chairman of the Washington-based Railway Supply Institute's committee on tank cars, said the industry on both sides of the border is phasing out those cars, based on the models that rail companies are ordering.

Other energy sources are replacing American crude on U.S. rails. Meanwhile, data from U.S. railways show retrofitted DOT-111 cars are now being used for other flammable liquids like ethanol. Yet even those shipments see a decline in the proportion of DOT-111 cars being used year over year, since 2013, Byrne pointed out.

Its likely the same in Canada, because the large railways are so integrated with American supply chains.

"You still see significant progress in terms of the fleet transitioning to almost 100 per cent  the safer cars," Byrne said.

AMON RUDOLPH Drone footage of a CN oil train derailment near St. Lazar, MB last year.

In Canada, railways publish scant data on what they transport, and the types of equipment they use.

Documents obtained through American regulators and freedom-of-information requests suggest that the amount of oil moving by rail in Canada has doubled since 2014.

In the Prairies, that number has jumped fourfold, after a spike in January 2019. Many of those shipments go through Winnipeg, as well as Saskatchewan and northern Ontario.

However, no federal body publicly posts the amount of oil or other dangerous goods moving domestically by rail.

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Without those precise numbers being made public, and only aggregated data on total amounts of overall goods being moved, Campbell says its impossible to put Mondays data on rail accidents into perspective.

He noted that the arm's-length Transportation Safety Board has found that railways need to beef up safety protocols to avoid runaway trains, after a grain train derailment last year in the Rockies killed three crew members.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Marc Garneau took both of Canadas large railways to task last July over what he deemed to be lax fatigue-management plans.

"It is troubling," Campbell said. "All of that is not comforting."

The Alberta government last fall said it plans to allow more rail shipments of crude, beyond the production cap that province imposed in order to stop prices from tumbling.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/ADRIAN WYLD Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.

Transport Canada has not yet compiled its 2019 data, however, there were two derailments of cars carrying hazardous goods in Manitoba at the start of the year: two trains collided at a bridge near Portage la Prairie, and a train spilled a million litres of crude near St. Lazare.

The safety board logs dangerous-goods accidents differently. It includes incidents in which there is an injury or damage, involving a train that had transported hazardous goods at any point, even if the cars that derailed were empty or held other goods.

By the TSBs own definitions, there were 125 accidents involving dangerous goods in 2018, up from 115 a year prior, but below the 10-year average of 129.

The Railway Association of Canada did not respond to a request for comment.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
[January 21, 2020] VMware Announces Intent to Acquire Nyansa

VMware Continues Scope Expansion of SD-WAN with end-to-end monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities for LAN/WAN deployments

Combination of Nyansa and VMware will help customers better operate and troubleshoot the virtual cloud network and enable self-healing networks PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW), today announced its intent to acquire Nyansa, Inc. (knee-ans-sah), a fast-growing innovator of AI-based network analytics. Nyansa will enable VMware to deliver an end-to-end network visibility, monitoring and remediation solution within VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud that can proactively predict client problems, optimize application and network performance and better assure the behavior of critical IoT devices. The addition of Nyansas AI/ML capabilities to VMwares existing network and security portfolio will make it easier for customers to operate and troubleshoot the Virtual Cloud Network and further VMwares ability to enable Self-Healing Networks. The acquisition of Nyansa will accelerate VMwares delivery of end-to-end monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities for LAN/WAN deployments within our industry-leading SD-WAN solution, said Sanjay Uppal, vice president and general manager, VeloCloud Business Unit, VMware. Nyansa is a proven solution that solves many of the shortcomings of todays vendor-specific solutions. Nyansa currently analyzes user network traffic from more than 20 million client devices across thousands of customer sites at companies including Tesla, Uber, Lululemon, Rooms To Go, GE Healthcare, SF International Airport, Stanford, Northeast Georgia Healthcare System and many others. Joining forces with VMware provides an amazing platform for Nyansa to continue executing on the vision of a new networking paradigm: an analytic-powered and software-defined virtual cloud network that connects clients to containers in dynamic and distributed enterprises, said Abe Ankumah, chief executive officer, Nyansa. Nyansa and VMware are perfectly aligned in technology, products and culture. Following the close of the acquisition, we will continue to advance our AI-driven multi-vendor network analytics platform and double-down on end-to-end user experience and IoT operational assurance. SD-WAN is a transformational approach to simplifying branch office networking, enabling optimal application performance, and accelerating cloud adoption. Unlike traditional wide-area networks, SD-WAN delivers increased network agility and with lower costs. As SD-WAN is becoming the de facto connectivity and security platform for distributed enterprises, the overall scope of SD-WAN solutions continues to expand. Customers are now looking for a single platform to provide visibility into network and application performance not only across the WAN, but into the wired/wireless local area network, and back out to the cloud and on premises data centers. Nyansa Voyance is a vendor-agnostic, clud-based AIOps platform. The solution consolidates key functionality within conventional network monitoring tools into a single, multifunction analytics platform to deliver visibility into and behavioral analysis of critical device performance across the entire infrastructure. Consolidating network infrastructure monitoring into Voyance dramatically simplifies the way network staff, engineers and architects plan, deploy, and manage the evolving enterprise edge, and can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of managing enterprise networks. With Voyance, organizations can automate the end-to-end analysis and correlation of critical infrastructure data to improve the productivity, performance and security of critical devices on the wired and wireless network.



The transaction is expected to close in VMware's fiscal Q1 FY2021, subject to customary closing conditions. This acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on fiscal 2021 operating results. Additional Resources

Learn more about the value to customers of VMware and Nyansa in this blog from Sanjay Uppal

Read this blog from Nyansa founders

Learn more about VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud

Read about VMwares vision for the Virtual Cloud Network

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VMware software powers the worlds complex digital infrastructure. The companys compute, cloud, mobility, networking and security offerings provide a dynamic and efficient digital foundation to over 500,000 customers globally, aided by an ecosystem of 75,000 partners. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, this year VMware celebrates twenty years of breakthrough innovation benefiting business and society. For more information, please visit https://www.vmware.com/company.html . VMware, VeloCloud, and NSX are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. This article may contain hyperlinks to non-VMware websites that are created and maintained by third parties who are solely responsible for the content on such websites. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements including, among other things, statements regarding VMware's intention to acquire Nyansa, Inc.; the expected benefits of the acquisition; the potential impact of the acquisition on FY21 operating results; and the expected complementary nature and strategic advantages of combined offerings and opportunities after close. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) the ability of the parties to satisfy closing conditions to the acquisition on a timely basis or at all; (ii) market conditions, regulatory requirements and other corporate considerations that could affect the timing and closing conditions to the acquisition; (iii) the possibility that the acquisition does not close; (iv) risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or not realized within the expected time frame; (v) the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies and assets into VMware; (vi) the risk of litigation or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; (vii) VMware's customers' ability to accept emerging technology and to transition to new products and computing strategies; (viii) changes to product and service development timelines; (ix) VMware's ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (x) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; and (xi) changes in VMware's financial condition. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this blog, are based on current expectations and are subject to uncertainties and changes in condition, significance, value and effect as well as other risks detailed in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including VMware's most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that we may file from time to time, which could cause actual results to vary from expectations. VMware assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release. Media Contact:

Roger T. Fortier

VMware Global Communications

Phone: 408-348-1569

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Distinguished Programs, a national insurance program manager, today officially announces the hiring of Susan Merisko as their new regional sales executive for Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. In this senior role, Merisko brings with her more than 25 years of insurance experience across a variety of roles.

Susan brings a strong history of results and success to her new position with Distinguished, said Kurt Meister, senior vice president of business development at Distinguished Programs. Her prior operational, sales and other hands-on roles inform her understanding of the clients shell be working with and add to the skill and insight that make her an ideal leader for our sales efforts in her region.

In her new role, Merisko will represent and offer the complete range of Distinguished Programs insurance products across all industry service sectors.

Before joining Distinguished Programs, Merisko spent more than five years at USLI, serving as both business development regional territory manager in the mountain/mountain NW region and assistant vice president, business development regional team leader for the west region. Prior to that, she was manager of operations at New England Financial, operations manager at Equisure and worked in business development at Navigators Group. Merisko also served as a regional leader with an agency affinity group and twelve years at Safeco Insurance in a number of roles of increasing responsibility including Regional Business Manager and Regional Sales Manager.

Merisko received her bachelors degree at Illinois State University. She is based out of Denver, Colorado.

About Distinguished Programs

Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Manager providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Real Estate, Community Associations, Cultural & Historic Properties and Hospitality & Restaurants. Property and liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished Programs high limit umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its areas of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1987, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees. http://www.distinguished.com.


The father of one of the victims killed in the London Bridge attack has called Boris Johnsons proposals to put terrorists through lie detector tests a cynical, headline-grabbing gimmick.

David Merritt, whose son Jack was one of two victims murdered by released terrorist Usman Khan in November 2019, is among critics who have questioned the accuracy of unreliable polygraphs.

The lie tests are part of a raft of measures, including longer jail sentences for terrorists and increased probation officers, announced by the government in response to the attack.

But a prison officers union warned that two of the three separation centres intended to hold dangerous extremists had already been closed, and said deradicalisation courses were clearly not working.

Mr Merritt accused the government of shutting the door after the horse has bolted. He also suggested the announcement was a cynical, headline-grabbing gimmick to distract our attention.

London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Show all 29 1 /29 London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Bystanders and police surrounding a person at the scene of an incident on London Bridge HLOBlog/PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police and emergency services PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Armed police on London Bridge Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A bystander holding a knife after police surrounded a person at the scene HLOBlog/PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing People fleeing from Borough Market PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police during the incident Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A white truck across part of London Bridge SophK05/PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A British Transport Police officer runs after reports of an incident Getty London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Boats from the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit patrol near the scene Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A lorry on the bridge crosses over lanes Luke Poulton via Reuters London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Members of the police and emergency services arriving at Monument tube station AFP via Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Members of the public held behind a police cordon Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police at the scene PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police evacuate people from Borough Market AP London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police surrond a part of the bridge Timothy Johnson/Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A person is assisted after falling when Police evacuated people from Borough Market AP London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A Police Officer cordons off London Bridge Station Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Members of staff are ushered into a Fitness First gym Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing People head away from the vicinity of Borough Market PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Office workers look out of a window at a scene EPA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Men in forensics suits walk away from the site REUTERS London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing People are evacuated from London Bridge PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing ArrowontheHill/Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police at the scene of an incident on London Bridge PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Armed police on the scene Alexandra Carr /SWNS.COM London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Buses on London Bridge during the incident AFP via Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police on the scene @joebxggs /SWNS.COM

Keeping the public safe is key  government failed public by cuts in probation, policing and botched reorganisation of probation services, he wrote on Twitter.

Focus also needed on deradicalisation and rehabilitation. Keeping terrorists in prison longer will not per se keep people safe, particularly if they are exposed to radicalisation inside.

His son, 25-year-old Jack Merritt, was the coordinator of Cambridge Universitys Learning Together rehabilitation programme, while fellow victim Saskia Jones was a volunteer.

They were at an event in Fishmongers Hall on 29 November when Khan, who had been invited as a guest, attacked them with two knives while wearing a fake suicide vest.

He was chased onto London Bridge and shot dead by armed police. Inquests will examine potential failures by police, probation and the security services before the attack.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, said the attack confronted the government with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders.

We are delivering on our promises, giving police and probation officers the resources they need to investigate and track offenders, introducing tougher sentences and launching major reviews into how offenders are managed after they are released, she added.

The Independent revealed that up to 800 extremists are currently being held in British prisons, and terrorists are able to network and radicalise other prisoners.

Convicted plotter Brusthom Ziamani allegedly launched a new terror attack at HMP Whitemoor on 9 January, after a court heard how the Buckingham Palace sword attacker, Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, got tips on avoiding conviction from terrorists inside HMP Belmarsh.

 Usman Khan: What we know about the London Bridge attacker

In 2017, the government announced that it would set up three separation centres to remove the most subversive prisoners from other inmates they may influence.

But only one  at HMP Frankland  currently contains any prisoners following the closure of units at HMP Full Sutton and HMP Woodhill, which was emptied days after Khans attack.

The centres had been hit by a series of legal challenges by inmates placed there, and prison staff said red tape makes referrals difficult.

The Prison Officers Association has warned that staff did not have the capacity to spot the signs of radicalisation amid a crisis of drugs and violence.

Chair Mark Fairhurst told The Independent government plans to increase prison sentences would require more prison spaces, more funding and more staff.

He called on the government to review deradicalisation programmes like those taken by Khan because what we have got in place is clearly not working.

If you are going to lock people up for longer periods, what do you want staff to do with them? he asked.

Were very unimpressed. I want to know where the money is coming from and what they expect our staff to do with these people.

Doubts were also raised about the accuracy of planned lie detector tests, which are currently used on sex offenders in Britain and measure supposed signs of deception including changes to blood pressure and breathing.

Lie detector tests are not admissible as evidence in British courts, and the Liberty human rights group called the policy untested and knee-jerk.

Advocacy director Clare Collier said: Todays headline-grabbing announcements show the governments counterterror agenda is in chaos, with ministers abandoning facts in their desperation to be seen to take action.

The Independent understands that polygraph results would not be used to recall a terrorist to prison but could be used to carry out extra checks or enhance supervision.

Khan, who was imprisoned for six years for terrorism offences before his release last year, killed two people in the London Bridge terror attack in November (AP)

When questioned about the accuracy rate, the justice secretary said the tests had been very useful in assessing the claims made by sex offenders.

Robert Buckland admitted lie detectors were not the be all and end all but told Sky News: We get a lot of people who are superficially very compliant with the regime and sometimes the assessment of risk is a really difficult thing to do.

You can get people who are, in effect, sleepers for many years and then suddenly back come the hatreds and the prejudices and we see atrocities like the one at Fishmongers Hall.

The government also announced plans to double the number of specialist probation officers to supervise released terrorists, and increase funding for counterterror police and support attack victims.

The Ministry of Justice said it would increase the number of specialist psychologists and specially-trained imams who conduct deradicalisation work and risk assessments inside prison.

It also pledged to increase the number of places in probation hostels, so authorities can keep close tabs on terrorists immediately after their release.

An independent review of the multi-agency public protection arrangements system, which is used for serious offenders like Khan to link police, probation, councils and the security services, is to be launched.

But a proposed law to legally require venues to have minimum security standards was absent from the package, despite assurances by successive security ministers.

Recommended How British prisons became a breeding ground for Islamist extremism

Figen Murray, the mother of Manchester bombing victim Martyn Hett who has been campaigning for a new law in his name, said on Tuesday that she felt let down.

Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said the overhaul was an admission of failure.

Major terrorist outrages have occurred all too frequently, including attacks by perpetrators who were known to the security services, she added.

The Liberal Democrats called the proposed legislation unnecessary and reactionary, pointing out that life sentences can already be used for those planning an attack.

The head of UK counterterror police, assistant commissioner Neil Basu, called for more resources to be put into the Prevent programme to turn the tide against terror plots.
Iran said it had asked the US and French authorities for equipment to download information from black boxes on a downed Ukrainian airliner, potentially angering countries which want the recorders analysed abroad.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, which lost 57 of the 176 people killed in the crash, said Iran did not have the ability to read the data and he demanded the cockpit and flight recorders should be sent to France. Kiev wants the recorders sent to Ukraine.

The US-built Boeing 737 flown by Ukraine International Airlines was shot down in error by Iranian forces on Jan. 8 during a period of tit-for-tat military strikes that included the killing by the United States of a senior Iranian general on Jan. 3.

Tehran, already embroiled in a long-running standoff with the United States over its nuclear programme, has given mixed signals about whether it would hand over the recorders.

An Iranian aviation official had said on Saturday the black boxes would be sent to Ukraine, only to backtrack in comments reported a day later, saying they would be analysed at home.

A further delay in sending them abroad is likely to increase international pressure on Iran, whose military has said it shot the plane down by mistake while on high alert in the tense hours after Iran fired missiles at US targets in Iraq.

"If the appropriate supplies and equipment are provided, the information can be taken out and reconstructed in a short period of time," Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said in its second preliminary report on the disaster released late on Monday.

A list of equipment Iran needs has been sent to French accident agency BEA and the US National Transportation Safety Board, the Iranian aviation body said.

"Until now, these countries have not given a positive response to sending the equipment to (Iran)," it said. It said two surface-to-air TOR-M1 missiles had been launched minutes after the Ukrainian plane took off from Tehran.

'Maximum Pressure'

Iran's aviation body says it does not have equipment needed to download information from the model of recorders on the three-year-old Boeing 737.

Trudeau said the data should be downloaded immediately.

"There need to be qualified experts doing that but it's also a question of technology and equipment and that is not available in Iran," he told a news conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

"There has been broad consensus in the international community that France would be the right place to send those boxes (and) we continue to pressure Iran to do just that."

Trudeau also said Tehran's refusal to acknowledge dual citizenship was posing a challenge when it came to helping support the families of the Canadian victims, many of whom had close ties to Iran.

Iran, which took several days to acknowledge its role in bringing down the plane and faced street protests at home as a result, fired its missiles at US targets in response to a US drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3.

Iran has for years faced US sanctions that limited its ability to purchase modern planes and buy products with US technology. Many passenger planes used in Iran are decades old.

Under Tehran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, Iran received sanctions relief in return for curbing its nuclear work. But Washington reimposed US sanctions after withdrawing from the pact in 2018, a move that led to the steady escalation of tension in recent months between the United States and Iran.

European governments say they want to save the deal but have also suggested it may be time for a broader pact, in line with Trump's call for a deal that would go beyond Iran's nuclear work and include its missile programme and activities in the region.

Iran says it will not negotiate with sanctions in place.

Since the plane disaster, Iran's judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi has said compensation should be paid to families of the victims, many of whom were Iranians or dual nationals.

Canada, Ukraine, Britain, Afghanistan and Sweden, which all lost citizens, have demanded Iran make the payouts

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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Petland is honored to once again be ranked among top-ranked franchises in the United States.

Petland moved up 50 positions this year, ranking 118 overall in the Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual Franchise 500. According to World Franchising Network, there are more than 4,500 active franchisors in North America.

Franchisees Doug and Janet Pasternak opened their second Petland location in the Boardwalk/North Kansas City area.

"For more than four decades, we've been studying the franchise industry and honing our proprietary formula in order to bring you the world's first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. And with each year, the ranking becomes increasingly competitive, as more and more companies see the value of expansion through franchising and throw their hats into the ring. Our list shows just how varied the franchise world has become," said Entrepreneur Magazine regarding the listings.

Each year Petland submits their franchise information, franchise disclosure document, and answers a questionnaire to Entrepreneur Magazine. The Entrepreneur Magazine ranks each franchise using The Five Pillars of the Franchise 500. The Five Pillars include Costs and Fees, Size and Growth, Franchise Support, Brand Strength, and Financial Strength and Stability.

Petland currently has 235 locations, 150 of which are international. Stores are located in Canada, Brazil, China, El Salvador, Mexico, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Of the domestic locations, 68 are franchises and 17 are company-operated.

"Petland is honored to be recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a top franchise," said Petland, Inc. President and CEO Joe Watson. "To be recognized year after year as a top franchise in America is evidence of the relevance of the Petland business model and strong brand support by our customers."

Petland, Inc.'s Vice President of Business Development Steve Huggins stated, "Our jump in the Franchise 500 rankings this year is a huge testament to our amazing group of franchisees and the success of our company store division. We look forward to the future growth of the Petland brand and meeting the needs of our customers and their pets for many years to come."

In conducting its annual rating of franchises in the world, Entrepreneur considers numerous factors including financial strength, stability, growth rate and size of the franchise system. An independent CPA firm audits financial data. Every company with verifiable data receives a cumulative score. The franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500.

Petland, Inc. is a franchise operation with quality, full service retail pet centers across the United States, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, El Salvador and Saudi Arabia.

For more than 50 years, Petland Pet Counselors have been dedicated to matching the right pet with the right customer and meeting the needs of both. To its customers who already have pets, Petland is dedicated to enhancing their knowledge and enjoyment of the human-animal bond.

Petland was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in south central Ohio. For more information on Petland, visit www.petland.com .

Contact:

Elizabeth Kunzelman

Director of Public Affairs

740-775-2464

SOURCE Petland

Related Links

https://www.petland.com


Maple Gold commences drilling at the 531 Zone

Posted by Publisher Internet

Maple Gold Mines Ltd. ?Maple Gold? or the ?Company?  https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/maple-gold-reports-a-new-mineral-resource-estimate-at-douay/) (TSX-V: MGM, OTCQB: MGMLF; Frankfurt: M3G) is pleased to announce that the first drill rig has arrived at the Project and has begun testing priority high-grade targets at the 531 Zone (see figure 1). Last year Maple Gold created a new 3D model that guided the decision to drill at the 531 Zone, where no drilling had been completed since 2007. The lone drill hol e at the 531 Zone during the 2019 winter campaign (DO-19-262) cut two zones of mineralisation (51m @ 2.81 g/t Au, including 16m @ 4.58 g/t Au and 9m @ 4.92 g/t Au; and 28m @ 2.55 g/t, including 9m @ 4.71 g/t Au ? see press release June 5, 2019).

During the second half of the year the Company completed selective re-logging of drill cores from adjacent historical drill holes within the 531 Zone, including D-92-39, which included intercepts of 30m @ 3.3 g/t Au and 10m @ 5 g/t Au. The Company interprets these intercepts as being correlative with ??higher grade mineralisation in DO-19-262, which is both structurally and lithologically controlled. The 2020 drilling will aim to extend mineralisation to the south, southeast and at depth (see press release October 9, 2019). Total winter 2020 drilling at the 531 Zone is anticipated to include between 1,000 ? 2,000 metres depending on initial observations and results (see figure 2 below).

Maple Gold?s President and CEO, Matthew Hornor, commented: ?We are excited to have drilling now underway at the 531 Zone with plans to ramp up the program shortly. Our team has completed a very significant amount of technical work over the past 18 months to establish new models, a new resource estimate and optimise our targeting efforts at Douay. We are also encouraged that 2019 delivered the biggest year on record for M&A in the Canadian gold sector and firmly believe we are positioned for a strong year.?

The Company plans to mobilize one or two additional drill rigs during Q1 to begin testing priority targets within the Porphyry, Nika, and Main Zones. One of the primary objectives for this second phase of drilling will be to define additional near-surface mineralisation at higher than deposit-average grades to support initial scoping study work to commence later this year. Total drilling for the remaining targets within the known deposit area during the winter 2020 campaign is expected to include approximately 6,000-7,000 additional metres (more details will be released in the coming weeks).

In addition to the planned step-out and gap area drilling within the known resource area, the Company is also planning to allocate a portion of its 2020 exploration budgets toward making new gold discoveries elsewhere on the property. The Company will provide more details shortly on geophysical surveying ??work that is now underway about 6km NE of the Douay deposit?s 531 Zone.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration, of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this news release through his direct participation in the work. Click the following link to review the Company?s QA-QC standards and protocols: http://maplegoldmines.com/index.php/en/projects/qa-qc-qp-statement.

About Maple Gold

Maple Gold is an advanced gold exploration and development company focused on defining a district-scale gold project in one of the world?s premier mining jurisdictions. The Company?s ~355 km? Douay Gold Project is located along the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone (55 km of strike) within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt in northern Quebec, Canada. The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure and has an established gold resource that remains open in multiple directions. For more information please visit www.maplegoldmines.com.

ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD.

?Matthew Hornor?

1. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO

For Further Information Please Contact:?

Mr. Joness Lang

VP, Corporate Development

Cell: 778.686.6836

Email: jlang@maplegoldmines.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Statements:

This news release contains ?forward-looking information\ and ?forward-looking statements? (collectively referred to as ?forward-looking statements?) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about the prospective? mineral potential of the Porphyry Zone, the potential for significant mineralisation from other drilling in the referenced drill program and the completion of the drill program. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management?s best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company?s expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding timing and completion of the private placement. When used herein, words such as ?anticipate?, ?will?, ?intend? and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain estimates, expectations, analysis and opinions that management believed reasonable at the time they were made or in certain cases, on third party expert opinions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual events, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future events, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.?s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company?s website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
As a raging inferno surrounded the grounds of Mogo Wildlife Park on New Year's Eve, the zoo's director Chad Staples feared it was getting on top of the 15 zookeepers who'd committed to stay and fight to protect the hundreds of animals housed at the site. He made two triple zero calls asking for help. None came.

In the aftermath of the horrific fire day that turned much of the historic gold rush town of Mogo to charcoal, the story of the zoo's survival has been hailed a rare good news story. But if you ask Mr Staples, that good news is entirely thanks to the zoo's own careful planning and the courage of its staff rather than assistance rendered from state authorities.

Mogo Wildlife Park came under severe threat from fire on New Year's Eve and the days that followed. Credit:Chad Staples

"We didn't have a single fire truck here the entire day," Mr Staples said. Instead, they faced what he's described as "Armageddon" with "an amazing group of people who did what they needed to do".

The fire had "completely surrounded us, coming from every front depending which way the wind blew and we were putting out spot fires all day", he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday emphatically said the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) will not be withdrawn and those protesting can continue to do so even as he challenged opposition leaders for a public debate on the contentious law.

Accusing the opposition of "misleading" people on the amended citizenship law, Shah threw the challenge for the debate to Rahul Gandhi(Congress), Mamata Banerjee(Trinamool Congress), Akhilesh Yadav(Samajwadi Party) and Mayawati(Bahujan Samaj Party).

Addressing a rally in Lucknow in support of the CAA, Shah also declared that the construction of a Ram temple touching the skies in Ayodhya will begin within three months.

At the same meeting, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that the Congress is shelling out money for arson and protests over the CAA.

Shah accused the Congress of not implementing the suggestions that came from its own leaders in the past on granting citizenship to minority Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) and Afghanistan after Partition.

He also hit out at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, saying she is now opposing Indian citizenship for Dalit Bengalis.

Shah said there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone's citizenship away. A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP, and Trinamool Congress.

The CAA is a law to grant citizenship, he added.

I want to say that irrespective of the protests it will not be withdrawn," he said, adding, "Whoever has to oppose can oppose the Act, it is not going to be revoked."



Stating that a myth is being spread in the country about the CAA, Shah alleged that riots and arson are being induced and that the SP, BSP, Congress and the TMC are fomenting the protests.

"If any clause of the CAA takes away the citizenship of anyone, including Muslims, they can tell me. The agitations and sit-ins, which are being organised in the country against it, are wrong," he said.

"The Congress has become blind due to vote bank politics," he said, and also blamed the party for Partition.

Reacting to the assertions by Shah, Akhilesh Yadav said they reflected intolerance as the BJP "wants to crush people with the road roller of its majority".

Lashing out at the BJP, the former chief minister alleged that the saffron party is making "intolerance" as its identity.

"Playing with basic principles of the democracy, the BJP is going ahead with making intolerance its identity. Shah's statement that he would implement the CAA at any cost shows that the government wants to crush people with the road roller of its majority," Yadav said in a statement



The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Congress accused Shah of "speaking the language of a dictator".

"Virtually soaked in pride of being in power, the country's home minister is speaking the language of a dictator...." UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu said in a statement.

Shah asked opposition parties where they were when crores of people were killed in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh on the basis of religion.

He said five lakh Pandits were displaced from Kashmir, but these parties did not utter a word.

Now, because of PM Modi, a new chapter has begun in the lives of these people," he said.

Shah referred to the recent Supreme Court verdict that allows the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed Ayodhya site. The crowd cheered when he said the construction will begin in three months.

Accusing the opposition of speaking the language of Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, the BJP leader said, "I don't know what relation they have with Khan."



Shah claimed that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Indira Gandhi advocated citizenship to Hindus from Pakistan but their Congress party never implemented the suggestion.

On Mamata Banerjee, he charged, "She was demanding citizenship for Dalit Bengalis. Now when the citizenship is being given to them, she has problems."



Shah claimed that during the Rajasthan assembly elections, the Congress had advocated citizenship to Hindus from Pakistan.

The CAA allows easier citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Jains who entered India from three neighbouring countries before 2015 after facing religious persecution. Muslim migrants don't figure on this list.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-21 02:17:37

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 20, 2020 / Lucky Minerals Inc. ("Lucky" or the "Company") announces that it is proceeding with a non-brokered private placement of units (the "Offering") for proceeds of up to $500,000.Lucky CEO, Adrian Rothwell, stated "This is the next step to launch Lucky as an active company with a focused team and to advance our Fortuna gold and copper project." Pursuant to the placement of units, Lucky is offering a maximum of 25,000,000 units at a price of $0.02 per unit, for a maximum of $500,000. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.05 per common share for a period of 24 months after the closing.The Offering is open to all existing shareholders of Lucky in accordance with "Regulation 45-513 Respecting Prospectus Exemption for Distribution to Existing Security Holders" and other various corresponding blanket orders and rules of other Canadian jurisdictions that have adopted a similar exemption (collectively the "Holders' Exemption"), and also to accredited investors and family, friends and business associates.Existing shareholders of the Company interested in participating in the Offering will receive preference over new subscribers. They should contact Lucky using the contact information set out below as soon as possible as the Offering shall be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis until the Offering is fully subscribed. The Offering is not subject to any minimum subscription. The Company may close the Offering in several tranches, the first of which it intends to close around January 31, 2020.The Company will use the proceeds of the Offering to advance the Company's Fortuna property in Ecuador and for purposes of working capital and preservation of existing operations.The Company has set January 17, 2020 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the purpose of determining existing shareholders of Lucky entitled to participate in the Offering pursuant to the Holders' Exemption. Any shareholder purchasing under the Holders' Exemption will have to represent in writing that he held common shares of the Company as of the Record Date and continues to hold them. Also, the aggregate acquisition cost to a subscriber under the Holders' Exemption cannot exceed $15,000, unless that subscriber has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the Offering and, if the subscriber is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, such advice is obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the subscriber's jurisdiction.The Transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.All of the Common Shares and Warrants of the Company issuable in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period. The Company may pay finders' fees of cash and/or securities on a portion of the Private Placement.About LuckyAn exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in proven districts with the potential to host world class deposits. Lucky 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.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD"Adrian Rothwell"Chief Executive OfficerFurther 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.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any Lucky common shares in the United States.Cautionary Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking InformationThis 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-loo
Davos private jets

REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

The World Economic Forum made the idea of a sustainable world the key theme for this year's event Davos, Switzerland.

But the financial, political, and celebrity elites that travel to the event will largely continue to travel by private jet, which is hugely damaging to the environment.

The WEF says it offsets the carbon emitted from flights by funding emissions-reducing projects, but this practice does not stop the carbon entering the atmosphere.

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg will address the forum again, after she last year stunned global leaders by saying that many of them likely profit from sacrificing the environment.

The WEF says it has taken other steps, including electric cars, monitoring food waste, and using renewable electricity.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The World Economic Forum said on Monday, one day before the event kicks off in Davos, Switzerland, that: "The climate crisis is going to be one of the dominant themes this week."

Its website prominently features Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, who is due to appear this year after criticising world leaders and urged them to act at last year's event.

"How to Save the Planet" is one of the seven "key" themes up for discussion.

And the overall theme of this year's event is "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World."

But as the world's financial elite, political leaders, and celebrities descend on the small town, the question is whether their transport choices can at all work with what the event  and many of those leaders  say they want to achieve for the planet.

Davos planes

Marina Lystseva\TASS via Getty Images

The World Economic Forum recorded more than 600 plane journeys that can be attributed to Davos in 2019  a figure that does not "take into account public figures such as presidents and prime ministers."

Story continues

"There were around 60 of these but they tend to use military planes and land at a nearby military base, which makes it impossible to get flight numbers," Davos said.

Aviation is expected to contribute to 22% of the world's carbon emissions by 2050 .

World leaders, business leaders, and world-famous personalities are largely unlikely to copy Thunberg and take the train, as she did last year.

Greta Thunberg Davos

AGNES PEDRERO,ELOI ROUYER/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images

That lack of willingness to make changes was condemned by Thunberg at last year's event, when she stunned the world's most powerful people at a lunch by pointing at their power to help fix the crisis.

"Some people say that the climate crisis is something that we will have created, but that is not true, because if everyone is guilty then no one is to blame. And someone is to blame," she said.

"Some people, some companies, some decision-makers in particular, have known exactly what priceless values they have been sacrificing to continue making unimaginable amounts of money. And I think many of you here today belong to that group of people."

The World Economic Forum says its offsetting the carbon from flights, and taking other environmental steps

The WEF said it is "constantly looking to reduce our carbon footprint."

Doing so involves "offering incentives to participants who come by train" and "includes offsetting all air travel by purchasing carbon credits" for both private and commercial flights, funding emissions-reducing projects.

CNN reported that the cars that will bring VIPs around the town are now 88% electric or hybrid, and that the event is monitoring food waste, eliminating single-use plastics, and refurbished its main conference center to use renewable energy.

And the WEF says it uses "locally-sourced food suppliers, introducing alternative sources of protein to reduce meat consumption, sourcing 100% renewable electricity, and reducing or eliminating the use of materials that cannot easily be recycled or re-used, such as carpets and introducing more electric vehicles."

The Davos Congress Centre, center, is prepared for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. The 50th annual meeting of the forum will take place in Davos from Jan. 20 until Jan. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Associated Press

And Davos disputed reports that 1,500 jets flew to the conference in 2019, and said that figure recorded some jets twice, masking an actual a 20% reduction in the number of jets between 2018 and 2019.

But Lucy Gilliam, a shipping specialist at European clean transport nonprofit Transport & Environment, criticized the idea of carbon offsetting to CNN.

"You're not actually removing the emissions that have been created by that plane," she said. "The plane will have burned that fuel, and the carbon has been released into the atmosphere."

Fridays for Future

Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Thunberg marched in Switzerland with 10,000 protesters on Friday before her journey to Davos, warning: "You have not seen anything yet."

This year's meeting  which takes place against the backdrop of devastating fires in Australia, US President Donald Trump formally announcing he is withdrawing his country from the Paris Climate Agreement, and increasingly dire warnings about the future of our planet  will be her latest effort to convince world leaders.

"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 on Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland January 25, 2018 REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Thomson Reuters

"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."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, the upcoming Mohanlal starring historical drama is unarguably the most anticipated upcoming projects of Malayalam cinema right now. The film, which is directed by the master craftsman Priyadarshan, was supposed to be released on March 19, 2020. However, the release of Mohanlal's Marakkar has been postponed now.

As per the latest reports, the makers have decided to not release Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham on March 19, due to some technical reasons. Instead, the magnum opus will hit the theatres exactly after a week, on March 26, Thursday. Mohanlal, the leading man of the project revealed the new release date along with a brand new poster of the Priyadarshan directorial through his official social media pages, recently.

The new poster of Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham hints that the Mohanlal-Priyadarshan project will be a complete treat for the audiences who love action-based historical films. The sources close to the project hints that the movie will be a never-seen-before visual experience for the Malayali audiences.

Earlier, it was rumoured that Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham will emerge as the first-ever Malayalam film to get an IMAX release. However, sources close to the project refuted the reports later, suggesting that the Mohanlal starrer will not release in the IMAX format. However, the Priyadarshan directorial is gearing up for a massive release worldwide in various languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Chinese.

Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham features Mohanlal as the titular character, Kunjali Marakkar IV aka Mohammed. The big-budget venture features an extensive star cast, including Suniel Shetty, Arjun Sarja, Prabhudeva, Manju Warrier, Suhasini Maniratnam, Pranav Mohanlal, Keerthy Suresh, Kalyani Priyadarshan, and others.

Tirru, the senior cinematographer is the DOP of the Mohanlal-Priyadarshan movie. Sabu Cyril, the National Award-winning art director is the production designer.

Renowned stunt director Peter Hein has been roped in to handle the action choreography. Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham is produced by Antony Perumbavoor for Aashirvad Cinemas.

Also Read:

Mohanlal's Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham: Keerthy Suresh's Character Poster Is Out!

Mohanlal's Marakkar Arabikadalinte Simham: Meet The Cast & Crew Members!
The frenetic opposition to Donald Trump by the Washington establishment, the new progressive, hard-left Democratic party, and in particular the veterans of the Obama administration has led to the ruination of a number of hallowed protocols and customs.

Impeachment has been redefined as a mere vote of no confidence and will become a rank political ploy for years to come once an opposition party gains a majority in the House. It is taking on the flavor of a preemptory device, a vaccination, rather than a medicine, as if to prevent future hypothetical crimes in the absence of current impeachable offenses.

Whistleblowers are now mere political operatives, who work with the opposition party to disseminate second- and third-hand rumor to prompt impeachment frenzies.

The FISA court has been disgraced. It was revealed to be either incompetent or actively partisan in its failure to question the Steele dossiers legitimacy, in ignoring the warnings of Devin Nuness memo, and in the courts selection of hard-core anti-Trump partisan David Kris to monitor FBI compliance with the recommendations of the Horowitz report. At this point, the existing FISA courts should probably be dismissed and the laws authorizing their creation rewritten.

In addition, the anti-Trump mob has now ended any idea that prior administrations should step aside, mostly stay quiet, and allow successors to fail or succeed on their merits.

During the Reagan years, a frustrated emeritus president Jimmy Carter more or less kept still. True, a sometimes-exasperating Carter chose to travel abroad and dabble publicly in foreign policy. But for the most part, he did not offer play-by-play, negative criticism of Ronald Reagan or his successors.

Reagans team kept a low profile during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, as is usually the case when a president is succeeded by his own vice president or a member of his own party.

In turn, a reticent elder Bush was especially magnanimous during the Clinton years  despite occasional nastiness directed at him from Clintonites.

Story continues

Clinton himself was not vocal during George W. Bushs first term, especially in the aftermath of 9/11. When Bushs polls tanked and the Iraq War was at its most unpopular moment in 2006 and 2007, Clinton opportunistically began to attack Bush. Nonetheless, he was not an active Bush hater.

Bush himself was idealistically silent during the Obama years, despite the Obama administrations turns to the hard left on immigration, health care, the Iran Deal, and foreign policy  and Obamas constant negative references to Bush himself.

All those Marquess of Queensberry Rules of post-presidential decorum abruptly ended in 2017. What superseded them was, at best, a kind of British-style, European shadow government, in which mostly ex-Obama officials became nonstop activist critics of almost everything Trump has done.

At worst, the endless opposition turned into a slow-motion sort of coup in which progressive, life-tenured bureaucrats leaked, obstructed, and connived to stop the daily operations of the administration  as they often proudly admitted to the media. The subtext was that the Obama-progressive-media complex would create enough momentum to abort Trumps first term. Or was it that Trump represented such an existential danger to the administrative-state way of doing business that any means necessary were justified to end his presidency?

The locus classicus was Ben Rhodes, the former deputy national-security adviser, and Jack Sullivan, who had been Obamas White House deputy assistant. Together, they formed the National Security Action organization in early 2018. The two promised that they would offer an effective, strategic, relentless, and national response to this administrations dangerous approach to national security. Translated, that meant that Rhodes and Sullivan would aggregate former Obama officials and progressive analysts to launch nonstop attacks on all of Trumps foreign-policy efforts. And they have.

More ironic was Hillary Clintons announcement in May 2017 that she had officially joined the Resistance by forming Onward Together to stand up to Trump.

Resistance was not meant to denote principled and traditional opposition to the incumbent party. Instead, the noun was intended to invoke the guerrilla-warfare campaigns of the French Maquis who fought as rural bands against the Nazi occupation of France. The metaphor was clear: Trump administration = a fascist foreign military occupation; Trump = Hitler; Democrats = courageous anti-Nazi guerrillas.

Since her defeat in November 2016, Clinton has become a tedious bore in her frequent insistence that the Russians stole the election in cahoots with Donald Trump, despite the fact that neither the Mueller nor Horowitz investigations found any evidence for her conspiracies. The culpable incompetence of her campaign is a matter of record.

The irony, of course, is that Clinton herself hired foreign national Christopher Steele to find (or create) dirt on opponent Trump, hid her payments through three firewalls, and unleashed Steele to coax and cajole mostly lying Russian sources to slander her opponent. Those facts prompt the question: Did Russian collusion begin as an elaborate hoax to disguise the wrongdoing of the Obama administration, the FBI, the CIA, the DOJ, and the Clinton campaign in the face of the unexpected Trump victory?

Former Obama officials were sometimes even more active in their ongoing efforts to derail Trumps foreign policy. Former CIA head John Brennan kept his security clearance, went to work for MSNBC, and, with a wink-and-nod smugness, relentlessly told his viewers that he knew really important but undisclosed things about Trumps supposed crimes. Brennan reached a nadir when he began to exonerate his own behavior that was increasingly revealed to be central to a number of ongoing scandals, and when he predicted, based on his sources, that Muellers team would indict Trump and company for collusion  a prediction that proved spectacularly wrong.

James Clapper, Obamas director of National Intelligence, xeroxed Brennans career on CNN to the tee: He too began analyzing scandals in which he himself had been knee-deep while accusing the president of being a virtual traitor in service to Vladimir Putin. Previously the emeritus heads of these agencies had not been considered overtly political. It was almost unheard-of for former CIA and NSA officials to wade into politics and issue on-air attacks on the current president.

The FBI soon followed suit. Little more need now be said of former and now disgraced FBI director James Comey, who still has a rendezvous with an accounting for his past behavior. He was the most political and least successful director in FBI history. He soon found himself, in passive-aggressive fashion, trying to run investigations of the Trump campaign, transition, and presidency that included everything from lying to the president, leaking confidential meetings of White House meetings to the press, and deluding a FISA court into granting writs to surveil an American citizen. The past three years of Comeys life have been devoted to destroying Donald Trump as a way of dealing with his own self-ruination.

Obama himself, in contrast to George W. Bush, did not retire to his home. Instead, he stayed on in his principle residence in Washington  in a fashion that no ex-president had done since Woodrow Wilson. Obamas chief lieutenants have unleashed nonstop invective against their successors, whether its Eric Holder attacking Attorney General Bill Barr, or Susan Rice going after the Trump national-security team.

The most egregious shadow official has been former secretary of state John Kerry. During the controversies over Trumps cancellation of the Iran Deal, private citizen Kerry met with his former counterpart, the foreign minister of Iran, Javad Zarif, and he lobbied EU officials to oppose the cancellation and tried to line up congressional opposition to Trump. After the recent killing of Qasem Soleimani, Kerry hit the airwaves blasting U.S. policy; at times he bordered on offering lamentations for the loss of the terrorist Soleimani. Kerry often seemed bewildered that anyone would dare ask him whether his sponsorship of huge cash transfers to Iran, well aside from the windfalls that followed from lifting the sanctions, had fed Iranian-directed terrorist operations in Syria and Yemen.

The direct participation of former Obama officials of course is in addition to the so-called deep-state opposition, which has manifested itself in a variety of disturbing ways: leaking Trump private phone calls with foreign officials; seeding the Steele dossier among government agencies and cabinets; leaking confidential presidential memos to the press; bragging publicly about resistance efforts to impede the implementation of the Trump policy; warping the whistleblower statutes; and redefining impeachment as a partisan no-confidence vote, a preemptory check on future presidential behavior, and an election-year effort to unseat a first-term opposition president.

The parlance of the embittered Obama team is revealing. Eric Holder accused Attorney General Barr of being unfit for office. Clapper said Trump was a Russian asset, Brennan trumped that with all roads with Trump lead to Putin. Susan Rice said that America was under attack by the Trump team.

What is behind this radical departure from past practice? One factor is that Trump is a most un-McCain, un-Romney Republican who believes in dont-tread-on-me, disproportionate retaliation. The result is that Trump answers with megatonnage to any insult to his person in a manner that the establishment believes does not befit a president  but which certainly frightens and enrages it. And one of the symptoms of the ensuing derangement syndrome is a 24/7 addiction to opposing Trump in any way possible, often to the ruination of all past custom, tradition, and practice, with the subtextual justification that Trump did it first.

Fear also explains a lot.

For all the various protestations from John Kerry, Joe Biden, and Barry Obama that the Obama administration was scandal-free, it most certainly was not. By the current standards of impeachment, once Obama lost the House in 2011, he would have been impeached for Obstruction of Congress and Abuse of Power for the Fast and Furious scandal and for invoking executive privilege to justify administration officials refusal to testify to Congress. Also impeachable by the new standard: political corruption at the IRS that was sicced on conservative groups during the Obama reelection bid; the lies and obstruction about the Benghazi disaster; the hot-mic quid pro quo promise Obama made to the Russians that resulted in the dismantlement of Eastern Europe missile defense in exchange for Putins good behavior to the benefit of Obamas reelection campaign; the abuse of executive orders to nullify federal immigration law; the failure to consult Congress on the prisoner swap with the Taliban; the lying under oath to Congress by both the CIA director and the director of national intelligence; the secret monitoring of the communications of Associated Press reporters and Foxs James Rosen, along with former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson; the deliberate nullification of the constitutional treaty-making prerogative of the Senate during the Iran deal, whose secrete accords were never disclosed to the American people; and the warping of the CIA, DOJ, FBI, and National Security Council respectively, in their unethical and often illegal efforts to mislead the FISA courts, surveil the Trump campaign, unmask and leak the names of U.S. citizens whose communications were tapped, and disrupt a presidential transition. Before 2019, none of these offenses would have been impeachable; all now, and things like them, will be in the future.

One way of keeping all that quiet was for Obama-era officials to preemptively go on the offense, screaming of collusion, and then obstruction, and finally quid pro quo  all while supposedly impeachable statutes, people, and countries came and went, whether Russia, Ukraine, Stormy, the 25th Amendment, the Logan Act and the emoluments clause, and dozens more distractions from the Obama administrations systematic constitutional violations and the trampling of the civil rights of American citizens.

The most baleful legacy of the current Trump hatred is a new model of out-of-power administrations that never quite leave. Instead, apparently from now on, the retired, the fired, the voted out, the emeriti, and the transitioned will become opposition activists who seek to destroy their successors whose record they cannot abide and whose agendas they deathly fear.

More from National Review
Come summer, and Chandigarh will have direct air connectivity to important domestic destinations such as Goa, Patna, Surat and Chennai, taking care of both leisure trips and official business of residents.

The summer flight schedule, which will be enforced at Chandigarh International Airport on March 29, has another good news for travellers  the number of flights are proposed to be doubled from 32 to 65.

However, putting a dampener on this welcome development, the schedule makes no provision for new international flights even as 24x7 operations became a reality at the airport in April last year. Only the two existing flights to the UAE  Sharjah and Dubai  have been listed.

Meanwhile, IndiGo is all set to resume its Dubai flight from February 15. The flight was suspended from December 14 onwards, citing cancellations and delays due to poor visibility.

IndiGo to operate 28 flights

IndiGo is likely to operate 28 of the 65 proposed flights. These include flights to Goa, Chennai, Surat and Patna. The one to Goa will take off past midnight. Even GoAir will operate a flight from Goa to Chandigarh.

Vaneet Sharma, director of a travel agency in Sector 17, said the new destinations will boost pan-India connectivity and also help in boarding international flights from Delhi. For going to Goa, people first have to go to Delhi, but now it will be easier for them to reach the tourist destination. Moreover, the flight timings are very flexible.

Sanjeev Vashisht, member of the airport advisory committee, who is also former president of the Mohali Industry Association, said the new destinations, especially Goa and Patna, will boost the tourism sector. We are hopeful that international flights will start from October this year after installation of the advanced instrument landing system CAT-3, he said.

Welcoming the direct flight to Patna, Jatinder Pal Singh, senior vice-president, gurdwara coordination committee, Mohali, said: It was a long-pending demand of residents of our region, as Patna Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. Devotees have to travel by train, which takes a long time. Now, they will be able to take a direct flight.

New domestic destinations

Flight to and from Goa, Surat and Chennai will begin on March 29.

IndiGo flight 6E-6137 will arrive at Chandigarh from Goa at 6:40am and will depart for Ahmedabad from Chandigarh at 8:10am.

GoAir flight G8-814 will arrive at Chandigarh from Goa at 9:45am and will depart for Surat (G8-815) at 10:15am.

IndiGo flight 6E-6147 will arrive at Chandigarh from Bengaluru at 11pm and the same flight (6E-6144) will depart to Goa after midnight at 12:40am.

IndiGo will also provide direct connectivity between Chandigarh and Chennai. Flight 6E-8052/8053 will arrive at Chandigarh at 1:30pm and depart for Chennai at 2pm.

IndiGo is also going to operate two flights between Chandigarh and Patna from March 30.

The first flight (6E-6141) will arrive from Ahmedabad at 11:35am and then depart for Patna (6E-6148) at 12:05pm.

The second flight (6E-6926) will arrive from Patna at 6:35pm and will resume its return journey at 7:05pm.

All these flights will operate six days a week, from Monday to Saturday.

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The daughters of renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana are among the 160 women booked by the police for allegedly defying prohibitory orders and taking part in the protests against CAA and NRC here, officials said on Tuesday.

The protests at the historical Clock Tower in the old Lucknow area against Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC) started on Friday and have continued with hundreds of women braving the chilly conditions to take part in it.

The district administration, which imposed prohibitory orders, has booked 160 women, including two daughters of Rana, for defying the orders on Monday night.

"Prohibitory orders are in force. Yet women have been staging protests. This amounts to defying the orders and three cases have been lodged at the Thakurganj police station in this connection," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), Vikas Chand Tripathi said.

Fauzia and Sumaiya, daughters of Rana, have been named in one of the FIRs, he said.

Besides the Clock Tower, where protests have been going on for the past five days on the lines of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, another protest by women was staged in Ujariaon area of Gomti Nagar on Monday evening against the CAA and the NRC.

Over a dozen women staged sit-in near a 'dargah', holding placards showing anti-CAA, NRC slogans. When asked to vacate the area, they resorted to sloganeering against the citizenship law, police said.

A police team which rushed to the spot urged the women to go home citing prohibitory orders but they did not relent, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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WILLIAMSBURG  The Brewmasters Tavern in Williamsburg went out of business Monday, according to its landlords who continue to run the brewer business  Brewmasters Brewing Services LLC  out of the same building .

Its a location on Main Street, where there has been a tavern or restaurant for 208 years according to an online history.

Tavern owner John J. Lucey of Easthampton, didn't return calls for comment left at his Easthampton home.

"I talked to Jack today," said landlord and Brewmasters Brewing Services partner Dennis Bates. "He just didn't make it. He just couldn't absorb one more bad weekend."

Word got out Monday as bands booked into the tavern went on their social media accounts announcing that the dates were cancelled.

Bates said he was in contact with Lucey's restaurant employees and was working to help them find jobs elsewhere.

Bates and partner Michael G. Charpantier bought the building from Antonios and Efthimios Rizo in May of 2019 for $1.2 million, according to deed documents on file with the Hampshire Registry of Deeds.

Charpentier and Bates' business is contract brewing, making beer under contract for local brands including White Lion Brewing based in Springfield.

"We are going to continue doing what we are doing," Bates said.

They will seek to get a new restaurant operator or could operate it themselves. But no decision has been made

"We are going to wait for the dust to settle," Bates said.

There's been a restaurant or tavern on the site since Gross Williams opened there 1812, according to the restaurant website. The building was rebuilt following an 1873 fire.

Brewmasters Tavern showed off its architectural heritage through Federal era decor and historic photos and prints.

For many years it was the Opa Opa brewery next door. The Rizos family opened Opa Opa in 2001.
File image

A Right To Information (RTI) query filed by a Mumbai-based activist has revealed that the Bharatiya Janata Party ruled Union Government has no information on the Tukde Tukde Gang.

Responding to activist Saket Gokhles query, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the Centre has no information on the Tukde Tukde Gang.

Tukde Tukde Gang is a derogatory term coined to address those who raise slogans against the government. It was first used to hit out at the students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in February 2016 over allegations that some of them raised anti-India slogans. Now, it is common rhetoric invoked by members of the ruling party or its supporters to attack opponents.

The RTI application filed by Gokhle on December 26 reminded that Home Minister Amit Shah had told his audience at a public gathering in New Delhi that the Tukde Tukde Gang operating in the national capital needs to be taught a lesson and punished. In light of that statement, the RTI activist sought details on the gang.

The MHA responded saying: The Ministry of Home Affairs has no information concerning the Tukde Tukde Gang.

An India Today report mentions that the ministry officials later clarified stating that no intel on the said gang is present in any report submitted by intelligence and law enforcement bodies.

When some MHA officials declared the RTI to be flippant, Gokhle hit back saying if the Prime Minister and Home Minister have been referring to the gang so many times, then it is expected of the home ministry would have data on the gang members.
(Alliance News) - Base Resources Ltd said on Tuesday that drilling at the Toliara project in Madagascar has found further "significant" high-grade mineralisation.

Base, over both 2018 and 2019, completed 29,753 metres of drilling from 770 holes at the Ranobe deposit, with assay results so far suggesting "material" discoveries of heavy minerals, particular in the lower sand unit to the west of the current Ranobe ore reserve.

The mineral resource estimate for Ranobe stands at 1.3 billion tonnes of ore at 5.1% heavy minerals and 6.4% slimes, Base said. The Ranobe ore reserve estimate is 586 million tonnes at 6.5% heavy minerals and 3.9% slimes.

The deposit is a single, continuous body around 20 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres to 5.5 kilometres wide, and 3 to 100 metres thick.

Base said work in 2020 will include completing all of the assays for holes drilling, assessing all drilling results, and upgrading the mineral resource at Ranobe.

Shares in Base, which is headquartered in Perth in Western Australia, were untraded in London on Tuesday, last quoted at 13.00 pence each.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.


Boorara Drill Results Continue To Exceed Expectations

Perth, Jan 21, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Horizon Minerals Limited ( ASX:HRZ ) is pleased to announce further excellent reverse circulation ("RC") drilling results from the 100% owned Boorara gold project located 10km east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the heart of the Western Australian goldfields (Figure 1*).Commenting on the latest results from Boorara, Horizon Managing Director Mr Jon Price said:"The results from Regal and Crown Jewel continue to demonstrate the considerable potential at Boorara with high grades intercepted at mineable widths and the ore starting at surface. The drilling has intercepted both the main NNW striking zones and multiple flat cross cutting vein sets and has certainly exceeded our expectations. ""The focus is now on delivering a robust model, mine optimisation and economic evaluation to meet our objective of bringing Stage 1 of Boorara into production in 2020 and unlocking further value from the larger scale development being assessed as part of the Feasibility Study due out in December Quarter 2020. "During the December Quarter 2019, the Company completed 18,000m of infill Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling on 4m x 10m (south) and 5m x 10m (north) drill spacing to a maximum depth of 54m at the Royal (southern stockwork), Crown Jewel (central) and Regal (northern stockwork) deposits (Figures 1 and 2*).Project Summary and GeologyThe Boorara gold project is located on granted Mining Leases 1km southwest of the Nimbus site where established offices are connected to mains power and a production water supply from the Stoneville bore field.The deposit is hosted in a typical quartz dolerite comprising a sheeted quartz vein array system with bounding shear zones and late stage cross faults. Mineralisation occurs as:1. Northwest dipping sheeted and stockwork quartz-carbonate vein arrays within the quartz dolerite host rocks2. Steeply dipping zones along sheared geological contacts trending to the north-northwestA significant amount of RC and diamond drilling has been completed at Boorara over the last 10 years with the project hosting a current Mineral Resource Estimate totalling 16.45Mt grading 0.96g/t Au for 507,000oz at a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade.Gold mineralisation is associated with pyrite and arsenopyrite with alteration halos of iron carbonate, sericite and bleaching. The current resource covers a strike length of over 1.8km and widths of over 250m and remains open along strike to the south and north and at depth.A small scale trial pit to 20m depth was mined in the Royal area at Boorara in 2016, with ore up to 15m wide mined on 2.5m high flitches. A close spaced grade control program undertaken prior to mining yielded planned trial pit grades well above the global resource grade of 1g/t 1. Ore mined from the trial pit was processed at FMR Investments' Greenfields Mill in Coolgardie which reconciled at 30,239 tonnes at 1.73g/t of high grade ore, with an additional 13,095 tonnes at 0.68g/t of low grade still stockpiled at Boorara.Depth of weathering can vary from less than 10m in the northern area and over 60m in the southern area. The ore is free milling with gold recoveries > 90% with a high gravity recoverable component as demonstrated through extensive metallurgical test work and trial mining and ore processing.The aim of the current grade control program was to further test the grade uplift potential on a larger scale and enable a new geological model to be compiled for mine optimisation, design and economic analysis. In addition, the data will be used to update the global resource model as part of the Feasibility Study underway for the larger scale development to underpin a standalone processing facility at Boorara or collaboration with neighbouring companies.The results received from the Regal and Crown Jewel deposit (Figures 2 - 8*) demonstrate the higher gold grades resulting from this close spaced grade control drilling.Three parallel lodes were grade control drilled at Regal, with all lodes at a 060deg azimuth and -60deg dip on a 5m x 10m drill spacing. Near vertical quartz dolerite lodes with multiple quartz vein arrays were intercepted as well as multiple flat NW dipping quartz lodes.At Crown Jewel, vertical grade control holes (4mx10m drill spacing) intercepted the quartz dolerite lode from surface with multiple vein arrays.Next StepsAll results will now be used to compile an independent geological model for Boorara Stage 1 comprising all three deposits. The model will be generated by BM Geological Services Pty Ltd, a local geological consultancy who has significant experience in the region and with this style of mineralisation. On completion of the model, a mine optimisation and design will be undertaken across three starter pits to generate a mining inventory for mine scheduling and economic evaluation.Significant metallurgical test work has been completed and previous mining and milling data demonstrated expected gold recoveries of >91% with a high gravity recovery component.Discussions with mining, haulage and toll milling contractors are well advanced and all statutory approvals have been submitted to meet the Company's objective to be mining at Boorara in the June Quarter 2020 and toll milling in the September Quarter 2020.*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Horizon Minerals Limited

Horizon Minerals Limited (ASX:HRZ) is a gold exploration and mining company focussed on the Kalgoorlie and Menzies areas of Western Australia which are host to some of Australia's richest gold deposits. The Company is developing a mining pipeline of projects to generate cash and self-fund aggressive exploration, mine developments and further acquisitions. The Teal gold mine has been recently completed.

Horizon is aiming to significantly grow its JORC-Compliant Mineral Resources, complete definitive feasibility studies on core high grade open cut and underground projects and build a sustainable development pipeline.

Horizon has a number of joint ventures in place across multiple commodities and regions of Australia providing exposure to Vanadium, Copper, PGE's, Gold and Nickel/Cobalt. Our quality joint venture partners are earning in to our project areas by spending over $20 million over 5 years enabling focus on the gold business while maintaining upside leverage.
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Linkedin Julia Suryakusuma (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, January 22 2020

A few years ago in Aceh, a poster was put up by the Islamic Sharia Department in Banda Aceh of the communications and information agency office, stating:

A woman whose strand of hair is seen deliberately by a man who is not her husband will be punished by 70,000 years in hell. One day in the afterlife is equivalent to 1,000 years in this world. A woman who enters hell will draw in with her two of her menfolk: her father, her brothers, her husband or her son. This is how terrible the punishment is!

I received a photo of the poster through one of my WhatsApp groups and shared it with friends. One friend, Harry (not his real name), hilariously pointed out the absurdity of it all.

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Ivanka Trump made quite the sartorial statement upon arriving in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, showing off not one, but two stylish ensembles within a matter of hours.

The 38-year-old first daughter stepped out at the international on Tuesday morning alongside her father, President Donald Trump, and husband Jared Kushner, wearing a chic Oscar de la Renta coat dress that she first modeled in April 2018.

Then, just hours later, she was seen sporting a silky green Reformation dress while watching a meeting between her father and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A firm favorite: Ivanka Trump recycled a black Oscar de la Renta coat dress and funky $1,490 gold flower belt as she stepped out for her first event in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday

Helping hand: The 38-year-old first daughter joined her father, President Donald Trump, as he prepared to make a speech at the World Economic Forum

Quick change! Just a few hours later, she was seen sporting a silky green Reformation dress while listening to a meeting between her father and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan

Chic: After changing into the $298 Reformation number, Ivanka swapped out her gold hoop earrings for a pearl necklace and she also styled her hair in loose waves

For her first appearance of the day, the first daughter paired her ankle-length coat with a funky $1,490 belt that has a large gold flower buckle, and Ivanka added a pair of gold hoop earrings for an extra dose of bling.

And just as she did in 2018, Ivanka wore the long coat dress with some black boots.

In fact, the only main difference between the mother-of-three's look on Tuesday compared to her first appearance in the outfit was her choice of 'do; two years ago, Ivanka had long blonde locks that were styled in loose waves when she stepped out in her Oscar de la Renta ensemble.

However, in September 2019, she made the decision to change up her look, cutting off her lengthy tresses in favor of a sleek, chic bob. Although her hair has since grown back down to her shoulders, it remains significantly shorter than it was in April 2018.

Later in the day, after changing into her $298 Reformation number, Ivanka was seen modeling loose waves in her hair, and she also swapped out her chunky gold hoops for a more demure pearl necklace.

Ivanka glammed up her look for the evening events at the World Economic Forum - where she first attended a speech by her father, alongside her husband Jared Kushner, before watching his meeting with Khan, and then attending a dinner with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

On the job: Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, who are both senior advisors to the president, are expected to remain in the country for two days

If it ain't broke... The first daughter first wore the ensemble back in April 2018 when she was seen leaving her D.C. home in the all-black look

Right hand woman: Ivanka wrote on Instagram that her father planned to 'champion American industry and workers' while in Davos

Woman on a mission: She added that she hopes to 'call on the world's largest employers to sign our #PledgetoAmericasWorkers'

The married couple watched on as the President branded climate activists were out-of-touch 'alarmists' and the 'heirs of yesterday's fortune tellers' - while prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg sat in the audience.

'This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism,' he said in stark contrast to Thunberg and others, who used the conference to warn that the Australian wildfires and other disasters were only the beginning of the climate chaos that lie ahead.

To 'embrace the possibilities of tomorrow,' Trump said, 'we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse.'

'They are the heirs of yesterday's fortune tellers,' the President added. 'They predicted an over-population crisis in the 1960s, mass starvation in the 70s, and an end of oil in the 1990s.

'These alarmists always demand the same thing - absolute power to dominate, transform and control every aspect of our lives. We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country or eradicate our liberty.'

Although he touched on climate change however, the bulk of Trump's speech was touting the American economy under his leadership, a curtain-raiser as he works more seriously toward his re-election bid.

Dinner time! Ivanka later joined her father at dinner with FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Risque: The first daughter showed off some skin from behind thanks to a cutout in her dress

Stylish: The first daughter showed off matching green shoes later on in the evening

United: Ivanka and her husband walked arm-in-arm as they left the World Economic Forum on Tuesday evening

There they go! The couple followed President Trump out of the event while surrounded by Secret Service agents and staff members

Good dinner? Ivanka was grinning happily as she made her way out of the dinner

Tuesday's speech was also counter-programming with the Senate beginning its impeachment trial of Trump; House Democrats will start making their case as Trump meets with world leaders.

Ivanka and Jared are expected to remain in Switzerland with the President for two days - however the first daughter will not just be spending her time shadowing her father, and revealed on Instagram that she is working on a cause of her own while at the forum.

'Headed to Davos to call on the world's largest employers to sign our #PledgetoAmericasWorkers,' she wrote on her Instagram Stories ahead of her arrival in Europe.

She added that she wants employers to 'join us in unleashing the potential of our people and accelerating the historic wave of opportunity, wage growth, and job creation in the United States'.

Ivanka then posted a picture of her father's helicopter flying coming in to land in Davos, while writing: 'POTUS arriving in Davos where he will champion American industry and workers!'

The first daughter's arrival in Switzerland comes just days after her brother-in-law Joshua Kushner and sister-in-law Karlie Kloss left the country, having spent several days celebrating the wedding of Dasha Zhukova and billionaire shipping heir Stavros Niarchos.

Like ships in the night: Ivanka and Jared's trip to Switzerland comes just days after their in-laws Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss attended a wedding in the same country

Awkward? 27-year-old model Karlie revealed last week that she is a Democrat and that she plans to vote against Trump in the 2020 election

Style: Ivanka was seen leaving her Washington, D.C. home in another recycled Oscar de la Renta outfit on Wednesday

Throwback: The look appears to be a favorite of hers, as she wore the outfit to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires in November 2018 (left) and this past October (right)

It does not appear as though the two couples crossed paths during their time in the country - which may well have come as a relief to Karlie, who revealed for the first time that she is a Democrat, and that she plans to vote against Trump in the 2020 election.

The 27-year-old opened up about her allegiances during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, when host Andy Cohen pushed her on whether or not she agrees with her in-laws on politics.

'Andy, I'm sure I'm not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family on politics,' Karlie calmly stated. 'I voted as a Democrat in 2016, and I plan to do the same in 2020.'

The news certainly didn't seem to be weighing on Ivanka's mind though; the first daughter looked happy and calm as she joined her father in Davos - having remained under the radar for much of the last week since watching her father sign a trade deal with China at the White House on January 15.

Interestingly, Ivanka chose a recycled Oscar de la Renta ensemble for that public event as well, this time re-wearing a $2,490 peplum top and matching $1,190 skirt, both of which featured an interesting white grid pattern.

The highly-publicized signing marked the third time she has seen modeling the ladylike ensemble, which she first wore to the G20 summit in Buenos Aires in November 2018.

The White House senior adviser also donned the short-sleeve top and pencil skirt three months ago, when she was seen heading to work in October.
In the warmer and brighter shallow waters of Kane'ohe Bay, O'ahu, the Hawaiian rice coral (Montipora capitata) hosts more heat-tolerant symbiotic microalgae in their tissues compared to corals in deeper waters. This pattern was demonstrated in a recent study by scientists at the University of Hawai'i (UH) at Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), and they suggest that while this can help corals weather a heat wave, it may have a price--lower nutrition when the heat wave has passed and seawater temperatures cool down.

Kane'ohe Bay has experienced significant human impacts over the last century related to dredging, sewage pollution, and urbanization, in addition to regional bleaching events due to climate change. Despite this unique and troubled history, corals thrive in Kane'ohe Bay. In some corals, this enhanced ability to tolerate environmental stress can in part be attributed to the species of microalgae corals harbor within their tissues.

Research over the last two decades has shown that coral's symbiotic algae are quite distinct, each group having different abilities and capacities to tolerate stress, like elevated seawater temperatures that cause coral bleaching.

"We wanted to know more about how these symbionts affected corals and whether trade offs existed for corals harboring different symbiont species," said Chris Wall, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at SOEST's Pacific Biosciences Research Center.

Rice corals form partnerships with two distinct communities of symbiotic microalgae. Using genetic sequencing, the research team found that light availability is shaping the distribution of these symbiont communities in corals sampled from Kane'ohe Bay, with the heat-tolerant symbionts being more common in shallow depths. Interestingly, although the heat-tolerant microalgae were present in much greater abundance inside the coral's tissues relative to other symbiont species, they were providing less energy to their shallow coral hosts.

Reef corals rely on two sources of energy: from their symbiotic microalgae that live harmoniously within the coral, and food in the surrounding water, such as microscopic shrimp-like animals.

"What was surprising was that corals did not compensate for less food from their symbionts by eating more food in the water column," said Wall. "This was a very cool finding, because we confirmed for the first time that the symbiont species living in corals were affecting nutrition in the field."

Together, the dark water and greater frequency of disturbances may have allowed stress-tolerant coral symbionts, thought to be more opportunistic and 'selfish', to proliferate within the local coral population. This study shows that while stress tolerance may be favorable during challenging periods, these symbionts provide less food to their corals, which may not be as beneficial to the corals in the long term.

"Climate change and ocean warming are changing the costs and benefits of these interactions between corals and their symbiont algae," said Wall. "As we consider techniques for assisting corals in their ability to tolerate environmental stress, our work highlights the need to consider how symbiont communities influence corals beyond stress tolerance. Our findings are also important for people in Kane'ohe Bay, considering the corals with these stress-tolerant algae are found at higher abundance in the shallows. Any damage from anchors and boat-strikes could seriously harm these coral populations."

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Bord Bia has refused to detail the level of payments and supports it receives from meat processors.

Farmers pay close to 6 million in levies to help fund the state's food and drink marketing body. However, it is unclear how much monetary support is provided by the meat industry.

When asked to provide a breakdown of industry payments for the years from 2016 to 2019, Bord Bia stated that "no single record" could provide "the extensive quantity of information requested".

"Total income from all sources is reported, in aggregate, in the Bord Bia Annual Reports," the state agency added.

In addition, Bord Bia claimed that "the retrieval and examination of such a number of records" would "cause a substantial and unreasonable interference with or disruption of" Bord Bia's work.

Bord Bia also maintained that the information required could be "commercially sensitive", even though the Farming Independent stressed that an overall figure for the meat industry's contribution to the marketing body was being sought, not a company by company breakdown.

Both the ICSA and ICMSA have called for greater transparency in the manner in which Bord Bia is funded, while Fianna Fail agricultural spokesperson Charlie McConalogue said he supports the abolition of the levy being collected from farmers.

"There has to be recognition of the immense pressure that beef farmers have been under over the last number of years," Deputy McConalogue said.

"A lot of the time farmers have been losing money after all the hard work they put into producing beef yet they have still been expected to carry the burden of the levy and of financing Bord Bia.

"We believe the processors need to step up to the mark in relation to their contribution towards the marketing of our beef internationally.

"This is something we will seek to ensure happens if elected to government," he told the Farming Independent.

An ICMSA spokesperson said that given that the overall annual farmer levy figure is published, the same standard should be applied to payments from the meat processors in the interests of transparency.

ICSA beef chairman Edmund Graham said farmers are entitled to know how much meat processors are contributing to Bord Bia.

Marketing costs

"It is simply not good enough that there is not enough transparency in terms of the contribution of processors to Bord Bia and whether any monies received are payment for specific services," Mr Graham said.

"Clearly, the farmer contribution to Bord Bia is actually a donation and the farmer does not receive any direct service in return.

"There is a massive need for promotion of Irish meat and this indirectly benefits farmers but it is meat processors who are saving money on their own marketing costs because of Bord Bia campaigns.

"Farmers are contributing almost 6m a year but let's face it, the direct benefit of Bord Bia's activities accrue to processors.

"This sticks out at present where farm gate beef prices are still stuck at last year's prices despite a significant recovery in the market and the removal of surplus supplies. The efforts by Bord Bia in China have yielded zero to farmers so far."

The total funding costs of Bord Bia in 2018 were 73.8 million. Over 40m was provided in state funding, while 6m came from the farmer levy.

The remaining 28m is provided under a number of headings in the annual report, these include: the Quality Assurance Scheme special funding; food promotions special funding; and projects and other income.

Total meat exports from Ireland last year were worth close to 3.75 billion, with beef exports valued at 2.25 billion.

Farm leaders demand more transparency on how the agency is funded
David McCann may be leading Ireland into this years U20 Six Nations as defending champions but the Grand Slam winner refuses to accept his side will be burdened by their status.

The U20s side returns to Cork in nine days to begin the 2020 campaign against Scotland.

It will be a happy return for flanker McCann, the Ulster academy player who made his U20 debut off the bench at Musgrave Park in last seasons opening-round victory over England, a 35-27 thriller that set in motion an epic Grand Slam journey. Ireland may well be the nation with the target on their backs this time around but the 19-year-old skipper does not believe it is anything his team cant handle.

Definitely not, McCann said during a four-day training camp at the Fota Island Resort in Cork.

Thats come and gone. Its a fresh start with mostly new boys. I think everyone is just looking forward to getting into it. Defending it, yeah you have a bit of that in your mind, but nothing serious. Its just get in there and play our own game.

McCann is one of only seven second-year campaigners in the 37-man squad named by McNamara on Monday but though their experience is a valued commodity, the captain insists leadership is a shared responsibility.

I think just the way Noel drives everyone, he expects everyone to be up there. He knows that within the leadership group  which has three people returning and four who are new to 20s  Noel expects them to drive the standards.

You can tell the boys who have been here before, they know how it works, and make the others feel at ease.

That core group of lads with a bit of experience helps everyone else adjust and adapt.

McCann spoke of the great honour of being handed the captaincy.

Growing up and watching the 20s captains, thats something you desire to be. It is a great honour.

Everyones supportive and everyone knows how were building and how we want to get to where we want to get to. Theres not much pressure on anyone individually. Its just a group that works well.

What is encouraging for Ireland supporters is that McCann sees many similarities between the 2020 squad and the previous years Grand Slam collective, in the way we train and work.

Yet he added: At the same time theres a lot of different dynamics. Theres definitely the same level of drive and ambition. Playing in Corsica last year with the U19s, its a similar group to what we have now and you can see the bond is there.

But its still building. Last year it took a full year. Thats just how it works. It takes time, you cant force these things. When it comes together, you know, and thats when you start playing your best rugby on the pitch.

McNamara identified what he calls the zero-talent efforts in players he believes are fundamental to success, the pillars of hard work, diligence, and teamwork. McCann sees those in abundance.

Its definitely a major thing for us because its something that doesnt require any rugby ability.

"Its hard work, thinking about your role. The simple things that anyone should be able to do. Once you add that to a talented group that we have, thats when we really start playing.
Bonnie from "Big Little Lies," played by Zoe Kravitz.

I am a big fat fan of Big Little Lies (BLL). I loved the original novel by Liane Moriarty; I gobbled it up in two days. I remember putting down the first couple of chapters and thinking this is incredible. I was working in the Palisades, a ritzy neighborhood of LA, at the time, as a nanny / assistant / tutor, I kept thinking this Moriarty woman is writing the story of the westside of LA. The complexity and nuance oozing out of each page made my heart explode with recognition and admiration.

I went on to adore the show. I didnt mind any liberties taken or the fact they always show the Big Sur bridge when its supposed to take place in Monterey (they are hours from one another!) I couldnt have cared less that they changed some of the story, because the artistry, acting and what they envisaged was so good. I have been particularly impressed with the sensitivity with which they have addressed domestic violence. The show is full of nuance aesthetically. You could watch a scene, sound off, and get the gist of the dominant emotion through color and movement, but the shining star for me has always been the writing.

Related: Why Laughter Was the Best Medicine After My Stroke

Each word is carefully crafted, different strings of an intricately weaved tapestry. I couldnt wait for them to describe the complexities that are so much a part of being alive with each new and fresh episode. I was enamored and one of their biggest, loudest fans, until very recently.

I had the privilege of watching this particular episode by myself. It was early morning and my family had gone for a walk. I poured myself a cup of coffee and cozied up to watch my favorite show. Episode 5: Season 2. This episode is titled Kill Me.

I did a thorough sweep of the internet to see if anyone has written about this topic yet. Several articles have been written about this episode, some of them critical, but not for the same reason. As a colossal fan, I went through several phases of grieving: shock, anger, disbelief, and then full on sadness after watching this scene.

Story continues

Related: How My Marriage Changed After a Stroke

Big Little Lies is a safe haven for female voices and the underrepresented in general, so it stung to see an experience so near and dear to my heart rendered so poorly. Here is what happened.

Spoiler Alert!

Bonnie, played by the exquisite Zoe Kravitz, is sitting in a hospital room having psychedelic, perhaps omniscient, guilty dreams. In between flashes of herself drowning, she replays pushing a man down several stairs to his death and her mother abusing her as a small child. It all tumbles together like when you get stuck in the barrel of an indomitable wave.

Big Little Lies does a wonderful job of expressing the expressionless, like how childhood trauma can leave a person feeling as out of control as they were as a child. Bonnies mother is in the hospital bed after a massive stroke. In order to connect a complicated race, abuse and murder-laden storyline, the writers did something unconscionable.

Related: 5 Reasons I Help Spread Stroke Awareness

I have been in the room of people who wake up in that post-stroke nightmarish haze. I will never forget the first time I experienced it. It was at UCLA hospital with a man post emergency craniotomy. I was still a student and my instructor walked in to help him out of bed or more accurately, his chair. He wasnt allowed to lay down on account of not having a skull. I was mostly observing until he was fully sitting without assistance and I met his eyes. He was probably in his early 40s and he had the most clear green eyes, made even clearer by all the bruising and swelling surrounding them. He looked at me searchingly, and without thinking, I said, This is the beginning of your journey, not the end. It will be OK.

It was like a reflex or like someone else said it, not me. I felt exposed in the silence that ensued. But he did something I did not expect  he squeezed my hand. Then he cried and then he sobbed. He tried with a mixture of signaling and muffled words to tell me, just a couple days ago I think he was trying to explain that he was in an alternate reality and that he was a lawyer living in Santa Monica three days ago. I cant remember if I pieced that together, or if he was able to communicate it. What I do remember is the pain and disbelief, likely fear, in that room. You could not breathe without contracting it, and my eyes began to sting as my throat closed.

Incredibly, the emotion I remember most was what he expressed through his eyes  the will to live. Once he stopped crying and even as the tears poured out of him, there was this understanding that he was not going to take this lying down or even sitting up. The horror of his situation lurked there in disharmony with this acerbic desire to know what the hell was going on and what the future held.

I went on to meet many people post brain surgery or stroke then emergency brain surgery. It is not a pleasant reality, but always memorable and at times unforgettable. When my own dear dad came to after his stroke and heart attack, I wasnt with him. He came in and out of consciousness several times with varying degrees of awareness. He was so confused that when they finally allowed us to see him, after three days, only one person was allowed in at a time.

We fudged this rule, and I was able to sit with my mom while Dad slept in the ICU. He woke up for a minute. He was really uncomfortable and his throat ached from the breathing tube and his chest hurt from the CPR. He was out of it, but he looked at my Mom and all he said was I love you. I love you so much. Then he repeated Bridget? He hadnt recognized anybody in five days. Mom could barely croak out an its me Pat, yes. He just kept repeating over and over how much he loved her.

As their child, I have seen them be loving before. I would say they are annoyingly loving at times, but these were anchoring final words  goodbye, thank you, acceptance  a kind of I love you that I had never seen. All of these experiences tumbled in my head while I watched Bonnies mother wake up for the first time.

Screenshot from "Big Little Lies" of Bonnie's mother in the hospital after a stroke.

I was recently exposed to the word ableist. It is the assumption that a disabled life is not a life worth living. I get that it tied up a plot line to do with murder, but having your stroke survivor sit up in that magical moment of realizing you are alive only to say kill me horrified me. To then have the daughter ask, Can we kill her? She would not want to live this way, felt like getting the wind knocked out of me.

What does this way mean? Obviously, some pains were made to understand stroke, because the survivor had the correct resting night splint on, but what other research was done? Did it matter or did this lesser plot just need to be tied up neatly? Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States. It leads to many different lives and ways of living. It happens to babies, children, teenagers, young mothers, athletes etc. It is not a death sentence, but a Lazarus style miracle that marks the rest of a full albeit different life.

Since my dad almost died two years ago, he has begun a new phase of his life. He has held his eighteenth grandchild  my son Georgie  been to visit Hawaii with his Bridget, attended countless events for his grandchildren, and told me stories I never knew about young Pat. I never thought a survivor at 70 would walk, read, or think as well as he does. I could never have imagined it turning out this way. I would not have dared to dream it.

Read more stories like this on The Mighty:

Finding the Humor During My Hospitalization After a Stroke

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President Donald Trump tore into environmental "prophets of doom" at the Davos forum Tuesday, rejecting fiery warnings from teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg and talking up his own record in a counterpoint to impeachment back home. Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear the typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the US Senate opened the crucial next stage in his trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum aimed for a strong focus on climate change but Trump made clear he had no time for Thunberg's warning that "our house is still on fire." Instead, he touted the US economy, which he said was enjoying an "unprecedented" boom thanks to his policies. That was a message he then continued at a dinner meeting with CEOs including Europe's richest person Bernard Arnault of luxury firm LVMH and the Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. The Republican was also to meet Wednesday with the president of Iraq and the leader of Iraqi Kurdistan before heading back to Washington. This will be his first talks with the Iraqi leadership since a US drone strike killed Iran's top military figure and also a senior Iraqi commander in Baghdad, triggering a parliament vote calling for the expulsion of US troops from Iraq. - Dismissing the 'apocalypse' - Dismissing scientifically backed warnings that global warming is wrecking the planet, Trump said "we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse." He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong over the decades when predicting population crisis, mass starvation or the end of oil. Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers". Trump did not even mention global warming. He was just as unapologetic over his impeachment, which is now kicking into high gear. That's "just a hoax," he said, calling the impeachment trial "disgraceful". - Trump campaigns - Large parts of Trump's address sounded like a campaign speech aimed at a domestic audience as much as the Davos gathering of global political and business elites, which began in 1971. "I'm glad to declare the United States is in the midst of a great economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before," he said. Over and over, Trump brought up statistics he claimed proved his "unprecedented" success, based on slashing environmental protections and renegotiating trade relationships with China and the United States' two huge neighbours Canada and Mexico. "The American dream is back, bigger, better, stronger than ever before," he said. Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank, called Trump's performance "an almost plain vanilla presidential campaign speech, laying out an unassailable set of statistics that tell the Democrats 'good luck taking me on on this, because you won't stand a chance'." - 'Just the very beginning' - Earlier, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change. Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign, which began with school strikes, had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change. "There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," the 17-year-old said. And despite the focus given by the Davos forum, Greenpeace said in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion (1.26 trillion euros) in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016. Trump touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas" and said he would not let "radical socialists" attack the lucrative industry. - 'Governments continue to fail' - Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made from seaweed. "People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer told AFP at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players", after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal. "But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added. Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle. The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained. Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa. Trump did not even mention global warming Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg admitted that her campaign had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change The risk of global conflict will also be a topic at the forum after a spike in tensions between the United States and Iran US President Donald Trump flew in to Davos just hours before his impeachment trial Bank that participated in the Davos World Economic Forum in 2019 financing fossil fuels, according to Greenpeace
(Natural News) A mountain of research is giving near-conclusive evidence to the idea that exposing yourself to nature improves your physical and mental health, and the effects go beyond just giving your mood a temporary boost.

A study published in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that spending at least two hours a week immersing yourself in nature is enough to positively affect you. The study reports that both men and women are more likely to feel that their physical health and psychological well-being are in a good state if they spend at least 120 minutes in nature per week.

The study used survey data from nearly 20,000 people in England. These surveys asked people about their weekly contact with nature. Their findings showed that it didnt matter if the participants spent two hours in nature in a single day or spread it out over a week over several visits. Reports state that spending as little as 17 minutes a day in nature may have a noticeable positive effect on a persons overall health.

In a press release, Dr. Mathew P. White, lead author and environmental psychologist, notes that anything from a small wooded area to a beach can count as nature. However, he also said that the type of natural setting does matter, stating that theres really good evidence to suggest that the marine environment and mountains are the top hitters.

But you shouldnt feel downcast if you live far from a hiking trail or a beach. White stated that the majority of nature visits recorded by the survey data took place within two miles of a persons home. Visiting a local urban green space, according to White, can still be a good thing. The park is better than walking down a busy street.

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Nature positively affects health

In an interview, White detailed how he and the other researchers believe nature has a positive effect on mental and physical health. Firstly, he mentions that being in nature encourages more exercise. More importantly, White believes that for people living in cities, these urban environments are placing so many cognitive demands. He believes that spending time in a natural environment is downtime for the brain, giving it a chance to relax.

To support his claims, White mentions a study done by Greg Bratman of the University of Washington on rumination. In Bratmans study, which was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, he suggested that people with mild depression who spend time in nature are less likely to spend time nurturing negative thoughts. The more tranquil the setting the better, said White.

Other studies also support Whites claims regarding natures positive effect on health. A Japanese study done by researchers from the Nippon Medical School suggested that forest bathing, or taking long walks in the woods, can lower your blood pressure and enhance the abilities of your bodys natural killer cells, or cells that may have anti-cancer properties.

Theres even evidence suggesting that merely living in greener neighborhoods can have positive effects on your health, for instance by reducing your exposure to air pollution. (Related: Children raised in rural environments and surrounded by animals develop stronger immune systems.)

Terry Hartig, co-author of the study, stated that their findings offer valuable support to health practitioners in making recommendations about spending time in nature to promote basic health and well-being, similar to guidelines for weekly physical.

Sources include:

MindBodyGreen.com

Nature.com

PsychologyToday.com

EurekAlert.org

PNAS.org

Journals.SagePub.com
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that the opposition is free to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) but the law will not be rolled back.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has today granted an opportunity to the persecuted minorities from the neighbouring countries to start a new life. I declare here in Lucknow, that whoever wants to protest against CAA is free to do so but this law will not be rolled back," Shah said while addressing a gathering at the Jan Jagaran Abhiyan being conducted by BJP here.

"The opposition parties do not want to hear the truth on this matter. Mahatma Gandhi had said that the minorities in Pakistan should be given an opportunity to settle in India. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad and Sardar Patel also said the same thing on different occasions," he added.

Shah further explained the need for this law by linking it to the status of minorities in Pakistan.

"After India's partition several Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians were left behind in Pakistan. They were exploited, tortured and forcefully converted there. I want to say to Rahul Gandhi that the partition on the basis of religion was caused due to the misdeeds of the Congress party. On July 16, 1947, the Congress party accepted the proposal to divide the country on the basis of religion," he said.

"At the time of partition, 30 per cent religious minorities were there in erstwhile East Pakistan and 23 per cent religious minorities were there in West Pakistan. Today, the figure has come down to 3 per cent in Pakistan and 7 per cent in Bangladesh. I want to ask the protesters against CAA, where did they go," he added.

The Union Home Minister further questioned the opposition party leaders for their stance on the citizenship law.

"Akhilesh Yadav should not say anything on this matter as he uses rhetoric on this issue. I also ask Mamata Banerjee what is the problem with CAA. Mamata had supported the idea of providing citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries in 2003," he said.

"We removed the Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. We also brought in a law to curb the social evil of triple talaq in the Muslim community. The opposition is protesting against that as well. The Narendra Modi government also conducted a surgical strike and air strike against terrorists in Pakistan. Even on that the opposition raised questions and said why should misled people be bombed. If they are misled, my suggestion to the opposition is that they enlist them as their members. For us such elements are terrorists and we will treat them like that," he added.

Shah also spoke on the proposed Ram temple at Ayodhya, "After the Supreme Court gave its order on the Ayodhya matter, we resolved to build the Ram temple in three months. The opposition also protests against this."

Shah drew a parallel between the opposition and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and said that they speak the same language.

"In effect, the opposition speaks the same language as Imran Khan. They ask for proof of surgical and airstrikes, they oppose abrogation of Art 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and they oppose the CAA," he said.

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Capitol is seen at sunrise on the first full day of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

President Donald Trumps impeachment trial quickly burst into a partisan fight as proceedings began unfolding at the Capitol.

Democrats objected strongly to rules proposed by the Republican leader for compressed arguments and a speedy trial.

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Chief Justice John Roberts gavelled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do impartial justice as jurors.

Democrats warned that the rules package from Mr Trumps ally, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

Mr Trump, who has been attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said the whole thing was a hoax, and he said he was sure it would work out fine.

This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial, Representative Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters.

He called it a cover-up.

Mr McConnell opened the chamber promising a fair, even-handed process  and warned that the Senate would stay in session until his proposed rules package was adopted.

The presidents lawyers will finally receive a level playing field, the Kentucky Republican said, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

The first test was coming as senators prepared to begin debate and vote on Mr McConnells proposed rules.

The package diverges in some ways from the most recent impeachment trial, of Bill Clinton, by condensing opening arguments into two days for each side.

It pushes votes to consider whether or not to hear from witnesses later in the process.

I'm sure it's going to work out fineDonald Trump

Republican senators, who hold the majority, were falling in line behind his plan.

Sure it will be a fair trial when youve got 24 hours of arguments on both sides, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa told state reporters on a conference call.

The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Mr Trumps actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

Mr Trump himself denounced the proceedings as a total hoax, as he does daily, and said: Im sure its going to work out fine.

With Mr Trumps presidency on the line, and the nation deeply divided just weeks before the first Democratic primary contests, four senators who are also presidential candidates will be off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

The Democrats say the prospect of middle-of-the-night proceedings, without allowing new witnesses or even the voluminous House records of the trial, will leave the public without crucial information about Mr Trumps political pressure campaign on Ukraine and the White Houses obstruction of the House impeachment probe.

The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump, said the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer.

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He vowed to call for a series of votes to amend the rules and demand evidence and documents, but it seemed unlikely Republicans would break from the party to join Democrats.

This is a historic moment, Mr Schumer said.

The eyes of America are watching. Republican senators must rise to the occasion.

If the senators agree to Mr McConnells proposal for speedy trial and acquittal, Mr Schiff said: It will not prove the president innocent, it will only prove the Senate guilty of working with the president to obstruct the truth from coming out.
Australia Day protesters have been urged to bring cash and cards to 'pay the rent' for the country during an 'Invasion Day' march.

The group Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) want the public holiday to be abolished, labelling January 26 'an annual day of protest'.

In Melbourne, the collective are asking members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and supporters to meet at Parliament House for the protest on Sunday.

The group have also created a guideline on 'how to act in solidarity for Invasion day', which includes bringing money to the demonstration.

'Bring cash and cards on the day to #PayTheRent,' the guideline says.

'This will go to a funeral fund for families.'

Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) have urged Australia Day protesters to bring cash and cards to 'pay the rent' for the country during an 'Invasion Day' march

'We will stand together and march together as our Elders have for the last 82 years this January 26 to protest the ongoing colonial violence on our people,' WAR said.

The list also encourages protesters to print flyers and display posters, as well as using #PayTheRent and #AbolishAustraliaDay to spread the word on social media.

Pictured: WAR posters for Sunday's 'Invasion Day' March in Melbourne. The group want Australia Day abolished

Former Greens MP and Aboriginal activist Lidia Thorpe said 'pay the rent' was not a new concept, explaining it is a way Aboriginal people can self-determine their own 'destiny'.

'It's about reparations. If we look at South Africa, for example, they've had a reparation system with $100 million in their funds. If you look at the Canadian government: $600 million to survivors of the stolen generation,' she told 3AW's Neil Mitchell.

Pictured: Activists march on Australia Day. One poster reads: 'Change the date, we still won't celebrate'

WAR's event description says they 'will not celebrate Australia'. 'We call for the abolishment of 'Australia Day' - we will not celebrate so-called Australia, which is built on the stealing of our lands and the massacres of our people,' the event reads

'Then we go over to New Zealand where they've paid close to $1.5 billion in reparations to Maori.

'Australia has not paid any reparations at all, and because we don't have a treaty with our first peoples, then this is a way where ordinary Australians can contribute and reparate the first people who have endured mass incarceration and mass genocide since invasion.'

Poll Should Australia Day be moved from January 26? No Yes Should Australia Day be moved from January 26? No 2697 votes

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Mr Mitchell said WAR was not the most credible organisation and questioned where the money would end up.

But Ms Thorpe said there was an accountability process and a partnership with Bank Australia. There are also universities and private businesses on board.

She said the money raised would go to a fund where Aboriginal people will self-determine the 'needs of the time'.

The cash would likely go towards the costs related to mass incarceration, the removal of children, funerals for community members and deaths in custody.

WAR's event description says they 'will not celebrate Australia'.

'We call for the abolishment [sic] of 'Australia Day' - we will not celebrate so-called Australia, which is built on the stealing of our lands and the massacres of our people,' the event reads.

'Please join us this Invasion Day and condemn the ongoing violence, ongoing theft, and ongoing discrimination that we as Indigenous people across so-called Australia face.'

The Facebook event has 4,000 attendees and more than 5,000 people have listed themselves as 'interested'.

In recent years, the weeks before Australia Day have been fraught with debate about whether its is wrong to celebrate the day the First Fleet arrived to colonise Australia in 1788.

Some argue the date should be changed, while others think it should be scratched altogether.
From slapping former AAP leader Prashant Bhushan and disrupting Arundhati Roy's book event to selling tea outside Congress headquarters as a protest against Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks, Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga, who is BJP candidate from Hari Nagar, has never failed to hog limelight, including for his numerous Twitter spats.

Within two hours of being named as the BJP's candidate for the Delhi Assembly polls on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, Twitter-savvy Bagga had a rap song -- "bagga bagga har jagah"-- ready for his campaign.

Tweeted at 3.29 am by Bagga, the song video had over 30,000 views by Tuesday night and talks about how he is ready to take on the opponents in the upcoming Assembly polls in the national capital.

"How is the josh? #Baggabagga har jagah," he captioned the rap song on Twitter.

Garlanded by his supporters, Bagga filed his nomination on Tuesday. In the affidavit filed by him, Bagga has declared movable assets worth Rs 18.90 lakh including a car and has nil immovable assets.

Bagga, who has over 6.4 lakh followers on Twitter, was made the BJP spokesperson in 2017. The BJP's rivals often accuse him of being a "Twitter troll".

He started his career with Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena (BSKS), which calls itself a "nationalist task force against traitors, anti-nationals and corrupts".

Bagga grabbed headlines in October 2011 when he slapped lawyer-activist and the then AAP leader Prashant Bhushan for his remarks on Kashmir. He had openly taken credit for the assault and called it "Operation Prashant Bhushan".

"He try to break my Nation, I try to break his head. Hisab chukta. Congrats to all. operation Prashant Bhushan successful (sic)," he had tweeted.

Reacting to Bagga being given ticket by the BJP, Prashat Bhushan tweeted: "From promoting lynch mobs & fake purveyors on the social media & media to giving tickets to goons being prosecuted for terror, rape & other crimes, BJP has come a long way".

Bagga was quick to respond saying, "abusing Army to Demanding Referendum in Kashmir to Throwing from AAP (sic), Prashant Bhushan has come a long way".

However, slapping Bhushan wasn't the only "operation" Bagga undertook.

In 2011, he disrupted a launch event of author Arundhati Roy's book at the India Habitat Centre.

"Old Memories with Arundhati Roy, whn she was Barking on Kashmir (sic)," says a tweet by him showing how he disrupted the book launch.

He had in 2014 set up a tea stall outside the Congress headquarters as a protest against party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's 'chaiwala' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bagga, who is frequently involved in Twitter spats with the party's rivals and critics, had earlier this month challenged actress Konkona Sen Sharma to prove his claims to be wrong and promised to quit

Sharma had called him out for tweeting a video of a protest at the Gateway of India in Mumbai against the attack on JNU students in which he claimed "Muslim and Leftists students in Mumbai again Raised Slogans 'Hinduo se Aazadi' but this time not in Jamia or JNU , they raised Hinduo se Aazadi Slogans at Gateway of India Mumbai".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the chronicles of the Indian Constitution, it is usually rare to see the name of Sir Benegal Narsing Rau (1887-1953) mentioned with any prominence. There are at least two good historical reasons for the same. Firstly, Rau was a bureaucrat, a distinguished one, and as such played a vital role in the administrative machinery but mostly away from the public eye. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, after independence, the dominant story of the Indian Constitution was written fundamentally as a story of successful Indian nationalism.

In such accounts, the roles played by political leaders assumed importance, and the scope for recognising a bureaucrat like Rau remained severely limited. Nevertheless, it is important to educe Raus life and work, not simply because he played a vital role in the Constituent Assembly, the body that met between 1946 and 1949 to frame Indias Constitution, but also because he was perhaps the best example of someone who consistently embodied and exhibited a constitutional temperament to address the pressing political problems of the day .

This was remarkable since Rau embraced the idea of constitutionalism much before a formal Constitution was adopted in India. He laid the groundwork for the idea that the British constitutional structure in India that largely aided the interests of Britain could be translated and transformed to serve the needs of an independent India. This transformation and translation from the colonial to the postcolonial required a fundamental ability to view the nature and possibilities of the Constitution beyond its colonial origins.

While Rau was certainly not singular in viewing the potential of the constitution (Dr. B R Ambedkar was another), he was definitely at the forefront, which is a compelling reason to remember him, however briefly, as we mark the completion of 70 years of the Indian republic.

Rau was born on February 26, 1887 at Karkal in the district of South Kanara in southern India. After completing his education in Madras and at Trinity, Cambridge, Rau cleared the tough civil services examination in 1909 and, in fact, secured the 16th rank.

Raus career began in a most unusual way, and his constitutional outlook was immediately visible when he received his posting in his home province, in Madras. Quite strikingly, he refused to serve in Madras. As he explained to the civil services commissioner, Dear Sir, In regard to the province to which I have been assigned I beg to inform you that I have friends or relatives in almost every part of the Madras Presidency and also that my father possesses lands in the same province. It has been pointed out to me that in these circumstances it might be very difficult for me to perform my duties unhampered. I shall therefore be very thankful for a reconsideration of my case; and should it be possible, I request that I may be assigned to Burma. Following this extraordinary request, Rau was transferred to Bengal.

Raus inclination towards constitutional matters was clear early on. He developed a keen interest in legislative and constitutional matters, which led to him being appointed as the Legal Remembrancer and Secretary to the Government of Assam in the Legislative Department and Council.

From 1935 onwards, Rau was at the centre of the major constitutional developments in India. By 1946, Rau was one of the more sought-after constitutional experts by all the major Indian political parties and the British government. With the establishment of the Constituent Assembly in 1946, he was a natural choice to be appointed as the constitutional advisor. In his final years, Rau became a truly global figure where he represented India in the United Nations and finally served as a judge in the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

He passed away on November 30, 1953 in Zurich, Switzerland. On his death, the former diplomat Girija Shankar Bajpai wrote in this paper, By his death, Law and Learning have lost a person of outstanding stature. Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru paid tribute to Rau in the Lok Sabha by describing him as the perfect civil servant.

Throughout Raus distinguished career, then, one can find fine instances of his constitutional temperament at work, whether it was in the numerous notes and memoranda he drafted as a civil servant, the many reports he authored as chairman of enquiry commissions, his judgments when he served on the Calcutta high court, or his speeches at the United Nations, to mention only a few.

Citing two instances in this regard would be helpful.

The first instance can be seen when Rau was appointed as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Viceroys Reforms Office to enable the implementation of the Government of India Act passed in 1935. As readers would recall, the act required the British government to transfer the running of provincial governments to Indian representatives elected by the people of those provinces. Once appointed, however, Rau found that in practice the various departments of British government in the provinces were somewhat reluctant to transfer such authority.

At issue was a central contradiction of the British Empire, one that the postcolonial theorists such as Homi Bhabha have extensively written about, namely that in order to maintain control of India, Britain had to transfer some sovereign authority to Indians, but every such transfer continually undermined the basis of the empire itself. In response, as OSD, Rau through various notes and memoranda written over a period of two years, argued that the 1935 Act had to be considered as a constitution and not as a piece of ordinary legislation.

As such, only by embracing the constitutional basis of its colonial authority could Britain resolve this conundrum. Even as Rau was working within a colonial administration and faced the political imperative of the empire to violate its own constitutional basis, he deployed constitutionalism to challenge this violation and set the stage for an argument for eventual complete transfer of sovereignty to India. Indeed, as we know, the 1935 Act became the basis of independent Indias Constitution adopted in 1950.

The second instance can be seen in Raus interventions amidst the politically volatile contest between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League on the question of partition and negotiation with the colonial government on the question of independence.

Back in the Reforms Office at the request of then Viceroy Archibald Wavell (1883-1950), Rau began drafting a series of documents containing constitutional drafts to address the vital demand of the Muslim League for Pakistan. Amid continuing tensions, Wavell repeatedly encouraged MA Jinnah to meet with Rau, especially on the question of the working of the Constituent Assembly. After a meeting on September 18, 1946, and in response to the questions posed by Jinnah, Rau wrote a detailed note to Jinnah on September 22, 1946.

While in the letter Rau sought to convince Jinnah about the fairness of the Constituent Assembly, he underscored the same by saying, A Constitution is only a means to an end, when by working together as a team, various parties realize that the ends are common, there will be little difficulty in agreeing upon the means. Rau ultimately believed that the aims of addressing the socio-economic problems of the day would be common to both the Congress and the League. Hence, working together in the same government would be far more beneficial than separating.

After partition, Raus constitutional interventions demonstrated his marked interest in addressing the socio-economic problems of development. Interestingly, in Raus constitutional imagination, the Directive Principles assumed a much more prominent role than Fundamental Rights; the office of the President, he suggested, needed to be vested with additional discretionary powers to act in the event of a major breakdown of law and order in the country; and the basis of citizenship had to be as broad and inclusive as possible (as the scholar Ornit Shani has reminded us), to mention only a few.

Importantly, for Rau, while politics could fuel the process of representation in the Parliament, the actual task of running the government and the state machinery should not be unduly influenced by politics.

Raus work as the constitutional advisor proved to be enormously helpful to the Constituent Assembly. His expertise in not only British constitutionalism but also the working of constitutions from around the world greatly helped the members of the Constituent Assembly to find ready reference for various constitutional provisions. Indeed, a striking feature of the draft constitution that Rau produced for the members was the notations on the margins that indicated the origins of such provisions from other countries. This was one of the ways in which the framing of the Indian Constitution was not only a national enterprise but became fundamentally global in nature. Thus, Raus role was critical and vital in enabling Indias transition from a colony to an independent state through the Constitution.

Raus vision, however, was idealistic.

In the real world, as it were, politics played a defining role in both the making of the Indian Constitution and its working in independent India. But Raus interventions, evident in times of great political crises, especially ones motivated by intense partisanship (as in during the 1935 Act or at the time of independence and partition), suggest the remarkable palliative possibilities of constitutionalism. Today, the question for us is whether we will continue to privilege the politics of constitutionalism or will we allow the ideas of the founding document to constitute our politics. In Raus life and work, we find a clear answer.

(Arvind Elangovan is associate professor of history at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. His first book, Norms and Politics: Sir Benegal Narsing Rau in the Making of the Indian Constitution, 1935-50 was published in 2019)
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Meghan McCain says she reacted to the New York Times editorial boards dual endorsement of senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar by laughing my ass off.

First of all, youre endorsing two women with two completely ideologically different views on their platforms, The View co-host said on the show Tuesday, before adding that everyone will have to choose one of the two very different candidates.

This is not how this works, continued McCain, who worked on her fathers John McCains 2008 presidential campaign. Also, on the final point of this, you chose both of the women. Just say, I want a woman. I dont really care about politics. I dont care about anything else. Just double down on identity politics.

Also Read: New York Times Endorses Both Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren for 2020 Democratic Primary

She called the two-way endorsement a huge act of cowardice and noted she didnt expect much else from a garbage publication. That caused co-host Joy Behar to chime in, arguing she didnt agree the Times is a garbage publication.

It is now, McCain said, but Behar cautioned against condemning the whole newspaper for one incident.

The Times editorial board put all pre-endorsement presidential candidate interviews on the record for the first time ahead of the big double endorsement. Last week, deputy editorial page editor Kathleen Kingsbury announced the intention to make it the most transparent endorsement in the editorial boards history.

NY TIMES ENDORSES WARREN, KLOBUCHAR: After The New York Times editorial board broke tradition by endorsing two presidential candidates, the co-hosts question if they made the right decision. https://t.co/1091s9WYqN pic.twitter.com/kzHKtIjkRE

- The View (@TheView) January 21, 2020

Read original story Meghan McCain: I Was Laughing My Ass Off at NYT Presidential Endorsement At TheWrap
People Before Profit leader Gerry Carroll has criticised the introduction of a number of stalled salary increases for MLAs (Steve Parsons/PA)

A 1,000 pay rise for Stormont MLAs has been branded a slap in the face for striking public sector workers.

People Before Profit leader Gerry Carroll criticised the introduction of a number of stalled salary increases for members that had been on hold while devolution was suspended.

The Assembly has confirmed that the rises came into effect when powersharing returned, resulting in the annual MLA salary rising from 49,500 to 50,500.

MLAs pay was cut by a third during the political impasse, with the Government responding to public anger that members were on full pay despite not sitting in the devolved legislature to which they had been elected.

Mr Carroll, an MLA for west Belfast, criticised the move as he highlighted recent industrial action taken by healthcare staff and other public sector workers to demand better pay.

Expand Close Gerry Carroll has urged all MLAs to take an average workers wage (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gerry Carroll has urged all MLAs to take an average workers wage (Liam McBurney/PA)

The PBP leader only takes home around half of his entitled salary, with the remainder being diverted into party funds.

The fact that MLAs are back in post just over a week and are having their wages topped up will no doubt come as a slap in the face to nurses who stood on freezing pickets for months for pay parity, and the Civil Service staff who are still taking industrial action to get what they deserve, said Mr Carroll.

People Before Profit have always advocated for MLAs to be paid an average workers wage  its what I take home.

How can MLAs receive a salary that is around double the average wage and claim to competently represent their constituents interests when their financial realities are so different?

An Assembly spokeswoman said: Following the formation of an Executive on 11 January 2020, the full provisions of the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2016 are in effect, including the provisions for an annual uprating.

She added: The current annual salary payable as a member is 50,500.

A Sinn Fein spokesperson said: MLAs pay is set by an independent body, not by MLAs.

MLAs had no input into this decision, nor did they seek it.

SDLP Assembly member Pat Catney said he was offering to donate his pay increase to a counselling service.

He said: I dont think its appropriate for me or any MLA to take a pay rise when people in my constituency are struggling and MLAs have only just returned to Stormont.

I am making the offer to donate my pay increase to Emerge Counselling Services in Lisburn.
KOLKATA: West Bengal BJP chief and parliamentarian Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday said that nearly two crore Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators have entered the country out of which one crore are in his state and remaining 1 crore have spread across the country.

''2 crore Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators have entered India. 1 crore are in West Bengal and 1 crore have spread across the country. We will not allow any Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrator to stay here. If their names are in voters' list then it will be removed,'' Ghosh said while addressing a public rally to create awareness about the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.

The West Bengal BJP parliamentarian's statement comes amid ongoing protests against the CAA and National Register of India (NRC) across the country.

Ghosh, while addressing a rally in the North 24 Parganas district on Sunday, had said that nearly 50 lakh Muslim infiltrators will be identified and chased out of the country if needed.

Attacking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing Citizenship Amendment law and NRC, Ghosh said, "Firstly, the names of Muslim infiltrators will be removed from voters` list then didi (in reference to Mamata Banerjee) cannot appease anyone."

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He said there will be a reduction in the number of votes to Banerjee in the 2021 state assembly election following the process of removing infiltrators` names from the voters` list.

"Once this is done, didi`s votes will be reduced and in the coming elections, we will get 200 seats, she will not even get 50 seats," he said.

Ghosh also made a blistering attack on the opposition parties for supporting the nationwide anti-CAA and NRC protests and said, "their hearts bleed for infiltrators".

Ghosh had, last week, sparked controversy by threatening to shoot down those who damaged public property and accused Banerjee of not taking action as "they are her voters".

He later doubled down on his remark by stating that such people "will never be spared".

It may be noted that the Mamata Banerjee government on Tuesday said that it will bring an anti-CAA resolution in the state assembly on January 27. This came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Centre won't take back the citizenship law however hard the opposition might protest.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally at Lucknow, the Home Minister challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and others to hold an open debate with him on the new legislation. Several protests were held across West Bengal, many of which turned violent and caused damage to public property.

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.
Finish him! Its one of the most famous lines in video games  in fact, they pretty much built the entire series around it. Mortal Kombat is notorious for brutal finishing moves, in which the characters kill off their opponents in horrific (and often humourous) fashion.

Now they are hoping to end something else  the run of terrible Mortal Kombat films that have plagued Hollywood. In January 2021, Mortal Kombat (2021) will hit theatres, even though we expect a lot more hitting than just that.

The film will be directed by a feature debutant, a man called Simon McQuoid who seems to have done most of his work in advertising, including pieces on Call of Duty and Halo, which may explain the link to gaming in this case.

The January 2021 date was announced this week, pushed forward from April of the same year, which may not bode well for faith in the project.

Still, while the film doesnt have a single famous actor to its name, it has pulled together a decent list of stuntmen and martial artists to pull off the famous fatalities.

And the fatalities will indeed be shown on screen, with Mortal Kombat (2021) already slated for an R rating.

Now they just need Scorpion at the entrance to every cinema globally, ready with his harpoon.

Get over here!

Game delays

Meanwhile, if theres one thing that will kill off excitement, its a delay. Three big titles were pushed out recently, with one particularly big disappointment.

Dying Light 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake and  worst of all  Cyberpunk 2077 were all delayed in recent days.

There were also delays to Marvel Avengers and Iron Man VR in the last month. Dying Light 2 has been delayed indefinitely, with no new release date, while Final Fantasy VII Remake was pushed out a month to April.

However, Cyberpunk, which is arguably the most anticipated game of the year, has been delayed from April to September.

The Witcher 3 was delayed twice before releasing, so lets Cyberpunk doesnt suffer another delay come Autumn.

Loot worries

We wouldnt be surprised if at least one of those game delays were related to loot boxes and the tide turning against them. This week, the Mental Health Director of the UKs National Health Service (NHS) took a strong stance against loot boxes in games.

Frankly no company should be setting kids up for addiction by teaching them to gamble on the content of these loot boxes, said Clare Murdoch in a statement.

No firm should sell to children loot box games with this element of chance, so yes those sales should end.

Young peoples health is at stake, and although the NHS is stepping up with these new, innovative services available to families through our Long Term Plan, we cannot do this alone, so other parts of society must do what they can to limit risks and safeguard childrens wellbeing.

This is the strongest statement yet from a British institution on loot boxes and a sure sign that gambling in video games is slowly but surely on the way to being regulated.

Streaming services

Meanwhile, both Google and Microsoft are taking very different stances in the quest for next-generation dominance.

Google are pushing their streaming service Stadia by announcing that more exclusive games will launch for the platform in the first 6 months of 2020, while Microsoft have announced that there will be no exclusives at all on Xbox Series X  a highly unusual step.

As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices, Booty told MCV.

We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and Series X that they feel that they made a good investment and that were committed to them with content.

Meanwhile, Google say:

Looking at our upcoming lineup, we are tracking more than 120 games coming to Stadia in 2020 and are targeting more than ten games in the first half of this year alone that will be only available on Stadia when they launch.

It will be interesting to see how competing mindsets like these evolve over the next generation, and if exclusives will still play an important role in the lifecycle of a console.
Dan Cofran: Presidential Executive Privilege in Congressional Investigations

"The President has claimed both absolute immunity and executive privilege to prevent subpoenaed White House aides from appearing as witnesses before House Congressional committee investigative hearings.

"With a looming Senate impeachment trial, continuing Congressional investigations and numerous court proceedings regarding the current administration under way, news reports about executive privilege claims will be common, making this a good time to learn the basics about executive privilege . . ."

Winning Argument

Trump says 'America is thriving' at Davos, Switzerland, economic forum before impeachment trial As the Senate prepared to open an impeachment trial against him, President Donald Trump ignored the topic and instead bragged about the economy Tuesday in a campaign-style speech to a global forum. "America is thriving, America is flourishing, and, yes, America is winning again like never before," Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Too Hot To Handle

Ivanka Trump Blows Off Jim Acosta's Impeachment Questions In Davos First daughter and presidential adviser Ivanka Trump ignored impeachment questions from CNN's Jim Acosta when he approached her in Davos. Trump, who traveled with President Donald Trump to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was on hand to promote the Pledge to America's Workers and "wage growth and job creation in the United States."

American Circus 2020 Starts

Isn't That Special: Trump, Impeachment and American Exceptionalism As it happens, the question of whether to evict Trump from office, with its apparently foreordained answer, finds both sides in a sullen, recriminatory mood, hardly a triumphal one. No one is feeling especially special.

D.C. Game Play Defined

Mitch McConnell issues proposed rules for impeachment trial as Dems cry foul The impeachment trial is set to begin in earnest on Tuesday. For a president who likes a good show and seems to thrive on chaos, the opening of his impeachment trial Tuesday could give him exactly that. Sources on Capitol Hill expect the first full day of the trial to be something of a political food fight.

Majority Rule?!?!

CNN poll: 51% say Senate should remove Trump from office About half of Americans say the Senate should vote to convict President Donald Trump and remove him from office in the upcoming impeachment trial (51%), according to a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS, while 45% say the Senate should vote against conviction and removal.

Prez Trump Stands Proud

Trump calls impeachment trial a long-running 'hoax' at Davos Summit DAVOS, Switzerland - President Donald Trump called the impeachment trial set to start in Washington later on Tuesday a long-running "hoax" after landing in Davos. "It's been going on for years," the president said at Swiss mountain summit of the world's elite hours before senators in Washington kick-off proceedings.

Prez Trial Preview

The Senate Impeachment Trial Has Officially Begun; Here's What To Expect The Senate trial over the House Democrats' two articles of impeachment against President Trump - for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress - officially began Thursday, when Chief Justice John Roberts swore in Senators, but the trial begins in earnest Tuesday afternoon with a vote on the procedural rules, followed by the opening arguments []

Special thanks to thewe want to share a local angle on the Prez Trump impeachment drama.For those who don't know him, Dan Cofran was a KCMO Councilman who made a few unsuccessful runs for mayor and always served as a rare fiscal hawk and opposition to former Mayor Cleaver & Barnes. He was active in the Citizens Association and municipal politics for years and recently he offered a legal breakdown of issues related to the impeachment trial.Checkit:Deets:Don't accuse Mr. Cofran of being a lib, he's far from it and his insight into the process offers us a gateway to more news links on the sordid topic from "many sides" of the equation . . .You decide . . .
WARSAW, Poland - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led a congressional delegation Tuesday to the Auschwitz memorial site in Poland ahead of the 75th anniversary of the day Soviet troops liberated the sprawling World War II German Nazi death and concentration camp complex where an estimated 1.1 million people died.

At the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial, Pelosi laid a wreath at the reconstructed wall where several thousand prisoners were executed, most of them members of the Polish resistance. She also placed a memorial light at the monument to all of the camps victims, the majority of whom were European Jews.

Elzbieta Witek, the speaker of the lower house of Polands parliament, or Sejm, and Senate Speaker Tomasz Grodzki, accompanied their American peer. Pelosi and Grodzki were later to hold talks.

In a statement ahead of the trip, Pelosi said the purpose of her visit the Holocaust memorial site was to reaffirm Americas enduring commitment, our sacred pledge: Never again.

We must honour the memories of those murdered in this incomprehensible horror by maintaining constant vigilance against hatred and persecution today, said the statement.

From Poland, Pelosi and the six-member bipartisan delegation plan to go to Israel to attend a conference marking the anniversary of the death camps liberation.

From 1940-45, some 1.1 million people, mostly Jews from across Europe, but also Poles, Roma and Russian prisoners of war, were shot to death, killed in gas chambers, and died of starvation or other mistreatment at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The Red Army liberated the camp on Jan. 27, 1945, an event now observed annually as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. by the Red Army.
Hosted by the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies under the Institute of Far Eastern Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IFES RAS), the event brought together a crowd of Vietnamese and Russian scholars.

In his opening speech, Director of the IFES RAS Sergei Lyzyanin said the event aims to review achievements of cooperation between the two nations and discuss orientations to expand their relations in the coming time.

Lyzyanin said that Vietnam is always a time-honoured and reliable friend of his country in the region and the world.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh highlighted the significance of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations, describing this as a strong support for President Ho Chi Minh and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam 70 years ago.

Participants reviewed and gave their assessment of the Vietnam - Russia relationship across fields from military, politics and information, economic and trade ties, and migration, to science-technology and culture cooperation.

They also proposed initiatives to further strengthen the Vietnam - Russia ties in the coming time.
(TNS)  With several Bay Area cities moving to stop the use of facial recognition technology, the chief executive of one of the areas tech giants has come out in favor of stricter, and more widespread regulation of such types of artificial intelligence technologies.Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said there is no question that AI needs more regulation in order to prevent the potential negative effects of the use of technologies that include facial recognition and so-called deepfake videos. Pichai made his views public in an opinion piece he wrote for theon Monday. Pichai said that as the head of Google parent company Alphabet, it is his privilege to help to shape new technologies that we hope will be life-changing for people everywhere, and that he believes AI is promising.However, Pichai stressed that there is a dark side to AI that calls for some form of greater oversight over the technology.Artificial intelligence needs to be regulated, Pichai said. It is too important not to. The only question is how to approach it.Artificial intelligence is often defined as computer systems that have been developed to perform functions normally done by humans. Among the areas that AI has been touted as being used for are visual perception, speech recognition and language translation.Last year, several Bay Area cities, including Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley and Alameda banned the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement officers on the grounds that it could violate individuals civil liberties.It doesnt work, Alameda Vice Mayor John Knox White said in December after the city passed its ban on facial recognition technology. The technology is not even close to being ready for discussion.Pichai noted that while as CEO of Google, in 2018 the company published its own set of principles to serve as a guide for what he called the ethical development and use of AI. However, Pichai added that principles that remain on paper are meaningless and that there is a role for governments to play in setting stronger guidelines for the use of AI as its use become more public. Pichai said the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation rules on the use of personal data can serve as a gudeline for further governmental involvement in AI supervision.Good regulatory frameworks will consider safety, explainability, fairness and accountability to ensure we develop the right tools in the right ways, Pichai said.Pichais comments came ahead of a policy speech on AI he was scheduled to give at the EUs headquarters in Brussels on Monday.The rise of AI has been controversial, as such technology has been used to create deepfake videos, or videos that have been altered to make a person appear as if they are saying something they didnt actually say. Earlier this month, Facebook said it would ban most deepfake videos from its platforms in the wake of several videos being posted that involved politicians such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, as well as Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The University of Arizona is partnering with the Tucson Police Department, CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness, and Pima County as part of a three-year, $1.47 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant to route people with opioid use disorders toward treatment instead of jail.

The project, called Unified Medication Assisted Treatment Targeted Engagement Response, or U-MATTER, is designed to address opioid use head-on and prevent drug-related deaths.

"This project was created as a collaborative project involving government, law enforcement, treatment providers and us researchers to address the local opioid epidemic - a very significant public health and social issue we have in Pima County - and try to improve community well-being," said Josephine Korchmaros, director of the university's Southwest Institute for Research on Women and U-MATTER lead researcher.

"Opioid abuse devastates families and takes a huge toll on communities in Arizona and across the United States," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, M.D. "Dr. Korchmaros and her team at SIROW will leverage the university's expertise in a collaborative approach that involves essential stakeholders - police officers and a respected addiction treatment provider - in the fight against opioid addiction. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that can be made when we focus on providing help to people whose lives are at stake."

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 790 Arizonans died from opioid overdoses in 2016, and opioid deaths in the state increased 74% in just four years. In response, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey declared a public health emergency.

Tucson Police Department Assistant Chief Kevin Hall knew the toll that opioids such as heroin and fentanyl were taking on Tucson residents, but he also knew that arresting people with substance use issues, on average, wasn't decreasing their substance abuse. The department needed a new approach.

Hall heard about deflection programs - programs designed to identify individuals with substance use issues and get them connected to appropriate treatment and services. He liked the idea, and partnered with CODAC, a local treatment provider, to implement TPD's first deflection program in July 2018.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the program and recommend ways to improve it, Hall tapped researchers at SIROW. Through their combined effort, TPD is retooling its approach to opioid misuse, treating it as something much more complex and sensitive than a criminal justice matter.

"Before the deflection program, when TPD officers came across people in the community who were using substances or had drug paraphernalia on them, they would be arrested," Korchmaros said.

The new approach is very different. When, in their normal course of duty, TPD officers encounter people using illicit substances, they work to deflect them away from arrest and offer to connect them to treatment and services instead. Additionally, any community member can approach TPD to seek help in getting connected to treatment, and the police must help immediately. Through active outreach efforts, TPD officers partner with peer support outreach specialists from CODAC to encourage community members with substance use issues to get treatment.

"Police probably have the most contact with people who use illicit substances in our community," said Erik Morales, a TPD officer involved in the program. "And having all of this contact means we have the opportunity to prevent the loss of life."

Rather than citations and handcuffs, offering access to treatment- and even a ride to the treatment facility - has made a profound difference in community policing.

In May, Korchmaros prepared a report about the program, detailing some of its outcomes.

Of the 362 individuals identified as having substance use issues, 71 received full clinical intake assessments (the first and most important step toward getting necessary treatment), 40 committed to long-term treatment at CODAC, and 10 were participating in medication-assisted treatment through CODAC.

When people who were offered treatment by field officers said they were unsure or did not want to receive treatment, the officers were able to encourage them to seek help 32% of the time, thanks to crisis response and motivational interviewing trainings paid for by the federal grant.

Individuals who receive medication-assisted treatment can volunteer to share information about their recidivism, mental health and living and vocational situation for the SIROW researchers to include in their evaluation. Korchmaros, SIROW research coordinator Tamara Sargus and SIROW research technician Fedora Preston-Haynes conducted the evaluation.

"We have found that most individuals like that component because they get to share their experience," Korchmaros said. "The program has had a significant impact on people's lives and we need to make sure it's a positive one."

The report, which uses pseudonyms, quotes Tucsonans who received treatment through U-MATTER.

Ann was deflected when she was 30 weeks pregnant. She participated in medication-assisted treatment for her opioid use disorder and was reunited with her parents and son.

"I was able to get off the streets and go home to my parents," she said. "I have been coming to CODAC every day."

Laura was deflected and had been engaged in medication-assisted treatment for her opioid use disorder for a month before the report was published.

"I am going on three weeks clean from heroin. I don't think I could have done this without this program," she said.

SIROW, TPD and CODAC recently received an additional $550,000, three-year grant from Arnold Ventures to support the work. Through the grant, SIROW will be able to do an even more comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of TPD's deflection program in the coming years, including an analysis of the costs, outputs and outcomes of the program.

SIROW and its collaborators are developing a handful of new partnerships, including with Arizona Superior Court Pretrial Services, so that individuals in the court system who have substance use issues can be identified and connected to services. With efforts led by Pima County, the project team hopes to work with the Tucson Fire Department and some local hospital emergency rooms to identify people who are suspected of overdosing on opioids so they can connect sooner to treatment and services, Korchmaros said.

"I've always been focused on social justice issues and creating a world where everybody has a chance to reach their potential," Korchmaros said. "And I think that's what U-MATTER is doing for people with substance use issues, by offering opportunities and decreasing barriers."

###
Rome, Jan 21 : Italy's Premier Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday condemned the continued closure of virtually all of Libya's oil facilities by eastern Libyan forces, warning that the blockade could imperil the war-torn country.

"We must not only stop the fighting (in Libya) but actions of this kind which can threaten energy supplies and stoke tensions just as much as military options," Conte told reporters in Florence.

"I am confident that all countries will agree on this," he added.

Almost all of Libya's crude export capacity is now under force majeure - a waiver on contractual obligations - after pipeline blockades in the east and west of the country last week by forces loyal to eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar hindered oil production.

The lifeline of Libya's economy, oil has long been a key factor in the civil war, as rival authorities in Tripoli and in the east fight for control of the country's oil fields and state revenue.

Libya's United Nations-backed Premier Fayez Al-Sarraj has said that Libya will face a catastrophe if Haftar continues his blockade of the oil fields.

Italy, Libya's former colonial power, has extensive energy interests in the country.
UPDATED Wednesday, Jan. 22: Teen boys identified as pedestrians fatally struck in Vancouver

***

Two young pedestrians were hit and killed early Tuesday in Vancouver, authorities say.

Vancouver police think one pedestrian was about 10 to 14 years old and the other was an older teen or young adult. They were killed in the area of Northeast 112th Avenue and 23rd Circle.

Police dont know how they were hit, but they dont think the involved driver was impaired, Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp told The Oregonian/OregonLive. The driver, a man, stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Kapp said police dont know whether the pedestrians were trying to cross 112th Avenue  an arterial that takes drivers to Mill Plain Boulevard and Interstate 205. They also dont know the relationship between the pedestrians.

Both were dead when fire officials arrived, according to a Vancouver fire spokesman.

Northeast 112th Avenue will remain closed for several hours. The crash is under investigation.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Blythe-Bower Elementary hosts Science Night on Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Dr. Jason Robinson from Lee University will engage families in 10 different fun-filled science stations. A light supper will be served. All third-fifth grade students and families are welcome. For more information, contact Linda Tyler at 423-479-5121 or ltyler@clevelandschools.org.



George R. Stuart Elementary hosts Science Night with the CHS Science Club on Thursday. Students and families are invited to drop in from 5-7 p.m. for science experiments and STEM activities. Pizza will be served. For more information contact Brandi Beard, 423-476-8246, bbeard@clevelandschools.org.

Cleveland Middle School PTO hosts a DodgeBall Tournament on Friday, 3-6 p.m. Student and faculty teams will begin playing right after school. There will be concessions, music and loads of fun. For more information contact Scott Carroll, 423-479-9641, scarroll@clevelandschools.org.




French customs officials made a remarkable discovery on 14 January on the A31 motorway, seizing 26 kilos of cocaine bound for the Grand Duchy.

On Tuesday 14 January, French customs officials stopped a suspicious refrigerated truck at the Gye toll on the A31.

On board the Spanish-registered vehicle, driven by a Turkish driver based in the Netherlands, they discovered 26 kg of cocaine hidden in a shipment of bananas.

L'Est Republicain reported that the driver had initially claimed to have no knowledge of the contraband, before later admitting he knew what was concealed within the fruit. His employers had allegedly offered him 800 to transport the drugs to the Berchem services on the A3 in Luxembourg.

The man is scheduled to appear in court this week. With an estimated sell on price between 60 and 80 per gram, the shipment has been valued at around 1.5 million or even two million euros.
Maharashtra: G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture organises a cleanup drive at Worli Koliwada

January 21,2020 | Source: Indulge Express

If you have watched Coldplay and Beyonce's Hymn For The Weekend music video, you must have seen Mumbais Worli Koliwada, one of the earliest fishing villages in Mumbai where the video was shot. The land is also said to be one of the original seven islands of Mumbai where the native fishermen community came over 800 years ago.



Over the years, the rapid urban development and migration has transformed the character of this urban village to a mixed, lower-middle-income demographic, with diverse livelihoods, a degrading urban landscape and a neglected shoreline. This shoreline, once the sacred resource of the Kolis, has now sadly become a site for open defecation and unchecked waste disposal, posing severe health and environmental hazards. Forgotten in these urban challenges, is also the 18th century Worli Fort, a former British military outpost, that recalls the days of maritime trade and warfare  a cultural landmark to be preserved. To make this village a sustainable cultural precinct and Zero Waste Neighborhood, G5A Foundation for Contemporary Culture has joined hands with Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) and IDFC First Bank to organise a cleanup drive this Saturday.



Art is a wonderful way to dissolve barriers and boundaries. With G5A cityLAB we have found it to be an incredibly powerful tool, as we work closely with communities in our neighborhood. At Koliwada, we are addressing tangible civic issues that affect the community, like waste management, while also building a holistic plan enabling Worli Koliwada to become a vibrant cultural destination. Simultaneously our continuous engagement with the women and youth - through our ARTshala programs - empowers them in articulating identity and self-awareness, building confidence, and reinforcing and rediscovering skills and livelihood possibilities, elaborates Ms Anuradha Parikh, Founder and Artistic Director, G5A, and Architect & Filmmaker. The drive aims to bring the community together to take collective ownership of the neighbourhood is expecting to see participation of over 300 people, including local community members, Navy Officers and workers and officers of the participating organisations.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The exterior activity of Taal Volcano continues to simmer down, but a hazardous explosion is still possible, especially with the amount of magma moving closer to the surface, state volcanologists said on Tuesday.

Phivolcs' Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division Chief Mariton Bornas said there were only five recorded volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours that are generally weaker in magnitude. Despite the decreasing tremors caused by the earthquakes, she said it's not yet time to be complacent.

"May seeming na paghina ng activity, but it doesn't mean the danger is over," she said.

[Translation: There seems to be a decrease in activity, but it doesn't mean the danger is over.]

Bornas said the volcano continues to swell. When a volcano is inflated and continues to bulge further, it suggests magma is making its way up.

She added Taal is emitting fluctuating amounts of sulfur dioxide, saying this may be because the groundwater is interacting with the magma.

"Definitely it means ang magma is at the shallow level of the volcano... Nandoon na po ang magma, handa na siyang iputok (magma is there, ready to explode)," Bornas said.

Once a volcano erupts, magma turns into hazardous lava.

Alert Level 4 stays

Despite the lesser explosions, Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Taal, which means a hazardous eruption is possible within hours or days.

Bornas said Phivolcs started the two-week observation period on January 13 to determine if it will downgrade the alert level as the volcano enters a lull.

"If we see an escalation or kahit na significant activity lang (or even just significant activity), the two-week period is off," she said.
To celebrate the legacy of civil rights icon and social justice leader Martin Luther King Jr., hundreds crowded into The Woodlands United Methodist Church on Monday to hear local choirs perform and watch local heroes be recognized.

This years event marks 32 years that the local community group, with help from local partners, has celebrated King by bringing the community together to remember what he stood and fought for. Every year the event, held at The Woodlands United Methodist Church from noon to 1 p.m., gives out scholarships of $1,000 to several local students and honors the work of local heroes with a Drum Major Award. This year five local seniors were awarded scholarships at the event.

This years scholarship winners are Mackenzie Harris, currently attending Oak Ridge High School; DeQuencia Williams, currently attending Benjamin O. Davis High School; Tracy Ho, currently attending Klein High School; Celeste Trevino, currently attending College Park High School; and Nagoya Joseph, currently attending College Park High School.

Students apply for the scholarship through their school counselors and according to event organizer Cheryl Tyson, the committee received 20 applications this year. Funds for the scholarships come from event sponsors and donations.

The winners of the Drum Major Award are nominated because of the work they do to help the community in The Woodlands and beyond. This years winners are married couple Jackie and Christine Battle, honored for their charity work, and the mission of their business Philanthropy.

Im humbled and honored all at the same time, Jackie said of winning the award. When we got into our business we really didnt get into it as a business, its more of a ministry. We call it a womens clothing store disguised as a ministry. I just pray that this amplifies the ministry.

Jackie said he never expected that he and his wife would receive the award.

This years keynote speaker was James Payne, a Beaumont area lawyer and inspirational speaker who spoke to the power of community in facing injustice. He reminded those gathered of the power of an ant. Alone, the ant is not strong, but as a community ants are tenacious, always rebuilding after their mound is destroyed. They communicate their stated goal and pursue it together, and when disturbed they move as one. The burden of fighting for equality, like King, cannot rest on one person alone, Payne said.

This burden is just too big for any one of us to carry on, he said. We all have to do this together. If we really, really want to make a difference, we all have to come together and say Im willing to change, because I will make this world better. I will heal and change this nation.

New at this years event was the reading of part of Kings famous I Have A Dream speech, originally delivered to a crowd of over 250,000 in Washington D.C. from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. It was performed by David Darko, a student at Creekside Park Junior High School in Tomball ISD.

Each year, local elementary school students submit artwork inspired by King and his dream. The first-place winners art is put on shirts that the childrens choir wears the next year. The first, second, and third place art projects are always displayed at the event. This years winners were Ellie Oman, Geraldine Espinosa, and Sebastian Womack.

jamie.swinnerton@chron.com
The president has called it a charade.

His lawyers have termed it part of a broader illegitimate partisan effort to take him down by Democrats.

But whether he likes it or not, Donald Trump has been impeached by the House of Representatives, and the trial of those articles is about to be heard in the Senate.

Much of what will play out over the coming days and even weeks, remains unclear.

Late on Monday, on the very eve of the start of proceedings, the Republican leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, issued a set of rules which he said will govern how the proceedings take place. Yet even at this stage, as many things are fluid as they are fixed in stone.

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

What will happen on Tuesday January 21?

The impeachment process trial resumes at 1pm EST (6pm GMT) on Tuesday. It is likely that very soon after it convenes, the chamber will be asked to vote on a resolution to govern the proceedings. Late on Monday, Mr McConnell proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening arguments. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats demanded.

According to Mr McConnell, after the four days of opening arguments  two days per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate.

Will there be any witnesses?

Democrats have been pushing to be permitted to call several witnesses, among them former and serving White House officials, to give evidence. While some Republicans in the Senate have not ruled out supporting such a move, it has now become clear a decision regarding those witnesses will not be decided on Tuesday unless Democrats are some how able to force the issue. On Monday the Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, termed the Republican plan a cover-up.

When will the prosecution and defence be heard?

Once the rules have been adopted, Democratic House managers who form the prosecution team will begin to present their case against the president. It is unclear whether that will start on Tuesday or the next day. One report said the first evidence would likely be aired on Wednesday. When the House managers have finished, the presidents team will respond with its opening arguments.

Could the White House seek to have the two articles dismissed?

Reuters quoted a senior aide to the Republican leadership as saying lawyers for Mr Trump could move early in the proceedings to ask senators to dismiss all charges. It said such a motion that would likely fall short of the support needed to succeed.

 Rep. Adam Schiff reads articles of impeachment in Senate

So what about witnesses such as John Bolton?

CNN pointed out Mr Connells resolution also said after presentations from the impeachment managers and the presidents legal team and then 16 hours of questions from senators, the Senate will consider the question of whether it shall be in order to consider and debate under the impeachment rules any motion to subpoena witnesses or documents.

When will the senators actually vote?

It had been expected that because of the ongoing wrangling, no such vote would take place before the end of January or beginning of February. If Mr McConnell gets his way, that process could be quicker than anticipated.

Are any Republicans likely to vote to impeach Trump?

At this point, no. In the unlikely event the Senate voted to impeach the president, he would be replaced by Mike Pence.

What else is on the presidents agenda?

On 4 February, a day after Democrats hold their first primary ballot of the 2020 political cycle in Iowa, Mr Trump is scheduled to deliver the annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

How does all of this impact the presidents re-election chances?

Assuming he is cleared by the Senate, the president will continue to portray himself as a victim of Democrats ill intentions. It will likely harden support among his base. What remains unclear is whether it helps earn him new supporters. Most likely, by November 2020 so many other things will have played out that impeachment is far from the minds of most voters.

Additional reporting by agencies
Upgrades are being made at Hunterdon Medical Center to help both patients and those who care for them, according to the hospital. The Hunterdon Medical Center recently installed 131 state-of-the art beds in all rooms of the hospital, and is currently renovating a number of its patient care units.

The beds were selected by the Hunterdon Medical Centers nursing staff, and installed throughout the hospital this month.

Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Hunterdon Medical Center Pat Steingall said that the nurses input in choosing the Hill-Rom Centrella Smart+ hospital beds, an investment of over $1 million, created a win-win for everybody.

We put a lot of time and energy really looking at what the options were, and what were the most important features for the patient," Steingall said. You only have so much money, and we knew this was a huge investment. And we wanted to make sure in that investment that we were doing our best for the patient and the nursing staff, because if our nurses are getting injured because of the equipment we have, our patients in the end suffer."

While these beds offer what Steingall described as a lot of bells and whistles, including a USB port for charging patients personal devices, as well as a storage area that holds their personal items, she pinpointed their primary asset to be their utility in keeping patients safe.

The beds are composed of a quiet-powered airlock mattress accompanied by a turn-assist. This feature redistributes the air in the mattress to prevent the bed from becoming too hot in one area, and enables patients to be turned without injury to themselves or to the nursing staff, according to Assistant Vice President for Nursing Operations for Hunterdon Medical Center Mary Jo Loughlin.

You can imagine when youre turning a patient, it could be difficult. So with this turn-assist, (the mattress) blows up, or inflates, very quickly, and then the nurse is able to more comfortably turn patients ... so they dont get bed sores or pressure injuries," Loughlin said.

Steingall added the ease of movement created by the mattress secures the safety of the patients as well as of the nursing staff.

What that does is help the nurse turn a patient, so it helps save the nurses back, Steingall echoed.

Pressure injuries to the patient are also prevented by the design of the frame of the bed, which can adjust the head of patients without moving the rest of their bodies.

When you put the head of a bed up, the technology usually smushes (your body) down. And that causes friction for your skin, so ... it could contribute to getting a pressure ulcer or injury," Loughlin explained. The way (the bed) is designed is that when the head goes up, the bed actually retracts so then ... youre not smushed down on the bottom of the bed."

The beds also include both visual and verbal alarms that alert the staff if a patient is in need of help, as well as helpful messages for patients.

The verbal alerts include Brake not set, Call light not connected, Please dont get up and Your care team has been called," a feature that Loughlin emphasized is particularly effective for elderly patients.

"You can imagine that if you get this person and theyre confused and it says, Please dont get up. Even if theyre confused, theyre going to stop for a minute, and that gives the caregiver enough time to get in there before they fall, Loughlin said.

Staff members are also visually notified through a reflective surface on the floor of the bed, which signals to them whether the alarms on the bed are on or off.

When youre walking by, just at a glance, you can tell automatically if the bed alarm is not on if its supposed to be, and you can also see if the brake is set, Loughlin said. "So all of these cues for the staff make it much easier and more efficient for them to keep the patients space because you dont have to physically go to the bed to make sure that all of these devices are set properly.

Steingall added that anybody passing the room can see the alarm and respond to it.

We educate the staff -- not only the nursing staff, but the housekeeping staff, and the nutritional staff. Theyre passing by rooms and if they notice any of those lights are out or on or red, then they can alert someone right away," Steingall said.

A scale is also built into the bed so patients are not required to physically get up in order to be weighed, a feature that Steingall said benefits the hospitals most gravely afflicted patients in particular.

People have a tendency to think theyre a little bit lighter than they may be. And truly medications are weight-based -- or many of them are. So it really is important for us to have a true weight, especially with medications that are potentially dangerous, because were treating some very sick patients here, Steingall said.

In addition to the new beds, Hunterdon Medical Center is also undergoing renovations in patient care units 3 West, 5 South, and 5 North, which encompass approximately 72 rooms in total.

Over the span of the next three months, the floors in these units will be upgraded from linoleum to vinyl plank, and the color of its walls changed from mauve to shades of gray and beige.

Pull-out couches upon which patients families can sleep will also be added to various units at the hospital, and have already been placed in 3 West -- the centers oncology unit.

Were updating the medical surgical rooms to make them more modern. The floors are all changed, the colors are all changed, to make the patients feel like theyre going into a brand new room, Steingall explained.

Both Steingall and Loughlin said that rooms with a softer color scheme create a more comforting environment for patients to contribute to their overall well-being.

If you look at the research, your environment really helps with the healing," Loughlin said. "Its really important for the environment to be clean and fresh and modern. So even things as small as changing paint colors and the floor colors and the type of floor are important.

Its amazing the amount of research and time and energy that goes into (considering), What color do you make a room?" Steingall said. You dont make rooms a certain powder blue in a nursery, because youre not going to be able to tell if a baby is losing color ... And different shades of beiges and grays really do have a much calmer effect on patients, especially our elderly patients who get confused at night. Theyre in this nice, easy, comfortable environment, and its not as frightening for them.

The ongoing renovations in the three patient care units coincide with renovations in the centers 14-bed Behavioral Health Unit, which were completed this month.

In addition to gaining new furniture, walls, and floors, this unit was also redesigned to be ligature-free, creating an environment where patients are at a reduced risk of hurting themselves.

Sometimes our behavioral patients dont feel quite that theyre treated the same. Well, these accommodations are beautiful, and so conducive to safety," Steingall said.

(Behavioral health patients) are such a population that people dont really embrace, and that really is important to us in the community, because we realize that such an issue is not only in the community, but nationally, Loughlin echoed.

Loughlin confirmed that both the Hunterdon Medical Center staff and its patients have responded positively to the ongoing changes at the hospital, and expressed her and Steingalls shared goal of continuing to improve the facility in the years to come.

I think what makes me so proud is we constantly try to stay ahead and keep up with it, so its sort of a constant evolution, Loughlin said. Weve always been very proud of keeping it homey, and up to date, and modern.

Caroline Fassett can be reached at cfassett@njadvancemedia.com.

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New business unit will help joint customers with digital transformation initiatives

HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced the launch of a dedicated HCL Microsoft Business Unit focused on Microsoft technologies. This will extend Microsoft's offerings of Business Applications, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Azure, IoT, and AI/Machine Learning, as well as help employees accomplish more in the modern workplace with Microsoft 365 and Windows 10. The HCL Microsoft Business Unit will create intellectual property extending the Microsoft platform for customer-specific scenarios and will also provide additional support to clients in the financial services, healthcare and life sciences, manufacturing, retail, and travel industries. The business unit integrates one of the largest award-winning Microsoft Dynamics practices in the world with PowerObjects, an HCL company, and will bring together more than 5500 professionals, reaching more than 2000 customers.

"The HCL Microsoft Business Unit is the next phase to bolster HCL's successful and long-standing relationship with Microsoft. Increasingly, customers are making bold strides, incorporating IoT solutions with machine learning for analytics, running this solution in the public cloud and supported by CRM," said Kalyan Kumar, Corporate Vice President and CTO for IT Services of HCL Technologies. "This business unit combines HCL's specialized services and global reach with Microsoft's powerful cloud and business technologies, making a strong and unique offering for clients. These offerings are coming at a critical time when enterprises are aggressively implementing digital technologies for competitive advantage. Spearheading the HCL Microsoft Business Unit is Don Jones, who brings 20+ years of Microsoft experience, having created numerous successful solutions and go-to-market campaigns with Microsoft, and we're confident in his ability to successfully lead this initiative."

Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President at Microsoft said, "By establishing a Microsoft Business Unit, HCL is taking an important step forward in the long-standing partnership between our two companies. As a result, companies will benefit from unique products and services tailored to their digital journey while fostering modern work and collaboration. Together, we will be able to offer our joint customers a rich experience."

HCL was named a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Microsoft Implementation Services 2019 Vendor Assessment (doc US45034818, May 2019). And Forrester ranks HCL as a leader in its report, The Forrester Wave: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Services, Q2 2019. In addition, Microsoft named HCL-PowerObjects as the winner of the "Microsoft 2019 Dynamics 365 for Customer Service Partner of the Year" and "Financial Services Partner of the Year" awards.

For more information, please visit https://www.hcltech.com/microsoft

About HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies (HCL) empowers global enterprises with technology for the next decade today. HCL's Mode 1-2-3 strategy, through its deep-domain industry expertise, customer-centricity and entrepreneurial culture of ideapreneurship enables businesses to transform into next-gen enterprises.

HCL offers its services and products through three business units IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products Platforms (P&P). ITBS enables global enterprises to transform their businesses through offerings in areas of Applications, Infrastructure, Digital Process Operations and next generational digital transformation solutions. ERS offers engineering services and solutions in all aspects of product development and platform engineering. Under P&P, HCL provides modernized software products to global clients for their technology and industry-specific requirements. Through its cutting-edge co-innovation labs, global delivery capabilities and broad global network, HCL delivers holistic services in various industry verticals, categorized under Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology Services, Telecom Media, Retail CPG, Life Sciences Healthcare and Public Services.

As a leading global technology company, HCL takes pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability and education initiatives. As of 12 months ended December 31, 2019, HCL has a consolidated revenue of US$ 9.7 billion and its 149,000 ideapreneurs operate out of 45 countries. For more information, visit www.hcltech.com

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the statements containing the words 'planned', 'expects', 'believes',' strategy', 'opportunity', 'anticipates', 'hopes' or other similar words. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding impact of pending regulatory proceedings, fluctuations in earnings, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services, business process outsourcing and consulting services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, customer acceptances of our services, products and fee structures, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, our ability to integrate acquired assets in a cost-effective and timely manner, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, the success of our brand development efforts, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies /entities in which we have made strategic investments, withdrawal of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property, other risks, uncertainties and general economic conditions affecting our industry. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements made herein will prove to be accurate, and issuance of such forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that the objective and plans of the Company will be achieved. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information presently available to the Management of the Company and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005205/en/

Contacts:

For further details:

HCL Technologies

Anne Coyle

anne.coyle@hcl.com
Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday appealed to a delegation of protesters from Shaheen Bagh who called on him to end their agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) because of the inconvenience it has been causing to schoolchildren, patients and general public.

According to an official, the eight-member delegation submitted a memorandum of their demands, including withdrawal of the CAA to the L-G.

For over a month now, thousands of people, including women and children have been protesting at Shaheen Bagh near the Jamia Millia Islamia university against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

ALSO WATCH | Ex-Delhi LG Najeeb Jung joins anti-CAA protest, suggests solution

Met the delegation of protestors from Shaheen Bagh. Assured them to convey their concerns to appropriate authorities. Appealed to call off their agitation in view of continued inconvenience to school children, patients, daily commuters, local residents, etc due to blockade of road, Baijal tweeted.

I once again request all to maintain peace and order, the L-G said in another tweet.

Shaheen Bagh has inspired copycat protests by women in Kolkata, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Ranchi among other places.

On Monday, Baijals predecessor Najeeb Jung who joined a sit-in protest against the CAA and the NRC outside Delhis Jamia Millia Islamia university said that the controversial law needed a revamp to make it inclusive.

The CAA fast-tracks citizenship of non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who arrived in India till December 31, 2014.

Opponents of the CAA say the is unconstitutional because it makes religion a test of citizenship. They also allege that the CAA along with the NRC is intended to target Muslims in India.

The Centre insists that the law is intended to give citizenship to the persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone.

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We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. On the other hand, we'd be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So shareholders might well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling shares in Washington Prime Group Inc. (NYSE:WPG).

What Is Insider Buying?

It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise.

Check out our latest analysis for Washington Prime Group

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Washington Prime Group

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when CEO & Director Louis Conforti bought US$102k worth of shares at a price of US$4.56 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of US$3.72. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 93.85k shares for US$350k. But insiders sold 17129 shares worth US$98k. In total, Washington Prime Group insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. They paid about US$3.73 on average. This is nice to see since it implies that insiders might see value around current prices. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Story continues

NYSE:WPG Recent Insider Trading, January 21st 2020

Washington Prime Group is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 0.7% of Washington Prime Group shares, worth about US$5.5m, according to our data. We do generally prefer see higher levels of insider ownership.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Washington Prime Group Insiders?

The fact that there have been no Washington Prime Group insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. We'd like to see bigger individual holdings. However, we don't see anything to make us think Washington Prime Group insiders are doubting the company. Therefore, you should should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for Washington Prime Group.

But note: Washington Prime Group may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
2019 proved to be a successful year of significant growth and we are happy to welcome these three new member firms into the CPAmerica community, said Alan Deichler, president of CPAmerica.

Greenstein, Rogoff, Olsen & Co., LLP, (GROCO), headquartered in Fremont, Calif., Stephano Slack LLC, headquartered in Wayne, Pa., and Huberty & Associates SC, headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., joined CPAmerica, Inc. in December 2019. Fourteen new firms joined the accounting association during 2019.

GROCO is consistently ranked as one of the top accounting firms in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing consulting services and accounting services to high net-worth individuals and closely-held businesses.

Stephano Slack, LLC, is a regional CPA firm specializing in middle-market companies, providing privately owned businesses with timely, reliable financial information, as well as creative business and tax advice necessary to achieve their goals.

Huberty & Associates SC is a CPA-led, professional service firm where an inspired team places clients first. The firm operates both locally in Southeastern Wisconsin, and virtually using collaborative, online technology.

As an exclusive association of independent CPA firms, CPAmerica provides opportunities for its members to continuously improve. CPAmerica is a member of Crowe Global, which has members in more than 750 offices in more than 130 countries and ranks among the top-10 global accounting networks.

2019 proved to be a successful year of significant growth and we are happy to welcome these three new member firms into the CPAmerica community, said Alan Deichler, president of CPAmerica. They belong to a group that is determined to improve through sharing and where members support each others success through discussing best practices, sharing experiences and building professional relationships.

Each firm undergoes a rigorous quality review prior to obtaining membership in CPAmerica. Only those firms with the highest standards in all practice areas are approved by the council of members.

About CPAmerica, Inc.:

An accounting association made up of independent certified public accounting firms thats built on four key goals: to continuously improve; to make more money; to strengthen relationships among member firms; and to bring prestige to firms both domestically and internationally. As a member of the eighth largest global accounting network Crowe Global, CPAmerica expands to over 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in 130 countries, and has a combined firm revenue of $4.3 billion. Learn more about CPAmerica at http://www.cpamerica.org.
The global dimension stone market is expected to post a CAGR of almost 4% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request a free sample report

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005524/en/

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled global dimension stone market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Growing concerns over the impact of building materials on the environment have increased the adoption of sustainable construction practices across the world. Developed markets such as the US and Western Europe have adopted various regulations to promote the construction of eco-friendly buildings. This is also compelling consumers to opt for natural stone products such as marble and granite, instead of plastic composites and other emission-prone products. Furthermore, sustainable construction practices are also gaining traction in other emerging markets such as China and India. These factors are crucial in driving the demand for dimension stone products during the forecast period.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR30063

As per Technavio, the increased adoption of diamond wire cutting will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other important trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2019-2023.

Global Dimension Stone Market: Increased Adoption of Diamond Wire Cutting

Vendors in the market are adopting diamond wire cutting machines to increase accuracy and reduce wastage of material in dimension stone quarries. Rapid advancements in blade material and automation have also enabled these machines to operate with increased efficiencies in stone cutting as compared to alternative methods. In addition, regulations on the use of explosives for dimension stone quarries in countries such as China, the US, and Western Europe have compelled many vendors to adopt diamond wire cutting machines to cut dimension stone slabs. Therefore, with increased adoption of diamond wire cutting machines, the productivity of quarry operations is expected to significantly increase during the forecast period. This will further enhance the growth of dimension stone market during the forecast period.

" Growing popularity of home remodelling and rising awareness about terrazzo flooring will further boost the dimension stone market during the forecast period", says a senior analyst at Technavio.

Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Global Dimension Stone Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market report segments the global dimension stone marketbyproduct (limestone, granite, sandstone, marble and slate, and others) and geography (Americas, APAC, and EMEA).

The APAC region led the market in 2018, followed by EMEA and the Americas respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to maintain its dominance over the market due to the increasing emphasis on the development of smart cities in the emerging economies of the region including India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Request a free sample report

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Market characteristics

Market segmentation analysis

Market Sizing

Market definition

Market size and forecast

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation

Customer Landscape

Geographical Segmentation

Geographic comparison

Key leading countries

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Landscape disruption

Competitive scenario

Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Vendor classification

Market positioning of vendors

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005524/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: media@technavio.com

Website: https://www.technavio.com/
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan says money will keep flowing to environment, social and governance funds (ESG) as more investors send the message that they want to own companies with a mission that aligns profits with broader social goals.

"We have $25 billion in ESG funds, and more is going there," Moynihan said on " from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The bank's wealth management business has a total of $3 trillion in investor assets. "All investors are saying, 'I want you to invest in companies doing right by society.'"

Assets in ESG mutual funds and ETFs reached a record level in 2019, according to Morningstar, with more than $20 billion invested, four times the level of 2018, which had been the previous record.

Last week the CEO of the world's largest money manager, BlackRock, issued an annual letter saying that climate change will lead to a fundamental reshaping of finance the likes of which the world has never seen, and a significant reallocation of capital is set to take place "sooner than most anticipate."

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said: "Climate change has become a defining factor in companies' long-term prospects." He added, "Climate change is almost invariably the top issue that clients around the world raise with BlackRock. From Europe to Australia, South America to China, Florida to Oregon, investors are asking how they should modify their portfolios."

BlackRock announced broad changes to its investment strategies aligned with ESG.

Bank of America has committed $300 billion to sustainable investments over the next decade. Since 2007, when the company issued its first Environmental Business Initiative, Bank of America has deployed more than $126 billion to environmental business efforts.

"There is a huge opportunity, whether it is green bonds or different types of financing for solar installations or wind installations," the Bank of America CEO said of the bank's opportunities to deploy the capital. He added that as more companies seek carbon neutrality, that will drive demand for new technology, though it will require power companies, above all, to make real progress.
Meghan Markle was pictured beaming last night as she took her son Archie and two dogs for a walk in Vancouver Island, hours before her husband Harry landed in Canada.

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, looked at ease in Canada while she walked her Beagle, Guy, and black Labrador Oz, who was pictured in public for the first time during the outing at Horth Hill Regional Park.

Meghan and Prince Harry adopted Oz in London in 2018, and he and Guy were flown to Canada with the couple when they took a six-week break from royal duties in December, perhaps hinting that plans to leave the royal family were already afoot.

Now that the couple appear to be settling in Canada, it begs the question of whether Meghan will be reunited with her beloved Labrador-Shepherd cross Bogart, who she left behind in Canada when she moved to London in 2017.

The former Suits star was accompanied by Guy for her move to London, but Bogart was said not to be fit to travel and was re-homed with a friend.

Meghan Markle was pictured beaming last night as she took her son Archie and two dogs for a walk in Vancouver, hours before her husband Harry landed in Canada

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, looked at ease in Canada while she walked her dogs, black Labrador Oz and beagle Guy. But questions have arisen as to the whereabouts of her beloved Labrador-Shepherd cross Bogart, who she left behind in Canada when she moved to London in 2017. Meghan is pictured here with Guy (left) and Bogart (right) in a shot from her now-delted Instagram

'A good day was had by all': Meghan shared this sweet image relaxing on a beach with Guy, while reading a book

In her engagement interview, Meghan revealed to the BBC's Mishal Husain: 'One [dog] is now staying with very close friends and my other, little Guy, he's in the UK, he's been here for a while.'

The former actress, who lived in Canada while filming Suits, made the heartbreaking decision to leave Bogart after moving to the UK to start her new life, because the pet was too old to fly overseas.

She took Bogart's 'best friend' Guy with her when she moved into Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace with Prince Harry, and the couple are believed to have adopted black Labrador Oz in August 2018.

It is not known if Bogart will now be reunited with the Duchess as the royal couple spend more time in Canada following their step back for senior positions in the Royal Family.

To be able to come to the UK, Guy had to be subjected to several vaccinations and bloodtests, as well as being microchipped.

Hours before Harry arrived, Meghan smiled while strolling through Horth Hill Regional Park holding her two dogs, black lab Oz and beagle Guy on leashes

Two Royal Protection Officers strolled behind her at a discreet distance for the morning outing - it is not known if they are British or Canadian

The Duchess of Sussex held her eight-month-old son on her chest in a baby carrier as she waited for husband Prince Harry to arrive hours later

Archie was dressed in a white onesie and bootees. Harry recently revealed his son, who is in Canada with Meghan, recently saw snow for the first time

Shortly after his arrival, it was revealed that Guy had been injured, and was reportedly receiving treatment from television 'super vet', Professor Noel Fitzpatrick.

Meghan is known for her love of dogs, and has described the pooches as 'my boys in' the past, gushing how they 'mean the absolute world' to her.

During her time in Toronto, the animals repeatedly appeared on her Instagram page and were pictured snuggled up in bed with her.

Ahead of the royal wedding, fans were sent into overdrive after insisting that the dog the Queen was seen riding in a car to Windsor Castle with was Meghan's dog Guy.

The former actress, who lived in Canada while filming Suits, made the heartbreaking decision to leave Bogart (right) after moving to the UK to start her new life, as the pet was too old to fly overseas. She bought Guy (left) with her

Meghan took Bogart's (right) 'best friend' Guy (left) with her when she moved into Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace with Prince Harry

And while Meghan and Harry were dating, she would reportedly keep in touch with her pets via FaceTime during her long stints away.

Prince Harry also revealed the Queen's corgi and dorgis took to his wife 'straight away'.

He said the mother-of-one had charmed his grandmother's pets far easier than even he had ever managed.

In their first interview since announcing their engagement, Harry said: 'And the corgis took to you straight away.'

'I've spent the last 33 years being barked at; this one walks in, absolutely nothing ...'

Meghan is known for her love of dogs and would encourage her followers to 'adopt not shop'. Pictured is Bogart in the snow

Meghan is known for her love of dogs, and Harry has previously said the corgis 'took to her straight away'. Pictured is Bogart in Meghan's old home in Canada

Describing the moment he added: 'Just laying on my feet during tea, it was very sweet.'

And Prince Harry added: '... just wagging tails and I was just like "argh".'

Harry is today finally joining Meghan and Archie at the oceanfront mansion where Meghan and Archie have spent most of the past two months.

Yesterday he rushed through morning meetings with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and several heads of state at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich, arriving at around 11am and leaving by 1pm UK time.

He then held a meeting with his Kensington Palace team about managing his and Meghan's affairs because they will now be in Canada for the foreseeable future.

The father-of-one, who was grinning as he got off the plane with his security team having completed his 5,000-mile journey, wore a padded coat, blue jeans and a beanie hat while carrying a green bag as he walked across the Tarmac.
Mohammed Jabateh, a Delaware County man serving a 30-year prison term for lying about his past as the brutal Liberian warlord "Jungle Jabbah" asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on Tuesday to overturn his conviction. In this 1992 file photo, members of ULIMO, the militia of which Jabateh was a member, tease a suspected rival soldier with a mock execution on the outskirts of Monrovia, Liberia. Read more

A Delaware County man serving a 30-year prison term for hiding his past as a brutal Liberian warlord to gain entry into the United States urged a federal appeals court in Philadelphia on Tuesday to overturn his conviction and sentence.

Lawyers for Mohammed Jabateh, 53, of East Lansdowne, argued that their client may have committed numerous murders, rapes, and acts of enslavement, torture and ritual cannibalism during the first Liberian civil war  a protracted, multifaction conflict that ravaged the West African nation between 1989 and 1997  but as terrible as those crimes were, they did not necessarily amount to genocide.

Liberia, for all its horrors in the early 90s, was not Rwanda, not Bosnia, not Cambodia, and not the Third Reich, Jabatehs attorney Peter Goldberger said in court papers. Genocide is a term with a precise and narrow meaning.

That distinction could prove key as a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit considers whether to upend a historic verdict that resonated from Philadelphias sizable community of West African expats to Liberia, a nation more than 4,500 miles away.

Before Jabatehs 2017 trial, no one had ever been held criminally accountable for the numerous documented atrocities committed on all sides of the nations first civil conflict, a war that left more than 250,000 civilians dead. And despite a decades-long push by some advocates to establish a war-crimes tribunal in the capital of Monrovia, suspected perpetrators continue to live openly and in some cases hold prominent roles in Liberias government.

A decision by the U.S. appeals court in Jabatehs favor could cut off one of the few avenues of justice afforded to a generation of Liberian war victims. It could also upend the chief tactic U.S. authorities have relied upon to weed out war criminals seeking refuge in the U.S.

As it has done in dozens of other cases in recent years  including a similar 2018 case against Tom Woewiyu of Collingdale, another Liberian, who fought on the opposite side in the war  the Justice Department charged Jabateh not with any of his alleged wartime misdeeds but with lying about them on his application for political asylum in the late 90s and later legal residency.

 READ MORE: 'Jungle Jabbah's' war: Accused Liberian's own story emerges in court

Goldberger stressed Tuesday that chief among those alleged lies was Jabatehs negative answer to a question asking whether he had ever engaged in genocide or participated in the killing of another person because of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

His clients tactics might have been brutal, the lawyer contended, but they werent persecution and were committed in a general atmosphere of cruelty and violence in the context of a civil war seemingly waged without rules or restraint.

But Robert A. Zauzmer, chief of appeals for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia, balked at the idea that the Third Circuit judges would give Jabatehs argument any serious consideration. He pointed to the roughly dozen Liberian victims who flew to the U.S. nearly three years ago to identify Jabateh as their tormentor  a sadistic warlord who fought under the nom de guerre Jungle Jabbah.

One woman testified she had been captured, turned into a sex slave at 13, and raped daily for weeks until she managed to escape. Another, the wife of a village chieftain, alleged that Jabatehs soldiers killed her husband, delivered his heart to her on a platter, and forced her to cook it for Jabateh and his men.

 READ MORE: Witness: They murdered my husband, then ordered me to boil his heart

Mr. Goldberger likes to say that these were combatants at war and  likens this to the American Civil War, Zauzmer told the Third Circuit on Tuesday. This was not the Blue and Gray meeting on the field of Antietam. These were atrocities committed against local citizens, local villagers, based on their ethnicities and their affiliations with rival political groups.

The appellate panel appeared just as skeptical.

But the judges also expressed hesitation Tuesday about Jabatehs three-decade sentence  a punishment more than 17 times greater than the 15 to 21 months called for under federal sentencing guidelines. It is the longest prison term ever imposed against an alleged foreign war criminal convicted solely on violations of U.S. immigration law.

In explaining his decision in 2018, U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond described the suggested guideline sentence as outrageously offensive in light of Jabatehs wartime conduct.

He cautioned, however, that he was not departing from it based on the horror of the atrocities [Jabateh] committed abroad but rather because of the egregiousness of his lies to U.S. immigration authorities.

Still, Circuit Judge Thomas L. Ambro questioned Tuesday why the judge, as in other cases involving immigrants, had not sentenced Jabateh to something more in line with the roughly 12 years recommended by the U.S. Probation Office. Then he could have been deported and Liberia could have decided whether to try him for his war crimes, Ambro explained.

One could look" at Diamonds sentence, the circuit judge said, citing the 36-page sentencing opinion recounting testimony of Jabatehs purported atrocities, and see, I, today, am sentencing you for crimes committed in another country.

While it has not been uncommon for sentencing judges to exceed the sentencing guidelines in other cases involving purported war criminals hiding in the U.S., the punishments have averaged from 10 to 15 years. The longest prison term before Jabateh was 22 years.

The point thats being made here is, if youre a war criminal like this and a leader of war criminals like this, then you face a significant sentence for abusing U.S. immigration law, Zauzmer said. The judge "wanted to communicate to the abusers of our world that we are not your refuge.

The Third Circuit panel, which also included Paul Matey and Julio M. Fuentes, did not issue a ruling Tuesday

Jabateh, who was not in court, remains incarcerated at a federal detention center in Union County, Pa.
Forces behind Mangaluru 'bomb' incident will be curbed: B S Yediyurappa

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

Bengaluru, Jan 21: A day after bomb scare surfacing at Mangaluru International Airport, on Tuesday Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa termed the incident as "unfortunate" as he tried to allay fears of citizens while assuring them that the "forces" behind it would be curbed.

Whereas, the Leader of the Opposition and former chief minister Siddaramaiah termed it as "intelligence failure".

The Karnataka CM, who is currently in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum meet, took on to Twitter, and wrote, "The incident of bomb scare surfacing at Mangaluru International Airport is unfortunate. The forces behind this incident will be curbed. We will not tolerate any activity that will disturb the security. There is no need for citizens to fear."

Meanwhile, terming the incident as "frightening", the former CM of the state, Siddaramaiah demanded a detailed inquiry into the incident and that those behind it be brought to justice.

He added, "I don't know what the intelligence was doing recently. Two people have died in 'golibar' (two people killed during anti CAA protests). After that, there have been repeated incidents. I want to call it an intelligence failure."

Bomb at Mangalore airport: CCTV shows suspect had second bag in his possession

A 'live' explosive device was found in an unattended bag near a ticket counter of the departure gate of the airport here on Monday and later defused at a nearby open ground.
Miss Katiwa has come a long way to be known as one of the hottest female entertainers in reggae music here in Kenya.

The gorgeous lass has offered great competition to the likes of Talia Oyando and Sheila Kwambox who have been running that side of the industry for years.

READ ALSO: Cardi B elated after her 3 songs feature in Michelle Obama's workout playlist

1. Miss Katiwa's name might sound like a connotation but it is actually her real name which she took from her grandmother.

READ ALSO: Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt reunite backstage at SAG Awards

2. Katiwa has seen it all; after high school, she enrolled as a DJ with her savings but later run out of money and dropped out.

READ ALSO: Wajue kupe wanaoifyonza na kuiua sekta ya elimu nchini

3. Katiwa worked as a house help for two years, earning KSh 4,000 a month.

4. Her mother had moved to Naivasha and she had to look after her siblings in Nairobi's Kibera estate where she paid a rent of KSh 1,500.

5. The lovely lass had dreams in the modelling world which were not to be after falling out with her boss.

READ ALSO: Pastor Ng'ang'a hilariously leads congregants in vigorous dance meant to kick away devil

6. Katiwa has not always been a fan of reggae but her interest in the genre began back in 2016 after she watched Kriss Darling play at an event.

7. The lass saw her breakthrough and is now one of the most sort out lady entertainers in both TV and radio.

8. Katiwa hosts a daily late-night show at Homeboys radio together with Jemo Ule Msee. They mostly discuss topics on copulation and dating.

9. She is also a TV host taking on the Jam Down reggae show on NTV together with DJ Moe.

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
Protesters erected barricades on the Mohammed al-Qasim Highway in Baghdad on Monday, January 20, and Tuesday, January 21, as clashes with security forces continued through the night and into the next day.

Video shared from the highway early on Tuesday morning shows protesters manning the barricades and lighting fires.

On Monday, at least four protesters and two police officers were killed in the clashes, according to Reuters. One of those killed was Yousif Satar, a photographer with an Iraqi NGO called Support Without Borders. The NGO confirmed his death in a post to Facebook.

There were further reports of injuries on Tuesday as the clashes continued. Credit: @q2_s8 via Storyful
New Delhi: Kartik Aaryan shared an adorable throwback picture from the sets of his upcoming romantic-drama `Love Aaj Kal` as he introduced to his character Raghu striking a pose to mimic Salman Khan from one of his 90`s flicks.

The 29-year-old actor hopped on to Instagram and shared the picture of his character in the movie. He captioned the picture as "Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. Meet my other half #Raghu #Kal #1990 #LoveAajkal."

In the picture, Kartik is seen dressed in a school uniform with a white shirt, beige coloured trousers, and blue tie. His clean-shaven look added to the innocence of the character. The picture also has a Salman Khan connection as it captures Kartik posing like Salman with the `Wanted` star`s picture from the 1990s in the background.

`Love Aaj Kal` is the much-awaited sequel to Imtiaz Ali`s 2009 release of the same name which featured Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead. The movie will feature Sara Ali Khan alongside Kartik Aaryan in the lead role.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the movie also features Randeep Hooda and Arushi Sharma in significant roles.

The movie, which is set to release on February 14, 2020, presents Kartik and Sara as Veer and Zoe. (ANI)
: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought the intervention of External Affairs minister S Jaishanakar to render all assistance to the families of the eight keralite tourists who died at a resort in Nepal.

In a letter to the minister, Vijayan said " we have heard the shocking of the death of eight persons from Kerala who were on a visit to Nepal.

I request your Ministry to kindly intervene for rendering all possible assistance to the families and friends of the victims".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A North Carolina teenager has died after she contracted the flu and it developed into sepsis.

In late December, 15-year-old Lacie Rian Fisher, of Pisgah, had not had an appetite and had been feeling achy for a few days.

At first, her father, Keith, assumed she had a stomach bug but, after no signs of improvement, he decided to take her to her pediatrician's office on December 30.

Not long after they arrived, Lacie collapsed to the ground and never regained consciousness, reported the Asheville Citizen-Times.

Doctors at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital later determined that the untreated flu had triggered sepsis, which caused life-threatening inflammation throughout the body, resulting in organ failure and death.

Lacie Rian Fisher, 15 (pictured), of Pisgah, North Carolina died after she contracted the flu and it developed into sepsis

Lacie's parents took her to her pediatrician twice in November, but the flu shot wasn't administered because of a rash on her body. Her parents never took her back in December to get the vaccine. Pictured, left and right: Lacie

Lacie's parents, who are divorced, told the Citizen-Times they believe in flu shots, but that they never got around to it this year.

Her father, Keith, said he took his daughter to her doctor's office twice in November, but the vaccine wasn't administered due to a rash on her body.

'I just didn't get her back to get a shot in December after she got better,' Keith told the newspaper.

'I'm certainly wondering...if it wouldn't have helped her. I wished I would have gotten it for her.'

On Lacie's death certificate, septic shock is listed as the immediate cause of death, with influenza B as an underlying cause, according to the Citizen-Times.

Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about 4,800 people have died from the flu in the 2019-20 flu season.

Pediatric deaths are double what they were at this time last year, 32 - not counting Lacie's death - as of Monday compared to 16 in mid-January 2019.

The B/Victoria strain has been responsible for at least 21 of the 32 deaths.

Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told DailyMail.com in a recent interview there is a mismatch when it comes to the vaccine and the B/Victoria strain.

He explained there is a 58 percent match for the B/Victoria strain, meaning a 58 percent chance the flu shot is matched to protect you from getting sick.

Lacie began feeling achy and not having an appetite and late December, but her father assumed it was a stomach bug. After not seeing improvement, he decided to take her to her pediatrician's office. Pictured: Lacie with her dad, left, and right

Lacie (pictured) collapsed outside of her pediatrician's office on December 30 and was rushed to the hospital, but never regained consciousness

'It doesn't mean it's ineffective, but not as effective as it would be if it was 100 percent matched,' he said.

But it does mean that, even if you get sick, it can prevent complications, such as sepsis, from developing.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which chemicals that the immune system releases into the bloodstream to fight an infection cause inflammation throughout the entire body instead.

Many doctors view sepsis in three stages progressing from sepsis to severe sepsis and finally septic shock, a dramatic drop in blood pressure that stops blood flow to the organs and can result in death.

Lacie's mother, Rosalind Fisher Payne, said all of her daughter's organs shut down.

'It was affecting her heart, her liver...every part of her body, every organ,' she said.

Lacie's parents say she was a straight-A student who was a cheerleader and in her high school's band.

The immediate cause of death on her death certificate was listed as septic shock with influenza B being the underlying cause of death. Pictured: Lacie

Influenza B has been the strain responsible for the majority of pediatric illnesses and deaths this flu season. Fisher's parents hope to persuade other parents to vaccinate their children. Pictured, left and right: Lacie

Earlier this month, hundreds of students at Pisgah High School wore pink, which was Lacie's favorite color, in her memory.

'Lacie was just the biggest ball of light that you've ever seen,' Morgan Hill, a fellow cheerleader, told the Haywood County Mountaineer.

'If you were having a bad day, she would just go out of her way to make you happy. And she was always there to support and care about everyone. She was just one of the greatest people you'd ever meet.'

Her mother and father both say that they hope Lacie's story is a cautionary tale for any parents hesitating about getting their child vaccinated.

'I know that there's people out there that's afraid to get the flu shot,' Payne told the Citizen-Times.

'If there's just some way that I can get people to realize because of Lacie - get that shot. People just don't understand how bad it is. No, it's not just a cold, or a not-feel-good for a couple of days. I mean, this happened in hours.'
Social media is a forum that is susceptible to the worst forms of human communication and behaviour  abuse, disparagement, harassment, exclusion, conflict and more. These constitute or lead to various forms of violence.

A portrait of Wilson Gavin distributed by his family. He was 21.

The most recent example seems to be the tragic death of Wilson Gavin which was preceded by a protest at a Brisbane library, leading to a large amount of online abuse. The type and volume of online abuse reported by various media outlets was shocking.

How can we explain such behaviour? There are two interrelated reasons. The first is because scapegoating is endemic to human groups. A "pile-on" creates a great deal of social unity and personal satisfaction. In order to relieve their own interior and social tensions, humans target and blame others. Violence against a scapegoat produces a tremendous "high", resulting in an intense sense of solidarity with one's group.

The former Stanford professor and French Academy immortal Rene Girard showed how human groups have historically relied on scapegoating to stabilise their relationships and desires. Through analysis of ancient and modern stories and rituals, he demonstrated that across cultures human groups have used scapegoating tactics to resolve conflict.
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will not attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos this week because its organizers had "abruptly changed its agenda", its foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.

"He was scheduled to attend ... but they abruptly changed the schedule and it was not the schedule that we agreed upon. So he will not attend Davos," Abbas Mousavi told a televised weekly conference.

Reuters last week reported that Zarif was no longer on the list of nearly 3,000 people due at the event, which is being held under the banner "Stakeholders for a Sustainable and Cohesive World".

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Catherine Evans)
The Butte-Silver Bow Board of Health has sanctioned the creation of a new committee that would focus on various studies about the health of Butte-Silver Bow residents.

The boards sanction came at its Jan. 8, 2020 regular meeting. The issue now moves to the countys Council of Commissioners for its prospective sanction. The request for commissioners sanction will occur at the councils next regular meeting tomorrow evening.

The new health study committee, which would be an advisory subcommittee to the Board of Health, would focus on studies such as the community health needs assessments conducted every three years in Butte (the 2020 assessment process is under way), air quality studies and cancer studies conducted by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and others, such as Suzanne McDermott, Ph.D., of the University of South Carolina, who has recently published two cancer studies on Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge. McDermott is also co-author of a recent study focused on newborn meconium in Butte-Silver Bow, with a comparison group of newborns in South Carolina.

The new committee would be chaired by me. Should the Council of Commissioners sanction the committee, the countys chief executive, Dave Palmer, would appoint its members, representing the countys Board of Health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, Montana Technological University, and St. James Healthcare. Members could also include ex-officio representatives from private industry. Once the committee is prospectively formulated, it would create a charter and bylaws as it begins to discuss the various health studies focused on Butte.

Meetings of the committee would be publicly noticed and abide by Montana open meetings laws.

Included at the top of the committees priorities would be review and discussion of McDermotts most recent study, titled High Incidence of Brain and Other Nervous System Cancer Identified in Two Mining Counties, 2001-2015. The study was published Jan. 6 in Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology. The study looked at brain cancer rates in Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge and found higher incidence rates of brain cancer in two age groups, when compared to the rest of Montana.

I spoke with McDermott by telephone about the studys findings Jan. 9, and in that conversation, McDermott reiterated her call initially outlined in the study document for additional research and public health action.

I work closely with staff at Montana DPHHS, and I can tell you this: Both I and DPHHS staff take all reports of high levels of adverse health effects, such as cancer, and calls for public health action very seriously. But based on a thorough review of the public health and environmental data available, DPHHS officials and I do not agree with the conclusions of McDermott and her co-authors.

Additionally, I, and officials from EPA and the Agency on Toxic Substances and Disease Registry strongly disagree with the findings of McDermotts meconium study. The EPA will explain why at the Board of Healths upcoming monthly meeting Feb. 5, and at the Council of Commissioners meeting that same evening.

Regarding the recent brain cancer study, DPHHS has investigated the cited cases of brain cancer in greater detail, and found that the specific types of brain cancers of the patients in the two age groups cited by McDermott  ages 0-5 and 30-34  do not point toward an environmental cause or other common cause to all the cases.

Based on the information available to DPHHS and me, I believe it is not possible to determine the cause or causes of brain cancer in these patients. DPHHS is coordinating with the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department to review current environmental data. DPHHS also continues to monitor brain cancer incidence in Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge counties, stays abreast of the latest research on the causes of brain cancer causes, and works with local cancer stakeholders to provide education on cancer.

Quite simply, the cause of brain cancer is not known. There is no evidence to conclude that brain cancers among Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge residents were caused by heavy metal exposure.

More information about McDermotts brain cancer study is available on the Butte-Silver Bow website at https://www.co.silverbow.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/17246/Brain-Cancer-Frequently-Asked-Questions and on the DPHHS website at https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/Cancer/TumorRegistry.

The new health study committee, in my view, will be able to look at the abundance of studies conducted on the Butte-Silver Bow population, such as Dr. McDermotts most recent study, discuss that information, and if needed, make recommendations to the Board of Health and Health Department staff on calls to public health action.

A health study work group that looks every five years at outcomes from blood lead medical monitoring in the community and the effectiveness of the Butte-Silver Bow Residential Metals Abatement Program would continue. That work is driven by the Record of Decision related to the Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit.

The new committee could discuss that five-year study, but would be more encompassing in regard to the myriad health studies being conducted on the Butte-Silver Bow population.

Karen Sullivan is the health officer for Butte-Silver Bow County, and director of the countys Health Department. She writes this column for The Montana Standards health page.

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The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump began Tuesday in the US Senate, marking the third time in the nations history that a sitting president faces possible removal from office.

What does impeachment actually mean?

The term impeachment is sometimes conflated with one of its possible outcomes  a sitting officials removal from office. However, impeachment refers to the process of determining whether or not an official should be removed from office, not the act itself, and is the sole method for removal of a President found in the US Constitution. Presidents can be removed from office if theyre convicted of conviction, treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Mr Trump was impeached by the US House of Representatives  one half of the federal governments legislative branch  on 18 December. The trial that began Tuesday in the US Senate  the other half of the legislative branch  will determine if Mr Trump is removed from office.

How does it work?

Removing a President from office requires substantial support from both parts of the US legislative branch. The process begins in the House of Representatives, as one of the Houses main functions is to provide oversight to the federal government. If the House levies charges against the President  or other federal officials  the House can then introduce an impeachment resolution. The resolution is voted on like any other and requires a simple majority of votes in the House to pass.

Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Show all 26 1 /26 Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Donald Trump Accused of abusing his office by pressing the Ukrainian president in a July phone call to help dig up dirt on Joe Biden, who may be his Democratic rival in the 2020 election. He also believes that Hillary Clintons deleted emails - a key factor in the 2016 election - may be in Ukraine, although it is not clear why. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Whistleblower Believed to be a CIA agent who spent time at the White House, his complaint was largely based on second and third-hand accounts from worried White House staff. Although this is not unusual for such complaints, Trump and his supporters have seized on it to imply that his information is not reliable. Expected to give evidence to Congress voluntarily and in secret. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal The Second Whistleblower The lawyer for the first intelligence whistleblower is also representing a second whistleblower regarding the President's actions. Attorney Mark Zaid said that he and other lawyers on his team are now representing the second person, who is said to work in the intelligence community and has first-hand knowledge that supports claims made by the first whistleblower and has spoken to the intelligence community's inspector general. The second whistleblower has not yet filed their own complaint, but does not need to to be considered an official whistleblower. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rudy Giuliani Former mayor of New York, whose management of the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 won him worldwide praise. As Trumps personal attorney he has been trying to find compromising material about the presidents enemies in Ukraine in what some have termed a shadow foreign policy. In a series of eccentric TV appearances he has claimed that the US state department asked him to get involved. Giuliani insists that he is fighting corruption on Trumps behalf and has called himself a hero. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Volodymyr Zelensky The newly elected Ukrainian president - a former comic actor best known for playing a man who becomes president by accident - is seen frantically agreeing with Trump in the partial transcript of their July phone call released by the White House. With a Russian-backed insurgency in the east of his country, and the Crimea region seized by Vladimir Putin in 2014, Zelensky will have been eager to please his American counterpart, who had suspended vital military aid before their phone conversation. He says there was no pressure on him from Trump to do him the favour he was asked for. Zelensky appeared at an awkward press conference with Trump in New York during the United Nations general assembly, looking particularly uncomfortable when the American suggested he take part in talks with Putin. AFP/Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pence The vice-president was not on the controversial July call to the Ukrainian president but did get a read-out later. However, Trump announced that Pence had had one or two phone conversations of a similar nature, dragging him into the crisis. Pence himself denies any knowledge of any wrongdoing and has insisted that there is no issue with Trumps actions. It has been speculated that Trump involved Pence as an insurance policy - if both are removed from power the presidency would go to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, something no Republican would allow. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Rick Perry Trump reportedly told a meeting of Republicans that he made the controversial call to the Ukrainian president at the urging of his own energy secretary, Rick Perry, and that he didnt even want to. The president apparently said that Perry wanted him to talk about liquefied natural gas - although there is no mention of it in the partial transcript of the phone call released by the White House. It is thought that Perry will step down from his role at the end of the year. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Joe Biden The former vice-president is one of the frontrunners to win the Democratic nomination, which would make him Trumps opponent in the 2020 election. Trump says that Biden pressured Ukraine to sack a prosecutor who was investigating an energy company that Bidens son Hunter was on the board of, refusing to release US aid until this was done. However, pressure to fire the prosecutor came on a wide front from western countries. It is also believed that the investigation into the company, Burisma, had long been dormant. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Hunter Biden Joe Bidens son has been accused of corruption by the president because of his business dealings in Ukraine and China. However, Trump has yet to produce any evidence of corruption and Bidens lawyer insists he has done nothing wrong. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Barr The attorney-general, who proved his loyalty to Trump with his handling of the Mueller report, was mentioned in the Ukraine call as someone president Volodymyr Zelensky should talk to about following up Trumps preoccupations with the Bidens and the Clinton emails. Nancy Pelosi has accused Barr of being part of a cover-up of a cover-up. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Mike Pompeo The secretary of state initially implied he knew little about the Ukraine phone call - but it later emerged that he was listening in at the time. He has since suggested that asking foreign leaders for favours is simply how international politics works. Gordon Sondland testified that Pompeo was "in the loop" and knew what was happening in Ukraine. Pompeo has been criticised for not standing up for diplomats under his command when they were publicly criticised by the president. AFP via Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Nancy Pelosi The Democratic Speaker of the House had long resisted calls from within her own party to back a formal impeachment process against the president, apparently fearing a backlash from voters. On September 24, amid reports of the Ukraine call and the day before the White House released a partial transcript of it, she relented and announced an inquiry, saying: The president must be held accountable. No one is above the law. Getty Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Adam Schiff Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, one of the three committees leading the inquiry. He was criticized by Republicans for giving what he called a parody of the Ukraine phone call during a hearing, with Trump and others saying he had been pretending that his damning characterisation was a verbatim reading of the phone call. He has also been criticised for claiming that his committee had had no contact with the whistleblower, only for it to emerge that the intelligence agent had contacted a staff member on the committee for guidance before filing the complaint. The Washington Post awarded Schiff a four Pinocchios rating, its worst rating for a dishonest statement. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman Florida-based businessmen and Republican donors Lev Parnas (pictured with Rudy Giuliani) and Igor Fruman were arrested on suspicion of campaign finance violations at Dulles International Airport near Washington DC on 9 October. Separately the Associated Press has reported that they were both involved in efforts to replace the management of Ukraine's gas company, Naftogaz, with new bosses who would steer lucrative contracts towards companies controlled by Trump allies. There is no suggestion of any criminal activity in these efforts. Reuters Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal William Taylor The most senior US diplomat in Ukraine and the former ambassador there. As one of the first two witnesses in the public impeachment hearings, Taylor dropped an early bombshell by revealing that one of his staff  later identified as diplomat David Holmes  overheard a phone conversation in which Donald Trump could be heard asking about investigations the very day after asking the Ukrainian president to investigate his political enemies. Taylor expressed his concern at reported plans to withhold US aid in return for political smears against Trumps opponents, saying: It's one thing to try to leverage a meeting in the White House. It's another thing, I thought, to leverage security assistance -- security assistance to a country at war, dependent on both the security assistance and the demonstration of support." Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal George Kent A state department official who appeared alongside William Taylor wearing a bow tie that was later mocked by the president. He accused Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trumps personal lawyer, of leading a campaign of lies against Marie Yovanovitch, who was forced out of her job as US ambassador to Ukraine for apparently standing in the way of efforts to smear Democrats. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Marie Yovanovitch One of the most striking witnesses to give evidence at the public hearings, the former US ambassador to Ukraine received a rare round of applause as she left the committee room after testifying. Canadian-born Yovanovitch was attacked on Twitter by Donald Trump while she was actually testifying, giving Democrats the chance to ask her to respond. She said she found the attack very intimidating. Trump had already threatened her in his 25 July phone call to the Ukrainian president saying: Shes going to go through some things. Yovanovitch said she was shocked, appalled and devastated by the threat and by the way she was forced out of her job without explanation. REUTERS Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Alexander Vindman A decorated Iraq War veteran and an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, Lt Col Vindman began his evidence with an eye-catching statement about the freedoms America afforded him and his family to speak truth to power without fear of punishment. One of the few witnesses to have actually listened to Trumps 25 July call with the Ukrainian president, he said he found the conversation so inappropriate that he was compelled to report it to the White House counsel. Trump later mocked him for wearing his military uniform and insisting on being addressed by his rank. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Jennifer Williams A state department official acting as a Russia expert for vice-president Mike Pence, Ms Williams also listened in on the 25 July phone call. She testified that she found it unusual because it focused on domestic politics in terms of Trump asking a foreign leader to investigate his political opponents. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Kurt Volker The former special envoy to Ukraine was one of the few people giving evidence who was on the Republican witness list although what he had to say may not have been too helpful to their cause. He dismissed the idea that Joe Biden had done anything corrupt, a theory spun without evidence by the president and his allies. He said that he thought the US should be supporting Ukraines reforms and that the scheme to find dirt on Democrats did not serve the national interest. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Tim Morrison An expert on the National Security Council and another witness on the Republican list. He testified that he did not think the president had done anything illegal but admitted that he feared it would create a political storm if it became public. He said he believed the moving the record of the controversial 25 July phone call to a top security server had been an innocent mistake. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Gordon Sondland In explosive testimony, one of the men at the centre of the scandal got right to the point in his opening testimony: Was there a quid pro quo? Yes, said the US ambassador to the EU who was a prime mover in efforts in Ukraine to link the release of military aid with investigations into the presidents political opponents. He said that everyone knew what was going on, implicating vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The effect of his evidence is perhaps best illustrated by the reaction of Mr Trump who went from calling Sondland a great American a few weeks earlier to claiming that he barely knew him. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Laura Cooper A Pentagon official, Cooper said Ukrainian officials knew that US aid was being withheld before it became public knowledge in August  undermining a Republican argument that there cant have been a quid pro quo between aid and investigations if the Ukrainians didnt know that aid was being withheld. Getty Images Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Hale The third most senior official at the state department. Hale testified about the treatment of Marie Yovanovitch and the smear campaign that culminated in her being recalled from her posting as US ambassador to Ukraine. He said: I believe that she should have been able to stay at post and continue to do the outstanding work. EPA Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal Fiona Hill Arguably the most confident and self-possessed of the witnesses in the public hearings phase, the Durham-born former NSC Russia expert began by warning Republicans not to keep repeating Kremlin-backed conspiracy theories. In a distinctive northeastern English accent, Dr Hill went on to describe how she had argued with Gordon Sondland about his interference in Ukraine matters until she realised that while she and her colleagues were focused on national security, Sondland was being involved in a domestic political errand. She said: I did say to him, Ambassador Sondland, Gordon, this is going to blow up. And here we are. AP Trump impeachment: Who's who in the Ukraine scandal David Holmes The Ukraine-based diplomat described being in a restaurant in Kiev with Gordon Sondland while the latter phoned Donald Trump. Holmes said he could hear the president on the other end of the line  because his voice was so loud and distinctive and because Sondland had to hold the phone away from his ear  asking about the investigations and whether the Ukrainian president would cooperate. REUTERS

Once the resolution has passed, the Committee on the Judiciary  which oversees the activities of the US executive branch - determines whether or not to pursue impeachment. If they decide to move forward, the House appoints a number of members to act as prosecutors  called managers  in the eventual impeachment trial. Reps. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif, Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., Val Demings, D-Fla., Sylvia Garcia, D-TX, and Jason Crow, D-Col., will serve as the impeachment managers in the trial of Mr Trump.

Once in the Senate, the rules dictating how a trial proceeds become less specific. The Constitution requires the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court  currently John Roberts  preside over the trial of a president, and that senators swear an oath administered by the judge that they will be impartial in the judgement. Otherwise, the only other clearly defined trial rule laid out by the Constitution is that an official can only be removed from office with a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate.

The rest of the trials rules  like how long debates are allowed to last  are determined by the Senate.

What does the Constitution say?

The Constitution surprisingly doesnt offer much insight on impeachment, and what it does offer is often vague. The concept is outlined in the first two articles of the Constitution, and only in four places total.

The roles of the US Legislative Branch are outlined in Article 1 in Sections 2 and 3, establishing the House as the body that can carry out impeachment, and the Senate as the trial venue.

In Article 2, Section 2, the Constitution establishes the presidents power to pardon crimes except in cases of impeachment.

Easily the most debated  and quoted  constitutional reference to impeachment is found in Article 2, Section 4, which reads as follows:

The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

What are high crimes and misdemeanors? Thats a question that has been debated by members of Congress and constitutional lawyers since the Constitution was adopted.

Gerald Ford famously suggested in 1970 that the definition was whatever a majority of the House of Representatives consider it to be at a given moment in history.

Whether that definition is a cynical reading or an accurate one remains the subject of debate. Either way, the task of determining whether or not Mr Trump has committed a high crime or misdemeanor will fall to the Republican-controlled Senate.

Will he be removed?

It is extremely unlikely that Mr Trump will be removed from office. The Constitution calls for a 2/3rds majority vote  67 senators  to remove an official from office. In order to reach that number, 20 Republican senators would have to vote in favour of removal.

What happens next?

The impeachment trial in the Senate began Tuesday with a face-off between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over trial rules. Mr McConnell will push for rules that will speed the trial along  limiting the time witnesses have to testify  in an effort to end the trial quickly. Mr Schumer urged senators to reject the rules, suggesting Mr McConnell was trying to cover up evidence to help ensure Mr Trump remains in office.
A man is in the hospital after a trooper shot him multiple times after he pointed a gun at officers, according to state police.

Troopers were dispatched at around 11 p.m. Monday to a residence in East Hopewell Township, York County, for a reported domestic dispute. Troopers learned that a man involved, identified as Clifton Blevins, was intoxicated and fled the scene in a black Dodge Dart, according to state police.

A caller told troopers that Blevins was at his residence in the 5000 block of Holly Tree Court in Crossroads. Troopers also learned from the caller that Blevins had a gun and was threatening to hurt himself, state police said.

Troopers arrived at the residence and began to approach the driveway when they found Blevins. Blevins then pointed a gun at the troopers, prompting one to open fire and shoot Blevins multiple times, state police said.

Blevins was taken to York Hospital for treatment of his injuries, but state police did not indicate the severity of his injuries. Charges will be filed against Blevins, according to state police.

The Troop J Major Case Team and Pennsylvania State Police Internal Affairs started to investigate at the scene. The investigation will be forwarded to the York County District Attorneys Office.

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According to the British representative, the authorities respect the symbols of Ukrainian statehood

The UK government representative commented on the inclusion of a Ukrainian trident in the list of terrorist symbols, which was conducted by British law enforcement agencies. This was reported by the press service of the British Embassy in Kyiv.

"As it was noticed by the police, the document clearly states that many of the symbols contained therein are of no interest in the fight against terrorism," the statement said.

He also said that the United Kingdom remains in a position of full support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and also hopes for a deeper bilateral relationship in the coming years.

"The British authorities have the greatest respect for the official symbols of Ukrainian statehood, in particular, the State Flag, Coat of Arms and Anthem of Ukraine. We recognize that the trident, as the main element of the State Emblem of Ukraine, has a constitutional, historical and cultural significance for the people of Ukraine," the Embassy added.

As we reported earlier, the guide of the British police, sent to medical personnel and teachers as part of the campaign against extremism, features such non-violent symbols as Greenpeace, as well as the national emblem of Ukraine - the trident (tryzub).

The manual is distributed throughout the UK in preparation for the Prevention program to combat radicalization, designed to stop individuals who might threaten by terrorist violence.
TORONTO - A Jewish activist group has lost its bid to block a defamation suit from one of the country's leading public-sector unions, which took exception to suggestions it supports Palestinian terrorist causes.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO - A Jewish activist group has lost its bid to block a defamation suit from one of the country's leading public-sector unions, which took exception to suggestions it supports Palestinian terrorist causes.

In a Superior Court ruling, an Ontario judge rejected an assertion by B'Nai Brith Canada that the still-unproven claim was simply an attempt to stifle public criticism of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

"This is a legitimate defamation action brought in circumstances where the union should have the right to pursue a remedy," Justice Calum MacLeod said in his decision. "The evidence before me suggests that (B'Nai Brith's defence) is not a 'slam dunk'  to the contrary, there are significant issues about truth, good faith, responsibility and malice."

The union, commonly known as CUPW, co-operates with similar organizations in other countries, including with one that speaks for Palestinian postal workers. CUPW also supports an international boycott of Israeli products  a fiercely controversial issue  on the grounds that Israel mistreats Palestinians in the occupied territories.

After a member of CUPW complained about the union's position, B'nai Brith said it found social media postings from the Palestinian Postal Service Workers Union praising anti-Israeli terrorism, court records show.

In July 2018, the Jewish group put out a news release in which it said CUPW was aligned with a pro-terrorism union that glorifies terrorists on its official Facebook page. B'nai Brith also accused the Canadian union's leadership of aligning itself with the "path of violence and extremism."

A subsequent news release in August 2018 referred to CUPW's leadership as "radical" and unresponsive as to why they would partner with a "terror-supporting organization." It also decried CUPW's ability to "compel its Jewish and Israeli members to pay fees, which may be used to support a foreign organization that wants to see them murdered."

CUPW sued B'nai Brith for malicious defamation, saying the organization had "reckless disregard for the truth." The union said its calls for a peaceful, two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were well known and that it rejected terrorism, violence and anti-Semitism.

B'nai Brith sought to block the defamation action in its tracks under so called anti-SLAPP legislation, which precludes "strategic litigation against public participation"  lawsuits aimed at stifling free speech and legitimate criticism of matters in the public interest.

While MacLeod agreed the union's political position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a matter of public interest and legitimate criticism of its views are protected speech, he also suggested that B'Nai Brith appeared to have gone too far.

"Words suggesting that a union is using its membership dues improperly, supports terrorism, and is motivated by racism would easily meet the test of language tending to diminish the reputation of the union in the minds of reasonable people," MacLeod said. "Not only would it be difficult to prove that CUPW literally supports terrorism, violence or anti-Semitism, the evidence also suggests it will be difficult to show that (the Palestinian union) officially supports terrorism."

The evidence, the judge said, also indicated the relevant Facebook postings were from an individual, not the leadership of the Palestinian union.

The union's defamation claim has yet to be tested in court.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
In the unlikely event the Senate voted to impeach the president, he would be replaced by Mike Pence: Getty

The president has called it a charade.

His lawyers have termed it part of a broader illegitimate partisan effort to take him down by Democrats.

But whether he likes it or not, Donald Trump has been impeached by the House of Representatives, and the trial of those articles is about to be heard in the Senate.

Much of what will play out over the coming days and even weeks, remains unclear.

Late on Monday, on the very eve of the start of proceedings, the Republican leader in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, issued a set of rules, which he said will govern how the proceedings take place. Yet even at this stage, as many things are fluid as they are fixed in stone.

What will happen on Tuesday January 21?

The impeachment process trial resumes at 1pmEST (6pmGMT) on Tuesday. It is likely that very soon after it convenes, the chamber will be asked to vote on a resolution to govern the proceedings. Late on Monday, Mr McConnell proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening arguments. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats demanded.

According to Mr McConnell, after the four days of opening arguments  two days per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate.

Will there be any witnesses?

Democrats have been pushing to be permitted to call several witnesses, among them former and serving White House officials, to give evidence. While some Republicans in the Senate, have not ruled out supporting such a move, it has now become clear a decision regarding those witnesses will not be decided on Tuesday unless Democrats are some how able to lever some action. On Monday, the Democratic leader in the Senate Chuck Schumer termed the Republican plan a cover-up.

When will the prosecution and defence be heard?

Once the rules have been adopted, Democratic House managers who form the prosecution team would begin to present their case against the president. It is unclear whether that will start on Tuesday or the next day. One report said, the first evidence would likely be aired on Wednesday. When the House managers have finished, the presidents team will respond with its opening arguments.

Story continues

Could the White House seek to have the two articles dismissed?

Reuters quoted a senior aide to the Republican leadership, as saying lawyers for Mr Trump could move early in the proceedings to ask senators to dismiss all charges. It said such a motion that would likely fall short of the support needed to succeed.

So what about witnesses such as John Bolton?

CNN pointed out Mr Connells resolution also said after presentations from the impeachment managers and the presidents legal team and then 16 hours of questions from senators, the Senate will consider the question of whether it shall be in order to consider and debate under the impeachment rules any motion to subpoena witnesses or documents.

When will the senators actually vote?

It had been expected because of the ongoing wrangling, no such vote would take place before the end of January or beginning of February. If Mr McConnell gets his way, that process could be quicker than anticipated.

Are any Republicans likely to vote to impeach Trump?

At this point, no. In the unlikely event the Senate voted to impeach the president, he would be replaced by Mike Pence.

What else is on the presidents agenda?

On February 4, a day after Democrats hold their first primary ballot of the 2020 political cycle in Iowa, Trump is scheduled to deliver the annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

How does all of this impact the presidents reelection chances?

Assuming he is cleared by the Senate, the president will continue to portray himself as a victim of Democrats ill intentions. It will likely harden support among his base. What remains unclear is whether it helps earn him new supporters. Most likely, by November 2020 so many other things will have played out that impeachment is far from the minds of most voters.

Additional reporting by agencies

Read more

Presidents legal team calls process a charade

Why was Bill Clinton impeached?

Trumps impeachment memorandum was a warning to Republicans

Trump rages at impeachment as his lawyers demand swift acquittal
New Delhi:

Janta Dal (United) senior leader Pawan Kumar Verma on Tuesday asked Bihar Chief Nitish Kumar, why the party decided to ally with the BJP in the Delhi Assembly polls despite its differences with the centre over amended Citizenship Act. In a tweet on Tuesday, senior JD(U) leader Pavan K Varma posted a photo of the letter he wrote to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar where he asked the party chief how an alliance was formed with the BJP for the Delhi elections.

This is the letter I have written to aA@NitishKumaraA today asking him how the JD(U) has formed an alliance with the BJP for the Delhi elections, given his own views on the BJP, and the massive national outrage against the divisive CAA-NPR-NRC scheme. pic.twitter.com/ErSynnuiYm  Pavan K. Varma (@PavanK_Varma) January 21, 2020

"This is the letter I have written to Nitish Kumar today asking him how the JD(U) has formed an alliance with the BJP for the Delhi elections, given his own views on the BJP, and the massive national outrage against the divisive CAA-NPR-NRC scheme," JD(U) leader Pavan K Varma said attaching a photo of the letter. The BJP on Monday allotted two seats to JD(U) in Delhi.

Varma in his letter also quoted from their private conversations where the chief minister had been severely critical about the BJP and underscored that he had been unable to reconcile the line advocated by the JDU constitution, Kumars private feelings and the partys actions in public.

Politics, as you have emphasized to us, must be about principle and the courage of conviction, Varma, the JDU national general secretary and national spokesperson, said.

Saying the alliance has "deeply perplexed" him, Pavan Varma wrote in the letter, "I look to you for ideological clarity. On more than one occasion, you have expressed your apprehensions about the BJP-RSS combine."

"When you were leading the mahagathbandhan, you had openly made a call for RSS-mukt Bharat. These views, articulated for a sustained period, are a matter of public record," Pavan K Varma said.

Verma, later addressed the media where he said, "Nitish Kumar hasn't clarified party's stand on NRC-CAA so far. He should clarify his stand on the issue. I will remain with the party or not will be decided once Nitish ji replies to my letter."

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ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: RGRX) ("the Company" or "RegeneRx"), a clinical-stage drug development company focused on tissue protection, repair and regeneration, reported today that the Korean Intellectual Property Office has issued a new patent to the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) for a Thymosin beta 4 (T4) composition for reducing diabetic-induced vascular dysfunction. T4 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in RegeneRx's proprietary drug candidate, RGN-352, a first-in-class injectable formulation designed for systemic administration for tissue regeneration and repair.

RegeneRx in-licensed the intellectual property relating to the use of T4 for this indication from HFHS in Detroit, MI based on work performed by Dr. Michael Chopp and his colleagues under a Material Transfer Agreement. The patent will expire in December of 2032.

According to the Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in Korea and has escalated from 1.5% to 9.9% [approximately 5.1 million people] over the last four decades. Major outcomes of the progression of T2DM include chronic complications that decrease quality of life (QoL), incur heavy burdens on the healthcare system, and increase diabetic mortality. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication associated with diabetes and it is estimated that 30% to 50% of diabetes patients are affected by this disorder.

About RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.regenerx.com)

RegeneRx is focused on the development of novel therapeutic peptides, including Thymosin beta 4 (T4) and its constituent fragments, for tissue and organ protection, repair and regeneration.

RegeneRx currently has three drug candidates in clinical development for ophthalmic, cardiac and dermal indications, four active strategic licensing agreements in the U.S., China, Pan Asia (Korea, Japan, and Australia, among others), and the EU and has patents and patent applications covering its products in many countries throughout the world. RGN-352, the Company's injectable formulation of T4, has successfully completed phase 1 clinical trials and is phase 2-ready. RGN-259, the Company's ophthalmic eye drop, is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for dry eye syndrome and neurotrophic keratopathy and RGN-137, the Company's dermal gel, is in phase 2 clinical trials for epidermolysis bullosa, both of which will have data read-outs this year.

For additional information about RegeneRx please visit www.regenerx.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Any statements in this shareholder letter that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, patents, know-how, statements regarding our strategic and research partnerships, clinical trials, regulatory applications and approvals, and the use of our drug candidates to treat various conditions. All forward-looking statements are expectations and estimates based upon information obtained and calculated by the Company at this time and are subject to change. Moreover, there is no guarantee any issued patents will provide exclusivity or will not be challenged in a particular jurisdiction, or that any clinical trial will be successful or confirm previous clinical results. Please view these and other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q, as well as other filings it makes with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements in this shareholder letter represent the Company's views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update this information, as a result of future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

Related Links

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Sometimes when Im on a crowded subway car, Ill imagine everyone around me crying. Ill picture the woman next to me sobbing, the eyes of the man across from me filling with tears, everyones shoulders shakingthings Im certain have happened at some point, even if not right then, or for a while. I dont take sadistic pleasure in this image, but Im comforted by the idea that, despite knowing nothing about these people, I do know something: Theyve cried. Theyve been soft and moved and vulnerable, despite appearing before me now like their hearts are filled with packing peanuts.

Like hysterical laughter and genuine surprisethings I also picture on the train en massetears are a universal human response. Cutting and pasting moments weve all shed them to create a histrionic collage of 50 lachrymose people may seem a little deranged, but doesnt the result sound kind of touching and human? (Please nod.) Ive been thinking a lot about this image over the last week, because its been repeating in my mind in various iterations since I started researching the phenomenon of crying at workan experience nearly as universal as crying itself, according to my unscientific polls.

As responses poured in about people weeping in their office bathrooms, holding back tears in meetings with their managers, and running to parking lots for good car cries, I couldnt help but picture the entire Earth-bound workforce sniffling at the same time. And just like on the train, the result was strangely endearing and unspecifically distressing, but on a global scale. What I quickly learned is that crying at work is almost its own emotionwith distinct rules, norms, and idiosyncrasies. Below Ive organized my research for your perusal. It covers where people are crying, from freezers to classrooms; who is cryingdo men cry as much as women?; why were crying; and interestingly, how to cry at work with more panache (a skill I now possess).

I offer up this important research, whittled down from 1,200+ responses into a representative few, to anyone concerned with establishing work boundaries or, conversely, a better repertoire of low-key places to let a few go.

The Most Popular Place to Cry at Work

I go to the bathroom or just silently weep at my desk and hope Matt the developer doesnt make eye contact with me. I try to keep it a secret because if anyone asks me whats wrong, it just gets worse. 

When my company was considering introducing gender-neutral toilets, management held a meeting for people to vocalize opinions. There was one comment made that I thought was interestinga colleague felt that lots of women cry in the toilets but wouldnt feel comfortable in front of men.'

I cry in the toilets. And its not ugly cryingits worse, because I try to keep it together and I end up feeling even worse for being this emotional while at work.

I often tear up at my desk and try to hide it. When I cant hide it and its too much, I go to the bathroom where theres a stall thats darker than all the others. Somehow it feels more private.

I cry in the one-stall bathroom at work (it has a door that locks so youre alone). I get overwhelmed occasionally; its not that anything is wrong, just that my emotions come to a head and I need a release.

Determining Where to Cry

I lightly cry at my desk if I think it will go away quicka single tear and no body-shaking. If its a semi-bad cry, I go to the fourth stall in the bathroom because it has a cool tile wall to lean against. For bad sobs, I go over by the freight elevators because it has little-to-no foot traffic and is loud.

Either bathroom, freight elevator, or stay at my desk and cry right into my computer.

If I can hold it in, Ill escape to the bathroom to cry, but Ive also cried in meeting rooms with colleagues during stressful discussions. Our office is open concept and most of our meeting rooms have windows so anyone who walks by in the office can see in. But we have one meeting room with no windows that people in the office have dubbed the crying room.

In the summer I cry on the office roof because no one really goes up there, but in the winter Im more of a backstairwell crier, lol.

The Poetically Placed Cry

I cry behind ancient ruins! Im a grad student who works on an archaeological dig in Greece and when Im overwhelmed (often), I say Im going to measure something in the furthest hidden block fields (where we arrange ancient marble blocks from temples, etc) and have a little cry.

I work at a university, so when I need to cry I go to the fourth floor of the library and cry in the stacks, private and quiet, good for meditating too.

Depends if you can hold it in and manage to run before anyone sees you. I personally used to hide in the microscope room during my PhD. It was dark and hidden.

My experiences as a fashion intern have triggered many (often UPS-related) breakdowns. Thankfully, working in a fashion closet allows one to simply shut the door and cry ones heart out to the nearest Bottega boots or Marc Jacobs gown.

The Walk-In Freezer Phenomenon

Walk-in fridge! (Restaurant staff KNOW THIS.)

When I worked in a restaurant my boss got so mad when I didnt know the table numbers for a party and he was very scary when he was mad, literally raising his voice and stuff and he used to be in the army, so I just felt awful. And so I cried in the bathroom, the freezer, the kitchen, the fridge, and in the servers station

The freezer or the bathroombut I prefer the freezer because I can say my face is red from it and it also helps in depuffing my face. I prefer to keep it a secret at work so people dont consider me weak/dont want it to spread as the hottest workplace gossip!

I cry in the walk-in fridge (restaurant job) or outside (office job). Queen of the crying at all jobs here.

Crying Inside (and Outside) the Classroom

Im a teacher and I have been crying at my desk 0.5 seconds before students came in and then had to suck it the fuck up, teach for 45 minutes, only to immediately go back to crying. Sometimes my kids will say things like, Why are your eyes so red? and I usually chalk it up to bad allergies.

Ive cried at work hearing about the home life of some students. Also teenage boys cry quite a bit in my experience. And the tougher the boy comes across, the more likely hell cry when in trouble with the principal. I watch them get older and train themselves out of it. The shift is around 15-16. Many then channel the emotion into anger/rage or they shut down and stop caringthe too cool to care approach.Im a middle school teacher and if Im not crying in front of my students (its US history and we get into a lot of powerful social stuff), I sit in a corner of my classroom and turn the lights off. More recently Ive been trying to cry in the ~bosom~ of other teachers though! Im working on being vulnerable with emotions so I can experience the profundity of realizing Im not alone. It also invites my coworkers to be similarly vulnerable.

Only did it once because I am a high school teacher, and if I have to cry, I try to hold it until m done for the day. In jobs where you have to maintain a strict affect, you dont have the luxury to be quite as conspicuously distressed.

I cry in the bathroom or my own classroom if there isnt a class in. The bathroom sucks though because inevitably someone else always wants to use it when Im right in the middle of a good cry. I cry at work a lot and I told a male coworker this once over drinks, and he surprised me by saying, Yeah, me too, and then I wondered why I was so surprised. Guess theres some internalised sexism happening there that I totally need to work on.

But Do Doctors Cry at Work?

I cry at work a lot. Im a doctor in early training so we all cry, including our male colleagues. We cry in supply closets, bathrooms, low-volume badge-access hallways. Its a communal lifestyle.

Im a doctor in a fellowship program and I let it all out with my co-fellows who have had the same rough days. I try to never let my bosses or people who report to me see me cry! There is definitely a pressure in medicine to be tough and not display weakness or vulnerability. Things I cry over: sad patient outcomes or deaths, bad personal insults/slights, issues with interpersonal relationships, and also feelings of anger and frustration.

Im a veterinarian and I love my job but at times it can be overwhelming and very sad. I tend to cry most when Im overwhelmed with too many difficult cases at once or when I get pulled in too many directions. We have a doctors office where I do paperwork and make phone calls. I will excuse myself to this area when I feel the tears welling up. The technicians use our doctors office sometimes too. Its a quiet place to have a cry and collect your thoughts before returning to the floor.

I keep crying a secret 100%. I cry in the bathroom or outside. Im a hospital-based doctor and theres still very much a sense that crying or having an emotional reaction openly at work [implies] weakness (even though theres so much dialogue out there around wellness/mental health for health professionals now).

Why Women Cry

I tend to cry when I feel misunderstood, frustrated, or like Ive been put in a compromising and unfair position, often an outcome of nuanced sexism in the workplace that I start to feel crazy if I try to point out or explain in the moment.



I generally think I cry out of frustrationbeing angry or frustrated at work is the worst because you cant be angry at work! Or at least its difficult to do anything about it in a professional manner before youve had a chance to calm down. So it tends to lead to tears for me. I do it privately because I suppose Ive been conditioned to feel weak and overly emotional when I cry in the context of work. Which is dumb bullshit, but pervasive nonetheless.

Ive cried because the strain of being the only POC working with clueless white people gets to be TEW MUCH.

I cry when I perceive Im being fucked over or when someone has totally fucked something up and its either thrown to me or ripped out of my hands. I smoke weed and it helps me rationalize other peoples actions, cut them slack, and make sure Im not taking things personally. Never take it personally, even if it is personal. Youre being paid for the work, no one said it would be easy. Just bury it and get the job done. (I tell myself these things over and over and over.)

I work in film production. Im the only woman at our company and I always get tasked with dumb things like cleaning and taking notes, even though my boss wants me to act like a partner or peer and manage others. I essentially am his personal assistant and a producer. Which doesnt work. So I cry a lot. 

I used to cry fairly regularly at my old job, mostly when I felt patronized and belittled by regional (male) managers. There were two in particular that made me so frustrated Id cry after most phone calls or store visits.

Workplaces where Ive cried regularly about work are ones Ive left, because they were unhealthy. My girlfriends who cry regularly at work are all in unhealthy work environments. None of my male friends have ever reported crying at work that I can recall.

Why Men Cry

I typically cry when Im angry. Its my outlet instead of kicking [someone] in the shin.

Ive only cried once in the printer room after my art director made me redraw [something] 10 times. He got angry and said some things that made me feel like I wasnt talented enough. So I took a walk and stepped inside the printer room and just started to cry.



My boss was super condescending and manipulative. I wanted to go outside and cry but the elevators took forever so Im pretty sure tears started flowing before I could get out.

Exhausted, overworked, overwhelmed.

As a delivery driver Ive cried when Ive felt that a day was working against me. I also fell recently and that caused me to cry!

I never cry at work. I cried on New Years Eve because I cancelled my plans but felt guilty about it.

Im a music student and I legitimately cry ~4 days a week while practicing my instrument.

I cried at work after being confronted about a mistake at a job I admittedly wasnt very good at.

Ive cried so many times before a stressful shoot, I cant even tell you. Sometimes I need a good cry just to let it all out and then get my shit together. The funny thing is I still mostly love my job! It just gets super fucking stressful sometimes. And when youre in a role of power youre not supposed to show any sign of weakness or else youre seen as incapable. (Though its much more difficult and complicated as a woman Im sure.) Ive had people who are on my crew come up to me after a job and say they admire how composed I seem. And its sad that I have to outwardly put that on little do they know, were all a mess inside most of the time. And I straight-up tell them that now.

Two years ago my relationship was ending. I couldnt take time off and I cried (@work) for weeks.

The Gender Divide, According to Men and Women

In my experience, women typically express frustration or anxiety by crying, while men express those emotions in anger. Not sure why, I wish I didnt get angry tears! When I cried at work, I felt like people saw me as an unhinged woman, so I wish it didnt happen. But alas hahaha. a woman

Ive never really thought of this in depth, but my first thought is that men sometimes let out their frustration in rage (e.g. wanting to punch a wall) or are traditionally more repressed in the way we let out our feelings. Crying is supposed to be a healthier or more productive way to process strong feelings. [I think] women are sometimes more evolved emotionally. a man

Men can compartmentalize their feelings. I remember having a rough time when my dog was hospitalized. I asked my male colleagues how they deal with this type of situation at work and they said, I just dont bring my feelings to work.' a woman

I only cry when I realize my anger is actually sadness. Doms tend to respond with anger and subs tend to respond with sadness, but anger [is often an expression of] sadness. Gender and sexuality are out, the sub-dom spectrum is the only true spectrum. Lol seriously tho. a man

You will always hear more stories of women crying and men screaming. Both are ways to express the same feelings: anger, frustration, not being able to deal with stress. Its just not acceptable for men to cry or for women to scream. The men would be seen as weak and the women would be seen as hysterical. a woman





I have [cried] multiple times at work typically when I feel especially condescended to or like Ive failed my boss/team in a way that highlights a shortcoming Im insecure about. I do feel like I hear of my female coworkers crying more at work and, as to why, Im not sure. Perhaps general hormone makeup, but [maybe] thats just a construct weve been made to accept. a man

I really dont believe that gender has something to do with how we handle stress or how often we cry at work, I think it just reflects how we personally analyze and handle stress. a woman

The only time I cried at work was a result of me having had a horrendous day before my shift. Its a shame but I only tend to cry when I truly reach my breaking point. I wish I cried more often as I feel like its a good emotional release I dont usually get. I dont know why its hard for me/men in general to cry. I definitely feel a plethora of emotions that should lead me there. a man

One time I cried in the staff kitchen when someone asked me if I was okay. (I wasnt, because of work stress.) Anyway, she dragged me to the toilet where all my fellow females comforted me. Something about the ladies loos feels so safe!

My favorite story of crying in public is when I was running late to a meeting and I was crying on the phone to my mom about how I didnt want to seem unprofessional and a woman walking by saw me and stopped me and said, WHO HURT YOU?? WHERE IS HE?! which was immediately hilarious and comforting to have such unconditional support from a stranger 

I have a friend at work and will either go to his office or make him go on a walk with me so I can process/cry. It usually happens when I feel overwhelmed and/or misunderstood.

I cry in secret but then always somehow end up revealing or cracking in front of a colleague. I think this is the best outcome as Ive ALWAYS found that when someone realizes something is off, the problem or concern has ALWAYS been resolved or tweaked instantly to help me out. (Ive also been that person for my colleagues.) People are good and seem to always respond well to someone in distress.

I work at a mental health hotline, and employees of all genders cry a LOT! Its not necessarily discouraged, and we try to see it as a normal way to react to the sad or difficult circumstances we are in at work. That said, as a supervisor I try to be careful about crying at work, because I dont want the people I manage to feel like they cant come to me and ask for my help because my emotions arent leaving space for them.

Im a corporate attorney. I cry in the bathroom or outside. I try to keep it a secret, though once I sobbed in front of my skip-level boss and he was so nice about it and told me that even hes cried at work and it showed him how much I care about my job and how upset I was about the incident I was crying over. So its not always bad.

When I worked in customer service, my team was very open when we had a difficult customer and would console each other. I could tell other departments were jealous of our acceptance of each others feelings and validation! 

Find a cry buddy: I have a cry buddy and we message each other if we feel like were going to cry. We go to a back office and just sit there and let the other cry, sometimes a good hug is required. What we DONT do is baby the other one, or make them feel silly or weak for crying. We just get it that sometimes a cry is good for getting over something, and then moving forward. So we mostly just sit, and one of us cries and says why were crying, and then we high-five and go back to work.

Cry if you need to, walk if you need to: I work in Human Resources and I have witnessed people crying at work many times. The reactions, especially from their managers, are quite interesting. I once had a manager say, Omg, why is she crying?! Who cries at work? and I quickly stepped in replying there is absolutely no problem crying at work and the bigger question is how can we HELP her? No one wants to be brought to tears at work, but it happens. Most people work extremely hard and that doesnt come without needing some sort of release. My perspective is: Cry if you need to, but be aware of your work environment, and take a walk if you need to.

Notice when youre crying too much: I used to have a shitty, emotionally taxing job where I cried at work all the time (1x/week or more) and now I have a job at a great company and have been here 6 months and havent cried. Crying is definitely toxic-environment dependent.

Narrate your tears: I cry easily, to the point that Ive had to tell my bosses to just ignore the tears, because most of the time, Im nowhere near as upset as they make me seem. Ive said things like, Im crying because I care and this is a difficult conversation for me, but yes, I absolutely want to continue this discussion. Its hardly ideal, but it keeps the dialogue flowing when some managers would otherwise just shut the conversation down.

Probably dont leave it to Google: I was a big cryer for most of my life. When I became a manager I Googled how to avoid crying at work and it was suggested that I inflict small pains (digging nails into leg, pulling arm hairs out).

And finally, if possible, go to your moms department: I work in a hospital and my moms office (in a different department) is super close, so sometimes I go cry there. Im 30, but never too old to cry on my moms shoulder.

I have to ask: Is this the human condition under late capitalism? Probably. Its also proof that the rules of professional engagement arent leaving enough room for our humanity. The toilet-adjacent tears are too many, and Ive never been more sure of anything in my life.

Men, women, non-binary readers of MR: Do you cry at work? Tell me everything.

Graphic by Lorenza Centi.
Beijing, Jan 21 : A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei to 13-and-a-half years in jail after he pleaded guilty to accepting bribes worth over 14 million yuan ($2 million).

The 56-year-old was also ordered by the Tianjin No 1 Intermediate People's Court to pay a fine of two million yuan ($289,540), reports the BBC.

The court added that Meng would not appeal the verdict.

In the first hearing of the trial last June, Meng, who was the first Chinese head of Interpol and had not appeared in public since September 2018, was accused of having "taken advantage of the convenience and power associated with his various posts" between 2015 and 2017 to help businesses and individuals secure illegal profits, reports Xinhua news agency.

During this period, Meng held the posts of the Vice Minister of Public Security and the head of China's Coast Guard, and according to the prosecutors, amassed an illegal wealth of 14.46 million yuan.

According to Xinhua news agency, Meng "pleaded guilty and expressed remorse" in his final statement.

The first hearing in the trial came more than a month after the Supreme People's Procuratorate accused Meng of accepting bribes after ending an investigation into the alleged acts of corruption carried out by the former head of Interpol.

On April 24, 2019, the Procuratorate issued an official arrest warrant for Meng, who had been detained without formal charges in an unknown location by the Chinese authorities since September.

On March 26, it was announced that Meng had been expelled from the Communist Party of China and stripped of all of his positions for allegedly committing serious violations of the party's law and discipline.

The former Interpol chief mysteriously disappeared after boarding a plane heading to China on September 25, 2018.

Meng's family lost track of him, and his wife Grace - who was recently granted asylum in France, where the Interpol headquarters are situated - reported him missing and called for help.

After several days of silence and under pressure from the international community, which demanded explanations from China about Meng's whereabouts, the National Supervisory Commission -- a Chinese anti-corruption agency -- confirmed in early October that Meng was being detained.

Shortly afterwards, Interpol announced the departure of its President with immediate effect, after Meng resigned from office in a letter.
Plans to introduce polygraph testing were announced as part of measures in the wake of the London Bridge attack (Emma Bowden/PA)

The Justice Secretary has defended plans to make terrorists take a lie detector test to prove they have reformed and are not planning to carry out another attack.

Plans to introduce polygraph testing were announced by the Government as part of a wave of measures being described as a major overhaul in the way terrorists are punished and monitored  including tougher sentences to see them locked up for longer  in the wake of the London Bridge attack.

When questions were raised over their accuracy, Robert Buckland insisted lie detectors were important to identify sleepers and that they will not be the only measure used.

He told Sky News: You can get people who are in effect sleepers for many years and then suddenly back come the hatreds and the prejudices and we see atrocities like the one we did at Fishmongers Hall.

Expand Close Justice Secretary Robert Buckland arriving for a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Pressed on accuracy of the tests being as low as 60%, Mr Buckland said: Im not pretending on their own, polygraphs, lie detectors, are the be-all-and-end-all, which is why what we are also doing is doubling the number of specialised counter-terrorism probation officers improving training, getting more psychologists in there, specialist imams as well will be working with these people.

Meanwhile he told BBC Breakfast the proposal was not a new concept, with detectors introduced about seven years ago to assess the risk posed to the public by sex offenders.

He insisted it was a sensible measure in order to help maximise the understanding of the risks that some of these prisoners pose to society which would not form part of a criminal investigation or evidence used in court.

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Some experts have questioned the credibility of polygraph tests, claiming there are ways of cheating to manipulate the results.

The British Psychological Society told the PA news agency polygraph testing had inherent weaknesses like all procedures, and error rates in deception detection can be high.

A spokeswoman said: Error rates in polygraphic deception detection can be high and the procedure should not be ascribed a special status.

Based on the available psychological evidence we must not deceive ourselves into thinking that there will ever be an error-free way of detecting deception.

Professor Aldert Vrij, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Portsmouth who has written extensively on the subject, told the BBC in 2018: It does not measure deception, which is the core problem.

Others have suggested because taking the test is a stressful experience this could provide the wrong results by indicating an innocent person is lying.

The FBI reportedly asks new staff to submit to a test when they join but according to the American Psychological Association there is little evidence that polygraph tests can accurately detect lies.

More details of The Counter Terrorism (Sentencing and Release) Bill were released less than two months after convicted terrorist Usman Khan embarked on a killing spree armed with two knives and wearing a fake suicide vest after attending a prisoner rehabilitation programme while out on licence halfway through a 16-year jail sentence.

Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt were both killed and Khan was shot dead by police.

Today, were announcing a counter-terror package including tougher sentences for offenders, an overhaul of probation, and a 90m increase in funding for CT Police. We are also investing in support for victims of terrorism. pic.twitter.com/kkdR9OePpx  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) January 21, 2020

Describing the move as a major shift in the UKs approach to the sentencing and management of terrorist offenders, the announcement from the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) also promised to:

 Force dangerous terrorists who receive extended determinate sentences to serve the whole time behind bars.

 Ensure those convicted of serious offences such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation would have to spend a minimum of 14 years in jail.

 Scrap early release from jail for those classed as dangerous and handed extended determinate sentences  in which criminals have to spend longer on licence after prison.

 Double the number of counter-terrorism probation officers.

 Make more places available in probation hostels so authorities can monitor terrorists in the weeks after they are released from prison.

 Increase counter-terrorism policing funding by 90 million year on year for the coming year to 906 million.

 Give an immediate 500,000 cash injection for support for victims of terrorism and a review of services available.

 Provide more specialist psychologists and trained imams who help to assess the risk of radicalised offenders.

 Offer more training for frontline prison and probation staff to identify and challenge extremism behind bars and on licence.

Expand Close Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones both were killed in the London Bridge attack (Metropolitan Police/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones both were killed in the London Bridge attack (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Terrorists deemed not to be a risk would have to serve two-thirds of their sentence before the Parole Board could consider them for release.

Jonathan Hall QC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, will also review the way in which agencies like the police, probation and security services investigate and monitor terrorists  known as Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa).

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott described the announcement of a security overhaul as an admission of failure by the Government.

While Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Christine Jardine said judges already had the power to lock up terrorists for life while polygraphs were not accurate or reliable enough for such critical decisions.

In the year to the end of September, there were 44 convictions for terrorism offences, with 17 offenders being sent to jail for between four and 10 years, the Government said.

Five were jailed for 10 years or more and one was handed a life sentence.

Around 245 convicted terrorists were freed from jail between 2012 and 2019.
An Australian university lecturer jailed in Tehran says Iran tried to recruit her as a spy in exchange for her release, an offer she rejected in a letter smuggled out of prison.

Cambridge-educated Kylie Moore-Gilbert begged to be allowed to leave the restrictive unit where she has served periods in solitary confinement.

Melbourne University academic Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert is being held in Iran.

In letters smuggled out of her cell in Evin prison, she said she felt "abandoned and forgotten" and claimed Iran tried to recruit her as a spy.

Dr Moore-Gilbert, who most recently worked as a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Melbourne, was arrested in September 2018 while at an educational conference and later convicted of espionage.
Adding whipped cream to millions of Starbucks drinks emits 50 times as much greenhouse gas as the companys private jet.

Overall, dairy products are the biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions across the coffee giants operations and supply chain.

Those are just two findings from Starbucks most sweeping environmental assessment, as the company announced ambitious goals.

By 2030, the cafe chain is targeting 50% reductions in carbon emissions, water withdrawal and waste sent to landfills.

The task is immense: Starbucks in 2018 was responsible for emitting 16 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, using 1 billion cubic meters of water and dumping 868 metric kilotons -- more than twice the weight of the Empire State Building -- of coffee cups and other waste.

The audit was conducted with sustainability consultant Quantis and the World Wildlife Fund.

We know this journey will be challenging, we know we cant do this alone, and we know this will require others to join us, chief executive Kevin Johnson said in an interview.

The company, which has more than 31,000 outlets in more than 80 markets, joins a parade of companies announcing green initiatives as the World Economic Forum in Davos gets underway with a redoubled focus on climate change.

The coffee chains moves follow investor pressure, with a resolution calling on the company to step up the use of sustainable packaging receiving support from almost half of shareholders at its annual general meeting last year.

Under founder and former CEO Howard Schultz, Starbucks focused on sustainability by purchasing renewable energy, investing in climate-resistant coffee trees and giving discounts to customers who brought their own tumblers.

At an unspecified point beyond 2030, Mr Johnson said, the company aims to become resource positive by storing more carbon than it emits, eliminating waste and providing more freshwater than it uses.

Other chains are acting too. McDonalds has said it aims to cut restaurant and office emissions by 36% from 2015 levels through 2030.

KFC and Taco Bell owner Yum! Brands is seeking a 10% average reduction per store by the end of 2025. The fast-food chains start from a higher base.

Each outlet was responsible for more than four times the level of carbon dioxide emissions as Starbucks stores in 2017.

Mr Johnson said hell push consumers to choose milk made from almond, coconuts, soy or oats, whose production is environmentally friendlier than dairy.

- Bloomberg
A woman on trial for robbery with a weapon and other related charges changed her plea after the first witness testified on Monday, admitting to her involvement in the offence.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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A woman on trial for robbery with a weapon and other related charges changed her plea after the first witness testified on Monday, admitting to her involvement in the offence.

Shae-Lynn De Delley originally pleaded not guilty in Brandon Court of Queens Bench to robbery with a weapon, extortion, forcible confinement, assault with a weapon and possession of property obtained by crime.

But as the trial resumed in the afternoon, De Delley pleaded guilty to robbery with a weapon.

The Crown stayed the remaining charges.

De Delleys change in plea followed the victims testimony, who described being cornered at knife point in De Delleys home on April 6, 2018.

"I went to deliver a coffee, and after that there was a robbery," the man testified through a Spanish interpreter.

A work friend of the mans told him he always brought De Delley coffee but wasnt able to that day, the man testified, and asked the man to do him a favour and bring her coffee that day.

His friend told him De Delley provided sexual services, the man said, but not to pay attention to what she was offering and just deliver the coffee.

"I did not want her to think I was going there to have sexual intercourse with her, so I let her know that I was just there to deliver the coffee," the man said.

When the mans shift was over  approximately 11:45 p.m.  he stopped at Tim Hortons and went to her address, he said.

De Delley opened the door and didnt greet the man, he testified, instead walking up the stairs.

"She told me to bring the coffee upstairs," the man said.

After handing her the coffee, the man said he heard a noise behind him and turned around to see two men, one pointing a knife at him and the other holding up an axe.

"When you saw these men, what did you think?" Crown attorney Marnie Evans asked.

"First I thought it was a robbery, but then I felt they were going to kill me," the man said.

One of the assailants patted down the victims pockets and took his car keys, he testified. They went through his vehicle and all his belongings.

At one point, the men put the victim in a dark, empty closet, he said. When they pulled him out, they asked him for money.

The man said he would take them to the bank and withdraw money for them, he said, but De Delley told them to do an e-transfer.

"(De Delley) didnt want them to go the bank," the man said. "She was giving the instructions."

"What kind of instructions?" Evans asked.

"Not to believe that I didnt have money and to search really well," the man said.

The man wasnt able to do an e-transfer, he said, so the two men  still armed with a knife and an axe  drove his vehicle with him inside to the bank.

They drove over the speed limit down side streets with no headlights on, the man said. The victim sat in the passenger seat while the man with the knife drove and the other sat behind the victim, holding his collar.

The man with the axe threatened to hit the victim, he said, so he gave the other man his wallet and his PIN.

While the one man was in the bank, the victim took the opportunity to escape, he said, distracting the other man before grabbing the axe, throwing it out the vehicle door and running.

"I ran the fastest I could," the man said. "I kept running because I thought theyd keep following me."

The two men still had his wallet and his car, he said, but they didnt get any money out of his account.

"(This incident) marked my life  it was a very traumatic situation," the man said.

Before defence cross-examined the witness, De Delley advised the court she wished to plead guilty to robbery with a weapon.

De Delley admitted knowing there was going to be a robbery and leading the man upstairs before going into her bedroom while the robbery was carried out.

De Delley was not aware that weapons were going to be used in the robbery.

She also confirmed that she told the two men to do an e-transfer.

Both men involved in the robbery pleaded guilty and were sentenced last year.

Darius Rage Elk pleaded guilty in Brandon provincial court in May to robbery with a weapon and was sentenced to a little more than three years in jail.

Spike Franklin also pleaded guilty to robbery with a weapon and was sentenced to two and a half years in jail.

De Delleys lawyer, Jason Stitt, requested a pre-sentence report prior to sentencing, which is expected to be scheduled in April.

 edebooy@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @erindebooy
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- More than 50 faith leaders, from pastors to reverends to rabbis, have signed on to a letter asking Michigan elected officials to do more to protect LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (still exploring ones sexuality) or queer.

The letter calls on lawmakers to pass comprehensive nondiscrimination protections, updating our states existing laws to protect LGBTQ Michiganders from discrimination in employment, housing and public spaces.

It really is about fairness and justice, said the Rev. Roland Stringfellow, board president of Inclusive Justice.

The letter to lawmakers was organized by Inclusive Justice, a faith-based coalition in Michigan that advocates "for LGBTQI+ persons acceptance within religious and spiritual communities.

No matter what your particular political persuasion is, we want to make sure that all people within our community who we love and protect are protected by the laws of the state, Stringfellow said.

In June, Democrats in the state House and Senate introduced legislation to expand the states civil rights law to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The bills were championed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but have yet to receive a committee hearing in either chamber.

Those bills are unlikely to get far with the Republican leadership in the House and Senate. Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, has said that hes not interested in extending these types of protections to the LGBTQ community.

In a statement, Chatfield said his position has not changed.

I dont think its right to grant rights to certain people by taking them away from someone else, Chatfield said, referring to his concern that the proposed changes in the Legislature would hinder religious freedom.

We need a plan that strikes a common-sense balance and protects religious freedom. I havent seen a plan that does that yet.

The Rev. Bruce Roller, UCC Minister and Executive Director of United Church Outreach Ministry, disagrees with Chatfield.

As a minister, I also believe the freedom of religion is critically important, and Im glad its already firmly protected by the First Amendment, he said. But that freedom doesnt give any of us the right to discriminate against or mistreat another person.

Rev. Bruce Roller, UCC Minister and Executive Director of United Church Outreach Ministry gives remarks at a press conference calling on lawmakers to expand protections for LGBTQ people.Cheyna Roth

Previous attempts to expand the states Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act have failed.

The letter that is continuing to get signatures also says that Michigans lack of comprehensive protections leave LGBTQ people in our state vulnerable to discrimination.

We recognize the harm caused to our community by this lack of protections ensuring that no one is fired from a job, denied housing or refused service simply because of who they are or who they love.

The issue of LBGTQ people and religion came to the forefront late last year.

An openly gay Kent County judge was denied communion at a St. Stephens Catholic Church in November.

Judge Sara Smolenski has been a life-long member of the East Grand Rapids church. But after 62 years, she said she was told by Father Scott Nolan, a priest at the church, to not come forward for Holy Communion.

This happened after Smolenski married her partner.

The Diocese of Grand Rapids responded by saying that it supported Father Nolan.

Part of a statement from the diocese read:

No community of faith can sustain the public contradiction of its beliefs by its own members. This is especially so on matters as central to Catholic life as marriage, which the Church has always held, and continues to hold, as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman.

At the Tuesday press conference, the Rev. Chris Roe, Minister for Spiritual Life and Learning for Fountain Street Church said he has personal experience with being denied jobs in faith-based teaching for being gay.

Roe said he and his husband left Michigan for a time because it "was not a welcoming and hospitable place for me and my husband.

But Roe said others are not as lucky, and they especially need to protect young people.

The fact is without explicit protections LGBTQ people in Michigan remain vulnerable and we need that to change, he said.

As someone who works directly with young people, I am particularly concerned about the effects of feeling unwelcome and feeling unprotected on LGBTQ youth.

The group calls on other faith leaders to add their names to the statement.

Stringfellow said that Inclusive Justice plans to collect signatures from religious communities across the state, but it was important to start in West Michigan because it is seen as a conservative area.

We were hoping this may travel east and to really encourage clergy who believe in justice and equality, have their voices be heard and take that lead in the state, he said.

Read More:

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Bitter conflict breeds unlikely friendships in Ann Arbor synagogue protests

Kalamazoo police dog hurdles fences, nabs domestic violence suspect
DUMMERSTON, Vt., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For The Biome, the Vermont-based wellness and skincare company launched last year by Paul and Barbi Schulick, has announced a partnership with the JHCapital family office of Jim Crook and Allison Maino. With over 35 years of leadership experience and a strong track record of growing companies in Vermont and beyond, Mr. Crook is the former CEO of IDX Systems Corporation and plays lead governance roles in Aspenti Health, DealerPolicy, RCxRules, MediRevv and Greensea Systems, among others.

The Schulicks are the acclaimed natural products industry leaders who originally founded the iconic New Chapter supplement company in 1982, which was acquired by Procter & Gamble seven years ago. They left P&G last year to launch their latest venture, For The Biome, which they are positioning to impact the wellness/skincare space in the same way that New Chapter led the natural products industry.

"Really smart people with a really good idea and the proven experience of scaling a business makes investment decisions easy," said Mr. Crook. "Barbi, Paul and Kelli are those people. In addition, and very importantly, our respective approaches to building companies by always putting the customer first and treating our team members with dignity and respect, are principles that both JHCapital and For The Biome share."

"We simply could not be happier," added Barbi Schulick. "Finding values-aligned partners was an imperative for us, and the opportunity to work with Jim and Allison is a dream come true."

Mr. Crook's daughter and partner, Allison Maino, spent her career in advertising and sponsorship sales and recently joined their family office. "Paul Schulick's dedication to sourcing the most valued organic ingredients and creating pure products free from preservatives and toxins struck me as unparalleled in today's crowded and 'greenwashed' wellness/skincare category," she said. "I'm confident his innovations will be recognized and embraced by consumers."

Trendsetting Master Herbalist Paul Schulick calls his new line Sentient Skincare. "I've formulated our products to deliver a sensually exceptional experience by maximizing communication between our skin, now recognized as the 'third brain,' and the microbiome. We're using our time-tested formulation philosophy to create the next chapter in healthy skin care and unite inner and outer beauty."

For The Biome President, Kelli Rooney Hanzalik says of the new partnership, "Jim and Allison's support and strategic expertise will enable our mission to grow quickly and flourish." Ms. Hanzalik was a key player in New Chapter's corporate management team, who, along with the Schulicks, spurred the company's growth that ultimately led to its acquisition by Procter & Gamble in 2012.

For The Biome will introduce its premier 100% bioactive, Sentient Skincare product line in the first weeks of 2020: Empower Powder 2-in-1 Cleanser/Mask, Invigorate Powder Mask, Soothe Powder Cleanser, Restore Essence Spray, Adapt Essence Spray, Shield Face Serum, and Awaken Eye Serum. Upcoming for summer of 2020, Schulick and team are planning a return to the supplement category with his next generation signature innovations. For more information, visit www.forthebiome.com.

Media Contact: Dean Draznin Communications

[email protected] 641-472-2257

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BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Hugo Boss AG (HUGSF.PK) were gaining around 4 percent in the morning trading in Germany after the luxury fashion brand reported Tuesday that its fourth-quarter operating profit or EBIT on a preliminary basis increased 9 percent to 122 million euros from last year's 111 million euros. Sales grew 5 percent to 825 million euros from prior year's 783 million euros. Currency-adjusted Group sales went up 4 percent in the final quarter. In total, currency-adjusted sales in the own retail business increased 7 percent. Thanks to double-digit growth in Great Britain and France, currency-adjusted sales in the region grew 8 percent. In Germany, higher sales in the own retail business were mostly offset by difficult wholesale business. In the Asia/Pacific region, currency-adjusted sales rose 4 percent, while it declined 7 percent in the Americas. For fiscal 2019, preliminary sales were 2.88 billion euros, an increase of 3 percent. The company anticipates that EBIT will amount to 333 million euros in 2019, excluding the effects of IFRS 16. This corresponds to a decrease of 4 percent from last year's 347 million euros. The company is scheduled to release its fiscal 2019 results and outlook on March 5. In Germany, Hugo Boss shares were trading at 45.59 euros, up 4.35 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
As the royal family gathered to hammer out Megxit, the women who matter went back to work. Neither of these women was at the summit, but Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle will prove the real players, long-term.

Last Wednesday Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, headed to Bradford with her husband to visit a community centre. She had a smile for everyone, danced with a cute toddler and wore a Zara dress - reportedly discounted to 19 in the sales - which then sold out in a matter of hours.

She and William were full of praise for a royal-themed tier cake, surrounded by cupcakes, each decorated with photographs of the royal pair from childhood to the present day. The highlight was their amusement and amazement at the photograph of a young William, which they both initially thought was a snap of their daughter Charlotte.

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The previous day Meghan Markle was photographed boarding a seaplane in Canada, leaving her bolthole in Vancouver Island, we later discovered, to visit the offices of an at-risk women's centre.

The group posted pictures on Facebook after the visit, a line of women with arms around one another and Meghan in the middle of the line. She beamed in the photo, as she had seemed to beam in the photographs as she boarded the plane, in jeans and boots and a fur-lined Parka.

"Look who we had tea with today!" said the women's centre in a Facebook post. "The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited us today to discuss issues affecting women in the community."

Still the duchess, so, but no longer subject to the stuffy old duties that her sister-duchess Kate is still up to.

Two women, both pressing the flesh and raising awareness and reaching out and endeavouring to make a difference with smiles on their faces. But two women worlds away from each other, one seemingly fascinated by her face on some buns, the other, well, suiting herself.

Because visiting organisations and charities she was interested in was always something that Meghan Markle did. She always wanted to be a force for change, she always espoused that as part of her public profile and, in many ways, that interest might have helped her believe she'd fit in to the royal way of life.

Expand Close The formality of a royal visit when William and Kate went to the Khidmat PA / Facebook

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This week, however, "friends" claimed that once Megxit was done and she and Harry were free of his princely commitments, Meghan felt able to breathe again. She had been stifled, she had felt constrained and limited and now, at last, Meghan could do some real good without the royal restrictions. She also visited a Vancouver group called Justice for Girls last week, who later tweeted pictures - in black and white, a Harry and Meghan favourite - of Meghan at a bog-standard office break-out room table, a mug of a hot drink in her hand, having a laugh with a volunteer. All casual, unstructured and modern, and a clear signal of how things will be done, the new Sussex way.

However, although Meghan was always committed to doing community good, her profile before her marriage was that of a mid-range celebrity. Now she's one of the most recognisable women in the world and not only that, but she still has royal ties that are way beyond her previous life.

The royal experience, despite all the noise around the personal stress and distress of Harry and Meghan, has ultimately been good for her. We saw that last week when she was snapped around Vancouver. She not only looked happy, but she looked relaxed. Better, she looked relatable in her flat boots and her posh-mom-on-the-school-run Parka.

And, relatable just might trump royal in the modern long game, as most women look on Meghan and Kate in their endeavours last week and don't have to think hard about what they'd favour for themselves.

Coverage of Megxit has focused a lot on the duty upon which Harry and Meghan seem to have turned their backs, but that is possible of little interest to the younger audience to whom they hope to appeal and to watchers on the other side of the Atlantic. North Americans don't set much store in self-sacrifice and that's clearly where Meghan wants to make her mark.

Harry may have dutifully stayed in London for the week, hanging on for what might have been his last royal commitment, the launch of the 2021 Rugby League Cup in Buckingham Palace last Thursday, but at the same time staff were being let go at their Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage.

Meghan, it was reported, planned never again to live in the UK in a "meaningful way". In other words, Harry might want to come visit the olds and do the rounds from time to time, but Meghan has moved on.

Last Thursday Meghan was photographed again in Vancouver, driving herself to the airport, security detail in tow, to pick up her friend and Pilates teacher Heather Dorak.

There were reports that her designer friend Misha Nonoo, whose super-rich Italian wedding Meghan and Harry attended last year and who reportedly introduced the couple, was also on her way to Canada to help Meghan with her relaunch. Little things like this make you realise just why Meghan wasn't keen to do the British thing and make her role in the monarchy work.

That would have required a little stepping back, lying low and taking stock, letting all the fuss around them die down and then re-emerging with a smile as wide as Kate Middleton's.

That would have required a degree of self-sacrifice that it's possible Meghan Markle wasn't willing to make. Which is not to say that this makes her a bad person or a bad influence on her husband, who has left behind, with his senior royal status, a lot more than she has.

It merely says that she wasn't willing to keep calm and carry on, probably because she saw no value in it.

Royal wives, all of them, put up with a lot. Camilla took a lot of abuse before she found the beloved status she enjoys today. Fergie and Diana had their day.

And Kate Middleton was dismissed as Waity Katy, the wallflower who hung on in there while William dithered about committing, before she became who she is now, the woman who will probably do most to restore royal confidence in the years to come.

Kate Middleton, who is due to visit the Republic in March with William, is perhaps the ultimate swan: serene above water, but doing god knows what paddling furious underwater. That's the choice and commitment she made. That's the choice and commitment Meghan Markle wasn't interested in, and, perhaps, Harry was an open door waiting to be pushed when it came to unhitching himself from his birthright.

One of the most interesting pieces written in the UK papers last week was by a journalist who spent more than a decade writing about Harry, and to whom he had confided a desire to quit his UK commitments and become a tour guide in Africa. In other words, to go away and live a low-key and quiet life.

He's going away all right, but Meghan is there ahead of him, already laying the ground for their new life.

It's not one's faces on a tray of buns, and it's unlikely to be stuffy and constrained by duty, but it's no quiet life, you can be certain.
Ballia (UP), Jan 21 (PTI) In provocative remarks, Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Surendra Singh has called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a "cruel-hearted" woman and also said if illegal Muslim migrants are allowed to stay in India, there will be Kashmir-like stone-pelters everywhere.

The Bairia MLA who last week compared Banerjee with "a demon", accusing her of protecting those "who killed thousands of Hindus", on Monday told newspersons, "She is not with the people of West Bengal but is standing alongside the 'shaitans' (devils) of Bangladesh."

"She is a cruel-hearted woman who will be removed from power in the coming assembly polls," Singh claimed.

Referring to Muslim immigrants from neighbouring countries, the BJP MLA said, "If the Bangladeshi and Pakistani Muslims are allowed to stay, every street in the country will have stone-pelters like in Jammu and Kashmir."

To a question, he said he stands by his earlier statement that Hindus should give birth to five children.

Last Monday, Singh had said Banerjee has "pure traits of a demon" in a democratic system. "She has no values or characteristics of women," he said.

Singh had also questioned her opposition to the amended citizenship law and had called BJP a "party of devtas" while SP, BSP and TDP "belong to 'rakshas' (demons)".

(Image: PTI)
School secretaries are due at the talks table today in their dispute about what they say is a two-tier pay system.

They currently earn around 12,500 a year without holiday pay and pensions.

They say they are carrying out the same duties as secretaries employed by education and training boards who have full public service conditions.

There are around 3,000 school secretaries in Ireland and around two-thirds are affected.

Head of education with Forsa Andy Pike says the Minister for Finance needs to engage with the secretaries.

"It is the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure that are responsible for public sector pay policy and that is where we keep on hitting a brick wall time and time again," said Mr Pike.

"So I would say to Minister Donohoe to stop hiding in the background and come out front and centre and either tell us if you're going to bring school secretaries in to new pay arrangements, if you're going to treat them fairly or are you going to continue to refuse to discuss a solution."

Mr Pike said that if there is not more co-operation then more industrial action is inevitable.

"We hope that the talks will explore every avenue available so it is likely that they will take more than a day.

"If these talks are serious then they may well last until after the election.

"I think that the employer's side needs to be clear that if there is a further breakdown and a failure to resolve this dispute then the industrial action will escalate."
It may be 30 degrees in New York. but Emily Ratajkowski is turning up the heat.

The 28-year-old supermodel turned activist stepped out into the cold while sporting a bright red puffer jacket before grabbing lunch with a friend at The Odeon.

After her lunch date, she took to her Instagram to celebrate her husband Sebastian Bear-McClard and his 33rd birthday.

Looking good: Emily Ratajkowski stepped out in a bold red jacket and sweats for a quick bite to eat before taking to her social media to wish her husband Sebastian Bear-McClard a happy birthday

Looking good: Sebastian and his leading lady snuggle up on a couch in the adorable birthday shout out

For her outing, she paired the statement jacket with a pair of black sweatpants and white sneakers.

She wore a matching black hat that said 'opn' on it.

Emily later took to her Instagram stories to share a series of photos throughout the years of her and her husband on his special day.

Stylish: For her outing, she paired the statement jacket with a pair of black sweatpants and white sneakers

Out and about: While out she headed for a quick bite to eat before continuing the birthday celebrations with her husband

Spot on: Emily seemed ready for warmer temperatures as she shared this throwback bikini snap

HBD: The two share a passionate kiss as they ring in his birthday

True love: Emily and her man share a big smile while snuggling up at a restaurant

From traveling to Antelope Canyon and fun in the sun, Emily went on to say that her forever love has 'been there through all of it.'

Photos showed the couple dating back to 2017 sharing a sweet moment saying 'Remember the first we ever got photographer together & everyone we've ever known/dated/spoken to texted us pissed off as hell?'

'HBD ILYSM' she said in another photo she posted to her Instagram showing the two lounging together on a couch.

Cool couple: 'You always make me cool' she wrote in on the photo of two posing together

The boys: Sebastian cuddled up next to his puppy Colombo early one morning

Jet setters: The two love birds snuggle up while posing in Antelope Canyon in Arizona back in March 2018

The two got married in a surprise court house wedding back in 2018 just after a couple weeks of dating.

Emily kept it simple for her wedding attire and donned a mustard-colored suit from Zara that cost a total of $200.

Previously, she dated record producer Jeff Magid for four years before calling off the relationship around Valentine's Day. She started dating Sebastian shortly after.

Lovers: Emily and Sebastian share a big kiss together back in 2018

Matching: Emily knows that couples who match together stay together

Being there: The two share a kiss through their medical masks while her mom seeks out treatment for an undisclosed illness

Wedding day: The two share a kiss on their wedding day two years ago
South Korea is the latest addition to the must-visit South Asian countries list, according to travel experts. Apart from the popular K-pop industry and the attractive glamour industry, the country offers many must-visit places. Here we list down some of the off-beat things that one can try in South Korea.

Also Read | Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Roam Rome Mein Gets Screened In South Korea

Go to a bathhouse

When in Korea, it is highly suggested that you visit the jjimjubang, which is a public spa space. There are separate bathhouses for men and women and it offers hot water and lukewarm water options. This offbeat activity is a must-try for the best Korean experience.

Also Read | Seoul: Five Things That Will Complete Your Trip To South Korea

Themed coffee shops

The cafe culture in Korea is diverse, with idol and k-pop themed cafes to animal cafe lining its streets. There are unique cafes which serve coffee as well as allows you to spend quality time with dogs, cats and also owls. These cafes are located all over Seoul and Gangnam, the bustling high-cities in South Korea.

Also Read | South Korea: Four Reasons To Add This Country To Your Bucket List

Dress in traditional Korean outfits

One can also slip into Hanboks, the traditional Korean attires worn by men as well as women. There are rental studios in large numbers nearby Gyeongbokgung palace from where one can rent these traditional outfits. There is free entry to the palace to the ones dressed in the traditional Korean outfits.

Try Nore-ae-bang

Nore-ae-bang is a Korean singing room where people can sing their favourite Korean pop songs. Here you can visit with a group of friends. Koreans participate in Nore-ae-bang during office gatherings, meet-ups and parties. Tourists can also try the space as it provides ample privacy and space for a group of people.

The night markets

There are attractive night markets in Seoul which offer cheap and affordable clothes, accessories and food items to try. Namely, Myeongdong Night Market, DDP which is a minute away from Dongdaemun Design Plaza and more. For a traditional market experience, one can visit the Gwangjang Market.

Also Read | South Korea Becomes First Country To Launch Commercial 5G, Samsung Galaxy S10 5G Is First Commercial 5G Phone
"The BOTANICA by Air Wick collection sets a new standard for the air care industry," said Pamela Asplund, Global Head of Fragrance Innovation at Reckitt Benckiser . "It is the first home fragrance line that is intentionally crafted with fewer and a higher quality of naturally-derived ingredients. With its responsibly sourced contents, minimal packaging to ensure recyclability and unique scent pairings, consumers can enjoy outdoorsy scents in the comfort of their homes, while feeling confident about how the product was produced."

BOTANICA by Air Wick works with growers across the world to source simple, quality ingredients. The line blends traditional and exotic scents to create an elevated sensory experience. Raheel Dhaduk, Marketing Director for Reckitt Benckiser added, "BOTANICA by Air Wick addresses consumer needs by creating a true scent experience and bringing nature into homes with the essence of real plants and flowers, all while containing no phthalates or dyes."

From Fresh Pineapple and Tunisian Rosemary to Himalayan Magnolia and Vanilla, the BOTANICA by Air Wick products capture nature's essence and are available in scented oils and room sprays.

Scented Oils: For exotic scents to reach every corner of the home, BOTANICA by Air Wick scented oils are available in plug-in format. Scented oil refills contain natural essential oils and provide up to 60 days of continuously diffused and carefully blended fragrance based on the low intensity setting. Consumers can adjust fragrance intensity on the gadget based on their preference. BOTANICA by Air Wick scented oils can be used with any Air Wick warmer.



For exotic scents to reach every corner of the home, BOTANICA by Air Wick scented oils are available in plug-in format. Scented oil refills contain natural essential oils and provide up to 60 days of continuously diffused and carefully blended fragrance based on the low intensity setting. Consumers can adjust fragrance intensity on the gadget based on their preference. BOTANICA by Air Wick scented oils can be used with any Air Wick warmer. Room Sprays: The BOTANICA by Air Wick room spray gives consumers freshness wherever desired on demand. BOTANICA by Air Wick room sprays are made with 95% natural ingredients.

BOTANICA by Air Wick has five unique scent pairings: Fresh Pineapple and Tunisian Rosemary, Caribbean Sweetgrass and Sandalwood, Himalayan Magnolia and Vanilla, French Lavender and Honey Blossom and Island Rose and African Geranium.

For more information on BOTANICA by Air Wick, visit https://botanica.airwick.us/.

About BOTANICA by Air Wick

BOTANICA by Air Wick is a new generation of home fragrances made with exotic, natural ingredients, offering high-quality air care products that are responsibly sourced and packaged. With more than 75 years of experience, Air Wick is a global leading air freshener brand. Other Air Wick fragrance solutions include Scented Oils, Freshmatic room sprays, scented candles, room sprays, Stick Ups and other portable air fresheners.

About Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) is the global leading consumer health and hygiene company. Driven by a purpose of providing innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB has operations in over 60 countries. From the foundations of wellness and infant nutrition, to the fundamentals of a hygienic home, its global brands help people live healthier, happier lives.

RB has world leading Powerbrands which include household names such as Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite and Air Wick.

RB's unique culture is at the heart of its success. Its drive to achieve, passion to outperform and commitment to quality and scientific excellence are manifested in the work of over 40,000 employees worldwide.

For more information visit http://www.rb.com/us/.

*RB is the trading name of Reckitt Benckiser group of companies.

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BANFF, Alta. - Parks Canada has rejected a proposed gondola to take skiers and hikers from the Banff townsite to the summit at the Mount Norquay ski resort.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Smoke haze from forest fires burning in Alberta and British Columbia hangs over Banff, Alta., in Banff National Park, Friday, July 21, 2017. Parks Canada has rejected a proposed gondola to take skiers or hikers from the Banff townsite to the summit at the Mount Norquay ski resort. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

BANFF, Alta. - Parks Canada has rejected a proposed gondola to take skiers and hikers from the Banff townsite to the summit at the Mount Norquay ski resort.

The federal agency was considering a proposal by Liricon Capital, which owns the resort, to redevelop leased lands inside the Alberta mountain town and at the ski area in Banff National Park.

Officials with Parks Canada said they reviewed a feasibility study and other materials related to the proposal submitted in May 2018.

"There will not be further consideration of the proposed gondola, nor the proposed Grizzly Pavilion and boardwalks, which would be located on lands outside the Mount Norquay leasehold," the agency said in a written statement to The Canadian Press.

"These components of the feasibility study do not conform with the agency's policies on limits to development and ski area management in Banff National Park."

The proposal by Liricon, which was supported by the Town of Banff, would have potentially closed the only access road to the ski hill and returned that land to Parks Canada. Visitors would have parked in new lots at Banff's train station and ridden the gondola over the Trans-Canada Highway to the resort.

Parks Canada said that would have negatively affected public use of the Mount Norquay access road.

Jan Waterous, a partner at Liricon Capital, said the company is disappointed but will try again.

"We will be resubmitting a different proposal for ... consideration in the near term that addresses their concerns," she said in an email.

Waterous said the company remains confident that the project, along with some transit proposals, could be beneficial for the environment.

"Luckily, the science is on our side."

An environmental study done for Liricon and posted online suggested the gondola was not likely to harm grizzly bears, wolves and cougars. It suggested further study was needed on bighorn sheep.

In its statement, Parks Canada said Banff National Park's development plan and Parks Canada ski area management guidelines were put together with extensive public input and based on the best-available science and research.

"It is Parks Canada's position that its policies on limits to development are fundamental to protecting the ecological integrity of Banff National Park and to ensure that this treasured place is preserved now and for future generations.

"Parks Canada is not willing to alter its policies to accommodate this proposal."

Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen said the town respects Parks Canada's decision.

"We know how important it is to work within the limits of development in Banff National Park," she said in a statement.

Environmental groups welcomed the decision to reject the gondola, as well as the pavilion and boardwalks.

"We are pleased that Parks Canada ... is prioritizing nature and ecological integrity in the region," said Katie Morrison, director of conservation for the southern Alberta chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

Reg Bunyan, who's with the Bow Valley Naturalists, said the group hopes the parks agency also moves to limit the impact of traffic on the road by bringing in a dusk-to-dawn restriction.

The for-profit proposal wouldn't have done enough to improve the wildlife corridors around the town of Banff, said Morrison.

"The extent of development in the proposal would have further compromised critical habitats and connectivity," she said.

Liricon also wants to develop land to allow passenger rail service to Banff from Calgary.

In the statement, Parks Canada said the potential for a train connection would be subject to a separate review.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020

 By Colette Derworiz in Edmonton
Cases of sexual assault against children and youth may be tougher to end with convictions, as no rape kits are available in northern Manitoba to collect medical evidence, says one of the region's MLAs.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Cases of sexual assault against children and youth may be tougher to end with convictions, as no rape kits are available in northern Manitoba to collect medical evidence, says one of the region's MLAs.

NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin (The Pas-Kameesak) said Monday she recently helped encourage a youth from a northern community, who had been sexually assaulted, to fly to Winnipeg to get the procedure done at Childrens Hospital.

"There are no rape kits up North  they have to come to Winnipeg," Lathlin said during questioning of Daphne Penrose, Manitobas advocate for children and youth, at a committee meeting at the Manitoba legislature.

During a break, Lathlin said the youth "wanted to do it, but as soon as she heard there were no rape kits there, and she was going to have to be in Winnipeg, she cried and ran."

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Amanda Lathlin, MLA for The Pas-Kameesak: There are no rape kits up North  they have to come to Winnipeg.

"She vomited on the plane. She said she thought she would be on a plane to go on a vacation, not this. There would have been no completed rape kit had I not been there."

Rape kits are used by medical professionals to collect evidence of a sexual assault, including semen, body fluid, blood, and hair.

Lathlin said before this encounter she had no idea sexual assault kits for young people were not available in the northern constituency she represents.

"It should be available there," she said. "This is another way of protecting our children. This is to make sure the perpetrators dont get away."

She vomited on the plane. She said she thought she would be on a plane to go on a vacation, not this. There would have been no completed rape kit had I not been there.  NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin

Penrose, who admitted to the committee she didn't know about the issue, said she knows there are other services lacking to young people who live outside Winnipeg.

"It's unfortunate," she said. "It speaks to the rights of children. Access to health services is part of that right.

"I don't know if it is a lack of training or not... but children are entitled to services their peers have."

A Shared Health spokeswoman, confirmed Monday only adult women in northern Manitoba have access to sexual assault kits.

"Sexual assault kits are provided by the RCMP, and are available in the north for adult patients," the spokeswoman said. "However, all patients under 18 years of age are referred to HSC Winnipeg's sexual assault nurse examiner program (SANE), which provides compassionate, trauma-informed medical and forensic care to adults, adolescents, and children.

"When a patient arrives to the SANE program, they are brought to a safe and private location. The SANE team is staffed with highly specialized nurses that undergo extensive training to treat the health, psycho-social, and forensic needs of a patient."

Meanwhile, Penrose told the committee when the provincial government proclaims two more sections of the law to expand her office's ability to help children not in care of Child and Family Services, it will be able to offer more assistance.

The advocate's office had been restricted to only those involved with CFS, but on March 2018, the province passed a new law adding children who had received assistance for mental health and addictions, as well as disability services, victim-support services, youth justice and the educational system.

However, the province didn't proclaim sections that would allow the advocate to investigate more child deaths and have a greater ability to look into serious injuries suffered by children.

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Last year, the advocate's report found 32 of the 199 children and youth aged 20 or younger who died committed suicide, but only 13 of those could be investigated by the advocate's office because of the current legislation.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson told the committee Monday the government is waiting to see the ramifications of the federal Bill C-92, which gives Indigenous people jurisdiction over child welfare in their communities.

Provincial Liberal leader Dougald Lamont said there's no reason why the province should wait.

"Thousands of children need a voice," Lamont said. "Thousands of children are falling through the cracks now with their deaths.

"It should be proclaimed today."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
In the aftermath of nearly a month of relentless earthquakes and aftershocks, the island of Puerto Rico continues to reel from the devastation. Thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Facing the threat of further quakes on top of constant aftershocks, thousands of families have taken to the streets, living in makeshift tents or in their cars, out of fear that their houses will collapse on top of them. At least 7,000 people are reported as living in shelters throughout the island due to the quakes and thousands more remain without power and running water.

A line of Puerto Rican residents' cars filled with water, food, diapers, baby food, dog food, hygiene products on a rural road in Yauco

Amid these dire circumstances, there is a widespread understanding among workers and youth that local politicians and the US government will be of little to no help. On Saturday, in Ponce, the second largest city on the island which was near the epicenter of the quakes, residents discovered a warehouse piled high with water, cots, propane tanks, medical supplies, baby food and other desperately needed unused emergency supplies that the government had failed to dispense to the community.

The discovery of the supplies set off a social media uproar after a video went viral of a group of residents breaking into the warehouse to retrieve the goods.

As the discovery of the warehouse demonstrates, the response from the local and federal government to the catastrophe continues to be abysmal. Many residents have expressed a horrifying sense of deja vu over the last month of earthquakes, which takes place only three years after Hurricane Maria hit the island in 2017. The negligent response from the government in the aftermath of the hurricane led to the deaths of an estimated 7,000 people, a fact that the government sought to cover up and deny for more than a year.

Cots under a tent in a parking lot in Yauco where a group of family members has been sleeping after their house was destroyed

In fact, many reports are now suggesting that the supplies found in the warehouse in Ponce on Saturday have been stored away since Hurricane Maria in 2017. It is unclear how or why the supplies never reached those in need.

While the government response to the life-threatening conditions has been slow, the response from Governor Wanda Vazquez to the eruption of anger over the video was remarkably prompt, though wildly insufficient. Vazquez fired the director of the island's emergency management agency, Carlos Acevedo, only hours after the video was released on Saturday in an attempt to quell the eruption of mass unrest. Two more officials were fired on Sunday, Housing Secretary Fernando Gil and Department of Family Secretary Glorimar Andujar. Vazquez was installed last August after mass demonstrations involving up to 1 million people forced the resignation of two governors.

The governor nominated Jose Reyes, who oversees the National Guard in Puerto Rico, to be the new commissioner for the State Bureau for Emergency Management and Disaster Management. Under the pretense of emergency relief, Vazquez is laying the basis for a police state in preparation for another wave of massive social unrest. So far, 8,500 National Guard troops have been deployed and all local police have been called back to duty from vacations. Washington is in the process of sending 300 security officials from special task forces and Vazquez signed an executive decree last week so that the latter are immediately sworn in as agents of peace, with special enforcement powers. The local legislature has also requested the federal government deploy Special Forces from the US military.

All the water bottles that were donated to a resident of Yauco

There is immense anger among the working class both on and off the island toward local and federal politicians alike. Over the last decade, and the past three years since Hurricane Maria in particular, the working class in Puerto Rico has passed through incredible political experiences: the imposition of the dictatorial Obama-era Financial Oversight Management Board, which has imposed savage austerity measures; the systematic destruction of public education, including the closing of hundreds of schools; the state-sponsored cover-up of the death toll from Hurricane Maria; and, perhaps most importantly, the overthrow of two governors as a result of mass protests involving more than a third of the islands entire population. The grievances of the Puerto Rican people are deeply rooted in these experiences, along with over a century of semi-colonial exploitation of the island by US imperialism.

The level of trust in local and federal politicians is undoubtedly at a record low. Among the hundreds of comments posted on the viral warehouse video one read, Im sure the governor of Puerto Rico knew about this. Im sure shes using the director of the islands emergency management as a scapegoat. They were holding aid for political reasons. People need to go to jail. All these Democrats have no consequences for their actions, so why stop breaking the law. So many corrupt democrats. Another wrote, This happened last time as well. Was there any investigation and consequences then??

Someone else ridiculed Vazquezs firings as a stunt. That guy involved only got sacked. So easy, no consequences. He should be charged and put behind bars for a long time. What he did is tantamount to murder, obstructing the survival of lifes needy victims.

Another commenter asked why such tragedies are so frequent. Answering her own question, she replied, Because the rich dont care, thats why. The poor people suffer and it doesnt matter what party is in charge.
A model of an Ariane 6 rocket, a launch vehicle under development by the European Space Agency

The European Union on Tuesday announced 200 million euros ($222 million) of funding for the Ariane 6 rocket launcher and for small and medium-sized space technology companies.

Half the money is in the form of a loan for the new Ariane 6 heavy launcher programme, a collaboration between the European Space Agency programme and the ArianeGroup.

The other 100 million euros go towards a venture capital programme to "support innovation and growth of European smaller and medium-sized space technology companies," the European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, said in a statement.

"The two announcements of today represent a game changer for Europe in the support of the European space industry," the EU's Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said.

"We are sending a clear signal that space business in Europe is an attractive opportunity. This is a crucial initiative to support the development of European space start-ups so they can scale up," he added.

The first Ariane space rocket lifted off over the forests of French Guiana 40 years ago, enabling Europe to at last take its place as an independent player in the international race for space.

Since then the Ariane project has largely been a success, despite some setbacks, such as the explosion of the first Ariane 5 rocket in flight in 1996.

But in recent years, Ariane has come to face much fiercer competition, particularly from US firm Space X with its reusable launcher.

Europe is fighting back with its Ariane 6, due to take off in 2020.

"Ariane 6 will continue to enable Europe to deliver its launch activities for missions to all orbits, from geostationary satellites to medium and low Earth orbit missions," the EIB said.

The 100-million-euro loan will also mean "more competitive, environmentally friendly industrial facilities in Germany and France, including French Guiana," said ArianeGroup CEO Andre Hubert Roussel.

The cost of developing Ariane 6 is estimated at three billion euros, most of it financed by the European Space Agency.

Meanwhile the new 100 million euro InnovFin Space Equity Pilot is "dedicated to support the innovation and growth of European SMEs operating in the sector of space technologies," the statement said.

The programme will invest in venture capital funds across the European Union which support companies commercialising new products and services in the space sector.

Primo Space, an Italian early-stage tech investor, is the first fund selected by the European Investment Fund to benefit from the scheme.

With a target size of 80 million euros the scheme "will be amongst the first tech transfer funds only focused on space related technologies in Europe and the first one in Italy," the EIB said in its statement.

Explore further Europe marks 40th anniversary of first Ariane rocket launch

 2020 AFP
Apple dropped plans to secure iCloud backups after pressure from the FBI, a major new report has claimed.

The company was planning to let users fully encrypt the backups of their phone that are stored on Apple's servers. That would have kept Apple and anyone else from seeing the contents of those backups, which include almost everything that is on the phone.

But the company stopped that plan after the FBI said it would get in the way of investigations that presumably rely on those backups as a way of seeing personal information stored on the devices, according to a new report from Reuters.

Neither Apple or the FBI have commented on the allegations.

The change of policy was reported to have happened about two years ago. Apple had previously announced that it was working towards securing all backups over iCloud, but that feature has not been introduced, and appears to have been cancelled, according to the Reuters report.

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

The news agency noted that there may have been other reasons for Apple to move away from encrypting backups. It may have meant that users would encrypt their backups, lose their password and then get locked out of restoring their phone, for instance.

But the move has come to light amid an ongoing fight between Apple and the US government, over whether the company should be forced to help break into its own phones.

Officials including Donald Trump and US Attorney General William Barr have attacked Apple over their refusal to help investigators break into two iPhones used by a Saudi Air Force officer who shot dead three Americans at a Pensacola, Florida naval base last month.

Apple argues that doing so would require creating a version of the iOS software that would be inherently unsafe, and would weaken the protection on every phone. The government has suggested that would be a worthwhile compromise to provide information in investigations.

Despite the criticism from US lawmakers, Apple has argued that it has provided help in the Pensacola case, rejecting the idea it "has not provided substantive assistance". It said that it turned over iCloud backups, which include personal data such as photos.
A team of researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland have developed a new computer system that can identify individuals not through their faces or finger prints, but simply by watching them dance.

For the experiment the team analyzed the movements of 73 participants as they danced to music in eight different genres, including blues, country, metal, reggae, rap, and more.

They developed a machine learning program that would analyze 21 different points of articulation on each dancers body through a motion capture camera, and combined that data with some general information about each participant.

Researchers in Finland developed a motion capture system that can accurately identify the identity of a person just by watching them dance

The team found that the machine learning program was able to accurately identify which of the 73 participants was dancing just by capturing their movements 94 percent of the time.

It seems as though a person's dance movements are a kind of fingerprint, researcher Dr. Pasi Saari told Eurekalert.

Each person has a unique movement signature that stays the same no matter what kind of music is playing.

Whats perhaps even more surprising, though, was that the team was originally trying to measure something completely different with their tool.

Our original idea was to see if we could use machine learning to identify which genre of music our participants were dancing to, based on their movements, researcher Dr. Emily Carlson said.

The system tracks 21 different points of articulation on the body to try and measure how different participants moved

Shockingly, the program struggled to correctly identify the genre of music the subjects were dancing to, getting it right just 30 percent of the time.

One explanation could be that people with pre-existing preferences for certain genres might use the same kinds of dance moves across multiple genres.

The team also believed that certain kinds of genres came with more normative dance moves, which could have made it more difficult to distinguish one person from another.

The team had originally wanted to train the computer to identify the type of music being played, not the person dancing, but the computer only got the music genre right 30 percent of the time

There is a strong cultural association between metal and certain types of movement, like headbanging, Carlson said.

It's probable that metal caused more dancers to move in similar ways, making it harder to tell them apart.

The team insists they dont want their tools to be used for surveillance.

Instead, they hope it can eventually be used to give new insight into our understanding of music, movement, and even aging.

We have a lot of new questions to ask, Carlson said, like whether our movement signatures stay the same across our lifespan, whether we can detect differences between cultures based on these movement signatures, and how well humans are able to recognize individuals from their dance movements compared to computers.

Most research raises more questions than answers, and this study is no exception.
The deadly Chinese coronavirus that has sickened more than 300 people could be passed through saliva, officials today suggested.

Chinas National Health Commission yesterday confirmed that the never-before-seen SARS-like coronavirus had spread between humans.

And now the body has revealed the unnamed infection is spread from the lungs and may travel in saliva  such as through coughs.

Taiwan today confirmed its first case of the lethal bug, which has killed six people in the Chinese city of Wuhan, home to 11million people.

As Taiwan becomes the fourth territory to report a case of the virus outside of China, following Thailand, South Korea and Japan, it can also be revealed that:

A total of 325 people have caught the virus across Asia, including 20 healthcare workers

Cases have risen six-fold in the space of a few days, with just 48 confirmed cases on January 17

Australia and the Philippines are investigating suspected cases of the coronavirus, which causes a fever and can cause pneumonia

North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread

South Korean budget airline Tway Air has postponed the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak

Experts from China's National Health Commission have urged Wuhan's 11 million residents not to leave the city

The World Health Organisation will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss making the outbreak a public health emergency

A leading expert has said the coronavirus may have been lurking in animals for decades before adapting to infect humans

A renowned Chinese doctor investigating the outbreak has caught the killer SARS-like infection himself

Countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia have upped their screening methods to detect travellers with a fever in airports

Shocking footage captured medics wearing hazmat suits screening Air China passengers for the virus before letting them leave

Residents in various Chinese cities are queuing to buy face masks as vendors sell the medical products for 10 times more than normal

Public health officials in the UK have instructed NHS hospitals on how to deal with cases amid fears the virus will spread

The US National Institutes of Health is working on a vaccine against the virus  but it will be months before it can be tested on humans

One virologist admitted he was scared the virus will spread over the Lunar New Year holidays, with millions of Chinese residents set to travel

Another renowned scientist described the coronavirus as being 'one of the newest and biggest global health threats'

Stock markets in China and Hong Kong dipped amid fears tourists will refrain from travelling, despite people being urged not to panic

A total of 325 people are confirmed to have caught the illness, with another 54 cases suspected and more than 900 people under observation (Pictured: The most recently available breakdown of where cases have been diagnosed)

Workers at Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan are using thermal scanners to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms of the coronavirus sweeping Asia

Malaysian officials use thermal imaging scanners and cameras to check passengers for fevers upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport

People wearing face masks at a metro station in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan recorded its first case of the coronavirus this morning

Professor Zhong Nanshan, leader of the National Health Commission's expert team, revealed the virus is likely to be spread by saliva in a press conference today.

He told the meeting: 'As of now, it is affirmative that the new strain of coronavirus can be passed between humans.

'The virus is spread through respiratory system and distance of impact is not long, but it is possible that the virus was passed after being stuck to saliva.'

Professor Zhong said officials must 'quarantine the patients and stop them from contacting others'. Antibiotics will not tackle the virus because the drugs only work on bacterial infections.

And he added that the outbreak will not spread like SARS, so long as patients are quarantined immediately and their contacts are traced.

A Chinese physician who was investigating the outbreak of a mysterious new virus in central China says he has himself been infected, it was revealed this evening.

Wang Guangfa, who heads the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Beijing's Peking University First Hospital, was part of a team of experts that earlier this month visited Wuhan.

'I was diagnosed and my condition is fine,' Wang told Kong's Cable TV on Tuesday, thanking people for their concern. He is receiving treatment in hospital.

A leading expert told MailOnline the new Chinese coronavirus may have been lurking in animals for decades.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, a renowned specialist in infectious disease epidemics, said the virus isn't new but has likely adapted to infect humans.

Passengers leaving for Wuhan, waiting at the Leonardo Da Vinci airport in Fiumicino, Rome

Malaysia is one of many countries that have stepped up their passenger screening, with airport workers screening travellers for symptoms of the virus

Pictured: A close-up of travellers on the thermal imaging camera at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

South Korean cleaners prepare to disinfect the facilities at the customs, immigration and quarantine area at Incheon International Airport

Officials at Taiwan's Center for Disease Control use thermal scanners to screen passengers arriving on a flight from China's Wuhan province

A child wears a facemask at Daxing international airport in Beijing as he heads home for the Lunar New Year

The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, where all six fatalities have happened

Chinese quarantine workers wearing protective suits and masks are posted at an entrance to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan

An official uses an infrared thermometer on a traveler at a health screening checkpoint at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. Wuhan is at the centre of the outbreak

Staff in biohazard suits hold a metal stretcher by the in-patient department of Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre, where patients are being treated for the new coronavirus

Quarantine workers spray disinfect at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. South Korea confirmed its first case on January 20 after a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS OUTBREAK SO FAR? A total of 322 people are confirmed to have caught the unnamed coronavirus, which has never been seen before. Six patients have died. Most of the cases have occurred in Wuhan, a city in Hubei province home to 11million people. But patients have been diagnosed across China, including in Beijing and Shanghai. The coronavirus, which is from the same family as SARS, has also spread to South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. Chinese officials yesterday confirmed the virus has spread between humans, suggesting it can be passed through coughs and sneezes. The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, which has since been shut. China is entering its busiest travel period due to the Lunar New Year, which sees many people travelling back to their home town or village. Virologists fear the increased travel that will happen over the holidays will cause a surge in cases. So where have cases been recorded? IN CHINA Hubei province, 270 cases, 6 deaths Guangdong province, 17 cases Chongqing province, 5 cases Zhejiang province, 5 cases Henan province, 1 case Hunan province, 1 case Yunnan province, 1 case Sichuan province, 1 case Shandong province, 1 case Shanghai, 6 cases Beijing, 10 cases Tianjin, 2 cases --- ABROAD Thailand, 2 cases South Korea, 1 case Japan, 1 case Taiwan, 1 case Advertisement

The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, where all six fatalities have happened.

State media reported on a fourth victim this morning  an 89-year-old man who lived in Wuhan. Experts from the country's National Health Commission this morning urged Wuhan's residents not to leave the city.

The mayor of the city later revealed there had been two more deaths  a 66-year-old man, known only as Li, and a 48-year-old woman, known only as Yin. Both died from multiple organ failure.

Zhou Xianwang said there has been a total of 258 cases in Wuhan. Twelve cases have been recorded elsewhere in Hubei province, where Wuhan is the capital. Officials in the Chinese city have said they will pay for all medical costs for patients infected with the virus.

Other cases have been confirmed today in Tianjin  a port city just outside of Beijing, as well as in a host of other provinces.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Hubei Province announced five new cases among healthcare workers, including one doctor and four nurses.

Taiwanese media this morning confirmed a case of the coronavirus. The unnamed woman, in her fifties, worked in Wuhan and had returned to Taiwan, CNA reports.

And North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread, according to reports this afternoon.

Two foreign tour operators revealed officials in the Hermit Kingdom told them borders will close tomorrow until the outbreak is 'well under control'.

A South Korean budget airline has also announced it will postpone the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak.

Tway Air said the decision was 'inevitable' given the spiralling number of cases, with 325 people across Asia now confirmed to have the virus.

Reports also state face masks are flying off the shelves across China as the country's citizens prepare themselves for the potential spread of the outbreak, which has already swept the nation.

Pictures and videos circulating on the country's social media purport to show residents in various cities queuing to stock up on the medical products. A total of 317 people in Asia have now tested positive for the unnamed virus after it first emerged in Wuhan city last month

Reports claim some vendors have hiked the price from 11 to 110 per box amid an alleged mask shortage. On Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, web users reported to have seen huge lines of customers in and outside pharmacies in hope of buying the sought-after item

CHINA QUEUES TO BUY FACE MASKS Face masks are flying off the shelves across China as the country's citizens prepare themselves for the potential spread of the outbreak, which has already swept the nation. Pictures and videos circulating on the country's social media show residents in various cities queuing to stock up on the medical products. On Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, web users reported to have seen huge lines of customers in and outside pharmacies in hope of buying the sought-after item. Prices for face masks have surged, according a report from Beijing Evening News. Some vendors on the country's e-commerce site have increased the price of the N95 masks - which is made by US company 3M and particularly popular in China - from 99 yuan (11) a box to nearly 1,000 yuan (110) a box, the report said. A topic page titled 'the main force of buying face masks' on Weibo has attracted around 570million clicks as the Chinese netizens discuss the apparent nationwide buying spree. Advertisement

Pictures and videos circulating on the country's social media show residents in various cities queuing to stock up on the medical products.

On Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, web users reported to have seen huge lines of customers in and outside pharmacies in hope of buying the sought-after item.

Prices for face masks have surged, according a report from Beijing Evening News.

Some vendors on the country's e-commerce site have increased the price of the N95 masks - which is made by US company 3M and particularly popular in China - from 99 yuan (11) a box to nearly 1,000 yuan (110) a box, the report said.

A topic page titled 'the main force of buying face masks' on Weibo has attracted around 570million clicks as the Chinese netizens discuss the apparent nationwide buying spree.

Professor John Oxford, a virologist at Queen Mary College, admitted he was 'quaking in my shoes' over the potential spread of the virus that could happen over the Chinese New Year.

He told LBC: 'None of us have faced a new virus faced with so many people in a community travelling around.

'That's what's going to happen in China at the end of the week. Once they are close together in taxis or small rooms, then there may be a problem.'

Two patients in southern China have caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media. Pictured, Chinese residents wear masks in Wuhan

China reported on January 20 the mysterious virus had spread across the country from Wuhan. Pictured, medical staff at Jinyintan hospital, Wuhan

HAS THE CORONAVIRUS SPREAD TO AUSTRALIA AND THE PHILIPPINES? Australian officials today announced a traveller had been placed in quarantine with symptoms of the virus after returning home from a trip to China. The man is being kept at his home in Brisbane as he awaits test results for the virus. Earlier tests were inconclusive, Queensland health chiefs said. It is understood the man arrived in Australia via Sydney International Airport. He had been visiting family in China's Wuhan province, which is the epicentre of the coronavirus, the Courier Mail reported. Coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens, most of which cause mild respiratory infections such as the common cold The suspected case prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to warn Australians travelling to China to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Chinas Wuhan area. The Philippines also announced today that it was investigating its first potential case of the coronavirus. A five-year-old child arrived in the country on January 12 from Wuhan and has since been hospitalised with flu symptoms. While the child tested positive for a virus, authorities in Manila said they were not sure if it was the same one that has killed six people in China. 'The child is considered a person under investigation,' Philippine health secretary Francisco Duque told a press briefing in Manila. Samples from the child were sent to a laboratory in Australia for further testing and authorities are awaiting the results. The child had a fever, throat irritation and a cough before arriving in the central city of Cebu with a parent, the health department said. Three other travellers from China were checked by authorities at another airport, but they did not show symptoms that corresponded with the coronavirus. Advertisement

Over the weekend, 136 fresh infections were reported in Wuhan, bringing the total number of cases China has confirmed to more than 200

The majority of patients have been traced to the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market (pictured)

Ash Shorley, 32, is fighting for his life in Thailand and is feared to be the first Western victim of the coronavirus sweeping across China

Mr Shorley is in critical condition in a hospital in Phuket after being struck down with the pneumonia-like lung infection while visiting Koh Phi Phi island

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW CHINESE VIRUS? What is this virus? The virus has been identified as a new type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens, most of which cause mild respiratory infections such as the common cold. But coronaviruses can also be deadly. SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, is caused by a coronavirus and killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in the early 2000s. Why hasnt it been named yet? The virus has not been named, although it commonly goes by nCoV2019, which stands for novel (new) coronavirus 2019. When a virus emerges slowly, as this one has, scientists have to work quickly to understand its severity, how it is spread and how deadly it is. Jeremy Farrar, a specialist in infectious disease epidemics and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, said he thinks the virus will be named over the coming weeks and months because it is the least important decision at the moment. He added that it was unlikely to be named after Wuhan because it would suggest blame. He told MailOnline: 'Ebola was named after the Ebola river in the Congo. Weve moved on from that because people didnt want to associate them with cities and towns for the sense of blame.' What symptoms does it cause? Its symptoms are typically a fever, cough and trouble breathing, but some patients have developed pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the small air sacs in the lungs. People carrying the novel coronavirus may only have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat. They may assume they have a common cold and not seek medical attention, experts fear. How is it detected? When the outbreak started in December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said hospitals across the city had treated a 'successive series of patients with unexplained pneumonia'. After investigations, a never-before-seen strain of coronavirus was identified and reported on January 9. The virus's genetic sequencing was released by scientists in China to the rest of the world to enable other countries to quickly diagnose potential new cases. This helps other countries respond quickly to disease outbreaks. To contain the virus, airports are detecting infected people with temperature checks. But as with every virus, it has an incubation period, meaning detection is not always possible because symptoms have not appeared yet. The incubation period of nCov2019 is not known. Research by Imperial College London suggested there is a 10-day window between someone being infected and showing symptoms, based on the evidence so far. Can it kill? Six people have so far died after testing positive for the virus. The first two patients who died suffered other health problems, so it is possible the virus is more lethal in vulnerable people. The first patient, a 61-year-old-man, had abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease. The second, who was 69, had severe cardiomyopathy  a heart condition, abnormal kidney function, and seriously damaged organs. How is it spread? Investigations have focused on animals as the source because the majority of the first infected patients in Wuhan were traced to the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market. On January 14, the World Health Organization said there is some 'limited' human-to-human transmission of the virus. Professor Zhong Nanshan, a renowned scientist at Chinas National Health Commission, said human-to-human transmission is 'affirmative', in a press conference on January 20. Two patients in southern China caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media. They had not visited Wuhan. Why has a seafood market been closed? Authorities also closed Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan city since January 1 because the majority of the first infected patients had worked or visited there. 'Environmental samples' taken from the market tested positive for the virus, Wuhan health authorities said. The first patient diagnosed with the novel strain, who was also the first death, was a regular customer at the seafood market on Wuhan's outskirts. What are countries doing to prevent the spread? China has rapidly strengthened its capacity to prepare for and respond to public health threats, Dr Takeshi Kasai, the WHOs regional director for the Western Pacific wrote in an Nikkei Asian Review article. Countries in Asia that have stepped up airport surveillance include Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. Australia and the US are also screening patients for a high temperature, but the UK is not yet. Is it similar to anything weve ever seen before? Memories remain strong of the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The 2002-2003 SARS epidemic started in southern China and killed more than 700 people in mainland China, Hong Kong and elsewhere. But no cases have been recorded in the world since 2004. Scientists first thought that only animals transmitted SARS to humans. But it soon became apparent that SARS could spread between humans  much like the new coronavirus. The WHO criticised China for under-reporting the number of cases following the outbreak, which infected four people in the UK. Similarly, it took 'a while' for scientists to spot that MERS - could be spread between people. Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) is believed to be transmitted to humans from dromedary camels, but the original host may have been bats. MERS killed around 35 per cent of about 2,500 people who have been infected. Advertisement

And Professor Oxford added: 'The only way to stop it is physical cleaning and social distance - keeping away from people.'

Locals have made more than four million trips by train, road and air since January 10 in the annual travel rush for the most important holiday in the country.

The transport peak season will last until February 18 and see three billion trips made within China, according to official statistics.

The US National Institutes of Health is working on a vaccine against the virus, according to reports. But it added that it would be months before a potential jab could be trialed on humans.

Dr Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said a team of scientists in Texas, New York and China, told CNN that scientists are working on a vaccine.

He said: 'The lesson we've learned is coronavirus infections are serious and one of the newest and biggest global health threats.'

Australian officials today announced a traveller had been placed in quarantine with symptoms of the virus after returning home from a trip to China.

The man is being kept at his home in Brisbane as he awaits test results for the virus. Earlier tests were inconclusive, Queensland health chiefs said.

The suspected case prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to warn Australians travelling to China to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Chinas Wuhan area.

The authorities in Wuhan are taking their own precautions and are using infrared thermometers to scan people from a distance to try and pick out possible cases.

Scanners have been put in place at airports, railway stations and coach stops around the city.

Medics have also been filmed reportedly scanning people's heads to take their temperatures on-board a flight leaving Wuhan on Monday.

The Philippines also announced today that it was investigating its first potential case of the coronavirus.

A five-year-old child arrived in the country on January 12 from Wuhan and has since been hospitalised with flu symptoms.

While the child tested positive for a virus, authorities in Manila said they were not sure if it was the same one that has killed six people in China.

'The child is considered a person under investigation,' Philippine health secretary Francisco Duque told a press briefing in Manila.

Samples from the child were sent to a laboratory in Australia for further testing and authorities are awaiting the results.

The child had a fever, throat irritation and a cough before arriving in the central city of Cebu with a parent, the health department said.

Three other travellers from China were checked by authorities at another airport, but they did not show symptoms that corresponded with the coronavirus.

Increased control measures have been enforced at many places, with scientists still uncertain of the outbreaks nature and mode of transmission.

But Professor Zhong Nanshan, of China's National Health Commission, said human-to-human transmission was 'affirmative' in a press conference yesterday.

'Currently, it can be said it is affirmative that there is the phenomenon of human-to-human transmission,' he said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Two patients in southern China caught the virus from infected family members, and had not visited a seafood market thought to be at the centre of the outbreak.

Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market has been closed and under investigation since January 1 as scientists scramble to determine where the virus has come from.

A total of 322 people in Asia have now tested positive for the virus, which marks a sharp increase from the 48 on January 17.

The outbreak has spread within China, with cases recorded in Guangdong province, as well as Beijing and Shanghai.

People in China have been urged not to panic and to try and enjoy the festive season.

A piece in Chinese newspaper the Global Times said on Sunday: 'The entire Chinese society should be vigilant but should not be in panic.

'We should make the upcoming Spring Festival happy and peaceful, and also pay close attention to every link where the pneumonia may increase transmission.'

Three other countries have also reported cases of the virus - Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said earlier an animal source seemed to be 'the most likely primary source' of the virus.

Jeremy Farrar, a specialist in infectious disease epidemics and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, raised concerns about the number of people travelling through Wuhan.

He said: 'Wuhan is a major hub and with travel being a huge part of the fast approaching Chinese New Year, the concern level must remain high.

'There is more to come from this outbreak.'

He added that coughing is the 'quickest way to spread an infection around the world'.

'Whenever you get something new happening in humans, especially when it is spread by coughing, it is always a worry. It could get worse, it could get better  but you have to plan for it getting worse,' Mr Farrar told MailOnline.

China is entering its busiest travel period due to the Lunar New Year, which sees many people travelling back to their home town or village.

Countries including Japan, Australia and the US have adopted screening measures for those arriving from China due to concerns about a global outbreak like that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002 and 2003 and killed nearly 800 people.

An analysis from Imperial College London last week estimated the number of cases in Wuhan was probably around 1,700  but could even be as high as 4,500.

On Tuesday afternoon Mr Morrison urged Australians to 'exercise a high degree of caution'

WHAT ARE THE ONLY OUTBREAKS TO HAVE BEEN DEEMED AN EMERGENCY? 2009 Swine flu epidemic In 2009 'Swine flu' was identified for the first time in Mexico and was named because it is a similar virus to one which affects pigs. The outbreak is believed to have killed as many as 575,400 people  the H1N1 strain is now just accepted as normal seasonal flu. 2014 Poliovirus resurgence Poliovirus began to resurface in countries where it had once been eradicated, and the WHO called for a widespread vaccination programme to stop it spreading. Cameroon, Pakistan and Syria were most at risk of spreading the illness internationally. 2014 Ebola outbreak Ebola killed at least 11,000 people across the world after it spread like wildfire through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in 2014, 2015 and 2016. More than 28,000 people were infected in what was the worst ever outbreak of the disease. 2016 Zika outbreak Zika, a tropical disease which can cause serious birth defects if it infects pregnant women, was the subject of an outbreak in Brazil's capital, Rio de Janeiro, in 2016. There were fears that year's Olympic Games would have to be cancelled after more than 200 academics wrote to the World Health Organization warning about it. 2019 Ebola outbreak Almost 4,000 people were struck down with the killer virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year. More than 2,000 patients died. WHO officials refused to declare it an emergency three times before making a U-turn. Advertisement

The team did not look at how the virus may be transmitted, but said 'past experience with SARS and MERS-CoV outbreaks of similar scale suggests currently self-sustaining human-to-human transmission should not be ruled out.'

South Korea confirmed its first case on January 20 after a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus. She had been in Wuhan last week.

Officials said she did not have an obvious source of infection, adding that she had not visited any wet markets and wasn't in contact with any known cases.

Last week, one case was confirmed in Japan and two in Thailand, meaning the total number of confirmed cases outside of China now sits at five.

The World Health Organisation, which will meet tomorrow to discuss listing the outbreak as an emergency, has only invoked such a status five times in the past.

These were during the last major Ebola outbreaks  last year and in 2014, the Swine flu outbreak in 2009, a resurgence of Polio in 2014, and the Zika outbreak in South America in 2016.

WHO's Emergency Committee must convene to decide on the seriousness of a disease outbreak and the threat it poses to other countries before declaring a PHEIC. These are the incidents it has deemed serious enough in the past:

A British tourist fighting for his life in Thailand is feared to be the first Western victim, but this has not been confirmed.

Ash Shorley, 32, is in critical condition in a hospital in Phuket after being struck down with a lung infection while visiting Koh Phi Phi island.

Mr Shorley had to be transported to hospital by a specialised seaplane because his lung had collapsed and he could not cope with high altitude travel.

Doctors revealed his symptoms were consistent with the Chinese coronavirus. He has been in hospital for nearly a month.

Public Health England maintains that the risk of travellers becoming infected is 'very low', and 'low' for those travelling specifically to Wuhan.

SHOULD WE BE GETTING SCARED?MEDICS IN HAZMAT SUITS SCREEN AIR CHINA PLANE PASSENGERS FOR SARS-LIKE CORONAVIRUS Footage purporting to show medics in hazmat suits scanning Chinese air passengers for symptoms of a mysterious 'SARS-like' virus has sparked fears that the deadly infection could spread globally. The unnamed coronavirus, which typically leads to a life-threatening form of pneumonia, has killed three people and infected at least 220 people since it was spotted in Wuhan city since December. The trending clip, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, is said to be filmed on an Air China flight travelling from Wuhan to Macau, Asia's gambling capital. Health officials in Macau told Beijing News that all air travellers from Wuhan would need to have their body temperatures taken on the plane to prevent the virus from spreading into the city. The passenger who filmed the footage told Beijing News that the footage was taken on January 12 on Air China flight CA119. Advertisement

Footage on social media purports to show medics in hazardous material suits checking Chinese passengers one by one with thermometers. The clip is reported to be filmed on an Air China flight from Wuhan to Macau on January 12 after the plane arrived at the airport in Macau

Dr Nick Phin, a deputy director at PHE, said: 'We have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.

'People travelling to Wuhan should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.

'Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK, informing their health service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the city.'

A plague to make panic go viral: As the Chinese coronavirus claims more victims, top historian PETER FRANKOPAN examines the lesson from the past that has a chilling resonance today

NORTH KOREA BANS ALL TOURISTS FROM ENTERING OVER FEARS OF THE CORONAVIRUS North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread, reports say. Two foreign tour operators today revealed officials in the Hermit Kingdom told them borders will close until the outbreak is 'well under control'. Young Pioneer Tours, an adventure travel company based in China, told Reuters that North Korean officials had told them of the temporary ban. A manager at another foreign tour company, which hasn't been named, said they too had been told of such a move. Further details are expected tomorrow. A South Korean budget airline has also announced it will postpone the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak. Tway Air said the decision was 'inevitable' given the spiralling number of cases, with 317 people across Asia now confirmed to have the virus. South Korea yesterday reported its first confirmed case of the virus  a 35-year-old Chinese national who flew from Wuhan to Seoul on Sunday. Tway had been set for the first of its twice-a-week flights from Incheon to Wuhan at 10.20pm (13.20 GMT). Advertisement

The nightmare is all too real. A man arrives at a health centre, complaining of a sore throat, fever and headache. Another person arrives soon after; then another. By lunchtime, there are dozens; within a week, hundreds.

The winter months usually see an onset of influenza. But this time far more people than normal are infected.

That is not the only strange thing. Usually, the flu virus flourishes among the young and the old, with less robust immune systems. But those turning up to see the doctor are primarily in the prime of life, aged 20 to 40, who usually have no problem seeing off what is usually a seasonal bug.

Soon it becomes clear that something is very wrong. It turns out that those who are sick are not coming just to one hospital in a single town; they are turning up everywhere. Literally everywhere. All over the world. A quarter of the worlds population report symptoms. And then people start dying. In large numbers.

The scale is frightening. In the U.S., where a third of the population are infected, hundreds of thousands die. India pays a terrible price as 18 million succumb.

This is no Hollywood blockbuster, hoping to scare its way to box office success. This is what happened 100 years ago as the Spanish flu took hold.

Between January 1918 and the end of the following year, 500 million people had become infected. By the end of the outbreak, perhaps as many as five per cent of all the men, women and children on the planet lay dead.

Only a century on, no wonder health officials have been so concerned about the emergence of 2019-CoV, a new strain of coronavirus that emerged recently in the city of Wuhan in China and which has infected more than 200 people, killing at least three.

The true figure of the dead and infected may well be higher: the Chinese authorities have been accused of covering up the scale of the outbreak, while scientists at Imperial College London have suggested that substantially more cases have taken hold.

Wuhan residents have made made more than four million trips by train, road and air since January 10 during the annual Lunar New Year travel rush. Above, a screen grab from CCTV's news programme shows flocks of passengers leaving Wuhan Train Station on Monday

Experts from the country's National Health Commission have urged Wuhan's 11 million residents not to leave the city after finding 'affirmative' evidence that the fatal virus could spread between humans. The life-threatening virus has killed six people in the Chinese city

HOW ARE COUNTRIES ACROSS THE WORLD RESPONDING TO CHINA'S OUTBREAK? COUNTRIES IN ASIA: Japan One case has been detected in Japan so far. The man in his 30s tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from Wuhan, it was announced on January 18. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said it has tracked down 41 people who had contacts with the patient and is monitoring them. The number of Chinese tourists to Japan has risen steadily in recent years, with more than 9million visiting last year. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has urged officials to step up quarantine checks at airports and other entry points. Japan will require visitors arriving from Wuhan to fill in health forms, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Hong Kong A lack of information and low levels of vigilance were blamed for Hong Kong becoming the second-hardest hit area by SARS after mainland China. Officials are determined not to see a replay. Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung on Tuesday said authorities are ready for a worst-case scenario and are on extremely high alert. Hong Kong residents favour traditional markets where live poultry and other animals are sold. The government health department has advised against visiting such markets, touching animals or their droppings because the outbreak is believed to have started at a food market in Wuhan. The semi-autonomous Chinese city is one of the most popular destinations for mainland Chinese. Along with stepped-up surveillance, additional cleaning and disinfection measures have been ordered for planes and trains from Wuhan as well as for train stations and the airport. Thailand A Chinese woman in Thailand was the first confirmed case of the mystery virus outside of China on January 13. The second case in Thailand was a 74-year-old woman who had been quarantined since her arrival at Thailand's biggest airport Suvarnabhumi on January 13, the country's public health ministry said.on January 13. Thailand stepped up monitoring at four airports receiving daily flights from Wuhan - Suvarnabhumi, also unofficially known as Bangkok Airport, Don Mueng, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Chinese tourists accounted for about 27 per cent of Thailands 38.3million arrivals in 2018. South Korea South Korea confirmed its first case on January 20 - a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport. She had been in Wuhan the week prior. South Korea has enacted strict airport monitoring measures. At Incheon airport near Seoul, the only airport in South Korea with direct flights from Wuhan, authorities have been operating two special gates for passengers from the city since January 3. They have also had officials using ear thermometers to check passengers' temperatures. Airport staff have also been spraying disinfectant at arrival halls twice a week, up from once a week previously. Handrails of moving walkways and escalators, elevator buttons and doors, drinking fountains and other sensitive areas are also wiped with disinfectant twice a day, the airport said. In 2015, South Korea suffered an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome which killed 36 people and sickened nearly 200. Almost five million Chinese tourists visited South Korea in 2018, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines say they have strengthened screening at all points of entry in response to the outbreak, as well. COUNTRIES OUTSIDE ASIA: Australia One suspected case has been found in Australia. The Brisbane man is being held in isolation over fears he may have contracted the deadly coronavirus while in Wuhan. Australia began screening passengers arriving from a Chinese city in a bid to stop the spread, Brendan Murphy, the chief medical officer for the Australian government, said. Flights from Wuhan are being met by biosecurity staff. State health officials in New South Wales are distributing pamphlets in English and Chinese to all passengers describing the symptoms of the disease and asking them to identify themselves if they have any. US The US has begun screening passengers on flights from Wuhan arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International airport - the three major ports of entry to the US. Initial screenings are expected to involve around 5,000 passengers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It says it has developed a test to diagnose the new coronavirus which it plans to share with domestic and international partners. 'Based on current information, however, the immediate health risk ... to the general American public is deemed to be low at this time. Nevertheless, CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions,' it said. UK Public Health England and Britain's chief medical officer said they would not be introducing screenings at UK airports. Advertisement

World Health Organization officials called an emergency meeting o Monday to discuss whether the coronavirus outbreak stemming from China comprises a global emergency (file)

THE TIMELINE OF WHEN THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK BEGAN December 31 2019: The WHO China Country Office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. Around 44 suspected cases were reported in the month of December. January 1 2020: A seafood market was closed for environmental sanitation and disinfection after being closely linked with the patients. January 5 2020: Doctors ruled out severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as being the cause of the virus, as well as bird flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome and adenovirus. Meanwhile, Hong Kong reported January 9 2020: A preliminary investigation identified the respiratory disease as a new type of coronavirus, Chinese state media reported. Officials at Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported the outbreak's first death on January 9, a 61-year-old man. January 13 2020: A Chinese woman in Thailand was the first confirmed case of the mystery virus outside of China. The 61-year-old was quarantined on January 8, but has since returned home in a stable condition after having treatment, the Thai Health Ministry said. January 14 2020: The WHO told hospitals around the globe to prepare, in the 'possible' event of the infection spreading. It said there is some 'limited' human-to-human transmission of the virus. Two days previously, the UN agency said there was 'no clear evidence of human to human transmission'. January 16 2020: A man in Tokyo is confirmed to have tested positive for the disease after travelling to the Chinese city of Wuhan. A second death, a 69-year-old man, was reported by officials at Wuhan Municipal Health Commission. He died in the early hours of January 15 at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan city having first been admitted to hospital on December 31. January 17 2020: Thailand announces it has detected a second case. The 74-year-old woman had been quarantined since her arrival on Monday. She lived in Wuhan. Scientists at Imperial College London fear up to 4,500 patients in Wuhan may have caught the virus. A report said if cases are this high, substantial human to human transmission can't be ruled out. John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), San Francisco International Airport and Los Angles International Airport (LAX) will start screening passengers arriving from Wuhan, US officials said. January 20 2020: China reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected with a new coronavirus over the weekend, including 136 more cases in Wuhan city. The outbreak spread across China, as authorities in Shenzhen in southern China reported one case, and Chinese state media said Beijing had reported two cases. South Korea confirmed its first case - a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus. She had been in Wuhan the week prior. The total number of confirmed cases reached 205, including three deaths and four confirmed cases outside China. Details were not revealed about the third death. Advertisement

The new coronavirus strain has been found in neighbouring Japan, Thailand and South Korea, and has infected at least one Briton, backpacker Ashley Shorley, 32, who fell ill while travelling in Thailand and was airlifted to hospital.

It does not even matter where an outbreak of an infectious disease originates. In our interconnected world, a disease can potentially infect billions in weeks or less.

Airlines carry infected people from one side of the planet to another, faster than at any time in history.

London is connected to Wuhan by three direct flights per week. Almost every other city on Earth is a maximum of 18 hours away.

So although the death toll from the new strain of coronavirus has, mercifully, so far remained low, the lesson of history is that global pandemics have struck many times, playing a key role in shaping  and ending  civilisations.

One will strike again: the only question is when. The World Health Organisation has been warning of these dangers for some time, reminding us that global pandemics represent a major threat to human existence.

Perhaps the most famous case was the Black Death that swept through Asia into the Middle East, Europe and Africa in the middle of the 14th century. Those infected with the yersinia pestis bacterium suffered terribly as their organs were attacked in turn, with bags of pus and blood pooling at the lymph nodes in the armpit or groin, then multiplying to cause swellings that could grow as large as an apple.

The haemorrhaging of poisoned blood that turned black gave the outbreak of plague its name.

Large-scale outbreaks of plague have been closely connected to climate change, meaning that the disease moves beyond its local habitat and spreads rapidly.

This is what happened in the AD540s, when the Justinianic plague (named after the Byzantine Emperor Justinian) was so devastating that there were said to be not enough people to bury the dead in Constantinople (now Istanbul). Bodies were dumped in empty towers and left to rot, producing a foul smell across the city.

Plague kills quickly: when there is no one left, it dies out, which in turn means that quarantine is a useful strategy against it.

Isolating the infected has been used regularly in Africa in recent decades to contain another devastating disease.

First identified in 1976, Ebola virus causes bleeding, vomiting and diarrhoea, weakening the liver and kidneys and often killing its host in a matter of days.

It is highly infectious, being passed through fluid exchange during sex, kissing, from sweat, breastmilk or exposure to an open wound via mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and nose. Clothing contaminated with body fluids from someone infected can also spread the virus.

There have been outbreaks in Africa  the most recent of which began in August 2018. In the past 18 months, at least 1,700 have died, with the situation becoming so worrying that last summer the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a global health emergency.

Mercifully, preventive measures seem to have stalled Ebolas progress  at least for now.

Few experts have any illusions, though, of how close we have sailed to the wind  or how poorly prepared we are to face a pandemic.

A study produced by Johns Hopkins University in the U.S. last year warned that there are severe weaknesses in countries abilities to prevent, detect and respond to significant disease outbreaks.

Most countries have almost no systems or agreements in place on how to co-operate in the event of a serious pandemic.

TOURISM STOCKS HIT BY VIRUS FEARS BUT FACE MASK MAKERS SURGE Stock markets in China and Hong Kong saw share prices dip in tourism and retail sectors today over fears the outbreak will scare off tourists, the Financial Times reported. Hong Kong's main index, the Hang Seng, fell by 2.8 per cent today, January 21, while the Shanghai Composite Index in China dropped by 1.7 per cent. Analysts say the drop followed the Chinese health commission's announcement that the coronavirus outbreak was spreading between people, not just from animals. This raises the prospect of the outbreak becoming much more severe and fast-spreading. The Chinese New Year will be celebrated this weekend and millions of people in East Asia are expected to travel during the festivities. But tourism and shopping companies may see their profits take a hit if people change their plans for fear of the deadly virus spreading. Major Chinese airlines saw their share values drop  Air China fell by 3.2 per cent and China Eastern by 3 per cent  and a company called Wharf Real Estate Investment, which runs shopping malls in Hong Kong, dropped by more than four per cent. Economists told the FT the growing number of viral infections was 'extremely concerning' for businesses in China's big cities and Hong Kong. While tourism firms saw their prospects hit, companies producing pharmaceuticals and those which make surgical face masks saw the opposite effect, surging over the weekend, according to CNBC. The companies Jiangsu Sihuan Bioengineering, Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical and Shenzhen Neptunus Bioengineering all saw stock values rise by about 10 per cent on Monday. And shares in companies making face masks  notably Tianjin Teda and Shanghai Dragon  also jumped by between 9.8 and 10 per cent. This happened after authorities revealed that the disease was able to spread between people, raising the risk of it developing into a serious outbreak. Advertisement

So concerned is the WHO that it has identified diseases that demand special attention.

These include the zika virus, which sprang to public attention in 2015 after an outbreak led doctors to urge women thinking of becoming pregnant to wait, so great were the threats of neurological problems and birth defects to unborn children from the mosquito-borne disease.

Most chilling, however, is that alongside well-known illnesses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars, of which family the coronavirus is part), the WHO also includes another potential killer.

This is named simply Disease X: a serious international epidemic that could be caused by a pathogen currently unknown to cause human disease.

Like something out of a dystopian film, this could come from a virus that has jumped the species barrier from animals and mutated to infect humans, killing us in huge numbers.

We live in a world where it is cheaper and easier to create and engineer new pathogens in laboratories, by mistake or on purpose. These can, of course, be released intentionally to cause harm  perhaps by a state seeking revenge for international humiliation or by a non-state perpetrator as an act of terrorism. Diseases can also escape by mistake or spill out of control. Any such scenario brings unknown, but potentially devastating, consequences.

The good news is that a century on from the Spanish flu, research capabilities, including the development of antibiotics, as well as improved sanitation, hygiene and medical care, mean we do have some weapons to wield against a major disease outbreak.

The internet and other modern channels for spreading information rapidly and widely would also prove important  but it is likely that, in the event of a new global pandemic, the authorities would have to spend a lot of time countering misinformation online.

In the event of Disease X emerging as a 21st-century plague, it is not inconceivable that airports and perhaps even cities would be shut down and quarantined  and not impossible that those within the quarantine zone would pay a terrible, deadly price.

The Wuhan outbreak may be just another tremor. But few should have any doubts. The problem about nightmares is that they are reflections of realities. As the past shows, sometimes they have come true.

Peter Frankopan is professor of global history at the University of Oxford
On Tuesday, underworld don Ejaz Lakdawala was sent to judicial custody by the Esplanade court till January 27 in an extortion case. Since his arrest on January 9, he has been in the custody of the Mumbai police.

The Central Bureau of Investigation is also expected to seek his custody at some point in time. Meanwhile, he will be produced in the Esplanade court once again on Wednesday pertaining to another extortion case registered at the Pydhonie police station.

Mumbai's Esplanade Court sends gangster Ejaz Lakdawala to judicial custody till 27th January. He will be produced before the court tomorrow again, in another extortion case. https://t.co/VO0XEqgfRv  ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2020

Read: CONFIRMED | Dawood In Karachi, Pakistan's ISI Harbouring Chota Shakeel: Arrested Lakdawala

Charges against the underworld don

Lakdawala is wanted in 27 cases of murder and attempt to murder and at least 80 cases of threatening businessmen for extortion. He was one of the most wanted criminals by India after he escaped from the Nashik jail in 1998. A former associate of terrorist Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan, he went on to form his own gang.

Subsequently, he frequently changed his locations from South East Asia to North America to evade the law enforcement agencies. In 2012, he survived an attack on his life by Chhota Rajan in Bangkok.

Read: Dawood Suffering From Gangrene, Reveals Arrested Lakdawala; Exposes D-gang Nepal Ventures

Events leading up to the arrest of Lakdawala

The initial breakthrough for the police was when it arrested his cousin Sameer and his elder brother Aquil in February and April 2019 respectively. They gave a lot of information about the whereabouts of Ejaz Lakdawala. However, his daughter Sonia Shaikhs arrest in December 2019 after she was allegedly trying to escape to Nepal on a fake passport, proved to be the clincher.

She was reportedly involved in an extortion case as well. Based on all the information, the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai police arrested Lakdawala at the Patna airport.

Read: Scoop: Mumbai Police And CBI Jointly Interrogate Dawood-aide Ejaz Lakdawala

Fresh complaints received

Meanwhile, sources told Republic TV that Lakdawala was jointly interrogated by the Mumbai police as well as the CBI. This is because he has been named along with Chhota Rajan in some cases that are pending with the CBI. Moreover, as per sources, more than 80 fresh complaints against the underworld don had been received after his arrest.

Read: Republic Exclusive: After Lakdawala, Mumbai Police Accesses Prasad Pujari's Location
London: Time has never been kind to the Titanic. It took just 160 minutes for the world's most famous ship to slip beneath the surface of the Atlantic on its maiden voyage, and less than 10 minutes to then glide to its final resting place on the ocean floor below.

The wreck would sit there, lost in total darkness, for more than seven decades before a team of American and French scientists found it in 1985. Their discovery revealed untold secrets of its sinking and ignited a new generation's fascination with one of the most calamitous and deadly maritime disasters in history.

But it also brought out the salvagers. Less generous observers described them as 'high-tech grave robbers'. Already losing the battle against the ravages of deep-sea currents and metal-eating bacteria, the Titanic's brittle remains have been subjected to repeated expeditions where thousands of artefacts and even an entire 15-tonne slice of the steel hull have been removed.

Robert Ballard, who first found the wreck, once blasted private submarine operators for inflicting damage on the deck during vessel landings in the years since. One American couple even got married in a submersible hovering over Titanic's bow.
Terrorists are to be put through lie detector tests following release from prison as part of a major overhaul in response to the London Bridge terror attack.

Proposals announced today include increasing jail sentences for the most serious terror offenders, ending early release and doubling the number of specialist probation officers.

It comes after Usman Khan, an Islamist jailed over a bomb plot in 2012, murdered two people at a rehabilitation event in November.

He launched the attack using a fake suicide vest, which was also worn by prisoners accused of launching a terror attack inside a high-security prison this month.

Reviews have been launched into the police and probation officers who were meant to be monitoring Khan, but last week a watchdog warned that officials across the country were failing to check if dangerous offenders were lying.

London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Show all 29 1 /29 London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Bystanders and police surrounding a person at the scene of an incident on London Bridge HLOBlog/PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police and emergency services PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Armed police on London Bridge Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A bystander holding a knife after police surrounded a person at the scene HLOBlog/PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing People fleeing from Borough Market PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police during the incident Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A white truck across part of London Bridge SophK05/PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A British Transport Police officer runs after reports of an incident Getty London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Boats from the Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit patrol near the scene Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A lorry on the bridge crosses over lanes Luke Poulton via Reuters London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Members of the police and emergency services arriving at Monument tube station AFP via Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Members of the public held behind a police cordon Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police at the scene PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police evacuate people from Borough Market AP London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police surrond a part of the bridge Timothy Johnson/Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A person is assisted after falling when Police evacuated people from Borough Market AP London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing A Police Officer cordons off London Bridge Station Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Members of staff are ushered into a Fitness First gym Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing People head away from the vicinity of Borough Market PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Office workers look out of a window at a scene EPA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Men in forensics suits walk away from the site REUTERS London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing People are evacuated from London Bridge PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing ArrowontheHill/Twitter London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police at the scene of an incident on London Bridge PA London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Armed police on the scene Alexandra Carr /SWNS.COM London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Buses on London Bridge during the incident AFP via Getty Images London Bridge attack: Terror police shoot man after stabbing Police on the scene @joebxggs /SWNS.COM

The new proposals would see probation officers use polygraph tests when questioning released terrorists on their activities and licence conditions.

Doubts have been raised about the accuracy of the tests, which are currently used on sex offenders in Britain and measure supposed signs of deception including changes to blood pressure and breathing.

The Independent understands that lie detector results alone would not be used to recall a terrorist to prison, but that the results could be used to carry out extra checks or enhance supervision.

A University of Kent evaluation of polygraph tests on sex offenders in 2012 found that they increased the likelihood of preventative actions being taken by offender managers to protect the public from harm.

Priti Patel, the home secretary, said the attack at Fishmongers Hall had confronted the government with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders.

We immediately announced a review into sentencing and licence conditions, to do whatever is necessary to stop these sickening attacks from taking place, she added.

Today we are delivering on those promises, giving police and probation officers the resources they need to investigate and track offenders, introducing tougher sentences, and launching major reviews into how offenders are managed after they are released.

It comes after The Independent revealed that up to 800 extremists are currently being held in British prisons, as terrorists are allowed to network and radicalise others.

But the governments new Counter-Terrorism Bill is not thought to contain measures to assess the deradicalisation programmes used inside jail, or test the impact of increasing sentences.

The Ministry of Justice said terrorists who receive extended determinate sentences will be forced to serve the whole term behind bars and those convicted of serious offences such as planning attacks spend a mandatory minimum of 14 years in prison.

 Usman Khan: What we know about the London Bridge attacker

The Independent understands that the figure was chosen because it seemed appropriate following a review of sentences, and that the government has not decided what crimes the minimum term will cover.

The bill also contains plans to increase the number of specialist psychologists and specially-trained imams who conduct deradicalisation work and risk assessments inside prison.

The government said it would increase resources dedicated to training prison and probation staff who are tasked with spotting extremism.

Recommended How British prisons became a breeding ground for Islamist extremism

The law would also increase the number of places in probation hostels, so authorities can keep close tabs on terrorists immediately after their release.

Amid staff shortages in the National Probation Service, the government said it would double the number of specialist counterterror officers and give them a new set of national standards to intensify the monitoring of terrorists released on licence.

An independent review of the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements system, which is used for serious offenders like Khan to link police, probation, councils and the security services, is to be launched.

Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said that the overhaul was an admission of failure.

Major terrorist outrages have occurred all too frequently, including attacks by perpetrators who were known to the security services, she added.

The fight against terrorism has been undermined by cuts to policing, including community policing, a lack of effective coordination between police and security services as well as the flawed Prevent programme. All of these need to change if we are going to improve the safety of our citizens.

Usman Khan, 28, was being monitored following his release from prison when he launched his attack on 29 November 2019 (West Midlands Police)

The Liberal Democrats called the proposed legislation unnecessary and reactionary, pointing out that life sentences can already be used for attack planning.

Home affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine said: If you could stop terrorism by passing illiberal new laws, the Conservatives would have ended it ages ago.

We need policies based on evidence, not cheap headlines.

The government said it would increase funding for counterterror policing in Britain by 90m in 2020-21 and give 500,000 more to supporting the victims of terrorism.

But the head of UK counterterror police, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, called for more resources to be put into preventing extremism.

He said that although police supported increased sentences and welcomed more funding, the core challenge was the rocketing number of investigations.

The only way we are going to turn the tide is by throwing our support behind the only strategy which attempts to divert people away from violent extremism in the first place  Prevent, Mr Basu said.

Whether Prevent is attempting to stop someone following a path towards terrorism, or hoping to rehabilitate and deradicalise those who have already been convicted, it is our best hope in reducing the threat in the long term.

The government announced an independent review of Prevent as part of another suite of terror laws last January, but the chair resigned amid a legal challenge and a replacement has not been chosen.

Brendan Cox, co-founder of the Survivors Against Terror group, called on the government to go further than reviewing support and back a charter protecting survivors rights.

When terror strikes the public expect survivors and bereaved families to be looked after  yet too many survivors are being forgotten about, he added.
Saydie Reedy said despite an 8-foot fall down an air vent, her baby boy was the same as he always is: stoic.

He didnt break character once, Reedy told The Oregonian/OregonLive on Monday. When the officer lifted him up out of the crawlspace and handed up, the first thing he did was glare at the officer.

Reedy, a Coburg mom of two, said her son, 10-month-old Kolson Reedy, was uninjured  and unbothered  by the fall, despite the panic of everyone around him. Kolson and his 3-year-old brother were playing in their home on Wednesday, when Reedy believes her older son lifted up a floor vent in their home, and Kolson went down, Eugene station KMTR first reported.

Reedy had been hand-washing dishes in the kitchen and had only been away from the boys for about two minutes. She was about to go check on them when her 3-year-old, Jackson, came running up to her.

Baby in! the boy said.

Reedy said she panicked and began searching for her 10-month-old. After searching the whole house and not finding him, she asked her 3-year-old where his brother was. He pointed to the vent on the floor.

He wasnt crying, said Reedy. I started freaking out. Theyve never touched the vent before.

Reedy called for help, and police and firefighters arrived at her house within five minutes. After starting to tear up the floor and bringing out a chainsaw, Reedy said one of the officers asked how to access the crawlspace.

The officer climbed into the crawlspace, removed the air duct and found Kolson, who was uninjured other than a few scratches. He lifted the baby, who had fallen face-first, and turned him around. Then he shoved him up the vent to the awaiting arms of another officer, to whom Kolson gave his trademark stare.

Thats his normal face, Reedy said. Everyones getting a kick out of that.

Reedy said she took her son to the doctor, who confirmed the baby was unharmed.

Despite the happy outcome, Reedy said she was a little shaken after the babys fall.

I was pretty anxious  I thought to myself, who loses a kid in a vent?" she said. But a lot of people have reached out and shared their own stories of things their kids have done.

Both Kolson and his brother thought the episode was funny, and it even led the 10-month old to break his usual serious facade.

Today, he was crawling past the vent, Reedy said. He was banging on it and laughing.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

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A Dr Phil guest who changed his name to Sexy Vegan posted a video of the act online

A Dr Phil guest who changed his name to Sexy Vegan has pleaded no contest in an animal assault case after he posted a video of the grim act online.

The 37-year-old Californian, who was formerly called Hansel Marion DeBartolo III, was arrested last September for 'performing an act of bestiality'.

Vegan entered a no-contest plea at a court in Newhall to one misdemeanor count of disturbing the peace.

He has been sentenced to two years probation, 100 hours of community services and a 52-week sexual offender program.

His two dogs have been seized and he has been banned from buying any pets in the probationary period.

Santa Clarita Sheriff's spokesman Shirley Miller said: 'Detectives found a video on social media of the suspect performing an act of bestiality,' according to KTLA.

The 37-year-old suspect was arrested in September after detectives discovered the video of him 'performing an act of bestiality' with a pit bull (pictured with his pet pit bull on Dr Phil)

A scantily-clad Vegan is seen walking his pit bull in Los Angeles in March of this year

'Vegan posted a video on social media depicting a pit bull licking the defendant's rear end.'

Vegan, whose name is tattooed on his forehead, had initially pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges, one count for sexual assault on an animal and one count for posting obscene matter. The charges were dismissed in exchange for a plea on disturbing the peace.

On his arrest, Vegan allegedly told officers that his occupation was '2020 presidential candidate'.

He grabbed headlines in October 2017 when he appeared on an episode of the Dr Phil Show entitled: 'My Brother Changed His Name to 'Sexy Vegan,' Wears Speedos in Public and is Spending My Mom's $11million Inheritance.'

Vegan was kicked off his first episode of Dr Phil for using obscene language. He returned several months later and apologized for his behavior

Vegan stropped while his family tore moaned about his skimpy outfits, dancing at inappropriate moments and carrying a full-length mirror around with him.

After flying into a sweary rage, Vegan was booted off the show for using excessive profanity.

Dr Phil told the guest: 'Don't let the door hit you in the ass' as he moonwalked off set.

The host apologized for Vegan's 'childish and immature behavior', before Vegan returned to the show in March 2018 and offered an apology.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., heads to a briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and other national security officials on the details of the threat that prompted the U.S. to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

US Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has abruptly backed off some of his proposed rules for President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, easing plans for a tight two-day schedule and agreeing that House evidence will be included.

He acted after protests from senators, including fellow Republicans.

The trial quickly burst into a partisan fight at the Capitol as the presidents lawyers opened arguments on Tuesday in support of Mr McConnells plan.

Democrats objected loudly to Mr McConnells initially proposed rules, and some Republicans made their concerns known in private.

Without comment, the Republican leader quietly submitted an amended proposal for the record, after meeting behind closed doors with senators as the trial opened.

The handwritten changes would add an extra day for each sides opening arguments and stipulate that evidence from the Democratic Houses impeachment hearings be included in the record.

There is still deep disagreement about calling additional witnesses.

Expand Close White House counsel Pat Cipollone during the impeachment trial in the Senate (Senate Television via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Its time to start with this trial, said White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the presidents lead lawyer as the proceedings opened in public.

Chief Justice John Roberts gavelled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do impartial justice as jurors.

House prosecutors were on one side, Mr Trumps team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silent at their desks, no mobile phones or other electronics allowed.

Senators were stunned by Mr McConnells shift, which came during the private lunch and briefly delayed the start of the historic session.

A spokeswoman for Republican Senator Susan Collins said that she and others had raised concerns.

The Maine senator sees the changes as significant improvements, said spokeswoman Annie Clark.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was to offer the first amendment to the rules  a proposal to issue a subpoena to the White House for all documents, communications and other records relating to the Ukraine matter.

It seeks records about Mr Trumps orders to hold off military aid to Ukraine, along with White House communications about any investigations it wanted about the Democratic rival Joe Biden and his son.

In a vote later, it was likely to be rejected by Republicans.

Democrats had warned that the rules package from Mr Trumps ally, the Senate Republican leader, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial Representative Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters.

He called it a cover-up.

Mr Schiff opened his arguments before the Senate playing a video of Mr Trump calling for more witnesses to testify.

Mr Schiff noted the sudden change in proposed rules, made moments before he spoke.

The facts will come out in the end, Mr Schiff said. The question is, will it come out in time?

Mr McConnell said, The presidents lawyers will finally receive a level playing field, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

Expand Close Donald Trump after attemding session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (Markus Schreiber/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Mr Trumps actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

Mr Trump himself, in Davos, Switzerland, for an economic conference, denounced the proceedings as a total hoax, and said, Im sure its going to work out fine.

With Mr Trumps presidency on the line, and the nation deeply divided just weeks before the first Democratic primary contests, four senators who are also presidential candidates will be off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

My focus is going to be on impeachment, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent running for the Democratic nomination, told reporters.

He said his supporters would keep working to defeat the most dangerous president in American history.
Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Chung Suk-hwan announces the government's plan to introduce Navy's anti-piracy Cheonghae unit to the Strait of Hormuz for "independent operations" to protect the safety of Korean people and the safe navigation of Korean ships there during a press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap



By Jung Da-min



The government announced Tuesday that it will introduce a naval unit to the Strait of Hormuz for "independent operations" to protect the safety of Korean people and the safe navigation of Korean ships there.



The Korean naval presence will be introduced by "temporarily" expanding the area of operations of the Navy's Cheonghae anti-piracy unit from the Gulf of Aden to the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. This is instead of joining a U.S.-led naval coalition policing the region.



"The Cheonghae unit will be conducting independent operations in an expanded operational area," Deputy Minister for National Defense Policy Chung Suk-hwan said during a press briefing. "But when needed, the unit will cooperate with the U.S.-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC). We are also planning to send two officers from the Cheonghae unit to the IMSC headquarters as liaison officers for cooperation in information sharing."



Washington has called for Seoul's participation in the IMSC, a maritime patrol coalition of countries including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the U.K. and Bahrain. The IMSC is headquartered in Bahrain.



"The government had been reviewing a plan to redeploy the Cheonghae unit since May last year as the tension in the Middle East heightened," a ministry official told reporters. "The primary concern has been the safety of Korean people and the government's decision has been made due to the decrease in piracy activities."









The independent operation is the government's way of cooperating with the U.S., its biggest ally, while avoid straining ties with Iran, one of the biggest trade partners in the Middle East.





This Dec. 13, 2019, file photo shows members of the Republic of Korea Navy's anti-piracy Cheonghae unit conduct a training on the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province. Yonhap
Lucknow, Jan 21 : About a dozen persons, including children, have been detained for flying black kites with 'No CAA, NRC written on them in Lucknow on Tuesday.

It was around the same time when Union Home Minister Amit Shah was addressing a pro-CAA rally in Bangla Bazaar area here. More than a dozen persons were seen flying black kites in the posh Mall Avenue area.

As soon as the police received information, they rushed to the spot and brought down the kites. Some of those flying kites ran away but some have been detained.

The police have also recovered huge quantities of black kites with "No CAA, NRC", written on them from the accused persons.
Recent protests in Iran that began after the countrys military shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet, killing all 176 on board, are unique in that they are opposing the main institutions, particularly the supreme leadership and the military, that constitute Irans Islamic regime, according to experts.

Pierre Pahlavi, an expert on Irans foreign policy, told The Epoch Times that the widespread protests that started on Jan. 11, mostly on university campuses across Iran, are unlike other protests the country has seen in recent years.

Unlike the November demonstrations, which were motivated by the increase in the cost of living, these demonstrations target the main institutions of the Islamic regime: the Supreme Leader himself [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, whom the street [protesters] blame for their amateurism and incompetence, Pahlavi, chair of the Department of Security and International Affairs at the Canadian Forces College, said in an email.

Pahlavi, a member of the former Pahlavi royal familywhich ruled the country until the 1979 Islamic revolution that put in place the current regimesaid the protests that began on Jan. 11 indicate a reversal of popular support, which was grandly portrayed as in favor of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, after the assassination of General Soleimani and which flipped against the regime after its confessed to shooting down the plane.

Even after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the militarys unforgivable error of shooting down Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752, the leader couldnt assuage the widespread feeling of distrust among the people, according to a report by the Atlantic Council.

So many lives have been lost so tragically but I dont think anybody in the upper echelons will pay for it, Maryam, a 29-year-old teacher who joined protesters in Tehrans Azadi square on Jan. 12 and 13, told the author of the report.

The protests in Azadi square were in themselves symbolic of the flip that Pahlavi talked about. Azadi square, a popular spot for revolutionary protests, is built around a tower that was commissioned by the last monarch of Iran to celebrate 2,500 years of the establishment of imperial Iran. Before the Islamic revolution, the landmark was called Shahyad Squaremeaning a square built in the memory of the Shah.

The square was the venue of many mass protests that led to the revolution and in its wake was called Azadi, which means freedom in Persian. The Islamic Iranian Republic holds its annual celebrations commemorating its founding in the square.

Last year, crowds streamed in from the capitals far-flung neighborhoods waving Iranian flags and chanting Death to Americastandard fare at rallies across Iran that the regimes critics say are massive propaganda events.

This flip of scenarios, though not yet proportional in terms of numbers, appears to showcase a marked change in sentiment toward the regime and its institutions.

Maryam said: Theyve shown many times over that they latch on to power and their titles at any cost, despite the deaths of so many people, which I think is what has made many like me feel that their lives are not worth much in the eyes of those in power.

Pahlavi said that while there have been similar protest movements, previously there have been decadelong gaps between them (1999, 20092011). The fact that recent demonstrations take place at an increasingly closer interval is in itself a significant factor.

Muhammad Sahimi, an expert on Iranian politics, told The Epoch Times that the protests represent a deep sense of crisis among Iranians.

Sahimi attributes the current protests to the terrible state of the economy which he says suffers from U.S. sanctions, mismanagement, and deep corruption.

At the same time, the protests are against the restrictive nature of the Islamic Republic, the press censorship, and at least some aspects of the foreign policy of the government, Sahimi said.

Suppression of Protests

Recently, video footage has been circulating on social media showing violence allegedly perpetrated by the Iranian regime against protesters. Amnesty International has verified incidents of forces [firing] pointed pellets from airguns, usually used for hunting, at peaceful protesters causing bleeding and painful injuries.

Security forces also used rubber bullets, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse protesters as well as kicking and punching them, beating them with batons and carrying out arbitrary arrests, the organization wrote.

During last Novembers protests in Iran, Reuters reported that authorities had killed 1,500 protestors, citing anonymous officials inside the regime, which would make it the bloodiest suppression of protests since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Philip Luther, research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said, It is appalling that Irans security forces have violently crushed peaceful vigils and protests by people demanding justice for the 176 passengers killed on the plane and expressing their anger at the Iranian authorities initial cover-up.

Amnesty said that it has evidence in the form of photos and testimonials from injured protesters, and that it has received a shocking allegation of sexual violence committed against a female protester who was arbitrarily arrested by security forces in plain clothes.

More videos have surfaced alleging that the families of the air crash victims have been harassed by the authorities and havent yet received compensation.

The victims families are very upset for obvious reasons, Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, chair in Middle East Studies at Northwestern University, told The Epoch Times. The fact that the government initially tried to cover up its role in the crash has laid bare the frustrations and fear of many Iranians who feel that the government is not working in the interest of the people.

Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and an activist who has been constantly posting on Twitter about the aftermath of the plane crash and the protests, wrote on Jan. 16 about allegations that the Iranian authorities extracted forced statements from the families of the victims for its state TV propaganda.

Iran has extracted forced statements from Amir-Hossein Saeed-Nias parents on state TV, Alinejad wrote in a tweet to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Before being forced to appear on TV, Amir Hosseins mum had said his son was Canadian and that only Canada could help them. In the statement, Saeed-Nias father was made to praise the Supreme Leader.

Alinejad later shared that after the parents were forced to give statements, Saeedi-Nias grandmother sought accountability from the authorities.

They killed my kid, the grandmother said in a video shared by Alinejad. God didnt kill him; they killed him. They killed him. When God kills him, theyll say it is an accident. The airplane exploded in the air. But they killed my son. Muslims hear us. They killed our Amir-Hossein. Whoever did this, I hope suffers the worse end.

Right after Irans government extracted forced statements from the family of Amir-Hossein Saeedi-Nia (where the father is forced to praise the Supreme Leader), the grandmother went out to ask for accountability. Families of the plane downed by Iran are under a lot of pressure https://t.co/8GNzPWYHBp pic.twitter.com/EX2vaK24Z6  Masih Alinejad ???? (@AlinejadMasih) January 16, 2020

In reaction to the video, Hurd said, It is important to listen to women like this grandmother and understand that there is a space occupied by many Iranians who are critical of the regime and also fiercely opposed to U.S. interference in Irans affairs and in the region more generally.

Hurd believes that the protests represent peoples wish for a democratic third way and that the United States needs to understand this better, and act accordingly with more respect.

Alinejad also shared a video of a wailing mother whose son was killed in the crash and who was prevented from mourning him because the authorities built a fence around his grave. The woman is heard screaming in the video: Leave us alone! Leave us alone!

My brother died for this country 30 years ago. I have been proud he died for his country, but our rulers are bloodsuckers, the woman says in the video.

Put yourself in the shoes of this poor Iranian mother: -The regime killed her son, who was on the Ukrainian Airlines plane -They also built a fence around her sons grave, preventing her from mourning him. Hear her screams to authorities: Leave us alone! Leave us alone pic.twitter.com/c0uVWa2Vnn  Masih Alinejad ???? (@AlinejadMasih) January 17, 2020

To highlight the kind of anger Iranians are feeling toward the regime, Hurd talked about Kimia Alizadeh, the Iranian Olympic athlete who recently defected.

How do I start? With a hello, a goodbye or to offer my condolences? Hello to the oppressed people of Iran, goodbye to the noble people of Iran, and my condolences to the perpetually mourning people of Iran, Alizadeh said on Instagram.

Wheres Iran Heading?

Hurd believes the protests represent a new phase in the history of dissent inside Iran. The Iranian government is getting nervous and unfortunately the repression of these protests may become even more violent, she said.

Amir Taheri, a former Editor-in-Chief of Kayhan, Irans main newspaper, said he got reports of protests from four Iranian cities and that this is the first time that regime change is demanded at the grassroots level by young Iranians.

I receive[d] reports from Ahvaz, Tabriz, Mashhad & Kashan of protests against Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei with more & more clear demands for regime change.

This is first-time regime change is demanded at a grassroot level, especially by young Iranians. No cosmetic reform will do! said Taheri, the author of 13 books, in a message on Twitter.

Sahimi said that if the Iranian regime neglects protesters demands then, obviously, the protests will grow more and moves toward replacing the political system by a better and more representative government.

Sam Bazzi, a Lebanese Middle East expert, told The Epoch Times that the protests, though small in number compared to the volume of crowds that the Iranian regime gathered for Soleimanis funeral, are an embarrassment for the regime on the international stage.

There are millions of silent regime opponents who have been cowed by the brutality of the IRGC and the Basij mobilization militia, Bazzi said. The regime monitors opposition activists and, ever since the 2009 Green Revolution, the IRGC deploys snipers to take out protest organizers and zealot activists. Therefore, most Iranians prefer to avoid the regimes wrath and killing machine.

Pahlavi said that the political influence of the IRGC, the most powerful institution in the regime, has been constantly increasing inside Iran and a significant part of Iranian leadership is now held, directly or indirectly, by its members. As a result, its possible the IRGC has deepened its roots in Iranian society, with the countrys regime increasingly becoming a military dictatorship with a theocratic facade.

He said that while the newest wave of grievances has conjured a new test for the solidity of the Islamic regime, but any rumors about the irreversible deterioration of the regime may still be greatly exaggerated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Correction: This article has been updated to correctly attribute a statement made by Pierre Pahlavi. The Epoch Times regrets this error.

From The Epoch Times
A British-Australian woman jailed in Tehran has said she feels "abandoned and forgotten" and claimed Iran tried to recruit her as a spy.

In letters smuggled out of her cell in the notorious Evin prison, university lecturer Kylie Moore-Gilbert begged to be allowed to leave the restrictive unit where she has served periods in solitary confinement.

Dr Moore-Gilbert, who most recently worked as a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Melbourne, was arrested in September 2018 while at an educational conference and later convicted of espionage.

She is understood to be serving a 10-year sentence, but has described being shown two conflicting sentences, one outlining 13 months' imprisonment and the other a decade-long term.

Ten letters, written in crude Farsi, were sneaked out of the prison. They are variously addressed to three men. One, named Mr Vasiri, is thought to be a deputy prosecutor in the Iranian judiciary, while Mr Ghaderi and Mr Hosseini are thought to be mid-ranking officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In the letters, seen by the Times and Guardian newspapers, Dr Moore-Gilbert referred to meetings with these men, who appear to have influenced her treatment in prison, including being allowed access to books.

The prison section she is being held in is reportedly run by the IRGC, while her case is managed by the judiciary.

Dr Moore-Gilbert detailed the conditions she has endured while incarcerated.

In a letter written last July she said: "I'm taking psychiatric medications, but these 10 months that I have spent here have gravely damaged my mental health.

"I am still denied phone calls and visitations, and I am afraid that my mental and emotional state may further deteriorate if I remain in this extremely restrictive detention ward."

In a letter sent to her Iranian case manager, Dr Moore-Gilbert stated her "official and definitive rejection of your offer to me to work with the intelligence branch of IRGC".

"I am not a spy. I have never been a spy and I have no interest to work for a spying organisation in any country."

Dr Moore-Gilbert also used the letters to protest her innocence, saying she had been the victim of "fabrications and trumped-up accusations".

On September 18 she wrote about having food allergies. "I cannot eat most of the food coming out of Ward 2A's kitchen ... I am entirely alone in Iran. I have no friends or family here and in addition to all the pain I have endured here I feel like I am abandoned and forgotten."

Other Britons imprisoned in Evin include Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori who are serving five and 10 year sentences respectively on charges disputed by the British Government.

The Australian government secured the release of British-Australian Jolie King and her Australian boyfriend Mark Firkin last October, three months after they were arrested in Iran.

Dr Moore-Gilbert recently smuggled another letter from the prison in which she begged Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to secure her freedom.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne spoke with her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif about the situation on the sidelines of a conference in India on January 16.
[January 21, 2020] Opportunity Education Doubles Quest Forward School Network in Tanzania to 34 Schools

Opportunity Education, a non-profit foundation established and funded by Joe Ricketts, announced today it will add 18 schools to its Quest Forward Learning Tanzanian network, doubling the number of Tanzanian participating schools. Quest Forward Learning is Opportunity Education's comprehensive high school program that teaches young people rigorous academics along with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Opportunity Education offers its Quest Forward Learning Program in the United States and in Africa. Schools working with Quest Forward learning in the United States include the Quest Forward Academy in Omaha, Nebraska, the Quest Forward Academy in Santa Rosa, California, and the Girard College High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Participating schools in the United States and Africa receive a full academic curriculum, classroom technology, and teacher training for effective, project-based learning. Since 2017, 16 schools have joined the Network in Tanzania. The 2020 school year will see the Network double in size with an expanded footprint that will now include Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Dar-es-Salaam, and Dodoma. With this Network of 35 schools, Opportunity Education will support the education of more than 3,000 students, and the work and growth of more than 300 teachers in Tanzania. "I am proud of the important work Opportunity Education is doing globally to help young people prepare to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world," said Joe Ricketts. "Unlike most high school students in the world today, students in Opportunity Education's Quest Forward Learning Program are active, engaged learners who build academic competence, skills mastery and essential life habits they need to succeed. With this work in Tanzania, we are setting an example of the education young people need globally today." The 35 Tanzanian schools in the Quest Forward Learning 2020 network include a diverse group of learning institutions, ranging from privately owned schools to ones affiliated with the Christian and Muslim faiths. The schools serve students from all faiths. Opportunity Education's curriculum meets the standards, scope, and sequence requirements of the Tanzania National Curriculum and it is the only fully digital secondary school curriculum available in Tanzania today. Opportunity Education's 2020 Quest Forward Learning network will include the following schools:







Region School Name Affiliation Students Arusha Adili Secondary School Private 395 Arusha Arusha City Boys Private 149 Arusha Kimandolu Secondary School Lutheran 209 Arusha Peace House Secondary School Lutheran 439 Kilimanjaro Shauritanga Secondary School Parent Association of CCM (News - Alert) 325 Kilimanjaro Shilela Secondary School Private 98 Dodoma Jamuhuri Secondary School Muslim 323 Dodoma DCT Jubelee Secondary School Anglican 299 Dodoma Merriwa Secondary School Private 265 Dodoma Fountain Gate Secondary School Private 199 Dar-es-Salaam Glenrons Girls Secondary School Private 160 Dar-es-Salaam Thomas More Machrina High School Private 232 Dar-es-Salaam Eagle Secondary School Private 382 Dar-es-Salaam Ihsan Islamic Secondary School Muslim 353 Dar-es-Salaam Tusiime Secondary School Private 1731 Dar-es-Salaam Kanarura Secondary School Private 179 Zanzibar Beit El Ras Secondary School Muslim 378 Zanzibar Hifadhi Secondary School Muslim 120

About Opportunity Education Established in 2005, Opportunity Education improves education for children, giving them access to relevant and engaging learning opportunities. Opportunity Education works to enable young people around the world to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in life and work. Opportunity Education reaches over 1 million students in 11 countries and supports more than 5,000 teachers in over 1,700 primary and secondary schools. To date, Joe Ricketts has invested more than $60 million through Opportunity Education to improve education worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005072/en/

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An American in Washington state has been infected with the deadly coronavirus spreading from China, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sources told CNN.

No details about the patients identity, their recent travel history, whether anyone else may have been exposed or where they are being treated had been released at the time of publication.

The deadly Chinese coronavirus has sickened more than 300 people and killed six.

With the addition of the US, the newly-identified coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan, China, has now spread to four countries.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Xiaomi launched the Mi Router 3C back in 2017 and it was due for a refresh for quite some time now. While the company launched Dual Band routers in China, the 3C that was launched here did not support dual-band WiFi. On similar lines now, Xiaomi has launched the single band Mi Router 4C in India and replaces the Mi Router 3C here.

Xiaomi Mi Router 4C is an 802.11 b/g/n single-band router with 4 high-performance omnidirectional antennas and supports up to 300Mbps transmission speed. It promises an increased operating range and stronger signal.

It is powered by the MediaTek MT7628N processor paired with 64MB RAM and 16MB storage. This router can connect up to 64 devices, can be controlled through the Mi Wi-Fi app, supports one-tap Wi-Fi speed boost, and parental controls. The Mi Router 4C can also be used as a repeater with the in-built repeater mode. Furthermore, it has guest sharing so that you dont have to share your password with other and Wi-Fi Boost that intelligently sets the Wi-Fi channel to optimize connections.

Mi Router 4C highlights

300Mbps 802.11 a/b/n Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 2X2

MediaTek MT7628N processor

64MB DDR2 RAM, 16MB ROM

4 high-performance omnidirectional antennas

Up to 64 connected devices

Mi Wi-Fi app

Real-time monitoring, parental controls with Mi WiFi app on Android and iOS

2x LAN port, 10/100Mbps (Auto MDI/MDIX), 1x RJ45 WAN port, 10/100Mbps (Auto MDI/MDIX), 1x Power port

Dimensions: 195 x 178.9 x 107 mm

Red/Blue/Yellow LED indicator

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi Mi Router 4C comes in white color, is priced at Rs. 999 and is available to buy from mi.com.
The Rocky Mountain ADA Center (RMADAC), a member of the National Network of ADA Centers, is pleased to announce it has created and delivered to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) a customized second easy-to-use pocket guide titled, interacting with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The pocket guide was designed to support CSPDs ongoing efforts to find innovative methods to increase effective communication between its officers and citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

In 2019, RMADAC, created the "Signs of the Law pocket guide for CSPD which was created to increase effective communication between officers and people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

I am very proud of both organizations ability to come together, once again, and meet a need within CSPD by creating such a valuable tool which will assist in improving effective communications between police officers in Colorado Springs and people with IDD, said Emily Shuman, Deputy Director of RMADAC. CSPD deserves a great deal of credit for being the first department in the rocky mountain region commission these guides that increase interactions between law enforcement and citizens with disabilities. We are hopeful many other departments will follow their leadership and purchase guides from RMADAC. Our team has the ability to customize guides to target any specific item involving ADA for law enforcement agencies and their interactions with people with disabilities.

Designing the interacting with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pocket guides images and language was a full collaboration between CSPD and RMADAC. The process to develop the guide was 100% customized to meet CSPDs specific needs. The two organizations partnered on the content, photography and design which was tailored to consistent interactions CSPD has had with the IDD population.

Information inside the pocket guide includes:



Defining what makes and IDD including: Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD and several additional conditions are outlined

Common traits and characteristics of a person with IDD

Interaction tips for officers engaged with a person with IDD

Dos and donts strategies for communication with people with IDD

General information on the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II which covers state and local governments

To review and purchase the interacting with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pocket guide and signs of the law, along with additional offerings from RMADAC, please click here.

About the Rocky Mountain ADA Center: The Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals and organizations throughout Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is a member of the National Network of ADA Centers and is funded by National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0094-01-00). Our center is powered by and is a project of Meeting the Challenge, Inc., a CP&Y company located in Colorado Springs, CO. The centers staff members represent a diverse and dynamic group of individuals who are dedicated to the driving spirit of the ADA as well as the complex standards behind the law. To connect with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center on social media, click here. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is available to assist with any of the following areas: Material Dissemination, Technical Assistance on the ADA, Training, Referrals and Research.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is composed of two bureaus with many divisions, sections and units that work together to meet the unique needs of our community. Each bureau reports to the Office of the Chief of Police.
'February 11, when the results are announced, will hold the key not only to AAP's and the BJP's future, but also to the way the protests against the citizenship law, NRC and NPR evolve,' notes Amulya Ganguli.

IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a roadshow, January 20, 2020. Photograph: AAP/Twitter

It must be an unusual experience for the BJP to go into an election knowing that it will fare badly or even lose.

Until now, the party hadn't faced such an uncertain situation.

For instance, it expected easy victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, but events proved it wrong.

Perhaps because of the setbacks in the two states, the BJP was more careful about predictions in Jharkhand where it suffered a heavy defeat.

Now, it faces an unclear future in Delhi where anecdotal evidence suggests that the Aam Admi Party is the front-runner in the elections to the 70-member legislature.

Unless the Congress cuts heavily into AAP's votes, the BJP doesn't seem to have much chance of success.

Yet, such a scenario was unfeasible in the middle of last year when the BJP won all the seven parliamentary seats in Delhi.

Since then, the BJP has been taking one decision after another in line with its ideological roadmap which, it believes, will bolster its popularity.

But neither the abrogation of Article 370 nor the judicial clearance for the Ram temple's construction nor the citizenship law helped the BJP in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand and, the belief is, may not in Delhi.

Has Hindutva lost its appeal or do the people have greater faith in the AAP's emphasis on bijli-sadak-pani?

If so, the reason is that the AAP reinvented itself in the nick of time after chasing Arvind Kejriwal's will o' the wisp of a national role for three years.

It was the Congress's ignominious collapse under the burden of corruption which fired Kejriwal's dream of being the next national alternative.

The chimera also drew sustenance from Anna Hazare's fatuous belief in being a second Gandhi who will spell the Congress's doom.

Bloated by the self-perception of presiding over the nation's destiny, Kejriwal took on all and sundry, including some of his own colleagues who detracted from his megalomania with their intellectual and legal carping.

As a result of these internal and external combats, as with several of Delhi's lieutenant governors, Kejriwal reinforced his original image (of which he was proud) of being an anarchist.

Had he continued in the same vein, the BJP would have had no difficulty in winning next month's election in the national capital.

But, for reasons unknown, Kejriwal changed.

He is now a milder, gentler man, not a street fighter who once threatened to disrupt the Republic Day parades and was called a yeda (crazy) by then Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde.

The yeda suddenly realized that governance is not about flaunting muscles, but attending to the mundane needs of the people, such as setting up good schools and providing readily available medical facilities.

No party will regret this transformation more than the BJP, for if it stumbles in Delhi, it will be a bad augury for Bihar next year where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is being advised to up the ante over the citizenship law, the National Register of Citizens aimed at 'termites' (illegal Bangladeshi immigrants) and the National Population Register.

As it is, the campuses are astir with restive students and hundreds of Muslim women have become street warriors by holding sit-ins in open spaces in several cities.

The emergence of women is problematic because they cannot be shot 'like dogs' as per the advice of the BJP's chief in West Bengal, Dilip Ghosh, nor buried alive as a UP minister, Raghuraj Singh, counselled.

It goes without saying that an adverse electoral outcome for the BJP will only encourage these 'anti-nationals' to carry on with their defiance.

February 11, therefore, when the results are announced, will hold the key not only to the AAP's and the BJP's future, but also to the way the protests against the citizenship law, NRC and NPR evolve.

Amulya Ganguli is a writer on current affairs.
A 32-year-old man has been arrested after police recovered a number of suspected firearms from a flat in Carrickfergus on Tuesday.

Police also discovered imitation firearms and a quantity of ammunition at the property.

Shortly before 11.30am officers conducted a "proactive policing operation" at the flat.

Following the operation the man was arrested and remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector McCoy said the seizure "demonstrates our commitment to removing harm from our community".

"I would encourage anyone with information regarding criminality to contact police on 101.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Huawei will replace Google Maps with TomTom, a Dutch mapping solution. TomTom is a dutch navigation and digital mapping company. It signed a deal with Huawei for use of its maps and services in smartphone apps.

As most of you know, this is a necessary move for Huawei due to the US ban. Huawei cannot use Googles services on its new phones at the moment, which prevents it from installing Google Maps on its devices.

Huawei cannot use Google Maps on its new devices due to the US ban, and TomTom is supposed to be an alternative

The company had to find an alternative, and it reached out to TomTom for that. Most of you have probably heard of TomTom at one point or the other, as its a very well-known mapping solution provider.

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This deal means that Huawei can now use TomToms maps, traffic information, and navigation software in order to develop apps for its smartphones.

TomToms spokesman, Remco Meestra, said that this deal has been signed quite some time ago. It had not been made public by the company, though, not until now. Mr. Meestra did not share the details of the agreement, though.

TomTom is now more focused on offering software services than selling devices. It actually sold its telematics division to Bridgestone last year, so that it can focus on digital mapping businesses.

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Now, were almost certainly going to see a mapping solution based on TomToms software pre-installed on the Huawei P40 series. The Huawei P40 will become official at the end of March, and Huawei has to offer some sort of a mapping solution with it.

Presuming that the trade ban isnt solved by then, Huaweis consumers will not be able to use Google Maps. Google Maps will not be available via Huaweis App Gallery, and you wont have access to the Google Play store. Well, at least it wont come pre-installed on the device(s).

TomToms mapping solution will come pre-installed on the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro

In comes TomTom, as were expecting to see a dedicated application pre-installed on both the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro. This deal has been signed a while back, which means that such a solution has been in the works for a while.

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It remains to be seen what will happen in the trade ban gets lifted for Huawei. China and the US already agree on the first trade deal recently, but Huawei was not included. It remains to be seen if that will change in the near future. Chances are it wont change in time for the P40 series launch, it may already be too late.

Both the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro will launch in March as the companys new flagships. It remains to be seen if Huawei will be able to replace Google Maps with TomTom as efficiently as it hopes.
ALBANY  A former executive director and accounting firm linked to the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators were issued subpoenas last week as part of a state attorney generals investigation into the nonprofits murky finances, a source with knowledge of the documents said.

The investigation is focused on the groups 2017-18 tax filing, which remains overdue, and the general governance of the charitys finances, the source said. Multiple members of the groups leadership, including state legislators, have sat for interviews as part of the investigation, the source said.

A spokesman for the association, Hank Sheinkopf, said neither the organization nor any current members of its executive board had been subpoenaed.

Attorney General Letitia James' office declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

The Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. is the nonprofit arm of the state Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. Each winter in Albany, it hosts a weekend-long gathering with various events, panels and parties funded by expensive sponsorships  which are regularly paid for by entities with business before the Legislature.

The stated goal of the event is to raise scholarship money for minority youth. But for several years, the group has not disclosed awarding any scholarships despite raising over $1 million in donations. It has also failed to file required tax paperwork with the state and the federal Internal Revenue Service.

In 2019, the group filed two years of financial documents after receiving a letter in early January from James' office noting it was delinquent in its filings.

A 2017 Times Union investigation questioned the groups spending and highlighted the nonprofit's ongoing failure to fund scholarships. When the Times Union questioned the groups leadership last February about its lack of scholarships and repeated failure to file IRS paperwork, most either refused to comment or declined to return calls.

Earlier: In lawmakers' scholarship charity, more money flows to parties

Filings show charity spent more on catering than on scholarships

Minority legislators' nonprofit still mum on scholarships

The premium admission package for this years Caucus Weekend  starting Feb. 14 at the Hilton Albany  costs $492.25, with tickets for individual events going for around $30, according to a registration form. In 2017, weekend tickets were $175.

The charity, which was formed in 1985, has in the past vowed to increase the percentage of its revenues that it spends on scholarships, according to the 2017 Times Union investigation. In the nonprofit's official program for its 2015 retreat, then-Chairwoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes  an Assemblywoman from Buffalo  stated that "we intend to double the amount of scholarship funds given to students in their respective districts."

Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, her successor as chairwoman, implied in a December 2018 statement to the New York Post that the association was struggling to carry out its mission.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

When I became chair of the organization in October 2017, there were many financial deficits, but I am proud to say that after alternative protocols and procedures were put in place, the organization is fiscally sound, Walker told the Post.

The Brooklyn Democrat repeatedly refused to talk with a Times Union reporter about the associations struggles with its finances last year.

Charities are generally supposed to spend at least a third of their revenue on their stated mission, according to Charity Navigator, a watchdog group.

Paperwork the group belatedly filed for its 2016-2017 tax year last January showed that its management expenses skyrocketed as scholarships fell.

The group awarded $35,745 in scholarships in 2015. That fell to $17,078 in 2017 and then zero in 2018. Meanwhile, its management expenses ballooned from $79,896 in 2015 to $164,526 in 2017, according to the filings.

A key driver in that category was $80,000 in what are listed as miscellaneous expenses for its fundraising gala in 2017. The paperwork offers no details about what those expenses were.

The group ended its 2016 financial year with just $285 in cash despite raising more than $500,000 at its annual gala for at least the fifth straight year, according to its financial statements. The next year, it had nearly $67,000 on hand.

Nowhere on the nonprofits paperwork or its website does it state who received the scholarship money, when it was awarded, who picks the scholarship recipients, or the criteria used to award the money.
Edwina Murphy Joins ATF Medical as Director of Rehab Technology

ATF Medical, which provides comprehensive medical equipment and adaptive housing solutions to the workers' compensation industry, has hired Edwina Murphy, OTR, ATP (News - Alert) as director of rehab technology. Based in Houston, Texas, Murphy develops relationships with payers and works with injured workers who have complex seating and mobility needs, providing services throughout the southwestern United States.

"Edwina has immense experience and is especially knowledgeable about seating and positioning," said ATF Medical's Executive Director of Rehab Technology Erin Zablocki. "As an OT, she brings the clinical perspective and oversight, delivering additional value to our complex rehab offering."

During the past three decades, Murphy has held occupational therapist and rehabilitation technology specialist positions with organizations in the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland. Most recently, se was a rehabilitation technology specialist with Great American Mobility. Previous employers include National Seating and Mobility, where she managed the TIRR Memorial Hermann account.







She is a graduate of St. Joseph's College of Occupational Therapy in Dublin, Ireland. A Registered Occupational Therapist and Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner, Murphy is licensed in Texas for occupational therapy.

About ATF Medical

Headquartered in Woodbridge, Virginia, ATF Medical provides outcomes-driven and comprehensive medical equipment, supply and adaptive housing solutions for complex workers' compensation claims throughout the United States. The company's assistive technology, mobility and adaptive housing experts assess the injured employee and their home and recommend and provide clinically sound solutions. Specializing in catastrophic cases, ATF Medical supplies all the DME, educates the injured employee, oversees home modifications, and stays involved for the life of the claim, maintaining and servicing equipment and monitoring the injured employee's progress. ATF Medical's clients include workers' compensation insurance carriers, ancillary service providers, employers, and other payers. For more information, visit www.atfmedical.com or call 877-880-4283.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005025/en/
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 03:06:51|Editor: huaxia

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AMMAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Jordan announced on Tuesday that it gave initial approval to build a petroleum refinery and petrochemicals complex in the south of the country.

Jordanian Energy Ministry Spokesperson Mashhour Abu Eid said that the daily capacity of the project stands at about 150,000 barrels which will be produced for exportation, according to a statement by the ministry, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

The initial approval stipulates that the project should abide by proper technical and financial guidelines without requiring the government to present any guarantees to secure raw materials for the refining process.

The terms also exempt the government from any financial and contract obligations as a result of granting the approval and licenses for the project, he added.

Currently, there is only one refinery in Jordan. The country is working on a joint project with Iraq to build an oil pipeline from Iraq's Basra to Jordan's Aqaba to export the Iraqi oil to Egypt and then to African markets. Enditem
The CBI has filed a corruption case against a former Directorate General of Foreign Trade joint director along with directors of a private company for allegedly cheating the exchequer of nearly Rs 20.26 crore through fraudulent claim of terminal excise duty in 2014-15, officials said on Tuesday.

They said the action has been taken against A K Singh, the former DGFT joint director, Ahmedabad and Mohit Kumar Goel, Ankur Aggarwal and Nand Kishore Aggarwal -- all directors of city-based Crystal Crop Protection.

The CBI had sought sanction from the Commerce Ministry before proceeding against the officer, the officials said.

The sanction was granted by the ministry on July 15, 2019, they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction denied the motion to send former Member of Parliament Manvel Grigoryan to France for a medical treatment.

On January 21 Grigoryans attorneys filed a motion to the court on sending the ex-MP to France for treatment.

During the court hearing his attorney Levon Baghdasaryan said Grigoryans relatives will cover all costs necessary for the treatment in France.

The accusing side opposed the motion, stating that there is no factual data proving that Grigoryan is unable to receive his treatment in Armenia.

Manvel Grigoryan is charged with illegal possession of firearms, embezzlement of more than 101 million drams in property, tax evasion amounting to more than 1 billion drams, misappropriation of state funds of more than 1 billion drams and extortion of 37 million drams.

On January 15 Manvel Grigoryan was released from jail on signature bond not to leave the country.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Leo Varadkar of Fine Gael (pictured) and Micheal Martin of Fianna Fail are going to the polls

In 1969 Terence O'Neill, then Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and a much underrated - but in retrospect a far-seeing unionist politician - called a snap election for February 24. Ian Paisley, then a much underrated street agitator, derisively quipped: "Only a snowman would have called such an election."

Without having to endure such ridicule, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has just called an election for Saturday, February 8. For many people living here the general election called by the Fine Gael leader is of minor interest, or even indifference, but that is a mistake. For as with the whole Brexit debate, what happens south of the border is now very relevant to our own future, both economically and politically.

Unionist politicians should be particularly interested in what happens as the make-up of the next Irish Government is important to politics here. Members of the DUP and the Ulster Unionists should be making tracks to Dublin to try to engage with and understand future plans of their southern counterparts. For them this should be an exercise in pragmatism, aimed at addressing the big economic challenges that face us post-Brexit. All of this can be done without prejudice to their unionist principles and sense of identity.

They should also be in Dublin to actively try to shape the policies of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail prior to the formation of the next Government in order to determine the direction of the Republic in this uncharted post-Brexit era. This new era will be one in which greater inter-dependence and active cooperation will be a major element between north and south.

Assembly Members of all parties should be mindful of the increasing need to forge closer practical social and economic cooperation between north and south, so as to maximise the benefit of our public services to the mutual advantage of both jurisdictions.

The example set by the health service, where there is direct sharing of facilities relating to cancer and infant cardiac treatment, is a sound practical basis upon which to build in a mutually advantageous way. But there are many other significant areas, such as a common Green energy and climate change strategy.

But the big ticket issue is what sort of political relationship between north and south will emerge after the election.

It is generally accepted that the current Fine Gael-led Government played a skilful and major role with the rest of the EU in combating the serious damage that Brexit could have caused if there had been a no-deal crashout.

Equally, it is acknowledged that the outgoing administration played a very constructive role in the negotiations leading up to the restoration of the Executive and Assembly.

Both Varadkar and Tanaiste Simon Coveney showed serious commitment to bringing the divided parties together in the north. In particular, Coveney painstakingly and patiently worked hard to bring about restoration.

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But despite their evident success in handling Brexit and restoring the power-sharing Assembly, opinion polls over the past year make it clear that the two major parties are neck and neck.

Without doubt the election will see the emergence of a new coalition under either Fine Gael or Fianna Fail leadership. Who their coalition partners will be should be a matter of concern for the northern parties.

Thankfully, both major parties have excluded the possibility of either of them entering coalition with Sinn Fein. But however much a Sinn Fein coalition may be anathema south of the border, such a possibility cannot be completely ruled out if the political arithmetic favours Sinn Fein. But more likely is a coalition between one of the major parties and the Greens and/or a resurgent Labour Party.

Whatever happens is a vital concern for us, as an unstable or disinterested Government could do north-south relations damage.

A stable and imaginative Irish Government will help the power-sharing Executive bed down and develop closer and more constructive relations between the Assembly and Dail Eireann. Furthermore, it will allow the North-South Ministerial Council to start to work productively and become an engine to develop infrastructure, trade and investment throughout the island.

One happy aspect of the election is the overdue retirement of Gerry Adams as a TD. No longer will his baneful presence stalk Leinster House, although his influence will no doubt continue to haunt Sinn Fein north of the border.

Maybe the man who justified physical force republicanism, which caused so much grief and pain in the north, can reflect on his legacy, which produced even greater division in Ireland and set back the unity of the Irish people by at least two generations, if not longer.
Karnataka imposes weekend curfew to contain the surge in Covid-19 cases; details here

Hospital performs liver transplant without using blood to protect patient's religious beliefs

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Bengaluru, Jan 21: A private hospital in Bengaluru on Tuesday claimed that it has successfully performed a live liver transplant on a Jehovah's Witness from Nigeria, by not using blood or blood products, in order to protect the patient's religious beliefs.

It is said that Jehovah's Witnesses are followers of a Christian faith that prohibits the use of blood or blood products during their treatment.

Gehojadak (37), a Jehovah's Witness follower, had developed decompensated liver disease and visited more than three countries seeking treatment over the last four years but was turned away by most doctors due to the highly risky nature of surgery, Aster CMI Hospital said.

World record holder, live liver donor, entrepreneur. Ankita Shrivastava shows impossible is nothing

The surgery was challenging compared to a normal liver transplant because in order to protect the patient's religious beliefs, the medical team could not use blood or blood products (Fresh frozen plasma, Cryoprecipitate, Platelets etc), it said in a release, adding that very few such surgeries have been successfully conducted worldwide.

The patient's brother was the donor, the Hospital said, adding, without a liver transplant, Gehojadak's chances of survival were less than 10 per cent over the next two years.

A team of liver specialists from the Hospital thoroughly reviewed the patient's medical history before recommending a bloodless liver transplant and charted out a feasible pathway to make the surgery a success.

"This transplant was especially challenging as we did not have the safety net (of using blood) even if the patient's life was at risk due to their advance directive. We have performed other non-transplant liver surgeries in Jehovah's Witnesses and this gave us the confidence to take on Gehojadak's transplant," Dr Rajiv Lochan, Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon, said.

The critical surgery took a 12-hour period to complete where two teams of specialists with close to 25 doctors including anesthetists, intensivists worked in absolute sync with each other and Gehojadak finally received a life-saving liver transplant, the Hospital said.

In a period of two weeks, the patient and his brother were fit enough to go home and were discharged from the hospital.

3 simultaneous organ transplant in govt hospital brings joy in the 'city of joy

"Even if their haemoglobin levels dropped to life- threatening levels, the patients were clear that they would not accept a blood transfusion.

Keeping the limitations in mind, the most effective treatment path was planned, and we spent close to two months preparing the patients for surgery," Arun V, Consultant Anesthesiologist said. The hospital arranged customised artificial products like synthetic drug molecules, to conduct a bloodless liver transplant, he added.

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Story first published: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 15:59 [IST]
Three community organizations will outline their efforts to help people facing homelessness during an upcoming forum.

In the City for Good is holding a discussion of homeless response from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Rochester Area Foundation offices, 12 Elton Hills Drive NW.

Dan Fifield of The Landing MN, Michael Gwanjaye of the Rochester Community Warming Center and Majors Robert and Lisa Mueller of the Salvation Army will be discussing their programs.

The Rochester Community Warming Center opened in December to provide 30 warm beds on a nightly basis during the coldest months of the year. The facility is operated by Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota in the Olmsted County-owned strip mall at 200 Fourth St. SE.

The Landing MN was established as a non-profit in late 2018 in an effort to address needs of people facing homelessness. The organization is raising funds to create a day center to help connect people with services while also providing a safe place to stay during the day.

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The Salvation Army operated an emergency warming center in recent years, and continues to provide meals and services for people throughout the community.

In the City for Good, a grassroots community group, is asking attendees to bring donated items to support the three organizations. The requests include socks for The Landing MN, adult winter gloves for the Warming Center and deodorant for the Salvation Army.
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A California father didn't hesitate Monday when a mountain lion scooped up his son from a hiking trail at the California wilderness area 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

The dad stopped the attack by hurling a backpack at the animal after it picked up the boy in its mouth.

"The mountain lion came out of somewhere and grabbed the 3-year-old by the neck and dragged him a short distance," Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito told USA Today. "The boy's father threw his backpack at the cougar, which let go of the child, grabbed the pack and sprinted up a nearby tree."

The father and son were hiking at the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park with four other family members and called for help after the incident. The boy was treated and taken to a nearby hospital.

ALSO: California family falls through ice into frozen lake

The park was evacuated while the Department of Fish and Wildlife lured the mountain lion from the tree and then euthanized it, according to CNN.

The Facebook group Orange County Outdoors shared a video of the cougar after it had run up a tree. "We do not support the decision to euthanize the cat but understand its in the general publics best interest," the group said in a statement.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her news tips at agraff@sfgate.com.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Every child deserves a great education. And many parents across the U.S. have more choices for their children's education now than at any other time in history.

But with more public, charter, magnet, private, online, and home education options than ever, how can parents find the right schools for their individual children?

According to Andrew Campanella  the president of National School Choice Week and the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child , released today by Beaufort Books  every parent's school search journey will be unique. That search should also, he says, focus on each child's unique needs.

"There's so much emphasis on school ratings, rankings, and grades in the news and online," Campanella said. "While that data can be valuable, it shouldn't be considered in a vacuum. Your daughter or son might react differently to specific styles of teaching or courses than other students in a school, and your child has his or her own unique set of interests, talents, and challenges that need to be considered."

Campanella says that he wrote The School Choice Roadmap in part to dispel the myth that parents do not have the qualifications to choose their children's education.

"Parents are truly the experts, because they know their children better than anyone else on this planet," he says. "All moms and dads, no matter where they live or how much money they make, have the ability to find schools or learning environments that meet their kids' needs. It just requires trusting your intuition and keeping the goals you have for your child at the front of your mind."

To help parents do that, The School Choice Roadmap includes worksheets and exercises designed to help moms and dads harness their parental expertise, put their own educational experiences in context, evaluate their children's strengths, identify what they need and want from a school, develop and refine lists of local schools, and get ready for school tours. The book also provides crisp, jargon-free descriptions of the six different types of schools available in most parts of the country, including information about which schools do not charge tuition, and which types of schools might require academic entry tests.

The book is available for purchase today in print and e-book format on Amazon , Barnes and Noble , Indiebound , Apple Books , and Kobo . It is also available at hundreds of independent bookstores across the country.

Prior to publication, the book won a National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA) and a Mom's Choice Award. According to reviewers at NAPPA, the book is "timely and on point...a good resource for parents who are trying to figure out this complicated education system."

The book has also received favorable reviews from independent book critics. Kirkus Reviews said that The School Choice Roadmap "offers a clear road map for choosing the best schools for one's children...A straightforward and often useful companion for those on a school-choice journey." Foreword / Clarion Reviews said: "The School Choice Roadmap distills American educational options for busy parents, whom it encourages to look beyond one-size-fits-all thinking. With a convincing platform that's based on helping children thrive, this is a fair-minded resource."

Campanella is president of the annual public awareness effort, National School Choice Week. The effort, which kicks off on Sunday, January 28, raises awareness of effective education options for children and will feature more than 51,300 independently-planned events and activities across the U.S.

Learn more about The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps for Finding the Right School for Your Child, at www.schoolchoiceroadmap.com .

SOURCE National School Choice Week

Related Links

https://www.schoolchoiceroadmap.com


Fianna Fail is seeking an investigation by the State's ethics watchdog into Fine Gael's use of State funding and Government events during the election campaign.

The party's public expenditure spokesperson Barry Cowen said he plans to write to the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) to request an immediate investigation into an event involving Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Mr Cowen said the Taoiseach used the event, which was organised by IDA Ireland, to directly attack Fianna Fail and his other political opponents. "Today we have seen Fine Gael abuse the separation between State and political party activities," Mr Cowen said. "The Taoiseach used his appearance at an IDA event this morning to make party- political comments in a highly inappropriate attempt to score points for his party," he added. Speaking at the event honouring Apple's 40 years in Ireland in the National Concert Hall, Mr Varadkar criticised his "opponents" who say they will "tear up" the National Broadband Plan. "Don't believe them, they're not going to do that and they're not going to get in anyway so it doesn't matter," he added. Speaking after the event, the Taoiseach said there was a "real and serious risk" of Fianna Fail running the next government and he said this would "end in tears".
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal is set to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state Assembly on January 27, state minister Partha Chatterjee said on Tuesday.



The resolution will be brought in a special assembly session at 2 pm.

"A special session of West Bengal Assembly will be held on January 27 at 2 pm to discuss and pass a resolution against CAA. We urge all parties to support the resolution," Chatterjee told reporters here.

"The state assembly had on September 6 last year, passed a resolution against NRC. At that time, CAA had not been passed. This resolution will be adopted in the name of democracy," he said.

Recently, the Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the CAA. The state Assembly had also passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the legislation.

The TMC has been a vocal opponent of the CAA and NRC and has made it clear that it will be not implemented in the state.

For quite some time, Banerjee has been organising mega rallies against the CAA and the NRC and has launched attacks on the BJP-led Central government over these issues.

Earlier at a rally in Lucknow today, Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that the opposition is free to protest against the citizenship law and made it clear that the legislation will not be rolled back.

Shah also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, besides Banerjee for a debate on the CAA. (ANI)


Shelters fabricated from glassfibre-reinforced polyester are protecting gas metering instrumentation from the harsh North Sea environment on an offshore platform upgrade project engineered by Oil & Gas Systems Limited.

Two outdoor shelters - supplied by Intertec Instrumentation - provide lightweight and corrosion-resistant protection for gas chromatograph analysers and process transmitters mounted above new natural gas export pipelines connecting the platform to an onshore UK gas terminal. The instrumentation provides critical monitoring data on gas quality as part of the custody transfer metering system.

This particular platform upgrade project presented a number of challenges, including the harsh operating environment of the southern North Sea, and the space and weight restrictions of adding the new facilities onto a working platform.

Metering systems for fiscal, allocation and custody transfer applications are a significant part of the systems integration work of Oil & Gas Systems (OGS) - which has a reputation for being able to rapidly design and build efficient solutions for complex project requirements.

Glassfibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) materials were specified to protect the instrumentation. This allowed weight to be reduced significantly compared with metal shelters. GRP construction also provided excellent protection against both the harsh weather in the offshore location, and the local environmental conditions.

Intertec Instrumentation was selected to build the custom GRP shelters because of previous good experience of working with them on projects, including shelters and enclosures already installed in the same gas field.

The lightness of GRP compared to steel helped to reduce the size and weight of the metalwork structure that mounts the shelters directly above the export pipelines.

The location - in the middle of a crowded working platform - also presented access difficulties. So, natural ventilation according to IEC EN DIN 61285 was specified. This eliminates routine maintenance visits that would be required with other shelter ventilation approaches such as fans or an HVAC system.

To support natural ventilation for safe operation in the hazardous environment, Intertec supplied explosion-proof heaters and installed louvre panels at the top and bottom of shelter walls.

This maintains the interior environment a few degrees above ambient temperature, and ensures an efficient convection cycle to meet the air change requirements of OGS. All of the shelter fittings, apart from the finned aluminium bodies of the heaters, are fabricated from 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance - including the panic bar door opening mechanism.

"It can be a significant challenge to add new facilities into existing processing plants, and especially so when they are located offshore," says Anthony Dingle, OGS's Sales Manager. "Intertec's ability to design and build custom enclosure solutions was a big help to us in meeting the design constraints of this complex and fast-track offshore instrumentation project."

In total, two walk-in shelters and two large cabinets were built by Intertec to meet the custom shape, size and weight constraints. Each shelter houses an identical instrumentation system including pressure reduction sample conditioning equipment, a Danalyser gas chromatograph, Rosemount pressure transmitters, calibration facilities and various safety devices and accessories. The two cabinets house cylinders to supply the required gas for calibration purposes, along with associated pressure regulation, measurement instruments, tubing connection and flow control components.

The GRP material used by Intertec to build the shelters and cabinets is a proprietary multi-layer composite with moulded GRP panels enclosing polyurethane foam insulation, protected by gel-coated surfaces.

This composite material has a very high thermal resistance, reducing the amount of energy required to heat equipment. A further benefit of Intertecs approach to shelter fabrication is an advanced gel-coat, which is applied in a much thicker layer than alternatives such as paint. It protects against ultraviolet (UV), and is highly effective against abrasion.

It offers exceptional environmental protection and resistance to corrosion (GRP does not rust or degrade in any meaningful way), allowing maintenance-free lifecycles of 30-40 years - more than enough to meet the anticipated cease of production date for the platform.

The gel-coat also incorporates a unique nanotechnology treatment that provides conductivity to dissipate static electric charges safely to ground - protecting against sparking in hazardous areas. Developed for Intertec by BUFA, the coating employs single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to provide conductivity.

Because the SWCNTs are only around 1-2 nanometres in diameter, they enhance surface smoothness. The gloss retention after accelerated weathering tests of this surface is some 50 per cent better than the previous coating technologies used.

This technology is behind the significant improvement in resistance to UV of Intertec's shelters. Previously, exposure to high UV levels over the long term could lead to surface roughening - which is sometimes referred to as 'chalking' or 'frosting'.

Intertec's weathering tests have demonstrated that the new coating will withstand extended exposure to very high UV levels - providing hitherto unachievable protection for GRP field enclosures destined for ultra-harsh environments such as offshore platforms, deserts and Arctic environments. -- Tradearabia News Service
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ZUG, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Laudes Foundation launches today with the aim to address the dual crises of climate breakdown and inequality that endanger nature and jeopardize the safety and dignity of countless communities around the world.

The same human ingenuity that has brought unparalleled prosperity to many is being called on now to redefine what value is, beyond shareholder interests alone. Laudes Foundation will support brave action to inspire and challenge industry to harness its power for good.

"Today there is an enormous challenge we must face. Through Laudes Foundation we will work with businesses, shareholders and investors to create a new definition of value; with thought leaders and academics to make that definition credible; with policy-makers to make it effective; with civil society to make it plausible; with media and movement-builders to make it desirable; and with citizens to make it beneficial," says Martijn Brenninkmeijer, Chairman of the Brenninkmeijer family enterprise.

New beginning, longstanding history

As a new part of the Brenninkmeijer family enterprise, Laudes Foundation builds on six generations of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, next to the COFRA businesses and the family's other private philanthropic activities, including Porticus, Good Energies Foundation and Argidius Foundation.

Laudes Foundation will build on the lessons learned from other endeavours, past and present. In particular, Laudes Foundation will continue and advance the work of C&A Foundation.

"Over the past five years at C&A Foundation, we have learned so much about what it takes to change an industry. We built networks and strengthened partnerships with the aim of creating lasting and positive change in the global fashion system. And, together with our flagship initiative Fashion for Good, we demonstrated that business and philanthropy can work successfully together to change the industry status quo," says Leslie Johnston, CEO of Laudes Foundation.

"We also learned that in order to effect change in one industry, we need to address those deeper, systemic issues of the global economic system."

What Laudes Foundation does

Laudes Foundation is ready to work with industry and those who influence it. It combines philanthropic purpose with the scale and reach of business, drawing upon the comparative advantages of both. In this way, Laudes Foundation will work persistently and collaboratively to:

Influence capital

The global financial system has the power to redirect the flow of capital so that investment encourages good business practices. Laudes Foundation will work with financial actors to inspire change and align incentives, while fostering new economic thinking and new business models.

Transform industries

Laudes Foundation will work with industries to tackle the most pressing and systemic issues, starting with those that, through the family heritage and entrepreneurship, it knows well:

Fashion: a fast-moving consumer industry; building on the sector-changing work of C&A Foundation and moving it forward; and

The built environment: an asset-based industry with the potential to transform the spaces in which we live and work.

How Laudes Foundation does it

Laudes Foundation is joining the urgent movement to accelerate a transition to a just and regenerative economy. It will work to change the economic system that determines value, together with all the actors who can frame it and advance it.

Like C&A Foundation before it, Laudes Foundation will always learn from and collaborate with peers and partners, and share the unique knowledge that it will develop with them.

"We are proud to build on the work of C&A Foundation and be part of the growing movement to reshape global markets so that they value all people and respect nature," adds Johnston.

Join Laudes Foundation on its new and unexpected journey. Visit: www.laudesfoundation.org

Note to the Editor

Laudes Foundation is an independent foundation here to support brave initiatives that will inspire and challenge industry to harness its power for good. Laudes Foundation works both to influence capital so that investment encourages good business practices, and through industry to tackle its deep and systemic challenges.

Laudes Foundation is a part of the Brenninkmeijer family enterprise, next to the COFRA businesses and the family's other private philanthropic activities, including Porticus, Good Energies Foundation and Argidius Foundation.

Press Contact

Stephanie Klotz

Senior Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Laudes Foundation

Related Links

http://www.laudesfoundation.org


Photo: Glacier Media

For a second straight year, resource workers are set to unite in Prince George to stand for jobs and the future of industry in B.C.

On the day Premier John Horgan is scheduled to give the keynote speech at the 2020 BC Natural Resources Forum, dozens of people are expected to rally in front of the Prince George Civic Centre.

The gathering is slated for Jan. 29, when a convoy of trucks will begin to roll-up to Canada Games Plaza.

Speakers are expected to take the microphone at the rally.

The North Matters and Resource Workers United are the organizers of the event, which stand in favour of resource development in northern B.C. and amplifying grassroots citizen voices.

More than 50 people came to support the 2019 rally, including Chair of The North Matters, David Johnston, who spoke about what the group represents.

"We have a lot of support across the province with this group," he said.

"For resource workers and their families and this is a testament to it: today we had probably 50 to 100 trucks drive through town showing support."

Prince George federal MPs Todd Doherty and Bob Zimmer made an appearance to speak with rally-goers.

The 17th BC Natural Resources Forum takes place Jan. 28-30, with Strengthening B.C.'s Competitive Advantage as the 2020 theme.
Officials have confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the U.S, according to media reports.

The Centers for Disease Control is expected to announce this afternoon that the first case of the Wuhan coronavirus has been reported in the U.S. in Washington state. The respiratory virus has infected more than 300 people and killed six in Asia and five other countries, including South Korea and Japan and now, the U.S.

CNN reported it was unclear the infected person, a 30-year-old man, traveled to China or where or how he became in contact with the virus. The man is in good conditions though hospitalized as a precaution.

The earliest Chinese cases were reported around Dec. 8; the most recent on Jan. 8.

Symptoms of the virus include runny nose, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat and fever and, in some patients, life-threatening pneumonia.

There is no specific treatment for the new virus or vaccine to prevent it.

Many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China have reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person transmission, the CDC said. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting limited person-to-person spread is occurring.

The CDC said it is working with the World Health Organization to monitor the situation. Travel advisories are also in place and some travelers from China may be asked questions about their health and travel history. Additional health screenings are in place at three major airports that receive the most travelers from Wuhan, China: San Francisco, New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX).

Health tips for travelers

The CDC advises travelers to Wuhan or other areas experiencing an outbreak to:

Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).

Avoid contact with sick people.

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

If youve traveled overseas and experienced symptoms, you should:
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 06:16:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Tuesday that the international community should encourage Israel and Palestine to resolve conflicts through negotiations on equal footing.

"The international community, especially parties with significant influence in the Middle East, should make joint efforts and on the basis of the 'Arab Peace Initiative,' the 'land for peace' principle and the relevant Security Council resolutions, encourage Israel and Palestine to resolve conflicts through negotiations on equal footing," Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The Security Council Resolution 2334 clearly states that settlement building in occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, is in violation of international law, said the ambassador.

"The relevant parties should earnestly implement Resolution 2334, immediately cease all settlement activities in occupied territory, stop the demolition of Palestinian houses and destruction of their property, and prevent violence against civilians," the envoy added.

"We should continue to promote dialogue, negotiation and political consultation. The Palestinian issue can only be resolved politically. Countering violence with violence or the threat of force will lead to nowhere," he said.

"The occupied Palestinian territory is in a grave humanitarian crisis, and the Middle East peace process is off the right track," said Zhang, noting that China is deeply worried about all this.

"Without a just and reasonable solution to the Palestinian question, there will be no lasting peace and security in the Middle East," he said.

"We should continue to adhere to the overall goal of a two-state solution. The two-state solution is the only correct way to solve the Palestinian-Israeli issue. Independent statehood is an inevitable national right of the Palestinian people, a right that cannot be traded away," the envoy noted.
In this file photo taken on Jan. 14, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a "Keep America Great" campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP



U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to suggest Monday that the stationing of American forces in South Korea is a form of foreign aid, rejecting the long-held view that the troop presence serves both countries' interests.



Trump's lawyers made the case in the 110-page Trial Memorandum for the Senate's impeachment proceedings against the president. The trial is set to begin in earnest Tuesday, with Trump facing charges of abusing his power by asking Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden and withholding U.S. military aid to the country in the process.



In the memo, Trump's defense presents arguments for why "Pauses on Foreign Aid Are Often Necessary and Appropriate."



"Placing a temporary pause on aid is not unusual. Indeed, the President has often paused, re-evaluated, and even canceled foreign aid programs," it says.






President Donald Trump has said that the United States is watching the developments between India and Pakistan over Kashmir 'very closely' and repeated his offer to 'help' resolve the dispute between the two neighbours during his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Davos.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a bilateral meeting at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Addressing the media with the Pakistan prime minister prior to their private meeting on Tuesday, President Trump asserted that trade and borders were both critical points for discussion, while Khan said that for him, Afghanistan was the top priority.

Trump told Khan, whom he referred to as 'my friend', that he would speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the ongoing Kashmir issue.

The US president is expected to visit India in the coming weeks, marking his first visit after taking up his post in the White House.

"What's going on between Pakistan and India  if we can help, we certainly will be willing to. We have been watching it very closely and it's an honour to be here with my friend," he said.

"The Pakistan-India conflict is a very big issue for us in Pakistan and we expect the US to always play its part in deescalating the tensions, because no other country can," Khan said.

President Trump has repeatedly offered to mediate following India's August 5 decision to revoke the special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories, evoking strong reaction from Pakistan which has been trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue.

New Delhi has defended the move, saying Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue was strictly internal to the country, and 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.

Although President Trump has offered to mediate on the Kashmir issue in the past, New Delhi has told Washington, DC that it is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and there is no scope for any third-party mediation.

On the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French town of Biarritz in August last, Prime Minister Modi, while interacting with the media alongside President Trump, categorically rejected any scope for third party mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir, saying the two countries can resolve all issues bilaterally and 'we don't want to trouble any third country'.

This was the third meeting between Trump and Khan since Pakistan premier assumed office in 2018, and it came against the backdrop of Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's recent trip to the US, amid reports that the US and Afghan Taliban were close to striking a peace deal.

"There are issues we want to talk about. The main issue is Afghanistan because it concerns the US and Pakistan. Fortunately, we are on the same page. Both of us are interested in peace there and an orderly transition in Afghanistan with talks with Taliban and the government," Khan said.

When a reporter asked Trump if he would visit Pakistan considering he was already set to visit India, the US president said he was meeting the Pakistan premier in Davos.

"Well, we're visiting right now. So we don't really have to. I wanted to say that from a relationship standpoint, we got a great relationship. From the standpoint our two countries, we're getting along very well.

"I would say we've never been closer with Pakistan the way we're right now. And this is a big statement," Trump said .

However, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday that President Trump has assured Prime Minister Khan that he would visit Pakistan soon.

Several 'important issues' were discussed in the hour-long 'productive' meeting between the two leaders, Qureshi was quoted as saying by Dawn.

The foreign minister said he was also present during the meeting, which was attended by Trump's 'entire team'.

Qureshi said President Trump was also briefed on the measures taken by Pakistan to get off the Financial Action Task Force's grey list. Pakistan also asked for US support on the matter, he added.

Khan left for Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum and meet the world leaders, including President Trump, on the sidelines of the annual event which kicked off at the ski resort town of Davos on Tuesday.

The four-day summit marks the 50th anniversary of the forum.

A total of 53 heads of State are on the guest list. Nearly 3,000 participants from 118 countries are expected to attend the event during which political leaders, business executives, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives are set to deliberate on contemporary economic, geopolitical, social and environmental issues.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global edible oils market is expected to witness a major overhaul in the years to come. This could be attributed to their usage in cosmetics and also as biodiesel. At room temperature, edible oils could exist in solid or liquid form. The government of Ontario describes edible oils as food materials exclusive of dairy items of whatsoever origin, source, or composition made for human consumption wholly or partly from fat or oil except that of milk.

The edible oils market is segmented based on type, end-user, and geography. By type, the market spans palm oil, canola oil, corn oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and specialty blended oil. By end-user, it says food processor, food service, and retail. By geography, the market comprises North America (U.S.), Europe (UK, Germany, France), Asia Pacific (India, Japan, and China), LATAM (Brazil), and MEA.

Download PDF to know more details about "Edible Oils Market" report 2028.

Asia Pacific holds the largest share; thanks to economies like Malaysia and Indonesia being the largest exporters of palm oil. LATAM comes in second; with Brazil and Argentina being the biggest exporters of soybean oil. Europe follows suit; with Russia and Ukraine exporting sunflower oil all over. The next in line is North America due to the fact that Canada is the highest exporter of canola oil.

India is the main buyer of palm oil and soybean oil. According to Solvent Extractors Association of India, India imported close to 371,060 tons of refined palm oil in May 2019 (the highest since May 2013). This will catalyze the edible oils market (palm oil market, in particular) in India in the upcoming period. It is a known fact that groundnut is the major kharif oilseed produced in India. The other source is cottonseed. These two crops are expected to witness an exponential growth in terms of production in the next 5-7 years.

The players contributing to the edible oils market include International Foodstuff Company Holdings Ltd., Archer Midland Company, Cargill, and Wilmar Internationals.

This report provides detailed historical analysis of global market for Edible Oils from 2013-2018, and provides extensive market forecasts from 2019-2028 by region/country and subsectors. It covers the sales volume, price, revenue, gross margin, historical growth and future perspectives in the Edible Oils market.

Access 117 page research report with TOC on "Edible Oils Market" available with Radiant Insights, Inc. @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/2013-2028-report-on-global-edible-oils-market

Market Segmentation:

Leading players of Edible Oils including:

Wilmar International



Liangyou Group



Lu-Hua



Jiusan Group



Hopefull Grain & Oil Group



Cargill Investments



Xiamen Zhongsheng



SanXing Group



Standard Food



Xiwang Food



Lamsoon



Jiangxi Luyuan Oil Industry

Market split by Type, can be divided into:

Soybean Oil



Rapeseed/Canola Oil



Peanut Oil



Palm Oil



Others

Market split by Application, can be divided into:

Bakery



Confectionery



Cooking for Family



Cooking for Commercial



Others

Market split by Sales Channel, can be divided into:

Direct Channel



Distribution Channel

Market segment by Region/Country including:

North America ( United States , Canada and Mexico )

( , and )

Europe ( Germany , UK, France , Italy , Russia and Spain etc.)

( , UK, , , and etc.)

Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , Korea, India , Australia and Southeast Asia etc.)

( , , Korea, , and etc.)

South America Brazil , Argentina , Colombia and Chile etc.)

, , and etc.)

Middle East & Africa ( South Africa , Egypt , Nigeria and Saudi Arabia etc.)

Browse reports of similar category available with Radiant Insights, Inc.:

About Radiant Insights, Inc.:

At Radiant Insights, we work with the aim to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Our representatives strive to understand diverse client requirements and cater to the same with the most innovative and functional solutions.

Contact:

Michelle Thoras.

Corporate Sales Specialist

Radiant Insights, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0054

Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.radiantinsights.com/

Blog: https://radiantinsightsinc.blogspot.com/

SOURCE Radiant Insights, Inc.
Trumps first two press secretaries, Sean Spicer and Sarah Sanders, have acknowledged telling lies to the media and the public  Spicer about the crowd size for Trumps inauguration and Sanders about FBI reaction to the firing of James Comey. Both told countless other lies that they have not owned up to. The woman who now holds the job, Stephanie Grisham, has been criticized for not even giving press briefings, but I applaud her decision. If youre not going to speak truth, why speak at all?
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Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
The Belgian region of Wallonia has vowed to block an EU trade deal with South America, foreshadowing the kind of barriers Britain will face as it tries to secure a quick agreement with the bloc.

Elio Di Rupo, Wallonias minister-president, said his administration, which took office in September, is against the EU-Mercosur deal, which negotiators struck in June last year.

We are completely opposed, in the current state, to this treaty. For the Walloon government, it is no! Mr Di Rupo, a centre-left social democrat told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

Wallonia, which under the Belgian constitution gets to sign off any trade deals the national government does, notoriously rejected and held up the EU-Canada trade deal CETA after its parliament voted against it, only later relenting when concessions were made.

Mr Di Rupo said Wallonia, which is Belgiums largely French-speaking region, would not accept the EU-Merosur deal unless South American producers were made to sign up to EU rules  as the bloc is asking Britain to do.

Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Show all 8 1 /8 Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes Conservative party leader Boris Johnson drives a JCB through a fake wall POOL/AFP via Getty Images Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes REUTERS Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes PA Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty Bizarre: Boris Johnson drives 'Brexit' digger through boxes AFP via Getty

We are for international trade but not under any conditions. We want environmental, social and health compliance criteria, valid at European level and in Belgium, to apply also to these countries, he said.

The regional leader in particular raised objections to regulations on the meat imports. Britain hopes to secure a simultaneous trade deal with the US while it negotiates with the EU, and food exports are one of the main asks of American trade negotiators. The issue is likely to become a sticking point in UK-EU talks if Britain wishes to keep its markets open to American beef.

There will be chemicals and antibiotics, while our European rules are strict. We ask that the rules, in the Mercosur countries, be the same as the European rules, Mr Di Rupo said. We have our objectives, our realities, and we want to defend Walloon beef.

In the case of the Canada agreement, Wallonia only agreed to the deal after stronger safeguards on labour, environmental and consumer standards were offered.

EU trade deals that cover policy areas not solely reserved to Brussels have to be voted on by national parliaments, and sometimes regional parliaments, depending on the constitution of each member state.

These mixed deals can be a political minefield because each country and region has its own producer interests to think of before signing.

The more substantial a trade deal is, the more likely it is to cross beyond EU competencies and require signatures by individual member states. Deals that involve cross-border trade in services  as the UK has said it wants  are very likely to be mixed agreements and therefore subject to national parliaments votes.

Boris Johnson has vowed to secure a trade deal with the EU by the end of 2020 and said he will not extend the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December this year. If no deal is secured by the end of the transition the UK will face major trade barriers and have to trade on WTO rules with the EU.
Elizabeth Warren has plans to investigate bribery and corruption among members of Donald Trumps administration if she is elected president, she said.

The Massachusetts senator, said she would create a federal task force within the Justice Department as part of a plan her campaign says will restore integrity and competence after Mr Trump.

Writing on Medium on Tuesday, the Democratic presidential hopeful also said she would ask for the resignations of all Mr Trumps political appointees on her first day in office, including 93 US attorneys.

Only those with positions necessary to preserve continuity and protect national security during the transition period would not be asked to resign, she said.

Anti-corruption is the central theme of Ms Warrens presidential campaign as she digs her heels in less than two weeks before party nomination contests begin in Iowa.

She is one of 12 Democrats fighting for the partys nomination and is a front-runner alongside former vice president Joe Biden, fellow US senator Bernie Sanders and former South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg.

In her plan, Ms Warren took aim at the revolving door of Mr Trumps administration, noting he has had 28 acting cabinet secretaries in the past three years  more than former presidents Bill Clinton or Barack Obamas collective eight years in office.

Of the positions he has filled, Donald Trump has been stacking the government with lobbyists, campaign donors and cronies, she said.

The mix of industry insiders and donors has both created turmoil and opened up an opportunity for big businesses to tilt the rules in their favour.

This government run by and for lobbyists has dismantled workplace safety and environmental rules, health care protections, and dozens of other programmes and regulations that benefit working people.

Warrens proposal seeks to provide a blueprint for how to systematically undo Mr Trumps influence if she wins her partys nomination and the presidential election in November.

My transition will move faster than any transition in modern history to identify appointees and develop plans for making change starting on day one, she continued.

Unlike previous transitions, we will not be able to assume good faith cooperation on the part of the outgoing administration, and we do not have an outgoing administration that shares even the most basic values.

Recommended Iranian politician offers reward for Trump assassination

She also committed to announcing her Cabinet choices by 1 December and other top nominations by 15 December, and having a full White House staff by inauguration day in January 2021.

Reiterating her pledge not to hire current corporate lobbyists, Ms Warren added that her administration would adhere to strict hiring restrictions to ensure corruption is rooted out.

Additional reporting by agencies
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New Delhi, Jan 21 : The long-pending demand for the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Assam may come true any time after February as the Centre is learnt to be considering the move as the preliminary report of a high-level committee on Assam Accord's Clause 6 suggests its need.

Set up to frame measure to safeguard the interest of Assamese people, the 14-member committee is learnt to have suggested the introduction of ILP, as well as reservation of seats in the Legislative Assembly and local bodies, and in employment for them.

Clause 6 of the 1985 Accord provides for constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.

Officials, in the know of the developments, indicated that the Ministry of Home Affairs would take its final decision on ILP based on the final report of the committee, which was on January 15, given one more month time to finish its task.

The preliminary report of the committee and the ongoing protests in Assam against newly-passed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which left Assamese apprehensive given their experience of unabated infiltration for decades, led to various discussions in the Ministry over introduction of ILP in Assam, an official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told IANS.

"The ILP issue in Assam has gone through various deliberations in the Ministry since it has received the Clause 6 committee's preliminary report. As the committee is set to submit its final report on February 15, the Centre would announce its decision on ILP accordingly," the official said.

All visitors, including people from other states of the country, need permission to enter the ILP regime states. It also provides protection to the locals with regards to lands, jobs and other facilities.

The main objective of the ILP system is to prevent settlement of other Indian nationals in the designated states in order to protect the indigenous population.

Home Minister Amit Shah last month told Parliament that the high-level committee on Clause 6 would safeguard the interest of Assamese people from the CAA.

The panel was first set up in January 2019 but had to be dissolved as its chairman, former IAS officer M.P. Bezbaruah, and four others quit protesting against Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019. The committee was reconstituted with 14 members in July 2019, with Gauhati High Court's former judge Biplab Kumar Sarma as the new chairman. It was asked to give its report by January 15 this year.

Amid the furore over the CAA, the Home Ministry on January 15 gave one more month to the committee to submit its report on assessing quantum of seats to be reserved in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people.

Clause 6 also provides for detection and deportation of all illegal immigrants who have entered the country after 1971 and living in the state, irrespective of their religion. The cut-off date for detection and deportation of foreigners for the rest of the country is 1951.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also recently met Amit Shah to discuss various aspects of Clause 6.

As the ILP provision does not exist in Assam and the CAA only exempts the state's tribal areas, included in the Constitution's Sixth Schedule, from implementation of the act, signs of discontent are already emerging in remaining areas across the region.

The CAA says its provisions "do not apply to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the area covered under 'The Inner Line' notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873".

Thus the act does not apply to the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur which come under the ILP regime as well as to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, as specified in the Sixth Schedule. Manipur is the fourth state where the ILP regime has been introduced. This was done on December 9, 2019, thus insulating one more state of the northeast from the CAA.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
As President Donald Trumps impeachment trial gets underway, a former Trump ally, Lev Parnas, has been throwing a wrench into the proceedings. Parnas was at the center of the Ukraine pressure campaign and has now turned text messages and other evidence in to House investigators, inflaming the debate about whether the Senate should call witnesses in the trial.

The case of Parnas, though, speaks not only to the influence campaign that led to Trumps impeachment and that now comes before the Senate; Parnas ability to buy his way into Trumpworld in the first place demonstrates once again just how wrong the Supreme Court got it in the case of Citizens United v. FEC, decided 10 years ago this month.

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The Ukrainian-born, Florida-based Parnas is an unlikely insider. He has a history of failed businesses and unpaid debts; he even named one recent venture Fraud Guarantee to suppress fraud allegations against him in online search results.

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But Parnas and an associate, Igor Fruman, managed to buy insider status by laundering $325,000 to Trumps super PACand then leveraged that status to advance the private personal and political interests that are now central to the Ukraine scandal.

Such access-buying wouldve been difficult 10 years ago. Before Citizens United, there was no such thing as a super PAC.

The Supreme Court in Citizens United paved the way for those corporate-backed big money political groups, but did so with the promise that they would be independent of the candidates they support. That independence, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, guarded against any risk of corruption or the appearance of corruption.

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It hasnt worked out that way. Thanks to porous rules and little enforcement by the Federal Election Commission, super PACs now regularly operate as shadow campaigns, offering the wealthiest Americans opportunities to buy political influence that are not available to the average citizen.

Just ask Lev. He had little connection to Trumpworld until promising a six-figure donation to Trumps super PAC, America First Action. In exchange, he and Fruman were invited to an intimate dinner with Trump, where they, according to Parnas account, first urged the president to fire the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch. (Trump has said hes never spoken with Parnas.)

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Dinner was followed by a meeting a week later with Rep. Pete Sessions, whom America First Action would support with millions in spending; the Texas congressman then demanded Yovanovitchs ouster in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Texts show that super PAC officials later helped Parnas with the anti-Yovanovitch effort, too.

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In the year that followed, Parnas and Fruman would deepen their relationship with Trumpworldmost notably, teaming up with the presidents personal attorney, Rudy Giulianito advance a broadening Ukraine campaign.

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I went from being a top donor, Parnas said, to becoming a close friend of Rudy Giulianis, to eventually becoming his ally and his asset on the ground in Ukraine.

The Trump allies saw Yovanovitch as an obstacle to Ukraine announcing a Biden investigation. But she was also an obstacle to Parnas and Frumans alleged plans to profit personally from a natural gas import scheme.

Trump eventually removed Yovanovitch from her post in April 2019, in the midst of the broadening Ukraine pressure campaign (and just after a Trump ally claimed to have put her under surveillance). Yet the groundwork for her removal was setand the access first boughtthrough the America First Action donation the year before.

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When Trump affords direct access to those big donors who give to his approved super PAC, that super PAC is anything but independent. And when six- or seven-figure donations can flow to the presidents super PAC, the $2,800 limit on candidate contributions is effectively meaningless: The money is going into two different pockets of the same coat, controlled by the same candidate and his agents.

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In many ways, America First Action is not unique. Citizens United spawned hundreds of super PACs that effectively operate as shadow campaigns for candidates from both parties. Since 2010, spending by such outside groups has topped $4.5 billion, with much of that money coming from a tiny handful of ultrawealthy donors.

The secretive means by which Parnas and Fruman bought access is also a product of Citizens United. They laundered their $325,000 super PAC contribution through a shell corporation called Global Energy Producers, LLC, created just weeks earlier. This meant that their names never showed up on America First Actions public campaign finance reports.

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Before Citizens United, corporations were barred from making political contributions. But in the wake of that decision, wealthy donors now regularly route funds through LLCs and nonprofit corporations to secretly influence elections.

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We at the Campaign Legal Center found evidence indicating that Parnas and Fruman gave in the name of Global Energy Producers to disguise the true source of the funds. Our complaint helped lead to their arrest in October 2019; the indictment further demonstrated that the funds used for the contribution did, in fact, come from a source other than Global Energy Producers, in apparent violation of federal laws straw donor ban. Parnas and Fruman were also charged with lying to the FEC in response to CLCs complaint.

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Parnas and Fruman were clumsy, and how they gave was illegal (as our original complaint and the indictment demonstrate). But their ability to buy access while keeping their names off of public campaign finance records is an example of the secret money avenues opened by Citizens United. If they had been a little more careful, they might have gotten away with it.

More broadly, a system that trades six-figure political donations for access and influence means that only the wealthiest few can afford to make their voices heard.

By directing $325,000 to Trumps super PAC, Parnas and Fruman bought the opportunity to tell Trump to his face that he should fire Yovanovitch, and it bought them access to Trumps inner circle. The vast majority of Americans will never have hundreds of thousands of dollars to give to the presidents super PACand as a result, theyll never have the opportunity to meet face to face with the president to discuss issues that matter to working families.

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Despite Kennedy insisting in Citizens United that the appearance of influence or access will not cause the electorate to lose faith in this democracy, polls since then suggest something very different. A 2019 CLC poll showed that 69 percent of voters believe our campaign finance system is rigged in favor of the wealthy, corporations and special interests; other polls show similar majorities believe their vote does not matter because of the influence that wealthy individuals and big corporations have on the electoral process.

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The Supreme Court got it wrong in Citizens United and likely wont correct its error anytime soon. Congress, though, can still act to protect the voices of voters in our democracy.

It can start by fixing the FEC so that the agency will enforce and administer the laws that are still on the books. According to a recent survey of ours, 71 percent of voters want the agency to take a more active role in enforcing the law. Congress can also enact transparency legislation that protects voters right to know which wealthy special interests are spending big money to influence our government.

These solutions are included in H.R. 1, the For the People Act, which passed the House last year but has yet to receive a hearing in the Senate. Enacting such legislation would go some way toward undoing the damage of Citizens United, even if far too much damage has already been done.
Britain must double the area of new woodland it plants annually from this year in order to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, conservationists have warned.

Each country in the UK must set new annual targets to ensure that 19 per cent of its land is covered by trees and woodlands within 30 years, says The Woodland Trust.

It is hoped that by introducing what the charity has called an emergency tree plan, planting rates will improve. As it stands, the UK has one of the lowest levels of tree cover in Europe  13 per cent compared with a European average of 37 per cent.

Each country in the UK must set new annual targets to ensure that 19 per cent of its land is covered by trees and woodlands within 30 years, says The Woodland Trust

The charity today urges government and local councils to publish an emergency tree plan which would help identify where new trees could be planted and to help set annual expansion targets.

The Woodland Trust calls for all new council developments to have a minimum of 30 per cent of their land covered with tree canopy  either by keeping existing mature trees or by planting street trees and creating woodland made of native, UK-sourced species.

To achieve the target, an extra 3.7million acres of woodland will have to be planted across Britain

The Daily Mail has campaigned for a big increase in tree cover as part of the Be A Tree Angel campaign organised with the Tree Council, of which the Woodland Trust is a member.

This newspaper has encouraged readers to plant trees and for businesses to pledge cash towards orchards for schools across the UK.

The 19 per cent target has been set by the Government's Climate Change Committee to ensure that the UK cuts its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. Trees capture and store carbon.

To achieve the target, an extra 3.7million acres of woodland will have to be planted across Britain.

There needs to be an increase from the 33,087 acres planted in 2018/2019 across the UK, to about 86,487 acres a year up to 2025, and then an even bigger boost to meet the 2050 goal, the Woodland Trust says.

Chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft said: 'The moment of crisis has come and action needs to be taken this year.'

A Defra spokesperson said: 'Our woodlands are vital for providing timber, protecting wildlife and helping us improve our environment for the next generation. We are proud of our record on woodland creation but we know there is still more we can do.

'Our crystal clear commitment to increase woodland cover and tree planting remains at the heart of our ambitious environmental programme.

'We plan to increase tree planting rates up to 30,000 hectares per year, across the UK, by 2025  working closely with devolved authorities, communities and landowners to make this happen.'
LG started rolling out the update to Android 10 for the G8 ThinQ in South Korea last November, and now the new software has finally arrived in the US as well.

It's currently heading out to G8 units purchased from both Sprint and Verizon. The former carrier actually started the rollout earlier this month, while Big Red followed today.

Verizon's version of the update is G820UM20a, and it includes the December 2019 security patch level. There are additional goodies tacked on top by LG, make sure you visit the first source linked below for the full changelog.

As always, these rollouts are likely to be staged, so don't fret if you haven't yet received an update notification, it should arrive within the next few days. If you're impatient, you can always try to manually check for the update through your phone's Settings menu. That may or may not get you ahead in line, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Via
Angel Broking's report on Gold

On Monday, spot gold prices ended higher by 0.32 percent to close at $1561.3 per ounce. Missile attacks in Yemen over the weekend raised geopolitical tension which shifted the investors towards safe haven asset. A military training camp was attacked by the Iran aligned Houthis in the Yemeni city of Marib on Saturday which killed dozens of people. Moreover, worries of a new coronavirus in the major Chinese cities further boosted the appeal for the safe haven asset. There are more than 200 hundred cases reported for the respiratory illness and also a few deaths. However, the interim trade deal between U.S. & China eased the global tensions and in turn weighing on the yellow metal prices.

Outlook

Tension arising from Middle East coupled with new virus outbreak in China might support the Yellow metal prices. On the MCX, gold prices are expected to trade higher today.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.



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M igrants clashed with police as hundreds tried to cross a river into Mexico and defy President Donald Trumps bid to stop them reaching the United States.

They became stranded along the Suchiate river after running up against around 100 National Guard troops who formed a barrier along the normally porous crossing.

The migrants, mainly from Honduras, took to the water after being refused permission to cross a nearby bridge.

We are in no-mans land, said Alan Mejia, whose two-year-old son was cradled in his arms clad only in a nappy as his wife and 12-year-old son stood nearby.

Held: a national guard detains a migrant / AP

Mr Mejia said he had joined in five previous migrant caravans but never made it past the Mexican city of Tijuana, on the countrys border with the US.

Unlike with many previous such caravans, there was no sign of humanitarian aid arriving for those stuck at the river.

Throngs waded across the Suchiate into Mexico hoping to test President Trumps plan to keep Central American migrants away from Americas southern border.

Some migrants hurled rocks at police, who huddled behind their plastic shields and threw missiles back.
DAVOS, Switzerland  Greta Thunberg spoke here Tuesday afternoon at an event hosted by The New York Times and the World Economic Forum. Here is the full transcript of her remarks:

One year ago I came to Davos and told you that our house is on fire. I said I wanted you to panic. Ive been warned that telling people to panic about the climate crisis is a very dangerous thing to do. But dont worry. Its fine. Trust me, Ive done this before and I can assure you it doesnt lead to anything.

And, for the record, when we children tell you to panic were not telling you to go on like before. Were not telling you to rely on technologies that dont even exist today at scale and that science says perhaps never will.

We are not telling you to keep talking about reaching net zero emissions or carbon neutrality by cheating and fiddling around with numbers. We are not telling you to offset your emissions by just paying someone else to plant trees in places like Africa while at the same time forests like the Amazon are being slaughtered at an infinitely higher rate.

Planting trees is good, of course, but its nowhere near enough of what is needed and it cannot replace real mitigation and rewilding nature.

Lets be clear. We dont need a low carbon economy. We dont need to lower emissions. Our emissions have to stop if we are to have a chance to stay below the 1.5-degree target. And, until we have the technologies that at scale can put our emissions to minus, then we must forget about net zero. We need real zero.

Because distant net zero emission targets will mean absolutely nothing if we just continue to ignore the carbon dioxide budget  that applies for today, not distant future dates. If high emissions continue like now even for a few years, that remaining budget will soon be completely used up.

The fact that the U.S.A. is leaving the Paris accord seems to outrage and worry everyone, and it should. But the fact that were all about to fail the commitments you signed up for in the Paris Agreement doesnt seem to bother the people in power even the least.

Any plan or policy of yours that doesnt include radical emission cuts at the source, starting today, is completely insufficient for meeting the 1.5-degree or well-below-2-degrees commitments of the Paris Agreement.

And again, this is not about right or left. We couldnt care less about your party politics. From a sustainability perspective, the right, the left as well as the center have all failed. No political ideology or economic structure has been able to tackle the climate and environmental emergency and create a cohesive and sustainable world. Because that world, in case you havent noticed, is currently on fire.

You say children shouldnt worry. You say: Just leave this to us. We will fix this, we promise we wont let you down. Dont be so pessimistic.

And then, nothing. Silence. Or something worse than silence. Empty words and promises which give the impression that sufficient action is being taken.

All the solutions are obviously not available within todays societies. Nor do we have the time to wait for new technological solutions to become available to start drastically reducing our emissions. So, of course the transition isnt going to be easy. It will be hard. And unless we start facing this now together, with all cards on the table, we wont be able to solve this in time.

In the days running up to the 50th anniversary of the World Economic Forum, I joined a group of climate activists demanding that you, the worlds most powerful and influential business and political leaders, begin to take the action needed.

We demand at this years World Economic Forum, participants from all companies, banks, institutions and governments:

Immediately halt all investments in fossil fuel exploration and extraction.

Immediately end all fossil fuel subsidies.

And immediately and completely divest from fossil fuels.

We dont want these things done by 2050, 2030 or even 2021. We want this done now.

It may seem like were asking for a lot. And you will of course say that we are naive. But this is just the very minimum amount of effort that is needed to start the rapid sustainable transition.

So either you do this or youre going to have to explain to your children why you are giving up on the 1.5-degree target. Giving up without even trying. Well Im here to tell you that, unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight.

The facts are clear, but theyre still too uncomfortable for you to address. You just leave it because you think its too depressing and people will give up. But people will not give up. You are the ones who are giving up.

Last week I met with Polish coal miners who lost their jobs because their mine was closed. And even they had not given up. On the contrary, they seem to understand the fact that we need to change more than you do.

I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing a climate chaos that you knowingly brought upon them? That it seemed so bad for the economy that we decided to resign the idea of securing future living conditions without even trying?

Our house is still on fire. Your inaction is fueling the flames by the hour. And we are telling you to act as if you loved your children above all else.

Thank you.
Aligarh, Jan 21 : The women students of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh have now joined the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests on the campus.

As the university reopened on Monday after a prolonged winter break, the students of the women's college boycotted classes on Monday, demanding the resignation of the vice-chancellor, registrar and proctor over the university's failure to protect students from police excesses on the campus on December 15.

The women students, who later took out a protest march on the campus with "azadi" slogans, have also announced that their boycott will continue till the officials step down.

They also urged the administration to revoke the false charges and cases against the students.

Shaheen, a woman student, said that they would continue the boycott till AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor and Registrar Abdul Hamid quit their posts. She added that they have submitted a memorandum, addressed to the President of India, through the principal of the college.

The students of law, life sciences, commerce, science and agriculture faculties of the AMU have also joined the women students' protest.

They urged the Union government to immediately roll back the Citizenship (Amendment) Act stating that it is against the pluralistic foundations of India and tarnishes the principle of equality in the country.

Mohammad Ghiasuddin, a court member of life science department said: "We believe that the CAA is a divisive law that was principally brought after Assam NRC to accommodate the Hindus who could not make it into the list due to lack of documents. The Act deliberately kept the Muslims out of loop to send an 'Islamophobic' message to the nation. We reject the BJP's hatred for Muslims and want the Union government to roll back the CAA." The protesters have demanded that the National Population register (NPR) exercise should be stopped immediately claiming that the initiative is the first step towards a nationwide National Register of Citizens.

The students said: "The CAA, NRC and NPR combine is anti-poor, anti-Dalit and anti-minority. A large section of Indians are poor and even homeless. They cannot even afford to obtain documents to prove citizenship." They further stated that the police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) used disproportionate force against students during the violence on the AMU campus on December 15. The students have sought stringent action against the guilty.

They said that the campus is not safe under an insecure administration and demanded that the Vice Chancellor must resign along with his team so that students can go back to the classrooms.
Reuters

The EUs proposal for a temporary ban on facial-recognition technology won backing from Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai on Monday but got a cool response from Microsoft President Brad Smith.

While Pichai cited the possibility that the technology could be used for nefarious purposes as a reason for a moratorium, Smith said a ban was akin to using a meat cleaver instead of a scalpel to solve potential problems.

I think it is important that governments and regulations tackle it sooner rather than later and give a framework for it, Pichai told a conference in Brussels organised by think-tank Bruegel.

It can be immediate but maybe theres a waiting period before we really think about how its being used, he said. Its up to governments to chart the course for the use of such technology.

(Also read: India building the world's biggest facial recognition system for mass surveillance)

Smith, who is also Microsofts chief legal officer, however cited the benefits of facial recognition technology in some instances such as NGOs using it to find missing children.

Im really reluctant to say lets stop people from using technology in a way that will reunite families when it can help them do it, Smith said.

The second thing I would say is you dont ban it if you actually believe there is a reasonable alternative that will enable us to, say, address this problem with a scalpel instead of a meat cleaver, he said.

Smith said it was important to first identify problems and then craft rules to ensure that the technology would not be used for mass surveillance.

There is only one way at the end of the day to make technology better and that is to use it, he said.

The European Commission s taking a tougher line on artificial intelligence (AI) than the United States that would strengthen existing regulations on privacy and data rights, according to a proposal paper seen by Reuters.

Part of this includes a moratorium of up to five years on using facial recognition technology in public areas, to give the EU time to work out how to prevent abuses, the paper said.

Pichai urged regulators to take a proportionate approach when drafting rules, days before the Commission is due to publish proposals on the issue.

Regulators are grappling with ways to govern AI, encouraging innovation while trying to curb potential misuse, as companies and law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt the technology.

There was no question AI needs to be regulated, Pichai said, but rulemakers should tread carefully.

Sensible regulation must also take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harms with social opportunities. This is especially true in areas that are high risk and high value, he said.

Regulators should tailor rules according to different sectors, Pichai said, citing medical devices and self-driving cars as examples that require different rules. He said governments should align their rules and agree on core values.

Earlier this month, the US government published regulatory guidelines on AI aimed at limiting authorities overreach, and urged Europe to avoid an aggressive approach.

Pichai said it was important to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong with AI, and while it promised huge benefits there were real concerns about potential negative consequences.

One area of concern is so-called deepfakes  video or audio clips that have been manipulated using AI. Pichai said Google had released open datasets to help the research community build better tools to detect such fakes.

The worlds most popular internet search engine said last month that Google Cloud was not offering general-purpose facial-recognition application programming interfaces (APIs) while it establishes policy and technical safeguards.
IT and Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the "systems within" the government should also need to come up with innovative ideas, saying that innovation should not be expected from private organisations only.

The minister asked the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to encourage its staff to come up with new ideas irrespective of the ranks they hold in the organisation.

"Innovation should not become only private initiative. Even systems within the government should start thinking on those lines," Prasad said at NIC TechConclave 2020.

The minister said he will personally encourage innovators.

"NIC must also start thinking out of the box... my recommendation to you and your team is that if any NIC professional regardless of number in hierarchy starts something new, encourage him or her to think more...," he said.

The NIC provides to government departments software platforms starting from e-mail services to process management of schemes.

The minister appreciated NIC for monitoring the Swachch Bharat campaign in the country and construction of toilets in villages.

"Technology should be designed to fulfil the aspirations of the people, he added.

Electronics and IT Secretary Ajay Sawhney said that every government department is thinking of deploying new technology like artificial intelligence, blockchain etc and all the departments should come together to leverage their resources.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A man whose legal name is, simply, Pirate, and is easily recognizable by his heavily tattooed face, has moved to a Northern California town and created a stir due to his history of violent rape charges.

Concerned residents have posted on social media about Pirate's whereabouts in Redding, a city 170 miles north of Sacramento. The Redding Police Department addressed the public outcry on Facebook, posting an image of Pirate and stating, "He was contacted by officers earlier in the day and is not currently wanted for any crimes."

Sergeant Eric Forsberg confirmed that while Pirate may have been charged with crimes in the past, he has served his time and is not currently on probation or parole  but "happens to have a very memorable name and face tattoo."

"He has lived here for awhile," Forsberg added. "The firestorm came from someone else's social media post. A lot of the information was inaccurate. He hasn't committed any crimes. He's just here. Welcome to Redding. There's nothing with him right now. He's not wanted in connection to anything here. There aren't any wants in the system."

The man, who was formerly known as Daniel Selovich before legally changing his name to Pirate in 2013, has a criminal history that goes back more than a decade and crosses state lines. In 2010, he was charged with rape and assault committed against a Redding woman in 2004, according to the Redding Record Searchlight. He took a plea bargain and spent four years in prison.

Out of jail in 2015, Pirate moved to Alaska where he was accused in 2015 of holding a woman captive for five weeks in a cabin and raping her, according to the Anchorage Daily News. The woman eventually escaped in a helicopter rescue. The "charges were dismissed" as the victim died of a drug overdose, the Daily News reported.

Pirate was on his way to walking out of a correctional facility in Fairbanks, but was extradited by Nevada authorities in 2016 because DNA evidence linked him to a 12-year-old Las Vegas rape case, according to KTUU-TV. He was charged with sexual assault of a mentally and physically disabled woman at a Las Vegas motel and ultimately served a sentence for felony sexually-motivated coercion until being released in late 2019.

Pirate returned to Fairbanks where a concerned resident posted news of his arrival in town on Facebook, unleashing a controversy. He has since moved to Redding.

Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.
Today (21 January 2020), NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations Dr. John Manza and his delegation met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Mr. Abdul Karim Hashim Aboualgus and his team. The Deputy Minister and Dr. Manza discussed the current state of the NATO Mission in Iraq and cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and NATO. They agreed that strong cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and NATO is of mutual benefit. NATO remains committed to our training mission in Iraq, which contributes to the fight against terrorism.
You may soon have to pay more to park your car in Jersey City.

The City Council will vote on the first reading Thursday an ordinance to put an additional 3.5 percent tax on fees at public and private parking facilities in the city. Parking garages are currently taxed at 15 percent.

Jersey City residents would be exempt from the additional tax.

The ordinance comes only a couple weeks after Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill allowing municipalities with at least 100,000 residents to levy the 3.5 percent tax. Jersey City along with Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth, Edison and Woodbridge qualify to apply the tax.

The ordinance calls for the money to be dedicated to financing improvements for pedestrian access to mass transit stations, including, but not limited to, the construction of bridges, tunnels, platforms, walkways, elevators, escalators and stairways directly related to mass transit pedestrian accessibility.

Fulop tweeted that the city would use the money to fund a light rail stop.

This wouldnt impact residential parking, but the commercial parking tax side hasnt been adjusted in 20+ years, Fulop tweeted on Jan. 10. We are less than New York City which encourages more traffic to Jersey City. 

Ward E Councilman James Solomon said the city hopes to use the money for a light-rail station near the Holland Tunnel.

We have been talking about building a light rail station at the tunnel for year and years, Solomon said. If we have light rail station over at this Holland tunnel neighborhood that means theres going to be more people in that neighborhood that are going to take mass transit and fewer cars.

That will end up benefiting everyone who drives in the city.

The six towns arent required to levy the tax. The law simply gives them permission.

The law exempts parking for buildings designated for private one- or two-family homes. It would also not be applied toward parking for special events.

Included in the ordinance is valet parking and any hospital that charges for parking. The ordinance also would not exempt NJ Transit.

For short-term parking, residents would apply to the city for a rebate of the 3.5% tax and for long-term parking, a parking facility operator would not charge residents the added tax upon a display of proof of residence.

Ward D Councilman Michael Yun supports the amendment, but doesnt agree with making residents apply for reimbursement.

I would urge the administration to not require residents to apply for reimbursement of taxes paid, instead waiving them on the spot, Yun said. As currently written many Jersey City residents will choose to just pay the tax instead of ... (people wasting) time filling out a form for a less than $1 refund.

Solomon said its still unclear how residents would be reimbursed. He plans on asking the city business administrator at the caucus meeting Tuesday.

John, a manager at Columbus Parking in Jersey City, said he hadnt heard about the possible tax, but he knows "nobody likes to charge customers more than your supposed to.

The City Council will vote on first reading Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Anna and Anthony R. Cucci Memorial Council Chambers.
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Linkedin Nina A. Loasana and Sausan Atika (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

After almost two years of getting by without one, Jakarta may soon have a deputy governor again. A new chapter was opened in the selection process when the Gerindra Party clinched back its old position after a long tug-of-war with its erstwhile ally, the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Representatives of the two parties met with Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan on Tuesday to submit the names of two prospective candidates.

The hopefuls are Gerindra executive and lawmaker Ahmad Riza Patria and PKS official Nurmansyah Lubis.

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Try to see and hear Graham Lee. He is Fujitas great-nephew and the person who helped provide many of the materials for both Fujita exhibitions. Though born two years after Fujitas death, he says, My great uncle was always alive and around in our house, in his books on our shelves and his photographs. Fujita and Lees grandfather (Florence Carrs brother) had been best friends and about seven years ago Lee was compelled to learn more about the photographer/poet. As he gathered more information and related items, his wife Pamela wisely suggested he write a book.
MEXICO CITY, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Petroleos Mexicanos ("PEMEX") announces that it has commenced an offering (the "New Money Offering") of U.S.-dollar denominated global notes in one or more series (the "New Money Securities"), subject to market and other conditions.

PEMEX also announces that is has commenced two separate offers to purchase for cash (the "Tender Offers") any and all of its outstanding securities set forth in the table below (the "Tender Securities") on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offer to purchase, dated January 21, 2020 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the related notice of guaranteed delivery (the "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery" and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Offer Documents").

New Money Offering

The New Money Securities will be issued under PEMEX's U.S. $102,000,000 Medium-Term Notes Program, Series C, will constitute unsecured obligations of PEMEX and will be jointly and severally guaranteed by Pemex Exploracion y Produccion, Pemex Transformacion Industrial and Pemex Logistica and their respective successors and assignees.

PEMEX intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the New Money Securities to repurchase Tender Securities validly tendered and accepted for purchase by PEMEX in the Tender Offers and the remainder, if any, to repay other outstanding indebtedness.

The New Money Offering is not conditioned on the successful consummation of the Tender Offers.

Tender Offers

Deadlines and Settlement

The Tender Offers will expire at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on January 28, 2020 (such date and time with respect to a Tender Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Tender Offer, the "Expiration Date"). Tender Securities tendered may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on January 28, 2020 (as the same may be extended with respect to such Tender Offer), but not thereafter. The settlement date with respect to a Tender Offer will be promptly following the applicable Expiration Date and is expected to be January 31, 2020 (the "Settlement Date").

Consideration

The following table sets forth the Tender Securities subject to the Tender Offers, as well as certain terms relating to the Tender Offers:

Series of Tender Securities CUSIP ISIN Principal Amount

Outstanding Tender

Consideration(1) 6.000% Notes due 2020 71654QAW2 71656LAC5 71656MAC3 US71654QAW24 US71656LAC54 US71656MAC38 U.S. $325,180,000 U.S. $1,003.70 3.500% Notes due 2020 71654QBU5 71656LBC4 71656MBC2 US71654QBU58 US71656LBC46 US71656MBC29 U.S. $440,186,000 U.S. $1,007.51 ______________________ (1) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount

Holders who (i) validly tender and who do not validly withdraw Tender Securities at or prior to the applicable Expiration Date or (ii) deliver a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and all other required documents at or prior to the applicable Expiration Date and tender their Tender Securities at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the second business day after the applicable Expiration Date (the "Guaranteed Delivery Date"), and whose Tender Securities are accepted for purchase by us, will receive the applicable Tender Consideration set forth in the table above for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Tender Securities (with respect to each series, the "Tender Consideration"). The Tender Consideration will be payable in cash.

In addition to the applicable Tender Consideration, Holders whose Tender Securities are accepted for purchase will be paid the applicable accrued and unpaid interest on such Tender Securities to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date (the "Accrued Coupon Payment"), together with any additional amounts thereon. Interest will cease to accrue on the applicable Settlement Date for all Tender Securities purchased in the Tender Offers, including those tendered through the guaranteed delivery procedures.

Conditions

PEMEX's obligation to accept and pay for the Tender Securities of a particular series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to a Tender Offer is conditioned on (i) the entry by PEMEX prior to the applicable Expiration Date into a terms agreement, on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to PEMEX, for the New Money Offering yielding net proceeds to PEMEX sufficient to fund the aggregate Tender Consideration and Accrued Coupon Payment, together with any additional amounts thereon, due to Holders of such series tendered in the applicable Tender Offer and (ii) the successful closing of the New Money Offering and receipt by PEMEX of the net proceeds therefrom on or prior to the applicable Settlement Date.

PEMEX's obligation to accept Tender Securities tendered in the Tender Offers is also subject to the satisfaction of certain other customary conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, including that PEMEX will not be obligated to consummate the Tender Offers upon the occurrence of an event or events or the likely occurrence of an event or events that would or might reasonably be expected to prohibit, restrict or delay the consummation of the Tender Offers or materially impair the contemplated benefits to PEMEX of the Tender Offers.

PEMEX reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to any Tender Offer.

Other

If PEMEX terminates any Tender Offer with respect to one or more series of Tender Securities, it will give prompt notice to the Tender Agent and all Tender Securities tendered pursuant to such terminated Tender Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering holders thereof. With effect from such termination, any Tender Securities blocked in The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") will be released.

Holders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Tender Securities as to when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from such holder in order for that holder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in, a Tender Offer, before the deadlines specified herein and in the Offer Documents. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and DTC for the submission and withdrawal of tender instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Offer Documents.

Further Information

Global Bondholder Services Corporation will act as the Information Agent and the Tender Agent for the Tender Offers. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Tender Offers or for additional copies of the Offer Documents may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (866) 470-4500 (toll free) or (212) 430-3774 (collect). You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Tender Offers.

The Offer Documents can be accessed at the following link: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/PEMEX/.

Intention to Conduct Exchange Offers

PEMEX also announces its intention to conduct a liability management transaction consisting of exchange offers (the "Exchange Offers") for its 5.500% Notes due 2021, 6.375% Notes due 2021, 4.875% Notes due 2022, Floating Rate Notes due 2022, 5.375% Notes due 2022, 3.500% Notes due 2023, 4.625% Notes due 2023, 4.875% Notes due 2024, 4.250% Notes due 2025 and 4.500% Notes due 2026 (which securities would be exchanged for newly-issued Notes due 2031 having a principal amount not to exceed U.S. $1.0 billion) and 5.500% Bonds due 2044, 6.375% Bonds due 2045, 5.625% Bonds due 2046 and 6.350% Bonds due 2048 (which securities would be exchanged for newly-issued Bonds due 2060 having a principal amount not to exceed U.S. $1.0 billion).

Any such Exchange Offers would be made solely on the terms and subject to the conditions set out in a separate offer document. No assurance can be given that any such transaction will in fact be commenced by PEMEX or as to the ultimate terms of any such transaction.

PEMEX has retained Barclays Capital Inc., BBVA Securities Inc., BNP Paribas Securities Corp., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. to act as dealer managers in connection with the Tender Offers (the "Dealer Managers").

This press release shall not constitute an offer to purchase or sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The Tender Offers are being made solely pursuant to the Offer Documents. The Tender Offers are not being made to holders of Tender Securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Tender Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offers will be deemed to be made on behalf of PEMEX by the Dealer Managers for the Tender Offers or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

The New Money Securities and any securities that may be issued pursuant to the Exchange Offers have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state or other jurisdiction's securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. PEMEX intends to enter into a registration rights agreement with respect to the New Money Securities and any securities that may be issued pursuant to the Exchange Offers. The New Money Securities are being sold to qualified institutional buyers in the United States in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to persons outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The New Money Securities are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Regulation. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Money Securities or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Money Securities or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

The communication of this press release and any other documents or materials relating to the transactions described herein is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being directed at and made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"), or high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or to other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated in accordance with the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The Tender Offers and New Money Offering are only available to, and the Tender Offers and New Money Offering are engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on any document relating to the Tender Offers or the New Money Offering or any of their contents.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. PEMEX undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

SOURCE Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX)
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump chose U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, and seven other Republican representatives to join his impeachment team during the Senate trial, the White House announced late Monday.

These representatives are likely to defend the president to the media and may help advise the White House on strategy, while Trump's lawyers tackle the case in the Senate. The Republicans are not expected to participate in trial proceedings on the Senate floor, which kicked off Tuesday afternoon.

I am honored to be named by President Trump as a member of his impeachment defense team, Stefanik said in a written statement. I am proud to stand up for the Constitution, my constituents in New Yorks 21st District, and the American peoples vote.

Stefanik was a vocal defender of Trump during televised House Intelligence impeachment hearings, winning Trump's praise and launching the young congresswoman into the national spotlight. She also is working on Trump's re-election by serving as a Trump campaign honorary New York State chair.

Trump also tapped New York's U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin of Shirley, as well as Reps. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Jim Jordan of Ohio, Debbie Lesko of Arizona, and John Ratcliffe of Texas.

"Throughout this process, these Members of Congress have provided guidance to the White House team," said White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham. "The President looks forward to their continued participation and is confident that the Members will help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta on behalf of the American people."

Stefanik did not respond to a request for an interview about her new role on Tuesday. When asked in early December about the possibility of her participating in the White House defense, Stefanik said I have not given that consideration."

The Republican representatives join White House Counsel Pat Cippolone, Trump's personal lawyer Jay Sekulow, former independent counsels Kenneth Starr and Robert Ray, Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Counsel to the President Pat Philbin and Deputy White House Counsel Mike Purpura, who are leading the president's defense.

On Tuesday, the Senate debated an organizing resolution that will laid out how the Senate trial will unfold, as well as several Democratic amendments to the resolution.

Next, the defense and prosecution are expected to make opening arguments. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has proposed giving each side 24 hours and three days to make their case.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Cippolone said Tuesday Democrats had "absolutely no case" to remove Trump from office.

"The President has done absolutely nothing wrong," he said.

To lead the prosecution, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., chose House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff of California, House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler of New York, and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Zoe Lofgren of California, Val Demings of Florida, Sylvia Garcia of Texas and Jason Crow of Colorado.

In nearly one-hour long speech, Schiff outlined the Democrats' case against Trump and argued in favor of the Senate voting to subpoena witnesses and documents.

Schiff said the misconduct outlined in the articles of impeachment "is the most serious ever charged against a president." He alleged that the White House's denial of witnesses and documents to Congress was part of a cover-up.

"The innocent do not act this way," he said.
Fotis Duloss attorney says he will waive a probable cause hearing in his clients arrest in the disappearance of Jennifer Dulos.

Fotis Dulos, 52, was charged this month with murder, felony murder and first-degree kidnapping in the May 24 homicide of his estranged wife, Jennifer Dulos. Fotis Dulos was previously charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.

His attorney, Norm Pattis, said last week he plans to invoke his clients right to a probable cause hearing on the charges when he appears Wednesday in state Superior Court in Stamford. The hearing is required to be held within 60 days of the request.

More for you Shift in strategy could mean Dulos case goes to trial this year

On Tuesday, Pattis said the he will not seek the hearing.

We are trying to get this case ready for trial as quickly as possible. Waiving this hearing gets us one step closer to trial, a trial we hope will take place in September, said Attorney Norman Pattis, lead counsel for Mr. Dulos.

Holding a probable cause hearing after a judge has already found probable cause by signing a warrant benefits only the state. We will save our questions for the witnesses once a jury is empaneled. Thats the only audience that matters now, Pattis said.

Every defendant in Connecticut charged with a crime carrying a life sentence or a life sentence without the possibility of parole is eligible for a probable cause hearing, according to state law. Defendants can waive the right based on whether their attorney thinks its a good strategic move.
What is this virus?

The virus has been identified as a new type of coronavirus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens, most of which cause mild respiratory infections such as the common cold.

But coronaviruses can also be deadly. SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, is caused by a coronavirus and killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in the early 2000s.

Why hasnt it been named yet?

The virus has not been named, although it commonly goes by nCoV2019, which stands for novel (new) coronavirus 2019.

When a virus emerges slowly, as this one has, scientists have to work quickly to understand its severity, how it is spread and how deadly it is.

Jeremy Farrar, a specialist in infectious disease epidemics and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, said he thinks the virus will be named over the coming weeks and months because it is the least important decision at the moment.

He added that it was unlikely to be named after Wuhan because it would suggest blame.

He told MailOnline: 'Ebola was named after the Ebola river in the Congo. Weve moved on from that because people didnt want to associate them with cities and towns for the sense of blame.'

What symptoms does it cause?

Its symptoms are typically a fever, cough and trouble breathing, but some patients have developed pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the small air sacs in the lungs.

People carrying the novel coronavirus may only have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat. They may assume they have a common cold and not seek medical attention, experts fear.

How is it detected?

When the outbreak started in December 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said hospitals across the city had treated a 'successive series of patients with unexplained pneumonia'.

After investigations, a never-before-seen strain of coronavirus was identified and reported on January 9.

The virus's genetic sequencing was released by scientists in China to the rest of the world to enable other countries to quickly diagnose potential new cases. This helps other countries respond quickly to disease outbreaks.

To contain the virus, airports are detecting infected people with temperature checks. But as with every virus, it has an incubation period, meaning detection is not always possible because symptoms have not appeared yet.

The incubation period of nCov2019 is not known. Research by Imperial College London suggested there is a 10-day window between someone being infected and showing symptoms, based on the evidence so far.

Can it kill?

Six people have so far died after testing positive for the virus. The first two patients who died suffered other health problems, so it is possible the virus is more lethal in vulnerable people.

The first patient, a 61-year-old-man, had abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease. The second, who was 69, had severe cardiomyopathy  a heart condition, abnormal kidney function, and seriously damaged organs.

How is it spread?

Investigations have focused on animals as the source because the majority of the first infected patients in Wuhan were traced to the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market.

On January 14, the World Health Organization said there is some 'limited' human-to-human transmission of the virus.

Professor Zhong Nanshan, a renowned scientist at Chinas National Health Commission, said human-to-human transmission is 'affirmative', in a press conference on January 20.

Two patients in southern China caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media. They had not visited Wuhan.

Why has a seafood market been closed?

Authorities also closed Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan city since January 1 because the majority of the first infected patients had worked or visited there.

'Environmental samples' taken from the market tested positive for the virus, Wuhan health authorities said.

The first patient diagnosed with the novel strain, who was also the first death, was a regular customer at the seafood market on Wuhan's outskirts.

What are countries doing to prevent the spread?

China has rapidly strengthened its capacity to prepare for and respond to public health threats, Dr Takeshi Kasai, the WHOs regional director for the Western Pacific wrote in an Nikkei Asian Review article.

Countries in Asia that have stepped up airport surveillance include Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines.

Australia and the US are also screening patients for a high temperature, but the UK is not yet.

Is it similar to anything weve ever seen before?

Memories remain strong of the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The 2002-2003 SARS epidemic started in southern China and killed more than 700 people in mainland China, Hong Kong and elsewhere. But no cases have been recorded in the world since 2004.

Scientists first thought that only animals transmitted SARS to humans. But it soon became apparent that SARS could spread between humans  much like the new coronavirus.

The WHO criticised China for under-reporting the number of cases following the outbreak, which infected four people in the UK.

Similarly, it took 'a while' for scientists to spot that MERS - could be spread between people. Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS) is believed to be transmitted to humans from dromedary camels, but the original host may have been bats.

MERS killed around 35 per cent of about 2,500 people who have been infected.
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly left for Canada to be reunited with his wife and son as his brother the Duke of Cambridge continues with a busy schedule of royal duties.

Harry left the UK after meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson and world leaders at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, which is likely to be one of his few remaining official engagements before the Sussexes take their leap of faith and leave the monarchy in the spring.

The duke gave an emotional speech on Sunday night, saying he had no other option but to give up his official royal duties and forge a new life in Canada, where wife Meghan and son Archie are setting up home.

The Sun newspapers front page on Tuesday featured a picture of Meghan and Archie out for a walk on a woodland trail on Vancouver Island.

Pictures inside the paper also showed the duchess walking with a beagle and a black Labrador.

Johnny Hornby, chairman of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Harry and Lesothos Prince Seeiso, said the duke had indicated the solution was not something he ideally wanted.

Asked if it mattered to the Africa-based charity, which supports youngsters living with HIV, if Harry was royal or had a title, Mr Hornby told Radio 4s Today programme: No, I dont think it matters at all.

I think he has a kind of unique ability and an aura around him when hes with children, when hes with any gathering, I think his passion comes over.

We dont need from Sentebales perspective his title, we just need his time and his passion and hes committed to give us that.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge told African leaders on Monday about their aspiration to tour the continent which holds a very special place in Williams heart.

In a speech during a Buckingham Palace reception for delegates attending the UK-Africa Investment Summit, William movingly described how it was the place he visited after the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and where he proposed to his wife.

On Tuesday William will attend a meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforce at St Jamess Palace. The duke, who is president of United for Wildlife, will make a speech during the session.

William is also due to hold audiences as part of the UK-Africa Investment Summit at St Jamess Palace and Buckingham Palace.

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At a private event for Sentebale on Sunday night in London, Harry spoke about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a more peaceful life for his family.

Harry and Meghan had wanted to remain as working royals, although not prominent members, and drop their public funding so they could become financially independent  a dual role many commentators said was fraught with problems.

Critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.

In the Sentebale speech, Harry told invited guests: What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you.

Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible.
She'd just won yet another acting award, but the prize for best make-up went to... Phoebe Waller-Bridge's impressive abs.

Wearing an Armani Prive outfit with mesh that showed off her midriff, the Fleabag star revealed that she'd had her six-pack painted on.

Miss Waller-Bridge, 34, told the audience at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night: 'With all the chaos of the outfits, and the interviews and the six-pack that my make-up artist drew on me this evening and all the kinds of pre-drinks and after-parties, and all the amazing Hollywood-y things that happen here, it's quite easy to be distracted.'

She'd just won yet another acting award, but the prize for best make-up went to... Phoebe Waller-Bridge's impressive abs

Make-up artists draw grids on the abdomen using dark and light flesh shades to create a sculpted look (left before, right after)

Accepting her statuette for best actress in a comedy series, a week after making a profanity-laden speech at the Critics' Choice Awards, she added: 'I normally try and be spontaneous in my speeches but I don't trust myself not to be bleeped out again so I have written it down.'

Make-up artists draw grids on the abdomen using dark and light flesh shades to create a sculpted look.

But the trend has been mocked online.

Australian beauty vlogger Chloe Morello demonstrated body contouring and asked jokingly: 'Why not spend the two hours you'd normally spend working out simply painting your bod to look like this?'

Miss Waller-Bridge was not the only British winner at the SAGs  The Crown was named best drama series, with Helena Bonham Carter, who plays Princess Margaret, and Erin Doherty, who plays Princess Anne, among cast members on hand to celebrate.

Renee Zellweger wore a stunning strapless dark blue gown as she accepted the best actress award for Judy while fellow 50-year-old Catherine Zeta-Jones displayed a wrinkle-free appearance as she supported husband Michael Douglas, 75, who was nominated for best actor in a comedy series for his role in The Kominsky Method.

The Crown was named best drama series, with Helena Bonham Carter (left), who plays Princess Margaret, and Erin Doherty (right), who plays Princess Anne, among cast members on hand to celebrate

Renee Zellweger wore a stunning strapless dark blue gown as she accepted the best actress award for Judy
President Donald Trump took an opportunity to address world leaders on Tuesday to trumpet his "America First" agenda and encourage other nations to adopt a similar nation-focused approach to economics and political relations around the world.

"America's newfound prosperity is undeniable, unprecedented and unmatched anywhere in the world," Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, hours before his impeachment trial was set to begin in earnest back home. "America achieved this stunning turnaround not by making minor changes to a handful of policies, but by adopting a whole new approach centered entirely on the well-being of the American worker."

"Every decision we make on taxes, trade, regulation, energy, immigration, education and more is focused on improving the lives of everyday Americans," the president added. "Only when governments put their own citizens first will people be fully invested in their national futures."

The multiday forum in Davos is an annual event where the globe's most powerful political leaders and corporate executives share ideas in the Swiss Alps.

Much of Trump's speech focused on the success the administration has seen while pursuing an "America First" policy, a set of guidelines that tries to benefit average Americans through economic policies such as trade protections or tax cuts.

The policy, which has led to fierce trade battles with longtime economic partners like China, the EU and Mexico, has accompanied better-than-expected GDP growth in the U.S. as well as an unemployment rate under 4% and consistent records in the stock market.

Though bilateral trade deliberations have roiled financial markets for the better part of two years, the White House reached two key trade deals last week that officials say will boost the economy and sent the S&P 500 above 3,300 for the first time ever.

The U.S. and China signed on Wednesday a "phase one" trade deal that officials say will lead to an increase in sales of American goods and services to Beijing and ease the two-year dispute between the globe's two largest economies.

On Thursday, the Senate passed a new North American trade deal that grants U.S. producers greater access to Canadian dairy markets and creates stricter rules for auto parts rules of origin.

In his speech, the president also pointed to one of the administration's biggest legislative wins, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the corporate tax rate to 21% and buoyed business profits for much of Trump's presidency.

The administration argues that the promise of lower tax rates entices global businesses to shift more production to the U.S. and employ more Americans.

"Today I urge other nations to follow our example and liberate your citizens from the crushing weight of bureaucracy," Trump said. "With that, you have to run your own countries the way you want."

The president did not address ongoing trade deliberations with the EU or member nations despite reports that he and French President Emmanuel Macron reached an agreement in their dispute over digital taxes.

Trump's speech came a day after the president's legal team implored the Senate to reject the House's two articles of impeachment against him. The third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history will begin later Tuesday.
DAVOS, SwitzerlandGreta Thunberg on Tuesday punched a hole in the promises emerging from a forum of the global political and business elite and offered instead an ultimatum: Stop investing in fossil fuels immediately, or explain to your children why you did not protect them from the climate chaos you created.

I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing the climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them? Thunberg, 17, said at the annual gathering of the worlds rich and powerful in Davos, a village on the icy reaches of the Swiss Alps.

Her remarks opened a panel discussion hosted by The New York Times and the World Economic Forum.

Our house is still on fire, she added, reprising her most famous line from an address last year at the forum. Your inaction is fuelling the flames by the hour.

Her remarks came at a time when climate change and environmental sustainability rose to the top of the talking points of many of the executives and government leaders assembled at Davos.

Thunberg, a climate activist known for speaking bluntly to power, rebuked the crowd for promises that she said would do too little: reducing planet-warming gases to net zero by 2050, offsetting emissions by planting 1 trillion trees, transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Lets be clear. We dont need a low carbon economy. We dont need to lower emissions, she said. Our emissions have to stop.

Only that, she said, would enable the world to keep temperatures from rising past 1.5 degrees from pre-industrial levels, which scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of climate change. She and a group of young climate activists have called on private investors and governments to immediately halt exploration for fossil fuels, to stop funding their production, to end taxpayer subsidies for the industry and to fully divest their existing stakes in the sector.

Scientists have said emissions must be reduced by half in the next decade to reach the 1.5-degree target. The opposite is happening. Global emissions continued to rise, hitting a record high in 2019, according to research published in December.

Her address began barely an hour after President Donald Trumps speech at the forum, which barely mentioned climate change, except to describe climate activists as heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers. Thunberg did not address him directly, except to remind the audience that the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate agreement by the end of this year.

Thunberg took pains to distance herself from politics. This is not about right or left. We couldnt care less about your party politics, she said. From a sustainability perspective, the right, the left as well as the centre have all failed. No political ideology or economic structure has been able to tackle the climate and environmental emergency.

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Editor's note: In view of Microsoft's strong denial that Nadella has put off his visit, we have reviewed the reporting that went into this story, and found lapses. The article is therefore withdrawn, with apologies.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, has postponed his trip to India, which sources said was scheduled later this week.

One of the sources said that Microsoft's India team is waiting for fresh dates of his visit, which might happen at the end of February or early March. Things are not confirmed, yet, one of the sources said.

"We have nothing to share at this point," said a Microsoft India spokesperson.

During the trip, Nadella was expected to meet some executives of large companies and startups as well as government officials, and also take part in a talk with app developers.

A Microsoft spokesperson, however, said, "There was no trip planned for this week. We do not have dates to share at this point.

The change in plans comes just a week after Nadella's comments on the Citizenship Act grabbed a lot of attention in India and globally. Commenting on a question asked by BuzzFeed on the Citizenship Amendment Act in India, at an Editors roundtable in the US, the Microsoft CEO had said, "I think what is happening is sad... I think its just bad, if anything I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India, or becomes the CEO of Infosys, that should be the aspiration....

Soon after the Nadellas answer got plastered all over the internet and in newspapers, Microsoft had issued a statement from Nadella clarifying the remarks.

"Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly," he said, in a company statement. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds.

Statement from Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft pic.twitter.com/lzsqAUHu3I  Microsoft India (@MicrosoftIndia) January 13, 2020

But, perhaps Nadellas statements did not go down well with the Bharatiya Janta Party.

Reacting to the statement, Meenakashi Lekhi, a BJP spokesperson, had commented on Twitter, How literate need to be educated! Perfect example. Precise reason for CAA is to grant opportunities to persecuted minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan & Afghanistan. How about granting these opportunities to Syrian Muslims instead of Yezidis in USA?

The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by the Parliament in December. According to the legislation, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till 31 December, 2014, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

Protests have broken out against the CAA across the country, with those opposing the law contending that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. They also allege that the CAA along with the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is intended to target the Muslim community in India.
Hugh Laurie has said that he and Stephen Fry have discussed resurrecting their comedy double act for the stage.

The 60-year-old House stars last full project with Fry, 62, was 2010s retrospective documentary titled Fry And Laurie Reunited.

The Golden Globe-winning actor told BBC Radio 2s Steve Wright that they discussed getting back together a lot but they had been unable to stick to a date.

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Asked whether they talked about getting back together, Laurie said: Yeah, we do, a lot.

Actually we talked about doing it on stage for a long time, so long in fact we passed the date wed set for ourselves! We see each other a lot and we talk about it often.

He added: I think it might happen, yes, but I dont know why were both being sort of coy about it  No after you, no after you  I dont know why we do that.

Somebodys got to take charge, I think, and say: Ive booked us in, were doing this. Weve got a month to get ready.

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Describing their relationship, he said: Im a bit more head prefect than he is.

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Im not happy about that role, but hes sort of put me in it because he was such a sort of bad boy when he was younger and I think he sort of cast me in that role, head prefect.

The pair met at the University of Cambridge in 1980 and, as Fry And Laurie, found success with sketch show A Bit Of Fry And Laurie and comedy series Jeeves And Wooster.

Laurie subsequently made a name in TV drama with House and the BBCs The Night Manager.

He is currently starring as Mr Dick in Armando Iannuccis film based on the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield.
Catalyst Fund, a global inclusive fintech accelerator managed by BFA Global and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, received a 12m GBP ($15m USD) commitment from UK aid and J.P. Morgan.

Created in 2016 with support from J.P. Morgan and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and led by Director Maelis Carraro, Catalyst Fund will support the development, growth and reach of 30 new fintech solutions to boost financial inclusion for an additional 1 million underserved people in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India and Mexico.

Over the next three years, the accelerator will support the growth of 30 additional startups across five key emerging markets for fintech innovation: Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India, and Mexico.

In addition to its expansion, Catalyst Fund is announcing its latest cohort of inclusive fintech startups, including:

 Pesakit  Kenya-based app for mobile money agents

 Kwara  Kenya-based online and mobile banking platform for Savings + Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs)

 Cowrywise  savings and investment tool targeted toward Nigerian youth  Meerkat

 South Africa-based debt counseling and savings product

 Farmart  India-based digital credit platform for farmers

 Spoon  South Africa-based savings and credit offering for women-owned, subsistence enterprises.

This new commitment will enable the program to focus on:

 Providing critical pre-seed capital and bespoke venture building support;

 Broadening the pool of investors who receive 1:1 connections with Catalyst Fund companies;

 Accelerating the innovation ecosystems in each market to improve startups access to capital, corporate partnerships and talent; and

 Sharing best practices toolkits, learnings and insights with the global fintech community to spur innovation across markets.

FinSMEs

21/01/2020
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

The export of citrus fruits from Turkey to Turkmenistan increased by 30 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, a source in the Turkish Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association told Trend on Jan. 21.

Turkey exported 7,358 tons of citrus fruits to Turkmenistan in 2019, the source said. "Turkeys income obtained from the export of citrus fruits to Turkmenistan increased by 40 percent in 2019."

Turkey's income obtained from the export of citrus fruits amounted to $5.3 million in 2019, which is one percent of Turkey's total income obtained from the export of citrus fruits in 2019.

The export of Turkish fruits and vegetables decreased by 11 percent and reached over 4 million tons in 2019 compared to 2018.

Turkey's income obtained from export of fruits and vegetables decreased by three percent and reached $2.2 billion in 2019 compared to 2018.

In 2019, 1.1 million tons of fruits were exported from Turkey, which is five percent less compared to 2018. At the same time, Turkey's income obtained from the export of fruits grew by two percent in 2019 and amounted to $846 million compared to 2018.

Export of vegetables from Turkey decreased by two percent and reached 1.2 million tons in 2019 compared to 2018.

Vegetables worth $645 million were exported from Turkey in 2019. Turkey exported 1.6 million tons of citrus fruits in 2019, which is 20 percent less compared to 2018.

Citrus fruits worth $756 million were exported from Turkey in 2019.

--

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
A Telugu Desam Party MP was arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday, in connection with a farmers' protest and remanded to judicial custody.

A case under various non-bailable sections of IPC was registered against Guntur MP Galla Jayadev and he was arrested after Monday midnight, police said.

The MP was produced before the Mangalagiri magistrate about 3 am. He was denied bail and was later lodged in the Guntur sub jail around 4.30 am.

Hundreds of farmers and women almost reached the Legislature complex, defying prohibitory order and breaking police security cordon on Monday as part of the ongoing agitation demanding that Amaravati be retained as the state capital.

Some of the protesters allegedly pelted stones at the police personnel, resulting in injuries to at least six constables, according to Guntur Rural SP C Vijaya Rao.

Followers of the Guntur MP were also allegedly involved in the attack on police personnel.

Meanwhile, TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu and several MLAs of his party, who were taken into custody as they attempted to carry out a foot march from the Assembly to the nearby Mandadam village late on Monday night were taken on a ride in police vehicles around various villages in the capital region.

Even after the Chief Minister's convoy reached his residence at the end of the day's session of Assembly, the police did not release Naidu and other TDP leaders.

They were finally set free only after midnight.

TDP state president K Kala Venkata Rao strongly condemned the police action.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Jayadev Galla was arrested on Monday (January 20) for participating in a protest rally held by farmers in Andhra Pradesh against Cabinet decision to set up three state capitals.

Non-bailable cases were filed against Galla, who was produced before Mangalagiri Magistrate post-midnight and was remanded to custody till January 31. Galla's bail application will come up for hearing on Tuesday after 10 am.

Galla's party colleague and TDP MP Kesineni Nani has slammed the Andhra Pradesh government for Galla's arrest, saying the TDP MP's arrest is politically motivated and completely unjustified. "I condemn the politically motivated and unjustified arrest of Jay Galla. I demand for his immediate release," tweeted Nani.

Earlier on Monday, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved three capital formula-- Secretariat at Visakhapatnam, High Court at Kurnool and Assembly at Amaravathi. The state government will introduce the AP Decentralized Governance and inclusive development of all areas of Andhra Pradesh Bill and Repealing APCRDA Act bill in the assembly.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers ahead of the special Assembly session. The state ministers along with Chief Secretary Neelam Sahney attended the cabinet meeting, which had 7 agendas on its table.

Several leaders were taken into preventive custody in Vijayawada, Amaravati, and Guntur ahead of the cabinet meeting called by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. The police administration had imposed section 144 and Police Act 30 in and around the secretariat and Amaravathi area in the wake of Chalo Assembly call given by Amaravati JAC, farmers and opposition parties including TDP, CPI, and Jana Sena.
Following the drama that ensued within the PDP camp after Daisy Danjuma, a member of the board of trustee of the party, endorsed Godwin Obaseki, an APC Member, she has voiced out that she owes no one an apology over her action.

Read Also: Why I Am Being Fought In Edo State: Obaseki

She made this known while speaking with reporters in Benin city on Monday,

I owe nobody apology for endorsing the second term aspiration of Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, she said.

I have the right to support whoever I choose to. I am a member of the PDP. I have never left the PDP or decamped to any party like others. It is my right to free comment and I have exercised that.
The digital health sector should think deeply about what happens next as Apple CEO Tim Cook has again spoken out about his companys focus on wellness technologies.

Prevention is good for business

Cook talked up Apples plans for digital health with IDA Ireland CEO Martin Shanahan. His focus is very much on prevention, above cure  perhaps reflecting the depth of research and the huge burden of proof required before new technologies can truly be declared lifesaving.

I think you can take that simple idea of having preventive things and find many more areas where technology intersects healthcare, and I think all of our lives would probably be better off for it, said Cook.

Hes basically arguing that technology can be developed that can provide early warnings of big health problems, empowering people to take better care of themselves.

Can wearables make you well?

His argument is being picked up on by health practitioners worldwide, particularly as millions succumb to relatively preventable conditions such as obesity or diabetes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that diseases such as these, cancer and heart disease together account for around 70% of deaths worldwide. Air pollution, drug resistance and global pandemics such as flu are among the biggest problems. Mental health issues are also becoming endemic.

While Cook wasnt specific in his promises, he did say:

Most of the money in healthcare goes to the cases that werent identified early enough. It will take some time, but things that we are doing now  that Im not going to talk about today  those give me a lot of cause for hope.

Reading between the lines of what Cook said, it seems clear that when it comes to preventative health Apple is focused on Apple Watch. Thats as big a hint as were going to get about the companys digital health product development.

Apple Watch: exploring digital health frontiers

We can already guess this means the company is developing new health sensors, new activity sensors and enhancements to its already life-saving heart monitoring tools.

When it comes to software, Apple will certainly be looking to develop health-focused machine-learning systems capable of monitoring how we live  and offering up useful advice to help people stay well. Thats effectively the kind of thing Activity already does, with the addition of new tools likely developed using the companys digital health research solutions.

It remains to be seen whether anything more comes of Apples investment in primary care clinics for its employees, though it is likely company employees already contribute test results for its research teams. Apples swimming Activity tech used extensive data from real swimmers, after all.

It is important to note that many of Americas larger corporations are bringing elements of employee health provision in house, so perhaps nothing will become of the investment. Earlier reports said the company has hired designers tasked with implementing programs to prevent disease and promote health behavior.

Thats even before you consider the potential for more sophisticated Apple-developed health solutions.

Whats happening in the industry?

Some recent headlines may help explain the kind of digital health opportunities that are already available for Apple and others to explore through wearable devices such as Apple Watch:

The Lancet recently reported on a study that showed real-time flu prediction may be possible using wearable heart rate and sleep tracking devices.

Research is also taking place that uses digital devices and sensors to help monitor and manage some mental health diseases.

Caspar Health, a provider of a digital patient aftercare that enables patients to manage their own care remotely recently pulled in $5.3m in Series A funding.

Stanford Medicines 2020 Health Trends report confirms the data gathered by smartphone apps and wearables more often than not provides "clinically valuable" information.

It seems logical to think Apple might explore any of these sectors. Each one relates strongly to Cooks hints about preventive care. While there is no evidence at all that Apple is involved in any of the industry research that is taking place, Cooks statements make it clear the company is definitely watching the space. In the future, if an Apple Watch can detect it, and Apple's software can analyze the information it picks up, the company will probably make something from it.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
STAMFORD  A 24-year-old man is headed home to California after a five-week ordeal that kept him in Stamford, a city he had never been to before.

A Stamford judge on Tuesday dismissed larceny charges against Emmanuel Mong, 24, of San Mateo, who had been arrested by Stamford police for allegedly illegally obtaining and cashing a $30,000 check from Purdue Pharma in 2017.

Senior Assistant States Attorney Joseph Valdes told Judge Richard Comerford that the state no longer had probable cause to charge Mong with first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny and criminal impersonation.

The dismissal granted by Judge Comerford is a very rare one for an out-of-state defendant charged with an electronic financial crime.

The move apparently came after Mongs defense attorney, Allan Friedman, was able to show Valdes that the federal government had already arrested someone else for using Mongs name to cash an illegally obtained check elsewhere in the United States.

The court and the Stamford Police Department have become aware of of recent U.S. government investigation of a similar scheme and one of them actually uses Emmanuel Mong as an AKA (also known as), Valdes said.

Valdes added that he was told federal officials are taking over the investigation of what appears to be a nationwide scam and the state of Connecticut no longer has probable cause to proceed in the case.

Valdes said federal authorities were better equipped to deal with such a case.

As the evidence exists, there is no reason to proceed against this guy for this case. There is not sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that he committed this crime, Valdes said right after the hearing.

The hearing only took a few minutes and Mong was free to have his GPS ankle device removed.

I just want to say the Stamford States Attorney was extremely professional and did what a states attorney is supposed to do. I commend them for having an open mind, for looking at the evidence and properly moving to drop the charges against my client after reviewing everything that was given to them and doing the right thing, Friedman said. Its one thing when they are hard on crime and they are persecuting someone who violated the law. But when they take swift action to bring a case in this quickly when they realized that someone has been wrongfully charged, they really should be commended.

Mong, who was required to stay in Connecticut since paying to fly to the state and turning himself over to Stamford police on Jan. 7, can now return home. After staying at a West Side hotel in a city where he has never been before, it looked as though a weight had been taken off his shoulders Tuesday.

As a sign things were headed in his direction, a judge last week refunded Mongs $25,000 cash bond and allowed him to sign a promise to appear in court. But the judge would not allow him to leave the state and required him to remain under GPS monitoring.

Im mostly just relieved that I can finally go back to work and go back home, Mong said. It has been a very trying time for my family and my mother. My mother especially, she has not been taking this very well, so I am just happy she can get some relief.

Mong said he was very thankful for meeting some wonderful people in Connecticut and especially Friedman for representing him.

Mongs ordeal began on Dec. 16 when he tried to board a flight home to his native Nigeria from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers detained him after seeing that he was wanted for a Stamford police warrant charging him with stealing and cashing a $30,000 check from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma.

Mong, who works for Survey Monkey in San Mateo, was held on a $250,000 court appearance bond that was posted by the members of his church and the church itself, the Redeemed Christian Church of God Graceland, in Livermore, Calif.

The churchs Pastor Idowu Omotayo said last week that the congregation was praying that Mong would be returned home and the truth would win out.

According to his arrest warrant, the pill maker was the victim of a man-in-the-middle scam, in which a corporation, usually with business connections to Africa or Asia, has its email systems hacked by a computer virus or some other malware.

Once inside an email system, the fraudsters monitor company email traffic, learning payment behaviors and relevant executives names. Eventually they will direct someone within the company to send a normal accounts-payable wire to an account controlled by the fraudsters.

Back in April 2017, Purdue Pharma sent a payment of $30,000 for production materials to a Wells Fargo bank account, the affidavit said. But a month later, the company owed the money said it never got the wire.

Police investigated and discovered that the money was sent to a Savannah, Georgia, bank account that was purportedly opened up by Mong, the affidavit said. Mong denies every opening the account.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
Jodi Anasta has quit Neighbours after nearly four years but denied it is related to her taking time off for exhaustion last year.

Anasta, who joined in July 2016, will be exiting as Elly Conway later this year in order to pursue other projects and move back to Sydney.

Ramsay Street and Neighbours has really become my world, my life and my family, she told the Daily Telegraph.

While it is sad to say goodbye, it is also a really exciting time for me and the future. I will have so much more time with my beautiful daughter. Ill get to do more school drop offs, all that kind of stuff, and just get back into auditioning again. I like being busy but just being back in Sydney and having that stability is a wonderful thing.

Executive producer Jason Herbison told Digital Spy Jodi is a much loved member of the Neighbours family and were grateful that shes spent the past four years in Ramsay Street.

The writers have thrown many challenges at her character Elly Conway and Jodi has sold every twist and turn with conviction, and Im delighted she will be part of our next milestone, the 35th anniversary.

We wish her well as she approaches the next chapter of her life and her career.

Anasta said she wants to explore other opportunities, whether that be in television, film, design, beauty or music.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  Court documents reveal further information in the case of a Lafayette man found dead and the two suspects arrested.

According to court documents, police were called to an apartment located at 619 Alabama Street on Dec. 13. Officers found a man dead of stab wounds. The coroner said the victim, Charles Sandefer, appeared to have been dead for several weeks. When detectives were investigating the case, they discovered Sandefur's debit card was used at the Village Pantry on South 4th Street on Dec. 9, just days before the landlord found Sandefur's body.

Investigators, using surveillance video from the store, saw two people, one giving the stolen card to the other, to make a purchase. That video led police to Thomas Loveless and Matthew Mace. Bank statements from Sanderfur's debit card reveal that Mace and Loveless spent $9.29 on products from the gas station.

Court documents state during the investigation, Loveless claimed it was Mace who had stabbed and killed Sandefur. saying it happened at the end of November over money they had gone to his house to collect. Mace, however, claimed that it was Loveless who started stabbing the victim after he had left the home.

They both admitted to taking the debit card.
After a brief holiday hiatus, Plainview Community Concerts 75th Jubilee Season continues with its next installment set for Friday (Jan. 24). This special local production will feature acclaimed pianists Richard Fountain and Kennith Freeman in An American Salute.

The concert, which will be performed on Steinway pianos, will be at Harral Memorial Auditorium on the Wayland campus. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with the performance to follow at 7.

Concerts president Shane Harrell explained, Normally, we include a line-up of four or five productions per year. In celebration of its 75th season, a sixth bonus concert featuring local musicians was proposed by our board parliamentarian Jeannine Greene. We give Jeannine full credit and thanks for sharing her vision and enthusiasm with the rest of the board. Upon hearing the proposal, the board of directors was quick to book these two Wayland professors.

Musical selection will include such well-known American classics as Hoe Down from Coplands Rodeo," symphonic dances from West Side Story, the ever popular Rhapsody in Blue, and the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

There are so many wonderful musical traditions in our country, Fountain stated. This program highlights everything from jazz to Broadway, from Sousa marches to dance music. The program will feature virtuoso arrangements of sacred and patriotic music made famous by Dino Kartsonakis and other crowd pleasers.

Fountain is often praised for his clear and expressive playing, as well as his seasoned artistry. He has steadily garnered recognitions for his versatile abilities as a soloist, collaborator and teacher. Fountains past accolades include the early achiever award presented by the Nebraska Alumni Association, as well as the teacher of the year award from the Lubbock Music Teachers Association.

Later this year, in honor of the 250th anniversary of Beethovens birth, Fountain will be performing the maestros 2nd 4th, and 9th symphonies.

Freeman is similarly accomplished. He is an avid chamber musician. Freeman has recently performed as soloist and chamber musician in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, California and his home state of Tennessee. He can often be found collaborating with students and staff at the Plainview campus, as well as accompanying various theatrical productions. Further, he has almost 20 years of church music ministry to his credit.

Admission is by pre-purchased season passes. Single-show tickets are subject to availability and special pricing. For additional information, patrons may call or text (806) 292-8088 or email LiveInPlainview@gmail.com.
Regime supporters protest against U.S. following a Friday prayer led by Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei after an eight-year-long break in Tehran, Iran on January 17, 2020.

The U.S.-Iran relationship is going to be "very precarious" as the two countries try to find a new balance that can provide a sense of security, the chief executive of an advisory firm said on Tuesday.

Tensions between the the U.S. and Iran escalated in early January after an American airstrike in Baghdad killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani. Tehran retaliated by attacking U.S. targets in Iraq, but both countries now appear to have backed away from further military actions.

"They're trying to find this new equilibrium, and that is going to be very precarious over the coming months," David Young, CEO of Oxford Analytica, told CNBC's "Capital Connection."

"If you look at a conventional conflict, nobody really wants that," Young said. "That is not a win for anyone."

"I'm not saying conflict is off the table, but there is this back and forth," he said. "Both countries and ... the region as a whole is trying to find out what that new equilibrium is, that can provide a sense of security as well as economic opportunity moving forward."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 01:49:23|Editor: xuxin

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ISTANBUL, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- As Turkey has renewed the call for cooperation in the hydrocarbon-rich Eastern Mediterranean, some analysts are skeptical about whether the call would bear fruit.

Cahit Armagan Dilek, director of the Ankara-based 21st Century Turkey Institute, said that Turkey is unlikely to get any positive response, considering its sour relations with Israel, Egypt and Syria.

Greece, Israel and Cyprus signed a deal earlier this month to construct an undersea pipeline the EastMed project to transport natural gas to Europe via Greece.

"It's not economically, legally or diplomatically possible for a project in which Turkey is excluded in the Eastern Mediterranean to be carried out," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

Ankara proposes a pipeline passing through Cyprus and Turkey to transport natural gas from Eastern Mediterranean to Europe.

Necdet Pamir, a leading energy analyst, said it is still possible for Ankara to win over Israel due to lingering questions about the feasibility of the EastMed pipeline project.

"From the very start, Israel seeks to transport the gas via Turkey to Europe," he told Xinhua. However, the negative attitude of the two political parties in power in both countries makes such cooperation difficult, he added.

Israel sees Turkey as a major potential market for its natural gas, said Pamir, energy director of Sigma Turkey, an Ankara-based think tank.

Turkey already has a natural gas pipeline network capable of carrying Russian and Azeri gas to Europe.

Under the EastMed project, the gas will be transported by an undersea pipeline to the Greek island of Crete and then to the mainland Greece to reach Italy, which makes the project not only costly, but also technically challenging.

"Unless transported via Turkey, it is not possible for the eastern Mediterranean natural gas to compete with the Russian gas in the European market in terms of price," said Pamir.

"Besides, the gas reserves so far discovered (by Cyprus and Israel) are not so rich as to make the construction of the costly EastMed pipeline feasible."

Amid rising tension with litoral states, Turkey signed in November a controversial maritime boundary memorandum with Libya's U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord.

The memorandum, which Athens claims to be legally invalid, not only partly covers some area also claimed by Greece, but also intersects the route of the EastMed pipeline project.

Even Egypt could be persuaded into cooperation if Turkey would "change its discourse in foreign policy," Pamir said.

The recent deployment of Turkish troops in the war-torn Libya to support the U.N.-backed government has further strained Turkey's ties with Egypt which backs the rival faction in Libya.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said the partial closure of Nigerias borders was not caused solely because food products, particularly rice, which were being smuggled into Nigeria, but also because arms and ammunition, as well as hard drugs being ferried into the country.

President Buhari disclosed this while holding a bilateral meeting in London at the sidelines of UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana.

The President, in a statement issued today by his media aide, Femi Adesina, said he could not keep his eyes open, and watch youths being destroyed through cheap hard drugs, and compromised security caused by unbridled influx of small arms.

When most of the vehicles carrying rice and other food products through our land borders are intercepted, you find cheap hard drugs, and small arms, under the food products. This has terrible consequences for any country, President Buhari said.

He said it was regrettable that the partial border closure was having negative economic impact on our neighbours, but said, we cannot leave our country, particularly the youths, endangered.

The President said the Sahel region was awash with small arms, which accounts for severe security challenges in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria.

We are in fact the biggest victims, he said.

Buhari, who spoke on time frame for reopening the borders, said it would not happen till the final report of a committee set up on the matter was submitted and considered.

We will get things sorted out. Our farmers, especially those who grow rice, now have a market, and are happy, and we are also concerned about hard drugs and weapons. Once the committee comes up with its recommendations, we will sit and consider them, the President said.

President Akufo-Addo, while showing understanding of the need for Nigeria to protect her citizens, pleaded for an expedited process, because the Nigerian market is significant for certain categories of business people in Ghana.

 asks Britain to go after Nigerian fugitives

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the United Kingdom to investigate Nigerian fugitives who escaped to the UK amid corruption allegations.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari as making the request during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 holding in London.

There have been reports that UK is one of the popular places Nigerian politicians accused of corruption hide their loot.

Buhari specifically said the cooperation of the UK is still needed in investigating Nigerians who fled to the country as fugitives.

On the anti-corruption war, the President said though it was slow but painstaking, the cooperation of the National Crime Agency of UK was still needed, particularly in the investigation of fugitives from Nigeria finding accommodation in the United Kingdom, Adesina said in a statement.

Buhari was also said to have told Johnson of the development strides recorded by his administration in various sectors.

He said achievements in agriculture is gradually leading to self-sufficiency in rice and other grains, saving the country billions in foreign exchange.

On the war against insurgency, the president said things were a lot better, with the disabuse of the minds of the people on the true philosophy of Boko Haram.

He said the main challenge was in the area of resettling person displaced by the insurgency.

We have a long history with the British military, and we are collaborating, Buhari reportedly said.

In his remarks, Johnson thanked Buhari for being a regional leader who gives strong encouragement to the West.

Johnson pledged that the necessary hand of fellowship would be extended to Nigeria on its war against corruption, through the National Crime Agency.

He pledged to cooperate with Nigeria and other African countries in the inter-basin water transfer, which could solve the Lake Chad problem, and enhance security in the sub-region.
Actor Kangana Ranaut has called for Deepika Padukone to apologise for appearing in a promotional video for the film Chhapaak, which has been criticised for being insensitive.

In an interview to India Today, Kangana said, invoking her sisters plight, Rangoli is an acid attack survivor and she was very hurt seeing the video. Sometimes, marketing teams tend to go overboard with their promotions, and I am sure Deepika must be having some explanation for this.

In the controversial video where Chhapaak is being promoted, Deepika set about a challenge for a TikTok makeup artist to recreate three of her looks from her films, including that of Malti in Chhapaak. Deepika plays an acid attack survivor in the film. Several people noted that the video trivialised a real, and traumatic reality.

Kangana added, The people who are hurt like my sister should be apologised to. This is not a make-up look and nobody should try and achieve it. That kind of insensitivity should be apologised for and there is no harm in doing that because we all make mistakes.

No @deepikapadukone.This promo isn't cool or cute. It's insensitive & ghastly.

The movie wasn't about you & your make up. It was about a woman scarred for life.And victims like her,whose marks can't be wiped off,unlike your make up.



You lost the plot,alas. https://t.co/9Zt8XEmSqI  Smita Barooah (@smitabarooah) January 18, 2020

Kangana was also asked about Deepikas recent show of solidarity for the students of JNU, when she appeared at a protest organised to against the assault carried out against them by goons. Kangana said, I think women should support women and I am not somebody to comment on what Deepika has done or should have done. She was exercising her democratic right, but if I were given the choice I would never stand behind the Tukde Tukde gang.

Also read: Deepika Padukone attacked for TikTok challenge on her Chhapaak look, Twitter says demeaning

Rangoli had earlier mocked Deepika for celebrating the success of her organisation, the Live Laugh Love foundation. The organisation aims to create awareness and provide support for those suffering from mental illness. What is happening here? Is this depression? These are the people who raise issues against the word mental but are dancing like guests at a wedding on videos about depression. What a disgusting way to rake publicity in the name of depression, Rangoli had written in a tweet.

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Three people were arrested on Tuesday and demonetised currency with a face value of Rs 25.80 lakh was seized from them in Aurangabad in Maharashtra, police said.

One of the accused tried to escape when cornered and was chased down by an assistant inspector, both suffering minor injuries after falling while running, an official said.

"Shaikh Moin (35), Syed Azharuddin (37) and Shaikh Umar (37) arrived at Katkat Gate area here at around 7am to exchange scrapped notes with a face value of Rs 2 lakh for valid currency worth Rs 25,000. However, a police team was already in wait there after being tipped off," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Nagnath Kode.

On being cornered, Umar tried to flee with the bag containing the demonetised currency, but assistant inspector Gautam Wavale gave chase and pinned him down some distance away.

"Both of them fell during the chase and sustained minor injuries. The bag contained 980 scraped notes of Rs 1000 denomination and 3200 pieces of Rs 500 denomination, with a total face value of Rs 25.80 lakh. All three have been arrested," the ACP said.

Jinsi police station has taken a case under Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Act, 2017 and further probe into the racket was underway, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A San Diego, Calif. woman is suing American Airlines, saying that a former employee stalked her by sending more than 100 unwanted texts, some of them sexually suggestive.

In her Jan. 6 lawsuit, Ashley Barno contends that she was waiting to board a San Diego-to-Chicago flight last April when she received a text from a number she didnt recognize. The message-sender claimed to work for American.

The man, identified in her Superior Court lawsuit only as John Doe because Barno said she doesnt know his name, also was on Barnos flight and continued to send her texts. In one, he identified himself as Ahmad.

Just knowing that he knew what I looked like, and that we were in an enclosed plane and that theres no way out, like really, really scared me, Barno told KNSD-TV.

When she texted back Leave me alone, he replied: OK its up to you.

The man wrote: Friendship with me will be very beneficial for you!! . I can always give you good seats, access to the lounges and free flights too!!, according to text screenshots provided by Barnos lawyer to ABC News.

Barno said she asked a flight attendant for help and Ahmad was escorted off the flight in Chicago.

I got off the plane, too, Barno told KNSD-TV. I called my sister, and I was crying profusely because I just felt. I mean, the best way to describe it was, I felt naked in a public place.

Barno said she learned that he had learned her telephone number from the luggage tag on her carry-on.

The lawsuit contends that despite her protests, Ahmad kept contacting her for a long period of time, and also sent her sexually-suggestive images.

The airline knew of its employees propensity to initiate unwanted sexual communication with both employees and customers but didnt fire him, the lawsuit says.

The airline did not do a sufficient job in hiring and supervising employees to keep its customers safe from sexual harassment and stalking, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in San Diego County Superior Court.

In a statement, American Airlines said it investigated and took action.

The employee involved in the complaint is no longer employed at American Airlines. The employee was not on duty for American at the time of the alleged incidents, the statement said.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits California Claims Aviation
Oliver Dobbin says it's impossible not to think of the eruption which killed 20 people when he looks out at Whakaari/White Island from Ohope Beach, as he does every day.

The owner of the Salt Spray Surf School says it's changed the seafaring community forever but it remains to be seen what the long-term impact will be of losing one of the region's major tourist attractions.

Like many businesses in the area, Oliver shut down during the rahui which lasted for three weeks. Others suffered due to tourists keeping away during the normally busy summer period.

"I don't think Kiwi tourism will be affected - as in people travelling from New Zealand to here - but in terms of international tourism White Island was definitely a massive pull for Whakatane," he says.

"I definitely think it'll ease off depending on how well promoted the area is. Because Whakatane is an amazing place for so many different things, but a lot of our energy in the advertising sector was put towards White Island being this amazing spot."

The government has created a $5 million support programme for affected businesses, which is being shared with the Westland communities affected by recent flooding.

Oliver is one of dozens of business owners going through the process of applying for help.

"I'm currently being guided through that through our local chamber of commerce in what steps to take in their application process, but for me respecting the rahui I've been told that I'm just definitely a focus for that funding and I'll be looking at getting some for sure."

Major changes on the cards for tour operator

No business was affected more than White Island Tours, where two of those who died - Tipene Maangi and Hayden Marshall-Inman - worked as tour guides.

The company has committed to keep paying its 60 staff until the end of the month despite having lost a major source of income.

Also one of the company's boats was badly damaged by the toxic ash from the eruption.

Tracey Hook, the chief executive of Ngati Awa Group Holdings which owns White Island Tours, says the company may need to have a total re-brand.

"Yeah, well White Island tours is not a thing anymore. So yeah, it's not not for me to decide but it does make sense that a re-branding is needed."

The company also runs tours to Moutohora/Whale Island, which resumed about five weeks after the eruption.

Tracey says they'd consider adding even more offerings in the future.

"Nothing's been confirmed at the moment. There's been lots of talks about fishing charters, dolphin watching and we have vessels that are available to do that," she says.

"So putting them to good use [will] be part of the product rebranding, if that's the case."

The government support fund is being administered by the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce, which has been speaking to businesses owners about what's available.

Vice-president Warren Short says it's still too early to assess the full economic impact on the community.

"[The summer] is where our businesses make the money for the rest of the year. And obviously, we're more focused on showing that we can deliver the service and experience to the people that are visiting us.

"And once we get through this period, then we can start to analyse and look at things where things are really at."

A review panel will decide who gets the government funding after meeting early in February.

-RNZ/Matthew Theunissen.
Greta Thunberg was among four young climate activists to scold the elites gathered at the World Economic Forum for not doing enough to deal with the climate emergency and warned them that time was running out.

At a panel in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, the four said they hoped their generation had found its voice and can work with those in power to bring about the necessary change to limit climate change.

Yet Greta said not enough has been done.

We need to start listening to the science, and treat this crisis with the importance it deserves, said the 17-year-old, just as US President Donald Trump was arriving in Davos and was due to give a speech.

Mr Trump has pulled the US out of the Paris accord to limit climate change and has traded barbs with Greta on social media.

Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it, Greta said.

The Swedish teenager came to fame by staging a regular strike at her school, sparking a global movement that eventually earned her Time Magazines award as the 2019 Person of the Year.

She said that people are more aware about climate issues now.

The campaigner said: It feels like the climate and environment is a hot topic now, thanks to young people pushing.

Expand Close Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg (Markus Schreiber/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg (Markus Schreiber/AP)

Speaking in the afternoon, she brushed aside Mr Trumps announcement that the US would join the economic forums initiative to plant one trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from Earths atmosphere.

Planting trees is good of course but its nowhere near enough.

It cannot replace mitigation, she added, referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term.

Greta accused leaders of cheating and fiddling around with numbers with talk of cutting emissions to net zero  that is, emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by the planet or technical means  by 2050.

My generation will not give up without a fightGreta Thunberg

While there has been widespread criticism both inside and outside the United States over Mr Trumps decision to pull the US out of the 2015 Paris climate accord, Greta said the rest of the world, too, was effectively missing the targets set down in that agreement.

She dismissed the notion that climate change is a partisan issue, insisting that this isnt about right or left.

Responding to those who have accused her of doom-mongering, she said her message was simply based on scientific facts, not irrational fears.

My generation will not give up without a fight, she said.

The others on the panel were just as forceful and passionate about the effects of global warming and how they, as young people, need to play a central role in raising awareness and insist on change.

The older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions, said Natasha Wang Mwansa, an 18-year-old activist from Zambia who campaigns for girls and womens rights.

Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.

Were not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see.

Were not the future of the world, were the present, were acting now. Were not waiting any longer.

Greta said the time for action was now, that being at the top of the agenda meant nothing if the world doesnt get to grips with the climate emergency.

This week Im attending the World Economic Forum in Davos with many other young inspiring activists!

Today I will make 2 speeches. One at 08:30 and the main one at 13:00.#WEF2020 #Davos pic.twitter.com/0DN0lRbskj  Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) January 21, 2020

I am not the person who can complain about not being heard. Im being heard all the time, she quipped.

But in general the science and the voice of young people is not in the centre of the conversation.

Autumn Peltier, the chief water commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation of indigenous people in Canada, said plaudits are not what they are looking for at the World Economic Forum.

I dont want your awards. If you are going to award me, award me with helping to find solutions and helping to make change.
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The Crown star Helena Bonham Carter snapped back into character as grieving Princess Margaret on Tuesday as filming resumed for series four of the acclaimed Netflix drama.

The actress, 53, was clad in funeral attire as she arrived on-set with Olivia Colman to film the funeral of Lord Mountbatten, after he was killed by a bomb hidden on his fishing boat in Ireland in 1979.

Helena's arrival for filming comes as The Crown's incredible awards success continued on Sunday, as the series scooped the Screen Actor's Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Sad: Helena Bonham Carter was clad in black attire on Tuesday as she arrived on set with Olivia Colman (right) to film Lord Mounbatten's funeral in series four of The Crown

Amazing: Filming for the Netflix series took over the iconic Winchester Cathedral, the perfect landmark to mimic the emotional send-off, which originally took place in London

In a break from filming Helen was seen with a hot beverage in hand as she chatted to some of the crew members on set sporting a long black coat with a frilled detailing along with a matching hat.

Olivia was battling the chilly January climes in a thick padded coat as she arrived on set for filming, already sporting Her Majesty's signature curls, which were teamed with comfortable trainers.

Many cast members were also clad in various military uniforms as they arrived to play dignitaries and former army comrades of Lord Mountbatten, himself a decorated war hero.

Stylish: In a break from filming Helen was seen with a hot beverage in hand as she chatted to some of the crew members on set sporting a long black coat with a frilled detailing along with a matching hat

Getting ready: Before the cameras rolled, both Helen and Olivia (right) were spotted arriving on-set, as they prepared to play the Royals grieving Lord Mountbatten's death

Tragedy: The Royal Family were all in attendance for Lord Mountbatten's Funeral (front L-R Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Prince Phillip, back L-R Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward)

Paying tribute: Many cast members were also clad in various military uniforms as they arrived to play dignitaries and former army comrades of Lord Mountbatten, himself a decorated war hero

In character: Charles Dance played Lord Louis Mountbatten of Burma in The Crown's third series (left). During WWII, he was Supreme Allied Commander (pictured right in 1959)

Epic: As usual filming for The Crown was on a grand scale as plenty of extras were seen arriving on the set in their uniforms for the funeral scenes

Lord Mountbatten made his first appearance on The Crown during its third series, when he became embroiled in a scheme by The Daily Mirror's then-Chairman Cecil Harmsworth King to get ride of Prime Minister Harold Wilson following his decision to devalue the pound.

Despite originally agreeing to the idea, Lord Mountbatten eventually decided he couldn't go through with the scheme without authorisation, and was reprimanded by The Queen for his actions.

Later in the series, Lord Mountbatten also plotted with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to try and stop Prince Charles from marrying Camilla Shand.

Well-dressed: Various army uniforms could be seen during the filming. Lord Mountbatten's death on 27 August 1979 sparked outrage worldwide and an outpouring of condolences from public figures

Tragic death: Mountbatten was killed when the IRA's Thomas McMahon sneaked onto his fishing boat to load a bomb, which was detonated when he returned on-board, and he died after being carried to shore (other cast members pictured filming)

Shocking: The paramilitary organisation attempted to assassinate the royal a year before his murder, but missed shooting the British Royal Navy officer due to bad weather

Big money: Netflix haven't scrimped when it comes to the production for The Crown, with it already being billed its most expensive show in history

His death on 27 August 1979 sparked outrage worldwide and aan outpouring of condolences from public figures.

Every August, Lord Mountbatten holidayed with his daughters, Patricia and Pamela, and their families at his summer home, Classiebawn Castle, on the west coast of Ireland.

In 1979, the statesman embarked on a fishing trip from his 30-foot wooden boat with his nearest and dearest.

Later into the evening, IRA's Thomas McMahon sneaked onto the vessel to load a bomb, which was detonated when Mountbatten returned on-board. He was carried back on shore by fisherman, but died shortly after.

Iconic: Every August, Lord Mountbatten holidayed with his daughters on his boat Shadow V at Classiebawn Castle, on the west coast of Ireland. It came the base where the bomb was planted which killed him (pictured in 1970)

Tragic: Lord Mountbatten and his grandsons (L-R) Nicholas Knatchbull, Ashley Hicks and Timothy Knatchbull, viewing an exhibition at the Engineering Exhibition in the Wembley Conference Centre, London, January 1978. Nicholas was killed along with Lord Mountbatten in the IRA bombing

Coming soon: It's thought The Crown series four will pick up in 1977 and run through to 1990  and will also prominently feature the relationship and eventual marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer

Suave: Many other actors were arriving for the filming clad in their military uniform to film the scenes

Alongside Mountbatten, his grandson Nicholas, 14, and a crew member Paul, 15, and socialite Doreen Knatchbull were killed from the attack.

The paramilitary organisation attempted to assassinate the royal a year before his murder, but missed shooting the British Royal Navy officer due to bad weather.

Shortly after the murder, The IRA issued a statement, which read: 'The IRA claim responsibility for the execution of Lord Louis Mountbatten.

Throwback: The scenes were a step back into the 1970s as the cast were all dressed in the period attire

Beautiful: In this case Winchester Cathedral was a substitute for Westminster Abbey, where Lord Mountbatten's funeral originally took place

Jaw-dropping: Winchester Cathedral is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and was first founded in 642 AD

Grand production: The landmark was completely taken over by crew members as they prepared to film the scenes for Lord Mountbatten's funeral

Monarch: Olivia Colman resumes her role as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the fourth series

Old face: Helena Bonham Carter plays Princess Margaret for the third and fourth series, taking over the role from Vanessa Kirby

Transformed: Tobias Menzies plays Prince Philip, taking over playing the character from Doctor Who star Matt Smith

'This operation is one of the discriminate ways we can bring to the attention of the English people the continuing occupation of our country.

'The death of Mountbatten and the tributes paid to him will be seen in sharp contrast to the apathy of the British Government and the English people to the deaths of over three hundred British soldiers, and the deaths of Irish men, women, and children at the hands of their forces.'

It's thought The Crown series four will pick up in 1977 and run through to 1990  and will also prominently feature the relationship and eventual marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, who will be played by unknown actress Emma Corrin.
Three young children were rushed to hospital after swallowing white powder they found in a wallet at a swimming pool.

The primary school-aged children found the substance in a small zip lock bag while rifling through the wallet at the Footscray centre in Melbourne on Tuesday.

They were taken to hospital but did not require further treatment.

The wallet was purchased from a second hand shop some time ago and belonged to one of the children, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

No criminality has been detected and no further police action will be taken.

The primary school-aged children found the substance in a small zip lock bag while rifling through the wallet at the Footscray centre in Melbourne on Tuesday
Five people - including a child - have died after a pipe exploded and flooded a hotel in Russia with boiling water.

A five-year-old girl and her mother were reportedly among the victims following the incident at the Mini Hotel Caramel in Perm, more than 700 miles east of Moscow.

All of the victims were staying at the nine-room hotel, which is located in the basement of a residential building in the city near Russia's Ural Mountains.

As well as those killed, six people were injured, including at least three who were taken to hospital suffering from burns.

Andrei Babikov, a doctor treating the victims, said a 33-year-old woman had burns covering 35% of her body, while two men aged 28 and 35 were in a less serious condition.

The rooms did not have windows and there was only one exit for trapped people to escape through, according to reports.

A witness was quoted as saying the water was boiling and it "went up to the front door of the hotel".

"I am scared to imagine what was going on inside," the witness added.

Oleg Melnichenko, a local politician, said the Russian parliament might consider a ban on opening hotels or hostels in the basements of such buildings.

"Hostels shouldn't be open in basements, where all pipelines are located," Mr Melnichenko said.

Police have launched an investigation into possible negligence.

Last year Russian parliament banned opening hostels or hotel rooms in flats in residential buildings.

The heating pipe that exploded had been used since 1962 and had broken repeatedly in the past, an emergency services worker claimed.

"There were no victims in previous explosions," the source said. "It was not replaced, only repaired."

According to the hotel's listing on Booking.com, a double room for two people costs 1170 roubles (15) per night.


MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - The chief executive officer of Google's parent company Alphabet called for artificial intelligence or AI to be regulated, noting that there are real concerns about the potential negative consequences of the technology.



According to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, there are real concerns about the negative consequences of AI, from deepfakes to nefarious uses of facial recognition. He called upon companies developing new AI tools to adopt guiding principles and rigorous review processes.



'Now there is no question in my mind that artificial intelligence needs to be regulated. It is too important not to,' Pichai said in a speech in Brussels at an event hosted by a European economic think tank.



He cited the examples of how an AI model helped doctors spot breast cancer in mammograms with grater accuracy and how AI is being used to make quick and accurate hyperlocal forecasts of rainfall.



Pichai expressed the hope that government regulation of AI will play an important role, and that the U.S. and Europe are already starting to develop regulatory proposals.



Existing rules such as Europe's General Data Protection Regulation can serve as a strong foundation for governing AI, he added.



However, sensible regulation must take a proportionate approach by balancing potential harms, especially in high-risk areas, with social opportunities.



Pichai noted that in 2018, Google published its own AI principles to help guide the ethical development and use of AI. Specific areas where Google will not design or deploy AI include supporting mass surveillance and violation of human rights.



In October 2018, Google decided not to compete in the Pentagon's multi-billion dollar cloud computing contract, saying that the project might not align with its AI principles.



Google had earlier said it would not allow its AI products to be used in military weapons. The company had come under intense criticism from its own employees for supplying image-recognition technology to the U.S. Department of Defense, in a partnership called Project Maven.



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Police have launched an investigation after 19 Limousin cattle were rustled from a farm in Armagh.

The cattle were taken from the farm, in the Battleford Road area, sometime between 5pm on January 18 and 9.30am on January 19.

Most of the cattle aged between 15 and 16 months old were mostly red-coloured and all tagged.

Constable Orr appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Battleford Road area between 5pm on Saturday (18th January) and 9:30am on Sunday and saw any suspicious behaviour, or any strange vehicles, to get in touch with us," he said.

"I would also urge anyone who is offered animals for sale, matching the description of the cattle reported stolen, in suspicious circumstances, or who knows of their whereabouts or who is responsible for this to call police on the non-emergency number 101, and quoting reference number 475 of 20/01/20."

Anyone with any information is also urged to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A recent large-scale prisoner swap between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed republics in Russia-occupied Donbas took place on December 29, 2019.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is checking the whereabouts of 184 Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia-occupied Donbas.

"As part of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) for the peaceful settlement of the situation in the east of Ukraine, information about 184 people illegally deprived of liberty in temporarily occupied districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions had been requested by January 20, 2020, according to the Joint Center for the coordination of the search, release of illegally detained persons in the area of implementation of measures to ensure national security and defense, repulse and deter aggression of the Russian Federation," Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty's Ukrainian Service said with reference to the SBU.

Read alsoLutkovskaya on Donbas prisoner swap: Russia refused to swap Ukrainian military without return of ex-Berkut troops

As UNIAN reported earlier, a recent large-scale prisoner swap between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed republics in Russia-occupied Donbas took place on December 29, 2019, when 76 Ukrainians (12 servicemen and 64 civilians) returned home in exchange for 124 detainees.

Early in January, Ukrainian envoy for the TCG's humanitarian subgroup Valeria Lutkovska said that about 300 people remained in captivity in Donbas.
Actor Priyanka Chopra is in Davos, Switzerland, to attend the ongoing World Economic Forum annual meeting. She took to Instagram to share several stories about her trip.

In a series of posts, Priyanka shared a video of herself sitting in a car, another video from her balcony overlooking the snowy landscapes, and a picture of her entire team sitting across each other on a dinner table. Priyanka was in India on Sunday, when she attended the annual Umang event, in honour of the Mumbai police.

Shed shared a picture of her look on Instagram, which her husband Nick Jonas called stunning in the comments.

According to CNN, Priyanka is set to address world leaders and billionaires in Davos, where she is present as a Global Citizen ambassador, about extreme poverty, climate change and inequity.

According to the official Global Citizen website, Priyanka will take part in a fireside chat with the likes of Belgiums Deputy PM Alexander DeCroo, South African disability activist Eddie Ndopo, P&Gs Chief Brand Officer Marc Pritchard, Chair of the Board of Gavi Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chief Strategy Officer of Verizon Rima Qureshi, Kenyan food and nutrition activist, Wawira Njiru, Teneo CEO Declan Kelly, and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.

Others present in Davos include climate change activist Greta Thunberg, US President Donald Trump, and actor Deepika Padukone, who was honoured with the Crystal Award on Monday. Deepika spoke about the importance of treating mental illness in her speech.

Priyanka was last seen on screen in The Sky is Pink, opposite Farhan Akhtar. She recently wrapped the filming of The White Tiger, a Netflix adaptation of the popular novel, which also stars Rajkummar Rao. She has a superhero film with director Robert Rodriguez and a comedy drama series with Mindy Kaling in the pipeline.

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DAVOS, SWITZERLAND  President Trump diverged sharply from the tone of this week's World Economic Forum in at least two ways during his opening session speech on Tuesday  he was exuberant about the state of the U.S. economy and dismissive of the threat from climate change.

Between the lines: Trump didn't mention impeachment in a campaign-style address in which he claimed to have launched a U.S. "economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before."

The big picture: He also lambasted "prophets of doom"  an apparent reference to climate activists like Greta Thunberg, with whom he is sharing top billing in Davos.

After heralding a boom in U.S. oil and gas, Trump said the U.S. was committed to "ensuring the majesty of God's creation," but added that "now is not the time for pessimism."

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse. They are the heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers."

As expected, Trump celebrated his trade deal with Canada and Mexico as well as the "phase one" trade agreement with China.

He strained credulity by claiming to have clinched "the two biggest trade deals ever made" in the span of a week, insisting the economy was in a "dismal state" when he took power.

At the heart of his speech was a claim to have revolutionized the American economy over three years with a "blue collar boom" that was only just beginning  a message perhaps tailored more for Detroit than Davos.

Trump also took the opportunity to bash the Federal Reserve, which he said "has raised rates too fast and lowered them too slowly."

On China, Trump said Beijing's economic practices had been "getting worse and worse" under his predecessors but would now be reined in.

He added the U.S.-China relationship "went through a rough patch" but "has never, ever been better."

Of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said: "Hes for China, Im for the U.S., but other than that we love each other."

In the room: Trump entered and exited to applause, but was only applauded during the speech when he mentioned a commitment to plant one trillion trees. Attendees occasionally chuckled and shook their heads at some of his brasher pronouncements.

He did not take any questions.

What's next: The president's schedule in Davos includes meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Iraqi President Barham Salih.

Go deeper: What's worrying the Davos crowd
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Global Nematicides Market was valued US$ 1.14 Bn in 2017 and is projected to reach US$ 1.52 Bn at a CAGR of 3.66 %.

Biotechnology innovation has increased the value of some field crop seed by introducing new traits, end user has demanded better protection of the seedling to maximize their return on investment posing an opportunity to nematicides market.

Growing need to increase crop yield and quality due to reduction in arable land coupled with the benefit of higher crop quality and yield with the use of nematicides is driving the global nematicides market. Increase in the cost of high-quality seeds, like the hybrid, and genetically modified seeds, cost efficiency of seed treatment systems, the temperature on the product of crop protection chemicals limitations linked to soil structure, and encouraging government regulations are driving the market growth for nematicides. However, environmental and human hazards with the use of chemical nematicides, strict government regulations on pesticides, and the development of transgenic crops are the factors restraining the market growth. New active ingredients have been introduced that present new opportunities for seed protection. New insect protection genetics in corn and cotton have changed the spectrum of pests to protect against, resulting in the need to rethink crop protection strategies.

Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/4015

Fumitant dominated the market in 2017 due to the advantages like no residue leftover, no resistance development, and excellent activity. While the bionematicides segment is projected to grow rapidly during the forecast period, owing to growing environmental and public health concerns with the use of chemical nematicides. Increasing demand for organic farming, demand for chemical residue free agricultural products, and government support to use biological nematicides across the globe further impels the growth of biological nematicides market.

Solid form dominated the nematicides market. Air contamination disadvantage of solid form overcomes by liquid-based nematicides also are cost-effective in terms of material and handling. Nematicides in the liquid form have the flexibility for more accurate and direct placement of the nematicides to the target crop.

North America dominated the global nematicides market in 2017 followed by Europe and Latin America. North America is blessed with large arable land. Increasing demand for crop yield & efficiency and growing organic farming thus drives the nematicides market growth. Asia Pacific region registers the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the growing population in the region which increases the use of nematicides to control the losses due to nematodes and enhance crop yield.

The report covers total market for nematicides has been analyzed based on Porter's five forces model. The impact of the different market factors, such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities, challenges key issues SWOT analysis, and technology forecasting is also illustrated in the report. This gives an idea about the key drivers, such as high growth and demand in emerging economies countries. Highly reliable and independent assessment of the competitive positions of the major suppliers of nematicides in terms of product sales and market share within each country is provided in the report.

The Dow Chemical Company, Syngenta, FMC Corporation, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Monsanto Company, Bayer CropScience AG, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, Brandt Consolidated, Inc., Isagro S.p.A., Marrone Bio Innovations Inc., BASF SE, Nufarm Limited, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd., and Certis USA are major players operating in the global nematicides market.

Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/4015



Scope of the Global Nematicides Market



Global Nematicides Market, by Product:

Fumigant

Carbamate

Organophosphate

Bionematicide



Global Nematicides Market, by Form:

Liquid

Solid



Global Nematicides Market, by Region:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East & Africa



Key Players analysed in the Report:

Bayer CropScience AG

BASF SE

The Dow Chemical Company

Syngenta

FMC Corporation

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

Monsanto Company

Nufarm Limited

ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd.

AMVAC Chemical Corporation

Brandt Consolidated, Inc.

Isagro S.p.A.

Marrone Bio Innovations Inc.

Certis USA L.L.C.

Full View of Report Description: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/analysis/MMR/global-nematicides-market
Here are todays top news, analysis and opinion curated for you at this hour. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.

Kumar Vishvas caustic attack on Arvind Kejriwal on his all part of family tweet

Arvind Kejriwal, who had landed at the Delhi election office on Shahjahan Road early on Tuesday, found that there were 40-plus candidates waiting to file their nomination papers from the prestigious seat. Read more

In Supreme Court tomorrow, 144 petitions on Citizenship Amendment Act

The petitions first came up for a hearing before the top court on December 18, 2019 when the court issued notice to the central government and its top law officer, Attorney General KK Venugopal. Only 60-odd petitions had been filed by then. Read more

Call off your agitation: Delhi L-G appeals to Shaheen Bagh protesters

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday appealed to a delegation of protesters from Shaheen Bagh who called on him to end their agitation against the CAA because of the inconvenience it has been causing to schoolchildren, patients and general public. Read more

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal files his nomination for Delhi elections after a 6-hour long wait

Kejriwal is contesting from the New Delhi constituency. He is up against Romesh Sabharwal of the Congress and Sunil Yadav of the BJP. He is hoping to win from the constituency for the third time. Read more

How Akali-BJP ties in Punjab could come under strain over CAA, Delhi polls

The development has not only laid bare fault lines over the CAA within the National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, but is also likely to impact the SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab where the Akalis are the dominant partner. Read more

What happens to Rishabh Pant: Gautam Gambhir raises question after KL Rahul finds support as wicket-keeper

Gambhr hailed Rahul as an invaluable middle-management asset and said that he can be groomed for bigger roles in the future. Read more

Kangana Ranaut on Saif Ali Khans no concept of India before British comment: If there was no Bharat, what was Mahabharat?

Actor Kangana Ranaut has weighed in on the controversy surrounding actor Saif Ali Khans recent comments about Indias history and identity. Kangana said people are following smaller narratives that they have created to suit themselves. Read more

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite launched in India: Check price, specifications, and features

Samsung on Tuesday announced the launch of its Galaxy Note 10 Lite smartphone in India. Samsung Galaxy Note10 Lite is priced at Rs 38,999 for 6GB variant and Rs 40,999 for 8GB variant. Pre-booking of Galaxy Note10 Lite starts from January 21 at 2:00 PM. Read more

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New Delhi, Jan 21 : BJP's Rajya Sabha member Chaudhary Birendra Singh's resignation has been accepted, a government notification said. He was representing Haryana.

Then a Union minister, Singh had offered to resign back in April last year when his son Brijendra Singh got a ticket from Haryana's Hisar. He had written to then party chief Amit Shah. He had stated that his decision was to uphold the BJP's stand that it is against 'dynastic rule', something the BJP uses against parties like Congress, NCP, and RJD. Holding a press conference, he had then declared the purpose was to send across a message of anti-dynastic politics as his son had got a Lok Sabha ticket.

In November, he finally resigned from the upper house of the parliament. At that time, after resignation, he had said, "I took this step as I did not want people to raise fingers on my family or accuse me of promoting nepotism. I was elected to the upper house in 2016 for a six-year term and still had more than three years left." Now, his resignation has been formally accepted.

Interestingly, Chaudhary Birender Singh did not share very warm relations with Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala of the JJP, who is also an ally of the BJP in the state. His public outbursts against Chautala is believed to be the reason his resignation was finally accepted so that the BJP can disassociate itself from his attacks on the BJP ally.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday approached the Delhi High Court challenging the decision to amend the hostel manual contending that it is "mala fide, arbitrary, illegal and adversely affects the student community".

JNUSU filed a petition, which is likely to come up for hearing on Wednesday, challenging the Inter Hostel Administration's decision to amend the hostel manual.

The plea sought directions of the court to restrain the JNU administration from imposing late fee on students for registrations in the winter semester-2020 and from taking any actions which would give effect to the draft hostel manual.

The petition was moved by advocates Abhik Chimni, Aman Shukla, Mayank Goyal and Aarti on behalf of JNUSU members including its president Aishe Ghosh, vice president Saket Moon among others.

It challenged the amendments including an increase in hostel fee, affecting the rights of those in reserved categories like allocation of hostel rooms, and reduced representation of JNUSU in the IHA amongst other changes.

The petition further stated that no clarity has been provided in the amended IHA on how this categorisation is to work in the University.

"That the financial category of this scholarship is laid down clearly as applicable to students whose income does not exceed INR 2,50,000. That students in the University who fall under the category of merit cum means scholarship benefited from a reduced rate in terms of hostel room rent," the petition said.

The JNUSU, in the pea, also alleged that the hostel presidents, who are all members of the IHA and are democratically elected representatives, were sent an email dated October 28, 2019, at 2:50 pm stating that the reconvened meeting is to take place at 3 pm.

"This action of the Chairperson of the IHA insured that the IHA was held with no student representation, defeating the mandate of the hostel manual of including the views of the stakeholders when changing the provisions of the hostel manual," the plea added.

It said that JNUSU and hostel presidents wrote to the JNU administration on several occasions in the matter but the university refused to take any action and "in fact allowed the ratification of this illegal meeting".

The students of JNU have been protesting for over two months against the new hostel manual, which hiked hostel and service charges and imposed several restrictions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) expects new product launches to help the company sustain sales momentum next fiscal even as it sees short-term challenge to demand after BS-VI norms come into effect from April 1, a top company official said.

The company, whose market share has increased by 1 per cent this year despite a 7 per cent de-growth in overall volume, is also gearing up to cater to diesel vehicle demand with main rival Maruti Suzuki India walking out of the segment.

"Last year (2019-20) has been a very challenging period not only for us but for the entire industry. We witnessed a de-growth despite launching products like Venue and Kona. Our annual volume de-grew by 7 per cent last year, but still our situation was better than the industry," HMIL MD and CEO SS Kim told PTI.

On company's outlook for next fiscal, he added: "We strongly believe that the sales momentum can be carried forward in coming year as well because we are launching Aura, new Creta shortly and other products as well...I believe we can outperform and can do better in coming year as well."



Kim said the auto industry would not be impacted much even with vehicle prices going up due to adoption of new regulatory mechanisms.

"From price perspective, due to change in regulations, cost will increase and it will have some negative impact on the demand. But at the same time, there will be customers who would like to opt for new technology and would help in increase in sales as well," he noted.

When asked about the entry of Chinese automakers in the country and its impact on established players like HMIL, Kim said, "The difference between us and them is that while they are bringing their existing products, we have been developing products specifically for the Indian market."



"We have developed products like Venue keeping in mind Indian customer. We make products after understanding the unique requirements of customers here. That is the main difference. Besides, we are present here for over two decades now and have established a wide sales network," he added.

Besides SAIC-owned MG Motor, which is already established in the country, few other Chinese automakers like Great Wall Motor Company and First Automotive Works (FAW) are likely to announce their entry into Indian auto market in the upcoming Auto Expo.

When asked to comment on increase in competition in the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the entry of Chinese companies, Kim said that HMIL has globally accepted products which could be introduced in the country.

"The Chinese OEMs sell most of their electric vehicle volume in China, but in our case we are selling in Europe, US and many other advanced markets. We can bring globally accepted EVs into the market and at the same time we are also developing mass market EV especially for this market," he added.

The mass market EV will be developed according to the needs of the Indian customer, Kim noted, adding that the company has already initiated work on the project.

HMIL has already sold 300 units of Kona Electric and has also received additional bookings for 400 units, he said.

Besides, the company would continue to offer diesel vehicles as there would be much bigger demand for such vehicles after Maruti Suzuki getting out of the equation, Kim said.

The company would try "not to surprise" customers with pricing for BS-VI diesel cars, he noted.

"Our R&D and procurement teams are working at ways to reduce cost as we would like to give affordable solution to the customers," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is not bluffing about the possibility of slapping tariffs on European cars.

"They know that I'm going to put tariffs on them if they don't make a deal that's a fair deal," the president told The Wall Street Journal about ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union.

Trump's threat to put tariffs on a key European export  and once again ratchet up trade tensions with the economic bloc  has sparked backlash from European officials and companies. The White House has repeatedly delayed a decision on whether to put tariffs on cars from Europe. Trump did not reveal to the newspaper a deadline for his tariff decision.

The president made the comments Tuesday as government and business figures including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump met with von der Leyen on Tuesday after speaking to the Journal.
Credit: FAST

The world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope is officially open for business, according to Xinhua, China's official state-run media. The FAST Radio Telescope saw first light in 2016, but has been undergoing testing and commissioning since then. FAST stands for Five-hundred meter Aperture Spherical Telescope.

FAST's nickname is Tianyan, which means "Eye of the Sky" or "Eye of Heaven." It's built in a natural depression in Guizhou, Southwest China. Among other things, its scientific goals are to study pulsars. FAST has already discovered two of those, in August 2017.

FAST's name is not exactly accurate. Though it does have a 500 meter diameter, only 300 meters of it is used at any one time. The telescope is active and can change so that one 300 meter segment is focused on the receiver.

According to Xinhua, all the technical indicators from FAST are meeting or exceeding planned levels. FAST is a powerful radio telescope, and scientists think it will make some major discoveries, especially in its first couple of years.

FAST's science goals include:

FAST will also perform two sky surveys, which will take about five years. It'll take another 10 years just to analyze all that data. Still, there's room for flexibility in the telescope's operational schedule to pursue any surprises that come up. The surveys will take up about half of the telescope's observing time, leaving room for objectives like searching for exoplanets with magnetic fields, which are probably crucial for life.

FAST has a 500 meter diameter but only 300 meters is "illuminated" at once. Image Credit: By Phoenix7777Own workData source: (2011-05-20). "The Five-Hundred-Meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) Project" Credit: International Journal of Modern Physics D 20 (6): 9891024. DOI:10.1142/S0218271811019335., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51795209

FAST's power is already clear to astronomers. The telescope discovered two new pulsars in August 2017. In fact, the telescope has discovered 102 pulsars in just over two years. XINHUA is happy to point out in their press release that this is more than the total number of pulsars discovered by researchers in the US and Europe during the same time period.

FAST's sensitivity allows for the timing of pulsars to be measured about 50 times more accurately than before. With FAST, researchers will be able to measure extremely low-frequency Nahertz gravitational waves for the first time.

In terms of sky coverage, FAST is a huge step forward for radio astronomy. It has expanded four times the volume of the space range that radio telescopes can effectively explore. This is a leap, and it means that "scientists can discover more unknown stars, cosmic phenomena and laws of the universe, or even detect extraterrestrial life," said Li Kejia, a scientist at the Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Peking University. China never shies away from grandiose claims about its various accomplishments, but in this case, FAST may be truly revolutionary.

FAST in its home in a natural karst basin in Guizhou, southwest China. Credit: Xinhua/Ou Dongqu

FAST was completed in 2016, 20 years after it was first proposed. It cost about $170 million US to build. It's operated by the Chinese National Astronomical Observatory, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. China intends to allow international researchers to use the facility, mirroring how other astronomical facilities are used around the world. So far, almost ten scientists from other countries have already used FAST.

FAST has superseded the world's previous largest radio telescope, the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Both telescopes are large parabolic dishes, and both can only use a portion of their area at a time. But FAST is not just larger, it's operated differently and is more flexible. While Arecibo is a fixed shape, FAST can change its surface shape.

FAST is kind of like a segmented mirror telescope. Its surface is made of nearly 4500 individual panels. There are more than 2200 winches on the underside which can shape the surface, forming a parabola aimed at different parts of the sky. FAST is a significantly deeper dish than Arecibo, too, which gives it a wider field of view.

FAST is a massive scientific megaproject. Four photos of its construction from left to right. Credit: FAST/National Astronomical Observatories of Chinese Academy of Sciences

This diagram compares the Arecibo radio telescope (top) in Puerto Rico with Chinas FAST telescope (bottom.). Credit: Cmglee  Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50085510

Arecibo can use its entire surface to observe something directly overhead, but that's rare. Objects typically aren't at zenith, and are observed with an inclined view and a surface area of only about 221 meters diameter. FAST's 300-meter-diameter aperture is a significant advantage.

According to some reports, China is having trouble staffing the telescope internally, as they have few radio astronomers. They've been trying to recruit internationally, but one of the obstacles may be the telescope's remote location. China is also looking for a chief scientist for FAST, but according to some reports, there is reluctance among qualified personnel because of fears of China's heavy handed authoritative approach.

Explore further FAST's first discovery of a millisecond pulsar

More information: Rendong Nan et al. The Five-Hundred-Meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) Project, International Journal of Modern Physics D (2011). Rendong Nan et al. The Five-Hundred-Meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) Project,(2011). DOI: 10.1142/S0218271811019335
Taal volcano alert level remains high as concerns grow about illnesses that may develop due to conditions in temporary shelters.

More than a week after the Taal volcano erupted in the Philippines, about 100,000 people remain in evacuation shelters.

The Philippine government says funds are available for emergency needs. But there is a growing concern for the long-term rehabilitation of those forced to leave their homes.

Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan reports from Batangas province.
By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Presidential aide, Head of Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev and NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana have discussed Azerbaijan-NATO partnership during Hajiyevs visit to NATO Headquarters on 20 January.

In the course of discussions, Hajiyev with counterparts from NATO exchanged views on the Azerbaijan-NATO partnership, the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, regional security and other issues of mutual interest.

He informed the allied nations about the ongoing reforms in the country.

The NATO countries highly appreciated Azerbaijan's active participation in the Partnership for Peace program, contribution to NATO-led operations and its progress in enhancing interoperability and defence reforms.

Hajiyevs visit to NATO HQ coincided with the 30th anniversary of the 20 January tragedy. Presidential aide spoke about the significance of this event in the history of Azerbaijan. NATO officials and member states have expressed their solidarity with the Azerbaijani people and profound respect to the memory of martyrs.

Azerbaijan-NATO relationship dates back to March 1992 when Azerbaijan together with some Central and Eastern European countries, joined a newly established consultative forum  the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC), which was transformed into the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council later in 1997.

The cornerstone of the substantive partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO was laid down on 4 May 1994 when the late President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev signed the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Framework Document.

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 partnerships, regional security, Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, peace support operations, contribution to Afghanistan, emerging security challenges etc. are the matters of bilateral discussions and consultations. The high-level political dialogue based on mutual understanding promotes progress in the practical cooperation.

Azerbaijan actively supported the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from 2002 to the end of the NATO-led operation in 2014. The country currently supports the follow-on Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces. The country has been participating in the NATOs Resolute Support Training, Advice and Assistance Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan since 1st January 2015 after the completion of ISAF. In January 2018, Azerbaijan increased the number of its peacekeepers in the RSM Mission from 94 to 120 servicemen, including 6 officers, who are represented at various headquarters of the RSM Mission, and also 2 military doctors.

In the past two years Azerbaijan has been hosting the meeting between military officials from NATO and Russian Armed Forces.

---

Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Routes have signed their first formal agreement in history. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sees AFRAA, the leading trade Association for African airlines and Routes, the organiser of the leading route development events for the industry, work together to stimulate new air services and champion the African aviation industry.

Projections have indicated that, within the next 20 years, the African continent will be one of the fastest-growing aviation markets - accounting for 334 million passengers by 2037. Under this partnership which demonstrates the growing importance of African aviation industry, AFRAA and Routes will work jointly on sharing of data and analytics, promotion of key issues that are affecting airlines and airports within Africa, access to media opportunities among other mutually beneficial actions.

This MoU is beneficial to support the development of aviation in Africa which is growing at above global average rates but accounts for less that 3% of global traffic. Strong partnerships among industry stakeholders are instrumental to the realisation of African aviations potential which will result to economic and social benefits for the continent. said Mr. Abderahmane Berthe, AFRAA Secretary General.

Berthe added: Among our new strategic objectives is to become a hub for data intelligence and expertise on the African Aviation Industry. African airlines have to keep up with the developments through proper information management and data intelligence. We count on the data and analytics support from this partnership to back this objective.

Mr. Steven Small, brand director for Routes, said: We are delighted to have established a formalised agreement with AFRAA, following many years of working closely together. The synergies in values between our organisations, regarding driving a sustainable air transport industry for the African region, makes this a powerful partnership that we are excited to develop.

Small added; For over a decade, Routes has recognised the importance of enhancing intra-Africa connectivity. We are delighted that senior leaders from AFRAA will continue to support and join us at our future events.
In 2019, Ukraines privatization revenues were twice as high as in 2018

Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk has instructed the leadership of the State Property Fund to privatize more than 300 objects in 2020. He wrote about it on his Telegram page.

"We have prepared the groundwork for small-scale privatization by the New Year, and this month we have announced 87 transparent auctions. I have instructed Dmytro Sennychenko, the chairman of the State Property Fund, to conduct transparent privatization of over 300 objects planned for this year, Honcharuk wrote.

According to him, in 2019, Ukraines privatization revenues were twice as high as in 2018.

"In the first quarter, the State Property Fund plans to announce more than 200 auctions with a new quality of disclosure. In order for this to happen, the State Property Fund has launched a virtual data room. This is a pilot project where all enterprise documents will be available in electronic format to everyone. The investor should know not only the name of the enterprises but also the current state of affairs, the PM wrote.

As we reported earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers transferred 530 state-owned enterprises, the total cost of which is more than 512 million dollars, for privatization. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk has informed about it on his Twitter page.

Auctions are scheduled to begin in 2020.

"In almost 4 months, more state-owned objects have been transferred for privatization than in all 28 years of independence," Ukraines PM wrote.
A fact-finding team sent by Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to Madhya Pradesh to meet the affected Sikh families whose houses were razed during an anti-encroachment drive in Sheopur districts Karahal tehsil, accused the government officials having allegiance with the BJP of persecuting the community members deliberately.

Houses of 11 Sikh families were razed and crops around the dwellings levelled with tractors in the last week of December as a part of the state governments anti-land mafia drive.

Punjab revenue minister Gurpreet Singh Kangar, who is heading the eight-member team, said: After meeting the affected families, its clear that the Sikhs were singled out to persecute them despite the fact they all have legal documents regarding ownership of the land they are occupying. The officials responsible for such a cruelty are working for the BJP.

Replying to a question, Kangar said the Kamal Nath government was not to blame for the action. The officials did this to defame the government in the eyes of Sikhs.

I will submit my report to chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh who will then decide the next course of action, said Kangar.

During the visit, the team interacted with district collector Pratibha Pal and superintendent of police Nagendra Singh and asked them why the houses were razed without following the principles of natural justice and why only Sikhs were singled out.

FREE LAND FROM ENCROACHMENTS

The land of poor tribals should be freed from the clutches people from Punjab and Haryana, said BJP leader and local MLA Seetaram Adivasi while welcoming the fact-finding team.

Saharia tribals thousands of acres of land was illegally occupied by people from Punjab and Haryana. I appreciate the action taken by Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath who has launched the drive to get freed land encroached upon illegally, he said.

SAD, SGPC TEAM MEETS AFFECTED FAMILIES

Another team of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also visited the area and met the affected Sikh families on Tuesday.

Talking to media, SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said: This was all done at the instructions of the Kamal Nath government as he is anti-Sikh. If action was not taken against guilty officials and compensation not given to the affected families, the SAD will launch an agitation.

Sheopur collector Pratibha Pal said: The teams assessed the situation at their own level. We apprised them of the facts based on which action was taken.

The Sikhs were victimised at the instance of the Kamal Nath government. The BJP has already been raising the issue since the state government launched the drive that the land mafia was being shielded and innocents are being victimised. There are also reports of extortion by government officials in the name of anti-mafia drive, said Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal.

State Congress media coordinator Narendra Saluja said: The state government has already taken action against certain government officials. The opposition leaders are politicising the issue as people have rejected them and they are frustrated with Kamal Nath government having completed more than a year in office. The CM has assured all Sikh families that no injustice would be done to them.

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INDIANOLA, Iowa - The race for the Democratic nomination burst into a multifront flurry of attacks and counterattacks on Sunday, as the largely issue-driven contest veered personal just two weeks before the first vote.

The aggression came from multiple candidates on multiple fronts, with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and former Vice President Joe Biden sparring about Social Security while Sanders aides excoriated Biden for his record on race.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., criticized Mike Bloomberg for postponing the release of his financial disclosure statements, saying that the billionaire and former New York mayor is "trying to skip the democracy part of the election" and that voters won't know of potential financial entanglements until after Super Tuesday.

It is all unfolding in the midst of a confrontation between Sanders and Warren over gender and electability, which continued to play out Sunday, when Sanders said he believed gender is an obstacle for any female presidential candidate.

The pent-up feuds are unspooling at an unpredictable moment, with a quartet of candidates essentially tied in Iowa and trying to mobilize two of the most energized portions of the Democratic electorate: suburban women and black voters.

These dynamics are playing out in multiple early-voting states, including in Iowa, where some 60% of likely caucus-goers still undecided, and South Carolina, with its heavily black population and a Feb. 29 primary, in which polls show Biden out ahead.

"There's still such a large group of undecideds, and everyone's goal is to sway the undecideds into their camp," said Tameika Isaac Devine, the influential mayor pro tem of Columbia, South Carolina. "I don't think anybody would necessarily think it's desperation time yet, but there's a strong sense of urgency."

It's unclear how these aggressive attacks will play in a contest where candidates who launch negative attacks are often penalized in the polls.

One of the most fraught areas of debate has been over the role that gender should play as voters consider who would is best-positioned to defeat President Donald Trump. Warren has said Sanders told her in a private meeting in 2018 that a woman could not win, a charge that Sanders denied. After a heated exchange on the debate stage last week, in which he continued to contradict her account, Warren approached Sanders, didn't take his outstretched hand, and said, "I think you called me a liar on national TV."

Asked on Sunday if he thought gender was an obstacle for female candidates, Sanders replied, "The answer is yes."

"But I think everybody has their own sets of problems," he said in an interview with New Hampshire Public Radio. "I'm 78 years of age. That's a problem. . . . If you're looking at Buttigieg, he's a young guy, people will say, 'Well, he's too young to be president. You look at this one, she's a woman.' So everybody, you know, brings some negatives."

"I would just hope very much that the American people look at the totality of a candidate," he said. "Not at their gender, not at their sexuality, not at their age. But at everything. Nobody is perfect. There ain't no perfect candidate out there."

Warren declined to engage in any further debate on the subject. When asked in Des Moines whether being a woman is a political obstacle she said, "I have no further comment on this."

"I have been friends with Bernie for a long time," she said. "We work together on many, many issues. And that's all I'm going to say on this."

Compared with the 2016 Republican primary, when Trump mocked the appearance of his opponents and their wives and was ridiculedabout the size of his hands, this most recent Democratic contest has been mild. Much of the discussion so far has focused on health care policy, troop levels in the Middle East and immigration.

But underlying most of the debate of late is a question of how Trump would use his politics of personal destruction against the eventual nominee, and which Democrat is most equipped to handle that. Sanders has said Trump would launch sexist attacks that could prove effective against Warren. He has also said that Biden has too much "baggage" that the president could weaponize.

Biden, meanwhile, has said that the positions held by Sanders, a democratic socialist, would be used by Trump to defeat him as presidential nominee and could also hurt Democrats in down-ballot races.

Biden has grown increasingly agitated over the tone Sanders had taken with him recently, and had been simmering over a video his rival's campaign was pushing that suggested Biden wanted to cut Social Security.

In an indication that the attacks were resonating, a voter here on Saturday pressed Biden about his position. Biden initially hesitated to name Sanders, saying that his campaign advisers would probably urge him not to challenge his rival over a video that his campaign had been circulating online.

"It's simply a lie," Biden said of a video that showed him lauding Paul Ryan for wanting to cut Social Security. "This is a doctored tape. And I think it's beneath [Sanders]. And I'm looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it. But they haven't done it yet."

The video did not appear to have been "doctored" - which Biden twice claimed - but it had taken his comments out of context. Biden's campaign has said that he was mocking, not lauding, Ryan's position.

Still, there are other videos of Biden that show him expressing an openness to considering changes to entitlement programs.

When Biden was asked during his 2008 presidential campaign whether he would consider changing the cost-of-living increases or the age of eligibility for Medicare and Social Security, he said "absolutely."

"You have to," he said on NBC News' Meet the Press. "It's - one of the things that my, you know, the political advisers say to me is, 'Whoa, don't touch that third [rail]' - look, the American people aren't stupid. It's a real simple proposition. . . . You've got to put all of it on the table."

Sanders on Sunday acknowledged that the video one of his aides promoted should have shown fuller context of Biden's remarks, but he insisted Biden's record deserves to be scrutinized.

"I think anyone who looks at the vice president's record understands that time after time after time, Joe has talked about the need to cut Social Security," Sanders said in response to a question from The Washington Post as he left a radio interview in New Hampshire. "I don't think that that is disputable."

Asked to respond, Biden campaign spokesman Andrew Bates called Biden "a champion of Social Security" and pointed to legislative scorecards when Biden was a senator from Delaware. One group, the Alliance for Retired Americans, listed him as having a 96% lifetime score for issues that impact retirees in 2008, his last year as a senator.

Warren has been more subtle, not mentioning her campaign rivals directly. But over the weekend, she also emphasized her proposal to increase Social Security payments.

She was far more direct in criticizing Bloomberg, who has launched an unusual campaign that avoids the first four states and is instead premised on a fractured field in which his personal wealth can give him an advantage.

"We've got billionaires who think they can just buy an election," Warren said. "He's decided to skip the 'democracy' part of the election. He's not coming to places like Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada and meeting people. Instead, it's all going to be set up for his TV ads, running his TV ads, and making it work."

She also ridiculed him for having been granted an extension until March 20 to file federal forms required of all presidential candidates that would provide a picture of his personal finances.

"Think about this: If he has entanglements with China, serious conflicts of interest, business interests in other parts of the world or other corporations," she said, "when are we going to know about that? Not until after Super Tuesday. That is not how democracy is supposed to work, and we need to shut that down."

Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., have generally avoided squabbles even amid the escalating intensity among the other candidates.

"Now's the time for a closing argument," Buttigieg told reporters over the weekend in Harlan, Iowa. "Mine is going to be about not why I think I have the best policy, but why I'll be the right nominee to take on and defeat Donald Trump - and why I've focused on bringing together not just our party, but our country when the time comes."

The growing friction played out as the leading candidates descended on South Carolina for church services and speeches that will be delivered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, part of a frenetic battle for the support of black voters.

Buttigieg spent Saturday scrambling to place the King holiday event on his schedule, and he faced some blunt criticism about why it wasn't on his calendar in the first place.

Nina Turner, a national co-chair of the Sanders campaign, has tried to poke holes in the argument that Biden is the best option for African Americans.

In an op-ed in the State newspaper in Columbia, Turner, who is black, excoriated Biden's legislative record, saying he'd buddied up to segregationist senators, worked with right-wing Republicans to pass legislation detrimental to black communities and spread the black-woman-welfare-queen stereotype.

"Will our community side with former Vice President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly betrayed black voters to side with Republican lawmakers and undermine our progress?' Turner wrote. "Or will we stand with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and a movement that has been fighting for racial and economic justice since the civil rights era?"

The op-ed sparked a backlash both from Biden supporters and from those who worry that intraparty stone-throwing gives Trump an easier path to reelection.

Bernice Scott, the influential former councilwoman from Richland County, South Carolina, who originally endorsed Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., then, after Harris' departure, Biden, defended the former vice president in her own editorial in the State. It was headlined "African Americans trust and support Joe Biden - and Bernie Sanders' dirty tactics won't change that"

"I'm disappointed to see that Sen. Bernie Sanders and his campaign have taken their eyes off the ball," Scott wrote. "Instead of taking the fight to President Donald Trump, they have turned to tearing down their own."

Later in the day, Sanders also returned to warmer words about Biden.

Asked why, if he disagreed so strongly with Biden's record on Social Security, the former vice president he was so popular with seniors, he paused.

"You know why? I'll tell you why. Because Joe is a nice guy. OK? He is a decent person. He's a friend of mine," Sanders said. "We're not going to make personal attacks on Joe Biden. But I think the records shows that Joe's history in the Senate and my record in Congress are very different."

- - -

The Washington Post's Annie Linskey and Chelsea Janes contributed to this report.
[January 21, 2020] Following the Success of its Residency Program Pesto Tech Launches Pesto Remote - Democratises Learning for Working Professionals

The programme runs for 16 weeks and requires two years of relevant work experience in software engineering

Developed following the success of Pesto's Residency programme, to scale its offerings on a pan- India level

level Designed to teach advanced coding skills in conjunction with soft and people skills and leadership attributes

No upfront charges for the programme. Instead, candidates pay a percentage of their future income only after making more than 1.5x to 2x their current income NEW DELHI, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pesto Tech, the homegrown edu-tech company redefining Indian engineering careers, today announced the launch of Pesto Remote, the online version of their pioneering upskilling programme. Through this addition to its academic repertoire, Pesto will now provide its next-level learning, development, and skills solutions to candidates across the country from the convenience of their homes. The newly launched program is another step towards Pesto mission of enabling global pay parity and borderless opportunities for Indian engineers. Pesto operates on a unique Income Sharing Agreement model (ISA) and charges a zero fee upfront. Once a student has completed the programme and embarked upon a career of their choosing, they pay 17 percent of their monthly income for a maximum period of 36 months. Thus far, more than 1.1 lakh developers signed up on the platform for its Residency and Pro programmes from across India, with only 123 engineers making the cut. Graduates have gone on to secure jobs with top tech startups including Rippling, Swiggy, and many other YC companies, with the average salary being north of 30 lakhs. Pesto's residency program gives it's students an average 5x increase in their salaries with pay packages going as high as 65 lakhs per annum. Pesto Remote has been co-created by the Pesto team and its graduates as well as with feedback from the engineering community. The aim was to create a program that not only addresses the challenges for Indian engineers but develop a customised learning experience aligned to their convenience. This has been a endeavour in line with Pesto's mission to break boundaries and open the opportunities the program offers to everyone.



"Pesto was founded for one purpose - upskilling India's five million software engineers and giving them access to borderless job opportunities. The launch of Pesto Remote has taken us a step closer to that goal. Through this programme, we're excited at the chance to connect with talent across India, and help an even wider swathe of the engineering community fully realise and utilise their innate potential," said Ayush Jaiswal, Co-Founder and joint CEO of Pesto Tech, at the launch. So far under the confines of the residency program, Pesto grads had to leave their jobs and move to Pesto training centres for a 12-week intensive training limiting the scale of each batch and the access for engineers pan India. Pesto Remote solves for this by expanding Pesto's offering for the engineers across the country further incentivises candidates by removing the need to travel to Pesto's training hub in New Delhi. This allows working professionals the opportunity to participate at zero opportunity cost, offering a true democratisation of the system. The programme will run for 16 weeks and will be delivered via a mix of live classes and self-paced learning modules with group discussions and personalised mentoring. The first batch is scheduled to begin on the 29th of February, 2020. Open to software engineers with over two years of relevant experience, the course is divided into two core sections:

Weeks 1 to 6 consist of Advanced Web Engineering and will cover topics such as Javascript, git, functional programming, test-driven development, continuous dev and integration, accessibility, and clean code, among others

Weeks 7 to 16 will serve as a Deep Dive into Advanced JavaScript, React, Node, Mongo, and Redux Independent. This section will bring candidates on par with international standards Additionally, the programme offers optional modules on Open Source Apprenticeship and Live Product Development to eligible candidates. These will allow students the opportunity to practice their skills and work alongside domain experts on live projects. By engaging online through a combination of live lectures, group discussions, and practical assignments designed and prepared by Pesto's faculty, participants will learn to develop and showcase their talent as world-class full-stack engineers. Founded in 2018, Pesto Tech is an intensive training program dedicated to empowering India's top software engineers and giving them access to borderless job opportunities. What Pesto offers is a 12-week program enabling young engineers with a lifelong upskilling strategy and a strong community of alumni. They train experienced software engineers by connecting them to mentors from renowned brands from India and the US. It helps software engineers in India break into international tech careers via full-time remote jobs resulting in a career leap worthy of their skills and qualifications. About Pesto: College drop-outs Ayush Jaiswal and Andrew Linfoot started Pesto completely bootstrapped and went on to raise seed money from Matrix Partners, Swiggy founders and others. Pesto currently operates with an Income Sharing Agreement model for students allowing anyone in the country to afford the program at 0 fee upfront. The income sharing agreement stipulates that Pesto grads will share 17% of their income (depending on the nature of their programme) with Pesto for 36 months after they have achieved a growth of at least 1.5x to 2x their salary at the time of joining the program. Read more about Pesto here

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How extraordinary, then, that some Republican Senators are now pushing to deliver precisely what Ukraine refused to provide. As Mr. Trumps impeachment trial begins, Republicans like Rand Paul have insisted that, if any witnesses testify, those witnesses include Hunter Biden.

Mr. Trump himself has gone further, demanding that Hunter and Joe Biden testify. But to have any Biden testify would give Mr. Trump exactly what he sought from Ukraine. After all, neither Biden is actually a relevant witness: neither has insight into whether Mr. Trump committed the impeachable offenses of which he stands accused. That type of relevant witness  which would include John Bolton and Mick Mulvaney  is precisely the type that the president and Senate allies like Mr. Paul and Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, are resisting.

The Bidens, by contrast, know nothing and therefore have nothing to say about what Mr. Trump ordered, why he did it, or whether it constitutes a high crime or misdemeanor such that the presidents removal from office is constitutionally justified. They are, in short, irrelevant witnesses.

But if a Biden is a witness, his actual testimony would not matter because Mr. Trump, loudly echoed by his political and media allies, would endlessly insist that the Biden familys impropriety had been proven beyond any doubt by needing to testify before the Senate about its purported misdeeds. Fox News would roll endless clips of the questions Senate Republicans would ask of either Biden while keeping the cameras on the witness, then cutting away before showing the answers. This would be enough  more than enough  to lead many Americans to believe that Joe Biden indeed had done something wrong, even if they couldnt say exactly what it was.

That would be a dangerous infection of Americas 2020 election and an even more damaging step for American democracy over the long haul. In 2016, election interference began with Russian disinformation and continued with Americas amplifying it. In 2020, were already seeing election interference that begins with American disinformation and then continues with Russian social media accounts amplifying it. Testimony from either Biden would bring that disturbing trend onto the hallowed floor of the Senate.
Land reclaimed using geomorphic techniques blends in with undisturbed terrain in the Gas Hills of Fremont County in central Wyoming. Credit: Wyoming DEQ

A new approach to reclaiming lands disturbed by surface mining is having the desired result of improving ecosystem diversity, including restoration of foundation species such as sagebrush, according to a study by University of Wyoming researchers.

The study by Associate Professor Kristina Hufford and graduate student Kurt Fleisher, in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, looked at former uranium and coal mine sites in central and southwest Wyoming reclaimed under the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. The research was published recently in the Journal of Environmental Management.

"We found that the areas reclaimed using the new techniques, called geomorphic reclamation, had greater species diversity and improved plant community structure when compared with areas reclaimed using traditional practices," Hufford says. "There is strong evidence that geomorphic reclamation may be a better candidate than traditional reclamation to restore foundation species such as sagebrush in Wyoming."

Traditional reclamation techniques generally have created landscapes with uniform topography and linear slopes, sometimes resulting in problems with erosion, as well as less-than-desired revegetation. Geomorphic reclamation is a relatively novel approach intended to mimic the topography of nearby undisturbed lands, with a wide variety of terrain that is stable and less susceptible to erosion.

DEQ's AML Division used both traditional and geomorphic techniques in reclaiming a former uranium mine in the Gas Hills of Fremont County and a former coal mine north of Rock Springs in Sweetwater County. The seeding of those sites was completed in 2007 and 2009, respectively. With funding from DEQ, the UW scientists examined the sites in the summers of 2017 and 2018 to compare plant growth.

While geomorphic techniques didn't result in landscapes exactly matching undisturbed rangeland at either site, the researchers found that geomorphic reclamation was more successful than traditional reclamation from several perspectives.

Most significantly, there was more plant diversity and species richness, including larger numbers of shrubs such as sagebrush and rabbitbrush. These native species are of particular importance to sage grouse, pronghorn and other wildlife species.

"The results of geomorphic reclamation for shrub recovery may have benefits for species that depend upon sagebrush," Hufford says.

The researchers did find that geomorphic reclamation was more successful at the Gas Hills site than the site north of Rock Springs. They say that could be a result of climate differences between the two locations; the fact that the Gas Hills seeding took place two years earlier; and the fact that more native topsoil was used at the Gas Hills site.

They also suggest that seed mixtures could be adjusted to include more native plant species and come closer to matching vegetation on surrounding undisturbed rangelands.

Still, the researchers wrote, "Our results suggest geomorphic reclamation may improve plant community diversity and wildlife habitat as a practical method for landscape-level restoration in post-mining sites."

The issue has particular relevance for Wyoming, where nearly 90,000 acres have been disturbed by surface mining and many more have been permitted for future mining.

Explore further Land reclamation benefits Alberta grizzly bears

More information: Kurt R. Fleisher et al, Assessing habitat heterogeneity and vegetation outcomes of geomorphic and traditional linear-slope methods in post-mine reclamation, Journal of Environmental Management (2019). Journal information: Journal of Environmental Management Kurt R. Fleisher et al, Assessing habitat heterogeneity and vegetation outcomes of geomorphic and traditional linear-slope methods in post-mine reclamation,(2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109854
Reuters

European regulators have imposed 114 million euros ($126 million) in fines for data breaches since tougher privacy rules came into force in mid-2018, with approaches varying widely from country to country.

A report by law firm DLA Piper said France has imposed the biggest single fine  of 50 million euros against Google  while the Netherlands, Britain and Germany led in terms of the number of data breach notifications.

The General Data Protection Regulation was introduced in an effort to safeguard sensitive personal information and prescribes stiff penalties if companies lose control of data or process it without proper consent.

(Also read: Qualcomm fined $271 million by the EU for 'predatory pricing' of its chips)

It is enforced by a patchwork of national data protection offices across the 28-member European Union, with responsibility falling disproportionately on Ireland  the lead regulator for Silicon Valley giants that have based their European operations there, such as Facebook.

The fines to date pale in comparison to multibillion-euro penalties imposed in EU anti-trust cases, but they are likely to rise over time as appeals and litigation subject the sanctions to scrutiny and create legal precedents.

In principle, regulators can impose fines of 2 percent or, in some cases 4 percent, of global turnover. In practice, they will have to judge whether such a heavy penalty would stand up in court, said DLA Piper partner Ross McKean.

Its going to take time  the regulators are going to be wary about going to 4 percent because they are going to get appealed, McKean told Reuters. And you lose credibility as a regulator if youre blown up on appeal.

The largest single penalty threatened so far has been in Britain, where the regulator has proposed a fine of 183 million pounds ($239 million) against British Airways owner IAG over the theft of data of half a million customers.
(A corrected version of retracted news item issued on Jan 17)

KYIV. Jan 21 (Interfax-Ukraine)  A head of an institution coordinated by the National Space Facilities Control and Test Center of the State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) has been detained while taking a bribe of $3,000 in Kyiv, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has reported.

"According to investigators, the indicated official probably received a bribe of $3,000 from a private entrepreneur for signing an agreement on the rental of real estate. The official has been detained," the press service said.

According to the report, investigators of the territorial department of the State Bureau of Investigation under procedural control of the military prosecutor of the Kyiv garrison and operational escort of the National Police of Ukraine detained the official.

The SSAU told Interfax-Ukraine that the head of the Mriya health and preventive rehabilitation center at the National Space Facilities Control and Test Center, which is part of the State Space Agency, was detained. However, he is neither an employee of the State Space Agency, nor a civil servant.
Repurpose Your Christmas Tree to Grow Food, and More!

With the Christmas season officially over, many of us will be disposing of our living Christmas trees. While most municipalities will repurpose your Christmas tree for you by chipping them into mulch; you may like to consider other options for extending the life of your tree. Wildlife habitat Evergreen trees
During lunch last week, I mentioned to a Mexican friend that President Andres Lopez-Obrador is supporting President Trump by stopping the caravans from coming in.

He said yes and no. Let me explain what he is saying.

Yes, it is true that the U.S. warned Mexico about people showing up at the border in the infamous caravans that made the front pages months ago. It sure looks as though Mexico has become the immigration enforcer, or something like that.

My friend also said no. In other words, he feels that President Lopez-Obrador is reacting to local pressures about illegal immigration.

Let me translate: they don't want chaotic caravans, either.

Last summer, Reforma published a poll about Mexican attitudes about caravans. It concluded this:

The poll says that 55 percent of respondents favor deportation, while 33 percent are for granting temporary asylum to the Central Americans, and only 7 percent would give them legal residence in Mexico. Likewise, 64 percent say migrants are a burden and cost Mexican citizens jobs, while 20 percent said they contribute to the country with their work and talent.

Yes, President Trump has taken a tough stance on illegal immigration. He should get credit for that.

At the same time, Mexico is doing its share, and it has more to do with them and us.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
The environment has catapulted to the top of the list of Australians' biggest worries, leapfrogging cost of living, healthcare and the economy.

When asked to pick the top three biggest issues confronting the nation  out of a potential list of 19  41 per cent of participants in an online poll conducted by Ipsos Australia this month put "the environment" in their top three, up 10 percentage points since last month.

Australians' concern about the environment has been slowly rising for the past few years. Credit:Nick Moir, Edwina Pickles, AAP

"Cost of living" and "healthcare" ranked as the equal-second biggest concerns, appearing on the top three lists of 31 per cent of about 1000 people surveyed. The "economy" featured on 25 per cent of lists and "crime" on 21 per cent.

Ipsos social researcher Daniel Evans said the summer's bushfire crisis and continuing drought had focused minds, but environmental concerns had been climbing steadily for half a decade.
A glamorous bikini model has admitted to drink driving three years after she slammed into parked cars while under the influence.

Mary Kate Karskens, 34, was pulled over by police at Haberfield in Sydney's inner- west Sydney at 6.30am for a random breath test last month.

'I am really sorry,' she told Burwood Local Court on Tuesday after returning a reading of 0.051, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Mary Kate Karskens, 34, was pulled over by police at Haberfield in Sydney's inner- west Sydney at 6.30am for a random breath test last month

The court heard Karskens told officers she had not eaten the night before and had consumed 'three 200ml vodka and lemonade mixers'.

Karskens was disqualified from driving for one month and placed on a 12 month interlock order, preventing her from starting her car while over the legal limit.

In October 2016, Karskens crashed into a parked car while driving on Anzac Parade at Kingsford.

In October of 2016 Karskens (pictured) crashed into a parked car, slicing her head open

She recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.130, nearly three times above the legal limit, and also admitted consuming Valium before the crash.

Ms Karskens, who has appeared in the hit SBS comedy Fat Pizza, suffered two 5cm cuts to her forehead after smashing it into the steering wheel in the crash.

'She stated she could not remember any details other than taking one Valium and drinking three glasses of champagne about 30 minutes before entering the vehicle,' court papers obtained by the Daily Telegraph stated.

Witnesses to the crash described viewing Karskens' car swerving across the road before the collision.

Court papers also revealed that after the collision a witness removed Ms Karskens' keys from the ignition as she appeared to be trying to 'flee'.
Hyundai Motor India on Tuesday launched a new compact sedan Aura, priced between Rs 5.79 lakh and Rs 9.22 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), as it looks to consolidate its position in the segment which is currently dominated by the likes of Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze.

Aura comes with BS VI compliant 1.2 litre diesel, one litre turbo petrol and 1.2 litre petrol powertrains.

The 1.2 petrol versions of Aura are priced between Rs 5.79 lakh and Rs 8.04 lakh while the 1.2 litre diesel trims are tagged between Rs 7.73 lakh and Rs 9.22 lakh.

The one litre turbo petrol is priced at Rs 8.54 lakh.

The petrol AMT trims are priced at Rs 7.05 lakh and Rs 8.04 lakh while the diesel versions with similar technology are tagged at Rs 8.23 lakh and Rs 9.22 lakh.

The petrol 1.2 litre (CNG) version is priced at Rs 7.28 lakh.

"The model would help us improve performance in the compact sedan segment which has long been dominated by Dzire and Amaze for a decade now," Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO SS Kim told PTI.

The company's current product offering in the segment, Xcent hasn't fared that well and the new model would help it do much better, he added.

Kim said that the company for the time being would also continue to offer Xcent to the fleet segment.

He added that the model is also being upgraded to conform to BS VI emission norms.

Aura will compete with brands like Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Ford Aspire, which are priced between Rs 5.82-9.79 lakh, in the compact sedan segment.

The compact sedan segment in the country is around 3.4 lakh units per annum.

"The model will be game changer product creating a new excitement and establish new benchmarks in the automobile industry," Kim said.

As per the company, the 1.2 litre petrol variants of Aura come with fuel efficiency of 20.5 and 20.1 kilometer per litre for manual and AMT versions, respectively.

The 1.2 litre diesel manual trims come with fuel efficiency of 25.35 km per litre while the AMT versions come with 25.4 km/litre efficiency, it added.

The one litre petrol turbo, which comes with manual transmission only, comes with a fuel efficiency of 20.5 km per litre, HMIL said.

The vehicle also comes with various features like wireless charger, driver rear view monitor, air curtain among others.

When asked to comment on the company's overall sales outlook for 2020, Kim said that with new models lined up, the firm would like to do much better than last year when its sales had declined by 7 per cent.

"We strongly believe that with Aura, new Creta and other models coming in this year, we can do better and continue our momentum this year," he added.

He said the new models would also help the company to improve its overall market share in the domestic passenger vehicle segment.

Hyundai ended the last year with 17.3 per cent market share in the PV segment against 16.3 per cent in 2018.

Kim said the company also remained leader in passenger vehicle (PV) exports last year with dispatches of 1.8 lakh units to global markets.

He added that HMIL now contributes 10 per cent to parent Hyundai Motor Company's (HMC) global sales.

"The company is now the third largest contributor in HMC's global sales," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PHOENIX  An Arizona inmate whose life sentence for a murder conviction was commuted nearly two months ago by Gov. Doug Ducey remains incarcerated as authorities examine an allegation that he molested a girl during a 1989 prison visit.

The Arizona Capitol Times reports the molestation allegation against Doyle Williams was raised in late December by the girls mother.

An attorney who represents Williams, 70, said authorities concluded at the time that the allegation was unfounded.

The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency said it was not previously aware of the allegation because there was no record of them after the prison investigated and found no evidence of wrongdoing. The Capitol Times obtained the documents through a public records request.

Kathryn Blades, the boards executive director, said it didnt have those records during the first two phases of the commutation hearings and they werent included in the information given to the Republican governor.

Blades said after the board received them, it began working with the department to review the legitimacy of the claim.

Records show the mother called the prison to report the incident on March 25, 1989. She also provided records showing Williams voluntarily reported the incident to prison staff an hour before she called.

Lindsay Herf, a lawyer with the Arizona Justice Project, which represents Williams, said in the groups investigation of the allegation, all of those interviewed expressed a high degree of skepticism.

The board was expected to present its findings at a meeting Tuesday but is instead delaying until it and the Justice Project has presented the findings of its investigation.

The board unanimously recommended that Ducey commute Williams sentence in July, citing his support system, desire to serve his community and near-spotless prison record.

Williams, who has been in prison for 50 years, has maintained his innocence since he was arrested.

Williams was driving a truck belonging to the murder victim, 72-year-old Onnie Hightower, in 1969 when police stopped him for speeding. Police saw alcoholic beverages in the vehicle and arrested Williams and his passenger, 19-year-old Herbert Chambers, for unlawfully possessing liquor as minors.

Twelve hours later, a neighbor found Hightowers body.

Chambers pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was released from prison after serving a few years, but Williams maintained his innocence.

This is the ninth commutation Ducey has granted since he took office in 2015; eight others were all for prisoners on their deathbeds.

One young man, Myreon Hollingsworth, who was at the scene of a murder when he was 15, received a commutation without Duceys signature because the board voted unanimously and Ducey failed to act on it within 90 days.
President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu attend the Berlin Conference on Libyan peace in Berlin, Germany on January 19, 2020. 112 Agency

January 19, Berlin hosted the UN conference to resolve the armed conflict in Libya. Since April 2019, the oil republic has been embraced by the confrontation between the armed forces of the UN-recognized Government of National Accord of Prime Minister Fayez Mustafa al-Sarraj and commander of the Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the government in Tobruk, Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thani.

Field Marshals troops control 80% of the territory of Libya and try to capture Tripoli. Recently, the Libyan National Army resumed the offensive on the capital, and the Turkish authorities decided to send Turkish troops to Libya at the request of Sarraj.

The conference was attended by parties to the conflict, representatives of Russia, the USA, China, UK, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, UAE, Congo, UN, EU, African Union, League of Arab States. The date of the conference was decided after the failed negotiations between Sarraj and Haftar in Moscow on January 14 with the mediation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Erdogan.

Despite the fact that the Libyan national army enjoys the support of Russia, Haftar emphatically refused to dance to the tune of the Kremlin. In Libya, the interests of various global and regional players are intertwined. Russia is not the only country to bet on Haftar in the confrontation with Sarraj in the hope of deriving its benefits.

The failure of Putin and Erdogan

The interests of Russia and Turkey in Libya differ only in that they support different sides of the conflict. Moscow supplies arms and mercenaries to Haftars troops, and the Turkish government provides military assistance to Sarraj. Otherwise, Russia and Turkey are attracted by the same thing: large oil fields, convenient geostrategic location of Libya to create a naval base in the Mediterranean.

Russia hopes that it will be able to restore concessions in the oil and gas sector of Libya, lost after the overthrow of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. De jure, oil production is coordinated by the government structure of the Libyan Oil Company, associated with the government from Tripoli. The de facto production of two-thirds of the volume of oil is carried out in the territory controlled by the Libyan National Army.

Libyan Oil Company has a split between supporters of Haftar and Sarraj. Workers from the eastern part of the country even tried to secede and not deduct money in Tripoli.

Turkey seeks to strengthen its influence in countries that were part of the Ottoman Empire and uses its ties with the Islamists in Libya. At the end of last year, the Muslim Brotherhood group urged Sarraj to allow the opening of a Turkish military base in Libya.

The interests of Turkey echo those of Qatar, which also supports the government of Sarraj and is trying to strengthen its influence in North Africa by developing relations with local Islamists.

Putin and Erdogan decided to be proactive and divide Libya into spheres of influence without the participation of other players, including Arab states, Western countries, which also have interests in this country. The basis of the deal was to be the peace between Haftar and Sarraj. Putin and Erdogan acted as mediators and wanted to start the peace process on themselves, as was the case in Syria as part of the meetings in Astana, to prepare Sarraj and Haftar for negotiations at a conference in Berlin.

At a meeting in Moscow, the parties to the conflict were asked to sign an agreement on guaranteed observance of the ceasefire, the cessation of offensive operations, a demarcation line between their armed forces, measures to stabilize the situation and normalize life in Tripoli and other Libyan cities, and appoint negotiators to further discuss security issues, economics, and political dialogue.

Provided that its interests in the energy sector of Libya were satisfied, Russia would agree to keep Sarraj at the prime ministers office, with whom Erdogan signed an agreement on the maritime border in December, which creates support for Turkeys claims to vast expanses in the Mediterranean Sea.

Russian and Turkish leaders echoed the bitter experience of French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who at one time could not convince the parties to the Libyan conflict to cease fire and hold transparent parliamentary elections. The talks between Sarraj and Haftar in Moscow on January 14 ended in complete failure.

Haftar could intentionally fail the negotiations in Moscow in order to try to achieve peace in Berlin on more favorable terms for himself and more influential sponsors than Russia. The goal of Haftar and at-Thani is to extend the power of the government in Tobruk to the whole country and take control of the financial flows from the oil trade. Oil sales represent 82% of exports and 60% of Libyan GDP.

The government in Tobruk was formed by the Libyan Parliament House of Representatives following the 2014 parliamentary elections. Libyan MPs left Tripoli due to a conflict with the Islamist opposition. The unsuccessful negotiations between Sarraj and Haftar in Moscow refute the version that Russia and Turkey are supposedly able to effectively resolve the conflict in Libya.

Interests of the Arab States

Key sponsors of the Libyan National Army have a significant impact on Haftars position in negotiations with Sarraj: the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. These countries supply arms and ammunition to Haftars troops, including anti-aircraft missile systems and drones, bypassing the UN embargo, and transfer funds to bribe Libyan tribal leaders and pay mercenaries. The supply of the Libyan national army is carried out through the Egyptian-Libyan border.

The key interest of the UAE and Egypt is Libyan oil and the construction sector. Companies from these countries supply oil from fields in the east of Libya and buy it at a price lower than the market price of $ 55 per barrel.

Last year, a deal was concluded to supply 2 million barrels of oil to the UAE from the Libyan port of Mars al-Harik. The government in Tobruk has provided contractors from the UAE with a contract to rebuild Benghazi infrastructure.

Authorities in the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia see Haftar as a counterweight to the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamic organizations in North Africa.

Field Marshal positions himself as a fighter against Islamic extremism. The secular regimes of the Arab countries see a threat to their existence in the face of the Islamists. This is especially evident in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which persecute members of the Muslim Brotherhood group. The deployment of Turkish troops in Libya to support the government of Sarraj creates the prerequisites for strengthening the Islamists in the region.

America's role

On the eve of Haftars trip to Moscow, he was met in Rome on January 9 by Deputy Presidential Adviser on National Security for the Middle East and North Africa, Victoria Cotes, US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Maghreb and Egypt, Henry Wooster.

The Americans opposed the deployment of Russian, Syrian mercenaries, the Turkish military in Libya, called on the parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and begin a political dialogue with UN support. The United States played along with its Middle Eastern partners and made it clear to the Libyan side that it was time to stop balancing between Russia, on the one hand, and the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, on the other, and decide on the choice of partners.

Until the United States provides military assistance to Sarraj and does not prevent Haftar from seizing power in Libya, limiting himself to high-profile statements and intelligence gathering.

It might seem that the United States has become disillusioned with Sarrajs ability to ensure stability in the country. U.S. special forces left Libya on the eve of the onset of the Haftar army on Tripoli in April 2019. Declaring government support in Tripoli, Trump once stated that Haftar plays a significant role in the fight against terrorism.

In October 2019, firms from Washington and Houston refrained from fulfilling the request of the Libyan Oil Company and directing investments in the development of the Libyan oil and gas sector in order to increase oil production from the current 1.1 million to 2.4 million barrels per day.

The old warrior Haftar, who lived in the United States for 20 years, as an ardent opponent of Gaddafi, and participated in the overthrow of his regime in 2011, causes more confidence among Americans than Sarraj, who flirts with Turkey. The US and Turkey compete for influence in the Middle East.

The problematic issues in bilateral relations are Ankaras participation in the TurkStream project of Gazprom, the purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems despite NATO membership. The dominance of Haftar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Libya looks like a lesser evil for the Americans than the strengthening of Saraj in conjunction with Turkey.

Duality of France and Italy

French President Emmanuel Macron believes that Field Marshal must be reckoned with. Last year, France blocked an EU resolution condemning the Libyan National Armys offensive in Tripoli. The Sarraj government temporarily suspended the license for Total and another 36 firms in protest. France is suspected of transferring Javelin anti-tank systems purchased in the United States to Haftar.

Open source

France and Italy have exhausted attempts to reconcile Sarraj and Haftar over the past two years. It would be more logical to establish relations with those who have more resources, namely: with the government in Tobruk and Haftar. In the territory controlled by the Libyan National Army, the Elephant oil field is located, which is owned by a joint venture of Mellitah Oil and Gas of the Italian company Eni and the Libyan oil company. In the east of Libya is the Vakha field, where the share of the French oil company Total is 16.33%.

The participation of the Turkish military on the side of the Sarraj government against the Libyan national army will pose a threat to the migration security of France and Italy. In the event of an intensification of the armed conflict, a string of refugees will travel to Italy and France, bypassing the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, Europeans can use their leverage over the government of Sarraj to force Haftar to comply. Libya depends on the supply of oil products from Italy, as the country lacks refining capacities. Officials from Tripoli profit from the resale of imported fuel.

War scenario

The military conflict will continue if Sarraj and Haftar again fail to agree on peace. It will be much more difficult to negotiate in terms of expanding the number of participants with mutually exclusive interests.

Arabs, Europeans, Americans, Russians and Turks will continue the streak. Erdogan has already threatened to teach Haftar a lesson if he does not stop his attack on Tripoli. Turkey has already begun deploying troops in Libya.

The Turkish army is the only force that can tip the scales on the side of Sarraj. However, the consequences of the forceful solution to the crisis are very mixed. The lightning war in Libya will benefit Erdogan to strengthen his image and ratings, but if the fighting drags on, it will hit the weakening Turkish economy and lead to discontent in society. Arab countries will continue to sponsor the Libyan National Army.

Turkey's military operation in Libya will hit the Kremlins image in Africa. After Haftars demarche in Moscow, Russia will refrain from supporting the Libyan National Army and will not aggravate relations with Turkey. However, given that Sarraj is an opponent of Haftar, it will look like Russia's defeat in the spirit of surrendering the Syrian Kurds of the Turkish army to the United States last year. The excessive strengthening of Turkey in Libya is unprofitable for the West and the Arab states, which also want to snatch their piece of oil pie.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 10:29 722 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20604d05c 1 Entertainment studio-ghibli,film,Animated-films,Netflix,Japan,hayao-miyazaki,animation-movie Free

A dream has come true for Studio Ghibli fans as Netflix has announced it has acquired the streaming rights to all 21 of Studio Ghiblis animated features, including Oscar-winning Spirited Away, Howls Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke.

Popular throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America, Studio Ghibli had reportedly passed deals to release their films on digital platforms before. But upon announcing its partnership, Ghibli producer Toshia Suzuki said the studio was finally embraced the streaming revolution and hoped to reach more audiences this way.

In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences. Weve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue. We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience, he said in a statement released on Monday.

With the exception of the United States, Canada and Japan, Netflix will release the films worldwide from February to April.

The first batch is set to roll out on Feb. 1 and will include several classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, whose character became Ghiblis mascot, and the studios first production Castle in The Sky.

In addition, Netflix has also agreed to provide subtitles to the films in 28 languages and dubbings in 20 languages.

Studio Ghibli's animated films are legendary and have enthralled fans around the world for over 35 years. We're excited to make them available in more languages across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia  so that more people can enjoy this whimsical and wonderful world of animation, said Aram Yacoubian, Netflix's director of original animation.

Read also: Studio Ghibli reveals theme park logo

Founded in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki and Isao Takahata in Japan, Studio Ghibli has become one of the most acclaimed animation companies in the world.

The studio has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and the Critics Choice Award for Spirited Away as the Best Animated Feature in 2003.

Four other Ghibli films also received Oscar nominations, namely Howls Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and When Marnie Was There.

Below is Netflixs release schedule for Studio Ghibli films outside North America and Japan:

Feb. 1:

Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kikis Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Ocean Waves, Tales from Earthsea

March 1:

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbors the Yamadas, Spirited Away, The Cat Returns, Arrietty, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

April 1:

Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, From Up on Poppy Hill, The Wind Rises, When Marnie Was There. (vel/wng)
The UK faces a sperm shortage, which is only set to get worse. [Photo: Getty]

Ethicists are urging for men in the UK to be allowed to donate their sperm after death.

A team from the University of Leicester and Wythenshawe Hospital in Mancester warn we are facing a sperm shortage, with the demand set to increase.

Providing the man gives permission before his passing, they argue it is morally permissible to allow the deceaseds swimmers to be given to those in need.

Not everyone is convinced, however, with one critic arguing it feels like a step backwards to recruit dead donors who will never meet their children.

READ MORE: Single mum, 39, who used sperm donor, explains choice to her baby boy

It is morally acceptable that individuals can donate their tissues to relieve the suffering of others in life enhancing transplants for diseases, the ethicists wrote in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

We see no reason this cannot be extended to other forms of suffering like infertility, which may or may not also be considered a disease.

It is both feasible and morally permissible for men to volunteer their sperm to be donated to strangers after death in order to ensure sufficient quantities of sperm with desired qualities.

Around 586 men become sperm donors every year in the UK, some of which intend to father just one child for the sake of a specific individual.

In 2016 alone, 924 IVF cycles were carried out with donor egg and donor sperm.

The Department of Health and Social Care estimates 4,000 sperm samples were flown in from the US, while 3,000 came from Denmark, not to mention others from the EU.

It worries Brexit may worsen this state of affairs.

READ MORE: Cheryl Tweedy is considering sperm donation - how does it work?

Clearly there is high demand for donor sperm and reports demonstrate this is increasing, the ethicists wrote.

Sperm donation currently involves counselling and intimate discussions, as well as travel to clinic to make donations weekly for three-to-six months.

In the UK, it is illegal to pay donors more than reasonable expenses, which generally work out at up to 35 ($44.80) per clinic visit, according to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority.

Story continues

Posthumous supplies would avoid this cumbersome procedure, while still allowing donors the satisfaction of knowing they are helping others or passing on their genetic material, the ethicists argue.

If signed off, sperm donation would be collected via electrical stimulation of the prostate gland, leading to ejaculation.

The scrotum could also be surgically cut to access the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles.

Once extracted, swimmers can be frozen until needed.

READ MORE: Freezing your eggs: cost, process and everything else you need to know

Evidence suggests sperm harvested from corpses can lead to healthy pregnancies and children, even if collected 48 hours after death.

Check-ups on the donor and his sperm sample could look for any unhealthy genes that may be passed on, the ethicists claim.

If the family of the deceased objected, they could veto his sperm being used.

Yet, some may take comfort from knowing their loved one lives on, similarly to them taking solace in the knowledge his other organs have been given to those in need, the ethicists claim.

The important point is considerations of the family, including a romantic partner surviving the deceased man, do not justify a blanket ban on the use of sperm collected after death, especially if the donor has specified a desire to donate, they wrote.

The team note there are concerns over the status of the child, as well as donor anonymity.

It is also unclear who would pay for the harvesting of the sperm.

While the argument for deceased sperm donors may sound compelling, not everyone is on board.

This is a very well argued paper but one I find myself strongly disagreeing with, Professor Allan Pacey, from the University of Sheffield, said.

Given the distance we have travelled in terms of recruiting donors who are willing to be identified to donor conceived people, it feels like a backward step to then recruit donors who are dead and therefore they will never have the opportunity to meet.

The practicalities of posthumous sperm extraction and its use does not concern me, as these are fairly routine techniques. But I do feel very uncomfortable with the idea.

Id much rather that we invested our energy in trying to recruit younger, healthy, willing donors who stand a good chance of being alive when the donor conceived person starts to become curious about them, and would have the opportunity to make contact with them without the aid of a spiritualist.
Iran MP offers $3 mn 'to anyone who kills Trump': report



Tehran, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



An Iranian lawmaker on Tuesday offered a $3-million reward to "anyone who kills" US President Donald Trump to avenge the assassination of a top general, semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Ahmad Hamzeh, a little-known member of the Majlis, made the offer on behalf of the people of Kerman, the hometown and final resting place of storied commander Major General Qasem Soleimani.

"We will give $3 million to anyone who kills Trump," Hamzeh, who represents Kahnouj county near the southeastern city of Kerman, was quoted as saying by ISNA.

He did not say who would pay the bounty offer, which comes a month ahead of a parliamentary election.

Soleimani, one of the most popular public figures in Iran, was killed on January 3 in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport.

Washington's ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, Robert Wood, told journalists in Geneva that the offer was "just ridiculous".

"But it gives you a sense of the terrorist underpinnings of that regime, and that regime needs to change its behaviour," he said.
Plans for the development of a 'Blueway' along the River Blackwater are to be lodged with An Bord Pleanala by the summer.

The first phase of the project, which is being developed by Cork County Council, will focus on developing a launch area for boats/kayaks close to Mallow bridge.

Mary Hayes, the council's senior executive officer for the North Cork region, said that in the first phase, the local authority will look at developing a short journey route from Mallow to Killavullen and then a looped route around Fermoy.

The development of these routes will be subject to obtaining the necessary consents (from landowners), planning and funding being made available to advance works, Ms Hayes told a meeting of the council's Northern Division.

She was responding to a request from Cllr Frank O'Flynn to provide an update on the project which it is hoped will increase visitor numbers to the North Cork region.

Cllr O'Flynn said the project was important for tourism and "would put life back into rural Ireland".

"After the Shannon, it's the longest river in Ireland. We can tie it in with other attractions in the area," he said.

These include a planned multi-million euro upgrade of Mallow Castle, the restoration of the historic Annesgrove House near Castletownroche and Doneraile Court.

Ms Hayes said they had carried out indepth research on the project with the aid of an expert kayaker.

He said the section of the River Blackwater from Millstreet to Mallow was fast flowing and therefore only suitable for advanced kayakers, whereas Fermoy-Mallow was slower and ideal for beginners or those who just wanted a leisurely trip.

"We need a number of stops along the way for people to rest or in case of emergencies. We're looking at developing first the short journey routes. That's why Mallow to Killavullen is critical. Our engineers are engaging with landowners," Ms Hayes said.

James Fogarty, assistant county manager for North Cork, said he was in the same position in West Cork when the Skibbereen Blueway was created.

"They are big projects, but we can start with small parts of them first," Mr Fogarty said.

Cllr Noel McCarthy, a member of the council's Economic SPC (Special Purposes Committee), said the viaduct in Fermoy is a hidden gem and it is hoped to open it up to walkers as part of the adventure tourism package.

He said he hoped to have good news from the SPC on funding that project shortly.

The viaduct featured in scenes in the famous Blue Max film (1966) where stunt pilots acting as German World War One 'aces' dared each other to fly through the narrow 'eyes' of the bridge.
Some 200 of those reporters will be new placements; the other 50 are current corp members signing up for another year.

Report for America is placing 250 reporters across the country in June, thanks to more than $5 million in additional funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Facebook Journalism Project, the Google News Initiative and the Heising-Simons Foundation, among others.

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A spokesperson called this one of the biggest local journalism hiring surges in memory. This years group of corps members will be more than four times the size of the 2019 class.

The 2020 class will be placed at 164 host news organizations to serve local communities across 46 states.

Beats include covering state legislatures in news deserts, as well as topics such as veterans issues, aging populations, education, immigrant communities, the environment, health care, military bases and housing.

The Report for America site lets journalists sort the openings by beat and state.

Report for America pays half of a corps members salary, while its local news partners contribute 25%. Local and regional funders contribute the rest.

Almost half of the new jobs are being added in nonprofit newsrooms.

The University of North Carolina estimates that between 26,000 and 32,000 newsroom jobs have been lost across the country since 2004, and more than 1,300 communities no longer have local news coverage.


Official data shows an average of 95 murders each day last year, as violence continues to rise in the country.

A record high of nearly 35,000 people were murdered in Mexico in 2019, according to official data, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador struggled to rein in violent crime in his first year in office.

A report released by the Secretariat of Public Security on Monday showed there were a total 34,582 murders last year, a 2.5 percent increase from 2018, when 33,743 victims were recorded.

It was the highest rate since 1997, the first year for which there is an official record.

The 2019 rate equals an average of 95 murders per day in Mexico a country that has been plagued with violence since 2006, when the government deployed the military to wage the so-called war on drugs.

Since then, nearly 275,000 people have been killed in Mexico, according to official figures that do not specify how many of the cases are linked to organised crime.

June had the highest rate of murders in 2019, with 2,993 victims.

Separate security ministry figures using an older methodology that refers to the number of homicide investigations showed an increase to 29,401 last year from 29,100 in 2018.

On December 1, the same day Lopez Obrador marked his first anniversary in office, the Latin American nation suffered its worst single day of violence with 127 people killed.

For years, Mexico has struggled with violence as consecutive governments battled brutal drug cartels, often by taking out their leaders, which has resulted in the fragmentation of gangs and vicious internecine fighting.





Lopez Obrador assumed the presidency in December 2018 pledging to pacify the country with a less confrontational approach to security, but violence has continued to rise.

To tackle the problem, Mexican officials last week presented politicians with a proposal to overhaul the criminal justice system, paving the way for the Senate to take up the plan next month that could ease security cooperation with the United States.

According to a draft of the criminal justice reform reviewed by Reuters news agency, the plan would allow private communications to be used as evidence and limit legal challenges to avoid extradition delays for criminal suspects, many of whom are US-bound.

Mexican Attorney General Alejandro Gertz told senators the plan would attack entrenched corruption and impunity as well as the roots of criminal activity.

But concern has grown about the presidents strategy, which he says still needs time, after two significant crises in recent months.

Critics blasted the government as weak in October when it ordered security forces to release the captured son of convicted kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman under pressure from marauding cartel henchmen in the northern city of Culiacan.

Then, in early November, three mothers and six children were killed by suspected cartel gunmen in northern Mexico, sparking outrage and revulsion at home and abroad.
WASHINGTON -- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that he will introduce a series of amendments to the proposed rules for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, set to begin Tuesday afternoon.

"The first amendment I will offer will ask that the Senate subpoena White House documents related to the charges against the president," Schumer said at a news conference. "Those documents include the records of meetings and calls between President Trump and the president of Ukraine, as well as those records created or received by ... White House personnel about the decision to hold and release the military assistance to Ukraine."

McConnell on Monday released an outline of the trial rules that largely resemble former President Bill Clinton's 1998 impeachment trial. But the rules in Trump's trial depart from Clinton's in key sections  most notably in the tight time constraints placed on both sides to state their cases.

Democrats were quick to cry foul. "McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace," Schumer said Tuesday, "and it will go down in history as one of the very dark days of the Senate."

Ahead of Wednesday's opening arguments, Democrats have an opportunity on Tuesday afternoon to introduce amendments to these rules, which the full Senate will then vote on.

McConnell has said he wants a speedy acquittal for Trump, and has openly said his office is coordinating with the White House. His final resolution allows just two days each for House managers, and then Trump's defense team, to present their arguments, with 24 hours of total time allotted each side.

As with Clinton's trial, McConnell's resolution allows senators to vote on witness testimony during the trial itself. But it also requires a specific vote in the majority-Republican chamber to consider evidence gathered from the House impeachment process.

The White House might also try to dismiss the trial outright in a motion on the Senate floor. While only a simple 51-vote majority is required to pass that motion, a handful of the 53 Republicans in the chamber have suggested they would not vote to do so.

Still, it is highly unlikely that two-thirds of the Senate will vote to convict and remove a Republican president. Trump is just the third U.S. president ever to be impeached, and no Senate Republicans have said they will vote to convict.

The president has denied wrongdoing.

After Tuesday's debate over the trial rules, opening arguments are set to begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.
Scientists still urged parents to get kids immunised against whooping cough

Researchers tested if the original vaccine could prevent food allergies in kids

Spike came after an older 'whole cell' vaccine was phased out that year

Rates of kids with food allergies have risen substantially since 1999

A whooping cough vaccine that was phased out in the late 1990s could hold the cure to food allergies, a new study has found.

The number of Australian children with food allergies has more than doubled since 1999 - around the same time the older 'whole cell' immunisation was replaced with the current whooping cough vaccine.

Experts from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found the number of cases then skyrocketed by a further 50 per cent between 2005 and 2012.

The alarming statistics prompted Australian researchers to examine whether the original 'whole cell' vaccine could actually prevent kids from getting food allergies.

The number of Aussie kids with food allergies has risen substantially since 1999 - around the same time a previous whooping cough vaccine was replaced with a new version

Lead researcher Professor Tom Snelling said both vaccines prevent the deadly respiratory infection, but the old one has the additional benefit of reducing allergies in children

Experts researched the cases of more than 500 children who had been diagnosed with serious food allergies over the past two decades.

The study found the kids who were given at least one dose of the original whole cell vaccine in the late 1990s were 23 per cent less likely to suffer from food allergies.

Despite the breakthrough, scientists still urged parents to get their kids immunised against whooping cough.

Lead researcher Professor Tom Snelling said both vaccines prevent the deadly respiratory infection, but the old one has the additional benefit of reducing allergies in kids.

'These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to everyday substances such as different types of food,' Professor Snelling told The Age.

'We believe that by harmlessly mimicking infections, some vaccines such as the whole-cell whooping cough vaccine have the potential to help steer the immune system away from developing allergic reactions.

'[We believe] a single initial dose of the whole cell vaccine might have the additional benefit of partially protecting young babies against developing life-threatening food allergies.'

Paediatric immunologist Richard Loh said the results were promising, but further tests were needed to determine why 10 per cent of all Australian infants are diagnosed with food allergies.
The polisario is accumulating setbacks in Latin America with the decision taken by Bolivia on Monday to sever all ties with the RASD, the pseudo-republic self-proclaimed by the separatist polisario movement with the support of Algeria.

In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolivia says it will adopt the principle of constructive neutrality with regard to the artificial conflict around the Moroccan Sahara.

Bolivia will henceforth work to support the efforts deployed within the framework of the United Nations, to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with the principles and objectives set out in the Charter of the United Nations, underlines the statement.

This decision follows the diplomatic rapprochement between Morocco and Bolivia since the advent of the new Bolivian government after the fall of the dictatorship of Evo Morales in November 2019.

Bolivias decision reflects the growing support for Moroccos territorial integrity and its sovereignty over the Sahara while the Algeria-backed Polisario separatists are losing ground both in Africa and in Latin America.

The latest expression of this support to Morocco consisted in the opening last week of a Gabonese consulate general in Laayoune and a Guinean consulate general in Dakhla.

The Comoros and Gambia also opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla lately.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

The Asia Pacific air cargo market accounted for US$ 37.63 Bn in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period 2019-2027, to account for US$ 59.13 Bn in 2027. The rapid growth of the e-commerce sector in the region and rising demand from the temperature-sensitive product are the key driver that is propelling the growth of the air cargo market. Moreover, the airport infrastructures in Southeast Asian countries are supporting national carriers to expand air freights, which in turn is expected to boost the air cargo market growth in the forecast period. Air cargo stakeholders have a tremendous opportunity in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and others. Southeast Asian country's airports are the fastest growing airports in the world. In November 2018, The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) economic ministers signed an agreement to support the facilitation of cross border e-commerce between ASEAN members. Turkish Cargo is increasing its presence with the launch of new freighter services. The airports of Singapore, Incheon, and Hong Kong, Taiwan are supporting national carriers to expand air freights in ASEAN countries and also encouraging operators to increase services. With these initiatives, it is expected to reduce the trade with China and grow in some transfer cargo traffic in Taiwan form ASEAN. Companies such as APEX Logistics and SEKO Logistics are strategically expanded its operations in Southeast Asian countries. With the developing policies and infrastructure, it is expected that Southeast Asian countries will exhibit huge opportunity for air cargo vendors during the forecast period. The air cargo market players are focusing on various initiatives to enhance its reach to rural areas and boost its position in the market.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05783098/?utm_source=PRN

The air cargo market is fragmented with the presence of several industries, and the competitive dynamics in the market is expected to change during the upcoming years.In addition to this, various initiatives are undertaken by the governmental bodies to accelerate the air cargo market further.



For instance, In Asia-Pacific, relevant regulations and initiatives to improve professional standard by industry & government play an important role in logistics operations.The range of logistics services are subject to logistic industry regulations and policies; moreover, the expansion of such services is also driven by government policies.



For instance, the Framework Act on Logistics Policies in Korea provides benefits to companies delivering integrated services of warehousing, transport, and value-added services.The companies entering this market have to comply with various entry requirements depending on the type of plan they offer.



These initiative provide various benefits to the air cargo based companies located in the region, thus, increasing the growth of the air cargo market.



Based on service, the regular segment is leading the air cargo market and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period.Regular services are generally low-cost services when compared to express services.



It is mostly for the customers focusing on price than flexibility. Regular services are availed where time is not a constraint.

The overall air cargo market size has been derived using both primary and secondary source.The research process begins with exhaustive secondary research using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the air cargo market.



It also provides an overview and forecast for the air cargo market based on all the segmentation provided for the Asia Pacific region.Also, primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis.



The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, and external consultant such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the air cargo industry. Some of the players present in air cargo market are ANA Cargo Inc. (ANA Group), Lufthansa Cargo AG, United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Etihad Cargo, FedEx Corporation, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., DHL International GmbH, Emirates SkyCargo, Cathay Pacific Cargo, and Zela Aviation The Air Charter Company among others.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05783098/?utm_source=PRN



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Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India has contributed the least to global warming but is still being very responsible on fossil fuels, while the western world is not doing enough even after accounting for more than half of the carbon emissions.

Speaking here at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, Goyal also said India is committed to safeguarding the interest of its people while welcoming investors from across the world by making regulations easier for them.

"When it comes to governance and easing regulations, India was at a disadvantageous position for many years but a conscious decision was made soon after our government came to remove all those legacy issues and to make the growth story equitable for all," the minister for railways as well as commerce and industry said.

"We want to provide right opportunities for our people and at the same time safeguard the interests of the investors as well.

"We are always trying to make India more investor friendly and we are talking to our friends across the world on how to improve our infrastructure. We are showcasing infrastructure projects in various countries to get the best from them," he said.

But at the same time, Goyal said, India will ensure that any cross border investment, including for outbound investments, in infrastructure does not result in any kind of domination.

The minister said, "In fact, India has contributed the least to the global warming. The western world, which has given more than 50 per cent of carbon emissions up there, is not doing much actually. We in India are doing so much, including through our programme on LED bulbs."



On how India is balancing its coal and renewable energy sources, Goyal said, "Every country in their development phase has exploited coal, but we are much more responsible and are using coal as a base load power for our renewable energy. That's actually important for our renewable push.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle has described the killing of Adamawa State CAN chairman, Rev. Lawan Andimi as gruesome, unfortunate and a shame on the federal government.

Recall that Andimi was abducted by Boko Haram on January 2 when the insurgents stormed the community.

Also Read: BREAKING: Tears As Boko Haram Kills Kidnapped CAN Chairman

Ayokunle faulted the security architecture of the country, wondering: What has become of Intelligence gathering of our security agencies? Is this government and the security agencies still claiming that the war against these criminals in religious garments has been won despite all the killings?

CAN chairman went on to call on the International community to come to the aid of the country to tackle the insurgency problem.
The Committee on International Trade under the European Parliament approved the free trade and investment protection agreements between the EU and Vietnam on Tuesday, paving the way for almost all tariffs to be gradually eliminated over the course of ten years.

The committee gave its consent to the free trade agreement by 29 votes, six votes against, and five abstentions and recommends that EP Plenary should do the same, a press release posted on the Parliaments website the same day reads.

The agreement will remove virtually all tariffs between the two parties in ten years.

The European Parliament will cast its final vote in February before the deal can enter into force.

It will protect emblematic European products, and allow Europe access the Vietnamese public procurement market.

The agreement is also an instrument to protect the environment and further social progress in Vietnam, including in labor rights, according to the resolution accompanying the consent decision.

The trade committees demands from Vietnam, including on labor rights as well as on the mechanism ensuring the enforceability of the sustainability clauses, was adopted by 29 votes for, nine against and two abstentions.

When in effect, the free trade accord will render 65 percent of EU exports to Vietnam immediately duty-free, with the rest  including motorcycles, cars, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wines, chicken, and pork  gradually liberalized over ten years.

Seventy-one percent of Vietnamese exports to the EU will be duty-free on day one, with the rest catching up in seven years.

Duty-free Vietnamese exports of sensitive agricultural products, such as rice, garlic or eggs, will be limited.

Non-tariff barriers will be eliminated in the automotive sector, export and import licensing, and customs procedures.

Vietnam aleady accepted the Made in EU marking, beyond national markings of origin, for non-agricultural products.

As for geographical indications, 169 emblematic EU products such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Champagne, or Rioja wine, will enjoy protection in Vietnam, as will 39 Vietnamese products in the EU.

EU companies will have improved access to business, environmental, postal and courier, banking, insurance and maritime transport services in Vietnam.

EU firms will be able to bid for public procurement contracts with Vietnamese ministries, state-owned enterprises, as well as with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

There are legally-binding rules on climate, labor, and human rights.

The agreement commits Vietnam to apply the Paris Agreement.

Vietnam scheduled the ratification of two remaining bills on the abolition of forced labor and on freedom of association by 2020 and 2023, respectively.

Separately, the trade committee also agreed by 26 votes for, seven against, and six abstentions to an investment protection agreement providing an investment court system with independent judges to settle disputes between investors and state.

The accompanying resolution passed by 27 votes for, seven against, and five abstentions.

With the consent to this trade deal with Vietnam, the trade committee is giving a positive signal to the ASEAN region and the rest of the world at a time when trade tensions are rising, Rapporteur Geert Bourgeois (ECR, BE) said.

Besides its geopolitical and economic importance, I am convinced that this agreement will accelerate the reform process within Vietnam.

The ratification will strengthen further progress on labor and environmental standards and the respect for human rights.

The European Parliament is set to vote on the trade deal and the investment protection agreement at its February session in Strasbourg.

Once the Council of the European Union concludes the trade agreement, it can enter into force.

For the investment protection agreement to enter into force, the member states first need to ratify it.

Vietnam is the EU's second-largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after Singapore, with trade in goods worth 47.6 billion (US$52.9 billion) a year and 3.6 billion ($4 billion) when it comes to services.

EU exports to the country grow by 5-7 percent annually, yet the EUs trade deficit with Vietnam was 27 billion ($30 billion) in 2018.

The main EU imports from Vietnam include telecommunications equipment, clothing, and food products.

The EU mainly exports goods such as machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, and agricultural products to Vietnam.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
(Newser)  A southern California man deliberately rammed a Toyota Prius full of teenage boys Sunday night, causing a crash that killed three of them, police say. Corona resident Anurag Chandra, 42, was arrested and charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. "It was an intentional act," California Highway Patrol Lt. David Yokley said at a press conference Monday. "Our investigation led us to believe Mr. Chandra intentionally rammed the Prius, causing the driver to lose control." Police say the Prius slammed into a tree after it was hit by Chandra's Infiniti sedan. One teen was pronounced dead at the scene and two others died in hospitals, the AP reports. Three other teens in the vehicle were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

story continues below

The Riverside County Coroner's Office identified the victims, who were all 16 years old, as Daniel Hawkins, Drake Ruiz, and Jacob Ivascu. Yokley told reporters that alcohol or drugs are not believed to be factors in the incident. He said there was "obviously some sort of contact" between Chandra and the teens, but the circumstances are still unclear. Ruiz's mother, Debbie Ruiz, tells KTLA that the boys, one of whom was celebrating a birthday, rang a doorbell and drove off, thinking they were playing a prank on another teen. "But it was that angry man," she says. She says she wants to thank a woman who prayed with the dying boys after the crash, and a man who followed Chandra and reported his location to police. (Read more California stories.)
Comes as the Duke of Sussex reunites with Meghan Markle, 38, in Canada

Alongside image of smiling trio, she wrote: 'All the best to you and your family'

Posted an Instagram snap with ex husband Prince Louis, 33, and Prince Harry, 35

Former royal Tessy Antony De Nassau has shared a message of support for Prince Harry as he reunites with Meghan Markle to start their new life in Canada.

Former Princess Tessy of Luxembourg, 34, posted a throwback snap on her Instagram page alongside her ex-husband Prince Louis, 34, and the Duke of Sussex, 35, writing: 'All the best to you and your family.'

Her comments come as Prince Harry joined Meghan Markle, 38, in Vancouver to start their new life in North America, after stepping down as senior royals.

Tessy, who lost her royal title when she divorced Prince Louis, has previously spoken out in defence of Meghan, saying last year that the Duchess 'did not deserve' members of her estranged family to speak about her to the press.

Former Princess Tessy of Luxembourg, 34, has shared an Instagram post with support for Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 38

The former royal shared a snap as she stood alongside ex-husband Prince Louis and the Duke of Sussex at an event in London in November 2016

Tessy shared her message of support with her 16,700 followers online, posting a photograph tagged at the Davos Congress.

In the photograph, a beaming Prince Harry can be seen applauding alongside Tessy and her former husband Prince Louis as they listened to a performance of 'Joyful Noise' (JNC) Choir at the Hurlingham Club in November 2016.

Tessy and Prince Louis of Luxembourg, who met while serving in the army in 2004, announced in 2018 that they would be separating.

Their divorce was finalised on April 4 last year, and Tessy was stripped of her royal title.

The former member of the Luxembourg royal family shared a post on Instagram in support of the couple, writing: 'All the best to you and your family.'

Tessy's comments come after it was announced Prince Harry and Meghan would step down from royal duties and split their time with North America

Tessy was stripped of her royal title when she divorced husband Prince Louis of Luxembourg last year

She has previously spoken out in support of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, tweeting in defence of the couple in February last year.

She tweeted to say that the duchess 'did not deserve' her treatment by members of her estranged family who have repeatedly hit out at her in the press.

The 33-year-old was responding to an article in Royal Central that criticised Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr. and sister, Samantha Markle, for repeatedly selling stories and giving negative interviews about the royal.

Last February, Tessy tweeted her support for the Sussexes, writing: 'It's not nice to talk badly about someone else just because one can, as he or she takes advantage of the anonymity of the web. Stay Kind!!! Its the new cool!'

It also detailed the horrific trolling levelled at Meghan and her sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge on social media in recent weeks.

Responding to the furore last night, Tessy tweeted: 'No one deserves that. One should never assume. Either you know or be [quiet].'

She added: 'It's not nice to talk badly about someone else just because one can, as he or she takes advantage of the anonymity of the web. Stay Kind!!! Its the new cool! She does not deserve that.'

Tessy's latest defence of the Sussexes comes as Prince Harry arrived in Canada to begin his new life in Canada with Meghan Markle and their eight-month-old son Archie away from the Royal Family.

Now he will no longer use his courtesy HRH title - although the Queen did not formally strip it. He will be known simply as the Duke of Sussex.

Critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.
RICHMOND  Ten years ago, Mark Ching owned one gun. A .22-caliber plinker.

Fear of new gun control laws under the administration of former President Barack Obama hardened his views on gun control.

Monday, the graphic designer from Franklin County took his commitment to gun rights further yet. He boarded a bus at 4 a.m. at Safeside Tactical, a firearms store and indoor range in Roanoke  one of hundreds of people to board six buses chartered by the store  and added his voice to 22,000 others in favor of gun rights outside the state Capitol.

The annual Lobby Day rally, hosted by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, ballooned in size this year in response to a raft of gun control bills from Democrats newly in control of all three branches of Virginias government. The rally was peaceful, with police reporting just one arrest, of a woman charged with wearing a mask in public.

This many people shows what theyre doing inside is not vox populi, or aligned with the voice of the majority, Ching said, standing in Capitol Square beneath the towering white columns of Virginias statehouse. The vox populi is out here, and thats the statement.

Mitchell Tyler, a co-owner of Safeside, organized the bus trip to help his customers have a voice in the debate. He filled six buses between Roanoke and Lynchburg stores at $35 per seat  enough to defray the cost  and delivered about 400 people to the rally.

People are scared, and they want to know, What is this going to mean? Do I have to sell all my guns and move out of state?  he said.

John Harmon, a retired railroad worker from Bedford County, had never been to a political rally in his life, but he was on a bus Monday morning. It seems like weve lost so many rights  at some point its got to stop, he said.

Tyler also wanted lawmakers to see his clientele, who dont all fit the gun rights advocate stereotype.

Its either the camo guys or the guys dressed like G.I. Joe that get in the news, he said. Were bankers and doctors and lawyers and Uber drivers and business owners.

Dressed in a suit and tie, Ching was certainly breaking the stereotype. He hoped to join one of the lobby groups organized by the VCDL to actually speak to legislators.

But by the time he and friend Garan Sink of Botetourt County arrived, theyd missed their chance.

After a four-hour bus ride, it took the two an hour to work their way through a crowd of other Second Amendment advocates, many of them toting assault-style weapons, communicating with radios and wearing small video cameras on their chests or hats. No weapons were allowed in the Capitol Square, where an estimated 6,000 gathered inside security fences, according to police.

Ching was disappointed. I wanted to go in, thats what lobbying is, he said.

Im just taking it all in, Sink said, once the friends were in the thick of the crowd.

Its more docile than I expected, Ching said.

The scene was almost festive, with spontaneous choruses of the national anthem and chants of USA!

Standing amid thousands out in the street outside the square, Chuck White of Roanoke County texted his wife, If there was music and tie-dyes, Id swear it was a [Grateful] Dead Concert.

If the scene was relatively sedate, it could be attributed to the visible absence of gun control proponents.

At one point a group bearing a banner reading Trump/Pence Out Now passed through the crowd in the square, chanting No more white supremacy!

But they were quickly drowned out by replies of Four more years!

A rally hosted by gun control advocates planned for later in the afternoon was canceled in response to reports that violent hate groups were planning to attend the rally. Rumors also circulated that leftist antifa groups were on their way.

Absent a pro-gun control rally, Dels. Chris Hurst, D-Montgomery, and Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, allowed a group of young people involved with March For Our Lives to sleep on the floors of their offices the night before Lobby Day. Hurst and Helmer slept on the floor of another delegates office.

The group emerged from the 2018 shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school.

I thought the democratic process needed that perspective, Hurst said. They were able to meet with legislators and make their views heard.

Mollie Davis, 19, a Hollins University student, was one of the people who camped out inside Helmers office. She attended Great Mills High School in Great Mills, Maryland, in 2018 when a student opened fire, killing one student and injuring another before killing himself.

I feel very strong about this, Davis said. I know firsthand how it affects you.

In the square, once the speeches began for the rally, Ching and Sink overcame their subdued moods as the crowd came alive.

We the people! they chanted with one speaker.

When another speaker asked, Do we need gun control in Virginia? the two shouted No!

We are not the aggressors, Stephen Willeford told the crowd. The Texan stopped a mass shooting in Texas in 2017 when he killed the shooter. But we will not comply with bans, registration and confiscation.

Ching and Sink cheered with the crowd.

After an hour of speeches, the crowd dispersed quickly.

Ching and Sink made their way back to their bus through a now thinning crowd of armed spectators. People posed for pictures next to a man who carried a large .50-caliber rifle.

Another man stood alone on Franklin Street holding a sign that read, I have a dream of a boogaloo, a reference to the far-right slang for a coming civil war. Other than that, threats that extremist groups would disrupt the rally hadnt materialized.

Sink was pleased and proud that so many gun owners had brought their weapons into the streets peacefully, and without even a negligent discharge of a gun. Others on the Safeside buses said the same, offering that it was proof that stereotypes of gun owners are unfounded.

Participants seemed lifted by the rally, but realistic.

As long as we have this administration, Im still just as concerned as before I got here, said White, a lifelong hunter who more recently has bought guns for protection.

Indeed, gun control proponents werent cowed by the rally.

After it ended, a few gun control activists entered Capitol Square to meet with lawmakers, confident theyd made the right decision canceling their own rally.

Were going to come back and be here tomorrow and the next day and make sure at the end of this session that Virginias got better laws in place than theyve ever had before, said Christian Heyne, the vice president of policy at Brady, a gun violence prevention group.

Andrew Goddard, whose son survived after being shot in the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings, said hes already booked a time slot for next years Lobby Day. He picked the 11 a.m. time slot that VCDL usually reserves.

They may have won today, but well be back, Goddard said.

But while Democrats remain likely to pass multiple gun control measures this year, their opponents from Roanoke saw reason for long-term hope.

Its left me feeling a little better that we got people willing to go to bat for us, if theyre telling the truth, said LaDale Janney, 49, of Giles County.

This has galvanized a lot of people, White said, and I dont think its going to go away before the next election cycle.

Staff Writer Amy Friedenberger contributed to this report.
China's high-profile former head of the Interpol Meng Hongwei was on Tuesday sentenced to over 13 years in prison and fined a whopping USD 290,000 by a court for taking bribes.

Meng, 66, a former vice minister of security who later became the head of the Interpol as China's nominee, was sentenced 13-and-a-half-years in jail by the First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

Meng's case became politically embarrassing for China as his wife Grace Meng stayed back in France and was granted asylum there, foiling repeated attempts by the Chinese government to bring her back.

She termed Meng's arrest in April last year as politically motivated.

Grace also filed a lawsuit against the Interpol, the global policing body at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in The Hague alleging that it had attempted to gag her.

[Interpol] failed to protect and assist my family and it is complicit in the internationally wrongful acts of its member country, China, she was quoted as saying by the Hong-Kong based South China Morning Post in July last year.

After his arrest, Meng was sacked from all his official positions and was expelled from the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) which accused him of corruption, serious disciplinary violations besides encouraging his wife who settled abroad to campaign against his detention.

Meng, who was once a rising political star among officialdom of CPC held the powerful post of vice-minister of public security before being appointed as the China's first official to head the Interpol in September 2018.

Soon after his arrest after his arrival in China, Meng sent his wife a message on social media telling her to wait for my call, along with a knife emoji suggesting he was in some kind of danger.

Over a million Chinese officials have been punished for graft and other disciplinary violations in the crackdown against corruption conducted by Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took over power in 2012.

Xi who has emerged China's most powerful leader heading the party, the military and the presidency was also accused of using the anti-graft campaign to consolidate his position in the party and the government.

At the Tianjin court, Meng pleaded guilty in court and said he would not appeal, the report said.

The verdict said investigations found that between 2005 and 2017, Meng had taken advantage of his various posts to seek benefits for certain institutions and individuals in business operations and personnel promotion or seek illicit benefits for others with the help of some state functionaries.

In return, he illegally accepted money and gifts worth more than 14.46 million yuan, the verdict said.

The court made the ruling given that Meng provided additional information about his crimes, pleaded guilty and expressed remorse but part of his illicit money and property failed to be confiscated, Xinhua quoted the court ruling as saying.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Incumbent Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (Image: Reuters)

Jabin T Jacob

The island nation of Taiwan, claimed by China as a renegade province, has just held its presidential elections.

If Unites States politics has been riven in recent years by questions of Russian involvement and interference, the Chinese have been at this for a very long time in Taiwanese politics, trying to push Taiwans unification with China and conducting disinformation campaigns in both traditional and social media on the island.

To counter Chinese-sponsored fake news and disinformation on its platform, Facebook had to launch a war room in Taiwan on the eve of the presidential elections working closely with the countrys election commission, law enforcement agencies, political parties, and the presidential candidates themselves.

In India, entities such as AltNews and Boom, for example, do their best to counter the massive volume of misinformation that floats through WhatsApp groups and other forms of social media in India, but the brazenness with which politicians spout blatant lies or contradict themselves suggests that these efforts need to be widespread and more thorough. Indian citizens could perhaps learn much from the Taiwanese election campaign, where various civic groups actively fact-checked each candidates speech and confronted them in real time over inconsistencies and inaccuracies.

While fake news or misinformation have a huge role to play in drumming up support for the Indian central governments actions  demonetisation, for example  careful observers will also note that often the problem is not so much fake news as narratives focusing selectively on only the positives or the negatives of an issue. Thus, the governments narrative about the National Register of Citizens (NRC) posits it as a positive act of enumerating all Indian citizens  as just a process  without taking into account the sheer scale of discretion available to lower levels of bureaucracy and its negative impact on a still largely uneducated, if not illiterate, population unable to put together the requisite documentation or on minorities and other vulnerable groups.

Domestically-generated propaganda and fake news are only one part of the problem in India, however. Important as civic consciousness and getting the authorities to respect constitutional values might be, anticipating and countering threats to these values from the nature of the countrys economic structure and its openness to global capital, including from China, are equally important.

Consider, for instance, the fact that critical Indian telecom infrastructure is almost entirely manufactured by foreign companies. Or the reality that most social media and other apps that are also widely used in India are foreign ones and much of the data of its citizens is also thus stored in other countries.

It is in this Indian environment  including also questions about the security of the data of Indian citizens on the governments own Aadhaar platform  that Chinese private companies supported by their party-state have slowly built up their dominance.

Four out of the top-five mobile telephone manufacturers in India are Chinese and a recent report points out that while in 2017, only 18 of the top 100 apps listed on Google Play were Chinese, the number increased to 44 in 2018. These apps include well-known ones such as Tik-Tok and UC Browser, and others like Camscanner and WeChat used by professionals and businessmen alike. Chinese companies also have substantial investments in major Indian new-age tech companies such as Paytm, Ola, Zomato, Swiggy and Byjus, to name just a few.

Therefore, if its record in Taiwan and elsewhere is any indicator, China will also actively seek to shape the media environment in India. Already, as a former Indian correspondent in China, Ananth Krishnan, points out in an upcoming paper for Brookings India, Chinese investors have found a way around the limits on foreign ownership of print and television media to put their money in news apps which do not face such restrictions. Chinese major ByteDance, for instance, has picked up a stake in Dailyhunt, a Bengaluru-based news aggregator that offers content in 14 Indian languages.

Chinese investments in Taiwans media have been specifically targeted at influencing the latters domestic politics and to push opinion towards the islands unification with China. This in turn prompted the Taiwanese government to introduce an anti-infiltration Bill, which was subsequently passed at the end of last year. The new legislation focuses on limiting political intervention by a foreign hostile force in the form of donations, lobbying, disrupting social order, and elections interference among other things.

From an Indian point of view, it is worth pointing out that while the Taiwanese legislation is about introducing greater transparency in political donations, Indias own electoral bonds system, launched in 2017, does the opposite  there are essentially no restrictions on corporate donations to political parties, including by foreign ones. Worse, these donors can remain anonymous.

Meanwhile, traditional media outlets in India, are already guilty of publishing misinformation and propaganda by the Chinese embassy under the guise of paid advertisements  take for example, the annual Tibet Day supplements by the Chinese embassy in major Indian newspapers. The Chinese ambassador in India also seems to be able to publish op-eds at will in Indian newspapers, a privilege denied to his Pakistani counterpart in New Delhi, and one that the Chinese State-owned press denies the Indian ambassador in Beijing.

In the Taiwanese elections, the China-leaning Kuomintang candidate was eventually defeated easily by Tsai Ing-wen, the incumbent Taiwanese President and candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party. The coalition led by her party also retained power in the national parliament, if by a narrower margin.

The Taiwanese people, particularly its youth, had reacted strongly to obvious Chinese efforts to constrain Taiwans international diplomatic space and to influence its domestic politics. It remains to be seen if Indian citizens will be similarly vigilant about their freedoms and domestic politics.
[January 21, 2020] Froala 3.1 WYSIWYG Editor Adds Microsoft Word, Google Docs Integrations

Froala, (a division of Idera, Inc.), a provider of software components for rich text and web applications, today announced the release of Froala Editor 3.1 with new and enhanced support for Microsoft (News - Alert) Word, Google Docs, and Internet Explorer 11. Built with JavaScript, Froala Editor is a lightweight, high-performance WYSIWYG HTML editor focused on user experience. It features cross-platform, cross-browser support optimized for mobile devices, including Android (News - Alert) and iOS tablets and smartphones. The tool comes with more than 30 out of the box plugins, works with almost all front-end frameworks, and offers server side SDKs for multiple languages. It can be fully customized to meet the needs of any user - from the UI look-and-feel to the Toolbar functionality. Froala Editor 3.1 features improved copy/paste functionality from other documents and editors, and numerous enhancements and quality improvements across browsers. It allows users to copy and paste formatted text and images from Microsoft Word, Google (News - Alert) Docs, and other editors, and provides stabilized support for Internet Explorer. New updates include: Copy/paste support for formatted text and images from Microsoft Word and Google Docs across all browsers, including: Microsoft Word: text boxes, numbered lists, and tables (including page layout view formatting); captioned images complete with image caption alignment; and automatic reformatting of wide tables Google Docs: copy/paste support for wide tables

Improved style and format support for copy/paste in Internet Explorer 11 from text editors including Notepad, Wordpad, and Notepad++

Frame content edits, updates, and additions that match native Froala Editor behavior

Consistent PDF rendering across all supported browsers

Translation improvements for German and French

Enhanced Editor Autosave functionality

Improved video insertion support via URL orupload

Updated SDKs for: Java, .Net, Node JS, PHP, Python, and Rails

Seamless integrations with: Angular, Cake PHP, Django, Ember, Ext JS, Knockout, Meteor, Rails, React JS, Symphony, Vue, and Yii



"Froala customers continue to impress us with the ways they implement our Editor. From embedding it in their SaaS (News - Alert) apps to building email templates, the possibilities are endless, and we strive to make the Editor as extensible as possible," said Kegan Blumenthal, general manager of Froala. "With this release and planned future releases, we provide features that significantly improve developer usability and productivity. Between Froala and Sencha Ext JS, Idera will continue to invest in our JavaScript portfolio and enhance the ecosystem overall."

To learn more about this latest release: Try it out for free: https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor/try-froala-editor

Read the blog: https://www.froala.com/blog/wysiwyg-editor/announcing-froala-editor-v3-1

Attend the webcast on Jan. 30 at 10am CST: https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/11505/383901

Take a tour: https://www.froala.com/wysiwyg-editor/tour About Froala Froala has reimagined the web editing and design experience. The company's drop-in WYSIWYG rich text editor is a simple but powerful user interface for developing and editing web content easier and faster. In addition, Froala offers more than 170 pluggable, open source design blocks to help developers build beautiful web and mobile applications. Thousands of companies around the world use Froala, including a large number in the Fortune 100. Froala is a division of Idera, Inc. To learn more, visit https://www.froala.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005389/en/

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Styrofoam or copper - both materials have very different properties with regard to their ability to conduct heat. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPI-P) in Mainz and the University of Bayreuth have now jointly developed and characterized a novel, extremely thin and transparent material that has different thermal conduction properties depending on the direction. While it can conduct heat extremely well in one direction, it shows good thermal insulation in the other direction.

Thermal insulation and thermal conduction play a crucial role in our everyday lives - from computer processors, where it is important to dissipate heat as quickly as possible, to houses, where good insulation is essential for energy costs. Often extremely light, porous materials such as polystyrene are used for insulation, while heavy materials such as metals are used for heat dissipation. A newly developed material can now combine both properties.

The material consists of alternating layers of wafer-thin glass plates between which individual polymer chains are inserted. "In principle, our material produced in this way corresponds to the principle of double glazing," says Markus Retsch, Professor at the University of Bayreuth. "It only shows the difference that we not only have two layers, but hundreds".

Good thermal insulation is observed perpendicular to the layers. In microscopic terms, heat is a movement or oscillation of individual molecules in the material that is transferred to neighbouring molecules. By building up many layers on top of each other, this transfer is reduced: Each new boundary layer blocks part of the heat transfer. In contrast, the heat within a layer can be conducted well - there are no interfaces that would block the heat flow. Overall, the heat transfer within a layer is 40 times higher than perpendicular to it.

The thermal conductivity along the layers is comparable to the thermal conductivity of thermal paste, which is used, among other things, to apply heat sinks to computer processors. For electrically insulating materials based on polymer/glass, this value is exceptionally high - it exceeds that of commercially available plastics by a factor of six.

For the material to function efficiently and also be transparent, the layers had to be produced with very high precision - any inhomogeneity would disturb the transparency similar to a scratch in a piece of Plexiglas. Each layer is only one millionth of a millimeter high  i.e. one nanometer. In order to investigate the homogeneity of the layer sequence, the material was characterized in the group of Josef Breu, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Bayreuth.

"We use X-rays to illuminate the material," says Breu. "By superimposing these rays, which are reflected by the individual layers, we were able to show that the layers could be produced very precisely.

Prof. Fytas, member of Prof. H.-J. Butt's department, was able to give an answer to the question why this layer-like structure has such extraordinarily different properties along or perpendicular to the individual glass plates. Using a special laser-based measurement, his group was able to characterize the propagation of sound waves, which is like heat also related to the movement of the materials molecules. "This structured yet transparent material is excellent for understanding how sound propagates in different directions," says Fytas. The different sound velocities allow direct conclusions to be drawn about the direction-dependent mechanical properties, which are not accessible with any other method.

In their further work, the researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how sound and heat propagation can be influenced by the structure of the glass plate and the polymer composition. The researchers see a possible application in the field of high-performance light-emitting diodes, in which the glass-polymer layer serves on the one hand as a transparent encapsulation and on the other hand can dissipate the released heat laterally.
Raleigh, NC, Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Associa HRW, Inc. will be hosting a legal seminar for current and potential board members on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, from 12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the HRW office in Raleigh, North Carolina



The event will feature local legal expert, Jim Slaughter from Black Slaughter Black, who will provide information to residents and board members on several topics including community association law, rules board members should follow, order of business, agendas, minutes, board vs. annual meeting procedures, motions, voting, closed sessions, and parliamentary resources.



Associa HRW understands the value of an educated board and how laws, legalese, and governing documents are often difficult to decode, stated Keith Marine, Associa HRW president. Our team is dedicated to equipping board members with the right training, resources, and information to help them lead their communities with confidence.



Please RSVP to kmarine@hrw.net by January 24, 2020.



With more than 200 branch offices across North America, Associa delivers unsurpassed management and lifestyle services to nearly five million residents worldwide. Our 10,000+ team members lead the industry with unrivaled education, expertise and trailblazing innovation. For more than 40 years, Associa has provided solutions designed to help communities achieve their vision. To learn more, visit www.associaonline.com.



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On Jan. 2, Iranian General Qassem Soleimani learned a once-in-a-lifetime lesson: If you seek to harm Americans, you will pay the ultimate price.

Soleimani succeeded Osama Bin Laden as the most lethal killer of Americans, responsible for the deaths of more than 600 U.S. citizens. Until the moment our military conducted a drone strike that took him out, he had overseen years of aggressions in the Middle East that started when the Ayatollah put him in charge of terror efforts in 1979.

Throughout much of 2019, Soleimani systematically dialed up Iranian hostility, beginning with the sabotage of commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman in May, continuing with a drone strike on Saudi oil fields in September, proxy rocket strikes against Iraqi and American forces in November, and culminating with an attack on our United States Embassy in Iraq on New Years Eve. Soleimani was at an airport in Baghdad preparing to fly back to the Ayatollah when our military ended his reign of terror once and for all.

U.S. action to take out Soleimani wasnt some wild move by a country acting like a trigger-happy cowboy; it was a surgical strike in the international interest.

Quite a difference from the poke Uncle Sam game Iran played with the U.S. that was tolerated, and in fact rewarded, during the Obama administration. It was rewarded  quite literally  with billions in American tax dollars and a nuclear deal that sent a message of appeasement to the world. This dangerous foreign policy propped up the very terrorists and militias that targeted U.S. troops. Sadly, the Obama Administration knew where these funds from sanctions relief were going. As Secretary of State Kerry stated at the time, some of these funds would end up in the hands of Iranian Revolutionary Guard or entities, some which are labeled terrorists.

On President Trumps watch, all of that has changed.

I saw Irans aggression firsthand when I was deployed to the Persian Gulf as a naval aviator in 1994, but even those who have never been to the region understand that an Iran seeking total dominance of the Middle East would run roughshod over a weakened United States.

Withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the so-called Iran Nuclear Deal), increasing sanctions and, yes, responding to attacks on Americans with overwhelming military might were the correct calls by our militarys commander in chief.

Despite panicked responses from the liberal left promoting prophecies of World War III, the Trump Doctrine of targeted, select and forceful military action only when necessary is getting results. His decisive leadership has sent a clear message to the world of American deterrence.

Irans retaliation for the Soleimani strike was a limited missile strike on American-affiliated military installations. But in a mistaken attempt at defense, according to Iranian officials, 176 innocent passengers  most of Iranian descent  aboard Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 were blown out of the sky by an Iranian missile a day later.

The move prompted the Iranian people to take to the streets in protest.

To the brave and suffering Iranian people: I have stood with you since the beginning of my presidency and my government will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely, President Donald Trump tweeted in Farsi on Jan. 11. Your courage is inspiring.

At more than 350,000 likes and counting, it was the most liked Persian tweet in the history of Twitter according to Foundation for Defense of Democracies Saeed Ghasseminejad.

At this critical moment, the worst action Congress could take is to interfere with a policy that is clearly working. The ceremonial bill offered by House Democrats last week under the guise of a War Powers resolution sent a message abroad that American politicians are willing to tie the hands of our commander in chief when Iran and its terrorist proxies have engaged in years of provocations in the Middle East. I would not support such a move and voted no.

Our Constitution provides Congress with the sole, solemn authority to declare war, but it does not require the president to ask for permission when there is a need to defend Americans and protect our troops in harms way.

The actions of Ayatollah Khamenei and Irans military in the coming weeks will determine if further action by the U.S. Congress is necessary.

We do know that taking out General Soleimani was one of the most significant military strikes in modern history. Today there is one less terrorist mastermind in the world, and the United States has reestablished itself on the global stage as a force that will not tolerate attacks against our people.

Olson represents the 22nd District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives.
MIDDLETOWN  Retired Middletown Police Chief Lynn Baldoni is looking at doorways and other architectural features with a new perspective: through a camera lens.

The character of the doors and entrances is much different from what you see now. Theyre different  theyre unique in many ways, she said, with different architectural styles: archways, awnings, windows.

Some of the coolest shots are in older sections of town. When you put the decorations on, it really makes it stand out, or pop, she said.

Since mid-December, Baldoni, an amateur photographer who retired from the citys force in 2009, has shared on Facebook a growing album of Connecticut doors decorated for the holidays, garnering widespread interest, she said.

She relies on her Olympus micro four-thirds, because its lighter and easier to carry around, compared to older cameras.

The personality of homeowners and verve for the holiday season shine through in these photographs, which show a range of Connecticuts house and public entryways in Middletown, Durham, Middlefield, East Haddam, Guilford, Newington, Old Wethersfield, Wallingford, Hartford and Watertown.

The Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown was an interesting subject. I find it inviting. You can see the reflection of the pine trees  you can almost see right through, Baldoni said.

Her interest lies in what catches my eye, said Baldoni, also coordinator of Warm the Children for the Middletown Kiwanis Club. The initiative pairs members and other donors with families in need of winter clothing.

Given the robust reaction on social media, shes mulling the idea of printing cards and selling them, with all proceeds going to Warm the Children. One friend even suggested she photograph doors during all four seasons, an idea that intrigues Baldoni.

Shes mostly drawn to old and abandoned stuff. One outing involved a visit to a massive junkyard. Its just acres of old cars that have been abandoned, sitting there, rotting, Baldoni explained.

Since retiring, shes attended a number of classes at colleges, artistic organizations and programs through adult education, including the West Hartford Art League, Farmington Valley Arts Center, and Tunxis Community College in Farmington, where she earned a noncredit certificate in photography.

Baldoni has photographed the Old Lyman homestead in Middlefield, houses on Guilfords Main Street, 2 Wrastlin Cats coffee shop and Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Asylum Hill Congregational church in Hartford, the Wethersfield Grange, as well as many locations throughout Middletown: the Inn at Middletown, Middlesex County Historical Society, First Church, and the old firehouse on Hubbard Street.

Shes also taken photography trips to ghost towns in Nevada last year, as well as to an abandoned warehouse in Waterbury, which she visited early one morning to capture its facade in interesting light.

You cant access any of them, but, from the street, I got a couple really nice shots. For the most part, theyre vacant. One of them had a tree growing out of the window, Baldoni said.

Shes particularly loves the doors of old churches and other historical buildings.

The character of the doors and entrances is much different from what you see now. Theyre different  theyre unique in many ways, said Baldoni, who is also drawn to archways, awnings and windows.

Some of the coolest shots are in older sections of town. When you put the decorations on, it really makes it stand out  or pop, she said.

Always mindful of not disturbing the occupants, Baldoni takes her photos from the sidewalk or, a few times, from her car window.

Baldoni, who has taken a bit of artist license with the shots, has employed apps such as Snapseed, colorizing and upping the contrast, adding filters and effects. In a few cases, shes changed the hue of a door to amp up its visual appeal.

I have a blast, she said.

To view project photos, visit Lynn Baldoni Photography on Facebook.
Belgian authorities on Tuesday were searching for eight migrants following their failed bid to cross to Britain by boat, police said.

Six other migrants who were in the boat, five Iranians and an Afghan, were arrested after returning to shore near the border with France, they said.

Those detained said the other eight -- including possibly two children -- came back ashore with them, but police said they had "no certainty" as to their whereabouts.

Attempts by migrants seeking to get to Britain by crossing the English Channel off France have increased in recent months, prompting increased surveillance by UK and French authorities. There have been fewer reports of bids to cross the North Sea off Belgium to Britain.

Belgian police had initially launched a sea rescue operation after a migrant suffering hypothermia was discovered near a building before dawn.

That migrant said he had been in a boat with 13 others who had left from De Panne, a Belgian coastal town just north of the French city of Dunkirk.

The five others arrested were found on a bus heading to France, leading police to switch to a search on land.

French police had been informed, Belgian officials said.

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At a meeting between the minister and representatives of over a dozen Air India unions in New Delhi on Monday, the minister also 'assured' the employees of full payment of their arrears, according to the source.

Mumbai: Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri has asked disinvestment-bound Air India to set up an internal mechanism committee comprising members from the management and its various trade unions to sort out privatisation-related issues of employees, a source said on 20 January.

At a meeting between the minister and representatives of over a dozen Air India unions in New Delhi on Monday, the minister also "assured" the employees of full payment of their arrears, according to the source.

The nearly hour-long meeting was also attended by Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola, Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani and airline's Director for Personnel Amrita Sharan, the source who was present at the meeting said.

"The minister during the meeting told Air India to set up an internal mechanism committee with members both from the management and the unions to sort out the employees' issues related to privatisation," the source said.

"Puri also assured the employees, mainly the pilots that the government was committed to full payment of their dues in the face of the privatisation," the source added.

As per the source, the minister also told employees that contours about payment of dues are likely to be incorporated in the Expression of Interest (EoI) document.

On 7 January, a group of ministers headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved the draft EoI and Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the disinvestment of Air India.

At his first meeting with the unions on 2 January, Puri had said privatisation was inevitable and cooperation of the employees was necessary in carrying out the exercise.

Media reports suggest that the new investor may be allowed to retain Air India's some 11,000 employees only for one year after the carrier goes into private hands.

In 2018-19, Air India's net loss was around Rs 8,556 crore. The airline has a debt burden of more than Rs 80,000 crore.

In 2018, the government had proposed to offload 76 percent stake in Air India while retaining the rest 24 percent with it as well as transfer the management control to private players. However, the offer had failed to attract any bidders.
Mr. Bloomberg, who declined to be interviewed for this article, said in a statement that as he considered running, he kept hearing criticism over the policy and his defense of it.

The more I listened, the more I began to accept what I had struggled to admit to myself: they were right, and I was wrong, he said in the statement. I believe when you get something wrong, you stand up and admit it, and so I started working with my team on the speech.

Still, the issue keeps coming up, and Mr. Bloomberg trails other candidates among black voters. He was asked about stop-and-frisk in recent interviews with Stephen Colbert and on The View. When Democratic-leaning black voters nationwide were asked which candidate they would definitely not consider supporting, 17 percent named Mr. Bloomberg, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll this month. Only one candidate, Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, had a higher level of disapproval.

Several prominent black leaders in New York City said in interviews that they believed that Mr. Bloombergs apology was, as he has suggested, the result of a gradual shift. They said that they had, over time, tried to convince Mr. Bloomberg that the policy was far more harmful to young men than the mayor might have realized.

His supporters said that Mr. Bloomberg had viewed stop-and-frisk as part of his broader campaign to save lives, which included a ban on smoking in restaurants, a war on soda and salt, and attempts to get weapons off the streets through gun control measures, and that he trusted his police commissioner, Raymond W. Kelly.
American journalist Glenn Greenwald has been charged with cybercrimes in Brazil for allegedly helping a group of hackers intercept the phone calls of the country's Justice Minister, Sergio Moro, when he was a judge presiding over a corruption case.

Greenwald's website, The Intercept, published damaging conversations between Moro and prosecutors in the Car Wash investigation that showed the judge advising them in the case against now jailed former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Greenwald was charged with criminal association with a group of six people who face charges of hacking the telephones of Brazilian officials as well as bank fraud and money laundering.

Glenn Greenwald has been charged with cybercrimes in Brazil

Greenwald has said the Car Wash investigators' conversations were leaked to The Intercept after they had been hacked.

'We will not be intimidated by these tyrannical attempts to silence journalists,' Greenwald said in a statement in which he said the government of Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro does not respect basic press freedoms.

But the federal prosecutors said in a statement that an audio found on the seized laptop of one of the alleged hackers showed Greenwald advising him to erase all messages linked to The Intercept while the interceptions where still taking place.

The calls revealed Sergio Moro, who is now Brazil's Justice Minister, advising prosecutors on a corruption case which he was the judge in

'The dialogues demonstrated that Glenn Greenwald went beyond (his journalistic duty) by indicating actions that would hinder the investigation and reduce the possibility of criminal liability,' the statement said.

Greenwald, a resident of Brazil, became known internationally for his role in the publication of classified U.S. national security documents leaked by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden in 2013.

It was not clear whether Greenwald could be indicted since he was not under investigation and prosecutors were barred from doing so by a court injunction last year.

Greenwald said Moro had from the start called The Intercept 'allies of the hackers' for revealing his collusion with prosecutors in the corruption investigation.

The Federal Police stated less than two months ago, after examining the same evidence cited by the prosecutors, that he had not committed any crime, Greenwald said.

'I did nothing more than do my job as a journalist - ethically and within the law,' he said in the emailed statement.
Eduardo Guerrero Gutierrez, the director of the consulting firm Lantia, said the latest figures showed that the homicide rate was at least growing at a slower pace than in the past. Homicides surged 17 percent in 2018 but rose less than 3 percent last year. Thats very important, he said in an interview.
A few days later, Parnas and Fruman were arrested at Dulles International Airport. As he sat in jail, Parnas said he began to fear that Dowd and Downing were working harder to get Fruman out than him. He said he was also concerned that Trump and Giuliani were not publicly defending the two men.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The Department of the Interior and Local Government in the Calabarzon region is thinking of forcibly removing residents within the 14-kilometer danger zone around Taal as a last ditch effort to keep them away from the still-restive volcano.

This was among the suggestions following an aerial inspection around the volcano on Tuesday, which showed that quite a number of residents are still staying right on the shore of the lake facing Taal in blatant defiance of the governments order to stay out of the danger zone.

Well tell the police and the law enforcement agencies to, if possible, kung kinakailangan para masalba lang yung mga buhay nila ay batakin silang palabas ng mga lugar na yun, DILG Calabarzon officer-in-charge Elias Fernandez told reporters Tuesday.

[Translation: If its needed to save their lives, we will have them forcibly removed from that place.]

Fernandez said that the Philippine Coast Guard also suggested that boats used by residents to travel near the volcano be confiscated.

The Regional Disaster Council will decide what drastic action to take to address these residents who insist on putting themselves in harms way.

For now, Fernandez said they will still resort to maximum persuasion to convince residents to move to safer ground.

A total of 148,514 people are currently taking shelter in evacuation centers due to Taals eruption, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told CNN Philippines Balitaan that 3,734 people from evacuation centers have fallen sick due to ailments like acute respiratory infections, hypertension, diarrhea, flu-like illnesses, eye irritation and skin lesions.

Some local governments in Batangas had allowed evacuees to return to their homes during window hours, but the DILG has ordered local governments to strictly keep residents from entering the danger zone at all times.

Taal Volcano has been on Alert Level 4 since January 12, signalling an imminent explosive eruption within hours or days. Volcanic activity appeared to have weakened in the past days, but government volcanologists warn that a powerful eruption is still possible as there are signs that magma is still moving up from underneath the surface.

CNN Philippines Senior Correspondent David Santos contributed to this report.
Chinese health experts confirmed Monday that a new coronavirus is contagious, raising fears that the virus could spread quickly among people. China's National Health Commission said the virus, which causes a type of pneumonia, can be transmitted person-to-person and not just from animals to people, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier Monday, Chinese health officials confirmed 136 new cases of the newly discovered virus -- a huge spike -- over the past three days, including the first cases in the capital, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Heath officials in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, say the number of cases now exceeds 200. Most of the confirmed cases are described as mild, but three deaths have been reported.

Korean health officials said Monday they confirmed a case in a 35-year-old woman who flew from Wuhan to Incheon, Korea. Thailand and Japan have also confirmed cases.

Indonesia's Health Ministry says it has increased health screenings of passengers from China at airports and ports to try to prevent the spread of the virus into Indonesia. The ministry's disease control and prevention director general, Anung Sugihantono, told VOA that the Health Ministry is monitoring travelers, particularly those from China, with a thermal scan as well as distributing health alert cards.

On Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started screening passengers arriving from Wuhan at three U.S. airports in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Airports in Japan, Thailand, Korea and Singapore are also doing the same.

Chinese and U.S. health officials are particularly concerned because many of the 1.4 billion Chinese citizens are expected to travel for the Lunar New Year holiday that starts Jan. 25, both inside China and beyond.

A coronavirus is one of a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. SARS, which also started in China, killed nearly 800 people globally during an outbreak nearly 20 years ago.


One of the tunnels on the route. Image courtesy: ONA

Oman has officially opened the new Al Sharqiya Expressway for traffic. The 191-km expressway starts from the Wilayat of Bidbid and ends in the Wilayat Al Kamil wa Al Wafi.

The expressway will be under a test period of three months when only light vehicles are allowed to use it during this period.

After the three-month period, heavy vehicles will be allowed to use the expressway, except those loaded with petrochemicals and dangerous materials, said an Oman News Agency report.

Designed in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards, the road includes two tunnels with a total length of 2.1 km. The first tunnel is located in the village of Nadab in Samayil with a length of 650 m, while the second tunnel is situated amidst the mountain ranges of Al-Aqq with a length of 1,450 m. The project also includes bridges over wadis at a height of 90 m, said an Oman Daily Observer report.

Meanwhile, the government plans to build a third and fourth lane of RusaylNizwa dual carriageway project from Muscat Expressway Junction to Bidbid-Sur Junction, the report said.
I Quit New York

Cameron Carling, 38, left to pursue a dream life in Costa Rica. Then he quit that, too.

Jan. 20, 2020

I moved to New York in 2007 from Los Angeles, where I had been living after college at U.C.L.A. You show up in New York for a week in September, and youre like, This is the most magical goddamned place on the planet. This is where all of the things are happening in the world.

I had no job, and figured that New York would just provide for me, and it nearly didnt. I was on the verge of running out of borrowed money when I landed a job at a huge tech company via a temp agency. That turned into a full-time gig, and I ended up working there for 11 years.

I met my wife, Marcella, two weeks after I arrived, at a party. New York was awesome as a couple with no kids. We would go to outdoor movies in Bryant Park, see the symphony in Central Park.

But after a decade or so, I started to burn out. Part of it was that my wife and I had two kids and we were living in an 1,100-square-foot apartment in Brooklyn. Its a common refrain, but trying to raise a kid in New York is like growing an oak tree in a thimble.
The Selfie Kingdom (TSK), Dubais first-ever dedicated selfie museum, opens its doors for photo/selfie enthusiasts of all ages.



Close to the Expo 2020 site, TSK is an interactive space that aims to inspire creativity, art, design and promote digital content.



The hub currently features 15 pop-up rooms with vibrant and unique backdrops/props and proper lighting offering guests a highly-visual and entertaining experience that are absolutely photo-worthy. The rooms would be remodelled every few months to provide a fresh immersive photo-friendly experience. In addition, it will feature interesting exhibits/installations from various artists, designers and innovators for visitors to enjoy.



The Selfie Kingdom contributes to the spirit of the UAE, said Rania Naffa, chief happiness officer and founder. TSK provides an interactive photo-friendly social space that promotes art, creativity and a place for our guests to express themselves freely and have fun while doing it. We want everyone to be part of this entertaining experience and create some amazing memories, added Naffa.



The hub also provides a creative space for people to co-work and a venue to host private parties/ events. - TradeArabia News Service
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The outbreak of a mysterious new Coronavirus in China and other Asian countries is causing hundreds to fall ill and has travelers questioning if it is safe to visit the affected areas. Travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth, warns travelers that even though they can purchase a policy now, it might not provide all the coverage travelers are looking for.

Fear of Virus Doesn't Activate Cancellation Coverage

With little known about the virus, travelers may turn to travel insurance for coverage to cancel upcoming trips. However, even if a traveler is concerned for their health or safety, being afraid to travel is not enough to trigger cancellation benefits under standard travel insurance policies.

Cancel for Any Reason Upgrade Available

Travelers who have yet to book their trip, or who booked within the past month, have the option to purchase an upgraded trip cancellation policy. The Cancel for Any Reason benefit allows travelers to receive a partial upgrade for a trip they no longer wish to take for reasons not covered by a standard policy, including fear of contracting a virus.

Medical Benefits Available for Trips to Affected Areas

If an insured traveler falls ill with the China Coronavirus while on their trip, they can be reimbursed for medical expenses and can even be covered to return home early if medically necessary. Policies with emergency medical and medical evacuation benefits are currently available for travelers heading to affected destinations.

Squaremouth created the China - Coronavirus Outbreak Travel Insurance Information Center to explain coverage for the virus outbreak. This page is regularly updated by Squaremouth's travel insurance experts, and includes answers to frequently asked questions and official statements from providers.

ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH

SQUAREMOUTH compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side . More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com .

Available Topic Expert:

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Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations this year, will begin his four-day visit to the country from Friday. On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from January 24-27 January at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at Indias 71st Republic Day Parade on January 26," the External Affairs Ministry said.
With confidence of CEOs over worldwide economic growth hitting rock bottom, India is their fourth choice after the US, China and Germany as only 9 per cent in a global survey favour India for their companies' growth prospects.

IMAGE: Actress Deepika Padukone accepts the "Crystal Award" during the opening of the 50th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 20, 2020. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters.

On the other hand, Indian chief executive officers (CEOs) showed the second highest level of confidence at 40 per cent after China's 45 per cent when it came to overall revenue growth prospects of their own companies, as per the annual PwC CEO survey released in Davos during the World Economic Forum annual meeting.

Overall, CEOs are not so positive about their own companies' prospects for the year ahead, with only 27 per cent of global CEOs saying they are very confident in their own organisation's growth over the next 12 months -- the lowest level seen since 2009, and down from 35 per cent last year.

While confidence levels are generally down across the world, there is a wide variation from country to country.

China and India evoked the highest levels of confidence among major economies at 45 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively. The US was at 36 per cent, Canada at 27 per cent, the UK at 26 per cent, Germany at 20 per cent, France 18 per cent, and Japan having the least optimistic CEOs with only 11 per cent very confident of growing revenues in 2020.

When asked about their own revenue growth prospects, the change in CEO sentiment has proven to be an excellent predictor of global economic growth, PwC said.

Analysing CEO forecasts since 2008, the correlation between CEO confidence in their 12-month revenue growth and the actual growth achieved by the global economy has been very close, it said.

If the analysis continues to hold, global growth could slow to 2.4 per cent in 2020, below many estimates including the 3.4 per cent October growth prediction from the IMF, PwC said.

For the first time, more than half of the CEOs surveyed by PwC said they believe the rate of global GDP growth will decline.

While 53 per cent projected a decline in global economic growth (up sharply from 29 per cent last year), only 22 per cent expected an improvement (down from 42 per cent).

The survey covered nearly 1,600 CEOs in 83 territories.

PwC said China is looking beyond the US for growth, even as overall the US just retains its lead as the top market CEOs look to for growth over the next 12 months at 30 per cent, one percentage point ahead of China at 29 per cent.

However, ongoing trade conflicts and political tensions have seriously dented the attractiveness of the US for China CEOs.

In 2018, 59 per cent of China CEOs selected the US as one of their top three growth markets; in 2020 this has dropped dramatically to just 11 per cent.

The USs loss has been Australia's gain, with 45 per cent of China CEOs now looking to Australia as a top three key growth market, compared with only 9 per cent two years ago.

The other countries making the top five for growth are unchanged from last year -- Germany (13 per cent), India (9 per cent) and the UK (9 per cent, a strong result for the UK given the uncertainty created by Brexit).

Australia is just outside the top five, boosted by its increased attractiveness for China CEOs.

Barun Jha is a journalist with the Press Trust of India. He can be contacted at money@rediff.co.in.
Philadelphia police investigators gather up the bullet shell casings on the 2400 block of North Patton Street Sunday morning, Jan. 19, 2020, after two men were found with gunshot wounds in the early hours of Sunday morning. Both men were taken to Temple University Hospital. Read more

There are myriad approaches to reducing gun violence  and urgent reason to do so. This past weekend, Philadelphia saw gun violence wound eight more people and kill two. Regardless of your position on how to handle the crisis, we can agree there is no magic potion to protect our communities.

Well-intentioned solutions, passionately put forth by victims, survivors, community leaders, grassroots organizations, researchers, law enforcement, religious leaders, and more, all too often push the conversation into a place of division and reaction rather than action. Check the video of recent state regional hearings on gun violence and youll see how raw the conversation becomes when gun violence is discussed.

We are not here to say what is a right or wrong way to solve this crisis. That is up to others to decide.

We are joining the conversation today to show that while the day-to-day work of fighting violence might be best done at the community level, we do not believe the funding portion of this battle belongs in the hands of private entities. The philosophy behind Cure Violence, an anti-violence-program, is that gun violence is a health-care crisis. In the past, private entities like health-care insurers have funded responses to health-care crises. That approach wont work here.

We come to this conclusion through analysis supported by a financial modeling tool created by our Fox Management Consulting team of Temple University MBA students overseen by a business project executive. Funding to end the gun violence crisis in our communities should come from city and state coffers because, quite frankly, they feel the economic pain for many of the downstream social and economic costs associated with gun violence. They are also in the position to press private companies to contribute as appropriate.

Our financial modeling tool shows that, given current reimbursement patterns, the economic return on investment for preventing gun violence is negative for insurance companies and hospitals. But the economic return on investment  e.g., the money saved  for preventing gun violence is positive for Pennsylvanias Department of Human Services (DHS) because it channels Medicaid funding to all the managed care organizations. Add in social costs  such as lower wages and quality of life, which can lead to homelessness, mental health issues, and incarceration  that DHS has to bear due to gun violence, and the combined economic and social impact of investment in prevention grows dramatically.

The model points to this conclusion by taking into account expenses for the primary and secondary health costs associated with treating gunshot wound victims, as well as the 30% reduction of reported shootings in the police precincts where Philadelphia Cure Violence operates (with support of Temple Universitys Lewis Katz School of Medicine).

We have read the Inquirer Editorial Board urging the city to learn an important lesson from whats going on in Chicago, the birthplace of the Cure Violence program. Homicide rates in the Midwestern city have reportedly declined over the past three years. We note that Chicago is paying attention to the data, and using that data to drive funding decisions. We hear Mayor Jim Kenneys call to reduce shootings in the city by 25% and homicides by 30% over the course of his term in office. And we can see that Philadelphias evidence-based, public-health-oriented Cure Violence program has previously achieved the 30% reduction in the neighborhoods in which it operates.

But our research shows that in order for community- and evidence-based organizations like Cure Violence to thrive, and for Philadelphia to reduce violence as much as Chicago has, funding for a proven program needs to come from the state and city. That dedicated stream is the lifeline that will allow evidence-based programs to expand neighborhood by neighborhood, continuing to hire members of the community.

Theres no magic in data. It speaks for itself.

TL Hill is a professor of strategic management and managing director of Fox Management Consulting and Executive Education at Temple University. Donald Phillips is an adjunct professor in the Fox School of Business at Temple.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.21

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Stef Blok arrived in Georgia on Jan.21, 2020, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

It is the first visit of the country's foreign minister to Georgia in the past ten years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia noted.

According to the ministry, the first official visit of Blok to Georgia will further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Georgia and the Netherlands.

"The issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation as well as Georgias Euro-Atlantic relations will be on the agenda of the meeting of the Georgian and Dutch foreign ministers, the ministry said.

Georgia and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in April 1992.

Countries are actively cooperating in the fields of transport, economy, finance and defense. In 2012, the Georgian-Dutch business council, aimed at improving trade and economic ties, was established.

Last time, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen paid an official visit to Georgia in 2009.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
RADNOR, Pa., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LBC Small Cap, an affiliate of LBC Credit Partners, provided senior secured credit facilities and an equity co-investment to support the acquisition of TalentSmart, Inc. by Seaside Equity Partners.

LBC Small Cap served as Agent and Sole Lead Arranger for the senior secured credit facilities.

TalentSmart, Inc. is the pioneer of and recognized leader in emotional intelligence training for clients ranging from the military to Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Jean Greaves and Dr. Travis Bradberry, TalentSmart has been training the world's leading organizations on how to improve emotional intelligence to enhance individual as well as business performance.

"We are excited to partner with TalentSmart and Seaside Equity on this investment," said Don Rice, Partner at LBC Small Cap. "TalentSmart is a dynamic, growing company, and their in-demand products demonstrate that emotional intelligence is a key ingredient for success, both in business and personal life."

Seaside Equity Partners is a San Diego-based, growth-oriented private equity firm that invests exclusively in leading lower middle market business services companies headquartered in the Western and Southwestern United States.

About LBC Small Cap

LBC Small Cap is focused on originating, executing and managing senior secured, unitranche, junior debt, structured equity and equity co-investments in U.S.-based lower middle market companies with EBITDA between $2 - $5 million. The LBC Small Cap team looks to deploy capital to support funded sponsors, independent sponsors, and family-owned businesses across a broad array of industries.

About LBC Credit Partners

LBC Credit Partners provides middle market and small-cap financing solutions supporting sponsored and non-sponsored transactions throughout the U.S. across a broad range of industries. With over $3 billion of capital commitments, we have provided in excess of $6.4 billion to over 229 issuers throughout our 15-year history. * LBC is headquartered in the Philadelphia area and has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. To learn more, visit www.lbccredit.com. *Information as of September 30, 2019.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lisa Rubano-Volansky

Tel 724-979-4293

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE LBC Credit Partners
SSP has seen a boost in sales but warned that business conditions remain tough (Zute Lightfoot/SSP/PA)

The owner of railway station and airport stalwarts including Upper Crust and Caffe Ritazza has confirmed that turbulence in the travel industry is continuing to bite.

But SSP, which also operates Burger King and Starbucks in travel locations, said that, despite the headwinds, sales in the three months to December 31 grew 1.2% on a like-for-like basis  or 6.1% when new openings are considered.

The company said: Overall, like-for-like sales growth was in line with our expectations, with the external headwinds noted in the second half of last year continuing, as anticipated, into the first quarter of this year.

Whilst a degree of uncertainty always exists around passenger numbers in the short term, we continue to benefit from the structural growth opportunities in our markets and to create further shareholder valueSSP

Increasing passenger numbers helped sales in the UK  as the turbulence caused by the collapse of Thomas Cook in September last year died down  and business was also strong in North America, the company added.

But Europe proved harder, particularly in France, where transport hubs were hit by a series of strikes in December.

Elsewhere, sales in Hong Kong were affected by the ongoing political unrest, but there were improvements in India.

Overall, like-for-like sales growth for the year is expected to be just below 2%.

There were contract wins  up 6.3% in the quarter compared with the same period a year ago  including new sites at Montparnasse railway station, motorway service offerings in Germany, and new Starbucks units in stations across the Netherlands.

Bosses said they also plan to buy German rival Station Food, which will add 28 new units to SSP at stations across the country, and will boost SSP sales by around 10 million this year.

Looking ahead, the company said: Whilst a degree of uncertainty always exists around passenger numbers in the short term, we continue to benefit from the structural growth opportunities in our markets and to create further shareholder value.
Rapper CJ Biggerman has revealed the reason why he boldly approached American rapper, Rick Ross upon his arrival at the reception of the hotel he stayed when he visited Ghana.

The young rapper explained that he was very certain that he would be given a chance only if Rick listened carefully to him.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Biggerman said he had learnt from the examples of other rappers who have now made a name for themselves after giving a freestyle to other big artistes.

I have seen so many people, Big Sean got signed by giving a freestyle to Kanye West, Nas gave a freestyle to Jay Z even Drake a freestyle to Lil Wayne, he said.

He spoke about how he had never received a negative reaction from any audience during his performances throughout his career.

According to him, that informed his decision to brave the odds.

Nobody has really done that in Africa so let me just take my shot and try my luck. I knew I wasnt going to be turned down, he explained.

Meanwhile, he stated that he is working around the clock to release his EP which is in the pipeline.

I have not relaxed he clarified.

In December 2019, CJ Biggerman met Rick Ross who just landed in Ghana with a rap freestyle to the surprise of all present.

Later, Ross announced that he would perform with the Ghanaian rapper at Detty Rave where he was billed to perform.

---Myjoyonline
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Voting systems across the nation are vulnerable to cyber attacks in the upcoming presidential election, but New York is better prepared than many, officials said.

Beginning last year, a security contractor hired by the state went through an 88-point check list with each board of elections in the state. The potential for problems runs the gamut -- from whether employees know how to avoid opening phishing emails to whether the main computers are kept in a locked office, said Todd Valentine, co-executive director of the New York State Board of Elections.

Valentine and other officials spoke about elections cyber-security at a briefing at Onondaga Community College today that was hosted by U.S. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus.

Each county will receive a report of problems it should fix before November. The state also will have an overview of the range of security problems it has found that it will make public.

Katko said he wanted to assure voters that their vote will count in the 2020 election.

New York, he said, is far better prepared than many other states. He because all of the voting machines use paper ballots and those ballots are kept, the votes in New York are safeguarded from hacking trouble.

Central New York had at least two major cyber attacks this summer. The Syracuse school district and Onondaga County library system were both hobbled by a ransomware attack in July.

Though the Onondaga County Board of Elections is not directly connected to either of those systems, it is linked to the countys system. Because of that, Valentine said, it was cut off from the states voter registration database when the attack happened.

It took weeks for the both systems to recover from the attack.

Elections commissioners from Onondaga County and Oswego County both attended the briefing. They said they need more IT help to deal with the amount of technology thats now required for elections.

This is our new normal, said Onondaga County Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny.

This past November, a technical problem crashed part of the countys results on election night. The county attempted to upload a file of more than 400 election district results from early voting. The file was too big for the vendor, but that wasnt clear ahead of time.

The IT officials who were at the elections office had to wake up another IT worker so he could come down and make a web file of the results for everyone to use until the problem was figured out.

For more complicated problems, especially ones that appear to be cyber attacks, the state has a rapid response team it can dispatch to help county elections officials, Valentine said. That team was dispatched 30 times last year. If theres a suspicion of a cyber attack, they often bring in the FBI for help.

Katko, who serves on the Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Committee, said the state received $425 million to help prepare for these elections.

Its about re-enforcing the public confidence, Katko said. They want to know their vote counts.

Marnie Eisenstadt is a reporter who writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter| Facebook | 315-470-2246

Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
Fix Western Alienation and Everyone Wins

Commentary

If you told a visitor from Mars that Canada faced yet another national unity crisis, they might well conclude that human beings like to be miserable. As might a visitor from almost any other country on Earth, baffled that a nation as happy as Canada in every respect, from natural endowments to security, could have people as unhappy about Canada as we have. But maybe some good will come of it.

First, give us credit for our ingenuity. After decades haunted by Quebec separatism, we find ourselves with a happy Quebec and an unhappy West, meaning primarily Alberta and increasingly Saskatchewan, plus parts of rural British Columbia and Manitoba.

Dont think it was easy. But it was effective.

There are many ways of slicing the differences that now divide us. Urban/rural is a big one: In Canadian elections, you need only win MTV, a now badly outdated ex-cool reference to our three biggest cities of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. (There was a hip TV channel called MTV back when people watched this thing called television instead of being glued to devices.)

Speaking of cool, the divide between it and uncool is another major Canadian rift that fairly closely matches urban/rural. But theres also English/French, progressive/conservative (we even do that one inside one party), East/West, North/South, Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal. You want divides? We got divides. Even the Atlantic provinces are grumpy, though currently in no position to make demands.

So wheres the good news? Well, first, the Western alienation crisis actually has peoples attention. The federal Liberal cabinet huddled in Winnipeg this week, one of those second-tier not-so-cool off-the-beaten-track cities theyve heard of, trying to look as though theyre listening to the West and maybe even managing to do it. But fishbowls are portable, so its one thing to set out to listen to unfamiliar and unwelcome voices and quite another to hear and understand them. The prime ministers highly publicized Winnipeg purchase of luxury doughnuts at $47/dozen is a case in point.

The Conservatives are huddled we know not where gnashing their teeth at yet another unexpected electoral defeat and plotting the next one with their usual counterproductive cunning. But back to the Liberals, currently governing in a minority Parliament with support from further left.

When you have regional divides, one thing you try to do is to grant some of the demands of the unhappy region even when you dont agree with them. After all, if you agreed with those demands, youd have done them years ago and the divide would be less.

It was the strategy pursued for many years with Quebec, which long demanded greater decentralization including powers over things that actually were provincial anyway in our original Constitution. (And more money, which wasnt.) And the great centralizers in Ottawa, of both parties, sometimes gave way. Not on principle, alas, which would have meant giving all provinces more power. Instead, they turned the whole thing into jury-rigged deal-making and called it statesmanship, Canadian style. The result is that Quebec is happy and the West is not, and polls show that people outside Quebec think Quebec doesnt like them, bringing us back to the sorry thought that if humans cant make Canada succeed, they cant make anything succeed.

But maybe they can.

The Liberals are now attempting something similar in some ways for the West, including buying and building a stalled pipeline to bring diluted bitumen, or dilbit, to the consumers and ports of British Columbia. (In case youre not Canadian, dilbit is one of those odd words we all had to learn and means bituminous sands diluted with various lighter petroleum products. Oh, and in case youre not Canadian, bituminous sands are a mix of sand, water, clay, and really gooey asphalt-like heavy oil. Enemies call it tar. And the pipeline is TMX for Trans Mountain Expansion.)

In seeking to build this pipeline, the Liberals may end up hoisted with their own petard of over-regulation, climate alarmism, and toleration of direct action by protestors. But they genuinely are trying, even though they believe fossil fuels are A Bad Thing. And the attempt is a good first step, not just for Alberta and the West or for national unity, but for Canadas economic and geopolitical well-being because of the vital importance of the energy industry to our prosperity and security.

Uncharacteristically, I have more good news. Meeting Western demands for a pipeline would not be the only way in which efforts to defuse a regional crisis would benefit the nation as a whole. Last spring, the Economic Education Association of Alberta held a conference in Red Deer on the subject of Western alienation, at which I said what Im saying here: that a number of Western demands arent just good for the West but for the East. And again, I dont just mean in saving Canada, worthwhile as it is. They would produce much better government throughout Canada.

When I say Western demands I acknowledge, of course, that the West is diverse and has liberals, socialists, populists, confused people, and others not of the more libertarian persuasion one typically associates with Alberta. But as a rule, what the West wants is less government delivered better. (It also wants no service cuts, a typical modern voter have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too topic for another day.)

So here are some things the federal government could do that would address Western alienation squarely and leave everyone better off.

Balance the budget and stop trying to spend (or tax) your way out of debt. Simplify the tax system and lower rates. Take demographics seriously and address pension and health-care reform while theres still time, in a market-friendly way. Decentralize on principle. Use the undoubted federal power to impose real free interprovincial trade. Get Alberta oil to market. Hold a national referendum to abolish the equalization program that drains money from successful provinces to prop up bad policy in less successful ones.

OK, maybe number 7 is getting a bit hysterical. And boring to non-Canadians who dont even want to know what we did to ourselves with this incomprehensible, resentment-fuelling, grotesquely inefficient Constitutional monstrosity. But the weird thing about Western alienation is that, while it never should have happened, it may trap the federal government into doing a number of right things after having exhausted the alternatives.

As to why it was necessary to exhaust the alternatives, well, see my reflections above on the ability of human beings to find Canada bleak and annoying and otherwise to manufacture trouble when none comes along of its own accord. But if the result is dramatic policy reforms for the better that make the West happy, save the nation, and make the East prosperous, it will be proof that even humans sometimes get it right.

Including in Canada.

John Robson is a documentary filmmaker, National Post columnist, contributing editor to the Dorchester Review, commentator-at-large with News Talk Radio 580 CFRA in Ottawa, and executive director of the Climate Discussion Nexus. His most recent documentary is The Environment: A True Story.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
New Delhi [India], Jan 21 (ANI): Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will pay a four-day visit to India from January 24 to attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.



Bolsonaro will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ernesto Fraga Araujo, Minister Chief of Staff Jose Vicente Santini; Agriculture and Lifestock Minister Tereza Cristina Correa da Costa Dias; Mines and Energy Minister Admiral Bento Costa Lima Leite de Alburquerque Junior; Science, Technology, Communications and Innovation Minister Macros Cesar Pontes.

Other ministers who are part of the delegation include Minister Chief of the Secretariat of Government General Luiz Eduardo Ramos Baptista Pereira; Minister Chief of Institutional Security Office General Augusto Heleno Ribeiro Pereira; Vice Minister for Foreign Trade and International Affairs Macros Prado Troyja; Vice Minister for the Investment Partnership Program Martha Seillier; and Vice Minister of Defence products (Ministry of Defense) Marcos Rosas Degaut.

President of Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brazil) Rear Admiral Sergio Ricardo Segovia Barbosa will also be part of the delegation.

This is the first state visit by Bolsonaro to India. The last Presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the VIII BRICS Summit in Goa.



During the visit, Bolsonaro will meet President Ram Nath Kovind -- who will host a banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in his honor -- and hold talks with PM Modi. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on President Bolsonaro.

On 27 January, Bolsonaro will address Indian and Brazilian Business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum. This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil.

India-Brazil relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster the economic growth of both countries.

"Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations. The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said in a statement. (ANI)


Speaking at the meeting, Deputy PM Binh highlighted Vietnams impressive economic growth in 2019, adding that this was the second consecutive year that the country had recorded growth of over 7% percent, higher than the average level of the region and the globe.

Vietnam was also elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with a record number of votes, he said, adding that the second summit between the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the US took place in Hanoi in February 2019, putting Vietnam in the spotlight of international media.

The Deputy PM emphasised that the Vietnamese Party, State and people always consider overseas Vietnamese as an indispensable part of the country.

The Deputy PM encouraged overseas Vietnamese in Switzerland to support each other and serve as a bridge connecting the two countries.

Also on January 19, Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh visited the Vietnamese mission in Geneva.
A Delhi court on Tuesday modified the bail conditions of Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, allowing him to visit Delhi but has to inform the DCP crime before coming to the city.

Additional Session Judge Kamini Lau said, "In a democracy, when an election is the biggest celebration, which should have maximum participation, it is fair he should be allowed."

The court directed him that when Azad comes to Delhi, he will reside at the given address. He will inform the DCP over the phone and send an email if he is not in Delhi or Saharanpur.

The court noted that there is no fresh material or that since the day of his release, there is no material suggesting that he indulged in anything which is against the law and order, public order or security.

It also observed that most of the offences in the FIR against the Bhim Army chief are bailable and no cogent material is present for proving the non-bailable offences.

Earlier on January 17, Azad had moved the Tis Hazari Court seeking modification of the bail order in connection to the Daryaganj violence case.

The petition stated that Azad hailed from the SC community and his voice cannot be suppressed in election time. It also describes the Bhim Army chief as a public representative.

The plea also said that Daryaganj violence is a Delhi matter, therefore, only the Investigation Officer of Delhi is looking into the matter.

"If the Bhim Army Chief commits any violence in any manner or disobeys the order of the court, then the Investigation Officer of Delhi will see it. So why does he have to appear before SHO Saharanpur, when he has nothing to do with Saharanpur in this regard," the plea said.

The Delhi court on January 15 granted bail to Azad, one of the accused in the Daryaganj violence case.

The court ordered that Azad will not conduct any dharna in Delhi for one month till February 16.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The brief but violent mid-January mutiny by intelligence and security agents severely tested the governing transitional Sovereign National Council (SNC) which oversees Sudans transitional government. The mutiny sent Sudans civilian leader, prime minister Abdallah Hamdok, once again into full-scale domestic diplomacy mode designed to ease tension and suspicion between the SNCs civilians from the FFC (Forces for Freedom and Change) coalition and military members. The mutiny caught the government by surprise. Disgruntled current and former General Intelligence Service (GIS) agents participated in what they called a protest of their severance pay packages. However, the protestors had weapons, they seized control of GIS offices in the capital and refused orders to surrender. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, president of the SNC, called the action an insurgency and later claimed the agents intended to launch a coup against the transitional government. Though former agents and security troops seized buildings in the capital and in a town in North Darfur state, the revolt was not well organized. Violent mutiny designed to cause chaos and test the militarys loyalty to the SNC may be the best description. In the wake of the clash in the capital, Hamdok is emphasizing the need for national unity in order to successfully move from the transitional government to free national elections which democratically select a civilian government. The prime minister argues accurately-- that the Sudanese revolution that toppled dictator Omar al Bashir succeeded because an alliance developed between pro-democracy civilians and the military. Thats true  an alliance developed as relentless pro-democracy protests continued despite bloodshed in the streets. The alliance was initially strained and the truth is it remains strained. Civilian leaders' distrust is sustained by the continuing presence on the SNC of senior military officers who once supported Bashir. Civilians throughout Sudan are suspicious of the RSF (Rapid Support Forces) militia. The fact the Sudanese Army and RSF militiamen put down the mutiny may ease suspicions. For the record, the GIS is the new name for the NISS (National Intelligence and Security Service) which Bashir used as secret police to suppress and intimidate its political opponents. NISS agents committed murder and torture on behalf of Bashir himself, his senior subordinates and Bashirs ruling National Congress Party (NCP). (Austin Bay)

January 20, 2020: Foreign media are criticizing the Sudan governments January 8 decision to suspend the operations of four media outlets (two newspapers and two television channels) that supported former dictator Omar al Bashirs regime. The foreign critics argue the closure violates freedom of the press. Some pro-democracy Sudanese agree with the foreign critics. However, the transitional government argued it is following the recommendations of its Anti-Corruption Committee., which contends the media outlets in question received money, political support and political favors from Bashirs NCP (National Congress Party). The four outlets were not independent operations but corrupt entities that functioned as NCP assets. Public funds stolen by the NCP and money-laundering schemes run by the Bashir regime financed the newspapers and TV channels. The committee recommended they should be closed, their assets sold and the proceeds of the sales returned to the Sudanese government. (Austin Bay)

In Sudan, a bomb went off in the capital, Khartoum. The explosion killed seven and wounded 25. It is unclear who, or what was responsible.

January 19, 2020: Over the past 30 days Sudan has continued to withdraw its military forces from Yemen. As of January 15 only 657 Sudanese soldiers remained in Yemen. On December 1, 2019, Sudan had around 5,000 soldiers in Yemen serving with the Saudi-led coalition. In 2015 former president (dictator) Omar al-Bashir ordered the Sudanese military to send 15,000 troops and a small air force detachment to Yemen to serve with the Saudi-led anti-Iran coalition. In April 2019, the month Bashir was removed from power, Sudan still deployed 15,000 military personnel in Yemen. In late 2019 civilian Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok vowed to end Sudans military engagement in Yemen.

January 17, 2020: In South Sudan, the SPLM-IO rebel leaders rejected a South African proposal that an international panel help South Sudans government and the SPLM-IO resolve their differences on the number of South Sudanese states and their political boundaries. President Kiirs government split up the ten old states and created 32 new states. The SPLM-IO argues Kiir did it for his own political benefit. Kiir has accepted the new South African offer. East African diplomats mediating government and rebel negotiations say that before a South Sudan transitional government can be formed per the peace agreement, internal security arrangements must be guaranteed and the states and states boundaries issues must be settled. The Independent Boundaries Commission (IBC) said it has concluded the majority of South Sudanese favor the old ten state structure. However, the boundaries of the ten states are not firmly demarcated.

January 16, 2020: Sudans SNC appointed General Jamal Abdul Majeed as the new head of the GIS (General Intelligence Service). Meanwhile, negotiations resumed in Juba, South Sudan, between the Sudanese government and representatives of rebels in the Two Areas (South Kordofan and Blue Nile states).

January 15, 2020: In Sudan, general Abdel Fattah al Burhan, who heads Sudans SNC, reported that the Sudanese Army now had full control of all General Intelligence Service buildings in the capital. Burhan called the intelligence agents mutiny a coup attempt. The government also confirmed that the military had regained control of two small oilfields protesting intelligence agents seized on January 14. The two small fields produce 5,000 barrels a day. The seizure temporarily halted production but has resumed. The military reported said two soldiers were killed and four wounded in violence that began late on January 14.

Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia and Sudan announced that they expect to sign a deal governing the operations of Ethiopias GERD (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam) and the filling of the dams reservoir. The agreement will be signed either in late January or early February. Ethiopia agreed to only fill the reservoir during the rainy season, which occurs in July and August. If rain continues into September, Ethiopia can also fill the reservoir during September. Once the reservoir level reaches 595 meters (1,900 feet) above sea level, filling will continue based on agreement by all three countries.

January 14, 2020: In Sudan fighting erupted in the capital, Khartoum, as armed intelligence agents and GIS security troops loyal to former president Bashir refused to evacuate buildings they had occupied in various places in the city and in two suburbs. The government shut down Sudans national air space, although it was quickly reopened. The Sudanese Army and RSF militiamen responded to the building occupation and demanded the rebels (mutineers) hand over their weapons. The agents refused to leave the building and drop their weapons. The military then assaulted the buildings and gunfire erupted. The agents and troops were protesting the financial compensation and severance pay packages the government provided after the SNC dissolved the GIS operational security units. The government said a similar incident occurred in El-Obaid, the capital of North Darfur state. It is believed the mutineers in North Darfur were members of a disbanded security service unit. Subsequently, general Daglo accused former NISS commander Salah Abdallah (aka "Salah Gosh) of being responsible for the anti-government violence. The U.S. government has told Sudan that if it wants to be removed from the SST (State Sponsors of Terrorism) list it needs to pay financial compensation to the families of people killed or injured in terror attacks that are tied to Sudan. The message follows the U.S. Supreme Courts January 13 decision to decline to rule on Sudans appeal to avoid paying $3.8 billion in compensation to the families of people killed or injured in Al Qaedas 1998 terror bomb attacks on the American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.

January 12, 2020: South Sudans government and the SSOMA (South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance) signed a peace declaration. The SSOMA is an umbrella group of political opposition groups. Meanwhile, the SPLM-IO rebels accused the South Sudan government of organizing political protests in favor of keeping the 32 states the Kiir government established. The rebel SPLM-IO says the protests are a clear breach of the peace agreement.

January 11, 2020: In Sudan, the SLM-AW rebels said they would participate in a national conference for peace within Sudan. So far the SLM-AW has refused to participate in the peace negotiations between Sudan and its regional rebel groups that are sponsored by South Sudan.

January 9, 2020: In central Sudan (South Kordofan state), prime minister Hamdok visited the headquarters of the rebel SPLM-N al-Hilu rebel faction. Hamdok said he was seeking peace within Sudan. He is the first senior Sudanese leader to visit this area since the war in South Kordofan began in June 2011. The SPLM-N al-Hilu has asked Khartoum to resolve the fighting between the Nuba and Beni Amer tribes which is occurring in the Port Sudan area of Red Sea state.

January 8, 2020: In South Sudan, the U.S. imposed individual sanctions on First Vice President Taban Deng Gai. He had been involved in murdering anti-South Sudan government political workers.

January 7, 2020: In Sudan, the FFC pro-democracy coalition produced a list of 14 nominees for state governorships in Sudan. Prime minister Hamdok is tasked with appointing 18 transitional governors. The FFC is discussing the other four state governorships with various rebel groups.

January 5, 2020: In Sudan, it was announced that tribes in West Darfur State had committed themselves to end violence in the region. Recent inter-communal fighting between the Massalit and Arab tribes killed over 50 people.

January 3, 2020: In western Sudan, the UN-AU (African Union) peacekeeping operation in Darfur reported that a series of violent tribal clashes between the Massalit and Arab tribes recently took place. The murder of a member of the Arab tribe near a refugee camp apparently sparked the violence. The fighting ended January 1 with 65 people dead and 54 injured. The fighting also displaced over 40,000 people. This included 32,000 of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were forced to flee from refugee camps in the area. Most of the IDPs are now in temporary shelters near the state capital.

In northwestern South Sudan, peacekeepers confirmed that over a thousand soldiers and SPLM-IO rebel fighters have entered cantonment/training centers. The goal of the retraining program is to create a unified South Sudanese army.

December 31, 2019: In western Sudan (South Darfur) local officials demanded an investigation into the looting and damaging of a former peacekeeper headquarters. Sudanese security forces were accused of failing to intervene to protect the site which was to be given to the University of Nyala. The demand has national implications. With the establishment of the Sovereign Council, the Sudanese military promised to protect and serve the Sudanese people. Peacekeepers protested the failure of Sudanese security forces to stop the looting of the peacekeeper's former headquarters facility. According to observers, the looting was systematic. Assets in the buildings were stolen, some dismantled. Building materials and equipment were put on trucks and driven away. The UN gave the property to a local university in November 2019. Sudanese officials estimated the property and equipment was worth $100 million. Two days ago several hundred people. described as civilians, broke into and looted the site, popularly known as Super Camp. The gift required the site and its assets (buildings and equipment) to be used for civilian purposes.

December 30, 2019: In Sudan, a court has sentenced to death 29 members of the former NISS security service. The intelligence officers were convicted of torturing and murdering a political prisoner, Ahmed Khair, who was arrested in January 2019 and died in detention in early February. Khairs murder inspired Sudanese resistance to the Bashir government.

December 26, 2019: The UN awarded service medals to 850 Indian peacekeepers serving in South Sudan. The UN commended the Indian soldiers' commitment to supporting local South Sudanese communities.

December 25, 2019: In Sudan, the SRF accused supporters of the toppled Bashir government of inciting tribal clashes in Red Sea State, with the city of Port Sudan the focal point. Since June 2019, several deadly clashes involving Nuba, Beni Amer, Hadandawah and Alamrar tribesmen have occurred in Port Sudan. The SRF contends Bashirs supporters use the tribal fighting to maintain their influence in Red Sea State.

December 23, 2019: In Sudan, the government confirmed that the GIS will not have operational security units. The old NISS organization fielded heavily armed paramilitary units.

December 22, 2019: In South Sudan, the U.S. imposed individual sanctioned on the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs for engaging in actions that undermine South Sudanese peace efforts. The Defense Minister, Kuol Manyang Juuk, is a major political figure in South Sudan.
Photo: CTV News

UPDATE 9:10 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is refusing to say who will cover security costs for Prince Harry and his family while they are in Canada.

At a news conference in Winnipeg today, Trudeau says discussions on the matter are ongoing, adding he has not spoken to the Queen about it.

-with files from the Canadian Press

ORIGINAL 7:58 a.m.

Prince Harry is back on Vancouver Island after making his way back from intense meetings about 'stepping back' from his royal duties.

CTV News is reporting the Prince jumped into a waiting vehicle on the tarmac on arrival before heading off to reunite with his wife Meghan Markle and their son Archie.



Harry and Meghan spent the Christmas holidays at a house in North Saanich where they are believed to remain at this time.

Obviously, the move has massive financial implications for the couple as they work to become financially independent.

However major concerns remain over who will pay for their security costs. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has started a petition to ensure no Canadian tax dollars are used to support the pair while the Prime Minister

has yet to comment on whether the couple's Canadian move will cost Canadians.

-with files from CTV News Vancouver
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE: OUT) announced today that it has been awarded the advertising franchise for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority ("WMATA"). OUTFRONT Media has operated the current contract since July 2014. The new contract will commence July 2020 with an initial 10-year term and two subsequent five-year extensions at WMATA's option.

Washington, D.C. is the sixth largest market in the U.S. according to Nielsen Media Research, and the WMATA network of 1,100 railcars and 1,648 buses supported 295 million passenger trips in 2018.

"We are excited to be continuing our successful partnership with WMATA, and the addition of 1,500 new Liveboard digital displays to the Metrorail system will enhance both the ridership experience and the advertising opportunities," said Jeremy Male, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OUTFRONT Media. "Washington, D.C. is an extremely important and technologically forward market, and this digital expansion complements similar media networks in New York City, Boston, Minneapolis and San Francisco. We look forward to growing this important resource for WMATA and its customers."

About OUTFRONT Media Inc.

OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its technology platform, OUTFRONT will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go.

Contacts:

SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc.
Senior Pastor Brandon Clack has appointed Vincent Tharpe worship pastor of All Nations Worship Assembly, Memphis. Tharpe is well known as the impassioned front man of the three-time Stellar Award nominated praise and worship ensemble Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, who recorded new live music this past fall and will have a new single serviced to radio in February.

Vincent Tharpe's star continues to rise. A celebrated songwriter and choir director, his willingness to empty himself so that he is 100% used by Christ is one of his key marks of distinction. Through Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, he masterfully creates worship moments through songs that leave a lasting imprint on all who hear them. Though Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis are outstanding on their own, the ensemble's latest live recording - The Black & White Experience - features Lisa Knowles-Smith, Candy West, Myron Butler, Cristabel Clack and other dynamos well known in the Urban Worship canon. The first single from this recording - "Glory Up" - will be serviced to radio in February. The ensemble recently taped the Bobby Jones Show for the Impact Network, along with Tye Tribbett and Kim Burrell.

All Nations Worship Assembly, Memphis is a church plant of the fast-growing All Nations Fellowship, headed by Apostle Matthew Stevenson. The Memphis location was started in 2017.

Pastor Brandon Clack says: "Vincent Tharpe has found a way to marry excellence and experience, presentation and power. His songs send seasons of relief to the barren, broken and bitter. He is a necessary sound sent from Heaven!"

Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis is managed by industry veteran Zantino Kimmons. A native of Memphis, Kimmons catalyzed the success of powerhouse Lisa Knowles as well as her ensemble The Brown Sisters. Through his label, One Voice Media, Knowles amassed three Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Kimmons' One Voice Media is also home to the Stellar Award Winning children's group Anointed by God. In addition to being an accomplished artist manager and label head, Kimmons is musical choirmaster for Brown Missionary Baptist Church Mass and Sanctuary choirs in Southaven, Mississippi.

Experience the music ministry of Vincent Tharpe on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. at All Nations Worship Assembly - Memphis, 3592 Knight Arnold Road.

Tags : Vincent Tharpe Appointed Worship Pastor at All Nations Worship Assembly in Memphis Tennessee Vincent Tharpe. All Nations Worship Assembly Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Delhi-NCR may not see relief from the winter chills anytime soon, as according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) another Western Disturbance is likely in the last week of the month that will further bring down the mercury.

Senior IMD scientist Kuldeep Srivastava said the year 2019 ended with a record of the longest cold spell since 1997. "Cloud layer in December and cold winds from the North were the biggest factor behind so many cold days in a single month," he added.

However, repeated Western Disturbances caused the temperature to go down further even in January. Another western disturbance is expected around January 27-28, which will further bring down the temperature.

"With another Western Disturbance expected in coming days, its safe to say that mercury levels will climb up only in February," Srivastava told IANS.

On January 28, the National Capital Region might witness light rains. Foggy conditions will also prevail during that time.

Earlier, Delhi's mean maximum temperature (MMT) for December stood at 18.76 degrees Celsius, the second-lowest after 17.3 degrees Celsius recorded in December 1997.

December had recorded 18 consecutive "cold days" or an 18-day "cold spell", the maximum after 17 cold days in December 1997.

"Only four times the mean maximum temperature for December has remained equal to or less than 20 degrees Celsius -- 1919, 1929, 1961 and 1997," an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said.

The MMT for December was 19.8 degrees Celsius in 1919 and 1929, while it was 20 degrees Celsius in 1962, the official said.
President Trump and Rudy Giuliani, Esq. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

President Trumps impeachment over extorting Ukraine for domestic political gain has played out in the headlines as a setpiece episode of his presidency, the sequel to the Russia investigation. But when historians look back at the case, they will probably see the affair not as a separate incident but a continuation. Trump formed a political alliance with Vladimir Putin, and exploited it in both his election and reelection campaigns.

For the better part of a decade, a faction of Republicans has been operating in Ukraine in tandem with Russians and their allies, for mutual profit, both financial and political. From Russias end, its agenda can be traced through the work of its oligarchs, who are tasked with financing certain kinds of political work on behalf of Putin. Oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska and Dmytro Firtash, who owe their fortunes to Putins blessing, have made money off Ukrainian corruption and cultivated friendly politicians there to maintain it.

Paul Manafort is the first major American to join in this effort. Starting in 2004, the Republican campaign strategist turned lobbyist for various global kleptocrats was hired by Russian oligarchs to guide the campaign of the Russophilic Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. Manafort was still indebted to Deripaska when he went to work, gratis, in the same role for Donald Trump.

Trumps interest in Ukraine began during the 2016 campaign, when Manafort began spreading the alibi that Democratic emails had been stolen by Ukrainians, not Russians. According to this conspiracy theory, the emails were smuggled away on a secret server to Ukraine by CrowdStrike. Whoever originated it, the false theory was promoted both by Russian intelligence and by the American right, because it conveniently absolved both Trump and Putin of any wrongdoing during the campaign.

When he took office, Trump reportedly explained to flummoxed White House officials that he accepted this theory because Putin told me. During Trumps first year, Rudy Giuliani functionally took over for Manafort, who was by this point under FBI investigation. Giuliani immediately recognized the value of Russias claim that Ukraine had stolen the emails. I knew they were hot and heavy on this Russian collusion thing, even though I knew 100 percent that it was false, he told Glenn Beck. I said to myself, Hallelujah. Ive got what a defense lawyer always wants: I can go prove someone else committed this crime.

Trumps efforts to absolve Russia were not limited to requests that Ukraine locate the imaginary missing server. The New York Times reported in 2018 that Ukraine halted all cooperation with the Mueller investigation at the same time Trump released a previous round of military aid his administration had held up. Ukrainians also allowed Konstantin Kilimnik, Manaforts partner and an alleged Russian intelligence agent, who had received 75 pages of detailed polling from Manafort during the 2016 campaign, to slip away to Russia, beyond the reach of Robert Mueller.

Over the last year, Giulianis network in Ukraine has expanded. The ultimate source of his financing appears to be Firtash, who prosecutors say gave a million dollars to Lev Parnas, one of the hustlers who paid Giuliani. Firtash has been described by most reporters as an oligarch with criminal ties, but his influence is much deeper than that. American reporters who have studied Firtash describe him as a Kremlin proxy agent. The apparent trail of payments from Firtash to Parnas to Giuliani suggests Trumps diplomacy in Ukraine was outsourced to figures whose loyalty is not to the United States, or even merely the narrow political interests of its president, but a putatively hostile foreign power.

Firtash has brought other figures into his circle: Republican lawyers Victoria Toensing and Joseph diGenova, funneling his propaganda through conservative journalist John Solomon and Representative Devin Nunes. The Russian-Republican partnership in Ukraine has advanced a wide array of benefits to all parties involved. Some of the benefits were financial. They have sought to roll back the Zelensky governments reforms of its notoriously corrupt energy sector, with the goal of reinserting themselves as profitable middlemen. Control of Ukraines energy sector is also a key lever Moscow has used to manipulate its smaller neighbor.

One of Trumps demands to Volodymyr Zelensky on their July 25 phone call was the reinstatement of Ukraines notoriously corrupt prosecutor Viktor Shokin (I heard you had a prosecutor who was very good and he was shut down and thats really unfair.) The partnership undermined reforms in Ukraine, weakening the government and allowing Putin to question its legitimacy. And it generated a stream of pro-Trump, anti-Biden propaganda that has been absorbed into messages for American audiences.

This is not a case of Putin pulling the strings and making Trump dance. It is an alliance of mutual interests, political and financial, that have grown so intertwined it is difficult to tell them apart. Republicans and Russians alike both wish to discredit Ukraines reformers and restore its corrupt, Russophilic old regime; to smear the figures who supported those reforms, like Joe Biden, Marie Yovanovitch, and international pro-democracy nongovernment organizations; and to absolve Russia of hacking Democratic emails. There is a plain-English word to describe this arrangement: collusion.
Frontline gardai are seeking an urgent meeting with Garda boss Drew Harris after one of its delegates questioned the ability of the Garda's elite armed unit to deal with a serious terrorist or gangland incidents.

The Garda Representative Association sought the meeting after details emerged of vacancies and overtime cuts within the Emergency Response Unit, the organisation's top armed intervention squad.

Their line managers in the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it shared the concerns, saying there was a particular issue regarding the ERU's ability to deal with spontaneous, urgent, hostile incidents.

A letter sent by GRA representative for the ERU, Ciaran O'Neill, to his superiors says there are 21 vacancies within the unit and that unarmed frontline gardai will, at times, be left unprotected as a result.

It mentions a recent case in Louth where local officers targeting the violent Drogheda feud were allegedly waiting a number of hours for armed backup from the ERU.

The contents of the letter, which was detailed in full in the Irish Daily Star today, has been confirmed by the Irish Examiner.

The Louth divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said he has never had any difficulty securing the services of the ERU for planned incidents, telling local radio that they would be there at a moment's notice.

GRA HQ said the letter was internal correspondence and should not have been placed in the public domain and declined to comment in detail on its contents.

But it added: The GRA is seeking an urgent meeting with the Garda Commissioner regarding resourcing of Emergency Response Unit. We wish to discuss concerns raised in a letter from a local GRA representative to the Detective Superintendent in charge of the Unit.

Antoinette Cunningham, deputy general secretary of the AGSI told RTE that they agreed with the thrust of the letter's concerns.

She said her members in the ERU said they are concerned regarding their ability to respond appropriately to spontaneous, urgent, hostile incidents as opposed to planned operations.

But Chief Supt Mangan told LMFM: I have never had any difficulty in securing the services of the ERU - they will be here at a moment's notice for me, let it be 3 o'clock in the day or 3 o'clock in the morning - they have been here.

I'm never shy about saying when we don't have enough resources. I would always be very frank with the public  if there was a problem I would say it.

Garda HQ confirmed they received correspondence from the GRA, but that, as it primarily referred to operational matters, it was inappropriate to make direct comment.

It added: An Garda Siochana is satisfied that there is currently a specialist firearms response capability to any critical firearms incidents that may occur in the state.

In relation to the murder of Drogheda teenager Keane Mulready-Woods, Chief Mangan said he suspected the 17-year-old was murdered in the town. He said the missing remains made it very, very difficult for Keane's family who were trying to plan for a funeral.

Meanwhile, gardai in Drogheda have been urged to exercise care after details emerged that a garda driving home was followed by suspected criminals.

Garda O'Neill's letter sent on behalf of the ERU members to Detective Superintendent Alan McGovern of Garda Special Tactics and Operations Command (STOC).

It is incumbent on me as their GRA representative to make representations regarding the reduction of resource allocation and the reduction of the number of armed patrols and at times the complete lack of a fully available covert emergency response capability to deal with any urgent issue that may arise that requires the services of the Emergency Response Unit, the letter said.

The decision to cut overtime means that this organisation, in my opinion, does not, at times, have the available resources to deal with a serious terrorist or serious firearms incident and as such will leave our unarmed colleagues on the frontline without adequate protection.

The letter said there were 21 vacancies and that four ERU members were permanently allocated to protecting Commissioner Harris.

It said early last week members in Drogheda were left waiting for a number of hours for requested ERU assistance.

This was due to the fact that only five members were available to deal with any incident," the letter said.

It highlighted a lack of training, updated courses on first aid and out of date equipment, including bulletproof jackets more than 10 years old and a lack of covert bulletproof jackets.
A Iranian Revolutionary Guard boat is seen near a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Navy helicopters hover over it, March 21, 2017. Reuters



South Korea's decision to send troops to the tense Strait of Hormuz for "independent" naval operations drove home its desire to cement alliance cooperation with the United States and avoid straining ties with its trade partner, Iran, analysts said Tuesday.



Capping monthslong deliberations that pitted security cooperation with Washington against economic relations with Tehran, Seoul announced it would temporarily expand areas of operations for its anti-piracy Cheonghae unit to cover the passageway off Iran.



The naval unit, now stationed in the Gulf of Aden, will operate independently of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), a U.S.-led military coalition to safeguard freedom of navigation in the waterway, though it would cooperate with the coalition if need be. Two South Korean liaison officers will be dispatched to the IMSC.



The multinational coalition was launched in September under a U.S. initiative to protect the Strait of Hormuz, which is also strategically vital for South Korea given that it hosts key shipping lanes for more than 70 percent of its oil imports.



With mounting tensions with the Islamic republic, Washington has been seen ramping up pressure on its allies to contribute to its drive to protect what it sees as a global commons in the Middle East. Japan has decided to send a destroyer and two P-3C patrol aircraft to the strait under its own initiative.



"Seoul's decision obviously came as it sought a delicate balance between the U.S. and Iran," Nam Chang-hee, a professor of international politics at Inha University, said.



"The independent operations in the strait will not provoke Iran too much, while the decision highlighted Seoul's consideration of contributions to the long-standing security partnership with the U.S.," he added.



A core factor in Seoul's deployment decision appears to be Washington's repeated calls for alliance contributions at a time when the allies seek to closely coordinate to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table.






Investigations showed that the artefacts were obtained by a former ministers brother and shipped in a container under the Italian consul's name

An Egyptian court sentenced in absentia on Tuesday Italy's former honorary consul to 15 years in prison on charges of smuggling Egyptian artefacts to Europe.

Ladislav Otakar Skakal, the former honorary consul in Luxor, faced charges of smuggling around 22,000 artefacts from various historical periods from Egypt's Alexandria to the Italian port of Salerno with the help of Egyptian nationals, the Egyptian public prosecutor said in September.

At the time, Egypt asked Interpol to add Skakal to its red notice, which would require his arrest.

The case involves other defendants, including the brother of Mubarak-era finance minister Youssef Botros Ghaly, who has been on trial in the case since October 2019. Some other suspects are still unidentified.

Investigations showed that the artefacts were obtained by the former ministers brother and shipped in a container under the name of the Italian consul, and so was not subjected to inspection due to diplomatic immunity, a judicial source said.

The artefacts, which date to various historical periods, were found by Italian police in May 2018 and returned to Egypt in late June.

That collection included coins, pottery vessels from different eras, sarcophagus parts and objects from the countrys Islamic period.

Egyptian prosecutors found also ancient Egyptian relics when they searched Skakals Cairo residence, and seized other pieces that he had kept in a safe, a statement said last September.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 19:47:02|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 656,091 mobile phone users in Tanzania were locked out on Monday night after they had failed to register their SIM cards biometrically by the January 20 deadline, an official said on Tuesday.

James Kilaba, the Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), told state-run Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation that the locking out of biometrically unregistered phone users' SIM cards will be done in phases.

Kilaba said other 318, 950 phone users risked to be locked out in the second phase after they had failed to register their SIM cards biometrically.

He said: "We are switching off SIM cards which haven't been biometrically registered in phases due to technicalities. You cannot just switch off 10 million subscribers at once."

According to the latest figures by TCRA, about 48.8 million SIM cards are in use throughout the country by mobile telephony subscribers.

However, only about 28.4 million SIM cards had been registered under the biometric system by January 19.

On Dec. 27, last year, Tanzanian President John Magufuli extended the deadline for biometric registration of phone users' SIM cards for 20 more days beyond the earlier deadline of Dec. 31 set by the east African nation's communication watchdog.

Speaking shortly after he had biometrically registered his SIM card in his native town of Chato in the northwest region of Geita, Magufuli said the extension was intended to give chance to people who failed to register on various reasons.

A statement by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House said the president insisted that there should not be further extension after Jan. 20.

The registration move was aimed at getting rid of dishonest telephone line users, controlling cybercrime and protecting Tanzanians against those abusing the telecom sector.

The registration of SIM cards is mandatory under the Electronics and Postal Communications Act of 2010, and under this law it is an offense to sell or distribute an unregistered SIM card, to use an unregistered SIM card, to fail to record sale of an SIM card and to provide false information or statement during registration.
On January 16, the central government, state governments of Tripura and Mizoram, and the Bru representative organisations signed a deal to pave way for over 30,000 displaced Brus from Mizoram to permanently settle in Tripura. The Bru people, who are also known as Reangs, are a predominantly Hindu tribe living in Christian-majority Mizoram. They took refuge in Tripura in 1997, as a result of clashes with the largely Christian Mizo tribes.

I am extremely happy with the signing of the agreement. The Bru people have been living in camps for the last 23 years. At different times, different schemes were devised for them, but only 6,500 people agreed to go back to Mizoram. There are currently 34,000 people in camps. As a result of this agreement, Tripura will do a physical verification of Bru families currently residing in the relief camps in Tripura, in order to ascertain the number of families and persons to be resettled in Tripura. Those who repatriated to Mizoram in the earlier phases will not be allowed to resettle in Tripura under this agreement.

The total Bru population is about two lakh, out of which one lakh are in Tripura. In fact, they are the second largest tribal group in Tripura and are listed among the 21 scheduled tribes (STs) of Tripura state. These people are not, or may not be, originally from Mizoram. In fact, there were hydroelectric projects in Tripura, and as a result of which some shifted to Mizoram. This means that the absorption of the Bru people in Tripura will not be very difficult.

What is important for the Bru people is that they are in three states, primarily Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam. In Mizoram, there is an absence of adequate housing, agriculture, medical and education facilities. Obviously, there were also inter-tribal tensions, which led to people shifting to these camps.

There is also something strategically significant about the Bru people. Along with Chakmas, and Miris, they live along the India-Bangladesh border. Governments in Bangladesh have not always been very friendly to these tribes. In fact, there were times when Bangladesh encouraged armed insurgent groups to fight against India. In such a scenario, the tribes living along the border have served as Indias first line of defence.

The rehabilitation plan is elaborate and will succeed. The government has provided that each family will receive ~4 lakh in fixed deposit for a period of two years. The government will, then, devise a scheme how should they invest it further. Every resettled family will also have a piece of land in clusters, measuring 30x40 ft, which means 1,200 sq ft for the construction of a house. Families shifting to Tripura will be given a housing building assistance of ~1, 50,000 per family. This money will be given in instalments, and 50% will be released to them only after the construction of the house.

The government has also come forward with a relief of ~5,000 per month as cash assistance to these families for two years from the date of their shifting to their new location. The families will also be given free ration for two years from the date of their resettlement in Tripura. The free ration will be given because the moment they shift, they will not find the land ready. It will take them some time to set up a small vocation  agriculture, piggery or poultry farming, and these ventures do not yield immediate results. Families need support, and the government has done something very humane by giving them this relief.

An additional point to note is that people have been provided a cushion from what could have ended up becoming a long process, subject to bureaucratic whims. The agreement makes it mandatory for the government of Tripura to give the Bru people ST certificates because they figure among the 21 STs of Tripura.

The most prominent aspect, from my point of view, is that the government has not only promised them schools. It has promised them Eklavya tribal residential schools in villages. So these are not schools but residential schools, which will ensure education to their children and equip them with greater exposure and life-skills.

The government of India, as well as the state governments concerned, have taken a huge step by arriving at this agreement. I just wish this had been done earlier. The kind of insurgencies that we have seen in the region over the decades may not have happened. Providing a solution to the Bru issue is laudable, both from a humane and from a national security prism.

Swaraj Kaushal is former Governor of Mizoram, and a Supreme Court lawyer

The views expressed are personal

(As told to KumKum Dasgupta)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 00:16:15|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the former site of the National Southwest Associated University (NSAU) in southwest China's Yunnan Province, in the afternoon on Jan. 20, 2020. The NSAU was a coalition between Peking and Tsinghua universities in Beijing, and Tianjin's Nankai University during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Xi visited the museum commemorating the university, and learned about the history of the institution when its teachers and students dedicated themselves to the country during the war. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

KUNMING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Monday afternoon visited the former site of the National Southwest Associated University (NSAU).

The NSAU was a coalition between Peking and Tsinghua universities in Beijing, and Tianjin's Nankai University during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Xi visited the museum commemorating the university, and learned about the history of the institution when its teachers and students dedicated themselves to the country during the war.
Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood on Tuesday told US' Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells that Islamabad would continue to support the ongoing peace process in the war-torn Afghanistan.

The two officials discussed a range of bilateral issues, including political engagement and economic partnership, and exchanged views on the recent developments regarding the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

"The foreign secretary reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to continue to support the peace process and pursue positive development of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations," the Foreign Office said.

Referring to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Iran and the US, and his telephonic conversations with other foreign ministers, Mahmood underscored that Pakistan remained committed to supporting the efforts for de-escalation of tensions and promoting the prospects of a diplomatic way forward on the differences and disputes in the Middle East.

The foreign secretary also highlighted the Kashmir issue and the alleged ceasefire violations from the Indian side, the Foreign Office said.

During the talks, it was emphasized that a strong trade and investment relationship was key to advancing the shared vision of the leadership of both countries for a long term, broad-based and enduring partnership, the FO said.

Separately, Wells also called on the Prime Minister's Special Advisor Nadeem Babar and discussed various energy related issues, according to an official statement.

Babar gave her an overview of Pakistan's energy sector, highlighting the recent reforms about ease of doing business in the country and new investment opportunities in the energy sector, it said.

He called for greater US cooperation in tapping Pakistan's shale reserves, specialized training, investments in LNG infrastructure development, renewable energy and other avenues.

Wells expressed satisfaction on her recent meetings in the country and the momentum in bilateral relations. She stressed the need to increase cooperation in renewable energy with a focus on wind energy.

She arrived here on Sunday on a four-day trip after visiting India and Sri Lanka.

Wells held talks with Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Shah on Monday during which the two sides discussed key bilateral and regional issues with main focus on the Afghan peace process.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mediation designed to reboot the connection between Saudi Arabia and Hamas has failed, with the former issuing conditions the latter rejects, according to anonymous sources cited by Arabi21 news.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman set the condition that before his kingdom reconciles witih Hamas, the movement must resolve its differences with the United States, Arabi21 reported Jan. 9. This implies that Hamas would have to recognize Israel and its right to exist, which Hamas rejects.

Tension has prevailed in Saudi-Hamas ties since Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir demanded in 2017 that Qatar halt support for Hamas and other groups he characterized as extremists. The Saudi arrests last year of Hamas activists and sympathizers aggravated the situation. In April and May, Saudi Arabia arrested more than 60 Palestinians, Jordanians and Saudis on charges of sympathizing with Hamas and collecting donations for the movement. The Saudi campaign also involved freezing the assets of some of the detainees and supervising financial transactions.

Mahmoud al-Zahar, a member of the Hamas politburo, told the Paltoday news website Jan. 13 that the problem of the detained Hamas sympathizers in Saudi Arabia has yet to be resolved.

A Palestinian source familiar with the issue of detainees in Saudi Arabia told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Egypt, Kuwait, Turkey and Lebanon are the key mediators that have striven to restore Saudi-Hamas ties. Their efforts, which have been ongoing since May 2019, resulted in some Jordanian, Saudi and Palestinian detainees being freed and other Palestinians and Jordanians being deported to Jordan. He added, The Hamas leadership invested in its relations with Saudi officials to resolve the crisis, as it desires to avoid a full rupture with Saudi Arabia."

Hamas political bureau member Salah al-Bardawil told the Gaza-based Felesteen newspaper Jan. 13 that Saudi Arabia recently freed some of the Hamas members. He didn't indicate how many were released or their nationalities. Bardawil emphasized that Hamas seeks to promote ties with Riyadh and that their bilateral relations are neither hostile nor ambivalent.

However, the Saudi newspaper Makkah published in May a list of 40 Islamic figures it labeled as terrorists. The list includes the founder of Hamas, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (killed by Israel in 2004), and senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh, Khaled Mashaal, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed al-Deif. (The article was was removed from the website a few hours after it was posted.)

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem told Al-Monitor the effort to free Palestinian detainees is "a strictly humanitarian cause that needs to be separated from political conditions." He added, "We reached out to some Arab and international sides to end their suffering." According to Qassem, "Hamas has not received any demands linked to the way its foreign relations should be managed."

Since December, Hamas chief Haniyeh has been on a tour that includes Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and Oman, which raises the question of whether he will visit Saudi Arabia amid such tension. Al-Monitor tried to learn from Hamas whether Haniyeh will visit Riyadh, but to no avail. The last Hamas visit to Saudi Arabia occurred in July 2015, with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hosting then-Hamas politburo chief Meshaal.

Wesam Afifa, director general of Al-Aqsa TV, told Al-Monitor, Despite the Hamas-Saudi crisis, Hamas has not completely severed ties with Riyadh, and has asked in recent months to visit Riyadh to clear up any misunderstanding, but no reply was received. He added, Hamas has not imposed any conditions in exchange for restoring ties with Saudi Arabia. Rather, it wants to remain apart from any regional polarization, and doesn't want Saudi Arabia to require that it cut ties with Tehran. Saudi Arabia did not sever ties with Hamas, and even when [Riyadh] made public its list of terrorists in 2017, Hamas was not added to the list."

However, he said, The Saudi conditions to restore ties with Hamas are a part of the US 'deal of the century,' to which Hamas will not consent. Details of the deal haven't been released, but the United States said it is supposed to resolve Israeli-Palestinian enmity and bring peace to the Middle East.

Talk of the failed mediation with Riyadh comes in light of Hamas' rapprochement with Iran, highlighted by Haniyehs historic and highly controversial visit Jan. 6 to Tehran for the funeral of Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was assassinated Jan. 3 by a US strike in Baghdad. Haniyeh's visit prompted Saudi Arabia's Okaz newspaper Jan. 6 to say Hamas has become a dependent or hostage of Iran.

Irans Fars News Agency, on the other hand, wrote in a Jan. 12 opinion piece that the visit was designed to send a message to Saudi Arabia that the Palestinian resistance is strong and has Iran's support.

Hussam al-Dajani, a political science professor at Al-Ummah University in Gaza, told Al-Monitor, Since [Mohammed] was appointed crown prince in 2017, the Saudi orientations have changed [worsened] toward Hamas, which resorted to Iran to further obtain military and financial support.

He added, Despite the current dispute between Saudi Arabia and Hamas, the strategic environment could help them restore ties, though gradually. This is in light of signs pointing at a Qatari-Saudi reconciliation. This could require that Hamas manage its relations with Saudi Arabia in a wiser manner. The Saudi conditions to reconcile with Hamas are linked to the Arab Peace Initiative [to end Arab-Israeli hostilities] announced in 2002, and the Saudi desire that the movement approve of [that initiative].

Although Hamas hopes to reconcile with Saudi Arabia, the movement's recent revival of ties with Iran could hurt the mediation process. Hamas is well aware of the sharp Iran-Saudi polarization, and the Saudis could drag out efforts to restore ties.

Though Hamas has made it clear that it makes its own decisions regardless of foreign influence, if the tension with Riyadh persists, Iran could wind up being the exclusive influence on Hamas  something Riyadh doesn't want.
Designation of Elyes Fakhfakh comes 10 days after parliament rejected cabinet proposed by Ennahdha nominee Habib Jemli.

Tunisias President Kais Saied has given Elyes Fakhfakh, a former tourism and finance minister, the difficult task of assembling the countrys next government.

Fakhfakh, a member of the centre-left Ettakatol party, has a 30-day period to form a coalition government. Failure to win parliamentary approval would force Saied to dissolve the House and call for a fresh election.

The nomination came after the Tunisian Parliament earlier in January rejected a government proposed by Habib Jemli, the previous prime minister-designate who had been nominated for the job by Ennahdha, a moderate Islamist party.

Though the most powerful force in the 217-strong parliament, Ennahdhas 52 seats meant that it alone could not guarantee Jemlis inauguration.

Following the voting down of Jemlis proposed cabinet on January 10, Saied had 10 days to designate a new prime minister, as per Tunisias constitution.

The former constitutional law professor, whose mandate as president is limited to foreign affairs and national security, subsequently reached out to a number of political parties to request their recommendations for the premiership.

Switch to politics

An engineer by training, 48-year-old Fakhfakh spent part of his professional career working for French energy conglomerate Total, before returning to Tunisia in 2006 where he served as the managing director of an automotive component maker.

Following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising that overthrew longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Fakhfakh was named tourism and later finance minister in the government of Hamadi Jebali.

For some Tunisians, Fakhfakhs tenure as finance minister coincided with a period of belt-tightening following the signing of loan agreements with international lenders as part of government efforts to revive the countrys struggling economy.

Je noublierai jamais le jour ou Fakhafakh sest felicite de loctroi a la Tunisie par le FMI  du plus grand pret de lhistoire de notre pays. Il a meme eu le culot de rajouter  cet accord traduit la reussite du modele economique et politique de la troika.  Balkis Saba Krimi (@Balkissaba) January 20, 2020

Translation: I will never forget the day when Fakhafakh welcomed the IMF granting to Tunisia the biggest loan in the history of our country. He even had the nerve to add this agreement reflects the success of the economic and political model of the Troika.

Last year, Fakhfakh ran in the countrys presidential election, securing just over 11,500 votes.

Nessim Ben Gharbia, a Tunisian columnist, described the designation as scandalous, saying Fakhfakhs performance at the polls was no coincidence.

The public deficit exploded when he headed the countrys finances; his party has no seat in parliament. Its no wonder his score at the last presidential election was only 0.34 percent.

But despite the poor election showing, Ben Gharbia said Fakhfakh enjoyed a reputation for honesty among some political circles  and this likely played a part in Saieds decision.

He [Fakhfakh] was openly supported by Attayar, Ben Gharbia said, referring to the party of Mohamed Abbou, a Tunisian lawyer and human rights advocate who is known for his vociferous opposition to members of Tunisias old guard.

The idea here is that hes not going to work with Ben Ali era officials, hell help fight corruption  Hes young  [all these] are things that ring well with President Saied.

The 47-year-old has 30 days to form the countrys next government [Tunisian Presidency/Anadolu]

Still, political analyst Mohamed Dhia Hammami argued Tunisians were facing uncertain times ahead  regardless of whether Fakhfakh succeeds in forming a government.

Rejection of Fakhfakhs proposed cabinet, he said, would lead to new parliamentary elections and an even more fragmented parliament, while approval would see the enaction of even more neo-liberal policies.

Strict conditions set out by lenders such as the International Monetary Fund, including the local currencys devaluation and the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, haven taken a heavy toll on many Tunisians.

Peoples disillusionment with established parties over the perceived mishandling of the economy saw several political heavyweights lose out in last years parliamentary polls, including Ennahdha whose seats in the lower chamber dropped to 52 from 69 in 2014.

Ben Gharbia, the columnist, said the parliaments dissolution was unlikely.

They [MPs] are too afraid, so yes, they are going to approve the next administration, he predicted, saying a different outcome could be politically risky.
VANCOUVERKen Bonson was nearing the end of her graveyard shift early Monday morning when she got a call from a friend with an offer to make some quick cash.

Bonson, who does packaging in a warehouse, said the details from her friend were sparse  something to do with a protest.

I was told all I had to do was spare an hour of my time and hold a sign. Easy, right? Im 20 and moved out recently, so $150 can go a long way, she recalled Tuesday.

I had no idea what I was going into.

Within a matter of hours, she and her cohorts were thrust into the spotlight  a curious sideshow to the start of one of the most highly anticipated and high-profile cases to land in B.C. Supreme Court: The extradition trial of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who is wanted in the U.S. on fraud charges.

The sight of more than a dozen young men and women carrying placards outside the downtown courthouse reading Free Ms. Meng and Equal Justice prompted immediate speculation on Twitter about who these protesters were and whether they were being paid.

The speculation only mounted when the protesters declined to answer reporters questions.

Kang Zhang, 70, who was among several anti-Chinese government/anti-Huawei protesters at the courthouse, said he, too, was suspicious of the young adults who had showed up with protest signs.

Zhang, who immigrated to Vancouver from Shanghai in 1990 after the Tiananmen Square massacre, said he couldnt help but wonder if they were somehow paid by people working for the Chinese government.

He offered no proof, but the idea that the Chinese Communist Party pays people to spread pro-Chinese government messages is a common fear and trope among some immigrants who fled the country.

The CCP always does that, they pay people, Zhang said.

When asked to respond to the idea that Beijing may have paid the so-called protesters to show up at the courthouse on Monday, the consulate general of the Peoples Republic of China responded with an emailed statement: Such claim is purely a malicious smear.

Reached by phone Tuesday morning, Bonson told the Star she was still fuzzy on the details of who had actually co-ordinated the recruitment of the protesters. But if she had to do it all over again, she wouldnt  not for a million dollars.

Im honestly pretty ashamed and embarrassed and wish I never went, she said. I want this to be something I can put behind me.

Bonson said when her friend called her, she asked what they were protesting and he said something about Free Ms. Meng. The name didnt register. She had never heard of the Huawei executive, the allegations against her or the company she worked for.

After finishing her shift, she met her friend and a few other people she said he had enlisted. They met at a Starbucks near the courthouse at around 8:30 a.m.

They then walked over to the courthouse where they saw a handful of other protesters holding red poster board. Inside the courthouse lobby, they met a woman named Joey.

She shook our hands. She didnt really say anything. She had a straight face, Bonson recalled.

The woman briefly walked away and returned with a few more red posters for the group. Some additional impromptu signs were written on white sheets of paper.

She never directly gave us instructions, Bonson said. It was my friend telling our group what to do.

The Star reached the friend the day after speaking to Bonson. The man refused to go on record for an interview, but denied being paid or paying anyone to take part in the protest. He insisted he and his friends showed up to express their personal belief that all human rights should be respected "regardless of what the accusations are."

The man said he did not know any person named "Joey" and that he and his friends created posters and exchanged posters with some of the other protesters whom they did not know.

"I came with my friends. We stand where we stand on the matter. Whatever the other groups are saying, thats what the other groups are saying."

The protesters, according to Bonson, meanwhile, were caught off-guard when reporters started questioning them.

We did not expect the outcome of reporters, camera crews. I just worked a 12 hour shift, I was not prepared to do any of that yesterday, she said.

She recalled thinking to herself at one point: What am I protesting? What am I doing here?

After the protest was over, Bonson said she entered Mengs name into Google. A friend who was up on the case also gave her the lowdown over the phone. Thats when things started to come into focus.

I fed up, I made a mistake, she said. I was just being really ignorant. I shouldve researched, I shouldve done more research on what I was going in for. It just seemed like it was an easy $150.

And so when she received an e-transfer from her friend a couple hours later for the $150 (Bonson shared a screenshot of the direct deposit with the Star), she said she told her partner that he could have the money.

I dont want it. I dont feel right about it, she said. To accept it, would go against everything that I would ever feel right about.

Bonson said the protesters were offered another $150 to show up Friday.

I obviously will not be attending.

Zhang, however, plans to be there every day this week. Wearing a sash that reads, Strong demand that Men(g) Wanzhou be escorted to the United States for trial, he believes Meng should be extradited because he says people shouldnt get away with committing a crime.

I am here for myself, my family, and my friends, and for Canadians, he said, standing in front of the courthouse Tuesday. We have freedom here. We have to say  this, you cant do.

Update: Jan. 23, 2020  This story has been updated to add comments since made by Bonsons friend.

Doug Quan is a reporter for the Toronto Star based in Vancouver. Follow him on Twitter: @dougquan

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The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Tuesday directed the thermal screening of passengers, arriving in India from China, at seven airports for Coronavirus. The passengers, including those from Hong Kong, will be screened at the Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata airports to check any threat from the 'Novel Corona Virus Disease (nCoV) that started in Wuhan of Hubei province of China.

This comes in continuation to the Advisory from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and National Centre for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, regarding the threat of the disease. The MoCA has called for immediate implementation of the action plan and strict adherence by identified airports and all concerned airlines.

Live TV

The action plan among others includes the following--

a) In order to facilitate early isolation, In-flight announcements to be made by the airlines (which are directly coming from any airport in China including Hong Kong) requesting passengers with history of fever and cough and history of travel to Wuhan City in last 14 days to self-declare at the port of arrival or to State Health Authorities.

b) Airlines staff to guide the passengers in filling up the self-reporting forms before disembarkation so that the filled up format can be checked by APHO staff on arrival.

c) Airport signage to be displayed boldly at the strategic locations of these seven identified airports

d) Health Screening at Airports: Thermal Screening of passengers to be undertaken. Provision of space at the pre-immigration area with logistics to install the thermal cameras to be made at these airports. Airlines staff to bring the passengers to the Health counters before the immigration check.

e) Operational procedures recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with regard to managing the suspected communicable disease on board an aircraft.

f) All passengers and crew who are otherwise healthy should be allowed to continue their onward journey. If the ill passenger or crew member is confirmed as a probable case of Wuhan Corona Virus, public health authorities should be notified about the contacts using the Passenger Locator Form.



Issuing an alert the ministry said that travellers who visited China, particularly through Wuhan City, during past 14 days and are having one or more of the symptoms--Acute onset of Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath should report to the airport health unit.

Other travellers (those without symptoms) who visited Wuhan and do not have any symptoms on arrival, but develop above-mentioned symptoms within 28 days of arrival in India, should visit nearest hospital facility and report to the state district health authorities and concerned Airport Health Officer.
Gerrit-Jan van Dorsten told children he sexually abused that bad spirits would enter their bodies if they spoke out.

A father facing charges of sexual abuse in a Dutch court had held six of his nine children captive for nearly a decade at an isolated farmhouse, telling them bad spirits would enter their bodies if they talked to outsiders, prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Gerrit-Jan van Dorsten, 67, is charged with unlawful detention, child abuse and money laundering.

Now ailing after a stroke, he cannot speak and did not attend the pretrial hearing in the city of Assen during which his custody was extended by three months.

In October, police found van Dorsten and five adult siblings at the farm in Ruinerwold in the northern Netherlands after a sixth sibling escaped and reached a nearby village bar. Local people alerted police.

All the children report physical punishment if they were deemed to be under the influence of spirits. This happened from a very young age, with children as young as four or five years old, prosecutor Diana Roggen told the judges.

The punishments would consist of beatings, sometimes with a stick or other objects, pulling of their hair, sometimes making them sit in a cold bath for hours. Sometimes, they were choked to the point where they became unconscious.

Judges granted a prosecution request that van Dorsten undergo neurological and psychiatric evaluations and said defence lawyers may question the children, four males and five females who are now all adults.

The six youngest children were kept in seclusion since birth and separated from their elder siblings. A 15-year-old daughter was moved to another town, while a 12-year-old son was forced to live alone in a caravan.

Van Dorsten told the children the death of their mother in 2004 was their fault for having contact with the outside world.

I had a bad spirit and I did not want to transfer it to them, one of the children told prosecutors during earlier questioning.

The children were watching proceedings remotely, presiding Judge Herman Fransen said. They may testify at a later stage of the trial.

The allegations by the children were confirmed by diaries written by van Dorsten seized during a search of the farmhouse, the prosecutor said.

Between 2007 and their discovery last year, van Dorsten withheld food, drink or medical treatment. Some of the older children have said their father forced some of them to perform sex acts on him between 2004 and 2008, prosecutors said.

Roggen said van Dorsten also told the children a female spirit, the spirit of their mother or another spiritual wife had entered their bodies to justify sexual acts with them.

The six siblings and their father had lived on the farm since 2010, and had never had their births registered or been to school, as required by Dutch law.

Three more older siblings had left the family before they went into seclusion.

Two of them have now come forward with accusations of sexual abuse when they were young teenagers.

Van Dorsten is in a prison hospital where police have been unable to question him because an untreated stroke in 2014 rendered him unable to speak.

A second suspect, Austrian Josef Brunner, 58, a follower or accomplice of van Dorsten who paid the rent on the farmhouse, is charged with endangering the health of others and unlawful detention.

In my conscience, [I know] I did not rob anyone of their freedom, Brunner told judges on Tuesday. This feels like a witch-hunt.

Brunners lawyer, Yehudi Moszkowicz, countered charges of keeping the children against their will, citing interviews in with they said could have left the property, but chose not to.

The children, all now over 18, have not spoken publicly but have given statements through a Dutch filmmaker.

The four eldest said in November that they support the criminal case against their father. Separately, the five youngest children  those found at the farm  say they do not support the charges.

The five younger children are in counselling and are doing well under the circumstances, prosecutors said.
Starting January 26, students in schools across Maharashtra will have to compulsorily read out the preamble to the Constitution during their morning assemblies, state minister Varsha Gaikwad said on Tuesday.

Reading of the preamble is the part of the "sovereignty of constitution, welfare of all" campaign, a state government circular said.

"Students will recite the preamble to the Constitution so that they know its importance. It is an old GR. But we will implement it from January 26," the school minister, who is a Congress MLA, told reporters here.

Students will read out the preamble every day after morning prayers, the minister said.

A government resolution (GR) about reading the preamble during school assemblies was issued in February 2013 when the Congress-NCP government was in power.

As per the circular dated January 21, 2020, the old GR was not being implemented.

The move to make students read out the preamble to Constitution comes at a time when largescale protests are being held against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the likely National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The Congress is one of the constituents in the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government along with the NCP.

Many Congress leaders have said that the "unconstitutional" CAA will not be allowed in Maharashtra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
VANCOUVER, Jan. 21, 2020 - Mexican Gold Corp. (the Company or Mexican Gold") (TSXV: MEX) is pleased to announce the results from its recent drill program at the Las Minas project in Veracruz, Mexico. The objectives of the diamond drilling program included: infill drilling at El Dorado, the extension of the Cinco Senores zone, initial drill testing of the Pueblo Nuevo prospect, and the testing of a large, blind geophysical anomaly north of the Cinco Senores area. A total of 13 holes were drilled totalling 2071 metres.

Highlights:

Discovery of a new, high-grade gold occurrence in a previously unexplored area near the Cinco Senores prospect grading 21.37 g/t gold over 2m and 8.94 g/t gold within the entire 5.2m altered zone

Infill drilling at El Dorado returned 2.61 g/t gold equivalent over 23.0m in hole LM-19-JB-26 and 2.77 g/t gold equivalent over 6.0m in hole LM-19-JB-27

Hole LM-19-LM-03 cut in excess of 100m of endoskarn with anamolus gold, silver, and copper values suggesting its possible close proximity to a zone of mineralized exoskarn

TEM Anomaly

Hole LM-19-CS-13 tested the southern area of the TEM anomaly. The hole was collared where the El Dorado sill contact was known to have been eroded, suggesting that the TEM anomaly could point to mineralization under the sill. The hole remained in intrusive rock for its entire length. A very strong 21.37 g/t gold intersection at 123.5m is related to quartz veining and silicification with massive magnetite and pyrite veinlets. This mineralization occurs stratigraphically below the El Dorado zone level and contains negligible silver and copper. It may be remobilized from skarn at depth or it may be an analogue of the Pueblo Nuevo gold vein occurrences.

Hole LM-19-LM-03 tested the northern portion of the TEM anomaly where the El Dorado zone contact is known to lie at ~200m depth. Below 70m of overburden, the hole cut >100m of endoskarn (and minor dikes) with anomalous gold, silver, and copper values, as is invariably encountered proximal to the mineralized exoskarn in the nearby resource and related prospects. As it is virtually impossible for endoskarn to exist apart from exoskarn, the hole is interpreted to be following the contact of a sub-vertical dike with potentially mineralized exoskarn across the contact. Please refer to Map 1 below.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fe0b4bd-5cf1-4998-8a3e-739fcc6645ef

El Dorado Infill Drilling

Wide hole spacing in certain pockets of the known resource at El Dorado presented an opportunity to add ounces to the resource by way of additional drilling to bridge the statistical correlation. The Company had identified three pockets that needed one drill hole each in order to potentially add mineralization at El Dorado.

Two holes, LM-19-JB-26 and LM-19-JB-27, were drilled in the most sparsely sampled portion of the El Dorado zone, which coincided with a limited, relatively weak portion of the resource area. The 2019 holes provided much stronger results than the surrounding holes, providing additional tonnage and showing that there are no consistent zones of weakness within the El Dorado deposit. A third hole (LM-19-JB-28), which targeted an undrilled area of the Dike Contact zone, never penetrated the contact, remaining in contact-related endoskarn with moderate mineralization.

Cinco Senores

The western area of Cinco Senores is entirely overburden covered. Hole LM-19-CS-14 cut mostly intrusive rock with weak to moderate skarn suggesting the hole appears to be within a dike. Hole LM-19-CS-15 began in strong endoskarn which weakened downhole but carried anomalous gold, silver, and copper values, suggesting the hole was drilled into a dike and away from the mineralized exoskarn known to exist to the north-east.

Pueblo Nuevo

The first drilling in the long history of mining on the Pueblo Nuevo concession tested 2 areas: Tamiahua and Dos Rios both of which have extensive historic mining featuring high gold values, coincident with strong topographic lineaments suggesting the presence of cross structure. Although drilling encountered several gold-bearing veins, the vein intersections lacked the high gold grades and the concentrations of base-metal sulphides that had been sampled extensively on surface. Please refer to Map 2 below.

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/39d674e0-2e90-4e06-b36c-e51da0fd7f97

Hole Locations: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c24dee2e-8bd4-4b79-96db-efb37074304d

Drill Results: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/596088d4-0a94-4df9-9901-5b9857f66fa2

Gold equivalent (Au Eq) calculations used metal prices of USD $1500/ounce for gold, USD $18.00/ounce for silver, and USD $2.75/pound for copper. No adjustments were made for potential relative differences in metal recoveries.

Au Eq g/t = Au g/t + [(Ag g/t x 0.012) + (Cu% x 1.25)]

Corporate Update

The Company is also pleased to announce that at its December 18, 2019 annual and special general meeting (the Meeting), shareholders overwhelmingly approved a continuance (the Continuance) of the Companys incorporation from Ontario to British Columbia. The Board and management of the Company believe that the Continuance of the Companys existence under the British Columbia Business Corporations Act will provide the Company with greater flexibility going forward. A copy of the Companys new articles of incorporation, along with a summary of the corporate law changes that will occur in connection with the Continuance are contained in the Companys management information circular for the Meeting dated November 18, 2019, a copy of which is available under the Companys SEDAR profile available at ww.sedar.com. The Company also announced that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, in connection with the Continuance, the Company intends to change its name to Mexican Gold Mining Corp. The Company will provide shareholders with a further update with respect to the effective date of the Continuance and concurrent name change in the coming weeks.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

The Company has implemented and adheres to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control program which includes inserting mineralized standards and blanks into the sample stream, about 1 for every 10 samples. The standards and blanks were obtained from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. of Langley, BC, Canada. Each sample bag is properly sealed and kept in a secured, restricted storage place prior to shipping to the lab. Samples are shipped directly by Mexican Gold or picked-up by the lab vehicle with a chain of custody/sample submittal signed and dated. The Company sends its samples to SGS Mineral Services (ISO/IEC 17025) at Durango, Mexico, an accredited and independent laboratory.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sonny Bernales, P. Geo., a registered Professional Geoscientist in the Province of British Columbia and a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Bernales is responsible for logistics and supervision of all exploration activity conducted by Mexican Gold on the property.

About Mexican Gold Corp.

Mexican Gold Corp. is a Canadian based mineral exploration and development company committed to building long-term value through ongoing discoveries and strategic acquisitions of prospective precious metals and copper projects in the Americas. Mexican Gold is exploring the Las Minas Project, which is located in the core of the Las Minas mining district in Veracruz State, Mexico, and is host to one of the newest, under-explored skarn systems known in Mexico.

For more information, please contact:

Philip ONeill  CEO, President, and Director

E-mail: info@mexicangold.ca

Website at www.mexicangold.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Mexican Gold within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Mexican Gold 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 to market conditions, exploration findings, results and recommendations, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in Mexican Golds public filings under Mexican Golds SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Mexican Gold 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. Mexican Gold 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.
Facebook will hire 1,000 people in London this year in roles such as product development and safety as it continues to grow its biggest engineering centre outside the United States after Britain leaves the European Union.

Over half of the new jobs will be in technology, including software engineering and data science, Facebook's vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Nicola Mendelsohn said in an interview.

Other roles will be in the "community integrity" team, which makes products to detect and remove harmful content from platforms like Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Mendelsohn said London's appeal was not only in its technology ecosystem but also the strength of its creative industries.

She said that while Facebook's enthusiasm for London was undimmed, like other tech companies it wanted certainty about Brexit.

"The Johnson government has been very clear about what that looks like, and so we will continue to invest here in London," she said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Facebook's growth was "great news". "We are committed to making the UK the safest place in the world to be online, alongside being one of the best places for technology companies to be based," he said.

Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg will announce the new jobs, which will take its total UK employees to more than 4,000, on Tuesday before travelling to the World Economic Forum in Davos with Mendelsohn, where they will meet global leaders, regulators and other business chiefs.

The company is trying to rebuild trust in its platforms after the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, in which a British political consulting firm collected data from Facebook for voter profiling and targeting.

Nick Clegg, Facebook's public affairs chief and a former British politician, said on Monday that the company will do a better job of preventing bad actors from manipulating this year's U.S. presidential election than it did four years ago.

Mendelsohn said trust would take time to rebuild.

"We also understand that this is an ongoing important conversation - we want to be part of that conversation," she said. "We want to be working with policymakers in this area to get to thoughtful policy."

Facebook has commissioned research to show the economic benefits its platforms bring to businesses in Europe.

The study by Copenhagen Economics, which questioned 7,7320 businesses across 15 countries, estimated Facebook apps helped create 208 billion euros ($230 billion) of economic value last year.

"When you extrapolate that further, what you see is that has resulted in 3.1 million jobs in Europe as a result of people utilising our platforms," Mendelsohn said.
Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez speaks at a news conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico: REUTERS

Puerto Ricos governor Wanda Vazquez announced the dismissal of two more cabinet officials on Sunday  the latest fallout over the discovery of a warehouse full of emergency supplies intended for Hurricane Maria relief.

Glorimar Andujar, the secretary of family service, and Fernando Gil-Ensenat, the secretary of housing, were sacked on Sunday, becoming the most recent cabinet members to lose their jobs after the dismissal of the director of Puerto Ricos Office of Emergency Management, Carlos Acevedo, who was fired on Saturday.

Mr Acevedo was fired just hours after a video was circulated on Facebook showing angry people breaking into the warehouse, in an area where thousands have been living in shelters since a recent earthquake.

At a news conference discussing the dismissals, Ms Vazquez said: There have been actions by government officials that have been completely unacceptable.

Under my administration, nobody can come to me with lies. I have a commitment [to the people of Puerto Rico]. Public officials with me have the same commitment.

She said the decision to fire the two ministers was made after they failed to provide information she requested about other collection and distribution centres.

They werent able to personally tell me specifically where these centres were located, what they contained and whether an inventory was completed, she said.

Blogger Lorenzo Delgado posted a live video of the warehouse after receiving a tip about it, revealing its contents of water bottles, cots, baby food, and other basic supplies that had been apparently sitting untouched since Hurricane Maria battered the US territory in September 2017.

The warehouse is located in the southern coastal city of Ponce, where a recent 6.4 magnitude earthquake rocked the region, killing one person and displacing 7,000 people into shelters as strong aftershocks continue.

Ponce Mayor Maria Melendez told The Associated Press she was outraged by the discovery as she and other mayors had been trying to locate basic supplies since the earthquake hit.

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I spent several days requesting cots and water, she said. They sent me to Cabo Rojo for the cots and to San Juan for the water.

If I had known that those supplies were there, I would have demanded that they be taken out immediately.

Ms Vazquez responded to questions on how it was possible she did not know about the existence of the warehouse by saying: Thats what the head of agencies are for to inform the governor.

She added her concerns that the discovery of the warehouse and ensuing fallout would affect Puerto Ricos standing in Washington, which temporarily retained some federal funds for Maria relief amid corruption and mismanagement fears.

Read more

Puerto Rico disaster agency boss sacked over unused supplies
Using filters on your selfies will not increase the number of likes they get on Instagram but showing off your job or hobby in the image could give them a boost.

Researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey examined a range of selfies publicly posted to the Facebook-owned social media platform.

They found that using photo filters in selfies actually led to fewer likes from other users compared to unfiltered images.

For a greater chance of getting likes on a picture, they suggest making it personal by revealing your job, hobbies or economic status in the image.

Researchers searched for #selfie on Instagram to find the photos for the study and then filtered out any images not showing a face or from a commercial photoshoot

Paper author, Dr Seoyeon Hong said excessive use of filters and a desire to present only your positive side put people off from clicking like or engaging generally.

'The number of likes was lower for selfies posted with filters, such as stickers or excessive use of colour filters compared to selfies without such filters', she said.

'Studies in self-presentations suggest excessive excessive intent toward others to only think positively of an individual's self-image may trigger reluctance to engage'.

Using techniques to improve the way the image makes you look are seen as 'ingenuine' by other users on Instagram, according to the study results.

'It reflects the intent to only present the ideal depiction of self', said Dr Hong.

Using filters on your Instagram photos 'makes no difference' to the number of likes but showing off your job or hobby in the image could give you a boost, study finds

This is the first study to examine the number of likes on a given selfie to evaluate how other users perceive the type of image and its contents.

The researchers looked at 1,873 selfies as part of the study and analysed which ones got the biggest reaction and whether there were any patterns in successful photos.

'By investigating what influences on evaluation toward selfies, this study indubitably facilitates a deeper understanding of in selfie-posting behaviour among social media users', Dr Hong said in the paper.

'Our results suggest that selfie takers and social media users should be cautious when posting selfies as it could not be working as they intended.'

According to the Social Information Processing Theory, additional information suggests a 'willingness to engage with others', leading to positive impressions

The research team found the most successful images in terms of likes gained were ones that had social cues within the picture - such as job, hobby or relationship.

'When selfies included social cues of the selfie-taker, it had more likes in comparison to selfies without any social cues of the individuals,' said Dr Hong.

'The results indicate selfies providing additional information about the individuals in the form of social cues, such as professional identity or status of wealth, may be perceived as further intention to engage with other social media users.'

According to the Social Information Processing Theory, additional information suggests a 'willingness to engage with others', leading to positive impressions.

The team found that in comparison, just uploading a photo of your face or body with a filter or sticker was more passive and didn't suggest a desire to interact.

'While selfies are, by definition, a visual representation of the individual, we suggest there is other personal information that can be provided,' Dr Hong said.

The research team found the most successful images in terms of likes gained were ones that had social cues within the picture - such as job, hobby or relationship

This extra information shown within an image includes luxury products, physical fitness, or professional identity such as a uniform or work environment.

For the study the team searched Instagram for the word 'selfie' and found over 2,000 pictures of mostly faces.

They took a random sample of public posts from those results and stored them as screenshots including the number of likes - they then filtered out any that were promotional or not of a face.

Almost everyone in the sample set was female. Due to the fact they used a simple search to gather the faces, it wasn't selective and so 90 per cent were female.

Approximately half were Caucasian followed by 25 per cent Hispanic, 18.8 per cent Asian and 4.6 per cent African-American, they said in the paper.

The research has been published in the journal Computers in Human Behaviour.
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Animals have been captured in daredevil moves and acrobatic postures as they leap into the air to grab dinner, a branch or even for fun.

One cheetah was snapped grabbing onto an Impala's leg in the Masai Mara national reserve, Kenya, while enigmatic Hungarian boxer dog Strawberry was photographed leaping into the air.

In other shots a humpback whale is seen leaping above the waves off the coast of California and a wild cat was shown leaping from a tree on the South Africa-Botswana border 100 ft above the ground.

The incredible photos have been compiled by Caters News Agency from their archives to demonstrate the feats wild animals are capable of.

Leap of faith: A cheetah is pictured with its paws wrapped around the back legs of an Impala in the Masai Mara national reserve in Kenya, in February last year

Jump for your dinner: Adorable Hungarian Boxer dog Strawberry is pictured mid-air and pulling a bizarre face as she jumps for her owner Tamas Szarka in Budapest, Hunary, in April 2018

Help! A male antelope leaps several feet into the air in the Manyara National Park, Tanzania, as it tries to avoid a herd of wildebeest heading through the area

Spring lambs: A young sheep leaps for joy in a meadow while its mother munches on grass. Roseilen Raimond submitted this photo for the National Geographic Your Shot competition

Whale hello there: This is the stunning moment a majestic humpback whale leaps from the Pacific Ocean in Monterey Bay, California. It was captured by German photographer Mario Nonaka in October 2014

Not just lion around: Two lions leap into the air at Madikwe game reserve in South Africa. Manager at Tuningi Safari Lodge, Gavin Tonkinson, 35, snapped the encounter with his camera in July 2013

Scruff of the neck: A lioness leaps over a ditch while holding her cub in her mouth in the Masai Mara, Kenya. This stunning image was taken in 2015 by Walter Dall'Armellina

Lemur-ing: Two Bamboo lemurs pictured leaping along a plank of wood. This photo is believed to have been taken in Madagascar

Cat attack! A caracal, or desert Lynx, pictured leaping through the air in Kgalagadi Transfronteir Park, on the border between South Africa and Botswana, in July 2015. The animals are able to jump 100 feet from the trees to the ground without injury

An adorable red Squirrel is shown leaping through the air on a snowy day in the Yorkshire Dales

A gnus is pictured jumping from a cliff into a river - despite the looming threat of crocodiles in the water

A dolphin leaps from beneath the waves off the coast of Muscat, Oman, delighting onlookers

A Gentoo penguin jumps as it approaches land and escapes the ocean in its tropical island home
New Delhi, Jan 21 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Parliament may seriously consider amending the Constitution to substitute the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assemblies as arbiter of disputes concerning disqualification which arise under the Tenth Schedule.

It asked Parliament to rethink, if Speaker, who is also affiliated to a party, should decide disqualification petitions of Members of Parliament or Legislative Assemblies.

A bench, headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, ruled that a permanent body with a proper mechanism should be set up to adjudge the cases of disqualification of lawmakers.

Apex Court held that Parliament should think over having an independent and permanent body to decide disqualification petitions against MPs and MLAs, instead of the Speaker retaining exclusive powers.

The verdict came on a petition field by one K Meghachandra Singh.

It is time, the Supreme Court ruled, that Parliament have a rethink on whether disqualification petitions ought to be entrusted to the quasi-judicial authority of Speaker who continues to belong to a particular political party either de jure or de facto.

UNI XC RP1944
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik is one of eight Republican members of Congress who will be part of President Donald Trump's team fighting impeachment charges in an upcoming Senate trial.

The White House announced the congressional members of Trump's effort to "combat this hyper-partisan and baseless impeachment." Stefanik, R-Schuylerville is one of two New Yorkers on the team. U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Long Island Republican, is the other.

"I am honored to be named by President Trump as a member of his impeachment defense team," Stefanik said in a statement. "I am proud to stand up for the Constitution, my constituents in New York's 21st district and the American people's vote."

The other members include U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, who is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. U.S. Reps. Mike Johnson, Jim Jordan, Debbie Lesko, Mark Meadows and John Ratcliffe are also on Trump's team.

In a statement, the White House said Stefanik and the other members of Congress "provided guidance" to Trump and his staff.

"The president looks forward to their continued participation and is confident that the members will help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta on behalf of the American people," the White House added.

Stefanik criticized the impeachment inquiry after it commenced in September. House Democrats launched the probe because Trump allegedly withheld military aid to pressure Ukraine into investigating former Vice President Joe Biden, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.

The House Intelligence Committee held most of the hearings during the impeachment inquiry. Stefanik, who is a member of the committee, emerged as a leading Republican arguing against impeachment.

Her efforts didn't go unnoticed by the president, who called her a "new Republican star."

The House voted along party lines to approve two articles of impeachment against Trump: Abuse of power for seeking foreign interference in a presidential election and withholding aid from Ukraine; and obstruction of Congress for directing White House officials and federal agencies to defy subpoenas.

Trump joins Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton as the only presidents to be impeached by the House.

The Senate trial begins Tuesday. A two-thirds vote is needed to convict Trump and remove him from office. That's unlikely to happen in the Republican-led Senate.

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The top BJP leadership including newly-appointed president J P Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the party's Delhi assembly election-related activities on Tuesday, hours after the nomination process for the election ended.

General Secretary (Organisation) B S Santosh and Delhi BJP leaders including Kuljeet Chahal and Rajesh Bhatia were present in the review meeting, a senior party official said.

The senior leaders reviewed the campaign of the party, the leader said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A police complaint has been lodged against the founders of a Kochi-based company named George International for allegedly duping people by promising to provide visas to travel abroad in order to seek employment.

The visa applicants have staged a protest in front of the firm after its founders identified as George and Udayan found to absconding.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the company has defrauded Rs 6 crore from around 100 visa applicants. Around Rs 3 to 10 lakh have been defrauded from each applicant.

"There are people here who have been paying to George International since 2017 for jobs in Kuwait, Sharjah, and Canada. They had offered us a visa. But, we haven't seen the owners of this company for the past two months. They haven't shown any responsibility regarding the payment of money," one of the applicants, Elizabeth said.

"They don't give visas. We have no way left to recover our money. We paid them off by borrowing money. We are all worried about how the money will be recovered," she added.

Another applicant, Raji Gopalakrishnan told ANI that as many as 200 people staged the protest outside the firm on Monday. "We were not allowed to enter inside due to police force deployment," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Even in a country known for its volatile politics, the latest crisis in the tiny southern African kingdom of Lesotho is worthy of an HBO drama series.

Lesotho's 80-year-old prime minister, Thomas Thabane, said on Friday he'll step down following a chorus of calls for his resignation over the killing of his second wife in June 2017. A key suspect is 42-year-old Maesiah Thabane, the woman he married a little over two months after the slaying. Police have issued a warrant for her arrest, and she's on the run.

Thabane was inaugurated as prime minister two days after his second wife, Lipolelo, was shot at the age of 58. An earlier stint as premier from 2012-15 was marred by an alleged coup attempt in 2014 as well as a legal battle between Lipolelo and Maesiah over who should be recognized as Thabane's rightful wife.

That battle ended in 2015 after the Lesotho High Court ruled that Lipolelo was the country's official First Lady until the finalization of her divorce from Thabane. Maesiah, his wife by customary law, was barred from "performing any functions and exercising any rights" of a prime minister's spouse, including receiving financial benefits. The divorce was never finalized.

The killing was initially blamed on unidentified gunmen. But this month details emerged that implicate both Thabane and Maesiah, his third wife, in court documents filed by Lesotho's police commissioner as he successfully fought his sudden suspension by Thabane. One is a letter linking Thabane's phone to the scene of the crime.

Last year, Thabane's daughter publicly accused Maesiah of orchestrating Lipolelo's killing. Neither Thabane nor Maesiah have responded to the accusations, with Thabane promising only that he'll "retire" -- without saying when.

The communications minister has urged Maesiah to turn herself in. She enjoys little public sympathy, widely seen as someone who's tried to meddle in government affairs.

Lesotho is renowned for its murder rate, one of Africa's highest, a distinction it shares with its much larger neighbor, South Africa, which completely surrounds it.

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 mountainous country of about 3 million people is known for its natural beauty, diamond and mohair exports and conical straw hats. The government is now pushing for the cultivation of cannabis -- long used by as medicine by the native Basotho people -- to supply the burgeoning global medical cannabis industry.

"The country was in trouble" with Thabane at the helm, said Motlamelle Kapa, associate professor of Political Science at the National University of Lesotho. "There was no effective leadership, the ministers were delinquent and nobody was putting anyone in order or holding them accountable for their actions."

The opposition is threatening to organize protests, and the ruling All Basotho Convention, or ABC, has been holding a series of meetings with its three coalition partners to discuss how to deal with the affair. Thabane was already an increasingly divisive figure within his own party before the crisis.

"It won't be easy for members of ABC to elect the new prime minister, but they will have to elect a candidate who will compromise and give direction to the party and the government," Kapa said.
Paddy McGuinness, The Stig and Chris Harris attending the 'Top Gear' Season 28 Premiere in London (Credit: PA)

Paddy McGuinness has revealed he underwent therapy in order to combat his fear of flying and land his Top Gear presenting job.

The Take Me Out host took over presenting the BBC car show last year as part of a new hosting line-up along with Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris - but had to battle his aviophobia in order to travel as the show is filmed around the world.

Read more: Paddy McGuinness didnt know he was bad driver until Top Gear

McGuinness, 46, told Metro.co.uk at at the Top Gear season 28 premiere in London: For myself personally, I wasnt very well travelled - been to Portugal once. So when I got the gig I went to The Priory and saw a doctor to get me over my fear of flying and all that. Ive seen parts of the world Id never normally see and its just been amazing.

The comedian also revealed that Top Gear producers do not reveal what stunts the presenters will be taking on until they arrive on location - to prevent them backing out.

Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff present 'Top Gear' on BBC One (Credit: PA)

McGuinness said: They dont give you the option. If they told you beforehand, Youre going to drive this road and its really high up and windy, you might say, Oh I dont fancy that.

But you just come to it in a car, so you cant do anything else. You have got to drive it. When you are there you are that in it, you just do it.

For the Top Gear Christmas special, McGuinness travelled to Nepal and the new series will see them film in Mexico, Switzerland and Bognor Regis.

Read more: 'Top Gear' paints rainbow flag on cars used for Brunei filming

McGuinness previously admitted to Yahoo UK that he took his own food with him when went to Nepal because he is so unused to travelling.

He said: No word of a lie, they have to take a little box just for me and its got like little pots of spaghetti hoops, flumps, Angel Delight its like a six-year-olds tea party.
Breaking News: Boko Haram has Killed another Abducted CAN Chairman in Adamawa

Pastor Lawan Andimi, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa state has been killed by members of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko haram.

Andimi was captured by Boko Haram early this January when the sect attacked Michika.

He hails from Kwada village in Chibok local government area of Borno state but worked as a pastor in Michika, in Adamawa State.

According to reports made available to The Breaking Times, Pastor Andimi was killed by Boko Haram on Monday.

It was reported that the insurgents reached out for a negotiations, and the church was still trying to see how they can meet with the demands of the group before the unfortunate incident.

It was also reported that the clergyman was seen in a video clip, asking the governor of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri to rescue him.

I have never been discouraged, because all conditions that one finds himself is in the hand of God. God who made them to take care of me. So, the summary of my speech; I am appealing to my colleagues, reverends, particularly my president, Reverend Joel Billy who is a strong man, a man of compassion and man of love. He can do all his best to speak to our governor, Umaru Jibrilla (Fintiri) and other necessary agents for my release here, he said.
QACC and Hifz Al Naema, expect to redistribute 200-300kg of food and beverage everyday such as whole fruits, cereals, soft drinks, yoghurt and chocolates.

Established in 2008, Hifz Al Naema was the first food bank to open in Qatar. The programme began with collecting surplus food from festivals, weddings and hotels and has since expanded to collecting and distributing surplus clothing, furniture, electronic devices and other appliances.

QACC senior vice president, Michael Winner, said: We are delighted to partner with Hifz Al Naema, a local Qatari charity that specializes in repackaging and redistributing surplus food and beverage. At QACC, we are continuously looking at ways to reduce waste and ensure an optimal food and beverage service to all our clients. This partnership ensures any unserved meals or unopened items will be redistributed to support those in need in our local community and reduce wastage at landfills.

Hifz Al Naema public relations officer, Youssef Al-Khulaifi, said: We are proud to partner with Qatar Aircraft Catering Company to provide meals to those in need in our community. Given the enormous scale of their operations, the redistribution of their surplus food and beverages will have a significant impact on those in need in our community. We hope this new collaboration, will shine a spotlight on this worthy cause and encourage other governmental and private sector organisations to partner with us.
Extended Stay America to Convert an Existing Hotel Location, Adding to Portfolio in Texas

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Extended Stay America, Inc. (STAY), the largest mid-priced extended stay hotel brand, announced today the franchise conversion of an existing hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The new Extended Stay America property is owned by an affiliate of Provident Realty Advisors, Inc., a Dallas based developer with 28 years of real estate and development experience. The converted hotel stands four stories high and contains a total of 113 rooms. The new Extended Stay America location will feature a fresh, contemporary interior design, an open lobby concept and inviting social space. The hotel will offer guests a complimentary Grab & Go breakfast, laundry room, a fitness room, an outdoor pool and hot tub, a barbeque area and free onsite parking to make the stay as convenient as possible.



Similar to all Extended Stay America hotels, the rooms will include fully equipped in-room kitchens, including full-size refrigerators, a microwave oven and cooktops that will satisfy all guests cooking needs. Rooms will also feature comfortable pillow-top beds, recliners and a spacious and flexible workspace with high-speed internet access for those traveling for business.

We are proud to be working with Provident Realty and Aimbridge Hospitality as they continue to grow and expand their Extended Stay hotel platform. The reflagging and opening of this San Antonio location represents the 20th Extended Stay America hotel under their ownership, with plans to open additional hotel conversions by early 2021, said Stephen Miller, Managing Director of Franchise Development for Extended Stay America. We are especially excited for the opening of this hotel property, as it expands Extended Stay Americas presence to three locations within San Antonio, the second largest city in Texas and one of the fastest growing markets in the nation over the last decade.

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Located at 21103 Encino Commons Blvd., only eight miles north of the San Antonio Airport, this hotel is easily accessible for visitors flying into the city. The location is conveniently located in proximity to Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio River Walk, as well as restaurants including Wing Stop, Chick-Fil-A and more, perfect for guests to grab a bite during their stay.

This acquisition is a unique opportunity for Provident that allows us to expand our hotel portfolio within an underserved industry segment, said Leon Backes, Founder and CEO of Provident Realty Advisors. We plan to continue accelerating our position into the extended stay arena and have found a great partner in Extended Stay America.

This conversion marks the third of the new hotels Provident committed to build or convert as part of their initial acquisition of an Extended Stay America portfolio just over a year ago. All Extended Stay America properties in the Provident portfolio are being operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, the worlds largest third-party hotel management company.

For photos of Extended Stay America San Antonio  North, visit: https://coynepr.sharefile.com/d-sefee18bf2dd4c2c9 . For information about booking or to book a room at Extended Stay America San Antonio  North, visit https://www.extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/tx/san-antonio/san-antonio-north or call 210-545-2477.

About Extended Stay America

Extended Stay America, Inc. and its brand Extended Stay America is the leading brand in the mid-priced extended stay segment in the U.S with 631 hotels. Extended Stay Americas subsidiary, ESH Hospitality, Inc. (ESH), is the largest lodging REIT in North America by unit and room count, with 557 hotels and more than 61,500 rooms in the U.S. Extended Stay America also manages or franchises an additional 74 Extended Stay America hotels. Visit www.esa.com for more information.

About Provident Realty Advisors, Inc.

Provident Realty Advisors, Inc (Provident) is a Dallas based private developer that was founded in 1991 by Leon Backes. Over the past 28 years, Provident has developed, redeveloped, or invested in over $10 billion worth of real estate and grown to over 120 employees including an in-house construction team.

In addition to hospitality, Provident s development track record and experience includes a variety of asset types including multi-family, single family, retail, office and self-storage. Provident currently owns over 12,000 apartment units through ground up development and acquisition and a value-add acquisition program has developed over 10,000 master-planned residential lots including Paloma Creek  a perennial best-selling master plan community in the country. In addition to residential development, Provident has developed over a million square feet of retail and office space and built over two dozen self-storage facilities. For more information about Provident Realty Advisors, please visit www.providentrealty.net .

About Aimbridge Hospitality

Aimbridge Hospitality is the leading, global, third-party hotel management company operating branded full service, select service, luxury hotels, destination resorts, convention centers and lifestyle hotels. Aimbridge merged with Interstate Hotels & Resorts in 2019, and now represents a premium portfolio of more than 1,400 branded and independent properties in 49 states and 20 countries. Aimbridge is based in Plano, Texas, and has additional corporate offices in Atlanta, Calgary, Chicago, Fargo, National Landing, Puerto Rico, San Clemente, Scottsdale and Toronto. Aimbridges International Division, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, has supporting offices spread across Europe in Amsterdam, Birmingham, Glasgow and Moscow.

For more information on Aimbridge Hospitality, please visit www.aimbridgehospitality.com and connect with Aimbridge on LinkedIn .

CONTACTS: Investors: Rob Ballew (980) 345-1546 investorrelations@esa.com Media: Jon Alcorn (980) 345-1714 jalcorn@esa.com Chandler Smith (212)-938-0896 esa@coynepr.com




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Image Credit: IBNS File

Moscow/Sputnik: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeos admission that his country is working to oust Venezuela's elected president proves that Washington is running a deliberate campaign to destabilize the sovereign state in violation of international rules, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

In an interview with Colombias Caracol TV on Monday, Pompeo said that getting Nicolas Maduro to leave was the desired outcome of Washingtons "project." He described the US backing of Juan Guaido, Venezuelas self-proclaimed president, as a strategy that was fundamentally working.

"Here is the international law as Washington sees it. What we heard was the US secretary of state confessing that his country is running a campaign to destabilize sovereign countries," Maria Zakharova wrote on her Facebook page.

Pompeo also said that ousting Maduro was a collective effort by the United States and other countries, including those in Europe.

The US administration's efforts to topple Maduros government became pronounced last year after it recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president, and imposed sanctions that US officials said were designed to exacerbate the countrys already acute economic crisis.

While the United States has expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, a study released last May  co-authored by leading economist Jeffrey Sachs  concluded that Washingtons sanctions have led to the deaths of some 40,000 Venezuelans since 2017.

Image Credit: IBNS File
Japan -- Findings from a 700,000-year-old fossil bone indicate that a close relative of the most abundant seabird species in the North Atlantic, the modern dovekie, or 'little auk', used to thrive in the Pacific Ocean and Japan.

Seabirds are top predators in the marine ecosystem, and their distributions are shaped by numerous environmental factors in the ocean. As such, extensive scientific inquiries have been conducted on how seabirds respond to fluctuating oceanic environments in the ecologic and geologic timescales.

"The North Pacific has been one of the most intently investigated regions, but the fossil record of seabirds in the Pleistocene Epoch, about 2.6 to 0.01 million years ago, has been scarce," explains first author Junya Watanabe of Kyoto University's School of Science. "This has led to a frustrating lack of information in this critical time period concerning the origin of modern seabird communities."

In recent years, Watanabe and his team had been investigating seabird fossils from several locations in Chiba and Tokyo prefectures, gaining new insight on the Pleistocene seabird community in the region.

The group had been successful in identifying 17 fossils representing at least 9 species of birds: three species of ducks, a loon, an albatross, a shearwater, a cormorant, an extinct penguin-like seabird called mancalline auk, and a dovekie. Most of these species can be found in the region today; however, the presence of a dovekie was completely unexpected.

Watanabe explains his findings published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

"At first it confused us that the fossil didn't match any of the Pacific auks, but once we compared it with Atlantic ones, the similarity with the modern dovekie was apparent. It is not clear whether the present fossil is from the same species or a very close cousin, but we are positive it at least comes from the same lineage."

The dovekies we know today are mostly restricted to the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, with their rare sightings in Japan considered accidental visits. Given the unlikeliness of such accidental visitors to be preserved as fossils, the new findings suggest that dovekies were once fairly common in Japan and the Pacific.

He continues, "Now the question is why dovekies are so rare in the North Pacific today, it's almost paradoxical given their abundance in the North Atlantic. That question remains unexplained, at least until recovery and investigation of further fossil materials."

Interestingly, local decline and extinction events in the past are common in many seabird groups. Deciphering possible causes of such events requires integration of knowledge from various disciplines, including paleontology, paleoclimatology, oceanography and seabird ecology. Watanabe and his team see this as a challenging but rewarding endeavor.

###

The paper "Seabirds (Aves) from the Pleistocene Kazusa and Shimosa groups, central Japan" appeared on 20 January 2020 in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, with doi: 10.1080/02724634.2019.1697277

About Kyoto University

Kyoto University is one of Japan and Asia's premier research institutions, founded in 1897 and responsible for producing numerous Nobel laureates and winners of other prestigious international prizes. A broad curriculum across the arts and sciences at both undergraduate and graduate levels is complemented by numerous research centers, as well as facilities and offices around Japan and the world. For more information please see: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en
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
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 19:33:00|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KIEV, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the return of the black boxes from a crashed Ukrainian airliner and compensations to the families of the victims during his meeting with Mohammad Eslami, special representative of the Iranian government, the Ukrainian president's press service reported Monday.

"We will never be able to bring back parents, children and relatives to their families. The only thing we can give them is justice. And justice means truth. I promised the families and loved ones of the deceased. I promised the people of Ukraine that the truth would be established," Zelensky said.

The Iranian side had complied with most arrangements in clarifying the circumstances of the tragedy, he said.

According to the press service, a group of Iranian representatives will visit the Eastern European country shortly to inspect Ukraine's technical capabilities to decipher the black boxes.

"The parties agreed that all remnants of the aircraft preserved after the accident should be returned to Ukraine," it added.

On Jan. 8, a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Tehran to Kiev crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board.

On Jan. 11, Iran admitted that it had "unintentionally" shot down the jetliner.
Photo: Giuseppe Milo/Flickr

Here's what you need to know about what's happening in Los Angeles.

Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at LAX, Brentwood CVS Pharmacy

Public health officials are warning the public about another case of measles involving a person who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and visited a CVS Pharmacy in Brentwood earlier this month.

Read the full story on ABC7.

Officer shoots and kills man after mistaking a bicycle part for a gun, LA cops say

A Los Angeles police sergeant responding to reports of someone with a firearm Jan. 11 thought a man had pointed a gun at him, so he opened fire and killed him, police say.

Read the full story on The Sacramento Bee.

Robert De Niro gets political as he accepts SAG Awards honor

Robert De Niro received the Screen Actors Guild lifetime achievement award Sunday to praise for his illustrious career and thunderous applause from his fellow performers, but spent much of his acceptance speech on politics.

Read the full story on WNCN.

Suspect and victim identified in fatal Arlington Heights nightclub stabbing

A Ventura County woman was in custody Monday for allegedly stabbing another woman to death at Catch One, a popular nightclub in the Arlington Heights area of Los Angeles.



Read the full story on NBC LA.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti answers viewers' questions on affordable housing, homelessness

L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti returned for a new edition of Ask the Mayor, answering questions submitted by viewers. Questions focused on affordable housing and homelessness.

Read the full story on ABC Los Angeles, KABC.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who is known for making controversial remarks, on Monday launched an attack on 36 Union Cabinet ministers visiting Jammu and Kashmir, by calling them "cowards".

Addressing a public gathering on CAA here, he said, "They are sending 36 union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir. But, look at these cowards, 31 are going to Jammu and only five to Kashmir."

He further questioned, "And who are they going to talk in Kashmir? To the former Chief Ministers? They can't. They are all in jail. Farooq Abdullah is in jail. Omar Abdullah is in jail. Mehbooba (Mufti) is in jail. Whom are they going to talk to?"

On January 15, it was reported that in a massive outreach by the central government in Jammu and Kashmir two months after it formally became a union territory, about 36 Union Ministers are scheduled to visit it from January 18-25 to meet people and exchange ideas on the possibilities in the region.

Referring to the majority of the ruling BJP in the Lower House, Aiyar said, "Immediately...these arrogant people, it just went to their heads. They said this is the golden opportunity. We are never going to get 303 seats again. Let us push through all the anti-Muslim legislation that we have in mind."

Meanwhile, commenting on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the bifurcation of the erstwhile state, Aiyar said, "They are trying to create a political class. Political class grows from among the people. You cannot have a BJP that doesn't have a single vote in the Valley coming up."

"Yes, there are traitors like the ones we are seeing now, but then in every society, there are traitors. These are not representatives of the people, if they were, they would have been elected many many years ago...How many elections we have had in J-K? Some of these people are those who were elected and have now decided to betray the cause for which they stood," he said.

Commenting on the Shaheen Bagh protests, the Congress leader said, "And why are they so frightened of going to Shaheen Bagh? For 34 days, they have been sitting there protesting against this attempt to divide India once again on religious grounds.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PHILADELPHIA  Two men were shot to death in Philadelphia over the weekend in separate cases, while eight others were wounded in a string of shootings in yet another violent weekend in the city.

The shootings began Friday afternoon when a 23-year-old man was found dead with two gunshot wounds to the head inside a home on the 2200 block of East Washington Lane in East Mount Airy, police said. The victims uncle found the man unresponsive and lying on a couch.

On Saturday evening, a 60-year-old man was shot multiple times in the chest and died on the 3000 block of North Bambrey Street in North Philadelphia, according to police.

No arrests were made in either case, and both killings are under investigation, a spokesperson confirmed Sunday afternoon. The police are offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and a conviction.

Five other nonfatal shootings started Friday evening and continued on Sunday.

In the first of those, three young men, ages 17, 19 and 24, were critically injured on the 800 block of North 41st Street in West Philadelphias Belmont neighborhood about 8 p.m. Friday. Police said all three men were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

In another case, two 20-year-old men were wounded on the 2400 block of North Patton Street in Strawberry Mansion early Sunday, police said. One victim was shot in the stomach and listed in critical condition, and the other man was shot in his left hand, according to police reports. Both were taken to Temple University Hospital. In that case, police said they found two guns and took two people into custody who had not been charged as of Sunday evening.

About a mile south of that shooting, a 40-year-old man was shot overnight Sunday on the 3100 block of Clifford Street in Strawberry Mansion, police said Sunday. He was listed in stable condition after being wounded twice: in his right knee and in his left calf. No one had yet been arrested, police said.

Another shooting, on the 2500 block of West Harold Street in Strawberry Mansion about 12:30 p.m. Sunday, wounded a 22-year-old woman in her stomach, police said. The woman was in critical condition at Temple University Hospital. Authorities had not recovered a weapon or made an arrest.

And a 26-year-old man was shot in the right knee and upper left torso shortly after 3:30 p.m. Sunday on the 900 block of 43rd Street in Belmont. He was taken to Presbyterian Hospital and listed in stable condition. Police had made no arrest and found no weapon.

Also early Sunday, police said, a 54-year-old man was stabbed in the chest during a robbery attempt near the 2900 block of Rorer Street in Kensington. He was taken to Temple University Hospital, and was in stable condition. No arrest was made in that case, either, police said.

And a 35-year-old man was stabbed in the chest on the 3300 block of Krail Street in East Falls on Sunday night. He was taken to Einstein Hospital and was listed in critical condition. No arrests were made.



Catherine Dunn of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote this story.

2020 The Philadelphia Inquirer

Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.inquirer.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The death toll from the fast-spreading coronavirus rose to six on Tuesday as airports in India and around the world stepped up screening of travellers, and the World Health Organization (WHO) called a meeting to consider declaring a global health emergency over the outbreak, with the number of cases climbing beyond 300.

China has confirmed the coronavirus strain is contagious between humans, tightening control on people exiting and entering Wuhan, the central Chinese city at the core of the outbreak, amid anxiety ahead the countrys biggest festival, the Lunar New Year (LNY).

Late on Tuesday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said a traveller from China was diagnosed near Seattle with the virus. The man, in his 30s, is said to be in a good condition at a hospital in Everett, outside Seattle.

As many as 319 people have been infected, health authorities in China said on Tuesday, adding that two more people died in Wuhan in the past 24 hours, pushing the toll up to six. Two cases were confirmed in Tianjin, a city neighbouring Beijing; reports in the past 24 hours said the virus has spread across China, and in at least seven cases, outside its borders to Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia.

In India, the civil aviation ministry directed seven airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata to make arrangements for screening of passengers arriving from China in the wake of the outbreak. Airlines flying in from any airport in China have been asked to make in-flight announcements requesting passengers with history of fever and cough and travel to Wuhan in the past 14 days to announce themselves at the port of arrival in order to facilitate early isolation, according to an official statement. The action-plan includes thermal screening. The statement came after an advisory by the Indian health ministry over the outbreak.

Though the origin of the virus is yet to be identified, WHO said the primary source is probably animal. Chinese officials have linked the outbreak to Wuhans seafood market. The virus can cause pneumonia, with symptoms including fever and difficulty in breathing. As those symptoms are similar to many other respiratory diseases, extra screening is needed.

The authorities in China are now attempting to isolate the previously unknown virus in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province and a transport and education hub. According to officials in Beijing, 14 medical staff have been infected in Wuhan  confirming fears that the virus is contagious. Officials in China confirmed on Monday that humans can be infected by other humans with the new virus.Initially, the virus was thought to be zoonotic, or one transmitted from infected animals to humans.

The Wuhan municipal health commission has said local tourist groups were banned from travelling outside the city and vehicles entering and leaving were being checked. Local authorities will continue to exercise control over entry and exit into Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, the suspected source of the virus. Thirty-five stationary infrared thermometers and over 300 hand-held ones have been used to screen passengers with fevers at various transport terminals in Wuhan, including the airport, railway stations, bus stations and passenger piers, Chinas official news agency Xinhua reported. It added: Passengers with fevers will be registered, provided masks and brochures about pneumonia and advised to see doctors. Ticket cancellations and changing will be free of charge.

The Chinese foreign ministry said it hadnt implemented a complete ban on exiting or entering the city of Wuhan. Questions are being raised whether the right steps were taken in time by the Chinese government  even by the state media. Some people suspect that the government did not unveil all relevant information in a timely manner, like the situation in the early stages of the SARS outbreak in 2003. As the epidemic situation remains unclear and China has not entered into a state of mobilisation, the Chinese government tends to issue the information in pursuit of stability and accuracy, instead of making predictions that could result in panic. But this is not like the situation in the early stages of SARS, the nationalistic tabloid, Global Times, said.

(With inputs from agencies)
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Ambassador of Hungary in Pakistan Instvan Szabo Tuesday called on Minister for Interior Ijaz Ahmed Shah and discussed matters pertaining to mutual interests

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jan, 2020 ) :Ambassador of Hungary in Pakistan Instvan Szabo Tuesday called on Minister for Interior Ijaz Ahmed Shah and discussed matters pertaining to mutual interests.

The Minister expressed the desire to further promote bilateral ties between the two countries.

He said the government would provide all possible facilities to diplomatic community living in Pakistan.

He thanked the envoy for acknowledging the improved security situation in Pakistan.

The envoy had expressed satisfaction over the security situation in Pakistan.

Instvan Szabo also noted that Pakistan's image had improved internationally.

The ambassador thanked for extending cooperation on visa and other issues to his county.

"I am performing duties in Pakistan from the last eight years and Pakistan's hospitality is admirable" he said.
WALTHAM, Mass., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MicroMedicine, a life sciences technology company and the leader in high throughput microfluidic cell selection, washing, and concentration, is excited to announce the initial steps of a collaboration with HemaCare (A Charles River Company), the global leader in human-derived biological products and services. MicroMedicine and HemaCare are uniquely equipped to address the growing need in the cellular therapy and regenerative medicine fields for high-quality starting materials. Specifically, this relationship will help MicroMedicine accelerate the application of microfluidics in processing enriched leukapheresis product collected from peripheral blood. These products are highly valued as inputs in research and therapeutic applications particularly in the world of cellular therapies.

"We are thrilled to leverage our expertise in scaled microfluidics and our extensive body of work with peripheral blood in improving the fast-growing field of leukopak enrichment," says MicroMedicine CEO, Dr. Ravi Kapur. "We expect our collaboration with HemaCare to ultimately provide researchers, clinicians, and patients with improved starting material quality and reliability."

"For 40 years, HemaCare has been on the forefront of research, drug discovery, GMP biologics and cell therapy. We believe MicroMedicine's novel, minimally manipulative approach to cell handling has the potential to significantly impact processing of biological and cellular products. We are excited to support MicroMedicine's platform with our high quality starting materials and industry expertise to advance discoveries for cell and gene therapies," stated Dr. Dominic Clarke, Global Head of Cell Therapy at HemaCare.

About MicroMedicine, Inc.

MicroMedicine, Inc., is a life sciences company with an innovative and proven microfluidics platform for high-volume processing of biological fluids for the purposes of research and clinical applications. Founded at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2015, MicroMedicine is committed to transforming research, clinical diagnostics, and cell therapy with novel innovations. The patented microfluidic platform can be utilized for multiple applications, including cell isolation, cell concentration, and fluid exchange. The company resides in the heart of Boston's life sciences ecosystem in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. For more information about MicroMedicine, Inc., please call 617-744-1918 or visit micromedicine.com.

About HemaCare

HemaCare (A Charles River Company) is a global leader in the customization of human-derived biological products and services for biomedical research, drug discovery and cellular therapy process development. The company's network of FDA-registered, GMP/GTP-compliant collection centers ensure fresh donor material is available to customers and for use within HemaCare's isolation laboratory. Human biological material including peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cord blood is isolated into various primary cells types for fresh and frozen distribution. For 40 years, HemaCare has developed an extensive registry of repeat donors and provides human-derived primary blood cells and tissues for biomedical and drug discovery research and cell therapy clinical trials, and supports commercialization with apheresis collections, directly enabling customers to advance both autologous and allogeneic cellular therapies. For more information about HemaCare, please visit hemacare.com.

SOURCE MicroMedicine, Inc.

Related Links

http://micromedicine.com


STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of the mysterious disappearance of Staten Islander Patrick Alford from a foster home in Brooklyn.

The NYPD Missing Persons Squad is asking for tips via social media in an effort to locate Patrick, who was 7 years old when he went missing around 9 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2010, from Brooklyn.

Patrick had a scar on his left eyebrow and was seen wearing a red T-shirt, blue jeans and black Michael Jordan sneakers.

The NYPD has periodically released age-progression images for Patrick.

Patricks mother, Jennifer Rodriguez who formerly lived in New Brighton, described her heartbreak in anticipation of celebrating Patricks 17th birthday without him last Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day.

"Its the worst feeling in the world to not know where my child is. Its just horrible ...I feel empty, Rodriguez told the Advance.

Every day I pray for him. Let him be strong. Let him be OK. Im constantly posting his pictures on social media.

The New Brighton boy was taking out the trash with his foster mother, Librada Moran, when he vanished from a hallway of their Spring Creek development building at 130 Vandalia Ave.

The foster mother was the last person known to see him.

Rodriguez, the mother of four other children, said she has tried to pick herself up, after Alford went missing, and in doing so, she recently moved to Pennsylvania.

I went through a bad depression... I was so hurt... If Patrick is out there, which I pray he is, he will need his mother to be OK, said Rodriguez, noting she has been in therapy and participates in various support groups.

Im trying to function, and I have to be strong for my other kids, she added.

LEADING UP TO HIS DISAPPEARANCE

Alford was placed at the foster home when Rodriguez lost custody of him and his two sisters on Dec. 26, 2009, after she was arrested on theft charges.

One week after Alfords disappearance, a Family Court judge jailed Rodriguez believing she was involved in the case. Rodriguez was released several days later after the city Administration for Childrens Services determined she didnt have any connection with the disappearance.

Nine months after Patrick went missing, Rodriguez sued the city, Moran, the foster care agency and others in Brooklyn federal court, accusing them of negligence.

The city has agreed to use a $6 million settlement to benefit Alford, according to court papers.

People with information are encouraged to contact the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS) or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782 (PISTA). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
OTTAWAThe Malaysian government sent 11 shipping containers of plastic garbage back to Canada recently as the country takes a hard stand to try to keep illegal foreign waste from its shores.

But Canada is clamming up about how much garbage is being returned from other nations, as developing countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines are demanding the worlds wealthiest nations stop using them as landfills.

Malaysias Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin held a news conference in the port of Penang Monday to say Malaysia had taken the unprecedented step of sending 150 shipping containers of garbage, mostly plastic waste that cannot be recycled, back to 13 countries, including Canada, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain and Japan.

The Malaysian government is serious about combating the import of illegal wastes as we do not want to be the garbage bin of the world, she said.

Yeo said Malaysia did not pay for any of the garbage to be returned, saying all of it was paid for by either the exporters or the shipping companies involved. Canadian authorities wont say whether the federal government bore any of the cost for the Malaysian shipments.

Last spring Canada spent more than $1.1 million to bring 69 containers of illegally shipped garbage back across the Pacific from the Philippines, after spending nearly six years trying to convince the Philippines to dispose of it there.

Canada finally agreed to bring it back after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to declare war on Canada and cut off diplomatic ties until the garbage was returned.

Dutertes colourful commentary on the subject drew the worlds attention to the global garbage issue, and several other countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, reported illegal shipments of foreign waste in their ports as well.

Environment Canada spokeswoman Gabrielle Lamontagne said in an email recently that the government of Canada has been making positive progress with the (embassy) in Malaysia to repatriate the waste back to Canada.

She said there is additional work underway to gather information about illegal waste shipments going overseas but could provide no other information. Environment Canada confirmed a number of containers arrived in Vancouver from Malaysia in December and January, but directed The Canadian Press to the Canada Border Services Agency for more information about them.

A CBSA spokeswoman, Judith Gadbois St-Cyr, said the agency could not provide any information about them, citing confidentiality for the companies involved. She said CBSA had no information about where and how the garbage was disposed of after it got back to Canada.

NDP environment critic Laurel Collins, a British Columbia MP, said the federal government owes it to Canadians to explain where waste is going and what is coming back. But she said Canada also needs to stop exporting garbage entirely.

We should never be sending our garbage to other countries, she said.

RELATED STORIES Canada Federal government working on new policies to stop illegal shipments of garbage

Canada is part of an international treaty that requires permits to ship garbage to countries that consider it a hazardous substance. Not a single permit has been issued since 2016, even though multiple shipments of Canadian garbage have been discovered in foreign ports.

The global trade in recyclables is not new but everything changed in 2018 when China closed its doors to most plastic waste after being the worlds largest importer for years. China had once imported much of the worlds used plastic to be melted down and reused in its manufacturing plants. But China complained that too much of the plastic waste was contaminated with regular garbage and the costs had grown to outweigh the benefits.

With China out of the game, countries like Canada suddenly had to find new places to send their recyclables because there are very few markets at home for the material. Canada has only about a dozen companies that recycle or burn plastics for waste domestically.

A recent report completed by Deloitte for Environment Canada reported only about nine per cent of the plastic waste produced by Canadians is recycled. Most of the rest ends up in landfills, while a small amount is burned for energy. Deloitte said Canada could keep 90 per cent of its plastic out of landfills by 2030 with an investment of between $4.3 billion and $8.6 billion to implement new regulations and build more than 160 new recycling plants.
A special police officer was killed and a soldier injured on Tuesday in an encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said.

The encounter broke out in the district's Khrew area when the security forces had launched a cordon and search operation, a police official said.

Special Police Officer Shahbaz Ahmad was killed while an Army jawan injured in the exchange of fire, the official said.

He said the operation was on till last reports came in.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran arrests Christian convert activist after criticizing regime's 'soft repression'

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Concerns are being raised internationally about the well-being of an Iranian Christian convert who was arrested during an anti-government protest in Tehran last week.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency first reported on the arrest of 21-year-old Christian convert Fatemeh Mohammadi, who prefers to go by the name Mary since her spiritual conversion.

Mohammadi was detained near Azadi Square in Tehran, where protests occurred after the Iranian military shot down a Ukranian passenger plane and killed 176 people.

Although several people were arrested in connection with protests that took place in multiple cities, it is not clear whether Mohammadi was participating in any of the protests.

Article 18, a United Kingdom-based watchdog group that promotes religious freedom and tolerance for Christians in Iran, reports that Mohammadi published a series of tweets on the day she was arrested, saying that the Iranian people faced soft repression in Iran as the regime creates false beliefs through selective coverage of the news.

Mohammadi reportedly used hashtags in her tweets that translate to English as hard-pressed and suppression is the norm. She reportedly accused the regime of spreading lies that are bigger and more repetitive make them more believable.

Iran Human Rights Watch reported on Sunday that even a week after Mohammadis arrest authorities have released no information on her whereabouts and condition.

This is not the first time that Mohammadi has been detained by authorities in the Islamic Republic.

She was arrested in 2017 during a raid on an underground house church meeting and later sentenced to six months in prison. Mohammadi served her time in the womens ward of Irans notorious Evin prison.

She wrote an open letter to Irans Minister of Intelligence Mahmoud Alavi last May accusing him of targeting Christians and violating the constitution, HRANA reported at the time.

In her letter, Mohammadi also questioned why Christian converts in Iran must refrain from talking about their faith while Muslims are free to discuss their faith in public settings.

In June 2018, Mohammadi wrote another open letter detailing the mistreatment she suffered while in prison.

According to HRANA, Mohammadi accused interrogators of pressuring her to admit to having illicit sexual relations even though she hadnt.

She even said interrogators even asked her to make up a story about sexual relations that they can enjoy.

Last December, Mohammadi took to social media to complain after she was deemed ineligible to take classes at Azad University and not given a reason why. Mohammadis denial comes as other religious minorities have reportedly been denied equal access to education in Iran.

Last July, Mohammadi was arrested again for improperly wearing her hijab. According to Article 18, she was arrested while trying to report that she had been assaulted. She was detained for hours and released with a warning.

Iran ranks as the ninth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution on Open Doors USAs 2020 World Watch List. The ranking comes as the government regularly persecutes converts from Islam.

Open Doors USA reports that 169 Christians were arrested in Iran during the organizations 2019 reporting period  Nov. 1, 2018, to Oct. 31, 2019.

Iran has consistently been labeled by the U.S. State Department as a country of particular concern for egregious violations of religious freedom.

Johnnie Moore, an evangelical communications executive who serves on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, tweeted in support of Mohammadi. Moore explained that he is praying for God to protect Mohammadi and everyone subject to those in Iran who traffic in inhumanity and who wield injustice to preserve their own personal power.

God, judge them for using & defaming your own name as they do so, Moore wrote.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed trade relations with China, saying negotiations with Beijing on phase two of the trade deal will start shortly. Last week, the world's two biggest economies signed the long-awaited phase one agreement, marking a truce after nearly two years of tensions.

"Our relationship with China has probably never been better. We went through a rough patch," Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"My relationship with Chinese president Xi Jinping is extraordinary. He's for China, I'm for the US but other than that we love each other," he added.

On Brexit, President Trump said he hopes to agree on a "tremendous" trade deal with the UK, adding that Prime Minister Boris Johnson also wants the same. He also praised Boris Johnson, calling him "a wonderful new prime minister" who "wants very much to make a deal".

On climate change, Trump said he was a "big believer in the environment" and added that the US would be joining the One Trillion Trees initiative. The US plans to plant 1 trillion trees sequestering over 200 gigatons of carbon in ten years.

Also Read: WEF 2020: Trump, Greta Thunberg to face-off at Davos

Taking a jibe at Greta Thunberg and other climate protesters, Trump said, "This is not a time for pessimism ...this is a time for optimism ... but to embrace tomorrow we must reject the many prophets of doom."

With an eye on November's election, Trump praised his government's achievements, saying that his administration had doubled child tax credit for 40 million American families. He also said that America has some of the lowest taxes in the world.

Also Read: WEF 2020: Donald Trump to join world leaders in Davos as impeachment trial heats up

"Tremendous wealth is pouring into areas that for 100 years saw nothing. There is no better place on earth than the United States," he said.

He said that since he last addressed Davos, two years ago, the US had enjoyed the "great American comeback" that he had predicted. "Today I am proud to declare that the United States is in the midst of an economic boom the like of which has never been seen before."

He also criticised the US central bank, saying that the economic boom has happened "despite" the US Federal Reserve, which "raised rates too fast and cut them too slowly".

By Chitranjan Kumar
Hyderabad: TRS working president and minister K.T. Rama Rao is presently in Davos but his eyes and ears are on the municipal elections in the state. Though he is busy at the World Economic Forum, Mr Rama Rao is in touch with party leaders through teleconference and has been giving directions to them on managing the elections.

Mr Rama Rao held discussions with TRS coordination committee members and the partys senior leaders and asked them to be alert till the last minute of the polling process. He also asked party leaders to prepare a plan for election of the municipal chairpersons. The TRS leaders informed him that they are getting information from the ground level that the political atmosphere is in favour of the ruling party.

TRS leaders said that Mr Rama Raos strategy of dealing with rebel candidates will help the party.

Everyone thought that the TRS will suspend all rebel candidates, but with Mr Rama Raos strategy if the TRS rebel candidates win, they will support TRS candidates in the election for municipal chairperson.
When Fred Chavez arrived at Oasis at the Meadows recently, a melding of minds and bodies was already underway.

Chavez, easily recognizable with his gray pony tail and Van Dyke beard, walked past a yoga class, where rows of older adults were thrusting their arms in the air. The students closed their eyes and slowly rolled their heads back. They crossed their legs on flat mats and stretched their torsos gently from side to side.

In an adjacent room, seniors were taking notes in an Aging Mastery class about lifestyle changes that can help improve health and provide other benefits.

Chavez, 66, teaches Tai Chi for Beginners and Integral Theory  essentially, the theory of everything  at the center. On this day, he wasnt teaching; he was there to learn. He had signed up for a class on Tibetan Buddhism, taught by Linda Mockeridge.

I participate in the classes because they offer some fantastic things that youre not going to find in one place anywhere else, Chavez said. If they (students) werent healthy and active, they become healthy and active because of the environment.

The one-story center at 700 Babcock Road is the new, larger headquarters for San Antonio Oasis, a nonprofit that promotes healthy aging through active lifestyles, lifelong learning and volunteer engagement.

Michael Fisher/ San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio is one of eight cities that are part of Oasis, a national education organization whose headquarters is in St. Louis, Missouri.

The only requirement to participate is to be 50 years of age or older.

The spring 2020 catalog features more than 200 classes, including deep water aquacise, meditation and navigating the information superhighway.

Registration is required to take a class, and applicants must be a member of the center to register. But membership is free. Applicants may register online, by phone, in person or by mail.

Not all classes are held at the center; there are several satellite locations where classes also are provided.

For more information about the center and classes, call 210-236-5954 or go online at www.Oasisnet.org/San-Antonio-TX.

The nonprofit also sponsors the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program, an evidence-based literacy initiative where volunteers meet with children one-on-one during the school day to help with reading and writing.

Executive director Brenda Schmachtenberger said the organization has served seniors in San Antonio for 29 years.

Schmachtenberger said feedback from participants has been very positive.

Everybody is so thrilled with the new center, she said. And now we can get more people in more classes.

Oasis partnered with Morningside Ministries, who donated the 8,400-square-foot building located on the senior living communitys 25-acre campus. Residents who live in the nearby Meadows independent living community can walk in and take part in classes.

Renovation of the building began in April 2019 and took five months to complete. Morningside Ministries hired an architectural firm to help Oasis staff member redesign the building to their needs.

In addition to the new classrooms, the center features a fitness room sponsored by the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation; the Carmen Garcia Conference Room; and two new classrooms funded by the Valero Energy Foundation, L.L. and Eva Lentz Charitable Trust and Myra Stafford Pryor Charitable Foundation.

The center also includes a full kitchen for cooking classes and expanded space for volunteers who run the organizations administrative office. The average age of volunteers is 80. Last year, Oasis volunteers dedicated more than 15,000 hours to the nonprofit.

Theyve been working a job that they dont get paid for into their 80s and 90s, Schmachtenberger said. Its amazing. Giving back to the community gives them purpose.

Loubelle Vandeventer is one of 10 volunteers who have been with the program for more than 15 years.

Vandeventer, 91, started at Oasis 25 years ago, volunteering with her husband Wayne, 93, to stay active. For 15 years, she led a group of 20 people in a book discussion group once a month.

Now she spends her shifts answering the phone, signing up new members and confirming classes. Vandeventer said her favorite thing about working at the center are the people.

Its a continuing thing, she said, smiling. Everything is the same, only different.

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
(Newser)  President Trump addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday and said "predictions of apocalypse" from "prophets of doom" should be rejected, reports the BBC. Trump spent most of his speech touting the US economy, but he briefly took aim at climate activists. "These alarmists always demand the same thingabsolute power to dominate, transform, and control every aspect of our lives." He called them "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers." In regard to the economy, Trump reminded the audience that when he spoke at the conference two years ago, early in his presidency, I told you that we had launched the great American comeback," per the AP. "Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before."

story continues below

Trump's speech was received in virtual silence from the audience apart from a brief flurry of applause when Trump said the US would join a World Economic Forum initiative to plant 1 trillion trees worldwide. Trump spent nearly all of his approximately 30-minute address talking about how the US economy has performed under his leadership. America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, Trump said, before talking about a newly signed trade deal with China and a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. He also spoke of record low unemployment, stock market gains, and millions of people removed from the welfare rolls. Teen activist Greta Thunberg, who warned world leaders at Davos that "our world is still on fire," was in the audience for Trump's speech.

(Read more President Trump stories.)
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ICOE report comes days before UNs top court issues ruling on whether urgent measures are necessary to stop genocide.

A commission set up to investigate the 2017 crackdown in Rakhine that led hundreds of thousands of mostly Muslim Rohingya to flee Myanmar, has concluded that while some soldiers probably committed war crimes there was no genocide.

The Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) released the findings of its investigation, but not the full report, to the countrys president on Monday, a few days before the United Nations top court is set to rule on whether to impose urgent measures to stop the alleged continuing genocide in Myanmar.

The ICOE conceded some security personnel had used disproportionate force and committed war crimes and serious human rights violations, including the killing of innocent villagers and destruction of their homes.

But the crimes did not constitute genocide, the panel decided.

There is insufficient evidence to argue, much less conclude, that the crimes committed were undertaken with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical (sic), racial or religious group.

Rosario Manalo, a diplomat from the Philippines, was appointed to chair the four-member ICOE [Nyunt Win/ EPA]

Military operations from August 2017 forced about 740,000 Rohingya to flee over the border into refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Whitewash

Myanmar has always maintained the crackdown by the armed forces, or Tatmadaw, was necessary to root out Rohingya rebels after a series of attacks left a dozen security personnel dead.

But refugees carried consistent accounts of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson with them and have so far largely refused to return for fear of their safety.

All signs point to what human rights experts and Rohingya themselves already know, which is that the government has no intention of bringing perpetrators of mass rape and other genocidal crimes to justice, Akila Radhakrishnan, president of the Global Justice Center said in a statement.

This Commission is just yet another domestic attempt to deflect responsibility and whitewash the situation of the Rohingya.

The four-member commission included two international representatives and was led by Philippines diplomat Rosario Manalo.

There have been doubts about its work from the beginning.

The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) described the investigation as deeply flawed from the start, noting concerns about its mandate and lack of independence.

The release of its findings was a blatant PR exercise to deflect attention from the International Court of Justices ruling later this week, spokesman Tun Khin said in a statement.





It is simply another attempt by the Myanmar authorities to sweep the Rohingya genocide under the carpet.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has long considered the Rohingya to be Bengalis from Bangladesh even though their families have lived in the country for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless, and they are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights.

There was no mention of the word Rohingya in the ICOE release.

The commission was established in June 2018 to investigate allegations of human rights abuses during the 2017 crackdown, but Manalo told the media there would be no blaming of anybody, no finger-pointing.

A couple of months later the spokesperson for the Office of the President said the inquiry had been set up to respond to false allegations made by the UN agencies and other international communities.

The UN Fact-finding Mission on Myanmar, which has been denied entry to the country, concluded last year that the panel was not an effective independent investigations mechanism.

ICJ ruling due

Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch called for the immediate release of the full report.

The entire ICOE investigation, including its methodology and operations, has been far from transparent, he said.

Myanmars civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi last month personally went to The Hague to argue her country was capable of investigating any allegations of abuse.

She also warned the case, brought against Myanmar by West African nation The Gambia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Conference, could reignite the crisis.

If the court rules in The Gambias favour, it would be just the first step in a case that will probably take years.

Myanmar also faces other legal challenges over the Rohingya, including a probe by the International Criminal Court  a separate war crimes tribunal  and a lawsuit in Argentina which notably alleges Suu Kyis complicity.

The commissions announcement said it would hand over its 461-page report to be used for investigations and possible prosecutions by Myanmars civil and military authorities.
The participants in the international conference on Libya, held in Berlin, adopted a joint statement and called for the cessation of all military movements in the territory of this country, including as part of the provision of direct assistance to the parties to the conflict. The document has yet to be considered and adopted at a meeting of the Security Council. There is no doubt, since all the political heavyweights have gathered in the German capital, concerned about the fate of this North African state.

Participants in the Berlin summit called for "confidence-building measures, such as the exchange of prisoners," and the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on violators of the ceasefire in the country. The document also contains a call for a ceasefire. It also speaks of an embargo on the supply of weapons, ensuring the safety of oil facilities, restoring the states monopoly on the lawful use of force, non-interference in armed conflict and a mechanism for economic recovery.

However, the conference began hard. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, representatives of China, Italy, Egypt, Algeria, UAE arrived in Berlin at the suggestion of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the Libyan issue. and Congo, and, in fact, the main actors in the Libyan conflict - the prime minister of the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (PNE) Faiz Saraj and his opponent - the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) gene ral Khalifa Haftar.

Before Berlin, Saraj and Haftar, as you know, visited Moscow. The seven-hour talks (indirect) ended in nothing. True, representatives of Saraj signed an armistice agreement. Haftar did not do this either, declaring the need to consult with the leaders of the tribes supporting him. The fact that the agreement would not be signed in Moscow was foreseen in advance - too many influential world players were involved in the Libyan war, too many were staring at Libyan hydrocarbons, and therefore they would do everything to prevent Russia from being the only triumph in the peace process.

Turkey is basically the main ally of the PNE. Saraj announced his agreement on the Mediterranean maritime borders in such an option, when the most tidy gas deposits are under the control of Ankara. In response, Turkey announced a business trip to Libya for its armed forces. Naturally, to help Saraj. On the same side is Italy, defending the interests of its oil giant Eni. On the other side is France with the interests of its oil and gas corporation Total. On different sides and a number of Arab states. Sarajah is supported by Qatar; Haftara is supported by Saudi Arabia. The role of the others is not so unambiguous and clear. For example, Turkey accuses Russia of sending a private military company (PMC) to Wagner to help Haftar. Russia denies this, and PNE Saraj announced that it does not see Russia as a side hostile to itself. And already in Berlin, Saraj himself said that he was ready to accept the mediation services of Moscow. Given the fact that after this the leader of the PNE spoke about the advisability of introducing peacekeepers into Libya, it can be assumed that he took for leadership one of the points of the Moscow resolution on the right of Russia and Turkey to conduct inspection trips in the conflict zone. Will the others agree with this?

The results of the summit do not give grounds for unambiguously optimistic answers, if only because they are not very clear. The conference witnessed differences in approaches to the Libyan settlement. So, Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately raised the degree of discussion, saying that the world has not been able to respond to Haftars reckless attacks, and thus outlining his answer to the question of who is right and who is not. Even at Ataturk airport, before flying to Berlin, Erdogan spoke out stronger, urging the world to "fight the blood and chaos dealers." And the Berlin summit cannot be sacrificed to the ambitions of blood and chaos dealers, the Turkish president said, making it clear that a decision will be made that is close to what he sees himself, or Ankara will act in its own way.

In the process, Turkey called on the EU to end its prejudice policy against the Turkish Cypriots, advocating drilling in the Mediterranean basin. "The EU must first put an end to this policy under the guise of trade union solidarity, which is far from reality, biased and double standards," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in response to the negative reaction of the EU and Greece to the work launched by Ankara off the coast of Cyprus.

In general, political leaders arrived in Berlin with such a heap of contradictions, partly not related to Libya, and fell upon each other with such criticism that at some point it seemed that it would be better not to have met at all.

Turkey criticized Russia for PMC Wagner, she herself received a portion of criticism from British Prime Minister Johnson for "unleashing chaos in Libya." Boris Johnson also blamed Russia for this, while recalling the poisoning of the Skripals in Salisbury, and noting that there would be no prospects for normalizing relations between London and Moscow, "until Moscow ceases to undermine the security of our citizens and collective security." Along the way, he, however, solidified with Emmanuel Macron on Iran - a long systematization is necessary to prevent Iran from creating nuclear weapons. "

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attacked Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Khalil As-Sissi with outrage at the death of 54-year-old American Mustafa Kassem in one of Egypt's prisons, where he was allegedly mistaken during the crackdown on a protest in 2013, announced a hunger strike in protest, as a result of which he died. The next to be criticized by the Secretary of State was Khalifa Haftar. Specifically for the order to close all oil terminals. "The United States in Libya has interests in the fight against terrorism. In addition, in Libya there are serious opportunities in the energy sector. We hope that the obstacle to the sending of oil from the country will stop after this conversation. We are also committed to a political solution," the press quoted State Department Service of its head.

In general, the conference on Libya gathered in Berlin was used not only for its "intended purpose." In favor of the fact that the document on Libya would nevertheless be adopted, at some point it began to say only that in such an amount the leading politicians of the world would not have gathered just like that - something developed mutually acceptable for all still exists in nature . Although doubts arose here, after Pompeo and Erdogan left Berlin, without waiting for the final dinner.

And here again we turn to the words of the US Secretary of State, also quoted by the State Departments press service: Progress has been made in establishing a full-fledged ceasefire, ceasefire, temporary withdrawal of [troops] from high alert. There is still a lot of work to do. Theres a difficult situation but there [at the conference in Berlin, all the leaders] made a sincere commitment to reduce risks and achieve a ceasefire. I am optimistic that there will be less violence and the opportunity to start a conversation ezhdu parties to the conflict in Libya ... We have made progress, at least progress to fewer arms, fewer new forces exerted in the region ", - said Pompeo.

What the Berlin summit to resolve the situation in Libya will actually give, it seems, will become more clear in the coming days.
A burst mains pipe has hit water supplies to hundreds of homes and offices, closing a busy Tube station and turning the streets into a swimming pool.

Southwark Underground , which serves the Jubilee line, was shut early on Tuesday morning as firefighters and engineers battled to stem the torrents of water and evacuate residents from the area.

Footage from the scene showed streams of water raging outside the transport hub shortly after 5am.

Bus routes were diverted as specialists worked for around an hour to repair the rupture to the 36in pipe and begin restoring mains supplies.

Southwark flooding - In pictures 1 /22 Southwark flooding - In pictures Burst water main in Blackfriars Road, Southwark Picture Jeremy Selwyn Evening Standard Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Selwyn

A large section of Blackfriars Road has been shut between Southwark Street and The Cut due to the flooding. TfL has confirmed the surrounding roads will remain closed for the rest of the day.

It is unclear when the Jubilee line station will reopen, with commuters directed to Waterloo to access the Underground.

Some 20 nearby properties are known to have been affected, with piles of debris and rubble left lying on the streets.

Danny Sutcliffe, 55, wore plastic bags on his legs as he carried his wife Vicky out of their house. He told The Standard: It was pretty much knee deep. The water was literally gushing out.

Meanwhile, Twitter users shared dramatic footage of the incident, while residents across south-east London have complained of having no running water.

We have no water but THERE'S AN IMPROMPTU SWIMMING POOL OUTSIDE SOUTHWARK STATION, tweeted one user.

Crazy scenes outside Southwark tube station this morning. Water pouring out of the ground! commented another.

Drama at Southwark this morning. 8ft sink hole, another wrote.

It came as hundreds of homeowners reported their water supplies had been hit. One Thames Water representative told a customer: "All South East postcodes are affected by the mains water burst within the area. We've got a team on site looking into this now."

A spokesman for the utility company told the Standard they had received 250 calls from customers in the two hours following the pipe rupture.

He said they apologised to all those affected and were "working to get this fixed as quickly as possible."

An earlier statement from the supplier said: "We're sorry to anyone who's been affected by a burst to a 36-inch diameter pipe on Blackfriars Road.

"Our engineers are currently on site to isolate the burst which will stop the water and then we can fully assess the impact."

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokeswoman told the Standard three of its crews were working alongside Thames Water and police at the scene.

She said: LFB got a call from police at 5.09am on Tuesday morning following a burst main pipe.

Our crews are working to assist with the evacuation of residential properties and using sandbags to stem the flow of water.

We understand the issue has ruptured a section of roadway outside Southwark Underground station, and a 30x30m section of The Cut has now been cordoned off.

We have three station commanders with pumping appliances on the scene, and may need to engage in pumping residential properties if the situation persists.
The seventh political consultation between Vietnam and Thailand takes place in Hanoi on January 20th. (Photo: VNA)



The two sides shared the view that the friendship and enhanced strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand have attained strong and substantive strides.



In 2019, their high-level leaders continued to exchange visits, including an official trip to Thailand and the attendance in the 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) there by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in August. They also frequently met each other at multilateral forums, especially on the sidelines of the ASEAN summits hosted by Thailand.

Cooperation mechanisms have continued proving effective, the officials said, noting that the countries successfully organised the third meeting of the joint committee on bilateral cooperation in January, the 11th meeting of the joint working group on political-security cooperation in August, and the third defence policy dialogue at the deputy ministerial level in September.

They described economic, trade and investment ties as an impressive highlight in bilateral relations. Thailand is currently the largest trade partner of Vietnam in ASEAN with bilateral trade reaching 17 billion USD in 2019. It is the ninth biggest investor in Vietnam with 558 projects worth nearly 11 billion USD.

Meanwhile, partnerships in other spheres like connectivity, tourism, science - technology, labour, culture and education have created encouraging outcomes. Notably, tourists between the two nations approximated 1.5 million last year, rising about 8 percent from 2018. Illegal fishing activities in each others waters were reduced considerably. Both sides are also promoting the renewal of a labourer recruitment agreement so that it can be implemented in 2020.

At the consultation, Vietnam and Thailand agreed to increase the exchange of all-level delegations; work together to prepare for the fourth joint cabinet meeting co-chaired by their prime ministers in 2020; keep stepping up cooperation in security, defence, economy, trade, investment, connectivity, transport, tourism and labour; and bolster links between the two foreign ministries on the basis of their 2015 cooperation deal.

Permanent Secretary Busaya Mathelin shared the view that the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, is developing dynamically but also facing numerous challenges, requiring joint efforts to deal with.

She spoke highly of the success of the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat hosted by Vietnam in Nha Trang city.

For his part, Deputy Minister Dung stressed in the current context, ASEAN needs to enhance solidarity, promote the realisation of the ASEAN Community, and assert its stature and central role in the regional architecture.

Besides, as members of the Mekong sub-region mechanisms, Vietnam and Thailand should increase coordination and sharing of experience with other member nations and relevant partners to substantively boost cooperation in the sub-region, he said.

He also congratulated Thailand on its successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019 and talked about Vietnams priorities and initiatives for the ASEAN chairmanship this year and non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

Dung also called on Thailand to support Vietnam to fulfill the roles and work closely in the common security issues of the region, including the East Sea issue and the use and management of the Mekong Rivers water resources.

The eighth political consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial is set to take place in Thailand in 2021./.
The X-ray crystal structure visualization technique has been known for over a hundred years; it keeps improving, but it is extremely difficult to focus the rays on the objects that are invisible with a naked eye, such as proteins

The X-ray crystal structure visualization technique has been known for over a hundred years. It keeps improving, but it is extremely difficult to focus the rays on the objects that are invisible with a naked eye, such as proteins. However, to get a clear image and effectively visualize the structure of a crystal, a sample should be positioned correctly. An international team of scientists suggested an optic system to help see a protein crystal in X-rays and place it in the center of a beam. The results of the study were published in the Structural Biology journal.

During crystallization atoms are arranged in a 3D lattice structured in a specific way. The distances between the atoms in that lattice are determined by the atoms themselves. The X-ray wavelength is comparable to interatomic distances, so the rays can be refracted on the planes. Due to this effect one can analyze crystal structure. The X-ray images show the distances between the planes. Based on this information it is possible to determine what atoms are in the lattice and how they interact with each other. In proteins studying, for example in the search of new drugs, their structure can be determined on the level of basic atom groups (amino acids).

The main issue of X-ray crystallography is that microscopic protein crystals are very difficult to be positioned in the center of an X-ray beam so that X-ray diffraction image may be blurry. Moreover, if the exact position of a crystal is unknown, one has to scan the whole sample. This increases the time of exposure to very intensive X-rays. Biological molecules start to denature under that exposure.

An international team of scientists developed an optic system allowing one to see a sample in X-rays and learn its position and orientation relative to the beam. Just like with a regular optical microscope it can move the sample, adjust rays intensity and focus the beam. Such a system can significantly reduce the time of analysis and thus preserve the integrity of the molecules. Scientists have demonstrated how the system works on the example of a crystal of antibacterial protein lysozyme. The quality of X-ray diffraction images turned out to be much higher after the positioning of the sample in the X-ray beam.

"Our system is now successfully used in the international research center by the DESY synchrotron in Hamburg, where the laboratories of the world's leading universities carry out their crystal structure studies. In the future, we plan to automate the crystal positioning process using neural networks," said Prof. Anatoly Snigirev, the head of the Science and Research Center "Coherent X-Ray Optics for Megascience Installations" at Kant Baltic Federal University.

###

The participants of the work also represented the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Hamburg, Germany), European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (Grenoble, France), and Biological Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Szeged, Hungary).
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The global downhole tools market size is expected to reach USD 5.16 billion by 2026, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., progressing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is primarily driven by ongoing increase in drilling activities worldwide. The operational cost incurred in E&P activities has dropped with advent of operational efficiencies and technological innovations. This has resulted in rise in exploration of unconventional resources, thereby spurring the global demand for the product.

Enhanced efficiency of downhole tools will facilitate in improved extraction of hydrocarbons without raising the cost involved in production, which will provide an edge over conventional equipment. The implementation of digital technology has also enhanced E&P activities, which, in turn, has boosted the market over the last few years. Various digital well construction planning and operation software have improved drilling operations. Several wellbore technologies have been manufactured for premium connections that are designed to reduce bottomhole failure and improve the rate of connection on rig floor.

Regulatory trends and various industry standardizations have a major impact on the growth of the market. There is an increased stringency in rules and regulations by various governments for protecting the environment and minimizing damage during well operations. Specifications given by governments to meet standard tools are anticipated to stimulate the growth of the downhole tools market.

Drilling tools were the leading product segment and accounted for more than one fourth of the overall revenue in 2017. Some of the major drilling equipment include reamers & stabilizers, jars & impact tools, and tubulars. Evolution of various sensor technologies and increasing investments from cross-industry players has enhanced drilling equipment efficiencies.

Access Research Report of Downhole Tools Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/downhole-tools-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

The U.S. handling tools market is anticipated to cross value of USD 175 Million by 2026

The Asia Pacific market for well intervention was valued at USD 101.13 million in 2017. It is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.3% from 2018 to 2026

The Middle East & Africa downhole tools market is anticipated to reach USD 1.76 Billion by 2026, owing to selling off ongoing rig operations and resuming operations in abandoned oil wells in Persian Gulf

In Brazil, increasing deep and ultra-deepwater exploration and production activities in offshore sedimentary oil & gas fields are expected to drive the demand for downhole tools over the forecast period

Key market players operating in the global downhole tools market include Schlumberger, Halliburton, Weatherford International, Baker Hughes (BHGE), and National Oilwell Varco (NOV).

Product Insights

On the basis of product, the drilling tools segment is expected to dominate the market through 2026. The growth of the segment can be attributed to heightened rates of drilling activities in various economies such as Argentina and Colombia. This is further supported by recommence of onshore drilling in countries such as Libya & Republic of Congo, new drilling project startups in Qatar and China, and increased drill bit sales in Algeria.

The global market for handling tools and flow & pressure control tools is also estimated to witness substantial growth over the forecast period owing to their increasing applications in production phase. These tools are useful in addressing several challenges such as extreme depth, high temperatures, and pressure differentials associated with producing formations.

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.
PHILADELPHIA The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis  its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Dangerously low blood supply levels are posing a concerning risk to patient care and forcing doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become []
Melbourne:

Australia's devastating drought, and other effects of climate change are pushing the iconic duck-billed platypus, a globally unique mammal, towards extinction, a study published on Monday warned. Platypuses were once considered widespread across the eastern Australian mainland and Tasmania, although not a lot is known about their distribution or abundance because of the species' secretive and nocturnal nature, according to the researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia.

Researchers, who for the first time examined the risks of extinction for this intriguing animal, call for action to minimise the risk of the platypus vanishing due to habitat destruction, dams and weirs. The study, published in the journal Biological Conservation, examined the potentially devastating combination of threats to platypus populations, including water resource development, land clearing, climate change and increasingly severe periods of drought.

Lead author Gilad Bino, a researcher at the UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science, said action must be taken now to prevent the platypus from disappearing from our waterways. "There is an urgent need for a national risk assessment for the platypus to assess its conservation status, evaluate risks and impacts, and prioritise management in order to minimise any risk of extinction," Bino said. The platypus is the sole living representative of its family, and genus, though a number of related species appear in the fossil record.

It is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. The study estimated that under current climate conditions and due to land clearing and fragmentation by dams, platypus numbers almost halved. This led to the extinction of local populations across about 40 per cent of the species' range, reflecting ongoing declines since European colonisation, the researchers said. Under predicted climate change, the losses forecast were far greater because of increases in extreme drought frequencies and duration, such as the current dry spell.

"These dangers further expose the platypus to even worse local extinctions with no capacity to repopulate areas," Bino added. Documented declines and local extinctions of the platypus show a species facing considerable risks, while the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently downgraded the platypus' conservation status to "Near Threatened," the researchers said. However, the platypus remains unlisted in most jurisdictions in Australia -- except South Australia, where it is endangered.

Study co-author Professor Richard Kingsford said it was unfortunate that platypuses lived in areas undergoing extensive human development that threatened their lives and long-term viability. "These include dams that stop their movements, agriculture which can destroy their burrows, fishing gear and yabby traps which can drown them and invasive foxes which can kill them," Kingsford said. Study co-author Professor Brendan Wintle at The University of Melbourne said it was important that preventative measures were taken now.

Also Read: Meteorite Impact, Not India's Deccan Traps Volcanoes, Led To Dino Extinction: Study

"Even for a presumed 'safe' species such as the platypus, mitigating or even stopping threats, such as new dams, is likely to be more effective than waiting for the risk of extinction to increase and possible failure," Wintle said. "We should learn from the peril facing the koala to understand what happens when we ignore the warning signs," he said. Bino said the research paper added to the increasing body of evidence which showed that the platypus, like many other native Australian species, was on the path to extinction. "There is an urgent need to implement national conservation efforts for this unique mammal and other species by increasing monitoring, tracking trends, mitigating threats, and protecting and improving management of freshwater habitats," Bino said.

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Image Credit: BJP Twitter

New Delhi/IBNS: In a clear message to several opposition political parties, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the government will not revoke the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) despite the widespread protests against the new contentious law are taking place in the country.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow, Shah said, "Whoever wants to protest can continue but the CAA will not be revoked."

Once again highlighting the new law, Shah said, "The bill (which is now an Act) has no provision to take away citizenship of anyone. It will give citizenship to the minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India due to religious persecution."

Hitting out at the Congress, the Home Minister held Congress' "divisive politics" responsible for the Act.

"We brought the Act because of Congress' sin of dividing the nation on the basis of religion. The number of minorities kept on decreasing in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Where did the people go? Few people have been killed while the others have been converted," he said.

Accusing the Opposition of spreading lies over the Act, Shah attacked all prominent rival leaders saying, "Narendra Modi came with the CAA. Congress, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh (Akhilesh Yadav), Mayawati, Kejriwal (Arvind Kejriwal) are spreading lies over the bill (Act)."

"I had placed the bill in the Lok Sabha. If any opposition leader can prove that the bill takes away anyone's citizenship, I urge him to come and participate in a public debate," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said.

(Image Credit: BJP Twitter)
Some 50 heads of government and state are expected to attend the World Economic Forum at Davos, along with representatives of big business and Swedish eco-campaigner Greta Thunberg. (AFP/Fabrice COFFRINI)

The meeting with President Barham Saleh will be the first between Trump and Iraqi officials since tensions erupted over the US killing of a top Iranian general and a senior pro-Iranian Iraqi commander in Baghdad.

After calls in Iraq for the expulsion of thousands of US troops stationed there, Trump responded by threatening sanctions aimed at wrecking the country's economy.

Trump, who arrives in Davos for the annual World Economic Forum get-together on Tuesday and leaves on Wednesday, will also meet with European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, the White House said.

Their talks will come just after France and the United States agreed to extend negotiations on avoiding what could be a punishing trans-Atlantic trade war.

Trump is also due to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Simonetta Sommaruga, the president of the Swiss Confederation, and Kurdish leader Nechirvan Barzani.

The meetings will take place on the sidelines of the Davos conference, which this year is focusing heavily on climate emergency and social inequality.
In a relief to Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, a Delhi court on Tuesday modified his bail conditions in connection with the Daryaganj violence case. The case pertains to the violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests at Delhi's Daryaganj on December 20. Azad was arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly inciting people during a protest against the new legislation on December 20.

The Tiz Hazari Court allowed Azad to visit Delhi but he will have to inform the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime before he makes his visit. "Election is the biggest festival in a democracy, so everyone's participation is necessary," said the court.

Live TV

The court said that Azad would give his schedule in advance to the DCP on his whereabouts in Delhi. The court also said that when he comes to Delhi, he will reside at the given address. He will also inform the DCP telephonically and send an email if he is not in Delhi or Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

On January 15, Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau had granted him bail but with some strict conditions. The court had restrained Azad from remaining in Delhi for four weeks and not to hold any 'dharna' (protest) until February 16. Azad was granted relief by the court on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 25,000.

The court had ordered that Azad should be taken back to Saharanpur but allowed him to visit Delhi's Jama Masjid within 24 hours to pay obeisance. While granting bail to Azad, Judge Lau had said that special circumstances call for special conditions. The court had also said that Azad cannot visit Shaheen Bagh where anti-CAA protests have been going on for over a month now.

During the hearing on Azad's bail plea, his lawyer Mahmood Pracha told the court that the Bhim Army chief faces threats in UP. The court also ruled that Azad will have to appear before an SHO in Saharanpur every Saturday till a charge sheet is filed by Delhi in this case. During the hearing, the court also reprimanded Azad and said that he should "respect institutions and the prime minister".

Azad was arrested by Delhi Police after he had called for an anti-CAA protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar without police permission. The other 15 people arrested in the case were granted bail on January 9.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.XR Brands made a major impression on the tech world with its innovative Ergo-Fit strapless strap-on technologynot an easy thing to do at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week, but attendees just ate it up. Part of the sex tech revolution, XR Brands showcased the Evoke 10x Remote-Controlled Strapless Strap-on, the world's first remote-control inflatable vibrating silicone strapless strap-onand made history as this was the first time this kind of technology was showcased to such a mainstream audience.

Sex tech companies have, in previous years, both received recognition and been at the center of controversy at the annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association. At the 2020 show, XR Brands showcased the Ergo-Fit strapless harness much to the delight of multiple media outlets.

If youve ever been curious about being pegged, you should pay attention to XR Brands new strap-on, the Ergo-Fit  that actually isnt a strap-on at all. Why? Theres no strap! The Ergo-Fit is designed to let a partner with a vagina turn their genitalia inside out, anchoring the dildo end of the toy to an inflatable part meant to nest snugly inside the vagina. Its an incredibly clever approach, wrote Ask Men in its article The Best and Most Exciting Sex Tech & Toys at CES 2020

It was one of the more anatomically accurate products wed seen so far, and a company representative named Mona took us through its features noted Wired in its article Sex-Tech Companies Are Having More Fun Than the Rest of Us at CES

XR Brands and Ergo-Fit technology also were mentioned in a bevy of articles from sources such as The New York Times, Reuters, Gizmodo, Mashable, Yahoo News Australia, Windsor Star, Future of Sex, The Verge, Toms Guide, Las Vegas Review Journal, Digital LA, and LAFM.

CES is the world's gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years, and is the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. This year marks the first time CES has welcomed sex tech companies in the events health and wellness section.

It was an honor to even be welcomed to CES, and attendees loved how unique and unexpected our offerings were on the show floor, XR Brands President Rebecca Weinberg said. We are thrilled that our Ergo-Fit technology, which we believe represents the future of strapless strap-on tech, has been recognized by attendees and the press as unique and innovative.

The Evoke 10x Remote-Controlled Strapless Strap-on marks the very first time a remote-operated strapless strap-on has been equipped with an inflatable insertable portion, solving the problem of fit and comfort for users whove struggled with traditional strapless strap-ons.

To place an order or learn more about XR Brands, email [email protected].

To view the Evoke 10x and the rest of XR Brands catalog, visit XRbrands.com/.
Early voting begins Tuesday in a pair of special election runoffs in Fort Bend and Harris counties to fill two vacancies in the Texas House.

In both elections, the polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. each day through Friday. Election Day for both races is Jan. 28.

The winner of the House District 28 election in Fort Bend County will replace former Republican state representative John Zerwas, who in July announced his retirement and stepped down Sept. 30. Educator Eliz Markowitz, a Democrat, topped the first-round contest in November with 39 percent of the vote, followed by Republican businessman Gary Gates with 28 percent.

In House District 148, Democrat and former HISD trustee Anna Eastman faces Republican power engineer Luis LaRotta. The winner will fill the seat represented by former Democratic state representative Jessica Farrar, who announced in August she would step down. She retired effective Sept. 30.

House District 148 covers area north of downtown and part of the Heights, extending northwest outside Loop 610. House District 28 runs from Simonton to Mission Bend and Katy to Rosenberg.

Both races are being decided by runoffs because no candidate secured a majority of the vote in the first round.

During early voting, Harris County will operate five polling locations. Fort Bend County also will operate five locations: two in Katy and one each in Fulshear, Richmond and Sugar Land.

Voters in House District 148 may cast their ballot at any of the five locations in Harris County, while House District 28 voters may do so at any Fort Bend County location.

Friday was the deadline to request a mail ballot.

More Information House District 148 special election runoff links For a map of early voting locations in the House District 148 runoff, click here. A list of early voting locations in PDF form can be found here. And for a map of the district, click here. House District 28 special election runoff links For a map of early voting locations in the House District 28 runoff, click here. A list of early voting locations in PDF form can be found here. And for a map of the district, click here. See More Collapse

jasper.scherer@chron.com
The clip shows an Indian Army soldier in Kargil displaying killer dance steps to the song "Challa" from the Vicky Kaushal-starrer flick.

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) A video of an Indian Army soldier dancing to a number from last year's hit Bollywood movie "Uri: The Surgical Strike" is doing the rounds on social media and has grabbed the eyeballs of netizens.

The 45-second clip is tweeted by a user captioned, "Indian Army soldier dance to his glory somewhere in Kargil...Jai Hind...Jai Bharat."

The post has garnered 56.6K views as well as 1.6K retweets and 6.5K likes.

Twitterati have flooded the social media with their reactions."When my real hero in mood ..! @adgpi more power to you..!!" wrote another.

A user wrote, "Trust me it's hard to even walk a few miles in those heavy shoes. Harder than that is dance, and just forget about doing gymnastics. This guy has some talent. Jai Hind Sirjee."

A post read, "Amazing! God bless our soldiers." A Tweeple remarked, "This is going to be the best video that I would watch today on the internet, Salute Jai Hind."

saurav/adr/bg
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:42:30|Editor: Wang Yamei

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by Marwa Yahya

CAIRO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Countries concerned with Libya's long-running conflict agreed in Berlin summit to stop military support to the warring parties while a cease-fire lasts, a step seen by analysts as a glimmer of hope to give Libyans space for a political reconciliation.

Leaders of Libya's warring sides and foreign powers met Sunday in Berlin to discuss ways to end the conflict in the oil-rich North African country.

"We all agree that we should respect the arms embargo and that the arms embargo should be controlled more strongly than it has been in the past," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during the summit.

But expectations remain low that these talks will lead to any kind of a lasting peace on the ground in the near future with some reports revealed that rebel forces launched fresh attacks on the Libyan capital Tripoli.

"Despite the gathering failed to persuade the rival sides to agree to a lasting cease-fire, the summit in Berlin was a breakthrough in the frozen political talks in Libya," said Tariq Fahmy, a professor of international relations at Cairo University.

It wasn't expected that Berlin will end up with swift solutions for Libyan situation that has been further complicated recently by foreign interventions, Fahmy told Xinhua.

Activating the UN arms embargo and stopping military support to Libya's conflicted factions takes long time on real ground, he added.

"Berlin summit is a modest advance for restoring unity, rebuilding strong army and institutions in Libya that Egypt has been calling for," he added.

Still there are serious concerns raised over the expansion of militia and mercenaries on the borders with Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia, but Fahmy stressed that Egypt has taken important precautionary measures including the establishment of Mohammed Naguib military base at the Mediterranean Sea.

It's too early to speak about ending the Libyan crisis, he said, noting that Egyptian diplomatic paths have found good echo from the concerned parties in and beyond the region.

Megahed al-Zayat, vice chairman of the National Center for the Middle East Studies said all scenarios are on table for political settlement in Libya and Berlin conference was "a step forward."

"Now, there is an international persistence to find solution for the Libyan conflict and the world's interests in the country are surpassing its domestic affairs," he told Xinhua.

Europe wouldn't keep silence on possible infiltration of migrants or terrorists to its lands as happened before in the Syrian crisis, the political expert pointed out.

He agrees that Berlin gathering has achieved some of Egypt's ambitions especially the arms embargo which could be a base for protecting the Egyptian national security.

The Libyan conflict has festered for nearly nine years, following the ouster and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, splitting the power between two rival governments: the UN-recognized, Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Serraj and another in northeastern city of Tobruk allied with self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar.

The United States and Europe have stayed on the sideline. But the conflict that escalated in 2014 began to attract the international attention when Libya became a gateway for tens of thousands of migrants in 2015 and 2016.

Also, the recent involvement of Russia and Turkey has created a new urgency for peace efforts.

Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt are backing Hafter. Turkey, Italy and Qatar are defending the internationally recognized government in the capital.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The Department of Health is investigating the case of a five-year-old boy who arrived from Wuhan City, China and tested positive for a still unidentified strain of coronavirus amid an outbreak of a mysterious illness in the world's most populous country.

Ferchito Avelino, officer-in-charge of DOH's epidemiology bureau, said the child arrived in Cebu City with his mother on January 12. They came to Cebu to study English, Avelino added.

The child exhibited signs of respiratory illness such as fever, cough and throat irritation "prior to entering the Philippines" and was referred for hospital care, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a briefing on Tuesday in Manila.

He is now admitted in a hospital in Cebu City, and is "stable and afebrile," Duque added.

The unidentified boy tested negative for Middle East respiratory syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Both respiratory diseases are caused by a family of viruses called coronaviruses.

"The samples tested positive for non specific pancoronavirus assay," Duque said.

The specimen of the boy was sent to Melbourne, Australia for further testing, Duque added.

The health chief said that they could get the confirmatory test results in a day or two.

"To date, there is no confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) case in the Philippines," the World Health Organization said in a statement, referring to the virus recently identified in Wuhan, China.

The boy and his mother are currently isolated in a Cebu City hospital. The woman has not shown signs of sickness as of Tuesday, according to DOH Central Visayas regional director Jaime Bernadas.

At least 12 other people who have come in contact with the boy are also being monitored by the DOH in Central Visayas. They have not yet shown symptoms of coronavirus infection, Bernadas said.

Strict monitoring

The DOH is also monitoring three Chinese tourists who showed mild symptoms of respiratory disease. They were being tested for the novel coronavirus, which is said to be of the same family as the lethal SARS, amid fears of a new outbreak which started in China, a provincial health officer said Tuesday.

Kinuhaan po namin sila ng specimen for confirmatory tests sa RITM... Nonetheless, once bumalik sa China, dadaan ulit sa provincial hospital, susuriin po ng mga doctor natin, bibigyan po sila ng clearance, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Provincial Health Officer I said over CNN Philippines' Newsroom Ngayon on Tuesday.

[Translation: We collected their specimens for confirmatory tests. Nonetheless, before they go back to China, they will have to get tested in the provincial hospital and be issued a medical clearance first.]

Cuachon clarified Tuesday that the three tourists who arrived at the Aklan International Airport on separate dates since Friday, were not quarantined, contrary to reports.

One of the visitors was a 21-year-old woman admitted in a provincial hospital and put in an isolated ward on Friday because of her fever. She was released the following day, Cuachon added.

The two other suspected cases -- a three-year-old girl with fever who had colds and cough, and a 65-year-old man with a fever and sore throat -- received outpatient care. They were already discharged, he added.

Duque also said that it is likely that the three foreigners do not have the mystery respiratory illness that originated in Wuhan, as they did not meet the World Health Organizations definition of the new coronavirus, which causes a type of pneumonia.

Among them are being health workers who were in close contact with people who have manifested signs of severe acute respiratory infection and those who have a history of travel to or who lived in Wuhan City.

But the health department chief stressed authorities want to err on the side of caution that is why the visitors will still undergo confirmatory tests.

We should always be careful, he said.

Cuachon said the foreigners travel history did not indicate they went to Wuhan City.

The health officer also said that the tourists cannot leave the country until test results from the RITM could confirm that they do not have the new strain of coronavirus, which could be passed from person to person.

He said the medical clearance is a requirement before the foreigners could be allowed to go back to their country of residence.

The new coronavirus has killed at least three people and infected more than 200 people in China since December, the CNN reported Tuesday. It has since been transported to Thailand, Japan and South Korea, it added.

The WHO said that the outbreak was believed to have originated in a seafood and animal market in Wuhan.

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they are what scientists call zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans, CNN said Tuesday, citing the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At greatest risk of contracting the virus are children and the elderly, as they have weak immune systems.

The WHO said in a Twitter post Tuesday that it will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to determine whether the outbreak "constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be made to manage it."

Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO representative to the Philippines, said they are not considering travel restrictions yet as they have to first ascertain whether the new strain of coronavirus could cause "severe infection that causes death."

"We are in the early stages of trying to understand how severe this infection is and how many deaths is it likely to cause," Abeyasinghe said in a briefing with Philippine health officials.
Simon Zhang was officially appointed as the Global CEO at a recent Ries global partner meeting in Shanghai. The meeting focused on helping Chinese companies navigate through global competition, and it engaged partners from North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Also at the meeting, the Ries global leadership team was set up, with members including Global Co-chairs Al Ries and Laura Ries, Global CEO Simon Zhang, and Europe-based Global Partner Michael Brandtner.

Ries company was founded in the United States in 1963 by Al Ries, the founder of the positioning theory, which has been hailed as the most influential concept in the marketing field in the United States. In 2007, Al Ries, together with Peter Drucker, Warren Buffett, Jack Welch and Steve Jobs, was named one of the "Top 10 Business Gurus". Over the past 50 years, Ries Strategy Positioning Consulting has leveraged the positioning theory to help build up numerous leading global and regional brands.

Al Ries and Laura Ries speak highly of Simon Zhang's contribution to promote the positioning theory. Simon Zhang has proposed the category strategy to improve the theory system, and it has effectively driven corporate innovation and growth. Al Ries noted that "China is playing a dominant role among global markets in the 21st century, and it is also embracing unprecedented opportunities for global development. The successful practice of the positioning theory in Chinese enterprises indicates that it will unleash huge potential in the global markets. We believe that under the leadership of Simon, Ries Strategy Positioning Consulting will help create more successful global brands."

Simon Zhang joined Ries Strategy Positioning Consulting in 2007 and has taken the initiative to build up the China team. In just 12 years, the China team led by Simon Zhang has helped build up many Chinese brands that are the leaders in China and even in the world. They include Kweichow Moutai, the world's largest maker of high-end spirits; Wong Lo Kat, the world's largest herbal tea brand; ROBAM, the world's largest range hood brand; Cha Cha, the world's largest sunflower seeds brand; and Great Wall Haval, the biggest SUV brand in China. These success stories have consolidated Ries Strategy Positioning Consulting' leadership in China's strategic positioning and consulting industry.

Simon Zhang said, "It is a great honor to have the trust of Mr. Al Ries, father of positioning, Ms. Laura Ries and other global partners. I believe that in the 21st century, global competition and category building are the two most important trends. Therefore, we will step up efforts to support global companies build up their global brands and foster category innovation. We will take the United States and China as the core battlefield, with India, Brazil, Germany, and Russia as the key markets. We will further expand our global service network to ensure that our positioning theory is better implemented and applied in the global markets."

SOURCE Ries Strategy Positioning Consulting
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returns to the political fray on Thursday, with expectations she could name September 19 as the election date as soon as then.

Ardern, who spent the new year holidaying on the east coasts of both New Zealand and Australia, will host her Labour colleagues in a traditional year-starting retreat in Martinborough.

The rev-up will fire the starter's gun on the political year, in which her coalition government must seek re-election.

Like Australia, Ardern can choose the election date, and is not required to do so well in advance.

Ardern says she will follow the convention of her predecessor John Key, and announce the election around the start of the political year - meaning election speculation in Wellington is presently reaching fever pitch.

Jacinda Ardern (pictured) visits Australia regularly, and is seen here giving at a talk in Melbourne in July 2019

The election must be held before November 21, with Ardern previously ruling out a snap poll.

September 19 seen as a likely date to avoid a winter election, school holidays and outings by the all-popular All Blacks in home Tests.

Aside from the election date, Ardern returns with a number of political and policy issues to tackle.

A minister from her coalition partner, Shane Jones of NZ First, is embroiled in allegations that he misused public money in dispensing his $NZ3 billion ($A2.89 billion) Provincial Growth Fund.

A Maori land claim and protest which has prevented a private development at Ihumatao requires resolution.

And new figures show a runaway housing market, where home ownership or affordable rents remain out of reach for average Kiwi families.

Growing inequality looms as one of the biggest challenges during 2020.

In an interview with AAP last month, Ardern agreed inequality was the greatest economic challenge of our time but said 'it was not new for New Zealand'.

'It did not emerge in the past two years. New Zealanders have been putting poverty as one of their significant issues for the 2017 election and it featured strongly in the election prior,' she said.

'It was one of the issues we campaigned on and it's one of the reasons I'm in politics.'

After winning office, Ardern cancelled tax cuts promised by the previous National government, bundling the savings into a package targeted towards lower-income families.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (centre) spent her Australian holiday drinking local beers and wines in regional Queensland on Friday January 10

She points to those changes, the child and wellbeing strategy, minimum wage hikes - which is now $17.70 - and public pay sector agreements as corrective actions.

'The stats and numbers tell us we have an issue with the working poor as well,' she admits.

'And so, it's a cliche, but there's no silver bullet.

'My view is that the work program we have overall is making a difference.'

Despite an alarming spike in welfare recipients seeking emergency food and fuel grants, and a report urging her government to raise the base level of benefits, Ardern is yet to do so.

'We know we've got income adequacy issues. We've accepted that,' she said, pointing to tax and indexing changes that ease the squeeze.

Inequality looms as Ardern's most significant challenge in 2020; given her credentials as a Labour prime minister would fall away without gains for low-income Kiwis.

On Monday January 6, Ms Ardern and Mr Gayford (pictured, far right) dined at Fins Restaurant and Bar in Kingscliff. No photos emerged from their 2018 Australian holiday

Public polls have Ardern as by far the preferred prime minister but in a dogfight with National, the opposition and the biggest party in parliament, to retain government.

'My reaction to polls, even when we are doing exceptionally well, is to keep a healthy cynicism,' she said.

'The international experience has taught us it's a good thing to do.

'If you have some (polling) momentum behind you, some people unfortunately focus on preserving that.

'And the easiest way to preserve that is to do nothing.

'I would rather keep trying to bring people with us as we get on to make the decisions we need to make, be they environmental, dealing with our infrastructure deficit or dealing with things like child poverty.'

It was at the Martinborough event last year where Ardern made perhaps the biggest slip of her tenure to date, when she announced 2019 would be the 'year of delivery'.

That phrase is recalled by her rivals with every infrastructure delay, any declining economic forecast, and increases to hospital or housing waiting times.

To use a sporting metaphor, Ardern agreed she had 'left it all out there' in 2019.

'We've owned it. When things haven't gone the way things we've anticipated, just accepting that, owning it, trying to improve it,' she said.

'I don't think people expect perfection in politicians.

'I think they expect us to make progress and when we make mistakes, to try and fix them and get on with it.'
China reported the sixth death of the new coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city. So far, over 200 people across Asia have been confirmed infected, including in Japan and South Korea. The number of cases more than tripled over the weekend.

The major escalation prompted the World Health Organizations decision to hold an emergency meeting on Jan. 22. The agency will decide whether to declare a global public health emergency, and if so, what measures should be taken.

Such measures could affect travel, airport security, and hospitals.

The virus has sparked scary memories of the 2003 SARS epidemic originating from China, which eventually infected 8,000 people worldwide.

My concern is that this really could explode very much the same way SARS did if everybody doesnt take the proper precautions immediately, public health analyst Laurie Garrett told NTD.

Garrett was in China during SARS. She said at the time, most of the dangerous transmissions occurred inside the hospitals, in cases where some health care workers werent adequately trained and caught the disease themselves during work.

She suggests hospitals should also separate patients with and without fevers, which China did during the SARS epidemic, to prevent cross infections inside hospitals.

Other than infection control training, Garrett said its also crucial to track down the source animal species where the virus comes from, as well as figuring out how many asymptomatic infections there are to understand how contagious the disease is.

Human-to-Human Transmission

Chinese state media reported on Monday morning that 14 health care providers had been infected, and the virus is confirmed to pass from human to human.

Dr. Michael M.C. Lai, a leading coronavirus expert in fighting SARS in 2003 in Taiwan, told NTD that the report is very serious and alarming. He added, It means that [the] virus can spread very easily.

Lai said the Wuhan virus is an RNA virus, which can easily mutate during replications. He said the first mutation may have happened and enabled the virus to transmit through humans, instead of only from animal to human.

Lai worries that should another mutation happen; it can cause the virus to be even more contagious and deadly.

He said now its crucial to isolate suspected patients who have traveled to Wuhan recently.

Anybody who has been to Wuhan in the last two weeks should be isolated, should at least be checked, should be aware they might have been exposed to the virus, Lai said, They need to check [their] temperature every day. If they have [a] fever, then thats an indication they may have been exposed to the virus.

Chinas neighboring countries, as well as three U.S. airports, have begun screening people traveling from Wuhan for fevers.

Its also essential to educate the public to take preventative measures. Wear [a] mask, wash hands, check body temperatures. These are the key steps in preventing the spread of the virus, Lai said.
Despite reports that global emissions of the potent greenhouse gas, , were almost eliminated in 2017, an international team of scientists, led by the University of Bristol, has found atmospheric levels growing at record values.

Over the last two decades, scientists have been keeping a close eye on the atmospheric concentration of a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gas, known as HFC-23.

This gas has very few industrial applications. However, levels have been soaring because it is vented to the atmosphere during the production of another chemical widely used in cooling systems in developing countries.

Scientists are concerned, because HFC-23 is a very potent greenhouse gas, with one tonne of its emissions being equivalent to the release of more than 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Starting in 2015, India and China, thought to be the main emitters of HFC-23, announced ambitious plans to abate emissions in factories that produce the gas. As a result, they reported that they had almost completely eliminated HFC-23 emissions by 2017.

In response to these measures, scientists were expecting to see global emissions drop by almost 90 percent between 2015 and 2017, which should have seen growth in atmospheric levels grind to a halt.

Now, an international team of researchers have shown, in a paper published today in the journal Nature Communications, that concentrations were increasing at an all-time record by 2018.

Dr Matt Rigby, who co-authored the study, is a Reader in Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of Bristol and a member of the Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment (AGAGE), which measures the concentration of greenhouse gases around the world, said: "When we saw the reports of enormous emissions reductions from India and China, we were excited to take a close look at the atmospheric data.

"This potent greenhouse gas has been growing rapidly in the atmosphere for decades now, and these reports suggested that the rise should have almost completely stopped in the space of two or three years. This would have been a big win for climate."

The fact that this reduction has not materialised, and that, instead, global emissions have actually risen, is a puzzle, and one that may have implications for the Montreal Protocol, the international treaty that was designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer.

In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol signed the Kigali Amendment, aiming to reduce the climate impact of HFCs, whose emissions have grown in response to their use as replacements to ozone depleting substances.

Dr Kieran Stanley, the lead author of the study, visiting research fellow in the University of Bristol's School of Chemistry and a post-doctoral researcher at the Goethe University Frankfurt, added: "To be compliant with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, countries who have ratified the agreement are required to destroy HFC-23 as far as possible.

"Although China and India are not yet bound by the Amendment, their reported abatement would have put them on course to be consistent with Kigali. However, it looks like there is still work to do.

"Our study finds that it is very likely that China has not been as successful in reducing HFC-23 emissions as reported. However, without additional measurements, we can't be sure whether India has been able to implement its abatement programme."

Had these HFC-23 emissions reductions been as large as reported, the researchers estimate that the equivalent of a whole year of Spain's CO2 emissions could have been avoided between 2015 and 2017.

Dr Rigby added: "The magnitude of the CO2-equivalent emissions shows just how potent this greenhouse gas is.

"We now hope to work with other international groups to better quantify India and China's individual emissions using regional, rather than global, data and models."

Dr Stanley added: "This is not the first time that HFC-23 reduction measures attracted controversy.

"Previous studies found that HFC-23 emissions declined between 2005 and 2010, as developed countries funded abatement in developing countries through the purchase of credits under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Clean Development Mechanism.

"However, whilst in that case, the atmospheric data showed that emissions reductions matched the reports very well, the scheme was thought to create a perverse incentive for manufacturers to increase the amount of waste gas they generated, in order to sell more credits".

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If you have yet to experience a luxury cruise or are a seasoned cruiser who is looking for something a little different, the list of up and coming cruises for 2020 that are operating out of Australia is indeed long. Here are a few ideas for once in a lifetime cruises to whet your appetite for the coming year.

Sydney Round the World Cruise  This is perhaps the ultimate cruise, with 108 nights at sea, you can experience luxury while visiting some really amazing destinations that include Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Greece, Italy, many UK ports, Greenland, Canada and many ports that run down the USA coast. If that isnt enough, the cruise continues to Panama, Ecuador and Peru before heading to the tropical paradise of Tahiti and then back to Sydney. After almost 3 months onboard a luxury cruise liner, you can return to normality with some amazing memories that will remain etched in your mind forever. There are some great tips for the round the world cruiser, should you decide to book the ultimate cruise.

Explore South East Asia  There are cheap cruises from Singapore to Brisbane , and if you take a flight to Bangkok, you can spend a few weeks touring Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, before heading south to Malaysia and boarding the ship in Singapore. Most Asian countries have a much lower cost of living than here in Australia, so it wont be as expensive as you might think. If you book your return cruise early, you can save some money, which would mean you can spend a few more days in Thailand or Cambodia. There are so many places of interest in South East Asia, and by doing some online research, you can make an informed decision on where you would like to go.

An Extended Caribbean Cruise  This is one part of the world you simply must see, and if you are planning a cruise in the Caribbean, you should fly to Florida, where most of the Caribbean cruises begin. The Fort Lauderdale cruise on the Celebrity Equinox departs on April 21 st 2020 and includes stop offs in Mexico, Georgetown, Cayman Islands and Grand Cayman, before heading back to Fort Lauderdale.

North Europe Cruise  If you are Australian, the wonders of Northern Europe surely hold some interest, and with a cruise that departs from Southampton in the UK, you can spend a glorious 14 nights taking in the sights of France, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Estonia, with stops at St. Petersburg and then docking at Copenhagen.

The above are just a few of the amazing cruise packages that will be running in 2020, and if you would like to browse the many cruises, search online for a leading cruise operator, who would have the complete list, which would include all of the above and a lot more besides. Booking early can save you some money, and once you know your budget and dates, you can start searching for a cruise that includes all the places you would like to visit, then prepare for a holiday you will always remember.
The Stormont roads minister was unaware her official car had driven into a Belfast bus lane to jump rush hour traffic, a spokesman insisted last night.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has dispensed with the usual fossil-fuelled ministerial car in favour of an electric one.

However, yesterday morning its driver used a bus lane to get past a queue of traffic. The white Nissan Leaf, with Ms Mallon in the back, was captured on camera nipping into a lane in north Belfast.

The car was spotted joining the traffic on the outside lane on the Shore Road just after Donegall Park Avenue at around 8.30am.

It slowed as if to join the queue of traffic before moving into the bus lane without indicating. In all, the minister's car travelled almost 300 metres in the bus lane.

Officials said Ms Mallon was unaware of the indiscretion at the time as she was working on briefing papers.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson added: "When making a left turn the driver mistakenly entered the bus lane too early.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon at Stormont with her electric car Nichola Mallons white Nissan Leaf car moving into a bus lane on Belfasts Shore Road yesterday Nichola Mallons white Nissan Leaf car moving into a bus lane on Belfasts Shore Road yesterday Nichola Mallons white Nissan Leaf car moving into a bus lane on Belfasts Shore Road yesterday / Facebook

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Whatsapp Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon at Stormont with her electric car

"This was human error. The driver has been reminded of the restrictions in relation to bus lanes and asked to ensure this does not happen again and the department apologises." Asked if the ministerial car would be issued with a fine, the department did not comment.

North Belfast MLA Ms Mallon arrived last week for her first Executive meeting in the car, which has distinctive 'e-car' branding on its side. Her department said she intended to use the electric car instead of the ministerial Skoda "as much as possible" on official duties, except when diary commitments meant it was not possible.

In her role she will be responsible for major roads upgrades such as the York Street interchange and the controversial bus lanes in Belfast.

The Department for Infrastructure says the bus lanes around the city are generally used to provide priority for and speed up public transport that would otherwise be held up by congestion. In Belfast the law allows permitted taxis, motorcycles and bicycles to use bus lanes.

"Unless otherwise indicated, you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation," the department states on its information pages.

As well as fixed cameras a mobile spotter car is used to monitor certain locations. Last year it was revealed that the 38 cameras across Belfast had amassed over 4m in penalties from June 2015 until February 2019. The Shore Road bus lane generated over 77,000 during that period.
Over 300 guests from the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Guangzhou Municipal Government and outstanding enterprises from Guangzhou, international and local media, and others from all walks of life attended the event.

Guangzhou: A Charming City, A Pearl in Lingnan

The Guangzhou Municipal Government narrated Guangzhou's evolution from an age-old business hub to an international metropolis teeming with modern vitality from the perspectives of culture, tradition, science, technologies, etc.

In terms of the manufacturing industry, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., LTD (GAC Group), a leading manufacturer in the Greater Bay Area, brought GAC MOTOR GN8 to Saudi Arabia, showcasing the strengths of outstanding manufacturers from Guangzhou and driving China-Saudi Arabia economic cooperation.

GAC Group Embraces the World from the Greater Bay Area

Zeng Qinghong, Chairman of GAC Group, said, "Looking forward, GAC Group will continue to offer more quality products and premium services to our Saudi Arabian consumers. We will continue to bring the two places closer to each other. Meanwhile, GAC Group hopes to move part of its production to Saudi Arabia as soon as possible to contribute to local economic development."

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., LTD (GAC Group) has been listed in the Fortune Global 500 for seven consecutive years since 2013 and ranked 189th among the Fortune Global 500 enterprises in 2019. As a leading manufacturer in the Greater Bay Area and a symbol of high-end manufacturing in China, GAC Group attributes its achievement to the top-notch business environment in Guangzhou. The automaker will plan ahead by leveraging the policies, environment, conditions, and well-established industries in the Greater Bay Area to be a part of its development and empower its innovation economy.

Spectacular Release of GN8 in Saudi Arabia

Under the illuminating spotlight and to the rhythmic music, GN8 was unveiled on the stage as everyone waited in keen anticipation.

Zeng Hebin, General Manager of GAC MOTOR International, introduced the highlights of the GN8 model. He said, "It took the R&D team years to create this flagship MPV model. With its elegant and luxurious design, spacious and comfortable interior, user-friendly driving experience, and high standards of intelligent security, GN8 meets the diverse needs of Saudi Arabian consumers for both business and family use."

In November 2019, GN8 made its debut in the Middle East at the 2019 Dubai International Motor Show and instantly turned heads. Prior to its appearance in Saudi Arabia, the model had been released and well-received in the UAE, Qatar, and the Philippines.

GAC Group Is Committed to Becoming International

Last year GAC Group set up the International Business Unit in charge of GAC MOTOR's international business, to strengthen the management of its international business and explore the approach to internationalization. So far the automaker has established presence in 24 countries. In 2019 its overseas sales grew by 98%, which made it the sales champion among other Chinese brands in many overseas markets.

GAC Group has always regarded the Middle East as one of its key strategic markets in the world. So far GAC MOTOR has set up 14 sales outlets in 9 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. In 2020 GAC Group plans to introduce more advanced models to this market, join hands with its strategic partners to adopt localized management, as well as improve sales and after-sales services. It is also preparing to set up a local office in the Middle East to facilitate GAC MOTOR's internationalization and localization management.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079711/Launch_GN8_Saudi_Arabia.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079712/Zeng_Hebin_GAC.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079710/GN8_GAC_Motor.jpg



SOURCE GAC MOTOR




THE Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) has ruled out any industrial action saying it is in favour of dialogue with Government to address its members concerns.





In an interview yesterday, Zimta president and Apex Council team leader Mr Richard Gundani commended Government for the cushioning allowances it paid its workers last week, but added that salaries and allowances which take into account the prevailing socio-economic environment provide a lasting solution to issues being raised.





The truth of the matter is that the teacher has been incapacitated for a long time and a lot of them will be forced to moonlight at the end of the day. We dont want that as it affects the pupil. At the same time we dont want schools closed due to industrial action. Schools must remain open; children going to school. We dont want industrial action and we will continue engaging in dialogue with the Government until we find a lasting solution, he said.





Mr Gundani said they were not demanding a salary increment from Government. Mr Gundani said they were not demanding a salary increment from Government.





He said they want United States dollar salaries they were earning up to October 2018 when the least paid teacher was getting around US$500 per month to be converted to the local currency at the interbank rate.





Mr Gundani said the least paid teacher must be paid about $8 000.





We want a transition from the US dollar based salary we were getting up to October 2018 to a Zimbabwe dollar based salary using the existing interbank exchange rate. Our argument is centred on that transition. We are not asking for a salary increment. If Government had moved on with that transition back then, our salaries would be based on the current interbank exchange rate and the least paid teacher would be taking home about Z$8 000, said Mr Gundani.





At the moment the least paid teacher is taking home about Z$1 000 instead of about Z$8 000. We are contesting this gap, it should not have been there because this is what happened to the prices and services. They went up but we are still where we were in terms of salaries back in 2018.





Government has said it is committed to addressing civil servants grievances. Last week, Government released $300 million towards cushioning allowances for its workers.




The Fianna Fail leader does not believe an opinion poll should decide whether Sinn Fein takes part in tomorrow night's leaders debate.

Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar are to go head-to-head on Virgin Media despite calls from Mary Lou McDonald to be included.

The poll of 1,200 people by IPSOS MRBI for the Irish Times has Fianna Fail on 25 points, Fine Gael on 23 and Sinn Fein on 21.

But Micheal Martin feels it is right that it is just himself and Leo Varadkar on stage tomorrow.

I dont think we should be deciding these issues on opinion polls, Mr Martin said on a visit to Longford.

I said last Sunday that there would be an opinion poll this week and it would very much be different to the opinion poll we had at the weekend, and well have other opinion polls that will be different as well.

The only two parties that can lead a government in my view are Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. The only party that can actually lead an alternative government is Fianna Fail  were the only party that can bring about a change of government, with other parties (junior coalition partners) I acknowledge.

And I think it is legitimate that there would be a head-to-head debate between myself and Leo Varadkar in terms of putting an option to the people in terms of the type of governments we would lead.

The Social Democrats say that Mary Lou McDonald should be included in any upcoming TV debate.

The party's co-leader Catherine Murphy, says they are paying no attention to opinion polls but that Mary Lou McDonald should be included in leaders debates.

"I don't think that there is an arguable case against that," said Ms Murphy.

"When you are in a small party opinion polls matter so little because the methodology and a whole lot of things come into play.

"We are relying on what we are hearing on the doorstep and I have to say we will wait until the poll is taken.

"This is a very open election."

Ms McDonald has characterised the decision to confine the debates to the two leaders as undemocratic.

Earlier in the week, she said: "Huge numbers of people will never vote for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael - they just won't, they vote for other parties - and I think in the interest of a debate that genuinely is a debate you have to include those voices.

"There is no difference between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael - Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar differ on very, very little, and have been in government together in their confidence-and-supply arrangement for the past four years, so you're asking the two arms of that government to debate with each other on the decisions they took together and the consequences people are living with."

Additional reporting by Press Association
Dont be nervous says Chandrababu Naidu after four of his MPs join BJP

Immoral and un-democratic says TDP after four of its MPs join BJP

AP: TDP MP Galla Jayadev remanded, moved to Guntur Sub Jail for protesting against 3-capital plan

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Amaravati, Jan 21: A Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP was arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday, in connection with a farmers' protest and remanded to judicial custody.

A case under various non-bailable sections of IPC was registered against Guntur MP Galla Jayadev and he was arrested after Monday midnight, police said.

The MP was produced before the Mangalagiri magistrate about 3 am. He was denied bail and was later lodged in the Guntur sub-jail around 4.30 am. Hundreds of farmers and women almost reached the Legislature complex, defying prohibitory order and breaking police security cordon on Monday as part of the ongoing agitation demanding that Amaravati be retained as the state capital.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly passes the 3 capital resolution Bill 2020

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Some of the protesters allegedly pelted stones at the police personnel, resulting in injuries to at least six constables, according to Guntur Rural SP C Vijaya Rao. Followers of the Guntur MP were also allegedly involved in the attack on police personnel.

Meanwhile, TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu and several MLAs of his party, who were taken into custody as they attempted to carry out a foot march from the Assembly to the nearby Mandadam village late on Monday night were taken on a ride in police vehicles around various villages in the capital region.

Even after the Chief Minister's convoy reached his residence at the end of the day's session of Assembly, the police did not release Naidu and other TDP leaders. They were finally set free only after midnight. TDP state president K Kala Venkata Rao strongly condemned the police action.
Cameras are rolling for the second movie in the Gabriels Inferno trilogy before the first one has even been released.

Gabriels Rapture, the sexy sequel to Gabriels Inferno, began filming in the Syracuse area this past week. Director Tosca Musk was on the set with stars Giulio Berruti (Monte Carlo," The Lizzie McGuire Movie) and Melanie Zanetti (The Leisure Class, The Bureau of Magical Things) Tuesday for a scene shot on South Warren Street downtown, right outside the Advance Media New York (syracuse.com | The Post-Standard) offices.

Gabriels Inferno finished filming more than a month ago, but will not be released until this spring on Musks streaming service, Passionflix.

A third movie in the series, Gabriels Redemption, will also shoot in the Syracuse area over a six-week period later this year.

Musk, whose credits include A Cinderella Christmas and The Matchmakers Playbook, directs all three films.

The trilogy is adapted from the best-selling erotic romance novels by Sylvain Reynard, which have been frequently compared to Fifty Shades of Grey. The second films plot follows Professor Gabriel Emerson (Berruti) on a passionate, yet clandestine affair in Italy with his former student Julia Mitchell (Zanetti); but when they return to Toronto, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover.

Central New York serves as the setting for outdoor scenes in Toronto, while indoor scenes are largely shot at the Greater Syracuse Soundstage in DeWitt.

Were loving it here. Everyones so nice, Musk told syracuse.com in November.

These video stills show Giulio Berruti as Gabriel, right, and Melanie Zanetti as Julia in a preview for the upcoming movie "Gabriel's Inferno."

Gabriels Inferno will be released on Passionflix in May 2020. The other two movies will be released at a later date.

Musk, the sister of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, founded Passionflix in 2017 to focus on adaptations of romance novels. The streaming service is available at passionflix.com for $5.99 a month and includes titles like Jane Eyre, A Farewell to Arms, Marilyn Monroes How to Marry a Millionaire, and Random Encounters, starring Meghan Markle, plus Passionflix originals like Driven, Hollywood Dirt and The Matchmakers Playbook."

Gabriels Rapture is the second movie of 2020 to shoot in the Syracuse area. The upcoming feature film Confession began production earlier this month.

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TigerRisk served as an advisor to both parties in closing the deal.

We continue to expand our geographical footprint, illustrated by the completion of this sizeable US transaction underwritten by DIGL. The portfolio will be managed through service agreements between DIGL and our SOBC DARAG operations in the US, said DARAG CEO Tom Booth.

DARAG has completed 33 run-off transactions in 18 countries, with a value in excess of 1.1 billion.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 14:10:25|Editor: xuxin

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MOSCOW, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed Tuesday in a fire that engulfed a residential building in the village of Prichulymsky in Russia's Tomsk region, local media reported.

"At 07:03 Moscow time (0403 GMT), the body of an eleventh person was discovered," the Emergencies Ministry was quoted as saying in a statement.

The wooden building went up in flames early Tuesday morning, killing 11 people while two others managed to escape.

The opening of a criminal case into the cause of the fire has been announced by investigators, said the Emergencies Ministry.
Philippines Coast Guard resumes search for 7 missing fishermen in Pangasinan

by Rene Acosta

January 21,2020 | Source: BusinessMirror

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) resumed its search on Monday for seven fishermen who have been reported missing after they went fishing in the waters near Barangay Hermosa, Dasol, in Pangasinan early this month.



A news statement issued by the PCG said the fishermen, who were onboard fishing banca FB Narem 2, ventured out to sea for a fishing activity on January 6.



They, however, failed to return in Infanta, Pangasinan, on their scheduled return date of January 14, as reported by the owner of the banca, Christine Macaraig.



FB Narem 2 was skippered by Captain Alberto Roldan. Other missing crew members included Roderick Montemayor, Homar Maglantay, Ejay de la Cruz, Jerome Maglantay, Larry Legaspi and Jefferson Bernabe.



The PCG said Macaraig was able to coordinate with FB Narem 2 through radio at around 2:30 p.m. on January 13, and was informed that the fishing boat encountered big waves of around 13 feet in height.



The bancas last reported location was at 60 nautical miles, off Camaso Island in Dasol, Pangasinan.



The PCG deployed BN Islander plane to conduct aerial surveillance approximately 60 to 90 nautical miles off Camaso Island, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has deployed multi-mission offshore vessel, BRP Lapu-Lapu, to conduct joint maritime patrol and search for the missing fishermen, the PCG statement said.



The PCGs station in Pangasinan has already advised local fishers to be on the lookout for the missing fishing boat and inform the nearest PCG unit about its location.

 BusinessMirror

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
HARTFORD  Despite the obvious hurdles of legislating in an election year, Gov. Ned Lamonts administration is looking to legalize adult sales of marijuana.

A senior administration official said they are in the process of taking three bills and amendments that failed last year and combining them into one omnibus proposal that would include regulation, expungement of criminal records, an equity commission, and taxation.

Last year, the three different bills to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis passed out of committee, but none of them received a vote in the House or the Senate. At the end of the session, lawmakers who supported legalization were ready to try a different path  a constitutional amendment.

Its a path some lawmakers are considering again this year because they doubt Lamonts ability to pull off a legislative victory on legalization.

We need to show the public that we want to get this done, Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden, said. At least a constitutional amendment would be forward movement.

Elliott acknowledged that a constitutional amendment wasnt ideal because it would take until 2024 for sales to start in Connecticut. However, the upside in an election year would be asking lawmakers only to vote on giving the public a chance to weigh in on the issue, which gives Elliott hope that its a winning path.

Connecticut doesnt have ballot initiative and referendum, which is how legalization efforts moved forward in most other states.

The administration is hoping to change Elliotts mind.

The administration doesnt believe the Connecticut Constitution is the proper venue for these kinds of policy decisions, Max Reiss, a spokesman for Lamont, said. Making changes in statute is the best venue for the path to the legalization of marijuana for adult use.

Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said hes heard the governor would support legalization.

I think its time has come, Looney said. Our neighboring states are all doing it or all contemplating it.

He said he thinks it happens faster in states with ballot initiative and referendum than in states where it needs to be legislated because opponents may have a stronger hand in that setting.

Looney said hes hopeful they can get it done this year, but its important to propose it again to get it moving immediately and shorten the time between proposal and actual passage.

Steven Hawkins, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said passage of legalization in Connecticut this year would come at the right point in terms of development of the market for the cannabis industry.

He said public support is 2-to-1 in favor of legalization and there are six states looking at ballot initiatives while New York and Connecticut are looking at legislative action.

Illinois was the most recent state to legalize marijuana through legislation.

Hawkins said Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker shaped the bill, but brought together all the various interests to have a say in the product.

Illinois also created some good equity provisions to help communities most affected by the war on drugs benefit from legalization, Hawkins said.

In addition to erasing the criminal records of hundreds of thousands of people with low-level marijuana arrests, the Illinois law gives inner-city residents impacted by the war on drugs a chance to get involved in the industry, and invests 25 percent of the revenue back into the affected communities.

The proposal being contemplated by the Lamont administration also would seek to give revenue back to impacted communities and contemplates how to make sure individuals affected by the war on drugs get a chance to be involved in the new, legal industry.

Every state is going to have its nuances, but we dont have to keep reinventing the wheel, Hawkins said. If the 5th largest state economy in the country with one of the largest dense metropolitan areas in the country can figure this out, it can be done.

In Connecticut, there doesnt seem to be any Republican support for the issue.

Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said the marijuana issue has been around since former Gov. Dannel P. Malloys time in office.

I dont think the votes are there, Candelora said.

He said he doubts either legalization or a constitutional amendment has enough support to pass.
An Iranian student with a valid visa to study in the US was detained without explanation or direct access to legal counsel and threatened with imminent deportation as the country celebrated Martin Luther King Day, his lawyers said.

More than 50 protesters gathered at Logan Airport in Massachusetts, where Mohammad Shahab Dehghani Hossein was arrested by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and was due to be deported at 6:30pm local time on Monday.

The 24-year-old economics students lawyers filed an emergency petition to block his forced removal and allow him to finish his studies at Northeastern University. The document was seen by The Independent.

His deportation was delayed and his hearing will take place on Tuesday morning at Bostons federal court.

After two years studying in the US, Mr Dehghani is believed to have been visiting family in Iran, an act that has been made more complex by Donald Trumps so-called Muslim travel ban.

'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Show all 6 1 /6 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Photos of detained migrants crowded into cells at the US border - with one holding up a sign reading simply "help" - have been released as part of a new report warning of "dangerous" overcrowding. The memo was sent to the Department of Homeland Security by its Inspector General, containing photos taken at border facilities in the Rio Grande Valley over a week in June DHS/OIG 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Eighty-eight adult males held in a cell with a maximum capacity of 41, some signalling prolonged detention to OIG Staff on June 12 DHS/OIG 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Overcrowding of families observed by OIG on June 11, at a border patrol facility in Weslaco, Texas DHS/OIG 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Migrant families overcrowding a border patrol facility on June 11 in McAllen, Texas DHS/OIG 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Fifty-one adult females held in a cell designated for male juveniles with a capacity for 40 at Border Patrols Fort Brown Station DHS/OIG 'Dangerous' overcrowding of migrants in US border facilities Migrant families overcrowding a border patrol facility on June 11 in McAllen, Texas DHS/OIG

While the number of F1 (student) visas granted to those from the affected countries has significantly dropped since the bans introduction, these visas can offer only one entry to the US, meaning many students have been forced to stay in the country for the entire duration of their studies, with their families banned from visiting them.

Mr Dehghani attended the University of Massachusetts Boston before transferring to Northeastern, at which point he reapplied for a visa, which took nearly a year before he received it last week, Mass Live reported one of his lawyers, Susan Church, as saying.

He went through an extensive processing period before he came back, which means that overseas investigators research his family, they speak to employers, they do a very thorough investigation, Ms Church, told The Boston Globe.

CBP officials refused to provide a reason for his detention and did not allow direct communication with his lawyers, the emergency petition stated.

His detention came after the Trump-ordered strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani brought tensions between the two nations to boiling point, casting doubt over Americas immediate role in the region and the future of the 2015 nuclear pact.

Rather than being based in legitimate concerns over his admissibility to the US, his attempted removal was a result of additional scrutiny targeting Iranians, his lawyers alleged.

Legal experts said Mr Dehghanis was far from an isolated case.

This is but one of many Iranian students deported by CBP Logan since August 2019, said Mahsa Khanbabai, chair of New Englands American Immigration Lawyers Association. Legitimate students, vetted thoroughly by many agencies, granted visas, and then treated like this by CBP with no explanation.

Presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren also weighed in on Mr Dehghanis case, writing on Twitter: His deportation must be halted, and we must fight the Trump administration's xenophobic policies.

Given the Trump administrations xenophobic policies and Logan Airports troubling practice of sending students back to Iran, we are deeply concerned that Shahab was detained, said the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts executive director Carol Rose, adding that the organisation was assisting with the case.

He has a valid visa ... and he went back to visit home, and now he cant come back? Mr Dehghanis friend, Omar Rashed, told The Globe.

He got an apartment, he did everything hes supposed to do, he followed all the rules, he jumped through all the hoops. Its injustice. And today is Martin Luther King Day, of all days. Does anyone see the irony in this?
A father in New Hampshire has strangled a coyote to death with his bare hands after it grabbed his two-year-old son and pulled him to the ground.

Ian O'Reilly was walking a hiking trail in Exeter with his wife and three children on Monday around 11am when the animal got its teeth into the two-year-old's coat.

The boy's parents managed to separate him from the creature but O'Reilly said it wouldn't leave when he attempted to shoo it away.

When the coyote bit the father's chest and forearm in response to being kicked, O'Reilly felt he had no choice but to fight to kill.

Ian O'Reilly was walking a trail in Exeter with his wife and three children Monday when the animal attacked

O'Reilly got on top of the animal (left) and cut off its air supply as he felt his children's lives were in danger. The dad had a rabies shot after he was bitten (right)

The dad, who feared his children's lives were in danger, described how he got on top of the animal and cut off its air supply.

'In the middle of the moment you're not really thinking,' O'Reilly told WMUR. 'It's really just instinct. The fact that when we tried to kick and push and get rid of him, it became clear that he was not disengaging.'

The child was not bitten.

Coyote got its teeth into his two-year-old son's coat and pulled him to the ground

The dad tried to kick the coyote away but it wouldn't leave despite being kicked

The incident came the same day police warned locals to be on the lookout for coyotes.

The incident came the same day police warned locals to be on the lookout for coyotes.

Kensington Police reported a coyote attack in the area of Wild Pasture Road & Hemlock Road, urging social media followers to keep pets and children inside.

Cops warned: 'If you spot the coyote do not approach it & call the Kensington Police immediately.'

The coyote had attacked the car of someone driving on Drinkwater Rd in Hampton Falls near the Kensington/Hampton Falls boarder around 8.40am.

The warning didn't help Pat Lee. She and one of her dogs O'Reilly were bitten by a coyote 20 minutes later.

At first she thought the wild animal was another person's pet.

62-year-old Pat Lee was were bitten by a coyote 20 minutes after a coyote attacked a car

The coyote also bit one of her dogs O'Reilly (pictured). Both had rabies shots

The coyote was on her three season porch and her two dogs had opened the sliding door.

'I realized this was a coyote, and I just started screaming at the top of my lungs to try to get him to stop and go away,' Lee said about the coyote that tried to follow her into her home on Hemlock Road. 'It was very, very scary, but it could've been a lot worse.'

The two dogs retreated back into the house and the coyote attempted to get into the house. While the homeowner was fighting to keep the coyote out of the house she was bitten.

Police said on Facebook that the coyote killed was the same one in the prior to incidents. They said it will be tested for rabies.

Lee, 62, was treated at the Exeter Hospital and received the first series of rabies shots. She'll return later this week for the second set. Her two dogs were also treated and received a rabies booster.

O'Reilly too had shots.
FLSmidth reduces workforce by 500

ICR Newsroom By 21 January 2020

As part of business improvement initiatives announced at the end of last year, current industry caution and delays tied to large capital investments, Denmark-based FLSmidth is adjusting the number of its employees by approximately 500, said the company in a statement.

It is expected that around 80 people from the Copenhagen headquarters will be dismissed along with around 420 staff in offices around the world.

Despite a healthy pipeline, this is an unfortunate yet necessary action given the weakening market for large capital investments in 2019 and our ongoing efforts to improve internal efficiency. In connection with Q3, we announced a need to make necessary business adjustments, and we take this step now to position FLSmidth for future profitable growth, according to Thomas Schulz, CEO of FLSmidth.

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China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation SNP or Sinopec is expected to review the terms of a $16-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal with Cheniere Energy, Inc. LNG, per Reuters. The drop in LNG prices is expected to have triggered the review of the supply deal.

Notably, while China is set to become the biggest LNG importer by the end of the decade, the United States is likely to be the largest exporter within 2025, ahead of Qatar and Australia. This makes the worlds two biggest economies a perfect fit. While China is expected to import $18.5 billion worth of U.S. energy products this year, followed by $33.9 billion imports in 2021, the LNG deal with Cheniere will likely play a huge part in the phase-1 trade agreement.

Reviewing the potential 20-year LNG contract can delay the sign-off process of the deal, which could help China meet ambitious targets. The primary hurdle in the path of the deal between the two companies is the LNG price. While LNG prices plunged due to a supply glut, this gave Sinopec a leverage over Cheniere. Also, cheap LNG from Russia and Qatar will likely act as natural barriers for U.S. LNG in China.

Moreover, the existing 25% LNG tariff in China levied during the trade war is making the terms of the deal uncertain. Sinopec could seek permission for a waiver or rebate from the government of China to make U.S. LNG economical again.

Notably, Sinopec is expected to ramp up its LNG receiving capacity to 41 million tons by 2025. It was the biggest LNG spot buyer in the country in 2019. However, Sinopec is a comparatively smaller buyer of long-term LNG contracts than other Chinese energy companies like CNOOC Limited CEO and China National Petroleum Corporation, which are already part of long-term deals.

Price Performance

Sinopec, a leading Asian integrated energy player, has declined 23.9% in the past year compared with 3% fall of the industry it belongs to.

Zacks Rank and Stock to Consider

Story continues

Currently, Sinopec has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the energy sector is Chevron Corporation CVX, which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Chevrons bottom line for 2020 is expected to rise 5.5% year over year.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

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Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
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Description

GIS - 21 January, 2020: The weather forecast for Mauritius issued this Tuesday by the Meteorological Services of Mauritius indicates that clouds associated with an instability zone located between Mauritius and Madagascar are influencing the local weather in the island.

The weather will be mainly showery with at times moderate showers to heavy accompanied with thunderstorms and it will be more frequent as from late afternoon. Water accumulation may occur in certain places and f og patches are also expected. The w ind gusts may reach 60 km/h in showers.



The showers will persist during the night and tomorrow morning. The sea is rough beyond the reefs and ventures in the open seas are not advised.

The minimum temperature will be about 22 degrees Celsius over the high grounds and will vary between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius along the coasts.

Additional Information

There are indications that a low pressure is developing in the region between Madagascar and Mauritius. This low pressure may intensify and become a moderate tropical storm in the upcoming days and therefore the weather will remain showery with thunderstorms at times.
Prime Minister and his Nepalese counterpart on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the second integrated check post at Jogbani-Biratnagar along the border.

Built with Indian assistance, the integrated check post is spread over 260 acres and is capable of handling 500 trucks on a daily basis.

The Rs 140 crore project will improve trade and people-to-people contact.

The project was launched jointly by the two leaders via a video link.

The first ICP was built in Raxaul-Birgunj in 2018.

At the event, both the prime ministersalso witnessed the progress in Indian-assisted post-2015 earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal.

Out of India's commitment to build 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, 45,000 have already been completed.

Addressing the event via video, Oli invited Modi to visit Nepal.

Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to a visit to the neighbouring country this year.
Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 20, 2020) - White Metal Resources Corp. (TSXV: WHM) ("White Metal" or the "Company") announces that it has granted natural resources investor RZJ Capital Management LLC ("RZJ") a three month extension of time in regards to the previously announced binding Letter of Agreement ("LOA") with respect to certain licenses that comprise the Dorwit Copper-Silver Property (the "Property"), located in Namibia. Under the LOA, RZJ has the right to purchase 70% of White Metal's 100% owned private Namibian company Aloe 237 which holds title to Exclusive Prospecting Licences (EPL 7028, 7029 and 7030), comprising the Property (see Company news release dated October 16, 2019). The partners, RZJ and White Metal, will work towards the signing of a definitive agreement in the near future.

About the DorWit Copper-Silver Property

Exclusive Prospecting Licences 7028, 7029, and 7030 (DorWit Property), are located about 150 km east of capital city of Windhoek, Namibia and cover about 65 km of prospective stratigraphy in the Kalahari Copper Belt which extends eastward into Botswana where several major copper deposits occur and are being financed at present (e.g., Cupric Canyon Capital news release dated February 25, 2019). Six historical copper deposits occur within these three licences along with other zones with anomalous copper in historical drill core intercepts which the Company believes can be expanded upon through future exploration (see Company news release dated June 18, 2019).

New Chief Financial Officer

In addition, the Company announces the resignation of Matt Witiluk as CFO and thanks him for his service and contributions to the Company and wishes him well in his future endeavours. The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of CFO Nikolaos (Nick) S. Tsimidis. Nick is an entrepreneur and a specialist in the financial aspects of real estate investments. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto in 1987. Upon graduation, he spent 6 years at KPMG in the audit department providing services to a variety of clients. In September 1993, Nick left KPMG to set up his own chartered accounting firm, focusing on tax and financial planning. Nick is the CFO and the Principal Broker for Union Capital Management Inc. (a mortgage broker) and the CFO of Haven Property Development Inc. (a real estate development firm operating in the Greater Toronto Area). He has been intimately involved with mortgage origination and real estate development projects. Nick is also the chief financial officer and a director of Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) and Bold Stroke Ventures (TSX: BSV.P) a capital pool corporation.

Story continues

Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo.), Vice President Exploration and a Director of White Metal, who is a Qualified Person under the definitions established by the National Instrument 43-101.

About White Metal Resources Corp (TSXV: WHM):

White Metal Resources Corp. is a junior exploration company exploring in Canada. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.whitemetalres.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of White Metal Resources Corp.

"Michael Stares"

Michael Stares

President & CEO, Director

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.

For further information contact:

Michael Stares

684 Squier Street

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, P7B 4A8

Phone: (807) 628-7836 Fax: (807) 475-7200

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51648
A Southern California man has been sentenced to death for the sledgehammer killings of a family-of-four whose bodies were found buried in shallow graves in the California desert.

Charles 'Chase' Merritt, 62, was convicted in June of killing his former business associate Joseph McStay, 40, McStay's wife, Summer, 43, and their sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr, 3.

After his sentencing on Tuesday, Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office.

The McSky family disappeared without a trace February 4, 2010 and it perplexed investigators for three years, with no signs of forced entry at their San Diego County home.

Their bodies were not found until November 2013, when an off-road motorcyclist came across them more than 100 miles away in San Bernardino County's Mojave Desert.

Charles 'Chase' Merritt was convicted in June of killing former business associate Joseph McStay, McStay's wife Summer and their sons, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr, 3

Merritt was transferred to San Quentin State Prison until an execution date is scheduled. California has not executed anyone on death row since 2006 as current Gov. Gavin Newsom has placed a moratorium on executions while he's in office

The remains of Joseph McStay, Summer McStay and their sons Gianni and Joseph Jr. were not found until three years after they were murdered, with the case perplexing investigators as there was no sign of forced entry at their home at the time they disappeared

The McStays' skeletal remains were unearthed along with a three-pound rusted sledgehammer - believed to be the murder weapon - a bra, and a child's pants and diaper.

A year later, Merritt, who was a partner in Joseph McStay's water-fountain business, was arrested for bludgeoning the married couple and their children to death inside their home in Fallbrook because he owed them $30,000.

San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael Smith upheld the jury's recommendation of death following a two-day sentencing hearing that included a flurry of last-minute motions from Merritt and his lawyer.

They accused prosecutors of misconduct, Merritt's earlier attorneys of incompetence and, on Monday, tried to remove the judge himself from the case.

He tried again on Tuesday when proceeding started an hour later because Merritt had not been transported to the court.

All of the motions were denied.

In handing down the sentence, the judge said: 'Death was the appropriate verdict for those three offense.

'The extreme violence and savagery of the nature of the killings - particularly of two small children - far outweigh the totality of all of the mitigating evidence.'

He told the court: 'I did not do this thing. I know you don't believe me  and that's what kills me'

The family disappeared without a trace February 4, 2010 and it perplexed investigators for three years, with no signs of forced entry at their San Diego County home

Merritt was meant to be sentenced last week Friday, but due to the series of motions and interruptions - including Merritt attempting to fire his lawyer, Rajan Maine - there was no time left after on that day to hear victims impact statements from those close to the McStay family.

However, on Friday, Patrick McStay - Joseph McStay's father - had a chance to directly address Merritt in court, calling him a 'ruthless mass murderer' and telling him, 'I hope you burn in hell'.

The victims' family members, including McStay's mother, Susan Blake, made equally emotional statements on Tuesday ahead of the sentencing being handed down, telling the court how the killings had scarred their lives.

'This despicable, evil monster. How could you beat two precious little babies? How scared were they, Chase? Crying for mommy and daddy?' Blake said. 'You had a choice. Chase, you are a low-life coward and a baby killer. Just a monster.'

Merritt showed no emotion as she said she felt like she'd been hit by a boulder when she was told the bodies were found: 'It's just a nightmare.'

Summer McStay's sister, Tracy Russell, said in a statement: 'I don't know that I can ever explain the impact this man has had on my family. We are scarred for life.

'It's been almost 10 years and the pain hasn't subsided. Our family has already received a life sentence.'

Summer's ex-husband, who she was married to for seven years, played part of the Norman Greenbaum song Spirit in the Sky, a track his ex-wife wanted played at her funeral.

'I want to psychologically mess you up,' he told Merritt. 'Every time you hear a sound in prison or in a movie similar to the sounds you made that day when you murdered this family, I hope it rings loud in your ears. And that those sounds haunt you, Chase.'

NBC reports he slammed the podium as he got frustrated.

'Come on, Chase! Aren't you tired, man? Aren't you tired? Just stop all the appeals, all the shenanigans,' he yelled. ' Don't worry, your fate will be way less tragic than of the family you murdered.'

During the sentencing, the judge said: 'The extreme violence and savagery of the nature of the killings - particularly of two small children - far outweigh the totality of all of the mitigating evidence'

After hearing the victim impact statements, Merritt continued to maintain his innocence. He also lashed out at prosecutors and witnesses, saying that they had framed him, and at the judge for 'allowing it to happen'.

'The thing that is bringing you this solace, is ending my life. Ending my life for a crime that I did not commit,' Merritt said.

'I loved Joseph. He was a big part of my life and my family's life. I would never hurt him in any way. I would never raise my hand to a woman or a child.

'I did not do this thing. I know you don't believe me  and that's what kills me.'

Last year during the trial, Susan Blake recounted how on February 9, 2010 - just days after it is believed the McStays were killed - Merritt came to her saying he could not reach Joseph and asked her if she had heard from him.

The day after the family-of-four were reported missing, Blake headed over to her son's home in Fallbrook looking for any clues to what had happened to them.

She found the residence reeking of rotten food, mildew and dirty diapers, and crawling with maggots.

Tracy Russell, sister of Summer McStay, center, gets emotional as she reads her victim-impact statement during the sentencing hearing of Charles Merritt

With the permission of a police detective, Blake said she cleaned up the kitchen.

The mother also revealed that she wrote more than $5,400 in personal checks to Merritt to help carry on her son's water fountain business, but she said customers were complaining that their orders were not being fulfilled.

She described one heated meeting with Merritt and their third partner, Daniel Kavanaugh, which she said turned into a 'scary' shouting match.

'He [Merritt] wanted money and Dan didn't want to put out any,' she said.

The defense previously suggested Kavanaugh was the real killer.

Attorney Rajan Maline said in his opening statement Monday that Kavanaugh stole $7,900 from McStay's account in the days after the family vanished 'because he knew Joseph wasn't coming back.'

San Bernardino County Supervising Deputy District Attorney Sean Daugherty told jurors Monday that Merritt wrote checks for more than $21,000 on his dead partner's online bookkeeping account after the family was last seen alive in February 2010.

'Greed, and greed's child, fraud' were the motive, Daugherty argued.

The prosecutor claimed that Merritt 'desperately tried to cover his tracks after the murders, misled investigators, talked in circles, and played the victim.'

People place crosses near the graves where the McStay family was found in in the Mojave Desert near Victorville

Daugherty showed the jurors images of the family and described how wild animals tore at their decomposing remains in their shallow graves near Victorville, where in November 2013 a motorcyclist finally discovered them.

Investigators have said they spoke with Joseph's business partner, Merritt, shortly after the family went missing and noticed he referred to them in the past tense.

They also have said a customer service representative told them he received a call about McStay's QuickBooks account, which he used to pay vendors connected to his water features business, after he vanished.

The call, according to authorities, was placed from Merritt's cellphone on February 6, 2010, near the location in the desert where the family's skeletal remains would later be found.

Merritt served time in prison for burglary and receiving stolen property in the 1970s and 80, reported the Los Angeles Times.

In 2001, he pleaded no contest to burglary and grand theft, earning him a six-month stint in jail followed by probation.

Eventually, he was hired by Joseph McStay's company, Earth Inspired Products, to design decorative water fountains, but his troubles continued as he racked up gambling debts and more than $20,000 in unpaid taxes, according to court documents.

McStay's other business partner, Daniel Kavanaugh, told investigators that Joseph had planned to fire Merritt before he went missing with his family.
Photo: The Canadian Press Travellers from China go through body temperature scanners at Narita Airport in Japan.

Face masks sold out and officials at airports and train stations checked passengers for fevers as China on Tuesday sought to control the outbreak of a new virus that has reached four other countries and territories and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush.

Anxiety grew both at home and abroad after Chinese government expert Zhong Nanshan confirmed fears on state television late Monday that the new type of coronavirus can spread from human to human.

Six people have died and 291 have been infected in China, the National Health Commission said Tuesday.

The stock prices of some companies that sell masks rose Tuesday, but markets fell in much of Asia as investors worried about the potential impact on tourism and the economy.

Concerned about a global outbreak similar to SARS, another coronavirus that spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002-2003, numerous nations have adopted screening measures for travellers from China, especially those arriving from Wuhan, the central city where the virus appears to have originated.

Guards at Wuhan's airport pointed electronic thermometers at travellers. Several online retailers were sold out of masks, which were being sold for more than 10 times their original price. Users of the popular Weibo social media platform urged others to wash their hands and stay home.

Outside the Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, where many of the coronavirus patients are receiving care, several workers were dressed in full-body biohazard suits, supplemented by goggles, masks and plastic wrapped around their shoes.

While many wore masks in Wuhan, streets were far from deserted and people appeared to be carrying on with their regular activities.

I'm not that worried, said Helen Cao, a Wuhan resident who was shopping on a downtown avenue lined with stores and full of pedestrians. Like many in the city, she began wearing a mask after hearing Zhong's assessment of human-to-human transmission.

Maybe people from other places are more concerned about our health, but (Wuhan) locals actually are continuing to eat, go out and take strolls, go clubbing at night, Cao said. Everything's very normal, everyone's just wearing masks, nothing more."

Initial symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

The first cases late last month were connected to a seafood market, and transmission was thought to be occurring from animals to humans. Authorities previously had not confirmed human-to-human transmission.

In addition to 258 cases in Wuhan, more than 20 have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong province in the south and Zhejiang in the east. Four cases have been confirmed overseas among Chinese travellers in South Korea, Japan and Thailand. A Taiwanese businesswoman who just returned from Wuhan tested positive for the virus, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control reported Tuesday.

Fifteen medical workers have also tested positive for the virus, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said.

Two cases in Guangdong were people who had not visited Wuhan but fell ill after family members returned from there. Zhong cited those as evidence the disease had spread between humans.

Australia, Japan, South Korea and the U.S. were among the countries increasing airport screenings. Three weekly direct flights from Wuhan to Sydney will be met by border security and biosecurity staff for assessments, chief Australian medical officer Brendan Murphy told reporters.

Please take every possible precaution, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe instructed the health minister and other government departments.
Sirius Minerals has warned investors it is likely to collapse within weeks unless they approve a 405m rescue deal from a mining giant.

Anglo American formally offered to buy the Yorkshire potash miner for 5.5p per share yesterday.

The bid came after the two companies revealed earlier this month they were in advanced talks about a takeover. The move surprised the City and infuriated the 85,000 private shareholders who spent years backing the project with their own cash but now feel betrayed.

Warning: Sirius has failed to finish building its mine under the North York Moors national park

An investor who bought 10,000 of shares when they peaked above 40p each in 2016 would be left with a holding worth just 1,250 from the Anglo American deal.

But Sirius chairman Russell Scrimshaw said that while the price will be a 'shock' to many, Anglo's lifeline is the only 'feasible option' to save the sprawling fertiliser mine and thousands of jobs it promised to bring to the local area.

According to Scrimshaw, Sirius received another approach shortly after Anglo's interest was first revealed. But the board decided Anglo's offer, which will see it largely sticking to Sirius's construction timetable.

Scrimshaw warned: 'If the acquisition is not approved by shareholders and does not complete, there is a high probability that the business could be placed into administration or liquidation within weeks.'

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said: 'Sirius's longer-term shareholders might be reluctant to take such a big hit, however, there aren't any other offers on the table.'

One shareholder told the Mail: 'I am a long-term holder who has lost more than 100,000,' adding that 'the private shareholder has served his purpose and has now been royally shafted'.

Mark Cutifani, Anglo's chief executive, said he was 'sensitive' to the fact that many Sirius investors will have lost money in the project, but did not comment on why they were not being offered stock in Anglo's offer.

He added that Sirius chief executive Chris Fraser and several other executives would stay in their roles for at least a year.

They will continue to receive their current remuneration package and also participate in bonus schemes. In 2018, Fraser, a former investment banker, received a basic salary of 475,000 and a bonus of the same amount. Figures for 2019 are not available.

Sirius has been struggling to stay afloat since it failed to raise 400m of funding in September. The bond was needed to unlock a further 2 billion of funding which it needed to finish building the mine under the North York Moors national park.

Building the mine, which would access the largest known reserve of a fertiliser called polyhalite, involves sinking two one-mile shafts and digging a 23-mile tunnel that will transport the minerals to a plant on Teesside. When the fundraising fell apart, Sirius stripped out costs, went to a bare-bones construction schedule to keep costs low and began looking for a strategic partner.

Sirius reckoned it needed 2.5 billion in total to build the mine, which it insists would be low-cost to run and could produce polyhalite for 50 years. Anglo does not expect there to be any 'major changes' in employee numbers. Sirius has estimated it will create 4,000 jobs in one of the most deprived areas of the country.
Tech giant Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei on Tuesday said atom bombs were the biggest fear once, but now there is fear over artificial intelligence, but people must realise that the development of is for good.

Speaking at a session on 'A Future Shaped by a Arms Race' here at the WEF Annual Meeting, Zhengfei said AI is not as damaging as atom bombs.

Speaking during the same session, historian Yuval Noah Harari, however, said the danger is not so obvious in AI as compared to atom bombs and there are benefits for some actors.

"You can win the race and dominate the world. It's a conversation in Beijing and San Francisco - in Washington they don't really understand what's happening," he said.

Harari said there is state in China, and capitalism in the US, with no serious third player in the arms race.

"On the most shallow level it could be a repeat of the nineteenth century industrial revolution, when the leaders had the chance to dominate the world economically and politically... I understand the current arms race as an imperial arms race... You don't need to send the soldiers in if you have all the data on a country," Harari said.

"To hack human beings, you need a lot of biological knowledge, enough computer power, enough data about me. You can hack my body, my brain, my life, you can reach a point where you know me better than I know myself," he said.

Zhengfei said, " is for good. Development of technology is for good, not for bad."



Over the last thousands of years, technological advancement was very much in synch with people's evolution and people's fears over innovations like steam ships and the mechanical age were gradually overcome, said.

"I believe in the face of new technologies humanity will be able to use them to benefit us. Most people aspire a good life, not a miserable life," the CEO said.

"Atom bombs were the biggest fear when he was a boy. Today, we're seeing fear over AI but it's not as damaging as atom bombs," he said.

"At Huawei, our research is so-called "weak AI", where there are clear boundaries in terms of where AI can be applied," he said.

On the US fears of China, Zhengfei said, "if you look at the education system in China, it's designed for the industrial age, so AI can't grow rapidly in China.... The US is over-concerned. The US has got used to being the world number one."



" used to be an admirer of the US, we learned a lot from them. We hired dozens of American consulting firms to learn how to manage our business. The US should feel proud of it, they have the US management system exported and implemented. They should not be overly concerned about and our position in the world."He said this year the US might further escalate their campaign against Huawei but he feels the impact will not be too significant.

Because Huawei did not have the reassurance of American support they had to put in Plan B and that is why they have withstood the US position against the company, he added.

Harari said, "autonomous weapons are a real arms race and a very dangerous development, but everyone is saying the same thing, I don't want to be left behind."



"The point is when you gather enough data on people, you get to know people better than they know yourself.
OTTAWA - Former Quebec premier Jean Charest's decision to bow out of the Conservative leadership race is a turning point in a contest expected to heat up throughout the week as the party prepares for the return of the House of Commons.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former member of parliament and former Quebec premier Jean Charest stands as he is recognized by the Speaker of the House of Commons following Question Period, Monday, April 1, 2019 in Ottawa. Charest's decision to bow out of the Conservative leadership race marks a turning point in a contest expected to heat up throughout the week as the party prepares for the return of the House of Commons.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA - Former Quebec premier Jean Charest's decision to bow out of the Conservative leadership race is a turning point in a contest expected to heat up throughout the week as the party prepares for the return of the House of Commons.

Charest was a high-profile potential contender and his announcement Tuesday that he won't seek leadership of the party changes the playing field for those seeking to run and those mulling which candidate to support.

While some continue to wait to see if former interim party leader Rona Ambrose chooses to enter, others have already made up their minds.

Endorsements for Peter MacKay, who will launch his campaign at an event in his former riding of Central Nova on Saturday, have begun rolling in from current members of Parliament.

Charest had been reaching out to MPs and testing the waters for a leadership attempt since current leader Andrew Scheer announced his intention to resign last December.

But late last week, previously sealed police warrants were released, reviving allegations of illegal fundraising in the Quebec Liberal party during Charest's tenure as leader.

Charest has not been charged but his name surfaces in the documents. Through his lawyer, he has denied any knowledge of illegal donations.

His role with the Quebec Liberals, and his previous political life as leader of the federal Progressive Conservative party, had already seen some conservatives campaigning against him.

Among them, the National Citizens Coalition, a conservative lobby group, which sent out an essay warning against Charest's candidacy before he said he wouldn't run.

"Charest has the same kind of elitist sensibilities as Justin Trudeau, and is now completely out of touch with the base of the Conservative party," it said.

Richard Decarie, a social conservative and longtime party organizer, had previously said that if Charest ran he would mount his own leadership campaign partially in a bid to stop him. Through a spokesman on Tuesday, he said he still intends to run.

Quebec movie-theatre mogul Vincent Guzzo had also been waiting to see what Charest decided to do as the two shared similar connections. On Tuesday, he said he is still thinking it over.

In his statement Tuesday, Charest said the party had changed a lot since his days in federal politics, and his decision not to run was based on that, as well as the tight timelines attached to the contest.

The deadline to meet the first set of requirements to register as a candidate  a payment of $25,000 and 1,000 signatures from Conservatives from 30 ridings across seven provinces and territories  is Feb. 27.

Another looming deadline is the return of the House of Commons on Monday, which will rein in the campaigns of some contenders.

At least three current Conservative MPs are expected to run. Marilyn Gladu, now in her second term representing the Ontario riding of Sarnia-Lambton, has declared she will enter. Pierre Poilievre and Erin O'Toole, both former cabinet ministers and current Ontario MPs, are also planning to run, though neither has explicitly announced.

O'Toole spent the weekend filming videos for his campaign launch, and was doing in meet-and-greets in the Toronto area Tuesday. Poilievre continues to make the rounds of party meetings to drum up support.

O'Toole, Poilievre and Gladu will no longer serve as critics in the House of Commons, and Scheer is likely to lay out other rules for how they'll need to balance their campaigns against the demands of the House.

Operating outside those restrictions is MacKay.

The former Conservative cabinet minister will begin to lay out his vision for the Conservative leadership later this week and then start a national tour.

Several current MPs have announced they support him, including some who backed O'Toole when he ran against Scheer in 2017.

Others are newer recruits. Ontario MP Ben Lobb, who endorsed Kellie Leitch in the 2017 race, said he's now throwing his support behind MacKay. He cited MacKay's experience and leadership, both within the party and externally.

Lobb said he's not concerned, however, that the race will see a breakdown of caucus unity as MPs line up behind rivals.

"At the end of the day, it's a desire to defeat Justin Trudeau that unites us," he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
A Delhi court Tuesday extended by three days the custodial interrogation of NRI businessman C C Thampi, arrested by the ED in connection with its money laundering probe against Robert Vadra in a case related to acquisition of alleged illegal assets abroad.

Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar extended the accused's custody at the hands of the Enforcement Directorate in the case involving Vadra, son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

ED's advocate Amit Mahajan said the probe was incomplete and Thampi's further custody was required to confront him with various documents and persons.

The probe agency however did not disclose the names of the persons who will be called to join the investigation.

Thampi was produced before the court on expiry of his 3-day ED custody granted earlier.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra.

Seeking his further custody, the agency told the court that his interrogation was required to unearth the larger conspiracy.

"We (ED) were not able to complete the probe in last three days. There are a lot of documents which are very essential. In the coming days we want to summon more people which we don't want to disclose," the agency, also represented by advocates N K Matta and Atul Tripathi, told the court.

The ED also told the court that the pre-arrest bail of the co-accsued -- Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora -- has been challenged.

Another co accused, Sanjay Bhandari, is absconding and RCN has been against him, the agency further submitted.

Opposing the ED's application for further custody, senior advocate Raju Ramachandran said the accused has already made 16 appearances and spent more than 80 hours before the agency.

"30,000-page documents have been seized," he told the court.

Thampi was willing to appear before the agency, and he has medical ailments, Ramachandran said.

Thampi was arrested by the ED last week. He is stated to be "controlling" a Dubai-based company Sky Lite. In 2009, Bhandari's firm Santech FZE purchased a London asset from a private company which was acquired by Sky Lite.

Vadra is alleged to have acquired this London-based asset, and few purported emails between him and Bhandari, regarding renovation of the London flat, are part of the evidence in the case.

The agency claimed that Thampi met Vadra through an aide of his mother-in-law, while the latter reportedly told the ED that he only met him on board an Emirates flight some years ago.

Thampi, during his earlier grilling session with the ED, claimed that Vadra had stayed at the Bryanston Square property in London. Vadra, in his statement made to the agency, denied the claim.

The agency said that Thampi's arrest and subsequent custodial grilling will unravel the "missing links" in the case where the ED has charged Vadra with acquiring illegal assets abroad in coordination with Bhandari.

Thampi has been charged by the agency in the past in alleged illegal hawala dealings and land purchase case in the country in 2017 in alleged contravention of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

It had also issued a FEMA show cause notice to Thampi for alleged violation of foreign exchange laws to the tune of over Rs 1,000 crore in the purchase of vast tracts of land in Kerala.

The firms that are being investigated by the ED, as part of the two FEMA show cause notices issued against him, include Holiday City Centre Private Limited, Holiday Properties Private Limited and Holiday Bekal Resorts Private Limited.

The ED said Thampi is also under the scanner for his reported dealings with some politicians and bureaucrats.

The agency earlier told a court that it had received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses -- one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has consistently denied these charges and has said he will cooperate in the probe. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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San Francisco, 21 January 2020: The Report Radiation Detection, Monitoring And Safety Market Analysis By Product (Personal Dosimeters, Area Process Monitors, Radioactive Material Monitors), By Detection Type, By Safety Type By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2018  2024

The radiation detection, monitoring & safety market is expected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., given the contentious nature of radioactive material, employed in varied spheres including consumer products, such as fluorescent lamps and radio luminous products, and in the field of nuclear medicine, there is an urging need for caution in their use.

Dosimeters that furnish radioactivity measurements serve as effective tools to maintain prescribed levels, laid down by international authorities. As a consequence, a high demand for these measuring instruments is anticipated and consequentially, the radiation detection, monitoring, and safety market is set to witness profitable growth.

Furthermore, increasing adoption of radioactive material in manufacturing industries combined with the rising awareness of radiation safety is anticipated to provide this market with lucrative growth opportunities in near future.

Increasing adoption of protective gear is a major growth booster for safety devices market, thereby propelling growth of overall industry. the protective gear considered in the segment hand and face protection comprised of eyewear, face masks, gloves, and attenuating sleeves. The need for safety wear arises due to the deleterious effects associated with exposure to ionizing rays, which at best, include burns and at worst, cause cancer as a result of genomic damage. The full body protection devices are more used owing to effective coverage of the entire body, shielding work personnel from long-term radioactive emission exposure and the high-cost attached to these protective garments.

Access Research Report of Radiation Detection, Monitoring And Safety Market @ www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/radiation-detection-monitoring-and-safety-market

Further key findings from the study suggest:

The area process monitors category of the product segment is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR of above 6.0% owing to the wide range of commercially available solutions for varied purposes that include iodine monitors, irradiation monitors, spectroscopic monitors, and environmental monitors

The hospitals category in the end-use segment is anticipated to exhibit at a significant pace, owing to the rising adoption of cancer diagnostics

The industry players are adopting strategies, such as technological innovation initiatives, new product launches, and collaborations including mergers and acquisitions to capitalize on their industry share

The scintillators segment falling under the detection type category is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR, attributable to applications in non-destructive inspection, security, astrophysics, mineral resource hunting, and nuclear medicine

The face and hand protection safety type segment is anticipated to grow substantially, due to the need for safety measures where radioactive emissions are involved

Browse more reports of this category by Grand View Research at: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry/medical-devices

Grand View Research has segmented the radiation detection, monitoring and safety market on the basis of product, detection type, safety type, end-use, and region:

Global Radiation Detection, Monitoring & Safety Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024)

Personal Dosimeters

Area Process Monitors

Environmental Radiation & Surface Contamination Monitors

Radioactive Material Monitors

Global Radiation Detection, Monitoring & Safety Detection Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024)

Gas-filled Detectors

Scintillators

Solid-state Detectors

Global Radiation Detection, Monitoring & Safety Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024)

Full-body Protection

Face & Hand Protection

Others

Global Radiation Detection, Monitoring & Safety End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024)

Hospitals

Non-hospitals

Radiation Detection, Monitoring & Safety Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2013 - 2024)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

MEA

Access Press Release of Radiation Detection, Monitoring And Safety Market @ www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-radiation-detection-monitoring-and-safety-market

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

For More Information: www.grandviewresearch.com
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Vodafone staff have been told they can have every Friday from 2pm off, from now until the end of February.

If people work rostered hours, where they cannot leave at 2pm, they have been given a Your Day, a day in lieu to use before the end of April.

Staff were told the "summer hours" were in celebration of summer.

"We hope you'll make the most of the extra time  perhaps escape the city for the weekend, pick up the kids from school and head to the beach, or maybe catch up with friends and family around the barbecue."

Staff were told it was not just about stopping work early, and they would still be expected to be productive.

"It is about working efficiently throughout the week so you're able to wrap up any current work and leave the office after 2pm on Fridays to enjoy more of the great Kiwi summer.

"So where possible, encourage your team members to get a head-start on the weekend if they can, by taking advantage of our summer hours, and if your team is rostered, don't let them forget about the extra Your Day, as it will need to be used by the end of April this year."

It is one of a growing number of businesses encouraging workers to get the same amount of work done in fewer hours.

Perpetual Guardian led the charge with a trial that found productivity increased 20 per cent with a four-day working week.

Others have followed suit, including Christchurch firm Barrer & Co.

-Stuff.co.nz/Susan Edmunds.
Ask any Staten Islander which government entity is the least trusted and most disliked in our city and the answer will most likely be the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Years of inefficiency, poor service, lack of transparency, dirty facilities and regular toll and fare hikes have created both distrust and disdain.

Thats why, when the MTAs chairman joined a news conference last April, under the Verrazzano Bridge, with Reps. Max Rose, Jerry Nadler and Nydia Velazquez, to inform us that two-way tolling was a good thing for Staten Island, I was skeptical of their bureaucratic double-talk and knew instantly that their claims had to be verified.

In 2018, at the request of then-Congressman Dan Donovan, the MTA conducted a study on the impact switching from one-way to two-way tolling would have on the traffic and revenue of the Verrazzano Bridge. Curiously, the MTA never released the study; suppressing its findings from public review, even though our toll and tax dollars were used to fund it. Much like my 2012 battle with the Port Authority, I was forced to file a Freedom of Information Law request to obtain the study and it soon became abundantly clear why it was never released.

You see, the MTA and our congressional representatives misinformed the public, stating at their April news conference that two-way tolling would improve our commute by reducing congestion as well as the number of trucks that use Staten Island roadways as a conduit between New Jersey and Manhattan.

Shockingly, the MTAs own report states that more than 4,000 additional vehicles will clog our boroughs roads during the evening commute. Though there may be a reduction in the number of vehicles driving eastbound on the Staten Island Expressway during the morning commute, vehicle speeds are estimated to only change by 0.1 MPH. To claim that would improve the morning commute is laughable, or perhaps just an outright lie.

Reps. Jerry Nadler and Nydia Velazquez arent supporting two-way tolling because it benefits Staten Island. They support it because it benefits their constituents in lower Manhattan, who have long complained about the congestion and air pollution caused by traffic exiting the city through the Holland Tunnel and because the MTA study confirms that two-way tolling will alleviate these issues.

The MTA claims it stands to gain an additional $12 million in revenue from the change. But what does Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn get from the windfall? Nothing!

The sad reality is that our congressman has been hoodwinked by the MTA, Rep. Nadler and Rep. Velazquez and its all at our expense. Two-way tolling wont reduce our congestion or increase vehicle speeds and the projected $12 million increase will be gobbled-up by the MTA and will never be used to reduce the sky-high tolls. Over the last few years, the State Budget has included an allocation of $10 million to keep the discounted resident rate frozen at $5.50 so an additional $12 million would go a long way.

Everyday Staten Islanders bear the burden of excessive tolls to cross the Verrazzano Bridge and connect to the rest of the city. Out of our pockets comes a large chunk of the staggering $500 million in revenue that the Verrazzano alone already generates for the MTA annually and which is largely used to subsidize less profitable divisions of the MTA.

Whether commuters pay that toll on the front end of their trip, the back end, or both ways, is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is the MTA has taken advantage of commuters for far too long and now Congress is letting them get away with more!

And from a public relations standpoint; it will be far easier for the MTA to rationalize future toll hikes because $10 (even if its being charged both directions) will sound cheaper than $20 one way.

Every one of our congressional representatives since Guy Molinari has pushed back on Rep. Jerry Nadlers cynical attempts to divert congestion from his district to ours. But, Jerry Nadler took advantage of a political newcomer named Max Rose and used him to sneak the change into the $1.4 trillion spending plan that he knew President Trump would sign to avoid another government shutdown.

Congressman Rose had an opportunity to fight back against the massive bureaucracy of the MTA by insisting that the extra revenue be used to lower the cost to constituents who already suffer under these excessive tolls and heavy traffic every time they venture over the Verrazzano Bridge.

Its the very least an elected official should be expected to do, and quite frankly, Max Rose blew it.

From Max Rose: The no-nonsense truth about split-tolling on the Verrazzano
English model Christine Keeler said sex with former secretary of state John Profumo had been 'more like a rape', as new audio tapes have emerged after 35 years.

Keeler rocked the British establishment when it was discovered that she had been having an affair with Profumo, who at the time was a married government minister.

Keeler had also been involved with Russian diplomat Yevgeny Ivanov.

New tapes, which draw on more than 20 hours of conversation between Keeler and Scotland Yard officials reveal that Keeler had felt Profumo had 'came on very strong'.

Scroll for video

Christine Keeler (pictured above in 1963) was key figure in the 1963 Profumo Scandal which rocked the government

Mr John Profumo (right) seen with his wife Valerie Hobson (left) in 1960. New tapes have emerged from the time he was having an affair

Captain Yevgeny Ivanov (Died January 1994) a Soviet naval attach at the Russian embassy in London in the late 1950s. He was also engaged in espionage and involved with the Profumo affa

During the tapes, which will be broadcast as part of a documentary on the BBC, Keeler, the model at the centre of the 1963 scandal, describes the now infamous pool party at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, where she first met Profumo.

She said Profumo hadn't been able to take his eyes off her at the party and that he had come over and asked her for her number.

At the time she had been staying at a house in Marylebone which had belonged to osteopath Stephen Ward.

She had been living there rent free and said that Ward had 'pushed her' to go to the pool party.

Mandy Rice-Davies (1944 - ) who rose to fame for her part in the 'Profumo Affair' sits in a car with Christine Keeler

'I didn't really want to go but Stephen pushed it. After all he was the war minister. And anyway I went. He came on very strong. I mean more like a rape, but it was a smiling one.'

After the scandal emerged Scotland Yard had assembled a team to 'find dirt' on Ward.

As part of this process they interviewed Keeler 24 times, until she gave police the evidence they needed to arrest him, The Times reported.

Officers managed to build a case, painting him as a 'symbol of of Britain going down the drain'.

John Profumo, the former Secretary of State for War, at the War Office before the scandal of his affair with call-girl Christine Keeler

In one interview, Keeler claimed that Scotland Yard had threatened her, allegedly instructing her that if she didn't sign a statement she would be 'going to the dock with Stephen'.

'I knew then it was Stephen or me. It was all bent. They knew and they forced me to lie', she said.

The nation was gripped by the revelation that the Secretary of State for War, 46-year-old Profumo, had had an extramarital affair with Keeler, a 19-year-old girl who had once worked as a dancer in a seedy Soho nightclub, and Ward was the man who had introduced them.

To make matters worse, Profumo was romancing Keeler at a time when she was also allegedly sleeping with Ivanov.

The newly uncovered tapes also include excerpts from Keeler's friend Mandy Rice-Davies. Rice-Davies was a model who was also implicated in the scandal.

She had been interviewed in 1984 for the film Scandal and the recordings made have never been used before.

Most of the documentary centres on the theory that Ward had been used as a scapegoat for Profumo.

It is presented by journalist Tom Mangold who had previously covered the story as a young reporter.

Keeler, Profumo, Ward And Me, will air on Sunday at 10pm on BBC2.
Actor Luke Evans is set to star in true crime drama "The Pembrokeshire Murders".

The actor will play Dyfed-Powys Police officer Steve Wilkins who in 2006 reopened two unsolved double murders from the 1980s, reported Deadline.

The three-part ITV series, which depicts the pursuit of a cold-blooded serial killer, is based on true-crime book "Catching the Bullseye Killer", penned by senior investigating officer Steve Wilkins and ITV journalist Jonathan Hill.

Evans said he is honoured to be attached with the project.

"It is a privilege to be playing the role of Steve Wilkins in 'The Pembrokeshire Murders' and working again with Simon Heath, his team at World Productions and ITV.

"It's a huge responsibility for me as the drama depicts a true crime which to this day still affects the families of those whose lives were tragically taken," the actor, best known for "Dracula Untold" and "Murder Mystery", said.

World Productions, the banner behind British police-thriller series "Bodyguard", is backing the new show.

The series also stars Keith Allen, Owen Teale, Alexandria Riley, Caroline Berry, Oliver Ryan and David Fynn.

Filming begins this month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Monerium will issue e-money on the Algorand blockchain protocol in order to support fiat-currency transactions on Algorand.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Monerium (https://www.monerium.com/), the world's first authorized provider of licensed e-money for blockchains, and Algorand Inc. (https://www.algorand.com/), the world's first open source, permissionless, pure proof-of-stake blockchain protocol, announce a non-exclusive partnership to support the Algorand protocol in 2020 with Monerium's fully programmable and redeemable e-money.

Mainstream adoption of blockchains requires a reliable form of digital cash on-chain. Since receiving its e-money license in June 2019, Monerium has announced several B2B use cases for e-money, including a cross-border transaction in euros. Monerium now supports e-money across the EU, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein in US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, and Icelandic krona.

Algorand recently benefited from a significant upgrade, Algorand 2.0, which includes a number of features that enable sophisticated exchanges such as account quarantine, whitelist models, flexible asset reserve models and more.

"We look forward to supporting the Algorand protocol. Algorand incorporates key features for many mainstream use-cases, including stateless smart contracts and scaleable proof-of-stake consensus. The Algorand leadership has taken a pragmatic and deliberate approach in designing a blockchain for mainstream applications while staying close to the ethos of the open source community" states Sveinn Valfells, co-founder and CEO of Monerium. "Supporting new blockchains with mainstream relevance is a priority for Monerium."

"Monerium and Algorand have a shared vision for real-world use cases that are enabled by advanced blockchain technology," said W. Sean Ford, COO of Algorand, Inc. "We are thrilled that Monerium will be bringing their solution for e-money to Algorand and we look forward to our community's ability to leverage the technology for straightforward regulatory compliance."

About Algorand

Algorand Inc. built the world's first open source, permissionless, pure proof-of-stake blockchain protocol for the next generation of financial products. This blockchain, the Algorand protocol, is the brainchild of Turing Award-winning cryptographer Silvio Micali. A technology company dedicated to removing friction from financial exchange, Algorand Inc. is powering the DeFi evolution by enabling the creation and exchange of value, building new financial tools and services, bringing assets on-chain and providing responsible privacy models. For more information, visit www.algorand.com.

About Monerium

Monerium is a financial technology company with the mission of making digital currency accessible, secure, and simple to transact online. Monerium is the first and only company authorized to issue regulated e-money on blockchains. Using e-money issued by Monerium, individuals and businesses can store and send programmable digital currency online without going through traditional financial institutions and payment providers. More information can be found at monerium.com.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a constructive meeting at the weekend, the Kremlin said Tuesday, suggesting Britain misrepresented it as delivering a warning to Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists the leaders' first conversation on the sidelines of a Libya summit in Berlin on Sunday was "laconic but at the same time quite constructive with elements of a conciliatory stance."

Peskov claimed the meeting differed from the way it was described by Downing Street, which said Johnson warned Putin not to repeat the 2018 chemical weapon attack that almost killed former double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.

"At least the essentials of the encounter clearly differ from the essence of the Downing Street statement," Peskov said.

Downing Street said that while meeting Putin, Johnson "was clear there had been no change in the UK's position on Salisbury, which was a reckless use of chemical weapons and a brazen attempt to murder innocent people on UK soil."

"He said that such an attack must not be repeated," Johnson's office said.

Russia has repeatedly rejected accusations that officers from its GRU military intelligence agency used a powerful nerve agent to poison Skripal in retribution for his work with British and other Western spy services.

Putin in December called for "constructive dialogue" with Johnson as he congratulated him on his general election victory.

While meeting Putin, Johnson said "there will be no normalisation of our bilateral relationship until Russia ends the destabilising activity that threatens the UK and our allies and undermines the safety of our citizens and our collective security," his office said.

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New Delhi: President Donald Trump, who met Imran Khan in Davos on Tuesday, said the United States is "watching and closely following" the developments between India and Pakistan on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Trump, who met Pakistani Prime Minister Khan on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland, described him as "a very good friend of mine".

Trump said the two countries would not only talk about trade, which would be "of very, very paramount importance", but many other things as well.

"And were working together on some borders, and were talking about Kashmir and the relation to whats going on with Pakistan and India. And if we can help, we certainly will be helping. And weve been watching that and following it very, very closely," a statement on the White House website quoted Trump as saying.

In response, Khan described Kashmir as "a big issue".

"And, of course, we always hope that the US will play its part in resolving it because no other country can," he said.

Trump, who is likely to visit India in the last week of February, gave a vague reply when asked if he will also visit Pakistan.

"Were visiting right now, so we wont really have to. But we  I wanted to say hello for both a relationship standpoint  weve had a great relationship  and from the standpoint of our two countries. Were getting along very well," he said, talking about Washington's ties with Islamabad.

"I would say weve never been closer with Pakistan than we are right now. And thats a big statement, although I wouldnt say at all times we were close, as a country. But we are very close right now because of the relationship that we have," Trump elaborated.

This was the third leadership-level interaction between Pakistan and the US since Khan's maiden visit to Washington last July. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last September.

The meeting between Trump and Khan came amid tensions in the Gulf region between Iran and the US, and Pakistan's efforts to drum up support on the Kashmir issue.

Trump had kicked up a controversy last year  when he met Khan at the White House for the first time last July, the US president had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on the Kashmir issue when they met in Japan's Osaka on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit. Trump's statement was categorically shot down by the Centre.

Trump later made similar attempts, pitching himself in a position to mediate on Kashmir, with Washington stating it would "work towards reducing tensions" between India and Pakistan.

"We are helping the situation but there are tremendous problems between the two countries, and I would do my best to mediate or something," Trump had said.

India has held a consistent position for close to five decades that the matter will only be discussed bilaterally and is not open to a third-party intervention.

Trump had again offered to mediate, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, saying he would help resolve the Kashmir issue "if there is assent from the other side".

Bilateral ties between India and Pakistan have remained strained since the BJP-led central government abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution and revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status last August. It also bifurcated the state into Union Territories.
Guinea police fired tear gas on Tuesday in clashes with opposition demonstrators who hurled stones and blocked streets in Conakry and other cities in new protests over fears President Alpha Conde will run for a third term.

Hundreds of thousands have been protesting in the West Africa state since mid-October over concerns that Conde, 81, intends to use constitutional reforms to stay in office.

At least 23 civilians and one gendarme have been killed since the protests began, but last week organisers urged nationwide open-ended demonstrations. Three people were killed last week in clashes.

Violence erupted again in several districts of Conakry on Tuesday as groups of young protests lobbed rocks at police who responded with tear gas, an AFP correspondent said.

Security forces also clashed with protesters who erected barricades in the central town of Dinguiraye, and in the southeast in Nzerekore, near the border with Ivory Coast and Liberia, security forces and residents said.

Local media and a resident reported that a rail line used to transport bauxite, an important source of state income, had been attacked in Boke, also in the north.

Boke governor, General Siba Lohalamou, denied the train was blocked and said it was a temporary stoppage as a precaution.

Activity also slowed in other cities, residents said.

An alliance of opposition parties, unions and civic groups, the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution or FNDC by its French initials, has repeatedly bought thousands of Guineans to the streets.

Conde, who was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2015, has neither confirmed nor denied the claim that he put forward a draft constitution last month intending to keep himself in office for a third term.
At least 16 people have so far died in a fresh outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ondo State, the state government has confirmed.

It also confirmed that about 84 cases have also been recorded since the beginning of the year.

The governor, Rotimi Akuredolu, and the heads of relevant agencies met on Tuesday to review the situation which blew open at the weekend, as medical personnel struggled to grapple with the challenge.

Officials said that medical facilities at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, and other facilities in Akure, the state capital were already overstretched.

So far, three local government areas have been affected. They include Akoko South West, Akure South, Ondo West, and Owo local governments.

The state epidemiologist, Steven Fagbemi, gave the detailed breakdown of the situation after the meeting with the governor.

The meeting also involved Local Government Chairmen from Ondo North and Central Senatorial Districts at the governors office in Akure.

Mr Fagbemi said the fatalities were due to the fact that the cases had reached advanced stages before they were brought to the hospitals.

He said 47 patients were on admission and were responding to treatment, while 21 persons had already been treated and discharged.

The head of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, Yahaya Disu, explained that the Lassa fever cases were recorded in Owo, Akoko South West, Akure South, and Ondo West Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner for Health, Wahab Adegbenro, also advised Nigerians to visit hospitals when they noticed fever symptoms

Earlier, Mr Akeredolu advised local government chairmen in the state to deploy cleaners to markets and public places, while residents should maintain high level of hygiene to curtail the spread of the Lassa virus in the state.
India inaugurated its first Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in the West African state of Niger as part of its outreach to the continent on Tuesday. The Centre was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar who is currently on a visit to Niger and President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou. The Centre honours the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.

This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to the West African country. Taking to the microblogging site EAM S Jaishankar said that India is proud to partner with Niger in building a convention centre in order to support its diplomatic activities. The Centre is the first centre to be established in Africa by India under grant assistance. It is likely to host some meetings associated with the forthcoming African Union summit.

READ | Tanhaji Spoof Video Catches NCP's Eye; Pawar's Party Seeks PM's Response

Called on President @IssoufouMhm of #Niger. The growing profile of Niger under his leadership is evident in the @UN, @_AfricanUnion @ecowas_cedeao etc. India is proud to partner with Niger in building a convention centre that would support its diplomatic activities. pic.twitter.com/lecke2qllO  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2020

Discussions with the President included widening our cooperation beyond energy and water to include agriculture, skills, health and defence. Look forward to joining him at the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre later this evening.  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2020

READ | Infamous Hansie Cronje Match-fixing Bookie Sanjeev Chawla Staring At Extradition To India

Memorandum signed

Earlier in September 2018, India and Niger announced their partnership for the establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre in Niamey, Niger. A Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) with Government of Indias Grant Assistance was signed between the two countries.

India and Niger enjoy close relations. The bilateral relations have expanded significantly since the opening of the Indian Resident Diplomatic Mission in Niamey in 2009. India has provided lines of Credit worth USD 96.54 million for projects in transport; electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. Indias grant assistance for MGICC will further contribute towards enhancing of bilateral ties.

''The Convention Centre, which would be a spacious, modern and eco-friendly facility, is being established in the context of the African Union (AU) Summit that Niger is to host in 2019 and which would witness high-level and wide-ranging participation from the AU Member States." the MEA had said in a statement last year.

READ | BJP's Candidate Against Kejriwal Indicative Of Delhi Polls Surrender? AAP Says '70 Seats!'

READ | BJP MLA Raj Purohit: 'Thousand Cases Like Nirbhaya' Could Happen If Mumbai 24x7 Allowed
Climate change should be addressed by Congress and the electorate, not the courts, a federal appeals panel ruled in ending a lawsuit brought on behalf of young people who sought to force the government to draw up a plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions.

In a split decision Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco agreed the 21 young people who sued presented compelling evidence that climate change is bringing eve of destruction nearer, but said it was beyond its power to order a remedial plan.

Any effective plan would necessarily require a host of complex policy decisions entrusted to the wisdom and discretion of the executive and legislative branches, the majority on the panel said.

The novel litigation filed in 2015 during the Obama administration had survived longer than most experts expected. Arguing that the government hasnt done enough to protect future generations from global warming, the group of teens claimed theyve been deprived of their constitutional right to a livable climate.

U.S. Circuit Court Judge Josephine L. Staton dissented, accusing her colleagues of throwing up their hands in the face of a calamity.

It is as if an asteroid were barreling toward Earth and the government decided to shut down our only defenses, Staton wrote. Seeking to quash this suit, the government bluntly insists that it has the absolute and unreviewable power to destroy the nation.

Philip Gregory, a lawyer representing the young people, said in a phone interview that his clients plan to immediately seek a rehearing before a full appeals court.

Given the urgency of climate change, were going to get this matter before the full 9th Circuit as quickly as possible, he said.

The majority and dissenting opinions both recognized his clients had submitted sufficient evidence to show injuries and that the federal government caused them, Gregory said.

The only thing the majority found against us is that the federal courts can do nothing about a constitutional injury.

The majority said that the court cant order, design, supervise or implement the teens proposed remedies, and that they lacked legal standing to sue under Article III of the Constitution, which sets out the powers of the judicial branch.

As the court recognized, Article III of the Constitutions standing requirement is a vital limitation on the power of the federal courts, Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Departments Environment division said in a statement. This suit fell squarely outside the parameters of Article III.

The ruling was also welcomed by the libertarian-leaning Competitive Enterprise Institute.

The court correctly understood that a lawsuit aimed at imposing a national plan to eliminate fossil fuel emissions and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide would push the court far beyond its constitutional powers, CEI General Counsel Sam Kazman said in a statement. It would require the court to substitute its judgment for that of Congress and the administration on an unprecedented scale.

But Josh Galperin, who lectures on environmental law at the University of Pittsburgh, called the ruling disappointing, from both a climate policy perspective and a legal one.

We need courts to be more imaginative, Galperin said. That doesnt mean taking extra-legal steps, but it does mean thinking very carefully about the role of courts rather than just throwing up their hands and saying this is not a problem for courts to resolve, let Congress deal with it.

Supreme Court

After both the Obama and Trump administrations failed to quash the case, the U.S. Supreme Court in November said the Justice Department could again ask the appeals court in San Francisco to block the trial. The Supreme Court in July rejected a similar request to halt the lawsuit as premature but hinted at skepticism, saying the breadth of the youths claim was striking.

The case isnt about whether climate change is real, but whether the government should have taken stronger action to curb its impact. The teens argued the U.S. Constitution confers a right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life. The government calls that a previously unimagined constitutional right.

The appellate judges, all appointed by President Barack Obama, agreed that the evidence left little doubt that climate change was occurring at an increasingly rapid pace and that the government had long understood the risk of fossil fuel use and increased carbon dioxide emissions. They also agreed that the governments contribution to climate change was not simply a result of inaction.

However, the three judges were split on whether a federal court can resolve the plaintiffs claim that the government had deprived them of a substantive constitutional right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life.

To reduce the global consequences of climate change would require far more than a declaration that the government has violated the constitution or ordering the government to stop permitting, authorizing and subsidizing fossil fuel use, the majority said. It would require a fundamental transformation of the energy system of the U.S. or even of the entire industrial world, the judges said, referring to the testimony of the plaintiffs own experts.

Any effective plan would necessarily require a host of complex policy decisions entrusted, for better or worse, to the wisdom and discretion of the executive and legislative branches, the majority said.

The appeal is In re: USA v. USDC-ORE, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (San Francisco). The lower-court case is Juliana v. U.S.A., 15-cv-01517, U.S. District Court, District of Oregon (Eugene).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits USA Climate Change Energy Oil Gas
Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina will be opening its doors on February 1 after undergoing a complete renovation designed to facilitate business and leisure.



Discerning travellers can expect new levels of unparalleled, tastefully-designed living spaces and extraordinary service following the hotels renovation. The 35-storey building has been revamped with fully-furnished luxury apartments, holiday homes, and residential units designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a spectacular view of the marina. Each unit will come with a choice of either one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations and are all fully integrated with comprehensive facilities and services to make guests feel right at home. Additionally, the property will offer a variety of large, glamorous penthouse options, perfect for any in-city getaway.



It is our wish and utmost desire that our guests will continue to create memories and new experiences at the hotel, we want our guests to feel the comforts of home no matter where their travels might lead them. said Bassam Zakaria, general manager of Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina.



The hotel will aslo be a more health-conscious property, introducing a brand new fitness outlet, KO8 Fitness Centre, as well as a wholesome eatery, Bakers Kitchen. Hailing from the UK, KO8, is a leader in the fitness scene with unique, dynamic functional movement workouts consisting of bodyweight suspension and resistance exercises, and is set to bring the newest, most exciting training methods to hit Dubais fitness scene. Bakers Kitchen, an oasis in Dubai Marina for wholesome, nutritious and organic food options prepared fresh daily, will provide guests with an option of clean-eating.



Along with the hotels breathtaking views, it is in a central location in Dubai Marina, amongst a variety of the city's hotspots. Dusit Princess Residences is within easy proximity to Bluewaters Island, The Beach, neighbourhood eateries, shopping malls, and just minutes away from the bustling The Walk JBR, a strip packed with Dubai's top restaurants and shops.



Dusit Princess Residences is the ideal hotel for travellers looking for a practical and valuable experience. The hotel appeals to the efficient traveller for its spacious rooms and extensive facilities, as well as for its location on the iconic Dubai Marina boardwalk, one of the most popular tourist destinations of the city with incredible views of skyscrapers towering along the waterfront. - TradeArabia News Service
- Antonio Rudiger has donated over $100,000 to Sierra Leone

- The Chelsea star made the donation to help the country achieve its 'Free Quality Education Initiative'

- Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Rudiger has made just nine appearances for the Blues across competitions this campaign

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is committed to developing capacities of youngsters in Sierra Leone after donating a huge sum of money to the country.

The 26-year-old German star gave the African country over $100,000 to further strengthen the free education scheme.

Rudiger, who spent most parts of the first half of this season on the sidelines due to injury met with the country's president Julius Maada Bio at the United Kingdom-Africa Investment summit in London.

READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes 2nd Juventus star to score 16 goals in 1st 20 matches

Their meeting was after the Blues' disappointing defeat to Newcastle United at the St James' Park over the weekend.

Sierra Leone is my home. Im not the talking type of a person, I am about action. You can count on us and do not hesitate, Rudiger said.

According to BBC Sport, the educational scheme was set up to empower nothing less than two million children in the primary and secondary school categories.

READ ALSO: Liverpool vs Man United: Salah's 93rd-minute strike inspires Reds to 2-0 win

"The narrative about Sierra Leone must change and it is the duty of every Sierra Leonean out in the diaspora to come on board with the rebranding process," the President insisted.

While giving his remarks, Bio appreciated Rudiger for the massive money donation, assuring the defender that the appropriated properly.

He further assured the Blues star that accountability and transparency would be greatly considered during the process, adding that the player could check anytime to audit how the money would be spent.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard, has expressed his utter disappointment over Jose Mourinho's criticism of Antonio Rudiger after his side's daring victory over Tottenham.

ATTENTION: Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana

Blues shocked their former boss with a resounding 2-0 victory over Spurs during last weekend tie. Willian gave some flashes of his brilliance with a perfect first-half goal.

The Brazilian also netted the second from a penalty to earn all three points for his side.

Ghanaian Traders Share Thoughts on Sales During Christmas | #Yencomgh

READ ALSO: Photos: Meet the former Black Stars player who is now a musician

Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh
By PTI

KOLKATA: Left students of the Presidency University staged a protest against the CAA and the proposed nationwide NRC during the varsity's 203rd Foundation Day programme on Monday.

Hundreds of students shouted slogans such as 'Fascism Manbo Na' (Down with Fascism) and 'We won't accept CAA, NRC' near the Derozio Hall where the programme was being held, said Subhajit Sarkar of the Students Federation of India.

Students and alumni also wrote protest messages on a large whiteboard that was put up on the campus.

"We consider the CAA and the NRC as discriminatory and divisive. We won't allow the BJP to implement these black laws in the country," said Sinjini Moitra, a student activist.

Theatre personality and Presidency alumnus Bibhas Chakraborty and alumnus and former bureaucrat Prasad Ranjan Roy, who attended the founder's day programme, also took part in the protest and wrote messages on the board.

"We, theatre activists, had earlier taken out a rally against the CAA and the proposed NRC. The Centre had not taken public in confidence while framing these laws. I think a situation, similar to the Partition days, is being created," Chakraborty said.
Gospel for Asia Sheds Light on 'Forgotten Scourge' of Leprosy

More than 200,000 new leprosy victims worldwide each year, says report

GFA SHEDS LIGHT ON LEPROSY: In the U.S and internationally, new cases of leprosy -- a bacterial disease that can disable and disfigure people for life -- are diagnosed every year. Mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA, In the U.S and internationally, new cases of leprosy -- a bacterial disease that can disable and disfigure people for life -- are diagnosed every year. Mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org ) released a new report this week, titled Progress in the Fight Against Leprosy to coincide with World Leprosy Day, Jan. 26.

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Jan. 21, 2020

WILLS POINT, Texas, Jan. 21, 2020 / Christian Newswire / -- The emergence of a "forgotten plague" in America has called attention to one of the most feared diseases in history -- the ancient scourge of leprosy.

Texas-based mission agency Gospel for Asia (GFA, www.gfa.org ) released a new report this week titled Progress in the Fight Against Leprosy to coincide with World Leprosy Day, Jan. 26, an annual awareness event.

In America, 150-250 new cases of leprosy -- a bacterial disease that can eventually disable and disfigure people for life -- are diagnosed every year, mostly in the southern U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

"Leprosy cases in the U.S. are rare, but they alert us to the fact that this dreadful disease -- which many people think is a thing of the past -- afflicts more than 200,000 new victims around the world every year, mostly in Asia," said GFA founder Dr. K.P. Yohannan.

Disfigurement and Shunning

In its early stages, antibiotics can cure leprosy, also called Hansen's disease. But left untreated, it leads to horrific complications, including nerve damage, skin lesions, paralysis, and blindness. Victims are often shunned because of their physical disfigurements.

"Since Bible times, people with leprosy have been treated as outcasts," Yohannan said. "In many places in the world the stigma is devastating, and people are rejected by their families, who believe they're cursed."

For decades, GFA-supported workers in Asia -- one of the world's most leprosy-endemic regions -- have provided physical and emotional support for victims of the disease, including ministering at a leprosy hospital.

At a leprosy colony in Asia, children from a GFA-supported Bridge of Hope center recently visited leprosy victims who've been abandoned by their own families and friends.

'Lover of Lepers'

"We take our example from Jesus -- the Lover of lepers -- who touched those no one else would touch, and loved those despised and rejected by others," said Yohannan, whose mission has served the marginalized in Asia for more than four decades.

While advances have been made in the fight against leprosy in the past 40 years, many of those who have the disease -- caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae -- do not seek treatment soon enough, because they're afraid of being cut off by society.

"This is the great tragedy -- that leprosy can be cured in the early stages by simple medicines, and yet so often the opportunity to be cured is lost," said Yohannan. "The delay in seeking treatment and the resulting stigma can spawn a life of misery and isolation."

Many organizations are working to develop a vaccine, and faith-based agencies like GFA are helping to prevent the spread of leprosy, care for sufferers, and overcome stigma and discrimination. For information about GFA's ministry to those stricken with leprosy, visit www.gfa.org/press/leprosy-ministry

Gospel for Asia (GFA, (GFA, www.gfa.org ) is a leading faith-based mission agency, bringing vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear the "good news" of Jesus Christ. In GFA's latest yearly report, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,200 villages and remote communities, over 4,000 clean water wells drilled, over 11,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 200,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. For all the latest news, visit our Press Room at https://press.gfa.org/news

SOURCE Gospel for Asia (GFA)

Related Links


Not long ago, Egypt marked the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Suez Canal.

The canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It helped speed world trade between the East and the West.

But the man-made waterway has also helped speed the rise of other things, such as invasive non-native species.

Scientists say the invasive creatures have damaged the Mediterraneans environment and caused native species to disappear.

The number of non-native creatures has risen since the Suez Canal was widened in 2015. The New Suez Canal has raised concerns in Europe and brought criticism from many Mediterranean countries.

The main critic has been Israel, Egypts neighbor.

Bella Galil is an Israeli biologist who has studied the Mediterranean for over 30 years. She says much of the environmental damage cannot be repaired. She said urgent action is needed to ease the effects of the invasive fish and other sea life.

Galil works at Tel Aviv Universitys Steinhardt Museum of Natural History.

She noted that the widening and deepening of the Suez Canal has created a moving aquarium of species. These creatures could make coastal waters almost unusable for human beings.

Galil believes the number of invasive species has reached 400. That is two times the number from 30 years ago. She said this is a historic example of the dangers of unintended consequences.

Affecting the whole Mediterranean

Israel is now dealing with huge numbers of poisonous jellyfish that affect coastal power centers and keep people from visiting the seashore.



Other poisonous species, such as the lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, are also appearing.

The invasion of new species has reached as far as Spain in the west. Many European countries on the Mediterranean are paying attention. The issue is expected to be discussed later this month at the United Nations meeting on ocean science in Venice, Italy.

Galil said the problems of invasive species can be compared to those of climate change, pollution and over-fishing. She argues that the new species have caused a major restructuring of the environment. This has endangered native species like mussels, prawns and red mullet.

Israels Environmental Protection Ministry said it is concerned because its coast is the first stop for invasive species in the Mediterranean. But it noted that Israel cannot fight the problem alone.

Lebanese scientists at the American University in Beirut have written about threats to the environment linked to the canals expansion. The Associated Press reports that scientists in eastern Mediterranean countries from Turkey to Tunisia share these concerns.

A possible way to fix the problem

Some experts have suggested that increasing salt levels in the canal itself could create a barrier that would keep invasive species out.

Desalination centers are currently being built, with money from Qatar, near the canal. They will make fresh water out of seawater. The first such plant is expected to open later this year.

Bella Galil said that if salt from the desalination centers could be put in the canal, it could create a salinity barrier to protect the Mediterranean. The Great and Litter Bitter Lakes, which are linked to the canal, once provided a salty barrier to animals that might pass through. But the lakes have become less salty because of the widening of the Suez Canal and agricultural wastewater.



Egypt does not consider the environmental concerns as urgent. The country has been at peace with Israel since 1979 and recently signed a huge agreement to supply Israel with natural gas.

Some Egyptians do not think the invasive species are a problem at all. Moustafa Fouda is an advisor to Egypts environment minister. He said invasive species can be helpful by replacing species that are overfished. He said only five percent of the invaders are a problem.

Some Egyptian experts also deny that the widening of the canal is responsible for the increase in invasive species. They say that rising water temperatures and wastewater from ships are to blame.

The Suez Canal Authority is the government agency that operates the canal. It says the environmental concerns are overstated. The agency said the widening of the canal has increased water flow into the Mediterranean by only four percent.

Canal officials say they are closely watching the movements of sea creatures. They say they are requiring ships to take measures to avoid carrying species from one side of the canal to the other. And they are trying to keep salt levels high in the Bitter Lakes as a barrier.

Galil, however, questions whether these measures will be enough to serve as a barrier against invasive species.

One day we will wake up to a complete and irreversible change and know that there was something we could have done about it, if only it had been done on time, she said.

Im Anne Ball.

And I'm Mario Ritter Jr.

Mario Ritter Jr. adapted this Associated Press story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

species  n. a group of animals or plants that can produce young and are closely linked

aquarium  n. a container to keep fish

unintended  adj. not planned as a purpose or goal

consequences  n. the result of some action or decision

irreversible  n. something that cannot be changed back
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finally filed criminal charges against Mohammed Adoke, former attorney-ge...





The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finally filed criminal charges against Mohammed Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) after detaining him for a month.





Adoke alongside one Abubakar Aliyu are facing a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N797.3 at a federal high court in Abuja.





The EFCC earlier filed a 42-count charge against Adoke at a federal capital territory (FCT) high court over alleged complicity in the $1.1b Malabu oil deal.





The anti-graft agency accused Adoke of accepting gratification of N300 million from Aliyu in 2013 to facilitate and negotiate the OPL 245 resolution with Shell and Eni.









Those charged alongside the former AGF are Abubakar Aliyu; Rasky Gbinigie, company secretary to Malabu; Malabu; Agip, a subsidiary of Eni and Shell.





Adoke was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by INTERPOL, but he returned voluntarily to Nigeria on December 19 to face trial.





Upon his return, the EFCC secured a warrant to detain him for 14 days pending the conclusion of investigation.





On January 2, the court granted the agency leave to further detain him for another 14 days.





The second warrant expired on January 16.
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Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and parent company Alphabet, on Monday called for government regulation of artificial intelligence technology in a speech at Bruegel, a think tank in Brussels, and in an op-ed in the Financial Times.

There is no question in Pichais mind that artificial intelligence should be regulated, he reportedly said in Brussels. The question is what will be the best approach.

Sensible regulation should take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harm with potential good, he added, and could incorporate existing rules, such as the EUs General Data Protection Regulation.

We need to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong, Pichai wrote in his FT column. There are real concerns about the potential negative consequences of AI, from deepfakes to nefarious uses of facial recognition.

He pledged to be a helpful and engaged partner to regulators, and offered them Googles expertise, experience and tools to navigate the issues surrounding AI.

AI has the potential to improve billions of lives, and the biggest risk may be failing to do so, he wrote. By ensuring it is developed responsibly in a way that benefits everyone, we can inspire future generations to believe in the power of technology as much as I do.

Pretty Weak Sauce

Pichais editorial is pretty weak sauce, wrote entrepreneur, journalist and author John Battelle in Searchblog, but he did find one of Pichais statements worthy of note: Companies such as ours cannot just build promising new technology and let market forces decide how it will be used.

Pichai is late in coming to that realization, Battelle suggested.

I wish Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple had that point of view before they built the AI-driven system we now all live with known as surveillance capitalism, he wrote.

Pichai is correct when he says AI must be regulated, observed Greg Sterlingvice president of market insights at Berlin-basedUberall, a maker of location marketing solutions.

Society cannot allow technology companies to self-regulate with technology that can be easily abused, Sterling told the E-Commerce Times. Its already happening in China and elsewhere.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

That said, what forms the specific regulation takes, and how global the consensus will are open to question, he noted.

In the U.S., at least, the government needs to consult with a wide array of experts and then come up with legislation and regulations that permit innovation but dont allow these technologies to be used for discriminatory purposes, Sterling said.

Decisions about hiring, healthcare, insurance and so on should not be made by AI, which has no morality, no ethics, and no sense of social good, he continued.

Machine learning and AI will do whatever theyre programmed to do  whatever the algorithms dictate, added Sterling. Humans must set limits on the application of these technologies and absolutely draw bright lines around certain use cases to prevent their abuse by unscrupulous actors. 

Building Blocks of Sensible Regulation

What I most appreciated about Sundar Pichais piece is his acknowledgment that AI principles documents will be an important source of norm building, and facilitate the creation of sensible regulation, Jessica Fjeld, assistant director of the Cyberlaw Clinic at Harvards Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, told the E-Commerce Times.

Three dozen prominent AI principles documents formed the basis for a report on AI ethics that Fjeld and Nele Achten, Hannah Hilligoss, Adam Christopher Nagy andMadhulika Srikumar released last week.

In the documents, the researchers found eight common themes that could form the core of any principle-based approach to AI ethics and governance:

Privacy  AI systems should respect the privacy of individuals.

Accountability  Mechanisms must be in place to ensure AI systems are accountable, and remedies must be in place to fix problems when theyre not.

Safety and Security  AI systems should perform as intended and be secure from compromise.

Transparency and Explainability  AI systems should be designed and implemented to allow oversight.

Fairness and Nondiscrimination  AI systems should be designed to maximize fairness and inclusivity.

Human Control of Technology  Important decisions should remain under human review.

Professional Responsibility  Developers of AI systems should make sure to consult all stakeholders in the system and plan for long-term effects.

Promotion of Human Values  The ends to which AI is devoted and the means by which it is implemented should promote humanitys well being.

The eight themes contribute a view that is ethical and respectful of human rights to the foundational requirements for AI, the researchers noted.

However, theres a wide and thorny gap between the articulation of these high-level concepts and their actual achievement in the real world, they added.

Difficult to Regulate

As determined as regulators may be to keep AI on a short leash, they may find the task a daunting one.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The reality is that once technology is introduced, people are going to experiment with it, observed Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research, a high-tech research and advisory firm based in Phoenix.

The whole idea of regulation is foolish. AI is going to be used in good ways and bad ways, he told the E-Commerce Times.

You hope that you can limit the bad, and that people have respect and integrity in using and developing the technology  but mistakes will be made, and some people will use it nefariously, McGregor said. Just look at what Google, Facebook and other companies have done with their technologies for tracking people, monitoring information and sharing data.

Regulating AI will become increasingly difficult as it spreads, he added.

By 2025, youre not going to be able to buy a single electronic platform that doesnt use artificial intelligence for something, whether its local, in the cloud or a hybrid solution, McGregor predicted.

It could be for something as simple as managing battery power to as complex as operating an autonomous vehicle, he said. Whenever a new technology comes out, theres always this knee-jerk reaction from some segments of the population that says, Its bad. Everything new is bad. In general, though, technology has benefited mankind.
India on Tuesday formally announced the state visit of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, during which he will be the chief guest at the annual Republic Day parade on January 26.

Inviting a world leader as the chief guest at the Republic Day parade is an honour reserved for Indias closest allies and friends.

In recent years, the invitation has been accorded to former US president Barack Obama, the leaders of the 10 ASEAN nations and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was made by Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa. Modi visited Brasilia to attend the BRICS Summit last November.

Heres what you need to know about the Brazilian presidents visit:

1. This is Bolsonaros first state visit to India. Former presidents of Brazil have been the chief guest of the Republic Day parades in 1996 and 2004.

2. Bolsonaro will begin his four-day visit to India on January 24 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

3. He will be accompanied by seven ministers, the chairman of the Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation.

4. On January 25, Bolsonaro will meet his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind, who will host a banquet in his honour, and hold talks with Modi. Vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu and external affairs minister S Jaishankar will also meet Bolsonaro.

5. On January 27, Bolsonaro will address Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum.

6. The external affairs ministry said India and Brazil share a close and multifaceted relationship based on a common global vision, shared democratic values and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries.

7. Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006 and the two countries work closely at plurilateral forums such as BRICS, IBSA and G20 and in multilateral bodies, particularly the United Nations.

8. Trade between India and Brazil during 2018-19 was worth $8.2 billion, including Indian exports of $3.8 billion and imports worth $4.4 million.

9. Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

10. Indian investments in Brazil were around $6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at $1 billion in 2018. Brazilian investments are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels. India has invested in Brazils IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.
Samsung India on January 21 launched Galaxy Note10 Lite, the latest addition in the Galaxy Note series, for Rs 38,999. The new variant is a toned-down version of the flagship Galaxy Note 10 series. Key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite include a triple-camera setup, support for S Pen, Snapdragon 855 SoC, etc.

Samsung is betting on the S Pen to attract millennials.

S-Pen

Galaxy Note 10 Lite features the iconic Bluetooth-enabled S Pen which allows users to personalise photos and videos with dynamic drawings, effects and animations. The Air Command feature of the S Pen allows users to click pictures, navigate through presentations and even edit videos like a pro, all with a simple click.

"At Samsung, we believe in delivering meaningful innovations that improve the lives of our consumers. Galaxy Note series is known for its differentiated experience that empowers users to explore infinite possibilities. With the launch of Galaxy Note 10Lite, consumers will get premium features at an accessible price point, " said Aditya Babbar, Director, Mobile Business, Samsung India.

Key features

Galaxy Note 10 Lite offers a wide 6.7-inch Super AMOLED edge-to-edge Infinity-O display. The phone features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with a tall aspect ratio of 20:9 and a 1080 x 2400 resolution.

It also brings Samsungs industry-leading camera technologies within reach.

Galaxy Note10 Lite packs a Dual Pixel OIS (Optical Image Specialisation) 12 MP wide camera along with an Ultra Wide (123 degree field of view) 12 MP and a 12 MP tele lens to take your photography to the next level. Galaxy Note10 Lite also comes with a 32 MP front camera.

In spite of being a Lite variant, the Galaxy Note 10 Lite gets powered by a 10nm 2.7 GHz Exynos 9810 Octa-core chipset. The device comes in 6/8GB RAM variants coupled with 128GB internal storage for sharp performance and enough storage needs. Galaxy Note10 Lite supports expandable memory up to 1 TB. Galaxy Note10 Lite is packed with a large 4500 mAh battery that comes with super-fast charging.

It also comes with Samsungs ecosystem of apps and services, including Bixby (Vision, Lens Mode, and Routines), Samsung Pay and Samsung Health.

Price & Availability

Galaxy Note10 Lite will be available in Aura Glow, Aura Black and Aura Red colours. Packed with the much-revered 3.5mm headphone jack and in-box Samsung earphones, Galaxy Note10 Lite is priced at INR 38,999 for 6GB variant and INR 40,999 for 8GB variant.

Samsung has also come up with an attractive upgrade offer of up to INR 5,000, so consumers can buy the Galaxy Note10 Lite for an effective price INR 33,999. Pre-booking of Galaxy Note10 Lite has begun from January 21 at 2:00 PM. Galaxy Note10 Lite will go on sale from February 3 and will be available across major retail stores, online stores, and Samsung India website.

Stay tuned in for a detailed review of the phone once we get our hands on it.
SYDNEY, Australia  Australias biggest mining company, BHP, announced on Tuesday that coal output was down at one of its large mines. The reason? Smoke from the countrys ferocious wildfires  a crisis fed by climate change, which is caused in no small part by the burning of coal.

The reduced air quality in New South Wales, the countrys most populous state, has helped slow the companys production of electricity-generating coal by 11 percent there, BHP said in a review of its midyear financial results.

We are monitoring the situation, and if air quality continues to deteriorate, then operations could be constrained further in the second half of the year, said the company, which ends its fiscal year on June 30.

The irony was not lost on many in Australia.

The country, which just endured its hottest and driest year on record, has been dealing for months with bush fires that have killed at least 29 people, ravaged tens of millions of acres, and left residents in its largest cities wheezing from the most polluted air in the world.
Prosecutors say they will use all possible means to force return of businesswoman and daughter of ex-president.

Authorities in Angola have said they will use all possible means to bring back Isabel dos Santos, the billionaire daughter of the countrys former president, after thousands of leaked documents revealed new allegations she siphoned off hundreds of millions in public money.

Dubbed Africas richest woman, dos Santos is accused of using her fathers backing to plunder state funds from the oil-rich but impoverished southern African country and  with the help of Western consulting firms  move the money offshore.

She stopped living in Angola after her father Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who ruled the country for nearly 40 years, stepped down in 2017 and was replaced by Joao Lourenco.

The 46-year-old dos Santos, who spends her time between London and Dubai, has rejected the allegations made against her as completely unfounded.

Speaking on public radio on Monday, Helder Pitra Gros, Angolas prosecutor general, said: We will use all possible means and activate international mechanisms to bring Isabel dos Santos back to the country.

He added: We have asked for international support from Portugal, Dubai and other countries.

The remarks came after a trove of hundreds of thousands of files, dubbed the Luanda Leaks, on Sunday showed how the eldest daughter of the former president allegedly moved the vast sums into overseas assets.

The award-winning New York-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which was behind the release, alleged the international system has allowed powerful individuals like her to move assets around the world, without questions.





Based on a trove of more than 715,000 files, our investigation highlights a broken international regulatory system that allows professional services firms to serve the powerful with almost no questions asked, the ICIJ wrote.

The group said its team of 120 reporters in 20 countries was able to trace how an army of Western financial firms, lawyers, accountants, government officials and management companies helped [dos Santos and her husband] hide assets from tax authorities.

Dos Santos took to Twitter to deny the claims, launching a salvo of about 30 tweets in Portuguese and English, accusing journalists involved in the investigation of telling lies.

My fortune is built on my character, my intelligence, education, capacity for work, perseverance, she wrote.

Dos Santos was named Africas first female billionaire in 2013 by Forbes, which estimates her current wealth at more than $2bn.

Her lawyer dismissed the ICIJ findings as a highly coordinated attack orchestrated by Angolas current rulers, in a statement quoted by The Guardian newspaper.

Dos Santos herself told BBC Africa the file dump was part of a witch-hunt meant to discredit her and her father.

She was appointed to run Angolas national oil company Sonangol in 2016, but was removed from the job by Lourenco the following year.

Red flags really went up when she was appointed head of the state oil company at a time when her father still had significant influence, said Daniel Bruce, who heads the UK branch of anti-corruption campaign group Transparency International.

You could see there were major conflicts of interest starting to emerge, he added.

Dos Santos is already being investigated as part of an anti-corruption campaign launched by Lourenco, who has pledged to root out corruption.

Prosecutors last month froze bank accounts and holdings owned by the businesswoman and her Congolese-Danish husband Sindika Dokolo, a move dos Santos described as motivated by a groundless political vendetta.
Urdu poet Munnawar Rana on Tuesday argued that a rally addressed here by Union Home Minister Amit Shah violated prohibitory orders, just as his daughters are accused of doing.

Rana's reasoning comes a day after his daughters Sumaiya and Fauzia were named, along with several others, in FIRs registered after protesters defied prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC to take part in a rally at Lucknow's Clock Tower against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

On Tuesday, Shah held a public meeting in another part of the city in support of the CAA.

Unlike the anti-CAA rally, the organisers had obtained permission from the local authorities for the rally addressed by Amit Shah. But the poet refused to see the difference.

"The Union home minister's rally had all the required permissions, Lucknow's District Magistrate Abhishek Prakash told PTI when contacted.

He listed departments like the municipal corporation, public works department (PWD) and police from which permission was obtained.

But Rana called Shah's rally an open violation of prohibitory orders. "When will a case be registered against Home Minister Amit Shah who violated the same orders? he said.

He claimed the case action against his daughters and others protesting against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was injustice if Shah's rally was termed legal.

This is like putting the children of fakirs -- who live on alms -- behind bars when a shah' (king) comes to the city, he claimed.

"I have told my daughters not to get scared by the registration of a case. Maximum, it will be a jail term or death," Rana told PTI.

The poet's daughters were among the 160 women booked by police on Monday night for allegedly defying prohibitory orders.

The protests at the historical Clock Tower in old Lucknow began on Friday and have continued with hundreds of women braving the cold since then.

"Prohibitory orders are in force. Yet the women have been staging protests. This amounts to defying the orders and three cases have been lodged at the Thakurganj police station in this connection," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) Vikas Chand Tripathi said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Judge Curran set the previous $1 million cash bond for Pharis during a hearing Nov. 19. Curran also ordered that Pharis have no contact with her two-month-old child, except as authorized by Juneau County Department of Health Services.

Dailey was found dead in his Necedah residence during a welfare check Nov. 12 after he did not show up to work for two days.

According to the criminal complaint, Pharis answered the door initially for authorities, and told them she did not want to report Dailey missing. About 24 minutes later, authorities returned to the residence and were let inside by a male who answered the door.

Police found Pharis unresponsive on top of her two-month-old child, with pills and medications next to her. Both Pharis and the child were transported by ambulance to the hospital.

A detective found Daileys decaying body in the master bedroom, covered in blankets.

Police took Pharis into custody, with charges filed by the Juneau County District Attorney on Nov. 18.

Pharis was due in court Dec. 12 for an initial appearance, but requested through her attorney an adjourned initial appearance. Pharis will next return to court May 14 for a plea hearing.

Reach Christopher Jardine on Twitter @ChrisJJardine or contact him at 608-432-6591.

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Bolivia's Congress voted on Tuesday to accept the resignation of former president Evo Morales, two months after the 60-year-old quit and fled for asylum in Mexico and then Argentina. In an at times chaotic debate, the bicameral body dominated by lawmakers from Morales' Movement for Socialism party formally accepted his resignation, one day before his original presidential term was due to end. Wednesday should have been the day when a new president took office but Bolivia was plunged into civil unrest after Morales's controversial re-election in October. After three weeks of protests, the Organization of American States announced it had found clear evidence of vote-rigging. Morales subsequently resigned on November 10 and soon after left the country. His vice-president Alvaro Garcia and the presidents of both the Senate and lower house followed suit, with center-right opposition senator Jeanine Anez assuming the presidency as the next highest ranking official in parliament. Although Morales's resignation constitutionally needed congressional approval, the constitutional court ratified Anez's new post. She is due to remain president until a general election scheduled for May 3, in which Morales has been barred from standing. "In the Legislative Assembly we accept the resignation of our colleague Evo Morales and Alvaro Garcia," influential MAS lawmaker Henry Cabrera told reporters. "We're fulfilling the constitution which says that the ones who accept or reject resignations are deputies and senators." However, deputy Shirley Franco -- from Anez's Democrats party -- described the vote as "out of date and inadmissable." "The constitutional succession took place on November 12 due to the definitive absence of the ex-president, who took asylum having left the territory," she said. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, had been in power for almost 14 years but twice flouted constitutional term limits to stand for re-election. He has said he wants to return to Bolivia to run MAS's election campaign but an arrest warrant has been issued against him. The interim government accuses Morales of sedition and terrorism over a telephone recording in which he allegedly urges his supporters to lay siege to major cities. Morales had repeated several times that until Congress accepted his resignation he would continue to consider himself president. Evo Morales is currently living in Argentina where he claimed asylum following his resignation as Bolivia president
New Delhi, Jan 21 : It was a roaring crowd, intermittent chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and festivity as the BJP chose its 11th President -- JP Nadda. As Prime Minister Modi came to address the crowd at 6A, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, the greetings for Nadda were sprinkled with caution.

"Madhyamon se samarthan milne ki ummeed nahin aur hamein madad se jeene ki aadat bhi nahin hain (the mediums are not going to support us and we have never been dependent on them)", was a blunt dig at 'medium' and a caution to Nadda that the road ahead is not full of roses.

As the 59-year-old who started his political career with the ABVP takes charge of the sprawling top floor of the BJP headquarters, which is entirely dedicated to the BJP president, there are many challenges ahead of him.

1. Crucial Delhi and Bihar elections: The immediate challenge at hand for Nadda as the BJP president will be the Delhi election that is scheduled for February 8 and the BJP does not seem to be poised well, according to multiple poll trackers. While the BJP officially maintains it will cross the 50 mark in the 70-member Delhi Assembly, trackers show it is struggling to reach double digits. With a slew of losses from Punjab to Jharkhand, the BJP needs a win desperately to cling to its "aparajeya" image which has taken a beating in the past one year. As BJP president, he cannot escape responsibility as he was involved in each decision as the BJP's working president. And no one wants to start his or her tenure with a loss.

The Bihar election has been on track ever since the BJP, after facing a few defeats, rushed to accept that the election later this year will be fought under the "leadership" of Nitish Kumar. The BJP also gave a couple of seats to ally JD-U in the Delhi polls to keep it in good humour. Not to miss, PM Modi stressing on Nadda's Bihar connection on Monday, during his speech. These are all to retain the state where the JD-U's popularity seems to be waning.

2. Managing Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) anger: While predominantly it's the task of the Home Ministry led by his former boss Amit Shah, an array of opposition parties joining the anti-CAA bandwagon and throwing their weight behind the protests which often became law and order issues, has the BJP thinking. As the BJP's new boss, who has an "affable" image, according to Modi, it will be one of his first assignments to assuage the anger without compromising the stated party position that the "CAA wont be rolled back, even by an inch".

The BJP kicked-off a statewide pro-NRC rally in Uttar Pradesh which was addressed by Shah in Lucknow on Tuesday. The finale at Agra will be addressed by the BJP's new President Nadda, on January 23, signalling that Nadda is in charge now. Starting January 18, the BJP is holding as many as six big rallies across Uttar Pradesh. The BJP state unit has given adequate feedback that India's most populous state has a massive "silent majority" which supports the amended Citizenship Act. But beyond Uttar Pradesh, Nadda needs to reach out to a majority of the populace who are opposed to the CAA.

While efforts were made from within the BJP to make it look like a protest organised by the minorities, that is far from the truth. Many states across the northeast, including BJP-ruled Assam and Tripura are continuously witnessing protests which are not minority led. After Himanta Biswa Sarma's comment that "There can be no proof of religious persecution", AASU took sharp digs at the BJP claiming they stand vindicated. This complex situation needs a nuanced political reach-out more than a law and order crackdown. Nadda as the new BJP chief, who is known to be more approachable, will have this enormous task of finding a way for a nuanced political reach-out without compromising on the party's stand.

3. Fixing faction ridden Bengal unit: There are two well known facts -- the West Bengal election in 2021 is very crucial for the BJP and its organisation there is faction ridden. To bring the two contradictions in harmonious symphony will be a major challenge for the Patna University graduate BJP boss.

Sources say the acrimony between the Mukul Roy and Dilip Ghosh factions was in full display during the organisational elections in Bengal, just ahead of the election of the BJP's national president. The Central leadership leaned towards Ghosh due to his "non corrupt" image, insist BJP sources, but not without facing constant problems from the "Mukul Roy lobby", a BJP leader told IANS.

Both Ghosh and Roy were in Delhi on Monday for Nadda's election. But Ghosh left for Kolkata soon after while Roy had a flight on Tuesday evening. While it may seem normal, many believe it was to avoid a pro-CAA rally at Tufanganj in Cooch Bihar district on Tuesday afternoon which was attended by Ghosh.

No wonder, the BJP has made considerable inroads inside Bengal and caught Mamata Banerjee off-guard, but with such covert acrimony which is otherwise enveloped in pleasantries at social dos, the BJP cannot hope to win Bengal in 2021. As the new BJP boss, he has a little above one year to fix this problem.

4. Bringing back allies to NDA fold: Bringing back allies seems to be a mid-term goal but a challenge nevertheless for Nadda. Many BJP allies have left the ship in the past few years. From time-tested friends like the Shiv Sena to smaller parties like the AJSU in Jharkhand -- they are no longer part of the NDA. Most of them accuse the BJP leadership of "arrogance", something the BJP laughs off.

Sena, Akalis, JD-U -- all have expressed discomfiture at the BJP's "big brotherly attitude". Even Chirag Paswan in a sugar-coated manner demanded "better coordination" between the NDA partners last November. He had demanded: "There should be better coordination among allies and an NDA convener should be appointed." Sources say that when the Jharkhand election was at the door step, AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto demanded a one-on-one meeting with Amit Shah to finalise seat sharing. Instead, he was asked to meet Nadda, then BJP working President. An upset Mahto took a flight back and unilaterally released his party's list to assert that the AJSU will fight alone. Eventually, the BJP lost the election.

As recently as Monday, the Shiromani Akali Dal refused to fight elections with the BJP in Delhi owing to its stand on the CAA. Though its another matter that the same party voted for the Bill when it came up in Parliament. The JJP, its ally in Haryana, too has reportedly refused to fight the Delhi polls with the BJP.

Nadda, who is known to be mild-mannered and often wears a smile, has to work extra hard to shed the BJP's bully image and re-forge a rainbow alliance that is crucial for the BJP-led NDA to start winning state elections.

"Be it as a young party 'karyakarta', MLA, Minister in Himachal Pradesh or organisational duties at the Centre, MP and Union Minister, JP Nadda Ji has added value to any responsibility he has held," Modi tweeted on Monday, praising the BJP's new boss. But none of his previous assignments held as much a challenge as this job does.

There is a sprawling room at the fifth floor, at the BJP headquarter where from BJP's national president works. The glass wall gives an unparalleled view of the greenery of Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park situated just next to the party office. But with his hands full, Nadda won't have the luxury to soak in that view lazily. He has his work cut out for him.

(Anindya Banerjee can be contacted at anindya.b@ians.in)

Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston
Virginia Techs Mid-Year Diversity Summit was held Jan. 17 at the Inn at Virginia Tech.

The summit is an InclusiveVT critical touchpoint event sponsored by the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. The one-day summit gathered more than 300 representatives campus-wide to reinvigorate collective efforts toward diversity strategic goals.

Michele Deramo, assistant provost of diversity education and programs and Menah Pratt-Clarke, vice president for strategic affairs and diversity opened with a warm welcome.

This years keynote was delivered by President Tim Sands who discussed Virginia Techs progress towards an inclusive campus. He was followed by the second keynote speaker, Abigail Stewart, chair of Gender and Feminist Psychology and distinguished professor of Psychology and Womens Studies, University of Michigan.

The summit topics included:

Being a Difference Maker + Challenges Ahead

An Inclusive Climate for Students

Building inclusive environments for undergraduates in your departments

The VT Food Access and Security StudyNext Steps

Ways We Can Support You: Graduate School Retention and Support Programs

I Am First-Gen: An Update on the Development and Implementation of First-Generation Programming

New Interfaith Program at Virginia Tech

Serving Students with Disabilities

The LGBT Faculty and Staff Caucus in 2020 and Beyond

Indigenous outreach and activities

Photos and video by Lee Friesland


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The Department of Finance (DOF) exposed Chevron Philippines for its "onerous" lease deal for a 120-hectare lot in Batangas, with the global oil firm paying peanuts to the government for the past 44 years.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Chevron, which runs Caltex gas stations nationwide, secured the property owned by government in San Pascual town for a bargain. He said Chevron's contract with the Batangas Land Co. Inc., a subsidiary of the state-run National Development Company (NDC), allowed the unit of the multinational oil player to pay a "miniscule" rent at 0.74 per square meter (sqm) every month.

The DOF said the current fair market value in the industrial park where Chevron's oil import terminal sits  the main hub of its local operations  should be around 17.90 per sqm.

Chevron, an American chain of fuel refilling stations, secured the Batangas lot through the 1946 Bell Trade Act which granted the right for US nationals to own land here, the DOF said. When the trade deal expired, the firm was given "preferential treatment" to occupy a huge parcel of land inside the Batangas industrial park.

Then-President Ferdinand Marcos granted a 50-year lease deal with Chevron with lease rates set at a minimum of 2.5 percent of the property's value in 1974. Marcos' Letter of Instruction No. 276 said the rent should include the real estate taxes for the property, and included a provision that annual rentals must be paid based on the higher revaluation of the property.

"At 10.66 million per year since 2010, the rent Chevron has been shelling out is only around 4 percent of the 257.76 million per year that current fair market rental rates in the area would suggest," the agency said in a statement.

For its part, Chevron Philippines denied the allegations.

"The Chevron Philippines lease contract with BLCI (Batangas Land Company, Inc.) on the Batangas property was entered into in compliance with all Philippine laws and regulations. As one of the pioneer energy companies in the Philippines which has been operating here for over a hundred years, our commitment to the Philippine market remains strong. We will maintain open communication with the government, an important and valued partner, on this matter," said Raissa Bautista of Chevron Philippines corporate affairs in a statement.

All contracts between government and the private sector are now under scrutiny following President Rodrigo Duterte's order last year, which has been hastened by his anger over water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water as their deals allowed them to demand payment for losses incurred from the state.

READ: Chevron PH confirms oil leak in Batangas refinery

Dominguez, who sits as a member of NDC's board of directors, said Chevron paid a measly 146.51 million in rental fees for the past 44 years, or an average of 3 million annually. The DOF estimates that the property is now worth between 4.9 billion to 5.3 billion.

"Based on current standards that the State imposes on similar contracts, to have a rental yield of less than 1 percent is surely grossly disadvantageous to the government and the Filipino people," Dominguez said.

He noted that the lease rate had only been increased in 2010, which brought the annual payments to 10.66 million since then. This is well below DOF's estimates that the rental fee should be above 20 million monthly, or 257.76 million per year.

Chevron used to own 45 percent of the explortation and extraction operations in the Malampaya natural gas field off Palawan. Last year, it sold the stake to businessman Dennis Uy's Udenna Corporation.

READ: COA orders Malampaya consortium to pay 146-B in taxes

The company runs nearly 700 Caltex gas stations in the Philippines and provides jet fuels for airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Hilary Duff is enjoying married life after tying the knot with Matthew Koma last month in a backyard ceremony.

The newlyweds recently returned from a romantic honeymoon, going on safari in South Africa.

But she was back home in LA by Monday, seen cutting a winter chic as she stepped out with daughter Banks.

Mom on the go: Hilary Duff cut a winter chic look Monday as she stepped out with daughter Banks in Los Angeles

The 32-year-old kept warm in a chunky brown wool turtleneck, partially tucked into faded slim jeans with distressed white New Balance sneakers.

She wore a black crossbody handbag as she crossed the street, carrying Banks, one, on her hip.

Duff recently took to Instagram from Mozambique as she and Koma, 32, enjoyed their honeymoon.

The couple went on safari during their visit to Kruger National Park earlier this month.

Winter chic: The 32-year-old kept warm in a chunky brown wool turtleneck, partially tucked into faded slim jeans with distressed white New Balance sneakers

Honeymooners: Duff recently took to Instagram from Mozambique as she and husband Matthew Koma, 32, enjoyed their honeymoon

On safari: The couple went on safari during their visit to Kruger National Park earlier this month

Wanderlust vibes: Their adventure continued with some mountain climbing, before they chilled out in the pool

Their adventure continued with some mountain climbing, before they chilled out in the pool.

The romantic getaway comes after their intimate wedding, which took place at their Los Angeles home.

Duff stunned in a custom Jenny Packham wedding dress, before changing into a gold two-piece number for the reception.

Hilary's sister Haylie Duff was in attendance at the nuptials, as was her pal Mandy Moore.

Hilary shares Banks with Koma, while co-parenting son Luca, seven, with ex Mike Comrie, 39, to whom she was married from 2010 to 2016.
The Secretariat has invited India to participate in a meeting called in Bali on February 3 and 4 on RCEP agreement to sort out concerns of New Delhi, an official said.

India at a meeting in November last year in Bangkok decided to withdraw from this mega free-trade agreement as its concerns were not addressed adequately by the RCEP.

"India has received the invitation for the meeting but it has not yet taken any decision on this," the official said.

The RCEP, comprising 10-member bloc and six other countries India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, is engaged in negotiations for a free-trade pact.

Japan had earlier indicated that efforts were on to make India join the ambitious Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying all member countries of the grouping were committed to address New Delhi's concerns.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue earlier in the month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India had not closed its doors on the RCEP and would carry out a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate its merit.

"Where RCEP is concerned, we have to look at cost and benefit. We will evaluate RCEP on its economic and trade merit. We have not closed our mind to it," the minister had said.

The presence of China in the RCEP grouping had raised concerns as the Indian industry fears that the free-trade pact would result in flooding of Chinese goods in the domestic market. Several sectors such as IT and pharma have time and again flagged the issue of trade barriers which had prevented entry of domestic players in the Chinese market.

India has pitched for an auto-trigger mechanism in the RCEP agreement as a remedy against sudden and significant import surge from countries such as China to protect domestic players.

India registered a trade deficit in 2018-19 with as many as 11 RCEP member countries including China, South Korea and Australia.

The agreement has aimed to cover issues related to goods, services, investments, economic and technical cooperation, competition and intellectual property rights.

In such trade agreements, trading partners reduce or eliminate customs duties on maximum number of goods traded among themselves. They also relax norms like visa regime to promote trade in services and attract investments.
Okayama Prefectural Police are questioning a man after a woman was fatally stabbed and her husband injured at their residence in Okayama City earky Saturday, reports TV Asahi (Jan. 20).

Okayama Prefectural Police are questioning a man after a woman was fatally stabbed and her husband injured at their residence in Okayama City earky Saturday, reports TV Asahi (Jan. 20).

At around 3:20 a.m., Tomomasa Nakade, 50, telephoned police to report that his wife, 45, had been stabbed by an intruder at their residence in Naka Ward.

Officers arriving at the scene found Nakadeas wife, Katsue, with stab wounds to the abdomen. She was confirmed dead at the scene.

Police are questioning a man after a woman was fatally stabbed at her residence in Okayama City on Saturday (Twitter)

Meanwhile, Nakade had an injured left arm. Police found a blood-stained knife at the residence.

About five hours later, police found a man in his 30s attempting to conceal a wound to his arm on the premises of another residence located about 250 meters away. Police are now questioning the man about the incident.
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, reflects on last weeks Primates Meeting in Jordan.

When the then-Archbishop of Canterbury, Donald Coggan, called together the Primates of the Anglican Communion in 1978 for the first time, he had in mind an opportunity for leisurely thought, prayer and deep consultation. Last week in Jordan, 42 years after that first meeting, a large number of Anglican Communion primates gathered to do just that.

It was a privilege to listen to Anglican leaders from around the world as they briefed their fellow-primates on issues in their provinces. It was, simultaneously, a painful time and a time of great joy. We heard of conflict and war, of persecution and restrictions on the ability of Christians to share their faith. And we heard of great growth, and of new freedoms for Christians  including, in one country, the restoration of a traditional public march of witness and in other countries the planting of many, many new churches.

We were honoured to begin our meeting with an audience with King Abdullah II. His Majesty spoke to us about the role Jordan plays in the region in working for stability and peace; and the efforts of both him and his family in protecting the Christian community in the region. His Majesty spoke strongly of the need to ensure the continuing Christian presence in this region.

We were hosted by Archbishop Suheil Dawani, the Anglican / Episcopal Archbishop in Jerusalem, whose diocese covers Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan; and President Bishop Michael Lewis, Primate of the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East. The Diocese in Jerusalem is a small community  a minority within a minority  but is highly respected in the region for its great ministries in healthcare and education.

During their meeting, the Primates discussed a range of issues, and spent a great deal of time discussing both the forthcoming Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops and the work of the Primates Task Group, which was established following the January 2016 Primates Meeting to work out ways in which the Anglican Communion can deliver the primates commitment to walk together, however painful this is, and despite our differences, as a deep expression of our unity in the body of Christ.

That commitment to walk together was so evident at last weeks meeting. Of course there were differences. There always will be. There always have been. The New Testament letters are full of them. But despite those differences  which were aired and not hidden  there was also a spirit of unity. Primates listened to each other with respect; and they prayed with and for each other.

There was a sense of Gods amazing grace in the meeting and I was very excited about what I saw, heard and experienced. I pray and hope, with great expectation, that this sense of leisurely thought, prayer and deep consultation will carry forward to the Lambeth Conference later this year.

When the primates gather, no matter how good the meeting is, we are always aware of those who are not with us. Last week, the primates of Uganda, Nigeria and Rwanda chose to absent themselves over differences within the Communion; and the Church of South India was busy electing a new Moderator as we were travelling to Jordan. Three more primates: North India, Papua New Guinea and Central Africa were absent because of a mixture of ill-health, security and logistics.

Please join me in praying for all the primates, their provinces and dioceses at this exciting time for the Anglican Communion.
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On the same night that Rockies GM Jeff Bridich said that star third baseman Nolan Arenado wouldnt be traded, the third baseman laid bare his less-than-positive feelings towards the organization. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post was on the story in both cases.

I really dont care whats being said, Arenado stated to Saunders. I just know that I feel disrespected over there. He offered similarly antagonistic words to MLB.coms Thomas Harding, writing in a text that theres a lot of disrespect from people there that I dont want to be a part of.

Arenado declined to elaborate initially. But he noted in a follow-up statement to Harding (Twitter link) that he isnt upset at being mentioned in trade chatter. Per Arenado: Im not mad at trade rumors. Theres more to it than that.

The source of Arenados frustration still isnt entirely clear. But theres little doubt the Rockies downturn in 2019 features prominently. And his expression of anger coincides with  even if it doesnt specifically relate to  the trade speculation that has hovered over his name this winter.

The star third baseman has no-trade rights, meaning hed have to be involved at some point in any trade scenario. Whether and to what extent he has been in communication with the Rockies about trade scenarios is entirely unknown. There has been no public indication that he was specifically pressing the organization for a trade. Arenados pointed phrasing from late last season  it feels like a rebuild  drew attention, but seems to have been taken out of context.

Whether these new comments will have any practical impact remains to be seen. The sides remain bound by a seven-year deal, unless and until Arenado opts out (after 2021) or approves a swap orchestrated by the team. Bridichs comments seemed designed to bring this month-long trade drama to a close. But now Arenado has given a tantalizing look into his thinking thats sure to draw even greater scrutiny to his relationship and future with the Colorado organization.
Venezuelas opposition leader Juan Guaido has met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Colombias capital, as he tries to shore up international support amid a power struggle with President Nicolas Maduro.

The South American country, which is suffering an economic crisis, is a failed state, Pompeo said on Monday, after meeting Guaido on the sidelines of a three-day counterterrorism ministerial meeting in Bogota.

Guaido, recognised as the nations legitimate president by more than 50 countries, including the United States, defied a court order to travel abroad on Sunday.

We are honoured by your presence, Colombian President Ivan Duque told the opposition leader on Monday during opening remarks. You will always have a friend in Colombia.

Duque also met Pompeo before the start of the ministerial meeting to discuss a number of issues, including the situation in Venezuela.

I would fully expect there will be further action that the US would take to continue to support President Guaido and the Venezuelan people, Pompeo told journalists.

We do not talk about particular sanctions but everyone can fully expect that the US is not done, Pompeo warned, without specifying what action Washington will take.

From Colombia, Guaido is set to travel on to London, Brussels and Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum.

We will have important meetings in Europe, in the European Union and specifically in Davos, Guaido told journalists.

Guaido would not confirm whether he will meet US President Donald Trump in Davos.

Meanwhile, Maduros government, which is backed by Russia and China, among others, dismissed Guaidos trip as irrelevant.

Its utterly irrelevant for us that a lackey has gone to meet his masters in Colombia, ruling Socialist Party Vice President Diosdado Cabello told a press conference in Caracas, referring to Guaido.

He hasnt achieved anything he promised.

Maduro has branded Guaido a US puppet and says the US wants to invade Venezuela using the aid of Colombia and other countries.

According to analyst Carlos Pina, the opposition leader is playing his last card.

Currently Maduro and his government seem to be holding most of the [political and military] power in Venezuela, Pina said.

With this trip, and with not much margin inside the country, what Guaido is trying to do is to increase the international pressure and the support of his [international] allies, he added.

National Liberation Army and Hezbollah

Separately, Colombia and the US accused Maduro of harbouring armed groups such as Colombias Marxist-led National Liberation Army rebels and of having connections to everyone from drug traffickers to Lebanons Hezbollah movement.

[Maduro is] now running an operation that looks more like a cartel than anything else that one could describe. This isnt good for Venezuela, its not good for the countries that are around Venezuela, Pompeo said.

There was no immediate response by Caracas.

Earlier on Monday, Colombia and Honduras officially declared Lebanons Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, a move praised by Pompeo.

We applaud the announcements of Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala to designate #Iran-backed #Hizballah a terrorist organization. It and other transnational terrorist groups remain active in the region. The U.S. continues to rally international support to counter these threats.  Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 20, 2020

According to Pina, the statements could open the possibility of the US including Venezuela in the list of states that support or finance terrorism.

He said: If this were to take place, it would be an unprecedented event that could lead to a big escalation between the different parties.
A new company aiming to support and train young Irish actors is to bring musical theatre masterclasses with West End and Broadway stars to cities such as Cork and Dublin.

Theatre legend Colm Wilkinson launched the Irish Youth Musical Theatre (IYMT) in recent days and has enlisted a number of well-known Irish stars to deliver masterclasses across the country.

Dublin-born Wilkinson rose to fame internationally in the 1980s when he originated the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and for starring as the titular role in the original Canadian production of the Phantom of the Opera as well as originating the role in the workshop a year before its West End opening. He also represented Ireland in the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest as 'C.T. Wilkinson', earning fifth place with 'Born To Sing'.

Bridget Salaja, Seimi Campbell, Deborah Kelleher, Rua Barron, Colm Wilkinson, David Shannon, and Dave Quane

The IYMT will offer professional training opportunities to young actors aged between 14 and 24, with an initial 'West End Studio Series' that will visit Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Cork and Galway in the coming months.

Irish stars of West End and Broadway taking on ambassador and tutor roles include:

Rachel Tucker, who starred in Come From Away and Wicked;

David Shannon, who has starred in Phantom of the Opera and Matilda, will deliver an audition masterclass in Galway on March 8;

Killian Donnelly, known for Les Miserables and Kinky Boots and who will be performing in Ireland this year as The Phantom in the touring production of Phantom of the Opera, will be delivering an acting through song and audition technique masterclass on March 22 in Dublin and;

Fra Fee, previously seen in The Ferryman and the 2012 film version of Les Miserables, will teach the acting through song masterclass in Cork on April 26.

Irish Youth Musical Theatre is Irelands new National Musical Theatre Training Company for your talented actors aged 14 to 24, across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. https://t.co/wkOznhl1PP pic.twitter.com/vuAHrOd1ha  Irish Youth Musical Theatre (@Irishyouthmt) January 14, 2020

David Shannon encouraged young actors of all abilities and from musical societies across the country to join them for these workshops.

"Its great that we finally have a national training company based on excellence, inclusivity and creativity," he said.

Deborah Kelleher, David Shannon, Colm Wilkinson, Dave Quane, and Seimi Campbell

The cross border initiative is run in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), under the patronage of Wilkinson, and the artistic direction of Irish London-based theatre director, Seimi Campbell.

"As the National Conservatoire for Music in Ireland, the Royal Irish Academy of Music is delighted to be partnered with this exciting new initiative, as together, we will offer intensive training to the best young musical theatre talent in Ireland, by the best industry professionals - both Irish and international," said Deborah Kelleher, director of RIAM.

For more information, see iymt.ie.
Lebanons protesters resort to public shaming, forcing current and former officials out of public spaces.

Lebanons anti-establishment movement is now in its fourth month.

Protesters have so far failed to topple the divided, sectarian leadership blamed for corruption and the worsening economy.

But they have managed to make some gains.

Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr reports from Beirut.
The Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco recently held a grand meeting for overseas Vietnamese to celebrate the Lunar New Year (Tet) as the biggest traditional festival is just around the corner.

Vietnamese in Vientiane, Laos gather to celebrate the New Year 2020.

The event was attended by 500 who are Vietnamese-USofficials, businessmen, scholars, expatriates in the West Coast of the US, andrepresentatives from local authorities.

In his remarks, General Consul Nguyen Trac Toan informed the guests ofVietnams socio-economic achievements in 2019, highlighting that Vietnamese expatriates in the US have made great contributions to the results, and adding 2020 will mark an important milestone in the bilateral relations as both side aremarking the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.



Toan laid a stress on the role of the Vietnamese community in the US West Coast in building the nation and nurturing the Vietnam-US relations in the past time, while calling for international friends to join hands to develop the ties in a practical fashion.

Meanwhile, similar event was held by the Vietnamese Embassy in Tanzania on January 19, drawing the participation of many Vietnamese people, businesses, and international friends.





Ambassador Nguyen Kim Doanh speaks at the meeting.



Ambassador Nguyen Kim Doanh conveyed Tet wishes of the Party and State leaders to the Vietnamese community in the host nation, and highlighted Vietnams political-diplomatic and socio-economic achievements as well as the sound Vietnam-Tanzania relations in the past year.



The Vietnamese Party and State always value the contributions by Vietnamese expatriates, including those in Tanzania, in the national construction and defense,he said, expressing his belief that the Vietnamese people in the host nation will continue to serve as a bridge to further the fruitful traditional friendship between the two countries.



He wished that the Vietnamese nationals will continue overcoming challenges and respecting Tanzanian regulations to give international friends a good image ofVietnam.



Similar activities were also held in Mexico, Poland,Slovakia and the UK on the same occasion.

On January 19, the Vietnamese Embassy in India held a Tet celebration for the Vietnamese community.

Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau extended his Tet greetings to Vietnamese expatriates and highlighted Vietnams remarkable socio-economic development over the past year.

The same day, the association of Vietnamese people in Laos celebrated the festival along with the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) (February 3).

The event attracted over 1,000 overseas Vietnamese who were treated to traditional foods and special art performances.

Earlier on January 18, a Tet celebration was observed in Prague capital of the Czech Republic.

Mayor of Prague Libus Jiri Koubek expressed his pleasure to attend the event, which helps people of the two countries understand better about their culture and cuisine.

The Vietnamese permanent mission to the United Nations and the Vietnamese Consulate General in New York also hosted a gathering for nearly 400 overseas Vietnamese./.VNA
Nenagh is set to welcome 12 Syrian families, local councillors were told at their January district council meeting.

The families will be housed using Tipperary County Councils own housing stock.

The announcement was welcomed by councillors. However, they felt that keeping the local community informed would be vital to its success.

The resettlement, which is part of the Governments commitments to the UN, is being overseen in Tipperary through Youthwork Ireland Tipperary, led by CEO Cora Horgan, and the councils housing section.

They have gone through an awful lot just to get to Tipperary, she told councillors. They dont want their children growing up in a war torn country.

Ms Horgan said that it was extremely important to keep local communities informed about the programme and hoped to build a relationship between the local community and the family through volunteerism and a friending programme.

They are here to make Tipperary their home, she said. They are like ourselves and want to play their part in the community.

Ms Horgan said that Youthwork Ireland Tipperary had a huge passion for the project and wanted it to work well.

Following news last year that a number of families were coming to Borrisokane, a local liaison group was set up with the Department of Justice and Nenagh district cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Hannigan said he would like think that group showed leadership.

He urged that the template for Borrisoakne would be used in Nenagh.

Borrisokane stood tall over other parts of the country, said Cllr Hannigan.

Cllr Ger Darcy said it would be hugely important to engage with the community, saying if there was more of that then would there would be fewer problems like Oughterard.

Borrisokane could have gone either way, he warned.

Cllr Darcy said there would have to be a lot more consultation on the ground.

Cllr Michael OMeara said Borrisokane had been a hugely positive experience, and the families had added a new dimension to the community.

While Cllr Seamus Morris was proud of how the council had handled Borrisokane, he didnt think we are there yet.

He said there had been a serious lack of information about families coming to Borrisokane, and he hoped there would be more information for Nenagh.

I am sure Nenagh will welcome these families, he said.

However, Cllr Morris warned: We will need a lot of information to sell this to the people and allay fears.

He hoped more information would be forthcoming for Nenagh than happened in Borrisokane and that more meetings would be held locally.

There are plans to employ two resettlement workers to liaise with the families and council director of housing Sinead Carr said they hoped to have them in place in February.

She acknowledged Borrisokane as an example of good leadership and said it showed the decency of the people of Tipperary.

She said the programme was under the Department of Justice but was being managed by local authorities.

The housing director said she was aware of the sensitivity around the process and they would take on board all that had gone before.

She was aware, she said, that information was crucial.

This is the start of the process, Ms Carr told councillors. People wont be dropped from the sky.

Tipperary is to house 45 families in total with families also coming to Templemore in the north end of the county.
A woman's jilted ex-boyfriend has admitted to killing his former partner in a fit of rage after she dumped him.

Aaron Richard Potts, 36, strangled mother-of-three Barbara Ann Quinn before stabbing her in the chest four times in her home in Greymouth, New Zealand, in December last year.

Weeks earlier Ms Quinn, 41, had ended their relationship after eight months together.

Angered about being dumped, Potts went to Ms Quinn's home where he waited for her to return on her lunch break.

Mother-of-three Barbara Ann Quinn (pictured) was strangled and stabbed by her former partner after she dumped him

The pair had argued the night before and Potts had pushed her against a wall.

As he waited outside her home on the day of the murder he Googled 'how to choke someone'.

Once he saw she had returned home, he entered the property, carrying alcohol, chocolates and flowers.

But Ms Quinn immediately told him to leave.

He then began choking her.

Potts then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed his former partner four times. The knife pierced her heart twice.

Potts then dragged her bloodied body to the boot of his car and drove to a secluded area on Notown Rd.

He spent 12 hours in the vehicle with her body before police found them, Stuff reported.

Her killed, Aaron Richard Potts, admitted to her murder in the High Court in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Tuesday

He had been drinking alcohol and watching pornography on his phone.

When police found him, he had also attempted to kill himself.

During his court appearance on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to murder, Potts was silent, staring at a wall throughout the hearing.

The court was told how moment before the killing he had messaged a friend, asking if it was possible if he was 'just pure evil'.

'Do you think I can be a monster? Just pure evil?' the message read.

Ms Quinn has been described as an amazing mum to her children Luke, Kayden, and Summer.

Her family has been left heartbroken by her death.

'I look at your photo wall when Im at your place & think how unfair this all is,' her sister Lana Blanchfield shared on Facebook.

'Ive cried an ocean of tears & this pain just isnt getting any less.'

Potts will be sentenced on April 3.
VANCOUVERThe federal New Democrats are standing behind an MP who described the arrest of Meng Wanzhou as tainted by the political interests of the United States while he attended a party hosted by the Chinese consulate earlier this month.

Don Davies, the MP for Vancouver Kingsway, was attending Lunar New Year celebrations Jan. 10 at Vancouvers Westin Bayshore when he made his comments to a reporter from a Chinese-language TV station.

Meng, an executive of the company Huawei, was arrested at the request of the United States while transferring flights at Vancouvers international airport en route to Mexico in December 2018.

My reading of the Extradition Act is that, at the end, there is a role for the political body. In this, the minister of justice does have, ultimately, some power and decisions, Davies said. I thought from the beginning that this case was tainted by the political interests of the United States and Donald Trump. I think thats clear from Mr. Trumps own words.

Shortly after Mengs arrest, U.S. president Donald Trump mused hed intervene in the case if he thought it would help craft a trade deal with China.

A version of the interview used in the TV report did not include Davies comments on the minister of justice, but the Star obtained an unedited version.

Davies also said he wants the dispute to be resolved in a proper and correct way and for Canada to move forward forging close relations and building both countries for the people.

The fact of the matter is that the case is now before the courts, Davies said. Im hoping that a good airing of all of the issues, the real issues, in the court case are brought quickly and comprehensively before the court, that theres a quick decision.

His office did not return a request for an interview about the comments.

The allegations against Meng go back as far as 2007 and include charges of bank fraud. Her official extradition proceedings started Monday in Vancouver.

Shortly after Mengs arrest, two Canadians in mainland China, consultant Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, were arrested by Chinese authorities in what many observer said was retaliation for the Meng arrest. The two have been in custody since their arrests and their case, on vague charges of national security breaches, was moved to prosecutors last month.

Beijing also implemented trade actions against Canada, some of which have since been lifted.

It isnt the first time Davies has publicly criticized Mengs detention as political. In 2018, the MP released a statement shortly after Meng was arrested in which he made similar comments and called for Canada to not extradite Wanzhou.

At the time, on CBCs Power & Politics, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said the statement did not reflect the views of the party. The statement soon disappeared from Davies web page.

The NDPs foreign affairs critic, Jack Harris, said he doesnt see any issue with Davies latest comments because he made reference to the case being in court. He said the stance doesnt break from the partys on the issue.

I dont see that being any different than what weve said before and still say, Harris said. This is a case that we acted, as a country, in response to our legal obligation under a treaty and the arrested Meng. He clearly said, yes, this is a complex case, and theres lots of different views on it.

China, too, has charged Mengs arrest was political.

But Charles Burton, an expert on Canada-China relations at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, said its distressing to see Canadian politicians who should know how Canadas legal system works taking the same line as Beijing on Mengs case.

I think its also distressing that some Canadian politicians, who should understand how our system works, would support the Chinese governments perspective that Meng Wanzhous arrest is political, Burton said.

He said the comments made by Trump about the case should be readily discounted.

Burton said the detention of Kovrig and Spavor, plus other measures taken by China to punish Canada for the arrest, make for a delicate time in Canada-China relations and speaking counter to Ottawas strategy is counter productive.

Burton said its up to government officials to speak with foreign governments, particularly on international relations.

Photos from the Lunar New Year also show other politicians in attendance, including NDP MP Jenny Kwan.

A spokesperson for Kwan said she attended the event to meet with constituents and she turned down invitations from the consulate for Chinese national day and the 20th anniversary of the handover of Macau.

Port Coquitlam mayor Brad West, who has recently garnered headlines for speaking out against Canadian politicians hob knobbing with Chinese officials, said attending parties at the consulate of a country holding two Canadians is absolutely wrong.

He said politicians often come up with many reasons why they would still attend events hosted by the consulate, but none of them make it acceptable.

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(Alliance News) - Caledonia Mining Corp on Tuesday said it has increased its holding in the Blanket gold mine in Zimbabwe to 64%.

Caledonia, which previously held 49%, first announced the deal in November 2018 but it required approval from various regulators in the country, which took over a year.

The miner will be paying USD16.7 million to partner Fremiro Investments Pvt Ltd. Caledonia is paying in both shares and the cancellation of a loan between Fremiro and Caledonia. Fremiro will have a 6.3% stake in Caledonia following the sale.

"I am pleased to report the company has concluded its transaction with Fremiro to increase Caledonia's shareholding in Blanket to 64%," said Caledonia Chief Executive Steve Curtis.

"I would like to thank Fremiro for its support as a shareholder in Blanket during the last seven years and am confident that Fremiro, now as a significant shareholder in the company, will continue to be supportive of Caledonia's business going forward."

Caledonia originally sold 41% of the Blanket mine to indigenous Zimbabwean shareholders in 2012 to meet economic empowerment laws. Fremiro got 15%, the National Indigenisation & Economic Empowerment Fund 16%, and the Blanket employee trust 10%.

Another 10% was donated to the local community via the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust, leaving Caledonia with a 49% stake and local shareholders with 51%.

However, in March 2018 the law was amended, removing the need for 51% of gold mining business to be Zimbabwean-owned.

Shares in Caledonia were 0.5% lower on Tuesday morning in London at 651.75 pence each.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Isabel dos Santos, Africas richest woman and the daughter of Angolas former president, is under scrutiny by her bank and the Angolan government after a leak of more than 700,000 documents showed how she exploited the countrys wealth to enrich herself.

EuroBic, a Lisbon-based arm of a bank where Ms. dos Santos is the biggest shareholder, said on Monday that it was ending its commercial relationship with her and investigating transfers worth tens of millions of dollars, transactions that were revealed on Sunday by The New York Times and other news outlets working with the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

[Read the Times investigation.]

Angolas attorney general said on Monday that the government would use all possible means to bring Ms. dos Santos back to the country, where she faces possible corruption charges and where her assets were frozen last month, along with her husbands and those of a Portuguese business associate, Agence France-Presse reported. The Angolan government, led until September 2017 by her father, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, said the three were responsible for more than $1 billion in lost government money.

The leaked documents, which include emails, invoices, slide presentations and contracts, provided a paper trail showing how Ms. dos Santos and her husband, Sindika Dokolo, amassed a fortune of more than $2 billion through their stakes in vital Angolan industries like telecommunications, diamonds and construction. Angola, rich in oil and diamonds, is nevertheless impoverished, with one of the worlds highest infant mortality rates and endemic corruption.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have just finalized the details of their royal exit, but Harry isn't taking any time off from resuming some of his official duties.

Harry took some time out on Monday (January 20) to meet with leaders at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London. He spoke with HE President Filipe Nyusi, the president of Mozambique, HE Arthur Peter Mutharika, president of Malawi, and HE Saadeddine Othmani, the prime minister of Morocco. He also spoke to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson while attending during a private meeting.

WPA Pool/Getty Images

The leaders met with Harry in an effort to promote investment opportunities across Africa, specifically the UK's role in supporting economic development there.

RELATED: Prince Harry Speaks Out for the First Time About His and Meghan's Decision to Step Down as Royals

Harry's dedication to his official duties didn't take any time off, despite the somewhat confusing nature of the royal family's communications over the past few weeks.

WPA Pool/Getty Images

The meetings came following a rather tumultuous weekend in terms of royal news, during which Harry spoke up about his "sadness" when it comes to stepping back from his royal roles.

"Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful, and we were here to serve," Harry opened up during a meeting with charity supporters of his Sentebale organization on Sunday (January 19).

"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly," he continued. "It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I havent always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you."

Harry reportedly isn't the only member of the royal family who's down about the whole thing, though. While Queen Elizabeth is reportedly dealing with the step-down agreement just fine, she's not so chuffed about having to spend less time with Harry and Meghan's son, baby Archie.

Story continues

The Sunday Times reports that the Queen is "very sad" that Archie will grow up primarily outside of the UK, as they haven't seen much of each other since he was born.

"She will be very sad to have barely seen Archie and that he will miss out on growing up with his cousins and wider family," a source offered.

This new arrangement for Harry and Meghan (and little Archie) will undoubtedly be difficult for some members of the royal family at first, but as Harry proved by getting on with his official duties, things will eventually get back to "normal" in the end.
Mangaluru: The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) takes the low intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that was found inside an unattended bag at the Mangalore airport, being carried for diffusion in Mangaluru on Jan 20, 2020. It all began Image Source: IANS News

Mangaluru: A member of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) takes the low intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that was found inside an unattended bag at the Mangalore airport, for diffusion in Mangaluru on Jan 20, 2020. It all began a Image Source: IANS News

Mangluru, Jan 21 : Operations at Mangluru International Airport (MIA) are normal, a day after security agencies detonated a bomb recovered from the airport in a controlled explosion, an official said on Tuesday.

"All operations are normal at Mangluru International Airport. Everything is normal," told the airport director V.V. Rao to IANS.

Rao said even on Monday, there was no interruption to the airport operations, except for that one recalled IndiGo flight to Bengaluru.

"As the explosive was isolated and taken away from the airport, there was no disturbance to flights, except one Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight which suffered a few hours delay and took off later," said Rao.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened at the airport.

Mangluru north assistant commissioner of police Belliappa told IANS that the police are still on the hunt for the culprits who planted the bomb at the airport.

"We are trying to trace the culprits, we got the footage of the suspects," said Belliappa, highlighting that the police are yet to find the name, age and other details of the suspects.

At Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), the number of police personnel has been increased in a bid to tighten the security and 24 hour searching of vehicles is underway.

"We have set up two check posts on the way to the airport and randomly checking vehicles," told Devanahalli assistant commissioner of police Subramanya to IANS.

All Karnataka airports, including Hubballi and Belagavi are on high alert. Eom/238 words
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 06:16:08|Editor: huaxia

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NEW YORK, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices fell on Tuesday as traders worried about a global economic slowdown, which could weaken energy demand.

The West Texas Intermediate for February delivery settled 20 cents lower at 58.34 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for March delivery decreased 61 cents to close at 64.59 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut global growth projections on Monday, citing negative surprises in a few emerging markets, notably in India, and increased social unrest, but added that "global growth may be bottoming out."

The IMF slashed its global growth forecast for this year and next year by 0.1 percentage points and 0.2 percentage points, respectively. Global economic growth is now projected to expand 3.3 percent in 2020 and 3.4 percent in 2021.

Concerns over weaker demand outweighed worries about Libya's oil crisis, according to experts.

Market participants do not appear unduly concerned at present about the production outages in Libya, energy analysts at Commerzbank Research said in a note on Tuesday.

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 closure of the ports causes loss of daily crude oil production of 800,000 barrels, or a daily equivalent of 55 million dollars, the NOC said in a statement. Enditem
President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo on Monday, January 20, 2020, participated in the UK-Africa Investment Summit being held in London, in the United Kingdom.

The UK-Africa Investment Summit, being hosted by British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, MP, is to bring together businesses, governments and international institutions to showcase and promote the breadth and quality of investment opportunities across Africa.

The president however took to his social media to share lovely photos from the event

President Akufo-Addo with British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, MP Source: Facebook (Akufo-Addo)

Source: Facebook

President Akufo-Addo with British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson, MP Source: Facebook (Akufo-Addo)

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Ghana seals deal to host Afro Nation for 5 years

Ghanaians have reacted to the post and shared various thoughts on the president at the UK-Africa summit.

@Alhassan Abdulai said: That's great Your Excellency it's in the right order, God bless & grant you all the needed support to get Ghana & some of us to our rightful place. Thank you Your Excellency.

@Atta Mensah said But Nana our communication team has to be strong and powerful is election year, when they get the chance they have to let the grassroot know what is going on.

Source: Akufo-Addo(Facebook)

Source: Facebook

@Yakub Moro Bamba said Mr. President, I swear my leg, you have more pictures with world leaders than jobs you've created since assuming office. The pictures you post are clear & better than the policies you've made for Ghana. Am sure u have Mr of photography

Albert Agyemang said: No Size H.E President Akufo Addo.No Size.God bless you H.E.We Ghanaians Pray For you.Still your Enemy's is not a God

@Obed Mensah Jnr Soar higher great leader ..May the Good Lord keep directing your path and may all your detractors be put to shame.

@Mutalib Abubakar said: Thanks for putting Ghana on the track we shall reward you with our thumb come Dec 7th

Source: Facebook (Akufo-Addo

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: New voters' register: EC to begin compilation in April 2020

In order news, a prophet by name Emmanuel Micah says President Nana Akufo-Addo will lose the 2020 elections because he broke his covenant with God.

According to the man of God, the NPP leader will see defeat in the December polls because he failed to build a cathedral for God. Subscribe to watch new videos.

He opined that Akufo-Addo made a covenant with God to build a house (cathedral) for Him when he visited Israel before the 2016 presidential elections.

Source: Facebook (Akufo-Addo) Original

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Boris Cudjoe uses Akan proverb in speech at the UK-Africa Investment Summit

Do you have a story to share or you have information for us? Get featured on YEN.com.gh. Message us on Facebook.

Source: YEN.com.gh
BOZEMAN -- A new search led by Montana State University has revealed more than a dozen massive black holes in dwarf galaxies that were previously considered too small to host them, and surprised scientists with their location within the galaxies.

The study, headed by MSU astrophysicist Amy Reines, searched 111 dwarf galaxies within a billion light years of Earth using the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, two hours outside Albuquerque in the plains of New Mexico. Reines identified 13 galaxies that "almost certainly" host massive black holes and found something unexpected: The majority of the black holes were not in the location she anticipated.

"All of the black holes I had found before were in the centers of galaxies," said Reines, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics in the College of Letters and Science and a researcher in MSU's eXtreme Gravity Institute. "These were roaming around the outskirts. I was blown away when I saw this."

The eXtreme Gravity Institute brings together physicists and astronomers to study phenomena where the forces of gravity are so strong they blur the separation between space and time, such as the big bang, neutron stars and black holes.

There are two main types of black holes, incredibly dense areas of space with gravitational pulls strong enough to capture light. Smaller, stellar black holes form as large stars die and are roughly 10 times the mass of our sun, according to Reines. The other type, known as supermassive or massive black holes, tend to be found at the center of galaxies and can have masses millions or even billions that of our sun. Scientists don't know how they are created.

The Milky Way, a spiral galaxy consisting of somewhere between 100 and 400 billion stars, has a massive black hole at its center, Sagittarius A*. Dwarf galaxies can be of any shape, but are much smaller than the Milky Way, with up to a few billion stars.

Reines' results confirm predictions from recent computer simulations by Jillian Bellovary, an assistant professor at Queensborough Community College in New York and Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History, which postulated that black holes may often be off-center in dwarf galaxies due to the way galaxies interact as they move through space. The findings may change how scientists look for black holes in dwarf galaxies in the future.

"We need to expand searches to target the whole galaxy, not just the nuclei where we previously expected black holes to be," Reines said.

Reines' paper, "A New Sample of (Wandering) Massive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies from High Resolution Radio Observations," was published Jan. 3 in The Astrophysical Journal, and Reines reported the findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 5.

Reines has been searching the skies for black holes for a decade. As a graduate student at the University of Virginia, she focused on star formation in dwarf galaxies, but in her research she found something else that captured her interest: a massive black hole "in a little dwarf galaxy where it wasn't supposed to be."

Thirty million light years from Earth, the dwarf galaxy Henize 2-10 was previously believed to be too small to host a massive black hole. Conventional wisdom told us that all massive galaxies with a spheroidal component have a massive black hole, Reines explained, and little dwarf galaxies didn't. Yet Reines found one in the center of the dwarf galaxy. It was a "eureka" moment, she said. Her findings were published in the journal Nature in 2011 and Reines turned her research to searching for other black holes in dwarf galaxies.

"Once I started looking for these things on purpose, I started finding a whole bunch," Reines said.

Her next search of the universe shifted to visual data rather than radio signals. It uncovered over 100 possible black holes in the first systematic search of a parent sample of more than 40,000 dwarf galaxies. For her latest search, described in the paper released this month, Reines wanted to go back and look for radio signatures in that sample, which she said would allow her to find massive black holes in star-forming dwarf galaxies. Only one galaxy was identified using both methods.

"There are lots of opportunities to make new discoveries because studying black holes in dwarf galaxies is a new field," she said. "People are definitely captivated by black holes. They're mysterious and fascinating objects."

Reines' discoveries have poured new energy into the search for black holes in dwarf galaxies, opening up new areas of astrophysics as she and other scientists attempt to discover how these massive black holes form.

"When new discoveries break our current understanding of the way things work, we find even more questions than we had before," said Yves Idzerda, head of the Department of Physics at MSU.

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Warsaw (AFP) - Poland's president will skip a high-profile Holocaust forum in Jerusalem on Thursday after being denied the chance to make a speech there as Warsaw struggles to counter false Russian claims about Poland's role in World War II.

The forum at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre will mark 75 years since the Soviet Red Army liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau German death camp, an enduring symbol of the Holocaust where the Nazis killed more than 1.1 million people.

Co-organised by a close Kremlin ally, the event will notably be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, and US Vice President Mike Pence, who have been given the chance to speak.

The forum is seen as rivalling the official ceremony marking the war anniversary on January 27 at the site of the former death camp in the southern Polish city of Oswiecim, where Polish President Andrzej Duda is expected to make an address.

Duda said he declined the invitation to Jerusalem because he would not have an opportunity to respond should Putin use the event to again lob accusations of anti-Semitism against Poland.

Last month Putin provoked an outcry after he made the false claim that Poland had colluded with Nazi German dictator Adolf Hitler and contributed to the outbreak of World War II.

According to Polish political analyst Marcin Zaborowski, Putin's goal is to "turn Poland against Israel and thereby against the US too".

Poland's foreign ministry on Tuesday urged Putin "not to use the memory of the victims of the Holocaust for political games".

It also distributed a reprinted copy of the first written document warning that Nazi Germany had begun a campaign of genocide against Europe's Jews.

In December 1942, Poland's then London-based government in exile forwarded the document, titled "The Mass Extermination of Jews in German occupied Poland", to the United Nations.

It included detailed accounts of the Holocaust as witnessed by members of the Polish resistance, but drew only muted reactions from the international community.

Story continues

- Billionaire Kremlin ally -

The Jerusalem event was notably organised and sponsored by Moshe Kantor, a billionaire close to the Kremlin who is also a prominent figure in Russia's Jewish community and the president of the European Jewish Congress.

"Putin is befriending Israel and Russian Jews in Israel, many of whom are influential, like Avigdor Lieberman," the Soviet-born head of the nationalist secular Yisrael Beitenu (Israel Our Home) party, according to Zaborowski.

"If Polish-Jewish relations deteriorate, the US will be on Israel's side," the former director of the Polish Institute of Foreign Affairs (PISM) told AFP.

"In Israel, Poland isn't seen as a victim (of Hitler) and anti-Polish sentiment still runs high".

That perception persists despite the concessions Poland made to end the diplomatic crisis that erupted in 2018 when Warsaw introduced a law that Israel believed was meant to prevent Jews from mentioning crimes Poles committed against them during the war.

Duda's absence means Poland will be relegated to the background in Jerusalem on Thursday. The official list of the heads of 46 national delegations, including many world leaders, did not include any representative from Poland.

- Israelis 'prefer Putin' -

Nearly six million Polish citizens, half of whom were Jewish, died in World War II, which was triggered by Nazi Germany's 1939 invasion and occupation of Poland.

Poland also has the largest number of citizens of any nation to have received the Yad Vashem title of "Righteous Among the Nations" for having helped to save Jews from the Nazis.

With relations between Warsaw and Moscow strained but stable since Russia annexed the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea in 2014 and the EU imposed sanctions on Russia in response, Putin's recent accusations came as a surprise to Poland.

His verbal attack was seen by Warsaw as a bid to divert attention from Russia's failures and to set the stage for the Jerusalem forum, where anti-Semitism is expected to be the central theme.

The Israelis "prefer Putin to Duda," Polish journalist Konstanty Gebert told the Fakt tabloid daily.

He notes that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to win the sympathy of the many Soviet-born Israelis ahead of the March general election, which is crucial to his political survival.
A daughter of Patricia O'Connor said her partner began crying and told her "I'm sorry, but I hurt your mam" before he went to tell gardai he had killed and dismembered her.

Louise O'Connor told gardai murder accused Kieran Greene told her he "panicked" after her mother lashed out at him with a hurl and "I have to hand myself in, I can't live with this". She said she was "stunned" and thought it was a "sick joke".

A Central Criminal Court jury was hearing evidence in the trials of Mr Greene (34), who is accused of killing Ms O'Connor (61), and three other people charged with impeding the murder investigation.

The grandmother's remains were found scattered at nine locations over a 30km-wide area in the Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017. She died from blunt force trauma to the head caused by at least three blows.

Mr Greene denies murdering Patricia O'Connor, the mother of his then-partner Louise, at the house they shared at Mountain View Park, Rathfarnham, on May 29, 2017.

Louise O'Connor (41), her daughter Stephanie O'Connor (22) and Louise O'Connor's ex-partner Keith Johnston (43) all deny acting to impede Mr Greene's apprehension or prosecution.

Stephanie O'Connor is alleged to have disguised herself as her grandmother on the night of the alleged murder to pretend she was still alive, while her mother Louise is accused of agreeing to this.

Mr Johnston is alleged to have helped Mr Greene in buying implements to use in the concealment of Patricia O'Connor's remains and to have refurbished the bathroom at the house to destroy or conceal evidence.

Yesterday Garda Andrew Quinn told the court he was on duty on June 1, 2017 when two men came to the counter: Richard O'Connor and 'Gus' O'Connor, son and husband of Patricia O'Connor, to report her missing.

On June 12, Gda Quinn was on duty when he became aware Kieran Greene was in the station "claiming to have killed and dismembered the body of Patricia O'Connor".

He later went to an address at Millbrook Lawns, Tallaght and took a statement from Louise O'Connor.

She said she lived at the house with her parents, her partner of 10 years Kieran Greene and her five children.

She had lived there all her life and her mother had left when Louise was five or six and returned 16 years ago.

She said her mother had retired from Beaumont Hospital the previous July and had been "extremely hard to live with". Her mother was "constantly giving out".

On the night she went missing, there had been arguments about receipts her mother would not give her and about car insurance. Her mother "went mad", "tried to hit me with a teapot" and was shouting at Mr Greene, she said.

There was also an argument because her mother was "smoking weed", her regular supplier had none and Louise O'Connor refused to get some.

She said her mother left the house and said: "I'll be back when that bastard pops his clogs and I get what's mine."

Her father later reported her missing and as thee week went on "we became worried about Mam".

Mr Greene seemed to be getting stressed and irritated. She said, "this evening, Kieran lost it, he was crying and hugging the kids and saying, if you do something wrong, you have to face up to it".

"He told me, 'I'm sorry but I hurt your mam. I didn't mean to, she was lashing out at me with a hurl."

The trial continues.
New Delhi:

UPPCL Stenographer Grade 3 Answer Key is released. The Stenographer Grade III Exam Answer Key is released by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. Candidates who appeared for the Stenographer exam need to visit the official website, i.e. upenergy.in to check and download the Answer Key. After going through the answer key, candidates can raise objections if any.

UPPCL Stenographer Grade 3 Answer Key

To check the download the Stenographer Grade III Answer Key, candidates will have to visit the official website and login by entering the respective details in the form of User ID and Password. Similarly, candidates can raise objections by login on the respective page of the official website.

Earlier, the Stenographer Grade III Post vacancy was released by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. In order to download the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited Stenographer Grade III Answer Key, candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps:

First, visit the official website of UPPCL, i.e. upenergy.in

Navigate and click on the subject section that is available under Recruitment tab

Then, click on the download answer key and upload objection for Stenographer Grade III link

Enter the respective details and check the answer key

Download and take a printout of the answer key for future reference

Candidates can also click on the below mentioned direct link to check and download the UPPCL Stenographer Grade 3 Answer Key.

UPPCL Stenographer Grade 3 Answer Key Direct Link

For more details, candidates need to visit the official website of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited.
An adorable dog stunned passengers and railway workers after getting a train into Melbourne all by himself.

The Samoid-Golden Retriever cross was spotted boarding the train at Elsternwick station on Tuesday morning.

Metro Trains workers were quickly notified and helped Ralph, 7, off the train at South Yarra, 6km north west.

Ralph the dog had a big day out on an adventure from Elsternwick to South Yarra, in Melbourne's south-east

Staff at South Yarra station (pictured) looked after Ralph while they launched an appeal to find his owner

The transport agency posted a photo of the pooch online, appealing to the public to help finding Ralph's owners.

South Yarra station staff eventually got in contact with Ralph's family through a contact number on his collar and he was collected hours later.

Owner Jakki said Ralph was 'a bit of an escape artist' and had gone walkabout while at the gym with her husband.

'Once he somehow took our other dog with him to the cafe across the park from our house,' she told 3AW.

'We found them at the cafe eating together!'
A huge cache of explosive materials, including ammonium nitrate, was seized on Tuesday from an SUV in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district and two persons arrested, a police official said.

The consignment of explosives was being transported from neighbouring Odisha when it was seized under Sariya police station area, said Raigarh Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh.

Police arrested Suresh Tandi (31) and Ishwar Nayak (43), who were travelling with the cache, after they failed to produce any relevant documents, he said, adding that the vehicle has been seized.

The consignment included 3.5 quintal of ammonium nitrate, 700 detonators and a bundle of safety wire, the SP added.

Police are investigating the source and destination of the explosive materials.

A case has been registered against the duo under the Explosive Substances' Act, 1908.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police are investigating after shots were fired at a Perth home overnight.

The Cloverdale incident happened on Finnan Street about 11pm on Tuesday, with neighbours reporting up to six shots fired.

It is the second home to be shot at in Perth this week, with police called to a Thornlie home in the early hours of Monday morning after a shot was fired through the window of a property, narrowly missing a young woman tending to her baby.

Nobody was injured in either incident, and police are urging anyone with information on who is behind the shootings to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
By David Walsh

January 20, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - CNN and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Democrat from Massachusetts, with powerful establishment support, combined to stage a provocation this week aimed at slowing down or derailing the campaign of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

Through CNN, the Massachusetts senators camp first alleged that Sanders told her in December 2018 a woman could not win a presidential election, an allegation Sanders strenuously refuted. At the Democratic debate on Tuesday night, CNNs moderator acted as though the claim was an indisputable reality, leading to a post-debate encounter between Warren and Sanders, which the network just happened to record and circulate widely.

This is a political stink bomb, borrowed from the #MeToo playbook, typical of American politics in its putrefaction. Unsubstantiated allegations are turned into facts, these facts become the basis for blackening reputations and damaging careers and shifting politics continuously to the right. Anyone who denies the allegations is a sexist who refuses to believe women.

The Democratic establishment is fearful of Sanders, not so much for his nationalist-reformist program and populist demagogy, but for what his confused but growing support portends: the movement to the left by wide layers of the American population. The US ruling elite seems convinced, like some wretched, self-deluded potentate of old, that if it can simply stamp out the unpleasant noise, the rising tide of disaffection will dissipate.

CNNs operation began Monday when it posted a bombshell article by M.J. Lee with the headline, Bernie Sanders told Elizabeth Warren in private 2018 meeting that a woman cant win, sources say.

The article animatedly begins, The stakes were high when Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren met at Warrens apartment in Washington, DC, one evening in December 2018. Among other things, the CNN piece reported, the pair discussed how to best take on President Donald Trump, and Warren laid out two main reasons she believed she would be a strong candidate: She could make a robust argument about the economy and earn broad support from female voters. Sanders responded that he did not believe a woman could win.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

Lee continues, The description of that meeting is based on the accounts of four people: two people Warren spoke with directly soon after the encounter, and two people familiar with the meeting. In reality, the story is based on the account of one individual with a considerable interest in cutting into Sanders support, i.e., Elizabeth Warren. As the New York Times primly noted, Ms. Warren and Mr. Sanders were the only people in the room.

The absurd CNN article goes on, After publication of this story, Warren herself backed up this account of the meeting, saying in part in a statement Monday, I thought a woman could win; he disagreed. In other words, Warren backed up what could only have been her own account insofar as she was the only person there besides Sanders!

After a pro forma insertion of Sanders categorical denial that he ever made such a statement, in which he reasonably observed, Do I believe a woman can win in 2020? Of course! After all, Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in 2016, Lee plowed right ahead as though his comments were not worth responding to. She carries on, The conversation also illustrates the skepticism among not only American voters but also senior Democratic officials that the country is ready to elect a woman as president and, further, The revelation that Sanders expressed skepticism that Warren could win the presidency because she is a woman is particularly noteworthy now, given that Warren is the lone female candidate at the top of the Democratic field.

This is one of the ways in which the sexual misconduct witch-hunt has poisoned American politics, although by no means the only one. Warrens claims about a private encounter simply must be believed.

During the Democratic candidates debate itself Tuesday night, moderator Abby Phillips addressed Sanders in the following manner: Lets now turn to an issue thats come up in the last 48 hours [because Warren and CNN generated it]. Sen. Sanders, CNN reported yesterday thatand Sen. Sanders, Sen. Warren confirmed in a statement, that in 2018 you told her that you did not believe that a woman could win the election. Why did you say that?  (emphasis added).

Sanders denied once again that he had said any such thing. Phillips persisted, Sen. Sanders, I do want to be clear here, youre saying that you never told Sen. Warren that a woman could not win the election? Sanders confirmed that. Insultingly, Phillips immediately turned to Warren and continued, Sen. Warren, what did you think when Sen. Sanders told you a woman could not win the election? This was all clearly prepared ahead of time, a deliberate effort to embarrass Sanders and portray him as a liar and a male chauvinist.

Following the debate, Warren had the audacity to confront the Vermont senator, refuse to shake his hand and assert, I think you called me a liar on national TV. When Sanders seemed startled by her remark, she repeated it. CNN managed to capture the sound and preserve it for widespread distribution.

The WSWS gives no support to Sanders, a phony socialist whose efforts are aimed at channeling working-class anger at social inequality, poverty and war back into the big business Democratic Party. He is only the latest in a long line of figures in American political history devoted to maintaining the Democrats stranglehold over popular opposition and blocking the development of a broad-based socialist movement.

Nonetheless, the CNN-Warren dirty tricks operation is an obvious hatchet job and an attack from the right. Accordingly, the New York Times and other major outlets have been gloating and attempting to make something out of it since Tuesday night. The obvious purpose is to raise serious questions about Sanders and dampen support for him, among women especially. It should be recalled that in 2016 Sanders led Hillary Clinton among young women by 30 percentage points.

Michelle Cottle, a member of the Times editorial board (in Why Questions on Women Candidates Strike a Nerve, January 15), asserted that the issue raised by the Warren-Sanders clash was not about Mr. Sanders and Ms. Warren. Not really. And Ms. Warren was right to try to shift the focus to the bigger pictureeven if some critics will sneer that shes playing the gender card.

Cottles bigger picture, it turned out, primarily involved smearing Sanders. The present controversy, she went on, has resurfaced some of Mr. Sanderss past women troubles. His 2016 campaign faced multiple accusations of sexual harassment, pay inequities and other gender-based mistreatment. Asked early last year if he knew about the complaints, Mr. Sanderss reaction was both defensive and dismissive: I was a little bit busy running around the country.

After Cottle attempted to convince her readers, on the basis of dubious numbers, that Americans were perhaps too backward to elect a female president, she continued, again, taking as good coin Warrens allegations, This less-than-inspiring dataalong with from-the-trail anecdotes about the gender-based voter anxiety that Ms. Warren and Ms. [Amy] Klobuchar have been facinghelp explain why Mr. Sanderss alleged remarks struck such a nerve. Women candidates and their supporters arent simply outraged that he could be so wrong. Theyre worried that he might be right. The remarks he denies making have nonetheless outraged Cottle and others.

The Times more and more openly expresses fears about a possible Sanders nomination. Op-ed columnist David Leonhardt headlined his January 14 piece, President Bernie Sanders, and commented, Sanders has a real shot of winning the Democratic nomination. Only a couple of months after he suffered a mild heart attack, that counts as a surprise. Leonhardt downplays Sanders socialist credentials, observing that while he [Sanders] would probably fail to accomplish his grandest goals (again, like Medicare for all), he would also move the country in a positive direction. He might even move it to closer to a center-left ideal than a more moderate candidate like Biden would.

On Thursday, right-wing Times columnist David Brooks argued pathetically against the existence of class war in The Bernie Sanders Fallacy. He ridiculed what he described as Bernie Sanderss class-war Theyism: The billionaires have rigged the economy to benefit themselves and impoverish everyone else. According to Brooks, Sanders is a Bolshevik who believes that Capitalism is a system of exploitation in which capitalist power completely dominates worker power. Accusing Sanders of embracing such an ABC socialist proposition is all nonsense, but it reveals something about what keeps pundits like Brooks up at night.

The Times is determined, as the WSWS has noted more than once, to exclude anything from the 2020 election campaign that might arouse or encourage the outrage of workers and young people. The past year of global mass protest has only deepened and strengthened that determination.

The Times, CNN and other elements of the media and political establishment, and behind them powerful financial-corporate interests, dont want Sanders and they dont necessarily want Warren either, who engaged in certain loose talk about taxing the billionaires, before retreating in fright. They want a campaign dominated by race, gender and sexual orientationnot class and not social inequality. The #MeToo-style attack on Sanders reflects both the style and the right-wing concerns of these social layers.

This article was originally published by "World Socialist Web Site" -

Copyright  1998-2020 World Socialist Web Site - All rights reserved

Do you agree or disagree? Post your comment here

==See Also==

Warren Doubles Down on Sanders Attack

===
Police arrested a suspect in Sunday nights shooting at a River Walk nightclub, accusing him of firing multiple times after getting into an altercation and killing two of the seven bar patrons he hit.

The arrested man, Kiernan Christopher Williams, 19, will face two counts of capital murder and other charges, Police Chief William McManus said.

Investigators had said at least one of the victims knew the gunman, who had fled. McManus said officers found shell casings inside and outside the club.

RELATED: SAPD: Deadly River Walk bar shooting was 'not random'

Robert Jay Martinez, 20, and Alejandro Robles, 25, were killed. A woman, 46, and four male victims ranging in age from 16 to 19, are expected to survive their injuries, police said.

Williams was arrested Monday near the 100 block of South Zarzamora Street. As officers led him to a police vehicle in the garage of the Public Safety Headquarters downtown, Williams claimed to reporters he acted in self-defense.

"He told me because I bumped into him he was gon' kill me," Williams said, without identifying which of the victims said it.

RELATED: River Walk bar shooting suspect was scheduled to perform at venue

He said the public didnt need to worry about him and said they could follow him on his Instagram account, calling himself an up and coming artist.

"I regret everything that I did, no lie, I do," Williams said at one point, but did not elaborate.

The investigation is on-going.

McManus declined to say what led investigators to Williams. He stopped short of saying police believed Williams acted alone, and noted that officers found shell casings inside and outside the club.

Williams pleaded no contest to a charge of assault of a public servant causing bodily injury in 2017, and was repeatedly jailed for probation violations until his release from the state prison system last August, online court records say.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is available.
Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump have agreed to extend till the end of the year negotiations on a dispute over a French tax targeting online giants, postponing Washington's threat of sanctions, French officials said Tuesday.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, speaking before a Brussels meeting with EU counterparts, said: "Macron and Trump had a very constructive discussion... and they agreed to avoid all escalation between the US and France on this digital tax issue".

A French diplomatic source said the French and US leaders, who spoke by telephone on Sunday, agreed to give negotiations a chance to "find a solution in an international framework" and avoid "a trade war that will benefit no one".

Macron tweeted Monday that he had had a "great discussion" with Trump on the issue. "We will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation," he said.

"Excellent!" replied Trump on Twitter.

The White House said the two men spoke and "agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the digital services tax, and they also discussed other bilateral issues".

Trump said Tuesday that he was "very happy with the result".

The dispute began last year when Paris approved a levy of up to three percent on revenues earned by tech companies in France, as international efforts dragged on to find a new model for taxing revenues earned via online sales and advertising.

Tech companies often pay little tax in countries in which they are not physically present.

Washington said the tax singled out US companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix. It threatened retaliatory duties of up to 100 percent of the value of French imports of such emblematic goods as Champagne and Camembert cheese.

The European Union had said it would back France if such tariffs were levied, raising the prospect of a transatlantic trade war.

'Difficult Negotiation'

On January 7, Paris and Washington gave themselves 15 days to reach a deal to avert the US threat of duties on up to $2.4 billion of French goods, which meant they should have reached a deal at Davos.

Le Maire, who has been conducting intensive negotiations for the last several weeks, had been scheduled to hold crunch talks on the issue with US counterpart Steven Mnuchin at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday.

"Since our two presidents spoke by phone the horizon has cleared up a bit, but it's not a done deal until its done," said Le Maire before heading to Davos.

Earlier in the day in Brussels he stressed that "this remains a difficult negotiation.... A certain number of details need to be worked out, but I believe we're going in the right direction".

Le Maire declined, however, to say whether France would suspend its digital tax. "I am not going to get into the details of the negotiation," he said.

Nevertheless, according to concurring sources, France is willing to suspend the tax "to provide some time" to find a solution under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

France has said it would drop its tax if an international agreement is reached under the auspices of OECD.

While the principle of the tax itself was not in question, the collection of payments scheduled for April and November was being suspended "to provide time for negotiations within the framework of the OECD," according to one source.

In Brussels, the industry's lobby group, the Computer & Communications Industry Association, hailed the move.

"We welcome the reported French suspension of their digital tax & the renewed focus on achieving global tax reform," CCIA Europe wrote in a tweet.

After blocking OECD talks on the issue for several years, Washington relaunched them last year only to make proposals in December which France rejected.

OECD chief Angel Gurria said in Davos on Tuesday that he believes a deal can be reached this year.

"We've been working for two years, we think we can deliver in 2020," he said on CNBC.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of Davos, Mnuchin said that the truce with France was "the beginning of a solution."

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The new Coronavirus that is spreading in China, which has infected around 300 people and has killed at least six, has just shown up in the US (as well as Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and South Korea). A man who had traveled from Wuhan, China, where the virus first appeared, came down with pneumonia last week and has just been tested positive for the virus, which is in the SARS family (SARS was the virus in 2003 that killed around 800 people).

From The New York Times:

The man is a resident of Snohomish County, Wash., who experienced symptoms after returning from a trip to the region around Wuhan, China, where the outbreak began. He was hospitalized with pneumonia last week, and infection with the coronavirus was confirmed on Monday afternoon. The outbreak, which began in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan, a city of 11 million, is spreading: Patients have been identified in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and South Korea.

Major airports in the US started screening for the virus on Friday, and the World Health Organization will decide tomorrow "whether to declare the outbreak an international public health emergency," according to NYT.

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(Alliance News) - Oriole Resources PLC has secured a new licence tenure at the Dalafin gold project in Senegal, it said on Tuesday.

The current nine-year licence, with a one-year extension, at Dalafin has now expired. Senegal has now granted a new licence, renamed to Senala but covering the same area as Dalafin.

London-based Oriole said the new tenure lasts for a decade, with a potential two-year special extension. The terms of the new licence are the same as before, meaning Oriole still holds 85% and partner Energy & Mining Corp SA 15%.

"We are delighted to have received approval for our Senala licence application and to have received support of the Senegalese government once again. Not only does the new licence provide security of tenure for a minimum of four years, we have been able to retain the entire licence area," commented Oriole Chief Executive Tim Livesey.

"We look forward to continuing the exploration programme at Senala, in particular at the Madina Bafe and Fare prospects, which have previously delivered best drilling intersections of 9.6 metres at 16.08 grams per tonne gold and 96 metres at 1.51 grams per tonne gold respectively. This extensive licence area lies within a highly-endowed gold region of eastern Senegal, where there has been significant interest and M&A activity in recent months," he added.

Oriole shares were 1.2% higher on Tuesday afternoon in London at a price of 0.49 pence each.

Canada's IAMGOLD Corp currently has an earn-in at the project. It has the option to spend up to USD8 million on exploration work to get a 70% stake.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Christians Still Believe Obama is the Antichrist

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Trumpet Press

Jan. 21, 2020

LAWTON, Okla., Jan. 21, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Is Barack Obama the Antichrist? That is what millions of Christians believe. While Obama was president, so many people thought that Obama was the Antichrist that it became a news story in many major media outlets, including Newsweek and the Los Angeles Times.

Even though Obama is no longer holding a public office, the number appears to be holding, perhaps even growing. A new book claims to present evidence that Obama is the Antichrist: The Final Antichrist: Barack Obama, by Michael D. Fortner. It has a picture of Obama on the cover, looking like Hitler.

The book lists the many attacks which the Obama administration made upon people of Faith in America, including the military. It also shows the abysmal relationship Obama had with Israel and the underhanded things he did against Israel. While at the same time, he had a great relationship with Islamic nations, including making secret deals with Iran.

He also makes a case for Obama being a secret Muslim and having already made a deal with Satan. He shows the signs that God has given to Christians to help them see that Obama is the Antichrist, like Obama writing on a steel beam, "We remember, We rebuild, We come back stronger!" Each on a separate line. The letter W in Hebrew gematria equals 6, which makes Obama having written 666.

The author also includes many quotes from people who claim that God told them in a dream or vision that Obama is the Antichrist. And that Trump and Pence will both be removed, and Obama could somehow come back into power, at least for a short time. He said one of the first things Obama will do is write an Executive Order to confiscate the guns, thus causing a civil war.

It is just the sort of book that right-wing Christians love to read.

Even though this is not the first book published that claims that Obama is the Antichrist, it is the first one with the potential for wide distribution and sales through Ingram wholesale, Amazon.com, and other major retailers.

SOURCE Trumpet Press

CONTACT: Michael Fortner, okmedia@gmail.com
Climate activist Greta Thunberg said Tuesday basically nothing has changed since she started protesting about climate change 18 months ago.

Pretty much nothing has been done, Thunberg said at a panel Davos on Tuesday. Emissions of CO2 has not reduced and that is what we are trying to achieve.

The 17-year-old Swedish climate activist made the comments at one of the opening sessions of the World Economic Forums (WEF) annual meeting, commonly known as Davos. Her comments came after she was asked what had changed since she launched her student climate strike movement in August 2018.

In one aspect, lots has happened that no one could have predicted, Thunberg said. This has sparked general awareness and a movement. All these many, many young people from many different places pushing together to form this alliance of movements.

People are more generally aware now. The climate and environment is a hot topic now, thanks to young people pushing.

Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends the 50th World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on 21 January. Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

But she said that awareness had not translated into action and basically nothing had been done about reducing emissions and tackling the warming planet.

Thunberg said people must start listening to the science and start treating this crisis as the crisis it is.

Thunberg urged world leaders and the media to take climate change more seriously, warning the planet has just eight years worth of carbon budget left to avoid dangerous warming to the globe over the next 100 years.

These numbers arent peoples opinions or political views, this is the current best available science, she said in prepared remarks at the end of the session.

Richer countries need to get down to zero emissions much faster and then help poorer countries do the same.

She added: These numbers also dont include most feedback loops, nonlinear tipping points, nor additional warming hidden by toxic air pollution.

Without treating this as a real crisis we cannot solve it and we cannot solve it from a holistic view.

Story continues

Thunberg appeared alongside other young activists from around the world on a panel titled Forging a Sustainable Path towards a Common Future.

She is attending Davos for the second year in a row, with sustainability and climate change high on the agenda of the elite gathering. This years Davos conference is titled Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World and WEF warned ahead of the event that environmental risks are the biggest threat to global stability over the next decade.

Thunberg, who was named TIMEs 2019 person of the year, said in an open letter to Davos attendees ahead of the conference that they must immediately abandon all fossil fuels. Climate activists have also been protesting in Switzerland ahead of the event.

Earlier on Tuesday, Green Finance Institute chief executive Rhian-Mari Thomas said during a TV interview at Davos abandoning fossil fuels would lead to a disorderly transition to clean energy. Thomas said industry would have to work with polluting energy companies to help move them towards more sustainable energy sources.
A Melbourne man allegedly wrote a note saying he killed his youngest sister to get justice after they fought over money.

Ning Wang is charged with murdering his 57-year-old sister, Qin Wang, who was visiting from China.

Credit:The Age

The 70-year-old allegedly bashed his sister and put her in the boot of his car before driving to his other sisters home in February 2019.

I killed my sister at 7am to achieve my justice, the accused allegedly wrote in a note found at the Clayton South crime scene.
Many know that bundling home and auto insurance can save money. In fact, a recent NerdWallet article states that " getting two or more policies from the same company will mean discounts  as much as 25% off a homeowners policy  depending on the insurer." The problem has always been the difficulty in obtaining a bundle. Using technology and automation, Branch has re-engineered the experience to be faster and more efficient, making it easier than ever to save money.

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Myanmar military operations against the Muslim Rohingya community in the countrys Rakhine state in 2017 were marked by war crimes and serious human rights violations, but did not have genocidal intent, a Myanmar government commission has concluded in a report released on Monday.



The report by the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE), formed by Myanmar in 2018 to investigate accusations of war crimes that killed thousands of Rohingya and forced over 740,000 others to flee to safety in Bangladesh, was presented on Monday to Myanmars State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.



There is insufficient evidence to argue, much less conclude, that the crimes committed were undertaken with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, a ruling required to establish a finding of genocide, the report says, contradicting findings and statements by U.N. investigators.



The release of the reportcompiled from interviews with nearly 1,500 Rohingya and other ethnic group members, and with members of the military and policecomes just days before an expected ruling on the genocide charge by the U.N.s International Court of Justice in The Hague, in the Netherlands, in a lawsuit filed by the African nation of Gambia.



Myanmar views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and systematically discriminates against them by denying them citizenship, freedom of movement, and access to jobs, health care, and education.



'Politically skewed'



In a Jan. 20 statement, Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson slammed the ICOEs findings, describing the groupled by former deputy foreign minister of the Philippines Rosario Manalo and former representative of Japan to the U.N. Kenzo Oshimaas a politically skewed set of commissioners working closely with the Myanmar government.



The ICOE seems willing to blame individual soldiers for abuses but not the commanders who the UN and other investigations have found were responsible for the numerous systematic atrocities against the Rohingya, Robertson said.



Myanmar should immediately release the full ICOE report in both Burmese and English so the global community can read for itself how the commission did its work, what it found, and how it reached its conclusions.



Speaking to RFAs Myanmar Service, youth activist Thinzar Shoon Lae Yee called the report just a reaffirmation of Myanmars position on this issue, adding, I think that government, civil society, and the people should find a middle ground between what the reports from international organizations are saying and what the government is saying.



Meanwhile, Myanmars military on Dec. 30 held a fifth hearing in the court-martial of soldiers accused of committing atrocities against civilians during the brutal 2017 military-led crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state, an army spokesman said.



The rare court-martial came about following a report by the Associated Press in February that up to 400 Rohingya civilians had been killed, with their bodies dumped in five mass graves and burned with acid near Buthidaung townships Gu Dar Pyin village.



The report was based on the testimony of Rohingya refugees who were among the more than 740,000 who had fled to Bangladesh for safety during the violence.



Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Kyaw Kyaw Aung. Written in English by Richard Finney.
The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee on Tuesday filed an objection in a local court against a petition seeking survey of the entire Gyanvapi compound (premises) by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

The court accepted the objection petition and fixed February 3 as the next date of hearing.

Advocate Vijay Shankar Rastogi said in 1991 Pt Somnath Vyas and others filed a petition, for the first time, in the local court on behalf of Swayambhu Jyotirlinga Bhagwan Vishweshwar seeking permission for worship in Gyanvapi.

The petitioners claimed that Muslims had occupied parts of the temple complex and built a mosque there.

Rastogi said that in an order, passed by the court of first additional district judge, Varanasi in 1998, the court directed the lower court to take evidences of the entire Gyanvapi compound for determining the religious status or character of the compound. Later, in the case, hearing was suspended following stay by the Allahabad high court.

On December 10, 2019, Rastogi filed an application in the court of civil judge, requesting for a survey of the entire Gyanvapi compound by the ASI. He filed the petition as next friend of the deity Swayambhu Jyotirlinga Bhagwan Vishweshwar.

The advocate further said the court accepted the application and fixed hearing as January 9, and then on that day it fixed January 21 for the hearing.

Rastogi said the Anzuman committee filed an objection against the petition that sought ASI survey of the entire compound and the court has fixed February 3 as next date of hearing.

Anjuman committee joint secretary Mohammad Yasin, while confirming that they filed the objection, said the stay order given by the high court in the case is still effective. Therefore, any further action cannot be taken in this case.
A person walks across the skybridge at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett where a man with the first case of coronavirus in the United States is being treated on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Everett, Wash. A U.S. resident who recently returned from a trip to central China has been diagnosed with the new virus. Health officials said Tuesday that the man returned to the Seattle area in the middle of last week after traveling to the Wuhan area, where the outbreak began. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald via AP)

The U.S. on Tuesday reported its first case of a new and potentially deadly virus circulating in China, saying a Washington state resident who returned last week from the outbreak's epicenter was hospitalized near Seattle.

The man, identified as a Snohomish County resident is in his 30s, was in good condition and wasn't considered a threat to medical staff or the public, health officials said.

U.S. officials stressed that they believe the virus' overall risk to the American public remained low.

"This is not a moment of high anxiety," Gov. Jay Inslee said.

The newly discovered virus has infected about 300 people, all of whom had been in China, and killed six. The virus can cause coughing, fever, breathing difficulty and pneumonia. The U.S. joins a growing list of places outside mainland China reporting cases, following Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

Airports around the world have stepped up monitoring, checking passengers from China for signs of illness in hopes of containing the virus during the busy Lunar New Year travel season.

Late last week, U.S. health officials began screening passengers from Wuhan in central China, where the outbreak began. The screening had been underway at three U.S. airportsNew York City's Kennedy airport and the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports. On Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it would add Chicago's O'Hare airport and Atlanta's airport to the mix later this week.

Dr. Jay Cook, Providence Regional Medical Center, in Everett, speaks at a news conference at the State of Washington's Department of Health Public Health Laboratories, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Shoreline, Wash., while speaking on the condition of a patient who is in good condition with the coronavirus. At right is Dr. Satish Pillai, of the Center for Disease Control, in Atlanta. (Greg Gilbert/The Seattle Times via AP)

What's more, officials also will begin forcing all passengers from Wuhan to go to one of those five airports if they wish to enter the U.S.

The hospitalized U.S. resident had no symptoms when he arrived at the Seattle-Tacoma airport last Wednesday, but he started feeling ill on Thursday and went to a doctor on Sunday with a fever and a cough, officials said. Lab testing on Monday confirmed he had the virus.

"The gentleman right now is very healthy," Dr. Nancy Messonnier of the CDC said Tuesday.

The hospital, Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, said in a statement that it expected the man would remain in isolation and under monitoring there at least until Thursday.

CDC officials said they sent a team to Washington to try to track down people who might have come in contact with the man. The hospital also said it was contacting "the small number of staff and patients" who may have been with the man at a clinic.

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, where a man with the first case of coronavirus in the United States is being treated on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Everett, Wash. Health officials said Tuesday that the man returned to the Seattle area in the middle of last week after traveling to the Wuhan area, where the outbreak began. The man, identified only as a Snohomish County resident is in his 30s, was not considered a threat to medical staff or the public, health officials said. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald via AP)

The man is originally from central China, lives alone in the U.S. and made the trip solo, officials said. There were relatively few people who came in contact with him since he got back, health officials said.

Last month, doctors in Wuhan began seeing the new virus in people who got sick after spending time at a wholesale seafood market. More than 275 cases of the newly identified virus have been confirmed in China, most of them in Wuhan, according to the World Health Organization.

The count includes six deathsall in China, most of them age 60 or older, including at least some who had a previous medical condition.

Officials have said the virus probably spread from animals to people, but this week Chinese officials said they've concluded it also can spread from person to person.

Health authorities this month identified the germ behind the outbreak as a new type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which cause the common cold; others found in bats, camels and other animals have evolved into more severe illnesses.

Dr. Satish Pillai, of the Center for Disease Control, in Atlanta, speaks at a news conference at the State of Washington's Department of Health Public Health Laboratories, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Shoreline, Wash., while speaking on the condition of a patient who is in good condition with the coronavirus. (Greg Gilbert/The Seattle Times via AP)

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett where a man with the first case of coronavirus in the United States is being treated on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Everett, Wash. A U.S. resident who recently returned from a trip to central China has been diagnosed with the new virus. Health officials said Tuesday that the man returned to the Seattle area in the middle of last week after traveling to the Wuhan area, where the outbreak began. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald via AP)

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, center, speaks Tuesday Jan. 21, 2020, at a news conference in Shoreline, Wash., following the announcement that a man in Washington state is the first known person in the United States to catch a new type of coronavirus that officials believe originated in China. The man who caught the virus is a Washington state resident who returned last week from China and is currently hospitalized near Seattle. (AP Photo/Carla K. Johnson)

Dr. Satish Pillai, of the Center for Disease Control, in Atlanta, speaks at a news conference at the State of Washington's Department of Health Public Health Laboratories, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Shoreline, Wash., while speaking on the condition of a patient who is in good condition with the coronavirus. (Greg Gilbert/The Seattle Times via AP)

People wear face masks as they ride an escalator at the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Face masks sold out and temperature checks at airports and train stations became the new norm as China strove Tuesday to control the outbreak of a new coronavirus that has reached four other countries and territories and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, belongs to the coronavirus family, but Chinese state media say the illness in Wuhan is different from coronaviruses that have been identified in the past. Earlier laboratory tests ruled out SARS and MERSMiddle East respiratory syndromeas well as influenza, bird flu, adenovirus and other common lung-infecting germs.

The new virus so far does not appear to be as deadly as SARS and MERS, but viruses can sometimes mutate to become more dangerous.

University of Washington coronavirus researcher David Veesler said the public "should not be panicking right now."

The response has been "very efficient," Veesler said. "In a couple of weeks, China was able to identify the virus, isolate it, sequence it and share that information."

Veesler added: "We don't have enough data to judge how severe the disease is."

The CDC's Messonnier said health officials expected to see more cases in the U.S. and around the world in the coming days.

Explore further Virus screenings to begin at three US airports amid outbreak in China

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
(L-R) House impeachment managers Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif), Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) speak to reporters during a brief media availability before the start of the impeachment trial at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 21, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

House Impeachment Managers Target Top Trump Lawyer, Claim Hes Material Witness

House impeachment managers on Jan. 21 targeted Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel whos playing a major role in the defense of President Donald Trump in the Senate trial.

The House Democrats wrote in a letter (pdf) to Cipollone on Jan. 21 that hes a material witness in the trial, and demanded that he disclose all first-hand facts and information before the trial starts.

In preparation for the trial of Donald J. Trump before the Senate, we write to notify you that evidence received by the House of Representatives during its impeachment inquiry indicates that you are a material witness to charges in both Articles of Impeachment for which President Trump now faces trial, the House managers wrote.

You must disclose all facts and information as to which you have first-hand knowledge that will be at issue in connection with evidence you present or arguments you make in your role as the Presidents legal advocate so that the Senate and Chief Justice can be apprised of any potential ethical issues, conflicts, or biases.

Trump was impeached for alleged abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Cipollone has detailed knowledge about the facts on the first charge and played an instrumental role in the conduct charged in the second article of impeachment, the letter states.

These issues are directly implicated by your involvement in the events underlying the Articles of Impeachment, they wrote, adding that ethics rules would generally preclude a lawyer from participating in a trial under such conditions.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone arrives for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 21, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

The White House criticized the letter, calling it a political stunt.

The Democrats are an utter jokethey have no case, and this latest political stunt proves it, White House principal deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

The idea that the Counsel to the President has to turn over protected documents and confidential information is ludicrous, and to imply he cant represent the President of the United States in an impeachment proceeding is completely absurd.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) also called the request for Cipollone to leave the defense team absurd.

Unlike the House, the Senate will have a FAIR trial. That means we wont deny the President his lawyer ON THE DAY the trial starts, he wrote on Twitter.

Under the standard put forth by the House Democrats todaythat any potential fact witness cannot serve as counsel in the impeachment hearingthere is an obvious person who should be disqualified: Adam Schiff, Cruz added. The White House also called for Schiff to be disqualified.

Under the standard put forth by the House Democrats today  that any potential fact witness cannot serve as counsel in the impeachment hearing  there is an obvious person who should be disqualified: Adam Schiff.  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 21, 2020

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), one of the House managers, was said to be a fact witness by Republicans.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said hed call Schiff to be a witness in the Senate impeachment trial, and House Republicans have repeatedly said Schiff should testify in the trial. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway challenged Schiff to testify, saying hes a fact witness.

At least one member of Schiffs team met with the person who filed the complaint against Trump that triggered the impeachment inquiry.

Schiff initially said on national television that we have not spoken directly with the whistleblower. Several weeks later, after his office confirmed a report that a staffer had spoken with the person, Schiff said he regretted what he said.

Still, Schiff insisted during the House impeachment inquiry that he didnt know the identity of the whistleblower after House Republicans pushed for a closed-door deposition of the person.

Schiff dismissed calls for him to testify last week, saying during an appearance on CNNs State of the Union in November 2019 that it would display a fundamental lack of seriousness, a willingness to try to turn this into a circus, like the president would like, if Schiff were called as a witness.

Cruz, on Jan. 21, added on Twitter, Maybe we should disqualify Schiff as a lawyer, and schedule him instead as a witness to explain his role in creating the evidence in this proceeding?
Being insane is not critical to working undercover but it helps.

"It is four years since I last picked up my pen, as diarists say, and my twins' fourth birthday approached. 'You're too old to carry,' I said, and picked them up. A mother's behavior isnt always rational."

Thus begins Margaret in Moscow, Book Sixteen in the Margaret of Greenwich(R) Young Adult series by R. L. Rhyse and published by Wyston Books, Inc. These novels narrate the lives of a poor teenager and her wealthy friends in the richest town in America.

In this thriller: Margaret, now an unmarried mother of twins, is asked to revive her friendship with Page, a famed assassin whose travel has aroused anxiety in Moscow. Wolves are scheming under the carpet and we must learn their plan, Margaret is told.

But Margaret has allies too: Vladimir, a former general of Russias Presidential Security Service, who considers her a daughter; Borya, a powerful intelligence official nicknamed Lucifer (The Devil), her cherished uncle; Gerald, a retired American general searching Moscow for his long past sweetheart; and her boyfriend, Randy, the father of her children and love of her life.

R. L. Rhyse, a former resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, is the author of the books in the Margaret of Greenwich (R) Young Adult series. These include Margaret of Greenwich, Margaret and Erika, Margaret at War, Margaret in Tokyo, Margaret and Eve, Margaret and Velda, Margaret and Emily, Margaret and Hillary, Margaret in London, Margaret at Barnard, Margaret at Barnard/Part Two: Deliverance, Margaret in Berlin, Margaret in Manhattan, Margaret and Venla, and Margaret: Mother of Twins.

Available in print and for the Kindle, Nook, and iPad.

Pages: 373

E-Book $4.99 - eISBN 978-0-9991057-5-7

Print $14.99 - ISBN 978-0-9991057-4-0

Chapters can be read at amazon.com, B&N.com, or the iBook store.
Brisbane City Council has taken the drastic step of banning townhouses in established neighbourhoods to save the iconic Australian backyard.

Council planning committee chairman Matthew Bourke said the move is meant to protect the 'Brisbane lifestyle'.

Developers fear the crackdown will drive up property prices and worsen the state's housing shortage.

Housing Industry of Australia Queensland director Mike Roberts argued the ban will make Brisbane property prices skyrocket and reduce choice for homebuyers.

Brisbane City Council has taken the drastic step of banning townhouses in established neighbourhoods to save the iconic Australian backyard

Council planning committee chairman Matthew Bourke (right) said the new rules are to protect the 'Brisbane lifestyle'

'It is astounding that New South Wales has implemented a code to make things easier and remove hurdles, while Brisbane banned it. It is not just focusing on housing, it is about good supply and choice,' he told The Australian.

Another Brisbane developer said the council's decision made no sense given there was a proven demand for townhouses in the suburbs.

But Mr Bourke said the injunction is a bid to stop the consolidation of residential lots for development in low-density suburbs.

'We have seen what has happened in other cities where owners have amalgamated their land and put it on the market for sale for townhouse development,' he said.

'We don't want to see large-scale projects like that in our established suburbs. It changes that community and feedback from residents is they don't want it.'

Mr Bourke said banning townhouses will prevent multiple homeowners from combining their lots to sell as a package to property developers.

New townhouses in more than two thirds of land zoned for residential use won't be going ahead.

Other regions are going in a different direction to Brisbane, and opting to enhance the diversity of different housing types.

Recent research found 60 per cent of Australians would give up a large backyard when buying a home if there were enough parks in the vicinity.
Norways coalition government is on the brink of collapse after an anti-immigrant party pulled out over the decision to allow an Isis bride back into the country from Syria.

The countrys Conservative prime minister, Erna Solberg, said she would continue with a minority government comprised of three coalition parties, including the centrist Liberal Party and the Christian Democrats.

Siv Jensen, the leader of the right-wing Progress Party and outgoing finance minister, said: I brought us into government, and Im now bringing the party out.

She said the cup is now full after a 29-year-old Norwegian woman of Pakistani descent arrived in the country on Saturday with her two children.

The woman, who had reportedly travelled to Syria in 2013 and married a Norwegian foreign fighter, who was later killed in fighting, was formally arrested on her return and placed in a hospital in Oslo with both children.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

One of the womans children was said to be quite ill and a government announcement explained she received help to return to Norway from Syria so the child could get medical treatment.

Ms Solberg said she understood why the Progress Party wanted to leave her coalition government and she would seek cooperation with the party, which is Norways third largest.

The exit of the Progress Party means Ms Solberg no longer has a parliamentary majority, which could make it harder for the coalition to govern the country.

Norways next parliamentary election is scheduled for September next year, and Ms Solberg will need the support of parties outside the government to stay in office and pass legislation in the 169-seat parliament.

 Isis flag raised at Syrian camp holding jihadist families

Ms Jensen said many believed the mother used her child as a shield to come back to Norway.

There are many ... who are displeased by this, not just in the Progress Party, she said last week.

The mother, who has not been named, refused to let her sick child travel alone to Norway, which then allowed her to travel from the Kurdish-controlled camp at al-Hol, where the family had been detained since March last year.

She has denied the charges against her and will fully cooperate with the police during interrogation, her lawyer has said.

A majority in the government believed that concern for the child was paramount, Ms Solberg said.

Decisions about whether to help women with ties to Isis return from Syria have caused controversy across Europe. In Finland, the recently appointed government settled on a compromise to decide each case individually.

Additional reporting by agencies
ANN ARBOR, MI  They warmly greet each other every Saturday morning like old friends.

Whats my joke for the day? Henry Herskovitz asks Anne Cherney, after exchanging pleasant hellos Jan. 18 outside the Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor.

Oh, shoot, Cherney responds, realizing shes forgotten to bring a fresh joke. Let me think.

The 76-year-old Old West Side resident stops for a moment and pulls out one shes used before.

When does the moon have to go to the bank? After a pause, she answers the riddle, When its on its last quarter.

Herskovitz, 73, chuckles and smiles, then slowly walks with Cherney along the sidewalk. Hes carrying a folding chair and places it where hed just cleared several inches of snow to make a spot for her to sit.

Cherney nestles in, wearing a thick winter coat, and props up a God Bless Israel sign and two Israeli flags, visible to motorists passing by on Washtenaw Avenue.

For the next hour, shes the counter-protest to Herskovitz and his small group, who have lined the street outside the synagogue with anti-Israel and anti-Jewish messages.

Its reminiscent of a scene from an old Looney Tunes cartoon where Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog exchange pleasantries as they clock in for work before doing battle.

Despite their strong disagreement on a divisive issue, theyre both committed to being civil and friendly with one another, and its been this way each week for years.

Theyre very kind to me, Cherney said of Herskovitzs group during a protest last month. Im sitting in one of their chairs right now because my chair broke. Theyve been very friendly and helpful all along. Its a friendly disagreement of ideas.

Herskovitz said he cares for Cherney like an older sister.

When she doesnt show up, I email her to find out if shes OK, he said.

She has her beliefs, and we havent tried to change her beliefs, and she hasnt tried to change us.

As their demonstrations came to an end Dec. 28, anti-Israel protester Gloria Harb returned an empty tin to Cherney, thanking her for cookies she brought the week before.

Cherney said she makes Christmas cookies for the protesters every year, giving them each a tin filled with two dozen, and sometimes for Easter.

God says to love everybody, she explains.

Herskovitz and his group have been protesting in support of Palestinian rights in front of the synagogue weekly for over 16 years, causing controversy thats now the subject of a federal lawsuit filed by a member of the congregation who considers the messages hateful and anti-Semitic.

Protest signs carry messages such as Resist Jewish Power, Jewish Power Corrupts, No More Holocaust Movies, Boycott Israel, Stop U.S. Aid to Israel and End the Palestinian holocaust.

Cherney decided two and a half years ago to counter those messages, which she agrees are anti-Semitic, and shes been faithfully demonstrating, rain or shine, ever since  even in the freezing rain after a Saturday, Jan. 18 snow storm.

Im not Jewish at all, notes Cherney, who is Christian. I love Israel and God does, too, and I dont like what these people are saying.

She hopes the lawsuit is successful in shutting down the protests.

Theyre not going to go away. Im not going to go away. It never occurred to me that there would be a suit that might actually stop the protesting, she said. But Id love it. I dont like sitting out here in the cold.

The first time Cherney showed up, We decided we were going to kill her with kindness, and apparently she decided the same, Herskovitz said. Shes really the epitome of Christianity.

Herskovitz and his group have had more contentious interactions with synagogue members who dont feel they should have to tolerate what they view as hateful messages.

He said he would end the protests if the synagogue committed to work for the rights of Palestinian people within the Green-Line Israel, ending occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, and supporting the Palestinian right of return. He complains the synagogue displays the Israeli flag in its sanctuary and prays for Israel.

As for the synagogues current stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Rabbi Nadav Caine said last month to ask us our political positions is to automatically suggest that his hate speech has merit.

The protesters carry signs rehearsing the age-old anti-Semitic incitements of a vast Jewish conspiracy controlling world governments, Caine wrote in an email.

Theres no reason people on opposite sides of an issue cant get along, Herskovitz argues, comparing the situation to political disagreements between Donald Trumps supporters and critics that have left the country divided.

Theres absolutely no sense in getting nasty, Herskovitz said.

When she started her counter-protest, Cherney said she had no idea what to expect or if she might be in for an ugly fight. She just knew she wanted to say something.

But it was friendly from the start, she said, and they never discuss the issues that divide them.

Cherney said her grandson searches online to help her learn the weekly jokes Herskovitz has come to expect, and Herskovitz occasionally shares one of his own.

Cherney has a similarly friendly relationship with synagogue members, going inside at the end of each protest to attend worship service and sometimes have lunch.

After I was doing this for a few months, one of the ladies from the congregation tricked me into coming in, she said. I never thought Id go in a synagogue in my life, but I liked it, so now I go every week.

She contends shes still Christian and Judaism is really just the first half of the package of Christianity.

Both sides have a First Amendment right to demonstrate in front of the synagogue, Herskovitz maintains.

The fact that the lawsuit targets only his groups protests and not Cherneys counter-protests, he said, shows the real concern is his groups message, not its presence.

They want to say how disrespectful it is to have political protests outside of a so-called place of worship. Shes doing the same thing, except her message is different, he said, arguing its all protected free speech.

Cherney is normally the lone counter-protester, but by the end of last Saturdays demonstration, a man who occasionally shows up with an Everybody Love Everybody sign joined her. Herskovitz said thats a message he can get behind.

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The Regional Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress in the Ahafo Region, Hon Apraku Lartey has chided the Deputy Electoral Commissioner Dr Bossman Asare that he does not even qualify to be a cleaner at the Commission.

Hon. Apraku Lartey, a former District Chief Executive of the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region under the erstwhile Mahama administration in a radio discussion on Dinpa Fm in Sunyani told the host of the program, Akua Nyarko Aboronoma.

Mr Apraku in his submissions, made reference to the interview on Citi TV's Point of View on Wednesday, 15th January 2020 between the host, Mr Avle and Dr Bossman.

In this interview, the host, Bernard Avle asked the Deputy Commissioner whether the decision by the Commission to compile new voter register has been tabled for discussion with the parties and what were the responses by the major political parties.

Dr Bossman's response is described by Mr Apraku as ''unconvincing and without merit'' for any reasonable person to waste time on these frivolous reasons.

Dr Bossman's response to the question was that the decision by the EC to compile a new voter register came up as an other matter in one of their meetings but none of the parties made a comment on this subject.

It will be recalled that, the EC's decision to compile new voter register has led to about 22 Civil Society Organizations to oppose the EC decision, giving out several reasons why the EC has no basis to throw out the existing register and go for a new register.

Also, members of the Inter-Party Resistance Against a New Voters Register (IPRNA) on Saturday, 11th January, 2020 converged at the Tamale Jubilee Park also known as Police Park to begin their series of planned demonstrations dubbed ''Tikusayi'' against the compilation of new voters register for election 2020.

Currently, the group is in Kumasi to embark on a similar exercise today, Tuesday, 21st January to sensitise the public about the need for the EC to drop the decision to compile new voter register.

According to this group, the cost for this exercise is over Gh830m which, to them, can be prudently used to solve the educational challenges of double track and no text books syndrome to improve quality as well as to pay for contractors and school feeding caterers who picketed at the Presidents private residence last week over their unpaid monies.

The group also cited the timing of the exercise as worrying which will affect potential voters due to the short time that will be opened for registration and subsequent verification exercise and that will affect political activities.
Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



President Donald Trump tore into environmental "prophets of doom" at the Davos forum Tuesday, rejecting fiery warnings from teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg and talking up his own record in a counterpoint to impeachment back home.

Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear the typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the US Senate opened the crucial next stage in his trial for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum aimed for a strong focus on climate change but Trump made clear he had no time for Thunberg's warning that "our house is still on fire."

Instead, he touted the US economy, which he said was enjoying an "unprecedented" boom thanks to his policies. That was a message he then continued at a dinner meeting with CEOs including Europe's richest person Bernard Arnault of luxury firm LVMH and the Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.

The Republican was also to meet Wednesday with the president of Iraq and the leader of Iraqi Kurdistan before heading back to Washington.

This will be his first talks with the Iraqi leadership since a US drone strike killed Iran's top military figure and also a senior Iraqi commander in Baghdad, triggering a parliament vote calling for the expulsion of US troops from Iraq.



- Dismissing the 'apocalypse' -



Dismissing scientifically backed warnings that global warming is wrecking the planet, Trump said "we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse."

He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong over the decades when predicting population crisis, mass starvation or the end of oil.

Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

Trump did not even mention global warming.

He was just as unapologetic over his impeachment, which is now kicking into high gear.

That's "just a hoax," he said, calling the impeachment trial "disgraceful".



- Trump campaigns -



Large parts of Trump's address sounded like a campaign speech aimed at a domestic audience as much as the Davos gathering of global political and business elites, which began in 1971.

"I'm glad to declare the United States is in the midst of a great economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before," he said.

Over and over, Trump brought up statistics he claimed proved his "unprecedented" success, based on slashing environmental protections and renegotiating trade relationships with China and the United States' two huge neighbours Canada and Mexico.

"The American dream is back, bigger, better, stronger than ever before," he said.

Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank, called Trump's performance "an almost plain vanilla presidential campaign speech, laying out an unassailable set of statistics that tell the Democrats 'good luck taking me on on this, because you won't stand a chance'."



- 'Just the very beginning' -



Earlier, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change.

Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign, which began with school strikes, had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change.

"There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," the 17-year-old said.

And despite the focus given by the Davos forum, Greenpeace said in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion (1.26 trillion euros) in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016.

Trump touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas" and said he would not let "radical socialists" attack the lucrative industry.



- 'Governments continue to fail' -



Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made from seaweed.

"People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer told AFP at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players", after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal.

"But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added.

Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

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BLACKROCK
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): Women at Lucknow's clock tower continue to brave January's cold weather as their protest entered the fifth day on Tuesday against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR).



Meanwhile, police have registered three FIRs in connection with the ongoing protest, which began on January 17 last week.

"We are on indefinite protest until anyone from the government comes and talks to us. Amit Shah is coming to Lucknow today. He is saying people are misled. He should speak on it. It is our Constitutional right to protest. There are FIRs against 150 people," said a protestor.

The protesters were mostly Muslim women, clad in burqa, some of them were seen holding placards that read "No CAA No NRC". They also sang the national anthem and raised slogans "Inqilab Zindabad" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

Protesters have alleged that police have taken away their blankets.

"The police have taken away our blankets. We will be here until the government takes it (CAA) back. Ladies stay awake the whole night. Washrooms and lights are closed at night which is creating problems for us," another protester said. (ANI)
A covert recording of a conversation between two men alleged to be republican Colin Duffy and an undercover operative posing as a holidaymaker has been played in court.

Duffy is standing trial along with two other men on charges arising from a gun attack on a police convoy in north Belfast in December 2013.

Four months before the gun attack, the Crown alleges that Duffy struck up a conversation with a businessman called Goran whilst on holiday in Santa Ponsa.

Part of the recording features two men discussing Semtex, RPGs and detonators as well as prices and the transport of items.

It is the Crown's case that the recording is in fact Duffy talking to a British Secret Service operative posing as an Eastern European businessman who fought in the Balkans War.

A three hour and 43 minute recording was played at the non-jury trial at Belfast Crown Court, with the Crown alleging that 'UM1' on the recording is Goran/the undercover agent, whilst 'UM2' is Colin Duffy.

The two males struck up a friendship in the Spanish resort after Goran asked for a light for a cigarette, and the recording played to the trial was made on the evening of August 28, 2013.

UM2 told UM1 that he heard him talking to another man about tanks. UM2 asked if he could sell him tanks then said, "I don't want the tank. Something else, could you sell it to me? For the right price?"

UM1 talked about "transport" and "movement" being a problem. When UM1 mentioned "tons... back home", UM2 asked, "are we talking explosives, detonators that type of stuff?", then when UM1 said Semtex, UM2 said, "Semtex, you can get that like, seriously?"

The men then discuss movement, to which UM2 said, "you bring it to a spot, I pick up and I pay". UM1 told UM2 "going through Britain is impossible", and when they discuss where the best place to meet is, UM2 said, 'I'm not invisible... I am red hot.'

UM2 talked about a "serious business deal" then told the other man "I'm looking RPGs". After discussing which types he needed, UM2 said "give me a price, Goran". UM1 then told UM2 "I have only Eastern Europe Semtex".

UM1 then told UM2, "if you go for big quantities you will, you will burn because, not only because of shipping but also because of intelligence". UM2 said, "I wouldn't move it in big quantities nowadays".

UM2 asked again about RPGs, and when he is asked if he knew how to use them, UM2 said "yes, yes, yes, yes, yes". Also discussed were snipers and grenades, with UM2 asking the other man if they can penetrate armour.

At one point in the conversation UM2 said: "I would be happy enough for Semtex, cortex, detonator cord, detonators, RPGs and if you can deal with AKs or whatever you know."

When UM1 said "AKs no problem", UM2 replied: "That's the basic type of stuff we're talking about, so we can deal then from that." He added, "if we can do a deal, we can do a deal", and when UM1 talked about being "prepared to spend", UM2 replied: "That isn't a problem."

UM2 then said "if you can do a good amount sitting for 200, 200 grand right, and then we can take it in small, small, small batches."

At one point near the end of the conversation, UM2 asked the other man "you're not bullsh*****g me now, you can do that type of stuff?", then UM1 gave UM2 his mobile number.

The pair discuss meeting in Amsterdam and UM1 said if they were communicating by phone, "let's talk about building materials, construction materials, about bricks."

And when UM1 asked UM2 if he had the 'thing' to test the 'dets', UM2 replied, "sure we found that when we were at home now we're trying to make the f*****g things homemade and they're not, they're not reliable, you know what I mean like. I mean we need instantaneous f*****g commercial electric detonators."

UM1 then told UM2 he would keep the phone line open for a month.

Four months after the secret recordings, a police convoy came under a gun attack in north Belfast.

Duffy, along Henry Fitzsimons (50) and 57-year-old Alex McCrory were all charged with offences following the incident. All three - whose addresses are the subject of a reporting restriction - have been charged with, and deny preparing and directing terrorism, and membership or professing to be members of the IRA.

Fitzsimons and McCrory are also charged with and deny attempting to murder police in the convoy, and possessing the two AK47 assault rifles and ammunition used in the north Belfast gun attack.
Shock and disbelief have beset the friends and family members of the two couples and four minor children hailing from Kerala who died in Nepal after falling unconscious probably due to a gas leak from a heater in their room at a mountainous resort.

They were part of a 15-member group from the state that was on a holiday in Pokhara, a popular Himalayan tourist destination currently struck by a cold wave.

The deceased were identified as Prabin Kumar Nair (39), Sharanya (34), Ranjit Kumar TB (39), Indu Ranjit (34), Shree Bhadra (9), Abinab Soraya (9), Abi Nair (7), and Baishnab Ranjit (2), The Kathmandu Post said.

The Centre and state government on Tuesday said efforts are being made to bring in their bodies at the earliest.

Prabin Kumar and Ranjit Kumar, both IT professionals, were engineering college classmates and the tour was arranged after a get-together with their old friends in Delhi, a family member said.

Prabin, who hails from Chempazhanthi in Thiruvananthapuram, worked as an engineer in Dubai while his wife, Sharanya, was a nursing student and lived in Kochi along with their three children.

A neighbour said Prabin and his family had visited their home here, where his aged parents live, during the Onam festival in September last year.

A family friend said Prabin's parents have as yet only been told that the family has met with an accident.

"We have not told them about the tragedy that had befallen," he told television channels.

Ranjit was working in an IT firm in Thiruvananthapuram, while his wife Indu was an accountant in a cooperative bank at Kozhikode, a family member said.

The couple's elder son Madhav had a lucky escape as he was sleeping in another room.

The Kerala Government on Tuesday said it would take all steps to ensure that the mortal remains of the eight Keralites are brought to the state as early as possible.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed "deep grief" over the incident, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said.

On the basis of the directions given by the Chief Minister, NORKA (Non Resident Keralite Affairs) officials have got in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal.

The bodies are expected to be brought to the state Wednesday after post-mortem, the statement added.

Vijayan also wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishanakar seeking his intervention for rendering all possible assistance to the families and friends of the victims.

Expressing shock over the tragedy, Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the government has given directions to the state DGP to get in touch with the Nepal police and take necessary steps.

"Also talked to Union Minister V Muraleedharan over phone. He ensured all necessary intervention to bring the mortal remains to the state as early as possible," he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Tuesday said Indian Embassy officials in Kathmandu were taking steps to bring the bodies back to India as early as possible.

"We are in regular touch with the Indian embassy in Kathmandu", he said.

The Minister said a doctor at the Indian embassy went to the hospital where the bodies are kept to examine the reasons for the deaths.

According to media reports, the Indian tourists died after they fell unconscious due to asphyxiation after a possible gas leak in their room at a resort in Nepal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORTHFIELD, Ohio -- Trevor Noah, the comedian and commentator behind The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, will bring his standup tour to MGM Northfield Park on March 14.

Tickets to the event will go on sale Friday, Jan. 24 on Ticketmaster.

Originally, Noah joined The Daily Show in 2014 as a correspondent, and later succeeded former host Jon Stewart in 2015. Since then, hes been a consistent foundation in the show, and his contract with Comedy Central has been extended through 2022.

Beyond his TV work, Noah also regularly performs standup. Hes brought his show to Northeast Ohio multiple times, and even gave a shout-out to the city in an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Watch the clip below.

Read more recent entertainment stories:
The production of chicken to be sold in UK supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food chains is destroying wildlife-rich forests in South America, Greenpeace investigators claim.

Swathes of forest are bulldozed each year to grow soya, which is used to feed poultry in the UK and the rest of the world, a report by the charity says. The land used partly includes the worlds most biodiverse savannah, the Brazilian Cerrado.

South Americas forests are home to rare wildlife species and are a major absorber of damaging greenhouse gases, so eradicating the trees accelerates the climate and biodiversity crises.

But in failing to monitor where their animal-feed crops come from, Britains high-street brands are contributing to the deforestation  some of which is illegal, its claimed.

Consumers swapping red meat for chicken and other poultry are also fuelling the demand, and supermarkets and fast-food chains are pushing up sales with special offers on chicken, according to the study.

Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire rages in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonina on August 23 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billlows from burning tracts of the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Para on August 23 AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire rages in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonina on August 23 EPA Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Land in the Amazon rainforest left scorched in the fires in the Brazilian state of Rondonina on August 23 AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil on August 23 AFP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire tears through a farm in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso AP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures An area of the Amazon rainforest left scorched in the fires in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 24 AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Satellite images show a series of fires in the southwest Brazilian state of Rondonia on August 15 AP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures A satellite image released by NASA shows the active fires that have been detected in the Amazon region EPA Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Amazonas, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Rondonia, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Amazonas, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Indigenous people from the Mura tribe wallk in a deforested area inside the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 20 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Fire tears through a farm in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso AP Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows from a stretch of fire in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 23 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows during a fire in an area of the Amazon rainforest in the state of Amazonas, Brazil Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Indigenous people from the Mura tribe wallk in a deforested area inside the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 20 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows from a stretch of fire in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 23 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures A view of logs felled illegally in the Amazon rainforest are seen in sawmills in the Brazilian state of Amazonas on August 22 Reuters Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures A scorched patch of land in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil on 20 August EPA Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Several fires are seen burning in the Amazon rainforest in this satellite image taken by NASA on 11 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures Smoke billows from a stretch of fire in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 23 August AFP/Getty Amazon rainforest swept by fires: In pictures The sunsets behind clouds and smoke from fires in the Amazon rainforest in the Brazilian state of Rondonia on 18 August EPA

The UK imports more than 3 million tonnes of soya every year from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, official figures show, the bulk of it to feed factory-farmed animals, mostly chickens.

The report, called Winging it: How the UKs Chicken Habit is Fuelling the Climate and Nature Emergency, says that meeting Britains annual demand for high-protein soya requires 1.4 million hectares of land  an area larger than Northern Ireland.

Greenpeace, which is calling on food giants to set meat-reduction targets, surveyed 23 UK supermarkets and fast-food and coffee chains about their chicken sales and soya usage. It says it found:

Some supermarkets are buying their soya from commodity giants including two that have been fined for trading in soya from illegally deforested areas in the Brazilian Cerrado

UK supermarkets account for two-thirds of the UKs soya imports  the vast majority for chicken feed

Tesco alone admitted using a sixth of the UKs soya  99 per cent of it for animal feed

Some leading supermarkets claim to support production of sustainable soya  or have a plan to switch to no-deforestation sources  but this means buying credits to offset their soya use

None of the companies surveyed could guarantee the soya they used for meat production was deforestation-free. McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Nandos and Subway refused to disclose their meat sales or soya use altogether

Supermarket promotions of chicken legs more than doubled last year, and price cuts trebled, according to market research by Kantar.

But a Roundtable on Sustainable Soya report, also last year, found that just 2 per cent of the UKs imports come from zero-deforestation areas. And Greenpeace says not a single company it contacted was able to show it tracked the full amount or origin of the soya used as animal feed in its supply chain.

(Chris J Ratcliffe / Greenpeace (Chris J Ratcliffe / Greenpeace)

The Amazon is protected from further expansion for soya production by a 2006 ban but other areas with vital ecosystems such as the Cerrado and the Gran Chaco  South Americas second largest forest  are still being exploited, the report shows.

The Cerrado Manifesto, launched in 2017, calls on companies to voluntarily pledge to curb further deforestation.

Cattle ranching is also a big cause of forest loss but most Brazilian beef is consumed in the country, leaving soya a more significant component of many countries deforestation footprint.

Greenpeace UK forest campaigner Chiara Vitali said: Consumers cutting red meat are clearly trying to do the right thing for the right reasons but supermarkets and fast-food restaurants are keeping them in the dark when it comes to the precious forests being destroyed.

A straight swap from beef to chicken effectively amounts to outsourcing emissions of our meat consumption from the UK to South America.

The world cannot continue to consume industrially produced meat at current levels, she said.

Analysis by the charity of EU figures suggests soya causes even more forest loss than palm oil.

Leah Riley Brown, of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: Retailers are working together to tackle deforestation and drive greater uptake of certified sustainable soya in their supply chains.

The BRC has publicly called on the Brazilian government to stop Amazon deforestation for soy production and is working with other stakeholders to ensure soya sources meet customer expectations on sustainability.

A Tesco spokesman said: We agree with Greenpeace that more must be done to stop deforestation linked to food production. This is why we will source all the soya we use as animal feed from verified zero-deforestation areas by 2025 and are leading efforts to develop the Funding for Soy Farmers in the Cerrado initiative, which will protect biodiversity by preventing any new land being cleared for soya production.

McDonalds said it aimed to eliminate deforestation from supply chains by 2030. We are prioritising by the end of 2020 the raw materials our suppliers buy in greatest volume and where we can have the biggest impact: beef, chicken (including soya in feed), palm oil, coffee and the fibre in packaging. We are committed to sourcing soya for chicken feed that does not contribute to deforestation, and have identified the regions with high deforestation risks. In 2018, approximately 74 per cent of the soya used in the feed of chickens supplied to our restaurants in Europe was covered by a combination of ProTerra and Roundtable on Responsible Soy certification, a statement said. In 2017, we became one of the first companies to sign the statement of support for the Cerrado Manifesto.

A Nandos spokesperson said: Were proud that for four years, all our soya has been responsibly sourced under the Round Table on Responsible Soy, ProTerra or equivalent standards. This is not just the soya we use as an ingredient but also in our supply chain, which means we buy credits to cover the volume of soya fed to our chickens. Were always striving to do more. In 2017, we joined over 60 companies in signing a statement of support for the Cerrado Manifesto and were proud to be an active member of the UK Roundtable on Sustainable Soya.

A Burger King spokeswoman said most of its chicken was sourced from the UK and Europe, and only some from Brazil. However, we hold supplier commitments that neither the poultry nor the feed it is raised on is former rainforest land. We are working with our suppliers on an ongoing basis to review the systems they have in place to ensure these accreditations can be upheld.

A Subway spokeswoman said the chain had a sustainable soya policy. We therefore require our franchise owners suppliers to comply with this policy and to continually increase the amount of RTRS-certified soya used in Subway products with the ultimate aim of achieving 100 per cent certified sustainably sourced soy by the end of 2020. The Subway brand has a zero-deforestation policy. Suppliers are required to source all raw materials from areas which havent been subject to deforestation, or from areas of high conservation value.

A KFC spokesperson said it had been in touch previously with Greenpeace over the issue, and would welcome further discussion. KFC UK and Ireland supports long-established policies against deforestation and a commitment to work with our supply chain partners to sustainably source key produce and commodities, including chicken and soya. We are actively engaged in this issue and looking at how we strengthen our policies to do all we can to eliminate deforestation risk, working with our global teams and partners such as WWF to ensure that any sourcing decisions we make are informed and sustainable ones.
NORWALK  A Bridgeport man charged with setting fire to a barbershop  just weeks before its grand opening  told detectives he was paid $2,000 to set the blaze over an insurance claim, according to an arrest warrant.

Roselio Morales, 42, was arrested Monday night in connection with the Dec. 29 fire that destroyed the interior of a newly renovated barbershop, located at 108 Connecticut Ave.

Morales told police he had been drinking outside his Bridgeport home last month when he was approached by someone he only vaguely knew, according to his arrest warrant.

He told me some guy wanted to pay money to burn a business down, to get an insurance claim, Morales told police, according to the warrant. I dont know who wanted the fire set, but the guy offered me $2,000 and said that if anyone asks, say El Faru told me to do it.

Morales said the other man took him to the business one night to stake out the location, the arrest warrant said. Morales said the man then dropped him off the night of the fire near the barbershop, the warrant said. Morales said the man gave him a gallon of gasoline, a Phillips head screwdriver and specific instructions, according to the warrant.

He told me the door was unlocked already. He said to make it look like someone pried the door open. He told me when I light the fire, to drill holes in the wall, Morales told police, according to the warrant.

Before leaving, the man gave Morales the $2,000 and a message: Youve never seen me and you dont know anything about me, the warrant said.

Manish Patel, who owns the building, could not be reached Tuesday for comment. Patel said last month that everything was in order and his new tenant was expected to soon open the business.

Victor Santiago, who was expected to open the barbershop, also could not be reached on Tuesday.

According to his arrest warrant, Morales was initially linked to the crime by a cellphone he left at the fire.

Norwalk Detective Bureau Commander Lt. Tom Mattera said he could not comment on the case.

I cant get into the evidence at this time as the investigation is still ongoing, Mattera said Tuesday.

Morales, who does not appear to have a prior criminal record, was charged with first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit first-degree arson. He failed to post the $200,000 bond during his arraignment on Tuesday.

Norwalk police recently assumed the lead in the investigation after the fire department concluded the fire did not start on its own.

Fire Marshal Broderick Sawyer said he also could not reveal much about investigators findings, but he did admit the fire was definitely incendiary in nature.

Foul play had been suspected in the case as soon as the day after the blaze, according to Fire Inspector Dale Roos, who oversaw the early stages of the probe.

The building, a one-story, former liquor store, was in the final stages of renovation as a barbershop.

While Roos said the building is believed to be structurally sound, its interior and everything that had been inside were a complete loss. It took 26 firefighters to fully extinguish the blaze, according to the warrant.

The building is owned by a limited liability company controlled by the Patel family. They bought the building in 2005 for $420,000 and ran Norwalk Wine & Spirits there before moving the package store a short distance up Connecticut Avenue where it remains in business today.

The barbershop building was last appraised for about $500,000 and was listed in July for sale for $750,000.
US President Donald Trump has taken aim at "perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse" and challenged world leaders to be more optimistic about the economy and climate change.

In a highly anticipated address to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Trump also avoided any provocative language that risked escalating disputes with Europe and China in a signal that global trade wars could take a back seat as America barrels towards presidential elections in November.

"This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism," Trump told the crowd of elite political leaders, business figures, and climate campaigners, including Greta Thunberg.

"Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action.
Pedro Sanchez during the television interview with RTVE.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will meet with Catalan premier Quim Torra the first week of February in Barcelona to discuss issues relating to Catalonia. The meeting is part of the agreement the leader of the Socialist Party (PSOE) made with the separatist Catalan Republican Left (ERC) in order to ensure he could be sworn back into office by Congress. The ERC agreed to abstain from Sanchezs investiture bid on the condition that the PSOE commit to negotiations about the political situation in Catalonia and the future of the region.

The right has a problem and cant accept the election results

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

We have agreed with the ERC to a bilateral commission between governments that is perfectly constitutional to resolve this political crisis, Sanchez said on Monday night in a television interview with Spains public broadcaster TVE, the first he has given since being voted back in as prime minister.

We are aware that there are deep differences: [the Catalan separatist parties] are defending the right to self-determination, and we are defending self-rule. We want to vote for an agreement, not a disagreement, which is what happens in a referendum, he added.

The negotiations are also key to ensuring that the PSOE and anti-austerity Unidas Podemos coalition is able to pass a new budget. The government, which lacks an absolute majority in Spains lower house of parliament, needs the ERC to abstain from the vote in order to push through its financial plans in Congress. But without talks, there will be no political term, warned ERC congressional spokesman Gabriel Rufian during the investiture debate to swear in Sanchez. The prime ministers earlier failure to secure approval for his 2019 budget blueprint led to early elections in April of last year, followed by a repeat vote of November. The prime minister, however, said he is confident that he can have a new budget approved before the end of summer in September.

During the interview, Sanchez added that he wanted to seek solutions to the situation in Catalonia outside of the courts. Politicians cannot stand behind the Supreme Court. There has been neglect of duties, a failure of politics, he said.

Sanchez also announced that he wanted to meet not just with Torra, but with all regional leaders in Spain. This time I will be the one who goes to the government headquarters. This legislature has to be one of consensus, he said. No Spanish prime minister has ever before visited the Spanish regions in this way.

Political U-turn

At the outset of the interview, Sanchez was shown footage of himself defending positions that have since radically changed: for example, a commitment that he would not talk with Torra and him saying that the biggest obstacle to a coalition government with Unidas Podemos was its leader Pablo Iglesias  who is now a deputy prime minister.

On why he had done these political U-turns, Sanchez maintained his composure and explained: In politics, reality comes before your wishes. And the people make reality. They spoke at the [November 10] elections and said that they wanted a progressive coalition. I understood this and I accepted it. Hopefully others can too and will not obstruct us, he said, in reference to the conservative Popular Party (PP), which has vowed to fight the new government every step of the way.

The prime minister also criticized the PP for working with the far-right party Vox, which has struck governing agreements with the party in many regions and city halls, and for failing to address the crisis in Catalonia. According to Sanchez, the problem has fallen to the new government due to the inaction of former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of the PP. It was during Rajoys time in office that the illegal referendum of 2017 was held, followed by a unilateral declaration of independence.

When the PSOE is in government, there are always problems, conflicts. The right has a problem and cant accept the election results. They are bad losers. We have had 40 years of democracy, he said.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
The band Rammstein in 2012, the last time they came to Philadelphia. Read more

German industrial metal band Rammstein will head to Philadelphia for the first time in nearly a decade as part of a stadium tour this summer.

The group, which is known their 1997 hit Du Hast, will perform at Lincoln Financial Field on Aug. 23. The date is the second of 10 stops on Rammsteins recently announced tour, as well as their first Philly date since 2012s Made in Germany 1995-2011 tour that brought the band to the Wells Fargo Center.

Dubbed in a release as rock n rolls most ambitious pyro-theatrical experience, the tour is the groups first run of North American stadium dates in its quarter-century history. It is also a rare run of American dates in general for the band, which last played the United States in 2017 as part of a run of festival appearances in cities that included Chicago and Las Vegas.

Most recently, the group released its untitled seventh album in May, with the effort debuting at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart. The album is the Rammsteins first since 2009, which brought the release of Liebe ist fur alle da.

The band is preparing to embark on the second leg of a European stadium tour that begins in May, before heading over to the United States in August. In addition to the stop in Philadelphia, dates on this side of the pond include performances in Washington, D.C., and East Rutherford, N.J., before the band wraps up its tour Sept. 27 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Tickets for Rammsteins upcoming Philadelphia date go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. via the bands official website.
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will pay a four-day visit to India from January 24 to attend the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday.

Bolsonaro will be accompanied by a delegation of ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ernesto Fraga Araujo, Minister Chief of Staff Jose Vicente Santini; Agriculture and Lifestock Minister Tereza Cristina Correa da Costa Dias; Mines and Energy Minister Admiral Bento Costa Lima Leite de Alburquerque Junior; Science, Technology, Communications and Innovation Minister Macros Cesar Pontes.

Other ministers who are part of the delegation include Minister Chief of the Secretariat of Government General Luiz Eduardo Ramos Baptista Pereira; Minister Chief of Institutional Security Office General Augusto Heleno Ribeiro Pereira; Vice Minister for Foreign Trade and International Affairs Macros Prado Troyja; Vice Minister for the Investment Partnership Program Martha Seillier; and Vice Minister of Defence products (Ministry of Defense) Marcos Rosas Degaut.

President of Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brazil) Rear Admiral Sergio Ricardo Segovia Barbosa will also be part of the delegation.

This is the first state visit by Bolsonaro to India. The last Presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the VIII BRICS Summit in Goa.During the visit, Bolsonaro will meet President Ram Nath Kovind -- who will host a banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in his honor -- and hold talks with PM Modi. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will call on President Bolsonaro.

On 27 January, Bolsonaro will address Indian and Brazilian Business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum. This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil.

India-Brazil relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster the economic growth of both countries.

"Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations. The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said in a statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the IMF lowering India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday claimed an attack on the world body and its chief economist Gita Gopinath by government ministers was imminent.

He also alleged that the growth figure of 4.8 per cent given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is after some "window dressing" and he won't be surprised if it goes even lower.

"Reality check from the IMF. Growth in 2019-20 will be BELOW 5 per cent at 4.8 per cent," Chidambaram said in a series of tweets.

Reality check from IMF. Growth in 2019-20 will be BELOW 5 per cent at 4.8 per cent.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020

"Even the 4.8 per cent is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower," the former finance minister said.

IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation. I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020

IMF Chief Economist Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation, he noted.

"I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath," Chidambaram said.

The IMF lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent and listed the country's much lower-than-expected GDP numbers as the single biggest drag on its global growth forecast for two years.

In October, the IMF had pegged India economic growth at 6.1 per cent for 2019.

The listing decline in rural demand growth and an overall credit sluggishness for lowering of India forecasts, Gopinath, however, had said the growth momentum should improve next year due to factors like the positive impact of corporate tax rate reduction.
Germany and Poland have agreed new measures to contain African swine fever (ASF) and prevent its spread into Germany, including drastic wild boar controls and additional border fences.

Poland recorded 55 outbreaks of ASF in wild boars in various locations in December, including cases just 30km from the German border, reports from OIE, the World Organisation for Animal Health, show.

Germanys agriculture minister, Julia Kloeckner met her Polish counterpart Jan Krzysztof Ardanowski in Berlin this week and agreed new measures to try and contain the ASF outbreak in Poland and prevent it spreading to Germany, according to a Reuters report.

This included setting up a fenced corridor along the border and a drastic reduction in the wild boar density, for example through shooting as an effective preventative measure, the German ministry said. Germany has already relaxed some restrictions on wild boar hunting.

German regional state governments in Brandenburg and Saxony have already started building fences along the Polish border, while the German government is considering new regulations allowing temporary anti-wild boar fencing to be set up to seal off an area should a case be found in Germany, the ministry added.

New Serbia case

Meanwhile, ASF has been found in Serbia for the first time since August. The OIE reported that the virus had been found in seven wild boar in various locations, with the outbreaks dating back to early January.

The state Tanjug news agency said the cases have been found in the east of the country, close to its borders with Bulgaria and Romania, which both struggled to contain the virus during 2019.

The disease was discovered in two hunting grounds in Pirot and Kladovo, Tanjug reported, quoting Sasa Ostojic, the head of the national veterinary Crisis Centre, Reuters reports.

This represents the re-emergence of the disease in Serbia, after several pig farms were affected in August.

The authorities have ordered the shooting of boars to contain the disease. They (boars) are having more and more such cases (of ASF) and it was expected it could spread to our regions, Mr Ostojic was quoted as saying.

APHA update

The latest update on ASF in Europe from the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) shows that Romania (42) was the only country to report outbreaks in domestic pigs in the first half of December.

However, cases in wild boar were reported in nine countries, led by Poland (156), Hungary (77), Bulgaria (38) and Romania (38).

Commenting on the risk of the virus reaching the UK, APHA states: The risk remains at medium for the entry of contaminated or infected products into UK at present.

Border checks on passengers are paramount, as are publicity campaigns aimed at reaching the travelling public and reminding them that bringing back products of animal origin from outside the EU or from a region in the EU under disease restrictions is not allowed.

Commercially produced products which can be safely traded in the EU will be labelled as such.

Home produced products are a particular concern. Travellers from an affected area in the EU or anywhere in Asia and Africa must not bring back products of pig origin  including ham, sausages or pate  or any equipment or other goods which could potentially be contaminated with ASF virus to the UK.

Travellers from Asia and other third country areas who bring meat or dairy products can also face prosecution and a large fine. Disease can be spread by pig keepers and members of the public feeding catering waste, kitchen scraps or pork products to their animals.

It is illegal to do so. The risk of exposure to the pig population in the UK is still highly dependent on the level of biosecurity on individual pig premises but is still considered to be low. We will continue to monitor the situation.

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(Bloomberg) -- Sign up here to receive the Davos Diary, a special daily newsletter that will run from Jan. 20-24.

IBM called for rules aimed at eliminating bias in artificial intelligence to ease concerns that the technology relies on data that bakes in past discriminatory practices and could harm women, minorities, the disabled, older Americans and others.

As it seeks to define a growing debate in the U.S. and Europe over how to regulate the burgeoning industry, IBM urged industry and governments to jointly develop standards to measure and combat potential discrimination.

The Armonk, New York-based company issued policy proposals Tuesday ahead of a Wednesday panel on AI to be led by Chief Executive Officer Ginni Rometty on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The initiative is designed to find a consensus on rules that may be stricter than what industry alone might produce, but that are less stringent than what governments might impose on their own.

It seems pretty clear to us that government regulation of artificial intelligence is the next frontier in tech policy regulation, said Chris Padilla, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at International Business Machines Corp.

The 108-year-old company, once a world technology leader, has lagged behind the sector for years. In its fight to remain relevant, IBM has pegged its future on newer technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud services. But its yet to show significant revenue growth from those areas.

The IBM recommendations call for companies to work with governments to develop standards on how to make sure, for instance, that African-Americans are guaranteed fair access to housing despite algorithms that rely on historical data such as zip codes or mortgage rates that may have been skewed by discrimination. In the U.S., that would likely occur through the National Institute of Standards and Technology within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Story continues

Read more: A QuickTake explains algorithmic bias

Rometty is hosting the panel, which includes a top White House aide, Chris Liddell, OECD Secretary-General Jose Angel Gurria and Siemens AG CEO Joe Kaeser.

IBM also suggests that companies appoint chief AI ethics officials, carry out assessments to determine how much harm an AI system may pose and maintain documentation about data when making determinations or recommendations with potentially significant implications for individuals so that the decisions can be explained.

Spearheading the AI regulatory debate gives IBM a chance to come back into the spotlight as a leader in cutting-edge technology, a position it hasnt held for years.

The AI proposals are intended to stave off potential crises that could enrage customers, lawmakers and regulators worldwide -- similar to what happened with Facebook Inc. in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, when the personal data of millions of Americans was transferred to the political consulting firm without their knowledge.

I dont think were yet in the same place on AI, he said. So I dont think its too late to try this approach.

Concerns about AI and machine learning -- software tools that use existing data to automate future analysis and decision-making -- range from identifying faces in security-camera footage to making determinations about mortgage rates. AI is central to the future of many technology companies, including IBMs, but has spurred worries that it could kill jobs and spread existing disparities in areas such as law enforcement, access to credit and hiring.

IBM has been working with the Trump administration since last summer on its approach to AI regulation. Earlier this month, the White House issued guidelines for use of the technology by federal agencies, which emphasized a desire not to impose burdensome controls. Last week, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators unveiled a bill designed to boost private and public funding for AI and other industries of the future.

The European Union is considering new, legally binding requirements for developers of artificial intelligence to ensure the technology is developed and used in an ethical way. IBM advised a European committee of academics, experts and executives that recommended avoiding unnecessarily prescriptive rules.

The EUs executive arm is set to propose that the new rules apply to high-risk sectors, such as health care and transport. It also may suggest that the bloc update safety and liability laws, according to a draft of a so-called white paper on artificial intelligence obtained by Bloomberg. The European Commission is due to unveil the paper in mid-February and the final version is likely to change.

For More: Europe Mulls New Tougher Rules for Artificial Intelligence

While Rometty has touted the growth potential for new offerings in cloud services, the companys third-quarter earnings report in October missed Wall Street estimates. It was IBMs fifth-consecutive quarter of shrinking sales despite its July acquisition of open-source software provider Red Hat, designed to bolster its hybrid cloud-services strategy. The company is set to report fourth-quarter results Tuesday at the market close.

Padilla said compliance with standards could become a selling-point for companies and perhaps help lower their legal liability.

If we take a just-say-no approach, or we just wait, the chances are higher that governments will react to something that happens, he said. Then you will get more of a prescriptive, top-down regulation.

--With assistance from Natalia Drozdiak.

To contact the reporters on this story: Ben Brody in Washington, D.C. at btenerellabr@bloomberg.net;Olivia Carville in New York at ocarville1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sara Forden at sforden@bloomberg.net, Paula Dwyer

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.
Per the latest data, the Chinese steel industry has been resilient despite a slowing economy and the prolonged trade war with the United States. The countrys steel demand is expected to rise 2% in 2020. This helped lift prices of iron ore  the main steel making commodity. Notably, China, which produces about half of the worlds steel, imports more than 70% of the worlds seaborne iron ore. Further, concerns about supply crunch due to tropical cyclone Claudia in Western Australia is aiding iron ore prices.



China Steel Industry Holds Ground



China has produced 996.34 million tons (Mt) of crude steel in 2019, just shy of the 1 billion mark, per the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The figure also marked an improvement of 8.3% over 2018 and displayed acceleration from 2018s growth rate of 6.6%. Moreover, a rise of 11.3% was noted in output for December to 84.27 million ton.



Per the China Iron & Steel Association, total steel consumption in China rose 6% to 875.3 Mt in 2019. This was spurred by demand in infrastructure building, real estate and other downstream industries. The Association remains optimistic that the countrys steel demand will climb a further 2% to reach 890 million metric tons in 2020.



The Chinese steel industry seems to have held its ground last year despite the worlds second-largest economy coming under pressure from slowing domestic growth and the trade war. The Chinese economy advanced 6.1% in 2019  the slowest pace in 29 years but came within the government's target of 6-6.5%. The International Monetary Fund predicts Chinas economy to grow by 6% in 2020, up from its previous projection of 5.8%, following the tariff reductions included in the phase one trade deal with the United States.



The construction sector continued to support domestic demand for steel. Moreover, restrictions on production to curb pollution were not as tough as previously anticipated on the steel industry.



Steel demand from the construction and home appliance industries is expected to remain strong in 2020. However, automobile, ship-building, container-manufacturing and machinery sectors are anticipated to see negative growth in 2020.



China, which makes about half of the worlds steel, imports more than 70% of the worlds seaborne iron ore. Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China has imported 1.069 billion tons of iron ore in 2019, close to the 2017 record of 1.075 billion tons. In December, the country imported 101.3 million tons of the steel making ingredient  the highest monthly import level in 27 months.



These upbeat numbers provided a lift to iron ore prices. The price of the steel-making commodity is currently trending at $96.5 per ton, clocking a gain of 4.89% so far this year and 29% in a years time.



Iron ore prices had peaked to five-year highs to $125.77 in July 2019, triggered by fears of supply disruptions, following the fatal disaster at Vale S.As VALE Brumadinho dam rupture at Corrego do Feijao mine in Brazil. However, it had since faded amid signs of recovery in Brazilian supply and concerns regarding the U.S.-China trade war. Iron ore prices are likely to remain above $90 a ton on fears of cyclone-related disruptions in Western Australia and demand from China. In the long run, growth in world steel production spurred by urbanization will fuel the demand for iron ore and help sustain prices.



The Zacks Mining  Iron industry has gained 17.7% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500s and the Basic Materials Sectors growth of 11.5% and 10.1%, respectively.

Story continues





The groups Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates bright prospects in the near term. The Zacks Mining- Iron Industry, currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #7, which places it at the top 3% of 256 Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.



Going by the EV/EBITDA multiple (a preferred valuation metric for mining companies that have high capital expenditures), the iron mining industry has a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA multiple of 4.78, much lower than the S&P 500s EV/EBITDA multiple of 12.38 and the sectors 9.67.



Thus, it would be a good time to invest in the industry. We suggest stocks like Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. FSUGY and BHP Group BHP, which sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Vale and Rio Tinto plc RIO carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) are also good bets. All these stocks have positive growth expectations for fiscal 2020.

Shares of Fortescue Metals Group, Vale, Rio Tinto and BHP Group gained 34.9%, 17.8%, 16.3% 16.2%, respectively, over the past three months.





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The European Union has big plans for its space and defence industries, but cuts to the bloc's proposed budget for 2021-27 of some 200 billion euros have caused alarm

Space is becoming increasingly militarised and European satellites are under-protected, experts warned Tuesday, voicing dismay at cuts proposed in the EU's draft budget.

"The rise in geopolitical tensions we see on Earth is being extended and projected into space," EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell told the 12th European Space Conference, which groups policymakers, industry and researchers.

French General Michel Friedling, the head of France's new Space Command, warned of "grey actions" in space that stopped short of being hostile.

"But all space powers are developing capabilities and systems capable of spying, neutralising and even destroying," he said.

India has fired missiles capable of hitting a satellite and Russia has been caught spying, while President Donald Trump has launched a US "space force" and NATO has designated space as a domain of conflict alongside land, sea, air and cyberspace.

The threats in space come not only from military actorsbut also from more and more private operators, Borrell warned.

And the space around Earth is becoming congested, with debris increasing the risk of collisions. Of the 5,000 satellites currently in orbit, 2,000 are operational.

Europe's own satellite systems, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus, are vulnerable and must be protected, Friedling saidall the more so because they are used by both civilians and the military.

France is ready to face threats in space and is "looking for capable partners with ambitions", the French general added.

Italy wants to be involved, planning to equip itself with a space command, junior defence minister Angelo Tofalo told the conference on Tuesday.

Critics within the EU of the militarisation of space include notably Belgium, which "is opposed to it," warned Foreign and Defence Minister Philippe Goffin.

Budget wrangling

The European Union has big plans for its space and defence industries, but cuts to the bloc's proposed budget for 2021-27 of some 200 billion euros ($220 billion) have caused alarm.

The European Defence Fund has seen its proposed share fall from 13 to seven billion euros and space programmes have lost 20 percent of their allocations.

The initial budget plan earmarked huge growth in funding for defence as the bloc looks to become a more credible geopolitical player, but with richer member states looking to trim their contributions after Brexit, a slimmed-down plan was put forward by Finland when it held the rotating EU presidency.

Romanian conservative MEP Christian-Silviu Busoi, chairman of the European Parliament's Industry Committee, warned that the cuts would jeopardise the Galileo programmethe European satellite navigation systemand Copernicus, the EU's Earth observation programme.

The EU's competition and digital supremo Margrethe Vestager warned that money was needed to back "new ideas and new technology" and said she hoped it would be available in the next budget.

Budget haggling will rumble on for some time, with EU Council President Charles Michel facing the unenviable task of bridging the near 240 billion euro gap between the demands of the European Parliament and Finland's proposal.

 2020 AFP
Former finance minister Elyes Fakhfakh was named prime minister-designate by Tunisia's president late Monday, and will now face the difficult task of forming a cabinet within a month.

Newly elected President Kais Saied "on Monday mandated Mr Elyes Fakhfakh with forming a government as soon as possible," the presidency said in a statement.

Fakhfakh's proposal will have to gain the approval of a divided parliament, which this month rejected an earlier attempt to form a government.

After months of negotiations that followed elections last October, parliament dismissed a cabinet list proposed under the leadership of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party.

Ennahdha won more seats than any other party in October's legislative election, but was still far short of a majority.

If Fakhfakh fails to form a government, the next step would be dissolution of the assembly.

Fakhfakh, 47, was named minister of tourism in 2011 before serving as minister of finance from December 2012 until January 2014.

An engineer and manager trained in France, he returned to Tunisia in 2006 after several years working abroad.

He became involved in politics after Tunisia's 2011 revolution, joining the Ettakatol party, which had allied with Ennahdha.

Fakhfakh ran in the 2019 presidential election but only gained 0.34 percent of votes in the first round.

Tunisia is currently run by an outgoing government led by Prime Minister Youssef Chahed. Many positions are vacant pending the appointment of a new cabinet.

The candidate for prime minister initially designated by Ennahdha, Habib Jemli, proposed a cabinet of independents.

On January 14, Tunisia marked the ninth anniversary of the overthrow of long-ruling dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, amid economic gloom.

The country is struggling to meet the expectations of its population, while an assistance package started by the International Monetary Fund in 2016 ends in April.
Kyle Sandilands has copped heat for his latest dig at the royals. Photo: KIIS FM

Kyle Sandilands isnt new to causing controversy with his outrageous remarks, however many have slammed his latest vile comments about the royals - particularly Meghans mother Doria Ragland - saying he has gone too far.

In an interview with Thomas Markle Jnr, Meghan's estranged half brother, on KIIS FM on Monday, Kyle made a series of remarks that have caused outrage among listeners, with many labelling them racist and disgusting.

From joking about offering sexual services to the Queen, to calling Meghans mother the black mum, the station was forced to remove some of the comments when the interview was shared online.

He referred to Doria Ragland as 'the black mum'. Photo: Getty

Kyle was asking Thomas about the familys strained relationship when he referred to Doria Ragland as the black mum.

He also suggested women would open their legs for Thomas because he has a princess sister.

That section was part of a large chunk of the audio also removed, according to the SMH.

The controversial comments were in an interview with Thomas Markle Jnr. Photo: KIIS FM

Thomas also joked about moving into Frogmore Cottage and offering his services to the Queen, to which Kylie responded what, sexually? before taking aim at Prince Harrys cousins Beatrice or Eugenie.

What about one of those freckly cousins ... Eugenie or whatever its name was, he asked. Would you go there? You know, the freckly cousins, the red-headed bloody things with the stupid hats. Would you go there?

Listeners took to social media almost immediately to share their dismay at the comments.

He has no shame at all. I hope companies rethink whether they want to advertise on that garbage show, Absolutely disgraceful behaviour but it is not surprising, he has form, one person wrote.

In my humble opinion @kyleandjackieo Kyle Sandilands is an absolute racist pig.  Maggie (@maggiemarks333) January 20, 2020

I always assume that Kyle Sandilands latest scandal will be the one that forces him off air, but somehow he returns ... and then says this https://t.co/adYdG4pA4n  Monique Hore (@moniquehore) January 20, 2020

Is anyone actually surprised though? Like this is Kyle Sandilands we are talking about  Matthew Herbert (@m_herbert) January 20, 2020

Despite the uproar, the radio network defended Kyles comments claiming they were cheeky and meant to be light hearted.

Story continues

This was a cheeky and irreverent interview in the style that regular listeners of the show are accustomed to, an Australian Radio Network spokesperson said in a statement to the publication.

When listening to this interview within the context of the show, it is clear this is a light-hearted and inoffensive chat.

Kyle Sandilands has yet to comment on the outrage. In September he was forced to apologise after protesters called for him to be fired over offensive jokes made about the Virgin Mary.

Among the shock jocks comments were claims that anyone who believed the story of the immaculate conception was an idiot.

He also made lewd remarks about the real way Mary conceived Jesus, while co-host Jackie O protested that religious communities had a right to believe what they wanted to.

Kyle apologised to the Daily Telegraph on Friday.

Im sorry if I offended anyone with my comments, he said.

Everyone is entitled to their own religious beliefs and Im fully supportive of that right.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CGT Staffing has announced its expansion into the mortgage, title, and escrow industry. Combining the company's staffing capabilities with the proven industry expertise of President and CEO Bill Welge and Chief Information consultant Chris Behning, these efforts will encompass all operational functions across title, appraisal, settlement, and vendor management with emphasis on both regional and national firms.

Based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, CGT Staffing provides contract, contract-to-hire, and full-time workforce solutions to a variety of clients. According to Mr. Welge, "CGT Staffing understands that every employee is a direct reflection of the company's brand. The right fit can make all the difference, culturally and professionally. Our recruiting professionals possess comprehensive domain knowledge, enabling them to properly identify and qualify candidates to the benefit of all parties."

Bill Welge is a veteran strategist with almost 25 years of mortgage industry experience. Welge began his career in 1987 as a mortgage underwriter for Triumphe Financial. In 2000, Welge assumed the role of COO at Realty Data Corp, providing advanced solutions to local governments and businesses in the title industry. In 2005, he founded RecordFusion, drawing on his experience in the real estate industry to focus primarily on land title records. Welge joined CGT Staffing in 2016.

Consultant Chris Behning is an IT veteran with more than 25 years in various executive positions for leading firms. Behning began his career at Fiserv Lending Solutions, rising to the role of CTO. He subsequently served as EVP for Vision Global Services, leading a team of over 300 professionals offering IT support to multiple high-volume businesses. From 2010 through 2013, Behning served as the CIO for NREIS before assuming the role of Director of Information Technology for United Lender Services. Behning joined CGT Staffing in a consultant capacity in 2019.

Harnessing Welge and Behning's proven leadership experience, CGT Staffing stands poised to make an immediate impact on the staffing solutions available to the mortgage, title, and escrow industry.

About CGT Staffing

Founded in 2009, CGT Staffing is a national full-service staffing firm based in greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

Media Contact:

Harton Semple

438 Division Street, Sewickley, PA 15143

(800) 813-4595

[email protected]

SOURCE CGT Staffing

Related Links

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Iran confirms two missiles fired at Ukraine airliner



Tehran, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



Iran has confirmed two missiles were fired at a Ukrainian airliner brought down this month, in a catastrophic error that killed all 176 people on board and sparked angry protests.

The country's civil aviation authority said it has yet to receive a positive response after requesting technical assistance from France and the United States to decode black boxes from the downed airliner.

The Kiev-bound Ukraine International Airlines plane was accidentally shot down shortly after takeoff from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on January 8.

Iran has come under mounting international pressure to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the air disaster.

"Investigators... discovered that two Tor-M1 missiles... were fired at the aircraft," Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation said in a preliminary report posted on its website late Monday.

It said an investigation was ongoing to assess the bearing their impact had on the accident.

The statement confirms a report in The New York Times which included video footage appearing to show two projectiles being fired at the airliner.

The Tor-M1 is a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by the former Soviet Union that is designed to target aircraft or cruise missiles.

Iran had for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence reports that the Boeing 737 operating Flight PS752 had been shot down.

It came clean on January 11, with the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace commander Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh accepting full responsibility.

But he said the missile operator who opened fire had been acting independently.



- Black boxes -



The deadly blunder triggered days of student-led protests mainly in the Iranian capital.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday that the demonstrations were unrepresentative of the Iranian people and accused the country's enemies of exploiting the air disaster for propaganda purposes.

In its report, the Civil Aviation Organisation said it was "impossible" for it to read the flight data and cockpit voice recorders -- commonly known as black boxes -- because they are so advanced.

But it suggests Iran wants to keep them for the time being.

"If devices are provided, the information (on the black boxes) can be restored and retrieved in a short period of time," it said.

The Civil Aviation Organisation said it had asked its French and US counterparts, the BEA and NTSB respectively, to provide a list of the equipment required to read the black boxes.

It said it had also sought the transfer of the required equipment, but added that neither the BEA nor NTSB had "so far responded positively" to such a transfer.

It said it had acquired the list nonetheless, without saying how, and hinted that it would use it to buy the equipment itself.

bur/dv/kir

THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
What makes management education so vitally attractive whether during the downturn or upturn of any economy on the planet; is its ability to infuse the necessary skills and tools in the psyche of the student and the future manager or an entrepreneur, to make a business work and prosper - which is exactly what we all collectively as a society, striving for.

Established in the year 2000, the world-class Management Business School is the brainchild of Dr Amit Gupta, who along with Dr Purvi Gupta created with state-of-the-art and technologically advanced Management campus in Gujarat. It was the duos vision, hard work and untiring efforts that made Narayana Business School rise up to become one among the top Management institutions in Gujarat.

Dr Amit Gupta worked on transforming the B-School into a brand name in Gujarat after he realised that his goals need to be reinforced by increasing the B Schools infrastructure and human resource capacity. The major driving factors of the success of Narayana in education were the unique teaching approach and methodology. Over the years, Narayana Business School has won many titles and accolades all this while including the Students Choice Award, the Best MBA College in India, best MBA college of Ahmedabad and the best MBA college of Gujarat, to name a few.

Dr Gupta firmly believes that the MBA schools must teach the curriculum lessons as well as focus on actually implementing those learnings. On asking, he said, We have this unique research-driven pedagogy or method to business study and our students learn the intricate management concepts by learning and doing approach, which I think makes our students stand apart from the crowd. We are creating future leaders who can create the right work environment for companies to flourish in. Every time I see my students grasp a business concept, I envision them to be an invaluable asset to their workplace.

Narayana Business School is focused on educating its students about diagnosing business problems, solving complexities, delivering business aspirations to build sustainable companies. It implements Blooms Taxonomy in teaching and has a mentor-mentee system in place so that every student has always one mentor available for anything related to course, concepts, fundamentals and life in general.

On asking about the alumni network, Dr Gupta says, in the last two decades NBS has created more than 8500+ corporate careers and has an illustrious alumni base. Most of these students are working with top-notch tier-1 companies of India with fat salary packages and extremely high job satisfaction levels. What differentiates us from others is the approach which we deploy and making sure that every student is industry ready from day one.

Narayana Business School has entered into a strategic alliance with Harvard Business School for premium course offerings of Harvard with its MBA & PGDM program. These courses feature renowned Harvard Business School faculty and are designed to bring the Harvard Business School classroom experience. Striking highlights of the program are the alumni status & lifetime benefits from Harvard Business School.

Dr Gupta has brought the Narayana Business School at par with world-level Business schools. His students are eligible for scholarships from Harvard Business School. He has also added signature global immersion programs for students to experience internship opportunities in top global cities of the world in addition to initiating rural immersion programs from skill training in almost every district of Gujarat.

So what next at Narayana Business School?

I believe that our motherland has talent worth gold. I want our expertise to reach them, so that they can achieve success and ultimately take our nation forward. So, this is just the beginning..., exclaims Mr Gupta with a warm grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye.

For admissions and more information, reach out at https://admission.nbs.edu.in/.

Disclaimer: This content is distributed by Digpu News Network. No Hindustan Times journalist is involved in the creation of this content.
Australia's brutal summer of bushfires has reignited a discussion over whether telecommunications providers should charge emergency services for the delivery of text message alerts.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone work on these commercial arrangements with federal and state governments, however not all providers charge for the messages sent.

Bushfires around Australia damaged at least 150 mobile towers, causing communications problems in fire zones. Credit:Getty

Telstra and Optus both confirmed they charge the government and related emergency services, while Vodafone said it does not. The discussion comes ahead of a meeting between the chief executives of Australia's biggest telco providers and Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, set to take place in Sydney on Wednesday.

Unlike its rivals, Vodafone Hutchison Australia chief executive Inaki Berroeta said he did not think it was appropriate for companies to charge for the texts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the second integrated check-post, which India helped build to ease the movement of people and facilitate trade between the two countries.

The two Prime Ministers inaugurated the check-post at the Jogbani-Biratnagar border between the two countries after the first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.

India is committed to simplify and ease traffic with all friendly countries in the neighbourhood and to further facilitate contacts between us in areas such as business, culture, education, etc, PM Modi said after the ceremony.

In the last five months, this is the second time we are inaugurating bilateral projects via video conferencing. This proves our ties are getting better at high speed. India has continuously played the role of a trusted partner in Nepals development according to its needs, he added.

Oli said it was time to resolve all pending issues through dialogue in the lasting interest of the two countries.

A stable and majority government in both countries is an opportune moment. My government remains committed to working closely with the government of India towards this, he added.

Both the prime ministers also witnessed the progress in Indian government-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal.

The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built.

The 2015 earthquake was a painful incident. Hazards like that test beliefs. Every Indian is proud of the way the Nepali people faced it, Modi said.

After playing the role of the first responder in helping, India is also playing the role in helping the nation in its re-development, he added.

(With ANI inputs)
Olivia Colman and Rami Malek are among the first presenters announced for the 2020 Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the ceremony, is sticking to the tradition that sees the previous years winners handing out the new years trophies.

Colman won Best Actress for The Favourite last year, while Malek took Best Actor for Bohemian Rhapsody.

Regina King and Mahershala Ali round out the first slate of announced presenters.

King won in the Best Supporting Actress category last year for If Beale Street Could Talk and Ali was named Best Supporting Actor for Green Book.

The best films of 2019 Show all 20 1 /20 The best films of 2019 The best films of 2019 20. Minding the Gap One of the years biggest cinematic curveballs occurs at the midway point of this stirring documentary. Billed as a film about small-town US skate culture, Bing Lius Minding the Gap grows into a haunting depiction of class and masculinity, and how once inseparable groups of friends tend to untangle and diverge as they come of age. Few of 2019s films cast quite as long a shadow. Adam White Hulu The best films of 2019 19. The Farewell The Farewell rips your heart out of your chest. Then it hands it back to you, wrapped gently in cotton wool. Director Lulu Wang loosely adapts a chapter in her own life, as we follow a young woman (Awkwafina) travelling back to China to say goodbye to her terminally ill grandmother. Delving into all the intricacies of immigrant identity and family politics, its a comedy of warmth and bracing honesty. Clarisse Loughrey A24 The best films of 2019 18. Us An opportunity for Jordan Peele to cement his status as one of horrors modern maestros, Us reels us in with old-fashioned thrills. Then it leaves us with the terrible dread of realising weve been looking into a mirror this whole time. Lupita Nyong'o delivers two of this years best performances in one film, both as our hero and as her sinister doppelganger  one of an army of Tethereds that emerge from underground seeking vengeance. Clarisse Loughrey Universal Pictures The best films of 2019 17. Pain & Glory All of Pedro Almodovars films feel autobiographical in one way or another, but Pain & Glory couldnt be more lived-in if he stepped out in front of the camera to introduce every scene. A lushly romantic ode to cinema, shared history and cruelly interrupted love, it features a career-best performance from Antonio Banderas  Zorro at his most tender and vulnerable. Adam White Sony Pictures The best films of 2019 16. Vox Lux Vox Lux is 2019s most damning filmic portrait of American culture. We begin with a teenage girl (Raffey Cassidy), who survives a school shooting and ends up a pop star. As an adult, shes played by a breezy, vicious Natalie Portman. Her strut is one part Sia, two parts Lady Gaga. Its an ugly, despairing film that comes gift-wrapped in sequins, presenting art as the cavernous pit we throw our traumas into. Clarisse Loughrey Neon The best films of 2019 15. Under the Silver Lake A paranoid puzzle box of a mystery, Under the Silver Lake is far more interested in the directions down the rabbit hole than allowing star Andrew Garfield to crawl his way out of it. Thats also the most pleasurable aspect of David Robert Mitchells film, a sunny LA noir which is sinister, hilarious and (potentially ruinously) male. Its probably 2019s most polarising film, adored and reviled in equal measure, but undeniably a work of striking creative autonomy. Adam White Mubi The best films of 2019 14. High Life High Life has its silly sub-Barbarella moments (Juliette Binoche testing out the spaceships very own orgasmatron machine) and clearly wasnt made on a Hollywood budget. Nonetheless, veteran French auteur Claire Deniss first English language film is a typically provocative and subversive affair. Binoche plays Dr Dibs, a scientist on board a ship full of criminals and trying to harvest healthy foetuses. Geoffrey Macnab A24 The best films of 2019 13. Ad Astra Ad Astra is a space movie with an Oedipal undertow. Brad Pitt gives a fine, understated performance as the introspective astronaut trying to save the world and find his father at the same time. Writer-director James Gray throws in references to Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now. This is a slow-moving but beguiling film with an unexpected emotional kick. Geoffrey Macnab Fox The best films of 2019 12. Happy as Lazzaro A bee keepers daughter, Italian director Alice Rohrwacher is one of European cinemas visionary young talents. Happy As Lazzaro, her best film yet, is a magical realist fable that combines hard-hitting social comment about the exploitation of rural workers with flights of astonishing lyricism. The film also has one of the best performances of the year from newcomer Adriano Tardiolo, an 18-year-old economics student who plays the holy innocent, Lazzaro, with an ingenuousness which rekindles memories of Peter Sellers in Being There. Geoffrey Macnab Simona Pampallona/Netflix The best films of 2019 11. Burning Based on a Haruki Murakamis short story, Burning  from South Korean maestro Lee Chang-dong  is a meditation on dealing with isolation and the tricks being alone might play on your memory. Jong-su (Ah-in Yoo) is forced to play detective when Steven Yeuns affluent bachelor rolls into town  an event that coincides with the disappearance of a schoolfriend. Burning is a searing drama whose central unanswered mystery unnerves long after the credits role. Jacob Stolworthy Thunderbird Releasing The best films of 2019 10. For Sama News coverage has hardly been short of harrowing, violent footage of the Syrian Civil War. But too often missing are the human moments inbetween the bombings and the bloodshed. In Waad Al-Kateabs first person account of the uprisings aftermath, her cameras gaze never flinches from the horrors it sees  as she and her husband try to maintain a rebel hospital amid a reign of bombing from President al-Assad  but nor does it stop rolling while she falls in love, has a baby, and jokes around with her friends and neighbours. This is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It is an important, powerful, astonishing documentary. Alex Pollard Republic Film Distribution The best films of 2019 9. Can You Ever Forgive Me? It feels almost blasphemous to be glad of Julianne Moore stepping down from a role, but Lee Israel  the cantankerous, lonely literary forger who found herself the target of an FBI investigation in the Nineties  feels like a part Melissa McCarthy was born to play. Nimbly directed by Marielle Heller (who was shunned by the Oscars in the Best Director category), Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a sharp, funny and deeply compassionate examination of loneliness and self-destruction. Richard E Grant and Dolly Wells give wonderful supporting performances, too. Alex Pollard AP The best films of 2019 8. Booksmart As deeply indebted to the teen movie genre as it is formally and narratively rebellious, Booksmart grounds its traditional night-before-graduation plot (teenagers eager to crash a party) in touching character-driven drama. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, both instant stars, convey the ever-shifting dynamics and heightened dramas of adolescent best-friendship perfectly. Behind the camera, meanwhile, actor-turned-director Olivia Wilde demonstrates a staggering amount of emotional empathy and technical mastery for someone so green. Adam White Annapurna Pictures The best films of 2019 7. The Irishman Comparisons to Martin Scorseses previous films (Goodfellas, Casino) are unfounded considering The Irishman is unlike any other gangster film youll see. With his three-hour-30-minute-long opus, Scorsese places the harsh spotlight on mortality. Instead of tracking the rise of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) from regular family man to seasoned hitman with glitzy panache, we see him shamefully confess his crimes as an elderly man ruminating on his past in a nursing home. The result is an unsettlingly moving character study unafraid to ask the big questions.Jacob Stolworthy Netflix The best films of 2019 6. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood With his ninth feature, Quentin Tarantino took a breath and crafted an unhurried, oddly heartwarming fable, one that came with a career-best performance from Brad Pitt. Its release rolled around with the usual smattering of discourse-steering controversy but, for all the complaints about the directors depiction of his film star subjects, including the scant usage of Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the fact remains that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is one of the filmmakers most accomplished films  a freeneasy sun-soaked delve into Sixties Hollywood, whose much-discussed final 20 minutes provided topics of conversation all summer long. Jacob Stolworthy Andrew Cooper/Sony-Columbia Pictures via AP The best films of 2019 5. Eighth Grade For too many years the internet was exclusively evil in movies, something for tech boffins to hack, or used to steal Sandra Bullocks identity. Bo Burnhams Eighth Grade felt so comparatively real because it felt like the real internet, which has been as toxic and terrifying as it has been helpful to a generation of young people. Elsie Fisher, as a 13-year-old girl chronicling her confidence and anxieties in a vlog, is an adorable delight here, in a film that is devastatingly, heartbreakingly and endearingly human. Adam White Rex The best films of 2019 4. The Favourite Yorgos Lanthimoss delightful, subversive vision has shaken the cobwebs out of costume drama. Set in the 18th century, it follows a trio of women  two cousins, Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail (Emma Stone), and the ruling Queen Anne (Olivia Colman)  as they vie for power over each other and England. Desire, savagery, and manipulative vulnerability all become weapons in the hands of those who have no choice but to fight dirty. But, then, Colmans childless, gout-ridden Queen Anne tenderly reveals her shattered soul  its an Academy Award-winning performance that brings a slice of tragedy to an otherwise sublime farce. Clarisse Loughrey AP The best films of 2019 3. If Beale Street Could Talk The marriage of disparate talents united to ensure If Beale Street Could Talk is worthy of mention alongside Barry Jenkins previous film, Moonlight  The Independents film of the decade. With his film, Jenkins takes the words of James Baldwin and translates them into visual poetry. From Nicholas Britells mesmerising score to Regina Kings towering supporting performance (that Oscar was well deserved), the result is a creative tour de force. Jacob Stolworthy Photos Annapurna Pictures The best films of 2019 2. Marriage Story Here is a love story about divorce. Noah Baumbach writes and directs this aching, empathetic depiction of a couple whose marriage has fallen apart. As ruthless divorce lawyers driving a wedge between two people already hanging by a thread, Ray Liotta and Laura Dern are magnificent, while Scarlett Johansson gives her best performance in years as a woman trying to do the right thing without knowing what that is. But the real star is Adam Driver, who  hulking as he is  makes himself seem small and fragile. For his rendition of Sondheims Being Alive alone, Marriage Story deserves all the awards coming its way. Alex Pollard Netflix The best films of 2019 1. Little Women Greta Gerwigs adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts 1868 novel  the story of four Massachusetts sisters coming of age during the American Civil War  may be a period piece, but there is nothing staid or stuffy about it. The girls, played by Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen, talk and clamber over one another, their hair messy, their dresses scorched, their ambitions unfettered. It is a lively, profound adaptation. Alexandre Desplat provides the exuberant score, and Yorick La Sauxs cinematography is lush and textured. I didnt want it to be beautiful at the expense of being real, said Gerwig. But I did want it to feel like you wish you can jump inside and live in there or eat it. I remember trying to explain that to the gaffer, who was like, You want what? I was like, I want them to want to eat it. And how delicious it is. Alex Pollard Sony Pictures Entertainment

We love the tradition of having the previous years Oscar-winning actors on stage to celebrate the achievements of their peers and are thrilled to welcome back these four great talents, producers Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain said in a statement.

The 2020 Oscars will take place on 9 February.

You can view a full list of nominees here.
This is the new Columbia-area Retail weekly column that will be posted on Tuesday mornings at postandcourier.com. Do you know of an opening, expansion or closing that should be included? Write to mfitts@postandcourier.com.

COLUMBIA  When Sarah Rama opened her children's clothing store, Duck Duck Goose on the Devine Street retail corridor in August, she actually was unsure that the street's retail corridor was the right place for her specialty store.

Now her boutique has moved down the street to larger space at 2800 Devine St., where she thinks the additional residential growth nearby only can help her business.

Duck Duck Goose opened Friday in its new location in the Forum Shopping Center along Devine, which gives the business the room it needs, Rama said. The new location gives her business about 3,500 square feet, a necessary upgrade from about 1,800 feet to help the company enjoys strong sales from both online and in-store customers.

To find double the space three doors down, we had to hop on the opportunity," Rama said.

Rama sees the nearby growth as another reason that Devine Street makes more sense than ever for her store. Just across the street, about 150 apartments or condos are being built in two projects. Rama sees that as a natural boost for her business, which already gets abundant walk-in business from Shandon and other nearby areas, she said.

Duck Duck Goose doesn't necessarily get a big boost from the other high-end clothing retailers that are thriving on Devine Street, Rama said. Children's clothing is a special destination purchase for consumers, not an impulse buy, Rama said. But Devine Street seems to be a winning spot for local retail.

I love being amongst small businesses that are locally owned," she said.

Other retailers are moving to new spaces along Devine Street. Mainstream Boutique, a women's clothing store, will move a few blocks to a shop space next to Duck Duck Goose, with the move expected to be complete by late February or early March.

Both stores are splitting up space that formerly belonged to retailer Devine Robin, which closed late in 2018. Splitting the site gives the shops the right fit on space, as many small retailers these days are hesitant to move to a store with a huge physical footprint, said Jennifer Suber, marketing coordinator for the Devine Street Association.

Women's clothing boutique LaRoque also is moving, one block down to expanded space at 2816 Devine Street, the space Duck Duck Goose is vacating. The target date for that move to be completed is mid-March, Suber said.

New plan for Southern Pottery

Southern Pottery Studio and Gallery, which closed in September at 3105 Devine St. after 16 years in business, is about to find a new form in a new part of town.

The business was set to reopen in the Cottontown neighborhood on Monday at 2238 Sumter St., according to owner Debra Green. Southern Pottery now will focus more on teaching classes and not be open regularly as a retail location. Consumers have become more interested in an experience than just shopping for an object, according to Green.

"Students that we teach would rather make their own art!" Green wrote in an email.

Mousetrap slams shut

The Mousetrap, the longtime neighborhood eatery and bar amid the offices of Middleburg Plaza, announced on Jan. 13 that it is closed.

Friends of The Mousetrap, Im very sorry to say that due to circumstances beyond our control, the Mouse Trap has closed, a Facebook post on its page read.

This is the second closure for the restaurant just off Forest Drive, which has been in business in Columbia since the late 1970s. It closed in May 2018, later to reopen under new ownership.

David Clarey contributed to this report.

Do you know of a retail business in the Midlands that is opening, closing or expanding? Reach Mike Fitts at mfitts@postandcourier.com.
The billionaire founder of Silicon Valley company Salesforce (CRM) declared on Tuesday modern capitalism is dead, saying business leaders now have a responsibility to think beyond just shareholders.

Capitalism as we have known it is dead, Marc Benioff, chief executive of Salesforce, said at Davos. This obsession that we have with maximising profits for shareholders alone has led to incredible inequality and a planetary emergency.

Benioff, who is worth $7.7bn (6bn) according to Forbes, made the comments during a panel on Stakeholder Capitalism  the idea that companies should work to maximise the value for all stakeholders such as employees and society, rather than just maximising shareholder value.

Stakeholder capitalism is finally hitting a tipping point, Benioff said.

Does it mean I have to fight for my employees? Yes. If theyre being discriminated against and if theyre LGBT employees, yes, we will fight for them.

Chairman and Co-CEO of Salesforce Marc Benioff attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on 21 January. Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

Does it mean I have to fight for our customers? Of course. Or even our local stakeholders in our community like our homeless? Yes. Every CEO has a responsibility to think about all stakeholders.

And yes ... The planet is a key stakeholder. Were in a planetary emergency.

READ MORE: PayPal CEO: 'Ethical and moral' duty put staff ahead of shareholders

Benioff also called for higher taxes on the rich to help tackle inequality and the climate crisis.

The wealthiest among us, people like me, we need to pay higher taxes, he said.

Benioffs comments echo those of fellow Silicon Valley chief executive Dan Schulman of PayPal (PYPL), who earlier in the day said business leaders had an ethical and moral duty to look after staff.

The idea of stakeholder capitalism has been gaining ground in recent years and last August the US Business Roundtable, which represents some of the countrys top CEOs, said it was abandoning the idea of shareholder primacy and instead defining the purpose of a corporation as improving our society.

Story continues

Bank of America chief executive Brian Moynihan appeared alongside Benioff on the panel and discussed how international business leaders are working on a data measurements for corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Moynihan said data was key to enabling stakeholder capitalism to evolve. Moynihan and his team are developing 22 datapoints.

We are very good at measuring shareholder value, Jim Snabe, chairman of industrial giant Siemens, said on the same panel.

Weve done that for many years. As CEOs and chairmen, we think that is an important role. If we want to go to stakeholder capitalism, we do need to measure the value that we can create for all stakeholders.

Snabe said Siemens was putting our remuneration system for the CEO and the executive team on an ESG base.

Around 3,000 political and business leaders are in Davos, Switzerland this week for the World Economic Forums annual meeting. Attendees include US president Donald Trump, ECB head Christine Lagarde, and 17-year-old Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

READ MORE: 'Our house is still on fire': Greta Thunberg chides leaders for climate inaction
I have no friends or family here and in addition to all the pain I have endured here, I feel like I am abandoned and forgotten, that after so many times of asking my embassy, I still have no money at all to endure all of this.

The letters, addressed to three Iranian officials, are believed to have been written in Persian between June and December 2019, before being smuggled out of the jail by an intermediary and published by The Times of London and The Guardian.

Ms. Moore-Gilbert accused the Revolutionary Guards of playing an awful game with me.

Im taking psychiatric medications, but these 10 months that I have spent here have gravely damaged my mental health, Ms. Moore-Gilbert wrote in a letter dated July 2019. I am still denied phone calls and visitations, and I am afraid that my mental and emotional state may further deteriorate if I remain in this extremely restrictive detention ward.

The letters were revealed at a time when the already strained relationship between Iran and the West has drastically deteriorated, after the American killing of an Iranian general and subsequent retaliatory strikes from Iran. Ms. Moore-Gilbert is just one of several Westerners and dual nationals being held in Iranian prisons on charges that their families and officials say are unfounded.

Image Kylie Moore-Gilbert Credit... Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, via Shutterstock

Ms. Moore-Gilbert, a Cambridge-educated professor in Islamic studies at the University of Melbourne, denies the charges against her, as do her colleagues and family. She is being held at the same notorious Tehran prison as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian arrested in 2016 and charged with espionage.
Latin America

The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Mexican home improvement store workers set to strike for pay, benefits

More than 6,000 workers employed by Home Depot in Mexico were put on alert last week to walk off the job if the home improvement retailer does not comply with a number of demands presented by the Revolutionary Confederation of Laborers and Farmworkers (CROC). A strike would impact at least 12 states as well as Mexico City, the national capital.

Among CROCs demands are a 20 percent pay raise and 20 days per year of paid vacation time, as well as programs to assist with transportation, food, savings funds and the education of workers children. CROC is also calling for the end of sexual harassment, discrimination, arbitrary and unfair firings and flouting of labor rights.

CROC signed an accord containing similar demands last March with Walmart de Mexico.

In its public pronouncements, CROC has referred to the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, known as USMCA in the US and T-MEC in Mexico, and called on Home Depot to comply with its provisions. The Home Depot public relations manager claims that the companys relationship with its  asociados/as  (associates, a common management term used to avoid the term  trabajadores , i.e., workers) is excellent and that it complies with all federal labor laws. The T-MEC has been signed but not yet ratified.

Mexican epidemiology workers occupy building, demand compliance with agreement

On January 16, personnel of the Vectors (Malaria) section of the Health Secretariat of Oaxaca struck and occupied the offices of Oaxaca Health Services (SSO) Sanitary Jurisdiction 02 in the town of Juchitan. The workers demanded completion of commitments signed with their union, the National Syndicate of Health Secretariat Workers (SNTSA). The strike was called statewide.

Demands include payment for travel to communities to carry out programs against malaria and dengue. During December, about 90 workers worked 10 days in several regions, but have not been paid the daily 350 pesos (US$18.75) they are supposed to receive.

Another demand is the removal of the director of SSO Administration and Finances, whom they accuse of incompetence, poor administration and unwillingness to attend to their demands.

The SNTSA said that, as talks with SSO representatives develop, the blockade and occupation of the building will continue until progress is made.

Mexican health workers, nurses protest for overdue payments, uniforms, benefits

Workers for the Health Secretariat in the Mexican state of Yucatan demonstrated in front of the state Government Palace on January 17. The protesters demands included the assigning of their uniforms, the payment of road expenses and compliance with concept 30. The workers are members of section 68 of National Health Secretariat Workers Syndicate (SNTSS).

According to a yucatan.com report, Concept 30 refers to the days that are granted to the workers after carrying out fumigation, so that they can detoxify, and road expenses are the travel expenses incurred when they work in communities.

Joining the health workers were nurses demanding to be classified as nurses, since for the last five years they have been based as health technicians. They criticized the health secretary for avoiding them when they submitted petitions that he address their demands.

In a communique, the Health Secretariat claimed that the resources for the uniforms and concept 30 are of federal origin and so are not the states responsibility.

Costa Rican public-sector workers protest bill limiting right to strike

Hundreds of public-sector workers protested in front of Costa Ricas Legislative Assembly January 16 against a bill that would severely restrict the right to strike. According to a Tico Times report, The initiative prohibits strikes in essential public services such as health, safety, school lunchrooms, and water and energy supply. It also puts limits on work stoppages in education. In addition, the bill would allow for the suspension of the salary of striking workers and imposes penalties for those who block roads as part of a work stoppage.

Assembly President Carlos Ricardo Benavides, who promoted the bill, claimed that it would provide greater legal certainty to all sectors and guarantee that right [to strike] without affecting services. Undoubtedly, the law will be used against workers as more austerity is imposed upon them.

Preparations for the law date back to the three-month nationwide strike in late 2018 against proposed fiscal reforms including cuts to social services and tax hikesthat would make the working class bear the brunt of the nations economic crisis. As the strike wore on, public-sector workers, especially teachers, came under heavy pressure from their unions to vote to end the strike. The fiscal plan was approved December 3, and shortly afterward the strike was called off.

The bill will require a second vote and ratification by President Carlos Alvarado, who has already declared his support.

Peruvian health workers hold 48-hour strike over salary demands

Assistance and administrative workers for the EsSalud social security program in Arequipa, Peru, struck on January 16 and 17 to press their wage demands. The Carlos Alberto Seguin Escobedo Hospital Workers Syndicate held a march through the streets of the city to underline the demand that EsSalud pay the raise it promised at the beginning of 2019, but never delivered.

The promised pay increase was to be between 300 and 400 soles (US$90.28 to US$120.37), according to the agreement between EsSalud and the union. The union has warned that it will call an indefinite strike if the money is not paid.

Chilean firefighters strike for improved wages, conditions

Some 300 firefighters in central Chiles Bio Bio region began an indefinite strike January 16 to demand improvements in their wages and working conditions. The firefighters, who are employed by the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), have not had a raise in five years. Their monthly wage is 330,000 pesos (US$427).

In addition to the wage hike, the firefighters are demanding better conditions, such as supplies, equipment and bases. The firefighters union had made repeated appeals to Conaf, to no avail. A meeting with the mayor and the regional director the morning of the 16th proved fruitless as well, precipitating the strike call.

Brazilian oil workers protest against the closure of Petrobras plant

Oil workers held a demonstration on January 17 against the closure of Petrobrass fertilizer plant in Araucaria, in the metropolitan region of Curitiba in southern Brazil. The Araucaria unit has a daily production capacity of 1,975 tons of urea and 1,303 tons of ammonia, among other products. The closure will result in the dismissal of 396 direct employees and about 600 contractors. In solidarity, oil workers from Pernambuco in Brazils Northeast also held a demonstration at the Abreu e Lima Refinery. In 2018, Petrobras had already closed two fertilizer plants, in Sergipe and Bahia.

United States

Minnesota snowplow drivers strike over benefits

Negotiators for the union representing snowplow drivers and management officials for St. Louis County, Minnesota, returned to mediated talks January 19 as the strike by 170 workers, members of Teamsters Local 320, entered its fifth day over sick-leave accrual and other issues. St. Louis County, located in the far northwest part of Minnesota is, geographically, the states largest county, with 3,000 miles of roads. It was hit with significant snowfall following the launching of the strike.

According to the county, the sick-leave accrual cap was reduced from 1,500 hours to 1,150 hours for new hires during the 2012-2013 contract cycle. But snowplow drivers claim the concession was pushed through under an old leadership that has been voted out of office and two other county bargaining units still retain the old 1,500-hour cap. Workers voted 117-8 to reject the countys final offer the previous weekend.

Veteran snowplow drivers can retire with 1,900 hours of sick leave and be reimbursed an amount equal to 11 months of pay. The 1,150-hour cap is equivalent to only six months pay.

Striking heavy-equipment operator Jim Johnson told the Duluth News Tribune, Its gotten to the point where it seems like with every contract we have, [it] has been chop, chop, chop on benefitsand wages have nowhere near followed.

Canada

Vancouver Island forestry strike in seventh month

About 3,200 coastal forestry workers in British Columbia, employed by Western Forest Products, remain on strike after walking out July 1 when contract talks between the company and the United Steelworkers Workers (USW) union broke down. Renewed bargaining in November and December failed to result in a settlement. On January 9, the USW met with mediators to offer concessions regarding alternate shift schedules. However, management quickly rejected the climb-down, insisting that the union must also agree to accept the contracting-out proposals being demanded by the company.

The strike is the longest in the history of the coastal forestry industry. It was a bitter four-and-a-half-month strike in 1986 that won worker protection against the contracting out of jobs.

The company has declared its demand for concessions in disability benefits, shift flexibility, safety and job security is due to a weaker market in the United States, which has led to a 50 percent decline in lumber prices over the last year. A company demand for a draconian restructuring of the pension program was withdrawn during the November talks.

Workers voted overwhelmingly by 98 percent to strike last June after management rejected union proposals during talks. The company is Vancouver Islands largest forestry business, with sales of almost C$1.2 billion, net income of C$69.2 million, and a total liquidity of C$250.4 million for 2018. The USW is also trying to starve the strikers into submission. While the union claims to have a C$500 million strike fund, since July it has been doling out a miserly C$20 a day in strike pay.
Police in Kansas City, Missouri, say at least two people are dead and 15 people were reportedly injured in a shooting outside a bar.

The shooting took place shortly before midnight Sunday, Kansas City police said at the scene. Capt. David Jackson told news outlets at the scene that responding officers found a chaotic scene and had to call in help from around the city. A man and a woman were found dead.

Police believe the shooter is the deceased man, Jackson said in a statement. A spokesman said the shooter opened fire on a line of people waiting to enter a bar, but the motive for the shooting wasnt immediately clear. The shooter was shot by an armed security guard, police said.

During the investigation, police heard that people  at least 15  were showing up to local hospitals with injuries related to the shooting. Its unclear whether all the injured victims suffered gunshot wounds. At least three people were in critical condition, police said.

The scene was near U.S. Highway 40. News outlets at the scene identified the bar outside which the shooting took place as 9ine Ultra Lounge. A Facebook post on the clubs page advertised Sunday nights Sold Out Sundays event, which appeared to be a celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs  featured on the events artwork  beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl.

It just put such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said at the scene, referencing the win. Its just hard to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time.
Babu Owino on Monday called on Kenyans to be patient and wait for his side of the story regarding the shooting incident at B Club last week.

Taking to social media hours after he was arraigned in court, the rabble-rousing Embakasi East MP said justice must be served to him.

I urge Kenyans to wait for my side of the story of what happened when I come from my new home at Industrial area prison, Babu tweeted.

Adding: I also need Justice and it must be served to me. Meanwhile, these are occupational hazards.

In a subsequent post, Babu listed 5 occupational hazards that a politician must always be prepared for.

According to Babu, these include:

1-Must be prepared to serve his people

2-Must be prepared to go to jail

3-Must be prepared to take an asylum

4-Must be prepared to Die

5-Must be prepared to enjoy.

Babu Owinos statement came after he was charged with the attempted murder of Felix Odhiambo, popularly known as DJ Evolve, last Friday.

He also faced a charge of behaving in a disorderly manner while carrying a firearm.

The former UoN student leader denied all charges before chief magistrate Francis Andayi. He ordered that a bail report be filed by the probation department within seven days.

The court will rule on whether Babu Owino will be granted bail on January 27.
ALLENDALE, MI -- Yusef Salaam, one of the exonerated Central Park Five, left a Grand Valley State University audience with a message that now is the time to take action for a better society.

Speaking at GVSU as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations on campus Monday, Salaam used his own personal experiences and the values of late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to encourage people to give purpose to their lives.

Every single person that is born in this world is a present to this world, Salaam said. Every single one of us is here to give something. Dr. King gave it all, through his march, through his works, through his speeches.

Salaam, a speaker and activist, was wrongfully convicted at 15 years old along with four other teenagers of raping a woman in 1989 in Central Park, New York City.

Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise and Salaam -- black and hispanic teenagers from Harlem -- spent seven to 13 years in prison before their convictions were overturned in 2002.

In his keynote speech, Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere, Salaam referenced how King once spoke of when one finds out their purpose in life.

When you find out what it is that you are supposed to do, do it as if God himself called you at this very moment to do that, Salaam said. And do it in such a way that all of the people in the world and in the heavens will say, No one has done it better.

If you are reading this in your Facebook app, use this link to view the entire gallery of photos.

This was a similar theme as Salaam spoke about the confusion he went through before and during conviction and then the years spent in juvenile detention and then prison.

Up until that time, I had so much hope, I thought the system was going to work, Salaam said. Even though I was wrongly accused, I truly believed that they were going to say we were innocent of this crime.

Salaam encouraged the audience that filled the GVSU Fieldhouse to find the why and live a life of intention and purpose.

During the question-and-answer portion of the event, a student asked Salaam for advice on how to get people to care about these issues of injustice. He responded by saying that we all are individually tasked with participating and addressing the problems in our society.

When Dr. King said, Ive seen the mountaintop, I may not get there with you. That, to us, was saying something very powerful and important, because that dream jumped from him into us and so no longer was it a situation where you can assassinate the leader, because we all became the leader.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of GVSU community members participated in a silent march on campus.

Salaam is scheduled to speak again in West Michigan at 6 p.m. Monday at Fountain Street Church downtown Grand Rapids.

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MIAMI, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BDC Advisors , a healthcare strategy consulting firm, today announced the appointment of Pam Nicholson , a nationally recognized healthcare strategist and executive, as a Director and a leader of BDC's Health Enterprise Strategy consulting practice. Based in Denver, Nicholson will focus on the development of health enterprise strategy with a particular focus on creating innovative health system, provider, and payer partnerships. Nicholson's passion is to improve access and health outcomes for patients and consumers. She has demonstrated throughout her career that building successful collaborations between the various players in the healthcare delivery system can enable organizations to achieve these sought-after results.

"We are delighted that Pam has decided to move from her role as Senior Advisor to a fulltime role as Director and become part of the leadership of the firm," said Rick Wesslund, BDC's Founder and Chairman. "Pam has extensive executive experience as Chief Strategy and Health Value Solutions Officer in a complex, vertically integrated health system, and a track record of successfully creating programs and partnerships which create value in an environment where consumerism and transparency are of increasing importance to the clients we serve."

Prior to joining BDC Advisors Pam spent three decades in increasingly responsible executive positions at Centura Health, an integrated provider system of 17 hospitals and 100+ physician practices, and one of the largest healthcare providers in Colorado and Western Kansas. Pam was instrumental in developing Centura's regional payer/provider partnerships and their clinically integrated network. She was responsible for evaluating and negotiating alliances and innovative partnerships with retail health partners, community hospitals and physician groups. Pam also led the legislative and community advocacy agenda for the system, including board and leadership education, which involved frequent communication and speaking to large groups of trustees, physicians, and administrators. Pam has served on various state task forces and commissions on healthcare reform and chaired the Colorado Hospital Legislative Council. She holds an MBA from the University of Colorado and speaks and writes frequently on healthcare policy issues.

BDC Advisors, LLC is a national healthcare consulting firm headquartered in Miami and founded in 1990 which focuses on health enterprise strategy, physician enterprise strategy, payer/provider innovation, population health management and organization design and development. For additional information contact Dudley Morris at 312-286-4865 or [email protected].

SOURCE BDC Advisors
Reno, Nev. - Using a 22-year dataset of plant-caterpillar-parasitoid interactions collected within a patch of protected Costa Rican lowland Caribbean forest, scientists report declines in caterpillar and parasitoid diversity and density that are paralleled by losses in an important ecosystem service: biocontrol of herbivores by parasitoids.

The study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers, published in Scientific Reports this week, reveals distressing declines among common caterpillar genera and the ecosystem services provided by their natural enemies.

"Declines in herbivore and enemy diversity, as well as parasitism frequency, are partly explained by changes in climate, including increases in extreme precipitation events and increases in mean temperatures," lead author of the study Danielle Salcido said.

In 2017, the observation by Professor Lee Dyer, of the University's College of Science, that La Selva Biological Research Station, Costa Rica experienced more frequent flooding events, became the catalyst for a study led by graduate student Salcido to examine patterns in extreme precipitation events and their potential ecological impact for plant-caterpillar-parasitoid interactions in this lowland tropical forest.

"La Selva is an isolated patch of forest surrounded by agriculture that is responsible for global exports of banana, pineapple and palm," Salcido said. "Habitat patches like La Selva are source populations of parasitoids that control pest populations in surrounding agriculture plantations. Reductions in parasitism by specialized parasitoids threaten this service and ultimately ecosystem health within the forest."

Along with the help of coauthor and University of Nevada, Reno professor, biologist and butterfly expert Matthew Forister, these researchers found staggering declines in caterpillar and parasitoid diversity and density across the 22 years of the study. More than 40% of the 64 common caterpillar genera collected declined in frequency- a result that suggested the loss of entire groups of caterpillar.

Researchers also found an ecological cost associated with the observed losses. Tandem with declines in diversity, was the reduction in parasitism across years- a natural form of biocontrol and important ecosystem service. Observed declines represented a 30% reduction in parasitism over the next 100-years.

Increased precipitation variability and shifts in mean maximum and minimum temperatures were the most important climate variables associated with declines in diversity.

"We show climate change partially explains the observed declines," Salcido said. "The variable with largest effect in all models was the effect of time, and indicates the role of unmeasured variables such as surrounding land-use change and pesticide use."

In the decades prior to the study, much of the forest surrounding La Selva was deforested for pasture which was converted to high-yield, high input plantation farming such that pesticide use increased substantially during the years of the study.

Time-lag effects of extreme climate events were a notable contributor to the reduction in parasitism.

"We found floods in a given year affected parasitism in the subsequent year," she said. "Caterpillar-parasitoid interactions are intimately linked and depend on narrow windows for synchronous development. Subtle shifts in host and parasitoid population cycles due to variable lag effects can have major consequences for these highly-specialized and synched interactions."

Declines in insect biodiversity reported in this study come as little surprise amidst a recognized global biodiversity crisis. This study maintains a level of urgency to the matter of insect declines and more importantly, has revealed the vulnerability of the most speciose regions and taxa even within protected habitats, and the role of extreme climate events on ecosystem function.

"This dataset represents one of few of its kind and is notable for the contribution by Earthwatch community scientists," Salcido said. "Ideally results like ours provide an impetus for policy change that promotes research, conservation and management. In the least, we hope it motivates continued research related to the ecological effects of global change drivers in the tropics."

The data used for this study is primarily collected by continuous teams of community scientists the scientists bring to the site each year, which highlights the importance of harnessing public participation for the success and longevity of long-term and continuous tropical collection and monitoring.

The Paper in the Nature research journal Scientific Reports, "Loss of dominant caterpillar genera in a protected tropical forest," was authored by Salcido, Forister, Humberto Garcia-Lopez and Dyer.

Forister and Dyer recently coauthored, with 70 other scientists from around the world, a second paper in the Nature publication Nature Ecology and Evolution titled "International scientists formulate a roadmap for insect conservation and recovery" that is testament to the call-to-action prompted from increased public awareness on insect declines. Their road map to insect conservation and recovery was published this week.

###
Turkey's Halkbank should pay millions of dollars in fines for its continued failure to respond to U.S. sanctions-evasions charges, federal prosecutors in New York said.

In a court filing Tuesday, the government asked a federal judge to impose a $1 million fine that will double each day the bank refuses to appear in the case.

Prosecutors charged the bank in October with aiding a years-long scheme to help Iran evade U.S. economic sanctions and access $20 billion in frozen oil revenue. Since then, the bank has refused to accept service of the indictment or answer the case, leading prosecutors to deem it a fugitive from justice.

The U.S. pursuit of Halkbank, which is owned by the Turkish government, has been a sore point in relations between the two countries. Manhattan federal prosecutors previously won the conviction of a senior Halkbank executive in a case Turkish President Recep Erdogan likened to an "international coup attempt."

"Halkbank has consistently sought to avoid responsibility for its role in a massive sanctions-evasion and money-laundering scheme that gave the Government of Iran access to billions of dollars' worth of restricted oil proceeds," the U.S. said in Tuesday's filing.

The U.S. argued that Halkbank improperly ignored an initial summons, "intentionally frustrated" efforts to serve the summons and indictment, attacked the charges in the press and failed to show up for a required court appearance.

Andrew Hruska, a U.S. lawyer for Halkbank, didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment on the sanctions request.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

A judge in December denied Halkbank's request that it be allowed to make a "special appearance" to argue for the charges' dismissal without submitting itself to the court's jurisdiction. U.S. District Judge Richard Berman denied the request, leaving Halkbank with a choice between answering the charges and defending against them or not participating in the case in any way.

While Halkbank does almost no business in the U.S., it has some ties to the nation's financial system, which the government could limit or sever.
India's newsprint manufacturers are facing the import heat. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has found prima facie merit in the complaint made by domestic makers of newsprint rolls and sheets that their business is getting impacted because of imported newsprint that gets dumped into the country from over half a dozen foreign destinations. On January 20, DGTR announced anti-dumping investigation against newsprint imports from Australia, Canada, European Union, United Arab Emirates Hong Kong, Russia and Singapore.

Indian Newsprint Manufacturers Association (INMA), in its submission before DGTR had alleged dumping of newsprint in the form of increased volume imports, aided by price undercutting, and price suppression. The association said that the performance of domestic industry has been affecting adversely in respect of production, sales and consequent decline in profits, return on capital employed, and cash flow, as a result of increase in imports of newsprint at a price below selling price and non-injurious price for the domestic industry.

Initiating the investigations, DGTR had pointed out that there is sufficient prima facie evidence that newsprint is being dumped in the Indian market by the exporters from other countries. The authority had compared the normal value and the export price at ex-factory level based on transaction-wise import data after adjusting for ocean freight, marine insurance, port expenses, bank charges, commission and inland freight.The Period of Investigation (PoI) will be from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 (9 months). The injury investigation period will cover the periods 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018- 19 and the PoI.

The association's complaint has been supported by 17 other domestic producers. Indian newsprint makers use recycled or wastepaper as the raw material while most of the foreign producers use wood pulp. The anti-dumping investigation will be on the basis of a constructed normal value after considering the fact that the conversion cost from wood pulp is at least three times the conversion cost from recycled paper. The newsprint is classified under the customs tariff code 48010090, though it is also being imported under the code 48010010.

The INMA puts the installed capacity of newsprint manufacturing in India at 20.65 million metric tonnes. Of the annual consumption of 17.1 million metric tonnes of newsprint in 2017-18, 14.7 million metric tonnes were locally sourced, while the rest got imported. The value of India's newsprint import was $930 million in 2018-19. The prominent members of INMA include Rama Newsprint and Papers (Maharashtra), Emami Paper Mills (West Bengal) and Khanna Paper Mills (Punjab).

Also read: The delicate job of protecting online free speech

Also read: Govt, media least trusted institutions globally, says Edelman survey
Islamabad, Jan 21 (IANS) Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to attend the upcoming session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, the Foreign Office (FO) announced.

Founder and Executive Chairman of WEF Professor Klaus Schwab invited Khan to attend the forum, which will run till Thursday, Dawn news reported citing an FO statement as saying on Monday.
Phuket woman arrested for stealing car she rented to Chinese woman

PHUKET: A 38-year-old Thai woman has been charged with theft and fraud after she rented a car and then rented the same car out to a Chinese woman living on the island  and then stole the car from the Chinese woman, while the car contained personal items valued at more than B100,000.

tourismChinesecrimepolicetransport

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 06:21PM

The Thai woman, Phuket native Rungthiwa Khummit, 38, presented herself at Wichit Police Station, at 10am today (Jan 21), explained Lt Col Narong Muangdueng of the Wichit Police.

Lt Col Narong said that police first became aware of the case last Friday (Jan 17) when the Chinese woman, who he named in Thai as Zhen Xiaoxian, filed a report to Wichit Police that a grey Phuket-registered Toyota Yaris that she had rented for four months had been stolen.

The car was stolen while it was parked in front of her house in the Phanason City housing estate on Thep Anusorn Rd in Moo 2, Wichit, Lt Col Narong said.

Ms Zhen reported that inside the car were six personal items valued at B108,500, he added.

After checking CCTV footage from the area, police confirmed that the person who stole the car was none other than Rungthiwa, who had rented the car to Ms Zhen for a year for B65,000.

We called Rungthiwa to present herself at the police station today, and we asked for Ms Zhen also to be present, Lt Col Narong said.

Rungthiwa confirmed that she had rented the car to Ms Zhen for a year, starting Sept 23 last year.

She also confessed that she stole the car from in front of Ms Zhens house at about 5pm last Friday, Lt Col Narong said.

After stealing the car, Rungthiwa took the car to rent out to a new customer, while the Chinese womans belongings were still in the car, Lt Col Narong explained.

Lt Col Narong confirmed that Rungthiwa has been charged with theft and fraud.

At the police station today, Ms Zhen had her stolen items returned.
As the Delhi Assembly election looms near, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the Kejriwal-led Aam Admi Party is the frontrunner in the three-way contest and its chief challenger, BJP, is struggling. It is not the opinion polls alone that predict a clean sweep for Arvind Kejriwal's party, the BJP's strength, Narendra Modi, is turning out to be its weakness.

As the Delhi Assembly election looms near, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the ruling Aam Admi Party is the frontrunner in the three-way contest and its chief challenger, BJP, is struggling. It is not the opinion polls alone that predict a clean sweep for Arvind Kejriwal's party, the BJP's strength  Narendra Modi  is turning out to be its weakness.

An over-reliance on brand Modi is weakening BJP and preventing it from formulating local strategies that are necessary in Assembly polls where grand national narratives hardly work. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections  and the clutch of Assembly elections preceding and following it  prove a new dynamic in India's voting behavior. When it comes to Lok Sabha elections, the mode becomes presidential where the prime minister towers over the field with his mass connect, personality and cult-following.

We witnessed this in 2019 where BJP made massive inroads in West Bengal against all expectations and ended up bagging 18 seats out of 42, giving Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress a run for its money. It also clean swept northern and western India, including Delhi. However, in the Assembly polls that followed, the BJP lost badly in Jharkhand, somehow managed to retain Haryana and lost control over Maharashtra.

This new dynamic in voting preferences  where Lok Sabha elections are won on national narratives and Assembly polls on local and hyper local  places the BJP at a distinct disadvantage in states where it doesn't have a popular local leader.

For instance, even though BJP couldn't retain Maharashtra because its pre-poll alliance with Shiv Sena eventually broke down, the alliance had easily won majority beating the NCP-Congress alliance. BJP-Shiv Sena combine received voters' confidence and Devendra Fadnavis, who broke past records in retaining mandate as chief minister, was expected to continue before everything unraveled over chief minister's post.

The BJP, which fought the election under Fadnavis, saw its vote share go down only marginally but managed a better strike rate.

In Jharkhand, however, the BJP lost to JMM-Congress-RJD alliance where voters expressed their unhappiness with an unpopular chief minister. In both these states, Modi had launched extensive campaigns. If he had been the deciding factor (either way) the results wouldn't have been different.

These lessons are important as we head into Delhi Assembly polls in February.

The BJP appears on backfoot. It has allowed the AAP to exploit its vulnerabilities. On the question of BJP's chief ministerial face to take on Kejriwal, BJP's answer is interesting. Union minister Prakash Javadekar claimed "not having a face is BJP's strategy", and reiterated that "PM Modi is a credible leader and in Delhi, he will lead the poll effort."

In a poll rally earlier this month, Amit Shah had repeated the same thing. This prompted Kejriwal to ask will the prime minister abandon his seat to become the Delhi CM? "I don't see how it happens."

Inherent in Kejriwal's jibe are two strategies. One, not attacking Modi personally mindful of the fact that the prime minister remains an immensely popular leader. This is the mistake that Kejriwal did in his early days when he fancied himself as Modi's challenger.

Kejriwal's second strategy is not to fall in the "personality cult" trap but re-focus the campaign on local issues and run a positive campaign. On Tuesday, while filing his nomination for New Delhi seat, Kejriwal told reporters: "They say defeat Kejriwal, I say let's improve Delhi's roads and schools". Kejriwal is a fast learner and a street-smart politician. He quickly figured out that his 'krantikari' image is politically unsustainable, and towards the middle of his tenure (and most definitely since the Lok Sabha drubbing) he transformed himself into non-controversial, non-confrontationist figure.

We support the govt on its decisions on J & K. We hope this will bring peace and development in the state.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 5, 2019

He stayed clear of contentious issues such as commenting on the ongoing protests over Citizenship Amendment Act and has not yet visited Jawaharlal Nehru University or Shaheen Bagh protests because he did not want to cede the nationalism space to BJP, and was aware of a counter-consolidation of Hindu votes if he aligns too much with the discredited "secularism" clause. In his effort to run a positive campaign, Kejriwal seems to have picked up tips from the prime minister's campaigning style  giving an account of AAP's work and laying out its future plans.

"All (BJP president and Union Home Minister) Amit Shah ji did in his speech recently was abuse me. I will not indulge in anything like that. We will not abuse anyone. In 70 years, for the first time, people will vote on schools and hospitals. Our whole campaign will be a positive campaign," Kejriwal was quoted, as saying.

This is Kejriwal taking a leaf out of Modi's book. In 2019, faced with a vituperative campaign against him run by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who wanted to prove that the prime minister is a corrupted leader, Modi proved that voters want to know what have you done, what more can you do instead of merely criticising your opponent.

In focusing on local issues and running a positive campaign, Kejriwal has thrown a challenge at the BJP that the saffron party is finding hard to meet. If grand national issues are not at play, then it becomes difficult for Modi to focus on national issues such as CAA or NRC and he will be forced to debate on local issues. Additionally, since the AAP chief is not attacking the prime minister personally and refraining from criticising BJP, any such move from Modi may become counterproductive.

This forces the battle to be fought on a local turf, and here the AAP had BJP right on the mat. It has relentlessly reiterated a simple message  Kejriwal is chief ministerial face and challenged the BJP to come out with one. It has also turned the spotlight on factionalism in BJP through clever election strategies.

Interestingly, while the AAP has mockingly wished 'Happy New Year' to seven BJP leaders claiming that they are all chief minister candidates, the BJP leaders in the AAP poster have not denied being the chief ministerial face. They have said the top party leadership will decide the name of the chief minister if elected to power, as PTI reports.

This factionalism may further dent BJP's chances. The saffron unit's only hope is for Congress to improve its performance and eat into AAP's minority votes, but this is only a slim possibility. For now, Kejriwal seems poised for a return.
Jan. 21, 2000

SYRACUSE  Five women and four men will decide how much the state will pay the Cayuga Indians to compensate for the loss of 64,000 acres of land in Cayuga and Seneca counties.

Lawyers agreed on the nine-member jury just after 11 a.m. Thursday. Those picked will hear opening arguments Monday morning in the 20-year Indian land claim case, which pits the Cayuga Indian Nation, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma and the federal government against New York state.

Picked for duty are an Onondaga County probation officer, a math teacher at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, a SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry employee, a sales manager with John Deere, a senior contractor administrator with Niagara Mohawk, a welder with Carrier Corp., a lock operator with the state Canal Corp. who works in Oswego, a registered nurse and a part-time customer service representative with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

All of the jurors are white. Five have college degrees.

U.S. District Court Judge Neal P. McCurn told potential jurors to expect two to three weeks of testimony in the case.

 Compiled by David Wilcox

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LONDON (Reuters) - UK government-owned finance agency the CDC Group has signed $400 million worth of African investment deals, part of a wider drive by Britain to develop new trade ties as it prepares to leave the European Union.

CDC announced the new deals on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for deeper links between Britain and Africa at a London summit with 21 African countries.

Britain, a former colonial power in Africa, is trying to seize new global trading opportunities after it exits the EU on Jan. 31, but faces strong competition on the continent from rivals such as Russia and China.

The CDC Group, which says it is the largest bilateral development investor in Africa, said the bulk of the funds were going to regional African banks, so that they can lend to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized firms.

The deals included a $100 million trade finance loan with South African lender Absa to support SMEs in southern Africa, as well as a memorandum of understanding for $100 million to Egypt's largest bank CIB for SMEs and microfinance.

Investments in solar and renewable energy projects were also on the list. In total, the CDC Group plans deals worth over $2.5 billion in Africa in the next two years. "The commitments we have announced today will accelerate the roll-out of solar power and other renewable technologies and support the growth of countless SMEs  the bedrock of any healthy economy - across the continent," said Nick ODonohoe, chief executive of CDC.

CDC said it is responsible for over 10% of all capital invested through Africa-focused private equity funds.

(Reporting by Karin Strohecker, additional writing by Marc Jones; editing by Katya Golubkova and Mark Trevelyan)
Dozens of New Jersey State Police troopers are headed to Puerto Rico this weekend to help as residents of the commonwealth work to recover from a devastating series of earthquakes over the past several weeks.

Fifty troopers will arrive from New Jersey on Sunday for a 15-day stay in which theyll provide protection at seven base camps providing temporarily housing for between 2,000 and 5,000 residents in the Ponce region of Puerto Rico, Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday morning.

Members of the State Police will also work traffic control in from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Troopers are going to Puerto Rico as part of Emergency Management Assistant Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement allowing states and territories to share resources following natural and man-made disasters.

Ponce is one of several cities in the islands southern region hit by the recent 6.4 magnitude earthquake that killed one person and caused more than an estimated $200 million in damage. More than 7,000 people remain in shelters since the quake in a country still recovering from Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm that has killed more than 3,000 people since it struck in September 2017.

A seven-member State Police advance team will fly to San Juan on Wednesday and then collect supplies at FEMA headquarters in Caguas before continuing to Ponce where they will coordinate with local officials.

Before we departed from the last of our deployments to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we made a promise to local officials and residents that should they ever need us again, we would be there, Colonel Patrick Callahan of the State Police said in in a statement. "Today we are making good on that promise. We are deploying a highly skilled contingent of troopers that will be able to immediately integrate into the recovery efforts already in place.

Troops are helping the people of Puerto Rico in many ways. Pictured here is one of the troops helping a man into his wheelchair. Keep up the great work troops! Posted by New Jersey State Police on Friday, October 27, 2017

The advance teams arrival comes days after Gov. Wanda Vazquez fired the heads of Puerto Ricos housing and family departments in the latest fallout over the discovery of a warehouse filled with emergency supplies dating from Hurricane Maria.

The removal of Housing Secretary Fernando Gil and Department of Family Secretary Glorimar Andujar came a day after the governor fired the director of Puerto Ricos emergency management agency. Vazquez fired him hours after a Facebook video showed angry people breaking into the warehouse in an area where thousands have been in shelters since a recent earthquake.

Anger erupted in Puerto Rico on Saturday after an online blogger posted a live video of the warehouse in the southern coastal city of Ponce filled with water bottles, cots, baby food and other basic supplies that had apparently been sitting there since Hurricane Maria battered the U.S. territory in September 2017.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Police arrested a woman accused of trying to kidnap a toddler in front of her family Sunday afternoon at the Devon Ice Rink in Oklahoma City.

Analycia and Corbin Dickerson said the incident gave them quite the scare because they were with their daughter the whole time when they said the woman tried to take her.

"My dad went to grab her to the car and, when he did, a lady came up and put an arm on either shoulder and was, like, 'You're not going to take her,'" Analycia Dickerson said. "Then my mom was like, 'That's my grandbaby.' And she said, 'Wanna bet?' and then came at my mom."

The Dickersons said the person who tried to take their daughter was a homeless woman.

"All I could think was, 'Hey, a strange lady is trying to grab my daughter away from my father-in-law,' and that's when fight-or-flight kicked in and I pushed her away," Corbin Dickerson said.

Analycia Dickerson said when she called police, the woman fell over and tried to fake a seizure.

"And then once she heard the sirens, like, the firetrucks and cops came, she started looking at all of us going, 'We've got to get on the same page. We've got to get our story straight. They're going to take me away in a police car,'" Analycia Dickerson said.

The Dickersons told KOCO that they want to thank all the people who stepped up when they saw the woman was up to no good.

"It takes special people to step in in those times," Corbin Dickerson said. "People don't want to be confrontational, but it was much appreciated in this situation."

Police said the woman was arrested on an attempted kidnapping complaint.
Around 215m in criminal assets has been seized in Northern Ireland by the PSNI - in one of the largest money laundering investigations in the UK.

Seven people were arrested after 15 properties were searched across the country over the last two days following an 18-month investigation.

Eight searches were carried out on Monday in Banbridge, Newry and Omagh, while another seven took place yesterday in Belfast, Banbridge, Newry and Ballymena.

A senior PSNI detective also said properties were raided in Crossmaglen and Fintona.

In one of Monday's searches at a farm close to Banbridge, five police vehicles were involved in a dawn raid at the property which had a number of CCTV cameras.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson described it as one of the most "significant live investigations into money laundering in the UK".

The 215m was laundered over the last eight years and has been linked to drugs, prostitution and human trafficking.

Six men aged between 33 and 67 and a 32-year-old woman were arrested during the two-day operation. They were all released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Under Operation Shambala, the PSNI's economic crime unit worked in collaboration with Garda economic crime bureau, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the National Crime Agency, the United Kingdom Financial Investigation Unit, HMRC and money laundering experts co-ordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre.

The criminal network involved was described as being on a "truly international scale", but "well known" organised crime groups on the island of Ireland - mainly in Northern Ireland - were at the forefront of the enterprise.

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As a result of the international connections to the money laundering outfit, the PSNI has also been working with EuroPol and InterPol.

Speaking at the PSNI's headquarters yesterday, DCI Wilson explained that the 215m was deposited to thousands of banks across the UK and transferred out of the country through foreign exchange companies.

"This is a very large scale, very complex investigation," he said.

"The criminal monies that have been derived were put through fake companies that have been specifically set up in order to launder criminal money.

"This criminal money is filtered through these companies as products as if they were trading with products but these products don't actually exist. They are pretending to be legitimate companies but they are not.

"Money laundering is a critical enabler to organised crime and we believe that this criminal money has been derived from a range of organised crime and a number of organised crime groups."

Mr Wilson said Operation Shambala had significantly damaged the organised crime groups involved and stopped the money laundering network in its tracks.

However, he would not reveal any details of what had been seized by police during the searches.

He confirmed that police were tipped off about the criminal operation and said that the PSNI "had some idea" of who was involved before the investigation began.

"If you're involved in this we will go to these lengths and instigate these very large and complex investigations and we will catch you," he added.

DCI Wilson continued by saying that the PSNI is committed to tackling organised crime gangs and appealed to those with any information on such activity to come forward.

"We are committed to keeping people safe by robustly pursuing those who are involved in laundering criminally derived money and enabling criminals to access the profits gained from their involvement in a range of illegal activities," he said.
Large-format architecture and design books continue to land on store shelves near you because, well, no electronic version can do them justice.

The latest crop tackles topics in fresh, artistic ways with sumptuous photos that look both forward and back: Celia Forner focuses on bedrooms in her substantial new book; two others evaluate the work of Eileen Gray and Francis Sultana, both iconic designers in dramatically different ways. Michel Pastoureau and Here Designs take historical approaches to their subjects  the color yellow and ceramic tile, respectively; and designer Lisa Fine takes a more contemporary approach, displaying images that delight and inspire.

Heres a roundup of new books in the architecture and design world.

Bedtime: Inspirational Beds, Bedrooms and Boudoirs

Edited by Celia Forner

Vendome; $60; 288 pp.

No example of a great bedroom is ignored in Celia Forners expansive book. Youll see rooms with 18th-century Chinese daybeds by Thomas Chippendale, luxurious wall coverings and sumptuous bedding, and ornate boudoirs fit for a queen. One section is devoted to Hollywood, and most of those bedrooms were created for seduction, or at least to promote the mystique of actors such as Elizabeth Taylor, Vivienne Leigh or Ann-Margret. More unusual locations include a bedroom in a hotel created in restored caves, a Kenyan treehouse hotel, and beds in transparent, inflatable bubble tents in China.

Eileen Gray: Her Life and Work

By Peter Adam

Thames & Hudson; $39.95; 328 pp.

Eileen Gray was one of the most innovative and influential architects of her day, but unless youve studied design, you may not know a thing about this intelligent and complicated woman. A new biography by Peter Adam, who knew Gray in the last 14 years of her life, documents her work from the 1920s on, her relationships and even her largely overlooked artwork. A native of Ireland who grew up in London and later lived in Paris, Gray worked closely with Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and J.J.P. Oud. Many of her steel tube, chrome and glass furniture designs from the 1920s are considered as modern and stylish today as they were a century ago, and theyre still licensed for manufacture with Aram in the United Kingdom. Perhaps her most notable work was her radically modern E.1027 home that today is a French National Cultural Monument.

Yellow: The History of a Color

By Michel Pastoureau

Princeton University Press $39.95; 240 pp.

Michel Pastoureau continues his study of colors, following up on similar works about blue, black, green and red. Yellow, in its varied shades, has meant different things at different times and in different places. Pastoureau argues that even though many colors existed in nature, their use in society is a cultural construction, created, for example, for painting or dyeing and linked to ideas such as strength, power or even beauty. Ochre pigments were used on cave wall drawings in the Paleolithic era and gold was embraced later in the Neolithic, but both yellow and the precious metal  inextricably linked  hit their stride in the Greco-Roman period. Pastoureaus book, a measured and scholarly approach, is filled with images of art and artifacts as well as the colors interesting role in world history.

The Tile Book: History, Pattern, Design

By Here Design

Thames & Hudson; $29.95; 304 pp.

Ceramic tiles have been used as art and decoration since the Middle Ages, the time of their earliest mass production in 13th-century Europe. Here Designs The Tile Book  produced in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London  offers a study in tile as it has been made and used worldwide. Organized chronologically, you see how tiles grew from simple designs for royals and religious buildings to more intricate works that covered whole walls or rooms with a mosaic effect. They progressed quickly to floral patterns or even groups of tiles that told stories, such as the tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult. Older tiles are beautiful for their detailed handwork and more modern images celebrate artisanal technique.

Near & Far: Interiors I Love

By Lisa Fine

Vendome; $60; 304 pp.

Textile designer Lisa Fine stretches way beyond her native Mississippi to tap into colors and patterns from Scandinavia, India, Turkey and the Near and Far East. Fine once lived in Paris and now splits her time between Dallas and New York, but her sense of beauty and home decoration began in her childhood home in Hattiesburg, one that was beautiful in a functional and comfortable way. Her book is filled with photos that represent her ideal of beautiful places  a tiled room in an Indian mausoleum; her mothers Dallas apartment with furniture slip-covered in a blue-green chintz; the art studio of Scot Sarah Graham; an 18th-century Rococo manor house in Sweden; the homes of design icon Charlotte Moss.

Francis Sultana: Designs & Interiors

Edited by Bronwyn Cosgrave

Vendome; $60; 250 pp.

Browsing the pages of writer Bronwyn Cosgraves ode to her friend and mentor, Francis Sultana, is a peek into the brilliant mind of someone whose work is as much art as it is design. Sultana, a native of Malta, maintains a design studio in London, from which he creates avant-garde furniture and dreams up daring interiors for clients. The book spotlights the private homes and collections Sultana has handled, featuring his signature bold colors and shapes combined in surprising ways. If youre not familiar with Sultana  a frequent name on the prestigious AD100 list  or his work, this book is sure to be a delightful surprise.

100 Houses: Nature and Nurture

Images Publishing; $40; 320 pp.

Dont let 100 Houses packaging as a sturdy paperback dissuade you from considering it a serious compilation of interesting design. Architects often begin their plans for any new building by assessing its location and the nature  or, sometimes, lack thereof  surrounding it. This book goes big on nature, including homes of all sizes and in all kinds of settings: mountains, bushland, seaside, plains and, of course, urban neighborhoods. Full floor plans accompany each project, showing architectural lines both inside and out.

diane.cowen@chron.com

Sign up for Cowens Access Design newsletter, delivered to your inbox Tuesdays, at houstonchronicle.com/accessdesign.
The British government said it is aware that Ukraine's national symbol appears in a British police guide for identifying extremist symbols and that it is "regretful" of the fact.



"We are aware and regretful of the insult caused by the appearance of the Ukrainian Trident in the British police's visual guide," a U.K. government spokesperson said in a statement on the Facebook page of the British Embassy in Ukraine.

"As stated by the police, the document clearly states that many of the symbols contained therein are of no interest in the fight against terrorism," the spokesperson added.

The statement further said the British authorities "deeply respect the official symbols of Ukrainian statehoodWe recognize the Trident as a major element of the state emblem of Ukraine, which has constitutional, historical, and cultural significance for the people of Ukraine," RFE/RL reported.

The statement was in reference to a 24-page guide that British authorities produced while giving anti-extremism briefings last year to help front-line officers discern signs and symbols.
Actis has proposed helping sell one of the three plants built by Siemens, a statement quoted the funds chief executive Ayman Soliman as saying.

Egypts sovereign wealth fund has agreed to team up with private equity firm Actis to help attract and steer private investment into Egypt and to cooperate in energy and infrastructure projects, it said on Monday.

The memorandum of understanding with UK-based Actis will directly support the Sovereign Fund of Egypts objective to attract and steer private investment toward critical sectors for Egypts economy, it added.

Egypt set up the fund in February to take control of some of the governments most promising assets in industries such as power and real estate and bring in private investors to develop them.

The fund has a paid-in capital of 1 billion Egyptian pounds ($63.5 million), but President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in October this could rise to as much as several trillion pounds.

It will start off by selling a 25-year concession, owned by the Egyptian Electricity Holding Co, to operate three 4.8GW power plants built by Siemens under a 6 billion euro ($6.65 billion) deal signed in 2015.

Actis has proposed helping sell one of the three plants, a statement quoted the funds chief executive Ayman Soliman as saying.

We consider Actiss proposal to be a strong sign reflecting its underlying interest in expanding its investments in Egypt and we look forward to unlocking further appetite and value through such partnerships, Soliman said.

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Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran on Tuesday said that the bodies of eight tourists who were found dead in Nepal are expected to be brought back on Wednesday.

"As soon as the shocking news of the death of eight tourists from Kerala in a hotel room in Nepal's Daman reached us, the state police chief was instructed to contact the Nepal police and take necessary action. The bodies are expected to be brought back tomorrow," Surendran said at a press conference here.

"On the direction of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, NORKA (Non Resident Keralites Affairs) officials have also contacted the Indian embassy in Nepal to return the bodies at the earliest after conducting the procedures related to their autopsy," he said.

The Indian Ambassador to Nepal and a doctor from India had been to the hospital in Kathmandu.

Surendran said he had spoken with Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan over the telephone and was assured of necessary interventions.

He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

The eight tourists died on Tuesday in a hotel room of a resort in Daman in Nepal.

"We are yet to identify the name of the deceased. They were using a gas heater in the room, suffocation might have caused their death," said SP Sushil Singh Rathore of District Police Office in Nepal's Makwanpur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn.

The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.
The wreckage of the Titanic will now be protected under a "momentous" treaty between the US and UK governments, 107 years after the mammoth ship hit an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage.

The international agreement gives the governments power to grant or deny licences allowing entry of the wreck or removal of artefacts.

It was signed to ensure the resting site of more than 1,500 passengers and crew is preserved and respected.

Built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912 on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. The Titanic was deemed an "unsinkable ship" and was the largest passenger ship afloat in 1912.

The ocean liner sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic.

Of the 2,223 passengers and crew on board, only 706 survived, according to the US Senate report on the disaster, CNN reported.

Signed by the UK in 2003, the treaty comes into force after being ratified by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the end of 2019.

The wreck has not previously been protected under explicit legislation as it lies in international waters.

British Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani described the agreement as "momentous".

"Lying two and a half miles below the ocean surface, the RMS Titanic is the subject of the most documented maritime tragedy in history," she was quoted as saying by the BBC in Belfast.

"It will be treated with the sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than 1,500 lives."



Ghani added that the UK will now work closely with other North Atlantic countries, like Canada and France, to bring "even more protection" to Titanic.

The wreck was discovered in 1985 about 350 nautical miles off the Canadian coast of Newfoundland, two-and-a-half miles below the ocean surface.

Divers visited the wreckage in August for the first time in 14 years. Images they captured show the ship being swallowed up by the ocean floor and ravaged by metal-eating bacteria.

An international agreement between multiple countries to protect the wreck has been in negotiation since 1986.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
VANCOUVER, Jan. 21, 2020 - Macarthur Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V: MMS) (ASX: MIO) (the Company or Macarthur) has appointed New York-based EAS Advisors as its corporate advisor to assist it in the financing strategy for its Lake Giles Iron Project.



Founded by Edward Sugar in 2008, EAS is a boutique global advisory firm focused on backing early stage mining and industrial groups to access US and international financial markets and institutional capital.

Having participated in over US$6 billion of transactions to date, EAS has been instrumental in a number of financing arrangements and has an exceptional record for backing early finance deals for a number of ASX listed companies.

Macarthur Minerals Executive Chairman Mr Cameron McCall was pleased to have EAS on board.

As Macarthur moves from exploration through feasibility to production, the appointment of EAS could not come at a better time, especially considering their experience in backing ASX listed mining companies, Mr McCall said.

EAS Principal Mr Edward Sugar said he was excited to be working with a company and management team he had known for many years.

Macarthur is at a key stage as it looks to advance the financing strategy for the development of a magnetite mining and processing facility for its Lake Giles Iron Project. We now look forward to working with Macarthur regarding its ongoing finance and development as well as lifting their profile in North America, Mr Sugar said.

In connection with the engagement, EAS will be paid a monthly cash retainer of USD 10,000 per month for 8 months. Additionally, to incentivise EAS to assist in the growth of the Company:

A component of its retainer will also include a monthly equity payment equivalent to USD5,000 of ordinary shares in the Company trading on TSX-V, settled quarterly (calculated based on the 5 day VWAP preceding the last trading day of each month); and





A total of 2,000,000 performance based options, struck at a significant premium to the Companys current ASX share price, granted as follows:



The exercise price of 500,000 options shall be A$0.32 per fully paid ordinary share.



The exercise price of 500,000 options shall be A$0.34 per fully paid ordinary share.



The exercise price of 500,000 options shall be A$0.36 per fully paid ordinary share.



The exercise price of 500,000 options shall be A$0.38 per fully paid ordinary share.



The performance based options will be issued in compliance with the Companys Share Compensation Plan and will be exercisable at any time until 31 December 2022.

Depending upon the structure of the financing for the Lake Giles Iron Project, EAS will receive a Fee comprising:

a Debt Financing Completion Fee equal to 3% of the gross proceeds of debt raised or on debt linked securities; or





a Non-Debt Financing Completion Fee equal to 5% of gross proceeds raised for any non-debt related capital raising; or





an M&A Fee equal to 3% of the total enterprise value of any M&A transaction.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mr Cameron McCall, Executive Chairman

For more information please contact:

Joe Phillips

CEO & Director

M +61 (0)448 899 247

jphillips@macarthurminerals.com



Company profile

Macarthur is an iron ore development, gold and lithium exploration company that is focused on bringing to production its Western Australia iron ore projects. The Lake Giles Iron Project mineral resources include the Ularring hematite resource (approved for development) comprising Indicated resources of 54.5 million tonnes at 47.2% Fe and Inferred resources of 26 million tonnes at 45.4% Fe; and the Moonshine magnetite resource of 710 million tonnes (Inferred). Macarthur has prominent (~1,281 square kilometer tenement area) gold, lithium and copper exploration interests in Pilbara region of Western Australia. In addition, Macarthur has lithium brine Claims in the emerging Railroad Valley region in Nevada, USA.

This news release is not for distribution to United States services or for dissemination in the United States

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including but limited to statements regarding: the proposed strategy regarding core mining, road and rail inputs at the Project; anticipated increases in annual production at the Project; anticipated decreases in Project costs; the possible reclassification of current inferred mineral resources on the Project as indicated mineral resources in the future; expected completion of the FS on the Project containing a new reserve calculation and a new economic assessment; the granting of a license for the Menzies rail siding; the status of the MRRT; and plans to secure mining approvals under the Mining Act, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the current expectations, assumptions or beliefs of the Company based upon information currently available to the Company. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the reliability of information prepared and/or published by third parties that are referenced in this press release or was otherwise relied upon by the Company in preparing this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct as actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: unforeseen technology changes that results in a reduction in iron or magnetite demand or substitution by other metals or materials; the discovery of new large low cost deposits of iron magnetite; the general level of global economic activity; future changes in strategy regarding core mining, road and rail inputs with respect to the Project; final Project costs varying from those determined from the EOI program; failure to successfully negotiate a BOO arrangement for the Project; failure to complete the FS; failure of the FS to reflect currently anticipated increases annual production and decreases in expected costs at the Project; the results of infill drilling being insufficient to reclassify current inferred mineral resources on the Project as indicated mineral resources; failure to receive a license for the Menzies rail siding; failure to repeal the MRRT; and failure to obtain mining approvals under the Mining Act. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Such statements relate to future events and expectations and, as such, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and except as may otherwise be required pursuant to applicable laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
GALVESTON, Texas -More than 2.5 million people in the United States alone experience a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, each year. Some of these people are plagued by a seemingly unrelated cascade of health issues for years after their head injury, including fatigue, depression, anxiety, memory issues, and sleep disturbances.

A collaborative team, led by Dr. Randall Urban, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's Chief Research Officer and Professor of Endocrinology, has spent the past 20 years investigating this post-TBI syndrome. The team has learned more about how a TBI triggers a reduction in growth hormone secretion and why most TBI patients improve after growth hormone replacement treatment.

The studies led to the definition of the syndrome as brain injury associated fatigue and altered cognition, or BIAFAC, as recently described in a commentary published by Drs Urban and Brent Masel, UTMB Professor of Neurology, in the Journal of Neurotrauma. Detailed information on the team's two most recent advances also in the Journal of Neurotrauma.

The team's work on brain injuries began in the late 1990's when Galveston philanthropist Robert Moody asked the team whether TBI caused dysfunction of the hormones made by the brain's pituitary gland and funded research for the study. His son, Russell, had suffered a serious TBI during a car accident and was seeking ways to improve the life of his son and others living with brain injuries.

The team has been building on the discovery that TBI triggers a long-term reduction in growth hormone, or GH, secretion that is linked with BIAFAC. Most TBI patients experience dramatic symptom relief with GH replacement therapy, but the symptoms return if the treatment stops. The researchers are trying to better understand BIAFAC and exactly how and why GH replacement works so well in order to develop new interventions.

"We already knew that even mild TBI triggers both short- and long-term changes to functional connections in the brain," said Urban. "GH administration has been extensively linked with both protection and repair of the brain following damage or disease, however we didn't know much about the particular mechanisms and pathways involved."

They examined 18 people with a history of mild TBI and inadequate GH secretion. The subjects received GH replacement in a year-long, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and were assessed for changes in physical performance, resting metabolic rate, fatigue, sleep quality, and mood. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was also used throughout the year to assess changes in brain structure and functional connections.

The study showed that GH replacement was linked with increased lean body mass and decreased fat mass as well as reduced fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance. It was also found, for the first time, that these improvements were associated with better communications among brain networks that have been previously associated with GH deficiency. They also noted increases in both grey and white matter in frontal brain regions, the "core communications center of the brain," that could be related to cognitive improvements.

"We noticed that TBI patients had altered amino acid and hormonal profiles suggesting chronic intestinal inflammation, so we recently completed a trial to investigate the role of the gut-brain axis in the long-lasting effects of TBI," said Urban. "We compared the fecal microbes of 22 moderate/severe TBI patients residing in a long-term care facility with 18 healthy age-matched control subjects, identifying disruptions of intestinal metabolism and changes in nutrient utilization in TBI patients that could explain the reduced growth hormone function."

The results suggest that the people with TBI-related fatigue and altered cognition also have different fecal bacterial communities than the control group. Urban said that the findings suggest that supplementing or replacing the dysbiotic intestinal communities may help to ease the symptoms experienced after TBI.

"These two studies further characterize BIAFAC and act as a springboard for new treatment options," said Urban. "We hope that the publications will focus the collective wisdom of the research community to better understand and treat this syndrome, providing hope for many. Because these symptoms can manifest months to years after the initial injury and as this cluster of symptoms hasn't been previously grouped together, it often goes unidentified in the medical community."

###

The work was supported by the Moody Endowment, the TIRR Foundation, Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, the National Institutes of Health, Pfizer, the Centre for Neuroskills and the Baylor Alkek Center.

Please refer to the Journal of Neurotrauma papers for a complete listing of the study authors.
The life of the legendary DJ Screw will be immortalized in a TV series All Screwed Up, set to be released at some point this year.

ALSO BY MATT YOUNG: Why June 27 should be a Houston holiday for hip-hop fans

Details on how well be able to see the biopic are sketchy at this point, but a 70-second trailer for the show was released Monday and it looks enticing.

All Screwed Up is written by Houstons Shannan E. Johnson and Isaac Chill Yowman, directed by Yowman and is based on the life of DJ Screw and his Screwed Up Click crew. DJ Screw is played by Rosha Washington, an up-and-coming actor out of Louisiana. Judging by the trailer, part of the show will center around the city's Southside-Northside beef.

Among the producers credited on the show are Screwed Up Click artist Lil Keke, R&B artist Michelle Williams and Wreckshop Nation founder Derrick Dixon.

DJ Screw, born Robert Earl Davis Jr., was born in Smithville but moved to Houston and went to Sterling High School. He's best known as the creator of the screwed and chopped sound for which Houston hip hop is known. He released more than 200 mixtapes and was the leader of the Screwed Up Click before his death in 2000.

Browse through the photos at the top of the page to find out where your favorite Houston rapper went to high school.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 20, 2020) - David H. Brett, President & CEO, EnGold Mines Ltd., (TSXV: EGM) ("EnGold" or the "Company") reports that, effective immediately, Jeremy Wiebe has stepped down from the board of directors of EnGold due to ongoing and new demands in his professional life.

"On behalf of the board of EnGold, I would like to express our deep thanks and much appreciation for Jeremy's years of enthusiastic service and faithful dedication to EnGold," said EnGold President & CEO David Brett. "We wish Jeremy all the best in his future endeavors."

About EnGold

EnGold is a Vancouver-based copper, gold, silver, magnetite exploration company focused solely on its 100% owned Lac La Hache property in the Cariboo region of BC which hosts the Spout Copper Deposit, the Aurizon Gold Deposit and the G1 Copper Discovery and other targets within a large porphyry mineralizing system. With world class infrastructure at its doorstep, Lac La Hache is a great location to be exploring.

EnGold Mines Ltd.

David Brett

President & CEO

For further info contact David Brett, 604-682-2421 or david@engold.ca

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements". Readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual development or results may vary materially from those in these "forward looking statements." Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51681
Egypt's Religious Endowments Minster Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa said Tuesday that no security, progress or development could be attained without defeating terrorism and extremism.

Addressing the opening session of an international conference on religious tolerance in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Gomaa said that terrorism has no religion or homeland, warning that those who support or condone it will inevitably be hoisted by their own petard.

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani was in attendance.

Themed African Scholars: Promoting Tolerance and Moderation Against Extremism and Sectarianism, the three-day conference aims to discuss the means necessary for establishing cooperation among Islamic scholars in Africa.

Organised by the Mauritanian government in cooperation with the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, the event also seeks to come up with a unified historical declaration asserting the participants stance on the phenomenon of terrorism, which undermines the unity of the Muslim nation.

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Mr. Karkoc, an ethnic Ukrainian, was born in the city of Lutsk in 1919, according to details he provided to American officials. At the time, the area was being fought over by Ukraine, Poland and others; it ended up part of Poland until World War II. Several wartime Nazi documents note the same birth date but say he was born in Horodok, a town in the same region.
Boeing said Tuesday that it doesn't expect federal regulators to approve its changes to the grounded 737 Max until this summer, several months longer than the company was saying just a few weeks ago.

That timetable - the latest of several delays in the plane's approval process - will create more headaches for airlines by pushing the Max's return further into the peak summer travel season or possibly beyond it.

Boeing shares fell more than 5% by Tuesday afternoon.

The model was grounded in March last year following two deadly crashes that happened only five months apart.

Boeing is still working to update software and other systems on the plane to convince regulators to let it fly again. The work has taken much longer than Boeing expected

The stock tanked to its lowest price since December 2018 on Tuesday afternoon, wiping out more than $10 billion in market value

The company said regulators will decide when the Max flies again but that it periodically gives airlines and suppliers its best estimate of when that will happen.

'This updated estimate is informed by our experience to date with the certification process,' Boeing said in a statement. 'It is subject to our ongoing attempts to address known schedule risks and further developments that may arise in connection with the certification process. It also accounts for the rigorous scrutiny that regulatory authorities are rightly applying at every step of their review' of the planes flight controls and pilot-training requirements.

The latest timetable is based on work remaining to be done before the Federal Aviation Administration will allow the Max back in the sky including work on flight-control computers, according to two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details that Boeing did not provide.

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

The FAA said in a statement that it is conducting 'a thorough, deliberate process' to make sure that Boeing's changes to the Max meet certification standards. The agency said, as it has for months, that it has no timetable for completing its review.

The three U.S. airlines that own Maxes - Southwest, American and United - have scrubbed the plane from their schedules until early June. It is possible, however, that they won't use the planes until much later, possibly after the busy summer travel season is over.

Even after the FAA certifies Boeing's work, airlines will need several more weeks to prepare their grounded planes and train pilots. After long insisting that training could be done quickly on tablets, Boeing recently reversed course and recommended that pilots go through sessions on flight simulators before operating the plane, adding more time to airline preparations.

Flight systems on the 737 MAX are believed to have been behind two separate crashes, which have seen the fleet grounded for almost a year.

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 2019 when Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302, which also was a MAX jet, took off from Bole International Airport in the Ethiopian capital and crashed.

Shortly after the first Max crash, Boeing began updating software that investigators say was triggered by a faulty sensor and pushed the planes nose down. Then in March 2019, another Max crashed in Ethiopia. In all, 346 people died.

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

A 737 MAX production line inside the Boeing factory is pictured on December 16, 2019 in Renton, Washington, last December

Boeing has made the software less powerful and tied it to two sensors instead of one. That work was done months ago, but the company is still working on changes to flight-control computers and pilot-training requirements. Another software issue was discovered last week, although one of the people familiar with the situation said it would not cause more delay in the plane's return.

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.

Dozens of grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are seen parked at Boeing Field in Seattle, WA

BOEING'S 737 MAX: WHAT WENT WRONG OCT. 29, 2018 - A Lion Air 737 MAX plane crashes in Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board NOV. 13, 2018 - FAA, Boeing say they are evaluating the need for software or design changes to 737 MAX jets following the Lion Air crash NOV. 30, 2018 - Boeing is weighing plans to launch a software upgrade for its 737 MAX in six to eight weeks that would help address a scenario faced by crew of Indonesia's Lion Air, sources told Reuters MARCH 10, 2019 - An Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashes, killing all 157 people on board MARCH 12, 2019 - FAA says will mandate that Boeing implement design changes on the 737 MAX by April that have been in the works for months MARCH 13, 2019 - FAA joins other major global regulators in grounding the 737 MAX, citing evidence of similarities between the two fatal crashes APRIL 6, 2019 - Boeing says it will cut monthly 737 MAX production by nearly 20%; U.S. and airline officials say they believe the plane could be grounded for at least two months MAY 16, 2019 - Boeing says it has completed a software update for its 737 MAX jets and is in the process of submitting a pilot training plan to the FAA JUNE 27, 2019 - Boeing says it will take until at least September to fix a newly identified problem with software that emerged when FAA test pilots were reviewing potential failure scenarios of the flight control computer in a 737 MAX simulator JULY 18, 2019 - Boeing says it has assumed regulatory approval of the 737 MAX's return to service in the United States and other jurisdictions will begin early in the fourth quarter OCT. 24, 2019 - Boeing says it still expects FAA approval to fly the 737 MAX in the fourth quarter, sending its shares higher despite a slump in quarterly profit. FAA says it will need "several weeks" for review NOV. 7, 2019 - U.S. and European regulators ask Boeing to revise documentation on its proposed 737 MAX software fix NOV. 11, 2019 - Boeing says it expects the FAA to issue an order approving the plane's return to flight in December, forecasting commercial flights to resume in January NOV. 15, 2019 - The head of the FAA tells his team to 'take whatever time is needed' in their review of the 737 MAX DEC. 11, 2019 - FAA chief Steve Dickson says 737 MAX will not be cleared to fly before the end of 2019 DEC. 12, 2019 - Boeing abandons its goal of winning regulatory approval for the 737 MAX to resume flying in December after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the plane would not be cleared to fly before 2020 DEC. 23, 2019 - Boeing fires CEO Dennis Muilenburg JAN. 6, 2020 - An audit conducted in December reveals that wiring in the tail of the 737 MAX could short circuit and lead to a crash if pilots don't know how to respond correctly JAN. 9, 2020 - Boeing releases hundreds of internal messages between employees to the Congress and the FAA last week, raising serious questions about its development of simulators and showing employees may have covered up issues JAN. 13, 2020 - Budget airliner Ryanair reveals it could receive its first deliveries of up to 10 grounded 737 MAX aircraft from Boeing by April, but cautions this will depend on the regulators JAN. 16, 2020 - Committee, appointed by Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in April, finds the FAA safety approval process was not at fault JAN. 21, 2020 - Boeing announces it does not expect federal regulators to approve its changes to the grounded 737 Max until this summer, several months longer than the company was saying just a few weeks ago NOV. 18, 2020 - The FAA rescinds the order that halted commercial operations of the 737 Max DEC. 29, 2020 - American Airlines Flight 718, which left Miami around 10:30am and landed after 1pm in New York, becomes the first commercial flight of the Boeing 737 Max JAN. 7, 2021 - Boeing agrees to pay more than $2.5 billion in a legal settlement with the Justice Department stemming from the 737 Max debacle. The agreement resolves a criminal charge that Boeing conspired to defraud the Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates the company and evaluates its planes. Boeing will establish a $500 million fund to compensate the families of those who died and pay a fine of nearly $244 million. The company will also pay $1.77 billion in compensation to its airline customers who were unable to use or take deliveries of the Max, which remains grounded in some parts of the world. Advertisement

Rescue workers attend to the remains of a Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800 passenger jet on February 25, 2009, which crashed during a landing approach into Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Nine people were killed and more than 50 were injured

Meanwhile, an American aviation safety expert says that flaws in the design of a Boeing plane that crashed near Amsterdam 11 years ago 'should have woken everyone up' to issues that would later affect its Max designs.

Boeing and the United States government pressured Dutch investigators to focus blame on the pilots for a 2009 Turkish Airlines crash instead of design flaws in the airplane and safety lapses by the company, The New York Times is reporting.

The crash which killed nine people when it plummeted into a field near Amsterdam in February 2009 involved a Boeing 737-800, an aircraft that was considered the precursor to the 737-Max.

The Times is now reporting that the Turkish Airlines crash from 11 years ago has striking parallels to the most recent tragedies involving the Max.

Just like in the recent Max crashes, the 2009 accident was caused by the failure of a sensor which in turn led to several systems misfiring, according to the Times.

Sidney Dekker, a Dutch aviation expert who was asked by the Dutch Safety Board to investigate the 2009 crash, said the accident 'represents such a sentinel event that was never taken seriously.'

In his final analysis of the crash, Dekker accuses Boeing of trying to deflect attention away from its own 'design shortcomings' and other failures.

Dekker said the American firm was making 'hardly credible' statements blaming the pilots for the crash, according to a copy of the study that was reviewed by the Times.
Southeast Christian Church announces plans for 10th campus, fourth since popular pastor's retirement

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One of Americas largest evangelical megachurches announced on Sunday that it will launch its 10th campus to better serve thousands of its congregants and underserved populations.

Southeast Christian Church based in Louisville, Kentucky, will launch a new campus just outside Louisville in Bullitt County, according to a post on the churchs Facebook page.

[W]e are showing the love of Jesus to one person at a time living in Bullitt County! the post reads. Please join us as we pray to Catch the Wind in Bullitt County. Stay tuned for more details.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that the location of the new Bullitt County campus has not yet been decided. However, the SECC expects the new campus will likely seat around 400 to 600 people.

The plans make sense for the congregation, which has over 22,000 members across two states, because it has several thousand members that live in Bullitt County, said Senior Pastor Kyle Idleman.

"Launching this new campus will give them more opportunities to love, serve and care for their neighbors, co-workers, and friends right where they live," Idleman was quoted as telling the newspaper.

SECC named Heath Barth as the Bullitt County campus pastor. Barth has served for four years as SECCs Bullitt County community pastor.

On Sunday, Barth was interviewed during the service at SECCs Blankenbaker campus.

There is a huge population of people in Bullitt County  82,000 people according to the last census, Barth said. According to some recent surveys, it says that 92 percent of people in Bullitt County dont have a connection to a local church. For us, that is heartbreaking.

There [were] 550 homeless students in Bullitt County Public Schools last year. [Over 48] percent of all kids in Bullitt County arent kindergarten ready, he added. We just recognize that there is an opportunity to unite the body of Christ to really be on impact and on a mission in that community together.

Barth said that previously, over 400 people attended a watch party at an elementary school in Bullitt County where attendees watched the livestream of an SECC service.

There were over 60 folks who registered or attended for whom it was their first experience with Southeast, Barth explained. Its really neat to hear that they didnt get an email from us. They got an email or an invite from a friend who was a Southeast member who said, Hey, come with me.

The Bullitt County campus will be the fourth new SECC campus since former Senior Pastor Dave Stone announced his retirement in September 2018.

Last October, Southeast launched its eighth campus called The Chapel in the Woods in Louisville.

Last September, the church announced the development of a new campus in Shelby County, east of Louisville. The Shelbyville campus does not have a launch date. But the church expects the campus to launch by the end of 2020. The Shelby County campus will be pastored by Max Semenick.

In November 2018, Southeast Christian Church announced a merger with River Valley Christian Church in Goshen to become the seventh SECC congregation. The merger was announced after RVCC Pastor Brandon Braun was diagnosed with leukemia.
Two members of Ohios judiciary recently joined the call for a statewide criminal sentencing database (Create criminal-sentencing database for Ohio, Jan. 8), which the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission persuasively urged a year ago (OCSC Data Brief, January 2019). The proposal deserves action before any more time passes.

Data-informed decisions are essential to a fair, cost-effective legal system fulfilling the promise of public safety. But as the Sentencing Commission said, first the data must be available  and shareable  from all points in the criminal justice system.

That is impossible now. Data collection and management practices vary so widely among Ohios 88 counties and 930 municipalities that some criminal justice statistics have simply excluded Ohios information or marked it *incomplete. No wonder there is little consistency in criminal sentences across Ohio.

The proposed database will greatly assist sentencing judges, especially when used with the existing CIVICC database. The sentencing database will help align criminal penalties rationally in proportion to each defendants conduct. CIVICC will disclose the long-term collateral consequences each defendant will face after the criminal sentence is over.

Together these data tools will reveal the full punishment landscape, helping courts develop sentences that are truly just.

Kevin Werner Jr.

Cincinnati

Kevin Werner Jr. is policy director of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center.
H.I.G. Capital, a leading global private equity investment firm with over 31 billion of equity capital under management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Florian Kawohl as Managing Director of Bayside Capital, the distressed debt investing affiliate of H.I.G. Capital. Florian will split his time between the Hamburg and London offices.

Florian has 24 years of relevant experience across a broad range of industries. Prior to joining Bayside, Florian spent 14 years at Strategic Value Partners, a distressed and deep-value investment firm, where he was a Managing Director. Prior to this, Florian spent two years at Carlyle Group Private Equity. Florian started his career as a Senior Associate at McKinsey Company.

Florian earned a German law degree from the University of Hamburg and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Commenting on the appointment, Duncan Priston, Managing Director and Co-Head of Bayside Capital in Europe, noted, "I am delighted to welcome Florian to the firm, having previously worked with him for many years. He is a very experienced distressed debt investor who augments the capabilities of our team. I am confident he will play an instrumental role in continuing to grow Bayside's activities in Europe."

About H.I.G. Capital

H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with over 31 billion of equity capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:

H.I.G.'s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses. H.I.G.'s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. is also a leading CLO manager, through its WhiteHorse family of vehicles, and manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance. H.I.G.'s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices.

Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 300 companies worldwide. The firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of 27 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com.

Based on total capital commitments managed by H.I.G. Capital and affiliates.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005544/en/

Contacts:

John Bolduc

Executive Managing Director

jbolduc@higcapital.com

Duncan Priston

Managing Director

dpriston@higcapital.com

H.I.G. Capital

P +44 (0) 207 318 5700

F +44 (0) 207 318 5749

www.higcapital.com
More than 1,300 flights were canceled in the United States on Friday and 1,001 were scrubbed for Saturday.
Prince Charles may turn to his multi-million pound inheritances from King George VI and the Queen Mother to bankroll Harry and Meghan's Canadian adventure - but experts in royal finances fear taxpayers could still end up picking up the bill.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are worth up to 34million between them but have to pay back the 2.4million of public funds spent refurbishing Frogmore Cottage and are expected to buy or rent a gated mansion in Canada.

Charles has historically paid his son around 2.3million-a-year from his 1.2billion Duchy of Cornwall estate - which is considered a public asset because it has been gifted to the heir to the throne by every British monarch since 1337.

Clarence House sources say Charles will now tap into his own wealth and share investments to fund the Sussexes for at least the next year.

But critics fear the money will come indirectly from the public purse because most of Charles' wealth comes from the Duchy because he was 'taken to the cleaners' during his divorce from Harry's mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Prince Charles was in Ayrshire yesterday and put on a brave face on the day his son Harry left for Canada - as it was claimed his own finances will be stretched to pay for them to settle in Canada

The Duchess of Sussex looked in good spirits as she walked through the woods just a couple of miles from the oceanfront home on Canada's Vancouver Island and Harry arrived last night to see his wife and son after a fortnight apart

Charles is understood to have inherited millions from his grandfather King George VI, who died in 1952, and from the Queen Mother, who died in 2002. The royal couple are pictured on their Silver Wedding Anniversary in 1948

Charles is understood to have inherited millions from his grandfather King George VI, who died in 1952, and a significant sum from the Queen Mother, who died in 2002.

David McClure, the author of Royal Legacy, told The Times: 'Charles is facing a significant outlay over a short period of time and may have to use private sources of income', adding: 'The Duchy of Cornwall is a cash cow for Charles so he is likely to have been able to use some of that money to build up a private portfolio of shares. Historically there has been a blurring of what is official spending and what is private.'

Former Lib Dem MP Norman Baker is an expert on Charles finances after writing his book And What Do You Do? What the Royal Family Don't Want You to Know' and claims Charles has banked 100million.

Who pays for Meghan and Harry's lifestyle, where does their cash come from and how much could they make in North America? Who pays for Harry and Meghan now and will this continue when they move to Canada? Home Office The government department covers Harry, Meghan and Archie's 24/7 Met police security - estimated at 600,000-a-year. With overtime, travel and accommodation expenses this would likely reach 1million. However experts have said that this could reach 3million - with British taxpayers expected to pick up some or all of the bill despite the couple living in Canada. The details have not yet been agreed but sources expect the Home Office to pick up some or all of the bill when their royal duties end in the spring. Prince Charles Harry receives up to 2.3million annually from his father's royal estate, the Duchy of Cornwall. It is understood that Charles will continue to fund his son for the first year at least, either via the Duchy of Cornwall, the estate which provides him with private funding, or more likely from his own personal investments from income such as his bequest from the late Queen Mother. No public funds will be used. Personal wealth Harry inherited around 20million from his mother, Princess Diana, who died when he was 12. The Queen Mother also left him up to 7million. Much of his cash is tied up in trust funds with some of the money kept from him until his 40th birthday Meghan has a personal fortune of 4million, mainly from her acting work and property in Canada. She also earned six-figures each year from blogging, fashion and modelling. Where could they make money from and how much? Harry and Meghan are expected to walk in the footsteps of Barack and Michelle Obama, who agreed a production deal with Netflix to make TV and film projects. The path taken by Mrs Obama after her time as First Lady - and indeed the career Hillary Clinton has carved out - may well be an inspiration to Meghan as she looks to her future. The former Suits actress is likely to be highly sought after by publishing houses who would see dollar signs at the prospect of a revealing memoir. Recent books written by Mrs Obama and Mrs Clinton topped bestseller lists and were accompanied by tours where they filled venues like rock stars. Experts have claimed that US TV networks could be willing to pay the Sussexes 38million [$50million] book deals, 20million [$25million] for US TV interviews and 470,000 [$600,000] based on the amounts secured by the Obamas since they left the White House. As a former lifestyle blogger, another option would be for Meghan to resurrect The Tig blog and become an a-list influencer, perhaps teaming up with brands, signing sponsorship deals, and getting paid in return for posting about brands on her blog and social media. It is thought that this route may be unlikely as it could be argued that it does not fit in with upholding the values of the Queen. Another possibility for Meghan would be to return to her role as paralegal Rachel Zane in Suits, which was filmed in Toronto, and would therefore be convenient if the couple settled in the Canadian city. The show has ended now but executives may be tempted to bring it back if they were to have a duchess among the cast. In April 2019, Kensington Palace announced that Harry was working with US chat show queen Oprah Winfrey on a mental health documentary series. Harry and Oprah will be co-creators and executive producers of the project for Apple, with the multi-part documentary series focusing on both mental illness and mental wellness. Away from TV, Harry could turn to the well-paid lecture circuit where he could depend on his confidence and charisma to bring in big bucks. With his Army training in leading others and experience of appearing on stages across the world, Harry could well become an in-demand motivational speaker. Advertisement

He said: 'He [Charles] does not pay for anything if he is able to find someone else to foot the bill. He is the tightest of the royals', and said: 'He'll support them [Harry and Meghan] through the Duchy of Cornwall. What he will then do, based on previous experience, is claim that as a legitimate expense and he will use that to reduce his tax liability and therefore the public purse will continue to support Harry indirectly.'

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said today there must be a 'line of delineation' over who funds the security costs of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their son Archie.

Mr Buckland told Sky News: 'I think there is an issue about how public money is spent. Quite clearly there have already been arrangements made about how that family are going to live and how they are going to be able to get private income but there clearly has to be a line of delineation.

'I think we all want a family like that to be safe, but at the same time I think what really needs to happen is they need to understand how their lifestyle is to adapt and what their needs might be.'

Pressed on whether the UK taxpayer should fund the Sussexes while they are in Canada, Mr Buckland said: 'I don't have an easy answer to that, I don't know at the moment what precisely their arrangements are going to be.

'I am, of course, concerned to make sure that taxpayers' money is used effectively in order to provide protection to people who are offering a service to the British public.'

Prince Charles privately owns the Duchy of Cornwall estate - but it is considered a publicly owned because of its links to the Crown going back to when it was established by Edward III in 1337. Its special royal status also gives the heir to the throne an exemption from corporation tax and capital gains tax - but Charles voluntarily pays around 4.8million in annual income tax. It will be passed to William when Charles becomes king.

The Duchy has 52,760 acres of land worth an estimated 931million and commercial property valued at 291million including at Charles' prized Poundbury estate in Dorset, most of Isles of Scilly, vast swathes of Devon and Cornwall and areas of London.

The assets cannot be watered down because they are for the 'benefit of present and future dukes of Cornwall' - and if sold the cash has to be reinvested - but Charles is entitled to any surplus revenue from the Duchy, although his true wealth is unknown.

The Prince of Wales is said to have had to rebuild his wealth after his divorce from William and Harry's mother Diana.

In 2004 Geoffrey Bignell, Charles' former personal financial adviser, claimed that Diana 'took every penny he had' to pay her 17.5million settlement.

He told the Sunday Telegraph: 'I was told to liquidate everything, all his investments so that he could give her the cash. He had no personal wealth left. She took him to the cleaners'.

Charles continued financial support for the Sussexes came despite claims they could amass a billion dollar fortune - but taxpayers could still be picking up the couple's 3million bodyguard bill because of fears they won't be kept safe in Canada.

The abdication agreement with Her Majesty has cost the Sussexes their HRH titles - but it will allow them 'complete and absolute' freedom to secure tie-ups with Silicon Valley giants such as Apple and Netflix or US TV networks while avoiding 'dodgy' commercial deals that would upset the Queen.

Experts have claimed that US TV networks could be willing to pay the couple 38million [$50million] book deals, 20million for US TV interviews and 470,000 [$600,000] based on the amounts secured by the Obamas since they left the White House.

And Prince Charles is expected to pay his 2.3million annual payment to his son for at least another year while they set up in Canada, despite the couple having an estimated joint net worth of 34million [$44million].

Harry has his own wealth, including an estimated 20million inheritance from Princess Diana and 7million from the Queen Mother. Meghan is thought to be worth 4million, accumulated mainly from her seven years on Suits.

The couple are predicted to have such incredible earning power they could build a $1billion brand having spent part of 2019 secretly trademarking the Sussex brand on items such as pyjamas, hats and hoodies - but this is expected to be impossible without angering Harry's grandmother and father.

But despite the Megxit deal being hammered out at the Sandringham summit hosted by the Queen this month, there are still a number of unanswered questions about who will fund the couple once they settle abroad - and how they will make money.

There is a row brewing because the British taxpayer could pick up the couple's estimated 3million security bill because an American private firm would be 'woefully ill-equipped' to protect the high profile couple.

Harry and Meghan have significant personal wealth but their decision to quit as frontline royals and move to Canada will increase the earning potential for them and their charities. But it is inevitable they will become richer themselves

Prince Charles was 'hurt' by the Sussexes' decision having reportedly been paying Harry and Meghan more than William and Kate to support them in married life

Dai Davies, who led the Metropolitan Police's royalty protection unit, said: 'Ultimately I think the British public will still be paying for it.

'The private security firms simply cannot cope with the professional demands that protecting Harry and Meghan would put on them.

'By moving abroad they are making it harder to set up adequate protection.'

Buckingham Palace has delayed the final decision over whether to ban the couple's use of the 'Sussex Royal' brand on Instagram and on their personal website until later in the year - but the Queen has warned them not to use it as a trade name in business deals.

A final ruling on what is allowed will be made after further negotiations, but the brand would refer to the couple's soon-to-be announced charitable foundation and not commercial activities, an insider has said, adding: 'They have promised they will not bring the Royal Family into disrepute through any dodgy deals'.

Harry and Meghan want to use their Sussex brand to make huge amounts of money for the charities and good causes they support in the UK and around the world - but is inevitable they will become richer themselves.

Aides are said to have warned the couple they could be forced to change the name of their charitable foundation and social media profile if it damages the Royal Family.

But sources have suggested something this 'extreme' is unlikely with the couple losing the HRH title, perks and having top pay back the 2.4million of taxpayers' money spent on Frogmore Cottage.

And with Harry set to fly out to Canada imminently after completing some of his final royal duties, the couple are able to continue building their brand and business opportunities with their Sussex Royal brand intact.

Talent manager Jonathan Shalit, who has struck commercial deals with a host of stars, tweeted last night: 'Meghan and Harry will become a billion dollar brand', adding cash would roll in from 'Fashion and consumer product ranges, endorsements and advertising. Books, TV and film, paid public appearances, company directorships in return for shares.'

He added in an interview with LBC: 'The Duchess of Sussex is one of the most famous people in the world. The phone is going to be off the hook. Never before has someone that close to the queen been available for commercial opportunity.

'My guess is [an Oprah Winfrey interview would pay] around $25 million. Imagine how many people are going to watch that. Let's say it goes out on Apple or Amazon, imagine the advertising around that. The commercial opportunity is extraordinary.

'The Obamas book deal in the US was around $50m. The real value when it comes to fashion is Meghan. She's been on the front cover of glossy magazines all over the world. Any brand in the world. It would be phenomenal in terms of her income.

'You mention wellness, there's a TV actress in America Jessica Alba had a company called The Honest Company that's worth over a billion dollars. [Meghan] could in theory make billions of dollars if she got involved with the right company in terms of being a shareholder.'

Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos said at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in LA on Sunday the streaming giant would like to work with Harry and Meghan, adding: 'Who wouldn't be interested?'

Harry has also worked with Apple - and US TV networks are ready to work with the Sussexes, who are close to Oprah Winfrey.

Currently their bodyguards cost around 1million-a-year - but experts claim this could reach 3million if they spend most of their time in Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had intimated that his country would pick up some of the expense - but a poll of 1,154 Canadian adults found last week that 73 per cent do not want their government to pay for the couple's security costs.

The Queen and Prince Charles decided not to strip Prince Harry of their HRH titles and Duke and Duchess of Sussex rank to avoid looking 'petty', it was claimed today.

Her Majesty is said to have considered stripping the couple of their most prized titles and instead referring to them as the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton  putting them at the same level as Edward and Sophie, Earl and Countess of Wessex.
'Galbraith had a powerful ally in Washington -- not as blunt and direct as the ambassador -- but committed to see Krishna Menon go.'

'This was President Kennedy himself.'

A revealing excerpt from Jairam Ramesh's brilliant new book, A Chequered Brilliance: The Many Lives of V K Krishna Menon.

IMAGE: V K Krishna Menon, then India's defence minister who was blamed for India's ill preparedness during the 1962 War, meets with senior army officers.

V K Krishna Menon was India's defence minister when China went to war with this country in October 1962.

The Indian military was routed by the Chinese, a military debacle that was attributed to Krishna Menon's poor leadership at the defence ministry.

Congress and Opposition politicians asked Nehru to sack Menon and take charge of the defence ministry himself.

Pressure was also building on the prime minister from a different quarter, as Jairam Ramesh discloses for the first time:

V K Krishna Menon came back to India in the first week of October 1962. On October 5, 1962, Nehru wrote to the army chief, General P N Thapar:

I have just received a letter from the President which runs as follows:

'I am surprised and pained to see this morning a press report [in the Times of India] that a special task force was being sent to NEFA charged with pushing the Chinese out. Such secret military information is not given out. It will give previous warning to the other and endanger the lives of men.'

I was myself greatly surprised and distressed to see the report in the press this morning ... I am having an investigation made as to how this leakage in the press took place...

We don't know what that investigation revealed, but what we do know is that the same day Krishna Menon got a press note issued officially. The note denied that a special task force had been created to deal with the Chinese intrusion in NEFA, but acknowledged that 'reorganisation of the defence arrangements in the area had been under consideration for some time...', which had led the Indian Army corps in north-east India to be split into two units: One to be led by Lieutenant General B M Kaul, to be responsible for the border facing China, and the other to be led by Lieutenant General Umrao Singh, to be responsible for Nagaland and the border with East Pakistan.

It did not escape attention and comment that it would be the 'first time that Lt General Kaul will be holding a senior command in an operation theatre'. Many years later Major General D K Palit, who was then director of military operations, would reveal that Kaul himself had been the source of the leak of his assignment that had so infuriated the President, prime minister and defence minister.

History will always judge Nehru, Krishna Menon and Thapar most unkindly for Kaul's NEFA appointment. One view is that Krishna Menon and Thapar had orchestrated it, but Nehru had supported them fully.

IMAGE: V K Krishna Menon with Chinese Premier Zhou EnLai at the Bandung conference, April 1955. Photograph: Kind courtesy A Chequered Brilliance, The Many Lives of Krishna Menon

The situation, from India's point of view, worsened by the day with territory and men being lost -- the latter in substantial numbers. India's defence preparedness and lack of military equipment stood woefully exposed.

On October 25, 1962, the man who had first made Krishna Menon an MP nine years earlier spoke out and echoed the sentiments of a very large number of Congressmen themselves.

C Rajagopalachari suggested that the 'present Defence Minister should be relieved and the Prime Minister should take up the responsibility of the country's defence himself by calling on a suitable General or ex-General to assist him as Minister of State'.

A state of national emergency was declared on October 26, 1962, and urgent requests were made to the US, the UK and Canada for urgent military supplies.

On October 29, 1962, Krishna Menon made a flying visit to Leh and Srinagar to boost the morale of the troops while in New Delhi his ministry put out an official denial that he was resigning.

But on October 30, 1962, Krishna Menon would send in the first of his three resignations to Nehru.

Just as Krishna Menon was resigning his senior colleague and minister without portfolio T T Krishnamachari also wrote to Nehru:

'Whatever your views might be, and ultimately they count, your colleague, the Defence Minister, has demonstrably showed his utter incapacity to act. I am told you think that he is the most intelligent man inside and outside the Cabinet. It might even be true. But intelligence in the abstract is of no use to anybody, least of all the possessor... The Defence Minister's methods of going about things will not yield results. You cannot forget the fact that the Defence Minister is persona non grata in most quarters, or at least in quarters that count for us at the moment...'

Krishnamachari then went on to speak of 'Krishna Menon and his minions' and their incompetence, and gave Nehru some suggestions for improving defence management. He ended the letter with great anguish:

'Please do something: Something to prevent this atmosphere of a Greek tragedy deepening.'

IMAGE: '1957, when V K Krishna Menon gave what is said to be longest speech to the United Nations Security Council. He was reportedly hospitalised after 5 hours, but continued for 3 hours more the next day.' Photograph: Kind courtesy twitter.com/un

On the evening of October 31 1962, an official announcement was made that Nehru was taking over as defence minister and that Krishna Menon would continue as minister of defence production.

That morning, Krishnamachari met Nehru and complained that his phone was being tapped. Nehru was taken aback and promptly asked the home minister and the director of the Intelligence Bureau, B N Mullick, to conduct an inquiry. Krishnamachari would write to Nehru on 2 November 1962:

'It was just like you to write so promptly regard to my complaint about the tapping of my telephone. The DIB [Mullick] saw me in this connection today. The subsequent information that I got is that the tapping was done at the instance of the military authorities and the persons doing the tapping were withdrawn at 8 o'clock on the night of the 31st October, presumably because of the change in the direction of the Defence Ministry -- though it is asserted that no real change has taken place.'

Krishnamachari was alluding to an assertion reported to have been made by Krishna Menon. As soon as he took over as minister of defence production he flew to Tezpur in Assam, which was the headquarters of the north-east army corps. He addressed a public meeting there which, by all accounts, was 'mammoth'.

If he had done just that he would not have got into further controversy, but then he would not have been Krishna Menon. The Hindu carried this news on November 2, 1962 from Tezpur:

'Mr V K Krishna Menon said in Tezpur today that Prime Minister Nehru's taking over the Defence portfolio from him was 'merely a move to bring more strength into the administration'. He said the decision had not come to him as a surprise... Replying to a question whether the changes that had come into effect today [November 1, 1962] had been under consideration for some time, Mr Menon said 'yes'.'

'He added, however, 'Nothing has changed. I am still a member of the Cabinet and I am still sitting in the Defence Ministry'.'

That very morning, President Radhakrishnan conveyed his displeasure to Nehru, sending him a clipping from another newspaper. The Prime Minister shot back at once:

'The Statesman cutting is not quite correct. Probably Krishna Menon said something casually which does not give the right impression. I am in charge of Defence and am dealing with it myself directly and am going to the Defence Ministry daily. Krishna Menon has got a limited responsibility in regard to production matters which are under the Defence Ministry...'

Technically, Krishna Menon was right, but it was hardly the thing to say under such tense circumstances, especially when his exit as defence minister had been widely welcomed.

On his return to the capital he denied having made any such statement, but the damage had been done. His critics, both within the Congress and outside, now bayed for more blood.

IMAGE: Then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and V K Krishna Menon at the United Nations. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikipedia Commons

November 7, 1962, Krishna Menon sent not one, but two letters of resignation. This may have been prompted by Nehru.

Subsequently, Nehru forwarded Krishna Menon's resignation to the President:

'I enclose copies of two letters I have received from Shri Krishna Menon offering his resignation from Government. I have already shown you these letters. I propose to write to him accepting his resignation after I learn your wishes in the matter. These wishes have been conveyed to me orally by you already. But I would be grateful if you would kindly repeat them in writing.'

This was a curiously worded letter, and what it implied was to be highlighted 27 years later by Radhakrishnan's authoritative biographer, his son, the eminent historian S Gopal, who was also Nehru's pre-eminent biographer. Gopal would write:

'In other words, Nehru wished to leave the responsibility for the final decision to the President, with perhaps a subconscious hope for at least delay in, if not abandonment of, Menon's departure. Certainly the recognised procedure of the President acting on the advice of the prime minister was reversed.'

Radhakrishnan in his reply did not communicate his wishes, but took a firm decision:

'As you said, in the circumstances, for the sake of national unity we have to accept Shri Krishna Menon's resignation with regret. On hearing from you a formal announcement will issue from the Rashtrapati Bhavan'.

Till his death Krishna Menon would continue to say that he had not been 'sacked' or 'fired' or 'asked to go'. He would insist that he had resigned. The evidence does support this fine distinction he drew on the manner of his departure as defence minister. But it is also true that many Congress MPs were challenging Nehru.

IMAGE: V K Krishna Menon in 1965. Photograph: Kind courtesy twitter.com/SiddharthMNair

Pressure from within the Congress party apart, there was another factor at work that made Krishna Menon's departure inevitable. Right from the time Nehru asked for American military assistance, Krishna Menon was a marked man.

There had always been mutual antipathy between him and the US ambassador in India, John Kenneth Galbraith, which had been exacerbated after Goa's liberation. Galbraith seized this opportunity to start a campaign for Krishna Menon's ouster. He was to later discuss this episode in his memoirs that appeared in 1969.

But Galbraith left out crucial details of what he had done and how he had ensnared the British and the Canadians in his 'plot' to get rid of Krishna Menon as a condition for receiving military assistance.

IMAGE: V K Krishna Menon on a Time magazine cover. IMAGE: V K Krishna Menon on a Time magazine cover.

Galbraith had a powerful ally in Washington -- not as blunt and direct as the ambassador -- but committed to see Krishna Menon go. This was President Kennedy himself. He had met with Krishna Menon a year ago at the White House but now the situation had changed completely.

On October 26, 1962, he met with the Indian ambassador to the US, B K Nehru. The official US record of that meeting on Krishna Menon was anodyne, but in reality, what Kennedy had told the Indian ambassador was this:

'The President then said that, on a purely personal basis between himself and the Ambassador, and not speaking governmentally, he wished that Krishna Menon were not Defense Minister.'

In that conversation, Kennedy had also asked the Indian ambassador whether 'Krishna Menon would continue to be the Grand Moghul presiding over the American military supply line'.

During the war, Krishna Menon had tried, till the very end, to avoid seeking military help from the US. On October 27, 1962, Nehru wrote to him:

In the course of a letter from the President [Radhakrishnan] to me he says: 'USA Ambassador Galbraith was here last evening and said that the USA were willing to supply us with any equipment we need, but that they had not been asked. We should not lose time in getting equipment from any source. I entirely agree with the President.'

The same day Carl Kaysen, a Kennedy aide, sent an 'Eyes Only for Ambassador Galbraith' telegram from the White House:

'... We here agree with your assessment of the value of getting Menon out . . . We again urge the importance of avoiding the slightest appearance of US initiative and responsibility in removing Menon. Our efforts with Ayub [Ayub Khan, President of Pakistan] will be such as to prepare the way to take advantage of Menon's disappearance without requiring it as a condition for forward motion...'

IMAGE: Then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and V K Krishna Menon flank Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Photograph: Kind courtesy A Chequered Brilliance, The Many Lives of V K Krishna Menon

Parliament convened on November 8, 1962. Normally, a minister who has resigned is allowed to make a personal statement. This is what C D Deshmukh, Nehru's finance minister, had done in July 1956. Deshmukh had used that opportunity to lash out at Nehru and some of his colleagues, who had all heard him in silence. But Krishna Menon chose to keep quiet. He made no such statement.

In any case, it was hardly the time for him to speak since there was only a pause in the war. Predictably, his resignation was widely welcomed both in India and abroad.

The heat was off Nehru, who emerged stronger after Krishna Menon's departure. But Krishna Menon got hundreds of letters of sympathy as well, including from those who had been at his receiving end.

Excerpted from A Chequered Brilliance: The Many Lives of V K Krishna Menon, by Jairam Ramesh, Penguin, with the author and publisher's kind permission.
Armenia would welcome a Free Trade Agreement, FTA, between the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the Eurasian Economic Union, President Armen Sarkissian told Emirates News Agency, WAM, in an exclusive interview.

It is up to the leadership of these [GCC] countries. The moment they express their interest [it can be taken forward]. They can express it directly to the Union or any partner like Armenia, President Armen Sarkissian said in an interview in Abu Dhabi. "If I'm told about it, I would take it up to the Union."

He recalled that the Eurasian Union has signed free trade agreements with Singapore, and the signing has not only a fiscal or logistical effect, but a political one.

You can place your company in Armenia and do your business in Russia without any problems. It is a huge market. Moreover, you are dealing with countries that have a deep relationship with the EU. So, thats an advantage, he said.

Sarkissian added that Armenia also has a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU, the country acts like a bridge between the EU and Eurasia.

He emphasized that Armenia is willing to develop relations with the Gulf in many directions. Armenia has developed its relations with the Gulf in many directions, especially in science and technology sector, he said.

There are so many things we can discuss and work together for the benefit of all parties, which include tourism, energy solutions and climate solutions, the president concluded.
Hong Kong protesters decry police inaction six months after brutal mob attack Police officers brandish pepper spray to disperse protesters who gathered at the site of an attack six months ago by an armed mob on anti-government demonstrators at the district of Yuen Long in Hong Kong

By James Pomfret

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Several hundred Hong Kong protesters gathered on Tuesday at the site of an attack six months ago by an armed mob on anti-government demonstrators, denouncing the lack of progress by police in bringing those responsible to justice.

Chinese-ruled Hong Kong has been embroiled by more than seven months of turmoil sparked by a now withdrawn extradition bill that would have allowed individuals to be sent to China for trial.

The youth-led protests, including mass marches, petrol bomb attacks and battles on university campuses, have since morphed into a broader revolt against authorities and strong-arm Chinese rule.

Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997 with sweeping promises of a high degree of autonomy and freedoms. But the perceived failure of Beijing to honor these commitments has fueled the protests, posing a grave challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China denies meddling in Hong Kong and blames the West for stirring up trouble.

Some protesters in a concourse below the Yuen Long train station in a district close to the border with China said they remained traumatized by scenes of an armed mob of white-shirted men beating up black-shirted protesters and ordinary people on July 21 last year.

A pro-democracy district councilor, Zachary Wong, criticized the police for not preventing the attack, and for not apprehending any of the attackers afterwards when they retreated into a nearby village and were surrounded by officers.

Yuen Long district councilor Tommy Cheung, who has helped set up a task force to probe the attack, said none of the 37 men arrested so far, some with organized criminal gang backgrounds, had yet seen their cases go to trial.

Jason Liu, a 29-year-old masked protester in the crowd, said he'd lost confidence in police enforcement: harsh on pro-democracy protesters but lenient toward pro-government allies, even those suspected of serious crimes.

"They always have excuses, and justify everything they do as right," said Liu, who was dressed in a gray hoodie while listening as riot police surrounded the area. "It's really unfair how twisted and biased law enforcement has become."

Story continues

Police chief Chris Tang told reporters that investigations were ongoing into the July 21 attack and that anyone who engaged in violence would be investigated.

He conceded that "there are areas that we could do better".

"If we dealt with things perfectly, there wouldn't be so much debate," he said.

More than 7,000 protesters have been arrested in connection with the protests so far, including nearly 1,000 who have been charged. Police dispersed the protesters on Tuesday with pepper spray and made several arrests during a face-off in a nearby park.

Moody's downgraded Hong Kong's credit rating one notch this week as the city's leader, Carrie Lam, flew to the World Economic Forum in Davos for a charm offensive amid the turmoil. She said in an interview with CNBC she was "very disappointed".

Despite the backlash against Beijing, there are few signs of Beijing heeding demands for democracy and respect for the freedoms guaranteed at the handover.

China's most senior official in the city, Luo Huining, wrote on Monday in the Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece, the People's Daily, of the need to "establish and perfect the national security protection legal system and executive mechanism, as well as strengthening law enforcement".

Lam said in Davos conditions have to be right for a national security law.

Enacting local legislation to protect national security has always been Hong Kongs constitutional obligation. That is written into the Basic Law (mini-constitution)," she said.

"(But) I have to ask myself whether we have the right conditions conducive to doing this very controversial issue now.

(Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by Nick Macfie)
I've written extensively on gun violence, spoken on international TV and radio on the subject, and even pursued a gun license in the strictest city of one of the strictest states in the country. Despite my first-hand experience, the most ardent defenders of the Second Amendment  like those who marched on Richmond, Virginia this weekend to protest "Jim Crow" gun laws  will still tell me things like, "We don't need more laws! We need to enforce the laws on the books!" or "We can't stop every shooting because that's just the price of freedom." Those same #2A Avengers will of course acknowledge that yeah, okay, maybe NICS has some problems, or maybe those Parkland cops should have done something earlier, and then swiftly retreat back into the same tribalistic mindsets that always prevent human progress.

So I wrote this essay, hoping to have a rational conversation. It was originally published on Medium in 2018, but it remains frustratingly relevant, so I'm posting it here.

Naming something gives you power over it.

That's the basic idea behind all the magic in every folktale dating back for centuries, from "Rumpelstiltskin" to the Rolling Stones' "Hope you guessed my name." Ancient shamans didn't practice "magic"; they just had knowledge, and names for things like "eye of newt" that no one else could understand. To name something is to know it, and knowledge is power.Think about the relationship between "spelling" and "spells" and you won't be so surprised that Harry Potter has been all over the gun violence conversations lately, on both the Left and the Rightwhich makes sense, considering that they have a word you memorize and practice reciting in order to kill people.

But when we talk about gun violence  or gun control, or gun reform, et cetera et cetera ad nauseam  we're all too busy tripping over words to see the problems that we're trying to address. And no, I'm not talking about "gunsplaining," or even about the eye-roll-inducing "assault weapon" terminology (which is a distinction that I have come to understand and appreciate, and also a debate that is nothing but distracting on every single side of it). It's hard to deny that gun violence is a problem in the United States of America, but it's in our attempts to name that problem where we start to lose our footing, and thus, our focus (and I know a thing or two about focus).Perhaps if we learned to name the individual issues of gun violence that need to change, then we can start to identify specific solutions  one at a time, without infringing on civil rights or liberties. Then maybe then we could have some real conversations about how to make our society safer.

So instead of seeing at gun violence at One Big All-Encompassing Monolithic Problem, let's look at the isolated areas where gun violence needs to be addressed: Domestic Violence, Suicides, Mass Shootings, Gang Violence, and State Violence.

1. Domestic Violence

An existing history of violence against family or loved ones is the greatest indicator of a person's penchant for gun violence. An American woman is shot and killed by her partner every 16 hours, according to the Trace, and more male shooters attack their own families than schools or public places. In terms of the sheer number of deaths, the money we spend on terrorism would be better focused on the threat of husbands.

Perhaps none of this is surprisingbut for some reason, we still don't do anything about it. While the NRA loves to whinge on about self-defense, they ignore the fact that abused women are five times more likely to be killed by partners who own firearms, and 90% of women imprisoned for killing men had previously been abused by those same men.

That's what I mean when I say "We have a problem."

Felony offenses for domestic violence are supposed to mean that an American loses their right to gun ownership. But this requires the person to willingly turn their private property over to the government, or for the ATF to actively pursue civil asset forfeiture on those gunsneither of which is a very practical solution. (Enforcing this would also likely mean that in this country would be banned from carrying firearms, which is, erm, probably good, too.)

So what can we do about this? Legally, it's complicated. But states like Rhode Island, California, Washington, and New York have recently enacted laws to prevent guns from even failing into the hands of misdemeanor* domestic abusers, and quite frankly, I don't see a reason why that can't be enacted everywhere. It'll save lives, and it won't infringe on the rights and freedoms of law-abiding gun-owners, or people at greater risk of being victims of violence. We can also improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (which even the NRA has mockingly acknowledged to be flawed) by standardizing the information that states and military are required to submit, under threat of financial penalty.

(*The one caveat I will acknowledge: this requires people to actually cooperate with authorities. And that's easier said than done, for a number of social reasons that are difficult to legislate.)

2. Suicides

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths are suicides, and almost half of all suicides are gun deaths. The majority of those victims are men, often with military backgrounds, and mostly over the age of 45.

This is the one place where mental health really enters the gun reform debate, and it has nothing to do with a risk of physical harm to others.

Suicides of all kinds are unfortunately difficult to prevent. But most attempts are impulsive, and 70% of people who survive an attempt won't try again. Unfortunately, only about 10% of people survive a suicide attempt by gun  which means the trick is in screening those deadly impulse buys.

Some gun sellers in America have already started taking the initiative to spot suicide warning signs in customers, using grassroots activism to empower more community intervention. And in fact, when Australia enacted its gun ban, the country saw a drastic drop in suicides as well. If we want to focus our energies on saving lives, that might be a place to start. (Of course, this will also require investing more money in community resources and social work, too  but I think the return on investment is worth it, ya know?)

3. Mass Shootings

Mass shootings get the most attention, because they're massive and tragic. More often than not, the circumstances around them are almost too absurd to wrap out heads around, so we search for scapegoats such as "mental illness." But mass shootings account for less than 1% of firearm deaths  which unfortunately makes them kind of hard to plan for and around to base legislation upon.

Now, to be fair: mental illnesses do figure in about one-quarter to one-half of mass shootings. But anyone who knows anything about data will tell you 1/2 of 1% is not really a good indicator of anything, especially when about 20% of the population has a mental disorder, and those people are still significantly more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence. It's also important to point out that, while gun violence in general is on the decline, mass shootings are becoming deadlythough not necessarily more frequent.

Now that all that data is out of the way, we still need to talk about the fact that mass shootingsespecially in schoolsare a problem. Given that small statistical sample, however, it's harder to find solutions that will be applicable in enough situations to make a difference. This is about more than "walking up" and bullying initiatives. Because the most bullied people are LGBTQ+, or Muslim, or poor, or physically unattractive, while most school shooters are white men. But you know where we can start? Increase funding and training for social work, especially at schools, and give people the tools they need to express their frustrations.

See that? None of it will infringe on civil rights and civil liberties. It will infringe upon the people who don't want to pay taxes and/or want to harm social services and public education. Poverty, opportunity, and violence go hand-in-hand, and they all require some financial investment to upend.

4. So-called "Gang-Related" Violence

This one is particularly frustrating, because it's often racially charged  and thus, often used as a racist deflection (STOP?BRINGING?UP?CHICAGO? ). Even without the racialized aspect, it's still quite complicated.

Unfortunately, it's also true that 13 percent of gun homicides (but not all gun deaths) are gang-related killings, which affect mostly young men. And while there is a racial element, it has more to do with the survival tactics that people are forced to go through in order to survive in a racist society. This might be the only other circumstance (besides suicides) where mental health is a factor. But it's not how the pundits would have you think  it has more to do with PTSD and the anxiety from poverty and survival in a society that criminalizes you from childhood.

If you ask me, much of this connects back to the same problems of toxic masculinity that lead to domestic violence. Even financial struggles or other markers of "manliness" can drive men to violence, lashing out at the world for their own perceived failures. Simply put, violence is a byproduct of anger, not of general mental health. That alone is not a legislative solution, but perhaps it can serve as a guide for the ways in which we cultivate our culture with compassion, empathy, and understandingoh, and not automatically treating teens who misbehave like they're already criminals, damned for life, as often happens in our racist education and justice systems.

Luckily, there are already educators and social workers trying to address these problems. Perhaps we should consider increasing their support and resources; after all, it's better to address a problem before it starts than to spend all your money trying to clean-up the mess after the fact. But it has to start within the communities first. They know what's best for them more than any government or police interference could helpthey just need allies and support to make it happen.

5. State Violence

Neither the military nor the police should be excused from unnecessary acts of violence. History has shown time and time again that the use of violence as a tool of persuasion only engenders more fear and anger among the general public, and that in turn leads to more violence every time. The state should not have a monopoly on violence, and violence committed at the hands of the government is just as bad or worse than violence between civilians. This harkens back to the original intentions of the 2nd Amendment, tooto defend against a tyrannical government, a.k.a., state-sponsored violence.

Militarized policing, for example, is known to harm both police reputations, and community stability, without actually make anyone safer. The FBI has been watching and warning of an increase in violent white supremacists infiltrating police departments for years, and nothing's happened to stop it.

Or consider the fact that at least 40% of police officer families experience domestic violence, according to the National Center for Women and Policing. And yet, the Blue Fraternity all but ensures that charges are never brought against the officers involved, even though it's been established that patterns of violent behavior almost always lead to more violent behavior. The same goes for the rising problem of police brutality (or as the passive-voiced PR prefers, "officer-involved shootings," a phrasing that's intentionally designed to absolve the officers of any responsibility). Thanks to police union laws, officers who do commit excessive and unnecessary acts of violence are often transferred to or hired by another nearby department, with little to no consequences for their actionsdespite the fact that they are likely to repeat them.

We should not excuse these acts of violence simply because they are committed by police officers. By doing so, we just enable more violencewhich empowers more cops to act with extreme prejudice, which leads to more violence, which is met by more violence.

Much of this goes back to mental health as well, and the way we treat our veterans after subjecting them to the horrors of war. If a history of violence is the best indicator of future acts of violence, then training our soldiers to commit acts of violencewith little support for the PTSD they endure when they come homeis simply setting them up for more violence. That's why veterans tend to be more susceptible to joining the ranks of white supremacists, or committing acts of domestic violence: it's an outlet for the violence that we inflicted upon them by sending them to war in the first place.

(This especially true of men who receive other than honorable or bad conduct discharges. The military has their reasoning for their categories, which don't impact a discharged veterans ability to purchase a gun in the future, even if the reason for their discharge had to do with violence. An improved FBI background check system would find a way to address this loophole, too.)

Unfortunately, this makes it easier for those same veterans to seek out the camaraderie and power of the military by joining extremist militias, or to seek solace in suicide, as mentioned above. Our society (rightly) likes to talk big of honoring our veterans, but there's nothing honorable about subjecting them to these horrible fates.

We can't find common ground unless we can actually identify the problem to solveand we can't see the problem if we don't share the same words to describe it. That's the source of our gun debate.

Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, I hope that we can all agree that reducing death and violence is a good thing for everyone. But we can't just throw our arms and shrug after every awful shooting tragedy; nor can we throw our arms up and scream about every single death like they're all the same.

Sometimes, the best way to tackle a larger problem is to break it down into smaller ones, and to make sure that everyone's using the same words to refer to all the same things. If we're ever going to deal with our gun violence epidemic, then I think this could be a good place to start.

Gun Violence Isn't a Problem  it's actually 5 Problems, with Different Solutions [Thom Dunn / Medium]
Snow fell in many parts of the country over the weekend, with most of Newfoundland getting the brunt of it. On Monday, the army was called in to help dig out residents after more than 100cm of snow piled up on Friday and throughout the weekend. While many are making the best of it with snowboards and skis, a state of emergency remained in effect for the fourth day on Monday, as it remains hazardous to residents and rescue crews alike.

Significant snow fell in Ontario, too, with Toronto already at 126 per cent of its typical snowfall. Another weather system is expected to hit Ontario next weekend, with potential for a rain/snow mix.

Want your winter weather pictures added to our gallery? Post them on Twitter and Instagram and tag us @yahoocanada on both platforms!
The ongoing work on a memorial to chief Constitution drafter B R Ambedkar here can be completed within two years if taken up as a challenge, NCP president Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday.

Speaking after reviewing the progress of the project in Dadar, whose 'bhumi pujan' was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, he said once completed, the monument can become a tourist hotspot.

Pawar said he was told 25 per cent of the work on the memorial, coming up in the compound of now defunct Indu Mills, has been completed.

The former Union minister defended construction of the memorial amid suggestions the fund required for the project be used for some other purposes, saying it will turn out to be an important attraction from tourism point of view.

The Maharashtra government last week approved a proposal to raise the height of the proposed statue of the Dalit icon at the site by 100 feet and cleared the revised expenditure of Rs 1089.95 crore for the project.

"The memorial work will complete in two years if taken up as a challenge," Pawar told reporters.

The former Union agriculture minister said the memorial will be a centre of attraction in India and outside, particularly in countries where the Buddhist community has large presence, like Sri Lanka, Thailand and China.

Pawar said he suggested the authorities implementing the project to ensure proper crowd management on April 14 and December 6 (birth and death anniversaries, respectively, of Ambedkar) as the number of the followers of the social reformer who visit Dadar on these two days was increasing.

He declined to comment on whether there was a delay on part of the previous Devendra Fadnavis government in executing the project.

On some people suggesting that the fund meant for the memorial be spent for some other purposes, Pawar said everyone has a right to express opinion.

"And there is a big section in the society which thinks it must guide (others) on every issue. Since such a section is big, one should accept what is right and ignore (what is not)," the NCP leader added.

To a question, Pawar said the MVA government, in which his party is a key ally, is strong enough to set up another university in the state.

Dalit leader and grandson of B R Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, last Saturday suggested that the Bombay High Court ask the government to utilise funds sanctioned for the proposed statue for improvement of functioning of cash- strapped Wadia hospitals for women and children instead.

Asked about it, Pawar said Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has already held a meeting regarding the issues faced by Wadia hospitals, which receive funds from the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Noting the Statue of Liberty in the US is visited by tourists from across the world, Pawar said people would similarly like to see the memorials of Chhatrapati Shivaji (in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai coast) and Ambedkar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Astronomers are grappling with setting scientific priorities, charges of sexism and racial discrimination, and thorny ethical questions about how they interact with communities they work in.

What's happening: Astronomers are currently debating where and how much money should be directed to large-scale missions versus smaller ones.

They're also experiencing a reckoning about who gets to participate in astronomy, with a new study revealing, in part, that African American undergraduate students are often discouraged from continuing their degrees in physics by faculty and peers.

And protests against the building of a large telescope on native land on Hawaii's Mauna Kea have brought the ethics of astronomy's effect on Earth into stark relief.

Details: The development of the James Webb Space Telescope  the Hubble telescope's successor  has been a drain on NASA's budget for years, as the cost of the program ballooned to nearly $10 billion.

Some astronomers are suggesting it makes sense to prioritize smaller missions that are more focused on answering one or two scientific questions instead of on large telescopes in the future.

Yes, but: Foregoing or putting off flagship missions will change the ambition of American astronomy and astrophysics, potentially shrinking the field's scope and influence.

At the same time, a report released by the American Institute of Physics details the systemic barriers African American students face when getting their bachelor's degrees in astronomy and physics.

The study calls on universities and other institutions to work toward doubling the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to African Americans in astronomy and physics by 2030.

Astronomers have also been taking a hard look at harassment and assault in the field in the wake of a series of high-profile sexual harassment cases.

Issues around inclusion in astronomy are also reflected in the controversy surrounding the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii, forcing space scientists to re-examine their relationships with the communities they work in.

"Astronomers see the peaks of mountaintops as the most ideal sites on which to place instruments, but the vast majority of these mountaintops are sacred to Indigenous peoples," researcher Sara Kahanamoku told Axios via email.

Scientists including Kahanamoku are now calling on astronomers and the federal government to take indigenous views into account when planning these large telescope projects.

"We're [astronomers] all kind of going through this  for us  difficult time where it's like, 'Oh, are we the baddies?'"

 astronomer Jessie Christiansen told Axios

The big picture: All of these forces are colliding in a field that the U.S. has led for decades. The answers to these existential questions will fundamentally change American astronomy and astrophysics.

Go deeper:
No. 4: an order from the minister of manpower against the S.D.P. for various posts and an online article claiming that unemployment was rising among Singaporean white-collar workers.

And then, the subject of order No. 5: Lim Tean, the leader of Peoples Voice, another fledgling political party, for online posts stating that the government had put aside more money for scholarships for foreign students than for local ones.

All these statements and analyses touched on sensitive issues  questioning the competence of the elites, tapping peoples anxieties about immigration and jobs  and at a time when many Singaporeans suspect that the government will call general elections well before April 2021, the month by which they must be held. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who has been in power since 2004, has indicated that this race will be his last, and the ruling party seems intent on securing another strong mandate.

But never mind politics, the P.A.P. has claimed, or the fact that Pofma has only been invoked against government opponents so far. Thats merely a coincidence.

When it proposed the law, the P.A.P. government had argued that it was necessary to ensure a speedy response to online falsehoods, pointing to cases, such as in Sri Lanka, where a failure to correct disinformation had led to violence. Yet none of the cases in Singapore so far have had anything to do with any incitement to harm. Nor has the government treated them as an emergency that required handling in a matter of hours, as it claimed would be necessary. Most of the correction orders came days  in one case, as many as 12 days  after the supposedly false information was published.

Theres also the matter of whether the P.A.P. government is challenging only statements of fact or also arguments and opinions. Mr. Lims Facebook posts  one of them a meme  were comments on the amount of scholarship money set aside for Singaporean versus foreign students. The education ministrys correction order actually confirmed the sums that Mr. Lim mentioned, arguing instead that he should have made a more appropriate comparison.

On Friday, during a hearing in the S.D.P. case, the attorney generals office argued that Pofma also covered implied statements and matters of interpretation.

And to top it all off: Pofma cannot be used to correct any falsehoods published by the government  not unless you can convince a minister from the P.A.P. to act against the party. Hows that for a measure that might diminish public confidence in the governments performance?

Kirsten Han (@kixes) is a journalist and editor in chief of New Naratif, a multimedia site promoting free expression and democracy across Southeast Asia.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

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A three-year-old boy was attacked and injured by a mountain lion while walking in a California park with his family.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the boy was attacked within the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Lake Forest around 4.15pm on Monday.

Authorities said the boy was walking with five other family members when the mountain lion came out of nowhere and grabbed the child by the neck.

Scroll down for video

A three-year-old boy was attacked and injured by a mountain lion while walking in a California park with his family

Authorities said the boy was walking with five other family members when the mountain lion came out of nowhere and grabbed the child by the neck. In a bid to save his son, the boy's father threw a backpack (pictured) at the mountain lion

In a bid to save his son, the boy's father threw a backpack at the mountain lion.

The mammal then dropped the child, grabbed the backpack and jumped up a tree, the the fire authorities said.

First reponders rushed the child to a local hospital where he is said to be in stable condition. The child suffered injuries to his neck as a result of the attack.

Photos of the mountain lion show it standing on a tree branch while holding the backpack in its jaws.

Video also shows the massive cat chomping on the bag while staring down at first responders.

Officials from the Department of Fish and Wildlife 'gave local law enforcement the approval to euthanize the lion due to the public safety threat'.

Officials from the Department of Fish and Wildlife 'gave local law enforcement the approval to euthanize the lion due to the public safety threat'

First reponders rushed the child to a local hospital (pictured) where he is said to be in stable condition. The child suffered injuries to his neck as a result of the attack
The program of the visit includes negotiations with Israels leadership and a meeting with representatives of Israeli business circles

Open source

On January 23-24, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will pay a working visit to the State of Israel in order to participate in commemorative events at the Holocaust World Forum dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. This was reported by the press service of the President's Office.

The program of the visit also includes negotiations with Israels leadership and a meeting with representatives of Israeli business circles.

As we reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine and Israel have good relations, The Times of Israel informed.

"I think we have good relations. For example, my own relationship with Netanyahu: I met him in Ukraine; he made an official visit here. We spoke. I know your government is being created right now. I know hes busy right now," Zelensky said.

He recalled that many Ukrainian Jewish people had helped to build new Israel.

It is also worth mentioning that Israel could act as a mediator in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said this during his meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
Built by Harland and Wolff, the Titanic was the largest and most luxurious passenger vessel of its time and described as "unsinkable" (AFP Photo/PETER MUHLY)

Britain on Tuesday hailed a new treaty with the United States that seeks to protect the wreck of the Titanic from damage by explorers and tourists.

The remains of the ship lie largely intact 2.5 miles (4km) below the surface of the north Atlantic Ocean, after it hit an iceberg in 1912.

But there have been growing concerns about visitors taking artefacts, leaving rubbish and even placing plaques in memory of the 1,500 people who died.

An international treaty to limit access was signed by Britain in 2003 but only ratified by the United States in November last year.

During a visit to Belfast in Northern Ireland, where the Titanic was built, British maritime minister Nusrat Ghani said it was a "momentous agreement".

It meant the site "will be treated with the sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than 1,500 lives", she said, according to a government statement.

"The UK will now work closely with other North Atlantic States to bring even more protection to the wreck of the Titanic."

Built by Harland and Wolff, the Titanic was the largest and most luxurious passenger vessel of its time and described as "unsinkable".

It set sail on its maiden voyage from the English port of Southampton on April 10, 1912, bound for New York but it never arrived.

The ship, carrying around 2,224 passengers, hit an iceberg on April 15, broke apart and sank to the bottom of the ocean.

The wreck was discovered in September 1985 about 350 nautical miles off the coast of Newfoundland, in Canada.

Several countries have been negotiating an international deal to protect it since then, while it is also protected by UNESCO.

Britain and the US have now both passed legislation giving them the power to grant or deny licences authorising people to enter the hull sections of the Titanic and remove artefacts, UK officials said.
- A former senator of the eighth Senate's request to withdraw from senatorial rerun has been rejected by INEC

- INEC said it was already too late for Godswill Akpabio who is now a minister to be replaced by another candidate in the race

- The electoral body said the rerun is to be conducted amongst the same political parties and candidates who participated in the nullified elections

Nigeria's electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the withdrawal from the senatorial rerun by the minister of the Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The rerun for Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 25.

Premium Times reports that a letter by the electoral body to the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is Akpabio's party in December said it was already too later for the former senator who is now a minister to be replaced by another candidate in the race.

Noting that the last day for withdrawal or substitution of candidates for the 2019 National Assembly election had elapsed said the rerun is to be conducted amongst the same political parties and candidates who participated in the nullified elections.

INEC said in its letter: Your letter dated 10 December 2019 wherein you forwarded Nomination Forms of one Hon. Ekperikpe Luke Ekpo as substitute candidate of your Party for the court-ordered rerun refers."

The letter signed by INEC's secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.said the commission cannot approve the request of the senator and the party for substitution of the candidate in the rerun election.

Consequent upon the above, the commission cannot accede to your request and Sen. Godswill Akpabio remains the candidate of the APC for the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District court-ordered rerun election," the letter added.

INEC said it was already too later for the former senator who is now a minister to be replaced by another candidate in the race.

Source: UGC

PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the APC was planning to substitute Akpabio's candidacy in the Akwa Ibom senatorial rerun with a former member of the House of Representatives, Obong Luke Ekperikpe Ekpo.

The Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM) said that the senator and the party were planning to use the court as a tool to change the names for the rerun.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service!

Bayelsa election: The money we got was lesser than what was promised | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
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Emily Thornberry has said she remains in the Labour leadership race to win it (Danny Lawson/PA)

Emily Thornberry said she would frighten the life out of Boris Johnson if she became the next Labour leader.

In a pitch to party members, the shadow foreign secretary accused the Prime Minister of having a woman problem and said she is the best candidate to take him on regularly in sparring matches in the House of Commons.

Her comments come in what is proving to be a showdown week for the contenders, after shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer became the first to be guaranteed a place on the final ballot paper.

He won the nomination from retail union Usdaw on Monday to add to his earlier shows of support from Unison and the Socialist Environment and Resources Association (Sera), an affiliate group.

Usdaw represent over 400,000 workers and fights every day for its members and for a fairer society.



If Im elected leader, Labour will stand shoulder to shoulder with the trade union movement as we take on the Tories and rebuild trust with working people.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 20, 2020

The other four candidates are pitching to win the backing of the remaining big unions, which include Unite, GMB and the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Ms Phillips was expected to update supporters on her campaign on Tuesday afternoon, amid speculation she could pull out of the race as she struggles to attract the required support.

She failed to turn up at a hustings at the GMB union earlier in the day, although aides said this was due to her having an unavoidable appointment elsewhere.

Unites close links to the left of the party are said to make shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey the favourite for its tip.

Lisa Nandy is being touted as the front-runner for the support of the GMB, with its executives due to meet in London on Tuesday to decide which of the five candidates to rally behind.

Expand Close Lisa Nandy (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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However, even if GMB does decide in Ms Nandys favour, the Wigan MP would still require another nomination from an affiliated group to get her through to the last round.

Candidates are required to have won the nomination of three Labour affiliates, including at least two unions, which amount to at least 5% of affiliate members.

The only other route on to the ballot paper is by receiving nominations from at least 5% of constituency Labour parties (CLPs), meaning Ms Thornberry and prominent backbencher Jess Phillips face an uphill battle to ensure they continue in the race.

It is an advantage to be a woman leader at this time because I think Boris Johnson has a woman problem, most definitelyEmily Thornberry

If they fail to win the support of a sizeable union, then they will need the nomination of 33 CLPs instead.

Ms Thornberry was defiant about her chances, telling ITVs Good Morning Britain she remains in this to win it.

Asked who she would vote for out of rivals Sir Keir and Ms Long-Bailey if she did not make the final shortlist, she replied: Im not getting into this. Im in this to win it.

The Islington South and Finsbury MP argued that the party should be looking to elect a woman of her experience and working-class background to the top job.

It is an advantage to be a woman leader at this time because I think Boris Johnson has a woman problem, most definitely, she told the programme.

Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook

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He certainly has a problem with me. I think the Labour Party should think about that.

She pointed out that Labour now has more women MPs than male representatives in Parliament, and said she is the candidate who would frighten the life out of Mr Johnson at future Prime Ministers Questions.

All five contenders have agreed to take part in a televised debate on Channel 4 next month.

The hour-long programme will be hosted by Krishnan Guru-Murthy, with a live audience asking questions.

It will take place on Monday February 17 at 8pm  only a few days before members and others start to cast their vote.

The Labour membership surged, according to the Mirror, to more than 540,000 people ahead of Monday evenings sign-up deadline.
Top seed Rafael Nadal turned on the style as he launched his bid for a record-equalling 20th Major title at the Australian Open on Tuesday, but falling star Maria Sharapova hit a career low. Australia's Nick Kyrgios also cantered into the second round, but fourth seed Daniil Medvedev had to fight his way past American Frances Tiafoe in four sets. Nadal, one shy of Roger Federer's Grand Slam mark, dropped only five games as he swatted aside Bolivia's Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 in just over two hours at a sunny Rod Laver Arena. "It was a positive start," said the reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion, wearing a bright pink singlet and matching trainers. "What you want in the first round is just to win, and it's better if it's in straight sets." He joins Federer and defending champion Novak Djokovic in round two as the Big Three look to tighten a stranglehold that has brought them all but one of the last 14 Australian Open titles. Nadal, the first player to be world number one in three different decades, is still thriving at 33 but it's a different story for five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova. The 32-year-old, playing on a wildcard as she wrestles with a shoulder injury, lost 6-3, 6-4 to Croatian 19th seed Donna Vekic, making her an opening-round loser at three straight Grand Slams for the first time. The future looks uncertain for the former world number one, who won Wimbledon when she was just 17 but has not reached a Grand Slam final since she lifted the 2014 French Open trophy. "I can speak about my struggles and the things that I've gone through with my shoulder, but it's not really in my character to," Sharapova said. "I was there, I put myself out there (playing). As tough as it was, I finished the match -- it wasn't the way that I wanted." Britain's Johanna Konta, a two-time Slam semi-finalist, also fell at the first hurdle as she battles to overcome a knee problem, losing 4-6, 2-6 to unseeded Tunisian Ons Jabeur. - Stormy Fognini - On a bumper day of 88 first-round matches, after rain wiped out half of Monday's schedule, former US Open champion Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic both moved safely through. Italy's Fabio Fognini, two sets down against America's Reilly Opelka when their match was suspended on Monday, returned to win it in five after a stormy encounter when both players argued furiously with the umpire. A new star emerged in 18-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, last year's NextGen champion, who earned his first Grand Slam victory against Australia's Max Purcell. Australia's Kyrgios, who has spearheaded fundraising efforts for the country's deadly bushfire disaster, kept his notorious temper in check despite being taken to two tie-breaks in a 6-2, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7-1) win over Lorenzo Sonego of Italy. "I feel super-comfortable, you guys are the best. I feel the support.... I am ready to go again," Kyrgios told the crowd. Medvedev, the narrow loser to Nadal in September's US Open final, dropped the second set against Tiafoe before recovering to win 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Austria's Dominic Thiem, who has reached the last two French Open finals, went through in straight sets against Adrian Mannarino, while 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka needed four to get past Damir Dzumhur. Seventh seed Alexander Zverev beat Marco Cecchinato in straight sets but there was disappointment for France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 2008 finalist, who retired with a back injury against Australia's Alexei Popyrin. Elsewhere, women's fourth seed Simona Halep survived some painful-looking falls to beat America's Jennifer Brady, and 2016 champion Angelique Kerber dropped only four games against Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy. Air pollution from the bushfires disrupted the build-up to the year's first Grand Slam, but after Monday's heavy rain the skies were clear and sunny on Tuesday. Spain's Rafael Nadal beat Bolivia's Hugo Dellien in the first round Maria Sharapova has lost in the first round at the last three Grand Slam tournaments Italy's Fabio Fognini came back from two sets down to beat Reilly Opelka
A former California teacher has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison after admitting to filming herself performing sex acts with a teenage female relative, and then sharing the videos on PornHub.

Dawn Giannini, 50, apologized for her actions before judge Jeffrey Finnigan handed down a prison term of six years and eight months on Friday.

Giannini, formerly a fourth-grade teacher at St Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Palo Alto, previously claimed that she did not understand that was she was doing with her underage family member was wrong.

Dawn Giannini, 50 (left and right), an ex-teacher from California, has been sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for filming herself performing sex acts with an underage female relative

The teacher was married to Lt Colonel Thomas Giannini, who has had three overseas deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, the judge rejected that assertion, stressing that Giannini's sexual conduct involving the teen was abnormal, reported The Daily Post.

Giannini, a mother-of-two who was married to a US Army Lt Colonel, in October 2019 pleaded not contest to four felony charges, including lewd acts with a child and sexual penetration with a foreign object.

In exchange for her pleas, prosecutors agreed to drop 15 other counts against her, according to The Almanac.

The case against Giannini began unfolding in October 2018, when a student at Woodside High School recognized a female classmate from several pornographic videos that he saw on PornHub, which showed the teen engaging in sexual activities with Giannini.

The boy alerted the principal of his school, who contacted the police, resulting in Giannini's arrest on a slew of charges, including incest, oral copulation on a child under 16 years old, penetration with a foreign object and showing porn to a child.

Giannini was accused of having a sexual relationship with the underage family member from November 2014 until November 2015, when the child was 16 or 17 years old.

The couple lived in Redwood City, California, with their two teenage children (pictured)

Investigators never revealed the exact nature of her relationship with the victim.

Giannini was alleged to have recorded some of the sexual interactions, which were later uploaded onto PornHub.

Giannini was hired at St Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in 2015. Before that, she worked as a special education assistant and a substitute teacher for the Redwood City School District.

In the wake of her arrest, she has been fired and barred from ever working for the school district again.

Her husband, Thomas, is a high-ranking military officer who has had three overseas deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The couple lived in Redwood City with their two teenage children.


By Alex Gratzek





As an avid student of history and reader of current events, I can't help but look at China's increasingly swagger in the world and compare it to the Second German Empire, established in 1871 and its dissolution under the Kaiser Wilhelm the II.



In the 1860s, Prussia, the state most responsible for German unification after centuries of disunity, managed to defeat Denmark, Austria, and then France in 1871 under the leadership of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. This saw Prussia establishing the Second German Empire.



Wisely, Bismarck understood that the entire equilibrium of Europe had changed. Traditionally, Germany had been the battleground between its more powerful united neighbors; Swedes, Russians, French and English had always fought their wars by allying with the numerous petty German states.



However, with a newly united Germany, this was no longer an option and instead these neighboring states now became weary of Germany. Bismarck understood this and pursued a wise policy by emphasizing that Germany was a satiated power with no further ambitions in Europe.



To ensure Germany's safety, he also sought to maintain a web of alliances which gave Germany more options diplomatically vis-a-vis its traditional rival, France. Bismarck recognized that with five major powers in Europe, Germany would be safe as long as it could count on two major powers being its allies



As long as Bismarck was in power, Germany pursued a conservative approach in its foreign relations. In 1890, a new kaiser, Wilhelm the II, came to power. Eager to make his own mark on German politics, he pushed out Bismarck and became more assertive in Germany's foreign policy by seeking colonies and a "place in the sun."



In the end, German aggressiveness and militarism saw Germany losing its diplomatic options and increasingly reliant on Austria-Hungary, its only ally. Its enemy France came to an understanding with Great Britain and an active alliance with Russia. Germany found itself encircled and Bismarck's prophetic statement that some damn thing in the Balkans would set off a European war came to fruition.



How does this apply to China today? Well, I can't help but see Deng Xiaoping as a sort of equivalent to Bismarck. Deng, came to power after the death of Mao Zedong in 1978 until his retirement in 1992. He urged future leaders to "hide your strength and bide your time."



He instituted a policy of term limits for the supreme leader of China which his successors followed while focusing on pursuing a policy of economic growth. However, the new president of China, President Xi, has consolidated his power and eliminated rival cliques within the hierarchy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He has become the first leader of China since Mao who is in a position to lead the nation until his death.



Like the Emperor Wilhelm the II, he has taken a more aggressive stance in East Asia. The 9 dash "cow tongue" line effectively claims all of the South China Sea as its own and disregards various claims from the Philippines, Vietnam and other ASEAN nations. Furthermore, it is not just claiming the territory but is effectively seizing shoals, creating manmade islands and militarizing them in disregard of international norms.



It uses "civilian ships," which are actually acting on the behest of the central government, to harass the ships of other nations and limit exploration, fishing and access to areas in dispute to its own ships. Other nations, far too weak to confront the naval militia of China instead must make bilateral deals with China or risk being shut out completely.



America naval vessels carrying out freedom of navigation voyages are being harassed at a rising tempo. American naval forces were removed from the Subic Bay following the end of the Cold War at the request of the Philippines. However, China's increasing assertiveness has resulted in increased ties between American and Philippine forces in recent years.



As I wrote previously in "Clenched fist," China is removing the velvet glove it previously used to rule its vast land area and is instead increasingly turning to its iron fist and power. Taiwan, which China sees as its renegade province, is being threatened and its domestic politics increasingly being infiltrated and effected.



Further afield, Chinese money and influence is becoming increasingly prevalent in the politics of Australia and other nations. Chinese students studying abroad are becoming very militant in shouting down those who don't toe the party line or speak anything that is remotely critical of China.



Muslim nations, have become increasingly critical of China and its policies concerning the Uighurs in Xinjiang while democracies around the world are becoming more critical of China for its actions in Hong Kong which go against the "one country, two systems" policy which had traditionally governed its relations with Hong Kong.



Xi's desire to consolidate power has coincided with an increase in militarism and patriotism to bolster his authority. Such forces are hard to successfully control, they can quickly spiral out of control. After all, who thought that some minor events in the Balkans would lead to World War I and all its destruction? The risks of some minor event in the South China Sea spiraling out of control are becoming increasingly likely.



China's quest for "security" are creating the foundations for its own demise. The more it uses its heft and power to bully smaller neighboring nations, the more likely an anti-China coalition will rise in response. America, temporarily distracted by the impeachment of Trump, will likely eventually play the architect and backer of this coalition. China should seriously consider taking a step back from the precipice and re-evaluate its actions.





Alex Gratzek is an American who has lived, studied and worked in South Korea. Check his website at alexfromabroad.com or contact him at ajgratzek@gmail.com.


Livestock farmers and butchers of Armenias Ararat Province are in a meeting with governor Garik Sargsyan to discuss the governments decision by which slaughter of animals in a slaughterhouse is mandatory starting from January 15.

The residents of villages say they arent ready to make the transition to the slaughter of livestock in a slaughterhouse. According to them, this will be an additional expense for them and will deprive them of their source of income.

Starting from January 15, 2019, upon a government decision, meat sold in all parts of Armenia must come with a document certifying the fact that it has been slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, meaning a safety warranty.

Livestock farmers and butchers have been holding protests in front of the government building for a couple of days now and demand that the government review its decision. Yesterday the protesters closed a major street in Yerevan for a couple of minutes and then called on all livestock farmers to close roads after they didnt receive any response from the government.

Since early morning, protesters have closed roads in Ararat, Armavir and Kotayk provinces. Governor of Ararat Province Garik Sargsyan came to meet with the protesters on the street and urged them to open the road, promising to meet them in the regional governors office and discuss the issue.
The 50th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is being held in the Swiss resort village of Davos on January 21-24.



The WEF has brought together an estimated 3,000 people from 117 countries, including 53 heads of state and government, as well as 1,700 business leaders an journalists.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, IMF Head Kristalina Georgieva, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen confirmed their participation in the Davos Forum.



U.S. President Donald Trump will give a special address on the first day of the forum.



Swedish teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg will take part in a session dubbed Forging a Sustainable Path towards a Common Future on the first day of the meeting.

The Russian delegation is led by acting Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin. It also includes VTB Bank Chairman Andrey Kostin, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev, billionaire Oleg Deripaska, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, General Director at Rosgeologiya Sergey Gorkov, rector of the New Economic School Ruben Enikolopov, CIS Managing Partner at EY Alexander Ivlev, SIBUR Managing Director Alexey Kozlov.

First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, stressed that this forum is taking place at a turning point in relations between Russia and the West. "I think that it's time for the sanction pressure will come to naught sooner or later. Everyone understands that cooperation with Russia should be restored. When such turning points come, of course, business should bring its weight to bear on. I'm sure that global business shows great interest in Russia now," Vladimir Dzhabarov said.

Head of the State Dumas Committee for Financial Markets Anatoly Aksakov, agreed with Dzhabarov. "I think that aggressive rhetoric will fade away, being replaced with positive statements regarding Russia. Russia is demonstrating stability and growth potential, and recent changes in the government have been positively received by investors. All this will increase interest in Russia and create more positive image," he stressed.
Today is the anniversary of one of the greatest free-speech decisions in American history. Ten years ago, the Supreme Court overturned portions of a federal law that empowered government to dictate how Americans who were not connected to any candidates and political parties could practice their inherent right of free expression.

The case of Citizens United revolved around state efforts to ban a conservative non-profit group from showing a documentary it produced critical of then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton right before the 2008 Democratic primary elections. At the time McCain-Feingold made it illegal for corporations and labor unions to engage in electioneering communication one month before a primary or two months before the general election.

Or, in other words, the law, written by politicians who function without restrictions on speech  and applauded by much of a mass media that functions without any restrictions on speech  prohibited Americans from pooling their resources and engaging in the most vital form of expression at the most important time, in the days leading up to an election.

By taking the right to speak from some and giving it to others, Justice Anthony Kennedy would write for the majority, the Government deprives the disadvantaged person or class of the right to use speech to strive to establish worth, standing, and respect for the speakers voice.

Right after the decision, President Barack Obama famously rebuked the Justices during his State of the Union for upholding the First Amendment, arguing that the Supreme Court had reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests  including foreign corporations  to spend without limit in our elections.

Not a word of what he said was true.

First of all, the court hadnt overturned a century of law (though the age of the law bears absolutely no relevance to constitutionality of it). Citizens United reversed portions of a law, less than a decade old, that forbad Americans from contributing as much as they wanted directly to the funding of speech. Corporations would still be banned from donating directly to candidates, as they had been since 1907.

Story continues

Moreover, those corporations, typically unwilling to pick partisan sides for reasons of self-preservation, are still responsible for only a fraction of all political spending, averaging around one percent or less since 2010. Top 200 corporations spend almost nothing on campaigns.

Conversely, since 2010, theres been an explosion in grassroots political activism on both right and left. As Bradley A. Smith points out in the Wall Street Journal today, small-dollar donors are more in demand than ever. Bernie Sanders lives on them, and Donald Trump raised more money from donors who gave less than $200 than any candidate in history.

Nothing in Citizens United, of course, made it legal for foreigners to participate in American elections. It is still illegal for anyone to solicit, accept, or receive help from foreign nationals.

Obama, like many progressives, would ratchet up the scaremongering over anonymous political speech. Over the past couple of decades, our political class has convinced large swaths of the electorate that private citizens have a civic responsibility to publicly attach their names to every political donation. They do not. As the often-cited 1995 Supreme Court ruling in McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission says: Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority.

It is true, though, that since the Citizens United decision streaming services have been able to produce and play documentaries about political candidates like President Trump without answering to a government entity. Publishing companies, especially smaller ones, can now print books about political figures without being policed by the state. And you can contribute as much money you want to any independent group that shares your values. As it should be. The very notion that anyone should be restricted from airing their views is fundamentally un-American.

Then again, even if the floodgates had opened for special interests  a euphemism for causes that Democrats dislike  and even if there had been a massive spike in corporate spending on speech, and even if secretive corporate entities started producing documentaries that disparaged favored political candidates, and then released them one day before an election, it still wouldnt matter. The principle of free expression isnt contingent on correct outcomes, it is a free-standing, inherent right protected by Constitution, not divied out by the state. That principle holds whether people of free will are too lazy or too gullible to resist alleged misinformation. The proper way to push back against rhetoric you dont like is to rebut it.

Or not. It should be up to you.

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An outbreak of a new coronavirus in China has spread to more cities, Chinese authorities said yesterday, as the number of patients tripled and a third person died, stoking concerns about containment of the illness.

The Daxing health commission in the capital Beijing said it had confirmed two cases of coronavirus, while the southern Guangdong province's health commission confirmed one case in Shenzhen. They mark the first cases in China beyond the central city of Wuhan where the virus first emerged.

President Xi Jinping said yesterday that it was "extremely crucial" to take every possible measure to combat a new coronavirus that has infected more than 200 people in the country.

His remarks, cited by state broadcaster CCTV, came the same day that the country reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected by the novel form of viral pneumonia, including the first cases in the capital.

The outbreak comes as the country enters its busiest travel period, when millions board trains and planes for the Lunar New Year holidays. "The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan and other places must be taken seriously," Mr Xi said, according to CCTV. "Party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put people's lives and health first."

Health authorities in the central city of Wuhan, where the viral pneumonia appears to have originated, said an additional 136 cases have been confirmed in the city, which now has a total of 198 infected patients. As of the weekend, a third patient had died, bringing the death toll to three.

Five individuals in Beijing and 14 in southern China's Guangdong have also been diagnosed with the new coronavirus, state broadcaster CCTV reported yesterday evening. A total of seven suspected cases have been found in other parts of the country, including in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in the southwest and in Shanghai.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said 136 new cases of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus strain had been found in the city over the weekend, adding to 62 already known cases. A third death occurred on Saturday, the authority said in a statement.

This brings the total number of known cases worldwide to more than 200, underscoring the challenge for health authorities seeking to contain the outbreak. South Korea yesterday reported its first confirmed case of the coronavirus, a 35-year-old female Chinese national who had travelled from Wuhan, the fourth patient to be reported outside China.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese tourists will be travelling domestically and abroad during the Lunar New Year holiday period that starts later this week.

A report by London Imperial College's MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis estimated that by January 12 there were 1,723 cases in Wuhan City with onset of related symptoms. Chinese health authorities have not commented directly on the report.

Authorities around the globe, including in the United States and many Asian countries, have stepped up screening of travellers from Wuhan. Last week, two cases were reported in Thailand and one in Japan. All three involved people from Wuhan or who recently visited the city.

The virus belongs to the same family of coronaviruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002/03 outbreak that also started in China. Its symptoms include fever and difficulty in breathing, which are similar to many other respiratory diseases and pose complications for screening efforts.

China's National Health Commission said on Sunday it will step up prevention efforts, but acknowledged it still doesn't know the source of the virus.
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The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in Birmingham today showcasing the 'new royal order' by launching a landmark survey on children's health and happiness - as Prince Harry started his new life with Meghan and Archie 5,000 miles away in Canada.

Last night, Kate Middleton and Prince William jointly hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for the UK-Africa Investment Summit, alongside senior royals Prince Edward, Sophie Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne.

Today, in a further glimpse into how the royals will look post-Harry, Kate launched a survey of early childhood she hopes will trigger 'lasting change for generations to come'.

The Duchess of Cambridge is spending 24 hours touring the country to publicise the initiative and said today: 'As a parent, I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children.

The Duchess of Cambridge was all smiles as met children from Henley Montessori School and St Paul's Nursery in Balsall Heath

The Duchess of Cambridge appeared without a care in the world as she spent time at the MiniBrum, an interactive, child-sized mini-city at Thinktank, Birmingham's science museum

Today, in a further glimpse into how the royals will look post-Harry, Kate launched a landmark survey of early childhood, she hopes will trigger 'lasting change for generations to come'

The Duchess of Cambridge attends the launch of a UK-wide survey on early childhood at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

'I want to hear the key issues affecting out families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most. My ambition is to provide lasting change for generations to come.'

The mother-of-three kicked off her solo whistle-stop tour in Birmingham today and will take in London, Cardiff and Surrey tomorrow to raise awareness of the poll, 'Five Big Questions on the Under Fives', thought to be the largest of its kind in the UK.

Speaking at MiniBrum, an interactive, child-sized mini-city at Thinktank, Birmingham's science museum, the duchess said: 'I'm here today to launch a survey to hear society's views about raising the next generation.

'Parents, carers and families are at the heart of caring for children in the formative years so that is why I really want to listen to them.

Wearing a bright green patterned shirt and wide-legged trousers, Kate was given a tour of the 'town' by eight-year-old 'mini mayor', Poppy Jordan

Children from Henley Montessori School and St Paul's Nursery in Balsall Heath, showed the royal visitor their workshop, before popping into the laundrette, a shop, a cafe and a mini-museum

'The Early Years are more crucial for future health and happiness than any other moment in our lifetime.'

Wearing a bright green patterned shirt and wide-legged trousers, Kate was given a tour of the 'town' by eight-year-old 'mini mayor', Poppy Jordan.

Children from Henley Montessori School and St Paul's Nursery in Balsall Heath, showed the royal visitor their workshop, before popping into the laundrette, a shop, a cafe and a mini-museum.

There was a minor calamity in the cafe when the door of a cupboard underneath a sink came off its hinges, prompting laughter. 'I think we've broken the cafe,' Kate laughed.

She also toured a construction corner, helping to hoist rubber bricks up to a crane in a harness and encouraging one small child to don her safety hat.

After being presented with a posy by Poppy as a thank you for visiting the 'city', the duchess met various parents who have been involved in the project, including Giovanna Fletcher, whose podcast Happy Mum, Happy Baby is aimed at ensuring that new mothers do not feel alone.

Kate Middleton has a chat to a boy during her visit. She also toured a construction corner, helping to hoist rubber bricks up to a crane in a harness and encouraging one small child to don her safety hat

The group then sat down together to discuss various issues surrounding parenthood and the role that local communities can play.

Kate, 38, said: 'What we experience between the ages of nought and five shapes the developing brain.

'They help us avoid adversity, or certainly build resilience to adversity in later life, prevent challenges with mental health later down the line.

'As a mother, it's given me a different perspective.

'There's so much pressure on parents to feel the responsibility is just down to them but actually it's important to work together as a community.'

The poll will be online for a month, with the results  which will be revealed in March  determining the next steps of the duchess's early years project.

Questions range from: 'What do you believe is most important for children growing up in the UK today to live a happy adult life?' ; and 'Which period of a child and young person's life do you think is the most important for health and happiness in adulthood?'.

The Duchess of Cambridge receives a bouquet as she attends the launch of a UK-wide survey on early childhood at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Speaking at MiniBrum, an interactive, child-sized mini-city at Thinktank, Birmingham's science museum, the duchess said: 'I'm here today to launch a survey to hear society's views about raising the next generation'

The Duchess of Cambridge pops a helmet on a young visitor at the visit to the museum in Birmingham on Tuesday

It can be accessed at www.5bigquestions.org.uk

Kate has been working on the initiative since her marriage eight years ago, dedicating the vast majority of her public and private engagements to early years provision.

She has worked with experts who believe that many of the hardest social challenges facing society  such as addiction and social exclusion - can often be traced back to experiences in early childhood.

In 2018, she convened a steering group of experts from academia, education, health and other fields to focus on how to help families tackle anti-social behaviour, addiction and mental health, which has played an instrumental role in compiling the survey.

Kate Middleton chats to a young girl as receives a bouquet of flowers at the museum in Birmingham on Tuesday

After the tour, the group then sat down together to discuss various issues surrounding parenthood and the role that local communities can play.

Kate Middleton plays with the children as they explore the museum during her visit to Birmingham to publicise her new initiative

The Duchess of Cambridge leaves Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, this afternoon and will continue her tour on Wednesday

One of its members, David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, of which the Duchess is patron, said: 'Every parent, carer and family wants the best for their child and raising the profile of the vital early years in a child's life is work of national importance.

Five Big Questions on the Under Fives: Kate's poll Question 1: What do you believe is most important for children growing up in the UK today to be able to live a happy adult life? Good physical and mental health

Good friendships and relationships

Access to opportunities

Access to a good education

Question 2: Which of these statements is closest to your opinion?

It is primarily the responsibility of parents to give children aged up to five the best chance of health and happiness

It is primarily the responsibility of others in society

It is the shared responsibility of parents and others in society

Dont know Question 3: How much do you agree or disagree with this statement: The mental health and well-being of parents and carers has a great impact on the development of their child(ren)? Strongly agree

Tend to agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Tend to disagree

Strongly disagree Question 4: Which of the following is closest to your opinion of what influences how children develop from the start of pregnancy to age five? Mostly the traits a child is born with

Mostly the experiences of a child in the early years

Both nature and nurture equally

Dont know Question 5: Which period of a child and young persons life do you think is the most important for fostering health and happiness in adulthood? Start of pregnancy to five years

5-11 years

11-16 years

16-18 years

18-24 years

Dont know

All equally important Extra question: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about your views on the early years of childhood? Advertisement

'The insight this survey will give the early years sector valuable direction in designing and delivering services and support which reflect what matters most to people.'

On Wednesday, the Duchess will join parents at London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) nursery in Southwark, central London, for the nursery drop off, before helping nursery workers serve breakfast to the children, highlighting the importance of nutritious food to a child's development.

She will then travel to Cardiff to attend a baby sensory class at the Ely and Careau Children's Centre where she will hear about the support that parents receive, as well as other engagements.

Kate Stanley, director of strategy for the NSPCC, said: 'It's fantastic to see The Duchess of Cambridge launch this survey today. The results will provide fascinating insight into how we think about the early years and it will be a vital source of information for the sector.'

Last night a grinning Duke of Sussex touched down in Vancouver and today it emerged he has already organised events across America for his charity Sentebale, which supports children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.

Harry, who used a Sentebale dinner in London this week to claim he and Meghan 'no choice' but to quit as senior royals, has pledged to help the world beat AIDS as a legacy to his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, while his close friend Sir Elton John's foundation has raised 240million [$300 Million] to fight the virus and help its victims.

Sentebale chairman Johnny Hornby told the Evening Standard today: 'The duke is a global figure and HIV is a challenge for the world to try to help solve. We know the duke has the ability to challenge the stigma that surrounds HIV and shine a light on these issues, whichever side of the pond he finds himself on.'

Yesterday the Duke of Sussex rushed through a series of meetings at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich and is not believed to have seen William before catching a 5.30pm flight out of Heathrow to Vancouver.

But he did reportedly hold a meeting with his Kensington Palace team about managing his and Meghan's affairs because they will now be in Canada for the foreseeable future.

A smiling Meghan Markle took Archie and her two dogs for a walk in Vancouver hours before Harry landed in Canada.

Meanwhile, William hosted a summit of the United for Wildlife [UfW] taskforces at St James's Palace, having held his first solo reception at Buckingham Palace last night while Harry was already crossing the Atlantic.

UfW was set up by the Royal Foundation - a joint foundation that was founded by William, Kate and Harry six years ago before he married Meghan - but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex then broke away from the foundation last June as rumours of a rift between the couples grew.

The Duke of Cambridge today makes a speech during the meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces at St James's Palace

Meghan Markle took son Archie and her dogs Oz and Guy for a walk in the woods in Vancouver yesterday as her husband Harry flew in from the UK

Harry landed on a BA flight to Vancouver Int (left). Harry flew on to Victoria airport on a smaller plane and smiled as he arrived having been away from his wife and son for almost two weeks
EASTON  The 63-year-old man who died last week after an accident fall was remembered fondly for his unforgettable voice and laugh in an obituary posted Tuesday.

Easton resident Michael Baldyga died Friday, Jan. 10.

Local police said that day that they called in the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad to aid the department in an investigation into an untimely death at a Redding Road home.

Police Chief Timothy Shaw said on Monday that although the investigation was still open and ongoing, investigators found that Baldyga succumbed to injuries sustained due to an accidental fall within the residence.

According to the obituary, Baldyga worked as a business executive for MBI.

He was born in Bridgeport to Raymond and Eleanor Sembrot Baldyga. Growing up, he would go to weekly Wednesday night dinners at his grandmothers house.

During those dinners, he would tell his family about his adventures and childhood stories.

He was such a brilliant man, the obituary said. He had an unforgettable voice and laugh.

Baldyga is survived by his parents, his brothers and nieces.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Lesko and Polke Funeral Home in Fairfield.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Fairfield. His burial will follow at Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield.

Online condolences can be left at www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.
The Center for Disease Control reported on Tuesday the first confirmed case of a new coronavirus that originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since infected over 300 people, causing six deaths.

A man in Washington state has been diagnosed with the virus. The individual had recently traveled to Wuhan, and U.S. officials commented that it was expected that Americans would be infected with the virus at some point.

Chinese authorities said the virus spreads from person to person and does not depend on animal transmission. China is gearing up for the lunar new year celebration later this week when thousands of citizens will travel to see their families, raising fears the virus could spread further. However, the CDC said the virus was not as easily transmitted as common flu or measles.

We recommend outsiders not come to Wuhan and also that Wuhan residents not leave Wuhan without a special reason, the citys mayor Zhou Xianwang told state TV on Tuesday.

The Wuhan virus causes pneumonia-like symptoms and is from the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, that killed hundreds of people in 2002 and 2003. That outbreak similarly originated in China, although the Wuhan virus appears less deadly, according to experts cited by theA Wall Street Journal.

Other cases of the virus have so far been reported in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. North Korea has closed its borders to tourists as a preventive measure, while Australian officials said they would check passengers that arrive from Wuhan by direct flight.

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[Tuchong]

BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua)  More than 9.47 million marriages were registered in China last year, down from 10.1 million in 2018, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The marriage rate in China has continued to decline since 2014 as a result of less population born due to the implementation of family planning policy rate in the 1970s and 1980s, said Yang Zongtao, an official with the ministry at a regular press conference held in Beijing Sunday, noting that changing concepts about marriage have also played a part.

Civil affairs authorities would further combat marital fraud by developing a nationwide online database for marriage credit, and work out measures to limit extravagance in wedding ceremonies, said Yang.

China also registered about 4.15 million divorces in 2019.

(Source: Xinhua)
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture

The 7-terabyte dataset, the largest of its kind, helps envision climate-change scenarios at scales as small as 1 kilometer; a new review validates and describes the dataset

What the global climate emergency has in store may vary from one back yard to the next, particularly in the tropics where microclimates, geography and land-use practices shift dramatically over small areas. This has major implications for adaptation strategies at local levels and requires trustworthy, high-resolution data on plausible future climate scenarios.

A dataset created by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and colleagues is filling this niche. Primarily intended to help policymakers devise adaptation strategies for smallholder farmers around the world, the open-access dataset has been used in 350 research papers. Users in at least 186 countries have downloaded almost 400,000 files from the dataset since it went online in 2013.

A full description, review and validation of the dataset, including how it was built, was published January 20 in Scientific Data, an open-access publication by Nature for the description of scientifically valuable datasets.

"Climate models are complex representations of the earth system, but they aren't perfect," said Julian Ramirez-Villegas, the principal investigator of the project and a scientist with CIAT and the CGIAR Research Platform on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). "These errors can have an impact on our agricultural models. Because these models help us make decisions, this can have dire consequences."

While the data has primarily served agricultural research, it has also been used to map the potential global spread of Zika (a mosquito-borne disease), to plan investment strategies for international development, and to predict the ongoing decline of outdoor skating days in Canada due to warmer winters.

"The use and applicability of this data have been really extensive and topically quite broad," said Ramirez-Villegas. "Of course, a large portion of the studies has been done on crops that are key to global food security and incomes such as rice, coffee, cocoa, maize, and others."

Pinpointing climate impacts

Climate-change projections are typically available at coarse scales, ranging 70-400km. But models for the impact of climate change for many agricultural plant varieties require data at finer scales. The researchers used techniques to increase the spatial resolution (a process known as downscaling) and to correct errors (a process known as bias correction) to create high-resolution future climate data for 436 scenarios.

"This is a critical resource for modeling more realistically the future of crops and ecosystems," said Carlos Navarro, the lead author of the study who is affiliated with CIAT and CCAFS.

For a given emissions pathway and future period, each scenario includes monthly information for average and extreme temperatures, rainfall, and 19 other related variables. The data are publicly available in the World Data Center for Climate and the CCAFS-Climate data portal.

"Through these scenarios, we can understand, for instance, how agricultural productivity might evolve if the world continues on the current greenhouse emissions trajectory," said Navarro. "They also provide the data to model what types of adaptations would best counter any negative climate change effects."

Global and regional models analyze climate conditions at a rougher scales and simplify natural processes, producing results that may deviate from realistic scenarios.

The dataset is CGIAR's biggest Findable Accessible Interoperable Reusable (FAIR) database. It also underscores CGIAR's role in big data for development, through its Platform for Big Data in Agriculture. The dataset is currently included in its Global Agriculture Research Data Innovation and Acceleration Network (GARDIAN).

The high-resolution scale of this data is useful for scientists, policymakers, NGOs and investors, as it can help them understand local climate change impacts and therefore make better bets on adaptation measures, which plans can specifically target watersheds, regions, municipalities or countries.

###

In addition to the studies noted by Ramirez-Villegas above, other studies that have used the datasets include:

-Mapping global environmental suitability for Zika virus. The results showed that more than 2.17 billion people in the tropics and sub-tropics live in Zika-prone areas.

-A multi-year CCAFS study following more than 15,000 farmers across India who are testing new seed varieties to enhance smallholder resilience to climate change.

-The above study also noted how Concern Worldwide, an NGO that does long-term development work, has used the data to identify adaptation options and investment strategies in Chad and South Sudan.

-The datasets were used in numerous climate change-impact studies on crops in Africa, including cocoa in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, chickpea in East Africa, irrigated sugarcane in South Africa, and groundnuts in West Africa.

-In a show of the dataset's broad research potential, a study in Canada showed how days of outdoor ice-skating are in decline there due to warming.
A coastal Queensland city with over 60 job openings offering six-figure salaries and affordable waterfront homes has been dubbed the country's 'hidden gem'.

Bundaberg, in the state's Wide Bay region, is experiencing a period of job growth after years of struggling with high unemployment rates.

Currently there are dozens of open positions across various industries, including manufacturing, accounting, healthcare, management and technology, paying upwards of $100,000, the Courier Mail reported.

Australia's hidden gem: Bundaberg, in the state's Wide Bay region, is experiencing a period of job growth after years of struggling with high unemployment rates

The suburb is also known for its local tourist attraction, the Bundaberg Rum distillery in the city's east

Among the lucrative positions are management and corporate jobs at food supplier Macadamias Australia.

JOBS WHERE YOU CAN BE EARNING MORE THAN $100,000 A YEAR Operations Manager, Macadamias Australia Chief Financial Officer, Liquid Gold Consultants Assistant Principal, Diocesan Catholic Education Finance Manager, Aletek Pty Ltd Area Manager, Telstra Facility Manager, Australian Health Professionals Source: Seek.com.au Advertisement

The company is also in the process of developing a new space for processing and tourism - due to open next year - which is expected to bring an additional 95 jobs.

'We have a lot of innovation in the industry in Bundaberg', Co-director Janelle Gerry, told the publication.

'We have a lot of entrepreneurship and are always on the cutting edge of technology, and we are looking to employ specialist staffing to assist with the growth'.

Ms Gerry said the opportunities offer prospective employees the chance to work in a diverse economy and to live in a 'wonderful' area with work-life balance.

Bundaberg is also home to a number of other thriving businesses including, Austchilli, Bundaberg Sugar, and its most popular attraction, the Bundaberg Rum distillery.

According to listings on RealEstate.com.au, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the city's west could go for $269,000

Bundaberg is also home to a number of other thriving businesses including, Austchilli, Bundaberg Sugar. Pictured above is an employee monitoring operations at Bundaberg Sugar

The quaint city is in close proximity to pristine beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, and appears to have a lower cost of living, with homes under $300,000.

According to listings on RealEstate.com.au, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the city's west could go for $269,000.

'Bundaberg is a bit of a hidden gem', Yale Morgan, the Chamber of Commerce president told Courier Mail, adding that the chamber feels positive over the economic growth.
Castle Rock voters have the opportunity in the upcoming election to weigh in on a bond measure for Castle Rock schools.

This bond measure would provide for the building of a new middle school and fund renovations to the elementary and high schools. Also included are critically needed upgrades to safety, security and technology.

Admittedly, it is sometimes difficult to vote for any type of tax increase. However, in this case, rejection will only lead to higher costs down the road and the potential loss of $15 million in matching state funds.

The Castle Rock community has purposefully focused during the last several years on improving the quality of life for its residents. The combined efforts of an engaged community and countless volunteers have made a striking difference where we live. A vital part of building a strong community is the providing of a solid education opportunity for our children.

Please join me in voting for approval of the Castle Rock School Bond measure.

Ron Worthington

Castle Rock
The main TV election debates in Ireland should be limited to Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, Micheal Martin has insisted.

The Fianna Fail leader was responding to calls from Sinn Fein to be included in the televised showdowns on RTE and Virgin Media One.

Buoyed by two strong opinion poll showings in recent days, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald criticised the broadcasters for limiting the debates to head-to-heads between Mr Martin and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Sinn Feins director of elections Pearse Doherty wrote to Virgin Media on Monday night, expecting both broadcasters to reverse the decision, and the party are currently seeking legal advice on whether they can fight the exclusion.

I think it is legitimate that there would be a head-to-head debate between myself and Leo Varadkar in terms of putting an option to the people in terms of the type of governments we would leadMicheal Martin

Responding on a visit to Longford on Tuesday, Mr Martin said Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were the only two parties that could lead the next government.

I dont think we should be deciding these issues on opinion polls, he said.

The only two parties that can lead a government in my view are Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. The only party that can actually lead an alternative government is Fianna Fail  were the only party that can bring about a change of government, with other parties (junior coalition partners) I acknowledge.

I think it is legitimate that there would be a head-to-head debate between myself and Leo Varadkar in terms of putting an option to the people in terms of the type of governments we would lead.

Expand Close Leo Varadkar (Niall Carson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Mr Varadkar said he would have no difficulty debating Ms McDonald.

The Taoiseach told reporters in Fermoy, Co Cork, on Tuesday: It is actually up to the broadcasters and I understand there may be a court action about it now, so Id prefer not to say more.

I dont have a difficulty debating Micheal Martin head to head and I think it is right that we should do that, but equally I would have no difficulty doing a debate involving the three leaders of the three major parties.

On the ongoing row over TV debates, @MaryLouMcDonald says Its a bad joke - two men who have been in government together for four years debating the big issues of the day. pic.twitter.com/PzEwqZhtjr  aoife moore. (@aoifegracemoore) January 21, 2020

Ms McDonald has characterised the decision to confine the debates to the two leaders as undemocratic but says it should not have to go as far as the courts on such an obvious issue of fairness.

I dont believe for a second that people on the ground regard this election as a two-horse race, I think thats a media construction, she said.

I think people understand fully that whoever can assemble a mandate for government and lead that will be the Taoiseach, and people on the ground are saying its not fair to exclude voices such as ours.

Substantial amounts of the population will never vote for Fianna Fail or Fine Gael, so its important those voices are heard.

After tonights @irishtimes @IpsosMRBI poll @rtenews and @VirginMediaNews must drop their plans to exclude Sinn Fein from their leaders debate. There are clearly three big parties contesting this election and there is no excuse for excluding Sinn Fein. #ge2020  Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) January 20, 2020

The last thing we want to be is on a collision course with any section of the media, but we need to stand up for whats right.

The party says the legal advice is ongoing and noted the obligations under the Broadcasting Act, and the two most recent polls.

When asked about Mr Martins comments that is legitimate that only he and Mr Varadkar debate, Ms McDonald replied: Well, he would say that wouldnt he?

They want it all their own way, in the last Dail they wanted not only to be in government but they wanted the opposition benches as well.

Now they want to debate each other and jump ahead of the democratic process, and are arrogant enough to say that they want to decide who can and cannot be in government, its extraordinary stuff.

Its a bad joke two men who have been in government together for four years debating the big issues of the day.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Hemp Council (FLHC), a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 to provide structure, networking and services to the hemp industry in Florida, has recently welcomed five new board members. They are Brian Dickerson of Star Manufacturing Hemp; Christian Graubard of Nutrition Formulators Inc.; Sarah Groves of Southeastern Grocers, Inc.; Hussein Rakine of Just CBD; and Duree Ross of Duree & Company, Inc.

Florida Hemp Council Board Members

FLHC's mission is to create a thriving ecosystem aimed at catapulting the Florida hemp industry to the forefront as leaders in hemp and hemp product production. It represents all channels of the state's economic engine, from farmers to retailers and everyone in between, and helps everyone to stay connected to each other. It promotes the sound development for the emerging hemp industry. FLHC members are privy to vibrant programs which enhance their professional growth.

FLHC's goals are to keep licensing fees low, hold manufacturers to testing standards, make sure all consumer disclosures are properly labeled, promote continued research, help guide farmers so they are not taken advantage of for their land by untrusted seed sellers, and promote Florida manufacturing through state and local opportunities.

Brian Dickerson will lead the Star Manufacturing team in Florida with the opening of a processing facility in Labelle, Florida as of spring 2020. Dickerson is a partner with the law firm of FisherBroyles, where he represents pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and health care practices. He also represents private label and OTC manufacturers related to the cannabis industry, and the state and federal regulatory landscape pertaining to the Federal Drug Administration, and United States Department of Agriculture. He has represented cultivators and processors in multiple states. In addition, he is the owner of Grassy Run Ranch, a cattle ranch in Labelle.

Raised in his family business, Nutrition Formulators Inc., which his father founded two decades ago, Christian Graubard has leveraged the company's experience and track record to shape what is now widely considered one of the most reputable CBD manufacturers in the nation. A private label manufacturer located in Miramar, Florida, Nutrition Formulators Inc. has manufactured products for some of the largest supplement brands in the U.S., and even the U.S. military. He is honored to manufacture for the largest CBD companies in the nation. Graubard is a graduate of Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Sarah Groves is a category manager at Southeastern Grocers, Inc.; parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores. It is one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S. Southeastern Grocers, Inc. grocery stores, liquor stores and in-store pharmacies serve communities throughout the seven southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Hussein Rakine is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of JUST CBD. Mr. Rakine is an innovative entrepreneur with a business background in retail and distribution. Prior to JUST CBD, Mr. Rakine launched Speedy Distribution, one of the nation's leading wholesalers of popular smoke and vape products, and also opened World of Smoke & Vape, a chain of modern retail smoke and vape shops spanning multiple states. Through Hussein's intimate network of retailers and end consumers, he was early to identify the emerging trends and commercial potential of a premium CBD brand. In 2017, he launched JUST CBD and strategically placed an emphasis to fill an important void many CBD companies were ignoring at the time, quality and variety. Through U.S. grown ingredients, continuous innovation and transparency, JUST CBD became one of the most recognized brands in the industry with 280+ unique SKUs servicing retailers in markets across the nation.

Duree Ross, president and founder of Fort Lauderdale and Aspen public relations, marketing and special events company Duree & Company, is a pioneer in her adaption of emerging industries, including CBD. Her strategic public relations work in the space has resulted in a growing list of clients, from processing facilities to consumer products sold in big box retailers. Through a watchful eye on local and federal legislation, a strong pulse on key expos and leadership conferences and proven relationships with influencers and thought leaders, Ross understands how to navigate the rapidly-growing cannabis industry to achieve client goals. Ross, an award-winning entrepreneur, founded Duree & Company in 1999 at the age of 24.

"We are pleased to see both the expansion and diversity of our board," said Jeff Greene, Co-Founder and Director of Business Development of the Council. "We are honored to have such a committed and talented representation of the industry. The combined contributions of these new board members will set us up for a very successful 2020 and beyond."

About The Florida Hemp Council : The Florida Hemp Council was created to provide structure, networking and services to the hemp industry in Florida. A 501c6 nonprofit trade organization, The Florida Hemp Council works collectively to advance the Florida Hemp industry through education, resources and industry oversight. Its office is located at 4101 SW 47th Ave., Ste 106, Davie, FL 33314. For more information, visit www.TheFLHC.org or call 833-4FL-HEMP.

Media Contact:

Duree & Company, Inc.

954-723-9350

[email protected]

SOURCE Florida Hemp Council

Related Links

http://www.TheFLHC.org


A thermal camera monitor shows the body temperature of passengers arriving from overseas at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Heightened precautions were being taken in China and elsewhere Tuesday as governments strove to control the outbreak of a novel coronavirus that threatens to grow during the Lunar New Year travel rush. Read more

BEIJING  Countries in Asia and elsewhere are checking the body temperatures of arriving airline passengers and adopting precautionary quarantine procedures in response to a new coronavirus that has sickened nearly 300 people and killed six in China. India, Nigeria, Japan and the United States are some of the countries where airport screening procedures were in place.

The outbreak is believed to have originated in the city of Wuhan in central China. The Chinese government's confirmation that the new virus can spread between humans and has killed six people heightened fears as millions of Chinese planned to travel for the Lunar New Year holiday. So far, South Korea, Japan and Thailand have confirmed cases in Chinese visitors. Widening public health measures are intended to prevent a repeat of the 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS, another coronavirus that started in China and killed nearly 800 people.

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MAINLAND CHINA

China's often-secretive Communist government was blamed for making SARS far worse by initially hiding information and blocking the work of the World Health Organization. This time, leader Xi Jinping has called for tough measures and said party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put people's lives and health first. At the airport in Wuhan, the temperatures of departing passengers were checked and outbound tour groups were banned from leaving the city. Virtually everyone in a public role, from traffic police officers to bank tellers, is wearing a protective face mask. n addition to 258 cases in Wuhan, more than 20 have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong province in the south and Zhejiang in the east.

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JAPAN

One case of new virus has been detected in Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged officials to step up quarantine checks at airports and other entry points. Japan will require visitors arriving from Wuhan to fill in health forms, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Japan confirmed last week that a man in his 30s tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from the Chinese city. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said it tracked down and is monitoring 41 people who had contact with the patient. The ministry says none of them have developed a fever, tight chest or other initial symptoms of the new virus.

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HONG KONG

The semi-autonomous Chinese city is one of the most popular destinations for mainland Chinese. Along with stepped-up surveillance, additional cleaning and disinfection measures have been ordered for planes and trains from Wuhan as well as for train stations and the airport. Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung on Tuesday said authorities are ready for a worst-case scenario and are on extremely high alert. A lack of information and low levels of vigilance were blamed for Hong Kong becoming the second-hardest hit area by SARS after mainland China in the early 2000s. As in much of mainland China, Hong Kong residents favor traditional markets where live poultry and other animals are sold. The government health department has advised people against visiting such markets or touching animals or their droppings.

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UNITED STATES

Health screening for the coronavirus has started at three airports in the United States. People on flights from Wuhan, China undergo at screening at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International airport. Initial screenings are expected to involve around 5,000 passengers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC said it has developed a test to detect the new coronavirus and plans to share the tool with domestic and international partners. The U.S. agency described its response to the China outbreak so far as "proactive preparedness precautions. It said, Based on current information, however, the immediate health risk ... to the general American public is deemed to be low at this time.

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SOUTH KOREA

South Korea, which reported its first case of the virus on Monday, has enacted strict airport monitoring measures. At Incheon airport near Seoul, the only airport in South Korea with direct flights from Wuhan, authorities have been operating two special gates for passengers from the city since Jan. 3. Officials use ear thermometers to check passengers' temperatures. Since Jan. 2, airport staff have also been spraying disinfectant at arrival halls twice a week, up from once a week previously. Handrails of moving walkways and escalators, elevator buttons and doors, drinking fountains and other sensitive areas are also wiped with disinfectant twice a day, the airport said. In 2015, South Korea suffered an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome which killed 36 people and sickened nearly 200.

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NIGERIA

Nigeria's government says health authorities at points of entry are on alert for cases of coronavirus arriving in Africa's most populous country. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control asked that travelers from Wuhan report to a medical facility and the center if they feel ill. China is Africa's top trading partner. South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases said anyone with a severe respiratory illness should be tested if they have traveled to Wuhan within two weeks or had close physical contact with a coronavirus patient or treatment at a facility where a confirmed case has been reported. There were more than 200,000 Chinese workers in Africa as of the end of 2017, not including numerous informal migrants such as traders and shopkeepers, according to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University.

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INDIA

India announced Tuesday that it will expand thermal screening of passengers arriving from China, including Hong Kong, to seven airports from the current three. In-flight announcements before arrival will direct passengers with a fever or cough who have traveled to Wuhan in the previous 14 days to declare themselves to health authorities. Thermal screening will begin in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin, and continue in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

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SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Singapore will expand temperature screening at Changi Airport, one of Asia's busiest travel hubs, for all travelers on flights arriving from China beginning on Wednesday. The health ministry said individuals with pneumonia and a history of travel to Wuhan within 14 days of the onset of symptoms will be isolated in a hospital as a precautionary measure and investigated. Neighboring Malaysia has also beefed up screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Deputy health Minister Lee Boon Chye, inspecting health screening at the airport Tuesday, said staff are being trained to handle possible cases. If a case emerges, then we may have to take more drastic measures, but for now, we hope we can nip it at the entry point," Lee told reporters.

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BANGLADESH

Bangladesh civil aviation authorities have ordered airport managers to start screening incoming passengers from China. A.H.M. Touhid-ul Ahsan, director of the main Shahjalal International Airport, said doctors at the airport would look for fevers, coughs, breathing difficulties and sore throats. The countrys Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research will be notified of any passengers with symptoms for further examination, he said.

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AUSTRALIA

Brendan Murphy, Australia's chief medical officer, said biosecurity staff and state health officials in New South Wales are meeting flights from Wuhan and are distributing pamphlets printed in English and Chinese to all passengers. The pamphlets describe symptoms of infection and ask people to identify themselves if they are experiencing any. Australian health officials said a man who had traveled to Wuhan was placed in isolation in Brisbane after developing a respiratory illness but had recovered.

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RUSSIA

Russia's Healthcare Ministry described the virus as a biological hazard for the country. Speaking at the Russian parliament on Tuesday, Deputy Minister Sergei Krayevoy said the virus was a "striking example" of the biological threats Russia faces.

The Russian public health service, Rospotrebnadzor, said it had developed a testing kit that would allow labs to detect the new coronavirus quickly.

Russia is one of the three most popular tourist destinations for people from China, according to Russian officials. They estimate that about 2 million tourists from China visited Russia in 2018.

___

ITALY

The Italian Health Ministry says passengers making direct and indirect flights from Wuhan, China to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport will be checked for potential signs of the virus. People with suspected infections will be quarantined at an infectious disease hospital in Rome, the ministry says. No cases have been reported so far. Posters at the airport advise travelers to consider delaying trips to the Wuhan area and if they do go there to avoid touching animals or uncooked animal products.

Associated Press journalists Moussa Moussa in Canberra, Australia, Kim Hyung-jin in Seoul, South Korea, Cara Anna in Johannesburg, South Africa, Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Daria Litvinova in Moscow, and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this article.
KENSINGTON, New Hampshire  A man choked a coyote to death Monday after he said it grabbed the jacket of his 2-year-old son and dragged him to ground.

CBS Boston reports Ian OReilly and his wife managed to get their son away from the coyote without being bitten. However, OReilly said the animal refused to run away despite his efforts to scare it off. The coyote remained aggressive, biting OReilly on his arms and chest.

There was no running away, it would not allow us to run away, OReilly tells CBS Boston. It was very much the aggressor. OReilly and his wife were with their three children when the attack occurred in a wooded area, WMUR Channel 9 reports.

Unable to run, OReilly managed to get on top of the animal and choked it to death, reports say. CBS Boston says the coyote will be tested for rabies, but OReilly already is receiving shots.

When I was able to get on top of it, I put my hand on its snout so it wasnt able to attack me," OReilly tells Boston 25. "There was quite a bit of snow on the ground, so I shoved the face into the snow and then eventually was able [to] put my hand on its snout and expire it through suffocation. Ultimately one hand on its windpipe and one hand on its snout did the trick.

CBS Boston reports that authorities believe the coyote was responsible for two other incidents earlier Monday. A coyote went after a moving car, then a woman and her dogs were bitten later in the day, reports say.

There has been a recent increase in reports of coyote attacks in Ohio and across the nation. Last week, a police officer in Columbus was bitten by a coyote while helping a stranded motorist. Earlier this month, two people, including a 6-year-old child, reported being bitten by a coyote in Chicago.

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The year 2019 saw a steady flow of the foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, despite comparatively slower growth in the global and Indian economy. FDI inflows until September 2019 stood at $26 billion indicating a 15% growth over the previous year.

As India aims for a $5 trillion economy, the Government is optimistic of continuing to attract foreign investment. The Government's liberalised norms along with a significant jump in the ease of doing business ranking is expected to further boost foreign investment in India which should, in turn, give the much-needed impetus to the economy.

The Government had earlier held a series of meetings with various stakeholders to further relax the FDI norms in areas like AVGC (animation, visual effects, gaming and comics), and insurance. Additionally, important clarifications were also issued by the RBI on the foreign investment framework.

Also Read: Budget 2020: Date, time, where to watch, what to expect from Modi govt's most challenging budget

Increase overseas investment limit in insurance to 74%

In the Union Budget for fiscal year 2020, the finance minister had indicated that the government would examine suggestions for opening up FDI in the insurance sector in consultation with all stakeholders. Subsequently, the FDI limit in insurance intermediaries was increased from 49% to 100%. It is expected that the government could raise overseas investment limit in Indian insurance companies to 74% under the approval route from the existing 49%.

The increase in FDI limit could pave the way for foreign players who are expected to bring in new technologies, new products and ensure better market penetration. This will also ensure that long-term funds stay invested in India.

Ease restrictions on FDI by joint ventures or wholly-owned subsidiaries of Indian parties

The existing legal framework under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) does not permit FDI by an overseas joint venture (JV) or a wholly-owned subsidiary (WOS) of an Indian party without prior RBI approval because this is perceived as round-tripping irrespective of the source of the FDI.

Round tripping has never been defined in the exchange control regulations. This concept was brought into law in May 2019 when the RBI updated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) on overseas direct investment (ODI) to provide that no Indian company, partnership firm or LLP can acquire a stake in an offshore company that in turn has an existing FDI in an Indian entity irrespective of the level of FDI.

In addition, foreign WOS or JVs of Indian companies have been barred from setting up subsidiaries in India. If an Indian party proposes to make such an investment, it will have to approach the RBI for prior approval, which would be considered on a case-to-case basis.

Also read: Budget 2020: How declining GDP growth may result in lower income tax for middle class

While the RBI aims to restrict round-tripping as well as overseas structures which were primarily set up to hold Indian assets, taking advantage of beneficial tax regimes while offshoring Indian wealth - the wording of the FAQ appears to be quite expansive and impacts genuine structures.

For instance, an Indian party acquiring even a nominal stake, say one equity share in an overseas company under the automatic overseas direct investment (ODI) route will have to ensure that the foreign company does not hold a stake or makes no investment in another Indian entity, even if it belongs to a different business group. The fact that local money is not brought back to India is not considered in the FAQs.

The Government should introduce norms to carve out bonafide investments. This would help the Indian parties which have made outbound investments to attract FDI in India for their group entities.

Liberalisation of FDI norms

The department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) issued a press note on 18 September 2019 (Press Note 4), to introduce relaxation in FDI norms in several sectors like single-brand retail trading, contract manufacturing, coal mining, and digital media. The Government allowed 100% FDI in coal mining and contract manufacturing eased sourcing norms for single-brand retailers and approved 26% foreign investment in digital media.

There is much optimism around these policy changes, as it is expected to attract FDI investments in the manufacturing and retail sector.

Also Read: FDI inflows to India rose 15% to $26 billion between April and September

Consequential amendments to Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019

The Government had notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 (NDI Rules) to introduce certain changes in the FEMA framework such as vest the central government with power over non-debt instruments, vest the RBI with power over debt instruments, clearly define debt and non-debt instruments, amongst others.

The NDI Rules along with the NDI Amendment Rules have helped to provide a distinction between debt and non-debt instruments and demarcate responsibility between the government or RBI for each type of instrument. This is expected to simplify the framework for foreign investment in India and also ease the approval process.

Enhanced scope of special non-resident rupee account

The RBI recently enhanced the scope of non-interest bearing special non-resident rupee account (SNRR Account) by permitting persons residing outside India to open such accounts to facilitate rupee-denominated external commercial borrowings (ECB), trade credit and trade invoicing. SNRR Account can now be opened and operated for business interest in India including Indian Rupee (INR) transactions such as ECBs in INR, trade credits, trade invoicing, amongst others.

Further, restriction on the tenure of SNRR account, which currently is seven years, has also been removed. This move is aimed at popularising cross-border transactions in INR and fulfil the demand to allow a mechanism to receive trade payments for import of goods and payments to Indian customers.

Also Read: Budget 2020: Quick and bolder reforms needed to beat economic slowdown

Road ahead

The proposed liberalisation of the insurance sector, ease of restrictions on FDI by JVs/WOS of Indian parties and other measures taken for liberalising FDI are expected to spur investments and raise investor sentiment. The government is also expected to announce in this year, two new policies - new industrial policy and national e-commerce policy and introduce labour reforms. With these policies and initiatives, the government hopes to continue India's FDI growth story in 2020.

(Rajesh Gandhi is Partner, Deloitte India, Utkarsh Trivedi is Director and Vinita Abhyankar is Manager with Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 14:26:26|Editor: huaxia

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KUNMING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed the importance of environmental protection to benefit humanity.

Xi made the remarks on Monday afternoon during a visit to an ecological wetland of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

While expressing appreciation to the conservation work of the lake, he stressed abandoning the old way of gaining economic development at the cost of damaging the environment.

As people are enjoying better living standards at present, what they care about most is the environment, Xi said.

Xi called for continuous efforts to truly turn lucid waters and lush mountains into invaluable assets.
Odgers has begun joining in with her kids' screen time. Credit:Rozette Rago / The New York Times 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, 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."

Loading 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." 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.

Twenge's 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. What's 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. Loading

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. "It's 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."
Police are investigating the death of a baby boy whose body was found in a dumpster an alley in a North Las Vegas neighborhood over the weekend.

Officers were called to the scene shortly before 9 am on Sunday.

Investigators think the child, described as Hispanic, was aged between one and six months old.

The body did not show any obvious physical injuries, Officer Eric Leavitt Leavitt said, and police asked for public help to identify him.

Police are investigating the death of an infant boy whose body was found in an alley trash bin, pictured, in a North Las Vegas neighborhood on Sunday morning

Pictures from the scene show the dumpster surrounded by crime tape with discarded toys laying nearby. Investigators think the child was younger than 6 months old

The Clark County coroners office is expected in coming days to release his identity and cause and manner of death.

The neighborhood is about a 20-minute drive north of the Las Vegas Strip.

Pictures from the scene show the dumpster surrounded by crime tape with discarded toys laying nearby.

Neighbor Dagoberto Navarro told 8NewsNow: 'ts no words, no comments to what happened. I told my wife, and she started crying.'

He added: 'Being here for the past five years, its kind of a Hispanic area.

'But Its very peaceful. Everybody works, and everybody does their job.'
The position she applied for would provide access to classified information.

The SBU Military Counterintelligence has prevented the hiring of a Russian-occupied Crimea resident, who holds Russian citizenship and maintains contacts with Russian security operatives, to a senior post at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

After the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, the woman obtained a Russian passport, which she told operatives was allegedly needed to register real estate, before eventually moving to Kyiv, the SBU reported.

"However, she didn't rush to settle in mainland Ukraine  she had neither a permanent job nor a source of income. The woman would often travel to Russia and the temporarily annexed peninsula, where her contacts with the aggressor state's security operatives were recorded," the report reads.

Read alsoRFE/RL: Russia bans Ukrainian journalist from entering Russian-occupied Crimea until 2054

It was after one of these trips that a woman suddenly decided to apply for a job with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. She ran for one of the senior positions at the public procurement department, implying access to classified information on defense and communication with NATO allies.

The SBU hindered the attempt after the applicant successfully passed the initial HR stages.

When applying, the woman concealed her Russian citizenship and contacts with the FSB.

The person was warned about criminal liability under Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
(Natural News) In a startling insinuation, a researcher who found evidence that social media behemoth Google manipulated search results in order to manipulate U.S. elections in favor of Democrats said he believes his young wife was murdered by the tech giant.

The researcher, Dr. Robert Epstein, 66, suggested in a tweet on Sunday that the fatal car crash of Misti Dawn Vaughn, 29, was no accident, especially after police noted that there were no drugs or alcohol involved in the crash.

Last year, after I briefed a group of state AGs about #Googles power to rig elections, one of them said, I think youre going to die in an accident in a few months, wrote Epstein.

A few months later, my beautiful wife #Misti died a violent death. Makes you wonder, he continued, tweeting a link to a December 29 story published by the UK Daily Mail detailing his accusations.

Last year, after I briefed a group of state AGs about #Google's power to rig elections, one of them said, "I think you're going to die in an accident in a few months." A few months later, my beautiful wife #Misti died a violent death. Makes you wonder. https://t.co/D2lw4e7QPI pic.twitter.com/c7zT1nn4K0  Dr. Robert Epstein (@DrREpstein) January 20, 2020

#Misti's awesome Ford Ranger was broadsided by a Freightliner semi towing 2 loads of cement. I had my ear to her heart for most of the last 100 minutes of her life. I heard her take her last breath, & heard the last beat of her heart. Mine is broken. https://t.co/D2lw4dQfr8 pic.twitter.com/d0RqnkR2y8  Dr. Robert Epstein (@DrREpstein) January 11, 2020

Last month, Vaughns Ford Ranger reportedly spun out of control on a slippery road in California, veering into the path of a tractor trailer rig. A few days later, she died of her injuries.

According to the San Diego Tribune:

It happened around 8:05 a.m. on north Interstate 15 near state Route 78, California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Mark Latulippe said in a statement.

It was unclear why the woman lost control of her Ford Ranger, but the truck slid out of control  and slid across the lanes into the path of a Freightliner semi hauling two dump trailers, Latulippe said.

Another vehicle driven by a 19-year-old woman hit Vaughns Ranger but neither she nor the 50-year-old truck driver were injured.

Epstein moved to cover his tracks, so to speak

Through extensive research, Epstein, a psychologist by training, discovered that through algorithm manipulation, Google and other social media giants can influence voting patterns. Their control of information flows can influence election outcomes.

In particular, as The National Sentinel reported in March 2019, Epstein said he believes that Google manipulated searches, news feeds, and other data to the point that it cost at least three Republicans their seats in the 2018 midterms:

The scientist and AIBRT analyzed Google searches that were linked to a trio of highly competitive congressional races in southern California that were won by Democrats. In doing so, the team discovered that Googles clear democrat bias likely flipped those seats away from GOP candidates.

In the days leading up to the midterms, he preserved more than 47,000 election-related searches on Google, Bing, and Yahoo, along with the nearly 400,000 web pages to which the search results linked, he said.

An analysis of the data proved clearly a pro-Democrat bias in election-related searches. He said when Google placed a simple multi-colored Go Vote logo on its home search page in the days leading up to the election, on the surface it doesnt even look like a manipulation but it most certainly was, Epstein says, no matter how subtle it seemed.

Earlier, Epstein noted that individual employees at Google have the power to manually remove material, remove content that we see, and they do so often with political ends.

And now, after being warned by someone  apparently at least semi-seriously  his wife has met a terrible fate.

Is it possible that the tech giant punished him for his whistleblowing ways? Of course it is. And whats more, Epstein is clearly worried about what may come next. A few days after his initial tweeted theory about Google, he tweeted again to let everyone know hes not suicidal.

BTW, although losing Misti is devastating for me  there will never be another Misti in my life, after all  I AM STILL NOT SUICIDAL. Hear that, #Google? Hear that, #Hillary?https://t.co/6EnwQ5BNC0 (2-min. video) pic.twitter.com/V4eoAvDfnD  Dr. Robert Epstein (@DrREpstein) January 4, 2020

Then, as if to cover his tracks so to speak, Epstein tweeted:

And, no I don't think #Google or #Hillary had anything to do with Misti's death, but for you conspiracy theorists out there, here's a recent article about Misti's accident from one of the world's largest tabloid newspapers, the @DailyMail: https://t.co/D2lw4dQfr8  Dr. Robert Epstein (@DrREpstein) January 4, 2020

Conspiracyor conspiracy theory? You be the judge. But it certainly sounds as though Epstein is concerned about something.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NewsTarget.com

TheNationalSentinel.com
The Union environment ministrys move to exempt offshore and onshore oil and gas exploratory drilling from environmental clearances has sparked concerns about its impact on the fragile Cauvery delta zone in Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery delta districts are known as the states rice bowl.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday requesting that the practice of prior environmental clearances and public consultations be continued before the approval of offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, development and production projects, especially in the Cauvery delta.

The letter is with reference to a ministry of environment notification dated January 16 exempting these projects from such clearances and points out that it was issued without circulating a draft, denying stakeholders and state governments an opportunity to share their views.

I would like to bring to your kind notice that projects involving exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons have faced strong resistance from farmers and activists and other stakeholders in Tamil NaduSince most of these projects are situated in the Cauvery delta districts, which is ecologically a fragile zone but a very fertile region and rice bowl of the state, the opposition to these projects has been emotive and intense. Therefore, it is very essential to take the people and all stakeholders along while implementing these projects so that their cooperation and involvement is ensured. The present notification goes against this spirit.

The January 16 notification said the environment ministry has received references requesting for exemption from the requirement of prior environmental clearances under the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment notification 2006 for exploration drilling in respect of onshore and offshore exploratory drilling.

Environment secretary C K Mishra said seismic surveys are also being exempted from mandatory forest clearances to facilitate exploration.

This is drilling for exploration, not for the development of wells. A small hole is drilled to see if there are reserves. Only in 15 to 20% cases, exploration actually leads to reserves. Why do a complete environmental impact assessment for that? When you actually find oil it should be done. This will fast-track oil and gas exploration by at least a year. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has been requesting this for some time now. It is not a polluting activity, said Mishra.

Centre for Policy Research researcher Kanchi Kohli said substantial exemptions from regulatory oversight and public hearings are best introduced only after deliberations with state governments, affected communities and all other interested parties. Without that these come across as undemocratic, arbitrary and biased. Any such decision should also be accompanied by full disclosure of the nature of comments received and how they have considered prior to the decision being taken.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  Vice President Leni Robredo returned to areas hit by Taal Volcano eruption to bring more aid, this time also leading the distribution of lugaw (rice porridge) and pandesal (bread rolls).

Robredo went to four evacuation centers in Batangas and Cavite, taking time to check on the situation and listen to the stories and concerns of families displaced by Taal Volcano eruption.

She also distributed 1,500 food packs, hygiene kits, sleeping mattresses and blankets to evacuees.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of her visit, Robredo defended government volcanologists for simply doing their job. She also said now is not the time to blame one another, but the time to find solutions how to better assist Taal victims.

She also backed the House of Representatives move to hold its plenary session on Wednesday in Batangas for lawmakers to see for themselves the situation on the ground.

Iba din talaga kapag bumababa on the ground, nakikita nila, kaysa nagmi-meeting lang, she said.

[Translation: Its different when you go on the ground, they will see it for themselves, rather than just talk about it in meetings.]

Robredo was recently the subject of a false claim reposted on Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Mocha Usons Facebook page. It claimed that Robredo only distributed five pieces of pandesal to Taal evacuees.

The Vice President hit back at Uson, questioning why the government is paying someone who spreads fake news.

Robredo is also frequently referred to by pro-government trolls on social media as Leni Lugaw, in an apparent reference to one of the ways her supporters raised money for her 2016 vice presidential campaign.

A total of 148,514 people are currently taking shelter in evacuation centers due to Taals eruption, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told CNN Philippines Balitaan that 3,734 people from evacuation centers have fallen sick due to ailments like acute respiratory infections, hypertension, diarrhea, flu-like illnesses, eye irritation and skin lesions.

Taal Volcano has been on Alert Level 4 since January 12, signaling an imminent explosive eruption within hours or days. Volcanic activity appeared to have weakened in the past days, but government volcanologists warn that a powerful eruption is still possible as there are signs that magma is still moving up from underneath the surface.

CNN Philippines Anjo Alimario and Xave Gregorio contributed to this report.
A consumer website has been launched to help people with private health insurance avoid the unhappy shock of discovering their policy will not cover huge doctors fees. It is a step in the right direction, but only a very small one.

The federal governments new $7.2 million Medical Cost Transparency website, which went live in January, is supposed to provide the information patients need to avoid being ripped off and keep the gap between their health insurance and doctors bill to a minimum.

A new website aims to provide consumers with medical costs information but only goes a small step of the way. Credit:iStock

The Herald has now had a close look at the site and has drawn two conclusions. First, it is clear that lots of consumers in NSW are getting ripped off. Second, the website does almost nothing to help them save money.

The site shows patients typical out-of-pocket costs for 62 common treatments and procedures in the private health system.
Since midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.

Russia's hybrid military forces on January 20 mounted 10 attacks on Ukrainian Army positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another one as wounded in action (WIA).

"The armed forces of the Russian Federation violated the ceasefire 10 times on January 20. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another one was wounded as a result of enemy shelling," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation Headquarters said in an update posted on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 21.

Read alsoUkraine to appeal to Normandy Four states over intensified shelling in Donbas  FM Prystaiko

The enemy engaged Ukrainian troops with proscribed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.

Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Pavlopil, Opytne, Vodiane, Novotroyitske, Travneve, Luhanske, and Orikhove.

Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces have been observing the ceasefire.
Burma Hundreds of Snakes Released in Myanmars Shan State to Fight Rampaging Rodents

Thousands of rats killed by authorities after an infestation in Ayeyarwady Regions Ngapudaw Township in 2017.

YANGONThe Shan State government has provided villages with hundreds of snakes in an effort to control rat infestations that have destroyed rice crops.

For the past three years, many villages in the states Pekon Township have been plagued by infestations of rats, which have gnawed their way through many hectares of paddy fields.

In an effort to protect the crops, the state has provided villages with nonvenomous snakes in the hope that the rodent-eating reptiles will bring the rat population under control, according to Dr. Nyi Nyi Aung, the Shan State minister for resources and environmental conservation.

Villagers are also being provided with mousetraps and poison to defend their crops from the rat infestation.

Last week the state government distributed more than 200 snakes to villages in order to suppress the rat populations in the affected areas, Dr. Nyi Nyi Aung told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday.

The biological method of protecting rice and other cereal crops was adopted at the suggestion of rodent experts at the Forestry Department, he said.

The department supplied the state government with nonvenomous snakes seized from smugglers who had been attempting to illegally export the reptiles to China.

U Phoe Maung, a member of the Lower House (Pyithu Hluttaw) representing Pekon Township, told The Irrawaddy that local authorities had distributed more than 400 bags of rice to the affected villages, as most of their paddy fields had been wiped out.

Villagers from the area used to eat rats. But the rat population is so large they arent able to reduce it, the lawmaker said.

According a report from a local news agency, some local residents were afraid of the snakes, which were released into forests near their villages.

In one news report, however, Ko Michael, a spokesperson for the Kayah Rural Development Organization (KRD), criticized the state government for not releasing the snakes earlier, when the rat population was at its highest.

The state ministers had failed to help the villagers when the crisis was at its worst, he was quoted as saying.

State ministers and lawmakers did not provide figures on how many villages were affected, or how many rice fields had been destroyed.

In June 2017, thousands of rats swarmed villages in Ayeyarwady Regions Ngapudaw Township, devastating local crops.

Following that infestation, rodent experts from the Agriculture Ministrys Plant Protection Division studied the causes of rodent infestations in villages. They found that rat populations can double when they have access to bamboo fruit, which causes reproduction rates to spike.

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An Alabama pastor who is facing capital murder charges from early 2018 is facing being returned to jail this week after being accused of assaulting a police officer in Dothan Saturday night.

Kenneth Glasgow, who is the half brother of civil rights activist Al Sharpton, was booked into the Houston County Jail at around 1 a.m. Sunday charged with assault 2nd, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence, according to jail records.

Houston County prosecutors are preparing documents to revoke the 54-year-olds bond on the capital murder charges, according to multiple media reports.

Glasgow was believed to have had a scuffle with a Dothan Police Officer during the arrest, said officials.

Allegedly, Mr. Glasgow had an unspecified amount of crack inside his pocket, and as the officer attempted to place Glasgow under arrest a struggle began, injuring the officer. Evidence was also tampered with, said Dothan police Lt. Doug Magill.

Glasgow was charged with capital murder in March 2018 after a man who was a passenger in his vehicle fatally shot Breunia Jennings, 23. Glasgow has claimed the severe charge was retribution for his decades of activism around prisoner rights.

A grand jury has yet to decide on whether to indict him on that charge.
Most members of royal families go to some of the best educational institutes in the world, and it costs a fortune.

Institut Le Rosey is a name that tops the chart, not only with regard to the highest royal pedigree but also the tuition fees. The posh school in Switzerland is believed to be the most expensive school in the world and charges approximately $1,25,028 annually. It is the alma mater of Prince Rainier of Monaco and King Farouk of Egypt to name a few.

On the other hand, there are schools like the Immaculate Heart High School, where the former Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle studied. Though the fees of the all-girls private school might not be as steep as Le Rosey, it does rival the cost of a luxury car at around $17,500 per year.

Another school in the United States that has been attended by several royals over the years is the Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. With a tuition fee of more than $55,00 -- that could buy you a luxe apartment in Mumbais upscale locales. It does not come as a surprise that King Abdullah II of Jordan was a pupil of this school.

United Kingdoms co-educational independent boarding school, Marlborough College, also deserves a mention while counting the top schools attended by royalties across the world. From Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and her sister Pippa Middleton to Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice of the British Royal family, all have been educated at this school, where the annual fees are close to $50,000.
BALTIMORE, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- VARIDESK , a workspace innovation company that became virtually synonymous with sit-stand desks is doubling down on its commitment to the Baltimore market.

The company is planning to open a sales office in the near future and longtime sales leader Denica Greenwood will steer the company's strategy in the metro area. As VARIDESK solidifies its place in the Baltimore market, it is creating roles for several sales executives to join Greenwood.

VARIDESK, an innovative office future company headquartered in Dallas, offers a full line of workspace solutions  from standing desks, to conference tables, to moveable walls and lighting  everything an organization needs to scale as its team evolves.

CEO and Co-founder Jason McCann said, "Baltimore is a key market for us as we invest and grow our footprint. Denica, with her strong roots in the region, will help us exceed our goals as VARIDESK makes a home in the area."

Despite fears of a recession early in 2019, Maryland's economy remained steady and recorded the lowest unemployment rate the state has seen in a decade , even landing below the national average . With the hiring market strongly in favor of job seekers, companies are pulling out all the stops to attract the best and brightest to their organizations. Given attractiveness of their work environment is proven to play a role in recruitment and retention, these companies must carefully consider the design of their workspace.

"Many organizations in Baltimore are in constant competition for top talent, especially given the growth we're seeing in the tech industry here," said Greenwood. "We're excited to help bring modern, flexible and adaptable workspaces for forward-looking companies in the area."

VARIDESK is now among those companies looking to seize on the high-caliber local talent in Baltimore. Today, there are new roles available in corporate sales, and the company plans to continue to grow and expand its presence.

About VARIDESK

VARIDESK is the workspace innovation company dedicated to creating environments that elevate people. From a collection of office furniture to workspaces offering space-as-a-service, we provide everything high-growth businesses need to unlock the potential of their workforce. Today, you can find VARIDESK products in more than 120 countries and in 98% of Fortune 500 companies.

Media Contact

Andrea McLaughlin Phone: 610-504-5423

[email protected]

SOURCE VARIDESK

Related Links

https://www.varidesk.com


1. Harry and Meghan can look forward to a lively social scene in downtown Toronto. The Half A Sixpence nightclub, just along the road from the Eiderdown Museum, hosts a Tommy Steele night every Tuesday and Thursday, during which some of Toronto's most glittering celebrities can be spotted dancing along to hit songs Flash, Bang, Wallop and Rock With The Caveman.

2. When in Toronto, it's also worth visiting the top-rated Brasserie Bear, which specialises in all types of haute cuisine, including Grizzly a l'Orange and Fricasee of Brown Bear with a Lobster Dressing. It's a regular hangout for past runners-up of Canadian X Factor.

3. Don't leave Dunnville in Welland County without visiting the statue of Dr William Egbert, the third Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The statue is situated just 55 miles north east of the town and is well signposted.

Harry and Meghan (pictured announcing their engagement) can look forward to a lively social scene in downtown Toronto

'We look forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex whenever they are in the vicinity,' says Vernon Eggchick, the councillor responsible for the upkeep of the statue. 'I can guarantee them a great day out, weather permitting.'

4. It is a little known fact that one of the first factories devoted to manufacturing the modern-day zipper was located in St Catharines, Ontario.

Every year, the townsfolk of St Catharines gather on the main square with their zipper-based items  anoraks, boots, pencil-cases  and at the stroke of midday they zip and unzip them all for five minutes, to the tune of the national anthem.

'It's a lot of fun', says deputy mayor of St Catharines, Bertram V. Smidgeon. 'And afterwards, everyone is free to leave, or grab a sandwich and a soft drink somewhere.'

When in Toronto (pictured), it's also worth visiting the top-rated Brasserie Bear, which specialises in all types of haute cuisine

5. Not many people know that Celine Dion hails from Charlemagne, Quebec. Today, tourists flock from far and wide to visit the street named after her and to exchange postcards of the famous Canadian songstress.

6. The village of Gladwyn in the far north-eastern corner of Alberta, just five hours from Edmonton, is the birthplace of Hon. Godfrey Bumf, a local publisher who gave his name to the colloquial expression for reams of unnecessary printed material. A selection of Bumf's own bumf is kept in a glass cabinet in the village hall, open from 3-5 on Tuesdays (summer only).

7. Few people outside Canada realise that the egg carton was invented by Joseph Coyle of Smithers, British Columbia.

'We estimate that four out of every six eggs would be broken in transit if it weren't for Mr Coyle's brilliant invention' says William P. Portentus, the curator of the Egg Carton Museum in Smithers, an easy 13-hour drive from Vancouver.

The annual Canadian Fir-Counting Festival is a must for all those who love to count firs

8. The annual Canadian Fir-Counting Festival is a must for all those who love to count firs. Participants divide into groups of ten to count as many fir trees as possible in the space of a fortnight. Last year, the victorious group counted 1,283,354 fir trees  an increase of 143 on the year before.

9. Those planning to visit the Yukon should allow time to stand beneath the Mullard Waterfall. Legend has it that anyone who gets soaking wet in the Mullard will die from pneumonia within the space of 21 days, so it is as well to wear a raincoat, sou'wester and galoshes.

10. A visit to the pencil museum in Karotville, just three-and-a-half hours from Toronto, is a must for all the family. With more than 10,000 pencils on display, ranging from 9H to 9XXB, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

On the first Thursday of every month, visitors are also allowed to view the famous 'giant pencil', measuring just over 2ft, by prior appointment only.

Allow half a day to explore the whole museum, and a full day if you wish to attend the pencil workshop, too. Photography not permitted.

11. For many Canadians, the highlight of the year 2022 will be the opportunity to welcome the Earl of Wessex, the Honorary Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

In a five-hour ceremony, the Earl will review the Mounties' collection of saddles dating from 1851 to the present day, before being treated to a display of boot-polishing by Mountie veterans.

Sadly, Harry and Meghan have already let it be known that they are unable to attend these celebrations, due to unforeseen circumstances.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Calls for the removal of JNU Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar are now not reasonable as the basic demand of students on hostel fee hike has been met, says Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'.

The situation in the university is turning normal and students who want to study should not be disturbed, the minister told PTI in an interview.

Last year in October, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration announced a hike in hostel fee, including the introduction of service and utility charges.

Following this, students took to streets demanding a rollback, prompting the human resource development (HRD) ministry to form a three-member panel to mediate between the agitating students and the administration to restore normalcy in the campus.

"The basic demand of students about the hostel fee hike has been met. The calls for JNU VC's removal now are not reasonable, removing anybody is not the solution," Pokhriyal said.

After a series of meetings with the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) and the varsity administration, the ministry had directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to fund the utility and service charge and appealed to the students to call off their agitation.

On the JNUSU's decision to move court against amendments in the hostel manual, including the fee hike, and continue its boycott of the semester registration process, Pokhriyal said, "It is the university's call on what to do next".

"I have been told that over 80 per cent students have already registered for the winter semester and more people are registering," he said, adding that "if our universities have to excel in the global competition, we need to rise above these issues."

The students' union on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the inter-hostel administration's decision on amending the hostel manual, saying the amendment is "malafide, arbitrary and illegal", and adversely affects students.

The academic issue has been resolved, the situation is turning normal at the university, and as far as the violence case is concerned, police are investigating it, Pokhriyal said.

Early this month, the university had witnessed a tussle between student groups over the issue of semester registration.

On January 5, masked men had gone on a rampage inside the campus assaulting students and teachers, and storming hostels, drawing widespread outrage.

Pokhriyal said students should start studying because there is no issue now and time should not be wasted.

JNU is a prestigious university, "we want to ensure an atmosphere for students to excel", he said.

As clamour grew for Jagadesh Kumar's removal following hostel fee hike and the January 5 violence, the ministry had ruled out sacking him, saying the government's focus is to address the main issues that have cropped up on the campus.

The minister reiterated that universities will not be allowed to turn into battlefields.

"We don't want anarchy in universities, we want conducive environment for academics. Our students are going places, we are investing more and more in research with an aim to take our universities and academic institutions among top rankers globally. Let's move forward in that way," he said.

Asserting that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) is not aimed at taking away anybody's citizenship, Pokhriyal appealed to students "to explain this to those misleading the public on the issue and indulging in petty politics".

"The CAA is to give citizenship to those with Indian roots, it is not aimed at taking away anybody's citizenship. I appeal students, who are the future of the country, to explain this to those who are misleading the public on the issue and doing petty politics," he said.

"Because myths are being spread about the law, the image of the country is being harmed as well as damage to public property. The students can play a role in clearing this air," the minister added.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China repeated its call on Monday for Canada to release detained Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL] Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou as soon as possible, ahead of the executive's first extradition hearing later in the day.

"The resolve of the Chinese government to protect Chinese citizens' proper legal rights is firm and unwavering," foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, told reporters during a daily briefing. He called Meng's case a "serious political matter".

Meng, daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested at Vancouver International Airport on Dec. 1, 2018, at the request of the United States, where she is charged with bank fraud and accused of misleading the bank HSBC <HSBA.L> about Huawei Technologies' business in Iran.

Meng has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition.

Her arrest infuriated the Chinese government, which subsequently detained two Canadian citizens - Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor - on state security charges. International observers have called the cases against Kovrig and Spavor retaliation for Meng's detention.

Meng is scheduled to appear in court for the first phase of her extradition hearing in Vancouver later on Monday.

(Reporting by Gabriel Crossley; Editing by Kim Coghill and Tom Hogue)
SUNBURY  A mental evaluation has been ordered for a caregiver accused of attempting to kill an elderly Northumberland County couple by putting rat poison in cigarettes she rolled for them.

The evaluation for Tina Marie Young, 38, of Montandon, was sought by her attorney Kyle W. Rude who questions whether his client can make a knowing and intelligent decision to go to trial or plead guilty.

Consultations with Young have quickly deteriorated into irrational behavior by her and discovery material provided by the prosecution regarding conversations she has had with fellow inmates also raises competency questions, his motion states.

Assistant District Attorney Julia Skinner concurred in Rudes motion for an evaluation that Northumberland Judge Charles H. Saylor granted.

Young remains in jail, unable to post $250,000 bail, on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and reckless endangering another person.

She is accused of attempting to kill Albert Mench, who had had a stroke, and his wife Cheryl on June 13 in the couples home. At the time he was 80 and she was 73.

Young, who had been given power of attorney by the couple, confessed she was frustrated over being fired for forging a $2,500 Albert Mench check to pay rent and bills knowing their will left their assets to her, a state police affidavit states.

Young is alleged to have told investigators she got a block of the poison from under an outdoor oil tank, placed it in a plastic bag, took it inside, added water, smashed it with a spoon and dumped it into the bag of tobacco.

Cheryl Mench told police she tried three of the rolled cigarettes as she was driving and none tasted right.

Upon inspection, she said she discovered bright green rock-shaped pieces in all of them and in the bag of tobacco Young used to roll the cigarettes.

Troopers said when they went to the Mench home they discovered the majority of the rolled cigarettes contained the green pieces.

Young also is awaiting trial in Northumberland County on charges of forgery, theft and receiving stolen property in the Mench check case. Bail in that case is $15,000.

In October, Young was sentenced in Lycoming County to time served of 33 days to 18 months on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child to which she pleaded guilty.
News18, one of India's leading television broadcast networks, has seen a meteoric rise across languages in users and revenue over the last 12 months. To further drive efficiencies across News18 digital properties and to help foster a leadership position across all languages, Sudipto Nandy has now been elevated to Product Head  General News, News18.com.

Holding the position of Product Function for News18 languages earlier, Sudipto, in his new role, will be driving forward the mandate to grow the News18 cluster which includes English, Languages and App Products. His primary task will be to further propel the current working model in a manner that leverages synergies across English & Language products to drive audience growth and usage. His current designation will see him continue to report to Mitul Sangani, COO  News18 languages.

Speaking about the announcement, Mitul Sangani, COO  News18 languages, News18.com, said, Sudipto, over the years, with his impeccable leadership skills, has produced stellar initiatives that continue to see News18 languages grow from strength to strength. His knowledge of the current market will see us cater to diverse audiences in a more-improved manner by laying further impetus to our unique content and innovation. His creativity and resourcefulness are a valuable asset to the team and we look forward to the ideas and strategies that he shall implement.

Sudipto Nandy, Product Head-General News, News18.com, commented, I am excited to undertake the new responsibility with Network18. It has been a great journey till now. Our efforts have led to News18 languages, with over 91 million unique visitors across web platforms, lead over its competition for the fourth time in a row amongst multi-vernacular information sites. This further inspires the team to deliver unique content and initiate campaigns that connect with our audiences and readers. I look forward to taking charge of my new role and work with an amazing team further taking Network18 to greater heights.
Prime Minister Imran Khan left for Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum and meet the world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, on the sidelines of the annual event which kicked off at the ski resort town of Davos on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari and Special Assistant National Security Division Mooed Yusuf are accompanying Prime Minister Khan on his visit, the Radio Pakistan reported.

Adviser on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Ambassador at large for Investments Ali Jehangir Siddiqui will also join the Prime Minister at Davos, it said.

Two key highlights of the Prime Minister's visit include keynote address at the World Economic Forum's Special Session and his interaction at the Pakistan Strategy Dialogue with CEOs and corporate leaders.

On the sidelines, prime minister Khan will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including US President Trump.

Several meetings are also scheduled with a wide range of corporate, business, technology and finance executives and representatives of international financial institutions.

Khan will also speak to senior international journalists and editors during a session with the Forum's International Media Council, the report said.

The Time magazine has also featured Khan, among other global leaders, on the cover for its special edition on the World Economic Forum.

The special Davos issue features prime minister Khan, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, World Economic Forum (WEF) Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde astride a ski-lift with snow-covered Swiss Alps in the background.

Trump and climate activist Greta Thunberg can also be seen sitting together on another chairlift in the background of the illustration. The cover is headlined 'Next Gen World', with the story promising to highlight how young leaders are helping the globe.

The WEF summit began on Tuesday and will last four days. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the forum.

A total of 53 heads of State are on the guest list. Nearly 3,000 participants from 118 countries are expected to attend the event during which political leaders, business executives, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives are set to deliberate on contemporary economic, geopolitical, social and environmental issues.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Actress and entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her husband businessman Raj Kundra have been awarded the Champion of Change 2019 Award for their efforts towards encouraging people to take up the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee handed the award to Shilpa on Monday in the Capital.

"I am really honoured to receive this award and I feel it is every citizen's duty to keep their country clean. Cleanliness starts from the mind. When we keep our homes clean, then why not our country? This year I have planted 480 trees to offset my entire carbon footprint. It's every citizen's responsibility to take care of our precious planet not just for the present but also our future," she said.

Nandan Jha, chairman of Interactive Forum on Indian economy (IFIE), said: "We are happy to announce that Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been selected for the Champions Change of Award 2019 for her contribution in the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan."

Known as a yoga practitioner and health enthusiast, Shilpa said small changes in our daily life can bring about big changes in the cleanliness of the environment.

"The first lifestyle change that I flick the switch off as soon as I leave the room. I'm extremely mindful of that. The general tendency is to wait for someone else to switch it off. Also, don't leave the water running when you're brushing your teeth. A lot of people do this unknowingly. They don't realise that turning the tap off between brushing and gargling can save so much water. These little habits can bring about a huge change," she said.

In Bollywood, she has started shooting for "Hungama 2" and will also be seen in "Nikamma".
French speakers across Winnipeg may soon be able to take swimming lessons, receive snow bulletins, and even make 911 calls in their primary language, if a new report passes executive policy committee Tuesday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

French speakers across Winnipeg may soon be able to take swimming lessons, receive snow bulletins, and even make 911 calls in their primary language, if a new report passes executive policy committee Tuesday.

The report by the City of Winnipegs French language services division calls for the public service to "recognize that French language services should be accessible to all residents of the City of Winnipeg," and when reasonable, provide French language services on request and through active offers.

JASON HALSTEAD / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg city councillor Matt Allard: the city has a legal obligation to provide French language services to residents of the Riel district.

Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) said the city has a legal obligation to provide French language services to residents of the Riel district, but that level of accommodation doesnt extend beyond St. Boniface, St. Vital and St. Norbert-Seine River.

"This is really the meat-and-potatoes stuff. Were talking about the delivery of French language services to members of the public," Allard said.

"I think if this passes, it will be a historic moment for the City of Winnipeg because were inching closer to being a city where people can expect service in French, or English, anywhere in the city."

The city began reviewing French language service delivery in July 2018, which involved stakeholder consultations and public surveys, and concluded with a series of recommendations, including: the development of a five-year plan to identify the citys capacity to provide services in French; a legal review of the Official Languages of Municipal Services Bylaw; and a commitment to review and update the bylaw every five years.

"Were not looking at any immediate change in terms of resourcing, but if this passes its understanding that French language service should be delivered where reasonable to residents of Winnipeg, and where there are gaps, we should work towards closing those gaps," Allard said.

In the public engagement summary filed with the report, some of those gaps are in critical service areas, including communication with 911 and 311, public hearings, and community relations.

In one instance, a school division reported needing a French-speaking police officer to attend a lockdown, but none was available.

Daniel Boucher, executive director of the Societe de la francophonie manitobaine, said the report and the public services recommendations are good starting points, but emphasized the need for, and importance of, high quality and frequent French language services.

"Weve always had issues with services and its kind of a work in progress and it always will be," Boucher said. "In terms of making sure we have the right staffing in place at the right times and the right services, all these things are complicated, we understand that, but at the same time, I think we can find ways to make it work better in terms of providing quality services."

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A recent example of gaps in French language services came during open houses hosted by the city on the potential sale of the former St. Boniface city hall. Boucher said it was difficult to get French services from the city to help the community understand an issue it considers to be of importance.

"We shouldnt have to say Where is the signage? Where is the person who can answer my question?" Boucher said. "When services seem to be a second thought or not something that was done with care, it becomes frustrating for the community."

Boucher said he was pleased to see the public service reference active offers of French language services, which can be as simple as a greeting in both French and English.

"We know that when services are offered actively then people use them," he said. "When its not, and when its not clear, we know our community will use English.

"The active part of it for us is critical."

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
I opened an American Express Gold Credit Card in August 2019 in order to add to a pot of Avios points we had already racked up.

We put some big purchases on it, for instance, a new bathroom suite and paid it off immediately, and spent enough to trigger a 10,000 point bonus.

I have since triggered another 10,000 point bonus for spending 15,000 on the card  but it says I can't get them until August 2020 and only if I renew, which I didn't realise.

Golden ticket: American Express' Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card comes with a number of spending bonuses which offer enough air miles for a holiday on their own

However, the card comes with a 140 annual fee after the first year which I don't want to pay for. Is there any way around this so I can still get the points?

Also, can I recommend my wife to open the card in the summer for the 6,000 refer a friend bonus  and will she also then be able to take advantage of the 10,000 bonus points on 3,000 spend, if the offer is still around?

George Nixon, This is Money, replies: The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is often touted as one of the best air miles cards out there, largely because of the generous sign-up bonuses.

You can bag 10,000 American Express points, which convert 1:1 into Avios Air Miles or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles, when you spend 3,000 in the first three months of having the card and another 10,000 point bonus as you have outlined, without paying a fee in year one.

Those 20,000 bonus points converted into Avios would be more than enough for two peak time return flights to the likes of Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Munich or Paris, or converted into Virgin Atlantic miles would be enough for one off-peak return flight to Delhi or New York.

Every pound you spend on the card also nets you one Amex point while it comes with a pair of airport lounge passes.

American Express points can be converted into Avios points, which can be used to book flights with British Airways and its partner airlines like Vueling and Iberia

However, due to its hefty 57.6 per cent APR and 140 subscription fee after a year, some may baulk at the cost.

With these cards, as we always point out, you must play by the rules or the credit card company wins.

Often, cards with good reward point bonuses do bake in these subscription fees so that holders have to pay them in order to get the pay off.

HSBC's Premier World Elite Mastercard for example gives you 40,000 HSBC reward points  or 20,000 Avios  when you spend 12,000 within the first year of card membership, but you have to pay the 195 fee for the second year of membership before you get it.

But while you do have to stump up the 140 fee initially, you don't necessarily have to pay all of it.

The 57.6% APR on the card and the 140 annual fee may put off some potential sign ups, but if you pay off your balance in full every month you won't have any problems

Rob Burgess, editor of frequent flyer website Head for Points, explains: The reader is correct in that the 10,000 bonus points only appears at the year end.

Amex says you get them 60 days after renewal but my experience is that you get them after 30 days.

The good news is that Amex lets you get a pro-rata refund when you cancel.

Your reader should therefore wait until the 10,000 hits, redeem their rewards points and then close the card. They should get 11 of the 12 months of that annual fee back.

However, there are some reasons why you may not wish to cancel straightaway after the free first year.

Burgess adds: On renewal, you get another two free airport lounge passes. These are cancelled when you cancel your Amex Gold card, so if the reader has a flight coming up shortly after renewal they may want to hold on a bit longer.

These lounge passes are worth around 40.

An extra month of the Amex gold card would cost you around 11.67, meaning it is worth losing out on that much of a refund if you can take advantage of the lounge passes.

On top of that, when you close your card you need to transfer your Amex points out.

This might be fine if you only plan on using them for flights, but Amex points can be put towards a wide variety of things, including gift cards with Amazon, Currys PC World and Ikea.

Reward points Do you have a question about reward credit cards or have a simple trick to boost points? Get in touch: george.nixon@thisismoney.co.uk

Plus, you can benefit from up to 6,000 bonus points for referring friends to the card, earning yourself up to 90,000 points a year.

Provided your wife meets the criteria for getting the sign up bonus, she can begin spending 3,000 to earn 10,000 points, and then 15,000 in a year to earn another 10,000.

And so on.

However, just one word of warning. Aside from the expensive APR, you must clear your balance in full every month otherwise the points won't make up for what you're paying in interest.

While the Amex Gold card is considered one of the best cards out there when it comes to accumulating air miles, make sure you bring another credit card with you once you get on the plane.

This is because despite the fact you earn two Amex points for every 1 you spend abroad, the card comes with a 2.99 per cent non-sterling transaction fee.

If you are looking for a cheap fee-free foreign exchange card to take with you, This is Money has a guide to the best ones.
A day before Christmas 2019 ExxonMobil and its partners have lifted the first commercial crude from the Liza field. In and of itself this might seem innocuous enough for us not to pay attention, yet one should remember the name as Liza will bring about a transformational path for one of the most impoverished nations of South America, Guyana. Heralding a new petroleum-abundant epoch, Liza is in many ways a phenomenon  Guyanas first-ever offshore discovery (in fact, a deepwater offshore find), brought from discovery to final commissioning in less than 5 years, it will inaugurate the largest GDP growth rate in the 21st century so far for any established nation. Merely a couple years ago Guyana was largely known for its insane suicide levels, now it is on OPECs radar as an OPEC+ disrupting element.

Liza already loaded its first cargo over this weekend and the Suezmax vessel Yannis P is already heading to a refinery on the US Gulf Coast. In many ways the fact that Guyana managed to reach the first-oil threshold before it tries to disintegrate politically is a good sign. On March 2 the country will witness long-delayed general and regional elections, pitting current President David Granger (backed predominantly by the Afro-Guyanese part of the population) against former President Bharrat Jagdeo (backed by the ethnic Indians in the country). In the emotionally complex world of Guyanese politics, Jagdeo repeatedly criticized Granger for selling out the Stabroek Block to ExxonMobil on the cheap, even though he was the prime minister to sign the original deal with the US major.

Although Guyana has seen violent protests during past elections on the back of ever-recurring accusations of electoral fraud, this time there seems to be a pervading sense that the entire Guyanese political spectrum wants to shield oil development from potential political infighting. Both leading presidential candidates have boasted of their staunch support for the South American nations nascent hydrocarbon industry which is widely perceived by the people as the chance to lift Guyana from the list of underperformers. This is understandable as the IMF expecting Guyanas GDP to be in double-digit annual growth territory throughout the 2020s (spiking with an unprecedented 86 percent year-on-year jump this year), allowing the next President to control the incoming financial streams. Related: Libya Is Facing A New Oil War

Source: authors estimates.

Production from Lizas first-phase development will be fed into the Liza Destiny FPSO (120kbpd), with a second FPSO named Liza Unity with a capacity of 220kbpd already undergoing topsides integration work in Singapore and should be ready well before its nominal mid-2022 commissioning date. ExxonMobil declared that it expects to have a total of 5 FPSOs producing oil in Guyanas offshore by 2025  of the 14 discoveries so far Payara seems to be almost certain to become a production hub, boasting a 180kbpd capacity FPSO, with the Turbot-Longtail emerging as another suitable area. As drilling in other offshore blocks (Kaieteur, Canje, Orinduik) intensifies, the number of platforms is sure to surge even further.

As insinuated above, the future of Guyanas oil sector exceeds the possibilities of the Stabroek block. Tullow Oil, partnered by Total, Qatar Petroleum and Eco Atlantic in the Orinduik Block, has already announced two successful discoveries last year. The Jethro-Lobe and Joe fields will most probably be developed jointly  since the unearthed reserves exceeded the expectations of Tullow, the stakeholders will be now looking at the possibilities of using a floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO) that would hypothetically also allow for the inclusion of additional discoveries from the Orinduik Block. As things stand currently, the Jethro-Lobe field might be able to reach a 35-40kbpd production plateau, whilst Joe would peak at some 25kbpd. Related: Has Natural Gas Hit Rock Bottom?

Inevitably, regardless of their allegiance virtually all Guyanese political parties and entities came to understand that the terms and conditions offered in the pre-2015 setup seem completely naive now, with the Stabroek Block becoming one of the hottest drilling spots of the past 5 years and the others blocks most probably following suit. Guyanas fiscal regime for oil production (the government takes in roughly half of the generated revenue) is significantly more gracious than comparable tax regimes in Brazil, Mexico or even neighboring Suriname. Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended Guyana to introduce a higher royalty rate and take in more of the revenue for future contracts which, contrary to the previous practice of direct negotiations, will most likely take place by means of auctioning, again to maximize the governments income.

Thus, anyone willing to commit to Guyanas ever-increasing upstream appeal should be ready for a tougher government position vis-a-vis royalties and local content policies. The above notwithstanding, Guyana in 2020 might see further discoveries that would de-risk its offshore zone  the upcoming exploration wells to be spudded are located very close to the initial Liza discovery (Uaru-1 is 10 miles to the east, flanked by Hassa-1, whilst Mako-1 is 6 miles to the south of Liza), implying a relatively high chance of success. ExxonMobil will try to drill as much as it can in the upcoming years  having already spudded 25 wells up to the present day, it presented an intense 31-well exploration program to the Guyanese authorities to strike while the iron is hot.

There are obstacles to Guyanas drilling spree, mainly territorial in nature. Notice how little drilling has taken place in the western part of the South American countrys offshore  this territory (the offshore continuation of the disputed Guyana Esequiba) is still claimed by Venezuela, a remnant of a centuries-long altercation first started by the Spanish and Dutch colonial empires. Venezuela has reacted more or less adequately to drillings in undisputed territory yet almost every attempt to drill (and as Anadarkos example showed, also to conduct bathymetric assessments) in zones that represent offshore extensions of the Amacuro River Delta have resulted in the Venezuelan army harassing drillships and staff. Unless a territorial resolution is found, this territory will remain a no-go zone.

By Viktor Katona for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Yes, you should talk to your friend. When you dont know how to say something, you can start with: Im not really sure how to say this  You do not want to offload all of your feelings of guilt. You DO want to create a safe space for her to say whatever she wants to say, including, possibly, I really dont want to talk about this.
On Monday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy was being remembered around the country, including right here in the Lehigh Valley.

A small group gathered in the morning outside the St. Bernards Beneficial Society for the annual Martin Luther King Civil Rights Movement March, headed by its president Frankie West.

Marchers, young and old, walked to the Martin Luther King Park on Carlton Avenue in Bethlehem, singing, We Shall Overcome, a gospel song that became a protest anthem during the Civil Rights Movement.

The march ended when a wreath was placed at the location of memorials to both King and his wife.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson, Northampton County Councilman Kerry Myers and Liberty High School Principal Harrison Bailey III spoke during the short ceremony that followed at the park.

Saed Hindash may be reached at shindash@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SaedHindash. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
A longtime Dane County lawmaker announced Tuesday he will not seek another term this fall, setting up a rare competitive Senate race in a Democratic stronghold.

Sen. Mark Miller, D-Monona, who led Senate Democrats as minority leader in 2011 when they attempted to block a vote on Gov. Scott Walkers union-busting legislation by fleeing to Illinois, announced his plans to retire during Tuesdays session.

Miller, who was elected to the Assembly in 1998 and the Senate in 2004, told the Wisconsin State Journal he felt the time was right to step down.

I felt like its time to let younger people come up and get an opportunity to represent folks, because theyre going to have to live through the decisions theyre going to make, Miller, 76, said.

Rep. Melissa Sargent, D-Madison, whose Assembly district is one of three in Millers Senate district, announced her candidacy for the seat after Millers announcement. Reps. Gary Hebl, D-Sun Prairie, and Jimmy Anderson, D-Fitchburg, whose districts also overlap Millers, havent ruled out a bid.

Also considering a bid is former state representative and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys, who said she would move into the district.

Miller said he doesnt intend to endorse anyone running to fill his eat, but he noted that all three representatives, as well as potential local elected officials who might run, would be capable replacements.

Ive always had the strong belief that when you have competent people running, the voter should make that decision without me necessarily putting my thumb on the scale, Miller said.

Millers district, which covers portions of Dane and Columbia counties, including parts of Madison and most of Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, McFarland, Monona, Maple Bluff and Cottage Grove, is largely Democratic-leaning, meaning its unlikely that any potential GOP candidates would win the seat.

Miller said he has been discouraged by growing partisanship in the Legislature, especially how lawmakers treat their colleagues across the aisle. He said he is hopeful efforts are made to bring a level of decorum and transparency back to the Capitol.

Its one thing to talk about rules, but its another thing to be proactive about how you respect your colleagues in the Legislature, whether they be part of the minority or the majority, Miller said. I think right now we continue to erode public trust and confidence in our ability to govern ourselves through our democratic institutions.

Miller has served in leadership positions including minority and majority leader, Joint Finance Committee co-chairman and chairman of the Democratic caucus. He has supported voting rights, renewable energy, clean water and conservation issues.

I will miss this place, Miller said during Tuesdays session. I will miss fighting for clean water, for better education for both children and adults, for expanded health care for all, and for responsible governance, but I am comfortable with my decision to retire.

In addition to spending nearly 30 years as a military pilot with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Miller also served on the Dane County Board.

True servant leader

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, described Miller as a friend and mentor.

You have been steady. You have shown us what a true servant leader looks like, Shilling said.

Earlier this month, fellow Democratic Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, who has served in the state Senate for two decades, also announced he will not seek another term this fall.

Unlike Millers district, Hansens departure opens up a seat in a district that has traditionally leaned Republican as the Democratic party tries to win the majority of the Senate, which currently has a 19-14 GOP edge.

Sargent announces

Sargent, D-Madison, is the only candidate to announce an official bid for Millers seat so far.

Wisconsin needs progressive and pragmatic leaders who are accountable to their bosses  the people of our state, Sargent said. I am committed to continuing to work to come together to find innovative long-term solutions that better our state.

Sargent said health care, renewable energy needs, infrastructure, public education and good government will be central issues to her campaign.

Sargent was born in Madison and was elected to the Assembly in 2012. Before that, she owned a small business and worked in the private sector.

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Identity and access management in 2022 - what will the future look like?

As we enter into 2022, there is still a level of uncertainty in place. Its unclear what the future holds, as companies around the world still contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has been encouraged by most organisations and the move to a hybrid working system has become business as usual, for the majority of businesses. Some have reduced their office space or done away with their locations altogether. Following best security practices With all this change in place, there are problems to deal with. According to research, 32.7% of IT admins say they are concerned about employees using unsecured networks to carry out that work. Alongside this, 74% of IT admins thought that remote work makes it harder for employees to follow best security practices. This need to manage security around remote work is no longer temporary. Instead, companies have to build permanent strategies around remote work and security. The coming year will also create a different landscape for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Here are some key predictions for next year and what to start preparing for in 2022: The reality of SMB spending around security will hit home SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working, especially in comparison to their size. They had to undertake significant digital transformation projects that made it possible to deliver services remotely, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weve seen a shift in mindset for these companies, which are now more tech-focused in their approach to problem solving. According to our research, 45% of SMBs plan to increase their spending towards IT services in 2022. Around half of all organisations think their IT budgets are adequate for their needs, while 14.5% of those surveyed believe they will need more, to cover all that needs to be done. Identity management spending to support remote work For others, the COVID-19 pandemic led to over-spending, just to get ahead of things and they will spend in 2022, looking at what they should keep and what they can reduce their spending on. Areas like identity management will stay in place, as companies struggle to support remote work and security, without this in place. However, on-premise IT spending will be reduced or cut, as those solutions are not relevant for the new work model. Services that rely on on-premise IT will be cut or replaced. The device will lead the way for security We rely on our phones to work and to communicate. In 2022, they will become central to how we manage access, to all our assets and locations, IT and physical. When employees can use company devices and their own phones for work, security is more difficult. IT teams have to ensure that theyre prepared for this, by making sure that these devices can be trusted. Wide use of digital certificates and strong MFA factors Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication There are multiple ways that companies can achieve this, for example - By using digital certificates to identify company devices as trusted, an agent, or strong MFA factors, like a FIDO security key or mobile push authentication. Whichever approach you choose, this can prevent unauthorised access to IT assets and applications, and these same devices can be used for authentication into physical locations too. Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication. Understanding human behaviour Alongside this, it is important to understand human behaviour. Anything that introduces an extra step for authentication can lead to employees taking workarounds. To stop this, it is important to put an employee education process in place, in order to emphasize on the importance of security. The next step is to think about adopting passwordless security, to further reduce friction and increase adoption. Lastly, as devices become the starting point for security and trust, remote device management will be needed too. More companies will need to manage devices remotely, from wiping an asset remotely if it gets lost or stolen, through to de-provisioning users easily and removing their access rights, when they leave the company. Identity will be a layer cake Zero Trust approaches to security Identity management relies on being able to trust that someone is who they say they are. Zero Trust approaches to security can support this effectively, particularly when aligned with least privilege access models. In order to turn theory into practical easy-to-deploy steps, companies need to use contextual access, as part of their identity management strategy. This involves looking at the context that employees will work in and putting together the right management approach for those circumstances. For typical employee behaviour, using two factor authentication might be enough to help them work, without security getting in the way. How enterprises manage, access and store identity data There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time For areas where security is more important, additional security policies can be put over the top, to ensure that only the right people have access. A step-up in authentication can be added, based on the sensitivity of resources or risk-based adaptive authentication policies might be needed. There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time, so that it aligns more closely with those use cases. Identity management critical to secure assets in 2022 There are bigger conversations taking place around digital identity for citizenship, as more services move online as well. Any moves that take place in this arena will affect how businesses think about their identity management processes too, encouraging them to look at their requirements in more detail. Overall, 2022 will be the year when identity will be critical to how companies keep their assets secure and their employees productive. With employees working remotely and businesses becoming decentralised, identity strategies will have to take the same approach. This will put the emphasis on strong identity management as the starting point for all security planning.
Libya: Salame' against peace force 'International community doesn't want to send it'

(ANSAmed) - BERLIN, JANUARY 21 - The UN special envoy for Libya Ghassem Salame has said he is against sending international peacekeeping troops to the Noth African country in an interview to Welt. ''Foreign troops are not accepted in Libya. And I also don't see the willingness in the international community to send them''.



He added that the important thing now is for a ceasefire to become a long-lasting truce. ''The blue helmets are not necessary for this purpose, only a small number of military observers'', he also noted. The ''5+5'' military commission will meet for the first time in mid-February, Salame said. (ANSAmed).




In a significant move, the defence ministry on Tuesday shortlisted two Indian shipyards and five foreign defence majors for the Rs 50,000 crore project to build six conventional submarines in India for the Navy besides approving military procurement worth Rs 5,100 crore.

The shortlisted Indian entities to construct the submarines, being billed as one of biggest 'Make in India' projects, are L&T group and state-owned Mazagaon Docks Ltd (MDL), official sources said.

Adani Defence, which was a strong contender for the project, named as P-75 I, failed to make the cut following a detailed evaluation of eligibility criteria by a high-powered committee, they said.

The Congress last week had alleged that the government was "favouring" the Adani group for the submarine project. The Adani group had joined hands with Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) in a bid to bag the project.

The mega project is being implemented under the ambitious strategic partnership model under which select private firms are being roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with original equipment maker.

The decisions on the submarine project and procurement of military equipment were taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat.

The five global defence majors selected by the committee for the P-75I project are - ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany), Navantia (Spain) and Naval Group (France), Rubin Design Bureau (Russia), and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (South Korea).

Initially Reliance Naval & Engineering was among the Indian contenders.

Within the next six weeks, the defence ministry will issue RFP (request for proposal) to MDL and L&T and the two firms will have to submit their detailed bid within 3-4 months after receiving the document.

Both L&T and MDL will have to select a foreign partner out of the five shortlisted entities.

"The DAC approved shortlisting of Indian strategic partners (SP) and the potential original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that would collaborate with SPs to construct six conventional submarines in India," the defence ministry said in a statement.

It said strategic partner is expected to play a "transformational role" in building an eco-system in the country, comprising development entities, specialised vendors and suppliers.

The Indian Navy plans to acquire 24 new submarines, including six nuclear attack submarines to bolster its underwater fighting capability.

The defence ministry also said the DAC accorded approval for procurement of equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources.

These include sophisticated electronic warfare systems for the Army designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured locally by the Indian industry.

Officials said the systems will be used in deserts and plains and will provide comprehensive electronic support and counter measure capabilities to the field formations.

"The DAC also approved prototype testing of trawl assemblies designed by DRDO for T-72 and T-90 tanks providing an important indigenous de-mining capability to the Army," said the ministry.

It said the DAC also accorded approval for inclusion of innovations for defence excellence (iDEX) in defence procurement procedure which would provide for avenues to startups and innovators wanting to be associated in military supplies.

It was the first meeting of the DAC after appointment of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"Today's decisions are also in keeping with the mandate given to the CDS and the newly-constituted Department of Military Affairs to promote use of indigenous hardware by the services," the defence ministry said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Oil prices eased on Tuesday as investors appeared to shrug off earlier supply concerns following a force majeure declared by Libya on two major oilfields amid a military blockade.

Brent crude was trading down 30 cents, or 0.5%, at $64.90 per barrel by 0318 GMT, after rising to their highest in more than a week on Monday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 14 cents, or 0.2%, at $58.40 a barrel.

"Every time we get a big geopolitical event, the market spikes up but everybody looks at that as a chance of a selling opportunity," said Tony Nunan, oil risk manager at Mitsubishi Corp in Tokyo.

Two major oilfields in southwest Libya began shutting down on Sunday after a pipeline was closed off, potentially reducing national output to a fraction of its normal level, the country's National Oil Corp (NOC) said.

A document sent to oil traders and seen by Reuters on Monday said the NOC had declared force majeure - a waiver on contractual obligations - on crude loadings from El Sharara and El Feel oilfields in Libya's southwest.

If Libyan exports are halted for any sustained period, storage tanks will fill within days and production will slow to 72,000 barrels per day (bpd), an NOC spokesman said. Libya has been producing around 1.2 million bpd recently.

Anti-government unrest in Iraq, another major oil producer, also had initially supported oil prices, but officials later said production in southern oilfields has not been affected by the unrest.

Any supply disruptions could be offset by increased output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which could limit the impact on global oil markets, the head of Japan's petroleum industry body said.

"We are caught in this ($65 per barrel) trading range," Nunan said. "Anything below and OPEC is going to have a tough time balancing their budgets ... and anything above, shale (output) will rebound."

Another factor reassuring the market is OPEC spare capacity, which stands in excess of 3 million bpd, of which the bulk sits in Saudi Arabia, analysts from ING Economics said in a note.

Adding to supply, Guyana exported its first-ever shipment of crude on Monday, marking the tiny South American nation's debut as an oil exporter.

Meanwhile, Bank of America Global Research raised its 2020 oil price forecasts on Monday, citing risks to supply from the Middle East, an improving demand outlook and higher OPEC+ compliance to deepen output cuts.
Scott Kelly will have to make room for one more in his long list of distinguished accomplishments. The retired astronaut is set to be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Kelly, who grew up in West Orange, has logged more than 15,000 hours of flight time as a pilot and astronaut, orbiting Earth more than 8,300 times and traveling more than 200 million miles, which the hall notes is more than twice the distance from to the sun from Earth.

In 2015, Kelly, now 55, began his year in space, spending 340 days aboard the ISS and completing three spacewalks before coming home in 2016. The journey minted an American record for space travel.

Kellys twin brother, Mark Kelly, a Senate candidate in Arizona, is also a retired astronaut. The Kelly brothers are known for NASAs Twins Study, an initiative that seeks to examine the differences between an earthbound body (Mark) and one that has spent a significant period of time in space (Scott).

Before he was chosen by NASA to become an astronaut in 1996, Scott Kelly was a fighter pilot and test pilot. His sister-in-law is Gabrielle Giffords, a former congresswoman from Arizona.

Kelly served as a pilot on the space shuttle Discoverys 1999 journey to the Hubble space telescope. In 2007, he was the commander on the space shuttle Endeavors trip to the ISS. Kelly has also taken two flights on Russian Soyuz spacecraft. His first mission to the ISS as a commander, which lasted 159 days, was in 2010 and 2011.

Kelly on the International Space Station.NASA

Joining Kelly in the hall will be Pamela Melroy and Michael Lopez-Alegria. The three former astronauts will be honored at a ceremony at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in May.

The six surviving astronauts from the Mercury 7 came up with the idea for the hall in the 1980s. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, which is currently located at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, welcomed its first class in 1990 and currently has 99 members.

As we enter the year 2020, we are particularly excited to welcome these accomplished astronauts into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, said Curt Brown, former space shuttle astronaut and board chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which oversees the selection of astronauts to the hall, in a statement. They exemplify bravery, dedication and passion and their hard work has paved the way for what promises to be an unprecedented new decade of space exploration and interplanetary travel.

Kelly, who has also received the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross, wrote a memoir, Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery," published in 2017. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs appointed him Champion for Space.

Along with his brother Mark, Scott Kelly is also member of the New Jersey Hall of Fame, inducted in 2018.

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
American actor and producer Joaquin Phoenix who won Best Actor at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards headed to a slaughterhouse to offer water to pigs.

Giving after award parties a miss, Phoenix who picked up the award for his work in 'Joker', drove straight from the Shrine Auditorium to the Farmer John Packing Co in Los Angeles, reported TMZ.

Joaquin joined a group of activists who assemble there twice a week.

More than 7,000 pigs are butchered every day inside Farmer John.

As per TMZ, the 'Joker' star told Jane Velez-Mitchell, a formal LA TV reporter that, "Most people don't really know of the torture and murder in the meat and dairy industry."

"We have moral obligations to talk about it and expose it for what it really is. We are so indoctrinated with these happy images of animals on farms, on the covers of meat containers, at restaurants and it's a lie," he further added.

He not only just participated in the demonstration but also reportedly persuaded the Hollywood Foreign Press to serve an all-vegan menu at the Golden Globes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ghanaian economist and investment consultant, Kwame Pianim want the newly inaugurated FX Development Committee scrapped over what he says is its lack of focus.

He said the current nature and composition of the committee seemed to suggest it is only a PR stunt.

Speaking to Citi News Umaru Sanda Amadu on Monday, Mr. Pianim said most of the members of the committee are busy people with other equally critical duties even in government and must not be bothered with serving on the committee.

The focus is wrong. The committee is made up of some very competent people but they are too busy. The Minister for Agriculture [Owusu Afriyie Akoto] should be busy transforming agriculture. The Minister for Trade [Alan Kyeremanteng] should be busy sitting down with industry to decide the trade protocols.

I cannot see them contributing to anything. Lets dissolve it, he said.

Kwame Pianim also said the timing of the inauguration of the committee was wrong as the government should at this time be more interested in taking action for development rather than coming up with new ideas.

A forty-member committee, are we serious? In the fourth year of this administration? We dont need ideas we need action. If I see this committee, it seems like a public relations stunt. We are not interested in PR stunts, he noted.

He further emphasized that any such committee, especially with regards to the economy, should be handled by technocrats and not people with political interests.

The stability of the currency should be something that should be done by technocrats outside the political purview so that when something goes wrong, Ghanaian voters will not blame the government but the governor of the central bank, he said.

FX Committee inaugurated

The Finance Ministry last Friday inaugurated a committee to look into the causes of the depreciation of the cedi and propose solutions to the problem.

The establishment of the committee, named the FX Developments Committee, is a fulfilment of a promise made by the Ministry last year to constitute a bi-partisan committee to look into the problem and help address it.

The Deputy Finance Minister, Charles Adu-Boahen who inaugurated the committee said it will work to complement the efforts of the Bank of Ghana in curtailing the usual poor performance of the cedi against other major foreign currencies.

The formation of this committee is not to infringe on the independence of the central bank in its foreign exchange operations, he said.

The formation of the committee has generated debate within the political circles as some have described it as unnecessary.

But the Ministry of Finance has justified its inauguration.

---citinewsroom
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:42:34|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KHARTOUM, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed and around 70 others seriously injured, including children, when a grenade bomb exploded at a wedding ceremony in the Al-Haj Yousif area, east of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, the official SUNA news agency reported Tuesday.

"The incident took place on Monday evening when a person threw a grenade bomb at a wedding party in the Al-Shegla area of Al-Haj Yousif town," the report said.

Among the injured, some sustained serious injuries, it said.

The attacker has not been arrested yet.
Air conditioning is essential in San Antonio, but its threatening the very walls of Mission Concepcion, part of the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

For nearly three centuries, the nations oldest unrestored church has been an active parish, offering Mass and the sacraments year round.

But preliminary results of a study by the University of Texas at San Antonio have confirmed the air conditioning system, in place since the 1980s, is damaging the porous limestone structure.

Experts in charge of the historic building are working to stop the damage, seeking to achieve that difficult balance between preservation and continued use of the church for its intended purpose.

In this project, we have three areas that we have to address. The first one will be the people. We have to make them happy, comfortable when they are attending Mass, said Antonio Martinez-Molina, an assistant professor at UTSAs College of Architecture, Construction and Planning. The second will be the building structure, so we have to keep it like we received it in past generations. The third one is the artifacts, all the paintings that we have in the building.

The three areas have different requirements  some potentially conflicting.

This is a very, very challenging project because of that, Martinez-Molina said.

On ExpressNews.com: UTSA study will help cool, preserve historic mission church

The study, to be completed in May, confirmed what the churchs preservation team had found, that the buildings 10-ton-capacity condenser and the uneven temperatures within the church were causing problems  especially on the south end of the building, including the baptistry, known as St. Michaels Chapel, at the base of the south tower.

Martinez-Molina said the main condenser, one of two located in a small corner just outside the tower, generates air at 130 degrees that directly hits the outside wall.

Inside, on the other side of that wall, its considerably colder than the hot air because of the air conditioning. The difference in temperatures causes condensation, contributing to the growth of mold and the detachment of parts of the wall.

Moisture also is causing the original plaster to flake off the inside walls.

The damage is accelerating dramatically, so we really need to target that, Martinez-Molina said.

To that end, plans are in the works for a new air conditioning system, with hopes to have it in place by summer. The new condenser unit would be located far enough away from any exterior wall to prevent the difference in temperature.

Anna Nau, architectural conservator and historian at Ford, Powell & Carson, the architecture firm overseeing the churchs preservation, said experts working with the Texas Historical Commission have been discussing concerns about the condenser for two years.

The loss of historic plaster inside the building is a major concern, she said.

On the positive side, a survey of parishioners conducted by UTSA revealed most worshipers are comfortable during services. Use of modern equipment and best practices will help ensure the church is able to serve as a worship space for another 300 years, Nau said.

One of the things we want to make sure of is that were fully cooling and occasionally heating as much as is necessary for the comfort of the parishioners without causing undue damage to the walls, Nau said. We are going to be using a similar but modified system that will have more equal air distribution and a lower visual profile, so you wont see the ducts as much when youre inside the church.

On ExpressNews.com: Mission bell to ring again at Easter

The church is using an aging AC system with some components that are 30 years old. Ford, Powell & Carson is developing a proposal for approval by the historical commission that would allow installation of a new system, including updated duct work and interior units, to provide improved air circulation, humidity control and temperature distribution.

Currently, the church is closed as workers conduct structural maintenance of the roof and stabilize the dome. Until then, Sunday Mass, including a 10 a.m. bilingual service and a noon mariachi service, are being held in the Chapel of Blessed Sacrament Academy at 1135 Mission Road.

Rebecca Simmons, director of Las Misiones, the nonprofit fundraising organization of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, said the work is progressing.

The dome is getting a metal rim around the base, a girdle, to stabilize it, Simmons said, noting the dome is made of rocky material held together with masonry. With time, it has been spreading at the bottom.

The work on the church dome is expected to be finished as early as April.

Thats what were all praying for, but based on past experience, it might be another month or so, Simmons said. But were praying for April.

Progress also has been made on the bell tower, where rainwater had rotted through a wooden beam supporting the upper floor. The floor has now been strengthened and resurfaced, and the bronze bell with its cast-iron clapper and stand have been restored.

Tuesday, the bell was reinstalled in its place in the north tower and a worker gave it a test ring.

Parishioners and officials originally had hoped the bell would have been installed by last Easter, but it was not to be. But it will be there for this Resurrection Sunday.

The refurbishment took longer than expected, Simmons said. Theres not a lot of places that do this kind of work, so you have to wait your turn. Its been nearly two years since the bell has rung for Mass. Were looking forward to hearing it ring out again.

Preservation work on the building and other church structures at the four federally run Spanish colonial missions is supported by donations to Las Misiones. To contribute, go to lasmisiones.org

Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
WASHINGTON  Three moms from Montana will be at the Supreme Court on Wednesday where they'll get a chance to make history on religious school choice.

What they're fighting over may seem small: a discontinued state program that offered $150 tax credits to help spur $500 tuition scholarships. But the stakes are high for both sides in the national debate over public aid for religious schools.

Conservative groups flooded the high court with arguments supporting the Montana parents' cause. Having long sought legislative backing for voucher and tax credit programs, they see the case as a judicial promised land.

On the other side are teachers unions and civil rights groups worried that if the floodgates open for religious school funding, public schools will suffer. A ruling for the Montana moms, they say, would violate the Constitution's principle of separation of church and state. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, they say, would be on their side.

What's not in dispute is the potential impact of the high court's ruling. Thirty-seven states have constitutional prohibitions against state funding of religious schools, including 17 that specifically block school choice programs. Nationwide, tax credits and vouchers help about 500,000 students attend religious schools.

Two of those are Kendra Espinoza's daughters: Naomi, 14, and Sarah, 11. Their mother is the lead plaintiff in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, and she looks forward to her latest day in court  the Supreme Court.

Kendra Espinoza challenges Montana's elimination of a tax credit program that helped her afford a private religious school for her daughters, Sarah and Naomi.

A victory, which could be delivered this spring by the court's five conservative justices, would help the single mother afford each daughter's nearly $8,000 tuition bill at Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell, pop. 23,000  a city where the police chief meets with residents over coffee at a diner.

"Our values and our grounding and our character development  it comes from our faith, it comes from our religious background, Espinoza says. The state's decision to end the program in the face of a lower court ruling, she says, "is really an anti-religious bias."

Story continues

The Trump administration sides with Espinoza and the other challengers. President Donald Trump has long championed prayer in schools and expanded religious freedom.

Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2019

The biggest obstacle for Espinoza and the other two plaintiffs may be the state's latest position on the issue. When the Montana Supreme Court ruled the program in violation of the state's constitution in 2018, officials shut down the entire program rather than exclude only religious schools. That, state officials say, should end the challenge.

If it doesn't, the biggest losers could be the nation's public schools and its teachers' unions, which contend that state aid to religious schools will drain dollars from schools that need it most.

"It will be a virtual earthquake," says Randi Weingarten, a former high school social studies teacher and president of the American Federation of Teachers. "This is a ruse to siphon off money from public education."

'Odious to our Constitution'

The Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts has looked kindly on religion.

The court has upheld public prayer at government meetings and exempted religious objectors from laws regarding contraception and prohibiting discrimination against same-sex marriages. It has upheld a Muslim man's right to keep his beard in prison and a Muslim teen's right to wear a hijab at work.

Last year, it ruled 7-2 that a mammoth Latin cross on government land in Bladensburg, Maryland, does not have to be moved or altered in the name of church-state separation.

And in 2017, the justices ruled 7-2 that a Lutheran church in Missouri was eligible for public funds to resurface its playground, just like other applicants. Roberts called the state's exclusion of the church "odious to our Constitution."

That ruling opened the door to the current challenge, religious conservatives claim, even though Roberts added in a footnote, "We do not address religious uses of funding or other forms of discrimination."

Civil rights groups and teachers unions opposed to the use of tax dollars for religious purposes point to a different 7-2 decision from the high court in 2004. Then, the justices upheld a public scholarship program that excluded students pursuing theology degrees.

A ruling in favor of religious school choice would be a game-changer, and the court may be poised to deliver it. The newest associate justice, Brett Kavanaugh, is a devout Catholic, leaving the court with five Catholics and three Jews. Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch was raised Catholic but attends an Episcopal church.

Douglas Laycock, a leading authority on the law of religious liberty who teaches at the University of Virginia and the University of Texas law schools, says the court appears poised to defend the rights of parents such as Espinoza.

Religious conservatives "perceive the public schools as deeply hostile to their faith, excluding religious observances and religious instruction and teaching evolution, which they associate with atheism, and secular values, especially on sexual matters," Laycock says. That undermines "the faith and morals they are trying to instill at home."

'I don't have a choice'

Both sides in the Espinoza case focus on the First Amendment but for different reasons. Conservatives cite their right to "free exercise" of religion. Liberals emphasize the prohibition on government "establishment" of religion.

Erica Smith, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice who represents Espinoza, says the Free Exercise Clause mandates that any public funding for private schools must include religious ones. To exclude them is "showing hostility towards religion," she says.

Groups opposed to religious school funding defend states' ability to restrict the use of public tax dollars for private or religious schools.

The Supreme Court has never held that states must fund religious education," says Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. "It should not do so now.

Espinoza says the facts  and the justices  are on her side.

Public schools "dont have an argument," she says. "They have plenty of money. In fact, I still pay property taxes that go directly to the schools, and I dont have a choice in that."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: School choice: Religious, public school backers clash at Supreme Court
American journalist Glenn Greenwald was charged Tuesday with cyber crimes by Brazillian prosecutors after releasing the hacked cellphone messages of Sergio Moro, Brazils justice minister and an ally of President Jair Bolsonaro.

In a 95-page criminal complaint, prosecutors accuse Greenwald of being part of a criminal organization for coordinating with the hackers who accessed the information. By telling hackers to cover their tracks by deleting records they had shared with Greenwalds outlet The Intercept, prosecutors say the journalist had a clear role in facilitating the commission of a crime.

Greenwald was made famous for his role in publishing classified national security documents leaked by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden in 2013/ He began publishing articles in June on leaked texts which detailed embarrassing private conversations between the prosecutors behind a publicized crackdown on corruption in Brazil.

The Intercept also showed how Moro, a former federal judge who handled the prosecution of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2017, broke legal and ethical norms by secretly advising prosecutors.

Bolsonaro and allies have been threatening Greenwald repeatedly since his reporting began, with the Brazilian president suggesting the journalist could do jail time for his exposes. In November, Greenwald was assaulted while on the air with a pro-Bolsonaro pundit.

The Bolsonaro movement, like most authoritarian factions, favors intimidation and violence over civic discourse  against their adversaries in general, but especially against journalists they regard as obstacles. Predictably, the climate for journalists since the 2018 presidential election has become far more dangerous than before, Greenwald wrote in a New York Times op-ed detailing the attack.

Update: Following the charges against Greenwald, The Intercept released a statement defending its founder against such a blatantly political charge.

Story continues

Statement from The Intercept on todays accusations filed by Brazils Public Ministry against journalist Glenn Greenwald. pic.twitter.com/1neQEny9HY  The Intercept (@theintercept) January 21, 2020

More from National Review
Instructor reviews self-management tasks with participants during an in-person self-management education workshop.

Ease arthritis pain with physical activity and self-management education. Learn how programs in your area can help you take back control of your health.

Nearly one-third of US adults in the most rural areas have arthritis, which includes more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint, and other connective tissues. Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. More than half of adults with arthritis in the most rural areas are limited in their everyday activities by the condition.

Adults with arthritis can reduce or better manage their symptoms, including pain, by being physically active and participating in self-management education workshops like the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). Other recognized, effective community-based programs for adults with arthritis include physical activity programs that can reduce arthritis pain. These programs can help improve function, movement, mood, and general quality of life. They are available throughout the United States, through partners like The Y external icon (YMCAs) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)external icon.

Physical Activity Programs

Physical activity is a simple and effective, drug-free way to relieve pain from arthritis. Most people with arthritis can be physically active on their own by walking or doing other kinds of activity. For those who are concerned about how to be physically active safely and without making their arthritis worse, physical activity community programslike Enhance Fitnessexternal icon, Walk With Easeexternal icon, and Fit & Strong!have been tested among adults with arthritis and proved to help them reduce or better manage arthritis symptoms and be healthier. They are often held in parks, recreation centers, Ys, and other community venues.

Regular physical activity can have many benefits for people with arthritis without making symptoms worse. The second edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americansexternal icon recommends that adults, including those with arthritis, get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. However, any amount of physical activity has health benefits. In addition to walking, other recommended physical activities for people with arthritis are swimming, dancing, biking, and water aerobics.

Community-based physical activity programs offer ways for adults with arthritis to be physically active safely in group settings or on their own. These programs can provide a structured and enjoyable way to manage arthritis pain and can help people take control of their health.

Programs for Adults in Rural Areas

Offering physical activity programs in rural areas can be challenging because the population is more spread out, and transportation options can be limited. Some CDC-supported state programs and national partners are overcoming the challenges by starting workshops and programs in rural areas and improving the health and hope of people with arthritis who participate.

Oregon

In Oregon, CDCs partners have made great strides toward reaching rural communities. Since 2018, Newport Parks and Recreations 60+ Activity Center with NRPA support has been implementing the Walk With Ease (WWE) group programa 6-week low-impact walking program that teaches adults with arthritis or chronic pain how to safely and comfortably incorporate physical activity into their daily lives. The 60+ Activity Center has engaged over 170 older adults in its group WWE program. Participants have reported increased strength, balance, and physical function, as well as decreased stress, chronic pain, and fatigue.

The Newport 60+ Activity Center has also partnered with a local hospital, Samaritan Health Services, to implement an electronic health record referral process. Through this process, people aged 60 and older with arthritis are referred to WWE at the 60+ Activity Center via a mailed letter from Samaritan Health Services. From the launch of the referral pilot in August 2019 until October 2019, nearly 50 additional participants mostly have been referred from Samaritan Health Services.

Beyond offering the group WWE program to Oregon residents, the Oregon Health Authoritys Arthritis Programexternal icon is partnering with Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service to bring the self-directed version of WWE to rural communities in Oregon. The OSU Extension has developed tools to enhance the self-directed WWE program, such as weekly emails from a trained leader and links to additional resources, including videos. Each participant commits to self-directed walking sessions three times a week. For people in rural areas, the classes break down barriers to in-person WWE classes, including time and travel. Both the self-directed and group WWE programs allow participants to go at their own pace, on their own time, to improve their arthritis symptoms.

Missouri

The Missouri Arthritis Program works directly with the University of Missouri Extension program. Extension staff across the state have been trained by master trainers in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program (CDSMP) and WWE, as well as the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP), and the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP). The Missouri Arthritis Program also uses cross-referrals, referring participants in self-management education programs such as CPSMP and DSMP to physical activity programs like WWE and vice-versa, to ensure participants stay engaged in self-management education and physical activity programs to manage their conditions.

Extension specialist Liz Harrison covers one rural county in Central Missouri and offers CDSMP, DSMP, and WWE in her coverage area. These programs are especially valuable as worksite wellness programs because it not only provides an opportunity for employees to feel valued by their employer, but it provides opportunity for physical activity during the workday and camaraderie between employees that may not otherwise know each other. A participant from the program stated, I am so proud of myself for walking 4 days last week. Holding me accountable is a good thing!

North Dakota

In North Dakota, Williston Park and Recreation District with NRPA support offers WWE to older adults with arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. The agency has partnered with their local hospital, independent medical practices, and nursing homes to engage older adults in their program. Many participants have reported improvements in their balance, walking pace, and walking distance. To further engage older adults who have lower extremity pain and mobility issues, Williston will be offering the Fit & Strong! program, a multicomponent physical activity and behavior-change program that teaches sedentary adults with joint pain, stiffness, and mobility issues how to engage in safe and effective exercise.

These programs show how self-management education workshops and physical activity programs can improve the health of those with arthritis living in rural areas.




H5N8 bird flu virus hits Germany and Ukraine



The virus was confirmed in a wild bird in Brandenburg, Germany and in west-central Ukraine, with the virus last reported in Ukraine three years ago, reported Reuters.

The German Federal Agriculture Ministry said the H5N8 bird flu virus was confirmed in a wild goose in Brandenburg, Germany, close to the border to Poland. However, no birds raised on farms were affected.

Authorities in Brandenburg have increased wild bird monitoring, focusing on birds that live near water. The ministry has called on domestic poultry farmers to step up bio-security measures to protect their flocks from the virus

Meanwhile, the World Organisation for Animal Health cited a report by Ukraine's veterinary services of a H5N8 outbreak in west-central Ukraine. No further detail was provided other than the virus was of serotype H5.

The last Ukrainian H5N8 bird flu outbreak killed 4,856 birds among a 98,000 flock in Vinnitsa. All remaining birds were culled.

The H5N8 bird flu virus has been spreading across eastern Europe, carried by migratory wild birds. Outbreaks have been reported in Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.

- Reuters
Former director of the National Security Service Georgi Kutoyan is the victim of Armenias authoritarian system. This is what leader of Yerkir Tsirani political party Zaruhi Postanjyan told reporters today.

The case was instituted with the corpus delicti of inciting suicide, but regardless of whether Georgi Kutoyan was incited to commit suicide or was murdered, it is a murder, and we need to record this. Of course, it is important to know how this happened, but we need to state that a former high-ranking official has been killed. It is the duty of the law-enforcement authorities to reveal this murder. If the state doesnt protect the right to life, the state itself becomes an accomplice to the particular crime. This is troubling and dangerous for everyone. First of all, I express my condolences to the wife, parents and relatives of Georgi Kutoyan, she stated.

According to Postanjyan, Kutoyan is the victim of unlawful acts that are ongoing. When Serzh Sargsyan issued a decree and appointed Kutoyan director of the National Security Service in 2016, I challenged the decree in the Administrative Court, and even though the court unlawfully didnt accept it for proceedings, Mr. Kutoyan didnt meet the criteria of a director of the National Security Service. Kutoyan was a victim of this authoritarian system. No current or former high-ranking official can be protected, if we dont have checks and balances in our country, she said.
From the earliest days of the revolution, Cuba has been sending doctors to treat the poor people of the developing world - a key source of income and influence for the communist island long isolated by a U.S. embargo.

Now the Trump administration is targeting the government's signature medical brigades, urging U.S. allies to cancel their health cooperation agreements and send their Cuban doctors packing.

At least four Latin American countries have done so - another blow to the island as it struggles under tightening U.S. sanctions.

"The U.S. government's crusade against Cuba's international medical cooperation is an insult," Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez tweeted in December. Officials said the program had provided hundreds of thousands of surgeries and training sessions to the countries that canceled, and called the U.S. effort "a disgraceful and criminal act against peoples in need of medical assistance."

The program, which has sent 400,000 doctors to 164 countries since 1960, has always been controversial. Host governments pay the Cuban government; doctors have said they are paid little and are forced to leave their families behind in Cuba so they don't defect.

But medical diplomacy has helped Cuba gain votes in the United Nations from beneficiaries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, and it has been one of the government's largest sources of revenue - $6.3 billion in 2018, more than 6 percent of reported gross domestic product.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called the program a form of slavery and human trafficking. The U.N. Human Rights Council's rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery made an official inquiry to the Cuban government in November.

"We urge host countries to end contractual agreements with the Castro regime that facilitate the #humanrights abuses occurring in these programs," Pompeo tweeted this month. The U.S. government imposed visa restrictions on officials involved in the program, and the Senate has approved resolutions to consider reinstating a parole program that encouraged the doctors to defect.

The recent cancellations reflect a broader change across Latin America - a conservative backlash to the pink tide of leftist governments of the early 21st century, now receding, that has increased Cuba's isolation.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro canceled a $200 million annual agreement in late 2018, ousting more than 8,000 doctors in a program that had served the rural poor since 2013, after objecting to paying the Cuban government.

Ecuadoran President Lenin Moreno sent 400 doctors home in November, in the midst of protests against austerity, and suggested that some of them might have been inciting violence.

Cuba recalled 700 doctors from Bolivia after the resignation of socialist President Evo Morales in November. Cuban officials said the doctors were vulnerable to attack after the interim government of Jeanine Anez suggested that they had been paid by Venezuela to foment unrest.

And Cuba canceled the program in El Salvador in April, after accusations that doctors were performing surgeries without legal authorization.

"The backlash is an important blow for Cuba's dual purpose of income and influence," said Maria Welau, executive director of the Cuba Archive. "The Cubans are losing both in Latin America."

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.

Cuba has suffered amid tightening U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump, after an Obama-era thaw, and a declining flow of subsidized oil from its ally Venezuela. Diaz-Canel has struggled to find a balance between continuing the communist legacy of Fidel and Raul Castro and opening the island to economic modernization.

At least 18,000 Cuban doctors continue to work in more than 60 countries, including at least 15 in Latin America. John Kirk, the author of "Healthcare Without Borders: Understanding Cuban Medical Internationalism," says the program has saved lives throughout the developing world.

Cuban doctors have been deployed to fight diseases such as Ebola in West Africa and to treat the victims of natural disasters - they were the first on the scene after the 2010 earthquake that flattened Haiti.

Kirk, a professor of Latin American studies at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, said Cuba is likely to find other countries to take the doctors who have been kicked out of or recalled from its Latin American neighbors.

"Cuba has more doctors working in the developing world than all of the G-7 countries combined," Kirk said. "Those calling Cuban doctors to defect and countries to end cooperation miss the point, which is that thousands of poor people have greatly benefited from it and would be negatively impacted without it."
Authorities in Panama on Monday began exhuming a mass grave containing the remains of unknown civilians killed during the 1989 US invasion of the Central American country. The move follows a decades-long effort by families of missing people to identify remains buried in a common grave in the capital's Jardin de Paz cemetery. "Finally, after 30 years, it is possible by judicial means, to recover unknown bodies buried in a common grave," said Jose Luis Sosa, who heads a commission investigating human rights violations committed during the invasion. "Families have been looking for their relatives for the past 30 years and the state has not given them an answer," Sosa said. The exhumations follow the reopening of investigations into the circumstances in which civilians were killed during the December 20, 1989 invasion. Officials said the exhumations would be carried out to identify the remains and determine the cause of death. The work is likely to last about two months. Then-US President George H.W. Bush sent 27,000 US troops into Panama on December 20, 1989 to capture Manuel Noriega, the country's military dictator, who had been indicted in the United States for drug trafficking. More than 500 people were killed in the invasion, according to official figures, though some organizations put the number of dead in the thousands. Forensic specialists begin working on exhuming the remains of people killed during the 1989 US invasion of Panama at the Jardin de Paz cemetery in Panama City, on January 20
We started our search for Portland best breweries at the beginning of 2019. In the 12 months that followed, we visited every brewery that calls Portland home, talking to brewers and finding out what makes them tick.

At each spot, we sampled the offerings, from IPAs to lagers to barrel-aged beers to pub styles, farmhouses and sours. What resulted was the Portland Breweries Series, a body of profiles available for anyone to dive into, whether they want to know about their favorite breweries or visit Beervana for its legendary scene.

Portland stands among the globes top beer cities for good reason: Everywhere we turned, world-class beer awaited. Rare was the stop where we were disappointed in the liquid gold set before us.

We visited 49 breweries. Here are the top 20.

GET INSIDER BEER NEWS VIA TEXT: Want to come to the #FakeBrewsIPA release party in February, get a free pint, and get text alerts from Andre about all things Portland and Oregon beer. Sign up now through this limited promotion. Youll not only get that pint of #FakeBrews IPA, youll also be among the first to know about future new releases, new breweries and new trends across the city and state. And the best part? This is a two-way street. What do you want Andre to look into next? Need beer recommendations? Hes there for you, just sign up here.

20

Old Town Brewing has carved out success with its IPAs, both hazy and West Coast. Beth Nakamura/Staff

Old Town Brewing is a place that often flies under the radar but shouldnt. The brewery makes some of the best hazy IPAs around in a market awash in them. And unbeknownst to many, it has two gold medals from the Great American Beer Festival and last year won two golds at the prestigious World Beer Cup. But owner Adam Milne, sales director Joe Sanders and head brewer Andrew Lamont have combined their considerable skills to create a brewery thats high on quality beer, tasty pizza and savvy marketing (check out Sanders videos on YouTube).

Details: 226 N.W. Davis St. and 5201 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; otbrewing.com

Two to try: Shanghaid IPA and Pillowfist hazy IPA

19

St. John's Occidental Brewing opened in the shadow of the St. Johns Bridge in 2011 and has been brewing German-styles beers ever since. Mark Graves/Staff

Dan Engler and nephew Ben Engler churned out their first beer in 2011 with the idea that German-style beers could find traction in a market heavy on IPAs. By luck or by smarts, probably the latter, they opened just ahead of a surge in the popularity of lagers. Serendipity aside, Occidentals well-crafted, classic German styles are the greatest contributor to its success. The brewery in the shadow of North Portlands St. Johns Bridge offers year-round and seasonal beers and recently pushed its boundaries by brewing a Mexican-style lager, Cerveza Clara.

Details: 6635 N. Baltimore Ave.; occidentalbrewing.com

Two to try: Pilsner and Hefeweizen

18

Migration Brewing won two medals at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, bringing its total to three. Jim Ryan/Staff

When Migration opened in Northeast Portland nearly a decade ago, the brewpub quickly became a neighborhood favorite. A year ago, it parlayed its popularity and built a production facility and brewpub in Gresham, more than doubling its barrel production. In the fall, Migration pulled down two bronze medals at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. Migration is a brewery thats going places with its mix of styles. It has traditionally made mostly ales, but its now expanding into other stouts, sours, saisons and a growing barrel-aging program. Migration excels at hoppy beers, and Im looking forward to trying more from its other styles and barrel program.

Details: 2828 N.E. Glisan St. in Portland, 18118 N.E. Wilkes Road in Gresham; 2201 Lloyd Center in Lloyd Center Burger Shack; migrationbrewing.com

Two to try: Mo-Haze-Ic hazy IPA and Cannonball double hoppy red (the two Great American Beer Festival winners)

17

Level Beer offers generally lower-alcohol beers, many in English styles, that are excellently crafted as well as varied from top to bottom of the tap list. Mark Graves/Staff

The brewery, founded in 2016 in the mostly industrial Argay neighborhood east of Portland International Airport, offers generally lower-alcohol beers, many in English styles, and theyre delicious and varied from top to bottom of the taplist. The place is special itself  a property that includes a modern-industrial taproom, spacious greenhouse patio, food-cart pod, numerous childrens play areas, and a dog run where the pooches can roam free. Its a great spot after work or on the weekends, with tasty food truck options in the parking lot.

Details: 5211 N.E. 148th Ave. and 7840 S.W. Capitol Highway; levelbeer.com

Two to try: Game On IPA and Ready Player One dry hopped saison

16

Zoiglhaus offers traditional German-style beers as well as hoppy Northwest ales. Mark Graves/Staff

In Bavaria, five German towns uphold the centuries-old tradition of Zoigl. Residents communally make beer, then families rotate through their homes on assigned nights, sharing food, the beer theyve made, and the warmth of one anothers company. In Southeast Portland, that tradition motivates brewmaster Alan Taylor and the crew at Zoiglhaus, which has become a community and family gathering place for the Lents neighborhood. The beer is outstanding, with mostly German styles regularly occupying eight of the 10 taps. The remaining two are dedicated to American styles  an IPA and the Ramona Red ale  that are popular for those who prefer the hoppier, more-bitter approach.

Details: 5716 S.E. 92nd Ave.; zoiglhaus.com

Two to try: Zoigl-Pils and Hopfenbombe German IPA

15

Rosenstadt Brewery has burst onto the Portland beer scene in recent years by making high-quality German-influenced beers. Mark Graves/Staff

Rosenstadt makes German-style beer in an IPA town, but thats not all that sets it apart. Founders Tobias Hahn and Nick Greiner dont have their own brewing facility or taproom, so they use other breweries systems and lager their beer at a storage facility. The reception has been enthusiastic, a reflection of the quality, with more than 300 restaurants and bars now offering Rosenstadt taps. The beers also now have a semi-home base at Olympia Provisions Public House Eatery in Southeast Portland, where a recent tap list included Vienna Lager, Weissbier, Helles Lager and Schwarzbier. Hahn and Greiner nod to the Northwest palate, especially with Funf Null Drie (503), an amazing pale ale thats fuller-bodied than a traditional German beer.

Details: Served at Olympia Provisions Public House, 3384 S.E. Division St.; rosenstadtbrewery.com

Two to try: Vienna Lager and Schwarzbier

14

Gigantic Brewing of Southeast Portland blends well-made beers with exceptional branding to create one of the city's favorite breweries. Mark Graves/Staff

This Southeast Portland brewery and tasting room is the ideal neighborhood spot to sit and while away a few hours. Its relaxed and funky, with regulars interacting easily with strangers venturing in. Founders and brewers Van Havig and Ben Love have set out to produce high-quality beers in their own quirky way, making beers they say dont fit into categories or particular styles. Theyve succeeded, with many exceptional beers. Gigantic has also set itself apart with bold, dynamic branding and labeling, featuring its distinctive comic-book-like approach.

Details: 5224 S.E. 26th Ave.; giganticbrewing.com

Two to try: Gigantic IPA and Kolschtastic kolsch

13

Baerlic Brewing is quintessential Portland brewery -- a comfy cool taproom bursting with Northwest vibes. Mark Graves/Staff

The Southeast Portland taproom is one of Portlands quintessential comfy spots, and the artisanship of founders Ben Parsons and Richard Hall is on display throughout the tap list. Dad Beer pre-Prohibition lager is crisp but rustic and robust. Punk Rock Time IPA is a light, clean West Coast IPA that shows off the hops. And the European-inspired beers  from the Eastside Pilsner to German-style offerings such as the Chill Helles lager and the Das Haze Craze Hefeweizen  are bright and malty with a light bitterness.

Details: 2235 S.E. 11th Ave. and 6035 N.E. Halsey St.; baerlicbrewing.com

Two to try: Punk Rock Time IPA and Dad Beer Pre-Prohibition Lager

12

Hair of The Dog Brewery is the first brewery of the craft era to use barrels for aging, and its known and respected around the world. Noble Guyon/Staff

Having founded one of the most venerated breweries in Portlands illustrious beer history, Alan Sprints is rightly acknowledged as a pioneer who changed this citys beer trajectory. He opened Hair of the Dog in 1993, revitalizing the pale-ale world of the time with big, bold, higher-alcohol beers and re-introducing an element breweries hadnt employed in ages: barrels. The beers are as relevant and expertly crafted today as ever, deep and rich and satisfying. They make this one of the best places in town to do a vertical tasting of the same beer over different vintages. Sprints also became known for his whimsical naming conventions  beers called Fred, Adam, Bob or Lila, for example. And know this: A Hair of the Dog bottle once sold for $2,000.

Details: 61 S.E. Yamhill St.; hairofthedog.com

Two to try: Adam (Hair of the Dogs first beer is still produced) and Fred

11

Astronomy/astrology-themed Ecliptic Brewing is the home of John Harris, a legend in Oregon brewing over the past three decades. Mark Graves/Staff

John Harris over his career has created recipes for some of Oregons best-known beers: Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Black Butte Porter, Jubelale, Obsidian Stout. But for the past six years, the legend has had his own place where he can create beers in his own inventive way, all under the planetary palette of an astronomy/astrology theme. The North Portland brewery opened in 2013 and makes beers that appeal for their range, quality and whimsical branding, including Carina Peach Sour, Flamingo Planet Guava Blonde Ale, Starburst and Orbiter IPAs, Capella Porter and Phaser Hazy IPA. And Ecliptics food menu  especially the burger  is one of the best among Portlands brewpubs.

Details: 825 N. Cook St.; eclipticbrewing.com

Two to try: Carina Peach Sour and Capella Porter

10

Montavilla Brew Works is a local gem -- a small brewery and tasting room cherished by neighborhood residents. Mark Graves/Staff

Montavilla Brew Works brews no-nonsense, integrity-driven beers, says founder and owner Michael Kora. He has a clear vision for what the brewhouse puts out, specifically, beers that arent flashy or kitschy, and his vision is keen. Youll find crisp, flavorful IPAs, pales, stouts and sours, but youll need to go elsewhere if you want a hazy IPA. This small Southeast Portland brewery and taproom is a treasure among Montavilla neighborhood residents, and its also one of the most underrated and overlooked spots citywide.

Details: 7805 S.E. Stark St.; montavillabrew.com

Two to try: Flam Tap IPA and Plywood Pilsner

9

Portland beer icon Art Larrance built Cascade Brewing into a widely hailed pioneer of the Northwest-style sour beer movement and a tourist destination for those coming to partake in the citys renowned beer scene. Mark Graves/Staff

More than 20 years ago, Portland brewing icon Art Larrance opened Cascade Brewing. But the brewery would make a name for itself in 2006, when he and brewer Ron Gansberg pivoted onto a path less traveled: sour beers. The about-face would change everything, and in short time Cascade would be widely hailed as a pioneer of the Northwest-style sour beer movement and a tourist destination for those coming to partake in the citys renowned beer scene. Cascade remains the gold standard for barrel-aged Northwest sour ales, and the tap list is loaded with exquisite gems that will linger in your memory until you head back for more.

Details: The Lodge at Cascade Brewing at 7424 S.W. Beaverton Hillsdale Highway and Cascade Brewing Barrel House at 939 S.E. Belmont St.; cascadebrewingbarrelhouse.com

Two to try: Kriek and Manhattan NW

8

Great Notion Brewing owners Andy Miller, Paul Reiter and James Dugan (from left) took Portland by storm in 2016 when they introduced their New England IPAs, fruited sours and culinary-inspired beers to the city. Andre Meunier/Staff

On New Years Day 2016, Great Notion Brewing opened and introduced Portland to a new beer style: the New England IPA, and Juice Jr. turned the citys vaunted craft beer scene on its ear. The new, boundary-pushing brewery would quickly become Portlands biggest beer story of the past half-decade, making seriously innovative beer  including culinary-inspired beers  while not taking its innovation too seriously. At Great Notion, you will be served beers with astonishingly creative flavors that are like nothing youve had before.

Details: 2204 N.E. Alberta St. #101; 2444 N.W. 28th Ave.; and coming soon to Cedar Mill at 230 N.W. Lost Spring Terrace, Suite 10; greatnotion.com

Two to try: Juice Jr. hazy IPA and Blueberry Muffin fruited sour

7

Charles Porter and wife Brenda Crow offer some of the city's best wild, aged and mixed-fermentation beers at Little Beast. Mark Graves/Staff

Charles Porter, a founder of esteemed Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, now creates his wild, aged and mixed-fermentation beers at his and wife Brenda Crows place: Little Beast. He brings inventive twists to classic Belgian and European style beers, including saisons and pilsners. Porter uses cultures to create elegant tart-profiled beers, as well as fruit, wild flora and wood-aging to construct layers of remarkable depth and character. And Crow has created a menu featuring her delectable twists on classic American pub fare.

Details: 3412 S.E. Division St.; littlebeastbrewing.com

Two to try: Fera and Animal Family

6

Devin Benware (left) and Shaun Kalis, co-founders of Ruse Brewing, opened their Southeast Portland taproom in July 2018. In 2019, The Oregonian/OregonLive named Ruse its Brewery of the Year. Mark Graves/Staff

Founders Devin Benware and Shaun Kalis opened the doors to Ruse in July 2018 and were initially focused on farmhouses and IPAs. The pair, however, have evolved into generalists who are experts at whatever they craft, cranking out flawless beers across the spectrum of styles. Last year saw Ruse rise to become one of the elite breweries in Portland, a rising star earning The Oregonian/OregonLives recognition as Brewery of the Year for 2019.

Details: 4784 S.E. 17th Ave.; rusebrewing.com

Two to try: Papyrus Iris hazy IPA and Ruse Pilsner

5

Culmination Brewing opened four years ago in Northeast Portland's Kerns neighborhood and is best known for its flagship beer, Phaedrus IPA, but it excels across styles. Dave Killen/Staff

Master brewer and industry consultant Tomas Sluiter decided to open his own place in 2014, and ever since Culmination has been drawing enthusiastic crowds to the Northeast Portland taproom. Sluiters beers are imaginative and refined, served with a small but mighty food menu in a relaxed, casual neighborhood brewpub. You wont find just a straight-forward, limited lineup of IPA, pale, amber, brown or stout beers. Instead, the brewery, puts unique twists on standard styles and adds to them with farmhouses, sours, German styles and barrel-aged beers regularly populating the tap list. Rare is the Culmination beer thats not magnificently executed.

Details: 2117 N.E. Oregon St.; culminationbrewing.com

Two to try: Phaedrus IPA and Trou Belle Saison

4

Von Ebert Brewing has two locations, in the Pearl District and in the Glendoveer neighborhood, with both locations brewing some of the city's best beers. Mark Graves/Staff

After Fat Heads Brewery left town, owner Tom Cook quickly re-opened the doors of the former piano showroom, reimagined the tap list, and started pulling crowds back into the new Von Ebert Brewing. Key to his success: Snagging top brewers Sam Pecoraro and Sean Burke after beloved The Commons brewery closed. Each runs the brewhouse at Von Eberts two sites, with Pecoraro cranking out brilliant IPAs, hazies, pilsners, pales and stouts, among others, in the Pearl District, and Burke overseeing an oak program focusing on high-end styles such as farmhouses, sours, spontaneous fermentation, German-style lagers and mixed-culture beers at Von Eberts Glendoveer brewpub. You want one of the best IPAs youve ever had? Order the Volatile Substance, The Oregonian/OregonLives 2019 Beer of the Year.

Details: 131 N.W. 13th Ave. and 14021 N.E. Glisan St.; vonebertbrewing.com

Two to try: Volatile Substance IPA and Haptic Reality farmhouse

3

Wayfinder Beer, since opening in fall 2016, has become one of Portland's most heralded breweries. Wayfinder is lager-centric but also serves an array of ales, including incredible IPAs. Stephanie Yao Long/Staff

In 2016, the men behind Double Mountain Brewery, Sizzle Pie pizza, Podnahs Pit Barbecue and La Taq opened Wayfinder Beer, a lager-centric brewpub in Portlands Central Eastside. Within a couple of years it was clear the highly anticipated partnership of Charlie Devereux, Matt Jacobson and Rodney Muirhead had surpassed already high expectations and had built one of Portlands most heralded breweries. They also combined the brewery with food of a quality rarely found in brewpubs. One of the keys to their success? Hiring brewmaster Kevin Davey, who oversees a brewhouse producing some of the best lagers, IPAs and pub styles anywhere.

Details: 304 S.E. Second Ave.; wayfinder.beer

Two to try: Hell helles-style lagerbier and Funeral Bock black bock

2

Alex Ganum is the man behind one of Portland's lesser-known but most innovative and respected breweries  Upright Brewing. Mark Graves/Staff

At Upright, founder Alex Ganum has built Portlands low-key hidden gem. Tucked away in the basement of the Leftbank Building near the eastside foot of the Broadway Bridge, Ganum and his small band create unassailable Belgian- and French-influenced farmhouse beers tweaked for a Northwest palate. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Upright has become an open secret in this citys craft beer scene, using mixed and wild fermentation along with barrel aging to create new beer after new beer. Along the way, Upright has built a legion of devotees who regularly make the subterranean trek into the rustic taproom steps from the Moda Center. The beers are inventive, unpredictable and jaw-droppingly good.

Details: 240 N. Broadway; upright@gmail.com

Two to try: Pathways Saison and Special Herbs farmhouse ale

1

Breakside Brewery is synonymous with Portland beer and has the wall of medals to prove it. Dave Killen/Staff

The young brewery came out of nowhere in 2014 when it brought home the top prize in the Great American Beer Festivals coveted IPA category, and Breakside Brewery has set the standard in Portland and the nation since. Take one look at the wall of ribbons hanging behind the bar at the brewerys Milwaukie taproom, and you begin to understand. Take a sip from one of its vaunted IPAs  or sours, or lagers, or pub styles, or barrel-aged series  and you fully comprehend. Ben Edmunds, the only brewmaster majority owner Scott Lawrence has ever needed, leads the Breakside team with smarts, energy, ambition and the keenest of palates. To know Breakside is to know the best Portland has to offer, and its been doing it for almost a decade. It shows no signs of slowing, bringing home three more medals at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival.

Details: 820 N.E. Dekum St.; 1570 N.W. 22nd Ave.; and 5821 S.E. International Way, Milwaukie; breakside.com

What to drink: Pick an IPA (Breakside, Wanderlust or Stay West) and Breakside Pilsner

-- Andre Meunier

Subscribe to Andres text service now and get a month free, an invitation to the #FakeBrews IPA release party, and a free pint there. Also get ongoing alerts about beer releases and news from the Portland and Oregon beer scene. And check out Andres beer reviews on Untappd, where hes andremeunier13, and follow him on Instagram, where hes @oregonianbeerguy.

More beer coverage:
TICKERS: BULL; DCNNF

Source: Ron Struthers for Streetwise Reports (1/20/20)

Given current market conditions, the location and potential of its flagship project, and the strength of its management team, Ron Struthers of Struthers' Resource Stock Report believes this firm represents a solid investment.



I have been looking for a very good junior palladium stock, and I believe this is the best one out there for potential enormous gains. But before I get to that, it is important to have a look at the palladium market, because this bull market is much different than the last one.

The one from 1997 to 2000 was about three years' long, and then palladium dropped, giving up most of the gains in less than a year. There was a nice bump up from the 2008 crisis and then the price traded sideways for several years. The price bottomed at the end of 2015 with the severe bear market in precious metals.

Since then the price has been going steadily higher, with a major break out in 2016. This bull market is not going to end anytime soon for the reasons I will show you in the next couple pages.

Palladium is mostly used in the auto industry for pollution control with catalytic converters. Electric vehicles will be a long time coming to replace any significant amount of gasoline/diesel-driven vehicles. Meanwhile, pollution standards are being tightened that will keep demand high. China has been gobbling up palladium since their China 5 pollution standards took effect in 2013. China 6 will now be coming into effect, which will increase loads per vehicle of palladium. Many analysts have been commenting that China has been secretly stockpiling the metal and is driving prices.

There is no doubt the demand will remain strong, but the real story is on the supply side and I have more detail.

This next graphic illustrates the supply deficit since 2016.

It is obvious to see the increase demand from China as pollution regulations are tightened. They are now moving to China 6.

This next graphic of global mine production is very important because palladium supply is in very unstable regions.

The Russia supply from Norilsk Nickel has always been quite stable and is of no concern, but as investors we cannot really participate there. South Africa is the other big producer and that country is becoming very unstable. More worrisome is that is where all the future reserves are.

The world's largest platinum group metals (PGM) reserves are in South Africa, precisely in the Bushveld Complex (in the central-northern part of the country), which alone accounts for about 50% of the world's palladium resources. But overall South Africa has reserves of 63 million kilograms, which represent over 91% of the worldwide availability.

South African (SA) mines have always been plagued with labor issues, strikes and high costs. To make matters worse the country is now facing an energy crisis, with rolling blackouts shutting down mines. The country will probably become much more unstable, with unemployment hitting 10-year highs. Half the youth are unemployed, and the company that provides 95% of the electricity (when it can) is reporting record financial losses. This is a country teetering on the brink of chaos, which will likely be very disruptive to PGM mine supply.

With all the issues in SA, Sibanye Gold Ltd. (SBGL:NYSE) began diversifying out of the country and acquired the Stillwater PGM mine in the U.S. That used to be my favorite stock to play palladium bull markets. However, they jumped right back into the fray, acquiring Lonmin in late 2019, a struggling SA PGM producer. They promptly cut 5,000 jobs at the mine and it now appears Sibanye is moving more into PGMs from gold. The stock has done well with the rising palladium price, but at these stock prices and a move back to SA, it has become too risky.

Canada is the third largest producing country, so is an obvious place to look. A lot of the palladium production comes from major miners in the Sudbury nickel/copper complex as a byproduct. Obviously this is a good area to look, and there was an excellent investor proxy play there for investors called North American Palladium, which was operating the Lac des Iles palladium mine. Unfortunately for us investors, it was bought out last year by SA producer Implats.

The area had a number of discoveries back in the last bull market, around the year 2000, and I visited a number of those projects back then. I believe the best one is a junior company that just changed its name to Canadian Palladium Resources Inc. (BULL:CSE; DCNNF:OTCQB) (from 21C Metals), and they acquired the East Bull project last year.

East Bull was drilled by Freewest Resources Canada Inc. (FWR:TSX.V) and Mustang Minerals (now Grid Metals Corp. (GRDM: TSX.V) back in the 2000 era and now has a NI43-101-compliant, 523,000-ounce palladium resource. A private company, Pavey Ark Minerals, had the property, and in 2017 they twinned old drill holes and completed the work to bring the project to 43-101 standards. Canadian Palladium acquired a 100% option on the project last February. What makes it very appealing now is that the stock got whacked down in price in the poor junior market of late 2019.

Canadian Palladium

Recent Price: $0.14

52-week trading range: $0.06 to $0.265

Shares outstanding: 64.5 million approx.

All warrants and options are at $0.30 cents and higher

What I consider one of the most important highlights is the company is run by Wayne Tisdale. In the last 10 years he has advanced three juniors and sold them for large profits for his shareholders. He helped finance and advance the Rainy River project and sold it to NewGold in 2013 for $310 million. He developed US Cobalt and in 2018 sold it to First Cobalt Corp. (FCC:TSX.V; FTSSF:OTCQX; FCC:ASX) in a transaction worth about $150 million, to his shareholders' delight. Going back further, he helped finance oil and gas company Ryland Oil, which was bought out by Crescent Point Energy Corp. (CPG:TSX) in 2010 for a $121.8 million valuation.

Mr. Tisdale has a keen eye for finding projects that can quickly be advanced further to make them prime acquisition targets. Canadian Palladium only has a market value now of less than $10 million, and I have no doubt that Mr. Tisdale is going to do it again, and advance East Bull and sell it for hundreds of millions.

Highlights:

Company run by Wayne Tisdale



Low market valuationCA$18 per ounce



East Bull with NI43-101-compliant, 523,000-ounce palladium resource



East Bull can easily be expanded to depth and along strike



Widely spaced drilling only needs infill drilling to upgrade resource



Over 2 million ounce potential



Close to Sudbury complex where ore can be processed

Management Highlights (from the company website)

Wayne Tisdale, CEO, has 40 years of experience in investing, financing and consulting to private and public companies in the areas of mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. He runs his own merchant bank and sits on the board of a number of private and public companies. Over his career, Mr. Tisdale has raised over $2 billion of both equity and debt financing, and has been instrumental in founding several highly successful companies, including Rainy River Resources (purchased by Newgold) and Ryland Oil Corp. (purchased by Crescent Point). Most recently, Mr. Tisdale was integral to the successful sale of US Cobalt to First Cobalt Corp., creating a post-transaction cobalt company valued at almost $400 million.

Michelle Gahagan, chair and director, has been a director of Canadian Palladium since January, 2011. Ms. Gahagan is currently a director of Moovly Media Inc, (MVY:TSX.V) and Versus Systems Inc. (VS:CSE). Prior to her involvement in merchant banking, Ms. Gahagan graduated from Queens University Law School and practiced corporate law for 20 years. Ms. Gahagan has extensive experience advising companies with respect to international tax-driven structures, mergers and acquisitions. Ms. Gahagan has successfully completed the Investment Management Certificate course offered by the Financial Conduct Authority (UK). Most recently, Ms. Gahagan was integral to the successful sale of US Cobalt to First Cobalt Corp.

Garry Clark, director, is a geologist (P Geo) with over 30 years of mineral exploration experience and has held various geological positions with a number of public mining companies. Mr. Clark has extensive experience in managing large-scale exploration and development programs internationally, including in Asia and North America, and has worked extensively in the Hemlo and Wawa districts. He is the executive director of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) and currently serves on the Minister of Mines Mining Act Advisory Committee. Most recently, Mr. Clark was integral to the successful sale of US Cobalt to First Cobalt Corp.

Paul McGuigan, consultant, is a professional geoscientist with 42 years of international experience in economic geology and mineral exploration management, spanning grassroots exploration through to mine feasibility studies and mining operations. Early in his career, he was employed by IBM Canada Ltd., Geological Survey of Canada, Pechiney Ugine Kuhlmann, Imperial Oil, and Esso Minerals Canada. For the last thirty years, Mr. McGuigan has led several consulting and junior mining companies, operating in West Africa, the Middle East, the Southwest Pacific and all of North and South America. His geological expertise includes iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG), volcanogenic massive sulphides, epithermal gold, porphyry Cu-Au, and residual & alluvial gold, platinum and diamond deposits.

ProjectsEast Bull

In the 19992000 period, Freewest drilled 27 holes for a total of 2,902 meters (2,902m) and carried out extensive surface trenching on present claim 4272475. Work by Mustang on the eastern part of the property (claim 1227910) included 11 drill holes for a total of 1,766m. The work by Freewest and Mustang forms the majority of the data for the current resource estimate. The company has copies of Freewest and Mustang logs, sample records and assay certificates for trenches and drill holes.

Additionally, Pavey Ark has reviewed and resampled drill core from the 27 BQ and NQ holes from the Freewest drilling program. Pavey Ark's exploration results in 2017 included:

hole EB17-01 that intersected 12.0 m at 2.87 g/t PGM+Au, 0.23% Cu and 0.13% Ni, and



hole EB17-03 that intersected 7.0 m of 3.21 g/t PGM+Au, 0.16% Cu and 0.07% Ni.

(Note: Au = gold, Cu = copper, and Ni = nickel)

In 2019, BULL completed their initial exploration program at East Bull and reported results Sept. 17, 2019. The following is from the company press release:

"These are highlights from the first sampling program on the East Bull palladium project and field program on the Agnew Lake project: The East Bull property hosts an Inferred resource of 11.1 million tons at 1.46 grams per tonne palladium equivalent (Pd eq) for a total estimate of 523,000 ounces of Pd eq.

"The grab sampling and mapping of the East Bay palladium mineralization has allowed BULL to determine locations to channel sample. The sampling focused on selecting sample locations that were not previously documented. The sampling and mapping were successful in defining areas of the mineralization that when channel sampled will provide economic mineralized intercepts that will increase confidence of the mineral resource. The channel samples will also allow definition of areas of higher-grade palladium that could to direct BULL to potential starter pit locations. The channel sample is a continuous sample cut using a diamond bladed rock saw:

"Seventy-three grab samples were selected to help identify the palladium-bearing rock types of the mineralized trend. Grab samples are used to determine the presence mineralization and may not be indicative of the overall grade of the zone.

Sampling successfully defined locations for channel sampling and the higher grades could indicate potential zones within the mineralized zone for higher-grade starter pits.

Range of palladium assay sample results (1,000 ppb is equivalent to 1.0 grams per tonne).

"Number of samples Range palladium (ppb)

8 Below detection limit

29 less than 100

17 101 to 500

5 501 to 1,000

5 1,001 to 2,000

6 2,001 to 4,000

3 4,001 to 6,569

"This is the same as g/t, so 6 samples ran 2 to 4 g/t palladium. Geological mapping and review of the Freewest diamond drilling in 2000 indicates the northeast-trending faults are composed of multi-intrusions of mafic to diabase dikes. Left lateral movement on the dikes is measured to be up to 100 metres. This graphic gives a good snap shot of the current resource and expansion potential, Mineralization starts at surface and the system appears to be about 30 meters wide. This would be an open pit operation."

Agnew Lake property (also from company resources)

"The Agnew Lake property was acquired in July 2017 after discussions with the company's advisers and review of the Ontario government geological database. It is located 80 kilometers west of Sudbury, Ontario, home of Glencore and Vale's Canadian nickel-copper-platinum-group-elements mining and smelting operations.

"The Agnew Lake property comprises over 260 claims (about 6,000 hectares) and is part of the larger East Bull Lake-Agnew Lake mafic-ultramafic complex. The company believes this acquisition will position it to be one of the larger non-producing palladium explorers in North America.

"The Agnew Lake magmas have major element compositions that are very similar to the model parent liquids proposed for the mafic portions of the Stillwater and Bushveld complexes. The Agnew intrusion and the East Bull Lake intrusion are also considered to host significant PGE-Cu-Ni mineralization in marginal rock units (Peck & James, 1990; Peck et al., 1993a, 1993b, 1995; Vogel et al., 1997)."

In late 2017, BULL completed some initial work on this project. Review of historical data indicated that various palladium-platinum showings were acquired within the staked area. A two-week prospecting and grab sampling program was completed to assess the locations and grade of the various showings. A total of 58 samples have been submitted to the lab."

Tisova Copper/Cobalt project, Czech Republic & Germany

BULL has a third advanced project, the 15,928-hectare Tisova project. It is not the focus now, but just might end up being Mr. Tisdale's fifth sale down the road some day. Here is a graphic of the historical work; more info can be found on the company presentation.

Financial

Last financial statements show just over $400,000 cash. The last financing was $2.8 million done at $0.18 per unit in a May 2018 placement, and included a 24-month $0.30 warrant. The company will have to raise more funding and I do not see any problem with that. When the stock gets over $0.30 they could have substantial financing with warrant exercise.

Summary

A recent update on palladium by TD Securities highlights tightening emission controls, and South Africa as I have explained, is risky, but most interesting is lack of speculative trading positions. TD comments positions held by traders are below average. This rally has room to move and if excessive speculation builds the stock could go way higher.

Regardless whether palladium is $1,200 or $2,000 per ounce, palladium discoveries and deposits will be worth premium valuations, especially in stable jurisdictions. The potential for discoveries in South Africa is very good, but the political risks are rising.

BULL has a lot more going for it besides the bull market in palladium (nice pun). Wayne Tisdale has been successful financing and increasing value of properties and dealing them off for large profits. I believe he will do it again, and he also has a loyal following of shareholders from his past success. BULL just acquired the property last year and there has been little exploration and no drilling, so it has been under the radar. The discovery is on surface, so will be cheap to mine, and is close to the Sudbury complex where refiners can recover PGMs. There are a couple other palladium exploration plays in Canada, but they are mostly old, stale stories, and I believe none have the short-term potential that the East Bull project has.

Currently the 523,000-ounce palladium resource is valued at a mere CA$18 per ounce, which is very low. Part of the reason is that the resource is only Inferred. If drilling success starts to prove larger potential and the resource gets move up to the measured and indicated category it could easily be valued at $300 to $500 per ounce.

The only exploration news from last year was sample results that came out last September, just when the junior market started heading south. The stock made a decent move higher, then just drifted lower until a typical year-end bottom. Last week the stock broke above the downtrend line when it hit $0.12 on good volume. I expect this move will take the stock to at least the $0.20 resistance area. The project has year-round access and the winter is a good time to drill. If we get that news, the stock could more easily break above the $0.20 resistance level.

Ron Struthers founded Struthers' Resource Stock Report 23 years ago. The report covers senior and junior companies with ample trading liquidity. He started his Millennium Index of dividend stocks in 2003 - $1,000 invested then was worth over $4,000 end of 2014 and the index returned 26.8% in 2016. He retired from IBM after 30 years in customer service, systems and business analyst, also developing his own charting software. He has expertise in junior start-ups and was a co-founder of Paramount Gold and Silver.

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Disclosure:

1) Ron Struthers: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Canadian Palladium. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company currently has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: Canadian Palladium is an advertiser at playstocks.net. Additional disclosures below. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector.

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Following the now-trending news that PDP members took to the street to protest the removal of Emeka Ihedioha as Imo state governor by the Supreme court, the new governor of the state, Hope Uzodinma, has described the action as a move to overthrow the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He made this known while receiving APC members who held a solidarity march for him in Owerri.

If it is the Imo State governorship election, why are PDP members protesting in Abuja, Bayelsa and everywhere in the country? Why are they not protesting only in Imo state? Uzodinma said.

PDP wants to overthrow the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. I, therefore, use this medium to call on all the security agencies to begin an investigation into the organized synchronized national crisis, which the PDP is plotting.

Read Also: Uzodinma Is My Friend, Brother And Party Man, Says Okorocha Amid Probe

I want you to keep supporting the government of President Buhari. You all know that I was the frontrunner candidate during the 2019 governorship election in Imo State. I did not challenge the election on the grounds of violence.

He said he challenged the election in court because the electoral commission refused to accept the results of 388 polling units it had accepted at the collation centers.

The tribunal did not understand our petition. The appeal court gave us a minority judgment, but the supreme court, in its wisdom, understood our petition and gave judgment in our favour, he said.

I am already the governor and I am in charge of Imo state government house. Why would anybody challenge the integrity and wisdom of the supreme court justices? The supreme court justices gave us a majority judgment.
DJ Khaled and his wife Nicole Tuck are already parents to their son Asahd, aged three.

And the parents welcomed their second child in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He announced the birth with a photo high-fiving his wife's doctor.

Though the music star live streamed the birth of their first child, he was more private with the second birth, sharing photos throughout the process with fans on Instagram.

New baby Khaled: DJ Khaled and his wife Nicole Tuck welcomed their second child in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He announced the birth with a photo high-fiving his wife's doctor

The I'm the One artist wrote: 'THANK YOU ALLAH! THANK YOU MY QUEEN NICOLE.'

'BLESS UP DR JIN,,' he wrote thanking the doctor pictured before signing off with his signature phrase. 'ANOTHER ONE!'

Throughout his wife's labor the Florida based star shared pictures in the exam room and in the hallway, anticipating the arrival and looking a bit stressed.

Before: Though the music star live streamed the birth of their first child, he was more private with the second birth, sharing photos throughout the process with fans on Instagram

In one photo he looks down as Dr. Jin gives him a reassuring touch. and he wrote in the caption 'DR JIN said you ready.'

The 44-year-old DJ and record producer announced his wife was exepecting their second son in fall of 2019.

They welcomed Asahd in 2016. The young boy has already been featured as an executive producer on his father's album.

You got this: In one photo he looks down as Dr. Jin gives him a reassuring touch

Last year he shared ultrasound photos and videos with his 17.9 million Instagram followers.

Alongside a video posted to Instagram of Nicole undergoing her ultrasound scan, the Wild Thoughts hitmaker wrote: 'God is the greatest.'

'All I ever wanted to do was inspire the world to be great and to leave a legacy.'

Excited: 'Almost 3 years ago when I found out my queen was expecting our son Asahd I knew my life would change forever and that OUR legacy would soon be on the way,' he wrote previously

Family of four: They welcomed Asahd in 2016. The young boy has already been featured as an executive producer on his father's album

'Almost 3 years ago when I found out my queen was expecting our son Asahd I knew my life would change forever and that OUR legacy would soon be on the way.'

'Just when I thought life couldn't get any better, I received another blessing that my queen is expecting an addition to our legacy.'

'I'm feeling more inspired than ever now. (sic)'
In one of the biggest crackdowns on the train ticketing touts in recent times, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested a madrassa-educated, self-taught software developer from Jharkhand and claimed, here on Tuesday, to have busted an e-ticketing racket with suspected links to terror funding and money laundering.

The scam mastermind was based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officials said.



Addressing the media, Arun Kumar, RPF Director General, said, "After we launched the Operation Thunderstorm last year against ticket touts, a name -- Ghulam Mustafa -- kept appearing on our radar."



Mustafa was arrested from Bhubaneswar earlier this year, and the RPF recovered from him two laptops with software named ANMS. "By using this software, he bypassed the barriers, like providing captcha and bank OTPs (one-time password), set up to curb illegal ticketing," Kumar said.





The scamsters then converted the collected money to crypto currency and through shadow net sent that abroad, which was allegedly used in "terror funding, money laundering and others," he said. "We have identified a person named Hamid Ashraf, based in Dubai, and suspected him to be the mastermind of the racket," Kumar said.



Ashraf, the DG said, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Railway Vigilance and the police in 2016 from Basti in UP. But after getting bail, he escaped to Dubai via Nepal.



During Mustafa's interrogation by the NIA, the Karnataka Police and the Intelligence Bureau, it was found that he was using the Darknet to convert the money to crypto currency for laundering.



Mustafa also used 563 personal IRCTC IDs to book confirmed tickets through ANMS software and around 3,000 bank accounts.



"The decryption of his laptop revealed that he was a follower of the Pakistan-based Tableek-e-Jamaat and had many Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Middle-Eastern, Indonesian and Nepalese numbers. He also had a software to create fake Aadhaar and PAN cards," the DG said.



A number of Pakistani software and several highly encrypted messages were found in his laptop.



The RPF has also identified a software company that was receiving money from the group. The company is being investigated by the Singapore Police for money laundering.



"We have also traced a person named Guruji, believed to be the group's technical expert, who recently received Rs 13 lakh from Mustafa," Kumar said. Guruji was using Yogoslavian number of VPN to avoid the identification, he added.



"He is also suspected to be facilitating Bangladeshi nationals for treatment at several hospitals, which could be part of an organ trade operated by them," the RPF officer said.



The ANMS software, developed by them, the D-G said worked in tiers, with the main developer at the top of the chart, followed by the lead sellers or super admins who handled money and sent them to Ashraf through Hawala accounts and crypto currency. Then were panel sellers, the people who bought the software for selling tickets, and the last tier included agents, he said.



"We have arrested 27 people on the basis of Mustafa's questioning," Kumar said.
China on Tuesday tightened control on people exiting and entering Wuhan the central Chinese city at the core of the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, which has killed six people, infected 300 and spread panic and anxiety ahead of the countrys biggest festival, the Lunar New Year (LNY).

As many as 300 people have been infected, health authorities said Tuesday, adding that two more people died in Wuhan in the past 24 hours, pushing the toll up to six.

Two cases were confirmed in Tianjin, a city neighbouring Beijing, and another 5 in the city of Chongqing, a megapolis of 30 million people.

Reports in the last 24 hours said the virus had spread across China. There are at least seven reported cases of the virus reaching Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia.

Authorities are now attempting to isolate the previously unknown virus in Wuhan, the capital of central Chinas Hubei province and a transport and education hub.

The Wuhan municipal health commission has said local tourist groups had been banned from traveling outside of the city and vehicles entering and leaving will be subject to spot checks.

Local authorities will continue to exercise control over entry and exit into Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, the suspected source of the novel coronavirus.

Thirty-five stationary infrared thermometers and over 300 hand-held ones have been used to screen passengers with fevers at various transport terminals in Wuhan, including the airport, railway stations, bus stations and passenger piers, official news agency Xinhua reported.

It added: Passengers with fevers will be registered, provided masks and brochures about pneumonia and advised to see doctors. Ticket cancellations and changing will be free of charge for them, according to the municipal government.

The Chinese foreign ministry said it wasnt a complete ban on exiting or entering Wuhan city.

What I just said is that at present, the local government in Wuhan has strengthened the control over the personnel entering and leaving Wuhan. I understand that some inspections are carried out when they leave and enter Wuhan, and there is not a complete ban on entry and exit, ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang, said Tuesday.

For Wuhan residents, this Lunar New Year will be a muted if not a dark one as celebrations to mark the new year eve on January 24, which attracts huge crowds, have been cancelled.

Questions are being raised whether the right steps were taken by the government  even by the state media.
Risk and reward are two of the most commonly used words in investing. The two are symbiotic and complement each other perfectly. Where there is more risk, the reward is likely to be more abundant. Of course, the equation works the other way too: less risk, probably less reward.

The thesis is simple: a company such as Google is likely a pretty safe place for an investment. But with a market cap of $1 trillion, how much value can the company add to its share price? On the other hand, investing in a fledgling biotech with life-changing treatments in the pipeline could potentially see an investment yield extraordinary returns. Lets not forget, though, this sort of investment also carries a significant amount of risk with it.

With this in mind, TipRanks Stock Screener pointed us in the direction of three Healthcare stocks the experts on the Street think could soar in the year ahead. And by soar, we mean at least double their current value. The risk here as an investor is higher, but as we know by now, so are the possible rewards. As an added bonus, all three currently have a Strong Buy consensus rating from the Street. Lets take a look at the data.

ProQR Therapeutics (PRQR)

ProQRs back story is unusual. The company was founded after CEO Daniel de Boers newborn son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. De Boer, with the help of several co-founders, then formed ProQR  a biotech with a focus on providing new medicines for rare diseases. There are approximately 7,000 rare diseases in the world today, and only 400 currently have treatments, a situation ProQR hopes to change with the use of RNA therapies.

The company has a diverse portfolio of therapies all in different stages of development. Among these are Sepofarsen, a treatment for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA-10), the most common genetic cause of childhood blindness. Sepofarsen works by repairing the genetic defect in the RNA, with it standing to fill a gap as there arent any approved treatments available. The FDA and EMA have granted the drug orphan designation, and top-line data from the on-going Phase 2/3 Illuminate trial is expected during the first half of 2021. The company is also developing QR-421a, a treatment for Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disease that is the main cause for combined blindness and deafness. It should be noted that the therapy has been granted fast track designation by the FDA.

Story continues

Evercores Joshua Schimmer is impressed with Sepofarsens results so far. The 5-star analyst explained, We saw 12 month data help confirm the durability of treatment effect in the pivotal Phase 2/3 dose through 12 months. The strong responses were maintained across visual acuity, mobility and sensitivity endpoints. The Phase 1/2 results bode well for the Phase 2/3 and may help validate the other pipeline opportunities We remain encouraged by the LCA10 12-month data and see read-through to other larger indications.

Therefore, Schimmer reiterated an Outperform rating on PRQR, along with a price target of $34. Should the target be met, investors stand to pocket a massive 323% 12-month gain. (To watch Schimmers track record, click here)

The Street is equally confident in the rare disease fighters ability to soar over the next 12 months. A Strong Buy analyst consensus is formed of Buy ratings only, 5 to be precise. The average price target is $28.80 and indicates possible upside of 258%. (See ProQR stock analysis on TipRanks)

Cellectis SA (CLLS)

French gene-editing pioneer Cellectis has been turning heads recently with its novel approach to cancer treatment.

The company has developed a gene-editing technology called TALEN and has been making deals with fellow companies to advance effective cancer therapies. It recently announced a deal with Iovance Biotherapeutics, to which Cellectis has granted exclusive global rights for the use of its gene-editing technology to edit a series of cancer treatments known as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, or TILs. Cellectis, in return, will receive royalties on sales of gene-edited TILs from Iovance along with development and sales milestone payments.

Cellectis also has deals with French pharmaceutical company Servier. The two are collaborating on five targets, including UCART19, a cellular therapy candidate against lymphoid malignancies progressing through trials. Additionally, Cellectis has a partnership with cancer-focused biotech Allogene. The company has been granted a license from Cellectis for the development of ALLO-501, a similar treatment to UCART19 but manufactured using a different process. Phase 1 has started in relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nomuras Christopher Marai believes Cellectis remains grossly undervalued vs. peers. The 4-star analyst noted, We estimate that even a modest 8x on $80 million in potential royalties (estimate 8% royalties on sales, and up to $185 million in milestones per target) is justified by ALLOs valuation (that incorporates mostly ALLO-501, in our view). This suggests that UCART19 alone should be worth $640 million in enterprise value to CLLS, or $15/share alone. This does not consider the 69.1% stake in Calyxt (~$125 million enterprise value).

What does this mean, then? It means Marai is bullish on CLLS. The analyst reiterated a Buy rating on Cellectis alongside a price target of $73. Should the figure be met, gains of 300% could be in the cards over the next year. (To watch Marais track record, click here)

And what does the rest of the Street reckon 2020 has in store for the gene-editing company? Upside is the answer  Cellectis Strong Buy consensus rating breaks down into 4 Buys and 1 Hold. The average price target is $42.75 and implies a possible 12-month rise of 134%. (See Cellectis stock analysis on TipRanks)

Kura Oncology (KURA)

Kura is another biotech fighting the good fight against cancer. The company is focused on treatments for solid tumors and blood cancers, with several candidates in the pipeline.

All eyes, though, are currently on the companys lead candidate, Tipifarnib, an oral nonpeptidomimetic farnesyl transferase inhibitor. It can be used in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia. The drug is presently in various stages of development for the treatment of several indications, and was recently granted fast track designation by the FDA for the treatment of patients with HRAS-mutant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Last month, Kura presented data from its ongoing Phase 2 trial for tipifarnib in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) at the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Deutsche Banks Konstantinos Aprilakis came away impressed. The analyst stated, We see the impressive clinical efficacy presented for tipifarnib in AITL at ASH as well as the positive regulatory guidance, especially the low bars for success in the pivotal trial, as encouraging for the company and supportive of an accelerated path forward for tipifarnib in the setting of blood cancers.

To this end, Aprilakis left a Buy rating and price target of $28 unchanged, implying upside potential of a handsome 119%. (To watch Aprilakis track record, click here)

Other members of the Street are with the Deutsche analyst on Kura. 4 Buy recommendations from analysts tracked over the last three months add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target comes in at $29.50 and indicates potential upside of 131%. (See Kura stock analysis on TipRanks)
Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): BJP leader V Satyamurthy on Tuesday accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of misleading the people and said that there is no need for three capitals in the state.



Satyamurthy, along with other party leaders and workers, held a rally in Vijayawada today against the state government's decision to pass the 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020'.

"They don't have a proper solution for any of the problems the state is facing. Some of the problems the state is facing have in fact been created by Jagan Mohan Reddy and former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu," Satyamurthy told ANI.

He said that these two are misleading and making fun of the crores of people in the state.

"There is no need to shift the capital. If you (state government) don't have money, then don't spend it. Where is the money for you to shift the capitals? He is doing whatever he wants because of the brute majority they secured in the assembly elections," Satyamurthy said.

"Why cannot they focus on the development of all 13 districts? They don't have to shift the capital to do that," he added.

This comes after Andhra Pradesh State Assembly on Monday passed the 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020', which proposes to have a legislative capital at Amaravati, executive capital and Raj Bhavan at Visakhapatnam and judicial capital at Kurnool to fulfil the aspirations of all regions. (ANI)


The organiser of a bondage show at the Adelaide Fringe Festival has been accused of racism and anti-Semitism after he was pictured in a Ku Klux Klan-style costume.

A picture of 50 Shades of Fringe organiser Shayne Budgen circulated online, showing the 45-year-old in white briefs, pink suspenders and hood worn by the white supremacist group.

A change.org petition was created and more than 1,000 people are calling for the Adelaide Fringe Festival Board of Directors to condemn the behaviour.

'It has come to the attention of the arts community that Shayne 'Rax' Budgen, producer of 50 Shades of Fringe (Acts One & Two), routinely wears inflammatory anti-Semitic and racist costuming, and parading this as kink,' the petition says.

A picture of 50 Shades of Fringe organiser Shayne Budgen circulated online, showing the 45-year-old in white briefs, pink suspenders and hood worn by the white supremacist group. The picture, taken on Friday evening, was shared in a private Facebook group before it was taken from the chat without Mr Budgen's permission, cropped and spread on social media

'This individual clearly has little care for the health and wellbeing of others, nor the empathy for those who witnessed and suffered horrors during the Holocaust or persecution of People of Colour.

'As artists, we will not stand for anti-Semitism or racism in any form. We respect our entire artistic and wider community, regardless of race, religious beliefs, sexuality, gender and many more beautiful and celebrated features of human beings.

'We call on Adelaide Fringe and its Board of Directors to condemn the behavior of this individual and remove this event from their program.'

But Mr Budgen says the controversial costume is 'nothing to do with a political statement and the power of the KKK and the white influence'.

'This is a dress-up party, it's a message for people to not take life so seriously,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'If we're taking the p*** out of a movement, we're taking the power away from it.

'Bad taste, bad humour but there is no other political statement ever.'

The picture, taken on Friday evening, was shared in a private Facebook group before it was taken from the chat without Mr Budgen's permission, cropped and spread on social media.

A change.org petition was created and more than 1,000 people are calling for the Adelaide Fringe Festival Board of Directors to condemn the behaviour

Mr Budgen, who is originally from New Zealand, said he was 'born and bred' in a multicultural community, adding there is 'no bigotry in me'.

'[I'm] '100 per cent not a bigot. I'm a supporter of open and alternative lifestyles. Very open-minded,' he said.

'It comes down to bad taste, yes I wear bad taste. But does that mean someone's a bigot for what they wear at a dress up party? Absolutely not.'

Mr Budgen has been organising events at the Switch adult party for 10 years and each year he tries to 'up the ante' to deliver something new to guests.

Mr Budgen says the controversial costume is 'nothing to do with a political statement and the power of the KKK and the white influence'. 'This is a dress-up party, it's a message for people to not take life so seriously,' he told Daily Mail Australia

He describes Switch as a 'club night of kink and BDSM where we offer a safe place for people who are curious'.

'It's simply about coming to an event and getting dressed up if you want to.'

He said he first got into BDSM about 15 years ago because of its fashion.

'We do them [the costumes] big, we do them loud,' he said.

The event description for 50 Shades of Fringe describes Switch SA as the 'kink and BDSM event of Adelaide'.

'With no holds barred and often leaving our crowd members triggered and thrown well into the deep end of what some play scenes can consist of, in a very quick and brief look into a very fringe and alternative lifestyle.

'All the language, art, nudity and content warnings... Mum would not approve!'

Adelaide Fringe said they met with Mr Budgen to discuss the issues raised online.

'By its nature, the Adelaide Fringe is very liberal and makes every attempt to give priority to artists,' they said in a statement.

'While Adelaide Fringe is open access, the Fringe terms and conditions state that it can not accept any event, content or material that is liable to promote or incite misogynistic, racial, ethnic, religious or homophobic hatred, or any content that promotes hatred of any particular community or persons.

'In reviewing the situation, the Board of the Adelaide Fringe has made a decision to remove this show from the Fringe and ticketing platform.'
Trump, EU commission chief discuss 'trade deal' in Davos



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



US President Donald Trump and new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that they are working towards agreeing a US-EU trade pact, as both sides seek to reduce bilateral commerce tensions.

The United States and European Union have since 2017 been seeking to work on a trade deal, but efforts have stalled.

Trump's meeting with von der Leyen on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, their first since she took office, indicated both sides want to find a new momentum with the White House saying it now expected "tangible progress".

"We're going to talk about a good trade deal. We'll be discussing other things also," Trump, accompanied by top economic advisors including Wilbur Ross and Robert Lighthizer, told reporters as the meeting began.

A trade deal "is something that we all want to be able to make," he added.

Von der Leyen said she was looking forward to working with Trump, saying Americans and Europeans are "good friends".

The EU commission said after the talks the two sides would meet "soon" for new talks in Washington.

"I am convinced that we can engage in a positive US-EU agenda in trade, as well as on technology, energy and much more besides," von der Leyen said in a statement.

Trump joked he'd heard that the "highly respected" von der Leyen is "a very tough negotiator, which is bad news for us."



- 'Confront global challenges' -



But the White House was positive after the meeting, saying in a statement that Trump and von der Leyen "agreed that the United States and the European Union need to work together to confront global challenges such as China's unfair trade practices and telecommunications and energy insecurity."

"President Trump reiterated the importance of free, fair, and reciprocal trade, and that the United States expects tangible progress toward a United States-European Union trade deal in the near future," the White House said.

Trump also discussed a trade deal with Simonetta Sommaruga, the president of Switzerland, which is not an EU member, at a separate meeting. "They want to do a deal and we'll see what we can do," he said.

Sommaruga said she would also discuss global warming, something which Trump has frequently cast doubt on, despite the nearly unanimous agreement of scientists around the world that the phenomenon exists and is accelerating.

"I think it's worth also to talk about," she said.

The talks with the Europeans came shortly after Paris announced a truce in its tussle with Washington over plans for taxing US technology companies earning revenue in France. Trump had threatened to hit back with tariffs.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, speaking before a Brussels meeting with EU counterparts, said President Emmanuel Macron and Trump had talked and "agreed to avoid all escalation between the US and France on this digital tax issue."

A French diplomatic source said the French and US leaders, who spoke by telephone on Sunday, agreed to give negotiations a chance to avoid "a trade war that will benefit no one".

Trump said Tuesday that he "is very happy with the result."

Washington has also moved this month to ease tensions on other trade fronts.

The US Senate this month voted to approve a new trade agreement linking the United States, Canada and Mexico. The United States and China also signed a long-awaited, if partial, deal to ease trade frictions.
Three Katyusha rockets fell on Tuesday inside Baghdads Green Zone which houses government buildings and foreign missions, Iraqi police sources told Reuters, Trend reports.

The three rockets were launched from Zafaraniyah district outside Baghdad, the sources said, adding that two rockets landed near the U.S. embassy.
State lawmakers introduced bills Tuesday designed to bring more control of Pennsylvanias 14 state-owned universities into the home office in Harrisburg, a move supporters say will put the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in better position to adapt to changing demographics and job markets, tight budgets and new teaching technologies.

But the changes are also an acknowledgment that PASSHE, at present, is losing ground to competitors, and needs a makeover if its going to continue its mission of opening doors to higher education to middle- and lower-income families, and serving as one of the great equalizers in the states economy.

System-wide, student enrollments have dropped for nine straight years, even as it remains by far the lowest-priced provider of a four-year, residential college experience.

One of the new bills, sponsored by House Education Committee Chair Curt Sonney, R-Erie County, would put the system on a governance model much closer to that used by Penn State and other so-called state-related universities, with a stronger central board that can make decisions for the network of campuses as a whole.

Included in those new powers, a stronger PASSHE Board of Governors would also gain the authority to close campuses, where warranted.

Initially formed in 1982, the PASSHE board is fairly weak in its power to impose direct change on its member schools, and the authority to close or consolidate rests solely with the state Legislature and governor.

Nobody really wants to close a facility, said Sonney. But maybe partnerships with one of the other colleges will work instead of a standalone. We might not have fourteen universities when its all said and done. Maybe well have twelve. But that doesnt necessarily mean that any of these campuses close. They could simply become a branch campus of one of the other universities.

Theres a lot of options that would be available should we get this legislative package through the General Assembly.

Another part of the reform package, authored by Rep. Jesse Topper, R-Bedford County, would grant the systems member schools more financial independence, by clarifying that any dollars raised from tuition, philanthropy and other sources will not be subject to the same usage restrictions as direct appropriations from state government.

The bills come as the next step in a redesign effort that really got legs in 2018 with the hiring of new PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein.

Greenstein is already asking the state for an extra $100 million in aid over the next five years. That money will go, the chancellor told PennLive last year, toward creating the infrastructure needed to support shared services across the 14 campuses.

Many of the functions that need to be done to run a university  such as payroll and benefits, information technology buys, even facilities management decisions  re-occur 14 times over in the current system. Greenstein wants to do them on a systemwide scale.

Such efficiencies could also come into play on the academic side, the chancellor noted.

Nursing, Greenstein said by way of illustrating Tuesday, is a high-cost training regimen that makes it difficult for small programs to break even, in an occupation area where the state is said to be short by about 30,000 people by 2025.

PASSHE could easily consolidate aspects of its nursing programs under a central administration and save costs, while perhaps scaling up instruction across the state. But at present, Greenstein said, that takes a consensus-building process involving leadership at the individual schools, and that can take years to effectuate.

That basic ability to respond to high-need areas that require more than one university acting together is simply not available to the board now, and this would correct that, he said.

The system universities educate nearly 96,000 students and include Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.

Topper and Sonney said that they want to do what they can to support Greensteins redesign efforts, and their intent is to get the bills on Gov. Tom Wolfs desk before the summer recess.

Obviously if were going to ask for him to make some of these decisions, then we need as a Legislature to make sure that we have his back, and I think thats what this package of bills really does, Topper said.

We have a system that basically is 14 stand-alone universities, not cooperating as a cohesive system. And we really need them to operate as a cohesive system so that the changes can be made, whatever they might be, said Sonney.

Gov. Tom Wolfs administration has not taken a position on the PASSHE package yet. Wolfs Press Secretary J.J. Abbott said the bill are under review.

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A headline in the Jan. 10 newspaper, To speed up projects, Trump wants to cut environmental red tape, is misleading. The red tape that will be cut is the requirement that federal infrastructure projects take into account the long-term and cumulative effect of the action. This is only the latest of the Trump administrations reckless gutting of environmental protections designed to safeguard our water and air, and the health of current and future generations. As the perils of climate change grow ever more urgent, we should be increasing our oversight of environmental pollution, not dismissing current protections as pesky red tape.

Roberta Richards, Portland
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

In 2019, imports of lubricants to Georgia amounted to 20,300 tons, which is 1,000 tons or 5.2 percent more than in 2018 (19,300 tons), Trend reports referring to the Union of Petroleum Importers of Georgia.

Last year, Georgia imported the largest volume of lubricants from Iran  4,940 tons, which was 24.03 percent of total imports.

At the same time, Georgia imported 3,850 tons (19 percent) of lubricants from Turkey, 3,130 tons (15.4 percent) from Russia, 1,910 tons (9.4 percent) from Germany, and 1,020 tons (5 percent) from Ukraine.

In 2018, the largest volumes of lubricant imports to Georgia were supplied by Iran  4,000 tons, Turkey  3,500 tons, Russia  3,400 tons, and Germany  1,800 tons.

In 2019, aviation fuel imports to Georgia amounted to 101,800 tons, which is similar to indicators of 2018.

Georgia imported 39.7 percent (40,400 tons) of aviation fuel from Turkmenistan, 28.3 percent (28,800 tons) - from Egypt, and 26.8 percent (27,300 tons) - from Turkey and other countries.

According to the Union of Petroleum Exporters, the decline in aviation oil imports is associated with the suspension of Georgian-Russian flights.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
Fresh off his excruciating, autobiographical Honey Boy, Shia LaBeouf has already finished his next screenplay. He'll take a break from exhuming his own trauma to tackle that of Brockhampton's Kevin Abstract, a good friend.

As The Playlist appears to have first caught, a script titled Minor Modifications submitted by LaBeouf has appeared on the screenwriting website The Black List. The official synopsis (which sits behind a paywall) reads: "Based on the life of rapper Kevin Abstract, this biographical fiction follows a Texas teen as he struggles with identity, finding meaningful relationships, sexual fluidity, and his direction in life."

LaBeouf also teased the project on 3rd & Fairfax, the podcast of the Writers Guild of America West, saying, "I'm trying to get as close to my subject as I am to myself."

On the episode, he went into detail about his relationship with Abstract, who's called LaBeouf his mentor.

"I've go to his house all the time," he explained. "So much so that we started like a therapy group in his house, trying to recreate what I had in rehab. And so, every Friday, we have all his friend's come over and it serves as a way for us all to connect. There's like 60 of us in a kitchen, and we talk our shit from like nine to 11 every Friday. It's called Friday therapy. We invite friends, it's a little bit of a party, but also like forced connection, where everyone gets 10 minutes to sorta unveil themselves. Because he's a very closeted person personally, he exhibits a lot in these moments. It's dual-headed snake for me, it's a way for me to have a 60 friends and it allows me to get closer to him without being a stalker or a writer. That's been going on for about a year now."

Abstract and LaBeouf previously spoke about their therapy sessions for an i-D feature, but didn't explain that the meetings began as a way for LaBeouf to write about the musician. The queer artist, who was born in Corpus Christi, Texas before running away from home at 15 and founding Brockhampton at 18, certainly has a a filmworthy story.

Honey Boy was among the many snubbed Oscar films this year, and its reviews were mixed. Maybe Abstract's story will provide LaBeouf's real breakthrough as a filmmaker.

For his part, while under LaBeouf's microscope, Abstract released his third solo album Arizona Baby, Brockhampton's fifth album, Ginger, and modeled for Calvin Klein.
And then there were nine.

NASA has chosen nine finalists in the student naming contest for its next Mars rover, which currently goes by the bland Mars 2020 (a reference to its launch window, which extends from July through August of this year).

The space agency picked three submissions in each of the three age categories  grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12.

Related: NASA's Mars Rover 2020 Mission in Pictures

The monikers, and the students who proposed them, are:

Endurance , K-4, Oliver Jacobs of Virgina.

, K-4, Oliver Jacobs of Virgina. Tenacity , K-4, Eamon Reilly of Pennsylvania.

, K-4, Eamon Reilly of Pennsylvania. Promise , K-4, Amira Shanshiry of Massachusetts.

, K-4, Amira Shanshiry of Massachusetts. Perseverance , 5-8, Alexander Mather of Virginia.

, 5-8, Alexander Mather of Virginia. Vision , 5-8, Hadley Green of Mississippi.

, 5-8, Hadley Green of Mississippi. Clarity , 5-8, Nora Benitez of California.

, 5-8, Nora Benitez of California. Ingenuity , 9-12, Vaneeza Rupani of Alabama.

, 9-12, Vaneeza Rupani of Alabama. Fortitude , 9-12, Anthony Yoon of Oklahoma.

, 9-12, Anthony Yoon of Oklahoma. Courage, 9-12, Tori Gray of Louisiana.

Public input is one criterion NASA will use to pick the final name, and the agency is therefore encouraging folks to vote for their favorite online at go.nasa.gov/name2020 . But you'll have to act relatively fast; voting closes at midnight EST (0500 GMT) on Jan. 28.

"After the poll closes, the nine student finalists will discuss their rover names with a panel including [NASA Planetary Science Division director Lori] Glaze, NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, NASA-JPL rover driver Nick Wiltsie and Clara Ma, who earned the honor of naming the Mars rover Curiosity as a sixth-grade student in 2009," NASA officials wrote in a statement . (JPL is the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, which will lead the new rover's mission.)

"The contest will conclude in early March, when the rover's new name  and the student behind it  are announced," NASA officials added. "The grand prize winner will also receive an invitation to see the spacecraft launch in July 2020 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida."

The car-size Mars 2020 is scheduled to touch down inside the 28-mile-wide (45 kilometers) Jezero Crater in February 2021. The rover will do a variety of work on the Red Planet, including hunt for signs of ancient life, test out tech that could aid human exploration and collect and cache samples for future return to Earth.

The student naming contest is a long-standing tradition. Kids have named all of NASA's Mars rovers  Sojourner, which launched in 1996; Spirit and Opportunity, which lifted off in 2003; and Curiosity, which landed on Mars in 2012 and continues to work there today.

Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, " Out There " (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate ), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook .
The four week period known as January can be difficult to navigate.

The hours of sunlight are depressingly short, one's soul is depleted due to the abstinence of vino (thanks alot, Dry Jan) and the promise of summer and its warmer climes seems a very, very long way away.

While some abstain from hair removal (see Janu-hairy), and some from boozing, there are also those who opt out of consuming, and wearing, animal products.

In 2019, 250, 000 people signed up to the official "Veganuary" movement, the highest-ever recorded figure, with much more following it without signing up officially.

MooShoes is a vegan-owned business that sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories. / MooShoes

The sartorial debate surrounding leather is particularly pertinent: searches for "vegan leather" have increased by 17 per cent since the beginning of January, according to Lyst.

The greenhouse gases emitted from the raising of livestock, of which leather is a byproduct, are concerning - agriculture, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, is responsible for up to 18 per cent of the total release of greenhouse gases worldwide.

Stella McCartney launched her eponymous label in 2001 with "vegetarian" principles, meaning she has never used fur, leather skin or feathers and since 2013 she has used alter-nappa for her best-selling Falabella bag, shoes and ready-to-wear  a blend of polyester and polyurethane with a recycled polyester backing.

While McCartney is the unequivocal luxury eco-trailblazer for the vegan accessory market, there are other brands also keeping it conscious, without compromising on those all-important style credentials. These are the ones you need to know.

Beyond Skin

East Sussex-based Beyond Skin was established in 2001 with the clear focus of creating luxury and on-trend vegan footwear.

Designed in England but ethically handcrafted in Spain using luxury Italian fabrics, Beyond Skin has built a cult following for its fashionable, animal-friendly pieces (Medusa snakeskin boots, we've got our eyes on you.)

Prices: 102.50 - 375

Matt & Nat

The idea behind MAT(T)ERIAL and NATURE originally came to life in 1995, in Montreal.

Over the years, the brand has experimented with different recycled materials - cardboard, rubber and cork, to name just a few - and since 2007, has made all of its linings out of 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Matt & Nat is dedicated to its cruelty-free mantra and has everything a footwear fashionista could desire: boots, trainers, mules.

Prices: 30 - 132

Susi Studio

LA-based Susi Studio knows that being conscious doesn't mean being frumpy.

Its vintage-inspired shoes tick all of the sartorial boxes, while also all using sustainable and recycled materials.

Even better is that with certain purchases, 30 per cent of the proceeds raised are donated to Mercy for Animals.

Prices: 55 - 88

MooShoes

MooShoes opened in 2001 as the first cruelty-free shop of its kind in New York City with its sister store launching in Los Angeles in 2014.

Founded in 2001 by vegan sisters Erica and Sara Kubersky, the business which sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories.

The New York store is also home to a slew of rescued cats who were adopted from a selection of local organisations.

Prices: 30 - 268

Bhava

Bhava specialise in conscious footwear without the cruelty: the New York-based brand designs a range of vegan shoes, but its best offerings are its Ganni-esque boots.

Best of all, Bhava promises that none of its shoes are produced until they're given a "thorough NYC test drive for comfort and durability."

Prices: 96- 214

Grenson

Grenson was born in 1866 when its founder William Green began making shoes in the loft above the Corn Merchants in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

Fast forward to 2020 and the brand is still going strong, even more so now that it's launched its first-ever vegan offering.

The collection has shoes with uppers made of fibres that mimic cowhide, insoles made of recyclable paper and welts comprised of Microlight rubber - currently the only non-leather material available for this purpose. All of the collection's soles are also rubber and contain no animal products.

Prices: 185 - 290

Dr. Martens

Tough, durable and loaded with its intrinsic stompy DNA, Dr. Martens' vegan range is worth the investment.

The bootmakers ditched the leather in favour of planet-friendly materials, but the designs are exactly the same as those the It-girls are sporting, meaning there's finally a way to stay on-trend for vegans.

Prices: 109 - 169
Amid pandemonium, the opposition TDP on Tuesday blocked in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council the tabling of a bill, intended to give shape to the state government's plan of having three capitals.

The Council was adjourned five times as the TDP, which is in majority in the 58-member Upper House, opposed the bill passed by the assembly late on Monday night, citing rules.

It moved a motion "disapproving the policy of the government" while ministers trooped into the Well asking the Chairman to take up the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 on a priority.

The Ministers also raised slogans from the Well as the stalemate continued till the evening with no breakthrough.

The bill seeks to pave the way for establishment of executive capital in Visakhapatnam, legislative in Amaravati and judicial capital in Kurnool, a move being strongly opposed by farmers of Amaravati region and the TDP.

It was passed by the assembly amid stiff opposition by the TDP and after suspension of 17 of its MLAs from the House for disrupting Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's address on the legislation.

However, in an embarrassment to the government, the TDP managed to block its tabling in the Council on Tuesday as it gave a notice under Rule 71 and moved a motion "disapproving the policy of the government."



Chairman M A Sharrif allowed the TDP's motion much to the chagrin of the ruling YSR Congress, which barely has nine members in the Council.

Though almost all Cabinet ministers sat in the Council to thwart the TDP attempts to stall the Bill, they could not convince the Chairman to take it up.

"I am giving two hours time for a discussion under Rule 71. We can take up the Bill after that," the Chairman said but the ministers insisted that government business be taken up first.

At one time, the ministers spoke in a pleading tone and requested that the Chairman reconsider his decision on the Rule 71 motion.

Senior minister Botsa Satyanarayana asked the Chairman not to use the Council for "political business."



"Don't use your discretionary powers for political gains. Go by the rule book. Don't do

Don't get involved in It will be a blot on you," Bosta told the Council Chairman.

Leader of Opposition Yanamala Ramakrishnudu raised a point of order and referred to Rules 139, 140 and 141 of the Council Business.

"The Assembly passed the Bill only last night. You received notice about it this morning. Under Rule 141, two days time can be taken by the Council before the same Bill is moved," Yanamala pointed out.

Legislative Affairs Minister Buggana Rajendranath said taking up the motion under Rule 71 and putting off the bill would set a bad precedent and have far-reaching consequences.

"The Bill gets precedence and priority. But the opposition is only seeking to obstruct government business," Buggana alleged.

Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose said, "We are pleading with you to reconsider the decision. This is not government policy, but a Bill."



The Opposition leader countered it saying the government brought its policy in the form of a Bill.

"Rule 71 is being invoked for the first time in history. There is gross indiscipline in the Government indiscipline," Yanamala remarked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It is as clear as day and night, the difference between Chinas approach to Africa and that of the United States. There is no equivalence. Historically, China has viewed African nations as part of the developing sector from which China emerged. This has contributed to Chinas distinct attitude to partnering with African nations in promoting economic growth. Over the last two decades especially, the ties between China and Africa have grown stronger, with Africas East Coast materializing as an integral part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative.

The US has not always dismissed the importance of contributing to Africas growth. President John Kennedy, following in the footsteps of President Franklin Roosevelt, was a strong opponent of colonial subjugation of Africa. President Kennedy, as US Senator advocated Africas liberation movement, and as US President supported President Kwame Nkrumahs plans to construct the hydro-electric dam and bauxite smelting complex on Ghanas Volta River. By the end of the 1960s the US had lost its optimism and vision for the world, adopting in its place, a British inspired cynical geo-political doctrine.

Geo-politics divides the world into two categories; winners and losers in a zero sum game. Todays unfounded attacks against Chinas involvement in Africa, alleging that China is deliberately entrapping nations into debt and stealing their natural resources flows from this perverted world view. Chinese President, Xi Jinping promotes a different philosophy; its called win-win.

Building, Not Extracting

Unlike British Imperialist Cecil Rhodes, and degenerates like King Leopold II, China is not raping Africa for its resources. Since Royal Dutch Shell discovered oil in southern Nigeria in 1956, the West has focused its investment chiefly in oil and gas-i.e. hydrocarbon extractive industries. China in recent decades has become the leading nation in financing and building infrastructure in Africa. It is well known that investment in extractive industries do not expand the economy nor provide a large amount of jobs. However, it does yield large streams of revenue. China has chosen a different business mode; one more beneficial to the African people.

According to McKinsey consulting companys publication, Dance of the lions and the dragons, released in June 2017, China in 2015 financed $21 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Africa. That is three times the combined total of France, Japan, Germany, and India. US financing of infrastructure in Africa was too minimal to even mention. Detailed in the same document, Chinas export and import trade with Africa is quantified as $188 billion in 2015, compared to the US at $53 billion. Deloittes 2017 Africa Construction Trends, further documents Chinas role in expanding Africas infrastructure. As of June 2017, China was only second to African governments in funding large infrastructure projects, 15.5% and 27.1% respectively. The US was listed at 3%, the UK and France at 2%. When it comes to who actually builds these projects the figures are more shocking; China constructed over one quarter or 28.1% of these projects, the US 3.3%, and the UK 2.3%.

Infrastructure Is Essential

Infrastructure is critical for every economy to expand, grow and develop. Africas deplorable lack of infrastructure is literally killing its people. There is no more crucial single element of economy that must be addressed for African nations to develop. Infrastructure adds value to the entire economy by augmenting the productive capability of every farmer and worker. More capital intense economies will be affected by technologically advanced infrastructure platforms.

The history of humankind demonstrates that progress of civilizations emanates from the realization of scientific discoveries transmitted through more efficacious technologies. Infrastructure reflecting more advanced machinery is a primary means of transferring technology (science) to the economic production process.

There is nothing wrong with African nations using their resources for collateral or payment of loans for infrastructure. Wealth is not the monetary value of natural resources extracted from the earth. Economic wealth is understood to be that which contributes to the increase of the power of society to provide the material wellbeing of its citizens and their posterity. Infrastructure performs that function.

Chinas contribution to building new railroads in Africa, replacing century old British and French antiquated rail lines, and constructing new hydro-electric dams, and ports, is precisely what African nations need to develop. China is providing indispensable assistance; the US and Europe are not. An experienced former US ambassador to Africa told me bluntly; the US stopped investing in infrastructure in Africa in the early 1970s. Sadly, today, the US continues to repeatedly proclaim, we dont build infrastructure.

Debt-Trap or Claptrap?

In her latest paper, A critical look at Chinese debt-trap diplomacy: the rise of a meme, Deborah Brautigam, China-Africa scholar and Director of the China-Africa Research Initiative-(CARI) at SAIS*, puts a nail in the coffin regarding false accusations of China deliberately entrapping African nations through debt.

She writes: for over a decade Western politicians and pundits have warned that China is a rogue donor with regard to its finance, is a new colonialist, and a predatory and pernicious lender that snares vulnerable states in a debt trap leveraging its loans in order to have its way with weak victims.

Brautigam responds to these allegations by asking: However, does evidence exist for this kind of debt leverage? Then she answers: It [SAIS database] has information on about more than 1000 loans and, so far, in Africa, we have not seen any examples where we would say the Chinese deliberatively entangled another country in debt, and then used that debt to extract unfair or strategic advantages of some kind in Africa, including asset seizures. (emphasis added)

With the population of 55 African nations projected to reach 2.4 billion in the next three decades, the continent needs trillions of dollars in new infrastructure. Presently, the US is more concerned in countering China in Africa, than developing Africa. Many African leaders are hopeful the US will establish a more robust economic relationship with their nations. As has been the case with previous administrations, the lack of vision, and adherence to geo-politics is preventing the US from engaging with Africa in a win-win relationship. This can and should change.

*Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

Lawrence Freeman is a Political-Economic Analyst for Africa, who has been involved in the economic development policy of Africa for 30 years. He is the creator of the blog: lawrencefreemanafricaandtheworld.com
A JUDGE has warned she will not tolerate people in court behaving as if they are in a cafe or at a bus stop.

Judge Martina Baxter made her comments during a sitting of Limerick Circuit Court after she placed a man in custody for contempt of court.

After the man, whose aged in his mid 40s, approached his barrister as he was dealing with another case, Judge Baxter, pictured below, stopped proceedings and ordered gardai to remove him from the courtroom and to take him to the holding cells.

You have shown a cheek and discourtesy to this court, she said to the man whose case was not one of those listed before the court.

The man protested saying he had approached his barrister quietly to inform him that he had an appointment elsewhere and had to leave the courthouse.

At the end of the day the man was brought back to courtroom 4 at Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street.

Judge Baxter told the mans barrister, Brian McInerney, that what had happened an hour earlier was symptomatic of the malaise that is entrenched in courtrooms across the country.

While accepting that the man had not intended to disrupt the court proceedings, she said courtrooms are not like a bus station and that people need to behave appropriately when in court..

She said every individual who has a case before the courts is entitled to expect that their case will be listened to by all of the parties involved.

It applies to everyone, they want the same equal treatment, she said. It is a courtroom  not a cafe, not a bus station, she added.

Addressing the court on behalf of his client, Mr McInerney said his time in the cells had been an extremely sobering experience and that he acknowledged his behaviour was discourteous and was not acceptable.

He has learned a life-long lesson in a short period of time, he said. It was a short sharp shock, he added.

Having heard from Mr McInerney and noting his submissions, the judge directed that the man be released from custody.
Harmon and Madigan: Harmon seems to be trying to distance himself  maybe even offer some kind of declaration of independence  from the leader of the other chamber, House Speaker Michael Madigan, the powerful head of the states Democratic Party. In last weeks piece by the Tribunes Jamie Munks and Dan Petrella, Harmon characterized his relationship with Madigan as professional but not close. He added, I have no doubt that I could work with him in a professional capacity, while at the same time protecting the independence of the Senate and ensuring that the Senate is not in any way subservient to the House."
Artist's rendering of an office tower planned at 23rd and Market Streets, seen here looking east toward existing Center City skyline. Read more

Law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is moving from Center Citys core business district near City Hall to a new custom-built $200 million home near the banks of the Schuylkill, a hopeful sign in a city that has seen little ground-up office construction despite demand for commercial space.

Morgan Lewis has signed a lease to become the sole occupant of whats being called 2222 Market, a 19-story, 305,000-square-foot tower to be built for the law firm at 23rd and Market Streets, developer Parkway Corp. said Monday.

The project will be Center Citys first non-Comcast Corp.-related commercial office building in more than 20 years, as developers struggle to build in a city where rents make it hard to justify the cost of new construction.

Parkway aims to begin construction this summer to allow Morgan Lewis to take occupancy in 2023.

I hope its a turning point, Parkway president Robert Zuritsky said.

Office buildings have continued to rise in University City and the Navy Yard, largely aided by Keystone Opportunity Zone tax benefits that help subsidize development at specific sites, but development has been more sluggish in Center City itself.

Citywide, only two office properties are under construction, both of them single-tenant buildings at the Navy Yard, according to a survey published last week by a team at real estate services firm JLL, led by its Philadelphia research director Lauren Gilchrist.

Center City, meanwhile, has seen just a handful of new buildings since the skyscraper construction boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s, outside of Comcast Corp.s big headquarters and tech towers.

But developers are increasingly rolling out proposals for new Center City office buildings in hopes that tenants will bite.

Brandywine Realty Trust recently disclosed plans for a 23-story commercial and residential tower on the 2100 block of Market Street, and Parkway itself has been working on another office building proposal on land it owns at 20th and Arch Streets.

With an average office vacancy rate of 9.9%, which is below national levels, demand for new office space should be high in the city, the JLL researchers said.

But one market fundamental that continues to plague Philadelphia developers is [relatively low] average asking rents, they said.

Sarah E. Bouchard, Morgan Lewis managing partner for the Philadelphia office, said her firm would be paying higher rent at the new bespoke building than at its existing home at 1701 Market St.

But she said the expense would be justified by features of the new headquarters that can help attract and retain talented employees, such as the outdoor space on the buildings many terraces and its landscaped roof.

We wanted to really build a space that would make sure people felt healthy and engaged when theyre at work, she said.

Parkway solidified its control over most of the block where the Morgan Lewis headquarters will rise with its 2015 acquisition of several parcels it didnt already own there from since-deceased real estate investor and porn impresario Richard Basciano.

The long-blighted block included the site of what had been Center Citys last porn theater, the Forum Theatre, which closed in 2012.

Parkway began working on designs for the project about a year ago, as Aramark Corp. and the upscale Fitler Club membership club were moving into the nearby former industrial building at 2400 Market St., which had been overhauled by developer PMC Property Group.

Bouchard said her firm was drawn to the areas up-and-coming vibe when it was contemplating a move from its current home.

Where we will be, at 2222 Market, is really developing, she said. Its going to be exciting.
The Big Number: 80,000, the number of parking spaces GO Transit could need to add to keep up with projected ridership growth through 2031.

I could almost hear the profanity from GO train commuters last week after word got out that regional transit agency Metrolinx is studying the notion of charging for more parking spots at stations.

I get why the move is unpopular with a lot of people. I understand and acknowledge your f-bombs over the notion of paying for parking. But, alas, my sympathy is limited because, well, I cant come up with a reasonable alternative.

GTA commuter parking is a math problem. And with the status quo strategy of mostly free parking, the numbers make no sense.

Metrolinx laid it all out in its 2016 GO rail station access plan. By 2031, Metrolinx would like to double GO train ridership, from about 100,000 weekday riders today to more than 200,000. This is widely accepted as a good goal. More people on transit means fewer people on highways. Love it.

But about 62 per cent of todays GO train commuters drive their cars to their stations, where they park in some of the 70,000 parking spaces. If that ratio doesnt change, Metrolinx would need to build up to 80,000 more parking spaces to accommodate new riders and ensure they at least have some chance of finding parking every day.

And thats not doable without bending the constraints of time and space. There is no room around most GO stations to double the size of their surface lots.

Ah, so go vertical, right? But parking garages come with an absurd price tag. Metrolinx says the cost of building a single parking space in a multi-level structure is about $35,000 to $40,000, then another $100 to $200 per year in ongoing maintenance costs.

Thats bananas money. In a scenario where Metrolinx builds parking garages to handle new GO ridership, the construction cost could be as much as $3.2 billion, then add about $16 million a year in maintenance costs.

If offered to commuters for free, those spots would never generate any revenue to offset their costs. Instead, if the provincial government is feeling pro-transit, the burden could be covered by increased subsidies. If the government isnt feeling the love for transit riders, the cost could fall to transit riders in the form of increased fares. Which do you think is more likely?

Theres also a big opportunity cost. That money spent on parking could instead go toward more sustainable efforts to solving what transit planners call the last-mile problem  the tricky issue of how to cost-effectively get people from their homes to the nearest rail station.

Imagine if, instead of shovelling more money at forever expanding parking, Metrolinx and the provincial government instead directed those funds toward other things that can get people from their homes to the station. Imagine if they then raised more money by charging for existing parking spots at GO stations, creating a permanent revenue stream.

Transit agencies all over the world are grappling with the last-mile problem. No one has come up with a perfect answer, but there are a pile of potential solutions that look far more promising than forever expanding parking.

Local bus networks are tried and true. With new connectivity, some could even run on dynamic routes that change based on riders needs  press a button in an app, and guarantee yourself curbside pickup and a ride to the station.

RELATED STORIES GTA Metrolinx looking at more paid parking in GO station lots

Supplement that with active transportation. Good bike routes  plus bike-share systems  and upgrades so stations arent so hostile to pedestrians could get more people on trains without driving.

Throw in a real commitment to building affordable housing near stations for extra points.

This transition away from free commuter parking will be challenging, and maybe painful. Metrolinx is proceeding cautiously, and changes arent imminent. But dont kid yourself that any government can come up with a way to maintain the status quo. Free parking comes at a cost, and the price isnt sustainable.

Correction - Jan. 21, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the cost of building a single parking space in a multi-level structure is about $35,000 to $40,000 per year. In fact, that is the cost to build the space, not the cost per year.

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BEIRUT - An American freelance journalist detained by the Lebanese authorities on suspicion of sending footage of anti-government protests to an Israeli news outlet was released Tuesday, according to friends and advocacy groups.

Nicholas Frakes, 24, was taken into custody on Sunday during violent clashes in downtown Beirut between police and protesters. In a text message sent shortly after his release, he said he is happy to be free and is looking forward to "getting back to reporting the news."
Yoel Blums mother, a Holocaust survivor, explicitly warned him never to go to Amsterdam, the city of her birth and his own, but he has no idea why. Nevertheless, Yoel, an Israeli writer, has obeyed her, even after her death  until his agent demands that he go to the Netherlands to promote the Dutch translation of his third novel.

As Yoel and his wife tour the city together in Elons jewel box of a novel, they visit the Jewish Historical Museum. It is there that they glimpse, in a series of old black-and-white film clips, images of a family at a wedding. The family is composed of a young man and woman, each holding a child  a little girl and a little boy. Yoel and his wife realize that the woman in the film is Yoels mother, standing with the father he never met, who died in the Holocaust. And while the little girl is obviously Yoels sister, he is stunned to see that the boy in his mothers arms is, just as obviously, not him.
The faction will announce its general position on the matter following its next meeting.

Chairman of the of Servant the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamia has said he personally stands against the appointment of Oleksandr Babikov, former lawyer of fugitive Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, as deputy director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Speaking at a TV panel show "Svoboda Slova" [Freedom of Speech], Arakhamia said the faction will voice its general position following its next meeting, Ukrayinska Pravda wrote.

Lawmakers are now working in their constituencies, the report reads.

Read alsoProsecutors amend charges pressed against Yanukovych regime officials

"If you ask my personal position, I am categorically against this... I will categorically not support such a decision," Arakhamia said, adding that he heard about the appointment for the first time while at the panel show.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Babikov was appointed first deputy director of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Earlier on January 20, lawyer for victims of Maidan killings Yevhenia Zakrevska said that the appointment of Babikov to the post of the SBI's first deputy director could translate into a breakdown in cases against Yanukovych.
SPRINGFIELD  Illinois new Senate President said the progressive income tax will be one of his top priorities, but Republicans worry the proposed tax structure would make Illinois less competitive at a time when the states population is declining.

New Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, faces a number of challenges heading into the start of the spring legislative session next week. Among them are how to address ethics regulations amid a sweeping federal corruption probe. Hell also face challenges in crafting the upcoming state budget and dealing with frustrations over the states high property taxes.

Democrats elected Harmon as Senate President on Sunday. He will take on the leadership role as federal authorities continue a broad investigation that has included allegations a state representative offered a bribe to an unnamed state senator who was wearing a wire while being investigated for tax fraud.

As I traveled around the state visiting with my colleagues and campaigning, two things I heard most often from my colleagues was an urgent need for us to work together to help restore the publics trust in Illinois government, Harmon said.

Harmons predecessor, John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said the right path was a task force, which is to deliver recommendations by the end of March.

State Sen. Jason Plummer, R-Edwardsville, said a progressive income tax system would give lawmakers too much power over tax brackets.

Springfield has shown that we can not always make the right fiscal decision and we always put revenue generation ahead of spending reform, Plummer said. And Im afraid that this just kind of kicks that can further down the road.

With Illinois continuing to lose population year-after-year, Plummer said a progressive income tax would make Illinois less attractive.

State Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island, said ethics reforms are needed.

We can make all the task forces we want, but until we start taking action were going to keep spinning our wheels, Anderson said.

Before the end of the legislative session last fall, Republicans offered a slew of ethics measures they said could be implemented immediately, but the legislature opted for an Illinois Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform. Democrats have veto-proof majorities in both chambers.

Aside from ethics reforms, Harmon said his second priority was a similarly urgent need for us to rationalize our tax policy by adopting the Illinois fair income tax on the ballot in November and finding a way to push down the pressure on property taxes.

Voters will decide the fate of the progressive income tax at the ballot box in November. The proposed constitutional amendment would change the states flat income tax to allow for a system that has higher income tax rates for higher earners.

Lawmakers return to Springfield next week for the start of the spring session. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to give his State of the State speech on Jan. 29.
OTTAWA, Ontario, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Yemen's National Wallet Company seeks Canadian fintech's help to launch financial inclusion project.

Yemen is facing the world's worst humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations .

For the 24 million people displaced by escalating hostilities, access to humanitarian aid is their only protection against deadly famine. Telepin and ONE, the go-to-market brand by the National Wallet Company (NWC), hope to improve that access and give Yemenis more control over their daily lives.

ONE will soon launch the country's first mobile money platform, designed to provide cashless e-wallet services to the Yemeni population. In a country where more than 90 percent of the population don't have a bank account, this platform will give users an alternative to the instability of cash. The GSMA notes the potential impacts of such an initiative in a 2017 report , which explains how mobile money deployments "support financial inclusion, help to build resilience, and most importantly, can better serve displaced populations worldwide."

The platform, developed by ONE and Telepin, will allow customers to load and withdraw cash, send money to their friends and family, receive salaries, pay bills and most importantly transact with local merchants  all through an innovative platform accessible on both basic mobile devices or smartphones without the need for internet access. The platform's key partners are Yemen's largest private companies, who have committed their network of more than 100,000 direct and indirect retailers and distributors in Yemen to support this initiative. Yemen's 11 major banks also support the initiative and will ensure the widest possible reach across the country, even amongst the most remote communities. This aims to support the financial needs of millions of Yemenis suffering the consequences of this crisis.

As ONE's CMO Mohamed Hayel Saeed explains, "Working with domestic and international partners, ONE will help bring Yemen's economy into the 21st century by delivering sustainable, long-term positive outcomes for today's Yemeni population and for generations to come. We have been working to create an innovative solution to give Yemenis back control over their daily financial activities and to secure their future. We want to reach the last mile and broaden access to financial services to as many of Yemen's 20 million 'unbanked' people as possible."

Telepin CEO Vincent Kadar is equally optimistic. "The National Wallet Company has built a robust plan to give families reliable financial options in an unreliable world," he says. "With their vast merchant network and Telepin's experience developing complex and customized integrations, we're well on our way towards launching a tool that will have a meaningful and immediate impact on the lives of its users."

ONE and Telepin expect the mobile e-wallet platform to launch in 2020.

Read more about NWC and its vision for addressing the crisis in Yemen .

About ONE

ONE is the go-to-market brand developed by the National Wallet Company (NWC). ONE is a Yemeni-backed and run business focused on developing a mobile money e-wallet for the Yemeni population, which will support the financial needs of millions of Yemenis suffering the consequences of a humanitarian crisis. ONE's investors are fintech investment vehicle Murooj Electronic Services, WeNet (the Yemen Financial Services Company), owned by 11 banks operating in Yemen, and a group of private sector firms with a network of more than 100,000 direct and indirect retailers and distributors. ONE seeks to roll out a scaled mobile money platform that has the potential to make a significant and positive impact on daily lives of people in Yemen.

About Telepin

From our headquarters in Ottawa, Canada, we have become a global leader of mobile transaction platforms, serving tier-one operators in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Mobile network operators and financial service providers rely on us to maximize their revenue and deliver innovative mobile applications to customers, whatever their circumstances or location. More than 256 million of those customers are now using our platform, processing over 10 billion transactions to date. www.telepin.com

Telepin Software Systems Inc.

Joanne Kiskis

Director, Marketing

Telephone: +1-613-366-1910

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Telepin Software
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.
Love Island's Eve Gale has insisted Tyga did 'slide into her DMs' and is adamant she has proof to back up the claims.

The student, 20, was widely mocked on social media, including by the American rapper, 30, himself, when she said during her stint on the ITV2 show that Kylie Jenner's ex had attempted to contact her via social media.

Despite Tyga seemingly hitting back at the claims, the reality star maintained her previous statement during an interview on Capital Radio with Roman Kemp on Tuesday morning.

Axed: Love Island's Eve Gale - of the Eve and Jess twins - was seen heading to a Capital radio interview on Tuesday morning, to chat with Roman Kemp

But Eve - the first contestant to leave this series of Love Island on Friday - told Roman that she has proof the liaison happened.

'I was at an event where he was performing so I tagged him in an Instagram story and he liked it and replied WYA?, like, where you at? I've got it on my phone!'

She went on: 'I was just like "erm, London" but he was going back to LA and he was like "so sorry about that" and then we spoke again when he was in Ibiza and I was in Ibiza at the same time. But he was leaving Ibiza and Id just got to Ibiza.'

Roman added: 'Passing ships in the night! One day it will happen!'

The proof is in the pudding: During her interview, the topic of American rap star Tyga sliding into her DMs reared its head - after Eve insisted he had messaged her after an event, with him seemingly poking fun at this suggestion afterwards on Twitter

Denied: Rapper Tyga, 30, ridiculed the twin, 20, after being tagged in a fleet of tweets when Eve revealed the news they had messaged each other during the Spill The Tea challenge in an earlier episode of Love Island

Eve told Roman that she has proof that it happened: 'I was at an event where he was performing so I tagged him in an Instagram story and he liked it and replied WYA?, like, where you at? Ive got it on my phone!'

Rapper Tyga, 30, ridiculed the twin, 20, after being tagged in a fleet of tweets when Eve revealed the news they had messaged each other during the Spill The Tea challenge in an earlier episode of Love Island.

Fans had poked fun at her revelation, with one sharing a photo of Tyga alongside a guy who looked like him, with the caption: 'Sorry she was talking about the guy on the right?'

Tyga replied to the meme with a series of cry laughing faces.

Eve looked casual-yet-glam for the outing on Tuesday, in a busty black top and a jacket, adding skin-tight ripped jeans and suede ankle boots.

The blonde reality personality showed off her South African tan in the low-cut top, showcasing her usual fully made-up complexion.

Funny: Tyga replied to the meme with a series of cry laughing faces

Bombshell: She looked casual-yet-glam for the outing, in a busty black top and a jacket, adding skin-tight ripped jeans and suede ankle boots

Eve went on to comment on the show's currently strongest couple, Mike and Leanne, with Roman saying to her: 'I am not sold on Mike. When he first came into the villa I was like "this guy has got to win, what a legend" but now Im seeing a couple of traits, I dont know if hes as invested in Leeanne as hes making out. What do you think?'

She replied: 'I think  to be honest I think Mike and Leeanne, I think this isnt them, like, set now. I think they are going to have are rocky time, I feel like someones going to come in, theyre going to really like Mike and I feel like someone is going to really go for him.

'Like with Jess, she went for him but she was quick to give up, do you know what I mean? I think he is going to like hes just quite a flirty person naturally, hes complimentary, hes like "wow".

Glam: The blonde reality personality showed off her South African tan in the low-cut top, showcasing her usual fully made-up complexion

Eve weighed in on Mike and Leanne, saying: 'This isnt them, like, set now. I think they are going to have are rocky time, I feel like someones going to come in, theyre going to really like Mike and I feel like someone is going to really go for him'

Snake in the grass? She also went on to claim Connor is the most likely to cheat and that he is playing the biggest game

'I think theyre going to have a rocky bit maybe but I think theyre definitely going to say strong. I feel like theyre solid, they will be at the end, they will be.'

Eve - who entered Love Island with her identical twin sister Jess - reflected on what it was like being separated from her in the most recent recoupling.

'Its really sad. Its just little things all the time, like making food I feel like I should make one for Jess.'

She also went on to claim Connor is the most likely to cheat and that he is playing the biggest game.
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Linkedin Indrasari Tjandraningsih (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Wed, January 22 2020

The power of union: People gather outside the legislative complex in Jakarta to protest the House of Representatives plan to deliberate an omnibus bill on job creation. Labor unions deem the bill a new instrument to weaken workers bargaining power vis-a-vis employers. (JP/Seto Wardhana)

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has stressed the importance of foreign investment to improve the economy since assuming office. Like his predecessors, the President strongly believes investment will improve peoples welfare.

In Jokowis first term, his administration prepared 16 economic policy packages to facilitate investment. Then-vice president Jusuf Kalla also supported the policy to reduce labor costs; while for decades tripartite negotiations between the government, business sector and unions had determined the annual minimum wage, a formula was determined to set minimum wages, thereby abandoning the lengthy negotiations.

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced the 106 recipients of its prestigious 2020 Horatio Alger National Scholarship. These annual scholarships recognize outstanding students, who, in the face of great personal adversity, have exhibited an unwavering commitment to pursue their dreams through higher education.

Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, more than 27,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada have received more than $180 million in scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and technical studies. Administering one of the nation's largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs for college students, the Association will award more than $20 million in scholarships in 2020.

"The Association is delighted to recognize the 106 2020 National Scholars," said James F. Dicke II, president, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "These students continue to face many challenges, yet remain dedicated to their education and prioritize giving back to their communities. On behalf of our entire Membership, partners and staff, we are proud to support these Scholars as they pursue their dreams in college and beyond."

The 2020 Horatio Alger Association National Scholars are students who come from households with an average income of $17,675 per year while maintaining an average GPA of 3.84. Each National Scholarship recipient is awarded $25,000 to apply toward educational costs of the college or university of their choice and will have access to a variety of Association-provided resources including counseling and referral services, career exploration opportunities and Alumni connections.

"The Association continues to offer young men and women the support and mentorship needed to achieve success in higher education and their professional lives," said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. "The 2020 National Scholars are determined, hardworking individuals who are more than deserving of this honor and recognition."

In addition to the scholarship, each National Scholar will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. on April 2-4, 2020 to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference (NSC) and participate in college preparedness and other educational sessions. There, Horatio Alger Scholars will have an opportunity to learn about the Association, its esteemed Members and the various support programs in which they can partake during their collegiate careers. In conjunction with the NSC, National Scholars will also be recognized at the Association's 73rd Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies, during which the Association will induct 14 distinguished New Members  accomplished corporate, civic and cultural leaders. The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program and National Scholars Conference are wholly funded through private donations from Association Members and friends.

For a full list of Horatio Alger Association's 2020 National Scholars, please click here. Follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HoratioAlgerScholar.

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2019, the Association awarded more than $21 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 2,500 students across the United States and Canada, and provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $180 million in college scholarships to more than 27,000 deserving students. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

CONTACT:

Carly Buggy

484-385-2934 (office)

[email protected]

SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

Related Links

https://horatioalger.org


Apollo TeleHealth Services has signed an agreement with TeleHealthcare Malaysia under which it will set up 100 tele-clinics in Malaysia to provide remote multi-specialty care and consultation to three million people. This is in-line with the company's objective to scale up its operations to reach 25 million lives globally by 2022. "We have signed an MoU with TeleHealthcare Malaysia under which we will operationalise 100 tele-clinics in a phased manner by the end of this year.

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Queensland health authorities have confirmed a man is being tested for coronavirus in Brisbane.

The man is understood to have family in the area around the Chinese city of Wuhan, which is the epicentre of the current outbreak, and he travelled there and back to the Queensland capital recently.

Weve got one gentleman who were following at the moment, who has travelled from the area around Wuhan and has developed a respiratory illness, but he is recovering at home, the states Chief Health Officer, Jeanette Young, said.

So weve done some tests on him, and were awaiting the results.
New York, Jan 22 : The historic trial of Donald Trump has begun in the US Senate with Democratic prosecutors from the House of Representatives and his lawyers sparred, while the US President was 6,500 kilometres away in Davos hobnobbing with the world's elite.

The first order of business for Republicans, who control the Senate, and the Democrats first order of business when the trial began on Tuesday was coming up with rules procedure, including the calling of witnesses.

The Republican leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, who setting the rules, said as the trial began, "This initial step will offer an early signal to our country: Can the Senate still serve our (nation's) founding purpose?" The rules will have to be voted on by the 100-member Senate, where the Republicans have a 53-member lead.

McConnell - like Trump - wants an early end to the trial, preferably before February 4 when Trump's State of the Union address is scheduled.

Three Democrat senators seeking the party's presidential nomination are locked up in the trial while their rivals are able to campaign, especially in Iowa where party members will be the first in the nation on February 3 to make their choice.

Notably, former Vice President Joe Biden, who is at the root of the charges against Trump, however, will be able to campaign with an advantage over Senators Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren.

The charges of abuse of power stem from Trump's request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelentsky during a phone call to investigate the actions of Biden and his son, Hunter, in Ukraine.

Calling new witnesses that the Democrats want will extend the duration of the trial.

McConnell has said that he has enough votes ensure control over the rules and process, although he has made two changes to accommodate some moderate party members.

However, even if there are defections from his party Trump's acquittal is almost a certainty because a two-thirds majority is required for convicting him.

The only two other presidents - Bill Clinton in 1998 and Andrew Johnson in 1868 - to be impeached before Trump were both acquitted since the opposition could not muster the two-thirds vote for conviction.

Adam Schiff, the House Intelligence Committee chair, who is leading the prosecution, and Senate Democratic Party Leader Chuck Schumer demanded that they be allowed to call witnesses and introduce more evidence.

Schumer said the rules proposed McConnell to bar witnesses and new evidence "will result in a rushed trial with little evidence in the dark of night." The Democrats did not allow the Republicans to call their own witnesses during the impeachment investigations and hearings in the House and the Republican leaders want to do the same to them.

Schiff said, "Right now a great many, perhaps even most Americans, do not believe there will be a fair trial. They don't believe that the Senate will be impartial. They believe that the result is precooked." He called Trump's defence "nonsense." White House lawyer Pat Cipollone questioned the motives of the Democrats in launching the impeachment.

He said, "A partisan impeachment is like stealing an election. ... They want to remove Trump from the ballot, but they don't have the guts to tell you that." The Democrats want former National Security Adviser John Bolton, Trump's Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and others who have knowledge of Trump's request for Ukrainian investigation of the Bidens to testify.

Trump wants Biden to testify on his role in the firing of a prosecutor investigating his son's Ukrainian company.

The debate on the rules resolution is expected to stretch late with a vote taking place late Tuesday night or in the early hours of Wednesday.

If the rules are adopted, the House prosecutors are likely to start on Wednesday their three days of arguments laying their case Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Trump's lawyers will have three more days for counter-arguments.

It will be followed by 16 hours of questions from Senators and fours hours of deliberations, after which a vote on new witnesses and documents.

One of the House prosecutors Zoe Lofgren, who had participated in the impeachment of Clinton, said that Clinton had provided documents to the House probe, while Trump had not.

Therefore, she said, Trump should be compelled to provide them to the Senate.

The Senate has banned its members from using electronic media like mobile phones, tablets or computers and senators could be seen making notes on paper.

But the prosecutors and defence used Powerpoint-type displays to make their case.

Senators are also ordered to stay silent on pain of punishment.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in)
GRENOBLE, France, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegro DVT, the leading provider of video codec compliance test suites and semiconductor video IPs, today introduced the world's first compliance test bitstreams for the new Versatile Video Coding (VVC) video standard, the next video compression technology beyond H.265/HEVC. The new VVC test bitstreams complement Allegro DVT's family of conformance test suites by providing comprehensive coverage of all syntax elements, branches, conditions and equations of this new video compression specification.

Versatile Video Coding (VVC) is the latest video compression standard being developed by the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET), a partnership between the ISO/IEC Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) and the ITU-T Video Coding Expert Group (VCEG). The VVC codec has been conceived to be versatile and to address all video applications such as mobile telephony, VOD, Broadcasting, OTT streaming, videoconferencing, screen content, 360 and scalable coding and their requirements in terms of resolution, bitrates and latency.

Allegro DVT leveraged its unique technology to generate multi-codec video elementary compliance streams to deliver the new VVC test bitstreams in a very short time. Allegro DVT continues to follow the evolution of the VVC standard and will update its VVC test bitstreams as needed.

Allegro DVT started working on VVC test bitstreams from the start of the standardization phase as an active contributor fixing many problems in the benchmark implementation. As a result of this early involvement, Allegro DVT is able to offer VVC test bitstreams to its customers upon the official approval of the international specification project for the VVC codec.

Nouar Hamze, CEO of Allegro DVT, said "The release of our first VVC test bitstreams is a major step that will help speed up the adoption of this new video standard. More than ever before, the validation of new video products requires solid and trusted test suites as a result of the increasing complexity of the latest video compression standards. Today's announcement is once again a confirmation of our leadership position in the video compliance test suites space and our commitment to this market segment."

About Allegro DVT

Allegro DVT is a leading provider of H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, AVS2/AVS3, VP9, AV1 and VVC solutions, including industry standard compliance test suites, and semiconductor video encoder and decoder hardware (RTL) IPs. Allegro DVT products have been chosen by more than 100 major IC providers, OEMs and broadcasters.

For more information, visit Allegro DVT's website or contact [email protected]

SOURCE Allegro DVT
The world needs to prepare for a surge in refugees with potentially millions of people being driven from their homes by the impact of climate change, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said on Tuesday.

Speaking to Reuters at the World Economic Forum, Filippo Grandi said a U.N. ruling this week meant those fleeing as a result of climate change had to be treated by recipient countries as refugees, with broad implications for governments.

The U.N. Human Rights Committee made the landmark ruling on Monday in relation to Ioane Teitiota, from the Pacific nation of Kiribati, who brought a case against New Zealand after authorities denied his claim of asylum.

"The ruling says if you have an immediate threat to your life due to climate change, due to the climate emergency, and if you cross the border and go to another country, you should not be sent back because you would be at risk of your life, just like in a war or in a situation of persecution," Grandi said.

"We must be prepared for a large surge of people moving against their will," he said. "I wouldn't venture to talk about specific numbers, it's too speculative, but certainly we're talking about millions here."

Potential drivers include wildfires like those seen in Australia, rising sea levels affecting low-lying islands, the destruction of crops and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa and floods worldwide, including in parts of the developed world.

Whereas for most of its 70 years UNHCR, the U.N.'s refugee agency, has worked to assist those fleeing poorer countries as a result of conflict, climate change is more indiscriminate, meaning richer countries may become a rising source of refugees.

"It is further proof that refugee movements and the broader issue of migration of populations... is a global challenge that cannot be confined to a few countries," said Grandi.

UNHCR, whose budget has risen from $1 billion a year in the early 1990s to $8.6 billion in 2019 as conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria have forced civilians to flee, now assists more than 70 million forcibly displaced people globally.

Turkey is the largest recipient, with more than 4 million refugees and asylum seekers, the vast majority from Syria. That has put strain on Turkey's public finances and led President Tayyip Erdogan to demand more assistance from Europe.

Last November, Erdogan threatened to open the door for Syrian refugees to head to Europe unless the European Union stepped up, and is now calling for the "resettlement" of up to 1 million Syrians in the north of their homeland.

Grandi said European governments needed to think hard about solutions to the migrant crisis that has affected them since 2015, but also show more understanding of Turkey's situation.

"We must recognize that for the past several years [Turkey] has been hosting the largest refugee population in the world," he said. "There's a lot of political talk. I concentrate on the substance of this, which is 'let's strengthen Turkey's

ability to host refugees until they can go back safely, voluntarily to their countries."
A loss of revenue from liquor sales will have to be compensated through increased landing and parking charges on airlines, which, in turn, will pass on the cost to flyers.

A commerce ministry proposal to allow passengers to buy just one liquor bottle (instead of two at present) at airport duty-free shops will hurt the profits of airports and increase the cost of air travel.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which is state-owned, and private airport operators are likely to petition the government, saying that a loss of revenue from liquor sales will have to be compensated through increased landing and parking charges on airlines, which, in turn, will pass on the cost to flyers.

Airport charges are determined taking into account all aeronautical costs like those of landing and parking and non-aeronautical activities like duty-free sales and those of restaurants.

As airport operators cross-subsidise landing and parking charges of airlines through non-aero sales, increase in non-aero revenues leads to lesser charges for airlines, which, in turn, are expected to transfer the benefits to passengers.

Any increase in landing and parking charges for airlines could result in higher airfares and make air travel more expensive, added Satyan Nair, secretary-general of the Association of Private Airport Operators (APAO), a lobby group of private airport operators.

Consolidated annual duty-free sales at airports in the country are estimated to be around $500 million.

Delhi and Hyderabad airports earn 30 per cent and 15 per cent of non-aeronautical revenue from retail and duty-free sales.

In its Budget recommendation to the government, the APAO suggested the duty-free allowance of liquor be raised from two bottles to four for purchase at Indian airports because this would help reduce costs for passengers and lead to an enhanced revenue share for the AAI.

The commerce ministry has recommended restricting the purchase of tax-free alcohol to one bottle at duty-free shops as part of steps to reduce imports of non-essential goods.

Its not a question of large or small (quantities). As a nation, we are not encouraging the import of alcohol, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told the media.

Senior AAI officials said that the move, if implemented, would lead to a loss of revenue for the AAI, which is already bearing the cost of the governments regional connectivity scheme.

We will oppose the move through the ministry of civil aviation. The AAI had suggested increasing the quota of liquor at duty-free counters, said a senior AAI official.

The official pointed out if private airport operators revenues were affected, the AAIs revenues too would be hurt because those airports did revenue sharing based on their annual revenues and profit.

Who is gaining from this decision? No one. The government and airports - all will lose revenue, the official said.

It will be a big blow to duty-free companies and airports.

"Duty-free sales are an important component of non-aeronautical revenues for airports and 30 per cent of the non-aero revenue is used to cross-subsidise aeronautical charges, said the chief executive officer of a private airport.

Operators of duty-free shops said it might lead to job cuts.

Duty-free companies would have no option but to cut jobs and investments to survive, said Manishi Sanwal, former chief executive of Flemingo Travel Retail, which runs duty-free stores at 12 airports in India.

This can also have an impact on upcoming investments in airports.

Recently Adani Airports won six airports and Zurich Airport won the bid to develop new airport at Jewar.

The groups bid aggressively, taking into consideration that non-aero revenue would help them to become viable faster.

Adani Airports didnt respond to a query.

Bidders have bid aggressively for new airport projects, factoring in a certain contribution from non-aeronautical revenue.

"If liquor allowance is reduced, it will impact their income and the companies will have to rework their revenue and investment models, said Sidharath Kapur, former chief executive officer at Adani Airports.
OTTAWA - The Conservative leadership race is underway and the deadline to register as a candidate and meet the first round of requirements is Feb. 27.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA - The Conservative leadership race is underway and the deadline to register as a candidate and meet the first round of requirements is Feb. 27.

Three candidates have officially declared they will enter:

 Marilyn Gladu: Conservative MP for Ontario riding of Sarnia-Lambton, formerly a professional engineer.

 Peter MacKay: former Progressive Conservative leader, Conservative cabinet minister and longtime MP from Nova Scotia, who now lives in Toronto.

 Aron Seal: former director of policy for two Conservative cabinet ministers.

Others, in alphabetical order, who are considering bids:

 Rona Ambrose: former interim leader of the Conservative party and MP from an Edmonton-area riding.

 Michael Chong: former Conservative cabinet minister, current MP for Ontario riding of Wellington-Halton Hills. Ran in the 2017 race.

 Richard Decarie: political aide under former Conservative leader Stephen Harper while in opposition, helped run Harper's Quebec operations.

 Michelle Rempel Garner: Conservative MP for the riding of Calgary Nose Hill.

 Vincent Guzzo: movie-theatre mogul from Quebec who also stars in the reality-TV program "Dragons' Den."

 Rudy Husny: longtime Quebec operative for the Conservative party, and businessman.

 Erin O'Toole: former Conservative cabinet minister and current MP from the Toronto-area riding of Durham. Ran in the 2017 race.

 Pierre Poilievre: former Conservative cabinet minister and current MP from the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21 2020.
The Turkish General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) will carry out mineral exploration activities in Niger under a cooperation agreement between the two countries signed Monday.

Exploration activities will take place in the West African countrys geochemistry, geophysics and drilling projects, said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez who signed the agreement on behalf of Turkey.

The two countries are also eyeing cooperation in production activities that will generate jobs for both countries, Daily Sabah reports.

Niger welcomed the agreement. The countrys Mines and Industrial Development Minister Hassane Baraze Moussa indicated that the cooperation is a concrete indicator of the historical relations between the two countries.

MTA is present in 17 African countries, including in Sudan, where it operates in the field of energy and mining.
WASHINGTON  Upstate New York Rep. Elise Stefanik is among eight House members who will serve on President Donald Trumps impeachment defense team, the White House announced Monday night.

The eight Republicans are part of an initial list of members of Congress who will represent Trump in the Senate impeachment trial due to start Tuesday.

The White House did not disclose what roles the House members may be asked to fill in the Senate trial.

The president looks forward to their continued participation and is confident that the members will help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta on behalf of the American people, the White House said in a statement.

Trump declared Stefanik a GOP rising star in November after she emerged as one of his most outspoken defenders during impeachment hearings in the House Intelligence Committee.

Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, who represents a sprawling North Country district, is among two New York House members on the team. The other is Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-Long Island, a longtime Trump ally.

The six others asked to help defend the president are GOP Reps. Doug Collins, Mike Johnson, Jim Jordan, Debbie Lesko, Mark Meadows and John Ratcliffe.

Stefanik said in a statement that its an honor to be part of the team.

I am proud to stand up for the Constitution, my constituents in New Yorks 21st District, and the American peoples vote, Stefanik said.

Read more

Upstate NY Rep. Elise Stefanik seizes spotlight in impeachment hearings

Elise Stefaniks opponent, Tedra Cobb, raises $1M after impeachment hearing

Who is Tedra Cobb? Elise Stefaniks opponent in national spotlight

For Katko and Brindisi, Trump is a minefield like few in the House face

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751

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New Delhi, Jan 21 : One of the closely fought seats this poll season in Delhi will be Hari Nagar in West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Both AAP and the BJP have gone for fresh faces. While the BJP has fielded its rabble-rouser Tajinder Bagga, AAP has replaced its two time MLA Jagdeep Singh with Raj Kumari Dhillon.

There are a total of 1,74,463 voters this time from this constituency with 92,731 male and 81,726 female voters. Last time, BJP ally Shiromani Akali Dal fought from this seat and lost by more than 15,000 votes to the AAP candidate.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Jagdeep Singh had won the seat twice in a row -- both in 2013 and 2015. But before the AAP came into being, from 1993 to 1998, the seat has been a BJP bastion.

This time around, Bagga, who is also the Delhi BJP spokesperson, has been fielded from this Sikh majority constituency. Dhillon was brought in to counter any anti incumbency by AAP.

Soon after Bagga's name was announced on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, he released a poster that says "Neta nahi, Beta (I am a son, not a leader)", which appears to be his campaign slogan. However, Dhillon is riding on the Arvind Kejriwal wind and the party's slogan of "Acche bitey 5 saal (Last 5 years were well spent)".

Mayapuri, Nanakpura, Paraag Vihar are key areas that encircle the Hari Nagar constituency. Scarcity of clean water and parking space remain top electoral issues even in 2020. Residents often complain of illegal parking. As candidates, both have to convince the electorates here that they have a formidable road plan to address their concerns.

With CAA protests rocking Delhi, it is expected to come up in the discourse during campaign. BJP hopes to capitalise on that, given Sikhs, who form a significant part of the constituency, will be benefiting from the legislation as well.

The Citizenship Amendment Act makes it easier for the non-Muslim immigrants facing religious persecution in Muslim-majority nations -- Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan -- to become Indian citizen and reduces the stipulated years one needs to spend in India for applying for citizenship.

Delhi will poll on February 8 and the results will come on February 11.
First daughter and White House senior special adviser Ivanka Trump ignored a reporters questions concerning her fathers impeachment.

Video from the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, shows CNN reporter Jim Acosta asking for comment as Ms Trump descends a staircase.

Mr Acosta can be heard asking: Any comment on your fathers impeachment trial? Any thoughts?

An aide then excuses them and ushers Ms Trump through the crowd.

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

Trying again, Mr Acosta repeats his question, adding: Do you think there should be witnesses?

Ms Trump's awkward silence continues.

The video was posted on Twitter by Matt Hoye, CNN supervising producer covering the Trump White House.

Earlier in the day Mr Acosta tweeted: As his Senate trial begins, Trump has arrived at Davos forum and once again referred to impeachment as a witch hunt... a hoax... and a disgrace.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were stepping back from their duties as senior royals, it triggered a number of interesting reactions on this side of the pond.

Some Americans lifted their noses in the air and said, We fought a revolution not to have to pay attention to these people. Not interested. (Of course, these were the same folks who kept commenting on social media about how not interested they were when no one asked for their opinion in the first place.)

Some people argued whether Harry was a henpecked husband who should not let his commoner wife drive a wedge between him and the rest of the Windsors, while others took Meghans side and argued that she had been unfairly treated by those stuffy old Brits and had every right to pen her own Declaration of Independence.

But there was one reaction which troubled me, because it was both predictable, and designed to put people on the defensive: calling all critics of the Duchess racist.

There is no denying that the British press can be cruel to members of the royal family. Remember when they called Fergie the Duchess of Pork and ridiculed the looks of Camilla Parker Bowles? And of course many people, including Prince Harry, blame the press for having essentially hounded Princess Diana, literally, to death.

While they havent gone to that tragic extent with Meghan, they have been very harsh, making unfavorable comparisons with Kate Middleton and essentially nit-picking every aspect of her life.

And there have been some clear incidents of racism, especially when a BBC journalist likened Harry and Meghans new baby Archie to an ape. That should not be tolerated.

But it is possible to criticize Meghan Markle without being racist. The fact that I dont like Meghan Markle has nothing to do with her skin color. It has to do, as someone once said, with the content of her character.

Meghan has shown a capacity for mean-spiritedness in cutting off communication with family, simply because they embarrassed her. Her treatment of her father, with whom she is voluntarily estranged, is particularly cruel.

And certainly, her decision to step back from royal life after such a short time raises questions about gratitude. After all, the Royal Family threw her an amazing wedding (with public money), renovated her exquisite home (with public money), sent her on two fabulous world tours (with public money), and showered her with praise whenever she appeared at public outings.

In fact, it is this public generosity that is at the root of another Meghan criticism. Her unprecedented insistence on privacy is something that the British do not expect from their royals. Unlike Diana, Fergie, Kate, and pretty much every other royal mother, Meghan refused to be photographed coming out of the hospital with Baby Archie. Its not like the Brits paid for the baby, but they did have an expectation of seeing him.

As a society, we cannot get to the point where criticizing someone who happens to be black or another minority is viewed as being all about race.

Meghan Markle is a world leader and a public figure. While that doesnt take away her right to any privacy, it also does not exempt her from criticism. Dismissing genuine critiques about her is unfair because it both silences legitimate criticism of a persons character while, at the same time, diminishes the impact of real racism.

Christine Flowers is an attorney and a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and can be reached at cflowers1961@gmail.com.

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Mackenzie Skinner held a paint roller in her right hand Monday morning, moving it back and forth in a tray of paint that she would soon apply to the walls of a room in Harrisburg High Schools SciTech Campus.

It was her day off, but Skinner, a senior at the school, said she saw it as an opportunity to serve her fellow students. After all, it was Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And she was thinking of Kings words: Lifes most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?

Its not a day off; its a day on, Skinner said. So today is a really good day to start getting down and painting and doing some of the hard work.

Skinners plan is to transform a vacant classroom attached to SciTechs cafeteria into a large walk-in closet filled with student clothing that adheres to the schools dress code.

A Girl Scout for more than a decade, Skinner is using the project as a way to seek out a Gold Award  Girl Scoutings highest achievement.

The Gold Award is all about giving back to the community, Skinner said, explaining she knew she wanted her project to focus on her school.

At SciTech, donated uniform clothing already is available to students in need, she said, but often that clothing looks unattractive or ill-fitting. Its obvious when students are wearing the donated clothing, Skinner said, and that can sometimes lead to unwanted questions and attention.

They werent really nice clothes, she said. I wanted to create a clothes drive where its more trendy, more comfortable fitting, so that way, if students ask for clothes ... its going to be more discrete.

So thats what she set out to do, winning the approval of school staff and district administrators, Harrisburg School District spokeswoman Kirsten Keys said.

The way Skinner imagines it, the program will allow seniors leaving the school at the end of the year to donate their old uniforms, which can then be picked out and worn by students in need, she said.

The cycle will be ongoing," she said, adding that shed also welcome donations of new clothing.

And the need exists, according to Rebecca Hardie, a SciTech biology teacher and mentor helping Skinner with the project.

One thing that we really stress here at SciTech Campus is that we are all a family and that we take care of each other when one of our family members is going through a difficult time, Hardie said. By setting up the clothing drive and the clothing resource room, this is one way that we are going to be able to take care of our students.

There are numerous reasons that students may need help getting uniforms, Hardie said, listing poverty, house fires and issues with nonfunctioning public utilities among them.

Today, HBGSD students, staff, school administrators, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA are answering one of Dr. Kings most persistent and urgent questions, What are you doing for others?' See how our students are Keeping the Dream Alive! https://t.co/b4j3wbNbP7 pic.twitter.com/423g3v2WVU  HarrisburgCougars (@Hbg_Sch_Dist) January 20, 2020

Skinner said shed eventually like to see the program grow to also offer school supplies, prom dresses and clothing that can be worn to job interviews.

But first, the room has to be set up, and thats what Skinner, her fellow Girl Scouts, school staff and other community members were working toward Monday. Its work that began in November, Skinner said.

Shortly before noon, they could be seen in the room taping off outlets to prepare the walls for painting.

Skinners project is based only in SciTech, but Keys said uniform help also is available at other district schools.

Anything that our students can do for other students in the building that are going through a difficult time ... is huge, Hardie said.
Discovery isnt dead. Its just moved into trickier geological territory, but thats not stopping the impressive advance.

Despite growing anti-oil sentiment, oil and gas companies unearthed 12.2 billion new barrels of oil and oil equivalent last year, according to Rystad Energya figure that represents a four-year highand offshore is where most of these new discoveries lie.

The figures suggest that the anti-oil movement has yet to have a tangible effect on exploration, and analysts are forecasting another bang-up year for finding even more oil and gas in 2020 and beyond.

Was 2019 A Flop for Exploration?

Rystad pointed to a disappointing year for high-impact wells, with over 10 billion barrels of estimated pre-drill volumes failing to encounter hydrocarbons. But such is the nature of high-impact, risky drilling. You win some, you lose some.

And many companies, such as ExxonMobil, won--big time.

According to Westwood Energy, which had a rosier outlook, 91 high impact wells were drilled last year, up 36% from 2018. And 2020 is shaping up to meet or even beat this figure. Whats more, the costs associated with this drilling fell in 2019. Overall exploration expendituresat $3.5 billionfor these high-impact wells was little changed last year, because the average cost per well fell.

About 77% of these high-impact discoveries were gas, according to Westwood.

Where Its At

When it comes to major 2019 oil finds, there is one word on the lips of anyone talking about offshore: Guyana . Or maybe ExxonMobil. Either way, were talking about the same thingExxonMobil, in partnership with Hess Corp and CNOOC, has raised the stakes in the global offshore oil game, single-handedly finding almost one-tenth of all the worlds oil found in 2019. Related: Has Natural Gas Hit Rock Bottom?

Overall, the oil found Guyana, including that from Exxon and Tullow, accounts for nearly 15% of all the conventional oil found last year. 

Next up is Russia , where Gazprom found 1.5 billion boe in the Kara Sea, in the Rusanovsky and Nyarmeysky blocks off the Yamal Peninsula.

Other conventional hotspots included Mauritania, Iran, and Cyprus to round out the top five.

Where It Isnt

Mexico had a tough year for oil exploration, with all five high-impact exploration wells failing to come up with any commercial volumes. For 2020, international oil companies in Mexico have 10 wells set to test 2.5 billion barrels of unrisked prospective volume.

Other flops for high-impact drilling include NorthWest Europe, which tapped 27 wells, with just two of them turning out to be successes.

Offshore Complications

That 2019 was a record year for oil and gas exploration is even more impressive given that most of the increases were in offshore, which is far more complicated. Exxons Guyana find, for example, was in a particularly tough stratigraphic type of play--and it ended up being the most successful find of 2019. Related: Is $90 Oil Possible? An Interview With Jay Park

These stratigraphic plays do indeed carry a higher geological risk, and much of the oil left to be found exists in these types of plays. Given Exxons wildly successful find in such a difficult geological area, more companies are likely to jump into these higher cost opportunities.

2020 and Beyond

The Middle East will have a big offshore game this year. According to Rystad, we can expect to see a dramatic increase in Middle East offshore exploration spending, with UAE expected to be the top spender at $1 billion by 2025, followed by Turkey with an expected $350 million in expenditures tied to offshore oil and gas exploration (hopefully not in disputed waters).

Westwood sees the 2019 level of exploration sustained through 2020, but sees high-impact well exploration in North West Europe slowing due to their lack of success last year. Westwood sees exploration in Guyana slowing this year too, simply because Guyana would likely be unprepared for more. Mexico has 10 wells by international oil companies testing 2.5 billion barrels of unrisked prospective volume in both frontier and emerging plays. Africa is expecting a repeat of 2019 as Recon CEO Jay Park recently explained in an interview with Oilprice.com. Australia, which had a rather subdued 2019 when it comes to exploration, should see a pickup in high-impact drilling.

Overall, Westwood sees 2020 as having similar exploration activity as last year, although there will be a shift of focus toward North and South America.

The top 2020 explorers will be the European supermajors Total SA, Equinor, Shell, and Eni, according to Westwood. 2019s top explorers, according to Rystad, are ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC, and Total.

Whats missing from Rystads and Westwoods exploration forecasts for 2020 is any mention of how anti-oil sentiment will dampen drilling.

For all the drilling ban proposals, lawsuits aimed at Big Oil, protests by anti-oil groups, pipeline saboteurs, and outspoken activists, fossil fuel divestments by financial institutions, oil and gas production and exploration carried on as usual in 2019, and it will carry on this year, too.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Explained: The final moments before a hanging

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 21: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the juvenility plea filed by one of the killers in the Nirbhaya case. This has paved the way for the hanging which is set to be held on February 1, 2020.

Although there may be a few legal obstacles, it has become clear that the killers are closer to the gallows. Let us see what takes place on the day of the hanging.

Once the state government fixes the date of execution, the jail superintendent would then inform the relatives of the same. The prisoner would then be allowed to prepare a will.

Explainer: Why state government resolution against citizenship law has no legal sanctity

After this mandatory procedure the hangman steps in and has the following preparations to undertake:

On the day of the execution the superintendent, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent in charge and medical officer shall be present at the gallows.

An executive magistrate deputed by the district magistrate shall attend the execution and countersign the warrant.

If the prisoner so desires, a priest of his faith may be allowed, at the discretion of the superintendent, to be present at the place of execution, subject to the requirements of security and prison discipline. The relatives of the prisoner and other prisoners shall not be allowed to witness the execution.

The superintendent may, however, permit social scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc. who are conducting research to be present.

At the time of the execution prisoners of all categories shall be kept locked up until the execution is over.

The night before the execution the prisoner shall be provided with the food of his choice. The next day two hours before the execution he shall be woken up and ordered to take a bath. A fresh set of clothes are then provided to him and the moment is he is out of the cell, his face shall be hooded and hands bound

The prisoner shall be allowed to see the gallows. The prisoner will be made to walk through the passageway which is around 20 metres and is covered in less than a minute.

Once the execution is carried out, the body shall remain suspended for half an hour and will be taken down only once the medical officer has certified the prisoner as dead. The body will be disposed off according to religious requirements.

In case the family members of the family make a request in writing, the superintendent may hand over the body on the condition that no public display is made when the cremation or the burial takes place.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The US governments National Institutes of Health is developing a vaccine against the new virus that has infected hundreds and killed four in Asia, CNN reported.

"The NIH is in the process of taking the first steps towards the development of a vaccine," CNN quoted Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as saying.

Fauci said there are still many questions about the new coronavirus.

"This is an evolving situation, and it's tough to predict ultimately where it will go," he said. "But we have to take it very seriously."

A few things are clear. One, the virus jumped from animals to humans, just like SARS did nearly two decades ago.

A team of scientists in Texas, New York and China are also at work on a vaccine, according to Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, CNN reported.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have set up a headquarters in the city of Wuhan to combat the outbreak of the new type of coronavirus which has so far claimed 4 lives, Xinhua reported.

The center will act as a rapid response and control agency, and will isolate and treat infected patients.

The previously unknown virus was first reported on 2019 Dec. 31 in Wuhan.

The World Health Organization announced Monday that it was convening an emergency meeting.

The new disease is a coronavirus, a species common in animals that occasionally leaps to humans.

The virus causes pneumonia.

Within China, the virus has reached major metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai, while its also traveled as far south as Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong. Outside of China, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea have all recorded cases.

Initially healthcare officials believed the virus is spreading only animal-to-human, but now it is confirmed to be able to transmit through human-to-human contact.

224 cases are reported in China. 4 people have died.

According to reports, 95% of the infected patients have traveled to Wuhan.

The city markets in Wuhan, which might have caused the outbreak, are shut down.

Passengers at airports and railway stations are being screened for fever.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
English French

REGINA, Saskatchewan, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas unions are standing united with the locked out workers of the Regina Co-op Refinery.



Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, will be in Regina, Wednesday to attend a solidarity rally in support of the workers, who have been waiting for the employer to return to the bargaining table since September.

Rally in Support of Workers Co-op Refinery, 550 East 9th Avenue North January 22, 2020 at 12:30 p.m.

To arrange an interview, please contact:



CLC Media Relations

media@clcctc.ca

613-526-7426




Help India!

SAAD RAZI SHAIKH, Twocircles.net

A few weeks into my first year in university, my Professor dropped an interesting line. The discussion was about post-positivist theories. The professor observed that all of us have multiple identities. We choose to prioritize one. When one squares this statement in the context of the Indian society, a simple inference can be drawn. That based on the numerous dividing lines of religion, caste, language, ethnicity and so on, each individual possesses multiple identities. Which one they choose to profess comes down to a number of factors.

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Identities are actively shaped by ones environment, both immediate social relations and the larger forces driving society. Its not really the individuals sole call, what part of their identity they chose to prioritize. Movements that draw on an individuals identity, based on caste or ideology, for example, end up highlighting them and bringing them to the fore. That also helps tie together disparate individuals and bring them under one umbrella.

One needs to understand the CAA in this light. It is an ongoing attempt to create a new national identity, based on the exclusion of Muslims. It is devilishly simple and psychologically effective. In one shrewd stroke, the patter of citizenship has been zeroed down on non-Muslimness. Negative identities, what we are not, are easier to support and grasp. By focusing on what we are not, by ascribing shortcomings to the other, it soothes our hearts. It also creates an easy-to-identify identity, that can be both understood and possibly celebrated.

This not-so-subtle reality is really the crux of why the CAA-NRC is such a core issue to the ruling dispensation. All the eventual logistical nightmares, the legal logjams, the international media criticism, all will be braved by the government because its intention is clear. CAA-NRC was never about finding out who outsiders are. It is about establishing who can be Indian, on what terms, and on whose terms.

Those in power know the fragmentations of Indian society. The mind-boggling diversity is a nuisance to create one single unified vote bank. Based on their language, caste, gender, religion, ethnicity, ideologies, every person in India can be considered to be part of some numerical minority. India is not really an example of majority and minority groups. Its a jumble of multiple disorganized minorities, each jostling for its own space.

The BJP has been emboldened by its 2019 electoral victory and has wasted no time in the passing of bills that are its pet ideological projects. Each of these bills is really an attempt to mold the Indian national identity around the contours of the Hindutva project. What the BJP doesnt get that every mobilisation invites counter-mobilisation. Presently, it is the spirited anti-CAA movement across the country, under the guiding umbrella of Constitutional values. For in a society, where everyone belongs to a minority, it is only the Constitution that can secure rights for all. It is the Constitution that binds Indians, as We, the People. Junk this crucial bit and the entire structure collapses. It must be saved, as much for India as for the minorities that make it.
People should appreciate the mission accomplished by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to maintain the one country, one law policy and ensure the independence and supremacy of the Judiciary, Passenger Transport Management, Power and Energy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has said.









He said unlike the former regime, the present government did not interfere with the countrys laws or the independence of the Judiciary or the Police. Now they were aware of the extent to which the former government pressured the Judiciary in the recent past.





The Judiciary on its part too should take steps to safeguard its independence and honour and prestige.





The Minister expressed these sentiments addressing a meeting held at the Angunakolapelessa Palugahawela Abhinawaramaya to distribute textbooks and equipment among daham pasala students in the Hambantota district and a consignment of mosquito nets and other utensils among a group of expectant mothers recently.





Minister Amaraweera said the government had today launched a massive development programme countrywide. But it did not gain much publicity in the media which was more interested in sensationalism.





Today, investors were coming here in hordes to launch investment programmes in the country, taking advantage of the large-scale tax incentives offered by the government, he said.





Nevertheless, much publicity was being given to the unpleasant things which had happened in the recent past. However, the present government would not leave room for a repetition of such ugly incidents, he said.
Simran Ahuja By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: What does a group of tweens and early teenagers talk about? Exams, assignments, the latest in pop culture... But with Yathaarth Murthy, Mishti Kewalramani, Maitrii Patel, Ira Bhruguwar and Annika Saha, the conversation goes beyond these topics -- from global environmental crises to the India visits of foreign dignitaries. So it comes as no surprise that four out of these five students will be heading to the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York for a presentation on their lake revival project in Bengaluru.

Carried out under the banner of The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), the initiative was part of an optional project offered by their school, Vidyashilp Academy. Since the former is a global nonprofit organisation that works to strengthen the UN goals for sustainable development, the students had to ensure the impact of their project would last a decade. We thought of many projects -- volunteering at an animal shelter, etc, but a lake revival project made most sense since we are the city of lakes after all, explains Kewalramani, 14, the oldest in the team.

Mentored by Anand Malligavad, who has previously revived other lakes in the city, the team decided on Manae lake in Kanakpura, which provides water to surrounding villages. The work, which began on December 5, had the students visit the lake 5-6 times, sometimes spending six hours a day understanding the process of revival. We started with defining the corners of the lake, to see where it begins and ends, says Saha, adding that their next visit to the lake will be on January 18. Having completed phase 1 (desilting and bunding) and phase 2 (cleaning of the lakes inlets), the team is now focused on phase 3 of the project. We will identify the plants for the Miyawaki forest, adds Bhruguwar.

The students found hacks for almost every challenge they faced, the biggest being funds. A total of `10 lakh was required, for hiring two earthmovers, diesel and salaries for labourers and project supervisor. During their projects, our seniors had only managed to raise `93,000, so this was the scariest part, says Patel, adding that crowdfunding felt like the best option they had. Each member set up their own page on a crowd-funding platform to collect `2 lakh each, and are now just a little over a lakh away from their target. Their biggest takeaway? Says Kewalramani, Climate change is a hot topic of discussion now so we made sure to remind people that these funds would go a long way in saving their city from going to ruins.

They now plan to keep visiting the lake for three years in order to sustain their efforts. Its no longer just any water body. After watching it undergo so many changes, it now feels like our lake, says Patel.

High note

Though the opportunity is a dream come true moment, this wouldnt be Murthys first visit to the UN. The 13-year-old has previously visited the international bodys headquarters in 2018, when he was asked to perform for visitors from the world over, thanks to his ability to sing 260 national anthems. The journey began in 2014, with Murthy learning the anthems of India, Japan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and soon expanded to include many more regions, including Kiribati, Palau, Eritrea and Abkhazia. The toughest, however, was learning the Chinese anthem, he says, adding that even the 26-minute Argentinian composition was nothing in comparison. I now plan to learn the state anthems of USA, so that my total count goes up to 300.
Read what is in the news today:

Politics

-- Vietnam and Thailand held the seventh political consultation, chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung and Permanent Secretary of the Thai foreign ministry Busaya Mathelin in Hanoi on Monday.

Society

-- Five people including a 70-year-old woman, her three children, and her daughter-in-law were killed in a fire that broke out at their home in a small alley on Do Xuan Hop Street in District 9 on early Tuesday morning.

-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a disciplinary warning against Vu Anh Minh, chairman of the state-run Vietnam Railways Corporation, for serious violations and shortcomings during his previous leadership posts in agencies under the Ministry of Transport.

-- PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday had a working session with his economic advisory group in Hanoi. The 15-member group comprising economic experts and entrepreneurs will provide the government leader with measures to achieve economic goals for 2020, especially those on stabilizing the macroeconomy and accelerating growth.

Business

-- Retail beer prices in Vietnam have continued to drop by VND5,000-10,000 per 24-can box compared to ten days ago, as demands for the alcoholic beverage dwindles following the countrys recently enacted drink-driving laws which impose strict penalties on anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

-- The Ministry of Finance is looking to tighten regulations over corporate bond issuance to protect investors and prevent risks from an overheated market as the capital raising channel is abused, according to a recently published draft decree on corporate bond issuance.

-- Vietnam has targeted to earn US$9 billion from fishery exports in 2020, a year-on-year increase of seven percent, according to the Directorate of Fisheries.

Lifestyle

-- An exhibition of photos, documents, books, and newspapers that chronicle the development of the Communist Party of Vietnam was opened in the northern province of Thai Nguyen on Monday in celebration of the Partys 90th anniversary (February 3).

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Jakarta: Bali bombing survivors say they are devastated by delays to the establishment of a memorial "peace park" after landowners in Bali moved to double the price and size of the plot of land on which an Australian-based charity wants to build.

Negotiations over the sale of the plot have stalled in recent months after the owners decided to try to sell a larger 1500-square-metre plot to the charity, which is run by victims and their relatives. The price was also increased to 105 billion rupiah ($11.2 million) for the proposed peace park.

Negotiations over plans for a peace park have stalled yet again. Credit:ninevms

In May last year, a deal for the Perth-based Bali Peace Park Association to buy a 700-square-metre portion of the plot for about 45 billion rupiah appeared to have been finalised.

However, demands from the current site owners for compensation for lost future earnings remained a sticking point between the parties at the time and have still not been resolved.
SANTA FE, N.M.  A New Mexico Supreme Court decision says at least some tribal casino workers injured on the job cant receive benefits through the states workers compensation program.

A unanimous ruling last Thursday precludes an Isleta Pueblo casino employee who hurt a knee while pushing chairs from bringing a claim against the pueblo or its insurer under the state program.

The program dismissed Gloria Mendozas claim on grounds that the pueblo cant be sued in state court or administration proceedings without its consent under the doctrine of tribal sovereign immunity.

A state Court of Appeals ruling allowed Mendozas claim to proceed, but the Supreme Court said it couldnt allow that because the pueblo isnt part of the legal case and theres no indication it ever agreed to participate in the state program.

The high courts decision cautioned that the legal record in Mendozas case lacked some information and said the courts conclusions applied only to the facts of that case.

It also said the state apparently had overlooked that the pueblos gambling compact with the state required the pueblo to either provide workers compensation coverage or agree to participate in the state program.

There is no evidence in the record that such an agreement exists, the ruling stated.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Boeing is telling airlines and suppliers that it doesn't expect regulators to sign off on the 737 Max until the middle of 2020, months later than the manufacturer previously expected.

The extended delay poses another headache for carriers who have already missed one peak travel season without the fuel-efficient planes. The company has been telling customers that it expects regulatory approval in June or July, according to people familiar with the matter.

Regulators grounded the planes in March after two fatal 737 Max crashes  one in Indonesia in October 2018 and another in Ethiopia in March of last year  killed 346 people. A flight-control system aboard the planes was implicated in both crashes.

Shares of the aircraft manufacturer fell after CNBC first reported the news just before 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, dropping by more than 5% at midafternoon before trading was halted for Boeing's announcement. The stock closed down 3.3% at $313.37.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that it hasn't said when it will clear the plane for flight. "The agency is following a thorough, deliberate process to verify that all proposed modifications to the Boeing 737 MAX meet the highest certification standards," the FAA said. "We continue to work with other safety regulators to review Boeing's work as the company conducts the required safety assessments and addresses all issues that arise during testing."

Airline shares fell sharply on the Boeing news and on the report of the first known U.S. case of coronavirus, which has killed six people in China. Southwest closed down 2.7%, American declined 4.2% and United slid 4.4%. All U.S. airlines that have the Max in their fleets  American, Southwest and United  have pulled the planes from their schedules until early June.

Delta, which does not fly the 737 Max, fell 2.7%.

The shares of Boeing's major suppliers  General Electric and Spirit AeroSystems  also slid, falling by 1.3% and 3.8%, respectively.

Boeing's shift in its forecast is a far cry from the end-of-2019 estimate of the aircraft's return to service that former CEO Dennis Muilenburg stood by, despite pushback from regulators. Boeing fired Muilenburg last month and replaced him with longtime board member Dave Calhoun.

The change in forecast shows Calhoun, a former GE and Blackstone Group executive, is taking a more conservative view of when the planes will return to service. Several separate problems with the plane have been discovered in recent months, including a software issue Boeing disclosed last week. But the company hasn't found anything new since since then, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Boeing said it was basing the updated timeline on its previous experience with the certification process.

"It is subject to our ongoing attempts to address known schedule risks and further developments that may arise in connection with the certification process," the company said in a statement. The revised time frame, Boeing said, also accounts for the "rigorous scrutiny that regulatory authorities are rightly applying at every step of their review of the 737 Max's flight control system" as well as the additional pilot training that will be needed.

The company said returning the Max to service is its No. 1 priority. "We acknowledge and regret the continued difficulties that the grounding of the 737 MAX has presented to our customers, our regulators, our suppliers, and the flying public," Boeing said. It will provide investors with more information when it reports earnings next week, the company said.

Boeing is trying to shore up its financing to see it through the delayed approval process and rising costs stemming from the crisis. The company is in talks with banks to secure a loan of $10 billion or more in the meantime, according to people familiar with the matter. Boeing is grappling with increased expenses stemming from the two fatal crashes of the 737 Max planes.

The total amount could rise if there is additional demand from banks, one person familiar with the matter said.
Veteran actor Soni Razdan on Tuesday stepped into controversy with a tweet demanding a probe into Afzal Guru's hanging and claiming the Parliament attack convict was used as a scapegoat.

The "Raazi" actor followed it up with another post to ask why no one took Guru's allegations that he was tortured by the now dismissed Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh seriously.

Guru was hanged in February 2013.

Razdan shared a link to a story detailing Guru's letter to his lawyer in early 2000s indicating that Singh was involved in the conspiracy to attack the Indian Parliament.

"This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat," she tweeted.

Singh was arrested on January 12 for ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in Kashmir Valley. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing Singh.

In a follow-up tweet, Razdan clarified that she was not calling Guru innocent.

"No one is saying he is innocent. But if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did. Isn't that what needed to be fully investigated? Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously? That's the travesty," the actor added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Phase 2 trade deal with China would not necessarily be a "big bang" that removes all existing tariffs, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.

"We may do 2A and some of the tariffs come off. We can do this sequentially along the way," he added.

Mnuchin also warned that Italy and Britain will face US tariffs if they proceed with a tax on digital companies like Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook Inc, the newspaper said.

Mnuchin's warning to Italy and Britain comes after France backed out and pledged with the United States to avoid a trade war until at least the end of this year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in December had pledged to make major multinational companies pay their fair share of tax, including the implementation of a Digital Services Tax.

Italy approved a similar tax in the 2019 budget but it has not activated it yet.

Mnuchin said that he hoped Britain and Italy would suspend their plans to impose the taxes, according to the report.

"If not they'll find themselves faced with President Trump's tariffs. We'll be having similar conversations with them."

Mnuchin also said the Trump administration would propose additional tax cuts for the middle class in the United States.

"We are in the process of designing it and will be rolling it out shortly."

The details on proposed tax cuts come as Trump seeks to strengthen his 2020 re-election campaign.
By Alexandra Alper

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump struck a cautiously optimistic tone on trade talks with Europe on Tuesday, but kept the threat of new car tariffs firmly on the table.

Having long accused the European Union (EU) of gaining an unfair trade advantage, Trump has threatened to slap new tariffs on European cars and car parts, a vital export product, particularly for Germany, the euro zone's biggest economy.

After a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Davos, Trump said he had "very good" talks but maintained that if a deal was not struck, Washington would strongly consider auto tariffs.

"We expect to be able to make a deal with Europe. And if they don't make a deal we'll certainly give that very strong consideration," Trump said on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, referring to tariffs.

The United States this month concluded fresh trade deals with China, Mexico and Canada, revising earlier agreements long claimed by Trump to be unfair.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said these deals could boost the U.S. economy this year and that growth would outperform projections, including those by the International Monetary Fund.

The White House has repeatedly delayed a decision on whether to impose tariffs of as much as 25% on cars and car parts from Europe, using these threats as leverage in negotiations.

Europe's vast manufacturing sector sank into recession last year, mostly on waning export demand for cars, raising pressure on EU officials to agree to a deal.

"The American people and the European people are good friends, and this is what were going to build on. And, indeed, we have issues to discuss  and we will negotiate, von der Leyen told Trump.

Trump's threat to put tariffs on a key European export has triggered a strong rebuke from European officials and companies, which are major employers in the EU bloc.

Earlier this month, the Washington Post reported that the Trump administration had threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European automobile imports if Britain, France and Germany did not formally accuse Iran of breaking a 2015 nuclear deal.

(Reporting by Alexandra Alper; Writing by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Alexander Smith)
Gurugram: A 68-year-old man from Delhi was killed after a hydra crane allegedly hit him while he was crossing a road near Atlas Chowk on Tuesday evening. The police said that the driver of the crane abandoned his vehicle and fled the spot.

According to the police, Vinod Kumar Kapoor, the victim, worked as an accountant in Delhi and Gurugram. The police said that he used to come to the city for at least two days in a week to check the accounts of different companies on a contractual basis.

The incident took place around 5pm on Tuesday when Kapoor was returning home after work.

A police official privy to the investigation, requesting anonymity, said, The man was crossing a road near Atlas Chowk when a hydra crane suddenly came and hit him. He died at the spot. The driver of hydra crane abandoned his vehicle and fled the spot. He is yet to be identified and arrested. We are investigating the case.

The police said that they recorded the statement of the victims son and filed a case regarding the incident.

A case was registered against the suspect under sections 279 and 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Sector 17/18 police station on Tuesday, the police said.

Since the beginning of January, at least 30 people have been killed in such accidents across Gurugram. According to the data provided by the police, 1,069 accidents were reported in the city in 2019 and 400 people had lost their lives.

On Sunday, a 29-year-old man had died after an unidentified vehicle allegedly hit the motorcycle he was riding near Safedar Nagar village, Pataudi. The police had said that the man sustained fatal injury to his head and died at the spot.
Fostering fears of a rise in anti-Semitism and hate crimes against religious and ethnic groups were the two incidents last month. On Dec. 11, four people were shot to death at a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey. On Dec. 28, a man burst into the home of a rabbi during a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, New York, and stabbed five people.
President Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani spoke out Monday night after his former associate, Lev Parnas, gave explosive interviews last week in which he accused Trump, and several high-ranking Republicans, of wrongdoing in the Ukraine scandal. Parnas claimed that Trump was aware that he was in Ukraine pressuring the Ukrainian government to announce an investigation into 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden, and that Trump lied about what he knew. But while Parnas accused the president of lying, Giuliani claims Parnas is the one telling lies.

He didnt just lie, he lied stupidly, Giuliani said. You know what a stupid lie is? A stupid lie is when your partner, Igor Fruman, can contradict you. A stupid lie is when theres a tape recording that can contradict you.

Parnas also implicated Vice President Mike Pence, former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, congressman Devin Nunes and Attorney General William Barr in the plot to pressure Ukraine into announcing an investigation into Biden. Barr was even mentioned in the partial transcript of Trumps call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, but Giuliani adamantly refuted the notion that Barr had anything to do with his dealings in Ukraine.

I have been circumspect, careful, exceedingly careful. Not only that, Parnas knows that, Giuliani said. I told Parnas several times that I would make sure I would never go to the Attorney General with it so I wouldnt compromise him.

Giuliani did not elaborate on why Barr would have been compromised had he spoken to him about Ukraine.

Giuliani and Parnas have a long history together, which made Parnass allegations difficult for Giuliani on a personal level.

Lev is someone I was close to. Obviously I was misled by him. I feel very bad. I was godfather to his child, Giuliani said, later adding, Im heartbroken. Im heartbroken.

Parnas, who is under indictment for illegally funneling money to Republican politicians, is standing by the allegations he made in the interviews.

Story continues

The Ingraham Angle airs weeknights at 10 p.m. on Fox News Channel.

Watch Evelyn Yang, wife of presidential candidate Andrew Yang, open up about being sexually assaulted by her doctor:

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[January 20, 2020] HD-PLC Innovates IoT World

In Japan, the High-definition Power Line Communication (HD-PLC) technology has been mostly used in PLC adapters and communication equipment so far. One major reason was the interpretation of the "Ministerial Order to Provide Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances and Materials" which applied to the integration of HD-PLC into home electric appliances and housing equipment. Recently, the efforts of the involved parties have been rewarded by the Notice issued on December 25, 2019 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) that partially revised the interpretation of the Ministerial Order. HD-PLC can now be integrated in home appliances and housing equipment. The main advantages of HD-PLC over wireless technologies include an easy setup of communication networks, a high level of security, and low power consumption. Additionally, HD-PLC can be used on power lines, coaxial cables, telephone lines, and other existing lines which not only enables the deployment of networks in in-house environments such as homes, buildings, and factories, but also the deployment of large outdoor networks covering areas of some square kilometers.



HD-PLC is expected to play an important role in underground facilities and radio-shielded spaces in buildings and houses where wireless reception is bad, while users expects high-speed, low-latency applications be provided by next-generation 5G networks. HD-PLC can play a unique role by working in conjunction with 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies to enhance the quality of service of networks. The ministerial order revision has opened the way for consumers to buy stationary home appliances with build-in HD-PLC technology, making easy to build networks by simply connecting the equipment to an electric outlet. This will provide a new solution for interconnecting electric appliances. Yoshiyuki Miyabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic (News - Alert) Corporation, the founding company of the HD-PLC Alliance, sent us a message: "Panasonic's fourth-generation HD-PLC technology has already been approved as the IEEE (News - Alert) 1901a Standard. We are excited by the huge opportunities that the ministerial order revision has opened to make HD-PLC one of the most innovative core technologies in the age of IoT. Panasonic will take advantage of these opportunities to integrate the technology in many of our products and solutions, working toward its further development and expansion and offering new values to our customers."

HD-PLC Alliance will continue to promote the use of HD-PLC in electric appliances and to provide certification of HD-PLC built-in machinery and equipment ensuring communication compatibility. Simultaneously, we will keep making efforts to improve the certification environment. With the motto "HD-PLC takes up the challenge of becoming the IoT solution that connects people's living, industry, and the community," we will keep contributing toward establishing universal standards and promoting wider use of HD-PLC compatible products. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005132/en/

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No One Injured in Readsboro Roll Over

READSBORO, Vt.  A New York City man avoided injury when his Infiniti rolled over on Route 8 on Monday morning.

State Police Trooper Colin Shepley reported that Liu Chang, 31, was northbound in a 2019 Infiniti QX8 when he lost control, when off the road and struck a ledge, rolling the car onto the driver's side.

First responders were called to the scene at about 9:45 a.m. and found that all the occupants had been able to get out of the car. There had initially been a call for the Jaws of Life in case of entrapment. State Police had been advised that no one was injured prior to their arrival. The operator had been wearing a seat belt.

Readsboro Fire Department, Stamford Fire Department, Northern Berkshire (Mass.) EMS and Heartwellville Towing assisted at the scene.

Chang was issued a warning for operating too fast for conditions. He was reportedly traveling at 30 mph but the road was slushy and snow-covered and temperatures were in the single digits.

The Infiniti is considered totaled.
Native Americans across the country have appealed for immediate and thorough investigations into missing or murdered women of the community, as the body of 16-year-old Selena Shelley Faye Not Afraid was found.

The Montana teenager vanished New Year's Day and was last seen at the eastbound Interstate 90 rest area between Billings and Hardin, Montana that afternoon.

Her discovery Monday morning makes her the 28th missing or murdered indigenous woman (MMIW) from Big Horn County since 1990, but she was one of 42 in the state of Montana where 152 people were missing.

'Native women have been dehumanized from the very beginning,' Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear, a demographer who grew up in Big Horn County told the New York Times. 'The law has failed us time and time again. We're tired of it. We're tired of our people dying, of our kids going to jail.'

The body of 16-year-old Selena Shelley Faye Not Afraid was found Monday. Her discovery Monday morning makes her the 28th missing or murdered indigenous woman (MMIW) from Big Horn County since 1990

The Montana teenager vanished New Year's Day and was last seen at the eastbound Interstate 90 rest area

The Sovereign Bodies Institute (SBI) board member spoke shortly before Selena was found dead.

Police said Selena was last seen leaving a vehicle near a rest stop after returning home from a party in Billings. They reported she was last seen leaving a disabled vehicle and walking into a field.

Information from the FBI shared on January 8 described her as not dressed for the weather conditions.

The girl's mother Jackie Big Hair and father Leroy Not Afraid were desperate for her safe return and search teams scanned the area in hopes of locating her.

Amid snow blizzards, her family and community held candlelit vigils and took part in rallies outside the courthouse as the urged law enforcement to do more.

'We're here demanding it,' Selena's aunt Cheryl Horn told the Times. 'We're not being quiet. We're not leaving.'

A Department of Interior search team found Selena's body around 10.30am during a 'systematic grid search' of an area southwest of the rest stop she had vanished from.

Big Horn County Sheriff Lawerence Big Hair confirmed Monday afternoon that teen from Hardin was found about three quarters of a mile from where she went missing.

'Please keep Jackie, Leroy and their extended family members in your thoughts and give them the time and space to grieve and come to grips with this terrible loss,' he said.

The sheriff said the cause of death is being investigated but foul play was not suspected.

It's the latest in a spate of tragic MMIW cases.

It's the latest in a spate of tragic MMIW cases. According to SBI, which has created its own database of cases, in November 2019, 37 percent of missing girls were Indigenous. However Indigenous girls only make up 6 percent of the population

Mother-of-six Bonnie Three Irons was found dead in the mountains in April 2017.

Henny Scott, 14, was repeatedly reported missing by her family in December 2018 but it took weeks for a public bulletin to go out. She was found dead two weeks after she vanished.

Her great-grandmother Rose Old Bear was murdered in Hardin in the 1950s, her great-aunt Harriet Wilson was murdered outside Hardin in the 1970s.

Montana girl Kaysera StopsPrettyPlaces, 18, was found dead in a backyard near her home, four days after she went missing in Hardin in August. She had gone missing a total of nine times.

Selena's aunt posted a tribute on Facebook.

'We brought our baby girl home,' Horn said. 'Now she can Rest In Peace. Jackie and I want to thank everyone for helping us bring our girl home.'

She added that she will continue to seek justice for MMIW.

'I'm not done my girl!! I will continue the fight!!' Horn posted as followers commented supporting her fight for justice.

Police have been labelled negligent in the cases of MMIW or girls, and in some cases the perpetrators of violence.

In 2019, Fort Peck tribal police officer Mychal Damon, was charged with abusive sexual contact without permission, allegedly knowing the girl was under the age of 12.

Police said Selena was last seen leaving a vehicle near a rest stop after returning home from a party in Billings. They reported she was last seen leaving a disabled vehicle and walking into a field

Cops had been pushed to investigate the people Selena was seen riding with in a van

'We brought our baby girl home,' Selena's aunt Horn said. 'Now she can Rest In Peace. Jackie and I want to thank everyone for helping us bring our girl home'

Former Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer Dana was found guilty of raping a woman in her home on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Montana in 2015.

The federal government dismissed two counts of lying to federal officers and chose not to prosecute him for sexual abuse, as part of a plea deal. The victim's attempt to sue was thrown out.

Selena's brother Preston was shot dead by Billings police officers; her sister Tristen was hit and killed by a car; and her twin sister died by suicide when she was 11 years old.

Cops had been pushed to investigate the people Selena was seen riding with in a van.

Crow tribe member and county prosecutor Jay Harris had said they were looking to create their own police force on the 2.3 million acre reservation amid a state of emergency regarding the investigations of missing women.

'Why does nobody care about this?' one of Kaysera's aunts said to the Times about the girl found dead this summer. The aunt, Grace Bulltail, an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison added: 'We're not being given any information.'

Selena's aunt had compared the latest missing girl to Kaysera.

'This is the justice that Kaysera didn't get,' Horn said before her niece was found dead.

Mother-of-six Bonnie Three Irons (left) was found dead in the mountains in April 2017. Henny Scott (right), 14, was repeatedly reported missing by her family in December 2018

Montana girl Kaysera StopsPrettyPlaces, 18, was found dead in a backyard near her home, four days after she went missing in Hardin in August. Kaysera is pictured on a poster as the community asked for justice

Kaysera's aunt, Grace Bulltail (pictured), had said they were 'not being given any information' about the missing teen. Selena's aunt, Horn, compared the new case to Kaysera's before Selena was found dead

According to SBI, which has created its own database of cases, in November 2019, 37 percent of missing girls were Indigenous. However Indigenous girls only make up 6 percent of the population.

A 2017 Harvard Journal of Law and Gender report cites data showing that 'rural communities' such as those in Montana or North Dakota 'do not have the infrastructure, leadership capacity, or expertise to respond to the rapid social changes and population growth' creating the conditions for violent crime to flourish.

The SBI cites another study that found economic development has brought economic opportunity but it has meant an increase in violent crime, drug abuse, and sex trafficking of Native women and children. It adds that the rapid pace of oil and gas development 'overwhelms the existing law enforcement and social services infrastructure on many reservations'.

SBI takes into account cases from 1900 to the present day, but notes 69 percent of the cases have occurred since 2000.

In the Northern Plains, including the Dakotas, Montana, and Nebraska, 411 MMIWG went missing or were killed in those states, or who come from tribal nations in these four states. Four out of five cases remain unsolved with no arrests.

Between 2017 and 2019, there were approximately 30-40 cases per year, not including cases where the missing person was safely located.

SBI estimates the number to be more like 3,500 to 4,700 since 1900.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : An industry body representing private airport companies such as GMR and GVK on Tuesday said that the Commerce Ministry's proposed move to restrict purchase of liquor to one bottle and a complete ban on sale of cigarettes from duty-free shops would cause an annual revenue loss to the tune of Rs 650 crore to the airport sector.

The proposal mooted by the Commerce Ministry in its budget recommendations for Union Budget 2020-21 could also result in loss of 8,000 to 10,000 jobs.

Association of Private Airport Operators (APAO) has said that share of import of liquor for sale to arrival passengers in total imports is a mere 0.0213 per cent and hence doing away with even entire imports will not serve any purpose.

"The same ministry (commerce) is recommending reduction in import duty on gold to mitigate illegal imports. With the same logic the proposal will enhance smuggling of imported liquor and encourage passengers to buy more at departure airports globally, resulting in higher foreign exchange outflow," the APAO said.

At most Indian airports, duty-free revenues make up 15-20 per cent of the total non-aero revenues and sales of liquor and cigarettes together account for over 75-80 per cent of overall duty free sales.

The airport body said that the sector regulator would have to compensate for the losses on account of reduction in liquor quota by raising airport land and parking charges.

"It is estimated that the aero charges will go up by at least around Rs 200 crore annually across India which will have an impact on ticket prices and may even impact the growth in passenger traffic which is already extremely subdued," APAO said.

It argued that reduction of duty-free allowance will also adversely impact Airports Authority of India (AAI) which will not only lose revenue from the airports it operates but also from the revenue share from Delhi and Mumbai airports. It is estimated that AAI would lose over Rs 330 crore (Rs 180 crore from its operations and Rs 150 crore due to reduction in revenue share payments from DIAL and MIAL).

"This will reduce AAI's ability to develop airports in remote and rural areas, upgrade airport infrastructure and regional connectivity which is a hallmark of the NCAP 2016," the industry body said.

Revenue loss at airports will impact airport operators' financial ratings and consequently hamper expansion plans, it noted.

Seeking to bring liquor allowance at par with countries like Thailand, Singapore and Dubai, APAO had earlier proposed to double its limit to four litres per person for purchase from duty-free shops at Indian airports.

In its proposal for Budget 2020-21, Association of Private Airport Operators (APAO) had said that sizable business at duty-free operations in South East Asia/Middle East region is through tourists that originate in India.

"Liquor allowance given in India is not at par with liquor allowance in neighbouring countries/Asia Pacific countries," APAO wrote to the government.
NEW YORK - An associate of Rudy Giuliani charged with illegally funneling foreign money into U.S. political campaigns has asked Attorney General William Barr to recuse himself in the case and appoint a special prosecutor.

The request is made in a letter filed Monday in the docket of the federal campaign finance violation case brought by New York prosecutors against Lev Parnas. The letter signed by defence lawyer Joseph Bondy came a day before the Senate impeachment trial against President Donald Trump was scheduled to start.

Parnas is charged along with an associate, Igor Fruman, with making illegal campaign contributions in order to further their business interests and political goals that included a campaign to get the U.S. to replace its ambassador to Ukraine. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Two other men are also charged in a part of the case having to do with attempts to get approval in several states for a fledgling marijuana business.

Both Parnas and Fruman were deeply involved in helping Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer and former New York City mayor, try to persuade Ukrainian officials to launch an investigation of the business dealings of Joe Bidens son.

In recent weeks, Parnas has been giving Congressional Democrats documents and electronic correspondence related to that pressure as part of the impeachment inquiry.

Barrs Justice Department brought the charges against Parnas, but the case is being overseen by the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan, Geoffrey Berman.

The U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment on Bondys letter Monday.
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.
Rocket Lab has announced its first mission for 2020 -- a dedicated rocket launch on behalf of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), with a launch window that opens on January 31. The Electron rocket Rocket Lab is using for this mission will take off from its Launch Complex 1 (LC-1) in New Zealand, and it'll be the first mission Rocket Lab secured under a new contract the NRO is using that allows it to source launch providers quickly and at short notice.

This new Rapid Acquisition of a Small Rocket (RASR) contract model is pretty much ideal for Rocket Lab, as the whole company's thesis is based around using small, affordable rockets that can be produced quickly thanks to carbon 3D printing used in the manufacturing process. Rocket Lab has already demonstrated the flexibility of its model by bumping a client to the top of the queue when another dropped out last year, and its ability to win an NRO mission under the RASR contract model is further proof that its aim of delivering responsive, timely rocket launch services for small payloads is hitting a market sweet spot.

The NRO is a U.S. government agency that's in charge of developing, building, launching and operating intelligence satellites. It was originally established in 1961, but was only officially declassified and made public in 1992. Its mandate includes supporting the work of both the U.S. Intelligence Community, as well as the Department of Defense.

Increasingly, the defense industry is interested in small satellite operations, mainly because using smaller, more efficient and economical satellites means that you can respond to new needs in the field more quickly, and that you can also build resiliency into your observation and communication network through sheer volume. Traditional expensive, huge intelligence and military satellites carry giant price tags, have multi-year development timelines and offer sizable targets to potential enemies without much in the way of redundancy. Small satellites, especially acting as part of larger constellations, mitigate pretty much all of these potential weaknesses.

One of the reasons Rocket Lab opened its new Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) launch pad in Wallops Island, Va., is to better serve customers from the U.S. defense industry. Its first mission from that site, currently set to happen sometime this spring, is for the U.S. Air Force.
The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) on Tuesday said it expects the government to announce support measures in the forthcoming Budget to push exports of the labour-intensive sector.

"With a huge and growing global market, we see very good opportunities for growth this year. We expect additional support measures for the sector in the upcoming Budget for 2020-21 and also in the foreign trade policy which will further catalyse our growth," CLE Chairman Aqeel Ahmed Panaruna said.

Exports of leather and leather products have declined 7.55 per cent to USD 3.6 billion during April-December this fiscal. It was USD 5.7 billion in 2018-19.

He said as the non-leather footwear has a huge potential for export growth, the council has suggested the government to provide duty exemption on imports of raw materials.

He said the council has planned a series of events to attract global buyers.

"The 35th edition of India International Leather Fair (IILF) will be held at Chennai from January 31 - February 3. It will display entire range of products relating to leather industry from raw material to finished products besides machinery, chemicals, and components," he added.

Ahmed said this fair serves as a platform for not only sourcing but also understanding the latest trends in technologies.

Over 300 domestic and 150 overseas companies will be participating in this fair.

The council is also organizing Designers Fair from February 1-3 in Chennai, where 10 countries are participating.

"This fair provides a platform to Indian manufacturers and exporters to meet the popular overseas and Indian designers not only to procure the latest designs but also enter into long term business tie-ups in design development," he said.

Further, the third Raw Material Sourcing Meet at Chennai on February 1 will witness one-on-one meetings between Indian companies and more than 25 overseas suppliers of leathers.

He added that the council members will be participating in several global events including Mipel Fair in Milan, Poznan Fashion Fair in Poland, and Asia Pacific Leather Fair and Fashion Access in Hong Kong.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The chairman of Aviva will make room for new blood at the top as the business embarks on a major plan to cut costs.

Sir Adrian Montague said he would step down this year, as soon as the company can find someone to succeed him.

Depending on how long the recruitment takes, Sir Adrian could get a chance to mark his five-year anniversary at the head of the board, having taken the role in April 2015. He had joined the insurers board two years before.

When I became chairman in 2015 the board asked me to commit to serve for at least five years, Sir Adrian said.

Avivas new chief executive Maurice Tulloch has outlined a plan which would bring major change to the insurer, pledging to run the business better. It includes a cost-cutting initiative which would see bills slashed by around 300 million a year.

Now that Maurice has launched Aviva's strategy, a new senior management team is in place and the board has been refreshed, it is also time for a new chairmanSir Adrian Montague

In June the group announced plans to axe 1,800 jobs, just months into Mr Tullochs tenure at the top.

The company also agreed to sell its joint venture in Hong Kong, called Blue, last year, and was in talks to find a buyer for its Vietnamese and Indonesian businesses.

Sir Adrian said: Now that Maurice has launched Avivas strategy, a new senior management team is in place and the board has been refreshed, it is also time for a new chairman.

Before joining the insurer Sir Adrian had been deputy chairman of Network Rail, and the Green Investment Bank. He is also chairman of the Manchester Airports Group and Cadent Gas.

He served as executive chairman for five months before Mr Tulloch was chosen to take charge.

George Culmer, senior independent director, said: On behalf of the board, I would like to express our deep thanks to Adrian for his service, leadership and guidance over the past seven years.

Adrian has chaired Aviva through a period of considerable change and departs with our very best wishes for the strong legacy he leaves.
NOIDA: After getting positive remarks from the inspection team of the National Board of Examination (NBE), the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Kasna in Gautam Budh Nagar is likely to get at least 20 postgraduate seats in the current academic session.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, GIMS director, said since the institute has started the MBBS course for 100 students after due approval from the Medical Council of India (MCI), to further improve patient care, the GIMS has initiated the process to get recognition in order to start postgraduate courses in different streams.

The GIMS is an autonomous tertiary care teaching hospital in Gautam Budh Nagar. The GIMS hospital is fully functional and approximately 1,500 patients are visiting the hospital daily and over 200 patients are being admitted. All major surgeries are being performed there. It has already got the letter of permission from the MCI on August 1 last year, for admitting 100 MBBS students.

We have applied for some 20-25 seats in five streams. The team of NBE inspected the institute last week and permitted us to start Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses in paediatrics for four candidates and in gynaecology for two candidates. The other teams will visit the institute to provide us permission for the remaining specialties of medicine, surgery and anesthesia, he said.

He further said the inspection team was very happy with GIMS hi-tech infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories and skills lab. The team members also hailed our faculty, who are dedicated and well-versed in the latest medical advancements and trained in the newer curriculum guidelines of the MCI, he said.

Dr Gupta also said the eligibility for DNB is qualifying MBBS or an equivalent programme with 50% or above aggregate percentage along with clearing the DNB-CET entrance test.

In super specialty courses, only those candidates who are in possession of MBBS (recognised by NBE /IMC Act) and who have qualified the Boards CET (broad specialty) are eligible for training for a period of six years, against approved seats. The course is covered in six semesters, which also comprises rotational training, he said.

Giving the break-up of stipend to the super specialty postgraduate students, the GIMS director said payment of monthly stipend is mandatory. An accredited hospital has to pay each super specialty trainee a minimum monthly stipend of 14,000 in the first year. From the next semester, it increases to the equivalent of the sum paid to DM/MCH trainees by respective state governments, in institutions owned by them, he said.
Trump impeachment: GOP-led Senate rejects amendments, approves rules of trial originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

In a marathon session that began at 1 p.m. Tuesday and lasted nearly 13 hours into the early morning, the Republican-led Senate rejected all 11 Democratic-proposed amendments en route to approving the rules for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

The only changes to the rules proposed Monday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell came earlier Tuesday when Republicans reversed their original call for arguments to take place over two days, and instead agreed that arguments would take place over a three-day period. McConnell also agreed to have evidence from the House inquiry automatically admitted as evidence in the Senate trial.

MORE: The Senate impeachment trial so far: 3 things to know

The rules were approved by a party-line vote, 53-47, after more than 12 hours of debate that left many Senate members exhausted by the time the Senate was adjourned shortly before 2 a.m.

Here is how the day unfolded:

1:55 a.m. Final amendments fail and vote on rules passes

Following the rejection of three additional amendments regarding the trail's timing and procedures, the Senate approved the rules of impeachment as put forth by Sen. McConnell.

The vote passed along party lines 53-47. The Senate then adjourned after nearly 13 hours.

PHOTO: In this image from video, Senators vote on approving the rules for the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. (AP)

1:19 a.m. 8th amendment to subpoena John Bolton fails following clash

The eighth amendment of the evening, on the question of whether to subpoena former National Security Advisor John Bolton to testify in the impeachment trial, failed along party lines, 53-47.

The vote followed a clash between impeachment manager Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and White House counsel Pat Cipollone.

Ambassador Bolton was appointed by President Trump and has stated his willingness to testify in this trial," Nadler said. "The question is whether the Senate will be complicit in the president's crimes by covering them up.

Story continues

Cipollone, in response, blasted Nadler's characterization, saying, "Mr. Nadler, you owe an apology to the president of the United States and his family, you owe an apology to the Senate, but most of all, you owe an apology to the American people.

Chief Justice John Roberts, overseeing the trial, admonished both sides for the rhetoric.

The Senate is now debating additional amendments to the rules related to the trail's timing and procedures.

12:02 a.m. 7th amendment fails, on to the 8th amendment involving John Bolton

The seventh amendment of the evening, to "prevent the selective admission of evidence and to provide for appropriate handling of classified and confidential materials," again failed along party lines, 53-47.

The Senate will now take up the question of whether to subpoena former National Security Advisor John Bolton, who Democrats believe could further tie President Trump to the Ukraine affair.

PHOTO: In this image from video, impeachment manager Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., argues in favor of an amendment to subpoena John Bolton during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump. (AP)

11:21 p.m. 6th amendment fails, but debate continues

Chuck Schumer's sixth amendment, to subpoena testimony from Mick Mulvaney adviser Robert Blair and OMB official Michael Duffey, failed -- again along party lines.

And after a brief, five-minute break it was on to the seventh amendment of the evening to "prevent the selective admission of evidence and to provide for appropriate handling of classified and confidential materials."

The amendment would require "that if, during the impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump, any party seeks to admit evidence that has not been submitted as part of the record of the House of Representatives and that was subject to a duly authorized subpoena, that party shall also provide the opposing party all other documents responsive to that subpoena."

10:33 p.m. 5th amendment fails, onto the 6th

The fifth amendment proposed by Democrats -- to subpoena Department of Defense documents -- has failed along party lines, 53-47, and it is on to the sixth amendment.

Schumer's sixth amendment would subpoena testimony of Robert Blair, senior adviser to Mick Mulvaney, and Michael Duffey, a senior official at the Office of Management and Budget. Debate on the sixth amendment is starting now.

A brief "quorum call" was held earlier in which Sen. McConnell asked Sen. Schumer to dispense with the debate and "stack" the remaining amendment votes we have.

But Schumer responded that he believes each of the remaining votes are extremely important to the country and the Senate will take each of these votes. Schumer offered to put off the remaining votes until Wednesday, but McConnell did not agree to it.

9:53 p.m. Debate begins on 5th amendment

After a pause, a debate began on Schumer's fifth amendment to subpoena Department of Defense documents. Democratic Rep. Jason Crow kicked off talk and will reserve some of their one hour to respond to the White House argument on this amendment.

9:29 p.m. Schumer's 4th amendment fails

Schumer's 4th amendment -- to compel testimony from acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney -- failed, in a 53-47 vote along party lines.

Just prior, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., had argued in favor of the amendment.

"President Trumps total obstruction makes Richard Nixon look like a choir boy," he said, after listing the Nixon aides who cooperated with Congress during Watergate.

"Mr. Mulvaney was at the center of every stage of the president's substantial pressure campaign against Ukraine," Jeffries said. "Based on the extensive evidence that House did obtain, it is clear that Mulvaney was crucial in planning the scheme, executing its implementation and carrying out the coverup."

He said a fair trial "demands" that Mulvaney testify.

9:23 p.m. 'Can we please start?'

Add White House counsel Pat Cipollone to the name of those hoping for Tuesday night's proceedings to end.

Cipollone pleaded with senators to start the trial, hitting Democrats on the multiple amendments they are continuing to debate.

"If we keep going like this it will be next week," Cipollone said, prompting laughs from the Republican senators, including McConnell, who smirked through Cipollones remarks.

"Were here to have a trial," he said.

8:03 p.m. White House comments on proceedings, motion to dismiss

Eric Ueland, the White House Legislative Affairs director, who has been in the chamber for the trial, left the door open to the Trump team putting forward a motion to dismiss as early as Wednesday.

"Such motions could be filed as late as 9 a.m. tomorrow morning," he told ABC News as he stepped out of the chamber.

it is unclear when such a motion would get a vote.

Ueland also said the president is being kept "constantly updated" while in Davos "and is very impressed" with his teams performance.

"There is a very good infrastructure in place to keep the president updated -- while he's in Davos -- the ins and outs of whats going on here on the floor," he said.

7:24 p.m. GOP-controlled Senate rejects Democrats' effort to subpoena OMB records

McConnell calls for a vote to table, or set aside, Schumer's amendment calling for the Senate to subpoena the Office of Management and Budget for documents related to the military aid to Ukraine.

The amendment is killed 53-47 along strict party lines -- just as happened with the two previous Democratic amendments.

Schumer announces a fourth amendment -- to subpoena testimony from acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

With it still unclear how many more amendments Democrats might offer -- and how many more hours of debate that might mean -- the Senate then breaks for dinner.

As GOP senators leave the chamber -- many grabbing phones and furiously typing on their electronics -- theyre huddling just off the floor to enjoy a dinner of -- pizza.

7:10 p.m. A long day for senators, stuck in seats, listening to hours of arguments

The first long day of the president's impeachment trial has taken its toll on senators, who have been forced to sit in silence, relying on water and snacks to sustain them through hours of debate over the resolution setting the parameters for the impeachment trial.

The first person caught dozing was Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho.

At about 5:30 p.m., as Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., spoke in favor of an amendment to subpoena the State Department for records, Risch was slumped over with his head resting in his right hand, and appeared to be sleeping or close to it, though he stirred repeatedly to rub his eyes.

Risch perked up later as Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for President Trump, and Rep. Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager, took to the floor following Demings.

"What time is it?" Risch could be heard asking when Schiff appeared to run over the time allotted for the managers. He then started tapping the face of his wristwatch, which echoed through the chamber.

Other senators relied on gum and mints to stay alert. GOP Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina was seen popping a mint into his mouth at about 6:10 p.m. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon was seen chewing on his pen.

The Senate is expected to break for dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. ET after a vote to table the Democrats' third amendment, which seeks to subpoena the Office of Management and Budget for records.

-- ABC's Benjamin Siegel

7:04 p.m. Sekulow argues Ukraine aid ultimately delivered without investigation announcement

The president's personal attorney and part of his defense team Jay Sekulow repeated arguments from Republicans that the Trump administration ultimately provided aid to Ukraine that was authorized by Congress and went further than aid provided by the Obama administration.

Sekulow said that the fact that the aid was ultimately provided without an announcement of an investigation into the Bidens or Burisma undercuts the Democrats' argument that President Trump held back the money for his own political benefit.

6:39 p.m. House manager Jason Crow argues OMB documents would show President Trump used national defense funds for his political benefit

House manager Jason Crow begins his argument in favor of the amendment to subpoena the Office of Management and Budget by sharing some of his personal history as an Army Ranger serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Crow is in his first term in Congress and served in the 82nd Airborne Division before joining the 75th Ranger Regiment, with which he served two tours in Afghanistan as part of the Joint Special Operations Task Force.

He says the decision to withhold military aid from Ukraine was "personal" to him and that OMB played a key role in the decisions to hold back aid approved by Congress.

"These documents would provide insight into critical aspects of the military-aid hold. They would show the decision-making process and motivations behind President Trump's freeze. They would reveal the concerns expressed by career OMB officials including lawyers that the hold was violating the law. They would expose the lengths to which OMB went to justify the president's hold," he says.

"They would reveal concerns about the impact of the freeze on Ukraine and U.S. national security. They would show senior officials repeatedly attempted to convince President Trump to release the hold. In short, they would show exactly how the president carried out the scheme to use our national defense funds to benefit his personal political campaign," Crow says.

6:20 p.m. Senate rejects second Democratic amendment, for State Department documents, also along party lines

Schiff appeals directly to the senators sitting silently in the chamber in his argument that they should vote to subpoena the State Department for additional evidence in the impeachment trial.

"You're going to have 16 hours to ask questions. Sixteen hours -- that's a long time to ask questions. Wouldn't you like to be able to ask about the documents during that 16 hours?"

Schiff references the "three amigos," three administration officials who took the lead in the administration's policy in Ukraine.

PHOTO: Adam Schiff speaks on the Senate floor during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, DC. (ABC News)

Although Ambassadors Kurt Volker and Gordon Sondland both testified as part of the House impeachment inquiry, Schiff pointed out that the third "amigo" - former Energy Secretary Rick Perry - has thus far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any documents.

"Wouldn't you like to know? Don't you think the American people have a right to know what the third Amigo knew about this scheme?" Schiff asks.

McConnell calls for a vote to table Schumer's second amendment, calling for the Senate to subpoena the State Department for documents related to the administration's involvement in Ukraine and decision to withhold military aid. That amendment is tabled -- or killed-- along party lines, just his first one calling for White House witnesses was rejected.

Schumer then offers a third amendment to subpoena the Office of Management and Budget for documents.

Some color from our reporters inside the chamber watching from above in the press gallery:

During the defenses statements, the most aggressive Republican note takers were GOP Sens. Murkowski and Collins (two of the four Republicans we are watching closely). The two women wrote for multiple minutes as White House counsel Pat Cipollone spoke.

A few aides have been walking on and off the floor to deliver notes to members, who for the most part remain quiet and attentive.

Also coming on and off the floor - Senate pages who have been vigorously delivering water glasses to both the House legal team and the members over the last few minutes.

-- ABC's Allison Pecorin

6:05 p.m. Chief Justice John Roberts has to be back at his first job tomorrow morning

Even as it's unclear how much longer the Senate will go tonight debating Democratic amendments, one of the few people in the chamber who will have to be back at work first thing tomorrow morning  running an entire branch of government  is the chief justice.

PHOTO: The U.S. Capitol building exterior is seen at sunset, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Sarah Silbiger/Reuters)

Hell preside over oral arguments at the Supreme Court in a major case involving religion and school choice that public school unions say is crucial for their funding. That begins at 10 a.m.

The senators and other staff presumably wont be back in business until midday when the trials opening arguments are expected to begin at 1 p.m. and Roberts will need to be back on the Senate dais as presiding officer.

-- ABC's Devin Dwyer

5:20 p.m. Democratic Rep. Val Demings argues Senate must subpoena State Department documents

House manager Val Demings is now making an argument in favor of an amendment to subpoena to State Department for documents related to Ukraine.

Demings, 62, made an impression in questioning witnesses when the testified before both the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees.

PHOTO: Val Demings speaks on the Senate floor during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, DC. (ABC News)

Unlike the other House managers, Demings doesn't have a background as a litigator but she did work in the criminal justice system as the first female police chief in the Orlando Police Department, where she served for 27 years.

A Florida State University and Webster University graduate, Demings is the only member of the managing team without a law degree, and the only member with a law enforcement background.

- ABC's Ben Siegel

PHOTO: Sen. Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters during a brief recess on the first full day of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 21, 2020. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

4:40 p.m. Senate rejects Schumer amendment calling for a subpoena for White House witnesses and documents

On a party line vote, 53-47, the Senate votes to put aside -- or kill -- Schumer's amendment to subpoena witnesses and documents from the White House.

Schumer proposes a new amendment to subpoena documents from the State Department related to calls between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.

PHOTO: The Senate Chamber as members vote on the amendment offered by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump, Jan. 21, 2020, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (ABC News)

There will be another two hours of debate on that amendment. McConnell says he will move to table that amendment as well.

MORE: 3 things to know about the Senate impeachment trial

4:14 p.m. Trump's lawyers argue all the Democrats's subpoenas have been invalid

Patrick Philbin, one of the lawyers on President Trump's defense team, pushes back on the Democrats' argument that the White House refused to cooperate with the inquiry.

He says the White House did respond to subpoena requests with a letter laying out why it saw the subpoenas were invalid - primarily that the House had not voted to authorize an official impeachment inquiry.

"All of those subpoenas were invalid," he says.

"And that was explained to the House, to manager Schiff and the other chairman of the committees at the time in that October 18th letter. Did the House take any steps to remedy that? Did they try to dispute that? Did they go to court? Did they do anything to resolve that problem? No."

After Philbin finishes, Schiff speaks again.

"Let's get this trial started, shall we?" Schiff says in response to the president's lawyers' claim that Democrats are pushing for more evidence because the House's case isn't strong enough.

"We are ready to present our case. We are ready to call our witnesses. The question is will you let us?" he asks.

As arguments conclude, McConnell makes a motion to put Schumer's amendment aside.

3:42 p.m. Former GOP Sen. Jeff Flake watches from Senate Gallery

Former Sen. Jeff Flake is in the chamber. He is seated in the upper level that is reserved for staff and guests. He looked over to the press area where reporters are seated and smiled.

The former senator and fierce Trump critic announced in 2017 that he would not seek reelection.

Flake notably has said that if the Senate held a secret ballot to remove Trump from office, more than 30 Republicans would vote to oust him.

3:34 p.m. House manager Zoe Lofgren says documents Democrats want subpoenaed would reveal 'the truth'

House manager Zoe Lofgren argues Schumer's amendment to subpoena key evidence from the White House would circumvent President Trump's efforts to block the House impeachment investigation by refusing to release documents or blocking officials from cooperating.

She says evidence released through Freedom of Information Act requests and messages from Ruddy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas made public after the House impeachment vote show that the White House documents could further implicate the president in wrongdoing concerning the withheld aid to Ukraine.

PHOTO: House impeachment manager Rep. Zoe Lofgren speaks during opening arguments in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the Senate Chamber, at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (ABC News)

"The documents include records of the people who may have objected to this scheme, such as Ambassador (John) Bolton. This is an important impeachment case against the president. The most important documents are going to be at the White House. The documents Senator Schumer's amendment targets would provide clarity and context about president Trumps scheme," Lofgren says.

"We don't know with certainty what the documents will say. We simply want the truth ... whatever that truth may be. So, so do the American people. They want to know the truth. And so should everybody in this chamber regardless of our party affiliation," she adds.

Lofgren points out that multiple witnesses in the House investigation testified they took detailed, handwritten notes around relevant events like the July 25 call between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.

She says documents like those notes would provide a first-hand look at how Trump's behavior was perceived by those around him at the time.

3:26 p.m. Schiff argues the president's lawyers didn't even mention the rules resolution

After the break, Schiff pushes back on accusations from the president's lawyers that the House impeachment proceedings were unfair and that Republicans and representatives of the president weren't allowed to participate. He says it is "just plain wrong" to say Republicans weren't allowed in the depositions with witnesses or that the president wasn't allowed to send a representative to Judiciary Committee proceedings.

"Im not going to suggest to you they are being deliberately misleading here, but it is just plain wrong. You have also heard my friends at the other table make attacks on me and chairman Nadler. You will hear more of that. I am not going to do them the dignity of responding to them, but I will say this. They make a very important point, although it's not the point I think they're trying to make," Schiff said.

"When you hear them attack the House managers, what you are really hearing is we don't want to talk about the president's guilt. We don't want to talk about the McConnell resolution and how patently unfair it is.

2:55 p.m. Inside the Senate chamber, senators taking notes, exchanging messages

As the Senate took a break, ABC's Mariam Khan reports senators, for the most part, were sitting quietly at their desks while Cipollone, Sekulow, and Schiff took turns speaking.

Senators seem to be paying close attention, maintaining eye contact with the speakers, and taking notes.

As Schiff spoke about the charges against the president, Trumps key allies - GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham, David Perdue, Jim Risch, James Inhofe, and several others, stared stoically ahead.

Moderate GOP Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski -- who are seated next to each other -- are taking copious amounts of notes, their faces expressionless.

While Schiff was speaking, Graham started to look a little bored, shifting in his seat constantly. While senators cannot speak to one another during the proceedings, he scribbled out a note on his legal notepad and shared it with his seat mate, Sen. John Barrasso.

Barrasso read the note, exchanged a knowing look with Graham and the two quietly chuckled.

When Schiff went on about the need for witnesses, Graham appeared to smirk.

When Schiff played a video of Trump saying he wanted to hear from witnesses - Minority Leader Schumer began to grin widely. He looked pleased.

Meanwhile, senators are still getting messages from the outside world. Aides are discreetly walking on to the floor to hand deliver paper messages to senators. Senate pages are walking around filling up water glasses.

2:39 p.m. President Trump's lawyers argue the Democrats failed to pursue their case in the courts

President Trump's personal attorney Jay Sekulow begins his argument by slamming the process in the House impeachment inquiry.

"And what we just heard from manager Schiff, courts have no role, privileges don't apply, what happened in the past we should just ignore. In fact, manager Schiff just said try to summarize my colleagues defense of the president," Sekulow says.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump's personal attorney Jay Sekulow speaks during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2020. (ABC News)

"He said not in those words of course, which is not the first time Mr. Schiff has put words into transcripts that did not exist. Mr. Schiff also talked about a trifecta," Sekulow says.

"I'll give you a trifecta. During the proceedings that took place before the Judiciary Committee, the president was denied the right to cross-examine witnesses. The president was denied the right to access evidence. And the president was denied the right to have counsel present at hearings. This is a trifecta that violates the Constitution of the United States. Mr. Schiff did say the courts really don't have a role in this. Executive privilege, why would that matter? It matters because it is based on the Constitution of the United States," Sekulow continues.

The president and his counsel could not participate in person during the depositions that House Intelligence, Judiciary and Oversight committees held but once the hearings moved to the House Judiciary Committee, the White House and the president chose not to participate even though they were invited to present a defense.

Pat Cipollone also says that Schiff was keeping Republicans out of the impeachment depositions. That is not true. Republicans on the committees mentioned participated in the depositions.

Sekulow argues that the only reason we are here is because Democrats want the president removed from office.

"What are we dealing with here? Why are we here? Are we here because of a phone call? Or are we before a great body because, since the president was sworn into office, there was a desire to see him removed."

He says that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her impatience and contempt for the proceedings and waiting for the courts to rule when she said "we cannot be at the mercy of the courts."

"That is why we have courts ... to determine constitutional issues of this magnitude," he said, although it should be noted that the administration has argued that the courts should not have a role here," he says.

-ABC's Katherine Faulders

Trump attorney Jay Sekulow: "Why are we here? Are we here because of a phone call? Or are we here, before this great body, because since the president was sworn into office there was a desire to see him removed?" https://t.co/gSRupclymD pic.twitter.com/NTtRIbeWwR  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

2:13 p.m. GOP's Collins pressed to have arguments take place over 3 -- not 2 -- days

ABC's Trish Turner on Capitol Hill reports aides to moderate GOP Sen. Susan Collins say she and others raised concerns about trying to fit the 24 hours of opening statements in two days under the proposed rules and the admission of the House transcript of the evidence into the Senate record.

Her position has been that the trial should follow the Clinton model as much as possible, the aides say. She thinks these changes are a significant improvement, they say.

PHOTO: Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Lindsey Graham are directed to a different entrance to the Senate Chamber before the start of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Later, during a break, a Republican senator - who asked not to be quoted - said the discussion of the tweaks to McConnell resolution was the topic of discussion at the GOP lunch today.

Some of the key senators, like Collins, were clearly concerned about the topics around which changes were made," this senator said, reports ABC's Trish Turner.

It was clear there was quite a bit of concern, so it was changed, the senator said.

Sen. Ron Johnson said, There was pretty strong feeling which is why it got changed, saying the concern extended even beyond moderate senators. Republicans wanted to take an argument away from Schumer, he said. "We are not trying to hide testimony in the wee hours of the morning.

2:08 p.m. Trump tweets from Switzerland

President Trump appears to be monitoring the Senate trial from his trip to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum, reports ABC's Elizabeth Thomas.

A few minutes after he left a dinner with Global Chief Executive Officers, the last scheduled event of the day in Davos, Trump tweeted, "READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!" -- one of his favorite defenses, as he has often said before, referring to his calls with Ukraine's president -- calls which he calls "perfect."

READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020

1:34 p.m. Schiff says Trump is arguing there is nothing Congress can do about his conduct

House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff makes his first remarks in Tuesday's session, speaking on behalf of the House impeachment managers against McConnell's resolution.

PHOTO: House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff speaks during impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (ABC News)

He says Trump is arguing that there is nothing Congress can do about the behavior in question in the trial and the trial won't be fair if both sides are blocked from introducing new evidence.

"If a president can obstruct his own investigation, if he can effectively nullify a power, the Constitution gives solely to Congress and indeed the ultimate power, the ultimate power the Constitution gives to prevent presidential misconduct, then the president places himself beyond accountability, above the law," Schiff says.

"It makes him a monarch, the very evil which against our Constitution and the balance of powers the Constitution was laid out to guard against," he says.

Rep. Adam Schiff: "It is the president's apparent belief that under Article 2 he can do anything he wants  no matter how corrupt .. and yet when the Founders wrote the impeachment clause, they had precisely this type of conduct in mind." https://t.co/gSRupclymD pic.twitter.com/gkxUMxM06d  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

PHOTO: Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swears in the final senator, James Inhofe, as he presides over the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the Senate Chamber, Jan. 21, 2020, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (ABC News)

Schiff continues to focus on the ability for the Senate to immediately hear from witnesses and receive additional documents before continuing with the trial.

If the Senate votes to deprive itself of witnesses and documents the opening statements will be the end of the trial, Schiff says.

Earlier on the Senate floor, McConnell said votes on subpoenas and witnesses should not happen until later in the trial, as outlined in the procedural resolution his office announced Monday. Most Americans, Schiff said, dont believe there will be a fair trial and that Trump will be acquitted.

Lets prove them wrong! How? By convicting the president? No. Schiff says. By letting the House prove its case."

Rep. Adam Schiff: "One way to find out what fair trial should look like...is to ask yourselves how would you structure the trial if you didn't know what your party was?" "...Would it make sense to you to have the trial first and then decide on witnesses and evidence later?" pic.twitter.com/9NW1UgG32u  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

Schiff makes the case for additional evidence and witnesses in the Senate trial, with the help of the president's own words.

While speaking on the Senate floor, Schiff plays several clips of President Trump. The first shows Trump saying he wants witnesses, and another featuring the President saying Article II of the Constitution gives him the right to do "whatever I want."

"The innocent do not act this way," Schiff says.

This trial, he added, should not "reward" the president's obstruction by letting him determine what evidence is seen by the Senate.

He also pushed back on the criticism that the House had not exhausted its legal efforts in court to obtain access to witnesses and evidence.

Continuing to mount a legal case, Schiff argues, would encourage Trump to "endlessly litigate the matter in court on every judgment," essentially filibustering the impeachment process.

Schiff spoke after White House counsel Pat Cipollone spoke briefly on behalf of President Trump, in support of the rules and calling on the Senate to acquit the president as soon as possible.

PHOTO: White House counsel Pat Cipollone speaks during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2020. (ABC News)

1:20 p.m. Senate considers rules resolution that now calls for 24 hours of arguments over 3 days

With Chief Justice John Roberts presiding, the Senate begins considering the rules resolution proposed by McConnell that Democrats strongly object to as unfair.

PHOTO: Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts speaks during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2020. (ABC News)

The trial resumed at 1:17 p.m. after being scheduled to resume at 1 p.m.

In a major change, the proposed rules would now allow each side to make their case in a total of 24 hours over three -- not two -- days.

It also means the whole trial will likely take longer.

McConnell's team is expected to confirm that evidence from the House inquiry will now be admitted but not new evidence obtained since the House vote to impeach the president on Dec. 18.

Someone can OBJECT to that evidence being admitted, according to the proposed change.

12:35 p.m. McConnell says 'finally, some fairness' in opening remarks

Majority Leader McConnell begins his opening remarks -- before the formal start of the trial at 1 p.m. -- by saying, "finally, some fairness."

PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks on the floor of the Senate, at the opening of the first day of arguments in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Jan.21, 2020. (ABC News)

"This is the fair road map for out trial," he says of the proposed rules resolution he will soon formally introduce, saying it will bring the "clarity and fairness that everyone deserves."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pushes back on Democratic criticism, saying, the impeachment resolution "sets up a structure that is fair, even-handed and tracks closely with past precedents that were established unanimously." https://t.co/gSRupclymD pic.twitter.com/uc5tWE8l4i  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

Minority Leader Schumer calls McConnell's rules "completely partisan" and "designed by President Trump and for President Trump," adding they would mean "a rushed trial with little evidence in the dark of night."

Schumer says the McConnell rules are "nothing like the Clinton rules," saying that includes allowing a motion to dismiss the case to be made at any time.

Sen. Chuck Schumer: "The McConnell resolution will result in a rushed trial with little evidence, in the dark of night ... If Leader McConnell is so confident the president did nothing wrong, why don't they want the case to be presented in broad daylight?" https://t.co/gSRupclymD pic.twitter.com/cSfgV6zJHX  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

As the senators argue, Chief Justice John Roberts, who will preside over the Senate trial, arrives on Capitol Hill.

PHOTO: Chief Justice John Roberts arrives for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan.21, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

12:25 p.m. Key GOP senators say they're on board with McConnell's proposed rules

Heading in their weekly closed-door GOP lunch, key senators Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska say theyre on board with the McConnell's rules resolution, both indicating that it looks the same to them as the Clinton trial rules resolution.

Romney calls the difference between the Trump trial and Clinton resolutions insignificant, while Democrats have said there are major differences, accusing Republicans of using the rules to engineer a "cover-up."

Youll get what you need in eight-hour blocks or 12-hour blocks, Romney says, referring to the length of each of the two days Democrats would have to present their case.

Murkowski echoes Romney, saying,Its the same 24 hours (as in Clinton), so whats the difference if its eight hours or 12?

Earlier, in a statement, Romney says, "If attempts are made to vote on witnesses prior to opening arguments, I would oppose those efforts."

-- ABC's Trish Turner and Devin Dwyer

11:31 a.m. Schumer says McConnell's proposed rules will force debate into the 'dead of night'

Ahead of the Senate trial, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sharply criticizes the procedural rules outlined by McConnell Monday night.

Schumer takes issue with provisions he says would force debate into the dead of night and warns GOP moderate senators he will force an initial vote on whether to allow senators to review documents and question witnesses.

PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks at a press conference on President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Right off the bat, Republican senators will face a choice about getting the facts or joining leader McConnell and President Trump in trying to cover them up, Schumer tells reporters.

A trial with no evidence is not a trial at all. Its a cover-up, Schumer says.

MORE: Trump impeachment trial begins as Chief Justice Roberts, senators sworn in

This is a historic moment, Schumer adds. The eyes of American are watching. Republican senators must rise to the occasion.

When asked if he plans to force votes to oppose McConnells decision to split the 24 hours designated for opening arguments over two days, Schumer says wait and see.

Schumer says he will ask that White House documents be subpeonaed. including phone records between Trump and Ukraine's president, and other call records between administration officials about the military aid meant for Ukraine that Trump directed be withheld.

-- ABC's Mariam Khan

Sen. Chuck Schumer says he will offer amendments on documents, witnesses for impeachment trial: "Right off the bat, Republican senators will face a choice about getting the facts or joining Leader McConnell and Pres. Trump in trying to cover them up." https://t.co/gSRupclymD pic.twitter.com/iPG6hihNTD  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

10:15 a.m. House managers complain about proposed trial rules

About three hours before they will appear on the Senate floor, House impeachment managers, led by House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, hold a news conference to complain about McConnell's proposed rules, which would give them 24 hours over just two days or present their case, possibly meaning their arguments going past midnight.

"This is a process where you do not want the American people to see the evidence," Schiff says.

MORE: House impeachment managers file case brief against Trump ahead of Senate trial

"We could see why this resolution was kept from us and the American people, he says, calling it nothing like the Clinton resolution in terms of both witnesses and documents.

PHOTO: House impeachment managers Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Jerry Nadler speak to reporters during a brief media availability before the start of the impeachment trial at the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 21, 2020, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

It does not prescribe a process for a fair trial and the American trial desperately want to believe that the Senate ... will give the president a fair trial.

Without documents, Schiff said, you cant determine which witnesses to call and what to ask them.

He was joined by the full managing team.

He also said McConnell is compressing the time of the trial, citing the extended 12-hour days for arguments.

MORE: Trump impeachment: Here's how the process works

Schiff says managers will appeal to the senators today to live up to the oath that they have taken.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, who along with Schiff, will take the lead for the Democrats. Nadler said "there is no other conceivable reason the deny witnesses."

Nadler adds that all the Senate is doing is to debate whether there will be a cover up, accusing Republicans of being afraid of what the witnesses will say.

Schiff wouldnt say if the House would use all 24 hours for their arguments and a full 12 hours each day but said that should be up to the House, and not the Senate in the trial rules.

Rep. Adam Schiff: "We should be able to present the case as the House chooses to present its case  not to go late into the evening when Sen. McConnell evidently hopes the public will not be watching." https://t.co/gSRupclymD pic.twitter.com/vytRyiVSBh  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 21, 2020

-- ABC's Benjamin Siegel

PHOTO: Attorney General William Barr, left, and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, meet with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Nov. 14, 2019. (Alex Brandon/AP, FILE)

9:19 a.m. House managers claim "ethical questions" about White House counsel Cipollone

House managers send a letter to a member of Trumps legal team Tuesday morning stating that he was a material witness to the impeachment charges brought by the House. The managers, led by Schiff, claim there are serious concerns and ethical questions surrounding White House counsel Pat Cipollenes role as Trumps top impeachment lawyer.

You must disclose all facts and information as to which you have first-hand knowledge that will be at issue in connection with evidence you present or arguments you make in your role as the Presidents legal advocate so that the Senate and Chief Justice can be apprised of any potential ethical issues, conflicts, or biases, the House managers write in a letter to Cipollone.

ABC News reported Friday that Cipollone would continue to lead the presidents defense through the impeachment trial along with the president's personal lawyer, Jay Sekulow.

Theyre joined on Trump's defense team by former independent counsel lawyers Ken Starr and Robert Ray who were both involved in investigating and prosecuting the impeachment case against President Bill Clinton.

-- ABC's John Parkinson

For a president who likes a good show and seems to thrive on chaos, the opening of his impeachment trial Tuesday could give him exactly that.

Sources on Capitol Hill expect the first full day of the trial to be something of a political food fight. At the heart of that debate is whether or not to call witnesses who Democrats claim have first-hand knowledge of the president's alleged pressure campaign against Ukraine.

MORE: Senate impeachment trial simplified: What you need to know explained

Rather than the staid proceedings of Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999 -- which followed a close script known to the public, with opening arguments by the House impeachment managers -- the choreography of President Donald Trump's trial is something of a question mark that could see the chamber, known for its decorum and heady debate, run entirely off script, if not off the rails.

Ahead of Tuesday's trial, sources close to the president's legal team argued the articles of impeachment against Trump are "deficient on their face" because they fail to state any violation of law.

PHOTO: Democratic leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., talks to reporters about the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (Julio Cortez/AP)

In the 110-page trial brief, lawyers for the president rejected the articles as a "brazenly political act" and argued that even if the president did raise the issue of the Bidens and/or Burisma in the course of engaging with Ukraine, there would be nothing wrong with that so long as the president was seeking to advance the public interest.

"Importantly, even under House Democrats' theory, mentioning the matter to President Zelenskyy would have been entirely justified as long as there was a basis to think that would advance the public interest. To defend merely asking a question, the President would not have to show that Vice President Biden (or his son) actually committed any wrongdoing," the brief argues.

For now, much of what will happen Tuesday hinges on how long this political slugfest continues. A senior administration official predicted it is "highly unlikely" opening arguments happen Tuesday, and that could complicate the push by GOP leaders and the White House to compress the schedule.

MORE: Giuliani associate Lev Parnas speaks again: 'It was all about 2020'

However, the White House has said it's "extraordinarily unlikely" the trial goes beyond two weeks.

Once Chief Justice John Roberts gavels the trial to order, and the opening prayer is given by Senate Chaplain Barry Black and impeachment proclamation by Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to make a motion to take up his majority-only resolution that lays out the guidelines for the first phase of the trial.

The McConnell measure, released Monday night, condenses opening arguments by the managers and Trump lawyers to 24 hours each over two days per side, followed by up to 16 hours of questioning, via written special submissions by senators.

Democrats say a setup involving 12-hour days amounts to GOP efforts to "conceal" the president's alleged misconduct by conducting the trial in the "dead of night" when the American public is less likely to be paying attention.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump puts his hand to his head while speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Trade Show in Austin, Texas, Jan. 19, 2020. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

On the crucial issue of whether or not to call witnesses, senators will vote up or down -- after the questioning period -- immediately following a four-hour period of debate on the issue. Key GOP senators, like Susan Collins of Maine and Utah's Mitt Romney, who have expressed interest in subpoenaing certain witnesses, insisted that this language be included.

"If the Senate votes no at that point, no party or Senator will be permitted to move to subpoena any witness or documents. If the Senate votes yes, both sides will be free to make motions to subpoena witnesses, and the Senate can debate and vote on them," according to a senior Senate GOP leadership aide.

Democrats were riled up by the GOP leader's exclusion of evidence not in the record at the time of the Dec. 18 House impeachment vote. It appears that any evidence related to Lev Parnas, a key associate of Trump personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, would not be permitted.

MORE: Dershowitz's 1998 comments on impeachment resurface ahead of Trump trial

Parnas has been turning over evidence to congressional investigators that he argues is pertinent to their impeachment investigation. Democrats, who have been releasing the evidence publicly, argue that Republicans saying no new evidence should be included is "completely out of sync with how trials are done" and say any evidence that is in the public record should be considered.

"Impeachment rules do not automatically admit evidence from the House into the Senate trial," said a senior Senate GOP leadership aide. This is an important fact specific to this trial because the White House was denied due process throughout the 12 weeks of partisan House proceedings."

PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell arrives for the first day of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2020. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

Democrats are expected to try to amend McConnell's trial rules with a request for witnesses and documents, according to sources familiar with their plans. But because of impeachment rules, no senator is allowed to debate anything in public.

That leaves the debate before cameras to both the House managers and the newly minted Trump legal team. Each side would likely get up to an hour to speak.

It will be the first time the public will see both sets of opponents on the Senate floor, seated at tables specially arranged for the occasion.

"We are going to demand votes -- yes or no, up or down -- on the four witnesses we've requested and on the three sets of documents we've requested. ... Make no mistake about it, we will force votes on witnesses and documents," Sen. Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a press conference Sunday evening.

MORE: Amid Trump impeachment firestorm and other crises, 7 steps to find well-being: OPINION

"It's going to be total chaos. No one knows what they're doing," said one former Senate aide with experience in impeachment trials.

McConnell's resolution is expected to include time for a motion to call witnesses after senators have had a chance to ask their questions of both sides, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, confirmed.

This was important to middle-of-the-road GOP senators like Susan Collins of Maine and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski, as well as Romney. Collins signaled in a statement Thursday night that she is "likely" to support calling witnesses.
DMCC  the worlds flagship free zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise  has announced an up to 30 per cent discount rate on license fees for companies with membership of the United Nations Global Compact (UN Global Compact), the worlds largest sustainability initiative.

During a briefing session at Almas Tower yesterday, 15 leading companies registered in DMCC were recognised for becoming official signatories of the UN Global Compact.

DMCCs active support of the international initiative falls in line with its corporate sustainability strategy, and wider effort to promote the integration of sustainability into the heart of the 17,000 businesses based in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT).

We are acutely aware of how important the United Nations Global Compact initiative is, and the positive societal, environmental and economic impact it has across the world. DMCCs active membership with the UN Global Compact falls in line with our sustainability strategy, and ongoing support of the UAE Governments agenda for responsible economic growth, said Feryal Ahmadi, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC.

DMCC has embedded sustainability at every level of its decision-making process, and we recognise our responsibility to encourage meaningful change within the 17,000 companies registered with us. Joining the UN Global Compact is hugely beneficial for our members, and it is why we decided to offer commercial incentives. Looking ahead, we will continue to encourage companies to embrace the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contribute towards a better and more sustainable future for all, she added.

The UN Global Compact is a voluntary commitment based on CEO commitments to implement and align strategies with universal sustainability principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Over 12,000 organisations are currently signed up to the initiative.

The 15 DMCC member companies that have pioneered DMCCs initiative to join the UN Global Compact and work closely with the Global Compact Network - UAE are: ALROSA EAST; AMC Advertising; Astrolabs; BulkWhiz; Cafu; Dhamani Jewels; German Arabian Serviced Offices; Greek & Delicious; Hakan Group; India Middle East Agro Trade & Industry Investment Forum; Kaizen Global Enterprises; Lava Group; Nook; Olam International; and Sprii. -- Tradearabia News Service
Butte-Silver Bow is forming a new committee to analyze health research studies about its residents.

Dave Palmer, Butte-Silver Bow chief executive, wants County Commissioners to sign off on the new Butte-Silver Bow Health Study Advisory Committee at Wednesdays council meeting.

The purpose of the committee would be to review, analyze and discuss any published and upcoming studies related to the health of Butte-Silver Bow residents.

The county Board of Health endorsed the idea of forming a health study committee during its Jan. 8 regular meeting.

According to a press release last week from the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department, the Board of Health sanctioned a new committee to focus on studies such as the community health needs assessments conducted every three years in Butte, air quality studies, and cancer studies conducted by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and others.

The committee would also serve as an advisory group to the Board of Health and the Health Officer on matters related to public health.

Karen Sullivan, Butte-Silver Bow Health Officer, would serve as the committees chairman. Meanwhile, Palmer would appoint representatives from the Butte-Silver Bow staff, Board of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Department of Environmental Quality, Montana Technological University, St. James Healthcare and the public.

In addition, Palmer said he plans to have representatives from Atlantic Richfield and Montana Resources to serve as ex-officio members, meaning they wont be voting members of the committee.

Palmer said on Monday he hopes to have appointments named within the next week or two and the committee formed by the end of the month.

Once Ive got all the people picked, well all meet and form bylaws and a charter, said Palmer. The committee will discuss all of the studies that have come out, and they will look at them all.

The creation of a new healthy study committee also comes on the heels of a newly published study that found higher incidence rates of brain cancer among two age groups of Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge residents over a 15-year period. The study, published Jan. 6 in Spatial and Spatiotemporal Epidemiology, was led by Suzanne McDermott, a professor of epidemiology at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

McDermott had recently published another health study in collaboration with Montana Techs Katie Hailer that found higher levels of metals in Butte babies meconium.

McDermotts recent studies will be one of the committees priorities for review and discussion, according to Palmer.

The new health study committee is also expecting a report from the air quality studies around the Greeley Neighborhood.

M.R. has been paying Bison Engineering to monitor the air quality data around the Greeley School, Palmer said. They have done extensive air monitoring and collected a lot of data.

Palmer said Kumar Ganesan, a professor of environmental engineering at Montana Tech, has been compiling all the data for a study that will be presented to the committee. The study is supposed to be coming out pretty quick, Palmer said.

In the meantime, Butte-Silver Bow residents can sign up to serve on the Health Advisory Committee as volunteers.

I will pick two to three private citizens, said Palmer. If they want to volunteer, they can contact my office to get on the list.

Palmers office can be reached at (406) 497-6214.

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A young widow afflicted with HIV was gang-raped in a compartment of the Patna-Bhabua Intercity Express train on Monday night, police said on Tuesday.

Two men overpowered the woman around 11.50pm when the train was nearing its last stop, raped her and filmed the incident, police said, adding that both the accused were arrested and the woman sent for medical treatment.

Police said the 22-year-old woman from a village in Kaimur district boarded the train from Gaya where she had gone to get medicines at an anti-retroviral therapy centre. The victim is undergoing treatment for HIV and was returning from Gaya when the incident took place in the train, said Lallu Singh, SHO, GRP, Sasaram.

GRP (government railway police) officials said the arrested men were booked on charges of rape and filming the act under sections 376D and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and section 67A of the Information Technology Act.

The accused identified as Birendra Prakash Singh and Dipak Singh, both in their 30s and residents of Chaiti Muhalla of Kudra market in Kaimur district, boarded the train at Patna. They followed the woman after she boarded at Gaya and committed the crime when they found her alone in the compartment after the train left Kudra, police said.

The accused were supposed to alight at the Kudra station but they chose to stay on the train to commit the crime. When the train left the Kudra station, the accused overpowered the widow and gang-raped her as the compartment was empty, Singh said.

One of the accused was caught assaulting the victim by a GRP patrol team when the train reached its final stop at the Bhabua Road station during routine checking.

When the train reached the station, a patrolling team noticed that the gates of one of the compartments were shut and its window shutters were down . It raised suspicion and some policemen entered the compartment. They found that a woman was being raped by one man, with another person filming the act. While one of the men was caught on the spot, the other managed to flee, said another senior police officer.

The SHO said the other accused was nabbed on Tuesday afternoon after his identity was disclosed by his arrested accomplice.

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For the second year in a row, European CEO magazine is featuring Noel Moran, the Chief Executive Officer of Prepaid Financial Services at the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Switzerland this week. This is the 50th anniversary of the annual event and the 11th year of European CEO's involvement where world leaders and 3,000 delegates will be in attendance.

PFS' Founder is the current European CEO European Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Moran also won the pan-European honour in 2018, becoming the first person ever to win twice. He has just been nominated for the prestigious award for the third year in a row following lengthy deliberations by the judging panel.

"Noel Moran is a titan of industry being profiled at DAVOS 2020 once again this year," said James Watson, Senior Awards Manager at European CEO. "Traditionally, each January, Switzerland is transformed into a hub which enables global initiatives, historic shifts, industry breakthroughs and economic empowerment throughout the world. We feel PFS' acclaimed diversity and inclusion record is a significant differentiator."

"It is an honour to be associated with European CEO at Davos again this year," commented Noel Moran, CEO at PFS. "I am surprised and delighted to be nominated for the Entrepreneur of the Year title for the third time. This could not have happened without the dedication to the FinTech industry of the entire Prepaid Financial Services team."

About PFS

PFS, an agile and Dual Regulated FinTech, is a Payment Provider of Choice delivering robust payment technology solutions and offers world-class innovation in electronic money. A pioneer in the evolution of the FinTech ecosystem, PFS' award-winning solutions include eWallets, physical and virtual prepaid cards, IBAN accounts and consumer and business current accounts in the UK and Eurozone.

PFS is one of Europe's largest eMoney issuers and has returned profits for 11 consecutive years. With programmes active in 25 countries and growing, the company has the ability to transact in 23 currencies. PFS' products and state-of-the-art technology platforms are trusted by Governments, Local Authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Traditional Banks and a comprehensive list of Corporates.

PFS is chosen by other FinTechs to revolutionise the digital economy in real-time. The company develops a range of trendsetting mobile payment and wearable solutions securely and seamlessly by providing quick and easy integrations into mobile payment applications.

Prepaid Financial Services Limited, trading as PFS, is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. PFS Card Services Ireland Limited, trading as PCSIL, is Authorised and Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Explore the future of prepaid financial solutions today, as the world moves towards a cashless society tomorrow, by visiting https://prepaidfinancialservices.com and discover more about PFS' next-generation payment solutions by connecting with Sales@PrepaidFinancialServices.com

Ends

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005179/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Marie O'Riordan MPRCA MAM

Head of PR

Prepaid Financial Services (PFS)

Email Marie.ORiordan@PrepaidFinancialServices.com

Tel +442071835856 +353469079073
New York voters strongly oppose the states new bail law, according to a new poll published today, a dramatic reversal in public opinion since the law was approved with overwhelming public support in April 2019.

Last year, New York voters supported the law by a 17-point margin (55-38%), predicting it would be good for the state.

Now voters oppose the bail reforms by a 12-point margin (49-37%), saying the law is bad for New York, according to the Siena College poll of registered voters in the state.

Public opinion changed since the law became effective in January, banning the use of cash bail to hold those accused of misdemeanor and most non-violent felony charges. In general, only violent felony charges can result in the requirement of cash bail under the new law.

The laws supporters say the reforms give poor people the same pre-trial freedom that people with money have typically received. But opponents have seized on a series of high-profile cases to warn that bad criminals are being released from jail before their court dates.

Certainly, all the attention this new law has gotten across the state has had an impact with voters and it is clear that a sizable number of New Yorkers, who were optimistic that the new bail law would be good for the state, now believe the law is bad for New York, said Steve Greenberg, speaking for the Siena poll.

One of the biggest changes in voter opinion has been among independent voters, the poll found. In April 2019, independents said by a 22-point margin that the law would be good. Now independent voters say by a 27-point margin (56-29%) that the law is bad.

In Upstate New York, voters think the law is bad (56-32%) after saying by a small margin in April 2019 that the law would probably be good for the state.

The poll of 814 registered voters in New York was conducted Jan. 11 through Jan. 16 by telephone calls to landlines and cell phones. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.

Despite the change in public opinion on bail reform, New York voters otherwise showed strong support for Gov. Andrew Cuomos 2020 agenda.

At least two-thirds of voters support 11 of Cuomos proposals unveiled earlier this month in his State of the State address.

The idea of legalizing marijuana in New York had the strongest support ever recorded in the recurring Siena poll, favored by a 20-point margin, 58-38%.

The poll found voters overwhelmingly support requiring businesses with five or more employees to provide workers with five paid sick days a year (81-18%), reducing the corporate tax rate for small businesses from 6.5% to 4% statewide (79-15%), and banning single-use plastic foam containers and packaging material (72-23%).

Voters also strongly support Cuomos proposed $3 billion environmental bond act (71-20%), Siena pollsters said.

More on bail reform

Bail reform causes a big drop - 100 inmates - in Syracuse jail. Reason might surprise you

Syracuse victims mom on bail reform: Nothing was gained today but the freedom of a killer

NY bail reform sets free Syracuse Navy vet accused of shooting, killing girlfriend

Defense lawyer spars with judge over huge bail for accused double murderer

Judge: NY killers, burglars, robbers, bail jumpers must be freed under dangerous bail law

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751

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Poland has emerged as Europe's leader in stem cell storage, a billion-dollar global industry that is a key part of a therapy that can treat leukaemias but raises excessive hopes. Submerged in liquid nitrogen vapour at a temperature of minus 175 degrees Celsius, hundreds of thousands of stem cells from all over Europe bide their time in large steel barrels on the outskirts of Warsaw. Present in blood drawn from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby, stem cells can help cure serious blood-related illnesses like leukaemias and lymphomas, as well as genetic conditions and immune system deficits. Polish umbilical cord blood bank PBKM/FamiCord became the industry's leader in Europe after Swiss firm Cryo-Save went bankrupt early last year. It is also the fifth largest in the world, according to its management, after two companies in the United States, a Chinese firm and one based in Singapore. Since the first cord blood transplant was performed in France in 1988, the sector has significantly progressed, fuelling hopes. - Health insurance - Mum-of-two Teresa Przeborowska has firsthand experience. At five years old, her son Michal was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, the entrepreneur from northern Poland said. The most compatible donor was his younger sister, Magdalena. When she was born, her parents had a bag of her cord blood stored at PBKM. More than three years later, doctors injected his sister's stem cells into Michal's bloodstream. It was not quite enough for Michal's needs but nicely supplemented harvested bone marrow. As a result, Michal, who is nine, "is now flourishing, both intellectually and physically," his mum told AFP. A cord blood transplant has become an alternative to a bone marrow transplant when there is no donor available, with a lower risk of complications. Stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood are like those taken from bone marrow, capable of producing all blood cells: red cells, platelets and immune system cells. When used, stem cells are first concentrated, then injected into the patient. Once transfused, they produce new cells of every kind. At the PBKM laboratory, "each container holds up to 10,000 blood bags... Safe and secure, they wait to be used in the future," its head, Krzysztof Machaj, said. The bank holds around 440,000 samples, not including those from Cryo-Save, he said. If the need arises, the "blood will be ready to use without the whole process of looking for a compatible donor and running blood tests," the biologist told AFP. For families who have paid an initial nearly 600 euros ($675) and then an annual 120 euros to have the blood taken from their newborns' umbilical cords preserved for around 20 years, it is a kind of health insurance promising faster and more effective treatment if illness strikes. But researchers also warn against unrealistic expectations. - Beauty products - Haematologist Wieslaw Jedrzejczak, a bone marrow pioneer in Poland, describes promoters of the treatment as "sellers of hope", who "make promises that are either impossible to realise in the near future or downright impossible to realise at all for biological reasons." He compares them to makers of beauty products who "swear their cream will rejuvenate the client by 20 years." Various research is being done on the possibility of using the stem cells to treat other diseases, notably nervous disorders. But the EuroStemCell scientist network warns that the research is not yet conclusive. "There is a list of almost 80 diseases for which stem cells could prove beneficial," US haematologist Roger Mrowiec, who heads the clinical laboratory of the cord blood programme Vitalant in New Jersey, told AFP. "But given the present state of medicine, they are effective only for around a dozen of them, like leukaemia or cerebral palsy," he said. "It's not true, as it's written sometimes, that we can already use them to fight Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease or diabetes." EuroStemCell also cautions against private blood banks that "advertise services to parents suggesting they should pay to freeze their child's cord blood... in case it's needed later in life." "Studies show it is highly unlikely that the cord blood will ever be used for their child," the network said. It also pointed out that there could be a risk of the child's cells not being useable anyway without reintroducing the same illness. Some countries, such as Belgium and France, are cautious and ban the storage of cord blood for private purposes. Most EU countries however permit it while imposing strict controls. - Rapid growth - In the early 2000s, Swiss company Cryo-Save enjoyed rapid growth. Greeks, Hungarians, Italians, Spaniards and Swiss stored blood from their newborns with the company for 20 years on payment of 2,500 euros upfront. When the firm was forced to close in early 2019, clients were left wondering where their stem cells would end up. Under a kind of back-up agreement, the samples of some 250,000 European families were transferred for storage at PBKM. The Polish firm, founded in 2002 with two million zlotys (around 450,000 euros, $525,000), has also grown quickly. Present under the FamiCord brand in several countries, PBKM has some 35 percent of the European market, excluding Cryo-Save assets. Over the last 15 months, outside investors have contributed 63 million euros to the firm, PBKM's chief executive Jakub Baran told AFP. But the company has not escaped controversy: the Polityka weekly recently published a critical investigative report on several private clinics that offer what was described as expensive treatment involving stem cells held by PBKM. Polish umbilical cord blood bank PBKM/FamiCord has become the industry's leader in Europe after the bankruptcy of Switzerland's Cryo-Save The first cord blood transplant was performed in France in 1988 and since then the sector has greatly progressed Researchers warn against unrealistic expectations from the advances so far in stem cell therapy Biologist Krzysztof Machaj, who heads the PBKM laboratory, said the umbilical cord blood bank holds around 440,000 samples
BEIJING - Chinese health authorities sought to impose a quasi-quarantine Tuesday around the hotspot of a mystery pneumonialike virus that has claimed at least ninelives in China and was confirmed in the United States for the first time.

The U.S. case - a man in his 30s under observation in Washington state - had links to the area of most concern in China: the commercial center of Wuhan about halfway between Beijing and Hong Kong.

In an attempt to contain the virus, Chinese authorities advised people in the city of 11 million people not to leave. But the U.S. case showed how far it has already moved beyond the Wuhan region.

U.S. officials said the man, a resident of Snohomish County, Wash., returned Jan. 15 from a trip to the region around Wuhan. Shortly after arriving at Seattle's international airport, he began feeling ill and reached out to his health-care provider on Sunday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Monday the man had the coronavirus - which has sickened more than 400 people in China and others in Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

The man was in stable condition at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash. Officials said they are monitoring him there out of an abundance of caution, not because he is seriously ill.

CDC officials said they were expanding screenings to international airports in Atlanta and Chicago. Measures were already in place in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York's John F. Kennedy international airports, the first such effort since the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

Federal officials said travelers arriving in the United States on direct and indirect flights from Wuhan would be directed to one of those five airports so they can be screened. For example, a passenger on a Wuhan-Shanghai-Boston route would likely be sent first to JFK for screening, and then Boston, CDC officials said.

But the Washington state man arrived before the airport screenings began.

"This is an evolving situation and again, we do expect additional cases in the United States and globally," said Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease.

In China - with hundreds of millions of Chinese packing onto public transport to make their annual pilgrimages home for the Lunar New Year - a new sense of panic set in after confirmation that the coronavirus could be transmitted person to person.

Long lines formed at pharmacies and convenience stores around the country as people rushed to buy surgical masks, with unlucky customers posting photos on social media of bare shelves. People around the country canceled their trips home for the Spring Festival, as new year celebrations are known, the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar.

"I don't really dare to go to the airport right now, or even to the movie theater," said Xie Jing, 33, who works in advertising in Shanghai, where there have been two confirmed cases of coronavirus. She canceled her planned trip home to Sichuan, where two cases are suspected.

"Everyone is being very careful at the moment in Shanghai. Everyone is wearing masks on the streets," Xie said.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization said it would call an emergency meeting Wednesday to decide whether to designate the outbreak as an international public health emergency. Australia and the Philippines are the latest countries with suspected cases of the infection, and Taiwan also confirmed one person there had caught it.

The virus was first detected on Dec. 31 and was linked to a dirty food market in Wuhan, not far from one of the city's main train stations, where wild animals including wolf pups and civet cats had been on sale for consumption.

The number of people who have died of the virus rose from six to nine and the number of confirmed cases in China stood at 440 as of Wednesday morning, an increase of more than 200 from Monday, according to Li Bin, vice director of the National Health Commission.

The vast majority of cases are in Wuhan, where Mayor Zhou Xianwang said six people with the virus have died.

Wuhan's three major hospitals have 800 beds, but authorities said they would add 1,200 beds to deal with the rising number of pneumonia cases. They also said they would foot the hospital bills for those infected.

Initially, doctors thought that the virus was not communicable between humans, but cases of infection across the country, including among people who have not been to Wuhan, proved that it can be passed on.

Some 60 people across 15 provinces are being monitored for possible infection,with cases found as far afield as Dalian in the northeast and Chongqing in the southwest, as well as in the metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Specialists are urging travelers not to move in and out of the central Chinese city.

"We hope people can avoid going to Wuhan if possible and that people in Wuhan can stay there," said Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the leader of a government team of experts responding to the outbreak. "This is not a call from the officials but a suggestion from us in the expert team," he said.

Still, he said it was "inevitable" that the virus would continue to spread as people moved around the country for the turning of the Lunar New Year on Saturday.

The Ministry of Transport estimates that 400 million people will be on the move, making a total of 3 billion trips during this period.

Health authorities added more infrared thermometers to Wuhan airport and train stations to check passengers for fever, while some hotels in the central Chinese city also began requiring temperatures to be taken before customers could check in. Outbound group tours have been restricted.

Traffic police began conducting random checks on vehicles traveling in and out of the city to make sure they were not transporting live birds or wild animals.

Some airlines and travel agencies began to offer refunds to people traveling out of Wuhan or people with the virus, and some hotels have allowed people to cancel their reservations without penalty. At least two airlines flying to Wuhan have stocked their planes with masks.

The measures come after criticism that Wuhan authorities have been too lax in stopping the spread of the virus.

On Saturday, as the virus exploded in Wuhan, the city held potluck banquets to celebrate the looming holiday, attended by more than 40,000 families. News and photos of the event appeared Sunday on the front page of the state-run newspaper in Wuhan, but they were deleted from the Internet by Tuesday amid criticism about the lack of precautions.

The city had still planned to go ahead with 41 large-scale events for holiday celebrations, advertising them on Monday, but it announced Tuesday that they have been "postponed." Schools and universities are on break for Spring Festival, but more than 100 extracurricular "cram" schools in Wuhan have canceled classes.

Quarantine was the most effective way to stop the virus from being transmitted, since it spreads by droplets from the nose and mouth, said Zhong Nanshan, leader of a group of experts at China's National Health Commission.

"Now our big concern is if a super spreader emerges," Zhong said Tuesday at a news conference in the southern province of Guangdong, using the term for a carrier who infects a disproportionately high number of people. A "super spreader" is thought to have passed the virus on to 15 medical staff members at a Wuhan hospital.

Although some hospitals have been stockpiling antibiotics, they are not effective against viruses. "There's no specific drug to treat the infection at the moment," Zhong said.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said it was the seventh type of coronavirus known to affect human beings. The previously known six viruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which are linked to animals.

Chinese health authorities have added this new type of pneumonia to the Class B list of infectious diseases, in the same category as SARS and HIV. But they said they would enforce the strictest controls, usually used for the most dangerous class A diseases such as cholera and the plague, to try to contain the coronavirus.

That meant authorities could forcibly quarantine people afflicted with or suspected to have the coronavirus, and would update the public on every single new case nationwide. Immigration authorities have also listed the new pneumonia on a list of certifiable infectious diseases.

"The Wuhan government has already taken measures to control the flow of people leaving Wuhan," said Geng Shuang, a spokesman at the ministry. "I understand when they are leaving or when they are entering, there will be checks, but there's not a complete ban of all people leaving."

The government was sharply criticized for downplaying or covering up the extent of the SARS virus, but experts said that Chinese authorities have learned many lessons in the 17 years since then.

"The new pneumonia in Wuhan reminds many people of the SARS epidemic in 2003," said a social media account run by the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, vowing not to repeat those mistakes.

"Self-deception will only make the epidemic worse and turn a natural disaster that was controllable into a man-made disaster at great cost," said the post, which was later deleted. "Only openness can minimize panic to the greatest extent."

Fortuitously, Wuhan is home to the highest biosafety level laboratory in China, a level-four facility that opened only two years ago and is designed for work on the most dangerous microbes, such as Ebola and Lassa fever.

When it opened, the lab was hailed as a "significant breakthrough" in building China's public health defense system, with state media calling it an "aircraft carrier" for virus research and a facility that put up "firewall virus protection" for the country of 1.4 billion people.

- - -

Sun and Bernstein reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Lyric Li, Liu Yang and Wang Yuan contributed to this report.
HALIFAXNova Scotias business lending agency has agreed to provide an electronics company with $2.5 million over five years if it hires 150 people.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. has offered the payroll rebate to Dartmouth-based Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc.

Established in 1947, the company makes sonar systems for the international military market.

Its one of the oldest continuously operating electronics design and manufacturing operations in Canada.

The company will be eligible for a smaller rebate if it creates fewer than 150 new jobs.

The province says the payroll rebate system is designed to ensure the tax revenue generated by new jobs is always more than the amount of the rebate.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 05:16:02|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations official, who has just finished her six-day mission to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, told the Security Council on Tuesday that the unemployment situation in Gaza is "worrisome."

"The youth I met in Gaza simply ask for peace and the opportunity for a productive life," UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ursula Mueller told the Security Council quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

The unemployment rate of 45 percent, with 60 percent among youth, is "worrisome," as are conditions that cause 46 percent of the population to live below the daily 5.50 U.S. dollars poverty line and 60 percent of households to be food insecure, said Mueller.

Acknowledging Israel's improvements in easing the movement of people and goods, she said that more must be done, particularly with regard to medical supplies and equipment.

In the West Bank and Gaza, half the population, some 2.4 million people, need humanitarian aid in 2020 due to a protection crisis stemming from the occupation, the Gaza blockade, recurring cycles of violence and more than a decade of Hamas being in control, which is "fueling divisions," said Mueller.

Raising concerns about Israel's excessive use of force and the instrumentalization of children by Hamas, Mueller said that, since March 2018, more than 210 Palestinians were killed and another 8,000 were shot with live ammunition at demonstrations at the Gaza fence.

Medical facilities are overstretched, with more than 1,200 people requiring limb reconstruction, and with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting more than 200 incidents which have injured 270 staff members, she said.

Since the start of 2019, most multiple escalations of hostilities among armed groups in Gaza and Israel were contained "via joint United Nations-Egypt mediation efforts," she said, urging all parties to avoid civilian harm. Enditem
Rochester students cited the need for change Monday, and they called for action.

"What are you doing with your individual lives?" University of Minnesota Rochester senior Victoria Ajayi asked a crowd of approximately 400 gathered for the 25th annual Martin Luther King Jr. "We Have a Dream" breakfast.

Ajayi was joined by Century High School sophomore Salma Abdi and John Marshall High School junior Maimuna Aden for a panel discussion regarding youth participation in carrying out Kings dream.

Abdi, however, said it isnt up to one generation.

She acknowledged that state and local elected officials were in the audience, along with business and community leaders. All, she said, have an opportunity to make change by learning about each other.

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"Its people learning about others cultures, others identities, what they grew up with, how their childhood was different than mine, and yet how we are similar, and learning about that and bringing everyone together," she said of her vision for Rochester.

Aden said its also important to turn words into action, suggesting that the work goes beyond one day or one group.

"If you are not doing something, change is not going to be forced," she said.

The students acknowledged that changes have been made since King made his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963, but also that inequities remain.

W.C. Jordan, president of the state NAACP branch, also pointed to continued inequities during an afternoon program celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr.

"All is not well in our community," he said.

Jordan said a variety of actions in Kings spirit are needed to produce change in Minnesota as it struggles with a variety of disparities, including having the nations 12th highest black-to-white prison ratio, one of the worst graduation rates for young people of color and a median income for black households that is less than half that of white households.

Acknowledging similar challenges, Aden said she sees the growing diversity in the community on a daily basis.

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"Every time I walk into a classroom, I can see every ethnicity," she said.

Ajayi said as the community becomes more diverse, it also needs to address inclusion. She said the ongoing efforts are an extension of Kings dream.

"I dont think Dr. Martin Luther King would be surprised about what is going on today," she said, adding that he acknowledged change would take time.

She said the fact that work toward racial equality and inclusion still needs to be done is disappointing, but its an "expected disappointment."

At the same time, the students said Kings words and legacy help show them that change can be made without letting anger lead to violence.

"Theres so much anger sometimes when you think about these different things, when you think about injustice and what happened to your friends of whoever, but he really responded, when they were throwing bottles at him, with creativity, with his words, with his knowledge, with patience," Ajayi said.

Seeking to turn words into action, approximately 100 people gathered after the breakfast program to march through downtown, echoing the calls for racial justice and inclusion.

"It reminds us that there is work to do today, but it also gives us hope for the future," Mayor Kim Norton said during the rally to kick off the march.

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Wale Elegbede of the Rochester NAACP branch also cited a need for more work during the organizations "Peoples Program" following the march.

"Theres been a lot of progress weve seen throughout the year," he said. "But, were still not done, and we have to be honest about that."

He said local NAACP members plan to develop a strategy for this year and the near future.

"Were not just planning for planning sake," he said, citing the need for tangible action that was sought by the students during the early forum.

During the afternoon NAACP forum, panelists suggested mentorship and civic engagement as key ways to inspire change in the community.

"It only takes one person to make a difference," said Crystal Henry-Smith, who has been mentoring local students.

Jordan said participants in the days events show "plenty of soldiers in the struggle" are ready to help achieve Kings dream, which he said will benefit everyone wanting to be a voice for change.

"He was our champion, and he should be the champion for the whole world," he said.

Nine winners of the Diversity Councils annual MLK youth poetry contest presented their work during Mondays Martin Luther King Jr. "We Have a Dream" breakfast.

They were:

Third- to fifth-grade category

Jefferson Elementary School fifth-grader Chyloh Foster Chapman, who won first place for "Gold"

Jefferson Elementary School fifth-grader Arun Try, who won second place for "Chasms"

Jefferson Elementary School fifth-grader Yash Saoji, who won third place for "Wash It Away"

Sixth- to eighth-grade category

Lincoln School sixth-grader Ivianna Duquaine, who won first place for "Hope in Reality"

St. Francis of Assisi School sixth-grader Chris Simonson, who won second place for "Love Reaches"

St. Francis of Assisi School sixth-grader Jannelle Garrido, who won third place for "Love is the Course of Life"

Ninth- to 12th-grade category

Mayo High School junior Uma Ashrani, who won first place for "For My Own Sake"

Mayo High School sophomore Kennedy Josephs, who won second place for "A Nation"

Byron High School freshman Abigail Zeitler, who won third place for "Self Love"
A farming discussion hosted by Edenderry councillor Robert McDermott has heard about the challenges facing farmers in the area and beyond.

The event took place in ODonoghues Lounge, Edenderry, where Cllr McDermott addressed those in attendance.

He outlined the difficulties in the current economic climate for farmers and that he felt it necessary to organise this discussion to assist the local farming community with the challenges and difficulties that lay ahead.

A number of guest speakers were also secured for the night and they were thanked by Cllr McDermott for their attendance. He also welcomed councillors Eddie Fitzpatrick, Tony McCormack, Danny Owens and former councillor Noel Bourke.

Mr John Furey, an entrepreneur and farmer himself chaired the discussion. The format was presentations by guest speakers followed by questions and answers.

The first speaker Mr Peter Doolan from Teagasc spoke of a summer, autumn and a winter of discontent for farmers and that current sentiment was poor. He outlined that there are 3,480 farms in Offaly averaging 90 acres with 4,345 employed fulltime.

There are another 1,500 employed indirectly as in the food industry. Offaly is a county of mixed enterprises in farming of suckler cows, beef, sheep, pigs and tillage. Mr Doolan spoke of the low prices in the farming industry but stated that pig prices are at a 20 year high due to disease in China.

"Farming is always only a food scare away from the market being changed," he explained.

"On average farm income in Ireland is up for 2019 as the drought in 2018 had a serious impact on farm incomes. However EU prices have now gone up and Ireland has fallen behind."

Mr Doolan spoke of a two-tier economy in relation to agriculture in that dairying is well ahead of beef. Cattle rearing and tillage farming prices have stagnated. He expects some small price increases in 2020 but no major changes. He did say however that An Bord Bia is concentrating on new markets in Holland, Italy, Germany and China to replace the UK.

The second speaker Mr Pat Daly a local mixed farmer spoke of his journey in farming and how he decided to diversify in order to increase his income. He advised farmers of the option of looking outside farming to generate additional income and told his story of how he diversified. He made a decision to get out there in the market and see what was available and by doing that he made contacts which encouraged him to pursue further. After some training he started working at external insulation and continues to do so to this day. He also diversified into another business of building dog kennels and continues to do so

successfully.

The third speaker was Senator Paul Daly. Senator Daly is a native of Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath and is FF spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and Marine. He is a member of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Joint Committee on Climate Action and also the Brexit Committee. He is also a farmer. Senator Daly gave his personal

opinion on Brexit. He said that even though Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, had a majority in government in the UK, the real negotiations will begin on February 1, 2020.

He described it as "ambitious" for Mr Johnson to think the negotiations will be concluded by the end of 2020 as he said that he will not be looking for an extension of time. Senator Daly is of the opinion that Ireland is facing the prospect of a hard Brexit more than ever. He says that one of the major issues for the Irish Government going forward is to maintain the solidarity of the other 26 countries in the EU. Another issue is the UK negotiating trade deals with third parties for example the USA. In relation to the Beef Sector it is well known that the beef farmers are not getting a fair price. When sterling fell recently the beef prices fell.

Senator Daly believes that there was a crisis in the beef sector before Brexit. With regards to Climate Change Senator Dalys opinion is that the farmers are being blamed for everything. He said that the farmers of Ireland are the custodians of the environment and that between 1990 and 2016 agriculture has reduced emissions by 3.5%. In the same period transport has increased by 139% and energy production has increased by 116%.

Senator Daly believes that farmers need to be encouraged and not forced in relation to climate change. There are 440,000 hectares of hedgerows in Ireland for which the farmers are not getting credit. He spoke of the versatility of the farming community and their ability to overcome problems. Senator Daly believes that farm representative bodies need to get

involved and support the farmers more in the climate change debate.

The fourth and final guest speaker was Deputy Barry Cowen, TD, and FF spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform. Deputy Cowen spoke of parliament reflecting Irish society as a whole which includes the farming sector and this ensures that the right policy is initiated to represent that sector. He spoke about the impact of the threat of Brexit to Ireland and provisions in the recent budget in the event of a crash-out Brexit.

He said it is necessary to deliver policy that resonates with constituents and the farming community which recognises the contribution of the farming sector in this constituency. Deputy Cowen also spoke on transition in Offaly and the Bord na Mona and ESB situation and its impact in the county. He spoke about the loss of jobs for the area and diversification by Bord na Mona.

He said that it is important for a structure to be put in place that benefits this community, this county and this region. Carbon tax revenue should be reinvested in areas that are most affected by the whole decarbonisation programme and that process began in this years budget on the insistence of Fianna Fail. Targeted funding is required for Offaly in relation to infrastructure deficits for example 40% of roads in Offaly are built on peat foundations and requires targeted funding.

Cllr McDermott said that there was a very frank and robust questions and answers session following the presentations and speakers. He said that he hoped it was informative and of benefit to all who attended. He again wishes to thank most sincerely all those who gave of their time and thanks all who attended on the night and for their input and engagement.
ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) announced today that funding for its 2020 Homeowner Assistance Products is now available. The Homeowner Assistance Products are part of FHLBank Atlantas Affordable Housing Program (AHP), and are designed to help eligible borrowers purchase or rehabilitate their home.



New for 2020, FHLBank Atlanta has streamlined the homebuyer contribution aspect of its product offerings. For certain products, homebuyers were previously required to contribute $1 for every $4 of funding received, and were also required to contribute a minimum of $1,000 total. The $1,000 contribution minimum remains in effect, but beginning this year the 4-to-1 match requirement has been eliminated. This change impacts the First-time Homebuyer product, the Community Partners product, and the Foreclosure Recovery product, and will result in greater benefits for homebuyers that receive AHP funding.

A summary of 2020 Homeowner Assistance Products is below. To learn more click here:

First-time Homebuyer Product

The First-time Homebuyer Product provides up to $5,000 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers.

The First-time Homebuyer Product provides up to $5,000 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers. Community Partners Product

The Community Partners Product provides up to $7,500 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for homebuyers who are currently employed or retired law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, health care workers, and other first responders.

The Community Partners Product provides up to $7,500 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for homebuyers who are currently employed or retired law enforcement officers, educators, firefighters, health care workers, and other first responders. Foreclosure Recovery Product

The Foreclosure Recovery Product provides up to $15,000 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for eligible homebuyers purchasing properties from the Real Estate Owned inventory of any FHLBank Atlanta member financial institution.

The Foreclosure Recovery Product provides up to $15,000 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for eligible homebuyers purchasing properties from the Real Estate Owned inventory of any FHLBank Atlanta member financial institution. Community Rebuild and Restore Product

The Community Rebuild and Restore Product provides up to $10,000 in funding for the rehabilitation of an existing owner-occupied home in a Major Disaster Declaration area as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The homeowner must have at least 30 days of current ownership by life estate or full interest in the fee title and have ownership of the subject property at the time of the Major Disaster Declaration.

The Community Rebuild and Restore Product provides up to $10,000 in funding for the rehabilitation of an existing owner-occupied home in a Major Disaster Declaration area as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The homeowner must have at least 30 days of current ownership by life estate or full interest in the fee title and have ownership of the subject property at the time of the Major Disaster Declaration. Veterans Purchase Product

The Veterans Purchase Product provides up to $7,500 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for homebuyers who are veterans or active-duty members of the U.S. military, their spouses, or their surviving spouses.

The Veterans Purchase Product provides up to $7,500 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for homebuyers who are veterans or active-duty members of the U.S. military, their spouses, or their surviving spouses. Returning Veterans Purchase Product

The Returning Veterans Purchase Product provides up to $10,000 in down-payment, closing-cost, and principal reduction assistance for homebuyers who are currently serving or have served in an overseas military intervention for any branch of the U.S. military, their spouses, or their surviving spouses.

Since 1997, Homeowner Assistance Products have provided more than $226.5 million in grant funding that has enabled more than 34,000 households to purchase or rehabilitate a home. In 2019 alone, FHLBank Atlanta member financial institutions delivered $18.1 million in home purchase and rehabilitation grant funding, leveraging more than $581.9 million in first mortgage financing to assist 3,216 households.

A listing of member financial institutions is available on the FHLBank Atlanta website at www.fhlbatl.com.

If you need assistance finding a member financial institution to work with, or for more information, call the Banks Community Investment Services department at 1.800.536.9650, option 3, option 0.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank's members  its shareholders and customers  are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $6.2 billion in AHP funds, assisting more than 911,000 households.

CONTACT: Peter Garuccio

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

pgaruccio@fhlbatl.com

404.888.8143
A section of lawyers practising at the Calcutta High Court took out a rally to protest against CAA and NRC which was attended by advocates with different political leanings.

Holding placards, the lawyers walked around the high court premises raising slogans against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) during the rally on Monday.

CPI(M) leader and former mayor of Kolkata Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, Congress leader Arunabha Ghosh and members of Trinamool Congress lawyers' cell participated in the rally.

Bhattacharya said that the CAA is against the spirit of the Constitution and attempts are being made to create a divide among the people of the country on grounds of religion.

Ghosh said "As per the Constitution, the country is secular and there is no role of religion in the functions of the nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An "ongoing dispute" involving men from the Sikh and Hindu communities who were known to each other is believed to be behind the killing of three men in a street fight in east London over the weekend.

The three men, aged in their late 20s and 30s and of Punjabi origin, were found with serious stab wounds by emergency services on Sunday night and pronounced dead at the scene in Seven Kings area of Redbridge.

Scotland Yard's Specialist Crime Command launched a murder investigation and in its latest update on Tuesday said that while detectives are still working on formal identification of the murdered men, they do not believe the incident was gang or race related.

Two men, both aged 29, were arrested on suspicion of the murders remain in custody.

"We now believe all those involved were known to each other and from the Sikh and Hindu community, however we are still in the process of identifying the men and working to inform their next of kin," said Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine, who is leading the investigation.

"At this early stage, I do not believe this was gang or race-related. But, I believe there may have been an ongoing dispute between those involved. We believe the five men were involved in an altercation the previous evening (Saturday) at Krystel Banqueting that spilled out onto the High Road, he said.

The police are urging members of the community who know what the motivation for the attack could be or anyone who may have seen the altercation at Krystel Banqueting or the incident itself to contact them with information.

The three murdered men were builders who have been named locally as Narinder a.k.a. Nik Singh, Harinder a.k.a. Honey Kumar, and Baljit Singh.

According to the local media reports they had been embroiled in a fight at a wedding reception on Saturday night and the dispute may have been over unpaid building work in the area.

On Sunday, an eyewitness heard one victim screaming: "they killed me, help me before residents in the area called the ambulance and emergency services. Some images on social media show pools of blood in the aftermath of the stabbing.

"I got a call saying my brother had been stabbed. I went there and just saw him laying there. There was blood everywhere," Jasbal Singh, the brother of Nik Singh, told the Evening Standard.

"I shouted, wake up, wake up' but it was no good. I had lost him. He was a great brother and a popular guy with no enemies. I am devastated," he said.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan visited the scene of the stabbings on Monday and called for more government funding to tackle knife crime in the city.

"The horrific triple stabbing in Seven Kings in Redbridge last night is a tragic reminder of the evil scourge of knife crime that continues to plague our entire country, he said.

Jas Athwal, the British Sikh leader of the local Redbridge Council of the area, who joined him at the site, said he believed the triple stabbings were an isolated incident involving the local Indian migrant community.

"I made it clear to the Mayor that things like this do not happen here. More must be done. We need more police now, he said.

The local Ilford South MP, Sam Tarry, also called for greater government funding into tackling the issue of knife crime.

"The government must now radically overhaul its approach by tackling the underlying causes, putting investment and resources where they're needed and addressing stabbings as a public health issue, if it is to put an end to the brutal scourge of knife crime once and for all, said the Labour Party MP.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Young Australian investors are turning away from the local sharemarket and ignoring warnings about excessive valuations to back high-flying American tech stocks such as Elon Musk's electric automaker Tesla instead.

Tesla's share price recently hit fresh record highs above $US510 ($744), pushing its market value above $US90 billion. The recent surge in the Tesla share price has wrongfooted Wall Street analysts and burnt short sellers who have placed bets the share price would fall.

Tesla, led by its chief executive Elon Musk, is proving to be a huge hit with Australian investors. Credit:AP

But some Australian retail investors have managed to capitalise on this dynamic. Jeremy Kinstlinger who runs currency brokerage firm Global Prime said he invested in Tesla due to the sheer amount of coverage the company was getting in the media. "People hate Elon Musk - I don't know why," he said. "But the more hated a stock is, the more it can fly up in people's faces - Tesla had some massive short sellers."

"If you've got the same opinion as everyone else, then you're probably on the wrong side of things."
Prince Harry has left the United Kingdom to reunite with his wife Meghan Markle and their eight-month-old son Archie in Canada where the family will start a new life after the couple's bombshell announcement to "step back" from Britain's royal frontline and spend more time in North America.

The Duke of Sussex is understood to have left the UK for Canada on Monday evening following one of his final official engagements as a working royal, The Telegraph reported.

Harry, 35, was said to be desperate to be reunited with Archie, whom he had not seen for two weeks, and his 38-year-old American actress wife in Canada that the young family plans to make their home.

Queen Elizabeth II's grandson was whisked to Heathrow following a morning of bilateral meetings with African leaders at the first UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich, south London. His flight to Vancour Island via Montreal was delayed by 20 minutes as he checked in through the Windsor suite, the report said.

Harry left the UK after meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson and world leaders at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, which is likely to be one of his few remaining official engagements before the Sussexes take a "leap of faith" and leave the monarchy in the spring, the Mirror said in a report.

Buckingham Palace, however, has refused to confirm the Duke had fled the UK, saying: "We don't comment or guide on private schedule".

Prince Harry gave an emotional speech on Sunday night, saying he had "no other option" but to give up his official royal duties and forge a new life in Canada, even as he expressed "great sadness" after being stripped of their royal titles.

In his first statement after a formal split from the royal family was finalised by the 93-year-old Queen over the weekend, Harry said when he married Meghan, they were "excited" and "hopeful".

"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly," the Prince said in a speech at a dinner event for charity Sentebale, co-founded by him in 2006 to support those affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana in southern Africa.

"It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven't always got it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you," he said.

The speech came a day after the Buckingham Palace announced that the couple will be forsaking their His and Her Royal Highness titles and no longer receive any share of the Sovereign Grant, or the UK taxpayer funding allocated to senior royals.

It followed weeks of talks after Harry and Meghan announced their plans earlier this month to "step back" from Britain's royal frontline and spend more time in North America.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is already in Vancouver Island in Canada with Archie.

Meanwhile, Harry will continue with his pending royal duties in the UK until the new agreement struck with the palace kicks in from spring towards the end of March and the couple begin their new financially independent roles.

The couple intend to repay 2.4 million pounds of UK taxpayers' money for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home as they split their time between Britain and Canada.

The palace has declined to comment on security arrangements and who would foot that bill for the couple in future, an issue that has been at the centre of much of the debate since they announced their decision to step back as senior royals earlier this month.

Harry and Meghan have issued their own update on their official Sussex Royal website, which has been updated to remove references to the HRH titles on the opening page.
Reception at Enshored's new office We are really excited to further increase our footprint in Ortigas, and in the JMT building. We can see that Ortigas is a prime location for attracting top talent, and the transportation and amenities there are superior to many other locations in Metro Manila. - CEO Ian Jackson

ENSHORED OPENS ITS THIRD MANILA OFFICE TO MATCH RAPID GROWTH OF CLIENTS

"Opening our third office in Manila will make sure we can keep up with the growth coming both from existing and new clients.

Enshored is excited to announce the opening of its third operations center in Ortigas, Metro Manila, in The Philippines. Enshored has signed another lease for over 8000 Sq Ft of space in the JMT building on ADB Avenue. The newest office will start operating by the end of January 2020.

Enshored has been successfully operating from two offices in Ortigas and with over 700 employees. One of these is also in the JMT building, where Enshored have been working since the summer of 2016.

2019 saw Enshored once more double its headcount through continued growth from existing and new clients and by late summer it was clear a third office was needed. A number of new and existing buildings, within and outside Manila, were assessed for their suitability and compliance.

CEO Ian Jackson commented, We are really excited to further increase our footprint in Ortigas, and in the JMT building. We can see that Ortigas is a prime location for attracting top talent, and the transportation and amenities there are superior to many other locations in Metro Manila.

Country Manager Miguel Enriquez added, We are confident that we'll continue to improve our service delivery as well as our recruitment efforts. To have the newly renovated recruitment hub in the same building also will surely support the capacity concerns of our large clients in the US.

Operations Director Ryan Pakingan shared, One of the real values that I see in having an expanded office within the same vicinity is the accessibility for our people. With this setup, our leadership and management team can easily move between offices as needed and be able to capitalize on this really favorable to us operationally.

Growth at Enshored is coming from both existing as well as new clients. Headcount at the fast-growing company has been increasing rapidly, after the 102% growth in 2019.

About Enshored

Enshored LLC is an outsourcing firm purpose-built to solve the challenges related to scaling disruptive, high growth businesses, delivering proven results by employing our unique agile operating framework and the most highly skilled associates in the industry. Founded in 2014 by Ian Jackson and Jeff Bauer, Enshored operates from three locations in the Philippines and is Headquartered in Long Beach, CA. The company has over 600 employees and works with some of the worlds leading technology companies, partnering with them to deliver customer support, back office, content moderation, and sales solutions. The company recently was awarded a place on the Inc 5000, for 2019, at 607th place, having achieved a 3-year growth rate of 733%.

Media Contact: Lavinia Arances

larances@enshored.com

http://www.enshored.com
"Pirate", a man let out of jail after serving a four-year sentence, has settled in Redding, California. Police say he has fears for his safety.

"We are aware that Daniel Selovich (Pirate) is back in Redding," wrote the department on its Facebook page. "He was contacted by officers earlier in the day and is not currently wanted for any crimes."
Home secretary Priti Patel wants the UK to follow Australia's immigration system. (PA)

The government is pushing a new immigration system it wants in place by the end of this year.

Home secretary Priti Patel will tell her Cabinet colleagues that the UK should follow the lead of Australias points-based immigration system, the Daily Express reported.

It said she will argue Britain needs to speed up the introduction of the new migration system to coincide with the UKs planned transition out of EU regulations on 31 December, two years earlier than previously planned.

A government source told the newspaper: There is a clear drive for talented and skilled workers from around the world to come to the UK, but we also need to see a reduction in the number of unskilled workers entering the UK and thats why this will be coming to an end.

On Monday, prime minister Boris Johnson vowed that an immigration system overhaul after Brexit will put people before passports.

But what is the Australian system and how does it work?

A UK Border Force officer checks passports as the government reportedly eyes up plans for an an Australian-style points-based immigration system. (PA)

What is the Australian system?

Migrants who want to move to Australia to work will generally be looking to fill an occupation that is in demand.

Applicants are given points based on a number of factors.

These include the amount of time they have worked in their sector, their education, their age and their proficiency in the English language.

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The points system is typically used for migrants for economic purposes, according to Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at University of Oxford, rather than international students, family migrants or refugees.

How do the points work?

The threshold for eligibility for a Skilled Independent job in Australia is 65 points. Being aged between 25 and 32 will automatically grant an applicant 30 points.

An applicant with superior English will earn 20 points. If they have skilled work experience in Australia, up to eight years, they may earn up to 20 points.

Story continues

The maximum for education, up to PhD level, is also 20 points.

A Home Office Immigration Enforcement van outside Heathrow Airport Terminal 3, London. (PA)

What could it mean for Britain?

During the general election campaign, Mr Johnson said a points-based scheme would ensure that lower-skilled workers came to Britain only when there was a specific shortage of staff in certain sectors.

Dr Alan Gamlen of Monash University in Melbourne told the PA news agency that Australias points-based system is a general skilled migration programme, where immigrants applying for a visa are typically selected based on economically relevant characteristics like education, language skills and work experience.

He added: The exact way points are allocated changes depending on policy and the labour market but typically an applicant picks a skilled occupation from a list and needs to score a minimum number of points.

But doesnt the UK already have a points-based immigration system?

People from outside the EU who want to work in Britain are awarded points for English language, meeting a salary threshold and being sponsored by a company.

However, this system is largely driven by having an employer in place, and does not take age or qualifications into account.

It has been dubbed a points-based system in name only.

What is the reaction from opposition parties?

The plan to overhaul Britains immigration system hasnt gone down well with Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: "This is an ill-informed and reactionary policy that will damage us all, damaging to everything from the NHS to other public services and some of our key private sector industries.

"Ministers talk about ending uncontrolled migration when they have been in office for 10 years. In reality, this is just a new twist in the long Tory campaign against migrants, scapegoating them for the terrible effects of Tory policies."

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Christine Jardine said: "Decisions like this make it loud and clear that this Conservative government has no intention of ending the hostile environment. It's a national embarrassment.

"For business and our economy, such draconian changes to immigration rules is utterly unworkable. To think the Home Office could implement the changes in the time given is a joke."
She was the picture of elegance as she lead the glamour at Dior's Haute Couture SS20 show during Paris Fashion Week earlier in the day.

And Alexa Chung kept the good times rolling as she attended the luxury company's glitzy after-show dinner in the French capital on Monday evening.

The model, 36, nailed vampy chic as she slipped into a tie-dye print dress, complete with an off-shoulder neckline.

Working it: Alexa Chung kept the good times rolling as she attended Dior's glitzy after-show dinner during Paris Fashion Haute Couture Week in the French capital on Monday evening

Ditching her casually cool style in favour of a more sophisticated look, the former T4 presenter looked sensational in her dark tulle number, which featured a corset-style bodice.

The media personality upped the style ante with her choice of accessories as she sported a pearl necklace.

With her shoulder-length tresses styled into loose waves, the Privett native complemented her beauty with and winged eyeliner and nude lipstick.

Turning heads: The model, 36, nailed vampy chic as she slipped into a tie-dye print dress, complete with an off-shoulder neckline

In the romance department, Alexa has been dating toyboy Orson Fry, 23, since last Summer.

Alexa and her boyfriend are said to be so besotted that Orson has as good as moved into her swanky apartment in Dalston.

The fashion designer was previously in a high-profile relationship with screen star Alexander Skarsgard from 2015 until 2017.

Wow-factor! Actress Charlotte Le Bon was also in attendance, where she stunned in a semi-sheer catsuit

Fashion savvy: Screen star Tessa Thompson looked every inch the style maven in a belted nude jacket

Orson, whose father is thrice married Cosmo Fry, 60  a descendant of the Fry's chocolate dynasty  graduated from the private liberal arts college Bard in New York two years ago, and juggles singing in his band with working as a waiter.

His mother was Amanda Aspinall daughter of gambling tycoon and animal park owner John Aspinall.

Brunette beauty Alexa boasts a successful career in the modelling career, serving as the face of DKNY Jeans and Lacoste, and even has her own fashion range  labelled Alexa Chung.
Proposals to invest in ailing Malaysia Airlines include one from Air France-KLM which wants as much as 49% while Japan Airlines is looking at a 25% stake, sources with knowledge of the matter said.

Domestic carrier AirAsia Group Bhd and Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesia's Lion Air, have also submitted proposals, the sources said.

"The bids from the foreign carriers are more comprehensive and strategic as both plan to capitalise on the strategic location of Malaysia for their operations," said one of the sources.

The Malaysian government has been seeking a strategic partner for its national airline, which has struggled to recover from two tragedies - the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 and the shooting down of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.

In 2014, it was taken private by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which paid 1.4 billion ringgit ($345 million) for the 30% of shares it did not already own.

The sources declined to be identified as the discussions are confidential. Representatives for Air France-KLM, Japan Airlines (JAL), AirAsia and Malindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday five proposals had been received as part of a review that started last year but declined to name the suitors.

Malaysia Airlines last year signed a joint venture agreement with JAL covering flights between Malaysia and Japan, which the Japanese airline said could be expanded in the future to cover U.S. flights.

Malaysia Airlines and JAL are both members of the oneworld airline alliance, while Air France-KLM is part of the rival SkyTeam alliance.

Khazanah, which appointed Morgan Stanley last year to advise on potential options for the airline, said it was working closely with the government.

"While there have been several proposals in this regard, a review of the options available to us is still ongoing," Khazanah said in a statement.

Sources said Air France-KLM had proposed setting up a hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul services in Malaysia, while Japan Airlines had offered to make the Southeast Asian country its regional hub, including for low-cost flights.

Business news website Focus Malaysia said on Monday, citing an official document, that Khazanah had been pushing for AirAsia's long haul unit AirAsia X to merge with Malaysia Airlines.

"An international solution is probably better in this situation as AirAsia would have competition concerns," one of the sources said.

"This is still a work in progress but the story is around the potential for a massive hub in Southeast Asia and it's clear that international airlines see value in Malaysia Airlines because of this," the source said.
michael barbaro

From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily.

[music]

Today, the Senate votes to adopt the rules that will govern the rest of the impeachment trial. Julie Davis, on why they were not the rules that Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell had originally wanted. Its Wednesday, January 22.

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) [GAVEL] The Senate will come to order. The chaplain Dr. Black will open the Senate with prayer.

julie davis

So on Tuesday, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell opens the Senate for this first day of the official impeachment trial.

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) The Senates process will draw a sharp contrast with the unfair and precedent breaking inquiry that was carried on by the House of Representatives.

julie davis

He has spent weeks decrying the House impeachment inquiry as completely partisan and unfair.

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) Finally, some fairness. On every point, our straightforward resolution will bring the clarity and fairness that everyone deserves.

julie davis

And he is essentially saying, this is our chance to show that we can do our duty as senators. And 

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) Todays vote will contain some answers.

julie davis

 today were going to find out whether thats possible.

archived recording Democratic Leader  archived recording (chuck schumer) Now before I begin 

julie davis

And then Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader, gets up to make his speech.

archived recording (chuck schumer) The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump.

julie davis

And its like theyre on different planets. He essentially says, Mitch McConnell is pushing for this process thats completely unfair. Theres nothing fair about this. Its completely skewed toward President Trump and what he wants to see in this trial, which Schumer says is basically a cover up.

archived recording (chuck schumer) If the president is so confident in his case, if leader McConnell is so confident the president did nothing wrong, why dont they want the case to be presented in broad daylight? On something as important as impeachment, the McConnell resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace. This will go down, this resolution, as one of the darker moments in the Senate history, perhaps one of even the darkest.

[music]

michael barbaro

What exactly are these two men really bickering over here?

julie davis

Well, for some time now, there has been this behind the scenes debate about what the rules were going to look like. Mitch McConnell has repeatedly said 

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) The structure for this impeachment trial should track with the structure of the Clinton trial. We have a precedent here.

julie davis

 dont worry. This is going to be modeled on exactly the same rules that were adopted unanimously in 1999, when Bill Clintons impeachment trial was about to begin. And Democrats have essentially been waiting to see what that looks like. Is that actually going to be the case? And for a long time now, we have expected to see a copy of this resolution. And its not materializing.

archived recording (chuck schumer) Leader McConnell has still not come up with his proposal. Thats unheard of.

julie davis

And as the senators are debating these rules, and Schumer is demanding to see what Senator McConnell is going to propose, comes the deadline on Saturday evening for the White House to make its first filing in the impeachment trial. And the presidents lawyers lay out basically what theyre going to argue in this trial. They call on the Senate to swiftly reject these impeachment charges  thats a quote from the filing  and acquit the president. Because the charges themselves are without foundation and, in fact, would weaken the office of the presidency if the Senate agreed to remove him for these charges.

archived recording (george stephanopoulos) A member of the presidents legal team, Alan Dershowitz, professor emeritus at Harvard Law School, also the author of the new book Guilt by Association. Professor Dershowitz, thank you for joining us. archived recording (alan dershowitz) Thank you. archived recording (george stephanopoulos) So your position that President Trump should not be impeached, even if all the evidence and arguments laid out by the House are accepted as fact. archived recording (alan dershowitz) Thats right.

julie davis

Number one, they say 

archived recording (alan dershowitz) The vote was to impeach on abuse of power, which is not within the constitutional criteria for impeachment, and obstruction of Congress.

julie davis

 the impeachment charges do not actually allege any violation of a law. There is no crime here. Abuse of power, they say, in the way that House Democrats have framed it, is essentially criminalizing the president doing his job. Number two, they say all of the findings that came forth in the House impeachment inquiry  the whole inquiry itself  is essentially fruits of a poisoned tree. That Democrats had a political vendetta against President Trump and decided to impeach him at all costs. And so anything that was uncovered, anything they unearthed in this inquiry is, by definition, illegitimate, and cant really be considered as part of an impeachment proceeding. That its not really a constitutional thing, because of the way Democrats conducted the inquiry. And so shortly after the presidents legal team files its brief, Senator McConnell finally comes out with this draft of the resolution that he is going to offer to govern the procedures for the trial.

michael barbaro

For the rules.

julie davis

For the rules, exactly. And it looks a lot like the kinds of ground rules that the presidents team would want, based on what theyve said in their filing.

michael barbaro

What do you mean?

julie davis

Well, remember, Mitch McConnell kept saying 

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) Essentially the same, very similar 

julie davis

 that he was going to model these rules after 

archived recording (mitch mcconnell)  in the Clinton trial.

julie davis

 the trial rules for Bill Clintons impeachment. Under those rules, each side had 24 hours to argue their opening case, and could use as many days as it would take to do that. In the Clinton trial, that meant three days on each side. This resolution specifically limits the time frame to two days for each side. So, yes, you can have 24 hours but youve got to finish your argument within two days.

michael barbaro

Why is that significant, one day?

julie davis

Well, it means if youre going to compress it into two days, it means first of all, very long days. Because youre starting at 1:00 p.m. And if youre dividing 24 hours into two days, thats 12 hours. Youre going to 1:00 a.m. That means a lot of these arguments unfolding at hours when most people are in bed and not watching or listening, which may be the point. And secondly, it means a much faster trial overall. It lets the Presidents defense put up their case much quicker. But it also means that the entire opening phase of the trial is basically over by the end of the week, and were on to potentially a vote the following week.

michael barbaro

So longer days, shorter trial, clearly a benefit for the president.

julie davis

Right. Secondly, there was another key difference here. And that was that instead of just admitting the House impeachment inquiry findings into evidence at the outset, which is what they did in the Clinton trial, this set of rules would say: Well print all of the materials that the House impeachment inquiry produced and distribute them to senators. But actually, they will not be entered into evidence at the beginning. And in fact, they wont even be considered until after we decide whether were going to hear from witnesses, until after we decide whether were going to hear new evidence not presented in the House inquiry. And only then will it be subject to a vote, whether or not to enter the House impeachment inquirys findings into evidence.

michael barbaro

So even the facts established by the House inquiry  even the transcripts of interviews  theyre all up for debate in these rules laid out by McConnell for the Senate trial.

julie davis

Thats right.

archived recording The Senate will convene as a court of impeachment.

michael barbaro

O.K. So thats the situation on Tuesday, as the Senate convenes.

julie davis

Right.

archived recording If there is no objection, the Journal of Proceedings of the trial are approved to date.

julie davis

The Senate convenes at 1 oclock in the afternoon as an impeachment court, with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding from the dais, with the House managers at a table to his right and President Trumps legal team at a table to his left. Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell are at their lecterns on either side of the aisle.

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) Mr. Chief Justice. archived recording (john roberts) The Majority Leader is recognized.

julie davis

And Senator McConnell 

archived recording (mitch mcconnell) For the further information of all senators, Im about to send a resolution to the desk providing for an outline of the next steps in these proceedings.

julie davis

 calls up this package of rules and 

archived recording (speaker) Senate resolution 483, to provide 

julie davis

 the clerk stands up and begins to read the resolution.

michael barbaro

Which we, of course, pretty much know already.

julie davis

Right. McConnells office put out a copy of it on Monday night. So I pretty much thought I knew what was in it. I was sitting at my desk, watching this on TV and kind of listening out of one ear.

archived recording (speaker)  including transcripts of public hearings or markups in any materials 

julie davis

 and I snapped to when I heard the word 

archived recording (speaker)  for a period of time not to exceed 24 hours over up to three session days.

julie davis

 three instead of two days, pertaining to how long each side would have to make their arguments. And I thought to myself, did he just make a mistake? And lo and behold, it was actually a change. Somewhere between when Mitch McConnell put out that resolution of rules the night before and the time the clerk got up to read it, he had changed the number of days that each side had to make their oral arguments from two to three.

michael barbaro

So more like the Clinton scenario.

julie davis

Right, more like the Clinton rules. And there was another big change that I think we all missed when he first read it out loud.

archived recording (speaker) Materials in this record will be admitted into evidence, subject to any hearsay, evidentiary or other objections that the president may make after opening presentations are concluded.

julie davis

McConnell dropped this idea of waiting until the trial is well underway to have a vote on whether to admit the House impeachment inquiry findings into evidence.

michael barbaro

Huh.

julie davis

This went back to the Clinton rules, where theyre admitted into evidence at the outset.

michael barbaro

Right. I mean, this is a genuine surprise on the floor of the United States Senate, at a moment where everything seems highly orchestrated to avoid any surprises. So what explains this last minute surprise roll back to the old Clinton rules?

julie davis

Well what explains it, I found out not long after, was that their Senate Republicans had gathered for lunch just before the trial got underway, in a room in the Capitol not far from the Senate floor. And during that private discussion, Susan Collins from Maine and Rob Portman from Ohio, two of the more moderate senators in the center of the Republican conference, said, were going to have trouble with this. We think this goes too far.

[music]

And they raised it with Senator McConnell. And Lamar Alexander, were told, was also not entirely pleased. And I think it became clear very quickly to Senator McConnell that he was not going to have, potentially, the votes to push this through if he kept the rules the way they were. And so he literally, with lines marked out by pen and handwriting scrawled in the margins, he changed it.

michael barbaro

[LAUGHS] Wow, but just didnt announce it.

julie davis

But didnt announce it until the clerk started reading.

michael barbaro

Well be right back. And, Julie, whats your understanding of the motivation for Susan Collins, Rob Portman, Lamar Alexander, to speak out and oppose McConnell on the rules that he first proposed?

julie davis

These are senators who are deeply concerned about having a trial that appears to be fair.

archived recording (susan collins) Each of us will take an oath, an oath that I take very seriously, to render impartial justice.

julie davis

They want to make sure that theyre not seen as going along with a process that people are going to dismiss as a partisan exercise.

archived recording You have consistently said you want to be careful in what you say about this, because youre in a role of a juror. Given that, you must be sharing the concern of Senator Murkowski  that Senator McConnell out there saying were going to be lockstep with the White House  is going to cash some aspersions on this whole process. archived recording (susan collins) I have heard Democrats like Elizabeth Warren saying that the president should be impeached, found guilty, and removed from office. Ive heard the Senate majority leaders saying that hes taking his cues from the White House. There are senators on both sides of the aisle, who, to me, are not giving the appearance of and the reality of judging this in an impartial way.

michael barbaro

Im struck, and correct me if Im wrong. Susan Collins is up for re-election, and faces a pretty tough re-election this fall up in Maine. I have to imagine that on some level this may be about something as simple as winning re-election in a moderate state.

julie davis

Well, Senator Collins takes great offense at that suggestion. I can tell you firsthand. But there is no question that she is facing a huge re-election challenge. Theres no question that shes under immense pressure. She knows that she already has the reputation among Republicans as kind of a Benedict Arnold, and someone who is insufficiently loyal to Trump. She knows that she has a reputation among progressives as someone who always kind of flirts with breaking from her party, but never actually follows through or seldom does. So she is really in a bind here. And shes also a person who was there for President Clintons trial. Shes an institutionalist in the Senate, in a lot of ways. And it is very important to her to have this be consistent with the way they did things back then. Because its hard enough to make this decision in the kind of political vice that shes in, without it looking like the process itself was broken.

michael barbaro

I dont want to get too deep inside the head of a tactician in the Senate. But Im wondering if its possible that Mitch McConnell is giving these moderate Republicans a victory on the rules in order to fend off a bigger and far more consequential break over an issue like allowing witnesses to come on the stand  witnesses like John Bolton, witnesses like Lev Parnas, this associate of Rudy Giuliani. In other words, Ill give you this, but dont ask for more.

julie davis

I think there could be some of that going on here. Mitch McConnell is a very shrewd strategist. He understands, better than anyone, the political bind that some of his members are in. And he knows that the process could be the most important thing to keep his Republican conference in line behind him. That as long as they feel like they have input and that this is fair, that he can sort of keep them in the fold. But the minute they start feeling like its not, the minute he starts having a big problem. And so sometimes its better to sort of propose something that seems really out there and let your moderates rein you in a bit, and allow the public to see that theyre playing that role, than to have them sort of not get any public credit for actually influencing the debate.

michael barbaro

O.K. So McConnell bends to the pressure that hes feeling from the likes of Susan Collins, and delivers this pretty significant concession to the Democrats. Are the Democrats satisfied with this?

julie davis

Absolutely not.

michael barbaro

[LAUGHS]

archived recording (adam schiff) The House Managers, on behalf of the House of Representatives, rise in opposition to leader McConnells resolution. Let me begin by summarizing why.

julie davis

Their argument here is that this inquiry was totally different than the Clinton inquiry.

archived recording (adam schiff) The issue in the Clinton trial was not one of calling witnesses, but of recalling witnesses. All of the key witnesses in the Clinton trial had testified before the grand jury or been interviewed by the F.B.I., one of them dozens of times. And their testimony was already known.

julie davis

In that case, you had a White House who was willing to furnish witnesses, willing to furnish documents, and cooperated, even if not always willingly or happily, with the independent counsel who was investigating the case.

archived recording (adam schiff) Here, none of the witnesses we seek to call  none of them  have testified or been interviewed by the House.

julie davis

In this case, Democrats point out, the White House blocked everything. They blocked witnesses. They refused to turn over even one page of documents. And so they say this issue of witnesses has to be decided up front, that the Senate has to affirmatively pledge to hear from witnesses. Because otherwise, there cant be a fair trial. And that argument just is not flying with Republicans, even with the moderates who want an opportunity down the line to consider hearing from witnesses. But theyre not going to break with precedent either and promise upfront that thats going to happen.

archived recording (john roberts) The Democratic leader is recognized. archived recording (chuck schumer) Mr. Chief Justice, I send an amendment to the desk to subpoena certain documents and records from the White House. And I ask that it be read.

julie davis

So thats why Democrats immediately start to bring motions on the floor, to change the rules to allow more new information to come out as part of this trial. They start offering proposal after proposal.

archived recording One, the Chief Justice of the United States, through the Secretary of the Senate, shall issue a subpoena to the acting Chief of Staff of the White House 

julie davis

 to subpoena White House documents, subpoena State Department documents.

archived recording  all meetings and calls between President Trump and the President of Ukraine  documents collected that pertain to the hold on military and other  the complaints submitted by a whistle blower within the intelligence community  White House visitor records, and email or text messages using personal 

julie davis

The Democrats feel like the more they can spotlight the process of the trial and make it clear that its all subject to a vote, and these few Republican senators may hold the key to whether the American people hear some of the information that they didnt get to hear during the House impeachment inquiry, the better off they are. Because either its going to result in more information coming out, or its going to result in a lot more political pressure and maybe political damage to the Republicans who stay in line.

michael barbaro

So at the end of the day, it feels like just about everything in this stage of the impeachment trial is really about these three or four, maybe five moderate Republican senators, and pushing them if youre Democrats. Every single day, trying to rattle them on this question of whether the trial is unfair, whether this is a cover up, making sure that message reaches their district. And for Republicans, to do everything possible to accommodate their needs, make them feel like this is a fair trial, make them feel like this is fine. Thats really what this trial is about now.

julie davis

Right. And so everything that comes up in terms of rules, in terms of how to go forward about this trial, has to be looked at with an eye toward what is going to pass muster for this small group of Republicans that is not automatically bought in to the process.

[music]

michael barbaro

Thank you, Julie.

julie davis

Thank you, Michael.

michael barbaro

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Senate Republicans were poised to adopt McConnells revised rules for the impeachment trial after rejecting repeated attempts by Senate Democrats to change those rules to include new witnesses and documents. In remarks, Senator Schumer praised the moderate Republican senators and appealed to them for additional help.

archived recording (chuck schumer) The public is realizing how unfair leader McConnells resolution is. And they are telling Republican senators to change it. Were very glad they moved to three days instead of two, so we wont be hearing arguments at 2:00 in the morning. Its good they admitted evidence. But the real test will be witnesses and documents. Will our Republican senators put pressure on McConnell so that we really have witnesses and documents produced either now or after the arguments are made?

michael barbaro

Well be right back. Heres what else you need to know today. On Tuesday, medical officials said that a mysterious virus that began in China, where it killed at least nine people, has now appeared in the United States. A man in Washington state, who had been traveling in China, became the first confirmed U.S. case of the illness, known as the coronavirus. As a result, several major U.S. airports in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco have begun screening travelers for the virus.

[music]
ROME - Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Tuesday that ''a supplement of wisdom is needed'' to face international crises such as those in Libya, Iraq and Syria, as he visited the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in Doha. Mattarella stressed that Italy believes in multilateralism and that it is necessary to extinguish ''hotbeds'' before they spread to the area in a world that presents ''different problems and many tensions''.



The head of State also called for a political solution to the conflict in Libya.



''It is not possible to take power with arms,'' he said, stressing that Italy supports Qatar's ''wise position''. The emirate backs the government in Tripoli led by Fayez al Sarraj.



''We support the legitimacy of al Sarraj's government but we dialogue with everybody'', noted the president, adding that Italy backs the action of the UN and its high representative for Libya Ghassan Salame.



''We must absolutely respect the 'ceasefire' and it is necessary to avoid the military presence of other countries'', the head of State also said. Mattarella said that thinking that the conflict can be solved with weapons is a ''shoddy idea''. ''It is necessary to work to give back stability and civil cohabitation to the Libyan people'', he said.
Werner Baumann, CEO of German pharmaceutical and chemical maker Bayer AG. Photo: Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters

Pharmaceutical companies are battling less and less trust in society for technological advances, according to a leading figure in the industry.

Werner Baumann, CEO and board of management chair of Bayer (BAYN.DE), sounded the alarm over public distrust of advanced techniques in a discussion of gene-editing to tackle inherited disorders at the Davos summit on Tuesday.

He said research should be carried out with absolute and ultimate transparency, actively encouraging broader public debate and regulator involvement on contentious issues.

The comments came at a panel event at the World Economic Forum (WEF)s high-profile annual gathering of political, business and charity leaders in Davos, Switzerland.

The event, titled When humankind overrides evolution, was aimed at exploring how new genetic techniques should be managed to handle ethical concerns.

Organisers said advances in synthetic biology and other new genetic procedures could have far-reaching consequences, such as reviving extinct species or wiping out dangerous pests.

Discussion focused on what should be done to ensure such new technologies were handled responsibly.

READ MORE: Worlds elite head to Switzerland for Davos 2020

Baumann said technology could be not be intrinsically good or bad, but technology can be used for noble causes or the opposite.

There is less and less trust in society for the advances of technology, which makes our lives miserable.

The only way to get beyond it is that we do a better job in explaining what were doing, what we would do, what the right lines are.

The event was chaired by Magdalena Skipper, a geneticist and editor-in-chief of Nature magazine.

Kevin Michael Esvelt, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Beth Shapiro, a professor in the University of Californias ecology and evolutionary biology department, were also on the panel.

Esvelt said attitudes could change, saying more than 90% of people were against IVF when it was first rolled out.

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Davos ahead of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

READ MORE: Oxfam says worlds top billionaires richer than 60% of global population

The WEF summit takes place every year in the town of Davos, a ski resort in the Swiss Alps.

More than 3,000 guests are attending Davos 2020 throughout this week. Stakeholders for a cohesive and sustainable world is the official theme, with climate change in particular high on the agenda.

Organisers hope the annual event will facilitate discussion and collaboration to tackle major international issues among some of the most powerful people in the world.

But the summit, typically labelled Davos after the host town, has become a lightning rod for criticism of global capitalism and the worlds elite.
Brad Pitt brought the entire house down at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards by taking a dig at his ex-wife Angelina Jolie.

The 56-year-old actor made such surprising remarks while accepting the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie for his role in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

"Let's be honest, it was a difficult part," Pitt said sarcastically while accepting the award, referring to his role as a stuntman.

Pitt's character, Cliff Booth, plays a pot-smoking stuntman who shoots his shrewish wife with a crossbow.

With a cheeky smile on his face, Pitt continued his speech and said: "A guy who gets high, takes his shirt off and doesn't get on with his wife. It's a big stretch, and it's big."

While he did not specifically mention Angelina Jolie, people from the audience laughed because they all knew he was referencing her.

Jennifer Aniston, who made headlines early this week and also Pitt's ex, was seen laughing and clapping as Pitt made the apparent dig at Jolie.

This was Pitt's second SAG award in nine nominations. He then jokingly added: "I got to add this to my Tinder profile."

Thanking his co-stars and fellow actors generously in the room, Pitt also weirdly discussed Quentin Tarantino's foot fetish, name-checking Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning and Margaret Qualley.

Pitt also spoke about the community of actors in Hollywood and the nature of the job, on a much serious tone.

"Each of us in this room, we know pain. We know loneliness. We bring that to the screen. We know moments of grace; we've had moments of wisdom. We know funny, and we bring that to the screen," the 56-year-old actor added.

Pitt made these remarks on stage after it was announced that he beat his contemporaries, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci for "The Irishman," Jamie Foxx for "Just Mercy," and Tom Hanks for "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."

After his speech, Pitt stayed backstage and was glued to the screen as his ex-wife Aniston won an award for "Best Female Actor in a Drama Series" for "The Morning Show."

Brad Pitt fueled rumors that something was brewing between him and his Aniston -- whom he divorced in 2005 after their five-year marriage -- after he was seen reuniting with her backstage at the ceremony.

ET was able to capture pictures where Aniston was touching Pitt's chest as he held her arm. In one of the pictures, the former married couple could be seen smiling warmly at each other and going for a hug.

Both Aniston and Pitt also headed to the same Netflix after-party at Sunset Tower in LA, though they both did not pose for pictures together there.

However, while everybody is still warm and fuzzy after seeing Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's intimate reunion at the awards show, a source told The Sun that Angelina Jolie would feel "hugely disrespected" by their get-together and Pitt's joke about their marriage on his speech.

"Angelina won't be happy - it feels hugely disrespectful to her to make a joke out of their marriage problems in front of a room full of their peers. She'd never do that to him," the source told the publication.

"And Brad's very public reunion with Jen will also feel hurtful to her - it's like throughout their marriage, the public seemed to want Brad to get back with Jen."
In the midst of a whooping cough outbreak in the Northwest Territories, the territory's chief public health officer is addressing one factor in the spread of the disease: families who hesitate to vaccinate their children.

On Wednesday, chief public health officer Kami Kandola said there were 20 lab-confirmed cases of whooping cough, also called pertussis, in Yellowknife, Behchoko and Whati. Four other people are believed to have the infection based on a mix of symptoms and epidemiological links. Eleven of the 24 people who got whooping cough were unvaccinated, according to the territorial health department.

In a press conference on Thursday, Kandola said this was partially because of "vaccine-hesitant parents, absolutely."

Canada sets targets for ideal vaccine uptake, Kandola told CBC News on Monday. For the vaccine that responds to pertussis, Canada has a target of 95 per cent uptake. But in the Northwest Territories, as of 2017, only 80 per cent of two year olds had received the vaccine.

"We are below the target, and I'm hoping that with ... spreading the word we can get more and more parents to make sure that the children are up-to-date on their vaccines," said Kandola.

Chanss Lagaden/CBC

Kandola was speaking outside a workshop that was organized months before the pertussis outbreak. The Canadian Pediatric Society was training front-line health workers on how to deal with parental hesitancy to vaccines. According to the the Northwest Territories' health department, 52 people in the N.W.T. and Yukon took part in the workshop.

Dr. Sam Wong, the president-elect of the Canadian Pediatric Society, chaired the event. He has a message for front-line workers who deal with vaccine hesitancy: keep the lines of communication open and stay patient. Wong, who also works as a consulting pediatrician in the Northwest Territories, says it's important for health care providers to listen to parents' questions and concerns so they can offer evidence-based answers.

Story continues

"We always hear about the 'anti-vaccine people,'" Wong said to CBC News, adding it's much more common for parents to be unsure about vaccines than opposed outright. "If their concerns are addressed then they may actually be interested in actually having their child vaccinated.

Mario De Ciccio/Radio-Canada

"Sometimes it takes a little bit of communication to find out what the concerns are."

Wong says there have been times where he had three or four conversations and doctor's visits before a parent became interested in immunizing their child against diseases like pertussis or measles, mumps and rubella.

The Canadian Pediatric Society suggests providers ask patients and their parents about what the fears are so they can be addressed, and focus on the issues on the parents' minds. For example, if pain is the concern, Wong would let a parent know babies under three months  who haven't yet experienced the world of solid food  can be distracted from it with a few drops of sugar water.

"Babies are not exposed to a lot of flavours ... it's kind of mind blowing for their taste buds. They're like, 'Whoa, what is this that's in my mouth?' They don't actually feel the pain."

Submitted by the Canadian Pediatric Society

Hesitancy to vaccines is not the only reason people fall behind on their shots. Sometimes other commitments result in families postponing immunization appointments.

Kandola also wants people to stay on top of any booster shots they may need. In the case of this pertussis outbreak, five of the people who contracted whooping cough had been vaccinated in the past, but didn't have their shots up to date. Some vaccines require multiple doses to remain robust, and no vaccine is 100 per cent effective.

She says even families who are vaccinated should call their public health office if they have pertussis-like symptoms.
Arrival of New Partners Reinforces Cadwalader's Aggressive Growth Strategy in London

LONDON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP has expanded its transatlantic white collar defense and investigations practice with the addition of two market-leading London partners, Mark Beardsworth and Kevin Roberts. The new partners bolster the firm's global litigation group, adding depth to its London disputes group and providing a specific focus on UK- and EU-based regulatory and criminal investigations and defense, as well as compliance matters, particularly in cross-border cases.

Beardsworth, who joins from Brown Rudnick, where he was co-head of the firm's global White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice Group, focuses his practice in the defense of serious fraud and criminal matters and has been involved in prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, HM Revenue and Customs and the Financial Reporting Council. He advises corporates on criminal and regulatory enforcement issues and conducts corporate internal investigations.

Roberts joins Cadwalader from Morrison & Foerster. His practice focuses on regulatory compliance and investigations and white collar crime and ranges from regulatory matters dealt with by the Financial Conduct Authority, Medicines Healthcare Regulatory Authority or the Health and Safety Executive to prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office.

"We are very pleased that Mark and Kevin are joining our expanding white collar defense and investigations team," said Pat Quinn, Cadwalader's managing partner. "They are both exceptional, market-leading lawyers who have led a number of successful representations in recent years. With these important additions, we have made significant strides in growing our Global Litigation Group and, specifically, our transatlantic white collar defense and investigations practice."

Added Jodi Avergun, chair of Cadwalader's white collar defense and investigations practice, "We feel very fortunate to bring to our clients two white collar practitioners of Mark and Kevin's stature. The combination of two well-respected colleagues, along with our well-established U.S.-based practice, will enable us to provide the highest level of service and comprehensive expertise to our UK and U.S. clients."

Cadwalader's White Collar Defense and Investigations practice represents financial institutions, investment firms, broker-dealers, corporations, boards of directors, audit committees, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, trials, and appeals. The group has extensive expertise advising clients on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 2010, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act, the False Claims Act, and the Commodity Exchange Act, as well as global sanctions, money laundering and asset forfeiture laws.

The new partners in London bring extensive capabilities to the practice and are currently involved in several significant matters before UK authorities.

Highly ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, Beardsworth advises on cases that are often complex, high profile and international in nature. He has a special interest in cases with ancillary civil and professional disciplinary proceedings and has a practical knowledge of representing a client's wider interests in these situations. Beardsworth conducts internal investigations for corporates, regulators and other entities and advises companies and their directors on governance issues. He helps clients to avoid compliance and criminal risk in a wide range of scenarios. Additionally, Beardsworth has represented clients in relation to confiscation and restraint issues, including cash seizures. He has been involved in many of the most significant cases before the Serious Fraud Office in the last 20 years, including BAE Systems, Independent Insurance, Rolls Royce, Libor, Euribor, Forex and Unaoil.

Roberts advises corporations and individuals in money laundering compliance and investigations, anti-corruption and regulatory compliance, asset tracing and recovery, tax investigations and fraud. As part of his international practice, he advises on mutual assistance requests and extradition. He also advises clients in relation to Parliamentary Select Committee appearances. Also highly ranked in the legal directories, Roberts is a frequent speaker on money laundering, anti-corruption compliance, confiscation, and asset recovery, and is a contributing author to the leading text, Smith, Owen and Bodnar on Asset Recovery (Oxford University Press) and to Asset Tracing in Insolvency. He is Treasurer of the European Criminal Bar Association.

"I am very excited about joining Cadwalader and, especially, joining with Kevin, someone I've known and respected for years," Beardsworth said. "Cadwalader's white collar team in the U.S. is exceptional and has been extremely successful with corporate and individual representations - a model very similar to our success here in London."



"Client needs in the white collar space continue to grow," Roberts said. "Cadwalader has assembled an outstanding transatlantic team, and I look forward to working with Mark, who I know very well, and with London disputes partner Melis Acuner to continue to provide world-class representation to clients."

The addition of Beardsworth and Roberts are part of an active expansion plan in London. Already a leading practice in The City, Cadwalader recently announced plans to move into a new building at 100 Bishopsgate that doubles the firm's headcount capacity.

The firm now has 18 partners in London, an increase of 7 in of the last 12 months alone. Recent additions have included fund finance partner Samantha Hutchinson and real estate finance partner Duncan Hubbard, as well as the recently announced election to partner of fund finance lawyer Nathan Parker and corporate lawyer Joanna Valentine.

Said London managing partner Gregory Petrick, "This has been another very active and successful year for our firm in the City. We are delighted to have Mark and Kevin on board to expand our transatlantic white collar defense and investigations capabilities, and we remain very active in our efforts to grow across all practice areas."

About Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, established over 225 years ago, serves a diverse client base, including many of the world's leading financial institutions, corporations and funds in more than 50 countries. With offices in New York, London, Charlotte, Washington and Brussels, Cadwalader offers legal expertise in antitrust, banking, corporate finance, corporate governance, executive compensation, financial restructuring, health care, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, private wealth, real estate, regulation, securitization, structured finance, tax and white collar defense. For more information, visit www.cadwalader.com.

Contact:

Ron Brandsdorfer +1 212 504 6712

ron.brandsdorfer@cwt.com
Nearly two weeks after a Kyiv-bound Ukrainian plane was "mistakenly" shot down by Iran's armed forces west of Tehran, Iranian officials continue to defy international pressure by keeping their grip on the flight recorders recovered from the crash site.

Iran's civil aviation organization released a report Jan. 21 into the details of the incident, acknowledging that the black boxes on the Boeing 737 flight were equipped with advanced technology, making it impossible for Iranian experts to download and decipher the data. The report added that the United States and France had been formally requested to share the needed technology with Iran, a demand that "has not received a positive reply." Iranian authorities, according to the report, are now finding ways to purchase the decoding equipment, insisting they will examine the recorded data inside the country.

The announcement marked yet another reversal in the fluctuating policy Iran has adopted since the plane went down, killing all 176 on board. Tehran has expressed at different intervals openness to send the black boxes to either Ukraine or France for analysis. It is not immediately clear how long Iran will maintain its latest stance, but it appeared to have come in defiance of Ukrainian and Canadian authorities, who have pressed for transparency.

Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami was in Kyiv Jan. 20 to deliver a message of condolence on behalf of President Hassan Rouhani. Ukraine said the Iranian minister was informed about Kyiv's position regarding the flight recorders. Tehran, however, cited International Civil Aviation Organization regulations that the country hosting the crash is entitled to decide on the deciphering process. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has urged the states involved not to politicize the issue.

The Iranian aviation authority's report also confirmed that the air defense batteries operated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck the plane with two missiles, not one, contradicting an initial statement by the IRGC aerospace commander. It took Iranian authorities three days to acknowledge the deadly downing. Despite the admission, the Iranian public has urged accountability and answers to lingering questions that continue to pile up.

"Is there another secret they are trying to hide?" tweeted an Iranian. "Isn't it something even more horrifying than the fact that they downed the plane with two missiles?"

Iran's treatment of the crash victims and their families in the aftermath of the tragedy has also come under serious questioning. In most cases, the funerals have been held under the strict supervision of IRGC forces. The dominance of the official account in the burial ceremonies has pushed some mourners to the edge, removing flags wrapped around the coffins or shouting anti-government slogans only to be met with "batons and electric shockers" at the hands of IRGC officers.
Flinders University PhD student Abel Fekadu Dadi. Credit: AF Dadi

Women in low and medium-income countries struggle with many health issues in pregnancy and childbirth, but little attention is given to antenatal depressionwhich is on the rise in many developing countries, new PLOS ONE paper shows.

A study by Flinders University public health researchers found rising levels of reported antenatal depression in these countries, and recommends more services are urgently neededparticularly in low-income economies.

"Depression during pregnancy is often believed to be an issue of developed countries," says biostatistician Abel Fekadu Dadi, who led the systematic review and analysis of antenatal depression levels in low and middle-income countries.

"From the study, we found 34% and 22.7% of pregnant women in low and middle-income countries respectively had depression symptoms during pregnancy," says Mr Dadi, who is also affiliated with the Institute of Public Health at the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

"Moreover, compared to non-depressed pregnant women, depressed women had respective rates of 2.41 times and 66% higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

"We found that antenatal depression is highly prevalent and increases over the duration of pregnancy. We also noted increases in prevalence over the last 10 years."

Antenatal depression has detrimental effects on the physical, psychological, mental, and overall wellbeing of mothers and newborn babies, he says, stressing more must be done to raise awareness with health practitioners and policy-makers in developing economies.

"It is vital for these governments to address women's mental health issues before and during pregnancy to improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies, and contribute to socio-economic development and Sustainable Development Goals," says co-author Associate Professor Lillian Mwanri, from the Flinders College of Medicine and Public Health.

Key findings include:

One in three (34%) and one in five (22.7%) pregnant women in low-and middle-income countries, respectively had depression.

Having depression during pregnancy increased the risk of low birth weight and preterm births. Severe depression is known to directly lead to suicide in women during pregnancy or after birthand to neonatal, infant and child mortality.

A poor obstetric history, previous episodes of common mental disorders, poor social support, financial difficulties, a history of exposure to violence (during pregnancy or earlier), and unsatisfactory relationships were factors that increased chances of depression.

Low-cost interventions such as psychotherapy services at maternity clinicsand relationship and partner support adviceare among the social and health system interventions badly needed in these countries.

Explore further Depression is the single largest predictor of substance use during pregnancy

More information: Abel Fekadu Dadi et al, Antenatal depression and its association with adverse birth outcomes in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis, PLOS ONE (2020). Journal information: PLoS ONE Abel Fekadu Dadi et al, Antenatal depression and its association with adverse birth outcomes in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis,(2020). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227323
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Lebanon ended a painful wait by unveiling a new cabinet line-up, but the government was promptly scorned by protesters and faces the Herculean task of saving a collapsing economy. More than a month after he was designated with backing from the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah and nearly three after his predecessor Saad Hariri resigned under pressure from the street, Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Tuesday announced his cabinet of 20 ministers. The academic and former education minister, who was little-known in Lebanon until last month, insisted in his first comments as premier that his cabinet was a technocratic one that would strive to meet protesters' demands. "This is a government that represents the aspirations of the demonstrators who have been mobilised nationwide for more than three months," he said. He said his government "will strive to meet their demands for an independent judiciary, for the recovery of embezzled funds, for the fight against illegal gains". Groups of demonstrators had gathered in the streets of Beirut before the cabinet was even unveiled, blocking off a main street in the centre of the capital where violent scuffles with the police left dozens wounded over the weekend. Close to the parliament building, protesters attempted to rip down barbed wire and throw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon, an AFP journalist witnessed. The government, which is scheduled to meet on Wednesday for the first time, includes the country's first-ever female defence minister, Zeina Akar, and five other women. The post of foreign minister, which had been held by President Michel Aoun's controversial son-in-law Gebran Bassil, was handed to respected diplomat Nassif Hitti. The new cabinet is made up of unfamiliar figures, many of them academics and former advisers, but protesters were quick to argue that the absence of the biggest names in Lebanon's widely reviled hereditary political elite was but a smokescreen. - 'Not serious' - "We want a new Lebanon, a Lebanon with no corruption," Charbel Kahi, a 37-year-old farmer, told AFP as fellow protesters beat drums behind him. "They are not taking the Lebanese people seriously with this government," he said. Diab admitted that "Lebanon is experiencing a difficult time in its history" and called for stability but within minutes of his address protesters were out in the streets of several cities, including Tripoli, Sidon and Byblos. Hilal Khashan, a professor at the American University of Beirut, argued that the idea of a genuinely technocratic government in Lebanon was "wishful thinking". "Behind every candidate, there is a political party backing their nomination," he said. Paula Yacoubian, a former journalist and independent MP, scorned the new line-up as "patches on old clothes". "Hassan Diab did not keep his promise of forming a government of independent" experts, she said. Diab, a 61-year-old engineering professor at the American University of Beirut and self-professed technocrat, had come under pressure on both the political and economic fronts. Every day that passed without a cabinet had fuelled the anger of protesters and tested the patience of foreign donors warning that the quasi-bankrupt state could ill afford further delays. - Mission impossible? - Donors and citizens are pinning their hopes on a new government to spearhead reforms, unlock billions in international aid and help stabilise a plummeting currency. "The task that awaits any cabinet during this serious period is Herculean," said Karim Mufti, a political scientist. "In view of the multidimensional nature of the crisis, it seems difficult to envisage short-term solutions to the country's financial, economic and social problems." A grinding dollar liquidity crisis and informal caps on withdrawals of the greenback have compounded the crisis, leaving Lebanon on the brink of default. The outgoing government included all of Lebanon's political factions, but Hariri's Sunni-dominated movement and some of his allies have opted to stay out of the new cabinet. This leaves the small country of six million led by a government dominated by the sanctions-hit Hezbollah movement and its allies. Both the Christian bloc of President Michel Aoun and the Shiite Amal party of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are political allies of the Iran-backed organisation. Observers have warned that such a lopsided government could struggle to foster enough goodwill at home and abroad to implement much-needed reforms.
Interventional Neurology Market Research Report: By Disease Pathology (Cerebral Aneurysms, Ischemic Strokes, & Others), Product (Aneurysm Coiling & Embolization, Neurothrombectomy, Support Devices, & Others), End User  Global Forecast Till 2023



Interventional Neurology Market Overview

Interventional neurology entails a list of endovascular catheter techniques for accurate diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases of the central nervous system. New applications of acute endovascular stroke treatment, diagnostic cerebral angiography, and cerebral aneurysm treatment can bring into focus the latent potential of these devices. The global interventional neurology market report by Market Research Future (MRFR) outlines various factors and developments which bring forth its prospects for the period between 2018 and 2023 (forecast period).

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The global interventional neurology market is projected to grow at a steady CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. The increasing cases of neurological diseases is one of the primary drivers of the market. Out of 1.2 million brain disorders, nearly 21% can be traced back to Alzheimers. Recommendations by various reputed associations for treatment of strokes is one of the pivotal driving forces of the market. This can lead to heightened demand for these devices in the coming years.

Other major market drivers include demand for effective neurovascular devices, medical reimbursement schemes, and a large patient pool can spur the demand for interventional neurology devices during the forecast period. Furthermore, the inclination towards minimally invasive surgeries will be one of the factors which can influence the global interventional neurology market.

However, lack of skilled neurosurgeons and stringent regulations pertaining to approval may stymie the market growth.

Segmentation Analysis

The global interventional neurology market is segmented based on disease pathology, product, and end user.

The global market for interventional neurology, by disease pathology is segmented into ischemic strokes, arteriovenous malformation and fistulas, cerebral aneurysms, and others.

Major products in the market include neurothrombectomy devices, aneurysm coiling & embolization devices, cerebral balloon angioplasty and stenting systems, and support devices. The neurothrombectomy devices are further classified as clot retrieval devices, suction and aspiration devices, and snares. The aneurysm coiling & embolization devices segment is further classified as embolic coils, flow diversion devices, and liquid embolic agents. The embolic coils segment includes bare detachable coils, and coated detachable coils. The cerebral balloon angioplasty and stenting systems segment is further classified as carotid artery stents, and embolic protection systems. The embolic protection systems segment includes distal filter devices, and balloon occlusion devices. The support devices are further classified as microcatheters, and microguidewires.

Based on end user, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, research & academic institutes, and others.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific (APAC), the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) are top regions under the careful purview of the global Interventional Neurology Market report.

The Americas are pegged to dominate the global market due to the large geriatric population and presence of numerous players. Favorable government approvals to neurological devices, development of minimally invasive neurological surgeries, and a large ageing population are major factors driving market growth.

Europe assumed the second position in the global interventional neurology market owing to a rise in research and development investments. Increasing entry of new players in the marketspace combined with approval of new products can pave the way for the market to expand successfully.

The APAC region is deemed to exhibit a robust CAGR during the forecast period owing to an improved healthcare framework, a notable increase in healthcare expenditure, and increased participation of market players.

Competitive Outlook

Braun Melsungen AG, Merit Medical Systems, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Cook Medical, Medtronic PLC, Boston Scientific Corporation, Penumbra, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Microport Scientific Corporation, Terumo Corporation, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., and Abbott Laboratories are key players in the global interventional neurology market.

Industry Update

Baroreflex activation therapy is an approach for the treatment of resistant high blood pressure by implanting a device near the heart to stimulate the carotid sinus to lower blood pressure. The U.S. FDA gave approval to the Barostim Neo baroreflex activation therapy device to improve symptoms for patients with heart failure.

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According to one source, Trump has been telling people that he wanted a high-profile legal team that can perform on television, and Trump loves having people who are on television working for him. [As Trump:] Quick, get me Matlock, Perry Mason, Law and Order  get me that dung dung! thing  and, uh, Dharma and Greg.  STEPHEN COLBERT

One of his lawyers is Alan Dershowitz, who represented such luminaries as Claus von Bulow, Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein, and O.J. Simpson. So he definitely has a type.  JIMMY KIMMEL

[As Trump:] Get me Dershowitz  Im exactly as innocent as Jeffrey Epstein and O.J. Simpson. But Jared, just in case, gas up the Bronco.  STEPHEN COLBERT

Rudy Giuliani will not be on the Trump legal team, but he claims he wants to testify. He said he would love to appear as a witness at the Senate trial  not as much as I would love it, but he would love it. I think wed all like to see it. I think wed especially like the part where he puts his hand on the Bible and it bursts into flames.  JIMMY KIMMEL

And McConnell also released a schedule that could put some arguments on T.V. at midnight or 1 in the morning. These guys really are something. They dont want witnesses, they dont want new evidence, they dont want reporting, and they dont want people watching. Its almost like they have something to hide  but what could that be? The phone call was perfect! It was a perfect call. Maybe theyre just shy?  JIMMY KIMMEL
The Senate side of the U.S. Capitol at sunrise. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will resume in the Senate on Tuesday. Read more

The Senate will begin its impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Tuesday, and if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has his way, it will be a speedy affair that could be completed in just a few weeks.

The trial is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, with seven House Democrats attempting to make the case the president committed high crimes and misdemeanors by withholding military aide from Ukraine as part of a scheme to force an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, who sat on the board of Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company.

In a 110-page brief shared Tuesday, Trumps legal team urged senators to swiftly acquit the president, accused Democrats of a brazenly political process, and described the articles of impeachment as an affront to the Constitution."

 READ MORE: What's in the articles of impeachment against Trump

Heres what we currently know about the impeachment trial and how it will play out:

When does the impeachment trial start?

The impeachment trial will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. The first order of business will likely be to pass McConnells proposed trial rules, which Republicans can do with a simple majority vote.

McConnell could also ask for a motion to dismiss the charges, which would end the trial immediately and lead to an acquittal. But moderate Republican senators have balked at that idea, and its unclear McConnell would have the votes needed.

After Tuesday, the Senate will convene at 1 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday for the duration of the trial.

What channels will offer live coverage of the impeachment trial?

C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and WHYY-TV will all offer live coverage of the impeachment trial beginning Tuesday afternoon, and will stream coverage on their respective websites and apps. In Philadelphia, viewers will also be able to watch coverage of Tuesdays trial on 6ABC, CBS3, and NBC10, which will break into their normal programming and take network news coverage. Fox29 did not respond to an inquiry, but didnt air live coverage of the impeachment hearings in November.

Heres a breakdown of the cable networks impeachment trial broadcast plans as of Monday evening:

C-SPAN2 : Live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Senate floor uninterrupted throughout the day will begin at 1 p.m.

CNN: The networks special coverage begins at 10 a.m., anchored by Anderson Cooper , Wolf Blitzer , Jake Tapper , and chief political correspondent Dana Bash .

Fox News: Starting at 12:30 p.m., special coverage will be anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum , with contributions from Fox News Sundays Chris Wallace , The Daily Briefings Dana Perino , political analyst Juan Williams , and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy.

MSNBC: Beginning at 11 a.m., special coverage will be anchored by 11th Hours Brian Williams and Deadline: White Houses Nicolle Wallace , with Hardball host Chris Matthews offering analysis.

WHYY-TV: Live coverage from PBS will begin at 12:30 p.m., anchored by Judy Woodruff and featuring several NewsHour correspondents, such as Capitol Hill correspondent Lisa Desjardins and White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.

What is the format of the trial?

On Monday night, McConnell unveiled the proposed rules for the trial, which are likely to pass and loosely modeled on those of the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton, but altered to allow for a swifter trial.

Under the proposed rules, the House managers and the presidents legal team would each have 24 hours to present their case, but have to use that time in a two-day period, which would allow McConnell to speed through opening arguments by the end of this week.

Following opening statements, senators would have up to 16 hours to ask questions of both sides, which would be submitted in writing and posed through Chief Justice john Roberts, who will preside over the Senate during the duration of the trial.

Who are the House impeachment managers?

There are seven Democrats from the House that have been named to serve as impeachment managers during the Senate trial, where they will act at prosecutors. They are:

Rep. Adam Schiff, Calif.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, N.Y.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, N.Y.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Calif.

Rep. Val Demings, Fla.

Rep. Jason Crow, Colo.

Rep. Sylvia Garcia, Tx.

Who are the members of Trumps defense team?

A mash-up of White House and private lawyers  many of whom are familiar TV pundits  will offer Trumps defense during the Senates impeachment trial. They are:

Pat Cipollone, White House counsel

Jay Sekulow, personal Trump lawyer

Kenneth Starr, former independent counsel

Alan Dershowitz, Harvard law professor

Robert Ray, former independent counsel

Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general

Pat Philbin, deputy counsel to the president

Mike Purpura, deputy White House counsel

Will there be witnesses?

That remains to be seen. According to McConnells proposed rules, decisions about witnesses or the addition of new evidence wont be made until after Roberts finishes asking questions on behalf of senators.

Democrats need 51 votes to ensure witnesses have a chance to testify. There are 47 Democrats (including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Angus King, Independents who caucus with the Democrats), and if they remain unified on the issue, theyd need four Republican senators to vote with them

So far, three Republican senators have indicated theyre open to hearing from witnesses during the impeachment trial: Utahs Mitt Romney, Alaskas Lisa Murkowski, and Maines Susan Collins.

How long is the impeachment trial expected to last?

Its hard to say before seeing the final rules. But Republicans will control the process, and McConnell is pushing for a speedy trial that has a chance of being concluded prior to the State of the Union address on Feb. 4

By comparison, Clintons impeachment trial in 1999 took about five weeks, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 12. The impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson went on for three months in 1868.
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Addressing hundreds of his supporters at a rally in Harare, Tuesday, Zimbabwe's opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa of the Movement for Democratic Change, declared "2020-2030 a decade of rapid and radical transformation," as he presented his Agenda 2020. Chamisa appealed for int'l aid for Zimbabweans.
EasyJet Finds More Ways to Capitalize on Collapse of Thomas Cook

Thomas Cooks exit last year from a crowded UK airline market has helped EasyJet book a strong start to the year.

The airline, which like others has cut back on its capacity growth plans for 2020, saw its total airline revenue per seat increase 8.7 percent to $76.46 (58.56). Not all of this was down to the collapse of a rival. Other factors in the improvement include new initiatives to better predict pricing for last-minute departures.

The improvement in our revenue per seat has been driven by our self-help revenue initiatives combined with robust customer demand and a lower capacity growth market. Johan Lundgren, CEO, said in a statement.

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EasyJet last year relaunched its package vacation product. The timing was somewhat fortuitous given Thomas Cooks demise. So far the business has around 700 directly contracted hotels in over 100 destinations. EasyJet expects the division to be at least break-even in its current financial year.

Having a beefed-up holidays business helps EasyJet with bookings in the early part of the year as northern Europeans tend to organize their trips in the colder winter months.

[T]raditionally, the holiday segments are booking earlier, which is good for ourselves. So thats something that we like, early bookings, Lundgren told analysts on an earnings call on Tuesday.

Offset Scheme Getting Results

In November, EasyJet became the first major airline to operate net-zero carbon emission flights across its network thanks to a new offsetting scheme.

The move certainly helped the carrier generate some positive PR but as weve said before offsetting doesnt stop airlines spewing out tonnes of carbon dioxide.

EasyJet claims to already be seeing an improvement with a 7 percentage point increase in satisfaction from customers who were aware their flight was offset.

Lundgren at least acknowledges that offsetting is an interim measure. The problem is the planet is running out of time to find a solution to the climate crisis. Electric planes capable of carrying enough people to make a difference in the short-haul market are decades away. The only real solution is to reduce flying across the globe, something most airlines will not even countenance.

Story continues

First-Quarter Results

Like other European public companies, EasyJet isnt required to report earnings on a quarterly basis, and instead chooses to publish certain key metrics.

Total revenue increased 9.9 percent to $1.9 billion (1.4 billion) for the three months to the end of December 2019, with load factor up 1.6 percentage points to 91.3 percent.

An encouraging trading statement with a very upbeat revenue per seat number. Expect todays report to be taken well by the market, Daniel Roeska, senior research analyst at broker Bernstein said in a note to investors.

Shares in the company were up more than 4 percent in early trading.

Former Ryanair executive Peter Bellew, who was involved in a court case against his former employer, has now started at EasyJet.

Skift Editors Note: This article was updated to reflect that EasyJet reported a 7 percentage point increase in satisfaction from customers who were aware their flight was offset, rather than an increase in awareness.

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(Kitco News) Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX, NYSE: LAC) has moved a step closer toward its goal of opening a Nevada mine, as U.S. regulators published a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Thacker Pass lithium claystone project in Nevada, the company said Tuesday.

This comes at a time when many U.S. officials have been pushing for increased domestic production of specialized minerals. Lithium is used for batteries in electric cars.

The EIS is expected to be a 12-month process that will include the governments record of decision on plans for the project, the company said. Officials said the company hopes to begin construction as early as 2021.

The initiation of the EIS process by the BLM [Bureau of Land Management] is a major accomplishment and milestone toward developing Thacker Pass as a low-cost and environmentally responsible source of lithium chemicals in the U.S., said Jonathan Evans, president and chief executive officer.

The companys plan of operations includes production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate, lithium metal (up to 60,000 tons per year) of lithium-carbonate equivalent, and battery manufacturing. The company said it is aiming for an initial phase with production capacity of approximately 20,000 tons of battery-quality lithium hydroxide annually, in addition to approximately 2,000 tons per year of battery-quality lithium carbonate.
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In the 1967 film, The Graduate (which I do not recommend), Dustin Hoffman plays a recent college grad who is clueless about what to do next. At a cocktail party celebrating his graduation, one of his parents friends takes him aside and says, I want to say one word to you . . . Plastics . . . theres a great future in plastics.

Today, the one word on the lips of far too many investment advisers is cannabis.

A recent article in the Motley Fool online investment guide tells would-be investors theres a decent chance 2020 will be a significantly better year for the marijuana industry and marijuana-related stocks than last year.

Why? Because theres a decent chance that three new states  New Jersey, Arizona, and Nebraska  will join the legalized marijuana trend in some form or fashion this November.

Illinois legalized the sale of the drug on January 1st, with the lieutenant governor of the state promising a new day for residents of that state, particularly those that are black and brown. Heres what she meant: Besides legalizing recreation marijuana for anyone 21 or older with a drivers license, their new law created a Social Equity Cannabis Business Development Fund, whose goal is to promote diversity within the marijuana industry.

So, would-be weed-entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs can not only get loans from the state, they can receive technical assistance in preparing their license applications, and reductions in their license and application fees.

Promoting entrepreneurship in struggling communities is a laudable goal, but you have to question the wisdom of infusing a community already disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs with state-subsidized drug dealers.

Encouraging and incentivizing residents to use marijuana is the last thing these communities need, particularly from the state. Governmental and marketplace enthusiasm for legalized marijuana overlooks that marijuana is not a safe drug, despite what we are so often told.

Last year, in one of our most popular BreakPoint commentaries of 2019, I discussed the link between marijuana use and psychosis. And this isnt the only health risk associated with marijuana use. See the YouTube channel COncOrdance for an entire playlist devoted to the subject. Not only is the creator of the playlist a cellular biologist, hes an atheist. So, he cannot be accused of pursuing some religious, moral, or cultural agenda under the guise of science.

In addition to the link between cannabis and psychosis, there is a link between cannabis and increased stroke risk, and research is becoming increasingly clear about the drugs impact on the heart and the lungs. All of this is covered by the YouTube COncOrdance series, with links to peer-reviewed studies from scientific journals. Most importantly, the series debunks the myth that cannabis never killed anyone.

While newer research continues, the risks of marijuana on physical and mental health are well-documented and have been for some time. So why are so many states rushing headlong towards legalization?

There are two answers. First, states just cannot resist all the money to be made. This is obvious in the way marijuana legislation is sold to citizens. Second, citizens are easily sold because of an impoverished understanding of freedom. As Os Guinness has summarized, we think of freedom as merely the absence of restraint, the ability to live and do as we please.

While theoretically, such freedom is limited by the potential harm to others, weve become experts at ignoring or spinning such potential harms to get what we really want.

True freedom is different. Its freedom to live as God intended, as image bearers at work restoring Gods good creation. We oppose things not because we are killjoys, but because we embrace a bigger, fuller vision of the human person. In other words, we find ourselves against such so-called freedoms, because they are not freedoms at all. They will not make us more human, but less.
The fourth year of the 2016 primary is off to an acrimonious start. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

With just two weeks left before the 2020 Iowa caucuses, the race for the Democratic Partys 2016 nomination is finally heating up.

After a lengthy truce between the two camps, Hillary Clinton went on the offensive Tuesday morning, decrying her top rival in the (simultaneously long-over and never-ending) 2016 primary as an unlikable, unproductive sexist whom she would not necessarily endorse over Donald Trump.

Clintons resentment of Bernie Sanders is not entirely unfounded. The Vermont senator did remain in the 2016 primary through the very end (of its first year, anyway), despite the fact that he had no plausible path to a delegate majority by early spring. Further, given how close the general election proved to be, it is conceivable that, had Bernie Sanders never entered the 2016 primary, Donald Trump would have never entered the Oval Office.

But then, one could plausibly say the same thing about Clinton. We cant know whether Bernie (or Martin OMalley) would have won. But we do know that Clinton ultimately proved to be the second-most-unpopular major-party nominee in American history. And we also know that Clinton pulled few punches  and offered no timely surrender  during her 2008 campaign against Barack Obama, which makes her complaints about Sanderss intransigence and attacks in 2016 more than a little hypocritical.

All this said, Clintons antipathy for Sanders is understandable. But the criticisms she levies in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter range from misleading to mendacious. Her refusal to pledge her support for Sanders in a general election, meanwhile, would be shameful even if her critiques of the socialist senator were all indisputably true.

Clintons interview is aimed at promoting an upcoming docuseries on her life in politics. In that film, she offers the following scathing assessment of Sanders, which she chose to reaffirm in Tuesdays interview:

He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him [in 2016]. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. Its all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.

It is true that Bernie Sanders has been in Congress for years and that Jeff Merkley was the only senator to endorse him in the 2016 primary. But everything else Clinton says here is false. Eight members of Congress have endorsed the Vermont senator this cycle, including the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and three of the Houses most prominent first-term congresswomen. The fact that these lawmakers have rallied to Sanderss side  despite the presence of another viable progressive candidate in the race  suggests that they have a high-level of interest in working with him.

I just asked @SenSanders for his reaction to @HillaryClinton saying no one likes him. He said, On a good day, my wife likes me, so lets clear the air on that one. He then pivoted to talking about impeachment. More tonight on @NBCNightlyNews  Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) January 21, 2020

The notion that Sanders got nothing done over his long tenure in Washington is also untrue. During his 16 years in the House, Sanders passed more amendments than any other member of Congress, shoehorning small progressive wins into must-pass legislation. In 2016, the Observers Michael Sainato compiled this summary of Sanderss minor victories:

He kicked off his political career with an amendment to start a National Program of Cancer registries, which is now maintained by all 50 states. In 2001, he successfully passed an amendment to the general appropriations bill which banned the importation of goods made with child labor, and passed an amendment to increase funding by $100 million for community health centers  When Mr. Sanders was elected to the Senate in 2006, he continued pushing amendments through legislation, including securing $10 million in additional funds for the Army National Guard, providing financial assistance for childcare to people in the armed forces, exposing corruption in the military industrial complex, support in treating autism in the militarys healthcare system and ensuring bailout funds werent used to displace American workers.

During negotiations over the Affordable Care Act, meanwhile, the senator found a way to make Barack Obamas health-care bill more progressive  and more appealing to conservative Senate Democrats  at the same time. As the fact-checker Politifact writes:

[A]s negotiations were in their final stage, Sanders successfully pushed for the inclusion of $11 billion in funding for community health centers, especially in rural areas. The insertion of this funding helped bring together both Democratic lawmakers on the left and Democrats representing more conservative, rural areas.

On occasion, Sanders has managed to assemble bipartisan congressional support for his goals, partnering with John McCain to pass a reform of the Veterans Affairs administration in 2014, and with Utah Republican Mike Lee to pass a resolution calling for the end of U.S. involvement in Yemens civil war just last year. One can reasonably argue that Sanderss ideological isolation  and aversion to backslapping  limited his legislative productivity as a Congress member, and thus that a more moderate, jovial Democrat would be more likely to get things done as president. On the other hand, many of the bipartisan things that Congress got done over the past three decades were not worth doing. Regardless, Clintons characterization of Sanderss record is patently false.

The former secretary of State proceeds to argue that Sanders encourages the worst behavior of his online supporters (the bold here is The Hollywood Reporter, the plain text, Clinton):

If he gets the nomination, will you endorse and campaign for him? Im not going to go there yet. Were still in a very vigorous primary season. I will say, however, that its not only him, its the culture around him. Its his leadership team. Its his prominent supporters. Its his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women. And I really hope people are paying attention to that because it should be worrisome that he has permitted this culture  not only permitted, [he] seems to really be very much supporting it.

It is true that Bernie Sanders has plenty of extremely online, incredibly unpleasant supporters. And its also true that the campaign has hired some pugnacious left-wing commentators as official staffers and surrogates. But the notion that the senator actively cultivates a uniquely vicious culture among his Twitter acolytes is tough to square with the events of the past 24 hours. On Monday, the law professor and prominent Sanders supporter Zephyr Teachout wrote a Guardian column that argued Joe Biden has a corruption problem that will undermine him in a general election. This argument, coming on the eve of Donald Trumps impeachment trial, irked many of Sanderss Democratic skeptics. His supporters and ideological sympathizers rallied to Teachouts defense, insisting that her column was rooted in an honest appraisal of Bidens record  only to see their candidate disavow their argument, and scold them for their incivility hours later.

It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And Im sorry that that op-ed appeared, Sanders told CBS News Monday night. If anyone knows me, what I believe is we need a serious debate in this country on issues. We dont need to demonize people who may disagree with us.

I appeal to my supporters, the senator continued, please, engage in civil discourse.

WATCH: @BernieSanders calls for "civil discourse" from supporters and opponents. Says he does not support personal/character attacks.



Only on @CBSNews:https://t.co/rRlrZjdI1q pic.twitter.com/IwFDVuzpNQ  Cara Korte (@CaraKorte) January 21, 2020

Finally, Clinton weighs in on the controversy over whether Bernie Sanders told Elizabeth Warren that he did not believe a woman could win the 2020 election during a private conversation a little over one year ago. Clinton suggests that Sanderss alleged remark can be fairly interpreted as an expression of sexism, given broader patterns in the senators behavior:

[T]his argument about whether or not or when he did or didnt say that a woman couldnt be elected, its part of a pattern. If it were a one-off, you might say, OK, fine. But he said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me. I just think people need to pay attention because we want, hopefully, to elect a president whos going to try to bring us together, and not either turn a blind eye, or actually reward the kind of insulting, attacking, demeaning, degrading behavior that weve seen from this current administration.

This might be the most egregiously dishonest of all of Clintons criticisms. The former Democratic nominee implies that, in 2016, Sanders argued she was unusually inexperienced and uncredentialed for a presidential candidate  a charge so objectively false one might fairly interpret it as an expression of virulent sexism. But that is not remotely what happened.

In April 2016, Clinton told MSNBCs Morning Joe that Sanders hadnt done his homework ahead of an interview with the New York Daily News editorial board and that this raised a lot of questions about his fitness for the presidency. The Washington Post wrote up her comments under the headline Clinton Questions Whether Sanders Is Qualified to Be President.

This rankled Sanders, who proceeded to question Clintons own qualifications thusly:

When you voted for the war in Iraq, the most disastrous foreign policy blunder in the history of America, you might want to question your qualifications. When you voted for trade agreements that cost millions of Americans decent paying jobs, and the American people might want to wonder about your qualifications. When youre spending an enormous amount of time raising money for your super PAC from some of the wealthiest people in this country, and from some of the most outrageous special interests  Are you qualified to be president of the United States when youre raising millions of dollars from Wall Street whose greed and recklessness helped destroy our economy?

I think these remarks were misguided. At the time Sanders made them, Clinton was already overwhelmingly likely to be the Democratic nominee. In my view, the senator should have tempered his remarks in deference to that fact and criticized Clintons record without disputing her baseline eligibility for the White House. But Clintons characterization of Sanderss comments is patently false. He did not deny that Clinton possessed conventional qualifications for the presidency in a fit of psychedelic sexism. Rather, his diatribe is quite clearly aimed at disputing the value of conventional qualifications. Sanders never disputed that Clinton had gotten a lot done during her career  his speech is actually a litany of her accomplishments. His point was that applicants for the position of president should not be judged on the strength of their meritocratic credentials but on the substantive merits of their voting records and policy platforms. There is nothing remotely sexist about this point of view.

Clinton is entitled to her grievances. But if she is as interested in fostering Democratic unity as she claims to be, she should probably avoid wrapping her calls for intraparty civility in defamatory barbs about the second-most-popular Democrat in the 2020 primary.
A cat owner in Texas is devastated after her pet was accidentally euthanized.

Michelle Olson took her eight-year-old cat Sophie to Suburbia North Animal Hospital in Spring and returned home thinking she had received a rabies shot.

But Olson and her husband received an alarming call from staff urging her to return the animal as soon as possible.

Michelle Olson took her eight-year-old cat Sophie to the vet and returned home thinking she had received a rabies shot

But Olson and her husband received an alarming call from staff at Suburbia North Animal Hospital in Spring urging her to return the animal as soon as possible

'It was the doctor herself calling saying, "Please get Sophie back here immediately, we gave her euthanasia instead of a rabies vaccine",' Olson recalled to ABC 13.

Olson focused on having quality last moments with her furry friend as she knew Sophie wouldn't make it.

'I immediately took her out of her cat carrier and I held her, talked to her, because I knew that was going to be the last thing she would remember. I knew she wasn't going to come back at that point. I just knew it,' Olson said. 'She pretty much was dying in my arms.'

The vets tried to save the feline's life but she didn't pull through.

The vets tried to save the feline's life but she didn't pull through.

Now Olson is traumatized by what happened.

'Every time I close my eyes, I see that look on her face and I just can't get it out of my head,' Olson cried in a TV interview. 'They're very sorry, that's all they can say really,' Olson said. 'It was an accident, I get that, but it was an accident that should've never happened.'

Olson said she was speaking out so other pet owners know to take extra care.

Sophie was only going in for a routine checkup.

'My main concern is not to bash them at all, just want to make public aware to be vigilant, ask questions that you didn't think you had to ask of your veterinarian so this doesn't happen to anyone else,' Olson explained.

At the advice of their legal counsel, the animal hospital has declined to comment on the incident.
[January 21, 2020] Brex Hires Google Executive Paul-Henri Ferrand as Chief Operating Officer

Brex, the financial technology company that helps ambitious companies scale, today announced the hire of Paul-Henri (PH) Ferrand as COO, to lead Brex's go-to-market function through the company's next phase of growth and expansion. Ferrand joins Brex from Google (News - Alert), where he was President, Global Customer Operations for Google Cloud. "PH is a crucial hire for our team as we continue to scale. He brings the unique combination of experience with rapid scaling and growth while maintaining a customer-centric ethos," said Henrique Dubugras, co-founder and co-CEO of Brex. "Ferrand and the rest of the leaders at Brex share the same belief in the promise of a future that offers seamless product experiences at the point of integration between financial products and services to our expanding customer base." As Chief Operating Officer at Brex, Ferrand will unite all of the customer-facing parts of the organization - marketing, business development, sales and customer experience - under one leader focused on delivering Brex's vision and strategy to its customers. As momentum builds fo Brex's second product, Brex Cash, PH will be integrating and optimizing Brex's customer acquisition efforts to include both products. Furthermore, he will strengthen key Brex go-to-market initiatives including channel sales, brand marketing and customer relationship management.



"Brex is well-positioned to go from provider of corporate credit cards to a full-fledged financial brand thanks to its innovative products that provide critical differentiated financial services," Ferrand said. "I look forward to working with the incredible team at Brex and capitalize on that foundation to further nurture a strong culture, continue to attract great talent and accelerate our market momentum." Prior to his role at Google, Ferrand spent ten years at Dell (News - Alert), and in his last role, was President of Dell North America, covering both consumer and business segments, and all products and solutions. Ferrand also held senior roles in the telecom industry at Nokia (News - Alert), Alcatel and AT&T.

About Brex Brex is transforming B2B payments by creating corporate cards, cash management accounts, rewards, and travel programs that are tailored to specific industries. In 2018 Brex launched the first corporate card and rewards program specifically designed for startups. By rebuilding the credit card tech stack from the ground up, Brex is able to reimagine every aspect of corporate cards, including underwriting, transparency, and approvals, to create a radically better experience for customers. Brex is backed by Y Combinator Continuity, Peter Thiel, Max Levchin, and more, and has raised $315M in equity and secured $510 million of debt capital with Barclays and Credit Suisse. The company's headquarters are in San Francisco with an additional office in Salt Lake Valley. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005109/en/

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Bosch has announced the appointment of Arda Arslan as the Regional Director for Automotive Aftermarket at Robert Bosch Turkey, Iran and Middle East.

He brings to his role over 15 years of international industry experience gained in markets including Germany, UK and Turkey.

Commenting on his appointment, Aslan said: The regions automotive aftermarket sector is fast evolving with the increased adoption of automated and electric drivetrains. Both the new and used car markets are expected to witness healthy growth with an appetite for the high-quality spare parts and components that Bosch is synonymous with. I look forward to work with the team to ensure that we are able to effectively meet these diverse customer needs.

Kvanc Arman, who formerly headed the automotive aftermarket division in the region, will take up the role of Vice President, Sales for the Thermotechnology Division at Robert Bosch Middle East, Turkey & Caucasia.

Prior to this role, Arslan was Country Sales Director for the Automotive Aftermarket - Original Equipment Services in Turkey. He holds a Master of Science degree in Energy Conversion & Management from the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg.  TradeArabia News Service
Between collaborating with is ex-wife Angelina Jolie on a champagne, and a VERY friendly reunion with his first wife Jennifer Aniston backstage at the SAG Awards Sunday, Brad Pitt seems to be a model ex.

And the 56-year-old isn't the only one on good terms, his former fiance Gwyneth Paltrow congratulated Aniston on her SAG win in an Instagram comment, Monday.

The former Friends actress won the award for Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor for her role in The Morning Show.

Winner, winner: Jennifer Aniston won the award for Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor for her role in The Morning Show at the SAG Awards on Sunday, she celebrated her win with an Instagram post Mondau

You earned it: Gwyneth Paltrow congratulated Aniston on her SAG win in an Instagram comment, Monday

Aniston shared a shot of her white silk Christian Dior dress, black stiletto heels and her SAG statue in her marble bathroom, the morning after her win.

In the caption she wrote, in part ,'my peers gave me a gift I will cherish and a night I will never forget. Thank you @sagawards, @themorningshow, and our incredible cast and crew.'

Paltrow commented in support, calling her win 'well deserved,' accompanied by a heart emoji.

Support: Paltrow commented in support, calling her win 'well deserved,' accompanied by a heart emoji

Paltrow and Pitt dated and were engaged from 1994 to 1997.

While Aniston and Pitt started dating in 1998 and married in 2000, before divorcing in 2005.

Also in her post, the Morning Show star included a photo of her trying to avoid wrinkling her dress, by laying near flat in the SUV on her way to the ceremony.

Laying flat: Also in her post, the Morning Show star included a photo of her trying to avoid wrinkling her dress, by laying near flat in the SUV on her way to the ceremony

Reunion: The couple pictured together at the SAG awards for the first time since their 2005 split

The former couple Jen and Brad, sent fans into a frenzy after reuniting back stage at the awards with it all being caught on camera.

Later in the evening, while backstage, Brad paused in front of a monitor to watch Jennifer take to the stage to win Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor for her role in The Morning Show. His reaction? A smile and: 'Wow!'

Soon afterwards, he had the chance to congratulate her in person, grasping her hand as she touched his lapel.

After the ceremony, they both attended the Netflix party.

The pair have remained close however, with Brad attending Jen's 50th birthday party early last year and her Christmas party in 2019.
A thin ephemeral waterfall in Yosemite National Park that's barely noticed by many visitors to the popular Yosemite Valley becomes the California park's star attraction each February.

Horsetail Fall over the eastern edge of El Capitan can glow golden or orange at sunset from mid- to late-February when its water is flowing and skies are clear. Illumination from the setting sun causes this phenomenon, what's become known as the firefall.

For older visitors, it can be reminiscent of another grand nightly spectacle of the same name that ended in 1968: The pushing of

burning coals over Glacier Point into Yosemite Valley below.

"Horsetail Fall is an amazing natural phenomenon if you see it under the right circumstances: when there's enough water, when the light's right," photographer Michael Frye said in an episode of "Yosemite Nature Notes." "This thin ribbon of water just glowing neon orange with the cliff in the shade behind it so it just seems like it has its own sort of light, that there's nothing else creating it." Yosemite officials warned that "even some haze or minor cloudiness can greatly diminish or eliminate the effect."

Fingers crossed for favorable February conditions!

Where to park and see the firefall

Hundreds of people have descended on Yosemite Valley daily during firefall season in recent years in hopes of catching a glimpse of the 1,000-foot glowing waterfall. Visitors should plan time for parking and walking to a viewing location _ and expect it to be crowded with visitors and cameras.

A popular spot to see Horsetail Fall is around the El Capitan Picnic Area Picnic Area, between the Camp 4 campground and El Capitan along Northside Drive.

One of Northside Drive's two lanes is closed to vehicles in that area when the firefall phenomenon occurs so visitors can use it to walk from parking lots around Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley Lodge toward Horsetail Fall. No parking permits are required. It's about two miles from the lodge to El Capitan Picnic Area. Vehicles with a disability placard can park at the picnic area. Visitors can also walk east from El Capitan Meadow.

"With the recent tree clearing, there are many open areas with great views for the public to see Horsetail Fall," Yosemite spokeswoman Jamie Richards said.

Visitors should be prepared to walk at least a mile from their parking spot to a viewing area. It's prohibited to park or stop a vehicle along Northside Drive between Camp 4 and El Capitan during this time, and on a short crossover segment that connects Northside and Southside Drive in the western end of Yosemite Valley.

Parking or stopping is also prohibited along Southside Drive between El Capitan Crossover and Swinging Bridge Picnic Area. Pedestrians will also not be allowed along this section of Southside Drive, the Park Service said.

___ (c)2020 The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.) Visit The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.) at www.fresnobee.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Regulatory News:

Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies (Paris:ALHGR) (ISIN: FR0013451044, Ticker: ALHGR) ("Hoffmann Green" or the "Company"), a pioneer in low-carbon cement, announces that it has met its 2019 low-carbon cement production and sales objective and provides an update on its development plan.

Continued growth momentum and achievement of a key milestone

At the end of December 2019, the Company achieved a major milestone in its development by meeting the production and sales target of 1,000 tons of low-carbon cement as announced at the time of its IPO1. This is one of the first key milestones of Hoffmann Green's ambitious roadmap following the opening of its first production site in the Vendee region of Western France. These 1,000 tons of Hoffmann low-carbon cement were used on various construction sites in France, notably for concrete slabs and pre-slabs as well as concrete foundations.

The discussions currently taking place with a number of commercial partners strengthen the Company's confidence regarding its order book, which is estimated at 150,000 tons2 to date.

Julien Blanchard, Chairman of the Board and co-founder of the Company, states: "Following the success of our IPO that enabled us to raise almost 75 million, we are executing our roadmap in line with our objectives. These 1,000 tons of low-carbon cement represent a first major milestone in our industrial and commercial development. This marks the beginning of a real paradigm shift in the construction sector for building tomorrow's sustainable cities. Encouraged by this success, in 2020 and subsequent years, we will focus on continuing to respect our commitments to accelerate our growth and become the leading low-carbon cement player in France

Execution of the industrial and commercial strategy in line with the roadmap

As planned in its industrial timetable, at the end of 2019, Hoffmann Green completed the extension of its H1 production site in Bournezeau (Vendee, Western France), giving the Company an additional 1,000 m for storing and delivering Hoffmann cements. From a logistical standpoint, the bag-filling machine and palletizer were installed and put into operation at the end of 2019.

Regarding the H2 production site, which will also be located in Vendee, the Company has already begun the administrative procedures with the aim of starting construction work by the end of the first half of 2020.

Lastly, preliminary contacts have been initiated with the Ile-de-France region to identify the location of the H3 production site.

Concerning the commercial strategy, following the agreement signed in July 2019, the Company welcomed Bouygues Construction to its H1 site as part of the launch of the first tests using H-EVA technology. Furthermore, the Company launched the technical test bench phase for its very low-carbon solutions with GCC Group, which produced some ten reinforced concrete shells onsite using H-UKR cement. Lastly, discussions are ongoing with partners with a view to marketing Hoffmann cement bags in France via distribution networks.

In recent months, in order to support the Hoffmann Green's expected development, the Company's teams have been strengthened via a number of recruitments in the Development Innovation, Finance and Industrial fields.

Lastly, in line with its Research Development and Innovation policy, the Company is continuously working to consolidate the protection of its intellectual property to strengthen barriers to entry on the markets it addresses.

2024 objectives reaffirmed

Bolstered by achieving its first operational target and by the momentum seen in the last few months of 2019, Hoffmann Green is reaffirming the commitments announced at the time of its IPO.

In 2020, the Company will prioritize the launch of the construction of its H2 production site, the signing of an agreement for land for H3, the signing of further partnership contracts with major players in the construction sector, the strengthening of barriers to entry in order to maintain its technological lead and the consolidation of its human capital with the recruitment of new employees, at the heart of Hoffmann Green's future development.

These factors allow the Company to reaffirm its 2024 objectives: achieve a total production capacity of 550,000 tons of cement a year (versus 50,000 currently) and generate revenue of approximately 120 million, i.e. 3% of the French market, with an EBITDA margin of approximately 40%.

Upcoming investor event:

7th Portzamparc Mid Small Cap annual Conference: March 31 and April 1, 2020 in Paris

Upcoming financial press release:

2019 revenue and results, on April 27, 2020 (after market)

About Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies

Founded in 2014, Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies designs, produces and distributes innovative low-carbon cements with a substantially lower carbon footprint than traditional cement.

Fully aware of the environmental emergency and the need to reconcile the construction sector, cement manufacturing and the environment, the Group believes it is at the heart of a genuine technological breakthrough based on altering cement's composition and the creation of a heating-free and clean manufacturing process, without clinker.

Hoffmann Green's cements, currently manufactured on a first 4.0 industrial site with no kiln nor chimney in western France, address all construction sector markets and present, at equivalent dosage and with no alteration in the concrete manufacturing process, higher performances than traditional cement.

For further information, please go to www.ciments-hoffmann.fr

1 See press release of October 2, 2019.

2 150,000 tons of cement distributed until 2025, see press release of October 2, 2019.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005572/en/

Contacts:

Hoffmann Green

Jerome Caron

Chief Financial Officer

finances@ciments-hoffmann.fr

+33 (0)2 51 46 06 00

NewCap

Sandrine Boussard-Gallien

Theodora Xu

Investor Relations

ciments-hoffmann@newcap.eu

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

NewCap

Nicolas Merigeau

Media Relations

ciments-hoffmann@newcap.eu

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday roped in Saffronart, a leading international auction house, for auctioning seized assets of fugitive Nirav Modi.

A live auction in Mumbai on February 27 will take place, followed by an online auction on Saffronart's platform on March 3 and 4.

Collectively, the two auctions will feature 15 artworks by significant modern and contemporary Indian artists as well as a selection of luxury watches, handbags and cars.

Highlights of the auction include a 1935 masterpiece by Amrita Sher-Gil, a significant oil on canvas by M.F. Husain from his 'Mahabharata' series. Both the art works have been estimated at Rs 12 to 18 crore.

The exhibition will also showcase a serene blue painting by V.S. Gaitonde from 1972 which is estimated around Rs 7-9 crore in the market, and a vivid red depiction of 'Krishna' by Manjit Bawa (estimate: Rs 3-5 crore).

Apart from modern artworks, important watches which will be on sale include a Jaeger Lecoultre Men's 'Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2' and a Gerrard Perregaux Men's 'Opera One' wristwatch. Of more than 80 branded handbags included in the auction are several from the Birkin and Kelly lines by luxury retailer Hermes.

CEO and Co-Founder of the auction house, Dinesh Vazirani, said, "We are extremely honoured to lend our services and expertise to the Enforcement Directorate, Government of India. We are diligently working with the ED to assess and evaluate each item and put together the catalogue for both the sales, which includes a distinguished line-up of artworks." This is the first time that the Enforcement Directorate has appointed a professional auction house to conduct an auction of seized assets in India.

Earlier, the Income Tax Department, in March 2019, had appointed the same auction house for the bidding that raised Rs 54.84 crore.
Defendant David Serrano glances at Julens parents during the court hearing today. D. G. (EFE )

The sole defendant in the court investigation into the so-called Julen case, a man named David Serrano, will not be going to prison for his role in the death of the Spanish toddler. In a court hearing today that lasted just 30 minutes, Serrano, the owner of the land where Julen Rosello fell into a borehole last January, sparking a massive rescue effort, was given a suspended jail sentence of one year and ordered to pay 180,000 in compensation to the parents of the two year old, Victoria Garcia and Jose Rosello.

Serrano admitted his guilt for the tragic accident that cost the life of Julen

The two sides in the case had reached an agreement before the hearing began on Tuesday in a Malaga courthouse, in southern Spain. Serrano has been ordered to pay 663,982.45 to the Andalusian regional government to cover the cost of the attempted rescue. Serrano also admitted his guilt for the tragic accident that cost the life of Julen.

The two-year-old fell into the 25-centimeter-wide borehole on January 13, 2019 at around 2pm. The hole was 110 meters deep. Once the alarm was raised, a massive rescue operation swung into action, lasting 13 days and involving more than 300 people  ranging from Civil Guard officers to specialized engineers. The operation concluded when a team of miners found the lifeless body of the child around 70 meters down the hole in the early hours of January 26. An autopsy revealed he had died during the fall.

After the court proceedings concluded on Tuesday, Julens father, Jose, was clearly hurt but relieved. Ill never be satisfied, he told reporters. Tragically, the couple had lost another child, Oliver, several years earlier from a sudden heart attack when he was aged three.

I want to ask the parents for forgiveness for the damage done

Defendant David Serrano

The court ruling found that the offense of negligent manslaughter had been proved, but both the public prosecutor and the private prosecution  brought by the childs parents  agreed to limit the sentence to just a year due to two extenuating circumstances. The first is that Serrano has already paid the amount of 25,000 of the total 180,000 to Julens parents  the rest will be paid in monthly quotas of 50 each. The second is that he has admitted to the facts of the case.

I want to ask the parents for forgiveness for the damage done, Serrano said. At no time did I want anything to happen to the child. The two sides have also agreed not to file an appeal against the sentence.

Under Spanish law, if a defendant has no prior convictions, prison sentences under two years are usually  as in this case  suspended. However, the judge did impose several conditions on that suspension, including a two-year period with no new offenses committed. Serrano will also have to inform the court of any change of residence and employment status, and register with the court every six months.

I asked for forgiveness from the heart, said Serrano after the hearing. Ive had a great weight lifted from me, although I will always carry it around, he added.

Serranos lawyers had been trying to reach a deal in recent months, but an agreement was only forthcoming in the last phase before the actual trial. The accord was the result of a three-hour conversation between Rosello and Serrano last Thursday.

Serranos lawyers admitted that it is highly unlikely that their client will be able to pay the 850,000 in compensation due to the childs parents and the Andalusian regional government. He couldnt pay it over several lifetimes, stated his lawyer, Antonio Flores, who added that the 25,000 that Serrano had already paid out was a donation from a businessman who preferred to remain anonymous, but who wanted to avoid the justice system committing an injustice.

No employment

Last fall, Serrano declared bankruptcy, claiming that he had no fixed income nor property, and in the last three years had worked barely 69 days. The judge in charge of the investigative phase of the case seized Serranos land in Totalan where the accident happened, but the value covered just a small part of the compensation owed.

The public and private prosecutions had been calling for Serrano to serve three to three-and-a-half years in jail on the charge of negligent manslaughter. This was based on the accusations that he had not warned Julens parents about the borehole on his property, and because the hole  drilled in search of water  did not have the proper permissions and was not properly covered up.

In response, Serranos defense lawyers first tried to blame Antonio Sanchez, the man who had drilled the hole, for not having respected safety measures. Later, his attorneys blamed the rescue operation for the death of the child, claiming that he had died due to impacts from a pick sent down the borehole in a bid to clear the earth that had accumulated on top of the childs head. The youngsters autopsy definitively disproved this theory. Serranos defense team also accused Julens parents of not having paid attention to their child when on his land.

English version by Simon Hunter.
The dam disaster in Brazils Minas Gerais state killed more than 250 people almost a year ago.

Brazilian state prosecutors on Tuesday charged Fabio Schvartsman, the former chief executive of mining giant Vale SA, and 15 other people with homicide for a dam disaster last year that killed more than 250 people, according to the charging document seen by Reuters news agency.

In addition to homicide charges, Vale and TUV SUD, the German company responsible for inspecting the dam, were charged with environmental crimes. The 16 individuals charged had worked for Vale or TUV SUD, prosecutors said.

The charges, which were presented nearly a year after the collapse of a Vale dam in the state of Minas Gerais, represent a major step forward in Brazilian authorities attempt to hold individuals criminally responsible for the disaster.

Reuters reported earlier this month that prosecutors were set to file criminal charges in the coming days.

Andressa de Oliveira Lanchotti, a state prosecutor, told Reuters at the time that Vale and TUV SUD employees knew the dam was at risk of collapsing and failed to act. She said state prosecutors believed TUV SUD had a significant interest in signing off on the dams security, particularly after Vale had fired a different inspection firm that declined to do so.

The collapse of the Vale tailings dam on January 25, 2019 in the town of Brumadinho was one of the worlds deadliest mining accidents and knocked $19bn off Vales market value in a single day.

Vale shares were down 2.5 percent in afternoon trade in Sao Paulo on Tuesday.

In a statement, TUV SUD said it continues to be deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of the dam in Brumadinho, adding that the companys thoughts are with the victims and their families.

It added, however, that it believed the causes of the accident had not yet been definitively determined.

We continue offering our cooperation to authorities in Brazil and Germany regarding ongoing investigations, the company said.

Federal prosecutors and police are also investigating the Brumadinho disaster and could bring additional charges at the federal level in the future.

Vale did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Having fulfilled its long-pending promise of negating Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that the next objective for the party is to ensure the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

Large sections of the 400,000-strong Pandit community were forced to leave Kashmir in January 1990 following terror attacks and a secessionist movement spearheaded by extremist groups. Only a handful of Pandits live in the Valley now.

BJPs national general secretary and in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, Ram Madhav, said the transformation of the region after the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union terrirtories was underway and the process of return of Pandits to the Valley will begin only after consultations with the community leadership.

Madhav, who was seen as the architect of an unlikely alliance between the BJP and the Peoples Democratic Party that formed the government in the state in 2015, said his party was committed to the return of Pandits with honour and security.

What the Kashmiri Pandits had to face in the last three decades is a very unfortunate phase, but the whole state of Jammu and Kashmir also passed through a similar phase for the last seven decades. Now, major transformation is happening and we are sure that this transformation will help all sections, including the Pandits, he said. The BJP-PDP alliance broke in 2018 and the government fell shortly after.

While a section of KPs are demanding a separate homeland within the Valley, other community leaders have expressed apprehension about the plans for their resettlement, citing security concerns.

When the BJP-PDP government was in power, it had initiated dialogue with the Pandit leadership with a view to explore ways for their return to the Valley. At that time, after two rounds of discussion, it was broadly decided that townships for them will be built in four or five locations across the Valley, he said.

No decision was arrived at on whether these would be exclusive or mixed townships, in any case the views of the Pandits would ultimately prevail, he added.

But community organisations had a lukewarm response. No consultations have been held with us; and even if they had come to us with the idea of staggered townships, we would have rejected it. We want single-place resettlement, said Agnishekhar, a member of Panun Kashmir, an organisation of Pandits that demands a separate homeland.

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Kazakhstan stops live cattle exports



The country's Ministry of Agriculture has stopped all live cattle exports from Kazakhstan to overseas countries to control beef prices, reported AKIpress News Agency.

Kazakhstan exported 156,000 heads of cattle overseas, with 78% to Uzbekistan and 14% to Armenia.

Sheep are also exported overseas. More than 200,000 heads of sheep have been exported from Kazakhstan, with 14% to Armenia, 8.1% to Russia, 6.7% to Azerbajian.

Kazakhstan is experiencing speculative price increases for meat products due to mass live cattle exports for processing and resale. The increased livestock exports have also affected Kazakhstan's meat processing plants, which do not have enough domestic raw product.

- AKIpress News Agency
A team of researchers conducted a psychological programme that focused on promoting positive outcomes in refugee children rather than exposing them to the war-traumas. This study used for the betterment of the refugee children was counted to be fruitful.

Researchers at the Queen Mary University of London initiated the programme Strengths for the Journey which focused to bring positive psychological differences in young refugees that touched the aspects of positive emotions, optimistic thoughts, strengthening of character, mindfulness and to develop a sense of connection to community and nature.

The study was published in the Journal of Development and Psychopathology.

Taken the accounts of the study, the results showcased an improvement in the childrens behavioural patterns and also reduced their depressive nature at a very dramatically ranging rate.

The lead author of the study, Dr Sevasti Foka, said, The key finding of the study is that the Strengths for the Journey intervention seems to be quite effective.

The programme was experimented over a seven-day period and was evaluated in refugee camps in Lesvos, Greece, with 72 children ranging from 7 to 14 years-old, who have arrived from parts around the globe.

Isabelle Mareschal, an author of the study from Queen Mary University of London, said: It seems like child refugees living in low-resource settings like refugee camps would benefit from Strengths for the Journey or other short positive psychology interventions that promote resilience.

Since the programme turned out to be fruitful for the refugee children who are dislocated from their own place, the researchers suggest that the intervention should be expanded to a larger group of refugees for their well being.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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Baghdad: Six Iraqis including two police officers have been killed and scores of people have been injured in Baghdad and other cities in clashes with security forces as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks.

A protester waves the national flag during clashes with security forces in central Baghdad. Credit:AP

Three protesters died at a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds in Tayaran Square, medical and security sources said.

Two protesters were shot by live bullets while a third was hit by a tear gas canister, they said.

A fourth demonstrator was shot dead by police in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala, the sources added.
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he staged talks with Ireland striker Troy Parrott, after suggesting he is 'not ready at all' to start first team matches.

Dublin-born teenager Parrott is the only recognised striker currently available to Mourinho after Harry Kane picked up a hamstring injury at Southampton on New Year's Day that could rule him out of action for the rest of this season, yet it seems the 17-year-old is not in Mourinho's short-term plans to fill the void.

The Spurs boss has previously stated that Parrott will get chances to play despite his tender age, but he has now confirmed that he has staged talks with the player that left little doubt where he fits into his current plans.

While Mourinho believes 20-year-old Japhet Tanganga is ready for Premier League action, it is clear that the Spurs boss is not ready to afford the same opportunities to Dubliner Parrott.

"I'm ready to answer you because I had a long conversation with him today, so I'm ready to share with you a little bit," said Mourinho of his discussions with Parrott.

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"I think he has potential. I think he needs to work a lot. He has a process to go through, a process that probably Tanganga had. One thing is 17 and another thing is 20. We are speaking about three years of distance and three years.

"In Tanganga's case it was three years without a Premier League match, but it was three years of working and playing, playing in his age groups, playing in England national team (underage teams), which also gave him some experience.

"Then with me it was just the last part of his preparation before he had his first opportunity.

"I think Troy has to go through a process. Can he have minutes? Yes he can have minutes. I'm not saying he's not able to have minutes, but to put on his shoulders the responsibility of replacing somebody too big to be be replaced, I don't think he's ready at all."

Mourinho also refused to be drawn on suggestions that Tottenham could make a move to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani in the final days of this month's transfer window, after the 32-year-old Uruguay forward confirmed he wants a move.

"I think I have a very good relationship with Mr Nasser and Mr Leonardo," stated Mourinho, referring to the PSG chiefs.

"I want to keep that great relation, and good relations are based on respect, and I'm not going to talk about a player from Paris Saint-Germain.

Expand Close Jose Mourinho had nothing to say about SPurs being linked with a move for PSG striker Edinson Cavani. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Jose Mourinho had nothing to say about SPurs being linked with a move for PSG striker Edinson Cavani. Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA

"Unless you want to joke and they are my friends, they could send (Kylian) Mbappe on loan. More than that I have nothing to say."

Mourinho also confirmed that he intends to start unsettled midfielder Christian Eriksen in Wednesday night's players Premier League game against Norwich, as he confirmed his proposed move to Inter Milan has not edged any closer to a conclusion.

"We are very poor for two reasons," added Mourinho, addressing those who he said are obsessed with transfer stories.

"One because we are not buying a player every day and second because I am the kind of guy who refuses to speak about players from other clubs, which some managers they are happy to do it.

"I don't do it, so any name you can throw at me, I will say that player belongs to club A, B or C and I don't talk about players from club A, B or C.

"And in relation to Christian, the answer is not good for you. The answer is he is selected for tomorrow."
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Linkedin Charles Onians (Agence France-Presse) Rimini, Italy  Tue, January 21, 2020 22:05 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20606983b 2 Art & Culture Italy,film,Federico-Fellini,Rimini Free

Italian resort Rimini on Monday marked 100 years since the birth of director Federico Fellini, whose visual dreamscapes revolutionized cinema in a career spanning almost half a century.

Dozens of events are being held around the world and in Italy this year to remember Fellini, considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.

The winner of a record four best foreign language film Oscars, he is famed for films set in Rome such as La Dolce Vita (1960), and most of his films were shot in Cinecitta's Studio 5 outside the capital.

But he set his 1973 masterpiece Amarcord, a semi-autobiographical comedy about an adolescent boy growing up in 1930s fascist Italy, in the Adriatic resort of Rimini where he was born on January 20, 1920.

The city is marking the centenary with a special exhibition and is due to open a museum dedicated to Fellini, who died in 1993, by the end of the year.

On Monday the city will cut a giant cake in his honour on the main piazza.

"Rimini is everywhere in Fellini's cinema, the countryside in his films is Rimini's countryside, the sea in all Fellini's films is Rimini's sea," said Marco Leonetti of the Rimini Cinematheque which helped put on the exhibition.

The show includes some of the more spectacular costumes from his films, as well as frequently erotic extracts from the sketchbooks of his dreams he created for his psychotherapist over a 30-year period.

Read also: Another side of Federico Fellini

'Magical and lyrical'

Originally an artist and caricaturist, Fellini paid to watch films as a child at Rimini's Fulgor cinema by drawing caricatures, and his films remain caricatures of society.

"If you take Fellini's films, like Amarcord, La Dolce Vita, I Vitelloni, when you watch them all, it's as if you're flicking through a history book, you travel through the history of our country, the history of Italy, from the 1930s to the 1980s," Leonetti told AFP.

Fellini was initially appreciated more abroad than in Italy, where he frequently scandalized the conservative society of the 1950s.

His films embodied a sense of irony, the ability to invent, and a sense of beauty, said Leonetti.

"These are the three qualities of his art, qualities which also created 'made in Italy', and that's why Fellini, besides having told the story of our country the best, is also the person who best represents it," he said.

Fellini has inspired generations of directors since, including Britain's Peter Greenaway and Spain's Pedro Almodovar.

US director David Lynch, who shares the same birthday as Fellini, in 1997 declared his love for the "maestro from Rimini".

"There's something about his films... They're so magical and lyrical and surprising and inventive. The guy was unique. If you took his films away, there would be a giant chunk of cinema missing," Lynch told filmmaker Chris Rodley.

Fellini played "a shameless game of reflections and autobiographical projections" with his actors, the exhibition said.

The exhibition "Fellini 100. Immortal genius" ends in March but will then travel to Rome and on to cities including Los Angeles, Moscow and Berlin.
'The curtain is coming down on India's leadership role as a regional power even before the drama of the Asian Century truly began,' warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Hyderabad House, April 8, 2017. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Two of South Asia's most prominent national figures have made critical remarks regarding India's Citizenship (Amendment) Act and related issues.

The criticism is striking not only because it is unprecedented, but both Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai have nothing but goodwill toward India which has been their 'second home', and the sentiments behind their remarks are widely shared within India itself.

Sheikh Hasina has said (external link), "We don't understand why the Indian government) did it (CAA). It was not necessary." She said there is no "reverse migration" from India to Bangladesh, but, she added, "within India, people are facing many problems."

Sheikh Hasina duly acknowledged that '(Still], it is an internal affair. Bangladesh has always maintained that the CAA and NRC are internal matters of India. The Government of India, on their part, has also repeatedly maintained that the NRC is an internal exercise of India and Prime Minister Modi has in person assured me of the same during my visit to New Delhi in October 2019.'

Hamid Karzai's remarks during an interview with an Indian newspaper were somewhat nuanced.

He rejected the very notion behind the CAA: 'We don't have persecuted minorities in Afghanistan... the whole country is persecuted. We have been in war and conflict for a long time. All religions in Afghanistan: Muslims and Hindus and Sikhs... have suffered. The feeling in Afghanistan is very different to what the perception here in India may be... I hope that sentiment would be reflected in India as well with regard to other Afghans who are Muslim as well.'

In his characteristic way, Karzai hit the nail on the head, namely, that CAA takes a differentiated approach toward Muslims.

Such criticism does not arise out of 'misinformation' about the CAA or because of the 'false alarm' stemming out of the 'negative publicity generated by the anti-CAA protests in India', as apologists of the Indian establishment may interpret.

It is authentic and it signals that India's lurch toward Hindu nationalism has become a matter of concern to the Muslim nations in our region.

By pretending that we do not notice this happening in our neighbourhood, we can't wish it away.

In fact, Sheikh Hasina and Hamid Karzai are voices of moderation in their respective countries on issues of State and religion, while the majority opinion in Bangladesh and Afghanistan, two nations steeped in Islamic culture and heritage, may militate much more vociferously against the perceived persecution of Muslims in India.

Afghanistan, in particular, is actually in transition en route to an Islamic regime ruled by Shariah law, with the return of the Taliban to the power structure in a near future.

Anti-Muslim politics in India will cast a shadow on bilateral relations.

Statements such as by the Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat about "de-radicalisation camps" (external link) operating in India, have received wide attention regionally and internationally.

A cumulative impression is forming that Muslims are being persecuted in India.

India may churn out for Bangladesh a dozen community clinics and water treatment plants each, a National Knowledge Network here or a Vivekananda Bhavan there in Dhaka, but at the of the day, all that becomes a washout when we humiliate that country and rubbish its national honour and self-respect.

To add to it, there is a difficult history before and after Partition.

Just look at the humiliation our ruling elites are pouring at Bangladesh.

Dilip Ghosh, the Bharatiya Janata Party's president in West Bengal, has been quoted as saying on Sunday at Kolkata, 'Hindus were driven out of Bangladesh in their hundreds and thousands... On the other hand, the infiltrators are eating away our share of government benefits. We won't let the one crore infiltrators in Bengal live here. They didn't let us (Hindus) live on the other side of Bengal (Bangladesh) and they have no right to live in this part.'

Herein lies our dilemma.

Convincing Sheikh Hasina is going to be extremely difficult, well nigh impossible, because it entails convincing her that Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are hollow men.

Sheikh Hasina is certainly not going to believe that.

She knows that Modi and Shah's impeccable records in power testify to their grit to only press ahead with their CAA-NRC project, which aims at exterminating the Bangladeshi 'termites' from Indian soil.

At any rate, as a savvy politician, Sheikh Hasina would know that the CAA-NRC project is integral to the Hindutva ideology, to which the BJP is staunchly committed.

Over and above, she cannot afford to be out of sync with the tide of public opinion in her own country about what is happening in neighbouring India.

The BJP ideologues (external link) don't get it that this is not about a failure of diplomacy.

This is actually about deeply flawed statecraft.

This will not be a mere tactical retreat.

It is heading toward a strategic defeat. The point is, the curtain is coming down on India's leadership role as a regional power even before the drama of the Asian Century truly began.

Can't you hear the catcalls from Gwadar to Hambantota to Chittagong to Kyaukphyu?

Indeed, there is a fundamental contradiction here: Hindutva ideology and the government's 'Neighbourhood First policy' are simply irreconcilable.

Let us not forget that Islam is the dominant religion in half of all South Asian countries -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Maldives -- while it is the third-largest religion in Sri Lanka and Nepal.

We can only overlook at great peril that Islam is the second-largest religion in South Asia with about 600 million Muslims, forming about one-third of South Asia's population.

Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar served the Indian Foreign Service officer for more than 29 years. He has served as India's ambassador to Turkey and Uzbekistan and has been a contributor to Rediff.com for well over a decade.
Applying the artificial intelligence platform to CT machines is the natural evolution of the Syntech ONE product line.

Artificial intelligence security and defense company Synapse Technology Corporation today announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded the company a contract to develop artificial intelligence algorithms for computed tomography (CT) machines at airports across the United States.

To date, Synapse Technology has deployed its technology on security X-ray machines at sites ranging from courthouses to airports on a global scale. The artificial intelligence algorithms automatically identify threats in baggage and alert human operators, adding an additional layer of security at these checkpoints. This new DHS contract represents an opportunity for the company to adapt the technology to new 3D CT scanning machines that are being broadly deployed.

Our artificial intelligence platform has been designed to be adaptable across machine types. Applying the AI system to CT machines is the natural evolution of the product weve built over the last several years, said Ian Cinnamon, President of Synapse Technology.

Synapse Technology looks forward to collaborating closely with the Department of Homeland Security to deploy artificial intelligence technology on the newest security checkpoint scanning machines being installed across the country.

About Synapse Technology

Synapse Technologys AI platform Syntech ONE integrates with new and existing X-ray machines used at security checkpoints. Instead of security screeners relying solely on human cognitive abilities to identify threats like guns and knives, Syntech ONE augments and automates the detection of these dangerous items. Syntech ONE has already been widely deployed, having processed over 24,000,000 passenger bags at security checkpoints in four countries. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes the value of Syntech ONE and has granted Synapse Technology Corporation a SAFETY Act award for its technology platform.

The research in this press release is being conducted under contract with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate (https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology), contract 70RSAT20T00000014. The opinions contained herein are those of the contractors and do not necessarily reflect those of DHS S&T
U.S. President Donald J. Trump, right, shakes hands with U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, left, of New Jersey, the day after the U.S. House of Representatives impeached Trump, on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C. Read more

We dont get much attention down in Cape May, N.J., this time of year, and thats the way we like it. Its a period to reflect and enjoy the benefits of small-town living. In Cape May, we usually vote red in this dark blue state. We know who we are, and thats the way it is. Citizens here have been voting Republicans since the Civil War. A while back, the Board of Freeholders voted to make Cape May County a Second Amendment-free sanctuary.

Some grammarians might infer that this phrase means citizens in the area will be free of the right to own guns like, you know, educated types summering in Marthas Vineyard. But down at the tip of New Jersey, our minds are wired differently. The freeholders just want to ensure each and every one of us can keep an arsenal in our homes. Yes, sir, other places like Philadelphia might ensure a sanctuary for people  but here in Cape May, we have one for guns.

This might help outsiders, Shoobies, and media types understand U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who was elected as a Democrat in 2019, but recently switched his party affiliation to Republican.

In Cape May, Van Drew is as much of a local fixture as seagulls, as omnipresent as winds in February, and more reliable than the sunrise. During his long reign as a state senator from 2008 through 2018, if you needed help obtaining a lost automobile title, he was there to help. If you were having problems getting a passport, he got it done. Potholes were fixed because of him, and children got financial help going to Stockton. He was the most important political presence in Cape May County. Not a ribbon-cutting, Kiwanis banquet, or street fair took place without a visit from Jeff Van Drew.

It didnt matter to Cape May residents that he was a Democrat and we voted Republican. He got things done for us. Everyone knew Jeff stood for his district.

So when he voted against the impeachment of President Donald Trump, it came as no surprise to us. Finally quitting the Democratic Party and joining the one he sided with all along? That wasnt earth-shattering news either.

In Cape May, we wondered if wed see some reward for supporting Van Drew throughout his change. Would he get a release of federal funds to improve and rebuild our deteriorated inter-waterway bridge systems? Perhaps train service from the cape to Philadelphia and New York? Maybe some new government contracts for the Coast Guard base?

Turns out all the wondering couldnt have predicted Jeffs reward: the presence of Donald J. Trump himself at the Wildwood Convention Center for a rally.

Even though some down here dont see this as a plus, to many, it doesnt get any better than this.

Never mind that 45 wont come down from the skies until Jan. 28, when usually all that falls from them is snow. The request for tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event has so far hit 100,000 people. Never mind that we dont have that many people on the boardwalk on a July evening, and never mind that the convention center only holds 7,400 people. Never mind that sections of Route 47 going into Wildwood will be closed for construction. Never mind that the newly elected mayor of Wildwood, Pete Byron, a Democrat, says the city doesnt have the money to host such an event and wants Trump to foot the bill.

Trump is coming. Hold on to your guns and Bibles, Cape Maniacs.

Your votes will be rewarded. Now you can chant USA! USA! USA! as you scare the seagulls away and witness Republican Jeff Van Drew, standing beside his party leader. Just where Cape May voters always knew he wanted to be.

Jackie Schifalacqua is a retired jockey and PR agent who lives in her 100-year-old family home in Cape May, N.J.
Nicholas Frakes, 24, was taken into custody on Sunday during violent clashes in downtown Beirut between police and protesters. In a text message sent shortly after his release, he said he is happy to be free and is looking forward to getting back to reporting the news.
[January 21, 2020] Q Analysts Expands Its International Footprint Launching An Offshore Q TestLab Facility In The Republic Of Madagascar

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Q Analysts today announced the opening of a new Q TestLab facility in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The state-of-the-art Antananarivo location will be the company's third Q TestLab facility in addition to Kirkland, WA and Bangalore, India. The new facility will be performing work for Ground Truth Data Services and QA and Testing for US clients who seek a low-cost offshore delivery option. The Antananarivo facility will provide automated and manual tagging of Ground Truth Data to create algorithm-ready quality results for companies who develop products around Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The high-quality data tagging performed at the new Antananarivo facility will compliment Q Analysts extensive suite of Ground Truth Data Services. Learn more about Q Analysts Ground Truth Data Services. The Antananarivo facility will also be performing hardware and software Quality Assurance and Testing at rates far more cost effective than traditional options like India. Q Analysts will offer testing services for cloud applications, IoT, mobile devices and software, virtual reality devices and experiences and wearables. Companies seeking a low-cost option for regression testing can leverage the extensive expertise Q Analysts has in this space. Learn more about Q Analysts QA and Testing.



Seng Teung, VP of Ground Truth Data Services commented, "Our new Madagascar location will allow Q Analysts to provide our clients an end-to-end Ground Truth Data solution. We can provide clients a customizable package that includes data capture internationally, data validation, data ingestion and automated and manual tagging." Tony Chung, VP of Technical Services for the QA & Testing Practice said, "Our new Madagascar testing facility will allow product testing efficiency at an affordable cost by combining our top-notch quality assurance competencies with our flexible follow-the-sun delivery capabilities."

Q Analysts will be utilizing the practice of "Impact Sourcing" to build the workforce at the Antananarivo location. Impact Sourcing will give career opportunities to people who have limited prospects for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency. Madagascar is one of the poorest of African nations. Q Analysts founder and chief executive officer Ross Fernandes commented, "100% of the local profits derived from the new Antananarivo operation will be donated to local social, community and charitable projects multiplying our positive impact in the Antananarivo area. I'm proud to say the expansion of our new Ground Truth Data tagging and QA & Testing facility will create an economic boost and provide new career opportunities for people looking to improve their professional skills and careers." About Q Analysts

Since 2003 Q Analysts has been working with Fortune 500 companies to help them bring the best technology products to market. Q Analysts has over 500 employees across the globe including its Q TestLab facilities in Kirkland, WA, Antananarivo, Madagascar and Bangalore, India. Q Analysts provides a full suite of Ground Truth Data Services for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as well as Quality Assurance and Testing for hardware devices and software apps and experiences. Our corporate mission is focused on quality, and we have built processes and practices to ensure that we deliver the highest quality at every stage of service delivery. Some of the awards & recognition Q Analysts has received includes being named the eighth-largest Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) headquartered in Silicon Valley, the YesVets Hire-a-Vet Award by the Washington State Employment Security Department for our efforts to employ military veterans and the bronze winner of the Most Innovative Service in 2019 in the "Best in Biz Awards" for our Ground Truth Data Services portfolio. MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Toro

Q Analysts

Manager, Marketing Communications

[email protected]

408-907-8522 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/q-analysts-expands-its-international-footprint-launching-an-offshore-q-testlab-facility-in-the-republic-of-madagascar-300989911.html SOURCE Q Analysts

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US president Donald Trump arrives aboard Air Force One en route to the Word Economic Forum in Davos at Zurich International Airport in Switzerland on 21 January 2020: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Donald Trump has again labelled his Senate impeachment trial a witch hunt and a hoax from the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, before addressing the business summit with a blustering, hyperbolic speech laying out his supposed economic and environmental achievements.

Proceedings in the upper chamber of Congress will begin in earnest on Tuesday after the president was charged with abuse of power and obstruction by the House of Representatives, with todays session set to see heated debate over majority leader Mitch McConnells proposals for a compressed format, already labelled the basis for nothing more than a rigged trial by House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff.

A new poll from CNN has meanwhile found that 51 per cent of Americans now support Mr Trumps removal from office and 69 per cent want to hear testimony from new witnesses like ex-national security adviser John Bolton, White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, top aide Rob Blair and Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey.

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I am writing in response to the Jan. 5 Post and Courier letter about tree trimming.

The letter writer might call it butchered trees, but I applaud Dominion Energy for cutting the trees.

It is too bad the Department of Transportation does not put safety first when it comes to trees hanging too low or sticking out over the edge of the roads.

I worked for 25 years with a company that always stressed safety first.

Maybe some people would rather pay the bills for someones injury or damage to a vehicle because of a tree.

If you want pretty trees, plant them in your yard and let them hang over your house. A road that is safe to travel on and a home having electricity is much better than a pretty tree. Public roads should be safe for all vehicles, not just cars.

CRYSTAL ROZIER

Wicks Avenue

James Island

Save for a rainy day

I read in the Jan. 12 Post and Courier that South Carolina has nearly $2 billion in new money. Already our elected officials are lining up ways to spend it.

Why dont they do what is told to every man, woman and child when they have extra money? Put it in the bank and save it for a rainy day.

They would rather spend it on pet projects and exorbitant items that make them feel and look good.

When, and if, there is a shortfall in funds, they would have this to fall back on. They would rather waste this money now, then tell the taxpayers (you and me) they have to raise taxes.

When it comes to saving taxpayers money, they dont know how, but they sure know the words taxes and fees.

We dont need multimillion-dollar buildings built to replace fairly new ones just so they can brag that a building bears their name.

The payroll for all department heads in government positions is double what it should be. Some of these officials are not even competent enough to stand by the hole and lean on the shovel but make more than 75% of the general public.

PERRY G. JONES

Sapling Drive

Summerville

Confederate flag symbol

A Dec. 20 Post and Courier letter to the editor published under the heading, Its time to move on from divisive flag, requires a response.

The writer declares he once had been an admirer of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart and the Lost Cause, but no more. The writer says he was misinformed and uninformed.

If one wants to avoid being misinformed and uninformed, it requires original study, collecting facts of events. The student must draw on circumstances of the state of affairs of the time.

Is the Confederate flag divisive? No. It only becomes a symbol of divisiveness to those who fail to understand the times when the events occurred.

Service? For me, it was my great- grandfather whose name I bear. His service to the cause was to halt invasion. When South Carolina seceded in 1860, he was a member of the Washington Light Infantry, later the Marion Light Artillery. I am not ashamed of it and will never be.

After the war, Lowndes wrote his life story, including military service. He was cited for distinction while at Fort Sumter by intercepting and decoding the federal signal codes for the planned attack on Battery Wagner by the 54th Massachusetts.

With the conclusion of the war came military rule and Reconstruction. Reconstruction is a misnomer if there ever was one. The pillage, thievery and corrupt government imposed by Federal authority was absolute.

Sacrifice: The South lost it all. And for what? The same issue in 1776: independence. No word in the English language speaks more exaltedly for the desire of mankind.

For those who wish not to be misinformed, read the testimonials of those who lived it.

THOMAS P. LOWNDES JR.

Blackstrap Retreat

Mount Pleasant

Many names for roads

The interesting Jan. 5 Post and Courier column by Cindi Ross Scoppe concerning the naming of roads and highways reveals our legislators dont have enough to do. Our world is confusing enough without giving multiple names to places and things.

For instance, few people know where the Moorefield Memorial Highway is. It runs from Line Street in Charleston to the mountains in Upstate S.C. and into North Carolina.

Near Pickens, it is the mailing address for homes along that part of the road. We oldtimers in North Charleston used to call it the Dual Lane, but its officially known as U.S. 52/78. In Charleston, it is King Street and becomes Rivers Avenue in North Charleston.

So you can call it U.S. 52, U.S. 78, Dual Lane or Rivers Avenue, and most folks in North Charleston could find it, but not if you call it the Moorefield Memorial Highway. The granite commemorative marker is just north of the seven mile (train station) viaduct on Rivers Avenue in the middle of the Dual Lane.

MERRILL D. RIDGWAY

McRoy Street

North Charleston
Its a startling statistic that the richest 22 men in the world hold as much wealth as every woman and girl in Africa. Oxfams report out yesterday on inequality highlights once again the magnitude of the gap between the haves and the have nots in a world that is wealthier than ever. Combined the worlds billionaires have as much money as half of the rest of the worlds population.

When Chancellor Sajid Javid arrives in Davos later this week its doubtful he will be making the connection between global inequality and the state of the nation back home. But the truth is that the situation globally is mirrored by whats happening in the UK. As a country we are well on our way to being one of the most unequal in the world.

In the UK wealth inequality is twice as bad as income inequality and it has remained stubbornly high since the 1980s. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the situation is getting worse, not better. This situation is made worse by the fact that many people havent had a real pay rise in over a decade.

This matters politically. Boris Johnson has promised that his government will level up the left behind towns in the North and Midlands that helped to deliver an 80-odd seat parliamentary majority last month. These new seats are in parts of the country that have seen stagnating growth and their wealth drain away.

The government has promised billions of pounds in new roads, railways and other infrastructure. Much of this will be spent in newly Conservative constituencies such as Blyth Valley and Stoke.

But splashing the cash wont be enough. There are growing calls from within the Conservative party for Boris Johnson to tackle the economic inequalities that underlie the problems in many of these places.

It might sound optimistic, but just last week Tim Pitt, a former senior Treasury advisor to Sajid Javid and Phillip Hammond, said it was time for the Conservatives to get tough on inequality. He argues that the status quo prevents social mobility, harms economic growth and energises populists on the left and right. Part of his solution is to tax wealth more, for example by introducing more council tax bands for the most expensive properties and cutting back on the pension subsidies for higher earners.

These are all sensible and match the ideas we set out in our manifesto for tax equality.

At first glance this might seem like a very un-Conservative thing to do. However, the government is desperate for cash and will be loath to increase taxes on those who are already struggling. The prime minister has already reduced his wiggle room by ruling out any increases to income tax, national insurance or VAT.

Theres good precedent for Conservatives taxing accumulated wealth. As Chancellor, George Osborne, increased taxes on buy-to-let landlords and put up stamp duty on the most expensive houses. As David Willetts, a Conservative former minister, has pointed out its time to ask well off baby boomers to contribute some of their accumulated wealth to avoid increasing taxes on workers. The Conservative manifesto even hints that Boris Johnson might be open to this. In it, the party called for limits on the arbitrary tax advantages for the wealthiest.

This approach would be popular. In a poll we did with Oxfam and Yougov, there was majority support for higher taxes on wealth. In particular there was widespread support across the political spectrum for ensuring that those rich enough to live off their wealth pay at least the same rate of tax as those who go out to work for a living.

All this means that theres good reason for the Chancellor to stand up on the 11th March to deliver his budget and announce higher taxes on wealth. It would show that the government was truly serious about levelling up the poorest parts of the country.

Robert Palmer is executive director of Tax Justice UK
Tesla is firing back at claims that some of its cars have experienced 'sudden unintended acceleration.'

In a statement released today, Tesla says that allegations that its cars have been accelerating without drivers ever pushing down on the pedal are 'completely false.'

'This petition is completely false and was brought by a Tesla short-seller. We investigate every single incident where the driver alleges to us that their vehicle accelerated contrary to their input, and in every case where we had the vehicle's data, we confirmed that the car operated as designed,' says the company, referencing 'short-sellers' who hedge bets that the company's stock will decrease in value.

'In other words, the car accelerates if, and only if, the driver told it to do so, and it slows or stops when the driver applies the brake.'

Tesla is under investigation after 127 complaints were sent to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) claiming certain models experienced 'sudden unintended acceleration'. Pictured is an incident in 2018 in Mountain View, California where a Tesla electric SUV crashed into a barrier after it suddenly accelerated

As noted by The Verge, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has often railed against 'short-sellers,' or traders who profit from a company's stock decreasing in value, claiming that they spread false rumors for a profit.

In this case, Musk and Tesla are blaming short sellers for a recent petition against the company that alleges its Model 3, Model S and Model X, which were made and sold from 2013 through to 2019, are unsafe.

The petition claims that a flaw caused cars to spontaneously accelerate and has caused 110 crashes and 52 injuries, with many drivers stating the incident occurred when they attempted to park in a garage or at a curb.

Others claimed the sudden acceleration happened while in traffic or when using driver assistance systems.

The NHTSA defines 'sudden acceleration incidents' as 'unintended, unexpected, high-power accelerations from a stationary position or a very low initial speed accompanied by an apparent loss of braking effectiveness.'

Three years ago, news spread of a brand-new Tesla Model X SUV when it suddenly accelerated at 'maximum speed' by itself, jumped a curb and slammed into the side of a shopping mall. The owner of the Model X said the vehicle was only five days old and his wife, who was behind the wheel at the time of the incident, had not activated any self-driving features at the time of the crash.

In one complaint, a driver said a 2015 Tesla Model S 85D in California was closed and locked when he claimed 'a few moments later the vehicle started accelerating forward towards the street and crashed into a parked car.'

A Tesla driver in Avondale, Pennsylvania, was pulling into a parking spot at an elementary school when the vehicle accelerated on its own, the complaint said adding: 'It went over a curb and into a chain link fence.'

Another complaint said a Tesla driver in Andover, Massachusetts was approaching her garage door 'when the car suddenly lurched forward: and 'went through the garage door destroying two garage doors.'

The Tesla allgedly stopped when it hit the garage's concrete wall.

The flaw is said to have caused 110 crashes and 52 injuries, with many drivers stating the incident occurred when they attempted to park in a garage or at a curb. Others claimed the sudden acceleration happened while in traffic or when using driver assistance systems

In October, the agency said it was reviewing whether Tesla should have recalled 2,000 of its electric cars in May instead of issuing a software upgrade to fix a potential defect that could have resulted in battery fires in Model S and Model X vehicles from the 2012-2019 model years.

Three years ago, news spread of a brand-new Tesla Model X SUV when it suddenly accelerated at 'maximum speed' by itself, jumped a curb and slammed into the side of a shopping mall.

The owner of the Model X, Puzant Ozbag, said the vehicle was only five days old and his wife, who was behind the wheel at the time of the incident, had not activated any self-driving features at the time of the crash.

Although not listed as an incident in the petition, a Tesla Model X crashed on Highway 1010 in Mountain View back in March 2018 that left one dead.

Walter Huang was traveling down the road when his vehicle suddenly accelerated a few seconds before the crash while driving in autopilot.
Teagasc launch New EU BovINE network project

2 million provided by the EU to develop a Beef Innovation Network across Europe

Participants from 18 partners across 9 EU member states pictured at the launch of the new trans-European beef network, called BovINE, aimed at addressing the sectors sustainability challenges which took place at the Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Dublin, Tuesday, 21st of January

Teagasc successfully tendered and were awarded funding of 2 million by the European Union to develop this project, which will be shared with 17 other EU partners.

A new trans-European beef network, called BovINE, aimed at addressing the sectors sustainability challenges was launched by Teagasc in conjunction with EU research and farming partners at the Teagasc Food Research Centre Ashtown, Dublin, today, Tuesday, 21st of January.

BovINE will link researchers, advisors, farmers and other relevant stakeholders across 9 EU member states to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and ideas at an international level under the headings of: socio-economic resilience, animal health & welfare, production efficiency & meat quality and environmental sustainability.

Teagasc successfully tendered and were awarded funding of 2 million by the European Union to develop this project, which will be shared with 17 other EU partners. The BovINE project will engage with beef farmers from 9 Member States, covering 75% of the suckler cow population in Europe and 70% of beef output. Focused on responding to farmer-identified needs, the BovINE network will provide beef farmers with access to information about innovations that could improve sustainability of their farms and the wider industry.

Dr. Aine Macken-Walsh, Senior Researcher in Teagasc says: At the heart of this project is the belief that there are different sources of knowledge that can be used by farmers to solve their problems. There is the traditional expert knowledge from scientists and researchers, but there is also the very valuable practitioner knowledge that other farmers have developed as a result of grappling with similar problems. This project will bring both types of knowledge together to respond to farmers needs.

Professor Maeve Henchion, Head of Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis of Teagasc, and BovINE coordinator explains: BovINE takes a bottom up approach to identifying farmers needs. Each year we will ask farmers to identify their most urgent needs and we will respond to these needs in two ways. Firstly, drawing on the international network of our 17 partners which includes farmer associations, breeder associations, agricultural advisory organisations, and applied research institutions, we will look to identify and share examples of solutions used by other farmers across the EU-wide network. Second, drawing on the same network, we will identify solutions from research results that have not yet been put into widespread practice. Any proposed solutions that have not yet been applied in practice will be subject to scrutiny in a demonstration farm context before being promoted for widespread adoption.

Kevin Kinsella, Director of Livestock with the Irish Farmers Association said: With continuing pressure on beef farm incomes in Ireland and across Europe, this initiative is very welcome. Irish farmers have always been prepared to adopt new technology and change. This project will provide a structure that will enable us to learn more and improve, and share our experiences with other European beef farmers. We are committed to working with Teagasc and many European farm organisations and research colleagues through BovINE, to help Irish and European beef farmers.

At the core of the project are comprehensive communication activities targeted at beef farmers across Europe. Join the mailing list for project news at bovine@minervacomms.net

For more information, please contact Professor Maeve Henchion (maeve.henchion@teagasc.ie) or Dr Aine Macken-Walsh (aine.mackenwalsh@teagasc.ie)
xi jinping

Thomas Peter/Getty

Facebook on Saturday apologized for mis-translating Chinese President Xi Jinping's name to "Mr. Shithole" in posts on the site translated from Burmese to English.

The translation error was first discovered in an official Facebook post about Xi's meeting with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Facebook said in a statement to Reuters that the offensive translation was due to a "technical issue."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Facebook on Saturday apologized for mistranslating Chinese President Xi Jinping's name to "Mr. Shithole" in posts on the site translated from Burmese to English.

According to Reuters, mistranslation was first discovered in a post on Myanmar's State Counselor Office page, discussing a meeting between leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Xi. When translated from Burmese to English, the post referenced Xi as "Mr. Shithole" numerous times.

According to Reuters, Google's translation tool did not show the same error.

In a statement, the platform on Saturday blamed the offensive translation on a "technical issue."

"We fixed a technical issue that caused incorrect translations from Burmese to English on Facebook," the statement to Reuters read. "This should not have happened and we are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again. We sincerely apologize for the offense this has caused."

According to the statement, Facebook did not have Xi's name in its Burmese database, which led to the embarrassing gaffe. Essentially, without a reference, Facebook's system was forced to guess the translation of Xi's name, and similar tests in Burmese on words that begin with "xi" and "shi" produced "shithole."

Story continues

Facebook has faced controversy in regard to Myanmar in the past. In 2018, the company admitted that it did not do enough to prevent platform from being used to incite violence and spread misinformation in the country.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Samsung Display plans to invest US$500 million to build a display panel plant in India, local media reported on Monday.

The new plant will be built in the industrial town of Noida on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi, where many global companies have their manufacturing facilities. Samsung Electronics opened a US$700-million smartphone factory there in 2018 with an annual production capacity of 120 million units. It is the world's largest smartphone plant.

Samsung's display affiliate will be able to locally supply the electronics giant with smartphone components. It established an Indian office in July last year.

India is one of only a few countries that still offer growth opportunities as the world smartphone market has become saturated.

Samsung led the Indian smartphone market until it was overtaken in 2017 by China's Xiaomi, which mainly produces low-priced phones. Samsung has since been expanding its lineup of affordable budget phones in an effort to reclaim the top spot.
As the impeachment of President Donald Trump moves to what Republicans are calling a trial in the Senate, members of his party are poised to bury evidence of his corruption and acquit him. This is not because they are personally loyal to the president; several GOP senators have previously acknowledged that he is unfit for office. It is because they are afraid of his, or rather their, voters.

The fear is genuine: Much like Trump himself, many Republicans have a distorted view of reality. In a Quinnipiac University poll released this week, roughly two thirds of voters, 64%, say they would oppose the U.S. going to war against Iran. If youre wondering who the minority is that thinks its a good idea for a reckless and unstable commander in chief with vacancies in many crucial national-security posts to attack a Muslim nation with a population of more than 80 million and dangerous proxy forces throughout the region, the answer is  Republicans. By a 24-point margin, 55% to 31%, they support another Middle East war.

Much of Republican officials anti-democratic behavior  norm busting, extreme gerrymandering, voter suppression, nonchalance about Russian manipulation of U.S. politics  can be explained as a reaction to shrinking Republican electoral prospects under fair election conditions. In other words, these efforts may be venal and destructive, but they are also rational from the perspective of short-term political self-interest.

An itch for war with Iran, by contrast, is not a manifestation of the GOPs mad pursuit of electoral supremacy at any cost. Its just mad.

Republicans increasingly see things as they are not. This is not simply a matter of values shaping vision. Belief in God, questions of whether the U.S. should prioritize maintaining its superpower status and a host of other issues rely on value judgments. Individual mileage may vary. However, 37% of Republicans saying there is no solid evidence that the Earth is getting warmer, and another 18% saying they are unsure, is not a value judgment. Its a war on thermometers.

Republicans also say that evangelical Christians face as much discrimination in the U.S. as Muslims do. Large numbers of Republicans contend that whites face as much or more discrimination than blacks. (A much smaller percentage of Democrats think so.) These beliefs bear no relationship to the social, political, cultural or economic realities in the U.S.  now or at any moment in history.

As long as Republicans maintain institutional political power, and a thriving right-wing propagandaplex, there is little reason to believe the party or its base will make accommodations to reality or the rule of law. Only defeats at the polls (Russia willing), a painstaking demographic makeover or a sustained show of leadership by Republican elites (most of whom know better) is likely to have a corrective influence. Despite occasional professions of unease, the Business Roundtable and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will continue to fund the insanity. Not even a trade war, never mind corruption and incompetence, has managed to divert them from their pursuit of tax cuts and deregulation.

In 2012, political scientists Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein published their instant-classic summation of the GOP as ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.

The partys descent has since accelerated rapidly. The Senate trial of Trump, provided Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell allows something worthy of the name to proceed, is an opportunity to slow the degradation. Maybe, just maybe, a handful of Republicans will rise to meet the moral and political challenge posed by this president. More likely, however, is that the party will use Trumps trial as it used his tainted election: To lower itself, and the country, still closer to the bottom.

Francis Wilkinson writes editorials on politics and U.S. domestic policy for Bloomberg Opinion. He was executive editor of the Week. He was previously a writer for Rolling Stone, a communications consultant and a political media strategist.

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Over 22,000 Second Amendment Advocates Converge Peacefully on Virginias State Capitol

RICHMOND, Va.At least 22,000 Second Amendment advocates hailing from across the country assembled at Virginias State Capitol building to rally against a slew of gun control proposals that are in the process of passing through the Democrat-controlled state legislature.

The mood throughout the Jan. 20 gun rights rally, also known as Lobby Day was upbeat, and Capitol police said there were no arrests or injuries reported as of 1 p.m. The rally, organized annually by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), a nonprofit grassroots organization whose goal is to advance the right to keep and bear arms, concluded peacefully just after noon.

Some Second Amendment advocates and gun rights supporters spent the morning inside the Pocahontas building, conveying their concerns to delegates and, more often than not, their staff members, as many of the delegates werent present. VCDL members led these groups as they spoke to legislative staff about what they described as an injustice.

Authorities said an estimated 22,000 people in total showed up. Overhead, security looked down from rooftops on nearby buildings and on the Capitol itself.

Cody Claxton from Annandale, Va., at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Sandra W. Brandt (R), the chief of staff to Nancy Dahlman Guy, member of the Virginia House of Delegates, at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

I didnt want to see innocent people punished for the crimes of the guilty, and thats what these gun laws do, Cody Claxton from Annandale, Virginia, told The Epoch Times.

The goal is to convince our delegates that these laws are going to create a bigger problem than [any] they try to solve and, hopefully, get them to think twice.

Claxton was in one of many small groups of roughly a dozen people who went around to each office in the building trying to persuade the delegates to drop their push for stricter gun control legislation.

It was a very informative session, Sandra W. Brandt, the chief of staff to Nancy Dahlman Guy, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, told The Epoch Times. I was glad to hear the views of those individuals concerning their gun rights. I know that many folks want good legislation.

Thousands of second amendment advocates converge at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Thousands of Second Amendment advocates converge at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Outside the building, the crowds grew larger by the minute as chants of Northam out erupted periodically. They were referring to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) who has vowed to push a slew of gun control bills, including red flag laws, universal background checks, and a limit to purchase only one handgun a month.

Democrats won control of both chambers of the state legislature in the November elections and have vowed to enact stronger gun control legislation. They believe that stricter legislation will help reduce shootings and deaths and break the cycle of gun violence. Some gun control advocates also showed up during the rally, but things went peacefully without incident.

A portion of gun rights supporters openly carried their arms in the surrounding street and chose not to enter the Capitol so as to not violate a temporary weapons ban by Northam, who had earlier declared a state of emergency over what he said were credible threats of violence surrounding the event, citing intelligence. Many gun rights advocates donned makeshift military gear and long rifles.

Justin Dorton, from North Carolina, at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

With a stroke of a pen, every one of these people would be felonsthats not fair. Thats not good for anybody, Justin Dorton, who came from North Carolina, told The Epoch Times. Dorton was one of many carrying their rifles openly.

Nobody here wants violence; a gun is used to protect you, he said. The Second Amendment is not a government-given right, its a God-given right.

Steven Willeford at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on Jan. 20, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Just before noon, a number of speakers organized by VCDL spoke on the Capitol steps as lawmakers watched. One of the speakers was Steven Willeford, the man who helped take down a gunman at a Texas church shooting in 2017.

I think they all need to go away, Willeford told The Epoch Times, referring to the gun control proposals. You cant have a police officer everywhere all the time.
The social media giant is growing its biggest centre outside the US as it tries to restore its reputation.

The uncertainty surrounding the United Kingdoms withdrawal from the European Union appears not to have fazed Facebook, which is set to hire 1,000 staffers in London this year.

The social media giant is looking to recruit in roles such as product development and safety as it continues to grow its biggest engineering centre outside the United States.

More than half the new jobs will be in technology, including software engineering and data science, Facebooks vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Nicola Mendelsohn, told Reuters news agency.

Other roles will be in the community integrity team, which makes products to detect and remove harmful content from platforms like Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.





Mendelsohn said Londons appeal was not only in its technology ecosystem but also the strength of its creative industries.

She said that while Facebooks enthusiasm for London was undimmed, like other tech companies it wanted certainty about Brexit.

The Johnson government has been very clear about what that looks like, and so we will continue to invest here in London, she said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Facebooks growth was great news.

We are committed to making the UK the safest place in the world to be online, alongside being one of the best places for technology companies to be based, he said.

Facebooks Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg will announce the new jobs, which will take its total UK employees to more than 4,000, on Tuesday before leaving for the World Economic Forum in Davos with Mendelsohn, where they will meet global leaders, regulators and other business chiefs.

The company is trying to rebuild trust in its platforms after the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, in which a British political consulting firm collected data from Facebook for voter profiling and targeting.

Nick Clegg, Facebooks public affairs chief and a former British deputy prime minister, said on Monday that the company would do a better job of preventing bad actors from manipulating this years US presidential election than it did four years ago.

Mendelsohn also said trust would take time to rebuild.

We also understand that this is an ongoing important conversation  we want to be part of that conversation, she said. We want to be working with policymakers in this area to get to thoughtful policy.
By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Everyone knows that the global corporate tax system needs to be overhauled, Apple <AAPL.O> Chief Executive Tim Cook said on Monday, backing changes to global rules that are currently under consideration.

The growth of internet giants such as Apple has pushed international tax rules to the limit, prompting the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to pursue global reforms over where multinational firms should be taxed.

The reforms being examined center around the booking of profits by multinational firms in low-tax countries such as Ireland where they have bases - and where Cook was speaking on Monday - rather than where most of their customers are.

"I think logically everybody knows it needs to be rehauled, I would certainly be the last person to say that the current system or the past system was the perfect system. I'm hopeful and optimistic that they (the OECD) will find something," Cook said.

"It's very complex to know how to tax a multinational... We desperately want it to be fair," the Apple CEO added after receiving an inaugural award from the Irish state agency responsible for attracting foreign companies recognizing the contribution of multinationals in the country.

Apple is one of Ireland's largest multinational employers with 6,000 workers and both it and the Irish government have gone to court to fight a European Union order that Apple must pay 13 billion euros ($14.41 billion) in back taxes to Dublin.

The appeal to the EU's second-highest court began in September and could run for years. Cook said Apple's belief that "law should not retrofitted" was at the heart of the case and that the company had great faith in the justice system.

Apple's commitment to Ireland, which became its first European operation in 1980, was "unshakable", Cook said.

The Apple chief executive also said that more regulation was needed in the area of privacy and must go further than the 2018 European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) privacy laws that handed regulators there significantly more powers.

Story continues

"I think more regulation is needed in this area, it is probably strange for a business person to be talking about regulation but it has become apparent that companies will not self-police in this area," he said.

"We were one of the first to endorse GDPR, we think it is overall extremely good, not only for Europe. We think it's necessary but not sufficient. You have to go further and that further is required to get privacy back to where it should be."

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Alex Richardson and Louise Heavens)
Leading ecologists say decades of underspending on environmental research mean governments will likely struggle to assess the impact on wildlife from the huge bushfires let alone develop effective recovery plans.

The assessment comes days after the Victorian and NSW governments developed initial responses to the fires, and the Morrison government declared as many as 100 threatened species had lost at least half their habitat.

The critically endangered smoky mouse may have lost a quarter of its habitat in NSW and potentially more in Victoria because of the fires. Credit:AAP

The Australian Conservation Foundation said federal Coalition governments had sliced 40 per cent off the Environment Department's budget since 2013, with more loss of staff likely once it is merged with the Department of Agriculture.

"Governments have viewed the environment as a millstone...dragging back progress," Richard Kingsford, director of the University of NSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science, said.
VERONA, N.Y.  The Madison-Oneida BOCES locked its doors for two hours on Tuesday while students were taking Regents exams after an irate parent made threats, according to the Oneida County Sheriffs Office.

It was a lockout, not a lockdown, deputies said. A lockout meant the school secured its doors at 8:45 a.m. until deputies could question the parent, whose threats were deemed not credible, deputies said. Classes continued as normal.

The school reopened the doors around 10:40 a.m.

The threats happened as the school was administering Regents exams. A sheriffs office spokesman said the exams were unaffected.


Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant is being built at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. A file photo

KOCHI (PTI): A committee headed by the Defence Secretary on Monday reviewed the progress of Indian Navys first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, currently under third phase of construction at Kochi.



The Empowered Apex Committee (EAC) headed by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar reviewed the progress of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) project at Cochin Shipyard Limited.



"The review critically examined the current status of the project as the IAC is in a very advanced stage of construction and is scheduled to commence basin trials in early 2020 followed by sea trials by mid-2020", a Defence release said.



This is the 13th EAC Review Meeting of the Project and the first to be held after the signing of the Phase-III of the IAC contract on October 31, 2019 between the Ministry of Defence and the public sector Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).



According to officials, the construction of the aircraft carrier is in an advanced state with all four gas turbines, main engines having been started. Power generation systems comprising eight diesel alternators were ready and trials of the ships major systems and auxiliary equipment were in progress.



Basin trials are conducted for proving the propulsion, transmission and shafting systems and is scheduled in early half of this year.



The IAC would be ready to commence the sea trials once the basin trials are successfully completed, the release said.



The Defence Secretary was accompanied by Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ashok Kumar, Vice Admiral GS Pabby, Chief of Materiel, Vice Admiral S R Sarma, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, and other senior officers from the Integrated Headquarters (IHQ) of Ministry of Defence (Navy), Warship Overseeing Team and Carrier Acceptance & Trials Team.



The basic design of the nearly 40,000-tonne IAC was done by the Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Design and developed into a detailed one by the design team of CSL.



The ship has a length of over 260 m and breadth of 60 m.

It has two take-off runways and a landing strip with three arrester wires, capable of operating STOBAR aircraft including the indigenous LCA, as well as a range of helicopters with hangar facilities, officials had earlier said.


The Indian Air Force deployed the 222 squadron, comprising six Sukhoi-30 specially modified fighter jets, each carrying the 2.5 tonne air-launched supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, in Tamil Nadus Thanjavur on Monday

The Indian Air Force deployed the 222 Squadron, comprising six Sukhoi-30 specially modified fighter jets, each carrying the 2.5 tonne air-launched supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur on Monday.

The squadron, also known as Tigersharks, has been deployed amid Chinas growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Thanjavur is the first base in south India for high-profile jets

While Sukhoi-30 squadrons are deployed across nine Air Force Stations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam and Maharashtra, among other states, deployment in Thanjavur comes keep in view the use of Karachi as a naval facility by China and the setting up of its first overseas military base by Beijing in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa in August 2017. Additionally, in December last year, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said a Chinese naval ship was driven away from India's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Andaman sea recently, asserting that such activities will be dealt with sternly.

#WATCH Water salute being given to the SU-30MKI fighter aircraft at the induction of the 222 Tigersharks fighter squadron at the Thanjavur air base. pic.twitter.com/pMO9ugtZgO  ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020

A defence release said that with the operationalisation of the squadron, the air defence capablilites of the IAF, particularly in the Southern Air Command area will be strengthened. This will also provide protection to our island territories and sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean Region. The IOR is increasingly gaining importance and the presence of a fighter squadron will provide security cover to all our strategic and vital assets in the region, the release said, according to PTI.

The decision to deploy the squadron was made keeping in mind Thanjavurs strategic location and Sukhoi-30s maritime strike capability, according to Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. By virtue of the fact that Thanjavur is strategically very well located in the southern peninsula, from here it can dominate the seas, provide very close and integrated support to Indian Navy. It can also provide support to the land forces, ANI quoted Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat as saying.

About the Su-30 MKI, BrahMos missile?

The Su-30 MKI is an all-weather multi-role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking varied air defence, ground attack and maritime missions. They have the capability to strike at targets from sea and land with pinpoint accuracy at day and night.

Brahmos gives the Sukhois a combat radius of almost 1,500 km without mid-air refuelling. India first launched the BrahMos from a specially modified Su-30 warplane against a target in the Bay of Bengal in 2017, followed by a second launch in 2019.

While India has inducted about 260 of the 272 Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs it ordered, about 40 of them are being reconfigured to fit the BrahMos missile. Work is already on to increase the range of the BrahMos missile to over 500 km, with India joining the 34-nation Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016, The Print reported.

The Air Chief said that the integration of BrahMos Missiles with the SU-30MKI fighter has been done "fully indigenously". "The integration of the air-launched version of the BrahMos missile with the SU-30MKI fighter has been done fully indigenously by BrahMos Aerospace, HAL and the Air Force," he said.

What are the Tigersharks?

Tigersharks are the 12th squadron of the fourth-generation 'air dominance' Sukhois, but the first one to be based in south India after the first 11 were deployed in the western and eastern fronts in Halwara, Pune, Jodhpur, Sirsa, Bareilly, Tezpur and Chabua, aimed at quelling threats from Pakistan and China.

The squadron that was inducted was raised at Ambala in 1969. In July 1971, the Squadron moved to Air Force Station Halwara and took part in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The squadron was recognised for its heroic efforts during the war and won one Mahavir Chakra, three Vir Chakras and three Vayu Sena medals. In December 1985, it became the first squadron in the Indian Air Force equipped with Mig-27 Aircraft. The squadron was number-plated in 2011.

The Tigersharks squadron will eventually have 18 fighters, around six of which will be equipped with BrahMos.
Australia will begin screening passengers that land from Wuhan where a new deadly virus was discovered last month.

The new screening efforts will only be in place at Sydney Airport where three direct flights from Wuhan land per week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

When China Eastern Airlines flight MU749 lands on Thursday, passengers will be met by biosecurity staff from New South Wales Health and Border Force officials.

Passengers are expected to be screened for high temperatures with thermal imaging - but the method is not 100 per cent successful because people can harbour the coronavirus with no symptoms for days.

Anyone who does have a high temperature or is feeling unwell will be interviewed by officials.

It comes as US health authorities on Tuesday announced the first case of a person on American soil being diagnosed with the virus as millions of travellers prepare to take flights for Lunar New Year on Saturday.

Plane passengers in China are being screened after an outbreak of the deadly coronavirus

The virus, an as-yet unnamed variant of the coronavirus, was first detected in Wuhan, China last month but has now breached China's borders

The man, a US resident in his 30s who lives near Seattle, is in good condition, according to federal and state officials.

He is being 'hospitalised out of an abundance of precaution, and for short term monitoring, not because there was severe illness,' said Chris Spitters, a Washington state health official.

Last month doctors began seeing the new virus in people who got sick after spending time at a food market in Wuhan.

More than 275 cases of the newly identified coronavirus have been confirmed in China, most of them in Wuhan, according to the World Health Organisation.

The count includes six deaths - all in China, most of them aged 60 or older, including at least some who had a previous medical condition.

Doctors have said the virus probably spread from animals to people, but this week Chinese officials said they've concluded it also can spread from person to person.

There is one suspected case in Australia, with a man isolated at home in Brisbane for treatment.

Australia has raised its travel advice for China to level 2, telling people to exercise a high degree of caution.

Taiwan's Center for Disease Control (CDC) personnel use thermal scanners to screen passengers arriving on a flight from China's Wuhan province

As well as the airport screenings, information will be displayed across all other points of entry into Australia to warn people who develop symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.

NSW Health announced on Tuesday evening it will assist commonwealth biosecurity staff at Sydney Airport to monitor those returning from Wuhan.

No cases of the novel coronavirus have been detected in NSW, the department said in a statement.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said health officials are working with the federal government and other jurisdictions to monitor the situation in China.

'Sydney is a popular destination for people travelling from China especially around the time of the Lunar New Year, so up-to-date health advice is paramount,' Mr Hazzard said in a statement on Tuesday.

Health workers in the state's public hospitals, as well as community-based GPs, have been given precautionary advice and the department has made novel coronavirus 2019 a notifiable disease under law.

CHINA QUEUES TO BUY FACE MASKS Face masks are flying off the shelves across China as the country's citizens prepare themselves for the potential spread of the outbreak, which has already swept the nation. Pictures and videos circulating on the country's social media show residents in various cities queuing to stock up on the medical products. On Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, web users reported to have seen huge lines of customers in and outside pharmacies in hope of buying the sought-after item. Prices for face masks have surged, according a report from Beijing Evening News. Some vendors on the country's e-commerce site have increased the price of the N95 masks - which is made by US company 3M and particularly popular in China - from 99 yuan (11) a box to nearly 1,000 yuan (110) a box, the report said. A topic page titled 'the main force of buying face masks' on Weibo has attracted around 570million clicks as the Chinese netizens discuss the apparent nationwide buying spree. Advertisement

NSW Health director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said advice is being given to people who may have already returned to the state from Wuhan, as symptoms may take up two weeks to develop.

These include a fever with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, a cough or a sore throat.

'There is no need for alarm, but people should be aware of the emerging situation and if they develop symptoms on returning from affected areas overseas, they should call ahead before seeing their GP,' Dr McAnulty said in a statement on Tuesday.

'This virus does not appear to spread easily between people, but anyone with symptoms should practise simple hygiene by covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow and washing their hands thoroughly.'

A Malaysia Health official checks passengers going through a thermal scanner upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-20 20:00:40|Editor: xuxin

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An exhibitor makes desserts at the HORECA Kuwait 2020 exhibition in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait, Jan. 20, 2020. Kuwait launched on Monday the HORECA Kuwait 2020 exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairground in Hawalli Governorate to promote the development of food service and tourism industry. (Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait launched on Monday the HORECA Kuwait 2020 exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairground in Hawalli Governorate to promote the development of food service and tourism industry.

At the opening ceremony, Khaled Mahdi, secretary-general of Kuwait's Supreme Council for Planning and Development (SCPD), said that the exhibition has been held for nine years, contributing to the growth of the most vital sectors for the Kuwaiti.

The exhibition is in line with the development plan of Kuwait that focuses on mobilizing all efforts to transform Kuwait into a leading regional financial, commercial and cultural hub by 2035.

Mahdi noted that the tourism sector is one of the non-oil revenue-creating sectors, a status bound to improve with time according to the projections of the World Travel and Tourism Council of a 4.8 percent annual growth until 2028.

The rate will be enhanced with the transformation of the country into a financial and commercial hub and development of cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

For her part, Nabila Al-Anjari, head of HORECA Organizing Committee, said that the exhibition has made a qualitative and quantitative leap and defied many obstacles.

This leap is more valuable because it was achieved at a time when tourism in Kuwait, unlike all countries in the region and the world, was not receiving sufficient attention, she noted.

Kuwait must keep up with the large investments of the private sector and high hopes are pinned on it to realize the ambitions of development plan of the country, she said.

Companies specialized in hospitality, catering and hotel equipment, including international companies which are interested in the Kuwaiti and Gulf markets, participated in the three-day event.
New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma Oli, jointly inaugurated the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani - Biratnagar on Tuesday.

Jogbani  Biratnagar is an important trade point between the two countries. The ICP is equipped with modern facilities.

The second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani - Biratnagar was built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and peoples movement across India-Nepal border.

Both the Prime Ministers were participating through Video Conference.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, India has been playing the role of a trusted partner in Nepals all round development.

He said,  Neighbourhood first is the main policy of my Government and improving cross border connectivity is an important aspect of it.

Modi said, the issue of better connectivity becomes all the more important if it concerns India- Nepal, because our relations are not simply of neighbours but because History and Geography have connected us through culture, nature, families, language, development and many more threads.

The Prime Minister said, My Government is committed to develop better transportation facilities with all the friendly nations and to further develop relations in trade, culture, education etc 

Prime Minister said that India is working on cross connectivity projects Road, Rail and Transmission lines in Nepal.

Both Prime Ministers also witnessed the remarkable progress in Government of India assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal.

Referring to 2015 Earthquake in Nepal Prime Minister Modi said, India played the role of first responder in relief and rescue operations and now is standing shoulder to shoulder with our friends in the reconstruction of Nepal.

Out of Government of Indias commitment to build 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, 45,000 have already been completed.

The Prime Minster of Nepal, K. P. Sharma Oli thanked India for its efforts.


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cornerstone Advisors announced today the formation of PeerMetrix, a new company providing Performance Vault, a cloud-based platform designed to give financial institutions on-demand access to Cornerstone's exclusive bank and credit union revenue, staffing, spending and customer service benchmarks.

"For the past 18 years, Cornerstone Advisors has worked with hundreds of financial institutions collecting and analyzing the detailed data that helps drive high performance," said Eric Weikart, a Cornerstone partner and president of PeerMetrix. "As the technology that fuels Cornerstone's benchmarking data grew more and more complex, it made sense to create an affiliate company that would enable us to offer clients a self-service technology platform that delivers on-demand access to this impactful data."

Performance Vault is offered as a subscription service that supplies banks and credit unions with access to hundreds of peer benchmarking metrics across dozens of banking areas, enabling them to create automated apples-to-apples comparisons and "what if" scenarios to set realistic, measurable performance and investment targets.

"Knowing how a financial institution performs and compares to peers translates to a critical advantage in the organization's long-term success," Weikart stated. "The advanced business analytics and insights in Performance Vault can uncover countless opportunities for growth, innovation and competitive leverage."

Richard Padula, senior vice president and director of finance at First Midwest Bank, an $18 billion asset bank in Chicago, one of PeerMetrix's newest clients, said he is looking forward to the capabilities that Performance Vault will bring to his bank. "The software and data will be key in helping us execute on our commitment to continuous improvement and maximizing the experience and value proposition for our customers, colleagues and shareholders," Padula said.

"PeerMetrix will be a game changer for our company," said Brian K. Williams, president of $1.4 billion asset First Farmers & Merchants Bank, Columbia, Tenn., a Performance Vault subscriber. "In a very user-friendly format, the platform has provided our institution with the ability to objectively measure productivity and efficiency against our peers."

Cornerstone has found that an enterprise-wide benchmarking discipline can lead to roughly $4 million of performance improvement opportunity per $1 billion in assets. "Unfortunately, this approach has been rarely used by mid-size and regional banks and credit unions," said Scott Sommer, chief executive officer at Cornerstone Advisors. "Performance Vault will help financial institutions instill the discipline to realize their true potential."

Cornerstone Advisors and PeerMetrix will be hosting live Performance Vault demos at Bank Director's Acquire or Be Acquired Conference, January 26-28 in Phoenix. Stop by our booth to learn more.

Cornerstone Advisors, a management consulting firm focused exclusively on helping banks and credit unions improve their profitability and elevate performance, delivers services in the areas of Strategy, Performance Improvement, Contract Negotiations, Technology, Mergers and Acquisitions, Payments and Delivery Channels. For more information, visit crnrstone.com.

PeerMetrix enables banks and credit unions to quickly optimize their performance and stay competitive. Using PeerMetrix's Performance Vault, a cloud-based platform, clients are able to access hundreds of exclusive revenue, staffing, spending and customer service benchmarks. For more information, visit peermetrix.com.

For more information, contact:

Cate Pitts, Editorial Director

Cornerstone Advisors

480.425.5203 | [email protected]

SOURCE Cornerstone Advisors

Related Links

https://www.crnrstone.com


Catalyst Twomey sets up a memorial with a rose that signifies each of the 1,116 deaths to overdose in Philadelphia in 2018 at the Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia in September. Read more

Philadelphia is home to the worst urban opioid crisis in America. More than 3,000 people have died of drug overdoses here in the last three years, and the city health department estimates that tens of thousands of Philadelphians are addicted to opioids.

As the epidemic has worsened, city officials, hospitals, and outreach workers have scrambled to address a complicated public health crisis with few easy answers.

The city has spent more than a year pouring resources and initiatives into Kensington, the neighborhood at the epicenter of the crisis. Two years after fatal overdoses hit an all-time high  claiming 1,217 people in 2017  it appears that the 2019 toll will be similar to 2018s, when 1,116 people died.

The numbers havent been finalized, but the preliminary numbers, Im not particularly pleased, said Brian Abernathy, city managing director. Its about the same as last year. But Im not happy with that. The amount of devastation thats happening on so many different levels is just not something we as a city should think is OK.

Getting that still-staggering number to budge in 2020 will mean much more work, especially outside Kensington, in areas like South Philly, where drug use usually happens behind closed doors, away from the reach of health workers.

 READ MORE: How opioid painkillers became big business in a Philadelphia neighborhood already ravaged by drugs

Heres what the city  and its partners in hospitals and outreach organizations  has planned for the year ahead.

In treatment

More peer specialists in and out of hospitals. People who are in recovery from addiction have long been part of the treatment industry. But peer specialists, as those who have gone through a state certification process are called, are taking on bigger roles in Philadelphia hospitals, connecting with patients in ways physicians and nurses say they cannot. They are meeting patients in emergency rooms, helping people with addiction navigate the days of early treatment, and doing street outreach around the city. Since Penn Medicine began sending peer specialists into its emergency rooms in 2018, seven in 10 of the departments patients with opioid use disorder have stuck with treatment for at least 30 days. Other hospitals are eager to replicate that success and are looking to expand their peer programs in the new year. The city is trying to hire nearly four dozen peer specialists, as it helps hospitals improve their warm handoffs" of patients directly into long-term treatment.

The Temple hub. With help from a large state grant, Temple University Health System has expanded its treatment programs and referrals, acting as a hub that sends patients to community treatment programs. This is especially key at Temple, because the health systems Episcopal Hospital in Kensington deals with more overdoses than any other hospital in the city. Temple increased its buprenorphine prescribing  medication-assisted treatment proven to yield more lasting recovery  by 70% and increased its outpatient treatment slots from 11 new patients a month to 116.

The next generation. At Jefferson Health, MATER, the long-running treatment program for pregnant women with addiction, is incorporating womens families into their treatment. Instead of requiring a 30-day blackout from all contact with the outside world, as many treatment centers do, MATER is hosting family dinners twice a month, offering family therapy, and helping mothers plan to reunite with their extended families, said Kim McLaughlin, the programs director.

Bending the rules to keep people in treatment. In the past, if someone missed three treatment appointments in a row at Jefferson, that person was out of the program, said McLaughlin. But now, for example, if someone is missing fewer appointments than they used to, thats considered an improvement and not a reason for punishment. She says its a key change in the middle of a crisis where leaving treatment can mean death.

In communities

Getting naloxone where its needed. Last year, when Penn Medicine launched large-scale, staff-wide giveaways of the overdose antidote also known as Narcan, employees from around the system came by to pick some up, said Jeanmarie Perrone, the director of the division of medical toxicology in the University of Pennsylvanias emergency department. Often, she said, staffers knew family and friends in their communities who might need a dose. They were really personally affected and wanted to be better prepared for their community, she said.

Better leadership in neighborhoods. Kensington is no longer under the emergency declaration prompted by chronic public drug use and homelessness that had people in addiction living in encampments under bridges. But some programs used during the declaration will continue there and in other parts of the city. Some examples: More mobile addiction treatments in neighborhoods without many treatment options, like the van that prescribes medication-assisted treatment in South Philadelphia. The city is also looking to add more supportive housing for the chronically homeless. The former deputy director of emergency management, Noelle Foizen, will lead an opioid cabinet," where the officials who oversaw the emergency declaration will meet regularly to address opioid-related issues all over the city.

Work to earn. This month, the city launched a program where people can help clean streets in Kensington and be paid the same day. Two days a week, 10 people will be selected by lottery to earn $50 for about four hours of work. The goal is to provide people with a more productive way to earn money rather than petty theft or panhandling, said Abernathy. People who arent selected in the lottery will be offered treatment, other help finding jobs, and links to social services.

Protecting schoolchildren. Despite all the work thats been done in Kensington, open-air drug use and dealing continue, and smaller encampments remain on Kensington Avenue. Schoolchildren often have encountered dealers, needles, and people injecting heroin on their way to school, so one of the most popular improvements has been safe corridors. These neighborhood volunteers help children get to school safely. I greet them, and say Good morning, and kind of get between them and any negative aspects in the community, volunteer Mike Noton said.

In prevention and law enforcement

Stemming gun violence. For police officers who patrol Kensington, the biggest challenge is getting drug-related shootings under control, said Inspector Michael Cram, who commands the departments East Division. Cram said intense demand for drugs in the neighborhood has prompted dealers from other parts of the city to rent corners to cash in on the highest profits. These outsiders carry guns for protection  and to keep up, Kensington dealers are doing the same. All those guns, he said, lead to more violence.

Treatment, not arrest. The city hopes to expand a police diversion program in Kensington and North Philadelphia, where people with addiction are offered treatment and social services, instead of being arrested. In all, 951 people were referred to the program from Kensington alone in 2019, the city says.

Keeping a closer eye on pill sales. The city plans to create a local data reporting system for pharmacies, because its often hard for local entities to access statewide and national data on pill sales. The system, aimed at monitoring sales of prescription opioids to spot illicit use, should be in place within three to six months, city officials say.

In harm reduction
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

Bakcell has officially announced the commercial launch of its new prefix 099 (+99499 from international destinations).

The sales of new numbers start today.

The new 099 prefix will give Bakcell customers the option to select from a wide range of new numbers. This will allow them to purchase mobile numbers with a special combination which has a personal meaning to them, reflecting valuable moments of their lives, be it the birthdate of their children or date of a remarkable achievement in their life.

Graving a memorable and important moment of your life into a mobile number, or simply having a cute and cool number combination is a value for our customers, a further chance to personalize towards their community. And this comes on top of the best network of Azerbaijan (as confirmed by the Ookla test again) and convenient customer services.

The new 099 prefix enables us to offer some nice and relevant opportunity for a very special personalization, says Rainer Rathgeber, Bakcell CEO. This all on the best network in the country, as the Ookla test has proven. We will continue to work for our customers to have an excellent experience.

Those, wishing to benefit from this unique opportunity and get their own, personalized mobile number in the brand new 099 prefix of Bakcell can visit one of the companys dealer shops or select a desired number at nomre.bakcell.com website.

The numbers under the 099 prefix can be activated within one of the following monthly recurring fee tariffs of Bakcell: CIN5, DaimOnline6, DaimOnline10, Klass L, Klass XL, Klass XXL, Klass 3XL.

The company will continue focusing its operations on delivering superior user experience to customers, by further improving the quality of services and network.

Bakcell offers a wide range of products and services to users of modern mobile communications. The company provides its customers with the best-in-class mobile internet.

With more than 8,000 base stations, Bakcell network covers 99 percent of the population and 93 percent of the land area of the country (excluding the occupied territories).

Today, Bakcell has the largest 4G network in the country in terms of coverage area and capacity, covering almost 93 percent of the countrys population and the central parts of all the regions of Azerbaijan (excluding Nakhchivan AR and occupied territories).

For more information about Bakcell products and services, please visit www.bakcell.com or call 555. For press releases please see www.bakcell.com/en/news.

If you are not a Bakcell subscriber, but wish to find out about Bakcell and its products and services, please call 012 498 89 89.
Scientists have captured the first ever footage of atoms bonding at a scale around half a million times smaller than the width of a human hair.

Using advanced microscopy methods, the team of UK and German researchers captured the breaking of a chemical bond between two rhenium atoms.

The video shows the two atoms to the left of the footage, between 0.1 and 0.3 nanometres, appearing as black blobs as they bond and break.

Atoms are the building blocks of the world and the matter around us is made up of layers and layers of atoms  unless theyre a single-layer material like graphene.

Ultimately, everything is controlled by the way atoms interact  they account for explosions, chemical processes inside the human body and how the sun generates energy.

Now, this breaking and formation of the two bonds has been recorded on film at the atomic scale.

Scroll down for video

The two rhenium atoms are on a scale about the size of a human hair - between 0.1 to 0.3 nanometres

It was surprisingly clear how the two atoms move in pairs, clearly indicating a bond between them, said Dr Kecheng Cao, research assistant at the University of Ulm in Germany, who performed the imaging experiments.

Importantly, as Re2 moves down the nanotube, the bond length changes, indicating that the bond becomes stronger or weaker depending on the environment around the atoms.

Filming chemical bonds breaking or forming in real time is a great challenge due to their nanoscopic size.

The team used a method called transmission electron microscopy (TEM)  where a high-energy beam of electrons is shone through a very thin sample.

In this case, the researchers used carbon nanotubes as their sample  atomically thin hollow cylinders of carbon with diameters at the molecular scale (1-2nm), as miniature test tubes for the atoms.

'Nanotubes help us to catch atoms or molecules, and to position them exactly where we want, said Professor Andrei Kholbystov, professor of nanomaterials at the University of Nottingham.

In this case we trapped a pair of rhenium (Re) atoms bonded together to form Re2.

Because rhenium has a high atomic number it is easier to see in TEM than lighter elements, allowing us to identify each metal atom as a dark dot.

3D Illustration of an atom, which is the smallest constituent unit of ordinary matter that has the properties of a chemical element

Once bonded, the Re2 atoms are shown to vibrate, distorting their circular shape to become ovals and stretching the bond between them.

The atoms eventually snapped and vibrations ceased, but a little later the atoms joined together again, reforming an Re2 molecule.

What makes it challenging is that transition metals, such as Re, can form bonds of different order, from single to quintuple bonds, said Dr Stephen Skowron, Postdoctoral Research Assistant at University of Nottingham.

In this TEM experiment we observed that the two rhenium atoms are bonded mainly through a quadruple bond, providing new fundamental insights into transition metal chemistry.

Bonds between metal atoms are very important in chemistry, particularly for understanding magnetic, electronic, or catalytic properties of materials.

The team believe electron microscopy may become a general method for studying chemical reactions, similar to spectroscopic methods widely used in chemistry labs, which use light rays.

The researchers, from the University of Nottingham and the University of Ulm, Germany, detailed their achievement in the journal Science Advances.
All images via Unsplash.

I remember my first experience with a toxic workplace. I had just started out in my career in a mid-sized company. It had about fifty-odd employeesall managed by a tight-fisted lady boss.

Though my role was fairly junior, I was critical to my departments operations. I had my direct superiora disorganised young lady with an acerbic way with wordsand her forgetful boss, a brash middle-aged man who cracked disgusting jokes. Above him, sat the lady boss.

So yes, in one of my earliest jobs, I found myself three rungs from the CEO, who fortuitous or otherwise, spotted my job application and hired me. Id presumed the reason I got hired was because I accepted a salary below the industry average. Little did I expect, I was hired to join a battlefield while learning to master Workplace Toxicity 101.

On my first day, over lunch at the kopitiam opposite our industrial estate office, my disorganised lady superior and her forgetful, joke-telling boss inundated me with stories about their CEOthe lady boss who hired me. My plate of nasi lemak had yet to arrive.

In just one hour, case studies about her cronies and her management style filled their conversations, much to a stunned, wide-eyed and wet-eared assistant like me. I only realised, much, much later on, that the reason they were doing that was to get me on their side.

No matter how large a company or which part of the world its located, battle-lines within departments and between them are pervasive. These battle-lines are unspoken and usually perpetuated by a department head, be it in sales, customer service, or production.

Because I was hired directly by the CEO, I was perceived as her lackey. I was to become her eyes and ears on the ground, listening in on what was really happening among her staff. Despite the company having only fifty people, she was very much a temperamental introvert, preferring to rule from behind her office desk, where deadlines and financial spreadsheets mattered more.

Story continues

Three months into my job, the joke-telling boss took a liking to my personality, orchestrated the sacking of my lady superior, got me promoted to replace her, and positioned me, front and center, as the blue-eyed boy to the CEO. Blindsided didnt even come close. I became his indirect mouthpiece to promote departmental ideas to her (expedited approvals and the such), and she became our unfiltered source of inside news, before anyone else knew (there were other competing departments). Fearing Id lose my job if I crossed either lines, I was stressed and strung out most of the time. Everything I said, did, and shared in meetings had to be carefully crafted with sensible precautions. I quit after two years, graduating from toxicity class 101.

So yes, from an early start, I learned that workplace toxicity doesnt follow gender, ethnicity, wealth status, or geography. It is a work culture, that if recognised and condoned by the head of a department or the CEO, will be perpetuated by loyal followers to the detriment of their colleagues. In any work environment, there will be under-performers, slackers, trouble-makers, and paperwork short-cutters. Unless the department head or CEO clamps down on them, using a combination of automated system checks, trusted indicators, an unwaveringly strict hand, and crystal-clear communication, toxicity is bound to happen.

These days, instead of saying negative things about a coworker in the cafeteria, gossip is going digital. Different office cliques and sub-cliques, within self-created WhatsApp groups, are rife with hearsay, conjecture, and bad-mouthing, even after office hours. The faces may look straight in the conference room, but the private messaging groups are all filled with wisecracks.

A simple poll I took among 50 friends in just two days yielded the following results:

 82% said they had experienced toxicity from their direct superior or colleagues in their careers.

 40% of them experienced it weekly, while 33.3% experienced it daily.

 67% of them have experienced this: Everyone has to agree with the boss. Anyone who disagrees is perceived as a troublemaker.

 50% of them have experienced this: Someone, somewhere in the office is always sucking up to someone of a higher rank (giving praise, buying gifts).

 Another 50% of them have experienced this: Your direct superior, department head or CEO has a great tendency to yell at people and youve seen it first-hand.

 Yet another 50% of them experienced this: The reports dont match, you flagged it out to your direct supervisor and he/she said, Its just the way it is.

 47% of them felt helpless and had to quit the company mainly because of toxicity.

 27% of them ate lunch alone because they didnt play by the rules.

Dont take my word for it. Kantars Inclusion Index, released in September 2019, surveyed 18,000 people in 14 countries across 24 industries (including 1050 employees in Singapore). It found that Singapore ranked second-highest, between Brazil and Mexico, for workplace bullying (the 14 countries included US, Canada, Italy, Netherlands and Spain).

News such as the ones here, here and here, paint the impression that workplace toxicity is usually due to a volatile CEO. The CEO of the company usually sets the vision and long-term goals, but his or her day-to-day behavior, mood swings, and inability to stand firm on decisions, especially in front of his or her C-level executives or employees, decides the cultural tone of the workplace from the top-down.

Ive seen, first-hand, how infectious it can be. For someone like me, who has experienced office politics more frequently than Ive showered throughout my life, I usually steer clear of getting involved the first chance I get. In Hokkien, its called siam. The best way to avoid being infected by toxicity is to focus on my job, deliver the results, and not get into trouble with human resources. But it doesnt always work out this way. Im required to interact with different department heads, work with many different people, and help underperforming co-workers.

The first sign that tells me Im infected is when I begin to side with just one party in an argument without having all the facts, or am given the chance to share my views. I am brought into a meeting room facing the department heads, including the CEO. I am Gatling-gunned with a barrage of questions about a coworker, whom I know is an honest man, but hasnt been hitting his sales targets lately. I know hes been given challenging clients to pursue, and these brands arent being too kind to him. Some of his deals take weeks, even months, to gain any traction, and he is expected to earn them on his own without supervisory help.

I also know the easy-to-win clients have been given to someone else instead. Someone who has been consistently underperforming for the department for years but is highly favoured by the department head. So, before my superiors, I get asked leading questions aimed at painting the coworker in a very negative light. Questions as innocent-sounding as, How often do you see this coworker reporting into office throughout the week? Or damaging ones like, When you tag-along with this coworker to meet customers, do you speak most of the time, and he just sits and listens?

The reason is simple. Employees, if they do not conform to the DNA of the department (ie. cue department heads interests and expectations), are usually marked as outliers. For example, if the head is single and usually stays out after work expecting the company of his or her staff for dinner and drinks (or KTV), thats part of the DNA. Any staff who perpetually declines with family reasons, disinterest, or illness, is usually one frown away from being branded an outlier.

If the head has the chance to remove outliers, especially when the outlier is struggling with his or her targets, its a no-brainer. In an environment where departmental performance is compared with other departments, flashed through a Keynote or PowerPoint slide in front of C-level executives and the CEO every week, the head has every impetus to want to act on it quickly. Its stressful; its business, but it breeds toxicity.

If it can happen once, it can happen again. The next incoming co-worker HR brings in will have his or her profile pinned on a dart board and scrutinised the same way, like a scene out of Rian Johnsons Knives Out. Potential scapegoat can almost be heard down the hallways.

These days, instead of saying negative things about a coworker in the cafeteria, gossip is going digital.

The second sign is when I dont stand up for what I believe in. I call it collective conformity, bordering on apathy and nonchalance. In Hokkien, its mai chap ji ka.

I really like my job, I want to stay on as long as I can in my job, I love my colleagues, Im having fun hanging out with them, but I know some things are happening within the department that shouldnt be happening, and yet, I choose to close an eye. Its like hearing a couple arguing next door night after night, and theres a baby crying, but you convince yourself its the way they are, the baby will eventually get used to it, and youre better off not knocking on their door and getting punched in the face.

Its a social norm in Singapore, really. We are afraid to intervene in other peoples business because we were taught very early on its none of our business. It happens in the workplace too. The stakes are such that if I try to adjust the spotlight, the spotlight might end up on me. More often than not, if I eventually confront my supervisor about it, I will get either the usual well look into it or stick to what youre good at motherhood statements. After some time, Ill feel disheartened and decide to leave quietly, while the toxic culture persists without reproach.

The third, but not necessarily last sign of being infected by workplace toxicity, is if/when I become the toxicity myself. I do it not because I have no choice, but because of the way I work, and how expectations from the company inform the way I work.

This happened when I was promoted and became responsible for a division with a group of staff under me. By the time I realized it, it was already too late.

Once, I got a phone call from a VIP in the company, demanding vital informationwhich I did not have, but my staff did. I knew my staff was on vacation with his family; I had no choice but to call him because my supervisor was waiting on the other line. I felt bad after that because the vacationing staff had to stop over at a Wi-Fi cafe, hook up his notebook (which he was subtly encouraged to bring along), and send me the information. My supervisor was impressed by my efficiency to deliver, but not my staff. He quit after he returned from his vacation.

There were also the little things, like forwarding emails to my staff after office-hours, not because I expected them to respond immediately, but because I knew I would not have time to do it when I got to the office the next morning.

So, is toxicity in the workplace as infectious as the flu?

Yes, only if you put yourself in a position where you know youll clearly get infected. Can you fully avoid it? Im not entirely sure, but one recipe I usually recommend is to act blur. If youre asked something that would incriminate a fellow colleague, you just say, I dont know leh, and youre in the clear (conscience-wise). Though seriously, youre still indirectly complicit.

Can you be cured of it?

Yes and no. Yes, if you leave and join a company with lower levels of potential toxicity. No, if you choose to turn a blind eye to it and condone it through inaction among your colleagues and staff. Just pay a visit to a website like Glassdoor.sg, and youll read tons and tons of comments mostly related to toxicity in the workplace.

Can it ever be rooted out and eradicated from the Singapore workplace?

In my honest opinion, no. Unless every employee is a clone or robot, different people have different perspectives on how the same problem can be solved. What are these problems? Well, just off the top of my head: dwindling sales numbers, high absenteeism, chronic sick leave amongst staff, loss in market share, difficulty in finding the right talent, difficulty in retaining the right talent, competitors, demanding clients, dishonest vendors, longer sales cycles, digital disruption  the list goes on.

Can it at least be suppressed if the CEO of the company is not volatile, but compassionate and forgiving?

In Singapores working environment, maybe. But a CEO is also just a cog in the companys larger wheel of boardroom directors, C-suite executives, investors, partners, shareholders, and customers. With social media the way it is, he or she cannot hide from any bad press without stepping on the wrong foot. A CEO who prioritises a toxic-free environment among his employees will sooner or later have the challenging task of balancing that against external toxicity from other stakeholders. The nature of business, especially if its large with many hands in the pie, is what it is. A CEO, in all his or her vanity, can never please everybody.

One former boss I know said, If a CEO wants to make everyone happy, he might as well sell ice-cream. Ask Steve Jobs, or at least, his biographer.

The nature of our competitiveness in driving economic growth breeds not just external competition among companies, but internal ones among colleagues and departments. There will always be someone trying to leapfrog over you, take over your lucrative clients, earn the favour of your direct report, and bad-mouth you behind your back. Some might think my observations will solve the problems Ive listed above. But for the rest of us trying to earn an honest living, most of the time, it does not. Youll just quit (or wait till the department head, his or her cronies, or CEO, is replaced with someone hopefully more benevolent and protective), and then the cycle resets and resumes.

Like Ive said. Its like the flu. In this context, we dont need face masks to know its contagious.

How can toxic workplace cultures be prevented? Tell us at community@ricemedia.co.

The post Toxic Workplace Cultures in Singapore: Are They More Common Than We Realise? appeared first on RICE.
Universities in Michigan and Ohio are partnering to ask voters in four states that put President Donald Trump in the White House in 2016 whether they will support him again in November.

In 2016, Trump pulled off narrow victories in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- dismantling part of the blue wall that had supported Democratic presidential candidates between 1992 and 2012 -- while decisively flipping the swing state of Ohio. Researchers at Baldwin Wallace University, Ohio Northern University and Oakland University are conducting a series of four polls to determine how voters in those key battleground states are leaning in the leadup to the next presidential election.

The poll will question likely voters about their preferences toward different candidates as well as their opinions on the Trump administrations approach to multiple policy areas like health care, the economy, foreign affairs and the environment.

Its not just a horse race poll about whos up and whos down in the Democratic primaries, said Tom Sutton, director of BWs Community Research Institute. We want to understand what are the underlying issues motivating voters to favor President Trump, to favor a Democratic candidate, to what degree are they committed to voting for a Democratic candidate or does it depend on who that candidate is in the nomination process?

Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are viewed by pundits and the presidential campaigns as the most vital battlegrounds in the 2020 election. Trumps won these states by less than 1% in 2016, which was key to him earning enough electoral votes to overcome Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton despite losing the popular vote.

Those states -- plus Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa -- are also the focus of a daily newsletter from cleveland.com, The Flyover.

The president took Ohio by 8 percentage points, which Sutton said leaves many wondering if the formerly bellwether state has become more reliable for Republicans.

Trump won Michigan by just 10,704 votes, a 0.23% margin. It was the narrowest margin of victory in Michigans presidential election history, and the first time a Republican won the state since 1988.

When it comes to Michigan, that was a big surprise state, Sutton said. It has been reliably Democratic in presidential elections but clearly, by a very narrow margin, went for Trump. So, why is that, and what will happen this year?

Sutton said there are two simple ways to understand Trumps surprise victory in the four Midwest states: Democrats lost some support from constituencies that felt they were taken for granted, particularly African American voters, and Trump appealed to working-class voters.

Clinton ultimately gathered 296,000 fewer Michigan votes in 2016 than Obama did two years prior. Votes for third-party candidates increased by nearly 200,000.

Hillary Clinton was not President Obama, Sutton said. The assumption that she was going to carry Obamas legacy into another term; thats not how voters saw that.

Sutton said the new poll is a much larger undertaking than surveys of Ohio voters Baldwin Wallace had conducting for several years. The polls will take into account various demographic and geographic differences between the four states, and Sutton said voters in rural, urban and suburban areas will be contacted.

The first poll will be released before the Feb. 3 Iowa caucus, with the second occurring later in the primary and a final two polls between September and October. The group plans to question 800 to 1,000 registered voters in each state for each poll.
Depression soon, heavy showers likely in several regions of TN; Puducherry

Puducherry makes COVID19 vaccination compulsory for all; violators to be prosecuted

No Hindi here please, says Puducherry CM

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Puducherry, Jan 21: Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said that the territorial administration would spare no efforts to protect Tamil language and it would never accept the imposition of Hindi.

Unveiling the statue of the Tamil saint and poet Thiruvalluvar (the author of Tamil treatise Tirukkural) on the premises of the Puducherry Thamizh Sangam, he said this was made clear at the All India Education Ministers conference convened by the Centre recently to discuss the New Education Policy.

Puducherry Education Minister R Kamalakannan, who attended the meeting, made it clear that the Puducherry administration was committed to two-language formula.

Stalin postpones protest after Amit Shah's clarification on 'Imposition' of Hindi

"We would spare no steps to protect Tamil while adopting English as the link language," he said.

Narayanasamy said the education minister had made it clear that the Puducherry government would never budge from its stand to protect Tamil.

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

He said the Puducherry government would never accept the imposition of Hindi.

Education Minister R Kamalakannan intervened to tell the chief minister that "none from Tamil Nadu had participated in the meeting convened by the HRD Ministry to discuss the New Education Policy recently".

Never asked for imposing Hindi over other regional languages: Amit Shah

Office bearers of the Thamizh Sangam, Health minister Malladi Krishna Rao, Revenue minister M O H F Shah Jahan and delegates of various Tamil outfits were among those present.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Police Chief William Scott will be holding a news conference on Tuesday where crime statistics from 2019 will be released, according to city officials.

Police officials said the numbers will reveal a double-digit decrease in homicides, rapes and burglaries.

The news conference will take place at police headquarters at 1245 Third St. at 12:15 p.m.

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.
Airlines coming from China will be making in-flight announcements requesting passengers with history of fever and cough and history of travel to Wuhan City in last 14 days, to self-declare at the port of arrival or to the state health authorities.

New Delhi/Hyderabad: With over 300 cases of human-to-human transmission of Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) reported from Wuhan, China, alone, India has intensified its detection process at airports. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said that thermal screening of passengers arriving from China is now mandatory at seven airports  Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyd-erabad and Cochin. Pass-engers are to fill up a self-reporting form before disembarkation and an advisory has been issued to the aviation industry for strict implementation.

Screening had already started at Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, and now Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin have been added. MoCA has directed for all logistics support and arrangements to be made immediately with regard to screening of passengers arriving in India from China including Hong Kong at the identified airports, an official said.

Airlines coming from China will be making in-flight announcements requesting passengers with history of fever and cough and history of travel to Wuhan City in last 14 days, to self-declare at the port of arrival or to the state health authorities.

Thermal screening of passengers will be undertaken at the pre-immigration area through thermal cameras. Airlines staff will bring the passengers to the health counters before the immigration check.

A cause for concern is the passenger who carries the virus but does not exhibit symptoms. The Chinese New Year falls on January 25 and lakhs of Chinese travel to Thailand and Malaysia for the festival season. From India, business travellers, tourists, wedding parties and honeymooners visit Thailand, and they are advised caution, or even better, not to visit this region at this time.

The human to human transfer is evident as cases were reported in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzen, cities that are hundreds of miles away from Wuhan.

The virus is in the air and it gets transmitted via sneezing, coughing and also the breathing process, said Professor of Pulmonology and senior chest specialist Subakar Kandi. One person infected can infect 10 others in a crowded area. This spreads the virus fast. All who have the virus will not develop symptoms. Only those who are immune-compromised will be affected.

The immune-compromised are those suffering from severe or uncontrolled diabetes, fluctuating blood pressures, heart diseases, respiratory problems, kidney problems, as well as asthmatics, pregnant women, children, those with transplanted organs in their body, and senior citizens.

The case history shows patients had fever, chills, sore throat, severe headache and breathing difficulty. These have then led to lung and multi-organ failure, causing death.

The chest radiographs of the affected patients in China are showing invasive pneumonic infiltrating both lungs, said Mustufa Afzal, consultant microbiologist and infectious disease specialist at Care Hospitals.

It cannot be differentiated from other respiratory infections. This is a cause of concern.

The mutation of the Corona Virus means that it has taken human DNA and has started attacking the immune system. "These viruses often take the strains from the host body that they are in," said Dr Mohammed Shafi, senior infection specialist. As in birds, the virus combines in animals and humans to survive. The strain must be isolated to ensure proper medication.
Montgomery County jurors will have more options to donate their juror pay to with the addition of four nonprofits to the 2020 donation list.

Commissioners recently approved the 2020 donation list.

New to the 2020 list are Community Assistance Center, Mental Health Treatment, Montgomery County Historical Commission and Montgomery County Drug & DWI Court Care Program.

On the list again this year from 2019 are the Local Child Welfare Fund, Veterans Treatment Court, Crime Victim's Compensation Fund, Meals on Wheels Montgomery County, Heritage Museum of Montgomery County and Operation Pets Alive!.

Jurors can only donate to one organization on the list. Jurors can also decline pay and that money would remain in the county fund.

According to District Clerk Melisa Miller, residents who report for jury duty receive $10. If selected as a juror on a trial, that pay goes up to $40 a day.

Jurors are randomly selected from a database that combines information from Montgomery County voter registration lists and Texas Department of Public Safety identification certificates. Jurors may be selected to serve in the District Courts or County Courts at Law.

Miller noted the reason for the additional four added this year was she had more organizations apply for the program allowing her to bump the number to 10 nonprofits on the list.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
LOS ANGELES and TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightmerge Ltd., the Tel Aviv-based Israeli startup which empowers the building of independent commercial-grade Microgrid energy systems, has announced the appointment of Seth Kiner, Founder and Managing Director of Charlotte St. Advisors, LLC and formerly VP Customer Programs and Services at Southern California Edison, as Senior Advisor on the company's Advisory Board.

As a global energy and utility strategic advisor, Mr. Kiner will support the company's drive into expanding its investor and strategic partner base.

Mr. Kiner has worked with innovative enterprises around the globe, in both competitive and highly regulated industries, helping businesses and homeowners adopt a smarter energy lifestyle.

At Southern California Edison, among various roles, Mr. Kiner was responsible for all aspects of the Customer Experience. This included oversight of one of North America's largest Demand Side Management portfolios and development of innovative and emerging energy efficiency and Smart Grid-enabled products. He was also responsible for all customer renewable programs.

Mr. Kiner is an Affiliated Expert with the Alliance To Save Energy and a World 50 Fellow.

"I am extremely excited to be working with Brightmerge, a company bringing a much-needed and strategically important solution to the rapidly transforming energy market," Mr. Kiner said.

About Brightmerge

Brightmerge, a Tel Aviv-based startup, provides an enterprise SaaS platform based on proprietary machine learning and big data decision-making to automate and optimize the design, development, build and operation of energy microgrid systems.

The company has just been named as one of the Top Five out of 450 decentralization startups in the energy industry by StartUs GmbH, of Vienna, a data science company identifying emerging startups and technologies.

For portrait of Seth Kiner click here: Seth Kiner Portrait

Media Information:

Elkana Pressler, Executive VP

Business Development

[email protected]

www.brightmerge.com

SOURCE Brightmerge

Related Links

https://www.brightmerge.com


A protester damages a photo of U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harri Harris during a rally near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on Dec. 13, 2019. Korea Times file



By Jung Min-ho



U.S. Ambassador Harry Harris is gaining the status of persona non grata among the Korean public, if not yet officially designated as such by the Korean government.



His words and acts that defy diplomatic protocols dismay and make Koreans feel humiliated. Conservatives and progressives agree on this assessment, which is rather unusual in the extremely polarized nation.



Since he took up the post in July 2018, Harris, a former admiral who was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a U.S. Navy officer, has been under fire by even many conservatives, who in general view the United States and its representatives far more favorably.



The latest controversy came after he told foreign correspondents here on Jan. 17 that South Korea should consult the United States about its plans to resume individual tours to Mount Geumgang in North Korea if the South wants to avoid misunderstandings that could trigger sanctions.



His remark has drawn stinging criticism from Cheong Wa Dae and ruling party lawmakers as well as a street protest over the weekend. Some denounced Harris for "being rude" and "acting like a governor general" during Japanese colonial rule (1910-45).






We are thrilled to announce our entrance into the Canadian market through the conversion of Pro Oil Change shops, and welcome our new franchisees to our growing Take 5 family, said Danny Rivera, executive vice president and group president, Retail Auto Service, and president of Take 5 Oil Change.

Take 5 Oil Change, the fastest growing quick lube chain in the United States with more than 500 shops, today announced it will enter the Canadian market by converting 39 Pro Oil Change shops across four provinces. This marks the first expansion outside of the United States for Take 5 Oil Change.

Pro Oil Change, a retail franchise organization, started operations in 1996 and specializes in providing quick, professional, convenient, and value-priced warranty-approved services for all makes and models of vehicles. Customers in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Prince Edward Island can look forward to the same great service theyve come to expect with Pro Oil Change, now with even more enhanced capabilities and legacy under the Take 5 Oil Change name.

We are thrilled to announce our entrance into the Canadian market through the conversion of Pro Oil Change shops, and welcome our new franchisees to our growing Take 5 Oil Change family, said Danny Rivera, executive vice president and group president, Retail Auto Service, and president of Take 5 Oil Change. We are committed to providing the best oil change experience in the market and look forward to ensuring our customers in Canada get just that.

The conversion of Pro Oil Change shops is part of Take 5 Oil Changes continued growth across North America through acquisitions, shop conversions, and new franchise and company-owned store openings. Just last month, Take 5 Oil Change celebrated its 500th store opening in Covington, LA.

Take 5 is known for its fast and friendly oil change experience. Additional services such as wiper blade replacement, operational flushes, transmission services, tire rotations, seasonal tire changeovers, undercoating, power steering, and light bulbs are also available.

Take 5 Oil Change is a portfolio company of Driven Brands, North Americas leading automotive franchisor with more than 3,300 locations, including brands such as CARSTAR, Uniban, Meineke, Maaco, ABRA, and 1-800-Radiator.

For more information on Take 5 Oil Change, including a list of locations, please visit http://www.take5oilchange.ca.

About Take 5 Oil Change

Established in 1984, Take 5 Oil Change is a quick lube franchise under Driven Brands. The brand offers an on average 10- minute oil change service and four ancillary services such as air filter and wiper blade changes and transmission and radiator fluid replacements. Take 5 has more than 500 company-owned and franchised service centers throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.take5oilchange.ca.

About Driven Brands

Driven Brands, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is the parent company of North Americas leading automotive aftermarket brands across three distinct verticals: Retail Auto Service, comprised of Take 5 Oil Change, Meineke Car Care Centers, and Automotive Training Institute; Collision & Insurance, comprised of Maaco, CARSTAR, ABRA, and Uniban; and Distribution, comprised of 1-800-Radiator & A/C and PH Vitres dAutos. Driven Brands has over 3,300 centers across the United States and Canada, and combined, all businesses generate more than $3.1 billion in system sales and service approximately 9 million vehicles annually. For more information, visit http://www.drivenbrands.com.
The Union Budget could announce a roadmap for convergence of all corporate tax rates to 15 per cent, with no exemptions and incentives, by 1st April 2023. A signaling to this effect could help further boost investor sentiment and encourage investments, said Mr Vikram Kirloskar, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

For private investments, one of the biggest game-changer reforms announced last year was the reduction in corporate taxes, but the desired impact on the ground is still far from satisfactory. One of the reasons behind this has been the multitude of tax rates, which have created tax rate inequalities across manufacturing and service sectors. In the interest of simplification and uniformity, it is required that all these tax rates be converged over a period of time.

CII welcomes the Government's bold move to reduce corporate tax rates substantially. The Government recently reduced corporate tax rates for all corporates to 22%, plus surcharge and Cess. However, these companies will not be allowed to avail of any tax exemptions or incentives. Further, manufacturing facilities that start production before 31 March 2023 and are incorporated on or after 1st October 2019 would be taxed at only 15%, plus surcharge and cess.

The statutory corporate tax rate had been brought down in the last three decades, from 45 per cent in 1991-92 to 22 per cent in 2019-20, which is really commendable and encouraging for the industry. The new rates have catapulted India to a very competitive position against many of the OECD and BRICS countries, and neighbours like China, Indonesia and Philippines. Over time, the lower rates will reduce the cost of capital and catalyse investments.

However, such varied tax rates create tax rate inequalities amongst companies across manufacturing and services sector and also amongst the manufacturing companies based on the time period of start of production. It is to be noted that as per the latest OECD data, many countries in the world have a corporate tax rate of 15 per cent, such as Canada, Lithuania, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman and Serbia. Countries like Ireland, Andorra, Bulgaria, Paraguay and Hungary follow an even lesser rate of corporate taxes.

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Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Tuesday said the nationwide protests against the amended citizenship law reflected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were a "drag on Indian democracy".

Sibal's comments come after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had on Monday lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent and listed the country's much-lower-than-expected GDP numbers as the single-biggest drag on its global growth forecast for two years.

"IMF lowers India's GDP for 2019 to 4.8%. Calls it a drag on the world economy," Sibal tweeted.

"Protests of people, young and old, across India (who can't be recognised by the clothes they wear) Reflect that the duo Modiji and Amit Shah are a drag on Indian Democracy," the Congress leader added.

Ahead of the start of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit in Davos, Switzerland, India-born IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath had said growth in the country slowed sharply owing to stress in the non-bank financial sector and weak rural income growth.

India's growth is estimated at 4.8 per cent in 2019, projected to improve to 5.8 per cent in 2020 and 6.5 percent in 2021 (1.2 and 0.9 percentage point lower than in the October WEO), supported by monetary and fiscal stimulus as well as subdued oil prices, the IMF said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DAVOS, SwitzerlandPresident Donald Trump hailed his economic and trade records in his opening remarks on the first day of the economic summit in Davos on Tuesday, saying that America is winning again like never before.

Today I am proud to declare that the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, he said.

Trump delivered his speech a few hours before his impeachment trial, which is scheduled to begin in the Senate on Jan. 21.

In a campaign-style speech, Trump said: America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before.

The economic summit in the Swiss Alpine town runs through to Jan. 24. The high-profile forum brings together world leaders, business elites, economists, and celebrities from around the globe.

In his opening remarks, Trump spent most of the time listing his achievements, including tax reform, regulatory rollback, trade deals, and record unemployment rate.

This is a blue-collar boom, he said, adding that factories and companies were flowing back to the country.

We Love Each Other

At this years event, Trump took a softer tone on trade and protectionism compared to his 2018 speech in Davos.

He mentioned the signing of a phase one trade deal with China and the Senates passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement last week, calling them 21st-century agreements that are fair and reciprocal.

Our relationship with China, right now, has probably never been better. We went through a very rough patch, he said, calling his relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping an extraordinary one.

He is for China. I am for the United States. But other than that we love each other, he said.

Trump also defended his trade policy, noting that his trade achievements would not be possible without tariffs.

This is Trumps second visit to the annual gathering. He attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2018 but had to cancel his trip last year due to a U.S. government shutdown caused by disagreements over border wall funding.

Trump will be in Davos from Jan. 21 to 22 and is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Iraqi President Barham Salih, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, and President of Kurdistan Regional Government Nechirvan Barzani.

Trump will also hold bilateral meetings with Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab.

The WEF, founded in 1971 by Schwab, a German engineer and economist, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As in previous years, the WEF is expected to focus on current economic and social issues to help shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

Key Focus: Climate Change

The theme at this years summit is stakeholders for a sustainable and cohesive world. Global elites will tackle climate and environmental threats during the summit. As in 2019, Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old Swedish climate activist, is ramping up pressure on businesses and governments.

During his speech, Trump said that the United States would join the economic forums initiative to plant a trillion trees across the globe.

However, he criticized climate pessimism and reports on global warming.

This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process. Because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action. But to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, he said.

These alarmists always demand the same thing: absolute power to dominate, transform, and control every aspect of our lives. We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country, or eradicate our liberty, he added.

Other pressing issues that will be addressed in Davos this year are global growth, income inequality, long-term debt burden, technology war, rising geopolitical conflicts, and workforce development.

Before heading to Davos, Trump wrote on Twitter on Jan. 20: Heading to Davos, Switzerland, to meet with World and Business Leaders and bring Good Policy and additional Hundreds of Billions of Dollars back to the United States of America! We are now NUMBER ONE in the Universe, by FAR!!

From The Epoch Times
Bengaluru, Jan 21 : Stoking a fresh controversy, Karnataka's ruling BJP legislator M.P. Renukacharya on Tuesday accused Muslims of storing lethal weapons, including swords, knives and soda bottles, in mosques across the southern state.

"Instead of offering prayers (namaz), Muslims are storing weapons in mosques and their priests (khazis) are giving fatwas instead of sermons," Renukacharya said at a pro-CAA rally in his home town Honnalli in Davenagere district, about 300km from Bengaluru.

A former minister in the previous BJP government (2008-13), Renukacharya is currently the political secretary to Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa since August 2019.

Upping the ante against the minorities, the lawmaker said that since the Muslims had not responded to his call to support the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as evident from their absence at the rally, he would divert funds earmarked to their welfare to Hindus in his Assembly constituency.

"If they (minorities) consider our party (BJP) to be enemy despite treating them as equals, I too will ignore them and not entertain them if they continue to oppose our policies and programmes," he said in Kannada.

Party's state unit spokesman G. Madhusudhana said the state government would consider Renukacharya's remarks seriously, probe into his claims and act if they were true.

"We will review what he (Renukacharya) said, the context in which he said and act against offenders if weapons are found in mosques," Madhusudhana told IANS here.

Expressing disappointment over the non-participation of the minorities in the rally, the legislator said he was disheartened by the radical change in them (Muslims) against him and his party though he never differentiated or discriminated against anyone.

"As an MLA for all, I have been hosting Muslims, embracing them and offering them tea and snacks when we meet. If they don't want me, then I too will keep away and won't ask for their votes," Renukacharya said.
JERSEYVILLE  Five people face drug-related charges after a search warrant was served on a Jerseyville address on Jan. 13 after police witnessed one of the five shooting up heroin inside the property.

Nicholas L. Foster, 26, of the 400 block of Minard, Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.

Patrick D. Jones, 51, of the 400 block of Minard, Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony.

Amanda M. Beeman, 24, of the 300 block of Green Street, Brighton, and Teresa R. Moore, 49, and Robert Paul Frank, both of the 400 block of Minard, were all charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and unlawful possession of controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.

According to Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten, the Jersey County Sheriffs Department originally went to the residence in the 400 block of Minard to investigate an unrelated matter.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they were allowed inside by an occupant, Goetten said. And while inside, the deputy witnessed Nicholas Foster shooting heroin, in plain view, in the living room.

Based upon this, and the fact that multiple people had outstanding warrants, the sheriffs department applied for and received a warrant to search the residence, Goetten said.

The five were taken into custody when the warrant was served.

Bail for Foster was set at $15,000. Bail for Beeman, Moore and Frank was set at $10,000 each. Bail for Jones was set at $5,000.
Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) has continued its work with the South Australian government on the record-setting Hornsdale Power Reserve project.

The corporate work-focused firm told Australasian Lawyer that its team advised on the grant funding arrangements from the SA governments Grid Scale Storage Fund for the project, which is billed as the worlds largest lithium-ion battery.

This work was led by partner John Keeves, supported by special counsel Man Loi and associate Jemma Potezny. Keeves has been working on the project since 2017, when the firm started advising on the awarding of the contracts for the project to Neoen and Tesla. Keeves continues to advise the state on the arrangements relating to the original 100MW project agreement between Neoen and the government, the firm said.
By Minyoung Park, KYODO NEWS - Jan 22, 2020 - 05:45 | World, All, Feature

With the Iowa caucuses set to take place on Feb. 3, launching the official process to select a Democratic challenger to President Donald Trump in the November election, farmers in the corn-rich Midwestern state are keeping a wary eye on the administration's policies that have already roiled the outlook for their businesses.

Iowa farmer Kelly Nieuwenhuis, chairman of the board at the Siouxland Energy Cooperative ethanol plant, said that some local corn farmers and ethanol advocates have grown frustrated with policies they view as undercutting demand without adequate protection against losses.

"Last time, I supported Trump and I haven't decided where I'm going next time," Nieuwenhuis said on the upcoming presidential election. "Farmers pretty much did support President Trump but I also know a lot of people today that say they won't vote for him again."

(Kelly Nieuwenhuis, Iowa farmer and Chairman of the Board at Siouxland Energy ethanol plant, during an interview with Kyodo News in Sioux Center, Iowa on Dec. 11, 2019.)

Iowa's nominating contest, as the first in the country, is expected to set the tone for the remaining caucuses and primaries toward choosing the eventual Democratic candidate. In the general election, Iowa holds six electoral votes and is considered a swing state, having backed Barack Obama's reelection in 2012 before supporting Trump in 2016.

Around 40 percent of the state's annual corn yield goes into ethanol production, with growth driven in part by ongoing government efforts to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy.

Under U.S. law, the Renewable Fuel Standard program sets an annual requirement for the volume of biofuels such as ethanol or biodiesel that must be blended into the nation's fuel supply. The program was designed to boost renewable fuel requirements each year, gradually reducing the amount of petroleum-based fuel used in transportation and heating.

This has created a stable market for ethanol producers like those in Iowa, who accounted for more than a quarter of the nation's total annual output of nearly 16 billion gallons (60 million kiloliters) as of January 2019.

But the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which administers the fuel standards program, also has the power to issue hardship waivers exempting oil refineries from meeting the blending requirement.

Over the past three years, the Trump administration has exempted 85 oil refineries, slashing the required volume of renewable fuels by a total of about 4 billion gallons. In contrast, the Obama administration granted fewer than 10 waivers per year over the course of eight years.

(Corn field in Iowa)

[Getty/Kyodo]

Greater exemptions, coupled with a lack of reallocation enforcement for waived gallons of biofuels, have led to recent closures of ethanol plants.

In a late-November letter to the EPA, Geoff Cooper, the president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, called it an "undeniable fact" that the surge in waivers "has caused demand loss and economic hardship for U.S. ethanol producers," noting that at least 20 plants had been temporarily idled or permanently closed over the past two years.

The Siouxland Energy ethanol plant temporarily shut down from September to October last year to mitigate loss, and is now running at half capacity.

"I haven't seen a hardship in the oil industry, but I've seen hardship in the biofuels industry and agriculture," Nieuwenhuis said. "And so, our income has gone down during the Trump administration."

Steve Roe, general manager at Little Sioux Corn Processors, said that his company has not been as profitable for the last three years due to the Trump administration's renewable fuels policies.

"It has not been as profitable but at the same time, we haven't gone underwater and we haven't gone backwards here," he said.

Citing recent investments to boost efficiency, Roe added, "We make less (profit) per gallon, but we're producing more."

(Steve Roe, General Manager at Little Sioux Corn Processors ethanol plant, poses in front of the plant in Marcus, Iowa on Dec. 11, 2019.)

When the EPA released its final renewable fuel standard on Dec. 19, detailing the next round of volume requirements, it came as a disappointment to Iowa farmers. Contrary to assurances from the Trump administration to the state's farmers and representatives, the program has made no effort to address the loss in ethanol demand as a result of the uptick in waivers.

Instead, the EPA said its method of reallocating waived gallons of biofuels will rely on figures from U.S. Department of Energy recommendations, regardless of the actual number of gallons waived. There are no new measures to keep the waivers from exceeding recommendations by a substantial margin, as they have during Trump's tenure.

"The main reason we're not satisfied is because it's not the deal President Trump had made with our legislators and farmers," Nieuwenhuis said.

The tit-for-tat tariff war between the United States and China further pushed the agriculture sector into a corner, causing significant losses in exports.

The signing of a partial trade agreement last week, with China promising to resume and expand its purchases of U.S. agricultural products and ethanol, was met with cautious optimism.

As far as Trump's re-election prospects are concerned, the wariness or in some cases bitterness of Iowa farmers may not prove decisive in the state's voting.

"The polls suggest there hasn't been any change -- the president remains very popular among Republican voters in the state," said Christopher Larimer, professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa.

Larimer said he has not seen any evidence that suggests Iowans who voted for Trump in 2016 will abandon him in 2020.

"Voters seem to be so entrenched in their partisan beliefs that even when an issue or policy stance directly affects their economic well-being, it is not enough for a voter to abandon his or her party affiliation."

Dennis J. Goldford, professor of political science at Drake University, noted that 31 of Iowa's 99 counties, most of which are rural, shifted from Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016.

"Democrats need huge turnout in the more urban counties in order to overcome the Republican advantage in the more rural counties," he said.

On the response among local farmers to Trump's policies, Roe pointed out that the rural vote is far from monolithic.

"There's just as many Republican and Democrat farmers, there are both sides of the aisle," he said. "The industry as a whole is a very opportunistic and optimistic group, so we are not going to go away easily. We will put up a battle."

(Corn field in Iowa)

[Getty/Kyodo]
(@FahadShabbir)

Georgian Prime Minister's Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said on Tuesday that there are no problems with security for Russian tourists in Georgia, and Tbilisi would welcome the restoration of direct flights between the two countries

TBILISI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st January, 2020) Georgian Prime Minister's Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said on Tuesday that there are no problems with security for Russian tourists in Georgia, and Tbilisi would welcome the restoration of direct flights between the two countries.

In late November, Russian upper house lawmaker Grigory Karasin said that representatives of Georgia and Russia agreed to continue discussing the issue of resuming direct flights between the countries.

"We have repeatedly said that if a decision is made to resume flights, we will be happy. Certain dates for the start of flights were not announced, but there is an expectation for new information.

Maybe we will find out about this within the Prague format, maybe earlier," Abashidze told reporters.

Abashidze pledged that all Russian tourists are safe in Georgia and there were no cases that could prove it wrong.

"As for the security [of Russian tourists], there are no any problems, this is an artificially created problem. Russia knows that there were no such cases," he added.

Bilateral relations soured in June when people took to the streets in Tbilisi to protest against Russian lawmakers' participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy. As a result, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree suspending direct flights to and from Georgia.
After six seasons as Jared Dunn, the kindest and most haunted man to wear a fleece vest on Silicon Valley, the transcendentally mild-mannered Zach Woods is trading out the tech world for two new comedy projects: one set in space, one set in the Austrian alps, both in the midst of other peoples terrible vacations.

First up is Avenue 5, the new HBO series from Veep creator Armando Ianucci that imagines a not-so-distant future where interstellar cruise ships exist. Woods plays Matt, the obsequious, yet ultimately useless, head of Customer Relations tasked with comforting and tending to passengers when their ship gets knocked off course and their eight-week trip is suddenly extended to three excruciating years. Then theres Downhill, out February 14th, an English-language remake of the Swedish film Force Majeure, in which a family ski trip is turned upside down after the father seemingly abandons his wife and children during a controlled avalanche. (Will Ferrell and Julia Louis Dreyfuss play the leads). Woods is one half of a young, easygoing couple traveling through Europe who meets up with the older, extremely tense pair during this fraught time.

With all this in mind, I asked Woods to tell me about the worst vacation hes been on. He reflected for a moment, then offered up a hilarious and entirely horrifying account of staying at decrepit yurt in New Hampshire as a kid. It was as though somebody had found a giant's dirty underwear and put a frame underneath it, he told me, cheerful as if he were recalling his most beloved childhood memory. And there were so many spiders. I can't even tell you. It felt like this filthy spider sanctuary.

Beyond the spider nightmare, Woods also talked about whether or not his Avenue 5 character is a guy who fucks, the very nature of human goodness, and a recent unfortunate incident in Ibiza.

GQ: You were on Silicon Valley for six seasons. How much time did you have time to process that show ending before starting off on Avenue 5?

Story continues

Woods: They actually overlapped. I was flying between L.A. and London and I was in sort of this bizarre crossfade from one into the other. We shot Avenue 5 before we shot the last season of Silicon Valley. It was strange. On Silicon Valley, it seems so improbable that the people were so spectacular and easy to be around. And I kind of gave myself a pep talk before going to London where I was like, don't need this to be the same, don't expect it to be the same because it's not going to.

Also, it was a bigger cast, so I just thought, statistically, there's a high probability that there will be at least two dickheads. Then I got there and nary a dickhead in sight. Everyone was so sweet and nice. I'm kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop because I just feel, what are the chances that I'm on two shows in a row where I feel comfortable?

If, like the people of Avenue 5, you found out that you were stuck in space for three years, how do you think you would take it? What would you do?

I think the sad truth is the first thought I had was eat whatever I want, which is the worst possible thing. Isn't that weird that I should think, oh, I'd just get heavy and enjoy eating whatever? But thats the worst thing you could do on a ship with limited resources. That's a terrible idea. So I guess Id be bad at this. Start a benevolent cult. Or join a benevolent cult, more likely. I'm not saying I'd be the leader of the cult. Like, who am I? What an arrogant thing to say. I'd probably be one of the cult members. I'd be the treasurer of the cult.

Alex Bailey / Courtesy of HBO

With Jareds character on Silicon Valley, the story of his past would come out through these offhand remarks that would be super dark. We get the same sort of reveals with Matt, but he seems to be kind of a fuckup. What else can you tell us about him and his backstory?

Matt is a friendly nihilist. Hes someone who doesn't really believe in anything except don't be an asshole, be nice to people. I think it's like, if we all have to sort of hurdle through an infinite void together without any kind of meaning or purpose, we may as well not be a dick. And there's something I find relatable about that, especially as cultural conversations and political conversations are so polarized.

Even though I have my own strong convictions, I do sometimes feel like the thing I want more than anything is just someone to talk in a way that's kind. I feel so much fatigue from how caustic everything is. I think Matt, in some weird way, reflects that feeling where it's like look, I don't give a shit about anything. All I care about is, let's be friendly. And I think also because he's a nihilist, he's bad at making people feel good. I think he actually wants people to feel good, but his worldview is so askew that when he tries to be comforting, he just makes things much, much worse. I think he has really good intentions and really horrible execution.

And what made you want to take this role on next?

Well, sort of what I was saying about feeling that this is someone who wants to be nice to people and doesn't really care about the things most people care about. His only value is try to be nice and enjoy the ride. Theres that scene in Toy Story 3 where they're all about to go into the incinerator. Do you know what I'm talking about?

I dont! Ive only seen the first one.

Well, spoiler, but there's this great crazy scene where the toys are all stuck in this trash incinerator and there's this fire at the bottom and this hell mouth and the toys are all starting to very slowly be pushed towards this hell mouth. And they struggle for a bit and then they really can't make any headway and they realize we're going to burn and they all stop struggling and they join hands. They take each other's hands and they put their heads on each other and they all just wait together for annihilation.

And I always found that scene to be so moving. And I think in a weird way, Matt reminded me of that. Even though you could describe him as a fuckup and he definitely doesn't actually successfully comfort people, but I think he's someone for whom the idea is, We're all going to go into the fire, so let's try to connect. And I thought that that was, in a strange sort of a way, a cool life philosophy.

Totally. You worked with Armando Iannucci on In The Loop, then again on Veep, and now on Avenue 5. What are some of your favorite things about working with him?

I think he is incredibly smart, incredibly specific, and so confident in his convictions. He trusts his own instincts and tastes in a way that I think is really unique. Also his patience. There was a really interesting moment where we were rehearsing something and it wasn't quite feeling right and there was a room full of people waiting. So Armando stopped the rehearsal and we just sat there and Armando just quietly thought for a while and no one really said anything.

To have the confidence to not need to immediately and constantly know the answerI think that's real confidence and Armando has that. He'll just sit and wait and think, as opposed to feeling the sort of pressure of 30 pairs of eyes on him in the rehearsal room and thinking like, Oh, I have to just bullshit or come up with something. He will just stay in himself and the answer will reveal itself to him because he's great at what he does.

I just saw Downhill this morning, and something Ive discussed a lot since first seeing Force Majeure is whether or not the dad did something wrong. Where do you land on that?

I think that one of the charms and horrors of being in a relationship is it reveals you. It reveals parts of you that are more beautiful and worthy of love than you would ever have thought. And it reveals parts of you that are more grotesque and disappointing than you would have hoped. Over the course of a life togetherhopefully it's not an avalanche, but people probably have these moments where the version of you that shows up is a really regrettable version.

Obviously fleeing your family in an avalanche is horrific. But I guess, I don't believe in good guys and bad guys. I was having a conversation with somebody about this recently and I was like, Do you think you're a good person? Most of the people I know, theyre are lovable people. Are they good people? I don't know. It sort of depends on how you look at it. On the one hand, they might be a great mom and volunteer in their community, but also maybe they're wearing clothes that were made by slaves in Indonesia and dont donate enough of their money to charity. This is a long rambling answer, but I don't know how to do the calculus to assess whether someone's good or bad. I think usually our lives are composed of a collection of transcendently beautiful moments; really horrifying, disappointing moments; and then probably most of life is somewhere in between those two poles. So I think in that first movie, the fatheryeah I guess I do think he did something wrong. [Laughs] He definitely did something wrong. Okay, I finally had a coherent thing to say: I don't think we are our worst moments. I don't think we are our worst act.

Courtesy of Fox Searchlight

I really didn't think this is where the interview was going to go, but where did you end up in that conversation? Do you think you're a good person?

I don't think I'm a bad person. I'm just kind of think Im a person. I don't think I'm evil. I don't think I'm actively trying to hurt people. But I also feel like there's lots of ways in which I fall short of my own values, let alone, someone on the outside could probably find a zillion more ways in which I'm remiss.

Sure.

How do you deal with the parts of yourself that are so far from who you wish you were? I think there's something really interesting about that. And how do you deal with the parts of your loved ones that are so far from who you wish they were or who they wish they were? Does that make sense?

Yeah. Were all constantly disappointing each other.

And surprising each other and delighting each other. I don't think it's just the one thing. I think it's a mix. I don't think most people who watch the movie have been through an avalanche, but most people who go to this movie have probably had that experience of feeling like, Oh God, I really didn't live up to the person who I love or the people I love.

"Just seeing this parade of hot Spaniards while I tried to basically disappear into the sand."

Between Downhill and Avenue 5, there's a broader theme in your current projects of people being on really bad vacations. Could you share the worst vacation you've ever been on?

When I was a kid, my parents took us up to this yurt, which is like a tent. It's a permanent tent and it was in New Hampshire. It was white, but dirty. It was as though somebody had found a giant's dirty underwear and put a frame underneath it. And there were so many spiders. I can't even tell you. It felt like this filthy spider sanctuary and I'm frightened of spiders and I don't do well in nature. I feel claustrophobic when I'm in beautiful serene environments. Give me a city any day. I'm trying to remember if anything particularly horrible happened there. I don't know. I just went to Spain and I got 60 mosquito bites on my face and neck.

Oh?

It was like they gravitated towards the most visible parts of me and I just looked like this pox-ridden  it looked like I was someone dying in a medieval painting. I looked like I had like an old world death disease from these mosquitoes. It was in Ibiza. We mostly were on this peaceful part where there weren't a lot of clubs and stuff, but then when we were driving back to the airport we stopped at this beach where they had a parade of hot  like, hot people.

It was all these people who were, I guess they were promoting a club, and they were holding up these signs. They all had this sun-kissed skin and these beautiful bodies and this perfect hair and these gorgeous eyes. And they're walking in a train down the beach. And I was there with my bug-swollen face, wearing a sweater wrapped around my head because I'd forgotten my sunscreen and I've never felt like such an urchin before. Such a creature. Just seeing this parade of hot Spaniards while I tried to basically disappear into the sand.

I apologize for my forthcoming question, but one recurring joke about Jared throughout Silicon Valley was that he was a guy who fucks. Is Matt too?

Yeah, I think so. I think he's the kind of guy who is omnisexual. I feel he would have sex with a sculpture or a very old man or a robot. I feel like he's just DTF in the most profound way. I think his nihilism probably extends to his sexuality and he welcomes all comers, no pun intended.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Diplo Is Workin' 5 to 9

He survived the EDM boom, has courted countless controversies, and against long odds, somehow reinvented himself as a perfect (and hilarious) celebrity for the Instagram age. Gabriella Paiella goes deep inside the relentless, globe-trotting, and often shirtless world of the one and only Diplo.

Originally Appeared on GQ
Three FIRs were registered by Lucknow Police on Tuesday (January 21) against the women protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at city's iconic clock tower (Ghanta Ghar).

Two daughters of well-known poet Munawwar Rana - Sumaiya Rana and Fauzia Rana - and over 100 unidentified women were booked by Lucknow police for violating Section 144, instigating people and using assault or criminal force to deter public servant. The Lucknow Police filed the FIRs just hours before the arrival of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Lucknow to address a rally in support of the CAA on Tuesday.

The protest at clock tower started on Friday (January 17) and is still continuing with the number of women increasing with each passing day despite the freezing winter in the city. It is learnt that child rights commission is also keeping a close eye on the protest amid reports of the participation of children in the protest.

There were several reports of children being present in the protest and that women were bringing along their kids to the protest. Many reports also suggested that children were made to chant slogans against CAA and NRC, which is a violation of Juvenile Justice Act, member of the child rights commission, Shuchita Chaturvedi, said.

Live TV

On Saturday evening (January 18), Lucknow police had confiscated food items and blankets from the protesting women at clock tower but the women refused to leave from the place and continued with their round-the-clock without blankets and mattresses. The women can be seen protesting against the CAA holding the tricolour flags in their hands. Condemning the police action, the women protesters, most of them elderly, had said that police behaved like 'thieves'.

For its part, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone) Vikas Tripathi had justified the police's action saying the cops did not take away the belongings from the protesters and claimed that they only stopped them from setting up tents at the spot.
Thailand and southern BRN rebels have held direct talks in Kuala Lumpur for the first time in years, officials said Tuesday, expressing confidence the meeting set the stage for negotiations to end a decades-long conflict that has killed thousands.

A delegation from Bangkok, headed by chief Thai negotiator Gen. Wanlop Rugsanaoh, met with a team representing the Barisan Revolusi Nasional insurgents during talks on Monday facilitated by Malaysia, the two sides said.

This meeting reaffirmed our endeavor and intention to seek peaceful solutions to the problems in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, according to a statement issued by Thailands so-called Secretariat for Peace Dialogue.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to meet and get to know each other and also acknowledge a working framework which would help ensure the progress and continuity of the dialogue, the Thai side added.

It was the first official bilateral meeting between Thailand and BRNs military wing brokered by Malaysia since late 2013, when a previous effort at negotiating peace in the mainly Muslim and Malay-speaking southern border region appeared to go nowhere.

Mondays meeting took place in the Malaysian capital as Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha visited the region known as the Deep South to promote economic development in the impoverished area.

We hope that an improvement in peoples living standard can help reduce violence, he said during his two-day trip.

Late last year, officials representing Thailand and the BRN held back-channel talks in Berlin that were organized by an international organization, but Malaysia was not consulted about the meeting ahead of time, an official on the Malaysian National Security Council told BenarNews in December.

At this weeks meeting, the BRN delegation was led by Anas Abdulrahman (also known as Hipni Mareh), a former teacher at a religious school in southern Thailands Yala province.

He told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday that the BRN and Thai delegations agreed to a set of commitments on which they could build mutual confidence.

On Feb. 28, 2013, there was a political agreement between BRN and the Thai government. However, due to several issues, which saw the need for confidence building between both sides to be carried out step-by-step, we continued the process through the back channel, he told the press conference organized by Malaysia but where only a handful of news organizations were allowed in.

The result, thank God, is the formation of this [negotiation] today, Anas told reporters.

The Thai military has blamed BRN for carrying on with deadly attacks across the region.

We reached a mutual agreement to resolve the unending conflict that, until now, has caused thousands of deaths and casualties, said Abdul Aziz Jabal, a BRN delegate.

Therefore, both the BRN and Royal Thai government have a mutual understanding to resolve the conflict in Patani through political means, which is through the peace process, he added, using a separatist name for the Deep South.

According to Anas, both the Thai and BRN negotiators agreed during the first round of talks on Monday that they needed to strengthen their commitment to terms of reference, which they had framed before, and that Malaysia would continue to facilitate the process.

MARAs place in new talks unclear

Last month, Wanlop, Thailands new negotiator, said he was determined to involve all rebel groups and factions in efforts to bring about peace to the Deep South.

Since 2015, Thailand has been involved in talks with MARA Patani, a panel representing southern insurgent organizations, but those negotiations achieved no breakthroughs to date and BRNs military wing stayed away from them.

On Tuesday, it was unclear whether BRN had included MARA Patani in the new talks with Thailand, excluded it from direct negotiations with Bangkok, or whether the Thai government was pursuing a second track of negotiations with MARA.

According to a highly placed Malaysian government source who has direct knowledge of the peace process, Mondays dialogue was only an introductory meeting and BRN had informed other participants that they would bring in the other groups to join future negotiations. The source requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

Abu Hafez Al-Hakim, the spokesman for MARA Patani, said it was too early to predict if BRN would pursue negotiations with Thailand separate from MARA or involve other members of the panel in the talks.

If they did not want others to be involved, and Malaysia along with Thailand also agreed on that, then MARA can just sit back and relax, he told BenarNews.

Crisis Group: Peace talks need reboot

BRN panelists spoke to reporters in Kuala Lumpur the same day that the International Crisis Group (ICG), a Brussels-based NGO that specializes in research into conflict resolution, published a study about efforts to bring peace to the Thai Deep South.

The groups report noted how Wanlop had called for direct talks with BRN, which has rejected the existing dialogue.

According to ICG, the dialogue process needs a reboot with BRN involved and prepared to engage constructively.

Bangkok, for its part, should overcome its aversion to international mediation and cease equating decentralization with partition, the group said as it urged Thailand and Malaysia to incorporate external mediation.

More than 7,000 people have been killed in roadside bombings, shootings and other violence across the Deep South  which consists of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces and four districts of Songkhla province  since the separatist insurgency reignited in 2004.

Malaysia, which shares a border with the Deep South, remains a crucial facilitator, ICG said, but Kuala Lumpur is too enmeshed in the conflict for the parties to see it as impartial.

Araya Poejar in Bangkok and Nani Yusof in Washington contributed to this report.
A Canadian woman has spent most of her savings to help Australian wildlife impacted by the devastating bushfires.

Recent university graduate, Kelsey Trimble, left Canada on January 12 for Australia to deliver donations and hand-made goods to organizations tending to injured wildlife.

The 23-year-old announced her plans on Facebook after donating to Animal Rescue Craft Guild and being inspired by their work.

The Animal Rescue Collectives Craft Guild is a public group on Facebook with over 230,000 members who are sewing, knitting and crafting much-needed items for affected animals.

The donations and craft goods Kelsey Trimble trekked to Australia from Canada. Source: Facebook

I recently joined this group and what they are doing for the wildlife in Australia is absolutely amazing. I already contributed through donations, but I also want to bring over some knitted items and/or fabrics for the centres working with these poor babies.

If anyone is interested in making some knits, follow this page and go to the file section to get the guidelines for how to make everything and what fabrics to use, Ms Trimble wrote, saying she would happily bring over any donations and items from Canada.

On January 12, Ms Trimble announced she had made it to Australia and had been able to gather a considerable amount of supplies.

I am so so honoured to be bringing donations from over 20 people in Toronto, Canada, to Australia to help the wildlife during such a terrible time! Ms Trimble said.

It was a team effort from all of us and with three checked humanitarian bags at 50lbs (22kgs) a bag, an impact will be made and animals will be helped.

Ive never seen people come together like this before, absolutely amazing.

Of the knitting goods, Ms Trimble brought over 85 nests, 12 bat wraps, 20 pouches, 69 pouch liners, 52 outer pouches, 22 hanging pouches and 2 beds.

The recent university graduate is seen preparing for her flight to Australia. Source: Facebook

She also travelled with more than $1,200 worth of medical supplies and other donations.

Ms Trimble said she used most of her savings to get to Australia, forking out $1,700 on the plane ticket alone.

She spent another $450 flying from Perth to Sydney, and another $400 on a rental car.

There are so many people in Canada working together to help Australiawe all want to help and are all working together to make that happen from the other side of the world, she told News.com.au.
An investigation is underway after a teen was shot to death in Leeds Monday night.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victim as James Brody Sargent. He was 19 and lived in Moody.

Leeds officers responded just before 10 p.m. to a report of shots fired at a residence on Kings Forest Drive. A neighbor had called to report hearing the gunfire.

When they arrived on the scene, they learned the victim had been taken to the hospital by others who were at the residence at the time of the shooting.

Sargent was driven to Grandview Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 10:42 p.m. Additional details about the shooting werent immediately available, but Leeds Police Chief Jim Atkinson said a 19-year-old suspect is in custody. More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Sargents slaying was one of two over the weekend in Jefferson County. One man was fatally shot and another wounded during an apparent exchange of gunfire Sunday night at an east Birmingham gas station.

Birmingham police Sgt. Rod Mauldin in a video press release said officers responded at 5:25 p.m. to the Shell station at 3901 Pinson Valley Parkway on a report of a person shot. When they arrived on the scene, they found a person suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim was taken to UAB Hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. His condition was not made available.

Mauldin said the preliminary investigation showed there was an altercation at the store and gunfire was exchanged. One of those involved ran into a wooded area, Mauldin said. The police departments K9 unit responded and found a second victim in the wooded area. He was found and pronounced dead on the scene at 7:29 p.m.

The coroners office said the fatality victim was an adult white male. They have a tentative identity but it has not yet been confirmed.
Amid the ongoing standoff between the US and Iran, three rockets hit near the US embassy in high-security Green Zone of Iraqi capital city of Baghdad, security sources said adding that there were no reports of casualties so far.

Sources said that sirens started blaring across the Green Zone after the rockets made impact. It is to be noted that Iran-backed paramilitary groups has been blamed by the US for their alleged involvement in similar attacks in recent months on the Green Zone, but no group has claim responsibility so far.

The tension between the US and Iran touched a new high after the killing of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by a Pentagon-ordered drone attack in Baghdad on January 3.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite al-Quds force was killed when a US drone fired missiles on his convoy at Baghdad airport. Iran retaliated by launching over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq.

Live TV

Iran had claimed that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in the missile attacks, adding that none of the missiles was intercepted. According to a Reuters report, Iranian State TV, citing a senior Revolutionary Guards source, also said that Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures. The report said that US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged" in the missile attacks launched by Iran against the US-led forces in Iraq on January 8.
An Iranian lawmaker announced a 3 million dollar award to "whoever kills Trump", Iranian semi-official News agency reported.

"On behalf of people of Kerman province, we will pay 3 million dollar award in cash to whoever kills Trump," Ahmad Hamzeh told parliamentarians, according to ISNA.

He did not elaborate whether it was a decision made by Iran's clerical rulers to threaten US President Donald Trump.

Kerman is the hometown of Qassem Soleimani, Iran's top commander of the Quds Force who was killed by a U.S. drone on January 3 in Iraq.
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Canonical is deploying a scalable Android-based operating system for mobile and desktop enterprise applications from the cloud.

The company on Tuesday announced its Anbox Cloud containerized workload platform. Anbox Cloud allows apps to be streamed to any operating system or form factor. Its uses include cloud gaming, enterprise workplace applications, software testing and mobile device virtualization.

Anbox Cloud is the first commercially available mobile cloud computing platform, said Galem Kayo, product manager for Ubuntu at Canonical.

The platform is innovative in that it uses Android as a guest OS for mobile application virtualization in the cloud, he told LinuxInsider.

Canonicals cloud technologies underlying Anbox Cloud  LXD, Juju and MaaS (Metal as a Service)  enable scalability and manageability suitable for enterprise use cases, Kayo said.

Canonical services bundled into the Anbox Cloud provide enterprise-grade support like Kernel Livepatch and Extended Security Maintenance, as well as service level agreements, he added.

What Anbox Does

With the rise of 5G and edge computing, enterprises are under pressure to provide a high-performance, high-density compute experience to any and all user devices, according to Canonical. Cloud gaming, enterprise app proliferation, software testing and mobile device virtualization are driving the need for distributed applications from the cloud.

The Anbox Cloud provides the ability to offload compute, storage and energy-intensive applications from x86 and ARM devices to the cloud. It enables end-users to consume advanced workloads by streaming them directly to their devices. Developers can deliver an on-demand application experience through a platform that provides more control over performance and infrastructure costs, with the flexibility to scale based on user demand.

Driven by emerging 5G networks and edge computing, millions of users will benefit from access to ultra-rich, on-demand Android applications on a platform of their choice, said Stephan Fabel, director of product at Canonical. Enterprises are now empowered to deliver high performance, high-density computing to any device remotely, with reduced power consumption and in an economical manner.

Fast-Growing Demand

The demand for Android in the cloud is growing fast. Demand is driven by enterprises and startup innovators aware of emerging technologies like 5G, edge computing, and system containers that make Android a viable option in the cloud, Kayo explained.

The ongoing shift in consumer preferences towards richer and ubiquitous mobile experiences also accelerates demand. Geographically, we see a fast growing demand in China, North America and Europe, he said.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Android is the largest mobile OS (75 percent OS market share, 2.5 billion users, close to 3 million apps). It offers the advantage of a much richer application and developer ecosystem compared to other platforms.

Targeted Adopters

Canonical sees its primary adopters of the Anbox Cloud coming from the ranks of game-streaming companies, enterprises, mobile telco operators and mobile app developers, noted Kayo.

Game-streaming companies will benefit from the high scalability on Anbox Cloud. They are financed mostly through advertising or subscriptions. IAnbox creates an on-demand experience for gamers while providing a protected content distribution channel for game developers.

Game-streaming profit margins can be thin if economies of scale are not reached. Anbox Clouds superior scalability allows game-streaming companies to improve their margins.

Enterprises can leverage Anbox Cloud to accelerate digital transformation. Scalability allows the distribution of mobile applications to any number of devices, avoiding capital expenditures for equipment acquisition and operating expenses for maintenance.

Mobile telco operators can leverage Anbox Cloud to create innovative value-added services that improve the return on investment of new infrastructure. The scalability of Anbox Cloud allows them to serve new digital experiences to millions of customers in their mobile networks.

For mobile app developers, Anbox Cloud makes it possible to test applications at scale in the cloud. These tests can be appended to a CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous deployment) pipeline for automatic execution.

Viable Cloud Platform Option

Android is based on Linux, so a Canonical-backed Android cloud platform might be more secure than the Google alternative, suggested Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

There is a fear, particularly after the Sonos accusation of theft, that Google is stealing intellectual property, and a more secure place to develop than the Google Cloud would likely be appreciated, he told LinuxInsider.

The Anbox announcement is not a huge reach given Androids roots, but it should allow Canonical to pull a larger audience, particularly from those concerned about Googles practices, Enderle said.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

An Android-based cloud platform is very viable, noted Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

Android is and probably will remain the most popular and widely used smartphone OS and platform worldwide. If Canonical can successfully build and differentiate Anbox Cloud, it could do very well, he told LinuxInsider.

Competitive Potential

Google offers a host of Android developer tools that work in conjunction with services for hosting and supporting apps on its Google Cloud Platform, noted King. Given the companys growing focus on business and enterprise services, thats the 800-pound gorilla that Canonical will have to deal with.

Canonical, parent company of Ubuntu Linux, seems to be reaching beyond its Linux OS offerings to expand or create a new chapter in cloud computing, he observed. This looks like a smart move on Canonicals part. The company has established itself pretty well but needs to look beyond its current solution set for future growth.

Canonicals business customer base should offer it a solid set of prospects for Anbox Cloud. Getting those organizations on board will be critically important, King added.

With Anbox Cloud, Canonical is bringing to market a disruptive product that is both powerful and easy to consume, said Jacob Smith, CMO at Packet. As small, low-powered devices inundate our world, offloading applications to nearby cloud servers opens up a huge number of opportunities for efficiency, as well as new experiences.

Multiple Uses

Enterprises can reduce their internal application development costs through a single application used across different form factors and operating systems. Developers also can utilize Anbox Cloud as part of their application development process to emulate thousands of Android devices across different test scenarios and for integration in CI/CD pipelines.

Adopters can host the Anbox Cloud platform in the public cloud for infinite capacity, high reliability and elasticity. They can host it on a private cloud edge infrastructure, where low latency and data privacy are a priority.

Public and private cloud service providers can integrate Anbox Cloud into their offering to enable the delivery of mobile applications in a Platform as a Service or Software as a Service model. Telecommunication providers can create innovative value-added services based on virtualized mobile devices for their 4G, LTE and 5G mobile network customers.

How It Works

Anbox Cloud is built on a range of Canonical technologies and runs Android on the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS kernel. Containerization is provided by secure and isolated LXD system containers.

Android runs in system containers in the cloud. A Web or native client wrapped into a mobile or desktop application sends sensor input to the container.

Graphical output is streamed back to the client via webrtc. Direct access through a Web browser makes it possible to deliver Android applications to any device that can run a browser.

LXD containers are lightweight, resulting in at least twice the container density compared to Android emulation in virtual machines, depending on streaming quality or workload complexity. A higher container density drives scalability up and unit economics down.

MaaS cloud-style provisioning for physical servers is utilized for remote infrastructures. Juju, an automatic service orchestration project launched by Canonical, provides automation tooling for easy deployment, management and reduced operational costs.

Boosts Cloud Gaming

The Anbox Cloud taps into the growing cloud gaming segment. The new cloud platform enables graphics- and memory-intensive mobile games to be scaled to vasts numbers of users while retaining the responsiveness and ultra-low latency demanded by gamers.

It removes the need to download a game locally on a device. It creates an on-demand experience for gamers while providing a protected content distribution channel for game developers.

Anbox Cloud enables enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives by delivering workplace applications directly to employees devices. It ensures data privacy and compliance.

Support and Pricing

The Ubuntu Advantage support program included with Anbox Cloud provides continuous support and security updates for up to 10 years.

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Hundreds of students took out a protest march against the amended citizenship act on the Aligarh Muslim University campus here on Tuesday rasing slogans of "CAA se azaadi" and vowing to boycott classes until their demands are met.

The protesters including girls and schoolchildren, belonging to the schools within the campus, began their march from the Purani Chungi and culminated it at the Babey Sir Syed gate of the university.

They also raised slogans in support of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh protesters and the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

"Shaheen Bagh Zindabad (Long live Shaheen Bagh)" and "JNU tum sangharsh Karo hum tumahre saath hain (keep fighting JNU, we are with you)" rent the air along with the chants of "CAA se azaadi" (freedom from CAA) and "BJP se azaadi" (freedom from BJP).

The university was closed early for winter vacations from December 16, a day after students clashed with police during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on campus. It was to reopen on January 6 but the vacation was extended owing to persisting tension over the changes in the citizenship law.

It is reopening in phases from Monday.

But after the university reopened on January 13, agitation against the law has been going on and students have devised innovative ways to protest peacefully.

"Our protests are peaceful and we will continue to boycott classes and exams till our demands are met," former president of AMU students union, Faizul Hasan, told newspersons.

The students have constructed a dummy "detention centre" -- made of cardboard and wood plank -- on the dharna site to underline the concerns and fears of some section of the populace on the CAA and NRC, he said.

The protesting students have written slogans on the walls near the protest site.

"When oppression becomes a law, resistance becomes a duty," reads one of the slogans.

"Shah and Modi are not India, the BJP is not parliament," reads another.

The AMU authorities had on Monday announced a revised examination schedule from January 27 including for those in the Unani medicine and engineering courses.

However, students have announced that they will not relent, Hasan said.

Girls at the Abdullah College had on Monday taken taken out a separate protest march, demanding action against policemen involved in December 15 crackdown on students protesting on the campus.

They also demanded resignation of top university officials including vice chancellor, registrar and the proctor.

Meanwhile, police have booked 60 unidentified women for attempting to take out a procession in Dodhpur locality on Friday against CAA.

Circle officer Anil Samania said they have been booked under section 188 for violating prohibitory orders. He said it was a preventive step to stop possible breach of peace.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a December 2019 letter to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos, six non-governmental organizations from the Adirondacks and Catskills announced their firm opposition to any future merger of the DEC Forest Rangers with the DEC Environmental Conservation Officers.

Each time the issue has arisen, a diverse coalition has made the case why such a move would trigger a firestorm of protest and prove a disaster for the States public lands and the outdoor recreating public, the letter states. We continue to feel this way  and felt it was timely to write to you as we have to prior commissioners. Signing the letter (See Letter to Basil Seggos) were the Adirondack Council, Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve, Catskill Center, Catskill Mountainkeeper and Protect the Adirondacks!

The letter was prompted, in part, by Governor Cuomos December order, explained in the name of efficiency, to merge the smaller State Park Police into the much larger NYS Police. The groups wanted their views to be known in case the Cuomo Administration also planned, now or in the future, to merge the smaller NYS DEC Forest Ranger division with the larger Environmental Conservation Officer division. Such a merger was discussed in the first year of the Cuomo administration in 2011, prompting a similar letter of concern then.

The letter states that DEC Forest Ranger tasks and training are crucial to the publics protection on Forest Preserve and other public lands and that, in addition, Forest Rangers play an essential role as educators about State Land to a public that is highly technology oriented and often lacking in awareness of their safety, hygiene and broader impacts on trails, lakes, streams, rivers and mountain summits.

Forest Rangers are known for their local knowledge, competence and ability to rapidly assemble teams to perform search and rescue, fire control and emergency incident response. The hiking, camping and paddling public has come to rely on Forest Rangers as being approachable, communicative, informative, educational and prepared in an emergency, the letter continues.

We deeply respect the critical, complementary role that ECOs performHowever, we point out that their ECO training, recruitment, supervision and knowledge are not suited to the challenges you and the Governor face every month on our public lands and watersWe are, therefore, united in our support for the Division of Forest Rangers and in firm opposition to any plans, whether nor or in the future, to merge divisions with the DEC Office of Public Protection (OPP).

The organizations are also supporting an increase in the number of DEC Forest Rangers in the 2020 state budget in order to safeguard users of public lands and protect the lands and natural resources. There are just 134 Forest Rangers and supervisors for all of New Yorks public lands and waters, including the 3 million acres of Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, a million acres of State Forests and other public lands, and nearly one million acres of land under state conservation easement. This is approximately the same number of Forest Rangers that patrolled a smaller public land acreage in 1970.

Photo of Forest Rangers lead search and rescue courtesy DEC.
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy through its charitable foundation today awarded grants to more than 200 nonprofit organizations in 13 states to help feed, house, and care for people in need. Totaling $1.6 million, the grants will support essential human services. This is the fifth year the company has awarded more than $1 million to meet critical community needs.

"We are pleased to support our nonprofit partners as they work to make positive impacts in our communities," said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. "These grants are intended to support the most basic needsfood, shelter and medical care for our neighbors in need."

Applications were open to eligible organizations in targeted areas of Connecticut, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and other areas within Dominion Energy's footprint. A few examples of this year's grant-winning recipients include:

Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center ( Cleveland, Ohio ) to offer support services, including access to health care, shelter and food to clients who are deaf.





( ) to offer support services, including access to health care, shelter and food to clients who are deaf. Community Kitchen ( Bennettsville, S.C. ) to serve nutritious lunches, 52 weeks a year, every Monday through Friday, to those less fortunate in the community.





( ) to serve nutritious lunches, 52 weeks a year, every Monday through Friday, to those less fortunate in the community. Community Nursing Services ( Salt Lake City, Utah ) to vaccinate uninsured or underinsured Utahans.





( ) to vaccinate uninsured or underinsured Utahans. Food for Thought ( Kitty Hawk, N.C. ) to distribute healthy meals for needy Dare County students.





( ) to distribute healthy meals for needy students. Homeless No More ( Columbia, S.C. ) for wraparound services for children living at their Family Emergency Shelter and St. Lawrence Place's transitional housing program.





( ) for wraparound services for children living at their Family Emergency Shelter and St. Lawrence Place's transitional housing program. Neighborhood Health ( Alexandria, Va. ) to offer dental care to uninsured Alexandria City Public School students through the "WOW Bus," a mobile dental unit that visits the schools for onsite exams and care.





( ) to offer dental care to uninsured Alexandria City Public School students through the "WOW Bus," a mobile dental unit that visits the schools for onsite exams and care. Rx Drug Access Partnership ( Richmond, Va. ) to provide essential medication to uninsured Virginians living at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.





( ) to provide essential medication to uninsured Virginians living at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. Thames Valley Council for Community Action ( New London County, Conn. ) to provide seniors with nutritious meals served daily at local senior centers or deliver to seniors who are homebound.

For more on charitable giving programs, visit Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

Nearly 7.5 million customers in 18 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed $48 million in 2019 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

SOURCE Dominion Energy

Related Links

http://www.dominionenergy.com


SOUTH HADLEY  Town Administrator Michael Sullivan informed the Selectboard last week that his staff and school administrators recently met and are working on ways to adequately fund the towns School Department.

He said the parties are seeking to find a workable solution to some of the challenges which face the South Hadley School Department in respect to the tough decisions ahead in a memo to the board dated Jan. 17, stating: we are all trying to make this work.

Sullivan said interim school superintendent Diana Bonneville attended the meeting and was candid about the financial challenges.

I appreciate Dr. Bonnevilles openness and honesty about what the schools are facing and I can honestly say if there was more money to afford the schools in a responsible way without impacting other services I would be recommending we do so without hesitation, he wrote.

Bonneville was named interim superintendent after the abrupt resignation of Superintendent Nick Young in November.

Sullivan also told the Selectboard efforts are underway to address what to do about Owner Unknown parcels and Land of Low Value properties in town.

This initiative includes the planning and assessors departments and the municipal tax collector/treasurers office, he said.

Lands of low value are parcels of land which are scattered about the town which at one point in time were owned by someone or some entity, he wrote.

The goal is to identify properties which could be returned to the tax rolls, and those adjacent to conservation lands that could fortify those protected lands  and how to accomplish that in an economical manner.

They all owe taxes but their worth and outstanding tax debt is often greater than any value we may receive at the end of the process of acquiring, Sullivan said.
Let those who came up with the slaughterhouse slaughter law come, show the slaughterhouses, show their conditions, let them come, see if there are all the conditions. The livestock farmers, who are protesting at the Mrgashat village section near the Armavir-Yerevan highway, announced this today. They are protesting against a provision of the law that makes it obligatory to slaughter livestock only in slaughterhouses.

Artur Ayvazyan, the head of the Department of Nature Protection and Agriculture at the Armavir Regional Administration, had come to meeting with these protesters.

The livestock farmers continued to insist that they did not need slaughterhouses.

Today the livestock farmers had closed the highway in Ararat Province, too, but later they reopened it, provided that there would be a discussion on the matter at the regional administration tonight.

As reported earlier, these livestock farmers dissatisfaction is related to the long distance from their settlements to the slaughterhouses and the prices the latter offer for slaughtering the animals. They argue that making the slaughtering of their animals in slaughterhouses mandatory deprives them of their income. They have been protesting in front of the government building for the last few days demanding a meeting with the prime minister. Their rally yesterday was accompanied by the closing of some streets.

The government's decision, according to which meat sold in Armenia must have a document certifying that it was slaughtered in a slaughterhousewhich is a food safety guarantee, came into force on January 15.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes on Tuesday directed Sagar district police in Madhya Pradesh to submit a report within a week in connection with the setting ablaze of a Dalit youth on January 14.

Dhanprasad Ahirwar (24) was doused with kerosene in Dharmshri Colony, some 170 kilometres from here, over a dispute allegedly by a group of 15-20 men, five of whom were arrested later.

"I have directed the Sagar Superintendent of Police to submit action taken report within a week," National Commission for Scheduled Castes Vice Chairman L Murugan said after meeting Ahirwar who is undergoing treatment at Hamidia Hospital here.

He also said authorities here have been told to shift Ahirwar to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi for further treatment.

The NCSC vice chairman said Ahirwar will get Rs 4 lakh as assistance under the SC/ST Act and demanded that he be given additional relief from the chief minister's fund.

Murugan said Ahirwar's kin had told him the accused had assaulted him a week before this incident but the police, at the time, had failed to take action.

He said only five persons have been held while Ahirwar's kin have claimed a mob of 15-20 people set him ablaze.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"You've got groups all over the country that legally can do what they want. And I would be very happy to say and to urge an end to all that if other candidates do the same. So I am not in favor of these things," Sanders said in an hour-long interview on New Hampshire Public Radio. "That is the way it is."
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 14:52 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206059a43 1 Business labor-union,KSPI,omnibus-bill,omnibus-law,job-creation,labor-law,house-of-representatives,protest Free

Labor unions voiced their persistence in rejecting the governments omnibus bill on job creation as they staged another protest in front of the House of Representatives building complex in Jakarta on Monday.

We will continue to protest [the bill], Indonesian Worker Union Confederation (KSPI) president Said Iqbal said during the march. We will also take legal action by filing a judicial review with the Constitutional Court and a civil lawsuit with the Central Jakarta District Court.

Thousands were seen at the protest on Monday. They voiced their opposition to the bill, saying it would reduce severance payments, enforce hourly pay to replace the minimum wage, ease foreign and outsourced worker employment and eliminate sanctions against companies that fail to provide health insurance. The government has since clarified that the bill will not eliminate the minimum wage regulation but without shedding further light on the rumors.

The bill on job creation is seen as essential for the government in its efforts to attract foreign investment to help boost economic growth. If passed, the omnibus law will amend around 1,200 articles in more than 80 prevailing laws, including the Labor Law, which have been blamed for hampering investment in the country.

Previously, hundreds of people from several unions also marched to the House complex on Jan. 13 after about 100 people staged a protest on the streets of Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta.

The Houses Commission IX overseeing healthcare and manpower met with a KSPI representative on Monday and said it would wait for the bill's draft to determine its stance.

Several commission members, however, have openly rejected the bill. They include commission vice chairman and Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Ansory Siregar, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Ribka Ciptaning Proletariyati, National Mandate Party (PAN) politician Saleh Partaonan Daulay and PKS politician Netty Prasetiyani. Gerindra Party politician Obon Tabroni suggested that the House only rejected revisions related to labor regulation.

Commission IX will always support workers and I personally reject the bill, Ansory told reporters after the meeting. (mfp)
Over 20,000 people who disappeared during Sri Lankas bloody civil war are dead, the countrys president has admitted for the first time.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa said death certificates would soon be issued, according to a statement from his office on Monday.

Sri Lanka's civil war, which lasted for 26 years, killed an estimated 100,000 people and left about 20,000 people, mostly Tamils, missing.

Most of them had been taken by the LTTE (Tamil Tiger rebels) or forcefully conscripted. The families of the missing attest to it, the statement said.

However they do not know what has become of them and so claim them to be missing.

Mr Rajapaksa made his decision during a meeting with the United Nations resident coordinator in Colombo last week, the statement added.

Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Show all 15 1 /15 Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Sahira 34, her husband Ahm 38 and their 4 children at the foot of their plot. Their two room home is not big enough to raise a family. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Sahira 34, resident of Muththunagar resorts to to collecting mussels for 12 hours a day which she sells on the market for 2.50 which barely feeds her family of six. The work is exhausting and dangerous. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis One of many buildings destroyed in Muttur during Sri Lankas 26 year civil war. Typically doors, windows and roofs were removed by soldiers on both sides to construct bunkers. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Sajeeda 23, single mother of two left to raise her children after her husband divorced her to re-marry in a neighbouring town whilst he was looking for work. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Nasmeeya 6, plays on their plot of land which is covered in blend of sand and burnt rice husks which make it black in appearance but helps the nutrients in the soil for growing vegetables. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Abdul Cadar 67, a recipient of a new home under the Muslim Aids Housing scheme after he became to ill to work and provide any income from his family. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Hairunisas family living in Kulumeemakada are all beneficiaries of the Muslim Aid Livelihoods programme designed to provide economic empowerment to rebuild their lives. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Farshana 46, works the tides collecting mussels to provide for her family. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Rafeek 55, is too tired to hold a conversation with me. He suffers from a deteriorating medical condition which he cannot afford to treat. Rafeek and his family had not eaten for 3 days. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Hairunisa 35, a widower, enrolled in the Muslim Aid Livelihoods programme now supports her mother and her children working from home buying fabric and making garments for local villagers in Kulumeemakada. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Hairunisa 35, working from home on her newly purchased industrial sewing machine making garments which she sells and carrys out alterations. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Amir Khan 80, living alone whilst his wife receives treatment and remains in hospital. He grows his own vegetables on his plot and has a few chickens which yields enough for him to live off. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Asmya 13, lives with her family in Shafi Nagar, Muttur. Her and the rest of her family have not eaten for 3 days as they have no money to buy food. They wait patiently for handouts from villagers. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Abdul 50, The 'Tailor of Mutur. Wanted to provide a better education for his children so he received a micro finance loan to buy an industrial sewing machine and some fabric. With his loan repaid in full he has now increased his monthly income from 75 to 225. As his business expands he looks to create 6 new jobs. Paddy Dowling Sri Lankas humanitarian crisis Younis 56, a widower lives alone as her home was too small to accommodate her children and their families. She sells watermelon for 12 hours a day by the roadside in the relentless sun to earn herself 2 p/day. She dreams of having her own business wholesaling fabric. Pictures by Paddy Dowling

Relatives have been demanding to know for years the whereabouts of the missing, with hundreds attending rallies to pressure the government.

The war, which pitted the majority Buddhist Sinhalese-dominated government against the Tamil Tigers, ended in 2009 with the defeat of the rebels, who had been fighting for an independent state for the countrys ethnic minority.

Scores of fighters went missing in action, while others were abducted by security forces and government paramilitaries, as well as the Tamil Tigers.

Relatives say they handed over hundreds of their family members after government forces asked those with any remote links to the rebels to surrender as they faced defeat in 2009.

They say they are not heard from after being taken away by the military in buses.

An Office on Missing Persons set up in 2015 has been investigating 23,586 cases, including those of 5,000 security forces.

A law enacted in 2016 mandated that an interim report be given to the relatives if there is sufficient evidence the relevant person is missing. At the end of an investigation a final report will be given to enable the relatives to obtain a Certificate of Absence or a Death Certificate as per the outcome.

It was unclear how Mr Rajapaksas government came to the conclusion all the missing persons were dead. Mr Rajapaksa served as a top defence official during the war.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
Pennridge to vote on one textbook; further review on other one
Despite the US-Iran escalation, there seem to be more opportunities for engagement in the Gulf than a year ago.

The death of Omans ruler of nearly 50 years, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, on January 10, came days after soaring tensions in the Gulf nearly triggered another conflict in a region that has seen three major wars and countless other flare-ups in the last 40 years.

The fact that messages passed through Swiss diplomats in Tehran played a part in pulling the United States and Iran back from the brink of war highlighted once more the importance of backchannels and trusted intermediaries in de-escalating regional flashpoints.

Oman under Sultan Qaboos carved a niche as a facilitator able to convey messages and host discreet meetings between adversaries reluctant or unable to communicate directly or publicly with one another. As Oman transitions to the leadership of Sultan Haitham, observers of Gulf geopolitics will watch closely to see if or how the Omani approach to regional affairs may evolve.

Oman is often, but wrongly, described as a mediator, especially in international media accounts of the efforts Omani officials have made to encourage dialogue between regional adversaries. In fact, Oman does not engage in mediation (as, for example, Kuwait and Qatar have done) that involves direct participation in negotiations between disputant parties.

Instead, the Omanis acted as a facilitator of connections and did not play a role in any negotiations that their facilitation made possible. A concise description of this process at work was given by veteran US diplomat William Burns, in his 2019 memoir, The Back Channel.

As deputy secretary of state between 2011 and 2014, Burns was involved in the secret US-Iran talks in Oman preceding the subsequent P5+1 negotiation which culminated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. He recalled that the Omanis, clustered around the head of the table, offered a few brief words of welcome and then departed.

The JCPOA was, at the time, the most successful outcome of a diplomatic initiative the Omanis had facilitated, although it has since been all but destroyed by a Trump White House, bent on rolling back the signature foreign policy achievement of its predecessor Obama administration.

Since 2015, Omani officials have engaged also in attempts to create a channel of communication between Houthi and Saudi representatives. The latest talks, which began in September 2019, have focused on issues such as ending Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, reopening Yemens main international airport in Sanaa, and creating a buffer zone along areas of the Yemen-Saudi border under Houthi control.

They were not intended to bypass the UN-brokered December 2018 Stockholm Agreement, which sought to lay the groundwork for an eventual peace agreement between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, but rather tackle issues specific to two of the warring protagonists.

Much of the painstaking work involved in facilitating such connections was performed by Yusuf bin Alawi, Omans minister-responsible-for-foreign-affairs since 1997, and his team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Muscat.

A member of the Dhofar Liberation Front in the 1960s, bin Alawi was recruited for the foreign ministry by Sultan Qaboos through an initiative for rehabilitation of dissidents that was part of his successful nation-building programme.

Assuming the 74-year-old bin Alawi remains in his post under Sultan Haitham  who also served 16 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including eight as its secretary-general between 1994 and 2002  it may be expected that the Omani approach to regional affairs remains largely unchanged both in personnel and in experience.

In his opening remarks as sultan, Haitham bin Tariq affirmed that Omani foreign policy would continue to be based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourly behaviour with all states.

The Omani succession coincides with the aftermath of the spike in US-Iran tension that so nearly generated renewed conflict in the final days of Sultan Qaboos life. Dialogue and diplomacy are more urgently needed than ever to de-escalate tensions in the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf.

High-level contacts have already intensified as Qatars Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani travelled to Tehran on January 12 to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani while Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was among the first foreign dignitaries to meet with Sultan Haitham in Muscat on January 12.

Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs bin Alawi had earlier participated in the Tehran Dialogue Forum on January 7, just as Zarif had done at the Doha Forum in Qatar on December 15, 2019. Such meetings provide opportunities to keep open the indirect channels of communication between Iran and the US to prevent or at least minimise the risk of a misunderstanding or a miscalculation that could inadvertently act as a trigger for conflict.

What is missing, at this stage, is any indication that the flurry of high-level meetings may move beyond a short-term focus on de-escalation to consider longer-term measures that could fundamentally improve political and security arrangements in the region.

Diplomacy with Iran that may have been harder to achieve in 2017 or 2018 may be less so in 2020 given the greater readiness of leaders in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to engage in dialogue following the spate of security incidents in 2019.

Mediation could take the form of attempts to reach confidence-building measures that can strengthen frayed ties of trust in the Gulf over such issues as the timely exchange of information, ship-to-ship communication, or cooperation on non-political aspects of security such as environmental or water quality safeguards.

There may now be a window of opportunity to reassess aspects of the zero-sum nature of Gulf geopolitics that contributed to the military quagmire in Yemen, the blockade of Qatar, and the US maximum pressure campaign on Iran.

The lack of a forceful US response to the September 14 attack on Saudi oil infrastructure at Abqaiq and Khurais shocked Arab Gulf governments into reconsidering US security guarantees they had previously taken largely for granted and punctured the assertive self-belief of the ruling circles in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

The expectations for a US withdrawal from the Middle East, even if not matched by the Trump administrations actions, which recently boosted the American military presence on the ground, has opened a space for other external powers, such as Russia, China, and India, none of whom will so consistently take sides in Gulf geopolitics as the US has done since 1979.

Omans new sultan may, therefore, have come to power at a propitious moment when regional and external actors are more ready to engage in dialogue than at any point in the recent past.

Lessons from the Omani approach, such as the pragmatic focus on specific and manageable issues rather than on a grand bargain, should be applied more broadly across the region. Regular high-level contacts between principals could eventually be complemented and strengthened by the convening of working groups and diplomatic meetings to identify mutually acceptable solutions to sensitive issues.

The prospect of greater balance as a result of the steady internationalisation of the Gulf may incentivise regional actors to move away from destructive zero-sum approaches to regional affairs.

Above all, the apparent willingness of Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to partially reach out to adversaries may give Sultan Haitham and other advocates of diplomacy a space to operate in that they would not have enjoyed a year ago.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Claiming Saibaba was first spotted in Dhoopkheda, villagers seek Rs 50 cr funds

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Aurangabad, Jan 20: Amid a row over the actual birthplace of Saibaba, villagers of Dhoopkheda in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district have demanded funds to the tune of Rs 50 crore for development of the place claiming that the 19th Century saint had been first spotted in their village.

Terming Dhoopkheda as Saibaba's "Prakatbhoomi" or the land where he was spotted first, the villagers have now sought parity with Shirdi and Pathri.

While Shirdi in Ahmednagar district has long been associated with Saibaba for being his abode till his death, Pathri in Parbhani district is being claimed by some to be his actual birthplace.

Controversy over birthplace of Saibaba resolved after Uddhav Thackeray hold meeting

On Sunday, a bandh was observed in Shirdi against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's announcement to grant Rs 100 crore for development of facilities at "Sai janmasthan" (birthplace) at Pathri. Shirdi MP Sadashiv Lokhande of the Shiv Sena said on Monday that the controversy over the birthplace of Saibaba has been resolved in the meeting with the CM in Mumbai.

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

Meanwhile, villagers in Dhoopkheda, around 31 km from Aurangabad, on Monday passed a resolution demanding funds for infrastructure development, said village sarpanch Kailas Wagchoure.

"There is no dispute over Dhoopkheda being the 'prakatbhoomi' of Saibaba, as his biography mentions so. Chand Patel who took Saibaba from here to Shirdi belonged to Dhoopkheda. Patel took Saibaba to Shirdi for his sister's marriage.

After that Saibaba never returned here," he said. Waghchoure demanded fund to the tune of Rs 50 crore to construct good roads and develop premises of the Saibaba temple.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday said he had sent out invitations to the Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders to address issues slowing down the rail project.

Amechi, during inspection of work on the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line, expressed sadness at the slow pace of work on some sections.

He said the issue of quality materials raised during his last visit had been addressed, but stressed the need for urgent stakeholders engagement to speed up work.

He said: Not much happened at Abeokuta station.

The worst is from Ebute Meta to Apapa.

That is painful and that will be the focus from now henceforth.

All sorts of excuses.

I have asked to meet with management of NPA on Thursday or Friday to resolve those issues.

Again, the second excuse they have is that their (CCECC) vessels are at the seaport.

They cannot even berth because of the long queue and the crisis of congestion.

So, we will address it with NPA.

Everybody will be at the meeting.

NPA, CCECC and TEAM will all be at the meeting.

TEAM  Technics Engineering Architecture Marketing Nigeria Limited  is a consultant involved in the project.

Amechi said rail tracks were 100 per cent completed on the first contract, which is from Ebute Meta to Ibadan.

The minister said about five to six kilometres tracks on the second contract from Ebute Meta to Apapa Sea Port was not completed.

He said the Lagos section of the project was slow because of gridlock affecting movement of construction materials as well as several utilities in the Right of Way of the project.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who was on the ministers entourage from Lagos to Ibadan, expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved on the project.

Makinde said: For me personally, it is a wake up call for us in Oyo State because the tracks are already here.

We need to brace up to be able to do what we need to do on the state government side so that the handshake can be seamless and the benefits can come to our people immediately,

The governor said that the project would help decongest Lagos and improve tourism and business opportunities in Oyo State using the rail.

Makinde said the state government would also play its part to ensure infrastructure connectivity and security around the rail transport.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Amaechi began the inspection from the ongoing construction of the Ebute Meta train hub before heading to the Apapa Port area.

The inspection team moved back through Ebute Meta to inspect various sections of the project on the Lagos end through Kajola, Itori, Papalanto and Abeokuta in Ogun State and various portions in Ibadan, Oyo State.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: At 25, Congress' Rocky Tuseed is the youngest candidate in the poll fray from Rajendra Nagar assembly constituency and has assets worth Rs 55,000, according to his election affidavit.

His twin brother, Nitish Tushir, is his cover candidate. A cover candidate is fielded to ensure that a political party has a person to contest election in case its official candidate's papers are rejected during scrutiny.

It is an established practice. Tuseed, who filed his nomination on Tuesday, has said he is a social worker, has movable assets worth over Rs 55,000 and does not have a vehicle in his name.

He does not have any pending criminal cases and does not own any immovable assets. He is pitted against Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha and BJP's RP Singh.

Tuseed was president of Delhi University Students' Union in 2017 and had a "bumpy and rocky" tenure.

Tussed was disqualified after he filed his nomination in September 2017 for not disclosing that disciplinary action was taken against him for assaulting a student in his college but his candidature was allowed after the Delhi High Court had put DU's order on hold.

While his plea was pending, he was elected as the president. In 2018, the high court had set aside his election saying he will no longer remain president.

The court had observed that even a charge sheet was filed in the case but later a stay was put on the decision by the same court.

When he became president, he had ended the five-year-drought for the Congress-affiliated National Student's Union of India.
The speech of Ukrainian president is scheduled for January 22

Open source

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will deliver a special address at the World Economic Forum, which takes place in Davos from January 21 to January 24, forums website reports.

The speech of the Ukrainian president is scheduled for January 22.

Besides that, Zelensky planned a number of meetings with the leaders of other states, representatives of business and international financial organizations.

It is expected that 3,000 leaders from 117 countries will come to Davos this year. U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, PM of Italy Giuseppe Conte, Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz.

The main topic of Davos Forum 2020 is stakeholder capitalism.

As we reported earlier, January 23-24, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will pay a working visit to the State of Israel in order to participate in commemorative events at the Holocaust World Forum dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

The program of the visit also includes negotiations with Israels leadership and a meeting with representatives of Israeli business circles.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, announced that the firm filed its opening brief today on behalf of Governor John Carney in The Governor of Delaware vs. Adams, the Supreme Court case regarding political balance in Delaware state courts.

On Friday, December 6, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Carney v. Adams (Governor of Del. v. Adams, 914 F.3d 827 (3d Cir. 2019)), agreeing to review the appeal of a lower court ruling overturning longstanding provisions for a politically balanced judiciary. In his petition for a writ of certiorari filed on September 6, 2019, Governor Carney asked the Court to review and reverse the Third Circuit's decision striking down the constitutional provisions requiring that applicants for Delaware's Supreme, Superior, and Chancery courts be registered Democrats or Republicans, with neither party permitted to hold more than a bare majority.

"The world has long admired the Delaware courts for their stable and fair-minded approach to cases affecting the business community," said Steffen Johnson, Wilson Sonsini partner and chair of the firm's appellate and Supreme Court practice. "That stellar reputation is no accident, and we look forward to convincing the Court that the First Amendment allows Delaware to preserve it by maintaining its bipartisan model for choosing judges."

Among the arguments set forth in the brief is the position that "[F]or as long as the Nation has existed, elected officials have considered party affiliation in appointing government employees, including judges. In the late 1900s, [the Supreme Court] imposed First Amendment limits on this practice as it affects 'low-level public employees,' whose jobs do not involve discretionary governmental authority. But every Justice [on the Court] distinguished 'policymaking' jobs, which naturally involve 'the exercise of discretion concerning issues of public importance'a role that 'certainly describes the bench.' Gregory v. Ashcroft, 501 U.S. 452, 466467 (1991)."

According to the brief, it states: "Because party affiliation is a proxy for how would-be judges might understand their role, it is entirely appropriate for States to use itespecially as a means of ensuring bipartisan decisionmaking, which Delaware has achieved in spades."

The brief also notes: "The fifty States use a variety of methods for choosing judges, including direct partisan elections and unfettered executive appointment, both of which focus on partisan alignment as well as other factors. The attempt to declare partisan affiliation irrelevant cannot be reconciled with the First Amendment, particularly when the Constitution guarantees States the right to structure their own governments and to establish the qualifications for important state officials. That may explain why every other court to consider whether judges are policymaking officials for First Amendment purposes has rejected the Third Circuit's view. And even if the provisions here were subject to strict scrutiny, they are narrowly tailored to Delaware's vital interest in maintaining its nonpartisan judiciarywhich has a preeminent reputation for being objective, maintaining a stable jurisprudence, and achieving consensus across party lines."

The team from Wilson Sonsini representing Governor Carney in the matter includes senior of counsels Michael McConnell and Randy Holland, partner Steffen Johnson, and associate Brian Levy.

"We're pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court has decided to review the lower federal court decision regarding political balance on our state courts," said Governor Carney in a December 6, 2019 statement. "Delaware's judiciary has a longstanding reputation as objective, stable, and nonpartisan. That is largely thanks to the wisdom of those who wrote the Delaware Constitution. They understood the importance of keeping partisan politics out of Delaware's courts, which are widely respected nationwide for their excellence and garner tremendous respect from our citizens and members of our bar. I believe it's more important than ever to protect Delaware's appointment process from the partisan infighting that has come to characterize the federal appointment process. We look forward to presenting our case to the Court."

Wilson Sonsini has a dedicated appellate practice, most recently bolstered by the additions of Steffen Johnson in September 2019 and Professor Michael McConnell, who joined the firm in May 2019. McConnell served for seven years as judge in the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The firm's appellate attorneys have prevailed in high-profile cases involving significant issues of law, particularly in antitrust, consumer fraud, intellectual property, and securities litigation matters. Wilson Sonsini's appellate attorneys have also litigated landmark internet and privacy law cases.

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 50 years, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has offered a broad range of services and legal disciplines focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leader in the fields of corporate governance and finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities litigation, employment law, intellectual property, and antitrust, among many other areas of law. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has offices in Austin; Beijing; Boston; Brussels; Hong Kong; London; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.

SOURCE Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Related Links

https://www.wsgr.com


Kaiser Permanente announced Monday that it plans to donate $5.1 million to finance an initiative to find permanent housing for 300 people who are homeless by the end of 2020.

The Metro 300 project will work with people 50 years old and older who have disabilities. The money will go toward helping them find affordable housing, pay move-in and rental assistance costs and provide other supports to ensure they remain in permanent housing, said Debbie Karman, a Kaiser Permanente Northwest spokesperson.

The project aims to assist 140 people in Multnomah County and 80 each in Clackamas and Washington counties, Karman said. The funds from Kaiser will not be used to build new housing.

The counties will work with hospitals, warming shelters, nursing facilities, recuperative care programs and other providers to help identify people who are eligible for the assistance and also track who is being helped, Karman said. The project is based on a similar initiative in 2019 in Oakland that sought to help 515 homeless people move into permanent housing.

The money will be deposited into the Regional Supportive Housing Impact Fund, a fund overseen by coordinated care organization Health Share of Oregon, Karman said.

Kaiser is among one of a dozen partner organizations associated with the fund, which also includes OHSU, Legacy Health, Providence Health & Services, Central City Concern and Meyer Memorial Trust. Karman said organizers hope the housing fund will grow over time to help more people.

An April 2019 report said the fund would need $17 million to meet a goal of transitioning 600 to 800 people into supportive housing within three years.

Marc Jolin, director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services, told the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners at a Jan. 14 meeting that the county would receive $2.3 million of the Kaiser donation.

Older people with disabilities are among the fastest growing populations of people experiencing homelessness, Jolin told commissioners.

-- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 | @EvertonBailey

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(Alliance News) - Georgian lender TBC Bank Group PLC said Tuesday it has obtained a preliminary banking licence in Uzbekistan.

TBC said this approval is an "essential step" in the process to launch banking operations in the country.

"Obtaining a banking licence is a two-step process, wherein the banks are first granted a preliminary licence after which they are expected to meet certain predefined requirements to receive the final licence," TBC explained.

In mid-December, the lender started point-of-sale financing in the country. TBC began offering customers financing for purchase of consumer products, primarily in the electronics and furniture markets.

In a statement on Tuesday, TBC said: "The Uzbek market is highly attractive, with a population of 33 million growing at around 2.0% per year, increasing market liberalisation and a retail loans to GDP ratio of only 6.0% at the end of 2018."

For the venture, TBC is seeking international financial partners and a domestic partner. TBC hopes to control 51% of the eventual partnership.

"We have already secured interest from the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development and International Finance Corp and have reached an agreement on the main terms with the Uzbek-Oman Investment Co to act as our local partner. The total amount of the initial investment from all the shareholders will be USD40 million," TBC said.

TBC expects to obtain the final licence and start banking operations in summer 2020.

Chief Executive Vakhtang Butskhrikidze said: "This is a very significant milestone and brings us closer to the launch of our banking operations in the Uzbek market. We are very excited about this journey, which is a critical part of our international expansion strategy. I want to take the opportunity to thank the Uzbek authorities for their trust and express deep gratitude to our team working on the Uzbek project for their outstanding effort and diligence."

Shares in TBC Bank were down 0.3% in London on Tuesday afternoon at 1,262.00 pence each.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Meghan Markle faced criticism from social media users after pictures showed her awkwardly handling Archie while walking with her two dogs yesterday.

The Duchess of Sussex looked in good spirits as she strolled through the woods just a couple of miles from the oceanfront home on Canada's Vancouver Island where she has spent most of the past two months.

Some eagle-eyed Twitter users were distracted by baby Archie and claimed the eight-month-old looked a little uncomfortable against his mother's chest in a sporty $180 (154) Ergo 360 Omni Baby Carrier.

However parenting experts have spoken out to defend the Duchess and said Archie appears perfectly safe and well. They noted the right shoulder strap appears to have momentarily slipped down - a moment familiar to busy parents everywhere.

The Duchess of Sussex looked in good spirits as she walked through the woods just a couple of miles from the oceanfront home on Canada's Vancouver Island where she has been living

Holding her two dogs, there was no sign of the drama of Megxit on her smiling face, as she took Archie for a stroll through the woods with Guy the Beagle and their black Labrador

Eagle-eyed Twitter users were less than impressed with how she held her eight-month-old son on her chest in the baby carrier

One online critic said: 'Archie looks uncomfortable - maybe one of Meghan's armed guards could give her a hand with the pup...just say'in.

Another added: 'Please someone show Meghan how a baby carrier is used correctly before poor little Archie drops out.'

Parenting experts claimed such concern is unwarranted and noted Meghan appears very much in control.

Parenting expert Vanessa Christie said: 'It is important for the development of babies hips to have their weight evenly distributed whilst in a baby carrier.

'However, this looks like a moment in time when the strap has slipped off Meghans shoulder and Archies weight has temporarily shifted. Shes smiling broadly at him so Im sure he was okay.'

Casual Monday: The Duchess of Sussex donned $98 Lululemon 'Align' leggings for the outing in Horth Hill Regional Park

Winter look: The former Suits star has been known to wear knit hats from COS and Hat Attack, though it's unclear what brand she was wearing on Monday

Look of love: Archie had on a gray long-sleeve top and matching pants underneath his winter coat. The two-piece set from H&M is made from organic cotton and retails for $24.99

It is thought Meghan is wearing the sporty $180 (154) Ergo 360 Omni Baby Carrier, pictured. The style can be worn in four different ways depending on the age of the baby

Milli Hill, bestselling author of The Positive Birth Book who is appearing at The Baby Show in London next month, said: 'When you are a busy mum, taking two dogs for a walk with a baby strapped to your chest, the straps of your baby carrier might occasionally slip.

'She is doing an absolutely brilliant job and the fact that one strap of her sling has slipped just shows how hard she is working and that she, like all of us, is human.'

The Duchess of Sussex wrapped up for the outing in $98 (88) Lululemon 'Align' leggings, a form-fitting navy zip-up, and a knit beanie.

Meghan topped off her look with the Canadian brand Kamik's $160 (120) 'Sienna' boots, which she was frequently spotted wearing before she moved across the pond to marry Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex jetted into Vancouver overnight to be with his wife and child, after making an appearance at the UK-Africa Investment Summit on Monday.

The Duke of Sussex jetted into Vancouver overnight (pictured arriving) to be with his wife and child, after making an appearance at the UK-Africa Investment Summit on Monday

But he missed his brother William's first solo reception at Buckingham Palace last night where he ushered in a new era for the royals.

It was a stepping stone for William in the long preparation for him becoming king and showcased the royal family's new order post-Harry.

At the summit reception the Duke of Cambridge was supported by his wife Kate, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne as they welcomed 21 African delegations to the Queen's London home.

The Queen and Prince Charles were not in attendance at the reception to mark the UK-Africa Investment Summit.

Prince Harry missed his brother William's first solo reception at Buckingham Palace last night where he ushered in a new era for the royals. Pictured, William with the Duchess of Cambridge
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has commended the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) troops for their gallantry and bravery in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency at the Lake Chad Basin zone .

The governor made the commendation Tuesday in a statement issued by the MNJTF, NDjamena, Chad Republic, Chief Informatiion Officer (CIO), Colonel Timothy Antigha. He said that 10 years of insurgency has claimed many lives and displaced over 30 million people within the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCDC) member countries of Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria.

The CIO added that Zulum's visit was to explore means of collaboration and to coordinate with Chadian authorities in regional stabilization strategy of commission.

According to him, Zulum said that without the commitment and resilience of the troops, the ongoing counter-insurgency and terrorism operations would have been truncated and may have led to destruction of more lives.

The statement said the governor urged them to remain resolute in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to restore peace in the Lake Chad Basin.

Colonel Timothy added that, Zulum prayed for the repose of the fallen heroes whom he said that have paid the supreme price to protect territorial integrity of the nation against foreign aggressors in the region.

The Govenror further expressed his was satisfaction with level of synergy among member countries of joint task force while appealing to them to end Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency.

The statement added that the governor pledged his administrations assistance to quicken the restoration of peace in four-member countries of Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria, saying," Bornos assistance will be the implementation of livelihood projects for Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees in camps and host communities."

Zulum added that besides restoration of livelihoods in region, there would be a follow a up to regional stabilization projects, including border trade and roads network.

In his reamrk, the Force Commander, Major General Ibrahim Yusuf assured the governor that the joint task force will intensify its operations, until Boko Haram insurgency is eradicated from the region.

The Lake Chad Basin will be peaceful again for the good people to resume their normal lives with various socio-economic activities,", Zulum said.
Troops in South Korea represent common interests



The Donald Trump administration's perception of the U.S. troop presence in South Korea, illustrated in the 110-page Trial Memorandum for the Senate's impeachment proceedings, is baffling enough for South Koreans.



It is nasty that Trump is using negotiations with South Korea over how to share the cost of the troop deployment for his own defense in the impeachment trial. What is more awful is that Trump sees the stationing of U.S. troops here as a "form of foreign aid."



Trump may be partly right because American soldiers stationed in South Korea, as a symbol of alliance, represent common strategic interests of both nations. The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has contributed to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and we cannot deny this. However, it is also true that the U.S. has been operating its military bases here to promote its interests in this part of the world. The USFK  like American soldiers stationed in other countries  is part of its global military strategy.



But what is happening since Trump's inauguration in January 2017 to the two countries regarding this particular matter gives the impression that the U.S. is "reluctantly" deploying troops in the South because the latter wants them even through it is too costly for the U.S. Regrettably, we feel that the dominant message from the U.S. in dealing with the USFK cost-sharing issue under Trump has been, "You pay enough for our troops, or we will pull them out."



Trump may be successful in cutting the U.S. burden for operating the USFK with this negotiating tactic during his tenure, but this will certainly transform the ROK-U.S. alliance in a way that damages Washington's long-term interests here.



Few South Koreans will be pleasant about the USFK being regarded as a form of aid.



In the memo to the Senate, Trump's defense cited South Korea's case to defend him from accusations that he used U.S. military aid to Ukraine to pressure it to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden. Maintaining that Trump has often paused, re-evaluated and even canceled "foreign aid" programs, the memo said, for example, that he announced in August 2019 that Washington and Seoul were in talks to increase substantially Seoul's share of the expense of U.S. military support for it. Other examples cited by the Trump side to justify his behavior regarding Ukraine were his decisions to suspend aid to Afghanistan and cut or pause aid to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.



The U.S. has reportedly demanded a five-fold increase of the South's annual payment to $5 billion in the ongoing defense cost negotiations. In a joint column in the Wall Street Journal, published last week, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper described Seoul as a "dependent" on Washington, claiming it should contribute more to its national defense.



What is South Korea for President Trump and his aides? Is it strange for South Korea to question the true meaning of the alliance? One thing now seems clear. Like it or not, we need to redefine the alliance with the U.S.


A local Trinamool Congress leader was found dead near a bridge in West Bengal's Howrah district on Tuesday, police said.

Fifty two-year-old Sheikh Ashadul Rahman, former TMC president of Bainan gram panchayat, was found dead with head injuries near Koriya Boropole bridge under Bagnan police station limits, a police officer said.

Rahman's family said he had gone out of their residence in Khejutty village to pay their electricity bill, he said.

Protesting the incident, TMC supporters blocked Bainan Road for sometime but lifted it after senior district police officers visited the area and assured the agitators that if anyone is found guilty, he or she will be punished, the officer said.

A case has been registered and an investigation is on, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, jointly inaugurated the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani - Biratnagar on Tuesday.

Jogbani - Biratnagar is an important trade point between the two countries. The ICP is equipped with all the modern facilities. The second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani - Biratnagar was built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement across Indo-Nepal border.

Both PM Modi and PM Oli participated through Video Conferencing during which, Modi said, "India has been playing the role of a trusted partner in Nepal's all round development," adding, "Neighbourhood first is the main policy of my government and improving cross border connectivity is an important aspect of it." Stressing on the long legacy Indo-Nepal relations, he remarked, "the issue of better connectivity becomes all the more important if it concerns both the countries, because our relations are not simply of neighbours but because History and Geography have connected us through culture, nature, families, language, development and many more threads".

The Prime Minister said, "My Government is committed to develop better transportation facilities with all the friendly nations and to further develop relations in trade, culture, education etc... India is working on cross connectivity projects Road, Rail and Transmission lines in Nepal." Referring to 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Modi said, "India played the role of first responder in relief and rescue operations and now is standing shoulder to shoulder with our friends in the reconstruction of Nepal".

Out of Government of India's commitment to build 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, 45,000 have already been completed. PM Oli thanked India for its efforts.
by Zachary Hanshew | Hornets Correspondent | Tue, Jan 21st 6:29am EST

PJ Washington provided 19 points (7-12 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and an assist over 35 minutes in the Hornets 106-83 loss to the Magic on Monday.

Fantasy Impact:

Washington led Charlotte's starters in scoring Monday, and he was one of the lone bright spots in an ugly loss. After a rough four-game stretch, the rookie out of Kentucky has been big in his last three, averaging 17.7 points, 7.3 boards, 2.7 assists and 2.0 combined blocks/steals. He remains a startable option in 12-team leagues as one of Charlotte's most dependable playmakers.
Posted on: January 20, 2020 10:53 AM

The work of the Task Group which was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury after the January 2016 Primates Meeting has been commended by the Primates. The Task Group has called for a Season of Repentance, focused around the fifth Sunday in Lent this year (29 March), and has prepared a common Anglican Communion eucharistic liturgy and papers on Anglican identity.

In their communique, released at the end of last weeks Primates Meeting, the Primates explained that the Task Group was established to look at how we might walk together despite the complexities we face.

They added: at this meeting we affirmed our continued commitment to walk together; we received the work of the Task Group and commended it to the other Instruments of Communion  the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council.

They also recommended that a new group be established to continue the work of the Task Group to explore how we live and work together in the light of the Lambeth Conference.

We invite the Churches of the Anglican Communion to set apart the Fifth Sunday of Lent (29 March 2020) as a day to focus on the Prayers of Repentance produced by the Task Group.

Last weeks meeting in Jordan was the third Primates Meeting since Justin Welby became Archbishop of Canterbury. His first, in January 2016, was called in part to address disagreements and division within the Anglican Communion. At that meeting, the Primates agreed to walk together, however painful this is, and despite our differences, as a deep expression of our unity in the body of Christ.

At the next meeting, in October 2017, the Primates reviewed the previous discussion and agreement to walk together, and said: we endorsed this approach, which we will continue with renewed commitment.

In 2018 and 2019 a series of six regional Primates Meetings were held at which the Anglican leaders discussed plans for the Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops, taking place in July and August this year. Those plans formed part of the Primates discussions last week in Jordan.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 21:46:13|Editor: zh

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Photo taken on Jan. 8, 2020 shows an Iranian soldier working at the crash site of the Ukrainian passenger plane in Parand district, southern Tehran, Iran. Iran has asked the French and U.S. accident investigation agencies, the BEA and NTSB respectively, for the equipment to decode the black box of the crashed Ukrainian plane, Press TV reported on Tuesday. On Jan. 8, the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Tehran to Kiev crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all the passengers and crew members on board. (Photo by Ahmad Halabisaz/Xinhua)

TEHRAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran has asked the French and U.S. accident investigation agencies, the BEA and NTSB respectively, for the equipment to decode the black box of the crashed Ukrainian plane, Press TV reported on Tuesday.

On Jan. 8, the Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Tehran to Kiev crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all the passengers and crew members on board.

Later, Iran's armed forces confirmed that an "unintentional" launch of a military missile by the country shot down the Ukrainian airliner.

The latest report by Iran's civil aviation agency noted that two Tor-M1 missiles were fired at the airliner from the north, and how the projectiles contributed to the crash were still under investigation.

The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as black boxes, feature cutting-edge technology and Iran lacks the technical facilities to decode them, according to the report.

"If devices are provided, the information (on the black boxes) can be restored and retrieved in a short period of time," the report said.

Iran's civil aviation agency has requested French and U.S. accident investigation agencies to provide a list of the equipment required to decode the black boxes, and to possibly transfer them to Iran, it said.

However, neither organization has "so far responded positively" to the request, and Iran is considering the purchase of those equipment, it added.

On Sunday, Hassan Rezaeefar, director of incident investigation of Iran's civil aviation agency, said that Iran was trying to decode the black box of the crashed passenger plane before planning to send it to a second country.

"Iran holds the black box of the Ukrainian Boeing 737 passenger plane and has currently no plan to send it out," Rezaeefar was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

"We are trying to read the data of the damaged Ukrainian plane inside Iran. Ukraine and France are our next options (for reading the data), but we have not decided on sending it to a second country yet," he added.

Rezaeefar earlier told IRNA that Iran possesses no technology to download and read the data of the Ukrainian plane's black box since it is "a modern and advanced Boeing passenger plane."
Iffath Fathima By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Know who is going to be the watchdogs for police stations? The strays. And thereby hangs a tail. It was not a stray thought that prompted the Bengaluru South Division launch this new initiative. A brainchild of Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Rohini Katoch Sepat, the police personnel of South Division have now been ordered to feed and look after the strays loitering around police stations so that they can be trained by the police dog squad experts for their new roles. But the strays wont take over the roles of the canines in the dog squads, but will guard police stations and accompany police patrols on night rounds.

The South Division has 17 police stations, and Rohini has asked all the police officials to start taking care of the stray dogs and train them. There are at least about 50-60 dogs in total who are mostly outside the police stations wandering around. Many residents come and feed them and take care of them. Now, we want to do our bit by doing the same.

I have asked my officials to feed the strays and we are also going to give them basic training -- like obeying commands -- so that we can even use them as guard dogs, Rohini told TNIE. The police go on night patrols. They can take these dogs with them, which will drive in a sense of fear among miscreants, she said. Most are puppies and the police have already started giving them basic command training. Commands like sit, stand, stay, jump are being taught and many have already started learning. Slowly, we can go forward with other commands, said Rohini.

Strays are low-maintenance, easier to care for, says DCP

They are getting into good shape, said Rohini, adding, Stray dogs are of low-maintenance and we can easily take care of them unlike the exotic high breed. Some of the dogs we train will even be chosen for the dog squad teams, she said. This apart the DCP has also asked the officials to ensure that the dogs are vaccinated on schedule. We have roped in two veterinary doctors who are carrying out the vaccination process. Some animal rescuers are also visiting the stations and taking care of the dogs, she said, adding that the dogs are fed and sheltered by the police themselves. Shivakumar P, Kumarswamy Layout Police Inspector, said, We have made kennels for them.

Training is also being given to them to behave with the public when they visit police stations. After a while they will be trained by the dog squad teams to identify offenders. When the public sees that police are taking care of stray dogs, they too will come forward to adopt strays. Priya Chetty Rajagopal, animal lover who had started a petition PLEA (Police Lease of Empathy For Animals) ,was delighted with Rohinis effort. I received a message from Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao saying that they have started the initiative and I was very overwhelmed to see that.
ALBANY, N.Y.  Albany County District Attorney David Soares recently announced he is seeking re-election in 2020.

As your District Attorney, I have dedicated my life to prosecuting criminals and protecting victims and fragile communities. While being tough on crime, I have led the fight on smart reform making sure our laws are equal regardless of your economic status, Soares said in a statement.

This hard work has resulted in the reduction of both local jails and state prison populations, proving that you can improve public safety while addressing mass incarceration, Soares added.

Soares was first elected in 2004. Prior to running for Albany District Attorney, he worked in the District Attorneys office after graduating from Albany Law School and Cornell University.

As a recognized expert in the field of criminal justice, he was elected by his peers across the state to be the President of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York.

I am proud of my many accomplishments of protecting communities through enforcing the strictest DWI policies in New York state to disrupting illegal narcotics trafficking pipelines to creating a professional network to fight animal cruelty. Residents of Albany County deserve to live in safe communities, no matter their zip code. From the countryside of the Hilltowns to the urban center of the City of Albany, everyone should feel safe at home, school, and work, Soares remarked on his time in office.

Soares has focused on pursuing and eliminating criminal enterprises, prosecuting sexual predators, protecting senior citizens, and convicting animal abusers.

According to his campaign, Soares has built an unparalleled reputation for reforming the criminal justice system. He has accomplished this by championing the reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws to implementing Raise the Age to ensuring that ones economic status does not determine ones ability for bail.

Soares said some of his successes in smart reform include leading the state on declining to prosecute low-level marijuana cases and continuing the fight for Rockefeller Reform and smarter drug policies. He invested criminal proceeds into youth programming and redirected thousands of defendants through alternatives to incarceration and offered real options for sealing past criminal convictions.

I will never stop fighting to reform a criminal justice system that does not treat every person the same regardless of race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or the size of their bank account. When I see injustice, I will not rest until that is changed, Soares said.

Todays threats to public safety not only come in the form of people with bad intentions; they also come in the form of poorly conceived public safety policies. With current changes in NYS laws, accused violent criminals are being released back into our communities thus making it harder to hold them accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe. This is unacceptable and I will not rest until this injustice is corrected, Soares noted.

In 2020, I will seek the honor of representing the people of Albany County by building on my record of protecting our communities and leading the fight for smart reform, Soares added.
Supervisor Brad Quigley, who has criticized state reimbursements to counties in the past, suggested the county was subsidizing the state service.

Im tired of doing the states job, he said.

The state also came under criticism when the board reviewed Parsons proposed $260,240 spending for the county attorney's office.

Parsons reported his office used a part-time position to collect delinquent court fines and fees and would collect nearly $100,000 this year.

The first year the county created the job, nearly $44,000 was collected. The state claimed $24,000 of the money while Louisa County kept $17,497, or about 39%. Last year, the collections rose to $85,620, but $58,618 went to the state, while the county kept $27,001, or about 31%.

When the state sees something is working, they want a bigger share, Parsons told the board.

He also told the board that state institutions, including the Iowa Supreme Court, had modified the fine system, which was making it more difficult for county attorneys to full recover some of the delinquent costs.
Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital where patients infected with a new strain of Coronavirus identified as the cause of the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak are treated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, 20 January 2020. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

MANILA, Philippines  The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it is monitoring the case of a five-year old boy with a history of travel to Wuhan, China for manifesting flu-like symptoms.

The child, who arrived in Cebu with his mother on January 12, was admitted in a hospital in Central Visayas after he manifested symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever, throat irritation and cough prior to entering the Philippines.

The DOH said the young boy is now in stable condition but still had cough.

Based on samples examined by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), the unnamed child tested negative for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Both diseases are caused by a family of viruses called coronavirus.

But he tested positive for a non-specific pancoronavirus assay, meaning that he is infected with a strain of coronavirus. The sample has been sent to a laboratory in Australia for further testing.

The DOH said the child will remain a person under investigation until they could get confirmatory results.

The Bureau of Quarantine is carrying out tracing of air passengers who may have come in contact with the boy during transit.

We are reminding the airlines that the universal protective kit should be available anytime on board, the passenger locator card, the protocol on handling cases on board and of course reporting of cases on board to the ground crew, Bureau of Quarantine director, Dr. Ferdinand Salcedo said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said novel coronavirus causes respiratory infections which may develop into severe cases such as pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death if left untreated.

Coronavirus, which is a large group of viruses common among animals, may be transmitted through contact with an infected person.

We are not sure of the source of the virus whether it came from animal or meat and other source. We believe that maybe human-to-human transmission, WHO Country Representative Rabindra Abeyasinghe said.

Story continues

The DOH said they are also monitoring three other individuals who manifested flu-like symptoms upon their arrival at the Kalibo International Airport.

The agency said all three travelers, reportedly Chinese nationals, are currently well and are no longer exhibiting any symptoms.

All hospitals and medical facilities in the country have been alerted about cases of coronavirus.

The WHO said there are 222 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus  majority of them are from China while others were from Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

The new strain of coronavirus was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

The DOH advised the public to always practice frequent handwashing, avoid crowded places and contact with infected person and to thoroughly cook food, especially meat and dairy products.  RRD (with details from Correspondent Aiko Miguel)

The post DOH monitors child from Wuhan, China who manifested flu-like symptoms appeared first on UNTV News.
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly left the United Kingdom on January 20 to rejoin his wife Meghan Markle and their eight-month-old son Archie in Canada. Prince Harry left for Canada after attending the summit for leaders of 21 African countries in London hosted by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. According to international media reports, he also had an informal 20-minute meeting with Johnson, however, he did not attend the summit dinner hosted by his brother and sister-in-law, Prince William and Kate Middleton.

A day earlier, the Duke of Sussex also expressed 'great sadness' over him and his wife giving up their royal titles as part of a separation agreement with Queen Elizabeth II and senior members of the royal family. While addressing supporters of his Africa-based charity in London, he said that 'it brings him great sadness' but he saw no other way out other than to give up his royal role in search of a 'more peaceful' life with wife Meghan and baby son Archie. In his speech, he further also said that he hoped to continue serving the queen, the Commonwealth and military associations without public funding, however, that wasn't possible.

READ: Prince Harry At Africa Summit To Meet UK PM

READ: Helena Bonham Carter Wishes Meghan & Prince Harry "Good Luck" After Their Royal Exit

Separation agreement

After more than a week of negotiations, On January 18, Buckingham Palace announced that the couple will no longer use their HRH titles. According to the new agreement, the further have also agreed to repay $3.1 million of taxpayer's money spent on renovating their Frogmore Cottage home near Windsor Castle. The deal, which will be coming into effect in a few weeks also means that the couple will no longer be representing the Queen in an official capacity.

The statement 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. 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. This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020."

READ: Prince Harry Leaves After Charity Dinner

READ: Prince Harry: Powerful Media Is Why Hes Stepping Away
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received the delegation led by Vasilis Maragos, the Head of the Unit responsible for Armenia at the European Commission's Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, who are in Armenia on a working visit. Andrea Viktorin, the Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, was also present at the meeting.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of Mher Grigoryan, greeting the guests and congratulating them on the past holidays, the Deputy PM wished to continue the productive cooperation in the same constructive manner in 2020. The Deputy PM noted with satisfaction that there is progress in all the directions of the bilateral cooperation. He particularly emphasized the successful procedure of putting into force the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Thanking for the reception, Vasilis Maragos assessed the meeting a good opportunity to evaluate the works done and outline the upcoming activities. The EU official highly appreciated the productive cooperation, thanks to which the assistance to Armenia has increased. She noted that the EU is ready to be Armenias reliable partner in the implementation of the projects aimed at the development of Armenia.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
(Bloomberg) -- Want to receive this post in your inbox every day? Sign up for the Balance of Power newsletter, and follow Bloomberg Politics on Twitter and Facebook for more.

Donald Trump has had a lot going on. Impeachment at home, a re-election campaign picking up speed, trade tensions with China, military tensions with Iran, plus bubbling issues in Syria, Libya and Afghanistan.

So its not surprising that, after an end-year bout of mutual mud-slinging, North Korea seems to have slipped down the White Houses priority list. Years of talks, including two summits, havent shown much progress curtailing Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions.

That doesnt mean North Korea cant make trouble for the U.S. president as he moves into high gear for the election. Kim Jong Uns regime might be secretive and isolated, but it doesnt like being ignored. Above all, Kim wants international recognition of North Korea as a nuclear state and a seat at the table with the bigger players.

North Korea has a long history of doing dramatic things to force countries to interact with it or to give it economic concessions.

There are signs it has quietly restarted some mothballed nuclear operations. It has refrained from testing very long-range missiles (that, in theory, could hit the U.S.), but that doesnt mean it wont if it really wants Trumps attention.

There are other clues Pyongyang is ready to shake things up. It has reportedly replaced its foreign minister  whod been in the role since 2016  with Ri Son Gwon, a former army officer. That could suggest a harder line ahead.

Global Headlines

Trumps week | Anticipation is building in Washington ahead of the Senates first impeachment trial in 20 years, even as Democrats and Republicans continue to squabble about aspects of the proceedings. Trump, meanwhile, is heading back to Davos, poised to hail his economic record as vindication of an America First agenda to the worlds elite while lawmakers back home weigh his fate.

Story continues

Hands off | Heres a dynamic to watch for as global elites gather in the Swiss alps at the World Economic Forum this week: Governments are gearing up for a more active role in steering economies through the big challenges of the coming decade, from global warming and inequality to the great-power race for a technological edge. Were past peak laissez-faire in many ways, said Adair Turner, former head of the U.K.s bank regulator and a Davos regular.

Sign up here to receive the Davos Diary, a daily newsletter that will run through Jan. 24. Click here for more on U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnsons decision to skip Davos.

Libya impasse | Libyas eastern military commander, Khalifa Haftar, is a difficult man to deal with, as world leaders found yesterday when they failed to persuade him to sign a peace deal to end a five-year civil war. Hes shut half of the North African nations oil production less than a week after he walked out of talks in Moscow aimed at reaching a durable cease-fire. While the warring parties agreed to set up a committee to negotiate a halt to fighting, progress appears to be fleeting.

Gray Lady | The New York Times endorsed both Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar for the Democratic presidential nomination, saying, May the best woman win. Editorial board members said they were impressed by Warrens emphasis on policy and said Klobuchar, who has struggled to gain traction in polls, could unite the party and perhaps the nation.

Trump, meanwhile, championed a pair of trade victories at a farm convention yesterday in Austin, Texas.

Tehrans de-linking | Irans six-year drive to integrate with the global economy appears to be coming to an end in the face of biting U.S. sanctions. As Marc Champion reports, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused Europe of joining Washington in trying to bring Iran to its knees. Iran threatened today to withdraw from its last remaining commitments to the 2015 deal that limited its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

What to Watch This Week

If the past three years of Brexit have been difficult, the next 11 months threaten to be even more so. Click here for more on the battle lines between the U.K. and the European Union. Hong Kongs government pushed back on a key demand of protesters as a downtown rally turned violent, showing theres no end in sight for the unrest that began last June. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido started an international tour that includes a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and a trip to Davos. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened a new session of parliament today with a fresh call to revise the U.S.-imposed postwar constitution, a career-long bid that still faces huge obstacles. South Africas government said its working on solutions for the national airline after failing to pay $138 million in funding by yesterdays deadline.

Thanks to all who responded to our pop quiz Friday and congratulations to reader Hitesh Thakkar, who was the first to correctly answer that newly minted Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustins previous job was head of the Federal Tax Service. Tell us how were doing or what were missing at balancepower@bloomberg.net.

And finally ... A pneumonia outbreak in central China has widened, with more than 200 people now diagnosed with the new SARS-like virus. Health experts say theres evidence the illness is spreading from person to person. With the Lunar New Year just days away  a holiday season when Chinese citizens rack up 3 billion trips across the country to reunite with family  the mystery viruss spread is likely to intensify.

To contact the author of this story: Rosalind Mathieson in London at rmathieson3@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Kathleen Hunter at khunter9@bloomberg.net, Karl Maier

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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On 21 January, Bolsonaro will address a group of Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum, according to the MEA.

New Delhi: Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will on Friday begin a four-day visit to India, primarily as chief guest on Republic Day and also to explore ways to boost trade ties at a time both the large economies are hit by slowdowns.

On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from 24-27 January at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at India's 71st Republic Day Parade on 26 January," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain, won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October, 2018, and took the reins of the country in January, 2019.

"This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the ministry said.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October, 2016, on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit.

Earlier, Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.

On Saturday, President Ram Nath Kovind will hold talks with Bolsonaro and will also host a banquet for him. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also call on Bolsonaro.

On 21 January, Bolsonaro will address a group of Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum, according to the MEA.

India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The volume of bilateral trade was $8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included $3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and $4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is a huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further.

"Both sides will focus on boosting trade and investment during the visit," said an official.

Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

Indian investments in Brazil were around $6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at $1 billion in 2018.

Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.

"Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries," the MEA said.

Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations.

"The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said.

Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Vietnam and Thailand held the seventh political consultation under the chair of Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung and Permanent Secretary of the Thai Foreign Ministry Busaya Mathelin in Hanoi on January 20.

The seventh political consultation between Vietnam and Thailand takes place in Hanoi on January 20

The two sides shared the view that thefriendship and enhanced strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand haveattained strong and substantive strides.

In 2019, their high-level leaders continued to exchangevisits, including an official trip to Thailand and the attendance in the 40thGeneral Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) there byNational Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in August. They also frequentlymet each other at multilateral forums, especially on the sidelines of the ASEANsummits hosted by Thailand.



Cooperation mechanisms have continued provingeffective, the officials said, noting that the countries successfully organisedthe third meeting of the joint committee on bilateral cooperation in January,the 11th meeting of the joint working group on political-security cooperationin August, and the third defence policy dialogue at the deputy ministeriallevel in September.



They described economic, trade and investmentties as an impressive highlight in bilateral relations. Thailand is currentlythe largest trade partner of Vietnam in ASEAN with bilateral trade reaching 17billion USD in 2019. It is the ninth biggest investor in Vietnam with 558projects worth nearly 11 billion USD.



Meanwhile, partnerships in other spheres likeconnectivity, tourism, science  technology, labour, culture and education havecreated encouraging outcomes. Notably, tourists between the two nationsapproximated 1.5 million last year, rising about 8 percent from 2018. Illegalfishing activities in each others waters were reduced considerably. Both sidesare also promoting the renewal of a labourer recruitment agreement so that itcan be implemented in 2020.



At the consultation, Vietnam and Thailand agreedto increase the exchange of all-level delegations; work together to prepare forthe fourth joint cabinet meeting co-chaired by their prime ministers in 2020;keep stepping up cooperation in security, defence, economy, trade, investment,connectivity, transport, tourism and labour; and bolster links between the twoforeign ministries on the basis of their 2015 cooperation deal.



Permanent Secretary Busaya Mathelin shared theview that the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, is developingdynamically but also facing numerous challenges, requiring joint efforts todeal with.



She spoke highly of the success of the recentASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat hosted by Vietnam in Nha Trang city.



For his part, Deputy Minister Dung stressed inthe current context, ASEAN needs to enhance solidarity, promote the realisationof the ASEAN Community, and assert its stature and central role in the regionalarchitecture.



Besides, as members of the Mekong sub-regionmechanisms, Vietnam and Thailand should increase coordination and sharing ofexperience with other member nations and relevant partners to substantivelyboost cooperation in the sub-region, he said.



He also congratulated Thailand on its successfulchairmanship of ASEAN in 2019 and talked about Vietnams priorities andinitiatives for the ASEAN chairmanship this year and non-permanent membershipof the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.



Dung also called on Thailand to support Vietnamto fulfill the roles and work closely in the common security issues of theregion, including the East Sea issue and the use and management of the MekongRivers water resources.



The eighth political consultation at the deputyforeign ministerial is set to take place in Thailand in 2021./.VNA
After Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) proposed an amendment Tuesday to the rules for President Trumps impeachment trial in order to subpoena witnesses and documents from the White House, it failed in a party-line vote.

All 53 Republicans in the GOP-controlled Senate voted against Schumers amendment, which asked for any records created by former national-security adviser John Bolton, Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, and Mulvaney aide Robert Blair regarding the White Houses dealings with Ukraine.

The current rules proposed by Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) mirror those of President Bill Clintons trial, with a vote to call witnesses occurring only after hearing opening arguments. On Tuesday, McConnell submitted a last-minute change to increase the length of opening arguments from two days to three, as well as to include evidence from the House.

Were very glad they moved to three days instead of two so we wont be hearing arguments at two in the morning, its good that they admitted evidence, but the real test will be witnesses and documents, Schumer said in an impromptu statement to reporters following the vote. Will our Republican senators put pressure on McConnell so that we really have witnesses and documents?

It still looks unlikely that Republicans, who have been united in planning a vote for witnesses after opening arguments, will vote for any of Schumers amendments before then. Moderate Republican Susan Collins of Maine said in a statement Tuesday that she would vote to table any attempts by either side to subpoena documents or witnesses before that stage in the trial.

Following the defeat of his amendment, Schumer proposed another amendment to subpoena State Department witnesses and documents, which is also expected to fail in a party-line vote.

More from National Review
Many immigrants residing in the United States are opting for American citizenship with a desire to vote ahead of the upcoming elections, The Times of India reported. However, the decision is also affected by the uncertainty over President Donald Trumps immigration policies.

According to the report, fiscal year 2019 that ended in September witnessed an eleven-year high number of immigrants confer American citizenship. A total of 8.34 lakh people received US citizenship in the fiscal, which is 9.5 percent more than the previous year.

Among India-born individuals, 52,194 people were granted US citizenship in fiscal year 2018, the second-largest group after Mexico with over 1.3 lakh people included in the list, according to another report released by the US Department of Homeland Security which provides country-of-birth data.

India-born individuals constituted 6.9 percent of the total number of new citizens and reflected a rise of 2.7 percent over the previous year, the report said.

India was followed by China which was at the third spot with 39,600 Chinese granted US citizenship.

Besides getting US citizenship, Indians occupied the fourth slot with 59,281 green cards being allotted to them, which is 5.45 percent of the total, after Mexico, Cuba and China, listed respectively from first to third spot, said the report.

India-born people were on the second spot behind Mexico in the green card backlog. According to the report citing data collated by CATO, a US-based think-tank, 9.2 lakh Indians were caught up in the backlog in both family and employment categories, which is 19 percent of the total backlog. Mexico has 13.1 lakh people in this category, which is 28 percent of the total backlog, the data revealed.
Sanders added, I appeal to my supporters: Please, engage in civil discourse. Sanders said his supporters were not the only ones guilty of crossing the line. Were not the only campaign that does it. Other people act that way as well. I would appeal to everybody: Have a debate on the issues. We can disagree with each other without being disagreeable, without being hateful. That is not what American politics should be about.
P olice were "flabbergasted" after a woman who found a Boa Constrictor wrapped around her bathroom sink called them to remove the reptile.

The woman discovered the large snake, between six and eight feet long, on December 30.

She called police just after 1am to her flat in Brunswick Mews, Birkenhead, and told officers neither she nor her neighbour knew where it came from.

When animal organisations were unable to attend a Merseyside Police officer, who happened to have knowledge of snakes, was called upon.

The snake was between six and eight feet long / Merseyside Police

Constable Chris Eastwood confirmed the reptile was a Boa Constrictor.

"He was able to calmly approach the reptile, which had wrapped itself around the bathroom sinks and taps, and after giving it a drink of water was able to coax it to unravel itself so that he could put it into a large, safe container," Merseyside Police said.
Bengaluru, Jan 21 : Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has set up a Novel Corona Virus screening mechanism in the premises in a bid to prevent its spread in the city, an official here said on Tuesday.

"Based on the guidelines received from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bengaluru International Airport Ltd has set up a help desk at international arrivals," the airport spokesperson said.

The Bengaluru airport will subject passengers arriving from Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur to thermal screening.

"Bengaluru airport has no direct flight connecting the affected cities in China. However, the airport has taken precautionary measures to manage cases related to the Novel Corona Virus," the spokesperson added.

On Friday, the central government ordered thermal screening of passengers arriving from China at Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata airports.

In a statement on January 13, the World Health Organization (WHO) said: "The possibility of cases being identified in other countries was not unexpected and reinforces why WHO calls for ongoing active monitoring and preparedness in other countries."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Volunteers for the Salvation Army honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a special way this year by giving forward.

Volunteers gathered early on Monday morning to begin preparing food which was then served in the Port Richmond and Elm Park areas.

About seven volunteers prepared hot dogs and hot beverages, loaded up the Salvation Army van and headed out to serve children and those less fortunate.

I wanted to volunteer hours,'' said Lisa, a teacher and Grymes Hill resident. "I was going to volunteer to read to kids but I always do that. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and serve the less fortunate.

Volunteers wanted to remember Kings impact by creating their own impact on the community. "Its a day to give back, she said.

More than 100 hot dogs and hot beverages were prepared for the event.
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BAGHDAD  In tandem with efforts by Iraqi Shiite blocs to expel US forces from the country, Sunni parties are reconsidering a project to establish a semi-autonomous Sunni region in Iraq.

The move comes in response to the Sunni parties' rejection of a parliamentary vote in support of the Iraqi government ending its security agreement with Washington. Yet Iraqi Sunni forces deny there have been new moves to establish a Sunni region.

The Iraqi parliament voted Jan. 5 to end cooperation with the international coalition and to expel US forces from Iraq. Kurdish and Sunni blocs abstained from the vote, describing it as an ill-calculated response to the US assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of the Popular Mobilization Units.

Prominent Sunni leaders supposedly met in Dubai Jan. 12 to discuss the formation of a Sunni or Anbar region, as reported by Iraqi media. Although Iraqi parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi, a Sunni, denied the news on Twitter and asserted the unity of Iraq, reports of a Dubai meeting provoked controversy. None of the figures alleged to have participated in the meeting issued statements.

Sunni member of parliament Raad al-Dahlaki, of the National Forces Alliance, told Al-Monitor that the Sunni blocs did not have an official meeting in Dubai. Leaks about forming a Sunni region are an attempt to pressure the representatives of the Sunni provinces to accept the decision to expel the US forces, he said. The Sunni region project dates back to 2010. It falls within the constitutional frameworks that the Shiite blocs were adhering to. Objecting to this project at this time seems surprising.

He added, The Sunni blocs believe that partnership in running the country no longer exists. Our position on the expulsion of foreign forces has not been taken into account by Shiite parties. Therefore, we are examining our options if ending the missions of the international coalition in Iraq causes major repercussions for security and economic conditions in the country, including the option to form a Sunni region.

Parliamentarian Mohammed al-Karbouli said, "Clearly, we believe in the unity of Iraq," but "they think an autonomous region means the division of Iraq. I think, personally, that it could be a way to rebuild the country."

Of note, most US bases are located in Sunni and Kurdish areas, where the political forces reject making any decision on the future of Iraq's security situation without the participation of the United States.

Paradoxically, the Sunni forces are already allied with the Shiite blocs forming the government. The alliance, called al-Binaa, meaning building, is spearheading parliamentary efforts to end the US military presence in Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Kurdish blocs are demanding the reappointment of Adel Abdul Mahdi, who resigned as prime minister in November 2019. Yet Abdul Mahdi himself supports evicting foreign forces in response to the desires of the major Shiite forces.

This complex scene suggests that the current constitutional vacuum  triggered by parliament's failure to name a successor to Abdul Mahdi  will continue.

A former deputy for Ninevah province, Abdul Rahman al-Louaizi, told Al-Monitor that the Sunni region project is a political maneuver to achieve a better negotiating position in the talks to form a new government. This could be a tactic to prevent decisions aimed at ending the foreign military presence in Iraq, he said. The idea of the region is difficult to implement, especially at this particular time.

The Iraqi Constitution of 2005 allows for the formation of regions: The federal system in the Republic of Iraq is made up of a decentralized capital, regions and provinces, as well as local administrations.

However, not all regionalization projects have succeeded. Projects such as the Center and South Region, Basra Region, Salahuddin Region and Anbar Region have failed due to the absence of political consensus in Baghdad and fears that such regionalization would divide the country, as the proposed regions were based on sectarian identities.

In practical terms, to form a region requires the application of Article 119 of the constitution, which outlines that provinces may form a region by referendum, at the request of a third of provincial council members or a certain proportion of voters in the provinces being considered for the region. Yet since parliament suspended provincial councils in October 2019, a citizen vote is the only available method.

If passed, a referendum requires the approval of the Council of Ministers within 15 days. Here, the prime minister can block the project, invoking the absence of financial allocations or the expiry of the legal deadline. Yet Abdul Mahdi could claim to not have the power to do so, since he has resigned and is no longer entitled to make such decisions. In a nutshell, the formation of a Sunni region is a long shot.

Yet the claims of a Sunni meeting could have been leaked by Sunni parties to push for new conditions on the next prime minister, including the need to maintain the security deal with Washington to protect Sunni areas and to prevent the expansion of Shiite armed factions in those areas.

It's also plausible that Shiite parties are disseminating the allegations in an attempt to accuse Sunnis of trying to divide Iraq and to prompt them to engage in efforts to drive US forces from Iraq out of fear of being labeled traitors for affiliating with the United States.

A Sunni region remains a possibility in Iraq as long as it does not have the institutions capable of defining the country's interest and foreign policies, as well as if its political system continues to apply sectarian and ethnic quotas to allot governmental positions and agencies.

The matter is not only related to expelling foreign forces, according to parliamentarian Falih al-Issawi. Rather, it's a way to demonstrate that there is the view that a Sunni region is an appropriate solution for how to run the country.
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.)

By Clyde Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The more you delve into the details of China's commitment to buy an additional $52.4 billion in U.S. energy over the next two years, the more it becomes apparent the goal is unachievable, even with the best will in the world.

As part of the "Phase 1" trade truce between Beijing and Washington, China undertook to buy energy over and above a $9.1 billion baseline of U.S. imports in 2017, with a split of an extra $18.5 billion in 2020 and $33.9 billion in 2021.

In practical terms this means China's imports from the United States this year would have to be more than double past record monthly imports of U.S.-sourced crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal.

If that already seems difficult, it would take a tripling of the best-ever months to meet the 2021 target.

Before even thinking about the logistics and disruptions to global trade flows that such a massive shift would entail, there is one major factor that would need to change before China even starts to ramp up purchases of U.S. energy.

As part of the earlier tit-for-tat tariffs, China imposed a 5% import tax on U.S. crude, 25% on LNG and 25% on coal.

These tariffs alone make any imports of U.S. energy uncompetitive, and therefore unlikely unless Beijing is prepared to use its muscle to force state-owned oil refineries, natural gas utilities and steelmakers to pay higher than market rates for U.S. cargoes.

There is so far no sign that Beijing is about to remove the tariffs, or issue waivers, and without this the expected ramp-up in purchases of U.S. energy is a non-starter.

Even assuming Beijing does lower the tariffs or issue waivers, then comes the problems of logistics and refinery configurations that have to be dealt with before crude oil imports can be ramped up.

If China boosted imports of U.S. crude to more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) - worth around $21.4 billion at the current price of West Texas Intermediate futures - it would present a challenge in physically moving that amount of oil from the U.S. Gulf coast to China.

Story continues

Given that a very large crude carrier (VLCC) holds about 2 million barrels, it would mean 15 of these vessels making the trip every month.

While U.S. export terminals may be able to handle this volume, there remain questions over the availability of these vessels and the potential costs of sailing them back empty to the United States to pick up more cargoes.

VLCCs are also too big to transit the Panama Canal, likely meaning a longer sea voyage around the bottom of Africa, adding to costs.

The economics of shipping crude on smaller vessels that can transit the Panama Canal are also challenging, given such ships can hold only around 600,000 barrels and would have to pay the relatively high canal fees.

Then there is the question of whether China's refineries can use the volumes of U.S. crude that would be required to meet the terms of the deal.

Many Chinese refineries are optimised to process heavy, sour grades of crude, such as those from the Middle East, rather than the lighter, sweet oil typically exported by the United States.

China does import light crude, taking some 270,000 bpd from the United Kingdom last year, 235,000 bpd from Malaysia, 152,000 bpd from Libya and 44,000 bpd from Nigeria, according to Refinitiv data.

That isn't an exhaustive list of the light crude bought by China, but it does show that light grades are a relatively small percentage of the 10.2 million bpd China imported in 2019.

If China were to buy more than 1 million bpd of U.S. crude, it would have to stop buying most of the light crude it now gets from other countries.

Not only would this disrupt global trade flows and relationships, it also raises the question as to whether Chinese refiners, and U.S. crude exporters, would want to become so reliant on each other, rather than having a diverse range of trading partners.

LNG, COAL COULD WORK

The logistics around LNG and coal are more feasible, with the United States having plenty of LNG available for export, although there may be some restrictions on coal capacity.

However, doubling, or even tripling, the flow of U.S. LNG and coal to China presents problems from a disruption perspective, and it's unlikely that countries that compete - such as Australia for coal and LNG, and Qatar for LNG - will simply surrender market share for the convenience of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The main question for the energy component of the Phase 1 trade agreement should be what happens when the targets inevitably fall well short of the stated commitment?

Perhaps Trump has lost the November election by then and his successor takes a different path in relations with China, or perhaps Trump wins and then decides to cancel the already fairly limited deal, or perhaps everybody just ignores the issue. (Editing by Tom Hogue)
The long-anticipated, 95,000-square-foot H-E-B is set to open in Meyerland Plaza on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The location at 4700 Beechnut St. comes at a good time, just days ahead of the Sunday, Feb. 2, Super Bowl and soon after Beldens Food Market, a store that had been a local mainstay in the Jewish community closed earlier this month, leaving a void.

This store will cater to the diverse needs of the entire Meyerland community, said Lisa Helfman, director of H-E-B Public Affairs Houston in an email. We look forward to returning to a neighborhood we have been a part of for more than 25 years and re-serving this community in a bigger, better way.

The H-E-B at Braeswood and Chimney Rock served the Meyerland community for years but closed permanently in October 2017 after flooding during Hurricane Harvey.

The two-story store will offer a large mix of freshness and convenience, at H-E-B's characteristic low prices. Aside from a wide assortment of H-E-Bs normal offerings, Kosher amenities will include a bakery and meat market, sushi and juices, a cafe and sandwiches and dry, frozen, dairy and deli products. Additionally, there will be flowers, Cooking Connection, Meal Simple and Curbside.

tracy.maness@hcnonline.com

ON HOUSTON CHRONICLE.COM: H-E-B named nations top grocer in shopper survey
Every seventeen seconds one American hears the fateful words "you have cancer" reports the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

"A little over 1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2020 according to expert projections," shares Jesse Slome, director of the organization and the conference organizer. Slome was citing the latest forecast from the American Cancer Society.

"The good news is that cancer is no longer a death sentence for many, in fact the chances of surviving increases continually, but the same can't be said for the finances of those individuals and their families," the critical illness expert noted. "For many, the cancer diagnosis will end up in bankruptcy as a direct result of medical expenses. What surprises many is that even individuals who have health insurance find it's just not enough."



Slome shared that critical illness insurance polices available today can play a vital role in helping the millions who are financially impacted by a critical illness. Slome recently announced the relaunch of the Association's efforts to create heighten consumer awareness and advocacy for the importance of critical illness products as part of their portfolio of protection products available to individuals.

Slome serves as director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. In addition, he serves as director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance and the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.
A woman IPS officer has alleged that a rifleman of Assam Rifles physically assaulted and molested her at a check post near Moreh town in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, police said on Tuesday.

Based on a written complaint of the IPS officer, an FIR has been registered against rifleman P K Pandey and a summon has been issued to him to appear before the concerned police station, the police said.

Manipur DGP L M Khaute told reporters on Monday, "We have made contacts with the Assam Rifles authorities. A complaint has been lodged by the officer."



In her complaint, the IPS officer said that on reaching Khudengtabi check post on Sunday afternoon one of her escorts, who was not in uniform, told the frisking party of Assam Rifles to register their entry.

Despite showing their identity cards, the rifleman allegedly detained them, she said.

"We offered to search ourselves and the vehicle, but he was not interested", she said.

The rifleman began hitting the official vehicle and "misbehaved, humiliated, harassed and assaulted me and my escort personnel," she alleged.

The IPS officer also alleged that the rifleman molested her and when her escorts tried to intervene, he thrashed them.

She further accused the rifleman of making "sexually coloured" remarks against her, using abusive language and even tried to snatch her phone when she tried to call her senior officers.

The issue was brought under control after the matter was reported to the Brigadier of 26th Assam Rifles and the Major of the D-company of 12th AR, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Swiss police last year discovered two suspected Russian agents in the luxury resort town of Davos -- including one who claimed to be a plumber, a Swiss newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The paper said the two men, who were stopped but not arrested in August 2019, were suspected of carrying out "preparatory work" for spying on the World Economic Forum, which is taking place in Davos this week.

"It was a regular police check. Both men had Russian diplomatic passports but were not formally registered as diplomats in Switzerland," Anita Senti, a spokeswoman for the local cantonal police in Graubuenden, told AFP.

The paper reported that "at least one of the men" said he was a plumber and that they had told police they were staying in the expensive resort town for three weeks between August 8 and August 28, arousing suspicion.

The annual summit brings together top global political and business leaders, with US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel among those attending this year, making it an obvious potential target for a spying operation.

"We did not receive any information about this from Swiss authorities. There is no evidence of spying," Russian embassy spokesman Stanislav Smirnov told AFP.

"I don't rule out that it may have been people with Russian diplomatic passports -- they do not necessarily need to be accredited in Switzerland," Smirnov said.

Asked why one of the men had claimed to be a plumber, Smirnov said it may have been a "stupid joke" by the man.

Tages Anzeiger said the men may have been preparing a wiretapping or hacking operation in Davos, and cited several sources saying that Russian officials "threatened diplomatic consequences if the men were arrested".

The paper said the Swiss Attorney General's Office had not opened criminal proceedings into the Davos incident.

But Switzerland has been probing two alleged Russian agents for planning a cyber attack on the Spiez laboratory in Bern, which does analytical work for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The lab at the time was investigating the poisoning of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal with a nerve agent.

Swiss authorities also suspect Russia of being behind a cyber attack on the Lausanne office of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The WADA has been a thorn in Moscow's side for several years over drug cheating in Russian sport.

The Montreal-based watchdog suspended Russia's Anti-Doping Agency in 2015 after declaring it to be non-compliant following evidence of a vast plan backed by Moscow to cheat at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

The WADA has since imposed a four-year ban on Russia from major sporting events, which Moscow is appealing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
When Greg Poole was arrested and put in jail this past weekend, he said he was acting as a father and not as superintendent of the Barbers Hill Independent School District in Chambers County.

"It's hard to raise kids," said Poole, in explaining why he was photographed, fingerprinted and locked in a jail cell for two hours on Saturday.

"But as a father I was willing to put my son's safety and well-being above my own career or anything else  that's something my son will never forget."

A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper has charged the Chambers County school superintendent with obstructing the investigation of an accident involving Poole's 16-year-old son.

The teen flipped his father's pickup and knocked over a utility pole about 3 a.m. Saturday on FM 565 near Cove, about 30 minutes east of Houston, authorities said.

Released on a $2,000 personal recognizance bond, the 39-year-old superintendent was back at his desk Thursday where he has overseen the 4,000-student district for two years. He is waiting for a trial date to be set on the Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

No disrespect

The trooper arrested Poole for refusing to make his son available for questioning about the accident, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

"Trooper Dunn asked him twice to produce his son, and he would not," said Stephanie Davis, Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman in Beaumont. "He never informed the trooper where he could find his son."

While having respect for the trooper, Poole disagreed that he was being a hindrance: "I was worried about the safety and health of my son. I had given him my driver's license and phone numbers."

But Tela Mange, Texas Department of Public Safety's spokeswoman in Austin, said the trooper needed to talk directly to the driver, who had left the scene. The trooper, she said, never knew where to find the teen.

"And the father never mentioned concern for his son's health," said Mange.

After the teen telephoned Poole about the accident, Poole rushed to the scene, where he found his son with a "bloody face."

The superintendent said he alerted law enforcement about the one-vehicle crash and damage to the pole. Then he drove his son to their home near Cotton Lake and let the teen's mother take him to be checked at a hospital.

"He just looks like he lost a fistfight, but wasn't seriously hurt," said Poole.

Nobody was at the accident scene when the trooper first arrived, authorities said.

When Poole returned to the scene, he told the trooper that the truck was his and he would take responsibility for what happened.

"My son was getting treatment. He was all shook up," said Poole.

Authorities say they have not talked to the teen yet.

DPS patrol cars are equipped with video cameras, but investigators are not sure if the incident was taped.

Because the teen was never produced, investigators were unable to determine if alcohol was involved.

Poole, however, said he saw no sign his son, an honor student, had been drinking.

"There was heavy rain. He lost control," said Poole. The teen had been spending the night with a friend and was returning from a late-night trip to a gas station where he bought $10 of gas, the superintendent said.

Both sides agreed that neither side spoke with disrespect.

Poole said he never tried to use his position to gain special favor, noting the officer had no idea who Poole was until filling out the paperwork.

Board monitoring

The school board has since met and discussed the arrest. Trustees issued a statement afterward that wished the 16-year-old a "speedy recovery." Based on the information received so far, the trustees stated they do not feel it necessary to take any action.

"This appears to be a private matter between the Poole family and the authorities. However, we will continue to monitor the situation."

Poole, who has three children ranging from a child born three months ago to two teenagers, hopes he can soon put this incident behind him.

He said he is pained that such a private family matter, which many parents have faced, had to become so public.

"But we are lucky to have our son alive," he wrote on the 4A district's Web site, "and everything else pales in comparison to the joy we have that God spared his life."

cindy.horswell@chron.com
JD(U) leader perplexed by BJP tie-up for Delhi, writes to Nitish Kumar

India

oi-Deepika S

Patna, Jan 21: Senior Janata Dal-United leader Pavan Kumar Varma has sought clarification from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the party's alliance with the BJP for the Delhi election.

In a letter to Nitish Kumar, Varma said he is "deeply perplexed" by the development and is looking to him for "ideological clarity".

"On more than one occasion, you have expressed your grave apprehensions about the BJP-RSS combine. If these are your real views, I fail to understand how the JDU is now extending its alliance with the BJP beyond Bihar, when even long-standing allies of the BJP, like the Akali Dal, have refused to do so," he wrote.

Delhi elections will not be about NRC, citizenship law

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Varma asked how the JD(U) has formed an alliance with the BJP for the Delhi elections, given his own views on the BJP, and the massive national outrage against the divisive CAA-NPR-NRC scheme.

"The cause for confusion arises from the fact that even after you changed tracks and aligned again with the BJP in 2017, your private apprehensions regarding the BJP did not change," says Varma, even claiming that the Chief Minister "confessed" to him in private about the current BJP leadership humiliating him.

He reminded to Nitish Kumar's call for an "RSS-mukt bharat (RSS-free India)".
T he Courteeners likened chart rival Eminem to an old comedian who cant get on the telly anymore as they joined backlash over his lyric about the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.

The Manchester-based indie band are battling the rapper for number one UK album.

According to the official mid-week charts their record  More. Again. Forever.  is narrowly ahead.

Frontman Liam Fray today said he felt sorry for Eminem because he needed shock tactics to promote his 11th album, Music To Be Murdered By.

Liam Fray likened Eminem to an 'old comedian' using shock tactics / PA Archive/PA Images

Lyrics in the track Unaccommodating have sparked widespread condemnation for the line: Im contemplating yelling bombs away... Like Im outside of an Ariana Grande concert.

The sound of an explosion is then heard.

Fray told the BBC: It felt like an old comedian who cant get on the telly anymore just saying something outrageous. I felt sorry for him.

The Courteeners played at a benefit gig to help reopen the arena / Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images

"He's trying to be as outrageous as possible because he's running out of ideas, that's what it is.

"It's nothing else [but] shock value. You have to shock to be good - that's nonsense.

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is among those who have slammed the unnecessarily hurtful and deeply disrespectful verse.

Twenty-two people died when a bomb was detonated following Grandes gig in May 2017.

The Courteeners were among the bands who helped to reopen the arena four months later, appearing at a benefit gig alongside Noel Gallagher, Blossoms and Rick Astley.

Eminem previously referenced the bombing in his 2018 Kick Off freestyle, rapping about a suicide bomber seeing Ariana Grande... detonates the device.
The wisdom of the legislature in entrusting Speakers (of the state assembly or parliament) with the responsibility of ruling on the disqualification of lawmakers who defect (shift parties) needs to be revisited, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday in a case on defection of a Congress MLA from Manipur.

Interestingly, the judgment comes at a time when a discussion is already underway among presiding officers of legislatures on how to secure the legislative Speakers dignity in the matters related to the defection of lawmakers. As first reported by HT, in two conferences in as many months, many presiding officers have expressed the view that their role vis-a-vis the tenth schedule should be limited and other mechanisms must be evolved to decide cases of defection. The tenth schedule deals with the anti-defection law.

A top functionary of the Lok Sabha said on condition of anonymity that a panel has already been constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the issue and that many assembly Speakers have voluntarily sought a reduction of their power as far as the tenth schedule is concerned.

The judgment of the apex court is likely to add to that discussion. The judgment was rendered by a bench of justices Rohinton Nariman, Aniruddha Bose and V Ramasubramanian. The bench urged Parliament to rethink whether disqualification petitions ought to be entrusted to a Speaker under the tenth schedule of the Constitution.

This is considering the fact that the Speaker continues to belong to a particular political party.

It is time that Parliament has a rethink on whether disqualification petitions ought to be entrusted to a Speaker as a quasi-judicial authority when such Speaker continues to belong to a particular political party either de jure or de facto, the judgment said. Paragraph 6 of the tenth schedule of the Constitution provides that questions relating to disqualification of member of the house shall be referred to the Speaker whose decision on the same will be final.

The court recommended an amendment to the tenth schedule by substituting speaker with a permanent tribunal headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired chief justice of a high court or some other independent mechanism as the arbiter of such disputes. Such a measure, the court held, will ensure that such disputes are decided both swiftly and impartially, thus giving real teeth to the provisions contained in the tenth schedule, which the court said is vital to the proper functioning of the democracy.

One of the changes suggested to the anti-defection law during the meeting of presiding officers of Indian Parliament and assemblies in Dehradun last month, was to allow party presidents or floor leaders of different parties to decide on anti-defection cases. Several participants voiced their concerns that the image of speakers was taking a beating. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said at that meeting: The way people are losing faith in democratic institutions and the way fingers are pointed at presiding officers of legislative bodies, it is a matter of concern. There is a need to amend the law to uphold the prestige of the institution of speaker.

Former Lok Sabha secretary TK Vishwanathan said, The anti-defection law has put the entire onus on the Speaker in the matters related to disqualification of members of the Legislative House. Even if the Speaker is impartial, he faces undue pressure and criticism. This is one thing (the power to disqualify) the Speakers can do without. Also, there is no need for a Supreme Court direction. Parliament is supreme and it can take a decision on its own.

The judgment came in a dispute arising from the defection of a Congress lawmaker Thounaojam Shyamkumar to the N Biren Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government after state elections in March 2017.

The Congress, the single-largest party with 28 seats, was three seats short of the majority mark in the 60-seat assembly. The BJP, with 21 seats, moved to stake claim along with the Naga Peoples Front, Nationalist Peoples Party and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Congress lawmaker Shyamkumar extended support to the BJP, helping Singh form a coalition government. Shyamkumar was made a minister of town planning, forest and environment in the BJP government.

At least 13 petitions were filed by Congress leaders before the Speaker of Manipur legislative assembly, Y Khemchand Singh, seeking Shyamkumars disqualification but the Speaker did not act on the complaints. Two Congress MLAs, Keisham Meghachandra and Md Fajur Rahim, next approached the Manipur high court. The high court noted the seriousness of the issue but declined to grant any relief on the ground that the issue regarding powers of high court to interfere with the Speakers discretion is pending before Supreme Court.

Keisham Meghachandra Singh then moved the Supreme Court in appeal. The Manipur Speaker argued before the SC that the issue regarding whether high courts can direct Speakers to decide a disqualification petitions within a particular time frame was referred to a constitution bench of the Supreme Court in 2015 in the case of SA Sampath Kumar v. Kale Yadaiah. Hence, he submitted, the decision in the Manipur case should be deferred till the constitution bench decides the issue.

However, the SC turned down this argument holding that the issue was conclusively settled by the top court in a 2007 judgment of Rajendra Singh Rana v. Swami Prasad Maurya in which the court ruled that the HC can direct Speakers to rule on disqualification petitions if they do not do this within a reasonable time. The apex court on Tuesday directed the Speaker of the Manipur assembly to rule on the disqualification pleas pending before him within four weeks. The court also made it clear that if the Speaker does not take a decision within four weeks, it will be open to any party to apply to the Supreme Court for further relief.
A Southern California driver has been accused of intentionally ramming a Toyota Prius with six teenage boys inside, killing three and injuring three others before fleeing.

The Prius went off the road and slammed into a tree around 10.30pm on Sunday in Temescal Valley in Riverside County, southeast of Los Angeles.

Anurag Chandra, 42, of Corona was arrested a short time later in a neighborhood near the crash site, according to the California Highway Patrol.

'It was an intentional act,' CHP Lt. David Yokley said at a news conference, although he did not disclose a motive. 'Our investigation led us to believe Mr. Chandra intentionally rammed the Prius, causing the driver to lose control.'

'The investigation has now changed from a hit-run collision to homicide,' he said.

Firefighters freed some of the teens trapped in the car. One boy died at the scene and two others were pronounced dead at hospitals. Their names were not immediately released.

Anurag Chandra, 42 of Corona is accused of intentionally ramming a Toyota Prius with six teenage boys inside on Sunday in Temescal Valley in Riverside County, southeast of Los Angeles, killing three and injuring three others before fleeing

Some of the boys were cut from the vehicle. One died at the scene, and two others died after being taken to hospitals

Police did not disclose the alleged motive for the intentional ramming, and it's not clear how old the teenage boys were

California Highway Patrol Lt. David Yokley said Chandra intentionally rammed into the car

The other victims had moderate injuries, authorities said.

It wasn't immediately clear whether any of the teens were wearing seat belts, authorities said.

A witness followed the other car and notified police. Officers found an Infiniti with front-end damage parked in a neighborhood near the crash site, Officer Juan Quintero told the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Chandra was booked on suspicion of murder with malice and assault with a deadly weapon.

The Prius went off the road and slammed into a tree around 10.30pm on Sunday in Temescal Valley in Riverside County, southeast of Los Angeles

A police officer works at the scene of the crash in Temescal Valley in Riverside County
Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered another defeat in the unelected House of Lords on Tuesday, over the government's plans for child refugees seeking to join relatives in Britain after Brexit.

Peers led by Lord Alf Dubs, who himself arrived in Britain as a child fleeing the Nazis, accused ministers of seeking to water down their commitment to the rights of family reunion.

They voted by 300 to 220 for Dubs' amendment to a bill ratifying the terms of Britain's departure from the European Union on January 31.

However, like three other changes made to the bill in the upper chamber, it likely to be overturned when the legislation returns to the lower elected House of Commons on Wednesday.

The Dubs amendment would stop the government removing a legal obligation to negotiate with the EU continued rights of family reunion for unaccompanied child refugees after Brexit.

"I don't know whether it's total incompetence or whether it's malice but the signal they're sending is that they don't like child refugees," Dubs told AFP ahead of the vote.

Speaking for the government on Tuesday, Baroness Susan Williams insisted the commitment to protecting vulnerable children remained, citing a "proud record" over the past decade.

More than 41,000 children have been granted protection in the UK since 2010, she said.

Most of these were welcomed under Britain's obligations to the international convention on refugees and other commitments, rather than as a result of EU rules.

"The government is, my Lords, and remains committed to seeking a reciprocal agreement for the family reunion of unaccompanied children seeking international protection in either the EU or the UK," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) will auction 15 artworks, selection of luxury watches, handbags, and cars from the seized assets of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in a live auction in Mumbai on February 27 followed by an online auction on March 3 and 4.

Saffronart, a leading international auction house, has been selected to host the two auctions featuring the seized assets of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi on behalf of ED. A live auction will take place in Mumbai on February 27 which will be followed by an online auction on Saffronart's platform on March 3 and 4.

It is for the first time that a professional auction house has been roped in by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct an auction of seized assets in India. The appointment comes a year after a successful auction of seized paintings conducted by Saffronart on behalf of the Income Tax Department in March last year - which raised Rs 54.84 crores.

Commenting on the auctions, Dinesh Vazirani, Saffronart CEO and co-founder said, "Saffronart is extremely honoured to inaugurate its 20th year by lending our services and expertise to the Enforcement Directorate, Government of India. We are diligently working with the ED to assess and evaluate each item and put together the catalogue for both the sales, which includes a distinguished line-up of artworks by the likes of Amrita Sher-Gil, M F Husain and V S Gaitonde."

"The auctions also feature luxury collectibles - such as watches by Jaeger Lecoultre, and Birkin and Kelly handbags from Hermes - which are among the most popular luxury items internationally and witness great demand from celebrities and collectors," Vazirani added.

The highlights of the auctions include a 1935 masterpiece by Amrita Sher-Gil which has never previously been auctioned (estimate: Rs 12 to Rs 18 crores), a significant oil on canvas by M F Husain from his 'Mahabharata' series (estimate: Rs 12 to Rs 18 crores), a serene blue painting by VS Gaitonde from 1972 (estimate: Rs 7 to Rs 9 crores); and a vivid red depiction of Krishna by Manjit Bawa (estimate: Rs 3 to 5 crores).

Important watches going on sale include a Jaeger Lecoultre Men's 'Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2' Limited Edition wristwatch and a Gerrard Perregaux Men's 'Opera One' wristwatch. Of more than 80 branded handbags included in the auction are several from the Birkin and Kelly lines by luxury retailer Hermes.

Select lots from the upcoming auctions will be exhibited at the Saffronart gallery in India Art Fair in Delhi later this month.

Modi is currently lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London and is wanted for his alleged role in the Rs 13,570 crore loss caused to the Punjab Bank (PNB) along with his uncle, Mehul Choksi.

Modi, 48, was arrested in March last year by Scotland Yard in connection with the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Department store giant David Jones has announced the shock closure of one of its boutique stores after a horror 12 months for the retail industry.

The store on James Street, in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, only opened three years ago but will shut its doors permanently in June, the retailer announced on Tuesday.

It comes after the company's owner, Woolworths Holdings, said in August it would begin 'aggressively' closing stores after profits fell by 42 per cent in the space of a year.

David Jones on James St, Fortitude Valley in Brisbane (pictured) had welcomed shoppers for only three years before it announced it's doors would permanently shut in June

A David Jones spokesman said there would be no job losses in the wake of the Fortitude Valley closure, and stressed it was shutting up shop as part of a 'retail network strategy', The Courier Mail reported.

'The optimisation of our retail network, through investment in flagship stores, right-sizing and where necessary, consolidation of our footprint, together with our enhanced online offering, is critical to meeting the changing needs and preferences of our customer,' the spokesman said.

'All team members offered redeployment to nearby stores including QueensPlaza.'

The store was first opened in March 2017 - with Jesinta Franklin staring at its glitzy opening - offering shoppers a variety of fashion wear including shoes and accessories.

The store was first opened in March, 2017, offering shoppers a variety of fashion wear including shoes and accessories. Jesinta Campbell is pictured at the opening of David Jones' Fortitude Valley store with with Jackie Frank and Nicky Briger

The closure comes in the wake of a troublesome year for the department store.

After overall profits dropped from $64 million to $37 million during the 2018/2019 financial year, David Jones announced 20 per cent of its total floorspace would be cut by 2026.

The company is negotiating with landlords how it will downsize its 47 Australian stores across the country.

'You have to create partnerships with some landlords and take a more aggressive stance with other landlords, but we are absolutely focused on getting our space down,' said chief executive Ian Moir.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted David Jones for further comment.

Within the last year, Australia's retail market has taken a dramatic hit with several popular stores collapsing across the country.

Curios Planet, previously known as the National Geographic store, announced it would close all 63 stores earlier this month after owing $15million in debt to toy sellers and publishers.

Household names like Harris Scarfe, Bardot, Roger David, and Napoleon Perdis dropped like files in the past year with dozens of stores closing and heavy job losses

The stores join a long list of Australian retailers to close down - including fashion retailer Bardot, homewares seller Harris Scarfe, wine sellers McWilliam's Wines, make-up brand Napoleon Perdis, and menswear retailer Ed Harry.

Iconic clothing brand Jeanswest also went into voluntary administration earlier this month, leaving almost 1,000 employees at risk of losing their jobs.

High-end headphone giant Bose also collapsed, announcing it is closing 119 of its stores including all of its Australian outlets.

Australia is headed for a retail apocalypse that could even kill off Myer, which closed its store in Hornsby, Sydney, after 40 years of serving customers

Dropping like flies: Some of Australia's recent retail casualties 2016: Dick Smith, Masters hardware, Payless Shoes 2017: Topshop Australia 2018: Avon, Espirit, Toys 'R' Us, Max Brenner, Roger David 2019: Diana Ferrari, Napoleon Perdis, Ziera, Harris Scarfe, Dimmeys, Karen Millen, Crinitis, Ed Harry 2020: Jeanswest, Bose, Curios Planet, Bardot, McWilliam's Wines Advertisement

The tech company said a 'dramatic shift to online shopping' was the main reason for the closures, but has not revealed how many jobs will be lost.

Myer closed its store in Hornsby, Sydney, after 40 years of serving customers.

Fashion retailer Karen Millen announced its closure in September in the wake of the collapse of the UK-based company.

Experts say a major reason behind the slow demise of Australian retail is online companies such as Amazon capitalising on stores whose products are easy to copy.

Bardot will close dozens of stores and put hundreds out of work as in enters administration. Pictured: Bardot at the Miss Myer Show Fashion Show

Last year, Chairman of Retail Doctor Group David Kindl said Amazon was 'a definite threat to retailers like Kmart and Big W and Myer and all speciality stores'.

Legendary entrepreneur Dick Smith has also warned Amazon could eventually send spell the end of Australian retail stores.

Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Mr Smith said that internet companies had driven the retail disaster.

'We will end up with just Amazon and Aldi and basically all the Aussie companies will be sent to bankruptcy,' he said.

'All those famous brands will go. Some of them might exist in name only but will be taken over by overseas companies.'

More than 170 stores are tipped to close this year.

Australian retail growth is at its worst level since the early 1990s recession.
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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / The agreement, confirmed by My Country Mobile General trading LLC, will see the Shawar Ali feature in marketing material for Callmama- free calling app, as well as leverage Shawar Ali's Social Media Channels.It is the latest commercial deal for Shawar Ali since moving to Fashion Brands.Shawar Ali is a very well known Bollywood start; he has done films with Shahrukh khan and Amitabh Bachchan.Popularity in Bollywood has seen viewing figures to a spike in the country since he had over a million views on his latest film "Anishchay" on the first day of release."We proud to announce that Shawar Ali will be a brand ambassador for international free calling app Callmama.com , Shawar Ali's endorsement will increase the popularity of the Callmama app in the Indian subcontinent." says Akil Patel, Director of Sales, My Country Mobile."It is our profession to assist companies by implementing effective communication channels; to encourage team collaboration, compliance, and foster premier consumer assistance, we have a secure interface for wholesale minutes, with over twelve billion minutes'/month capacity network. Our solutions are easy to implement and manage, which empowers your business with the immense competitive advantage to meet the demands of the global real estate. Collaborating with My Country Mobile is an excellent opportunity to access reliable and lucrative business solutions. We ensure that all our partners access immense value, terms, and conditions to drive higher profitability and growth," says Feroz Ansari, Vice President. My Country MobileAbout My Country Mobile:My Country Mobile is a privately held telecommunications service provider, delivering high quality, cost-efficient, and scalable Wholesale Voice Termination, International top-up, Virtual phone numbers. Wholesale Voice, call termination, Voice solution, Voice traffic, telephone network, highest quality, voice services, unified communications, switched telephone, termination services, and SMS solutions to telecom service providers across the globe.From beginnings in the year 2012, My Country Mobile has grown to be one of the World's largest Wholesale Voice termination providers, terminating millions of minutes every month. A team of highly experienced, enthusiastic, innovative, and flexible individuals inspires success and accomplishments over the years.As a result, My Country Mobile carries over five hundred direct international termination routes and over one thousand interconnections worldwide with telecom operators around the World.My Country Mobile is headquartered in Dubai, UAE. My Country Mobile has operations in the USA, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and UAE.Media Contact:Company: MY Country Mobile General Trading LLCContact Person: Hanif TaiAddress: Office No. 309-07, 3rd Floor, Hamsah Building, Zabeel Road Karama, Dubai- UAEWebsite: http://www.mycountrymobile.com SOURCE: My Country Mobile General Trading
QUEBEC - The Quebec government will comply with a court ruling striking down parts of its medical aid in dying legislation, the province's health and justice ministers announced Tuesday.

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This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUEBEC - The Quebec government will comply with a court ruling striking down parts of its medical aid in dying legislation, the province's health and justice ministers announced Tuesday.

The province will allow a provision stating those seeking a medically assisted death must be "at the end of life" to simply disappear from its legislation, the ministers said, without making any further amendments to the proposed law.

The decision means more people will qualify for a medically assisted death, Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann said, reminding reporters that patients will still have to meet the law's five other criteria to qualify.

"They have a choice," McCann said. "That's the spirit in which we made the decision  the self-determination that a human being who has met all those five criteria ... will have a choice."

Last September, Quebec Superior Court Justice Christine Baudouin invalidated the "reasonably foreseeable natural death" requirement of the Criminal Code and a section the Quebec law that states people must "be at the end of life," which prevented access to medical assistance in dying for some.

The case was brought by two Quebec residents  Nicole Gladu and Jean Truchon  who did not meet the criteria and had their requests for assisted death turned down by doctors.

Both suffer from incurable degenerative diseases, and lawyers argued the condition that a person's natural death be ''reasonably foreseeable'' before they can receive medical assistance in dying was overly strict.

Gladu suffers from post-polio syndrome and medication no longer helps alleviate her pain, the court heard. Doctors gave her about two to three years to live due to her pulmonary condition.

Truchon has cerebral palsy. Three of his four limbs were not functional at birth, and he just lost the use of the fourth, but he could continue to live for many more years.

The two launched a legal action against the federal and provincial governments, claiming their right to life, liberty and security  guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms  was infringed.

Baudouin suspended the application of her judgment until March 11 to give federal and provincial legislators six months to modify the laws, while granting exemptions to Gladu and Truchon to seek medical aid in dying during this period if they satisfied other legal conditions.

Neither the federal or provincial governments appealed the decision, although the federal government has not yet announced exactly what it intends to do.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the government accepts the Quebec court's ruling and will amend the federal law accordingly.

The government launched public consultations on the issue.

Quebec Justice Minister Sonia LeBel said her federal counterpart, David Lametti, is expected to brief provincial ministers this week in Victoria, B.C.

"Theoretically, as long as the federal criteria exists, it applies, so it's in effect until March 12," LeBel said, adding it's unclear if the federal government will seek an extension.

The chair of the commission that oversees end-of-life care in the province is confident that despite the change in wording, there won't be a flood of people lining up for medical assistance in dying.

"The commission is not afraid that on March 12, the demand will increase tremendously," said Dr. Michel Bureau said. "That's not what we believe."

But LeBel said the time was right for Quebec to make its announcement, noting the province is about to embark on consultations to broaden the criteria on Jan. 27.

"We've taken our decision so it was the time to announce it," LeBel said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
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Libyas oil operations have been dealt a blow during the last 24 hours, after local Libyan tribes, allies of Libyas General Haftars LNA, disrupted production at the El Feel and Sharara fields and blocked the transportation of crude oil to the Zawiya export terminal.

The fields, producing 70,000 and 300,000 bpd, are the countrys main producing fields.

Haftars allies acted while France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Turkey and several others gathered in Berlin to discuss a possible ceasefire between the Tripoli based and UN backed El Serraj government (GNA) and Haftars UAE-Egypt backed LNA.

The shut-ins at the El Feel and Sharara field are not the only outages in the country. The Tripoli based National Oil Corporation (NOC) recently declared a force majeure after the LNA blocked the exports from Brega, Ras Lanuf, Hariga, Zueitina and Sidra. The force majeure was called after the LNA ordered the units managing local production to halt exports via these ports. The closure of operations in the East of the country has taken out around 800,000 bpd. Taking into account all outages, only around 60,000 bpd of capacity will still be online, compared to the 1.23 million bpd the country produced in November. The LNAs move was not entirely unexpected given the fact that forces loyal to General Haftar have taken control of the fields in recent months. The GNA has already warned that the current situation will bring down the economy, could result in an exchange rate collapse, and force an exodus of foreign oil companies. In Berlin, some GNA officials indirectly accused other oil-producing countries to be the main beneficiaries of the current situation. The GNA statement can be linked to the UAE-Saudi and Russian support of Haftars LNA. Related: Is This The End For Big Oil Dividends?

Haftars move to increase pressure on the El Serrajs GNA government is a major constraint for the fledgling agreement reached at the Berlin Conference this weekend. The outcome of the Berlin Conference on Libya this weekend has been as expected. Statements regarding the implementation of a cease-fire, full blockade on arms deliveries and a so-called 5+5 council set up by GNA and LNA are seen as a step forward by Western observers. The reality on the ground is however totally different. The crisis keeps on escalating, as most real power players in the Libyan conundrum are not interested in changing their strategies. Haftars backers are very concerned about the sudden expansion of Turkeys military engagement in Libya. The support by Ankara for the weakened UN-recognized Tripoli based El Serraj led government (GNA) has put especially Egypt, UAE and several European powers in the corner of Haftar. North African countries, such as Egypt or Algeria will not allow Turkey to gain a military or economic foothold in Libya. By threatening the GNAs life-blood, oil and gas revenues, Haftars backers have now upped the ante again. Indirectly, Cairo, Abu Dhabi and even Moscow arent happy to see that the GNA-Turkey axis is building out its position using hydrocarbon revenues.

The Libyan situation is further complicated by recent developments in the East Mediterranean. The region has been on edge since the GNA (Tripoli) and Turkey signed an illegal Turkish-Libyan Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) agreement, that splits the East Mediterranean area in two, effectively blocking the efforts of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF), the alliance between Egypt, Israel, Greece and Cyprus, which has been put in place to strengthen their economic-political and military cooperation. The growing eagerness of France and Italy to get into the EMGF, and the growing military cooperation, especially between the navies of aforementioned countries is likely to provoke a response from Ankara.

The Berlin conference is unlikely to yield any result. Two major conflicts are brewing, with Turkey as the main instigator. The East Med and Libyan conflicts are linked. Without resolving one of them, the outcome of each of them will have a major impact on the global oil and gas sector. The impact of Libyas oil outages on global markets are relatively small, but a protracted supply disruption would surely affect the price of crude. An open conflict, affecting not just Libyan oil, but potentially also oil shipping and or gas infrastructure could cause serious trouble for Europe. Instability in the backyard of the 2nd largest economic power bloc in the world does not bode well for global energy demand.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:


People claim they have seen large groups of drones flying through the night sky across rural areas of the United States. Their mysterious appearance has raised questions and launched an investigation.

Officials in the western state of Colorado say they have found nothing unusual or criminal about the drones. They were mostly operated for personal enjoyment, commercial purposes, or weather-related events.

But the investigation that followed the drones in Colorado with sightings into Wyoming and Nebraska will not ease the minds of many people. Theories about drones said to be as big as cars, flying in organized groups at night continue to spread.

Dan Carlson claims to have seen the drones four times after dark near his farm outside Sidney, Nebraska. He says the military or defense companies may be involved.

The drones flew in groups of two on two nights, he said. Their speed, the distance they traveled, and the nearby missile sites makes him suspect the U.S. Air Force knows of the flights.

Carlson believes the drones may be involved in some kind of military search-and-recovery practice. He suggests they are seeking out items hidden around the countryside during the daytime for training exercises at night.

I do not buy into the conspiracy theories. I am not living in fear of an alien invasion, he told the Associated Press.

F.E. Warren Air Force base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, oversees 150 nuclear missile sites in the three neighboring states of Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. The missiles need regular checking, maintenance and protection against threats. But Air Force officials say they have not seen the drones and they have nothing to do with them.

An Air Force spokesman said, Our base is kind of a drone no-fly zone. So we do have  training that goes on  But any drones spotted outside  are not part of our fleet.

Colorado state officials reported that the state has over 24,000 registered drones. And there were over 2,200 drone sightings in Colorado in 2018.

In early January, Colorado officials used a heat-detecting plane working with investigators on the ground to follow reports of drone sightings. Of 23 drone reports, they found 13 small drones were flown for personal enjoyment, six were commercial aircraft, and four were unidentified.

Carlson said the drones he saw came within 2 to 3 kilometers of his house, flying about 250 meters high. One sped away when he drove after it.

On cold winter nights, Carlson said he can usually hear the sound of an airplane clearly. It was the kind of night that if an airplane flies over at 30,000 feet, you hear it. No sound with these, he said.

Im Pete Musto.

Mead Gruver reported this story for the Associated Press. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

drone(s)  n. a type of small aircraft that flies without a pilot

commercial  adj. related to or used in the buying and selling of goods and services

sighting(s)  n. an act of seeing something or someone that is rarely seen or difficult to see

practice  n. the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it

conspiracy theories  n. theories that explain events or situations as the result of a secret plan by usually powerful people or groups

maintenance  n. the act of keeping property or equipment in good condition by making repairs or correcting problems

zone  n. an area that is different from other areas in a particular way

fleet  n. a group of ships or vehicles that move or work together or that are controlled or owned by one company

detect(ing)  v. to discover or notice the presence of something that is hidden or hard to see, hear, taste, feel or smell
There are just 12 days to go until Married At First Sight returns.

And Daily Mail Australia can offer an exclusive look at the wedding of one of the couples: Aleksandra Markovic and Ivan Sarakula.

The pair exchanged vows in Western Sydney on September 12, and the first signs are that they appear to be mismatched.

Filming: Daily Mail Australia can offer an exclusive look at the wedding of one of the new MAFS couples, Aleksandra Markovic and Ivan Sarakula. Pictured: Aleksandra and a female producer

Wedding day nerves? Groom Ivan was later seen drinking a beer next to his bride as she smiled

Aleksandra, 27, who previously appeared on Take Me Out in 2018, wore a white lace wedding dress while walking out of the church.

The backless gown featured intricate detailing throughout and a high neck design.

She clutched a bouquet of flowers and was also followed by a female producer.

We've seen her before! Aleksandra, 27, who previously appeared on Take Me Out in 2018, wore a white lace wedding dress while walking out of the church

Helping hand: She clutched a bouquet of flowers and was followed by a female producer, who helped adjust her dress

Friend: Aleksandra was joined by a woman in a black dress, who is believed to be a bridesmaid

Details: Her backless gown featured intricate detailing throughout and a high neck design

They were joined by a third woman in a black dress, who is believed to be one of Aleksandra's bridesmaids.

Aleksandra didn't seem too happy on her big day, and it's possible her first meeting with Ivan hadn't lived up to her expectations.

Ivan, 30, also looked nervous - which is understandable given that he'd signed up to marry a complete stranger.

Didn't go to plan? Aleksandra didn't seem too happy on her big day, and it's possible her first meeting with Ivan hadn't lived up to her expectations

Background: Aleksandra is a real estate agent, singing teacher and former beauty pageant contestant who hails from Perth and was raised in a traditional Serbian household

The sockless groom was seen chatting to his groomsmen and appeared to have worry etched on his face.

While it's unclear how the wedding itself went, the couple appeared to loosen up a little throughout the course of the day.

Ivan wrapped a hand around Aleksandra's arm at one stage, and was later seen drinking a beer next to his bride as she smiled.

Aleksandra is a real estate agent, singing teacher and former beauty pageant contestant who hails from Perth and was raised in a traditional Serbian household.

Cold feet: Ivan Sarakula (right) also looked nervous, which is understandable given that he'd signed up to marry a complete stranger

Is everything okay? The sockless groom was seen chatting to his groomsmen and appeared to have worry etched on his face

Abrasive: In a recent trailer, Ivan said he hopes his 'wife sticks around long enough' to see beyond his sometimes 'offensive' personality. Pictured filming a piece-to-camera interview

Pep talk? A casually-dressed man, believed to be a producer, offered Ivan words of support

Ivan is also a real estate agent and was born in Ukraine.

In a recent trailer, he said he hopes his 'wife sticks around long enough' to see beyond his sometimes 'offensive' personality.

The same clip showed him spraying deodorant on his feet, which suggests he is getting a 'goofy' edit like season five's Troy Delmege.

Married At First Sight returns to Channel Nine on Monday, February 3
Damaged houses and trees are covered in volcanic ash as Taal volcano continues to spew smoke and volcanic ash in Batangas province, Philippines, 14 January 2020 (issued 15 January 2020). EPA-EFE/STRINGER

MANILA, Philippines  The Taal Volcano eruption will leave a long-term effect on the environment biodiversity particularly in places that were reached by the ashfall.

According to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), a plants growth depends on the survival or extinction of insects affected by the ashfall.

The BPI said a declining number of insects will also result in declining of plant pollinators.

Insects serve as pollinators that help plants reproduce.

Basta walang pollinator na nagpopollinate walang mabubuong bunga so kung walang bees walang kape, walang prutas or others wala, says BPI Crop Management Bureau Chief Wilma Cuaterno.

A declining number of insects can also cause a decrease in the number of decomposers that help decompose leaves that have fallen from branches or animals that perish.

The extinction of some species of insects would also result in the breaking of the food chain and cause ecological imbalance.

The BPI reiterates that insects, especially the so-called friendly insects, play a vital role in the lives of people.

BPI Entomologist Nestor Rivera said the effect of constant disturbance on insects due to the volcanic eruption may cause them to desert their breeding spot.



Maghahanap sila ng pagkain para sa kanila. Magma-migrate talaga sila kasi kung wala nang kakaining halaman, [maghahanap] sila ng mga halaman para kainin para mabuhay sila, he said.  (from the report of Dante Amento) /mbmf

The post Volcanic eruption has long-term effect on environment biodiversity, vegetation BPI appeared first on UNTV News.
[January 21, 2020] Olea Sensor Networks Introduces IoT IP Licensing Models

RENO, Nev., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Olea Sensor Networks, a leader in intelligent sensors and analytic software for sensor network-based systems, is embarking on a new business initiative that will allow more customers to be able to access their novel technologies for both exclusive and non-exclusive licensing. Beginning with its inception in 2005, Olea Sensor Networks has worked to develop an impressive portfolio of IoT intellectual property which includes a complete suite of integrated solutions for the defense, industrial safety, connected car, connected care and autonomous vehicles markets, including Olea technologies for drones, robotics, and transportation. Olea has had a history of worldwide licensing of their intellectual property to companies who are interested the design, manufacture, and sale of IoT products. More companies will now be able to take advantage of Olea technologies, specifically for vertically integrated solutions in such a way that allows them to mitigate development cost, increase manufacturing efficiency and accelerate time to market. Olea's core technologies include intelligent multi-sensor development platforms for vital signs sensing and human presence detection in various forms and for countless applications. These technologies are the result of over a decade of research and development, some of which have been utilized and licensed in select verticals, to date, but the remaining licensing opportunities are as numerous and varied as the applications. "Olea's intellectual property portfolio creates a mutual business advantage with our partners," explained Frank Morese CEO/CTO of Olea, "helping us to continue to compete globally and allowing our partners to accelerate thei innovations. From start-up to large corporations, companies can benefit from development times being reduced from a typical 36 months to only about 6 months, thanks to our manufacturing-ready approach to design."



These revenue opportunities including Olea intellectual property, offer the option to work directly with members of Olea's team of researchers, engineers, developers and technologists as an extension of their own teams. Helping customers overcome their technology challenges is one of the many ways Olea continues to generate innovation that matters to customers and the world. Olea is offering its IP under a wide variety of licensing models. For each innovation, a customer is able to select the type of licensing that fits their current business plan. A dedicated page which goes into greater detail can be found on the Olea website at https://www.oleasys.com/olea-licensing-models.

About Olea Olea Sensor Networks, incorporated in 2011, develops intelligent sensors and analytic software for advanced "Internet of Things" (IoT) service solutions including a wide variety of applications. Olea specializes in developing non-intrusive sensing technologies and wireless sensor networks including OleaSense, vital sign biometrics technology for advanced safety systems and autonomous driving sensing applications and OleaVision, for Life Presence Detection. Olea is committed to technology leadership and to expanding possibilities for human life in ways not yet imagined and is a recognized leader in innovation and our IoT Technologies and IoT Sensor Analytics help connect and protect people around the world. Olea is located in Reno, Nevada. For more information go to www.oleasys.com . Follow us on Twitter @OleaSys. Olea, Olea Sensor Networks, Olea HeartSensor, Olea HeartSignature, OleaSense, OleaVision, OleaVision360, BalancedSense, RespiroTrack, IoT Intelligent Partitioning Architecture, OSN Quadcorder, DrowseAlert, and OleaWave are trademarks of Olea Systems, Incorporated. Other trademarks (registered or otherwise), names and brands may be claimed as property of Olea Systems, Incorporated or by others. Contact:

Andrea Morese

(775) 636-7680

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/olea-sensor-networks-introduces-iot-ip-licensing-models-300989672.html SOURCE Olea Sensor Networks

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A garda feared for his life and that of a man he was restraining on the ground when a member of a "hit team" drove a 4x4 at them, the Special Criminal Court has heard.

The garda saved himself and the man on the ground by discharging his gun at the vehicle, before it veered to the side and smashed into a parked car while "accelerating at 95pc capacity", the court was told.

Owen Cummins (41), of St Attracta Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court last November to possessing a Beretta handgun and silencer.

Cummins was charged with possessing a firearm - a Beretta 92S handgun and silencer - in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable inference that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful purpose at Jamestown Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, on September 6, 2017.

At a sentence hearing for Cummins at the Special Criminal Court yesterday, Caroline Cummings BL, for the State, put it to Detective Superintendent Dave Gallagher that on September 6, 2017, gardai had "confidential information" that several men were actively targeting another person in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.

Det Supt Gallagher, who was attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Unit at the time, agreed and confirmed that "intelligence" led gardai to believe that the men had a white Citroen Berlingo van and a firearm.

Siren

Det Supt Gallagher briefed gardai to patrol the area with "high visibility" in a bid to prevent any threat to life, the court heard.

Gardai located the Citroen Berlingo near Raheen Park and Garda Stephen Gillespie noticed there was a nervous-looking man in the driver's seat, the court heard.

As gardai carried out a registration check, the van sped off on to Kylemore Avenue "narrowly missing a vehicle".

Gda Gillespie and his colleagues put on their blue lights and siren and followed the van as it headed towards the Naas Road. The van failed to stop at a stop sign, prompting other drivers to take action for their own safety.

It continued to move at speed along Kylemore Way where a civilian witness saw the driver pass a "plastic bag" to the van's passenger who, in turn, threw the Dunnes Stores bag out of the window.

Det Supt Gallagher told the court that Kylemore Way is effectively a "dead end" for cars as there are bollards present.

The court heard the van stopped at the bollards and the chasing garda car collided with the rear passenger side of the van. Two men exited the van, and ran toward a parked Hyundai Tucson 4x4.

The passenger, Andrew O'Keeffe, was apprehended by Gda Gillespie and tackled to the ground, while the driver of the Citroen Berlingo, Cummins, got into the driver's seat of the 4x4.

O'Keeffe (30), from Drumcliff Road, Cabra West, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty in June 2018, to possessing a 9mm Beretta handgun and silencer in suspicious circumstances at Kylemore Way in Inchicore, Dublin, on the same date.

He was sentenced to nine years with one year suspended in August 2018.

Cummins then started the 4x4 as two of Gda Gillespie's colleagues tried to break the driver's window.

Det Supt Gallagher told the court that Cummins drove straight toward Gda Gillespie, who was restraining O'Keeffe.

Gda Gillespie waved his firearm and discharged a gunshot in an attempt to dissuade Cummins from hitting him and O'Keeffe, the court was told.

After the shot was fired, Cummins swerved, "narrowly missing" Gda Gillespie and O'Keeffe. The vehicle hit an unoccupied and parked Volkswagen Passat.

The court heard Cummins then drove toward Gda Gillespie's two garda colleagues.

Michael O'Higgins SC, for Cummins, a former heroin addict, said that another person, who is "extremely insulated from any form of detection", was "pulling strings" and giving Cummins instructions.

The court heard Cummins has 68 previous convictions. Mr Justice Tony Hunt will sentence him on March 3.
(Alliance News) - BlueRock Diamonds PLC on Tuesday said it reached profitability for the first time during the second half of 2019.

Shares were 5.4% higher on Tuesday in London at 117.55 pence each.

London-based BlueRock, which mines from the Kareevlei mine in the Kimberley region of South Africa, delivered revenue of GBP4.1 million in 2019, nearly treble the year before.

Carats sold in the year more than doubled to 12,657, and the fourth-quarter figure nearly trebled on the year before to 4,170 carats. The average price for 2019 rose 24% per carat on a year before, with the fourth-quarter figure up 30%.

"I am very pleased with the continued success at Kareevlei, having achieved the aggressive guidance for 2019 and operated profitably for the first time in the second half of 2019. We are proud of this key milestone, which is a testament to the implementation of the revised production strategy brought in by the company's new management team in second-quarter 2019," said BlueRock Executive Chair Mike Houston.

"As stated in earlier announcements, this strategy has focused on stabilising production ahead of maximising the exploitation of the resource. To that end, we are developing plans to effect a further step change increase in production and lower unit costs."

BlueRock said the first quarter of 2020 has been satisfactory so far, and it expects to meet production targets despite seasonal rains. This production will be "significantly ahead" year-on-year.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks on Sunday with soldiers stationed in Yunnan province during an inspection tour ahead of Lunar New Year. LI GANG / XINHUA

President Xi Jinping urged the Chinese military on Monday to strive this year to realize its goals and missions given by the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people.

"We are determined to build a moderately prosperous society and eradicate absolute poverty before the end of this year. We also aim to achieve the goals set for our national defense system and the People's Liberation Army this year. There are numerous tough tasks for us to do," said Xi, who also is general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

"I hope you stick to the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, uphold the Party's thought on strengthening the military, and implement military strategies in the new era.  You must enhance the sense of mission, be focused on improving your capabilities, make sure all of your jobs are fully done, and unswervingly complete the goals set by the Party and the people."

The president made the remarks on Monday in Kunming, capital of southwestern China's Yunnan province, as he met with officers from military units in the province.

He said troops in Yunnan performed well in terms of implementing the instructions from the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, and he praised them for steadily moving forward toward their goals and completing their tasks with outstanding results.

The troops made remarkable contributions to the protection of sovereignty, national security and development interests as well as to economic and social development in Yunnan, according to Xi.

When addressing the officers during the meeting, Xi offered his best wishes for the coming Spring Festival to all members of the PLA, the People's Armed Police Force, the reserve forces and the militia.

On Sunday, Xi inspected a border defense battalion in Yunnan. He checked the troops' living conditions and chatted with soldiers.

Video clips broadcast by China Central Television showed that Xi visited a squad's dorm, the battalion's medical room and its kitchen. He checked the cooked meals and examined the freshness of vegetables.

During the tour, the president also held a teleconference with soldiers from a landmine clearance unit and a border patrol squad, and encouraged them to honor their duties.

Also on Sunday, the president visited a village of the Wa ethnic group in Tengchong, a city in Yunnan.

He stressed the need to promote rural vitalization and address problems including the imbalance between urban and rural development after China constructs a moderately prosperous society.

Xi told the villagers that efforts should be made to develop rural industries, improve the rural economy, increase incomes and improve people's livelihoods.

He also extended Lunar New Year greetings to the villagers, and beat a wooden drum three times, in accordance with local customs, to wish favorable weather for bumper harvests, peace for the country and the people, and peace for the whole world.

While visiting the old town of Heshun, a popular tourist destination in Tengchong, Xi exchanged greetings with tourists.

A video clip on the internet showed that a tourist asked the president where was his wife Peng Liyuan.

"(She) didn't come," Xi replied with a smile. "Just busy preparing for the New Year at home like everyone else."

In Heshun, Xi also visited a local library and museum on the ancient Southern Silk Road as well as the memorial hall of Ai Siqi, a Chinese philosopher who made contributions to promoting the Party's theories, popularizing Marxism in China and adapting it with Chinese characteristics.

On Monday, Xi visited a wetland near Dianchi Lake in Kunming and learned of the efforts to protect the environment of the lake.
Entrepreneur Network

In 2015, a college student realized vast quantities of high-quality and over-supplied food went to the dumpster at his local supermarket every day. So, he partnered with his college mentor, Patrick Bultema, who raised $500,000 from family and friends to co-found a company with the mission to rescue this lost food and find a market for it.

Within a year, FoodMaven had 22 employees, serviced 120 restaurants and begins expansion into the Denver market. FoodMaven then announced a strategic partnership with Hilton Hotels and brought on a new CEO, Ben Deda. In 2019, FoodMaven closed a Series B round, bringing its total funding since the Series A to $14.5 million.
Today, we must discredit common thoughts that the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies can only drive our world to consumerism, political insecurity, and existential threats. We need to constantly highlight how innovations are used to make our planet a better place instead.

On January 21, 2020, Vitaly Sedler, CEO and co-founder of Intellias (https://www.intellias.com/), one of the top performing software engineering large-scale companies on the Ukrainian tech stage, will join the panel discussion in the Ukraine House Davos. This year, Vitaly will accompany Ukrainian business and political leaders in discussing the topic Will Technologies Save the World? to support the World Economic Forum 2020 statement of Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.

Today, we must discredit common thoughts that the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies can only drive our world to consumerism, political insecurity, and existential threats. We need to constantly highlight how innovations are used to make our planet a better place instead. Intellias mission is to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution and be a part of a new kind of social economy. The economy with human touch and determination to enhance the world and our lives. By embracing electric vehicles, robotics, renewable energy sources, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture, we're helping technology save the world. - Vitaly Sedler, CEO and co-founder of Intellias

Vitaly Sedler along with other thought leaders will discuss how inventions in AI, robotics, virtual reality, big data, biotech, 3D printing, space exploration, and genetic engineering are changing our lives. Stakeholders will gather to showcase how technology innovations will change our world and lives for the better.

Ukrainian IT industry is already making a significant contribution to the worlds sustainable development. In particular, Intellias, with its solutions and projects in the domains of autonomous vehicles, urban mobility, and sharing economy, has already initiated a positive shift towards greener future and more conscious society.

Ukraine House Davos will cluster top academics, politicians, business, and civil society leaders to address global economic and environmental challenges. For the third year in a row, Ukraine House will go alongside the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting to uphold its ideas and statements. Ukrainian leading players will meet and showcase the Europes largest country as a dynamic, creative, and innovative society with plenty of opportunities and a fast-growing economy.

About Ukraine House Davos

A multi-format hub, Ukraine House Davos showcases Ukraine and its fast-growing economy to global business leaders. It displays a dynamic, innovative society powered by creative talent with a passion for freedom and openness, in Europes largest country.

Under the theme Ukraine: Creativity, Innovation, Opportunity Ukraine House Davos highlights the best of the country through its international speaker program. It is a center of communication and hospitality with a series of global panels, presentations and networking opportunities. It hosts conversations about global challenges that shape our future, and opportunities that Ukraine offers. It demonstrates the diversity of this nation with a thousand years of history. It conveys the positive energy of the new Ukraine driven by the new generation.

About Intellias

Intellias is a software engineering company with nearshore development centers in the Ukrainian cities of Lviv, Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as on-site offices in Berlin, Germany, and Krakow, Poland. The company has 18 years of experience in the DACH and Benelux countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. KPMG has highlighted Intellias as one of the leading IT-BPO providers in Lviv. Intellias has also been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in Europe. In 2018, Intellias got backing from Horizon Capital, the biggest private equity fund in Ukraine, to broaden its delivery footprint and increase service capabilities with new delivery centers in Central and Eastern Europe.
Prince Harry has reportedly arrived in Canada to be with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie after it was agreed that the Sussexes would step back from royal duties and stop using their HRH titles.

In an emotional speech delivered over the weekend, the Duke of Sussex said he had no other option but to give up his official royal duties and forge a new life in the country, where his wife and son are setting up home.

After making an appearance at the UK-Africa Investment Summit on Monday, Harry subsequently flew to Vancouver International Airport before being escorted to Vancouver Island to join his family, the Daily Mail reports.

The couple spent six weeks together in Canada at the end of last year before the Duke flew back to the UK to complete a number of royal engagements and announce his and Meghans decision to quit front-line duties.

Following talks held between the Palace and the Sussexes last week, the couple will now become known as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, from the spring.

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

Although they will not use their HRH titles, they will still retain them and Harry, who was born a prince of Wales, will remain a prince.

This new model will take effect in the spring of 2020, the palace said.

During Sundays speech in London, Harry told invited guests: What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you.

Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible.

In an earlier statement, the Queen said she was pleased to have found a constructive and supportive way forward and added that 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, she said.

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.

Harry and Meghan had wanted to remain as working royals, although not prominent members, and drop their public funding so they could become financially independent  a dual role many commentators said was fraught with problems.

The Duke of Cambridge meanwhile continues with a busy schedule of royal duties, a day after delivering a speech at a Buckingham Palace reception for summit delegates.

Prince Harry was in attendance at the UK-Africa Investment Summit on Monday (Getty)

William movingly described how Africa was the place he visited after the death of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and where he proposed to his wife.

On Tuesday, the Duke will attend a meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforce at St Jamess Palace. He is due to deliver a speech and hold a number of audiences as part of the summit.

Additional reporting by PA
Alan Mak is MP for Havant and Founder of the APPG on the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organise and measure the best of our energies and skills. These were the stirring words President Kennedy used to persuade the American people of the benefits of the Apollo programme in the wake of being caught off guard by the Soviet Union putting the first satellite and man in space.

But to beat the Soviet Union to the Moon, the Americans needed a radical new organisation that would be a catalyst for new ideas and bring together the countrys brightest minds. Founded in 1958, Americas Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA)  DARPA as its now known; D added for Defence  not only helped deliver the Moon Landings but is also credited with innovations including an early version of the internet, GPS and driverless cars. By launching ARPA, the United States were determined that in the future they would be the initiator and not the victim of strategic technological surprises.

As Britain leaves the EU and forges a new role for itself in the world, this is the right time for us to be bold in every field. In particular, Brexit gives Britain the opportunity (and the impetus) to establish ourselves as a world leader in the new advanced technologies of the future, from robotics and artificial intelligence to clean energy and quantum computing. These Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies will enable our entrepreneurs to launch new businesses and create new jobs across the whole country. As new sources of employment, wealth and innovation, they have the potential to re-industrialise parts of our country where traditional industries have declined, raising living standards and our national productivity.

Key to seizing this opportunity and fulfilling Britains potential is the creation of a new agency for high-risk, high-payoff research, at arms length from government promised in our last election manifesto. Media reports suggest the agency could be modelled on the American ARPA, the organisation that helped deliver those moon landings 50 years ago.

Properly funded and focused, an ARPA-style British innovation and research agency would do the same for our strategic interests too  and put us on the front foot. By turbo-charging our own science and technology capabilities as we deliver Brexit, we can innovate, invent and invest our way to the head of the pack when it comes to leading the 4IR.

We would build on our strong record of innovation and discovery over the centuries. It was in Britain that the First Industrial Revolution took off in the 18th century. Our country gave the world penicillin, the World Wide Web; and unravelled the structure of DNA. Cambridge alone has produced more Nobel Laureates than any country in the world except America  and more than France, Japan and China combined. In fact, Cambridges Laboratory for Molecular Biology has secured 12 Nobel Prizes on its own.

It would be tempting for the British ARPA to spread itself widely and thinly, diversifying across a range of technologies and disciplines, in the hope of securing a few successes from backing many hundreds of scientific teams, investments and projects. This would be the wrong approach.

Instead, the British ARPA should focus its efforts on the Fourth Industrial Revolutions technologies  the most impactful and transformative technologies that are likely to create whole new industries (and millions of jobs), apply across a wide range of economic sectors, and where our country can develop a strong competitive advantage or a commanding scientific lead. The key technologies that it should focus on include:

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence . Both these technologies will become all-pervasive across most sectors of the economy in the coming decade, from obvious applications such as in manufacturing processes to newer fields such as fashion and retail. Machines are often seen as competitors to human workers, but this need not be the case. For example, over the last 25 years, the Siemens factory in Amberg, Germany has been transformed into a smart factory with almost 75 per cent automation. This has produced an almost 1000% increase in productivity  yet the human workforce has remained the same size. Establishing a new National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the British ARPA would focus the efforts of industry, investors, academia and government on the two most impactful, cross-sector, enabling technologies of the 4IR. Britain must lead the world in these two areas.

. Both these technologies will become all-pervasive across most sectors of the economy in the coming decade, from obvious applications such as in manufacturing processes to newer fields such as fashion and retail. Machines are often seen as competitors to human workers, but this need not be the case. For example, over the last 25 years, the Siemens factory in Amberg, Germany has been transformed into a smart factory with almost 75 per cent automation. This has produced an almost 1000% increase in productivity  yet the human workforce has remained the same size. Establishing a new National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the British ARPA would focus the efforts of industry, investors, academia and government on the two most impactful, cross-sector, enabling technologies of the 4IR. Britain must lead the world in these two areas. Life Sciences : Personalisation will be the big theme of the next decade, in terms of medicines, vaccines, medical devices and wearable technologies. Patients and consumers will no longer want a one size fits all medicine or vaccine, but drugs designed for their unique physiology. The growth in wearable consumer technologies and diagnostic devices like smartwatches which monitor and record health data represents the biggest opportunity to develop new drugs and devices and bring them to market, each tailored to individual patients. With a life science sector already worth 70billion, the UK has a golden opportunity to be at the forefront of these developments. A British ARPA would continue to channel funding and ideas to ensure we remain a world leader.

: Personalisation will be the big theme of the next decade, in terms of medicines, vaccines, medical devices and wearable technologies. Patients and consumers will no longer want a one size fits all medicine or vaccine, but drugs designed for their unique physiology. The growth in wearable consumer technologies and diagnostic devices like smartwatches which monitor and record health data represents the biggest opportunity to develop new drugs and devices and bring them to market, each tailored to individual patients. With a life science sector already worth 70billion, the UK has a golden opportunity to be at the forefront of these developments. A British ARPA would continue to channel funding and ideas to ensure we remain a world leader. Clean energy & fusion : Last May, the UK went two weeks without burning any coal for electricity  the longest coal-free stretch since the first coal-fired power station came online in 1882. 2019 itself was the first year since the First Industrial Revolution that fossil fuels generated less than half of our total electricity  a proud achievement for our Conservative Government. Britains clean energy trend is moving in the right direction, but the biggest prize this decade is getting fusion right. Fusion aims to copy the process which powers the Sun to deliver a new carbon-free source of clean energy. Just a 30-minute drive apart, the Governments Atomic Energy Authority at its Culham facility in Oxfordshire is competing with First Light Fusion, the leading privately-backed innovator, to turn this promising energy source into reality. British ARPA could work with, and help, them both.

: Last May, the UK went two weeks without burning any coal for electricity  the longest coal-free stretch since the first coal-fired power station came online in 1882. 2019 itself was the first year since the First Industrial Revolution that fossil fuels generated less than half of our total electricity  a proud achievement for our Conservative Government. Britains clean energy trend is moving in the right direction, but the biggest prize this decade is getting fusion right. Fusion aims to copy the process which powers the Sun to deliver a new carbon-free source of clean energy. Just a 30-minute drive apart, the Governments Atomic Energy Authority at its Culham facility in Oxfordshire is competing with First Light Fusion, the leading privately-backed innovator, to turn this promising energy source into reality. British ARPA could work with, and help, them both. Space : The UKs space industry is worth around 15bn per year and growing rapidly, driven by space manufacturing including satellites, ground systems and components. Britain builds major parts for one in four of the worlds commercial telecommunications satellites, and the countrys first spaceport is due to open this year in Scotland, giving the UK domestic satellite and rocket launch capability. Earth Observation services, such as data for monitoring land use and agriculture, is a significant growth area, as are satellites, given the growth in broadcasting and telecoms. The nascent space tourism and exploration sector is also ripe for innovation  NASA will open up the International Space Station to private astronauts for the first time this year. British ARPA could play a key role in developing products for both consumers/space tourists as well as traditional governmental defence and security clients.

: The UKs space industry is worth around 15bn per year and growing rapidly, driven by space manufacturing including satellites, ground systems and components. Britain builds major parts for one in four of the worlds commercial telecommunications satellites, and the countrys first spaceport is due to open this year in Scotland, giving the UK domestic satellite and rocket launch capability. Earth Observation services, such as data for monitoring land use and agriculture, is a significant growth area, as are satellites, given the growth in broadcasting and telecoms. The nascent space tourism and exploration sector is also ripe for innovation  NASA will open up the International Space Station to private astronauts for the first time this year. British ARPA could play a key role in developing products for both consumers/space tourists as well as traditional governmental defence and security clients. Quantum computing : Classical computers, and the tablets, mobile phones and laptops that are ubiquitous today, operate on a system based on bits which represent either one or zero. Quantum computers use quantum bits which can be both one and zero at the same time meaning they can store more information, expanding exponentially the power of the computer and its ability to compute calculations. Quantum computers are super computers, with the ability to solve problems and process data that existing computers cant handle such as modelling complex chemical processes and analysing large batches of medical data to diagnose diseases.

IBM, Google and other tech firms are racing to develop quantum computers. As the home of computing  and the World Wide Web  Britain has a key role to play in developing the quantum ecosystem, just as Microsoft, IBM and other American companies came to dominate the classical, binary model of computers. This is the new space race for the 4IR.

Delivering Brexit is rightly the Governments most pressing short-term priority, but our long-term success rests on ensuring Britains continued prosperity after Brexit. Firstly, that means Levelling Up our economy so the benefits of our technological creativity  jobs, apprenticeships, higher wages and skills training  are better shared around the country. Secondly, it means ensuring Britain as a nation is a world leader in the new technologies that are already changing the world  we cannot afford to fall behind in these key areas when countries like China are investing over $150 billion in artificial intelligence.

The new British ARPA will be play a crucial role in focusing our national efforts, funding and creativity on the areas that matter  the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution  and we should all look forward to its creation as soon as possible.
Children and adults were invited to participate in the I Have a Dream poster station at First United Methodist Church of Hightstown. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Almost 22 years later, on the day that honors his name, people still gather in community events of various types to carry on the legacy of the individual who was the most visible spokesperson and leader in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his death in 1968.

On Monday, La Convivencia and First United Methodist Church of Hightstown hosted the 3rd annual "MLK Day of Service and A Community Dialogue."

And in Summit, with an accent on art, The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey provided a space to create artwork to highlight the connectivity of communities.

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First United Methodist Church of Hightstown pastor Rev. Sammy Arroyo, left, records panel discussion speakers. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Rev. Stephen Bryant, pastor of the African Methodist Church of Hightstown, gestures during a panel discussion at First United Methodist Church of Hightstown. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

In Hightstown, First United Methodist Church pastor, the Rev. Sammy Arroyo, led a panel discussion with the Rev. Stephen Bryant, pastor of the African Methodist Church of Hightstown; Rukayat Yakub; Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, and the Rev. Bill Neely, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton.

The event was billed as an opportunity to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s dreams and his legacy... "and a free community-building event with your family and friends to make Dr. Kings dreams into a reality."

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Rukayat Yakub; center, of the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, speaks during the panel discussion.(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

People were invited to make posters in line with King's dream. After a service project, which involved assembling lotion, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant, body soap, diapers & wipes, baby shampoo, baby lotion for local needy families, there was a community conversation, Love that Transforms in an Age of Divisions.

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(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

In Summit, children and adults were invited to create artwork or write text on thick paper strips that would be woven into yarn-based wall hangings and hung in Summit after the event "as a symbol of Dr. King's message of equality, inclusivity, social justice, and love."

Aligning with their current exhibition, Painted Threads, which focuses on weaving in contemporary art, this event was titled, "Weaving Together a Beloved Community." The project is intended "to be a physical manifestation of the metaphor for the connectivity of communities. It will explore how they are woven together, how the experiences of the individual impacts the whole, and how, as a group, we can lock hands and entwine threads of support in dedication to creating a beloved community."

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(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Sarah Walko, left, Visual Arts Center of New Jersey Director of Education and Community Engagement, attaches artwork for Emily Massacesi, 5, of Summit. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Ashley, Koss, left, watches her daughter, Taelyn, Koss, 6, affix her artwork. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Teaching artist Emi Winter; right; helps Kasey Walsh, of Summit affix her artwork. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Kasey is a student at Summit High School and is writing a story for the school newspaper on the project as she participates in it. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Ashley, Koss, left, helps her daughter, Taelyn, Koss, 6, affix her artwork. (Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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(Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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How Leading Security Systems Prevent Attacks

High First Encounter Miss Rates and TTD: Current Email Security's Inadequacy

The Challenges in Fighting Email Hacking

Weak passwords

Cybersecurity illiterate email users who fall for social engineering attacks

The absence of a reliable email security system

The Recommended Security Augmentation

BitDam's Study Methodology

Collection  The researchers obtain numerous malicious file samples. Most of which is Office and PDF files. Qualification  After collecting the samples, the researchers ascertain that they are indeed malicious/harmful. Only actually harmful files are used for the tests. Modification  The verified malicious files are then modified so they can be viewed as new threats by the security systems. BitDam's researchers employed two methods for this modification. One method was by changing the hash of the file with the addition of benign data to it. The other method entailed the modification of the static signature of a macro. Sending  The recently collected malicious files and their variants (modified copies) are then sent to mailboxes considered to have decent protection. For G Suite Enterprise mailboxes, the advanced options are activated, including sandbox in pre-delivery mode. Monitoring and Measuring  The mailboxes are then tracked, and the threat detection efficiency measured. Files that get past threat detection are re-sent to the mailboxes every 30 minutes during the first four hours (after the file was sent). For the next 20 hours, the re-sending frequency is reduced to once every six hours. Re-sending frequency is further reduced to once per six hours for the next seven days. Data Collection and Analysis  All details produced by the tests are then compiled and examined.

In Conclusion

Imagine receiving an email from US VP Mike Pence's official email account asking for help because he has been stranded in the Philippines.Actually, you don't have to. This actually happened.Pence's email was hacked when he was still the governor of Indiana, and his account was used to attempt to defraud several people. How did this happen? Is it similar to how the DNC server was hacked?Email hacking is one of the most widespread cyber threats at present. It is estimated that around 8 out of 10 people who use the internet have received some form of phishing attack through their emails. Additionally, according to Avanan's 2019 Global Phish Report , 1 in 99 emails is a phishing attack.BitDam is aware of how critical emails are in modern communication.published a new study on the email threat detection weaknesses of the leading players in email security, and the findings command attention. The research team discovered how Microsoft's Office365 ATP and Google's G Suite are allegedly critically weak when dealing with unknown threats. Also, their time-to-detect (TTD) can take up to two days since their first encounter with unknown attacks.Email security systems address cyber threats by scanning links and attachments to determine if they are safe or not.They can then automatically block links and prevent download or execution of file attachments. In most cases, to identify threats, security systems compare the scanned files or links to a database of threat signatures. They employ reputation services or a threat hunting protocol that monitors possible attacks based on threat data from various sources.Links or attachments that are deemed safe on the initial scan are not always safe, though. There are many instances when security systems fail to filter threats because they have not updated their threat databases yet. Because of this, gaps in detection exist. There can be up to three detection gaps in a typical security system. These gaps represent vulnerabilities or opportunities for email attacks to penetrate.There are security systems that take advantage of artificial intelligence to make threat learning and detection automatic and more efficient. They use data from previous attacks and the corresponding actions of the network administration or computer owner to come up with better judgments for the succeeding incidents.Despite all of the advancements in email security, flaws still exist. As mentioned earlier, leading email security systems Office365 ATP and G Suite lose their detection effectiveness when faced with unknown threats. Based on BitDam's test results, Office365 has an average first encounter miss rate of 23% while G Suite has 35.5%. They also have notably long TTDs after the first encounter. TTD for Office365 and G Suite were recorded at 48 hours and 26.4 hours, respectively.To clarify, unknown threats are threats that security systems encounter for the first time--those that are not yet in their signature databases. The obscurity is relative, though. Threats that are unidentified to one system may not be unknown to others.That's why there's a significant difference in the miss rates of Office365 and G Suite. Regardless, these unknown threats appear to be the Achilles Heel of current email security in general. They seem unimportant because they are like a temporary weakness that gets corrected over time, but they open a critical window for attack penetration.It's also worth noting that unknown threats are not necessarily completely new malware or forms of attacks. According to the BitDam research, they can be mere variants of existing threats rapidly churned out with the help of artificial intelligence. This means that they are extremely easy to produce, presenting an exponentially growing problem to security systems that have difficulties detecting unknown threats.In BitDam's tests, new threats, along with their modified versions, were used to test the detection effectiveness of leading security systems. Most of the modified threats were perceived as unidentified/unknown even though their "source" threats were already recorded in the threat signature database.For an email security system to be regarded as reliable, it can't continue to have this flaw of having high first encounter detection miss rates.For an email attack to succeed, persistent attacks paired with at least one of the following elements are needed.One of the primary methods used to hack emails is password guessing. With simple and educated (collecting details about the victim) guesswork, hackers persistently enter passwords until they stumble upon the one that works. Many may think that this tactic is too crude to make sense, but there are many instances when email accounts are compromised easily because the account owners use simple and predictable passwords.Social engineering is about tricking victims into doing things that make them unwittingly reveal supposedly secret information or give away things they otherwise wouldn't. Phishing is arguably the most common form of social engineeringunsuspecting victims enter their username and password or provide information on a website that looks legit but is actually stealing information.The modus operandi starts with the attacker sending to the victim an email that requires urgent action. It could be a notification for the victim to change their online banking password after a "breach" has been discovered or a congratulatory message that comes with a link that takes the victim to an online form they have to fill out so they can claim their prize.Email security may also be breached through malware-laced attachments. Clicking on anomalous email attachments can result in the unintentional installation of spyware or keyloggers, which can obtain passwords and other critical data from infected computers. Some malware may also be designed to simulate forms through a pop-up or modal windows, deceiving victims into entering their login details.The leading security systems at present cannot protect accounts with weak or predictable passwords. They also can't guarantee protection against social engineering. They are only expected to focus on blocking malware-infected file attachments and links. Unfortunately, even when it comes to this aspect, they have serious weaknesses. As stated earlier, they have high first encounter miss rates and need time to learn how to block unknown threats.BitDam suggests an improvement in the way leading email security systems work: the introduction of a threat-agnostic layer of protection. BitDam's tests show that a model-based detection approach boosted first encounter detection rates significantly. It even brought TTD down to zero. The malware that Office365 and G Suite failed to detect were effectively identified using BitDam's model-driven method.So how does this model-based approach work?Essentially, it takes away the focus on comparing scanned files to data on existing threats. Instead, it looks at how applications behave when interfacing with certain files. It generates a model (hence the "model-driven" description) of what a "clean" flow of application execution looks like.Applications behave differently when they are processing files laced with unwanted codes or malware. If apps don't behave smoothly when dealing with a file, the only logical verdict is that the file is anomalous, malicious, or harmful. As such, it has to be blocked.This model-driven strategy does not seek to supplant data-driven methods. It is meant to serve as a supplement. It can also have false-positives, so it would be better to use it in conjunction with threat data comparison to ascertain that the blocked perceived threats are indeed harmful.BitDam started the study in October 2019, collecting thousands of "fresh" malicious file samples from various sources. It focused on Office365 ATP and G Suite, but ProofPoint TAP is set to be added as the continuing study proceeds.The process can be summarized as follows:Modifying the collected malicious files is an essential part of the process since BitDam does not have access to the latest malware that has not been entered into Microsoft and Google's threat registries yet. Take note that the files were to be sent via email (Outlook and Gmail). Microsoft and Google's security systems would have immediately blocked the attachment of malicious files during the composition of the test emails.The researchers successfully devised ways to modify the threats for Google and Microsoft to regard them as entirely new and unknown. Hence, the ability of security systems to block the attachment was reduced considerably.There was the option to use email services like SendGrid, which don't perform malware scanning. However, the researchers found out that the accounts they used ended up freezing in less than 24 hours.Again, BitDam does not claim to have collected malware that was not yet in the threat signature databases of Microsoft and Google. Some challenges had to be cleared for BitDam to complete the tests and come up with the bold conclusion that a paradigm shift is in order.The fact that the researchers managed to add malware attachments to the emails they sent for the test proves that minimal modifications are enough for security systems to see derivative threats as unknowns. Their detection effectiveness is then disrupted, thus suffering from high first encounter miss rates.Unknown attacks pose serious risks, mainly because of the data-driven nature of most email security solutions. There's a need to augment security systems with a model-based strategy, so detection does not rely solely on threat signature updates.Additionally, it's important to continue educating people about cybersecurity. Email security systems don't provide blanket protection. They are notably is incapable of stopping attack penetration made possible by the use of predictable passwords and gullibility (easily falling prey to phishing or social engineering).
The Bharatiya Janata Party surprised all  including analysts with its midnight announcement of fielding popular Twitter "troll" and BJP's Delhi spokesperson Tajinder Singh Bagga as a candidate in the upcoming Delhi elections.

Bagga, the 34-year-old Twitter "star" started his career by founding an ultra-nationalist fringe outfit called Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena, an outfit that physically attacks political and ideological opponents such as Prashant Bhushan and Arundhati Roy and participated in disruptions of public events.

But why did BJP choose Bagga, whose antics and often problematic comments do nothing to sanitize his reactionary image on social media?

Bagga's claim to fame came with Twitter, a platform that the tech-savvy influencer (read troll) used to the best of his benefit. He uses his Twitter handle essentially as a tool for mobilising support for the government and inflaming right-wing netizens against opposing ideologies. And too often, he does it with the help of fake news and videos.

When photos of Deepika Padukone standing behind Kanhaiya Kumar and meeting and injured Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union president Aishe Ghosh appeared in the media, it was Bagga who was the first to take up the hate-mongering baton against the actress and call for a boycott of her films. Once his tweets were out, his army did the rest. Within half an hour, #BoycottChhapaak and #BoycottDeepika were top trends.

RT if you will Boycott Movies of @deepikapadukone for her Support to #TukdeTukdeGang and Afzal Gang pic.twitter.com/LN5rpwjDmT  Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 7, 2020

In 2017, Bagga who is followed by the Prime Minister himself was named a BJP spokesperson.

Divisive tweets

The hyper-masculine Tweeple has no qualms about sharing inflammatory and often fake news, even at the cost of maligning others. Bagga does not seem to think twice before sharing images out of context or in ways that distort the meaning of an image or video. Like when Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal shared a stickfigure cartoon against Nazism, Bagga maligned him by saying Kejriwal was against the Hindu "swatika". (The image in the cartoon is a Nazi swatiska which bears subtle differences to the Hindu religious symbol).

Kejriwal insulted Swastik Remember this before giving your Vote pic.twitter.com/ma9OokiuRu  Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 16, 2020

His talents have been on display ever since the anti-CAA protests broke out in December after the passing of the controversial act. First, he claimed anti-CAA protesters in Mumbai including former student leader Umar Khalid raised "anti-Hindu" slogans. Similar claims were made by him regarding peaceful women protesters in Shaheen Bagh.

Lies, brazen lies. Paid pipers of the regime are here to spread lies so that we get busy countering them. And lose focus from the ABVP violence against JNU students. Not happening, shithead. Find a better lie next time. https://t.co/LIQWD07TQd  Umar Khalid (@UmarKhalidJNU) January 6, 2020

Several fact-checks conducted by news organisations found both claims to be untrue or unverified. Even actors such as Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Konkona Sen Sharma called out Bagga's tweets. Sonam went so far as to say that "shame" is not in his "DNA".

How can you expect people with no moral compass or conscience to do anything but this. Shame is not in their DNA. https://t.co/WOpNRZAxiC  Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) January 6, 2020

It isn't just fake news about incidents, Bagga is an expert at sharing divisive messages. After being detained by Kolkata Police in Bengal following an alleged incidence of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress cadres during PM Modi's recent visit to West Bengal, Bagga posted videos of children in Bengal chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', insinuating that Mamata Banerjee was arresting people based on religious affiliation.

At every anti CAA rally, I have spotted Hinduo se Aazadi, Hindutav ki Kabar Khudegi Slogans.. at pro CAA rallies, the Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai. think about it.. have a good Friday.. https://t.co/1btbWE5ayR  Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) December 27, 2019

His key(cuss)words on social media are "Leftists", "Tukde-Tukde gang", "anti-national", "Lutyens gang" an the like and Bagga often uses them.

LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS LEFTISTS MURDERED MILLIONS pic.twitter.com/TYOShQauGr  Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 14, 2020

Bagga does not just use Twitter to expose the alleged "anti-nationals" of India (read anyone who questions the government) but also uses it to publicise his own stunts, designed with crass humour and often bigoted, sexist and communal undertones. In a controversial move that actually got his account suspended for violations, Bagga ordered a copy of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's 'Anandamath' and sent it to Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's residence after the Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP government started a special session of the Maharashtra Assembly without singing 'Vande Mataram'. His appointment as the BJP spokesperson in March 2017 evoked many angry reactions. Similar reactions have come out again.

If an abusive low life and third rate troll can be fielded as an MLA candidate, IT cell head certainly deserves to be Presidents nominee to Rajya Sabha.  Nagendar Sharma (@sharmanagendar) January 21, 2020

'Not a troll'

A story published in The Indian Express following his appointment reported that Bagga's Twitter, which has been full of inflammatory content - including justifications of his attacks on dissenters like Bhushan as well as support for use of violence against those against his idea of "India" - were removed from his timeline. In an interview that was published in the same story, Bagga said that despite allegations, he was not a troll.

Nevertheless, in March 2018, Bagga waded into another controversy when he was accused of creating and publicising a t-shirt (under his graphic t-shirts label 'T-Shirt Bhaiya', another platform for pro-BJP propaganda) with the graffiti of a man tied to a tank and the words "Indian Army saving your a** whether you like it or not". The image, an insensitive reference to a Kashmiri man who was tied to the head of a truck by Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi of the 53rd Rashtriya Rifles during the 2017 Jammu and Kashmir bypolls to "deter" stone-pelters, went viral on social media.

Thuggish BJP leader Bagga sells Kashmir Human Shield T-Shirt saying it's wearing patriotism on chest. Court found Army Major act of tying man to jeep unconstitutional. Celebrating the flouting of Constitutional values isn't 'patriotic'! https://t.co/CZDmMWVOr9 via @thewire_in  Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) March 28, 2018

Heard Stone pelter Guy filed Defamation case against me and @TShirtBhaiya ( Reports in Media) . He can file 100 more cases, but we will not stop selling Major Gogoi T-shirt https://t.co/nqMoXbqxiF  Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) March 26, 2018

Apart from being an outright bigot given to communal tendencies, Bagga has also time and again revealed himself to be deeply sexist and problematic when it comes to women. He had once mocked actress Swara Bhaskar on social media, for her masturbation scene in a film, earning widespread rebuke for his comment.

You piece of shit.  Shruti Sawant (@ahaughtylibran) January 6, 2020

Squeakiest wheel?

But it seems that Bagga's willful trolling on social media has paid him off as Bagga, who was himself trolled for being ignored in BJP's first list of candidates, now finds himself as the MLA candidate from Hari Nagar, a West Delhi constituency with a considerable Sikh population. (Sikhs makes up over 10 percent of the predominantly Hindu West Delhi). Bagga's "success" on Twitter can be the reason why the BJP perhaps did not choose party veteran Harsharan Singh Balli. Balli had won the Hari Nagar seat in 2008 and holds the credit for being the only Sikh to have been elected four consecutive times as MLA. He is the founder of BJP's Sikh unit and an important leader in West Delhi.

In 2013, the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal coalition had together contested the same seat. However, this time, fallout over the CAA and National Register of Citizens protests have thrown a spanner in the works, opening up the ground for the veritable outsider Bagga.

With AAP's two-time and presiding Hari Nagar MLA Jagdeep Singh resigning from the party after being denied a ticket and Rajkumar Dhillon being fielded instead, Bagga may just be able to exploit his social media fame to mint votes.

With political parties actively exploiting Twitter for campaigning ahead of Delhi elections, memes and trolls have now become an important part of the political vocabulary. After all, politics is a game of perceptions and social media is the stage upon which it is today played. And when it comes to social media, the wheel that squeaks the loudest always gets the oil.
A cashback app which lets users take money off their phone bill when they build up rewards says people can potentially earn enough to pay off their entire mobile bill each month.

Airtime Rewards, which has quietly gained more than half a million members, lets users get up to 10 per cent back on purchases at certain retailers with the savings then used to reduce their mobile bill.

It claims that most users save on average 10 a month through the free app and its retailer rewards programme but others earn much more.

The scheme is currently available on most major UK phone networks including Three, O2, Vodafone, EE and GiffGaff but those with smaller companies should check before signing up.

Airtime Rewards gives customers cashback at retailers to spend on their mobile phone bills

The app was created in 2015 by co-founders Josh Graham and Adam Ward who had both been working in the retail technology industry developing loyalty and rewards solutions and decided they wanted to 'shake the rewards industry up'.

A spokesperson for Airtime Rewards said: 'Our smartphones are essential to our everyday lives and we have created a unique digital currency that rewards our members where it really matters.

'We have set our sights on becoming the leading loyalty programme for the mobile generation.'

The Airtime Rewards app will show users how many rewards they have built up over time

How does it work?

To get started, users will need to register their mobile number and add a debit or credit payment card to the app.

Customers will then need to link the app to their Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card to earn money off their phone bill as they spend - or free credit if they're on pay-as-you-go.

By doing so, customers automatically receive airtime credit to their mobile bill, helping them reduce the cost of phone ownership.

The app tracks transactions via Visa and Mastercard so no codes are needed.

The transactions should show up in a users app within five days.

During the sign-up process, the app will verify a users mobile number to make sure they are officially the bill payer.

How much cashback can you earn?

The amount of cashback varies from place to place but most offer five per cent although this can go up to 10 per cent in some cases.

There is a minimum threshold of 10 that customers need to reach before they can claim their rewards.

Once members reach 10 in rewards, members can redeem to their bill. Once redeemed, rewards are visible within 24 hours on their bill.

Who are the partners?

Airtime has approximately 80 major retailers including Bella Italia, The Body Shop, Boots, Caffe Nero, Dorothy Perkins, Halfords, Topshop and Waitrose.

Airtime Rewards said that the retailers they partner with want to use it because customers typically spend 20 per cent more per visit than the standard customer via the app.

It added: 'We confidently incentivise higher consumer spend for our partners, as well as lowering the age demographic of their customers - this means for some merchants, we unlock a large market segment they would otherwise not have access to.'

For example, it says Debenhams wanted to attract a younger audience, so they partnered with Airtime Rewards.

It said: 'We were able to reduce their customer age demographic by approximately 22 years, allowing them to harness the potential of a new position in the retail market.'

How does it make money?

Airtime charges retail partners a percentage reward rate on each transaction.

The app passes the majority of this value back to members as their reward for shopping but retains a small percentage as a commission for running the service.

The service and platform are also fully PCI compliant and are integrated directly with Visa and Mastercard - for this reason, it says customers don't need to worry about security.

Users' card details are kept secure and encrypted and are not charged for using the service.
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21. Jan 2020 at 21:44 I Modified at 22. Jan 2020 at 14:01 I Premium content

General Prosecutor Jaromir Ciznar will check the prosecutors steps.

General Prosecutor Dobroslav Trnka, who wants to be re-appointed as the GP, is waiting for a public hearing before a parliamentary committee on June 14, 2011, in Bratislava (Source: TASR)

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Prosecutor Rastislav Hruska has dropped charges against former general prosecutor Dobroslav Trnka for the abuse of authority, the Aktuality.sk news website reported.

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Related article Trnka release, prosecutor questions charges Read more

The police detained Trnka on January 16 and later brought charges against him, reportedly due to a leaked video in which he discusses the Tipos case with ex-finance minister Jan Pociatek. The ex-general prosecutor is already accused in connection to the Gorilla case.

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Trnka was released the very next day, following a decision of the prosecutor from the Special Prosecutors Office.

General Prosecutor Jaromir Ciznar has scrutinised the steps taken by Hruska. He announced on January 22 that the steps the prosecutor had taken when releasing Trnka were legal, the TASR newswire reported.

Call on politicians
The vision that Senate Republican leaders have for the impeachment trial of President Trump, which is set to begin on Tuesday, is simple: a sprint that briskly checks the required procedural boxes before arriving, business-like, at the end resultan acquittal of the president.

The vision that Trump himself has for the impeachment trial of President Trump, however, may be different. He has approached the trial that will decide the fate of his presidency as a scorched-earth battle to vindicate himself and a zero-sum loyalty test for congressional Republicans.

His trial team, announced last week, reflects that combative mindset. Between Kenneth Starrthe architect of President Clintons impeachment 20 years agoand Alan Dershowitz, the celebrity attorney and former Clinton backer turned Trump defender, what is effectively a Fox News panel will be guiding Trumps defense in a trial before 100 U.S. senators and the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

The tension between a group of Republican lawmakers who publicly make clear they want no circus and a president with a penchant for creating them will be just one factor that will make Trumps impeachment trial unlike the other two trials in U.S. historyor any other event in U.S. history, for that matter.

Another unique factor: the steady flow of fresh facts and revelations directly related to the charges laid out in articles of impeachment. Last Thursday, as senators were sworn in as jurors, they were struggling to keep up with incendiary, breaking allegations about Trumpworlds conduct on Ukraine from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trumps personal lawyer and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. On top of that, a federal government watchdog had just found that the White House violated the law in withholding appropriated funds from Ukraine.

Taken together, it all seems a recipe for mayhema sign that anything could happen as the trial unfolds over the next several weeks. But underneath all the drama, the fundamental political reality has remained static since the beginning: When its over and the votes are tallied, Trump will almost certainly not be removed from office.

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A flat no was Sen. Ted Cruzs answer when asked last Thursday if anything at all had changed over the last few months about whether or not Trumps conduct on Ukraine justifies his removal from office.

We will respect due process, both sides will be allowed to present their case, said the Texas Republican, a reliable Senate ally of the president. And then we will decide the matter pursuant to the law and the Constitution, and I am confident at the end of this proceeding the result will be an acquittal. 

Most Democrats know that the prospect of 20 GOP senators joining with all Democratic senators to ensure Trumps removal is, as it stands, not remotely likely. Publicly, though, Democrats are holding out hope that the ultimate bank shotgetting just four Republicans to side with them on a vote to call additional witnesses like former National Security Adviser John Bolton, who might offer new and damning evidence of Trumps misconductcould alter the cold political reality theyre facing.

In a trial, you never know what will happen if you have witnesses and documents, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) told The Daily Beast. It can change the dynamic of the trial. As to whether itll change the ultimate outcome, thats for senators to decide after hearing all the witnesses.

On Monday night, McConnell unveiled his proposed rules to govern the trial. They reflect a desire to storm through the proceeding; this week, the House Democratic prosecutors and the presidents defense team will each get a 24 hour block of time for presenting their argumentbut two days in which to do it. After that, senators will get several hours to pose questions to each sides representatives.

After that point, per the proposed rules, senators will vote on whether or not to consider additional witnesses and evidence. If a fourth Republican does not vote yes on that, its possible Trumps acquittal could come less than two weeks before the formal opening of the trial.

The Senate Democratic leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, slammed the rules package on Monday night, saying it was proof that Senate Republicans were complicit in a cover up. He and other Democrats noted that the rules do not admit the evidence collected by the Houses impeachment inquiry at the outset, instead punting that question to a vote later on.

Any senator that votes for the McConnell resolution will be voting to hide information and evidence from the American people, said Schumer. Previously, the Democratic leader had aggressively pushed McConnell to vote on additional witnesses from the get-go, and he said that he will use the limited procedural power he has to force those votes anyway on Tuesday.

The provision allowing for a vote on whether or not to call new witnesses is the result of a pressure campaign initiated by a small group of centrist, Trump-critical and/or retiring GOP senators, who pushed McConnell to craft the rules to guarantee a vote on calling additional witnesses when trial arguments conclude. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah, for example, have openly advocated for that vote, and both have said they are leaning toward casting it in favor of new witnesses.

Other Republicans, meanwhile, are trying to turn Democrats witness calls against them by claiming the GOP should get to call figures like Hunter Biden, who is not relevant to the articles of impeachment but is useful for suggesting the vice president and his son were connected to corrupt activity in Ukraine. Cruz, for example, has floated a witness reciprocity idea in which Biden would be called by the White House if senators voted to call someone like Bolton.

On that subject, most Senate Republicans desire for a smooth, minimally dramatic affair could clash with Trumpworlds appetite for total war. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, for instance, has threatened to force multiple votes to call Biden if Democrats continue to push for their own witnesses. Many, however, are wary of creating a circus-like atmospheresomething that top Republicans like Sen. John Cornyn of Texas have explicitly warned against.

Also possible to derail a quick, ho-hum trial is a continued drip of new informationpossible or even likely even if no new witnesses are calledabout Trumps Ukraine push. The factual record on the saga that sparked Trumps impeachment is still growing as each sides advocates begin exploring the timeline inside and out over the course of many hours of oral arguments. That is another point of stark difference between Clintons trialin which there was a similar push for new witnesses but no similar, steady drumbeat of new informationand Trumps.

In particular, the disclosure of evidence from Parnas, who was at the center of the Ukraine pressure campaign, suggests that the highest echelons of the administration knew and approved of the effort and its aim to subject Biden to political pain.

Amid it all, some of the jurors admitted a struggle to keep up. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) tweeted on Thursday how surreal it is to start the trial on a day when major news continues to break. And nearly all Democrats pointed to the disclosures as more reason to include additional witnesses during the trial.

Many Senate Republicans, meanwhile, have settled on a strategy of slamming new evidencelike that revealed by Parnas disclosuresas illegitimate because it was not collected in the course of the Houses impeachment inquiry. Gathering of new evidence, said Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), is outside the scope of the trial.

This is not a fact finding search to go see if we can find something to be able to prove him innocent or guilty, said Lankford.

If the ultimate judgment of the trial may not be in doubt, the way it will be rendered carries significant implications for which party controls the Senate after the 2020 election. Questions of process, like calling witnesses, are likely to fuel attack ads against vulnerable senators on both sides for months and months.

I think a lot of this is more a focus on putting the incumbent Republicans who are on the ballot in 2020making sure that they have some hard votes to cast that can be used against them in the campaign, said Cornyn of Democrats efforts. Because we know how the story ends, especially with the 67-vote threshold.

And that final vote Cornyn is referencingto acquit or convictmay define the political fates of a set of vulnerable senators on both sides up for reelection in November. Less certain is how it will define the fate of the person at the center of it all.

Already, however, one truth is clear: the trial will not go away as quickly as Trump wants it to, and it will be taken more seriously than he wants it to.

On the other hand, McConnells control has its limits. The presidents Twitter feed, for example, falls far outside his jurisdictionand can, as it has before, scramble the Senate GOPs careful plans at any moment.

The day after the trial formally began with all 100 senators solemn oathswhich was sobering enough to members on both sides that many declined to speak on their way out of the Capitolthe president approvingly tweeted a comment from Fox News Laura Ingraham, who said, entertaining this Impeachment is a joke. This whole thing should be dismissed.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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(Photo : Top 10 Places on Your Bucket List When Travelling to Egypt)

Regardless of whether you want to experience natural beauty and history, enjoy some luxury and relaxation at a flawless Red Sea resort, or sip espresso in cafes in Alexandria similarly as others have done for a great many years before you, there's no end to the astonishing attractions in Egypt. In order to have an enjoyable time in Egypt, we've gathered a list of top ten attractions you should try to add to your bucket list in your next Egypt vacation.

1. The Pyramids of Giza

Do you even need to hear any more? As the last remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are known everywhere in history simply by the way they look. It is a must-visit place when you go to Egypt.

2. Valley of the Kings

No less astounding than its somewhat more famous cousin in Giza, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor has been a site of royal entombments since 2100 BC, making it another place that has been in existence for almost 4,000 years.

3. The Sphinx

The Sphinx is one of the world's oldest and largest sculptures. Found just southeast of the pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza is an amazing statue constructed utilizing a single piece of limestone in roughly 2500 BC.

4. Khan El-Khalili

No visit to Egypt is complete without a visit to Khan El-Khalili. Discover antique trinkets, historic cafes, and a wealth of unique, handmade adornments in the city's biggest souk. Situated in the heart of Cairo.

5. Alexandria National Museum

Located in Fouad Street, the Alexandria National Museum is a guide to the history of this famous city. The structure is filled to the overflow with relics from various eras, including the Roman, Ptolemaic, and Pharaonic. It houses an assortment of antiquities, statues, and artworks.

6. The Roman Amphitheater

Situated in Kom Al-Dikka, or "The Mound of Rubbles" in English, this place was once a forgotten ruin until 1947 when an excavation team discovered the remains of an antiquated Ptolemaic Temple, a small amphitheater, and also the mosaic flooring of a Roman-era home now called the "Villa of Birds."

7. Hurghada - Go Scuba Diving

The Red Sea coast is popular for the town of Hurghada, which offers loads of fun activities in Egypt in December. The staggering landscape here, complete with sandy shores, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, makes for the ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.

8. Mt. Sinai - Hike to The Top

Mountain Sinai is famous as where Moses got the ten commandments from God. The hike is generally smooth and offers delightful views on the South Sinai mountain range. The rough hills extended unto the horizon, making this hike an astounding experience.

9. White Desert National Park

For the people looking for a more natural experience, look no farther than the 300-square kilometer White Desert national park. Located at the northeast of Farafra, extraordinarily white chalk rock towers spring from the Earth's surface, creating an imaginary and dreamlike landscape.

10. Abu Simbel Temple

The museum is worldly famous for one of a kind marvel; on the 22nd of February, the birth date of the late Egyptian pharaoh, and again on the 22nd of October, his crowning liturgy, the sun rays illuminate three of the four statuses located at the top inside the temple with each having a height of 22.5 meters.

From intriguing history to fantastic weather and staggering destinations, there are more than enough reasons why Egypt should be your next big vacation destination. Posture Corrector

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By IANS

LUCKNOW: Tina Yadav, the 14-year-old daughter of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, was seen participating in an anti-CAA rally here a few days back.

Tina reached the Clock Tower on Sunday, where hundreds of women were sitting on protest against the citizenship laws, and spent time talking to the women.

She was accompanied by her friends. Since she is still not a well known celebrity, no one noticed her presence. It is only when her photo went viral on Tuesday that the matter came to light.

Sources said that since some of Tina's friends were a part of the protests, she had gone to meet them and even sat with them for some time.

This is the first time that the former Chief Minister's children have participated in a political event and that too on their own.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:20:27|Editor: huaxia

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Acting Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Matthew Cheung speaks at a press conference in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 21, 2020. Matthew Cheung said on Tuesday that the SAR government is on high alert for an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Acting Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Matthew Cheung said on Tuesday that the SAR government is on high alert for an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus.

Cheung told the media ahead of the Executive Council meeting that Hong Kong has not found any confirmed cases of new coronavirus pneumonia so far, but the SAR government is already in full swing to control the disease.

The SAR government launched on Jan. 4 the Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance and activated the serious response level for novel infectious disease, Cheung said.

A string of measures have been taken including strengthening the contingency measures in public hospitals, enhancing the monitoring of suspected cases, and imposing a health declaration form system on inbound travelers by air from central Chinese city of Wuhan, he said, adding that these measures have assumed the risk of human-to-human transmission of the virus and are on high alert.

Chung Kin-lai, the Hospital Authority's quality and safety director, told a press conference held by the SAR government on Tuesday that public hospitals in Hong Kong have reported 117 suspected cases so far with no confirmed cases.

The authority has decided to step up the detection of the new coronavirus in public hospitals by conducting tests on pneumonia patients who had been to Wuhan within 14 days.

Yuen Kwok-yung, professor from the department of microbiology of the University of Hong Kong, who had been to Wuhan to learn about the epidemic, said at the press conference that the epidemic may now enter the third wave of transmission, i.e. transmission begins in homes and hospitals.

"All cases outside Wuhan were related to cases found in Wuhan. Under this situation, it's not uncontrollable," he said.

Yuen stressed that the control measures in Hong Kong are more stringent than other places. However, if there is an adaptive genetic change in the virus, transmission may accelerate.

Coupled with the Spring Festival travel rush, the flow of people across the country is frequent, therefore, it is reasonable for Hong Kong to implement very strict anti-epidemic measures at this stage, he added.
Leading realty firm Embassy Group on Tuesday announced an investment of up to Rs 1,000 crore to develop six greenfield co-living properties across major cities to meet the growing need of shared rental homes for students and co-living professionals.

Bengaluru-based Embassy Group, which last year launched India's first real estate investment trust (REIT) and runs co-working business WeWork India, will operate co-living business under a separate firm 'Olive by Embassy'.

"We are launching a new firm and brand 'Olive' for our co-living business which is now emerging as a separate asset class. The objective is to disrupt the PG (accommodation) market which is unorganised and poorly managed," Embassy group Chief Operating Officer Aditya Virwani told PTI.

The company has identified two land parcels to develop co-living centres in Bengaluru and Chennai, said Virwani, who is also co-founder of Olive.

"We are targeting to start development of 5-6 greenfield co-living properties this year with capacity of 5,000-10,000 beds," he said, adding that the company would operate in a price range of Rs 10,000-20,000 per bed.

The first centre is expected to be operational by middle of the next year.

Asked about investment, Virwani said the total project cost could be around Rs 800-1,000 crore, including land cost. Embassy group would invest fund in the co-living business.

"We will go to the market to raise funds after establishing the brand," he said.

The company plans to expand co-living business in cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi NCR. The first phase will see the launch of 20,000 beds -- Bengaluru 15,000, Chennai 2500 and Pune 2500. It is also open to tie up with land owners to develop co-living centres.

Virwani said the yield in co-living business is almost similar to commercial properties of 7-8 per cent.

"The shared economy concept has percolated all aspects of society, creating unprecedented disruptions as well as opportunities.

"Today, it is not just the scarcity of spaces or living in congestion that are driving co-living but also the affordability and flexibility, aspirations of the current generation, transition from owning to sharing, the digital economy and the technological innovation," Virwani said.

Stating that there are over 36 million students in higher education and the migrant millennial workforce is growing at a rapid pace across metros, he said Olive by Embassy aims to uplift the standard of living for this segment with hospitality services and an eco-system.

The co-living projects are designed and developed by the UK-based design consultancy Priestman Goode.

On Monday, realty portal Housing.com said the co-living market will double to Rs 2 lakh crore by 2023.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At a January 19th London event for his charity Sentebalean organization that supports the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and BotswanaPrince Harry explained his reason for stepping out from under the umbrella of the royal family for the first time since the announcement was made. He expressed great sadness over the fact that he and wife Meghan Markle had no other option but to leave. And he further explained what this departure means for the future of his family, both immediate and extended.

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Prince Harry expressed that he and Markle were excited, hopeful, and ready to serve the monarchy once married. For those reasons, it brings me great sadness that it has come to this.

Since marrying into the royal family, Meghan has become a target for brutal criticism from the British media. Tabloids pitted her own family against her, conspired that she was never pregnant with baby Archie, and continuously pick apart everything shes donefrom the way she rested her hands on her baby bump, to the way she supposedly wears the pants in her relationship with Harry.

This tabloid pressure hits hard for Harry, as hes spoken out about how the same type of stress contributed to the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

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Harry then stated, What I want to make clear is, were not walking away.

He explained that he and Markle originally wished to continue to serve the queen, the military, and the people, just without public funding, as is commonplace for members of the royal family. However, that wasnt possible, Harry explained. And because the rules could not be bent, Harry had to step back with his family and step forward into what he hopes can be a more peaceful life, he said.

Harrys speech was uploaded to the official Sussex Royal Instagram page hours after it was announced that he and Meghan will drop their royal titles (HRHHis/Her Royal Highness) and pay back approximately $3 million of taxpayer money used to renovate Frogmore Cottage. Harry will also be required to drop the military appointments he achieved during his four-year service. These stipulations are part of the official deal Harry and Meghan made with Queen Elizabeth II.

Judging by his words, its clear that Harry feels as though his only option to keep his family safe and happy was to oust himself from the only life hes ever known. As more news develops, well be sure to keep you in the loop about what the future looks like for Harry and Meghan.
Nova FM radio hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli have revealed why they will never appear as contestants on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

Speaking on his breakfast show on Tuesday, Fitzy told listeners they are approached by producers every year but always turn down the offer for the same reason.

The retired footy player, 43, explained that they're unable to commit to four weeks of filming in South Africa because the schedule clashes with their radio show.

Not gonna happen! Nova FM radio hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli have revealed why they will never appear as contestants on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

'I got a phone call saying, "Do you want to do the jungle?" We get this every year,' he said.

'I said, "No, no way. I can't We go back to work [after the Christmas non-ratings period] on January 20. I can't do it."'

Despite turning down an appearance on I'm a Celebrity, Fitzy revealed that he was instrumental in getting TV presenter Tom Williams a place on the show.

No, no and no! Speaking on his breakfast show on Tuesday, Fitzy (left) told listeners they are approached by producers every year but always turn down the offer for the same reason

'So I rang [the producers] back and said, "If you want someone who's a bit of a bogan like me Tommy Williams would be awesome!"' he laughed.

Fitzy went on to say that Tom had left him a voicemail message shortly before flying out to South Africa last month.

'It's me, man! It's Tommy. I'm on my way to the jungle. I'm going in!' Fitzy said, recalling what his friend had supposedly told him.

He then claimed that Tom had asked him to 'take care of' his social media accounts while he was out of the country.

However, it's unclear if Fitzy was being serious.

Busy, sorry! The retired footy player explained that he and Wippa (right) are unable to commit to four weeks of filming in South Africa because the schedule clashes with their radio show

'A bogan like me': While he turned down an appearance on I'm a Celebrity, Fitzy revealed that he was instrumental in getting TV presenter Tom Williams (right) a place on the show

Of course, Fitzy and Wippa are no strangers to the jungle.

During the second season in 2016, the pair broadcast their radio show live from a 'hut' in South Africa with I'm a Celebrity hosts Dr Chris Brown and Julia Morris.

They once infiltrated the camp in disguises as part of a challenge and hung around for a while, but were never official campmates.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 21:10:10|Editor: huaxia

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TAIPEI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A woman who returned from Wuhan of central China to Taiwan was confirmed to be infected by the novel coronavirus that caused pneumonia, the island's epidemic monitoring agency said Tuesday.

The woman in her 50s traveled from Wuhan to Taiwan by air Monday and was sent to hospital by the airport staff for having symptoms of fever, cough and tachypnea before the infection was confirmed Tuesday, the agency said at a press conference.

The patient has received treatment in an isolation ward, it added.

The agency urged the public to stay calm since the patient was sent to hospital and quarantined shortly after her landing and made few contacts with the local population.

A total of 46 people who had contacts with the patient aboard the plane are being closely monitored, the agency said.

The authorities have raised the level of travel alert to Wuhan and suggested that the public avoid visiting the city unless it is necessary.
Jon Buice, convicted for the 1991 killing of a gay banker that outraged Houstons LGBT community, was arrested Monday morning and charged with driving while intoxicated, according to Montgomery County jail records.

The 45-year-old who wielded the knife in the high-profile Montrose attack on Paul Broussard was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. after crashing his car in a ditch along the 3450 block of Panther Creek in The Woodlands, records show. Deputies found Buice sitting in the drivers seat and arrested him on suspicion of being intoxicated, according to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office.

His vehicle was also missing a tire, police said.

Assistant District Attorney Mike Holley said Buice refused to take a breath and blood test. There was no indication of injuries or any other vehicles involved.

As of Tuesday, Buice, who now lives in Spring, remains jailed on the misdemeanor charge after the filing of a warrant aimed at parole violations in the hours following his arrest. The warrant prevents Buice from leaving the jail, even if he were to post the $1,500 bond on his initial DWI charge. He could appear in court Friday, Holley said.

Buice has been out on parole since 2015 after serving about half of a 45-year sentence in the Montrose killing, which sparked a wave of protests aimed bringing anti-gay sentiment to light. One such rally held in the heart of the LGBT hub drew more than 1,000 people.

Broussard, 27, was fatally stabbed as he left a Montrose nightclub with two companions, who escaped. Broussard was surrounded and brutally beaten in a dead-end alley by 10 assailants, some of whom were brandishing pipes and nail-studded boards, according to reports at the time. Buice was among them and had a knife.

All of the attackers  who garnered the moniker The Woodlands 10  were intoxicated. Buice pleaded guilty to murder and received the most severe sentence for wielding the blade used to stab Broussard in the Fourth of July slaying.

At the time, law enforcement could find no other motive for the attack except that Broussard was gay. The case garnered national attention with the help of Houston activist Ray Hill, who coined the phrase gay bashing in response to the attack. Years later, in 2016, after having rallied to have Buice paroled, Hill expressed regret that he depicted the killing as a hate crime. Hill died in 2018.

Broussards mother, Nancy Rodriguez, declined to comment on Buices latest arrest and asked that Andy Kahan, Crime Stoppers of Houstons director of victim services, speak for her instead.

Kahan applauded the parole board for issuing the warrant so quickly after Buices arrest.

Buice was the main culprit in one of Houstons most infamous cases, Kahan said in a statement. Its time the parole board sends a message out loudly and clearly, if youre on parole, you will be returned to prison if you violate your conditions.

Being accused of drinking and driving is a serious crime. Were thankful no one was injured or died as a result, Kahan continued.

nicole.hensley@chron.com
A Sri Lankan judge was interdicted on Tuesday after his name figured in the tape controversy in which an opposition United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian was allegedly heard discussing impending judgments and ongoing investigations with judges and police investigating officers.

The interdiction of Embilipitiya High Court judge Gihan Pilapitiya came a few days after similar action was taken against Baddegama Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala in the same case by the Sri Lankan Judicial Service Commission.

Hemapala was interdicted last week



Justice Pilapitiya, whose name figures in the controversy over taped conversations with parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, has been interdicted, the Commission said.

The police have recorded statements of Hemapala, Ramanayake and retired High Court judge Padmini Ranawaka for their alleged involvement in the controversial telephonic conversations with Ramanayake.

Ramanayake was arrested on January 14 for alleged interference with judiciary, days after the discovery of controversial telephone conversations, video clips and CDs from his residence.

According to police, over 1,000 recordings of Ramanayake's telephone conversations were found with incriminating evidence on his attempt to influence judgements against political opponents between 2005 and 2019.

He was arrested for offences committed in terms of article 111C (2) of the Constitution for interference with the functions of the judges.

Following his arrest, the UNP announced that Ramanayake's party membership has been temporarily suspended.

The government has called for an extensive probe on Ramanayake tapes, claiming that they bore evidence to the previous government's witch hunt against them when in opposition.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of chemical products to Israel increased by 6.8 percent from January through December 2019 compared to the same period of 2018, and amounted to $440.9 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on Jan. 21.

In December 2019, Turkeys export of chemical products to Israel increased by 25.6 percent compared to December 2018, and reached $42.2 million.

Export of chemistry products from Turkey increased by 18 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, amounting to $26 billion or 11.4 percent of countrys total export.

Turkeys export of chemical products increased by 20.5 percent in December 2019 compared to the same month of 2018, reaching $1.8 billion or 11.8 percent countrys total export.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, more than 1,500 people tuned in to a livestream as the W.K. Kellogg Foundation hosted their fourth annual celebration of the National Day of Racial Healing. The program featured Kellogg Foundation President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron, actress Storm Reid, several youth activists and artists including Winter BreeAnne, Natalia Ancisco, Zyahna Bryant, Sara Mora and Connie Brownotter, as well as Central Park 5 member Raymond Santana, Baratunde Thurston and Jamilah Lemieux, among others.

In an event designed to inspire action toward unity and solidarity, young leaders shared how and why they are becoming role models and activists.

Storm Reid shared in her conversation with La June Montgomery Tabron: "Equity and civic engagement go hand in hand. Just because an issue isn't affecting you, doesn't mean it isn't affecting other people." She also spoke to her role as an artist and her life's purpose. "I was put on this earth to not just serve myself, but serve others, to really be a force for change."

In a panel of youth leaders discussing building trust and relationships, Connie Brownotter, a student at Montana State University, spoke to the importance of participating in Census 2020.

"I want us to be counted. To be seen. We are not invisible," said Brownotter, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation. "We are sometimes seen as static figures shown in history, but we are alive. We're going to stay here. We have voices that matter."

The day's programming  broadcast from Washington, D.C.  centered on the truth telling and trust building that can lead to racial healing and a more just and equitable future for all people.

The event also featured video stories from four communities (Chicago, Selma, AL, Richmond, VA and Battle Creek, MI) implementing the Kellogg Foundation's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) process.

"Our invitation to you is one of solidarity. We invite you to open your hearts, minds and hands as we heal ourselves and as we heal the relationships we have with one another and within our communities," said La June Montgomery Tabron, president and CEO of the Kellogg Foundation.

The Washington, D.C., livestream event corresponded with more than a hundred events across the country including in Chicago; Los Angeles; Dallas; New Orleans; Cincinnati; Jackson and Biloxi, MS; Buffalo and New York, NY; Selma, AL; Little Rock, AR; Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Detroit, MI; Versailles, KY, and more. Visit www.dayofracialhealing.org for a complete list of events, along with tools and resources for racial healing.

The day concluded by challenging individuals and organizations to commit to taking action, think about ways to heal individually, in relationships with one another and in communities by continuing racial healing throughout the year. The audience shared highlights from the #HowWeHeal event on Twitter and Instagram.

Governors from states like Alabama and Arkansas, along with city leaders from Dallas, Selma, AL, Chicago and Evanston, IL, also honored the day by proclaiming Jan. 21, 2020 as the National Day of Racial Healing. These states and local municipalities join four other states and more than 60 local governments in the last four years who have declared their support and local acknowledgment of a National Day of Racial Healing.

To coordinate an interview with a WKKF spokesperson or National Day of Racial Healing panelist, please contact Nick Hatcher at [email protected] or Jacqueline Lara at [email protected]

About National Day of Racial Healing

The "National Day of Racial Healing" was established by the Kellogg Foundation in 2017 to promote healing as a critical path for ending racial bias and creating a society in which all children can thrive. The annual outreach grew out of WKKF's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, a national and community-based process designed to bring transformational and sustainable change to communities, while addressing the historic and contemporary effects of racism.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.

The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special attention is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti.

To learn more, visit www.wkkf.org or follow WKKF on Twitter at @wk_kellogg_fdn.

SOURCE W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Related Links

http://www.wkkf.org


Great Rivers United Way is appealing to businesses and community members as it makes an eleventh-hour push to reach its annual fundraising goal.

Executive Director Mary Kay Wolf said the group is more than $200,000 short of its original $2 million target. At the very least, she said, the group is hoping to hit the $1.8 million mark by pulling in another $25,000.

The deadline for donations is Jan. 31.

People dont realize that their donation makes a big difference, said Wolf, who has led Great Rivers since 2013. You add up all those dollars, and it really does go a long way. I dont know if people understand that.

Great Rivers serves a seven-county region across western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. The money raised during its annual community investment campaign is granted to area organizations doing a wide variety of work  from educating children, to helping families in financial crisis, to offering mental health support and other social assistance.

This year, Great Rivers received a record $2.5 million in funding requests. And thats why the fundraising shortfall is particularly disappointing, Wolf said.

The deficit is due in part to one company changing its donation policy and discontinuing its usual gift, she said.

She added that changes to the tax law, paired with an aging roster of regular donors, have contributed to less and less money coming in.

This year has been particularly challenging, so were going back to the community and either asking them to consider a first gift or asking them to give extra, Wolf said. The need is definitely there, so were doing everything we can to make sure that we meet that need.

To help carry the group to its goal, Altra Federal Credit Union recently donated an additional $35,000, bringing its total contribution for the year to $93,000. Brenengen Auto Group also stepped up with a large recent donation.

Altra has always believed in the United Way and the work they do in the community, said Cheryl Dutton, Altras vice president of marketing. I think that many do not understand the impact United Way has on the community. They help the youth. They help the elderly. The help make peoples lives better.

Without the funding for these programs, people will definitely feel it.

Wolf said Great Rivers could use help from businesses and community members alike.

In addition to meeting with local business leaders, the group is encouraging residents to donate online, over the phone or through the mail. More information can be found at www.greatriversunitedway.org.

I think we could do a better job of helping people understand how United Way helps the community, especially young people, Wolf said. Were a lot more than a pass-through of money to other programs. Our staff members sit on a multitude of collaboratives in the community, and they provide a lot of strategic thinking about the big social issues facing our area.

Kyle Farris can be reached at 608-791-8234 or kfarris@lacrossetribune.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Kyle_A_Farris.

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Axiom, the global leader in specialized on-demand legal talent, proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundations 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nations premier benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Axiom joins the ranks of more than 680 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.

Inclusivity is part of our DNA  its reflected in our workplace as a living, breathing manifestation of our corporate values, said John Erban, SVP, Lawyer Talent, Axiom. We take pride in the fact that we are actively making the world of law more inclusive. Pride, however, is not enough. We are committed to continued advocacy for the LGBTQ community  a community that is significantly underrepresented in the legal industry. We are further committed to demonstrating the many tangible benets of working with lawyers from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

It is incumbent upon leaders to create a culture of belonging, said Elena Donio, CEO, Axiom. I challenge all businesses, and my fellow business leaders, to emulate the inclusive approach modeled by the like-minded organizations who have also earned top marks on this years CEI scorecard. While were honored by the recognition, and by the company were keeping, we recognize the journey to a truly inclusive business environment has only just begun. We pledge to continue to create a diverse culture of acceptance and we invite other organizations  in fact, we implore other organizations  to join us in that pledge.

The impact of the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe, said HRC President Alphonso David. These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do -- it is also the best business decision. In addition, many of these leaders are also advocating for the LGBTQ community and equality under the law in the public square. From supporting LGBTQ civil rights protections in the U.S. through HRCs Business Coalition for the Equality Act, to featuring transgender and non-binary people in an ad in Argentina, to advocating for marriage equality in Taiwan -- businesses understand their LGBTQ employees and customers deserve to be seen, valued and respected not only at work, but in every aspect of daily life.

The results of this years CEI showcase how 1059 U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S., but are also helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Axioms efforts in satisfying all of the CEI criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:



Non-discrimination policies

Employment benefits

Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion

Public commitment to LGBTQ equality

Responsible citizenship

Axioms perfect score in the HRCs CEI is one part of Axioms broader Corporate Social Responsibility portfolio  a portfolio committed to improving industry efforts to promote a more inclusive legal community and to provide a more diverse population with access to legal talent. As part of that portfolio, Axiom recently released its 2018/2019 Diversity Report, which reveals that its diversity statistics eclipse legal industry standards, and further underscores the companys commitment to D&I across the legal industry and within its employee population. Axiom also recently announced a strategic partnership with Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to justice and legal support for the disadvantaged. The partnership will allow Axioms lawyers to "practice for a purpose," providing access to legal assistance for underserved and diverse populations. Axiom anticipates unveiling additional initiatives underneath its CSR umbrella in the near term.

The full HRC report is available online at http://www.hrc.org/cei.

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community.

About Axiom

Axiom, the global leader in specialized on-demand legal talent, is disrupting the way legal teams and lawyers work. Axiom enables clients to access over 2,000 talented lawyers through a curated platform and build more dynamic teams to drive better business outcomes. Axiom empowers lawyers across industries and practice areas to thrive while pursuing more of the work they love. The company is deeply committed to gender equality and diversity and prides itself on having one of the most diverse employee populations in the industry. Axiom works with over half of the Fortune 100 companies, and currently operates in North America, the U.K., Central Europe and Asia Pacific. http://www.axiomlaw.com.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 14:13 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206058cc2 1 City student-protest,Central-Jakarta-District-Court,Criminal-Code Free

A 20-year-old defendant accused of hurling rocks at the police during student protests in the capital in September of last year has told a panel of judges at the Central Jakarta District Court that he was tortured by police officers to falsely confess to having attacked authorities.

Dede Luthfi Alfiandi, whose photo clutching an Indonesian flag to his face has become an emblem of the student protests over controversial bills in the House of Representatives, said during a hearing on Monday that the torture took place while he was being questioned by the West Jakarta Police.

"I was asked to sit, and I got electrocuted for about half an hour. I was forced to say that I threw rocks at the police officers, while in fact I did not," he said as quoted by kompas.com.

Due to the repeated physical torture, Lutfi said he had no choice but to say yes.

"I was under a lot of pressure in that moment, so I said I did attack the police. Shortly after that, they told me to squat and I got my ears clipped and electrocuted," he added.

Luthfi went said the torture ended when the police learned that Luthfi was the person in the viral photo.

"They asked me whether it was true that it was me in the viral picture. I said yes, then they stopped hurting me," he explained.

The photo shows Luthfi wearing blue-grey pants  associated with the uniforms of senior vocational high schools (STMs)  a grey hoodie and covering his face with the red and white Indonesian national flag in a cloud of teargas. It was taken during the Sept. 25 protest in Jakarta and went viral on social media.

Luthfi, one of the 1,489 people arrested during the series of student protests, was the first to stand trial. More than 1,000 of those arrested have been released, while 380 others are facing charges including spreading false information, throwing rocks at the police, possessing sharp weapons, vandalizing police stations and possessing Molotov cocktails.

He was initially questioned at the West Jakarta Police headquarters but was then moved to the Central Jakarta Police headquarters on Oct. 3.

Luthfi told the judges he joined the protest voluntarily.

He was accused of violating Articles 212 and 218 of the Criminal Code for resisting officers orders more than three times.

According to the prosecutors, Luthfi and the other student protesters were asked to disperse but resisted and instead attacked the police officers by throwing stones.

Luthfi was also charged under Article 170 of the same law for allegedly taking part in destroying public facilities.

The prosecutors said Luthfi had continuously thrown rocks, firecrackers, plastic bottles and bamboo sticks at the officers and had vandalized public facilities. (vla)
The opposition TDP on Tuesday blocked the tabling of the Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020, in the Legislative Council (LC), a day after it was passed by the state Assembly

The opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Tuesday blocked the tabling of the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 in the Legislative Council (LC) citing rules.

The TDP, which is in a majority in the 58-member Council, gave notice under Rule 71 and moved a motion "disapproving the policy of the government", thus blocking the Bill, which was passed by the state legislative Assembly on Monday, from being tabled in the upper legislative house of the state.

The bill allows for the creation of three capitals in the state  Visakhapatnam as executive capital, Kurnool as judicial capital, and Amaravati as legislative capital.

The House was adjourned thrice as pandemonium prevailed over the rule position and ministers trooped into the Well asking the Chairman of the Upper House to take up the Bill on priority.

Chairman MA Sharrif allowed the TDP's motion much to the chagrin of the ruling YSR Congress, which barely has nine members in the Council.

Though almost all Cabinet ministers sat in the Council to thwart the TDP attempts to stall the Bill, they could not convince the Chairman to let the Bill be moved.

"I am giving two hours time for a discussion under Rule 71. We can take up the Bill after that," the Chairman said but the ministers insisted that government business be taken up first.

At one time the ministers spoke in a pleading tone and requested that the Chairman reconsider his decision on the Rule 71 motion.

Senior minister Botsa Satyanarayana asked the Chairman not to use the Council for "political business."

"Don't use your discretionary powers for political gains. Go by the rule book. Don't do politics. Don't get involved in politics. It will be a blot on you," Bosta told the Council Chairman.

Leader of Opposition Yanamala Ramakrishnudu raised a point of order and referred to Rules 139, 140 and 141 of the Council Business.

"The Assembly passed the Bill only last night. You received notice about it this morning. Under Rule 141, two days time can be taken by the Council before the same Bill is moved," Yanamala pointed out.

Legislative Affairs Minister Buggana Rajendranath said taking up the motion under Rule 71 and putting off the Bill would set a bad precedent and have far-reaching consequences.

"The Bill gets precedence and priority. But the opposition is only seeking to obstruct government business," Buggana alleged.

Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose said, "We are pleading with you to reconsider the decision. This is not government policy, but a Bill." The Opposition leader countered it saying the government brought its policy in the form of a Bill.

"Rule 71 is being invoked for the first time in history. There is gross indiscipline in the Government indiscipline," Yanamala remarked.

Chandrababu Naidu released

Earlier on Monday night, the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, who was detained outside the state assembly on Monday night for expressing dissent over the passage of 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020', was released a few hours later in Mangalagiri town.

Earlier on Monday night, Naidu sat on stairs outside the state assembly in Amaravati after 17 party MLAs were suspended from the House for the day.

Naidu was detained by the police. He was then being to his residence but was later taken to Mangalagiri police station. The TDP chief was detained as he wanted to go into villages in Amaravati.

The 17 MLAs had created a ruckus while Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was addressing the House. They raised 'Jai Amaravati' slogans.

"Nowhere in the world for one state, there are three capitals. Today is a black day. We wanted to save Amaravati and Andhra Pradesh. Not only me, throughout the state, but people are also fighting and coming on roads. The government is arresting everyone. It's bad for democracy," Naidu told ANI on Monday.

With inputs from agencies
Boon Chye Loh has been the CEO of Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX:S68) since 2015. This report will, first, examine the CEO compensation levels in comparison to CEO compensation at companies of similar size. Next, we'll consider growth that the business demonstrates. And finally we will reflect on how common stockholders have fared in the last few years, as a secondary measure of performance. The aim of all this is to consider the appropriateness of CEO pay levels.

See our latest analysis for Singapore Exchange

How Does Boon Chye Loh's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies?

Our data indicates that Singapore Exchange Limited is worth S$9.4b, and total annual CEO compensation was reported as S$4.3m for the year to June 2019. We think total compensation is more important but we note that the CEO salary is lower, at S$1.2m. We note that more than half of the total compensation is not the salary; and performance requirements may apply to this non-salary portion. As part of our analysis we looked at companies in the same jurisdiction, with market capitalizations of S$5.4b to S$16b. The median total CEO compensation was S$5.5m.

That means Boon Chye Loh receives fairly typical remuneration for the CEO of a company that size. This doesn't tell us a whole lot on its own, but looking at the performance of the actual business will give us useful context.

You can see, below, how CEO compensation at Singapore Exchange has changed over time.

SGX:S68 CEO Compensation, January 20th 2020

Is Singapore Exchange Limited Growing?

On average over the last three years, Singapore Exchange Limited has grown earnings per share (EPS) by 6.5% each year (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 12%.

I think the revenue growth is good. And the improvement in earnings per share is modest but respectable. Although we'll stop short of calling the stock a top performer, we think the company has potential. You might want to check this free visual report on analyst forecasts for future earnings.

Story continues

Has Singapore Exchange Limited Been A Good Investment?

Singapore Exchange Limited has served shareholders reasonably well, with a total return of 31% over three years. But they probably wouldn't be so happy as to think the CEO should be paid more than is normal, for companies around this size.

In Summary...

Boon Chye Loh is paid around what is normal the leaders of comparable size companies.

We think many would like to see better growth. But we don't think the CEO compensation is a problem. So you may want to check if insiders are buying Singapore Exchange shares with their own money (free access).

Important note: Singapore Exchange may not be the best stock to buy. You might find something better in this list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
In an operation, troops of Assam Rifles along with police apprehended two underground cadres of the United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) from Manipur's Imphal.

Both apprehended underground cadres have been handed over to the police for further investigation, Eastern Command said on Monday.

"Troops of #AssamRifles in an #Op with Police apprehended 2 Underground (UG) cadres of United Tribal Liberation Army from Imphal, Manipur on 19 Jan. Those apprehended have been handed over to police for further investigations," Eastern Command said in a tweet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Italy often gets short shrift in popular English-language histories about World War II, with the fighting in the country shrugged off as a sideshow to the Battle of Britain and the invasion of France.

Caroline Moorehead takes advantage of this relative gap in the literature with the moving A House in the Mountains: The Women Who Liberated Italy From Fascism (HarperCollins, $29.99).

First, lets acknowledge that the subtitle of Mooreheads book, as is often the case in this genre, is wildly overstated. The handful of women chronicled here did not liberate Italy from Fascism. That said, they certainly played virtuous roles in the fight -- and showed remarkable courage.

A House in the Mountains tracks four partisans from Italys Piedmont region -- Ada Gobetti, Bianca Serra, Frida Malan and Silvia Pons -- who worked surreptitiously to aid Italian guerrilla fighters and Allied soldiers. They then came to the fore after Benito Mussolinis fall, taking on overtly political roles as the country spiraled into a de facto civil war.

Moorhead wrote an authoritative 2003 biography of famed World War II reporter Martha Gellhorn, but since then shes become a connoisseur of wartime stories about little-known women. Mountains, in fact, is the concluding volume in her Resistance Quartet. The series started with 2011s bestselling A Train in Winter, about a group of female French resistance fighters who were captured and taken to Auschwitz.

And, to be frank, this new book feels somewhat like a final volume. It doesnt have the tragic drama and driving narrative of A Train in Winter; instead, its chiefly a character piece, a collection of vignettes about these women going about a serious business, and relying on one another for their very lives.

The four women at the books center are a mixed bunch -- one stunningly beautiful and mercurial, another intense and driven, another anxious and maternal. Moorehead also drops in some recognizable names here and there, such as the novelist Natalia Ginzburg.

This is certainly a war story. Terrible scenes are recounted, including the Nazis brutal destruction of a Tuscan village: men lined up, in fives, and shot, their bodies flung into the flames. Covered in blood, in their nightdresses, the women, clutching their children, were marched out to the nearby fields, from where they stood watching the flames consume their town.

But most of all, A House in the Mountains is a story of friendship, about how much women have in common with each other, and what they can achieve when they work together.

-- Douglas Perry

@douglasmperry

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Benny Gantz, leader of Israel's Blue and White Party and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top political rival, backtracked today on his request that President Trump not release his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan before Israel's March 2nd elections.

Why it matters: This removes a major obstacle to the plan's release. The shift seems to be based on a calculation that if Trump were to release the plan in coordination with Netanyahu, and against his wishes, Gantz would appear to lack influence in Washington.

Catch up quick: U.S. and Israeli officials expect Trump to decide within days whether to release the plan before March, as I reported on Sunday.

Gantz had previously said releasing the plan  which Netanyahu could use to rally his base  would constitute interference in Israeli politics.

But during a visit to the Jordan Valley in the West Bank today, Gantz justified his flip flop: "Three weeks have passed and a lot of dramatic things have happened in the Middle East  so I hope the president presents his plan soon."

Gantz also said for the first time that he would annex the Jordan Valley if elected, in coordination with the international community"  a sign he is courting right-wing voters. Annexation of the Jordan Valley is a pillar of Netanyahu's platform.

Netanyahu was quick to respond, issuing a statement calling on Gantz to pass a vote on annexation in the Israeli parliament before the elections. That would be legally questionable, as the Knesset has been dissolved.
Hundreds of Central Americans from a new migrant caravan tried to storm into Mexico Monday by fording the river that divides the country from Guatemala, but National Guardsmen fired tear gas to force them back. The Central Americans, from the so-called "2020 Caravan" of around 3,500 undocumented migrants, gathered on the Guatemalan side of the Suchiate River at dawn, demanding migration authorities let them continue their journey to the United States. When authorities did not immediately respond, the migrants began wading across the river, which is shallow this time of year. Mexican troops fired tear gas to force them back, leading to scenes of chaos as huge crowds of people flailed across the river. Scores of migrants, many with cloths tied around their faces to protect them from the gas, pelted the military police guarding the southern border with large stones, as the latter sheltered behind riot shields. "Let us through! Put your hands on your hearts," shouted one migrant, Jorge, who was trying to ford the river with his wife and two young children. Dozens of migrants made it through the security cordon, but the majority were forced back. Around 200 who made it through were later detained, authorities said. An AFP correspondent saw large groups of them being rounded up along a highway and loaded onto buses and trucks -- some after trying and failing to run away. Mexico's migration authority said the country was ready to welcome foreigners as long as they entered the country in a "lawful, safe and orderly" way. "They're trying to trick us. They tell us to enter the country legally, but then they deport us," said one migrant, Tania, who has been with the caravan since it set out last week from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, around 650 kilometers (400 miles) away. "I'm asking Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to consider his conscience" and let the migrants through, said another, 33-year-old Elvis Martinez. But Mexico faces pressure to do just the opposite from President Donald Trump, who last year threatened to impose steep tariffs if the country did not do more to stop a surge of undocumented Central Americans arriving at the US-Mexican border. - Mexico bows to Trump - It is the first time Mexico has forcibly turned back a migrant caravan trying to ford the border river -- a major change since the first massive caravan arrived in the country in October 2018. That time, Mexico managed to contain thousands of migrants who tried to force their way across the official border bridge, but then did little to stop them when they illegally swam or took rafts across the river below. Since then, thousands of Central Americans have crossed Mexico toward the United States in caravans, fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Seeking safety in numbers, many travel with small children in tow, often walking long distances in plastic shoes or flip-flops. After Trump warned of an "invasion" and issued his tariff threat in May, the Mexican government deployed around 26,000 National Guardsmen to tighten its borders. It has also allowed the United States to send more than 40,000 asylum-seekers back to Mexico while their cases are processed, under the so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy. Thanks at least in part to those measures, the number of undocumented migrants the US detained at its southern border fell more than 70 percent from May to December. Lopez Obrador, an anti-establishment leftist who came to office vowing to protect migrants' rights, offered last week to give 4,000 jobs to migrants in the new caravan if they stay in southern Mexico. But Human Rights Watch accused Mexico of violating migrants' rights by failing to guarantee the security of those returned by the United States and detaining others in "inhumane conditions." Central American migrants -- mostly Hondurans travelling in a caravan to the US -- cross the Suichate River between Guatemala and Mexico, where Mexican forces fired tear gas trying to force them back Central American migrants at the international bridge connecting Tecum Uman, Guatemala, with Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico Mexican armed forces stand guard as Central American migrants, travelling in a caravan to the US, wait to cross the international bridge that connects Tecum Uman, Guatemala, with Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, on January 20, 2020
VANCOUVER - Mountain Equipment Co-op is making major changes as it needs to move faster than ever to remain viable, said the companys chief executive.

The Vancouver-based companys executive team wants to return MEC to a financially healthy state, wrote Phil Arrata in an open letter published to the companys website Monday.

The outdoor apparel and goods retailer, which operates 22 stores in Canada, lost $11.49 million for the year ended Feb. 24, 2019. Thats down from net earnings of $11.75 million for the previous financial year.

As part of this goal to return to profitability, the company decided to invest in its retail stores and frontline staff, Arrata wrote.

MEC converted more than 950 jobs classified as casual-non-permanent roles into full- and part-time positions.

Those employees will now receive MECs benefits package. That includes extended health and dental coverage, a tuition assistance benefit, an RRSP matching plan, as well as maternity and parental leave top-ups.

The change comes after MEC received feedback from its staff, he said, and decided to improve job stability and employee engagement among other things.

The company will work with its union partner to implement similar changes at its Vancouver and Victoria stores, he said.

MECs workers at its Victoria store and one Vancouver location voted to join UFCW 1518 last year, according to the unions website.

The company reduced costs elsewhere to be able to make the job classification changes, said Arrata.

Last year, MEC reduced annual costs by finding efficiencies in its technology spending, as well as in supply chain improvements and operations.

MEC is also looking to sublet its head office building as it wants to move to a space more appropriate for our needs, he said. The companys current head office is located in Vancouver, and boasts a bouldering cave and room for more than 100 bikes.

The changes we are implementing are measured and progressive and will have both an immediate and lasting positive impact on our operations, said Arrata, who took over the chief executive post in July 2019.

He came to the outdoor apparel and goods retailer from Best Buy Canada, where he was a member of the executive team for more than a decade  most recently as chief financial and administrative officer. He served on MECs board from 2015 to 2018.

As the company undertakes these steps, we know that the foundation of our co-op remains sound, he said, highlighting the companys excellent relationships with vendors and suppliers, strong sales of key products and its in-house label, and climbing membership rates.

MECs current transformation is another step in our nearly 50-year journey.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020.
The draft bill for a controversial new media law, which includes draconian restrictions on press freedom, is set to be signed by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed in the coming days. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls on the federal government to veto this law and in pushing for its revision by the Parliament.

The proposed new media law has been strongly criticized by international organizations, including the IFJ and NUSOJ, since its approval by the Council of Ministers in 2017. The bill introduces provisions which limit journalists work. The original version granted the Federal Ministry of Information power to bind journalists, by law, to a code of conduct and ethics.

In addition, this body would become the only legal authority to issue press cards and will punish ill-defined fake news reporting and groundless propaganda, both made illegal by the new law. Journalists who breach the law would be subjected to hefty fines.

Since its first approval in 2017, new provisions were added to the bill, restricting media freedom even further, despite warnings issued by international organisations and media unions to soften the law.

In its current form, the bill introduces a costly new system of prosecutors and courts specifically to bring and hear civil cases regarding media crimes. This will open the door for the federal government and federal member states to arbitrarily prosecute journalists for doing their job.

New broad arbitrary editorial restrictions have also been added to the bill, such as the encouragement of tribalism and violating sound Somali culture.

The bill will also introduce a registration scheme, which would force media houses to register at the Federal Ministry of Information, Ministries of Information of Federal Member States, and at the Media Commission - a body which lacks independence from the government.

NUSOJ General Secretary, Omar Faruk Osman said: President Farmaajo should uphold his commitment to human rights and refuse to sign these media restrictions into law as they constitute clear violations of Article 18 (freedom of expression and opinions) and article 32 (right of access to information) of the supreme law of the land.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: The proposed new law would in fact muzzle free media in Somalia. Not only would the government have a far-reaching say into who can work as a professional journalist  it would also create an environment where the free press can be silenced under the pretext of vague accusations, based on the goodwill of some officials. We demand the president of Somalia reject the law completely and begin a dialogue with media freedom organisations to develop a law that protects media freedom.
Coming Up: Learn About Haystack Rock or Clean Up an Oregon Coast Beach

Published 01/17/2020 at 5:25 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Oregon Coast)  Kick back and take in a brew while listening to some engaging history about a famous Cannon Beach rock, or get out there and make a difference after the recent wild tides. Two events along the Oregon coastline allow you to do one or the other. One is in Newport and the second in Seaside at the end of the month. (Historical photo above courtesy Cannon Beach History Center & Museum).

Help clean up one famed central Oregon coast beach after recent crazed tidal events. The Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation holds its first beach cleanup of the year on January 18 at 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot at Agate Beach State Recreation Site next to the Best Western Hotel in Newport. Bags and rubber gloves will be provided, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own.

The recent king tides, big swells, and strong west winds have pushed debris onto the beaches. Its going to be cold and wet, say organizers, but this important work needs to be done. Dress appropriately: Newports beaches are worth protecting. Future dates will be announced soon. For more information on the Newport Oregon Chapter, see https://newport.surfrider.org. Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours

The next History and Hops event in Seaside concentrates on the north Oregon coasts most famous landmark: Cannon Beachs Haystack Rock. It happens January 30 at 6 p.m., at Seaside Brewing Co., 851 Broadway, Seaside.

The coastal monolith known as Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is one of the most identifiable geological formations and popular attractions on the Oregon coast. It is known and recognized worldwide as one of Oregon's most photographed natural wonders as well as a naturalist's treasure trove of bird and marine life. As with any such attraction, there are stories to share.

At Seaside Museums next History & Hops session, Seaside native Elaine Trucke will share some of the stories and history of Haystack Rock. This will not be a science talk, but focused on some of the unique history surrounding the rock, including how it was named. She will recount tales of former homesteaders who wanted to build homes perched upon the rock; of hikers and climbers clambering among bird nests, of some of the daring rescues, and even the story of a wayward blasting in the 1960's. Trucke will share what makes Haystack Rock so unique and well loved.

Trucke has been the Executive Director of the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum for the last ten years. She has been a previous popular History & Hops speaker and has contributed historic articles to various publications as well as provided historical information to OPB, KGW, and KATU. Trucke is an avid mother, hiker, historian, and pluviophile.

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Below: Haystack Rock getting dynamited in the late '60s

Below: Newport's Agate Beach









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HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced its participation in the upcoming World Economic Forums Annual Meeting in Davos for the second consecutive year. As part of its HCL 2030 platform, the company will host a series of thought leadership discussions, meetings and networking receptions at its pavilion throughout the three-day event.

Building upon their successful partnership at WEF in 2019, HCL and Fast Company will facilitate discussions on the convergence of technology innovation, human ingenuity, and critical thinking. HCLs Davos Dialogues will see business leaders discuss the future of digital innovations related to the demographic, societal and technological trends shaping todays interdependent, complex world.

The program schedule includes powerful sessions  including CEOs: Disrupt Thyself, Banking Without Borders: Shaping an Open Financial Ecosystem, Defining Moments of Technology by 2030, and Building Trust: Reinventing Culture in a Digital World  that will feature executives from the most innovative global organizations.

The HCL Pavilion will also showcase the engineering, product innovation and technology aspects of Digital Enterprise 4.0, demonstrating how these building blocks shape the future of new age business models, with practical application today. The Tech Showcase Zone will display game-changing solutions in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Automation, Blockchain, IoT, Quantum Computing and Consumer-Engagement technologies, in sectors such as financial services, retail, healthcare, transportation, and farming.

As a Strategic Partner of the World Economic Forum, HCL is proud to collaborate with global leaders to develop innovative solutions to help solve emerging challenges for businesses and society at large, said C. Vijayakumar, President & CEO, HCL Technologies. HCLs mission is to power individuals and digital enterprises with breakthrough technology to create a cohesive and sustainable future. We look forward to working with the global ecosystem in Davos to solve some of the worlds most pressing problems, by making tomorrows technology a reality today.

For more information, visit https://www.hcltech.com/world-economic-forum.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies and thinkers toward the future. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for Magazine Of The Year, Adweeks Hot List for Hottest Business Publication, and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

About HCL Technologies

HCL Technologies (HCL) empowers global enterprises with technology for the next decade today. HCLs Mode 1-2-3 strategy, through its deep-domain industry expertise, customer-centricity and entrepreneurial culture of ideapreneurship enables businesses to transform into next-gen enterprises.

HCL offers its services and products through three business units - IT and Business Services (ITBS), Engineering and R&D Services (ERS) and Products & Platforms (P&P). ITBS enables global enterprises to transform their businesses through offerings in areas of Applications, Infrastructure, Digital Process Operations and next generational digital transformation solutions. ERS offers engineering services and solutions in all aspects of product development and platform engineering. Under P&P, HCL provides modernized software products to global clients for their technology and industry-specific requirements. Through its cutting-edge co-innovation labs, global delivery capabilities and broad global network, HCL delivers holistic services in various industry verticals, categorized under Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology & Services, Telecom & Media, Retail & CPG, Life Sciences & Healthcare and Public Services.

As a leading global technology company, HCL takes pride in its diversity, social responsibility, sustainability and education initiatives. As of 12 months ended December 31, 2019, HCL has a consolidated revenue of US$ 9.7 billion and its 149,000 ideapreneurs operate out of 45 countries. For more information, visit www.hcltech.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005588/en/
By Wang Guoyin, Zhang Yinbo, Li Xiaolong, Hu Zheng and Ji Wenzhi

URUMQI, Jan. 21-- A 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Jiashi County in Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region left one killed and two wounded as of 9 a.m. on January 20. Some houses, transmission lines and transportation facilities were also damaged.

Officers and soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Peoples Armed Police (PAP) at all levels in Xinjiang jointly fought on the front line of disaster relief, sparing no effort to investigate dangerous housing conditions, evacuate the affected people, repair public infrastructure, and prevent earthquake-induced secondary effects.

A professional rescue force consisting of 80 military members dispatched from the PAP Xinjiang Contingent started disaster relief, evacuation and other work in Xikeerkule Town on the early morning of January 20. After that, they quickly transferred to other eight quake-hit villages in Wolituogelake Town and assisted local authority in repairing the roads and municipal infrastructures.

To prevent earthquake-induced secondary effects, the PAP Kashgar Detachment has organized a rescue team to investigate the damage condition of the dam of Xikeer Reservoir and reinforced the slight cracks found in the dam on January 20. They also conducted safety inspections on key facilities such as schools, hospitals, and water conservancy projects, and organized professional forces to disinfect the surrounding environment to prevent major infectious diseases and public health emergencies brought by the earthquake.

Also on the early morning of January 20, an army reserve regiment in Xinjiang dispatched two batches of rescue units to the affected area. They used individual video and drone to exchange live scenes of the quake-stricken area to the duty room, and launched search and rescue operations in time. Up to now, they have searched more than 360 houses and cleared 15 streets and more than 1,000 meters of collapsed walls.

As of press time, the rescue operation is still ongoing and the post-disaster reconstruction has been in full swing and implemented in an orderly fashion.
With traces of marijuana being found in a number of heart patients, physicians worry about the safe usage of the substance considering more States have legalised it for recreational and medicinal use raising its usage level in the past few years.

Where smoking tobacco leads to one in every four cardiovascular disease-related deaths, cause of similar effect from using marijuana is still not entirely known. It can be the inducer for triggering heart attacks and strokes among some suggest various studies.

Ersilia DeFilippis, MD, a second-year cardiology fellow at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian, delved into marijuana's effect on the heart a few years ago while studying heart attacks in people under 50. She said, "We noted that 10 per cent of patients in a registry of young heart attack patients had used marijuana and/or cocaine."

Ersilia and her colleagues recently went through the medical literature to find out about the facts about the substance and limitations to previous studies.

Their report got published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on Monday.

They found, based on the responses to the National and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016, that over 2 Million People with heart disease have used marijuana. It is a common drug to be abused. Approximately 90 million American adults use it at least once in their life, and over 39 million have used marijuana in the past year.

"In addition to the 2 million marijuana users with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, many more may be at risk," DeFilippis says. "With many adolescents and young adults turning to marijuana, it is important to understand the cardiovascular implications they may face years down the line."

Researchers believe that cannabinoids may increase the activity of some prescribed drugs in the body. But limited data are available to guide physicians in adjusting the dose to compensate for marijuana use.

THC is the most psychoactive chemical in marijuana, but marijuana also contains more than 100 compounds, called cannabinoids, that are chemically related to THC. The percentage of THC contained in marijuana plant has steadily increased over the past 30 years.

"Higher potency may translate into greater effects on the conduction system, the vasculature, and the muscle of the heart," DeFilippis says. "It also highlights the need for real-world data given the variety of marijuana products and formulations available for purchase."

Receptors for cannabinoids are highly concentrated in the nervous system but also can be found in blood cells, muscle cells, and other tissues and organs. A small experimental study found that smoking marijuana can bring on angina (chest pain) more quickly in patients with coronary heart disease compared with smoking a placebo.

Though current evidence for a link between marijuana and heart attacks is modest, it's thought that smoking marijuana may increase cellular stress and inflammation, which are known to be precipitating factors for coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

Cerebrovascular events, including strokes, also have been associated with marijuana use. It's thought that marijuana may induce changes in the inner lining of blood vessels or alter blood flow.

"Although we need more data, the evidence we do have indicates that marijuana use has been associated with coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and more," DeFilippis says.

"Therefore, asking patients about marijuana use may help in risk assessment. In addition, we know that marijuana use affects the metabolism of many common cardiac drugs. In order to make sure patients are getting therapeutic doses without untoward side effects, it is important for cardiologists to talk to their patients about marijuana use," Ersilia concludes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It is a thing of shame to see the most respected group among Ijaw people allow itself to be ridiculed by the unguarded utterances of one man, whose claim to Ijaw descendancy is at best questionable, to issue a press statement against the great Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, threatening to beat Biafrans who are themselves of Ijaw nationality and indigenes of Bayelsa State. Unbeknown to Mr Olorogun Kennedy whose first name points to his true origin, Bayelsa State and Ijawland is the birth place of Biafra. Mr Olorogun Kennedy is a DSS informant craving the attention of his Arewa mastera by making attention grabbing comments on the pages of newspapers to attract more financial reward from those that have rendered Niger Delta desolate.

This is so shameful because it is obvious that those leading IYC central zone knows nothing about Ijaw people, history, struggle, survival and enemies. Yes, it is obvious they dont know the enemies of Ijaw people because if they had known they wouldnt have ignored the Ijaw community, Bilabiri burnt down by the Nigerian military to come and be threatening IPOB who are the only voice speaking against such evil in Ijawland. Mr Olorogun is pretending he was not aware of previous and ongoing dialogue between IPOB leadership and prominent Ijaw people in disapora.

Maybe Mr Olorogun is not aware that IYC Elders Council publicly hosted our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Igweocha (Port Harcourt) in 2017 at a public event held in Niger Street. One will begin to wonder who this man is truly representing, is it the Ijaw people or the enemies of Ijaw people?

Boko Haram, herdsmen, ISWA etc and all other terrorist organizations in the north have killed countless Nigerians and Nigerian military officers yet no northern community has been burnt to the ground, rather they keep sending more soldiers from Biafra, Oodua and the Middle Belt origin to be killed in the name of preserving Nigerias territorial borders. Nigerian army has never taken offense and burnt down communities as a result of the activities of these terrorists but at the slightest provocation of sea pirates in Ijawland they will take offense and burn down the properties of law abiding Ijaw citizens yet IYC has been mute about this.

The whole world knows that IPOB is the only organisation bold enough to confront the excesses of the terrorist government of Nigeria and if IYC central zone is standing against IPOB but mute against the evil meted upon Ijaw people by the oppressive Nigerian military then it means that their loyalty is no longer towards Ijaw people but those who oppress us.

Again, I said they dont know the Ijaw struggle nor the Ijaw history. I say this because they claim that Ijaw Nation is not Biafra and accused IPOB of attempting to cause trouble in Ijawland which according to them is not Biafra. This is not only hilarious but appears to be informed by ignorance. Funny enough, no one can tell the Biafra story without mentioning Ijaw, not even Igbo which he was warning in his so called letter. Biafra is a country that began its advancement from the coast, from Ijawland. Before the creation of what is called Nigeria today (before 1914), every enlightened Ijaw man knew he was a Biafran and that his nation Ijaw is one among many in the Biafra territory. This is why Major Isaac Adaka Boro in his book The Twelve Days Revolution where he was trying to describe the location of the Ijaw Nation he was agitating for which he called Niger Delta Republic, he wrote and I quote the Niger Delta we shall consider is strictly the area occupied by the Ijaws, the aboriginal tribe of the Delta. It spans the COAST of the BIGHT of BIAFRA, from the Forcados River to the Opobo River and upstream to the Niger tributaries of the Nun and Forcados Rivers.

To confirm the consciousness of Biafra in enlightened Ijaw men of old, one year after Isaac Adaka Boros declaration of the Ijaw Nation he called Niger Delta when the defunct Eastern region which comprised of most parts of the Biafran territory in Nigeria wanted to go her separate ways from Nigeria because of genocide against Biafran people by the rest of Nigeria, another Ijaw son who died as a king in Ijawland, Frank Opigo reminded the Eastern Assembly that the identity of our collective people is Biafra and the name was adopted because no one could dispute that reality. How then can anyone say Ijaw Nation is not Biafra when Biafra herself got her name from an Ijaw body of water which the oppressive Nigerian state changed after the genocidal war to the name of an Ijaw kingdom Bonny. What is called Bonny River today was once called Biafra River.

I want to call on the IYC President and every other Ijaw leader to reprimand IYC central zone chairman and call him to order because he obviously doesnt know the dictates of his office. There are many ways through which he can seek relevance but using the hallowed name of IPOB to attract cheap publicity will be his undoing. For the avoidance of doubt IPOB meetings in vsrious zones were held last Sunday across Bayelsa State and will continue to hold in Yenegoa Province Biafraland until eternity.

Nigerians and observers of politics in Niger Delta should know this latest utterance from Mr Olorogun has the hand of DSS written all over it because the government in Abuja are still smarting from the declaration of South South & South East monachs that they support Biafra. What Mr Olorogun just did is nothing more than a mere stunt to keep his DSS masters happy. His actions are that of a loyal informant, he should be disregarded.

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB
The death of eight tourists from Kerala at a resort in Nepals Makwanpur district due to suspected suffocation has sent shockwaves though the small village of Chengottukonam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram from where five of the dead hailed. The other three were from Kozhikkode in north Kerala.

The tragedy wiped out an entire family from Chengottukonam - Praveen Kumar Nair (39), his wife Sharnya Nair (34) and their three children. Nair, who was working as an engineer in Dubai, had come home on vacation only two weeks ago, said relatives.

Five men, all belonging to the 1995 batch of an engineering college in Thiruvananthapuram, had planned the tour with their family members. They left Kochi last Saturday. We could not believe Praveens whole family has perished, said one of his uncles K Balachandran.

WATCH | Nepal: 8 Indian tourists found dead at resort, suffocation likely cause

He said some officials informed them that they all died of asphyxiation and they were yet to hear details. Balachandran said Nairs father had told him that he had a word with his grandchildren before they went to sleep.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condoled the death of the eight tourists and wrote to Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar seeking his help to bring back their bodies at the earliest.

It was a shocking incident. We are in touch with the minister and other officials and expected to bring their bodies by Wednesday, said the CM.

Keralas tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran also expressed grief over the incident. It is a personal loss to me. I know the family personally, said the minister who represents the Kazakootam assembly constituency.
The event was jointly held by the Association of Vietnamese people in Vientiane and the clubs of Vietnamese Fellow-Countrymen in Xiengkhuang  Mekong  Xieng Vang  Pakse  Hanoi and Da Nang.

In his address, Charge d'Affaires of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos Nguyen Thanh Tung hailed the OV community in Vientiane for promoting patriotism and national pride while preserving their traditional cultural identity.

The diplomat also recognised the OVs positive participation in trade and cultural exchanges and in charity activities for victims of natural disasters in the homeland.

He called on the expats to continue promoting solidarity and mutual support, and to make further contributions to the Vietnam  Laos special traditional friendship.

Participants at the event were invited to enjoy the taste of signature dishes of Tet, such as banh chung (square glutinous cake), coconut jam, and gio (Vietnamese sausage).

In a similar event held in New Delhi on the same day, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau extended his best wishes to the OV community in the country and to Indian friends.

He reviewed the achievements made by the embassy staff and Vietnamese representative offices in India over the past year in fostering bilateral ties.

He expressed his thanks to the Indian Government, agencies and organisations for their efforts to promoting the bilateral relations and for providing favourable conditions for the OV community in the country.

Earlier, on the evening of January 18, an event introducing Vietnamese Tet Festival and the traditional Czech Masopust Festival was organised at Sapa Trade Centre in Prague.

The event has been held annually over the past seven years by the Association of Vietnamese People in Czech Republic and the Sapa Trade Centre to help Vietnamese and Czech people celebrate their traditional festivals while getting to know more about each others customs and cultures.
Nine lawmakers in the Imo House of Assembly, including its minority leader, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) days after the ruling party clinched the governorship position via a Supreme Court ruling.

The Deputy Speaker of the assembly, Okey Onyekamma (Mbaitoli, PDP) also, on Tuesday, resigned his position as a principal officer of the Assembly.

The minority leader, Ekene Nnodumele (Orlu, APGA) first resigned his position, then defected to the APC.

The speaker of the Assembly, Collins Chiji (Isiala Mbano, PDP) Tuesday announced the developments on Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Supreme Court nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party as the governor of Imo State.

The apex court then declared Hope Uzodinma of the APC as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state. Mr Uzodinma originally came fourth in the election.

The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad gave the unanimous decision on Tuesday in Abuja.

Defections, resignations

Reading Mr Onyekammas resignation letter dated January 20, 2019, the Speaker disclosed his was as a result of convention and zoning.

He said the convention prescribes that the deputy speaker should be from the geo-political zone of the sitting governor.

The Speaker then announced the defection of nine members of the assembly from their respective parties to the APC citing various reasons for their defections.

Gale of defections

Four members left the Action Alliance (AA); two from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and three other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). They all defected to the APC.

Arthur Egwim, representing Ideato North defected from the Action Alliance (AA), Amarachi Iwuanyanwu from Nwangele defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chidiebere Ogbunikpa (Okigwe) also from the PDP.

The Nkwere representative, Obinna Okwara, defected from the AA; Paul Emeziem from Onuimo left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), alongside Ekene Nnodumele of Orsu.

Johnson Duru of Ideato South and Ngozi Obiefule of Isu also left the AA while Okoro Hercules from Ohaji Egbema defected from the PDP to APC.

Meanwhile, at the plenary session, the House screened and confirmed Cyprian Akaolisa for the position of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice following Governor Hope Uzodinmas request for speedy consideration of his nomination.
US Democrats have asked Polands president to veto legislation which they say undermines the separation of powers.

Warsaw, Poland  During a brief visit to Poland on Tuesday, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi will meet with Marshall of the Polish Senate Tomasz Grodzki.

While precise details of the meeting have not been disclosed, the two opposition figures are expected to discuss the Polish governments latest salvos in the controversial battle over judicial reform, which has dominated politics here over the past month.

The proposed legislation, nicknamed the muzzle law, which has returned to the lower house of the Polish Parliament after being rejected by the Senate on Friday, would let politicians sack or fine judges who question the governments judicial overhaul.

Pelosis visit follows a letter of concern regarding the reform being published on Sunday by American Democratic representatives Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and William Keating, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment.

Addressed to Polish President Andrzej Duda, the letter said that the reforms undertaken since the Law and Justice party (PiS) came to power in 2015 fail to respect the principles of judicial independence and separation of powers.





The letter asked Duda to veto the bill, which it said would represent a significant step backward for Polands historically strong leadership in democratic reforms in Europe.

The idea for the meeting reportedly came from Pelosis team. To be precise and clear, it is not me who wants to meet, but rather Mrs Nancy Pelosi who wants to meet with me, Tomasz Grodzki told a radio station on Monday.

Please remember that that is our greatest ally the main force of NATO, and I am honoured that such an important American politician wants to talk with me.

Ruling coalition politicians retorted that Pelosi embodies the politics of Washington, which are not popular with the rest of the country [US], in the words of MEP Adam Bielan, speaking to a radio station on Tuesday morning.

Pelosi will be visiting the site of the former Nazi German death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau on Tuesday, ahead of the 75th anniversary of its liberation, before heading to the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem on Thursday.

A friendly relationship

Professor Artur Wroblewski, a lecturer in American studies at Warsaws Lazarski University, told Al Jazeera that the meeting could be seen as a follow-up to the letter.

Yet experts doubt that Pelosis visit would have any meaningful effect on the passage of the legislation, or even on US-Poland relations.

The visit will have no consequences, except for the reputational success for the opposition which has managed to get Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democrats in Congress, to issue a declaration criticising the Polish government, said Wroblewski.





He added that the practical consequences of the meeting would be negligible. Its the Republicans who are in power, and who shape the countrys foreign policy, which has thus far been good for Poland, he said, citing recent Polish-American agreements on 5G technology and President Trumps decision to boost the US military presence in Poland by 1,000 troops.

But Professor Tomasz Grosse, of Warsaws Sobieski Institute think tank, told Al Jazeera that the US could have an interest in magnifying the European Unions internal divides.

It would be in the interest of Brussels to make peace with Warsaw, while it could actually be better for Washington to fuel the conflict, he told Al Jazeera.

Mounting international pressure

Over the past few weeks, international pressure has been mounting around the governments judicial changes, described by critics as an assault on the rule of law.

On Tuesday, the European Commission asked the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to intervene directly by suspending Polands newly created Disciplinary Chamber, which was set up by the ruling party to discipline judges. In December, the Supreme Court ruled the Disciplinary Chamber was not independent.

Ignoring the ECJs request could result in stinging financial sanctions, according to Robert Grzeszczak, a law professor. Ultimately, he said, Poland could also face political isolation, the freezing of EU funds and non-recognition of judgements by Polish courts, which could hurt European firms registered in Poland.

On Thursday, the Venice Commission, an advisory body to the Council of Europe, concluded in an urgent report that the bill placed judges in an impossible situation, where they could be punished for making rulings required by the European Court of Human Rights and EU law.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe have also condemned the reforms.

On January 11, European judges joined around 1,000 of their Polish counterparts in a 30,000-strong silent march in Warsaw, protesting against the judicial overhaul.

If the Senates rejection of the bill is overruled by the PiS-dominated lower house of parliament, the legislation will await final ratification by the president.

But the Polish president is reportedly willing to sign the bill regardless of the controversy surrounding it.

There is nothing that citizens demand more from the government, he said, than radical, decisive changes in the judiciary.
Delta to Reward Employees with 2 Months of Pay as a Bonus After Airline Has a Very Profitable Year

What would you do with two months extra pay?

Thats the question that Delta employees are sure to be asking themselves after the airline announced it will be rewarding its workforce by paying out $1.6 billion in profit-sharing bonuses after a high-performing 2019, KTLA 5 reported Monday.

That massive figure breaks down to eligible employees receiving 16.6 percent of their annual salary, or around two months pay, the outlet reported. Employees will receive their checks on Valentines Day, the OC Register reported.

The move marks the sixth consecutive year that Delta has paid out more than $1 billion to its employees, a Delta spokesperson told KTLA. The companys profit-sharing program started in 2012 after the airline merged with Northwest. Last year, it paid out $1.3 billion, and in 2018 and 2017, it paid out $1.1 billion, according to the OC Register.

In response to the report from the OC Register about the payout, Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote on LinkedIn, Delta would be nothing without our 90,000 people. They deserve all the credit.

Delta | Nicolas Economou/Getty Images

RELATED: Boeing Warns That Controversial 737 Planes Might Also Have Faulty Wings, 3 Months After Crash

In 2019, Delta earned $4.8 billion, CNN reported, a figure 21 percent higher than the previous year.

One reason for the airlines success, CNN said, is because it does not use the Boeing 737 Max in its fleet  in fact, it is the only major airline in the United States that does not fly the planes, which were grounded in March of last year after two separate crashes that killed 346 people.

RELATED VIDEO: Saved by a Miracle: Ticket Counter Agent Rescues Teen Girls from Suspected Human Trafficking Plot

While Deltas competitors had to adjust schedules because of the absence of Boeing 737 Max planes, Delta was able to benefit.

Weve clearly been a beneficiary, and as long as the Max stays out of the sky, I guess, well continue to be one, Bastian said during a conference call with investors, according to CNN.

Story continues

Bastian is expecting another year of growth for the company, which is reportedly expected to hire between 6,000 and 7,000 new employees this year.

As we enter 2020, demand for travel is healthy and our brand preference is growing, positioning Delta to deliver another year of strong results, he said, per CNN.

Delta did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.
Standing over eight feet tall, this extraordinary showpiece is crafted from a regiment of artillery rounds and bombs fired or dropped by some of the most badass cannons, tanks, bombers and Navy destroyers on the planet dating back to the Vietnam War era. Designed and produced entirely in the USA, the Freedom Throne is a once-in-a-lifetime gift for gun enthusiasts, military aficionados and the guy who has everything.

"He most definitely doesn't have anything like this," said Lucky Shot USA founder and CEO Doug Ingalls. "Because of the intricate craftsmanship and rarity of the components involved in building it, only four Freedom Thrones will be made."

Built upon a frame of welded steel and stained oak, the Freedom Throne is designed to be as practical as it is impressive. Luxury padded top-grain leather provides comfortable seating while a 105mm Howitzer drink holder and 120mm Abrams tank cigar ash tray ensure relaxation is within easy reach.



The Freedom Throne is comprised of:

Nine 105mm howitzer shell casings

Five 105mm howitzer projectiles

Four 106mm recoilless rifle shell casings

One 120mm Abrams tank shell casing

Five 5" Navy Destroyer shell casings

Two 100-pound practice bombs

All genuine shell casings and projectiles are powder coated with head stamp markings on the shells preserved.

The company behind the throne, Lucky Shot USA, is known for its 'Gifts for Patriots' line of gifts including drinkware and novelty products crafted from genuine or once fired munitions, including the bestselling 50 Cal Bullet Bottle Opener and .308 Bullet Shot Glass.

The Freedom Throne retails for $17,800.00 and will be on display during the 2020 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada January 2124.

20% of the proceeds from the sale of the thrones will be donated to Wounded Warrior Outdoors.

Visitors and members of the media interested in checking out the Freedom Throne are invited to visit Lucky Shot at booth #2957. Wholesalers and retailers interested in Lucky Shot products should contact: Contact Person at [email protected].

For more information on Lucky Shot USA and its products, visit LuckyShotUSA.com.

ABOUT LUCKY SHOT USA

Lucky Shot USA is a family owned and operated company that specializes in creating high-caliber, handcrafted 'Gifts for Patriots' out of genuine and replica munitions. Launched in 2011 by entrepreneur and inventor Doug Ingalls, the product line includes bottle openers, shot glasses, drinkware and other unique gifts. The company designs, manufactures and imports it's own products, many of which are made or assembled here in the USA. For more information, please visit or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

SOURCE Lucky Shot USA

Related Links

https://luckyshotusa.com/


The SEC said that 50,000 police personnel would be deployed for security arrangements in polling stations across the state to conduct the polling free and fair manner. (Photo: Representational)

Hyderabad: All arrangements have been completed by Tues-day evening for the conduct of municipal elections to be held in Telangana state on Wednesday. Polling would be held in nine municipal corporations and 120 municipalities across the state from 7 am to 5 pm. People would elect 325 corporators for nine corporations and 2,727 councillors for 120 municipalities.

State Election Commissioner (SEC) V. Nagi Reddy on Tuesday told press reporters that a total of 1,438 polling stations in nine municipal corporations and 6,325 in 120 municipalities have been set up, where 45,000 election personnel would participate in polling duties to ensure 53.37 lakh voters will be able to utilise their franchise and vote smoothly.

The SEC said that 50,000 police personnel would be deployed for security arrangements in polling stations across the state to conduct the polling free and fair manner.

Stating that the government had declared a holiday in areas where elections were being carried out on Wednesday, Mr Reddy said that polling staff would be reaching the designated polling stations by Tuesday evening.

The commissioner urged voters to cast their right without sitting back into their homes.

He said that they are not expecting any huge queue lines on poll day as each of the wards had a maximum number of 1,700 voters and there was enough time for all people to cast their vote in a free and fair atmosphere.

He said that strict vigil was being maintained to curb money and liquor flow till the completion of polling.

He advised political parties and candidates to remain vigilant and ensure misuse of money was curbed during the polling.

He appealed to voters to use the Tender Vote in case they find that their vote had been impersonated. Wherever tender votes are cast, counting would be put on hold in such stations, he said.

The commissioner cautioned candidates of facing disqualification in case of showing false or incorrect statements of expenditure.

Stating that details of candidates assets and criminal records were displayed on the SEC website, besides the notice boards of concerned returning officers, Mr. Reddy urged voters to look into antecedents of the

candidates and choose wisely.

He said that cases had been registered against people who were caught on camera while distributing money in Peddapalli, Gadwal and Alampur. Mr. Reddy said that the EC was going to launch and implement a face recognition app for the first time in the country to prevent fake votes. This app would be implemented as a pilot project at 10 polling stations under the Kompally municipality in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

Mr. Reddy said that as many as 2,072 polling stations would be covered under video coverage, 2,406 polling stations would be covered under live webcasting and 2,053 polling stations covered by micro observers.

Replying to a question with regard to Bhainsa town, wherein communal tension prevailed a few days ago, he said that the situation in Bhainsa was peaceful and polling would be held as per schedule. Meanwhile, Jitender, additional DGP, law and order, Telangana state police, said that the state police was fully geared up for conducting the elections on Wednesday for urban local bodies. He said that a total of 50,000 force was being deployed for ensuring fair and peaceful conduct of elections to ULBS. Sufficient forces were also mobilised from other departments, including excise and forests, and the Telangana State Special Police and other specialised forces were also kept in reserve, he added.
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Medicenna Therapeutics Corp. (TSX: MDNA) (OTCQB: MDNAF) ("the Company"), a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on oncology and the development and commercialization of novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 Superkines and first in class Empowered Cytokines (ECs) for the treatment of a broad range of cancers. CEO and President of the Company, Dr. Fahar Merchant, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Dr. Merchant began the interview by providing background information about the Company. "Medicenna is very focused in the oncology space. We are developing a really exciting, new kind of therapy around interleukins," explained Dr. Merchant. "These are very special molecules that target tumors and are also able to stimulate the immune system," said Dr. Merchant.

"We've got a program that has just completed a Phase 2b clinical trial for recurrent glioblastoma," he added, noting that this condition represents the most aggressive form of brain cancer with very few treatment options available. This is the same brain cancer that claimed the life of Senator John McCain.

Jolly then asked about the details of the MDNA55 clinical trial. "The patients that we treated in this clinical trial were patients that had already been through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy - they had essentially failed these three therapies and the tumor came back," explained Dr. Merchant. "The therapies that are currently available at recurrence will extend the survival of these patients to perhaps 6 to 8 months post-treatment," continued Dr. Merchant. "For the first time we are able to show that with a single treatment of MDNA55 the median survival in the patients treated was extended to 15 months," shared Dr. Merchant. "We're doubling the survival in this patient population, which is something that has not happened in the past two decades."

"What are the next steps for MDNA55?" asked Jolly. "We have data now in 118 patients so far," said Dr. Merchant. "The drug has already received orphan drug designation from the FDA and the European regulators as well," he explained. "The drug has also been granted fast-track designation," said Dr. Merchant, adding that these factors will help the Company expedite the drug to the marketplace.

"As a company, we feel that the upcoming End of Phase 2 meeting with the US FDA will set the stage to enter into a transaction with a Pharma company that has the wherewithal for distribution, marketing, and sales globally," explained Dr. Merchant.

"Do you have a timespan for that?" asked Jolly. Dr. Merchant shared that the Company hopes to meet with the FDA in the second quarter of this year, and given a positive outcome will begin searching for a regional or global partner.

Jolly then commented on the growing interest in the oncology industry, and mentioned Sanofi's acquisition of Synthorx for $2.5 billion. Dr. Merchant explained that Synthorx had not yet completed a Phase I clinical trial for a treatment using their interleukin 2 (IL-2) asset prior to the acquisition. "What we have done at Medicenna is essentially taken native IL-2 and engineered it so that it is not only safer than the original IL-2, but is even more potent," said Dr. Merchant. "On the back of this $2.5 billion acquisition by Sanofi, we feel that there is a lot of opportunity for us to partner with another big Pharma company as we move our molecule, MDNA19 towards the clinic in 2021," shared Dr. Merchant.

To close the interview, Dr. Merchant expressed his excitement for the Company's advancements over the next few months, including their meeting with the FDA. "That could trigger a number of potential activities - could be an acquisition, approval of the drug, or a partnership," said Dr. Merchant. "This year looks very exciting for Medicenna. We have achieved key milestones in 2019 and there are additional major milestones coming up around the corner," closed Dr. Merchant.

To hear Dr. Fahar Merchant's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7483867-president-and-ceo-of-medicenna-therapeutics-corp-dr-fahar-merchant-is-featured-on-the-stock-d

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/

About Medicenna Therapeutics Corp.

Medicenna is a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on oncology and the development and commercialization of novel, highly selective versions of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 Superkines and first in class Empowered Cytokines (ECs) for the treatment of a broad range of cancers. Supported by a US$14.1M non-dilutive grant from CPRIT (Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas), Medicenna's lead IL4-EC, MDNA55, has completed enrolling patients in a Phase 2b clinical trial for rGBM, the most common and uniformly fatal form of brain cancer, at top-ranked brain cancer centres in the US. MDNA55 has been studied in five clinical trials involving 132 patients, including 112 adults with rGBM. MDNA55 has demonstrated compelling efficacy and has obtained Fast-Track and Orphan Drug status from the FDA and FDA/EMA respectively. For more information, please visit www.medicenna.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, that the upcoming End of Phase 2 meeting with the US FDA will set the stage to enter into a transaction with a Pharma company, that the Company will meet with the FDA in the second quarter of this year, that there is a lot of opportunity for the Company to partner its IL2 asset with another big Pharma company, that MDNA19 will move towards the clinic in 2021, that the End of Phase 2 meeting could trigger a number of potential activities including an acquisition, approval of the drug, or a partnership, that 2020 will be very exciting for Medicenna, and the future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the risks detailed in the annual information form of the Company dated June 24, 2019 and in other filings made by the Company with the applicable securities regulators from time to time.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information (including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to fully replicate these interim data results) may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Williams at ir@medicenna.com.

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

602-441-3474

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51694
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 22:22:18|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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BEIRUT, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of industrialists on Tuesday gathered in Beirut to voice their concerns about the tough situation facing the local industry sector which threatens to cause the closure of 5,500 factories and the loss of jobs for over 195,000 workers, local TV channel MTV reported.

Fadi Gemayel, head of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, announced a state of emergency for the Lebanese industrial sector while urging the cabinet to inject 300 million U.S. dollars to enable the sector to import the needed raw materials.

"We also ask banks to remove the capital controls for industrialists to release their money for them to be able to buy raw materials and keep their factories operating," Gemayel said.

The industry sector in Lebanon contributes to 14 percent of the GDP and every 1 percent growth in the sector generates 1,500 jobs.

Meanwhile, every job opportunity created in the industry sector contributes to creating 2.2 job opportunities in other sectors.

Lebanese importers and industrialists have been suffering from very bad circumstances amid tough capital control measures adopted by banks, preventing them to import their raw materials and needed products.
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She's brushed aside her recent break-up from Pete Davidson by fulfilling her work duties during Paris Fashion Week.

And Kaia Gerber was the picture of confidence as she hit the runway alongside Gigi Hadid for Chanel's Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 presentation at the Grand Palais in the French capital on Tuesday morning.

The luxury fashion house appeared to put an edgy spin on bridal glamour as the supermodel, 18, caught the eye in a strapless white puffball gown, complete with a black sheer cape.

Centre stage: Kaia Gerber (L) was the picture of confidence as she hit the runway alongside Gigi Hadid (R) for Chanel's Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 presentation at the Grand Palais during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday morning

Maintaining her quirky display, the catwalk queen's striking outfit was complemented with a pair of see-through tights, thick ankle socks and chunky heeled loafers.

Ensuring focus remained on her number, the daughter of Cindy Crawford wore minimal accessories as she captivated the audience with her statement walk.

With her short brunette 'do slicked back in a wet-look style, Kaia highlighted her out-of-this-world beauty with a smokey eye make-up look, tied in with heavy strokes of rose-tinted blush.

Fellow runway diva Gigi, 24, nailed vampy chic in a velvet floor-length gown, which featured a thick waist-belt, a daring thigh-high slit and patterned collars and cuffs.

Wow-factor! The luxury fashion house appeared to put an edgy spin on bridal glamour as the supermodel, 18, caught the eye in a strapless white puffball gown, complete with a black sheer cape

All eyes on her: Maintaining her quirky display, the catwalk queen's striking outfit was complemented with a pair of see-through tights, thick ankle socks and chunky heeled loafers

Equally stylish: Fellow runway diva Gigi, 24, nailed vampy chic in a velvet floor-length gown, which featured a thick waist-belt, a daring thigh-high slit and patterned collars and cuffs

Leading the way: With her short brunette 'do slicked back in a wet-look style, Kaia highlighted her out-of-this-world beauty with a smokey eye make-up look, tied in with heavy strokes of rose-tinted blush, with the blonde following her lead

Making a statement: The presentation took part at Paris' famous Grand Palais des Champs-Elysees - a museum complex with an exhibition hall

Chanel's upcoming collection returned to its signature tweed material, while elevating the series of pieces with flowy numbers.

The late Karl Lagerfeld's successor, Virginie Viard, rounded off the show with a beaming smile, nearly a year on from her longtime collaborator's death.

The elite fashion industry has been in mourning for the designer, who was famed for his groundbreaking fashion designs, since he passed away from pancreatic cancer aged 85 in February last year.

Karl is widely credited with overhauling French luxury house Chanel, once known for its sensible two-pieces, into a cutting-edge fashion powerhouse synonymous with smudged eyeliner, show-stopping couture and futuristic minis.

In good spirits: The late Karl Lagerfeld's successor, Virginie Viard, rounded off the show with a beaming smile, nearly a year on from her longtime collaborator's death

Catching the eye: The industry's leading models were in their element as they hit the strutted across the catwalk in their fashion-forward numbers

Style savvy: The collection returned to its signature tweed material, while elevating the series of pieces with flowy numbers

Fashion-forward: One model flashed a hint of her toned midsection in a beaded semi-sheer gown, while another opted for androgynous chic in a structured white jacket

Fresh vibe: The outdoor event saw the models walk alongside fresh greenery as fashion's elite watched on

In 1967, he was hired by Fendi to modernise their fur line, which proved a success when he began using mole, rabbit, and squirrel pelts in high fashion, before he stayed with the brand until his death.

When he took the helm of Chanel in 1983, he shifted focus away from fragrance and accessories and focused on updating its heritage pieces, injecting much-needed life into its couture line following the death of legendary founder Coco Chanel.

Away from the catwalk, Kaia has reported split from comedian Pete, 26, after they were first romantically linked in October.

Out in full force: Screen star Ellie Bamber (L) debuted her fringed ginger tresses which were styled into a bob cut, while Canadian actress Taylor Russell (C) and model Eva Green (R) exuded daytime glamour

Stylish pair: Musician Pharrell Williams looked effortlessly cool in a pale pink jacket as he linked arms with stunning wife Helen Lasichanh (also pictured with French director Ladj Ly)

Stars galore: The award-winning artist, 46, appeared smitten as he cosied up to his partner, 39, while Princess Caroline of Hanover, 62 (R) treated her daughter Princess Alexandra, 20, to a fun-filled outing at the presentation

A source told Page Six: 'It looks like Pete and Kaia are over. It got very overwhelming for Kaia. Pete has a certain M.O. and hes very intense to his girlfriends. Kaia is only 18 and its a lot to deal with.'

The relationship quickly drew controversy, as Pete had only split with ex Margaret Qualley a week before, and Gerber had only turned 18 in September.

Earlier this month, court officials confirmed Gigi was dismissed as a juror for Harvey Weinstein's trial, an expected development following the attention her presence in court generated.

Keeping warm: Ahead of the showcase, the girls wrapped up against the chilly climes in gold foil blankets (Gigi pictured second from left)

Chirpy: Cheery Kaia appeared to brush aside her recent break-up from Pete Davidson as she grinned from ear-to-ear, while another stunning model had her retro afro styled

Working hard: Gigi has been keeping busy ever at fashion's biggest shows since she arrived in Paris on Friday morning

On to the next! Kaia and Gigi switched into more casual ensembles following the show, with the brunette pairing a longline wool coat with wide-leg trousers, while the eldest of the Hadid clan stood out in a tweed jacket and circular shades

The former film producer, 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.

In the romance department, the blonde confirmed she's back on with former beau Zayn Malik earlier this month, a year after they officially ended their three-year on/off relationship.
Pyongyang on Tuesday warned that it could seek a "new path" and accelerate its weapons programme, after Washington imposed fresh sanctions on North Korean companies amid stalled nuclear talks. North Korean representative Ju Yong Chol told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that his country's efforts to improve relations with Washington had been met with hostility. "Although the US is talking about the resumption of dialogue, it has no intention at all from the beginning to drop its hostile policy towards the DPRK (Democratic Republic of Korea)," he said. "The DPRK will steadily develop strategic weapons essential and prerequisite for national security until the US abandons its hostile policy and lasting and durable peace... is in place on the Korean peninsula," he said. He said the scope of the build up would depend on the "future attitude" of the US. Pyongyang has previously fired missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland, and has carried out six nuclear tests, the last of them 16 times more powerful than the Hiroshima blast, according to the highest estimates. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in December an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, which had been a centrepiece of two years of diplomacy with US President Donald Trump. Trump and Kim have held three meetings since a landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018, where the two men signed a vague statement on denuclearisation. But negotiations have been deadlocked since a second summit collapsed in Hanoi last year over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return. - 'Sanctions and pressure' - Earlier in January, the United States announced that it was freezing any US assets of two companies for exploiting North Korean overseas labour, making any transactions with them a crime, in a UN-backed bid to curb Pyongyang's cash flow. US officials said in 2017 that North Korea had some 100,000 overseas workers, bringing in $500 million a year. If the US "persists in imposing sanctions and pressure against my country, we may be compelled to seek a new path for defending our sovereignty and supreme national interests," Ju said. "As it became clear now that the US remains unchanged in its ambitions to block the development of the DPRK and stifle its political system, we have found no reason to be unilaterally bound any longer by the commitment that the other party fails to honour," he said. Ju did not specify which specific commitments he was referring to, but the US Ambassador to the disarmament body, Robert Wood, told reporters he found the comments "quite concerning". "My hope is that they are not talking about moving away from that agreement that was reached by President Trump and Chairman Kim in 2018," he said. "What we hope is that they will do the right thing, and come back to the table and try to work out an arrangement whereby we can fulfil that pledge that was made by President Trump and chairman Kim to denuclearise."
Space.com is ready for an amazing 2020 in space exploration. What's your big question for 2020?

Hey, space fans! From new spacecraft launches to ambitious cars on Mars, there's a lot of space exploration set for 2020 and, of course, I'm excited. And I'll be hosting an AMA in the Space.com Forums this week to talk all about it.

This year, we expect to see SpaceX, Boeing, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin launch their first crewed spaceflights. Later, NASA, Europe, China and the United Arab Emirates all plan to launch new missions (and robot cars) to Mars. And there's so much more.

To kick off 2020 at Space.com, I'm holding an Ask Me Anything here in our Forums to answer (or at least TRY to answer) your burning space questions for 2020. We'll start on Wednesday, Jan. 22, and continue through the week. It's part of Exploration Week in our Forums and you can wind some awesome prizes.

Let's talk about space! (Image credit: Future)

Want to know when SpaceX will start launching astronauts into space? I've got you.

Want to know what happens to the Spitzer Space Telescope when it dies this year? Me, too.

And what's the deal with all the amazing science fiction on television right now? ("Star Trek: Picard" is only the beginning, trust me.)

The year 2020 really feels like it will mark a transition in space exploration with the rise of so many new vehicles and the launch of several pivotal missions. So I want to know what YOU want to know.

Join us this week and I look forward to hearing your questions! Join us here on Wednesday, Jan. 22, and ask me anything about space in 2020.

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Instagram.
Police are still hunting for the torso of a teenager nine days after a brutal gangland murder.

An Irish gang leader involved in the bloody feud around the town of Drogheda has also brought in muscle from the UK to protect himself amid fears he will be targeted next.

Cornelius Price, a prominent figure in the feud and a known associate of fellow gang leader Owen Maguire, called for reinforcements after learning that a 100,000 bounty had been put on his head.

It comes after 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, who is thought to have been involved in collecting debts for Price and Maguire, was brutally murdered and dismembered in the town on January 12.

Officers have still not found the teenager's torso, where they believe the fatal wounds were delivered, and so have been unable to say exactly how he died.

Cornelius Price, a gang boss with links to murdered Keane Mulready-Woods (pictured), is thought to have brought in protection from the UK amid fears for his life

Price is thought to have a 100,000 bounty placed on his head by the same hitmen suspected of abducting Mulready-Woods in Drogheda, dismembering him and then dumping his bodyparts around Dublin (timeline right)

Speaking this morning, Chief Supt Christy Mangan said: 'Unfortunately there are missing remains which makes it very very difficult for Keane's family.

'Obviously they are endeavouring to plan for a funeral, that's not easy when all of the remains of Keane are not there.

'This is obviously a horrific murder.'

Associates of Price, who have provided him with protection in the past, arrived in Ireland at the weekend as tensions around Drogheda soared, The Irish Sun reports.

The same allies have also provided protection for Maguire, who was paralysed in an attempted hit in 2018, in the past.

Price and Maguire are both top targets for the gang members who are thought to have murdered Mulready-Woods as part of an ongoing turf war.

It is thought that the chief suspect in Mulready-Woods' murder - a 'psychotic' north Dublin hitman - had been intending to dump the teenager's severed limbs on Magurie's doorstep and deliver his head to Price as a warning.

Mulready-Woods is thought to have been killed after taunting a hitman linked to one side of an ongoing war in Drogheda

But he and another 24-year-old man who is also though to have been involved were spooked on their way to deliver the remains after spotting Garda officers investigating a separate crime nearby.

The pair dumped the bag containing the boy's limbs on a housing estate in Coolock, Dublin, where they were found by children.

As police descended on the area the men attempted to dispose of the rest of the remains - including the severed head - by burning them in a car.

The fire was extinguished before the remains were destroyed.

The 24-year-old suspect has subsequently been arrested for parole violations relating to a separate case, and is being held in custody.

Investigators believe Mulready-Woods was kidnapped off the streets of Drogheda overnight on January 12 before being taken to a nearby house where he was murdered and dismembered.

Forensic investigators have been at the house and are said to have found blood soaked floorboards and a stash of machetes at the property.

Officers have still not found the teenager's torso, where they believe the fatal wounds were delivered, and so have been unable to say exactly how he died.

Just hours after Keane vanished, and hours before his remains were discovered, a shooting took place in Drogheda which officers believe was related to the feud.

An innocent taxi driver was shot in what is believed to be an attempted hit on a known gang member on the Bridge of Peace on Monday night.

That was followed by a double shooting on an industrial estate in north Dublin on Friday afternoon that left two men in critical condition.

The men suspected of murdering Mulready-Woods are thought to have been planning to drop his severed head on Price's doorstep as a warning

Three people, including Mulready-Woods, have been killed as part of a feud between rival gangs in Drogheda, which is located between Dublin and Belfast

While that shooting is not thought to have been directly related to the Drogheda feud, it is possible that the suspects used it as a distraction to carry out their hit.

Two men in their 20s who are known to police have been arrested after they were found close to a burning car in Dublin after the shooting took place.

The Drogheda gang feud has been ongoing since 2018 when gunmen opened fire on Owen Maguire near his home in the town, leaving him paralysed.

That shooting sparked a series of tit-for-tat attacks that resulted in the fatal shooting of reputed gang driver Keith Branigan in August last year on a caravan site.

Richie Carberry, a close associate of one of the men suspected of Mulready-Woods' murder, was then shot dead outside his home a few months later.

Mulready-Woods's killing marked another significant uptick in violence, leaving locals and police fearing further reprisal attacks.
prince harry `

Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Sentebale

The Duke of Sussex on Sunday delivered his first public remarks on his decision to step away from royal duties.

On Saturday, Buckingham Palace announced that Harry and wife Meghan Markle will step back completely from the royal family starting in Spring 2020.

In his emotional speech in London, Prince Harry said there was "really no other option" for him, wife Meghan, and son Archie.

"What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you," he said.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Duke of Sussex delivered an emotional speech about his decision to step down from his royal duties in his first public remarks on the subject, saying that there was "really no other option" for him and wife Meghan Markle.

On Saturday, Buckingham Palace announced that Harry and Meghan will step back completely from the royal family starting in Spring 2020.

According to the statement, the two will remain known as Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but will no longer receive public funding and will work towards repaying the Sovereign Grant for their Frogmore Cottage renovations, which will remain their UK home.

Harry and Meghan will also no longer use their HRH titles.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the details of their security arrangements.

Prince Harry discussed the arrangement on Sunday night during a private dinner in London for his charity Sentebale, which supports children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.

During the emotional speech, he said it brought him "great sadness" to leave the royal family.

"So, I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share  not as a Prince, or a Duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years  but with a clearer perspective.

Story continues

The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change.

I have grown up feeling support from so many of you, and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw me find the love and happiness that I had hoped for all my life."

He continued:

"We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles for this country with pride. Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful, and we were here to serve.

For those reasons, it brings me great sadness that it has come to this."

He said that the decision to step back came after "many months of talks after so many years of challenges."

"And I know I haven't always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option."

He added that his intention was to maintain his public duties without accepting public funding, though that option, he said, "wasn't possible."

"What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you."

Prince Harry also appeared to point blame at the media, saying that it was a "powerful force."

Read the full speech here:

Meghan and eight-month-old son Archie went to Canada earlier this month following the announcement that the family would be stepping away from royal duties and plan to spend much of their time in North America.

According to The Guardian, Prince Harry is expected to join Meghan and Archie within the coming days.

Page Six reported that Meghan has been house-hunting in Vancouver's exclusive Kitsilano neighborhood.

Read the original article on Insider
The White House announced Jan. 20 that President Donald Trump will meet his Iraqi counterpart, Barham Salih, this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump is also set to meet separately with Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

Why it matters: Baghdads threat to expel US troops in the wake of the strike that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani and the Trump administrations vow to hit Iraq with sanctions could become a major point of contention in the meeting. Some Republican lawmakers have also floated moving US troops to Iraqi Kurdistan if Baghdad moves forward with its threats to remove US forces  a possibility Trump himself could raise when he meets with Barzani.

Approximately 5,000 US troops remain in Iraq to train Iraqi security forces and cooperate in battling what remains of the Islamic State (IS). US forces returned to Iraq in 2014 at the request of the Iraqi government, when IS had overrun large swaths of Iraqi territory, capturing Mosul and threatening the Kurdistan Region.

Although the State Department told Al-Monitor last week that Iraq sanctions are still on the table if we deem them necessary, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood was less willing to address the specific threats the United States has made.

As weve seen before, if you dont have a solid security relationship to keep extremists at bay, then you also dont have a very solid environment for investors, Hood told Al-Monitor at a Middle East Institute panel last week. You dont have a very solid economy. There are lots of concerns that come from that. Thats why we want to have a recommitment to the strategic relationship so that its solid on all levels  the diplomatic side, the security side, the financial side, the trade and other sides.

Whats next: Agence France-Presse has previously reported that Washington has threatened to cut Iraq off from a $35 billion, US-based account that holds Baghdads oil revenue, which comprises some 90% of the Iraqi state budget.

But Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the Treasury Department has historically started with less extreme measures as warning shots to other countries.

I would expect there to be targeting of individuals who have been facilitating Iran finance, and thats kind of the first step in escalation, Schanzer, who supports potential Iraq sanctions, told Al-Monitor. He added, You could potentially see individuals designated inside the government for having done this too if theyve crossed the United States in a specific way. That wouldnt necessarily have the full-on nuclear effect that the designation of a major bank or the Iraqi Central Bank [would have].

Know more: Brush up on the escalating US-Iraq feud before Trumps meetings this week with Al-Monitors extensive coverage. Senior correspondent Amberin Zaman interviewed Barzani just last week, while Al-Monitor president Andrew Parasiliti interviewed Salih in September. And Congressional Correspondent Bryant Harris has the story on key Republican lawmakers lining up behind Trumps Iraq sanctions threats.
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that mainly affects people over the age of 65 and it may come with difficulties with vision. Spotting the early warning signs is key to maintaining a dignified lifestyle.

Seeing is believing. We tend to believe that what we see around us is pretty much what others with healthy eyes can see. But a person with dementia can see your half-full drink differently.

According to research, your eyes can provide a view of your brain's future. Findings have identified an association between common eye conditions and Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Eye tests could be utilized to detect the early signs of dementia. Early diagnosis can help people get the right treatments, find the support available and also make decisions about the future.

Eye scans are used to measure the exact thickness of a layer of neurons on the retina at the back of the eye, according to a research team from London's Moorfields Eye Hospital and the University of Oxford. This layer had been measured in more than 33,000 British people aged 40-69 whilst also carrying out tests on memory, reaction time and reasoning.

Diseases and conditions of the brain can have an impact on the eyes because the optic nerve and retina are brain tissue that extends outside the braincase. A clear relationship between brain tissue and eye tissue is headed towards future areas of research.

The vision changes from dementia can cause confusion and a handful of people mistakenly think the odd behavior is a result of hallucinations. The process of seeing is complicated in a way that disturbances in vision and perception can cause behavioral challenges and even safety risks.



Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscopy (FLIO) is an imaging technique that measures a protein called beta-amyloid in the retina. Beta-amyloid is one of the proteins that build up in the brain of people with Alzheimer's.

The brain's safeguards (a bony skull, a sack of tissue, and blood vessels that filter out most infectious bugs) are a huge obstacle for scientists trying to study the brain's decline -- specifically dementia. Grey matter adjusts to the slow buildup of abnormal proteins, the cause of several forms of dementia.

Reaching 75 years old, the normal changes related to aging reduce our normal peripheral vision, so we are not able to see and notice as much as we would when we were younger. Having dementia reduces their field of vision to about 12 inches, like wearing a pair of binoculars.

According to a study published in the Neurobiology of Aging, the researchers focused on pupillary responses which are driven by the locus coeruleus (LC), a cluster of neurons in the brainstem that functions in regulating arousal and also modulating cognitive function.

The LC causes the change in the diameter of the eyes' pupils during cognitive tasks -- in essence, the pupils get bigger the more difficult the brain task.

Two examples of how vision changes with dementia: one is blurring when one sees things less sharply and faces or common objects can become harder to recognize. Another is slow reactions to light which make it hard to go from a light space to a dark space.

RELATED ARTICLE: Here are Some Lifestyle Changes You Can Practice To Fight Dementia Before it Even Starts
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dropped its former law minister in Delhi, Jitender Singh Tomar, who was declared as the party candidate from the Tri Nagar Assembly constituency on January 14, and now has fielded his wife Preeti Tomar from the seat.

The former Minister told IANS that his wife is contesting from the seat.

"After the court verdict, I told the party that my wife will fight the election and the party agreed," the former Minister added.

Preeti Tomar has filed her nomination on Monday.

A Delhi BJP delegation had on Monday met the Chief Election Commissioner demanding cancellation of Tomar's nomination from the Assembly seat.

The Delhi High Court on January 17 held as "void" the election of Tomar to the Legislative Assembly in 2015 polls for furnishing false information of his educational qualification in the nomination papers.

The party's list came on January 14 and Tomar was again fielded by the AAP from the same seat.

Tuesday is the last date of filing nominations.
/ -- 2019 was a watershed year for Savaari Car Rentals. The online aggregator, which is India's largest intercity cab service, grew at a record pace, expanded the number of cities it serviced, launched exciting new products and significantly improved its unit economics.

Key Milestones



During the year, Savaari Car Rentals executed a total of 3.5 Lakh bookings across all three of their product categories- Outstation cabs, Hourly Rentals and Airport Transfers. Savaari's cabs traversed a total distance of 1,750 lakh kilometres, equivalent to a mind-boggling 4,368 road trips around the earth or 227 round trips from the earth to the moon. 16,537 chauffeurs were deployed to execute these trips and were behind the wheels for 6.1 lakh trip days.

Travel Trends



Unsurprisingly, the top cities serviced through the year were Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai. But there were also a few 'upstarts' that did astonishingly well: Coimbatore, Siliguri, Guwahati, Madurai, Amritsar and Lucknow all saw impressive growth in bookings, signalling an increase in penetration across non-metro cities. Greater interest in offbeat travel too has contributed to this growth.

Speaking of offbeat, some of the lesser known destinations that witnessed significant interest include Gahirmatha beach, Tsongmo lake, Raghurajpur art village, Orchha and Simlipal national park; while, the popular destinations across India that continued to see an evergreen demand were- Jaipur, Tirupati, Agra, Mysore and Lonavala.

New Launches



The year 2019 also marked the launch of 2 new products- Savaari Premium and CNG cabs. Savaari Premium aims at bringing a first-class, VIP experience to road trips. Premium aims to dispel the inertia that has gripped the B2C luxury segment in road travel - one that has been largely non disruptive and stagnant in service quality. While customers are willing to pay top-dollar for first-class airfare, a corresponding option is simply not available when it comes to road trips. A Savaari Premium customer is entitled to an exceptional on-the-road experience with advantages ranging from brand new vehicles, priority customer service to a hassle-free highway experience. Savaari Premium is currently available in Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Secondly, those travelling from or in Delhi and Mumbai can now book CNG cabs at a price point that is 10-15%cheaper than their diesel counterparts. Savaari has now seen successful traction with CNG taxis in these 2 cities over the last year.

Airport Transfers



'Airport Transfers' were launched in July 2019, providing last mile connectivity to travellers frequenting 40+ airports across India. Cabs from Bangalore Airport have seen the most demand so far, with customers booking outstation as well as local trips directly from the airport. The ability to pre-book cabs as well as Savaari's assurance of on-time pickups and drops makes this an incredibly robust and uniquely positioned product. Pre-booking eliminates long wait times, providing much-needed convenience to travellers, while Savaari's reputation and long-standing service record makes this a credible and reliable product. And what's more, all this at affordable, transparent and metered rates.

Kashipath: Travelling from Bangalore to Kashi by Road



Kashipath, loosely translating to 'the path to Kashi', was, as the name suggests, a road trip unlike any other. Echoing the peregrinations of the great seers of history, whether Adi Shankaracharya or the more recent Swami Vivekananda, Kashipath was an ambitious itinerary cutting across the heart of India. Traversing 5 states and 21 cities in 10 days, a total distance of almost 5000 Km, the pilgrimage to Kashi was indeed grand and astonishingly beautiful. Starting in Bangalore and reaching its denouement in Varanasi, the itinerary wound its way through the eastern ghats, the grand ruins of Hampi, the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra and the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh. As travel partners for the campaign, Savaari provided the logistics and transport. Few cab services would undertake a task of this scale and with Kashipath, Savaari definitely proved its commitment to the notion that road-travel is the ideal way to explore India. Not only was the campaign novel and enriching; it caught the attention of none other than India's PM, Sri Narendra Modi, who tweeted in support of the Kashipath Yatra.

In conclusion, 2019 was an incredible year for Savaari Car Rentals. In 2020, Savaari plans to build on this momentum by setting up a robust one-way drop network, a product that has already seen some traction in 2019. Further, Savaari will also look towards aggressively expanding its portfolio of airports after the hugely successful launch and implementation of Airport Transfers, adding 60 more airports by March 2020. 'Savaari Premium' too will be expanded to include most other tier 1 cities, bringing luxury to road travel for the first time in India. No doubt, 2020 will be bigger, better and louder than anything before.

About Us



Savaari Car Rentals is India's largest car rental service providing chauffeur-driven taxis for intercity trips, hourly rentals as well as airport pickups and drops. They are present in 98 cities and service 7500+ destinations across India.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079091/How_India_travelled_in_2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - Global direct foreign investment (FDI) dipped slightly around the world last year, hit by massive divestment in Hong Kong and a drop in flows into Britain due to Brexit uncertainty, the United Nations said on Monday. FDI could rise marginally in 2020 on the back of modest growth as trade tensions between China and the United States ease, but geopolitical uncertainties and protectionist pressures are tempering expectations, it said. In 2019, global FDI flows were estimated at $1.39 trillion, down 1% from a revised $1.41 trillion in 2018, the U.N

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA (Reuters) - Global direct foreign investment (FDI) dipped slightly around the world last year, hit by massive divestment in Hong Kong and a drop in flows into Britain due to Brexit uncertainty, the United Nations said on Monday.

FDI could rise marginally in 2020 on the back of modest growth as trade tensions between China and the United States ease, but geopolitical uncertainties and protectionist pressures are tempering expectations, it said.

In 2019, global FDI flows were estimated at $1.39 trillion, down 1% from a revised $1.41 trillion in 2018, the U.N. trade and development agency UNCTAD said in a report.

FDI, which includes cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intra-company loans and investments, is a bellwether of globalisation and a potential sign of future growth of corporate supply chains.

Investment flowing into the Chinese territory of Hong Kong, the Asian financial hub that has been wracked by political unrest, nearly halved last year to $55 billion, the report said.

"In Hong Kong there was $48 billion of divestment in terms of equity," James Zhan, UNCTAD's senior director of investment and enterprise, told Reuters. He noted that the former British colony was also affected by Sino-U.S. trade tensions.

Competition from Shanghai and Shenzhen in mainland China as well as Singapore for high-end FDI, such as regional business hub functions and R&D activities of multinationals, also weighs on Hong Kong, he said.

"Hong Kong's economy is a solid economy. Longer term-wise, it is attractive for international investment," Zhan said.

Britain, beset by uncertainty last year over the outcome of Brexit but now on course to leave the European Union on Jan. 31, saw inward FDI flows shrink by 6% to an estimated $61 billion last year, according to the report.

FDI flows to developed economies fell by 6% last year to an estimated $643 billion, and remained at a historically low-level, at half of their peak in 2007, it said.

FDI to the EU as a whole fell by 15% to $305 billion, as several countries experienced "strong volatility", it said.

The EU and some member states have tightened their FDI entry screening, particularly over "national security concerns", Zhan said, and this could deter some FDI especially in technology.

Flows to the United States, the largest FDI recipient worldwide, were stable at $251 billion. The report said the impact of a 2017 U.S. tax reform that reduced U.S. outward FDI flows appears to have ebbed.

FDI flows to developing economies remained stable at an estimated $694 billion, led by China with a flat $140 billion.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Bangkok, Jan 21 : A major Thai opposition party was spared from being dissolved on Tuesday after a court ruled it did not attempt to overthrow the countrys monarchy because of its alleged links to the Illuminati, a secret society conspiracy theorists believe seeks world domination.

"There are not enough grounds to believe the (Future Forward Party) is exercising its rights or liberties to overthrow the democratic government regime with the king as head of state," Efe news quoted the Thailand's Constitutional Court's ruling as saying.

The party - which obtained the third most votes in last year's election - is led by billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, 41, who ran on an anti-military junta campaign that took the country's establishment by surprise and made him the target of several court cases.

The case was filed by lawyer Nattaporn Toprayoon last May and accepted in July, making headlines over allegations that the party's goals were to overthrow the country's monarchy on account that its logo resembled that of the Illuminati and threatened national integrity.

The case further said that Future Forward's manifesto was also hostile toward the royalty which is protected by a draconian defamation law that jails anyone found to have disrespected the institution for up to 15 years per offence.

The party repeatedly denied allegations and maintained it's the victim of a political persecution by the ruling government to widen its grip on power.

The sitting administration, led Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, formed a coalition comprising newly-formed Palang Pracharat party and Bhumjaithai Party, following an election the opposition criticized over alleged irregularities.

Thanathorn was one of the most vocal critics of the last military junta, which Prayuth headed from 2014 to 2019. The ultra-monarchist general has cracked down harshly on any dissenting voice.

The Future Forward leader has himself has faced several court cases.

Last November, the same court stripped him of his MP status for holding shares in a media company when he was presented as a candidate earlier in 2019.
Instagram has removed the intrusive IGTV button from its app, as the video service continues to struggle to take hold.

The strange button arrived in summer 2018, when Instagram announced that it was launching a separate app focused on longer videos.

In the time since, it has stayed at the top, next to the icon that takes users to their direct messages. The company had presumably placed it in a particularly conspicuous position as it attempted to encourage people to use the video service.

But now it has said that "very few" people were using the button, and that it has been removed. The button has probably already disappeared for most users, clearing up the home screen of the app.

Instagram said that "most people" were finding videos from IGTV using other methods  though the overall number of people downloading the app is still thought to be very low.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

As weve continued to work on making it easier for people to create and discover IGTV content, weve learned that most people are finding IGTV content through previews in Feed, the IGTV channel in Explore, creators profiles and the standalone app," a Facebook spokesperson told Techcrunch. "Very few are clicking into the IGTV icon in the top right corner of the home screen in the Instagram app.

Recommended Instagram DMs coming to desktop in major change

We always aim to keep Instagram as simple as possible, so were removing this icon based on these learnings and feedback from our community.

Instagram launched IGTV as a separate app in June 2018. At the time, it was touted as a possible challenger for video-focused apps like YouTube and TikTok, but it remained relatively small.

The disappearance of the button mirrors another downgrade of the separate video service, with Instagram also making it possible for creators to upload their longer videos through the normal Instagram app rather than specific IGTV one.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 07:19:24|Editor: xuxin

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Students write Chinese calligraphy during a New Year gala for Chinese and international youth in New York, the United States, Jan. 19, 2020. The great hall of the Chinese Consulate General in New York was filled with joyful laughter, beautiful melodies and the smell of dumplings on Sunday night. Some 200 Chinese, U.S. and other international college students gathered here for a Lunar New Year Gala to welcome the Year of the Rat. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Vice Minister of Trade for Chile Rodrigo Yanez (left) and Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai (right)

During your first visit to the country, what topics do you intend to touch on and what are your expectations?

This is the first visit I pay to Vietnam to meet and discuss with my counterparts  the Vice Minister of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  the 2020 agenda between Chile and Vietnam. There are many different issues that merit our mutual attention, in many aspects of trade and co-operation.

First, trade and our free trade agreement (FTA) which, since 2014, have taken bilateral trade to nearly $1 billion and makes today Vietnam our 23rd trading partner. I believe, it is in both sides' interest to modernise our FTA to include new disciplines and to push out our boundaries in bilateral trade.

Also, services and investment co-operation holds tremendous potential to scale up between Chile and Vietnam. Additionally, while our trade figures have grown steadily over time, I believe they are far from our true potential. We are here to talk about trade and to see if we can schedule the fourth FTA commission between Chile and Vietnam this year here in Hanoi. Additionally, we would like to call attention that this year will be one of heightened activity, where we bring trade delegations and missions to Vietnam and collaborate with Vietnam as ASEAN Chair.

Chile is the chair of the Pacific Alliance, and we believe this puts our two countries in a unique position to discuss and foster co-operation to an unprecedented degree. We are also both signatories to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which adds further dimensions to trade and investment co-operation. This is also something that we expect to discuss with Vice Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How do you evaluate Chile-Vietnam trade and investment relations in recent years?

Trade has been expanding, although Chilean exports to Vietnam are still not as large as we expected. Today, Vietnamese exports to Chile have reached $750 million, while Chilean exports to Vietnam value at only some $240 million. Most notably, Chile and Vietnam have yet to have any investment in each other, and we believe this a matter worth addressing and that the CPTPP would be an important instrument for that.

It has been, I would say, a success story for trade between our nations, but I think there are many pending tasks that need the two countries to work together to deal with.

How do you expect to enhance economic co-operation with Vietnam and other Asian countries?

Vietnam is an important player in the ASEAN. It has positioned itself as a hub for this region and the rest of Asia which has great appeal for Chilean investors who believe they can expand to other markets in this region from Vietnam. I think we should further explore these potentials  and it is worth to look at the opposite way around, too, discovering Chile as a hub for Vietnam in Latin America. We have the largest FTA network in the world, and we both stand to benefit from working together on a bilateral basis to shape our standing in global value chains.

The ASEAN, as a geographical region, is one of the key priorities in our trade policy. That is why I am visiting Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other regional partners. We are very active across the ASEAN and are working to expand and diversify our exports to the world, in which the ASEAN plays a key role.

What are your recommendations to improve trade between the two countries?

To solve the difficulties and the pending issues that block our trade flows, there needs to be commitment to advance a shared agenda, and that is why we are here to express, at a very early stage, our interests and support to Vietnam as the Chair of ASEAN.

We are living in a world with a lot of uncertainties in trade and the economy. Countries like ours, which are extremely open to the world, need to join together and work for clear rules based on international order. To further align under the WTO, APEC, ASEAN, the Pacific Alliance, and other regional and global trade alliances, countries like ours need to stick together and act together for clear and predictable rules in doing business.

What are the spearhead trading sectors between Vietnam and Chile, and in which ways can we develop better two-way trade co-operation?

Vietnam is one of the biggest technological supplies exporters to Chile. Cell phones are a very important input from Vietnam, along with textile and fisheries products. In return, Chilean exports are dominated by agricultural, livestock, and forestry products, and wines are also growing in this market.

It is a matter of how we can jointly develop value chains. We should start much deeper projects between the two countries to see what chains we can supply together and which chains have to do with the Latin American region. It is also something that I am here to discuss with my counterparts, to see if we can help expand Vietnamese imports. Today, we have an FTA that provides preferential access to Vietnam. Vietnamese exports in Chile have a very competitive position and Vietnam has become a very important supplier for the variety of goods that I mentioned, but I think we need to work further on what supply or value chains we can supply together.
Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). By way of learning-by-doing, we'll look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Thelloy Development Group Limited (HKG:1546).

Over the last twelve months Thelloy Development Group has recorded a ROE of 29%. One way to conceptualize this, is that for each HK$1 of shareholders' equity it has, the company made HK$0.29 in profit.

View our latest analysis for Thelloy Development Group

How Do I Calculate ROE?

The formula for ROE is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

Or for Thelloy Development Group:

29% = HK$40m  HK$137m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2019.)

It's easy to understand the 'net profit' part of that equation, but 'shareholders' equity' requires further explanation. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. The easiest way to calculate shareholders' equity is to subtract the company's total liabilities from the total assets.

What Does Return On Equity Mean?

ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. The higher the ROE, the more profit the company is making. So, all else being equal, a high ROE is better than a low one. That means it can be interesting to compare the ROE of different companies.

Does Thelloy Development Group 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 is clear from the image below, Thelloy Development Group has a better ROE than the average (11%) in the Construction industry.

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SEHK:1546 Past Revenue and Net Income, January 21st 2020

That is a good sign. We think a high ROE, alone, is usually enough to justify further research into a company. For example, I often check if insiders have been buying shares.

How Does Debt Impact ROE?

Most companies need money -- from somewhere -- to grow their profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the use of debt will improve the returns, but will not change the equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same.

Combining Thelloy Development Group's Debt And Its 29% Return On Equity

Thelloy Development Group is free of net debt, which is a positive for shareholders. Its high ROE indicates the business is high quality, but the fact that this was achieved without leverage is veritably impressive. After all, when a company has a strong balance sheet, it can often find ways to invest in growth, even if it takes some time.

The Key Takeaway

Return on equity is one way we can compare the business quality of different companies. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have the same ROE, then I would generally prefer the one with less debt.

Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, you'll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. Check the past profit growth by Thelloy Development Group by looking at this visualization of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Of course Thelloy Development Group may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have high ROE and low debt.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
She has cemented a successful television career through her role on TOWIE.

And Yazmin Oukhellou appears to be branching into fashion as she made a surprise appearance at Givenchy's cocktail party on Tuesday night during the Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The TV personality, 25, cut a glamorous figure in a lilac ruffled mini dress with a high-neck collar and long sleeves.

Work it: Yazmin Oukhellou appears to be branching into fashion as she made a surprise appearance at Givenchy's cocktail party on Tuesday night during the Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday

Yazmin teamed the item of clothing with a pair of nude Christian Louboutin heels which elongated her toned pins.

The TOWIE babe styled her glossy raven locks into a sleek wavy blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up to enhance her stunning features.

Yazmin appeared in good spirits as she posed up a storm at the Parisian cocktail party.

The reality star has been making the most of January following a turbulent few months that saw her split from ex James Lock.

Glamorous: The TV personality, 25, cut a glamorous figure in a lilac ruffled mini dress with a high-neck collar and long sleeves

The boutique owner took to Instagram to pen recently 'I'm ready for a new chapter in my life', following a string of public rows with her on/off boyfriend.

During The Only Way Is Essexmas special, Yaz was caught up in another furious row with Lockie, prompting bystander Pete Wicks to advise that the exes should cut all contact.

Pete acted as a mediator between the former couple, telling them they had to let each other go.

Stunner: The TOWIE babe styled her glossy raven locks into a sleek wavy blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up to enhance her stunning features

He added: 'It's not love it's an obsession. I like you as a person but you're as bad as each other.

'He does still care about you. He's worried about you. It's so raw for the both of you the worst thing you can do is keep talking.'

After Lockie apologised for his behaviour during their relationship Yaz started crying as she told Georgia, Gemma and Bobby: 'I'm not buying it. I'm sometimes a s**t girlfriend but I didn't deserve this.

Over: The reality star has been making the most of January following a turbulent few months that saw her split from ex James Lock (pictured in January 2019)

'It's hurtful just seeing him like this. I never want to be with him again, he's hurt me that much.'

According to The Sun, the June split came about after Yazmin accused James of cheating on her.

Yazmin has since been linked to Absolutely Ascot star Alfie Best, who is the heir to Europe's largest residential park from his millionaire father Alfie Best Sr.

Meanwhile, James has been linked to Ellie MacKenzie, with the reality star insisting he 'wont be pursuing Ellie' and 'it was never going to be anything serious' as he jokingly confessed to 'taking anyone with a pulse.'
Mohamed Hadid is fighting back against a judge's order to demolish his mega-mansion

Property tycoon Mohamed Hadid is fighting back against a judge's order to tear down his controversial Los Angeles mega-mansion after his lawyers filed a last minute appeal.

In new court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Hadid is also appealing against LA Superior Court Judge Craig Karlan's appointment of a receiver to oversee the demolition of the half-built 'monstrosity' dubbed the Starship Enterprise.

The move flies in the face of what Hadid, 71, had told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview in December last year - that he will demolish the property and replace it with something more modest.

He said the mansion was 'finished' due to water damage, blaming the judge for not allowing him to cover it, and had to come down anyway.

It was almost three months ago that Judge Karlan ruled that the giant house should be razed to the ground, branding the building a 'clear and present danger' to nearby homes in upscale Bel Air.

But that order was put on hold when Hadid's construction company filed for Chapter Eleven bankruptcy last November after claiming in court that he 'couldn't afford' the $5 million cost of the demo.

In November a judge ordered Hadid's controversial home to be torn down out of safety concerns, saying it was a nuisance and a danger to the public

In new court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Hadid is also appealing against a judge's appointment of a receiver to oversee the demolition

Angry neighbors - who are suing Hadid filed a motion challenging his bankruptcy filing - accusing him of fraud and saying that it was 'obviously not filed in good faith' and calling for the bankruptcy attempt to be dismissed.

And last month, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Sheri Bluebond granted their motion, telling Hadid's lawyers: 'This is a bad faith attempt to use me to undo, to undermine what the state court has done and it is not appropriate.

'The state court has decided that this property is a public hazard and needs to be demolished . It's not my place to stop that. If you do not agree with the state court judge's decision, go and talk to the state court... or appeal.'

On Wednesday, however, Hadid's attorney, Bruce Rudman, did just that.

He filed a Notice of Appeal saying that Hadid and his company, 901 Strada Vecchia LLC, 'hereby appeal to the court of Appeal, Second Appellate District from the order appointing a receiver entered on December 2, 2019 and from all intermediate orders and ruling embraced within it..'

The court papers add: 'Said defendants also appeal from the part of the order of December 2, 2019 granting a mandatory injunction requiring demolition of the structure located at 901 Strada Vecchia and from all intermediate orders and ruling embraced within it.'

How the neighbors' legal team respond to the appeal - and whether the appeal will again delay the demo - remains to be seen as the long drawn out saga continues.

But recently, the neighbors' case against Hadid and his huge, illegally-built house - looked as though it was going their way.

Neighbors have been fighting for years for the demolition of the property because of all the alleged unapproved construction. The development of the home has also been an eyesore to nearby residents

Hadid claimed bankruptcy and said that he cannot afford to pay for the $5million demolition of the home, but tells DailyMailTV that it is his LLC that is bankrupt, not him personally

A glum looking Hadid, flanked by his two attorneys, was photographed following the judge around the property in November

Not only was Hadid's bankruptcy claim thrown out by the bankruptcy court, but Judge Karlan also handed the neighbors another small victory by granting another motion allowing them to delve into the finances of Hadid and indicating that the neighbors would most likely win their lawsuit against the purported multi-millionaire.

Pointing toward a neighbors' victory in the long-running court battle, Judge Karlan said in his written ruling: 'There is a substantial probability that they will prevail in their claim for punitive damages.

'Plaintiffs (the neighbors) argue Hadid directed and controlled all the illegal construction at issue in this action, there is a substantial probability that they will prevail on their claim that Hadid's conduct was fraudulent, malicious or oppressive.

'Hadid acted with conscious disregard for Plaintiff's safety and rights and Hadid's eight-year campaign to build an illegal structure evidences despicable conduct.'

In the criminal case against Hadid, last month Judge Neetu Badhan-Smith refused to toughen up the terms of the probation he's serving over illegal construction of the gargantuan house he was hoping to sell for $100 million.

The 30,000 square-food mansion towers over other homes in the area. The property has been dubbed the 'Starship Enterprise' because of its enormity. Hadid bought the hilltop plot on Strada Vecchia Road in Bel Air in 2011

Hadid, 71, is the property tycoon father of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid. He told DailyMailTV last month that the ordeal has affected his family

Prosecutors had filed a motion calling for Hadid - father of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid - to be jailed if he doesn't tear the massive, half-built house down by April 1, 2020.

The notorious mansion's legal history was originally permitted for about 15,000 square feet but the house grew to around 30,000 square feet with much of that additional construction illegal.

Hadid ignored orders from Los Angeles City to stop building and in December 2015, in an almost-unprecedented move, the city decided to prosecute him criminally.

He pleaded no contest to three criminal charges involving illegal construction and in July 2017 he was told he would serve a 180-day jail sentence if he doesn't reduce the size of the house and bring it into compliance with city building codes - or demolish it - within the three years of probation the judge also imposed. In addition, he was fined $3,000, ordered to pay $14,191 in fees to LA city, and serve 200 hours of community service.
JOS, Nigeria, January 20, 2020 (Morning Star News)  Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed two young Christian women in southern Kaduna state, Nigeria, on Friday (Jan. 17), sources said.

The herdsmen on motorbikes rode into Gora-Gan village in Zango Kataf County at about 5 p.m. shooting villagers on sight, according to a local resident. Luka Biniyat, spokesman for the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), confirmed the killing of Briget Philip, 18, and Priscilla David, 19.

Both girls, who were secondary school pupils, worshiped at the Catholic parish of Gora-Gan, Biniyat told Morning Star News.

Wounded in the attack on the predominantly Christian community were 18-year-old Henry Jonathan, 19-year-old Benjamin Peter and Goodluck Andawus, 12, he said.

The herdsmen attacked when people had flocked to the village square where evangelism and social activities are held.

As the people fled into nearby bushes to take cover, the attackers retreated and left, area resident Solomon John told Morning Star News by text message. We are sad about these attacks on our people, which seem to be unending.

County Council Chairman Elias Manza confirmed the attack to journalists on Saturday (Jan. 18).

The injured are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, but the good news is that normalcy has been restored to the area, Manza said.

Kidnapped Aid Workers Released

Two days earlier in northeast Nigerias Borno state, five aid workers kidnapped by the Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) were freed.

The aid workers had been kidnapped by ISWAP, which broke away from Boko Haram in 2016, on Dec. 22 along the Monguno-Maiduguri highway in Borno state as the workers were visiting displaced persons camps to provide medical and food items.

Among the freed aid workers was Jennifer Samuel Ukumbong, whose family resides in Jos. Jummai Markus, a neighbor of the family, told Morning Star News that she called her home on Thursday (Jan. 16) saying she had been released.

Ever since Jennifer was kidnapped by Boko Haram [formerly allied with ISWAP], her family has been holding prayer vigils and fasting for her release, Markus said. In fact, her mother, whos a widow, was in the church praying for her daughters freedom when the news about her rescued filtered in.

It was not clear how the aid workers freedom came about. Peter Afunanya, spokesperson of Nigerias secret police, the Department of State Services, said in a press statement from Abuja that they were rescued by DSS personnel and other security agencies, including the military on Wednesday (Jan. 15).

Ukumbong, along with freed aid workers Asabe Cletus Musa, Arthur Ibojekwe Chima, Adamu Ozeshi and George Danbaba Micheal, were taken to the DSS office in Maiduguri at about 4 p.m. that day, according to the statement.

120 Remain Captive

More than 120 Christians are still being held captive by Islamic extremist groups, including Grace Taku. The aid worker with France-based Action Against Hunger (AAH) was kidnapped by ISWAP in an attack on a convoy in Damasak, Borno State, in July.

We welcome the release of five aid workers who were kidnapped in northeast Nigeria on Dec. 22, AAH officials said in a press statement. But despite this good news, we remain extremely concerned for Grace Taku, who has been held hostage since July 18, 2019. We reiterate our calls for her immediate release.

Taku is the only survivor of a group of six held since then, according to AAH. Ahmad Salkida, a Nigerian journalist with a close relationship with Boko Haram who reportedly helped facilitate the release of the five Christian aid workers last week, has reported that Taku would be enslaved for life since negotiations for her release with the Nigerian government failed.

Among Christians still held captive are 112 high school girls abducted from a high school in Chibok, Borno state in April 2014. Rights activist Gapani Yangas said in a statement that the girls have been in captivity for more than 2,100 days.

Also captive is Dapchi, Yobe state high school student Leah Sharibu, as well as aid worker Alice Ngadda, Bitrus Z. Bala, the Rev. Lawan Andimi, Patience Ishaku, Awagana Kwagwi, Saratu Kwagwi and others, Yanga said.

Taku and Ngadda are Christian aid workers with organizations helping displaced persons. Ngadda is a mother of two who works with UNICEF.

Also being held is Lilian Gyang, a student of the University of Maiduguri, kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists on Jan. 9 along the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway while she was returning to the university.

Gyang, a first-year student in Zoology, is from Foron in Barkin Ladi County of Plateau state. Sen. Istifanus Gyang, who represents Plateau state in Nigerias National Assembly, appealed to the Nigerian government and the United Nations to quickly intervene for the release of Lilian Gyang and others.

Leah Sharibu was the only Christian among 110 girls abducted from the Government Girls Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe state, on Feb. 19, 2018. Muslim girls were released while Leah was held back because she refused to renounce her Christian faith.

Boko Haram announced in a video that she and Ngaddah were now slaves.

Nigeria ranked 12th on Open Doors 2020 World Watch List of countries where Christians suffer the most persecution but second in the number of Christians killed for their faith, behind Pakistan.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: Joshua Oluwagbemiga/Unsplash
A makeshift memorial was erected outside 800 Larkin St. after Emma Jane Hunt's murder. | Photo: Carrie Sisto/Hoodline

Two teenage males have been arrested as suspects in the killing of 32-year-old Emma Jane Hunt, which took place in the Tenderloin last week.

City officials say Hunt is one of three African-American women in their thirties to be killed in San Francisco in the past 30 days. All three women were mothers, with 11 children between them.

As we reported last week, Hunt, a San Francisco resident and mother of two, was found with gunshot wounds at the corner of Larkin and OFarrell streets around 3:45 a.m. on Jan. 5. She was later pronounced dead at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

Hunt was shot outside of 800 Larkin (at O'Farrell). | Image: 800 Larkin/Facebook

Police say that two suspects were arrested in the killing of Hunt: 18-year-old Kevin Lopez-Figueroa, and a 17-year-old male whose identity was not shared, due to his status as a juvenile.

Lopez-Figueroa was arrested by SFPD's narcotics unit around 10:30 a.m. on January 10, near the northeast corner of Eddy Street and Van Ness Avenue. He's been booked into the SF County Jail on charges of conspiracy and homicide.

The 17-year-old suspect was also arrested on Jan. 10, after SFPD's tactical unit and homicide detail served a search warrant at an apartment on the 600 block of Mission Bay Boulevard. He was taken to SF's juvenile justice center, and is also being charged with conspiracy and homicide.

18-year-old Kevin Lopez-Figueroa of San Francisco has been arrested as a suspect in Hunt's murder. | Image: SFPD

SFPDs announcement of the arrests came on the same day that Supervisors Matt Haney and Shamann Walton, who represent District 6 and District 10, rallied with representatives of the Mayors Office of Racial Equity and other advocates to condemn violence against African-American women in San Francisco.

According to KTVU, the other recent victims are Latanette McDaniel, 35, who was stabbed to death in Potrero Hill on Dec. 14, and Ronisha Cook, 33, who was fatally shot in the Tenderloin on Dec. 19. McDaniel was a mother of seven children, while Cook had two.

At yesterday's rally, Walton called for more community ambassadors and more officers on foot patrol to help assist victims or potential victims of violence.

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Other advocates at the meeting stressed the need to remove barriers to victims' compensation and trauma recovery services, which are used by only 1 in 10 eligible Californians. Advocates have called for loosening application restrictions (particularly time limits), and for better promotion of the programs.

"What is most important is that we listen to the leaders within our community, listen to black women in our community, leaders who tell us what we should do to prevent this in the future," Haney said at the rally.

This morning with Supervisor Haney and Black women leaders highlighting the fact that we need to do more to protect our women from violence. All deaths and homicides in SF are tragic, but we must bring attention to the violence that disproportionately affects women of color! pic.twitter.com/YSRts9u6T1  Shamann Walton (@shamannwalton) January 13, 2020

Although arrests have been made in Hunt's death, the case remains under investigation. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact SFPD by calling (415) 575-4444, or texting a tip to TIP411 and beginning the message with SFPD.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has withdrawn licences from 11 Computer-Based Centres (CBTs) for charging candidates unreasonably high amount in the ongoing 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).

The Registrar of the board, Ishaq Oloyede, said this in Abuja on Tuesday at an interactive session with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), banks, E-transact, Digital Partner Network, Interswitch and other service providers.

The registrar listed some of the affected centres as Federal Polytechnics, Mubi, Adamawa; Adazi-Nnukwu ICT/CBT for selling forms at N5,000; Emkenlyn Computers, Nneameka Secondary School Anambra.

Others are New Kings and Queens Bayelsa for selling at N5,500; Brightfield Secondary School Delta for selling between N6,000 and N8,000; A-Pagen Consolidated Port Harcourt for selling at N5,000 and Influential School Port Harcourt for selling at N6,000.

Mr Oloyede said the proliferation of tutorial centres was a major concern as most of the centres engaged in fraud and corruption during registrations and examinations.

Mr Oloyede said charging above the stipulated N4,700 for the 2020 UTME registration and thereby making illegitimate money was an act of fraud and corruption.

He said the exorbitant charges have a negative effect on the nation and were destroying the system.

Many people make illegitimate money from the examination and we will be destroying the nation if we dont get things right.

We felt the banks are overcrowded so we decided to expand the sale outlet to bring in mobile money operators to cover all the registered banks. The effects of the expansion are that some people are still penetrating the banks, thereby increasing the cost of the sale of form, he said.

Premium Times reported in 2018 how President Muhammadu Buhari said the price of JAMB form should be slashed from N5,000 to N3,500. Currently, the official price for JAMB form price is N,3500, reading text, N500 and the CBT fee N700.

Mr Oloyede said that the board was paying N210 as commission for each of the forms sold to about 2 million candidates nationwide, saying extorting the candidates was unjust.

Partnership with NSCDC

Mr Oloyede said the board was working closely with the NSCDC to ensure that any agent who sold above the prescribed fee was brought to book.

He appealed to the NSCDC to assist in arresting any erring centres while also calling on candidates to report any centre involved in the act to commandants in their various states.

Meanwhile, the Commandant General, NSCDC, Abdullahi Muhammadu, urged the board to limit the tutorial centres in the country while making sure that lists of the certified tutorial centres were revealed to reduce infractions.

Mr Muhammadu asked the commandants in the various states to make integrity their watchword in order not to betray the confidence of the board as well as Nigerians.

Two arrests

The NSCDC also arrested two persons who are not agents of the board for selling ePINS for the ongoing 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)/Direct Entry (DE) registrations above the stipulated amount.

The two persons are Ambrose Okogwa and Fidelis Imafido. While Mr Okogwa is the main suspect, Mr Imafido is an accomplice

According to the NSCDC Delta State commandant, Benito Eze, the two persons collected N5,500 from each candidate registering for 2020 UTME examination

These two men were arrested in Agbor, Delta state following intelligence information we received, The information we received was extortion and selling the JAMB form above the government-designated rate of N4000

He said they were arrested at Ambi Bookshop and Cafe cyber cafe at 159 Lagos Asaba road, Agbor.

In his response, Mr Okogwa said he was doing the business to earn a living,

My profit is N300 out of the N5,500. Out of the N5,500, N4000 is for the JAMB form, N700 for the CBT centre, N500 for transportation and N300 is our profit. The CBT centres we partner with are aware we pay N4700 to Unity Bank Agbor, he said.

He said there is an existing arrangement between the CBT owners and the branch manager of the bank, whom he referred to as Mrs Blessin

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Last year, College of Education Agbor also assisted us.

The JAMB Registrar told the NSCDC to charge the two to court, adding that all parties involved should be investigated.
Special APR financing offers are available for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Van

Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter is a Phoenix area dealership that sells new and used commercial Mercedes-Benz Vans including Sprinter and Metris models. Right now, the dealership is promoting its special financing rates for a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Van.

There are four available special financing rates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Van this month at Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter. Better rates are available for longer financing plans. There is a 2.9 percent APR financing special offer for 24 months, 3.9 percent APR for 48 months, 4.9 percent APR for 60 months, or 5.9 percent APR for 72 months. Each of these special offers are only valid for 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris Vans and qualified customers.

To view the details of this financing plan, customers are directed to the dealerships website, arrowheadmbsprinter.com. On the website, drivers can find special offers by hovering over Specials at the top of the site and selecting National Offers from the drop-down menu that appears.

Questions and concerns from interested customers are directed to the dealerships sales and financing teams. The sales team can be reached at (623) 806-8764 and can answer any questions about purchasing a Mercedes-Benz commercial van at the dealership. The financing team can be reached at (623) 815-3900 and can answer any questions about financial plans available with Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter. Both teams can be visited in person at the dealership during business hours. Mercedes-Benz Arrowhead Sprinter is located at 9260 W Bell Road in Peoria.
HAVERFORD  Carrying signs with slogans such as No Billboard Blight and Giant Billboards: Unsafe, Unsightly, Unacceptable about 75 people protested proposed billboards along the 600 block of Lancaster Avenue Monday afternoon.

Spearheaded by the Brynford Civic Association, the group turned out despite the cold weather to make a point that they oppose the billboards. About 4,000 people have signed a petition on the civic associations website: https://www.brynfordcivic.org. A hearing is set for Jan. 21 before Common Pleas Court Judge Spiro Angelos at the county courthouse in Media.

Doreen Saar said that billboards have been shown to be dangerous and they are also unsightly. She believes the large billboards that would perch on top of buildings would ruin the aesthetics of the area and be a detriment to local businesses.

If (the billboard company) wins it mean billboards can be put up in any business corridor in Pennsylvania, Saar said.

Kathy Case said quite a few residents will attend the three day hearing.

We hope to demonstrate we are opposed to this. We hope for a big turnout, said Case.

Nick Odorisio, who owns Nicks Gym, is also against the billboards and has the words No Billboards written on the door to his business.

Aesthetically, I think it makes the area look like the I-95 corridor, said Odorisio, who also lives nearby. Im worried about the future if this goes through. What happens next? It takes away from the community aesthetics of the Main Line. Its an absolute abomination. Im worried about property values dropping.

Im sure it doesnt belong here, said Mila Sokolova, who also lives nearby. It will destroy our peaceful streets. Its too aggressive for here.

Alla and Oleg Boychelko, a married couple, were also protesting.

Theyre dangerous, said Alla Boychelko. Its a unique neighborhood.

Oleg Boychelko added, Its not a highway. We dont need this modern commercial stuff around.

Lower Merion Commissioner V. Scott Zelov and Haverford Commissioner Andy Lewis were also on hand and exhorted the residents to attend the court hearing.

Resident Michelle Greer said she and her husband live in a house on Old Lancaster Road that her grandparents purchased 71 years ago.

Our home has very special meaning to us for many reasons, most importantly because our son, Andrew, is growing up in the house and bedroom my father grew up in, said Greer. We love our home and this wonderful neighborhood. (Billboards) will cause our wonderful neighborhoods and homes to decrease in value and the very real possibility of accidents being caused by drivers looking up at them, she said. Shes seen drivers running the light at Lancaster and Old Lancaster avenues, she said.

Its a terrible idea, said Zelov, about the billboards proposed by Bartkowski Investment Group, owned by Thaddeus Bartkowski for 600 and 658 Lancaster Ave. The company also would like to install two others at 1157 and 2040 West Chester Pike in Haverford. An appeal of a Haverford Township Zoning Board decision rejecting the billboards has been going through the legal courts for 10 years now.

Lewis thanked the residents for coming out on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to protest. The area borders on both Lower Merion and Haverford townships.

I think you all recognize the threat these pose to the general health, safety and welfare of this neighborhood, said Lewis. This is a battle we cant afford to lose  Weve successfully fought it back for 10 years and well continue to fight it.

This is going to be heard and decided by a judge, Lewis said, asking them to come to court to show their resolve. The judge will see our resolve  This is a township that is not for sale, like some other townships who have acquiesced to Bartkowski Investments. Were not for sale. Well continue to fight until the very end.

Zelov said along with Haverford and Lower Merion, residents from Radnor and Marple townships also oppose the billboards and have signed the petition.

These billboard companies are relentless, said Zelov. So theres so much money in billboards and we have to keep fighting. Circulate that petition online to your friends and neighbors  And billboards on interstate highways are fine but not in our suburban communities and thats our message  Keep fighting.

Previously, a spokeswoman for the billboard company noted the Commonwealth Court found the Haverford zoning ordinance unconstitutional and that Bartkowski Investment Group was entitled to construct off-premise signs in Haverford. The companys attempts to negotiate with township officials were unsuccessful and the township continues to spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer money on the court battle, she said.
Texas Mutual alleged that Expert Medical Evaluators International (EME) used unlicensed providers to perform FCEs and overbill the insurer. According to Texas Mutuals investigation, two unlicensed providers  Marcos Ricoy and Enrique Colon  performed the majority of EMEs FCEs and reported that the evaluations took the maximum four hours to perform. However, the insurer alleged that face-to-face time with injured workers was less than the time reported, resulting in inflated billing.

Previously, Ricoy and Colon both pleaded no contest to engaging in organized criminal activity involving workers compensation fraud in 2018. A Texas court ordered Ricoy to serve three years deferred adjudication, complete 120 community service hours, and pay $10,000 in restitution to Texas Mutual. Meanwhile, Colon was ordered to serve three years deferred adjudication, participate in any court ordered treatment or counseling, and pay $10,000 in restitution to Texas Mutual.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : A special CBI court on Tuesday extended by the three days the ED remand of businessman C.C. Thampi who was arrested by the agency in connection with the money laundering probe against Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

Special CBI judge Arvind Kumar extended Thampi's custody till January 24.

During the course of the hearing, Enforcement Directorate counsel Amit Mahajan said, "We were not able to complete the probe in three days. There are a lot of documents which are very essential. In coming days we want to summon more people which we don't want to disclose." "I won't blame the accused but the nature of investigation is such that it is taking time," he added.

Opposing the remand, Thampi's counsel Raju Ramachandran said, "16 appearances, 80 hours and with last three days 20 more hours have been added. 30,000 pages worth of documents have been seized. I am willing to appear before them twice a day unlike other accused who sought anticipatory bail even after having medical problems.

"His medical condition which is that he is suffering from prostrate cancer," Thampi's legal team said.

Thampi was arrested by the agency on Friday in connection with the money laundring case involving Vadra.

Thampi's role surfaced as it was noticed that arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari along with co-conspirators Robert Vadra and Thampi had evolved a scheme of money laundering by way of transferring the proceeds of crime multiple times from one individual to other to make investigation of the trail of proceeds of crime arduous and difficult.
Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. High 73F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
A federal appeals court on Tuesday partly overturned the 2018 corruption conviction of Sheldon Silver, once the powerful speaker of the New York State Assembly, but allowed much of the conviction to stand  most likely ending his hopes of remaining out of prison.

Mr. Silver, a Democrat from Manhattans Lower East Side, had been sentenced to seven years in prison for accepting nearly $4 million in illicit payments in return for taking official actions in separate schemes on behalf of a cancer researcher, Robert N. Taub of Columbia University, and two real estate developers.

In its unanimous ruling, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld Mr. Silvers conviction in the real estate scheme and a separate money-laundering count, but overturned his conviction related to his arrangement with Dr. Taub.

Judge Richard C. Wesley, writing for the panel, said prosecutors had not identified with enough specificity the particular types of acts Mr. Silver was to perform for Dr. Taub in return for accepting a bribe.
Imperial Valley News Center

President Trump at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Trade Show

Austin, Texas - President Trump at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Trade Show:

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I want to thank you very much. And thank you to our great Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue. Thank you, Sonny, very much. Youve done a fantastic job. (Applause.) Sit down, everybody. Lets stay for a while. Come on.

We did it. We did it. Remember? (Applause.)

They were all saying, Youll never get NAFTA changed. We were stuck with one of the worst trade deals in history. Well never do it. Well never get a deal done with China. Ive told everybody, You got to buy a lot of land, and youve got to get much bigger tractors right now. Because we did a great deal with China  great for our country. And hopefully, its great for China, too, because were going to sell them the greatest product youve ever seen, right? The greatest product youve ever seen. (Applause.)

But I am thrilled to be back in this incredible state of Texas. Weve had a tremendous victory. And from what I understand, those polls are all saying were way higher than we were in 16. Is that correct? Thats right, Dan. Thank you, Lieutenant Governor. My Dan. Great. Thank you very much. Were doing good.

But this is where the people are known for being tough, and strong, and hardworking, loyal, fiercely patriotic  just like Americas incredible farmers.

My administration is fighting for the American farmer, and has been fighting for the farmer and the rancher every single day. And together, weve achieved something truly stunning. And, really, it was a historic number of victories  not one; we had numerous victories. A lot of them just  it sort of all came together. What good timing. I said, Lets see if we can get it done for this event. Most Presidents dont come. And when they do, they come once. This is my third time in a row, and I promise Ill be here next year, too. (Applause.) Well be here next year.

In fact, a poll just came out  Wall Street Journal. It just came out. Look at this: Farmer Approval of Trump Hits Record, Poll Shows 83 percent of the farmers and ranchers approve of the Presidents job performance. 83 percent! (Applause.)

But, I want to know, really: Who are the 17 percent? Who are they? (Laughter.) Who the hell are the 17 percent? (Laughter.) Anybody in here from the 17 percent? Dont raise your hand; it may be dangerous. (Laughter.) Thats pretty good, right?

But, on Wednesday, after two years of hard-fought negotiations, where the farmers and ranchers stood with me all the way  they knew we had to do it. It wasnt done by other administrations. They didnt want to do it because it was nasty. We signed a groundbreaking trade agreement with China. (Applause.)

Under this landmark agreement, China will now be purchasing $40- to $50 billion of American agricultural products every single year, tripling our agricultural exports to China.

You know, we had a deal: It was done at $20 [billion]  $20 billion  the most they ever purchased, according to Sonny Perdue. I said, Sonny, we have to help the farmer because they were targeted. And Im not saying I blame China. You know, they want to win; we want to win. We all want to win, right? We like to win.

How is your team doing today, by the way? I dont know. How is it going? (Applause.) Are they doing okay? Well soon find out. I said, This is wonderful thing. I come to Look at this place; its packed. Its sold out. Look at the crowd. Its sold out. (Applause.) And you have a  you have a game with the team, known as Texas. But well see how it does. Lets  this is right now. This is the thing we have to focus on.

But, on Thursday of this week, we made a really historic  once again, the Senate passed  because this is in addition to China  the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to replace the catastrophe, the disaster known as NAFTA. Ive been complaining about it for many years. Our jobs left. Our factories closed. Our companies left, opened up. They made product. They sold it into the United States  no tax, no nothing.

We have just the opposite right now. Its very painful if they want to do that. Its very hard for them to do that, economically. The USMCA, as we call it, will massively boost exports for farmers, ranchers, growers, and agricultural producers from North to South, and from sea to shining sea. It also has tremendous impacts on manufacturers and all of the other things  good for everybody. But we wont bother; we only care about the farmers today, and the ranchers. Right? So we dont have to talk about the manufacturers. (Applause.)

But its fantastic for manufacturing and lots of other things. And our manufacturing numbers are fantastic. You see that. Remember? Manufacturing. Phil, you remember? Theres no more manufacturing. And then we have almost 600,000 jobs. They said, the last administration, Youd need a magic wand to bring back manufacturing. So I guess we found the magic wand. (Applause.) We found the magic wand.

Joining us today are a few of your strongest allies in Washington who helped make these achievements possible. Senators Pat Roberts and Cindy Hyde-Smith  where are they? (Applause.) Please. Please. Pat and Cindy Hyde. Ill tell you: These are two people that love the farmer.

And Pat  I mean, every time I get a call  Pat. That meant like, Come on. Come on, President. Lets go, President. But what a great career youve had. What an unbelievable number of election victories youve had. Wed love to keep you for a long time, but I dont think we can talk about him out of it at this point. But, Pat, thank you very much. And Cindy Hyde-Smith, you have a done a fantastic job representing everybody, but representing the farmers and ranchers. Thank you very much. And, Pat, thank you very much. Great job. (Applause.)

And Representatives Randy Weber, Roger Williams, and John Carter. Please stand up. Warriors  theyre warriors. (Applause.)

And also, three friends of mine  Texas leaders at the highest level  Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Please stand up. Please stand up. (Applause.) Thats great. Hi, Sid.

I remember 2016  the election. And the fake news  these people back here  (laughter)  they were going  they were saying, Trump  going to have a hard time winning Texas. And we came. We made speeches, Sid. Remember? Wed have 25-, 30,000 people standing on line. Cant get in. And I said, Why am I going to have a hard time with Texas?

And I remember, Sid Miller  I didnt know Sid. But he was big, and he had the big, beautiful cowboy hat on. I love that hat. I wish we could wear them in Washington or New York because I would be the biggest buyer of that hat. (Laughter.) I just dont know if it would play there, but Ill wear them in Texas, Ill tell you.

But Sid was sitting there with that hat on, and he looked great. And he said, I dont know about you, and I dont know where youre getting this information about a close race in Texas, but theres going to be nothing close about this race in Texas. Trump is going to win this race by so much, youre not going to believe it. Thats exactly what happened.

So, thank you very much. I didnt know Sid. He just said, Trump is going to win by a lot. And ever since then, Ive liked Sid a lot, and you turned out to be right. Right, Sid? Thank you very much. Great job. (Applause.) Great job.

I also want to take a moment to send our love and support to the President of the American Farm Bureau  a great guy  Zippy Duvall. Sadly, Zippys wonderful wife  a tremendous woman, married for 40 years  Bonnie  passed away last night. And we want Zippy and his entire family to know we are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. And he was a very  it was a very special relationship, and I just want to wish the family well. And, Zippy, were with you 100 percent  100 percent. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

So, Im truly honored to be addressing the Farm Bureaus annual convention for my third straight year. My administration understands that if we want to stand up for America, we must stand up for American farmers. So important. Incredible people. (Applause.) If we want America to thrive and grow, then we must ensure that Americas farms flourish and prosper. And thats what were doing. You feed our people, you fuel our nation, you sustain our land, you uphold our values, and you preserve our cherished American way of life. We want our products made, grown, and raised right here in the USA  and thats whats happening. (Applause.)

I hope you all remember that, before I took office, American agriculture was being crushed by an onslaught of massive taxes; crippling regulations; burdensome federal mandates  you know about that. I released it. I released it all. And horrendous trade deals. And they were horrendous indeed. I actually used to say, Who the hell would have negotiated a deal like this?

When I ran for President, I vowed to use every power at my disposal to protect American farmers and restore the full strength of American agriculture. I promised that I would always have your back. And unlike the politicians who came before me  they talked a lot; they did nothing for you  I kept my promise. (Applause.)

Under the previous administration, net farm income plummeted by more than 20 percent. Under my administration  and, remember, these trade deals havent even really kicked in yet. I told China, a couple of months ago, Do me a favor. Were going to make a deal. Start buying. Start buying. And they did. Not as much as I wanted, but they did. They wanted to wait until they got the signed agreement. Now we have the signed agreement. But they started buying. But its also Japan. Its also other countries. But net farm income has gone up by more than $30 billion dollars - an increase of nearly 50 percent in just three years. Remember that. (Applause.) And the big stuff is yet to come. The big numbers, in my opinion, are yet to come.

We are fixing problems and cleaning up messes that others have neglected for decades. Theyve treated you very unfairly. Theyve treated you very foolishly. Frankly, theyve treated you stupidly  stupidly  to put our great farmers in this position. We are winning for our farmers, and we winning like never before. (Applause.)

And dont forget: When I ran, I said, Were going to do this stuff. Were going to do it. But it was just words. Were going to do it. Everybody said, Were going to do things. But I did it. We got it done. And this is the time; I couldnt say it last year. Last year, I said, Hey You know, you were being targeted by China, in all fairness. You were being targeted. They stopped buying, purposely. Then I put the big tariffs on. Then I gave you a lot of the money, out of the tariffs. We had a lot of money left over, but we gave you  Sonny told you  $16 billion, and $12 billion the year before. And that made you do very well.

But, you know, the farmers came to me. They said, We dont want anything. We just want a level playing field. And you have now even more than a level playing field. (Applause.)

The deal with China will tear down market barriers and pry open vast new markets for American beef, pork, poultry, seafood, soybeans, rice, dairy, infant formula, animal feed, biotechnology, and much, much more.

This is an incredible success for our entire country, and it was your fortitude, your perseverance, and your devotion that made it all possible. And I have to tell you, another benefit, and a very big benefit, is we now perhaps have the best relationship that weve had with China in many, many years. And China respects us now. They didnt respect us. They couldnt believe they were getting away with what they were getting away with. (Applause.)

Having a good relationship with China is good  and Russia, is good; and many other countries, is a good thing. But we dont people taking advantage of us.

For years, China stole trade secrets from American agri-businesses, and plundered our intellectual property, illicitly subsidized grain procedures, and installed one barrier after another to block out our farmers and to block out our ranchers.

When my administration confronted these abusive and destructive trade practices, China targeted American agriculture for retaliation. They even took ads, saying what a bad person I was. But the farmers  only some of them believe that. And those people have come all the way back, too.

To defend our farmers, I authorized $28 billion dollars. And were getting that money, Sonny, to the small farmers also. There were some statements  big farmers  no, we get them to the small farmers. We get them to everybody  big farmers, small farmers. And we have a formula that I think has been working out, Sonny, very well. If its not, call me directly, and Ill call Sonny and give him hell, okay? (Laughter.)

But were getting it to the small farmers, the big farmers, and everybody. And thats a lot of money. And I am delighted to report that the final installment of all of those billions of dollars of that money will be coming very quickly, Sonny, I guess. Is that a correct statement? Yes? Thanks. You never backed down  (applause). Unless you dont want it, because youre making so much money now. If anybody would like to give it up, please raise your hand. (Laughter.)

You stayed in the fight. You protected our economy and our security. And, together, we all together  we prevailed. You were always with me. You never even thought of giving up. And we got it done. And there were times when, you know, the  the media was trying to cause trouble. Theyd come into Iowa. Isnt it terrible with the practices and the trade. And the farmers would say, No, the President is doing the right thing. Its tough, but the President is doing the right thing.

But then we started doing the big tariffs  taking in literally tens of billions of dollars. And we started giving money back. I went to Sonny Perdue. I said, Sonny, what did China  what was the number that China did last year? He said, Sir, they bought $16 billion. I said, Oh, thats good. What did they do the year before? Sir, they bought $12 billion worth of product. I said, Good.

So its $12 billion. We gave you the $12 billion. Then, $16 billion. We gave you the $16 billion so you werent hurt. And now we have a position that I dont think the farmers and ranchers have been in this position maybe ever. I dont think so. And I think its going to work out good. And I think China is going to go all out to prove that the agreement that was signed is a good agreement.

And we have very, very strong stipulations in there. But that its a  an agreement that is a fair agreement and good for the farmer. I think theyre looking to prove that its going to be great for the farmer. But even bigger and better than we ever thought possible  thats what this agreement is. Its much bigger and much better than I ever thought wed get.

And, frankly, there were times when I didnt think we were going to get anything because I cancelled every meeting  how many times have you seen me cancel with the Iran deal? You didnt see Kerry cancel ever. He just took one bad point after another bad point, and then he signed a bad agreement, and then we terminated that deal. But thats a little different than the farmer stuff.

But you didnt any walking. We walked from this deal a lot. And sometimes, you have to walk from a deal in order to make the right deal. And we walked from this one a lot, didnt we? Phil was talking to me, and our great past governor. Its sad to say that, but you have a great new governor. Right, Phil?

But we were talking about it, and he says, You got to do what you got to do. If you cant make the right deal, you got to walk. Its true. So we walked a lot. And we always got called back. Lets do it the way you want.

On behalf of every American worker and family, thank you for standing strong for America. Thank you very much to the farmers and ranchers for standing with me; for saying, The President is right. Yes, its tough right now, but the President is doing the right thing. Thank you. (Applause.)

More than anything else, it proved to me that farmers love America. And I just want to tell you that America loves our farmers. Thank you. (Applause.)

Under the deal, China has agreed to spend many billions of dollars on American services, energy, and manufactured goods. China has made substantial commitments regarding the protection of American ideas, trade secrets, patents, and trademarks. China has also pledged firm action to confront pirated and counterfeit goods. Most important of all, the deal is enforceable  very, very powerfully enforceable. In fact, it was probably the thing that we negotiated the most. And rest assured, we will vigorously enforce its terms. Hopefully, we wont have to. Hopefully, itll go just as we anticipate.

In a matter of days, we will achieve another tremendous victory for the American agricultural businesses, when I sign the USMCA into law. So, we just passed it in the Senate, and it was a wonderful vote, and I sign it very soon. Its being prepared now  beautifully prepared. Im going to Europe to talk to world leaders and to talk to business people about coming. Everybody wants to come back to America. Everybody wants to come back to the United States. Were now where the action is. Theyre all coming back.

And when I come back, well have a ceremony, probably in the White House. We also may go to some of the farming communities and were going to sign the deal.

Under the USMCA, Canada will finally provide greater access for American dairy. You know, Canada was charging us 287 percent tariffs. Nobody knew that. Nobody knew that. I knew it. So, you basically couldnt even deal with Canada.

But those days are gone. Our dairy exports are set to increase by more than $300 million dollars per year. Poultry exports to Canada could jump by nearly 50 percent. (Applause.) Exports of eggs to both Canada and Mexico could skyrocket by as much as 500 percent, and maybe even 1,000 percent. Very importantly, Canada will finally give fair treatment to American-grown wheat, which is a big deal to you people. What the hell do I know about it? (Applause.) I dont know anything about it; I just know you had a problem with it.

I said to a couple of the farmers  Id have a lot of farmers at the White House. They were incredible. I said, Whats the big thing? Wheat, sir. Tell me about it. And they told me about it. Im a very quick study; I figured it out quickly. I said, I know nothing about it, but that sounds right to me. So we got it in the contract. (Laughter.)

The two momentous trade deals we completed last week are just the beginning of a really incredible story. Because nobody thought wed ever get here. Theyd say the deal with China would be impossible to make, and getting rid of NAFTA would be totally impossible. One of the reasons it was totally possible: It was such a bad deal for us  good for the other countries; not good for us.

Were achieving what no administration has ever achieved before. And what do I get out it? Tell me. I get impeached! Thats what I get out of it. (Laughter.) By these radical left lunatics, I get impeached. But thats okay, the farmers are sticking with Trump. Theyre sticking with Trump. (Applause.) These people. These people. It could have been so much easier.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT: In just  (laughs)  thank you very much. (Laughter.) In just the past few months, we persuaded Japan to slash tariffs on $7 billion of U.S. agricultural products. Over 90 percent of our agricultural exports to Japan will now receive preferential treatment. Nobody thought that was possible. And, in many cases, we will be completely duty free  and youve never heard that before. (Applause.) Thats a $40 billion deal, by the way. Thats in addition to China, and Canada, and Mexico, and South Korea.

We secured guaranteed access for American beef to the EU  European Union  a deal that will nearly triple our beef exports to Europe in the coming years. And, as you know, Europe has had tremendous barriers to us doing business with them. All those barriers are coming down. They have to come down. If they dont come down, were going to have to do things that are very bad for them. (Laughter.)

No, weve been taken advantage of by everybody. Theres nobody that  we  weve been taken advantage of by everybody. Europe. Who would think Europe? Europe was, in many ways, more difficult  and is more difficult  than China. Nobody would believe that.

I was saying to Sonny and some of the people before, Dealing with Europe, in many ways, has been worse and tougher than dealing with China. Not fair.

We have secured record market access for U.S. rice in South Korea; it was a big one. We won tariff exemptions in Ecuador for wheat and soybeans. They were tariffing us out of business. We opened up Vietnam for American orange growers. We got Brazil to raise its quotas for purchases of our wheat and ethanol. We opened up Guatemala and Tunisia to American eggs. And in November, we ended Chinas years-long ban on American poultry. You know that very well  years-long.

And part of it was: I asked. I said, You got to do this. They said, But nobody has ever asked before. I said, But Im asking. Thank you very much. Nobody ever asked. Half of it, nobody asked. (Applause.)

If we harvest or herd it in the United States, I want to help you sell it all around the world. To make American agriculture even more competitive, we passed the biggest tax cuts and reforms in American history, by far. And to help you keep your family farm, and keep it in the family, we virtually eliminated the deeply unfair estate tax, or death tax. We got rid of it for small farms, ranchers, and small businesses. (Applause.)

So, if you love your children, you can now leave your farms and your ranches and your small businesses to your children, and you dont have to pay tax. (Applause.) If you love your children, you dont have to pay the estate tax or the death tax. If you do not love your children, you dont really care about that provision. (Laughter.)

Is there anybody here that does not love their children and does not want to leave their beautiful farm to their children? Anybody here? Come on, you have guts. I think farmers have a lot of guts. Come on. You mean theres not one person that dislikes your children because theyre brats  because theyre spoiled rotten brats? (Laughter.) Okay, well, thats a pretty good group of people. Well, thats the farmers for you, right? Thats the farmers. (Applause.)

But think of that. You know, people were wanting to pass along their farm. And theyd pass away, and their children would take it. And then the tax people would come along, and the tax would be monumental. And the income wouldnt be so good, but the value of the farm was a lot. And theyd go out and theyd mortgage the farm to the hilt. And within a short period of time, the banks are foreclosing on the farm, and taking the farm, and putting the farm up for sale.

You dont have to worry about that anymore. Theres no more estate tax. Theres no more death tax on those farms. So, good. Thats good. Thats really good. (Applause.) Thats very important. That was a hard thing to get. That was hard to get by the wonderful Democrats that we have to deal with every day.

Thanks to our pro-American tax cuts, trade reforms, and regulatory reductions, America now has the hottest economy anywhere on Earth, and theres no place even close. Everybody is coming back.

Since my election, the United States has gained more than 7 million jobs  un-thought of. If I would have said that on the campaign trail, the fake news would have gone crazy. (Applause.)

The unemployment rate is now 3.5 percent  the lowest in over 51 years, half a century. (Applause.) The African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American unemployment rates have reached the all-time historic lows  lowest in the history of our country. More Americans are working today than ever before  almost 160 million. Never even been close to that.

Under the so-called Trump Economy, the lowest-paid earners are reaping the biggest, fastest, and largest percentage gains. This is a blue-collar boom. Everybody is booming, frankly, but its a blue-collar boom. Net worth for the bottom 50 percent of wage earners has grown 15 times more under my administration. Think of that: 15 times. You know, 15 times more than under the three prior administrations.

Wages for the bottom 10 percent are rising faster than for the top 10 percent. And thats okay for the rich people. Let somebody else enjoy life a little bit, right? Does any rich person  of which we probably have a lot in this room  any rich person have a problem with that? Please stand up. (Laughter.) I dont think were going to see that person standing.

Real median household income is now at the highest level ever recorded. Think of that: highest ever recorded. You know, in the Bush administration, for eight years: $450. In the Obama administration, for eight years: $975. In the Trump administration, for less than three years: almost $10,000, when you include the tax cuts, the energy savings, and the regulation cuts. Nobody can believe it. (Applause.) Nobody can believe it. Think of that  isnt that amazing?  $450, $975. And thats been in eight years, eight years. And then you have less than three years  because it was done as of a few months ago  and you have almost $10,000.

To power our future, America is boldly embracing energy independence. The United States is now the number-one producer of oil and natural gas in the world, which means lower prices for farmers and consumers. And you see how the prices are: Theyre stable to low. And it means America is no longer reliant on foreign nations. Isnt that nice? (Applause.)

And we are also proudly promoting American ethanol. Chuck Grassley calls me. Joni Ernst calls me. Deb Fischer calls me. They all call  everybody. Pat calls me. Ethanol. They love ethanol. And I recently approved E-15 to be used all year round, instead of eight months. And thats a big thing for the American farmer. Were providing unprecedented support to ethanol  support like theyve never had before.

Yet, the radical left in Washington wants to demolish these gains. And they, frankly, want to destroy your way of life. They are not for the farmer. They are not for our military. They are not for secure borders. They want open borders. They want sanctuary cities. Essentially, what theyre saying is, We want crime. And they dont want crime, but thats what you get when you have open borders.

And, by the way, just so you know, the wall is being built at a very rapid pace. Were over 100 miles now. (Applause.) We think well be over 400 miles by the end of next year. And shortly thereafter, well have a completed wall.

And you probably also  this was a big news story. They saw people  they had to capture them. They couldnt get over the wall. They had to send trucks and ladders and firepeople because they got stuck on the top of the wall. They couldnt get down. Loaded up with drugs on their back.

So its very successful. Its going to be very, very successful. Its having a big impact already because were setting records now  what were doing, in terms of people coming into our country illegally.

We want them to come into our country, by the way. We want them to come in, though, through merit. We want them to come in legally. And we want them to come so they can help the farmer, just so you understand. Because I want them to be able to come in to help our farmers. (Applause.) And were going to give you plenty of help. Because without that, its very difficult.

Taking their cues from socialists like Bernie Sanders, or a fake socialist like Pocahontas  (laughter). Shes actually worse than a socialist, but she doesnt want to admit it. But the far left, they want to massively raise your taxes, crush your  your businesses with regulations, take away your healthcare, and send bureaucrats to interfere with your property and second guess every decision that you make. They want to take it away, and they want to load you up with regulations, so you cant live, you cant breathe.

Left-wing politicians want to shut down oil and gas production in the United States. And if they succeed, they will cost our farmers and ranchers billions of dollars per year in royalty payments alone. But more importantly, youre not going to be able to afford the energy that you need to run your farms. We will never let it happen. (Applause.)

There are no better stewards of our precious natural resources than the American farmers who depend on the land and the environment for their very livelihood. You love your land. Youre going to take care of your land. You dont need some bureaucrat in Washington telling everybody what the hell to do with your land. You love your land. (Applause.)

When it comes to the environment, I will always trust a farmer over a Washington bureaucrat or a left-wing extremist. (Applause.)

To help producers expand, I signed a Farm Bill that doubles the amount you can borrow to improve your farm. You like that  that Farm Bill. And, Pat  stand up again, Pat. Boy, he was brutal in that Farm Bill. Id get a call every two minutes from Pat. (Applause.) Id say, Tell him Ill call him back next week. Great job.

We also protected the crop insurance programs that producers rely on in times of disaster. Through fires, floods, and freezing weather, we will always support our great American farmers. You have my word. (Applause.)

We have liberated American agriculture from an avalanche of federal regulations. In the Trump administration, we know that the role of government is not to harass our citizens; it is to serve our citizens, to make life easy, and to make you hire lots of people, and have a great farm, and have tremendous success, and make lots of money, and send your children to school  be safe, be free.

Our law enforcement  we are going to protect our law enforcement just like they protect us. (Applause.)

When I took office, I issued an order requiring that for every one new regulation, two old regulations must be eliminated. Instead of two for one, we have now cut more than eight for one. Nobody thought that was possible. (Applause.) As a result, the average American household will save $3,100 dollars a year, just on regulation cuts and sensible regulation.

Earlier this month, I took decisive action to slash regulatory and approval times for critical infrastructure used to transport goods and produce. Currently, environmental reviews can take 10 years or more. Ive been through it myself. You want to build a building, and you fear its going to take 12 years to get permits. I say, Twelve years? Ive been through it, so I understand what you go through.

But our proposals will limit the process to two years  and, in many cases, less than one year. (Applause.) And you may get rejected for environmental or safety reasons, but its going to go very quickly. We will soon build new roads, bridges, tunnels, highways, railways, and waterways across our land.

I terminated one of the most ridiculous regulations of all: the last administrations disastrous Waters of the United States rule. (Applause.) Thank you. Its gone. That was a rule that basically took your property away from you.

Ill never forget: At the White House signing, I had probably 30, 35 people behind me  farmers and homebuilders and others  people that havent cried in many years. People that werent  some of them were so tough, they never cried. They didnt cry when they were babies. And they were crying. (Laughter.) No, we gave them their life back.

We did it in Minnesota, with the iron ore. We opened it up. They took it away  the Obama administration. Minnesota now has the greatest fields in the world  iron ore. But we did it in a lot of ways.

But, in this case, it had such a beautiful name, right? It was so beautiful. I said, Oh, this is disaster, but Im going to do it because I knew it was the right thing to do. And everybody loved it. And now youre back in business. Youre doing what you have to do. They really took away your property, and they took away your property rights. (Applause.)

So, this rule gave bureaucrats virtually unlimited authority to regulate stock tanks, drainage ditches, and isolated ponds as navigable waterways and navigable water. You believe that? Sometimes, youd have a puddle  a little puddle. And theyd consider that a lake. As long as Im President, government will never micromanage Americas farmers. Youre going to micromanage your own farm, and thats the way it should be. (Applause.)

And, today, Im proud to announce that I am taking yet another step to protect the water rights of American farmers and ranchers. Under the previous administration, the Army Corps of Engineers proposed a new Water Supply rule that would give the federal government vast and unlimited power to restrict farmers access to water. Thats not a good thing. Is anybody happy with being restricted to water if you have a farm? Please stand up if you are happy about that. Because this authority rightfully belongs to the states, not the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.

That is why I am directing the Corps of Engineers to immediately withdraw the proposed rule  just submitted recently, meaning last administration  and allow states to manage their water resources based on their own needs and based on what their farmers and ranchers want. (Applause.) Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, and we will always protect your water supply. (Applause.)

Since my inauguration, we have also devoted nearly $1 billion dollars to rural broadband, connecting a quarter of a million rural households, and were moving at a rapid pace. The USDA will soon award another $1.1 billion, and the FCC will soon vote on a plan to direct $20 billion to rural broadband. Its about time. You know, they take care of their cities, but they dont take care of you. (Applause.) They take care of their cities, but not you.

In everything we do, we are putting the needs of American workers, families, and farmers first. We are putting America first. (Applause.)

The great men and women in this room are the stewards of a inheritance and a noble tradition thats unrivaled. Its handed down from one generation to the next, all the way back to the very beginning of our country. You take pride in your work, joy in your calling, and deep satisfaction in your vital contributions to the life and health and success of our republic.

America has always been a farming nation  founded, built, and grown by people just like you, who pour out their heart, soul, and sweat into this land; who wake up at the crack of dawn; who plow the soil, plant the seed, and tend the fields from the dawn to dusk; and do not rest until that job is beautifully, perfectly done. Does that sound familiar? I think so, right? (Applause.) Its true. Thats the American farmer, rancher.

You embody the spirit of optimism that has always defined this magnificent country. You look at an empty field in the dead of winter, and you envision the spark of life in the peak of spring. Thats what you see. You see differently than other people.

Farmers have always been the keepers of our great American values. You champion the love of family, the dignity of work, and the glory of God. You teach your children to celebrate our nation, defend our freedom, honor our values, and to always respect and cherish our great American flag. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE: USA! USA! USA!

THE PRESIDENT: With your faith, your grit, your tenacity, your talent, and your patriotism, the best days for America and the best days for Americas farmers and ranchers are yet to come.

I want to thank everybody. This has been such an incredible turnout, and I appreciate everybody for being here. Were taking care of our farmers. Were taking care of our ranchers. Were taking care of our manufacturers. Were taking care of our military and our vets. Were taking care of our country. Its Make America Great Again. Its Keep America Great. Its whatever you want to call it. Were the greatest country anywhere in the world, and were taking care of you.

So thank you all very much. This is a great honor, and Im glad weve been successful. We got those deals done. Thank you very much. Thank you.
TICKERS: RRI; RVSDF

Source: Maurice Jackson for Streetwise Reports (1/20/20)

Drill results for this company's prospect, flanked by notable mines, is the subject of this interview with Proven and Probable's Maurice Jackson.



Maurice Jackson: Welcome to Proven and Probable. Joining us for a conversation is the president and CEO of Riverside Resources Inc. (RRI:TSX.V; RVSDF:OTCQB), John-Mark Staude. Riverside has some intriguing news now, starting 2020, regarding high-grade gold coming from the company's Los Cuarentas gold project in Sonora, Mexico.

John-Mark, before we discuss today's press release, for someone new to Riverside, please introduce the unique value proposition the company presents to the market.

John-Mark S.: Riverside is an integrated prospect generator company. We have major alliances with some of the biggest mining companies. We expose the shareholder to multiple opportunities and multiple commodities with a limited risk. We really like this model.

Maurice Jackson: Let's visit Sonora State, Mexico, where, as I understand, [you've] just returned from the field. John-Mark, talk to us about the Los Cuarentas gold project and the recent rock-chip sample program results. How did Riverside come up with such a project and acquire this location?

John-Mark S.: We're really excited. Riverside acquired the Los Cuarantes by optioning and then buying five projects from Millrock Resources Inc. (MRO:TSX.V; MLRKF:OTCQB). The location of Los Cuarentas is immediately to the east of the major gold mine of Mercedes that's operated now by Premier Gold Mines Ltd. (PG:TSX). It's immediately to the west of the Las Chispas project, which is very exciting for SilverCrest Metals Inc. (SIL:TSX.V), which has been making big discoveries, moving ahead quickly toward development, [which] shows that there's mining right adjacent to us. Our location is fabulous for very fast potential transactions, and we can see immediately that the high-grade material from the Los Cuarentas could feed into either Las Chispas or into Premier Gold Mines' Mercedes mining complexes.

Maurice Jackson: Now, for early 2020, Riverside just released some impressive rock chip sampling results from the current field program that is looking to set up drill targeting. Dr. Staude, can you briefly summarize the Los Cuarentas gold project and some of the key highlights from the recent sample program?

John-Mark S.: The location, with Las Chispas immediately to the east and Mercedes immediately to the west, makes Los Cuarentas an ideal [prospect]. In fact, we're surrounded by various mines, really a good mining location. These results are excellent for us. Having 25 grams of gold, high-grade gold, from dump samples and having multiple samples of rock float, rock chip, all having high-grade mineralization, really makes it exciting for us at the project Los Cuarentas.

Maurice Jackson: Consistency is paramount to achieve success and accelerate exploration efforts. How do the first set of results conducted by Riverside correspond with historical results on the Los Cuarentas?

John-Mark S.: Looking at the map, it shows the historical work along with Riverside's work. We have similar values along the structures here going multiple kilometers longhigh-grade mineralizationand particularly the Santa Rosalia target, and the Santa Rosalia Sur target, are very good for high-grade mineralization right at the surface.

Maurice Jackson: John-Mark, you referenced two target areas. Can we take a more in-depth look at both of them please?

John-Mark S.: The first target is the Santa Rosalia. We can follow this target along strike here well over a kilometer with very little mining, hydrate mining in here, but no drilling. So we're very excited about the drill potential at the Santa Rosalia.

If you go to the Santa Rosalia Sur immediately to the south, there's an old drill hole that didn't reach the actual target and the target zone has wide intercepts of 68.8 grams, [and] other gold mineralization right at the surface next to the vein structures. On the Santa Rosalia Sur, we have a long zone, again, a kilometer of mineralization. Our team's been working hard. Very excited to have just got back from the field and now have this newsresults out for the Santa Rosalia Sur target[for] two of the top targets we have at the property.

Maurice Jackson: Dr. Staude, before we leave the Los Cuarentes gold project, what can you share with us regarding the genetic model?

John-Mark S.: The genetic model really fits for a dome complex. Here we see the dome breccia epithermal low sulfidation vein systems, the veins following structures and sheers, and particularly the sheers around different fault zones,. . .typical of the upper levels of an epithermal gold system. We really like that type of model and the potential for this type of epithermal rhyolite complex.

Maurice Jackson: Switching gears, John-Mark, what is the next unanswered question for Riverside? When can we expect an answer, and what will determine success?

John-Mark S.: The next unanswered question at the Los Cuarentes project is how big, how deep, and how far this can go? We will now focus our efforts on mapping, and more sampling, and getting a drill permit. We're very excited about the value proposition before us. Riverside could drill Los Cuarentas ourselves. We do have interest from other parties. We really like the results here, it's a super good project.

What would determine success is more high-grade gram thicknesses. We have to the east of us Las Chispas, and to the west we have the Mercedes mine. Riverside believes we have the potential for a mine at the Los Cuarentas. That would really help us determine success.

Maurice Jackson: Before we close, John-Mark, please provide us with an update on the capital structure.

John-Mark S.: Riverside continues to have a tight share structure, with 63 million shares out, no debt, and over $3 million cash. We're in a great financial situation and [have] a very focused share structure.

Maurice Jackson: Dr. Staude, for someone listening that wants to get more information on Riverside Resources, please share the contact details.

John-Mark S.: Please visit our website at www.rivres.com or phone us at (778) 327-6671.

Maurice Jackson: Before you make your next precious metals purchase, make sure you visit us at www.provenandprobable.com or call (855) 505.1900. We are licensed representatives for Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments. Riverside Resources is a sponsor of Proven and Probable, and we are proud shareholders for the virtues conveyed in today's message.

Dr. John-Mark Staude of Riverside Resources, thank you for joining us today on Proven and Probable.

Maurice Jackson is the founder of Proven and Probable, a site that aims to enrich its subscribers through education in precious metals and junior mining companies that will enrich the world.

[NLINSERT]

Disclosure:

1) Maurice Jackson: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Riverside Resources and Millrock Resources. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: Riverside Resources and Millrock Resources are sponsors of Proven and Probable. Proven and Probable disclosures are listed below.

2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees.

3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy.

4) This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own shares of Riverside Resources and Millrock Resources, companies mentioned in this article.

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The Information presented in Proven and Probable is provided for educational and informational purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose. The Information contained in or provided from or through this forum is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice or any other advice. The Information on this forum and provided from or through this forum is general in nature and is not specific to you the User or anyone else. You should not make any decision, financial, investments, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented on this forum without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional broker or competent financial advisor. You understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this forum at your own risk.

Images provided by the author.
The U.S. on Tuesday reported its first case of a new and potentially deadly virus circulating in China, saying a Washington state resident who returned last week from the outbreak's epicenter was hospitalized near Seattle.
Award-winning multi-genre recording artist Damien Sneed will honor a civil rights champion in a performance of We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tuesday evening, Jan. 28, at the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

I look forward to honoring the life and legacy of the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in my upcoming tour as well as many other great artists and public figures who used their voices and their art to let the world know that one day we will truly overcome, said Sneed, whose work includes jazz, classical, opera, soul and gospel.

He will bring the spoken works of King together with a rich history of African-American music.

The performance ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway and spirituals.

The theme of the music is protest and reconciliation. Artists use their art to give voice to those without a voice, Sneed said. Protest music goes against something but at the same time seeks resolution, he added. Some of the songs try to bring people together  and peace.

Sneed is a pianist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer and arts educator. The Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient has worked with Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ashford & Simpson, Lawrence Brownlee, The Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole and many others.

In October 2019, he premiered his new opera, We Shall Overcome  Our Journey: 400 Years from Africa to Jamestown, at Carnegie Halls Isaac Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage with Metropolitan Operas Will Liverman (baritone) and JNai Bridges (mezzo-soprano), along with Chorale Le Chateau and the Sphinx Virtuosi Orchestra.

Sneed was commissioned to compose a symphony in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen with its world premiere in summer 2020 in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Earlier this month he released the deluxe edition of his 2019 CD, Damien Sneed: We Shall Overcome on his label, LeChateau Earl Records.

Joining Sneed on tour is an ensemble including vocalists Chenee Campbell, Anitra McKinney, Alicia Peters-Jordan and Linny Smith; drummer Joel Tate, bassist Arthur Sutton and organist

Marquez Cassidy. Members from the UMass Amherst Gospel Choir and Amherst Area Gospel Choir will perform in the program as well.

Its going to be very exciting to have the choirs perform, Sneed said. It shows community. It shows people coming together and allows people to be more involved with whats going on.

There will be a pre-performance talk on gospel music and the late Horace Clarence Boyer in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. by Stephanie Shonekan, chair of the UMass W.E.B. Du Bois Department of

Afro-American Studies. Boyer was one of the foremost scholars in African-American gospel music and a faculty member with the UMass Department of Music and Dance for more than 25 years.

If you go

Event: We Shall Overcome

When: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Fine Arts Center Concert Hall at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Tickets: $35, $25, $15; FAC Club seating in the pit, $70; Five College students and youth 17 and under, $10

For more info: Visit fineartscenter.com/Overcome or call 413-545-2511
Facebook has said it will hire 1,000 more people in the UK, as it attempts to cut down on spam and abuse.

The social media platform is looking to shed a reputation for allowing misuse of its platforms, for everything from cyberbullying to election interference.

Most of the recruits will work in technology-focused roles, the company said as it announced the jobs ahead of a new office being established in London. The roles include software engineering, product design and data science, as well as developing the WhatsApp app and Workplace, its business-centred version of Facebook.

Many of the staff will work as part of Facebooks Community Integrity team, which builds the tools used to detect and remove harmful content across Facebooks platforms, addressing issues from spam and abuse to violence and personal safety.

London is Facebooks biggest engineering hub outside of the US, and the platform is currently building new office space, due to open in late 2021, in Kings Cross.

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

The latest additions will bring its total employee count in the UK to more than 4,000 by the end of the year, the company said.

Positions will also expand on Facebooks artificial intelligence, augmented/virtual reality and engineering infrastructure teams in the capital.

Boris Johnson said the announcement was another sign of the strength of our dynamic tech sector.

The UK is at the centre of tech growth and innovation, and is leading the way as the worlds biggest tech hub outside of Silicon Valley, the prime minister said.

Its great news Facebook plans to create 1,000 more jobs in London  yet another sign of the strength of our dynamic tech sector.

The UK is successfully creating both homegrown firms at the forefront of cutting-age technologies, such as artificial intelligence, whilst attracting established global tech giants like Facebook.

We are committed to making the UK the safest place in the world to be online, alongside being one of the best places for technology companies to be based.

Recommended Facebook PR boss Nick Clegg defends false political ads

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebooks chief operating officer, is to announce the development to small and medium-sized businesses in London on Tuesday.

The UK is a world leader in both innovation and creativity, she is expected to say.

Thats why Im excited that we plan to hire an additional 1,000 people in London this year alone.

London is home to Facebooks biggest engineering hub outside the US and were committed to investing here for the long term.

Many of these high-skilled jobs will help us address the challenges of an open internet and develop artificial intelligence to find and remove harmful content more quickly.

They will also help us build the tools that help small businesses grow, compete with larger companies and create new jobs.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said: Londons tech sector is a global success story, and the 1,000 new jobs Facebook is creating shows that our city has the talent to attract tech companies of all sizes from across the world.

Facebooks commitment to growing its business in the capital demonstrates that London is open and remains at the forefront of tech innovation.

Additional reporting by Press Association
From toothbrush to attar bottle to Ak-47: Here is what cops recovered from Davinder Singh

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 21: The Jammu and Kashmir police who were probing the case against DSP Davinder Singh had made huge recoveries.

The case is currently being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It may be recalled that Singh was arrested along with two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists on January 11. Singh has been accused of facilitating the terrorists to escape.

The Jammu and Kashmir police in its FIR stated that there were around 32 items that were recovered from Singh.

Davinder Singh loses certificate, DGPs commendation medal

The recovered items include an AK-47, pistols, weapon cleaning oil among others. As per the FIR, here is the full list of items that have been recovered from Singh.

AK 47 rifle with UBGL launcher

Six magazines of AK 47 rifle

174 rounds of AK 47 rifle

Chinese Pistol

Screw Driver

Shaving Blade

3 magazines of pistol

7 live pistol rounds

10 Chinese pistol rounds

US made Pistol with one magazine

4 UBGL grenades

Live Chinese grenade

Tear smoke grenade

2 pouches

Power bank

Tape Rolls

Band Aids

Sun Screen

Pen

Cigarette lighter

Small tape roll

Attar Bottle

Mirror

Tooth Brush

Thread rolls with needles

Weapon cleaner oil

Nail Cutter

NIA takes over probe:

Meanwhile, the NIA has begun its probe into the case. The NIA re-registered the case originally filed by the Jammu and Kashmir police based on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Let him go, dont probe him: A mysterious undertaking signed by Davinder Singh

Singh is alleged to have brought Naveed Babu, Mir Irfan and Rafi Rather from Shopian to Srinagar on Friday evening. On Saturday, they set out to Jammu, from where they were planning on going to New Delhi. However, before he could leave, the police arrested him sources familiar with the developments confirmed to OneIndia.

Singh during his interrogation claimed that he was ferrying the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists to facilitate their surrender.

Officials investigating him say that he had made this made claim during interrogation, but we are investigating the same further. Interrogators say that he has denied the charges against him. He says that he was facilitating a big catch, but there are several inconsistencies in his statements, the officer also said.

Davinder Singh stripped of Sher-e-Kashmir medal

However, sources also said that Singh was helping the terrorists cross the Banihal tunnel in lieu of money. The source also said that an amount of over Rs 10 lakh was agreed upon. Singh, however, denied the charge during interrogation. The source, however, added that Singh was not being truthful and he had no authorisation to organise a surrender.
An international treaty has been struck between the UK and the United States to offer the wreck of the Titanic greater protection.

The historic agreement ensures that both governments can grant or deny entry of the wreck and prevent the removal of artefacts from inside the iconic ship.

The Harland and Wolff-constructed passenger liner lies on the floor of the Atlantic ocean in two main pieces, lying a third of a mile apart.

This treaty will officially be announced in Belfast today by UK Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani, who described the step as "momentous".

It comes after the agreement was recently ratified by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The treaty effectively enhances "basic protections" put in place by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to the UK Department for Transport.

The Belfast-built Titanic, which sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912, lies at a depth of about 12,500 feet, around 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.

The tragedy claimed the lives of 1,517 people.

Dozens of expeditions to the wreck have been carried out since the Titanic's final resting place was discovered 35 years ago.

Experts have claimed many artefacts have been removed and the ship has suffered serious damage from mini-submarines landing on its surface. Lying in international waters, the wreck was previously not protected by explicit legislation.

The purpose of this treaty is to ensure the resting site of all those who perished in the disaster is respected and preserved, according to both governments.

Minister Ghani said she was delighted to be in Belfast to recognise this "important treaty".

"Lying two and a half miles below the ocean surface, the RMS Titanic is the subject of the most documented maritime tragedy in history," she explained.

"This momentous agreement with the United States to preserve the wreck means it will be treated with the sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than 1,500 lives."

Mrs Ghani continued: "The UK will now work closely with other North Atlantic States to bring even more protection to the wreck of the Titanic."

The minister welcomed the treaty as she met with girls participating in a Stem event held by the 1851 Trust Maritime in Belfast.

The roadshow event aimed to inspire girls to study science, technology, engineering and maths, known as Stem subjects, which are vital in the maritime sector.

The Titanic's lasting legacy has been the drawing up of Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS) Convention in 1914, which still today sets the minimum safety standards by which ships are required to comply with while at sea.

One of the world's most famous historic ships, various countries have been engaged in international negotiations in an attempt to preserve the remains of the Titanic since 1986.

Other countries such as Canada and France will now be encouraged to sign up to the new agreement.

The development has also been hailed as an important step by the head of Northern Ireland's biggest - and internationally-renowned - tourist facility about the doomed liner.

Judith Owens, chief executive of visitor attraction Titanic Belfast, said: "We welcome any additional protection and safeguarding of the wreck, in line with the views of our strategic partner Dr Robert Ballard, who discovered her in 1985."
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As consumers start to tackle their holiday shopping lists, retailers are scrambling to finish preparations for whats likely to be a record-breaking year. Total sales could break through the US$1.1 trillion mark for the first time in history. Cyber Monday alone racked up an estimated $9.4 billion in sales.

When looking at their own businesses, most merchants typically understand how significant this time of year is. All the goods sold from now until the end of December can account for 20-30 percent of a retailers total annual sales. Yes, nearly one-third of revenue for the year is hitting the books in a little more than a month. Since most overhead costs will stay the same, retailers likely will get more margin from each sale.

The stakes are high, and potential customers have limitless options. If merchants do not deliver a high-quality experience that is frictionless and fast, they will lose. This is especially true for the thousands of small and mid-size retailers trying to build their brands and customer base.

You may think that delivering a quality experience simply means that your product descriptions are free of spelling mistakes and your site loads quickly. Unfortunately, there are many more ways of damaging a brands reputation and revenue besides bad copy and slow performance. None is more dire than a store not being able to process sales.

This is exactly what happened to major retailer J.Crew during Black Friday last year. The companys website struggled to process sales. Shoppers flooded social media listing problems: They couldnt log in; they couldnt add items to their shopping cart  or pay for them.

It took J.Crews team about five hours to fix everything, and by then the damage was done. Its estimated the company missed out on $700,000 in sales. It wasnt the only retailer that struggled. Walmart, Gamestop and Lululemon all faced issues with serving customers online.

These companies have deep pockets and brick-and-mortar shops to help cushion the blows. However, many e-commerce retailers dont have those luxuries. Being down for a few hours can be detrimental to their year.

The inability to manage high volume isnt the only threat. There are other ways a store can be compromised, potentially resulting in shutdowns that last for days, or even wiping out a business altogether.

External and Internal Cyberattacks

We have become used to seeing big names such as British Airways, Marriott and Target as the victims of cyberattacks. However, criminals are moving down the food chain and increasingly are targeting businesses of all sizes. In fact, cybercrime is the fastest growing criminal activity.

This year alone, its estimated that 70 percent of small businesses hit by a cyberattack were forced offline. In this compromised group were some stores that were down for days. One in 10 were forced to close their doors for good.

Ransomware has increased 500 percent from this time last year. There is often a spike in ransomware cases just before the holiday shopping season, when retailers are most vulnerable.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The costs of recovering from a cyberattack can be downright daunting. Some put the cost around $200,000 for small businesses  if they can recover from such a staggering hit, that is.

When retailers ramp up protections to combat cyberattacks, they need to realize that anonymous hackers are not the only threat. Employees and other third parties, like contractors who have access to their site, also pose a risk.

It may seem far-fetched, but disgruntled employees or contractors, if inclined, can completely sabotage your online presence. In one instance, a developer maliciously deleted more than 3,000 product listings. It took the business 18 months to perfect its site, but it was destroyed in a manner of minutes.

Third-Party Integrations

On average, a merchant relies on between four and 10 third-party integrations to help run all the pieces of its online business. The number spikes for large enterprise solutions. No two e-commerce stores are alike, and these solutions fill in the operational and software gaps that have popped up over time  helping with everything from billing to ordering, store optimization, emails, chat and more.

This reliance  specifically, the intimate connection third parties may attain with your store and data  is cause for concern. All third-party apps require different levels of access. Before you install an app, read the terms and conditions.

If the integration simply wants to View or See data in your store, you should be fine. However, if the app wants to Manage or Modify data, that is a major red flag. The deeper a third-party integration is entrenched, the greater your risk of something being manipulated or edited out of your control.

Online fitness brand Gymshark learned this the hard way. Unfortunately, it happened right in the middle of Black Friday. An app sitting idly in the background, not even being used at the time, had faulty code. The rogue app ended up crashing the entire site.

It took Gymsharks technical team eight hours to get the site up and running. By then, its estimated that the company missed out on more than $140,000 in sales, not to mention lost manpower and productivity. Gymshark was able to bounce back, but this scenario could break a small operation.

Human Error

We all make mistakes  they are inevitable. They often can be avoided though. It is common to encounter merchants wanting customized edits or changes to their theme code. Yet if experienced coders can make the odd error, imagine the risk a store is taking if a member of the marketing team attempts to write a killer program. It easily could end up killing your store.

The same goes for freelancers or contractors you bring into the fold. The more access you give them to your store, the greater potential for accidents to happen. Finding a reliable contractor is not as easy as you might think. If you search online sites where e-commerce merchants gather, you will see dozens (if not hundreds) of horror stories about contract work gone bad.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Sometimes mistakes are made simply due to the fact that people werent paying attention. You may have been trying to clean up product pages, blogs, customers lists or something else. Instead, you ended up deleting the data for good. This happens more often than you might think.

Heres the biggest problem: Even reliable platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce wont be able to help you get that data back.

E-Commerce Platforms Dont Back Up All Your Data

No matter how many times I have the conversation, online retailers are still shocked that not all their data is protected by e-commerce platforms. But its in the cloud, isnt it?! Well, yes and no. Lets say you use Shopify to power your online store, here are the sections NOT automatically backed up:

Products and Product Images

Inventory

Customers

Orders

Collections

Blogs and Blog Posts

Pages

Themes and Theme Files

Menu Navigation

Store Policies

Locations

Shipping Zones

Gift Cards

Customer Saved Searches

Metadata (for Enterprise plans)

Now be honest  thats more than you were expecting, isnt it? The next thing I usually hear is, I dont understand why these things arent backed up. That has to do with something called the shared responsibility model of backups.

This is the model for Amazon Web Services, but most platforms essentially follow the same model. A reputable e-commerce platform will ensure that its own software and infrastructure are always up and running. Yet when it comes to account-level data, merchants are responsible.

Even if these platforms wanted to help, they would have more luck locating a needle in a haystack. If account-level data or content is accidentally deleted, e-commerce platforms cannot flip a switch to restore it. It may be gone forever.

This situation may seem overwhelming, even hopeless  but it isnt. There are tactics and strategies even the smallest merchants easily can put in place to mitigate risks from all the scenarios discussed above.

Tighten Up Store Security and Access

First, create unique passwords  and not just for yourself. Create them for everyone who touches your online store. We all know that complicated, hard-to-remember ones work best, but the majority of people STILL do not follow this best practice.

To help overcome password fatigue, use a tool like 1Password and LastPass to help create and store all these hard-to-hack passwords. Pro tip: NEVER let a Web browser like Chrome or Firefox save your passwords. If you do, you are inviting trouble.

Second, install two-step authentication. Even the most complicated passwords are not 100 percent foolproof from cyberattacks. For the unfamiliar, two-step authentication is simply the process of using mobile technology to verify a persons identity.

A unique code is generated on your site, and a user enters it on a personal phone or computer to gain access. This ensures that the authorized user is the only person who can access the account. Password thieves still would need the users phone or verification code to get in.

Finally, give users access only to the areas of the site that overlap with their responsibilities. In other words, dont give someone in customer support the ability to edit code. This is a very simple but effective way to reduce human error, whether its malicious or erroneous.

Perform a Site Audit of Integrations

No matter how many third-party apps you are using, its important to revisit periodically what type of access they have and your associated risks. Research the app and the experiences of others. That will help you build a case for or against installing or keeping it. Ask yourself these questions:

What are the negative/positive reviews or ratings? Are they a four-star or two-star app?

How accessible is the party who built it? Can you contact them or are they digital ghosts?

Was it built by a firm that seems reputable or is it an anonymous avatar?

The goal is to determine whether the benefits of installing an app on your store are worth the risks. One quick tip that works well: Initiate a code or install freeze before any big event. Unless theres a serious problem that needs immediate fixing, it ensures you will not make any changes that may compromise your store during critical selling periods.

Put a Backup Strategy in Place

A proper backup strategy is the last wall of defense. Should anything  or even everything  go sideways, a comprehensive backup serves as an insurance policy for the worst-case scenario.

As in the previous examples, its not just the lost sales that hurt an online retailer. Its also a major drain on resources to fix site issues. A backup strategy for your account-level data will help reduce or eliminate this pain altogether.

There are three types of backup strategies you can employ for your e-commerce store:

You can take a manual approach and export CSV (comma-separated values) files for every single area of your store. A CSV is essentially data saved either in a spreadsheet or plain-text file. When you need to restore a section of your store, you import the file. Most platforms have instructions on how to do it. It sounds simple, but this method actually can be very complicated and time-consuming. If you recall the list of areas NOT backed up by e-commerce platforms, some of those areas cannot be exported into a CSV file. So if something is compromised or lost, it may be lost for good. Build a custom backup solution using a platforms application programming interface (API) framework. An automated program that makes a digital backup of all the key areas on your site, it saves the headaches of a manual strategy  but it wont be a cheap option, by any means. This is a job you will need to outsource to an experienced team (and we already highlighted how hard it is to find one). Furthermore, platforms constantly make updates, so you also will have to pay for ongoing audits, and regularly update your solution to ensure it doesnt stop working. Opt for an off-the-shelf, third-party solution. In some ways, this is the best of both worlds  no manual labor, no high costs. However, you will want to do your homework when it comes to third-party integrations. While prices can vary, so does the data a system can back up effectively. Make sure you do your homework and compare your options. Checking ratings and reviews in the various app stores to get peer reviews is essential.

Dont Put Your Holiday Sales at Risk

Its the most wonderful time of the year for shoppers, but the most critical time of year for retail operations  especially smaller players. Dont risk positive cash flow and profitability by ignoring all of the external and internal threats that can compromise your store and devastate your sales.

Update your security protocols, audit your site for risks, and implement a backup strategy. Shoppers will spend the next few weeks basking in the positive energy of the holiday season, and online retailers should get to do the same.
K nife attacks and general assaults on Tube, bus and Docklands Light Railway staff are on the increase, official documents reveal.

Assaults on Transport for London employees have risen by nearly 25 per cent, from 505 to 628, in the past three years, while those involving a blade are up 84 per cent, from 19 to 35.

London Assembly Conservatives, who highlighted the figures, said the increases were deeply concerning.

It came as the RMT union today staged a demonstration outside TfL offices in Blackfriars Road as part of its campaign against workplace violence.

Keith Prince, the Tory transport spokesman on the Assembly, said that Londons crime epidemic has spread underground, with our hard-working TfL staff increasingly becoming victims of heinous physical assault, including knife attacks

Since 2016 there have been 1,745 recorded assaults on staff: 505 in the year ending November 2017; 612 over the next 12 months; and 628 in the year to November 2019.

The respective figures for assaults involving a knife or other blade were 19, 21 and 35  a total of 75.

Mayor Sadiq Khan, in answer to a written question from the Tory opposition, said: TfL work hard to serve the millions of customers who use the transport network every day and have the right to go about their work without fear or intimidation.

Mayor Sadiq Khan / PA

He stated that assaults range from pushing and shoving to more serious violence with injury. In 75 reports there is reference to a knife or bladed instrument being used, threatened or intimated in the assault.

The Mayor added: TfL takes all violence and aggression against their staff seriously and is working with the police to catch and prosecute offenders to ensure there are consequences for their actions.

A spokesman for Mr Khan said: The safety of staff is of paramount importance to TfL and the Mayor, who are working closely with the trade unions on new plans to protect staff.

Mick Cash, leader of the RMT, which is TfLs largest union, warned of industrial action if the workplace is not made safer.
In this June 12, 2018, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island, in Singapore. AP



The United States reaffirmed Monday that inter-Korean cooperation should proceed "in lockstep" with progress in North Korea's denuclearization, as Seoul continued to push for individual tours to the North.



Earlier, Seoul's unification ministry said it is looking at ways to hold talks with Pyongyang on allowing tours to North Korea on an individual basis. The push has gained traction after President Moon Jae-in cited it last week as a way to expand inter-Korean exchanges without violating sanctions.



"The United States supports inter-Korean cooperation and coordinates with our ROK ally to ensure inter-Korean cooperation proceeds in lockstep with progress on denuclearization," a State Department spokesperson told Yonhap News Agency, using the abbreviation for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.






- Some terrorists have attacked a vital aid facility housing United Nations humanitarian workers in the north east

- It was gathered that no UN aid worker injured or killed in the attack but a soldier and four of the terrorists died in the incident

- Members of the terrorist group had attacked Ngala community in Borno state in several trucks fitted with machine guns

The United Nations on Monday, January 20, said some armed terrorists carried out an attack on a vital aid facility housing its humanitarian workers in the north east region of Nigeria.

Vanguard reports that although no UN aid worker injured or killed in the attack, a soldier and four of the terrorists died in the incident which the international agency described as "extremely violent".

Sources said the members of the terrorist group had attacked Ngala community in Borno state in several trucks fitted with machine guns.

The attackers were said to have invaded the humanitarian hub near a camp holding 55,000 displaced people in the area.

Stating its outrage over the attack, the UN said five of its staff were staying at the facility at the time of the incident.

It was gathered that the terrorist to gain access into the area had fired anti-aircraft machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades while engaging soldiers deployed to the facility.

An aid worker said the soldier in the vicinity managed to evacuate the humanitarian staff to their base close by while fighting continued.

Also, others said some of the terrorists during the attack looted and carted away with food, medicine supply and other materials while burning down stores in the community.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the European Union had warned that no progress has been made by the Nigerian government in the fight against insurgents.

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The EU through its legislative section said there have been attacks carried out by the insurgents in recent weeks which proves that the security situation in Nigeria has worsened.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Can Nigerian Soldiers really not deal with Boko Haram fighters? | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
A curative petition was filed in the politically sensitive Ram Janambhoom-Babri Masjid land dispute case on Tuesday challenging the November 9 verdict which cleared the way for construction of a Ram Temple at the disputed site at

The top court had in a historic verdict on November 9 last year backed the construction of the Ram temple by a government trust at the site, and ruled that an alternative 5-acre plot must be found for a mosque in the Hindu holy town.

It had on December 12 dismissed a batch of 19 review pleas filed by Muslim and Hindu parties after finding no ground to entertain them.

The curative petition filed by Mohammed Ayyub, President of Peace Party of India, contended as erroneous the November 9 judgment and said that the possession must be held in favour of the Muslims who were in "lawful possession till the premises were attached".

This is the first curative petition filed by a political party, which was not one of the original litigants in decades old title dispute.

A curative petition is the last legal recourse in the apex court and is generally heard in-chamber unless a prima facie case is made out for reconsideration of the verdict.

The petition said that title claim must be based on exclusive possession but the Hindus did not have unimpeded possession of either the inner or the outer courtyard of the disputed property.

The mere existence of a structure underneath the disputed property cannot lead to title claim and no argument other than reliance on the report of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was put forth, the plea said.

"Having marshalled through the entirety of evidence, this court specifically finds that a finding of title cannot be based in law on the archaeological findings which have been arrived at by ASI," it added.

"No argument other than reliance on the report of the ASI was put forth to support the contention that even if the underlying structure was believed to be a temple, the rights that may flow from it were recognized by subsequent sovereigns. The mere existence of a structure underneath the disputed property cannot lead to a legally enforceable claim to title today," it said.

It also contended that at some point of the Mughal empire, a mosque was constructed at the disputed site.

"Even if this court was to assume that the underlying structure was in fact a Hindu temple which vested title to the disputed site in the plaintiff deities, no evidence was led by the plaintiffs to establish that upon the change in legal regime to the Mughal sovereign, such rights were recognized," the plea said.

The judgment holds that Muslims were in possession of the mosque till it was desecrated and Hindus came to be in possession by illegal acts and the same cannot be equated to lawful possession as it is unprecedented, unconscionable and against the principles of Rule of Law to equate the two, the petition said.

"There is no dispute in regard to the faith and belief of the Hindus that the birth of Lord Ram is ascribed to have taken place at What is disputed is whether the disputed site below the central dome of the Babri Masjid is the place of birth of Lord Ram.

"And, it was categorically submitted that there is no evidence of the area below the central dome being worshipped as the place of birth of Lord Ram before 1949. And, the judgment seems to have held that there, in fact, was no evidence to suggest that the Ram Chabutra was ever under the central dome or that the idols existed inside the mosque prior to December 1949," the petition said.

The petitioner submitted that since its construction during Mughal ruler Babur's regime, the structure was being used as a mosque and the travelogues also noticed the same, therefore it cannot be said there was no evidence prior to 1860 of worship by the Muslims at there.

Among the 10 original litigants, whose review petitions were dismissed on December 12, last year by the apex court, eight were filed by the Muslim parties which includes those supported by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

Key Muslim litigant, Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, had decided not to seek review of the unanimous November 9 verdict.

Nirmohi Akhara and Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha were the two Hindu bodies whose review pleas were rejected by the bench.

Among the nine "third parties" were 40 rights activists who had jointly moved the top court seeking review of its verdict.

A 5-judge bench, headed by the then Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, had in a unanimous verdict on November 9 decreed the entire 2.77 acre disputed land in favour of deity 'Ram Lalla' and also directed the Centre to allot a five-acre plot to Sunni Waqf Board for building a mosque in
- Sharon Cuneta shared on Instagram a horrible experience she had at the start of 2020

- She revealed that she got injured while taking a shower, just before her performance at Odette Quesada's two-night "Hopeless Romantic" concert

- The Megastar was rushed to St. Lukes Medical Center in Taguig after her performance

- At the hospital, they found out that Sharon suffered a fracture because of her fall

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Sharon Cuneta took to social media to share a horrible experience she had at the start of 2020.

KAMI learned that Sharon was injured while taking a shower, just before her performance at Odette Quesada's two-night "Hopeless Romantic" concert.

For this reason, she was rushed to St. Lukes Medical Center in Taguig after her performance. They later found out that the Megastar suffered a fracture because of her fall.

Eto po ang nangyari kasi: I had just started taking a shower in preparation for the shows soundcheck Sat. afternoon, ni wala pang sabon at kaka-on ko pa lang ng shower. I dont know how it happened, but it was probably some soap residue that suddenly made me slip, and sa pagdulas at paupo ko, tumama ang likod ng ulo ko sa edge ng marble na parang seat sa loob ng shower na nakadikit sa wall at kung saan nakapatong lahat ng shower products namin. It really hurt. I screamed Daddy! at salamat sa Diyos nasa room si Kiko at tumakbo sya at nagpanic nung nakita nya ako sa floor ng shower at nakahawak sa likod ng ulo ko.

We went straight to St. Lukes BGC for a CT Scan. I have a top layer FRACTURE that can heal itself. Except that I am being closely monitored and Kiko has been texting my doc every hour almost since we got home from my CT Scan. I am on ice packs and pain killers and we are watching out for nausea, dizziness and blurred vision. Thank God only a bit of dizziness, but TERRIBLE HEADACHES that have been traveling all around my head. Please pray for me. I am so much better now but not out of the woods yet. Seeing my doctor day after tomorrow.

Aside from the accident, Sharon also fell victim to theft, perpetrated by a person she loved and trusted.

To cut this short, sabi ko mula nung pumasok ang 2020 inaatake na ako ng demonyo. Halos araw-araw may nangyayari.

Sa mata kong nananahimik na pinost ko dito, at isang til now di ako makapaniwalang naloko ako ng 2 pinagtitiwalaan at minahal ko na kung kanino pati buhay ko pinagkatiwala ko. No more details. Sabihin na lang natin na not just one time big time. Di ko alam how to move on from this kasi pinakamasakit na masira ang tiwala sa mga mahal mo. Tapos, the shower incident, Sharon posted on Instagram.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Frankie Pangilinan was interviewed about her relationship with her half-sister KC Concepcion.

Sharon Cuneta is a showbiz legend in the Philippines known as the Megastar. The actress is married to Senator Kiko Pangilinan. She is also the mother of actress KC Concepcion.

Please like and share our amazing Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinions about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts and views on different matters!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
A potential trade war between long-term allies, the United States and France, was averted when the heads of the both countries agreed to hold off tariffs until the end of 2020. The bone of contention was the 3% digital tax on technology firms that Frances lawmakers decided to impose from January 2020.



The trade tensions were reportedly defused through a detailed discussion between President Trump and his French counterpart Emanuel Macron, after the former threatened to levy retaliatory tariffs to the tune of 100% on $2.4 billion worth of products made in France. These included items such as wines, champagnes, cheese, cosmetics and other luxury products. The stop-gap arrangement is merely keeping at bay a budding conflict from escalating, and the issue appears to be far from being fully resolved.



Digital Services Tax



The French digital services tax is applicable to businesses with global revenues of more than 750 million ($845 million) and 25 million ($28 million) in France. The 3% tax will be levied on large technology companies that generate significant revenues from digital businesses, such as by collecting vast amounts of user data and selling targeted digital advertising. The tariffs are broadly based on the recommendations by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and seek to address the shortcomings of global taxation policy related to digital businesses.



Time and again, France has raised its voice against low tax payments by large multinational players despite having significant operations in the country. The proposed tax will largely apply to about 30 such companies, the lions share of which is U.S.-based technology firms. This, in turn, has led the tax to be widely referred to as the GAFA tax, an acronym for technology behemoths Google or Alphabet Inc. GOOGL, Apple Inc. AAPL, Facebook, Inc. FB, and Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN.



Wine Industry Setbacks



In retaliation, President Trump threatened to impose counter tariffs on a gamut of goods in the import basket from France. The French wines in particular bore the brunt of the trade spat, as the industry was already reeling under a 25% U.S. tariff in retribution to the subsidies Europe provided to aircraft maker Airbus. The proposed 100% tariff was likely to be a death knell to the U.S. wine shop owners and importers with minimal profits, triggering layoffs and increasing costs for consumers. The purported move was expected to lead to 17,000 U.S. job cuts within the sector per the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America estimates.



What made the French wines and champagnes more vulnerable to the tariffs are their unique taste and flavor that are virtually irreplaceable. Sellers hardly had any chance to substitute French champagne with sparkling wine from any other region, and were bound to have a hard time fulfilling the demand without passing the added costs to customers.



Light at the End of the Tunnel?



Per the Wine Institute, a public policy advocacy organization representing more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses, Americans consume nearly a billion gallons of wine each year. The consumption pattern is likely to evolve with a continued growth in overall demand as Boomers hit the retirement button and Millennials replace them as dominant purchasers of wine. The Millennials are also found to consume more foreign wines than other cohorts. Bulk imports are likely to continue to dominate the lowest price-point wine categories. This offers a significant upside for the wine industry that witnessed soft sales in 2018 and 2019 with shifting customer preferences and increased competition from legalized cannabis.



Amid such encouraging prospects and ceasefire in retaliatory tariffs, leading French wine stocks like LVMH-Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA LVMUY, Remy Cointreau SA REMYY and Pernod Ricard SA PDRDY are likely to witness a steady uptrend with healthy demand trends.



The trade truce has staved a bigger trade war that could have significant geopolitical and economic ramifications. Both the countries have agreed to continue their negotiations to seek a mutually agreeable solution. However, Frances Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire observed It remains a difficult negotiation. The devil is in the details, and on many details we still need to find a common ground, but I think we are moving in the right direction.



More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!



It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.



Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The Furnas County Sheriffs Office and Beaver City Fire and Rescue have suspended large-scale search efforts for Larry Hardenbrook. Future search efforts will be organized and search parties will be re-equipped and rested, according to a press release from the Sheriffs Office.

Hardenbrook, of Beaver City, was last seen at 9:45 p.m. Jan. 14. He left on foot with no coat, according to an Endangered Missing Advisory issued last week by the Nebraska State Patrol.

He is 78 years old, about 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, with white hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored sweater, jeans and brown dress shoes. He wears a bracelet with his name on it.

More than 1,300 man hours were contributed to the search by Furnas County law enforcement, fire departments and EMS crews from Cambridge, Arapahoe, Holbrook, Wilsonville, Oxford, Edison, Beaver City and Red Willow Western, according to the press release issued Saturday. Ground search teams covered more than 500 miles on foot in extreme weather conditions. Volunteer mounted horse patrols searched remote areas and river bottom.

Authorities thanked the Nebraska State Patrol for assistance with K-9 officers and helicopter air support.
In UP, Nadda explains all the good PM has done for farmers

The significance of J P Nadda and what will he bring to the table

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 21: In a major event held on Monday, J P Nadda took over the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He was the working president before he took over the top post in the party from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. What is the significance of Nadda taking over the party chief. Let us hear it from the leading political scientist, Dr Sandeep Shastri.

Dr Shastri tells OneIndia that it is common practice in the BJP that once a president takes over as minister, he or she relinquishes the post of party president. When the BJP won in 2014, Rajnath Singh relinquished the position of party president after he was made the Home Minister.

What is important to note is that within the BJP, when Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani played a major role, the party presidents always had a secondary role to play. I see something similar happening today, says Dr Shastri.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Modi-Shah's trusted lieutenant J P Nadda takes over as BJP president

Nadda, will lead the party and undertake the day to day work. The major decisions relating to the party will however not happen without the approval of Narendra Modi or Amit Shah, Dr Shastri points out.

Nadda has certain unique qualities. He is someone who has been active and part of the RSS and BJP since the beginning of his career. He is a trusted worker of the party and someone who clearly tow the party's line.

The party wants someone like Nadda who can hold the position of leadership and yet allow the real leadership to have a major say. His other qualities are his organisational skills, he takes everyone along, Dr Shastri says while adding that these are important for the party.
(Newser)  KFC has apologized over a "sexist" ad released in Australia, showing two young boys gaping at a woman in a low-cut top. The woman is seen adjusting her top while looking at her reflection in the tinted window of a parked car, which suddenly slides down to show the boys gawking, alongside a female driver who looks disapproving. The woman, who looks embarrassed, soon provides a distraction: "Did somebody say KFC?" she asks. While some said the 15-second ad for KFC's Zinger Popcorn Box was "brilliant," per Sky News, a rep for Collective Shout, a group that campaigns against the objectification of women, labeled it harmful, per the Australian Associated Press.

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It's "a regression to tired and archaic stereotypes where young women are sexually objectified for male pleasure" and "another manifestation of the 'boys will be boys' trope, hampering our ability to challenge sexist ideas [that] contribute to harmful behavior toward women and girls," said Melinda Liszewski. KFC responded Tuesday, noting "our intention was not to stereotype women and young boys in a negative light," per AAP. "We apologize if anyone was offended." It didn't say if the ad would be pulled from TV, where it's been airing for about a month. The ad remains on the company's official YouTube page. (Perhaps KFC missed the uproar over this ad.)
LAKE ZURICH, Illinois, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Paragon Micro Inc., today announced that the company will open its first subsidiary outside of the United States in the United Kingdom in April 2020.

"International expansion has long been part of our plan as it presents a tremendous growth opportunity for Paragon Micro given that a large percentage of the IT market is located outside the US," said Paragon Micro President and CEO Jeff Reimer. "The UK is home to many international divisions of our major US clients. The opening of this office is in response to our US customers who conduct business in Europe and require the same kind of IT hardware, software, and solutions - globally." Within the US, Paragon Micro has been awarded as a Top Company to Work, our aim is equally high for our UK presence. The UK is the first milestone in an aggressive expansion into critical international markets.

Tech Industry Sales Veteran, Donavan Hutchinson will take lead as Managing Director UK & Europe for Paragon Micro's UK Operations and Sales.

Hutchinson, a 17-year veteran with experience in helping other international VARs expand into the UK Market, will head the new offices located near Sheffield and London in the UK. "I'm excited to join the Paragon Micro team as part of this expansion into the United Kingdom and equally excited to introduce our world-class approach to providing hardware, software, and solutions to new clients," said Hutchinson. "We welcome the opportunity to forge new partnerships with companies using Paragon Micro's blueprint of being the best IT Provider in the industry that has driven exceptional success in the United States."

"We believe there is considerable opportunity to grow internationally, and are confident that Donavan and his team's experience makes him the right partner to introduce Paragon Micro to the United Kingdom, and more broadly Europe, for the first time," stated Jeff Reimer President and CEO. "Our expanding global footprint has attracted new clients that operate in both the US and abroad, and we continue to have an active pipeline for growth as we gain momentum beyond North America."

About Paragon Micro Inc.

Now in its second decade of success, Paragon Micro has cemented itself as a leader in the technology provider arena. Consistently impressive growth, industry accolades, and earned respect of peers -based on capabilities to change a company's success trajectory has Paragon Micro beaming with pride. Confident not content. Solving problems creatively and being easy to work with are key tenets of the Paragon Micro Experience. Even as methods evolve in response to new, complex technology challenges, they're always providing solutions that creatively meet a clients' specific needs.

For more information, visit www.paragonmicro.co.uk.

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RIL reports record Q3 net profit of Rs11,640 crore

Reliance Industries has reported its a net profit of Rs11,640 crore in the third quarter of the current financial year (October-December 2019-20), a 13.5 per cent increase from the year-ago period and the highest-ever for a quarter.

Oil-to-retail Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) had reported a net profit of Rs10,251 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.

RIL's consolidated revenue for the quarter, however, dipped 1.4 per cent to Rs168,858 crore from Rs171,300 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal.

Basic earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter ended 31 December 2019 stood at Rs18.4 up from Rs17.3 in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Gross refinery margin, or margin (GRM) from every barrel of crude oil refined, stood at $9.2 compared to a gross refining margin of $8.8 per barrel in the October-December 2018-19 quarter. GRM was, however, lower than the $9.4 per barrel earned in the July-September 2019-20 quarter.

RILs quarterly profits were boosted by record 43.5 per cent rise in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) from digital services of Rs5,833 crore and record 62.3 per cent increase in EBITDA from retail business at Rs2,727 crore.

Consumer business segment constituted about 37 per cent of RILs EBITDA, which is now set to equal hudrocarbon EBITDA.

Profit before tax increased by 3.6 per cent to Rs14,962 crore while cash profit increased by 10.7 per cent to Rs18,511 crore.

The third quarter results for our energy business reflects the weak global economic environment and volatility in energy markets. Within our O2C chain, downstream petrochemicals profitability was impacted by weak margins across products with subdued demand in well-supplied markets. Refining segment performance improved in a difficult operating environment given our continuous focus on cost positions, high operating rates and product placement, Mukesh D Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, said.

I am pleased with the progress of our consumer businesses which continue to establish new milestones every quarter. We saw consistent same store sales growth and record footfall across our stores driven by our compelling proposition of great shopping experience and superior value, Ambani added.

On Jio, he said it is focused on giving unmatched digital experience to consumers on a nationwide basis at most affordable price, and accordingly expanding network capacity and coverage to keep pace with demand.

We are making good progress on the value unlocking initiatives announced earlier while building on sustainable growth platforms for our shareholders, he added.

During the quarter Reliane signed a definitive agreement with BP relating to the formation of new Indian fuels and mobility joint venture. The venture is expected to be formed during the first half of 2020, subject to regulatory and other customary approvals. The venture expects to expand from RILs current fuel retailing network of over 1,400 retail sites and 30 aviation fuel stations across India to up to 5,500 retail sites and 45 aviation fuel stations over the next five years. The retail network will operate under the Jio-BP brand.

RIL also set up a wholly owned subsidiary, Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), for digital initiatives. RIL invested Rs1,65,000 crore in the subsidiary through OCPS and Rs4,961 crore in equity shares. The subsidiary has acquired RILs investment of Rs64,450 crore in Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL).

This New-age Digital Technology Platform entity is proposed for holding all digital Platforms, including RJIL, the digital connectivity platform. This will enable access to world class technology platforms across healthcare, education and agriculture.

The board of directors of RJIL approved a scheme of arrangement between RJIL and certain classes of its creditors, including debenture holders, for transfer of identified liabilities of about Rs104,365 crore for an equal consideration to RIL (the Ultimate Holding Company). RJIL has filed the scheme with National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), seeking approval for transfer of identified liabilities to RIL with an appointed date of 16 December 2019.

During the quarter, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a framework agreement with RIL to explore development of an ethylene dichloride (EDC) facility in Ruwais. As per the terms of agreement, ADNOC and RIL will evaluate the potential creation of a facility that manufactures EDC adjacent to ADNOCs integrated refining and petrochemical site in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi and strengthen the companies existing relationship supporting future collaboration in petrochemicals.

ADNOC would supply ethylene to the potential joint venture and provide access to world-class infrastructure at Ruwais, while RIL will deliver operational expertise and entry to the large and growing Indian vinyls market, in which it is a key participant.

Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL, acquired 85 per cent equity stake of NowFloats Technologies Private Limited for Rs141.64 crore. RSBVL proposes to make a further investment of up to Rs75 crore, subject to achieving agreed milestones, by December 2020 which will increase the shareholding to 89.66 per cent.

Indiavidual Learning Private Limited (Embibe), a subsidiary of RIL, acquired 90.5 per cent equity shares of eDreams Edusoft Private Limited (Funtoot) for Rs71.64 crore, and proposes to make the remaining equity shares for up to Rs10 crore subject to Funtoot achieving agreed milestones, by December 2021.

Another wholly owned subsidiary of RIL, RSBVL, acquired 51.78 per cent equity shares of Asteria Aerospace Private Limited for Rs23.12 crore and proposes to invest up to Rs125 crore, subject to Asteria achieving agreed milestones by December 2021.

Reliance Brands Limited, a subsidiary of the RIL, increased its equity shareholding in Future101 Design Private Limited (Future101) by 2.5 per cent for Rs2 crore, taking its equity shareholding in Future101 to 17.5 per cent.

RIIHL, a wholly owned subsidiary of RIL, acquired further shares in SkyTran Inc to increase its shareholding in SkyTran Inc to 17.37 per cent on a fully diluted basis. RIIHL had acquired 12.7 per cent shareholding in SkyTran Inc on 17 October 2018 with an option of investing further amount up to $25 million in convertible notes.

During the quarter RIL also handed back the Panna-Mukta oil and gas fields and the Panna-Mukta and Tapti (PMT) joint venture back to government nominee ONGC.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Braze , the comprehensive customer engagement platform, today announced new features and product expansions to bolster cross-channel capabilities, increase retention and amplify customer loyalty. These include updates to Braze's automated decision making Intelligence Suite as well the introduction of Braze Predictive Suite, a new lineup of tools which will help brands increase retention using machine learning.

New AI and Machine Learning Features to Support Personalized Actions

The introduction of the Braze Predictive Suite and updates to the Braze Intelligence Suite help marketers gain insight and prompt easier and quicker personalized actions. With Braze Predictive Suite powered by machine learning, marketers will be able to easily build and analyze predictive models and segments to understand churn, behaviors, and purchases, and ultimately better inform customer engagement strategies. The first model designed to predict customer churn is set to become available in February 2020.

Further, in an effort to create greater cohesion and pave the way for new AI and machine learning feature sets, Braze has refreshed its Intelligence Suite, which leverages automated decision making. Namely, Intelligent Timing , which enables marketers to send messages to customers when they're most likely to engage, has been reconfigured to provide more ease and greater control over campaigns. This includes the ability to choose a fallback time, classify specific times of day as off-limits to send messages, and more. With Intelligent Timing, marketers are able to achieve a 12 percent lift in email open rates and a 28 percent lift in push open rates.

"We're already in the age of automation, but AI and machine learning can still be perceived as cumbersome and difficult to figure out," said Kevin Wang, vice president of product at Braze. "With Braze's new Predictive Suite and streamlined Intelligence Suite, we're aiming to provide brands a platform that is both effective and easy to use, and in turn, brands will add more value with each customer interaction and campaign they create in their regular workflow."

"We're excited to work with Braze on a customer churn prediction feature that allows us to re-engage users that are likely to fall off," said Hector Bragado Fernandez, lifecycle marketing manager at Lumos Lab . "The results of our first round of testing have shown that we can boost retention, and we are eager to roll this out more broadly to realize the feature's full potential."

Expansion of Partnership Integrations to Enhance Existing Loyalty Programs

After expanding its popular Alloys partner program this fall to include more than 40 solutions partners worldwide, Braze continues to expand partnership initiatives with new integrations with Amazon Moments , Talon.One , and Voucherify . These partnerships focus on providing holistic, customizable integrations so that brands have more options to send the perfect content at the perfect moment, without disrupting their current marketing stack.

Additional updates include:

Canvas components: Braze's customer journey tool, Canvas , gets three new components designed to give marketers greater flexibility. Delay, Decision Split, and Message Steps allow marketers to unlock new capabilities and opens up a simpler and more intuitive process for the whole team.

Braze's customer journey tool, , gets three new components designed to give marketers greater flexibility. Delay, Decision Split, and Message Steps allow marketers to unlock new capabilities and opens up a simpler and more intuitive process for the whole team. Promotions: Braze now makes uploading and managing promotion codes for use in campaigns simpler and faster. This new feature can process larger volumes of promotion codes, allow upload via CSV and set expirations for lists.

Braze now makes uploading and managing promotion codes for use in campaigns simpler and faster. This new feature can process larger volumes of promotion codes, allow upload via CSV and set expirations for lists. Dark Mode for In-App Messages: Provides an alternate color theme for users who use Dark Mode on their devices, a simple yet powerful form of personalization.

For more information about today's announcement, please visit: https://www.braze.com/perspectives/article/braze-winter-2020-product-launch

About Braze:

Braze is a comprehensive customer engagement platform that powers relevant and memorable experiences between consumers and the brands they love. Context underpins every Braze interaction, helping brands foster human connection with consumers through interactive conversations across channels that deliver value quickly and continuously. The company was named a Leader in the 2019 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Mobile Marketing Platforms and was recognized as one of Inc Magazine's 2019 Best Workplaces. Braze is headquartered in New York with offices in Chicago, London, San Francisco, and Singapore. Learn more at braze.com .

Media Contact:

Cathy Liu, Senior Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Braze

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Photo: Clay Banks/Unsplash

St. Louis is seeing strong demand for sales representatives' skills. Employers in the industry posted 16 new jobs over the past week, and 48 in the last month, ranking second among top job categories in the local area, according to ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace.

Local sales representative also came in second in terms of local employers adding new jobs by occupation. In the past month, four companies listed open jobs for St. Louis-based workers in the industry.

Top companies seeking local sales representatives include Help Wanted, Electronic Support Systems and JB Legacy Group. According to a recent job opening posted by Electronic Support Systems, "Electronic Support Systems (ESS) is a manufacturers representative business offering a complete line of high quality products to support electronic equipment."

Jobs posted by Help Wanted in the past month in the area also included managers.

This story was created automatically using local jobs data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
A blaze on Belfast's University Road has reignited.

Parts of the road are closed as fire crews deal with another fire at the premises.

Earlier on Tuesday morning at around 1am more than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out at the commercial premises.

However, firefighters returned to the scene at around 11am and are working to extinguish the blaze.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Facebook

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Whatsapp Firefighters battle a fire at the Blaze & Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast on January 21st 2020 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

A PSNI spokesman said: "The earlier fire on University Road has reignited and as such, the road has been closed in both directions."

Earlier the Fire Service said it responded to numerous calls about the incident at the three-storey restaurant.

SDLP councillor Gary McKeown said it was "deeply worrying" that the fire was being treated as arson.

"Thanks to the hard work of firefighters throughout the night, the fire has been brought under control," he said.

"But this could've easily proved fatal as there are many homes and businesses in close proximity, and it could've spread in what is a very built up area.

"My sympathies today are with the business that was affected by the fire. I hope that staff will be able to return to work quickly and residents of the local area will be able to return home unhindered.

"I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to report it to police."

Fire on Belfast's University Road still smouldering this morning... @BelTel pic.twitter.com/cpSVnYA8MO  Claire McNeilly (@ClaireMcBelfast) January 21, 2020

PSNI Inspector Green said officers attended immediately after the 999 calls and evacuated nearby properties and closed a number of roads.

Fire Service personnel and police officers have been in attendance throughout the night and remain at the scene this morning," the officer said.

At this stage the fire is being treated as a deliberate ignition and our enquiries are continuing.

Watching brief for the PSNI on University Rpad today after a blaze in the early hours of this morning... @BelTel pic.twitter.com/1CXZA87cdj  Claire McNeilly (@ClaireMcBelfast) January 21, 2020

A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said nine appliances, including a specialist command unit and an aerial appliance along with 55 firefighters were at the scene at the height of the fire.

"The operation has now been scaled but we expect to remain at the scene throughout the morning," the spokesperson added.

University Road has since been reopened to traffic.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact 101 or information can be provide anoynmously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As you might have heard countless times already, 5G phones are about to get cheaper. Huawei has now once again announced its intention of releasing affordable 5G smartphones.

The company aims to deliver a 5G-ready phone for as low as $150 by the end of this year or early next year.

Currently, the cheapest 5G handset on the market costs nearly $290. A few handsets cost around $430 and most command a price of roughly $1,000 or more.

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Affordable 5G handsets can revive the smartphone market and put it back on an upward trajectory. Its not hard to see why Huawei is eager to launch cheaper 5G phones at the earliest.

The U.S. has imposed a ban on the company, as a result of which it cannot continue business relations with American firms. Thats why its newer devices no longer come with Google apps and services.

Cheaper 5G-handsets can help the company in two ways. First off, users will probably overlook the lack of Google apps if they get cheap 5G hardware. Secondly, it will allow it to better compete with fellow Chinese companies on its home turf.

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Last year, Huawei was apparently able to ship 240 million handsets despite the embargo. Out of those, 6.9 million were 5G handsets. In contrast, Samsung sold 6.7 million 5G smartphones in 2019.

In 2019, Huawei launched a total of eight 5G models, including Mate 30 Pro 5G, Mate 30 5G, Porsche Design Mate 30 Pro RS, Mate 20 X 5G, Nova 6 5G, Mate X, Honor V30 Pro, and Honor V30.

Other Vendors Are Also Expected To Release Affordable 5G Smartphones This Year

The Chinese giant is not the only company planning to make the next generation of cellular connectivity more accessible. Samsung is widely expected to launch 5G versions of the Samsung Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71 soon.

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In addition to that, its apparently also in talks with the chipmaker MediaTek to get silicone for low-end 5G phones.

We can expect other manufacturers to jump the bandwagon too, thanks to the MediaTek 1000L and Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chips that will make 5G possible on midrangers.

Even Apple is tipped to join the fold this year, now that it has buried the hatchet with Qualcomm. According to one report, Huawei will lead the 5G market next year, followed by Apple and Samsung.

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Analysts believe over a fifth of 5G-phones that will be released in China this year will cost less than $300. As for the U.S., Verizon Wireless expects 5G phones with a price tag of around $600 by the end of 2020.

The supposed reason behind that expected price disparity is that the U.S. has still not opened its doors to most Chinese vendors. And without the presence of companies like Xiaomi and Honor, we are unlikely to see 5G phones to the tune of $150 in the country anytime soon.

But, either way, the price of 5G-handsets is bound to go down this year everywhere. And, a further reduction is expected in the year that follows. However, according to a recent report, the boost that the industry will get from 5G-phones will be short-lived. But, for now, shipments are projected to increase, and price reduction is surely one way for manufacturers to capture demand.
Ireland and the rest of Europe is experiencing a perfect storm in terms of a booming cocaine market, a leading expert has said.

Michael OSullivan, director of the EU drugs interception body MAOC-N and a former Garda assistant commissioner, was commenting after his agency was involved in the seizure of almost 25 tonnes of cocaine in 2019, compared to around 16 tonnes in 2018.

He said he does not see any let-up in the cocaine trade and said Irish buyers were getting their cocaine from guaranteed Irish criminals.

Mr OSullivan said dismemberments, such as that of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods last week, are rare among European gangs and showed that the perpetrators cared more about sending a message than not getting caught.

His comments come as gardai arrested a key figure in the Drogheda gang suspected of carrying out the murder of Mulready-Woods. He was arrested on an unrelated matter.

Mr OSullivan said the quantity of cocaine now being seized had not been seen since 2007.

Theres a perfect storm, he said. Theres a growing market, theres growth in the finances of criminal gangs, the production in Columbia has trebled in the last six to seven years, and people are consuming more.

In Ireland, people have more money. Many young, intelligent people buy it at the weekend or at parties. They might say they only buy it now and again but have no problem spending 200 over a weekend.

He said recreational buyers are so far removed from the reality of the market and dont want to see the trail it leaves behind.

Theyll say they got it from Jimmy, from college, and hes sound, said Mr OSullivan. But Jimmy got it off a guy, who got it off a guy who imported it.

The cocaine they are enjoying with their friends is supplied by Irish criminals, guaranteed Irish brand criminals, the kind who they hear about running around with guns.

Mr OSullivan said he does not see the cocaine boom ending any time soon.

The only thing that stopped the cocaine business was the recession, he said. So, do I see globally cocaine reducing? No, I dont. Its up and running in South America, the market is there in Europe, in most countries, and certainly in Ireland. Theres a product that people want to spend money on and lots of criminals want in on it.

Mr OSullivan said the profits from cocaine cascaded all the way down the supply pyramid, meaning little groups of criminals were popping up all over Ireland.

The level of profit they can earn never really happened in drugs before, he said. They have lots of money and lots of firearms and see themselves as Al Capone or young generals.

He said the dismemberment showed how reckless some of these gangs were.

They dont care about police or society or the consequences, said Mr OSullivan. They care more about making an impression and sending a message than getting caught or the cruelty of their actions. It shows you the nature of these people.

He said the cases are rare in Europe, but can happen, citing one case in Amsterdam in 2016.
Boris Johnson is tonight engulfed by the worst crisis of his premiership over the Downing Street party scandal. On a day when his future as Prime Minister was being openly questioned, Tory MPs broke ranks to demand he urgently address claims of a lockdown-busting gathering in the No 10 garden. Mr Johnson failed to appear before the cameras or make any public comment yesterday - despite explosive allegations that he and his wife attended the event at a time when all parties were illegal. No 10 also refused to deny he had been at the 'bring your own booze' bash on May 20, 2020. The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement at the start of PMQs tomorrow in a bid to quell mounting anger from the public and his own party. Today he faced a ferocious backlash from families who were prevented by lockdown rules from saying a proper farewell to loved ones. As support drained away, senior Tory figures put the PM on notice, warning that his survival in No 10 depended on addressing the 'utterly despicable' allegations and restoring trust in his Government. Several warned he would have to resign if wrongdoing was proved, while others suggested he could soon face a confidence vote from mutinous backbenchers. Those close to Dominic Cummings, the ex-aide who has waged a determined campaign against his former boss, were said to be claiming Mr Johnson had only a 20 per cent chance of political survival.
On one side, we have virtue-signaling Manhattan leftists. On the other, we have working-class people trying to survive through honest labor. On whose side will the New York Times come down? If you guessed virtue-signaling leftists, it means you have occasionally read that rag. But this story about the New York City Councils ban on serving foie gras in the citys restaurants is surprisingly balanced:

Last October, when the New York City Council passed a ban on foie gras as inhumane, Mayor Bill de Blasio called foie gras a luxury item that the vast majority of us would never be able to afford.

***

But two hours northwest of the city, in one of New Yorks poorest counties, foie gras plays a much different role. There, it is not a luxury splurge but a domino in a fragile local economy. Almost all of the foie gras produced in the United States comes from two duck farms in Sullivan County, where about 400 workers, mostly immigrants from Mexico and Central America, rely on it for their livelihood.

Some of those workers are illegal immigrants, which perhaps accounts for the Timess sympathy. But I, too, would come down on the side of those who produce duck livers for the enjoyment of Manhattan palates.

The ban singles out a community that is already struggling, said Jen Metzger, a state senator and chairwoman of the committee on agriculture, who said she invited City Council members to visit the farms before voting on the ban but got no takers. These farms are connected to the feed mill, the towing and tractor companies, the local banks, Metzger said. They add $300,000 into the local school system in property taxes. As legislators, we have to think of all the consequences of the actions we take.

That is a novel idea that will not catch on in the New York City Council.

Inside one of the farms boxy buildings, Emilia Leon, 50, considered what the ban might mean to her family. Leon has worked at the farm since she arrived from Puebla, Mexico, in 1997. Like most workers interviewed for this article, she speaks little English and was interviewed through an interpreter. Her husband and daughter also work at the farm. They live rent-free on the property. Leon feared for what might happen next if the farm closes down. I dont know where well go, she said. Were older, so for us its going to be difficult to find a job because they give priority to young people.

These are the sort of people that nowadays, only Republicans care about.

Foie gras, which means fatty liver in French, is produced by force-feeding male Moulard ducks  a sterile hybrid of Pekin and Muscovy ducks  through a tube shoved down their throats three times a day during the last three weeks of their lives, a process known as gavage, which expands their livers to 10 times their normal size. Leon feeds about 500 ducks in a three-hour shift. Opponents of foie gras call the force-feeding process cruel. Its already banned in India, Israel and Britain. Whole Foods stopped selling the product in 1997, and Postmates stopped delivering it in 2018. The American Veterinary Medical Association takes a neutral position, citing a lack of evidence that birds are harmed by the process, although many veterinarians disagree.

The ducks are about to be killed. I am not sure how they are harmed, unless there is evidence of physical suffering that the Times article omits. The Times quotes the author of the proposed foie gras ban, who says force-feeding the ducks is an inhumane process, done for a purely luxury product.

Of course, the workers whose incomes depend on the ducks value arent concerned about the fact that foie gras is a luxury:

For the workers, foie gras is a delicacy for a population they rarely see. Nancy Velazquez, 32, a butcher on the assembly line, said she did not resent the people who can afford it. Just the fact that theyre eating, they give us an opportunity to get ahead in life, and that is a help, she said.

I dont think a single Power Line reader will be surprised by the fact that a butcher on the farms assembly line makes more sense than the liberals on the New York City Council. Finally:

To them its easy because theyre in the city, said Edith Cruz, who works at La Belle and cares for her disabled husband in a trailer that was once the Saravia familys home. But were here in the mountains, and we need those jobs. I dont think its animal abuse, but everyone has their own opinion.

As is usually the case, the opinions of those who are farthest removed and least well informed will count the most. But I give the Times credit for a surprisingly well-balanced news story.
Open cluster NGC 1960. Credit: 2MASS/UMass/IPAC-Caltech/NASA/NSF.

Indian astronomers have conducted a comprehensive photometric, kinematic and variability study of a young open cluster known as NGC 1960. Results of the research shed more light on the properties of this cluster and its member stars. The study was detailed in a paper published January 13 on arXiv.org.

Formed from the same giant molecular cloud, open clusters are groups of stars loosely gravitationally bound to each other. So far, more than 1,000 of them have been discovered in the Milky Way galaxy, and scientists are still looking for more, hoping to find a variety of these stellar groupings. Expanding the list of known galactic open clusters and studying them in detail could be crucial for improving the understanding of the formation and evolution of the Milky Way.

Located some 4,300 light years away in the Auriga constellation, NGC 1960 (also known as Messier 36 or M36) is an open cluster estimated to be about 25 million years old. Given that the cluster was discovered in 1654, it has been a subject of numerous observations in the past. However, despite all the studies, there are still large uncertainties regarding the cluster parameters, as many stars in the eld of NGC 1960 lack membership conrmation.

To resolve these uncertainties, a team of astronomers led by Yogesh Joshi of Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), India, has carried out a detailed study of NGC 1960 using mainly the 104-cm Sampurnanand Telescope (ST) at Manora Peak, Nainital, India. "A detailed analysis of our photometric, kinematic and variability studies of the cluster NGC 1960 is presented here," the paper reads.

The study confirmed the cluster membership of 262 stars out of 3,871 candidates in the field of NGC 1960. The astronomers noted that this number is relatively low in comparison of the total number of stars found in the target eld.

The variability study revealed 76 variable stars with V-band magnitudes from 9.1 mag to 19.4 mag. Out of this sample, 72 stars are periodic variables with periods ranging from 41 minutes to 10.74 days. The researchers added that majority of these stars are short-period variables with periods shorter than one day.

From 72 periodic variables, 20 were identied as cluster members, which allowed the team to obtain their parameters, in particular, their masses, eective temperatures and bolometric luminosities. The results suggest that two of them may be delta Scuti stars, three could be gamma Doradus type stars, five were identified as possible rotational variables, two as slowly pulsating B-type stars, and two as non-pulsating B stars. The rest belong to a eld star population lying in the direction of the cluster.

When it comes to the parameters of NGC 1960, the research found a mean cluster parallax of about 0.86 mas and mean proper motions of approximately -0.143 mas/year in the direction of right ascension, and -3.395 mas/year in the direction of declination. The total cluster mass was calculated to be about 417 solar masses, while a mean stellar mass was estimated to be 1.6 solar masses. Reddening of the cluster was found to be 0.24 mag in the optical bands and the cluster's age was estimated to be around 27.5 million years. The study revealed that NGC 1960 is located most likely 3,800 light years away, therefore nearer than previously thought.

Explore further New study investigates properties of the Melotte 105 cluster

More information: Photometric, kinematic and variability study in the young open cluster NGC 1960, arXiv:2001.04068 [astro-ph.SR] Photometric, kinematic and variability study in the young open cluster NGC 1960, arXiv:2001.04068 [astro-ph.SR] arxiv.org/abs/2001.04068

 2020 Science X Network
A security guard show the way to a man outside of the Davos Congress Centre under snow ahead of the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, in Davos, eastern Switzerland. FABRICE COFFRINI | AFP | Getty Images

It's that time of the year again: Policymakers, politicians, bankers, activists, journalists and a swathe of cameras are descending upon the snowy peaks of Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF). Once branded the playground for the elite epitomized by the stereotypical Champagne swashing "Davos Man," this year the gathering ostensibly seems to be morphing into one epitomized by a "Davos Everyone." The theme is a much more inclusive "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World." Headliners include President Donald Trump and Chancellor Angela Merkel plus one new addition: Greta Thunberg, the teenage activist who traveled around the world in 2019 warning about the perils of climate change. A global risks report published by WEF last week concurred: For the first time in the survey's 10-year history, the top five global risks in terms of likelihood were environmental.

But are policymakers listening?

In August last year, the U.S. Business Roundtable published a new statement on the purpose of a corporation. The letter was signed by 181 CEOs of some of the largest American companies including J.P. Morgan, Johnson & Johnson and Ford and it committed to delivering value for all stakeholders (communities, employers, suppliers), not just to company shareholders. Microsoft, the tech giant boasting a valuation north of a trillion dollars, last week announced plans to become carbon negative by 2030, and then go beyond that by aiming to remove all the carbon it has emitted since its inception in 1975. This has distinguished it from others who have so far set carbon reduction targets but not carbon "negative" targets. The CEO of BlackRock, Larry Fink, the asset manager which manages nearly 7 trillion dollars in assets, also made waves last week by announcing that it would start re-directing its investments away from fossil fuel companies. "I believe we are on the edge of a fundamental reshaping of finance," Fink wrote. A move that one could describe as "seismic" for the world of finance.

Beyond large influential corporations, central banks are also looking at incorporating climate change into their economic analysis. As of 2021, the Bank of England will be introducing a climate change stress test into the financial stability report. The European Central Bank, with Christine Lagarde at the helm, has also posited including climate change in the upcoming strategic review. Last week the EU also published further details on its European Green Deal, presenting a plan to attract 1 trillion euros of private and public investment over the next decade.
James Dees, 53, was released on bond from a Leon County jail at around 1pm on Friday

An airline pilot was caught on hidden camera vandalizing a Florida airport with graffiti that included racial slurs and slogans both supporting and opposing President Trump, according to authorities.

James Dees, 53, was released on bond from a Leon County jail around 1pm on Friday after he was arrested and charged with nine counts of criminal mischief.

Dees, a former pilot with Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air, is said to have admitted to authorities that he wrote racial slurs, including '#MAGA=No N*****S=NO SP**S,' multiple times on the walls of airport bathrooms and the parking lot elevator at Tallahassee International Airport.

In December 2018, local police first received reports of graffiti in the men's restrooms as well as inside an elevator near the front entrance and on some parked cars, according to WCTV-TV.

Over the course of the next year, more graffiti kept appearing, including '#MAGA,' 'TRUMP4EVER,' 'Send them ALL back,' and other racial slurs which were found in the stalls of the men's restrooms and other locations.

Authorities also said that they found anti-Trump graffiti as well, including 'Impeachment is coming,' '#RESIST,' and 'RESTORE decency.'

Dees was arrested on Friday and charged in connection with 20 graffiti incidents at Tallahassee International Airport in Florida (seen above)

According to court documents, police then installed a surveillance camera in the elevator facing the parking lot.

On December 14 of last year, more graffiti was found near the area where the camera was installed.

Police then reviewed the surveillance footage which they say showed a pilot entering the elevator and writing something on the wall.

That pilot was later identified as Dees.

On January 7, officers approached Dees as he was walking into the airport.

Dees then agreed to speak to police, who asked him about several graffiti incidents from the past year.

When police told Dees that he was seen on hidden camera writing graffiti, the pilot is said to have confessed.

Dees is a pilot with Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta Airlines. A Delta plane is seen in the above stock image

Initially, Dees claimed he wrote graffiti 'three or four times.'

But when confronted with photographic evidence, Dees admitted to writing graffiti at the airport more than 11 times from June to December of last year.

Dees told police he was going through a 'rough time' and was dealing with anger issues.

He admitted to being responsible for all but one of the racist graffiti incidents. But he did not admit to writing any of the other graffiti.

Police charged Dees with nine counts of criminal mischief. The total damage from the graffiti is estimated to be less than $200.

Endeavor released a statement to WCTV saying that Dees was no longer employed by the airline.

'These actions in no way reflect the values of Endeavor Air and this individual is no longer employed by the airline,' the company said.
By Express News Service

KATHMANDU: Eight tourists from Kerala including four children who were holidaying in the Himalayan country Nepal were found dead, possibly due to a gas leak, in their resort room.

The incident occurred in Everest Panorama resort located in Daman, Thaha Municipality of Makawanpur district, in Nepal, on Monday night.

The deceased have been identified as Prabhin Kumar Nair, 39, Sharanya, 34, Renjith Kumar T B, 39, Indu Renjith, 34, and their children Sreebhadra, 9, Abhinav Soorya, 9, Abhi Nair, 7, and Vaishnav Renjith, 2.

While the family of Prabhin belongs to Chenkottukonam near Chempazhanthi in Thiruvananthapuram, Renjith and his family hail from Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode. Among the dead are two men, two women, two girls and two boys. There were around 15 members in the touring team.

According to reports, the victims reportedly used the room heater to keep themselves warm in the resort and they were found unconscious in the locked suite inside the resort in the morning. The police suspect that they died of asphyxiation after inhaling the gas from the gas heater used for warming themselves in the room at night. Nepal witnesses cold wave condition between December and January.

Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and remaining others in another room, the manager said. The eight were found lying in an unconscious state after the hotels' staff opened the room on Tuesday morning using duplicate keys since they failed to answer the doorbells.

The hotel management arranged to airlift them to HAMS Hospital in Dhumbarahi Kathmandu, where they were declared dead-on-arrival. Since the mercury was very low, all the windows and the door were bolted from inside. Police have also confirmed that in their preliminary assumption is that the tourists might have died due to suffocation caused by lack of ventilation.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy officials have reached the hospital where the bodies of the victim were kept for postmortem.

"Deeply distressed by the tragic news of the passing away of eight Indian tourists in Nepal," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.

Deeply distressed by the tragic news of the passing away of 8 Indian tourists in Nepal.Our Embassy @IndiaInNepal hs been closely following the situation.Embassy officials are stationed at the hospital& are providing necessary assistance.Our thoughts are with the bereaved families  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2020

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the Norka authorities to bring back the bodies of the victim to Kerala after coordinating with embassy officials in Nepal. The bodies are expected to reach their natives by Wednesday.

The CM also expressed deep grief in the tragedy. State Tourism Minister Kadkampally Surendran has also contacted Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan to speed up the process of bringing back the bodies to Kerala.
This was not the first time Ms Thunberg and Mr Trump took aim at each other: AP

Activist Greta Thunberg has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trumps stance over the climate crisis, claiming his inaction is fuelling the flames.

Speaking to world leaders and industrialists on the same day the president bragged about the US economy and attacked climate activists as perennial prophets of doom, the 17-year-old Swede said Mr Trumps vow to plant more trees was sorely inadequate to address the situation.

Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight. Our house is still on fire, Ms Thunberg said at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, echoing the words she used a year ago at the same event.

Your inaction is fuelling the flames.

Mr Trump attacked Ms Thunberg and other activists who have repeatedly urged world leaders to address the crisis they say is rapidly reaching the point where it will soon become too late to act. In a subsequent newspaper interview, Mr Trump repeated his assertion that the teenager was angry.

This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism, said Mr Trump. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action.

He added: To embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse.

She added: Planting trees is good, of course, but its nowhere near enough. It cannot replace mitigation.

The Swede said she was referring to empty words and promises by world leaders.

She added: You say children shouldnt worry... dont be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence.

Thunberg leaves after Trump finishes his speech in Davos (Reuters)

Earlier, Mr Trump, 73, who swiftly moved to withdraw the US from the Paris climate accord when he was elected president, and who has pushed policies critics say have further weakened environmental standards, said Washington was signing an agreement to plant more trees.

Ms Thunberg responded without naming the US president, although it was patently clear who she was referring to.

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We need to start listening to the science, and treat this crisis with the importance it deserves, she said. Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it.

Earlier, Ms Thunberg called on world leaders to listen to young activists who have followed her to Davos this year.

Im not a person that can complain about not being heard, she said. The science and voice of young people is not the centre of the conversation, but it needs to be.

The worlds top scientists have repeatedly warned that immediate action is required to address the climate crisis.

With the world experiencing record high temperatures and an increase in the incidence of extreme events such as Australias wildfires, scientists have called on nations to act to try to limit the rise in global temperature of 1.5C.

The Swedish activist attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum yesterday (Reuters)

We cannot accept insufficient action anymore, professor Gail Whiteman, director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business at Lancaster University, said in a statement. If were united behind the science then every decision, every investment, every behaviour should be based on what is taking us in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said the world needed to prepare for a surge in refugees, with potentially millions of people being driven from their homes by the impact of climate change.

We must be prepared for a large surge of people moving against their will, said Filippo Grandi. I wouldnt venture to talk about specific numbers, its too speculative, but certainly were talking about millions here.

Additional reporting by agencies

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By the time San Diego city officials opened the gates Tuesday morning at the new Linda Vista skateboard park, much of the orange paint was already worn off by skaters who just couldnt wait to grind its many railings and steps.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, City Council members Scott Sherman and Lorie Zapf, a representative from the Tony Hawk Foundation, professional skateboarders and others gathered in Linda Vista Community Park for the grand opening of the largest skate park in San Diego County. At 34,000 square feet, the park is billed as one of the largest in the state.

This is a world class skate park, and its going to challenge skaters of all levels like only a top-notch park can, Faulconer said during remarks at Tuesdays ceremony.

They tried to actually keep a few folks out of the park while it was being built, Faulconer said later in his remarks. It didnt work.

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For months, skaters had been scaling the parks fence to ride the competition-level course near the intersection of Osler Street and Genesee Avenue. When officials opened the gates on Tuesday, amateur and professional skateboarders streamed inside.

Onlookers watched from a bridge over the skate park as some of skateboardings big names and rising talent took turns dropping into the large, pool-like bowl to show off their skills.

Steve Caballero, a famous skateboarder known for tricks and variations he invented, skated the bowl Tuesday. In 1987, he set a world record for highest air on a halfpipe. His record held for a decade.

The Linda Vista skate park has a full pipe, according to information provided at Tuesdays event. It also has a 50-foot bowl resembling an empty swimming pool, various shallow bowls of different shapes and about 20,000 feet of snake runs, rails and steps.

Caballero, of Carlsbad, said in an interview after the event that skate parks have been getting better and better over the years. He said the first skate parks were mostly private facilities that charged admission.

I never would have dreamed of free skate parks, Caballero said at the event Tuesday.

The new skate park in Linda Vista is free to use, but it cost about $3 million build, city officials said Tuesday.

The Tony Hawk Foundation, founded by professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, provided about $40,000 in seed money to get the project off the ground.

Most of the funding came from a $4.6-million grant the state Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the city in 2014 to construct skate parks in Linda Vista and City Heights, according to the information provided at Tuesdays event. The City Heights skate park is slated to open Wednesday in the Park de la Cruz neighborhood.

The new skate park in Linda Vista is likely to get frequent visits from one of San Diegos rising stars.

Tate Carew, 12, a skateboarder who has placed in national and international competitions, said Tuesday that the Linda Vista park had everything he needed to practice.

Its just perfect, he said. This is probably going to be my new local.

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morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
The Michigan senator accused of sexually harassing a female reporter is now facing new allegations from a fellow sitting senator.

In an interview with Crains Detroit Business published Tuesday morning, Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, said she planned to file a sexual harassment complaint against Sen. Pete Lucido, R-Shelby Township, with the Senate Business Office on Tuesday regarding an incident that occurred during an orientation for new senators.

The Senate Business Office is currently investigating Lucido regarding comments made to a Michigan Advance reporter last week.

McMorrow told Crains she went to introduce herself to Lucido at the orientation shortly after the November 2018 elections, and said he put his hand on her lower back through the duration of the conversation in a manner that made her feel uncomfortable. She told the publication he made a degrading and deflating" remark about her recent election to the Senate.

And he asked where I was from, McMorrow told Crains. I said, Royal Oak. He asked who I ran against. And I said, I beat Marty Knollenberg. At which point he looked me up and down, raised his eyebrows and said, I can see why.

MLive was not immediately able to reach McMorrow or Lucido. In text messages to Crains and the Detroit Free Press, Lucido denied the allegations and alleged they were politically motivated.

McMorrows comments come following Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahues first-person account that Lucido told her a group of male high school students he was meeting with could have a lot of fun with her.

Lucido initially issued a brief statement apologizing for the misunderstanding." He later told a handful of media outlets the initial report was inaccurate.

The Michigan Advance report spurred national attention and sparked immediate backlash, and the Senate Business Office has opened an investigation into the claims after a request from Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint.

Related:

Michigan senator criticized for telling reporter a group of high school boys could have fun with her

Michigan legislative leaders open investigation into senator after comments to female reporter

Michigan senator being accused of sexual harassment now alleging report was inaccurate
Parents who ignore their children and use their smartphones instead of paying them attention may be putting their offspring at risk of depression.

Chinese researchers studied 530 students aged between 10 and 18 years old to see if they were victims of parental 'phubbing' - a portmanteau of 'phone' and 'snubbing', which means being ignored in preference for a phone.

Children who had phone-obsessed parents showed greater depressive symptoms when filling out a questionnaire than those who received undivided attention.

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Children who are ignored by parents who are too focused on their mobile phones are more likely to develop an addiction to suffer symptoms of depression, a study has found (stock photo)

WHAT IS PHUBBING? Phubbing is a social exclusion behaviour related to mobile phone use. Experts say it undermines interpersonal relationships and mental health. The word 'phubbing' itself is a portmanteau of the words phone and snubbing. To phub someone is to ignore them and focus on something on your mobile phone such as texting or social media instead, despite being in their presence. The term was first coined in 2012 as part of a campaign to stop the practice completely. Advertisement

'Based on the definition of phubbing, the present study defined parental phubbing as a phenomenon where parents use their mobiles to make a child feel excluded in parent-child interactions,' the researchers explain in the study, published in the Journal of Adolescence.

Examples of parental phubbing include regularly checking a phone screen during meal times and always having to be able to see their handset's screen.

The Chinese study asked students to complete a questionnaire, rating their perceptions of parental warmth and rejection.

Children in the study ranged in aged from ten years old to 18 years old, with the average age being 13 years.

A questionnaire posited various questions to assess their parents' smartphone use.

One question, for example, read: 'During a typical mealtime with my parents, my parents pull out and check their cellphones' and the participants rated this on a scale of one to five.

Examples of parental phubbing include regularly checking a phone screen during meal times and always having to be able to see their handset's screen. The Chinese study asked students to complete a questionnaire, rating their perceptions of parental warmth and rejection (stock)

One was 'never' and five was 'every time'.

Another statement the participants had to respond to was: 'My parents place their cellphones where they can see them when we are together'.

Then a separate questionnaire was given to the same students to assess their levels of depression.

The researchers explain in their research they asked 20 questions and had the students rank their depressive symptoms in the last week on a scale between one and four.

On this scale, one equated to not at all and four was 'a lot'.

When the academics assessed this data they found the more time parents spend on their gadgets when around their kids, the more likely they are to develop depression.

Children of parents who are tied to their phones felt rejected and experience less warmth from their parents, who they think are more interested in staring at screens.
A court in China on Tuesday jailed former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei for 13-1/2 years and fined him 2 million yuan ($290,000) for receiving bribes and abuse of official positions.

Interpol, the global police coordination agency based in France, said late in 2018 that Meng had resigned as its president, days after his wife reported him missing following a trip to his home country of China.

Meng, who admitted his guilt in July last year, told the court in the northern city of Tianjin he would not appeal against the judgment, it said in a statement online.

Last March, the ruling Communist Party said its investigation had found Meng spent "lavish" amounts of state funds, abused his power and refused to follow party decisions.

The court said Meng took more than 14.46 million yuan worth of assets in bribes and abused his former positions in the public security ministry and the coast guard between 2005 and 2017.

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WASHINGTONAs President Donald Trumps impeachment trial opens, his lawyers have increasingly emphasized a striking argument: Even if he did abuse his powers in an attempt to bully Ukraine into interfering in the 2020 election on his behalf, it would not matter because the House never accused him of committing an ordinary crime.

Their argument is widely disputed. It cuts against the consensus among scholars that impeachment exists to remove officials who abuse power. The phrase high crimes and misdemeanours means a serious violation of public trust that need not also be an ordinary crime, said Frank O. Bowman III, a University of Missouri law professor and the author of a recent book on the topic.

This argument is constitutional nonsense, Bowman said. The almost universal consensus  in Great Britain, in the colonies, in the American states between 1776 and 1787, at the Constitutional Convention and since  has been that criminal conduct is not required for impeachment.

But the argument is politically convenient for Trump. For any moderate Republican senator who may not like what the facts already show about his campaign of pressure on Ukraine, the theory provides an alternative rationale to acquit the president.

Indeed, if it were true, then there would also be no reason to call witnesses like John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, because what he and others know about Trumps motivations and intentions in his Ukraine dealings would not affect the outcome of the trial.

Trumps legal team hammered away at the argument in its 110-page brief submitted to the Senate on Monday. House Democrats newly invented abuse of power theory collapses at the threshold because it fails to allege any violation of law whatsoever, the presidents lawyers wrote.

Many legal scholars say senators should not take this argument seriously. They point, among other things, to evidence that for centuries before the American Revolution, the British Parliament impeached officials for high crimes and misdemeanours that constituted abuses of power but were not indictable offences. The pattern informed the framers of the Constitution, who echoed that concept.

One precedent  a high-profile case against a former British governor-general in India named Warren Hastings accused of mismanagement, mistreatment of locals and military misconduct  unfolded during the drafting and ratification of the Constitution and was reported in American newspapers.

His chief prosecutor, the famous parliamentarian Edmund Burke, argued that Hastings actions violated the public trust even though they were not indictable. (Hastings was acquitted, but only many years later.)

The original draft of the Constitution had made only treason and bribery a basis for impeachment. But according to James Madisons notes of the Constitutional Convention, George Mason brought up the Hastings case and proposed expanding the definition of impeachment to cover something like it. After rejecting the term maladministration as too broad, the convention participants decided to add the English term high crimes and misdemeanours.

Bowman  whose scholarship on impeachment law is cited in a footnote in the Trump legal team brief  called the arguments in that brief a well-crafted piece of sophistry that cherry-picks sources and ignores inconvenient history and precedent. For example, he noted, it makes no mention of how the Hastings case involved allegations of abuses of power that were not indictable crimes.

Scholars pointed to other major landmarks. In 1788, as supporters of the Constitution were urging states to ratify the document, Alexander Hamilton described impeachable conduct in one of the Federalist Papers as those offences which proceed from the misconduct of public men, or, in other words, from the abuse or violation of some public trust, and political offences that injure society.

Hamilton also wrote that impeachments would differ from common trials in part because prosecutors and judges would not be as limited in delineation of the offence.

Critics of the Trump teams theory have also noted that when the Constitution was drafted, hardly any federal criminal laws had been written. And several early impeachment proceedings  including against a judge who got drunk while presiding over cases  did not involve indictable offences.

It is just quite clear that the commission of a crime is neither necessary nor sufficient for an act to be impeachable, said John Mikhail, a Georgetown University law professor. He portrayed the Trump legal teams argument as not merely wrong, but as not even worthy of being deemed serious.

But Alan Dershowitz, a leading proponent of the theory, disagreed. An emeritus Harvard Law School professor and a celebrated criminal defence lawyer, he has joined Trumps legal team and is preparing a presentation about the idea that he said he expects to make to the Senate on Friday.

Among other things, Dershowitz said in an interview, he interpreted Hamilton to be saying not that any violation of the public trust is impeachable, but that only crimes that are also violations of the public trust meet that standard.

He also said that there were some common-law crimes at the time of the ratification of the Constitution, and that the framers expected Congress to eventually enact criminal laws that could serve as the basis for impeachments.

Dershowitz said he intended to model his presentation on an argument put forward at the 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson by his chief defence counsel, Benjamin Robbins Curtis, a former Supreme Court associate justice.

Johnson was saved from conviction and removal when the vote fell one short of the necessary supermajority. Curtis had argued that Johnson was not accused of committing a legitimate crime, and that removing him absent one would subvert the constitutional structure and make impeachment a routine tool of political struggle.

But other legal scholars, like Laurence Tribe, a constitutional specialist at Harvard Law School and an outspoken critic of Trump, have argued that Dershowitz is overreading and misrepresenting this aspect of the Johnson trial, especially against the backdrop of other evidence about the original understanding of high crimes and misdemeanours and the range of factors that went into Johnsons narrow acquittal.

In an opinion article in The Washington Post, Tribe accused Trumps legal team of using bogus legal arguments to mislead the American public or the senators weighing his fate.

From one perspective, the argument might not matter. Bowman noted that while the House article refers to no criminal statute, the conduct described in the abuse-of-power one plainly draws from the crime of soliciting a bribe.

(The Government Accountability Office has also concluded that the Trump administrations freezing of a congressionally appropriated military aid package to Ukraine amounted to an illegal impoundment of funds, but there are no criminal penalties associated with violating that law.)

But Dershowitz said that if the House had the evidence and the votes to charge Trump with bribery, then it needed to say so explicitly.

Some of Dershowitzs critics have questioned whether he really believes what he is now saying, noting that in 1998, during the Clinton impeachment, he said: It certainly doesnt have to be a crime, if you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of president and who abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty, you dont need a technical crime.

Dershowitz argued that his position today was not inconsistent with what he said in 1998, pointing to his use of the phrase technical crime and saying that he is arguing today that there needs to be crimelike conduct. He also said he did not know about Curtis 1868 argument during the Clinton impeachment era, and reading it had affected his thinking.

Still, he acknowledged that his interpretation is an outlier.

My argument will be very serious and very scholarly, Dershowitz said. The fact that other scholars disagree, thats for the Senate to consider. There is a division  most of the scholars disagree with me. I think theyre wrong.

But Mikhail said Dershowitz and the Trump legal team were wrong, and he noted that many senators of both parties went to law school or were otherwise legally sophisticated.

These are very smart, legally informed people, he said. They understand the law. They can certainly see through ruses and efforts to distract and divert.

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Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei attends a session at the Congress center during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 21, 2020. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Washington may step up its campaign against Huawei, but the impact on business will be minimal, the Chinese telecom giant's founder, Ren Zhengfei, said on Tuesday.

Huawei has been the target of U.S. concern over its links to the Chinese government. Washington maintains that Huawei is a national security risk because its networking equipment could be used for espionage by the Chinese government. Huawei denies all the claims.

Last year Huawei was put on a U.S. blacklist that restricted its access to American technology. Ren expects that pressure to continue.

"This year the U.S. might further escalate their campaign against Huawei, but I feel the impact on Huawei's business would not be very significant," Ren said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"This year in 2020, since we already gained experience from last year and we got a stronger team, I think we are more confident that we can survive even further attacks," he added.
Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England. Photo: Kirtsy Wigglesworth/WPA/Getty Images

Questions about sustainability and carbon footprint have become key issues for global investors, according to Bank of England governor Mark Carney.

These issues have moved very swiftly from being corporate social responsibility issues, or more niche issues, within finance to fundamental value drivers, Carney, who is due to leave the central bank in March, said on Tuesday.

With the major investors, this is becoming the question: whats your plan to get to net zero [carbon emissions]? With every corporate.

That will determine where capital is flowing, obviously influenced by public opinion, pressure, and government policy as well. But that moving from the periphery to absolutely the mainstream is whats going to drive transition, and might I add jobs.

The comments came during a panel at Davos titled Solving the Green Growth Equation. Carney appeared alongside Greenpeace International Netherlands executive director Jennifer Morgan and Mariana Mazzucato, Professor of Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London.

Climate change is top of the agenda this year at Davos, the annual gathering of the global elite in Switzerland. The title of this years World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, as Davos is officially known, is Forging a Sustainable Path towards a Common Future and WEF warned ahead of the conference that environmental issues are the biggest threat to the planet.

Carney has long been vocal on the role finance must play in addressing climate change during his time at the Bank of England. The Canadian first raised the issue in a speech in 2015 and has committed the Bank of England to introducing climate stress testing for banks.

You have the Bank of England  and a number of other central banks will do this as well  stress testing testing their banks for a transition to net zero, Carney said Tuesday. The worlds largest and most complex financial system, thats what were doing. At the core of the system now these questions are being asked.

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If youre on the right side or the wrong side, and if youre on the wrong side, what are you going to do about it?

I think were seeing a fundamental reshaping of the financial system, Carney said, alluding to BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink who last week pledged to put addressing climate change at the heart of its investment mission.

Carney is set to take up a role as United Nations special envoy for climate action and finance when he leaves Threadneedle Street and is also set to advise UK prime minister Boris Johnson on climate finance.

The Bank of England estimates as much as $20tn (15tn)-worth of assets could be at risk from climate change.
I despise sick people and threats to people just going about life

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  More than 100 schools, kindergartens and 20 shopping centres in Moscow are being checked on Monday for explosive devices after receiving anonymous bomb threats, a representative from Moscows emergency services reported.

There were calls about bomb threats in 85 schools, 16 kindergartens and 20 shopping centres, the representative said.

Additionally, all of Moscows metro stations are being checked, after similar bomb threats came in.

Special services are checking this information, the representative added.

There has been an upsurge of phone calls reporting bomb threats in various institutions in Moscow and Saint Petersburg since 28 November. According to estimates by Russian media outlets, nearly 1.2 million people have been evacuated since the end of November due to false bomb threat reports.
A heating pipe burst Monday in a small Russian hotel, flooding rooms with boiling water that killed five people and left six others injured in the central city of Perm, emergency officials said.

The nine-room hotel was located in the basement of a residential building in the city of 1 million people near Russias Ural Mountains. All of the victims  who included a child  were staying at the hotel, authorities said. Three of the injured were hospitalized with burns.

Russian police have opened a probe into the tragedy.

The plumbing explosion left 20 buildings, including a hospital, a school and a kindergarten, without heat or hot water in the middle of winter, local authorities said.

Russian lawmaker Oleg Melnichenko said, given the deaths, the Russian parliament might consider a ban on having hotels or hostels in the basements of residential buildings.

Hostels shouldnt be open in basements, where all pipelines are located, Melnichenko said.

Last year the Russian parliament banned opening hostels or hotel rooms in apartments in residential buildings.

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President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, heading for the global leaders conference in Switzerland, on the eve of his impeachment trial (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

White House lawyers have argued for a swift rejection of flimsy charges against Donald Trump on the eve of the historic impeachment trial against the US president.

As the Capitol awaited the start of the contentious proceedings  which are unfolding in an election year  the Senate leader also proposed a compressed calendar for opening statements.

Final trial preparations were underway on Monday on a tense day of developments, with Mr Trumps legacy  and the judgment of both parties in Congress  at stake.

The presidents legal team, in its first full filing for the impeachment court, argued Mr Trump did absolutely nothing wrong and urged the Senate to swiftly reject the flawed case against him.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn, the presidents lawyers wrote. The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.

Expand Close Donald Trump glances at journalists as he leaves the White House on Monday on the eve of his impeachment trial (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Donald Trump glances at journalists as he leaves the White House on Monday on the eve of his impeachment trial (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

The brief from the White House, and the House Democratic response, came as it emerged that 12-hour sessions were on the agenda for the rare Senate trial, with some of the very senators running to replace Mr Trump as president sitting as jurors.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening statements, ground rules that Democrats immediately rejected.

Voting on the Republican leaders resolution will be one of the first orders of business when senators convene on Tuesday. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats had demanded.

The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, called the GOP leaders proposed rules package a national disgrace.

Senators are poised for only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history, coming just weeks before the first primaries of 2020 election season and as voters assess Mr Trumps first term and consider the candidates who want to challenge him in the autumn.

House Democrats impeached the president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed that country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to comply with their investigation.

Expand Close The Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, seen here last week, has accused Republicans of trying to rush the impeachment proceedings (Julio Cortez/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, seen here last week, has accused Republicans of trying to rush the impeachment proceedings (Julio Cortez/AP)

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president and the Senate the final verdict by convening as the impeachment court for a trial.

Mr McConnell is angling for a speedy trial towards acquittal, and with Republicans holding the Senate majority, the proposal is likely to be approved by senators in the presidents party.

Its clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, said Mr Schumer, who vowed to propose votes on Tuesday to try to amend the rules package.

The first several days of the trial are now almost certain to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor or, more likely, behind closed doors, since senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

At the White House, where the president was embarking for an overseas trip to the global leaders conference in Davos, Switzerland, officials welcomed the Republican trial proposal.

We are gratified that the draft resolution protects the presidents rights to a fair trial, and look forward to presenting a vigorous defence on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible, said White House Legislative Affairs Director Eric Ueland.

After the four days of opening arguments  two days per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

At the end of deliberations, the Senate would then vote on each impeachment article.

Mr McConnell had promised to set rules similar to the last trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways, which may leave some senators from both parties uneasy.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah said in an email message to his constituents on Monday that the resolution put forth by Mr McConnell overall, aligns closely with the rules package approved 100-0 during the Clinton trial.

Mr Romney is among a small number of Republican senators who want to consider witness testimony and documents that werent part of the House impeachment investigation.

President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax.' He is wrongHouse prosecutors' legal filing

In their filing on Monday, House prosecutors issued fresh demands for a fair trial in the Senate.

President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax. He is wrong, the prosecutors wrote.

The White House document released Monday says the two charges against the president dont amount to impeachable offences. It asserts the impeachment inquiry, centred on Mr Trumps request that Ukraines president open an investigation into Democratic rival Mr Biden, was never about finding the truth.

House Democrats in their initial court filing over the weekend called Mr Trumps conduct the worst nightmare of the founding fathers who framed the Constitution.

But Mr Trumps team contended Monday that even if Trump were to have abused his power in withholding the Ukraine military assistance, it would not be impeachable because it did not violate a specific criminal statute.
A Target manager got more than $30,000 in donations from supporters after a customer tried to shame her online for refusing to sell an electric toothbrush that was mistakenly listed for just one cent.

David Leavitt posted his complaint on Twitter and even called the cops after trying to buy an Oral B Pro 5000 electric toothbrush, that retails for $89.99 but was marked for sale at $0.01, at the store in Swansea, Massachusetts.

Leavitt, a self-described award-winning journalist, tweeted that store manager Tori Perrotti was breaking Massachusetts law when she refused to hand it over for the marked price.

He then posted that the police said he would need to sue Target and that they would make him a report to take to court.

Perrotti, was refered to as #TargetTori by people backing Leavitt on social media after the posts went viral on Friday. But people soon started to get behind Perrotti's plight.

Some told Leavitt he should be 'embarrassed' for trying to shame Perrotti by complaining publicly and posting her picture on social media.

David Leavitt tweeted about #TargetTori (left manager Tori Perrotti) after she refused to sell him a toothbrush for $0.01 at a store in Swansea, Massachusetts. He claimed she should have sold him the item despite the pricing error (right)

Leavitt tweeted about his anger at the refusal to sell him the item at the reduced price and he even said he called police about the incident

Some Twitter rushed to the defense of Perrotti and criticized Leavitt complaining about the incident on social media

Many sympathized with Perrotti and a GoFundMe page was created for her by a stranger who later contacted her about the donations.

Leavitt, who describes himself online as an award-winning journalist, said in one tweet that he needed the toothbrush because he hasn't been able to afford a dentist visit in three years.

He wrote: '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 tweeted a series of posts, including a picture of Target manager Tori Perrotti

Leavitt began by tweeting a picture of the toothbrush, then added: 'I just had to call the police because @target Refused to sell me the toothbrush.'

He then tweeted that Target should be 'held to account', adding: 'Corporations like @target are not above the law. The police officer told me they'd testify that they saw the price and that the manager wouldn't sell me the item for the price listed.

But by Monday night supporters of Perrotti raised $30,600 to 'send her on vacation'.

One Twitter user who criticized Perrotti wrote: 'You really need the toothbrush for a cent though, can't afford a dentist or a toothbrush but somehow can afford a smart phone to get on Twitter. Someone get this man a grip.'

Mark Gottlieb added in response to Leavitt's tweets: 'You should be embarrassed. Grow up mate.'

Another critic said: 'Please don't blast the poor working woman because you want to scam a toothbrush. You can critique the corporate office, not the person doing her job.'

Rita Panahi wrote: 'Dude, please take her photo down. In what universe do you think it's ok to shame a woman working at @Target because she didn't sell you a toothbrush for 1cent? Calling the cops was bizarre, too. It's an obvious labelling error, she did her job.'

Perrotti's supporters raised $30,600 to 'send her on vacation' after Leavitt tried to shame Perrotti on Twitter

Tori Perrotti thanked those who donated in pictures posted on a GoFundMe page started by a stranger who saw the online spat

Leavitt was told to 'grow up' and that it was 'bizarre' to call the police for trying to get the display toothbrush for $0.01

After the online furor, Perrotti joked about the incident and was grateful for the support she received.

She told NBC Boston: 'My first thought was I wish I had worn makeup to work that day. It's so often that people will take the picture and make a meme out of it in a mean way. So, it's nice to see there's publicity out of this to support me and my feelings.'

The GoFundMe page read: 'Harassed this Target employee over an electric toothbrush, and then blasted her on Twitter to his 215k followers. Lets send her on a vacation.'

Photos posted on the site to show she had been contacted over the donations, Perrotti was pictured holding a sign that read: 'Thank you for your kindness!'

A Target spokesperson said said the company backed their 'hard working team members'.

A statement to The Herald News: 'At Target, we're grateful for the hard work our team members put in each day to serve our guests in our stores.

'We're working closely with our store team on this and appreciate the messages of support the team has received from guests.'
Around 20 women along with children gathered outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday night to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act ahead of the hearing on the contentious law in the apex court.

The protesters squatted at the front gate of the Supreme Court, following which police dispersed them from the area, a police official said.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which had issued notice to the Centre on December 18 on various pleas is likely to hear a batch of 143 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

CAA seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014.
An Olympic gold medal-winning canoeist convicted of a public order offence after Extinction Rebellion protests has said he acted out of fear for the future of the planet.

Etienne Stott, 40, was found guilty at City of London Magistrates' Court on Tuesday following his involvement in climate demonstrations last year.

He was arrested on Waterloo Bridge in April with other protesters after they refused to comply with conditions imposed by police.

Etienne Stott, 40, was found guilty at City of London Magistrates' Court on Tuesday following his involvement in climate demonstrations last year. He was arrested on Waterloo Bridge in April with other protesters after they refused to comply with conditions imposed by police

Stott, from Nottingham, won the slalom event with his partner Tim Baillie at the London 2012 Olympic Games and was awarded an MBE for services to canoeing the following year. He retired from the sport in 2016.

Stott, from Nottingham, won the slalom event with his partner Tim Baillie at the London 2012 Olympic Games and was awarded an MBE for services to canoeing the following year. He retired from the sport in 2016.

The Metropolitan Police had ordered protesters to move to another site at Marble Arch.

Dressed in a grey suit and wearing an Extinction Rebellion pin on his jacket lapel, Stott said he acted out of a 'sense of fear' and a 'sense of duty'.

He told the court he fears we are 'facing the collapse of civilisation', adding: 'It brings really vivid thoughts and images to my mind.'

Judge Michael Snow said Stott's Olympic triumph was 'impressive', to which the defendant replied: 'Everyone has a good moment here and there.'

Stott, from Nottingham, won the slalom event with his partner Tim Baillie at the London 2012 Olympic Games and was awarded an MBE for services to canoeing the following year. He retired from the sport in 2016

Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott of Great Britain pose with their gold medals during the medal ceremony after the Men's Canoe Double (C2) Slalom final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Lee Valley White Water Centre on August 2, 2012 in London

Stott, who took his Olympic medal with him to court, said he thinks about the future of his friend's children, telling the court: 'My heart breaks when I think about it.'

He also said he is scared for himself, adding: 'For me, the stakes are too high and I must get my message through.'

Representing himself in the trial, Stott said: 'As a good person, with a voice and a platform, I feel it was my duty to act in the way that I did.'

He told the judge: 'We will be vindicated sooner or later and I happen to believe it will be sooner.'

The judge said: 'I have a responsibility for coordinating the XR trials and I have tried a significant number of cases now.

'What has leapt out is the fact that the defendants have all been polite, all have been engaged, all have been keen to say how grateful they are to the police for the humane way they were dealt with. I've only heard one defendant use bad language.

'What has been a unifying theme of these trials is that the defendants have been committed to a cause they truly believe in, they have acted disobediently in the sense they haven't cooperated with the authorities but at no stage have they offered violence either verbal or physical.

Stott, from Nottingham, won the slalom event with his partner Tim Baillie at the London 2012 Olympic Games and was awarded an MBE for services to canoeing the following year. He retired from the sport in 2016

'On the whole I have found them to be impressive people. Mr Stott stands out from that already impressive group as being hugely impressive in his own right.

'Not only giving joy to many people but since that date he has demonstrated his commitment to the community at large through his work at schools and colleges and with the young.

'He believes he can see on the horizon the four horsemen of the apocalypse riding towards us because of a failure to address environmental breakdown and climate change.

'I have absolutely no hesitation in recognising that he is a man of commitment to his cause and it's a cause he's anxious to highlight.

'Following the first protests there was some movement clearly within the political establishment.

'Mr Stott is a man of good character. He is a man who has no propensity to commit this or any other criminal act.'

But the judge added: 'Fifty five bus routes have been delayed, cancelled or terminated early and it's estimated that 500,000 passengers were affected on 15 April.

'Reports at Marble Arch were that severe disruption to construction works which was costing 125,000 per day.

'Westminster Council reported concerns about its inability to access the highway. There was a serious impact on business and an ability to operate normally.

'I recognise that some of those concerns don't relate immediately to Waterloo Bridge but that impact would be a cumulative effect because the effect ripples out through London.

'The police did not prevent the protest from continuing, moving it to Marble Arch. This would have still caused serious disruption at that sight and would still have obtained significant publicity as a result of the disruption.

'There's a problem with your approach legally because it's saving the lives of unknown persons in an unknown place in the future.

'So necessity is not available to me as a defence argument because there is an insufficient link between the lives you're trying to save and the act. So I do find you guilty.'

The judge said that Stott would not be jailed due to his previous good character and passionate belief in climate change.

'Where the individuals have otherwise behaved entirely properly and where they're campaigning about a cause they care about deeply, it's appropriate to deal with them by conditional discharge.

'You become a person of good character again afterwards.'

Stott said outside court: 'I'm disappointed that there's no link being made between the disruption we caused and the disruption to come, because it will be hellish disruption.

'XR will carry on protesting. We're not yet on a safe course and I still feel the same responsibility.

'We have three demands, act now, tell the truth and establish a Citizen's Assembly so that the government abide by ordinary people and so that people aren't left behind.'

Stott, of Nottingham, denied but was convicted of breaching a Section 14 Notice of the Public Order Act 1986.

He received a conditional discharge for nine months and ordered to pay 300 in costs.
(Newser)  The photos are jarring and have been seen around the world: malnourished lions kept in rusted cages at a Sudanese zoo that can no longer afford to care for them. Osman Salih, the activist who first posted the photos to Facebook, wrote that "their bones are protruding from the skin." Some of the animals were said to weigh just one-third of what they once did. "Food is not always available, so often we buy it from our own money to feed them," said a park manager, per AFP. Original reports put the number of skeletal lions left at the zoo in Khartoum at five, but the flurry of recent attention they received apparently wasn't enough: Another activist says two of them have since died, leaving two lions and a lioness, reports the AP.

story continues below

"Today was a positive day" at the park, however, Salih had posted Sunday. Donors brought meat, as well as antibiotics and IV drips, per India Today, and volunteers cleaned up the zoo and did maintenance work. Sudan's skyrocketing food prices sparked a 2019 protest movement that led to the removal of longtime autocratic President Omar al-Bashir. The AP notes that the US currently lists Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, which prevents the zoo from receiving funds from US platforms like GoFundMe. Salih says he's looking for other ways to facilitate donations. (Read more lion stories.)
The U.S. Embassy in Libya said on Tuesday that the countrys National Oil Corporation (NOC) should be allowed to immediately resume oil operations that were suspended over the weekend after groups loyal to General Khalifa Haftar blocked virtually all oil production and exports from the African oil producer.

We are deeply concerned that the suspension of National Oil Corporation (NOC) operations risks exacerbating the humanitarian emergency in Libya and inflicting further needless suffering on the Libyan people. NOC operations should resume immediately, the U.S. Embassy in Libya said, as the OPEC members major oil export pipelines and ports remained blocked for a third day.

On Sunday, 800,000 bpdmore than half of Libyas oil production of around 1.4 million bpdwas taken offline after forces loyal to Haftar blocked the oil ports in eastern Libya which are under the control of Haftars Libyan National Army (LNA). The move came ahead of an international conference in Berlin between Haftar and the Government of National Accord (GNA), which is backed by the UN.

After the calls for port blockades on Friday, Libyas NOC said in a statement, via its chairman Mustafa Sanalla:

If the fields are shut, the production loss will be immediate. We have limited available storage at our main ports. If they are closed, we will need to reduce production immediately, and to shut down entirely when available storage is filled. That could be in as little as five days.

On Saturday, NOC declared force majeure after LNA blockaded oil exports from the Brega, Ras Lanuf, Hariga, Zueitina, and Sidra ports in the east.



Related: 800,000 Bpd Offline After Haftar Affiliates Halt Exports

Haftars forces also blocked production at the El Feel and Sharara fields in southern Libya and the crude transportation from those fields to the Zawiya export terminal.

Oil prices rose on Monday on the news that Libyas production is suspended, but prices dropped on Tuesday as the market appears confident that the current oversupply can absorb an outage in Libya.

Market participants appear to fret less about supply disruptions in the Middle East or at least the risk of disruptions thanks to the impressive growth we have seen in US output over recent years, Warren Patterson, INGs Head of Commodities Strategy and Senior Commodities Strategist Wenyu Yao, said on Tuesday.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Comoros President Azali Assoumanis party has swept to victory in a parliamentary election boycotted by the opposition, according to official results.

The Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) won 17 out of 24 legislative seats, while two other seats went to parties in the presidential coalition.

A second round of voting will take place on February 23 to allocate the remaining five seats, the electoral commission said on Monday.

Opposition parties stayed away from the weekend contest in the Indian Ocean islands national assembly after saying they had failed to obtain guarantees of a transparent, free and democratic election.

Comoros has had a volatile political history since independence in 1975, enduring more than 20 attempted coups, four of which were successful.

Opposition parties said voter turnout was about 10 percent, dismissing the electoral bodys declared estimate of 61.5 percent [Ibrahim Youssouf/AFP]

Azali himself initially came to power in a coup, then ruled between 1999 and 2006. He was re-elected in 2016 in a vote marred by violence and allegations of irregularities.

In a statement, opposition parties described the election as a circus and an electoral masquerade, estimating a voter turnout of only about 10 percent, dismissing the electoral commissions declared estimate of 61.5 percent.

Comorans have again displayed their final rejection of the dictatorship regime by deserting the polling stations, the parties said.

Azali oversaw a referendum in 2018  boycotted by the opposition  that approved extending the presidential mandate from one five-year term to two.

He secured a second consecutive term in last years polls which critics alleged were rigged and witnesses said ballot boxes were stuffed.

The president has denied the allegations and regretted the oppositions absence in the weekend vote.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling for the leader of Russia's Republic of Chuvashia in the Volga region to be tried for inciting violence when he said journalists who constantly criticize the government should be "wiped out."



Speaking on January 18, which marked Press Day in Russia, Mikhail Ignatyev urged journalists to "wipe out" colleagues who "criticize from morning to night." The word he used for wipe out" was "mochit" -- a Russian underworld slang term.



Ignatyev accused critical journalists of causing "street protests," among other things.



Jeanne Cavelier, the head of RSFs Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, said in a statement on January 21 that "nothing can justify such violence from a politician."

OSCE Representative for Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir also denounced Ignatyevs dangerous statement, saying: Such a declaration from a public official is unacceptable and may endanger journalists safety.

Cavelier called for Ignatyev to resign for violating Chuvashias constitution, which says its president must protect the citizens freedom and human rights.



He should also be put on trial for inciting hatred against a social group under Russias penal code, she said.



Following an outcry over his comments, Ignatyev issued a partial apology that had the sole aim of reinforcing his criticism of outspoken journalists," according to Cavelier.



Chuvashias head on January 20 apologized "as a kind-hearted person" to those he might have "upset" by his use of the term wipe out."



He added that he was referring to "people who claim to be journalists but have just one aim -- to discredit the authorities by all means possible."



Russia is ranked 149th out of 180 countries in RSFs 2019 World Press Freedom Index.
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Maracasso prevailed by a nose in the $11,500 Preferred 2 Handicap Pace on Monday (Jan. 20) following a delay to the evening's feature (Race 10) caused by a reported power surge that forced a reboot of the track lighting at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Driven by Travis Henry, Maracasso established the lead over 6-5 favourite Pro Beach through a :27.1 quarter with Levis Day following back in third. Avatar J launched a first-up attack at the :56.4 half-mile mark and headed the front-runner by the next marker in 1:25.4 with Mr Mach Jimmy gapping his on cover. However, Maracasso fought back down the stretch to score in 1:56.2 while Mr Mach Jimmy closed three-wide into the win photo.

Maracasso held on to record his 23rd career victory, a nose in front of Mr Mach Jimmy with Avatar J finishing third in between. Sent postward at odds of 6-1, the eight-year-old gelded son of Lis Mara paid $14.10 to win.

Now boasting a six-figure bankroll, Maracasso has won his last two appearances at The Raceway out of three starts in the care of Frederick Bourgault, who trains for Ecurie Alpha of Metabetchouan, Que.

Favourite Bettors Western ($6.40) led all the way in the $9,400 Preferred 3 Pace earlier on the card, going the added distance of 1-1/16 miles in 2:05. The six-year-old Bettors Delight gelding won by three lengths over Supersport and Bit Of Luck with Brett MacDonald in the race bike for his father Ron, who trains for Synerco Ventures Inc.

To view Monday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Monday Results - Western Fair.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care, has selected four finalists from across the country to participate in the Caring for Caregivers Health Innovation Challenge.

The GuideWell Health Innovation Challenge is designed to provide opportunities for companies or non-profits to develop approaches and solutions that improve the health of people and communities across our country. This year's competition focuses on easing the burden for at-home family caregivers.

"We understand the challenges family caregivers face on a daily basis, which is why we wanted to find solutions that could help reduce stress and improve the quality of life for caregivers," said Kirstie McCool, executive director of GuideWell Innovation. "Improving people's health is at the core of what we do as a company and we look forward to working with the four finalists as they take their solutions to the next level to empower caregivers and care recipients."

A national panel of judges comprised of subject matter experts from various senior-care organizations selected the finalists from a pool of about 100 applicants.

The four finalists are:

Carallel, LLC (Lake Forest, Ill.): Through the use of a digital platform, Carallel provides tools and personal guidance to help caregivers manage their caregiving responsibilities in one place. "MyCareDesk" is a fully-integrated support system that assists caregivers with planning and coordinating tasks and accessing resources across a range of topics including senior living, in-home care, health, wealth and lifestyle.

Embodied Labs (Los Angeles): Using a virtual reality (VR) training platform designed for family caregivers, care partners or anyone providing support to care recipients, Embodied Labs simulates what it is like to like to live with certain health conditions. The immersive technology provides a unique learning experience that allows caregivers to experience life from the perspective of someone in need of caregiving.

LifePod Solutions, Inc. (Boston): LifePod is a proactive voice caregiving service that monitors and supports older adults in their homes and provides real-time alerts, daily reports and peace of mind to caregivers. Through the use of a smart speaker, LifePod can be set up and controlled by a remote caregiver using an intuitive, online portal to configure and schedule check-ins, reminders and virtual companionship.

TCARE, Inc. (St. Louis): The evidence-based IT software system is designed to delay nursing home placement, reduce caregiver burnout and help family caregivers keep their loved ones at home longer. Through a cloud-based management system, TCare provides care planning tools, assessments, community resource links and decision-making software to support informal caregivers and help reduce caregiving stress.

GuideWell announced the nationwide challenge in September, encouraging companies with solutions focused on improving the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients to apply for the program.

Each of the finalists will receive $50,000 along with an opportunity to move on to the validation phase of the competition, where they will collaborate with high-level executives and subject matter experts from GuideWell. Throughout the three-month process, finalists will validate the market viability of their business model by demonstrating the capability to scale their approach.

The validation phase kicks off Feb. 24 at the GuideWell Innovation Center in Orlando's Lake Nona Medical City where finalists will have an opportunity to network with mentors and pitch their ideas in front of a live audience.

Following the validation phase, up to two finalists may be awarded an additional $50,000 along with an opportunity to partner with GuideWell to pilot their solution.

About GuideWell

GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell) is a not-for-profit mutual holding company and the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care. The GuideWell organization includes the leading health insurance company in Florida; a portfolio of clinical delivery organizations; a health care consumer marketing, sales and engagement company; a provider of administrative services to state and federal health care programs; and a leader in risk adjustment and population care management. The GuideWell enterprise serves 27 million people in 35 states and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. For more information, visit www.guidewell.com.

SOURCE GuideWell

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SHELTON, Conn., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BIC, a recognized world leader in manufacturing safe, high-quality stationery, lighters and shavers, defeated Arrow Lighter, Inc. (Arrow) in BIC's lawsuit filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC). As part of BIC's victory, Arrow has agreed to no longer sell certain low-quality, knockoff lighter models anywhere in the world. The lighters, branded "MK" and produced by Arrow, imitate the iconic shape and design of BIC's lighters without upholding BIC's stringent safety standards.

This infringement of BIC's registered trademarks not only threatened to negatively impact the brand equity and reputation that BIC has earned in connection with its pocket lighters, but more importantly introduced into the marketplace copycat products without the same safety and quality standards as BIC. The Arrow products were likely to confuse and mislead consumers.

"Safety is a cornerstone of BIC's business and is the number one priority for BIC Lighters, so we take it seriously when another brand tries to pass for a BIC," said Steve Burkhart, Vice President and General Counsel at BIC. "Unfortunately, low-quality non-compliant imported lighters are rampant in the U.S. market, an overwhelming majority of which fail safety standards set forth by ASTM International, meaning they can lead to serious fires, damage or injuries. BIC routinely tests competitor lighters, consistently finding imported knockoffs that fail to meet these standards. BIC's win not only protects BIC's customers, employees and shareholders, it protects all consumers by removing non-compliant imported lighters from the U.S. market."

In December of 2018, BIC filed two lawsuits to stop the importation and sale of low-quality, Chinese-made, knockoff pocket lighters in the United States. Those lawsuits were filed in the ITC and the United States Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York. BIC continues to litigate against other defendants.

As part of the resolution, Arrow is also required to liquidate any current inventory of these lighters by Oct. 21, 2020. Arrow models that will no longer be in production include Arrow Product Nos. ZY-7G, ZY-5G, ZY-8G, ZY-30E (MK Dura) and ZY-7G MT (Metal Flint Gold and Silver).

BIC urges consumers and customers to always confirm they are purchasing a safe, high-quality BIC lighter, buying only from reputable retailers. Safety is a cornerstone of BIC's business and is the number one priority of BIC lighters, which are fully compliant with all applicable government regulations in every country where BIC operates, and meet or exceed all international safety standards.

For more information about BIC's commitment to safety, please visit bicworld.com.

For more information on the background of the lawsuit, view BIC's initial press release here.

The cases are entitled U.S. International Trade Commission ("ITC"), In the Matter of Certain Pocket Lighters, Inv. No. 337-TA-1142 and BIC Corporation v. Arrow Lighter, Inc. d/b/a MK Lighter, Inc. and MK Lighter Company, et al., Case No. 1:18-cv-06922-DLI-PK, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Jordan L. Coyle and Peter Vogl with Orrick Harrington & Sutcliffe, LLP represented BIC Corporation. The Defaulting Respondents are: Wellpine Company Limited; Milan Import Company, LLC; and Guangdong Zhuoye Lighter Manufacturing Co. Ltd. a/k/a Zhuoye Lighter Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

About BIC

BIC is a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, with its global headquarters in France and its U.S. headquarters in Shelton, Conn. For more than 75 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication and thanks to everyday efforts and investments, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide. Today, BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.bicworld.com.

Media contact: Alison Centorino, [email protected], 203-783-2051

SOURCE BIC Corporation

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Bangladesh: 26 Indian fishermen detained for intrusion in Bagerhat

January 21,2020 | Source: Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh Navy detained 26 Indian fishermen, and seized two fishing trawlers that were fishing illegally inside Bangladeshi maritime boundary in Bagerhat.



The identities of the detained are yet to be confirmed. A team of navy arrested 26 Indian fishermen and seized two fishing trawlers FB Shongkho Pradeep and Maa Mangal from the Bay of Bengal on Saturday evening , said Md Ahad, Sub Inspector(SI) of Mongla police station. A case was filed against them under the Maritime Zones Act and they will be sent to Bagerhat jail on Sunday morning, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 03:00:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAGHDAD, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday that firing rockets at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad is unacceptable and harms Iraq.

"Yesterday, Katyusha rockets were fired at the U.S. embassy, and this is painful and incorrect ... Who authorizes those parties to attack the embassy in Iraq?" Abdul Mahdi's office said in a statement after the weekly cabinet meeting.

"This act offends Iraq and is unacceptable regardless of their intentions," Abdul Mahdi said without naming the attackers.

Late on Monday, an Iraqi interior ministry's official told Xinhua that three Katyusha rockets landed near the U.S. embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad without causing casualties.

The heavily fortified Green Zone has been frequently targeted by insurgents' mortar and rocket attacks. The roughly 10-square-km zone is located on the west bank of the Tigris River, which bisects the Iraqi capital.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack which came after growing tensions between the United States and Iran.

On Jan. 8, Iran fired ballistic missiles on military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.

The Iranian attack came after a U.S. drone attacked on Jan. 3 a convoy at Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces.

More than 5,000 U.S. troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants.
Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings Company Limited (HKG:6830) shareholders might be concerned after seeing the share price drop 10% in the last month. But that shouldn't obscure the pleasing returns achieved by shareholders over the last three years. In the last three years the share price is up, 46%: better than the market.

See our latest analysis for Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. 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.

Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings was able to grow its EPS at 17% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. The average annual share price increase of 13% is actually lower than the EPS growth. So one could reasonably conclude that the market has cooled on the stock.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

SEHK:6830 Past and Future Earnings, January 21st 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 interactive report on Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings the TSR over the last 3 years was 48%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

While the broader market gained around 9.9% in the last year, Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings shareholders lost 23% (even including dividends) . Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Longer term investors wouldn't be so upset, since they would have made 5.2%, each year, over five years. If the fundamental data continues to indicate long term sustainable growth, the current sell-off could be an opportunity worth considering. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Take risks, for example - Huazhong In-Vehicle Holdings has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

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 HK exchanges.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
OTTAWA - Canada will move swiftly next week to formally approve North Americas new, long-delayed free trade pact, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.

The government will introduce a motion to apply some of its elements Jan. 27 when Parliament resumes, and will table legislation to ratify the deal two days later, he said.

Passing the new NAFTA in Parliament is our priority, Trudeau said at the end of a cabinet retreat in Winnipeg.

Millions of Canadians depend on stable, reliable trade with our largest trading partners, from farmers in Alberta and autoworkers in Windsor, to aluminum producers in Saguenay and entrepreneurs in St Johns or in Vancouver.

It is expected that the opposition Conservatives, who are ardent supporters of free trade, will support the legislation when Canadas new minority Parliament reconvenes.

That would remove the final legal hurdle in preserving continent-wide trade after President Donald Trump foisted the acrimonious renegotiation of the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement on Canada and Mexico in 2017.

Trump threatened repeatedly to rip up the original NAFTA, a Sword of Damocles that hung over more than a year of negotiations that were key to Canadas economy.

The fate of numerous sectors, including the auto industry, agriculture and manufacturing were on the line in the talks.

The U.S. is Canadas top trading partner and the Trudeau government made major policy changes to preserve access to the crucial market in the face of the mercurial presidents protectionist threats.

Last week, the Republican-led U.S. Senate passed its implementation bill for the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The Liberal government had been waiting for the U.S. to formally ratify the pact before passing its own bill, after Mexico ratified the deal back in June.

Mexicos top trade negotiator, Jesus Seade, welcomed Trudeaus announcement.

We celebrate the decision by Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau to hasten the process of ratification of the #USMCA: our new framework that will greatly benefit our three countries employment, industry and peoples, Seade said on Twitter.

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, whose party holds third-place status in the House of Commons, suggested Tuesday hes not in a big hurry to ratify. Blanchet emerged from his partys caucus retreat in Montreal to say the Bloc will push for a full debate and Commons committee hearings on the new deal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
Prince Harry is relying on Meghan Markle's mother for advice and support in Princess Diana's absence as he transitions from his role as a senior working royal, a source has claimed.

Doria Ragland, 63, who lives in LA, is thought to have spent part of Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan's, 38, six-week Christmas break in Vancouver Island with the couple and their son Archie.

And now a royal source has revealed that the Duke of Sussex has grown incredibly close to Doria, who has been a 'tower of strength' for the couple over the past few months.

The source told The Sun: 'Harry obviously doesnt have a mum whom he can turn to for advice, but he has always been incredibly close to Doria and never more so than now.'

Prince Harry, 35, is said to be relying on the advice of Meghan Markle's, 38, mother Doria Ragland, 63, in the absence of his own mother

The Duke of Sussex has openly spoken of his grief for Princess Diana in recent months, and is said to be relying on Doria in her absence

The couple are said to have been in constant touch with the LA-based yoga teacher, who has been advising them on their decision to leave their roles as working royals.

The source said Prince Harry has a huge amount of respect for Doria and her judgement, so she has been kept constantly in the loop about their plans to quit.

The source said: 'Harry has a huge amount of respect for her and for her judgement which is why he and Meghan have both spoken to her throughout about what they planned to do.'

They also revealed that while Doria supports the couple wholeheartedly, she told them to be mindful about their choices because it's likely that there's no going back.

The source claimed Prince Harry and Meghan have kept Doria constantly in the loop about their decision to quit the royal family

Prince Harry and Doria also reportedly bonded over their shared priority of wanting Meghan to be happy, making their relationship stronger than ever.

The Duke of Sussex has openly spoken of his grief for his mother in several speeches over the past few months.

On Sunday night the Duke of Sussex said he was 'taking a leap of faith' in stepping back from his life as a member of the royal family, but 'there really was no other option'.

Harry gave an emotional speech, where he told the 'truth' about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a 'more peaceful life' for his family.

The couple are said to be closer than ever to Meghan's mother, who is providing advice and support for them while they make their step back from royal life

He said: 'I was born into this life and it is a great honour to serve my country and the Queen. When I lost my mum 23 years ago you took me under your wing.'

And in October during ITV's explosive documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, Prince Harry spoke about the 'festering wound' his mother's death left in his life.

In a heartbreaking interview, the Duke told ITV News at Ten anchor, Tom Bradby, that every click and flash of a camera in the public eye gives him 'the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best'.

Last night Prince Harry arrived in Canada to begin his new life in Canada with Meghan and their eight-month-old son Archie away from the Royal Family.

It has been predicted that Meghan's mother will be more actively involved in Archie's upbringing after the move.

Now he will no longer use his courtesy HRH title - although the Queen did not formally strip it. He will be known simply as the Duke of Sussex.

Critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.
In New Jersey, ex firefighter Jimmy Karlbon's 6-year-old daughter is being showered with praises for her quick-thinking. The little girl apparently woke up to the sound of the activated smoke detector, saw smoke and immediately ran to wake up her dad.

Facebook

According to Avenel Fire Department, her prompt reaction helped her family escape the fire, but thanks to the efforts of young Madalyn Karlbon no one was hurt.

'This little girl right here, Madalyn Karlbon, the daughter of FF Karlbon who is just 6 years old woke up to the sound of the activated smoke detector, saw the smoke and immediately ran to awake her dad and alert him of the fire', the department wrote.





'Without any hesitation she jumped into action and ultimately saved the lives of her family by remembering all she was taught during fire prevention week and through the vast knowledge that her dad and fellow firefighter family has instilled in her', they added.





While the entire family made it out safely, they lost almost all of their belongings as the house is 'currently deemed inhabitable and they have been temporarily relocated to a hotel while the necessary procedures are completed', the fire department said.

According to the Facebook post, the fire company has rallied together to set up a fund to collect donations for the family.
Andy King is the only person to emerge from the wreckage of Fyre Fest with a viral following and business prospects (sorry Ja Rule, the tax app is not going to happen). On the anniversary of the Netflix Fyre Fest documentary that made him famous, King revealed a new partnership with fancy water brand Evian on Instagram, including a line of bottles baring the slogan "So good you'd do anything for it."

In case your brain hasn't been broken by Twitter, the perpetually cheerful events producer went viral last year after recounting in Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, how he agreed to suck a customs officer's dick to get water shipped onto Exuma Island, as a favor to Billy McFarland.

As legend has it:

"Billy called and said, 'Andy, we need you to take one big thing for the team,'" King said. "'You're our wonderful gay leader, and we need you to go down. Will you suck dick to fix this water problem?' I literally drove home, took a shower, I drank some mouthwash. I got into my car to drive across the island to take one for the team. And I got to [the head of customs'] office, fully prepared to suck his dick."

Related | How Bottled Water Became a Celebrity Status Symbol

Congrats to Andy on his first sponcon! He joins a long line of prominent Evian partners, including Lea Michele, Luka Sabbat, Maria Sharapova and Kylie. Of course, if anyone deserves to profit off the Fyre Fest scandal it's certainly not King, but rather the Bahamian business-owners and service and construction workers who got more fucked over than any attendee or investor. But you have to hand it to King, who has "FYRE Festival Survivor " in his Instagram bio... lemons, lemonade, etc.

The unlikely gay icon seems to have made an entire new career as an influencer-celebrity personality. He recently told TMZ he has various TV and movie projects in the works, describing his new career prospects as rising "to the top like the phoenix." King ultimately has Netflix to thank for his windfall: he begged producers to edit the blowjob story out of Fyre. They knew better.
KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine wants to speak to Germany and France about an increase in shooting in the east of the country, Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said on Monday.

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 10 were wounded at the weekend in the eastern Donbass region, where fighting between Russia-backed separatist fighters and Ukraine's armed forces began in 2014.

The separatists did not immediately comment on the latest incident but each side blames the other for recent violence.

France and Germany have been trying to broker an end to the conflict at talks with Russia and Ukraine in what is known as the Normandy format. They hope to build on a ceasefire agreement that was reached in the Belarussian capital, Minsk, but has failed to end the conflict.

Although the intensity of fighting has dropped, shelling and shooting continues on the contact line between the separatists and Ukrainian soldiers, some of whom wait in trenches now tipped in places by ice and snow.

"As for the Minsk process and intensification of shooting attacks - we are concerned about it, no doubts," Prystaiko told a joint news conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

He said Kiev had discussed the latest violence with the head of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which monitors the situation in eastern Ukraine.

"I think there will be a reaction from the Ukrainian side to such shooting attacks. We will try to contact our Normandy partners urgently because, like you, we see that agreements do not work," Prystaiko said.

More than 13,000 people have been killed in the fighting since 2014.

At a four-way summit with the leaders of France and Germany last month the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy, agreed to commit to the full and comprehensive implementation of a ceasefire.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Help with virtual house calls

Anyone remember the tricorder from Star Trek, a handheld medical device that can scan a person and diagnose diseases and other ailments?

While the tricorder is science fiction, the next best thing may be the MedWand, which is due out later this year for $399, pending Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

About the size of a computer mouse, MedWand is a portable diagnostic tool that lets a physician remotely assess a patient. You can be sick in bed or live in a remote town, but a doctor could virtually scan you via this gadget you own when it's connected to your computer's USB port.

The second generation of the device is said to be wireless.

How does it work? This telemedicine solution has 10 scopes and sensors, including a blood pressure monitor, a dermatoscope for skin exams, an electrocardiograph, an ophthalmoscope for eye exams, an otoscope for ear exams, a pulse oximeter to help measure respiratory rates, a stethoscope for lung exams, a thermometer that doesn't require skin contact and a throat illuminator.

Samir Qamar, chief executive of Las Vegas-based MedWand, says this tool shouldn't be used for self-diagnosis but rather guided by a physician in real time or by a professional reading the captured data.
President Trump said he'd be willing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum, which could create an awkward splitscreen as the Senate begins his impeachment trial back home.

'I think he's a really great guy,' Trump told the Wall Street Journal in a sit-down with the paper during the Davos, Switzerland summit. 'I didn't know he was here. I don't think we had it planned.'

Trump didn't have it planned as the White House sent out his meeting schedule Monday night in advance of his first Davos appearance and Zelensky's name was not on it.

President Trump said he was open to meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who's a central character in his impeachment

President Trump (left) made the comments to the Wall Street Journal Tuesday afternoon as he was booked meeting other world leaders including Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga (right)

President Trump (left) is in Davos, Switzerland with a delegation from the White House (right) as his impeachment trial in the Senate officially kicks off

Zelensky is a central character in the impeachment.

The Democrat-led House of Representatives impeached Trump on December 18 over a pressure campaign to have Zelensky announce he was investigating Joe and Hunter Biden.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is a top 2020 Democratic hopefuls.

The Trump White House is accused of holding up nearly $400 million in military aid in Ukraine in a push to have Zelensky announce the Biden investigation and one into the origins of the 2016 Russia probe.

The scheme was uncovered when a whistleblower reported on Trump's actions during a July 25 phone conversation with Zelensky.

Since then, Trump has continued to describe it as a 'perfect call.'

He met with Zelensky previously on the sidelines of September's United Nations General Assembly in New York.

On Tuesday at Davos, Trump tried to avoid impeachment-related questions.

President Trump (right) previously met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2019

Upon entering the main venue at the World Economic Forum, the Congress Centre, Trump gave his usual answer about impeachment proceedings, calling them a 'witchhunt.'

During his speech he stuck to praising the American economy under his leadership and mocking climate change activists like Swedish teen Greta Thunberg who are dominating the conversation at Davos.

And during his Tuesday afternoon meetings with leaders, he also brushed off questions about the Senate trial.

Trump will attend an early dinner with leaders at the conference and then is expected to turn in at his hotel by 8 p.m. Tuesday night.

WIth the six-hour time difference, however, that means Trump could settle in during peak viewing hours and live-tweet the beginning of the trial.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 13:55:24|Editor: huaxia

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TEHRAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed shortly after takeoff in the Iranian capital on Jan. 8 was hit by two short-range TOR-M1 missiles, Iranian state IRIB TV reported Tuesday.

"Two TOR-M1 missiles were launched from the northern side at this plane," the TV said, citing the latest report by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization.

"The way how the missiles caused the incident and the analysis of this measure is under study," the report added.

The Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Tehran to Kiev crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all the 176 passengers and crew members on board.

Three days later, Iran's armed forces confirmed that the airliner was shot down "unintentionally" by the military, as the plane "was mistaken for a hostile target" near an Iranian "sensitive military site of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)."

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. Hours before the crash, Iran launched missile attacks on two Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops, in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC.
Attacking the opposition for "misleading" people on the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister on Tuesday said the law will not be scrapped despite the protests over it.

Addressing a rally in Lucknow in support of the CAA, Shah also declared that construction of a Ram temple touching the skies in Ayodhya will begin within three months.

He said there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone's citizenship away. A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP, and Trinamool Congress.

The CAA is a law to grant citizenship, he added.

I want to say that irrespective of the protests this will not be withdrawn," he added.

Shah challenged Congress and other opposition leaders to hold a discussion with him on the CAA at a public forum.

He named Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee while throwing the challenge.

"Congress has become blind due to vote bank politics,"he said. He also balmed the Congress for Partition.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21) Heads up, commuters!

Motorcycle taxis will still be allowed to ply the roads of the metro as the Transport Departments pilot program stays for now, a top official of the technical working group (TWG) told CNN Philippines Tuesday.

Itutuloy po natin yan (we will continue it), but then we will come up with guidelines, we will talk to the providers with guidance of the (Transport) Secretary, Antonio Gardiola, chairman of the group studying the legality of motorcycles-for-hire, said in an interview with The Source.

Gardiola earlier said transport officials would have to terminate the test run and declare motorcycle taxis as illegal, as they had not gathered sufficient data on their safety, despite the studys three-month extension. The move drew flak not only from affected stakeholders, but also from netizens and lawmakers.

Gardiola said the group made the decision upon taking into consideration the sentiments of senators.

With the recent developments during the Senate hearing, the sentiment of the senators is to continue the study, the chairman said. It was the sentiments... of course I understand the need of the commuters as an alternative mode, I understand that."

Members of the Senate public services committee, particularly chair Grace Poe, took a swipe at the TWG after the latter initially recommended the ban on motorcycle taxis.

Poe said Congress cannot be pressured into passing a measure just because of the groups "inability to get data." She added the vehicles have been seen as the most viable transportation alternative for daily commuters.

With the ban held off, the senator hopes the concerned agencies will devote "adequate time and effort" to thoroughly study the viability and safety of this mode of transportation.

"The continuation of the pilot operation of (the) motorcycle taxi is a triumph for commuters in need of alternative mode of transportation," Poe said in a statement.

"We hope the concerned agencies will devote adequate time and effort to thoroughly study its viability and safety, and come up with a comprehensive report that could aid Congress in legislating appropriate law," she added.

Technical working group to meet with motor taxi providers

Transport officials are also set to meet with representatives of the motorcycle taxi providers  Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It  on Tuesday afternoon to go over the guidelines of the pilot program.

I've already talked with the DOTr (Department of Transportation), we will have a meeting with the providers, I think this afternoon, para ma-thresh out namin kung ano ang dapat gawin (so we can thresh out what we need to do) if this will push through, Gardiola said.

Both Angkas and JoyRide meanwhile welcomed the groups latest decision, adding the companies are open to talks with transport officials regarding the rules of the study.

Angkas, for its part, also hopes the TWGs blacklist recommendation against its services wont push through.

This blacklist is something that can be avoided. I don't believe we're grossly defiant, Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca told CNN Philippines.

Hopefully, kasama kami sa pagtuloy ng pilot run (were still included in the continuation of the pilot run).

The governments pilot program was launched in 2019 to guide legislators as they tackle the viability of motorcycle taxis.

Under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, only four-wheeled vehicles can register with the Land Transportation Office to transport passengers and goods.

CNN Philippines Alyssa Rola and Melissa Lopez contributed to this report.
The corporate index evaluates companies in five categories: non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality, and responsible citizenship.

The results showcase how companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the United States, but also helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad.

"The impact of the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe," said HRC President Alphonso David. "These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do  it is also the best business decision. In addition, many of these leaders are also advocating for the LGBTQ community and equality under the law in the public square."

In addition to non-discrimination workplace protections, Katten offers benefits, including health care, leave and other assistance that extend to same-sex spouses and domestic partners as well as transgender individuals.

Katten's LGBT Coalition helps the firm foster an inclusive environment for attorneys and business professionals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender by providing educational and business opportunities. The firm supports organizations that work toward equal rights for LGBTQ individuals and families in broader communities.

On a pro bono basis, Katten has represented LGBTQ individuals seeking asylum, fleeing persecution in the United States and abroad, and generally facing discrimination. Katten has sponsored the Equality Illinois Gala and the Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair, which last year coincided with the firm's biennial LGBT Attorney Retreat. Further, Katten has provided financial support to the LGBT Bar Association of Los Angeles and the LGBT Bar Association Foundation of Greater New York.

"Inclusive policies, activities and initiatives at Katten that promote equality and support diversity strengthen the firm and uplift the LGBTQ community, making Katten a place where people want to work and where clients want to do business," said partner Peter Ballance, co-chair of Katten's LGBT Coalition.

Katten is a full-service law firm with nearly 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include commercial finance, corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, and trusts and estates. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com .

SOURCE Katten

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The US Justice Department unveiled murder and conspiracy charges Thursday against a Malian who played a "central role" in suicide bomb attacks in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast in 2016 that killed 49. The department said Mimi Ould Baba, 32, assisted the planning and preparation of the attacks by two designated terror groups, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and al-Murabitoun. In the January 15, 2016 attack on the Cafe Cappuccino and Hotel Splendid in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Baba conducted surveillance, helped store weapons and grenades used in the attack, and conducted a walk-through by three suicide bombers, it said. That attack, combining suicide bombers and gunmen, left 30 people dead, many of them foreigners, including an American, Michael Riddering, three French and six Canadians. Two months later, on March 13, 2016, Baba allegedly planned a similar attack on resort patrons along the beach of Grand Bassam in Ivory Coast. The Justice department said he helped plan the attack and find three suicide bombers, and procured a vehicle which was used to transport the AK-47s and grenades used by the attackers. That attack left 19 people dead, including 11 Ivorians and eight foreigners. The US charges focus on the death of Riddering, an American missionary who had been at the Cafe Cappuccino when the Ouagadougou attack began. "Baba is currently in Malian custody for his terrorism-related activities," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers. "At the same time, these charges reflect that the US justice system remains a powerful tool to bring to bear against those who harm our citizens abroad. We will continue to pursue justice for Mr. Riddering and for all American victims of terrorism," he said. It was not clear if the United States would seek his extradition after Mali concludes its case against him. The January 15, 2016 attack by jihadists on the Cafe Cappuccino in Ouagadougou left 30 people dead, including one American
Man awarded death penalty for repeatedly raping, impregnating, killing mentally unsound daughter

India

oi-PTI

Kota, Jan 21: A special court in Kota, Rajasthan awarded death penalty to a 45-year-old man for repeatedly raping and impregnating his 17-year-old mentally unsound daughter before killing her.

Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act Judge Ashok Choudhary said the crime was shameful for "human society", and also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the convict, according to Premnarayan Namdev, Public Prosecutor, POCSO court-1.

Namdev said the girl was found dead at her house in Nayapura police station area of the city on May 13, 2015. Her father, who worked as a guard at a warehouse in the city, himself lodged a report at Nayapura police station on the day she was killed, alleging that when he returned home in the evening he found his daughter dead, the public prosecutor said.

23-year-old man arrested for rape of minor girl in UP's Fatehpur

Based on his complaint, police lodged a case against unidentified persons and initiated an investigation, Namdev said, adding it was revealed during the probe that the victim was four-month pregnant when she was killed. Her mother ran a tea stall outside the warehouse with the help of the couple's minor son.

After the postmortem report revealed the pregnancy, the police collected DNA samples which confirmed that the accused had fathered the foetus.

The statements of deceased minor's mother corroborated police's theory as she said her husband had been raping their daughter for long which resulted in her pregnancy. The police then arrested the father, he said.

In its 36-page verdict, the POCSO court termed the crime "most heinous" and shameful for "human society".

We worship minor girls as goddesses: Delhi court holds two guilty in 2013 Gudiya rape case

The judge held the 45-year-old guilty of repeatedly raping his daughter and killing her so that the crime of rape and pregnancy could not be revealed, Namdev said.

The court sentenced the father to life term under sections related to rape and awarded death penalty for the murder, the public prosecutor said.

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Story first published: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 16:37 [IST]
A group of migrants from east Pakistannow Bangladesh sat in the front row, carrying placards, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally here in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Raising slogans of "Jai Shri Ram", "Bharat Mata ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram, they hailed the amended citizenship law, saying now they will have access to all necessary facilities.

"There were 200 families who came to India in 1952. We were given five acres, a one-room house and a pair of bulls," claimed Anukul Chandra Das from Ramia Behad block in Kheri.

He said in 1964, the land grant was reduced to 3.5 acres from five acres.

"Those who came after 1964 were not even registered. Now, we are hopeful of getting all facilities after the implementation of the CAA ," he added.

Das said he was just 14 when his family migrated from east Pakistan's Faridpur district.

Initially, they lived in a transit camp in Raipur.

He claimed that later they went to Udham Singh Nagar and Rudrapur, from where they were sent to Kheri by the government.

Like Das, there were many others claiming to be Hindu refugees and were seen sitting in front row.

Nirmal Vishwas (65) from Ravindra Nagar, Kheri, said he came to India at the age of eight in 1964 and his father had passed away in Kolkata before they could reach here.

He said the new law will help them get their rights.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Las Vegas, Nevada, Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Car dealerships in Las Vegas have been growing at a steady rate in the last few years and this hasn't failed to capture the attention of the rest of the country. In fact, many industry experts have tried to explain in the recent past this somewhat unforeseen rise to prominence of the Vegas auto dealerships (so much so that they have actually come to challenge the dominance of Detroit and these days CES is often hailed as the premier automotive show in the country---a status held for such a long time by the Detroit auto show which, in turn, has now been moved to the month of June!)

So, what has prompted this significant change in fortune for the Vegas car dealers? Experts attribute it to several factors, but most tend to agree on one point. This is that the Sin City dealerships were one of the firsts to realize the huge sales potential of the pre-owned cars in the post-recession period.

In the years immediately following the recession, many had believed that the demand for used vehicles is only a passing trend and the market would come back to its earlier avatar (when baby boomers used to grab the latest models as soon as they hit the market and could hardly wait to sell them off again once the next batch of new models was unfurled).

However, as it is all too evident now, this has not been the case. Those periods of affluence appear to be gone for good (at least for the time being) and younger generations now prefer to buy cars, whether new or used, that they plan to keep for years. The growing awareness around sustainability issues has also played its part in this change in attitude.

Don Forman Las Vegas

Don Forman United Nissan has been a prominent figure in the Las Vegas auto dealership market for more than four decades now. In the course of his long career, Don Forman Nissan has faced many challenges and has been able to come up with productive solutions to almost each of them. It was no different this time. In fact, Don Forman United Nissan dealership had been one of the first to recognize and acknowledge the above-mentioned shift in the market and had accordingly made room for a special pre-owned vehicle inventory at his Don Forman Nissan dealership facility.

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Apart from this, Don Forman United Nissan has also been instrumental in humanizing the face of the business. By means of his many philanthropic endeavors, he was able to forge a strong relationship with the community and this has helped the car dealership scene in Vegas as a whole.

For example, apart from Don's United Nissan, other dealerships that fared best in the last year, namely Honda West and Fletcher Jones Imports (both located at West Sahara Avenue), enjoy a good reputation in terms of customer service and relation with their customers.

Both facilities are well-known for their ethical, highly professional and courteous staff and deliver a satisfactory retail experience to all their customers. Honda West shows its military appreciation by offering a $500 discount to all U.S. military personnel.

Also, just as at Don Forman Nissan, the finance team at both the above facilities take into account the needs, budget and lifestyle of every customer and chalk up individualized custom plans that will best suit a person's requirements. So, it is never just cost and credit.

We believe that in all this Don Forman has played a crucial role. Don Forman United Nissan is someone who believes in giving back to the community. And with Don Forman, it is never just joining some charitable organization and donating money and so on. He is someone who wants to really forge a connection with the community around and his various community-driven projects have brought Vegas people and businesses close to each other. And this has helped auto dealerships but also other businesses from the area prosper.

Don@UnitedNissan.com
The unexpected reunion between ex-lovers Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston during the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards has set social media platforms on fire (especially Twitter), as it somehow takes us back to that feeling when #BradJen is still a thing.

It is difficult to blame the fans, as every time the divorced couple is in the same room, people are all eyes (and not to mention, camera-ready) for their possible interaction.

And on Sunday night, it is like the universe heard the fans' desire and let the two stars saw each other backstage at the height of their emotions -- not minding the people around and exchanging a sweet kiss on the cheek and some lingering touches on the side.

It was like a scene in an award-winning romantic movie, only the fans did their standing ovation over Twitter and Instagram and repeatedly shared the historical reunion photo of the former lovers.

Both Brad and Jen bagged an SAG award, Pitt for Best Supporting Actor for "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" and Aniston for the Best Female Actor in a Drama Series award for her role in Apple TV's "The Morning Show."

One can only imagine the tons of notifications coming in at Jennifer Aniston's Instagram account after being tagged numerous times on her sweet moments with Brad Pitt captured on cam.

Although she did not literally break social media once again like what she did after joining Instagram in October 2019, could Jennifer be regretting her decision to be an "Instagramer" after the recent flooding of Brad-Jen reconciliation photos?

Well, the 50-year-old actress' new Instagram entry says otherwise.

Instead of regret, it seems that just like the rest of us, Jennifer actually enjoyed the SAG awards frenzy that she and Pitt caused (on top of her Best Actress win, of course)

In an Instagram post, Jennifer referred to the awards night as "a night she will never forget."

"No wrinkles... harder than it looks! Somewhere between these two photos, my peers gave me a gift I will cherish and a night I will never forget. Thank you @sagawards, @themorningshow, and our incredible cast and crew. Let's get back to work!" Jennifer wrote along with two photos. One of herself in the backseat of the car and another picture with her Dior dress on the floor together with her shows and SAG awards trophy.

In a recent interview, Jennifer admitted that she grew tired of people around her pushing her to join the 'Gram.

"If you can't beat them, join them, right?" the "Friends" star said during an interview after receiving her first SAG award. "I'm not going to say it was peer pressure, but it was peer pressure."

Jennifer, who now has a massive 24.8 million Instagram followers, actually set a Guinness World Record for being the the fastest Instagram user to reach 1 million followers -- somehting she did in a span of five hours. And yes, she dethroned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the said title when they joined Instagram as @sussexroyal.
Mark-It Express Logistics founder and President Tony Apa has a vision for his 12-year-old company  to become a national name. The Chicagoland business is taking steps in that direction with the acquisition of Spirit Trucking Company, also based in Chicago.

"The acquisition definitely takes us to the right size to be a formidable player in drayage," Apa told FreightWaves, adding that he is looking to expand the company's national footprint. "We're really looking to be a national scale player in the intermodal drayage space. We have a few other key (possibilities) we are looking at."

Terms of the deal, which was advised by Republic Partners, were not disclosed. Jonathan Britva, principal of Republic, said the plan is strategic growth rather than expansion funded by private equity.

"This is the strategy that Tony and I and some of his other advisers are thinking through," Britva said. "This is likely the first acquisition of several. As Tony said, the platform is starting to be put into place."

Horwood Marcus & Berk Chartered also advised on the deal.

Spirit has approximately 78 trucks, giving Mark-It a combined fleet total of 175 vehicles, with offices in Kansas City, Kansas, and Detroit in addition to Chicago.

Mark-It Express provides intermodal logistics solutions, including local and regional drayage and yard services with terminals in Lemont, Illinois; Detroit and Kansas City. Its rolling stock includes specialized chassis, 53-foot dry vans and 53-foot refrigerated trailers. The company was recently named to Crain Chicago's Fast 50 for the second time and Inc. 5000 for the fourth time. A sister company, Mark-It Express, offers freight brokerage.

Spirit was founded in 1979 by President Robert Denton. Apa said Spirit will be incorporated into Mark-It's operations and the management team will remain in place, moving into the Mark-It Chicago offices.

"Spirit is one of the long-standing names in intermodal," Apa said, noting that the Denton name is a historic one that helped make Chicago an intermodal powerhouse. The acquisition expands Mark-It's ability to serve its customers and provides continued opportunity for Spirit's customers to maintain the high levels of service they have become accustomed to.

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Apa said the deal will lead to some "great operational synergies" and on a combined basis, the combined group of companies will see top-line revenues "just shy of $60 million" in the first year.

Mark-It Express began after Apa left the corporate world following time working in the family business. He is third generation in the logistics industry, having started in warehousing before getting his commercial driver's license at the age of 18. He also spent time as a dispatcher.

Both Apa and Britva hope the Spirit acquisition becomes just the first step in Mark-It becoming the leading intermodal trucking and freight brokerage provider nationally.

"I think we want people to know that we are open for the right opportunities. We're actively looking to add on to what we've acquired with Spirit and we're looking for the right strategic opportunities," Britva said.

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A Statec study published on Monday shows that the rise in living standards does not necessarily improve the long-lasting feeling of well-being for Luxembourgers.

Money does not equal happiness, as a Statec study on economic growth and the feeling of well-being among Luxembourg residents has showed that one can be richer without being happier than before, in the so-called "Easterlin-paradox".

In the long term, the report showed there was no link between economic growth and improved well-being.

The Statec study noted that Luxembourg's almost interrupted growth since the 1980s, and therefore the increase in residents' incomes, has only slightly increased their level of satisfaction.

Researchers highlighted several factors directly linked to economic growth that can increase the level of well-being: state social spending, social capital (the links that bind us to our loved ones), low unemployment and low income inequality. They also say that other factors have more impact, such as trust in others, which is almost twice as vital as economic growth.

Rather than talking about economic growth or decline, the Statec report suggested that political decision-makers in Luxembourg should pay more attention to measures developing sustainable well-being, in particular the reorganisation of cities with the creation of green spaces, efficient public transport , the promotion of walking and the reduction of dependence on private means of transport.

Such initiatives are designed to offer people greater opportunities to develop social relationships and build networks, which in turn contribute to well-being.

The publication of the report is timely, as MPs will be discussing the topic of the "well-being GDP" in the Chamber on Tuesday.
There arent many constituencies facing as much of a shake-up as Cork North-Central.

Since 2016, when Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher surpassed the quota with 4,000 votes to spare, it has undergone drastic changes.

Three of the four elected in 2016 arent even on the ticket this time.

Last May, Kelleher was elected to the European Parliament, vacating a seat that was filled by his party colleague Padraig OSullivan. He will be confident of retaining the seat, though, having performed very strongly in the by-election in November.

However, the by-election itself was conducted under the shadow of the bombshell resignation of Fine Gaels Dara Murphy just days before it took place. Since, his attendance record and expenses have come under heavy scrutiny and questions have to be asked about the damage this has done to the party in the area.

Why was it tolerated? Why did he announce his resignation days before a by-election was taking place in his constituency? Why did it not come months earlier to allow him to be replaced also?

Senator Colm Burke and Lorraine ONeill can expect this to come up frequently on the doors in the coming weeks when they meet a frustrated electorate.

They will be keen to stand on their own merits and re-focus the debate on other matters but the electorate may keep returning to this question.

Burke, in particular, will be hoping that this is his chance: he has run several times since the 1980s, served as a member of Cork City Council, the European Parliament and the Seanad but the Dail has, to date, eluded him. It is hard to know whether Murphys resignation torpedoed Burkes chances in the by-election  it was a Fianna Fail seat in many peoples eyes  but it certainly couldnt have helped.

It is not just Murphy who has departed.

Sinn Feins Jonathan OBrien confirmed his intention to not run again. It was a shock  OBrien was a TD for nine years, a councillor for 11 years and well respected in the area  but it cleared a path for Cllr Thomas Gould. He topped the poll in the local election last May and pushed hard in the by-election in May, snapping up almost 20% of first preferences and lasting until the tenth count when he was finally dealt the killer blow. He had performed well in 2016, too, taking a good share of OBriens vote at the time.

Cork North-Central has always been Fianna Fail country, though.

With Padraig OSullivan, the party will be confident of retaining one seat but it has gone for a three- candidate strategy and will hope to pick up more.

Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, a former Lord Mayor of Cork, and Sandra Murphy, a well-known communications and events manager, are on the ticket.

But there is a spanner in the works: former Fianna Fail councillor Kenneth OFlynn will run as an independent after the party opted not to add him to the ticket.

OFlynn is well-regarded in parts of the city and could eat into a vote that Fianna Fail had been banking on.

There is also, of course, the matter of the only survivor of the 2016 poll: Mick Barry.

While Solidarity would have been disappointed to be passed out by Labour and the Greens in the by-election, Barry is a strong personality in the area and his experience and longevity could be crucial in retaining a seat.

Further challenges, though, will come from Labour and the Green Party.

Labours John Maher and Oliver Moran of the Greens both polled well in the by-election, which came just six months after both were elected as councillors for the first time.

Maher has the backing of Kathleen Lynch and other Labour stalwarts in the area, while Moran will be banking on the green-wave helping to elevate his status even further.

Both have to be regarded as good outside bets in what is a congested field.

Traditionally, North-Central backs Fianna Fail and two seats may not be beyond them but there are strong challengers in Sinn Fein, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens, as well as a Solidarity candidate keen to keep his seat.
A Jewish activist group has lost its bid to block a defamation suit from one of the countrys leading public-sector unions, which took exception to suggestions it supports Palestinian terrorist causes.

In a Superior Court ruling, an Ontario judge rejected an assertion by BNai Brith Canada that the still-unproven claim was simply an attempt to stifle public criticism of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

This is a legitimate defamation action brought in circumstances where the union should have the right to pursue a remedy, Justice Calum MacLeod said in his decision. The evidence before me suggests that (BNai Briths defence) is not a slam dunk  to the contrary, there are significant issues about truth, good faith, responsibility and malice.

The union, commonly known as CUPW, co-operates with similar organizations in other countries, including with one that speaks for Palestinian postal workers. CUPW also supports an international boycott of Israeli products  a fiercely controversial issue  on the grounds that Israel mistreats Palestinians in the occupied territories.

After a member of CUPW complained about the unions position, Bnai Brith said it found social media postings from the Palestinian Postal Service Workers Union praising anti-Israeli terrorism, court records show.

In July 2018, the Jewish group put out a news release in which it said CUPW was aligned with a pro-terrorism union that glorifies terrorists on its official Facebook page. Bnai Brith also accused the Canadian unions leadership of aligning itself with the path of violence and extremism.

A subsequent news release in August 2018 referred to CUPWs leadership as radical and unresponsive as to why they would partner with a terror-supporting organization. It also decried CUPWs ability to compel its Jewish and Israeli members to pay fees, which may be used to support a foreign organization that wants to see them murdered.

CUPW sued Bnai Brith for malicious defamation, saying the organization had reckless disregard for the truth. The union said its calls for a peaceful, two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were well known and that it rejected terrorism, violence and anti-Semitism.

Bnai Brith sought to block the defamation action in its tracks under so called anti-SLAPP legislation, which precludes strategic litigation against public participation  lawsuits aimed at stifling free speech and legitimate criticism of matters in the public interest.

While MacLeod agreed the unions political position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a matter of public interest and legitimate criticism of its views are protected speech, he also suggested that BNai Brith appeared to have gone too far.

Words suggesting that a union is using its membership dues improperly, supports terrorism, and is motivated by racism would easily meet the test of language tending to diminish the reputation of the union in the minds of reasonable people, MacLeod said. Not only would it be difficult to prove that CUPW literally supports terrorism, violence or anti-Semitism, the evidence also suggests it will be difficult to show that (the Palestinian union) officially supports terrorism.

The evidence, the judge said, also indicated the relevant Facebook postings were from an individual, not the leadership of the Palestinian union.

The unions defamation claim has yet to be tested in court.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 16:00:36|Editor: mingmei

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BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Yan, whose family resides in Beijing, joined the crowds returning home at the Beijing Capital International Airport three days ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year.

This was the fifth time he and his wife have gone on vacation to celebrate the festival, traditionally an occasion for a family reunion. This time, their destination is Madrid, Spain.

"This is a new celebration ritual for us," the 50-year-old Beijing resident told Xinhua.

This year's Spring Festival falls on Jan. 25.

Like Zhang and his wife, millions of Chinese are now opting to celebrate by taking vacations rather than returning to their hometowns as they grow more affluent and have better access to faster and more convenient transportation.

According to a recent report by China's largest online travel agency Trip.com Group, formerly known as Ctrip, the week-long Spring Festival holiday is expected to witness 450 million domestic trips made by Chinese tourists, compared with 415 million over the same period in 2019.

"I'm tired of partying through the holiday. We owe ourselves a treat after a busy year," Zhang said. Before leaving, the couple booked a plush hotel in the suburb of Beijing for their parents and asked their only daughter to arrange a holiday on her own.

More Chinese are following the trend. Over 30 percent of tourists having placed orders on Trip.com as of Dec. 31, 2019, will set off before the Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve, which falls on Jan. 24, the online travel agency said, adding that two thirds will travel with their children or parents.

Apart from popular islands, suburban tourist spots and those featuring immersive traditional culture and ice and ski destinations are gaining wider popularity. Zhangjiakou in north China's Hebei Province is increasingly favored by tourists after the high-speed railway connecting Beijing and the city went into operation on Dec. 30, 2019.

Shortening the travel time from over three hours to 47 minutes, the high-speed rail service is transporting more tourists to the co-host city for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

"We are welcoming 30 percent more visitors thanks to the railway line," said Li Yongtai, a manager of a ski resort in Chongli of Zhangjiakou. The resort receives around 6,000 tourists on the weekends, said Li, confident about a further surge during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday.

Tantalized by the spending potential of Chinese tourists, many countries rolled out visa facilitation policies and tailored tour packages in a bid to attract more of them.

Starting from Jan. 1, 2020, Uzbekistan implemented a new scheme allowing Chinese citizens to have a seven-day visa free stay in the country. Thailand extended the on-arrival free visa policy to Chinese citizens till April 30, 2020. The list goes on.

Statistics by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed that as of last November, China had signed agreements with 147 countries on mutual exemption of visas for short stays.

Trip.com also said orders of overseas tours for the upcoming holiday made on the platform covered more than 1,000 destinations in 102 countries and regions, which will bring a boost to local consumption.
It is difficult to imagine a more profound and delicate moment than when a medical practitioner must tell a patient that medical assistance is no longer viable and it is time to prepare for the end of life.

For doctors, these can be extraordinarily challenging conversations even if they are entirely common. Yet Victorias Voluntary Assisted Dying Act, which came into effect last year, does not permit doctors to make the first step to initiate communication with their patients about the option of assisted dying.

A law that prohibits Victorian doctors from instigating conversations about voluntary assisted dying with terminally ill people is a "gag clause", a group of academics say. Credit:Alamy

Section 8 of the legislation was intended as a conservative provision that would limit any potential for dying people to be subtly or inadvertently coerced into ending their life. The focus was on the patient, and on what he or she might feel or intuit when at their most vulnerable. Medical practitioners must not be the first to raise the topic with the dying patient in any way: not verbally nor written, not by passing on pamphlets or other materials.

Yet the ban on doctors initiating the first conversation about voluntarily ending life is considered a gag clause among some bioethicists, who argue that it does not appear to have any basis in evidence, that it is unnecessary and could interfere with the doctor-patient relationship.
Oklahoma is the twentieth largest American state that is situated in the South Central region of the country. Oklahoma is surrounded by Colorado, New Mexico, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas. The state of Oklahoma was formed in 1907 when the Indian Territory merged with the Oklahoma Territory. Oklahoma became the forty-sixth American state to gain statehood in 1907. Oklahoma was initially set aside for the Indians, and it was referred to as the Indian Territory. However, it was later opened to settlers on April 22, 1889. More than 50,000 people swarmed the region on the opening day, and those who tried to beat the starting gun were referred to as the Sooners, hence Oklahoma's nickname. Oklahoma City is the capital and the largest city in this state. Oklahoma has the highest number of artificial reservoirs in the United States.

The Economy Of Oklahoma

The economy of Oklahoma has not been as balanced as the economy of several American states. Oklahoma's economy was dominated by petroleum and agriculture in the past, but the efforts of the local and state official to diversify their economy were successful. Currently, Oklahoma has a wide range of industries, including telecommunication, food processing, transportation, energy, and aviation, among others. The annual per-capita income of this state is lower than the country's average per-capita income. Oklahoma had the twenty-ninth most significant economy in the United States, with a GDP of about $197.2billion by December 2018. The per-capita GDP of Oklahoma ($44,623) was $5,954 lower than the country's per-capita GDP in 2016. Oklahoma's GDP per-capita was $48,569 in 2017. Oklahoma was listed among the most business-friendly American state in 2007. Oklahoma is home to 4 Fortune-500 firms and 6 Fortune-1000 companies. There were over 1,360,379 total employments in Oklahoma in 2016 and 93,232employer establishments. The unemployment rate of Oklahoma in November 2019 was 3.4% representing the 62,613jobless people.

The Largest Industries In Oklahoma

Agriculture And Forestry

Even though the Oklahoma farms are slightly larger than the country's average, these farms have less value per-acre. The agricultural sector has furnished a significant part of this state's income for centuries now. Oklahoma is the twenty-seventh most agriculturally productive American state. There were 85,500farms in Oklahoma in 2012 which produced less than $1billion in crop output and $4.3billion in animal products. The agricultural sector contributed over $6.1billion to Oklahoma's GDP in 2012. The hard-working farmers of Oklahoma raise and grow the state's crucial products like milk, pecans, rye, wheat, soybeans, hogs, and cattle. The top-5 agricultural commodities in Oklahoma in terms of revenue are dairy products, broilers, wheat, pigs, and calves and cattle. As the fourth top producer of wheat in the country, Oklahoma produces more than 6.1% of the American wheat.

Oklahoma is ranked among the top producers of beef in the United States, which is not surprising since beef cattle production is the leading source of income in this sector. Over 2.2% of American dairy products come from Oklahoma. The state also produces 4.2% of American hog products and 5.5% of American Beef. The second and third biggest agricultural sectors in Oklahoma are poultry and swine, respectively. The forestry industry is quite big in Oklahoma, with less than 20% of its total area being forested. The commercially exploitable timber in the state (softwoods) is harvested in the southeastern parts of Oklahoma.

Energy

Over 94% of the electricity in this state in 2009 was generated by non-renewable sources like natural gas and coal, among others. Oklahoma ranked thirteenth in total energy consumption-per-capital in 2009, and it has no nuclear power. Even though Oklahoma was ranked fifth in installed wind-energy capacity in 2011, it ranked low in renewable energy usage. The wind energy and geothermal sources were introduced in Oklahoma during the late-twentieth and late twenty-first centuries, which had the potential to reduce the use of fossil fuel. Oklahoma-Gas-and-Electric Company has 4 electric power plants in this state. 2 of these plants are coal-fired plants, and the 2 others are gas-fired plants.

Natural Resources

Oklahoma ranks high in the United States in the value of minerals produced. Some of the minerals mined in this state include coal, stone, natural gas liquids, natural gas, and petroleum. Oklahoma is the leading producer of Iodine in the country. Gas and oil production has been the main components of this state's economy. Oklahoma has a unique network of pipeline that moves petroleum to the market and refinery in and outside the state.

Oklahoma is the country's third-biggest producer of natural gases and the fifth-largest crude oil producer. Oklahoma has the second-highest number of active drilling-rigs and has the fifth-largest crude oil reserve in the United States. The oil energy sector of Oklahoma contributes over $35billion to the state's GDP, and its employees earn twice the state's normal annual income. Oklahoma had 83,700commercial oil wells in 2009, churning over 65million barrels of crude oil. 8.5% of the natural gas reserve in the country is found in Oklahoma.

Manufacturing

The manufactured products in Oklahoma constitute a small proportion of the state's economy as compared to raw materials production. Oklahoma is one of the leading producers of transportation equipment, industrial machinery, and communications and electronics equipment. The first main commercial paper and pulp plant was established in Oklahoma in 1970. The leading manufacturing sector is the production of machinery, particularly oil field machineries. The second most crucial manufacturing activity is the production of transportation equipment (automobile assembly, and aerospace and aircraft equipment). Other items produced in Oklahoma include plastic and rubber products, processed foods (bakery products, animal feeds, and meat-packing plants), electronic equipment and computers, and fabricated-metal products.

Transportation

Oklahoma has a well-developed network of railroads, highways, and roads. The main transportation hubs in Oklahoma are Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Amtrak provides passenger train services between Texas and Oklahoma City and other parts of the state. Oklahoma's main airport (Will-Rogers Airport is situated in Oklahoma City, and some of its regional facilities are in Tulsa and Lawton. There is a barge system in Oklahoma that ferries cargo from Tulsa to the Mexican Gulf via the dams and locks in River Arkansas.
A European heat wave provided the final spark Emory mathematician Hao Huang needed to crack one of the most important, and baffling, open problems in theoretical computer science.

Discover Magazine named Huangs proof of the sensitivity conjecture one of the Top 50 Science Stories That Matter for 2019, due to the simplicity of the proof and the conjectures implications for processing information. And Popular Mechanics called Huangs achievement one of The 10 Biggest Math Breakthroughs of the year.

Mathematicians and computer scientists had grappled with the sensitivity conjecture for three decades without success. Huang, an assistant professor of mathematics, became intrigued by it in 2012.

I spent a lot of nights thinking about this problem, Huang recalls, estimating that he pondered it off and on over the years for hundreds of hours. I eventually became obsessed with it.

In late June, Huangs wife, Yao Yao, a mathematician at Georgia Tech, was an invited speaker at a conference in Madrid, Spain. Huang tagged along, with the idea that he would spend a few days sightseeing while his wife attended the meeting.

A heat wave swept through Europe, however, and Madrid temperatures reached 105 degrees. I had to stay in my hotel, in an air-conditioned room, Huang says.

During this forced confinement, Huang doubled down on the sensitivity conjecture. A key idea emerged. I finally identified the right tool to solve it, he says.

The sensitivity conjecture relates to Boolean data, which maps information in a true-false, or 1-0 binary. Boolean functions are one of the most basic of discrete subjects  like numbers, graphs or geometric shapes, Huang explains. Boolean functions also play an important role in complexity theory, as well as in the design of circuits and chips for computers.

There are many complexity measures of Boolean functions and almost all of them were known to be mathematically related. The only unknown case, the so-called sensitivity of a Boolean function, measures how sensitive the function is when changing one input at a time.

Mathematicians proposed the sensitivity conjecture in 1994 concerning this unknown case, but no one had been able to prove it.

Finally, sitting in a Madrid hotel room to escape the stifling heat, Huang came up with a simple algebraic method for proving the conjecture.

I was quite excited, Huang recalls. And then I calmed down and started checking the work.

His wife also checked the proof when she returned to the hotel from the conference.

Once he was convinced of its accuracy, Huang posted the work on his homepage.

Mathematicians and computer scientists from around the world lauded the proof. Amazingly short and beautiful, wrote Gil Kalai, a mathematician at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Claire Mathieu of the French National Center for Scientific Research described Huangs proof as a precious pearl in Quanta Magazine.

The list of people who tried to solve the sensitivity conjecture and failed is like a whos who of discrete math and theoretical computer science, Scott Aaronson, from the University of Texas, told Quanta.

Huang believes the method he developed may have the potential to be applied to other combinatorial and complexity problems important to computer science. He is happiest, however, about the crisp elegance of the work.

Often, he notes, mathematical proofs can go on for 100 pages or more and be too complex for all but the most specialized of readers to grasp. In contrast, Huangs proof consists of two pages and every college level math major can understand it.

Pure mathematicians are like poets and philosophers, Huang says. Were not focused on whether our work has an immediate impact. Were trying to get at larger truths, in the simplest way possible.

Its a completely different mindset from an engineer, he adds. Engineers want to make things work, however possible, he says. Theoretical mathematicians want to understand how things work in their most natural way.

A native of Shantou, a coastal city of in southern China, Huang says his love of math emerged in his childhood. He attended a high school specialized in mathematics and later graduated from Peking University.

Many of his classmates went on to careers in technology or finance, but Huang prefers academia and its focus on pure math. I love the flexibility of it, he says. All I need is a pen and paper. I can work on a train or in an airplane  or in a hotel room.

Huang is not resting on his laurels following his proof of the sensitivity conjecture. There are a lot of elegant theorems and beautiful conjectures out there that we dont yet know how to prove, he says.
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's lawyers argued in a trial brief filed Monday that the House of Representatives failed to show a criminal violation and that his conviction in the Senate impeachment trial would fundamentally change the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The 171-page document, filed with the Senate ahead of a noon Monday deadline, provides the most detailed preview to date of how the president's team plans to defend him against two impeachment charges of obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.

It contends that the House failed to prove that the president explicitly linked aid for Ukraine to an investigation Trump sought into political rival and former Vice President Joe Biden. The president's lawyers will also argue that the Senate should swiftly reject the impeachment articles, according to two people working with the president's legal team who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.

Monday's filing was designed to be a more substantive response to the arguments made by House Democratic impeachment managers than the president's initial case filing over the weekend, but largely adopted the same combative posture.

The White House - knowing it would take at least 20 Republican senators to defect to see Trump removed from office - has instead tailored its case to the American public, arguing that the impeachment effort is a partisan bid by establishment Washington to overturn the results of the 2016 election.

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Central to the president's defense outlined in the brief is the argument that Trump did not violate the law by withholding $391 million in taxpayer-funded assistance to Ukraine. Democrats say Trump used that aid as leverage to force a politically motivated investigation into Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

Trump's legal team argues that the House failed to find a witness who heard the president condition U.S. assistance on the investigation, instead basing their arguments on hearsay and assumptions by other witnesses. They contend that House impeachment managers must prove that the president even mentioning his concerns over corruption or an uncorroborated conspiracy theory that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election is somehow illegal.

They also say that a recent finding by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office that Trump violated the law in withholding the aid is irrelevant, because the House did not include mention of the report in the charging document they sent to the Senate weeks before the GAO released its findings.

The president's legal team also rejected arguments from Democrats that Trump undertook "an unprecedented campaign" to obstruct the congressional investigation into his conduct. They argue that the White House routinely blocks lawmakers from interviewing senior administration officials to preserve the president's institutional rights, and that being removed for office for that would mean a fundamental shift in the separation of power.

The formal trial is expected to begin Tuesday with an announcement of proposed rules by Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a bid by his counterpart, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to guarantee testimony from additional witnesses. Schumer has said senators should hear from top White House officials like former national security adviser John Bolton and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, who refused to cooperate with the House probe.

The president's lawyers have indicated that if Democrats pursue additional witness testimony, they would want to subpoena Biden and his son, whose time serving on the corporate board of Ukrainian energy giant Burisma would have been the focus of the investigation proposed by the president's allies.

"If we call one witness, we're going to call all the witnesses - there's not going to be a process where the Democrats get their witnesses and the president gets shut out," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on "Fox News Sunday."

McConnell is expected to offer a format that would give House impeachment managers 24 hours over two days to present their case, Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said Sunday on "Meet the Press." The president's defenders would then be given an equal amount of time to mount their defense.

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In a further indication that the president's team sees their defense more oriented to voters than senators in the chamber, the White House announced that a number of high-profile lawyers who make regular appearances on cable television - including Harvard Law emeritus professor Alan Dershowitz, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Clinton impeachment prosecutor Ken Starr - would be presenting elements of their defense.

The format also requires senators to attend and relinquish their cellphones during the trial. And Democratic senators vying for their party's presidential nomination - Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - will be forced off the campaign trail.

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WUHAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese city Wuhan has taken a string of measures to tighten the control and monitoring of outbound travelers in an effort to curb the spread of new coronavirus-related pneumonia.

Outbound tour groups have been banned, and local police are conducting spot checks on inbound and outbound private passenger vehicles for live poultry or wild animals, according to the municipal health commission.

Thirty-five stationary infrared thermometers and over 300 hand-held ones have been used to screen passengers with fevers at various transport terminals in Wuhan, including the airport, railway stations, bus stations and passenger piers.

Passengers with fevers will be registered, provided masks and brochures about pneumonia and advised to see doctors. Ticket cancellations and changing will be free of charge for them, according to the municipal government.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, a total of 224 cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus had been reported in China. Of them, 217 had been confirmed, with 198 in Wuhan, 14 in Guangdong Province and five in Beijing.
D onald Trump flew into a storm over climate change at a global summit in Davos just hours before the start of his impeachment trial 4,200 miles away in Washington.

The US president touched down this morning in the Swiss alpine resort where Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg was leading calls for tougher action to protect the planet.

The science and voice of young people is not the centre of the conversation, but it needs to be, the 17-year-old told political leaders, business chiefs and other influential figures at the annual World Economic Forum meeting.

She welcomed the greater focus on global warming but argued that far more must be done to combat it.

If you see it from a bigger perspective, basically nothing has been done, she said. Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg / AP

It is the first time Mr Trump and Greta have been at the same event since last years UN climate change summit in New York, where the teenager stared down the US president as the two briefly crossed paths.

Mr Trump, 73, has been accused of turning a blind eye to global warming, having announced that he would pull America out of the Paris climate change agreement.

He arrived in Davos on his Marine One helicopter, with Act on Climate having been written in the snow at its landing zone.

Asked after his arrival if Miss Thunberg was right on climate change, Mr Trump said: Im a big believer in the environment. The environment to me is very important.

US President Donald Trump arrives aboard Air Force One / REUTERS

He dismissed his impeachment trial as a witch hunt.

Earlier he tweeted: Heading to Davos, Switzerland, to meet with World and Business Leaders and bring Good Policy and additional Hundreds of Billions of Dollars back to the United States of America!

"We are now NUMBER ONE in the Universe, by FAR!!

The presidents attendance at the event was overshadowed by the start of his impeachment trial in the US Senate.

The session was due to open later today for a vote on proposed rules for the showdown, after the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives impeached Mr Trump on two charges last month.

President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum / AP

He is accused of abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed the country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to co-operate with its investigation.

On the eve of the trial, Senate Majority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, put forward a compressed calendar for opening statements, just two days for each side, as the presidents lawyers argued for swift rejection of the flimsy charges and acquittal.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn, they wrote in their first full filing.
Family of eight, including six children, among those killed by air attack in Syria, according to residents.

Russia-led air raids have killed at least 12 people in Syria where a large government offensive to clear out rebels has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing towards the border with Turkey, according to residents and rescuers.

On Tuesday, a family of eight, including six children, was killed in the rural village of Kfar Taal west of government-controlled Aleppo, while another four civilians were killed in Maardabseh southeast of Idlib province.

God take revenge on all tyrants. There is no one else left in my family, Abu Yasser, 71, a relative of the family wiped out in Kfar Taal, said in a voice recording sent to Reuters News Agency.

There were also reports of another air raid by Russian and Syrian government that killed at least eight other civilians in rural opposition areas that have been hit hard since the Russian-led military campaign, supplemented by Iranian militias, began in December.

Retaliatory rocket attacks, blamed on the rebel fighters, killed three more civilians  two women and a child  in the government-held city of Aleppo in northern Syria, state news agency SANA said.

Rising hostilities

The spike in violence in the neighbouring provinces of Aleppo and Idlib follow the so-far unsuccessful diplomatic attempts to reduce hostilities in the flashpoint region, with the latest truce, in theory, going into effect less than two weeks ago.

Most of Idlib and parts of Aleppo province are still controlled by factions opposed to President Bashar al-Assads government, including a group that includes onetime members of al-Qaedas former Syria franchise.

The Damascus government, which controls about 70 percent of the country after nearly nine years of war, has repeatedly promised to recapture the region.

According to the UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, almost 350,000 people have fled their homes since December 1, mainly heading northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the air attacks.

The International Rescue Committee has warned another 650,000 people could be forced from their homes if the violence continues.
BEER-SHEVA...January 21, 2020 - Fully vaccinating children reduced the risk of hospitalization for complications associated with influenza by 54%, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and University of Michigan researchers.

The research, published in the December, 2019 print journal Clinical Infectious Disease, is one of the few studies worldwide that has tested the effectiveness of childhood vaccination against influenza and risk of hospitalization due to the influenza complications.

The study was led by Dr. Hannah Segaloff, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health, University of Michigan and Prof. Mark Katz, M.D., of BGU's Department of Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and a senior researcher at the Clalit Institute of General Research. Prof. Katz also teaches in BGU's Medical School for International Health.

The retrospective study reviewed the vaccination data of 3,746 hospitalizations of children ages six months to 8 years old at six hospitals in Israel. They were tested for influenza over three winter seasons 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18.

The findings reveal that the flu vaccine reduced hospitalizations associated with the flu by more than half. They also validate guidelines in the United States and Israel that recommend two vaccine doses for children up to age 8 who have never been vaccinated or who previously received one dose.

"Children vaccinated according to government guidelines are much better protected from influenza than those who only receive one vaccine," says Dr. Segaloff. "Over half of our study population had underlying conditions that may put them at high risk for severe influenza-related complications, so preventing influenza in this group is critically important.

"Our results also showed that the vaccine was effective in three different seasons with different circulating viruses, reinforcing the importance of getting an influenza vaccine every year no matter what virus strain is circulating."

Co-author Prof. Katz adds, "Young children are at high risk of hospitalization due to influenza complications. Children with underlying illnesses such as asthma and heart disease have an even greater risk of getting the complications. It is important to prevent influenza infections in these populations."

The findings also support health organizations' recommendations, including the Israel Ministry of Health, to vaccinate children against influenza every year, preferably before the onset of winter and especially during early childhood. Children under age five are defined as having a high risk of influenza complications.

"This study mirrors a previous study conducted at Clalit Institute where we found that flu vaccine reduces 40% risk of hospitalizations in pregnant women," says Prof. Ran Balicer, a member of the BGU School of Public Health and director of the Clalit Research Institute. "It found that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent both the flu and hospitalization."

The researchers hope parents make an informed decision about the importance of vaccinating their children and that their research will increase vaccination rates among the general public.

###

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) turns 50 this year, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information visit http://www.aabgu.org.
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The wreck of the Titanic will be protected for the first time following a 'momentous' treaty which will restrict exploration of the sunken vessel's decaying hull.

The agreement between the UK and the US will give both the power to grant or deny licences to enter the remains and to remove artefacts found outside the hull.

UK Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said the treaty will ensure the historic wreck is treated with the 'sensitivity and respect' the Titanic and her passengers deserve.

But a plan to 'surgically remove' a roof to get to the radio that gave out the Titanic's final distress signal is being hatched.

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The wreck of the Titanic will be protected for the first time following a 'momentous' treaty which will restrict exploration of the sunken vessel's decaying hull, pictured

Constructed by Belfast-based shipbuilders Harland and Wolff between 1909 and 1912, the RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat of her time

RMS Titanic Inc, backed by Private Equity firms, want to use three underwater robots to lift part of the ceiling to grab the Marconi wireless.

The tragic wireless operator who stayed behind to tap for help Senior operator Jack Phillips died when the Titainic sank on April 15, 1912 Senior operator Jack Phillips kept tapping his equipment as the ship sank beneath the waves - despite Captain Edward Smith having abandoned his post. Phillips refused to give up, only accepting defeat when the power cut out. He died when the ship sank on April 15, 1912. The Marconi wireless he used, which was a world-leading device at the time, is hoping to be recovered by RMS Titanic Inc. If the US company succeed, it would be the most notable piece ever salvaged from the wreck. When the liner hit the iceberg, the wireless sent out 'come at once', which was received by RMS Carpathia. The second ship travelled 67 miles to save 700 people. A search of the wreckage in 2000 revealed the wireless was in one piece, despite being rusted. Tragically, it remained in the reset position after Phillips attempted to boost the signal before Titanic went under. Advertisement

A document seen by the Daily Telegraph said: 'In the next few years the overhead is expected to collapse, potentiality burying forever the remains of the world's most famous radio.'

The luxury liner  which sank on April 15, 1912, after a collision with an iceberg  lies on the seafloor around 350 nautical miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.

The state of the wreck  which sank in two pieces  has long been deteriorating due to corrosion, biological activity and deep ocean currents.

But it is believed the various expeditions down to the Titanic  including those led by director James Cameron  have further damaged the vessel.

In addition, private expeditions have removed artefacts of archaeological significance from the wreck and its surroundings.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the hull and structure of the ship is likely to collapse within the next 40 years.

The wreckage  which lies some 12,500ft beneath the ocean's surface  had previously been afforded a 'basic level of protection' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

But its resting place in international waters had meant it was not previously covered by explicit legislation.

The new agreement protecting the sunken vessel was signed by the US in 2003, but has only just come into force following its ratification by US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in November 2019.

Owned and operated by the White Star Line, the passenger vessel set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 10, 1912. Pictured, the Titanic's grand staircase, as depicted in an illustration of the time

Constructed by Belfast-based shipbuilders Harland and Wolff between 1909 and 1912, the RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat of her time. Pictured, the Titanic undergoes sea trials

Owned and operated by the White Star Line, the passenger vessel set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 10, 1912. Pictured, the Titanic's pool

The liner made two short stops en route to her planned Atlantic crossing  one at the French port of Cherbourg, the other at Cork Harbour, Ireland (pictured) where smaller vessels ferried passengers on and off board the Titanic

A reproduction of the Marconi Radio Room, from the Titanic, at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. A plan is being hatched to 'surgically remove' a roof to get to the radio that gave out the Titanic's final distress signal.

'Lying two and a half miles below the ocean surface, the RMS Titanic is the subject of the most documented maritime tragedy in history,' said Ms Ghani.

RMS TITANIC: SPECIFICATIONS Pictured, the Titanic in Southampton Length: 882 ft 9 in Width: 92 ft 6 in (beam) Tonnage: 46,328 GRT Decks: 9 Boilers: 24 Engines: 2 Power: 46,000 HP Max speed: 24 knots Cost: 1.5 million (140 m in 2016) Capacity: 2,435 + 892 crew Facilities: Included a pool, Turkish baths, kennels and post office Advertisement

'This momentous agreement with the United States to preserve the wreck means it will be treated with the sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than 1,500 lives.'

'The UK will now work closely with other North Atlantic states to bring even more protection to the wreck of the Titanic.'

Both Canada and France were involved in the negotiations of the new treaty, but have yet to sign the agreement.

Constructed by Belfast-based shipbuilders Harland and Wolff between 1909 and 1912, the RMS Titanic was the largest ship afloat of her time.

Owned and operated by the White Star Line, the passenger vessel set sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 10, 1912.

The liner made two short stops en route to her planned Atlantic crossing  one at the French port of Cherbourg, the other at Cork Harbour, Ireland, where smaller vessels ferried passengers on and off board the Titanic.

Nearly five days into her voyage, the Titanic struck an iceberg at around 23:40 local time, generating six narrow openings in the vessel's starboard hull, believed to have occurred as a result of the rivets in the hull snapping.



Nearly five days into her voyage, the Titanic struck an iceberg at around 23:40 local time, generating six narrow openings in the vessel's starboard hull, believed to have occurred as a result of the rivets in the hull snapping. Pictured, the iceberg believed to have sunk the Titanic

The Titanic took on water some fifteen times faster than could be pumped out, with the hull damage too extensive for the vessel's watertight bulkheads (pictured, with the damage in green) to keep the flooding from spreading across the compartmentalised lower decks

After around two-and-a-half hours, the vessel broke into two sections and sank, each settling to the seafloor around a third of a mile apart. Around 1,500 people were believed lost in the tragedy, including around 815 of the liner's passengers

The Titanic took on water some fifteen times faster than could be pumped out, with the hull damage proving too extensive for the vessel's watertight bulkheads to keep the flooding from spreading across the liner's compartmentalised lower decks.

THE TITANIC DISASTER TIMELINE Ned Parfett, the 'Titanic paperboy', outside of the White Star Line offices in London April 10, 1912 (12:00): The Titanic sets sail from Southampton to New York, calling at Cherbourg and Cork en route. April 14 (09:0022.30, ship's time): Marconi Company radio officers on the Titanic received a total of six warnings of ice in the vicinity, not all of which were passed on to the crew. April 14 (23:39): Lookout Frederick Fleet, in the crow's nest, spots an iceberg dead ahead of the ship. Turning to port, the vessel managed to avoid a direct collision, but suffered a 'glancing blow' instead. April 15 (00:05): Captain Edward Smith orders abandon ship and has radio operators issue distress signals. April 15 (02:05): The Titanic's final lifeboat is launched. Ten minutes later, the liner's angle in the water increased rapidly, ultimately reaching over 30 degrees, as water reached previously unflooded parts of the ship through deck hatches. April 15 (02:20): The Titanic finally disappeared beneath the waves, some two hours and forty minutes after striking the iceberg. Advertisement

After around two-and-a-half hours, the vessel broke into two sections and sank, each settling to the seafloor around a third of a mile apart.

Around 1,500 people were believed lost in the tragedy, including around 815 of the liner's passengers.

The Titanic disaster prompted the drawing up of the Safety of Lives at Sea convention in 1914, which today still sets the minimum safety requirements to which all ships are required to comply.

While the stern of the sunken vessel was ruined, much of the bow  despite impact damage and deterioration  remained recognisable when the wreck was finally discovered on the seafloor by US underwater archaeologist Robert Ballard in 1985.

Since then, dozens of expeditions to the wreck to observe the ship and recover artefacts have been carried out  with experts being concerned this activity is causing the Titanic to decay far faster than she otherwise would.

The landing of craft on the wreck has caused substantial deterioration to the promenade deck, with some of the more significant damage caused by the Cameron expedition, during which a submersible collided with the Titanic's hull.

To mark the signing of the treaty with the US, Ms Ghani will be visiting the 1851 Trust Maritime Roadshow for Girls in Belfast on January 21, 2020.

The travelling event  which is to be temporarily held at the Port Harbour Office  aims to inspire girls to study science, technology, engineering and maths subjects, which are vital in the maritime sector.

On the treaty, visitor attraction Titanic Belfast's CEO Judith Owens said: 'We welcome any additional protection and safeguarding of the wreck, in line with the views of our strategic partner Dr Robert Ballard, who discovered her in 1985.'

While the stern of the sunken vessel was ruined, much of the bow (above)  despite impact damage and deterioration  remained recognisable when the wreck was finally discovered on the seafloor by US underwater archaeologist Robert Ballard in 1985

After taking on water, the Titanic broke into two sections and sank, settling to the seafloor around a third of a mile apart. Pictured, sonar images of the Titanic's stern

After taking on water, the Titanic broke into two sections and sank, settling to the seafloor around a third of a mile apart. Pictured, sonar images of the Titanic wreck. The intact bow can be seen near the top of the image, while the severely damaged stern lies at the bottom

The state of the wreck  which sank in two pieces  has long been deteriorating as a product of corrosion, biological activity and deep ocean currents. However, it is believed that the various expeditions down to the Titanic  including those led by director James Cameron  have further damaged the vessel. Pictured, the remains of Captain Edward Smith's bathroom

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the hull and structure of the ship is likely to collapse within the next 40 years. Pictured, rusticles grow on the wreck
Protest-themed Lunar New Year fairs have sprung up across Hong Kong to raise money and morale for the city's pro-democracy movement despite stiff resistance from local authorities and pro-Beijing politicians.

The fairs are an annual staple in the run-up to the new year, which begins on Saturday and will see millions around the world welcome the Year of the Rat.

Usually the fairs stock flowers, fruits, dried goods and other traditional new year gifts.

In the past, political parties from across the spectrum set up stalls to raise money and awareness of their causes -- often with satirical posters and products teasing their rivals.

But the government banned such stalls this year at the 15 official fairs after more than seven months of political unrest.

In response, nearly a dozen independent fairs have been set up across the city, selling merchandise laden with references to the pro-democracy protests.

At a fair on the steep slopes of the city's Sai Ying Pun district, hundreds of shoppers formed long queues.

One stall was giving away cloth bags with Chinese calligraphy ambigrams that use the characters for both "Hong Kong" and "add oil", a popular phrase of encouragement.

At another, a vendor was selling traditional "fai chun" new year greetings that people hang on their doors, blending traditional auspicious wishes with protest slogans and demands.

Many of the shoppers and vendors criticised the government's decision to stop political parties setting up stalls at the official fairs.

"Cutting (them) seems to be one of the measures adopted by the government to punish the non-violent supporters of the protests," said Tam Kwok-sun, 64, who was making fresh prints on T-shirts and bags at the fair on Centre Street.

Some of the independent fairs have met opposition, found it difficult to find venues and even had to cancel.

The fair in Sai Ying Pun had its length cut from 100 to 50 metres by local officials after pro-establishment politicians said it was unsafe.

"They rejected our application after the first meeting of the newly elected council," said Camille Yam, a member of the pro-democracy camp which swept to victory in municipal-level elections back in November.

A fair at a public housing complex in Kwan Chung district was cancelled entirely after the local Housing Authority revoked its approval three days before the opening, co-organiser Janis Fan told AFP.

The decision came after pro-Beijing councillors who lost their seats in November's local elections criticised the fair organisers for "instigating strong political ideologies within communities".

"One day after we were singled out and criticised, the authority revoked its approvals," Fan said.

One of the objections raised by the pro-establishment bloc was the presence of a "pig with political meaning" in posters advertising the fair -- a reference to a cartoon pig that has been embraced by protesters as a symbol of their movement because 2019 was the Year of the Pig.

The pig began life as a meme on LIHKG, an online forum that serves as a virtual command centre for the protests, and now features heavily in protest merchandise.

The Housing Authority did not respond to requests for comment.

Another fair in Whampoa district had to move into a restaurant after local authorities refused to let them use public land near a pier.

"This is political repression," a stall owner, who gave her first name as Jessica, told AFP as she drew a cartoon hamster on a cloth bag.

But Edward Li, a shopper at the Sai Ying Pun market, said he felt the new year fairs were bringing people together despite the difficulties some organisers were facing.

"The atmosphere is great," he told AFP. "I feel everyone is connected here, maybe it's because of what happened in the past months, everyone comes here because we share the same beliefs."



"I feel that this Lunar New Year the sense of being a Hong Konger has strengthened.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CHANTILLY, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Perspecta Inc. (NYSE: PRSP), a leading U.S. government services provider, announced today that it has been awarded a task order in support of the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs Enterprise Infrastructure Operations (CAEIO) program. The program, which represents new work for the company, was awarded under the General Services Administration Alliant 2 contract vehicle. It has a one-year base with six one-year option periods and a potential value of $810 million.

Under the program, Perspecta will provide the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs with enterprise infrastructure support to plan, engineer, implement, enhance, maintain and operate the global consular affairs IT environment. Work will support the bureau's headquarters office in Washington, D.C. and more than 350 Consular Affairs locations around the world.

"This award is a true testament to our strong capabilities and proven performance working with civilian, defense and Intelligence Community agencies supporting the Department of State's mission," said Rocky Thurston, senior vice president and general manager of Perspecta's civilian, state and local business group. "We look forward to establishing a trusted relationship with the Bureau of Consular Affairs, and building a long-standing partnership with the Department of State for years to come."

The company will also provide always-on customer service, and implement proactive automated technical solutionsimproving the end-user experience while improving cost optimization and productivity.

About Perspecta Inc.

At Perspecta (NYSE: PRSP), we question, we seek and we solve. Perspecta brings a diverse set of capabilities to our U.S. government customers in defense, intelligence, civilian, health care and state and local markets. Our 270+ issued, licensed and pending patents are more than just pieces of paper, they tell the story of our innovation. With offerings in mission services, digital transformation and enterprise operations, our team of 14,000 engineers, analysts, investigators and architects work tirelessly to not only execute the mission, but build and support the backbone that enables it. Perspecta was formed to take on big challenges. We are an engine for growth and success and we enable our customers to build a better nation. For more information about Perspecta, visit perspecta.com.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Perspecta and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Perspecta undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Perspecta believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Perspecta
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified on Tuesday, January 21, that only business establishments in eight barangays in Tagaytay City are not allowed to resume operations due to the danger posed by the restive Taal Volcano.

In a statement, DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the eight barangays are Bagong Tubig, Kaybagal South (Pob), Maharlika West, Sambong, San Jose, Silang Junction South, Maharlika East, and Tolentino East.

These villages were identified as susceptible to base surge and volcanic tsunami.

"Let me clarify that it's not the entire Tagaytay City, but only eight of its barangays were included by Phivolcs as within the danger zone, so business establishments may reopen in other areas of the city," he said.

Malaya issued the clarification after DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said in a press conference in Malacanang on Monday that commercial activities within the 14-kilometer danger zone of the Taal Volcano, which includes parts of Tagaytay City, remain prohibited.

He made the pronouncement following reports that several business establishments, including SkyRanch, had resumed operations.

Malaya clarified that business establishments in the upper portion of the ridge may be allowed to reopen, but they have to seek clearance or approval from the local chief executive.

"Secretary [Eduardo] Ano has decided that those located in the higher portion of the ridge which based on the Phivolcs hazard map have low risk may be allowed to reopen by the local government unit. So, it's subject to the discretion of the mayor and she will be totally responsible," he said.

Malaya said the local government of Tagaytay City should seek guidance from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs) in deciding which areas in the eight barangays are safe for business establishments.

"We are not the scientific experts here, it's the DOST (Department of Science and Technology). We have requested the Phivolcs to issue the necessary written guidance to DILG on this matter," he said.

Story continues

Alert Level 4 remains raised over Taal Volcano, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours or days.

The volcano went into intense unrest on Sunday, January 12, spewing steam-laden plumes and lava fountains although eruption activities have waned in the past few days.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin Tuesday, Phivolcs said they have plotted a total of 718 volcanic earthquakes since 1 p.m. of January 12.

In the past 24 hours, it said the Taal Volcano Network, which can record small earthquakes undetectable by the Philippine Seismic Network, has recorded 448 volcanic earthquakes including 17 low-frequency earthquakes.

The Phivolcs said such intense seismic activity likely signifies continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice which may lead to further eruptive activity.

DOST-Phivolcs strongly reiterates total evacuation of Taal Volcano Island and high-risk areas as identified in the hazard maps within the 14-km radius from Taal main crater and along the Pansipit River Valley where fissuring has been observed, it said.

In a press conference, Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division Chief Mariton Bornas said they understand the residents' need to go home. But they could not downgrade the alert level yet.

"We understand their plight. We are working doubly hard so that we can give them the best information. We will be the first one to say if it's safe to go back because we have them in mind all the time," she said.

"Alam naman po natin ang plight ng mga nadi-displace, especially those who are in evacuation centers. We know na very stressful sa kanila," she added.

She made the statement after Talisay, Batangas Vice Mayor Charlie Natanauan reportedly expressed his dismay with Phivolcs officer-in-charge Renato Solidum's "opinions" on Taal Volcano's activity, which supposedly keep his constituents from going back to their homes.

"With all due respect to the Vice Mayor, we can understand that he is under so much stress, there are so many things (happening) and he is under pressure," said Bornas.

"We would like to respect 'yung feelings ni Vice Mayor but at the same time we are firm in our science and we are doing our best so that we can inform," she added.

As of January 21, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the affected population following the Taal eruption has already reached 271,278 persons or 68,439 families.

Of the total, 38,906 families or 148,514 people were taking temporary shelters in the evacuation centers provided by the government.

For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said P18.43 million worth of assistance has been spent for relief operations.

The disaster council said the towns of Lemery, Agoncillo, Balete, Sta. Teresita, Talisay, Tanauan and San Nicolas remained on total lockdown as of Tuesday while the areas of Laurel and Taal were under partial lockdown.

Meanwhile, in Tanauan City, Mayor Sweet Halili said they will continue to allow their residents to go home and retrieve their belongings or feed their livestock during the designated "window hours".

Ano has said, however, that he will stop the "window hours" in line with the total lockdown policy. (SunStar Philippines)
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The DGP commendation medal along with a certificate that was awarded to suspended DSP Davinder Singh has been forfeited after his arrest.

Davinder Singh was arrested on charges of trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbag Singh had on Monday said that the Bangladesh visits of Davinder Singh, who was arrested with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists a few days back, are being investigated.

"It has come to our knowledge that his (Davinder's) daughters studied in Bangladesh. It is being investigated if his visits were only restricted to that angle," Singh said at a press conference.

He, however, added that it would not be appropriate for him to comment on a case that has been transferred to the Investigation Agency (NIA).

"That case has been transferred to NIA, it will not be right for me to make a comment on it. Some findings have come out, they are before NIA. His custody is being given to the investigating agency. It is being investigated in the right direction," said Singh.

The NIA has registered a case and begun investigations in connection with the arrest of Davinder Singh after it was instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 16.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Environmentalist Chris Packham is urging people to consider having fewer children because rising population and consumption is damaging the planet.

He raised his concerns on Good Morning Britain yesterday as he appeared to discuss his new documentary 7.7billion People and Counting.

'Our mission is to get people to think about the impact of our human population,' he told the show.

Pictured: Chris Packham in his new documentary '7.7billion People and Counting' in which he warns of the impact human consumption is having on the planet

We are just asking a very important question - "what effect is this enormous burgeoning population having on the world?" In my lifetime that population has doubled - in Sir David Attenboroughs its trebled.'

He warned that consumption is 'putting increasing pressure on the environment' as he praised climate Greta Thunberg who spoke at Davos yesterday.

Mr Packham told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid that he was not telling people to stop having children, but wanted people to consider the size of their families.

His words divided viewers on social media, with some saying he is delusional and others coming out in support of him.

Twitter user @gracelaurent_ wrote: 'Chris Packham on #GMB about stop having children to save the planet. Have to say I actually agree with him about this. Couldn't dream bringing a child into this world currently when there's so much hate across the world not to mention constant climate emergencies #UnpopularOpinion.'

Nicholas Salter tweeted: '#GMB Chris Packham is right. We also need to allow euthanasia for those who feel bad about, and wish to lower, their carbon footprint and no longer have significant social or economic value #ClimateCrisis.'

Ami Jepson said: 'Stop having kids to save the planet... these people are deluded #GMB.'

Journalist Ella Whelan also appeared on the show and said population control would affect black people disproportionately.

Firstly birth rates in the west are dropping - population growth isnt an issue in the UK,' she said. 'In the west its dropping. In places like South Sudan, Chad and Niger its very high.

The uncomfortable background to all of the discussion people like Chris Packham are having is that they want to stop certain people to stop having children and more often than not its black people.'

Packham said: 'I think I have to be really clear here Piers and Susanna. I know we like a bit of controversy, but there's not a racist cell in my body and I am not asking anyone in the world, whether it's in Sub-Saharan Africa or in the United States, to not have children. I'm not asking or suggesting anything that isn't voluntary.

'The key thing that we have here, which we've pointed out, is levels of consumption. If everyone in the world consumed the same as we do in the UK, at this point in time, we would need two extra planets. If everyone consumed the same as they do in the United States we would need four extra planets.

'Sub-Saharan African populations are beginning to grow, so are their aspirations in a justified sense, and as a consequence of that their consumption will grow too. We're not talking about black people, white people, Christians or Muslims - we're talking about organisms and their capacity to consume resources that are no longer on our planet.'

Whelan also expressed concerns that - instead of focusing on energy infrastructure and other measures that could help the environment - women were being asked to shoulder the responsibility in a potentially sexist fashion. Packham retorted that he didn't have a misogynist cell in his body.
(Newser)  Amtrak has backtracked after telling two wheelchair users they needed to pay $25,000 for a two-hour train ride that normally costs $16 per ticket. NPR first reported on the fee applied to employees of Access Living, a disability service and advocacy center, who hoped to travel from Chicago to Bloomington, Ill., for a conference. Ten employees hoped to travel on the same train, including five who use wheelchairs. But the train could accommodate only one wheelchair in each of its three cars. Amtrak therefore notified Access Living that a $25,000 charge would apply to remove seats from a train car. "I could buy a car for that," one flabbergasted employee told NBC Chicago, noting Amtrak made such adjustments for only a few hundred dollars in the past. Amtrak countered that its policy changed last year.

story continues below

That drew a rebuke from Sen. Tammy Duckworth, the ranking member on the Senate subcommittee on transportation and safety, who also uses a wheelchair. "I will be requesting that Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson meet with me to discuss eliminating Amtrak's nationwide policy of refusing to absorb any costs associated with reconfiguring a railcar to accommodate a group of wheelchair users," she said Sunday, describing the fee as "outrageous." By Monday, Amtrak said it had found space for the employeeswho said taking a different train would mean arriving late or too early, with the added cost of a hotel stayas well as two other wheelchair users who plan to attend the conference. "We apologize for their inconvenience," the service said, per the Washington Post, adding it would review its policy and accept Duckworth's invitation. (Read more Amtrak stories.)
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

PATNA: Just a day after being dropped from the list of star campaigners for JD (U) ahead of Delhi Assembly polls, party's national general secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Pavan K Varma created an awkward moment for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's by seeking 'ideological clarity' from him over alliance with BJP in an open letter.

Varmas letter to Nitish Kumar evoked stern reactions from his party  JD (U) as well as BJP.

Expressing his perplexion over alliance with the BJP for the Delhi Polls, Varma wrote: I must confess that I am deeply perplexed by this development and look to you (Nitish Kumar) for ideological clarity on more than one occasion, you have expressed your grave apprehension about the BJP-RSS combine.

Recalling a meeting of his with the Chief Minister in 2012, Varma further wrote: In my first meeting with you in Patna in August 2012, even before I had formally resigned from IFS, you had spoken to me at length and with conviction on why Narendra Modi and his policies are inimical for the country."

He stated that there was an urgent need for the JD (U) to harmonize what the partys Constitution said, what the leader of the party feels in private and what actions the party takes in public.

Politics, as you have emphasised to us, must be about principle and the courage of conviction, Varma said hoping to get some 'ideological clarity' from Nitish Kumar's side.

Peeved at his partys move to contest the upcoming Delhi polls alliance with BJP, Varma stressed on the need of for democratic and socialist forces within the country to regroup'.

The most damaging revelation made by Varma, however, was that the Bihar CM had privately confessed to him on how BJP's current leadership made him feel 'humiliated' and how he (Nitish Kumar) wanted an 'RSS mukt Bharat'.

Prior to this, Varma had shot-off another such letter to Nitish Kumar on January 5 urging him to reject the CAA-NPR-NRC scheme.

Responding to Varma's tell-all, Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, spokesperson of JD-U in Patna said: Varma is a senior leader of party. The seat-sharing issue related to alliance with BJP has been decided by the top leadership of the party after proper consultation. Varma should avoid such kind of move that causes embarrassment to partys decision.

BJP also reacted to Sharma's letter asking him to not present hypothesis to create fear psychoses.

Nikhil Anand, BJP spokesperson in Patna, said: The seat-sharing between NDA for Delhi elections shows the rapport among the top leaders of NDA allies. Varma ji should not have written letter in pubic and rather discussed it on party forum.


In the 13 months since Meng Wanzhou, 47, was arrested at a Vancouver airport, her life has been circumscribed by the terms of her $10 million bail. On Monday, it entered a new phase when her extradition hearing formally began

Vancouver: She has passed her days painting flowers, conferring with her lawyers, reading books and improving her English, ensconced in two different multimillion-dollar mansions in exclusive sections of Vancouver.

But on Friday, after the city had experienced a rare snowstorm, Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei chief financial officer detained in Vancouver and awaiting an extradition hearing on fraud charges, could be seen playfully throwing a snowball outside her house.

Then she spotted a photographer. Her smile turned into a frown.

In the 13 months since Meng, 47, was arrested at a Vancouver airport, her life has been circumscribed by the terms of her $10 million bail. On Monday, it entered a new phase when her extradition hearing formally began.

This part of the hearing, which could last a week, will examine whether the crime Meng is accused of constitutes a crime in Canada, a prerequisite under Canadian law for her extradition to proceed. This is known as the legal concept of double criminality.

The United States, in a January 2019 indictment, charged, among other things, that Meng deceived four banks into clearing transactions in Iran through Skycom, a subsidiary, violating US sanctions against Iran.

Prosecutors say Meng lied to representatives of the bank HSBC in 2013 about Huaweis relationship with Skycom, telling them it was a partner when it was, in fact, a subsidiary. That put HSBC at risk of sanctions.

On Monday, at the beginning of the proceedings, Richard Peck, a member of Mengs defence team, said the case should be dismissed because it was founded on the accusation of breach of US sanctions against Iran  sanctions that Canada does not accept. The claim of fraud, he said, was a facade.

In the courtroom, Meng, wearing a black dress with white polka dots and sitting in a bulletproof defendants box at the back of the court, appeared composed and smiling as she conferred with her legal team.

If her case goes ahead, the court will also hear her lawyers arguments that her rights were violated when she was arrested.

Mengs arrest has pushed Canada into the center of a tense diplomatic battle between China and the United States. President Donald Trump once said he might consider interceding in the case if that helped him reach a trade deal with China.

In what many called a retaliation for the arrest of Meng  one of Chinas most prominent business executives  China has arrested two Canadians, accused them of espionage and detained them in secret jails, deprived of access to lawyers and their families.

It is unclear when a final ruling in Mengs extradition case will be made. In the meantime, she could face many more months in Vancouver.

Vincent Pang, a Huawei board member and longtime friend of Mengs, visits her about once a month. He said in an interview Friday that he and the company believe she is innocent, and so does she.

Nevertheless, Pang said, Meng is facing enormous emotional stress because of the uncertainty about her future and from being separated for long periods from her four children, all of whom live in China.

He said her two youngest children were in Vancouver schools at the time of her arrest, which upended their lives. She feels sorry for her family, Pang said.

According to one of the security guards monitoring her house, her family came to see her during the Christmas holidays. Her mother and husband have taken turns keeping her company.

Meng lives in a seven-bedroom, gated mansion in Vancouvers exclusive Shaughnessy neighbourhood, valued at about $14 million Canadian dollars ($10.7 million).

Under the terms of her bail, she is able to travel relatively freely about the city, although she has an 11 pm curfew and a GPS tracker around her ankle. Her bail conditions, which give her the freedom to go shopping, are in stark contrast with the two Canadians detained in China and have been criticised in Canada.

But she seldom leaves the house, said one of two unarmed guards, who was standing near a makeshift tent outside Mengs mansion Friday. When she does, he said, it is usually to meet with her lawyers.

Pang said that while Meng lived in a mansion, it was, effectively, a gilded cage. He said she had lost a lot of weight.

Its not about how big her home is but whats in her heart, he said, adding, She feels trapped.

Despite entreaties by him and others friends to go out more, Meng prefers to stay at home, Pang said. If youre detained, you dont feel like shopping or eating, he said.

Still, on one occasion, Meng was spotted browsing at Holt Renfrew, the luxury retailer. And on Chinas National Day, she wore a bright red Gucci dress to court, adorned with an enamel Chinese flag pin.

Meng has hired an A-list legal team led by David Martin, one of Canadas most high-powered lawyers, who specializes in white-collar crime. He has argued cases at the countrys Supreme Court and has defended members of foreign governments and ultrarich captains of industry seeking to avoid extradition.

While Meng retains her chief financial officer title at Huawei and continues to take a role in the business, Pang said her responsibilities had been significantly scaled back, given that Shenzhen, where Huawei has its headquarters, is 16 hours ahead of Vancouver.

In December, on the anniversary of her arrest, Meng wrote a reflective letter, published on Huaweis website, in which she said she had experienced moments of fear, pain and disappointment  but also acceptance.

When I was in Shenzhen, time used to pass by very quickly, she wrote. She continued, Right now, time seems to pass slowly.

After the letter was released, there was a backlash on social media against Huawei and sly allusions to the story of a former company employee, Li Hongyuan, who was jailed for more than eight months after he demanded severance pay when his contract wasnt renewed. Li was eventually released with no charges, but some compared his detainment with Mengs luxurious surroundings.

In recent interviews with international news outlets, Mengs father, Ren Zhengfei, who is Huaweis billionaire founder, suggested that her detention has brought the two closer together.

Before her arrest, Ren said, Meng rarely called or texted him. Now the two speak regularly by phone.

When Ren turned 75 in October, Meng posted a handwritten birthday greeting on social media. The post included a photo of her standing outdoors wearing her ankle monitor. The letter was signed Piggy  a nickname apparently given to her when she was a chubby child.

Given that Meng is wanted by the United States on fraud charges, it has not gone unnoticed among local residents in her neighbourhood that her 8,047-square-foot house is just a few doors down from the residence of the US consul-general, where an American flag flaps in the wind.

A short walk away is the hulking Consulate General of the Peoples Republic of China.

Ji Jiahao, 22, came to Vancouver from Shanghai to study English and lives in a mansion on the same street as Meng. He said Meng had not broken any laws and should be released.

Canada has always been the little brother of United States, he said. It does whatever the United States does.

Hayden Rubensohn, a doctor who works in the area, said Mengs bail conditions showed that Canada was a humane country. But he said they did spur some resentment in a city with a vast economic gap.

Its hard for people to see foreigners living with so much wealth, he said, when people in Vancouver are struggling to make ends meet.

Dan Bilefsky c.2020 The New York Times Company
By Volker Ahlemeyer

We build a greener, more sustainable economy in Ukraine - with support from the European Union and Global Environment Facility.

We helped the Novus supermarket chain to invest in energy-efficient fridges and freezers, industrial heaters and air-conditioning. It's an investment into the future, and one that benefits everyone: the planet, the company and the economy.

The chain has now established itself among Ukraine's top 10 retailers, which, in turn, has created new employment opportunities. Currently, more than 5,000 employees work for the company in Ukraine.

Read the full story.
Hundreds of people took to the streets and marched across the MLK bridge in Abilene, Texas, on Monday, January 20, to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King Day march reportedly lasted about an hour. This video shows marchers singing, while some hold flags or banners. Credit: Tate Ellison via Storyful
Farewell to the greatest illusion; these are not human. Mikael Minasyan, former Armenian Ambassador to the Vatican, wrote this on his Facebook page.

When the 'love and velvet revolution' took place, it was the greatest illusion that it was happening to every citizen of our country. That every human being should master the destiny of himself and his country. That any change must be "human-centered". Consequently, just in those days, they were lavishly saying words about living in dignity, safe, without cameras and corruption and, of course, cheap [natural] gas. And all this would ensure the "economic revolution" with huge investments, budgeted taxes out of the shade, and an unprecedented number of jobs.

What really happened? The cameras did not disappear but increased, the traffic was not regulated but deteriorated; moreover, the draconian point system was introduced, the gas price did not go down, it would soon go up, investments not only stayed the same but declined. Instead of living a decent life, there are daily protests against illogical decisions. Instead of security, we have a horror about what kind of people will make the decisions about the security of our country.

But the collapse of the greatest illusion is not the one listed above. Ironically, the biggest failure of this government is the absolute fiasco of its most popular slogan. If one can characterize the atmosphere of Armenia today, then it is not "love and velvet". The current public moods filled with hostility, intolerance, and hatred are reminiscent of a mad house. Now people are even ashamed of going to social media. A person becomes ashamed of such manifestations of public relations and networking posts. This government, through the makers of its fakes and paid posts, makes any occurrence, even death, in a public discourse that many sincerely do not know how to respondto shame, debate, or just curse.

But the problem here is not the transformation of the "love and velvet" atmosphere of hatred. But society is gradually revealing a simple truth. They are not human, in the most popular sense of the word. Never have been and never will be.

They are not human because they are not capable of simple human compassion. They will not offer condolences and will not be ashamed of it.

They are not human because they do not spare the families of the opposition or their own families.

These are not human beings because they only lie. The lie is convincing, big, and so long as there is no need to invent a new lie.

They are not human because they have done everything to get their power, and they are ready to sacrifice anyone for the sake of holding office, walking above holiness and denying all.

These are not human and they are not men. Hiding under the guise of fake users, they attack like hyena, curse, and morally destroy those who disagree with them. Then, without blinking, lie that they do not have fakes.

These are not human; don't try to work with them. They will make you work, attribute to themselves what you have done, and in the end, they will discredit and prosecute instead of being thankful.

They are not human because they have selected terror - endless criminal cases, inspections, and direct threats - as the only way to communicate with political opponents or rivals.

These are not human. Coming to power through the media, today they speak with open threats with their former colleagues.

They are not human because they spread hostility, draw the most disgusting dividing lines.

These are not really human. And they probably never were. And they will never become one. It is an ordinary failed, ungrateful, corrupt, a group that has become aggressive of its own political successes, which is even unable to spot how it has already dilapidated two-thirds of his former success.

Therefore, they must be removed altogether, jointly, with joint efforts, and quickly before they finally destroy the country and the people. And you need not be overwhelmed by the tales of irreplaceability. Both in April 2018 and after and every day before that there also were born and are being born honorable and humane leaders who are capable of mastering the dreams of the people, the dreams that are so violated today.

P.S. By the way, this government suffering with Facebook madness is monitoring who likes my posts. They warn those people outright, intimidate their parents, and make sure that they don't have enough likes, to report to the main Facebook madman that no one is following and reading.

A request to all: Don't like my comments, don't comment, don't share. I know you are many. They also know that you are many. And you are increasing day by day. And their fear is increasing day by day. Fear and anxiety. Because they have realized that they will be punished with all the rigor of the law. And they will pay for a complete deception of the whole nation," he wrote.
Davinder Singh loses certificate, DGPs commendation medal

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Jammu, Jan 21: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday forfeited the DGP's commendation medal and certificate given to suspended DSP Davinder Singh, who has been arrested for helping terrorists travel out of J&K, five days after he lost his Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry.

An order issued by the Director-General of Police Dilbag Singh announced the forfeiture of DGP's commendation medal and certificate which was awarded the now-disgraced officer on December 31, 1998.

"Consequent upon the arrest of Davinder Singh, Dy SP on January 11, while trying to assist terrorists to travel outside J&K and recovery of arms and ammunition, which amounts to disloyalty and conduct that has brought the force into disrepute, the DGP commendation medal along with certificate awarded to him on December 31, 1998, is hereby forfeited," the order read.

Davinder Singhs multiple Bangladesh visits come under NIA scanner

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

On January 15, the Jammu and Kashmir administration forfeited the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry awarded to Davinder Singh in 2018.

Police had arrested Singh at Mir Bazar in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Baba and Altaf, besides a lawyer who was operating as an overground worker for terror outfits.

Let him go, dont probe him: A mysterious undertaking signed by Davinder Singh

Searches were carried out at Singh's residence in Srinagar, right next to the Army's XV Corps headquarters at Badami Bagh cantonment, where he had sheltered Naveed, Altaf and a new joinee in the banned terror outfit, leading to the recovery of two pistols, an AK rifle and a large quantity of ammunition.
Never get back with an ex. Thats what they say isnt it? But after those awards ceremony photos of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, the world is aching for Brennifer to break the golden rule and get together again. Having become the first candidate to make it onto the leadership ballot, Sir Keir Starmer wants to rekindle the flame with ex-Labour voters in the north  the ones who dumped the party for a pre-Christmas romp with Boris Johnson. The PM, meanwhile, has spurned the chance to hook up with his old pal Donald Trump at todays Davos summit. No time for bromance when he has all those salt-of-the-earth northerners to woo. Im Adam Forrest, and welcome to The Independents daily Inside Politics briefing.

Inside the bubble

Our chief political commentator John Rentoul on what to look out for in SW1 today:
Miss Cass County Fair was named one of the top 15 finalists during the weekends Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant in Springfield, but she didnt view the other 72 contestants as rivals.

Ive gotten to know a lot of the girls and I think its a great opportunity, said 21-year-old Brittany Smith of Ashland. This pageant teaches you communication skills, and just being able to get up on stage with all these beautiful women is so much fun.

Its also fun when you can avoid the pitfalls the other participants suffer.

Another contestant near me went into a microphone stand; that was pretty funny, Smith said.

Kelsi Kessler, 18, of Carmi was selected the 2020 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen and will reign over the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair. First runner-up was Miss Macoupin County Fair, Maya Marcacci, 20, of Benld.

I have been coming to this pageant for close to seven years and I have done everything that I could possibly hope for, Marcacci said.

Miss Morgan County Fair, Lori Jackson, 20, of Jacksonville, said the state competition, which ran Thursday through Sunday, is like no other pageant that Ive ever been in.

Its been a great week, Ive met a lot of people, its been fun, Jackson said. Its not necessarily a competition between us all; we are all friends.

Mallory Erickson, 19, of Jacksonville, the reigning Miss Western Illinois Fair, enjoyed the pageant despite battling a head cold all weekend.

Ive been blowing my nose and every girl thinks its so funny, Erickson said. But they are there to help and support me. We have all worked so hard. Its very tiring, but well worth it.

Miss Pike County Fair Ashley Miller, 21 of Fishhook broke her leg two months ago, which presented a challenge during the pageant.

Its been kind of a fun time trying to maneuver in heels with that injury, Miller said. So Ive had to wear a small brace. Its my fashion accessory, but with no rhinestones.

This pageant has been so much fun, Miller said. I think Ive gotten like seven total hours of sleep, but Ive made a lot of new friends and its been a great weekend.

Miss Greene County Fair Anja Goetten, 21, of Carrollton said her county pageant and the just-concluded state pageant are empowering for women.

I will never apologize for being a pageant girl, Goetten said. It has instilled a confidence in me that I never found before.

That confidence was tested during the state pageants dance number, featuring all 73 contestants.

This dance has been interesting for me because I am not a good dancer, Goetten said. Ive been giving it my all, though. Ive tripped up a few times, but the two left feet havent been that big of a problem.

Miss Brown County Fair Ashlyn Reid, 18, of Mount Sterling will treasure the experience she had during the long weekend.

Ive had so much fun and made so many great memories and made a lot of friends, Reid said. Pageants give you so much confidence and give you such amazing skills for later in life.

Kessler, the freshly minted 2020 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen, is looking forward to her year-long reign.

Its going to be a whirlwind but its going to be so much fun, Kessler said. Ive been so lucky to compete along with these girls, and I still cant believe that it ended up like this.

Retiring State Fair Queen Alexi Bladel of Rockford said the new queen is going to embark for the entire year on an incredible journey. She will be a role model for not only children but for young adults, Bladel said.

Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant director Cathy Redshaw of Rushville said the 2020 queen will visit between 20 and 25 county pageants during the summer, including some in the Riverbend area, in addition to her state fairs duties. But, even though there is only one state queen, all 73 contestants are winners, she said.

I have never talked to a former county fair queen who doesnt say, Oh, I learned so much, I was able to interview so well because of the preparation from this, Redshaw said. Their speaking skills and interview skills are things that they learn from this. They dont get that opportunity anyplace else.
A mother-of-three had to have both her feet and parts of her fingers amputated after her menstrual cup caused an infection which spread to her kidneys, lungs and liver.

Sandrine Graneau, 36, from Loire-Atlantique in western France, suffered from toxic shock syndrome after using the cup and had to spend three weeks in intensive care.

Ms Graneau, a nurse, later claimed it was unclear from the cup's packaging how long it could be kept in her vagina before needing to be taken out and washed.

She wasn't sure but thought she had left it inside herself for several hours, she said, before she fell seriously ill in April last year.

She developed from toxic shock syndrome, also known as acute septicaemia, after the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which grows naturally in the vagina, entered her bloodstream.

Ms Graneau said she initially had pains in her stomach which started off mild but then became severe and she was later rushed to hospital when her blood pressure plummeted.

A mother-of-three had to have both her feet and parts of her fingers amputated after her menstrual cup caused an infection which spread to her kidneys, lungs and liver (stock image)

'It is not so much the bacteria that are dangerous as the damage it causes to the organs.

'The toxin spread to my kidneys, lungs [and] liver,' she told French newspaper Le Parisien.

WHAT IS TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME? Toxic shock syndrome is a highly dangerous bacterial infection - but it can be misdiagnosed because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses and because it is so rare. It occurs when usually harmless staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus bacteria, which live on the skin, invade the bloodstream and release dangerous toxins. TSS' prevalance is unclear but doctors have claimed it affects around one or two in every 100,000 women. It has a mortality rate of between five and 15 per cent. And reoccurs in 30-to-40 per cent of cases. Symptoms usually begin with a sudden high fever - a temperature above 38.9C/102F. Within a few hours a sufferer will develop flu-like symptoms including headache, muscle aches, a sore throat and cough. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, feeling faint, dizziness and confusion are also symptoms. Women are most at risk of getting toxic shock syndrome during menstruation and particularly if they are using tampons, have recently given birth or are using an internal barrier contraceptive, such as a diaphragm. While tampon boxes advise to change them between four to eight hours, it is common for women to forget and leave them in overnight. Treatment may involve antibiotics to fight the infection, oxygen to help with breathing, fluids to prevent dehydration and organ damage, and medication to control blood pressure. Dialysis may also be needed if the kidneys stop functioning. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove dead tissue. In rare incidences, it may be necessary to amputate the affected area. To prevent TSS, women should use tampons with the lowest absorbency for their flow, alternate between a tampon and a sanitary towel, and wash their hands before and after insertion. Tampons should also be changed regularly, as directed on the packaging - usually every four to eight hours. Advertisement

The infection then started to destroy the tissue in Ms Graneau's arms and legs and surgeons had to amputate both of her feet and most of her fingers to stop it spreading to her vital organs.

Nine months later, she is now going through rehab to learn to walk with prosthetics.

Toxic shock syndrome is rare but is often life-threatening.

Many people know about it because of horror stories about women leaving tampons in for too long and developing gruesome infections.

The condition develops when bacteria gets into the body and releases harmful toxins into the bloodstream.

Cells get inflamed trying to fight the toxin, triggering symptoms that tend to come on very rapidly and include a drop in blood pressure, a sudden spike in temperature, body pain and headaches, confusion and diarrhoea or nausea.

In severe cases, this puts the body into a state of shock, causing kidney failure and seizures which can prove deadly.

There are around 40 cases in the UK each year, while in the US there are between 3,000 and 12,000 cases.

It is associated with tampon use, with previous studies showing that three-quarters of cases were among women who used them.

Menstrual cups, made from silicone, are an increasingly popular re-usable alternative to tampons and are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid.

But both cups and tampons can present a risk, with the fibres in tampons able to spur the growth of bacteria, while cups also allow enough air flow to encourage it.

Following the death of 17-year-old Belgian girl Laurance Hennuy last week from toxic shock caused by a tampon, Ms Graneau criticised a lack of clarity from manufacturers.

She said: 'When I hear that the infection is linked to a misuse of cups and tampons by women, it puts me off, as the information we are given varies.

'Take the cups, according to the manufacturer, it is written on the instructions that we can keep them 4, 6, 8 or 12 hours!'

She was unsure how long she had been using her own cup, but questioned why a clearer usage time was not listed.

On Monday, France's national agency for food, environmental and occupational health (ANSES) asked manufacturers of cups and tampons to provide 'clearer information' on how long they could be used for.

They also recommended that any chemicals present in them be eliminated or minimised.
An Indian couple who were set to get married next month have been left shattered after the bride's mother and the groom's father reportedly eloped together.

The bride and groom, from Gujarat, India, decided to cancel their wedding, which was scheduled for the second week of February, after discovering their parents had fled.

The groom's father, described as a 48-year-old textile businessman, disappeared with the bride's mother, a 46-year-old woman, on January 10, The Times of India reported.

The bride and groom, from Gujarat, India, who were set to get married on the second week of February, cancelled their wedding. (Stock image)

The paper reported that both parents had known each other since they were children and were also neighbours in the Katargam area.

The suspected elopement comes just weeks before the bride and groom, who have been planning their wedding for a year, were due to hold a ceremony for their marriage.

The father reportedly vanished in the Katargam region of Surat while the mother was last seen leaving her house in Navsari, Gujarat.

The wedding cancellation comes after the groom's father reportedly disappeared with the bride's mother. (Stock image)

The families of both the parents have filed missing people reports with the police, according to The Times of India.

An anonymous relative told The Times of India: 'They knew each other since they lived in the same society.

'Some of their close friends informed us after they eloped that they had a relationship in the past too.'
The prestigious British University of Leeds has announced the selection of human resources consultant, Bahraini Abeer Al Matooq, as a member of the Executive Education Programmes of the Universitys Business School, to be the first Bahraini to hold membership of this programme.

Under this selection, Ms Al Matooq will work side by side with a group of her colleagues from various countries around the world to spread the best global human resources practices to institutions, companies and organisations around the globe, including the Kingdom.

Her selection in this programme membership is based on her experience, which extends for about twenty years in the field of human resources, individuals development and employee empowerment.

Ms Al Matooq expressed her pride in this choice, which comes to confirm once again that the Bahraini national cadres are indeed worthy of the attention of the prestigious international institutions, corporates and organisations, after those cadres have proven themselves and their capabilities in various local, regional and international forums, and this represents a natural result of the national efforts working to empower the Kingdoms human wealth.

Ms Al Matooq said that she will do her utmost to transfer advanced academic knowledge and practical professional experiences at the British University of Leeds in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and make it available to extend various students, employees, pioneers, business owners and others, and in different professional and scientific fields.
A work by Vincent van Gogh has been confirmed as genuine and was made during psychosis, experts have said.

The painting, titled Self-Portrait (1889) was bought as a genuine Van Gogh in 1910 by Norways National Museum, but doubts had surrounded its authenticity since 1970.

Those doubts have now been dispelled after researchers found that it was indeed painted by the Dutch master as he recovered at the Saint-Remy mental asylum following a nervous breakdown.

Louis van Tilborgh of the Van Gogh Museum said the oil-on-canvas painting of the anguished-looking painter was completed in the late summer of 1889, while Van Gogh was at the asylum in southern France.

The work is the only known painting Van Gogh made while he had psychosis. The image is dominated by a dreary greenish-brown tone, and shows the artist with a lifeless expression.

20 best Van Gogh paintings Show all 20 1 /20 20 best Van Gogh paintings 20 best Van Gogh paintings Sunflowers 1886, oil on canvas. The mysterious, so-called 'Lausanne' Sunflowers  the first Arles Sunflowers painting  with turquoise background. It was created in the summer of 1886 at Van Gogh's studio at Arles, north of Marseille in Provence. It has not been show to the public since 1948. Public domain 20 best Van Gogh paintings The Starry Night 1889, oil on canvas. This painting depicts the view from the window of Van Gogh's asylum room of Saint-Remy-de-Provence. It is one of the most recognised paintings in the history of Western culture. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Irises 1889, oil on canvas. The most recognised of several iris paintings made by Van Gogh at the Saint Paul-de-Mausole asylum, in the last year before his death in 1890. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Self-Portrait 1889, oil on canvas. Van Gogh painted over 43 self-portraits, paintings and drawings over a period of 10 years. He wrote to his sister: 'I am looking for a deeper likeness than that obtained by a photographer' and to his brother: 'People say, and I am willing to believe it, that it is hard to know yourself. But it is not easy to paint yourself either. The portraits painted by Rembrandt are more like a revelation.' 20 best Van Gogh paintings At Eternitys Gate Oil on canvas, 1890. This painting was completed in early May, when Van Gogh was suffering a severe relapse of poor health  two months before his death. It is based on a pencil drawing, 'Worn Out', from a series of studies he made of a war veteran in 1882. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Cafe Terrace at Night Oil on canvas, 1888. This work was the first in a trilogy of paintings that featured starlit skies, completed over two years. Van Gogh was enthusiastic about the painting and wrote to his sister: 'Here you have a night picture without any black in it, done with nothing but beautiful blue and violet and green, and in these surroundings the lighted square acquires a pale sulphur and greenish citron-yellow colour. It amuses me enormously to paint the night right on the spot... I find satisfaction in painting things immediately.' 20 best Van Gogh paintings The Night Cafe 1888, oil on canvas. The five customers in the scene have described as 'three drunks and derelicts in a large public room... huddled down in sleep or stupor.' Van Gogh told his brother that the cafe owner, Ginoux, had taken so much money it was time to take his revenge by painting the place. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Bedroom in Arles Oil on canvas, 1888. Three authentic versions of this painting were made, easily discernible from the different paintings on the right wall. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Van Gogh's Chair Oil on canvas, 1888. This painting is currently at the National Gallery in London. It was completed after Van Gogh moved from the Hotel Carrel to the Cafe de la Gare at Arles, south France. 20 best Van Gogh paintings The Potato Eaters 1885, oil on canvas. Van Gogh chose this deliberately tricky composition to prove himself as a figure painter, wanting to show the way 'they have tilled the earth themselves with these hands they are putting in the dish... that they have thus honestly earned their food'. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Road with Cypress and Star 1890, oil on canvas. Also known as Country Road, this was the last painting Van Gogh made in Saint Remy, It is part of the large Van Gogh collection at the Kroller-Muller Museum at Otterlo in the Netherlands. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Starry Night Over the Rhone 1888, oil on canvas. Another of Van Gogh's paintings of Arles at nighttime  painted at a spot on the bank of the Rhone a few minutes walk from the Yellow House, which he was renting at the time. 20 best Van Gogh paintings The Pink Peach Tree 1888, oil on canvas. In a short space of time during his first weeks at Arles, Van Gogh painted some fifteen orchards, hoping they would sell well because his subject, the glorious blossoms of the flowering trees, had the power to 'cheer everyone up'. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Self Portrait with a Grey Felt Hat 1887, oil on canvas. This self portrait is slightly unusual because Van Gogh's face is angled to face straight towards the observer. Most of them depicted the face as it appeared in the mirror he used, so the right side seen in the image was actually the left side of his face. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Almond Blossoms 1888 - 1890, oil on canvas. Van Gogh loved flowering trees, which to him symbolised hope and new life. This painting was created to celebrate the birth of his nephew and namesake, the son of his brother Theo and sister-in-law Jo. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Woman Sewing This was part of Van Gogh's preparation for The Potato Eaters, where he attempted to paint a figure against the light. He struggled, telling his brother Theo: 'It's a difficult effect', yet he succeeded in a strong contrast with the almost-black head of the woman and the use of white for the window, which focuses the gaze mainly on the woman's hands. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Peasant Woman Against a Background of Wheat Oil on canvas, 1890. This painting, one of several versions by Van Gogh, has exchanged hands several times and was bought by Stephen Wynn in 1997 for $47.5 million. Seven years later, it was sold to American investor Steven A Cohen for more than $100 million. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Two Cypresses Oil on canvas, 1889. In the cypress trees of Saint Remy, Van Gogh found beauty "as regards lines and proportions, like an Egyptian obelisk". He was enraptured but also challenged: 'It's the dark patch in a sun-drenched landscape, but it's one of the most interesting dark notes, the most difficult to hit off exactly that I can imagine'. 20 best Van Gogh paintings The Red Vineyard 1888, oil on canvas. Art historians believe this is the only Van Gogh painting he managed to sell during his lifetime, and has been listed among his major works. It was sold in Brussels for 400 francs (about 3,000) to Anna Boch, an impressionist painter and art collector from Belgium, who was the sister of Van Gogh's friend Eugene Boch. 20 best Van Gogh paintings Wheatfield with Crows 1890, oil on canvas.Commonly regarded as Van Gogh's final painting (with some doubt from art historians due to lack of historical records). Around 10 July Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo and wife Jo Bonger to say he had painted another three large canvases since visiting them in Paris the week before. Two of them, he said, expressed sadness and what he called 'extreme loneliness', but he also believed them to show the healthy and fortifying nature of the countryside.

It can be linked to a letter that the artist wrote to his brother Theo in September, about a self-portrait attempt from when I was ill.

It feels really reassuring to know that its genuine, said Mai Britt Guleng of the Norwegian museum.

When we delivered the painting in 2014 they warned us and said you might not like the results and it might be that we will never find out. So we were very happy when we got the news.

The Oslo self-portrait depicts someone who is mentally ill, the museum said. His timid, sideways glance is easily recognisable and is often found in patients suffering from depression and psychosis.

Van Tilborgh, a senior researcher at the museum and professor of art history at the University of Amsterdam, told The Guardian that Van Gogh was frightened to admit he was in a similar state to other residents at the asylum.

He probably painted this portrait to reconcile himself with what he saw in the mirror: a person he did not wish to be, yet was, he said.

This is part of what makes the painting so remarkable and even therapeutic. It is the only work that Van Gogh is known for certain to have created while suffering from psychosis.

He said that, while the work is not one of Van Goghs best, he had grown rather fond of it.

Van Goghs Self-Portrait (1889) (AP)

[Van Gogh] says later on somewhere that his paintings were sometimes a cry of anguish. Well, this is a cry of anguish. It belongs to a small group of pictures that show something of his mental health problem and how he dealt with it, or tried to deal with it, he said.

The painting is on display at the Van Gogh Museum and will be part of a temporary exhibition, titled In the Picture, from 21 February.

It will then return to Oslo to be displayed as part of the Nasjonalmuseets permanent collection in spring 2021.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
Hillary Clinton has defended taking money from Harvey Weinstein, arguing the Obamas did it too and she 'could not have possibly known' about the raft of sexual assault allegations against him.

The former presidential candidate, 72, was asked if she had any regrets about her lengthy association and close friendship with the disgraced movie mogul, 67, in a wide ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Weinsten, who is facing life in prison if convicted in his upcoming rape and sexual assault trial, had been a longtime major donor to the Clintons. He donated $250,000 to the Clinton Foundation and $10,000 to Bill's legal fund when he faced impeachment during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

But when asked about her association with the shamed producer Clinton told The Hollywood Reporter: 'How could we have known? He raised money for me, for the Obamas, for Democrats in general.

'And that at the time was something that everybody thought made sense. And of course, if all of us had known what we know now, it would have affected our behavior.'

Former Secretary of State Clinton was speaking ahead of the premiere of a documentary about her at Sundance, titled Hillary. She had been in talks with Weinstein to create a TV documentary about her failed campaign until allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him.

Hillary Clinton, left, has defended taking money from Harvey Weinstein, right, arguing the Obamas did it too and she 'could not have possibly known' about the raft of sexual assault allegations against him. Clinton and Weinstein are pictured in 2004

Barack Obama pictured with Harvey Weinstein, left. The two men are also pictured with Senator Lautenberg and Senator Schumer in 2006

Hillary Clinton participates in the Hulu 'Hillary' panel. She had been in talks with Weinstein to create a TV documentary about her failed campaign until the allegations surfaced against him

Weinstein is charged in New York with raping one woman in a hotel room in 2013 and forcibly performing a sex act on another in 2006. Opening statements are expected as soon as this week, following two weeks of jury selection.

In a Los Angeles case, which will be tried later, he is accused of sexually assaulting two women on back-to-back nights in 2013.

The former studio boss behind such Oscar winners as 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Shakespeare in Love' has said any sexual activity was consensual.

Since 2017, more than 80 women, including many famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct dating back decades.

But both Hillary and Bill, who had a close friendship with Weinstein for decades, have denied having any knowledge about his offenses.

However, a New York Times article revealed Clinton's campaign had been warned about the rumors swirling around about Weinstein.

Actress Lena Dunham - one of Hillary's biggest celebrity endorsers - emailed her campaign's deputy communications director in 2016.

The former presidential candidate, 72, was asked if she had any regrets about her lengthy association and close friendship with the disgraced movie mogul, 67, in a wide ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter, pictured

The email stated: 'I just want you to let you know that Harvey's a rapist and this is going to come out at some point.

'I think it's a really bad idea for him to host fund-raisers and be involved because it's an open secret in Hollywood that he has a problem with sexual assault.'

Hillary, promoting the four-part Hulu series about her life, also touched on her dislike of Bernie Sanders in the interview with The Hollywood Reporter, telling them: 'It's not only him, it's the culture around him. It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women.'

She also says Donald Trump is a 'worse' president than she expected and answers questions about her marriage in the wake of Bill's relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

The former president is said to have held back tears in the new documentary as he speaks about his affair.

Hillary says: 'Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It's painful, but it's also revelatory because we've always loved each other and had each other's backs. Have we had ups and downs like every married couple I know? Absolutely.

'I'm grateful that he [Bill] understood that this was a really terrible time. But I also think in every marriage there's not just one side. So, I could say the same for him, that I'm not always the easiest person to live with. I'm glad he stuck it out, too.'

Probed on her marriage being 'an arrangment' Hillary said: 'I hope it does [show that it is a love story] because it's real and it's been around for a long time now  nearly 50 years, for heaven's sake.

'I would love for that to be conveyed because I'd love to have the reality of my life story better aligned with the press and the public understanding of it. That would be a big step forward.'

Harvey Weinstein arrives at court in New York on Tuesday morning on his walker ahead of opening statements in his rape and sexual assault trial

Both Hillary and Bill, who had a close friendship with Weinstein for decades, have denied having any knowledge about his offenses. Bill and Weinstein are pictured in 2006

Weinsten, who is facing life in prison if convicted in his upcoming rape and sexual assault trial, had been a longtime major donor to the Clintons. He donated $250,000 to the Clinton Foundation and $10,000 to Bill's legal fund when he faced impeachment. Clinton and Weinstein are pictured in 2012 at the TIME 100 Gala

Hillary did not immediately comment on the allegations against Weinstein and waited six days to release a statement condemning her friend.

'I was shocked and appalled by the revelations about Harvey Weinstein,' she said in a statement posted on Twitter.

'The behavior described by the women coming forward cannot be tolerated. Their courage and the support of others is critical in helping to stop this kind of behavior.'
Minister of Justice of Armenia Rustam Badasyan today received the delegation led by Head of Unit of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Eastern Partnership of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission Vassilis Maragos. Among the attendees were Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin and Deputy Minister of Justice Kristinne Grigoryan, as reported the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia.

The minister thanked the European colleagues for the effective cooperation and, presenting the justice sector reforms agenda, informed that the process of constitutional reforms had been launched. During the meeting, the parties also touched upon the developments of the reforms in the judicial-legal and police sectors.

Vassilis Maragos attached importance to the governments commitment to making reforms in the justice sector in particular and expressed the comprehensive support of the European Union to the implementation of reforms.
GST on textiles will not be increased from 5 to 12 per cent: FM Sitharaman

It is not BJP money: Nirmala Sitharaman on IT raids on 'Samajwadi perfume' trader

Making earnest attempts to decriminalise company laws: Nirmala Sitharaman

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Chennai, Jan 21: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the government's earnest attempt was to decriminalise everything that has to do with Companies Law or related acts as part of initiatives towards a $5 trillion economy.

She said the government does not want a law that could treat every business house with suspicion.

Delivering the Nani Palkhiwala Memorial lecture on Sunday evening here, Sitharaman said she was impressed with the comments made by TATA Sons Ltd chairman N Chandrashekharan who remarked that the government should trust people and its own citizens.

States opposing CAA implementation is 'unconstitutional': Sitharaman

"My first attempt and also an earnest attempt which continues today is to decriminalise everything to do with Companies law or related laws. The very point Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) keeps talking," she said.

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

Sitharaman said in Companies Law, there are a number of sections leading to a criminal approach and penalties or even jail terms.

"I had gone through this with a tooth comb. Decriminalising Companies Law ensuring no other act of government whether it is Income Tax or your PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) will have such an impact.

We are making sure that aspect will be addressed," she said.

Elaborating, she said "we do not want a law which is going to treat every business house with suspicion. That is not the intent of this government at all".

She said it was one of the initiatives the government had planned as part of steps towards taking the country to a $5 trillion economy, ensuring trust between the government and businesses.

Earlier, to a query posed by a member of the audience that the government was pumping money into banks which had huge non-performing assets, she said banks are required to perform critical functions in an economy.

News broadcasters seek parity in GST with print media after meeting FM Sitharaman

Sitharaman said once PA was around Rs 10 lakh crore.

"It has come down to Rs 8 lakh crore, it has further come down now..when we are talking about NPA and when money is given to banks, it is not that the banks need to take that money and happy with that...go after those who failed the bank by not paying dues. Get the money back..," she said.
Have you ever considered the impact that your strengths and weaknesses can have on your life? Most people have a very good knowledge of what they believe to be their strengths and what they believe to be their weaknesses. However, is it possible that these can matter more than you realize and possibly in a way you may not have thought-about?

To help you understand this better, lets look at two characters from the Bible, Samson and Paul, and examine how they dealt with this issue.

Samsons Strength as a Weakness

Many are familiar with the story of Samson. You can read all about his life in Judges 13-16. Samson was born as the result of a miracle birth. His mom, who we only know as Manoahs wife, was unable to have children until an angel appeared to her and told her she would conceive and give birth to a son. He was to be raised as a Nazirite. This was a special separation to the Lord and two of the main tenants were that the Nazirite would not drink wine or other alcoholic drinks and they would never cut their hair. The full description of the vow is found in Numbers 6:1-21.

As a result of this vow, God used Samson as a judge over Israel and he ruled as a judge for twenty years. When the Spirit of God would come upon Samson, he would be endued with tremendous strength that would allow him to do great exploits for the Lord.

Samson had a weakness and an affinity for beautiful women. It was this that led to his downfall. The scene plays out in Judges 16, which I encourage you to read. The Philistines, who are tired of Samson defeating them and making them look silly, are using Delilah to attempt to discover the source of Samsons strength. As this cat and mouse game plays out Delilah would ask Samson, what is the source of your strength? Samson would lie to her. He would instruct her to do something he knew would not work.

Delilah would do what Samson told her and when the Philistines attacked, Samson would prove that what he told her was not true and he would drive them away. This cat and mouse game went on until finally Samson gave in to Delilah. I believe Samson allowed this scenario to continue because he depended on his great strength to rescue him from whatever he told her. Because he depended on his great strength it became his weakness. In fact, when he finally told Delilah the truth, the Bible tells us his strength had left and he didnt even realize it.

Leaning on Our Own Strengths

You and I are very similar to Samson. We too have strengths. If we are not careful, we may lean too heavily upon them. This problem can develop when you become really good at doing something. By the way there is nothing wrong with having strengths. Strengths are good. They only become a potential problem when you begin to trust your ability more than you depend on Gods ability to work through you. Its like you are telling God, dont worry, I got this one. I dont need your help anymore.

Think about any position you may serve in, any skills you may have. Maybe you are a leader in an organization. Remember when you first started? You were probably nervous. Maybe you were a little unsure if you could do the job. Your inexperience or weakness caused you to depend on God to help you every step of the way. However, over time you got better and what was unfamiliar was now feeling very comfortable. You became so good at what you were doing that what you once considered an area of weakness, you now look at as an area of strength. Because you felt strong, you no longer felt the need to seek Gods help like you used to. When this happens the thing that is your greatest strength can become your greatest weakness, because you leave God out. In John 15:5 Jesus said apart from me you can do nothing.

As you continue to grow regardless of your role  whether you are a parent, spouse, worker, manager, church leader, pastor, or in whatever capacity you serve or work  be mindful that as you get better you still need to depend on God to help you. If hes not helping you then you are operating in your own strength. When this happens you may not realize it at first, but like Samson, Gods strength has left you and you are actually becoming weaker.

Pauls Weakness as a Strength

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul is caught up to the third heaven and had the opportunity to see and experience things that few people on this earth experience this side of heaven. Here are Pauls own words about this encounter.

2 Corinthians 12:3-4 - And I know that this manwhether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

I know in my life I have experienced the presence of God, and you probably have as well. However, I have never experienced the presence of God like that. As a result of this experience God did something very interesting.

2 Corinthians 12:6-7 - Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

Paul recognized that encounters like these can impact the way people view you or see you. They can also impact the way you view or see yourself. When God begins to use you in ministry or service, or when he begins to give you a greater level of influence or impact in peoples lives, there can be this tendency to think you are greater than you are or more important than you are. To keep this from happening, God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh to help keep him humble and dependent on God. The Bible tells us that Paul pleaded with God three times to remove this thorn in the flesh and God did not do it. Instead, he told Paul the simple secret to maintaining and sustaining strength throughout life.

2 Corinthians 12:9  My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Paul may not have realized when he first prayed. I am sure he realized it after but the thing that made him weak, the thing that made him depend on Gods grace for help is the very thing that became the source of his strength. In other words, his greatest strength flowed out of his weakness.

What About You?

As you look at these two men, I have a question for you, what about you? Are you depending on your own skills, abilities, wisdom, or knowledge and not trusting God enough? Or are you depending on Gods grace in spite of all of the skills, knowledge, and experiences you have had.

Whats fascinating about both men is that they both experienced things in their lives that very few people have ever experienced. They were both given a platform to have influence over the lives of Gods people. The difference is how they dealt with them. One relied on his strength and got weaker. One acknowledged his weakness and got stronger

I hope you see the irony here. The things that are your strengths if you become too confident in those things will actually make you weaker. However, the things that are your weakness, because you trust Gods grace to help you in those areas, can actually become your greatest strengths. I hope today that whether you feel weak or strong, that you would always rely on Gods grace. Ultimately, he is the source of your strength.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Bulat Silvia

Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a rising speaker, teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book called The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled trying to find Gods will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Renovation

21 January 2020

Nearly 20 years since opening its doors, Viceroy Santa Monica, the modern luxury hotel brand's debut location, is proud to announce the start of a sweeping $21 million renovation complete with a design overhaul that will cement its status as the leader of the progressive hospitality landscape. While serving as a cornerstone for the evolution of the forward-thinking brand, the remodel will usher in a new era for the Santa Monica hotel that's been a mainstay since it debuted two decades ago. Under the creative eye of San Francisco-based, award-winning design firm EDG , the hotel renovation will pay respect to its past while injecting a renewed energy into the hotel's prime location, just steps from Santa Monica's pristine coastline. In the first phase, guests can expect completely revamped public common areas marked by an entirely new arrival experience, lobby, restaurant, outdoor patio and breathtaking open air indoor-outdoor wraparound bar and adjacent lounge allowing for a greater sense of place in the beachside community.

Located on iconic Ocean Avenue, the 162-room Viceroy Santa Monica serves as the pinnacle for the highly sought-after sophisticated, yet relaxed Southern California lifestyle. The redesign will capture the energy of the surrounding neighborhood and turn the hotel into a vibrant gathering place for guests and locals alike. Hallmarks of the renovation will include eye-catching art and creative spins on mid-century pieces, creating an experience that walks the line between urban edge and coastal calm. Entering a new decade with the remodel, the hotel is primed to fully embody the present and future of LA's Westside, a place where innovation and imagination run rampant.

The phase one remodel of the hotel's public spaces in addition to six pilot hotel rooms, featuring both beach and urban models, is slated for a June 2020 completion. During this remodeling period, Viceroy Santa Monica will remain open for hotel reservations.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) unveiled a new campaign plan Tuesday that calls for the creation of a Justice Department task force to investigate and prosecute corruption and immigration violations committed by the Trump administration.

In her Restoring Integrity and Competence to Government after Trump plan, Warren states that Donald Trump has run the most corrupt administration in history, and that she will attempt to lessen his influence by wiping the slate clean of his appointments.

If we are to move forward to restore public confidence in government and deter future wrongdoing, we cannot simply sweep this corruption under the rug in a new administration, Warren explains.

One year from today, the next president will begin her first full day of work. Shell inherit a government in crisis, infected by corruption, and will need the expertise and drive to rebuild it and ensure it works for the people. I've got a plan for that. https://t.co/UqWX9Zm0HT  Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 21, 2020

The Massachusetts senator says she will move to establish a task force to probe whether Trump officials broke any federal bribery laws, insider trading laws, and other anti-corruption and public integrity laws during their time in office.

Warren also proposed a DOJ task force to investigate possible violations of law committed in the course of enacting the Trump administrations immigration agenda.

I have also committed to establishing a task force to investigate accusations of serious violations by immigration officials during the Trump era, she explains. Warren added that she would only appoint a Secretary of Homeland Security  who oversees immigration policy  that is committed to undoing the damage caused by the Trump administration and who believes that immigration makes our country stronger, not weaker.

Story continues

In November, Warren accused Trump of corruption after news broke that he had met with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for a private dinner at the White House. The senator has been in a longstanding battle with Zuckerberg over Facebooks policies on political speech.

Facebook is actively helping Trump spread lies and misinformation. Facebook already helped elect Donald Trump once. They might do it againand profit off of it, she said in October.

More from National Review
LOME, Togo - West African leaders are urging the United States to stay in the fight against extremist groups that are rooting deeper into the region as the Pentagon weighs a significant troop pullout from the continent.

Parts of the Sahel, a dry stretch of land south of the Sahara Desert, have fallen to militants linked to the Islamic State and al-Qaida who are offering shelter to fighters fleeing the Middle East, the presidents of Senegal and Togo told The Washington Post in separate interviews.

"If one actor leaves the chain, it weakens the whole group," Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe said.

The heads of state, whose nations border a worsening conflict, said the international community must unite against the attackers. Both expressed concern that terrorism is on the brink of spilling into their countries, which have not previously grappled with such a threat.

Withdrawing U.S. troops as Islamist violence surges would be a "mistake," Senegalese President Macky Sall said in his first public comments on the matter.

"It would be a mistake, and it would be very misunderstood by Africans," he said, "because instead of coming to help, you wish to remove the little help there is."

Gnassingbe, Togo's leader of 15 years, said militants from Iraq and Syria are slipping into the region through restive Libya, where they aim to radicalize locals and build an army.

"Those terrorists will be stronger here," Gnassingbe said, so the United States should "fight on both ends - in the Middle East and in Africa."

The Pentagon is considering a force drawdown in Africa to accommodate a shift in defense priorities to the Asia-Pacific region.

Some 6,000 U.S. troops are based on the continent. About a quarter are stationed in West Africa, mostly in Niger, where they provide training, drone support and intelligence.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called the help "irreplaceable."

Roughly 4,500 French troops partner with U.S. forces, regional soldiers and U.N. peacekeepers in West Africa.

President Donald Trump has tweeted that he wants to remove American soldiers from "ridiculous Endless Wars" across the world. Administration officials say the United States should focus on countering Chinese and Russian influence in Africa.

Authorities and residents in the Sahel are worried that the world is reacting too slowly to a crisis that is killing thousands, displacing millions and threatening to trigger global consequences.

"ISIS and al-Qaida affiliates that have attacked us in the United States in the past are expanding their reach in the region," said Andrew Young, the U.S. ambassador to Burkina Faso. ISIS is another name for the Islamic State.

Terrorist attacks in rural Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have climbed fivefold since 2016, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington.

Assailants are chasing people off their ancestral land and rapidly gaining territory to plot attacks on targets worldwide, Western officials say. They have massacred troops at army bases and stolen sophisticated equipment.

International aid workers who deliver food and medical supplies to victims in these conflict zones say the areas where they can safely travel shrink with each passing month, leaving people to fend for themselves in villages that the government can no longer reach.

West African leaders have pledged to spend $1 billion over the next five years to fight extremism, but governments in the Sahel are struggling against more basic problems, such as a lack of drinking water.

Over the past month, suspected terrorists have attacked a humanitarian outpost in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, killing 27, and an army base in western Niger, killing 89.

Fourteen people, mostly children, died in northern Burkina Faso when their bus hit a roadside bomb, and 18 soldiers were wounded in neighboring Mali after assailants struck a United Nations base.

As the violence creeps closer to West Africa's coastal states, leaders are focused on securing borders and sharing intelligence with their regional counterparts.

The presidents of Senegal and Togo met in the Togolese capital of Lome over the weekend at a conference on fake medicine.

Gnassingbe, the Togolese leader, said "thousands" of fighters from the Middle East have reached West Africa since the collapse of the Islamic State in Syria.

He disputed Trump's claim that the terrorist group has been "100 percent" defeated.

"Look at the recent attacks," Gnassingbe said. "More professional, more powerful, and the consequences are devastating."

There is little data on foreign militants operating in West Africa, but senior U.S. officials in the region say fighters from Syria and Iraq have turned up in Nigeria and Mali.

Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliates that once clashed now appear to be trading advice on building explosives, collecting taxes and recruiting people, and allowing one another safe passage through areas they control.

Many militants are homegrown, security analysts say. They are a diverse, complex mix of radical ideologues, men who were captured as children, bandits exploiting chaos and people with nowhere else to turn.

Terrorists are building networks from "Libya to Niger" and beyond as they strive to take over an expansive region, said Sall, the Senegalese president.

"So," he said, "it takes a collective effort - America, Europe, Africa - to oust terrorism."
The House impeached President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Specifically, he is accused of withholding military aid from Ukraine in an effort to force Ukrainian President Zelensky to announce that his country was investigating former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, for corruption. Trump, of course, denies these allegations. These are the things we know for certain so far.

Many accounts of Trump's actions discuss the fact that he is using the government to advance his own ends. Other commentators have focused on the damage Trump has done to our foreign policy by marginalizing career diplomats and allegedly using foreign aid as a tool for blackmail.

These are serious issues. But they shouldn't obscure the main reason impeachment was necessary. In my view, Trump is trying to steal the 2020 election.

Biden is the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, and may well face Trump in the election in the fall. Trump's alleged actions in Ukraine were, we can surmise, supposed to smear Biden by creating headlines around already debunked accusations.

Trump knows that this kind of media manipulation and disinformation can be effective because it worked in 2016. In that election, Russian intelligence agencies hacked and leaked Democratic National Committee emails, creating a huge media smoke-storm around candidate Hillary Clinton, even though there was no actual wrongdoing. Given how close the 2016 election was, it's possible that Russian interference helped swing the election to Trump. By the same token, a well-timed announcement of a Ukrainian investigation into Biden could affect the 2020 results.

Clinton and Biden are both partisan, controversial figures. Many people on the left and right dislike them, for reasons good and bad. As a result, to avoid alienating potential support, Democratic messaging has generally charged Trump with attacking American democracy or the constitution, rather than with trying to harm Democrats and steal the election.

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

Could Trump's apparent actions in Ukraine be intended to harm Democrats and to derail this years election? To me, that seems eminently possible  and anyone who cares about progressive change in the US in the near- or long-term should be extremely concerned about the implications.

Democratic candidates in the primary have pushed a wide range of sweeping initiatives designed to make America a more equitable and freer place. They've argued for free healthcare for all, for expanding social security, for free college, for taxes on wealth, for revamping disability policies. They've presented plans to combat climate change, and policies to strengthen unions. All of these plans are meant to excite and inspire voters to cast ballots for the candidates who propose them. That's how change is supposed to work in a democracy: You put forward proposals voters like, voters put you in office, and then you enact your plans.

But if one party refuses to play fair, the whole system collapses. If Republicans can manipulate elections, voter choices don't matter.

This is why the Republican embrace of voter suppression in the 2000s has been so disturbing. Republicans have used aggressive gerrymanders to seize control of state legislatures when they would lose a fair majority vote. They've boasted about using voter ID laws to disenfranchise black and poor voters who are more likely to vote for Democrats. In Florida, the Republican-dominated Supreme Court recently allowed the state to disenfranchise people released from prison if they have not paid all their fines  effectively adopting a poll tax.

Interfering in an election is different from voter suppression, but the underlying ideological motivation is the same. Like Republican legislatures and governors who deliberately disenfranchise Democratic voters, it seems Trump believes that Democratic voters have no rights he needs to respect.

 Kellyanne Conway claims that impeachment was not part of Martin Luther King's values

It seems that Trump and the Republican Party are united in their core belief that Republicans should be allowed to game our electoral system. That's why the Republicans are almost unanimously supporting Trump during impeachment. He's accused of tampering with elections, and apparently, tampering with elections on behalf of Republicans is no crime.

It's also why Democrats had no choice but to move forward with impeachment. If Trump and Republicans are set on stealing elections, Democrats have to oppose them with whatever tools they have. It's not enough to just wait and hope that Democrats can unseat Trump in November 2020.

The trial in the Senate is a battle, not the war. But we should understand what's at stake when Trump tries to use the powers of his office to impact American elections. If we're going to win the struggle for democracy, we need to be clear what we're fighting for.
Rudy Giuliani has appeared to contradict himself about an alleged meeting between Donald Trump and a businessman who claims the US president asked him to persuade Ukraine to investigative Joe Biden.

In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Mr Trumps personal lawyer said there were four people who could vouch that Lev Parnass account of the meeting during a 2018 White House Hannakuh party was untrue.

Mr Giuliani told presenter Laura Ingraham: [He said there were] four people in that meeting. The four people in that meeting  myself, his former partner Igor Fruman and two others  say that its absolutely untrue, the meeting never took place.

In a previous interview on the same network, the former New York City mayor told Ed Henry there were five witnesses  who all say categorically untrue. Aside from Mr Fruman, he did not name the witnesses.

Both Mr Parnas and Mr Fruman are Republican donors who were charged last year with campaign finance offences over allegations they worked to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office.

They were thrust into the impeachment probe when Mr Parnas agreed to co-operate with inquiries into allegations the US president withheld aid to Ukraine to pressure the country into investigating conspiracy theories about his Democrat rival Mr Biden.

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

Last week Soviet-born Mr Parnas, a long-time associate of Mr Giuliani, insisted Mr Trump knew about his efforts to dig up dirt on the former vice-president. He told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow: "President Trump knew exactly what was going on."

In Mr Giuliani's latest interview with Fox News, he said he was "heartbroken" by what he depicted as a betrayal by his associate, who is the godfather to his son.

"Obviously, I was misled by him," he added.

The interview came as Mr Parnas called for attorney general William Barr to remove himself from overseeing his criminal case over what he said were conflicts of interest.

It is in the public interest to remove this matter entirely from the Department of Justice, his lawyers wrote to Mr Barr.
T wo caretaker positions on a remote island off the southwest coast of Ireland have received 23,000 applications.

The roles involve running a cafe and three cottages on Great Blasket Island, which is uninhabited apart from those visiting for short stays.

The successful applicants will stay on the island, which is just across the water from Dingle, Kerry, between April and October.

The job is unpaid and the applicants would live together for six months without many modern comforts.

An advert was posted on social media ten days ago by Dingle couple Alice Hayes and Billy O'Connor.

The couple received applications from as far away as Iran / Google Street View

Ms Hayes told Irish broadcaster RTE: "Its been unbelievable. We were worried we wouldnt get anyone.

"We had a lot of interest last week but in the last few days its been mad.

"Weve received applications from places like Iran, Argentina, Finland, Mexico, everywhere really.

"Our email is in meltdown and our phones are just pinging constantly."

The couple believe applicants were drawn by the 'off-grid' living / Shutterstock

Her partner, Billy, attributed the applications to people wanting to get out of the rat race and disconnect from daily life.

"I suppose people just want to disconnect from the rush of everyday life and get off the grid. Things are really basic out there," he said.

"There's no electricity. Cooking is done on gas cookers.

"Light is provided by candles, heating is a solid fuel stove.

"There are no creature comforts, no hot showers."

The initial advert said: "A unique position required - looking for long term management of Island Accommodation and Coffee Shop. Couple or two friends.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The United States, as a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, remains strongly committed to helping the sides achieve a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a representative of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend.

We reiterate, as the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have done many times, that a fair and lasting settlement must be based, in particular, upon the principles of the Helsinki Final Act of non-use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples, said the representative.

The embassy representative noted that the United States fully endorses the joint statement of the Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries at the Bratislava OSCE Ministerial Council meeting last December, which called for additional concrete humanitarian and security measures to foster an atmosphere conducive to peace and for the sides to engage in good faith substantive negotiations, and which stressed that the status quo is unacceptable and there can be no military solution to the conflict.

In that connection, the United States welcomed the intention of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers to meet again in early 2020 under Co-Chair auspices. The OSCE Minsk Group format remains the indispensable focal point for efforts to reach a sustainable settlement, added the representative.

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.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
In Retrospect: News from the Jan. 13, 1922 and Jan. 12, 1972 Souderton Independent
[January 21, 2020] Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Partners with TPG, Plans Expansion of Accountable Care Model

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic (Kelsey-Seybold), the nation's first Accredited Accountable Care Organization recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), announced today a strategic partnership with TPG Capital, the private equity platform of global alternative asset firm TPG. TPG Capital has made a non-controlling, strategic investment in Kelsey-Seybold Management Services, the management services organization serving the Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group. Kelsey-Seybold's physician leadership maintains local control of the organization in the partnership. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005291/en/ The partnership provides Kelsey-Seybold with additional capital and strategic expertise to help accelerate the growth and expansion of its Accountable Care Organization and care delivery model to more geographic locations and partners in the Greater Houston area. Under the terms of the agreement, Kelsey-Seybold Medical Group remains 100 percent physician-owned and physician-governed. Additional terms of the partnership were not disclosed. "It was important to find the right partner to help us grow our Accountable Care model, while valuing the aspects of our culture and legacy that have led us to be one of the leading Accountable Care Organizations in the nation," said Tony Lin, MD, Chairman and Managing Director of Kelsey-Seybold. "We believe we found that partner in TPG Capital and are excited about the collaboration and expertise they bring to support our future growth." Since 2013, Kelsey-Seybold has added or expanded 16 clinic locations. The organization has multiple expansions and openings planned in 2020, including two recent openings, which took place in January in Houston's Esperson Tunnel and Kingwood. The partnership with TPG Capital will further accelerate Kelsey-Seybold's growth strategy and increase access to Kelsey-Seybold's model of care across the region. "We have a long-standing focus on partnering with companies and management teams that offer high-quality, value-centric solutions to the healthcare ecosystem," said Jeff Rhodes of TPG Capital. "Kelsey-Seybold is a leading physician group with a demonstrated ability to provide comprehensive, personalized care at a lower total medical cost through its unique Accountable Care model." "We deeply admire Kelsey-Seybold's rich 70-year history, culture, and commitment to delivering the best clinical outcomes effectively," added Kendall Garrison of TPG Capital. "We look forward to working with Dr. Lin and the entire team to support and grow the Accountable Care Organization and its impact on the Greater Houston healthcare community." "Kelsey-Seybold has been responding to the increased demand for our Accountable Care Organization. We have spent the past 10 years expanding our locations, adding high-quality outpatient services, and bringing in new technology to meet patient needs," said Dr. Lin. "While our measured approach has helped meet the growing needs of employers, health plans, and partners - our vision for this organization requires the investment and expertise of a group like TPG Capital to help us to accelerate our growth." Over the coming months, Kelsey-Seybold and TPG Capital will implement a plan for strategic areas of growth. Kelsey-Seybold's strategy will focus on access to preventive care as the gateway to improved health outcomes, and the expansion of its primary and specialty careoffering to accommodate increased demand in the marketplace.



"This is an exciting time for our organization, which has built an infrastructure of caring centered around coordinated primary and specialty healthcare," said Dr. Lin. "We are all eager to see what the future holds for our group, and our new partner, TPG Capital." Headquartered in San Francisco and Fort Worth, Texas, TPG is one of the most experienced investors in the healthcare industry. The firm has a long history of partnering with great management teams to deliver long-term value and exceptional service to the healthcare ecosystem.

Evercore served as an advisor to Kelsey-Seybold in this transaction. William Blair and J.P. Morgan served as financial advisors to TPG Capital. About Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is Houston's premier multispecialty group practice, founded in 1949 by Dr. Mavis Kelsey in Houston's renowned Texas Medical Center. More than 450 physicians and allied health professionals practice at 23 locations in the Greater Houston area. Kelsey-Seybold offers quality medical care in 55 medical specialties. The organization operates the largest freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center in the state of Texas and offers state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam and Varian Edge radiation therapy technology at a nationally accredited Cancer Center. An accredited Sleep Center, comprehensive laboratory services, advanced imaging and diagnostics, 16 onsite Kelsey pharmacies, and MyKelseyOnline, a secure web portal, are part of its comprehensive offerings. Kelsey-Seybold partners with major insurers to offer value-based commercial health plans. KelseyCare Advantage, a Medicare Advantage plan offered to Houston-area beneficiaries and affiliated with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, has achieved the coveted 5-out-of-5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid for four consecutive years and is the only 5-out-of-5-star rated plan in Houston. Kelsey-Seybold has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as the nation's first accredited Accountable Care Organization and a Level 3 (highest) Patient-Centered Medical Home. Kelsey-Seybold has many physicians in the Greater Houston area certified for excellence in diabetes and heart and stroke care by the NCQA. In addition to these recognitions, Kelsey-Seybold is home to a nationally accredited Breast Diagnostic Center, and Endoscopy Center. About TPG TPG is a leading global alternative asset firm founded in 1992 with more than $119 billion of assets under management and offices in Austin, Beijing, Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, and Singapore. TPG's investment platforms are across a wide range of asset classes, including private equity, growth equity, real estate, credit, and public equity. TPG aims to build dynamic products and options for its investors while also instituting discipline and operational excellence across the investment strategy and performance of its portfolio. For more information, visit www.tpg.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005291/en/

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Sinn Fein has said it would be a "sham" for TV leader debates to go ahead without party president Mary Lou McDonald and that it was considering legal action to reverse this.

At the launch of the party's 42 candidates for 38 constituencies in Dublin, Ms McDonald called for fairness.

This follows a decision by RTE and Virgin Media to host head-to-head debates between Fine Gael's Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin.

Deputy Sinn Fein leader Pearse Doherty confirmed he has written to the two stations asking them to include Sinn Fein in the planned two debates.

He said he is awaiting replies and that the party has sought legal advice.

The move comes after an Irish Times/IPSOS MRBI poll put Sinn Fein up seven points to 21%.

Ms McDonald said, indifferent of the poll, that her party should be allowed to have its leader in the two debates.

[social=twitter]https://twitter.com/Junomaco/status/1219580458717057024?s=20[social]

The Green Party previously took action against RTE in the last election to ensure it was included in TV debates.

However, Ms McDonald did not confirm that Sinn Fein would take legal action to stop the programmes.

Instead, she appealed to the broadcasters to engage in fairness.

Meanwhile, deputy leader Mr Doherty launched a stinging attack on the outgoing Fine Gael-led government, claiming Leo's Cabinet of posh boys has shown a harshness and a complete lack of empathy with people.

He also said any exclusion of Sinn Fein from the RTE TV debate was an insult to taxpayers and TV licence holders.

RTE had done a shameful disservice to those households, added Mr Doherty.
Judges, rights groups fear democracy is being threatened as controversial draft law heads to lower house of parliament.

A previous version of this article stated that the 'march of a thousand robes' took place on January 12. This was incorrect - the march occurred on January 11. In addition, the previous version incorrectly stated that the NCJ was reconstituted in 2017 - it was reconstituted in 2018. The text has also been amended to reflect that Dariusz Mazur is a spokesperson for Themis, an association of judges.

The march of a thousand robes in Warsaw on January 11 sent a clear message to the Polish government  judges will resist any attempts to be gagged or controlled.

More than 30,000 people, including Polish judges and their counterparts from across Europe, rallied against a draft law that could see judges punished if they criticise government-backed judicial reforms.

After being rejected on January 17 by the Senate, the draft law will return to the lower house of parliament, the Sejm, on Wednesday, where legislators from the governing right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS) hold a majority.

Polish judges, lawyers and activists fear ongoing attempts to interfere with the judiciary could endanger the countrys hard-won democracy.

What is particularly worrying is that government is looking for excuses to get rid of judges, said Monika Frackowiak, district court judge in Poznan and member of the board of MEDEL, an association of European judges.

Amnesty International named Frackowiak as one of 30 judges who have faced disciplinary harassment. She was first targeted when she spoke about the importance of fair trials at a summer festival.

The Disciplinary Chamber of the Supreme Court, a body launched in December 2017 to sanction judges over their judicial decisions, answers directly to PiS and is considered particularly controversial.

Under the draft law, judges who criticise the governments judicial reforms could be punished. Judges have previously been sanctioned for decisions such as referring cases to the European Court of Justice.

The European Commission has said there is a systemic threat to the rule of law in Poland.

In 2018, a new law meant 40 percent of judges were forced to retire early.

Freedom House, a US-based government-funded NGO, has said the sheer breadth and depth of measures already taken in recent years by Law and Justice means that Polands judicial institutions have been captured.

In 2019, Amnesty reported on the Prosecutor Generals increased powers, which led to the demotion, punishment and removal of some judges.

Some who have retired say they were forced to do so because they were critical of the government.

If the bill passes, criticism of the reforms could be interpreted as political behaviour and therefore would incur punishment.

Polexit concerns

The debate around judicial independence has triggered concerns about Polands EU membership.

Dariusz Mazur, judge of the regional court in Krakow and spokesperson for Themis, an association of judges, said: The possibility of punishing judges for referring cases to the European Court of Justice in fact excludes Poland from the legal system of the European Union which  sooner or later  will result in Polexit.

It is one of the goals of the EU is to defend its citizenry from the abuse of national governments in terms of preserving judicial independence, which is one of the core components of the rule of law.

The government is going to introduce an authoritarian system under which the states authority is built on the fear of citizens who are deprived of efficient legal protection from the abuse of power.

According to Freedom House, the clash between PiS and European values could lead to a referendum on membership of the bloc.

But according to Marcin Warchol, deputy minister of justice, criticism of the draft law is unwarranted and the government simply wants to avoid anarchy and chaos.

Over the past years, everything that was built is being destroyed in the name of populism, and the vision of the ruling party leaders. Agnieszka Blazowska, Polish attorney

The National Council of the Judiciary (NCJ), a body established under the Polish Constitution, is tasked with nominating judges and reviewing ethical complaints against them.

The NCJ was reconstituted in 2018, with parliament made responsible for appointing judges as opposed to members of the judiciary.

Critics said this violated the principle of separation of powers.

But Warchol supports the new NCJ, saying: There are cases where judges elected by the former NCJ declare an election of judges by the restructured NCJ null and void.

This means that they are invalidating the legal status of their colleagues.

He said he former model of judicial appointment is being controlled exclusively by the judges themselves without any external agents being able to influence these processes.

Warchol explained that the draft law has been amended according to EU standards.

For example, the term sanctions for political activities was amended to be sanctions for public activities that are incompatible with judicial independence, Warchol told Al Jazeera, adding that polls suggest broad public support for the draft bill.

Despite resistance to the governments proposed changes, the need for judicial reform is widely recognised.

What we need is greater transparency, efficiency and modernisation, not the changes the government is making which will result in government having full control of the judiciary, said Frackowiak.

The judiciary is not the only institution PiS has taken an interest in.

In 2017, the ruling party signalled it wanted Polish media to support its nationalist message by passing a law to allow the government to appoint the heads of the public broadcaster and other state-owned media outlets.

To Karolina Wierczynska, a professor of law at the Polish Academy of Sciences, the current situation transcends traditional left-right or Catholic-communist divisions.

It is a conflict between tyranny and democracy. Tyranny is represented by PiS and democracy is represented by all those groups which PiS describes as enemies of the current government.

PiS came to power in 2015, winning a majority in the Sejm, putting it in the strongest position a party had ever enjoyed post-communism.

Agnieszka Blazowska, Polish attorney and member of the Warsaw Bar Association, said since then, PiS has been attempting to control judges.

Judges carrying out the judicial function must be free of any influence, she told Al Jazeera.

One cannot say it is a sudden clampdown. It is a well-planned battle for control of Polands judiciary.

I was born in the early 1980s, so I remember the process of building the solid, democratic country which Poland was after 1989. Our dream became true on May 1, 2004 when Poland joined the EU or as many of us said, returned to the European family.

But over the past years, everything that was built is being destroyed in the name of populism, and the vision of the ruling party leaders.
All gardai working in Drogheda garda station have been formally warned to be extra vigilant of their safety after a car containing feuding gang members followed an officer's car as he drove home.

The sinister incident happened just days before Keane Mulready-Woods (17) was abducted and savagely murdered on Sunday night of last week.

The same gang which is suspected of murdering the tragic teenager is also suspected of attempting to follow the garda from Drogheda town centre to his rural home after he finished work.

Sources told the Irish Independent that the garda noticed a "high-powered vehicle" following him and he reported it to his colleagues, who sped to the scene on the outskirts of Drogheda.

Officers stopped the car and searched the vehicle, as well as questioning its three male occupants.

All have links to the anti-Maguire side of the Drogheda feud, which has been at war with paralysed gang boss Owen Maguire and his associates.

Two of the men have Dublin addresses and a third is from Drogheda.

Gardai found nothing of evidential value in their car and made no arrests.

However, the incident has sparked major security concerns, and a senior officer emailed gardai to warn them to be extra careful about their personal security.

Gardai investigating the out-of-control feud have previously been threatened.

In December 2018, detectives launched an investigation after officers received "credible intelligence" that criminals from the same gang were planning that two gardai involved in investigating the Drogheda feud were to be shot dead in a sinister plot.

The threats were made in a phone call to Cloverhill Prison, where a number of the feuding gangsters were on remand at the time, after being charged in relation to feud-related incidents.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said at the time that any threats against any member of An Garda Siochana were "utterly unacceptable".

Meanwhile, a close associate of feud murder victim Keith Branigan is suspected of destroying evidence at the home where gardai believe Keane Mulready-Woods was murdered.

The home of the suspect, aged in his 50s, has been searched as part of the investigation into the killing and dismemberment of the teenager.

His remains were recovered in different parts of Dublin last week but his torso has still not been found.

Gardai believe they have identified the house where he was murdered and have completed a forensic examination of the scene.

However, detectives suspect a man with close links to murdered Keith Branigan helped the gang involved and destroyed vital evidence in the aftermath of the crime.

Furniture belonging to the man was found burnt in a green area close to his home, while burnt clothing was also recovered.

A source said the suspect was very closely linked to Branigan.

"A large amount of evidence has been recovered from this man's home and he is very much suspected of helping the gang who carried out the murder.

"He has known links to the anti-Maguire group and would be considered a trusted member of the crime group," the source added.

Branigan (29) was the first fatality of the Drogheda feud when he was gunned down in a caravan park in Clogherhead on August 27.
Paris and San Francisco, January 21, 2020, 6:00 pm,

Prodways Group announces the launch of a European activity for the integration of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform Cloud solutions and the acquisition of a minority stake in the share capital of XD Innovation, a major partner of Dassault Systemes in North America.

Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides sophisticated software applications: 3D design and engineering, manufacturing and production, simulation, governance and life cycle for professionals. Based on Dassault Systemes' proven technologies (Catia, SolidWorks, Simulia, etc.), the 3DEXPERIENCE can be used through an on-premise subscription or on Cloud.

Prodways Group is launching a new French company, XD Innovation Europe, focused on developing the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud platform. "We believe in Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE strategy. This new approach to design, favoring collaboration, mobility and the extended enterprise, will eventually enable designers to use their tools differently. With "on demand" use, through monthly subscriptions, we are changing the business model. It is a strategic decision for us to build a very agile new entity in Europe, based on XD Innovation's technical experience and the Prodways Group customer base," explained Pierre-Marc Allain, Chief Executive Officer of XD Innovation Europe.

At the same time, Prodways Group announced the acquisition of a minority stake in the share capital of XD Innovation. Based in the United States, Canada and Mexico, XD Innovation is a Dassault Systemes' major Platinum Business Partner, specialized in Dassault Systemes' new Cloud technologies thanks to an innovative sales and services policy and a training and certification center in Silicon Valley. Created in 2014, the XD Innovation group has around 30 employees and a portfolio of customers in new technologies (drones, electric and autonomous vehicles), energy, aeronautics and the automotive industry. This profitable company posted revenue of nearly $6 M in 2019, most of which was recurrent.

"Prodways Group's stake in the share capital of XD Innovation will allow us to accelerate our roll-out and offer our customers and our partner, Dassault Systemes, long-term support and a global vision. We will also be extending our offer by promoting Prodways Group's industrial 3D printing machines to our customers in North America thanks to our six locations," declared Soufiane Elaamili, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of XD Innovation.

The partnership with Dassault Systemes is strategic for Prodways Group. Controlling the creation, modification and simulation of the 3D file are major advantages for customers. Prodways is one of the few industrial 3D printer manufacturers worldwide to offer this 3D software expertise, first stage in additive manufacturing. Cloud technologies, which are approaching maturity, in the leading computer assisted design (CAD) software (Catia, SolidWorks, etc.) are opportunities to gain market share globally in this activity, which offers a high recurrence.

About Prodways Group

Prodways Group is a specialist in industrial and professional 3D printing with a unique positioning as an integrated European player. The Group has developed right across the 3D printing value chain (software, machines, materials, parts & services) with a high value added technological industrial solution. Prodways Group offers a wide range of 3D printing systems and premium composite, hybrid and powder materials (SYSTEMS division). The company also manufactures and markets parts on demand, prototypes and small production run 3D printed items in plastic and metal (PRODUCTS division). The Group targets a significant number of sectors, from aeronautics to healthcare.

Listed on Euronext Paris, the Group reported in 2018 revenue of 61 million.

Prodways Group is a Groupe Gorge company.

For further information: www.prodways-group.com

Follow us and and keep up with Prodways Group's latest news on Twitter!

@Prodways

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Tel: +33 (0)1 44 77 94 86/investors@groupe-gorge.com

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Shareholder relations

Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72/apetureaux@actus.fr

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Financial press relations

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DISCLAIMER

Releases from the Prodways Group may contain forward-looking declarations with statements of objectives. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of Prodways Group. Their realization, however, depends on known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or events to differ significantly from those previously anticipated. The risks and uncertainties that might affect the Group's future ability to achieve its targets are reiterated and presented in detail in our Annual financial report on Prodways Group's website (www.prodways-group.com). This list of risks, uncertainties and other factors is not exhaustive. Other unanticipated, unknown or unpredictable factors may also have significant negative effects on the achievement of our objectives. The current release and the information contained therein do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe, nor a solicitation for an order to purchase or subscribe to shares in Prodways Group or in any subsidiaries thereof listed in whatsoever country.

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Anheuser Busch InBev is betting on hard seltzer as beer consumption continues to fall in the United States.

"It is something that's profitable, it's here to stay," CEO Carlos Brito said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday.

The Bud Light brewer owns Bon & Viv, one of the top three seltzer brands, along with White Claw and Boston Beer's Truly. But it also sells seltzer from Natural Light, one of its beer brands, and will showcase its new Bud Light Seltzer with a Super Bowl advertisement.

U.S. beer consumption has been declining in recent years as consumers choose other kinds of alcohol or opt out of drinking alcohol altogether. In 2019, it fell by 2.3%, according to data from IWSR.

Hard seltzer, on the other hand, was the drink of the summer in 2019. It has roughly the same alcohol by volume as a beer and a low-calorie count, which appeals to health conscious consumers who have turned away from beer. The alcoholic beverage makes up 2.6% of the total U.S. market for alcohol, up from 0.85% a year ago, according to the IWSR.

AB InBev is not the only brewer diversifying its portfolio as consumer tastes change. Rival Molson Coors Beverage changed its name in January as it looks to non-beer drinks for future sales growth.
The Congress on Monday formed committees in four out of the seven states it is currently in power to improve coordination and to stem any factional fights, according to functionaries of the party. It also formed manifesto implementation panels in five of the states, they added.

Party insiders said there will be no such panels in Maharashtra and Jharkhand as the Congress is a junior partner to regional parties in these states. So there is a little requirement for any such mechanism, they said.

The manifesto implementation panels have been formed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry. Coordination panels have been set up in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry, and Rajasthan.

In Madhya Pradesh, the panels will include chief minister Kamal Nath and leaders like Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Arun Yadav, Jitu Patwari and Minakshi Natarajan.

Congress leaders said the panels were formed after several complaints came to light about the attitude of party veterans. The partys leadership was informed that some top state leaders were deliberately trying to undermine their colleagues, they added.

Madhya Pradesh state Congress media in-charge Shobha Oza said, This is a welcome step. The Congressmen worked hard and struggled against the misrule of the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] government for 15 years to help the party dislodge the BJP from power in the 2018 assembly elections. The coordination committees will help the party workers and the government to understand each other in a better way.

In Rajasthan, both chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy, Sachin Pilot, are part of the state panels.

The Congress has picked P Chidambaram as the chairman of the manifesto panel in Punjab. Similarly, Veerappa Moily will chair a similar panel in Puducherry, Jairam Ramesh in Chhattisgarh, Prithviraj Chavan in Madhya Pradesh and Tamradhwaj Sahu in Rajasthan.

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Iran acknowledged on Tuesday that its armed forces fired two Russian anti-aircraft missiles at a Ukrainian jetliner that crashed after taking off from Tehrans main airport earlier this month, killing all 176 people on board.

The new preliminary report by Irans Civil Aviation Organization however stopped short of blaming the TOR-M1 for the crash of the Boeing 737-800, flown by Ukraine International Airways.

For days after the Jan. 8 shootdown, Iran denied that it fired missiles at the plane, initially blaming a technical malfunction and engine fire for the crash.

However, after the U.S. and Canada blamed missile fire for the crash, Irans armed forces said anti-aircraft fire from the countrys paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had downed the flight.

The new report identified the missiles fired at the aircraft as coming from the TOR-M1. In 2017, Iran received the delivery of 29 TOR-M1 units from Russia under a contract worth an estimated $700 million.

However, the report said the impact of these missiles on the accident and the analysis of this action is under investigation.

Surveillance footage earlier obtained by The Associated Press showed two missiles were fired at the plane. The two minutes of black-and-white footage purportedly shows one missile streaking across the sky and exploding near the plane. Ten seconds later, another missile is fired. Some 20 seconds after the first explosion, another strikes near the plane. A ball of flames then falls from the sky out of frame.

The footage corresponded with AP reporting, appeared genuine and matched geographic features of the area. It also explained how so many people filmed the shoot down: the first explosion drew their attention so they turned their mobile phone cameras to the predawn sky.

The fire from the explosion, however, appears not to have reached inside the cabin, the report said, citing the condition of debris later recovered from the crash.

The Tor short-range air defence system, code-named the SA-15 by NATO, was designed during Soviet times to shoot down aircraft and precision guided weapons.

It is mounted on a tracked vehicle and carries a radar and a pack of eight missiles. Each vehicle can operate independently. Tor has a range of up to 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and can hit aerial targets at altitudes of up to 6 kilometres (about 19,700 feet).

Tor missiles explode near their target, taking it down with shrapnel that devastates engines, fuel tanks and other vital components.

Iranian officials have offered contradictory remarks on whether theyll send the planes flight data and cockpit voice recorders abroad to be analyzed. The preliminary report by the Civil Aviation Organization said Iranian officials had asked French and American authorities to send them up-to-date equipment to pull the data in Iran.

In other developments on Tuesday, South Korea Defence Ministry announced its anti-piracy unit operating in the Gulf of Aden was temporarily expanding its mission to the Strait of Hormuz. A ministry statement said the decision was meant to help ensure the safe passage of South Korean vessels and nationals through the waterway. It said the units expanded operation will include the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

The ministry said the unit will conduct an independent operation but will co-operate with a U.S.-led coalition if necessary. Already, a U.S.-led operation is surveilling the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all the worlds oil passes. A French-led naval coalition is also being created.

The missions began after mysterious explosions last summer targeted oil tankers near the strait, attacks the U.S. blamed on Iran. Tehran denied being involved, though it did seize tankers amid wider tensions with the West over its unraveling nuclear deal with world powers.

Meanwhile, a little-known Iranian lawmaker was quoted as offering a $3 million cash prize for anybody that would kill (President Donald) Trump, apparently in retaliation for the U.S.s targeted killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month. It wasnt clear where Ahmad Hamzeh, a lawmaker for the town of Kahnouj in Kerman province, believed the money would come from, though he implied the province would offer the cash.

Later on Tuesday, the Iranian government announced it was establishing a Soleimani Prize to be awarded on an international level, the official IRNA news agency reported without elaborating.

___

Associated Press writer Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
A teenager working at a Five Guys in Howell called a group of police officers pigs Friday night and was immediately fired, a district manager for the chain said.

The 17-year-old was working at the hamburger restaurant after a group of five Howell Police Department officers came in around 8 p.m. and he mouthed off to them, district manager Cortney Pechillo said.

Pechillo said shes not exactly sure of everything that was said, but the teenage worker used pigs and other inappropriate terms to refer to the officers. The manager on duty Friday night called Pechillo, who said she told the supervisor to immediately fire the teenage employee.

(It was) a stupid kid saying something he shouldnt have, Pechillo said. Ive been here 11 years and I dont run the company this way. Immediate action was taken and well go from there.

Other employees in the restaurant, laughed at the employees insults aimed at the officers, according to a post about the incident in a Howell Facebook group. But, Pechillo said the other employees were only reacting to a nervous situation.

Pechillo, who runs the Five Guys locations in all of Monmouth and Ocean counties, said the Howell location will hold a fundraiser Wednesday for the police officers from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds from the event will go to the Howell PBA.

Pechillo said she spoke to the chief of police Saturday morning. She also said she wrote an apology to the entire police force.

Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick posted a statement on the departments Facebook page, saying he had a meaningful conversation with the owner and Pechillo at police headquarters Saturday morning.

Both were genuinely upset and stressed over this incident, he said. They also requested to issue a public statement condemning the incident while strongly supporting law enforcement.

Kudrick said he had lunch with Cortney and also spoke to Cesar, the manager who reportedly laughed during the exchange.

His reaction was a result of him being uncomfortable and somewhat taken back by the employees conduct. He was the one who immediately notified Cortney who then terminated the employee. It was a great conversation between all of us, Kudrick said.

Kudrick said he believed the incident was handled swiftly and appropriately, and was an isolated incident.

It is definitely not the culture of this business. In fact, management and ownership is overwhelmingly supportive of law enforcement, he said. This includes not only how they handled this incident but their previous history as well.

Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @briannakudisch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
McConnell abruptly changes proposed rules, backing off condensed two-day schedule to add a third for opening arguments.

Washington, DC  The impeachment trial of United States President Donald Trump began in earnest on Tuesday as Senate Republicans and Democrats remained divided over the law and important procedural issues.

The first business to be addressed is a resolution on the rules that govern the trial. Late on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell presented his resolution, which would have allowed House managers, who work as prosecutors, up to 24 hours over the course of two days to present their case. Trumps defence team would have had the same amount of time. Following opposition by Democrats and some Republicans, however, McConnell presented an amended resolution on Tuesday that would allow 24 hours of arguments over three days by each side.

The opening arguments would be following by 16 hours of questions and answers from Senators before four hours of debate.

Democrats had rejected the initial proposal, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling it a national disgrace.

Its clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, Schumer said on Monday On something as important as impeachment, Senator McConnells resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace.

He promised to propose amendments to the resolution, but with Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, their preferred rules package is expected to pass.

Trumps team urges Senate to reject articles

Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives last month for abuse of power related to his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress for refusing to participate in the impeachment inquiry. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and labelled the impeachment trial a hoax. He is in the Swiss city of Davos this week for an annual four-day gathering of the World Economic Forum.

The presidents lawyers on Monday filed a memorandum, arguing the articles of impeachment should be rejected as an affront to the Constitution and our democratic institutions.

The Articles themselves  and the rigged process that brought them here  are a brazenly political act by House Democrats that must be rejected, the lawyers said, adding that Trump did not break any laws in his dealings with Ukraine.

In this image from video, Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, speaks as the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump begins in the Senate [Senate Television/AP Photo]

House Democrats accuse Trump of abusing his power in office by orchestrating a pressure campaign to get Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic political rival, as well as launch a probe into a debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 presidential elections.

The House impeachment investigation centred on a whistle-blower complaint that deailed a phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the investigation into Biden and his son, Hunter, who had served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

At the time of the call, the Trump administration was withholding nearly $400m in congressional-approved military assistance to Ukraine.

Witnesses?

In a written response to the Senate on Monday, the House managers, led by Democrat Adam Schiff, said the arguments being made by Trumps defence team are faulty.

President Trump maintains that the Senate cannot remove him even if the House proves every claim in the Articles of impeachment. That is a chilling assertion. It is also dead wrong, the House managers said in an eight-page letter.

The Framers deliberately drafted a Constitution that allows the Senate to remove Presidents who, like President Trump, abuse their power to cheat in elections, betray our national security, and ignore checks and balances, the letter said.

In this image from video, Senate Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger introduces the House impeachment managers on the Senate floor as the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump begins in the Senate at the Capitol in Washington, DC [Senate Television/AP Photo]

Democrats are pushing Republicans to allow the Senate to call witnesses in the trial, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

Democrats may also seek testimony from Lev Parnas, a former associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who has provided House investigators with emails and texts showing the extent of Parnass role in the campaign to pressure Zelenskyy.

Under McConnells rules proposal, the question of witnesses would not be addressed until after opening arguments and the question-answer session.

Rare, serious event

The Senate trial is unlikely to lead to Trumps removal, as no Republican senators have voiced support for convicting the president.

A new CNN poll, conducted last week, suggested that 51 percent of Americans want the Senate to convict the president. About 45 percent said they do not want to see the president removed from office. But public sentiment is sharply divided along partisan lines, with 89 percent of Democrats supporting a conviction, and 89 percent of Republicans opposing it.

The trial also comes just weeks before the first voting event of the 2020 presidential primary and caucus season. Four Democrats vying for their partys nomination will be forced off the campaign trail and in the Senate during the trial.

Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts swears in senators during the procedural start of the Senate impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump in this frame grab from video shot in the Senate Chamber at the US Capitol [US Senate TV/Handout/Reuters]

Although the Republican-led Senate is expected to acquit Trump, the trial marks a rare, sombre event, highlighting the deep divisions of the country. That seriousness was echoed throughout the Senate chamber last week as Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who presides over the trial, swore the senators in as jurors.

Trump is only the third US president in history to face a trial. No president has ever been removed from office.
But many of the people who cause problems are likely the ones who could benefit from a long-term city partnership with a mental health service provider.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Eldar Janashvili - Trend:

The price of Brent crude oil has been increasing at energy exchanges, and as long as the price remains above $65 per barrel, the rate can rise up to $68 per barrel, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani InvestAz investment companys weekly report.

It is expected that the price dynamics will be affected by important fundamental data on oil and gasoline reserves in the US, which will be released on Jan. 23, at 20:00 (GMT +4). The growth of geopolitical risks in the Middle East and the signing of a trade agreement between the US and China also strongly affect prices.

InvestAZ analysts also presented data on the situation in international financial markets and short-term forecasts.

Euro

At international currency exchanges, the euro to USD rate continues to decline. The analysis gives reason to predict that the depreciation of the euro will continue to the level of 1.1 euros per USD. Among the main reasons are the soft monetary policy of the European Central Bank and the announced negative fundamental indicators. In addition, after signing an agreement with China, the US government began to tighten requirements for Europe.

British pound

The GBP - USD rate is also under pressure for the same reasons, and if the British pound passes the minimum of the past week ($1.30), then it may fall in price to $1.29.

The data on the labor market in connection with retail sales and business activity of the country's production and services sectors was disclosed at 13:30 (GMT +4) on Jan. 21.

Turkish lira

There is an increase in the rate of the Turkish lira, while it is forecasted that the rise in price can continue to the level of 5.78 lira per USD.

Gold

The presence of political and economic risks in the world leads to the fact that the demand for gold in the markets of non-ferrous metals remains at the current level. So, the price per ounce last week began to rise again, although before that it had fallen in price to $1,540 ($49.5 per gram). According to the analysis, as long as the price remains above this level, the rise in price may continue up to $1,584 ($50.9 per gram).

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili
The China Law Blog (previously) is one of my favorite sources of insight into the secret workings of the businesses that produce the majority of the world's daily-use goods.



The latest post, Forced Labor in China: Don't trust AND verify, is a sobering example: Fred Rocafort describes how even cursory audits of labor practices turn up subcontracting arrangements with forced-labor prisons.





The issue is of the moment in part because of the one million-plus prisoners in Xinjiang province who have reported forced labor in Muslim-reeducation concentration camps (they have also reported punitive rape, forced medical experimentation, etc).





If Chinese forced labor sickens you  and it should  you should also turn your eye to the US prison system, where forced labor is the norm, especially in the private prison industry.

A: We are here on behalf of our mutual client, Y Brands. As per the terms of the agreement between your company and Y Brands, we are here to perform an audit. Y Brands has given advance notice to your corporate office. P: Uh, okay. What kind of audit? A: A social compliance audit. Looking at workplace safety and things like that. P: Ah, I see. Please go ahead. Let me know if you have any questions. A: Well, to be honest, this doesn't look like a factory. I only see a few products here and there, and none of them belong to our client. Where is the production line? P: Oh, we only handle quality control here. The products are made elsewhere. A: And where would that be? P: A prison in L City [few hundred miles away]. A: A prison? P: Yeah, it's a lot cheaper than a normal factory. Here, these are some invoices we have received from the prison.



Forced Labor in China: Don't trust AND verify [Fred Rocafort/China Law Blog]
After an Afghan student was brutally stabbed in a case of hate crime by a group of four youth, protests erupted at the Goa University on Tuesday.

The police have arrested the four youth, even as students of Goa University gathered to denounce the attack and calling for swift action against the culprits.

The victim Maitulla Ari was accosted by four youth on a motorcycle, who ironically, had initially helped one of them up after he had fallen off his bike. But things took an ugly turn when they questioned Ari how he got hold of a Goa registered motorcycle which ended in a confrontation and a stabbing.

Ari, 24, is being treated at a local hospital and his condition is stated to be serious.

Sanmesh Shet, the president of the Goa University Students Union, has denounced the attack.

We have gathered here in order to ensure that he gets justice and to protest the attack. These students are here as part of an exchange programme and for as long as they are here, they are like one of us. Attacks like these will instill fear among students and soon no one will feel safe in the university campus and no one will want to come here. It will be a shame for us, Sanmesh Shet, the president of the Goa University Students Council, said.

The National Students Union of India too has condemned the attack and called for increased protection at the university.

The work of the government is to protect the state and the students that come to study, but there is absolute fear in the minds of the student body. The attack on the Afghani student in Goa also brings a question mark to the security of the foreign students who come to study and will send a very wrong message to the entire world regarding the law and order of the country, NSUI state president Akbar Mulla said in a statement.

There are around 35 students who are studying at the Goa University as part of an Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR) programme to allow students to study at Universities across India.

The police have arrested three persons including Satish Nilkanthe, a resident of Maharashtra but residing in Goa, Desmond Fernandes and Suresh Egeri who have been remanded to police custody.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested that Parliament revisit the rationale in giving exclusive powers to the Speaker in deciding disqualification petitions.

The observation gains significance in the backdrop of Karnataka MLAs' disqualification case decided by the top court last year.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice R.F. Nariman, insisting on introducing more fairness in the procedure, held that Parliament could possibly create an independent and permanent body to decide the disqualification petitions against MPs and MLAs, instead of the Speaker having the exclusive powers.

The top court's observation came in a case of disqualification of Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar in Manipur. Shyamkumar had won on a ticket from Congress, but switched to the BJP-led government in the state.

In the verdict, the top court held that the Speaker can't sit on a disqualification petition indefinitely. The court emphasized that it is essential for the Speaker to decide on the matter within a reasonable time period, and recommended the disqualification petitions should be decided within three months.

The bench said the independence of the Speaker has been raised many times, and put forth a query: should the Speaker be the sole person entrusted with decisions on disqualification petitions, especially when he/she is also a member of a political party? The court said the elected Members of Parliament or the legislative assemblies should not be allowed to continue, if they have been disqualified on issues such as anti-defection.

In the Manipur case, the top court asked the Speaker to decide disqualification petitions within 4 weeks. The court also observed that in the absence of the decison, the MLAs could come back to the court.
Bigwigs of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) have taken to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to protest the apex court decision to annul the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP, and declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the winner of the March 9 2019, Imo Gubernatorial election. The protest, which was attended by the national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, Dino Melaye, and other chieftains of the opposition party, on Monday demanded that the Supreme Court reverse its judgement.

The Lagos stage government has begun enforcement of its Traffic Laws which bans the operation of motorcycles and tricycles in restricted areas. According to the government, there will be road signs to indicate restricted areas, adding that anyone that violates the law after this effort would be punished in accordance with the law.

The seven-man panel of the Apex court unanimously dismissed the appeal of Jeremiah Useni and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for lacking merit.

In a day of Supreme Court rulings, the apex court also dismissed an appeal filed by Lalong on the grounds that having dismissed the appeal by Useni, the other appeal had become academic.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and Nigerians on the affirmation of his election as the Governor of Sokoto state. Recall that earlier in the day, the Supreme Court affirmed Aminu Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the winner of the March 2019 governorship election in Sokoto State.

The supreme court on Monday upheld the election of Abdullahi Ganduje as the governor of Kano state. The apex court gave its ruling on the suit filed by Abba Kabir Yusuf, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the election of Ganduje, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

I Never Said I Will Probe My Predecessors: Governor Uzodinma

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has debunked rumours making rounds in the state that he planned to probe his predecessors. Governor Uzodinma disclosed this after inspecting some structures at the government house in Owerri.

The Governor said even though the business of governance includes probing and accountability, his directive to the Accountant-General of the state and the officials of the civil service to furnish

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, has ordered that primary and secondary children in the state be exempted from paying fees.This was made known by Phoebe Yayi, permanent secretary for the state ministry of education, in a letter dated January 17 and addressed to the zonal director of the Kaduna state schools quality assurance authority. The letter read thus: Sequel to the public pronouncement made by the governor of Kaduna state on different occasions on the governments resolve to ensure 100% access to basic and post-basic quality
MICHIGAN  A number of Michigan lawmakers introduced in Congress a bipartisan resolution opposing the placement of a Canadian nuclear waste disposal site near Lake Huron.

One of the sites proposed by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization to store nuclear waste would be in either the Huron-Kinloss Township or Municipality of South Bruce. Both are relatively close to Lake Huron and northeast across the lake from the Thumb.

As part of the plans, if the Huron-Kinloss/South Bruce plan were to move forward, between 88,000 and 110,000 tons of high-level waste would be stored in excavated underground chambers approximately 1,640 feet below the earths surface.

The spent fuel from nuclear power generators is highly radioactive and takes thousands of years to decay to a safe state.

Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, Rep. Dan Kildee of Flint, and Rep. John Moolenaar of Midland introduced the resolution. It asserts that the president and his administration should work with the Canadian government to find an alternative location to store the waste.

The resolution has the support of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers from Michigan, including Republican Paul Mitchell and nine other Michigan representatives.

Hazardous nuclear waste should not be stored near the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water to over 40 million people and are part of who we are as Michiganders, said Peters in a statement. Any accident could have catastrophic and long-term consequences to the health and well-being of Michigan and the country.

The health of the Great Lakes impacts our economy, environment, and way of life in Michigan, said Stabenow in a statement. A nuclear waste spill near our lakes would have devastating consequences that would last for generations. I strongly urge our Canadian neighbors to make the right choice and stop any plan to store dangerous nuclear waste so close to the Great Lakes.

Michigan State Representative Shane Hernandez co-sponsored a resolution in the state house that would fight this as well, urging Congress to take every legal action possible to prevent the construction of such a facility and to urge the Canadians to prohibit a high-level nuclear waste repository anywhere in the Great lakes Basin.

Storing nuclear waste in this location would be a huge mistake, Hernandez said in a statement. If something were to go wrong, it would be devastating to the health of the Great Lakes and the safety of residents. Its dangerously close to the main drinking water intakes for all of southeast Michigan, and it would affect the entire Great Lakes region. This plan must be stopped in its tracks right now.

Bruce Nuclear Generating Station, located near Kincardine, Ontario, was previously considered as a site for nuclear waste disposal, which resulted in the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, New York, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania and the province on Ontario passing resolutions opposing waste storage at the facility.
The Bank of England has created an international group to explore the possibility of developing a cryptocurrency backed by central banks.

The central banks of Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and the eurozone joined the initiative, together with the Bank of International Settlements (BIS).

The group will look at the economic and technical benefits that a bitcoin-style digital currency could offer.

Global focus on central bank digital currencies (CBDC) intensified last year after Facebook announced plans to introduce a cryptocurrency called Libra.

The European Central Bank subsequently expressed an interest in creating its own digital currency, while China has also moved forward with plans to launch a state-backed cryptocurrency.

The group will assess CBDC use cases; economic, functional and technical design choices, including cross-border interoperability; and the sharing of knowledge on emerging technologies," the banks said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins  the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images

Figures within the cryptocurrency industry welcomed the news, claiming it indicated regulators are at last recognising the potential benefits of digital currencies.

When the first national central bank issues a CBDC, this will be a major milestone in monetary history and a turning point for the global financial system, Andy Bryant, co-head of popular cryptocurrency exchange BitFlyer, told The Independent.

However, at this stage, there is still a lot up for discussion. The particular design of each new CBDC  for instance, whether or not it bears interest  will have profound implications on its effectiveness as a monetary policy instrument.

Recommended North Korea uses Telegram app to steal cryptocurrency

Marcus Swanepoel, CEO of London-based cryptocurrency firm Luno, described it as very positive but warned it would be a slow process.

They understand a shift to digital currencies wont happen overnight. However, it is a part of a generational change being driven by people who have grown up with technology and see the world in a different way, he said.

Over thousands of years, money has always evolved and most central banks would agree that the current international monetary system is now out of date.
LONDON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DW Support Services (DW) selects Localz , leading experts in last-mile location and messaging technology to digitize its real-time customer communications. DW is a leader in responsive repairs and it is vital to keep innovating and updating its services to meet continually rising consumer expectations. Localz technology will be used to enhance its current communications processes, incorporating real-time tracking and communication capabilities that consumers are starting to demand given their experience from services in other sectors.

DW Support Services, part of Fastflow Group, provides property repair services to social landlords. Working mainly with large housing associations, DW provides responsive repairs to approximately 55,000 homes each year and prides itself on putting the customer at the centre of its business model - and has partnered with Localz due to its like-minded approach.

Customer choices and views are at the heart of DW's service. By incorporating Localz real-time tracking and two-way communication for end-customers, DW will enhance the customer experience it provides, but will also make efficiency savings and will enjoy a competitive edge in the repairs contractor market. Using Localz technology DW, its clients and end-customers will benefit from:

Automated communications

Real-time operative tracking

Two-way communication

Automated post-job customer feedback requests

Real-time dashboard

Alan Elliott, DW's head of Responsive Repairs: "We are expecting to see some fantastic benefits from Localz for our clients, their tenants, and also for our own employees. Implementing Localz will make our end-customers' lives easier, will reduce call wait times, and increase first-time access rates - all the while improving the overall customer experience for tenants. DW will now also be able to give customers a real-time view of progress for repairs at their property; a service that is already available across many other industries. We want to be seen as working smarter, being innovative, and giving mutual benefits to our clients, customers and our teams."

"It's fantastic to see DW leading the way with adopting technology that will enable them to deliver more customer-centric services. Working with Localz, DWSS will not only add a competitive edge when it comes to winning and retaining contracts but will also see efficiency gains from better first-time access and a reduction in ETA query calls. We are seeing a growing appetite for our services in the housing sector - from contractors, their clients, and from landlords with in-house repairs teams," said Paul Swannell, Sales Director at Localz.

SOURCE Localz

Related Links

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A Boston college student charged with manslaughter over her boyfriend's suicide appeared in court on Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing.

Inyoung You, 21, appeared at Suffolk Superior Court with her lawyers.

In October, she was charged with manslaughter for the death of her boyfriend, Alexander Urtula, who leaped to his death from the roof of a parking garage, 90 minutes before he was due to graduate, as You pulled up in an Uber.

Prosecutors say she subjected him to a barrage of 'pathological' abuse beforehand in texts. They also cited witnesses who claim he was under her control and scared to end their relationship.

You, who is a South Korean native, denies the charges and says prosecutors are painting a one-sided picture of the relationship.

They say she too was troubled and that as well as having to grieve the loss of her boyfriend, she now has to defend herself in the charges over his death.

Scroll down for video

Inyoung You in court in Boston on Tuesday after a pre-trial hearing for her manslaughter trial

You's boyfriend Alexander Urtula, 22, jumped to his death in May while they were texting

During Tuesday's hearing, her attorneys slammed prosecutor Rachel Rollins for the harsh rhetoric she used and lengthy descriptions she gave of the alleged abuse when announcing the charges.

They are asking for a protective order to be issued to avoid 'tainting' the jury pool.

The judge said they would take it under consideration.

You was somber throughout the appearance. She said nothing as she was led through the courthouse.

Authorities have suggested that she gave him the idea of how to kill himself and that she had once threatened to take her own life at the same parking garage where he died.

'Do everyone a favor and go f******* kill yourself,' was one of her texts that prosecutors led aloud. In another, she told him to kill himself 'or else I'm going to slit my wrists'.

Four days before he died, she said: 'Go f****** kill yourself.'

You said nothing as she arrived at court flanked by a team of lawyers

The 21-year-old's attorneys say she was troubled too and that she is being unfairly blamed for her boyfriend's suicide

'You want me to slash my throat? Is that what you want? Why do I have to threaten my own f****** life for you to do something?' she said in another, two days before he died.

In another, she called him 'worthless' and told him to repeatedly bash his head against a sink.

Prosecutors said You, who is now in her native South Korea, abused and manipulated Urtula who she had 'complete control over'

Prosecutors said that these were just some of the tens of thousands of messages she sent him.

They also quoted friends of Urtula's who said he was scared of letting his girlfriend down or not doing what she wanted for fear that she would harm herself if he disappointed her.

'She would text [him] or say she was going to harm herself to pull him away. Often he would say, "Inyoung's trying to hurt herself. I have to leave the party,"' one friend said.

They added that he had tried to find a way out of the relationship but was consistently met with more abuse.

Her attorneys however argued that prosecutors had 'cherry picked' damaging texts and evidence to support their case.

Earlier this week, her attorneys issued their final text exchange earlier this week in an attempt to prove that she tried to save his life by begging him 'baby please stop' when he alluded he was about to kill himself.

Her attorney slammed prosecutors for reading some of the messages, saying that they had 'cherry picked' damaging texts which harmed You's chance at a fair trial.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Steven Kim last year said: 'Never in my career have I seen more unjust and callous behavior from a DA in what I can only conclude is the cheap pursuit of headlines.

'When the facts come out it will be clear  these were two emotionally needy young adults whose relationship had become a toxic blend of need, anger, fear and love. They simultaneously faced the everyday pressures all post-adolescents encounter from family, friends, social media, college life, and the things young people try to navigate every day. And they lived their lives on their phones in a way that is hard for many of us to understand.

'No one can ever know to a moral certainty why someone decides to take their own life. Suicide is always sad, always a tragedy and always mysterious. We should be looking for better ways to support young people in these situations instead of prosecuting them.

'All of us, including Inyoung You, mourn Alexander Urtula.

'But further punishing a young woman who loved him only compounds the tragedy and tarnishes the memory of that young man.'

If you or anyone you know is struggling, for confidential support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit their website here.
LGBTQ+ activists in Sheffield are trying to have Franklin Graham's upcoming UK tour cancelled.

The eight-date tour gets underway in Glasgow on May 30 and will visit cities across mainly England, with one stop in Wales, before wrapping up at the 02 Arena in London on October 4.

Graham, an outspoken critic of same-sex marriage and staunch supporter of Donald Trump, said he would be bringing the "same powerful message" to the UK as his father, the late evangelist Billy Graham, who visited the country on a number of occasions.

But gay activists in Sheffield claim that he promotes homophobic views and are pushing for the cancellation of his tour date at the city's FlyDSA Arena on June 6.

A letter signed by 22 members of the city's LGBTQ+ community has been sent to Sheffield City Trust, which runs the venue, saying that Graham should not be welcomed to the city.

"Franklin Graham has repeatedly publicly promoted his homophobic beliefs, including but not limited to branding homosexuality a sin," they write, according to the Guardian.

"We believe that these statements far exceed freedom of speech and are direct hate speech and incitement to violence against LGBTQ+ communities and individuals, which should not be welcomed in our city or anywhere else."

The trust has defended its decision to host Graham's Sheffield tour date on the grounds of free speech.

David Grey, chairman of the trust, told the newspaper that he had met local faith groups and taken advice from South Yorkshire police over Graham's visit, and supported the "right to free speech and freedom of expression whilst promoting equality and freedom from hatred and abuse".

Last November, the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, said he could not support Graham's visit.

"Mr Graham's rhetoric is repeatedly and unnecessarily inflammatory and in my opinion represents a risk to the social cohesion of our city," he said.

"I gladly took part in Billy Graham's Mission England in 1984 as a candidate for ordained ministry, and in his LiveLink Mission in 1989 as a curate.

"But to my sadness I detect a tailing off of humility and generosity in the Graham organisation since those days."

However, other Christians have been supportive.

The Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, was happy to commend the tour, saying he hoped to see many "experience a new birth in the Holy Spirit".

"I owe my own conversion to Christ in part to the Billy Graham Crusade in Earls Court London in 1966," he said.

"I have long admired and been blessed by the ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The first week after my ordination as deacon in Birmingham in 1984, I was at Aston Villa for Mission England.

"I am thankful for the continuing evangelistic mission of the BGEA and want to commend the Graham Tour event at M&S Bank Arena [in Liverpool] on 12 June 2020.

"Many from churches across the Wirral and beyond may be bringing friends, as I was brought over fifty years ago.

"May many hear the saving news of God in Christ. May many come to receive and experience a new birth in the Holy Spirit."

Judah Cole, pastor of OpenWell Church in Liverpool, said he was excited to be partnering with Graham on the tour and "to see what God will do here".

"The year 2020 marks a huge shift in the UK. In a year of change we need the certainty that only God can provide," said Cole.

"Franklin Graham is going to bring a clear message of faith and peace as he points people to Jesus Christ, the source of true and lasting stability."
Commissioner Jackson participates in a U.S Securities and Exchange Commission open meeting to propose changing its definition of an "accredited investor" in Washington

By Steven Scheer

RISHON LEZION, Israel (Reuters) - The rapid growth of digital assets and computer-driven investment advice has become a key challenge for regulators in trying to keep up with technological advances while seeking to protect investors, a U.S. markets regulator said on Monday.

Robert Jackson, a commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commision, said the agency was seeking to enact laws that facilitate the changes in technologies.

One issue the SEC was grappling with was "robo advisors" - algorithms that help people make investment decisions.

"I know what it looks like when a human being commits fraud," Jackson told an Israel Securities Authority conference. "It's a lot harder to detect when an algorithm defrauds the investor. But investors deserve no less protection simply because money is being moved around by an algorithm."

Jackson, a Democratic commissioner who was a capital markets banker early in his career, said there were 4,000 lawyers at the SEC, but few programmers who can help explain how algorithms work and what risks they pose to investors.

"In 20 years we may need to be an agency of 2,000 lawyers and 2,000 programmers," he said.

Another struggle is regulating assets such as cryptocurrencies, which are "exciting but come with risks", he said. The aim was that the asset class does not become associated with fraud and investors are properly protected.

At the same time, the SEC is concerned that technology innovators increasingly are preferring private markets over public ones to raise large amounts of capital, largely because company founders have more freedom to run their companies with less accountability and transparency.

This poses a problem since many ordinary investors may be closed to many new tech firms.

"We might create a system of public companies that are not exciting. Instead that growth is reserved for a small section of society that can invest in private markets. That can be very unhealthy," Jackson said.

Story continues

He proposes to improve disclosure from private firms by investing through intermediaries, which would mean investors would pay more but have lower risk.

Having strong regulation also translates into a lower cost of capital, he added.

Jackson also said he was in favor of more aggressive disclosures from companies when cyber attacks occur and that the SEC should partner with companies in combating cyber attacks.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Richa Sharma By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Flooded with queries from several state units and party leaders, including elected members, regarding CAA-NRC-NPR, the Congress research department has now prepared a FAQ and answers on these issues as the party plans to start a door-to-door campaign on the lines of the BJP to reach out to the people explaining the impact of the legislation.

The BJPs massive outreach exercise targeting the opposition on the newly amended legislation has left the grand old party worried and its state units have expressed apprehensions of BJP convincing people about the CAA and garnering support.

According to party sources, many state Congress units informed the central leadership that there is confusion over the CAA-NRC-NPR and their links and they would want to understand the issue better before they reach out to the people.

The Congress Working Committee, the highest decision-making body of the party, passed a resolution seeking withdrawal of the CAA on grounds that it discriminates on the basis of religion.

The partys research department under Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Gowda was tasked to decode CAA-NRC-NPR in the simplest possible language.

We prepared a document explaining the impact the three will have on the common people and circulated it to state units. There is a lot of confusion even among government officials on the matter and things need to be put in perspective.

With massive resources and cadre, the BJP has an advantage when it comes to reaching out to the masses, but we are making efforts to tell people what lies behind the law, said a Congress leader.

The party also plans to start door-to-door outreach exercise explaining its anti-CAA stand and how the law has created an environment of fear and anxiety in the country, especially among religious and linguistic minorities.

Include Muslims in CAA, Netajis kin urges government

West Bengal BJPs vice-president Chandra Bose urged the Centre to grant citizenship even to Muslims under the CAA.

This clause should be included to send a message that CAA is not based on religion, the grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose said. Referring to state BJP chief Dilip Ghoshs recent controversial remarks, Bose tweeted, Dogs are mans best friend...Its become the practice of many to state that you will be shot & killed like a dog! Using this phrase must stop!

West Bengal to pass resolution against CAA

Facing Opposition attacks for not passing a resolution against CAA in the state assembly, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced her government would do so soon.

We have already passed a resolution on NRC. We will also pass a resolution within three to four days demanding the withdrawal of the CAA, she said.

She also urged the CMs of opposition-ruled states not to take part in NPR exercise and said if they agree, she was ready to hold a meeting in Kolkata.
One of Northern Ireland's best-known business families approached Tayto Park boss Ray Coyle with a proposal to take a stake of up to 51% in a Dublin tourism venue, it has emerged.

The Lagan family, led by Kevin Lagan, made the move before deciding last weekend to close struggling Dublin 8 tourist attraction Vaults Live. Now it has emerged that Mr Coyle is still considering the proposal and has not ruled out becoming a last-minute white knight for the business.

Two years ago, the Lagans and Mr Coyle were fighting for control of a tourism venue built around live-action shows featuring Dracula, Molly Malone and Ikea the Viking. One source said there was "a glimmer of hope" that a deal could be done.

Nevertheless, the Lagans, who operate Lagan Investments, informed staff that the venue would close for good after its scheduled shows on January 26.

The family said: "It is with regret that despite investment over a prolonged period, the Vaults project is no longer viable. Lagan Investments has instructed consultants to explore future options for the venue, which we are reviewing."

Yesterday the Lagans announced a 189m deal to revamp a business park in Uganda.
A Gardiner, Montana-area womans lawsuit against the federal government over bison hunting near her home should be dismissed because she waited too long to file and because she is suing in another court citing the same facts.

Federal attorneys made the arguments in a motion to dismiss, which was filed last week in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

In the lawsuit, Bonnie Lynn is seeking $500,000 in compensation for loss of revenue to her cabin rental business. At the heart of her case is the issue of bison hunting on nearby Forest Service property at Beattie Gulch. Beattie Gulch is just north of Yellowstone National Park on the west side of the Yellowstone River. The location provides one of the first places for state and tribal hunters to kill the animals when they migrate out of the park in winter.

The carcasses and gut piles left by hunters are sometimes moved onto adjoining property by predators, scavengers and birds, which Lynn has argued is a taking of her property rights without compensation. The hunt and resulting carrion has resulted in a loss of revenue for her cabin rental and RV park businesses, Lynns attorneys have claimed.

The Forest Service has responded to area landowners complaints by not allowing hunting or shooting near the county road  Old Yellowstone Trail  that provides access to Beattie Gulch and Lynns property. Yet nearby homeowners and conservationists in the area have contended that hasnt been enough.

Bison hunting outside of the park is regulated by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, but tribes with treaty rights kill the majority of the bison and they arent governed by the agency.

The hunts are one tool the state and cooperating federal and tribal partners are using to try to reduce the number of bison in Yellowstone as part of an agreement between the state and park officials.

Lynns attorneys have claimed that the Forest Service could stop the hunt at its Beattie Gulch property. Instead, the agency "has created a concentrated, unsafe, and unethical hunt every winter and because of the hunts bison guts physically occupy her land, taking her land for a public use.

Attorneys for the United States argue that Lynn waited too long to file the suit, and that she was aware that the hunts were occurring prior to when she bought the property in 2005.

Lynn, however, claims that the hunts have increased in intensity since she bought the land and buildings as more tribes have asserted treaty rights to kill Yellowstones bison. Hunting is not allowed inside Yellowstone National Park.

The U.S. attorneys go on to contend that Lynns lawsuit does not identify a specific government action that gave rise to an alleged taking.

(Lynns) claim of a temporary physical taking by the United States rests on an attenuated chain of events involving (1) the state of Montana, which permits and regulates the public bison hunt, and Indian tribes, who regulate their tribal rights to hunt; (2) private hunters and tribal hunters; and (3) wild raptors and ravens, attorneys noted in their brief. None of these actions can be attributed to the United States.

The brief goes on to say, The question that must be answered in analyzing (Lynns) claims is whether the raptors and ravens are instrumentalities of the United States. The short answer is no.

In December a U.S. District Court judge denied Lynns request to halt the bison hunt this winter, in part citing the importance of the hunts to participating tribes.

Lynn is being represented by Jared Pettinato and Matthew Thurlow. Pettinato is a former Montana U.S. House candidate.

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Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Citizens United decision. The legacy of Citizens United has been destructive. We need campaign finance reform. WaPo. Ill say.

Ultrafast camera takes 1 trillion frames per second of transparent objects and phenomena Phys.org (RM)

Newly discovered immune cell points to universal cancer treatment New Atlas (david l)

The Dognapping of the Century Medium

Living in Alan Turings Future New Yorker

This weird-looking pigeon is actually a drone that flies with real feathers MIT Technology Review

The biology of coffee, the worlds most popular drink The Conversation

THE PLAYBOOK FOR POISONING THE EARTH Intercept

Waste Watch

Indonesian Flood Victims Launch Suit Vs. Government Climate Liability News

Syraqistan

Shame: We Stood By While Saudis Helped Criminals Flee U.S. American Conservative

War on Cash

Big Brother Australia aims to ban cash spending Asia Times

China?

India

Brexit

Class Warfare

Have the pigs started flying yet? The Daily News, the NY Post, and I are actually in agreement about the same subject (AirTrain) on the same day! Someone play the numbers  pic.twitter.com/woOnNyBOX3  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) 15 January 2020

Davos

Impeachment

2020

Trump Transition

Big Brother IS Watching You Watch

Antidote du Jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Sub-zero temperatures were recorded at major tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Dalhousie following a fresh bout of snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, while light rains were reported from some areas on Tuesday.

Keylong was the coldest recorded place in the state with a minimum temperature of minus 10.2 degrees Celsius, the Shimla MeT Department said.

Two famous tourist spots of Dhauladhar mountain range --Triund and Bir-Billing -- have once again been covered with a very thick ice sheet.

Kothi received 20 cm of snowfall, Khadrala 15 cm, Sarahan 13 cm, Manali 10 cm, Kufri and Kumarsen 5 cm each, Bharmour and Kalpa 4 cm each and Theog 3 cm, the MeT centre's director Manmohan Singh said.

Kalpa recorded a low of minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Kufri (minus 3.4 degrees Celsius), Dalhousie (minus 2.3 degrees Celsius) and Manali (minus 1.6 degrees Celsius).

The minimum temperature in state capital Shimla was zero degrees Celsius, Singh said.

Maximum temperatures decreased by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius during the last 24 hours. The highest temperature in the state was recorded in Una at 21 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature in Kalpa was minus 3.5 degrees Celsius, Keylong minus 2.6 degrees Celsius and Dalhousie minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, he added.

A truck skidded near Chharabra and blocked the road where a pregnant woman, who was on her way to Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla, was stranded.

After receiving the information, police party reached the spot, removed the truck and took the woman to the hospital.

Around 12 people, who were stuck on Dhalli- Kufri stretch, were taken to safer places, police said.

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Amit Kashyap said all roads in the district have been restored for traffic barring snow-bound Dodra Kwar subdivision, where snow clearing operations were going on a war-footing.

He said work is going on to restore traffic on link roads and adequate manpower has been deployed.

Traffic was plying normally on Shimla-Rampur and Rohru-Khadapathar roads, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
We need to reframe eco-anxiety to emphasize hope in the midst of human tragedy, existential threats and climate catastrophe.

For over a quarter of a century, United Nations climate negotiations have failed to reach a legally binding treaty. For instance, the failed 1997 Kyoto Protocol was modelled after the success of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which legally required all nations to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a chemical used in refrigerators and air conditioners. Eco-anxiety  the difficult emotions caused by environmental conditions and knowledge  is on the rise. Global mean temperatures are rising, as are sea levels. Eco-anxiety will further rise if non-binding agreements, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement, dont succeed.

An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the impacts of global warming predicts that if the current trend of global warming continues there will be a major climate catastrophe within our lifetime. More than 11,000 scientists from 153 countries warn that climate change is threatening ecosystems and humanity. Biologists fear the sixth mass extinction of species. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, currently, one million species are at risk of extinction.

Our food systems have become vulnerable due to the loss of biological diversity of plant and animal species: we are anxious about hunger and food security, safety and fraud. As a researcher who examines just and sustainable transitions in food systems, I clearly see that climate change puts additional pressure on already vulnerable food systems and populations.

There is no shortage of commitments and declarations. Governments at different levels across the world have been declaring a climate emergency  over 1,000 jurisdictions and counting. On June 17, 2019, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion to declare a national climate emergency.

Escalating fear and anxiety

The declarations of climate emergency might help to increase the mobilization of financial and human resources for climate actions. Additionally, the use of wartime language can exacerbate fear, panic and depression among those who are already vulnerable to other sources of anxieties. These sources include anxiety arising from chronic food shortages and ethical production and consumption.

Eco-anxiety can further exacerbate food anxiety, which has been provoked by a range of food scares, food poisonings, distancing of food supply chains, hunger and farming crises.

Disrupting food systems

The IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land, to which I have also contributed, recommends eating less red meat. This report estimates that livestock, crop, fertilizer and fossil fuel use in agriculture account for about 21 to 37 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Canadas Food Guide recommends reducing meat, egg and dairy consumption in favour of plant-based protein sources. In Canada, agriculture was responsible for about 10 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions, the largest share coming from livestock.

Nearly 70 billion animals are slaughtered for consumption annually. Eating more plants can achieve benefits for the planet as well as human health. The 2019 Food Policy for Canada promotes low-carbon, climate-resilient and less wasteful food systems that also support local economies and jobs.

A low-carbon food future will clearly disrupt employment and jobs in industrial food systems. One way to secure a sustainable and just food future could be to promote agroecology, which combines science and social movements to transform carbon-intensive industrial agriculture into low-carbon and climate-resilient food systems.

Finding hope

Eco-anxiety should be recognized and addressed as a social practice together with other sources of anxieties, including food anxiety. We should avoid isolating or blaming those who are affected by it. And people are increasingly refusing to live in a constant state of fear. As a result, climate anxiety has sparked mass movements across the world, like the school strike for climate and the Extinction Rebellion.

We need to reframe eco-anxiety to emphasize hope in the midst of human tragedy, social collapse, existential threats and climate catastrophe.

People who are anxious about climate change can benefit from facilitated engagement in climate science. The Environmental Health Clinic at New York University provides a space to talk about climate concerns and prescribe local climate actions as a social practice of reducing eco-anxiety.

Despite high stress and depression, Canadian farmers hesitate to seek help because of social stigma. We obviously need a new generation of competent fighters, science engagement professionals and community development workers in record numbers. We also need to mobilize mental health counselors, psychotherapists, learning circles and support groups.



Laxmi Prasad Pant, Senior Lecturer, University of Greenwich; Adjunct Professor, Associated Graduate Faculty, University of Guelph

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Former chief minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, on Tuesday appeared before an Enforcement Directorate (ED) court in Haryana's Panchkula city in connection with Associated Journal Limited (AJL) case.

The court has slated the matter for further hearing to February 25. Last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a case against Hooda in connection with alleged irregularities in the acquisition of land in Haryana when he was the chief minister of the state.

According to the ED, Hooda allegedly misused his official position and allotted a plot in the guise of re-allotment at an under-valued price to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a group that runs the Herald newspaper.

The agency claimed that the value of the plot was Rs 64.93 crore but Hooda gave it away for Rs 59 lakh.

In December 2018, the agency had filed a charge sheet against Hooda and Congress leader Motilal Vora for alleged fraudulent allotment of the land to the AJL in Panchkula in 2005.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Phillies have inked reliever Drew Storen to a minors deal, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets. Hell earn at the $750K level if hes able to crack the MLB roster.

This is another comeback bid for the 32-year-old Storen, who wasnt able to progress last year in a similar effort with the Royals. He hasnt pitched in the majors since 2017, when he threw 54 2/3 innings of 4.45 ERA ball with the Reds.

You have to go back quite a bit farther to find a time when Storen was a high-quality reliever: 2015, his final year with the Nationals. When that season drew to a close, he had compiled 334 frames of 3.02 ERA ball with 8.6 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9.

While Storens tenure in D.C. was generally successful, it included quite a few ups and downs. And it came to an end on the heels of a disastrous late-2015 run for both him and the Nats. After a strong first half, Storen stumbled down the stretch after being replaced in the closers role by mid-season acquisition Jonathan Papelbon. (The ensuing spectacle of Papelbon assaulting young star Bryce Harper was as memorable as it was unwelcome.)

Storen ended up being shipped to the Blue Jays in the ensuing offseason. He struggled in Toronto but picked things up after a mid-season swap to the Mariners. The Reds gave him a $3MM contract but werent really rewarded for the investment, as Storens velocity decline increased. His 2017 campaign ended with Tommy John surgery and he hasnt been back to full strength since.
The international team works on a computational model able to predict the properties of new molecules based on the analysis of fundamental chemical laws. The project was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (title "Using AI methods for the planning of chemical synthesis").

Co-author, Associate Professor Timur Madzhidov, explains, "We offered a way to insert the preexisting chemical equations into some frameworks of machine learning. It was tested on the predictions of tautomeric constants and acidity, which are linked by the Kabachnik equation. Using the functional interdependency between them, the neural network learns how to predict both these properties."

Prototropic tautomerism is the phenomenon of reversible isomerism, in which isomers (substances having the same qualitative and quantitative composition, but differing in structure and properties) easily transition into each other due to the transfer of a hydrogen atom.

"Tautomeric transformations are very common for organic compounds, being known for about half of all discovered compounds. For example, one of the mechanisms of spontaneous mutations is tied to the tautomeric transformations of DNA nucleic base. That why tautomerism must be taken into account when registering new compounds, during the computer design of new medications and the search for molecules with preconditioned properties," adds Madzhidov.

The results of this research can help increase the precision of prediction of physicochemical properties of designed medication and materials, as well as correctly forecast the parameters of chemical reactions.

###

Kazan Federal University, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the University of Hokkaido, and the University of Strasbourg contributed to the publication.
DURHAM, N.C., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A spokesman for Greg Lindberg issued the following statement today to correct false and politically motivated allegations by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey:

Greg Lindberg and his team at Global Growth did not "fail to live up to" the obligations of the June 27 th , 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). While directors and officers of the new holding company have been identified, and the entity has been formed, there are several material steps that need to be accomplished before the transactions contemplated in the MOU can be closed. As New York City consultant Mo Megjhi, Managing Partner of M-III Partners said in court filings, "Until these steps are accomplished, it would not be prudent" to complete the proposed restructuring. Such steps include insurance lender consents, third party lender consents, and global loan amendments, among other items.

and his team at Global Growth did not "fail to live up to" the obligations of the , 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). While directors and officers of the new holding company have been identified, and the entity has been formed, there are several material steps that need to be accomplished before the transactions contemplated in the MOU can be closed. As consultant Mo Megjhi, Managing Partner of M-III Partners said in court filings, "Until these steps are accomplished, it would not be prudent" to complete the proposed restructuring. Such steps include insurance lender consents, third party lender consents, and global loan amendments, among other items. Mr. Lindberg's group of companies is very well managed and none of their operating income is being inappropriately "diverted" for Mr. Lindberg's personal use. This year Global Growth's businesses in aggregate are forecasting close to $300 million in cash flow across all companies on approximately $1.4 billion in revenue. Total cash projected to pay senior debt service is approximately $121 million this year, for a forecasted cash pay senior debt interest coverage ratio of close to 2.5x to 1, a level comparable to BB and B corporate bond issuers in today's market.

in cash flow across all companies on approximately in revenue. Total cash projected to pay senior debt service is approximately this year, for a forecasted cash pay senior debt interest coverage ratio of close to 2.5x to 1, a level comparable to BB and B corporate bond issuers in today's market. As Mr. Lindberg has commented: "I am acutely aware that the false accusations against me have hurt every one of the 8,500 people who work for Global Growth by hindering our access to credit markets, harming our brand, slowing down our acquisitions, and costing us tens of millions of dollars of unnecessary legal fees and other expenses. In all, the Global Growth companies have lost over $1 billion in financing transactions as a result of Mr. Causey's politically motivated attacks. Mr. Causey's actions have directly harmed the policyholders he was elected to protect."

in financing transactions as a result of Mr. Causey's politically motivated attacks. Mr. Causey's actions have directly harmed the policyholders he was elected to protect." Contrary to Mr. Causey's politically motivated attacks, Global Growth's main non-insurance holding company, Academy Association, Inc., made $77 million in net income in 2018 on tax basis, and Global Growth's main insurance holding company, GBIG Holdings, Inc., made $62 million in net income in 2018 on a tax basis.

in net income in 2018 on tax basis, and Global Growth's main insurance holding company, GBIG Holdings, Inc., made in net income in 2018 on a tax basis. There is no "cash flow crisis" at Mr. Lindberg's companies. This a false allegation manufactured by Mr. Causey to promote his false narrative about Mr. Lindberg. Global Growth's non-insurance companies have over $100 million of cash on hand and Global Growth's insurance companies have total cash and cash equivalents of over $1.4 billion .

For more Greg Lindberg news please visit: www.greglindberg.com/in-the-news.

SOURCE Greg Lindberg


IAF's Su-30MKI fighter aircraft armed with BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile during the 'Gagan Shakti-2018' air exercise. (File photo/IAF)

THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU (PTI): Adding teeth to India's air and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region, a squadron of fourth-generation fighter jets Sukhoi-30 MKI equipped with the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was inducted on Monday at the Thanjavur air force station in Tamil Nadu, the first such base in South India.



The 'Tigersharks' 222 squadron of Sukhoi 30 MKI jets, formally inducted by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, will be tasked with air dominance and maritime role and equipped with the air variant of BRAHMOS weapon system.



The squadron based in this ancient Chola capital, about 340 kms from Chennai, is seen as a "gamechanger" in guarding the strategically important Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that has seen growing Chinese presence of late.



Expected to set right the military balance in the IOR, the Su-30 MKI is a state-of-the-art all weather multi-role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking varied air defence, ground attack and maritime missions.



BRAHMOS, an Indo-Russian joint venture weapon, is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from submarines, warships, fighter jets or land. The advanced air variant of the missile, which weighs 2.5-tonne, has a strike range of nearly 300 km.



The BRAHMOS cruise missile travels at a speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times that of sound.



Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria and senior defence officials were among those present on the occasion of the induction ceremony with the former describing it as a historic day for the Indian Air Force.



"So the role it will undertake is the Air Defence of Southern Peninsula and more importantly, with this special maritime capability in combination of BRAHMOS, it will be in for maritime role in support of nation," Bhadauria said.



A defence release said with the operationalisation of the squadron, the air defence capablilites of IAF, particularly in the Southern Air Command area, will be strengthened.



"This would also provide protection to our island territories and sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean Region. The IOR is increasingly gaining importance and the presence of a fighter squadron will provide security cover to all our strategic and vital assets in the region," it added.



The Sukhois have a combat radius of almost 1,500 km without mid-air refuelling.



"There has been a gradual to an accelerated expansion of varied maritime forces in the region which could afffect the existing military balance. Therefore, there is a need to protect our military and economic interests in the IOR," the release said in an apparent reference to the Chinese presence in the IOR and the need to respond to it.



China already has a military base at the strategically located Djibouti at the horn of Africa, its first in a foreign nation, and it is also looking at expanding its presence.



Enhancement of the IAF's capability with the induction of the squad was in response to both conventional and non conventional threats in the IOR and to ensure security and stability in the region, the release said.



General Rawat, in his address said the "Tigersharks" underscored "integration," which is the future of the Indian Armed Forces. The Su-30MKI aircraft, along with the BRAHMOS will be a game-changer and extensively enhance the security of the maritime domain, he noted.



The squadron will be operating closely with the Army and Navy to get the ball rolling and thus harmonizing with the armed forces, he said.



While the fighter jets got a water salute, the induction ceremony culminated with a flying display by light combat aircraft, Sarang helicopter display team and Surya Kiran aerobatic team.



Bhadauria, in his address, said it was a historic day for the Indian Air Force. On the decision to choose Thanjavur as the base for the SU 30 MKI squadron, he said it was because of its strategic location.



He complimented the Southern Air Command and all personnel of air force station for their efforts in advancing the induction by almost a year.



Apart from that, the station would also handle all other roles that Air Force would assign in terms of offensive or defensive as part of any other missions, he said.



The 222 squadron was raised at Ambala in 1969 with Sukhoi Su-7 aircraft. In July 1971, it was moved to Halwara and was engaged in combat with the Pakistan Air Force in the 1971 war.



In 1985, the Tigersharks became the first Indian squadron to be equipped with the Mig-27 aircraft and it is now being "resurrected," with the Su-30MKI at Thanjavur.



With the induction, integrated flying training is also set to commence along with the indigenous Tejas aircraft which is already present in Coimbatore.



According to the IAF, latest radars will be deployed in the region to further strengthen its integrated surveillance system.



During the IAF exercise 'Gagan Shakti-2018', the capabilities of this aircraft were amply demonstrated. Also, it showcased an extended air operational range with the help of air-to-air refuelling by the IL-78 aircraft.



The Indian Ocean Region has faced numerous challenges such as drug trafficking, piracy and maritime terrorism and the busiest trans-oceanic trade route.



The IOR is strategically vital as more than 80 per cent of India's energy supply is routed through it and it is likely to grow to 95 per cent by 2025.


New Delhi: Indian cinema's one of the most popular actresses, Deepika Padukone was honoured with the Crystal Award 2020 at World Economic Forum, Davos. The top star received the award for coming out and raising awareness about Mental Health.

After receiving the prestigious trophy, Deepika delivered a heartwarming speech on anxiety and depression at the world stage. Her speech from the event has been shared by several users and fan clubs, making it a viral watch.

Watch it here:

She also talked about how she battled depression and her mother first noticed the symptoms in 2014. Deepika started The Live, Love Laugh Foundation (TLL) which was formed in 2015 and caters to create awareness about mental health. It helps to reach out to people suffering from any mental health issue and sets out to lessen the stigma around depression.

On the work front, Deepika turned producer with her latest outing 'Chhapaak', a film by Meghna Gulzar. It is based on the real-life incident of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.
REAL Estate Investment Trust (REIT) companies could finally take off, now that the government implements revised rules favorable to the capital market.

The full implementation of REITS places the Philippines at par with other Asian economies that have fully developed capital and real estate markets, Colliers International Philippines said in a statement.

On Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, the government bared the amended REIT rules on taxation and ownership.

REITs have been available to investors since a 2009 law was passed but the market has failed to take off more than a decade after because of high public ownership requirement and transaction taxes discouraged property firms.

REITs manage real estate assets that regularly generate profits, which are distributed to shareholders as dividends.

Under the laws revised rules, REITs will now be allowed to maintain control of their firms and enjoy tax breaks to attract fresh capital to sustain property market growth.

REITs will only be required to sell 33 percent of their companies to the public, down from the previously mandated 40 percent.

According to the Department of Finance, the transfer of assets from the property firm to the REIT company will now be free of value-added tax.

Ayala Land Inc., among the countrys top developers, said last year that it was looking to list a US$500 million REIT but it didnt give a timeline.

REITs, according to Colliers, will drive innovation in the real estate projects, which should eventually benefit Filipino investors and end-users.

In our opinion, now is the most opportune time to launch REITs as the Philippine property market has been on an upswing, said Joey Bondoc, Colliers senior research manager.

Bondoc said REITs are likely to attract more foreign investments into the country.

REITs should also stoke the construction and infrastructure sectors which have significant multiplier effects to the economy, he said.

The Philippines enacted the REIT law in 2009 to democratize wealth and attract more foreign investments into the property sector.

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But the launch of REITs was stalled by some regulatory roadblocks, including taxation and high ownership requirement issues.

The listing of REIT companies on the stock exchange creates a secure opportunity for small investors to participate in the growth of property development in the country, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Emilio Aquino said REITs allow Filipinos to invest in the real estate market without owning actual property or the disadvantages of high transaction costs and illiquidity.

They also help investors achieve better returns or volatility outcomes by allowing property developers to diversify their portfolios, Aquino said.

Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) president Ramon Monzon said said REITs are a welcome addition to the PSEs product offerings as they will help the market become more competitive in the region.

Potential issuers and investors, both retail and institutional, have been looking forward to the introduction of REITs in the country given the benefits of both listing and investing in this new asset class, he said.
Elder Keith Smith and Elder Jens Blades, missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called to the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, have been assigned to serve in Hixson.

More than 68,000 missionaries of The Church serve throughout the world in soon to be over 407 missions. All missions are voluntary and missionaries do not receive compensation for their service.

President Russell M. Nelson, prophet of the world and president of the Church said, All missionaries, younger and older, serve with the sole hope of making life better for other people.



Missionaries invite all to come unto Christ. Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Elder Smith states. Because of Him, we can know joy and happiness. Elder Smith said he finds great meaning reflecting upon how much our Heavenly Father loves us  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).



Elder Smith grew up in Sanford, Co., and is one of nine children of a blended family. Following his two-year mission, he plans to study psychology as an undergraduate and afterward attend law school and practice law. He also has a desire to be actively involved in politics. Elder Smith has been out on his mission for six months, previously serving in Cherokee, NC, Bristol, Tn; and Rockwood, Tn.



Elder Blades has been on his mission for three months and served previously in Johnson City. He was born in Montana, but grew up in Utah, and is one of four siblings of a blended family. Prior to his mission, Elder Blades, who plays the trombone, attended Snow College in Ephraim, Ut., majoring in music education.

Elder Blade states, Studying The Book of Mormon brings joy to ones soul.The Book of Mormon confirms the Holy Bible. It makes plain that Jesus Christ is the true and living Son of the true and living God. Joseph Smith, the prophet of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, said of The Book of Mormon that a man [woman or child] would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book (History of The Church, 4:461). Whether from the Bible or The Book of Mormon, both teach that because of Christ we might have joy.A mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth, Luke 12:15 teaches. Our greatest happiness comes from accepting and following Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the high priest of good things to come (Hebrews 9:11).
KETCHUM  Having mountain lions in Southern Idahos rugged Wood River Valley is nothing new. Its not even uncommon for residents to spot them once in a while, or for a local rancher to report that a mountain lion killed a sheep or two.

Im not going to say this is a new issue, said Mike McDonald, regional wildlife manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Games Magic Valley Region.

What is unusual, though, is the frequency at which residents have seen the big cats in recent months, a figure amplified by a spate of recent attacks on pets in the area. On Wednesday, McDonald said in a phone interview that the Magic Valley Region received 55 reports of mountain lion sightings since Aug. 1. The most recent was reported on Wednesday.

Its not normal, McDonald said. This really started this summer, in June and July and even during the day, which is a little bit unusual.

Mountain lions are mostly nocturnal and tend to bed down and rest during the day  like one did in a Ketchum familys backyard earlier this month. The male mountain lion had to be repeatedly hazed off the property with rubber shotgun slugs, and Fish and Game officers removed a cached carcass of an elk calf from the area.

It was the latest in a series of incidents involving mountain lions near Ketchum and Hailey. In the last month, lions there killed three dogs and injured two others, and McDonald said two domestic cats were also killed.

Those figures by themselves arent terribly unusual either, according to McDonald. Last winter, Fish and Game responded to three pet fatalities caused by mountain lions in the region. In previous years, there have been one or two incidences each winter. Still, theres something atypical about this years attacks.

Normally incidents like this occur in the heart of winter, McDonald said. This year we started having incidents on the first of December.

Whats contributing to Idaho mountain lion attacks?

McDonald said Ketchum and Hailey may see attacks like these because, in addition to being home to mountain lions, theyre also home to prey animals year-round.

With the most recent mountain lion report ... resident herds of deer and elk were within city limits, he said. Any time you have a resident prey source, theres a likelihood youre going to have a predator.

Deer and elk spend even more time in the towns in winter, when food is scarce in the mountains.

Additionally, the towns have grown in recent years to abut national forestland and other wilderness areas, which mountain lions likely frequent.

A lot of these sightings come from places where development has butted up to forestland, McDonald said. There have been some locations in the country where we have hot spots (like) west Ketchum, Warm Springs area. Between Ketchum and Hailey, we continually receive reports.

But not all of the lions have been seen in spots where new development may have encroached on their former hangouts. The lion that was hazed repeatedly had bedded down in an older neighborhood, McDonald said.

He thinks the animals have figured out that decks and porches and outbuildings are great places to make a daybed. Fish and Game encourages residents to keep their properties secure to remove the possibility of a mountain lion getting cozy in the yard.

Another possible factor in the incidents: Lion numbers in the area may have grown, crowding some animals out of more appropriate territory. But McDonald said theres no way to know that  at least not yet.

Thats an answer were certainly all looking for, he said, adding that the Magic Valley Region is currently studying the best methods for estimating mountain lion populations.

We are pretty fortunate in the Magic Valley, we have had healthy deer and elk populations, McDonald said. It makes sense since food is readily available that mountain lion populations would be robust, too.

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The Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and services company Huawei is ready to cooperate with its Moroccan partners to launch the 5G network, Huawei vice-president for North-Africa, Philippe Wang, said Monday in Beijing.

Philippe Wang who was talking to a Moroccan delegation on a visit to a Huawei service center in Beijing said his company was a major partner in digital transition with all key players in the telecommunications field in Morocco, such as Inwi,Maroc Telecom and Orange. This partnership seeks to provide solutions and develop telecommunications services, he said.

Huawei is ready to work with these partners to launch the 5G network in Morocco, he added, underlining the groups willingness to work along with Morocco to accompany its efforts to become a leading center in the high-tech sector.

Wang also recalled the signing by the company of cooperation agreements with eight Moroccan universities for the training of 12,000 students over a three-year period, and the launch of the program Seeds for the Future which enables each year 10 Moroccan students to benefit from a month-long stay in Chinese universities and Huawei Technologies laboratories in the city of Shenzhen.

The group is also cooperating with several other Moroccan partners, including the National Railway Office (ONCF) to which Huawei provides the technologies necessary for the high-speed line communication services through the GSM-R network, he said, expressing his groups pride to have participated in this great project.

The Huawei official also underlined that Morocco has several assets that can make of it a digital hub in the African continent, mentioning in this vein the countrys political stability, economic development and advanced infrastructure, in addition to human skills, cultural diversity and language proficiency.

In order to establish itself as a leading hub in the field of digital technologies on the African continent, Morocco needs, however, to encourage foreign direct investments in the sector, speed-up digital transformation in the industrial fields and promote new technologies to open up job opportunities, in addition to developing innovation capacities and skills, the Huawei official was quoted by MAP as saying.

Morocco also needs to further promote trade and partnerships with regional economies, develop the ICT industry and green technologies, Wang pointed out.

Huawei entered the Moroccan market in 1999 and set up its headquarters in Rabat. In 2018, it opened a regional center in Casablanca that covers the North African region.

The Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and services company is headquartered in Guangdong, China. The company, founded in 1987, originally focused on manufacturing phone switches, but has expanded its operations to building telecommunications networks and manufacturing communications devices.

According to MAP, the Moroccan delegation included Moroccos ambassador to China, Aziz Mekouar, MAP Director General Khalil Hachimi Idrissi, executives of the National Tourism Confederation (CNT) and of the flag carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM), and several journalists.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

The cardiac mapping market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05841235/?utm_source=PRN



The global cardiac mapping market size is projected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2024 from USD 1.4 billion in 2019 at a CAGR of 8.7%. The emergence of new entrants, growing investments, funds, and grants, increasing incidences of target diseases, and growth in the geriatric population are supporting the growth of this market. However, unfavorable healthcare reforms in the US and the lack of skilled & experienced electrophysiologists may restrain the market to a certain extent during the forecast period.



The contact cardiac mapping segment is projected to dominate the cardiac mapping products market during the forecast period.

The cardiac mapping products market has been segmented into contact cardiac mapping systems and non-contact cardiac mapping systems.The contact cardiac mapping systems segment further includes electroanatomical mapping, basket catheter mapping, and traditional endocardial mapping.



The contact cardiac mapping systems segment held the largest share of this market in 2018 and is also estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Contact mapping systems are technologically more efficient and precise, hence, they provide higher accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency in disease diagnosis and ablation.



The atrial fibrillation applications segment held the largest market share in 2018.

By indication, the cardiac mapping market is segmented into atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), other arrhythmias.The atrial fibrillation segment accounted for the largest share of this market in 2018.



The large share of this segment can be attributed to the technological advancements in mapping systems and the rising incidences of AF and associated ablation procedures.



The North American cardiac mapping market is expected to hold the largest share during the forecast period.

Geographically, the cardiac mapping industry is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and the Rest of the World.North America is expected to hold the largest share of this market during the forecast period.



The increase in approval rate of mapping systems and clinical trials validating cardiac mapping systems in the US, high incidence of CVDs, and growing focus of government organizations on providing funding for cardiological research are the key factors driving the North American market.



Breakdown of supply-side primary interviews:

 By Company Type: Tier 1  50%, Tier 2  30%, and Tier 3  20%

 By Designation: C-level  37%, Director-level  29%, and Others  34%

 By Region: North America - 35%, Europe  30%, APAC  25%, and RoW  10%



The major players in the cardiac mapping market include Biosense Webster (US), Abbott (US), Medtronic (Ireland), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), MicroPort Scientific Corporation (China), EP Solutions SA (Switzerland), Acutus Medical (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Royal Philips) (Netherlands), Lepu Medical (China), BIOTRONIK (Germany), AngioDynamics (US), BioSig Technologies (US), APN Health (US), CoreMap (US), Kardium (Canada), Catheter Precision (US), and Epmap-System (Germany).



Research Coverage

This report studies the cardiac mapping market based on product, indication, and region.The report also studies factors (such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges) affecting the market growth.



It analyzes the opportunities and challenges in the market and provides details of the competitive landscape for market leaders. Furthermore, the report analyzes micro markets concerning their growth trends and forecasts the revenue of the market segments for four main regions and respective countries.



Key Benefits of Buying the Report

This report focuses on various levels of analysisindustry trends, market share of top players, and company profiles, which together form basic views and analyze the competitive landscape, emerging segments of the cardiac mapping market, and high-growth regions with their drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. The report will help both established firms as well as new entrants/smaller firms to gauge the pulse of the market and garner greater market shares.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05841235/?utm_source=PRN



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ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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Concerns about the spread of coronavirus are growing after a Chinese scientist confirmed on Monday it is now being transmitted from person-to-person.

Also on Monday, a British tourist became one of the first to be publicly identified as possibly suffering from the potentially deadly virus.

Ash Shorley, 32, was taken to the hospital in Phuket, Thailand, late last month for a pneumonia-like infection that doctors reportedly say includes symptoms consistent with the coronavirus, The Sun reported Monday.

Ashley traveled to Thailand for a break and has ended up very poorly in hospital with a flu virus that has resulted in a collapsed lung and the possible need for an operation to remove the infected part of the lungs, a GoFundMe campaign set up for Shorley said. Although he has insurance it wont cover most of the costs for him or his family while they are over there with him.

Shorleys parents told The Sun that they are awaiting test results to see if he has indeed been infected by coronavirus.

Shorleys continued hospitalization in Thailand comes as fears concerning the coronavirus grow.

Now we can say it is certain that it is a human-to-human transmission phenomenon, scientist Zhong Nanshan said on Chinas state-run television Monday, The New York Times reported.

Ash Shorley | GoFundMe

RELATED: U.S. to Implement Enhanced Health Screenings at 3 Major Airports Amid Deadly Virus Outbreak in China

The mysterious virus has affected 205 people, including three deaths, the World Health Organization confirmed Sunday. All three deaths have been in Wuhan, China, where the virus is suspected to have originated and where the patients in most cases had been exposed to a market with live animals.

But in the past few days, multiple people have contracted the virus in cities far from Wuhan, including Beijing and Shenzhen, as well as South Korea and Thailand. All of the cases outside of Wuhan, however, had traveled through it, but not all of them had contact with animals or visited the markets.

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It is not clear whether Shorley had traveled through Wuhan.

RELATED VIDEO: New Mexico Mom Fights for Life in ICU After Contracting Rare Rodent-Borne Virus

Imperial College London public health expert Neil Ferguson told the NYT that there are now sufficient cases that its not going to die out by chance. The real question now is, how efficiently can this virus spread from person-to-person?

Authorities fear that the virus will only continue to spread, and more rapidly, as millions of people will be traveling throughout China this week to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The World Health Organization will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to ascertain whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be made to manage it, the NYT reported.

Medical transfer in Wuhan, China | Getty

RELATED: 2 Cases of Plague Found in China, Sparking Fears of an Outbreak

The outbreak has prompted U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Securitys Customs and Border Protection to implement enhanced health screenings for travelers coming from Wuhan at San Francisco International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Los Angeles International Airport.

However, the CDC also said on Friday that the coronavirus has been deemed a low risk to the American public.
Isabel dos Santos is Africas wealthiest woman. She almost certainly got that way through corrupt means.

Her father, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, ruled Angola from 1979 until 2017, and she made her money mostly from companies that were doing business with her fathers government. Her case has recently been of intense interest to the American press thanks to the work of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, and it is a difficult story to resist: Until recently, she was an ornament of the glamour mob, swanning from Davos to Cannes while spending millions of dollars at European fashion houses, nearly $1 million at Dolce & Gabbana alone. Some husbands buy their wives a piece of jewelry  hers bought a piece of De Grisogono, the Swiss jeweler, exploiting his connection to the Angolan state-run diamond company.

Today, Isabel dos Santo is charged with embezzlement, among other crimes, but nonetheless says she is considering a run for the presidency of a country in which she does not currently reside, having fled first to Portugal before becoming a resident of the United Arab Emirates.

On her last day on the job as head of Sonagol, Angolas state-run oil company (state-run oil companies are not the root of all evil  but maybe about half), she approved invoices for a few million dollars from a Dubai-based consultancy owned by a friend and business partner. But that is chickenfeed  she is a billionaire, the first African woman to become one. Her career is familiar enough: now acquiring assets through sweetheart government deals, now engaged in profitable partnership with overseas companies (mostly European, in her case) that have an interest in ensuring friendly treatment by her fathers government. A great deal of what she was engaged in was probably entirely legal, irrespective of how corrupt it might have been. And she had Boston Consulting, PwC, and McKinsey in her corner, among others. Her American advisers did not seem especially interested in why they were being paid through a Maltese shell company.

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Dos Santos says the investigation is a dirty trick undertaken by political rivals. It may be. That doesnt mean she didnt do what she is accused of doing.

Because this is the banana-republic era of American politics, the news from Angola hardly sounds foreign at all. With the impeachment drama in full swing and Donald Trumps enemies wailing about the impropriety of his actions vis-a-vis Ukraine, it is strange that so many in Washington are so studiously not talking about Hunter Biden, or indeed about other Bidens and other members of politically connected families who have grown wealthy through questionable means. The question of whether Donald Trump was trying to pull off a dirty trick against Joe Biden is separate from the question of whether Joe Biden and his family were complicit in corrupt practices abroad.

Peter Schweizer, who specializes in Washington self-dealing and has a new book out on the subject, shares some interesting tidbits in the New York Post. Example: In 2010, the president of HillStone International, a subsidiary of a large construction firm, visited the White House and met with a member of the vice presidents staff. A couple of weeks later, it hired the vice presidents brother, James, in a senior position. Schweizer writes:

James Biden was joining HillStone just as the firm was starting negotiations to win a massive contract in war-torn Iraq. Six months later, the firm announced a contract to build 100,000 homes. It was part of a $35 billion, 500,000-unit project deal won by TRAC Development, a South Korean company. HillStone also received a $22 million US federal government contract to manage a construction project for the State Department.

James Biden had about as much background in construction management as Hunter Biden did in Ukrainian natural-gas developments. But he had a brother in the White House, and that counts for something, surely. Is this obviously corrupt? It is not obviously illegal, but that is a distinct question. Schweizer finds similar situations involving no fewer than five members of the Biden family: James and Frank, his brothers; Hunter, his son; Howard, his son-in-law, and Valerie, his sister. None has been charged with any crime. None is likely to be charged with any crime.

Whether that makes you feel better about Joe Biden or worse about the country should be more than a matter of partisanship.

More from National Review
BOSTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fish & Richardson has been designated as a "Best Place to Work" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation in its 2020 Corporate Equality Index, which assessed 1,059 U.S. companies on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality.

"We are honored to once again receive a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign for our steadfast commitment to LGBTQ rights, which reflects our core diversity and inclusion values," said Peter Devlin, President of Fish & Richardson. "As a global law firm, we need diverse teams to serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients around the world. Diverse teams often achieve better overall results, which makes the business case for diversity and inclusion even more compelling."

Overall, 680 major U.S. businesses earned a 100% rating. HRC assessed companies based on LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality, and responsible citizenship.

"The impact of the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe," said HRC President Alphonso David. "These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do  it is also the best business decision."

Founded in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign is the nation's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. The Foundation is the educational arm of the HRC.

Fish & Richardson, a premier global intellectual property law firm, is sought after and trusted by the world's most innovative brands and influential technology leaders. Fish offers patent prosecution, counseling and litigation; and trademark and copyright prosecution, counseling, and litigation. Our deep bench of attorneys with first-chair trial experience in every technology makes us the go-to firm for the most technically complex cases. We have an established reputation as a top-tier firm for patent portfolio planning, strategy and prosecution, as well as post-grant proceedings at the PTAB. Fish was established in 1878, and now has more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S., Europe, and China. Our success is rooted in our creative and inclusive culture, which values the diversity of people, experiences, and perspectives. For more information, visit fr.com or follow us at @FishRichardson.

Contact: Amy Blumenthal or



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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

The government has set up many village-owned businesses (BUMDes) in the country in an effort to drive the rural economy, but some have been facing difficulty in growing their businesses amid their struggle for greater community participation due to differing visions and a lack of competency.

Romdon Hadanursyamsih, a manager of the Karya Mandiri BUMDes of Hegarmanah village in Garut, West Java, said that the company had grown relatively well because it generally served to meet the daily needs of villagers. However, its growth had stagnated because of difficulties in recruiting local residents to run the company.

It is difficult to recruit all villagers, as we often find that they have a different vision from the current management on how to run the business, Romdon told The Jakarta Post on Jan. 17 in Ragunan, Jakarta, at a discussion on operating BUMDes.

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Enterprise Therapeutics Ltd (Enterprise), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapies to improve the lives of patients suffering with respiratory disease, today announced the publication of its first peer-reviewed paper. The open access paper, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine1, describes TMEM16A potentiation via ETX001 as a novel approach for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). The research was conducted in collaboration with University of Sussex, University of North Carolina and University of Miami.

Dr. Henry Danahay, Head of Biology, Enterprise Therapeutics

The paper, entitled TMEM16A Potentiation: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis, demonstrates the ability of Enterprises proprietary compound, ETX001, to enhance the activity of TMEM16A in human bronchial epithelial cells from CF patients, increasing epithelial fluid secretion and mucus clearance providing the first pre-clinical proof of principle for this approach.

CF is estimated to affect 75,000 patients globally and is caused by loss of function mutations in the anion channel, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Increasing anion conductance via CFTR modulation is a clinically validated approach for treating CF, however it does not treat =10% of patients with a combination of nonsense and other rare mutations. In addition, many patients eligible for CFTR repair therapy do not benefit from these therapies. TMEM16A potentiation offers a non-CFTR mediated approach for the treatment of CF and can be delivered as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapies such as CFTR repair.

Dr. Henry Danahay, Head of Biology, Enterprise Therapeutics, and lead author of the paper, said:

We have successfully demonstrated the positive effects of ETX001 on both airway fluid secretion and mucus clearance in CF patients. Given the percentage of the population of CF patients who are not genetically matched to existing CFTR repair therapies, this paper builds a strong case for testing TMEM16A potentiation in the clinic.

Authors on the paper include Henry L Danahay (Enterprise Therapeutics), Sarah Lilley (Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex), Roy Fox (Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex), Holly Charlton (Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex), Juan Sabater (Mount Sinai Medical Centre, University of Miami), Brian Button (Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina), Clive McCarthy (Enterprise Therapeutics), Stephen P Collingwood (Enterprise Therapeutics), and Martin Gosling (Enterprise Therapeutics, and Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex).

This work was in part funded by a Therapeutics Development Award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to Enterprise Therapeutics.
GPD makes some of the most interesting handheld computers and gaming devices weve seen in recent years. And this year the company plans to launch its most powerful model to date  the upcoming GPD Win Max will be a computer that looks like a tiny laptop, but which also has built-in gamepads.

The systems been under development for a while, and has undergone a few behind-the-scenes changes during that time. But the handheld gaming computer is getting closer to launch, and GPD has begun sharing more details.

So heres everything we know about the upcoming GPD WIn Max, collected in one place.

The computer will be GPDs first computer with a 10th-gen Intel Ice Lake processor, itll have Intel Iris Plus graphics, and itll be the first GPD Win (or Pocket) computer with a backlit keyboard.

Heres a run-down of the specs that have been confirmed so far:

Display ??? inch, 1280 x 800px CPU Intel Core i5-1035G7 RAM ??? Storage M.2 SSD A/V HDMI USB 1 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB Type-A Connectivity Ethernet + WiFi & BT (unspecified) SD card microSD card reader Keyboard backlit Gamepad Analog sticks, D-pad, X, Y, A, B buttons, shoulder buttons Fans Dual Speakers ??? Battery ??? Dimensions ??? Price ???

We should get more details as the release date approaches. For now, here are some of the latest photos of the GPD Win Max:

Update: And heres one showing the GPD Win Max and GPD Win 2 together, which should help give you an idea of the size difference between these two devices (the Win 2 has a 6 inch display and a keyboard designed for thumb typing):

Update 2;

More images:

via /r/gpdwin (1)(2)
Since its founding in March of 2011, AssuredPartners has grown to over $1.4 billion in annualized revenue and continues to be one of the fastest growing insurance brokerage firms in the United States. It has over 170 offices in 30 states and London and is well-known for its consolidation strategy.

Illinois-based Corkill Insurance Agency currently reports $23 million in annualized revenues. Following the deal, its staff of 104 will continue to work under the operational leadership of Luke Praxmarer and Paul Praxmarer.

Corkill Insurance Agency has been a trusted adviser and expert council for clients since the 1950s, stated Luke Praxmarer. Our dedication to our clients and employees led us to join one of the largest insurance brokerage agencies in the country and we are truly excited to partner with AssuredPartners.

Paul Praxmarer added: With over 50 years of experience, we lead with a value-added service approach focused on serving our clients unique needs. The decision to join AssuredPartners meant that truly we found a team to partner with that will enable us to grow and continue fulfilling our passion for client service.

AssuredPartners president and COO Tom Riley shared his excitement about the deal. He said: Our corporate cultures align with a client-centered focus and dedication to delivering innovative insurance solutions. We welcome the clientele and team to AssuredPartners.
(Bloomberg) -- MassMutual Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., has launched a $100 million second fund to invest in digital health-care, fintech and enterprise software startups in Southeast Asia.

It brings MassMutual Ventures capital under management to $350 million, including $150 million spread between the two Southeast Asian funds. The Boston-based company has backed almost 40 companies in North America, Europe, Israel and Southeast Asia.

This additional capital will allow us to invest in more startups in the region that have the ability to generate positive returns, Doug Russell, head of MassMutual Ventures, said in a statement.

Read more: MassMutual Extends Startup Bet as Haven Life Unit Acquires Quilt

MassMutual Ventures Southeast Asia is led by two Singapore-based managing directors, Ryan Collins and Anvesh Ramineni. With the second fund, they plan to invest in an additional 15 to 20 companies and further support existing portfolio firms.

Their fund is the latest fund to be launched for the fast-growing region, driving an influx of money as U.S. investors play catch-up with Chinese firms. Vulcan Capital, the investment firm of late Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen, opened its first international office in Singapore in August, armed with an initial $100 million to sprinkle across Southeast Asian startups.

To contact the reporter on this story: Yoolim Lee in Singapore at yoolim@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Edwin Chan at echan273@bloomberg.net, Colum Murphy

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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I mean everything. All the worries, feeding, sleeping, walking, talking, childcare and school, friendships, reading, writing and even arithmetic. Back in the day, when my children were young, we worried about too much television screen time (only to discover years later they watched when we werent home). What they eat and what they didnt. Exercise. School results. Relationships. How can they be helped to be competent and independent while at the same time thinking, oh my god, why arent they home? WHY ARENT THEY HOME CANT THEY TELL THE TIME? Pick up the bloody phone or at least text me. Lovers (ohmigod, they are having sex?) Where will they live? Good jobs and bad jobs. Are they content? Why arent they content? Why are they travelling? Why cant they just stay nearby and gaze adoringly at their ageing mother? That teenage time for me was the absolute worst. Knowing that in order to develop independence, they needed to be able to go out, make judgments, stay out too late. Waiting for the jingling key in the door and the clompity clomp of shoe on wooden floorboards. Im glad that part of my life is more or less over. Loading I might have been reassured if Id read the new book by Sarah Macdonald and Cathy Wilcox, So ... You're Having a Teenager: An A-Z of adolescence from argumentative to zits. Might have. Under W for worry, they write: You will. All the time. But try to worry about the important things: not so much about their marks, sporting prowess and disgusting habits... Rather their survival, developing competence, resilience and reasonable happiness.

I worried about everything on their list and more. Macdonald says its important not to transfix the worry on to them but recognises that adolescence is a time of great worry. We always worry then. They are pulling away from us, she says. Wilcox says its important to ask ourselves this question: What is it that is eating you at a subterranean level versus what you think is causing you to be worried. The teenage time was the worst but I still worry. With me, it was all levels and still is. Im embarrassed to tell you how old my children are but when I was talking about this on Facebook to my friends, I was reassured by the number of folks whose parents still worried, from whippersnappers in their 20s to those whose mothers were in their nineties. Yes. Of course. Absolutely. Always. It would be hard to beat Mich-Elle Myers who says one time she flew in late from Los Angeles because her plane was delayed. Shed neglected to text her mother to explain the late departure. By the time I landed in Sydney she had spoken to the airline and even knew the pilots name. Turns out that the pilot had the same first name as Mich-Elles dad and her mum took that to be a good omen. A young friend, Emily McMillan, is 1.8 metres tall and 37 years old. Does her mother worry? "Yes, and its lovely. I dont like to worry her, but I love that she cares so much. I think Im lucky to have that.
Embattled steel giant Thyssenkrupp AG has narrowed the list of bidders for its elevator unit, which is expected to fetch more than 15 billion euros ($17 billion), people familiar with the matter said.

Asian private equity firm Hillhouse Capital and Brazilian-American investment firm 3G Capital are out of the running, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. A consortium including Blackstone Group Inc., Carlyle Group LP and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board proceeded to the next round, as did a rival group backed by Advent International, Cinven Ltd. and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, they said.

Brookfield Asset Management Inc., which partnered with Temasek Holdings Pte, is also still in the running, the people said. The shortlisted investment firms will be competing with the remaining strategic suitor, Finnish elevator maker Kone Oyj, which teamed up with CVC Capital Partners and has been bidding on a different timeline, the people said.

Shares of Thyssenkrupp have fallen about 25 per cent over the past year, giving the Essen-based company a market value of 7.5 billion euros. Hillhouse and 3G, which had been considered surprise bidders when they first entered the auction, could still try to team up with the remaining parties, the people said.

Board Meeting

RAG-Stiftung, a state-backed foundation overseeing the cessation of hard-coal mining in Germany, is backing the bid from Advent and Cinven, one of the people said. No final decisions have been made, and details of the potential sale could change, according to the people.

Representatives for Advent, Blackstone, Brookfield, Carlyle, Cinven, CPPIB, CVC, Hillhouse, Kone, RAG-Stiftung and Thyssenkrupp declined to comment. Representatives for 3G Capital, ADIA and Temasek didnt immediately respond or couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

If one of the buyout groups prevails, a deal for the Thyssenkrupp business could become the biggest private-equity acquisition in Europe in more than five years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The Thyssenkrupp supervisory board is scheduled to meet ahead of the companys Jan. 31 annual general meeting, the people said.

The next round of bids is expected around mid-February, according to the people.

IPO Valuation

Ailing Thyssenkrupp is exploring a sale or initial public offering of the elevator operations, its most valuable unit, to raise cash to fund a turnaround at the steel-to-automotive conglomerate. Its leaning toward selling the business, though it is also still preparing for the possibility of a listing, the people said.

Initial investor feedback for a potential IPO valuation was around 15 billion euros when Thyssenkrupp gauged interest in December, according to the people. Select investors inidicated they might be willing to buy shares at a market capitalization of as as much as 17 billion euros, the people said.

Still, listing prices are notoriously volatile, and Thyssenkrupp would likely raise less money by selling only a minority stake on the stock exchange.
SC Hearing on CAA Live Updates: The Supreme Court today made it clear that it will not grant any stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) without hearing the Centre. It has given the Centre four weeks to reply to all the generic petitions regarding CAA, while Assam and Tripura specific matters should be responded to within two weeks.

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CAA seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before 31 December, 2014.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna, which had issued notice to the Centre on various pleas is likely to hear 132 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Students of six universities of Assam and one each of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have called for the protest. Simultaneously, the Cotton University Students Union has called for a mass protest from 10 am to 5 pm inside the campus and appealed the general public to join them.

Students unions of nine universities across the North East have called for a "total shutdown" of all varsities and colleges on Wednesday in view of the Supreme Court hearing on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Students of universities in North East call for shutdown of educational institutes in view of SC hearing on CAA today

Around 20 women along with children gathered outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday night to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act ahead of the hearing on the contentious law in the apex court. The protesters squatted at the front gate of the Supreme Court, following which police dispersed them from the area, a police official said.

Latest news reports from Shaheen Bagh suggest that the protesters, who have been occupying a two-kilometre road stretch since about a month, have refused to budge from their spot amid requests that traffic should be allowed to pass. Delhi L-G Anil Baijal spoke to a delegation of protesters last night and asked them to stop their protests. However, the protesters did say that they will try to ensure that school buses and ambulances are not thwarted because of the protests.

Meanwhile, Shaheen Bagh protesters refuse to budge despite L-G's bid to dissolve stand-off; say, will allow school buses, ambulances

Fauzia and Sumaiya, daughters of Rana, have been named in one of the FIRs, he said.

The district administration has booked 160 women, including two daughters of Rana, for defying the orders on Monday night.

Daughters of renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana are among the 160 women booked by police for allegedly defying prohibitory orders and taking part in the protests against the CAA and NRC here, officials said on Tuesday. The protests at the historic Clock Tower in the old Lucknow area against Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) started on Friday and have continued with hundreds of women braving the chill to take part in it.

Daughters of renowned poet Munawwar rana among 160 women booked for protesting against CAA, NRC in UP

Individual citizens like Tehseen Poonawalla, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization like United against Hate, student group like AASU are among peitioners in the case.

The petitioners who have combinedly filed over 140 pleas in the Supreme Court alone, form a diverse group of individuals, social organisations and political parties. The list of petitioners includes several political parties -- the chief of them being the Congress, the DMK, CPI, CPM, Indian Union Muslim League or IUML, Asaduddin Owasi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Kamal Hassan's Makkal Needhi Maiam.

Let it be very loud and clear to our opponents that the citizenship law wont be rolled back at any cost, irrespective of the protests, Shah said of the amended law which will enable the government to give citizenship to non-Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. I have introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha. I want to tell the opposition that you should discuss this bill publicly. If it can take citizenship of any person, then prove it and show it, he said.

Even as protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act continues unabated across various parts of the country, Home Minister Amit Shah has squarely told the citizens opposing the law that their agitation will not bear fruits, as he is unwilling to change his mind on the matter,

Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal have also said that they will not implement the amended law.

State parliamentary affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said the TMC had submitted a resolution under rule 169 to the Assembly Speaker on 20 January, which will come up in the House on 27 January. Adoption of the resolution in the house would not be a difficult task considering the fact that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party on its own enjoys an overwhelming majority in the 295-member Bengal Assembly.

Trinamool Congress announced on Tuesday that it will bring a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 27 January, becoming the third state after the Kerala and Punjab to oppose the contentious law.

Centre opposed passing of any interim order. The Supreme Court clarifies it will not issue an ex-parte order unless a copy of the petition is served to the Centre.

Senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the process of NPR is scheduled to start in April, adding that this process should be rescheduled for later. Meanwhile, senior counsel Vikas Singh urges for interim order today itself and raises the issue of the situation in Assam.

Senior Advocate AM Singhvi mentions that many states have started the NPR process. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh presses for an interim order, saying that the law violates Assam Accord. Singh pointed out that people from Bangladesh were allowed to come in till 1971 because they faced persecution, but when the cut off date was revised, it violated the Assam Accord.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing 143 petitions concerning the Citizenship Amendment Act. However, a batch of petitioners raising the Assam issue sought to be heard separately. They proposed that the general matter of the CAA and the matter concerning CAA in Assam should be treated differently for the purpose of interim orders as the law presents a unique situation in Assam.

CJI SA Bobde agreed that the challenge to Citizenship Assam Act will have to be bifurcated in two sections - one concerning Tripura and Assam and another one concerning CAA generally. He granted the government two weeks to respond in the Assam-related matters and four weeks to answer the other matters related to CAA.

Reacting to the Supreme Court hearing on CAA, the women protestors at Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi told News18, " Next SC hearing is 4 weeks later. We have at least another month of protests ahead of us. One month, one year... protests will continue. We have faith in judiciary."

Have another month to carry on protests: Shaheen Bagh protesters react to SC giving Centre more time to respond on CAA pleas

"Nothing wrong with the order. Nothing wrong in giving time to file reply. Nothing wrong in forming a constitutional bench or taking up interim relief after 4 weeks. But is this what you expect of a court tasked with defending the constitution in the face of this onslaught?" he tweeted.

"Routine hearing, another 4 weeks. No stay or even postponement of CAA. This SC is at best a reluctant warrior in the battle to defend letter, spirit & soul of the constitution. We the People of India must continue the movement to save the Constitution that we gave to ourselves."

Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court order on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act today. Calling the Supreme Court a reluctant warrior in battle to defend Constitution, he urged the citizens to continue their movement against the law.

Centre opposed passing of any interim order. The Supreme Court clarifies it will not issue an ex-parte order unless a copy of the petition is served to the Centre.

Senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that the process of NPR is scheduled to start in April, adding that this process should be rescheduled for later. Meanwhile, senior counsel Vikas Singh urges for interim order today itself and raises the issue of the situation in Assam.

Senior Advocate AM Singhvi mentions that many states have started the NPR process. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh presses for an interim order, saying that the law violates Assam Accord. Singh pointed out that people from Bangladesh were allowed to come in till 1971 because they faced persecution, but when the cut off date was revised, it violated the Assam Accord.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing 143 petitions concerning the Citizenship Amendment Act. However, a batch of petitioners raising the Assam issue sought to be heard separately. They proposed that the general matter of the CAA and the matter concerning CAA in Assam should be treated differently for the purpose of interim orders as the law presents a unique situation in Assam.

CJI SA Bobde agreed that the challenge to Citizenship Assam Act will have to be bifurcated in two sections - one concerning Tripura and Assam and another one concerning CAA generally. He granted the government two weeks to respond in the Assam-related matters and four weeks to answer the other matters related to CAA.

CJI SA Bobde agreed that the challenge to Citizenship Assam Act will have to be bifurcated in two sections - one concerning Tripura and Assam and another one concerning CAA generally. He granted the government two weeks to respond in the Assam-related matters and four weeks to answer the other matters related to CAA.

The Supreme Court has reportedly wrapped up the hearing on the case for now. The key takeaways were:

However, journalist Muralikrishnan and Press Trust of India reported that the court might hear these peitions separately.

However, there seems to be some confusion over whether or not these pleas will be heard separately from the rest of the petitions. According to Bar and Bench , the Supreme Court has segregated these pleas for its own benefit and all the matters will be heard together.

The Supreme Court clubbed together all pleas concerning the states of Assam and Tripura together as both these states have separate agreements with the Centre regarding the preservation of native people. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal has been asked by the court to assist in segragating these please.

Reacting to the Supreme Court hearing on CAA, the women protestors at Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi told News18, " Next SC hearing is 4 weeks later. We have at least another month of protests ahead of us. One month, one year... protests will continue. We have faith in judiciary."

Have another month to carry on protests: Shaheen Bagh protesters react to SC giving Centre more time to respond on CAA pleas

"Nothing wrong with the order. Nothing wrong in giving time to file reply. Nothing wrong in forming a constitutional bench or taking up interim relief after 4 weeks. But is this what you expect of a court tasked with defending the constitution in the face of this onslaught?" he tweeted.

"Routine hearing, another 4 weeks. No stay or even postponement of CAA. This SC is at best a reluctant warrior in the battle to defend letter, spirit & soul of the constitution. We the People of India must continue the movement to save the Constitution that we gave to ourselves."

Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court order on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act today. Calling the Supreme Court a reluctant warrior in battle to defend Constitution, he urged the citizens to continue their movement against the law.

And hence, the revolt shall go on... #ShaheenBagh #SupremeCourt #inquilabzindabad https://t.co/Yd63DKuJNL

SC Hearing on CAA Latest Updates: The Supreme Court today made it clear that it will not grant any stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) without hearing the Centre. It has given the Centre four weeks to reply to all the generic petitions regarding CAA, while Assam and Tripura specific matters should be responded to within two weeks.

The Supreme Court started hearing around 143 pleas, both for and against CAA in a packed courtroom. With representatives of all 143 petitioners apparently present in the Chief Justice's court, the room remained packed to the brim. However, this seem to have annoyed CJI SA Bobde, who said that the noise is such that he is unable to hear a thing.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that notwithstanding the protest, he is not willing to reconsider the Citizenship Amendment Act or to modify it in an way. This prompted an acerbic tweet from Congress leader Sanjay Jha, who said that 'arrogance' always backfires in politics.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at 11.30 am, news reports said. A batch of at least 143 petitions is to come up before the apex court as the case list enlists all related petitions at number four.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna, which had issued notice to the Centre on various pleas is likely to hear 132 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

CAA seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before 31 December, 2014.

Some of the petitions filed later have also sought a stay on the operation of the legislation which came into force on 10 January. The apex court had on 9 January refused to entertain a plea seeking that the CAA be declared constitutional, saying the country is going through difficult times and there is so much violence that endeavour should be for peace.

IUML said in its plea that CAA violates the fundamental Right to Equality and intends to grant citizenship to a section of illegal immigrants by making an exclusion on the basis of religion.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on 12 December, turning it into an Act.

IUML seeks an interim stay on the operation of CAA and the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015.

The petition had alleged that the government's CAA was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intended to explicitly discriminate against Muslims as the Act extended benefits only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians.

The plea filed by Ramesh, said the Act is a "brazen attack" on core fundamental rights envisaged under the Constitution and treats "equals as unequal".

Ramesh said the substantial questions of law, including whether religion can be a factor to either acquire or deny citizenship in India, arises for consideration of the court as it is a "patently unconstitutional" amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955.

"The impugned Act creates two classifications, viz, classification on basis of religion and the classification on the basis of geography and both the classifications are completely unreasonable and share no rational nexus to the object of the impugned Act i.e., to provide shelter, safety and citizenship to communities who in their native country are facing persecution on grounds of religion," the plea said.

Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA, including by RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

Several other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students Union (AASU), Peace Party, CPI, NGOs 'Rihai Manch' and Citizens Against Hate, advocate ML Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act.
By Douglas Busvine

MUNICH (Reuters) - Facebook will do a better job of preventing bad actors from abusing its platform to manipulate this year's U.S. presidential election than it did four years ago, its public affairs chief Nick Clegg said on Monday.

Facing a critical audience at a technology conference in Munich, Clegg, a British former deputy prime minister hired by Facebook in 2018, said interference by Russian and other operatives in the 2016 vote had "shocked everybody".

But the world's largest social network had since taken effective action to reduce the spread of fake news, he said, while most extremist political content was now being detected before it comes to public notice.

"We are getting better and better at protecting elections from foreign interference," Clegg told the DLD technology conference.

"Touch wood, we will be able to do a lot better in the U.S. presidential elections this year than we did four years ago."

U.S. special prosecutor Robert Mueller's report into suspected Russian meddling in the presidential election found that Russian agents had used Facebook to spread divisive messages, including false news reports, to help elect Donald Trump and harm his opponent Hillary Clinton.

Facebook was plunged into crisis nearly two years ago by revelations that British political consultancy Cambridge Analytica had used data harvested from millions of unsuspecting users to target U.S. election ads.

In the audience was former Cambridge Analytica staffer-turned-whistleblower Brittany Kaiser who, in a question to Clegg, accused Facebook of wrongly comparing the proper task of moderating content on its platform to censorship.

Clegg, keeping his cool, respectfully disagreed: "I don't think we do. We need to strike the right balance."

EUROSCEPTICS

Clegg was also challenged on a dispute in Germany over vulgar personal insults made on Facebook against Renate Kuenast, a senior Greens politician.

Story continues

Kuenast took the case to a Berlin court, which found last year that the insults did not represent a violation of free speech. Judges refused her request to order Facebook to turn over the data of those making the offensive posts.

Facebook, Clegg said, had not been a party to the case. While not defending the language used, he said any decision to hand over that user data would have been improper as the law had not been broken.

"We are going to be very careful, for content that is disgusting but not illegal, about giving over personal data," he told the conference.

Facebook had since changed its content rules so that, if such language were used again, it would be taken down, he said.

DON'T CHOP US INTO BITS

In an earlier newspaper editorial, Clegg resisted calls to break up dominant U.S. technology firms, instead urging lawmakers and regulators to take steps to create an environment more conducive to competition.

"Regulating the tech sector is a far more effective way to ensure that tech serves the needs of society than simply chopping successful companies into bits," he wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

He urged the European Union's new executive Commission to "get to work" and, for example, make it easier for Facebook users to move their data to another social network.

"If we want a competitive, open internet where new services can compete with large platforms like Facebook, we have to enable people to move their data from one service to a competing one," he wrote.

(Reporting by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Peter Graff)
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
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MIDDLETOWN  The family of Mubarak Soulemane called for state Trooper Brian North to be sent home from administrative duty Tuesday, as the investigation into the police shooting in West Haven continues.

North fatally shot Soulemane just off Interstate 95s Exit 43 of North last week. Soulemane had allegedly stolen a car in Norwalk, then fled from police at high rates of speed along the highway. North said he saw a knife in Soulemanes possession; he fired seven shots through a closed window, killing the 19-year-old New Haven resident.
The Scottish Green Party will use the day the UK formally leaves the EU to launch a new campaign for independence.

The party is planning to mark Brexit Day with a rally in Glasgow, where it will relaunch its campaign for independence and also make clear a separate Scotland should be part of the EU.

Ska Keller, a German MEP who is the president of the Greens in the European Parliament, will join Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie for the event on Friday, January 31.

Mr Harvie said it was outrageous and undemocratic that Scots were being denied a second independence referendum at a time when they were being taken out of Europe against their wishes.

Calls for a fresh ballot on Scotlands place in the UK have been mounting since the UK voted for Brexit in 2016  with almost two-thirds of voters north of the border supporting Remain in the referendum.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently refused Nicola Sturgeons call for the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood to be granted the power to hold a referendum.

Mr Harvie said: In 2014, the Better Together campaign told the people of Scotland that No meant we would remain as members of the European Union.

Yet here we are just over a week from being dragged out against our will and the likes of Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie who led that campaign dont even have enough integrity to offer an apology.

Its now clear that well be ripped out on the 31st, losing all our rights as EU citizens.

Well be denied the right to move, live, love and work in 27 other EU countries.

Our EU friends and neighbours here fear for their futures in these uncertain times.

In such circumstances its outrageous and undemocratic that we are denied a say over our own future.

The people of Scotland are sovereign, only we have a right to decide our future.
Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board chairman Wasim Rizvi has said that giving birth to more children like animals is harmful to the country.

Some people believe that childbirth is a natural process and should not be interfered with. To give birth to more children like animals is harmful to society and country. It will be good for the country if a law is implemented for population control, Rizvi told news agency ANI on Monday.

His remarks came days after Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that a policy should be in place to deal with the problem of population.

I had only said the population growth is a problem as well as a resource. So a required policy should be drafted. This policy will decide how many kids one should have, Bhagwat said at a meeting on Sunday.

On the role of the RSS, the ideological parent of the ruling BJP, in the construction of a Ram temple following the Supreme Court judgement, Bhagwat said it would have no involvement once a trust was established for the purpose by the Centre.

Addressing the meeting at the Moradabad Institute of Technology (MIT) on Friday, the RSS chief had stated that his organisation will support any law that calls for two children only.
Civil Society Group Alliance for Science Ghana has described as unfair and unprogressive comments by Minister for Agriculture that Ghana does not need genetically modified organisms (GMO) technology.

Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie at the governments Results Forum last week said Ghana will only need GMOs in a hundred years.

Im a scientist. I believe in science. GMO is a method of science. But its like cracking a nut with a sledgehammer. Ghana does not need to go GMOs, he said.

The essence of Planting for Food and Jobs is to bring these well-researched varieties created by or own scientists, to bring them to the farmers. And to do that, you need what we call the extension service So my lady, forget about GMOs. There is no GMO in what we are doing, the minister said in response to a question.

Its only when we have exhausted all the beautiful work done by our own scientists that we may have to fall on it, and that will be another 100 years. Because there is a lot that our scientists have done using traditional breeding methods, not GMO methods And we dont need GMOs. And I can assure you, this government is not here for GMOs, he said.

But Alliance for Science Ghana, a coalition of farmers, students, scientists, and other well-meaning Ghanaians says, that position is unfair to the millions of farmers across the country who probably need improved technology to help make their work better and there is the need for us all Ghanaians to reflect on this issue further.

The group says the GMOs being worked on in Ghana are not being done by foreign scientists as the picture is being painted. Dr. Mumuni Abdulai who is principal investigator in charge of the GMO cowpea (Bt cowpea) project at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of the CSIR and Dr. Maxwell Asante Darko who is in charge of the GMO rice (Nitrogen Efficient, Salt Tolerant, Water Efficient  NEWEST rice) at the Crop Research Institute of CSIR in Fumesua  Kumasi are Ghanaian scientists working on the varieties in Ghana, the statement said.

Below is the full statement

The debate over whether Ghana needs GMOs has been re-ignited by last weeks comment by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Akoto Owusu Afriyie, that Ghana will only need GMOs in a hundred years. That position is unfair to the millions of farmers across the country who probably need improved technology to help make their work better and there is the need for us all Ghanaians to reflect on this issue further.

For better analysis, lets recount exactly what the minister said at the governments recent Results Fair in response to a question. He said; Im a scientist. I believe in science. GMO is a method of science. But its like cracking a nut with a sledgehammer. Ghana does not need to go to GMOs. Our scientists have done a lot of research on creating new varieties of all kinds and situations. You will be amazed if you go to the universities and CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) organisations, most of their products are sitting on the shelves and are not coming out to help farmers. The essence of Planting for Food and Jobs is to bring these well researched varieties created by or own scientists, to bring them to the farmers. And to do that, you need what we call the extension service So my lady, forget about GMOs. There is no GMO in what we are doing. Its only when we have exhausted all the beautiful work done by our own scientists that we may have to fall on it, and that will be another 100 years. Because there is a lot that our scientists have done using traditional breeding methods, not GMO methods to come up with short gestation varieties, disease resistance varieties, drought resistance varieties. You will be amazed the range that we have. And we dont need GMOs. And I can assure you, this government is not here for GMOs.

First of all, the GMOs being worked on in Ghana are not being done by foreign scientists as the picture is being painted. Dr. Mumuni Abdulai who is principal investigator in charge of the GMO cowpea (Bt cowpea) project at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of the CSIR and Dr. Maxwell Asante Darko who is in charge of the GMO rice (Nitrogen Efficient, Salt Tolerant, Water Efficient  NEWEST rice) at the Crop Research Institute of CSIR in Fumesua  Kumasi are Ghanaian scientists working on the varieties in Ghana.

Secondly, if weather patterns are terrible and rain is falling less and pests continue to devastate your farm to the extent that average yield of maize on Ghanaian farms is 1.7 metric tonnes per hectare whilst their colleagues in South Africa are producing averagely at up to 5 tonnes per hectare, its unfair to say using advanced science like GMOs on Ghanaian farms is using sledgehammer to crack nuts. Do we want to deal with the problem or we dont? Do we want to increase productivity or we dont? Do we want to deal with the pest attacks or we dont? Cowpea (beans) producers in the northern part of the country spray their fields with chemicals between 8 to 10 times in the three month life cycle of their produce every season to control the deadly Maruca pests. Research work done at the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute shows if you use the GMO cowpea currently on trials there, the number of spray reduces to two. Do we want to continue polluting the environment with chemicals and poison the cowpea products with chemicals or we do not want to? Those are the critical questions requiring answers.

Thirdly, the argument that Ghana will only need GMOs after all available improved varieties developed through conventional breeding have been commercialized is obviously untenable. Its like saying no Ghanaians should use the latest Iphone 11 Pro until everyone has used all the other earlier versions. In fact, its like saying we will not use mobile phones until everyone in the country has used and become conversant with land lines. That has never been our history as a people.

In the USA, more than 94% of soyabean and 93% of corn produced there is GMO. A lot of our imported cornflakes, flour and soya oil, among other products come from there. In fact, in the US, about 70% of all processed foods in grocery shops contains some form of genetically modified ingredient, just as is the case in several other countries like South Africa, Brazil, among others. In South Africa, approximately 99% of all soya bean and 84% of maize grown is GMO. Nigeria recently approved the growing of GMO cowpea and cotton which will be on the market soon as they work towards being a market leader on the continent in the production of these crops.

In total, 67 of the worlds 195 countries have adopted GM crops. Five industrial nations  led by the United States grow GM crops, and 43 countries, including 26 in the European Union, formally import biotech crops for food, feed and processing. Its the fastest adopted crop technology in the world. In 2016 alone, GM crops resulted in reduced carbon emissions equal to taking 16.75 million cars off the roads. Biotech crops have also helped farmers cut their use of insecticides and herbicides, or apply the products more strategically, reducing the environmental impact associated with their use by 18.4 percent since 1996. So, who are we deceiving when we say we are not going to grow GMOs in Ghana until 100 years to come? That obviously means we will rather import GMOs into the country than grown them ourselves. That posture sounds very unprogressive.

Recently, the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute of the CSIR announced plans to apply to the National Biosafety Authority for approval by the end of the month to put GMO cowpea on the market. Its a good time to reflect on what we want for the future of agriculture in our country. But let us allow dialogue to prevail and not jump into conclusions too soon when the debates and conversations havent ended.

Signed

Farmer Evans Okomeng

For

Alliance for Science Ghana
Punishment for Rejecting God's Demands The word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying: Thus says the LORD of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against...

Beliefnets Catholic section offers special news and stories on the news and information you need as a practicing Catholic or just as someone interested in learning more about Roman Catholicism. Here youll find news on the Pope and the Vatican, features and articles about Catholic life and culture, and Catholic prayers, quotes, and devotionals to help guide you along your spiritual journey as you grow in your faith.
MSNBC host Chris Matthews recording an episode of his new podcast "So, You Wanna Be President?" Read more

For possibly the first time in his long career, Chris Matthews has decided to slow things down.

The MSNBC host and Philadelphia native is launching a podcast next week called So You Wanna Be President? According to Matthews, the six-episode series will be a deep dive into political campaigns of the past through the stories of the reporters or insiders who covered them.

Ive been in this business so long, Ive got all these stories, Matthews, 74, told the Inquirer. What I really wanted it to be like is longtime Washington veterans out for a drink one night, sharing campaign stories.

Itll be a little slower than I do Hardball, Matthews added. I think its a chance to settle down with some people who can let you know what happened in the back room, offer little more perspective, and give [listeners] a sense of the decisions and mistakes that are made during campaigns that make all the difference.

The first two episodes of So You Wanna Be President? will be available to download Monday, Jan. 27. After that, new episodes will be released weekly.

The series features interviews with a diverse group of political experts that includes former Ronald Reagan speechwriter and Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan and PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff, who covered Jimmy Carters presidential campaign for NBC. It will also include archival recordings of the candidates and campaigns themselves, digging deep into the extensive archives of NBC News.

Theres a quality to the sound which overwhelms you. You get this late-night FM sound, its really nice, Matthews said.

The episodes will be broken down by themes universal to all political campaigns rather than individual candidates. One episode titled The Walls Have Ears, an old phrase often repeated by former House Speaker Thomas P. Tip ONeill, focuses on the embarrassing comments that tend to leak to reporters. Another episode is focused on the Iowa caucus and its importance in determining eventual presidential nominees.

Matthews new show is part of a push into podcasting by MSNBC and NBC News that goes beyond reformatting the networks shows and serving them to listeners. Rachel Maddows podcast Bag Men, a seven-part series about the resignation of Richard Nixons vice president Spiro Agnew, was nominated for a Peabody award and won a prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award. MSNBC hosts Chris Hayes, Stephanie Ruhle, and Steve Kornacki all host their own podcasts in addition to their work on television.

Despite taking a slower pace for the podcast, Matthews will certainly be keeping busy over the next few weeks. In addition to recording the final episodes of So You Wanna Be President?, hell be part of MSNBCs live coverage of the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. He also recently celebrated Hardballs 20th anniversary on MSNBC.

You always want to show off what you know, Matthews said. Who doesnt want to do that?
Former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga pulled out of his first round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a back injury. The Frenchman, seeded 28th, had just lost the third set against the 96th ranked Australian Alexei Popyrin when he decided to quit.

Tsonga, who had taken anti-inflammatory injections and paracetemol before the match, told the courtside doctor that he felt twinges whenever he accelerated.

The 34-year-old reached the final in Melbourne in 2008. Novak Djokovic beat him to collect the first of his seven Australian Open crowns.

There were mixed fortunes for Tsonga's compatriots. Benoit Paire, the 21st seed moved into the second round following a five set battle with Cedrik-Marcel Stebe from Germany.

Paire, 30, said he had been hampered by a pain in his right thigh during the match.

Success

"The main thing is that I'm through to the next round," he added. "I just hope my thigh holds up. I felt good on the court and I want to do well here. To do that you need to be 100 per cent. I hope it's nothing serious."

Adrian Mannarino lost in three sets to fifth seed Dominic Thiem. The same fate befell Corentin Moutet.

On Saturday, 21-year-old Ugo Humbert became the first Frenchman to lift the Auckland Open title. Three days later the experienced Australian John Millman was too solid for him during their four set encounter.

Quentin Halys almost pulled off a shock. He lost the first two sets to the Serb Filip Krajinovic. But the world number 215 won the next two sets to force a decider.

Krajinovic claimed it 7-5 after nearly four hours of play.

Top seed Rafael Nadal advanced to the second round in half that time. The Spaniard barely broke sweat as he disposed of Hugo Dellien from Bolivia 6-2, 6-3, 6-0.
The airline, voted the best in the US is giving workers $1.6 billion in bonuses

Every eligible Delta Air Lines employee will receive a check for nearly 17 percent of their annual salary next month, which works out to two months' pay

Delta CEO hailed a 'rock star' days after one of their jets dumped fuel over playgrounds and schools in Los Angeles, injuring 50 including 20 children

Delta Air Lines will hand over a bonus equivalent to two months pay to each of its 90,000 employees on Valentine's Day.

It will be one of the largest profit-sharing payouts in corporate history.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian is being hailed as a 'rock star' for his profit-sharing plan

Fuel dumped by a Delta jet fell on schools including Park Avenue Elementary, injuring dozens

On February 14, Delta's 90,000 employees will receive roughly 16.6 percent of their annual salary, CEO Ed Bastian announced Monday.

On Valentine's Day, the company generally holds profit-sharing celebrations for its workers across the country. The profit-sharing plan started in 2012 after the company's merger with Northwest.

The bonus check will equal to almost two months' extra salary for eligible employees. A total bonus pot of $1.6 billion will be handed out.

The only employees excluded form the profit-sharing plan are the company's officers, directors and general managers, although they are set to receive their own performance-based bonuses.

According to Payscale.com, the average Delta employee salary is $83,035 which would equal to almost a $14,000 bonus check in February. The salary scale within the company slides from almost $250,000 for pilots for $23,000 for those working in loading and stocking and bonuses received will be in line with an employee's salary.

'Rockstar' CEO Ed Bastian has been at the helm since 2016 and has won wide praise

Delta CEO Ed Bastian announced that Valentine's Day bonuses will be given to 90k employees

Delta's CEO Ed Bastian, 62, is being heralded as a 'rock star' for the move, the sixth straight year that the Atlanta-based company will pay out profit-sharing bonuses of over $1 billion.

The previous payout record was in 2016 when Delta handed out $1.5 billion to employees. The payout in 2019 was$1.3 billion and $1.1 billion in 2017 and 2018.

'For years, I would get beaten up by Wall Street. They thought the profits were theirs, and 'Why are you giving the profits away to the employees?' Bastian said at Monday's event, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

'Wall Street has actually come full circle, and they realize that Delta is the most awarded airline in the world because of its employees.'

He added that Delta plans to employee 6,000 to 7,000 people this year and a total of 25,000 hires over the next three to four years.

Named as CEO in 2016, 62-year-old Bastian was praised by his peers for the generous payout.

Delta has been awarded the title of the 2019 Best Airline in the US by the Wall Street Journal

Bastian was quick to thank his employees after announcing plans to hire 7,000 people in 2019

'Delta is truly leading the way in proving it values its employees. Ed Bastian you are a rockstar,' Bill Maynard, chief technology officer at VFS Global, wrote on LinkedIn.

Bastian replied with praise of Delta's employees: 'Appreciate the shout, Bill, but Delta would be nothing without our 90,000 people. They deserve all the credit.'

Speaking at Monday's event, the American business executive said: 'I'm at a season where I'm at my peak. I'm never going to do another job in my life. This is it. And I'm having a blast with it. I love the people, and I love the challenge.'

Delta Air Lines was recently named as the number one airline in the U.S. by the Wall Street Journal, a few days before the L.A. school accident.

TripAdvisor also named the airline as their Traveler's Choice Bets Major Airline.

While it is not the only company to offer a cash-based profit-sharing plan, the payouts are not generally this high.

Around 38 percent of US adult workers have received a cash profit-sharing bonus, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, but the average reported was only $2,000, or 5 percent of pay.

The announcement comes just over a week after 20 schoolchildren and dozens of others were injured when a Delta jet dumped fuel on Los Angeles schools in a mid-air emergency on Tuesday, January 14.

Four Los Angeles teachers sued the airline less than a week after a plane bound for Shanghai, China, from Los Angeles International Airport dumped fuel over playgrounds and schools.

Delta is still feeling the heat in California as teachers sue over the fuel-dumping incident

Attorney Gloria Allred, lower left, with teachers who have sued Delta for negligence

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said more than 60 people from seven schools in the area were treated, including at least 20 children. No one was taken to hospital.

The teachers, who have not been identified but teach in Park Avenue Elementary School in south Los Angeles County, cited emotional anguish and distress and accused the pilot of failing to follow protocol.

'They also suffered severe emotional distress from the knowledge that they had involuntarily ingested toxins,' their attorney Gloria Allred said in a statement.

'Their severe emotional distress includes the reasonable fear that the exposure to and ingestion of jet fuel might produce serious health consequences in the future.'

The teachers seek compensatory damages. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Delta Flight 89 experienced engine trouble shortly after take off from LAX and air traffic control were notified that it needed to return. The pilot didn't inform the control tower, however, that it would need to dump fuel to lighten the load and so the flight was not redirected to a safe location.
5 1 of 5 Courtesy of the Richmond Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Courtesy of the Richmond Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Courtesy of the Richmond Police Department Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Hearts are heavy at the Richmond Police Department after loyal K-9 officer, Jackie, was laid to rest Monday. Jackie, a German Shepherd Dog, was euthanized after a 16-month-long battle with cancer. She was 9-years-old.

According to Lieutenant Lowell Neinast, Jackie was a narcotics officer that was responsible for the seizure of several million dollars worth of drug cartel money that was being transported to and from Mexico. She also located several thousands of pounds of illegal narcotics. She was one of the best K-9 officers weve ever had, Neinast said.
(Bloomberg) -- Zall Smart Commerce Group, a Chinese business-to-business e-commerce company, said its part of a group applying for a digital wholesale banking license in Singapore, joining the race to shake up the city-states financial industry.

Other consortium partners are Japanese trading company Marubeni Corp. and Singapore-based Global eTrade Services, a unit of CrimsonLogic Pte, Zall said in an emailed statement. The group aims to contribute to Singapores development as a global financial hub for trading activities, it said.

Zall has been operating Z-Bank in China since obtaining a virtual banking license in the country in 2017.

The Zall-led group is the latest applicant to announce bids for a digital wholesale banking license. Other companies gunning for the licenses to serve corporate clients include Jack Mas Ant Financial. A total of 14 groups made bids for digital wholesale permits, while seven applied for digital full-bank licenses, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said earlier this month.

Read more: Singapore Sees Strong Interest in Digital Bank Licenses (3)

--With assistance from Russell Ward.

To contact the reporter on this story: Yoolim Lee in Singapore at yoolim@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Edwin Chan at echan273@bloomberg.net, Peter Elstrom

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.
Bazaar Corporate Radar | Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 AM IST

Bazaar Corporate Radar

Bazaar Corporate Radar is your window into the minds of top CEOs, Boardrooms, global economists, fund managers and sector analysts. If it?s making news, you?ll find it on Bazaar Corporate Radar.
By partnering with great solutions like Signifyd, Miva is able to offer our merchants new opportunities to grow their business.Brennan Heyde, VP of Product at Miva

Miva, Inc., ecommerce software and service provider for mid-size and enterprise merchants for 21 years, and Signifyd, which empowers fearless commerce by protecting merchants from fraud and consumer abuse, today announced that they have partnered to help online merchants deliver a frictionless purchase experience without fear of fraud.

This partnership represents a commitment to stability, cohesive solutions, and consistent support for Mivas merchant clients. The Signifyd module offers Miva customers access to Signifyds suite of commerce protection features from within the Miva platform, including:

 Guaranteed Fraud Protection

 INR Protection against item-not-received claims

 Chargeback Recovery

 Seamless SCA to meet Europes new PSD2 requirements

No question Miva is passionate about enabling online merchants to provide an exquisite customer experience while accommodating an innovative tech stack that fuels modern marketing and order management, says Stefan Nandzik, Signifyd VP of Product and Brand Marketing. Were incredibly pleased to support that frictionless experience by protecting Miva customers from fraud and customer abuse without erecting conversion-crushing barriers to commerce.

Online fraud is on the rise, says Brennan Heyde, VP of Product at Miva. By partnering with great solutions like Signifyd, Miva is able to offer our merchants new opportunities to grow their business.

About Miva, Inc

Since 1997, Miva has delivered expertly-designed ecommerce solutions to help high-growth businesses serve their customers in the most innovative, forward-thinking ways possible. Miva stores deliver superior online shopping experiences and support sophisticated back-end ecommerce workflows. Miva is the only cloud-based platform that provides a reliable and expandable enterprise ecommerce solution from a single source. Miva owns and maintains the Miva Merchant software and cloud-based hosting environment. Visit miva.com for more information.

About Signifyd

Signifyd empowers fearless commerce by providing an end-to-end Commerce Protection Platform. Powered by the Signifyd Commerce Network, the platforms advanced machine learning engine protects merchants from fraud, consumer abuse and revenue loss caused by barriers and friction in the buying experience. Signifyd counts among its customers a number of companies on the Fortune 1000 and Internet Retailer Top 500 lists. Signifyd is headquartered in San Jose, CA., with locations in Denver, New York, Belfast, and London.
The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) on Tuesday declared it would not contest the upcoming Delhi polls due to issues with the party's election symbol.

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala told reporters here that the election symbols of key", "pair of slippers" and "cup and saucer, on which his party candidates had fought polls earlier, were all reserved by some other outfits for the Delhi elections to be held on February 8.

We had requested the Election Commission of India to allot us key or slippers as poll symbol for the Delhi elections, but were told that both these were unavailable as they had been reserved by some other outfits," Dushyant said.

He said the ECI told the party on Monday that even the cup and saucer symbol was also not available.

The key symbol was reserved by other political outfits in September last year and the other two symbols in December.

Dushyant said the JJP discussed the issue of election symbol with party patron Ajay Singh Chautala and thereafter decided not to field its candidates for the Delhi polls.

"If our candidates fight the polls on a new symbol, they may have to bear loss as a result, he added.

The JJP had been recognised as a "state party" in Haryana by the Election Commission and allotted "key" as its reserved symbol in the state.

Dushyant, whose party is a coalition partner of the BJP in Haryana, said the JJP will extend support to Bharatiya Janata Party in the Delhi polls.

We need to strongly oppose the forces which are trying to mislead public on the issues of CAA and NRC." he said.

On Shiromani Akali Dal's decision to not contest Delhi polls after it was asked by the saffron party to reconsider its stand on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Dushyant replied, it is their own decision.

If there is any such law which takes away citizenship of any Indian, then we will be against it. But CAA does not threaten citizenship of those who are Indians, he said.

The JJP was formed after a split in the INLD following a feud in the Chautala clan. It had contested last year's Lok Sabha polls with the Aam Aadmi Party in Haryana, but the two parted ways ahead of the state assembly election.

The JJP won 10 of the 90 seats in Haryana assembly polls held in October 2019 and extended support to the BJP which bagged 40 seats.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dad Fends Off Mountain Lion with His Backpack After It Attacked Toddler During Family Walk

A father heroically saved his toddler from a mountain lion using nothing but what he had on his back  literally.

During a family walk at the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Orange County, California, on Monday, a mountain lion surprised a father and his three-year-old, attacking the toddler.

The father reportedly threw a backpack at the mountain lion to distract it, and the animal dropped the toddler to pick up the backpack. The cat then took the pack up into a tree, CBS Los Angeles reported.

A 3-year-old male was attacked by a mountain lion within Whiting Ranch around 4:15 this afternoon, the Orange County Fire Authority said in a brief statement on Twitter Monday.

The toddler was airlifted from the park and taken to the hospital. Authorities evacuated the park, which was closed Monday evening.

RELATED VIDEO: Shocking Footage Shows Lion Attacking 67-Year-Old Safari Park Owner in Front of Horrified Onlookers

CBS Los Angeles reported that the toddler suffered some minor injuries, but was otherwise in stable condition.

The child is in stable condition at a local hospital, OCFA added in their tweet.

The mountain lion, however, was reportedly killed after the Dept of Fish and Wildlife gave local law enforcement the approval to euthanize the lion due to the public safety threat, according to the OCFA.

RELATED: Woman Punches Mountain Lion in an Attempt to Save Dog from Deadly Attack

California Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division Capt. Patrick Foy told the Los Angeles Times, however, that they would not be able to say for sure if the mountain lion that was killed was the same animal that injured the toddler until a follow-up investigation is completed.

The department of fish and wildlife and the OCFA did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.
T he killing of three men in east London has been linked to a fight at a banqueting hall 24 hours earlier which spilled into the road.

One was stabbed in the neck, shoulder and chest, while another had been hit on the head with a hammer in Salisbury Road, witnesses said.

All three were construction workers originally from India.

An evidence tent at the scene where three men were found dead / PA

Two men, aged 29 and 39, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine said early investigations suggest the five men had been at an event at the nearby Krystel Banqueting hall on Saturday night.

The venue advertises itself as a distinctive banqueting suite offering a spectacular setting for weddings, conferences and private functions for up to 1,000 guests.

Police investigate the scene / Nigel Howard

Mr Considine said on Tuesday: We now believe all those involved were known to each other and from the Sikh and Hindu community.

"At this early stage, I do not believe this was gang or race-related. But, I believe there may have been an ongoing dispute between those involved.

We believe the five men were involved in an altercation the previous evening at Krystel Banqueting that spilled out onto the High Road.

The family of Mr Sharma, who went by the nickname Honey, has said they were broken by his death.

Brother-in-law Armit said he had left his hometown of Patalia in India to study in London about nine years ago.

He was a good man, very down to earth," he said. "Im surprised how he got involved in this fight. His family are literally broken.

The scene in Seven Kings / Nigel Howard

Awais Butt, an employee at a Lycamobile shop near the murder scene in Salisbury Road, paid tribute to Baljit Singh as a very humble guy.

He said: I cant believe he would get involved in such an incident. Its really sad, I feel for the families. The community cant believe it.
iStock(NEW YORK) -- Harvey Weinstein's defense attorneys on Tuesday signaled their intent to highlight "dozens and dozens and dozens of loving emails" sent by accusers to the producer after he is alleged to have sexually assaulted them.



With jury selection done, the New York trial is set to have opening arguments on Wednesday. Six women are expected to testify that Weinstein sexually assaulted them. Weinstein is charged with crimes related to two of the six women, and the rest are being called in support of prosecutors' efforts to demonstrate a pattern of sexual predation.



"What we will counter with are their own words, where they describe loving relations, sensual encounters with Mr. Weinstein," defense attorney Damon Cheronis said during oral arguments Tuesday. "Mr. Weinstein is described as someone they care about both before and after the alleged sexual assault."



"Another complaining witness who claims Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her sent him an email wanting to introduce him to her mother," Cheronis argued at another point, though he never specified to whom among the six he was referring.



It's been more than two years since bombshell reports from The New York Times and The New Yorker magazine triggered an avalanche of sexual assault allegations against the once-indomitable Hollywood producer, reducing him to a pariah and turning the #MeToo hashtag into a movement that forced a reckoning among powerful men across American industries.



Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and denied ever engaging in non-consensual sex with anyone.



Following multiple indictments, a changing series of criminal charges and complaining witnesses, three sets of defense attorneys, a lead detective thrown off the case, and midstream changes to the prosecution's team, opening arguments are scheduled to get underway on Wednesday morning.



The witnesses



Weinstein stands charged with raping one still-unidentified woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performing a forcible sex act on a different woman, who has since identified herself as former Weinstein production assistant Mimi Haleyi, in 2006.



In addition to the testimony of those two women, three more women who have not been publicly identified are expected to testify to similar alleged sexual assaults by Weinstein, for which he has not been charged, as prosecutors seek to show a pattern of predatory behavior.



At a closed hearing earlier this year, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge James Burke allowed the introduction of three "prior bad acts" witnesses -- women who claim Weinstein sexually assaulted them but whose accusations fall outside the statute of limitations for prosecution, according to court documents that reference the decision. In New York, such witnesses are known as "Molineaux" witnesses, in reference to a landmark 1901 New York State Court of Appeals decision.



While these three women have not been publicly identified either, court papers indicated that "Jane Doe 1" said she was sexually assaulted by Weinstein in a New York hotel in 2004; "Jane Doe 2" said she was assaulted at Weinstein's New York home in the summer of 2005; "Jane Doe 3" claims she was assaulted in February 2013 at a Beverly Hills hotel.



A sixth woman, "Sopranos" actress Annabella Sciorra, is expected to testify in support of the state's claim that Weinstein is a sexual predator. Sciorra claims Weinstein raped her in her Manhattan apartment in the winter of 1993-94. Predatory sexual assault requires that prosecutors prove to a jury that Weinstein seriously sexually assaulted at least two women.



The charges include: first- and third-degree rape for the alleged 2013 NYC hotel attack; one count of criminal sexual assault based on Haleyi's 2006 account; and two counts of predatory sexual assault, one for each complaining witness. These two top charges each carry a max life sentence if convicted.



Prosecutors remained circumspect on Tuesday about their own opening arguments, but have said in court papers that they intend to call Dr. Barbara Ziv, a forensic psychiatrist with an expertise in the behavior of sexual assault victims whose testimony kicked off the prosecutors' case in Bill Cosby's Pennsylvania sexual assault trial last year.



'Counterintuitive' behavior



By testifying first in the Cosby trial, Ziv helped inoculate the accounts of complaining witness Andrea Constand and five "prior bad acts" witnesses in that trial from dogged attempts by the defense to discredit the women.



Ziv testified that "the vast majority of victims of sexual assault do not report to authorities," and that sexual assault reporting can be delayed "from days to weeks to months to years."



She testified to how common counterintuitive behavior is in victims of sexual violence and how they rarely act the way you would think they would.



"Most people don't fight back, don't say anything, and don't, you know, immediately, when it's over, don't jump up and leave," Ziv said. "They are in a state of shock, that's how they describe it."



Ziv will face a formidable foe in Elizabeth Loftus, a veteran expert witness for the defense on the malleability of human memory who has testified for decades in dozens of high-stakes criminal trials. Loftus' testimony in the 1980s about recovered memories helped acquit a California couple who had been charged with sexual abuse of nine children at their day care center, the McMartin preschool.



She has also testified in the criminal trials of O.J. Simpson, Oliver North and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers tried in the Rodney King beating. While allowing Loftus and another memory expert in as defense witnesses in Weinstein's trial starting next week, Judge Burke also placed restrictions on the topics about which they could testify.



The jurors



The jury selected consists of seven men and five women. Six of the seven men are white and one is African American. Three of the women are African American -- with one sharing African American and Latino heritage -- and two are white.



Defense attorneys have vigorously contested the inclusion of one of the jurors, who acknowledged under questioning during the "voir dire" part of jury selection that she has written an upcoming novel about a trio of young women who deal with life and love in the 1980s, including "predatory older men." Defense attorneys have claimed that the female juror was evasive during jury selection, while prosecutors note she included the phrase "novel-writing" among her hobbies on a prospective juror questionnaire.



Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Burke indicated in court on Tuesday that he was still considering defense concerns about this juror -- though it remained unclear what, if anything, he intended to do about those concerns.



Among three alternate jurors chosen to complete jury selection, one is a white man, one is an African American woman and a third is a Hispanic woman.



Meanwhile, in a separate, bombshell indictment announced on the first day of his trial earlier this month, Los Angeles prosecutors charged Weinstein with raping a woman at a Los Angeles hotel on Feb. 18, 2013, after forcing his way inside her room, and then sexually assaulting a second woman in a Beverly Hills hotel suite the next night.



He is facing up to 28 years in prison on charges of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery if convicted in that case.



One of the two women Weinstein is alleged to have attacked in California is the same woman expected to testify as a "prior bad acts" witness in the New York trial.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
After BJPs Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy came in support of Rajinikanth on Tuesday, he spoke to Republic TV and slammed the Opposition in Tamil Nadu for targeting the legendary actor.

He said the people opposing Rajinikanth are not aware of the facts and they just know how to threaten violence. Dr Swamy also alleged that these are the same people who begged the Britishers to stay after independence.

Subramanian Swamy on Opposition

Talking about the people who are criticising Rajinikanths statement of late social reformer Periyar, Dr Swamy said, That is nothing. They are the people who dont have any idea or clue about the matter. They just threaten violence.

Talking further about the Opposition, Dr Swamy alleged, These are the people who begged the Britishers to stay. They supported the British empire in India throughout. On August 15, they were crawling in front of the British Governors house in Chennai. They said please dont leave, stay in India or at least stay in Tamil Nadu. This is the kind of people they are. How can we have respect for them? If they threaten violence, there is a Constitution, there is a procedure by which it can be tackled.

Rajinikanth called me up to say thank you for the stand I took on the matter. I told him congratulations and assured him that I am ready to support him as far as any court cases are concerned. I said, Ill totally back him on this, Dr Swamy added.

Read: BIG: Subramanian Swamy extends support to Rajinikanth, says 'I will back him in Court'

Rajinikanths controversial statement

The statement which caused the uproar was in reference to his address at the 50th anniversary-cum-readers' connect event of Tamil Nadu Thuglak on January 14 in Chennai, where the actor said, In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which undressed images of Lord Sri Ramachandramoorthy and Sita - with a garland of sandal-featured, and no news outlet published it.

Read: Will not apologise for remark on Periyar rally: Rajinikanth

Dr Swamy extends support on social media as well

Amidst the chaos and staunch criticism levelled against Tamil superstar Rajinikanth by activists of Athi Tamizhar Peravai (ATP) as well as Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Cabinet Minister Subramanian Swamy came out in support of the actor.

In light of the ballooning tussle between Rajinikanth members of the two organisations, Subramanian Swamy backed the actor and said EVR in his 1971 rally made derogatory remarks against Ram and Sita. Calling it a 'fact' he mentioned late actor and author Cho Ramaswamy published the content in his Thuglak magazine.

Read: 5 members of fringe outfit held for burning Rajinikanth's effigy

For a change I am on the side of Rajnikant on the E. V. R. Naicker 1971 rally issue of parading Ram and Sita in a derogatory. This is a fact and Cho had published it in Thuglak. If the cine actor stays firm I will back him in courts if he wants  Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) January 21, 2020

Read: Rajinikanth says 'Murasoli with DMK, Thughlak readers intelligent', mouthpiece hits back
[January 21, 2020] Western Union Included in 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Western Union (NYSE: WU) today announced that it is one of 325 companies across 50 industries included in the 2020 Bloomberg (News - Alert) Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI expanded in 2020 to represent 42 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland and Russia for the first time. Companies range from a variety of industries, including automotive, banking, consumer services, engineering and construction and retail. "This recognition is a significant step toward demonstrating Western Union's (News - Alert) commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Caroline Tsai, Western Union's Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. "Equity is an important focus for our business given the diversity of our employees and customers, and Western Union's inclusion in the Bloomberg GEI serves as an important milestone as we work toward building a culture of inclusive innovation each and every day." The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies and pro-women brand. This year, Bloomberg expanded the eligibility for inclusion in the index to nearly 6,000 companies across 84 countries and regions.



"While we are proud that Western Union is included in the Bloomberg GEI, we recognize that our work is never done in pursuit of gender equality," said Nicole Vogrin, Western Union's Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer. "Whether it's our focus on women in leadership, our commitment to the principle of equal pay for equal work, or delivering leadership training about unconscious bias toward working mothers, we acknowledge the progress in our journey toward gender equality, and humbly recognize there is much work yet to do." Through disclosure of gender-related metrics using the GEI framework, the firms included in the 2020 GEI have provided a comprehensive look at their investment in workplace gender equality and the communities in which they operate. Western Union was included in this year's index for scoring at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect a high level of disclosure and overall performance across the framework's five pillars.

"The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg. "Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally." Both the framework and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. The GEI is a reference index and is not for use as a financial benchmark. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD $1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index. To learn more please visit the GEI website. Bloomberg Terminal subscribers can access the GEI at {BGEI <GO>}. WU-G About Western Union The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Our omnichannel platform connects the digital and physical worlds and makes it possible for consumers and businesses to send and receive money and make payments with speed, ease, and reliability. As of September 30, 2019, our network included over 550,000 retail agent locations offering our branded services in more than 200 countries and territories, with the capability to send money to billions of accounts. Additionally, westernunion.com, our fastest growing channel in 2018, is available in 75 countries, plus additional territories, to move money around the world. With our global reach, Western Union moves money for better, connecting family, friends and businesses to enable financial inclusion and support economic growth. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005396/en/

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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/21/2020 -- The Europe reverse flame steam boiler market is likely to witness steady growth during the period of forecast, from 2017 to 2025. Reverse flame steam boilers are expected to experiencesubstantial demand across Europe in a large number of industries, thanks to the operationaladvantages that these boilers offer over other fire-tube boilers. Besides, reverse flame steam boilers are eco-friendly due to diminished carbon emissions, which is another factor driving the growth of Europereverse flame steam boiler market.



Bosch Industriekessel GmbH, Atlantic Boilers,Byworth Boilers, BoilerTech Pty Ltd,ICI Caldaie S.p.A.,andATTSU are some of the established players of the Europe reverse flame steam boiler market. Germany-based Bosch Industriekessel GmbH exercises almost absolute monopoly in the Europe Europe reverse flame steam boiler market occupying lion's share. Other players are emphasizing on various business strategies like acquisitions, mergers, alliances, and innovations to gain competitive edge over other players in the market.



Utilizing extensive research methods, analysts at Transparency Market Research (TMR) has prepared a report on the Europe reverse flame steam boiler market for the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. TMR analysts project the market to expand at 4.85% CAGR during the assessment period.The Europereverse flame steam boiler marketis likely to be worth US$142.18 mn by 2025-end.



europe reverse flame steam boiler marketHigh Demand for Biomass to Propel Italy to Prominence during Forecast Period



From the geographical standpoint, the Europe reverse flame steam boiler market is divided into the U.K., Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and the Rest of Europe. The regional segment of Rest of Europe accounted for around 27.60% of the market share in 2016, while the other above-mentioned countries dominated the market. The U.K., Spain, Germany,Italy,and France are likely to continue with the dominance over the forecast period.



High demand for biomass has propelled the Italy reverse flame steam boiler market to prominence, and the country is likely to retain its lead in the forthcoming years.



Reduced Carbon Emissions by these Boilers to Accelerate their Demand



Reverse flame steam boilers are highly energy-efficient and can cater well with the immediate demands for steam generation, thanks to the horizontal design and much bigger area for water evaporation. These boilers are suitable to be used with both liquid and gaseous fuels with hassle-free access to smoke tube and furnace.



The Europe reverse flame steam boiler market gains momentum from the rising concern over effects of rising levels of pollution. This has necessitated the need for use of reverse flame steam boilers as they operate on clean sources of energy such as natural gas, biomass, and the like. The element of environment-friendliness adds impetus to the demand in Europe reverse flame steam boiler market.



Furthermore, low carbon footprint generated by reverse flame steam boilers has garnered attention of the organizations that aspire to be environmental-friendly and comply with regulations.



Request a Sample - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=24608



Several power plants have expressed interest in making use of these boilers for generation of clean electricity. Compared to other types of boilers, the cost of these boilers is relatively low, thereby boosting the adoption across Europe. Easy availability of reverse flame steam boiler is another growth factor for the Europe reverse flame steam boiler market.



On the other hand, economic crisis of Europe that left Greece bankrupt and Portugal apply for a bailout program has resulted in the fluctuation of the price of natural gas. This has hurt investors' sentiments. Fluctuating price of natural gas is likely to hinder the growth of Europe reverse flame steam boiler market.
Each year, an average of 120 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) worldwide is released through soil and vegetation respiration. Plants are capable of taking in nearly 123 gigatonnes through photosynthesis in the same period. But as humans release another ten gigatonnes of carbon dioxide into this cycle, mainly by burning fossil fuels such as crude oil and natural gas, there are seven gigatonnes of excess CO2. "And these seven gigatonnes are our big problem," says Thomas Dandekar who holds the Chair of Bioinformatics at the University of Wurzburg. They fuel global warming and cause global temperatures to rise at an alarming rate.

While searching for a solution to fix this problem, Dandekar and his colleagues believe to have discovered a promising way forward: They are studying plants which are capable of absorbing residual carbon dioxide more effectively thanks to a modified metabolism. The scientists have now published their findings in the current issue of the journal Trends in Biotechnology.

Modulated metabolic networks calculated

Bioinformatics researchers usually work with mathematical computer models. Over the past months, Thomas Dandekar and his team have been studying whether the metabolic networks of plants can be modulated so as to enable the plants to fix more carbon dioxide. To achieve this, the scientists combined two different methods to modulate the metabolism of the plant cell. By performing complex calculations, they found out that this combination enables plants to absorb five times more carbon dioxide than in the normal state.

Now their theoretical calculations need to be tested in practice. Muhammad Naseem, a colleague of Dandekar, is in charge of conducting these experiments. Born in Pakistan, Naseem has a PhD in molecular biology. He works both in Wurzburg and at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates where he has been a professor for two years. On 4 January, Naseem returned to Abu Dhabi. He plans to start the practical test there in the course of this year. "We will experiment with tobacco plants and thale cress, also known as Arabidopsis thaliana, which are both easy to modify," the scientist explains.

Less carbon and more yield

"If we continue on our current path, climate change will have disastrous consequences," Dandekar warns. The scientist expects that the average temperature could rise by up to four degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. He believes that the next decade must be used to find new ways of removing the carbon dioxide that has already been released into the atmosphere, reducing CO2 emissions and developing strategies to adapt to the consequences of climate change. If successful in practice, the Wurzburg research would kill two birds with one stone: Not only do the modulated plants absorb more carbon dioxide, they also deliver higher yields.

According to Thomas Dandekar, the research project funded by the Free State of Bavaria could help large companies offset their carbon dioxide emissions. The bioinformatics expert has the cement industry in mind, for example, which has a massive carbon dioxide problem. Cement production is estimated to be responsible for four to eight percent of global CO2 emissions. Modified diatoms could help reduce these high emissions as the professor explains: "These fast-growing algae could be cultivated directly in the sand pits."

Tackling two problems of humanity

Adapting to a changing climate is currently even more important for countries outside of Europe than for Germany, as Muhammad Naseem explains. The consequences are already clearly noticeable especially in the United Arab Emirates. Based on model forecasts, climate researchers warn that temperatures in the major cities on the Persian Gulf could rise to 50 or even 60 degrees Celsius. Such temperature levels would be unbearable even by Arabian standards. "The big problem is that the United Arab Emirates is among the countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the world," Muhammad Naseem says. He emphasises the urgency of curbing CO2 emissions.

Naseem considers the idea of combining two modulation methods a blessing because it would enable two problems of humanity to be addressed - provided that the computer analyses are congruous with the behaviour of the plants in the field. "The two problems of climate change and feeding the world population are closely connected," says the life scientist. Climate change causes scorched fields, withering plants and complete crop failure due to drought in some regions. Plants with modulated metabolic pathways could not only fix more CO2, they also produce more biomass due to the genetic modification.

More research funding is needed for active strategies against climate change

Of course, these new research findings are not the only strategy to mitigate climate change. Marine cloud brightening, which involves small, white, low altitude clouds that cool the ocean by reflecting the bright sun-light, or eco-diesel made from carbon dioxide using hydrogen from solar cells are two other promising approaches. "Whichever path or mix of strategies we choose has to be explored carefully for ten years before it is implemented," Dandekar cautions. It is imperative to boost funding of research and critical exploration of active strategies to combat climate change given the worldwide lack of willingness to actually cut carbon emissions. "Otherwise, come 2030, we will be powerless with no means of defending ourselves against the increasingly severe consequences of climate change and carbon dioxide increase."

###
I Quit the Evangelical Church

I Grew Up In

I once was found  until I realized I was lost.

Jan. 20, 2020

For me, there was only ever one kind of church. It sat just off a single-lane highway, not far from the beaches of North Florida, and was wrapped in corrugated tin siding. Coming down that highway, ones arrival was confirmed by a row of flag poles holding international flags, tattered and generally ignored. They were meant to signal that this was a place with global aspirations.

This house of worship was a house of extremities, from the interior design (faux Venetian with a stuffed male lion in the foyer for flair) to the people (a bishop who wore Versace-patterned tops and, when really moved by the spirit, had an inclination to wave large battle swords onstage) to the message itself (people journeyed to our church to hear the voice of God).

We were quixotic and cliche. Down that highway back home, sitting around the television, we would grimace and go silent at portrayals of hypocritical Christians as seen in movies and shows  sweaty buffoons preaching the prosperity gospel.

It was us versus them from early on. I was a somber child soldier in a culture war that had been raging long before my arrival. As best I can remember, I tried to play the part, making up the quasi-lingual annunciations of the holy spirit with some creative zest. I shouted when we were told to shout, strained to have tears, stifled my thoughts and silenced my mind to clear out some space for his voice.
It's disappointing that in 2020, we're still styling white models in traditional Black hairstyles. Comme des Garcons Homme Plus debuted its Fall/Winter 2020 menswear collection as part of Paris Fashion Week on Friday, Jan. 17, but the new designs were quickly upstaged by the cultural appropriation of the show's styling - featuring a mostly white lineup of male models wearing braided lace-front wigs.

The cultural catastrophe was courtesy of stylist Pierrick Le Verge, who goes by the alias Julien d'Ys. In response to the backlash, d'Ys apologized for his lapse in judgement. "Dear all, My inspiration for the Comme des Garcons show was Egyptian prince," d'Ys shared on Instagram. "A look I found truly beautiful and inspirational. A look that was an homage. Never was it my intention to hurt or offend anyone, ever. If I did, I deeply apologize."

It's surprising that members of the fashion elite are still uneducated about cultural appropriation, or perhaps they are blinded by their own creative narcissism. Despite d'Ys's apology, he failed to express that he now understands why his styling choice was problematic. d'Ys credited his inspiration to ancient Egypt, but the specific braiding technique looks inspired by the Fulani people of West Africa - similar to the style Rihanna wore to the 2020 Fashion Awards.

This isn't the first time Comme des Garcons has been called out for lack of diverse representation. In 2018, the Japanese fashion house cast its first Black model in over 20 years. Shocker. But its latest stint in cultural appropriation is particularly strange. It seems the stylist wanted to highlight the inauthenticity of the wigs, by deciding to pull the lace front further down on the forehead, and opt out of matching the hairline of the wigs to the natural hair color of the models. Also, although d'Ys claims he was referencing ancient Egypt, there's no reference of that era in the actual designs of the collection.

Story continues

Comme des Garcons's appropriation of traditional West African hairstyles contributes to a common trope in the fashion industry, where Black culture is used by non-Black creatives to add an "edge" to design. When they fail to appropriate Black culture seamlessly, it becomes humorous and justifies a mocking of those same cultural objects (in this case, the hairstyles) that they are appropriating.

Keep reading ahead for a closer look at the Comme des Garcons Homme Plus Fall/Winter 2020 menswear collection.

Related: Sheesh! The Outfits at Men's Fashion Week in Paris Are Seriously Inspiring
Seven platypus have been saved from certain death after they were rescued from dwindling waterways that were weeks away from completely drying up.

The adorable critters have settled into their safer new surroundings at Sydney's Taronga Zoo following the frantic rescue from ponds in the fire-ravaged Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve near Canberra last month.

Researchers from the Taronga Conservation Society and University's NSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science answered the call for help from ACT Parks and Conservation staff for an emergency rescue on December 27 to trap as many platypus as they could before conditions worsened.

The race was on to rescue platypus from drying up waterways in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

It's estimated more than half of the reserve's platypus population were saved which would have otherwise perished within weeks ahead of catastrophic fire conditions.

'There was a small window between Christmas and New Year that was safe to access Tidbinbilla and try to rescue platypus before they had no water left,'Taronga conservation and recovery programs manager Andrew Elphinstone said.

'With an ever-decreasing water body comes the reduction in resources including food. It was feared there was not enough prey items to support the platypus population. '

Taronga wildlife conservation officer Phoebe Meagher described the rescue as confronting as she described the dire conditions they faced.

'We know it was going to be bad but I didn't realise how bad it would be,' she said.

'Some of waterways were a few metres across and 30 centimetres deep with cracks in the soil.

'Animals were coming from all over to try and drink from the last remaining bit of water and you could see the platypus at the top because there was nowhere else for them to go. Usually they like to swim down but they couldn't because the water was so shallow.'

Seven platypus were saved and taken to Taronga Zoo, where they're now getting the best care

The critters would have perished in the currently closed reserve had they not been rescued

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is currently closed until at least January 27 due to a total fire ban across the region.

Taronga Zoo this week released heartwarming footage of the rescued critters receiving the health checks and tender loving care they currently need from keepers and vets.

Ms Meagher assured the animals are thriving in their new home.

'They've all put on lots of weight, they're eating lots of yabbies, the vets are checking them and they're doing all the things they're supposed to be doing and having a great old time,' she said.

The two male and five female platypus will remain at the zoo until waterway conditions improve at Tidbinbilla, where they'll be released back into the wild.

The zoo released heartwarming footage of the rescued critters receiving the health checks

Rescuers managed to save half of the reserve's platypus population before water levels ran low

'We will return them when conditions improve, but given how extreme conditions are currently, I fully expect that it will be many months before we see enough rain to replenish this wetland and warrant their return,' ACT Parks and Conservation's Dr Sarah May said.

'These animals had nowhere to go and would have almost certainly perished if we didnt act.'

Once considered widespread across the eastern Australian mainland and Tasmania, there are fears the beloved native animal is at grave risk of extinction within the next 50 years.

The platypus will be released back into the wild in the reserve once their habitat improves

The platypus is currently listed as 'near threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

UNSW researchers fear the wild population could slump by two thirds by 2070 due to climate change and other threats such as land clearing and habitat fragmentation by dams,

'Platypus waterholes in some NSW rivers are drying up and stranding animals, as a result of the drought exacerbated by river management,' UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science director Professor Richard Kingsford said.

'Our research has indicated that these incidences will likely increase in an increasingly dry future.'
For information only - not an official document

UNIS/MA/267

Vienna, 21 January 2020

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media representatives are invited to the

European Union/UN Office for Outer Space Affairs panel discussion on Multilateralism at Work

Tuesday, 4 February 2020

From 6.30pm

Urania Observatory - Uraniastrasse 1 - 1010 Vienna

VIENNA, 21 January 2020 (United Nations Information Service) - The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the International Organisations in Vienna and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) invite you to a panel discussion to celebrate 40 years of the EU and the UN together in Vienna.

The panel will showcase examples of multilateralism at work, successful cooperation in the space sector and plans for the future. The event will be followed by a reception.

It will include remarks by:

Stephan Klement, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna;

Martin Selmayr, Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria: "The EU Space Strategy"

Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of UNOOSA; and

Carine Claeys, Special Envoy for Space/Head of the Space Task Force, European External Action Service.

Registration (by 2 February) through this link: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/vienna-international-organisations/72938/eu-un-40-years-together-vienna-multilateralism-work-eu-unoosa-coorperation_en

For the Programme, please click here.



***

Follow @UNOOSA and @euunvie on Twitter for updates.

* *** *

For more information please contact:

Alain Georges Matton

Press Attache - Communication and Public Information Officer

Delegation of the European Union to the International Organisations in Vienna

Telephone: (+43 1) 505 84 11 69

Mobile: (+43 664) 884 222 69

Email: alain.matton[at]eeas.europa.eu

Twitter: @AlainMatton

or

Ottavia Pesce

Associate Communication Officer

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs

Telephone: (+43 1) 26060 8718

Email: pesce[at]un.org

***
Observers say that since the structure of the regimes government is based on the sharing of power and wealth, this is the main feud within the entire system. The topic of the so-called election displays one area of this feud.

The Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei with the leverage of the Guardian Council and the government (regimes President Hassan Rouhani) with the leverage of the Ministry of the Interior remove each other from the election nomination to get more seats.

But this time, Rouhanis faction has faced the most widespread number of candidates rejected by the Guardian Council, so that in the final phase of the regime this war has taken on another crisis.

Following the elimination of many of Rouhanis faction, bargaining for a greater share of power and wealth has started. Until Rouhani himself came on the scene and promoted the fight to a higher grade:

Lets not say to the people, that in front of a parliamentary seat, 17 people, 170 people, 1700 are candidates, from how many factions 1700? 17 people from how many factions? From one faction? This cannot be an election! Its like that you put 2000 pieces from just one product in a store, it must be different; 2000 from one product? Whats on the other side?

Immediately following Rouhanis remarks, the Guardian Council secretary Abbas Ali Katkhodai, recounting with a quibble the disqualification of Rouhanis son-in-law, said: The controversy about disqualified people is not new, but the Presidents pioneering in this anti-national project is unfortunate.

Of course, we did not know that the disapproval of relatives meant the elimination of other factions. These statements triggered a rival response and revealed another wave of corruption within the regime.

Rouhanis son-in-law came to the scene and wrote: I wonder how those people whose case was in the hands of Rouhani in 2006 and Rouhani did not allow (that their case) to be released, how are they qualified! Relationship with someone should not endorse or disqualify you, but why is your road one-sided? Reporters should ask Rabii about the case. (ILNA, 15 January 2020)

Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, the minister of the interior, also reminded Katkhodaii of the chaos within the regime and regimes complicated situation and called for unity and empathy in the fair division of seats.

But beyond the death of former IRGC Qods Force chief Qassem Suleimani, which Rahmani Fazli was referring to, the tense situation of the regime in the face of the uprising of the people was on the attention of Rouhanis faction, and he warned the regime that a split over the countrys leadership could ignite new uprisings.

Among the mullahs, Fazel Meibodi, on 16 January, in the state-run Arman newspaper, warned about the consequence of the elimination of Rouhanis faction and said: The country is heading to a direction that is in no ones interest  Methods and radical thoughts are leading in a way that makes managing costly  there is no domestic political calm  The recent protests show just how costly these methods can be for the country.

No one should see whether Khamenei can really unite the parliament for his own profits with the elimination of Rouhanis faction.

Rouhanis faction is warning Khamenei that testing the false again is wrong. You brought [former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] once and the result was to your detriment. Observers of Irans situation say factional feuding over wealth and power in the phase of the overthrow of the regime will only intensify the regimes internal crises.
Looking for a lifetime full of success? You won't have to do much searching if you remember three simple words, according to entrepreneur advisor, tech investor, and former Apple CEO, John Sculley.

In a recent address to the graduating class at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, 80-year-old Sculley advised that the young graduates choose a "purpose-driven life."

Sculley first understood the importance of life purpose in the 1980's, when icons Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were well-known for empowering others through technology.

In fact, Sculley had even left Pepsi for Apple in 1983 when Jobs famously asked him, "You want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"

Scully admits that at the time, a "noble cause" was a foreign concept to him. But now, he says, working towards a purpose is much more possible in today's rapid-paced world. With work shifting away from a simply operational nature--"In the past, people would just sit in," Sculley explains--it's actually easier now to work for those with an entrepreneurial mindset. No matter where you are in your career, today's workforce allows you to implement and imagine new ideas.

However, even if you choose to live a purpose-driven life, your life's purpose can be rather elusive if you don't already know what it is.

If you're unsure about the noble cause you should be following, don't worry. Sculley recommends that you simply keep an open mind to what the world has to offer. In particular, hone an insatiable curiosity as you move forward in life. "You've got to have a huge curiosity and open your mind to the possibilities of things that could exist," advises Sculley.
6-year-old has raised over $250K for Australian wildfires by making clay koalas originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

A 6-year-old Massachusetts boy who started making clay koalas as a way to help the animals hurt in the Australia bushfires has raised more than $250,000 for relief efforts.

Owen Colley, of Hingham, Massachusetts, lived in Australia for a few months as a toddler and has been asking his parents to go back to visit, according to his dad, Simon Colley, who grew up in Sydney.

"My wife [Caitlin] said now is really not a good time and told him about the fires and he learned that not only were animals being hurt but a lot of them," said Colley. "He was just visibly upset."

MORE: Australian wildfires: Knitters around the globe unite to knit koala mittens and joey pouches

After that conversation, Owen, a kindergarten student, drew a photo of a koala, a kangaroo and a dingo in the rain and said that was his wish for Australia, according to Colley.

"Caitlin asked him, 'Did you want to help?'" Colley recalled. "And he said, 'Yes.'"

The family decided to use Owen's love for art and make small koalas out of the clay he plays with that they would then sell to family and friends and give the money to an Australian-based wildlife charity.

They planned to make around 100 koalas and hoped to raise as much as $1,000 for charity. When a local newspaper decided to cover Owen's koala sale, the family created a GoFundMe page with a goal of $5,000.

Just over 10 days later, the Colleys have raised more than $250,000 for Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc., a volunteer-run charity in Australia.

"The charity is so lovely and appreciative," said Colley. "We've put Owen on speakerphone so he can speak to them and find out how they're helping animals."

Story continues

More than 1 billion animals are estimated to have died in the devastating wildfires that began late last year, Christopher Dickman, a University of Sydney professor, said earlier this month.

MORE: How to help support the Australian wildfires relief effort

The Colleys have taken to doing what they call "joey math" to help Owen understand how the amount of money he has raised will be able to help animals in Australia.

"He's raised enough money to feed 900 joeys for a whole year," said Colley. "We put it into terms like that so he can comprehend it, because once it got past $1,000 it was just a lot of money to him."

The Colleys have received orders for nearly 3,000 koalas as well as generous messages from people all over the world. The company that makes the clay Owen likes to use has donated clay to the family and another company stepped up to donate packaging materials to the Colleys.

"We're just so grateful for the number of people who wanted to be a part of helping make this happen," said Colley. "This outpouring of love from all over the world is truly humbling."

The family is now working on creating a YouTube tutorial so that other kids can make koalas on their own.

"The project was a way for Owen to process what was happening and feel that when there is a big problem happening there is something you can do," said Colley. "If the goal of this was to make a little boy feel he could make a big difference, we want other kids to be able to feel that too."
New Delhi: Superstar Ajay Devgn, who is currently basking in the success of his recent release 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior', on Tuesday began filming his next project - 'RRR' - directed by SS Rajamouli. Pictures from Day 1 of Ajay's shoot have been shared by trade analyst Taran Adarsh and he wrote, "Ajay Devgn begins filming for SS Rajamouli's ambitious venture 'RRR' today."

'RRR' is Rajamouli's first film after the blockbuster 'Baahubali' series. Apart from Ajay, it stars Jr NTR, Ram Charan and Alia Bhatt.

It is a fictional story set in the pre-independent era (1920) and based on the lives of well-known revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. Jr NTR will be seen as Komaram Bheem while Ram Charan will be playing Alluri Sitharama Raju.

Of the 'RRR', Rajamouli earlier said, "This will be a fictional story on the lives of Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. There are gaps in the lives of these legendary freedom fighters that we don't know about," news agency IANS reported.

"We don't know what happened in their lives in these years. It is through this fictional story we'd like to show what could have happened in their lives and what would have happened if they met and bonded," he added.

The first look, featuring Jr NTR and Ram Charan, was released in 2019.

'RRR' will release on July 30 in 10 Indian languages.

(With IANS inputs)
With the Supreme Court rejecting a review of its order that put Rs 1.47 trillion liability of past dues on telecom firms, the two incumbents -- and -- would be particulary affected, said on Tuesday.

The apex court's ruling will also have significant repercussions for India's banking sector as well as the country's broader economic outlook, it added.

"The Indian Supreme Court's rejection on 16 January of a review petition against its earlier ruling in a long-running telecommunications sector tax case, is credit negative for the industry. Two incumbents, Limited and Limited (BBB-/Rating Watch Negative), will be particularly affected," said in a statement.

The Supreme Court last week dismissed review petitions filed by telecom against its October 24, 2019 order that asked for inclusion of non-telecom revenues for calculating statutory dues such as license fee and spectrum usage charge.

"The court's rulings in this case could also have significant repercussions for India's banking sector, as well as the country's broader economic outlook," the rating agency said.

The apex court's decision to reject the review petition is likely to lead the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) to demand that telcos pay unpaid dues on licence fees and spectrum usage charges by January 23, said.
The UKs top mental health nurse has called for a crack down on loot boxes in video games. NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch claims the controversial monetisation method "sets kids up for addition" by effectively teaching them to gamble at a young age.

Loot boxes, which dish out randomised rewards to players and can sometimes be purchased using real-world currency, have been heavily scrutinised in recent years, with various governing bodies around the world seeking to regulate, or in some cases outright ban, the practice.

Although some games companies have refuted the notion that look boxes constitute gambling, with EA last year suggesting the system is better described as a "surprise mechanic," Murdoch isn't convinced.

"Frankly no company should be setting kids up for addiction by teaching them to gamble on the content of these loot boxes. No firm should sell to children loot box games with this element of chance, so yes those sales should end," she commented.

"Young peoples health is at stake, and although the NHS is stepping up with these new, innovative services available to families through our Long Term Plan, we cannot do this alone, so other parts of society must do what they can to limit risks and safeguard childrens wellbeing."

To address the issue, Murdoch believes loot boxes should either be banned outright, or moderating via the implementation of "far and realistic" spending limits that prevent people from dropping huge amounts of cash.

She also claims loot boxes should disclose the percentage chance of items dropping, and that game companies should support parents by helping to educate them on the risks of in-game spending.

You can hear more from Murdoch by visiting the NHS England website.
When Prince Harry first gave Meghan Markle a tour of the city he grew up in, back in October 2016, the couple were famously low-key, striding casually down Shaftesbury Avenue in matching beanie hats.

And as the Duke of Sussex, 35, touched down on the tarmac in Vancouver last night, on the cusp of starting a new life away from the royal family, he sported the same cozy style of hat that the couple favoured during the first flushes of romance.

Hours before the family was due to reunite, the couple clearly got the same fashion memo on headwear, signalling a return to the casual clothes they both enjoyed prior to their wedding in 2018.

Earlier in the day, Meghan, 38, whose love for beanie hats long pre-dates her marriage, was seen out with eight-month-old Archie and her two dogs in rural Vancouver, hours before Harry, also in a beanie, touched down in the west coast city following a tumultuous week of wrangling out an arrangement on their future lives with senior royals.

Meghan opted for a snug-looking 23 khaki Madewell 'Kent' Beanie, while Harry seemed to stick with the same navy blue headwear that he wore while embracing son Archie in a photo posted by the couple to welcome in the New Year.

Scroll down for video

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, looked warm in the chilly Canadian weather as she took son Archie and her dogs Oz and Guy for a walk in the woods in Vancouver yesterday as husband Harry flew in to the city from the UK

Meghan - a certified fan of beanie hats long before she met Harry - wore a cozy-looking 23 'Kent' hat in khaki by Madewell. The slouchy headwear marks a return to the casual fashion that the couple favoured in their early days of dating

Casual in Canada: Harry stepped off the long flight to his new home wearing a navy blue beanie and carrying a green duffel bag and wearing blue jeans

The beanies that bind us! Prince looked delighted to be touching down on Canadian soil - and did his headwear send a message of unity to his awaiting wife

You'll fit right in: Harry looked super casual as he touched down on the tarmac at Vancouver Airport on Monday evening

Indeed, the Duchess has rarely been spotted in public without her beloved knitted headwear, choosing a variety of styles and colours since her return to Canada from the UK.

Last week, Meghan got behind the wheel in a stylish black beanie and shades as she drove herself to Victoria International Airport to meet Heather Dorak ahead of a girly weekend.

Harry, who's always been partial to a warm hat, arrived rocking a similar look. The Prince flew on to Vancouver Island via WestJet, the same carrier that Meghan is said to have taken, landing at Victoria Airport around 9.45pm local time and arrived looking like he would fit right into exclusive island's casual chic vibe.

The Duchess has rarely been spotted out of her beloved beanie hats since returning to Canada from the UK. On January 16th, she was seen in snug black headwear and shades at Victoria International Airport as she arrived to collect her close friend, pilates instructor Heather Dorak

Harry stepped off the long flight to his new home wearing a navy blue beanie, a black puffer jacket and jeans and carrying a green duffel bag.

A be-hatted Meghan had been seen wrangling with her black Labrador Oz and beagle Guy earlier, appearing to struggle to keep eight-month-old Archie in her baby carrier with one of the straps slipping off her shoulder.

The Duchess of Sussex was followed by two royal protection officers as she strolled through the Horth Hill Regional Park near the opulent 10million [$14million] Vancouver Island mansion they have used since Thanksgiving last year.

Meghan has stuck to her style; pictured in Toronto in 2016, just months after meeting Harry, the former Suits actress donned a beanie and boots very similar to the ones she wore yesterday in Vancouver

Archie wears an adorable hat knitted by New Zealand social enterprise Make Give Live in this photo, posted as part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's New Year message

While it's certainly not balmy on Vancouver Island - with a current average of 8 degrees - it's not quite the big freeze that the country is known for

Archie was dressed in a white onesie and bootees. Harry recently revealed his son, who is in Canada with Meghan, recently saw snow for the first time

Two Royal Protection Officers strolled behind her at a discreet distance for the morning outing - it is not known if they are British or Canadian

The former Suits star smiled to her protection officers, as the row over whether British or Canadian taxpayers will pay the Sussexes' 3million-a-year personal protection bill rumbles on.

Mother-of-one Meghan has clearly passed on her love of the beanie to her husband - and it looks like the couple's son too is already a fan of warm head gear.

During the couple's Christmas break in Canada, where Meghan once filmed the hit television series that made her name, the couple posted an adorable snap of Harry and Archie, with both of them wearing beanies, with Harry's hat adorned with two woolen pom-poms.

The 24.95 'Cocobear' beanie was gifted to the Sussexes during their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in October 2018, after an aide approached Make Give Live for a hat to present to the then-pregnant Duchess.

The socially conscious company, based in Auckland, were 'overwhelmed' with demand for Archie's hat, receiving 'multiple orders a second' after the couple shared the unseen photo on their official Instagram account.
Of all the annoying arguments trotted out against legal abortion, the most irksome of them is the claim that women need to be protected from themselves, that they will act rashly to terminate unwanted pregnancies and then spend the rest of their lives regretting it.

Such nonsense has even found its way into Supreme Court decisions on abortion

In 2007, in a decision upholding a law banning so-called partial-birth abortions, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that some women come to regret their choice to abort the infant life they once created and sustained, despite the fact, as even he acknowledged, that the court found no reliable data to measure the phenomenon.

We finally have that reliable data, however, and it means we can put the notion of abortion regret to rest.

As it turns out, the vast majority of women are grateful for their abortions. They are relieved by their abortions. They do not regret their abortions.

We know this thanks to a long-term study conducted by scientists at UC San Franciscos Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health. The study examined differences between women who had abortions and women who were refused abortions because their pregnancies were too advanced.

A number of papers have been generated by the study, which included 1,000 women at the outset.

A book, by lead researcher Diana Greene Foster, is in the works. And one of the final papers from the study was recently published in the journal Social Science and Medicine.

It definitively disproves the paternalistic claim, often advanced by abortion foes, that abortion harms women by causing negative emotions like regret and guilt.

Tons of studies have found that relief is the most common short-term emotion after abortion, despite mixed emotions, said the papers lead author, UCSF epidemiologist Corinne Rocca. But even after five years, when emotions are pretty low, relief is still the most common one.

She found that about 99% of women who had abortions told researchers five years later that theyd made the right decision.

The study, which interviewed women one week after their abortions, then twice a year for five years, also found that womens negative emotions often correlated with the amount of stigma they felt in their communities, not with the procedure itself.

Some women, naturally, dropped out of the study during the five years, leading critics to suggest that these were women who felt regret, shame or guilt about having abortions. But Rocca closely analyzed who dropped out and did not find a correlation between dropouts and negative emotions.

People can make that claim, she said, but I didnt find any of that.

Over the years, conservative states with male-dominated legislatures have found ways to chip away at the right to abortion with new restrictions.

The Supreme Court has allowed many of those limits to stand  as long as they do not pose an undue burden on women  while ultimately protecting the legality of the procedure.

However, just like pornography, what constitutes an undue burden is in the eye of the beholder.

Is it an undue burden to force minors to get parental consent? The Supreme Court said no. Is it an undue burden to force a woman to wait 24 hours before she receives an abortion? No. Is it an undue burden to force women to inform their husbands? Yes.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court now has a conservative majority, I fear the foes of reproductive freedom will finally prevail in their quest to force women back to a punitive time when the law denied them control over their own lives and wombs.

So far, the signals are distressing.

In December, the court refused to hear a challenge to a Kentucky law that requires doctors to describe ultrasound images to abortion seekers, and forces pregnant women to listen to the fetal heartbeat, whether they want to or not.

Kentucky lawmakers call this blatantly political intrusion on the doctor-patient relationship informed consent.

Among the many challenges to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court pipeline is one that justices are likely to hear this term: They will be asked to uphold a Louisiana law that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges with nearby hospitals. The rub, of course, is that hospitals can and often do refuse to give abortion doctors such privileges.

Why is this case so alarming?

Because in 2016, the Supreme Court struck down, on a 5 to 3 vote, a similar Texas law, finding that it did nothing to improve womens health and instead imposed on them an undue burden.

In his majority opinion, Justice Stephen Breyer noted that when he asked during oral arguments whether Texas officials knew of a single instance where the new law would have helped a woman obtain better treatment, they could not offer any evidence.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, the swing vote in that case, is no longer on the court.

He has been replaced by Brett Kavanaugh, who has given no indication that he agrees with the courts precedent in Roe v. Wade. Many people on both sides of the abortion debate believe he would probably overturn it given the chance.

Sadly for women, it looks like hes about to be given that chance.

Robin Abcarian is an opinion columnist at the Los Angeles Times.

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- People's Daily Online West USA held the premiere for their short documentary series on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, also launching the ceremony "reading China from multiple cities and one book" at the San Francisco Public Library on Jan. 18, 2020.

Wang Donghua, Consul General of the People's Republic of China to San Francisco, attended the premiere.

China and the United States established formal diplomatic relations on January 1, 1979. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, People's Daily Online West USA took six months to shoot a documentary involving travel over 9,900 miles from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States. The ten interviewed guests are witnesses to, and builders of, China-U.S. relations over the past 40 years. The documentary interviewed: Christopher Nixon Cox, an American lawyer based in New York, son of Tricia Cox and Edward Cox and grandson of President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon; Neil Mallon Bush, fourth of six children of former President George H. W. Bush and brother of President George W. Bush; Stephen A. Orlins, President of the National Committee since 2005.

Wang Donghua, Consul General of the People's Republic of China to San Francisco, who attended the premiere, said, "It is meaningful for us to hold an event like this, which will help us review the development of China-U.S. relations, summarize the experience and lessons of China-U.S. cooperation, and think about ways for the two major countries to live in peace and resolve their differences." Wang said the event was a good entry point and focused on how to read China. At present, China-U.S. relations are facing unprecedented difficulties. One important reason is that we don't have enough mutual understanding. "There are far more Chinese who know America than there are Americans who know China. It shows how important it is to have events like today." Florence Fang, a Chinese-American businesswoman, publisher, and former owner of the San Francisco Examiner, was also featured in the documentary. She congratulated the success of the documentary at the premiere and hopes to make more contributions to China-U.S. relations in the future. Michael Lambert, City Librarian at San Francisco Public Library, said at the premiere that, as the subject of the documentary, "Vision and conviction will take China-U.S. relations forward; we believe that vision and conviction will promote understanding and goodwill between our people."

People's Daily Online is a large-scale news platform built by People's Daily, the largest newspaper group in China. Wei Deng, the head of People's Daily Online West USA, said that, through interviews with those having significant background contributions to relations between China and the United States, the efforts to build up the bridge of communication through real records and reflections on history and mutual trust can be enhanced and the exchanges between the two countries expanded. At the end of the ceremony, People's Daily Online West USA donated a batch of books on Chinese traditional culture in English to the San Francisco Library.

Media Contact:

Wei Deng

Phone: 669.900.2566

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

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Wang Donghua

Wang Donghua, Consul General of the People's Republic of China to San Francisco, attended the premiere.

donation-of-a-batch-of-books.jpg

Donation of a batch of books

People's Daily Online West USA donated a batch of books on Chinese traditional culture in English to the San Francisco Public Library.

florence-fang.jpg

Florence Fang

A Chinese-American businesswoman and publisher, former owner of the San Francisco Examiner.

the-documentary-premiere.jpg

The documentary premiere

People's Daily Online West USA held the premiere of the short documentary series on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.

the-documentary-premiere.jpg

The documentary premiere

People's Daily Online West USA held the premiere of the short documentary series on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zltHqjBDGAE

SOURCE People's Daily Online West USA
A New York Police Department officer has been reassigned after she was found having a drunken sexual encounter in a bathroom, according to a police report obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com.

Lieutenant Brandi Sanchez, 39, was placed on modified assignment for being unfit for duty following an internal investigation over the alleged early evening tryst with Sergeant Lambros Gavalas - who has been stripped of his gun and put on administrative duties.

A dressed up Sanchez was found 'engaged in sexual interactions' in the female restroom of a department facility on the 12th floor of 90 Church Street on Friday by two other female officials, according the report.

Sanchez is married to a commanding officer Deputy Inspector Timothy J. Skretch, CO 79 Precinct.

Sanchez and Gavalas were even given an opportunity to leave the restroom, but when the officials returned to the restroom shortly thereafter, the lovers were still there, the police report claims.

Finally, once Gavalas left the bathroom, Sanchez was allegedly found in the bathroom stall 'exposed, intoxicated and uncooperative'.

NYPD Lieutenant Brandi Sanchez was placed on modified assignment following an internal investigation over an alleged tryst on Friday evening

Sanchez was caught with police Sergeant Lambros Gavalas (left) and his assignment was modified as we say hers was. The lieutenant - Sanchez- is married to a commanding officer Deputy Inspector Timothy J. Skretch (right)

The police report notes that Sanchez was not armed during the alleged sexapade, but was wearing a black coat, burgundy dress and black shoes.

While police are investigating the incident, Sanchez is on desk duty and has since handed over her gun and badge.

She has worked for the NYPD since 2004 and is currently assigned to the family assistance section, making a salary of at least $110,000 in 2018, according to CapStat.

According to the police report, Sanchez was found inside the restroom at around 6.40pm by another female officer, who 'observed two persons occupying a closed stall, apparently engaged in what were believed to be sexual interactions.'

The officer then brought another female officer into the bathroom, who observed the same thing, the report states. 'Unknown to her at the time that one of the parties was a uniformed member of service.'

The 39-year-old, who has worked with the NYPD since 2004 and makes at least $110k, was wearing a black coat and burgundy dress but was unarmed. Sanchez was allegedly found exposed, intoxicated and uncooperative'

Sanchez and her paramour were even given an opportunity to leave the restroom, but when the officials returned to the restroom a little bit later, the lovers were still there, the police report claims. Pictured: The building where Sanchez was allegedly found with her lover in a bathroom stall

The officials told the lovers to leave the bathroom, then stepped away from the area. But when they returned, they allegedly found Sanchez and the man still in the stall.

When they issued another warning for them to leave, 'an unidentified Caucasian male exited the stall... and left the other individual remaining in the closed stall.'

One of the officials stepped up on the toilet of the next-door stall to look into the occupied stall, finding an 'exposed' Sanchez, according to the police report.

It notes that Sanchez 'appeared intoxicated and was uncooperative' and then 'identified herself verbally as a member of this department'.

Sanchez was unable to be interviewed due to her alleged compromised mental state.

The police report states Sanchez was stripped of her gun and badge. She was not armed at the time of the incident.

DCPI confirmed to DailyMail.com that Sanchez's duty status is modified and the case is under internal review.


LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will publicly set out its goals for its future partnership with the European Union, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, in a speech expected to take place early next month.

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will publicly set out its goals for its future partnership with the European Union, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, in a speech expected to take place early next month.

"We will set out in public what we want to achieve," the spokesman said in response to questions about trade talks with the EU after Britain leaves the bloc on Jan. 31.

The spokesman said that although there will be equivalence of rules at first after Brexit, Britain does not want alignment in the future and would pursue a free trade agreement similar to the one between the EU and Canada.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, writing by Alistair Smout, editing by William Schomberg)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
In 2015, Kejriwal declared the value of his movable assets at Rs 2,26,005, which has increased to Rs 9,95,741 in 2020 -- an increase of Rs 7,69,736. The self-acquired immovable property of Kejriwal and his wife remained roughly the same as in 2015.

New Delhi: The total movable assets of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who on Tuesday filed his nomination for the February 8 Assembly elections, have gone up by about Rs 8 lakh since 2015 and that of his wife by Rs 41 lakh.

In the affidavit filed with the Election Commission, Kejriwal, who is contesting from the New Delhi seat for the third consecutive time, announced that he has not bought any new immovable asset in the last five years.

The worth of Kejriwal's self-acquired immovable property was Rs 92 lakh in 2015, but, with an increase in the market value of the property, it has now jumped to Rs 1.77 crore.

He had bought a property in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad in 1998 at a cost of Rs 3.5 lakh, and its 'current approximate market value' was Rs 55 lakh in 2015, but it has now doubled to Rs 1.4 crore in 2020. He has inherited a property in Haryana and its worth remained the same since 2015 -- Rs 37 lakh.

Kejriwal said his wife Sunita bought a residential property in 2010 in Gurugram at a cost of Rs 61 lakh. Its market value was Rs 1 crore in 2015, and remained the same in 2020.

Her movable assets had increased from Rs 15,28,361 in 2015 to Rs 57,07,791 in 2020.

While Kejriwal had "nil" liabilities, his wife has loans worth Rs 41 lakh in 2015, which became "nil" now. She had a home loan worth Rs 30 lakh from SBI, and had borrowed Rs 11 lakh from relatives in 2015.

The gold and silver owned by Sunita, a housewife and retired government officer, had increased in five years. While she now owned 320 grams of gold, against 300 grams in 2015, she now has one kg silver, up from 500 grams in 2015.

Also, while the family was not owning any car in 2015, Sunita owns a Maruti Baleno, 2017 model, as of 2020.

While the Chief Minister had 10 cases against him in 2015, as of 2020, there are 13 pending cases against him.

In 2013-14, Kejriwal's total income was Rs 2,07,330 which increased to Rs 2,81,375 in 2018-19. The same for his wife in 2013-14 was Rs 11,83,390 but has reduced to Rs 9,94,790 in 2018-19.
Phase-I of the Real Time Train Information System (RTIS) has been successfully commissioned by Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) that will provide real-time train information to the Indian Railways. This is said to help in increasing the operational efficiency, in addition to enhancing passenger safety. The RTIS has been entirely designed, developed and manufactured in India.

According to the press statement issued by BEL, the system has been commissioned through the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS), under the technical guidance of Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO.

RTIS is designed to provide real-time positional information of locomotives to the Railways. It facilitates the automatic acquisition of train movement data, including that of arrival, departure and run-through timings, at the stations en route.

The control chart of trains, which has RTIS-enabled locomotives, gets plotted automatically in the Control Office Application (COA) system of the Railways. The Train Controllers can, without any manual intervention, accurately track the location and speed of RTIS-enabled locomotives/trains. Not only does the system facilitate smooth control of trains, but it also optimises traffic management, improves operational efficiency and pre-empts accidents.

The RTIS project involved installation of Locomotive Device, which tracks the location of trains using S-Band Mobile Satellite Service (S-MSS) of ISRO's GSAT 6 satellite as well as 4G/3G mobile data service, setting up of MSS Hub and Data Centre with hardware and application software at the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), Chanakyapuri.

The technology of the Locomotive Device has been indigenously developed. The entire application software, including the HUB Network Monitoring System (NMS), has been developed in-house by BEL.

Founded in 1954, BEL was set up in association with CSF, France (now, Thales), to manufacture basic communication equipments. BEL now produces a wide range of state-of-the-art equipments in fields such as Defence Communication, Radars, Naval Systems, C4I Systems, Weapon Systems, Homeland Security, Telecom & Broadcast Systems, Electronic Warfare, Tank Electronics, Electro Optics, Professional Electronic Components and Solar Photovoltaic Systems, BEL also provides turnkey system solutions. BEL also produce civilian products such as electronic voting machines, tablet PC, solar-powered traffic signal systems and access control systems. BEL has eight units across India - Ghaziabad, Pune, Machilipatnam, Panchkula, Kotdwara, Navi Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad - with each focussing on specific product mix. BEL was established to meet the specialised electronic equipment requirements of the Indian Defence Services and has expanded since then. The company also exports some of its products and services to a number of countries as well.

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January 21 : Tiger Shroff, who has returned to bay after shooting for his upcoming film Baaghi 3, shares a great bond with sister Krishna Shroff, who grew a year older today.

The young actor took to his Instagram handle and wished his little sister Krishna Shroff on her birthday today. Krishna and Tiger are Jackie Shroff and Ayesha Shroff's children.

Krishna, who is also a fitness freak like his brother Tiger, does martial arts and often flaunts her perfect body in her Instagram pictures and videos. Krishna has also opened a chain of gyms along with Tiger.

On the occasion of sister Krishna's birthday, Tiger posted an adorable picture with a heart-felt caption, giving out major sibling goals. In the monochrome picture, we can see the siblings flaunting their perfect gym body. The Baaghi actor referred her sister as baby bro and asked her not to grow too much and not to get married before she is 80.

Meanwhile, Tiger is gearing up for Baaghi 3, the third instalment of the Baaghi franchise. Also featuring Shraddha Kapoor, the movie was filmed in Serbia and Jaipur. Slated to hit the screens on March 6, 2020, Baaghi 3 is directed by Ahmed Khan.
By Mei Mei Chu

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Average palm oil prices will surge 17.9% this year, a Reuters poll of industry participants showed, as reduced output in the first half of the year and higher biodiesel consumption in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia tighten the market.

Benchmark palm oil prices will average 2,650 ringgit ($650.80) a tonne in 2020, up from 2,248 ringgit last year, according to the median estimate from a poll of 18 analysts and industry players.

"With relatively low production in the first quarter, production will only be sufficient for export and not for topping up stock," said Derom Bangun, chairman of the Indonesia Palm Oil Board.

Supplies are expected to rebound later in the year, however, and prices could be "much lower from April to December", said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil importer based in Mumbai.

2020 Reuters palm oil poll https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/7/8190/8171/2020ReutersPalmPoll.png

Indonesia's palm production is pegged to rise 0.55% to 45.75 million tonnes in 2020 from an estimated 45.5 million tonnes in 2019, according to the median estimate of 14 poll respondents who answered questions specifically on Indonesia's palm sector.

This is compared to output growth of 5.8% in 2019 over 2018's total of 43 million tonnes, sources said.

Output in No.2 producer Malaysia will grow by 0.35% to 19.93 million tonnes this year, based on the median estimate from 14 participants.

Historical palm oil price averages https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/7/8189/8170/HistorialPalmPriceAverages.png

In 2019, Malaysia's production rose 1.85% to 19.86 million tonnes, up from 2018's 19.5 million tonnes.

The slower output growth is due to dry weather and lower fertiliser usage in both countries last year, when palm prices dropped as low as 1,960 ringgit.

Indonesia and Malaysia together account for nearly 90 percent of global palm production.

BIODIESEL

Story continues

"(In) year 2020 much depends on whether Indonesia can produce 10 million kilolitres of biodiesel," said Christopher Chai, a general manager with Malaysia's Kwantas Corp <KWAN.KL>.

The market will be closely watching the roll-out of Indonesia's B30 biodiesel programme - biodiesel with 30% palm content - and Malaysia's newly implemented B20 programme, as together they are expected to increase local consumption by 10%-13%, traders said.

Indonesia is targeting 10 million kilolitres (8.7 million tonnes) of biodiesel production this year, while Malaysia's biodiesel association is expecting to produce 1.7 million to 2 million tonnes of the fuel.

TRADE WARS

Ongoing trade disputes between China and the United States, India and Malaysia, and the European Union and Indonesia will likely affect export shipments this year, poll respondents said.

"The Indonesian government's battle with the EU on the latter imposing anti-dumping duties on Indonesian biodiesel exporters will hog the media attention," Sathia Varqa, owner and co-founder of Singapore-based Palm Oil Analytics, said.

Malaysia benefited from the trade war between the United States and China in 2019, with exports to China rising by 33.9% last year. However, a trade deal between the two largest economies may see China resume purchases of U.S. soybeans, which may result in a lower demand for palm oil.

India, the world's largest edible oil buyer, as well restricted overall imports of refined palm oil on Jan. 8., and informally instructed its traders to avoid purchases from Malaysia following a diplomatic squabble.

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu in KUALA LUMPUR; Additional reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe in JAKARTA, Rajendra Jadhav in MUMBAI, and Hallie Gu in BEIJING; Editing Tom Hogue)
Disgraced former state Labor MP Milton Orkopoulos allegedly opened an Instagram account and spoke to two relatives on the phone without informing authorities, leading police to arrest him at his eastern suburbs home, a court has heard.

Orkopoulos, 62, a convicted paedophile who was released on parole six weeks ago, was arrested at Malabar on Wednesday and charged with two counts of failing to comply with his reporting obligations under the Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Act.

Milton Orkopoulos leaves court on Wednesday. Credit:Isabella Porras

He was granted bail by police at Maroubra to face Waverley Local Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Magistrate Greg Grogin asked the police prosecutor and Orkopoulos's lawyer why the case was being dealt with "in a special way" by coming before the court just hours after the former politician's release, instead of weeks into the future as would be the normal procedure.
If you strain your eyes very hard, you might see a silver lining in the gloomy outcome of the Berlin summit over the Libyan civil war: At least Khalifa Haftar didn't storm off in a huff. The commander of the rebel forces besieging Tripoli did not reprise his performance of the previous week, when he left Moscow without so much as a by-your-leave to Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was able to extract a modicum of courtesy from Haftar, getting him to stay through the end of the summit, and agreeing to a deal she tried heroically to cast as progress. It was "a comprehensive plan forward," she said, claiming that "all participants worked really constructively together."

It isn't, and they didn't.

If Haftar showed his contempt for the peacemaking efforts in Moscow - by refusing to sign a deal after Putin and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had persuaded Libya's internationally-recognized Government of National Accord in Tripoli to agree - he signaled his disdain for the Berlin parleys even before they'd begun. On the eve of the summit, he blocked oil exports from ports under his control, effectively slashing Libya's output by more than half.

It was a demonstration of power ahead of the gathering of belligerents, and added to the list of disputes that the middlemen would have to mediate. The Europeans, led by Merkel, and the U.S., represented by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, weren't even able to extract from Haftar a firm commitment to reopen the ports.

All they got from the rebel commander and the GNA leader Fayez al-Sarraj was an agreement to talk some more; each is to name a five-person team for meetings in Geneva.

Pompeo, like Merkel, made an effort to portray this pig's ear as a silk purse, but then gave up. "There was progress made toward a full-fledged ceasefire, a truce, temporary stand-down," he said as he left Berlin. "There's still a lot of work to do."

In truth there's not a great deal that the Europeans and Americans can do - or are prepared to. Such leverage as exists in Libya now is in the hands of other powers: Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates on the side of Haftar, and Turkey shoring up al-Sarraj's besieged GNA.

In Berlin, all of these players said they wanted peace, committed to end their military backing of the warring parties, and signed an agreement to uphold a United Nations arms embargo. There were plans, too, for international monitoring of the ceasefire.

These promises ring familiar, and hollow. Even if Egypt and the UAE were entirely sincere in their desire for peace, they will not agree on any terms that leave Turkey - in the proxy of the GNA - firmly ensconced in Libya. Nor is Erdogan in any mood to back down: On the eve of the Berlin summit, he reiterated his commitment to send Turkish troops to Tripoli's aid. To make matters even more complicated, Ankara seems already to have dispatched hundreds of Syrian proxies to Libya, to hold the line against Haftar.

The only party facing anything like a quandary is Russia. Putin has been backing Haftar, and has cultivated warm relations with Egypt, but he greatly values his relationship with Erdogan. In a straight fight between the rebel forces and Turkish troops, can the Russians be neutral?

Haftar is adept at exploiting rivalries among the other belligerents to his advantage, and Libya's long, poorly-guarded borders undermine any efforts to impose an arms embargo. He knows that the Berlin agreement is no more than a gentlemen's bargain among rogues, and doomed to fail.

- - -

Bobby Ghosh is a columnist and member of the Bloomberg Opinion editorial board. He writes on foreign affairs, with a special focus on the Middle East and the wider Islamic world.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
The Market Watch General Department has called on localities to inspect and strictly handle firework sales online on social networks ahead of the Lunar New Year Festival.

The man only known as Hung introduces a type of firework to customers on a social network.  Photo tuoitre.vn

The department has asked the local market watch in cities and provinces to keep a close eye on the trading of fireworks on Facebook and Youtube.

The activity has been known as the new method to trade illegal firecrackers. Local press reported that many channels and pages have been created to sell different types of fireworks costing of between VND550,000-3 million (US$22.9-125).

According to the online stores, fireworks have been domestically-produced or imported from China and Thailand.

An online shop owner only known as Hung told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he posted the images or video clips showing different types of fireworks on Facebook or Zalo.

Customers would contact him via the social networks to order the products they wanted. Fireworks would be transported to customers via motorbike taxis.

The department has also asked forces to handle cases of illegal trading and transporting fireworks in border provinces and in the domestic market.  VNS
Making yet another attempt to blame India, Pakistan Chief Minister Imran Khan while addressing people via You Tube spoke about the increasing crimes in his country. He said that the primary reason for the increase in sex crime and drug abuse in Pakistan are mobile phones. Blaming the content, he said that Bollywood and Hollywood are the reason that "such content" reaches Pakistan.

Jinnah's two-nation theory 'more acknowledged reality' today: Gen Bajwa

"It is very important for us to understand that Pakistan is facing a very big challenge and that is because of mobile phones. Mobile phones have enabled the availability of such content to children that was never available in entire human history. Now there is a fallout. This is the main reason of drugs getting inside schools. I did not realise it until I came to power. A sex crime is skyrocketing, paedophilia, child pornography is going on in Pakistan," Imran Khan said.

Blaming Bollywood and Hollywood, Khan went on to add: "We are trying to clampdown. But one more reason is the content, content comes from Hollywood, then to Bollywood and then to Pakistan. People here do not realise that we are consuming the most harmful thing of western civilization."

Imran Khan's govt approves amendment to Pakistan Army Act in an emergency meeting

Pakistan admits PoK is Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Earlier on January 19, in a massive embarrassment for Pakistan, Imran Ismail- the governor of Pakistans Sindh province referred to the occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Ismail wrote this on Twitter while posting an article with reference to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans willingness to conduct a plebiscite or a referendum in PoK. Officially, Pakistan has never admitted to illegally occupying parts of J&K and calls it Azad Kashmir. After considerable outrage on social media in Pakistan, Ismail- who is also a senior leader of Khans PTI party deleted his tweet.

Rattled By Gen. Naravane's PoK Remark, Pakistan Army Reviews Security Situation Along LoC

'Pakistan is ready for a referendum or a plebiscite'

This came after Pakistan PM Imran Khan while speaking to Ines Pohl, the Editor-in-Chief of Deutsche Welle stated that he wanted the people of Kashmir to have a say in their future. Moreover, he claimed that Pakistan was ready for a referendum or a plebiscite in PoK as well. Khan was responding to a question on giving a choice to the people of PoK Imran Khan stated, Let the people of Kashmir decide what they want. Pakistan is ready for a referendum or a plebiscite. Let them decide whether they want to remain with Pakistan or to be independent.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Pakistani Guv admits J&K occupation, deletes 'PoK' post after backlash
Cyberbullying had the impact of amplifying symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in young people who were inpatients at an adolescent psychiatric hospital, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. The study addressed both the prevalence and factors related to cyberbullying in adolescent inpatients.

"Even against a backdrop of emotional challenges in the kids we studied, we noted cyberbullying had an adverse impact. It's real and should be assessed," said Philip D. Harvey, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who co-authored the paper "Cyberbullying and Its Relationship to Current Symptoms and History of Early Life Trauma."

He says children with a history of being abused were found to be more likely to be cyberbullied, suggesting that assessments for childhood trauma should also include assessments for cyberbullying. Likewise, children who report being cyberbullied should be assessed for a history of childhood trauma.

"Cyberbullying is possibly more pernicious than other forms of bullying because of its reach," Dr. Harvey says. "The bullying can be viral and persistent. To really be bullying, it has to be personal - a directly negative comment attempting to make the person feel bad."

The study helped to confirm other facts about cyberbullying:

Being online regularly or the amount of time spent on social media weren't determining factors in who was cyberbullied.

Cyberbullying cuts across all economic classes and ethnic backgrounds.

Adolescents who have been bullied in the past had a higher risk of being bullied again.

Studying Cyberbullying's Impact on an Inpatient Psychiatric Population

The study of 50 adolescent psychiatric inpatients ages 13 to 17 examined the prevalence of cyberbullying and related it to social media usage, current levels of symptoms and histories of adverse early life experience.

Conducted from September 2016 to April 2017 at a suburban psychiatric hospital in Westchester County, New York, the study asked participants to complete two childhood trauma questionnaires and a cyberbullying questionnaire.

Twenty percent of participants reported that they had been cyberbullied within the last two months before their admission. Half of the participants were bullied by text messages and half on Facebook. Transmitted pictures or videos, Instagram, instant messages and chat rooms were other cyberbullying vehicles.

Those who had been bullied had significantly higher severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anger, and fantasy dissociation than those who were not bullied.

Links to Childhood Trauma

Participants who reported being cyberbullied also reported significantly higher levels of lifetime emotional abuse on the study's Childhood Trauma Questionnaire than those who were not bullied. These same young people did not report a significantly higher level of other types of trauma (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect or physical neglect).

Further studies are needed to establish whether there may be some unique consequence of childhood emotional abuse that makes troubled teens more likely to experience or report cyberbullying.

Conclusions

While all of the participants in this study were psychiatric inpatients, those who had been bullied had significantly higher scores on PTSD, depression, anger, and dissociation scales than those who were not bullied. Dr. Harvey says this finding is consistent with past research.

Dr. Harvey encourages psychologists, psychiatrists and other counselors to routinely ask young people if they were abused or traumatized when they were younger and whether they are being bullied now.

He says adding these questions to the clinical evaluation of adolescents may bring to light symptoms that may have otherwise been ignored. Additionally, factors that may be causing or contributing to those symptoms can be targeted for specific intervention.

Parents and adolescents can take action to discourage bullying, Dr. Harvey says. "It's not hard to block someone on the Internet, whether it's texting, Facebook, Twitter, or sending pictures. Ask why are people choosing you to bully? If it's something you're posting, assess that and make a change."

Dr. Harvey collaborated on the study with Samantha Block Saltz, M.D., also with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and David L. Pogge, Ph.D., of Winds Hospital in Katonah, New York.

###

To obtain a copy of the University of Miami Modified Cyberbullying Questionnaire, contact Dr. Harvey at pharvey@med.miami.edu. The questionnaire can be used by clinicians and parents and takes only a few minutes to complete.
By Trend

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has left for Tbilisi for an official visit on Jan. 21 at the invitation of the Minister of Defense of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

During the meetings with the Georgian military and political leadership, which are planned to be held as part of the visit, the Azerbaijani defense minister will discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation, as well as international and regional security issues.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Significant changes in how EBI evaluations are calculated and presented have been announced by ICBF.

The biggest change relates to how the calving difficulty index is presented. This is the first time in over 15 years that the index has been altered.

Dr Ross Evans of ICBF explained that the same data is being used, but it will now be presented differently.

Instead of an overall evaluation of a sire's calving difficulty, the proof will be split to show the bull's performance on dairy cows, dairy heifers, beef cows and beef heifers.

Dr Evans said the weakness in the current system is that there is no differentiation between heifers and cows, or between dairy and beef breeds.

"This means a high-reliability bull on paper may not be proven on the type of cow that you have," he said.

The new 'risk for use on heifer' trait will provide a more balanced selection option for farmers when choosing bulls for use on heifers.

Genomics

Another change agreed by the ICBF board involves the widening of the genomic reference population.

Up to now the genomic reference population was made up exclusively of Holstein and Friesian bulls.

From this week, however, the training or reference population has been broadened to include dairy cows and other breeds.

ICBF said extending the training or reference population, particularly in the context of female fertility, will see average EBI reliability increase from 50-52pc to over 60pc.

Changes to the maintenance index were also confirmed by ICBF. These evaluations are currently based on cull cow weights provided by the factories.

The new approach is to transition to the use of liveweight, which is more accurate because the cost of cow maintenance is based on the liveweight of the cow.

Up to now ICBF has been using cull cow weights obtained from beef processors. However, from next week liveweight data will be obtained from the marts and from farmers who record liveweight.

Andrew Cromie of ICBF said the updates would see little change in average EBI, however, he noted that there would be some changes in terms of individual bulls' ranking.

He also said dairy farmers not using EBI bulls are missing out on 35m value and continue to be a huge source of frustration.
The Congress on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the powers of the Speaker of a House, saying it will change the political scenario of India.

In a path-breaking ruling, the apex court on Tuesday said Parliament should "rethink" whether the Speaker of a House should continue to have powers to disqualify lawmakers as such a functionary "belongs to a particular political party".

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said the Supreme Court judgement says that no Speaker can now delay deciding a matter and the delay cannot be more than three months as they have directed the Manipur Assembly Speaker to decide a matter pertaining to disqualification of a Congress MLA in three months.

He said the SC judgement says that Parliament must now frame a law to have an independent tribunal, take away the power from Speaker (on deciding disqualification petitions).

The Congress leader said the Congress bagged 28 seats in Manipur, the BJP got 21, but the saffron party aligned with NPP and took one Congress MLA and the next day of him being elected, he became a minister.

The Congress had then filed an application of disqualification against him but the Speaker did not take any action, after which a writ petition was filed, Sibal said.

"No Speaker can delay deciding a matter and the delay cannot be more than three months. Every disqualification application has to be decided within three months.

"If there are some peculiar circumstances which do not permit him to decide within three months, he must give reasons as to why he cannot decide within three months and they have directed the Manipur Speaker to decide the matter within three months and he says that judge said if he does not decide the matter, we are free to come back to Supreme Court for seeking appropriate directions," Sibal said.

He said the ruling would mean that the Tamil Nadu Assembly, also where Speaker has not decided, will have to decide within three months. He added that it also means that in many other states, where people have moved from one party to another party, who have been against ministers and against whom disqualification petitions are pending including Goa, will have to decide these matters in the next three months.

"This will change the political scenario of India. We are very happy and the Supreme Court has also said that it seems that the Minority judgment in Kiyoto Holon seems to be right. That their fear seems to be justified and that is why we need a change in the 10th Schedule of the Constitution regarding the Tribunal to decide, which Tribunal is to decide on issues of disqualification," Sibal said.

According to the Supreme Court ruling, Parliament may seriously consider amending the Constitution to substitute Speaker of Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies as arbiter of disqualification issues with "a permanent Tribunal headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court" or some other mechanism to ensure swift and impartial decisions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is organizing a "rigged" impeachment trial for Donald Trump and working "in concert" with the president, chief House prosecutor Adam Schiff said on Tuesday.

"This is a process for a rigged trial," Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters after McConnell released proposed rules for the historic Senate trial.

"This is the process if you do not want the American people to see the evidence," said Schiff, who led the investigation that resulted in Trump's December 18 impeachment by the House of Representatives.

"This is a process you use if you want to, hand in hand, working in concert with the president, allow the president to continue to obstruct the Congress and deny the truth to the American people," Schiff said shortly before the Senate was to debate the rules.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
European aircraft maker Airbus said Tuesday it will build a new production line for its hugely popular A321 single-aisle jet in France, adding to the output of the original plant in Germany.

From 2022, the jets will be built at Airbus's headquarters in Toulouse, southern France, as well as in Hamburg, Germany.

"We are enjoying an unprecedented high demand for our winning A320neo family," in particular the A321 long-range and extra-long-range versions, Airbus chief operating officer Michael Schoellhorn said in a statement.

Production in Toulouse will take place at facilities previously used to build the A380 superjumbo, which Airbus decided to scrap last year after airlines found it too expensive to operate.

The company plans to increase production of planes in the A320 series to 63 a month by 2021 to fulfil back orders of more than 6,000 jets in December.

It had already announced earlier this month plans to increase production of A320 jets at its US factory in Alabama.

The A320 series, introduced in 1987, has garnered more orders than any plane in commercial aviation history, industry experts say, as demand for mid-range flights soars.

The planes are also the main competitors to Boeing's 737 line, which has suffered from the uncertain future for the 737 MAX.

The MAX was grounded by regulators last March after two crashes that killed a total of 346 people -- one involving Indonesia's Lion Air and the other an Ethiopian Airlines jet.

Since then, Boeing has failed to allay safety concerns and secure approval from regulators to allow 737 MAX flights to resume, a headache for dozens of airlines who have already ordered the plane.

Airbus delivered 863 planes last year, with A320 models making up the majority at 642 planes, while Boeing delivered just 380 planes as customers cancelled MAX orders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Robin Millard (Agence France-Presse) London, United Kingdom  Tue, January 21, 2020 12:02 722 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20604fbb4 2 People Prince-Harry,Britain,royals,Meghan-and-Harry,Meghan-Markle,Duke-and-Duchess-of-Sussex,Canada Free

Britain's Prince Harry has left the UK to rejoin his wife Meghan and son Archie in Canada, British media reported, as the couple start a new life after their shock exit from the royal fold.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are bowing out entirely from representing the British monarchy, in a crisis that has shaken the centuries-old institution.

The prince boarded an evening flight to Vancouver after attending a UK-Africa investment summit in London, in what is expected to be one of his final official engagements as a working royal, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The departure "will be deemed symbolic, coming just two days after Buckingham Palace announced that it was severing all official ties with the Sussexes as they walk away from public life," the Telegraph said.

The prince and his US former actress wife have struggled with the scrutiny since their wedding in May 2018 and the 35-year-old said there was no alternative to stepping back from front-line royal duties to achieve "a more peaceful life" with their infant son.

Harry, who remains sixth in line to the throne, also had an informal 20-minute private meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

The premier has said the whole country would want wish Harry and Meghan all the best for the future.

Harry later skipped a summit dinner for the visiting African leaders at Buckingham Palace in order not to overshadow his brother William's hosting of the event, the Daily Mail reported.

Read also: Prince Harry expresses 'great sadness' at royal split

HRH style dropped

Under their new settlement, Harry and Meghan will no longer represent his grandmother the queen, must give up honorary military appointments and will no longer receive public funds.

The couple will no longer be referred to as his or her royal highness.

"Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately that wasn't possible."

Harry also confessed to some trepidation at charting a new life in Canada.

"We are taking a leap of faith," he said.

Harry was at Monday's summit at the request of the British government and it could be one of the last times he is seen on official royal duty.

Hybrid role wish blocked

Meghan and Archie are already in Canada, staying on Vancouver Island on the Pacific west coast.

The "Megxit" crisis began on January 8 when the couple announced their plans to seek a "progressive new role" in North America -- without having finalized the plans with Queen Elizabeth.

That unilateral assertion of a hybrid role is starkly different from Saturday's clean-break announcement, following emergency negotiations between the senior royals and their households.

The couple agreed to repay 2.4 million ($3.1 million) of taxpayers' money spent on renovating their new Frogmore Cottage home on the Windsor Castle estate.

They can maintain their private patronages and associations but must uphold the monarchy's values in any commercial arrangements they strike.

Read also: UK's Harry and Meghan to drop titles and retire as working royals

'Elegant escape hatch'

Monday's newspapers said the agreement could even strengthen the monarchy and provide a template for other royals in future.

The Daily Express columnist Leo McKinstry said the deal was "the most sensible, constructive arrangement that could have been reached."

Tim Stanley, writing in The Daily Telegraph, said the agreement was "good for the monarchy because it allows it to define its borders."

The Daily Mail said that "by fashioning an elegant escape hatch for those unsuited to royal life, the Queen may actually have strengthened the monarchy."

Meanwhile The Sun welcomed the monarch's decision to "show Meghan and Harry the door."

"Their plan to be half in, half out of The Firm was arrogant in the extreme, and would have set a damaging precedent."

Though the Sussexes want a life lived less in the spotlight, the new arrangements still leave them facing scrutiny.

The couple receive almost all of their funding from the private income of Harry's father Prince Charles.

Whether that will continue -- and who will foot their security bill -- remains to be seen.




By Park Si-soo







South Korea's food safety regulator has banned HiteJinro from using "Clean Lager" on all forms of promotional material for its TERRA beer.







The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the expression was "exaggerated" and could "mislead" customers.







The ministry is studying what kind of administrative penalty it will impose along with the ban.







HiteJinro has promoted TERRA's cleanness with the expression since its market debut in March last year  using the term on bottle labels, TV commercials and online and offline promotional material.







The company claimed TERRA stood out in cleanness compared with rival beers  mainly from Oriental Brewery (OB) and Lotte Chilsung Beverage  because it was made with "malts harvested in exceptionally clean areas in Australia."







But the ministry said the use of Australian malts itself did not provide sufficient grounds for the company to claim the product's exceptional cleanness, pointing out that OB and Lotte also produced beer with Australian malts. Even if the company actually used "exceptionally clean malts," it had limited impact on the final quality, the ministry said.




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Shares of Novavax Inc. (NVAX) have gained more than 46% over the last 5 trading days, thanks to positive development related to its NanoFlu vaccine.



Novavax is a late-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious diseases.



The Company has two late-stage product candidates NanoFlu, a recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) protein nanoparticle influenza vaccine, and ResVax, an aluminum adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein recombinant nanoparticle vaccine.



On January 15, 2020, the FDA granted Fast Track Designation for NanoFlu. The Fast track status will expedite the review of the drug.



A phase III clinical trial evaluating the immunogenicity and safety of NanoFlu against the quadrivalent formulation of Fluzone is underway. The trial's primary objectives are to demonstrate non-inferior immunogenicity as measured by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers of vaccine homologous influenza strains compared to Fluzone, and to describe its safety profile.



The top-line clinical data from the trial is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2020. If all goes well as planned, the Company may seek approval of NanoFlu using the FDA's accelerated approval pathway.



The Company reported results from Prepare, a global phase III clinical trial of ResVax, last March. Although the trial did not meet the primary objective of prevention of medically significant (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), it did show efficacy against secondary objective (RSV LRTI hospitalization).



The Company met with the FDA, European regulatory agencies, and potentially other national regulatory agencies to assess opportunities for submission of marketing applications for ResVax. The FDA and the European Medicines Agency have both recommended that Novavax conduct an additional phase III clinical trial to confirm the efficacy of ResVax.



As of September 30, 2019, the Company had $75.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, and restricted cash.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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A year after warning world leaders our house is on fire, Greta Thunberg has returned to Davos to chide decision makers for their inaction on climate change.

Thunberg on Tuesday accused politicians of giving up on attempts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celcius, a target that was agreed at the Paris climate summit in 2015.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the Congres center during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, 21 January 2020. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Our house is still on fire, Thunberg said during a keynote address at Davos. Your inaction is fuelling the flames by the hour. We are still telling you to panic, and to act as if you loved your children above all else.

The 17-year-old Swedish climate activist accused world leaders of empty words and promises and said efforts to become net carbon neutral were simply cheating and fiddling around with numbers.

We are not telling you to offset your emissions by just paying someone else to plant trees in places like Africa while at the same time forests like the Amazon are being slaughtered at an infinitely higher rate, she said.

Planting trees is good, of course, but its nowhere near enough of what needs to be done, and it cannot replace real mitigation or rewilding nature.

From a sustainability perspective, the right, the left, as well as the center have all failed, she said. No political ideology or economic structure has been able to tackle the climate and environmental emergency and create a cohesive and sustainable world.

READ MORE: Greta Thunberg: 'Basically nothing' has been done about climate crisis

Thunberg called on all nations of the world to immediately stop all fossil fuel search and extraction, end fossil fuel subsidies, and divest from fossil fuels.

Lets be clear, she said. We dont need a low carbon economy. We dont need to lower emissions. Our emissions have to stop. And until we have the technologies that at scale can put our emissions to minus then we must forget about net zero  we need real zero.

Any plan or policy of yours that doesnt include radical emission cuts at the source starting today is completely insufficient.

Story continues

Giving up fossil fuels will be hard, Thunberg said, but necessary.

The facts are clear, but theyre still too uncomfortable for you to address, she said.

What will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing the climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them?

Thunberg was addressing world leaders and top business people at the World Economic Forums annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Around 3,000 of the worlds top decision makers, including over 50 heads of state, are attending the 50th edition of the conference.

READ MORE: Tackle 'Titanic' climate challenge before it's too late, leaders told

Thunbergs words echoed her speech at Davos last year, when she called for radical and urgent action but stopped short of demanding the immediate abandoning of fossil fuels.

The climate crisis has risen up the global agenda in the 12 months since Thunbergs first address, in part thanks to her campaigning and in part due to climate-linked crises such as the ongoing wild fires in Australia. WEF said ahead of Davos that all five of the biggest threats facing the world over the next decade are environment linked.

However, leaders still view Thunbergs proposals as unrealistically radical. Peter Giger, the chief risk officer at insurance giant Zurich, told Yahoo Finance UK: We will need continued investment in oil, even in the most extreme de-carbonisation scenario. Green Finance Institute chief executive Rhian-Mari Thomas said during a TV interview at Davos on Tuesday abandoning fossil fuels would lead to a disorderly transition to clean energy.

Thunberg pledged to continue her campaign until progress was made.

Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight, she said.

READ MORE: Climate crisis is biggest threat to the planet, warn global elite
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With its DJI Enterprise solutions, AirWorks is proving to be a game-changer in many industries, from government, to public safety, energy, agriculture and infrastructures. The lower costs of drones and the incredible advances in technology have made UAVs a precious addition to any project, allowing for important reductions in operational expenses. Furthermore, drones are now accessible not only to big companies, but also small ones, giving access to literally everyone to new and exciting perspectives.

As the drone industry becomes more pervasive, it is also important to help communities understand how drones can improve many aspects of their lives when used correctly and within the bounds of the law. This is why DJI has launched the hashtag #DronesforGood, bringing examples of how drones are being used to the service of small and large communities throughout the world.

The managing team at AirWorks, a DJI Authorized Dealer located in Dubai, has more than 10 years of experience working in the Enterprise division of DJI. AirWorks provides training, consultancy and assistance in buying the best products for every need. A team of professional consultants is available to work alongside the customer in order to analyze any business challenge and implement the most effective drone-based solutions. The training programs are tailored to the client's needs and provide theoretical and practical education necessary to implement drone-based solutions in the company and create in-house drone expert teams that can monitor them.

The Industries in which DJI drones are currently most being used are:

Construction and Infrastructure

Government

Public Safety

Agriculture

Energy

Construction and Infrastructure

DJI drones can facilitate construction projects in various phases. Drone data can be leveraged to improve planning operations and bidding processes. Furthermore, it can be very useful in identifying pain points and therefore optimize project management. DJI drones can also be used to track every step of the construction process, therefore minimizing risks.

The AirWorks team has worked with many construction and infrastructure agencies, using the Mavic 2 Enterprise, the Inspire 2, all drones belonging to the Matrice series and the Phantom 4.

Government

Government agencies can leverage DJI drone technology to ensure enhanced safety and improved efficiency of operations. Using drones can mitigate hazards and risks during critical operations and guarantee successful team efforts. Using drone data can save time and optimize resources compared to traditional workflows. Whether in land and conservation management, civil security or justice management, governments are sure to benefit from implementing drone-solutions in their operations.

To fulfill government needs, AirWorks recommends the Matrice 200 and the Mavic 2 Enterprise.

Public Safety

DJI drones provide public safety teams with detailed information about remote operations, allowing for informed and immediate responses. This guarantees enhanced safety of both the working teams and the people in need. DJI drones can be invaluable assets in search & rescue operations, as well as firefighting, law enforcement and disaster management. The most used DJI drone for public safety operations is the Mavic 2 Enterprise, which can be fitted with numerous accessories to cater to specific needs.

Agriculture

Drones are becoming more widespread in agriculture, empowering agricultural operators with precise and detailed data about their crops. This makes planning and executing not only easier, but also faster and less expensive in the long run.

Advanced multispectral imaging systems allow for agricultural and environmental monitoring, providing information about plant health, soil conditions and much more. DJI offers drones specifically designed to work in agricultural operations such as the Phantom 4 RTK and the Agras MG1S.

Energy

DJI drones are also becoming more frequently used in the energy sector to monitor operations and ensure optimal functioning of the plants. Drone inspections can cover wide areas in a short time, providing shareable data and images that can be used to pinpoint problem areas where inspectors should focus their work. Successful use of DJI drones has already been registered for Oil & Gas plants, Wind farms, Solar farms and for inspections along power lines. For these kinds of operations, AirWorks suggests choosing the Mavic 2 Enterprise and the Matrice 200.

Beatrice Baldi

[email protected]

+97145727599

Related Links

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DJI

SOURCE Airworks Trading LLC

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The bill also attempts to upgrade the investment climate and boost foreign investment by setting up new adjudicating authorities to swiftly resolve disputes.

New Delhi: A new legislation will improve protection for foreign investors in India by offering relief from possible policy changes but will uphold the states right to tax them, according to its draft and government documents seen by Reuters.

The bill also attempts to upgrade the investment climate and boost foreign investment by setting up new adjudicating authorities to swiftly resolve disputes. It is part of the government's efforts to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.7 trillion currently, the documents said.

But the draft text of the new law dated 15 November does not cover demands related to enforcement of tax obligations, a critical area of concern for foreign investors.

Several firms including IBM, Royal Dutch Shell, and Vodafone have collectively faced billions of dollars in tax claims from the government in recent years, leading to arbitration cases and protracted legal battles in courts.

A separate internal government document that analyses the draft law noted that taxation issues were of 'great interest' to investors and excluding it from the laws purview could reduce the proposals intent to boost their comfort level.

Nevertheless, the document defended the exclusion, saying the power to tax is an integral part of the states police powers even recognised in international law.

The Finance Ministry, which drafted the law, did not respond to a request for comment.

Two sources familiar with deliberations on the law said it could still undergo several changes before it is finalised. The bill is likely to be presented for passage in the upcoming parliament session that starts 31 January, they said.

The bill proposes to cover a wide range of foreign investors, including investments from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurance funds, the government document said.

'Credible commitment'

One of the most high-profile tax disputes has been the governments tussle with Vodafone, which was asked to deposit capital against tax after its $11 billion deal to buy local assets of Hutchison Whampoa in 2007.

Though the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Vodafone was not liable to any tax, the government later amended the law to enable it to tax such deals retroactively. Vodafone and the government remain locked in international arbitration over the dispute.

While the draft law proposes to exclude disputes specific to taxation, it offers to provide credible commitment to investments by deterring policy changes, the draft said.

In December 2018, months after Walmart paid $16 billion to acquire a majority of homegrown Flipkart, the government tweaked its foreign investment rules for e-commerce, forcing both Flipkart and Amazon to rework their business structures. The sudden policy change rattled foreign investors.

The draft law stipulates that any new policy or law changes that provide 'less favorable' treatment should allow investors to continue enjoying benefits of the earlier policy.

This clause will significantly improve predictability of investment regime and hence will be a significant boost to investments, read the government document analyzing the draft law. The investor will have the option of choosing between the new and old policies.

It was not immediately clear whether protection against such sudden policy changes would be permanent or only for a particular period.

The proposal also seeks to address concerns about the slowness of the country's legal system. It proposes setting up two new bodies to provide swift legal recourse: an Investment Ombudsman who will rule on disputes within 90 days, and an appellate Investment Tribunal which would rule within 180 days.

(This) will eradicate the demand for an international arbitration process as the remedy would be quick, effective and available domestically, the government document stated.

The government is entangled in more than 20 overseas arbitration casesthe most against any countrybrought by companies including Vodafone and Nissan Motor Co.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday nudged Parliament to revisit the powers of the Speaker to disqualify lawmakers for defection, observing that the presiding officer also belongs to one political party or the other.

News agency Press Trust of India said the Supreme Courts advice to rethink the Speakers powers came in a verdict relating to a Congress lawmaker joining the N Biren Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government after state elections in March 2017. The top court suggested that Parliament could look at setting up an independent mechanism to decide petitions under the anti-defection law.

A bench led by Justice Rohinton Nariman told the Manipur assembly speaker to decide on the Congress legislators disqualification under the anti-defection law within four weeks. It also told the petitioners that they were free to come back to the top court if the Speaker doesnt still act.

The Congress, the single-largest party with 28 seats, was 3 seats short of the majority mark in the 60-seat assembly. The BJP, with 21 seats, moved in to stake claim with an alliance with the Naga Peoples Front, Nationalist Peoples Party and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Congress lawmaker Shyamkumar extended support to the BJP, helping N Biren Singh form a coalition government.

Shyamkumar was made a minister of town planning, forest and environment in the BJP government.

At least 13 petitions were filed by Congress leaders before the Speaker Y Khemchand Singh to seek the Congress legislators disqualification.

But the Speaker did not act on the complaints.

Two Congress MLAs Keisham Meghachandra and Md Fajur Rahim next approached the Manipur high court.

The high court noted the seriousness of the issue but it declined to pass any directions on the ground that the issue regarding powers of high court to interfere with the speakers discretion is pending before the Supreme Court.
If you ever feel sick after knowing that the food you eat has MSG, especially if it's Chinese food, chances are MSG is not the culprit. You're just racist.

For years, many Westerners feared to eat Chinese food out of fear of suffering from "Chinese restaurant syndrome" (CRS) -- a condition in which a person experiences symptoms like dizziness and palpitations after eating food heavily seasoned with MSG.

But here's the catch: despite some anecdotal report about it, it does not have any scientific consensus at all. In short, if you visit a doctor and complained about getting sick after eating Chinese food despite having no allergies or a pre-existing medical condition, the doctor will probably ask you to go home.

What is MSG?

In the early 19th century, Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda discovered a way of replicating his wife's dashi broth: through extracting a certain amino acid called "glutamate" from dried konbu (kelp) and mixing it with ordinary salt or water. This has led to what we now know as monosodium glutamate or MSG.

But actually, glutamate is actually not uncommon. It is naturally found in many foods like tomatoes and cheese.

So what made people this it is "unhealthy"?

It all started in 1969 when a Chinese-American doctor published a letter in a scientific journal claiming to suffer from "burning sensations, facial pressure, and chest pain" after eating at a Chinese restaurant. The same paper also coined the term CRS.

This sparked a lot of protests among readers who allegedly also suffered from the same symptoms.

It was not until the 1990s when the Food and Drug Administration concluded that MSG is safe. And it was too late. The fear has already instilled in the minds of many Americans. Even until now, you can still see a lot of Chinese restaurants that put a "No MSG" label in their menu so that they will not be shunned.

The World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization also reported on a joint study that there is no any scientific fact to prove that MSG is really the cause of CRS, assuming it is real. All evidence provided is merely anecdotal.

How about an allergy? Doctors also doubted that primarily because MSG is not an allergen.

And if you really feel those symptoms after eating foods enhanced with it, then you probably have a food sensitivity. According to Mayo Clinic, this is just a short-term reaction that does not require your doctor's attention. And they also noted that researchers still cannot find evidence to prove that MSG causes these symptoms.

READ MORE: MSG is Perfectly Safe, the American Chemical Society Reminds Us





A Fight Against Racism

This about this: if MSG really makes a person sick, how come Asian countries, like China and Japan, never have this problem? And fun fact: MSG has been a key ingredient of many canned goods and packed snacks you can buy in the grocery store.

The key manufacturer of MSG, Ajinomoto, which Ikeda also founded, has recently launched the "Redefine CRS" -- an online campaign that urges Merriam-Webster to change its "outdated" definition of the myth.

The company proposed to change it to "an outdated term that falsely blamed Chinese food containing MSG for a group of symptoms". The campaign website also this myth is nothing but a product of xenophobia.

In response, Merriam-Webster promised to review it and revise accordingly.
The Union Cabinet is expected to consider on Wednesday approval of the Nirvik (Niryat Rin Vikas Yojana) scheme, which aims to ease lending process and enhance loan availability to exporters, an official said.

The commerce ministry proposes to subsidise the premium under the scheme that has to be paid by exporters of certain key sectors, the official said.

Under the scheme, also called the Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS), the insurance cover guaranteed could cover up to 90 per cent of the principal and interest.

The insurance cover may include both pre- and post-shipment credit.

The Export Credit Guarantee Corporation currently provides credit guarantee of up to 60 per cent loss.

The development assumes significance as exporters have raised concerns over availability of credit.

The ministry has also proposed reduction in insurance premium rates to 0.6 per cent for small exporters having an outstanding limit of less than Rs 80 crore. Above this, the rate could be 0.72 per cent.

Further, premium rates for exporters having outstanding limit of over Rs 80 crore will be streamlined with a view to help them.

Such exporters will be divided into categories such as non-gold, jewellery and diamond.

This is being done as insurance claim ratio for gold, jewellery and diamond players are high and that impacts banks' lending ability.

The scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to boost exports on September 14, 2019.

Exports during April-December 2019 have dipped 1.96 per cent to USD 239.29 billion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CALGARY - Canada's trade agreement with the European Union should serve as a template for a future trade deal between Canada and a post-Brexit United Kingdom, according to an official with the British High Commission in Ottawa.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CALGARY - Canada's trade agreement with the European Union should serve as a template for a future trade deal between Canada and a post-Brexit United Kingdom, according to an official with the British High Commission in Ottawa.

Brexit is scheduled for January 31st, which will then leave 11 months to negotiate a deal including trade, fisheries, education, transportation and other areas.

"We will remain a member of the EU international treaty architecture until the end of the implementation period which is scheduled to end on the 31st of December," said Andy Barr, Head of Economics and Trade Policy for the British High Commission, at an event in Calgary on Monday.

"We have 11 months to plot forward a route for boosting U.K.-Canada."

International Affairs data found trade between the two countries totalled $25.6 billion in 2016, comprised of $18 billion in Canadian exports to, and $7.7 billion in imports from, the United Kingdom.

The U.K. has traditionally been Canada's second-largest export market after the United States.

Barr said the U.K. government has an "ambitious trade agenda" ahead including working out bilateral deals with the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. He said working out a trade agreement with Canada could be as easy as using CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) as a model. The free-trade agreement between Canada, the European Union and its member states has eliminated 98 per cent of the tariffs between Canada and the EU.

"Our preference would be to lock in the terms of trade that are currently accorded by CETA into a U.K.-Canada agreement and then to begin to tweak those provisions so they make more sense for that U.K.-Canada relationship in the medium and long-term," Barr said.

"What I see is we have a good trade agreement available to both of us that businesses are starting to utilize and therefore lets lock that in and build from there."

The event in Calgary Monday was hosted by the independent, non-partisan, Canada West Foundation.

Sharon Sun, a trade policy economist for CWF, said the group has studied the amount of trade between the two countries and Canada is definitely undertraded in a number of areas including agriculture.

"It means there is room, there is potential unexploited export opportunities," Sun said.

"Canada is the top undertraded in general."

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Sun agrees it makes sense to use the CETA model, which already works, for a future trade deal between Canada and the United Kingdom.

"It would save a lot of time and it would be a very efficient for Canada and U.K. to do that just because a lot has been previously agreed on. You're taking what's already there that both sides agree on."

Sun also thinks the U.K. would be wise to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is a free trade agreement between Canada and 10 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

"The most realistic is for the U.K. and Canada to take on a CETA-like agreement and then in addition if it joined the CPTPP it would benefit both because it help expand the block that Canada is currently in."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] -- A new study analyzing the first 1,000 participants in the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) identifies key trends in the presentation and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The study was published in Autism Research on Monday, Jan. 20.

The first finding was that girls with autism receive a diagnosis, on average, nearly 1.5 years later than boys. This is likely because parents and clinicians tend to notice language delays as the first sign of autism, and girls in the study exhibited more advanced language abilities compared to boys, said study authors Stephen Sheinkopf and Dr. Eric Morrow.

Autism is far more common in boys. The RI-CART study found more than four times as many boys as girls with autism; however, given the large size of the sample, the study was well-powered to evaluate girls with autism. The finding that girls with autism are diagnosed later is clinically important, said Morrow, an associate professor of molecular biology, neuroscience and psychiatry at Brown University.

"The major treatment that has some efficacy in autism is early diagnosis and getting the children into intensive services, including behavioral therapy," Morrow said. "So if we're identifying girls later, that may delay their treatments."

Sheinkopf, an associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at Brown, emphasized the importance of early recognition.

"We need to think about how we can improve recognition of autism in individuals -- including many of these girls -- who don't have the same level of primary language delay but may have other difficulties in social communication, social play and adapting to the social world," he said. "And as we improve diagnosis for the full range of individuals in the early years, we must also rethink early interventions to make sure they're designed appropriately for children who might need assistance on more nuanced elements of social adaptation. We need to refine treatments so they cater to individual needs."

Based at Bradley Hospital in East Providence, the team behind RI-CART represents a public-private-academic collaborative -- a partnership between researchers at Brown, Bradley Hospital and Women and Infants -- that also involves nearly every site of service for families affected by autism in Rhode Island. The study team also integrated members of the autism community, family members and particularly the Autism Project, a family support service for autism in the state.

By engaging both the community and treatment providers, the study enrolled more than 20 percent of pediatric-age individuals with autism in Rhode Island. Participants were recruited from all geographic regions of the state, and as part of the study, they were given rigorous in-person assessments.

Most participants had received an autism diagnosis prior to entering the study (a community diagnosis), and their diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by an in-person assessor, meaning that they also received a research diagnosis. The study also included individuals whose diagnoses were less clear cut. For example, some individuals received either a community diagnosis or a research diagnosis, but not both. Other individuals were referred to the study but did not have evidence of autism from either a community evaluation or the research assessment.

"The group that was diagnostically less clear-cut represents the complexity that clinicians encounter on a daily basis, so it's a realistic sample in that sense," Sheinkopf said. "This full range of heterogeneous autism presentation is rather unique to our study."

The other major finding of the study was that people with autism frequently exhibit co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions.

Nearly half of the participants reported another neurodevelopmental disorder (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disability), while 44.1 percent reported a psychiatric disorder, 42.7 percent reported a neurological condition (i.e., seizures/epilepsy, migraines, tics), 92.5 percent reported at least one general medical condition and nearly a third reported other behavioral problems.

"These co-occurring conditions need also to be a focus of treatment for patients," Morrow said.

"Many people with autism need support for the psychiatric and emotional challenges that are prevalent in people who share this one diagnosis," Sheinkopf added. "These are clinically complicated individuals who deserve strong, sophisticated, multidimensional, multidisciplinary care."

Sheinkopf and Morrow say they're encouraged by the support and collaboration of a variety of health care providers, community members and particularly, by the level of commitment shown by the families who participated in the study. Going forward, they're hopeful that the RI-CART registry will lead to more studies that will improve the lives of people with autism and their families, particularly because the cohort currently involves such a wide age range of participants, including individuals with autism ages 2 to nearly 64.

"Given that autism is a developmental disorder, the field really needs to focus on longitudinal studies: following people's development and transitions," Morrow said. "I think we're going to learn even more when we follow children from a very young age as they develop, including into adulthood."

###

In addition to Sheinkopf and Morrow, other Brown University authors on the study were Carolyn McCormick, Brian Kavanaugh, Danielle Sipsock, Giulia Righi, Lindsay Oberman, Daniel Moreno-De Luca, Ece Gamsiz Uzun, Carrie Best, Beth Jerskey, Pei-Chi Wu, Rebecca McLean, Todd Levine, Hasmik Tokadjian, Kayla Perkins, Elaine Clark, Brittany Dunn, Alan Gerber, Elena Tenenbaum and Thomas Anders. Additional contributors include Joanne Quinn and Susan Jewel from the Autism Project.

The study was funded by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (286756), the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute at Brown University, the National Institutes of Health (though the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences), the Clinical and Translational Sciences Award (KL2 TR002530 and ULI TR002529) and the National Institute of Mental Health (R25 MH101076 and T32 MH019927).

RI-CART received pilot support from the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown, the Norman Prince Neuroscience Institute and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior.

This news story was authored by contributing science writer Kerry Benson.
Thousands of gun rights activists from around the US have rallied peacefully in Virginia, protesting against plans by the states Democratic leadership to pass gun control legislation.

The size of the rally in Richmond and the expected participation of white supremacists and fringe militia groups raised fears that the state could see a repeat of the violence that exploded in 2017 in Charlottesville.

But the rally concluded uneventfully and the mood was largely festive as attendees  many carrying military-style rifles  spilled into the streets, chanting USA and waving signs denouncing Democratic governor Ralph Northam.

Authorities said there had been no reports of arrests or injuries.

Expand Close The rally in Richmond (Sarah Rankin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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The protesters came out in the thousands despite the frigid temperature to send a message to legislators, they said.

Mr Northam was a particular focus of the protesters anger. One poster showed his face superimposed on Adolf Hitlers body.

But Democratic legislators said the rally would not affect their plans to pass gun control measures, including universal background checks and a limit of one handgun purchase a month.

I was prepared to see a whole lot more people show up than actually did and I think its an indication that a lot of this rhetoric is bluster, quite frankly, said Chris Hurst, a gun-control advocate in the Virginia House of Delegates, whose TV journalist girlfriend was killed in an on-air shooting in 2015.

Many of the protesters wore camouflage. Some waved flags with messages of support for Donald Trump. The president in turn tweeted support for their goals.

The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights, he tweeted. This is just the beginning. Dont let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!

Virginia State Police, Virginia Capitol Police and Richmond Police had a heavy presence, with officers on rooftops and others patrolling in cars and on bicycles.

Authorities were looking to avoid a repeat of the violence that erupted in Charlottesville during one of the largest gatherings of white supremacists and other far-right groups in a decade.

Attendees brawled with counter-protesters, and an avowed white supremacist drove his car into a crowd, killing a woman and injuring dozens more.

Police faced scathing criticism for what both the white supremacist groups and anti-racism protesters said was a passive response.

In contrast to Charlottesville, there was little sign of any counter-protesters challenging the gun rights activists.
This is the terrifying moment cops in central-western Brazil attacked an unarmed couple and shot a woman.

A surveillance camera captured the moment two police officers in the city of Sorriso suddenly beat Elizangela Moraes, 44, and her boyfriend in an unprovoked attack.

Brazilian authorities arrested Ezio Sousa Dias, 30, and Webert Batista Ribeiro, 30, hours after the attack.

According to Brazilian outlet G1, the cop who shot the gun initially said the shooting was an accident before authorities reviewed the surveillance footage.

Authorities have not said which of the two cops fired at the 44-year-old woman.

The incident is being investigated by the Military Police's Internal Affairs department.

Elizangela Moraes was beaten and shot by two cops last Friday in Sorriso, Brazil. She has a bullet stuck in her neck and is expected to undergo surgery. The officers were identified as Ezio Sousa Dias and Webert Batista Ribeiro, and were arrested hours after the incident

The police officer (second from right) who shot Elizangela Moraes (first from left on the bench) barely missed striking her in the head the first time he pulled the trigger. Authorities have not said which of the two cops who are in custody fired the near deadly shot

Moraes and her boyfriend were sitting on a street bench when Sousa Dias and Batista Ribeiro approached them after they left a bar where they were allegedly involved in a fight.

One of the cops then fired a shot at close range, which missed the couple, and struck Moraes in the face.

The other police officer is then seen stopping in front of the shocked couple, and then punching the woman's boyfriend.

He then struck Moraes in the face with a backhanded slap and repeatedly beat her before she sat on the bench.

The cop who initially fired the shot then walked back and shot Moraes in the neck while her boyfriend was comforting her.

One of the two cops (pictured second from left) aims his gun at Elizangela Moraes (right) and shoots her in the neck while she sat on her boyfriend's lap on a street bench in Sorriso, Brazil. The officers reportedly were involved in a bar fight moments before the attack. They were identified as Ezio Sousa Dias and Webert Batista Ribeiro, and were arrested hours after the shooting

Elizangela Moraes (right) lies on the ground next to her boyfriend after she was assaulted and shot by police officers Ezio Sousa Dias and Webert Batista Ribeiro in central-western Brazil last Friday

The suspects then fled as Moraes stood in the middle of the dark street yelling for help.

One of the cops was arrested at his mother's house and the second cop was apprehended at the 12th Battalion of the Military Police.
Sometimes youve just gotta have doughnuts, even if youre the prime minister.

But when the rest of us stop in at our local doughnut shop, we dont usually get the reaction Justin Trudeau did when he picked up his order from Winnipeg bakery Oh Doughnuts on Monday morning.

The surprise visit, which Trudeau posted about on Twitter with the hashtag #shoplocal, garnered many negative reactions on social media. Users criticized him for spending on expensive doughnuts, instead of paying $10 for a Tim Hortons dozen.

Some took to the Oh Doughnuts website, looking at their more costly options, such as a $47 dozen to back up their ire, though Trudeau apparently bought plainer fare.

I guess Tim Hortons isnt good enough for the Liberal clan, wrote Twitter user @susanr1212, criticizing the prime minister for spending taxpayers money on the snack.

Some speculated the whole thing was a photo op, and that Trudeau didnt even get any doughnuts at all.

And some even pointed out that doughnuts arent in the new Canadas Food Guide.

Others, however, backed up the prime minister and said theyd rather see him spending on a local business than on an American-owned company  especially with the wellbeing of employees in mind.

Im no fan of the dude but he bought a local Canadian made product, wrote Twitter user @NDrules43, calling the argument lame and petty.

Tim Hortons hasnt exactly ingratiated itself to Canadians recently, and certainly not in Winnipeg, where 15 unionized Tims workers were locked out of their workplace amid pay negotiations.

When the brand offered the Sussex royals Meghan and Harry free coffee for life over Twitter after news broke they could be moving to Canada, the company received its own online backlash.

After all the discussion online, Oh Doughnuts decided to join in on the Twitter conversation, defending Trudeaus purchase while also criticizing Tim Hortons in a thread.

Read more about:
[January 21, 2020] Kao Wins a Place in the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World List

Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452), a leading manufacturer of personal care, household and cosmetics products, was named one of the Corporate Knights' Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World (Global 100) for the second year in a row. Selected for the top 100 list from a pool of 7,395 companies chosen for evaluation in 2020, Kao was ranked the #4 out of 42 companies in the Corporate Knights Industry Group's Personal Care and Cleaning Products category. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005104/en/ "We are honored to be included in the list two years in a row. We will continue to be committed to driving purposeful business and innovations that help consumers live more sustainable lifestyles, or the Kirei Lifestyle-a beautiful life inside and out" said Dave Muenz, Executive Officer in carge of ESG at Kao Corporation.



Announced on January 21 at the Global Economic Forum Annual Meeting (Davos Forum) held in Davos, Switzerland, the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World is an index evaluating global companies' sustainability performance developed by the Canadian media and research company Corporate Knights. Global 100 companies represent the top 1.3% in the world on sustainability performance. Selected from a pool of 7,395 companies, each are evaluated on a set of up to 21 quantitative key performance indicators across environmental, social and governance factors, weighted to reflect each industry's impact profile. Kao was ranked the #4 out of 42 companies in the Corporate Knights Industry Group's Personal Care and Cleaning Products category, recognized for its excellence in innovation capacity, employee retention as well as clean revenue, or revenue from all goods and services which have clear environmental benefits. The Kao Group launched the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, in April 2019. Kao aims to integrate ESG into the core of its company management to accelerate business growth and create products and services of better value for consumers and society. Kao is committed to implementing its unique ESG activities globally for the wholehearted satisfaction and enrichment of the lives of people worldwide and to contribute to a sustainable society.

About Kao

Kao creates high-value-added products that enrich the lives of consumers around the world. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Biore, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe. Combined with its chemical division, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,500 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 33,000 people worldwide and has 130 years of history in innovation. Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information.

https://www.kao.com/global/en/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005104/en/

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Remember Rodney Dangerfield, the comedian always complaining that he gets no respect? Thats how Waterbury line commuters (and local officials) feel. Their little branch line gets no respect.

In fact, the Waterbury branch of Metro-North is the longest of three branch lines  27 miles from the mainline (at Devon) to Waterbury. It carries about 1,000 passengers a day, the same as a single 10-car train on the main line.

The service on the branch is abysmal. Only two rush-hour trains in the morning and three at night. If you miss the 6:03 p.m. train from Bridgeport, you have to wait 2.5 hours for the next train. The locomotives are old and hard to maintain, breaking down often that riders must take buses.

And the on-time performance has been as low as an underwhelming 75% in recent months. The stations lack any amenities, are old, decrepit and hardly attractive. Theyve been that way for years, despite local mayors, developers and activists crying for improvement.

Thats why I wanted to attend a recent Rail Conference in Naugatuck, bringing together everyone interested in improving the trains to face off with local state representatives and senators who can make it happen. It was a real eye-opener.

The venue was an old UniRoyal building on Rubber Avenue, a sad-looking structure next to a potholed parking lot. My GPS said I was in the right place, but there was no signage aside from the womens clothing sale going on in the first floor. Heading upstairs, I found the meeting room, complete with a bar.

Inside, the pols were gathering, the mayors on one side of the table and state elected officials on the other. Across the state these meetings happen before the legislature comes into session, giving the lawmakers their marching orders.

Two years ago, the same meeting was held and the same cries were heard to fix our trains, but little has happened.

Rail sidings are being built and a signal system installed, but until then, only one train can operate on the line, in either direction, at one time.

The mayors speechified that the Naugatuck Valley was ripe for development. In Ansonia alone there are 40 empty acres in downtown, never mind that much of the entire valley land is polluted from factories of the past, scaring off developers.

Still, people are flocking to the Valley for the affordable homes and good schools, but they cant get to work because train service is so poor. Why no progress on new cars and better service? The mayors blame the legislature while elected officials blame the governor.

With limited funding, the state DOT prioritizes the mainline, Shore Line East and the new Hartford Line for investment.

One veteran observed in the good old days, the Democrats and Republicans in Hartford would work together on common issues like transportation. But today, not even House minority leader Themis Klarides, representing Derby, can get her fellow lawmakers to achieve consensus.

She seems more interested in fighting over tolls and taxes than delivering for her district, said one observer to me on the sidelines.

The potential for the Valley is huge, both for commuters and freight. But the legislators keep making excuses instead of making deals. Will things be any different this year? Stay tuned.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declared hazard reduction could be more important than emissions reduction in protecting Australia from increasingly dangerous bushfire seasons.

Mr Morrison has also revealed the government was considering a way to name and shame states which don't complete required hazard reduction burns.

'Hazard reduction is as important as emissions reduction,' the prime minister told Sky News on Tuesday.

'Many would argue even more so, because it has a direct practical impact on the safety of a person going into a bushfire season.'

Scott Morrison (pictured on Monday) has declared hazard reduction could be more important than emissions reduction in protecting Australia from increasingly dangerous bushfire seasons

Mr Morrison flagged clear national standards for meeting hazard reduction targets, along with a review of land-clearing laws, native vegetation rules and allowing grazing in national parks.

'We report all the time on what our emissions reductions are, but across the country there is not a national system of reporting to track how hazard reduction is progressing,' he said.

'There's been plenty of chat around emissions reduction and that's fine, hazard reduction though is the thing that is going to take a more practical effect on how safe people are in future fire seasons.'

He said a proposed royal commission should look at how states were performing on reducing fire risks in the face of hotter, longer and drier summers.

The remains of burnt out buildings are seen along main street in the New South Wales town of Cobargo on December 31

While the royal commission into the 2009 Black Saturday fires took 18 months, Mr Morrison wants the mooted inquiry into this summer's disastrous season to run for a maximum six months.

He also wants the probe to look at when the federal government is able to step in above state counterparts in natural disasters.

'I want to know when the trigger line is,' he said.

Mr Morrison has come under fire for his response to the fires, which have killed almost 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Climate change debate has been central to the fallout from the disaster, with the government criticised for not taking more action.
Agricultural Minister Edwin Poots has said he is to step back from farming in order to prevent any perception of a conflict of interest in his new post.

Mr Poots grew up on a mixed farm outside Lisburn and still lives with his family in the 19th century farmhouse in which he was raised.

The DUP stalwart revealed the move in a briefing to journalists on Tuesday and said he is in the process of finalising the paperwork to give effect to the decision.

Mr Poots said one of the biggest challenges his department is facing is climate change adaptation in farming.

Read More

If we get to the point where we have a sustainable environment but no food to feed it with, thats not very sustainable, he said.

We face many challenges and the environment is going to be a very significant one.

Having a department of agriculture and environment together means we can work with the agriculture side, in particular, to reduce its carbon footprint."

One of the keys issues on his desk is a new agriculture policy for Northern Ireland, however with two years left of the current Stormont mandate, he admitted there is a "very tight timeframe" to reach an agreement on the issue.

We hope there will be many win-wins and we can assist farmers to reduce their ammonia and methane emissions, while at the same time allowing production to increase further," he added.

"If we dont allow that to happen we will put farming into a recession and thats not something which is for the benefit of the community, whenever approximately 10% of the population is reliant on farming."

Mr Poots said other issues he will focus on include rural crime, rural broadband and rural mental health.

In relation to Brexit, Mr Poots said he would fight pressure from Westminster to introduce checks at Northern Ireland ports, suggesting checks could instead take place at company premises.
Pastor Jonathon Krogh of the First Presbyterian Church of La Grange, referred to the current gun rights rallies in Virginia as a deviation from Dr. Kings message of peace, saying that while the message of the breakfast was to pray for everyone, there are many around the country who are trying to figure out how to prey on you.
A blind woman has claimed a Woolworths robot 'stalked' her through a supermarket, calling her an 'obstruction' and scaring her guide dog, Bridget.

Casey Hyde said she was unable to finish her shopping at the Melbourne store because she was so uncomfortable and her support animal was confused.

Ms Hyde has 10 per cent sight and relies heavily on Bridget to complete everyday tasks.

Casey Hyde has only 10 per cent sight and relies heavily on her black Labrador Bridget to help complete everyday tasks

As she walked the aisles, Ms Hyde said the 'penis-shaped' robot - which alerts shoppers to hazards - repeatedly shouted the word 'obstruction' at her dog - which she believes may have been mistaken for a black garbage bin.

'It's designed to find things blocking the aisle and the robot thought Bridget was an obstruction. It scared the dog and also distracted her,' Ms Hyde told Yahoo.

'It was confronting for me  the robot wasn't helping me feel comfortable... I just want people to be able to enjoy their shopping instead of worrying about being stalked by a penis-shaped robot.'

Ms Hyde criticised the supermarket chain, claiming it was failing people with disabilities.

Casey Hyde's black labrador Bridget sits beside the Woolworths robot at a store in Melbourne as she tries to complete a supermarket shop

'This robot followed me while I worked and yelled out that I'm a obstruction,' she wrote.

'I should have more status. Access and disability is always thought last due to low employment rates for people who live with a disability.

'Change the statistics to consider everyone. The robot can work after hours as it doesn't get paid.

'Please consider disability access in your stores,' she wrote.

Casey Hyde and her guide dog Bridget share a cuddle on the street

A Woolworths spokesman told Daily Mail Australia: 'We want all our customers to feel welcome in our stores and regret this wasn't the case on this occasion.

'We've made contact with the customer to find out more about the incident and will look into the details with the robot manufacturer as a priority.

'The safety robot is part of a trial designed to improve customer safety and experience in the store, and we're closely monitoring customer feedback on it.

'These robots operate in hundreds of stores across the world and have been subject to extensive safety testing by the manufacturer. They have sensors built in and are programmed to stop or move away from any fixed or moving objects.'

Bridget the black labrador helps Casey Hyde complete daily tasks like grocery shopping because she has vision impairment




Kansas City, Missouri  One person is dead and 15 wounded after a shooting outside a bar late Sunday night. The suspect was killed by an armed private security guard at the venue, authorities said. The violence put an abrupt end to a celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs victory that sent them to the Super Bowl.

Police at the scene said the shooter opened fire at a line of people waiting to get inside. The bodies of a man and woman were found in the parking lot when police arrived, CBS affiliate KCTV reported. Kansas City police Chief Richard Smith said only the shooter and the security guard fired weapons.

Smith identified the bodies Monday as 29-year-old Jahron Swift, who is the suspected shooter, and 25-year-old Raeven Parks. Police said all the wounded were brought to area hospitals and at least three were in critical condition.

The shooting took place shortly before midnight Sunday at the 9ine Ultra Lounge.

"This is very disappointing for us," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said Monday. "It's heartbreaking for a number of families, not just the families of the victim who was killed, but also the families of many others today."

9ine-ultra-lounge-shooting-scehe-kansas-city-missouri-late-on-011920.jpg

The scene outside 9ine Ultra Lounge in Kansas City, Missouri after shooting late on January 19, 2020. KCTV

Smith added that authorities recovered the suspect's weapon, but didn't say if it had been legally obtained. The motive for the shooting is not yet clear.

Kansas City Police Captain David Jackson told news outlets at the club that responding officers found "a chaotic scene" and had to call in help from around the city, The Associated Press reports.

A Facebook post on the club's page advertised Sunday night's "Sold Out Sundays" event, which appeared to be a celebration of the Chiefs' win. The Chiefs  featured on the event's artwork  beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl.

Story continues

The AP quoted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker as saying at the scene, "It just put such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City," referencing the Chiefs game. "It's just hard to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time."

Meanwhile, in Texas, a manhunt was underway after two people were killed in a shooting inside a bar along the San Antonio River Walk on Sunday night. The police said an argument broke out and someone pulled out a gun and started shooting.

Michelle Carter's texts with Conrad Roy

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(Video stream courtesy of NMPBS)

SANTA FE  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham promised legislators Tuesday that she would be relentless  and highly caffeinated  as she pursues marijuana legalization, tuition-free college and a host of other priorities this year, in whats expected to be a fast-paced legislative session.

Delivering her second State of the State address, Lujan Grisham wasnt afraid to get a little personal as she pitched her ideas to a joint session of the state House and Senate on the opening day of a 30-day session.

The Democratic governor spoke about her role as a caregiver for her elderly mother and the need to prioritize New Mexicos seniors  through creation of a $25 million Senior Dignity Fund to help pay for transportation, food and other necessities for needy seniors and adults with disabilities.

Lujan Grisham, a former congresswoman and state Cabinet secretary, also vowed to pursue a new college scholarship program, legalization of recreational marijuana, stiffer criminal penalties and a drug-importation program to reduce the cost of medicine.

She peppered the 47-minute speech with a few jokes about her height  shes short  and coffee consumption.

The state of our state is dynamic, ready for more, on the cusp of steady and sustainable progress, Lujan Grisham said. We are stronger today than we were one year ago  no question.

This years 30-day session  half the length of sessions in odd-numbered years  is dedicated largely to budget and tax proposals. But the governor is empowered to add other items to the agenda, and she has made about two dozen proposals a priority this year.

At least one of those priorities didnt come up at all in Tuesdays speech  a red-flag law allowing the temporary seizure of guns from someone deemed an immediate threat.

The governor started her address about 90 minutes after the House and Senate called themselves to order at noon and swore in three members. A fourth legislator, Roberto Bobby Gonzales of Ranchos de Taos, switched chambers, joining the Senate.

Lujan Grisham led a moment of silence for the three lawmakers who died between last years session and this one  Sen. Carlos Cisneros of Questa, Sen. John Pinto of Tohatchi and Rep. Bill Pratt of Albuquerque, all Democrats.

Demonstration

Outside the Capitol, young protesters called on the Legislature to declare a climate emergency, ban hydraulic fracturing and move to a 100% renewable-energy system within 10 years.

To demonstrate the stakes, older adults marched youngsters  bound at the hands  to a faux guillotine and locked them in the stocks. The crowd fluctuated between 75 to 150 people, and many carried signs that read Extraction = Extinction or similar slogans.

Young protesters read statements explaining that, long after legislators are dead, their generation will be dealing with the dire consequences of climate change.

Lujan Grisham did not directly mention climate change during her speech, but she said the state was on course to become the nations clean energy leader and that she would push for rules to curb methane emissions.

A legislative proposal to impose a four-year moratorium on fracking stalled during last years session. A similar measure has been filed for this years session but has already drawn criticism from some lawmakers.

Reception

Republican lawmakers stood in support a few times during the governors speech  indicating their support for anti-crime measures, such as tougher criminal penalties.

Democrats, of course, were much more enthusiastic, rising several times to cheer the governor on, even as Republicans stayed in their seats.

Democrats hold a 46-24 majority in the House and a 26-16 edge in the Senate.

After the governors speech, Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, said New Mexicos improving economy is due to both state and federal policies.

He also questioned why Lujan Grisham did not mention the oil industry in her speech, as the states current budgetary windfall is largely due to an oil drilling boom in southeast New Mexico that has also created thousands of new jobs.

Its amazing when youre talking about all the success weve had that you dont mention the industry thats providing the revenue, Ingle told reporters.

Meanwhile, Sen. Mark Moores, R-Albuquerque, said the governors remarks about public safety did not assuage concerns about high violent crime rates in the states largest city.

The governor really came up short on real solutions to make our streets safer in Albuquerque, Moores said.

He also said Republicans have tried in past legislative sessions to pass legislation increasing criminal penalties  especially during the eight-year tenure of former Gov. Susana Martinez  but have been largely stymied by majority Democrats.

A handful of Democrats said Tuesday that they generally liked what they heard from the governor, including her acknowledgement that new initiatives will require legislative support.

This is a joint venture, which she fully recognizes, Democratic Rep. Tomas Salazar of Las Vegas said.

Priorities

Tuesdays speech  about three minutes shorter than last years  gave Lujan Grisham an unusual chance to address all 112 legislators at once. They gathered on the House floor, with rows of desks and chairs packed with lawmakers, their families and guests.

The governor challenged them to think beyond the next 30 days of the session, which ends Feb. 20.

We stand together in the sunrise of a brand new decade, Lujan Grisham said. What we do here in this session, in this coming year, will set the course for what comes over the horizon in 2030 and beyond.

She began her speech by touting economic statistics. New Mexico, she said, was No. 8 nationally in job growth and had had its best year for job growth since 2005, with 15,000 new jobs since the beginning of 2019.

Lujan Grisham spoke about a range of priorities, including:

 Overhauling the state pension system in a way that protects New Mexico taxpayers and respects retirees, both current and future. Lujan Grisham has proposed about $76 million to help the states chronically underfunded Public Employees Retirement Association, as part of a broader set of changes to the pension plan.

 Boosting teacher pay again, extending learning time for students and investing in a new early childhood trust fund to help pay for prekindergarten and other services. New Mexico, the governor said, has a moral mandate to transform its public education system.

 Building a new scholarship program that provides tuition-free college to residents of New Mexico. We know if young adults dont find opportunity here, Lujan Grisham said, they will look elsewhere.

 Legalizing recreational marijuana to diversify New Mexicos economy. She noted that a task force worked between sessions to craft a regulatory system for legalization. Its high time we stopped holding ourselves and our economy back, Lujan Grisham said.

 Improving the health care system by capping copays in some cases and importing prescription medicine wholesale from Canada.

 Toughing penalties for human-, drug- and gun-trafficking and expanding the State Police force by 60 officers. She also said she wants a new law to target people who terrorize New Mexicans with threats of mass violence.
Shopping centre landlords "spooked" by the collapse of high-profile retailers will likely be forced to renegotiate rents as store closures eat into occupancy rates and income from malls.

Australia's largest retail landlords have so far resisted pressure to cut rents, but they will bear the brunt of an unusually high number of store closures after a slew of well-known merchants raised the white flag in the face of persistently challenging trading conditions.

The country's largest mall owner Scentre Group, in particular, faces a major task to replace struggling retailers, with as many as 87 stores across its portfolio in voluntary administration.

Vicinity Centres, which manages Chadstone mall in Melbourne, has exposure to at least 33 redundant stores run by failing retailers.

Scentre operates the vast network of Westfield-branded malls founded by Sir Frank Lowy, including centres in Chatswood and Bondi Junction.
New Delhi:

Jair Messias Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, will be the Chief Guest at Indias 71st Republic Day Parade on 26 January. Bolsonaro will be on a state visit to India from 24-27 January 2020 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bolsonaro is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on 24 January. He will be accompanied by seven ministers, Chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Please refresh the page for the updated version. Keep reading News Nation for all latest updates. For other stories, click on english.newsnationtv.com

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Azerbaijani Embassy in Russia held a mourning event today, dedicated to the memory of victims of the tragedy of January 20, 1990 in Baku, when 132 Baku people were killed. Opening the event, Ambassador Polad Bulbuloglu thanked all the participants for sharing the Azerbaijani people's grief, the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reports.

"30 years ago, the leadership of the Soviet Union, losing control of the political situation in the country, unleashed unprecedented, ruthless carnage against the civilian population of the Azerbaijani capital," he recalled the events of a terrible night from January 19 to 20, 1990.



"The official numbers of human rights organizations - 132 were killed, more than 700 people were injured, 841 people were arrested without due process of law. On that terrible night, subjected to punitive measures, civilians of Azerbaijan gave their lives in the name of independence, in the name of freedom of the modern Azerbaijani state," the ambassador said.

"The day after the incident, on January 21, 1990, the outstanding son of the Azerbaijani people, national leader Heydar Aliyev came to the permanent mission of Azerbaijan together with his family members and made his famous speech, in which he called the decision of the Soviet leadership to send troops into Baku illegal. He made the first political assessment of what had happened, demanding that all those involved in the tragedy were punished. The Azerbaijani people will always remember his heroic deed," Polad Bulbuloglu noted.

"For many years, purposeful work was not conducted to investigate the causes of this grave crime, only after Heydar Aliyev returned to the leadership position, the political and legal assessment was given to the January 20 events. Since that time, this bloody January day was declared the day of sorrow. Azerbaijan people will never forget those terrible events and the decisions made by the former Soviet leadership that led to the numerous casualties among innocent civilians. Today, their family members are surrounded by the government's support, and those who lost their health in connection with the January 20 events are under the direct protection of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who pays great attention to the issues of their social protection and proper pension provision," the diplomat said.

"At the end of my speech, I would like to once again sincerely thank my colleagues, ambassadors, the State Duma MPs, famous people of Russia and emphasize that Azerbaijan in no way equates this crime with today's democratic Russia. I hope this will never happen again, in no country, with no people," Polad Bulbul oglu concluded.

Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Leonid Slutsky admitted that when arriving in Baku, he always visits the Alley of Honor and the Alley of Martyrs in the first place, noting that modern Baku cannot be imagined without them.

"I think that we should always remember these tragic events and do everything in our power, in power of politicians, cultural figures, civil society, ordinary people, to prevent such events from happening again. Once again, words of deepest condolences to all our brotherly Azerbaijan to the people, and, of course, to those who, like Polad Bulbulovich, survived these tragic days," the Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman added.

Director of the Center for Post-Soviet Studies at the Institute of International Studies of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations Stanislav Chernyavsky, in turn, said that everything will be done so that the Black January tragedy is never repeated. "This is a tragedy for all of our Soviet people, for our entire homeland," he said.

"Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan have strengthened. This year is marked by a special moment - the anniversary of the Great Victory, which we will celebrate together on May 9. In an interview on New Year's Eve to a Russian TV channel, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted how respected are those veterans who were protecting our homeland. Glory to the people who fell, innocent victims, let them rest in peace," Stanislav Chernyavsky concluded.
[January 21, 2020]

United Fiber & Data Advances Competitive Position of Super Regional Telecommunications Carrier

YORK, Pa., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Fiber & Data (UFD) , a privately owned telecommunications provider, today announced that a major super regional telecommunications carrier has selected United Fiber & Data for long-haul dark fiber connectivity in the northeastern United States. The solution consists of more than 340 miles of long-haul dark fiber located on UFDs geographically diverse route from New York City to Ashburn, Virginia. UFD announced the launch of the newly constructed long-haul portion of its fiber-optic network in May 2019.



We have a very successful, long-standing history with our customers senior management team. UFD was able to provide a diverse, scalable dark fiber solution that will drive expanded network coverage for a leading fiber communications provider wthin its Northeast markets, said Christopher Lodge, UFDs chief operating officer.







With the growing communications and data transfer needs, carriers and data center providers are increasingly dependent on the reliability of network diversity and a secure backup network to ensure uninterrupted service in the event of a network failure.

UFDs route provides expansion and additional diversity to the customers fiber routes in the Northeast and offers high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity designed to prevent costly downtime in the event of a network disruption of their primary fiber path, Lodge continued. We are well-positioned for diverse regional connectivity between key markets, bypassing the congested existing fiber routes along I-95.

For more information, visit www.UFD.com .

About United Fiber & Data, LLC

United Fiber & Data is a privately held telecommunications company focused on providing high-capacity, low latency, geographically diverse fiber optic network solutions in the Northeastern United States. UFD provides high-capacity pathway diversity and data storage redundancy far from the congestion and single points of failure associated with the I-95 corridor. UFDs diverse dark fiber network includes a wholly owned and operated high fiber count metro network including over 70 miles of laterals with over 330 buildings on net in New York City and a newly constructed long-haul fiber route of more than 400 miles connecting New York City and Ashburn, Virginia.

United Fiber & Data Media Contact: Claudia Bantel, Marketing Director +1 855-255-5244 [email protected]
Security on top of the Kongress Hotel in Davos, Switzerland during the 2020 World Economic Forum on Jan. 21st.

Swiss police reportedly believe they uncovered two Russian spies who had posed as plumbers in order to bug world leaders at Davos this week.

According to the Financial Times, Swiss police picked up two men at the high-end resort in August after the pair had aroused suspicion by staying for an unusually long time.

Zurich's Tages-Anzeiger newspaper reported that Swiss officials and police concluded that the pair were Russian spies employed by the Kremlin to record and tap into the conversations of important figures at the World Economic Forum.

Police told the Financial Times that the men claimed they had diplomatic protection, although they had not registered this with official Swiss authorities. The newspaper added that Swiss police found no indications of criminal acts.

A representative for the Russian embassy in Switzerland, Stanislav Smirnov, told CNBC via phone Tuesday that there had been no contact from Swiss authorities on the matter and that the story was "one more attempt to undermine Swiss-Russian relations."
A Ugandan official says hundreds of Congolese people have fled to the East African nation in recent days to escape deadly ethnic-based fighting.

Gerald Menya, commissioner for refugees in Uganda, told the Associated Press on Tuesday that two to three Congolese people are arriving each hour.

He said over 60,000 have sought shelter in Uganda in the past year, fleeing clashes between the Hema and Lendu ethnic groups in Demorcratic Republic of the Congo's mineral-rich northeastern Ituri province.

The United Nations reported earlier this month that more than 700 people were killed and at least 168 injured in the fighting from December 2017 to September 2019, with the Hema herding community mostly targeted by the Lendu farming community.

The UN human rights office said killings, rapes and other violence targeting the Hema may amount to crimes against humanity.

A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Show all 7 1 /7 A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Therese Mulopo and her 4-month-old baby, Mbombo Marth, at Saint Martyr health centre in the city of Kananga. They have come for a one-day nutrition screening session at the Unicef-supported health facility, which provides free treatment for malnourished children. During the clashes, our family found refuge a few kilometres away from a relative. But we didnt have something to eat every day, says Mulopo, who also has two older children (ages five and six). Our children became ill and so they were treated with traditional herbs and leaves. But the diseases, mainly diarrhoea, didnt stop. With my husband, we used to be farmers. Before, we grew and ate rice and beans but now there is nothing there, because we could not sow any seeds last year. So there is nothing to harvest now. So, we are staying with my sister here. My only wish is to see my children eat and grow up healthy. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Ngalula Badiendele and her children. None of Ms Badiendeles four children have an appetite, and the two children in her arms, son Kajunga (left), 17 months old, and daughter Tshipala (right), three, are both malnourished. We had to leave to the bush when the clashes broke out. We walked for one day and then built a shelter. We stayed there for one month. When we heard the security was better we came back but soon fights happened again. And we had to leave again to the forest, where we stayed again for one month. Life was not easy at the time. It still isnt. I just hope peace will come back so my family will live like we used to, Badiendele says. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Ntambwe (who does not know her exact age) holds her brother, Nalula Kelende, three. I brought my brother Nalula to the health clinic because he suffers from malnutrition. My mother is working in the field, Ntambwe says. We come from Dibaya [a small town]. When clashes happened, we had to walk during three days to reach Tshikaji. Since the violences, we only eat cassava and, if my parents find some money, we can sometimes buy wheat to cook food. But we often sleep with empty stomachs. All incomes from the harvests are not sufficient this year to cover all the family expenses. Nothing could be sowed this year, so there is nothing to eat anymore. I had to stop school last year because of the clashes. Since then I couldnt go back because my family doesnt have enough to buy me a new uniform. I would like to become a nurse one day so I could help sick children just like my brother. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Muya Kapuku and his three-year-old daughter, Chosa, and his malnourished four-year-old son, Muhipay. When insecurity started in Kananga, I took refuge in the bush of Mutoto Village with my family. Food conditions were terrible, Kapuku says. We only eat tubers, fufu [a staple food in parts of West and Central Africa] and cassava leaves, once a day preferably in the evening; and these conditions have not changed yet. I lost my job as a sentry where I earned a little money and became unemployed since my return so far. I fear to lose my two children who are malnourished, but fortunately, they benefit from free nutritional care in this health centre. I wish the peace to come back in our province and to have a good job that will allow me to support my household and educate my children. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Bertine Kabedi, 14, and her one-year-old daughter, Bakatuseka. I came to the health centre because its been a month that my daughter doesnt eat well, Bertine says. I come from a place called Dibaya. When violence broke out there I fled to Tshikaji to seek refuge. Unfortunately, violence started also in Tshikaji, and so I had to flee to the bush. I lived with my three-month-old newborn during two months in the bush before we came back a month ago. Life wasnt easy in the forest, there was nothing to eat. Now I would like to set up a small business so I could feed my baby. I had to stop school a few years ago because my parents didnt have enough to pay for school fees. I want to send my kid to school one day, but if the ongoing troubles continue I know it will be impossible. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Bakena Mukendi, cradling her malnourished daughter, one-month-old Bakatjika, waits with her 28-month-old son, Manatshitua, outside the Saint Martyr health centre. I am a mother of six children, Mukendi says. When violence broke out, we had to flee with the whole family to the forest. We stayed there for two months, eating cassava only and palm oil. All my children fell sick then. They suffered from fever and diarrhoea. We had to cure them with traditional health care with tree leaves. I came back four months ago to Tshikaji. Before, I had a small shop, but I lost everything when we ran away  all my savings. My husband now does small jobs so all the family can survive. Despite our situation and small incomes, I am proud to have sent all my children to school, because I know how important education is for their future. Unicef/Tremeau A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo Tshiela Masengu brings in her malnourished grandson Jean, four, to the health centre. My daughter was killed when clashes happened in April 2017, leaving behind her six orphans that I took care of. Jeans father died a few years ago already, Masengu says. During the fights, we took refuge in the forest with all six kids. We stayed there for weeks, without any food. This is when Jean fell sick. Thats why I brought him to the centre, because he suffers from malnutrition. I want him to be better, but I am worried about what tomorrow will bring. I have a small coconut business, but it is not enough to support the family. But I am proud to have sent the two oldest ones (11 and eight) to school this year. I would like all of them to go to school one day. This conflict took away my daughter from me, and destroyed the future of my grandchildren. I would like it to end now. Unicef/Tremeau

Mr Menya said the Congolese arrivals are bringing a lot of shock to available resources in Uganda, a country that already hosts 1.3 million refugees, many who fled the civil war in neighbouring South Sudan.

The UN refugee agency noted funding gaps in September, saying it was operating at only 35 per cent of its total requirements.

Associated Press
Lucknow: Defending his brainchild, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the new law will not be scrapped despite the countrywide protests against it.

Addressing a rally here to drum up support for the CAA, Shah also declared that construction of a Ram temple "touching the skies" in Ayodhya will begin within three months.

He said there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone's citizenship away. "A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP, and Trinamool Congress. The CAA is a law to grant citizenship," he added.

"I want to say that irrespective of the protests this will not be withdrawn," he added.

Shah challenged Congress leaders to hold a discussion with him on CAA at a public forum.

He named Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee while throwing the "challenge".

Congress has become blind due to vote bank politics,"he said. He also blamed the Congress for Partition.
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): Slamming the centre over Citizenship Amendment Act, poet Munawwar Rana on Tuesday said that the BJP has become arrogant after getting more than 300 seats in the Lok Sabha elections 2019.



He said that Congress also got more than 400 seats in 1984 but has been reduced to around 50 today.

"Protests are going on all over in India and not just in Lucknow. It is another matter that the government is not listening to any voices against itself. BJP is getting arrogant after getting more than 300 seats in the general elections. Even Congress party got more than 400 seats in 1984 but has been reduced to nothing today," said Rana while talking to ANI.

"Singling out one community in CAA is against the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' slogan of BJP. Either the slogan is correct or the government's activities. Both can't be true," he added.

He further lamented the fact that the government has lodged FIRs against women, including his daughters, for protesting against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

"The government has registered an FIR against my daughters for protesting against CAA. It is shameful that on the one hand the government talks of women's empowerment and on the other hand they are causing problems for women who are protesting against CAA," he said.

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014. (ANI)


The Conservative Party leadership race is starting to take shape, but there are only so many paths to victory each candidate can take  and limited space in each of them. Some candidates have a better path forward than others.

To date, no one has yet met the bar to be classified as a "verified" candidate by the Conservative Party. Among those who have publicly declared their intention to run, only former cabinet minister Peter MacKay and Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu have a good shot of meeting the party's stringent qualification requirements.

Ontario MPs Pierre Poilievre and Erin O'Toole are expected to enter the race soon, while the decision of former Quebec premier Jean Charest is reportedly imminent.

Other candidates could come forward between now and the Feb. 27 deadline for entry ahead of the June 27 vote.

Each of them will be looking to identify a lane that takes them to the leadership, cobbling together like-minded regional and ideological groupings within the party's membership that are large enough to elect a leader.

These lanes are not always well-defined  and some candidates can blow them apart. Maxime Bernier, the runner-up in the 2017 leadership race, did not have particularly regionalized support. Holding a libertarian worldview, Bernier also defied the old split between the Progressive Conservatives and Reform, the two legacy parties.

But Andrew Scheer's lane was to draw support from the rural parts of the country and a mix of members from across the spectrum, pulling both from moderates like O'Toole and Michael Chong and social conservatives like Brad Trost and Pierre Lemieux. Scheer was able to attract support from both of the old wings of the party in part because Bernier was an unconventional candidate.

The contours of the current roster of likely candidates, however, looks less unusual.

The candidate with the steepest hill to climb is likely to be Gladu, who lacks what could be a decisive factor in such a short race: a high profile. The two-term SarniaLambton MP may be able to build support from ridings in southwestern Ontario, but will have some work ahead of her to break through. The second-choice backing of her supporters, however, could prove a hot commodity by voting day.

Story continues

But how about the others? What are their most promising paths to victory?

MacKay: The electable centrist

MacKay's path to the leadership looks the most obvious.

He has a few things working in his favour. He has the aura of electability, with polls showing he is more likely than some other candidates to stack up well against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His standing as the last leader of the defunct Progressive Conservatives makes him the natural heir to the support of more moderate, centrist members. His dutiful years of service in Stephen Harper's cabinet might also make him acceptable to the Harper wing of the party.

MacKay will likely have a strong and unopposed regional base in Atlantic Canada. Though there are only 32 seats in the region  all seats across the country will be weighted equally in the Conservative voting system  running up the numbers in this one smaller region could pay more dividends than narrowly leading a crowded field in bigger regions.

Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

He is already showing some support in other parts of the country, with endorsements from B.C. MP Ed Fast and Alberta MP Blaine Calkins.

MacKay has the potential for growth as candidates are eliminated from the ranked ballot, particularly candidates like Gladu, O'Toole and possibly Charest, if MacKay's lack of fluency in French is not seen as too big of an obstacle. He already seems to be fishing in O'Toole's pond  both Fast and Calkins endorsed O'Toole in 2017.

Poilievre: The Harper candidate

The clearest path to 50 per cent is to be seen as the Harper candidate  the person who most closely embodies the continuation of the Harper model, both in governing style and in party management. This person has a strong base in Western Canada and among the old Reformers, but is also acceptable to Conservatives in places like the Greater Toronto Area.

Poilievre has the best shot at that title  and that makes him a potentially formidable candidate.

The Ottawa-area MP has a ready-made base in eastern Ontario. His bilingualism will give him a fair chance in Quebec. Born and raised in Alberta, he also has the best claim to being the Western candidate. His team includes Jenni Byrne, Harper's former campaign manager, signalling a tacit (if not necessarily exclusive) endorsement from that camp.

He has potential for down-ballot growth from O'Toole, whose supporters swung to Scheer over Bernier in 2017. If Charest enters the race, Poilievre could also peel votes away from him among members who believe the next leader needs to be bilingual.

Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

But there are still some open questions when it comes to Poilievre. Having played the role of partisan attack dog for his party, members may not see Poilievre as electable in a general election. His recent statements in support of both same-sex marriage and abortion rights could exclude him from getting the social conservative support that was a key component of Scheer's victory.

And the entry of another Western Canadian into the race could scupper Poilievre's hopes of support in that part of the country. The need for one candidate to take the Harper lane is both Poilievre's best chance and greatest vulnerability, as being pushed out of that lane would cost him his spot as a front-runner.

Charest: The electable (?) Quebecer

It is not immediately obvious which lane is Charest's. His standing as a former PC leader (from 1993 to 1998) is shared with MacKay, who helped create the modern Conservative Party but doesn't carry the political taint (in party circles) of also having been leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, as Charest was from 1998 to 2012.

Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

He could claim electability thanks to his profile across the country, flawless bilingualism and experience running (and winning) election campaigns.

But his regional base is likely to be restricted, even in his home province. The areas of Quebec that backed the right-leaning ADQ and CAQ during the Charest years are unlikely to warmly welcome their former opponent. Charest also faces the prospect of an "anybody but Charest" campaign, which could severely limit his growth potential.

O'Toole: The moderate consensus

While O'Toole has a path to the leadership, it could be occupied by other candidates. His best results in the last leadership race came in the Maritimes, a region that is more likely to back MacKay.

Representing a riding in the Greater Toronto Area is an advantage  there are more seats there than in B.C., Alberta or Atlantic Canada  but that is likely to be a hotly contested part of the country. O'Toole did not show great strength in the GTA in 2017, placing first in only five ridings on the last ballot before he was eliminated.

Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

His relatively lower profile and lack of fluency in French chips away at his perceived electability.

But he does have the potential to be a consensus candidate  one that is acceptable to the broadest swath of the Conservative membership, like Scheer in 2017. The problem for O'Toole, however, is that being everyone's second choice only matters if enough voters list you as their first. He might be able to pull significant support from Gladu, MacKay or Charest, but only if he finishes ahead of them.

Much will depend on the final roster of candidates and how the race unfolds. It is early days. But the initial signals suggest MacKay and Poilievre have the most plausible paths to winning the leadership before anyone has taken their first steps.
A 46-seater sleeper bus was caught carrying 99 people by traffic police officers in the southern province of Dong Nai on early Tuesday morning as travel demand peaks days before Tet.

Dong Nai police said on Tuesday they had impounded a sleeper bus for carrying passengers exceeding its capacity by 53 people.

The 46-seater sleeper bus was traveling on National Highway 1A from Ho Chi Minh City to the north-central province of Nghe An in the small hours of the same day when it was pulled over by traffic police officers in Dong Nai for an inspection.

Ninety-nine people in total were packed inside the overly crammed bus at the time.

The driver, 40-year-old Tran Van Ha from Nghe An, was also in violation of having extra seats installed on the vehicle against the original design, lacking a vehicle inspection certificate, and carrying oversized luggage.

According to Ha, most passengers are workers in the southern province of Binh Duong who were on their way back to their hometown in Nghe An for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Ha said he wanted to earn a little more by carrying more passengers as it was his last trip before taking a holiday break.

Passengers are crammed into a sleeper bus caught by traffic police officers in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam on January 21, 2020. Clip: A Loc / Tuoi Tre

Dong Nai police booked the driver and impounded his vehicle.

Passengers on the sleeper bus were put onto other buses to continue their journey.

Carry passengers exceeding a vehicles capacity is punishable by an administrative fine of VND1-2 million (US$43-86) per excess person, capped at VND40 million ($1,730) in total, according to a 2013 government decree specifying fines for road traffic violations.

A traffic police officer helps passengers get off an overloaded bus in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam on January 21, 2020. Photo: A Loc / Tuoi Tre

Tet, or Lunar New Year, is the biggest public holiday in Vietnam which will fall on January 25 this year.

Around one week before and after the date is the peak traveling season in Vietnam.

Planes and trains are often fully booked weeks in advance while overcrowding is a common issue on passenger buses during this period, as hundreds of thousands embark on a mass migration from big cities back to their hometowns for family reunions.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
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Drivers who own vehicles that have doors that feature the latest crash resistance technology, that has safer crumpling on impact, are eligible for a 5% discount. Anti-theft devices . While these systems don't protect a driver while driving, they will protect a parked vehicle. Insurers will offer discounts that can be as large as 30% for drivers who have advanced anti-theft devices in their vehicles, like ignition kill switches.

. While these systems don't protect a driver while driving, they will protect a parked vehicle. Insurers will offer discounts that can be as large as 30% for drivers who have advanced anti-theft devices in their vehicles, like ignition kill switches. Lane departure systems. Modern vehicles are equipped with lane departure warning systems or advanced systems that can push a vehicle back to its lane. These systems can prevent drowsy driving and distracted driving. The discount can vary a lot depending on the insurance company and on what type of system is installed in the vehicle.

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(Newser)  A hidden camera captured members of a violent white supremacist group expressing hope that violence at a gun rights rally in Virginia this week could start a civil war, federal prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday. Former Canadian Armed Forces reservist Patrik Jordan Mathews also videotaped himself advocating for killing people, poisoning water supplies, and derailing trains, a prosecutor wrote in urging a judge in Maryland to keep Mathews and two other members of The Base detained in federal custody. The Canadian national didnt know investigators were watching and listening when he and two other group members talked about attending the Richmond rally in the days leading up to Monday's event, which attracted tens of thousands of people and ended peacefully.

story continues below

Last month, a camera installed by investigators captured Mathews talking about the Virginia rally as a boundless opportunity, the AP reports. And the thing is youve got tons of guys who are just in theory should be radicalized enough to know that all you gotta do is start making things go wrong and if Virginia can spiral out to (expletive) full blown civil war, he said. FBI agents arrested Mathews and two othersBrian Mark Lemley Jr., 33, of Elkton, Maryland; and William Garfield Bilbrough IV, 19, of Denton, Marylandlast Thursday as part of a broader investigation of The Base. Authorities in Georgia and Wisconsin also arrested four other men linked to the group. Detention hearings for Mathews and Bilbrough are scheduled Wednesday at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland.

(Read more white supremacism stories.)
T he UKs drive to give every home ultra-fast broadband was boosted on Tuesday when TalkTalk sold its FibreNation business to CityFibre for 200 million.

CityFibre, backed by Goldman Sachs, is regarded as one of the more innovative operators in the sector.

TalkTalk, which had its own plans to build a full-fibre internet network, has been planning to sell FibreNation for some time.

The sale was delayed last year when the Labour party said it wanted to nationalise BTs Openreach network and give everyone free internet if it won the election.

TalkTalk chief executive Tristia Harrison said the deal was good news for TalkTalk, and good news for Britain and its full-fibre rollout ambitions.

Our investment over the last five years and the excellent work delivered by the FibreNation team, combined with CityFibres well-established platform, will support wide geographic reach of full fibre and further drive competition in the market.

TalkTalk has lately cut its dividend as it sought cash to fund its internet ambitions. The cash from CityFibre will boost its balance sheet.

Talktalk was founded by Sir Charles Dunstone, 55, in 2003. It was spun out of what was then Carphone Warehouse in 2010.

Fibre broadband is regarded as faster and more durable than the copper wires that comprise most of BTs older network. BT plans to replace copper with fibre. Virgin Media runs the other main internet network.

Greg Mesch, chief executive of CityFibre, said: Todays announcement establishes CityFibre as the UKs third national digital infrastructure platform allowing millions more consumers and businesses to benefit from access to faster, more reliable services.

He added: The UK is a service-based economy, and this runs best on full fibre. Ensuring national coverage is critical and this can only be achieved by driving infrastructure competition at scale. This deal demonstrates the appetite from industry to see it established.

Boris Johnson has set a 2025 date for making the UKs internet purely fibre.
An architectural conservation group has expressed concern over whether Belfast's sewerage and mains water supply will cope if the City Council gives the green light to the latest phase of the controversial 500m Tribeca development.

Councillors on the planning committee are due to vote on whether to approve the application at a meeting later today.

Last September, London-based Castlebrooke Developments submitted amendments to the outline planning application for the scheme, which encompasses large areas of Donegall Street and North Street.

Full permission was granted last March for phase 1B. However, the latest application is for phases 1C, 2 and 3 of the development. But it does overlap with phase 1B as it relates to proposals for 30-34 North Street.

Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) has previously expressed concerns over whether the "overloaded" water infrastructure in Belfast city centre is capable of handling the development.

In a strongly worded statement, UAH said yesterday: "If planning committee councillors are prepared to ignore fundamentals, what do they care about the impact of this development on Belfast's built heritage?"

Castlebrooke was invited by Belfast City Council to a property fair in Cannes last year to present their plans to investors.

"Did BCC or Castlebrooke advise potential investors that the development had no planning approval and no realistic provision of sewage or mains water connections in, at the very least, the medium term, with NI Water needing at least 1bn for Belfast water and sewage infrastructure alone, never mind the long term disruption associated with the necessary works?" the heritage charity added.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson said that members of the planning committee will consider the UAH application at the meeting.

NI Water said it has been working with all the relevant bodies and agencies to progress the planning application on the proposed development and has provided the necessary information for Belfast City Council to consider.

A spokesperson added: "NI Water met with Belfast city planners in December 2019 where it was agreed that NI Water would have no objection to this outline planning application receiving approval, and that a planning condition would be attached, regarding an approved sewerage solution.

"This development site currently discharges into the existing combined sewerage network which discharges both foul and storm flows to Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works; a storm outfall sewer will result in significantly reduced flows discharging to Belfast WWTW.

"NI Water will attend a meeting on January 30 to progress this application."
Mitsubishi Electric says it was the victim of a major cyberattack last year. It says personal data of over 8,000 people as well as corporate information may have leaked.

Mitsubishi says it detected hacking in its network after noticing suspicious activity on an in-house terminal last June.

Mitsubishi says personal data of about 8,100 people may have leaked.

That includes the names and addresses of students who applied for positions at the company, personal information of employees and the names of retirees.

But Mitsubishi says there were no breaches of highly confidential technical data on defense, electric power, railroads and other forms of social infrastructure.
McGillin's Old Ale House, which has been the site of numerous marriage proposals, keeps a ledger of love of stories about couple's who've fallen in love at the pub. Read more

Superstitions, traditions, and folklore abound about Leap Year and what  in addition to that extra calendar day, Feb. 29, that well enjoy this year  makes it special.

In Ireland, one the best-known traditions says that on Feb. 29, a woman can ask a man to marry her. The other 365 days of the year? Its the mans prerogative.

Centuries later, no one needs societys permission to ask a partner of any gender to make a lifetime commitment, obviously. Still, McGillins  the 160-year-old ale house on Drury Street  will pay homage to its Irish roots this year with a proposal of its own:

On Feb. 29, the first five women to publicly pop the question to their beloved at McGillins will receive a $100 gift certificate to the pub  and also become part of its lore: So many couples consider the place integral to their relationships that the bar maintains a book of their love stories. The current ledger includes the happy tales of about 100 duos, with more undoubtedly to come.

Weve never had somebody come back and say, Were divorced now. Can we cross that out?' said Chris Mullins Jr., who co-owns the bar with his parents and credits its laid-back vibe for sparking so many matches. We get people from all over the region, and that blending of people and music and fun means you let your hair down. Beer helps, too.

A spat between saints

Like many other traditions, its impossible to say where and when the Leap Day proposal originated. Some trace it back to Irelands two patron saints  Brigid of Kildare and Patrick  who allegedly had a testy chat in the fifth century about the inequality of the sexes.

Brigid complained that it was unfair that women had to wait for wedding proposals, prompting Patrick to declare that women could do the asking on Leap Day. Others say a 13th-century Scottish queen designated Feb. 29 as the day women could take marriage matters into their own hands.

Other European countries had similar customs, as well as idiosyncratic rules about saying no. A man who refused a Leap Year proposal was expected to compensate the asker, be it with cash (Scotland), 12 pairs of gloves (Denmark), fabric for a skirt (Finland), or a silk gown (Ireland).

The United States, too, has had its own Leap Day practices in which men and women swap traditional roles. Until the mid-1980s, for example, an Illinois town replaced its sitting government with an all-female lineup on Leap Day. In 2010, Hollywood added to the lore with the movie Leap Year, starring Amy Adams, about a woman who journeys to Ireland to ask her long-term boyfriend to marry her on Feb. 29.

 READ MORE: South Phillys Band of Brothers soldiers are forever young in new memorial site

Jillian Appleby, 38, of Cinnaminson, said she doesnt think she would have married Jim, her husband of more than a decade, if he hadnt asked her first. Jim, 41, rented out McGillins upstairs room for his surprise proposal in 2008. Jillian thought they were there for a birthday party for a friend. She was surprised that the gift Jim carried was actually for her: an album of photos from their courtship. On the last page was a snapshot of the engagement ring hed secretly brought with him that night.

After Jillian said yes, Mullins ran out with a bottle of champagne. Soon, the couples families and friends joined the party. It felt right to get engaged at McGillins, Jillian said, one of their favorite pubs.

Theres just such a warm atmosphere, she said. Everyones talking and smiling and its like one big family.

It was a sign

Regarding McGillins $100 offer this year, Mullins asks for a heads up before any Leap Day proposals so we can be champagne-ready. But some McGillins engagements are spur of the moment, as Mary Jane Hurley Brant, 72, knows well.

In mid-December of 1968, she and her then-boyfriend of 18 months, Dick Brant, now 74, decided over lunch at McGillins to get married. Neither proposed to the other. It was more of a mutual agreement that they belonged together.

He asked me what I wanted for Christmas. He said it nonchalantly, and I was like, Huh? What do you think I want? remembered Hurley Brant, of Newtown Square. I knew he was in love with me, and I was in love with him. It was not a hard decision for the couple to make, she said, and no less special than it wouldve been had Dick gotten down on one knee.

Two children and three grandchildren later, the couple are still smitten with each other, which was evident to others during their return lunch at McGillins last month.

There were two young guys at the table next to us, recalled Hurley Brant, and they said, Excuse me, you seem so happy. Whats going on? We said, Fifty years ago, we got engaged here. They were so excited.

And then theres Bob and Carolyn Hughes. He asked for her hand during lunch at McGillins in September 2011. Hed planned to pop the question that day at other locales  first, the Philadelphia Zoo, then an only-in-Philly location like Love Park  but he was continually thwarted by his hungry bride-to-be.

As they chowed down at McGillins, Carolyn talked about how her parents got engaged in 1975 in front of now-shuttered Strawbridge & Clothier. Bob then noticed that a sign from thesame department store was hanging on a nearby wall. He asked. She said yes.

The couple, who live in Fairmount with two children and one dog, still visit McGillins on a regular basis. The pub has been the site of so many Hughes gatherings that when McGillins Twitter account asked people to share their favorite McGillins memory, Bob quickly replied that it was of watching the Phillies win the 2008 World Series there. Carolyn quickly commented, Not getting engaged to your wife?

Even now, Carolyn noted, He didnt change his answer.

To learn more about McGillins Leap Day engagement offer (a spot must be reserved ahead of time), go to mcgillins.com or call 215-735-5562.
Six persons, including an Uzbek and Nepali national, were arrested in an alleged sex racket in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal city on Tuesday, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, the police raided a bunglow on the airport road and nabbed the six accused, city crime branch additional superintendent of police Nishchal Jhariya said.

While two of the arrested women are from Uzbekistan and Nepal, two other women and a pimp are from West Bengal, he said.

Customers would hire the women for a night and take them out, the official said.

"We are checking if the Uzbek woman was living in India with a valid visa," he said, adding that further probe is on in the case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hunter Biden has been ordered to show up at court in Arkansas where he'll have to show why he shouldn't be held in contempt for not turning over his financial records, according to newly filed court papers obtained by DailyMail.com.

Judge Holly Meyer ordered the businessman on Tuesday to show his face in the Independence County court room next Wednesday at 9.30am, or face being held in contempt of court.

Biden, 49, has been fighting against traveling to Arkansas from LA for the past few weeks, claiming he has had too short of notice to make the trip. He is being sued by his baby mama Lunden Roberts for child support for their 17-month-old child.

Roberts, 28, who met Biden while working as a stripper in Washington D.C., has repeatedly demanded that her former lover turn over the past five years of his financial records to establish how much he should cough up for their child.

But Biden has allegedly only turned over some of the information and Judge Meyer wants him to appear in court and explain himself.

Hunter Biden has been ordered to show up at court in Arkansas where he'll have to show why he shouldn't be held in contempt for not turning over financial records, according to new court papers obtained by DailyMail.com. Pictured: Biden with his wife Melissa Cohen last week in LA

Biden, 49, has been fighting against traveling to Arkansas from LA for the past few weeks. He is being sued by his baby mama Lunden Roberts (pictured) for child support for their 17-month-old child. The 28-year-old has repeatedly demanded that he turn over the past five years of his financial records to establish how much he should cough up for their child

Biden was spotted heading to lunch in West Hollywood with his pregnant South African wife Melissa Cohen, 32, last week.

Hunter sported his favorite outfit, a trendy blue suede jacket with matching blue trousers, while Melissa showed off her growing baby bump in a grey hoodie.

In newly filed papers, Roberts' legal team referenced a previous court order that said both parties must submit all documents pertaining to discovery no later than January 16.

Her lawyers claimed Biden 'failed to provide any additional discovery information of any nature.'

They claim he hasn't disclosed, financial institutions used by him or a business he owns or controls; his addresses from the past five years; lists of companies he owns or has an ownership interest; all sources of income for the past five years; an unredacted copy of his tax returns; and a copy of his 2017 and 2018 tax returns.

They claimed Biden's 'conduct is willful and contemptuous' and argue he should be held in contempt of court.

Roberts' lawyers added: 'Biden continues to act as though he has no respect for this Court, its orders, the legal process in this state, or the needs of his child for support.

'This Court should take some action that will make the defendant follow court orders and a believer in the rule of law.'

Biden's appearance in court is the showdown Roberts and her legal team have been wanting.

Biden allegedly has only turned over some of the financial information, and Judge Meyer wants him to appear in court and explain himself

A previous hearing where Biden was expected to show up to, was postponed and lawyers conferred over the telephone.

Earlier this month, Roberts hit back against Biden, who accused her of including his LA address in court filings just to add fuel to the 'Where's Hunter' campaign.

Roberts insisted her legal team didn't facilitate or participate in the bid to publicly track down the 49-year-old, who was found to be living in California, as she fights him for child support for their 17-month-old child.

Biden had accused Roberts of 'intentionally' including his address in filings so the 'media and his political adversaries' would know where he lives, which brought 'an onslaught of harassment' to him and his pregnant wife Melissa Cohen.

But Roberts said if Biden didn't want his home address known, he should have made use of his 'ample' time and set up a post office box so he could be served mail there.

President Trump has called for Biden to come forward to testify during his impeachment trial and his campaign started selling T-shirts with the slogan 'Where's Hunter?', as he brought up the matter again at his rally on Thursday night.
The Irish economy should comfortably withstand a lingering Brexit, international trade, and other macroeconomic challenges this year, according to two global credit ratings agencies.

German agency Scope has stuck with its A+ credit rating for Ireland, but has improved its Irish long-term prognosis from stable to positive.

Moodys sees Irish growth slowing this year but remaining far above the eurozone average for economic improvement.

However, it warned that the country remains exposed to an unusually high degree of volatility from the integration of multinational firms.

Moodys said it expects Irish GDP to grow by 3.2% this year  significantly down on the projected 5.2% growth level Ireland is expected to have achieved in 2019, but still well above the forecast eurozone average of 1.4% growth.

It said competitiveness gains and export and productivity growth should continue to support the economy. However, uncertainty about the UKs future relationship with the EU will persist this year and Brexit will remain the largest single risk to Irelands economic wellbeing for the next few years, it said.

Changing global tax rules, a global trade slowdown, and an overheating domestic economy also remain as challenges.

It said the Brexit risk will only pose a modest impact on the domestic banks, but bank profitability is likely to decline due to a high reliance on net interest income, a high exposure to low-margin mortgages, and losses from problem loan sales.

The reduction of government and bank debt has led to Scopes improved outlook on Ireland, but it said high public and private debt levels are rating constraints.

That said, it is more bullish than Moodys on the Irish economy, anticipating growth of 4%-5% this year.

External risks that could stress the Irish economy and the Irish banking system have somewhat eased of recent, said Scope analyst Dennis Shen.

He said market volatility could resume depending on how far apart the UK and EU are at the end of this year.

However, in the absence of a no-deal Brexit  a scenario Scope considers unlikely  the UK exiting the EU smoothly... could give a near-term boost to Irelands economy via sentiment and trading channels, he said.

PwC, meanwhile, said many uncertainties will persist in the economy this year.

Ireland is bucking some global economic trends  our economy is performing well, one of the fastest growing eurozone economies; unemployment is at a 13-year low; and foreign direct investment remains strong. However, as a small open economy dependent on the performance of our global trading partners, business growth in Ireland is likely to remain uncertain for 2020, warned PwC Ireland managing partner Feargal ORourke.

The internal challenges facing Irish companies are similar to these global trends. Here in Ireland we must continue to prepare for all Brexit eventualities, for the next year, good and bad. And the availability of key skills, cyber threats, and climate change are top of mind, he said.

Continuing to think beyond the challenges and invest in these important areas to ensure business models are fit for a digitally enabled sustainable future will be critical.
A burger, onion rings, and shake at Ruby's Diner. The chain was founded in 1982 in Southern California. Read more

Nothing lasts forever, including the Rubys Diner in Ardmore, which closed Jan. 20 after nearly 25 years at Suburban Square.

Employees and customers at the kid-friendly, 40s-theme malt-shop chain, based in Southern California, were greeted by a sign on the door explaining that the restaurant was closing as its lease was about to expire.

The sign steered customers to the nearest location, more than a half-hour away at the Shoppes at Brinton Lakes in Glen Mills. Its the last Rubys in the Philadelphia metro area; theres one in Atlantic City.

The Ardmore location was the first Rubys in the Philadelphia area when it opened in 1995. Locations in King of Prussia and Cherry Hill came and went.
Citing sources, a Reuters report claims that Apple decided against iPhone users fully encrypting their iCloud backup due to pressure from the FBI. The company had seemingly wanted to offer end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups two years ago.

However, due to concerns raised by the FBI and its operational technology division, Apple ended up dropping the plan. The law enforcement agency argued that encrypting the data would deny it of gaining important evidence against suspects using iPhones. This led Apple to drop the idea of encrypting iCloud backups the following year.

Legal killed it, for reasons you can imagine, another former Apple employee said he was told, without any specific mention of why the plan was dropped or if the FBI was a factor in the decision.

Apple was not interested in being subjected to various lawsuits and law enforcement agencies coming behind it for helping terrorists or giving the government an excuse for new legislation against encryption. One FBI official told Reuters that Apple decided against encrypting iCloud backups because it was convinced that the move would be detrimental and rob the FBI of important data in many cases. The official also said that barring its spat over the San Bernardino case, Apple and the federal government get along with each other.

On the flip side, an Apple employee told that the feature could have been dropped for other reasons, including concerns that many users would end up losing their important data quite frequently.

Apple currently offers iCloud backups without end-to-end encryption. This allows it to hand over all data stored in iCloud backups to the law enforcement agency when required. The company only encrypts all data stored on an iPhone making access difficult for the FBI. Apple is back under the spotlight for its encryption practices after the FBI asked it to unlock two iPhones of a Florida shooter. While the company turned over gigabytes of iCloud data to the law enforcement agency, it did not unlock the iPhones which even led President Trump to criticize the company.

[Via Reuters
Emily Thornberry was grilled by Piers Morgan over Labour 'sneering' at rich and successful people as he asked her if she is proud of becoming a 'multi-millionaire'.

Ms Thornberry, who is battling to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, has spoken repeatedly about her working-class upbringing during the campaign.

Today she insisted she was not worried about talking about her success as Mr Morgan suggested the current Labour leadership was 'on a mission to take down anyone rich'.

Mr Morgan said: Correct me if I am wrong but you are now fortunately enough to be a multi-millionaire now, right?

Ms Thornberry replied: Well, I own a house in London so therefore the house is worth a lot and has goner up a lot over the last 20 years since I have owned it.

Mr Morgan said: Are you worried about admitting that

Ms Thornberry interrupted and said no as Mr Morgan continued and said: ... simply because Jeremy Corbyn and his top people seem to be on a mission to take down anyone rich and successful in this country.

You have gone from literally being so poor your cats had to be put down to someone who has been successful and as a family you are rich, by comparison, to most people in the country.

Is that something that you are proud of and should people who have also worked hard and achieved and made money in this country, should they be saluted rather than sneered at?

Piers Morgan today grilled Emily Thornberry about her career and asked whether she was worried to talk about her success in the current version of the Labour Party

Ms Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, also used her appearance on GMB to accuse Boris Johnson of having a 'woman problem'

Ms Thornberry replied: The Labour Party should be about ensuring that we have a safety net because what happened to me and my family could happen to any family.

The shadow foreign secretary has previously sought to dismiss suggestions she is too posh to lead the left-wing party.

The 59-year-old politician is the daughter of teacher Sallie Thornberry and international lawyer the late Cedric Thornberry, who went on to become Assistant-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

But after her parents divorced when she was seven, Ms Thornberry said her family's finances took a dramatic turn for the worse as she grew up in a single parent household.

She revealed in 2017 that her family had the pet cat put down because they could not afford to feed it.

Ms Thornberry's comments on ITV's Good Morning Britain programme about her upbringing and career came as she claimed Boris Johnson has a 'woman problem'.

She argued she would 'frighten the life out of' the Prime Minister if she becomes Labour leader.

She also refused to say who she would back in the contest if she fails to make it onto the final ballot paper.

She was asked to choose between Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey - the two front runners - but she declined and said: 'I'm in this to win it.'

Ms Thornberry said she would 'frighten the life out of' Mr Johnson, pictured today in Downing Street greeting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, if she becomes Labour leader

The Islington South and Finsbury MP argued that the party should be looking to elect a woman of her experience and working-class background to the top job because it would cause Mr Johnson a major headache.

'It is an advantage to be a woman leader at this time because I think Boris Johnson has a woman problem, most definitely,' she said.

'He certainly has a problem with me. I think the Labour Party should think about that.'

She pointed out that Labour now has more women MPs than male representatives in Parliament, and said she is the candidate who would 'frighten the life out of' Mr Johnson at future Prime Minister's Questions sessions.
A driver in Southern California is facing murder charges after he intentionally slammed his vehicle into a car full of teenagers, leaving three dead and three injured, the authorities said Monday.

The man, Anurag Chandra, 42, of Corona, Calif., was arrested early Monday and booked on three counts of murder, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement. The agency said that on Sunday night Mr. Chandra rammed his 2019 Infiniti Q50 into a 2002 Toyota Prius that had been carrying the teenagers, causing it to leave the roadway and collide with a tree.

Mr. Chandra fled after the crash, which occurred on Temescal Canyon Road, about 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles, the Highway Patrol said. Witnesses followed him to a home and alerted the authorities, leading to his arrest.

Image Anurag Chandra Credit... Riverside County Sheriff's Department, via Associated Press

He basically turned himself in once we arrived at the location, said Juan Quintero, a spokesman for the Highway Patrol.
Early Warning Specialist, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Country: Ethiopia

City: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Office: UNDP Addis Ababa

Grade: P-3

Closing date: Thursday, 30 January 2020

Job ID: 28217

Practice Area - Job Family: Democratic Governance - ELECTIONS

Vacancy End Date: (Midnight New York, USA) 30/01/2020

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Education & Work Experience: I-Masters Level Degree - 5 year(s) experience

Languages: English

Grade: P3

Vacancy Type: TA International

Posting Type: External

Bureau: Africa

Contract Duration: 364 Days

Background

In response to the request by the Government of Ethiopia and with the view to supporting the reforms and general elections, the United Nations has performed a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM), the outcome of which is that the United Nations will design and activate an election support project.

In view of designing and activating the project, UNDP supported the development of the Supporting Elections for Ethiopias Democracy Strengthening (SEEDS) project, which was established in June 2019.

One of the key components of the SEEDS project is the development of an Electoral Violence Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism which will be implemented through the Brussels-based EU-UNDP Sustaining Peace through Elections (SELECT) initiative developed by the EC-UNDP JTF on Electoral Assistance.

The component supported by the SELECT team entails assisting the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) with the development of an Electoral Violence Early Warning and Early Response system (EVEW). The objective is to provide the NEBE with the capacity to manage and respond to real time symptoms and events of violence through the electoral process. As a result, the NEBE should have the capacity to identify and resolve grievances in a timely manner.

In this context, the EC-UNDP JTF on Electoral Assistance is seeking to recruit an Early Warning Advisor to support the project team and the UNDP Country Office in Ethiopia in the implementation of the EVEW component of SEEDS project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and in close cooperation with the JTF Electoral Conflict Prevention Specialist, and the national Early Warning System Expert, the selected candidate will support the NEBE in setting up the Electoral Violence Early Warning and Early Response System (EWER).

Summary of Key Functions on the basis of needs expressed by the NEBE:
Imperial Valley News Center

Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Excessive Force

Jackson, Mississippi - Shelley Griffith, 29, a former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) officer, was sentenced Friday in Jackson, Mississippi, by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan II of the Southern District of Mississippi to serve 70 months in prison for her role in assaulting an inmate at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Rankin County, Mississippi.

Griffith pled guilty on Dec. 14, 2017, to violating the civil rights of an inmate by using excessive force against him.

This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice, said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. The Civil Rights Division is committed to prosecuting those who violate the civil rights of others.

Violating a persons civil rights, whether the person is incarcerated or not, is a serious offense and only damages the already delicate relationship between corrections officers and inmates, said Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the FBIs Jackson Division. The FBI will continue working with our partner agencies to investigate violations of civil rights within Mississippi prisons.

According to the Criminal Information, on May 25, 2016, Griffith assaulted the inmate, identified as L.H., by kicking, punching, and stomping on him. Griffiths assault resulted in bodily injury to L.H. and involved the use of a dangerous weapon. At the time of the incident, Griffith was working as a corrections officer at CMCF in Rankin County, Mississippi.

Two other former MDOC officers, Reginald Brown and Sharalyn McClain, have pled guilty to violating the civil rights of L.H. based on their own conduct during the assault. Brown was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 60 months. McClain will be sentenced on March 20, 2020.

This case was investigated by the FBIs Jackson, Mississippi, Field Office. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer and Trial Attorneys Cameron Bell and Mary J. Hahn of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes of Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case
Severe storms smashed south-east Queensland on Tuesday afternoon, tearing a roof off a house and leaving about 19,000 properties without power a day after the lights went out for thousands of others.

It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology expects south-east Queensland residents to swelter through hot nights for the rest of this week, with the humidity making it even more uncomfortable.

A high of 35 degrees was predicted for Brisbane on Wednesday before dropping closer to 30 degrees at the weekend. Minimum temperatures of about 25 degrees are expected to remain into next week.

Day-time maximums were tipped to hover about 30 degrees on the Gold and Sunshine coasts, with Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley edging as high as 37 degrees into Friday.
Authorities are warning rainfall run-off in NSW's fire-affected areas may bring flash flooding filled with debris including ash, soil, trees and rocks as temperatures are set to rise into the 40s later in the week.

Severe thunderstorms hit Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong on Monday, while 5cm-wide hail caused catastrophic damage across Canberra.

A 16-year-old boy was struck by lightning in the Blue Mountains on Monday afternoon, while a 24-year-old man leaning against a metal railing nearby was also treated.

Both were taken to Nepean Hospital in a stable condition.

Crews respond to fallen branches following destructive winds on Monday. Source: NSW RFS

A 65-year-old man was was treated for multiple injuries and airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition after a large tree crashed through a glass door at a house in Harrington on the Mid North Coast.

Some 14,000 Ausgrid customers lost power after strong winds, lightning and hail struck the Sutherland Shire and northern beaches areas, the company posted on Twitter on Monday evening.

About 10.30pm, 13,000 remained without power as repairs were expected to continue overnight in the Shire.

There was unusual scenes in the capital on Monday with intense hail falling across the city. Source: AAP

Hail, strong winds and lightning interrupted power to 2200 homes and businesses, Endeavour Energy said.

Properties in western Sydney, Macarthur, the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra remained without power after 7.30pm as emergency crews planned to work into the evening to make safe and repair damage from the storm.

Debris-filled rainwater poses major threat

Emergency Services Minister David Elliott earlier on Monday warned of debris in rainfall run-off in fire-affected areas.

"Run-off from rainfall in fire-affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid resulting in flash flooding which may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks," Mr Elliott said in a statement.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse also said fire-affected areas could experience quick run-off, flash flooding and roadways covered by ash and debris.

Story continues

"Due to the fire and drought conditions, quite a lot of the vegetation is weakened and this means that trees and trees' branches are going to be much more likely to come down due to wind gust or a bit of heavy hail," Ms Woodhouse said.

Temperatures are set to spike on Thursday afternoon. Source: Windy

Temperatures are forecast to increase slightly closer to Wednesday and Thursday, with a spike in heat expected particularly for Thursday and Friday, and a possible elevation of fire danger.

Penrith in Sydneys west is expected to reach 42 degrees on Thursday while the CBD will hit 37. Bondi will reach 35.

Inland at Dubbo  where a giant dust storm swept over the town on Sunday  and nearby Narromine, temperatures of 40 are expected.

Downpours have provided relief for parts of drought-stricken NSW in recent days and helped firefighters slow the spread of bushfires and build containment lines ahead of increased fire danger mid-week.

Bondi will reach 35 degrees on Thursday. Source: AAP

Little hope of rain relief for Victorian bushfires

The summer thunderstorm that has brought heavy rainfall and hail over central Victoria is forecast to follow its path towards the east of the state, easing its conditions as it reaches bushfire-affected areas.

Although light showers are expected to hold in East Gippsland until late Tuesday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts the sky will be clear across the state by the evening.

The rain has brought some relief to the fire front, as the 14 active blazes in Victoria were all under advice levels that didn't pose risks to lives and homes.

But the impact of flooding and debris running into waterways has also challenged the battle against the flames.

"There's significant chance for run-off today, off the ground, and for those streams and creeks to run quite hard with debris, rocks, sticks and the like," SES deputy chief officer Alistair Drayton said on Monday.

There are fears fallen branches and other debris will be quickly transported in floodwater. Source: AAP

These weather challenges were strongly felt in Melbourne's eastern suburbs on Monday afternoon, where thunderstorms closed roads and delayed public transport.

The SES received 1824 calls for help since storms started hitting Victoria on Sunday.

About 1700 of them were in the Melbourne metropolitan area, mostly for building damage.

Hot and windy weather is expected to return on Wednesday, pushing fire danger into the severe and extreme ranges again in some parts of the state.

A raise in the mercury levels will come with strong winds that could cause the blazes to flare up.

"The strong winds are the main driver, but we do see the temperatures climbing, especially on the north of the state, where temperatures are pushing up to the high 30s," BOM senior meteorologist Richard Russell said.

Queensland cops soaking, more rain to come

Storms swept across Queenslands southeast on Monday, with the worst of the weather between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

At Thornlands, on Brisbane's bayside, a lightning strike was blamed for starting a fire that left a home severely damaged.

The storms dumped 67mm on Rochedale, in Brisbane's south, with Wacol, further west, recording 50mm. At the height of the wild weather, 20,000 properties were without power, but that was down to about 550 on Tuesday.

While not as intense as Monday, further storms are expected on Tuesday for Brisbane and the southeast.

Meanwhile drought-stricken inland communities are waiting for more rain after good falls in recent days filled water tanks and saw a statewide fire ban for national parks and forests lifted.

But the rain is no game-changer for Stanthorpe, on the Southern Downs, which has run out of water and is relying on supplies being trucked in.

There was direct rainfall over Stanthorpe's mains water reservoir, Storm King Dam, but a lack of runoff from catchments means the dam is still basically empty.

Mayor Tracy Dobie says six months of good falls are needed to break the drought.

Statewide dam levels rose by about one per cent after the weekend rain.

Little Nerang Dam in the Gold Coast Hinterland is near capacity, with Seqwater recording the dam at 96 per cent full, up from 72.5 per cent on Friday.

The Queensland Environment Department lifted the statewide fire ban on Monday.

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.
US president Donald Trump speaking at the 50th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

US president Donald Trump on Tuesday said that his country was looking forward to negotiating a tremendous post-Brexit trade deal with the United Kingdom.

"We look forward to negotiating a tremendous new deal with the United Kingdom, which has a wonderful new prime minister, who wants very much to make a deal, Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Prime minister Boris Johnson has prioritised trade negotiations with the US once the UK leaves the European Union at the end of this month.

READ MORE: World's elite head to Switzerland for Davos

Talks with the Trump administration are expected to occur in parallel with negotiations with the EU.

The UK has just 11 months to conclude trade pacts, something that raises the risk that it could essentially crash out of its trade arrangements at the end of December.

A trade deal with the US is coveted by Brexiteers, who believe it could allow a post-Brexit UK to prosper.

Johnson is thought to be planning a major speech on the UKs future after Brexit, ahead of a potential trip to Washington, when he is expected to fire the starting gun on the negotiations.

Not a time for pessimism

Referencing climate change critics and doom and gloom about trade, Trump said that it was not a time for pessimism.

This is a time for optimism. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process, because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action, he said.

But to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, Trump said, in what will likely be interpreted as a veiled jab at climate change activist Greta Thunberg.

They are the heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers, and I have them and you have them and they want to see us do badly, but we dont let happen, he said.

They predicted an overpopulation crisis in the 1960s, and starvation in the 70s. And an end of oil in the 1990s.

We will never let radical socialists destroy our country or eradicate our liberty.
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Pacific is home to the most dynamic urban centers in the world with three-quarters of the world's top 20 cities in the region. This is according to the latest JLL (NYSE: JLL) City Momentum Index, now in its seventh year.

The results show a continued shift in global influence from west to east, with Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese cities dominating the top positions. India  with seven cities in the top 20, the most of any country  leads the 2020 Index, despite last year's slowdown of the nation's economy. This strength is driven by locations in the country's southern states, as Hyderabad (1st) and Bengaluru (2nd) retain their status as the top two cities for short-term momentum.

China's role in driving global momentum continues to be significant; one-fifth of the global top 20 cities are in China. Shanghai stands alone as the only city to feature in the top 20 throughout the past seven years.

Amid the abundance of Asian cities in the lead, this year's rankings are also the most geographically diverse for several years. North American cities Silicon Valley (9th) and Austin (19th) feature in the top 20 for the first time. There are also signs of momentum returning to the Middle East, with Dubai ranking in the top 20 for the first time in three years and the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, breaking into the top 20 for the first time.

Jeremy Kelly, Director of Cities Research at JLL, says: "The remarkable dynamism in the emerging Asian economies is proof that economic reforms, business growth and infrastructure investment can drive the expansion of industry, significantly in the tech sector, and facilitate a start-up culture. This is now being repeated the world over, as geographical diversity looks to be returning to the Index."

The Index identifies a number of key growth drivers, including talent attraction, the expansion of innovation hubs and better urban planning, that cities can employ to meet the challenges faced by rapid momentum.

How talent and innovation are driving momentum

Momentum in Chinese cities Chongqing (11th), Wuhan (13th), Hangzhou (15th) and Shanghai (17th) is driven by a young talented population attracted to dynamic, innovative urban centers. Although just 40 years old, Shenzhen (10th) has become a magnet for several of China's leading tech giants that are headquartered in the city, creating a vibrant tech start-up scene and a hub for innovation. Young talent from across China have taken note; two-thirds of Shenzhen's residents are aged 20-40  the highest proportion of any large city in the world.

Innovation is also having an impact on cities in the United States with Silicon Valley (9th) and Austin (19th) among the world's most dynamic cities  the only representatives in the top 20 from developed economies. Their reputations as established technology and innovation hubs are attracting young talent, making both cities attractive real estate investment destinations.

Meeting the challenges of climate change and rapid development through innovation

Fast growth can also exacerbate issues caused by climate change. Wuhan (13th), a low-lying city located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers, is prone to flooding. This has been compounded by unchecked property development resulting from rapid growth. In response, the municipal government has intensified efforts to increase climate-resilient construction under China's "sponge city" initiative that seeks to enhance rain water absorption capacities.

Several cities in the top 20 stand out as they transform their urban environments in pursuit of a low-carbon future. Dubai (14th) has committed to ambitious sustainability goals of reducing water and energy consumption by 30% by 2030 and using 75% clean energy by 2050. In India, Hyderabad is looking to technology to reduce the demand for air conditioning with cool roofs that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat.

The importance of transitioning to a "future fit" city

With several cities, including Ho Chi Minh City (3rd), Manila (8th), Shanghai (17th) and Mumbai (20th), at risk from rising sea levels and intensifying weather patterns caused by climate change, the real estate industry has an important role to play in helping fast-growth cities transition to a more sustainable model of urban development. Not only are emerging cities more susceptible to the effects of climate change, they are also facing the most intense pressure to change.

The Index shows the steps that cities can take to overcome some of the issues associated with rapid growth. Continued investment in infrastructure can unlock new locations, reduce congestion and improve air quality. Chinese and Middle Eastern cities continue to benefit from investment in metro lines, high speed rail and increased airport capacity. The growth of "micro-mobility" is another positive step, illustrated by Hyderabad's introduction of smart bikes and electric cars. Smart city solutions, such as bike rentals, improves quality of life, helps increase inclusion and aids in the transition to a low carbon environment.

"One common ingredient when looking at cities that succeed at rapid-growth is the importance placed on governance and leadership  something often overlooked. The complex nature of city transformation relating to the innovation economy, climate mitigation and a changing geopolitical world means a city's governance system is increasingly critical to a city being 'future-fit' for the coming decades," concludes Kelly.

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.3 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 93,000 as of September 30, 2019. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

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Seoul, Jan 21 : South Korea will dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz by expanding operational areas of its anti-piracy unit deployed nearby to help protect its vessels passing through the strategic waterway, the Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The forces, however, will not join a US-led coalition, but conduct independent operations, the Ministry said, a move seen as reflecting Seoul's consideration of relations with Tehran and Washington's request for contribution to its campaign to secure the waters off Iran, Yonhap News Agency said in a report.

"In consideration of the current situation in the Middle East, the government has decided to temporarily expand the Cheonghae Unit's sphere of activity in order to guarantee safety of our people and the freedom of navigation of our vessels," the Ministry said in a statement.

The 300-strong Cheonghae Unit, which has been on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia since 2009, will broaden its mission areas into the Gulf of Oman, and further to the Persian Gulf, starting Tuesday, as the 31st batch of the rotational troops along with the 4,400-tonne destroyer, the Wang Geon, is to assume the role on the day, according to the Ministry.

"Since May last year, when tensions began to heighten in the Middle East, we've been reviewing diverse options," Yonhap News Agency quoted a senior Defense Ministry official as saying, adding that the government prioritizes the safety of South Korean people and vessels.

Before announcing the decision, the Ministry had consultations with the US and also explained reasons for the decision to Iran through diplomatic channels, according to the official.

As for the meaning of the "temporary" expansion of its role, the Ministry official said it will be valid "until situations in the Middle East improve".

As the world's most important oil passageway and a choke point between the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the strait is the route to the open ocean for more than one-sixth of global oil production and 70 per cent of South Korea's oil imports.

Tensions in the region have further mounted after Iran launched missile attacks on US troops in Iraq on January 8 in retaliation for an American drone attack that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad on January 3.
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a state budget that includes $900 million for teacher recruitment in high-needs areas. In addition to luring teachers who work in STEM fields and special education to public schools across the state, more than 40% of that budget allotment would go toward diversifying the teacher corps. As Newsom explained on Friday, a teacher that looks like you is incredibly important as it relates to particularly African American achievement.

For policymakers around the country, the lack of diversity in the teacher workforce is a supply problem: There simply are not enough teachers of color who want to work in the schools. In turn, they propose solutions rooted in financial incentives and recruitment.

Funding is important, as is Newsoms willingness to talk explicitly about the critical need for teachers of color in Americas schools. But this formulation of the problem as a function of supply is a myth that obscures a racist truth.

The trope of disinterest in teaching among people of color, and especially African Americans, is sustainable only if we ignore history.

In the face of anti-literacy slave laws that promised severe bodily harm and even death, enslaved and freed African Americans identified education as liberation as they taught and learned covertly. Following the Civil War, emancipated slaves led the charge for public schooling in the South. When denied access to those very schools in the wake of the 1896 Plessy v. Fergusson decision that legalized segregation, black communities banded together to build and staff schools. Black students and teachers learned and worked in unequal settings and faced rampant discrimination, but inside the schools they built, they were nurtured and respected.

The Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954 often emerges as a watershed moment where this nation turned from inequality to equality, but it also represents something much less romantic: the displacement of this nations black teachers. The mantra of integration promised no justice.

By the late 1960s, as frustrations over the lack of progress toward racial equality boiled over across the country, white policymakers turned a blind eye to the recent past and defined the lack of diversity in the teacher workforce as a supply-side problem, giving life to the policy stories that have come to define generations of education reform.

For instance, following the 1968 Ocean Hill-Brownsville teacher strikes in New York City when white teachers clashed with black and Puerto Rican communities over control of the schools, city leaders identified the hiring of teachers of color as a salve, funding recruitment initiatives and easing certification rules. In this moment, a temporary pathway opened: Thousands of black and Latino adults entered New York Citys schools as paraprofessionals and teachers on temporary licenses. Their presence brought new diversity to the schools, but these teachers also found themselves on the lowest rungs of a rigid bureaucracy with limited voice and protection. When the fiscal crisis of 1975 necessitated teacher layoffs, last-in-first-out union rules meant that teachers of color were once again displaced.

By the mid-1970s, the U.S. Department of Housing, Education and Welfares Office for Civil Rights interceded. From New York to Chicago to Los Angeles, federal investigators unearthed evidence of structural inequality and discrimination in teacher hiring and called on districts to diversify and integrate the teacher workforce or lose millions of dollars in federal aid. In spite of evidence of the barriers to diversification including licensure policies, hiring practices and union rules, local school leaders continued to define the absence of teachers of color as a supply problem and turned to recruitment and funding as the solution.

Tame as they were, the proposed reforms faced legal challenges from local unions, who argued that the efforts undermined collectively bargained contracts, and white run school districts, which cried reverse racism, and fizzled out by the end of the decade. For white policymakers, the lack of progress only confirmed their claims that the problem centered on communities of color who failed to produce qualified teachers, transforming this historical myth of supply into a policy fact.

As a 2017 study published in the Harvard Educational Review found, these historical dynamics continue to play out in todays schools. One districts efforts to recruit teachers of color led to a large pool of qualified prospective black teachers. However, all else equal, black applicants were significantly less likely than their white counterparts to receive a job offer. The teachers of color were there, but the demand for them was not.

The reasons for the lack of diversity in the nations public schools are historical and complex and include systematic barriers to entry, discrimination in hiring and daily micro-aggressions that impede retention. For some teachers  black men, for instance  supply is one factor to consider, but for no group of teachers of color is supply the only or even the most significant reason for their lack of representation in the education workforce.

Equity pivots on coming to grips with this history.

Diana DAmico Pawlewicz, Ph.D., is a historian of education reform and teacher policy and author of the forthcoming book Blaming Teachers: Professionalization Policies and The Failure of Reform in American History. Follow her on Twitter: @DiaDamico.
Hundreds of protesters calling on global leaders to take swifter action on climate change will face up to 5,000 military personnel and police from across Switzerland as they march to the ski resort of Davos for a planned demonstration.

Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old Swedish activist, is due to address the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) gathering of global business and political leaders, where U.S. President Donald Trump is the headline speaker.

The 50th edition of the meeting sees the return of Trump after he pulled out in 2019.

Fighter jets, ground defence systems and additional radar, among other measures, will protect some 3,000 participants at the meeting, Swiss police officials said on Monday.

Various people in the world are under great threat, if you can put it that way, and wherever they appear, they deserve commensurate security measures, Walter Schlegel, the regional police commander, told a news conference on Monday.

The U.S. president has a big security detail that must be deployed, Schlegel said.

Trump is expected to attend on Tuesday and Wednesday, as hearings get under way in the U.S. Senate, where lawmakers are set to decide whether he should be removed from office.

Activists are set to reach Davos by hiking trails and by train after authorities banned foot traffic on a road leading to Davos from the neighbouring village of Klosters.

To start their three-day march on Sunday, some protesters wore koala bear costumes to call attention to Australian bush fires whose destructive intensity has been linked by scientists to a warming planet.
By Rasana Gasimova

The Azerbaijani government will spend 3 billion manats ($1.7 billion) for social protection of its citizens in 2020, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Sahil Babayev has said.

In 2019, President Ilham Aliyev signed a package of decrees aimed at social protection of 4.2 million citizens. In 2019, the financial burden of this package amounted to 2.3 billion manats ($1.3 billion), and in 2020 it will amount to 3 billion manats, Babayev noted in his article published in local media.

Babayev emphasized that the Labor Ministry will continue the process of providing apartments and cars to the people disabled in the Karabakh war and the families of those who died while protecting the country's territorial integrity.

Last year, 934 apartments and private houses were issued to the families of martyrs and to war veterans. In 2020, their number will reach 1,500. Until today, 7,500 apartments and private houses have been given to families of martyrs and to war veterans he noted.

Babayev also noted that so far, 6,750 cars have been handed over to war veterans.

Earlier this month, Babayev noted that Azerbaijans State Social Protection Fund in 2019 ensured a refund of 320 million manats ($188 million) to the state budget.

Babayev added that these savings allowed allocating additional 190 million manats ($111.76 million) to implement social reforms in 2020.

He noted that reforms carried out in Azerbaijan have positive impact on the social services sector. Social security system automation, as well as the development and implementation of the DOST concept are real success indicators of the countrys state policy.

Last year, Agency for Sustainable and Operational Social Security (DOST Agency) was set up under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population in a bid to improve social security and protection of the population.

The main spheres of the agency's services include labor, employment, social security, appointment of pensions, social benefits, targeted social assistance, disability assessment, disability determination, banking services, lawyer consultation and insurance services.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Bernie Sanders has apologized to Democratic rival Joe Biden after one of his campaign surrogates said the former Vice President has a 'big corruption problem'.

The Vermont Senator distanced himself from an op-ed written by Professor Zephyr Teachout, who branded Biden a 'weak candidate' and accused him of sucking up to big businesses and donors.

With exactly two weeks until the crunch Iowa caucus, Sanders scrambled to defuse the friction and bat away accusations of dirty campaigning.

He said Monday night: 'It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And I'm sorry that that op-ed appeared.'

Teachout is not officially on the Sanders campaign team, but has championed his left-wing movement and introduced him at rallies.

Joe Biden (left) and Bernie Sanders (right) at Tuesday's Democratic presidential primary debate in Iowa

The Vermont Senator (right) distanced himself from an op-ed written by Professor Zephyr Teachout, who branded Biden (left) a 'weak candidate' and accused him of sucking up to big businesses and donors

Biden, who is leading the pack of Democrats vying to take on Donald Trump in November's election, accepted the apology

'Biden has a big corruption problem and it makes him a weak candidate,' she wrote in the Guardian.

She added: 'It looks like 'Middle Class' Joe has perfected the art of taking big contributions, then representing his corporate donors at the cost of middle- and working-class Americans.'

Biden, who is leading the pack of Democrats vying to take on Donald Trump in November's election, accepted the apology.

The primary frontrunner tweeted: 'Thanks for acknowledging this, Bernie. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary.

'Let's all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president.'

Sanders has long railed against negative campaigning and said he was a victim of such political skulduggery when he unsuccessfully fought Hillary Clinton for a shot at the White House in 2016.

But he found himself in hot water last week when fellow candidate contender Elizabeth Warren accused him of previously urging her not to run for President.

Sanders found himself in hot water last week when fellow candidate contender Elizabeth Warren (left) accused him of previously urging her not to run for President

Barack Obama's former vice president has been dogged by allegations of corruption which have been front and centre of Donald Trump's (pictured at the Davos summit today) impeachment - the trial kicked which off in the Senate today

Their feud climaxed in a sensational row at the end of Tuesday's debate when Warren marched up to Sanders and said: 'You called me a liar on national TV!' while the microphones were still on.

Although Sanders and Warren grabbed headlines, it is Biden who will go into the February 3 Iowa poll with his nose in front.

But Barack Obama's former vice president has been dogged by allegations of corruption which have been front and centre of Donald Trump's impeachment - the trial kicked which off in the Senate today.

Trump was impeached in the House for abusing the power of the Oval Office by allegedly withholding military aid from Ukraine unless they investigated Biden, who was accused of using his power to get a prosecution quashed against the Ukraine energy company his son, Hunter, worked for.
Constitutional Court to announce ruling on upstart party that shocked establishment in 2019 general election.

Thailands Constitutional Court is to decide on Tuesday whether to dissolve the opposition Future Forward Party, in a ruling that could strengthen the military-backed governments majority in parliament.

The case is based on a complaint that claims the party is seeking to overthrow the countrys constitutional monarchy and is linked to the Illuminati, an alleged secret society that conspiracy theorists believe seeks world domination.

Founded almost two years ago by auto-parts billionaire Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Future Forward Party came third in last years general election, which the opposition says was manipulated in favour of the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party.

Thanathorn, 41, has emerged as the most prominent opponent to the government, which reinstalled former junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, 65, as a civilian prime minister five years after he staged a military coup.





Future Forward spokeswoman Pannika Wanich said the case was an attempt to eliminate the party, using a claim of protecting the monarchy that few would dare argue against.

Its clear that the anti-monarchy claim is the only one that can go so far as to destroy Future Forward Party, Pannika said.

We emphasise that this is a deliberate political harassment.

The case, accepted by the Constitutional Court in July, is best known for its allegation that the partys triangular logo signifies association with the Illuminati, making the party a threat to Thailands constitutional monarchy.

New low

It also alleges that language in the partys manifesto, as well as past business investments, Facebook pictures and academic briefings by key party figures, suggest personal hostility towards the constitutional monarchy since before the party was founded.

I looked into their behaviour from the past to now, Nattaporn Toprayoon, who filed the complaint last May, told Reuters. I did it because Im Thai. The monarchy is of utmost reverence.

But Pannika said the allegations were a problem.

This would set a new legal precedent that executive members of a political party must have their thoughts and minds inspected, she said.

Its also an unexpected new low that a political party has to defend itself to show its not involved with the Illuminati.

A verdict to dissolve Future Forward on Tuesday is likely, which could prompt political events like flashmobs in the short term, said Yuttaporn Issarachai, a political scientist at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.

But even if the party survives, it will still face other outstanding legal challenges ahead, Yuttaporn said.

Future Forward faces another case alleging that it had violated laws governing political parties by accepting loans from its party leader, among others.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, January 21, 2020

As the world turns its eyes to Davos, Switzerland this week, a group of advertisers and agency executives are pushing to leverage their own economics to create a more sustainable and responsible digital media marketplace that protects consumers, the media industry and society.

The initiative, being organized by the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM), was founded in June 2019 by the World Federation of Advertisers, represents $97 billion spent by six agency holding companies on behalf of 39 advertisers.

Interestingly, it also includes big media companies such as Facebook, Twitter and Googles YouTube, which some critics blame for contributing to an irresponsible digital media environment enabling questionable content and misinformation to perpetuate.

However, the group also cited estimates that 620 million pieces of harmful content were removed by YouTube, Facebook and Instagram between July and September 2019.

advertisement advertisement

Because of the platforms investments in teams and tools, the majority of this content was removed before consumers actually saw them, GARM asserted, adding, However, approximately 9.2 million pieces of harmful content still reached consumers during that three-month period, equating to roughly one piece of harmful content viewed per second.

The GARM announcement goes on to say it is taking a collaborative approach, working with digital media platforms to improve their environments with the goal of eliminating harmful online content and ensuring that bad actors have no access to advertiser funding.

The alliance unveiled a three-prong plan, including:

Shared definitions: The Alliance has developed and will adopt common definitions to ensure that the advertising industry is categorizing harmful content in the same way. The 11 key definitions covering areas such as explicit content, drugs, spam and terrorism will enable platforms, agencies and advertisers to a shared understanding of what is harmful content and how to protect vulnerable audiences, such as children. Establishing these standards is the first step needed to stop harmful content from being monetized through advertising.

Common tools and systems: The Alliance will develop and adopt common tools that will create better links across advertiser controls, media agencies tools, and the platform efforts to categorize content. Creating these linkages will improve transparency and accuracy in how media investments are steered towards safer consumer experiences  in images, videos and editorial comments.

Independent oversight: The Alliance will establish shared measurement standards so that the industry and platforms can fairly assess their ability to block, demonetize, and take down harmful content. Transparency via common measures, methodology for advertisers, agencies and platforms is key to guiding actions that enhance safety for consumers. Adopting key measures and agreeing to independent verification will be key to driving improvement for all parties, which we will look to track annually. A special working group from the GARM will be activating this strategy starting in April.

Its time to create a responsible media supply chain that is built for the year 2030, one that operates in a way that is safe, efficient, transparent, accountable, and properly moderated for everyone involved, especially for the consumers we serve, stated Procter & Gamble Chief Brand Officer and GARM member Marc Pritchard, adding, With all the great minds in our industry coming together in partnership with The Global Alliance for Responsible Media, we can and should avoid the pitfalls of the past and chart a course for a responsible future.
The necktie business is dying out in Korea as the country now widely accepts more casual dress at work.

The number of necktie manufacturers dropped from about 300 in 1990 to 17 in 2018, while the market shrank to barely more than 1/10 of its value from W200 billion to W25.6 billion (US$1=W1,160).

Only the university admissions and graduation season are busy times for tie manufacturers.

"We are busy just for a short while around this time of a year. A few days later, we will complete all orders and have to leave the factory unused," said Kim Young-sik, a tie manufacturer in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. "We started to see orders decrease a decade ago and now we have no work at all for four months of the year."
At the pulsing core of the story is death row, where McMillian is sustained by the friendship of his fellow inmates in the adjoining cells. They cant see one another but the banter which passes between the bars and walls of their confinement keeps them going. Anthony Ray Hinton (OShea Jackson, son of Ice Cube), who became another of Stevensons clients, is the joker  despite a false conviction which Stevenson took 16 years to have overturned. And Herb Richardson (Rob Morgan), a Vietnam veteran, who planted a bomb on a womans porch while suffering from post-traumatic shock syndrome, is an especially sad figure, tormented by the knowledge of his inevitable date with Yellow Mama. Maybe the script is too easy on him. We hear little about his victim and he seems more regretful than remorseful but Morgan gives him a reflectiveness that gets to you.

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Foxxs performance is as restrained as Jordans. He curbs the cockiness that often colours his work and portrays a man who can still spare a thought for the troubles of those around him while struggling not to be consumed by the deep-seated anger that hes been harbouring since his arrest.

One source of black humour lies in the fact that McMillian is from Monroeville, home of Harper Lee. When Stevenson first arrives, people keep suggesting that a visit to the towns museum, with its To Kill a Mockingbird exhibition, will give him an insight into the place. And theyre being serious.

Stevenson, however, has had the last word on that topic. Hes helped to set up two other Alabama museums as memorials to the history of slavery and the sufferings of African-Americans who have had to endure the wrongs perpetrated by the USs criminal justice system. If you want to find out more, this film is the perfect place to begin.
After announcing a tour in North America last week, German metal band Rammstein has officially announced a show in Philadelphia.

The band will perform its first-ever North American stadium tour in August and September, according to a news release. The tour will feature ten stops, including Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Aug. 23.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. More information can be found on Rammsteins official website or Ticketmaster. A number of presales will take place leading up to the general sale.

Heres a complete look at the tours itinerary:

Thursday, Aug. 20 - Montreal, QC - Parc Jean-Drapeau

Sunday, Aug. 23 - Philadelphia, PA - Lincoln Financial Field

Thursday, Aug. 27 - Washington, DC - FedExField

Sunday, Aug. 30 - Minneapolis, MN - U.S. Bank Stadium

Thursday, Sept. 3 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field

Sunday, Sept. 6 - Foxborough, MA - Gillette Stadium

Thursday, Sept. 10 - East Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium

Wednesday, Sept. 16 - San Antonio, TX - Alamodome

Saturday, Sept. 19 - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Sunday, Sept. 27 - Mexico City, MX - Foro Sol

The band started dropping hints last week about the tour with a short graphic on social media that highlighted several states, including Pennsylvania.

The band also posted several photos of a Zeppelin bearing the bands name hovering over several cities, including Philadelphia.

The bands latest untitled album, also known by many as Rammstein, released in May and climbed to the #9 spot on the Billboard 200 in the U.S.

The Grammy award-winning band is best known for songs such as Du Hast, Feuer frei!, Sonne," and Engel.

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.
Pakistan security personnel on Tuesday gunned down a terrorist during a search operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, the security forces conducted a search operation in Kulachi tehsil at Dera Ismail Khan district.

During the search operation, terrorists opened fire at the security forces. In the retaliatory firing, a terrorist was killed and four hand grenades and one rifle were recovered from his possession.

In another incident, police defused 26 landmines planted in a government college in Khar Bajaur district, District Police Officer Ali Shah said.

On receiving the information that landmines were planted in the Government College of Technology, personnel of the Bomb Disposal Squat unit rushed to the site and neutralised the mines, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its out: the annual report by tort reform advocates of what they say are the nations worst local courts and states that are abusing the civil justice system.

The report also warns of state courts that did not make the list of the worst this year but may be on track to do so in the near future.

This years Top 10 Judicial Hellholes are filled with widespread civil lawsuits, legislative loopholes that create more ways for lawyers to sue, and judges who allow junk science into evidence in trials, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation.

The ATRF organization advocates for civil justice reforms including limits on the award of noneconomic damages, limits on contingent fees paid to attorneys, class action reforms, and appeal bond reform among others. Members of the group include businesses, municipalities and professional and trade associations. The group is often on the other side of these issues from the plaintiffs trial bar.

Justice is abused in these Judicial Hellholes, with abuses in the civil justice system hurting businesses, consumers and the nation, said Tiger Joyce, ATRF president. Litigation abuse drives up insurance costs and drives away jobs, and the money businesses spend fighting often-frivolous lawsuits takes dollars away from research and development of new consumer products.

The 2019-20 Judicial Hellholes report ranks Philadelphias Court of Common Pleas as the No. 1 Judicial Hellhole in the country, due to the large number of mass torts cases inundating this court system and the high-dollar judgments and settlements that result. For example, in October, Johnson & Johnson was hit with an $8 billion verdict involving the medication, Risperdal, which reportedly is the largest verdict from the court in 25 years. (A judge has since reduced that award to $6.8 million.)

The report claims that trial lawyers spend millions of dollars on advertising in the Philadelphia media market to drive up the number of claimants.

The group says this court also has opened its door to plaintiffs from all over the country such that 86 percent of the new pharmaceutical suits in Philadelphia are brought by out-of-state plaintiffs.

Philadelphia beat out Californias state courts and legislature as the top hellhole, a title California held last year. But Californias drop to number 2 is not due to any improvement in the states liability climate, according to the report, but rather results from the severity of the new problems plaguing Philadelphia.

New York City, ranked third, is criticized for too many consumer lawsuits and disability act claims against small businesses.

Louisiana climbed to number 4 because of the current governors aggressive litigation agenda, the plaintiff-friendly legislature, and inescapable advertising practices by the plaintiffs bar.

St. Louis improved its standing with tort reforms in 2005 but is back on the list at number 5 due to it becoming known for permitting lawyers to combine multiple plaintiffs, sometimes from different states, in toxic tort and pharmaceutical cases.

The 2019-2020 top Judicial Hellholes are:

Our hope is that this report on Judicial Hellholes will be a loud wake-up call for government officials to stop the madness, Joyce said. Stop creating more ways for lawyers to sue businesses, stop wasting money in court, and stop contributing to job loss.

The report also spotlights additional courts and states that it says bear watching due to troubling developments: the Colorado Supreme Court, Florida, Maryland Legislature, Montana Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, South Carolina Asbestos Litigation and West Virginia Supreme Court.

These locations are on the cusp of becoming full-blown Judicial Hellholes, Joyce said.

The report also identifies what it sees as several worrisome areas emerging in civil litigation including an increase in local governments filing local lawsuits to address national public policy issues, legislation seeking to ban arbitration and new data privacy liability concerns.

Also, in 2019, laws expanding employment liability were enacted in states across the country, including four bills in California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York which seek to ban arbitration in the employment context.

The report also says that Californias Consumer Protection Act and Illinoiss Biometric Information Privacy Act are contributing to a regulatory patchwork of data privacy laws in the U.S. These lawsuits are becoming more prevalent and are imposing significant costs on legitimate businesses offering useful services  all without enhancing consumer privacy, the group contends.

National and global problems cannot be solved through litigation in local courts, Joyce said.

Topics Lawsuits California New York Illinois
Cong, CPI(M) slam TMC for not replying to queries of Guv on pending Bill

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, Jan 21: The Congress and CPI(M) on Tuesday slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal for not replying to the queries of Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on a bill to check mob assaults and lynchings, saying due respect should be given to a constitutional position.

After discussing with the governor matters of a Bill that seeks to check incidents of mob assault and lynching in the state, the two parties alleged that the TMC dispensation has kept both the governor and the Opposition in the dark over the Bill.

The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 is waiting for the governor's nod after it was passed by the Assembly on August 30 last year. Dhankhar has been saying replies to his queries on it were not given by the government. Dhankhar had invited the leader of opposition in the Assembly Abdul Mannan of the Congress and CPI(M) legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty to discuss matters relating to the Bill.

"Just as we feel that adverse comments in the House against the governor is objectionable, we also feel that not giving answers to queries by him is also objectionable," the Congress leader said.

There are some procedural and technical glitches in the Bill which will not pass the scrutiny of a court of law, Mannan said after the two, along with CPI MLA Ashok Dinda, held a meeting with Dhankar at the Raj Bhavan here.

"The government would not have fallen had the TMC admitted its errors pointed out by us and corrected them," Mannan said claiming that the Mamata Banerjee regime is averse to any suggestion made by the opposition.

CPI(M) MLA Sujan Chakraborty alleged that the government side is keeping the House in the dark over the Bill, and claimed that they had repeatedly told the ruling party leaders that there are technical flaws in the Bill.

"We (the Left) think that the position of a governor is not necessary, but since it is there in the Constitution, respect should be given to the position by both the government and the person holding it," the CPI(M) legislature party leader said, in a reference to the ongoing feud between Dhankar and the Mamata Banerjee dispensation.

Chakraborty claimed that differences between the two sides were taking the centre stage, putting major issues like job creation and other requirements of the people in the back burner.

The CPI(M) leader said they did not discuss with the governor another Bill that will pave the way for setting up an SC/ST commission in the state, since it has not yet been tabled in the House.

Arrows of Arjuna had atomic power says West Bengal Governor

The 'West Bengal Commission for SC and ST Bill, 2019 is also pending with Dhankhar. Dhankar had invited the West Bengal Chief Minister for a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to the two bills on January 17 but she did not attend it owing to "preoccupations".
Dubai: Iran confirmed in a report released on Tuesday that two Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles hit a Ukrainian airliner that was shot down on January 8, killing all 176 aboard.

While Iran's Revolutionary Guard had previously admitted it shot down the plane, the report marked the first official acknowledgment that two missiles struck the aircraft, matching amateur videos that surfaced after the Boeing 737-800 went down.

The report by Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation did not immediately say the missiles caused the crash but only that "the impact of these missiles on the accident and the analysis of this action are under investigation."

The report also requested help from US and French authorities for equipment and know-how to recover information from Flight 752's flight recorders, the so-called "black boxes" that record the voices in the cockpit and the flight data.
New Delhi:

Actor Soni Razdan, mother of Alia Bhatt and wife of Mahesh Bhatt, has caused controversy on Tuesday after she posted a tweet calling Afzal Guru, executed for his role in Parliament attack, a 'scapegoat' and demanded a probe into the death penalty awarded to him. Razdan's tweet comes at a time when Guru's role in the attack has come under scanner again after the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh.

Afzal Guru - who was convicted for his role in the attack on Indian parliament and hanged in 2013 - had written a letter to his lawyer days before his deat. In his letter, Guru had briefly touched upon how the Jammu and Kashmir police officer had tortured him. Guru had also claimed that Singh had made him give shelter and means to one of the attackers. Guru's claims were not investigated at that time and the police officer remained in service. Singh was recently arrested in Jammu and Kashmir in the company of two militants he was allegedly ferrying.

Razdan, who was last seen in a film No Fathers In Kashmir took to her social media account to highlight the need for 'solid enquiry' in the Afzal Guru case. In her tweet she further expressed the need of investigation to see if Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat.

"This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat said her tweet. Razdan also shared a news article based on Guru's claims on deputy superintendent Davinder Singh.

This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat https://t.co/UUVV2Z9UGU  Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) January 21, 2020

In another tweet she said, There should also be an enquiry as to how people like Afzal are tortured and forced to carry out terrorist activities for criminals and then get the death penalty!

'There Should be Inquiry into Why Davinder Singh Was Let off after Afzal... https://t.co/rEaEEdl1Aw via @YouTube There should also be an enquiry as to how people like Afzal are tortured and forced to carry out terrorist activities for criminals and then get the death penalty !

 Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) January 21, 2020

After receiving backlash by a section of netizens for her post, mother to Bollywood A-lister actress Alia Bhatt clarified, "No one is saying he is innocent. But if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did isnt that what needed to be fully investigated ? Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously. Thats the travesty." No one is saying he is innocent. But if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did isnt that what needed to be fully investigated ? Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously. Thats the travesty. https://t.co/PBRhz1gGBg  Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) January 21, 2020

No Fathers in Kashmir directed by Oscar Nominated Ashvin Kumar tells the story of a British-Kashmiri teenage girl who travels to the Himalayan state to search for her father, only to discover that he disappeared and was then killed after being taken away by soldiers for interrogation.

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Charles Taylor plc ("the Company")

NOTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR/PDMR SHAREHOLDING

The Company announces that outstanding share awards granted under the Charles Taylor (unapproved) Restricted Share Plan have vested and became exercisable on 16 January 2020. The awards vested as a result of the Court sanction of the Scheme of Arrangement as announced on 16 January 2020 pursuant to which the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of the Company by Jewel BidCo Limited at a price of 345p per share will be implemented. Accordingly, Jeffrey More, Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor Insurance Services (IOM) Limited - PDMR, has become the legal and beneficial owner of 1,256 ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company (Shares). Such Shares will be transferred to Jewel BidCo Limited pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement in the same manner as applies to Shares held by all other Company shareholders.

The relevant notifications set out below are provided in accordance with the requirements of Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

1 Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities / person closely associated a) Name Jeffrey More 2 Reason for the notification a) Position/status Chief Executive Officer, Charles Taylor Insurance Services (IOM) Limited - PDMR b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial notification 3 Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name Charles Taylor plc b) LEI 2138009V1NHVCXIQ6V62 4 Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument;

(ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument, type of instrument



Identification code Ordinary shares of 1p each





GB0001883718

b) Nature of the transaction Vesting of share awards granted under the Charles Taylor (unapproved) Restricted Share Plan as a result of a Court sanction of the Scheme of Arrangement. c) Price(s) and volume(s) Price(s) Volume(s) 3.45 1,256



d)

Aggregated information



-Aggregated volume

N/A (single transaction) e) Date of the transaction 2020-01-16 f) Place of the transaction Outside a trading venue

For more information, please contact:

Robert Davison - Group Company Secretary- 02076805666

Chisom Onita - Group Deputy Company Secretary - 02075227437

Charles Taylor plc

21 January 2020
The Block star Jess Eva has spoken out about the terrifying moment she was scammed in Bali when she attempted to buy a very personal medical procedure.

On Tuesday, the Triple M star told her Moonman in the Morning co-hosts she wanted an enema while in the tropical paradise - and was offered one for the bargain price of just $50.

But Jess soon came to realise she'd been scammed by the mystery man handing out the rectum flushing procedure - who instead abandoned her in a stranger's house.

What horror! On Tuesday, Jess Eva (pictured) star told her Moonman in the Morning co-hosts she'd attempted to snap up an enema while in Bali, for a bargain price of $50

Recalling her decision to get the treatment, she said: 'When you go to Bali, you try to get things done that you can't necessarily afford. Like health treatments, dental, some people get their boob implants...

'So I thought - I'm going to jump on this train.'

Jess added that she'd always wanted an enema, which is a procedure which involves a liquid or gas being injected into the rectum to expel its contents.

Some advocates claim the procedure can remove toxins and treat constipation, and it can be administered by a medical professional or self-administered at home.

'They're meant to clear yourself out. They say healthy gut, healthy mind!' she laughed.

Too good to be true: Jess was horrified to learn that she had instead been led to a stranger's house, far away from the spa she thought she was entering

'I went in, and this guy is handing out pamphlets and saying: "enema! enema!" - so I'm like, I'll grab one of those.'

Jess then worryingly confirmed that instead of heading to the spa, she was led down an alleyway to a random house.

She continued: 'He leads me up the stairs, takes me to this room and says: "I'll be right back."'

Revealing she was seated in an empty room with just a 'single bed and a chair' in it, she continued: 'An hour and fifteen minutes later... nothing. And by the way, I'm ready to take my pants off at any time - I mean, It's an enema!

Soared to fame: Jess Eva (left, with her husband, Norm Hogan) found fame on The Block, and has since become a popular addition to the Triple M radio team

'Then at one point, I literally just thought - this is a scam. I'm in someone's house. I was led into someone's lounge room, on the false hope of an enema.'

Despite the worrying incident, Eva still managed to joke: 'I left with my heart heavy and my guts full, and $50 cheaper!'

Jess rose to fame with her husband Norm on The Block in 2018, and the pair share two children: Fred, six, and two year-old Matilda.

During show's finale, the couple sold their apartment at auction for $2,859,000, making a tidy profit of $209,000.
Labor induction is procedure followed to stimulate uterine contractions during or before labor induction which lead to normal/vaginal birth. Synthetic oxytocin is widely used throughout labor and postpartum care in obstetrics. Oxytocic pharmaceuticals are manufactured synthetically and act as similar to endogenous oxytocin by contracting uterine muscles. The drugs are administered through intravenous infusion/Injection or intramuscular injection.

The global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market is estimated to account for US$ 173.1 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2027.

Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Drivers

Increasing incidence of preterm births is expected to boost growth of the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market over the forecast period. For instance, according to March of Dimes 2019 report card, the preterm birth rate in the U.S. reached 10.02% in 2018 from 9.63% in 2015.

Free Download PDF Research Report Brochure @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/3354

(**Note: Free Sample with TOC, Graph, Charts)

Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Opportunities

Increasing clinical trials to assess the efficacy of oxytocic drugs is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the market. For instance, in October 2019, Wake Forest University Health Sciences started a randomized study to assess the effects of intramuscular oxytocin on pupil diameter and heart rate variability.

Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Restraints

Oxytocic drugs have some side effects such as redness or irritation at the injection site, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and stomach pain, which are expected to hinder growth of the market.

Key Takeaways:

The Intravenous Injection/Infusion segment in the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market was valued at US$ 52.6 Mn in 2019 and is expected to reach US$ 117.2 Mn by 2027 at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. Increasing oxytocic pharmaceutical product approval during the forecast period is anticipated to propel the growth of the segment.

The Hospitals segment held dominant position in the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market in 2019, accounting for 60.1% share in terms of value, followed by maternity clinics, respectively. Major factors attributing to the market dominance of the segment constitute of increasing incidence of preterm births.

Browse Press Release: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/press-release/oxytocic-pharmaceuticals-market-2720

The postpartum haemorrhage segment held dominant position in the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market in 2019, accounting for 76.5% share in terms of value, followed by labor arrest and inevitable abortion, respectively. The growth of the segment is attributed increasing prevalence of postpartum haemorrhage during the forecast period

Market Trends

Physicians prefer IV bolus oxytocin during cesarean conditions. In Germany, bolus administration of oxytocin is used during cesarean conditions even though it creates more side effects when compared IV infusion doses. However, in the UK, slow infusion of 5-10IU is mostly preferred.

Increasing hospitalization for labor procedures is expected to boost growth of the market. For instance, according to the National Health Commission, Chinas rate of hospital delivery remained over 99% in recent six years, and the percentage in rural areas has seen a rise from 51.7% in 1996 to 99.8% in 2018.

Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market include, Fresenius Kabi AG, Biofutura SpA, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Pfizer Inc., Ferring B.V., Novartis AG, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Purchase a copy of Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/3354

Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Competitive Landscape

September 2019: Fresenius Kabi SwissBioSim, a Fresenius Kabi company, started a new research and development center for biosimilars in Eysins, Switzerland

October 2019: Granules India Limited announced to divest its entire equity shareholding in Granules Biocause Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. by selling its stake to joint venture partner Hubei Biocause Heilen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

About Coherent Market Insights:

Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.

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Davos [Switzerland], Jan 22 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the US was watching the developments between India and Pakistan in relation to Kashmir very closely and again offered his "help".



Trump made the remarks ahead of his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday. He met Khan on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in Davos.

"We're going to be talking about trade and many other things. But trade is going to be of very, very paramount importance. And we're doing more trade as it turns. And we're working together on some borders, and we're talking about Kashmir and the relation to what's going on with Pakistan and India. And if we can help, we certainly will be helping. And we've been watching that and following it very, very closely," Trump said ahead of his meeting with Khan.

Asked if he will visit Pakistan during his visit to India, Trump said: "Well, we're visiting right now, so we won't really have to".

Trump said Khan was his 'friend' and he is happy to meet him again.

According to Pakistan media reports, Khan is also expected to talk on Islamabad's overtures in the Afghan Peace Process and said that he looked forward to discussing the important matter with the US president.

The last time Trump and PM Imran had met in 2019, the former had raised the issue of "mediating" between India and Pakistan over Kashmir following which India had termed it to be its "internal matter".

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 theme of the 2020 meeting is "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World". (ANI)


SUGAR LAND, Texas, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trecora Resources ("Trecora" or the "Company") (NYSE: TREC), a leading provider of specialty hydrocarbons and waxes, today announced that it has entered into an amendment to the previously announced share sale and purchase agreement ("Agreement") with Saudi Arabian closed joint stock company, Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Company ("AMAK"), and certain of AMAK's other existing shareholders (collectively, the "Purchasers") pursuant to which the Purchasers will acquire Trecora's entire 33.3% equity interest in AMAK. Pursuant to the amendment, the outside date for the closing of the transaction has been extended to March 31, 2020, allowing additional time to obtain approval from the newly established Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the Purchasers have agreed that, if the transaction does not close on or before March 31, 2020, and Trecora determines in its sole discretion to further extend the outside date, half of the 5% non-refundable deposit (or approximately $3.5 million) that Trecora has already received will be forfeited by the Purchasers and not apply to the sale price at closing (effectively increasing the sale price of the AMAK shares by an additional approximately $1.75 million).

Pat Quarles, Trecora's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are confident in the completion of this transaction shortly following receipt of required governmental approvals. With the completion of the sale of this non-core asset, Trecora will be entirely focused on its operating businesses and growth opportunities supported by a stronger balance sheet and greater financial flexibility."

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements and information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements regarding the Company's financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of the Company's management for future operations and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often characterized by the use of words such as "outlook," "may," "will," "should," "could," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "contemplates," "proposes," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "projects," "potential," "continue," "intend," or the negative of such terms and other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions, including, but not limited to: expectations regarding the consummation of the sale of our stake in AMAK and the realization of expected benefits to the Company from such transaction.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions domestically and internationally; insufficient cash flows from operating activities; difficulties in obtaining financing on favorable conditions, or at all; outstanding debt and other financial and legal obligations; lawsuits; competition; industry cycles; feedstock, product and mineral prices; feedstock availability; technological developments; regulatory changes; environmental matters; foreign government instability; foreign legal and political concepts; foreign currency fluctuations; not completing, or not completely realizing the anticipated benefits from, the sale of our stake in AMAK; receipt and timing of necessary governmental approvals for the sale of our stake in AMAK and other risks detailed in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, including but not limited to: "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" therein, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). There may be other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. In addition, to the extent any inconsistency or conflict exists between the information included in this press release and the information included in our prior releases, reports and other filings with the SEC, the information contained in this press release updates and supersedes such information. Forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

About Trecora Resources (TREC)

TREC owns and operates a specialty petrochemicals facility specializing in high purity hydrocarbons and other petrochemical manufacturing and a specialty wax facility, both located in Texas, and provides custom processing services at both facilities. In addition, the Company is the original developer and a 33.3% owner of AMAK, a Saudi Arabian joint stock company.

Investor Relations Contact:

Jason Finkelstein

The Piacente Group, Inc.

212-481-2050

[email protected]

SOURCE Trecora Resources

Related Links

http://www.trecora.com


While Canada seems to offer the Duke and Duchess of Sussex everything they could want in a new country to call home, the one thing they need is commercial protection if they are to make their own way financially.

But the ambitions of the blue-blooded couple have already hit red tape after a pair of young brothers from Montreal stole a march on them last week by applying to register a trademark on Sussex Royal in Canada.

I can reveal Alexander and Matthew Mikus, 22 and 19, planned to sell an upmarket gin under the brand. There is a real craze for the royal couple and we thought it had potential, that it was an evocative name for a product like gin, says Alexander, whose parents are established distillers. There are 60 distilleries in Quebec alone making gins. More gin is never a bad thing.

Alexander and Matthew Mikus had applied to trademark the name Sussex Royal in Canada so they could use the brand to promote an upmarket gin

Meghan and Harry have applied to register the trademark Sussex Royal across the globe as part of their plan to stand down as senior members of the Royal Family

The Sussex Royal brand features Harry and Meghan's first initials underneath a crown

A sentiment with which the Queen Mother would surely have concurred, as it was her favourite tipple.

Harry and Meghan had already registered the Sussex Royal brand with the UK authorities as their intellectual property and trademarked it on everything from pyjamas to hoodies. They are now in the process of applying to the World Intellectual Property Organisation to extend it globally. The application, covering Australia, Canada, the EU and the US, was filed in December in the name of their new foundation.

However, the Mikus brothers are just the latest businessmen to try to cash in by buying up the local domain name before the global application has been approved.

Whether the Sussexes can still use the word royal is one of the issues to be worked through after the Queen banned them from cashing in on their credentials, say palace aides.

Fortunately for Harry and Meghan, it seems the Canadian booze-making brothers didnt have the bottle to take them on. Just days after the trademark application was filed, I can reveal they wrote to the Canadian authorities to withdraw their request.

A source tells me: They just didnt want to be associated with the media frenzy surrounding the royals or have their names tied to that debacle.

Harry and Meghan won this particular battle. So triples all round!
Fiumicino airport checks passengers arriving into Italy from Wuhan.

Rome's Fiumicino airport is screening passengers arriving from the central Chinese city and region of Wuhan following the outbreak of a newin China, Italy's health ministry has confirmed.

Fiumicino has three direct flights from Wuhan, as well as many non-direct flights, with all passengers being checked for "suspected symptomatic cases and their eventual transfer in bio-containment" to Rome's Spallanzani Hospital which specialises in treating infectious diseases, said the health ministry.

The news follows the death of a fourth person in Wuhan on 21 January and comes as officials confirm that the mystery virus spreads by human-to-human transmission.

More than 200 people are now affected by the new coronavirus strain which is believed to have originated at a seafood market in Wuhan and has since spread to Beijing and Shanghai, with four cases also reported in South Korea, Thailand and Japan.

The outbreak is causing alarm because the new virus is from the same family as the pathogen that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

There are fears that the spread of the virus could accelerate as the Chinese New Year travel rush begins, leading the World Health Organisation to convene an emergency summit on 22 January.
CLEVELAND, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Parenteral containers will generate favorable growth opportunities in both developed and developing countries. The developed economies of the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea will account for 61% of 2023 demand, reflecting the broad range of injectable medication produced by advanced pharmaceutical industries. These and other trends are included in Global Pharmaceutical Packaging, a study from The Freedonia Group.

Demand in the rest of the world will remain more limited based on the lower volume and less diverse mix of parenteral drug production. However, overall growth in the developing countries will expand at a fast pace as pharmaceutical makers gradually broaden lines of injectable therapies.

Global demand for parenteral containers is forecast to increase 7.7% annually to $19.5 billion in 2023, representing 97.8 billion units. Gains will be divided among prefillable syringes, vials and ampuls, and IV containers and will follow trends in the development and production of injectable medicines. Through 2023, parenteral containers will post one of the fastest gains in demand value among all pharmaceutical packaging segments.

Contact Corinne Gangloff for an interview with the analyst.

Additional Packaging studies can be viewed here:

https://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-category/pack/packaging.htm

About The Freedonia Group  The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is a leading international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually. Since 1985 we have provided research to customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to one-person consulting firms. More than 90% of the industrial companies in the Fortune 500 use Freedonia Group research to help with their strategic planning. Each study includes product and market analyses and forecasts, in-depth discussions of important industry trends, and market share information. Studies can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.842.2400

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group
"Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as...
Six chemicals commonly used in sunscreen absorb into and remain in the bloodstream for 10 days on average, sparking concerns they could be toxic and could pose health risks.

The results of a study by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were released on Wednesday and confirmed concerns raised in a study last year by the same researcher.

The researcher said the findings don't mean people should avoid sunscreen, which can help to prevent skin cancer. Credit:Alamy

An Australian expert believes, depending on the health implications, there could be a shift from sunscreens containing absorbing chemicals towards those that simply form a barrier on the skin.

The trial used 48 volunteers to assess the absorption of six ingredients - avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate - in four sunscreen products, lotions and sprays.
A traveler wearing a face mask walks past a display for the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat, at the Beijing West Railway Station (AP)

Heightened precautions are being taken in China and elsewhere as governments strive to control the outbreak of a novel coronavirus that threatens to grow during the Lunar New Year travel rush.

Anxieties around the disease have intensified after Chinese government expert Zhong Nanshan revealed on state television that the virus can be spread between humans. Authorities had previously said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

So far, four people have died, and more than 200 others have been infected.

The new type of coronavirus appears to have originated in the central city of Wuhan, which has reported 198 cases, including all of the fatalities. Others who have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai and southern Guangdong province had also visited Wuhan.

Expand Close At least four people in China have died from the illness (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp At least four people in China have died from the illness (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Internationally, four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed among Chinese travellers in South Korea, Japan and Thailand.

Concerned about a global outbreak similar to Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome), a different coronavirus that spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002-2003, numerous nations have adopted screening measures for travellers arriving from China, especially those from Wuhan.

Australias chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said his country will be increasing airport screening.

Australia receives a significant number of travellers from China, including three direct flights a week from Wuhan into Sydney, and these flights will be met by border security and biosecurity staff for assessments.

Expand Close People have been urged to take all possible precautions (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp People have been urged to take all possible precautions (AP)

Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other places with extensive travel links to China are also enacting stricter screening measures. At least three US airports have started screening incoming airline passengers from central China.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe said: We need to step up our caution levels as the number of patients is continuing to rise in China.

Please take every possible precaution.

The first cases identified late last month were among people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan. The first patients were suspected to have contracted the virus from animals, but human-to-human transmission was confirmed late on Monday.

Mr Zhong, a government expert who helped expose the scale of Sars, told Chinese state broadcaster CCTV that two people in Guangdong province caught the virus from family members.

Expand Close Screening is taking place among people travelling to and from China (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Screening is taking place among people travelling to and from China (AP)

Fifteen medical workers have also tested positive for the virus, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission announced. Previously, the commission said no-one who came into close contact with patients, including health professionals, were infected.

Chinese president Xi Jinping instructed government departments to promptly release information on the virus and deepen international cooperation.

When Sars first infected people in southern China, the Chinese government initially tried to conceal the severity of the epidemic, which ended up killing nearly 800 people. The cover-up was exposed by a high-ranking physician.

Expand Close Professor Gabriel Leung (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Gabriel Leung, dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said Chinese authorities have responded much more quickly this time.

He said: Our underlying assumptions are, the force of infection is very different now  because so many public health measures have been undertaken and so many interventions have been executed.

Professor Leung, who was heavily involved in the response to Sars, said modelling shows that cases will multiply over the coming weeks but the outbreak will gradually lose momentum as precautionary measures take effect.

Initial symptoms of the novel coronavirus include fever, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Facebook and The Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) and its Foundation are partners for the third consecutive year; supporting the 18th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Festival (Festival). The 2020 Festival will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Once again, this event will enable African American youth to connect with over 70 representatives of the nation's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), while providing information on college admission, financial aid, academic disciplines and other areas of college life. Most schools in attendance will offer instant admission, conduct on-site interviews and may even waive application fees. New this year, there will be a $5.00 per person fee to attend. However, everyone must register online at alfredstreet.org to enter the event.

Alfred Street Baptist Church and its Foundation are committed to higher education for African American youths and, since 2003, have connected more than 40,000 students  many of whom are first generation college students  and their parents to academic institutions through the Festival. Since inception of the Festival, participating HBCUs have awarded more than $30 million collectively to Festival attendees in the form of academic scholarships and/or waived fees. During the 2019 Festival, over 10,000 were in attendance; [e1] more than [CW2] $11.6 million in scholarships were awarded; and 1,886 offers of admission were made to high school seniors.

"We are more than pleased that for the third year in a row that Facebook, which has a commitment to education and diversity, has partnered with us to support this worthwhile event," said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Alfred Street's senior pastor.

"We are grateful that Facebook has signed on as our title partner for the third year in a row, as we host the HBCU College Festival," said Pat Wallace, Alfred Street Baptist Church Foundation President. "Facebook as a partner allows us to expand our reach to impact the lives of our future African American leaders."

"We are thrilled to partner with the ASBC Foundation again to invest in the education of African American students," said Erica Woods, Community Engagement Lead, and Facebook DC. "Facebook has always invested in the physical infrastructure across the country, but we are also investing in the social infrastructure of our communities. We are proud to have facilities in so many states that are home to HBCUs, and hope that students look for opportunities with Facebook when the time comes to pursue their career paths."

In addition to Facebook being the title sponsor, Alfred Street Baptist Church and its Foundation are delighted to announce that McDonald's has joined as a first time partner as well as the U.S. Intelligence Community. ASBC and its Foundation are enthusiastic that the following companies and organizations as sponsors: Google/WAYMO, Ernst and Young, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Our Daily Bread, Deloitte, Converse, Footwear Distributers and Retailers of America (FDRA), Thompson Hospitality, Christopher Consultants, PNC Bank, Burke and Herbert Bank, PepsiCo, all for this rewarding and worthwhile event. We are also thankful for Radio/Urban One; who continues to serve as our Media Sponsors. Google/WAYMO, will be providing information about their CSSI-HBCU initiative at the Festival. Designed specifically for high school seniors; this program promotes equitable representation in tech by hosting high school seniors at a three-week summer residential program connecting them to incoming HBCU students with like-minded peers, Google engineers, CS professors, HBCU alum in CS, and Black technologists in the local tech ecosystem. Visit alfredstreet.org for more information.

Media Contact:

Carla Welborn

Alfred Street Baptist Church and the ASBC Foundation

2404757283

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/12806569

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Alfred Street Baptist Church

Related Links

https://www.alfredstreet.org/


EUGENE, Ore. -- Nearly 100 community members gathered at Westmoreland Park on Monday to plant trees in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

This service event was hosted by the Eugene Parks and Open Space which partnered with Friends of Trees, a local nonprofit, to revitalize the south Eugene area.

Volunteers of all ages showed up and said they hope the planting will contribute toward MLK's vision of environmental and social justice.

Anna Newman, an AmeriCorps volunteer, says service is invaluable for a community.

"Service is such an important thing because it brings communities together for communities that are struggling," Newman said. "It really gives places an opportunity to flourish and brings everyone together that would never meet each other."

Fifty-four trees were planted in the park, and over 30 in the surrounding area for a total of 90 trees planted.

The next neighborhood planting for Friends of Trees will take place on Feb. 1 in Eugene.
Shares of three telecom firms were in action after the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear the modification plea filed by telecom operators on giving them more time to pay off adjusted gross revenue (AGR) related dues.

Vodafone Idea (up 15..43%) and Bharti Infratel (up 6.92%) advanced. Telecom major Bharti Airtel slipped 0.19%.

The telecom operators had filed the modification plea in the Supreme Court on Monday (20 January), seeking more time to pay AGR dues to the government. The deadline to pay off AGR dues is 23 January.

The media reported that the development will allow telecom operators to negotiate a sustainable payment schedule for AGR dues. The Cellular Operators Association of India had earlier sought a 14-year period to pay off these dues.

The apex court last week dismissed pleas of these operators to review its earlier judgement that had asked telecom operators to pay more than Rs 1 lakh crore in AGR dues.

According to reports, Bharti Airtel has to pay Rs 35,586 crore to the government while Vodafone Idea owes Rs 50,000 crore.

In December 2019, Vodafone Idea's chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said the company will shut shop if there is no government relief. Birla was responding to a query, posed at an event, about the company's course of action going forward in the absence of government relief. Birla said the Aditya Birla Group will not invest any money in the company in the absence of relief from the government. Birla said the company will have to opt for insolvency route in the absence of relief.

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Samsung Electronics' Seocho office in Seoul. / Korea Times file



By Baek Byung-yeul



Having a good representation of hardworking and young leaders in big organizations like Samsung Electronics is essential because they constantly bring passion, enthusiasm and even optimism to work.



In a statement, Samsung Electronics said it has promoted 162 executives including 14 senior executives who rose to the rank of senior executive vice president.



The number of promoted executives increased compared to the 2018 reshuffle in which 158 climbed the ranks, but 59 less than the 2017 personnel changes which promoted 221.



Samsung highlighted it gave extra credit for young talent. "Through the reshuffle, Samsung has promoted young leaders who are full of potential and have achieved excellent business performance in a bid to increase our future CEO candidate pool," the press release said.



The key focus was how these young executives can help the tech firm keep the growth momentum alive amid growing challenges because it's been asked to better handle the rise of Chinese rivals and narrow the gap with F.A.N.G. (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google) companies in the race for the development of "something next."



The statement added newly-promoted younger executives were mostly from its core businesses, a demonstration of its willingness to support them. Samsung is the world's largest supplier of computer memory chips and televisions.



The youngest senior executive vice president is Choi Won-joon. The 50-year-old led Samsung's flagship R&D team in the mobile communications division and helped the company become the world's first device maker to commercialize 5G network-enabled smartphones in 2019. Plus, Choi Yong-hoon, a display technology expert and head LED development group, became a new senior executive vice president of the company's visual display division, which supervises the TV business.



Samsung officials said these promoted are ideally-positioned to understand next-generation trends and challenge assumptions. Additionally, they are fast-learners and are technologically adept.



Samsung elevated nine foreign and female executives.



Pranav Mistry, chief of Samsung Research America leader of think tank team of Samsung Research America, which entirely handles Samsung's strategies in exploring its next growth engines, was moved up to senior vice president thanks to his contribution to help Samsung get better hands in fifth-generation (5G) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Mathieu Apotheker became the new vice president of business management and support of Samsung Electronics.



"Mistry contributed Samsung to secure core technologies for robotics and pushed forward to develop an AI technology-based service. Apotheker is a seasoned M&A expert and contributed to the company by assessing possible acquisitions of companies specialized in emerging technologies such as 5G and AI," the firm said.



Ahn Soo-jin became its semiconductor business' first female senior vice president. Ahn is one of the two female executives who were promoted to senior vice president positions. The newly promoted SVP was responsible for the development of the firms' sixth-generation V-NAND flash chips, which has the industry's fastest data transfer rate by using 3D memory technology to stack memory cells vertically in multiple layers.


LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic National Hot Rod Association Drag Racer (NHRA), Alexis DeJoria announced today a multi-year sponsorship deal with two high profile sponsors: ROKiT Phones and ABK Beer. ROKiT Phones - creators of glasses-free 3D smartphones - and the award-winning, 700-Year-Old Bavarian beer brand, ABK will support Alexis by delivering exclusive 3D content of her to fans via ROKiT smartphones and an ABK beer truck will keep fans refreshed.

Alexis DeJoria returns to Drag Racing This Season and Announces Two Major New Sponsors, ROKiT Phones and ABK Beer. Alexis DeJoria returns to Drag Racing This Season and Announces Two Major New Sponsors, ROKiT Phones and ABK Beer.

ROKiT Phones and ABK Beer branding will appear on DeJoria's vehicle, driver and crew uniforms, official merchandise and across her team's transport fleet. Additionally, ROKiT Phones will create a series of exclusive 3D racing experiences, which will give fans across the globe an entirely new level of access to DeJoria, her 11,000-horsepower nitro ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car and the high-octane action on the track.

"Joining Del Worsham's newly-formed DC Motorsports team was just the first step in reigniting my quest at being the first female Funny Car world champion, and I'm thrilled that ROKiT is coming along for the ride," said Alexis DeJoria. "I can't wait to get back on the track and am energized and excited about all the things we have in store for the amazing NHRA fans!"

DeJoria will debut her new race look on Feb. 6 at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.  where in 2014, she made history by becoming the first woman to clock a sub-four second run with a 3.997 second elapsed time. This will also mark the five-time race winner's highly-anticipated return to the sport after a two-year hiatus.

"Alexis is a trailblazer and one of the most accomplished women in motorsports," said Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder of ROKiT. "She's a world-class athlete known for her tenacity, drive for perfection, and innate ability to lead the pack. These qualities, along with her unwavering desire to challenge the status quo, make her the perfect ambassador for our brands."

ROKiT brands has seen tremendous success within the motorsports community and this partnership comes on the heels of the company's recent announcement that it added the groundbreaking women's only racing series, W Series, to its growing global motorsports sponsorship portfolio, which also includes title sponsorship of the ROKiT Williams Racing Formula 1 team and the ROKiT Venturi Racing Formula E team.

For more information, visit: https://rokitphones.com/us/ and https://www.abkbeer.com/

About ROKiT Phones

ROKiT Phones makes affordable mobile devices with life changing benefits. We are transforming the way consumers access healthcare by offering vital services such as telemedicine, pharmacy savings, and life insurance through our devices. We offer a diverse selection of products and services that are affordable, attractive and innovative. See for yourself at ROKiT.com.

About ABK Beer

ABK is an award-winning, hand-crafted Bavarian beer brand that has been brewing lager and ales for over 700 years in Kaufbeuren  Bavaria, Germany. The unwavering commitment to consistent quality has been at the very heart of the brand's success since 1308, with only the finest, local ingredients of barley, hops, yeasts and the purest waters used. It is owned and distributed by ROKiT Drinks, which is part of ROK Stars  the consumer products company co-founded by John Paul DeJoria and Jonathan Kendrick. ROKiT Drinks has a multi-national portfolio of outstanding and award-winning drinks, offering high quality and exceptional value.

Contact:

Serena Thynne

Sr. Vice President, Marketing and Communications

ROKiT

Tel: (917) 853-3121

[email protected]

SOURCE ROKiT
The US Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear an appeal for immunity from legal action made by Flint, Michigan city officials, clearing the way for residents to sue the city and state over the infamous water crisis.

Between 2014 and 2015, hundreds of thousands of residents were exposed to drinking water that been contaminated with lead.

Lawsuits were quickly filed alleging that public officials had knowingly allowed the city's water supply to become contaminated

Officials argued they should be immune from being sued, but the lower courts rejected the argument.

The ruling was appealed, but the nine Supreme Court justices turned away the case on Tuesday, meaning the lawsuits filed by residents can move forward.

The US Supreme Court has declined to take a case regarding the 2014 water crisis in Flint, Michigan, meaning lawsuits by residents against city and state officials will be allowed to proceed. Pictured: The Flint Water Plant tower, February 2016

In April 2014, Flint changed its drinking water source from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River to reduce costs during a financial crisis.

However, corrosion inhibitors were not applied to the water, allowing lead to leach from aging pipes into the water supply.

More than 100,000 residents, including as many as 12,000 children, were exposed to elevated lead levels.

Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that can accumulate in the bloodstream, settling into the bones, teeth and soft tissues and building up in the body - damaging organs and affecting the central nervous system.

Previous research has also found that lead poisoning can stunt children's cognitive development. No level of exposure is considered safe.

In January 2015, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department offered to reconnect Flint with Lake Huron, even proposing to waive the $4million fee to restore service.

However, city officials declined, concerned about having to pay higher rates for their water down the line.

The city switched back to water from Detroit in October 2015, but the damage from the crisis was already done.

In addition to the lead poisoning, the contaminated river water had also triggered an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, which is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets containing legionella bacteria.

Between June 2014 and November 2015, at least 12 people were killed by the infection and dozens of others were sickened.

Lawsuits over Flint's water have proliferated in recent years.

According to court records, the number of people who have reported being harmed through exposure to contaminants in Flint, including lead and bacteria, or who experienced ailments such as rashes and hair loss, has reached more than 25,000, including more than 5,000 children under age 12.

The suit before the justices was filed in 2016 by two Flint residents including Shari Guertin, who said that she and her child were exposed to high levels of lead.

Residents argue their rights are being violated under the Constitution's 14th Amendment guarantee of due process under the law, under which people can be protected from government-induced harm to their personal security or health, a legal principle known as 'bodily integrity.'

Flint's water crisis and the city and state's alleged refusal to address it amount to an abuse of power that inflicted harm and suffering on the citizens, their lawsuits claim.

Courts have previously enforced the right to confront abuses of power in cases of direct physical intrusion, such as non-consensual medical procedures or forced drug administration.

The city and state officials argued the lower courts have gone too far and don't have the right to punish them for policy decisions that result in public exposure to environmental toxins.

They also argued they are protected from the claims through a legal doctrine known as 'qualified immunity' because they could not have known they could be held liable for 'doing the best they could in difficult circumstances with limited information.'

However, a three-judge panel ruled against the officials in January, saying they had officials 'created the Flint Water environmental disaster and then intentionally attempted to cover up their grievous decision.'

The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals declined to take the case before it reached the US Supreme Court.
By Kim Ae-ran





The movie "Don't Cry, Tonj II" has been released in memory of the 10th anniversary of death of Salesian Fr. Lee Tae-seok, who passed away due to colorectal cancer at the age of 47 on Jan. 14, 2010.



He was born the ninth of 10 children in 1962 in Busan. Because his father died in 1970, his mother had to earn money by sewing at Jagalchi Market to raise her children.



Watching a film about the life of Fr. Damien De Veuster (1840-1889, now a saint), a Belgium missionary of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who lived with patients with leprosy (Hansen's disease) on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, Lee made up his mind to live like Fr. Damien. Naturally, he was active as a catechist, server, choir member, etc. in the church.



Thanks to his inherited musical talent, Lee studied by himself not only the organ but the cello, saxophone and clarinet. He even enjoyed composing music.



He graduated from Inje University in 1987 with a medical degree and served as a doctor in the military. After military service, he entered the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1991 with his concerns about youth education. In 1992, he studied theology at Gwangju Catholic University and then went to the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome in 1997.



During vacation in 1999, he went to Kenya and met an Indian Salesian missionary living in Tonj. This visit was so impressive that he decided to dedicate himself to helping the poor and the children in Tonj, a small county located in South Sudan.



Then, he professed his perpetual profession in 2000 and he was ordained in 2001 by Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan. He left for Africa and observed the tragic situations of the village immersed in extreme poverty, hunger, disease, anger, and hatred due to civil wars.



Promoting volunteering and relief work, he first built the Don Bosco Hospital with 12 rooms and a clinic to take care of about 300 patients a day. Furthermore, he went around 80 neighboring villages offering treatment and vaccinations.



He also built an elementary-middle-high school with 12 courses and a dormitory. He taught mathematics and music through the nation's first brass band with 35 members.



Living as a priest, missionary, doctor, architect, teacher, conductor, father and mentor, he has become a symbolic legend of missionaries in Africa. He did his best to share hope, love, and happiness with the Dinka tribe who called him "Zzoly" meaning "John Lee."



Dedicating his whole life to the poor and children in Tonj, he is now referred to as "Schweitzer of South Sudan" and the "Saint of Tonj."



When he died, the locals cried even though they were not supposed to cry, for they are a symbol of toughness and valor. For them, shedding tears is the greatest shame.



Like Fr. Damien who made a reservoir and coffins and helped the community to build houses, schools, roads, hospitals, and churches, Fr. John Lee followed his dreams and died early. Their lofty and noble spirits will live long against the flow of the times. "Everything is good!" was his last testimony. Happy and blessed are those who do good for others!





The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication. Learn more about the congregation at fsp.pauline.or.kr.


AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- VARIDESK , a workspace innovation company that became virtually synonymous with sit-stand desks, is doubling down on its commitment to the Austin market.

Longtime local business leader Naji Saba will steer the company's strategy in the Austin metroplex as it launches an outside sales team. Several other sales leaders across the country will join Saba as the company brings its flexible workspace solutions to major U.S. markets.

VARIDESK, an innovative office future company based in Dallas, offers a full line of flexible workspace solutions  from standing desks, to conference tables, to moveable walls and lighting  everything a high-growth business needs to scale its office.

VARIDESK CEO and Co-founder Jason McCann said, "Austin remains one of the top economic regions in the U.S. with its expanding tech presence and impressive job growth, making it an obvious place to invest and grow. Naji, with her vast knowledge of the industry and solid sales experience in the city's thriving business community is a tremendous asset to our team."

The Austin metroplex remains a hotbed of business activity, thanks in part to tech giants like Apple and its plans for a $1 billion campus. In addition to the venture capitalists and real estate investors flocking to the area, top talent is heading there in droves looking for people-first companies to call home. Given attractiveness of their work environment is proven to play a role in recruitment, companies must carefully consider the design and flexibility of their offices to retain the best people.

"Austin is home to modern, fast-growing and forward-thinking companies, and I'm excited to help them create the active workspaces of the future," said Saba. "I look forward to working with them in lockstep as they build environments that attract the best and the brightest."

VARIDESK also aims to add to Austin's rapidly growing workforce by hiring local talent for its award-winning workplace. Today there are new roles available in corporate sales and the company plans to grow and expand its presence.

About VARIDESK

VARIDESK is the workspace innovation company dedicated to creating environments that elevate people. From a collection of office furniture to workspaces offering space-as-a-service, we provide everything high-growth businesses need to unlock the potential of their workforce. Today, you can find VARIDESK products in more than 120 countries and in 98% of Fortune 500 companies.

Media Contact

Andrea McLaughlin

Phone: 610-504-5423

[email protected]

SOURCE VARIDESK

Related Links

http://www.varidesk.com


Boris Johnson has suffered a fourth defeat on his Brexit deal in the House of Lords as peers demanded the government protect help for refugee children.

The upper chamber voted this afternoon by 300 to 220, a majority of 80, in favour of an amendment designed to protect the rights of unaccompanied refugee children to be reunited with family members living in the UK.

The latest defeat comes after Mr Johnson suffered three humiliating losses on his divorce accord in the House of Lords yesterday.

However, the government is adamant it will not accept any of the changes to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill, setting up a potentially bruising showdown with peers.

The so-called WAB - the legislation needed to make an orderly Brexit happen on January 31 - is expected to return to the House of Commons tomorrow for the last stage of parliamentary scrutiny.

MPs are expected to vote to remove the changes made by peers as the draft law enters the 'ping pong' process which will see it go back and forth between the Commons and Lords until both houses can agree to what is in it.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the government will seek to overturn all of the amendments imposed by the upper chamber.

He said the government was 'disappointed' by the changes made by peers and added: 'We are not intending to accept any amendment.

If Mr Johnson insists that the changes made must be stripped out of the legislation then convention dictates the Lords will ultimately have to retreat because the wishes of the democratically-elected Commons must take precedence.

Removing the amendments from the WAB in the Commons will not be difficult for the government given Mr Johnson has an 80-seat majority.



Peers today voted in favour of making it easier for child refugees to be reunited with family members living in the UK

But Boris Johnson, pictured in Downing Street today, is expected to remove the provision from the Withdrawal Agreement Bill

What do the government defeats in the House of Lords mean for the Brexit Deal? The defeats in the House of Lords should ultimately prove to be nothing more than a minor hiccup in the passage of Boris Johnson's Brexit deal into law. Having been debated and voted on by MPs in the Commons earlier this month, the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill has been going through a similar process in the upper chamber. If peers had approved the draft legislation unchanged it would then have moved on to being given Royal Assent by the Queen. But as the Lords have registered that they wish it to be changed it will now go back to the Commons for fresh votes by MPs. Despite losing in the Lords, Mr Johnson has a majority of 80 Tory loyalists on the green benches and they will simply throw out the Lords' changes. This will allow the WAB to swiftly move on to the Queen for her to approve it and keep the UK on course to leave the EU on January 31. Advertisement

The amendment on child refugees was tabled by Labour peer Alf Dubs.

He had urged his fellow peers to support the move 'for the sake of the children stranded in Calais and Greece, who simply want to reach the safety of their families'.

He tweeted after the result to urge MPs not to remove the provision from the bill.

'I am enormously grateful to the Lords and of course to the public who have been so supportive of the moral argument for providing safe routes for children to be reunited with their families here,' he said.

'It's now the turn of the Commons to show what they're made of.'

The Labour Lords group said after the result was announced that the 'ball is now very much in Boris Johnson's court to do the decent thing'.

Lib Dem peers also backed the amendment and Baroness Hamwee said afterwards: 'Liberal Democrats will not stand by while the Conservative government uses Brexit to undermine the UKs proud tradition of providing sanctuary to some of the worlds most vulnerable people.'

Yesterday the Prime Minister was first defeated over the right of EU citizens to lawfully reside in the UK after Brexit.

Peers backed a cross-party amendment to the WAB calling for them to be given physical proof of their status.

The vote, by 270 to 229, a majority of 41, guaranteed the draft legislation will have to go back to the Commons for further scrutiny.

Liberal Democrat Lord Oates warned that without physical documentation EU citizens eligible to remain in the UK would be 'severely disadvantaged' in dealings with landlords, airlines, employers and other officials.

In the second defeat, peers voted by 241 to 205, a majority of 36, to remove the ability of ministers to decide which courts should have the power to depart from judgments of the European Court of Justice (ECJ).

A third defeat followed soon after as peers backed a move by Tory former lord chancellor Lord Mackay of Clashfern to allow cases to be referred to the Supreme Court to decide whether to depart from EU case law.

The vote on the amendment was narrowly won by the rebels by 206 to 186, a majority of 20, as peers warned against interference in the independence of the judiciary.

Liberal Democrat Lord Beith said he understood the government had agreed to move a compromise amendment at third reading to meet concerns raised about making 'bad law'.

Lord Dubs, a Labour peer, has led a push to protect the right of child refugees to family reunion

Lord Oates said EU citizens covered by the settled status scheme should have the right to a physical form of proof of status instead of only the digital proof proposed by the Government

The upper chamber backed a cross-party amendment yesterday seeking to force the government to provide EU citizens with physical proof of their right to remain in the UK after January 31

But he said this had been withdrawn because '10 Downing Street is in a sulk' due to the earlier defeat on the Bill.

Brexit minister Lord Callanan, rejecting the amendments, said an important principle was involved that 'UK courts should be able to interpret UK law'.

Lord Callanan assured peers the government would implement the policy in a sensible way and consult with senior judiciary.

He said the power could only be used before the end of the implementation period and there was no way a minister could 'interfere with a live case' - allowing time to consult, consider and 'soberly extend the jurisdiction of UK courts to the historic case law of the ECJ'.
Medical Industries of the Americas is planning to revive a Eufaula factory shuttered for four years and create 400 jobs.

The company also plans to expand the site into a comprehensive manufacturing complex for medical commodities, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. Investment in the complex may eventually reach $50 million as product lines expand.

MI Americas will reopen the former Ameritex Corp. facility in Eufaula during the second quarter of this year, eventually operating three shifts a day, five days a week, according to the company.

The 105,000-square-foot plant will manufacture latex gloves for the medical and agricultural industries, as well as hot/cold packs and nonallergenic latex condoms.

Weve retooled the plant, brought in experienced management, and signed up some of the largest distributors of latex and medical products in the U.S. to deliver our products domestically and worldwide, Abe Summers, president of MI Americas, said.

The facility will have the capacity to produce about 500,000 latex gloves daily. The company is also looking to expand its manufacturing capacity and product offerings.

The companys project will not only create a significant number of jobs in Eufaula but also provide an economic boost for the entire region," Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement.

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said its another project to benefit rural Alabama.

Were committed to helping create career opportunities for residents of Alabamas rural counties through economic development, Canfield said.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Increased interaction among smaller nations such as Armenia, the oldest Christian state in the world, and the UAE, a young Muslim nation, which have "strong values," will help spread the idea of tolerance across the globe, ARMENPRESS reports the Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said in an interview with the Emirates News Agency.

"Somehow we have to find deeper understanding, dialogue and correlation among smaller nations that are intact ... that are successful ... that have similar values. We have strong values and we can show the world that we all can live in harmony and friendship," The President said, highly appreciating UAEs propaganda for tolerance.

"I do not see a reason why we cannot work together [with those neighbours], developing the wonderful ideas that come from our beliefs and religions to make them be valued and respected by others," the president stressed.

He emphasized that Armenia is the oldest Christian country in the world. "We have four neighbours and in three of them [Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran] majority of the population lives in Islamic values. One of them is Christian-majority: Georgia," he noted.

Armen Sarkissian thanked the leadership of the UAE for taking care of the Armenian community and their churches.
(TNS)  If at first you dont succeed, rebuild, reprogram and retry.Thats what students from third to 12th grade are learning in robotics competitions across Alabama, according to Leslie Cruse, regional support manager for the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, an education nonprofit which helps organize and promote the events worldwide.Its an iterative design process, so since competitions are pretty much every Saturday, the teams compete and figure out what doesnt work, Cruse said, then go back to the classroom, go back through the entire design process and go to another competition.About two dozen teams competed at Oxford High School on Friday morning, including middle and high school teams from White Plains, Ohatchee, Southside, Pell City and Oxford; the competition was a follow-up to another event in Anniston last month . This time students were qualifying for a state competition in Auburn next month; Oxford ended up taking honors in the categories of excellence and design, while Ohatchees Tribe Tech team took the tournament crown.Robotics competitions are becoming a typical part of Alabamas attempts to help science, technology, engineering and math  or STEM  become a staple in student lives. There are more than 860 teams in the state registered just to VEX Robotics, a subsidiary of Texas-based robotics company Innovation First International. The BEST Robotics competition, which has about 850 teams nationwide, according to its website, holds six-week programs events in the South in the fall.Cruse said the competitions encourage interest in engineering, among other things.They teach organization, being on time, how to operate under pressure, even how to handle losing, she said.The importance of getting kids into STEM has been recognized by big-name tech companies like Tesla, which spent money in Nevada last year to encourage STEM teaching , and the U.S. government, which released an exhaustive look at STEM learning in the country in December 2018 Americans basic STEM skills have modestly improved over the past two decades but continue to lag behind many other countries, the report states.Cruse said she worked with the Tesla team in Nevada, developing a plan to put robotics in every school in the area. She said the investment was partly motivated by a need for a bigger, more qualified workforce.Tesla has jobs theyre not able to fill, she said.A Pew Research Center report from 2017 shows the U.S. performing well, but modestly, compared to other countries in math, science and reading.Alabama has since the early 2000s had a program called AMSTI  the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative  pushing for more STEM teaching. The initiative provides professional development for teachers and offers teaching materials, like science kits that give kids hands-on lessons about animals and biology, electricity and conduits, and complex problems to solve, like how to clean up an oil spill.The initiatives local office is at Jacksonville State University, and works with about 85 schools in seven northeastern Alabama counties, according to director Kay Johnson.Young kids learn that they can work in science fields, and in turn broaden their horizons, she said. Teachers also benefit from the program, as theyre given training over the summer to help them teach from the kits.We prepare teachers ... to go and be confident in their skills in teaching students, Johnson said.She said that hands-on activities help make kids excited to learn.It creates high interest and engagement; they cannot wait for science instruction daily, Johnson said. I did that for years before I became director here, so Im speaking directly from experience with my third-grade students.
By Trend





The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, who is on an official visit to Georgia, has met with the Minister of Defense of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili on Jan. 21, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The official welcoming ceremony of the Azerbaijani delegation took place at the Georgian Defense Ministry.

In accordance with the protocol, the defense ministers passed in front of the guard of honor and the national anthems of the two countries were played. Then, the meeting was held.

During the meeting, a thorough exchange of views was held on the various areas of military cooperation, as well as on other issues of mutual interest.

Touching upon the military-political situation in the region, the parties noted the importance of mutual support of the territorial integrity of the two countries and emphasized that the development of bilateral military cooperation will contribute to ensuring stability and security in the region.

Following the meeting, a Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2020 was signed between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Georgia. The document provides for the organization of mutual visits of expert groups, the holding of joint combat training events and the exchange of best practices, as well as other important issues.

Then, a press conference of the defense ministers of the two countries was held for media representatives.








Early voting begins Tuesday in a pair of special election runoffs in Fort Bend and Harris counties to fill two vacancies in the Texas House.

For a map of early voting locations in the House District 28 runoff, click here . A list of early voting locations in PDF form can be found here . And for a map of the district, click here .

For a map of early voting locations in the House District 148 runoff, click here . A list of early voting locations in PDF form can be found here . And for a map of the district, click here .

In both elections, the polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. each day through Friday. Election Day for both races is Jan. 28.

The winner of the House District 28 election in Fort Bend County will replace former Republican state representative John Zerwas, who in July announced his retirement and stepped down Sept. 30. Educator Eliz Markowitz, a Democrat, topped the first-round contest in November with 39 percent of the vote, followed by Republican businessman Gary Gates with 28 percent.

In House District 148, Democrat and former HISD trustee Anna Eastman faces Republican power engineer Luis LaRotta. The winner will fill the seat represented by former Democratic state representative Jessica Farrar, who announced in August she would step down. She retired effective Sept. 30.

House District 148 covers area north of downtown and part of the Heights, extending northwest outside Loop 610. House District 28 runs from Simonton to Mission Bend and Katy to Rosenberg.

Both races are being decided by runoffs because no candidate secured a majority of the vote in the first round.

During early voting, Harris County will operate five polling locations. Fort Bend County also will operate five locations: two in Katy and one each in Fulshear, Richmond and Sugar Land.

Voters in House District 148 may cast their ballot at any of the five locations in Harris County, while House District 28 voters may do so at any Fort Bend County location.

Friday was the deadline to request a mail ballot.

jasper.scherer@chron.com
The starkly opposed visions of US President Donald Trump and Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg on climate change will clash in Davos on Tuesday as the World Economic Forum tries to face up to the perils of global warming on its 50th meeting.

The four-day gathering of the world's top political and business leaders in the Swiss Alps gets under way seeking to meet head-on the dangers to both the environment and economy from the heating of the planet.

Trump, who has repeatedly expressed scepticism about climate change, is set to give the first keynote address of Davos 2020 on Tuesday morning, on the same day as his impeachment trial opens at the Senate in Washington.

Around the same time, Thunberg will also attend a meeting at the forum, where she is expected to underline the message that has inspired millions around the world -- that governments are failing to wake up to the reality of climate change.

The forum's own Global Risks report published last week warned that "climate change is striking harder and more rapidly than many expected" with global temperatures on track to increase by at least three degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) towards the end of the century.

There are no expectations that the two, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, will actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

'No turning point'

Sustainability is the buzzword at the forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the entire thrust of the event.

Story continues

"Climate change is a hot topic at Davos," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, adding there had been a "change in the atmosphere" and realisation that climate change represented a downside risk for the economy.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a welcome ceremony in Davos that "for too long, humanity took away resources from the environment and in exchange produced waste and pollution".

Business leaders attending the forum will be keen to tout their awareness on climate change but are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the IMF, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

"We are already seeing some tentative signs of stabilisation but we have not reached a turning point yet," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

'Healthy balance'

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Other key priorities will be exploring how to battle biodiversity loss, narrow the digital divide between the internet haves and have nots and step up the fight against pandemics in the face of vaccine hesitancy and drug resistance.

"I am angry about the state of the world but I am also determined to engage and provide solutions and deliver," WWF director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "There needs to be a healthy balance between these two sentiments."

The risk of global conflict will also loom large after the spike in tensions between the United States and Iran, following the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

But a planned appearance by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif -- which could have paved the way for a showdown or even meeting with Trump -- has been cancelled.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido -- who declared himself acting president last year -- will be attending the forum in defiance of a travel ban imposed by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

(AFP)
In a temporary setback to the YSR Congress party government in Andhra Pradesh led by chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the two crucial bills pertaining to the state capital hit a roadblock in the state legislative council on Tuesday.

The opposition Telugu Desam Party, which has 28 members in the 58-member legislative council as against only nine members of the ruling YSRC, stonewalled the passage of the bill by invoking Rule 71 of the legislative proceedings which allows for a debate on disapproving the government bills.

The state assembly on Monday night passed two bills - one on repealing AP Capital Region Development Authority Act enacted in 2014 to develop Amaravati as the state capital and the second one on creation of three capitals as part of de-centralised administration, after the suspension of 17 TDP members including leader of opposition N Chandrababu Naidu.

On Tuesday, both the bills were referred to the state legislative council for debate and passage. However, the TDP obstructed the attempts of municipal administration minister Botsa Satyanarayana and finance minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy to introduce the APCRDA repeal bill and de-centralisation of administration bills respectively.

TDP floor leader in the council Yanamala Ramakrishnudu gave a notice to council chairman Mohd Ahmed Sharif seeking to move a motion under Rule 71 of the legislative proceedings seeking a debate to disapprove the bills.

The council chairman, who took the headcount of the members in support of the motion, ruled that the TDP could initiate the debate. This led to pandemonium in the House, as the YSRC members demanded that the discussion on the two bills be taken up first.

The ruling party members, along with 20 cabinet ministers who came to the council to take part in the debate, stormed the podium several times demanding that the chairman allowed the bills to be discussed first. The chairman was forced to adjourn the House five times.

When the House assembled at 6 pm after a break of four hours, the council chairman finally agreed to allow the ministers to introduce the bills but refused to take them up for discussion till the debate over the motion under Rule 71 was completed.

Though the TDP members protested initially for allowing the introduction of the bill, they continued with the debate later. The entire proceedings were held in camera, as the legislature authorities suspended the live telecast of the council proceedings on technical grounds.

At around 10.15 pm, the debate under Rule 71 concluded and voting was held. Out of 49 members who were present in the House, 27 voted in favour of the TDP motion and 13 members against it, while the remaining nine abstained.

The council will take up the discussion on the two bills. Even if it rejects the bills, they could be re-introduced in the state assembly and passed. But if the legislative council refers the bills to the select committee, the plans of Jagan Mohan Reddy government to shift the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam would be delayed by a few weeks, a YSRC leader said on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, in a surprising decision, the state government decided to shift the venue of official celebrations of the Republic Day on Saturday from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada.

An official statement said the Republic Day celebrations will be held at Indira Gandhi municipal stadium in Vijayawada, instead of at Rama Krishna Beach Road in Visakhapatnam. The government did not mention any reason for the change of venue.

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About 300 people from several different activist organizations gathered at Peninsula Park Monday, where they honored Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in a march that emptied out onto the Portland boulevard named for the slain civil rights leader.

The 6th annual Childrens March for Social Justice caused several traffic disruptions along the way but was otherwise peaceful.

35 Martin Luther King Jr. Day march through Northeast Portland

Dont Shoot Portland, Artists for Black Lives and several other local groups organized the event, which also included representatives from the revived Poor Peoples Campaign, a movement that was organized in 1968 by King and other civil rights leaders.

Marchers ended up at the Oregon Convention Center, where they listened to recordings of Kings speeches beneath a statue bearing his likeness.

Children were front and center at the march, carrying banners and chanting Dr. King had a dream, I am the dream!" along with the adults.

Fyndi Jermany holds signs at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day march in Northeast Portland. January 20, 2020 Beth Nakamura/Staff

Fyndi Jermany, 29, who participated in the march, thinks the childrens presence and participation is an important part of helping them become more civically engaged, she said. Jermany, who grew up in North and Northeast Portland, has been involved with Dont Shoot Portland since 2018. I feel like I was blind until then, she said.

"Theres a lot of unspoken racism thats still embedded inside this city and this state that many people are unaware of or complicit with, she said.

About 300 people from five different activist organizations gathered at Peninsula Park Monday, where they honored Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in a march that emptied out onto the Portland boulevard named for the slain civil rights leader. The 6th annual Childrens March for Social Justice caused several traffic disruptions along the way but was otherwise peaceful. January 20, 2020 Beth Nakamura/Staff

Jermany was one of a handful of adults marching ahead of the banners and leading the chants.

Its very important that the children experience this, she said.

-- Beth Nakamura

Twitter: @bethnakamura

Instagram: @bethnakamura
President Donald Trumps impeachment trial quickly burst into a partisan fight as proceedings began unfolding at the Capitol.

Democrats objected strongly to rules proposed by the Republican leader for compressed arguments and a speedy trial.

Chief Justice John Roberts gavelled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do impartial justice as jurors.

Democrats warned that the rules package from Mr Trumps ally, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

Mr Trump, who has been attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said the whole thing was a hoax, and he said he was sure it would work out fine.

This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial, Representative Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters.

This is not a process for a fair trial. This is the process for a rigged trial.  Adam Schiff tore into Mitch McConnells rules for the Trump impeachment trial, which do not allow witnesses or evidence to be admitted pic.twitter.com/xtVYwAsBBm  NowThis (@nowthisnews) January 21, 2020

He called it a cover-up.

Mr McConnell opened the chamber promising a fair, even-handed process  and warned that the Senate would stay in session until his proposed rules package was adopted.

The presidents lawyers will finally receive a level playing field, the Kentucky Republican said, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

The first test was coming as senators prepared to begin debate and vote on Mr McConnells proposed rules.

The package diverges in some ways from the most recent impeachment trial, of Bill Clinton, by condensing opening arguments into two days for each side.

It pushes votes to consider whether or not to hear from witnesses later in the process.

Republican senators, who hold the majority, were falling in line behind his plan.

Sure it will be a fair trial when youve got 24 hours of arguments on both sides, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa told state reporters on a conference call.

The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Mr Trumps actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

Mr Trump himself denounced the proceedings as a total hoax, as he does daily, and said: Im sure its going to work out fine.

With Mr Trumps presidency on the line, and the nation deeply divided just weeks before the first Democratic primary contests, four senators who are also presidential candidates will be off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

The Democrats say the prospect of middle-of-the-night proceedings, without allowing new witnesses or even the voluminous House records of the trial, will leave the public without crucial information about Mr Trumps political pressure campaign on Ukraine and the White Houses obstruction of the House impeachment probe.

The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump, said the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer.

He vowed to call for a series of votes to amend the rules and demand evidence and documents, but it seemed unlikely Republicans would break from the party to join Democrats.

This is a historic moment, Mr Schumer said.

The eyes of America are watching. Republican senators must rise to the occasion.

If the senators agree to Mr McConnells proposal for speedy trial and acquittal, Mr Schiff said: It will not prove the president innocent, it will only prove the Senate guilty of working with the president to obstruct the truth from coming out.
LIMERICK's transformative journey will be captured at the unveiling of the city and county's first ever brand in a bid to "strengthen its competitive edge" worldwide.

In 2018, Limerick City and County Council awarded a 70,000 contract to global advertising gurus, M&C Saatchi, to help develop a dynamic, new brand for Limerick.

In February 2019, the Limerick Leader reported that the council had indicated it was aiming to spend up to 2.2m on the new brand over the course of its Brand Limerick project.

The masterplan will now be launched Thursday week, January 30, at St Mary's Cathedral, and the aim of which is to promote Limerick as "a destination for inward industry and tourism investment and to attract people to live, work and play here".

Announcing the unveiling of the brand, Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Michael Sheahan said the past decade has been "arguably Limericks greatest ever in terms of the ground we have made. When you consider where we were at the start of it and where we were when we came out of it, these two points are poles apart.

But you cant assume that its going to continue as momentum just does not happen; you have to make it happen. Thats what we are doing with the development of this new brand for Limerick.

"We have worked closely with one of the worlds leading agencies, M&C Saatchi, and a range of local suppliers around the creation of the assets for the programme and this has brought us to a point where we are about to take the new brand to the market, as it were, and strengthen Limericks hand so that we win more investment, more visitors and more people to come and live, work and study here.

The council's head of marketing and communications, Laura Ryan, said a huge amount of work has gone into the new brand.

"It has been an exhaustive but incredibly enjoyable process that has involved a lot of research, conversations with people and organisations right across the city and county so that we could arrive at a brand position that reflects where we are and what we want to achieve."

Ms Ryan said that Limerick's first ever brand is a "major statement".

"It shows the ambition that Limerick now has; that we are fully confident about our proposition, our offering and its ability to compete in the international market place. The key thing was that we named that intent by creating a brand that would turn heads and grab a share of voice for Limerick wherever opportunities arise here in Ireland or abroad that offer potential for us."

The brand launch event will be broadcast live at 10am on Thursday, January 30 on Limerick.ie Facebook.
Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Galla Jayadev was on Tuesday granted bail by a Mangalagiri court a day after he was arrested for participating in the protest on the three-capital issue.



Mangalagiri Magistrate Court granted bail to Jayadev, who was on Monday arrested by the police in Amaravati during a rally by farmers against the State government's approval on the proposal to set up three capitals.

Andhra Pradesh State Assembly on Monday passed the 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020'.

According to a release, the "Bill provides for the creation of three capital cities to usher in the decentralisation of development".

The Bill proposes to have a legislative capital at Amaravati, executive capital and Raj Bhavan at Visakhapatnam and judicial capital at Kurnool to fulfill the aspirations of all regions. (ANI)
London: France has shelved a new tax on digital giants like Facebook and Google in a strategic backdown that will avert a showdown that threatened to spiral into a major trade war with the United States.

However, the United Kingdom will push ahead with a similar plan, prompting a blunt threat of retaliation from the White House on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

The relationship between French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump soured over the digital tax. Credit:Ludovic Marin

France had wanted to slap a 3 per cent levy on firms with an annual revenue of more than 25 million in France and 750 million worldwide in a bid to prevent Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon from shifting profits between countries to avoid taxes.

The targeting of Silicon Valley firms infuriated US President Donald Trump and soured his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron. The White House threatened to retaliate with US$2.4 billion of new tariffs on French champagne, cheese, beauty products and designer handbags and vowed to go even further if the tax wasn't pulled.
Bengal govt, SC rights panel at logger heads over visit to State to probe atrocities against Dalits

Bengal vs Centre: Why the former Chief Secretary is bound by Centres rules

West Bengal to pass anti-CAA resolution on Jan 27

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Jan 21: The West Bengal government is expected to pass a resolution in the state Assembly against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the state assembly at 2 pm on 27th January. This resolution will be brought in a special assembly session.

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief, who is strongly opposing the amended citizenship law, also urged other states to pass such a resolution. The CPI(M) government in Kerala and the Congress government in Punjab have already passed a resolution demanding scrapping of the contentious CAA.

Meanwhile, the Congress government in Rajasthan has reportedly decided to move a resolution in the state Assembly against CAA in the Budget session beginning from January 24.

Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government is also planning to bring out such a resolution in the state assembly, news agency ANI has reported.

Besides Rajasthan and Maharashtra, states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh may also consider bringing in a resolution in the legislative assemblies against the enforcement of the CAA, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel has reportedly said.
We first learned that it was a missile that took down a Ukrainian airliner over Iran because of this video showing the moment of impact. All 176 people on board were killed. To find out what happened to Flight 752 after it left Tehran airport on Jan. 8, we collected flight data, analyzed witness videos and images of the crash site, to paint the clearest picture yet of that disastrous seven-minute flight. Well walk you through the evidence, minute by minute, from the planes takeoff to the moment it crashed. Its the early hours of Wednesday, Jan. 8. Iran has just launched ballistic missiles at U.S. military targets in Iraq in retaliation for an American drone strike that killed Iranian military leader Qassim Suleimani. Iranian defenses are on high alert, on guard for a possible U.S. attack. Four hours later, at Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport, Flight 752, operated by Ukraine International Airlines, is getting ready for departure. At 6:12 a.m., the plane takes off. It flies northwest, and climbs to almost 8,000 feet in around three minutes, according to flight tracker data. Its following its regular route. Up ahead are several military sites. Until now, the planes transponder has been signaling normally. But just before 6:15 a.m., it stops. This is where the first missile hits the plane. Footage from a security camera near one of the military sites shows the missile launch. It hits the plane, and knocks out the transponder. But the airliner keeps flying. A security camera, directly beneath, shows what happens next. A second missile launches 30 seconds after the first, and it explodes, moments later. A third video shows the impact. Lets watch it again, and slow it down. Here is the missile, and here is the plane. An Iranian military commander said a defense system operator mistook the passenger jet for a cruise missile. The plane is now on fire. We dont know its precise path after 6:15 a.m., but we do know that it turns back in the direction of the airport. It continues flying for several minutes, engulfed by flames. Around 6:19 a.m., a bystander films the plane slowly going down. There appears to be second explosion before the jetliner plummets outside Tehran about 10 miles from where the last signal was sent. A security camera captures that moment as the plane crashes toward it. Here we see the immediate aftermath of the crash. As day breaks, another witness films the smoldering wreckage. Debris is spread out over 1,500 feet along a small park, orchards and a soccer field, narrowly missing a nearby village. A large section of the plane looks badly charred. More jet parts are found here, and the planes tail and wheels land over 500 feet away. It is a gruesome scene. The passengers personal items  toys, clothes, photo albums  are scattered around. After days of denials, Iran took responsibility for the crash, blaming human error at a moment of heightened tensions.
Gwanda Police Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele says there are rising cases of machete attacks in gold mining areas in Zimbabwe, which resulted in them raiding a mining zone in the district in an effort to curb conflicts among miners known as 'otsheketsha' or amakorokoza (Video: Albert Ncube)
In particular, bidding wars have intensified in Montreal, reaching record numbers last year.

It is a growing sellers market fueled by a potent mix of heritage properties, creative industries and an emerging tech economy. Large investments by global corporations in downtown Montreal as well as an influx of start-ups are fueling the price surge, Engel & Volkers explained. There is a consistent demand and attractiveness to live in the city, with days on market shortening due to many properties selling above asking.

Annual luxury housing price growth in Montreal is projected to end up between 4% and 7% this year. Neighbourhoods like Mile End and Mile-Ex will be especially eye-catching due to increased traffic from business professionals, creatives, and tech talent.

Red-hot demand for condos in Ottawa is being further propelled by a burgeoning tech sector and a dwindling inventory.

There is new interest from developers who are entering the market and building luxury condos for those in search of a different lifestyle and type of home ownership, the report noted. Many prospective buyers are moving into less populated municipalities within 45 minutes to an hour of Ottawa because of its more affordable properties.
(Newser)  Fears of a violent clash in Richmond, Virginia, over gun rights never materialized on Monday. The two big numbers: 22,000 pro-gun protesters and only one arrest, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The single arrest was that of a 21-year-old woman for wearing a mask in public, per the newspaper and the AP. The protesters descended on the state Capitol to protest proposed new restrictions on guns, and authorities feared a repeat of the unrest that took place in Charlottesville in 2017. However, no sizable counter-protest sprang up. Democratic state lawmakers say the protest won't change their plans to tighten gun laws. (Read more Richmond stories.)
Below please find summaries of new articles that will be published in the next issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. The summaries are not intended to substitute for the full articles as a source of information. This information is under strict embargo and by taking it into possession, media representatives are committing to the terms of the embargo not only on their own behalf, but also on behalf of the organization they represent.

1. ACP calls for comprehensive reform of U.S. health in a series of policy papers

Recommendations offer new vision of American health care and policies to achieve it

Note: HD video soundbites of the authors discussing the paper are available to download at http://www.dssimon.com/MM/ACP-new-vision/.

Call to Action: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-2411

Coverage and Cost of Care: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-2415

Health Care Delivery and Payments: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-2407

Reducing Barriers to Care: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-2410

Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3775

Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3894

Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3895

Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3896

Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3712

URLs go live when the embargo lifts

The American College of Physicians issued a bold call to action challenging the U.S. to implement systematic reform of the healthcare system, and released an ambitious new vision for a better health care system for all and expansive policy recommendations for how to achieve it. The series of policy papers is published as a supplement in Annals of Internal Medicine.

"Better is Possible: The American College of Physicians Vision for the U.S. Health Care System" is a comprehensive, interconnected set of policies to guide the way to a better U.S. health care system for all. It includes a call to action that challenges the U.S. not to settle for the status quo, but to implement systematic healthcare reforms. The additional set of ACP policy papers address issues related to coverage and cost of care, healthcare payment and delivery systems, and barriers to care and social determinants of health, and offer specific recommendations supported by evidence about ways the U.S. can change the status quo and achieve a better healthcare system for all. The papers are:

"Envisioning a Better Health Care System for All: The American College of Physicians' Call to Action"

"Envisioning a Better Health Care System for All: Reducing Barriers to Care and Addressing Social Determinants of Health"

"Envisioning a Better Health Care System for All: Coverage and Cost of Care"

"Envisioning a Better Health Care System for All: Health Care Delivery and Payment System Reform"

ACP developed the papers based on examination and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the current U.S. health care system and an analysis of the major problems with American health care. Potential solutions outlined in the papers use as their foundation, the best available data and evidence, and a comprehensive review of the literature and recommendations, that build on ACP's day-to-day advocacy to support the daily practice and well-being of its members, and health of patients.

In an accompanying editorial, ACP physician leaders offer their perspective on why physicians have an obligation to speak out about the problems plaguing the U.S. health care system, as well as the expertise to attempt to create workable solutions to serve the country and patients better. The editorial serves to reiterate ACP's longstanding commitment to advocating through an evidence-based approach to fulfill the responsibility that physicians have to work on behalf of the patients they serve.

The supplement includes four other editorials that lend insight from physicians at Google Health, the Trust for America's Health, The Council of Medical Specialty Societies, The University of Chicago, and the City University of New York at Hunter College.

Notes and media contacts: For an embargoed PDF or to speak with someone from ACP, please contact Jacquelyn Blaser at Jblaser@acponline.org.

2. Bone marrow transplantation has significantly increased survival rates for cancer patients

Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-2936

URLs go live when the embargo lifts

Following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, cancer deaths dropped 34 percent between 2013 and 2017 compared with patients treated between 2003 and 2007. While survival has improved, death due to recurrence remains a major problem. Findings from a cohort study are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Blood-forming cells transplanted from a donor can replenish bone marrow and help to eliminate cancer cells for patients with blood cancer and other diseases. Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center specializes in this kind of therapy and previously reported that outcomes have been improving for patients receiving bone marrow transplants since the 1990s, yet many patients continued to experience dangerous or deadly complications. Whether or not these improvements have continued into the mid-2000s has not been studied.

Researchers from Fred Hutchinson compared cohorts that had bone marrow transplants during 2003 to 2007 versus 2013 to 2017 to determine whether survival has improved over the past decade and to note impediments to better outcomes. The most recent cohort was older, with more co-morbid conditions at baseline. Survival outcome measures were analyzed, along with transplant-related complications. The researchers found that over the past 25 years, the frequency of day-200 non-relapse mortality has progressively decreased (from 30 percent to 16 percent, and now 11 percent), while relapse rates also decreased. Rates of infectious, gastrointestinal, kidney, and respiratory complications had decreased, and in some cases the complications that did occur were less severe overall. According to the authors, these improvements likely result from the accumulation of many individual, incremental advances in conditioning therapy, graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, prednisone dosing, infection control, and supportive care. While these findings are considered encouraging, the results are only relative to an earlier era. In absolute terms, the frequency of overall mortality during 2013 to 2017 was 40 percent, and this proportion will undoubtedly increase with further follow-up.

Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Lauren Evans at laevans@acponline.org.

To reach the lead author, George B. McDonald, MD, please contact Molly McElroy at mwmcelro@fredhutch.org.

3. Lack of evidence makes it difficult to determine the optimal number of patients primary care physicians should care for

A small number of studies suggest that quality of care decreases slightly as panel size increases

Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-2491

Editorial: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3673

URLs go live when the embargo lifts

Evidence is insufficient to make evidence-based recommendations about the optimal primary care panel size, or number of patients physicians should see, for achieving beneficial health outcomes. Findings from a systematic evidence review are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

A key component of population health is the primary care physician, who is responsible for the care of a defined number of patients. Determining the optimal panel size, or number of patients, a full-time primary care physician should see is a complex undertaking that requires balancing patient needs with those of the provider team. There are a number of methods employed to determine this number, yet the optimal panel size remains unclear.

Researchers from West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center reviewed 16 hypothesis-testing studies and 12 simulation modeling studies on the association of panel size with six major aims of quality health care and physician burnout to help providers and policymakers make databased decisions about panel size. They found that the quality of evidence was modest at best. The few available studies included in their analysis provided a signal that increasing panel size may be associated with modest worsening of clinical quality and patient experience. Modeling studies support the idea that risk adjustment and practice-level variables influence the optimal panel size for patient access to care. The researchers point out that current recommendations about panel size are based more on historical experience than on evidence.

Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Lauren Evans at laevans@acponline.org.

To reach the lead author, Neil M. Paige, MD, MSHS, please contact Patricia Pryer at Patricia.Preyer@va.gov.

4. Colorado researchers report positive response to gun storage maps tool intended to prevent suicides

Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M18-2944

URLs go live when the embargo lifts

Researchers from the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus report an encouraging response to their gun storage map tool for suicide prevention. Since it was launched last August, the gun storage map site has been viewed approximately 24,000 times and has reported positive buy-in from both the medical and firearm communities. An editorial describing the project is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Preventing firearm-related injury and death requires pragmatic, community-based solutions to promote safer storage of firearms during periods of risk. The Gun Storage Map program is an online resource for the public and for clinicians who counsel at-risk patients. The statewide map displays firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies willing to consider requests for voluntary, temporary gun storage.

The map was disseminated to targeted Colorado stakeholders, including medical and behavioral health providers, hospital groups, the crisis system, professional organizations, and the population at large through media relations. In total, 46 retailers (45 firearm retailers and 1 safe deposit box company) and 15 law enforcement agencies agreed to be listed on the map. While ongoing evaluation of the map's effects is needed, the researchers believe that with proper dissemination the storage map tool could help translate safe storage counseling into action. It may also be useful in other scenarios when individuals might want to store firearms away from home, such as home rental, visitors, or extended travel.

Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Lauren Evans at laevans@acponline.org.

To reach the lead author, Sara Brandspigel, MPH, please contact Julia Milzer at julia.milzer@cuanschutz.edu.

###

Also new in this issue:

The Role of Hospitalists in the Creation of Learning Healthcare Systems

Heather M. Gilmartin, PhD, NP; Vincent X. Liu, MD, MSc; Robert E. Burke, MD, MS

Hospitalist Commentary

Abstract: http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/M19-3873
A Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed after taking off from the Iranian capital on January 8 was downed by two short-range surface-to-air missiles, Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said in a second preliminary investigation report.

The Tor-M1 missiles were launched at the Kyiv-bound Boeing 737-800 jetliner from the north, according to the report.

Plane took off from Tehran at 6:12 a.m. local time and lost all contact with air traffic control at 8,100 feet (almost 2,469 meters). Aircraft disappeared from secondary surveillance radar screens at 6:15 a.m. and from primary surveillance radars at 6:18 a.m.

The retrieved flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder are "some of the most advanced equipment of their kind in the world" and Iran lacks the facilities to decode them.

"French and U.S. accident investigation agencies have refused to send necessary equipment to Iran for decoding the 'black boxes'," reads the report.

On January 20, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with Special Envoy of President of the Republic of Iran Mohammad Eslami if there is a possibility to transfer to Ukraine flight data recorders of the Ukraine International Airlines' plane downed in Tehran for decoding and stressed that Ukraine has necessary technical capabilities and experienced specialists for the proper job.
European Union and Vietnamese flags are seen at the signing ceremony of EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement at the government office in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo by Reuters/Kham.

EU lawmakers gave initial backing on Tuesday for a free trade agreement struck with Vietnam, the blocs most comprehensive such pact with a developing country.

The international trade committee of the European Parliament supported the agreement by 29 votes to six, opening the way to a vote in the full parliament when it meets in the week starting on February 10. It can then enter force on a provisional basis.

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is the European Unions second deal with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN), after Singapore, and one of few with a developing country.

Belgian lawmaker Geert Bourgeois, who led discussions in parliament, said Tuesday's vote was a positive signal to the ASEAN region and the rest of the world in times of rising trade tensions.

"This deal really is a win-win situation. In absolute terms Vietnamese exports of goods and services to the EU will increase by 15 billion euros while EU exports to Vietnam augment by 8.3 billion euros by 2035," he said in a statement.

The free trade agreement will ultimately eliminate 99 percent of all tariffs, although Vietnam will have a transition period of up to 10 years for some imports, such as cars.

It will open up Vietnams services, including post, banking and shipping and public procurement markets, align some standards and protect EU food and drinks, such as French champagne or Greek feta cheese, from imitations in Vietnam.
The Editor of the Belfast Telegraph is to move to a new role after five years at the helm.

Gail Walker is taking up the position of Editor-at-Large.

It is part of changes to the senior editorial management within INM's operations in Northern Ireland, announced on Tuesday.

During five years as editor, Gail has led a team that has constantly set the region's news agenda.

That journalistic excellence was recognised when the Belfast Telegraph was crowned UK Regional Newspaper of the Year at last year's prestigious Society of Editors' Regional Press Awards.

In her role as Editor-at-Large, Gail will continue to produce in-depth quality journalism and insight into a wide range of subjects relevant to life in a post-Brexit Northern Ireland.

A process to appoint a new Editor-in-Chief to drive the team forward to new digital propositions and an integrated newsroom will commence shortly. Gail will continue in post as Editor until the new appointment is made.

Publisher Peter Vandermeersch said: "I would like to thank and congratulate Gail for her five successful years leading the Belfast Telegraph.

"She and her team can be proud of the quality of the journalism which kept Northern Ireland informed and engaged during the turbulence of Brexit and the absence of the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, this was rightly recognised in being awarded UK Regional Newspaper of the Year in 2019.

"I am delighted that Gail has agreed to take on the role of Editor-at-Large and will continue to write brilliant stories which will be the envy of our competitors and enjoyed by our customers."

Gail said: "It has been a great privilege to have served as Editor of the Belfast Telegraph and I have immensely enjoyed my time in the chair.

"I've been very fortunate to work with a great team of colleagues and friends who every day produce some of the finest journalism in Northern Ireland.

"Over the past five years, we have broken many exclusives, kept people at the heart of every story and campaigned for the return of the Assembly.

"I'm very much looking forward to my new role, which offers a terrific opportunity to spend more time on the subjects that really matter in Northern Ireland.

"As the newspaper approaches its 150th birthday, this is a truly exciting time for our journalists working across all platforms and I look forward to playing a full role as we forge ahead."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 00:43:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a sudden collapse of a wooden bench on Monday at a major religious gathering in northwestern Ethiopia's Gondar city has climbed to 10 while 250 people were injured, local government officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The deadly incident occurred as a congested wooden bench that was constructed to serve as a sitting place for people attending the epiphany celebrations in Gondar city collapsed as it was forced to accommodate beyond its capacity as tens of thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered in Ethiopia's northwestern Gondar city to celebrate epiphany, the baptism of Jesus Christ.

"The accident has left a total of 250 people injured and ten of them died after they were admitted to the hospital," state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) quoted Ashenafi Tazebe, Medical Director at Gonder Referral Hospital, as saying on Tuesday.

The wooden bench, which was initially built to accommodate about 700 to 1,000 invited guests, collapsed as it was boarded by many unexpected others who were eager to take part in the baptism event, according to Gondar city peace and security department.

Despite majority of the victims who were admitted for emergency healthcare treatments have already left healthcare facilities after receiving minor treatments, Tazebe also indicated that some 80 others are still in the hospital receiving care.

According to the Medical Director, some 13 of the injured, who have sustained serious physical injuries, are currently receiving intensive medical treatment, who are said to "need lengthy medical care."

Eyewitnesses confirmed to Xinhua that security personnel and volunteers were seen undertaking lifesaving activities shortly after the incident that happened in the early hours of Monday.

Tesfa Mekonen, head of Gondar city peace and security department, also disclosed that among the victims that have sustained light physical injuries are two foreign nationals. Authorities are, however, yet to announce the two injured foreign nationals' citizenship.

The injured also include two security personnel who were protecting the wooden bench from the crowd, according to Gondar city peace and security department.

Various pictures have been also circulating over social media platforms shortly after the tragic incident, showcasing the incident as well as pictures of injured people from the incident.

According to Gondar city administration, tens of thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians are attending this year's epiphany celebration in the historic city, while about 15,000 foreign nationals are also currently in Gondar city attending the epiphany celebrations.

Thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians across Ethiopia travel to Gondar city every year to celebrate epiphany, in which this year's edition of the celebrations in Gondar is also attended by senior Ethiopian government officials, including the Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.

The Ethiopian epiphany (Timket in Amharic), is considered as one of the East African country's highly rated religious and cultural events.

It is a colorful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ, in which the commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival, which falls on Jan. 18, or Jan. 19 during leap year such as this year's edition of the celebration.
The sixth edition of the Crans Montana Forum will be held, like previous editions, in the Moroccan Saharan city of Dakhla next March 18 through 21.

The venue as well as the program of this annual meeting on Africa and South-South Cooperation were announced by Founding President of the Crans Montana Forum, Jean-Paul Carteron, at a news conference in Rabat Monday.

The 6th edition, themed Growth and development in Africa foreshadows a new and proactive social contract, places people at the heart of the Forum. When you look at what is happening in the world, in Europe, you realize that the social contract is badly carried out, that social relations are falling apart, and that violence is more and more present, said the Founding President of the Switzerland-based Crans Montana Forum.

Jean-Paul Carteron, who is Honorary Citizen of the city of Dakhla, also announced the creation of the Crans Montana Institute, which will conduct parallel activities.

Underlining the natural assets of the city of Dakhla, Carteron said he was confident that it will be the future Florida of Morocco  the Tangier of the south.

The President of Crans Montana also stressed that it is important to help Morocco maintain the link it has historically and emotionally with the rest of Africa, adding that the Kingdom is clearly a leader who shows the way of the miracle.

Carteron recalled that since March 2015, more than 6,000 participants, representing more than 170 countries, took part in the Crans Montana Forum and discovered the city of Dakhla, which has become a genuine laboratory of a new development model for Africa.

The sixth edition of this forum, to be held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, will once again bring together outstanding decision-makers from the four corners of the world. It will provide a platform for reflection on human security, the progress of digital transition and the need for Africa to adapt to current digital challenges, the role of the banking and financial sector in integration, environmental requirements, transport, sustainable agriculture, the contribution of women and youth to the life of communities, the organizers say in a press release.

Improving governance, a major growth driver, will also be at the heart of debates, as the strengthening the credibility and reliability of institutions is essential to enable African economies to develop and encourage investment.

The annual session of this high mass, devoted to Africa and South-South Cooperation, seeks to enhance the role of the forum as a vector of growth, development and integration for the southern provinces .

The Forum also seeks to support the four-fold transition underway in these southern provinces, at the level of economy, energy, ecology and digital transition, acting as a catalyst for local initiatives in the context of human, inclusive and sustainable development, add the organizers.

The forum also aims to contribute to the international recognition of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom, to put Dakhla on the map of major international events, to position it as the laboratory of reflection on Africa and South-South cooperation, and as a link between Morocco and its African depth.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE: NR) today announced that its Board of Directors has set the date of the Company's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (Central Daylight Time) at Newpark Resources' headquarters located at 9320 Lakeside Blvd, Suite 100 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Newpark Resources, Inc. is a worldwide provider of value-added fluids and chemistry solutions in the oilfield, and engineered worksite and access solutions used in various commercial markets. For more information, visit our website at www.newpark.com.

Contacts: Gregg Piontek

Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Newpark Resources, Inc.

[email protected]

281-362-6800

SOURCE Newpark Resources, Inc.

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Many human rights organizations across the world, as well as the NCRI, are calling on the Iranian regime to abolish the death penalty. Execution is used arbitrarily by the Iranian regime. Fair trials are not granted beforehand and certain elements such as the self-defense argument are not taken into account.

Maliheh Haji Hassani, 29, was executed in Adilabad Prison in Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, on January 14. Although, her execution was not announced by any state-run media outlets in Iran. She has spent three years on death row on the charge of murdering her fiancee.

Also, a woman identified only as Sara M was executed in Mashhad Prison, according to the state-run Rokna news agency. The 35-year-old had also spent three years on death row. It is not known the exact date that she was executed on.

The Iranian regime hanged 16 women in 2019, six during the first three weeks of December alone, which is not surprising given the increasing suppression following the November uprising.

Of course, given the Iranian regimes secrecy surrounding things that make them look bad, most executions are carried out in secret, so we may not ever really know the true number of executions.

What we do know is that there are dozens of women on death row in Iran, because Iran is the world leader in executions of women. Many women are being held in Qarchak Prison and most are mothers.

One of the biggest problems is that the regime doesnt categorize deliberate murders by degree, which means that anyone who kills someone is sentenced to death, regardless of their motivation. As many of the women convicted of murder in Iran are victims of violence who committed murder in self-defense or defense of their children, their trials and sentences are grossly unfair.

This is a direct result of the regimes anti-woman policies that allow violence against women, including sexual violence, to be excused away or blamed on the woman. This allows men to beat their wives, partners, and children without fear of repercussions.

If women had a legal recourse, for instance reporting that man to the police and getting him to put in prison, then they would not resort to murder. This would be a better system, one of believing women. But it will never happen with the mullahs in charge. After all, the mullahs have always allowed female prisoners to be victims of violence, including sexual violence, at the hands of prison authorities.
A police chief has said he will fund driver training at an RAF base after the death of teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn.

Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley said all new arrivals at RAF Croughton would receive lessons on Highway Code awareness, UK road laws and protocols.

Mr Adderley took to Twitter to announce his new initiative, saying his plans to fund the training were a mitigation measure I want to take.

On Sunday, the police chief said there had been two further incidents of American staff from the base driving on the wrong side of the road since the death of Mr Dunn.

The teenagers motorbike crashed into a car outside RAF Croughton on August 27 last year.

The suspected driver, 42-year-old Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US intelligence official, was granted diplomatic immunity and was able to return to her home country, sparking an international controversy.

Since Mr Dunns death, footage has emerged of a BMW driver on the wrong side of the road near the base.

The video, reported to Northamptonshire Police on Saturday, shows a car with what appears to be a registration number used on US government vehicles in the UK.

In a statement at the time, Mr Adderley said: I do not underestimate how much of a concerning incident this was and how much worse it could have been, especially considering the circumstances in which 19-year-old Harry Dunn tragically died.

The police chief said the training would begin at the base, which is used as a United States Air Force communications station, from March 12.

Harry Dunn's family have been fighting for justice / PA

Announcing the new plans, Mr Adderley said: Following a positive discussion with senior officials at RAF Croughton today, I am pleased to announce that Northamptonshire Police (Roads Policing experts) will be providing training to all staff at the base and to all new arrivals at the site for the foreseeable future.

This is only the beginning and I have agreed to provide that training for free to ensure every member of staff at RAF Croughton receives the input and understands the requirements here in the UK. This will include Highway Code awareness, UK road laws and protocols.

Addressing the issue of funding, Mr Adderley added: I will provide the funding for this.

Cost is not a primary issue here, saving lives and remembering Harry Dunn is.

I have a number of other ideas and suggestions which are for a later meeting at the base.

As the Chief Constable of Northamptonshire I have to take all reasonable steps to mitigate risk.

Regardless of other countries, this is a mitigation measure I want to take.

Mrs Sacoolas was charged in December with causing Mr Dunns death by dangerous driving.

Despite the UK making an extradition request for Mrs Sacoolas, the Prime Minister has said the chances of her returning are very low.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: All is not well between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Akali Dal's decision not to contest the Delhi assembly elections citing differences with the BJP on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is likely to have ramifications in Punjab ahead of the 2022 assembly elections.

Some saffron party leaders in the state have suggested that they should break the two-decade-old alliance with the SAD and fight the polls on their own. At the coronation ceremony of the newly-appointed Punjab BJP unit president, Ashwini Sharma, in Jalandhar recently, former Punjab Transport Minister and senior BJP leader Master Mohan Lal said that the saffron party should contest the 2022 assembly polls in the state alone.

"We should aim for the 2022 assembly elections and fight them alone. Be it the Taksalis or non-Taksali Akalis, we should not ally with them. Why are we at the mercy of the Akalis? Why not show some strength and form a BJP government on our own in the state," he said. Later, he added that it was for the party to decide whether to continue the alliance with the SAD or not but he personally believed that the BJP should independently contest the elections.

Punjab BJP leaders have given feedback to the party high command that the Badals have lost their base among Sikhs and any alliance with them would be suicidal for the party. BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh said that the party has a strong organisation in the state but a decision on alliances is taken by the parliamentary board.

Rebel Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said the party's decision not to contest the Delhi assembly election over the amended citizenship law was an excuse, claiming that it knew it would not win any seat.

"It (not contesting Delhi polls over CAA issue) is just an excuse. They had voted for the CAA in Parliament. They knew that they are not going to win and that's why they decided not to contest Delhi polls. Nobody had stopped them to contest election alone. If they claim they have a following among Sikh voters, then why don't they contest," he said.

Taking a dig, senior Congress leader and Punjab Cooperation minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the SAD-BJP alliance has come to an end as the saffron party had put the Akalis in their place by not even giving them a single seat in the Delhi polls.

SAD chief spokesman, Daljeet Singh Cheema, however, said, "Our alliance with the BJP is firm and everlasting in Punjab.

During the Haryana assembly election last year, the SAD and BJP did not have an alliance though the Akalis wanted it. The saffron party also inducted the lone SAD MLA in the state into their party prompting SAD President Sukhbir Badal to remind the BJP of the dignity of the alliance.

A worrying factor for the SAD is the dissent within the party with rebel leaders and splinter groups recently putting a united front in Delhi against the first family of the party -- the Badals -- in order to rid the party of their control. All the rebel leaders have been questioning the leadership and functioning of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. They say the party's core vote slipped away from it as the Bargari sacrilege and Behabal Kalan firing incidents in 2015 were not addressed properly.


Kochi (Kerala) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): A special court here on Tuesday sent two students, who were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) case in Kozhikode last November, to the custody of National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a day.



The NIA court ordered that the duo, who were in judicial custody till now, to be produced before it tomorrow.

In its application, the NIA had said that the accused must be interrogated on the basis of digital records and sought custody of the duo for a week.

However, the defendant argued that no new evidence had been found against the accused and therefore no custody should be granted.

During an earlier hearing, the two had told the court, "We are not Maoists. We are CPI (M) activists. The Chief Minister, who says we are Maoists, should bring proof of whom we killed and where we bombed. In the last election, we have served as CPI (M), booth agents. We are the ones who went out to vote and pasted posters for the party."

The two were charged under Sections 20 (punishment for being a member of terrorist gang or organisation), 38 (offence relating to membership of a terrorist organisation) and 39 (offence relating to support given to a terrorist organisation) of the UAPA.

Allen and Thaha, students of law and journalism respectively of Kannur University, were taken into custody by the police from Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode on November 1 last year. (ANI)


INDEPENDENT TD Michael Healy-Rae has released a new campaign video seeking to capitalise on the renewed popularity of The Wolfe Tones' classic 'Come Out Ye Black and Tans'.

Mr Healy-Rae's video, posted on his Facebook and Twitter on Tuesday, features shots of the Kerry TD walking around the constituency, addressing voters and speaking in Dail Eireann.

The song's lyrics are adapted to the tune of 'Come Out Ye Black and Tans' and hail his independence, work ethic and Kilgarvan roots.

"Get out anyway you can and vote for the main man/It's Michael Healy-Rae, he's from Kilgarvan/You see how Healy-Rae will work both night and day/For the Kingdom, for the country in Dail Eireann," the song goes.

The original song recently shot to number one in the music charts off the back of the government's controversial and now-postponed plans to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police.

Mr Healy-Rae has held a Dail seat Kerry seat since 2011 and in 2016 he was re-elected along with his brother Danny Healy-Rae after a vote management strategy which divided the vast constituency into two.

A similar strategy is being deployed in this election.

Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that gardai have queried a fundraising raffle being organised by Mr Healy-Rae who said he is now awaiting further paperwork.
She began her career as a model for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Dior before she transitioned to acting.

And Monica Bellucci looked sensational as she attended the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 show for Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The actress, 55, cut a glamorous figure for the event, donning a black silk collared shirt which she paired with a black blazer and matching trousers.

Event: Monica Bellucci, 55, looked sensational as she attended the Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 show for Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday

The Italian star added height to her frame with a pair of boots while she also sported a silver necklace.

Wearing her brunette locks in a cropped hairdo, Monica carried a black clutch bag at the swanky event.

The film star appeared in good spirits as she departed the venue after the show, completing her look with a pair of shades.

Monica was seen without her man Nicolas Lefebvre, 36, who she has been believed to be dating since May 2017, four years after her split from ex-husband Vincent Cassell.

Style: The actress cut a glamorous figure for the event, donning a black silk collared shirt which she paired with a black blazer and matching trousers

Glamour: The film star appeared in good spirits as she departed the venue after the show, completing her look with a pair of shades

The actress first confirmed she was seeing someone in an interview with Paris Matchlast November, but stayed coy about her partner's identity.

Admitting they had been dating a while and things were going well, she said of her new man: 'The man I share my life with doesn't have the same job as me, but he travels a lot. His rhythm of life complements mine.'

Asked whether she would consider getting married again, the former Bond girl kept her cards close to her chest.

She said: 'When you've been married twice before, you need to take time to think about it before starting over, to understand why it happened and why you divorced. Let's just say I'm in a learning phase at the moment.'

Monica was married to fashion photographer Claudio Carlos Basso from 1990 until 1994, and then Matrix star Vincent Cassel from 1999 until 2015.
Holly Willoughby's wardrobe is coveted by women around the country - and it seems even the Duchess of Cambridge is inspired by the presenter's style choices.

Kate Middleton, 37, donned a red version of a sparkly party dress worn by the This Morning star as she joined husband Prince William, 37, at a Buckingham Palace reception last night.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore the Needle & Thread 410 Aurora Gown in red, while Holly, 38, wore the 350 Aurora Dress in white last month.

Kate Middleton, 37, donned a red version of a sparkly party dress worn by Holly Willoughby as she joined husband Prince William, 37, at a Buckingham Palace reception last night, pictured

This Morning presenter Holly dazzled in the 350 Aurora Dress in white last month, pictured

The Duchess of Cambridge wore the Needle & Thread 410 Aurora Gown in red (left) last night, while Holly, 38, wore the 350 Aurora Dress in white (right) last month

It was the royal's first outing in a label that is much-loved by Instagram influencers and stars including Laura Whitmore.

It the latest in a string of style hits for the Duchess and comes shortly after she won plaudits for wearing a houndstooth Zara dress on an engagement in Bradford last week.

The decision to wear a high street label to the reception is particularly significant as the Duchess typically relies on big name designers for such high profile evening engagements.

Needle & Thread, whose dresses range from 235-550, is known for its ultra-feminine frocks that are rich in detail and embellishment.

Needle & Thread, whose dresses range from 235-550, is known for its ultra-feminine frocks that are rich in detail and embellishment. Pictured, influencer Meghan Hess in the brand

Instagram influencers, fashion editors and style mavens are fans of the UK label, which was founded by Hannah Coffin. Pictured, Laura Whitmore (left) and PR guru Flavia Stuttgen

Ex-Made In Chelsea star and jewellery designer Rosie Fortescue wears Kate's gown in black

Instagram influencers, fashion editors and style mavens from around the world are fans of the UK label, which was founded by Hannah Coffin. It is stocked by high end retailers including Net-a-Porter.

The Needle & Thread team was delighted by the Duchess's support and shared a photo of Kate in their design on Instagram.

Kate's showstopping gown featured silver shimmering sequins inspired by vintage lace tablecloth - and she complemented her outfit with a pair of Gianvito Rossi heels costing 510.

Kate has had a recent string of style hits. The Needle & Thread frock comes shortly after she won plaudits for wearing a houndstooth Zara dress on an engagement in Bradford last week

The engagement, which marked William's first solo reception at the palace, comes after his brother Prince Harry, 35, jetted off to Canada tonight to be with Meghan Markle, 38, after a deal was reached on their departure from the royal family.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined at the reception by other senior royals Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne, but the Queen and Prince Charles were not in attendance.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo today proposed adding five days to the New York State Fairs current 13-day run.

The announcement came during Cuomos annual budget presentation. The New York State Legislature would have to approve the proposal.

The governor says fairtime would include an additional weekend and new programming, including a motor show held in the Expo Center and sensory friendly days.

The governors budget includes an extra $4.9 million to cover the five-day extension. If approved, the fair would run from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 this year.

Cuomo repeated his pledge to power the fairgrounds in Geddes with renewable energy by 2023. The budget proposal also includes $15 million in capital appropriations for the fairgrounds.

Check back with syracuse.com later today for more details about the upcoming New York state budget, and what those proposals mean for Syracuse and Central New York.

Thanks for visiting Syracuse.com. Quality local journalism has never been more important, and your subscription matters. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
What are you going to do after 40?

Write a book? Take up music? Begin writing poetry? Finally learn Spanish?

It can even be something smaller.

Maybe you want to finally visit Seattle, Washington. Read more books this year. Or, call your sister/brother more often.

The point is: The best is yet to come.

Good-grief, I just love reminders like this.

Lets go make a difference in someones life.

In medicine, for every James Watson, who helped to discover the double helix structure of DNA at age twenty-five, there is a Roger Sperry, who identified different specializations between the right and left hemispheres of the brain at age forty-nine. In film, for every Orson Welles, whose masterpiece Citizen Kane was his very first feature film at age twenty-five, there is an Alfred Hitchcock, who made his three most popular films three decades into his career, at ages fifty-nine (Vertigo), sixty (North by Northwest), and sixty-one (Psycho). In poetry, for every E. E. Cummings, who penned his first influential poem at twenty-two and more than half of his best work before turning forty, there is a Robert Frost, who wrote 92 percent of his most reprinted poems after forty.

-Adam Grant, Originals
JILL: Judgment Day is coming for the Senate, and for the life of me I cant understand why Republicans dont see it as an escape hatch  the one time in over 200 years you really might want and need to break the glass because there is in fact an emergency.

Its not that I dont get the political considerations involved here. President Donald Trump has an intimidating hold on the party, or at least the huge chunk of it that, like him, enjoys breaking eggs and the hell with making an omelet. They seem to view the Constitution as a tear-down, a starter manifesto, and they take the phrase bully pulpit completely literally.

Theres no question that bucking this president and his loyalists would make a senators life miserable, even a senator who is not running for reelection. And for those who are up in 2020, its a Hobsons choice of alienating Republican primary voters or disgusted general election voters.

And if Trump by some miracle is convicted and removed by the Senate, there's the political problem that Vice President Mike Pence is no Donald Trump. Hes a traditional business and Christian conservative who doesn't seem interested in inciting policy, management and constitutional chaos for the sheer fun of it. So there goes that part of the Trump base. Plus he'd be tainted by Trump scandals and his enabling role.

On the other hand, given the vagaries of the Electoral College, not to mention the Democrats, the alternative to abdicating on impeachment could be four more years of Trump. Four more years of an ignorant constitutional outlaw who calls his top generals "a bunch of dopes and babies," and they sit there and take it, and obey his orders. Are Republicans up for that?

Sen. Chuck Grassley swears in Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to preside over the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020.

DAVID: If there is one thing that has shocked me in the last three years, it is how completely Republican office holders and conservative media have abandoned their principles in adopting whatever the latest completely unsupportable drivel that leaks out of Donald Trumps Twitter account. From my conversations with Trump-world Republicans, they dont want an escape hatch, an off-ramp or any other kind of exit strategy.

Story continues

Theyll be standing by Trump whatever comes in the Senate trial, new witnesses or not. Damning new facts or not. And when you are talking to Republicans, even in private, they do a pretty good imitation of being true believers in Trump. Whys that? In the short term, Trump is the only route to clinging to power.

Pence is viewed as weak tea in rallying the base. And after years of Trump, theres not much hope on the right for reaching out to the middle in the coming presidential election. Blue-collar Democrats arent going to defect to Pences traditional brand of Republicanism and he cant really fake populism with Trumps verve. Without Trump winning at the top of the ticket, hopes for keeping a grip on the Senate are not high.

I dont care how damaged Trump is by the Senate impeachment trial next week, theres no hope his Republican backers will abandon him.

More: What we learned about Trump and 2020 from the 2019 Democratic debates

JILL: That is a dark view of the party, and probably justified. But until its over, as Bill Clinton used to say before The Troubles descended upon him, I still believe in a place called Hope.

Speaking of Clinton, I wished desperately for him to resign in 1998. I couldnt believe what he was doing to his family and the country, or to my kids  a 13-year-old learning about how men should treat women and a 9-year-old who fled the kitchen one night, muttering I shouldnt be listening to this as he ran. But I was a reporter covering the mess and couldnt say publicly what I thought.

It was an easier calculation then for a Democrat than it would be now for a Republican, granted. Al Gore had been picked, in violation of the usual balancing function of a vice president, to echo and reinforce Clintons youth, Southern background and centrist policy ideas. America was not going to swerve in some dramatic new direction.

Gore was a much stronger potential successor than Pence would be. And yet he lost the presidency 20 years ago amid peace and prosperity. He won a half million more votes than George W. Bush, and the Florida count that gave Bush a 537-vote lead and the presidency was plagued by bad ballot designs and other problems that made the margin meaningless. But Clintons ethics miasma and the desire to turn the page had made it way too close. If the Senate proves as hapless as you think, we can only hope that voters this year will feel a similar compulsion to send to the Oval Office, if not a fresh face, at least a different one.

DAVID: If Democrats has turned on Clinton and forced him out, wed be in a better place. Instead, for the most part, Democrats pursued toothless punishments, defended the indefensible, made excuses or attacked Clintons antagonists. They then spent the next 16 years slavishly promoting and defending Hillary Clinton from her own raft of unprecedented scandals. As if a secretary of States family foundation accepting foreign contributions could be defended on any principle. The example they set was of putting partisanship and personal loyalty over country.

Now Republicans dont feel one bit of shame in doing the same thing  even as they defend, deflect and deny radically more scandalous behavior by Trump. It is the same unhealthy partisanship that has infected nominations to the Supreme Court, where weve seen a tit for tat descent into anything-goes rancor without regard for the Constitution or decency, the shameful treatment of Merrick Garland being the most egregious, if not most recent, example.

Get ready for an impeachment trial shaped by the worst of our politics over the last quarter century. Maybe moderate voters on both sides will start to punish their own partisans out of embarrassment. I doubt it, so we can be sure this isnt the bottom, not with a second term for Trump as likely as not.

David Mastio, a libertarian conservative, is the deputy editor of USA TODAY's editorial page. Jill Lawrence, a center-left liberal, is the commentary editor of USA TODAY. Follow them on Twitter: @DavidMastio and @JillDLawrence

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Impeachment trial judgment day: Are Republicans good with 4 more years?
Although the A.C.L.U.s colorblind logic might be effective as a matter of litigation strategy  assuming that a male plaintiff can be substituted for a female, a Jehovahs Witness for a Santerian, a white supremacist for a civil rights activist, because the liberties, once won, will be available to all  this civil libertarian approach can yield problematic results given entrenched structural inequalities. This may be particularly true of the A.C.L.U.s most controversial current position (at least among liberals): its insistence that corporations are entitled to the same political speech rights as individual citizens, and that spending money in elections is a protected form of speech. I was disappointed not to see Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission  possibly the most notorious Supreme Court case of the millennium  among the cases selected for discussion here, particularly since, in recent years, its been increasingly difficult to find mention of the A.C.L.U.s role in Citizens United or its continuing opposition to campaign finance reform efforts. (A disclaimer here: At the Brennan Center for Justice, where I directed the Money in Politics project, I often litigated and advocated against the A.C.L.U. in its challenges to campaign finance laws, including in Citizens United, where I was counsel of record on a Supreme Court amicus brief supporting the F.E.C.) But I still count myself as a supporter of the A.C.L.U., as does Scott Turow, even though his essay on Buckley v. Valeo (the progenitor to the Citizens United line of cases) excoriates the A.C.L.U. for its position on campaign finance reform and even suggests that the A.C.L.U. hides from its own actions out of apparent fear of diminishing its contributor base. Given that this book so often lauds the A.C.L.U. for its defense of unpopular causes, its troubling that the A.C.L.U.s own most unpopular recent case gets such short shrift.

In their introduction, Chabon and Waldman bemoan the fact that nuance  seems to be in very short supply nowadays, and certainly I would have welcomed a nuanced consideration of how an organization based on civil libertarian principles might need to rethink its foundational assumptions to counter structural inequality, or how an organization whose catchphrase has been Well see you in court will evolve in an era where the courts, and particularly the Supreme Court, might favor the powerful over the powerless. But heroism also seems to be in short supply these days, whereas bad actors continue to flourish and abound. So perhaps the public can be forgiven its appetite for courtroom heroes; perhaps the writers can indulge in some happy  albeit temporary  endings; and perhaps the A.C.L.U. deserves to take a victory lap for its many indisputable acts of heroism, and to put out of mind, for the moment, the uncertain road forward.
In line with the companys commitment to the development of Bahraini youth by helping them realise their potential through academic and internship opportunities, Ebrahim K Kanoo has signed a MoU with NIIT.

The new MoU outlines the companys assurance to train Bahraini job seekers in a three-month technical programme for auto detailers, accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI).

Upon successful completion of the IMI Auto Detailer Apprenticeship Programme, the candidates will be offered permanent positions within Ebrahim K Kanoos aftersales department.

Ebrahim K Kanoo Chief Executive Officer, Mike Brightmore welcomed the MoU stating: Our partnership with NIIT is a long standing one and we are always happy to expand the areas of co-operation by sharing knowledge and industry best practice. This latest programme is also supported by Tamkeen and the Ministry of Labour, which we are also proud to continue working with.

Our ultimate aim is to enhance the Bahraini workforce by way of tangible programmes to benefit all automotive players in the market. We will continue to invest in Bahrainis from the grassroots level and sincerely appreciate the support of the government and all academic institutions in Bahrain, stated Brightmore. -- Tradearabia News Service
Authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan have summoned and questioned eight people for allegedly posting "rumors" about the outbreak of viral pneumonia in the city, as experts warned the epidemic has likely spread much further than reports currently indicate.



"Some internet users have been publishing and forwarding fake news without verification, which has had an adverse social impact," the Wuhan municipal police department said in a recent statement.



"Eight people who engaged in illegal activities were summoned and their cases handled according to law, following a police investigation," it said.



"Anyone posting information and comments online should abide by [China's] laws and regulations," the police said in a statement reported by the Beijing Youth Daily newspaper. "The police will investigate and punish anyone fabricating and spreading rumors and disrupting social order."



Authorities in Wuhan have set up a prevention and control center to manage the outbreak of novel coronavirus (nCoV), as epidemiologists warned that the number of cases likely far exceeds the 270 confirmed cases reported by authorities in the city by Tuesday.



An epidemiologist at Imperial College London has previously estimated that there are more than 1,700 confirmed cases in Wuhan alone, while former top Hong Kong health official Gabriel Leung said the virus has likely already spread to at least 20 Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.



Scientists from the University of Hong Kong arrived at the estimate by taking into consideration the air, rail and road links between Wuhan and other mainland cities, Hong Kong government broadcaster RTHK reported on Tuesday. Their estimate of current cases was similar to that of the Imperial College scientist.



Rapid spread



Leung warned that the outbreak seems to be developing far more rapidly than the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003 that left more than 800 dead.



"[There is] a very strong sense of deja vu, except the timescale has been compressed, whereas you saw an unrecognised epidemic brewing for months since the end of 2002 up until, say, the peak of it, March, April [2003] in Hong Kong," Leung said.



"Here, you're talking about the same number, but the unit is weeks."



A Chinese health expert who had earlier claimed that the outbreak was "controllable" revealed on Tuesday that he caught the virus himself after visiting Wuhan to investigate the epidemic.



"I was diagnosed [with nCoV]," he told Hong Kong's Cable TV. "My condition is fine."



Human rights lawyer Xie Yanyi said the ruling Chinese Communist Party has huge structural problems when it comes to dealing with emergencies of this kind.



"Under this autocratic regime, officials at any level of government are never held accountable to the people, only to their superiors," Xie said.



"All they have to do is to sit on information and cover up the truth, because their future is determined by their bosses."



"Ordinary people have no right to vote, no right to know what the government is doing, and no way of holding them accountable," he said.



'They haven't learned anything'



He said the authorities had started out insisting that there had been no cases of human-to-human transmission, and that there was little to fear from the virus.



"They're haven't learned anything from SARS back then, and they are continuing to cover things up," Xie said, adding that he wrote to China's National Health Commission to request full disclosure of all information relating to the Wuhan outbreak.



Government health expert Zhong Nanshan said: "We now know that human-to-human transmission is happening, and we are isolating patients and their close contacts, which is the most important thing."



"As long as it remains in this area and doesn't develop anywhere else, I don't think it will turn out to be similar to SARS," he said.



The outbreak comes as billions of passengers head to their hometowns by plane, train or automobile ahead of Lunar New Year's Eve on Jan. 24.



The Wuhan municipal party committee has already begun restricting the movements of government employees, banning them from leaving the city until the epidemic is under control.



Tour groups have been canceled and police are conducting random inspections of private vehicles to limit the flow of live poultry into the city.



Restrictions not effective



Huang Yongxiang, a resident of the southern city of Guangzhou, said the restrictions hadn't been very effective, because many people had left the city long before the restrictions were brought in.



"A lot of people have already left," Huang said, citing friends who live in Wuhan. "I asked a lot of friends about this, in Wuhan and in other cities, and they said that hardly anyone is wearing surgical masks because the government has been deleting news [about the virus], so the public has no sense of urgency."



A resident of the central province of Hubei, of which Wuhan is the capital, said people are beginning to get worried since the authorities admitted that the virus is being transmitted between people, however.



"There is a sense of fear, and they have sold out of masks in some places," the resident, who declined to be named, told RFA.



He said the most effective masks were now unobtainable, while the less effective ones that had previously sold for 30 yuan a box are now changing hands for ten times that amount.



Reported by Tseng Yat-yiu for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Lu Xi for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  After five years in development, SUNY Empire State College has launched a new bachelors degree program in addiction studies.

Intended to meet the growing demand for professionally trained addiction counselors, the program is one of the few bachelor-level addiction studies programs nationwide and one of just three in New York. It launched this spring with 43 students enrolled, and can be completed entirely online or at one of the colleges 30 learning hubs around the state.

Its really still a novel area, said Desalyn De-Souza, associate dean at SUNY Empires School of Human Services. Outside of New York there are maybe a handful of these programs. So theres not an overload of programs on the market for individuals to choose from.

SUNY Empires program was developed by Thalia MacMillan and David Fullard, assistant professors in the School of Human Services with backgrounds in addiction, and approved by the state last year. Courses will examine prevention, assessment and treatment of addiction, as well as its impacts on individuals, families and communities.

Once complete, graduates will have earned 2,000 hours toward becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, or CASAC  a certification offered by the state. The credential requires a minimum of 6,000 hours of supervised, full-time equivalent work experience in an approved setting.

We developed it with that credential in mind, De-Souza said. We didnt want to do something out of line with the state requirements.

Employment in the addictions field is expected to increase by 20 percent over the next 10 years, according to recent estimates by the U.S. Department of Labor.

As the opioid epidemic has surged, those in the field have sought to professionalize it  creating greater and greater demand for workers who are educated or certified in addiction treatment.

I think sometimes when we talk about a problem the policy response is to usually kind of throw spaghetti at the wall and hope it sticks, said SUNY Empire President Jim Malatras. And youve seen that with the opioid epidemic. We said, OK, if we just turn off the prescription drug supply well be OK. And then we did and people turned to heroin. We started to get ahold of heroin and people turned to fentanyl. So unless youre really underlining and addressing the root causes behind this thing youre going to keep shifting the problem.

In New York, the states Office of Addiction Services and Supports is overseeing efforts to increase the number of CASAC-certified counselors. Its also working to get people whove lived through addiction and come out the other side certified as recovery peer advocates.

A number of higher education institutions have responded in kind, developing programs that can put people on track toward those certifications. Still, bachelors-level programs remain rare.

De-Souza believes the track could be ideal for those whove been in the field a long time and are looking to move into management or supervisory roles.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

A lot of our students are adults whove been working in the field for a number of years but havent necessarily had the degree they needed to advance or who found themselves grandfathered into a position theyd now like to formalize with a degree, she said.

The college  which has long catered to nontraditional students with online offerings, mentoring programs and prior-learning credit opportunities  is now seeking out partnerships with community colleges and employers in the field to bring the opportunity to as many people as possible.

On Friday, it announced a partnership with Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Students who graduate from the two-year colleges chemical dependency counseling program will be offered guaranteed admission to the addiction studies program and a $100 Presidential Scholarship.

Ahead of the programs launch in November, SUNY Empire also formalized a partnership with Camelot of Staten Island, a treatment program downstate whose employees will receive a credit toward tuition if they enroll in the program.

De-Souza said the college just executed a similar agreement with the Prevention Council of Saratoga County.

There will be a lot more coming, she said. Were hearing nothing but positive things.
The Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) achieved initial operational capability on 17 September 2019. An important part of NATOs increased deterrence and defense in response to a changing security environment, it will help to speed up, coordinate and safeguard the movement of Allied forces and equipment across European borders. Sergei Boeke elaborates in NATO Review.



Coordination is essential to ensure that transport routes do not become chokepoints during military deployments in a severe crisis (Picture source: Bundeswehr/R. Alpers)

Along with its sister headquarters, Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk, the establishment of JSEC was endorsed by NATOs defense ministers in February 2018. Where JFC Norfolk will help ensure sea lanes between North America and Europe remain safe, JSEC covers the so-called rear area in Europe. A pivotal role in setting up JSEC was played by Germany, whose military posture and location as Europes logistical turntable made it the ideal framework nation. JSEC is part of the NATO Force Structure and under the operational command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). As a first step, JSEC will have approximately 280 staff (in peacetime). In a crisis establishment, this figure will obviously be higher.

The rear area: a new challenge?

Since Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the rise of security challenges from the south, including brutal attacks by ISIS/Daesh and other terrorist groups, NATO has implemented the biggest increase in collective defense since the Cold War and adopted a 360-degree approach.

Commanders and planners realized that there was a gap in SACEURs area of responsibility. If, during conflict, a serious security incident occurred some 1000 kilometers behind the frontlines, who would be responsible for acting on it? Would it be SACEUR himself, or one of the two Joint Force Commands (Brunssum and Naples) within their Joint Operating Areas (JOA)? After all, they would be focused on military operations within their respective JOAs. A secure rear area, combined with the ability to rapidly reinforce troops, would allow both to concentrate on their core mission  warfighting  and also constitute a critical success factor for their operations.

Why is a new headquarters required for the rear area when none existed during the Cold War? There are three main reasons: military posture, geography and planning.

First, NATOs military capabilities have been enormously reduced over the past 30 years. In contrast to the Allied posture during the Cold War, Allies currently maintain only a limited forward presence in the eastern part of the Alliance, measured in battalions rather than divisions. This means that readiness and the ability to rapidly reinforce troops  through the rear area  is an essential element of deterrence and defence.

Second, with the accession of NATOs eastern members, the distances involved have multiplied. In the past, a U.S. Army convoy, for example, transiting from the port of Rotterdam to the West German border, had to travel about 500 kilometers and only had to cross one border. Now, to reach Tallinn, the distance is more than 2,200 kilometers and includes five border crossings. Indeed, during the Cold War, many European countries were on or near the frontline; now, many are far removed from it (both real and perceived).

Finally, during the Cold War, NATO planning for deployment and operations was comprehensive and precise. Tank battalions from Allied nations, for example, knew exactly where and how to deploy in West Germany in case of escalation. Routes were prepared, procedures were tested and everything was practiced regularly, such as in the NATO REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disappearance of the Warsaw Pact, NATO headquarters were cut back and plans disappeared. NATOs main focus turned to its out-of-area operations, such as in Afghanistan, which required a different kind of planning and logistics. Its missions were discretionary  at a time and place of the Allies choosing. Planning was tailored to the situation and equipment was simply put on commercial ships or flown in, sometimes even on contracted Ukrainian or Russian planes.

Back in Europe, new civilian infrastructure  such as roads and bridges  was built without incorporating any military considerations. This has not made moving a 60-tonne tank from A to B any easier. Now that NATOs focus has reverted to the ability to rapidly respond to any threats to its territorial integrity, readiness is of paramount importance. Plans must therefore be ready for activation at the push of a button. Still, for logistical and planning aspects, NATO is relearning a lost art.

However, a simple comparison with the Cold War is misleading. With NATO's current 360 degree approach, regions traditionally not considered as the rear area may become so. Societies have fundamentally changed since 1989. States have privatized most of their critical infrastructure and connected almost everything to the Internet. New business efficiencies, such as just-in-time delivery, have cut out redundancy in many organizations and systems. Cyberspace offers a new and attractive vector for malicious activities, and companies have only just started mapping the vulnerabilities and dependencies that have been created.

These vulnerabilities are a target for what is called hybrid warfare, encompassing covert operations that can include cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and sabotage. Most importantly, these malicious activities predominantly take place under the threshold of armed conflict; in other words, during peacetime. What was called civil preparedness during the Cold War is now covered  in part  by the broader term resilience (the ability to bounce back or rebound in crises) and necessitates a whole-of-government approach. Responding to all these novel challenges involves the art of learning something completely new.

JSECs twin pillars

JSECs core mission consists of two pillars: security and enablement. To address the gap in SACEURs area of responsibility, JSEC has a strong focus on security and force protection during crises, upon request of the sovereign nations.

A possible scenario in a crisis situation could involve a (host) nation lacking the capability to secure the reception and transit of incoming troops, either because its own forces have been committed to an operation or because it has limited military capacity to start with. This Ally could approach JSEC for assistance, which could then match demand to supply. Another option could be that JSEC, as a fully capable joint headquarters, could also have troops assigned under tactical command. Other scenarios could involve ensuring air cover for crucial locations or transport corridors. Such scenarios would only occur during a crisis situation, where the North Atlantic Council would have to designate a (rear) area to JSEC and agree on an operational plan.

The second pillar of JSECs mission  enablement  is just as important. Enablement is a broad term, encompassing not only mobility but also the functionality. This includes all elements that facilitate and enhance transit to and from the Joint Operating Area(s). Currently, Allied nations are responsible for transporting their own troops and equipment to the front. These complex movements are arranged through different bilateral agreements between sending-, transit- and host- nations. In a collective defense scenario (covered by Article 5 of NATOs founding treaty), where a multitude of nations would transit military units to the Joint Operating Areas, this system would come under much pressure. For this reason, in recent years, European Allies have reduced bureaucratic formalities to speed up border crossing for forces and their equipment, and Allies have committed to shortening border crossing times to under five days.

Many nations lack the required military logistical capability to transport their own troops (often a first victim of past defense cuts) and therefore rely on the same small pool of civilian transport companies. In a severe crisis, these companies would be overbooked, transport routes would become chokepoints and host- and transit- nations would be submerged in requests for assistance. Travel in the reverse direction, including military casualties or civilian refugees, could further complicate the situation. This is where JSEC would come in. Based on guidance from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), and in close coordination with other NATO entities, it would synchronize and prioritize Allied efforts in the rear area.

Effective coordination is only possible if JSEC has an accurate and current situational overview/common operational picture. The foundations for this will have to be laid during peacetime; it would be too late to build this from scratch during a crisis. JSEC has already established a network of national single points of contact in most NATO nations and these will in turn permit a whole-of-government approach in their respective nations. JSEC will depend on data that Allies share, complemented with reliable open source information. Once constituted, a common operational picture will prove that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

JSECs overview will allow it to advise SACEUR to prioritize units, deconflict travel arrangements or reroute transport convoys if necessary. Some of this would be done in close cooperation with the Standing Joint Logistics Support Group (SJLSG), which is a part of the NATO Command Structure and will be co-located with JSEC in Ulm in 2020. Although the exact delineation of tasks between JSEC and the SJLSG is not yet set in stone, a pipeline metaphor can be helpful: JSEC will build and protect pipelines leading to the operational areas, while the SJLSG determines what and how much flows through.

Training and exercises will be crucial for developing JSECs enablement function. In the past, exercises have made it clear that moving troops, equipment and ammunition across Europes frontiers is a slow and cumbersome affair. The former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, Lieutenant General (ret) Ben Hodges, successfully campaigned for improvements in this field. In part to stimulate enablement within NATO, the United States has been a particularly strong supporter of JSEC. In times of crisis, after all, the United States military will be NATOs fast mover and heavy lifter, providing enormous incoming military capacity. This will be practiced next year, during a major US exercise, DEFENDER-Europe 20. With 20,000 troops coming from the United States, it will be the largest deployment of U.S. Army forces to Europe (for an exercise) in 25 years. It will be the first opportunity for JSEC to observe and to learn how it can fulfill its coordinating role in the rear area.

NATO has also invested over two billion euro of NATO funding in military mobility projects over the last four years. This includes upgrading sea terminals with large fuel containers for Allied aircraft; building parking capacity for air-to-air refueling aircraft; and restoring runways for the use of Allied aircraft.

Several European initiatives are also important for JSECs enabling role. Mobility is now a key focus of NATO cooperation with the European Union, which will ensure that civil and commercial transportation infrastructure, such as ports, roads and bridges, is up to the required standards to allow the transport of military forces and heavy materiel. A flagship of EU-NATO cooperation is the Military Mobility project initiated by The Netherlands, which includes action points both in the logistical domain as in the legal/regulatory field. JSEC could assist with the implementation and operationalisation of these initiatives in training and exercises.

The road ahead

JSEC faces three main challenges on its path to full operational capability, planned for October 2021.

The first involves developing awareness among its stakeholders. Destined to be a central coordinating node in an international network, JSEC will have to show its added value to the Allies. When these actively support JSEC and provide it with relevant data, JSEC can, in turn, serve their interests more effectively.

The second concerns doctrine. NATO has recently successfully realigned its military strategy, and it goes without saying that the underlying documents are currently being finalized. Within this developing doctrinal context, JSEC is working alongside SHAPE to innovate and learn by doing.

Finally, JSEC will have to build a headquarters that combines two very different missions. Its primary peacetime task revolves around coordination and outreach, liaising with civilian and military stakeholders and developing a new system that provides a common operational picture of the rear area. The other, in preparation for a crisis, concerns the establishment of an operational joint headquarters. Especially in a context where resources, although increasing, are still scarce, this will be a challenge.

For NATO, a secure rear area constitutes an important element of deterrence. The Alliances tailored operational and forward presence means that the ability to rapidly reinforce the frontline Allies is paramount. Within SHAPEs priority of readiness, JSEC plays an important role in improving coordination and enablement. Some of this will involve rediscovering old lessons from the Cold War, other aspects will demand a new and original approach. In its path from initial to full operational capability, JSEC will continue to reach out to the Allies and coordinate closely with civilian and military stakeholders. Twenty-two of the 29 Allies are already actively engaged with JSEC, demonstrating the importance they attach to the rear area. By ensuring that this is secure and functional, JSEC will have NATOs back.
Six alleged drug peddlers, including a woman, were arrested and 12 kilogram of ganja was seized from their possession in four separate incidents here, police said on Tuesday.

Giving details, Senior Superintendent of Police Kalanidhi Naithani said three drug peddlers were arrested following a tip-off at G T Road, Kotwali, on Monday.

They were identified as Ravi, Sunny and Kishore and 9 kg of ganja was seized from them, he said.

Their two accomplices -- Gaurav and Rahul -- fled the spot, Naithani added.

Police arrested a woman, who was peddling drugs, at Samrat Chowk-Gaushala road, the SSP said.

A drug peddler was arrested near Bijlighar trisection. He has been identified as Chandrakesh, he said.

Police nabbed one Akhilesh of the Abhay Khand area near Sai Mandir and seized 3 kg of ganja and poppy husk from his possession, Naithani said.

They all have been sent to jail under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, he said. PTI Corr



on four separate incidents city police have arrested six drug peddlers along with a woman they were peddling Ganza and poppy husk to supply. Senior superintendent of police Kalanidhi Naithani told that the drug peddlers were arrested from four places of different police station areas.

Following secret information G.T.Road Kotwali police have arrested three drug peddlers named Ravi, Sunny and Kishore and seized 9.1 kg Ganza which was packed in 13 hundred pouches. Their two accomplices Gaurav and Rahul fled away from the spot.

Vijay nagar police arrested a woman at samrat chowk- Gaushala road who was peddling the psychotropic substance. One drug peddler has also been arrested near Bijlighar trisection, he has been identified as Chandrakesh. Indira puram police nabbed Akhilesh near Sai Mandir of Abhay Khand area.

Upon frisking their belongings police seized 3.00 kg Ganza and poppy husk from their possession. They all have been sent to jail under NDPS act. SSP added.

Hemant Tyagi (Journalist)



District correspondent PTI,Ghaziabad 21 January 2020Mobile: 9818036656http://ptinews.com/images/pti.jpgWe bring the World to you"Disclaimer : This e-mail message may contain proprietary, confidential or legally privileged information for the sole use of the person or entity to whom this message was originally addressed. Please delete this e-mail, if it is not meant for you.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Metro-North trains were on time 94.4 percent of the time last year  the best track record by the commuter line in six years.

We are very pleased to report significant and improved train performance, while continuing to improve safety for employees and customers, said Catherine Rinaldi, Metro-Norths president.

This year we improved our on-time performance for 13 consecutive months while operating more service than the prior year, Rinaldi said.

Statistics released by the railroad on Monday show cancellations were down 55 percent and there were 41 percent fewer trains delayed more than 15 minutes.

The railroad also saw 63 percent fewer trains operating with less than their normal complement of cars. Trains traveled 64 percent more miles before experiencing a mechanical malfunction and causing a delay.

Metro-North said the improved performance follows an overall enhancement program aimed at transforming customers day-to-day commuting experience.

In 2019, Metro-North said it installed more than 50,000 new cross ties, 28 new switches and over eight miles of continuously welded rail.

The railroad also surfaced almost 111 miles of track, replaced five railroad grade crossings, installed a new cab signal system for the Port Jervis line, renewed components of the Cos Cob moveable bridge and installed 1,800 feet of fencing.

That is only made possible by the dedication and commitment of our workforce, who rise to the challenge every single day, Rinaldi said.

James Cameron, founder of the Commuter Action Group and a Hearst Connecticut Media transportation columnist, praised the railroad for improving performance.

"Let's give the railroad credit where it's due, Cameron said.

On-time performance is increasing thanks to a lot of effort, even though the trains are not running as fast as anyone would like, Cameron said. Nor is branch line service keeping up with improvements on the mainline.

Cameron noted it took decades of neglect and under-investment to get the railroad into its current state and it will take many more years to dig out of the hole.

The governors dreams of 30 minute travel times between Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and Grand Central Terminal is an admirable goal but will never be achieved without adequate funding and a lot of patience on the part of commuters," Cameron noted.

bcummings@ctpost.com
The Peace Party of India filed a curative petition on Tuesday in the Supreme Court against the 9 November verdict in the Ayodhya title dispute case

The Peace Party of India, a political party from Uttar Pradesh, filed a curative petition on Tuesday in the Supreme Court against the November 2019 verdict in the Ayodhya title dispute case, asking the top court to reconsider its decision, which the party said is based on faith.

Mohammed Ayub, the president of Peace Party of India, claimed in his curative petition that the title must be based on exclusive and unimpeded possession which has to be established by evidence.

Hindus were never able to prove unimpeded possession with respect to outer or the inner courtyard, he said in the petition, as accessed by Hindustan Times.

The petitioner further submitted that the judgment of the Supreme Court relied upon patent errors and created rights based on illegal acts.

A curative petition is the last judicial resort available for the redressal of grievances. It is decided in-chambers by the judges.

Referring to a Jan 2019 application by the Central Government seeking modification of a 2013 Supreme Court order where the court had prohibited any religious activity of any kind on 67.703 acres of (not disputed) surplus land located near the Babri Masjid, the petitioner, according to ANI, stated, "As the government's application for modification is really an application for review under disguise, it would be appropriate to treat it as such, and a hearing in the open court should be provided to both sides."

The Central Government had sought the court's permission to transfer the entire non-disputed land to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, the trust formed to construct the Ram Temple.

In a unanimous judgement on 9 November, 2019, the apex court had handed over the entire disputed land, where Babri Masjid once stood, to the deity Ram Lalla, one of the three litigants in the case, for the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Calling the demolition of Babri Masjid an "egregious violation of the rule of law", the court also gave alternative five acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque at a prominent location in the same city.

A batch of 18 review petitions were filed against the judgment, which were all dismissed on 12 December by a five-judge bench which found no merit in them. The petitions were filed by various organisations including Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, as well as by a group of 40 activists and academicians.
North Korea says may seek 'new path' of weapons build-up



Geneva, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



Pyongyang on Tuesday warned that it could seek a "new path" and accelerate its weapons programme, after Washington imposed fresh sanctions on North Korean companies amid stalled nuclear talks.

North Korean representative Ju Yong Chol told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that his country's efforts to improve relations with Washington had been met with hostility.

"Although the US is talking about the resumption of dialogue, it has no intention at all from the beginning to drop its hostile policy towards the DPRK (Democratic Republic of Korea)," he said.

"The DPRK will steadily develop strategic weapons essential and prerequisite for national security until the US abandons its hostile policy and lasting and durable peace... is in place on the Korean peninsula," he said.

He said the scope of the build up would depend on the "future attitude" of the US.

Pyongyang has previously fired missiles capable of reaching the entire US mainland, and has carried out six nuclear tests, the last of them 16 times more powerful than the Hiroshima blast, according to the highest estimates.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared in December an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, which had been a centrepiece of two years of diplomacy with US President Donald Trump.

Trump and Kim have held three meetings since a landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018, where the two men signed a vague statement on denuclearisation.

But negotiations have been deadlocked since a second summit collapsed in Hanoi last year over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return.



- 'Sanctions and pressure' -



Earlier in January, the United States announced that it was freezing any US assets of two companies for exploiting North Korean overseas labour, making any transactions with them a crime, in a UN-backed bid to curb Pyongyang's cash flow.

US officials said in 2017 that North Korea had some 100,000 overseas workers, bringing in $500 million a year.

If the US "persists in imposing sanctions and pressure against my country, we may be compelled to seek a new path for defending our sovereignty and supreme national interests," Ju said.

"As it became clear now that the US remains unchanged in its ambitions to block the development of the DPRK and stifle its political system, we have found no reason to be unilaterally bound any longer by the commitment that the other party fails to honour," he said.

Ju did not specify which specific commitments he was referring to, but the US Ambassador to the disarmament body, Robert Wood, told reporters he found the comments "quite concerning".

"My hope is that they are not talking about moving away from that agreement that was reached by President Trump and Chairman Kim in 2018," he said.

"What we hope is that they will do the right thing, and come back to the table and try to work out an arrangement whereby we can fulfil that pledge that was made by President Trump and chairman Kim to denuclearise."
A 29-year-old farmer allegedly committed suicide in Kolhapur in Maharashtra after losing money in the multi-crore Kadaknath poultry scam, police said on Tuesday.

Several farmers had invested money in firms which promised higher returns as well as expertise to rear Kadaknath chickens in western Maharashtra, but the scheme went bust last year.

The chicken breed is popular in parts of central India, primarily Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, for its nutritional and medicinal values, with a kilogram selling at rates as high as Rs 900.

Farmer Pramod Sarjerao Jamadade, a resident of Masud Male village in the district's Panhala taluka, consumed pesticide on January 18 and died in a hospital on Tuesday morning, an official said.

"He had taken Rs 2 lakh from a money-lender to rear Kadaknath chickens. However, after the scam broke out, there were no takers for his poultry, leading to heavy financial losses. He was forced to sell the stock at throwaway prices," the Shahupuri police station official said.

Police said Jamadade had earlier filed a complaint against Maharayat Agro India Private Limited, the firm behind the Kadaknath poultry scheme which he was part of.

Pune police had filed a case against this Sangli-based firm in August last year and arrested four of its officials.

Police said a case has been registered in connection with Jamadade's death and probe was underway.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BERLIN, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Yang Jiechi on Monday reiterated that political solution is the only way for the Libyan issue, expecting a new beginning to address the issue after the Berlin Conference on Libya.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a press briefing after he attended the Berlin Conference on Libya held on Sunday.

Yang said the conflicts and division in Libya have lasted for nine years and has become a miniature of the situation in West Asia and North Africa region, as not only have the Libyan people suffering miseries, but also the security and stability of the neighboring countries and the whole region have been impacted.

The Libyan issue has been spilling over, leading to weapon proliferation, refugees, terrorism and other problems that put serious challenges to the neighboring countries and regions and even the whole world, added Yang.

China has been paying close attention to the situation in Libya and appreciates the international community's constructive actions to cool down the situation in recent days.

Yang said the Berlin Conference on Libya is a key event. The presence of many heads of state and government as well as the UN secretary-general showed the great importance that the international community attaches to the political solution for the Libyan issue.

"I attended the conference as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy. I contacted the participants extensively and actively persuaded for peace and negotiations," said Yang.

Yang said at the conference that effort to address the Libyan issue should focus on the fundamental interests of the Libyan people and the future and destiny of the North African country.

All parties concerned should restart dialogue and reconciliation as soon as possible, he added.

Yang also called for effectively and appropriately resolving differences in a bid to achieve regional peace and stability. The spillover effects of the Libyan conflict should also be eliminated through a comprehensive approach that addresses both symptoms and root causes, he said.

With the efforts of all participants, the Berlin Conference made important achievements with a Conference Conclusions issued, which calls for a ceasefire as soon as possible and stresses that there is a no way out for a military solution in Libya. It also urges parties concerned to implement UN Security Council resolutions and support the UN as a major mediation channel.

Stressing that China always maintains that the Libyan issue can be solved properly only through political approaches, Yang said:" We hope that the political solution for the Libyan issue will usher in a new starting point, and new active development will be made."

China always respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Libya, and China supports a Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process under the aegis of the UN, he said.

During the process, the opinions of Libya's neighboring countries should be heard and fully respected, in a bid to find a solution that can take into account concerns of all parties. In the meantime, the international community should spare no efforts to fight against terrorism together, in a bid to prevent terrorism from becoming stronger in Libya and help the country put an end to the conflict, restore political dialogues and achieve lasting peace.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible country, China has always been supporting and promoting the process for a political solution of the Libyan issue. China firmly supports multilateralism and is committed to addressing regional and international issues through strengthened cooperation, added Yang.

In the next stage, China will continue to work with the international community to make contributions to the restoration of peace and stability in Libya, said Yang.
Operational Support Officer, Vienna, Austria

Organization: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

Country: Austria

City: Vienna, Austria

Office: OSCE Vienna

Closing date: Wednesday, 12 February 2020

Issued by: OSCE Secretariat

Vacancy number: VNSECP01501

Vacancy type: International Contracted

Field of expertise: Political Affairs

Number of posts: 1

Duty station: Vienna

Date of issue: 15 January 2020

Deadline for application: 12 February 2020 - 23: 59 Central European Time (CET/CEST)

Background

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

The Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) plays a key role in supporting and co-ordinating the OSCEs activities in the field, in providing analysis and policy advice to the Secretary General (SG) and the Chairmanship, in leading work on all aspects of the conflict cycle, and in supporting the various formats dealing with protracted conflicts. The CPC also serves as the focal point in the Secretariat for co-ordinating and developing the OSCEs role in the politico-military dimension.

Within the CPC, the Operations Service covers a broad variety of tasks such as operational planning for the set-up, reorganization and closure of field operations, analysis related to early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation, lessons learned and best practices, mediation support, operational liaison with other international organizations, and maintaining a 24/7 Situation/Communications Room.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director for Operations Service, your main responsibilities as Operational Support Officer lie in the field of operational planning and implementation, including the development and exchange of lessons learned/best practices related to operational issues. More specifically, you will carry out the following duties:
BATON ROUGE, La., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As most personal injury attorneys and their clients know, cases can vary from a few months to a few years. However, Patrick Daniel, attorney of Patrick Daniel Law, is fighting the State of Louisiana for a case he has been pursuing for more than a decade. While many lawyers would have given up after such a lengthy time or settled for less, Daniel continues to fight for the just compensation that he believes the State owes to Geneva Fils, who was only two and a half months old when she was seriously injured in a head-on vehicle crash. The trial will take place on Feb. 15, 2020 in the 19th Judicial District Court of East Baton Rouge Parish, with Honorable Judge Charles Moore presiding over the case.

Patrick Daniel

In March 2006, Geneva Fils, a recent foster child, was riding in a car with her State appointed foster parent, Mayola Calais, at the time of the collision. Unfortunately, Calais had not secured the child carrier correctly. As a result, during the crash, Geneva Fils hit her head on the vehicle roof, crushed the side of her skull, and sustained a permanent brain injury.

The Geneva Fils case, which was initially filed by her biological parents and subsequently carried on by her aunt after her biological mother died, has been in and out of court for some time now, due to the complexity of the litigation. They started in the 19th Judicial District Courthouse, where the State appealed an adverse ruling on a seat belt issue that the First Circuit court of appeals reversed dismissing the case, only to have Daniel save it with a petition for rehearing that commanded the appellate court to reverse its own ruling. Somehow Daniel was successfulagain, against the odds.

Since the State of Louisiana is vicariously liable for Calais' actions, according to a previous ruling, Daniel is suing the State for its direct negligence and vicarious liability for the negligence of Calais.

The State is arguing their liability is, in fact, limited despite Daniel's successful argument that the limitation does not apply to the state agencya first in Louisiana to successfully trump the damages limitation. Nevertheless, the State refuses to pay knowing that a positive verdict will result in the State tying things up in appeals court indefinitely.

As a leading law firm in Texas and Louisiana, Patrick Daniel Law attorneys are the foremost experts in personal injury litigation and see it as their duty to hold the State of Louisiana responsible for their actions and their employees. Daniel's passion for fighting for those who lack the resources or who are unable to help themselves continues to drive this case forward and will continue to do so until he achieves justice for Geneva Fils. Contact Patrick Daniel for interviews at https://patrickdaniellaw.com/contact-us/.

CONTACT: Nicolette Daniel

PHONE: 1.713.999.6666 or 1.312.961.9437

WEB: www.PatrickDanielLaw.com

Related Links

http://www.PatrickDanielLaw.com

https://www.louisianapersonalinjurylawyerblog.com/baton-rouge-woman-files-lawsuit-on-behalf-of-infant-after-wreck/

https://law.justia.com/cases/louisiana/first-circuit-court-of-appeal/2015/2015ca0887.html

http://www.la-fcca.org/opiniongrid/opinionpdf/2015%20CA%200360%20Decision%20Appeal.pdf

SOURCE Patrick Daniel Law

Related Links

https://patrickdaniellaw.com


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  In hopes of being a credible line of defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos, Jr. admitted that the military still needs to catch-up with the latest technology.

Magkakaroon tayo ng lahat ng...with the advanced technology, we are trying to catch up, Santos told Politics as Usual on Tuesday.

[Translation: We will have all of the equipment with the advanced technology, we are trying to catch up.]

We have to be a credible Armed Forces, said Santos. With all of this modernization program. Hopefully, well attain that objective.

The AFP Modernization Act or the Republic Act No. 7898 aims to modernize all the branches of the Armed Forces, namely: Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Army.

The revised modernization program is divided into three horizons. The first horizon was first implemented from 2013 to 2017, the second runs from 2018 until 2022, and the third horizon is from 2023 to 2028.

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a budget of around P300 billion for the second phase of military modernization.

What to expect?

Santos shared that the military is expecting the arrival of two frigates this year.

What to expect to arrive: this year we will have the two frigates, he said.

On the other hand, the Philippine Air Force ordered 16 Black Hawk combat choppers, wherein five units are expected to arrive soon.

We are ordering 16. But this year, we are expecting five units of the Black Hawk, said Santos.

To recall, the Black Hawk choppers were the replacement for the cancelled helicopter deal with Canada in 2018.

Further, the AFP chief also said that procurement of tanks is also in the process.

Yung light armor ang naka-program sa atin. We have programmed 30 units initially. But, still, yung mga requirements nailalatag natin for bidding, said Santos.

[Translation: A light armor tank is programmed with us. We ... programmed 30 units initially. But, still, requirements are being laid down for the bidding.]

Another modernization project underway is the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Information/Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance system or the C4ISTAR.

C4ISTAR is a telecommunication system that would help planes of the Air Force to connect with those in the ground.

C4ISTAR is the command and control. We will control yung interoperability of all what we have. The airplane can communicate with the ground troops, magkakaroon ng common communication, pati computers, intelligence, said Santos.

[Translation: C4ISTAR is the command and control. We will control the interoperability of all what we have. The airplane can communicate with the ground troops, we will have a common communication, as well as with computers, intelligence.]

The said telecommunications system is expected to be part of the third phase of the modernization program.

The AFP said that the modernization program is very important in protecting the countrys territory.

Yung ginagawa ng kabila, they can just easily bully us kasi wala tayong panlaban, said Santos.

[Translation: The other party could just easily bully us because we have nothing against them.]

He added that it would be easy for other countries to invade our territories at any moment if they knew of the Philippine militarys incapability.

We have to be equipped, he said.
Swiss police foiled a suspected espionage operation in which Russians posed as plumbers to spy on the Davos summit, according to a report.

Two Russian men were intercepted by authorities in the Alpine resort in August last year, five months before the town hosted this weeks World Economic Forum (WEF.)

Police in the eastern Swiss canton of Grisons confirmed the men had been subject to routine identify checks and were found to have Russian diplomatic passports.

We could not ascertain any reason to detain them. They were allowed to go, a cantonal police spokeswoman said.

She did not confirm the men posed as plumbers and said officers had not established a link between their visit and WEF, where American president Donald Trump and prominent Kremlin critic Bill Browder are among attendees.

Davos 2020 - in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Davos 2020 - in pictures Davos 2020 - in pictures U.S. President Donald Trump walks out of the Marine One helicopter as he arrives for the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020 REUTERS Davos 2020 - in pictures Spotters gather on a viewpoint to take pictures of Air Force One (not pictured), carrying US President Donald J. Donald Trump, as it lands at Zurich Airport, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. Trump arrived in Switzerland to attend the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos EPA Davos 2020 - in pictures U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he arrives for the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020 REUTERS Davos 2020 - in pictures A Secret Service agent takes a photo as the Marine One helicopter carrying U.S. President Donald Trump flies nearby en route to the Word Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland January 21, 2020 REUTERS Davos 2020 - in pictures US President Donald J. Trump smiles before addressing a plenary session during the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. The meeting brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, corporate and political leaders in Davos under the topic 'Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World' from 21 to 24 January 2020 EPA Davos 2020 - in pictures Ivanka Trump, special adviser to the president and senior advisor Jared Kushner listen as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020 REUTERS Davos 2020 - in pictures Artists from Fete des Vignerons perform a song "Ranz des Vaches" before U.S. President Donald Trump's speech during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020 REUTERS Davos 2020 - in pictures US President Donald J. Trump (R, red tie) walks in the Congress Centre after addressing a plenary session during the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. The meeting brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, corporate and political leaders in Davos under the topic 'Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World' from 21 to 24 January 2020 EPA Davos 2020 - in pictures Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg addresses a panel session during the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. The meeting brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, corporate and political leaders in Davos under the topic 'Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World' from 21 to 24 January 2020 EPA Davos 2020 - in pictures Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg (C) listens to a speech by US President Donald J. Trump at a plenary session during the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. The meeting brings together entrepreneurs, scientists, corporate and political leaders in Davos under the topic 'Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World' from 21 to 24 January 2020 EPA Davos 2020 - in pictures U.S. President Donald Trump speaks dutring a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020 REUTERS Davos 2020 - in pictures Demonstration organized by Juso Schweiz (Young Socialist Party) on the sideline of the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. The meeting brings together enterpreneurs, scientists, chief executive and political leaders in Davos January 21 to 24 EPA Davos 2020 - in pictures Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 202 Reuters Davos 2020 - in pictures U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with the President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga during a bilateral meeting at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland REUTERS

But a detailed report in the Swiss national newspaper Tages-Anzeiger said the Russians were suspected of carrying out preparatory work for spying on the World Economic Forum.

The men had aroused the suspicion of local police because they were booked to stay in the high-end resort for three weeks, according to the Zurich-based publication, which cited several anonymous sources.

The sources said it was obvious the Russians had their sights on the WEF and might have planned to bug or hack the summit.

The men claimed diplomatic protections but had not been accredited as diplomats by Bern, police confirmed.

Moscow reportedly threatened diplomatic consequences if its men were arrested, but despite Grisons police alerting Switzerlands intelligence services the Russians were allowed to leave as they insufficient evidence to prove they planned to spy on Davos.

A spokesman for the Russian embassy in Bern dismissed the report, saying two Russian diplomats accredited outside Switzerland had been checked and allowed to go on their way.

Diplomatic passports are given to high-ranking officials, not to manual labourers, he said. I think this was probably a dumb joke.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry in Moscow, said she was not aware of the incident.

Mr Browder, an investment fund manager who has campaigned to expose Kremlin corruption, said the alleged espionage operation showed the reach of the Russian state.

The Russians are actively targeting all of their enemies in all different countries. They have huge resources and Davos is an important place, and this is the one place I can come and personally challenge Russian officials over the murder of Sergei Magnitsky, he added.

Magnitsky, Mr Browders tax adviser, died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after accusing Russian officials of stealing 140m paid to Russia in taxes.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Even as downtown Ann Arbor has changed and grown in recent years, much of its old charm remains intact, in part thanks to historic protections.

Vintage photos from The Ann Arbor News archives offer a look back at downtown over the last century, showing many familiar buildings that remain standing today.

Take a scroll through the photos below, and read more about downtowns modern evolution at mlive.com/a2downtown.

Before-and-after views of downtown Ann Arbors dramatic transformation

Ann Arbors small-town look fading as downtown reaches toward sky

The high life: Inside Ann Arbors newest luxury apartment high-rise

Timeline: Ann Arbors downtown housing boom and whats to come

1960s building boom introduced Ann Arbor to high-rise controversy

Video: Behind Ann Arbors downtown development boom

Mapped: Downtown Ann Arbor developments of the past two decades

First snow of the year in November 1937.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Van Boven store at Nickels Arcade on State Street in 1939.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A view from the Burton Memorial Tower looking down Liberty Street in 1938.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Model airplanes grab the attention of a crowd of boys at Fiegel's Men's Store on Main Street in March 1939.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Removing pavement on Main Street in April 1939.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Marchese Building on Main Street in 1941.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Orpheum Theatre on Main Street in 1941.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Women line up to buy nylons from Kessel's Fashion Shop in December 1945.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Main Street businesses during a "voluntary brown out" in May 1946.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Merit Shoes on Main Street brightly lit during a "voluntary brown out" in May 1946.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Drivers heed the new one-way traffic on Fourth Avenue in December 1948.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Sears and Klines stores on Main Street in 1949.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A wintry storm at Main and Huron streets in 1950.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A 1950 aerial view of downtown Ann Arbor with the city-owned parking lot on South Fifth Avenue, next to where the downtown library was later built in 1957, shown in the foreground. The lot is where the city is now talking about creating a downtown central park and civic center commons known as the Center of the City.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Another 1950 aerial view with the old First and Washington parking deck in the middle.AnnAnn Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The First National Building at Main and Washington streets in January 1950.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Main Street looking north from Washington Street in April 1950.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Courthouse Square in March 1951.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Paving over State Street bricks with asphalt in 1951.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Embassy Hotel at Huron Street and Fourth Avenue in October 1951.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Sun Cleaners at Fourth Avenue and Washington Street in October 1952.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A view of State Street from the roof of Wagner's in October 1955.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Main Street in the rain in 1956.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Michigan Theater's remodeled exterior in October 1956.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Firestone shop at Huron and Division streets in December 1956.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

New Christmas decorations going up outside the Glazier Building on Main Street in November 1957.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Traffic control in Ann Arbor was handled with signs and signals, and also by policemen personally directing traffic at busy intersections, in 1958. Under the command of Lt. H. G. Schlupe, head of the Police Department's Traffic Bureau, patrolmen were assigned to various downtown corners during rush hours. Here, Patrolman Robert O'Dell indicates with a hand signal that east and westbound traffic on Huron Street is to proceed through the Division Street intersection.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A crowd outside Jacobson's watches as Harold Foulks tries to trap a bee swarm on Liberty Street in June 1958.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A civil defense test on Main Street in July 1959.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A civil defense test on Main Street in July 1959.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Trees removed in front of the Bertha Muehlig home on the 300 block of South Main Street in January 1961.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Patrolman Robert Robinson of the city's Traffic Bureau posts a warning on a car in violation of the downtown area's one- and two-hour parking limits in February 1962.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The old Allenel Hotel at the southwest corner of Huron Street and Fourth Avenue in June 1963 before it was demolished.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Santa Claus in downtown Ann Arbor in 1963.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A 1963 aerial view of downtown Ann Arbor with a new six-story city hall on Huron Street at middle left and the Michigan Theater along Liberty Street at bottom.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A view of the intersection of Huron and Ashley streets looking west down Huron, with Lurie Terrace under construction off in the distance in February 1964.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Jim White Chevrolet at 209 W. Huron St. in June 1964.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Nye Motor Sales at 514 E. Washington St. in June 1964.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Gov. George W. Romney on a re-election campaign tour of downtown Ann Arbor in September 1964.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Ann Arborites march along Huron Street past Division Street in support of the Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights marches in Alabama in March 1965.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A large crowd gathers along Huron Street to welcome a motorcade with astronauts James A. McDivitt and Edward H. White II in June 1965.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Businesses along the new Elizabeth R. Dean Promenade on Main Street in December 1965.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A popular drinking fountain on the Elizabeth R. Dean Promenade on Main Street in July 1967.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The 1960s look on Main Street in July 1967.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A view toward the State Theatre on State Street and the Michigan Theater on Liberty Street from Tower Plaza during the 26-story tower's construction in October 1967.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A crowd outside Hill Auditorium on North University Avenue for a memorial service and march for Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968. Nickels Arcade on State is visible in the background.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Marching on Main Street after Martin Luther King Jr. memorial services in April 1968.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Women's Association of the Ann Arbor Symphony Annual Geranium Sale on Main Street in May 1968.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Ann Arbor downtown merchants annual spring cleanup in April 1968.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The scene on State Street during Art Fair in July 1969.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The scene on State Street during Art Fair in July 1969.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Ann Arbor downtown merchants annual spring cleanup in May 1970.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A farmers market on Main Street in July 1971.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Ann Arbor's Masonic Temple on Fourth Avenue in 1973 before it was torn down to make way for the federal building.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Streakers on the University of Michigan campus attract a crowd in front of Nickels Arcade on State Street in March 1974.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The Sugar Bin Bakery building at Main and Liberty streets in July 1977 during a $1-million renovation to make way for an upstairs racquetball club.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Shoveling away a heavy snow outside the Kiddie Land toy store on Main Street in February 1978.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

A windy day in downtown Ann Arbor in 1984.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

The State Theatre at night in October 1985.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

Shoveling snow outside the federal building on Liberty Street in December 1985.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

First and Liberty streets in 1986.Ann Arbor News archives courtesy of OldNews.AADL.org

More historical compilations from The Ann Arbor News:

100 historical photos of Ann Arbor from a century ago

See photos of Ann Arbor's Nickels Arcade over the last 100 years

A history of Ann Arbor's iconic State Theatre going back to 1940

Remembering how Ann Arbor saved the Michigan Theater 40 years ago

50 years later, 26-story Tower Plaza still Ann Arbor's tallest building

Historical photos of Fingerle Lumber in Ann Arbor over the decades

How Ann Arbor lost its historic train depot and why some want it back

Historic photos: Ann Arbor Farmers Market turns 100

A history of Hash Bash and marijuana activism in Ann Arbor
JACKSON, MI  The results of a blood alcohol test for a man accused of driving drunk and killing his ex-wife are not being allowed in court after the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal.

Dail Debruyne, 42, of Brooklyn, crashed a motorcycle Jan 26, 2017, on a curve on Austin Road, east of Wolf Lake Road, in Napoleon Township. His ex-wife, Ann Sahadi, 39, died at the scene. Debruyne was taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Health and recovered from his injuries. Neither rider was wearing a helmet, police previously said.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled July 11, that a valid warrant was not used to take Debruynes blood after the crash. The Jackson County Prosecutors Office appealed that ruling, but the Michigan Supreme Court declined Jan. 17 to take the case.

A Napoleon Township police officer executed the search warrant for a blood draw on Debruyne and his blood alcohol level was 0.136, well above the legal driving limit of 0.08, according to earlier court testimony.

That information now is not admissible. The police officers warrant request was lacking necessary information to make the blood test legal, the appeals court said.

Nothing in the affidavit described how the fatal motorcycle accident occurred or why the circumstances of the accident suggested intoxication, the appeals court opinion said. The affidavit consisted merely of nonspecific, conclusory allegations of speeding and recklessness.

One of the seven supreme court judges wrote a dissenting opinion, arguing that the case should have been heard. Judge Brian Zahra argued there was enough evidence for the warrant, saying he would have reversed the appeals court decision and denied the motion to suppress the evidence, according to court records.

The Jackson County Prosecutors Office is reviewing the decision before taking the next step, Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said.

READ MORE JACKSON NEWS:

Largest gift in company history given by Consumers Energy to Jackson YMCA

Beer and liquor store robbed in Jackson, police say

Born and raised on Jacksons south side, quiet storm of a leader earns lifetime honor

Jackknifed semi closes I-94 for 2 hours in Jackson County
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lilanz, a leading Chinese menswear brand, has always been a leader in innovation and efficiency, striving to provide products with the best sense of quality, design, and fashion at optimal costs. In order to offer their customers the best quality and price, the renowned Chinese menswear brand has been at the forefront of leveraging Gerber Technology's robust pattern design CAD software, AccuMark, and automated nesting solution, AccuNest, for better data integration and improved communication.

"Efficiency is a key component to success in today's fashion climate and AccuMark is the #1 choice for many top fashion brands for that exact reason," said Edward Wang, Vice President & General Manager for APAC at Gerber Technology. "With AccuMark, you can quickly develop your pattern and send pattern data directly to your nesting software, ensuring data integrity and greatly improving communication among team members."

Lilanz was founded in 1987 and has since developed into a nationally-renowned menswear brand that integrates design, research & development, production, and marketing with more than 30 years of experience. In 2009, the company became China's first menswear brand listed in Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. As of 2018, Lilanz possessed 2670 terminal stores all over China and was selected into CCTV's The Growing of the Great Brand. Lilanz has become the leading enterprise to show the Chinese menswear brand image to the world. Gerber's integrated software solutions will support Lilanz's growth aspirations by ensuring the data being passed throughout the entire supply chain is accurate. Lilanz is able to accelerate their time to market and decrease costs while offering an improved quality allowing them to offer the best design.

"We have a totally independent R&D team with over 500 people. As a menswear brand serving all categories, we must have market insights in fabric and what's trending. And this is why we choose Gerber to seamlessly integrate our workflow from design, development to production," explained Lilanz Developing team.

AccuMark has allowed Lilanz to digitize all of their patterns, accelerating pattern design and improving efficiency by 20%. Lilanz is then able to transfer their pattern data directly into AccuNest where they'll be able to automatically generate cost and production markers for precise material calculations, which has helped them improve material utilization by 1.5% resulting in substantial savings.

In addition to Gerber's software solutions, Lilanz also leverages a service contract to ensure they're getting the most out of their software. With a service contract, Lilanz is able to get up and running quickly on the latest versions and benefit from the most innovative features of Gerber's industry-leading solutions through expert training and support from Gerber Certified professionals.

"Gerber responds instantly to all our requests and when any problem occurs. We are very satisfied with their software service."

About Gerber Technology

Gerber Technology delivers industry-leading software and automation solutions that help apparel and industrial customers improve their manufacturing and design processes and more effectively manage and connect the supply chain, from product development and production to retail and the end customer. Gerber serves 78,000 customers in 134 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in apparel and accessories, home and leisure, transportation, packaging and sign and graphics.

In October 2018, Gerber acquired Avametric and MCT Digital to add to its integrated solutions portfolio. Avametric is a leading developer of software engines used for 3D product simulation and e-commerce in the fashion industry. MCT Digital provides integrated software and finishing solution in the sign and graphics space, with industry leading modular technology applicable to a wide range of textile workflows.

Based in Connecticut in the USA, Gerber Technology is owned by AIP, a New York based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and has more than $3.0 billion assets under management. The company develops and manufactures its products from various locations in the United States and Canada and has additional manufacturing capabilities in China. Visit www.gerbertechnology.com and www.gerbersoftware.com for more information.

Contact: Ketty Pillet

Tel: +1 860-896-6036

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Gerber Technology

Related Links

http://www.gerbertechnology.com


Several residents of Tarkwa Bay, an island near the Lagos harbour, have been rendered homeless as armed soldiers stormed their homes to forcefully evict them, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The residents homes were also demolished.

It is unclear if the eviction was meted only on residents whose homes were situated near the crude oil pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

It is not uncommon for soldiers to forcefully evict people encroaching on crude oil pipeline right-of-way.

Bimbo Oshobe, a member of a non-governmental organisation, the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, told PREMIUM TIMES many residents had been displaced and properties lost.

Residents are all sitting under the tree, while many are of them are in tears, said Mrs Oshobe,

We are here for those seeking help, the road to Tarkwa Bay have been blocked but we are still here to find out if the demolition have been carried by the government or the NNPC.

Details later
Lea Suzuki / San Francisco Chronicle

Phillips 66 said Tuesday it canceled plans to build the largest renewable diesel refinery along the West Coast, citing concerns with project costs and permitting problems.

The Houston-based refining company is withdrawing from its joint effort with the Iowa-based Renewable Energy Group on the diesel refinery that would have churned out 250 million gallons of fuel per year from the Ferndale, Wash. complex. The refining technology produces diesel from agricultural oils and animal fats using a hydrogenation process.
AirAsia India's former Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Kumar has come back to IndiGo, an airline he was associated with for more than a decade before quitting in late 2018, according to a source.

Kumar has joined IndiGo -- the country's largest airline -- as Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer.

He had quit the carrier in 2018 after serving as chief commercial officer for over 11 years to join smaller rival AirAsia India. He left the latter carrier in November 2019.

"Sanjay Kumar has returned to budget carrier IndiGo. This time he has joined the airline as its Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer from this month," the source told PTI.

He had also been associated with SpiceJet and erstwhile Air Sahara in different capacities.

Kumar was not available for comments.

Query sent to IndiGo remained unanswered.

Kumar would replace Shilpa Bhatia, who was Head of Sales and Revenue at IndiGo, the source said.

Bhatia, who had joined from SpiceJet, quit IndiGo some time back, the source added.

Significantly, Kumar left IndiGo along with its chief executive officer Aditya Ghosh in July 2018, who had also remained at the helm of the airline for a decade.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Rasana Gasimova

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy increased by 10,5 percent in the period of January-September year-on-year in 2019, Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has said.

Addressing the 5th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Italian Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation held in Rome on January 14, Shahbazov said that Italy is one of Azerbaijans main trade partners and some 113 Italian companies operating in various fields are registered in Azerbaijan.

Italy has so far invested $770 million in Azerbaijans economy, and Azerbaijan has invested $1.7 billion in the Italian economy.

Shahbazov noted that the economic partnership between the two countries is primarily based on the energy sector and Azerbaijan is one of Italy's major oil suppliers, saying that SOCAR has supplied 15.9 million tons of crude oil, 189,000 tons of oil products and 43,700 tons of petrochemical products to Italy over the last two years.

Noting that Italian companies are involved in Azerbaijans important energy projects, the Minister spoke about the importance of TAP as a project to strengthen energy cooperation.

This year the Southern Gas Corridor will be commissioned, and this is of strategic importance for ensuring the energy security of our countries, partners, and Europe. The implementation of more than 90 percent of the project is an indicator of the support that Italian government has provided for the project, he said.

Shahbazov said that the joint efforts will ensure the timely completion of the TAP project, noting that it will also contribute to address issues such as safe, diversified and competitive energy supply, as well as decarbonization.

He also spoke about the reforms carried out in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, diversification of the economy and measures to increase the availability of the business environment.

He invited Italian companies to benefit from the economic opportunities available in Azerbaijan and cooperate in areas such as energy, non-oil sector, new technologies and investments.

Addressing the event, Manlio Di Stefano, Secretary of State of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the meeting will play an important role in assessing existing cooperation and developing relations in new areas.

Joint measures to deepen cooperation in trade and economic, energy, logistics and infrastructure, agriculture, culture and tourism and other fields were identified during the meeting. AZPROMO, Azerbaijan Investment Company, the Agency for Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan and relevant Italian agencies reviewed Investment opportunities in both countries.

Following the meeting, a protocol was signed by the co-chairs of the intergovernmental commission - Parviz Shahbazov and Manlio Di Stefano.

As part of the 5th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Italian Intergovernmental Commission, Parviz Shahbazov met with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, Italian Minister of Economic Development Stefano Patuanelli and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Manlio Di Stefano. During the meetings, the sides exchanged views on measures to expand political and economic relations, as well as the Southern Gas Corridor and its integral part TAP.

It was noted that the Azerbaijani-Italian trade and economic partnership, in particular in the energy sector, is strategically important, and the meeting of the intergovernmental commission and meetings will provide important steps to strengthen these relations.

Shahbazov also met with the leaders of 8 Italian companies, including Maire Tecnimont, Ansaldo Energia, Tenaris and Technip Italy.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrey Guryev, President of the Russian Fertilizer Producers Association and CEO of PJSC PhosAgro, one of the world's largest producers of phosphate-based fertilizers, will take part in panel sessions and discussions at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF), which will be held in Davos on 2124 January 2020.

The WEF will host some 3,000 participants, including the heads of a number of states and non-governmental organizations, as well as top executives from some of the world's leading companies.

According to the organizers, the goal of Davos 2020 will be to discuss a model of 'capitalism for all stakeholders' that will make it possible to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the targets established by the Paris Agreement on climate change.

In this context, discussions during most of the forum's panel sessions will focus on an exchange of experiences among speakers concerning the implementation of best practices in relation to environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors at the level of states, business and non-governmental organisations.

PhosAgro CEO Andrey Guryev said: "The agenda for the World Economic Forum 2020 is aligned with the priorities of PhosAgro's long-term development strategy: as one of the guarantors of world food security, the Company understands its global responsibility and is making a real contribution to achieving 10 of the UN's 17 SDGs, which are a key driver in terms of environmental responsibility and preserving the planet for future generations."

"Work aimed at integrating the SDGs into PhosAgro's operations throughout the entire production cycle is led by the Board of Directors' Committee on Sustainable Development, which started working last year. The Committee is headed by Irina Bokova, an independent member of the Board of Directors who previously held the post of Director-General of UNESCO and who has unique expertise in this area."

"PhosAgro has the ambition, potential and opportunity to make further progress in terms of ESG criteria. We have already managed to achieve significant improvements in this area in recent years, which has drawn attention at the UN level: PhosAgro was granted LEAD status as one of the most engaged participants of the UN Global Compact, a platform for socially responsible businesses that are making considerable contributions to the achievement of the SDGs."

"During the panel sessions in Davos, we will share our experience to date, and it will be interesting to learn about our peers' best practices. I am going to take part in meetings with global business leaders and with decision makers in the chemical, mining and advanced-materials industries. We will discuss the main factors affecting our industry, and we will also address issues related to cooperation and the implementation of joint initiatives to take on contemporary challenges and threats, including in the areas of food security and the environment."

About PhosAgro

PhosAgro (www.phosagro.ru) is one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers in terms of production volumes of phosphate-based fertilizers and high-grade phosphate rock with a P 2 O 5 content of 39% and higher. PhosAgro's environmentally friendly fertilizers stand out for their high efficiency, and they do not lead to the contamination of soils with heavy metals.

The Company is the largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer in Europe (by total combined capacity for DAP/MAP/NP/NPK/NPS), the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock with a P 2 O 5 content of 39%, one of the leading producers of feed phosphates (MCP) in Europe, and the only producer in Russia, and Russia's only producer of nepheline concentrate (according to the RAFP).

PhosAgro's main products include phosphate rock, 39 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which are used by customers in 100 countries spanning all of the world's inhabited continents. The Company's priority markets outside of Russia and the CIS are Latin America, Europe and Asia.

PhosAgro's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and global depositary receipts (GDRs) for shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (under the ticker PHOR). Since 1 June 2016, the Company's GDRs have been included in the MSCI Russia and MSCI Emerging Markets indexes.

More information about PhosAgro can be found on the website: www.phosagro.ru.

SOURCE PhosAgro
Kolkata: The Trinamul Congress will bring a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the West Bengal Assembly on January 27, state parliamentary affairs minister Partha Chatterjee said on Tuesday. He also reached out to the Congress and Left to support the resolution which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced a day before.

Chatterjee said, On Monday we submitted the resolution opposing the CAA under Rule 169 to Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee. A session will be called at 2 pm on January 27. The anti-CAA resolution will be tabled by the government then. I call upon all other parties to agree to it so that it would be adopted and passed unanimously.

He added, I called up Leader of the Opposition Abdul Mannan informing him about the resolution. He urged Mannan, also the leader of the Congress Legislature Party to ensure that all Opposition MLAs support the resolution.

Asked if the state would move the SC against the CAA, he replied, Our party and government will fight it out on the streets before taking any such decision.
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Chapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Hyperloop Technology



Chapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers



Chapter Four 2013-2018 Global and Chinese Market of Hyperloop Technology



Chapter Five Market Status of Hyperloop Technology Industry



Chapter Six 2018-2023 Market Forecast of Global and Chinese Hyperloop Technology Industry



Chapter Seven Analysis of Hyperloop Technology Industry Chain



Chapter Eight Global and Chinese Economic Impact on Hyperloop Technology Industry



Chapter Nine Market Dynamics of Hyperloop Technology Industry



Chapter Ten Proposals for New Project



Chapter Eleven Research Conclusions of Global and Chinese Hyperloop Technology Industry



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Photograph: Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty Images

Brazilian federal prosecutors have charged the American journalist Glenn Greenwald for cybercrimes in a decision which has prompted outrage among press freedom activists  and celebration by allies of the far-right president Jair Bolsonaro.

The prosecutors said that Greenwald helped, encouraged and guided a group of hackers who obtained cellphone messages between leading figures in Brazils mammoth Car Wash anti-corruption investigation.

The leaks, subsequently published in several stories on the investigative site the Intercept Brazil, which Greenwald co-founded, appeared to show collusion between then judge Sergio Moro and prosecutors and exacerbated questions of political bias of the investigations. Moro was subsequently named justice minister by Bolsonaro.

Its not just Glenn and his familys safety which are threatened by this, but all journalists and freedom of speech in Brazil. This is an attempt to intimidate the press in general, said Rogerio Sottili, the executive director of the Vladimir Herzog Institute, an NGO that advocates for democracy, human rights and press freedom.

Related: Brazil must reveal investigations into journalist Glenn Greenwald, court says

Greenwald, who lives in Rio de Janeiro, won a Pulitzer prize for leading the Guardians reporting on National Security Agency (NSA) spying revealed by Edward Snowden.

After the leaks last year the president suggested that Greenwald could do jail time and appeared to mock the charges on Tuesday.

Where is this guy? Is he in Brazil? he replied to reporters in the capital Brasilia.

Allies of Greenwald condemned the charges against him as an attack on the press, noting that in December, Brazils federal police said it is not possible to identify moral or material participation by the journalist.

Manuela dAvila, a leftist politician, tweeted: The federal police after a long investigation declared that Glenn did not commit any crime and that he acted with great caution. We are facing a strong attack on press freedom!

Story continues

Politicians from right-leaning parties also joined the chorus of outrage.

The speaker of Brazils lower house, Rodrigo Maia  a member of the rightwing Democrats party, who is third in line for the presidency  tweeted: Journalism is not a crime. Without free journalism there is no democracy.

Brazils Association of Investigative journalism said: It is ridiculous that the prosecutors office abuses its functions to persecute a journalist and thus violates the right of Brazilians to live in a country with a press free to expose wrongdoing by public officials.

Brazils supreme court issued an injunction last year that prohibited Greenwald for being investigated in the alleged hackers case, citing press freedom laws.

Prosecutors said that while Greenwald wasnt under investigation himself, evidence taken from one of the accused hackers computers showed exchanges with the journalist which proved he had participated in wrongdoing.

In one, Greenwald said he couldnt give any advice to accused hacker Luiz Henrique Molicao.

The charges would have to be accepted by a judge before Greenwald would stand trial.

Supporters noted that the same prosecutor, Wellington Oliveira, also charged the president of the Brazils bar association, Felipe Santa Cruz, with slander after he described Moro as a gang boss to the Folha de S Paulo newspaper.

The charges were rejected by a judge in the capital Brasilia last week.

Greenwald responded to Tuesdays announcement in a tweet: Regarding the criminal charges brought by the Bolsonaro government: its a grave and obvious attack on a free press, brought by a far-right judge.

Were going to defend a free press, not be intimidated by authorities abusing their power. The reporting will continue.

Allies of Bolsonaro celebrated the charges.

Bolsonaros congressman son, Eduardo, tweeted: Glenn Greenwald always said that he loved Brazil and wanted to get to know the country in depth. Who knows, maybe hell even get to know prison 

The president himself has recently upped his attack on journalists, describing them recently as a species in extinction and saying that newspapers poison their readers.

In a statement, the Intercept said: We are appalled that Brazils Public Ministry has decided to file such a blatantly politically motivated charge against Greenwald, in apparent retaliation for The Intercepts critical reporting on abuses committed by Justice Minister Moro and several federal prosecutors.

There is no democracy without a free press, and defenders of the press everywhere should be deeply concerned about Bolsonaros latest authoritarian move.
Sicilian Region to cover costs of medical cannabis use.

The cost of prescriptions for medical cannabis for patients in Sicily will now be covered by regional authorities, following a decree signed by Sicilian health chief Ruggero Razza.

The news means that patients suffering from chronic pain, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis will have free access to medical cannabis, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The controlled drug has been legal in Italy since 2013 but - outside of Sicily - patients must pay for their prescriptions.

Medical marijuana can be prescribed for a maximum of six months by doctors at regional public health bodies, specialists in anesthesia, and neurology and pain therapy centres.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka.

Thursday, Jan. 16

11:34 p.m. -- Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Ingersoll Township.

10:27 p.m. -- Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Geneva Township roadway. The driver, a 38-year-old Warren Township woman, was cited for no Insurance and an improper Plate. A 48-year-old Warren Township man was arrested for an unrelated warrant.

9:12 p.m. -- Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Geneva Township.

7:47 p.m. -- Deputies spoke with a 27-year-old Ingersoll Township man in reference to his license plate being stolen from his vehicle. The man said that he last saw his plate while in Florida the day before and noticed it was gone when he got home. He did not know when or where it was taken off. There are no suspects. The plate was entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network as stolen.

6:50 p.m. -- Officers responded to a car-deer crash in the area of Main Street and Revere Street.

6:21 p.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of east U.S.-10 and Stark Road.

5:17 p.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash causing injuries in the area of Eastman Avenue and West Wackerly Street.

4:21 p.m. -- A 35-year-old Lee Township man was arrested for driving on a suspended license -- for the 11th time -- following a traffic stop in Lee Township for a license plate violation. The man was also cited for having no insurance and an improperly plated vehicle.

2:41 p.m. -- A deputy was dispatched to a Jerome Township residence to speak with an 85-year-old man in reference to a series of phone calls from a scam number. The man did not give any personal information, and did not lose any money.

12:15 p.m. -- A school resource officer assisted the Coleman Jr/Sr High School staff with an incident involving a 13-year-old girl who became upset due to an ongoing family issue and Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation. The deputy spoke with the teenage student regarding the situation and explained the laws regarding child custody after the girl said she planned to stay with a friend rather than return home. The deputy also spoke with the girl's father, a 36-year-old Warren Township man, when he came to the school. Additionally, the deputy spoke with the CPS investigator assigned to the case involving the man and his daughter. There were no orders or recommendations against the girl returning home. The girl was advised to go home after school and contact CPS or law enforcement if she had any additional concerns of the wellbeing of herself or her siblings.

8 a.m. -- Officers responded to a car-deer crash in the area of U.S.-10 and Stark Road.

3:42 a.m. -- A deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 34-year-old Bay City woman for a traffic violation in Lee Township. The woman had a suspended Michigan license and was arrested for driving while license suspended.

12:05 a.m. -- Deputies responded to a Mills Township residence in reference to a physical altercation between a 17-year-old girl and her 43-year-old stepfather. The man had no injuries. The girl was subsequently arrested.
Advertisement

One of the five starving lions held in filthy cages at a nightmare zoo in Sudan died yesterday as the campaign to save the remaining four animals continued to gather momentum.

The lioness received intravenous fluids for several days at Al-Qureshi Park in an upstate district of the country's capital, Khartoum, but died on Monday, Brigadier Essamelddine Hajjar said.

The emaciated big cats have been suffering for weeks without food or medicine, following a spike in food prices nationwide due to a foreign currency shortage, and have lost almost two-thirds of their body weight.

A campaign called #SudanAnimalRescue has called for the 'malnourished and sick' lions to be taken from the park.

The lioness received intravenous fluids for several days at Al-Qureshi Park in an upstate part of the country's capital, Khartoum, before she died on Monday. Four other lions remain in a desperate condition. (Pictured is one of the lions)

The five lions have been held in filthy cages at the park and gone without food or medicines for weeks. (Pictured is one of the malnourished lions sleeping as flies swarm over it)

The lions have lost as much as two-thirds of their bodyweight after being left at the park. Sudan is currently in the grip of an economic crisis due to a lack of foreign currency which has sparked a hike in the price of food

'One of the two sick lionesses died today... Yesterday the doctor gave the two some medicines after which they were given food,' Hajjar said. 'One recovered but the other died. We are now diagnosing the cause of death.'

The big cats received food on Sunday after park officials bought it with their own money, he said, although they are in a dreadful condition.

The poor state of the park in general, which is managed by the Khartoum municipality but partially funded by private donors, is also affecting their health.

'I was shaken when I saw these lions at the park... their bones are protruding from the skin,' wrote Osman Salih on Facebook as he launched an online campaign under the slogan #Sudananimalrescue.

'I urge interested people and institutions to help them.'

The park is managed by the Khartoum municipality and part funded by private donations. Officials said they spent their own money to get food for the animals on Sunday. Pictured is an emaciated lioness in a cage

Flies gather on the face of the sick lioness as she sleeps in her cage at the Al-Qureshi Park in the Sudanese capital Khartoum

The lioness rests her head on the concrete slabs. For weeks , the five lions have been suffering from shortages of food and medicine

The park where the lions are being kept is managed by Khartoum municipality but also funded in part by private donors

Park officials and medics said the lions' conditions deteriorated over the past few weeks, with some losing almost two-thirds of their body weight.

'Food is not always available, so often we buy it from our own money to feed them,' Essamelddine Hajjar, a manager at Al-Qureshi park told AFP.

On Sunday, crowds of citizens, volunteers and journalists flocked to the park to see the lions after their photographs went viral on social media networks.

One of the five cats was tied with a rope and was fed fluids through a drip as it recovered from dehydration, an AFP correspondent who toured the park reported

The five lions at Khartoum's Al-Qureshi Park have been suffering from shortages of food and medicine for several weeks

Flies swarm over the lioness's face as she basks in the sunlight. Online calls are growing to save the lions from the nightmare zoo

Lions are classified as a 'vulnerable' species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Park officials said the lions' conditions had deteriorated recently with some losing almost two-thirds of their body weight

Chunks of rotten meat covered in flies lay scattered near the cages.

The overall condition of the park itself was also affecting the animals' health, another official at the park said.

'They are suffering from severe illnesses. They are sick and appear to be malnourished,' said Moataz Mahmoud, one of the caretakers at the park.

An online campaign under the slogan #Sudananimalrescue has been launched to try and help the starving lions

Sudan is in the midst of a worsening economic crisis, led by soaring food prices and foreign currency shortage

A malnourished lion walks in his cage at the Al-Qureshi park in the Sudanese capital Khartoum

Sudanese citizens and activists have launched a social media campaign to save five lions from starvation after complaints that they were not receiving their daily quota of meat

It is unclear how many wild lions remain in Sudan, but several are at the Dinder park along the border with Ethiopia.

African lions are classified as a 'vulnerable' species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Their population dropped 43 percent between 1993 and 2014, with only around 20,000 alive today.

The overall condition of the park itself was also affecting the animals' health, another official at the park said
The killing of Soleimani will give an opportunity to the hardliners to keep tensions between Iran and the United States alive.





When Shahab ul-Din Bimeqdar, a reformist member of Parliament from Tabriz was asked: What is your plan of action regarding Soleimanis killing? he answered: My suggestion is self-restraint and negotiations between Iran and the United StatesVictory over the US and its allies, Britain and France, is a tough job. The same day, a group of Basij members attacked his office at night, chanting slogans and spraying paint on the walls of the office building.













The editor of Khabaronline, a news website close to Ali Larijani, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, was prosecuted for using the term killed instead of martyred when reporting news on Soleimanis death. In Soleimanis funeral procession, when the crowd recognized Ma`soumeh Ebtekar, one of Rouhanis deputies, they chanted betrayer. Hasan Abbasi, a staunch military interventionist, implicitly encouraged his supporters to attack the reformists. Basij members insulted Eshaq Jahangiri, Rouhanis vice president, during Soleimanis funeral in Kerman.





All of these reactions are clear signs that Trumps decision to order Soleimanis removal has affected Iranian domestic politics.





Soleimanis killing will affect Iranian domestic politics in the following three areas: The parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2020, internal discussions on Irans foreign relations especially with the United States and Europe in the Supreme National Security Council and Expediency Council, and thirdly, policy discussions about Irans regional policy based on expansionism and sectarianism.





A number of questions arise when considering the aforementioned: How will developments in these three areas unfold? Why is Soleimanis removal a determining factor? Above all, who will benefit domestically from the consequences unfolded following Trumps action?





The Parliamentary Elections





Although the reformist camp is aware of the repercussions of Soleimanis killing on their standing in Iranian politics and it condemned the killing and called Soleimani a martyr, this will not let them escape the consequences of pushing for a de-escalation in tensions with Washington. Instead of a softer position in difficult times to increase political participation, the Guardian Council usually imposes harsher conditions on candidates to restrict participation in parliamentary elections. This is done to eliminate political threats and show that the country is united behind the supreme leader. There are people in the reformist camp who will not praise Soleimani and this will give ammunition to the Guardian Council to block their participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections.





Internal Discussions on Irans Foreign Policy





The hardliners policy toward the United States is no negotiations, no war. Rouhani, Zarif and the reformists who support the Iranian government have sent many signals to initiate Iranian-American negotiations. Rouhanis trip to Japan is a clear indicator of this. Right after Soleimanis killing, the Iranian propaganda machine which is supervised by the supreme leaders office attacked anyone who called for de-escalation.





Regarding Soleimanis removal and Irans missile attacks in response, most European countries were supportive of Trumps action and criticized Irans malign activities in the region. This will result in Iran-Europe relationships becoming more controversial in Iran. It is highly unlikely that we will see Iran-Europe talks in the near future.





Irans Regional Policy





In spite of Irans missile strikes on two US bases in Iraq, Irans policy in Iraq in the post-Soleimani era has been confronted with the United States reacting to Tehrans belligerency. Retaliation cannot be a medium or long-term policy. Rouhani and Zarif have been silent regarding Irans continued presence in Iraq and reiterated Khameneis policy just to show unity. Before Soleimanis killing, Rouhani never talked about the United States departure from the region. He is aware that the US withdrawal from the region would strengthen ISIS and lead to Iraqs possible disintegration. However, the hardliners want the United States out of the region. This is their objective and they have been working on it for decades. They are now using Soleimanis killing to weaken the reformist position on this issue.





Implications and Future Probabilities





In the short term, the Iranian military establishment is the winner. This is why Soleimanis corpse was taken all over the country. However, in the medium and long term, Iran has no choice other than de-escalation and negotiations. Irans economy is in shambles, popular discontent is high, and foreign pressure will rise if the Iranian government continues with its retaliatory language and action. The probability that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) candidates or those close to it will win the majority of seats in Irans parliamentary elections is high.





The killing of Soleimani will give an opportunity to the hardliners to keep tensions between Iran and the United States alive. While the reformists are inclined to continue negotiations with Europe, Soleimanis killing will also make it easier for their political opponents to keep a distance from Europe. The reformists do not have much to offer and they will be the clear losers of the consequences unfolded following Trumps action.





Conclusion





The killing of Soleimani by the United States was a defining moment in the history of the Islamic Republic. This incident will expose the radical nature of the government more than ever; the world will see that the so-called moderates are almost non-existent in Iran. The government is using Soleimanis killing to bring back the discourse that was prevalent in the 1980s but the people are very different now, particularly the new generation. Therefore, social, political and cultural schisms between the Iranian government and the public will widen in the future leading to a changed Iranian domestic landscape.




New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on Tuesday took a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his statement that government will not budge an inch on implementation of the amended citizenship act, saying 'the people will pay them back for cheating'.

Taking to Twitter, Akhilesh, without naming the Home Minister, tweeted, "Was the one Baba not enough in Uttar Pradesh that another (baba) too came to give his teachings. These fake babas have tricked the public with confidence, they are not going to get anything in return from the public as support on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act. The public will clearly tell these fake babas that this time when you go, do not return."

Earlier in the day, Amit Shah, while addressing a rally on the CAA in Lucknow, attacked the Opposition for misleading people of the law and said that the government is not going to scrap it despite the protests over it. Naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee, Amit Shah challenged the Opposition leaders to hold a discussion with him on CAA in a public forum.

The Union Minister said that there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone's citizenship away. "A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP, and Trinamool Congress. The CAA is a law to grant citizenship. I want to say that irrespective of the protests it will not be withdrawn," he said.
The trial of President Trump in the Senate on the impeachment articles preferred by the House is scheduled to begin this afternoon. Piercing the rhetorical fog, we observe that this is the Seinfeld impeachment. If the farce isnt quite about nothing, it is the farce in which nothing happened.

Adam Schiff and Jerrold Nadler lead the House impeachment managers. Each in his own way gives us the impeachment case in expressive form. Send in the clowns.

Trumps political opponents have sought impeachment roughly since the day after the 2016 election. Their efforts have come to fruition in the two articles of impeachment. The Democrats media adjunct has kept in ranks with impressive exactitude as it marched along with the Democrats. The rank dishonesty and maniacal partisanship underlying impeachment have made for a sorry spectacle.

The Russia hoax collapsed in the senile display of Robert Mueller before the House Judiciary Committee on July 24. On July 25 President Trump had the congratulatory telephone call with Ukraines President Zelensky that somehow became the subject of a complaint submitted by a fake whistleblower. The fake whistleblower has remained anonymous for some reason. We all know who he is, although the Democrats have protected his identity more zealously than our intelligence authorities protect top secret information.

For some mysterious reason we have yet to get a handle on this particular back story. The Democrats have classified it Sensitive Compartmented Information.

As the Russia hoax was a pretext for undermining Trump, the Ukraine thing is an obvious pretext for the continuation. Both episodes are shot through with such dishonesty and bad faith it is no coincidence (as the Communists used to say) that Adam Schiff has been out in front of each. The prayerful Pelosi logically tapped Schiff to conduct and direct impeachment theater in the House even though the Intelligence Committee had at best a highly questionable role to play in it.

The Federalist Papers cover the constitutional mechanism of impeachment in numbers 65 and 66. Their sobriety and prudence provide a telling contrast with the spectacle before us. The observation of Publius in Federalist 65 reads like an eternal verity: it ought not to be forgotten that the demon of faction will, at certain seasons, extend his sceptre over all numerous bodies of men.
Photo: Jim T./Yelp

Looking to chow down on some traditional American fare? A new spot has you covered. Located at 2625 St. Rose Parkway in Westgate, the newcomer is called Timbers St. Rose.

The business offers bar food, gaming and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The menu features wings, burgers, sandwiches and quesadillas.

The fresh arrival has gotten good reviews thus far, with a 3.5-star rating out of seven reviews on Yelp.

Yelper Jeff H. wrote, "Glad to have a Timbers in our neighborhood! Great food, great service, great selection, and great location!"

Yelper Megan M. added, Great food. Great service. I don't remember our server's name but she went above and beyond the entire time we were there.

Stop in to try it for yourself.

Want to keep your finger on the pulse of new businesses in Henderson? Here's what else opened recently near you.

This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
"We are thrilled with the depth and breadth of experience these hires bring to Civitas," Healy said. "Their impressive backgrounds align perfectly with the firm's core value of uncompromising integrity. As well, the diversity of work and life experience each brings to the table helps us provide investors the relentless creativity for which the firm is known."

Background for the three hires includes the following:

Austin Khan

Managing Director, Investments

Austin Khan is an experienced hotel and real estate investment management professional and a senior member of the Investments team at Civitas. Khan's 20 years of experience in real estate principal investment and advisory roles includes hospitality, office, multifamily, and retail investments throughout the capital stack. Khan brings over $1.2 billion in lodging investment experience and $3 billion of total real estate transaction experience to Civitas Capital Group.

At Civitas, Khan is responsible for general management of the firm's lodging investment team. He serves on the firmwide Investment Committee as well as various other committees, boards, and the like related to Civitas lodging investment vehicles.

Khan most recently served as Managing Director of Blue Lion Capital, LLC, an investment and advisory firm focused on real estate special situations investing. Prior to Blue Lion Capital, Mr. Khan was Chief Investment Officer of Ethika Investments, a $1.2 billion real estate private equity platform focused on opportunistic equity investments and high-yield credit, with a significant focus on the hotel sector. There, he oversaw investments in 15 hotels throughout the United States, including acquisitions and significant redevelopments.

Kerry Braxton

Vice President & Deputy General Counsel

Braxton was most recently Assistant General Counsel & Vice President Legal and Corporate Risk for Lincoln Property Company, the second-largest property management company in the United States. He was responsible for overseeing the national legal functions for property management and corporate risk operations for the company.

Prior to Lincoln Property, Braxton served as Managing Senior Counsel, Legal and Risk Management, at FedEx Office. He was responsible for managing the domestic and international legal functions for the real estate legal division. Prior to FedEx Office, Mr. Braxton was a Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, an international law firm, where he provided legal advice and consultation to Fortune 500 domestic and international corporations and major financial institutions in the acquisition, development, and finance of commercial and retail real estate assets.

Braxton's combination of experience in legal, real estate, and corporate insurance and risk provides a unique asset to Civitas. Braxton is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and holds a seat on the Board of Directors of the Texas General Counsel Forum.

Jorge Adler

Senior Associate, Investments

Adler comes to Civitas from The Howard Hughes Corporation, a publicly traded firm that owns, manages, and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S.

At the Howard Hughes Corporation, Adler was part of a team that was responsible for underwriting, sourcing, and closing property-level financings, strategic acquisitions, dispositions, and joint-venture opportunities. Over the past five years, Adler was responsible for closing over $1.1 billion of debt through a variety of structures and for an array of asset types.

Adler holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California, as well as a Master's degree in city/urban planning from USC.

ABOUT CIVITAS CAPITAL GROUP

Civitas Capital Group is a global alternative investment manager with $1.7B AUM. Civitas offers compelling, niche opportunities in U.S. real estate, lodging, and alternative credit. Driven by relentless creativity, Civitas digs deeper to uncover opportunities that others miss. Civitas was founded in 2009 by Daniel J. Healy and Rafael Anchia and is proudly based in Dallas, Texas. Civitas' core values, ever-deepening cultural competency, and sense of global citizenship define the firm's purpose: to create opportunities that enrich communities, investors, and employees alike. For more information, visit civitascapital.com.

SOURCE Civitas Capital Group

Related Links

https://www.civitascapital.com


DBS launches QR-based payment solution for businesses

Paying suppliers and vendors with cash could soon be a thing of the past for Singapores 28,000 coffee shops, hawker centres and restaurants.

DBS has launched a B2B payments and collections solution that will enable instant payments with automated accounts reconciliation functionalities in the backend.

An industry-first, the QR-code based solution was developed after close to 20 digital workshops with F&B operators to map their payments journey and pain points. During the workshop, DBS found that on average, close to nine in 10 B2B payments in the F&B industry are still cash-based or done through bank transfers.

DBS new payment solution allows businesses to make QR payments easily. Photo courtesy: DBS

SG5, the main distributor for Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore, is one of the first F&B operators to pilot the solution. The company provides wholesale distributor of beer and stout supplies about 5,600 F&B retailers from coffee shops to large chains such as Hubers Butchery.

Currently, the frontline staff of SG5 spend an average of 3.5 hours everyday traveling around the island to collect cash and cheque payments. Through this solution, SG5 believes the company will save up to 3,300 manhours a month.

"With the new payments solution and precious man-hours saved, I hope to be able to upskill my staff so that we can work together to bring the business to new heights. It will also be a boon to our cashflow as we will be able to receive payments instantly upon delivery of goods, said SG5 CEO Alvin Chua.
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China has issued an order that all foreign-made computerequipment and software be removed from government offices andpublic institutions within the next three years.

The news of Beijings move came earlier this week in a report from the Nikkei-owned, London-based Financial Times.

China has estimated that upwards of 30 million pieces of hardware will need to be replaced, the paper noted.

This is just the latest salvo in the ongoing trade war between theUnited States and China, the worlds two largest national economies.It began last year when President Donald J. Trump began to set tariffsand other trade barriers on China. The goal of the White Housespolicy was to address what the president has called unfair tradepractices, which included a growing trade deficit, theft ofintellectual property, and the forced transfer of American tech toChina.

This latest round has been dubbed a tech cold war, as China nowhas banned the use of U.S. tech in government facilities, which could be a response to the Trump administrations ban on the use of Chinese-madehardware by U.S. government agencies and government contractors.

The White House this summer banned all federal agencies from doingbusiness with Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua over fears that the companies could plant surveillancedevices and gather sensitive information  including U.S. tradesecrets  and supply that information to the Chinese government.

The order from the White House came a year before theCongress-mandated deadline of next August for all federal contractorsto cease business with those Chinese firms. A number of U.S. companies, suchas Google, Intel and Qualcomm, announced they would ceaseworking with Huawei.

The Office of Management and Budget this summer releaseda statement on its strong commitment to defending the UnitedStates from foreign adversaries, including with respect to guarding tradesecrets. Legislation aimed directly at Chinese tech companies was included in the defense spending bill passed last year.

Chinas ban could impact such U.S. multinational firms as Dell, HP and Microsoft.

21st Century Haijin

This ban on U.S. computer products could be viewed as a modern version of theHaijin, or sea ban  a series of isolationist Chinesepolices that began in the 14th century under the Ming dynasty, with the goal of putting an end to Japanese maritime piracy. It was applied again under the QingDynasty beginning in the 17th century, limiting maritime tradingand coastal settlement, but that eventually led to smuggling including the illicit opium trade  and then to conflicts with GreatBritain and other European powers.

While the intent of Haijin largely was to reduce outside influence, China never completely closed itself to the West or to Western goods.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Chinas current ban on foreign products should not be viewed as isolationist in its intent, but rather as a direct result of the trade war. It also could be a way to build up the home team companies in China.

Lenovo is one such company that could benefit from the move, as it could be among the firms called upon to replace Western hardware.

Other firms likely will be hurt by not being able to offer products to Western markets.

Chinas response could very well be seen as a tit-for-tat response, remarked Javvad Malik, security awareness advocate at KnowBe4.

The move illustrates just how important and integral to everyoneslife technology has become, to the point that it is used as a politicalbargaining tool, he told TechNewsWorld.

Tech Cold War

The question now is whether this is just the latest round of salvos inthe ongoing trade war, or whether this ban on Western hardware couldresult in a very serious tech cold war  one that might not be resolvedquickly, or even ever.

At this point its hard to tell whether it represents a serioustactical decision by Chinas government or is merely a strategic feintaimed at President Trumps bellicose attempts at trade warfare, saidCharles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

The gradual implementation of the plan, with 30 percent of U.S.hardware replaced by the end of next year, could be easily rescindedif the president loses his bid for re-election or leaves office priorto November, he told TechNewsWorld.

Government purchasing represents just a tiny portion ofoverall tech spending in China, so this may not have a huge impact forU.S. tech companies. It may not affect some U.S. techcompanies directly or indirectly.

Its also unclear  since the Chinese havent officially responded toqueries  how U.S. tech company products are defined, added King.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

That is, does it mean literally any product made by any IT vendorheadquartered in the U.S.? he pondered. Or does it refer to productsmanufactured in the U.S. by those vendors?

If the former is the case, then achieving the plans stated goals could bedifficult, since China still has a way to go before it is able todevelop and deliver hardware and software that equals, let alonesurpasses, the quality of U.S. technologies.

New Operating System

Given the state of Chinas tech industry, moving to domestically sourced hardware exclusively would not be without problems for the country. Computer hardware wouldneed to be replaced, of course, but a bigger issue is that the ban couldrequire replacing Microsoft, Apple and Google software.

Chinas software industry trails the United States, and it is unclearif it could develop operating systems and applications comparable to those available from American firms, or provide the related services to support them.

While current products may not be a perfect feature-by-feature fit, there definitely are more than enough homegrown offerings and talent available to have a viable alternative product, said KnowBe4s Malik.

For U.S. firms, Chinas move might be far less significant.

The effect of the ban would be relatively benign if it only impactsU.S.-manufactured solutions, since virtually every major U.S. ITvendor supports global supply chains with manufacturing performed inmultiple facilities outside the U.S., explained King.

If thats the case, vendors could easily find ways to continue doingbusiness that wouldnt violate the spirit of the ban, he noted.

A Less-Connected World

The lasting impact of this 21st century Haijin may be more serious than whetherU.S. tech products are sold and used in China, or whether Chinese hardware is used inthe West. It could trigger a complete disconnect in the digital world. China maynot become completely isolated, but it could become far more difficult to make digital connections with people in China.

If this trend continues and more countries take to blockingtechnology, apps or services from certain countries, we could end upwith a highly fragmented or Balkanized Internet, Malik warned, which could undo much of the progress that has been made over the years.
In July last year, the mood of Nigerians was livened up, then some fresh hope followed. President Muhammadu Buhari had just announced a new plan with German tech giant Siemens AG to reverse the hex that is electricity supply in the country where about half of the population lacks grid access, and the rest long-accustomed to blackouts, despite trillions of naira investments in decades and abundant energy potential.

The plan, designed by the German company, has three phases, ultimately targeting 25,000 megawatts (MW) of operational capacity long term from 7,000 MW and 11,000 to be achieved by 2021 and 2023, respectively, through the first two phases. The ultimate target is roughly at par with the countrys current peak demand of nearly 26,000 MW.

At the moment, though Nigerias installed electricity generation capacity, according to the System Operator, is 12,910 MW, less than 8,000 MW is available and less than 4,000 MW reaches the final consumers on average, about one-third of what Singapore delivers to 5.6 million people. This operational imbalance is a result of infrastructural bottlenecks between the transmission and distribution services within the mostly privatised industry.

Removing severe bottlenecks within the transmission and distribution grid is necessary to allow free flow of electricity, noted Siemens in its proposal obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

This includes rehabilitating defective connections of key substations to the existing control center in order to improve the operation of transmission network and to unlock its potential.

Although fixing electricity has remained a seemingly intractable challenge, a sort of a hex, in Nigeria, the awareness of darkness as a barrier to development is not lost on both the government and the society, including hustling young people involved in personal businesses such as fashion designing or digital marketing and those in bigger businesses like high-margin manufacturing.

So, including the Obasanjo administrations 10,000 MW target by 2007 and Jonathans 24,961 MW by 2019, promises to fix electricity are common; and the plan sold to Nigeria, a country of about 200 million people, under Mr Buhari by Siemens is just the latest.

Our goal is simply to deliver electricity to Nigerian businesses and homes, said Mr Buhari in his speech, on July 22, when the Siemens chief executive Joe Kaeser flew to Abuja to sign the deal with Nigeria. My challenge to Siemens, our partner investors in the Distribution Companies, the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Electricity Regulator is to work hard to achieve 7,000 megawatts of reliable power supply by 2021 and 11,000 megawatts by 2023  in phases 1 and 2 respectively.

However, our findings, based on interviews with sector operators, including government officials and private investors, suggest that the Siemens plan, as it is, may count for nothing after all.

Inside the plan

Following a meeting between Mr Buhari and German leader Angela Merkel in August 2018, the latter tapped Siemens to help Nigeria develop a roadmap to address the challenges in Nigerias power sector. The result is the Siemens plan document, that is, the technical and commercial proposal submitted to Nigeria in May and endorsed in July.

The plan covers generation, though mostly at the last phase, transmission, distribution, smart metering and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and knowledge transfer.

For the first phase, the focus would be on essential and quick-win measures to increase the systems end-to-end operational capacity to 7 GW by 2021. Nigerias peak generation ever is just over 5,000 MW, but most times, capacity is lower and what reaches homes and business is less than 4,000 MW on average.

According to Siemens, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) would be able to fundamentally handle the load increase and also the 33kV transmission networks of the distribution utilities are able to accommodate this 7 GW (7,000 MW) scenario with minor adaptations only.

Finally, the 11 kV and LV distribution levels have shown to have suitable capacity in their existing status already, so that again only minor adaptations in individual cases will be required to implement the 7 GW scenario from generation via transmission and distribution to the actual end-customers, says Siemens.

It says its approach to the phase 1 projects would be swift supply and start up-gradation for immediate bottleneck clearance.

In the commercial proposal for the first phase, the transmission assets would cost 330 million euros for Engineering, Procurement, Erection and Commissioning of 11 containerized GIS Substations, 10 mobile substations, some additional transformers and 140 KM transmission line, which it says is out of its scope.

The distribution assets  including the supply of products and systems for 14 stations; upgrade of 26 existing substations; EPC of three mobile substations  would cost 250 million euros. Then, for power system simulation and system development studies for 25,000 MW, the company proposes 6,804 million euros. But for grid automation and national (smart) metering infrastructure, it says prices are to be determined.

With the smart metering solution, Siemens says government and private institutions such as MAPs, Discos, NBET (Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading company), NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission), TCN and GENCOs can gain valuable insight in load consumption data so that strategic planning is made easier and more accurate  reducing unnecessary costs for grid upgrading and new infrastructure.

Siemens is therefore pleased to offer our state-of-the-art Smart Metering solution to Nigerian Electrification Program to support the Nigerian Electrification Program. Our solution is based on our industry-recognized, best-of-breed smart metering platform: EnergyIP. With over 100 utilities running EnergyIP to manage over 75M meters, our solution is designed to handle the largest and most complex electric / water / gas metering installations in the world.

Following the successful implementation of the phase 1 projects and eventual results, according to Siemens, phase 2 focusses on the expansion of the transmission and distribution network from 7GW to about 11GW to make more power available to the people.

Phase 2 includes distribution of SCADA to DISCOs; 40 MW power project dedicated to Abuja; North East Transmission Infrastructure projects 2 (NTEP 2  830 KM of HV lines; 11 132/33 kV substations; and six 132/33 kV substations extensions), and gas processing projects to ensure fuel availability for the GENCOs.

There are no estimated prices for the phase 2 projects except the Abuja power project put $770-$815 per kilowatt.

Unlike the first two phases, the third phase is not time-bound. The objective of this phase is to increase the grid capacity from 11GW (expected to be realized from phases 1 and 2) to 25 GW, says Siemens. In this phase, the focus will be on the following projects: i. Additional Transmission and Distribution assets upgrade based on network studies and load demand ii. Large Scale Power Projects.

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Such power projects include four plants to be sited in Abuja: +1350 MW; Kaduna: 1350 MW; Kano: +1350 MW; and Lagos (Agura): +450 MW. The company further says additional capacities by new independent power producers are required to close the gap to 25,000 MW.

Uhuru yet?

The 2018 success of Siemens in Egypt, where the company delivered a mega 14,400 MW power project in 27 months, may have contributed to the enthusiasm in Nigeria.

But the realities differ: while power service in Egypt is public sector-led, it is not so in Nigeria. For the latter, analysts and operators, then, have expressed worries about the Siemens plan, which is mostly a government agenda, whereas the industry is led by the private sector.

Although Siemens stated that the TCN and the DISCOs participated in the discussions leading to the proposal, a source within DISCOs said the companies were merely hauled before Siemens by senior Presidency officials.

READ ALSO:

In all the discussions, details about financing the projects were not discussed with the private sector, PREMIUM TIMES investigation showed.

However, the ministry of power told PREMIUM TIMES through an FOI reply signed by permanent secretary Louis Edozien that the financing will be provided by the German government as a sort of development assistance or loan,

Repayment terms will be worked out between the Federal Government of Nigeria and any operating companies that benefit from the financing, said Mr Edozien in his reply. Bureau of Public Enterprises is expected to work out modalities with other relevant government counterparty and the German authorities.

But concerns remain about incurring debts to fund development in an industry that suffers heavy liquidity crisis.

DISCOs generate revenues for the system and pay back through the bulk electricity trading company, NBET, for the power generated by GENCOs and transmitted by the transmission company. GENCOs and DISCOs are largely owned by private investors, while the transmission company is wholly government-owned.

But DISCOs are ever barely able to deliver optimal pay for the power supplied them, according to the industry regulator, the NERC.

While the 11 DISCOs were issued N190.1 billion for the energy received in the first quarter of 2019, they were only able to remit N52.8 billion, that is 28%, to NBET, according to the NERC. For the same period, their collection efficiency was 64.1%  the total billing to consumers was N182 billion but only N116 billion was collected.

This failure, our source said, is due to low tariff charged for electricity used by final consumers; and it is the basis of the difficulty in investing in the countrys power sector.

If we are having an investment in infrastructure that will enable us to generate and distribute 10,000 MW for instance, there must be a guarantee that we will be able to recoup our investment when the power reaches the final consumers, said the source.

The liquidity crisis in the industry is acknowledged by authorities.

Financial viability is still the most significant challenge threatening the sustainability of the electricity industry, said NERC in its Q1 2019 report. The liquidity challenge is partly due to the non-implementation of cost-reflective tariffs, high technical and commercial losses exacerbated by energy theft, and consumers apathy to payments under the widely prevailing practice of estimated billing.

But instead of ensuring cost-reflective tariffs, the government continues to cover the shortfall. But the private sector finds this regime unsustainable, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

At the start of the privatisation, investors thought the sector was going to be self-sustaining, said Edu Okeke, the Managing Director of Nigerias independent power producer, Azura, making a case for a cost-reflective tariff.

Investors cannot rely on government subsidy. It is not a reliable incentive.

The implication of the liquidity crisis is that it erodes the confidence of the private sector to invest in raising the infrastructure for delivering more power to Nigerians. This may have forced the government to embark on the Siemens plan, relying on loan from Germany.

But disagreeing with the government, one private-sector executive, who sought anonymity, said Nigerias power crisis is not about cable and transformers, but commerce. Let the market forces prevail, investments will be brought to improve the infrastructure.

The ministry of power said in another FOI reply that the Siemens work on the projects identified would start this month, November.

Reached by phone in November last year, the spokesperson for the Transmission Company of Nigeria, which is government-owned, Ndidi Mbah said arrangements and negotiations were still ongoing but that the TCN has identified the projects it wants to be worked on to Siemens.

For the generation companies, Siemens itself did not indicate in its document that they were engaged with. Yet, to bring the countrys operating capacity to 7,000 MW and 11,000 MW by 2021 and 2023, respectively, the generation companies have to activate idle infrastructure to produce more energy.

A mail to Siemens for comment on this report was not replied.

Siemens built the Azura plant in Edo, a 461 MW project started in 2016 and delivered in 2018. But the companys boss, Mr Okeke, said they were not part of the Siemens plan with the government.

Our findings showed that there are no agreements concerning the terms with the private sector yet. The BPE did not respond to our FOI request for an update on the plan, including the details about financing and the private sectors role.

The indications are that the lack of broad-based engagement, that involves the private sector, that leads the industry, may affect the success of the Siemens plan.

Two officials familiar with Siemens matter said the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, chiefly controls the process and most of the discussion with other parties had been within his command.

But even if the Siemens successfully delivers the projects, Nigerias power woes are still not over.

To date, only 40 per cent of the countrys population has access to grid electricity, the power ministrys permanent secretary, Mr Edozien, told PREMIUM TIMES, disclosing that the estimate (was) extrapolated from a detailed grid power supply and mapping of served and underserved communities and clusters in five states.

Several communities in Nigerias capital Abuja are among those yet to be connected to grid electricity.

But the Siemens plan does not cover inclusive access. Already, a little more populous Brazil has 100% grid access rate.

THIS REPORT IS PART OF A COLLABORATIVE INVESTIGATIVE SERIES BY DAILY TRUST, THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (ICIR), PREMIUM TIMES AND THECABLE, FACILITATED BY THE WOLE SOYINKA CENTRE FOR

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM (WSCIJ) UNDER ITS REGULATORS MONITORING PROGRAMME (REMOP) FOR THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE

JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
The formal extradition hearings that will help decide the fate of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou got under way in Vancouver on Monday, more than a year after her arrest, in a case that has infuriated Beijing and symbolises challenges to the geopolitical order posed by China's rise.

Meng, Huawei's chief financial officer and daughter of founder Ren Zhengfei, appeared behind two layers of bulletproof glass in the high-capacity, high-security courtroom 20 of the British Columbia Supreme Court complex.

Meng Wanzhou is greeted by a member of her security as she leaves her home to attend the start of her extradition hearing in Vancouver on Monday. Photo: Reuters alt=Meng Wanzhou is greeted by a member of her security as she leaves her home to attend the start of her extradition hearing in Vancouver on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Meng's lawyer Richard Peck commenced his arguments by asserting that Meng should be released if the case against her could not support the allegations of fraud, under the extradition test of "double criminality".

"It is a fiction," that the US has any interest in policing interactions "between a private bank and a private citizen halfway around the world", Peck said, referring to a 2013 meeting between Meng and a HSBC executive in Hong Kong to discuss Huawei's business dealings in Iran, an interaction that lies at the heart of the case. "It's all about sanctions."

Meng was arrested at Vancouver's international airport on December 1, 2018, during a stopover from Hong Kong, on an arrest warrant requested by the United States. US authorities want Meng to face trial in New York, accusing her of bank fraud related to alleged breaches of US sanctions on Iran by Huawei.

The case against Meng is being seen as a key moment in China's relations with the West, coming amid the US-China trade war and a worldwide debate about whether to allow Huawei to participate in the construction of high-speed 5G networks that will shape the internet.

Story continues

The ankle monitor of Meng Wanzhou is visible as she leaves her home on Monday. Photo: Reuters alt=The ankle monitor of Meng Wanzhou is visible as she leaves her home on Monday. Photo: Reuters

It has also sent relations between Beijing and Ottawa into a deep freeze, with China arresting Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor for alleged espionage. But their arrests 13 months ago were widely seen in the west as retaliation for Meng's detention.

Meng's appearance on Monday was a far cry from the last time she was in courtroom 20, when she was dressed in a green prison tracksuit for the December 2018 bail proceedings that resulted in her being released on a C$10 million (US$7.7 million) surety.

In the first order of business, Justice Heather Holmes allowed Meng and her translator to move out of the defendant's box to sit at her lawyers' table.

Subsequent hearings, preliminary to the main case, were shifted to smaller courtrooms, but on Monday, she returned to courtroom 20 dressed in a smartly tailored polka dot dress and Manolo Blahnik pumps with a crystal buckle, her hair pulled back in a silver pin. During the morning break in proceedings, Meng mingled in the gallery and chatted with China's deputy consul-general in Vancouver, Wang Chengjun.

The 156-seat courtroom 20, built 17 years ago for a terrorism trial surrounding the 1985 bombing of an Air India flight, overflowed with journalists and spectators standing in the aisles.

The Canadian hearings are not a trial to decide Meng's guilt or innocence. Instead, Justice Holmes must decide whether the case merits Meng being sent to the United States to face trial.

This week's hearings are to address claims by Meng's lawyers that the case against her fails the test of "double criminality", the requirement that charges in an extradition case must be capable of representing an offence in Canada, as well as the requesting state.

Her lawyers say the underlying case against her is breaching US sanctions on Iran, which is not a crime in Canada. But the Canadian government lawyers representing the US in the hearings have said the underlying case is fraud.

Meng is accused of lying to HSBC in her 2013 meeting about Huawei's relationship with Skycom, an affiliate that was doing business in Iran. Meng's PowerPoint presentation to the HSBC executive in a Hong Kong teahouse are said to have resulted in transactions that put the bank at risk of breaching US sanctions.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, arrives at for an extradition hearing in Vancouver on Monday. Photo: Bloomberg alt=Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, arrives at for an extradition hearing in Vancouver on Monday. Photo: Bloomberg

US sanctions were the essence of Meng's alleged conduct at the core of the case, said another of her lawyers, Eric Gottardi.

"It's why the US cares about what was said in the back of a restaurant in August 2013," he said, referring to the teahouse meeting. "It all comes back to sanctions."

Gottardi said the teahouse meeting was "the only act" attributed to Meng in the US case against her, and that if US sanctions law was removed from consideration "there's nothing left ... that evinces a risk to HSBC."

He said that HSBC was depicted as having been "duped" by Meng " yet at the same time, the bank would have needed to act deliberately to face any risk of liability for breaching US sanctions on Iran. If Meng was deceiving HSBC, no such risk of "wilful violations" existed, he said, thus negating Meng's alleged fraud.

Media photograph a vehicle driving Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou from her home to attend the start of her extradition hearing in Vancouver on Monday. Photo: Reuters alt=Media photograph a vehicle driving Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou from her home to attend the start of her extradition hearing in Vancouver on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Justice Holmes asked Gottardi whether it was reasonable for the US sanctions to be considered "in isolation" as inapplicable under Canadian law, instead of in the broader context of the case.

"The source of deprivation [to HSBC] evaporates in the Canadian context," Gottardi responded.

The double criminality phase of the hearing will continue until at least Thursday and possibly Friday, with further court dates pencilled in until November. But the case could stretch beyond that, with some extradition proceedings lasting years.

Other phases of the hearing this year are scheduled to consider whether Meng was subjected to an abuse of due process when she was arrested and questioned at Vancouver's airport, as well as accusations that the case is politically motivated.

Her lawyers have pointed to comments by US President Donald Trump that he might intervene in her case if it was to the economic advantage of the US.

Meanwhile, Meng is living in Vancouver in a C$13.6 million (US$10.4 million) mansion that she owns. She is under the guard of a private security team, and must wear a GPS tracker on her ankle, abide by a curfew and stay away from the airport.

On Monday, a spokesman for China's foreign ministry repeated calls for Meng to be immediately released, calling her arrest arbitrary and a "serious political incident".

In a message posted on social media after the start of Monday's hearing, Huawei said: "We trust in Canada's judicial system which will prove Ms Meng's innocence. Huawei stands with Ms Meng in her pursuit for justice and freedom."

Sign up now for our 50% early bird offer from SCMP Research: China AI Report. The all new SCMP China AI Report gives you exclusive first-hand insights and analysis into the latest industry developments, and actionable and objective intelligence about China AI that you should be equipped with.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2020 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mangalore Airport: 9 NSG commandos to review security arrangements; auto driver arrested

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Mangaluru, Jan 21: Nine National Security Guard (NSG) commandos will review security arrangements at Mangaluru Airport after 'live' explosive device was found in an unattended bag near a ticket counter of the departure gate of the airport on Monday that was later defused at a nearby open ground. According to the latest report, the auto driver has been arrested in which the suspect had travelled and placed the bomb at the airport.

"According to the preliminary reports, a live bomb was found at the Mangaluru Airport today", Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said as the incident created a scare ahead of the Republic Day.

A top Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official said the device resembled a low intensity improvised explosive device (IED).

It was taken away from the airport in a bomb disposal unit vehicle and defused at Kenjaru ground in a controlled explosion by keeping the unclaimed laptop bag in sand-packs in the evening.

Mangaluru police releases photographs of the suspect who kept IED bag in the airport

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Earlier, as soon as the personnel of CISF, which is maintaining the security of the airport, noticed the unattended bag, they cordoned off the area and reported the matter to the police.

Mangaluru Police Commissioner P S Harsha rushed to the airport along with a police team and bomb detection and disposal squad. "We have placed the bag in the isolation bay as per the safety protocol," Harsha said at the time. He later told reporters that prima facie, during the investigation, it has come to light that it was a handiwork of a middle-aged man who came to the airport in an autorickshaw.

Police also later released the photo of the suspect who tried to conceal his identity by using a cap.

Bommai said an alert has been sounded in all the airports in the state, including Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi.

"We will intensify the probe and will identify the anti-national forces who want to terrorise people and create panic. We are taking these activities very strongly, which is aimed to push back India economically," the Home Minister said.

According to Bommai, there is an attempt to carry out large scale terror activities for the past seven to eight years in the country, particularly around January 26 and Mangaluru has been the target of these anti-national forces.

"We have identified that Mangaluru is the area of operations (of terrorists). Also, there are such activities noticed in Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and their surrounding places, for which we have intensified our investigation", the Minister added.

CISF DIG (operations) Anil Pandey told PTI in Delhi that, the object found in the bag resembled "a low intensity improvised explosive device (IED) with some silver coloured explosive." "However, the IED was not charged or to say had trigger mechanism," Pandey added.

Live bomb found in Abandoned laptop bag triggers bomb scare at Mangalore Airport

Meanwhile, Harsha said a case has been registered against the suspect under the provisions of Explosion Substance Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act based on a complaint by the CISF at the local police station.

According to the police officer, three committed teams have been formed for the identification, detection and apprehension of the accused persons involved in the case.

"So far the teams have been able to collect preliminary evidence, which is pointing to a person in his middle age, who was wearing a cap and dressed in a formal way," Harsha said.

He appealed to the people of Mangaluru and elsewhere to share any information they have as this is a matter of national security.

Another senior CISF official added that the explosive could be cracker powder. Passenger services at the airport were unaffected. Security has been beefed up at all airports in the country in run-up to the Republic Day celebrations in the country on January 26.
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Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 19:41 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206065fef 1 SE Asia Sabah,Abu-Sayyaf,kidnapping,Foreign-Affairs-Ministry Free

The Foreign Ministry is urging Indonesian fishermen and ship crew members to avoid waters off the coast of Sabah state in the Malaysian part of Borneo, following the recent abduction of five fishermen by members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said Indonesian representatives in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau were urging Indonesian ship crew members not go to sea because of unguaranteed security conditions in the waters off Sabah.

The ministry also advised those looking for employment as migrant workers to follow procedure to travel to their destination countries and not go as crew members of ships that operate in waters off Sabah.

Members of a faction of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group abducted on Thursday five Indonesian fishermen from a trawler in Sabahs easternmost waters off Lahad Datu, located about 10 minutes from the Tawi-Tawi chain of islands in the southern Philippines.

Read also: Indonesia calls out Malaysia for ineffective security following fresh kidnappings

The hostages were part of an eight-man crew aboard a Sabah-registered fishing vessel, before armed gunmen took them to the southern Philippines.

Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar said Monday that the government would take the necessary steps to handle the latest kidnappings to ensure the safety of the hostages. He also expressed disappointment at the inability of Malaysian authorities to secure their borders.

The Abu Sayyaf group, a loose association of militants who kidnap for ransom and operate out of the southern islands of the Philippines, began targeting Indonesian sailors in 2016. Thirty-nine people had been abducted before Thursdays incident. The government has denied claims that it paid ransom for their release.
Visegrad is just one of several major platforms, Petricek said.

Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek has said the Visegrad countries do not always agree on the issue of Ukraine.

"In the long term, we are looking for partnerships through which we can best promote the interests of our country and our citizens. Visegrad is just one of several major platforms," he said in an interview with Euractiv.

Read alsoHungary to block Ukraine's NATO membership, Szijjarto says

"We cooperate with Austria and Slovakia within the framework of the so-called Slavkov format, we have a strategic partnership with Germany and we try to open new ways of cooperation with smaller countries. We also offer cooperation to Croatia, the Baltic States, but also Portugal. Within the V4 we do not agree on everything, for example, the question of Ukraine," Petricek added.
Massachusetts lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would give cities and towns greater leeway in allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections.

On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Election Laws is planning to hold a public hearing at the Statehouse on a number of bills including two that would let every citizen 16 or 17 years of age, who is a resident in the city or town where he or she claims the right to vote" to be placed on the voting lists for local elections.

The bill wouldn't lower the voting age statewide, but instead let cities and towns extend the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds without having to seek permission from the Legislature.

Supporters of a lower voting age include Democratic U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who has proposed lowering the federal voting age from 18 to 16.

Critics argue that 16-year-olds haven't matured enough to be trusted with the vote.

Individual Massachusetts cities and towns have considered the possibility of allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.

Another bill up for consideration at Wednesday's hearing would let Somerville provide voting rights in municipal elections for city residents aged 16 and 17 years old.

Concord has also sought to let 17-year-olds vote in municipal elections
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)s decision to not contest the Delhi assembly polls is yet another sign of the cracks in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). To be sure, the SAD is a minor player in Delhis political landscape  it bagged only 0.5% of the vote and won no seat in the 2015 polls. It is also not clear if the party decided to opt out because it was not getting to contest the number of seats it wanted  which the Bharatiya Janata Partys leaders suggest was the key reason  or because of its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act excluding Muslims (which is the SADs stated position). But irrespective of the reason, the episode highlights how, over the past year, the BJPs ties with its allies has undergone a churn.

The context is important here. The BJP, through the late 1980s and early 1990s, was considered a political pariah because of its Hindutva politics. The inability to stitch alliances cost AB Vajpayee his government in 1996. But, then, the BJP moved towards a centrist political stance; it dropped contentious issues from its platform; and the NDA became an umbrella formation. In the run-up to Narendra Modis nomination as the prime ministerial candidate, and in his first term in office, there was a churn in the NDA  some allies dropped out, others came in.

But two things have changed. The BJPs 2019 victory reinforced its dominance in politics. This generated obvious insecurities among other political parties, including the BJPs allies. This was most obvious in the case of the Shiv Sena, which did not want to get consigned to being a junior partner in Maharashtra and decided to walk out. The other difference was that the BJP read the mandate as one which was a vote for its core ideological beliefs  from the nullification of Article 370 to the CAA. This has made a set of allies, the SAD, Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United), Ram Vilas Paswans Lok Janashakti Party, smaller Northeastern allies, and those forces which tend to back the government in the Rajya Sabha such as Biju Janata Dal and Telangana Rashtra Samithi uncomfortable. It is this combination of political dominance and ideological aggression  coupled with rising protests against the government  that explains the underlying tensions within the NDA. If the BJP wants to keep its broad coalition intact, it will have to be more conciliatory in its political approach (as it has been in Bihar, by accepting Mr Kumar as the CM candidate) and more flexible ideologically.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has embarked on a working visit to the Swiss Confederation to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, his press service reported.



The head of state met with President and Chairman of VTB Bank Management Board Andrey Kostin in Davos yesterday.



VTB Banks long-term successful activity in Azerbaijan was hailed at the meeting. Fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan`s State oil Fund and VTB Bank was praised.

Ilham Aliyev proposed that VTB Bank increased the crediting of the real sector of Azerbaijan`s economy. Andrey Kostin welcomed the proposal, assuring the head of state that the Bank would expand its activity in this regard.



In addition, the successful development of economic and trade relations between Azerbaijan and Russia was highlighted. The sides stressed the importance of maintaining and boosting the trade growth, as well as exchanged views over cooperation prospects.
Prosecutors in Brazil charged US journalist Glenn Greenwald on Tuesday with cybercrimes after his investigative website published leaked messages that embarrassed top officials and threatened to undermine a massive corruption probe. Greenwald, co-founder of The Intercept, was part of a "criminal organization," the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement. The American allegedly "helped, motivated and guided" a group of hackers as they accessed the cell phones of Justice Minister Sergio Moro and prosecutors involved in the so-called Car Wash probe. Greenwald, who lives in Rio de Janeiro with his Brazilian husband and two adopted children, has been charged along with six others, the statement said. Greenwald took to Twitter to denounce the charges as "an attack on press freedom." "We won't be intimidated by the state apparatus or the Bolsonaro government," he said. The journalist had not been the target of the federal police investigation into the phone hacking scandal. However, evidence incriminating him emerged during their inquiries, prosecutors said. An intercepted conversation between Greenwald and the hackers showed he went beyond receiving and publishing the hacked messages, they asserted. They also alleged Greenwald urged the group to delete chats already sent to him in order to hide any link between them and the "illegal material." Walter Delgatti Neto, one of the hackers, has admitted sharing thousands of encrypted messages between Moro, a former judge, and Car Wash investigators. The Intercept began publishing them in 2019. The chats showed Moro conspired to keep leftist icon Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva out of the 2018 presidential election that President Jair Bolsonaro ultimately won. Moro, who was a judge before joining Bolsonaro's cabinet, has denied any wrongdoing and refused to resign over the scandal. He said criminal hackers had aimed to overturn convictions resulting from the probe that has claimed the scalps of scores of high-profile figures, including Lula, since it began in 2014. Bolsonaro has previously branded Greenwald a "militant" and suggested he could do jail time. Greenwald, who was part of the team that first interviewed fugitive US whistleblower Edward Snowden in 2013, told AFP in June he had received "grotesque" threats also targeting his family since his team began publishing the messages. US journalist Glenn Greenwald, seen here in June 2019, has been charged with cybercrimes in Brazil
As an outsider who had no prior connections in the Hindi film industry, Kriti Sanon has paved her own way. She is an actor to look out for as she climbs her way to the top with every performance she delivers.

Kriti, who was last seen in a period drama, is keen on exploring every genre of film there is. She admits that although she is not a horror genre fan, she would love to do a film in that genre if a worthy script comes her way.

Speaking to IANS, Kriti said, "Everybody likes different kind of films here (in the country). If I want to cater to all kinds of audience and also explore myself as an actor in different genres, it is because that's more fun. Otherwise you get stuck and it gets monotonous."

She added, "(I want to work with) all genres and characters, and not restrict myself. I am not someone who watches or loves horror films but if I get something kick@$s in that genre I would still like to explore, because I feel it will help me grow."

Kriti was praised for her performance in Ashutosh Gowarikar's period drama Panipat, starring opposite Arjun Kapoor. She played the role of Parvati Bai, the wife of Maratha warrior Sadashiv Rao Bhau.

Next up, Kriti will be seen in Laxman Utekar's Mimi, a film on surrogacy. She will star alongside Pankaj Tripathi and Sai Tamhankar in this film which is produced under Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films banner.

ALSO READ: Anil Kapoor On JNU Violence: 'Couldn't Sleep All Night'; Kriti Sanon, Dia Mirza Condemn Attacks

ALSO READ: Did Kriti Sanon Walk Out Of Mohit Suri's Malang? Here's The Truth


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Republican Senators are not digging looking like the Trump cheerleaders they behave as if they are, as Mitch McConnell is forced to put on the most obviously rigged impeachment trial in the history of the United States, because Trump is that guilty.

And its about to get even worse for them, as NBC News is reporting that if former national security adviser John Bolton is called to testify, President Trump will probably assert executive privilege, according to several Republicans.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wants to call four witnesses, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton, White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and his chief deputy Robert Blair, and associate director of national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget Michael Duffy (OMD has determined that Trumps actions regarding Ukraine violated federal law).

The Trump administration has told these officials they are not to cooperate with the impeachment inquiry, but former NSA John Bolton has said he would comply with a Senate subpoena to testify.

Sure, on the surface, a national security adviser and executive privilege would seem to go hand in hand, so this would normally not even be an issue. If ever there are secrets that shouldnt get out, it would be in regards to our national security. Except in this case, Trump has jeopardized the United States national security and used the power of his office to try to extort a foreign country to help him cheat in an election  and as such, national security IS the issue. Or, rather, Trump undermining our national security and putting the U.S. at risk is the issue.

NBC notes that if Trump were to exert executive privilege, it would be unprecedented.

And heres where it gets bad for vulnerable Republican senators and any senator who wishes to appear as if they might not be putting their country at risk for Trump: A majority of senators can decide what evidence can be heard by overruling or agreeing with Chief Justice Roberts.

The Republican senators up for re-election in 2020 are:

Alaska: Dan Sullivan

Arizona: Martha McSally (special election)

Arkansas: Tom Cotton

Colorado: Cory Gardner

Georgia: David Perdue

Idaho: Jim Risch

Iowa: Joni Ernst

Kansas: Pat Roberts

Kentucky: Mitch McConnell

Louisiana: Bill Cassidy

Maine: Susan Collins

Mississippi: Cindy Hyde-Smith

Montana: Steve Daines

Nebraska: Ben Sasse

North Carolina: Thom Tillis

Oklahoma: James Inhofe

South Carolina: Lindsey Graham

South Dakota: Mike Rounds

Texas: John Cornyn

West Virginia: Shelley Moore Capito

Former Congressmen David Jolly noted the hot seat into which Trumps poor defense has placed Republican Senators:

If GOP Senators were hoping Trump's defense team would provide them a dignified and reasonable justification to acquit the President, it's clear that's not going to happen. Senators are simply going to have to go full MAGA and own it in front of the nation. Good luck with that.  David Jolly (@DavidJollyFL) January 21, 2020

Full MAGA in front of the nation surely includes allowing Trump to assert executive privilege to stop his former national security adviser from testifying over a national security issue.

Theres nothing like letting Americas democracy burn to really seal a Republican legacy for this crop of Senators.
Job

Title: Finance Manager

Organization: RTI International

(RTI)

Duty

Station: Kampala,

Uganda

Reports to: Chief of Party

About

US:

RTI

International is a nonprofit organization headquartered in the Research

Triangle Park in North Carolina. RTI provides research and technical services.

It was founded in 1958 with $500,000 in funding from local businesses and the

three North Carolina universities that form the Research Triangle

About the project:

USAIDs

Act to End Neglected Tropical Diseases | East is a five-year program led by RTI

International (RTI). The program supports national governments to reach NTD

control and elimination goals through proven, cost-effective public health

interventions and also provides critical support to countries in their journey

to self-reliance, helping them to create sustainable programming for NTD

control within robust and resilient health systems.

Job Summary: Under the supervision of

the Chief of Party (COP), the Finance Manager will be responsible for overall

accounting and financial management of the Act to End NTDS | East project in

Uganda. The Finance Manager will work closely with the COP, technical staff, and RTI regional and home office staff to

ensure project resources are effectively and efficiently used in order to achieve project objectives and results.

The

position supervises the Finance Assistant and Grants Specialist and ensures

financial and operational information is provided to project leadership,

technical staff, regional and home office staff for timely decision making. The

Finance Manager must ensure that project implementation is done in an environment

of strong controls and that the project complies with RTI and USAID rules and

regulations. S/He will ensure appropriate systems and procedures (cash management,

vendor payments, budgeting and forecasting, procurement, property management,

grants management and other related financial and operational tasks) are in

place to ensure that the project operates efficiently, using resources

effectively and within the budget of the project..

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting

and Treasury

 Ensure compliance with

RTI finance, accounting and procurement policies and procedures as well as

local laws (i.e. taxes, customs, registration, minimize unbillable expenses);

 Ensure timely submission

of monthly accounting reports (preliminary & final extracts) including

trial balances, balance sheets, P&L statements to project leadership and

RTI Home Office, and review balance sheet reconciliations.

 Oversee mobile money and

bank disbursements to vendors, staff, MoH staff and training event

participants.

 Review, approve and pay

out cash disbursements to vendors and grantees in a timely manner and ensure

that all expenses are allowable, allocable and documented per RTI/USAID policy

and have adequate support documentation.

 Responsible for

management of financial documents and maintaining a proper filing system that

ensures documents can be retrieved with ease.

 Manage and oversee

projects internal and external financial audits, follow up on implementation

of audit and compliance review recommendations.

 Manage and monitor

performance of office petty cash system, supervise the management of cash

available amount in safe, check balances, and ensure financial security

instructions are followed.

 Facilitate monthly

payroll and remit required withholdings and other benefit management.

 Assess monthly cash flow

needs for the project and communicate cash requests to Home Office according to

planned activities.

 Oversee the management

of bank accounts: follow transfers, check balances, check authorized expenses

and online transactions, advise COP on changes in bank account signatories.

 Ensure bank

reconciliations of all accounts are performed monthly and compliance issues

addressed in a timely fashion and advise project leadership accordingly

 Track value added taxes

(VAT), compile submissions to Uganda Revenue Authority and US government

through the local US mission, monitor activity and update protocols;

 Ensure adherence to

RTIs standard operating procedures for the procurement of commodities as

described in the Uganda Field Office Operations manual and RTIs Global

Operations website;

 Ensure that proofs of

purchase are valid (contracts, orders, bills, invoices, delivery receipts,

etc.).

 Issue advances and

ensure staff comply with RTIs advance liquidation policies.

 Perform other duties as

assigned.

Budget Management

 Utilize/review monthly

financial and operational monitoring tools (forecast, procurement tracker,

activity tracker, etc.).

 Review and provide

financial inputs for monthly forecast updates.

 Analyse gaps between

planned budgets and actual expenses and report to COP, Home Office staff and

activity leads.

 Identify project

financial risks and consult with the COP for rectifying these and, where

necessary, seek regional finance controller support and/or home office support.

 Provide financial

guidance to the Grants Specialist as s/he reviews financial and operational

practices of grantees (review of budget, monthly financial reports and the

accompanying documentation including receipts, timesheets, etc.).

 Support the Grants Specialist

in capacity building activities of sub-grantees (finance trainings, review

terms of grants, etc.), including site visits.

Team

Leadership

 Ensure all staff adhere

to financial and operational policies outlined in the Field Operations

Handbook, train project staff as necessary on RTI/USAID financial and

operational policies and procedures (advances, expense reports, travel policy,

allowable versus unallowable costs, etc.)

 Update the TORs of the

finance department in collaboration with the COP and Human Resources Manager as

needed;

 Oversee the daily

operations of the finance department and undertake appraisals of directly

supervised colleagues;

 Ensure capacity building

for finance team members in order to increase the level of technical ability

and skills within the department to deliver financial and operational outputs;

 Improve information

flows within the department and with other departments within the Act East

Uganda project.

 Engage with Finance

Managers from other RTI/Uganda projects to coordinate tasks, share best

practices and lessons learned, and collaborate on process improvements.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

 The ideal candidate must

hold a Masters degree and 9 years of experience or Bachelors Degree and 12

years of experience in Business Administration/Financial Management or

equivalent combination of education and experience.

 Must have completed at

least level II of CPA, ACCA.

 Experience working as a finance manager, or project manager with

strong finance oversight required

 Advanced knowledge and prior experience using QuickBooks;

 Experience working with USAID or other donor-funded projects preferred;

 Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet

deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members;

 Excellent financial and analytical skills;

 Ability to monitor and evaluate financial and monitoring skills of

communities through capacity-building efforts;

 Ability to build effective relationships with all clients, peers, and

stakeholders;

 Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team;

 Demonstrated success managing and leading technical and administrative

teams;

 Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to coordinate

activities with officials from host country government, US Government, NGOs, and

other agencies;

 Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office applications;

 Experience in general business administration and financial

management;

 Willingness to travel frequently to program districts.

 Strong strategic

thinking and planning ability

 Proven conflict

management skills

 Flexibility to work

outside of normal hours sometimes

 Dependability,

reliability and high integrity

How to Apply:

If

you would like to take up this dynamic position, please send an updated CV

including three work related referees together with a cover letter (as one

document ONLY) to the Human Resources & Administration Manager by email to

HR@ug-ntd.rti.org). Emails should not exceed 2MB. Applicants must include the

Finance Manager as the subject line of their email. Only short-listed candidates

will be contacted.

Equal

Employment Opportunity

RTI

is committed to the principles of workplace diversity. Qualified women and

disabled people are encouraged to apply. We do appreciate your interest in

working with us. However, due to a large number of applicants only short-listed

candidates shall be contacted for interviews through e-mail within two weeks of

the deadline

Deadline: Friday, 24th January 2020

For

more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or

find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
2020 Michigan Notable Books

2020 Michigan Notable Books

A Good American Family: The Red Scare and My Father by David Maraniss - Simon & Schuster

Elliott Maraniss, Davids father, a WWII veteran who had commanded an all-black company in the Pacific, was spied on by the FBI, named as a communist by an informant, called before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952, fired from his newspaper job, and blacklisted for five years. Yet he never lost faith in America and emerged on the other side with his family and optimism intact. Maraniss weaves his fathers story through the lives of his inquisitors and defenders as they struggle with the vital twentieth-century issues of race, fascism, communism, and first amendment freedoms.

#MINotableBks Author Conversations Video

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner - Revell: Baker Publishing Group

After Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he mails her the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know. In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. Annie and her family will grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

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Broke: Hardship and Resilience in a City of Broken Promises by Jodie Adams Kirshner - St. Martin's Press

Bankruptcy and the austerity it represents have become a common "solution" for struggling American cities. What do the spending cuts and limited resources do to the lives of city residents? In Broke, Jodie Adams Kirshner follows seven Detroiters as they navigate life during and after their city's bankruptcy. For them, financial issues are mired within the larger ramifications of poor urban policies, restorative negligence on the state and federal level andeven before the decision to declare Detroit bankrupt in 2013the root causes of a citys fiscal demise.

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Camera Hunter: George Shiras III and the birth of wildlife photography by James H. McCommons - University of New Mexcio Press

In 1906 George Shiras III (18591942) published a series of remarkable nighttime photographs in National Geographic. Taken with crude equipment, the black-and-white photographs featured leaping whitetail deer, a beaver gnawing on a tree, and a snowy owl perched along the shore of a lake in Michigans Upper Peninsula. Camera Hunter recounts Shirass life and craft as he traveled to wild country in North America, refined his trail-camera techniques, and advocated for the protection of wildlife. This biography serves as an important record of Shirass accomplishments as a visual artist, wildlife conservationist, adventurer, and legislator.

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The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray - Berkley: Penguin Random House

Althea, the eldest sister and substitute matriarch, is a force to be reckoned with and her younger sisters have alternately appreciated and chafed at her strong will. They are as stunned as the rest of the small community when she and her husband, Proctor, are arrested, and in a heartbeat the family goes from one of the most respected in town to utter disgrace. The worst part is, not even her sisters are sure exactly what happened.

Come See About Me, Marvin by Brian G. Gilmore - Wayne State University Press

In this collection, Brian G. Gilmore seeks to invite the reader into a fantastical dialogue between himself and Marvin Gayetwo black men who were born in the nations capital, but who moved to the Midwest for professional ambitions. In trying to acclimate himself to a new job in a new placea place that seemed so different from the home he had always knownGilmore often looked to Marvin Gaye as an example for how to be. These poems were derived as a means of coping in a strange land.

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Deadly Aim: The Civil War Story of Michigan's Anishinaabe Sharpshooters by Sally M. Walker - Henry Holt and Company

Sally M. Walker explores the extraordinary lives of Michigans Anishinaabe sharpshooters. These brave soldiers served with honor and heroism in the line of duty, despite enduring broken treaties, loss of tribal lands, and racism. Learn about Company K, the elite band of sharpshooters, and Daniel Mwakewenah, the chief who killed more than 32 rebels in a single battle despite being gravely wounded.

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The Deer Camp: A Memoir of a Father, A Family, and the Land That Healed Them by Dean Kuipers - Bloomsbury Publishing

Bruce Kuipers was good at hunting, fishing, and working, but not at much else that makes a real father or husband. Conflicted, angry, and a serial cheater, he destroyed his relationship with his wife, Nancy, and alienated his three sons-journalist Dean, woodsman Brett, and troubled yet brilliant fisherman Joe. He distrusted people and clung to rural America as a place to hide. So when Bruce purchased a 100-acre hunting property as a way to reconnect with his sons, they resisted. What happened next was a miracle of nature.

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Detroits Birwood Wall: Hatred & Healing in the West Eight Mile Community by Gerald Van Dusen - History Press

In 1941, a real estate developer in northwest Detroit faced a dilemma. He needed federal financing for white clients purchasing lots in a new subdivision abutting a community of primarily African Americans. When the banks deemed the development too risky because of potential racial tension, the developer proposed a novel solution. He built a six-foot-tall, one-foot-thick concrete barrier extending from Eight Mile Road south for three city blocksthe infamous Birwood Wall. It changed life in West Eight Mile forever.

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The Girls: An All-American Town, a Predatory Doctor, and the Untold Story of the Gymnasts Who Brought Him Down by Abigail Pesta  Seal Press

The Girls is a profound exploration of trust, ambition, betrayal, and self-discovery. Award-winning journalist Abigail Pesta unveils this deeply reported narrative at a time when the nation is wrestling with the implications of the MeToo movement. How do the women who grew up with Nassar reconcile the monster in the news with the man they once trusted? In The Girls, we learn that their answers to that wrenching question are as rich, insightful, and varied as the human experience itself.

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Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City by Jeff Morrison - Painted Turtle Books: Wayne State University Press

Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City is a 332-page book with 770 original photos. It is a unique effort to explore, explain, and document Detroit's amazing collection of architectural sculpture on a building-by-building basis. Using telephoto photography, building details that are barely visible to the naked eye are brought down from the heights and made available for up-close appreciation. In some cases, ornamental elements that have been hidden from public view for more than 100 years are now brought to light.

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The Queen Next Door: Aretha Franklin, An Intimate Portrait by Linda Solomon - Painted Turtle Books: Wayne State University Press

The Queen Next Door: Aretha Franklin, An Intimate Portrait is a book full of firsts as Solomon was invited not only to capture historical events in Arethas music career showcasing Detroit but to join in with the Franklin familys most intimate and cherished moments in her beloved hometown. From performance rehearsals with James Brown to off-camera shenanigans while filming a music video with the Rolling Stones, from her first television special to her first time performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, to her last performance with her sisters at her fathers church and her sons college graduation celebration.

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Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables by Abra Berens - Chronicle Books

It is Abra Berens first cookbook and rooted in her experiences as a chef, former farmer, and everyday eater. It is a teaching cookbook that aims to help build readers confidence in preparing vegetables by providing easy-to-follow recipes, detailed explanation of cooking techniques, and a myriad of variations for each recipe to inspire future dishes.

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Shades: Detroit Love Stories by Esperanza Cintron - Wayne State University Press

Esperanza Cintrons Shades: Detroit Love Stories is a short story collection that is distinctly Detroit. By touching on a number of romantic and sexual encounters that span the historical and temporal spaces of the city, each of these interconnected stories examines the obstacles an individual faces and the choices he or she makes in order to cope and, hopefully, survive in the changing urban landscape.

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Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes by Pamela Cameron, illustrated by Renee Graef - Wisconsin Historical Society Press

A stray dog wanders the Milwaukee docks until he realizes his calling--to be a ship dog! After being rescued from the Milwaukee River, Sport lives on the lighthouse tender ship the Hyacinth. He helps the crew as they deliver supplies to lighthouses and maintains buoys and other safety features on the lake. Through Sport's story, young readers will learn how working on Lake Michigan during the early 20th century was both dangerous and thrilling, and about the role of the lighthouse tender in keeping the lake safe.

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Teacher/Pizza Guy by Jeff Kass - Wayne State University Press

Teacher/Pizza Guy is a collection of autobiographical poems from the 201617 school year in which Jeff Kass worked as a full-time English teacher and a part-time director for a literary arts organization and still had to supplement his income by delivering pizzas a few nights a week. In the collection, Kass is unapologetically political without distracting from the poems themselves but rather adds layers and nuances to the fight for the middle class and for educators as a profession.

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We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels - Revell: Baker Publishing Group

When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn't know she had, the strange request seems like it isn't worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt's farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding.

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Where Today Meets Tomorrow: Eero Saarinen and the General Motors Technical Center by Susan Skarsgard - Princeton Architectural Press

Longtime GM designer Susan Skarsgard weaves a detailed insider's account of the early days of General Motors, the initiation of the technical center project under Eliel Saarinen, its design and construction under Eero Saarinen, and the enthusiastic acclaim the campus received upon its opening. Many leading lights of midcentury modernism were involved in the project as design consultants or artists, including Harry Bertoia, Alexander Girard, Florence Knoll, and Alexander Calder. This lavishly illustrated account is a unique document of a landmark project, presented in photographs and architectural drawings, interviews, documents, and ephemera, many never before seen.

The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell - Atria Books

In July 1913, twenty-five-year-old Annie Clements had seen enough of the world to know that it was unfair. Shes spent her whole life in the copper-mining town of Calumet, Michigan where men risk their lives for meager salariesand had barely enough to put food on the table and clothes on their backs. The women labor in the houses of the elite and send their husbands and sons deep underground each day, dreading the fateful call of the company man telling them their loved ones arent coming home. When Annie decides to stand up for herself, and the entire town of Calumet, nearly everyone believes she may have taken on more than she is prepared to handle.

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The World According to Fannie Davis: My Mother's Life in the Detroit Numbers by Bridgett M. Davis  Little, Brown and Company

In 1958, the very same year that an unknown songwriter named Berry Gordy borrowed $800 to found Motown Records, a pretty young mother from Nashville, Tennessee borrowed $100 from her brother to run a Numbers racket out of her home. That woman was Fannie Davis, Bridgett M. Davis mother. Part bookie, part banker, mother, wife, granddaughter of slaves, Fannie ran her numbers business for 34 years, doing what it took to survive in a legitimate business that just happened to be illegal.

Funding for the 2020 Michigan Notable Books program is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

Updated: 3/8/2021
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 20

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan JSC (AAK) has revealed a number of violations in operations of Kazakhstans Bek Air airline company, the plane of which crashed near Almaty International Airport, Trend reports with reference to Kazakhstans Civil Aviation Committee.

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.

According to the latest data, 12 people died, and 66 were injured as a result of the Bek Air's plane crash on Dec. 27. A total of 98 people were on the plane, including nine children and five crew members.

Shortly after the accident, Bek Air companys operations as well as the use of Fokker-100 type aircraft in Kazakhstan were suspended.

After the crash, AAK suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC), and the Certificates of Airworthiness Certificates (COA) of the company based on the fact that Bek Air had experienced two major accidents in last three years, as well as that the number of major safety issues was well above the minimal acceptable level of safety for a public transport operator.

AAKs inspection of Bek Air has raised two major issues regarding the airworthiness of the airline.

Firstly, evidence was found that Bek Air failed to maintain proper record keeping. Technical logs are inconsistent at best with a number of indications of component transfer from one plane to another. Bek Airs records show that the company often installed spare parts from one plane to another.

The most serious safety violation is that Bek Air has removed data plates of the spare parts. This means the identity of engines can no longer be verified and that operation hours attributed to that engine are no longer provable.

Several engines with this problem have been identified, which casts doubt on all aircraft engines operated by Bek Air. In addition, Rolls Royce, the manufacturer of the Fokker-100 aircraft engines, reported that they have received no information about the overhaul of these engines since these planes were put into operation in Kazakhstan. Rolls Royce also said that there is no procedure which would require the removal of a data plate, nor would Rolls Royce authorize such a procedure.

The second main issue is the swapping of components from one plane to another and the lack of the inventory control required to manage it.

There are many other serious violations related to ELT status, cargo hold fire protection deficits, life jacket and other, which apply to all planes.

Overall, the fleet status has been assessed as poor, the report said

In terms of airline flight operations, the list of identified violations is also impressive. During the inspection of theb video at Almaty airport, it was discovered that the Bek Air crew usually don't conduct a walk-around, or a wing check as instructed and required in the Bek Airs operations manual.

The aircraft operations manual clearly states that the aircraft wing must be checked prior to each flight. The manual states that if there is ice present then all surfaces must be de-iced. Video footage shows that this check was never completed.

Training records show no evidence of winter operations training being conducted. No training syllabus was produced to show that crews are trained to identify and treat ice risks for this type of aircraft. This specific lack of training is a serious safety concern given the nature of winter operations in Kazakhstan.

At the moment AAKs inspection is still ongoing. After its completion, Bek Air airline company will have 10 days to submit their corrective actions plan. If the violations are not resolved within six months, the Air Operators Certificate and Certificates of Airworthiness will not be returned.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
New Delhi: Fugitive businessman Nirav Modis seized assets including artworks, luxury watches, handbags and cars will go under the hammer at Saffronarts two upcoming auctions. The Mumbai-based auction house has been selected to host the sales on behalf of the Enforcement Directorate, Government of India. While the first sale, a live auction, will be held on February 27 in Mumbai, the second will be an online sale on March 3-4.

Highlights of the auction include 15 artworks by significant modern and contemporary Indian artists like a 1935 masterpiece by Amrita Sher-Gil which has never previously been auctioned and is estimated at Rs 12-18 crore, a significant oil on canvas by M F Husain from his Mahabharata series, also estimated at Rs 12-18 crore, a 1972 serene blue painting by V S Gaitonde estimated at Rs 7-9 crore, and a vivid red depiction of Krishna by Manjit Bawa, estimated at Rs 3-5 crore, among others. Important watches going on sale include a Jaeger Lecoultre Mens Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 Limited Edition wristwatch, and a Gerrard Perregaux Mens Opera One wristwatch.

Of more than 80 branded handbags included in the auction, several are from the Birkin and Kelly lines by luxury retailer Hermes.

Select lots from the upcoming auctions will be exhibited at the Saffronart gallery in the Oberoi hotel in New Delhi from 1 - 9 February, and at the Saffronart premises in Mumbai from 18-24 February.

We are diligently working with the Enforcement Directorate to assess and evaluate each item and put together the catalogue for both the sales, which includes a distinguished line-up of artworks by the likes of Amrita Sher-Gil, M F Husain and V S Gaitonde, said Dinesh Vazirani, CEO and co-founder of Saffronart.

In March 2019, 68 artworks from the collection of Modi, the billionaire jeweller accused of fraud and currently under arrest in London, went under the hammer at Saffronarts Spring Live Auction, of which 55 sold and fetched a sum of Rs 54.84 crore. The sale, conducted on behalf of the Tax Recovery Officer of Indias Income Tax Department, included a large collection of modern and contemporary Indian paintings, photographs, and even a clutch of contemporary Chinese works.

The department had seized over 170 artworks belonging to Modi in February 2019.
Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) today welcomed the American College of Physicians' (ACP) endorsement of single-payer Medicare for All. The ACP, a national organization of 159,000 internists, is the largest medical specialty society and second-largest physician group in the U.S. after the American Medical Association (AMA).

The ACP announced its endorsement of Medicare for All in a special supplement to its official journal, the Annals of Internal Medicine, where the group also endorsed a "universal public choice" reform model.

The ACP endorsement coincides with the publication of an open letter signed by more than 2,000 physicians "prescribing" Medicare for All, an effort organized by advocates separately from the ACP.

Among the "prescribers" are towering figures in American medicine, including Dr. Marcia Angell, former editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine; Dr. Bernard Lown, developer of the defibrillator; Dr. Paul Farmer, infectious disease expert and founder of Partners in Health; and Dr. Mary Bassett, former New York City Health Commissioner.

The letter will appear as an advertisement in the New York Times the week of January 20.

Along with the ACP's position paper, the Annals of Internal Medicine published an editorial by PNHP co-founders Drs. Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein.

Drs. Woolhandler and Himmelstein, noting that organized medicine had opposed national health insurance for a century, called the ACP's new position "a sea change for the medical profession."

The ACP's endorsement of Medicare for All and the publication of the open letter reflects growing support for single-payer reform among physicians. Recent surveys have found that half of all doctors now favor national health insurance.

Last June, the AMA's House of Delegates only narrowly defeated a resolution that would have rescinded its long-standing opposition to Medicare for All. Under pressure from Medicare for All supporters, the AMA then resigned from the dark money group Partnership for America's Health Care Future, which opposes single-payer reform.

As physicians, we see daily the harm that our fragmented, private-insurance based system does to our patients. Patients go without the care they need, and physicians squander time and resources on wasteful billing and clerical tasks. Medicare for All would be a much better way -- for patients and doctors both." Dr. Adam Gaffney, President, PNHP

Gaffney is a pulmonary and critical care physician at Harvard Medical School and the Cambridge Health Alliance.

According to Dr. Woolhandler, a Distinguished Professor at the City University of New York at Hunter College and Lecturer in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, "When we started PNHP, doctors who supported single-payer reform were considered radicals, and reporters likened us to 'furriers for animal rights'. Now we're squarely in the mainstream of the medical profession."

"More and more doctors have realized - often from talking to our Canadian colleagues - that single payer is the only way to cut insurers' paperwork and profits that siphon hundreds of billions annually from care in the U.S."

Dr. Woolhandler is a Fellow of the ACP, but not an official spokesperson for that organization.

PNHP is a nonprofit research and education organization whose more than 23,000 members support single-payer Medicare for All reform. PNHP's physician members have been working for single payer since publication of its policy proposal in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1989.
Hundreds of Central American migrants waded across the Suchiate River into southern Mexico on Monday in a new test of US President Donald Trumps Central America strategy to keep them away from the US border.

Some scuffled with national guardsmen on the riverbank while others slipped through Mexican lines and trudged off on a rural highway in small groups. Immigration authorities nabbed more there and chased others into the brush.

Most, however, remained at the rivers edge or stood in its muddy waters trying to decide what to do next, after being blocked from crossing en masse over the border bridge leading to Ciudad Hidalgo.

Mexicos president said he would give us work and an opportunity and look, said Esther Madrid, a Honduran vendor who left her six children in Honduras. Sitting on a rock among dozens of people who didnt know what to do next, she offered only one word when asked if she would consider returning to San Pedro Sula: Never.

Mexicos strategy, developed after the first migrant caravan in late 2018, to break up the mass of people repeatedly and into increasingly smaller groups appeared to be working. Over the weekend, government officials convinced about 1,000 people they should enter legally over the border bridge.

On Monday, migrants were detained at the river and along the highway. Those who continued could expect a gauntlet of highway checkpoints while trying to move north.

After the river crossing Monday, Mexicos National Immigration Institute issued a statement saying that it would detain any migrants without legal status, hold them in detention centers and deport those who did not legalize their status.

As feared, children suffered most in the clashes. On the Mexican riverbank an unconscious 14-year-old girl was carried away for medical attention. A guardsman said she had started convulsing in the commotion.

Later along the highway, a mother sobbed after realizing her youngest daughter had been separated when migrants tried to escape authorities. Sauri Marubeny Ortega had been walking with her four daughters, ages 5 to 16. Another migrant who had been helping her by carrying the 5-year-old ran in another direction when the migrants scattered and she hadnt been able to locate them.

When the federales cars began arriving, he ran off that way and I took off after him, she said. But when she saw an agent nab another daughter she didnt know who to help and lost sight of the youngest.

I just beg the person who has her to leave her in a safe place and tell the police, the mother said as members of Mexicos migrant assistance force, Grupo Beta, loaded her and three of her girls into an ambulance. I dont want to leave here without my daughter.

The migrants started the day on the bridge connecting Guatemala and Mexico, where they read aloud a letter asking Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for permission to cross Mexico en route to the US border.

Mexican officials replied that free passage not be offered. They urged the migrants to enter legally, registering at the bridge and seeking protection and work permits if they wished to remain in Mexico. It was an offer many migrants viewed with suspicion.

That sent the migrants down to the Suchiate where hundreds forded its shallow waters and soon faced guardsmen.

On the Mexican side, migrants ran from side to side along the river bank, kicking up dust and looking for an opening in the ranks of National Guard troops sent to meet them.

Guardsmen scrambled, too, trying to head off groups and detaining people where they could. There was pushing and shoving. Some guardsmen carried plastic riot shields that were hit by rocks thrown by migrants, and they occasionally zipped a rock back into the crowd. Others jogged to get into position with long staffs. Still others carried assault rifles.

Many of migrants moved back to the rivers edge and a smaller number crossed back to Guatemala.

You have two options: You go back to Guatemalan territory or you come with us, Mexican immigration agents said to migrants who crossed the river. They assured those who went with them that they would regularize their status, but few of the migrants believed them.

Riot police with shields also appeared on the Guatemala side of river, raising questions about what options really remained for the migrants.

While Mexicos government says the migrants are free to enter  and could compete for jobs if they want to stay and work  in practice, it has restricted such migrants to the southernmost states while their cases are processed by a sluggish bureaucracy. Those who do not request asylum or some protective status would likely be detained and deported.

Trump has forced asylum seekers to remain in Mexico, or apply for protection in Central American countries, effectively removing one of the escape valves for previous caravans. Under threats of trade or other sanctions from the Trump administration, Mexico has stopped an earlier practice of allowing migrants to cross its territory unimpeded.

The Guatemala government issued new data Monday showing that 4,000 migrants crossed into that country through the two primary crossings used by the migrants last week, and over the weekend nearly 1,700 entered Mexico at two crossings. It said 400 had been deported from Guatemala.

After two caravans successfully reached the US border in 2018 and early 2019, Mexico began cracking down, and by April 2019 raided the last attempt at a caravan, rounding up migrants as they walked down a highway.

As this weeks caravan approached, Mexico sent soldiers to patrol its southern border and monitored the area with drones. Migrants sometimes travel via caravan because it provides safety in numbers and offers a chance for migrants too poor to pay smugglers.

Amid the chaos of the crossing some found a warmer reception.

We went into a house and the very kind woman told us to stay there, that they (auhtorities) had no right to enter and she gave us food, said Bryan Fernandez of Honduras. He said he didnt know what to do now though. If it gets ugly, we dont know which way to go.
Obviously, it would be very helpful to get the grant," he said. "Were continuing to look at how we could fund it out of our budget, and it will be up to the board to make any decision. We wont be going to referendum for it. With or without the grant, Scheltens is hopeful the renovation will take place next year.
According to a new leak, Intel has a replacement for the NUC 10 Performance mini-PCs in the works. It apparently goes under the heretofore-unknown code-name Panther Canyon, and will be powered by Tiger Lake-U processors with Xe graphics. This new rumor also covers the "NUC 11 Extreme" line, also known as Phantom Canyon.

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The blog FanlessTech claims to have leaked the "NUC 11 Performance" and its specs. This supposed next generation on from Intel's 10 Performance series may be code-named Panther Canyon at present. The interesting new name apparently represents the inclusion of 28 watt (W) Tiger Lake-U silicon paired with Xe integrated graphics.

These upcoming mini-PCs may also support up to 64GB of dual channel DDR4-3200 memory, along with the M.2 22x80 key M and PCIe x4 Gen4 standards. They may thus house NVMe or, alternatively, Intel Optane M10 memory. In terms of ports, "Panther Canyon" has HDMI 2.1, a v1.4 Mini DisplayPort, front and rear Thunderbolt 3 ports, and an Intel 10/100/1000/2500 Ethernet port.

The next-gen NUCs are also described as equal to quad displays and 8K support. USB type C is also hinted at in the blog's new render; going by the NUC 10 variants' step up to this standard, this is plausible enough.

The "Frost Canyon successor" will also be equipped with Intel Wireless-AX 201, and will (unsurprisingly) support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Finally, this new leak also touched on the subject of Phantom Canyon.

These devices will apparently be re-named the NUC 11 Extreme series on launch. FanlessTech purports to corroborate earlier rumors that they will have discrete graphics (6 to 8GB's worth, to be exact), but made no mention of NVIDIA this time.

This flavor of alleged NUC 10 successor is now said to have much the same specs as "Panther Canyon", down to their 28W Tiger Lake-U processors, which will be either core i5 or i7. This tiny gaming PC will be available "later this year", whereas the putative 11 Performance SKUs will launch in the second half of 2020.
Star pupils: Teacher Francis Elive, centre, with his class of 30 A* pupils (Fitzalan School, Cardiff)

A star secondary class have been celebrating after all 30 pupils achieved an A* grade at Maths GCSE.

Students from Fitzalan High School in Cardiff have been taught by the same teacher since they joined the secondary school.

Francis Elive - known as the Maths whisperer due to his incredible teaching methods and results  has taught the class their whole secondary school life.

His class took their exam six months early, and each was awarded the highest grade achievable.

Maths students all opened results at the same time

"We did a countdown so they all opened their results at the same time," assistant head teacher Jo Kemp told BBC News. "There was a gasp as they saw their results and then all realised they had the same."

Local MP Kevin Brennan applauded Mr Elive and his class, praising their amazing achievement", while the local community took to social media to congratulate them.

Tiger By Juniors FC said on Twitter: "Fitzalan and our pupils making history again.

"Francis is a legend of a teacher. This is a great achievement for our local school."



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On average, only 14% pupils sitting the exam in Wales achieve the top grade.

Ms Kemp added: "We call him the maths whisperer, he instills the belief that they have practised the hardest maths that they have to ever to face so why be scared of an exam?

"It's the belief that they absolutely can do it, and the children think it's magic."

Fitzalan was rated in the top 30 of more than 200 Cardiff schools by Ofsted last year. The 1,700 pupils regularly achieve above the national average on exam results, but this weeks news has made history.

A spokesman for the The Fitzalan Maths department said: "We couldn't be prouder of this class and Mr Elive. They've demonstrated that preparation, hard work and dedication pay off."

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United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government suffered a fourth defeat on its Brexit legislation when members of Parliaments upper chamber voted to ensure protections for child refugees after Brexit.

Johnsons Conservative Party won a large majority in the lower chamber, the House of Commons, in a December 12 election. Earlier this month, legislators there quickly approved the legislation needed to ratify his exit deal with Brussels.

But the House of Lords, where Johnsons government does not have a majority, made three changes to the legislation on Monday, including over the rights of European Union citizens after Brexit.

On Tuesday, the Lords voted 300 to 220 to ensure unaccompanied child refugees can continue to be reunited with family members in the UK, a promise made by Johnsons predecessor Theresa May but stripped from his legislation.

Johnsons spokesman said the government would seek to overturn the changes made to the Brexit legislation when the bill returns to the House of Commons later this week.

Earlier this week, Lord Alf Dubs, an opposition Labour Party peer who fled to the UK as a child to escape the Nazis, and who proposed the change to the bill, told Al Jazeera that child refugees should not become collateral damage of Brexit negotiations.

I can see no moral justification for the removal of my amendment from the withdrawal agreement bill. As we leave the EU, we cannot abandon our compassion and humanity, he said.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (PTI) Describing the Indo-Bangla relationship as a "model" for neighbourhood ties, Dhaka's newly-appointed envoy to India Muhammad Imran on Tuesday vowed to enhance regional collaboration focusing on security, connectivity and economic cooperation on a win-win basis.

Imran, who succeeds late ambassador Syed Muazzem Ali whose five-year tenure as Bangladesh high commissioner to India expired last month, made the remarks while presenting his credentials to President Ram Nath Kovind here.

The Bangladeshi envoy assumes office at a delicate time with three ministerial visits from Dhaka cancelled in the wake of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and apprehensions over the National Register for Citizens (NRC).

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday had termed the CAA and NRC as "internal matters" of India, but at the same time said the act was "not necessary".

Welcoming the new envoy, Kovind said India wants to see Bangladesh become more vibrant in social and economic development, a statement from the Bangladesh High Commission said.

India has a special relation with Bangladesh and it attaches the highest priority in making that relationship stronger, Kovind was quoted as saying.

The president said he looks forward to stronger and deeper cooperation between India and Bangladesh in all aspects, especially in security, connectivity and people-to-people contact.

"India is happy to be a partner of Bangladesh in the joint celebrations of birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's War of Liberation and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties," Kovind said.

Imran, in turn, said the India-Bangladesh relations have reached an exceptional level and are described as a "model" for neighbourhood relations thanks to the dynamic leadership of prime ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi.

The envoy assured the president that he would ceaselessly endeavour to achieve his government's goal to further expand and consolidate the bilateral cooperation, the statement said.

Bangladesh remains grateful to the government and people of India for extending their all-out support to the 1971 War of Liberation, Imran said.

The Indo-Bangla cooperation had, in fact, beginning in the battlefield of 1971, he said.

He underlined Prime Minister Hasina's efforts to further promote regional and sub-regional cooperation focusing on security, mutual trust, confidence, promotion of connectivity and all-round economic cooperation on a win-win basis.

During the meeting, Kovind fondly remembered late ambassador Syed Muazzem Ali describing him as a good friend of India and a true patriot of Bangladesh.

He also conveyed his regards to his Bangladeshi counterpart Md. Abdul Hamid.

Referring to the birth centenary celebrations of Rahman, the envoy said Bangladesh looks forward to the participation of a host of Indian leaders, including Modi, in the inaugural ceremony scheduled to be held in Dhaka on March 17.

Imran, a 1986-batch officer of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), takes up his India assignment after serving Bangladesh's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates for about seven years.

Imran has also served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Uzbekistan and worked in various capacities at Bangladesh Missions in Jeddah, Bonn, Berlin, and Ottawa as well as Deputy High Commissioner at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.

In his meeting with the president, Imran was accompanied by his wife Dr Zakia Hasnat.

Earlier in the day, the high commissioner held a meeting with officers and staff of the mission.

(Image courtesy: @rashtrapatibhvn)
Add gelato to the ever-growing list of items visitors of the Worcester Public Market can grab in the Canal District.

Anthony Surabian, owner of the Froze Zone in West Boylston, is bringing his gelato to Worcester, according to the public markets Facebook page.

Meet Anthony Surabian, owner of Froze Zone - a new gelato vendor opening at the Worcester Public Market! Anthony... Posted by Worcester Public Market on Monday, January 20, 2020

Froze Zone opened in May of 2017. The following year, Surabian expanded the business to catering under Iovannis Gelato, serving the cold sweet treat out of a pushcart.

At his space in Worcester, Surabian plans to offer 16 flavors of gelato that were described as made fresh daily.

Its the latest announcement of a space that will include a food court offering cuisines ranging from Mexican to Japanese and a burger bar to African fusion.

Along with the food court, restaurants will also fill the space like an oyster bar and handmade pasta.

The Worcester Public Market is scheduled to open Feb. 6.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Silver Range Resources Ltd. (TSXV:SNG) ("Silver Range") announces that is has staked the East Goldfield Property in the Goldfield Mining District.

The East Goldfield Property is located 12 kilometres east of Goldfield, adjacent to claims comprising the Gemfield Project, currently being developed by a subsidiary of Waterton Global Resource Management. Nearby deposits include the Goldfield Main Deposit (4.2 M oz Au), the Gemfield Deposit (600 K oz Au) and the McMahon Ridge Deposit (199 K oz Au).

The East Goldfield Property consists of 69 Federal Lode claims staked over a highly-altered linear structural feeder to the circular fracture system that localizes gold deposits in the Goldfield Mining District. The claims cover a highly-altered, enigmatic breccia unit in the core of the linear fracture system. High sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization occurs on the claims in vuggy quartz ledges with peripheral quartz-alunite alteration. The Tom Keane Mine, located on the southern portion of the property, is the most significant showing in the area. It was developed prior to 1931 to a depth of 500 feet on four levels. Small undocumented lease production occurred during this period. A 1935 evaluation report cited assays of 3.04 m@ 4.11 g/t Au from the 200-foot level and 11.6 m @ 2.88 g/t Au from the 300-foot level. Metallic Gold Ventures Ltd. drilled ten holes in the immediate area of the Tom Keane Mine in 2003, reporting intersections in 9 holes with the best intersections being 4.57 m @ 8.23 g/t Au and 44.21 m @ 1.03 g/t Au. Surface grab samples at the Tom Keane Mine collected by Silver Range assayed up to 0.85 g/t Au and grab samples collected from vuggy quartz ledges elsewhere on the property returned up to 0.25 g/t Au. These relatively low-grade surface samples are consistent with historic results which indicate higher grade gold mineralization is blind to surface.

Prior to staking, Silver Range conducted stream sediment and soil geochemical surveys in a 4 km by 3 km target area, now covered by the claims. This sampling delineated a region of elevated response in gold, arsenic, bismuth and copper, coincident with the axis of the structural corridor and the breccia unit. The breccia is composed of sub-angular to sub-rounded clasts of Milltown Andesite and Goldfield Dacite in a matrix of iron oxide and clays. While mapped as a landslide unit by the United States Geological Survey, these rocks show all the characteristics of a hydrothermal breccia. Silver Range believes that both the breccia unit and regolith at the base of the Milltown Andesite underlying the property area are prospective to host a high sulphidation gold deposit of significant size. Silver Range intends to explore the East Goldfield Property with airborne and ground geophysical surveys, alteration mapping, detailed geological mapping and systematic panel sampling of the extensive system of fracture-controlled vuggy quartz ledges found on the property.

On January 22 & 23, Silver Range will be presenting the East Goldfield Property together with other projects in its large property portfolio at the Roundup 2020 Prospect Generator Hub.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mike Power, M.Sc., P.Geo., President and CEO of Silver Range Resources Ltd. and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Information concerning historical exploration, development and mining at East Goldfield is based on Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology archive material and on press releases, website summaries and National Instrument 43-101 technical reports issued by Gemfield Resources Ltd. and Metallic Gold Ventures Ltd. The data in these sources cannot be independently verified. Samples collected at the East Goldfield Property were secured and shipped to ALS Minerals facilities in Reno, NV for sample preparation and to North Vancouver, BC for assays and geochemical analyses. Rock samples were analyzed by Ultra-Trace Aqua Regia ICP-MS (ALS code ME-MS41) and fire assayed for gold (30 g sample) (ALS code Au-AA25).

About Silver Range Resources Ltd.

Silver Range is a high grade focused precious metals prospect generator working in Nevada and Northern Canada. It has assembled a portfolio of 43 properties, 13 of which are currently optioned to partner companies. Silver Range is actively seeking other joint venture partners to explore the high precious metal targets in its portfolio.

ON BEHALF OF SILVER RANGE RESOURCES LTD.

"Mike Power"

President, C.E.O. & Director

For further information concerning Silver Range or its exploration projects please contact:

Investor Inquiries

Richard Drechsler

Vice-President, Communications

Tel: (604) 687-2522

NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522

rdrechsler@silverrangeresources.com

http://www.silverrangeresources.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results.

SOURCE: Silver Range Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573621/Silver-Range-Stakes-East-Goldfield-Property
Eguana Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: EGT)(OTCQB: EGTYF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a development contract with a leading renewable energy company, with significant investments throughout the energy storage supply chain, to develop and certify proprietary residential storage systems for distribution through its sales channels across global markets.

"The team is excited to integrate a leading energy storage software solution with our Evolve platform for major markets including the United States and Australia," commented Justin Holland, CEO at Eguana Technologies. "The Company has maintained fleet aggregation and virtual power plants will drive substantial growth in all residential markets, this new initiative will deliver certified products perfectly positioning Eguana into both of those segments. Work has commenced, and we expect to begin prototype testing by the end of March 2020."

"We were awarded this development contract in recognition of the advanced control and integration capabilities that have been built into our energy storage platform," said Brent Harris, Founder and Executive VP at Eguana. "There is no other product on the market that can be integrated so quickly and comprehensively into third party energy management systems and our experienced team supports our partners to ensure top performance for the partner's application."

The Company has confirmed the contract value of +$1 million and has received upfront payments of over $750,000 with the balance due upon successful product certification. The partner will distribute and sell the new product solution through their channels.

The identity of the partner and subsidiary company cannot be released at this time in order to maintain confidentiality and for competitive reasons.

About Eguana Technologies Inc.:

Eguana Technologies Inc. (TSX.V: EGT) (OTCQB: EGTYF) designs and manufactures high performance power controls for residential and commercial energy storage systems. Eguana has more than 15 years' experience delivering grid edge power electronics for fuel cell, photovoltaic and battery applications and delivers proven, durable, high quality solutions from its high capacity manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America.

With thousands of its proprietary energy storage inverters deployed in the European and North American markets, Eguana is the leading supplier of power controls for solar self-consumption, grid services and demand charge applications at the grid edge.

To learn more, visit www.EguanaTech.com or follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/EguanaTech.

Company Inquiries

Justin Holland

CEO, Eguana Technologies Inc.

+1.416.728.7635

Justin.Holland@EguanaTech.com

Forward Looking Information

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and involves a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or future events or developments, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date hereof. Readers are also directed to the Risk Factors section of the Company's current Annual Information Form which may be found on its website or at sedar.com The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
BEIJING, Jan. 19 (Xinhua)  China's civil affairs authorities helped 10,195 people find their families in 2019, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said Sunday.

The ministry carried out trial work of facial recognition at rescue centers around the country, requiring all of those without clear identification be reported to police for DNA collection, said Wang Jinhua, a ministry official, at a press conference.

Compared with 2015, the number of people displaced for long periods of time was reduced by over 60,000, Wang said.

Civil affairs authorities also offered rescue and help to over 1 million homeless and beggars with no means of living in 2019, including 169,000 seniors aged above 60 and 156,000 with mental or physical disabilities.

Wang said civil affairs authorities and rescue centers around the country will step up joint patrol with relevant departments this winter for the safety of the homeless and beggars.

(Source: Xinhua)
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are aiming to develop a vaccine that could help address an outbreak of coronavirus that has killed four people in China.

On Monday, Chinese health officials on the frontline of the outbreak confirmed to state media that human-to-human transmission of the virus has occurred and the number of cases has more than tripled, according to the Associated Press.

The outbreak is believed to have started in a seafood market in the central-Chinese city of Wuhan, but it has since spread to Beijing and Guangdong. Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang told state television that 258 cases had been confirmed in the city, with six deaths.

The outbreak has since spread to Japan, Thailand and South Korea. The virus is linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed dozens of Canadians in 2002 and 2003.

Now, researchers from the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization - International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) have requested to work with the virus through the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.

"In house now we're designing strategies of how we can vaccinate for the disease and how we could test such a vaccine," said Volker Gerdts, executive director and CEO of VIDO-InterVac.

Reuters

Gerdts said researchers at VIDO-InterVac have extensive experience with coronavirus, as the first vaccine for the virus in cattle was developed at the lab, with research around the virus continuing today.

However, Gerdts said they're now looking to develop a vaccine specifically for the virus affecting China, which has come to be known as the Wuhan strain. Since the sequence of the virus was just released last week, they're still in the very early stages of research.

"It's really driving innovation, driving technology, but it's not something that can happen overnight," he said.

Story continues

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, screening measures have been implemented at ports of entry in some neighbouring countries for passengers arriving from Wuhan.

Submitted by Debrah Marshall

"The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the situation and working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners to gather additional information," said the agency on its website.

It's also initiated new screening measures at Canadian airports in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, which will remind residents travelling from Wuhan to inform a border service officer if they experience flu-like symptoms. An extra health question will also be added to electronic immigration kiosks.

Gerdts said right now, the risk to Canadians is low, but noted if you develop flu-like symptoms, after flying to the affected areas, you should contact a public health office.

"There are a number of steps that we'll take from there, but really the chances are very, very low and so there's no reason at the moment to panic."
Many corona viruses are also self-limiting in nature. It is only those that undergo mutation that are a cause of worry. The cycle of mutation is noted every three to four years.

Hyderabad: The new strain of corona virus found recently in China affects the lungs and causes acute respiratory distress syndrome according to pulmonologists who are following the case. This causes lungs to fill with fluid and air is not able to get in.

Dr C. Vijay Kumar, senior pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, says the treated cases have shown that the impact on the lungs is severe. The virus is found to attack the lungs faster than expected from the group of corona viruses. This indicates that the virus is virulent in nature, he said.

Corona viruses are zoonotic which means that they are transmitted from animals to humans. This large family of viruses cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe pneumonia. It can also lead to death. Corona viruses mutate for survival and they look for favourable conditions where they can survive.

The SARS CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans, MERS-CoV was from dromedary camels to humans and H1N1 virus came from the intestines of pigs. There are several viruses in the bodies of animals but they do not infect humans.

Many corona viruses are also self-limiting in nature. It is only those that undergo mutation that are a cause of worry. The cycle of mutation is noted every three to four years.

Every year, there is a new strain of virus and the vaccination schedule is based on these strains. While vaccination is a protection it is not completely so as its efficacy is only between 60 to 70 per cent.

Since the last five years it has been found that flu vaccinations are not working as required as there are many different strains of viruses around.

Dr Mehboob Khan, superintendent of Chest Hospital explained, Why do we need to know the strain of the virus? Because the strain helps us decide on the medications that are to be used. Common flu has a single medicine which works for all. But if there is a new strain or a mutated strain, the existing medicines will require different combinations to control spread of the virus in the body.

When the human body is infected, the immune system fights the virus. While the immune system is engaged with the virus, dormant bad bacteria in the lungs get active and they attack the body.

The virus is self-limiting and will die, and it is the bacteria which creates secondary infection like lung collapse, kidney damage or multi-organ failure leading to death.
Senate candidate Mark Kelly may be hoping to take Martha McSally's seat, but that's not who he faced in Flagstaff on Monday.

Instead, Kelly went up against Jabarha Kutt Nichols, the owner of Kuttz Barber Shop and College, taking turns at the bench press in a back room of the barber shop.

After removing his jacket, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the state Senate completed 25 reps at about 70 pounds.

Lets throw some more weight on there, Nichols said as Kelly continued to lift the weights.

Then it was Nicholss turn. Not to be outdone in his own establishment, he completed 26 reps at the same weight.

Sunnyside up! Nichols said.

The stunt came as part of a tour of Kuttz Barber Shop and College. At the event, Kelly chatted with barbers, customers, and local leaders including Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans and City Councilmember Jamie Whelan.

Kelly, who is expected to face McSally during the general election, said he enjoys visiting small businesses such as Kuttz and highlighted both the importance of small businesses to the Arizona economy as well as the importance of trade schools and apprenticeships.

At Kuttz, students can learn how to become barbers through enrolling in a 10-month program.

Weve got a shortage in our country in a lot of different trades, whether it's barbers or electricians or pipe fitters or carpenters. In certain areas of the country, in places that are growing like Arizona, theres clearly, clearly a need, Kelly said. Its always good to hear from guys or women who are starting small business and the challenges that they face. Its great to know that hes putting a place like this in a neighborhood that needs some help.

Such kinds of trade schools are also part of the solution when considering the rising costs of higher education, Kelly said.

The price of tuition at the universities here in Arizona and across the country have gotten a little bit out of control, Kelly Said. Kids shouldnt have to graduate from a university with a four-year degree with $50,000 or $100,000 of debt; thats ridiculous and not really sustainable.

Kelly added that Congress needs to address the issue of rising costs for a university education.

Mark Pops Alarcon was one of the barbers Kelly spoke with and said he liked the candidate, especially his views on gun control.

Alarcon said he supports Kelly since he has called for universal background checks when purchasing a firearm. Alarcon added he has no love for Kellys presumptive Republican opponent, who he feels has done very little.

Kellys visit comes after campaigns were required to submit finance reports last week that showed Kelly had outraised McSally throughout 2019. Kelly had $13.6 million of cash on hand by the end of last year compared to McSallys $7.6 million.

Last week also saw McSally in the spotlight when a CNN reporter asked McSally if she would vote for the Senate to hear from additional witnesses during impeachment hearings for President Donald Trump.

McSally responded to the question by calling the reporter a liberal hack.

Kelly said that was not the way he would have answered the question, but that McSally has a right to her own opinion.

The impeachment trial is expected to begin in the Senate this week and it is still unclear whether the additional witnesses and evidence will be considered.

For his part, Kelly said he thinks senators should hear additional witnesses.

I dont know of many trials, if any -- none that Im familiar with -- that were conducted without witnesses, Kelly said. Its pretty clear that the folks in the White House who have direct knowledge, who basically stand between the president and the folks who are on the ground in Ukraine, our government officials, have firsthand knowledge. So I think its important that United States senators get to hear from those witnesses.

McSally last visited Flagstaff last year when she took part in the Fourth of July parade. In March of last year when McSally also visited Flagstaff and spoke with local leaders and about forest restoration and flood control.

Earlier this month, McSally co-authored a letter with Senator Kyrsten Sinema asking for the Army Corps of Engineers to fully fund the citys flood control project.

Updated for correction at 6:29 p.m. on January 23.

Adrian Skabelund can be reached at the office at askabelund@azdailysun.com, by phone at (928) 556-2261 or on Twitter @AdrianSkabelund.

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Mumbai, Jan 21 : The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of Vodafone m-pesa after its voluntary surrender of authorisation.

The company henceforth cannot transact business of issuance and operation of Prepaid payment Instruments, RBI said.

The central bank, however, said that the customers or merchants having a valid claim on the company as a PSO, can approach the company till September 30, 2022, for settlement of their claims within three years from the date of cancellation.

"The Reserve Bank of India, in exercise of the powers conferred on it under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, has cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of the below mentioned Payment System Operator (PSO) on account of voluntary surrender of authorisation," RBI said.
We are aware of some anti-Yoruba statements coming from dregs of inconsequential cohorts. And they are products of juvenile reasonings. Do these layabouts know the Yoruba aphorism that it is only a bastard who uses the left finger to point at his fathers house? Do they know how far the trains been gone on these issues before the South-West governors decided to birth the Amotekun security outfit for their region? Do they have statistical data or inventory of the number of innocent Yoruba, including those who travelled from abroad to visit home, but suddenly met their death at the hands of the blood-thirsty killers and kidnappers?

Read Also: Amotekun May Become Unconstitutional: Minister Of Police

The active bearers of the Oodua course will not be discouraged, neither intimidated by coolant statements that are deliberately framed to pour acid of confusion on Yoruba unity and collective resolve to resist enslavery of our people for the second time after the experience of the 1840s. Neither would the strategic power house be dribbled to sell out its plans and readiness for resistance. Let those who are sceptics, let those whose words are grenades of discouragement, and whose mouths are bellows of confusion, be reminded that AWON ALALE ILE OODUA NBO LATI GBE WA NIJA! INA ORI ESU NBO WA JO AWON OTA ILE ATI OTA ODE NI ILE OODUA  ASE EDUMARE.

Like others in your negative commentary on Amotekun, you have given us a considerably valid point  that Amotekun needs to be legislated into law by each state House of Assembly in the South-West. However, may I say that the legal luminaries and elders who challenged AGF Malamis volatile utterance are very much aware of that possibility. The governors of the South-West are also aware of that possibility. The elders of Yorubaland, and leaders of intellectual and public opinion, including our revered Leader of the Yoruba World Congress, the distinguished Prof. Banji Akintoye, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola, and legal Amotekun Femi Falana, are very much aware of that option.

Read Also: Fani-Kayode Warns Miyetti Allah Over Comment On Amotekun

But, I like to inform you that the option is a short range of reasoning on the matter. The Yoruba people and leaders are not ignorant. There are longer range of reasons and deeper implications for the legislation of Amotekun into law. The implications would have created a more aggressive implosion of suspicious reactions. However, it is sufficient, for now, to note that the Yoruba nation is imbued with the wisdom and resilience of the ancients. Here is another attempt to derail the course of sound judgement and reasoning over the survival strategy for all Nigerians and foreign nationals in the South-West amidst the dread of killings and kidnappings, and the forced incursion into peoples farmlands. Your reference to Biafra is itself a negation of your personal ideologies and an ironic positive underscore for the just effort to protect our Commonwealth in the South-West. Amotekun was not created to invoke secession of the South-West from Nigeria.

I take a walk away from your rantings and insinuations. You erect the attempt to secure the region as a bid to secede? Wow! I need not drag the matters any more. I think I need a glass of cold water to rehydrate myself after listening to your malicious homilies of war, hate and division. Personally, I dont need to put on the light on the darkness of your ignorance about political ideologies and economic survivals. We need a united Nigeria. Yes. But, the genocide in the North-East and North-Central, which is replicating itself in the South-West itself cannot be the conveyor belt to that unity! For the unity to be achieved, we need to have a safe and secure country where we can all go about our duties in search for a better living condition. Think about that! Omo Iya! Lo ronu jinle gidi gidi.

Prof. Fashina wrote from University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Vehicle registrations in the country declined 15 per cent on a year-on-year basis to 16.06 lakh units after two months of positive growth, data from Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) showed on Tuesday.

A total of 16,06,002 vehicles were registered in December 2019, compared to 18,80,995 units during the same period of 2018.

Registration of personal vehicles fell 9 per cent to 2,15,716 units last month, and that of commercial vehicles plunged 21 per cent to 67,793 units.

In the two-wheeler segment, 12,64,169 vehicles were registered, which was 16 per cent lower than the 15,00,545 units registered a year ago, the FADA data showed.

Commenting on the performance last month, FADA President Ashish Harsharaj Kale said: "December sales de-growth was not on expected lines as the inquiry levels all through the month were quite robust. Consumer sentiment continues to be very weak as customers did not conclude on the purchase even after taking the effort of inquiring and despite the best offers being available." "The sharp decline in growth has denied the dealer community an opportunity to reduce its BS-IV inventory, making the transition to BS-VI trickier", he said, adding that with such a weak consumer sentiment, FADA recommends a very cautious approach to its members with serious focus on BS-IV inventory liquidation.

The FADA President also said that liquidity still remains a concern for the dealer community as well as for the retail customer as banking and finance industry continues to be in cautious mode despite sufficient liquidity being available.

FADA's statement said that it looks forward to demand spurring initiatives in the Union Budget and specific initiatives for the auto industry based on its feedback for the faster revival of much-needed sustainable growth.
Schiff Says Calling Hunter Biden as Impeachment Witness Would Be Illegitimate

House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), one of the House impeachment managers in the Senate trial, remarked that the question of witnesses might have to be resolved by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who will preside over the process.

It would certainly be fair for the president and his team to be able to call witnesses that can provide material information on the charges. It would not be appropriate for the president to seek to call witnesses to try and criticize former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter ahead of the 2020 election, Schiff suggested to CBS News on Monday night.

Hunter Biden, for example, cant tell us anything about whether the president withheld military aid, whether he withheld that aid to coerce Ukraine to conduct political investigations. Or why he wouldnt meet with the president of Ukraine, Schiff remarked.

Schiff, who was a former prosecutor, added that the only purpose in putting him on their list is they wish to trade material witnesses, like Mr. Bolton and Mulvaney and others for immaterial ones such as the Bidens.

Thats an illegitimate abuse of the trial. And the chief justice, who may have an opportunity to rule on materiality of witnesses, as well as the senators, should not permit that kind of abuse, he added.

Hunter and Joe Biden were at the center of the impeachment inquiry as President Donald Trump had asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to look into allegations of corruption at a Ukrainian gas company where Hunter Biden had served on the board while his father was the Obama administrations point man in Ukraine. Democrats allege that Trump withheld congressionally approved military aid to Kyiv in exchange for politically advantageous investigations into the Bidens, which Trump and Zelensky have both denied.

A phone call between Zelensky and Trump on July 25 became the subject of a whistleblower complaint that led to the impeachment inquiry last year. Democrats on Dec. 18 passed two articles of impeachment: Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress before handing them off to the Senate last week.

Some of Trumps GOP allies have said Hunter Biden would be a material witness as Trump had sought an investigation into allegations of corruption during the Obama administration. Last month, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released a statement saying they are trying to interview former White House officials during President Obamas time in office to shed light on the allegations surrounding Hunter Biden and Burisma.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told Fox News over the weekend that both Democrats and Republicans should have the chance to call their own witnesses.

That means, if the prosecution gets a witness, the defense gets a witness, Cruz said Sunday. That means, if the prosecution gets to call John Bolton, then the president gets to call Hunter Biden.

And attorney Alan Dershowitz, who is part of Trumps legal team, told This Week that witnesses will delay the trial.

The president will invoke executive privilege as to people like John Bolton. That will have to go to the court and well have to have a resolution of that before the trial continues, Dershowitz warned.
Only nine players make up the O'Neill St. Mary's girls basketball roster in 2021-22 and three of those nine are sophomores. All three started last year as freshmen, all three are averaging in double figures this year and all three have led the Cardinals to an 8-2 start.
Photo: Kevin Cortopassi/Flickr

Missed the most recent top news in Sacramento? Read on for everything you need to know.

Classic car found 3 days after it was stolen from WWII vet in Sacramento

A classic car that was stolen from a 106-year-old World War II veteran Friday was found three days later, the owner said.

Read the full story on KCRA 3.

Recent Hiram Johnson graduate identified as young man killed in South Sacramento stabbing

The name of the teenager who was stabbed to death in South Sacramento has been released, and the man accused of doing it is behind bars.

Read the full story on CBS13 CBS Sacramento.

3 people wounded in Howe Avenue drive-by shooting, Sacramento Sheriffs deputies say

Three people have been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after they were wounded in a shooting Sunday evening in the parking lot of an Arden Arcade apartment complex.

Read the full story on The Sacramento Bee.

Sacramento sorority makes push to get homeless population out to vote

A local sorority is working to make sure the homeless know how to register to vote.

Read the full story on ABC10.

This tax break cap can cost you money in Sacramento. And it isnt changing anytime soon.

Areas with a Democratic congressman like Sacramento will feel the sting of a limited deduction for state and local taxes more than people in Republican congressional districts. And theres little that can be done anytime soon.

Read the full story on The Sacramento Bee.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Patna: Disgruntled JD(U) leader Pavan Varma on Tuesday demanded a "full statement" from Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on the partys stand on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Population Register. This followed a strongly worded letter addressed to the party chief questioning the tie-up with the BJP in Delhi.

Talking to reporters at the airport here, Varma reiterated the need for "vaicharik spashtikaran" (ideological clarity) in the wake of the country-wide movement against the citizenship law.

Nitish Kumar has said NRC will not be implemented in Bihar while on NPR and CAA he has acknowledged the need for further discussions. But even on these issues, I want him to come out with a full statement, the former career diplomat, who ruffled many feathers by sharing screenshots of his two-page letter on social media, said.

"There is a need for ideological clarity as to whether, in the light of our partys constitution, we stand with the BJP in the light of the country-wide protests. Even an old BJP ally like the Akali Dal has shied away from an alliance with it for the Delhi Assembly polls on this issue. It must, therefore, be known what impelled the JD(U) to take such a step, Varma added.

This is the letter I have written to @NitishKumar today asking him how the JD(U) has formed an alliance with the BJP for the Delhi elections, given his own views on the BJP, and the massive national outrage against the divisive CAA-NPR-NRC scheme. pic.twitter.com/ErSynnuiYm  Pavan K. Varma (@PavanK_Varma) January 21, 2020

In the letter, Varma, the JD(U) national general secretary, questioned Nitish Kumar for aligning with the BJP beyond Bihar despite having expressed apprehensions "in private" about the BJP-RSS leading the nation into a "dangerous space".

"On more than one occasion, you have expressed your apprehensions about the BJP-RSS combine. In my first meeting with you in Patna in August 2012, even before I had resigned from the IFS, you had spoken to me at length and with conviction on why Narendra Modi and his policies are inimical for the country," Varma said.

In comments that may embarrass Kumar, Varma claimed that the JD(U) leader, even after joining hands with the BJP again in 2017, had confessed to him how the current saffron party leadership had "humiliated" him.

"You mentioned on more than one occasion that the BJP was leading India into a dangerous space. It was your personal view, as conveyed to me, that the BJP is destroying institutions and that there is a need for democratic and socialist forces within the country to regroup, a task for which you actually assigned a senior party official," Varma added, without disclosing who the JD(U) leader was.

Earlier, responding to queries about Varmas letter at the JD(U) state headquarters here, party spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad termed as a "positive development" the tie-up with the BJP in Delhi, which was agreed upon by "top leaders of both parties".

This has left "no scope for unnecessary controversy though people may have their personal opinions", he added.

Bihar BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand also came out with an angry tweet addressed to Varma, saying "you should not have made the letter public and rather discussed it in the party forum.

"In a way, you are questioning the top leadership of the party, besides violating its hierarchy and discipline and going against the collective essence and ethos of NDA," he said.

Varma expressed disgust over suggestions that his dissatisfaction stemmed from not being reconsidered for the Rajya Sabha of which he was a member between 2014 and 2016.

"It is a petty thing to say. I have never asked Nitish Kumar for a Rajya Sabha berth. If a party is in the business of politics, it ought to have some ideological congruity. Why do people making such allegations not talk on issues, ideology and the partys stance", he asked.

Varma also scoffed at suggestions that he was sore over his name not figuring in the list of JD(U) star campaigners for Delhi wherein another notable omission was Prashant Kishor, a strident critic of the CAA-NPR-NRC whose company provides parties with professional assistance during polls and has Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party as one of its clients.

"When I am not in support of the partys tie-up with the BJP in Delhi and questioning why the alliance has been extended outside Bihar in such a delicate time, where does the question of my becoming a star campaigner arise", he asked.

He also rejected as "completely baseless" speculation that he was planning to join the Congress, saying "had I intended to do so, I would have done so long back and openly, not clandestinely.

"Please understand that I have raised issues which are very important. JD(U) is a responsible political party and not a plaything. It needs to come clean on these issues," he said.

Replying to a query, he said "if the party thinks that my letter, which has stemmed from my concern for the JD(U), warrants any type of action against me, the leadership is free to do so".

About his next course of action in the event of JD(U) leadership not responding to his concerns satisfactorily, Varma who resigned from Indian Foreign Service in 2013 and started off as culture adviser to the Chief Minister with a cabinet rank quipped "in such a scenario I will be facing you people again, to disclose my future plans".
Oregon-based Old Trapper Beef Jerky has aligned with the Portland Timbers as presenting partner for the 2020 preseason training camp and tournament to be played February 16-22. The Portland Timbers will square off against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Minnesota United FC and New England Revolution at Providence Park.

The preseason tournament will consist of three doubleheaders at Providence Park. Portland will face Cascadia-rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, February 16, with kickoff set at 5PM. New England and Minnesota will face each other in the opening match that day at 2:30PM. On Wednesday, February 19, New England and Vancouver will play at 5PM, while Timbers play host to Minnesota United FC at 7:30PM. On the final day of the tournament, Saturday, February 22, Vancouver and Minnesota will face each other at 2:30PM. Portland and the New England Revolution are set to close out the tournament at 5PM.

We are excited to present this years preseason tournament and training camp as part of an ongoing partnership between Old Trapper, and Oregons team with the most loyal and active fans, said Robert Leary, Old Trappers Director of Marketing and Communications. Our goal as the northwests most popular and best-selling beef jerky brand is to be a fun and accessible as exemplified by the Old Trapper character himself. We are proud to partner once again with the Portland Timbers and look forward to an exciting 2020 season.

2020 Preseason Tournament Schedule

Sunday, Feb. 16

New England Revolution vs. Minnesota United FC; 2:30 p.m. (Pacific) Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC; 5 p.m. (Pacific)

Wednesday, Feb. 19

New England Revolution vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC; 5 p.m. (Pacific) Portland Timbers vs. Minnesota United FC; 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)

Saturday, Feb. 22

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Minnesota United FC; 2:30 p.m. (Pacific) Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution; 5 p.m. (Pacific)

###

ABOUT OLD TRAPPER SMOKED PRODUCTS

Old Trapper Smoked Products has produced its signature line of authentic handmade beef jerky from its headquarters in Forest Grove, Oregon since 1969. That 50 years of experience, complemented by continued investments in state-of-the-art processes, result in top-quality products that are distributed nationwide.http://www.OldTrapper.com
LONDON - Prince Harry joined his wife, Meghan, and their son, Archie, Tuesday on Canada's Vancouver Island, to begin mapping out a life outside the royal fold.

Harry and Meghan won their freedom, but things didn't go quite as planned. Two weeks ago, they announced they wanted to "step back" as front line royals and "carve out a progressive new role within this institution." But they aren't stepping back so much as stepping down.

As of the spring, the couple will no longer perform royal duties on behalf of the queen, receive public funding or be able to use their "royal highness" titles. They will continue to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, titles gifted to them by the queen on their wedding day.

The British tabloids have dubbed it a "hard Megxit" - playing off the most severe version of Brexit discussed in negotiations with the European Union.

In his first public comments on Sunday night, Harry suggested he didn't expect quite so many ties would be broken.

"Our hope was to continue serving the queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible," he said.

Peter Hunt, former royal correspondent for the BBC, tweeted: "There's no third way for senior royals. You either stiffen that lip or you leave."

A debate is underway in Britain about whether Harry and Meghan should be allowed to use their SussexRoyal brand - the name they use on their social media platforms and their newly launched website, where they still call themselves "Their Royal Highnesses."

They are also reportedly trying to register the SussexRoyal name as part of a global trademark.

Thomas Woodcock, a senior adviser to the queen who was speaking in a personal capacity, told the Times of London: "I don't think it's satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are [royal] or you're not."

Robert Lacey, a royal historian and consultant to "The Crown" TV series, suggested there would be a good case for giving up SussexRoyal.

"Neither Meghan nor Harry have anything special to do with the county of Sussex, and now they have been told they are not royal," Lacey said. "I think they should go out to the world as 'Harry and Meghan.' That's who they are, and that's what people love and respond to. Sussex is a posh, old-fashioned pre-revolution title of privilege and distinction and most people, especially young people, don't get it. They should leave all that behind."

While the couple hasn't outlined next steps, they could face a backlash if they attempt to cash in on their status.

When Prince Edward, the queen's youngest son, ran a television company, he was criticized for exploiting his connections to make royal documentaries, including "Edward on Edward," a film about his great uncle, Edward VIII.

Even those who don't have any royal titles - like the queen's grandchildren Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips - have faced criticism for allegedly trading off their relations.

Lacey said even having a "royal aura," as opposed to an actual royal title, can open members of the royal family to accusations of abusing their connections.

There may be other reasons, too, why the queen didn't greenlight a hybrid model for Harry and Meghan.

Canada, though it remains a member of the British Commonwealth, wasn't especially enthusiastic about becoming an outpost for the royal family.

"Our royals don't live here. They reign from a distance. Close to our hearts, far from our hearths," The Globe and Mail editorial board wrote last week.

But the newspaper seemed satisfied by the terms of the deal agreed over the weekend.

The editorial board wrote: "The Queen's decision announced on Saturday, under which Harry remains a member of the Queen's biological family, but is no longer a member of the Royal Family, is a neat bit of splitting hairs, and heirs. It answers the concern about a Royal resident changing Canada's distant, yet solid relationship to the Crown."

The queen's rejection of a half-in, half-out deal may also address potential grumbling within the royal family.

Robert Hazell, professor of government and the constitution at University College London, said the couple "must be allowed to opt out" of royal life, "because if they didn't have that right, then their position is akin to modern slavery. They're trapped in a gilded cage."

But he said any special treatment could spark complaints within the "the Firm," as the royals are said to call their family.

"If Harry and Meghan wanted to pick and choose, do engagements that interested them - and maybe this is unfair, but if they were interested in attending a film premiere in London's West End with other celebs, but less interested in being asked to go visit a primary school in Yorkshire and do the typical local event, . . . other members of the royal family might be rather resentful," Hazell said.

The queen, 93, is the undisputed captain of her ship, as she has demonstrated over the past two weeks. But she is also supported by a core team of working royals who fan out across the country, taking part in "engagements." Many of the events aren't glamorous; royals cut ribbons for new hospital wings, attend basketmaking trade fairs, open the new Highland Pony Society headquarters.

"I think people don't generally know quite how much hard work, and possibly rather boring work, it all involves. The visits are far more numerous than people think," Hazell said.

In 2019, 15 working royals took part over 3,500 engagements across Britain, according to figures compiled and published annually in the Times of London. Princess Anne, the queen's only daughter, is known for being one of the hardest working members of the royal family. Last year she carried out 506 engagements, second only to Prince Charles, who did 521 events.

In exchange for these public duties, senior royals receive public funds, paying for their lifestyle.

As Harry and Meghan enter into a "period of transition," there are already signs of a new approach. They are posting videos straight to their Instagram account. Meghan showed up at a Canadian charity wearing a sweater and jeans.

A palace official said after the new arrangements come into effect in the spring, they will be reviewed after a year and could be modified.

Being a half-in, half-out royal is "a nonstarter. You're either one or the other. You can't do both. Both leads to a conflict of interest," said Dickie Arbiter, the queen's former press secretary.

"Harry knows the rules, and Meghan may be frustrated by the rules, but it's not an option, which is why they have chosen both feet out rather than one foot in," he said.
[January 21, 2020] Stewart Title Promotes Wyomia Clifton to Group Senior Vice President; Expands Role in Northwest

Stewart Information Services Corporation announced today that Wyomia Clifton is being promoted to Group Senior Vice President for the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States and will be responsible for overseeing Direct Operations in Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Utah markets, on top of her existing markets of Alaska, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. "In her 12 years with Stewart, Wyomia has shown an ability to lead and grow Stewart's market share and drive innovation in the Pacific Northwest," Steve Lessack, Group President, Direct Operations, said. "Wyomia has been a high-performer and leader in the real estate industry for more than 20 years, especially in the state of Washington, and I have the utmost confidence she will continue to grow our Pacific Northwest and Mountain state markets." Since 2010, Clifton managed operations and sales in the Puget Sound Division, was promoted to Northwest Regional Sales Manager in 2015 and Senior Division President in 2017. Prior to joining Stewart, Clifton ran her own successful business in Kirkland, WA. "Strategic growth, innovation and customer experience will continue to be top of mind for our Direct Operations teams," said Clifton. "This is an exciting time for Stewart as a stanalone company and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead to expand our team, our brand, and our reputation in pursuit of our vision."



Clifton earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Business Relations and Politics/Government from the University of Puget Sound. About Stewart

Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE-STC) is a global real estate services company, offering products and services through our direct operations, network of Stewart Trusted Providers and family of companies. From residential and commercial title insurance and closing and settlement services to specialized offerings for the mortgage industry, we offer the comprehensive service, deep expertise and solutions our customers need for any real estate transaction. At Stewart, we believe in building strong relationships - and these partnerships are the cornerstone of every closing, every transaction and every deal. Stewart. Real partners. Real possibilities. More information is available at stewart.com, subscribe to the Stewart blog at blog.stewart.com, or follow Stewart on Twitter (News - Alert) @stewarttitleco. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005782/en/

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A skirt, bodice and bloomers owned by Queen Victoria have fetched more than 16,000 at auction - over a century after they were handed to a royal photographer.

The clothing, including a pair of boots thought to have belonged to the monarch, was passed down the generations after being presented to royal warrant-holder Alexander Lamont Henderson, and was sold by his great-great grandson Roderick Williams.

Derbyshire-based auction house Hansons sold off the 'almost complete' outfit on Tuesday with the boots and a black taffeta skirt smashing their guide prices to go for 4,000 each.

Another pair of boots sold for 2,000, two Victorian bodices worn by the monarch went for 4,000 and a pair of silk and wool cream stockings sold for 1,400.

A pair of Queen Victoria's bloomers fetched 650, while a cream silk parasol completed the set by selling for 520 - bringing the total sale up to 16,570 - over than 1,000 more than expected.

Of the items, two pairs of leather boots by J Sparks-Hall of London, a black taffeta skirt and two bodices were secured for a total of 14,000 by Historic Royal Palaces, to go at display at their exhibitions.

A skirt, bodice and bloomers owned by Queen Victoria have fetched more than 16,000 at Derbyshire-based auction house Hansons today - more than a century after they were handed to a royal photographer

Claudia Williams, Collections Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said: 'These acquisitions are an incredibly exciting addition to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, an internationally significant collection of over 10,000 items of royal and court dress cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.

'As the definitive collection of clothing relating to Queen Victoria's long widowhood, these objects will make an important contribution to our understanding of both the public image and private life of one of Britain's most instantly recognisable monarchs.

'As well as being included in future displays, these items reveal that, contrary to popular belief, Queen Victoria did not abandon all interest in her appearance after the death of her beloved Prince Albert, and highlight how  in an era of black and white photography - she exploited clothing's capacity to communicate, using it as a potent visual symbol of her undying love for her husband.'

The whole set sold for a similar price to a pair of Queen Victoria's bloomers, a chemise, and a nightdress sold by Hansons a decade ago.

A pair of Queen Victoria's bloomers fetched 650, seen, bringing the total sale up to 16,570 - over than 1,000 more than expected

Charles Hanson, owner of the auctioneers, said: 'As an auctioneer it's always wonderful to handle living history. In a turbulent world, we can look back at one of our greatest monarchs.

'Victoria was queen from 1837 to 1901 and had a deep impact on her country. Her leather ankle boots show how dainty and narrow her feet were.

'They are around a size four and the design paved the way to the Chelsea boot. The makers, J Sparks-Hall of London, claimed she wore their boots daily.'

Speaking about the items before they went on sale, Mr Williams, an electrical engineer from Coltishall, near Norwich, said: 'Queen Victoria's clothing and boots are family heirlooms which were originally given to my great-great grandfather, Alexander Lamont Henderson.

The clothing, including a pair of boots thought to have belonged to the monarch, was passed down the generations after being presented to royal warrant-holder Alexander Lamont Henderson. Victoria, seen, was queen from 1837 to 1901

'He worked as a royal photographer for Queen Victoria up to her death in 1901 and we think the clothes were probably given to him by servants in the royal household, perhaps in return for taking photographs of them.'

Mr Williams, 63, added: 'We think Alexander caught Queen Victoria's attention thanks to his experimental colour work with glass plate lantern slides and enamels.

'She commissioned several coloured enamel pictures. These included portraits of her husband Prince Albert and her Scottish attendant John Brown plus views of the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore.

'When my great-great grandfather died in 1907, the clothing was passed down through the generations. It's been kept in a wardrobe. I'm selling it now as I need to make some space.

'However, I'm not parting with Alexander's glass plate negatives and enamel pictures which are of a very high quality. He was an extremely talented photographer.'

Alexander Lamont Henderson's great-great grandson Roderick Williams (seen) decided to sell the clothing after clearing out his wardrobe
There aren't many companies in the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland that can trace their history back as far as CCP Gransden.

Even more remarkable is the fact that the company has stayed in the same family all these years. The company's current managing director Jim Erksine is a direct descendant of co-founder Gussie Hamilton.

The Ballygowan-based firm, which employs around 25 people, specialises in advanced composite manufacture. It supplies the aerospace, transportation and security and defence industries.

Jim himself has been managing director at the company for 15 years, but he didn't start his career there.

But in his teenage years, Jim spent his summer holidays working for the family business.

"I brushed out, I cleaned up, I did whatever they wanted me to and I did anything to help," he explains.

"Initially I wasn't interested in working in the business, but I suppose you do feel a certain obligation to keep it going.

"I went to Queen's University and studied mechanical engineering and I went off and worked in a number of jobs and travelled to different countries.

"I suppose in some sense I was lucky my father gave me space to go and do something else first.

"There is also personal burden and responsibility with going into business and I was also lucky I was allowed to make mistakes elsewhere."

The company traces its roots back to 1894 and was originally located at the docks in Belfast where Titanic was built.

In 1892, Belfast engineer Augustus Warren Hamilton, known as Gussie to his friends, travelled to Canada on a ship called Head Line, and it was in a city called Miramichi, located near Nova Scotia, that he met and fell in love with Annie Harley.

However, Gussie's finances were not secure so he was unable to marry Annie.

She made a promise to wait for him and he returned to Belfast and borrowed money which enabled him to establish Hamilton and McMaster Engineering Co in 1894 alongside a friend.

At the time, Belfast was the premier shipbuilding centre of the world and his firm began to undertake engineering and ship repair work.

Within five years, the company was on sound footing and all debts had been repaid, meaning Annie was able to move to Belfast and the couple were finally reunited and married.

While their love story was complete, the future of Hamilton and McMaster was not assured and challenges lay ahead.

With the arrival of the First World War in 1914, the company was recognised by the Admiralty for dry docking repairs.

In 1917, the McMaster partnership dissolved and the firm became AW Hamilton and Co.

The Great Depression in the 1930s brought a downturn in fortunes and for a period, senior management even went without a salary just so the company could cover the cost of materials. Men had to queue for any work they could get, and in some cases, this was for only one or two hours in a day.

Even harder times lay ahead during both World Wars when it was listed as a key reserve occupation.

Despite employing more than 400 extra labourers at this time, the company couldn't claim any profits and suffered a post-war recession.

It somehow managed to escape the devastation caused by the Belfast Blitz, narrowly surviving several major fires.

In 1959, the company bought out David Scott and Sons and a decision was taken to diversify, leading to the establishment of Corrosion Control Ltd.

While the company grew, however, further turmoil lay ahead in the form of the Troubles, which began in 1969.

In October 1972, nearby Catholic-owned Benny's Bar, located in the Sailortown area of the city, was attacked in a no-warning car bomb.

Two little girls celebrating Halloween outside the pub were killed and the company premises were damaged in the explosion.

But despite the bloodshed going on around the city and the challenges this created for business, the company continued to operate.

In 1974, it was renamed Corrosion Control Plastics and the firm continued to diversify and adapt to the changing needs of manufacturers.

In 1985 came a takeover of Gransden (Bi-Chem) and the company became a leading distributor of wastewater chemicals across Ireland and much of the UK.

Further evolution lay ahead and a decision was taken diversify into the world of composites, which is its area of expertise now.

It is a remarkable story and Jim is proud that the company has continued through the generations. "I suppose my son would be the fifth generation," says Jim.

"We've also been with Ulster Bank since the very start and I would think we're their longest surviving customer.

"We actually have cheques from 1910, from when the banks used to keep cheques and return them to you.

"I think an important part of our success has been the willingness to diversify, to find ways to move the business on and move with the times.

"Composite can be very basic or very, very technical and advanced, and we now have a very advanced manufacturing system in place and we primarily supply aerospace and some automotive customers. Composites are primarily used where they offer some kind of performance improvement, so they would typically be making a product stronger or lighter.

"In addition to that, with careful design, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and that is very important as well.

"Composites aren't cheaper, they are normally more expensive, but by using them, a company can made considerable savings.

"For example, every aircraft needs to be economical and by making the aircraft lighter you can save a lot of money for customers.

"It's the same thing for the automotive industry, the cost of using composites might be higher but by doing so, it increases the strength and rigidity and reduces the weight of the vehicle.

"Reducing the weight means you get better fuel efficiency, better acceleration and better performance while having to do less work."

He says constant innovation is crucial in the business. "We are constantly looking at new ways of doing things, of improving how we do things for our customers.

"If we don't offer performance improvement in a product and if we can't make composites by the best method, someone else will.

"It's vitally important that we do what we can to meet our customers' expectations and we frequently work with them to develop prototypes.

"It does mean that we have to make quite a large investment and the process can take a long time.

"It involves a process of us designing for the manufacturer, what their requirements are, and the process can take six months to several years in the aerospace industry before a prototype is ready for use.

"It takes considerable investment and hopefully there will be good returns in the end."

Just as the business has stayed in the family for 125 years, Jim said they have also worked hard to recruit and retain a loyal staff.

In some cases, employees have worked for CCP Gransden for 35 years and this continuity has been crucial in ensuring the company's success.

"We now have about 25 employees and they are mostly engineers," continues Jim.

"We also have people working in the office and sales.

"Sales is such an important part of the business - without sales you don't have a business, it really is the bread and butter.

"We work very hard on building up relationships with good customers, we put a lot of emphasis on that.

"Of course, our customers have changed over the years and we have moved from more the industrial sector to more aerospace and automotive where the advances in composite opportunities have increased.

"Twenty years ago, they wouldn't have used composites at all.

"It was difficult to get those customers, particularly in the aerospace industry because they have such a high requirement for certification and such an extensive approval process.

"We have to handle an awful lot of data, for example, every part we produce has to have a birth certificate so they can trace back where it came from and we have to be able to track every single component that goes into every single item we make for customers.

"That information has to be available for the duration of the life of the part and that can be 25 years."

Acknowledging that for all its success, the company isn't the biggest engineering firm in Northern Ireland.

However, Jim said that this can be a draw from some engineers and it also creates a greater sense of satisfaction.

He explained: "I think with a small company, the advantage is that the engineer gets much more exposure to a range of different functions.

"All our engineers are expected to be salespeople as well, they will meet the customers and they get much more exposure to the business side of things.

"They understand that every job has to be created right and you have to make it within budget.

"For me, I think you have to enjoy your work and I suppose it's rewarding and satisfying to work with some of the organisations and know that we have contributed to their success.

"It's nice and pleasing to do well, not everything is easy in business, but when you do do well, it's nice to see some success.

"That means a lot to everyone in the company."

@Lisa_J_Smyth
The government of Bolivia has decided to suspend its recognition of the self-proclaimed SADR and cut all ties with the Algerian-backed Polisario separatist group, deepening their international isolation.

The move was announced on Monday by the Bolivian ministry of foreign Affairs. In a press release, this South American country said it adopts constructive neutrality regarding the Sahara issue and supports the efforts engaged by the UN and the international community for a just, durable and mutually acceptable political solution to this regional conflict.

Bolivia is determined to build a new relationship with Morocco, based on mutual respect of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries, says the press release.

Bolivias move comes following the diplomatic rapprochement between Morocco and the South American country since the fall of the dictatorship of Evo Morales in November 2019.

Bolivias decision deals another hard blow to the Tindouf-based separatists who have already been abandoned by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, El Salvador, Barbados All these Latin American countries support Moroccos territorial integrity and the UN-led exclusive political process for a lasting resolution of the Sahara issue.

In his speech made on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Green March, celebrated on Nov.6, King Mohammed VI said that more than 163 countries, the majority of UN member states, do not recognize the fictitious entity, which is funded, armed and sheltered by the Algerian regime.

The growing international support for the Moroccanness of the Sahara has also been confirmed by the partnerships and agreements covering the Sahara, which have been signed by Morocco with influential powers and many sisterly countries, underlined the Monarch.

Lately, several African countries have also reaffirmed their support to Moroccos territorial integrity and their backing to the Sahara as being an integral part of Morocco by opening consulates in the southern Moroccan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla.

Just last Friday, Gabon and Guinea inaugurated their diplomatic representations in Laayoune and Dakhla, respectively.

Gambia also opened a consulate in Dakhla earlier this month, while the consulate general of the Comoros in Laayoune has started providing its services since December 2019.
If the best friend supports it, then it must be a good thing. After the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the whole world united to celebrate the brief reunion of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. One of those people supporting it was none other than Courteney Cox, Anistons longtime best friend.

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston shared a moment at the SAG Awards

Pitt and Aniston were married from 2000 to 2005. After their divorce, the two remained amicable. Pitt even attended Anistons 50th birthday party in February 2019.

While its been a known fact that Aniston and Pitt are both exes and friends, that did not stop the world from freaking out over their interactions at the SAG Awards.

Aniston won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her work in The Morning Show. After her win, videos appeared online of Pitt watching her acceptance speech from backstage.

We forever want to watch Brad watch Jen receive her Actor #sagawards pic.twitter.com/4arINQhKQx  SAG Awards (@SAGawards) January 20, 2020

Pitt won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Backstage at the awards show, Pitt and Aniston shared a brief hug.

Jennifer Aniston was asked about Brad Pitt

While the interaction between Aniston and Pitt was brief, it was a hug seen around the world. After Anistons SAG win, ET Canadas Cheryl Hickey brought up Pitt watching Anistons acceptance speech.

What does it feel like to have his love and support, all your friends love and support? Hickey asked.

It means everything, we all grew up together, this whole room. Thats why their performances just move me and excite me and allow me to be here. Its fantastic, Aniston said.

She continued, Were part of a community together and now we get to get back to work. Were up at 4 and were there for 16 hours and we rinse and repeat, and its a lot of work so its nice to have a night where you get to dress up and celebrate each other and go back to the hair and makeup truck, learn your monologues.

Courteney Cox liked a lot of photos of the reunion

After Aniston and Pitt reunited backstage at the SAG Awards, photos of their friendly hug spread across social media.

Oh em geeeee, Hillary Duff commented on a video of Pitt watching Anistons acceptance speech.

OMG IM FREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW . The smiles, Becca Tilley commented on an Instagram post by E! News.

Omg, Jordin Sparks commented on the same post.

Cox, Anistons best friend, also seemed to support the reunion but in a more subtle way. The Friends star liked multiple posts on Instagram of Pitt and Aniston at the SAG Awards. According to ET, Cox also liked a very telling fan comment that read: They still love each other, no doubt.

Its good to know Cox supports her friend and former co-star no matter what. While some have interpreted Cox liking the pictures as her freaking out like the rest of the world, there is a chance Cox just finds everyones hysteria about the reunion to be funny.
The presidents of France and the United States said Monday they agreed to extend negotiations over a French tax on digital companies including Google and Facebook, postponing Washingtons threat of sanctions against Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted in French and in English on Monday that he had had a great discussion with Donald Trump on the tax and that the pair had agreed to work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.

The US President replied Excellent! in a tweet that sits among messages looking ahead to the US presidents visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and to todays impeachment trial in the US Senate.

Last year, Paris approved a levy on up to 3 percent of revenues earned by technology companies in France, as part of international efforts to find a fiscal model for tech companies that often pay little tax in countries in which they earn revenue via online sales and advertising.

Washington said the tax singled out US companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Netflix, and threatened duties of up to 100 percent of the value of French imports of emblematic products, including Champagne and Camembert cheese.

The two countries have been seeking a deal to avert the US threat of duties on up to 2 billion euros worth of French products. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who has been conducting negotiations, described the talks as very difficult on Monday.

Le Maire was to meet US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin at the Davos forum on Wednesday to continue talks seeking a deal in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

France is pursuing its objective of fair taxation on digital companies and finding a compromise within the framework of the OECD, Macrons office said Monday.

France has said it would drop its tax if an international agreement was reached.

(with AFP)
Huawei Canada has released a new statement regarding its CFO Meng Wanzhou, and its legal battle in Canada. The companys spokesperson said that the company believes the judicial system will prove Meng Wahzhous innocence.

Huaweis spokesperson said that it cannot give specific comments regarding an ongoing legal proceeding, but he did say that the company believes in Canadas judicial system.

Huawei hopes that Meng Wanzhou will soon be together with her friends and family

He also mentioned that Huawei fully backs its CFO, Meng Wanzhou, as she is in pursuit of both justice and freedom. The company hopes that Ms. Meng will soon be together with her family, colleagues, and friends.

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This statement has been published in both written and video formats. The written statement has been linked in the first paragraph, while the video statement is embedded below the article.

China sent an appeal to Canada to release Meng Wanzhou, hours before she was scheduled to appear in court. That appeal was not accepted by Canada, it seems, as the country seems determined to sort things out in court.

Now, for those of you who are out of the loop, this hearing will focus on whether U.S. allegations are also a crime in Canada. Meng Wanzhou is actually facing extradition to the U.S. as well.

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The U.S. asked Canada to deliver Ms. Wanzhou on several occasions thus far, but that did not happen, at least not yet. This trial could take months, maybe even years, who knows. Its really difficult to predict at this point.

Ms. Wanzhous trial is not Huaweis only problem at the moment

Ms. Wanzhous case is not Huaweis only issue at the moment. The company has been placed on the trade blacklist by the U.S., which, amongst other things, prevents Huawei from using Google services on its devices.

That caused for a very limited release of the companys flagship phones, the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro. Huawei is working on its very own alternatives for Googles apps and services, and those will probably debut with the Huawei P40 on a global scale.

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In any case, the company has its hands full at the moment, of that there is no doubt. Despite all of those issues, however, Huawei managed to sell a record number of smartphones last year.

It will be interesting to see what will happen this year, though, especially if the trade ban doesnt get removed. Huawei is one of the worlds largest smartphone manufacturers, and it would be a shame to see such an important competitor to lag behind.

It is worth noting that the U.S. already signed its first trade deal with China, though Huawei was not included. That whole situation will hopefully be sorted out in the near future, though.

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Huawei statement regarding Meng Wanzhou pic.twitter.com/JtO88uTXYD  Huawei Canada (@Huawei_Canada) January 20, 2020
When President Donald Trump's historic impeachment trial is called to order in the Senate this week, he won't be watching from inside the chamber or on television from the White House. He'll be thousands of miles away at the Davos economic forum in the Swiss Alps, trying to charm global CEOs over dinner.

Trump's participation in the annual World Economic Forum will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them. His two-day visit to Switzerland will test his ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Administration officials say Trump remains focused on serving the public.

"The president's work doesn't stop just because of the impeachment sham, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in an email.

Trump, who departs Washington on Monday night, said he's going to Davos to encourage businesses to invest in the US.

"We're now where the action is, he said at a farmers' convention Sunday in Texas.

Swooping in for what will be his second appearance at the annual Swiss economic forum, Trump was scheduled to arrive at the ski resort early Tuesday and jet back on Wednesday to a Washington that will be consumed by the impeachment trial.

Trump will give a speech at the forum and meet with world leaders and business executives.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraine's president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic political rival.

Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they can't deny him reelection in November. Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the US.

"Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world, he said at the White House last week. "There's nothing even close. I'll be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here.

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Trump is set to meet with. But he will hold talks with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forum's founder, the White House said Monday.

Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Trump's many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

"She's new and she's formidable, said Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for US-EU relations.

It could either go very well or very badly, Goodman said. Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100 per cent on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports. France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a great discussion about the digital tax and "will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.

The US has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on USD 7.5 billion worth of European airplanes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Trump also has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German autos, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Trump heads to Switzerland as just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial. Johnson and Clinton were both acquitted by the Senate.

There is precedent for international travel by an impeached U.S. leader.

During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He traveled to Jordan for King Hussein's funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted by the Senate.

Two days after acquittal, Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial. He also has talked about traveling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.
The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed 17 persons killed in a road crash at Yardudu village, Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, 14 other persons were injured and all the victims were evacuated to the Primary Health Centre, Mashi.

According to him, the incident involved, a motor vehicle DAF trailer with registration No. XE 611 KTN, driven by one Sale Hangay, aged 35 years of Katsina.

The accident occurred when the driver was coming from Maiaddua Local Government Area of Katsina State heading to Lagos with the said trailer, fully loaded with cows and passengers.

However, on reaching the scene of the accident the head of the trailer got disengaged from the carrier (body) and fell under the bridge.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sanusi Buba, commiserates with the good people of Katsina State over the unfortunate incident and has already summoned a meeting with all the relevant stakeholders of the transport industry in Katsina State.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Kunming international convention and exhibition center in southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 20, 2020. Xi visited the center to learn about the supply of necessities and the sale of domestic and foreign commodities ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year. Xi talked warmly with the crowd and extended his Chinese New Year's greetings to people of all ethnic groups in the country. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

KUNMING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday visited the Kunming international convention and exhibition center in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Xi visited the center to learn about the supply of necessities and the sale of domestic and foreign commodities ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.

Xi talked warmly with the crowd and extended his Chinese New Year's greetings to people of all ethnic groups in the country.
The post-mortem report of the 20-year-old girl whose family alleged rape and assault by two men has confirmed that she died from multiple fractures and a shock due to an injury to kidney after an accident on the Yamuna Expressway, police said on Tuesday.

However, a report of medical diagnostics involving the vaginal swab of the deceased is yet to be out and that will confirm if she was raped or not, police said.

"The autopsy has re-confirmed the observations of a femur bone fracture of the private hospital in Jewar where she was first treated before being referred to Delhi," DCP (I) Sankalp Sharma told PTI.

"The report stated that she died as a result of shock due to injury to kidney and multiple fractures produced by blunt force impact, which generally happens in cases of road accident," he added.

"So far there is no evidence of rape. However, the vaginal swab of the deceased has been taken for observation and we would get its report in about a week, Sharma said.

The woman had died at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in Delhi on Sunday where she was brought on Friday night after preliminary medication at a private hospital in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Jewar area, according to police.

The woman, who worked in a private firm in Sector 68 here, had gone to Mathura along with a co-worker (20) and her brother (22) and another mutual friend (21).

She met with an accident on Friday evening while returning.

The incident had taken place on the Yamuna Expressway at the 66th milestone while returning from Mathura, police said.

On Saturday, police received a complaint from the girl's family who alleged that she was raped and assaulted by the two men who accompanied her on the trip.

Subsequently, an FIR was registered under the Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and under relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act at the Sector 49 police station.

DCP Sharma said there have been no arrests so far and the probe is being transferred to Mathura district, where the incident had taken place.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
KYODO NEWS - Jan 21, 2020 - 13:02 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday Japan needs to be on high alert and take necessary measures against a new coronavirus amid a spike in patients in China ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays.

In a meeting at the prime minister's office, Abe instructed Cabinet ministers to strengthen quarantine efforts, monitor patients suspected of contracting the virus and gather the latest information in coordination with international organizations.

"Although we are not in a situation in which continuous human-to-human transmission has been confirmed, the number of patients has been rising in China. We need to be more vigilant," Abe said during the meeting.

As of Monday, around 220 people were confirmed to have been infected with the new coronavirus in cities and provinces in China, including Beijing and Shanghai. A fourth person has died of pneumonia caused by the virus, local health authorities in the Chinese city of Wuhan said Tuesday.

Japan confirmed its first case of infection last week after a man in his 30s tested positive for pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus. He returned to Japan in early January after travelling to Wuhan where the virus outbreak likely originated in December.

Japanese authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of the virus as many Chinese tourists are expected to arrive in Japan during the Chinese New Year holidays from Jan. 24 to 30.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the government will do "all it can" to prevent an outbreak in the country.

"We will ask passengers flying from Wuhan to answer questionnaires about their health condition," Suga said at a press conference.

"We also have a system at hospitals across the nation to monitor pneumonia patients if they have traveled to Wuhan and the cause (of infection) is not clear," the top government spokesman said.

Amid the surge in infections in China, the World Health Organization is expected to convene an emergency meeting later this week.

Related coverage:

China reports 4th death as new virus infection among humans confirmed

Around 220 confirmed as carriers of new coronavirus in China

New coronavirus may "infect" China's decelerating economy
New details have been revealed about what happened inside a River Walk nightclub that killed two people and injured five others Sunday night.

Witnesses on scene said the shooter, later identified as 19-year-old Kiernan Christopher Williams, got into a verbal and physical confrontation with 20-year-old Robert Jay Martinez III during a concert at Ventura Bar, according to an arrest affidavit.

One witness said they had turned away from the argument when they heard the gunfire erupt, the affidavit said. Another witness said they saw Williams intentionally shoot Martinez, the document continued.

RELATED: SAPD: Arrest made in deadly River Walk bar shooting that killed 2, injured 5

Williams then continued to fire his weapon into the crowded venue, hitting six other people, police said.

Martinez died on scene with a gunshot wound to the chest. The second victim, 25-year-old Alejandro Robles, was shot once in the back and later died at the hospital.

The other victims, a 46-year-old woman and four male victims ranging in age from 16 to 19, are expected to survive their injuries, police said.

Witnesses were able to identify Williams from a photo lineup, the affidavit said. He was arrested Monday near the 100 block of S. Zarzamora Street.

After his arrest, Williams told reporters he acted in self-defense as he was put into the back of a police vehicle.

On Express-News: Shooting left grieving families and shocked a downtown San Antonio neighborhood

"He told me because I bumped into him he was gon' kill me," Williams said.

Williams was listed as one of the performers at the Living the Dream event that was scheduled that night at the venue. It is unclear if he had performed before the shooting occurred.

He was charged with capital murder-multiple persons, according to court records. More charges are expected, Chief William McManus told reporters Monday.

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
michael barbaro

From The New York Times, Im Michael Barbaro. This is The Daily. Today: As the impeachment trial of President Trump resumes this afternoon, senators remain bitterly divided over every element of the proceedings. Peter Baker on why it was such a different story during the last impeachment trial. Its Tuesday, January 21. Peter Baker, what do you remember from this day, almost exactly 21 years ago, when the Senate trial and the impeachment of President Bill Clinton begins?

peter baker

Boy, it was just a fraught day. You had Republicans and Democrats trying to figure out how to get through it without blowing up the country. And I was a White House reporter for the Washington Post at the time. I had been covering this story from the first days when the news of the Ken Starr investigation had broke.

archived recording 1  potentially damaging cloud is hanging over the White House this morning CNN has confirmed  archived recording 2  that independent counsel Kenneth Starr is investigating whether the president asked a former White House intern to lie about a relationship she says, or at least alleges, to have with the president.

peter baker

It was a time that really divided the public over this president and what he had done.

archived recording (bill clinton) I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.

peter baker

Hed been accused of lying under oath and obstructing justice by covering up his affair with a White House intern.

archived recording 1 A defining day for the future of President Clinton, special prosecutor Ken Starr, Congress, and the country. Heres the latest. Details of the Ken Starr accusations are officially out. archived recording 2 Dan, this report accuses the president of lying, obstruction of justice, tampering with witnesses before the grand jury. In the view of the independent counsel, it all grows out of the presidents relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

peter baker

The polls showed that most people were against impeachment. Most people were for Clinton staying in office. But the anger and the emotion of that moment was very real.

archived recording 1 We are witnessing nothing less than the symptoms of a cancer on the American presidency. If we fail to remove it, it will expand to destroy the principles that matter most to all of us. archived recording 2 The question is whether the truth matters. And there are some who seem to be saying that the truth really doesnt matter. Basically, I think what those people who would assert that have to be saying is that power is what matters. And the risk for us there is that that seems to me to be the sure prescription for tyranny.

peter baker

The House impeachment process was divided and divisive.

archived recording The president had an affair. He lied about it. He didnt want anyone to know about it. Does anyone reasonably believe that this amounts to subversion of government? Does anyone reasonably believe that this is what the founding fathers were talking about?

peter baker

The Democrats wanted to encourage this idea that the Republicans were being partisan, because that was going to be their defense.

archived recording This is indeed a Republican coup detat.

peter baker

Their defense was, theyre coming after our guy. Its illegitimate. Its a witch hunt. Its a coup. You may recognize some of these terms.

archived recording 1 This march to impeachment is an attempt to undo and overthrow a duly elected president and ignores the will of the people. archived recording 2 We have frayed our fragile bases for bipartisan cooperation, making the impeachment process just one more pathogen in the medical chest of toxic politics.

peter baker

And so by the time the issue reaches the House floor for a vote, the country is kind of convulsing here.

archived recording On this vote, the yeas are 228. The nays are 206. Article I is adopted.

peter baker

The House then passes two of the four articles of impeachment that were sent by the Judiciary Committee on largely party line votes, setting up, you know, this very divisive trial to come. The idea that this is not a bipartisan effort at this point. It is the president versus the other party. And its so divisive that you saw the senators on the other side watching in kind of horror, because they didnt want that to happen. Trent Lott was the Republican leader at the time, a senator from Mississippi, and he talks by phone over this period with Tom Daschle, who is his Democratic counterpart. And both of them were expressing this great nervousness that the Senate would be consumed by the fires that they had seen burn up the House. They did not want a circus-like environment. They did not want the ugliness, the partisanship, and each of them on the phone was kind of relieved to discover that the other one felt the same way.

michael barbaro

And why did they feel that way? I mean, if the rest of their party in the next door chamber is behaving this way, what is so problematic about that for them?

peter baker

You know, at the time and traditionally the Senate has looked at things differently than the House. They have seen themselves as a more mature body, less reactive to the moods of the moment. Remember, they have six-year terms. They dont have to face the voters every two years. They have more freedom to exercise their judgment without worrying about an instant political consequence. So traditionally, the Senate has been more restrained and, you know, less partisan than the House. And they wanted to make sure that that stayed that way during the trial that was about to start.

michael barbaro

So the Senate Republican leader and the Senate Democratic leader, theyre basically having back-channel conversations about how to have a civilized impeachment process.

peter baker

Exactly. Remember, we had not had a Senate impeachment trial of a president since 1868  since Andrew Johnson  because Nixon resigned before there was any trial. So nobody really knew how it was supposed to work. And so it fell to the Republican leader Trent Lott and the Democrat leader Tom Daschle to figure out just the rules of the road. How are they going to proceed? What would it look like? Who would say what, when, and what possible actions would be allowed during a trial? And rather than have a food fight over just the rules, they sat on the phone during this Christmas season before the new year, when they would start the trial, kind of beginning to talk through these various issues. How can we join together? Tom Daschle said, were going to co-pilot our way through this together. They wanted to get through this hand-in-hand, even though they were going to vote in different ways when it came to the actual conviction or acquittal. They wanted to hold hands through it, so that the process at least didnt fracture the Senate the way it had the House.

archived recording (tom daschle) Senator Lott and I have worked probably more closely in the last two or three weeks in trying to resolve how were going to proceed than we worked on anything since weve been leaders.

michael barbaro

So how did they actually go about co-piloting the Senate trial?

9

Im very pleased that we are here together to announce that at 30 tomorrow morning in the Old Senate Chamber that we will have a bipartisan Senate conference, so that we can talk to each other and listen to each other and understand what were actually suggesting as to how we should proceed.

peter baker

You know, it led to a meeting in the Old Senate Chamber. Now the Old Senate Chamber is where the Senate used to meet before the big wings were built on the Capitol. And its a smaller, more intimate and historic room. And so in that room, no reporters, no cameras. They all sat there and talked through their views about how the process should work, and really its Trent Lott and Tom Daschle leading the way. They didnt want to tear apart the institution. They knew at the end of the day, when the trial was over, they still had to work together. They still had a couple more years of governing before the next election, and they didnt want that to be consumed by bitterness and bile.

michael barbaro

So Peter, how does all of this consensus at the top of the Senate, on both sides of the aisle, how does that influence the rules for the trial?

peter baker

Well, one thing that was different than it is now is that there was kind of an agreement by Republicans and Democrats that they werent all that excited about the idea of witnesses. Everybody who had anything to tell us about this episode had already testified to the grand jury. We knew what everybodys point of view was. We knew what the evidence was. Unlike now, right, today there are witnesses that weve never heard from. We dont know what they would tell us. Back then, we knew what Monica Lewinskys story was. We knew what President Clintons story was. And so the argument was, why have witnesses? Particularly because it was a sensitive matter. Nobody  Republican or Democrat  wanted Monica Lewinsky on the floor of the Senate talking about various sex acts. Right? That was just way beyond what any senator thought they could stomach. And so they came up with a set of rules that would put off the question of witnesses first. And say, lets just open the trial with 24 hours of opening arguments by the House managers, the prosecutors, and 24 hours of arguments by the White House side defending him, and then well have questions from the senators passed up on note cards to the chief justice who will then ask them out. And then after we have that, then we can decide whether we want any witnesses or not. So they came up with a set of rules, and the Republicans and Democrats agreed on it. Not only did they agree on it, they actually voted 100 to zero 

michael barbaro

Wow.

peter baker

 to approve the set of rules, which is pretty remarkable if you think about it today.

michael barbaro

Every single senator, without fail, agreed on the rules for this trial.

peter baker

Exactly right, and that just freaked out the White House, the White House 

michael barbaro

What do you mean?

peter baker

Well, they didnt want consensus. Consensus is not good for them. 100 to 0 was not a vote they wanted. They wanted a party line vote, because a party line vote meant that the president could not be removed from office. As long as the battle was a us versus them, as long as it was about Republicans versus Democrats, there was no way that the presidents critics could get to two-thirds majority to remove him from office. So they wanted to maintain this as a partisan process. And the 100-to-0 vote sent the wrong signal. In fact, it falls to John Podesta, the White House chief of staff, to call up Senator Daschles aides. And hes furious. Hes livid. What are you guys doing, hes asking. You know, he made fun of all the senators and their, quote, preening little unity dance, he said. I hope they feel good about it. 100-to-0 vote was nerve-racking for this White House.

michael barbaro

So the White House message is, we dont like the kind of consensus that you are reaching, because its not politically advantageous to us, even though it would seem to represent a modern achievement of non-partisanship. So how does Daschle respond to that?

peter baker

Well, Daschle makes a point of not directly talking to them, but his staff says trust us. Its going to be O.K. Were going to get through this. Youre not going to be convicted. This doesnt change the votes. It just means that were going to do it in a different way than the House did it. Were not going to in fact let it become the spectacle that we think the House had become. So, you know, the White House is left kind of on the sidelines here a little bit. Theyre not able to dictate the process the way they would have liked to, and theyre kind of nervous about it.

michael barbaro

Now it seems notable, is it not, that Daschle is not talking to the White House? Is that a deliberate strategy on his part?

peter baker

It is. He thinks that talking to the White House would optically look bad. His job now is to be a juror of sorts. And while, of course, everybody understood which side he was going to be on in the end, he thought that he at least had the obligation to look independent of the White House. Of course, the staffs were talking all the time. So it wasnt all independent. But at least for an external appearance, he thought it was important the senators not look like theyre simply 

michael barbaro

 coordinating 

peter baker

 coordinating directly with the White House, exactly. And there were Democrats who were very angry, particularly in the Senate, at President Clinton and expressed so. In fact, you know, at one point, Pat Leahy, the Democratic senator from Vermont, is talking to the president on the phone late one night from home. And hes so upset, he says, Bill, youre a damn, damn, damn fool.

michael barbaro

Wow.

peter baker

So there was this sense that anything could happen. In fact, Tom Daschle had a list of about 10 Democratic senators he was kind of worried about, that he thought in theory could under some circumstances jump ship. And that might create a cascade effect that if it didnt convict the president, it might put pressure on him to resign the way Republicans put pressure on Richard Nixon to resign in 1974. One of President Clintons top aides told him during the impeachment process. He said, Republicans wont be able to remove you from office, but Democrats might be able to. And that was where it was as the trial was about to get under way.

michael barbaro

Well be right back.

archived recording (strom thurmond) [GAVEL] The Senate will come to order. The senators will take their seats. All others will remove themselves from the floor.

michael barbaro

Peter, what actually happens once the Senate trial begins?

archived recording (william rehnquist) Senators, I attend the Senate in conformity with your notice for the purpose of joining with you for the trial of the president of the United States.

peter baker

Well, you had this remarkable display. First of all, you had the Chief Justice William Rehnquist as the presiding officer. Thats the way the Constitution has it.

archived recording (william rehnquist) At this time, I will administer the oath to all senators in the chamber.

peter baker

Displayed in front of him are 100 United States senators all sitting in their desks. That by itself is extraordinary. That almost never happens.

archived recording (william rehnquist) And do you solemnly swear that in all things appertaining to the trial of the impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States, now pending, you will do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws so help you God?

peter baker

So the chief justice was right. There were 13 members of the House Representatives, all Republicans from the Judiciary Committee, who were going to be the prosecutors  theyre called managers under this system. To the left of the chief justice was the table for the White House team that included the White House counsel and a handful of other attorneys, both government and private, who were going to defend him in this case. And you had words like impeachment, high crimes and misdemeanors, warrants the removal. These words were hanging in the air and gave, I think, a sense of gravity to the moment, even to people who were very partisan and knew already which way they wanted to vote.

michael barbaro

And as the Republicans  as the House managers who are prosecuting this case  start to make their case, what are the points that theyre making?

peter baker

Well, one thing about this case is that the facts were more or less set. We knew that the president had not told the truth under oath about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. And a lot of people believe he had also obstructed justice by encouraging other witnesses to lie. So the issue was less about the facts than it was what you made of the facts. Really the question is, O.K., if he committed a crime, if you believe he committed a crime, is it a high crime? Is it worthy of removal from office?

archived recording (william rehnquist) The managers for the House of Representatives have 24 hours to make presentation of their case. The Senate will now hear you. The presiding officer recognizes Mr. Manager Hyde to begin the presentation of the case for the House of Representatives.

peter baker

And leading off the case is Henry Hyde, whos the head of the managers.

archived recording (henry hyde) We are brought together on this solemn and historic occasion to perform important duties assigned to us by the Constitution.

peter baker

And he starts off and in his classically typically, you know, high altitude, lofty kind of tones about duty and honor and the Constitution.

archived recording (henry hyde) We are here, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished senators, as advocates for the rule of law, for equal justice under the law, and for the sanctity of the oath.

peter baker

Remember though, because they had 13 managers, everybody had to get up and say something. Theyre all politicians. Each of them wanted their moment in the sun, and not all of them were as good as the others. But then there was this guy from South Carolina.

archived recording (lindsey graham) Were here to judge our president. Were here to say whether or not hes guilty, to begin with, of some serious offenses 

peter baker

A young congressman named Lindsey Graham, who gets up.

archived recording (lindsey graham)  that are colored by sex, and theres absolutely no way to get around that. And I know its uncomfortable to listen to.

peter baker

And he wasnt very well known to that point. But there he was on the floor. He didnt follow the script as carefully as the others. He wasnt arguing points of fact. He was talking a very down home, South Carolina Southern accent, in a very folksy and compelling way about, you know, what made sense to him.

archived recording (lindsey graham) Whats a high crime? How about if an important person hurt somebody of low means? Its not very scholarly, but I think its a truth. I think thats what they meant by high crimes.

peter baker

Lindsey Grahams point is, we know what happened here. We know what this president did. And what he did was reprehensible, not just to his wife and his personal life, but reprehensible to the rule of law in this country.

archived recording (lindsey graham) And I would argue that every president and every citizen has a constitutional duty not to cheat another citizen, especially the president. And they get out of bounds, its up to us to put him back in bounds or declare it illegal.

peter baker

And if you let him off the hook, then youre saying a president can violate the law with impunity. He makes it in a very persuasive way. I think, certainly for a lot of Republicans who were doubting the case and even for some of the Democratic senators, I think they found him compelling. Now at one point though 

archived recording (william rehnquist) This question is from Senators Kohl and Edwards, but its to the House managers.

peter baker

Because he does think quickly on his feet, and he does tend to say what he thinks in a more candid way rather than following a script, he says something that ends up angering his fellow managers.

archived recording (william rehnquist) So let me ask you this. Even if the president engaged in the alleged conduct, can reasonable people disagree with the conclusion that as a matter of law, he must be convicted and removed from office, yes or no? archived recording (lindsey graham) Absolutely. Its never been hard to find out whether Bill Clinton committed perjury or whether he obstructed justice. That aint a hard one for me. But when you take the good of this nation, the upside and the downside, reasonable people can disagree on what we should do.

peter baker

That reasonable people could disagree about whether or not this should be enough to remove a president as well.

michael barbaro

He cracks open the door to acquittal.

peter baker

Exactly. And once you said that  once you said that reasonable people can disagree  then of course Democrats are going to hold onto that like a life raft, and say well, even Lindsey Graham says its reasonable for me to take this position.

michael barbaro

So in the Clinton impeachment trial, it is Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, who ends up offering a kind of olive branch to the Democrats, who ends up emerging as a figure of moderation, and then maybe even just a little bit of ambivalence.

peter baker

Right. Hes trying to connect with the Democrats and say, I get where youre at. I have my own issues with this too. But in the end, you have to find in favor of accountability for a president who does wrong.

michael barbaro

And Peter, what happens when the presidents lawyers have their chance to make a case?

peter baker

The president was worried that the senators wouldnt react well to lawyers, and so he wanted to have somebody on his team who could relate to the senators as a peer. And so he reached out, and they got Dale Bumpers, who had just stepped down as a senator from Arkansas  Bill Clintons home state  to join the defense team, basically be his representative on the floor.

archived recording (william rehnquist) The chair recognizes Mr. Counsel Bumpers to continue the presentation of the case for the president.

peter baker

And, you know, it was an inspired idea to try to get past the legalisms and to really connect with the jury, if you will, if you want to call them that.

archived recording (dale bumpers) Mr. Chief Justice, our distinguished House managers, I have seen the look of disappointment on many faces, because I know a lot of people thought you were rid of me once and for all.

peter baker

So Dale Bumpers gets up, and he is a folksy, very compelling, old-school Southern pol.

archived recording (dale bumpers) Colleagues, I come here with some sense of reluctance. The president and I have been close friends for 25 years.

peter baker

Bumpers knows Bill Clinton in a way that nobody else or very few other people do.

archived recording (dale bumpers) We fought so many battles back home together in our beloved Arkansas.

peter baker

And its his way of saying, this is somebody I know, and I understand his flaws, and I understand his strengths. And you can trust me as a validator for him.

archived recording (dale bumpers) But the question is, how did we come to be here?

peter baker

And he then begins to talk about the case, and he says 

archived recording (dale bumpers) Were here because of a five-year relentless unending investigation of the president.

peter baker

Look, you know, this investigation has been a witch hunt. It has been excessive. It has gone too far.

archived recording (dale bumpers) $50 billion, hundreds of F.B.I. agents fanning across the nation, examining in detail the microscopic lives of people. Maybe the most intense investigation not only of a president, but of anybody ever.

peter baker

He says, when they tell you its not about sex 

archived recording (dale bumpers) And when you hear somebody say, this is not about sex, its about sex.

peter baker

 its about sex. And its the most memorable line, I think, maybe of that trial, right. Hes trying to get at the nub of it. And what hes saying the nub of it is, is forget the legalisms. What it really is, is theyre going after a guy who couldnt keep his pants on, and yes, thats reprehensible. And yes, he should be condemned for it. But does it rise to the level of an impeachable offense? And he says, look, I feel angry at Bill Clinton.

archived recording (dale bumpers) You pick your own adjective to describe the presidents conduct: indefensible, outrageous, unforgivable, shameless. I promise you the president would not contest any of those or any others. But the danger 

peter baker

But, and its the big but, right. This is the pivot, but 

archived recording (dale bumpers)  as I say is to the political process and dangerous for reasons feared by the framers about legislative control of the executive. So dont leave a precedent from which we may never recover and almost surely will regret.

peter baker

None of this offends the integrity of the Republic in the way the framers really meant it. And Senator Bumpers makes the point that the American people agree with him.

archived recording (dale bumpers) 76 percent of us think hes doing a fine job. 65 to 70 percent of us dont want him removed from office.

peter baker

The polls show that two-thirds of the public did not want him impeached and removed from office. They didnt think he was a particularly moral guy, but they thought he was doing a good job in office. They thought the economy was doing well, and they thought that this was not worthy of impeachment. And thats what Bumpers is trying to say. Hes saying to these hundred jurors  look, youre politicians. Lets face it. The public doesnt want you to remove him from office.

archived recording (dale bumpers) If you vote to acquit, you go immediately to the peoples agenda. But if you vote to convict, you cant be sure whats going to happen.

peter baker

And this is a political process. Its not strictly a judicial process. And the public view of course plays a role in influencing public servants as they make that judgment.

archived recording (dale bumpers) Theyre calling on you to do your solemn duty, and I pray you will.

michael barbaro

So Peter, after the managers make their case, after the presidents lawyers make their case, how does that question of the witnesses ever get resolved in the Clinton Senate trial?

peter baker

Well in the end, they came to a compromise. And the compromise was they would have three witnesses, no more, and they would not be interviewed on the floor. They did not again want Monica Lewinsky talking about sex on the floor of the United States Senate. Instead, they would be interviewed in depositions by the two sides with two senators in each deposition serving as kind of judges, and that those depositions would be videotaped.

archived recording Sometime back in December of 1997 in the morning, December the 17th, did you receive a call from the president? archived recording (monica lewinsky) Yes.

peter baker

And each side could then use excerpts from those videotapes on the floor to show to the senators. And so in the end, the three witnesses they interviewed  Monica Lewinsky, Vernon Jordan, who is the presidents good friend and helped get a job for Monica, which was seen as an obstruction act. And Sidney Blumenthal, who had spread, you know, malicious rumors about Monica Lewinsky. Those were the three witnesses. They didnt change the outcome, but they were heard. And there was at least some witness testimony.

michael barbaro

Right. Ultimately, as we know, the presidents legal team and the presidents argument carries the day.

peter baker

Right.

archived recording (william rehnquist) 45 senators having pronounced William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States, guilty as charged. 55 senators having pronounced him not guilty.

peter baker

When it comes down to the final vote, the Article I alleging perjury failed on a 45 to 55 vote.

archived recording (william rehnquist) Two-thirds of the senators present not having pronounced him guilty. The senator judges that the respondent William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States, is not guilty as charged in the first article of impeachment.

peter baker

Meaning that 10 Republicans joined all 45 Democrats in voting not guilty. On the second article they considered, which was on obstruction, they voted 50 to 50. So five Republicans joined the Democrats to acquit the president. Remember, of course, you need 67 votes to convict. So they were nowhere close.

archived recording (william rehnquist) It is therefore ordered and adjudged that the said William Jefferson Clinton be, and he hereby is, acquitted of the charges in the said articles.

[music]

michael barbaro

What do you make of that many Republicans crossing the aisle and agreeing with the Democrats not to convict a Democratic president?

peter baker

I think it says something about where the public was as Dale Bumpers had told them. The public didnt want the president removed from office, and I think at least a handful of Republicans found that a compelling argument. These are senators from states probably that were more moderate or middle of the road than maybe some other states. But in the end, they knew he wasnt going to be convicted. And I think that they decided that they didnt like the precedent of a removal from office on the grounds that had been presented to them.

michael barbaro

So, Peter, how should we think about the way that the Senate conducted itself during that Clinton trial?

peter baker

Well, in the end, Trent Lott and Tom Daschle accomplished what they wanted to accomplish. They had a process that went forward in a semi at least as dignified a way as possible. The Senate did not break down into ugliness the way that they had feared. And in fact, the two of them, Daschle and Lott, shook hands at the end of the day after the vote on the floor. And Daschle said, we did it. And Lott said, we sure did. And it was really a striking mood. There was this sort of momentary comity among senators of both sides that they had executed their duty and as faithful a way as possible. And I remember there were a couple of Democratic staffers afterwards on the floor watching all this, and they were kind of actually distraught about it. One of them says, How long do you think this era of good feeling will last? And the other one responds, Well not long, I hope. And then sure enough, it didnt.

michael barbaro

Right. It didnt last very long at all, and it certainly didnt last until this moment.

peter baker

No.

michael barbaro

I mean, when you think about that trial and the trial thats now getting underway in the Trump impeachment, what are the most striking differences to you? I mean, just listening to you talk, I counted so many differences. But I wonder which ones stick out the most to you.

peter baker

Well, I think, I think there are obviously parallels or echoes, but the things that are really different are this desire, I think, to stand together as Republicans and Democrats and get through this moment without breaking apart. You dont see that today. Mitch McConnell is not sitting down with Chuck Schumer. The two of them are not co-piloting this trial 

michael barbaro

Not at all.

peter baker

 to any kind of consensus conclusion. Nobodys even making the pretense in a lot of ways of going into this as impartial jurors. Theyre more than vocal about, you know, saying which side theyre on before the arguments even get started. Not that they didnt 20 years ago too, but they believed that there was at least a duty to give voice to the idea that they were going to go into it and listen to the evidence before making up their minds.

michael barbaro

Right I mean, Im struck that Mitch McConnell, who is the Trent Lott of this era, literally said out loud that the outcome was predetermined and that he was coordinating the Republican Senate trial strategy with the president 

peter baker

Right.

michael barbaro

 would be taking cues from the person at the center of the trial.

peter baker

Thats right. Yeah, Trent Lott called Tom Daschle. Mitch McConnell called Donald Trump. Right, it was the Senate Republican leader wanted to coordinate with the Senate Democratic leader 20 years ago. Today, the Senate Republican leader wants to coordinate with the White House, and thats a big difference obviously. Not that Daschle was not, you know, at odds with the Clinton White House, he wasnt. But he did believe that he had to maintain a certain degree of independence. There was an arms distance that he should maintain as a member of a coequal body of the government, and that his role as a senator was not to be an agent of the White House, even if in the end he was, you know, their ally.

michael barbaro

Peter, what do the differences that you have just identified, what do they tell you about our politics right now and precisely how they work?

peter baker

Well, Bill Clinton did not command the party the way Donald Trump commands his party. And so, were so used to the way things are today. But in that era, a president had to maintain support within his own party, and it wasnt guaranteed that he would have it. And the parties have become more homogeneous than they once were. There are very few conservative Democrats anymore, very few liberal Republicans, very few moderates in the middle who might, you know, work together or see things the same way. You are very strongly on one side or the other. And anybody who drifts from that finds himself or herself punished or ostracized or, you know, left out. And so, I think were going to find out now in effect what the Senate is to be in this current era. If its meant to be the place that cools the partisan edges that brings people together in a way that the House doesnt, will that be the case over these next three, four, five weeks? Or will it in fact just be another version of the House? Will it just be one more partisan outcome, one more partisan fracas, that leads to no consensus and no sense of finality or judgment. And I think that in a way people are saying these days, well, the Senate is on trial. In some ways it is. In some ways, the Senate is going to be judged itself in how it handles these serious charges and decides what to do about them.

[music]

michael barbaro

And if, Peter, youre right that the Senate is on trial just as much as Donald Trump, it feels at this point, given everything youve just said, that we kind of know the verdict on the Senate these days.

peter baker

Well, yeah, we probably do. I dont want to be cynical about it, but it is not starting off in a way that makes you feel like youre going to end the process with a feeling that the Senate had transcended the moment, right. I think that forgetting the outcome, just how we get to the outcome matters. And theyre starting off in a way that looks very different than we saw 20 years ago, in a way that seems like the outcome is the only thing that matters and not how we get there.

[music]

michael barbaro

Thank you, Peter.

peter baker

Thank you. Appreciate it.

michael barbaro

Over the weekend, Senate Republicans and Democrats publicly clashed over the shape, scope, and length of the impeachment trial that will reconvene this afternoon, highlighting the depth of their divisions. During a news conference on Sunday, Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, lashed out at Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, complaining that McConnell had yet to disclose the proposed rules for the trial and accusing him of planning a rushed and unfair trial.

archived recording (chuck schumer) Whether its because McConnell knows the trial is a cover up and wants to whip through it as quickly as possible, or because hes afraid even more evidence will come out, hes trying to rush it through. That is wrong. And it is so wrong that no one even knows what his plan is a day and a half before one of the most momentous decisions any senator will ever make.

michael barbaro

On Monday night, McConnell released his proposed rules for the trial, giving Democrats little time to review them before they are voted on this afternoon.

[music]

michael barbaro

Well be right back. Heres what else you need to know today. President Trump has hired several new lawyers to defend him in the impeachment trial, including Ken Starr, whose investigation led to the impeachment of President Clinton, and the celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who defended O. J. Simpson against murder charges. On Monday, those lawyers submitted a brief to the Senate, urging the body to swiftly dismiss the impeachment charges against the president and offering their first legal argument since the trial began. In the brief, the lawyers rejected both articles of impeachment adopted by the House, because they do not state any specific violation of the law. But the Times described that argument as a narrow and widely rejected interpretation of Congresss power to impeach a president.

[music]
By Luc Cohen

ANNA REGINA, Guyana, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil's oil contract with Guyana would be exempt from a review of the South American nation's deals if the opposition wins the March 2 election, the party's top candidate said.

While his People's Progressive Party (PPP) has criticized President David Granger's 2016 deal with Exxon as too generous, Irfaan Ali called the company - whose 1 million barrel cargo of Guyana's first-ever crude production set sail on Monday - a "pioneer" in an interview over the weekend.

The PPP's platform pledged to "immediately engage the oil and gas companies in better contract administration/re-negotiation." Other companies exploring off Guyana's coast include Britain's Tullow Oil, Spain's Repsol SA and France's Total.

"Exxon is a different case," Ali told Reuters after a campaign rally in the western Essequibo region, where thousands of red-shirted supporters listened to him and his allies promise to use oil revenue to lower taxes, raise pensions and wages, and help struggling sugar and rice farmers.

"Exxon was a pioneering investment," Ali said. "But those that came after that time they were not pioneering, so they have to be examined in totality."

The U.S. major, which operates a consortium with Hess Corp and China's CNOOC Ltd, has discovered more than 6 billion recoverable barrels of oil and gas offshore, turning a country with no history of crude production into one of the world's energy hotspots.

Others have not yet confirmed commercial finds. Tullow has made several discoveries in the past year, but the company has yet to find enough reserves to make the project work.

Granger's government has defended its deal with Exxon, which includes a 2% royalty and a 50% profit share after the company recoups its costs, noting that attractive terms were needed to secure investment in a risky new location.

Story continues

That will bring Guyana around $230 million in government revenue in 2020 and nearly $2 billion total by 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a substantial boost for an underdeveloped country of less than 800,000 people whose central government spent just $1.2 billion in 2018.

Exxon spokesman Todd Spitler said "the negotiated terms of the contracts are competitive with other agreements signed in countries at a similar resource development phase." A Tullow spokesman declined to comment. Repsol and Total did not respond to requests for comment.

Ali, a former housing minister, said it would be premature to say which parts of the other contracts need changing. But he said the contracts should make it easier for Guyanese companies to provide goods and services to oil explorers, arguing only foreign firms can handle lengthy payment delays. ($1 = 207.9800 Guyana dollars) (Reporting by Luc Cohen; Additional reporting by Neil Marks; Editing by Gary McWilliams and Daniel Wallis)
MOSCOW -- Last week, President Vladimir Putin sent Russias political elite reeling when he abruptly called for a raft of constitutional changes.



Hours later, he oversaw the resignation of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his government -- and tapped an obscure tax official to take Medvedevs place.



On January 20, as Russians and outside observers were trying to make sense of it all, Putin threw another curve ball: He submitted the proposed constitutional amendments to parliament, revealing details that few had expected to be released so quickly.



Any initiatives put forth by the head of state, of course, are received with great attention, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters a day later.



The discussion and implementation of these initiatives is always carried out in priority order, he said. This is the reality in which we exist, and this is an absolutely understandable and clear reality.



Peskovs comments and the lengthy list of proposed amendments notwithstanding, at this point theres little that is absolutely clear about what exactly the Kremlin is up to as it undertakes the most sweeping rewrite of Russias system of governance since 1993, when the constitution was ratified.



So what does it all mean? Whats in the 29-page document that the Kremlin released on January 20? And what does it portend for Putins future -- and Russias?



Is This Really A Shift To More Of A Parliamentary System?



In the proposed constitutional changes he outlined in his state-of-the-nation address on January 15, Putin appeared to call for shifting some of the presidential powers to parliament. That included giving the State Duma -- the lower chamber -- the right to name cabinet ministers and the prime minister, a power that currently belongs to the president.

The presidency, he said, would retain powers including the right to dismiss the prime minister and cabinet ministers, as well as naming top defense and security officials.



The Federation Council -- the upper chamber -- will be consulted for the presidents nominations for defense minister and other security posts.



"This will increase the role and significance of the country's parliament," Putin said.



The amendments released by the Kremlin on January 20 match many of Putins details: The presidents candidate for prime minister will need to get formal confirmation by the Duma. (Currently, the Duma can only give its consent.) And the nominations for cabinet will also be subject to Duma confirmation.

But several experts including political analyst Tatyana Stanovaya, founder of the consulting firm R. Politik, said that the real power could potentially shift to the State Council, which will have heightened legal authority.



The council could also serve as a convenient landing spot for Putin, to allow him to retain ultimate authority in the country after leaving the presidency.



More on that below.



So Whats The State Council Anyway?



The constitutional changes Putin proposed included mention of a government institution that many Russians had never even heard of: the State Council.



Currently, it is an advisory body that he created shortly after he first became president in 2000, vaguely charged with safeguarding coordinated functioning and cooperation of state organs.



It is distinct from the Security Council, which is a powerful consultative agency set up by the constitution that oversees Russian national security policies, and whose chairman is the president.



Putin now wants to equip the State Council with greater power -- but just how much is yet to be determined.



Alongside Putin, who heads the council, its board includes the heads of the lower and upper houses of parliament, Putins envoys in federal districts, and regional governors. Its members meet once or twice a year for discussions of a specific issue like infrastructure or the volunteer movement.



Meetings are held in ornate halls and have an air of high authority, but for now thats just symbolic -- the council is not even mentioned in Russias constitution.

The proposed amendments would make the council an official state organ, with tasks including setting out the main priorities of domestic and foreign policy. A separate law will detail the role and prerogatives of the State Council -- so what the change will mean in reality is to be spelled out at a later date.

Speculation has focused on the councils potential as a forum for Putin to continue presiding over key questions even after he vacates the presidency.



Judging by the proposed changes in its official role, it may be bestowed with executive authority it did not previously have.



More on that below.



So How Many Consecutive Terms Has Putin In Fact Served?



Putin rose to the presidency on New Years Eve 1999, when Boris Yeltsin stepped down and installed him as successor, and he served for two four-year terms after his initial election in March 2000.



In 2008, as required by the constitutional limit of two consecutive terms, Putin left office.



But before he did, he endorsed his St. Petersburg protege Medvedev as his successor, and Medvedev won soundly. Putin became Medvedevs prime minister.



One of Medvedevs first moves when he became president was to call for tweaking the constitution, to extend future presidential terms to six years instead of four. Putin turned out to be the beneficiary of that change, as he returned to the Kremlin for a six-year term in 2012 without violating the letter of the law.



In 2018, he was re-elected for a fourth term that is due to end in 2024, making him Russia's longest-serving leader since Josef Stalin.



At his annual news conference in December, Putin hinted that he wanted to remove the word consecutive from the constitution. That was widely seen as a way to prevent any successor from doing what Putin did -- and if the successor happens to be Medvedev again, he would be limited to a single six-year term.



In the proposed amendments released January 20, the word consecutive is removed completely, and an outright prohibition on serving more than two terms is included.



But it left open the question of what comes next for Putin.



Does This Mean Putin Will Maintain Power Beyond 2024?



This is the 64,000-ruble question.



That question -- and the question of Putin's future more generally -- has been building since the start of his final presidential term.



Analysts say Putins longtime dominance has made it increasingly hard for many Russians to imagine having another leader, whether they like him or not. Arguably, this makes Russias political system dangerously dependent on a single personality and the power centers that provide his support, rather than the political system as a whole: Neither the Duma, nor the Federation Council, nor the so-called siloviki factions or security agencies currently seem capable of being a real counterweight to Putins presidency in a proper system of checks and balances.



There is little doubt that the State Council amendment will be approved by parliament and whatever public vote the Kremlin decides to use -- which could come as early as April -- will provide a veneer of electoral approval to updating the constitution.

So ultimately Putin may end up as the authority figure who effectively sits over both president and prime minister in the hierarchy of decision-making power.



Thats not unlike what happened in Kazakhstan, when longtime President Nursultan Nazarbaev stepped down last March but retained power by holding influential positions including head of a Security Council whose authority had conveniently been beefed up before the shift.



And for the moment, theres no restriction in either the existing constitution or the proposed amendments on how long Putin could stay in that role.

Matthew Luxmoore reported from Moscow; Mike Eckel reported from Prague
This was the disorientating moment a large flock of snow geese were spotted flying over New Jersey's Green Township yesterday (January 20). Footage shows the flock's migration in multiple formations while their "honks" are heard loudly. The filmer explains: "[I was] walking into work and heard a honk, I thought it was just Canadians. "Then I noticed that the honks don't sound like Canadians and its getting louder and louder still. "I look up and see this, thousands of snow geese. "The experience was much longer than the video, this only shows the end since I was too enthralled in the majesty of nature to record it sooner."
Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd. (HKG:1618), which is in the construction business, and is based in China, received a lot of attention from a substantial price movement on the SEHK over the last few months, increasing to HK$1.80 at one point, and dropping to the lows of HK$1.60. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether Metallurgical Corporation of China's current trading price of HK$1.71 reflective of the actual value of the mid-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at Metallurgical Corporation of Chinas outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change.

See our latest analysis for Metallurgical Corporation of China

Is Metallurgical Corporation of China still cheap?

According to my relative valuation model, the stock seems to be currently fairly priced. In this instance, Ive used the price-to-earnings (PE) ratio given that there is not enough information to reliably forecast the stocks cash flows. I find that Metallurgical Corporation of Chinas ratio of 5.52x is trading slightly below its industry peers ratio of 9.91x, which means if you buy Metallurgical Corporation of China today, youd be paying a reasonable price for it. And if you believe that Metallurgical Corporation of China should be trading at this level in the long run, then theres not much of an upside to gain from mispricing. So, is there another chance to buy low in the future? Given that Metallurgical Corporation of Chinas share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us an opportunity to buy later on. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility.

Can we expect growth from Metallurgical Corporation of China?

Story continues

SEHK:1618 Past and Future Earnings, January 21st 2020

Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. Metallurgical Corporation of Chinas earnings over the next few years are expected to increase by 53%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value.

What this means for you:

Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in 1618s positive outlook, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the track record of its management team. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at 1618? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuate below the true value?

Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping tabs on 1618, now may not be the most advantageous time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the optimistic forecast is encouraging for 1618, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop.

Price is just the tip of the iceberg. Dig deeper into what truly matters  the fundamentals  before you make a decision on Metallurgical Corporation of China. You can find everything you need to know about Metallurgical Corporation of China in the latest infographic research report. If you are no longer interested in Metallurgical Corporation of China, you can use our free platform to see my list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
Experts say there is low chance of survival for the four Koreans and their three Nepali guides buried in an avalanche.

Rescuers in the search of four South Korean trekkers and three Nepalis said on Tuesday there was little hope of finding them alive after they were swept away and buried by an avalanche in the Himalayas.

The group was descending near Annapurna base camp approximately 3,230 metres (10,600 feet) above sea level when the avalanche struck on Friday after heavy snowfall.

It has been so many days, so it is hard to be hopeful for survival. With our equipment we found signals on the area when the avalanche landed, confirming that there are bodies buried inside, rescue worker Ang Tashi Sherpa told AFP news agency.

Experts say there is a very low chance of survival for those buried in an avalanche for more than two hours.

Rescuers have marked the position where signals from electronic detection devices have been recorded.

Local official Him Bahadur Gurung said nearly 15 feet (4.5 metres) of fresh snow had accumulated in the area.

On Tuesday morning, an 11-member specialised team from the Nepalese army departed by chopper for the site along with South Korean personnel.

Our focus is to find them. The teams will try to expedite melting of the snow or dig through, said Dan Bahadur Karki, police chief of Kaski district.

It is still a risky operation but all possible efforts are being made.

Officials estimate that parts of the snow mass could thaw in two weeks if it is sunny but it would take up to a month for most of it to melt.

Six of the missing were part of the same expedition, while one Nepali porter was escorting a different group.

The four foreigners, including two women, were part of an 11-member team of South Korean nationals. Others have safely descended.

Education officials in Seoul said they were part of a team of volunteer teachers working with children in Nepal.

Relatives of the missing Koreans who arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday have also visited the avalanche-hit area.

Thousands of trekkers visit Nepal every year for its stunning view of the Himalayas and routes lined with picturesque villages.

The Annapurna region is particularly popular among tourists, with 172,720 visiting the area in 2018.

A snowstorm killed about 40 people on the Annapurna circuit in 2014, in one of the biggest trekking tragedies to hit Nepal.
TORRINGTON  A 15-year-old youth was recently arrested after allegedly robbing a South Main Street business, according to the Torrington Police Department.

Lt. Brett Johnson said police responded to a reported robbery at Tobacco Mart, located at 7 South Main St., on Jan. 12.

It was reported that a juvenile male had brandished a gun and stolen merchandise prior to leaving the scene, Johnson said on Facebook. As a result of community involvement and communication with the police, the 15 year old male juvenile was identified and an arrest warrant was issued.

The 15-year-old was charged with first-degree robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon and first-degree threatening, Johnson said.

He turned himself into police, then was taken to the juvenile detention facility in Hartford, where he is currently being held, Johnson said.

On behalf of all the officers and detectives at the Torrington Police Dept., thank you again for the tips and information we received, we greatly appreciate it!! Johnson said.

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com
It allows the opportunity for nations around the world to come together, not only to remember what happened, but to encourage the world to remember and be vigilant to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity in the future, said Kelley Szany, the museums vice president of exhibitions and education.
Less than a third of voters in the North East believe they have a chance of getting on in life without moving away, a study published today found.

The social mobility survey asked nearly 5,000 adults across the country whether they thought 'opportunities to progress' in their region were good or poor.

Just 31 per cent of respondents in the North East thought there were good opportunities.

A Jobcentre office is pictured above in Rusholme, Manchester. Across the country as a whole, nearly two-thirds of people said they had had access to a better education than their parents  but only 29 per cent thought they had better job security

This is compared to 78 per cent in London and 74 per cent in the South East generally.

The report, which highlights the huge confidence gulf between the regions and capital, led to calls for Boris Johnson to commit to investing in the communities that lent him their vote last month following the collapse of Labour's Red Wall.

Dame Martina Milburn, chairman of the Social Mobility Commission which produced the report, said: 'This poll is a call to action for this Government to do more to help social mobility. Politicians at national and local level must listen to it.

'Regions which have been marginalised for decades should get the investment they need to provide opportunities for young people, so they don't have to move out to move up.'

The commission's report, based on a survey by YouGov, warned there was 'deep unease in many regions about whether people have the same access to good education, jobs and housing as those living in the South'.

The report, which highlights the huge confidence gulf between the regions and capital, led to calls for Boris Johnson to commit to investing in the communities that lent him their vote last month following the collapse of Labour's Red Wall

The report said: 'This 'Northern Wall' played out dramatically in the general election and has already become a focus of Mr Johnson's Government.'

The gap between the North and South 'highlights the need to make greater efforts to improve social mobility in schools, further education, training and job security in many regions outside the South East', the report added.

Confidence in other parts of the country was also much lower than in the South East.

In the East Midlands 59 per cent of respondents said they thought they had good opportunities to progress, dropping to 54 per cent in both the West Midlands and Scotland.

In Wales just 37 per cent thought they had good opportunities, while in the South West, the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber less than half said the same.

The report also shed light on attitudes toward generational divides.

Across the country as a whole, nearly two-thirds of people said they had had access to a better education than their parents  but only 29 per cent thought they had better job security. Just 45 per cent, thought they were better off than their parents.

Londoners felt the hardest done by compared to their parents, chiefly because of the shortage and sky-high price of housing.

Only a quarter of Londoners thought their homes were better than those of their parents, and 43 per cent thought they were worse off for housing than the previous generation.

Some 44 per cent thought their success and status is determined by their parents' social background  a higher share than the 35 per cent who said they felt everyone had a chance to get on.

The report added: 'The majority of people of all ages continue to feel there are fewer opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to better-off peers, including going to a top university and owning their own home.'
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations informs that today as of 10:00 some roads are difficult to pass in Armenia.

The ministry told Armenpress that Vardenyats Pass is open for trailer trucks.

Sotk-Karvachar highway is difficult to pass for all types of vehicles.

The Georgian side informed that Stepantsminda-Lars highway is open for all types of vehicles.

Drivers are urged to use winter tires.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
R oyal London Asset Managements love for London property has shown no signs of slowing, with the investor adding a City office block to its portfolio.

The fund management firm has bought 10 Chiswell Street from a private seller for close to 68 million.

It is multi-let, providing steady rental income, and close to stations which will benefit from Crossrail. The 58,000 square feet property was developed in 2007.

Will Hawking, senior asset manager at RLAM, said the deal follows a strong period of investment in central London.

Purchases RLAM made last year included 25 Soho Square for 75.4 million.

Property agent Farebrother advised the buyer and Knight Frank represented the vendor.

New research this week predicts construction of up to five million square feet of new or refurbished offices in the City and West end could start between now and June 30.

That is up from 3.3 million square feet a year earlier.
Earlier today, the ex-president failed to report for questioning, while his lawyer said the summons was never delivered to his client.

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) says an order is being drafted to forcibly bring former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to attend questioning.

The announcement comes after the ex-president failed to report to the SBI earlier today, while his lawyer Igor Golovan said the summons was never delivered to his client.

"Poroshenko was really summoned today at 10:30 to be questioned as a witness in a criminal proceeding regarding the legality of his actions when appointing a first deputy head of the Foreign Intelligence Service," SBI official Oleh Koretsky told journalists, commenting on Poroshenko skipping questioning, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

He claims that Poroshenko did not have a good reason not to report as the summons had been sent in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code at the addresses of his place of residence, place of registration, and his workplace.

In addition, Koretsky said that Poroshenko had come to the SBI on Monday without being called and without a warning, where he was told that he had been invited for questioning on Tuesday.

"Investigators are now drafting papers to have Poroshenko brought forcibly," Koretsky said.

Read alsoUkraine's SBI summons Poroshenko for questioning in two cases (Video)

However, he did not specify how the measure would be applied, and when. The next questioning, in another criminal proceeding, has been scheduled for January 24.

"The process of forcibly bringing a person to attend, including a lawmaker, is provided for by the current criminal procedural law," Koretsky said.

He also did not specify exactly whom the Foreign Intelligence Service was talking about and whether it refers to Serhiy Semochko, who served as first deputy chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service under the presidency of Poroshenko.

"I'm not authorized to comment on such things. This is the secret of the pretrial investigation," Koretsky said.

As reported earlier, today, January 21, Poroshenko did not report for questioning by the State Bureau of Investigation.

He was summoned as a witness in the proceeding launched November 12, 2019.

On December 5, 2019, the then SBI Director Roman Truba announced the SBI was going to press charges against Poroshenko for appointing Semochko first deputy chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service. According to Truba, the agency conducted investigative actions that indicate that Poroshenko's actions could constitute a crime.

Semochko served as first deputy chairman of the Foreign Intelligence Service from July 31, 2018 to April 12, 2019.

UNIAN memo. Investigative journalists established facts that may prove Semochko's ties with Russia via his family members and that "the aggressor state might have paid the official for information." Nashi Groshi journalists found evidence that Semochko owns real estate worth over UAH 200 million (US$7.4 million), while his family members, namely his common-law wife and her daughter, are Russian nationals running a business in the Russian-occupied Crimea.
More than 200 Central American migrants escaped from a southern Mexican immigration facility Monday, after being detained while trying to cross the country to get to the U.S. border.

Video shows the moment migrants were chased by Mexican security forces on a street in Villahermosa, Tabasco, after they were able to break out during a riot at a local National Institute of Migration center.

The escapees were among 424 Central Americans who entered Mexico in small groups Saturday through a border passageway that connects Guatemala with the Tabasco municipality of Tenosique.

They arrived before a much larger caravan of 2,000 migrants, who have been blocked from crossing the Mexico-Guatemala border as part of an agreement between Mexican authorities and the Trump administration to stem the arrival of migrants making it to the United States.

In video of the break-out, a man is seen running down the street in the town of Ciudad Industrial carrying a child in his arms before disappearing.

Members of the National Guard sped down a block and attempted to engage the migrants in peaceful talks in order to get them to return to the facility.

Mexican news outlet Proceso reported that 100 of the migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua were eventually apprehended.

A bystander recorded the moment more than 200 migrants, including a man carrying a child (pictured center) and two other individuals (pictured top right), escaped from an immigration center in Tenosique, Mexico

A member of Mexico's security forces (right) attempts to get a group of migrants to voluntarily turn themselves in after escaping from an immigration station in Villahermosa, Tabasco, on Monday

On its Facebook page, La 72, a shelter serving migrants in Tenosique, claimed that immigration officials lied to the migrants and made empty promises of helping them find employment and assisting them with the legal migratory status.

'They will be deported in an express fashion to Central America,' La 72 wrote. 'Those who remain will suffer months of confinement, abuse and psychological abuse of [immigration] agents.'

The detention center breakout came as a hundreds of other migrants were left stranded in a sort of no-mans land on the river border between Guatemala and Mexico, after trying to break past border officials on the Rodolfo Robles International Bridge that connects Tecun Uman, Guatemala, to the Mexican state of Chiapas.

A caravan of 2,000 migrants had arrived at the border, and demanded Mexican authorities give them free passage towards the southern United States border.

Hundreds of migrants subsequently took advantage of the Suchiate River's low tide and waded across to the Mexican border town of Ciudad Hidalgo, where they were blocked by National Guard soldiers.

Migrant children campout on the Mexican shore of the Suchiate River on the border with Guatemala, near Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, on Monday a group of Mexican National Guardsmen form a line to block any migrants from further crossing into Mexico

Central American migrants return to the Guatemala shore of the Suchiate River on the border with Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Monday after their path to Mexico was blocked by Mexico's National Guard

Central American migrants prepare a meal while trapped on the Mexican shore of the Suchiate River hundreds of them attempted to force their way into Mexico on Monday in hopes of traveling northward towards the Mexico-United States border

With Mexican National Guardsmen behind them, a man carries a child on the Mexican shore of the Suchiate River on the border with Guatemala, near Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, on Monday. Hundreds of migrants remain there waiting to decide if they will return back to their homes or attempt to continue their journey to the Mexico-United States border and challenge U.S. President's Donald Trump asylum policy

Hundreds of Central Americans remain in 'no man's land,' stuck on the edge of the Suchiate River in southern Mexico after they stormed the border on Monday in an attempt to force their way across the Mexican state of Chiapas

The troops responded with tear gas as desperate Central Americans scuffled with the soldiers.

Hundreds of migrants were trapped along the banks as their path forward was blocked by Mexican troops with riot shields, and about 100 National Guard agents continued to form a barrier with anti-riot gear into the night.

Naked children played amid the sand and trash Monday evening as clothing and shoes hung from the trees to dry along the Suchiate River, normally a porous waterway plied all day by rafts ferrying people and goods across.

Men grilled a fish over a small fire below the border bridge, and migrants bedded down under blankets on the banks or dry sections of the riverbed without knowing what might come next.

A young Central American migrant is held by fellow migrants as they are blocked by Mexican National Guards after they crossed the Suchiate River with a group of migrants from Guatemala to Mexico, on Monday

A return home to impoverished and gang-plagued Honduras, where most of the migrants are from, was unthinkable.

'We are in no-mans land,' said Alan Mejia, whose 2-year-old son was cradled in his arms clad only in a diaper as his wife, Ingrid Vanesa Portillo, and their other son, 12, gazed at the riverbanks.

Mejia joined in five previous migrant caravans but never made it farther than the Mexican border city of Tijuana.

'They are planning how to clear us out, and here we are without water or food,' said a desperate Portillo. 'There is no more hope for going forward.'

Unlike with previous caravans, there was no sign of humanitarian aid arriving for those stuck at the river.

The push also challenged Mexicos ramped-up immigration policing that began last year in response to threats of economic tariffs from Trump, a change that effectively snuffed out the last caravan in April.

A disabled Honduran migrant who is missing a leg, returns to the Guatemala shore of the Suchiate river on the border with Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala after being blocked from crossing into Mexico

Honduran migrant Manuel de Jesus Iraheta, poses for a photo in the Suchiate River, after returning to the Guatemala shore on the border with Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala

An injured member of Mexico's National Guard is treated following Monday's clash in the southern city of Ciudad Hidalgo with migrants from Central American who joined a caravan traveling to the United States

Central American migrants are escorted by Mexican security forces in the southern Mexican border city of Ciudad Hidalgo after hundreds crossed the Guatemala-Mexico border Monday

Migrants rushed through the Mexican shore of the Suchiate River on Monday after crossing over from Guatemala

Migrants from Central America rest on the shore of the Suchiate River on Tuesday, a day after they forced their way into Mexico from Guatemala

Most of the migrants, however, stayed at the rivers edge or stood in its waters trying to decide their next move.

'We never thought they would receive us like that,' said Melisa Avila, who traveled from the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa with her 12-year-old son and was resigning herself to the prospect of spending the night outdoors. 'They treated us like dogs.'

As feared, children suffered in the chaos. On the Mexican bank an unconscious 14-year-old girl was carried away for medical attention Monday.

Later along the highway, a mother sobbed after realizing her youngest daughter had been separated when migrants tried to escape authorities. Another migrant who had been helping her by carrying the 5-year-old ran in another direction when the migrants scattered and she hadn't been able to locate them.

Some Central American migrants were spotted crossing the Suchiate River and returning to Guatemala on Tuesday, a day after they stormed into southern Mexico

On Tuesday, migrants were seen abandoning the Mexican shore of the Suchiate River and returning to Guatemala

In an approach that developed after the first migrant caravan in late 2018, Mexican officials seem to be succeeding in their effort to blunt large-scale incursions by breaking up the mass of people repeatedly and into increasingly smaller groups.

Over the weekend, government officials convinced about 1,000 people they should enter legally via the bridge.

More than 4,000 migrants, mostly from Honduras, arrived in Guatemala last week. At least 1,700 crossed over two different entry points in southern Mexico in recent days.

The National Immigration Institute issued a statement saying it would detain any migrants in the country illegally, hold them in detention centers and deport those who did not legalize their status. Any who made it through and continued north could expect a gauntlet of highway checkpoints.

Central American migrants carry children as they run across the Suchiate River from Guatemala to Mexico, on Monday

A Central American migrant, who crossed the Suchiate River from Guatemala to Mexico, on Monday, is blocked by Mexican National Guards on the riverbank near Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico

The Mexican government last Friday offered migrants 4,000 jobs to work in the south, but those who do not accept it or seek asylum will not be issued safe conduct passes to the United States, the interior ministry said.

The new caravan is the first since last fall, when Washington signed bilateral agreements with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to reduce the number of migrants crossing the southern border.

More than 55,000 asylum seekers have requested asylum at the U.S. border and been returned to Mexico to wait out cases that will take months, if not years to resolve under the "Remain in Mexico" program, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Beginning with Guatemala in July of 2019, the U.S. government signed agreements with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador that would allow the U.S. to send asylum seekers from other countries to Central America.

Under the deals, asylum seekers won't be given the opportunity to request asylum in the U.S., but rather will be flown to these Central American countries where they will have the opportunity to request asylum.
Distressing images show the "malnourished and sick" animals in cages at Al-Qureshi Park in the country's capital city of Khartoum. (Getty)

An online campaign to save a group of starving African lions from a zoo in Sudan has been started amid economic turmoil in the country preventing them from getting enough food.

Distressing images show the "malnourished and sick" animals, so thin that their bones are visibly poking through their fur, in cages at Al-Qureshi Park in the country's capital city of Khartoum.

According to reports, they have barely eaten in weeks, with the zoo's owners struggling to feed them, and some have lost around two-thirds of their body weight.

According to reports, they have barely eaten in weeks, with the zoo's owners struggling to feed them, with some losing around two-thirds of their body weight. (Getty)

Osman Salih, who launched the campaign, shared several harrowing pictures of the emaciated lions as he asked people and institutions concerned to help the animals.

The campaign is now gaining momentum online, with the aim of moving the lions to a better location where they will be fed and looked after.

Mr Salih wrote on Facebook: "I was shaken when I saw these lions at the park... their bones are protruding from the skin. I urge interested people and institutions to help them."

He later updated his page with news that one, a female, had passed away.

He wrote: "I regret to inform you that the sick female lion has died. The other female is getting better and the male is OK."

Osman Salih, who launched the campaign shared several harrowing pictures of the emaciated lions as he asked people and institutions concerned to help the animals. (Getty)

Speaking to the AFP news agency, a manager from Al-Qureshi Park said it is extremely difficult to feed the lions.

The employee told the agency: "Food is not always available, so often we buy it from our own money to feed them."

Moataz Mahmoud, one of the caretakers at the park, added: "They are suffering from severe illnesses. They are sick and appear to be malnourished."

Mr Salih has since said that emergency responders have visited the park to offer medical assistance to the malnourished lions, and work is being done to find another home for them.

Writing on Sunday, he added: "Today was a positive day at Qurashi Park. We had good meetings with the park administration and the wildlife police.

"Lots of fresh meat was brought by several donors as well as two sheep. Supply of regular meat from factories and slaughter houses was also secured."

Story continues

"Managed to buy all required medical supplies for emergency care such as antibiotics, IV drip etc.

"Best news of the day was the willingness of Four Paws International to send an emergency rescue to rehabilitate the animals not only at Qurashi zoo but other parks in Sudan as well as train staff at wildlife authority.

"The wildlife authority has welcomed the idea and we will begin process tomorrow of their invitation and paperwork."
San Jose (AFP) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday called on the government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to stop silencing its political opponents in the troubled Central American country.

"The United States urges the Ortega regime in Nicaragua to cease its repression and restore basic civil liberties and support free and fair elections," Pompeo said in Costa Rica, on the second stop of a Latin American and Caribbean tour.

A small group of Nicaraguans demonstrated against Ortega outside the presidential palace in San Jose, where Pompeo had talks with Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado.

Pompeo said the US government had backed up its words with action against the leftist Nicaraguan regime by holding those who violate basic human rights accountable "as we did last year when we sanctioned many of Ortega's top officials and their family members."

"We're also providing humanitarian assistance for Nicaraguans" as well as Venezuelans fleeing "tyranny" in their own country, he said.

Pompeo briefly met with Nicaraguan refugees who had fled a violent crackdown on the opposition following anti-government protests in 2018.

Participants at the meet-and-greet at the presidential mansion included Nicaraguan opposition leaders, former political prisoners and civil society leaders.

Alvarado pointed out that Costa Rica had received tens of thousands of Nicaraguans following the crisis and pleaded for assistance from the international community to help provide for them.
Disease experts are urging people not to be concerned about a new strain of coronavirus, as a Brisbane man is isolated and tested for the potentially deadly disease.

Queensland health authorities have confirmed they are monitoring a man who recently travelled to the area around the city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, in central China's Hubei province.

The man had been visiting family and returned to Australia via Sydney before travelling to his home in Queensland's capital.

After developing respiratory issues, he visited a GP who took the isolation measures because of where the man had travelled.
A DUP MP has hit out at climate hypocrites who will zoom into Davos in hundreds of private jets to lecture the world about stopping consuming fossil fuel.

World leaders are gathering in Davos, Switzerland, this week for the annual World Economic Forum.

Sammy Wilson sought to draw attention to hypocritical behaviour as he urged Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom not to heed any of the calls for policies which would cost jobs in our energy-intensive industries.

Ms Leadsom said the Government was determined to meet our net zero ambitions and also do all we can to lead in the world in tackling this climate emergency.

Speaking during Commons BEIS questions, Mr Wilson said: This week, thousands of climate hypocrites will zoom into Davos in hundreds of private jets to lecture the world about stopping consuming fossil fuel, oblivious to their own hypocritical behaviour.

Will the minister give us an assurance that she will not be heeding any of the calls for policies which would either cost jobs in our energy-intensive industries and fuel costs  the fuel prices of the millions in fuel poverty or add green burdens to consumers, farmers and motorists?

Ms Leadsom replied: I think (he) makes an absolutely vital point, that its not enough that we just look at our own behaviour here in the UK where we are determined to meet our net zero ambitions, but also that we do all we can to lead in the world in tackling this climate emergency.

And so we have set out in our plans in the run-up to COP26 some really ambitious ideas for how we can not only work at home to decarbonise, but also help the rest of the world in their effort to solve their own problems, but also to behave better in the way that they travel.
OTTAWA - The first body of a Canadian who died in the Tehran plane crash has come home, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday, as the government pushed Iran to respect the wishes of family members who want their loved ones buried in Canada.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stands in front of his cabinet as he speaks to media during the final day of the Liberal cabinet retreat at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Sudoma

OTTAWA - The first body of a Canadian who died in the Tehran plane crash has come home, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday, as the government pushed Iran to respect the wishes of family members who want their loved ones buried in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne confirmed the repatriation of a Canadian killed in the crash of the Ukraine International Airlines jet near Tehran almost two weeks ago, but he offered no other details because of the family's request for privacy. The minister said other families would also be bringing their loved ones' remains back to Canada, but he did not give specifics, citing their privacy wishes.

Champagne said a number of victims have already had their remains buried in Iran, according to the wishes of their families. The repatriation of Canadian remains has emerged as an issue because Iran does not recognize dual citizenships and claims anyone born in Iran as Iranian.

"Every time that I receive an allegation that the wishes of the family will not have been respected we are taking these allegations seriously," Champagne said in Winnipeg.

He also said Iranian authorities have assured Canada they would respect families' wishes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that by respecting the wishes of families, Iran would also be respecting the principles of Islam.

"We recognize that it is a challenge that Iran does not recognizes double citizenship, but the focus that we've had on supporting the families has been to ensure that the families' wishes are respected in regards to burials," Trudeau said Tuesday in Winnipeg after a cabinet retreat.

"Respecting the wishes of the families lines up not with a question of citizenship, but it lines up also with international laws and practice and with principles around Islam for burials."

All 176 people on Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 were killed when the it crashed outside Tehran earlier this month after being shot at by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles.

Ottawa has confirmed that included 57 Canadian citizens and 29 permanent residents of Canada.

The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 90 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

Iran's aviation authority said Monday that the jetliner was carrying only five Canadian nationals, a number it said was based on the passports used by passengers.

That has raised concerns the bodies won't be allowed out of the country for those families wishing for burials in Canada.

Dennis Horak, Canada's last ambassador to Iran, said Trudeau may have been trying to appeal Iran's "basic humanity" by couching a request of repatriation of bodies in religious terms, but added: "Good luck with that."

"Iranians are trying to make a political point that Canada really doesn't have a big political interest in this since it was mostly 'Iranians' who were killed," Horak said. "It's sickening for them to play this card in these circumstances when families are grieving but it's what they do."

Bessma Momani, a Middle East expert with the University of Waterloo, said the locations where bodies are buried could have legal implications later when Canada pushes Iran for financial compensation for the crash victims.

"If they're buried in Iran, it's only going to strengthen the Iranian's argument that they're really just Iranian citizens and the they're not dual citizens," said Momani.

In Islam, she said, "not burying the body is considered torture of the soul.

"For some families, they may be stuck with the pressure to please bury the body because to retrieve it to Canada may take more hurdles, and that's not good for the soul of the deceased person."

Canada and its allies renewed their calls Monday for Iran to release the black boxes from the Ukrainian jetliner to another country so their crucial flight data can be downloaded. The request emerged from Champagne's Monday conference call with counterparts from Britain, Sweden, Afghanistan and Ukraine, all of which lost citizens in the crash.

Trudeau suggested that sending the data recorders to France would be a good idea.

"The black boxes are key to the investigation and there are rules around making sure that they are analyzed quickly and properly in cases such as these. It is not simply a question of having the right experts in place to analyze the black boxes," Trudeau said. "There is a question of significant technological requirements in order to do that that cannot be done in Iran."

A summary of Champagne's call with the four countries that lost nationals in the crash urged Iran "to move the black boxes to a facility with all of the technology and expertise required to quickly and reliably download and analyze the data without delay ... Iran has indicated it is willing to do so."

The report released Monday by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said the black boxes were damaged but their recordings are intact.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
New Delhi

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday called for dialogue to resolve differences and pending issues with India as he and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the second integrated check post (ICP) along the border.

The two premiers opened the ICP at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian aid to facilitate trade and peoples movement across the border, through video conference. Jogbani-Biratnagar is an important trade point and the ICP is equipped with modern facilities for customs, immigration and quarantine.

Modi said India has been a trusted partner in Nepals development and improving cross-border connectivity is an important part of his governments neighbourhood first policy.

Oli said such development projects are symbols of the close friendly relations between the two sides, but added that India and Nepal should also focus on tackling pending issues and differences.

Im of the view that by working together in a spirit of friendliness and accommodation, we can expand the scope and enrich the substance of bilateral relations. The time has come to resolve all pending issues through dialogue in the lasting interest of our two countries and peoples, he said.

Our ministers and respective officials would meet to sort out differences and advance the partnership agenda, Oli said without giving details, describing the stable and majority governments in both countries as an opportune moment.

Though Oli didnt specify the pending issues, he was apparently referring to the disputed border area of Kalapani, which came to the forefront last year after India issued new maps following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir that showed the region as part of Indian territory, and Nepals demand for a review of the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship.

Oli said the timely completion of bilateral projects has delivered tangible benefits to the people and added momentum to the relationship. Noting that Kathmandu is always ready to work closely with New Delhi, Oli renewed his invitation to Modi to visit Nepal. Your visit will provide us an excellent opportunity to review the achievements made and chart the course of action for the future, he said.

The inauguration of the ICP came four months after Modi and Oli jointly opened South Asias first cross-border oil pipeline, with an annual capacity of 2 million metric tonnes, between Motihari in Indias Bihar and Amlekhgunj in Nepal. The pipeline replaced tankers that carry petroleum products from India as part of an arrangement put in place in 1973.

Tuesdays event also marked the completion of the rebuilding of 45,000 out of 50,000 houses in Nepals Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, which were destroyed by the 2015 earthquake, with grant assistance from India. The first ICP at Birgunj was inaugurated during Olis visit to India in April 2018.

Modi highlighted the importance of better connectivity between India and Nepal and said: India is committed to simplify and smoothen traffic with all friendly countries in the neighbourhood, and to further facilitate contacts in business, culture and education.

India and Nepal, he said, are working on several cross-border connectivity projects such as road and rail links and power transmission lines. Connectivity works as a catalyst for the development of not only the country but the region as a whole, he added.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Sarah Skidmore, a member of our Emerging Fellows program initiates publishing a series of blog posts aimed at checking the possibility of unlocking Africas potential by 2050. This is her first post in our EF blog. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the APF or its other members.

Consider the modern history of Africa. Over the past 50 years alone, the continent has faced geopolitical clashes, wars, famines, genocides, disease pandemics in the midst of systematic tensions. Think of the missed opportunities, the squandered potential, the harm and devastation. In the midst of this trying and troubled timeline, hope is in not lost completely. Think of the entrepreneurial ventures, the growing human rights efforts, and the humanitarian and healthcare advances of recent years. Now, think to the future. A future with a thriving Africa affords continental opportunities but also open doors for unprecedented global collaborations.

With the abundant African population growing to nearly 2.5 billion individuals by 2050 and diverse mineral wealth throughout the continent, the possibility to unlock untapped potential in the next 30 years exists. Two themes that are significant for leaders working to unlock the continents potential include leveraging the abundant human talent and also preparing for disruptive climate change. In the midst of dystopian narratives and doomsday stories of the future, leaders must remind themselves that futures of thriving and potential are possible, even if they are not yet achieved.

Africa finds itself currently as, geographically speaking, the shining star of what is known as the non-integrated gap. In simplistic terms, this means that, excluding the country of South Africa, Africas presence in the 21st century world clamors for a miraculous peace, overall security, and an end to combat. Contemporary influences actively harnessing the minds and reshaping the decisions of leaders throughout Africa are the African Union and African Rising movement. Important themes that arise from these influences in Africa include intra-continental cooperation and local entrepreneurship. Consider the unleashed security and economic benefits that these themes offer the African people. Imagine a thriving Africa that provides the world with leaders who are peacebuilders, leaders who embody cooperation and collaboration, and leaders who embrace thriving.

Africa is currently floundering in challenges associated with lackluster infrastructure, food instability, and water insecurity. Systemically, the continent lacks the physical infrastructure, with 620 million individuals living without electricity. Basic infrastructure challenges critically influence the dire food and water scarcities that define much of life intra-continentally. In a continent where 70% of individuals believe religion is very important, values influence the conflicts associated with tribalism, non-state actors, and religious contentions. Leaders must prepare for the burdens of unprecedented droughts and floods radiating throughout the continent due to disruptive climate change. The list only continues. Overcoming these challenges is a duty for leaders who envision a future where Africa is thriving and contributing at the global level.

Africa could hold an influential role on the world stage in 2050. Todays leaders must recognize how present decisions are actively - whether directly or indirectly - impacting the future. Current events and decisions are already shaping 2050. Within Africa, consider the lasting impact of civil conflicts between people groups and shifting forms of government within African countries. From an international perspective, consider the impact of the unprecedented foreign funding, specifically from Chinese investors. The African people represent more than a number. They represent a diverse cultural tapestry, an unrivaled human development opportunity, the largest global workforce, and new thought contributors. In addition to human capital, Africa offers the world rich natural resources including oil and gas. These resources already catch the attention of international players through the recent manufacturing revolution and pharmaceutical production influx. As the earth faces disruptive climate change in the coming decades, the natural resources found in Africa will strongly influence both state and non-state decisions. From an altruistic perspective, a thriving Africa is essential to the global citizenry in 2050.

Africa has moved beyond simply surviving and toward rising. In the coming decades, Africa once again has an opportunity  an opportunity to move beyond rising toward thriving. Thriving not only allows for Africa to flourish but allows for Africa to help the world flourish. This is a heavy call on the shoulders of leaders guiding this continent that is home to a complex tapestry of nations, tribes, religions, and languages.

 Sarah Skidmore 2020
CAIRO - The U.S. Embassy in Libya on Tuesday called for the immediate resumption of oil production in the country, pressuring eastern Libyan forces who have sought to choke off oil exports in territory under their control.

Powerful tribal groups loyal to Gen. Khalifa Hifter, whose forces control eastern Libya and much of the south, seized several large export terminals earlier this month along the eastern coast, as well as southern oil fields. The moves were meant to challenge the rival U.N.-supported government based in the capital, Tripoli.

The tribal groups also closed a major pipeline over the weekend.

The Libyan National Oil Corporation warned that the closure of eastern port terminals under Hifters control would cut crude oil production by 800,000 barrels a day and estimated the country would lose $55 million in daily revenues.

We are deeply concerned that the suspension of National Oil Corporation (NOC) operations risks exacerbating the humanitarian emergency in Libya and inflicting further needless suffering on the Libyan people, the U.S. Embassy tweeted.

The corporations operations should resume immediately, it added.

Hifters moves were seen as part of efforts to take control of Tripoli and punish his adversaries there for sealing security and maritime memoranda with Turkey, opening doors for unlimited military support from Ankara.

Oil, the lifeline of Libyas economy, has long been a key factor in the civil war, as rival authorities jostle for control of oil fields and state revenue. Libya has the ninth largest known oil reserves in the world and the largest in Africa.

Hifters forces have been waging a military offensive to take the capital Tripoli since April. The campaign has threatened to plunge Libya into chaos, rivaling the 2011 conflict that ousted and killed long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Libya is now divided into rival administrations, each backed by different nations: the U.N.-supported government based in Tripoli, headed by Fayez Sarraj, and the one based in the countrys east, supported by Hifters forces.

France, Egypt, Russia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and other key Arab countries support Hifter and his allies in the east. The Tripoli-based government is backed by Qatar and Turkey.
Jeremy Bamber has claimed from his prison cell that new evidence gives him the 'ultimate alibi' he did not murder his family at White House Farm 35 years ago.

Bamber, 59, is serving a whole-life prison sentence for the 1985 murders of his sister Sheila Caffell, 26, her twin boys Nicholas and Daniel, both six, and his parents Nevill and June, both 61.

The story of the chilling murders is currently being re-told with a new ITV drama called White House Farm, starring Freddie Fox and Bamber and Cressida Bonas as his sister.

But he has now claimed he was speaking to police officers outside his parents farmhouse in Essex while the murders were taking place, reports The Mirror.

He told his lawyers from his Wakefield prison cell: 'It is the ultimate alibi that I was in the company of dozens of police officers when it was clear that a person or persons were alive in the house who I am convicted of murdering.'

Bamber, who was given a whole-life tariff with no possibility of release, has always claimed his sister, a vulnerable former model nicknamed 'Bambi', killed their family and then herself in a murder-suicide.

Jeremy Bamber (pictured in 2013) has claimed from his prison cell that new evidence gives him the 'ultimate alibi' he did not murder his family at White House Farm 35 years ago

The murderer is pictured being escorted by police before his conviction in 1985

He is the only one of around 70 UK prisoners serving a whole-life sentence who maintains his innocence.

She had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but Carol Ann Lee who has written to Bamber several times for her book Murders at White House Farm, claims her medication would have made her 'uncoordinated' and unable to work a gun.

Ms Lee says a gruesome crime scene photograph proves the murders were carried out by someone who had comprehensive knowledge of firearms.

Bamber's lawyers submitted a fresh application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2019 asking them to disclose previously unseen evidence.

It relates to the 999 phone call he made to police on the night of the incident.

They claim the new evidence is 'strong'.

Bamber, 59, (pictured in 1986 left and Freddie Fox playing him in the ITV drama right) is serving a whole-life prison sentence for the 1985 murders of his sister Sheila Caffell, 26, her twin boys Nicholas and Daniel, both six, and his parents Nevill and June, both 61

The massacre of his family became known as the White House Farm murders after the name of his parents Essex farmhouse (pictured) where it took place in 1985

White House Farm in Essex is shown in the ITV portrayal of the murders

Bamber, who was given a whole-life tariff with no possibility of release, has always claimed his sister Sheila (pictured left, with Cressida Bonas playing her in the ITV drama right) killed their family and then herself in a murder-suicide

But Essex Police say everyone in the farmhouse at Tolleshunt, D'Arcy was dead at 3.30am, way before the police call was made.

Bamber has slated Fox's portrayal of him in the new ITV drama, saying it was 'nothing like him'.

He said: 'I am concerned ITV are now cashing in on the tragedy,' but ITV insisted it carried out 'meticulous research'.

It comes after Sheila's widower Colin Caffell told of how he welcomed Bamber into his home.

He told ITV's This Morning: 'I welcomed Jeremy into my flat and gave him all the brotherly love as a victim. But he was behaving normally - running up the stairs with wet hair copying a famous photo in the mirror.

Jeremy Bamber (played by Freddie Fox sat down) is questioned by DS Stan Jones, Mark Addy, (pictured left) during the ITV drama White House Farm

'Once the funeral happened he was in the car and started larking around with Julie Mugford [his then girlfriend] about what he wanted to with her later in the afternoon - then the next thing I knew he'd be arrested for the first time.'

The mass murder sent shockwaves through the country, not least because Bamber tried to frame his dead sister Sheila for the crime.

So chillingly effective were the lies Bamber told that not only did he convince the police but even fooled Colin into believing his former wife had killed their twin sons in cold blood before beating and shooting her adoptive parents and taking her own life.

When the truth finally emerged, Bamber was jailed for life.
VENICE, Italy - The Venetian island of Buranos charms are rooted in its fishing legacy: the colorful fishermens cottages, the traditional butter cookies that kept fishermen going at sea and the delicate lace hand-stitched by their women.

But as the islands population dwindles, like that of Venice itself a 40-minute boat ride away, so do the numbers of skilled artisans who keep the traditions and economy alive.

To counter the trend, Venezia Nativa, an association of entrepreneurs on Burano and two neighbouring islands, is trying to breathe fresh life into old trades to attract new residents and persuade young islanders to stay.

Domenico Rossi, 49, is a crab fisherman, like his ancestors back to the glory days of the Venetian Republic.

But that way of life is dying. When Rossi was a boy, about 100 fishermen plied the northern Venetian lagoon for soft-shell crabs. Now, hes the youngest of the 20 still operating, and he figures in a couple of decades there will be none left.

Once we disappear, Venice disappears, the Burano native said.

Still, he has forbidden his 18-year-old son to take up the trade, seeking to protect him from long hours, uncertain profits and the threat of tightening fishing regulations.

His son is training to be a chef. And Rossi is transforming his own work into a tourist attraction, bringing small groups on boat tours in the off-season.

Venice has long sounded the alarm about being reduced to a living museum, as tourism mushrooms and population levels shrink, threatening the citys viability. Permanent residents in the historic centre  which includes St. Marks Square and the Grand Canal  have sunk to 53,000, down by a third in one generation.

About 1,000 people leave each year for cheaper, easier living in the citys mainland districts. With them, the social fabric of the city wears, the number of neighbourhood stores offering staples dwindles  as do public services.

On Burano and its two neighbouring islands of Mazzorbo and Torcello, the impact of depopulation is even more evident. Residents currently number 2,700, dropping by 60 a year.

Just 40 years ago, there were two elementary schools with about 120 children in each grade. Each now has no more than a dozen.

About 30 island business owners are trying to secure the northern lagoons future by relaunching local trades and encouraging sustainable tourism. Whereas Venice suffers under the pressure of some 30 million visitors a year, only about 1.5 million of those continue on to Burano.

We want these three islands in the northern lagoon to become a tourist destination apart from Venice, said association vice-president Roberto Pugliese. That means offering activities like fishing or boating and promoting the allure of the quiet lagoon life, beyond the existing tourist draws of lace shops, Instagrammable backdrops of brightly colored fishing cottages and the quiet Byzantine cathedral on Torcello.

Across a footbridge from Burano, on the neighbouring island of Mazzorbo, a winemaker from the prosecco region north of Venice has relaunched a long-dormant vineyard, Venissa, opening a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel along with it. A decade on, most of its 30 employees live on the islands.

Makers of the traditional Burano lace also are looking to revitalize their sector, mostly by moving from traditional decorative uses such as tablecloths or wall hangings into creating works of art or fashion.

At dalla Lidia, a Burano lace shop, Japanese textile maker Yuka Miyagishima is spending three months to learn the craft practiced today by no more than 100 women, most of them elderly. Its painstaking work, using a thread and needle to create intricate stitches and knots on paper that is later torn away.

Pugliese said it would be ideal for her to remain on the island and work -- but Miyagishima says she intends to return home and practice the tradition there.

Getting outsiders to move to Burano is complicated not only by the convenience factor, but also by its peculiar housing stock. About 80% of the islands housing is picturesque fishing cottages. Theyre adored by tourists for their colorful facades  but less so by residents long restricted by preservation laws on how they can renovate the two-story structures, each level just 20 square meters (215 square feet). In a sign of the times, many are for sale.

Officials have recently given tentative approval to changes that will make it easier, for example, to combine adjoining houses into a single abode. Pugliese is also hoping that Venice will allow hotels to operate with rooms dispersed throughout the island. At the moment there are fewer than 20 hotel rooms on the island, limiting overnight stays.

Its just as complicated to get Buranos young people to stay on the island.

Federica Molin and her husband run a bakery that makes the famed bussolai cookies, traditionally shaped in big Os so fishermen could hang them on their mast and nibble away during long turns at sea.

Their eldest child lives in Milan, studying to be a veterinarian, and is unlikely to resettle on the island any time soon. Molin is happy for her but hopes shell come back some day.

When I hear about young couples that come back ... I get excited, Molin said. Then when we see blue or pink ribbons around Burano announcing a birth, it gives the sensation that yes, we can repopulate the island!
Erin Schweikert, 18, who was missing since September 2019, was found dead in the basement of a South Philadelphia twin Jan. 16, 2020. Read more

A South Philadelphia woman in whose basement police found the body of a teen mother who had been missing since September has been charged with abuse of corpse and other crimes.

Maddison Leidy, 25, also was charged Saturday with tampering with evidence, conspiracy, and related crimes after police discovered the body of 18-year-old Erin Schweikert inside a small storage space in the basement of the residence in the 2100 block of Porter Street.

Leidy was being held Monday at the Riverside Correctional Facility on $500,000 bail. She was on probation in connection with a 2014 robbery and simple assault.

There were no signs of trauma to the body, police said, and the Medical Examiners Office has yet to determine a cause and manner of death.

A call to Leidys residence was answered by Lucy Simpson, who owns the twin home and identified herself as the defendants grandmother.

Im not saying Maddison is innocent, said Simpson, but we had nothing to do with this.

When asked about the odor that police said permeated the home and came from the teens badly decomposed body, Simpson said there was no smell.

Later, a man who declined to give his name but identified himself as another Simpson grandchild got on the line and said, There was no smell.

The man said that the home has an open layout, and that Leidys living quarters are in the basement. Her bedroom, he said, has two walled-off storage spaces, one behind the other. He said police found Schweikerts body in the second.

He acknowledged that a neighbor had complained of a gas smell in October, and said the Gas Works investigated but did not find anything.

Schweikert, who lived in the 2300 block of Lee Street in South Philadelphia and had a toddler daughter, was last seen by her family Sept. 27, 2019.

Her body was found on Thursday, when sheriffs deputies and officers with the Police Departments Special Victims Unit went to Leidys home to arrest her on a probation violation. Police later said that the Special Victims Unit had gone along with deputies because they had received a tip that a missing 18-year-old woman might be inside.

Police did not respond to questions about Leidys relationship to Schweikert and did not say if any other arrests were expected. Four other people were taken into custody when Leidy was arrested Thursday. The status of all four was unclear Monday.

Meanwhile, friends who created a GoFundMe page to increase awareness about Schweikerts disappearance and to raise money to hire a private detective to help find her have shifted their focus toward raising money for funeral expenses.

Schweikerts family could not be reached for comment Monday.
Air France-KLM, JAL among bidders for Malaysia Airlines: report

A host of investors, including Air France-KLM besides regional and domestic airlines have submitted proposals for investing in ailing Malaysia Airlines, reports citing sources aware of the developments said.

According to a Reuters report, Air France-KLM has offered to acquire as much as 40 per cent in Malaysia Airlines while Japan Airlines, which already has invested in the carrier, is looking to buy a smaller 25 per cent stake.

Besides Air France-KLM and JAL, domestic carrier AirAsia Group Bhd and Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesias Lion Air, have also submitted proposals, the report said.

The report also pointed to the possibility of foreign airlines having better prospects of acquiring stake in Malaysian Airlines as the Malaysian government has found their proposals attractive.

However, with backing from the sovereign wealth fund that owns Malaysia Airlines, a deal with AirAsia cannot also be ruled out, the report said.

Malaysia is an attractive destination for foreign carriers because of its strategic location and both bidders plan to capitalise on this, says the report.

Malaysia Airlines has been struggling to recover from the twin tragedies in 2014 - the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 and the shooting down of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, and the government has been in the lookout for a strategic investor.

That year, sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd paid 1.4 billion ringgit ($345 million) for a 30 per cent additional stake in the airline, to take it private.

While details of the proposal by the two foreign carriers are not available, JAL is reported to be looking to expand its partnership with Malaysia Airlines through their joint venture.

JAL is looking to expand the scope of the joint venture, entered into last year, with flights to cover the US.

Malaysia Airlines and JAL are both members of the Oneworld airline alliance, while Air France-KLM is part of the rival SkyTeam alliance.
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 Beijing Capital International Airport Company Limited (HKG:694), by way of a worked example.

Over the last twelve months Beijing Capital International Airport has recorded a ROE of 11%. Another way to think of that is that for every HK$1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn HK$0.11.

View our latest analysis for Beijing Capital International Airport

How Do I Calculate Return On Equity?

The formula for ROE is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations)  Shareholders' Equity

Or for Beijing Capital International Airport:

11% = CN2.7b  CN24b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2019.)

It's easy to understand the 'net profit' part of that equation, but 'shareholders' equity' requires further explanation. It is all earnings retained by the company, plus any capital paid in by shareholders. You can calculate shareholders' equity by subtracting the company's total liabilities from its total assets.

What Does ROE Mean?

Return on Equity measures a company's profitability against the profit it has kept for the business (plus any capital injections). The 'return' is the yearly profit. A higher profit will lead to a higher ROE. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means it can be interesting to compare the ROE of different companies.

Does Beijing Capital International Airport Have A Good Return On Equity?

One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. The limitation of this approach is that some companies are quite different from others, even within the same industry classification. If you look at the image below, you can see Beijing Capital International Airport has a similar ROE to the average in the Infrastructure industry classification (9.7%).

Story continues

SEHK:694 Past Revenue and Net Income, January 21st 2020

That's not overly surprising. ROE doesn't tell us if the share price is low, but it can inform us to the nature of the business. For those looking for a bargain, other factors may be more important. If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity

Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from retained earnings, issuing new shares (equity), or debt. 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. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same.

Beijing Capital International Airport's Debt And Its 11% ROE

While Beijing Capital International Airport does have some debt, with debt to equity of just 0.14, we wouldn't say debt is excessive. The fact that it achieved a fairly good ROE with only modest debt suggests the business might be worth putting on your watchlist. Careful use of debt to boost returns is often very good for shareholders. However, it could reduce the company's ability to take advantage of future opportunities.

The Bottom Line On ROE

Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. All else being equal, a higher ROE is better.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
In the last few weeks, at least two states have moved the Supreme Court of India (SC) challenging central laws.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala moved the apex court challenging the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and sought the amended citizenship law be declared unconstitutional and in violation of Article 14, 21 and 25 of the Indian Constitution.

According to the amended law, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who came from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants and will be eligible for Indian citizenship. The law excludes Muslims.

Those opposing the amended law say it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. They also allege that the CAA, along with the proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens (NRC), is intended to target Indias Muslim community.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to the persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not take away citizenship from anyone.

Former Mizoram Governor and BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan has also moved the top court seeking dismissal the suit filed by Kerala government against CAA.

His plea says the state governments suit wrongly tries to convey that all people of Kerala are against CAA. "Here the situation is totally different. Majority of the people of the State are supporting the Act," Kummanam said.

In his application, Kummanam has claimed that there was no dispute regarding the law between Kerala and the Centre but that the only dispute that exist is a political dispute.

Congress leader and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal has said that states can pass resolutions against CAA and take the matter to court. However, he added that if the Supreme Court upholds the amended citizenship law, the states will have to implement it.

Reports suggest that the Punjab government will also be moving the Supreme Court against CAA.

The Congress government in Chhattisgarh also moved the Supreme Court seeking to declare the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008 as unconstitutional. It is the first state government to challenge the Act. It is to be noted that the Act was passed under the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) dispensation at the Centre.

The suit has sought declaration of the NIA Act as unconstitutional on the ground that it is beyond the legislative competence of Parliament.

It argues that Police is a state subject, and a central agency overriding powers of state police with no provision for the state governments consent for such operations, works against the division of powers between the states and the Centre.

The two above mentioned cases in the Supreme Court have been filed invoking Article 131 of the Constitution.

What is Article 131?

Article 131 gives the Supreme Court the original and exclusive jurisdiction to decide on matters between two or more states, or between the Centre and a state or states.

In addition to Article 131, 131A was also inserted through the Constitution (Forty- second Amendment) Act of 1976. This was regarding challenges to constitutional validity of central laws. However, 131A was repealed by the Constitution (Forty-third Amendment) Act, 1977.

As India follows a federals structure, Article 131 was envisaged to end disputes between states and the Centre.

Meaning, Article 131 can only be invoked if the matter is between the Government of India and a state/states, or between two or more states.

How does Article 131 come into play?

There have been many instances where states have filed cases under Article 131 against other states. These include those fought over river water sharing and inter-state boundary disputes.

There have been instances of such cases being filed against the Centre too.

In fact, Kerala challenging CAA is the fifth instance of a state invoking Article 131 to questioning a central law.

The Rajasthan Dissolution Case (State of Rajasthan versus the Union of India, 1977) is key in understanding Article 131.

In its decision in this case, the top court had clarified what Article 131A stood for. It said that the under Article 131, the dispute should not be about the difference of opinion between the state and the Centre, but the motive of the provision was to conclude disputes related to questions of law or facts on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends. It also said that the dispute matter must not be political in nature.

There have been other instance were such challenges have not been accepted by the top court. In 2017, the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal had filed a writ petition under Article 32 against the Aadhaar Act. However, the petition was withdrawn after a bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan orally asked "How can a state challenge a law passed by the parliament?"

The bench said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee could approach the court as an individual and challenge the law.

Therefore, for maintainability of a challenge invoking Article 131, the nature of relation between the involved parties (in this case the states and the Centre) and the nature of the dispute (if it is solely political or not) is key.

What happens next?

In the State of Jharkhand versus State of Bihar (2014) case, a two-judge Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Jasti Chelameswar and then Justice SA Bobde had said it saw Article 131 as an appropriate tool to test the constitutionality of a central law.

The matter was later referred to a larger bench headed by Justice NV Ramana. The petition is challenging powers of the Bihar Reorganisation Act, 2000, and is still pending.

In doing so, the court had disagreed with its earlier ruling in the State of Madhya Pradesh versus Union of India (2011) case, in which it had held that the constitutional validity of a central law should cannot be normally challenged under Article 131.

Based on this precedent, the apex court may have to constitute a larger bench to hear these petitions and decide if they are maintainable. If yes, the Supreme Court may then move to pass a judgement on the matter.
I learned a lesson when conducting research for my book, Family Papers: a Sephardic Journey Through the Twentieth Century. I had discovered the story of a young Jewish man forgotten to history until now, a story that taught me that neither cultural affiliation nor family history is a reliable predictor of future behavior. In short, identity is not destiny, and all of us can fall prey to the tides of history.

Vital Hasson was a native of Thessaloniki, Greece, a cultural capital of the Sephardic Jewish world and a city that once boasted a majority Jewish population, who knew their home as Salonica. He came from an educated, middle-class family of journalists, writers, educators and political leaders.

But Hasson diverged, fatally, from his familys enlightened values.

Hasson became intoxicated by a populist regime and chose to be swept up by its violence, its false promises, its hatred. He used a position of power to degrade the vulnerable. He was publicly denounced by family for his excesses. After the Second World War, Hasson was the only Jew in all of Europe to be tried and executed by a state, Greece, for collaborating with the Nazi occupiers.

Less than nothing

Hassons family, like most of the Sephardic Jews of Salonica, were descended from Jews expelled from Iberia in the 15th century who spoke and wrote in a Judeo-Spanish language known as Ladino. For five centuries, they called the Ottoman Empire, southeastern Europe and Salonica home.

But before the war he was not important, less than nothing, according to one of the dozens of Jewish survivors who would subsequently testify against him.

When his city was still Ottoman, in the 1870s and 1890s, his great-grandfather introduced the first French- and Ladino-language newspapers to Salonica, chronicling and shaping modernity as it was experienced by southeastern European Jews.

In time, war redrew borders around the family, transforming them from Ottomans to Greeks. Emigration pulled them in many directions, with cousins relocating to England, France, Spain, Portugal, India and Brazil. Hasson himself moved to Palestine for a time, returning to his native town in 1933.

Story continues

Then, war came, transforming Hasson from a nonentity to an important person.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Family Papers: A Sephardic Journey Through the Twentieth Century , Author provided

Hassons depravity

Four generations of Hassons family were living in Salonica when German forces occupied the city in April 1941. Two years later, Hasson assumed the position of head of the Jewish police of Salonica under ambiguous circumstances.

The position gave him authority over about 200 unarmed men, all local Jews. Among Hassons first acts was to volunteer himself as a human bounty hunter, exceeding his charge.

In May 1943, he crossed from German-occupied Greece into Italian-occupied Greece in pursuit of Salonican Jews fleeing the Nazis, whom he was uniquely qualified to identify. His efforts were thwarted, but it hinted at the lengths he was willing to go to satisfy those in power.

When a ghetto was created within Salonica by the Nazis, the depth of Hassons depravity made itself known. The Baron Hirsch ghetto, one of two areas in which all Jews were concentrated, existed from March to August 1943, by which time Nazi officials completed the deportation of Greek Jewry.

Lion let out of a cage

Within the ghettos wooden walls, which were surrounded by barbed wire and control towers, more than 2,000 Jewish women, men, and children were crammed into 593 rooms. Disease and crime were rampant.

A 23-year-old German SS officer was technically in charge of the Baron Hirsch ghetto. But Hasson appears to have been granted great latitude to execute Nazi orders on the ground. Recollections of Hassons actions, which swirl through Greek-, Hebrew-, Ladino- and English-language survivor testimony, are nightmarish.

Hasson, it was said, raced through the ghetto in a horse-drawn carriage, and made his fellow Jews sweep the streets. He strutted about, using the glistening boots of the occupiers to knock down both doors and people. He stole from the imprisoned, carrying around the ghetto an open bag into which women and men were expected to place what jewels or money they had managed to hang on to. And he identified young men to be inducted into forced labor.

In the words of one survivor, a woman by the name of Bouena Sarfatty, He was like a lion let out of a cage.

Hasson reserved particular cruelty for girls and women. He forced them to strip naked, searched their genitals for hidden money, sheared their hair, raped them and pimped them to others.

To protest her forced marriage to Hassons brother Dino, who long harbored an obsession with the young woman, Sarika Gategno wore the same dress for three months and consumed nothing but alcohol and cigarettes.

Salonica emptied of Jews

From March to August 1943, Nazi overseers directed 19 transports of Salonicas Jews, totaling 48,533 souls, to depart from the train station adjacent to the Baron Hirsch ghetto. One of these trains would head for the concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen; 18 for Auschwitz.

The journey to Auschwitz took between five and eight grueling days. Nearly all the Salonican Jews brought there were gassed upon arrival.

On Aug. 2, a special deportation carried away the families of Salonicas wartime Jewish community leadership (including the Jewish police) to the concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen. Before his own deportation, on this very train to Bergen-Belsen, Hassons father publicly disowned his son, who yet remained in Salonica.

By August 1943, Salonica, like Greece as a whole, had been virtually emptied of Jews by the Nazis.

On trial

Hasson himself arranged to flee eastward with his wife, daughter and pregnant lover in August 1943.

Several times in the dramatic, confused weeks and months that followed, he was recognized by Jewish refugees from Salonica (in Albania, Italy and Egypt) and arrested by Allied representatives, but amidst the chaos of war Hasson repeatedly escaped or was released.

Finally, upon the liberation of Greece in October 1944, the British captured him and returned Hasson to Greece for trial. In the summer of 1946 that trial, a sensational event that gripped the city of Thessaloniki and the Salonican Jewish diaspora, resulted in a guilty verdict. Hasson was sentenced to death and executed.

Jews across the political spectrum, from Bernie Sanders to Benjamin Netanyahu, claim to seek inspiration in Jewish tradition to explain and propel their political values.

But cultural inheritance does not necessarily determine a persons behavior or destiny. And Jewish history ought not be sanitized. What Hassons story teaches is that under the right circumstances, the politics of hate are seductive, even to those who might otherwise be a target.

[ Youre smart and curious about the world. So are The Conversations authors and editors. You can get our highlights each weekend. ]

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Sarah Abrevaya Stein, University of California, Los Angeles.

Read more:



Sarah Abrevaya Stein does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Merchandise depicting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on display in a souvenir shop near Buckingham Palace (Reuters)

Merchandise featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is being sold off at discount prices following their decision to split with the Royal Family.

Tourist trinkets depicting the royal couple were reduced to clear on Monday in several shops across the UK.

Retailers are so desperate to offload their stock that one outlet in Heathrow had even reduced the price of its Harry and Meghan postcards from 99p to 10p, a store worker told Yahoo News UK.

Another gift shop worker, Sam Khan, said: "They're not a part of the Royal Family anymore.

Harry and Meghan postcards reduced to clear at Heathrow Airport (Yahoo News UK)

After the split-up suppliers are not going to do these things. We just want to sell all the stock we have got. We don't want to keep it in the shop."

In one store mugs featuring the couple were reduced from 8.99 to 4.99.

Another shop had tea tins selling for a special price of two tins for 8 or 4.99 each.

READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS UK:

Last week it was announced Harry and Meghan will stop using their royal titles, give up state funding and repay taxpayer money used to refurbish Frognal Cottage as they split from the Royal Family.

Critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.

Harry and Meghan had wanted to remain as working royals, although not prominent members, and drop their public funding so they could become financially independent  a dual role many commentators said was fraught with problems.

On Sunday night, Prince Harry said he was taking a leap of faith in stepping back from his life as a member of the Royal Family, but there really was no other option.

In a speech at a private event for his charity Sentebale, Harry told invited guests: What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you.

Story continues

Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible.

Ive accepted this, knowing that it doesnt change who I am or how committed I am.

But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 20, 2020) - Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG), ("Minaurum") is pleased to announce that it has completed its Phase I Drill program at the Alamos silver project in Sonora, Mexico. Phase I tested 19 of the 25 vein systems identified to date at Alamos. Fourteen of the nineteen vein systems returned high-grade silver intercepts demonstrating that mineralization occurs throughout a 10 km-long by 6 km-wide corridor. In addition, Minaurum has acquired a large collection of historic 1950s to 1980s surface and underground drilling data that is under review for incorporation into Phase II exploration planning.

Highlights of recent drilling include:

1.10 m of 729 g/t Ag, 1.73 g/t Au, and 8.91% Cu-Pb-Zn (Hole AL19-034)

2.15 m of 470 g/t Ag and 1.67% Cu-Pb-Zn (Hole AL19-035)

1.05 m of 245 g/t Ag and 1.77% Cu-Pb-Zn (Hole AL19-037)

4.20 m of 5.38% Cu-Pb-Zn (Hole AL19-038)

The goal of Phase I was to put at least one hole into each identified vein system to establish the district footprint and develop a prioritized vein inventory for Phase II step-out drilling. Phase I drilling totaled 18,810 m in 40 holes. The holes reported here tested the previously undrilled Rosario, Pulpito, Cotera, La Dura, Tijera, Las Animas, and Alessandra veins. Table 1 presents mineralized intervals for holes AL19-032 through AL19-038. Hole AL19-035 also cut significant gold (6.75 g/t Au) in a 20 cm-wide blind vein. Assays for holes AL19-039 and AL19-040 are pending and will be announced as they are received.

Phase II will combine step-out drilling of the highest-grade veins intersected in Phase I and additional targets stemming from the recently acquired historic data files. Phase II is expected to commence in late-March and will include a minimum of 20,000 m of drilling, employing multiple drill rigs.

"Phase I drilling allowed us to outline the footprint of the Alamos District and generate an inventory of silver-rich veins for systematic follow-up drilling," stated Darrell Rader, President and CEO of Minaurum Gold. "Also, we are pleased to have acquired a significant quantity of historical data and expect that, once reviewed and verified, it will significantly enhance Phase II drill targeting."

Story continues

Pulpito and Cotera Veins

Minaurum tested both Pulpito and Cotera veins with a single hole, AL19-035 (Figures 1 and 2). The hole cut several zones of mineralization, including 7.60 m of vein breccia from 392.10 to 399.70 m that averaged 155 g/t Ag, about 150 m below the surface expression of Cotera. Within that interval a 2.15-m section ran 470 g/t Ag. A 20-cm wide sample within a blind sulfide-bearing quartz vein at Pulpito at a depth of 159.70 m assayed 367 g/t Ag, 6.75 g/t Au, 1.35% Cu, 0.59% Pb, and 0.56% Zn.

Alessandra Vein

Hole AL19-038 cut 6.60 m of 3.89% combined Cu, Pb, and Zn from 368.50 to 375.10 m (Figure 1). Mineralization is associated with specular hematite veining and breccia-matrix fill with quartz veinlets cutting skarn and hornfels. The significant visible gold encountered in surface samples was not encountered in drilling (See New Release dated November 26, 2018).

Promontorio Vein

Hole AL19-032 was drilled beneath the Promontorio mine workings and intersected weak mineralization approximately 300 m below the AL19-025 intercept (see News Release dated August 22, 2019). Hole AL19-034 was drilled from the same pad as hole -032, but at a shallower angle (Figures 1 and 3). It cut 1.10 m that assayed 729 g/t Ag, 1.73 g/t Au, and several percent base metals.

La Dura and Tijera Veins

AL19-036 targeted projections of both La Dura and Tijera. The hole cut 0.50 m of quartz veinletting assaying 160 g/t Ag from 395.50 to 396.00 m. The mineralized zone appears to correspond to the La Dura zone mapped on surface.

Las Animas Vein

Hole AL19-037 was drilled into the recently discovered Las Animas vein. The hole confirmed that the mineralized vein zone dips steeply to the east and is associated with diorite, andesite, and felsite dikes cutting granodiorite. The hole cut 1.05 m assaying 245 g/t Ag and 1.8% combined base metals from 353.50 to 354.55 m.

Rosario Vein

Hole AL19-033 cut 7.35 m averaging 47 g/t Ag in a fault zone with fragments of mineralized quartz vein from 300.70 to 308.05 m. The fault zone confirmed the model of a mineralized zone dipping steeply to the southwest.

Corporate Update

Minaurum announces that Mr. Michael Williams did not stand for reelection at its recent Annual General Meeting. Minaurum would like to thank Michael Williams for his contributions to the Board and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.





Figure 1. Alamos project, showing known vein zones and Minaurum drilling to date in Phase I and Phase 2. Assay for drill holes labelled in red are reported in this press release. Assays are pending for completed holes AL19-039 and AL19-040. Please click on map image to view in full size.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3455/51649_2f203ca7d454f846_003full.jpg





Figure 2. Cross section of holes AL19-035 and AL19-036, Cotera-Pulpito and Tijera-La Dura vein zones.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3455/51649_2f203ca7d454f846_004full.jpg





Figure 3. Cross section of holes AL19-032 and AL19-034 with relation to hole AL19-025.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://media.zenfs.com/en-us/newsfile_64/7d20af904a95b819fb32883f463c893f

Table 1. Highlights of mineralized intersections from 2019 drilling campaign, Alamos project. Hole collar locations are shown in Figure 1.

Hole From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) Ag g/t Au ppb Cu % Pb % Zn% AL19-032 (Promontorio) 199.25 199.55 0.3 64 213 0.05 1.59 5.14 AL19-033 (Rosario) 300.7 308.05 7.35 47 2 0.07 0.13 0.18 AL19-034 (Promontorio) 234.15 235.25 1.1 729 1730 0.13 3.05 5.73 235.25 241.15 5.9 16 86 0.07 0.31 1.35 AL19-035 (Pulpito-Cotera)















136.75 144.3 7.55 43 29 0.03 0.05 0.14 159.6 159.8 0.2 367 6750 1.35 0.59 0.562 213.45 228.25 14.8 48 2 0.02 0.04 0.13 including 216.3 217.15 0.85 294 9 0.23 0.38 1.41 392.1 399.7 7.6 155 17 0.1 0.51 0.44 including 395.15 399.15 4 278 27 0.16 0.79 0.7 including 397 399.15 2.15 470 25 0.2 0.71 0.96 AL19-036 (La Dura) 395.5 397.45 1.95 56 8 0.11 0.13 0.02 AL19-037 (Las Animas) 353.5 354.55 1.05 245 98 0.74 0.37 0.66 including 354 354.55 0.55 451 160 1.27 0.53 1.09 AL19-038 (Alessandra)















98.00 99.10 1.10 12 137 0.06 1.81 4.22 99.10 99.80 0.70 1 3 0.95 0.11 0.31 154.85 155.40 0.55 9 22 0.01 0.68 2.58 368.50 375.10 6.60 9 15 1.94 0.46 1.49 including 369.05 373.25 4.20 12 20 2.58 0.63 2.17 399.55 402.50 2.95 12 48 0.87 0.04 0.02 419.85 432.95 13.10 3 3 0.34 0.01 0.02 including 427.00 429.60 2.60 8 10 0.74 0.01 0.03

Minaurum Gold Inc. (TSXV: MGG) (OTCQX: MMRGF) (FSE: 78M) is a Mexico-focused explorer concentrating on the high-grade Alamos Silver Project in southern Sonora. With a property portfolio encompassing multiple additional district-scale projects, Minaurum is managed by one of the strongest technical and finance teams in Mexico. Minaurum's goal is to continue its founders' legacy of creating shareholder value by making district-scale mineral discoveries and executing accretive mining transactions. For more information, please visit our website at www.minaurum.com and our YouTube Minaurum Video Channel.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Darrell A. Rader"

Darrell A. Rader

President and CEO

For more information, please contact:

Sunny Pannu - Investor Relations Manager

(778) 330 0994 or via email at pannu@minaurum.com

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

2300 - 1177 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3



Telephone 778 330-0994

www.minaurum.com



info@minaurum.com





Stephen R. Maynard, Vice President of Exploration of Minaurum and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, reviewed and verified the assay data, and has approved the disclosure in this News Release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release constitute forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, Minaurum has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on Minaurum' s current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Minaurum. Although Minaurum considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Minaurum does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Preparation and assaying of drilling samples from Minaurum's Alamos project are done with strict adherence to a Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol. Core samples are sawed in half and then bagged in a secure facility near the site, and then shipped by a licensed courier to ALS Minerals' preparation facility in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. ALS prepares the samples, crushing them to 70% less than 2mm, splitting off 250g, and pulverizing the split to more than 85% passing 75 microns. The resulting sample pulps are prepared in Hermosillo, and then shipped to Vancouver for chemical analysis by ALS Minerals. In Vancouver, the pulps are analyzed for gold by fire assay and ICP/AES on a 50-gram charge. In addition, analyses are done for a 48- element suite using 4-acid digestion and ICP analysis. Samples with silver values greater than 100 g/t; and copper, lead, or zinc values greater than 10,000 ppm (1%) are re-analyzed using 4-acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).

Quality-control (QC) samples are inserted in the sample stream every 20 samples, and thus represent 5% of the total samples. QC samples include standards, blanks, and duplicate samples. Standards are pulps that have been prepared by a third-party laboratory; they have gold, silver, and base-metal values that are established by an extensive analytical process in which several commercial labs (including ALS Minerals) participate. Standards test the calibration of the analytical equipment. Blanks are rock material known from prior sampling to contain less than 0.005 ppm gold; they test the sample preparation procedure for cross-sample contamination. In the case of duplicates, the sample interval is cut in half, and then quartered. The first quarter is the original sample, the second becomes the duplicate. Duplicate samples provide a test of the reproducibility of assays in the same drilled interval. When final assays are received, QC sample results are inspected for deviation from accepted values. To date, QC sample analytical results have fallen in acceptable ranges on the Alamos project.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51649
The Wuhan coronavirus cast its shadow over international equity markets as the first examples of human-to-human infection emerged.

The illness is of same grouping as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which, according to the World Health Organisation, infected more than 8,000 people, killing at least 700, in 2003.

In the process, international trade was hobbled, with Asia suffering disproportionately.

Fears: Beijing residents are pictured wearing masks in the street yesterday. More cases of the mysterious SARS-like Wuhan coronavirus virus have been reported

No surprise then that markets in China were hit yesterday, with the Shanghai Composite receding 1.4 per cent and Hong Kongs Hang Seng down 2.8 per cent.

The FTSE 100, down almost 100 points early on, closed 40.74 points lower at 7610.70 with Asia-affected stocks receiving the severest punishment.

British Airways owner IAG was one of the leading casualties as its shares fell 3 per cent, or 19.4p, to 637.8p.

Intercontinental Hotels Group, beloved of the business traveller, fell 3.5 per cent, or 181p, to 4965p.

After a knee-jerk sell-off, Burberry, which derived over 40 per cent of its revenues from Asia last year, settled at 2263p, down just 14p, or 0.6 per cent.

Stock Watch - BlueRock Diamonds BlueRock Diamonds sparkled after it booked revenue of 4.1million last year, up 190 per cent. In the second half of 2019, the miner also turned a profit for the first time, it said in a trading statement. The success was based on the sale of 12,675 carats from the Kareevlei mine in South Africa, which more than doubled the output of the previous year. Grades and price per carat also improved. The shares, up 80 per cent in the past six months, advanced 6.7 per cent, or 7.5p, to 119p.

The fashion retailer will today be the first of the luxury chains to update on Christmas trading. In November it said a small decline in profit margins was likely to get worse in the second half.

Flying the other way, one of the few risers was Easyjet, which rose 4.6 per cent, or 67p, to 1517p after the budget airline said it had benefited from the demise of Thomas Cook, which ran a rival service to holiday destinations.

Lekoil shares climbed 20 per cent, or 0.62p, to 3.7p, after the oil and gas explorer was given longer to pay for work at an oilfield off the coast of Nigeria.

The firm thought it had secured a 142million loan from the Qataris to pay next months bill and do further development work.

But it revealed earlier this month that it had been scammed into paying 462,000 to individuals pretending to be linked to the Qatar Investment Authority.

Lekoil now has until March and May to pay a total of 7.4million to the group that operates the area containing the oilfield.

Elsewhere, Citigroup and UBS tuned in on the publishers, following the lead set by Goldman Sachs on Monday by reviewing its calls on the media sector.

The former upgraded Relx to buy, suggesting the publisher may be a break-up candidate. Unfortunately, the stock closed 0.1 per cent lower, or 1.5p, at 1996.5p.

Pearson fell 2.1 per cent, or 12.6p, to 576p after UBS acknowledged its optimism about the educational publisher was misplaced.

The Swiss banks rating  upped to buy back in September  was marked down to neutral and the share price target was slashed to 600p from 820p.

An upgrade to its forecasts sent Learning Technologies up 14.1 per cent, or 19.4p, to 157p, with the firm saying it now expects underlying earnings for 2019 to be comfortably ahead of expectations.

Miner Jangada ended 2.4 per cent higher, or 0.05p, at 2.1p as it kicked off a drilling programme in Brazil.

Oiler Egdon fell 2.4 per cent, or 0.12p, to 5.12p despite Anglo-Dutch major Shell becoming an investor in two of its UK offshore licences.

But there was good news from gift card maker IG Design, which climbed 7.7 per cent, or 53p, to 742p after it raised 120million in an oversubscribed share placing.

Looking to the fallers, Camellia shares were scalded, dipping 2.8 per cent, or 250p, to 8550p as global over-production of tea meant its sales in the final months of 2019 were much lower than expected.

Finally, investors in smart home specialist Lightwave RF hit the dimmer switch as it fell 10.5 per cent, or 0.5p, to 4.25p as full-year losses widened to 3.6million from 2.5million.
PICKERING, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Renforth Resources Inc. (CSE:RFR)(OTCPink:RFHRF) ("Renforth" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the discovery of new gold bearing zones within unexplored areas of the Cadillac Break and successful results in the first drill program on the Discovery Veins, both on Renforth's wholly owned New Alger property, located on 1.4 kms of the Cadillac Break in the Cadillac Mining Camp, Quebec. Highlights of the first drill program in almost five years at New Alger are;

New Discovery of the gold-bearing Sericite Zone in Cadillac Break , which assayed up to 11.2 g/t Au over 0.5m. The Sericite zone was intersected over 160m in 3 holes and is open on strike, this zone is located north of any previous exploration

, which assayed up to 11.2 g/t Au over 0.5m. The Sericite zone was intersected over 160m in 3 holes and is open on strike, this zone is located north of any previous exploration New Alger's Thompson-Cadillac Mine Veins (#1, 2 and 3) were all intersected in each hole and delivered widths >3m in assay in several instances, including 4.8m of 5.38 g/t Au, within which was 1.9m of 11.83 g/t Au in the #3 Vein as seen in the table below

as seen in the table below The Cadillac Break, north of the Sericite Zone, yielded the discovery of several instances of gold. This area has seen no prior exploration, the presence of gold in the unexplored north zone is a new discovery which is open at New Alger

"Discovery Veins" proven gold bearing to depths of up to ~120m across entire stripped area , stripped over ~250m and are open on strike. The Discovery Veins, discovered by Renforth in 2017, have never been drilled previously

, stripped over ~250m and are open on strike. The Discovery Veins, discovered by Renforth in 2017, have never been drilled previously Gold was present in each of the 10 holes drilled in 2057m in the November 2019 program with a nugget effect observed in Renforth's internal QA/QC program. Selected samples which assayed >0.5 g/t Au will be resubmitted for a second assay

New Alger Cadillac Break Results Summary

New Alger mine area results from this drill program indicate that the Cadillac Break is gold-bearing within and outside of the previously focused on area where the Piche volcanics meet the Pontiac sediments in the south. In this program, Renforth obtained mineralization, as targeted, within the 3 vein systems that formed the historic Thompson-Cadillac Mine in the eastern portion of New Alger, recognized as the same veins present at the adjacent historic O'Brien Mine. These drill holes were selected as "undercuts" of Renforth's previous (2007, 2010) drilling, successfully extending mineralization deeper. The "mine vein" package strikes East-West across ~1.4 kms of the property and is approximately 100m in width. The discovery of the gold-bearing sericite zone in the previously undrilled north zone of the Cadillac Break adds ~40m to the width of the mineralized package, as seen in the only 3 holes to have tested this zone to date. One of the 3 holes went further north than the other two and encountered additional previously unknown gold mineralization at lithological contacts within the Cadillac Break schists, outside of the ~140 width of the currently defined mineralized package. Renforth's next drill program at New Alger will focus on drilling through the Cadillac Break and extending these findings and recent discoveries.

New Alger Cadillac Break Assay Highlights

DDH Dip Azimuth UTM_E UTM_N From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Zone REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 45.4 48.5 3.1 0.73 #1 Vein incl.: 46.4 47.4 1 1.22 #1 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 53.6 56.6 3 0.45 #1 Vein incl.: 55.6 56.6 1 0.73 #1 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 86 88.2 2.2 0.57 #1 Vein incl.: 87.2 88.2 1 0.77 #1 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 105 106.1 1.1 1.17 #2 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 123.7 126.5 2.8 0.87 #2 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 130 134.8 4.8 5.38 #3 Vein incl.: 130.8 132.7 1.9 11.83 #3 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 188 190 2 1.1 #3 Vein REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 215 217.9 2.9 2.79 Sericite Zone incl.: 216 216.5 0.5 11.2 Sericite Zone REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 231.3 232.3 1 0.61 Sericite Zone REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 245.1 246.7 1.6 0.6 Sericite Zone incl.: 246 246.7 0.7 0.95 Sericite Zone REN-19-35 -45 0 691720 5345432 250.8 252 1.2 1.26 Sericite Zone REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 164 179 15 0.84 #1 vein incl.: 166 179 13 0.93 #1 Vein incl.: 166 169 3 1.5 #1 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 190.9 191.3 0.4 1.39 #2/3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 203.5 207.5 4 0.55 #2/3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 235 239.5 4.5 1.5 #2/3 Vein incl.: 238.4 239.5 1.1 3.27 #2/3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 246.3 249 2.7 1.24 #2/3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 254.4 256.4 2 0.83 #2/3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 264.9 280.5 15 0.84 #3 Vein OR 264.9 278 13.1 0.92 #3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 264.9 267.5 2.6 0.82 #3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 273.5 280.5 7 1.39 #3 Vein or 275 280.5 5.5 1.64 #3 Vein OR 276.5 280.5 4 2.01 #3 Vein REN-19-36 -60 0 691627 5345369 351.9 355.1 3.2 2.15 Sericite Zone REN-19-37 -50 0 691548 5345342 173.5 184.5 11 1.49 #1 Vein or 174.5 184.5 10 1.61 #1 Vein or 175.5 184.5 9 1.71 #1 Vein or 175.5 183.5 8 1.8 #1 Vein incl.: 180.5 183.5 3 2.76 #1 Vein incl.: 182.5 183.5 1 4.78 #1 Vein REN-19-37 -50 0 691548 5345342 191 199 8 1.52 #2 Vein OR 192 199 7 1.6 #2 Vein incl.: 192 194 2 3.57 #2 Vein REN-19-37 -50 0 691548 5345342 230.7 239.6 8.9 0.9 #3 Vein incl.: 230.7 232.7 2 2.15 #3 Vein -50 0 691548 5345342 322.6 323.6 1 0.6 Sericite Zone



*UTM's are in NAD83 Zone17U

*Length measurements are not true width, they are as measured in the core box

New Alger Discovery Vein Results Summary

Renforth has sampled the Discovery Vein System across >500m of strike in the Pontiac Sediments South of the Cadillac Break, and stripped ~250m of this mineralization located on the crest of a hill, approximately 250m south of the New Alger mine area. This program drilled a total of 7 holes under the Discovery Vein stripping, each of the 7 holes returned gold values over the 250m of strike drilled. This program established that the Discovery Veins consist of multiple mineralized veins in the sediments, parallel to the Cadillac Break, which Renforth will explore further in the future as an open pit target. Mineralization in the Discovery Veins occurs on surface and up to a drilled depth of 120m; neither the width of the system, its' strike length or its' maximum depth have yet been defined. Assay values in this system range from 0.43 g/t Au to 20.8 g/t Au on surface and 0.45 g/t Au to 1.7 g/t Au underground, based upon sampling and drilling to date. The holes drilled in the Discovery Vein system consisted of a first hole targeting under the access trail, then 3 pairs of holes, each pair from the same set up but at different dips, in the eastern, central and western end of the Discovery Veins, in that order. Each of these holes undercut surface values, successfully extending the mineralization to depth in sub-vertical veins.

New Alger Discovery Vein Assay Highlights

DDH Dip Azimuth UTM_E UTM_N From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Zone REN-19-28 -45 180 692051 5345398 4.1 4.7 0.6 0.55 Discovery Veins REN-19-28 -45 180 692051 5345398 99.5 101 1.5 0.54 Discovery Veins REN-19-28 -45 180 692051 5345398 177.3 180.3 3 0.31 Discovery Veins incl.: 179.5 180.3 0.8 0.61 Discovery Veins REN-19-29 -45 0 692067 5345269 26.3 27.2 0.9 0.82 Discovery Veins REN-19-29 -45 0 692067 5345269 38 39.7 1.7 0.49 Discovery Veins incl 39 39.7 0.7 0.99 Discovery Veins REN-19-29 -45 0 692067 5345269 61 61.7 0.7 0.56 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 41 42 1 0.59 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 58 59.5 1.5 1.28 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 71.5 72.5 1 0.46 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 91 91.6 0.6 1.66 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 101.5 102.5 1 0.45 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 103.5 104.5 1 0.64 Discovery Veins REN-19-30 -60 0 692067 5345269 109.5 111 1.5 0.51 Discovery Veins REN-19-31 -45 180 691904 5345292 50 52.25 2.25 0.4 Discovery Veins REN-19-31 -45 180 691904 5345292 50 50.5 0.5 0.43 Discovery Veins REN-19-31 -45 180 691904 5345292 51.7 52.25 0.55 0.3 Discovery Veins REN-19-32 -60 180 691904 5345292 21.5 23 1.5 0.29 Discovery Veins REN-19-33 -45 180 691844 5345282 20.3 22.2 1.9 0.95 Discovery Veins REN-19-33 -45 180 691844 5345282 44.5 46.5 2 0.79 Discovery Veins incl.: 44.5 45.5 1 1.29 Discovery Veins REN-19-34 -60 180 691844 5345282 4.5 5.5 1 0.43 Discovery Veins REN-19-34 -60 180 691844 5345282 34.6 35.6 1 1.41 Discovery Veins REN-19-34 -60 180 691844 5345282 82.9 83.5 0.6 1.7 Discovery Veins



*UTM's are in NAD83 Zone17U

*Length measurements are not true width, they are as measured in the core box

Assay QA/QC procedures followed by Renforth have demonstrated a nugget effect caused by the behavior of coarse gold, known to exist at New Alger, in the assay process. Due to this, to obtain results which are more representative of the gold content in the drill core, Renforth will be re-assaying a selection of the pulps from this program using screened metallics and multielement analysis. In addition to giving another gold value this technique will quantify other elements present and their amounts.

Sample data referred to in this press release was obtained from samples bagged, tagged and sealed in the field, and then hand delivered to Laboratoire d'Analyse Bourlamaque, in Bourlamaque, Quebec for fire assay for gold.

Technical information in this press release was reviewed and approved by Francis R. Newton P.Geo (OGQ # 2129), a "Qualified Person" pursuant to NI 43-101.

For further information please contact:

Renforth Resources Inc.

Nicole Brewster

President and Chief Executive Officer

T:416-818-1393

E: nicole@renforthresources.com

#269 - 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering ON L1V 1B5

ABOUT RENFORTH

Renforth Resources Inc. is a Toronto-based gold exploration company with five wholly owned surface gold bearing properties located in the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Canada.

In Quebec Renforth holds the New Alger and Parbec properties, in the Cadillac and Malartic gold camps respectively, with gold present at surface and to some depth, located on the Cadillac Break. In both instances' additional gold bearing structures, other than the Cadillac Break, have been found on each property and require additional exploration. Renforth also holds Malartic West, contiguous to the western boundary of the Canadian Malartic Mine property, located in the Pontiac Sediments, this property is gold bearing and was the recent site of a copper discovery. In addition to this Renforth has optioned the wholly owned Denain-Pershing gold bearing property, located near Louvicourt, Quebec, to O3 Mining Inc.

In Ontario Renforth holds the Nixon-Bartleman surface gold occurrence west of Timmins Ontario, drilled, channeled and sampled over 500m - this historic property also requires additional exploration to define the extent of the mineralization.

No securities regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward looking. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may', "will', "plan', "expect', "believe', "anticipate', "estimate', "intend' and similar words referring to future events and results. Such statements and information are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the risks of obtaining necessary approvals, licenses and permits and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in the Company's securities filings available at www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and the reader is cautioned against placing undue reliance thereon. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is provided and the Company assumes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: Renforth Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573650/Renforth-Discovers-New-Gold-Bearing-Zones-in-Unexplored-Cadillac-Break-at-Wholly-Owned-New-Alger-Property-Cadillac-Mining-Camp-Quebec
James Packer and Hong Kong billionaire Lawrence Ho will give evidence to a public inquiry into whether Crown Resorts is fit to hold a gaming licence in NSW.

The inquiry was triggered after Mr Packer moved to sell almost 20 per cent of Crown to Mr Ho's Melco Resorts, and following media allegations of money laundering at Melbourne's Crown casino.

The inquiry will hold the powers of a royal commission and will be split into three hearings with the first investigating how vulnerable casinos and junkets are to organised crime, the Australian Financial Review reported.

A second and third hearing will cover the attempted partial sale and allegations of criminal behaviour.

James Packer and Hong Kong billionaire Lawrence Ho (both pictured) will give evidence to a public inquiry over the Crows' gaming licence

Under NSW casino laws close associates of a company that holds a casino licence must be of good repute and not have business associates who are not of good repute.

Mr Ho's father, Stanley Ho, has been allegedly linked to organised crime and is banned from being an associate of Crown's Barangaroo casino.

Stanley Ho has never been convicted and has always rejected allegations of connections to organised crime.

The inquiry will require witnesses to answer questions and provide documents without denial 'on the grounds of legal, professional or other privileges', despite objections from Melco.

The inquiry was triggered after Mr Packer moved to sell almost 20 per cent of Crown to Mr Ho's Melco Resorts

Former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin has been tasked with reporting on whether Crown and its Barangaroo casino licensee are fit to hold a gaming licence in NSW.

Counsel assisting, Adam Bell, told the half-day opening of the inquiry on Tuesday that Mr Packer and Lawrence Ho would be heard from as witnesses.

Crown chairman John Alexander and director Michael Johnston are also expected to be summoned to the hearing along with several other company executives.

Mr Ho's father, Stanley Ho, (pictured) has been allegedly linked to organised crime and is banned from being an associate of Crown's Barangaroo casino

Counsel assisting Naomi Sharp SC reminded the inquiry on Tuesday that Crown had refuted the money laundering and broken gaming law claims in the media as 'outright falsehoods' in an open letter advertisement last year.

If Ms Bergin finds neither Crown nor its NSW subsidiary is fit to hold the Barangaroo licence, she is to decide 'what, if any, changes would be required to render those persons suitable'.

Crown Resort board directors Michael Johnston and John Alexander, Crown's general counsel and company secretary Mary Manos, and Melco's Geoffrey Davis will also appear after the public hearings resume in Sydney on February 24.
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Pune Despite Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors Act (MPID) court asking the government to initiate sale of DSK properties attached by the enforcement directorate (ED) on Monday, investors are doubtful.

This is not the final order. Instead this is the first step into a lengthy procedure before we get our dues. A majority of the investors are senior citizens who invested their lifes earnings with DSK. We have already lost 17 of these senior citizens in the span of the case (Since when?) so far. We hope that the court gives investors first priority instead of banks and government institutions when the sale happens, said Deepak Phadnis of Chaitanya Vatika Group on behalf of 900 residents who have invested in various DSKs projects and funds.

Vijay Kumbhar, right to information (RTI) activist said,The public prosecutor has been asked to issue a notice to invite people to stake claim on any of the properties belonging to DSK by the MPID court of judge Jayant Rane. There are 463 properties out of which 143 have been cleared with no claim. We need to wait until February 3 to see if any one comes forward to claim the remaining. Based on that will we be able to gauge how many properties will be on sale and then decide its worth before it is put on sale. It will be a while until investors are paid their dues.

Deepak Sakharam Kulkarni (DSK), the Pune-based realtor, and his wife Hemanthi Kulkarni have been booked in investor fraud of over Rs 2,000 crore.

In February 2019, ED had attached DSK properties worth Rs 904 crore in various parts of Maharashtra. The money from the eventual auction of these properties will be used to pay back over 35,000 people who invested in the company through fixed deposits. The court has drawn a list of depositors who will benefit.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Federal prosecutors are recommending a 25-year prison sentence for a Coast Guard lieutenant accused of stockpiling guns and targeting Supreme Court justices, prominent Democrats and TV journalists for attacks inspired by racist killers.

But defence attorneys are seeking leniency for Christopher Hasson, disputing the governments claim that he is a domestic terrorist. Hassons lawyers are urging a federal judge in Maryland to spare him a prison term and sentence him to jail time served since his arrest and three years of supervised release.

Chris is eager to put this chapter behind him and try to rebuild his life, his lawyers wrote last week in court filing ahead of his sentencing hearing.

Hasson, 50, has pleaded guilty to gun and drug charges and is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 31. Ahead of the hearing, the prosecutors and defence lawyers explained their sentencing recommendations in separate memos filed last week.

Prosecutors say Hasson is a white nationalist intent on carrying out mass killings, but they filed no terrorism-related charges against him after his February 2019 arrest.

The defendant  inspired by racist murderers  stockpiled assault weapons, studied violence, and intended to exact retribution on minorities and those he considered traitors. But for the diligent actions of multiple federal law enforcement agencies, we now would be counting bodies of the defendants victims instead of years of the defendants prison time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom wrote.

Hassons lawyers provided the court with a report prepared by Stephen Hart, an expert in violence risk assessment. Hart examined the evidence cited by prosecutors and rejected their theory that Hasson intended to carry out an attack.

There is no plausible scenario whereby Mr. Hasson engages in violence that might threaten public safety or public order, including but not limited to mass casualty attacks or domestic terrorism, Hart wrote.

Investigators found 15 guns, including seven rifles, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition at Hassons basement apartment in Silver Spring, Maryland. He researched how to make homemade bombs, studied sniper training and used his government computer to search for information about Nazis and Adolf Hitler, prosecutors said.

In a 2017 letter he sent to himself as a draft and apparently wrote to a neo-Nazi leader, Hasson identified himself as a white nationalist for over 30 years and advocated for focused violence in order to establish a white homeland, according to prosecutors. Hasson appeared to be planning attacks inspired by the manifesto of Anders Behring Breivik, the Norwegian right-wing extremist who killed 77 people in a 2011 bomb-and-shooting rampage, prosecutors said.

Hassons online history shows searches that included the phrases how to bring down the us government, most liberal fed judges usa and how to rid the us of jews, prosecutors say. In February 2018, Hasson searched whether Supreme Court justices are protected, two weeks before he searched for the home addresses of two Supreme Court justices, according to Windom.

There is no question the defendant intended and planned to turn his thoughts into action, the prosecutor wrote.

Hasson pleaded guilty in October to possessing unregistered and unserialized silencers, being a drug addict in possession of firearms and illegal possession of tramadol, an opioid painkiller.

In September, U.S. District Judge George Hazel refused to dismiss the gun charges against Hasson. The judge rejected a defence argument that charging Hasson with unlawful possession of firearm silencers violates his Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Hasson, a married father of two grown children, faces a maximum of 31 years in prison. Assistant federal public defender Liz Oyer estimated in October that sentencing guidelines call for a prison term ranging from 41 to 51 months. Hazel isnt bound by the guidelines.

Prosecutors claimed Hasson drew up what appeared to be a computer spreadsheet hit list naming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic presidential hopefuls, including Elizabeth Warren. He also mentioned several network TV journalists, including MSNBCs Chris Hayes and Joe Scarborough and CNNs Chris Cuomo and Van Jones.

Prosecutors say Hasson spent roughly $12,000 in a three-year period to buy dozens of items to outfit himself for his ultimate mission, including smoke grenades, camping supplies, body armour, tactical vests and a $1,300 rifle scope.

Windom said Hasson has been a closet skinhead his entire adult life. Defence lawyers dispute that their client has any sincerely held extremist, racist or white nationalist views. Hassons attorneys describe him as a disaster prepper who stockpiles survivalist gear for doomsday-type scenarios.

Hassons lawyers say he missed the camaraderie of military service after leaving the Marine Corps in 1994 and started hanging out with people in the punk rock world, many of whom identified as white supremacists. But his lawyers say Hasson cut ties with most of those people and joined the Army National Guard in Virginia less than six months after he left the Marine Corps.

Hasson ordered at least 4,650 tramadol pills from internet distributors and had them shipped to his homes in Maryland and Currituck, North Carolina, according to Windom. The prosecutor said Hasson consumed most of the pills, including at times when he was working at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington.

Hassons lawyers say his drug use impaired his judgment and led to behaviour that was inconsistent with his true character.

He is an asset, not a danger, to our society, they wrote.

Hasson worked at Coast Guard headquarters on a program to acquire advanced new cutters for the agency. He has remained on active duty pending the outcome of the criminal case.

His career, reputation, and life as he knew it are destroyed. And after all of this, the criminal case against Mr. Hasson has turned out to be little more than a run-of-the mill firearms-possession case, his lawyers wrote.
(Bloomberg) -- A caravan of as many as 3,000 migrants is testing Mexicos pledge to President Donald Trump to halt undocumented arrivals to the U.S.

For the first time since Mexico began its full-scale crackdown against migrants, hundreds of caravan members clashed with Mexican security forces at the countrys southern border. After being turned away at a bridge crossing, they waded across a shallow river Monday from the Guatemalan side into Mexico.

Later in the day, migrants could be seen throwing objects at Mexican National Guard troops who were repelling them, according to media footage. One video showed women and children caught up in the clash.

Mexico defended its actions Tuesday, saying that its receiving thousands of migrants from Central America with respect for human rights and offering jobs and refuge. The forces have been deployed to Mexicos northern and southern border since last year.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that about 1,000 migrants who entered the country by force Monday had clashed with security forces, who he praised for avoiding a tragedy. He said at a news conference Tuesday that of 2,400 migrants who arrived over the weekend, about 1,000 have asked to be voluntarily returned, mostly to Honduras.

Mexico faced generalized tariff threats from Trump last year if it didnt slow the number of Central American migrants reaching the U.S. In response, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador deployed thousands of National Guard troops, helping bring down the number of crossings dramatically from a peak last spring.

Trumps threats led to a revision of what was going on at the southern border, said Jesus Cantu, a spokesman for Lopez Obrador, in an interview Monday. Mexico isnt acting as a retaining wall. All risks were identified, and what Mexico is doing is adhering to the law.

Read More: AMLOs Guard Hunts Migrants for Trump as Cartels Run Rampant

The caravan could be used by Trump to attack Mexico, especially in the run-up to the presidential election this year, said Carlos Bravo, a political scientist at Mexico Citys Center for Economic Research and Teaching.

With the U.S. elections coming up, Trump will have the resource of using Mexico as a pinata, Bravo said. Thats why Mexico is doing what its doing to try and stop the caravan.

Over the weekend, Mexican National Guard troops had shut the gates of a border bridge to prevent caravan members from entering and used pepper spray to keep them at bay. But that didnt stop some from crossing the river.

On Friday, before the clashes, Lopez Obrador had promised caravan members jobs. We have more than 4,000 jobs available at the southern border, he said.

More than 1,000 migrants opted for that path over the weekend and were transported to Mexican immigration centers for processing, according to The Associated Press.

But immigrant rights groups warned that they may just have been rounded up in order to be deported. The Mexican government in a statement issued Sunday said that most of the 1,087 migrants it received from the border in Chiapas and Tabasco will be returned to their countries should the situation merit it.

(Updates with comments from Mexicos foreign minister throughout.)

--With assistance from Eric Martin.

To contact the reporter on this story: Lorena Rios in Mexico City at lriost@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Juan Pablo Spinetto at jspinetto@bloomberg.net, Nacha Cattan, Dale Quinn

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
The comments came at a panel event at the World Economic Forum (WEF)s high-profile annual gathering of political, business and charity leaders. Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

Businesses across the globe are highly subsidised to the tune of $125 trillion (96.1tn) by the planet, an expert told the summit of world leaders at Davos.

Kristin Rechberger, CEO of nature-focused investment firm Dynamic Planet, said markets failed to account for the services of the global ecosystem.

She highlighted the eye-catching figure as the value of natural resources, which featured in research by the World Wildlife Fund in its Living Planet Index.

The research noted the significance of energy, land, water, and other natural resources for human existence, and warned over deforestation, overfishing, and climate changes impact as populations have grown.

Were getting tonnes of stuff for free, said Rechberger, but she warned the resources were being depleted. The overuse of the natural earth is costing us around $2tn a year, and could go up to $28tn a year if these trends continue.

She said expanding the natural world was vital to get the planet back in balance, but was not discussed as much as other key steps like renewable energy and more efficient food production.

READ MORE: Worlds elite head to Switzerland for Davos 2020

The most cost-effective thing to do is to have more nature, she said. If we weighed all the terrestrial mammals on the planet right now, 4% are wild. The rest are livestock and human. Weve domesticated our world in a huge way.

She highlighted new global targets and an upcoming global summit on government natural protection efforts in China, aimed at a Paris agreement for nature.

The UN unveiled a blueprint to make 30% of the planet protected areas by 2030 earlier this month.

READ MORE: Oxfam says worlds top billionaires richer than 60% of global population

The comments came at a panel event at the World Economic Forum (WEF)s high-profile annual gathering of political, business and charity leaders.

The WEF summit takes place every year in the town of Davos, a ski resort in the Swiss Alps.

Story continues

More than 3,000 guests are attending Davos 2020 throughout this week. Stakeholders for a cohesive and sustainable world is the official theme, with climate change in particular high on the agenda.

Organisers hope the annual event will facilitate discussion and collaboration to tackle major international issues among some of the most powerful people in the world.

But the summit, typically labelled Davos after the host town, has become a lightning rod for criticism of global capitalism and the worlds elite.
NEWPORT, R.I., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected Learning Program

Since 1974, St. George's has offered an experiential marine science program designed to develop leadership and seamanship skills on board the school's 70-foot sailing vessel, Geronimo. Students who sail on board are part of the crew (eight student crew and three professional crew) and participate fully in the operation and upkeep of the vessel. All crew members are expected to stand watch, take a turn at the helm, handle sails, cook, and clean. Over the course of their trip the student crew will learn and build navigation and seamanship skills. They also develop leadership and teamwork skills and progressively take on more responsibility in the operation of Geronimo.

The 2020 Voyage

In late spring 2020, Geronimo will begin another two-year transatlantic voyage. The boat will depart Bermuda with its student crew on June 7 and sail to the Azores. The crew will then sail to Lisbon, Portugal, and arrive in Cadiz, Spain, on July 9. The nearly 2,000 nautical mile leg between Bermuda and the Azores could take up to two weeks, and the leg from the Azores to Lisbon is up to a week. The leg from Lisbon to Cadiz will be part of an international tall ship race.

About St. George's

As a top boarding school in New England, USA for grades 9-12, St. George's School leads the way in providing unique, adventurous, experiential learning programs to its diverse student population hailing from 23 countries spread across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12806440

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE St. George's School

Related Links

https://www.stgeorges.edu


"We believe its every companys responsibility to help grow the next generation of leaders in big and small ways. Our company is committed to empowering global education every day."

Syntax Systems (Syntax), the leading global managed cloud provider for mission-critical applications, today announced the launch of its employee-led initiative to grow the next generation of leaders through global education empowerment. This month, Syntax celebrated its customers and December as National Giving Month by donating $10,000 to the International Literacy Association (ILA).

ILA is a global organization created to support literacy professionals, improve reading instruction, facilitate dialogue about research on reading, and encourage the habit of reading, said ILA Executive Director Marcie Craig Post. Were grateful to be the first 2020 beneficiary of Syntaxs commitment to education empowerment. The companys donation will help our teams better support literacy instruction across the world, throughout the year.

Syntax delivers comprehensive technology solutions, to businesses of all sizes, for thousands of customers who trust Syntax with their IT services and enterprise resource planning (ERP) needs. The company currently employs over 1,200 team members across the globe, who overwhelmingly chose education as the single most important initiative for Syntax to support. Throughout the year, an internal community of Syntax volunteers will determine how funds are spent and will lead the company through various activities to drive volunteer efforts such as after-school mentoring programs, partnerships with educational non-profits, and grants to organizations where employees regularly choose to volunteer.

Syntax is always looking for initiatives we can support that drive corporate citizenship for our internal teams and customers, said Christian Primeau, Global CEO for Syntax. We are focused not only on giving monetary contributions but also ensuring our employees have the time throughout the year to volunteer with organizations they are passionate about. We believe its every companys responsibility to help grow the next generation of leaders in big and small ways. Our company is committed to empowering global education every day.

Syntax will continue supporting its long-standing non-profit partner, Communities in Schools (CIS) Durham, an organization that connects students with community volunteers who encourage them to excel in school and life. Since 2015, Syntax has donated more than $100,000 and provided numerous hours of volunteering to CIS Durham to fund education efforts in one of the companys local communities.

Over the past decade, CIS Durham has served twenty schools and more than 15,000 students across Durham, North Carolina, said Kerry Raquel, Executive Director and CEO of CIS Durham. Syntaxs continued financial support and volunteer efforts will help us further our mission. Together, our teams will build community through education and empower students to change the world.

To learn more about Syntaxs global education empowerment program and view open positions within the company, visit http://www.syntax.com/about/careers/.

About the International Literacy Association:

The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a global advocacy and membership organization dedicated to advancing literacy for all through its network of more than 300,000 literacy educators, researchers and experts across 146 countries. With over 60 years of experience, ILA has set the standard for how literacy is defined, taught and evaluated. ILAs Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 provides an evidence-based benchmark for the development and evaluation of literacy professional preparation programs. ILA collaborates with partners across the world to develop, gather and disseminate high-quality resources, best practices and cutting-edge research to empower educators, inspire students and inform policymakers. ILA publishes The Reading Teacher, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy and Reading Research Quarterly, which are peer reviewed and edited by leaders in the field. For more information, visit http://www.literacyworldwide.org.

About Syntax:

Since 1972, Syntax has been providing comprehensive technology solutions to businesses of all sizes with thousands of customers trusting Syntax with their IT services and ERP needs. Today, Syntax is a leading Managed Cloud Provider for Mission Critical Enterprise Applications. Syntax has undisputed strength to implement and manage ERP deployments (Oracle, SAP) in a secure, resilient, private, public or hybrid cloud. With strong technical and functional consulting services, and world class monitoring and automation, Syntax serves corporations across a diverse range of industries and markets. Syntax has offices worldwide, and partners with Oracle, SAP, AWS, Microsoft, IBM, HPE, and other global technology leaders. Learn more about Syntax at http://www.syntax.com.

Contacts:

Matthew Royse

Tel: 919-287-4873

matthew.royse@syntax.com

Katy Hoeper

Tel: 312-964-9110

katy.hoeper@walkersands.com
By Trend





The United States, as a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, remains strongly committed to helping the sides achieve a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a representative of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend.

We reiterate, as the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have done many times, that a fair and lasting settlement must be based, in particular, upon the principles of the Helsinki Final Act of non-use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples, said the representative.

The embassy representative noted that the United States fully endorses the joint statement of the Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries at the Bratislava OSCE Ministerial Council meeting last December, which called for additional concrete humanitarian and security measures to foster an atmosphere conducive to peace and for the sides to engage in good faith substantive negotiations, and which stressed that the status quo is unacceptable and there can be no military solution to the conflict.

In that connection, the United States welcomed the intention of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers to meet again in early 2020 under Co-Chair auspices. The OSCE Minsk Group format remains the indispensable focal point for efforts to reach a sustainable settlement, added the representative.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding regions.




YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Ambassador to the Holy See, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and Portugal Karen Nazaryan has addressed a welcoming remark, the Embassy said on Facebook.

I am the Ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See and I consider my duty to help you to get the necessary information and support.

Armenia-Vatican ties have quite a rich past and they are based on old historical, spiritual ties, as well as on Christian and humanitarian values. Armenia and the Holy See share the same principles which are based on the contemporary international relations, the UN Charter and other fundamental documents.

Armenia, as the country that was first to adopt Christianity as a state religion, sees its unique role to show its wonderful relations with the Holy See to the remaining states and nations by contributing to the international efforts for lasting peace and stability.

Its a great honor for me to represent Armenia also in the Order of Malta and Portugal. I consider our key task to further expand the political, economic, humanitarian, educational-cultural inter-state partnership and contacts through dialogue and cooperation.

You can follow us on this website and on the Embassys Facebook page. I hope you will find the information you need, otherwise, you can always contact the Embassy for any questions, the Ambassador said in his statement.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Students will read out the preamble every day after morning prayers. (Photo Credit: Representative image)

Mumbai:

Starting January 26, students in schools across Maharashtra will have to compulsorily read out the preamble to the Constitution during their morning assemblies, state minister Varsha Gaikwad said on Tuesday. Reading of the preamble is the part of the "sovereignty of constitution, welfare of all" campaign, a state government circular said.

"Students will recite the preamble to the Constitution so that they know its importance. It is an old GR. But we will implement it from January 26," the school education minister, who is a Congress MLA, told reporters in Mumbai.

Students will read out the preamble every day after morning prayers, the minister said.

A government resolution (GR) about reading thepreamble during school assemblies was issued in February 2013 when the Congress-NCP government was in power.

As per the circular dated January 21, 2020, the old GR was not being implemented.

The move to make students read out the preamble to Constitution comes at a time when largescale protests are being held against the https://english.newsnationtv.com/india/news/amit-shah-dares-opposition-for-debate-on-caa-251553.html#mce_temp_url#and the likely National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The Congress is one of the constituents in the Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi government along with the NCP.

Many Congress leaders have said that the "unconstitutional" CAA will not be allowed in Maharashtra.
Moscow Mayors Office files $14 mln claim against Interregional Bar

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

10:41 21/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 21 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Government has filed a lawsuit with the Moscow Commercial Court seeking to collect 884.6 million rubles ($14 million) from the Interregional Bar Association, according to court records.

The Moscow Mayors Office demands repayment of the loan agreement debt and further eviction of the Bar. The claim is set for February 17.

The Moscow Interregional Bar Association was established in 2005. It includes about 40 bureaus in Russian regions.




China has been affected again with a dangerous SARS-like virus called the 'Wuhan Virus'. The novel coronavirus has already claimed four lives and is expected to claim a whole lot more as the Chinese Lunar Year approaches.

And the risk of the virus multiplying and affecting many more people increases as Chinese authorities confirm the virus is able to spread by human to human contact.



AFP

Over 52 crore people are expected to be across China, undertaking close to 3 billion trips for the Chinese New Year celebrations beginning from January 24, that could result in the spreading of the disease at an alarming rate.



The condition follows the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV that was spread across China in 2002 as well as primary detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that was spotted in 2012.

The disease originated in Wuhan, however, it has already managed to affect the cities of Beijing and Shenzen. The disease has also made its way to Thailand, South Korea and Japan.

Over the weekend, over 200 people have been diagnosed with this disease. The disease has pneumonia-like symptoms including high-fever, have difficulty breathing, among others.

The main centre for this outbreak was the local seafood market at Wuhan -- as the initial patients were mostly vendors and buyers at the market. The market was home to not just seafood but also a variety of creatures like snakes and other amphibians. The market has been shut for now, with decontamination in progress.

Airports across the globe are screening passengers who are coming from China for fever-like symptoms using IR thermometers.

Reuters

Chinese Medical authorities have also confirmed on Monday that the disease can multiply by human to human contact. And crowded Lunar Year celebrations could only make situations worse.



While some sense of control can be administered by authorities while travelling from an aeroplane, many people are also travelling on trains, buses and cars. And even though authorities have promised to level up with the screening, it just isn't enough.

Moreover, authorities should provide guidelines for not just people in the city but also people who are entering the areas prone to Wuhan Virus and how one can seek medical help in case they feel sick.
VANCOUVER - Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou should not be extradited to the United States to face fraud charges because her alleged misconduct doesn't amount to fraud in Canada, says her lawyer.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, arrives for her hearing at B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Monday, January 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

VANCOUVER - Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou should not be extradited to the United States to face fraud charges because her alleged misconduct doesn't amount to fraud in Canada, says her lawyer.

Scott Fenton told a British Columbia Supreme Court judge on Tuesday, the second day of Meng's extradition hearing, that people can't be convicted of fraud in Canada unless their misrepresentations cause harm or a risk of harm.

The United States accuses Meng of lying to HSBC about a Huawei subsidiary's business in Iran, putting the bank at risk of criminal and civil penalties for violating American sanctions.

Fenton said Canada does not have similar sanctions against Iran and therefore it's impossible to prove a fraud case against Meng because the bank would not have faced any risk in Canada.

"The risk of loss is driven by legal risk  legal risk that only exists in the United States of America," he said.

The hearing in Vancouver this week is focused on the legal test of double criminality, meaning that Meng's alleged conduct must also be illegal in Canada for her to be extradited to the United States.

The case has severely strained Canada-China relations, with Beijing calling the charges "political" and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland urging the release of two detained Canadians.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, leaves her home to go to B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Wanzhou is in court for hearings over an American request to extradite the executive of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei on fraud charges. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Canada lifted sanctions against Iran in 2016 after world powers reached a nuclear deal with the country. The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 and imposed sanctions again while also adding new penalties.

Fenton said the only risk HSBC faced was in the United States because of its "peculiar" sanctions that are "out of step" with Canada and the rest of the international community.

He also argued that HSBC faced no risk in Canada because the country would not impose criminal fines against an "innocent victim" of a misrepresentation, which the bank would be in this alleged scenario.

Justice Heather Holmes questioned whether the bank might have faced a risk to its reputation in Canada, leading to financial losses because investors were wary of doing business with HSBC.

Fenton responded that, while the attorney general makes brief reference to reputational risk in court documents, it doesn't provide evidence that such a risk would lead to economic danger.

He also said the bank's reputation wouldn't be damaged because Canada doesn't ban doing business with Iran.

"There can't be reputational harm to a Canadian branch of a bank for doing things that are not only entirely lawful, but that Canada encourages them to do," he said.

Another lawyer for Meng, Eric Gottardi, said the principle of double criminality is meant to ensure that no one is surrendered to the United States for conduct that is not criminal in Canada.

"Many Canadians take pride in our independence and our uniquely Canadian approach to criminal law," Gottardi said.

He said the alleged case against Meng is not only contrary to the legal test, it's contrary to Canadians' "core values" as the country has rejected sanctions against Iran.

Meng denies the allegations and is free on bail, living in one of her two multimillion-dollar homes in Vancouver. The judge has allowed her to sit behind her lawyers at a desk, rather than in the prisoner's box, so she and her Mandarin interpreter can better follow proceedings.

China has detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor for over a year without access to lawyers or their families and has restricted some Canadian commodity imports in actions widely seen as retaliation.

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Meng's lawyers concluded arguments on double criminality Tuesday and the Crown is set to respond on Wednesday.

If Holmes decides the legal test has not been met, Meng will be free to leave Canada. But if the judge finds there is double criminality, the hearing will proceed to a second phase.

That phase, scheduled for June, will consider defence allegations that Canadian and American authorities conspired to conduct a "covert criminal investigation" during her arrest at Vancouver's airport in 2018.

Lawyers for the attorney general deny those allegations and also argue that the defence's focus on sanctions is a "complete red herring." They say Meng's alleged lies to HSBC are sufficient to prove a fraud case in Canada.

They also argue that Holmes can, if necessary, consider the context of American sanctions in a limited way, simply in order to understand the economic and legal risk that HSBC faced.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

Chinas new envoy to ASEAN has arrived in Jakarta facing growing pressure from the increasingly vigilant bloc as its top diplomats put more emphasis on compliance to international law in ongoing negotiations for a final and binding code of conduct (COC) on the South China Sea.

Ambassador Deng Xijun arrived in the Indonesian capital over the weekend and submitted his credentials to ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi on Monday, marking the formal start of his duties in Southeast Asia.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Lim, Ambassador Deng said there had been positive developments in the COC talks, with the completion of the first reading of the draft last year.
The Jehovah's Witnesses say a court in Russia's Far East has handed a suspended six-year prison sentence to one of its members amid what activists call an escalating campaign of persecution of the religious group.



Judge Natalia Derevyagina of Nadezhdinsky District Court in the region of Primorye on January 21 found Grigory Bubnov guilty of "organizing the activities of a banned group" and handed down the sentence on the same day.

Prosecutors had asked the judge to sentence Bubnov to seven years in prison.



Russia banned the religious group in April 2017 and deemed it an "extremist organization," a designation the U.S. State Department has characterized as "wrong."



Since the faith was outlawed, nine Jehovah's Witness followers have been imprisoned in Russia, including Danish national Dennis Christensen, who was sentenced to six years in prison in February last year in the western city of Oryol in a case condemned both in Russia and abroad.



In September, the United States banned two high-ranking regional officers of Russia's Investigative Committee from entering the country for allegedly torturing seven Jehovah's Witnesses.



The Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center has recognized 29 Jehovahs Witnesses charged with or convicted of extremism as political prisoners.



On January 9, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement that Russian law enforcement authorities have "dramatically escalated the nationwide persecution" of Jehovah's Witnesses over the past year.

The statement said that Russian authorities have carried out at least 780 house raids since 2017 in dozens of Russian cities -- more than half of them last year.



The Jehovah's Witnesses have been eyed with suspicion in Russia for decades for its members' views about military service, voting, and government authority in general.
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The Centre on January 20 clarified that the disclosure of information in the National Population Register (NPR) exercise is not mandatory, but voluntary.

The move comes amid aggressive protests against the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act and the implementation of nation-wide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the NPR was first initiated by the Congress-led UPA in 2010 and it was a constitutional obligation.

"Disclosure of information in NPR is voluntary only," he told reporters here. Reddy said since NPR is a constitutional obligation, state governments should not oppose it.

The minister also said the central government will keep sensitising states about various aspects of the NPR exercise that will be carried out along with the house listing phase of the Census 2021 from April 1 to September 30, 2020.

A few state governments have declared that they will not participate in the NPR exercise, saying it is prelude to a countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The Kerala government has announced that it will implement the census exercise but will not cooperate with the NPR.

At a meeting of about 20 opposition parties led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi about a fortnight ago, it was decided that the parties will urge all chief ministers who have decided not to implement the NRC in their states to also consider suspending the NPR enumeration "as this will be a prelude to the NRC".

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.

For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a member of the Nihon University Rugby Club over the alleged possession of marijuana in Shibuya Ward, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Jan. 20).

On the night of January 18, police accused Hiroaki Higuchi, 21, of possessing an unspecified amount of marijuana on a road in the ward

after he was observed behaving suspiciously.

a[The marijuana] is for my own use,a Higuchi was quoted by the Harajuku Police Station in admitting to the allegations.

Prior to the discovery, Higuchi was questioned on a voluntary basis. It was then that the marijuana was found.

The Nihon University Rugby Club is a member of the top-ranked Kanto League. Police searched Higuchias dormitory in Inagi City two days after his arrest.

aWe are confirming the facts of the case,a a representative of Nihon University was quoted.
President Donald Trump is on a mission to sell the United States to the global business community just as his historic impeachment trial is to get underway Tuesday in Washington.

When the trial reconvenes, Trump will be thousands of miles away trying to charm global CEOs at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he arrived early Tuesday.

His participation in the annual gathering in the Alpine ski resort will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them. The two-day Swiss visit will test Trump's ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Speculation had mounted that Trump would cancel the trip due to the Senate trial, but aides said he remains focused on producing results for the American people.

Climate issues were to be a main theme at the forum and "Act on Climate" was written in the snow at the landing zone where Trump's Marine One helicopter set down in Davos. Trump, however, said he was attending the forum to encourage businesses to invest in the U.S.

"We're now where the action is,'' he said at a farmers' convention Sunday in Texas.

Trump is addressing the forum Tuesday and meeting with world leaders and business executives.

Swooping in for his second appearance at the conference, Trump was set to depart on Wednesday, jetting back to Washington, which is consumed by the impeachment trial.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraine's president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat and a Trump political rival. Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they can't deny him reelection in November. Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the U.S.

"Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world,'' he said at the White House last week. "There's nothing even close. I'll be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here.''

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Trump is set to meet with. But he is scheduled to hold talks Tuesday and Wednesday with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forum's founder, the White House said.

Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Trump's many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

"She's new and she's formidable,'' said Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for U.S.-EU relations.

Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100% on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports. France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a "great discussion'' about the digital tax and "will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.'' Trump later retweeted Macron, adding the word: ''Excellent!"

The U.S. has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on $7.5 billion worth of European airplanes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Trump has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German autos, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Trump is just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial. Johnson and Clinton were acquitted by the Senate.

There is precedent for international travel by an impeached U.S. leader. During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He traveled to Jordan for King Hussein's funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted.

Two days after acquittal, Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial. He also has talked about traveling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut global growth projections on Monday, citing negative surprises in a few emerging markets, notably in India, and increased social unrest, but added that "global growth may be bottoming out."

Global economic growth is now projected to rise from an estimated 2.9 percent in 2019 to 3.3 percent in 2020 and 3.4 percent in 2021 -- a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point for 2019 and 2020, and 0.2 percentage point for 2021, compared to those published in the IMF's October "World Economic Outlook".

"Trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and idiosyncratic stress in key emerging market economies continued to weigh on global economic activity -- especially manufacturing and trade -- in the second half of 2019," the IMF said.

Intensifying social unrest in several countries posed new challenges, as did weather-related disasters -- from hurricanes in the Caribbean to drought and bushfires in Australia, floods in eastern Africa and drought in southern Africa, according to the IMF.

"Despite these headwinds, some indications emerged toward year-end that global growth may be bottoming out," the IMF said.

"Moreover, monetary policy easing continued into the second half of 2019 in several economies. Adding to the substantial support the easing provided earlier in 2019, its lagged effects should help global activity recover in early 2020," it noted. "A few signs of turning points are yet visible in global macroeconomic data," stated the IMF.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told a press conference on the eve of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that "we have not reached a turning point yet. The reality is that global growth remains sluggish."

Trade tensions are still threatening the world economy, she said. "We have some reduction of this uncertainty, but it is not eliminated. Trade truce is not the same as trade peace."
JIANMENGUAN, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / The Spring Festival is approaching, and every family is preparing new year's goods and planning the Chinese New Year travel. With the coming of 2020 rat year, Jianmenguan scenic area will be themed with " Jianmenguan make a good start and the Shuyun Chinese New Year " , and will bring you a new spring adventure through 8 wonderful intangible cultural heritage folk custom and traditional culture programs.

Shuyun New Year and enjoy the new trend

01 Jianmen Dancing Lion

Everyone must be familiar with the traditional lion dance, In the Spring Festival, Jianmen Wenxi Lion Dance as an intangible cultural heritage of Jiange County, the original ecological singing and horse racing, lion rolling and traditional folk customs will make you addicted~

Performance time: first day to sixth day of a lunar month, Lantern Festival

02 Non-legacy Bailong paper puppet

"Bailong paper puppet" or "jianmen paper puppet", on the basis of thousands of years of history of the inheritance of puppet art, with the combination of puppet and folk paper mounting technology, set sculpture, painting, drama performance, singing and dancing performance in one, For you to deduce Jianmen characteristics of local customs.

Performance time: first day to sixth day of a lunar month, Lantern Festival

03 Han and Tang dances in the style of Shu

The graceful woman, dressed in antique clothing, or wide sleeve or broad sleeve, slender finger, soft and graceful, Let you feel the tenderness across the millennium like water.

Performance time: first day to sixth day of a lunar month, Lantern Festival

04 New Spring welcome door god performance

When the traditional Jiang Wei patrols the pass meets the door god welcoming ceremony, a shu style performance will be held on the first day of the new year, which will make you feel different sparks of new spring culture.

Performance time: first day of the new year

05 Sichuan opera face

Sichuan opera face to see too much, Will Yuchi Gong, Qin Qiong, and other door gods gather in Jianmen, For you to perform a unique face changing, it sounds very good.

Performance time: first day to sixth day of a lunar month, Lantern Festival

New Year romance only you

01 Jianmen Lighting show

A scene that greets the bright night scene of the New Year, and a bright night light will be lit in the middle of this year, bringing a shocking experience for everyone.

02 Shuyun Chinese lantern

For the New Year, unique Chinese lantern are essential. When the colorful Chinese lantern are perfectly integrated with the scenic area, the ancient Shu lingering charm lights will be lit, which will definitely give you a shocking visual feast.

03 archaic rhyme and shu style spots

would you like to in the afternoon bamboo pavilion, brew a pot of tea, drink a cup of light wine, On the pavilion , play a tune and enjoy your free time.

would you like to meet a gentle woman with a good smile between the round door and the long corridor.

Jianmen archaic rhyme and shu style spots, give you a different experience of the New Year.

04"Soul of shu road" New Year art exhibition

During the Spring Festival activities, the scenic area is filled with a strong sense of peace, Jianmenguan Overseas Chinese Town joins hands with Qi Gong Academy and Jiange County Artists Association to launch the "Soul of Shu Road" New Year art exhibition. Use art and culture to express wishes to the motherland for the new year when the new year comes.

Exhibition time: January 13-April 31, 2020

Whether you want to experience the strong traditional folk culture or want to feel the interesting activities of the new era, "Jianmenguan make a good start and the Shuyun Chinese New Year" --The second annual door gods custom culture festival of Jianmenguan will be presented to you one by one, the overseas Chinese town of Jianmenguan invites you to bring your family and friends to celebrate the Spring Festival in Jianmenguan.

Of course, in addition to the Jianmenguan scenic area, the 26th Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival of overseas Chinese city will present a grand lighting event in the first phase of the China Lantern World in the eastern new town of Zigong in the form of themed performances, Welcome the year of the rat.

OCT  the 26th Zigong international dinosaur Lantern Festival, which officially lights up on January 17, 2020 and ends in the middle of March. At the Zigong Lantern Festival, Zigong lantern is no longer just an installation opus, but a stage for you and hundreds of actors in different theme areas, under their leadership, you can dream back to the Shangyuan festival of the Tang Dynasty, enjoy the Silk Road, play the leading role of fairy tales, and even experience the shock of the Jurassic era at close rangeEnter the world built with lanterns and interpret the most beautiful story between you and lanterns.

At the time of the Chinese New Year arrival, OCT West Group launched the 2020 Chinese New Year Fun Tour Festival , and let "Chinese New Year Fun in Overseas Chinese Town ", together with several cities, celebrate the Chinese New Year of the rat.

Contact:

Jianmenguan scenic area

Cathy Sun+1 (321) 800-3487?

info@globalnewsonline.info

SOURCE: Jianmenguan scenic area

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573588/Jianmenguan-make-a-good-start-and-the-Shuyun-Chinese-New-Year-Jianmenguan-launches-eight-wonderful-experiences-to-celebrate-the-year-of-the-rat
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 20, 2020

Google users are pressing a judge to allow them to proceed with claims that the company illegally records conversations that occur within the sanctity of consumers own homes, and discloses snippets to outside contractors.

Consumers have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their confidential and private communications, particularly those that take place in the sanctity of ones own home -- a historically protected zone of privacy, lawyers for a group of Google users write in papers filed Friday with U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose, California.

They add that Google's privacy policy expressly assured users that their confidential and private conversations would not be listened to, let alone recorded and disseminated to third parties absent their authorization.

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The papers come in response to Google's request that Freeman dismiss a class-action complaint alleging the company's voice-activated Assistant violates users' privacy.

The lawsuit was filed last year by five consumers -- Asif Kumandan, Melissa Spurr and her child, identified only as B.S., Loudes Galvan and Eleeana Galvan -- shortly after Dutch radio broadcaster VRT reported that Google Home smart speakers and Google Assistant transmitted consumers' conversations to the company, even when people hadn't first given the Hey, Google or OK, Google commands. (Those hotwords signal an intention to interact with the devices.)

VRT also reported that Google sometimes sends portions of users' conversations to outside contractors who analyze language patterns. VRT said it had listened to more than 1,000 excerpts of conversations -- including 153 where participants hadn't said a hotword. An outside contractor shared the voice snippets with VRT, in apparent violation of Google's policies.

Last month, Google urged Freeman to dismiss the complaint. The company argued it shouldn't face a federal lawsuit over unintentionally misinterpreting words or background noises as commands to record.

An inadvertent error in hotword detection does not amount to a violation of federal or state privacy laws or breach any promise made to consumers, Google wrote.

The consumers are urging Freeman to reject that argument for several reasons, including that Google allegedly was aware of flaws in the voice recognition technology.

Google knew that at least some of the audio recordings resulted in error when no hot word was uttered, yet continued the unlawful conduct without remedying it, lawyers for the consumers write.

Freeman is expected to hold a hearing in the matter on April 9.
* STOXX 600 down 0.1%

* Wall Street closed for MLK day

* Fevertree falls after Xmas trading update Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of European equity markets brought to you by Reuters stocks reporters and anchored today by Julien Ponthus. Reach him on Messenger to share your thoughts on market moves: julien.ponthus.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net

2020: NO FED ACTION, NO RECESSION, TRUMP RE-ELECTION (1155 GMT)

That's roughly how 2020 will turn out to be, according to a survey by Goldman Sachs with 250 clients.

Here's a quick look at the numbers:

-- A whopping 87% of the survey respondents expect Trump to win a second mandate

-- 67% expect Fed to remain on hold until 2020, 58% see ECB on hold in 2020 and 2021 (no relief from NIRP)

-- 38% expect recession in 2021 and 35% expect in 2020 as recession fears were pushed out further

-- 45% expect next bear market in 2021

Investment style? Close call:

-- 54% expect Cyclical and Value stocks to outperform in 2020

-- 46% expect Defensive, Growth and Quality stocks to do better

(Thyagaraju Adinarayan)

*****

LONG THE LONG SHORT? (1147 GMT)

Who's the contrarian? The investors who short a popular stock or someone who goes long on a popular short?

Something to meditate on as the ultimate contrarian strategy at the moment seems to be going long where the shorts have been the most aggressive.

Some kind of twisted reverse psychology hey? Anyhow, look at Tesla, it's has been a huge short but it's up a whopping 22% year-to-date!

Same goes for Beyond Meat, which at one stage in less than three weeks went way above the 50% gain mark.

"A look at some of the best performers in the tech space already this year shows that the companies with a high % of short interest are the best performers", writes TMT Mirabaud analyst Neil Campling.

There's plenty of examples here in Europe where shorted stocks rose faster than their indexes since the beginning of the year.

Germany's chip equipment maker Aixtron jumped 16.7%, France's Alstom is up 7.5% and the UK's Premier oil gained 18.5%.

Story continues

With the STOXX 600 up a reasonable 1.9% so far this year, there's plenty of shorted stocks outperforming the index like the UK's Ocado or Takeaway.com, up 3.5% and 4.4% respectively.

Here's a mix of U.S. and European shorts outperforming the Nasadaq and the STOXX 600:

(Julien Ponthus)

*****

DAVOS: WATCH THOSE UTILITIES (1109 GMT)

Once a year, the richest and most powerful people in the world gather together at The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to have a chat about the hot topics shaping the world's economy.

This time, sustainability is the main theme of the annual summit amid mounting pressure on companies and governments to combat climate change.

While the attention on sustainability could be great news for the planet, it might not be that great for European utilities, according to UBS.

European renewable companies, such as Enel and RWE, had a head start over the oil majors, building a few dozens GW of wind and solar portfolios.

Now, it does make a lot of sense for oil majors to play catch up. If that happens, some utilities companies could struggle to win new capacity in auctions, UBS' analysts say.

"The impact on today's utility leaders could be severe, at least for those most exposed to auctions," say UBS in a note. "The biggest risk could be a price war... a period of heavy pressure on returns."

Meantime, UBS remains neutral or positive on most utilities companies. Here is a list of the most and least preferred utilities names for the year, according to the Swiss bank.

(Joice Alves)

*****

DON'T LET EARNINGS DOWNGRADES PUT YOU OFF (1039 GMT)

That earnings expectations are too high at the start of the year is nothing really new and those familiar with the pattern aren't letting the prospect of possible downgrades put them off.

"If one is to worry about elevated EPS growth projections by consensus of sellside analysts, then one would end up never buying stocks" says JPMorgan's Mislav Matejka, who has nearly 2 decades of experience as equity strategist at the U.S. bank.

"As time passes, these expectations tend to be reduced, without hurting the performance of equity markets," he adds, noting double-digit forecasts 12-24 month out are the norm.

This time around, however, many believe that likely EPS downgrades will limit any further gains for stocks, but Matejka says: "We disagree".

(Danilo Masoni)

*****

OPENING SNAPSHOT: HOLDING THE LINE (0903 GMT)

Very much like their Asian peers, European stocks are holding close to the highs reached on Friday rather than moving further while Wall Street is off celebrating MLK day.

There are a few spectacular moves in the UK: Fevertree Drinks is down over 20%, after the premium tonic water maker warned about subdued Christmas trading.

The stock has lost over 60% since its 2018 highs and is back to where it was at the end of Q1 2017. It's fair to say that Fevertree, once a 'wonder stock' with four digit increases over the years, is feeling the consumer gloom like the rest of the UK PLC.

Talking of which, Intu Properties is also down 6% after saying it is seeking to raise equity as its exposure to UK retail bites into its spreadsheet. A report by the Sunday Times said it planned to tap 1 billion pounds of emergency cash as soon as next month.

Other interesting moves include shares in genetic testing company Qiagen, which are the second best performers on the STOXX index after a report about a possible acquisition.

British defence company BAE Systems is also among the top winners after saying it would spend $2.2 billion to acquire two units being offloaded as a result of the merger of U.S. rivals Raytheon and United Technologies.

Instead of the usual snapshot of European bourses, most of them hovering between -0.1% and -0.5%, here's something more entertaining: A little over 5 years of Fevertree on the stock market.

The stock is up over 2.000 percent from the end of 2014 to September 2018 and down over 60% from that high till now.

(Julien Ponthus)

*****

ON THE RADAR: BIG FALLS SHARP MOVES SEEN FOR INTU AND FEVERTREE (0754 GMT)

Yes, we still need to wait a bit for the Q4 season to get into full speed but that doesn't mean there's nothing going on in the corporate world.

Intu Properties for instance is under the spotlight and could fall heavily after it said it is targeting an equity raise in its bid to strengthen its balance sheet.

Another sharp move expected at the open could come for premium tonic water maker Fevertree Drinks  once an investors darling  which was hurt by subdued Christmas trading in Britain.

Talking about raising equity Frances Iliad launched a 1.4 billion euros capital increase to finance a share buyback and French hotels group Accor also said it was launching its 300 million euros buyback programme.

In the world of M&A, Anglo American announced a deal to buy Sirius Minerals for 404.9 million pounds while Chinas Guoxuan confirmed it was in talks with Volkswagen but said there was any binding deal yet.

Also, Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky and his junior partner Patrik Tkac said on Monday that they had raised their stake in debt-laden retailer Casino.

(Julien Ponthus)

*****

MORNING CALL: A TICK OR TWO HIGHER (0632 GMT)

European shares ended on a new record high on Friday but much of that momentum seems to be fading out somewhat with Asian shares making their camp on high ground rather than climbing higher.

Not much in store today regarding the Q4 earnings season or macro indicators.

Financial spreadbetters expect London's FTSE to open 12 points higher, Frankfurt's DAX up 13 points to 13,539 and Paris' CAC to rise 12 points to 6,112.

The last two indexes are in range to reach important milestones if the market switches gear and accelerates.

6,168.15 points was the CAC 40's highest level prior of the financial crisis on June 1 2007 and the Dax will reach its highest point ever if it goes beyond 13569.89 points.

(Julien Ponthus)

*****

(Reporting by Danilo Masoni, Joice Alves, Julien Ponthus and Thyagaraju Adinarayan)
By the time the FBI raided Omar Ameens Sacramento apartment in August 2018, his extradition back to Iraq seemed all but inevitable.

Federal prosecutors alleged that just months before Ameen immigrated to the United States in 2014, the auto mechanic shot an Iraqi police officer to death, part of an action by an Islamic State group convoy that took over his hometown of Rawah. The refugee had allegedly concealed his ties to the Islamic State and lied about his reasons for fleeing Iraq.

Iraqi authorities and federal prosecutors agreed: The U.S. had unwittingly opened its doors to a terrorist.

Ameen could now become the first person in U.S. history to be extradited to Iraq. Prosecutors must show only probable cause to secure his extradition, which would lead to Iraqi authorities conducting a criminal trial. Its a fate Ameens defenders say would undoubtedly lead to his execution.

But new evidence has been unearthed that his attorneys say will show he was 600 miles away from Rawah at the time of the killing. Additionally, an Islamic State Twitter account that the company suspended, as well as a suspended Facebook account, could be instrumental in proving Ameens innocence.

But the social media giants are refusing to cooperate.

In Ameens case and a growing list of other criminal cases, attorneys for Facebook, Twitter and other social networks are citing the Stored Communications Act  a three-decade-old privacy law  to withhold information that might help prove the innocence of Ameen and other defendants.

Interviews with privacy experts and public defenders, as well as a review of court records and email communications, reveal the extent to which social media companies deny defense attorneys access to evidence. The Chronicles findings show the social networks routinely use their vast legal resources to fight defense subpoenas, and they have even defied court orders that could assist people facing wrongful convictions.

A San Francisco Superior Court judge last year issued a scathing critique of the companies policies, finding Twitter and Facebook in inexcusable contempt for refusing his order to release evidence in a murder case.

Facebook and Twitter appear to be misusing their immense resources to manipulate the judicial system in a manner that deprives two indigent young men facing life sentences of their constitutional right to defend themselves at trial, Judge Charles Crompton wrote. But Facebook and Twitter have made it clear that they are unwilling to alter their behavior, regardless of the harm to others  or the rulings of this court.

Ameens case, which is playing out at the U.S. District Court in Sacramento, offers a modern twist on a longtime tension in criminal justice.

Prosecutors already have broader power than defense attorneys to search for and seize documents, and access to social media has amplified that reach. Critics say the result is an imbalance that further tips the scales against mostly indigent criminal defendants.

But in an era when tech privacy rights are fiercely guarded, should there be exceptions for people facing prison time  or even death?

I think its helpful to see this as a new version of an old problem, said Orin Kerr, a law professor at UC Berkeley who wrote a users guide to the Stored Communications Act. Imagine the government charges Alan with murder. Alan wants to argue that Bob committed the crime instead. Would we let Alan break into Bobs house and search for evidence of Bobs guilt?

Numerous court filings by Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies repeat the same central argument: The Stored Communications Act, or SCA, forbids them from divulging the content of communications unless a specific exemption applies. None of the exemptions apply to criminal defendants.

Facebook and Twitter provide online portals specifically for law enforcement to request information during emergencies and investigations. Government officials armed with search warrants routinely collect private user messages to help win convictions.

Defendants and their attorneys have no such recourse. In addition to the legal firewalls, Facebook also requires defense counsels to deliver subpoenas in person to their Menlo Park headquarters or to an authorized agent.

In many cases, social networks will send a blanket denial letter to defense attorneys, forcing counsel to engage in time-sucking, and often unwinnable, negotiations. In the meantime, many defendants plead out, said UC Berkeley School of Law Assistant Professor Rebecca Wexler, who is writing a forthcoming article on the topic for the UCLA Law Review.

When the battle rises to the courts, most judges side with the social networks. Wexler argues that the federal Stored Communications Act should be amended to include equal exceptions for defendants.

Any fears of a fishing expedition can be assuaged by search protections already baked into the laws, Wexler told The Chronicle. Judicial oversight exists for every defense subpoena, she said, and safeguards are in place for sensitive records like cell phone location data and health and psychiatric information.

The risks of abuse matter. We care about them, and we account for them, Wexler said. But what tech companies are doing is saying theyre going to have this other, absolute shield thats more protective than psych records.

Ameen and his family lived as refugees in Turkey for two years and had just secured approval to move to the U.S. when a police officer was killed in Rawah, Iraq, on June 22, 2014.

Around this time, Ameen had been especially careful to complete all of his immigration hurdles, said his attorney, federal public defender Rachelle Barbour. One step included checking into the Turkish refugee office each Thursday, and official records show that he did just that every week in June 2014.

The killing was committed on a Sunday, and Barbour said it would have been nearly impossible for Ameen to complete the 600-mile trip between Turkey and Rawah  while crossing war-torn Syria  and check in with refugee officials on the dates bracketing the fatal shooting.

Eyewitnesses in Turkey said Ameen never left the country. Defense attorneys have also cited evidence that the sole eyewitness linking Ameen to the crime suffers from a serious mental illness.

Extradition documents filed by prosecutors included a screenshot of a Twitter post that appears to confess to and celebrate the murder of the police officer, Ihsan Abdulhafiz Jasim. It included a photo of a group of young men, some holding rifles. But missing was the date of the posting, any other posts from the account and a Facebook post it linked to.

All of this information could be critical to Ameens defense, but in discussions last spring, Twitter and Facebooks legal counsel refused to provide content from the suspended accounts to his attorneys. Citing the Stored Communications Act, the companies said they would release only limited data, such as where the accounts were created.

The only way to access all of the information, Barbour said, would be to receive authorization from the account holder  in this case, the Islamic State group.

Theres not a good path for defense counsel, she said. And here, were not talking about a U.S. person with privacy rights, right? Were talking about ISIS. ISIS posted a murder on Twitter, and were the defense trying to get at it, and yet the Stored Communications Act, and the social media companies, are not giving it to us.

Defense attorneys across California are encountering similar barriers.

Last year in Santa Clara County, defense attorneys in an attempted burglary case sought posts and private messages from users of the Nextdoor social network. A crucial issue in the case was whether the defendant had the intent to steal, and prosecutors argued the defendant waited for the homeowner to leave the house before attempting a break-in. However, a neighbor on Nextdoor posted that their surveillance video showed the suspect a half-mile away at the time the homeowner left.

Nextdoor successfully quashed the subpoena.

In another case, a defendant charged with shooting at an SUV said the alleged victim used Instagram to send him harassing messages and threats that left the defendant in fear for his life.

Instagram moved to quash the subpoena, and the judge complied.

In San Francisco, Lee Sullivan was one of three people charged with murder in a 2013 drive-by shooting, in which a co-defendant admitted to being one of two people who fired the fatal shots. In a rare move, the trial judge granted Sullivans request to subpoena Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for private user communications to test the credibility of the only witness who placed him in the car.

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 companies appealed.

While waiting in jail, Sullivan put off his trial more than five years as the battle with the social networks trudged through Californias court system.

Its clearly a strategy for Facebook and Twitter, said Bicka Barlow, one of Sullivans attorneys. Those two entities, their whole game is to litigate, litigate, litigate; throw everything they can at the court.

Facebook and Twitter attorneys argued in a petition to the California Supreme Court last summer that the ordered disclosure forced them to choose between violating federal law or a court order.

The high court effectively upheld the trial judges ruling, but the companies didnt budge on releasing the records. On July 26, Judge Crompton held Facebook and Twitter in contempt of court, and he imposed the stiffest penalty allowed by law: a $1,000 fine for each company.

The tech companies have indicated in a motion that they intend to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review.

Giovanna Falbo, a spokeswoman for Twitter, said the company has taken a stand against the state courts order in this case because we believe that it violates the federal Stored Communications Act and undermines a key purpose of that law  to protect individuals privacy rights in electronic communications.

Facebook officials declined to comment for this story.

Absent the evidence, Sullivan was convicted of murder. He is expected to be sentenced to prison Jan. 27.

Andrew Crocker, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital-privacy-rights group based in San Francisco, said hes sympathetic to both sides in these cases.

It is a conundrum, because these are really important privacy protections, he said. Warrants have all this history of case law around them, and theyre supposed to protect privacy, and a judge is supposed to only authorize them in given circumstances, and we just dont have that for the defense.

But in recent months, a growing number of critics have challenged the social networks blockade of records.

Last year, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan filed a surprise argument that largely sided with the defense regarding the Stored Communications Act.

The defendant, Lance Touchstone, asked for a subpoena for an alleged shooting victims private Facebook messages. As with Sullivans case, the trial court allowed it and Facebook appealed. The social network said prosecutors should obtain these records on behalf of the defense, prompting Stephan to argue that the Stored Communications Act doesnt apply to Facebook.

If it does not apply ... Touchstone can subpoena the records he seeks, Stephans motion said.

The case is now pending in the California Supreme Court.

Regardless of the result though, its unlikely to affect Ameens case.

Within months, U.S. Magistrate Judge Edmund F. Brennan will decide whether he agrees there is enough probable cause to extradite Ameen to Iraq. The final decision will rest in the hands of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Ameens attorneys have given up on discussions with Facebook and Twitter, opting not to continue litigating requests for information.

Considering everything else weve got going in this case, it just didnt seem like a good use of time to pick that fight with them, Barbour said, adding that theyre now looking to open-source information to research the accounts. I would love to have it, and I have no doubt that if the government wanted to get it they could get it. ... And we cant. We tried.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
She had a great start to her role as Love Island host after discovering the viewership for spin-off show Aftersun had jumped by 1.4million on 2019 last weekend.

And Laura Whitmore looked nothing short of sensational as she donned a blue power suit for her latest wardrobe fitting.

The TV presenter, 34, went braless for the snap, cutting a glamorous figure in a pale blue blazer with matching trousers.

Stylish: Laura Whitmore, 34, looked nothing short of sensational as she donned a blue power suit for her latest wardrobe fitting

Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Laura added height to her frame with a pair of boots and completed the look with a gold necklace.

Alongside the snap, the former MTV News presenter wrote: 'Fittings! @paulaandjoeparis #whatwhitmorewore'.

Laura later slipped into a pale pink blazer and matching trousers with black and gold stripes for presenting Monday's edition of Aftersun.

Last week, the media personality shared her delight as she celebrated a 1.4 million increase in viewership figures for Aftersun.

Stunning: Later, Laura slipped into a pale pink blazer and matching trousers with black and gold stripes for presenting Monday's edition of Aftersun

Ensemble: Laura slicked her blonde tresses back while she added height to her frame with a pair of gold heels

On Instagram, a happy Laura uploaded a snap of a WhatsApp conversation which featured the figures from Monday's Aftersun.

It read: 'Nearly 2m for Aftersun - grew from 600K. Mad numbers', alongside the caption: 'Thanks for tuning in. Gobsmacked!'

Despite the increase for Aftersun, the main show got off to a slower start, with 800,000 fewer viewers than the summer version's launch show.

Only 2.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the latest batch of singles entering the South African villa, compared to 3.3 million last June.

Success: Laura had a great start to her role as Love Island host after discovering the viewership for spin-off show Aftersun had jumped by 1.4million on 2019 last weekend

Of those who did watch the launch show, 1.2 million were aged between 16 and 34 years old - a whopping 43 per cent of viewers.

Earlier this month, Laura became the face of the winter series, with viewers enthusing the 'likable' star was the perfect choice to replace Caroline Flack, 40, amid her assault charge.

The praise continued as she hosted Aftersun last Monday, which is filmed in London.
The European Commission will this year begin to assess the green transition of EU states as part of its monitoring of national budgets, a top official said, in a new sign of the blocs commitment to meet ambitious climate goals, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The commission is responsible for making sure member countries do not overspend public resources. It annually assesses whether governments spending, revenues and investments are reasonably balanced and do not excessively flout debt and deficit ceilings set in EU rules.

Worried that environmental and other climate-related costs could worsen governments fiscal positions, the commission will now also check the pace of governments transition toward a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

For the first time in the commissions economic monitoring of national budgets we will have a green variable, which is very important, EU economics commissioner Paolo Gentiloni told reporters.

He said European finance ministers would discuss the matter at meetings in Brussels that were underway and would continue on Tuesday.

Its a change of perspective. When we assess budgets we need to look at expenditures, investments, but also at the results and pace of the green transition, he added.

It is unclear how this new attention to the fiscal impact of climate policies could change the way Brussels puts pressure on states to correct their fiscal policies.

The commission could adopt a more benign approach to countries investments in renewable energies or other measures to reduce carbon emissions. Low-growth, high-debt Italy is asking for that spending to be allowed even when a countrys deficit or debt is already above EU limits.

Gentiloni, a former socialist prime minister of Italy who became EU commissioner in December, is heeding that call. But a decision on how to treat green investments has not been made yet, an EU official said.

That could come as part of a review of EU fiscal rules that Brussels plans to unveil in February.

France, Italy and other southern countries of the bloc are keen to soften the rules, seen by many as excessively rigid and complicated. That could spur growth and favor the green transition, supporters of the move say.

But Germany has so far resisted changes, fearing fiscal leeway could unleash uncontrolled spending in some countries and cause financial crises.
Edited excerpt:

What are your expectations from the upcoming Budget?

The Budget 2020 will be a crucial policy event with the market focus on potential near-term demand-booster from the government and the contours of fiscal deficit arithmetic.

This will also impact FPI flows that have been good in 2019 based on emerging market (EM) allocations and Indias relative attractiveness in that.

FM Sitharaman's primary task entails reviving the India's economy, which has witnessed a number of decade-lows in 2019 with the latest official GDP growth estimate slipping to its lowest in 11 years.

The government has announced a cut back in expenditure in Q4 which could perhaps weigh on the growth in FY20.

Expectations:

Raising tax slabs for non-corporate taxpayers although it affects only 6% of the population, will put more money in the hands of consumers.

Raising exemptions for house buyers.

Something like UBI (Universal Basic Income), DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), extend PM-KISAN -this may help to sustainably raise consumption levels.

Ramp up efforts to boost manufacturing, infrastructure and construction sectors.

Out-of-the-box thinking is required but the chances of this coming are limited.

We feel there are no real magic short-term bullets. We feel that the Budget should not aim to do too many surprising things.

The FM could focus on implementing sustainable privatisation, cutting personal income tax rates, and modernising Indias antediluvian agriculture, land and labour laws, though, given the recent reverses, the state subjects of land and labour may be a bit difficult to implement.

Do you think the government will be able to meet its fiscal deficit target?

While a number of factors could result in fiscal deficit crossing the estimates by a wide margin including low nominal GDP growth, low tax collections (both direct and GST), the shortfall in divestment revenues; some other compensating factors may result in the fiscal deficit not rising too much as compared to the estimates.

Expenditure cut in Q4 itself could save a lot of money for the Govt though its effect on growth could be negative. RBIs surplus transfer to GoI of Rs 58,000 crore (0.3% of GDP), over and above the budgeted, Rs 90,000 crore could also help bridging the gap.

The best that GoI can do is to limit Fiscal Deficit to 3.8 percent using up the 0.5 percent buffer that the Committee to Review Fiscal Discipline rules has recommended.

However, we feel that the actual fiscal deficit could come in at 3.5-3.7% vs the 3.3% estimated as per the Budget.

This will mean that govt may not need to borrow much more than the expected borrowings and that the international rating agencies could refrain from the threat of downgrades. However, damage to the growth momentum could take time to reverse.

Which are the sectors that are likely to hog the limelight in this Budget 2020 and why?

The usual Infra, agriculture, rural economy, automobiles, Make-in-India thrust, more on ease of doing business, employment generation thrust could gain focus from the Budget.

What are the expectations from Budget 2020 from investors or market perspective?

Investors could look forward to the abolition of LTCG on equities, rationalisation of DDT/buyback provisions, a higher deduction for home buyers, savings, and raising the tax slabs for non-corporate assesses.

Do you think infrastructure could turn out to be a strong beneficiary in the upcoming Budget?

A) Yes, however, one will have to see as to what is the incremental funds allocated to infra (other than the normal allocations year after year) given the fiscal situation and whether and to what extent listed companies could benefit out of such announcements.

The govt struggled to meet the divestment target in FY20. What are the estimates you are factoring in for the next fiscal?

Although, the GoI may miss the FY20 divestment target of Rs. 1.05 lakh cr, it could still maintain a similar or higher divestment target for FY21 as the chances of strategic divestment of BPCL, Air India, Concor getting completed in that year are bright.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
An 8-year-old rabbit named Coco received her wings  and a VIP treatment  on a United Airlines flight from SFO to Japan, but the internet failed to notice until nearly a year later.

After a three-year stint in San Francisco, 32-year-old Takako Ogawa was flying back home to Kyoto for a new job in late 2018. Although she may have made for an unusual passenger, Coco, a registered emotional support animal, was able to come along after Ogawa paid $100 to bring her in a portable kennel as a carry-on.

As fate would have it, the seat next to Ogawa in business class turned out to be unoccupied, and her well-behaved rabbit was given her own seat. The photo evidence is pure joy.

MORE: You are most likely to find an empty seat next to you when flying from these airports

Coco traveled in style, and would you expect anything less? Shes wearing a bow tie in some of the photos, which she switches out for a cloth napkin bib to avoid spilling crumbs on herself as she nibbles from a bowl of nuts.

In a recent interview that took place after the photos of her posh pet went viral, Ogawa told Metro UK she had ordered an ice cream sundae when the flight attendant looked over and asked if the rabbit wanted anything.

Rabbits typically arent supposed to eat almonds (or bread for that matter), but that didnt stop Coco from living on the edge anyway as she curiously sniffed at a flaky croissant next to a bubbling flute of champagne.

It wasnt her first time traversing the skies, either. Coco had flown to San Francisco with Ogawa in 2015, though her initial journey in the cargo area wasnt nearly as glamorous. She reportedly also visited the Google office, where her human companion previously worked, and made appearances at family barbecues.

Ogawa said Coco likely wont fly again because of her age, so it looks like the rest of us will just have to dream of spotting a bonnet-wearing bunny on Muni again someday.

Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter (and has her own pet rabbit named Cheeto.) Send her cute pictures of bunnies at amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett
Police officer accused of stealing over 49,000 pleads 'not guilty'

A serving police officer from Peel has appeared in court accused of stealing over 49,000 from an elderly relative and transferring funds to other accounts.

Detective Constable Michael Stephen Crompton is accused of 20 counts of theft and one count of concealing, disguising, converting, transferring, or removing criminal property.

Mr Crompton appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas Courthouse this morning, where he pled 'not guilty' to 21 charges made against him.

They are alleged to have been committed between January 2014 and October 2017.

Ms Hughes stated that on 19th January 2014, the accused transferred a total of 49,066.27 to bank accounts in his name.

The money is alleged to have been stolen from a relative, Dorothy Eileen Buchanan.

Ms Hughes agreed to a request from Mr Crompton's representative Ms Cooil to adjourn proceedings until 24th March at 10 am, as the amount of money allegedly stolen and the period over which it was carried out, will take time to work on for the case against.
Shadow planning minister Mike Nahan has urged the state government to reverse a decision to force two concrete batching plants out of the Claisebrook precinct in East Perth, warning their removal could hinder or cancel new developments in the CBD.

The Hanson and Holcim batching plants have been in the East Perth area for more than four decades and in their current locations since the mid-90s but residential developments have been edging closer, and with them, increased community and council opposition.

The Hanson concrete batching plant in East Perth. Credit:Hamish Hastie

The companies were beaten in 2017 when then-acting Planning Minister Ben Wyatt upheld a City of Vincent zoning change to exclude industrial operations in the area and turn it into a mixed-use residential and commercial precinct.

Mr Wyatt declared the companies had until 2024 to find a new location, but more than two years on nothing has been announced.
Picture a pediatric emergency department, built with infants and children in mind and staffed with specialists who understand the unique medical issues affecting younger patients.

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center took that model and applied it to a whole different population: the elderly.

Now, the hospital has its own Geriatric Emergency Department  and is the first in Houston, and second in Texas, to receive a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. To earn the distinction, the ER must demonstrate the use of best practices, provide interdisciplinary geriatric education and offer geriatric-appropriate equipment and supplies.

Dr. Charles Maddow, Memorial Hermanns director of emergency geriatrics, said the hospital spent about a year preparing the application.

Maddow explained his interest in the unique medical needs of older patients developed when he was writing as a contributing author for Abdominal Emergencies, edited by Dr. Latha Stead.

While stomach pains are regular and can seem fairly insignificant in younger patients, there is an increased risk with older patients, said Maddow, who is also a professor of geriatric and palliative medicine at McGovern Medical School.

Theres something different in this population, Maddow said. The more I looked into it, the more distinct I realized this population was. We needed to generate a way of thinking about these patients that conscientiously recognizes the ways in which they are unique.

That meant teaching staff and physicians how to recognize risks and specific diseases in patients older than 65.

For example, an older patient will often maintain the same heart rate after trauma, while a younger patients heart rate will increase. Specially trained caregivers can diagnose a geriatric patients injuries even when the heart rate is stable.

You really have to anticipate this, Maddow said. You have to doubt the things you see.

He added that there are a number of simple ways for emergency rooms to better accommodate older patients, including larger fonts on intake forms, and more canes, walkers and wheelchairs.

Its the perfect time for Memorial Hermann to make these changes to meet the unique needs for geriatric patients in the emergency room.

By 2029, the entire demographic of baby boomers will be 65 or older, said Teresa A. Metelits, lead nurse for emergency geriatrics at Memorial Hermann. Accreditation enables us to focus on the needs of this complex and growing population and to ensure that the resources available in the ER meet and exceed the patients we serve.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of individuals 65 years and older increased at a faster rate than the total national population, and the number of those 85 and older is growing three times faster than the general population.

At the same time, geriatric medicine is new in some ways, Maddow said. There isnt much beyond basic training, he said.

Maddow says that treating geriatric patients in the ER is a new frontier, with plenty of opportunity to make the experience better.

Rethinking the general patterns in treatment is key, Maddow said. A lot of it is awareness, a lot of it is teaching new ways of thinking and rethinking the physiology of an older persons body, he said.

For many patients visiting the ER, hospitalization is their next step. But with older patients, this can raise a whole new set of problems.

Hospitalization can be bad for them, Maddow said. It interrupts sleep patterns and their familiarity with their surroundings. Disorientation and cognition can be agitated.

In fact, he said, hospitalization can be associated with increased mortality. Instead of sending older patients from the emergency room to a hospital bed, the goal becomes sending them home, Maddow said.

That takes creativity, and we have to find a way to ensure the patient follows up, he added.

In addition, an emergency room should be prepared for older patients who may have different diseases and various medical needs.

You recognize things can be more complicated, Maddow said.

Nurses, physicians and technicians in the ER can be trained to look for subtle signs, to pay attention to slight changes that might matter less with a younger patient.

Sometimes, its just feeling weak or dizzy, Maddow said. Its the patient saying, I dont feel right. Im a little sore, a little confused.

Symptoms can present differently in older patients, he explained. Things that are usually trivial can be really significant, he said.

Falling, for example, seems common in older patients but often hints at a serious problem. What is this indicating? Maddow asks. Its indicating a fundamental problem. There are so many different things that can show up.

Though pediatric emergency centers are often hosted in separate facilities, the hospital took a different approach here.

The model we have is of an overlay, he said. We already have an emergency department. We are layering on expertise to everybody. That way, whoever comes across a geriatric patient is prepared and capable.

Maddow wants his staff to recognize subtle signs in older patientsand be able to spring into action with the appropriate response.

My job is to make sure everybody can fill their role for the geriatric patient, he said. The most fundamental tool we have is paying attention to the patient and hearing what they have to say.

In the emergency room, he added, there are time pressures that dont exist elsewhere in the hospital. Having trained professionals who can react quickly in the correct way is essential.

Metelits, the lead nurse, said her process allows nurses in the geriatric emergency department to look at specific health-outcome goals and care preferences and ensure safe patient mobility. In addition, steps can be taken to identify, treat and manage dementia, depression and delirium.

We provide high-quality care for older adults, providing a more positive and physical environment and steps to assist in their safe return home, Metelits said.

The geriatric emergency center at Memorial Hermann is able to follow up with primary care physicians to coordinate post-emergency-department care. There is also a protocol to improve medication regimens for older patients to reduce the possibility of adverse effects.

We need to be there for them, Maddow said. We need to put ourselves in their position and anticipate what the experience is going to be like as a patient and accommodate it.

He is confident that geriatric care will continue to evolve. This is going to look very different in 20 years, he said. Hopefully, well pat ourselves on the back and say, Im really glad that we prepared.

To learn more, visit memorialhermann.org/emergency/.

Lindsay Peyton is a Houston-based writer.
Michael Corbat, CEO at Citi. Photo: World Economic Forum

Digital disruption is changing the way we bank. From contactless cards, to branch-less banks, the way we manage our money has radically changed over the last decade or so.

Fintech upstarts, such as Monzo, Starling Bank, and Transferwise, as architects in the space, are eating marketshare across the banking and payments space. For example, Germanys hot online banking startup N26, which only launched in 2017, revealed in October last year that it hit the one million customer mark in France  overtaking incumbent HSBC in France.

In the meantime, traditional banks have been moving with the times, although at differing speeds of technological innovation.

But Michael Corbat, CEO at Citigroup (C) pointed out that the incumbent and legacy bank role isnt to become the next fintech model, nor to do away all traditional avenues of managing your money.

In some cases, what people miss in banking  in this switch from analog to digital  is that its not a standing start of a new industry. Our challenge is that we can only move as fast as our customers are willing to move with us, he said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in a session titled Shaping the Future of Financial and Monetary Systems.

READ MORE FROM DAVOS: Circle CEO's YouTube analogy highlights cryptocurrency and financial system challenges

He highlighted how age differentials completely change how we interact and used a story about his family to highlight how banks need to be mindful of catering to a range of demographics.

I often talk about my family and think about my 94-year-old father who forgets his pin by lunch every day, or my children who never go to a [bank] branch, and then theres my wife and I who are in the middle of this somewhere. We cant move away too much either way [of banking], said Corbat.

The challenge we give ourselves every day is to be out there  on the surface this seems uninspirational but when you process it and think about its quite powerful  matching best in life experiences. Its not about being the best bank but it is being around the expectation that we will deliver and match. For example, best ride hailing, the best interface and financial services can match those. We just cant be so far ahead that we leave our customers behind.

Story continues

Corbat emphasised that there is room for all types of banking and that there are several approaches the legacy lenders can take to remain digitally relevant.

Financial services, when you go back in history, it probably has a reputation of being inwardly looking and doing most [of the tech, in-house] ourselves, said Corbat.

When I look at our model today, we do [an element of that] but we also go out and partner [with tech companies] and disruptors, and bring on [and buy] inventors. We can give them access to scale, 150 million clients and [hundreds] of jurisdictions  not many companies can do that.

We have a three-pronged approach. Were out buying, look what we are doing in cyber  we are not inventing our own, we are collaborating and offering strengths.
- Agriculture ministry is said to have paid dubious traders at the expense of peasant farmers

- President Kenyatta reprimanded Kiunjuri twice, blaming him for the agony of maize farmers

- He promised to hunt down and punish the culprits, saying Government money belongs to the people

- Kiunjuri was summoned by the EACC on January 14, the same day he was fired from the Cabinet

The woes facing sacked Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri seem to be far from over, with the politician now facing a high-voltage probe over alleged illegal payment of KSh1.8 billion for maize supply.

Kiunjuri spent the better part of Monday, January 20, afternoon at the Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission offices where he was grilled over the scandalous payment that sparked extensive outcry among maize farmers.

READ ALSO: Betty Kyallo's Somali guy finally spotted during mini vacay at Nakuru resort

Former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri was sacked by President Uhuru Kenyatta on January 4. Photo: Mwangi Kiunjuri

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: William Ruto allies ask Uhuru to fulfill 2022 succession agreement

According to The Standard, the politician was summoned through a letter dated January 14 - the same day he was unceremoniously kicked out by President Uhuru Kenyatta and replaced by Peter Munya.

The money was withdrawn from the accounts of the Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund at Central Bank last year.

It was paid by the Agriculture ministry to Commodity House Limited, a private company, on June 28, 2019 as pending bill for maize supplied to the National Cereals Produce Board during the 2016/2017 financial year.

Mwangi Kiunjuri spent a larger part of his Monday afternoon at the Integrity Centre being grilled over the maize scandal. Photo: Citizen TV

Source: Twitter

READ ALSO: Court suspends CS Magoha's cancellation of Stephen Kiama as UoN vice chancellor

While the procurement was done during William Betts tenure at Kilimo House, the payment was made under Kiunjuri.

The payment is believed to be the reason President Kenyatta publicly lashed out at Kiunjuri on several occasions, blaming him for the agony of maize farmers across the country.

During the Nairobi International Trade Fair last October, the head of state scolded the CS, threatening to sack him over irregular payments made to fictitious suppliers of maize to the NCPB at the expense of genuine farmers.

I swear before God, you try that again and youll see what will happen to you. We have seen what you did and we will follow you. Government money belongs to the people. Pay the genuine farmers first,'' Kenyatta said in a direct address to the CS.

EACC boss Twalib Mubarak has written to Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo to facilitate Bett who is Kenyas ambassador to India to appear for interviewing at Integrity Centre. Photo: Daily Nation

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Senator Mutula Kilonzo accuses Moses Kuria of being insensitive on Chris Msando's murder

After his address, a visibly angry President walked over to the minister and confronted him in his mother tongue, saying: Mungiriha nimukuona inyui (pay those cartels and youll face the consequences).

Less than a month later during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County, Kenyatta repeated his remarks.

Kiunjuri, the time for play is over. You must find out who these cartels are and we will jail them. Lest you pay the price, he warned.

EACC opened investigations into the matter following claims officials at the ministry authorised the payment without prior approval of the oversight board and contrary to the Public Finance Management Regulations, 2015.

EACC now wants Kiunjuri to shed more light on the payment, with the summoning letter stating that the commission is probing alleged corruption.

Also questioned also over the matter this week was former Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe.

EACC also plans to question Bett, Kenyas current ambassador to India who served at Kilimo House from 2015 to 2018, on January 31.

The anti-graft agencys CEO, Twalib Mbarak, has written to Foreign Affairs CS Raychelle Omamo requesting her to facilitate Betts appearance for the scheduled questioning at Integrity Centre.

Officials at the Strategic Food Reserve were on December 2, 2019 also grilled at the commission.

They include Abas Mohamed, Susan Mukiri, Gerald Masila, Vincent Matioli, Josiah Orina, Johnson Irungu, Col Charles Owino, Noah Wekesa, Lucas Chepkitony, Charles Sunkuli and Julius Muya.

Principal Secretary (PS) Prof Hamadi Boga, officials at Treasurys Integrated Financial Management Information System who authourised the payment and those from the Central Bank have also been questioned.

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Officials in China confirmed on Monday that humans can be infected by other humans with the new, fast-spreading virus that has triggered alarm bells across the world, including in India where officials have now begun a sweeping identification of people who are or may be flying in from any Chinese city.

According to officials in Beijing, 14 medical staff have been infected by the previously unseen coronavirus, the number of patients has more than trebled, and new infections have been reported from more Chinese cities  confirming fears that the virus is highly contagious.

In India, health ministry officials reached out to the embassy in China and to immigration officials for details of inbound travellers from the affected regions, including foreigners as well as Indian citizens.

Among them are at least 500 Indians studying in medical colleges in Wuhan, the ground zero for the outbreak.

There are apparently close to 500 students in different medical colleges; we have asked the officials there to send us the list. Immigration has also been alerted here; anyone coming from China will be screened irrespective of the reason of travel, said a senior health ministry official, asking not to be named.

According to the official, people arriving from China are being subjected to thermal screening at the seven international airports that have inbound connections to Chinese cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi. Screening at the first three have been on since Friday.

Till now, the thermal screening has not led to any infection being detected, the official added.

The department has also written to the ministry of external affairs (MEA) for details of all visas sought from Wuhan since December 31, 2019, the official added. As for e-Visas, the ministry of home affairs is being approached, this person said.

Representatives from the foreign ministry did not respond to requests for a comment.

Adding to the difficulties of containing the virus, hundreds of millions will be travelling domestically and abroad during the Lunar New Year holiday that starts this week.

This is also the time when most foreign students travel back to their countries during this time of the year.

The outbreak appeared to widen as officials in China said the virus has spread to more cities, including the capital Beijing and Shanghai, while the number of patients more than tripled and a third person died.

Zhong Nanshan, director of Chinas State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, said transmission between humans was behind at least one confirmed case in Wuhan  a city that was connected to at least 95% of the cases  and also infections in two families in south Chinas Guangdong province.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday the country will focus on curbing the spread, state television reported.

Peoples lives and health should be given top priority and the spread of the outbreak should be resolutely curbed, it quoted Xi as saying.

The confirmation of person-to-person transmission is worrying because it could accelerate the spread of the virus, which, until now, was believed to be purely zoonotic (spreading from animals to humans).

The virus belongs to the same family of coronaviruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 800 people globally during a 2002-03 outbreak that also started in China.

Its symptoms include fever and difficulty in breathing, which are similar to many other respiratory diseases and pose complications for screening efforts.

The WHO also said that the situation was still evolving, and preliminary investigations suggested link to a seafood market in Wuhan.

Coronaviruses are highly infectious and very prone to mutation; its difficult to predict their behaviour. Since it is an acute respiratory tract infection, its spread is easy and fast. However, India doesnt need to panic as of now, said Dr Ekta Gupta, senior microbiologist at a Delhi government-run hospital.

With the infection spreading to other countries such as Japan and Thailand, India on Friday issued a travel advisory asking passengers to maintain personal hygiene such as hand washing, and follow respiratory etiquettes such as covering mouth when coughing or sneezing.

one should avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw and undercooked meats. Also, as far as possible avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered, Indian authorities advised passengers travelling from the region.

According to the health ministry official quoted above, hospitals attached to the seven airports that have incoming flights from Chinese cities has been reviewed for provisions of isolation and critical care facilities.

Immigration officers manning the counters have been sensitised at these airports, the official said.

An official from the Indian Council of Medical Researchs National Institute of Virology in Pune confirmed there has been no sample lifted of any suspected case for testing so far.

There is no evidence of human to human transmission as of now. It appears to be a new zoonotic Corona virus, and the current pattern suggests that the new strain isnt as virulent as H1N1 that broke out in 2009. However, we are prepared to investigate if necessary, said the official.
Cable.co.uk has released its third global broadband price comparison, where South Africa was ranked 101 out of 206 countries on the average price of broadband.

The report found that the average price of fixed-line broadband services in South Africa has come down by R135 per month  from R782 in September 2018 to R647 in December 2019.

South Africas average price-to-speed also improved significantly  from R49.42 per Mbps to R32.38 per Mbps.

While South Africa slipped 8 places down the rankings compared to the previous report, the 2020 results included 11 additional countries.

To calculate its average price for South Africa, Cable.co.uk measured the prices of 35 fixed-line broadband packages.

The cheapest package for its 2020 report was R99 per month and the most expensive was R2,499 per month.

In total, Cable.co.uk recorded and compiled 3,095 fixed-line broadband deals across the 206 countries that it measured between 28 November 2019 and 8 January 2020.

Sub-Saharan Africa worst overall

Sub-Saharan Africa fared worst overall, with all but six of the 35 countries in the region sitting in the most expensive half of the table.

Eswatini (Swaziland) was the cheapest in the region, coming in 34th overall  with a converted average package price of R314 ($21.73 US).

Meanwhile, Eritrea charges residential users an average of R38,530 ($2,666) per month for fixed-line broadband, and is the most expensive in the world.

Equatorial Guinea (R3,748), Burundi (R4,100), and Mauritania (R10,038) join Eritrea as the most expensive countries in the region, and all sit among the 10 most expensive countries in the world.



Global rankings

There are four ways in which to sort Cable.co.uks data, each answering a different question: by average price, by cheapest package, by most expensive package, and by average price per Mbps.

Cable.co.uk then converts each countrys local currency to US dollars and does not take into account purchasing power or average earnings in the countries ranked.

South Africas ranking for each of the dimensions mentioned above is as follows (out of 206 countries).

Average package price: 101

Cheapest package: 41

Most expensive package: 142

Price per Mbps: 101

When looking at the average fixed-line broadband price rankings, South Africa outperforms Kenya, Ghana, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.

The picture changes slightly for the rankings of the average price per Mbps.

South Africa does not rank better than the US, Australia, or New Zealand when looking at the price per Mbps. However, it does outperform Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Japan, and Denmark.
by Wang Zhicheng

The 66-year-old must also pay a fine of 2 million yuan. He was expelled from the Communist Party in March 2019. His wife Grace has asked Interpol and the French president for help, to no avail.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  The No 1 Intermediate Peoples Court in Tianjin sentenced Meng Hongwei, the first Chinese to head Interpol, to 13-and-a-half years in prison for corruption.

Between 2005 and 2017, Meng, 66, allegedly used the privileges of his post as Deputy Public Security Minister and head of Chinas maritime police to receive bribes of up to 14.46 million yuan (US$ 2.1 million). He was fined 2 million yuan (US$ 290,000).

During the trial, Meng admitted to his guilt and collaborated with the authorities. He does not plan to appeal.

Meng has been involved in Chinas public security for nearly 40 years, rising to the post of deputy minister.

In 2004 he became head of Interpol in China. In November 2016, he was appointed head of Interpol, the first Chinese to hold such a role in an international police body.

During a trip to China in October 2018, he was taken into police custody. In March 2019, he was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party.

Meng is one of the "tigers" targeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his campaign against corruption.

Seven years ago, another major figure in Chinas security apparatus, Zhou Yongkang, was also arrested and convicted.

Mengs wife Grace remained in Lyon, France, where Interpol is based.

She has asked the agency and French President Emmanuel Macron to help her husband, but her requests have fallen on deaf ears.
In the backdrop of the threat posed by coronavirus, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has mandated the health screening of passengers coming from China at Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai airports.

MoCA has received an advisory from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding the threat of the coronavirus disease in China's Wuhan, wherein health screening of passengers coming from China will be undertaken at pre-immigration counters installed with thermal cameras at the airports.

"In light of the same, all logistics support and arrangements are required to be made immediately with regard to screening of passengers arriving in India from China at the three identified airports -- Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. A prototype announcement has to be made in the flights coming to India from China and prototype signage has to be displayed boldly at the strategic location of these three identified airports," said the MoCA.

"Health screening at airports (Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai) -- Screening of passengers to be undertaken for those coming from China. Therefore, you are requested to provide space at the pre-immigration area with logistics to install the thermal cameras," it added.

Further, in order to facilitate early isolation, the airlines should make in-flight announcements requesting passengers, in case they develop Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, with a history of fever and cough and history of travel to Wuhan City in last 14 days to self declare at the port of arrival or to state health authorities.

The MoCA further stated that airlines should be emphasised to hand over the General Declaration and passenger manifest to APHO staff before disembarkation.

"All passengers and crew who are otherwise healthy should be allowed to continue their onward journey. If the ill passenger or crew member is confirmed as a probable case of Wuhan coronavirus, public health authorities should be notified about the contacts using the Passenger Locator Form. Airlines staff should be directed to bring the passengers to the health counters before the immigration check," it said.

"The cabin crew should follow the operational procedures recommended by International Air Transport Association (IATA) with regard to managing the suspected communicable disease onboard an aircraft," said the statement.

Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has started screening passengers coming from China. Additional Health officers have been deployed at the airport for the same.

"In line with the directives given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Airport Health Organisation has made arrangements for a counter at Delhi airport, which is manned by their staff to check the inbound passengers from the affected areas. Appropriate information signage has also been deployed," a Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesperson told ANI.

However, the health ministry is fully aware of the coronavirus outbreak and has issued a travel advisory for those who are visiting China.

"An infection with a novel coronavirus has been reported from China. As on January 11, 41 confirmed cases have been reported so far, of which one has died. China travel-related cases have been reported (one each) in Thailand and Japan. The clinical signs and symptoms are mainly fever with a few patients having difficulty in breathing." read the ministry's advisory.

The IGI airport in Delhi has five airlines to and from China, while the Mumbai airport has two, and Kolkata airport has two airlines operating to and from China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], Jan 22 (ANI): A team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Tuesday carried an ailing pregnant woman on a cot for at least 6 km through the jungles of Padeda village in Bijapur district to help her reach the hospital.



The CRPF was patrolling in the deep jungles of Padeda village as a regular exercise to enquire about the well being of villagers when they were informed about the pregnant woman, who was not feeling well.

The villagers who have confidence in the troops on account of their regular visits told the Coy Commander Avinash Rai about the poor health condition of the pregnant woman.

Wasting no time, the company commander along with his team consisting of first aid experts reached the house of the woman named Boodi. After reaching there, the team learned that the woman was about to deliver a baby and required immediate medical attention.

There was no medical health center in the vicinity as the village is located in a remote region. To add to the difficulty, no vehicle could reach the area due to a lack of roads. But, the team was not discouraged by the existing difficulty.

Instead, the CRPF team quickly lifted the lady on a cot (like a palanquin) and carried her on their shoulder for more than 6 km. When they reached the road head, they made arrangements for sending the lady to District Hospital Bijapur in a vehicle. (ANI)


BEIJING - Chinese health authorities sought to impose a quasi-quarantine Tuesday around the hotspot of a mystery pneumonialike virus that has claimed at least ninelives in China and was confirmed in the United States for the first time.

The U.S. case - a man in his 30s under observation in Washington state - had links to the area of most concern in China: the commercial center of Wuhan about halfway between Beijing and Hong Kong.

In an attempt to contain the virus, Chinese authorities advised people in the city of 11 million people not to leave. But the U.S. case showed how far it has already moved beyond the Wuhan region.

U.S. officials said the man, a resident of Snohomish County, Wash., returned Jan. 15 from a trip to the region around Wuhan. Shortly after arriving at Seattle's international airport, he began feeling ill and reached out to his health-care provider on Sunday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Monday the man had the coronavirus - which has sickened more than 400 people in China and others in Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

The man was in stable condition at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash. Officials said they are monitoring him there out of an abundance of caution, not because he is seriously ill.

CDC officials said they were expanding screenings to international airports in Atlanta and Chicago. Measures were already in place in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York's John F. Kennedy international airports, the first such effort since the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

Federal officials said travelers arriving in the United States on direct and indirect flights from Wuhan would be directed to one of those five airports so they can be screened. For example, a passenger on a Wuhan-Shanghai-Boston route would likely be sent first to JFK for screening, and then Boston, CDC officials said.

But the Washington state man arrived before the airport screenings began.

"This is an evolving situation and again, we do expect additional cases in the United States and globally," said Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease.

In China - with hundreds of millions of Chinese packing onto public transport to make their annual pilgrimages home for the Lunar New Year - a new sense of panic set in after confirmation that the coronavirus could be transmitted person to person.

Long lines formed at pharmacies and convenience stores around the country as people rushed to buy surgical masks, with unlucky customers posting photos on social media of bare shelves. People around the country canceled their trips home for the Spring Festival, as new year celebrations are known, the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar.

"I don't really dare to go to the airport right now, or even to the movie theater," said Xie Jing, 33, who works in advertising in Shanghai, where there have been two confirmed cases of coronavirus. She canceled her planned trip home to Sichuan, where two cases are suspected.

"Everyone is being very careful at the moment in Shanghai. Everyone is wearing masks on the streets," Xie said.

The Geneva-based World Health Organization said it would call an emergency meeting Wednesday to decide whether to designate the outbreak as an international public health emergency. Australia and the Philippines are the latest countries with suspected cases of the infection, and Taiwan also confirmed one person there had caught it.

The virus was first detected on Dec. 31 and was linked to a dirty food market in Wuhan, not far from one of the city's main train stations, where wild animals including wolf pups and civet cats had been on sale for consumption.

The number of people who have died of the virus rose from six to nine and the number of confirmed cases in China stood at 440 as of Wednesday morning, an increase of more than 200 from Monday, according to Li Bin, vice director of the National Health Commission.

The vast majority of cases are in Wuhan, where Mayor Zhou Xianwang said six people with the virus have died.

Wuhan's three major hospitals have 800 beds, but authorities said they would add 1,200 beds to deal with the rising number of pneumonia cases. They also said they would foot the hospital bills for those infected.

Initially, doctors thought that the virus was not communicable between humans, but cases of infection across the country, including among people who have not been to Wuhan, proved that it can be passed on.

Some 60 people across 15 provinces are being monitored for possible infection,with cases found as far afield as Dalian in the northeast and Chongqing in the southwest, as well as in the metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Specialists are urging travelers not to move in and out of the central Chinese city.

"We hope people can avoid going to Wuhan if possible and that people in Wuhan can stay there," said Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the leader of a government team of experts responding to the outbreak. "This is not a call from the officials but a suggestion from us in the expert team," he said.

Still, he said it was "inevitable" that the virus would continue to spread as people moved around the country for the turning of the Lunar New Year on Saturday.

The Ministry of Transport estimates that 400 million people will be on the move, making a total of 3 billion trips during this period.

Health authorities added more infrared thermometers to Wuhan airport and train stations to check passengers for fever, while some hotels in the central Chinese city also began requiring temperatures to be taken before customers could check in. Outbound group tours have been restricted.

Traffic police began conducting random checks on vehicles traveling in and out of the city to make sure they were not transporting live birds or wild animals.

Some airlines and travel agencies began to offer refunds to people traveling out of Wuhan or people with the virus, and some hotels have allowed people to cancel their reservations without penalty. At least two airlines flying to Wuhan have stocked their planes with masks.

The measures come after criticism that Wuhan authorities have been too lax in stopping the spread of the virus.

On Saturday, as the virus exploded in Wuhan, the city held potluck banquets to celebrate the looming holiday, attended by more than 40,000 families. News and photos of the event appeared Sunday on the front page of the state-run newspaper in Wuhan, but they were deleted from the Internet by Tuesday amid criticism about the lack of precautions.

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 city had still planned to go ahead with 41 large-scale events for holiday celebrations, advertising them on Monday, but it announced Tuesday that they have been "postponed." Schools and universities are on break for Spring Festival, but more than 100 extracurricular "cram" schools in Wuhan have canceled classes.

Quarantine was the most effective way to stop the virus from being transmitted, since it spreads by droplets from the nose and mouth, said Zhong Nanshan, leader of a group of experts at China's National Health Commission.

"Now our big concern is if a super spreader emerges," Zhong said Tuesday at a news conference in the southern province of Guangdong, using the term for a carrier who infects a disproportionately high number of people. A "super spreader" is thought to have passed the virus on to 15 medical staff members at a Wuhan hospital.

Although some hospitals have been stockpiling antibiotics, they are not effective against viruses. "There's no specific drug to treat the infection at the moment," Zhong said.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said it was the seventh type of coronavirus known to affect human beings. The previously known six viruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which are linked to animals.

Chinese health authorities have added this new type of pneumonia to the Class B list of infectious diseases, in the same category as SARS and HIV. But they said they would enforce the strictest controls, usually used for the most dangerous class A diseases such as cholera and the plague, to try to contain the coronavirus.

That meant authorities could forcibly quarantine people afflicted with or suspected to have the coronavirus, and would update the public on every single new case nationwide. Immigration authorities have also listed the new pneumonia on a list of certifiable infectious diseases.

"The Wuhan government has already taken measures to control the flow of people leaving Wuhan," said Geng Shuang, a spokesman at the ministry. "I understand when they are leaving or when they are entering, there will be checks, but there's not a complete ban of all people leaving."

The government was sharply criticized for downplaying or covering up the extent of the SARS virus, but experts said that Chinese authorities have learned many lessons in the 17 years since then.

"The new pneumonia in Wuhan reminds many people of the SARS epidemic in 2003," said a social media account run by the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, vowing not to repeat those mistakes.

"Self-deception will only make the epidemic worse and turn a natural disaster that was controllable into a man-made disaster at great cost," said the post, which was later deleted. "Only openness can minimize panic to the greatest extent."

Fortuitously, Wuhan is home to the highest biosafety level laboratory in China, a level-four facility that opened only two years ago and is designed for work on the most dangerous microbes, such as Ebola and Lassa fever.

When it opened, the lab was hailed as a "significant breakthrough" in building China's public health defense system, with state media calling it an "aircraft carrier" for virus research and a facility that put up "firewall virus protection" for the country of 1.4 billion people.

- - -

Sun and Bernstein reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Lyric Li, Liu Yang and Wang Yuan contributed to this report.
Six Startup companies from Eastern India have raised an initial funding of around Rs 6 crore from the hot pitch session of TiECON Kolkata 2020, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) said on Tuesday.

'The Hot Pitch' was hosted in association with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and The India Angel Network (IAN) wherein over 50 shortlisted startups participated.

"They pitched their business ideas and plans to a preliminary jury and the final 12 companies got a chance to pitch their business plans to Angel Investors from Indian Angel Network as well as number of top VCs across India," a statement said.

Six Startup companies from Eastern India have raised an initial funding of around INR 6 crore from the hot pitch session.

Sabse Sasta Dukan, Master Mentors, myElsa, Majdoor Mera Naam, Ezy Mov and Technixia were the six startups that raised the early funding out of a total of 900 applications that were registered for the hot pitch session.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A new exhibit with connections to local history is opening at Bridgeports Housatonic Museum of Art on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Artist Rachel Owens exhibit The Hypogean Tip, which explores both Bridgeports and the larger nations past, will run through Saturday, March 21.

The show features sculptures rendered in various materials, including large-scale casts in broken glass from the porch of the Bridgeport home of Mary Freeman (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) and works cast in coal and marble dust that invoke P.T. Barnums specter, as well as his adverse impact.

An opening reception with the artist will take place Feb. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., in the Burt Chernow Galleries. The free, open-to-the-public event will include light refreshments.

Focusing on the relationship between what was before and what is to come, Owens work weaves together, both literally and figuratively, the surface and substrata of the ground to reveal its structure, material and history, according to a news release.

The porch sculptures, part of an ongoing project titled Life on the Other Side of a Cracked Glass Ceiling, are a platform for visitors to climb and stand on while reimagining the site and the accounts it holds. This portion of the exhibit allows visitors to reimagine the radical past of the Freeman sisters and offers the potential for recreation.

Industrialization and capitalistic forces quickly swept away most of a bourgeoning community and have caused generations of both ecological and human collateral in the area. In the back gallery, a stovepipe hat becomes a smokestack, shellscapes cast from exoskeletons found along Long Beach and the Great Meadows Marsh, and an amphibious figure focus on the underlying causes for the decimation of Little Liberia.

The word Hypogean comes from the Greek words hypo (under) and Gaia (earth) together meaning underground. From the sea bed to coal-burning to stepping above and re-experiencing our community, the show is both a tip, as in a bit of information and a tip, as in toppling, of our expectations of what is above and what is below.

Imprints of porch floors, grasses, shells and leaves embedded within richly-colored cast glass document the cultural geography of Bridgeports South End, Director of Housatonic Museum of Art Robbin Zella said in the release, enticing us to learn about the people and politics of everyday life in Little Liberia.

Programming to accompany the exhibition:

Laura Ortman will appear on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m. With varied natural and urban instrumentation, Ortmans music is known for compositions that alternate lyrical intimacy with layered improvisation, often experimenting with four-track tapes and remixing her own audio catalogue in an evolving dialogue with herself. On Thursday, February 20, at 5:30 p.m., she will engage the scaffolded sculptures of Owens exhibit by playing violin as well as employing native instruments and digital effects.

On Thursday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m., Lachell Workman will engage with the history of housing in Bridgeport, spanning from the work of the Freeman Sisters during the mid-1800s tying into the history of public housing in Bridgeport. Utilizing two automatic slide projectors Workman will perform a series of choreographed movements that respond to the projected images of the following housing projects, many of which have since been demolished in the city of Bridgeport: Father Panik Village, The Greene Houses, Marina Village, and P.T. Barnum Apartments. Following the performed movements she will transition to being seated on a scaffold and invite 4 selected guests to recall memories of living in these housing projects.
Brazilian prosecutors charged American journalist Glenn Greenwald Tuesday with "cybercrimes" for his reporting last year on leaked cellphone messages that cast doubt on the impartiality of a corruption investigation that helped pave the way for the rise of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

In a criminal complaint filed in the capital, Brasilia, prosecutors accused Greenwald of being a member of a "criminal organization" that allegedly hacked the cellphones of several public officials and copied messages that were then published last year on Greenwald's news site the Intercept Brazil.

Greenwald, who lives in Rio de Janeiro, has published several investigations based on leaked messages alleging that the public corruption investigation into former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was tainted.

The Intercept Brazil reported allegations that the judge who'd overseen Lula's case, Sergio Moro, had colluded with prosecutors to convict him. After Bolsonaro's election, he appointed Brazil's justice minister. Greenwald told The Washington Post last year that the messages were given to him by a person he would not identify.

Greenwald denied wrongdoing Tuesday in a statement to the Daily Beast.

"Less than two months ago, the Federal Police, examining all the same evidence cited by the Public Ministry, stated explicitly that not only have I never committed any crime but that I exercised extreme caution as a journalist never even to get close to any participation," he said. "Even the Federal Police under Minister Moro's command said what is clear to any rational person: I did nothing more than do my job as a journalist - ethically and within the law."

He called the charges "an obvious attempt to attack a free press in retaliation for the revelations we reported about Minister Moro and the Bolsonaro government.  We will not be intimidated by these tyrannical attempts to silence journalists."

The conviction and imprisonment of the leftist da Silva fed a wave of discontent that contributed to the election of Bolsonaro, a populist former congressman and military officer who has appealed to nationalism, homophobia and nostalgia for Brazil's former military dictatorship.

Sometimes called "the Trump of the tropics," Bolsonaro has frequently attacked the news media as part of his anti-establishment rhetoric.

The charges against Greenwald have alarmed Brazilian journalists and press-freedom advocates, who see the case as a test for the media."Of course, I cannot speak on behalf of Brazilian journalists, but I believe a majority would agree with me in saying the charges against Greenwald are an attempt to intimidate him and by extension the practice of independent journalism in Brazil," said Carlos Eduardo Lins da Silva, a veteran Brazilian journalist who is a professor at the Insper university in Sao Paulo.

Caio Tulio Costa, the former editor and ombudsman of Folha de Sao Paulo, one Brazil's leading daily newspapers, said the charges are "yet another case of violence practiced by the Brazilian State.  A journalist has the duty and the right to speak to his sources, whoever they may be, and this is part of the soul of the profession. Inadmissible on all counts. Our democracy is in danger."

Brazilian author and journalist Eugenio Bucci said the accusations against Greenwald could violate Brazil's constitutional guarantee of confidentiality between sources and journalists. "More than that, it appears as a threat against all journalists," he said. "It is a clear menace against freedom of press."

Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, called on the U.S. government to condemn "this outrageous assault on the freedom of the press, and recognize that its attacks on press freedoms at home have consequences for American journalists doing their jobs abroad."

Natalie Southwick, the coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists' Central and South Americas program, called the charges "cause for concern."

"Charging a journalist with criminal activity based on interactions with sources sends a chilling message to reporters working on sensitive stories at a time when the Brazilian media is increasingly under attack from officials in its own government."

Greenwald also denounced Brazil's president: "The Bolsonaro government and the movement that supports it has made repeatedly clear that it does not believe in basic press freedoms."
Build a capable state, dont just talk about it

This is an adaptation of a speech given at the BUSA Business Economic Indaba in Sandton on Tuesday 14 January 2020.

In a speech given to the Business Unity South Africa Business Economic Indaba in Sandton on 14 January 2020, Kamal Ramburuth-Hurt, one of the young leaders invited to challenge delegates, argued that while there are weaknesses within South Africas political discourse, particularly in the lack of accountability, representation and vision  we are not in a political crisis. We have a functioning democracy that is alive and well. Instead, he says: The crisis in South Africa sits in the lap of our economy. Stagnant growth, crippling unemployment and gorging inequality deep enough for any kind of social compact to crash into violently. This is what he told delegates:

As more and more of them fail, we are becoming increasingly aware that our state and its institutions are an integral part of strengthening South Africas economic growth. Over the past two decades, public expenditure has increased on Human Development (like healthcare and education); and on the upper end of the public wage bill  but both without corresponding improvements in outcomes.

So, our challenge may not be in our policy plans, nor in our levels of public expenditure. Our challenge is in implementation, which must be improved on through the state. This is especially frustrating because, following a decade of its deterioration caused by corruption and State Capture, we have to re-do a period of state-building. The success of our social and economic policy is heavily dependent on the institutions as well as the knowledge, skills and ethical standing of the people that fill positions in our states institutions and civil service.

There will be a direct improvement of our growth, employment and resulting welfare through distributional gains if we empower our state by improving the institutions that carry it and improving the quality of individuals that work in it.

There are two processes that the state can undertake to this end.

The first is throwing out the bad apples. Part of the ability of state institutions to function effectively is dependent on their legitimacy among various parts of society. For this, and the more immediate reason of cleansing the rot of rent-seeking officials, the state will be emboldened by successfully prosecuting those guilty of State Capture.

The first imperative to building a capable state is therefore justice. This requires us to put the corrupt in jail cells.

The second process is to build a meritocracy, ensuring civil servants undergo regular examinations and training to ensure that they are individuals with integrity, morality and strong leadership. This must be underpinned by high levels of skill and knowledge with consideration being made to life and work experience.

A meritocracy has the potential to reduce rent-seeking and corruption by depoliticising the cadre deployment system that has characterised post-apartheid appointments. While such deployments were necessary during our transition, they are becoming harmful. The patronage networks based on cadre deployment into the state are restricting the effectiveness of the state with resulting poor service delivery and developmental stagnation. This is a serious problem, with dire consequences for South Africans everyday lives.

A meritocracy will, therefore, reduce rent-seeking and corruption as well as improve the productivity and efficiency with which the state delivers outcomes.

A system based purely on equality without equity was not possible 20 years ago when a meritocracy would have reproduced a racist and narrow state. However, at this point in our history, we have enough skilled, progressive, young black people for such a system.

For this to work, the state needs to undertake a serious recruitment process that builds a state and fills it with officials and civil servants that are young, dynamic and professional. Following this recruitment, we must instil a system of continuous training, education and testing in order to build a culture of dynamism, innovation and excellence. We need a meritocracy, and are ready for one.

It is not enough to merely acknowledge State Capture within a historical narrative as part of the teething problems of a young democracy or a young state within the context of high inequality. Now is the time for the state to sharpen its teeth in every institution, so that when we speak of our developmental state  our bite is more vicious than our bark.

Kamal Ramburuth-Hurt is a masters student at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is the co-founder of Rethinking Economics for Africa, which is part of the international student movement for Rethinking Economics. This article was published in the Maverick Citizen.
Three riot police officers were filmed dragging a laundromat worker out of his van and arresting him after they realised he was double parked.

The man from Hong Kong was delivering fresh linen to a restaurant at the time and had stopped his car across two lanes, according to local media.

Riot officers responded to the incident on Sunday afternoon, and threatened the man with a parking ticket.

'Go on then,' he said back to them.

Footage of the incident, which occurred at 12pm on Sunday, shows the moment the man was arrested after refusing to cooperate.

He is reportedly still in custody.

The driver got back in his van after a brief altercation with the police on the side of the road, but was promptly dragged out and thrown to the ground by the three riot officers.

A fourth officer approached as two men slammed his head into the asphalt and cuffed him.

Local police confirmed to local media the man was arrested for obstructing the police in the execution of their lawful duties.

Footage of the incident, which occurred at 12pm on Sunday, depicts the moment the man was arrested after refusing to cooperate

He remained in custody while the incident was being looked into by Sham Shui Po police districts criminal investigation team.

The video has surfaced on social media, with some saying the police were too tough on the employee.

'Police showed no mercy,' one person wrote.

'What kind of world is the policemen like this? You bully the citizens,' another added.

Meanwhile, others thought the police were soft on the offender.

'Hong Kong Police Force are not well trained as they take too long to arrest, lot to learn from US police harsher tactics,' one man said.
(Image: Reuters)

The 50th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will see participation from prominent business leaders, politicians and even a teen climate activist.

US President Donald Trump, climate activist Greta Thunberg and Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi are some of the guests who are expected to attend the event.

The annual event will be held at Davos, Switzerland from January 21-24.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead the Indian delegation at Davos 2020. Karnataka Chief BS Yediyurappa and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath will be representing their states at the conference.

Indian actor Deepika Padukone, who founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation, has received the annual Crystal Award on the first day on the event. The foundation spreads awareness about mental health in India.

Indian Conservation scientist Krithi Karanth will also be attending the annual gathering.

Here are some topics that will be the focus at the World Economic Forum (WEF):

- Trade tensions: The US and China recently signed Phase I of a trade agreement, hinting at a truce, but it is unlikely that the trade tensions have eased. Trade relations between the US and Europe might be highlighted as well.

- Climate change: Klaus Schwab, Chairman, WEF, highlighted the need to address environmental issues. "Some people will say multilateralism has to be again cultivated in Davos, but we have an urgency in emergency related to the environmental issues, climate change... also biodiversity and so on," Schwab told CNBC.

- Economic slowdown: Just a day before the event, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised the global economic growth forecast for 2019 to 2.9 percent from 3 percent earlier. The IMF added that the outlook for global gross domestic product (GDP) growth 'remains sluggish'.
File image

The basic demand of JNU students on the issue of hostel fee hike has been met and calls for the removal of the university's Vice Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar are now not reasonable, says Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'.

The situation in the university is turning normal, the minister told PTI in an interview.

"Over 80 per cent students have already registered for the winter semester. The students who want to study should not be disturbed. If our universities have to excel in global competition, we need to rise above these issues," he said.

"The basic demand of students about the hostel fees hike has been met. The calls for JNU VC's removal now are not reasonable, removing anybody is not the solution," he added.

Asserting that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is not aimed at taking away anybody's citizenship, the minister appealed to students "to explain this to those misleading public on the issue and indulging in petty politics".
Both houses of Virginia's legislature voted last week to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment - a historic event that happened to fall almost exactly a century after ratification of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. Virginia is the 38th state to ratify the ERA, meaning the amendment appears to have met the threshold required to make it part of the Constitution.

But opponents of the amendment have seized on two issues. First, the original deadline for ratifying the amendment passed years ago, in 1982. Backers of the ERA believe that Congress has the power to change the deadline. But this month, the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel released a memo saying that it could not do so.

"We conclude that the ERA Resolution has expired and is no longer pending before the states," the OLC document says. It instructs the National Archives and Records Administration not to recognize Virginia's ratification as the 38th ratification, and the agency has stated publicly that it will follow that guidance. In short, the Trump administration says proponents of the ERA need to start again, at square one.

The second challenge is that five states - Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, Tennessee and South Dakota - "rescinded" their ratification of the ERA; if those reversals hold up legally, that would bring the number of states that back the amendment down to 33.

But neither issue should stand in the way of ratification. First, the Justice Department memo is wrong in its logic - and in any case does not bind Congress. While it takes for granted Congress' authority to put time limits on the ratification of constitutional amendments, it fails to recognize that this same congressional power over deadlines includes the ability to extend and remove them. Further, as a general matter, the Constitution assigns no role to the executive branch in amending the Constitution: It says that Congress may propose amendments to the states to ratify, then puts Congress in control of the mode of ratification. Therefore, Congress and the courts can safely ignore the Justice Department's opinion.

The OLC opinion touches only briefly on rescissions, refraining from taking a position on whether states can reverse ratification of the ERA (but acknowledging the office's past conclusion that such moves are not constitutionally permissible). Congress has rejected states' attempt to undo ratifications of constitutional amendments in the past, and it has the power to do so in this case. It should exercise that power.

Under Article V of the Constitution, Congress can propose an amendment by a two-thirds vote of each chamber; then, three-fourths of the states must ratify it to make it part of the Constitution. Drafted by the National Woman's Party, the ERA was first proposed in Congress in 1923, and female members of Congress from both parties procured its passage in 1971 and 1972 by large majorities (354 to 24 in the House, 84 to eight in the Senate). The amendment reads, in its central passage: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." It then gives Congress the authority to pass laws to give shape to that ideal.

When Congress adopted the ERA, it asked the states to ratify the amendment within seven years. But only 35 states did so, falling three short of the crucial threshold. The social conservative Phyllis Schlafly mounted a successful STOP-ERA movement ("Stop Taking Our Privileges"), claiming misguidedly that the ERA would wipe out laws that helped mothers and wives - or that shielded women from the draft. Meanwhile, those five states attempted to rescind their ratifications. In 1978, Congress extended the deadline to 1982, but no additional states ratified. The ERA was pronounced dead in many quarters in 1982.

But the #MeToo movement and opposition to President Donald Trump's misogynous rhetoric reignited the movement. In 2017, on the heels of the Women's March, Nevada ratified the ERA, and Illinois followed in 2018. Then came Virginia's vote to ratify last week. As a next step, the House of Representatives is expected to vote this session on a bill - sponsored by Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif. - that would remove the deadline on ratification and recognize the ERA as a valid part of the Constitution "whenever ratified" by three-fourths of the states. (Since that's already happened, the amendment would become part of the Constitution upon the bill's passage.)

There is a bipartisan bill to remove the deadline in the Senate, too, sponsored by Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. Murkowski has publicly stated that there should not be a time limit on equality. (Over a century ago, opponents of women's suffrage tried to put a deadline on the 19th Amendment, but that provision was squarely rejected for that very reason.) In the year of the suffrage centennial, opposing the ERA could exact a political price in November, in some districts and states - even for some Republicans. But with 38 state ratifications in place, future Congresses can revisit the issue of removing or ignoring the deadline.

Legal and historical precedent support the argument that Congress can accept the belated ratifications by Nevada, Illinois and Virginia. In the 1921 case of Dillon v. Gloss , the Supreme Court held that Article V invests Congress with a wide range of power over proposing amendments, and in Coleman v. Miller (1939), the high court reaffirmed that the reasonableness of any ratification timeline was a political question, solely up to Congress. In 1992, Congress accepted the 38th state ratification of the 27th Amendment - which provides that any pay raises Congress gives itself must go into effect after the next election - which was passed by Congress in 1789. That amendment did not have a ratification deadline (deadlines were not used until the Prohibition amendment), and were very controversial when first introduced). Still, the 27th Amendment's passage strengthened the case that a proposed amendment's age does not disqualify it from being ratified and accepted by Congress.

As for rescissions, Congress has never accepted them. The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, granting "equal protection of the laws" to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," including former slaves. Ohio and New Jersey ratified initially but attempted to rescind their ratifications; Congress still counted them as ratified states and declared that the 14th Amendment was part of the Constitution.

Some commentators have suggested that much of what the ERA was intended to achieve has already been written into law - or achieved through judicial rulings. But that sells the ERA short. For one thing, those achievements would not have occurred without the political momentum generated by the campaign for the ERA. In the early 1970s, for example, the Supreme Court began to enforce the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause to prohibit laws that discriminated on the basis of sex. (The advocacy of now-Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was crucial.)

Supreme Court justices cited Congress' passage of the ERA as they invalidated laws premised on gender stereotypes. In Frontiero v. Richardson , for example, the court struck down a military policy that made servicewomen prove that their husbands were dependent on them to qualify for spousal benefits, but automatically gave those benefits to servicemen for their wives.

Evidence presented at ERA hearings reappeared during the hearings about Title IX, passed in 1972, which opened many doors of educational opportunity to women. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, passed in 1978, banned unfair actions against pregnant women in the workplace; members of Congress cited pregnancy discrimination as a reason the ERA remained necessary when Congress extended the ERA deadline in the same month. Adding the ERA to the Constitution now would be an honest acknowledgment of work women have already done to change the Constitution.

It would also surely inspire further legislation to improve the lot of women - in addition to expressing political and moral commitments that are as important as legally enforceable rights. From strengthening protections against gender-based discrimination, to additional legislation protecting pregnant workers, to more robust equal pay laws, to new public policy solutions to sexual harassment, the ERA's presence in the Constitution would give a positive nudge to a host of legislative initiatives. And if and when such laws are passed, the ERA could help provide a constitutional shield.

Congress can make this scenario happen by removing the deadline on ERA ratification. There is no reason it can't, regardless of what Trump's Department of Justice asserts.

- - -

Suk, a professor of sociology and political science at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, is author of the forthcoming book "We the Women: The Forgotten Mothers of the Equal Rights Amendment."
Coleg Cambria students join wildlife project to help save red squirrels from extinction

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jan 21st, 2020

College students have joined forces with a wildlife organisation to help save the red squirrel population from extinction.

Level 3 NVQ Animal Management learners at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi built feeders and nest boxes for the animals and monitored their progress at enclosures in Clocaenog forest, near Ruthin, during a reinforcement project.

They have been supporting the work of Red Squirrels Trust Wales and Natural Resources Wales, who are fighting to save the species following a century-long decline in numbers.

There are an estimated 120,000-150,000 reds in the UK  and as few as 15,000 in England  since grey squirrels were introduced into the UK from America in the 1870s. Previously, red squirrels were commonly seen throughout the country.

Cambria students have also been helping to save the local hedgehog population in partnership with Hedgehog Help Prestatyn and are exploring a new dormouse project, as the tiny creatures are also disappearing at an alarming rate.

Llysfasi lecturer Kirstie Fraser said the students are gaining vital experience as part of the conservation initiatives, and proud to be playing a part in their survival.

The Clocaenog project has been a success so far with several captive-bred red squirrels released back into the wild to mix with the remnant population and boost genetics, said Kirstie.

They have been brought into the forest from various locations with the help of the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, and other breeding centres.

The learners have also built feeder boxes with cameras trained on them so we can follow the squirrels progress, and theyve cleaned and collected branches and greenery for the enclosures.

Following health tests, the red squirrels were fitted with radio collars, she added.

Students were taught how to track their movements in the forest and then to analyse the data. It has been a brilliant project for them, and most importantly in trying to reverse the huge population decline.

The red squirrel is officially classed as Near Threatened in Wales, England and Northern Ireland but is a common sight in forests across Scotland.

The main cause of their demise was the introduction of grey squirrels in the 19th century; this species carries a Parapoxvirus disease, which does not appear to affect their health but does kill red squirrels, and they also out-compete the reds for food and other resources. A loss of woodland has played a major role as well.

Becky Clews-Roberts, who was Red Squirrel Ranger for the Clocaenog forest project, thanked Coleg Cambria for its support of the scheme.

I would not hesitate to ask them for help again, she said.

They are a very hard-working group and take an interest in what they are doing. Many, many thanks to Coleg Cambria Llysfasi for your help.

To support the red squirrels project and find out more, visit www.clocaenog-rst.org and https://www.redsquirrelsunited.org.uk/

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.

PIC CREDIT  RED SQUIRREL UNITED PROJECT
McConnell's ground rules are outlined in a four-page resolution that must be voted on as one of the first orders of business. It pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats had demanded. But McConnell's plan on witnesses lines up with the organizing resolution that set the structure of President Bill Clinton's trial in 1999.




Ghana aims to stop poultry imports in five years



The country's Ministry of Food and Agriculture will boost domestic poultry production through its Broiler Revitalization Project, which will produce 20 million day old chicks, reported GhanaWeb.

Dr Asiedu Baah, Ministry of Food and AgricultureDirector of Veterinary Services said an estimated four million chicks will be produced each year and distributed to selected domestic poultry farmers.

This year will be the pilot phase of the Broiler Revitalization Project, with participation from six districts located in the Greater Accra Region.

Ghana imported about 135,000 tonnes of frozen chicken from the European Union (EU) in 2017. This is up 76% compared to the year prior.

Current domestic poultry production in Ghana is estimated at 4.4 million birds annually. But domestic production is affected by increased poultry feed costs and cheaper poultry imports.

- GhanaWeb
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

Pulmonologist Agus Dwi Susanto recalls treating a patient who was complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath after smoking e-cigarettes for six months.

The patient was diagnosed with pneumothorax, a collapse of the lung that occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest.

The diagnosis was one of many that directed Agus attention to the surging popularity of e-cigarettes among Indonesians, with many assuming that it is less harmful than conventional cigarettes.

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The chief financial officer of BP, Brian Gilvary, has announced he is to retire from the company after eight years in his position.

Gilvary will be replaced by the company's Upstream CFO Murray Auchinloss at the end of June after spending more than three decades at the firm.

His departure comes just a fortnight before the retirement of the energy giant's chief executive officer Bob Dudley.

Brian Gilvary's departure as chief financial officer comes just a fortnight before the retirement of the energy giant's chief executive officer Bob Dudley

The two men have overseen the recovery of BP from the costly environmentally-damaging Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

The disaster cost the firm more than $65billion in cleanup costs and fines and there were fears the 'supermajor' oil and gas firm would collapse.

But the company returned to profit after it drastically reduced its alternative energy business and sold off numerous assets including its TNK-BP business for $12.3billion in cash to Russian energy company Rosneft along with 18.5 per cent of its Rosneft stock.

In a statement, BP chairman Helge Lund praised Gilvary's 'financial stewardship and strategic insights.'

He called him 'one of the architects of today's BP, key to its transformation into a safer, simpler and stronger company.'

Gilvary helped the company settle a long-running dispute with five US states over the Gulf of Mexico disaster. An $18.7billion settlement was reached in 2015 and was the largest environmental settlement in American history.

Gilvary helped the company reach an $18.7billion settlement with five US Gulf states in 2015. It was the largest environmental settlement in American history

Exacerbated by the oil price slump in 2015, BP registered a record annual loss of $6.5billion just two months before the agreement was signed off by a judge.

It has made an outstanding financial recovery since then, making a third-quarter net profit of $2.3billion in 2019,

Profits were 40 per cent lower from the prior year due to Hurricane Barry closing a number of the company's facilities in the Gulf of Mexico and a one-off $2.6billion charge related to asset sales.

Incoming CEO Bernard Looney said BP 'will miss Brian's clarity of thought, his candour and his commitment to the company.

'I appreciate that he has agreed to stay in post until mid-year to ensure a successful handover to Murray.'

Murray Auchinloss has previously served in a number of financial positions at the firm, including Upstream's deputy CFO and CFO for BP's North Sea business. He also ran the group's chief executive office for three years.

Incoming CEO Bernard Looney began his life at BP as a drilling engineer in 1991, and has worked all over the world, from Vietnam to the North Sea and Alaska

He has nearly three decades experience in the oil business, having started at Amoco Canada in 1992 and graduated from the University of Calgary with a finance degree.

He will start on a salary of 695,000 with full details of his remuneration to be published later this summer.

Auchinloss currently acts as CFO to Upstream chief executive Bernard Looney, who takes over as chief executive next month.

'I have worked side-by-side with Murray for many years and have the utmost confidence in his ability to step into this critical role,' says Looney.

The Irish national began his life at BP as a drilling engineer in 1991, and has worked all over the world, from Vietnam to the North Sea and Alaska.

As head of the company's Upstream division, which he took over in 2016, he is responsible for all of its oil and gas exploration activities worldwide.

Shares in BP have fell by nearly 1 per cent this morning to 488.8p.
Hillary Clinton has given a scathing rebuke of Senator Bernie Sanders, her 2016 Democratic primary opponent, claiming that no one in Congress likes him and asserting that his supporters had been duped.

Clinton spoke to the Hollywood Reporter ahead of the release of a new documentary, Hillary, debuting at Sundance Film Festival this month.

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, pictured in 2016. Credit:AP

Clinton gave the filmmakers incredible access and wide berth to discuss everything from Monica Lewinsky to Donald Trump.

When asked about Sanders, who, in 2016, complicated her ascent to the Democratic nomination, she responded: "Honestly, Bernie just drove me crazy. He was in Congress for years - years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney, and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:12:31|Editor: mingmei

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BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Spring Festival Gala will be broadcast live in theaters, the production company China Media Group said Monday.

The gala, which usually lasts more than four hours, is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 24 this year.

More than 500 media outlets from over 170 countries and regions including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, Brazil, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Thailand and Laos as well as cinemas from more than 20 countries and regions will broadcast the gala, the media conglomerate said.
Authorities in Pakistan have temporarily stopped the release of a movie that tackles moral policing and intolerance in society after receiving complaints by a hard-line Islamist party.



The film, Circus of Life, was approved by Pakistan's censorship board for release on January 24 but came under heavy criticism from the Tehrik-e Labaik (TLP) party. TLP asked the government for a ban and said it would stage a rally against the film on January 21.



"The movie is blasphemous and should not be released at all," said TLP spokesman Pir Zubair Kasuri.



"The movie will be reexamined on February 3," the provincial government of Punjab said in a statement, adding that it made the decision following repeated complaints from different groups.



Filmmaker Sarmad Khoosat said on Twitter that he received "dozens of threatening phone calls" because of the film.



Khoosat's studio has filed a petition in a Lahore civil court against TLP for "trying to interfere into the smooth running, public screening/releasing" of the movie.



Thousands of people supported Khoosat who has also written to Prime Minister Imran Khan over the issue.



A trailer of the film that showed the misuse of the blasphemy law was taken down from YouTube following strong criticism from Islamist groups.



Blasphemy is a sensitive topic in Pakistan and those accused can become the target of Muslim vigilante groups.



TLP was at the forefront of rioting in 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned the conviction of Christian woman Asia Bibi, who had been on death row for eight years for allegedly insulting Muslim prophet Muhammad.

With reporting by dpa and dawn.com
Viruses are probably the most peculiar "life forms" known to us, with each species having unique characteristics. One thing common to all viruses is that they attack a "host" cell and hijack its machinery, using it for its own replication. A type of large virus, called "giant virus," has interesting ways of attacking its host organism--an amoeba. Virologists have been trying to understand what makes these viruses so unique for some time now, but to observe them, complex techniques are required. A method called phase-contrast microscopy is commonly used to study all types of cells, including amoebal cells. But, this technique relies heavily on the variation in the conditions of the cell and its background, and sometimes this leads to disruptions in the image produced--for example "halo" (in which the cell is surrounded by a bright light) and "shade-off" (in which the inside of the cell and background are of a similar intensity). This is why, to dig deeper into exactly how giant viruses infect amoebal cells, more efficient cell-tracking techniques are needed. Just earlier this month, scientists from the Tokyo University of Science, led by Professor Masaharu Takemura, had reported the discovery of two new species of pandoravirus and mimivirus--both families of giant viruses infecting amoebae--from a riverbank in Japan. Prof Takemura says that continual discovery of viruses from soil is crucial from the standpoint of understanding the ecology of giant viruses.

More importantly, in a brand new study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, a team of scientists at Tokyo University of Science, once again led by Prof Takemura, tried to understand the behavior in which amoebal cells infected with different types of giant viruses. For this, they devised a new cell-tracking method that tackles the issues of conventional analysis methods. Prof Takemura elaborates on the motivation of the study, "Our aim was to understand how giant viruses infect amoebae in the natural environment and how this has affected to evolution of eukaryotes. For this, we wanted to develop a technique to quantitatively detect the time-dependent, sequential changes in cellular number, size, shape, and direction and distance of cell motility."

In their study, Prof Takemura and his team focused on amoebae that were infected by a family of giant virus called "marseillevirus". To understand the behavior of host cells infected with this particular type of virus, the scientists developed a new algorithm that can trace individual amoebal cells in a population of amoebae using time-lapse phase-contrast microscopic images. They named this algorithm as "Phase-contrast-based Kinetic Analysis Algorithm for Amoebae" or PKA3. Using PKA3, the scientists revealed new, interesting aspects of how amoebae react to a giant virus attack. For example, they quantitatively showed that giant virus-infected amoebal cells formed aggregates or "bunches." They inferred that this could be either an antiviral strategy of the host or how the virus spreads, shedding light on the manner in which the viral infection takes place. What's more, they managed to detect changes in the number of cells and the appearance of marseillevirus-infected amoebae much faster than by conventional methods. Interestingly, they could also analyze the time taken by amoebae to respond to a viral infection, providing useful information on the life cycle of amoebae and viruses and the relationship between them. Prof Takemura says, "Our algorithm was successful in visualizing the movement of cells in images produced by phase-contrast microscopy, a method widely used in cell biology. Also, it allowed quantification of various parameters. This research will greatly contribute to the demonstration of amoeba behavior infected with the giant virus."

Apart from studying giant viruses, this new algorithm could be used for various other applications, such as to study the dynamics of cancer cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and neurons. In general, it could reveal new cellular phenomena by tracking exactly how these cells migrate. Prof Takemura concludes by saying, "Our new analytical method could be applied to all cells that can be observed with a phase-contrast microscope and can potentially be applied to various fields including cell biology, medicine, and biotechnology."

Indeed, a technique like this--which can potentially make cell biology research easier--was much needed!

###

About The Tokyo University of Science

Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a well-known and respected university, and the largest science-specialized private research university in Japan, with four campuses in central Tokyo and its suburbs and in Hokkaido. Established in 1881, the university has continually contributed to Japan's development in science through inculcating the love for science in researchers, technicians, and educators.

With a mission of "Creating science and technology for the harmonious development of nature, human beings, and society", TUS has undertaken a wide range of research from basic to applied science. TUS has embraced a multidisciplinary approach to research and undertaken intensive study in some of today's most vital fields. TUS is a meritocracy where the best in science is recognized and nurtured. It is the only private university in Japan that has produced a Nobel Prize winner and the only private university in Asia to produce Nobel Prize winners within the natural sciences field.

Website: https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations/

About Prof Masaharu Takemura from Tokyo University of Science

Dr Masaharu Takemura is a Professor of molecular biology & giant virus biology at the Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science. He is the corresponding author of this study. A respected and senior researcher, he has more than 95 research publications to his credit. He is engaged in the study of virology and cell biology, and his main research aim is to elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms of giant viruses and eukaryotes, and their relationships.

Funding information

This study was supported by the Tokyo University of Science Grant for President's Research Promotion.
New Delhi:

Two daughters of famous Urdu poet Munawwar Rana were among 16 booked by the Uttar Pradesh Police in connection with the anti-CAA protest at Clock Tower, in Lucknows Chowk area. Three separate FIRs were lodged late on Monday night at the Thakurganj police station. The FIR against the two daughters of Munnawar Rana, Sumaiya and Fauzia Rana, also includes eight to ten unnamed protesters.

Lucknow Police Commissioner Sujit Pandey had imposed Section 144 of the CrPC on Sunday in view of the Republic Day celebrations.

Several women along with children squatted near the Clock Tower in Lucknow's old quarters evening protesting the amended citizenship law and the planned National Register of Citizens (NRC).

According to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and face religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

Congress spokesperson Sadaf Jafar, who was arrested in connection with violence during anti-CAA protests in the Uttar Pradesh capital last month and released a few days back, said, During anti-CAA protests earlier, the police had beaten up women, children and registered cases under stringent sections of the law.

It is now to be seen what steps the police take to oppress these women. CAA is against the countrys Constitution and is also against the soul of the country, she said, and asked, In a democratic and secular country like India, how could the government think of giving citizenship on the basis of a religion?

What protestors have to say

One of the protestor Warish Saleem said, The protest is on the lines of the Shaheen Bagh protests, and the stir will continue till the CAA and NRC are rolled back.

Besides Delhi, protests have unfolded in several parts of the country over the contentious law since it was passed on December 11 and have led to clashes at several places including Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 20 people have died.

According to the amended law, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. The law excludes Muslims.
Jaroslav 'Jerry' Hanel, facing eviction, stabbed a woman in the leg Sunday before he fired on responding authorities and killed two officers

A man suspected of stabbing a woman and killing two Hawaii police officers with an AR-15 would record neighbors with a camera mounted to his hat and rig a barbecue grill to blow thick smoke directly into their windows, a lawyer for residents said.

Jaroslav 'Jerry' Hanel, facing eviction, stabbed a woman in the leg Sunday before he fired on responding authorities, killing Officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama, police said.

A fire at Hanel's residence then spread in a normally peaceful neighborhood at the far end of famed Waikiki Beach, an area where attorney David Hayakawa has represented three neighbors in restraining orders against Hanel since 2014.

'It was pretty clear he was out of control,' Hayakawa said.

Neighbors complained of bizarre and annoying behavior including Hanel chasing cars down the street, confronting their guests and workers who came to their homes, recording them with a camera mounted to his hat and forcing thick smoke from his barbecue grill directly into their windows, Hayakawa said Monday. 'Just crazy things,' he said.

The Honolulu Police Department identified Tiffany Enriquez (left) and Kaulike Kalama as the two officers killed

Honolulu firefighters work with police to extinguish the fires as they blaze in the nerighborhood

He would hide in bushes and watch people and he yelled at tourists who were lost while trying to get to Diamond Head, Hayakawa said.

'He was kind of, in his own mind, block security,' Hayakawa said. When a woman who lived in the area would walk her dog or jog past Hanel's home, 'he focused on her and would take her picture,' Hayakawa said.

A judge sided with his clients 'every step of the way,' Hayakawa said. 'The court granted our motions, listened to us and ruled properly. But theres only so much a piece of paper can do.'

Hanel, 69, is pictured above on police body cam footage from last year. He is said to have routinely terrorized the area

Residents of the Diamond Head neighborhood watch homes burn

Honolulu police gather near the scene of a shooting near Diamond Head State Monument

A Honolulu police officer escorts Dolores Sandvold back to her home near the scene of a deadly shooting

Hanel was said to have a six-year TRO dispute with one of his neighbors, Warren Daniel. Daniel's home was destroyed in the fire and was the residence where Hanel would blow smoke from his grill.

'He built a platform with a barbecue on top of it. He would climb up on the ladder, fill the barbecue with wet leaves and only on days when the wind was blowing towards my clients house ... he'd light it up filling my entire clients house will billowing clouds of smoke,' Hayakawa explained to Hawaii News Now.

'It was just a constant stream of harassments.'

Bystanders look on after the shooting that left two officers dead

The confrontation at a Diamond Head home near Poni Moi Road and Hibiscus Drive in Honolulu, Hawaii

Authorities did not respond to repeated requests for comment Monday. Police had said Hanel is missing but they're almost certain he is inside the burned house. Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard had said it could take days to process evidence and recover any remains.

Two women were also missing after the fire. Hanel's lawyer, Jonathan Burge, says property owner Lois Cain's sister told him Cain was unaccounted for. 'She was trying to see whatever information we had because they cant reach Lois,' Burge said. The sister told him she spoke with the woman who was stabbed, who was one of the tenants of the house, he said.

Cain had recently sought to evict Hanel, who lived in the home for free in exchange for his work, according to court records and his lawyer. Hanel has been described as paranoid and unhinged.

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard speaks at a news conference after announcing the death of the two police officers responding to a call near Diamond Head

Aina Haina resident Kai Ohashi, right, and Waikiki resident Lucy Taylor observe billowing smoke from one of the houses on fire

The homes of two of Hayakawa's clients were gutted in the fire. He recalled one client telling him Sunday, 'nothing that happened to me is anything compared to what happened to these police officers families. But when your house is gone and all your possessions, I dont know how to describe that.'

Burge has represented Hanel since 2015 in various disputes with neighbors, including temporary restraining orders that three obtained against him.

Hanel, a native of the Czech Republic who used Czech interpreters in court, faced a hearing next week on a charge of misusing 911 services, Burge said Sunday.

Honolulu police officers gather near the scene of the shooting

Honolulu police take up defensive positions with their weapons as bullets go flying at the scene

Burge said he never knew Hanel to be violent, but that 'hes kind of a quirky guy and had problems.' Hanel believed the government was watching him and tapping his phone, Burge said.

Cain was supportive of him in his disputes with neighbors, Burge said, but she wanted him to move out so she could move into the home. Burge said their relationship also soured because Hanels dog had died and Cain wouldnt let him get a new one, and the eviction might have set Hanel off.

In the complaint for Hanel's eviction, Cain said Hanel did not have a rental agreement and that despite repeated demands, he refused to vacate the premises.
(Bloomberg) -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to give House impeachment managers just two days to prosecute their case against President Donald Trump -- a move that accelerates the timetable for a trial Republicans intend to end in a quick acquittal.

The resolution, which was released Monday, gives House managers and Trumps defense 24 hours of floor time each to make their arguments, but limits them to just two days each, instead of the three allowed in Bill Clintons 1999 impeachment trial. The rules would also allow the presidents team to seek a quick dismissal of the charges, though many Republican senators have said they should at least hear the case.

The White House immediately backed McConnells rules but didnt indicate whether it would press for a quick vote on a motion to dismiss.

Protecting the presidents rights to offer pretrial motions was critical for us to support the package, and were very gratified with the resolution, said Eric Ueland, the White Houses liaison to Congress. Im not going to talk about trial strategy publicly.

It makes sense to file a motion to dismiss because in every criminal case where there is no wrongdoing, you should try and get a dismissal, Alan Dershowitz, a member of Trumps defense team, said in an interview Monday evening.

Neither side will be allowed to call witnesses or seek documents under the proposed rules unless a majority of the Senate votes to allow such motions after the opening phase of the trial, including up to 16 hours of senators questions. The trial is set to begin Tuesday and the rules need to be approved by a majority of the Senate.

Trial Briefs

Earlier Monday, the White House and impeachment managers from the House of Representatives released filings in which both sides argued that constitutional separation of powers is at stake in the trial.

The presidents 171-page filing contends that the House failed to prove that the president explicitly linked aid for Ukraine to an investigation Trump sought into political rival and former Vice President Joe Biden, who is seeking to challenge Trump in the November election. And the presidents lawyers argued that the Senate should swiftly reject the impeachment articles.

Story continues

The White House also announced that eight House Republicans whove been among the presidents most vocal defenders would serve as part of his team working to combat this hyper-partisan and baseless impeachment.

They include Representatives Doug Collins, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows and Elise Stefanik, all of whom were prominent during the Houses impeachment investigation and have made frequent media appearances on behalf of the president. The administration statement didnt say exactly what their roles will be during the trial.

Calling Witnesses

In the rules resolution, McConnell bowed to the demands of four Republican senators who insisted that there at least be a vote on whether to call witnesses. Those senators are Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee.

In a statement Monday, Romney said he had made clear to my colleagues and the public that the Senate should have the opportunity to decide on witnesses following the opening arguments, as occurred in the Clinton trial. But he said he would oppose any attempt to vote on witnesses sooner.

Alexander backed the resolution and said he supported a vote on whether to hear witnesses or view additional evidence at the appropriate time. But he said in a statement that the Senate could decide that no other evidence is necessary.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who successfully pushed a small group of Republicans to back a limited reopening of the FBI background check into Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, appealed to them Monday night to reject McConnells resolution.

The proposal that Majority Leader McConnell just released looks more like a cover up than a fair trial, Coons said. His proposed rules would rush the presentation of the case, erect barriers to witnesses, and even delay admission of evidence already in the record.

Even if there are enough votes to seek testimony, its not yet clear whether a majority of 51 senators will agree on a particular package of witnesses.

If they do, the trial could extend past the Feb. 3 Iowa caucus and the Feb. 4 State of the Union address.

Either way, McConnells resolution lays the ground work for a trial that would likely last far fewer than the 37 calendar days of the Clinton trial.

Rushing the Trial

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused McConnell of casting aside public statements that he would use the same rules as under the Clinton trial, adding that the majority leader is clearly hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through.

He said in a statement Monday evening that he will offer amendments to alter the many flaws in a deeply unfair proposal, as well as to subpoena further witnesses and documents.

Republicans are expected to vote against those motions, at least until later in the trial. At that point, Schumer will either succeed in splitting the GOP and getting potentially damaging testimony and documents or a ready-made campaign issue about Republicans doing Trumps bidding.

Under the process outlined by McConnell and expected to be backed by his majority, the leader will move swiftly Tuesday to adopt rules he adapted from Clintons trial.

Ready to Go

Well be ready to go, McConnell told reporters late Monday.

During the Clinton trial, a motion to dismiss was offered by a Democratic senator, Robert Byrd. The motion, which failed, was offered only after the impeachment managers and defense presented their cases and after senators asked questions of both sides.

McConnells proposed rules also dont automatically accept the record of evidence compiled by the House in its impeachment inquiry, though that record will still be printed and distributed. A senior GOP leadership aide said the Senate wont simply accept the House record because of what Republicans said was a lack of due process for the president in the other chambers proceedings.

McConnells resolution will be debated and voted on Tuesday afternoon along with proposed amendments -- a process that will chew up much of the day. Both sides have until Wednesday morning to make pretrial motions, which will be debated Wednesday afternoon.

At the conclusion of the pretrial motions, the House impeachment managers would start their two days of arguments.

House legal aides working with the impeachment managers complained earlier in the day about the lack of advance information from McConnell on the rules and structure of the trial, less than 24 hours before it was to begin.

The aides said the managers would oppose McConnells efforts to accelerate the trial.

(Updates with House Republicans on defense team, beginning in the ninth paragraph.)

--With assistance from Billy House, Justin Sink, Josh Wingrove and Jordan Fabian.

To contact the reporters on this story: Steven T. Dennis in Washington at sdennis17@bloomberg.net;Laura Litvan in Washington at llitvan@bloomberg.net;Daniel Flatley in Washington at dflatley1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kevin Whitelaw at kwhitelaw@bloomberg.net, Joe Sobczyk, Anna Edgerton

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.
A global spotlight has shone on a variety of plant and animal species over the past few weeks, but for all the wrong reasons: As bushfires across Australia continue to rage, burning since early October, biological diversity on the continent is one of the biggest victims. It is estimated that more than 1 billion mammals, reptiles, and birds have been killed so far, according to the University of Sydney.

As Australia is home to a particularly large number of endemic species, this means that many rare animals and plants found nowhere else on Earth will go extinct in the coming months. Though iconic animals like the koala and kangaroo are not in danger of extinction, lesser-known and ecologically significant species like the long-footed potoroo and glossy black cockatoo are losing their chances of survival. These losses will undoubtedly have devastating reverberations on the species and ecosystems that survive.
A middle-aged man, Stephen Aboagye has revealed sorrowfully how he is going completely blind over his inability to pay his medical bills after investing his life savings at Menzgold.

Menzgold was asked to shut down its gold vault trading by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in August,2018 after its clashes with SEC and BoG over the companys operations.

The state agencies insisted that Menzgold did not have the license to conduct the business it had ventured into. Since then, Menzgold has had difficulties in paying its numerous aggrieved customers the value on their gold deposits as well as their entire investments.

On Wednesday,8 January 2020, the aggrieved customers of the company besieged the Trasacco residence of NAM1 with the hope of getting their locked-up funds from him. Several scores of the customers were arrested by the police for besieging the CEOs residence and attempting to gain entry unlawfully. They were charged and granted bail later in the evening.

According to Stephen Aboagye who is married with four children, he is going totally blind because of Menzgolds inability to pay back his Ghc82.000.00 investment in order to pay his medical bill of Ghc 4,000.00 to undergo surgery on Monday January 27, 2020 at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital.

Stephen Aboagye, who was speaking in an exclusive interview with Boamah Darko, host of Maakye, on Accra-based Hot 93.9FM, stated, I invested my own money at Menzgold and its GHC 86,000.00..I was working at Samsung Ghana in Accra here when I started having complications with my eyes to I resigned and decided to depend on my investment at Menzgold. But because of Menzgolds inability to pay my investment, I am going totally blind I cant see at nightI was referred from Agogo hospital to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for my eye SurgeryThe amount for the surgery is GHC4,000.00 but I cant pay.

According to Mr. Aboagye, his wife who now takes care of him through petty trading also has her Ghc12,000 locked-up at the now-defunct gold trading firm.

Dejected Stephen Aboagye, who was in the Hot FMs Studios together with other menzgold customers, pleaded with Nana Akufo-Addo to intervene on their behalf in order for them to retrieve their hard-earned investments from Menzgold.

Kindly Watch the interview below!



Source:HotfmGhana.com
21 Jan  Altough he has been sick for the past few weeks, Carlos Chan recently assured everyone that he is not infected with the disease known as the Wuhan coronavirus.

As reported on Epoch Times, the actor who was coughing from time to time during his appearance at the promotional event of his new movie in Tsim Sha Tsui recently, stressed that his condition was not because of the pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan that first began since late last year.

"I have been sick for nearly three weeks now. I didn't see the doctor and just bought a cough medicine at Christmas. But after drinking it, it only caused skin allergies and made me cough even more that I had to go to the hospital," he said.

Carlos said that the doctors were not able to determine his exact illness, but believe it to be stress-induced issue that caused a problem in his immune system.

"As soon as I stop using western medicine, my skin allergy will start again," he added.

It is reported that since the outbreak of the pneumonia in Wuhan, there have been suspected cases reported in other places including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam.

(Photo Source: Carlos Chan Instagram)
[January 21, 2020] Global Research Reveals World's 'Most Hated' Office Tasks

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A global study commissioned by Automation Anywhere, a leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA) of more than 10,000 office workers spanning nearly a dozen countries, reveals that they average more than three hours a day on manual, repetitive computer tasks which aren't part of their primary job and are ripe for human error. The research, conducted by OnePoll, investigated the time spent on and attitudes towards manual, repetitive digital administration tasks in the modern enterprise. New data reveals that nearly half of workers surveyed who expressed an opinion find digital administration boring (47%) and a poor use of their skills (48%), while the majority say it gets in the way of doing their main job (51% overall, rising to 80% in India) and reduces their overall productivity (64%). Over half (52%) of millennial respondents felt that they could be more productive if they had less administrative tasks to complete, slightly higher than the average at 48%. "There was a time not so long ago when workplace technology was viewed as liberating," said Shelly Kramer, Principal Analyst, Futurum Research. "The PC age freed office workers from rigid processes, placing each of us in control of our own workflow. But there's been a trade-off, and today, those tasks have become a significant burden. If you work in an office, likely your productivity and happiness are significantly undermined with having to be responsible for manual computer administration tasks that could easily be automated and eat into your day." Data entry is the world's most hated task

At the very top of the hated task heap is general data entry  manually inputting data into a computer or other devices, followed closely by managing email traffic and filing digital documents  such as documents, spreadsheets, images or PDFs - into the correct digital folder. Compiling reports from IT and software systems and invoice management round out the top five most hated tasks. The survey revealed that the top three most hated tasks are also the top three administrative tasks workers report that they spend the most time on every day. Although today, there are hundreds of software robots (bots) that can now perform many of these manual office tasks. There's a bot for that

Today, more than 700 bots are available in the Automation Anywhere Bot Store that address many of the survey's most hated tasks and reduce the amount of time organizations spend on them. To learn more, please click here to read the blog. With an 8-hour workday being the global norm, according to the survey the average employee loses 60 hours per month to easily automatable tasks. By deploying a digital workforce and automating these repetitive tasks employees could be given back a quarter of their annual work time (4.5 months) to focus on more meaningful work, boosting productivity and overall business value.



The new research also focuses on the impact on employee happiness that extends beyond the office. Nearly half (49%) of those surveyed say that simple digital administrative tasks often prevent them from leaving the office on time, indicating it's impacting their personal lives. This is a bigger problem for male workers, as 54% of men struggle to leave work on time, compared to 43% of female workers, and this is especially prevalent in the UK and Singapore, according to the research.

Digital administration overall, however, disproportionately affects women  who on average clock 3.4 hours each day on these "hated" manual tasks, compared to 2.8 hours for men. US employees average 2.9 hours per day, and in Brazil, Korea and Mexico, it rises to over 3.5 hours each day, overall. This number is matched by public sector workers across all countries surveyed, showing public services to be the most administration-heavy sector. Employee desires in this regard are highlighted in the survey with 69% of public sector respondents calling for automation technology that can better manage itself without so much manual input. Today's workers are embracing automation to eliminate manual processes Almost all of those surveyed said they believe that automation could easily eliminate manual, repetitive digital office tasks that aren't core to their job (85%) and anticipate they'd be happier with the change (88%). With the freed-up time, workers say they'd be able to perform their primary job better, improve productivity within their department, and seek opportunities to learn new skills. Employees directly see the shift to automation as the responsibility of their employer The overwhelming majority (87%) of office workers who expressed an opinion would like their employers to automate more manual repetitive business processes. More than half (55%) said they would consider leaving a job if this manual administrative load became too high, while 85% would be attracted to work at a company that invested in automation to reduce repetitive digital administration tasks. "The research is clear. Worker productivity and morale are negatively impacted by the volume of repetitive manual business processes that characterize their workday," said Stephen DeWitt, Chief Strategy Officer at Automation Anywhere. "Freeing workers to focus on higher value tasks is the fundamental promise of a digital workforce. Companies embracing this immediately derive a competitive edge in worker productivity and a huge boost in the ability to attract and retain their valuable talent." Interact with Automation Anywhere: Visit our website: https://www.automationanywhere.com/

Check out our monthly webinar series BotVisions :https://www.automationanywhere.com/company/webinars

Follow us on Twitter: @AutomationAnywh

Explore with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/automation_anywhere/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-anywhere About the Research

Automation Anywhere commissioned independent research group OnePoll to conduct 10,500 interviews with office workers in 11 countries around the world in the fall of 2019. Respondents represented a variety of demographic groups, job levels, industry sectors and company sizes. About Automation Anywhere

Automation Anywhere is a global leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), empowering customers to automate end-to-end business processes with software bots  digital workers that perform repetitive and manual tasks, resulting in dramatic productivity gains, improved customer experience and more engaged employees. The company offers the world's only web-based and cloud native intelligent automation platform combining RPA, artificial intelligence, machine learning and analytics right out of the box, to help organizations rapidly start and scale their process automation journey. With offices in more than 40 countries and a global network of 1,200 partners, Automation Anywhere has deployed over 1.7 million bots to support some of the world's largest enterprises across all industries. For additional information, visit www.automationanywhere.com. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-research-reveals-worlds-most-hated-office-tasks-300989956.html SOURCE Automation Anywhere

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A Delhi court Tuesday extended by three days the custodial interrogation of NRI businessman C C Thampi, arrested by the ED in connection with money laundering probe against Robert Vadra in a case related to acquisition of alleged illegal assets abroad.

Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar extended Thampi's custody at the hands of the Enforcement Directorate in the case involving Vadra, son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

ED's advocate Amit Mahajan said the probe was incomplete and Thampi's further custody was required to confront him with various documents and persons.

The probe agency, however, did not disclose the names of the persons who will be called to join the probe.

Thampi was produced before the court on expiry of his 3-day ED custody granted earlier.

Seeking his further custody, ED told the court that his interrogation was required to unearth the larger conspiracy.

"We (ED) were not able to complete the probe in last three days. There are a lot of documents which are very essential. In the coming days we want to summon more people which we don't want to disclose," the agency, also represented by advocates N K Matta and Atul Tripathi, told the court.

The ED also told the court that the pre arrest bail of the co-accsued -- Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora -- has been challenged.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal addresses a press conference at the party's headquarters in New Delhi on Jan 21, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal addresses a press conference at the party's headquarters in New Delhi on Jan 21, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Jan 21 : Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of lying to the nation over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and said that they are a 'drag on democracy'.

Sibal's comment came after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday lowered India's economic growth rate forecast for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent.

Taking to Twitter, Sibal said, "IMF lowers India's GDP for 2019 to 4.8%. Calls it a drag on the world economy... Protests of people , young and old , across India (who can't be recognised by the clothes they wear)... Reflect that the duo Modiji and Amit Shah are a drag on Indian Democracy." The Congress leader said that the Constitution doesn't discriminate on the basis of religion but Modi and Shah wanted to do it which is why we are opposing it.

He also accused the UP government of giving citizenship to people who don't have papers.
Kim Kardashian was feeling nostalgic on Tuesday as she took to Instagram to share sizzling throwback snaps from her Cabo vacation.

The TV star, 39, posed in the photos that saw her sprawled on some steps, flaunting her hourglass curves in a cream halterneck G-string bikini.

Sporting a deep tan, the reality personality scraped her raven tresses back in a long, slender ponytail, adding shades to the look as she glanced out over the Mexican surrounds.

Golden goddess: Kim Kardashian was feeling nostalgic on Tuesday as she took to Instagram to share sizzling throwback snaps from her Cabo vacation

The reality star was pictured as she relaxed at the luxury Esperanza Hotel and Resort, which offers an ocean front villa for around $7,000 a night.

The outfit is sure to join the ranks of Kim's 'archived' clothing, after the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star admitted she keeps every single outfit she wears.

Kim previously revealed she has a 'temperature controlled' storage facility for every outfit she has worn that is linked to an app on her phone.

Looking back: The TV star, 39, posed in the photos that saw her sprawled on some steps, flaunting her hourglass curves in a cream halterneck G-string bikini

She said: 'All of my old clothes go into a storage facility that's temperature controlled, and I have different sections, like one for all my Met Gala dresses. Each thing is in a garment bag with a photo of me at the event.

'I try to keep the shoes with the look as often as possible, especially in my wedding section. I have my wedding shoes and my dress on one rack. Then there's my Herve Leger section from back in the day - maybe not the looks with the shoes, but I have all the dresses.

'Pretty much everything I've worn to an event is there.'

Luxe: The reality star was pictured as she relaxed at the luxury Esperanza Hotel and Resort, which offers an ocean front villa for around $7,000 a night

However, Kim keeps her iconic gold Versace gown, which she wore to the 2018 Met Gala, in her own personal wardrobe because she 'loves seeing it'.

She added: 'When I did the ad campaign for Balmain, Olivier Rousteing gave me one of everything, so I have a whole Balmain section. Sometimes I'll take a mix of things that I love to see in my closet - even last year's Versace dress that I wore to the Met I'll keep in my closet because I love seeing it.

'Depending on what's in, like, say, neon, I'll pull everything like that from the storage and put in my closet. If it's starting to fade, then I'll put it all in storage.'
Mitch McConnell abruptly changed the rules surrounding Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Tuesday to keep it from airing in the early hours of the morning after moderate Republican Senator Susan Collins and other lawmakers raised their concerns.

'Senator Collins and others raised concerns about the 24 hours of opening statements in 2 days and the admission of the House transcript in the record. Her position has been that the trial should follow the Clinton model as much as possible. She thinks these changes are a significant improvement,' Collins spokesperson Annie Clark said in a statement.

The changes - made shortly before Tuesday's session began - spreads the 24 hours given to each side to make their case to the Senate over three days instead of the two McConnell originally proposed.

That would keep arguments from going until 1 a.m., when viewership would be low. Instead they would end in the evening - likely around 9 p.m. Democrats had objected to the original proposal, charging the Senate Republican Leader of trying to help the president with a coverup.

Mitch McConnell abruptly changed the rules surrounding impeachment trial

Changes came after moderate Sen. Susan Collins and others objected

Sen. Charles Schumer and other Democrats accused McConnell of a 'cover up' with his rules proposal

'It appears Leader McConnell decided to go along with the president's desire to cover up his wrongdoing,' Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters on Tuesday before the trial began.

But while McConnell can afford to lose Democratic support, he can't afford to lose any of his Republican senators as his party only has a three-vote majority.

And thus the changes were made. And they came so quickly they were simply hand written on the original resolution instead of a fresh copy being submitted.

Collins could be a throne in McConnell's side again. She released a statement Tuesday evening indicating she would support a Democratic effort later in the trial to subpoena additional witnesses.

She said she would 'likely' support such a move after each side made opening arguments.

'As I said last week, while I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I anticipate that I would conclude that having additional information would be helpful. It is likely that I would support a motion to subpoena witnesses at that point in the trial just as I did in 1999,' Collins said.

McConnell's new rules resolution, proposed by the Senate Republican Leader on Tuesday, also automatically enters the House evidence against the president into the Senate record instead of the senators having to vote on making that happen.

Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio was another lawmaker who raised concerns about McConnell's original resolution, CNN reported.

He told the network that two long days in the chamber for each side to present their case could make it appear Republicans were trying to jam Democrats.

Changes to McConnell's resolution were made so fast they were hand written

Changes to McConnell's resolution were made so fast they were hand written

'I hope that can be worked out,' he said. 'I'm told it's being worked on.'

Republican moderate Senators Mitt Romney of Utah and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska are also being closely watched for their take on the rules governing the presidential's trial.

Democrats only need four Republican votes to get their way on the rules.

Trump's trial got off to an angry clash on Tuesday as Rep. Adam Schiff accusing the president of engaging in a 'corrupt' effort to get Ukraine to help him 'cheat' in his reelection.

Schiff, a California Democrat who is heading a team of impeachment managers, made his case before 100 senators seated at their desks  telling them they must provide for a 'fair trial' that lets each side make its case. But his initial argument, put forward over the rules of the trial themselves, didn't keep him from digging into the Ukraine affair that constitutes the first article of impeachment against him.

President Trump 'seeks the full and complete destruction of a co-equal branch of government,' said Schiff, who played video of Trump saying the Constitution's Article II gives him the power to 'do whatever I want.'

Trump's attorneys, led by White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, argued the president did not commit an impeachable offense.

President Trump's lawyers argued Democrats have no case against the president

Republican Sen. Rob Portman (left), seen with Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and John Barrasso, also expressed concerns about the rules governing the trial

Senators Mitt Romney (left) and Lisa Murkowski (right) are being watched for their votes

'They have no case. Frankly, they have no charge,' he said in his opening remarks.

Trump, meanwhile, in Davos for the World Economic Forum, called the proceedings 'a total hoax' and said: 'I'm sure it's going to work out fine.'

The fireworks began at 1:17pm, as Chief Justice John Roberts took the chair - 17 minutes behind schedule - and began by swearing in Sen. James Inhofe, the Oklahoma Republican who missed the formal swearing in last week.

It is a dramatic moment in history: the Senate will now adjudicate just the third impeachment trial of a U.S. president, with Trump and his 'perfect' call to Ukraine on trial before a jury of 100 senators  53 of them from the party the president has dominated for three years.

The day, thus far, has been dominated by procedural issues.

Schumer proposed an amendment to McConnell's resolution laying out the trial process to allow Democrats to subpoena documents from the administration related to Trump's communications with the president of the Ukraine and on intra-administration communication on the with holding - and later release - of U.S. military aid to the Ukraine.

'Right off the bat Republican senators will face a choice about getting the facts or joining Leader McConnell and President Trump in covering them up,' Schumer said Tuesday morning before he made his motion.
If the World Health Organisation (WHO) declares the novel Coronavirus outbreak in China an international public health emergency on Wednesday, it will only be the fifth time the Geneva-based organisation would be doing so.

The WHO has called for an emergency meeting on Wednesday to determine whether the outbreak of a previously unknown strain of Coronavirus in China could be declared an international public health emergency, it announced early Tuesday.

Chinese experts will be taking part in the meeting, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

The WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will convene an Emergency Committee (EC) on 2019-nCoV (Coronavirus) under the International Health Regulations (IHR) on Wednesday, 22 January 2020 to assess if the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be put in place, the WHO statement said.

The 2019 Ebola epidemic in DR Congo, which was the second deadliest epidemic of the nature on record, was the last time the WHO had declared a similar emergency.

The other four were the H1N1, or swine flu, pandemic of 2009, the spread of polio virus in 2014, the Ebola epidemic in parts of West Africa between 2014 and 2016 and the Zika virus outbreak in 2016, which started in Brazil and then spread to other parts of South America and North America.

Under the IHR (International Health Regulations) WHOs Director-General (DG) convenes the EC to get advice on whether an event constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Before that, the DG consults with the State Party on the territory of which the event is occurring, to review information and evidence on whether the event constitutes a PHEIC or not, the WHOs China office said in a statement to HT.

Explaining PHEIC, the statement added that means an extraordinary event, with risk which constitutes a public health risk to other countries through the international spread, and to potentially require a coordinated international response.

Chinas ministry of foreign affairs said on Tuesday that Beijing was ready to work with international community to respond to the epidemic.

As far as I know, on the evening of January 22, Beijing time, China will, at the invitation of WHO, join other countries affected by the epidemic to participate in the meeting of the Emergency Committee of the International Health Regulations. Participating countries, WHO, and relevant experts will share outbreak information and conduct scientific research and judgment on the outbreak, Geng Shuang, ministry spokesperson, said at the regular briefing on Tuesday.

China is willing to continue to deepen international cooperation, work with the international community to respond to the epidemic, and jointly maintain regional and global health security, Geng added.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on Tuesday to the people of Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur on their Statehood Day.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said: "We are proud of Tripura's exemplary traditions and contribution to national development. It's people are known for their industrious nature. I pray for the continued prosperity and well-being of Tripura's citizens." Extending his wishes to the people of Meghalaya, Modi said: "The people of Meghalaya are known for their kind and compassionate nature. From sports, music to conservation of nature, there is much to learn from them. Praying for Meghalaya's development in the coming years." He also greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of its Statehood Day, calling it "wonderful state". He tweeted: "Manipur is known for its vibrant culture. People from Manipur have made a mark in various fields. May the state keep progressing in the years ahead." On this day in 1972, all the three states attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.
[January 21, 2020] Priyanka Chopra-Jonas Joins Global Citizen and Teneo During the World Economic Forum to Urge World's Billionaires to Give More as Part of Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream Campaign

International advocacy organization Global Citizen and Teneo, the world's leading CEO advisory firm, were joined by actor, producer and activist, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, in Davos, Switzerland today to urge the world's billionaires to give at least 5% of their wealth away annually in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Global Citizen Ambassador Chopra-Jonas highlighted that $350 billion is still needed annually in order to achieve the Global Goals and end extreme poverty in the 59 poorest countries by 2030. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005980/en/ Priyanka Chopra-Jonas Joins Global Citizen and Teneo During the World Economic Forum to Urge World's Billionaires to Give More as Part of Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream Campaign (Photo: Business Wire) "We are in such a unique position as human beings - we alone have the power to change the world we live in. 193 counties around the world rallied together in 2015 to pledge their commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, but they are not moving fast enough. As we sit today with the world's greatest leaders in technology, innovation, philanthropy, and government, it is imperative that we have their help to fill the gap. We are running out of time, said Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Actor, Producer, Activist & Global Citizen Ambassador. "I am humbled to be an ambassador for Global Citizen and their recently launched campaign in partnership with Teneo, 'Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream.' At the dawn of this new decade, we must work together to urge the world's most fortunate to give while they live in order to see an end to extreme poverty by 2030." "We're here to remind leaders that they all signed up to deliver on the Global Goals for Sustainable Development to end extreme poverty. The next 12 months are critical to successfully achieve the United Nations' Global Goals by 2030 and our collective action will determine the fate of the world for the next generation," said Hugh Evans, Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO. "We urge all leaders in the public and private sector, along with the world's wealthiest individuals to join us in the final ten-year push to end extreme poverty." "Corporations, governments, artists, philanthropists and global citizens all play a critical role in helping secure the $350 billion needed annually in order to achieve the Global Goals," said Declan Kelly Chairman and CEO of Teneo. "As global leaders gather in Davos for the World Economic Forum, we ask all of them to become involved in the campaign as so many others have done already. Together with Global Citizen we are building a coalition the likes of which the world has never seen for this effort which will culminate in the largest live broadcast cause event in human history on September 26, 2020." Global Citizen, in partnership with Teneo, recently launched the Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream campaign, which mobilizes everyday citizens, corporations, governments, and billionaire philanthropists to reprioritize efforts to end extreme poverty and ensure the realization of the Global Goals. In 201, 193 world leaders committed themselves to the Global Goals, a series of ambitious targets to end extreme poverty by 2030. This year marks one decade left to achieve that deadline. The funding needed - $350 billion annually, breaks down to just an additional $230 per person, money that will give the 1.5 billion citizens living in the 59 poorest nations access to basic health care, quality education, competent infrastructure and sanitation, social protection, and adaptation to climate change.



Global Citizen and Teneo are thrilled to announce that the following large-scale commitments were made today in Davos in support of Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream: Today Forbes, in partnership with Global Citizen, unveiled a list of the Top 25 Givers from 2014-2018. Unlike the many billionaire philanthropists who make large donations to their own foundations, this list highlights those who have put the most money to work, as measured by charitable grants, to beneficiaries and not donor-advised funds or private charitable foundations. Chuck Feeney, George Soros, Luke and Laura Arnold were the most generous over this five year period, giving more than 5% of their wealth annually.

GAVI Alliance pledged to mobilize the US$7.4 billion that is needed this year to vaccinate 300 million children worldwide against preventable diseases saving up to 8 million lives.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has pledged to secure US$10 billion in investments to support over 100 million of the world's poorest small-scale farmers and producers who are on the front lines of climate change. This has the potential to raise incomes of small-scale farmers by 20% and increase food security in rural communities that need it most.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today a new Foundation aimed at soliciting new contributions from the private sector/philanthropy to address some of the most urgent public health concerns.

His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), along with international advocacy organization Global Citizen, in partnership with Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm, today announced that The Emirates will host the 'Global Goal Live - Global Citizen' event in September 2020, anticipated to be the most viewed cause event in history, in a move that will boost The Emirates' efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and provide a better future for all, especially youth. The Emirates is pushing a transition in humanitarian efforts towards greater utilization of technology to empower communities and today launched 'Global Coder' - an initiative to teach coding to 5 million young citizens from disenfranchised international communities.

UN Ambassador Eddie Ndopu, a United Nations Advocate for the SDGs, has teamed up with Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream campaign to elevate a call to action for the creation of a Global Disability Access Fund. The Fund aims to end to pervasive stigma and discrimination, and ensure that people with disabilities are offered full inclusion in society, including the enhancement of technology and innovation to improve accessibility. In collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G), Ambassador Ndopu today announced launching a zero-gravity flight voyage to inspire humanity to defy inequality and exclusion. Becoming one of the few physically disabled people ever to experience weightless flight, Ndopu's desire to become the first physically disabled person in space is an inspiring call for the space sector to continue pushing the boundaries of possibility. The Global Disability Access Fund aims to help expand access to boundless opportunities for people with disabilities living in extreme poverty. The Fund will also help advance Global Goal #10, reducing inequality within and among countries. The Global Goal Live campaign will culminate on September 26, 2020 with a global series of concerts and events, uniting the world in a shared mission to end extreme poverty, tackle climate change, and reduce inequality by 2030.

About Global Citizen: Global Citizen engages with more than 25 million advocates and activists each month. Most of them are millennials, who are using their collective voice to end extreme poverty by 2030. Through the platform, Global Citizens learn about the systemic causes of extreme poverty, take action on those issues, and earn rewards for their actions - as part of a global community committed to driving lasting change. They can redeem those awards to attend Global Citizen events and experiences that take place all over the world. To date, the actions by Global Citizen's community around the world, along with their high-level advocacy efforts and work with partners, has resulted in commitments and policy announcements from leaders valued at over $40 billion that is set to affect the lives of more than 2.25 billion people by 2030. For more information visit Globalcitizen.org. About Teneo: Teneo is the global CEO advisory firm. Working exclusively with the CEOs and senior executives of the world's leading companies, Teneo provides strategic counsel across their full range of key objectives and issues. Integrating the disciplines of strategic communications, investor relations, digital advisory, diversity & inclusion, management consulting, physical & cyber risk advisory, financial advisory, corporate governance advisory, political & policy risk advisory, and talent advisory, Teneo solves for the world's most complex business challenges and opportunities. The firm has more than 800 employees located in 20 offices around the world. For more information on Teneo, please visit www.teneo.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005980/en/

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Senior BJP leader and former minister Manoranjan Kalia on Tuesday said every party worker has a dream of having a BJP government in Punjab, while another party leader Madan Mohan Mittal pitched for contesting 50 per cent seats in the 2022 assembly polls.

The remarks came a day after the Shiromani Akali Dal decided against contesting the Delhi Assembly polls as it was asked by its ally BJP to change its stance on the Citizenship Amendment Act, which it has vehemently refused.

At present, the BJP has an alliance with the SAD in Punjab. According to seat-sharing arrangements between both the alliance partners, the BJP fights on 23 seats and Akalis field their candidates on 94 seats in assembly polls.

During parliamentary elections, the SAD fights on 10 seats and the BJP on three. Both parties had stitched an alliance in 1997.

"Each worker in Punjab has a dream of having our party's own government in the state. For realisation of this dream, every worker will have to work hard," former minister Kalia said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Mittal said they have conveyed to the party high command that their workers were not satisfied with contesting just 23 seats in Punjab.

"We have been fighting on 23 seats since 1997 (when the BJP and the SAD entered into an alliance). Punjab is a progressive and industrially developed state and it is not possible to carry on with just 23 seats," he said.

"In order to satisfy our workers, we have to fight on more number of seats. We at least want 50 per cent seats (total 117 assembly constituencies). We want that the BJP should contest 59 seats and the Akalis can fight on 58 seats," Mittal added.

A few days ago, another BJP leader and former minister Master Mohan Lal had reportedly said in Jalandhar that the saffron party should go alone in the 2022 assembly polls.

Responding to the statement, senior SAD leader and party spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said, "This is not a good thing, not just Master Mohan Lal, but some other state unit leaders of theirs have been making such statements in the media. Our party feels that some of their leaders through such public statements make an attempt to browbeat an alliance partner, which is not right.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karen Pinney, a retired executive director of assisted-living communities, currently lives in Tampa, Florida, with her miniature schnauzer, Raleigh. "Golden Days and Velvet Nights" is Karen Pinneys deeply personal story of her marriage to author and photographer James Hockings.

In August 2011, Karen and Jim, connected on an internet dating site and discovered that it is never too late to find unconditional love. He lived in Canada, she lived in Florida, but a thousand miles of highway couldnt keep them apart. Together they set off to find the road to Camelot. Months into their nascent relationship, a fatal diagnosis throws them off course. Golden Days and Velvet Nights is the story of two people determined to prove that love cures all, living and loving and struggling to divert the outcome of a deadly disease.

Published by Page Publishing, Karen Pinneys evocative book is a touching homage to the man she loved and the undeniable connection they shared.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase Golden Days and Velvet Nights at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Shocking statistics show that one in four Aboriginal children's death are suicide.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the country urgently needs to tackle 'intergenerational trauma, poverty, barriers to education and employment' to reduce mortality rates.

'The rates of suicide in our indigenous communities dont always receive the level of public attention they should,' Mr Wyatt told The West Australian on Monday.

'Sadly, indigenous Australians die from intentional self-harm at almost two times the rate than other Australians.

Shocking statistics reveal a quarter of Aboriginal children die by suicide (Aboriginal children pictured playing at a town camp in Alice Springs)

'We need to commit ourselves to understanding the issues that leave people feeling hopeless. We need to work together, and with our communities to reach out and offer support to those in need.'

Mr Wyatt added that while the country needs to combat inequality, children need to be taught resilience through connection with culture and land.

The plea came after a 12-year-old girl from Pilbara girl took her own life in January last year.

A 14-year-old girl from Warmun, in the East Kimberley, killed herself the very next day.

Two more Aboriginal teenage girls, 18 and 16, both from Balgo, a town of 350 in north-eastern Western Australia, committed suicide n April and June.

In 2016, an inquiry was launched following a spate of 13 child deaths in the Kimberley in less than four years including five children aged between ten and 13.

Last year, Western Australia's coroner Ros Fogliani ruled that 12 of the 13 deaths were by suicide as a result of 'intergenerational trauma' and made 42 recommendations to resolve the issues.

Ms Fogliani identified that government-run suicide prevention programs were not adequately adapted to indigenous culture and suggested they be re-designed.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt (pictured) is calling for more the high suicide rates of Aboriginal youths to receive more public attention and intervention

An National Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Trial is currently underway at 12 sites across with the potential to be permanently rolled out after their completion in June.

Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services chief operating officer Rob McPhee, who is running the local trial, said community liaison officers had been dispersed throughout the region.

Cultural camps have been set up for young people as well as programs to allow those seeking mental health support the option of traditional healing.

Suicide was the leading cause of death for Aboriginal children in 2018.

For confidential support in Australia LIFELINE: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au . Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

An earlier version of this article included a picture of two graves in the Broome cemetery. This picture was included in error. We apologise to Mrs Agnes Martin and her family for the error and for any distress caused.
Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and its partner, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) have published a Nigeria Investment Guide to be launched at the UK Africa Investment Summit on Monday, 20 January 2020. The Guide contains useful information on Nigeria as a compelling destination for any investor seeking to participate in the economic potential that the African continent represents.

The Guide contains information on the Nigerian economy and showcases several brands, businesses, and public-private partnership (PPP) investments and opportunities in Nigeria.

The guide also includes information on Nigerias trade and investment landscape, requirements for establishing a business in Nigeria, and sample costs of operating in Nigeria. Investors will also find the sections of taxes and incentives very informative.

In her forward to the guide, NIPCs Executive Secretary, Ms Yewande Sadiku, stated that it was a high level document created to assist prospective investors to understand Nigerias economic opportunities noting that detailed guidance on specific industries and market sectors in Nigeria is available from NIPC website. Several sector guides are already available on the NIPC website as part of a growing collection.

While the edition of the guide is focused on prospective investors from the United Kingdom, it is useful for all foreign investors seeking insight about doing business in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Investment Guide is a complementary addition to the iGuide Nigeria, the online investment guide launched by NIPC in may 2017.

The guide can be downloaded here .

Source: NIPC
January 20, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Members of the International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of PS752 held a call yesterday to update each other on the work they have been undertaking since their meeting last week at Canada House in London, United Kingdom.

Participants included representatives from Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.

Minister Champagne updated the group on his meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Javad Zarif, last week in Muscat, Oman. Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs, also briefed the group on a meeting he held with his Iranian counterparts earlier in the day.

All countries noted that Iran is cooperating with foreign experts in the investigation to date. They emphasized that it is imperative that Iran allow for a thorough and credible international safety investigation into the causes of the crash. They insisted, furthermore, that Iran assume full responsibility, including by providing compensation.

Members of the ICRG call on Iran to move the black boxes to a facility with all of the technology and expertise required to quickly and reliably download and analyze the data without delay, as prescribed by Annex 13 of the International Convention on Civil Aviation. Iran has indicated it is willing to do so.

All countries agreed to remain in close contact as they pursue closure, accountability, transparency and justice for the families and loved ones of the victims.
Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has called for immediate disbandment of caretaker committees and restoration of elected local government representatives in Oyo State.

This is contained in a letter issued by the minister and addressed to Oyewo Oyelowo, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State with reference HAGF /OYO /2020 /Vol. I/I.

The letter dated January 14, 2020 was entitled; Unconstitutionality of dissolution of elected local government councils and appointment of caretaker committee: The urgent need for compliance with extant judicial decisions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that Governor Seyi Makinde had on assumption of office in May 2019, dissolved the elected local government executives in the state, a year into their administration.

NAN reports that the governor had in December 2019 inaugurated caretaker committees for the 33 local governments and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The need to immediately disband all caretaker committees and restore democratically elected representatives to man the local governments has therefore become obligatory, he said.

Mr Malami requested that the commissioner takes positive steps to ensure compliance, adding that the president and other relevant agencies would advise on further compliance measures to be taken in national interest.

According to Mr Malami, in view of the decision of the Supreme Court on the matter that is binding on all 36 States of the Federation.

The common practice by some state governors in dissolving elected local government councils is unconstitutional, null and void.

So also any system of local government run by Caretaker Committees are out rightly illegal and unconstitutional, he added.

Governor Seyi Makinde (Photo Credit: Inside Oyo)

He urged Mr Makinde to reverse himself over the dissolution of local government administration in the state.

The letter reads further; to this end, I hereby request all their Excellences, State Governors and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, who are currently acting in breach of the provisions of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

And also acting in disobedience of the Supreme Court judgment highlighted above to immediately retrace their steps by ensuring compliance with the above in the overall interest of the rule of law and our democracy, it said.

READ ALSO:

Mr Malami said that copies of the letter has been sent to the IGP, DSS, EFCC and NFIU.

Reacting, PAyodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, the Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter, described the decision as a welcome development.

Mr Abass-Aleshinloye said that the directive has confirmed what they stood for, saying it was wrong for constitutionally elected local government chairmen to be treated in such manner.

We are glad with this latest development. We want to assure the administration that as law abiding citizens, we will work hand in glove with them to ensure even development in Oyo State.

We also want to thank the people of Oyo State for standing with us and being law-abiding for the duration of the period that the issue lingered, he said.

(NAN)
A survivor of the cult ceremony that killed her daughter and six other people in a remote village says she was ordered to close her eyes, beaten and knocked unconscious during the ritual.

The account on Monday by Dina Blanco suggests the 14 surviving participants were helpless, bound, unconscious or sightless much of the time.

So the truth about what happened in the bizarre ceremony may only come out at the trials of the nine villagers charged with killing their neighbours in the Panama hamlet of El Terron last week.

Dina Blanco shows the injuries on her back sustained in a cult ceremony that killed seven people in her remote village in Panama. Source: AP

Ms Blanco spoke from her hospital bed in the nearest city of Santiago.

She said she had gone to previous prayer meetings at the improvised church in a long wooden shed before.

But this time, she did not go willingly.

The cult, which had operated in the village for about three months, changed after a member had a vision, telling the lay preachers they had been "anointed" to exterminate unbelievers.

She had no choice not to go

Ms Blanco said a neighbour, Olivia, came to call her to the meeting of the New Light of God sect January 13 (local time), saying she would have to come whether you like it or not.

So she went  along with her 9-year-old daughter who had epilepsy, her 15-year-old son and her father.

Her father and her son managed to escape, but Ms Blanco and her daughter, Ines, were not so lucky.

The improvised temple where the seven people were killed in a religious ritual. Source: AP

When they arrived, they were told not to open their eyes and to grab each others' hands and pray.

The worshipers felt they were physically in the presence of the Lord.

I felt something hit my head, and then I don't what happened to me. I dropped to my knees, the short, dark-haired Ms Blanco said.

Authorities say cult members used bibles, cudgels and machetes to hit the congregants. Ms Blanco still bears a broad bruise across her forehead from whatever hit her.

When I came to, they kept telling me not to open my eyes, she recalled.

"I heard drums, an accordion, screams, crying. I was tied up."

Authorities say some of the congregants had been forced to strip and walk across glowing embers.

Story continues

Bibles, flowers, a drum and a microphone are seen inside the temple. Source: AP

Daughter to be eaten by birds

But the worst was yet to come. Late that night or in the early morning hours of the 14th, a sect member approached and told her Ines had died.

The birds of the fields shall dispose of her body, the voice said.

In fact, Ines, like Ms Blanco's pregnant neighbour and five of her children, had been murdered during the ritual  by some accounts, decapitated  and their naked bodies slung into hammocks and dumped in a freshly-dug common grave in the village cemetery.

Nine of the 10 lay preachers detained last week have been charged with murder and kidnapping.

Bibles still lay open and musical instruments lay scattered over the weekend in the shed where the killings took place.

Indigenous leader Evangelisto Santo has said during the ceremony people were dancing and singing and nobody paid attention because we knew that they were in the presence of God.

But for Ms Blanco, God was not among those present. For me, it was hate that was there, she said.

Abandoned shoes near the improvised temple where a pregnant woman, five of her children and a neighbour were killed. Source: AP

El Terron is nestled in the jungle of the indigenous Ngabe Bugle enclave on Panamas Caribbean coast and it is largely cut off from the outside world.

Its 300 residents must walk hours along steep and muddy narrow roads to hail boats that can transport them along a river to other villages that have electricity, telephones, health clinics and a police presence.

In the city of Santiago, Ms Blanco must still undergo scans to rule out internal injuries.

She has bruises on her abdomen, back and hands from the beatings. But to her what hurts most is in her heart.

She was a disabled girl," she said of Ines.

"I spent a lot of time on her, I bought her pills to treat her illness that cost $3  a huge amount for impoverished farmers in Panama's poorest region.

Now I won't have her at home anymore, Ms Blanco said.

That is the greatest pain that I have.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Inter Hostel Administration's (IHA) decision amending the Hostel Manual which has provisions for fee hike.

The plea filed by JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh and its other office bearers Saket Moon, Satish Chandra Yadav and Md Danish, challenged the minutes of the IHA issued on October 28, 2019, the jurisdiction of the High Level Committee constituted on November 24, 2019 and their recommendations.

The petition submitted that decisions taken by the IHA are malafide, arbitrary and illegal and adversely affect the students.

"The decisions to bring about amendments in the Hostel Manual are contrary to provisions of the JNU Act, 1966, Statutes, Ordinances and the Hostel Manual. The amendments include reducing JNUSU representation in IHA, increased rates as applicable to hostel residents and also brought amendments to clauses of the Hostel Manual adversely affecting reserved category students in the University," the plea submitted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Global Automatic Weapons Market was valued at US$ 5.4Bn in 2017 and is expected to reach US$ 8.5Bn by 2026, at a CAGR of 5.83% during a forecast period.

Weapon up-gradation initiatives undertaken by the world Leading and developing countries. Rising expenses in military via private and government sector will create more opportunity into Automatic Weapons Market. dispatching autonomous weapons to hunt and kill without further human involvement, with remotely operated and expendable drones, tanks and similar battlefield machinery replacing the human element, automatic weapons Industry is growing in this region in order to upgrade military capabilities, These technologies are being pursued most vigorously by the nuclear-armed nations and factors to impact more on the growth of Automatic Weapons Market.

Based on the Product, Automatic Rifle segment is expected to hold the largest share in the market during the forecast period due it fires continually until the trigger is released, to support the defense organizations for timely delivery of essential materials, provides better power efficiency, more effective while shooting, requires less energy and effort while firing to target during war time or training. Emerging nations such as Brazil, India, and China are placing military up-gradation on top of their priority list, Cross border terrorism and security threats also fueling more demand of better riffle and increasing support to military personnel will boost demand in market. In End User, Land segment is also expected to lead the market growth.

Request for Report Sample: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/4021

The report provides details list of drivers and restraints of the market, which are influencing the market growth.

Major driving factors of the automatic weapons are a salient point of departure in a technology-fueled arms race that puts everyone in danger specialized missions such as surgical strikes, which has warranted increased surveillance, Positive product outlook owing to integrated system architecture and leading-edge technology offering superior performance and reliability will drive the industry demand, advances in machine autonomy derive primarily from research efforts in three disciplines: artificial intelligence (AI), robotics.

Rise in interdependencies linked to commercial trade, partnerships, and treaty obligations have increased. Traditional arms producers are certainly involved in the development of autonomous technologies but the amount of resources that these companies (can) allocate to R&D is far less than that mobilized by large commercial entities in the civilian sector. Government policy and huge investment cost will act as a restraint to the market.

In terms of region, Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest share in the market during the forecast period owing to increased security expenses, the expansion of economies and the rise in population in Asia also demanding more. Asian governments are increasing their defense spending at quite a higher rate, they are mainly doing this commensurately with their economic growth, which has been famously rapid for most of the current century. 2017, five of the ten biggest arms importers were in the region: India, China, Indonesia, Australia and Pakistan. Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan were among the top 15 largest arms importers. Recently - The Indian defense ministry as planned to float a tender to purchase six regiments of homemade Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers for $2 billion. North America is the leading arms exporter in the world which increased its exports by 30 percent compared with 2009a15.

The report includes a detailed study of Porteras Five Forces model to analyze the different factors affecting the growth of the market. Moreover, the study also covers a market attractiveness analysis, PESTLE analysis, Value Chain Analysis, and SWOT analysis.



Scope of the Report for Automatic Weapons Market

Request for Report Discount: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/discount/4021



Global Automatic Weapons Market, by Product



Automatic Rifle

Machine Gun

Automatic launchers

Automatic Cannon

Gatling Gun



Global Automatic Weapons Market, by End User



Land

Airborne

Naval

Handheld & Stationary



Global Automatic Weapons Market, by Caliber



Small

Medium

Large



Global Automatic Weapons Market, by Region



North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

South America



Key Players Operating in Automatic Weapons Market



Genco ATC

One Network Enterprises

ManTech International

Claxton Logistics

Minrav Holdings Ltd.

AECOM

KBR

Fluor Corporation

ANHAM

Klinge Corporation

DynCorp International

Lockheed Martin

ASELSAN A.S.

Honeywell

ANHAM

FedEx Supply Chain

American International Contractors

Full View of Report Description: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/analysis/MMR/global-automatic-weapons-market
HOUSTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Financial, a national investment advisory firm, insurance wholesaler, broker-dealer and 5-time Inc. 5000 List honoree, will be holding an Advisor Advancement Mastermind Panel at Hotel Alessandra on Thursday, January 23, 2020 in Houston, Texas. This event is the first of several with the next one coming up in March in Orlando, FL.

This all-day event for 25 financial advisors will focus on the three phases of an advisory practice, acquisition, expansion and succession, for the qualifying advisors looking to advance and refine their business. USA Financial will provide the steps advisors should take to continue enhancing their firms regardless of the phase their business is in.

Attendees will be provided with the options to explore, discuss and receive answers to the challenges they are facing within their individual businesses. Each phase will be broken down into sections with actionable advice from USA Financial's thought leaders: Mike Walters, Brent Enders, Steve Phillips, Matt Eilers and Mark Mersman.

"This is our way as a company to guide and meet other industry peers, as well as help them strengthen their firms in order to excel in a market that is always changing and advancing," said Walters, CEO of USA Financial.

Advisors will be introduced to a number of tools that will help them enhance their businesses. Key areas advisors will explore include ways to evaluate marketing strategies, explore marketing case studies, receive advice on how to build credibility within the industry, as well as explore the estimated value of the advisor's practice.

"Through the advice and action items we'll give the advisors at our event, we hope to build and strengthen all new and existing relationships. USA Financial aims to help advisors in every way we can and we dedicate our time on building long-lasting, trustworthy relationships within our industry," stated Enders, President of USA Financial.

For media inquiries, please contact Binh Nguyen of Flackable at (866) 225-0920 ext. 106 or [email protected].

About USA Financial: USA Financial is a comprehensive financial services institution, focused on providing advisors with the tools required to make solid recommendations and to empower clients to make educated and informed financial decisions. To learn more about USA Financial, please visit www.usafinancial.com.

Binh Nguyen

Flackable

866-225-0920 ext. 106

[email protected]

SOURCE USA Financial

Related Links

http://www.usafinancial.com


Two San Antonio families are grieving and planning to bury their loved ones after a gunman opened fire at a River Walk bar Sunday, killing two young men and injuring five more.

News of the deadly Ventura shooting stunned the San Antonio community as reports of a deadly end to the Living the Dream music event spread throughout. Officials identified 20-year-old Robert Jay Martinez III and 25-year-old Alejandro Robles as the men who died.

Online fundraising campaigns set up for Martinez and Robles describe the two as family men who were "loved by so many."

Robles, a North East Side native, leaves behind a 5-year-old son. His sister, Ivy Huff, launched the online donation website for her older brother. In an interview with the San Antonio Express-News, she described Robles as a person who prioritized his loved ones. A photo of Robles smiling behind the "family" tattoo on his forearm greets loved ones and strangers who click on his GoFundMe page to help.

He would give his shirt off his back for anybody, Huff said. He was all about family.

Martinez's family is also raising money for funeral expenses. He was the oldest son of MaryLynn Contreras, according to the campaign page.

RELATED: Affidavit details deadly shooting inside River Walk bar

"I know you were loved by so many," one friend said in a share of Martinez's GoFundMe.

A Feb. 15 event called Sprout, at Ventura, is also being used to raise money for families of the victims.

Rick Lara, an organizer of the music session, wrote on Facebook Tuesday morning that the reoccurring event would evolve into a fundraiser next month and a "revival of sorts for all of the good times that have nourished so many."

"Ventura SATX has been a home to house music for almost three years worth of events that have helped me grow relationships in my community," Lara wrote. "This weekend's tragic episode is not a reflection of the love I know flows within this place."

The entrance fee to the event will be $5 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., according to the post.

Kiernan Williams, 19, was arrested on two counts of capital murder Monday and remains in custody. Williams is expected to face more charges, Chief William McManus told reporters.

The accused teen, also known by his stage name "32Baby K9," was scheduled to perform at the "Living the Dream" event, where the victims were gathered. It's unclear if he performed.

Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @MaddySkye
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati will start campaigning for party candidates in the Delhi Assembly elections from February 3.

She will address three rallies in the national capital, with the first one being in the Talkatora Stadium, party leaders said.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister is camping here for the last one week to supervise her party's strategy for the February 8 polls.

According to sources, after deciding the names of the BSP candidates, the outline of Mayawati's campaign was discussed on Monday.

BSP Delhi president Laxman Singh and party MPs have been given the command of the assembly election campaign.

A senior party leader said that after the February 3 rally, another one would be held in an unauthorised colony area. The third rally will be held in a constituency dominated by Dalit voters.

The location of the last two rallies is yet to be decided.

AAP MLA Narayan Dutt Sharma, who recently joined the BSP, has been nominated by the party from the Badarpur assembly constituency in South Delhi.

In 2008, the seat was won by Ram Singh Netaji on a BSP ticket. Ram Singh is now an AAP candidate fielded against Sharma.

The BSP had managed 13 per cent votes in 2008 with two of its candidates making it to the Delhi Assembly.

The party released a list of 42 BSP candidates on Saturday, though it had announced that it will contest all 70 seats.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Glenn Greenwald. Photo: Evaristo Sa/AFP via Getty Images

Journalist Glenn Greenwald, best known for publishing Edward Snowdens leaked government documents, has been charged with cyber crimes by Brazilian authorities for his role in the spreading of cellphone messages that have embarrassed prosecutors and tarnished the image of an anti-corruption task force, the New York Times reported.

The Brazil-based American journalist, whose reporting exposed corruption in the upper ranks of the Brazilian government, is accused of being a part of a criminal organization that hacked private devices belonging to the officials. The Intercept Brazil, which Greenwald co-founded, published stories based on leaks under the heading of the Secret Brazil Archive. Heres how the site describes the project:

A massive trove of previously undisclosed materials provides unprecedented insight into the operations of the anti-corruption task force that transformed Brazilian politics and gained worldwide attention.

Brazilian prosecutors argue in a criminal complaint that Greenwald didnt just publish stories based on the hacks, but that he also played a clear role in facilitating the commission of a crime. The Times explains:

For instance, prosecutors contend that Mr. Greenwald encouraged the hackers to delete archives that had already been shared with The Intercept Brasil, in order to cover their tracks.

Prosecutors also say that Mr. Greenwald was communicating with the hackers while they were actively monitoring private chats on Telegram, a messaging app.

The Intercept began publishing stories based on the information last June. Greenwald, who lives in Brazil and is married to a Brazilian congressman, said at the time that the Intercepts reporting created a major political earthquake thanks to the biggest archives in the history of journalism. By July, four people had been arrested for hacking the phone of Brazilian justice minister Sergio Moro. At the same time, Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro suggested that Greenwald could serve jail time for publishing the stories.

Upon news of the charges against Greenwald, American journalists who have often vehemently and publicly disagreed with him jumped to his defense.

Like others, I've had my disagreements with @ggreenwald over the years.



But this isn't the time for those. The Bolsonaro government's effort to intimidate and threaten him is chilling. Everyone who cares about press freedom anywhere should denounce it. https://t.co/ppBIt0wttz  Ezra Klein (@ezraklein) January 21, 2020

I dont care what some of you may feel about Glenn as a person. I know that I have had my disagreements with him. But those of us who want journalism to thrive should stand against any government prosecuting a person for doing journalism. This isnt hard. https://t.co/5Gx0pmXRxG  Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) January 21, 2020

In a video posted on Twitter Tuesday, Greenwald defended himself against the charges, calling them a grave and obvious attack on a free press.

Regarding the criminal charges brought by the Bolsonaro government: its a grave and obvious attack on a free press, brought by a far-right judge.



Were going to defend a free press, not be intimidated by authorities abusing their power. The reporting will continue. pic.twitter.com/kd9b8Kggx3  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 21, 2020
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A veteran himself, Paul Burbridge believes those who served our country deserve an honorable burial.

While cleaning at Deer Run Apartments in Kalamazoo, Burbridge found a box of cremated remains with the name James H. Mitchell Jr. on the box.

Through some investigation of his own, Burbridge discovered the remains he found under a stairwell in the complex were those of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.

Burbridge was determined to honor the Marine.

Mitchell was honored for his service during a ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery Monday, Jan. 20. Fort Custer Director Chris Morris said the process for interment of unaccompanied remains at Fort Custer first requires an eligibility verification.

After Mitchells status as an eligible veteran was confirmed, his remains were interred at Fort Custer with full military honors, Morris said. The American Legion Riders attended the ceremony Monday to honor the former Marine. Burbridge was presented with an American flag during the ceremony and a rifle salute was performed, Morris said.

Im still crying, he said after the ceremony Monday. It was simply beautiful.

Burbridge is a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1980-83, he said. He stays busy cleaning apartments at the Kalamazoo complex, where he also lives.

After finding the remains while cleaning under a stairway one day, Burbridge first checked to make sure they did not belong to anyone currently living at Deer Run.

He ultimately discovered Mitchells status as a former Marine, but could not track down any living relatives. Burbridge also discovered that Mitchell was cremated on May 26, 2000, after dying at the age of 67 in Illinois.

Nearly 20 years later, Burbridge found the mans remains and took on the mission of ensuring Mitchell would receive the military honors he was owed.

Hes been traveling for a while now, Burbridge said of Mitchell.

While waiting for verification of Mitchells veteran status, he said the veterans remains never left his side.

As long as hes a veteran, hes got brothers and sisters, Burbridge said. He has a large family.

The cremated remains of James H. Mitchell Jr. that were found by Paul Burbridge under a staircase at Deer Run Apartments in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. Mitchell passed away on May 18, 2000, at the age of 67. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Also on MLive:

German prisoners of war to be remembered at Fort Custer memorial service

Snowy Veterans Day ceremony at Fort Custer honors those whove served

Hundreds flock to memorial service for Michigan veteran without any living relatives
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 19:34:01|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KIEV, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the return of the black boxes from a crashed Ukrainian airliner and compensations to the families of the victims during his meeting with Mohammad Eslami, special representative of the Iranian government, the Ukrainian president's press service reported Monday.

"We will never be able to bring back parents, children and relatives to their families. The only thing we can give them is justice. And justice means truth. I promised the families and loved ones of the deceased. I promised the people of Ukraine that the truth would be established," Zelensky said.

The Iranian side had complied with most arrangements in clarifying the circumstances of the tragedy, he said.

According to the press service, a group of Iranian representatives will visit the Eastern European country shortly to inspect Ukraine's technical capabilities to decipher the black boxes.

"The parties agreed that all remnants of the aircraft preserved after the accident should be returned to Ukraine," it added.

On Jan. 8, a Ukrainian Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Tehran to Kiev crashed near Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, killing all 176 passengers and crew members on board.

On Jan. 11, Iran admitted that it had "unintentionally" shot down the jetliner.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 04:43:59|Editor: zh

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Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 21, 2020. Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced on Tuesday the formation of a new cabinet of 20 ministers around one month following his appointment, local TV channel LBCI reported. (Dalati & Nohra/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced on Tuesday the formation of a new cabinet of 20 ministers around one month following his appointment, local TV channel LBCI reported.

"The new cabinet will exert all its efforts to save Lebanon. We ask the Lebanese expatriates and all citizens to contribute in saving the country and restoring its prosperity," Diab said during a speech from Baabda Palace.

Diab vowed to work on meeting the demands of protesters who have been in the streets since Oct. 2019, asking for independent and credible judicial bodies, recuperating stolen public funds, protecting the most vulnerable people from being subject to new taxes, creating more job opportunities in addition to adopting a new electoral law.

Diab said that the newly appointed ministers are professional and experienced and they will work in the interest of the country.

"The new ministers are not members of any political parties and they want to work on protecting the dignity of the Lebanese," he said.

He said that ministers will meet right away to take quick measures to solve the financial and economic crises in the country.

The cabinet is expected to appoint soon a committee tasked with drafting a ministerial statement to be followed by the voting of the parliament who will give a vote of confidence to the new cabinet.

Protesters all over the country took to the streets again ahead of the announcement of the new cabinet while criticizing Diab for appointing ministers who are not totally independent, but they are supported by political parties even if they do not actually belong to these parties.

A list of the new ministers circulated all over TV channels prior to the announcement of the new cabinet which prompted protesters to prepare for new protests.

The new cabinet is considered to be supported by the two Shiite political parties, Hezbollah and Amal Movement, in addition to the Free Patriotic Movement and Marada Movement while it failed to gain the support of Future Movement, Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanese Forces and Kataeb Party.

Lebanon has been in a governmental vacuum since Oct. 29, 2019 following the resignation of the government of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri amid nationwide protests against the current ruling class.
Alicia Keys has a new album and a supporting world tour that will stop in Boston.

Keys will play the Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion on Aug. 11.

Tickets for the show are on sale beginning Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. through Live Nation at livenation.com. Pre-sales for the event begin on Jan. 22 at 10 a.m.

Alicia Keys is a 15-time Grammy Award winning artist who will release her seventh studio album Alicia on March 20. Keys will kick off her 2020 performance season by hosting the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. The ceremony will air on CBS.

Shop for concert tickets here: StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster.
Earlier this week, Governor Blackface Northam declared a state of emergency at the Virginia Capitol and rendered the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution null and void with an edict, King George III style. This was announced in preparation for a historic rally outside of the Capitol on Monday.

No weapons will be allowed on Capitol grounds, Northam said. Everything from sticks and bats to chains and projectiles. The list also includes firearms. It makes no sense to ban every other weapon but allow firearms when intelligence shows that armed militia groups plan to storm the Capitol.

Since that pronouncement, the government has drastically escalated the situation. A court signed off on the constitutionality of Northams decree shortly after three gun owners were arrested on dubious charges largely based on memes they posted in an encrypted chat room.

This is the right decision. I took this action to protect Virginians from credible threats of violence. These threats are realas evidenced by reports of neo-Nazis arrested this morning after discussing plans to head to Richmond with firearms, said Coonman following the ruling.

Im grateful to the Circuit Court for recognizing the seriousness of these threats, and for upholding this reasonable, legal action to protect all Virginians, including demonstrators and policymakers. I will continue to do everything in my power to keep Virginians safe, he added.

The deep state and the left-wing state government of Virginia are colluding to demonize gun owners in an attempt to quell building unrest. The people of Virginia are outraged after multiple infringements on the 2nd Amendment have been proposed in the state legislature.

Making matters even worse, there are now reports that special operations surveillance aircraft have been circling the area in preparation for next weeks showdown.

A writer for GunsCarsTech.com allegedly tracked an USAF U-28A aircraft on Thursday as it circled the Capitol, perhaps getting ready to profile gun owners who refuse to comply with Northams liberty-raping edict at Mondays rally.

They provided two images of the route allegedly taken by USAF U-28A aircraft:

A U -28A aircraft is described by the Air Force as a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft and is part of the Air Force Special Operations Command manned, airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance fleet. Operational squadrons include the 319th, 34th and 318th Special Operations Squadrons, and the 5th and 19th SOS conduct the airframes formal training.

The GunsCarsTech.com writer said he lost the ability to track the aircraft once the altitude dropped beneath 2000FT MSL near Camp Peary.

Wikipedia describes Camp Peary as a covert CIA training facility:

Gun owners may be walking into a trap on Monday, as a multi-layered conspiracy of government forces work to suppress resistance against the gun-grabber agenda.
(Newser)  Vincent Van Gogh was never known for sure to have painted any pieces when he suffered from psychosisuntil now. On Monday, art experts declared that a dour self-portrait hanging in Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, a painting that's been the subject of much speculation for 50 years, is indeed a real Van Gogh, the BBC reports. The painting, labeled "Self-Portrait as a Sick Person," was said to have been created by the artist in 1889 while he was in an asylum in St.-Remy, France. "The ... self-portrait depicts someone who is mentally ill," the museum said, per the Guardian. "His timid, sideways glance is easily recognizable and is often found in patients suffering from depression and psychosis." Norway's National Museum, which owns the painting, had it analyzed after decades of doubters who said it used more muted colors than other Van Gogh paintings from the same period.

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The AP adds a palette knife was also used to flatten out brushstrokes on Van Gogh's face, a technique he didn't usually use on subjects' faces. The National Museum, which purchased the painting in 1910 in Paris from a collector, asked the Van Gogh Museum in 2014 to have it analyzed. Experts used X-rays and brushwork analysis to examine the piece, and pored over apparent references to the painting in letters to his brother Theo; in one note, Van Gogh calls it an "attempt from when I was ill." "This is a cry of anguish," a Van Gogh Museum researcher says, per the Guardian. One person who was creeped out by the painting: Edvard Munch, who created The Scream. "He ... found it scary, because of the gaze from the self-portrait staring back at him," a National Museum rep tells the AP. The painting will head back to Oslo when its new National Museum opens next year. (Read more Vincent Van Gogh stories.)
Chinese security cameras made by a company banned in the United States have been removed from air force bases in Australia, but not from other public facilities.

CCTV technology by Chinese surveillance giant Hikvision have been marked as a potential security threat by federal Australian agencies.

The Chinese-made cameras have been removed from RAAF bases and from hospitals and nursing homes in South Australia.

But New South Wales authorities have no plans to stop using the company's devices, and Victoria and Queensland refuse to say whether their facilities have Hikvision cameras

The cameras were placed in the rooms of aged care resident in SA for safety reasons.

Picture of Hikvision cameras in an electronic mall in Beijing. The cameras are also being used in NSW public facilities

But a spokesman from the SA government told Daily Mail Australia they abandoned the partnership with Hikvision due to 'security and technical issues'.

'The welfare, security and privacy of vulnerable South Australians are our top priorities and the Government would never put that at risk.'

It vowed to remove the partly state-owned cameras from public hospitals.

NSW Heath refused to follow suit despite the warnings.

A NSW Health spokesman admitted Hikvision technology was in use but said it is 'not aware of any direction from relevant oversight agencies to remove the products at this stage'.

The Australian Defence Force got rid of two Hikvision surveillance systems in 2018.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Queensland and Victorian governments wouldn't say whether they're using the controversial cameras.

Hikvision is controlled by the Chinese government and is one of the leaders in the market for surveillance technology (stock image)

Hikvision is controlled by the Chinese government and is one of the leaders in the market for surveillance technology, with cameras that can produce sharp, full-color images in fog and near-total darkness.

The company has faced long-standing spying accusations and has been banned in the U.S along with another company Dahua amid fears a 'surveillance network' was being created.

Deputy head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Danielle Cave told the publication businesses should be cautious when choosing surveillance systems.

'One of the challenges of working with Chinese companies like Hikvision and Dahua is that these companies are not independent from the Chinese state,' she said.

'Hikvision's controlling shareholder, for example, is a Chinese government-owned military conglomerate and both companies have internal communist party branches, so these are not private and independent companies.'
Indie the dog couldnt contain her excitement when rain fell on her home in drought-struck Toowoomba, Queensland, on January 17.

The Australian cattle dog was so thrilled with the downpour she celebrated by leaping up and trying to catch the droplets in her mouth.

Indies owner Georgia Smith filmed the happy pooch running around the yard.

Get those drips, get em baby, Smith can be heard laughing in the background of the footage.

The rain brought welcome relief to Toowoomba, which is a fully drought-declared shire in Queensland. Credit: Georgia Smith via Storyful
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has attacked the Centre over its massive outreach programme in Jammu and Kashmir and caught in the crosshairs were five Union ministers visiting the newly-created Union territory.

A team of 36 Union ministers are in Jammu and Kashmir from January 18 to attend government functions in different parts of the Union territory nearly six months after Article 370 of the Constitutional was scrapped in August last year.

And the five ministers who will travel to three districts of Kashmir from Tuesday were specifically on the target of the Congress leader known for making controversial statements.

They are sending 36 Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir. But look at these cowards, 31 are going to Jammu and only five to Kashmir, Mani Shankar Aiyar said on Monday, according to news agency ANI.

He was addressing a gathering in Keralas Malappuram on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

And who are they going to talk in Kashmir? To the former chief ministers? They cant. They are all in jail. Farooq Abdullah is in jail. Omar Abdullah is in jail. Mehbooba (Mufti) is in jail. Whom are they going to talk to? Aiyar asked.

Union communications, electronics and information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, minister of state for defence Shripad Naik and minister of state for home affairs G Kishan Reddy are among the five who will attend eight government and public programmes for four days.

The office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have said that most of these programmes will be held to make people aware about Centres developmental schemes, initiated in J&K after the revocation of Article 370.

Polls, numbers

Aiyar also commented on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the bifurcation of the erstwhile state.

They are trying to create a political class. Political class grows from among the people. You cannot have a BJP that doesnt have a single vote in the Valley coming up, he said.

Yes, there are traitors like the ones we are seeing now, but then in every society, there are traitors. These are not representatives of the people, if they were, they would have been elected many-many years ago the former lawmaker said.

How many elections we have had in J-K? Some of these people are those who were elected and have now decided to betray the cause for which they stood, he said.

Mani Shankar Aiyar also referred to the majority of the BJP in the Lok Sabha and said the ruling party was misusing the numbers.

Immediately these arrogant people, it just went to their heads. They said this is the golden opportunity. We are never going to get 303 seats again. Let us push through all the anti-Muslim legislation that we have in mind, he alleged.

He also commented on the protests in Delhis Shaheen Bagh.

And why are they so frightened of going to Shaheen Bagh? For 34 days, they have been sitting there protesting against this attempt to divide India once again on religious grounds, the Congress leader said.

Aiyar had waded into controversy while visiting Shaheen Bagh last week to express solidarity with those protesting against the CAA. He had addressed the protestors and made a veiled reference at the government, equating it to killers.

The BJP had demanded an apology from the Congress party for his remarks.
President Donald Trump's historic impeachment trial begins in earnest Tuesday in the Senate, with Democrats calling for his removal from office and Republicans determined to acquit him -- and quickly, if possible.

Four months after the Ukraine scandal exploded and went on to overshadow the end of Trump's term, and 10 months before Americans go to the polls to decide whether to re-elect him, the 100 members of the Senate will gather at 1 PM (1800 GMT) with chief justice John Roberts presiding over the trial.

The job of these lawmakers, sworn in last week as jurors, is to decide if Trump abused his office and obstructed Congress as charged in two articles of impeachment approved last month by the House of Representatives.

They state that Trump tried to pressure Ukraine into interfering in the 2020 US election to help him win, and then tried to thwart a congressional probe of his behavior.

It will be only the third time a president has endured an impeachment trial, after Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1999.

Part of the scandal centers on a July 25 telephone call in which Trump pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation of former Vice President Joe Biden, Trump's potential opponent in the November vote.

Democrats, who control the House of Representatives and led the investigation, accuse Trump of manipulating Ukraine by withholding nearly $400 million in military aid for its war against Russian-backed separatists and a White House meeting for Zelensky until the latter announced a Biden probe.

"The president did nothing wrong," Trump's lawyers responded in a 110-page brief submitted to the Senate on Monday.

This echoes the repeated assertions of the 73-year-old real estate magnate that the saga is a political witch hunt and a hoax, and that his phone call with the Ukrainian leader was "perfect." In the president's brief, his 12-man legal team contested the very idea of his impeachment.

They called the two articles of impeachment -- approved largely along party lines in the Democratic-controlled House -- the product of "a rigged process" and "constitutionally deficient on their face" because they involved no violation of established law.

That team, which has recruited high profile lawyers such as Kenneth Starr, who tried to bring down Clinton over his affair with Monica Lewinsky, said in the brief, "The Senate should reject the Articles of Impeachment and acquit the president immediately."



"President Trump abused the power of his office to solicit foreign interference in our elections for his own personal political gain, thereby jeopardizing our national security, the integrity of our elections, and our democracy," the House managers said Saturday in a memorandum.

They said the president's behavior "is the Framers' worst nightmare," referring to the authors of the US Constitution, and that Trump deserves to be removed from office.

But Trump looks almost certain to be acquitted because of the 53-47 Republican majority in the Senate.

He will be abroad as his trial opens; Trump left late Monday for the economic forum in Davos, Switzerland.

How long the trial will last is up in the air.

The first order of business Tuesday will be to set the rules, such as how long they will hear the arguments of the House managers, or prosecutors; how long they will hear the defense; the time allotted for questions, submitted by the senators but read by Roberts; and whether they will call witnesses or seek other evidence.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell late Monday proposed rules calling for each side to have 24 hours over two days to present their arguments.

That makes for long trial days stretching late into the night but is a significantly quicker pace than in Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999. The chamber will debate and vote on the proposed rules Tuesday.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said McConnell is rushing the trial and also making it harder for witnesses and documents to be presented.

"On something as important as impeachment, Senator McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace," Schumer said in a statement.

The Democrats want key Trump administration officials to testify, such as acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton, in the belief that they know a lot about Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Bolton has said he is willing to testify if subpoenaed.

The White House has said it expects the trial to be over in two weeks. Clinton's trial lasted five weeks.

McConnell has said he won't consider the witness issue until after the arguments and questioning take place, and his majority means he will likely prevail.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

The Ridgefield Police Department will host its annual Citizen Police Academy this winter, with the goal of connecting the community and the police.

The Citizen Police Academy will educate participants about various aspects of police work. Participants will gain insight into how their police department works and provides services to the community.
It's not just eating cheese that gives you nightmares  familiar smells can also trigger scary dreams, scientists claim.

A study done in Japan suggested that familiar odours, such as flowers, a candle or fresh laundry, triggered negative emotions in people's dreams.

Fourteen people slept in lab conditions while scientists pumped the smell of roses into the room.

The people were all then woken from their slumber throughout the night and asked to rate and describe how negative their dream was.

Those who had previously said the smell of roses was very familiar to them reported having the worst dreams when they could smell it during their sleep.

This may be because the part of the brain that processes smell is connected to the part which processes negative emotions, including fear, the researchers said.

Researchers pumped the smell of roses into a room while people were sleeping and found those who had previously said the scent was very familiar to them were more likely to have bad dreams because of it (stock image)

The latest study, published in the journal Sleep Medicine, was conducted at a sleep laboratory at Hiroshima University.

A group of undergraduate students were presented with a rose-smelling mixture and rated how familiar they found the smell, on a scale of one to nine.

Seven of the 14 people involved rated the rose smell as very familiar, and seven did not.

The participants, who had an average age of 18, went to the lab just before their bed time and settled into a sleep chamber.

A group of scientists led by graduate student, Satomi Okabe, monitored their sleep and waited until they were in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

HOW CAN SMELL CHANGE OUR DREAMS? Dreams are believed to have crucial clinical significance, the Japanese researchers said. Studies have indicated that nightmares are correlated with several mental illnesses, including depression, attempted suicide, insomnia and PTSD. Sensory stimulation, such as smell and touch, can have some effect on dreams. Some stimuli disturb sleep while others can induce it. Smell is believed to play a large role in how dreams play out because the brain processes it even as we sleep. The olfactory bulb is the first part of the brain that receives information about smell from the nose. It sends the information to various parts of the brain which process what the smell is. During sleep, it is possible that some parts of the brain that process smell are switched on, while others are switched off. The amygdala, which mainly processes negative emotions, such as fear, is active while we sleep, and therefore may set a negative tone to a dream if a smell is present. The olfactory bulb also has direct connections to the hippocampus, a part of the brain which processes memory, suggesting that odors might induce a strong recall of emotional memories. Advertisement

REM is a stage of deep sleep which occurs several times a night and is the period when dreams occur. Each episode gets progressively longer, starting at around 10 minutes and lasting for up to an hour.

When monitoring equipment showed participants in the study were in their second REM sleep episode, the smell of roses was pumped through an air vent into the sleep chamber for around ten seconds.

An experimenter woke up the participants just a minute after the smell was stopped  which is enough time for a dream to occur.

The participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the dream and rate how positive or negative it was.

If the participant didn't have any dreams, the experiment was repeated in the next episode of REM sleep.

This also happened in a control condition, whereby an odourless gas was pumped into the sleep chamber.

The findings show those who had previously rated the rose smell as familiar reported having a higher frequency of negative dream emotions during REM sleep.

The researchers said a familiar smell is perceived as stronger, and therefore recognised by the brain even during sleep.

And they said a close connection between the part of the brain which controls smells and the part which controls emotions may be to blame for the well-known smells causing bad feelings.

The olfactory bulb is the first part of the brain that receives information about smell from the nose.

It sends the information to various parts of the brain which process what a smell is.

However, during sleep, not all of these areas are 'switched on' and able to process smell, research shows.

The amygdala, which mainly processes negative emotions such as fear, is one part of the brain which is 'switched on' during sleep. It is connected to the olfactory bulb.

Consequently, a familiar smell might induce a strong, negative emotion because only the amygdala is 'awake' to receive it.

Furthermore, the olfactory bulb has direct connections to the hippocampus, which is involved in memory.

Odours during the night might induce a strong recall of emotional memories, the scientists said.

The study showed that preference of smell did not effect dreams; in other words, a participant may like the smell of roses, but if they are not familiar with it, they would not have nightmares.
Australian authorities have warned of the 'pandemic potential' of the SARS-like virus that has killed six people in China - as an Australian man showing symptoms remains in isolation awaiting test results.

The virus, an unnamed variant of the coronavirus, was first detected in Wuhan in China last month, but has now breached the country's borders with 322 people confirmed to have caught the deadly infection.

Taiwan on Tuesday became the fourth country to report a case of the virus outside of China, following Thailand, South Korea and Japan.

The Brisbane man, who returned on a flight from Wuhan on January 8, is believed to be recovering from the virus, with test results expected back on Wednesday or Thursday.

Only then will it be confirmed whether the virus has made it to Australia.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy alerted parliament on Tuesday to 'a human coronavirus with pandemic potential' and authorised officials to isolate people at airports across the country if they display symptoms.

Australia Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy alerted parliament on Tuesday to 'a human coronavirus with pandemic potential' and authorised officials to isolate people at airport if they display symptoms

The virus, an as-yet unnamed variant of the coronavirus, was first detected in Wuhan, China last month but has now breached China's borders

Ian Mackay, University of Queensland associate professor of virology, said a 'perfect storm' for the spread of the virus was brewing.

'It's happening in peak flu season in China and it looks a lot like flu. On top of that, you have the lunar new year, which is a mass annual migration of people. Literally millions of people are travelling,' he told The Australian.

Authorities at Australia's quarantine checkpoints have ramped up surveillance measures after the World Health Organisation revealed the virus can be transferred via saliva between humans.

Taiwan's Center for Disease Control (CDC) personnel (R) using thermal scanners to screen passengers arriving on a flight from China's Wuhan province

'There's no vaccine at this stage for this virus and we don't see one on the horizon,' Dr Young said according to The Courier Mail.

'From China, we understand that they've seen more than 200 cases admitted to hospital and out of those, nine have been serious.

'There's no specific treatment other than supportive care... It is causing severe illness in a small number of people.'

The new coronavirus strain is thought to have spread from animals to people through Wuhan's South China Seafood City Market, which also sells chickens, bats, and marmots.

Dr Young said the virus causes flu-like symptoms including a sore throat, fever and coughing.

Biosecurity ramped up in Sydney amid fears of deadly coronavirus outbreak as millions of Chinese tourists prepare to travel NSW's health authority will help federal biosecurity staff at Sydney Airport to monitor travellers returning from a Chinese city following an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus. Wuhan, the sprawling capital of central China's Hubei province, is the epicentre of the coronavirus, which to date has led to four deaths out of more than 200 cases. While Australia's chief medical officer earlier said the risk to the Australian public from the virus is low and there's no need for alarm, the man has been isolated. Australia has raised its travel advice for Wuhan, telling people to exercise a high degree of caution. There are three flights a week from Wuhan into Sydney and each of these flights will be met by biosecurity staff from Thursday. Information will be displayed across all other points of entry into Australia to warn people who develop symptoms to seek urgent medical attention. NSW Health announced on Tuesday evening it will assist commonwealth biosecurity staff at Sydney Airport to monitor those returning from Wuhan. No cases of the novel coronavirus have been detected in NSW, the department said in a statement. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said health officials are working with the federal government and other jurisdictions to monitor the situation in China. 'Sydney is a popular destination for people travelling from China especially around the time of the Lunar New Year, so up-to-date health advice is paramount,' Mr Hazzard said in a statement on Tuesday. Health workers in the state's public hospitals, as well as community-based GPs, have been given precautionary advice and the department has made novel coronavirus 2019 a notifiable disease under law. NSW Health director of health protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said advice is being given to people who may have already returned to the state from Wuhan, as symptoms may take up two weeks to develop. These include a fever with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, a cough or a sore throat. 'There is no need for alarm, but people should be aware of the emerging situation and if they develop symptoms on returning from affected areas overseas, they should call ahead before seeing their GP,' Dr McAnulty said in a statement on Tuesday. 'This virus does not appear to spread easily between people, but anyone with symptoms should practise simple hygiene by covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow and washing their hands thoroughly.' Advertisement

Kazakh sanitary-epidemiological service worker uses a thermal scanner to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms possibly connected with the previously unknown coronavirus, at Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan January 21, 2020

Director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute Professor Nigel MacMillan said Australia has excellent surveillance measures.

He said that though good public health measures and controls Australia is able to keep on top of new viruses which are constantly emerging such as the 2003 SARS virus that spread to a dozen countries and killed 774 people.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has set the travel advice for Wuhan, China to level two - exercise a high degree of caution.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said the government would do everything necessary to ensure the thousands of Chinese students entering the country would not affect the health of Australians.

'[The government] will put all necessary steps in place to ensure everything is done to keep Australians disease-free,' he said.

As Taiwan becomes the fourth territory to report a case of the virus outside of China, following Thailand, South Korea and Japan, it can also be revealed that: A total of 322 people have caught the virus across Asia, including 20 healthcare workers

Cases have risen six-fold in the space of a few days, with just 48 confirmed cases on January 17

Australia and the Philippines are investigating suspected cases of the coronavirus, which causes a fever and can cause pneumonia

North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread

South Korean budget airline T'way Air has postponed the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak

The World Health Organization will hold an emergency meeting later in the week to discuss the outbreak

Public health officials in the UK have instructed NHS hospitals on how to deal with cases amid fears the virus will spread

The US National Institutes of Health is working on a vaccine against the virus  but it will be months before it can be tested on humans

A leading virologist admitted he was scared the virus will spread over the Lunar New Year holidays, with millions of Chinese residents set to travel

Another renowned scientists described the coronavirus as being 'one of the newest and biggest global health threats'

Countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia have upped their screening methods to detect travellers with a fever in airports

Shocking footage captured medics wearing hazmat suits screening Air China passengers for the virus before letting them leave

Residents in various Chinese cities are queuing to buy face masks as vendors sell the medical products for 10 times more than normal Advertisement

South Korean cleaners prepare to disinfect the facilities at the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) area at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul, on January 21, 2020
Holding token number 45, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was seen waiting to file his nomination for the New Delhi Assembly seat on Tuesday on the last day for filing nominations.

"Waiting to file my nomination. My token no is 45. There are many people here to file nomination papers. Am so glad so many people participating in democracy," Kejriwal said.

Party leaders claimed that 35 candidates within incomplete papers were insisting that they will not allow the CM to file unless their nominations are filed and saw a "conspiracy".

According to procedures, while nominations can be filed till 3 pm, candidates who have collected tokens to file their papers before the stipulated time are allowed to do so whenever their numbers arrive.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said no matter how much the BJP conspires they will not be able to stop Kejriwal from filing his nomination.

"BJP, no matter how much you conspire, you will not be able to stop Kejriwal from filing his nomination or from becoming the chief minister for the third time.

"Your conspiracies will not yield any result," he said, tagging AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj's tweet who alleged that around 35 candidates were sitting at the office along with the chief minister without proper nomination papers or even 10 proposers.

"They (candidates) are insisting unless their papers are complete and they file their nominations, they won't allow CM to file nomination," he said.

Responding to Bhardwaj's tweet, Kejriwal said it does not matter as many of them are filing their nominations for the first time.

"Doesn't matter. Many of them are filing for the first time. They are bound to make mistakes. We also made mistakes the first time. We should hand hold them. I am enjoying waiting with them. They are all part of my family," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

Delhi goes to polls on February 8 and counting will take place on February 11. BJP has fielded Sunil Yadav against Kejriwal while Congress has fielded Romesh Sabharwal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amanda Knox has shared a photo of herself wearing some of her old prison uniform on Instagram as she prepares for her upcoming wedding.

'40 days left until the wedding and 267 tasks left on the wedding To Do list,' Knox wrote on Sunday.

'I've locked myself in the craftroom and I'm wearing my old prison uniform. Literally the very same sweatshirt and sweatpants I lived in in Casa Circondariale Capanne, Perugia,' she added.

Amanda Knox has shared a photo of herself wearing some of her old prison uniform on Instagram as she prepares for her upcoming wedding

'40 days left until the wedding and 267 tasks left on the wedding To Do list,' Knox (pictured in 2008) wrote. 'I've locked myself in the craftroom and I'm wearing my old prison uniform. Literally the very same sweatshirt and sweatpants I lived in in Casa Circondariale Capanne'

In December, Knox kicked off her pre-wedding festivities with an extravagant bachelorette party.

Knox, 32, who was twice acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, partied with her close friends at circus cabaret Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle, Washington, to celebrate her upcoming nuptials to her novelist boyfriend Christopher Robinson.

She announced she was engaged to Robinson in November 2018 by sharing a video of the bizarre alien-inspired proposal.

The two have been dating since 2015 when Knox was engaged to someone else, but sparks flew after she reviewed his book.

In the proposal video Robinson staged a fake meteor crash that held a 'data crystal' inside.

That crystal read: 'No other pre-singilarity union produced as much cerebral-empathic heat as the joining of Amanda Marie Knox and Christopher Gerald Robinson.'

In December, Knox kicked off her pre-wedding festivities with an extravagant bachelorette party. She will be marrying Christopher Robinson (pictured together) in 40 days

Knox, 32, who was twice acquitted of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, partied with her close friends at circus cabaret Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle, Washington, to celebrate her upcoming nuptials to her novelist boyfriend Robinson (pictured together)

He proposed to her on their front yard saying: 'I don't have a ring, but I have a big rock. Amanda Marie Knox, will you marry me?'

Knox returned to the US in 2011 after her murder conviction for the killing of Kercher was overturned.

She served four years behind bars while studying in Perugia, Italy, in 2007 for Kercher's killing.

She was released and returned to the US in 2011 after her conviction was initially overturned. She was retried in 2014, but did not return to Italy for that trial, and was convicted for a second time.

However, in 2015, Italy's Supreme Court overturned her second conviction and brought an end to her legal saga.

Since settling in Seattle, Knox has taken part in a Netflix documentary about her case and has written books and articles advocating for people wrongfully convicted of crimes.
Apple allegedly abandoned plans to implement encrypted iCloud backups after a complaint from the FBI.

According to a Reuters report, the bureau ordered Apple not to encrypt files that were uploaded to the iCloud from customers' iPhones and other devices, as it would hinder their investigations.

It is claimed this abrupt U-turn at the behest of the US law enforcement agency occurred two years ago and was brushed under the carpet to avoid scrutiny.

The decision was confirmed to Reuters by six sources close to the matter.

However, a former Apple employee said it was possible that the project was dropped for other reasons - including the risk customers would be locked out of their data.

Scroll down for video

According to a Reuters report, the FBI requested Apple not implement encryption to its iCloud backups as it would hinder their investigations and make it impossible for them to obtain data from the iPhone of a person under investigation (file photo)

WHAT IS END-TO-END ENCRYPTION? End-to-end encryption ensures only the two participants of a chat can read messages, and no one in between  not even the company that owns the service. End-to-end encryption is intended to prevent data being read or secretly modified when it is in transit between the two parties. The cryptographic keys needed to access the service are automatically provided only to the two people in each conversation. In decrypted form, messages are accessible by a third party  which makes them interceptable by governments for law enforcement reasons. Facebook-owned WhatsApp is already encrypted, and now Mark Zuckerberg is looking to do the same with Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct. Advertisement

More than two years ago, Apple told the FBI that it planned to offer users end-to-end encryption when storing their iPhone data on iCloud, according to one current and three former FBI officials and one current and one former Apple employee.

Under that plan, primarily designed to thwart hackers, Apple would no longer have a key to unlock the encrypted data.

Jake Moore, Cybersecurity Expert at ESET: 'Encrypting data is essential and companies usually offer help and support when protecting data, so this news comes as a shock to me.

'However, it doesnt mean your back-up and data cant be encrypted.

'You will still be able to make an encrypted back-up on your home computer and store it there.

'As always, users should also be reminded that their data needs to be protected with a strong and complex password.

'The balance between law enforcement and tech companies protecting data comes into question quite often.

'However, this balance is extremely difficult to fine-tune. Typically, users want the easiest route if they care about their data security, so encryption should be handed to them on a plate.'

This would take a tool away from the FBI, who can ask the manufacturer to unlock the account of a person they are investigating.

Representatives from the FBI's cyber crime unit held private talks with Apple where they objected to the plan, it is claimed.

The FBI argued it would deny them the most effective means for gaining evidence against iPhone-using suspects, the government sources said.

When Apple spoke privately to the FBI about its work on phone security the following year, the end-to-end encryption plan had been dropped.

Reuters, who first reported the story, could not determine why exactly Apple dropped the plan.

'Legal killed it, for reasons you can imagine,' a former Apple employee said he was told, without any mention of why the plan was dropped or if the FBI was involved.

That person told Reuters the company did not want to risk being attacked by public officials for protecting criminals, sued for moving previously accessible data out of reach of government agencies or used as an excuse for new legislation against encryption.

'They decided they weren't going to poke the bear anymore,' the person said, referring to Apple's court battle with the FBI in 2016 over access to an iPhone used by one of the suspects in a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California.

Apple appealed a court order to break into that phone for the FBI.

The government dropped the proceedings when it found a contractor that could break into the phone, a common occurrence in FBI investigations.

One former FBI official, who was not present in talks with Apple, told Reuters: 'Outside of that public spat over San Bernardino, Apple gets along with the federal government.'

Representatives of the FBI's cyber crime agents held private talks with Apple where they objected to the plan to encrypt iCloud backups. The FBI argued it would deny them the most effective means for gaining evidence against iPhone-using suspects (stock photo)

The company has recently taken a hard-line stance in high-profile legal disputes with the government as it refuses to violate its customers' data.

Apple was last week publicly asked by US Attorney General William Barr to unlock two iPhones used by a Saudi Air Force officer who shot dead three Americans at a Pensacola, Florida naval base last month.

US President Donald Trump accused Apple on Twitter of refusing to unlock phones used by 'killers, drug dealers and other violent criminal elements.'

Republican and Democratic senators sounded a similar theme in a December hearing, threatening legislation against end-to-end encryption, citing unrecoverable evidence of crimes against children.

Apple did in fact did turn over the shooter's iCloud backups in the Pensacola case, and said it rejected the claim that it 'has not provided substantive assistance.'

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the companys handling of the encryption issue or any discussions it has had with the FBI.

The FBI did not respond to requests for comment on any discussions with Apple.
A Dutchman isolated six of his children in a remote farmhouse from birth, beat them to drive out 'bad spirits' and forced one of them in a dog kennel for an entire summer, prosecutors claim.

Gerrit Jan van Dorsten, 67, subjected the youngsters who were found on the farm in the village of Ruinerwold in October to 'very serious physical punishment' when he thought they had been made 'unclean'.

Prosecutors heard on Tuesday how one child was allegedly tied up by his hands and feet as punishment, while another child was forced to spend an entire summer in a doghouse at the farm in northern Drenthe province.

Van Dorsten did not attend the hearing in Assen due to ill health.

The recluse, who was once a member of the Moonies sect, is accused of keeping six of his adult children - aged between 18 and 25 - captive in the property for almost a decade.

Van Dorsten, who once belonged to weird sect the Moonies, is pictured in the farmhouse grounds, 60 miles north of Amsterdam. He was arrested on suspicion of deprivation of liberty among other charges

Gerrit Jan van Dorsten's lawyer Robert Snorn arrives at the court in Assen, on January 21, ahead of the court hearing. Van Dorsten did not attend the hearing due to ill health

Journalists arrive at the court in Assen on January 21

The Dutch doomsday cult father was arrested after keeping six adult children hostage on a farm (pictured) for nine years

'The children all speak of very serious physical punishment if their father thought there was a 'bad spirit' in them. That happened from a very young age, four or five years,' prosecutors said during a procedural hearing in the case.

Prosecutors said the youngest six of the man's nine children 'lived in seclusion from birth, were kept indoors and had to be quiet so that no one would notice that they existed.'

A sixth van Dorsten youngster Jan Zon alerted police to his siblings' plight when he walked into a bar

They were not registered with Dutch authorities and had never been to school, they said.

The family was first discovered in October when the oldest son still living on the farm, Jan Zon, walked into a local bar in a confused state and raised concern about the welfare of his other siblings.

Police raided the farm and arrested Van Dorsten and an Austrian man identified as Josef Brunner, 58.

Van Dorsten was absent for medical reasons from Tuesday's hearing in the town of Assen.

He is charged with depriving the children of their liberty from 2007 to 2019 and 'punching, kicking and denying food and drink' to the six children. He is also charged with sexually abusing two of the older three children.

Joseph B. is also charged with depriving the children of their liberty and was in court.

'I feel like this is a witch hunt,' Joseph B. told the court. 'I have a clear conscience... I have not robbed anyone of his freedom.'

Prosecutors said the three oldest children were not allowed to talk about the existence of their brothers and sisters.

Van Dorsten (pictured) posted videos on Facebook showing him working out in the garden

An exterior view of the local pub De Kastelein in the village of Ruinerwold where Jan Zon befriended the owner

Prosecutors heard on Tuesday how one child was allegedly tied up by his hands and feet as punishment, while another child was forced to spend an entire summer in a doghouse at the farm in northern Drenthe province

Citing diaries kept by the children, prosecutors said they had all spoken of their 'conviction that contact with the outside world makes you 'unclean' and about 'bad spirits' that come into bodies. The father determined when a child had a 'bad spirit'.

'This child was isolated, had to pray and the other family members were not allowed to have contact with this child, sometimes not even for months.'

One of the children was separated from the rest of the family at the age of 12 and made to stay in a caravan on another part of the farm, prosecutors said, adding that 'after that he spent a whole summer in a doghouse in a shed.'

Dutch police probing the case of a family who were locked away on an isolated farm for nine years. Prosecutors said the three oldest children were not allowed to talk about the existence of their brothers and sisters

The house of horrors where an alleged 'doomsday cult leader' kept his children locked up for nine years

The three oldest of the nine children were allowed to go to school and the 'exterior doors were not locked all those years', prosecutors said.

But they said that there was still 'unlawful deprivation of liberty for all these years - classically locked up at times, but in a less classic way at other times.'

Prosecutors said the abuse was a 'figurative lock on the door', adding that 'no physical lock is required on the door as evidence of unlawful deprivation of liberty or hostage-taking.'
After years of turmoil, it seems the UK finally has a deal that sets out how it will leave the European Union (EU). Prime Minister Boris Johnsons Withdrawal Agreement Bill shares many similarities with the withdrawal agreement put forward by his predecessor, Theresa May, especially when it comes to data protection requirements.

While this deal is merely the starting point, it lays out how UK organisations should approach issues such as data protection, data privacy and data flows between the UK and EU  for at least the next 11 months.

What happens once the UK leaves the EU?

Under the agreement, a transition period will run to December 31, 2020, during which time current EU rules will continue to apply the UK and negotiations around what happens next can begin (the option of extending the transition period has been removed from the latest version).

During that transition period, the requirements around the current General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation, the UK Data Protection Act (DPA) 2019, and the need to comply with them both remain unchanged. Data can flow freely between the UK and EU, and companies will be required to continue any and all efforts to comply with those regulations but should look to keep up to date with negotiations and plan accordingly.

Organisations regulated under the EU Network and Information Security directive should equally continue their compliance efforts.

What happens after the transition phase?

During this transition period, the UK government and the EU will ideally negotiate for a data protection arrangement that suits both parties, whether thats an adequacy decision, a Privacy Shield-type agreement, or another agreement that allows data to move freely between the UK and EU. The UK and EU have said they are committed to ensuring a high level of personal data protection to facilitate such flows between them and hope to have made agreements by the end of the transition period.

An adequacy decision is likely the most desired and possible outcome, but it is not guaranteed and may take many months or even years to happen.

After that transition phase, if no arrangements, deals or trade agreements are made between the UK and EU, the UK will leave under a no-deal scenario and become a third country. As CSO has previously reported, in such a scenario, UK organisations and organisations with UK operations that receive personal data from the EU will need to ensure they have additional legal controls, such as standard contractual clauses or binding corporate rules in place to ensure compliance with the GDPR. Countries outside the EU will still be subject to GDPR and fines from the EU if they handle personal data of EU citizens.

For UK companies sending data to the U.S. under the Privacy Shield agreement (and U.S. organisations receiving data from the UK under Privacy Shield), that mechanism will still be valid, but the wording of the Privacy Shield privacy policy will need to be updated.

Companies should also be aware that the UK Government has said it plans to keep the GDPR regulation as is after it has left the Union, and so companies should continue to maintain compliance with both the GDPR and the UK DPA 2019 even if they arent processing EU citizen data after the transition phase.
LONDON  The British police will offer free driver training to employees at an air base that hosts a United States Air Force communication station, after two incidents threatened a repeat of a crash that killed a British teenager and prompted a monthslong diplomatic tug of war between Britain and the United States.

The teenager, Harry Dunn, 19, died in August when his motorcycle collided with a car being driven on the wrong side of the road by an American, Anne Sacoolas, whose husband, also an American, then worked at the base, R.A.F. Croughton.

Ms. Sacoolas left Britain shortly after the crash under a claim of diplomatic immunity, and the United States rejected an official British request to extradite her on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, despite emotional appeals from Mr. Dunns parents, who even met with President Trump.

[Update: U.S. refuses extradition in fatal crash, prompting anger in the U.K.]

Last Friday, another car driving on the wrong side of the road almost collided with another vehicle near the base. That prompted the chief constable of the Northamptonshire Police, which is responsible for the area, to call an urgent meeting with the base commander.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announced today that Avi Gesser has joined the firm's New York office as a partner in the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Group and the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group.

Mr. Gesser brings to the firm extensive experience advising major companies on a wide range of data, cybersecurity and incident response matters, including related complex commercial litigation and regulatory defense. He has represented international financial services firms, private equity firms, hedge funds and media organizations throughout full cybersecurity incident cycles.

"Avi is a market leader on the cutting edge data issues faced by major companies, helping them to develop a holistic data strategy that goes beyond privacy and compliance to address how they can optimize their use of data and emerging technologies while managing related risks. His substantial experience and technical savvy will add to our team's already deep bench both on data and cyber incident response matters," said Luke Dembosky, Co-Chair of the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Group. "Avi's considerable experience broadens our ability to serve our clients not only on traditional cybersecurity matters, but also technology-centric problems posed by A.I., big data and new technologies."

Mr. Gesser's arrival follows that of Lisa Zornberg, who led the Complex Frauds and Cybersecurity Unit at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York before becoming Criminal Division Chief there. Since joining Debevoise in April of 2019 as a partner in the firm's White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group, Ms. Zornberg has represented, among others, a prominent financial institution in connection with a cyber incident, as well as a technology company in connection with an inquiry regarding its A.I. practices. Mr. Gesser and Ms. Zornberg strengthen the Group's capacity to manage a crisis situation following a major cyber incident or other technology-focused investigation.

"We saw a unique opportunity with Avi to add both a thought leader on the myriad data issues faced by our clients and a seasoned breach responder and investigator who can further bolster our cyber crisis response capabilities," said Presiding Partner Michael Blair. "Our clients increasingly seek seamless, cross-practice solutions, and we look forward to Avi's contributions to the firm."

Mr. Gesser said, "I have long admired Debevoise's commitment to applying the full scope and strength of the firm to help address clients' needs. As cyber crises continue to grow in complexity and create substantial business, legal and reputational risk, I expect to help the Cybersecurity and White Collar Groups further position themselves as the go-to resources in this area."

Mr. Gesser has been recognized for his outstanding work throughout his career by legal directories and trade publications, and in 2013 received both The Attorney General's Exceptional Service Award and the FBI Director's Award for Excellence  Outstanding Criminal Investigation. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Gesser served as Counsel to the Chief of the Fraud Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice. He received his B.S. from the University of Manitoba in 1991, his LL.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1994, his LL.M. from the University of Cambridge in 1995 and his LL.M. from New York University in 1998, where he served as the Graduate Editor of the Journal of International Law and Politics. Prior to his arrival at Debevoise, Mr. Gesser was a partner in the litigation and white collar group at another international law firm.

Debevoise's Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Group advises clients globally on a full range of cybersecurity law, cyber incident response, data privacy, data protection and broader data strategy issues. The team, which includes former government cybersecurity prosecutors, civil litigators, transactional lawyers, and white collar and enforcement attorneys, helps clients navigate the forensic and legal aftermath of cyber incidents. The firm's cross-border, interdisciplinary practice group also offers regulatory counseling, defends clients in government enforcement actions, litigates privacy-related class actions and other matters, and handles transactions and related due diligence where data protection and security issues arise.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. We deliver effective solutions to our clients' most important legal challenges, applying clear commercial judgment and a distinctively collaborative approach.

SOURCE Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
A Sydney academic accused of staging a fake harassment campaign against herself allegedly sent several letters to the University of Technology Sydney which purported to contain a biological hazard, a court has been told.

Dianne Jolley, 49, was arrested and charged in November last year after she allegedly sent 10 letters to herself over the course of several months. She was arrested again on January 9 this year and charged with breaching bail and giving false information about a person or property in danger.

UTS Professor Dianne Jolley leaves court last year. Credit:Renee Nowytarger

On Tuesday, a police prosecutor told a bail application at Central Local Court that evidence in the case includes fingerprints, CCTV, and lawfully-recorded vision of Ms Jolley admitting to sending two of the letters to herself.

The prosecutor said Ms Jolley  an environmental chemist and toxicologist  should remain behind bars because she has "expertise ... relating to biological hazards sent by post". He said three letters were sent to UTS "stating there were biological hazards in the letters" and there was a risk Ms Jolley may "carry out such an act".
Tesla, Inc. TSLA recently announced plans to buy a 300-hectare property with a view of establishing its first Europe-based factory on the outskirts of Berlin. The agreement stipulates a tentative property price of 40.91 million euros (45.36 million dollars) which can be adjusted if a different value is offered by an external evaluation.

The facility will include a design and engineering center, which will be used to produce cars, batteries and powertrains. Tesla is reportedly building its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles on site and aims to begin production in 2021.

Tesla's move, expected to create up to 7,000 jobs in Brandenburg, has been welcomed by politicians, unions and industry groups. However, around 250 locals took to the streets to protest, fearing the factory might endanger the surrounding forest's water supply and wildlife.

In November 2019, the U.S. carmaker announced plans to build a giant factory in Gruenheide, BB giving it the coveted Made in Germany label. Germany seems to be a logical choice for Teslas European Gigafactory as the country is the biggest market for Electric Vehicles (EV) with huge potential. As we know, Germany is the automotive hub with engineering prowess, and is home to various auto biggies like Volkswagen VWAGY, Daimler AG DDAIF and BMW BAMXF. Reportedly, German carmakers and suppliers are likely to build around 150 EVs by 2023.

Shares of Tesla have outperformed the industry it belongs to over the past year. During this time frame, it has surged 70.8% compared with the industrys rise of 31.8%.

Meanwhile, the company has already begun deliveries from the Gigafactory 3 plants in Shanghai. With China being the biggest EV market, Teslas plans to start production in the country bode well. The company has already managed to manufacture 1,000 saleable cars at its Shanghai factory, despite breaking ground less than 12 months ago. With more battery production, it will be capable of producing more than 3,000 units a week in the upcoming period.

Story continues

Moreover, the companys focus on expansion of its product portfolio, the introduction of car-sharing services and development of self-driving capability is commendable. With the Model 3 sedan being its flagship vehicle, Tesla has established itself as a leader in the EV segment. Rising Model 3 delivery, which forms a major chunk of the automakers overall deliveries, is aiding the companys top-line growth. Revenues are likely to rise further as the Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) firm expects to make solid progress on Model 3 in the days to come. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

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Health screening checks have been tightened across a number of major travel hubs in the Asia-Pacific region as authorities race to contain the spread of a new respiratory virus from China, with six deaths and almost 300 worldwide cases now confirmed by officials.

Anxiety has grown both at home and abroad after the Chinese government announced on Monday that the novel coronavirus, which causes pneumonia-like symptoms, can be transmitted between humans.

It later emerged that at least 15 health workers in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus is believed to have first passed from animals to humans at a seafood market, had been infected with the disease after coming into contact with patients.

Since the new virus was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 31 December, there have been six deaths and 291 confirmed cases in China while travellers from Wuhan have been isolated in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan.

However, concerns have been raised among experts that the actual figures are far greater.

Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Show all 154 1 /154 Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Paramedics wearing personal protective equipment carry patient on a stretcher on to an ambulance in North Point district in Hong Kong, China Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker wearing protective gear takes a rest as he waits for ambulances carrying patients infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus at an entrance of a hospital in Daegu, South Korea YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker sprays disinfectant on an ambulance after carrying a patient infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus at a hospital in Daegu YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People wearing protective face masks shop at a supermarket in Casalpusterlengo, one the northern Italian towns placed under lockdown due to the new coronavirus outbreak EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A trolley bus is disinfected amid fears over the spread of the novel coronavirus in Pyongyang, North Korea REUTERS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant as a precaution against the COVID-19 coronavirus in a local market in Daegu, South Korea AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a protective facemask walks outside a nearly empty shopping mall at lunch time in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing protective facemask and gloves puts a drawing made by a girl living in the area asking residents to wear protective gear, next to a quarantine notice for people who have travelled and a notice asking people to register outside a residential compound in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman is taken into an ambulance amid a coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy REUTERS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulances and health workers are seen outside the Padua's hospital, northern Italy EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers in coaches leave MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire after being repatriated to the UK from a cruise ship hit by the coronavirus in Yokohama, Japan and head to Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People rest in a temporary hospital situated in the Tazihu Gymnasium in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Buddhist monks wearing protective face masks pray during a blessing ceremony for the people affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia REUTERS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers wearing protective gears carry a patient infecting with a new coronavirus to a hospital in Chuncheon, South Korea AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Soldiers in hazmat suits sanitize cargo from a China Airlines plane at the Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan City, Taiwan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Barricades are seen to block the entrance a the gate of a local mall in a nearly empty area in Beijing, China Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A vendor wearing a protective facemask waits for customers at a shop in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The body temperature of an Iraqi child returning from Iran is measured upon her arrival at the Najaf International Airport AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Volunteers hand out free facemasks at a shopping district in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers wearing protective gears carry a patient suspected of contracting the new coronavirus toward an ambulance at Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, South Korea AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker disinfects a shop at a market in Shanghai AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A restaurant worker wearing protective clothing as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus passing a bag of food to a customer on the street outside their restaurant in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A recovered patient is discharged from Leishenshan Hospital, the newly-built makeshift hospital for novel coronavirus patients, in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Volunteers in protective suits disinfect a factory with sanitising equipment in Huzhou, China China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits attend to a patient inside an isolated ward of Wuhan Red Cross Hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A drone operated by the Suwon municipal government flies around Changyong Middle School spraying disinfectant, in Suwon, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers transfer medical waste at Leishenshan Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a protective mask rides a bicycle with his children in Guangzhou, China EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Volunteers in protective suits disinfect a railway station as the country is hit by an outbreak of the new coronavirus, in Changsha, Hunan province, China cnsphoto via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman repatriated from Wuhan carries a child as she walks upon her arrival at the Van Don airport in Vietnam's Quang Ninh province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff checking the body temperature of a patient who has displayed mild symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker in protective suit transports oxygen tanks at Wuhan Red Cross Hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Boys wearing protection masks, gloves and modified water bottles sit on a cart at the airport arrival terminal in Guangzhou EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Employees work on a production line manufacturing protective suits at a clothing factory in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province cnsphoto via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits move a patient at an isolated ward of a hospital in Caidian district following an outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker in protective clothing, including face mask and gloves, carries a bucket as he works inside of The County Oak Medical Centre in Brighton, southern England, after it closed for "urgent operational health and safety reasons", following reports a member of staff was infected with the strain of the novel coronavirus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers of the ecology and environment bureau collect samples from the sewage system of a hospital in Xinle, Hebei province China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man in protective clothing cleaning the County Oak Medical Centre GP practice The British government warned the outbreak of novel coronavirus was a "serious and imminent threat" and reported four new cases that brought the total recorded in the country to eight. Two hospitals The Royal Free and Guys and St Thomas', have both been designated as "isolation" facilities, with both currently housing Britons who have returned from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to the newly completed Huoshenshan temporary field Hospital in Wuhan. The global coronavirus death toll rose again with Hong Kong announcing its first death from the outbreak on 4 February EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of staff wait as coaches carrying Coronavirus evacuees arrive at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, in Milton Keynes, after being repatriated to the UK from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A crew member of the cruise ship Diamond Princess talks to a worker wearing protective gear standing near the vessel, where dozens of passengers were tested positive for coronavirus, at Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Doctors scan a patient's lungs at Huoshenshan temporary hospital built for patients diagnosed with coronavirus in Wuhan Xinhua News Agency/AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People wearing protective suits walk from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, with around 3,600 people quarantined onboard due to fears of the new coronavirus, at the Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Indonesians who arrived from Wuhan are sprayed with antiseptic at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam. People evacuated from the Chinese city at the centre of a deadly virus outbreak, were transported to a quarantine zone on a remote island at the edge of the South China Sea, shortly after landing Indonesian Foreign Ministry via AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman wears a protective mask as she shops in a market in Beijing Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members hugging each other in an isolation ward at a hospital in Zouping in China's easter Shandong province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A portrait of Dr Li Wenliang is left at Li's hospital in Wuhan. He is regarded a whistleblower on the outbreak and died of the coronavirus which triggered wide-spread mourning on Chinese media Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Officers in protective gear enter the cruise ship Diamond Princess, where people tested positive for coronavirus, after the ship arrived at Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama, south of Tokyo Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Firefighters and personnel from the health ministry participate in a drill to prepare for the potential arrival of passengers infected with the coronavirus at the Viru Viru International Airport, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Scientists are at work in the VirPath university laboratory as they try to find an effective treatment against the new Sars-like coronavirus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits attend to patients at the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center, which has been converted into a makeshift hospital to receive patients with mild symptoms caused by the virus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A girl wears a mask as a preventive measure against the coronavirus outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man is transferred from the World Dream cruise ship to an ambulance at the Kai Tak cruise terminal in Hong Kong as health officials conduct inspections AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers from a disinfection service company enter Lotte Department Store in central Seoul, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man who arrived from Hubei province talks with police at a checkpoint at the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor holds a handheld digital thermometer near health officials preparing a health check for arriving passengers from China at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A resident walks across an empty track in Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A scientific staff member works in a secure laboratory, researching the coronavirus, at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members preparing equipment to meet passengers of a military plane, which evacuated citizens of Russia and ex-Soviet countries from China's Wuhan province Vsluh.ru via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff wearing protective suits as they prepare to disinfect a Vietnam Airlines plane at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi Vietnam Airlines/AFP/Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A South Korean person, who was evacuated from Wuhan, arrives at the National Medical Center after showing suspected symptoms of novel coronavirus, in Seoul EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Officers in protective gear escort a person (under the blue sheet) who was on board cruise ship Diamond Princess and was tested positive for coronavirus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor being disinfected by his colleague at a quarantine zone in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Buses carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan, arrive at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Indonesian health officials conduct an exercise drill in transporting a patient requiring isolation at the Belawan port in Medan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The Pasteur Institute in Dakar, designated by the African Union as one of the two reference centres in Africa for the detection of the new coronavirus that appeared in China, is hosting experts from 15 countries on the continent this weekend to prepare them to deal with the disease AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A government worker disinfects a co-worker after visiting a quarantined woman's home in Qingdao EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An aerial view of the deserted roads and bridges in Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers hold a strike outside the Hospital Authority as they demand for Hong Kong to close its border with China to reduce the coronavirus spreading Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A person has their tempriture checked in Qingdao, China EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Malaysian nationals being directed from a bus by health officials in protective suits as they arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, after being evacuated from Wuhan Malaysia's Ministry of Health/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People hoping to buy face masks crowd outside a medical supply shop that was raided by police for allegedly hoarding and overpricing the masks, as public fear over China's Wuhan Coronavirus grow in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine government has been heavily criticized after failing to immediately implement travel restrictions from China, the source of a deadly coronavirus that has now killed hundreds and infected thousands more Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Residents wearing masks and raincoats volunteer to take temperature of passengers following the outbreak of a new coronavirus at a bus stop at Tin Shui Wai, a border town in Hong Kong Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Italian citizens repatriated from Wuhan going though a health control zone after landing at the Mario De Bernardi military airport in Pratica di Mare, south of Rome, prior to be placed in quarantine Italian Defence Ministry/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers arrange beds in a 2,000-bed mobile hospital, set up in an exhibition center, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor checks conditions of occupants in a hotel accommodating isolated people in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members wearing protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus which began in the city of Wuhan, arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital. The Chinese army deployed medical specialists to the epicentre of the spiralling viral outbreak that has killed and spread around the world AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A baby wearing a protective face mask is pushed by a woman as they arrive from Shenzhen to Hong Kong at Lo Wu MTR station AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A health worker checks the temperature of a woman entering a subway station in Beijing Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A young child wears a protective mask and is covered in plastic while waiting to check in to a flight at Beijing Capital Airport The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday declared the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulance crews arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, as it prepares for a return flight from Wuhan, China. Eighty-three Britons and 27 foreign nationals who were trapped in Wuhan are being flown back to the UK Tom Maddick / SWNS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman carries a baby wearing a protective mask as they exit the arrival hall at Hong Kong High Speed Rail Station Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Camp beds at a Medical Assessment Center set up at the airport in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on the eve of the arrival of German citizens evacuated from Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Funeral parlour staff members in protective suits help a colleague with disinfection after they transferred a body at a hospital in Wuhan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Muslims wearing masks pray for the victims of coronavirus at a mosque in Ahmedabad, India Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical officials waiting for people who wants to check the novel coronavirus at Myeongdong shopping district Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Children wear plastic bottles as makeshift homemade protection and protective masks while waiting to check in to a flight at Beijing Capital Airport Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A patient assisted by medical staff gets off an ambulance in Wuhan AFP/Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People line up to buy face masks from a medical supply company in Nanning, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Countries began evacuating their citizens from the Chinese city hardest-hit by a new virus that has now infected more people in China than were sickened in the country by SARS Chinatopix via AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Millions spent their normally festive Lunar New Year holiday under lockdown Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Children with face masks wash their hands before prayer at Erawan shrine in Bangkok. Thailand has detected eight Coronavirus cases so far AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An Indonesian health officer points at the screen of a thermal scanner for passengers China confirmed that the deadly Wuhan coronavirus virus can be transmitted between humans AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Hospital workers wearing protective eyewear and masks examine an Indonesian student who returned from China in quarantine at a hospital in Banda Aceh AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulance staff dispose of an outfit at the hospital in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A person checks the temperature of a passenger to help stop the spread of a deadly virus as he arrives at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International airport in Palembang AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Nepali students, wearing face masks, attend a class at Matribhumi School in Bhaktapur, on the outskirts of Kathmandu AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Two Buddhist monks wear face masks while walking along a street in Yangon AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff disinfecting a residential area in Ruichang, part of Jiujiang in China's central Jiangxi province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers are seen at the construction site of a new hospital being built to treat patients from a deadly virus outbreak in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020. - China is rushing to build a new hospital in a staggering 10 days to treat patients at the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak that has stricken thousands of people, state media reported on January 24. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images) HECTOR RETAMAL AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Vapor blurs the goggles of an ambulance driver while they work, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers producing facemasks at a factory in Yangzhou AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff getting on an ambulance in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A vendor of traditional masks wears a facial mask at his shop in Thamel EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An airport official checks the temperature of a passenger upon his arrival at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An ambulance driver talking with medical staff in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team leave the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market The new coronavirus appears to have its origins in a seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, a popular transport hub AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers produce protective suits at a factory in Nantong AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers scanned by thermal imaging for body temperature as they go through health measures and procedures after they landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on a southern airlines flight from Wuhan Aeroporto Di Roma/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A Thai royal guard wears a mask while on duty at the Grand Palace in Bangkok EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a face mask rides a nearly empty subway train in Beijing AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A shopper wearing goggles with a face mask and gloves uses a self checkout machine at a supermarket in Wuhan AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of the Italian Red Cross putting on protective gear, getting ready to give health checks to passengers that landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on a southern airlines flight from Wuhan Aeroporto Di Roma/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A member of the Hong Kong government's Civil Aid Service gestures at the entrance to the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village which is being used as one of two quarantine centres for people who have been in close proximity with suspected cases of a SARS-type virus. Hong Kong will turn two holiday camps, including a former military barracks, into quarantine zones for people who may have come into contact with carriers of the Wuhan virus, officials announced AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff wearing protective suits at the Zhongnan hospital in Wuhan STR/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A Malaysia Health official checks passengers going through a thermal scanner upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff disinfecting Yingtan North Railway Station, China China banned trains and planes from leaving the major city at the centre of a virus outbreak on January 23, seeking to seal off its 11 million people to contain the contagious disease that has claimed lives and spread to other countries AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A passenger walks past a quarantine control station at Narita airport, Japan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Patients queue up to seek treatment in Wuhan Tongji Hospital Fever Clinic, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Quarantine workers spray disinfectant at Incheon International Airport, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A member of staff checks the temperature of a guest entering the casino of the New Orient Landmark hotel in Macau, after it reported its first case of the new SARS-like virus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jin Yintan hospital Little is known about the new disease which, if confirmed, would be only the seventh coronavirus known to science that can infect humans Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of the Three Gorges Medical Laboratory offering free masks to the public in Yichang, China AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Gabriel Leung, right, chair professor of public health medicine at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, speaks about the extent of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of staff of the Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team conducting searches on the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A quarantine officer at Incheon International Airport, South Korea, uses an electronic thermometer to check the temperature of passengers arriving by plane from Wuhan The virus causes symptoms of viral pneumonia, and has already led to several deaths EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A screen shows cancelled flights at Tianhe airport in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Health officials hand out information about the current coronavirus at Kuala Lumpur International Airport AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A store owner argues with security guards as he attempts to enter the closed Huanan wholesale seafood market AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers producing facemasks at a factory in Handan, China's northern Hebei province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff and security personnel stop patients' family members from being too close to the Jinyintan hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus maya-goodfellowAn airport staff member uses a temperature gun to check people leaving Wuhan Tianhe International Airport AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A rescue worker walks past a notice about new coronavirus that has broken out in China Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Health officials wear face masks at an inspection site at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A staff member checks body temperature of a child after a train from Wuhan arrived at Hangzhou Railway Station in Hangzhou AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A quarantine station measures passenger body temperatures at Narita Airport JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers walk past a notice displayed near a quarantine control station at Narita airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers walk past a poster alerting on coronavirus screening ahead upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An employee sprays disinfectant on a train, as a precaution against coronavirus, at Suseo Station in Seoul EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Kazakh sanitary-epidemiological service worker uses a thermal scanner to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms possibly connected with the previously unknown coronavirus, at Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Pharmacist Liu Zhuzhen stands near a sign reading "face masks are sold out" at her pharmacy in Shanghai AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker in a protective suit at the closed seafood market in Wuhan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers wear protective face masks at the departure hall of a high speed train station in Hong Kong AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A notice for passengers from Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wears a mask while riding on mobike past the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market Getty

Using population and international travel data, researchers at London Imperial Colleges MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis have estimated that there were more than 1,700 cases in Wuhan alone as of 16 January. Chinese authorities reported just 41 cases at the same time.

Many in China have scrambled to buy face masks to protect themselves from the previously unknown coronavirus infection, with Shanghai citys market regulator warning it would punish those hoarding masks or other products used for preventing diseases, the Shanghai Observer reports.

The outbreak has also scared financial markets as investors recalled the economic damage from Chinas Sars epidemic, which spread to more than a dozen countries in 2002-03 and killed almost 800 people.

Chinas onshore yuan fell 0.6 per cent on Tuesday, its biggest daily drop since 26 August 2019, while airline and travel stocks fell across the region.

European shares also slipped amid concerns about the impact of the outbreak, with luxury goods firms particularly hard hit on worries about weaker demand from Chinese consumers.

With increased travel expected across China for the upcoming Lunar New Year period, authorities have warned that the virus could spread further across the region.

Chinas Dr Zhong Nanshan, a leading health expert and Sars specialists, said catching so-called super-spreaders  people in the most virulent stage of illness  was the key to preventing a major outbreak.

Banning people with symptoms from leaving Wuhan was the best way to do this, he said. Recent footage on social media showed health workers in protective clothing screening passengers on board what was described as a domestic flight out of the city.

At present, there is no special cure for this new coronavirus, [we are] conducting some tests with animals, Dr Zhong said on TV, according to the South China Morning Post. We expect the number of infected cases will increase over the Lunar New Year travel period and we need to prevent the emergence of a super-spreader of the virus.

President Xi Jinping also gave his first public statement on the crisis on Monday, saying that the virus must be taken seriously and resolutely contained. Party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put peoples lives and health first, he said.

In Japan, prime minister Shinzo Abe told a meeting with ministers that the country must step up our caution levels as the number of patients is continuing to rise in China.

Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia and other places with extensive travel links to China are also enacting stricter screening measures.

And the UAE, whose Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest in the world and receives direct flights from Wuhan, said measures had been taken to sure all ports of entry were on standby to handle coronavirus cases.

Experts said that the scale and urgency of the precautionary measures taken by authorities across the world should give hope that an outbreak like 2002-03 can be avoided.

Gabriel Leung, dean of medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said Chinese authorities in particular have responded much more quickly this time.

Dr Leung, who was heavily involved in the response to Sars, said modelling shows that cases will multiply over the coming weeks but the outbreak will gradually lose momentum as precautionary measures take effect.

A health worker in a protective suit is seen at the closed seafood market in Wuhan (Reuters)

He told reporters at a briefing: Our underlying assumptions are, the force of infection is very different now ... because so many public health measures have been undertaken and so many interventions have been executed.

The illness potentially marks the seventh coronavirus known to science that can infect humans.

So far, the WHO has not recommended trade or travel restrictions but such measures could be discussed at an emergency meeting due to be held on Wednesday. Chinas National Health Commission will also provide an update on the same day.

Read more about the coronavirus outbreak and the official response here
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Despite her spinal damage from a traffic accident seven years ago, an elderly woman in Ho Chi Minh City still manages to take care of five children and her husband, who suffers from leprosy, a job she has braved with joy for 16 years.

Nguyen Thi Huynh dwells in a tiny tenement flat in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

The septuagenarian has kept her chin up with a single vendor cart from which she earns her familys income.

A dedicated wife and mother

Every night, as the clock strikes 11:00 pm, Huynh heads for a local open market for ingredients.

She sells Vietnamese sticky rice with pork loaf slices, a popular breakfast option for the locals.

As she gets home at midnight, the crooked woman quickly steams the right amount of sticky rice and prepares appropriate portions of pork loaf and ketchup.

Her cart has to be up and running very early in the morning to catch the early-bird customers.

Nguyen Thi Huynh begins her daily duties from 11:00 pm until predawn hours of the next morning. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Despite her physical condition, she still sends out a sense of swiftness in the way she runs her cart.

Once the cart has sold out, she returns home and takes a few hours rest before getting back to work, for she is the sole breadwinner of the family.

I have all kinds of options for you. You can get a VND5,000 serving, a VND10,000, or a VND15,000 one, she explained the three choices of sizes, costing US$0.22-0.65 per palm-sized carton box.

According to Lang Nguyet, an undergraduate at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the sticky rice that Huynh makes is really tasty.

Its also affordable for students like me, so Ive often told my friends to drop by her cart," Nguyen said. "Its a way to support her family too.

Nguyen Thi Huynh pushes her sticky rice vendor cart on a street in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Her flat is located in Block C of the Hung Vuong apartment building in District 5.

This shabby home feels almost empty because her children are not around.

Every day after her morning shift, the loving wife comes home to her bed-ridden husband, preparing for him a simple yet affectionate Vietnamese lunch with two steamed eggs and some rice served with vegetable soup.

He was an English teacher, but after he was struck down with paralysis it was difficult for me to raise our children, she said, pointing to an old photograph of her husband teaching an English class.

I thought that it would be a good idea to take a friendly loan from my relatives for a vendor cart. And its been with me ever since.

Nguyen Thi Huynh parks her sticky rice vendor cart at the corner of Nguyen Trai and Tan Da Streets in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Now that her five children have flown the nest, the old lady simply hopes that they will soon settle down with their own happy families.

Ill stop selling sticky rice when I die, she said.

For this Tet holiday, I will work until Lunar New Years Eve. I hope my hubby will stay healthy so we can enjoy another Tet season together.

Nguyen Thi Huynh prepares sticky rice for a customer. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

According to a local official, Huynhs husband Nguyen Dac Minh, 76, suffers from a serious form of Hansens disease, also known as leprosy, a long-term infection that can affect the patient's nerves, skin, eyes, and nose.

The poor man and his wife have three sons and two daughters, all of whom have finished their high school education.

Local authorities pay them visits and provide them with financial aid every year on public holidays and special occasions, the official said.

Huynh is also the caretaker of a granddaughter, Vo Kieu Ngan, who recently entered primary school.

The local Women's Union has granted Ngan the Nguyen Thi Minh Khai scholarship, a financial aid scheme aimed at helping poor children with a strong sense of hard work and high performance.

Nguyen Thi Huynh is left with a crooked posture due to spine damage from a traffic accident. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Thi Huynh lives in an old tenement flat with her husband because her children work far from home. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

As the wrinkled hands hold each other, she hopes her husband will be in good health so they can enjoy another Tet holiday together. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre

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The smell of cut grass, freshly baked bread, childhood memories, lost loved ones. What happens when its all gone?

A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals the huge range of emotional and practical impacts caused by a loss of smell.

It finds that almost every aspect of life is disrupted  from everyday concerns about personal hygiene to a loss of sexual intimacy and the break-down of personal relationships.

The researchers hope that their findings will help motivate clinicians to take smell problems more seriously, with better help and support offered to patients.

Prof Carl Philpott, from UEAs Norwich Medical School, said:

Smell disorders affect around five per cent of the population and cause people to lose their sense of smell, or change the way they perceive odors. Some people perceive smells that arent there at all. There are many causes  from infections and injury to neurological diseases such as Alzheimers and as a side effect of some medications. Most patients suffer a loss of flavour perception which can affect appetite and can be made even worse if distortions in their sense of smell also co-exist. Previous research has shown that people who have lost their sense of smell also report high rates of depression, anxiety, isolation and relationship difficulties. We wanted to find out more about how a loss of smell affects people.

The researchers worked with the Smell and Taste clinic at the James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston-On-Sea. The clinic opened in 2010 and was the UKs first clinic dedicated to taste and smell.

The study involved 71 participants aged between 31-80 who had written to the clinic about their experiences. It was carried out in collaboration with Fifth Sense, the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders.

The research shows that sufferers experience wide-ranging impairments to their quality of life. These included a negative emotional impact, feelings of isolation, impaired relationships and daily functioning, impacts on physical health and the difficulty and financial burden of seeking help.

Prof Philpot said: One really big problem was around hazard perception  not being able to smell food that had gone off, or not being able to smell gas or smoke. This had resulted in serious near misses for some.

But smell is not just a life-saving sense  it is also life-enhancing.

A large number of the participants no longer enjoyed eating, and some had lost appetite and weight. Others were eating more food with low nutritional value that was high in fat, salt and sugar  and had consequently gained weight.

Participants had lost interest in preparing food and some said they were too embarrassed to serve dishes to family and friends which had an impact on their social lives.

The inability to link smells to happy memories was also a problem. Bonfire night, Christmas smells, perfumes and people  all gone. Smells link us to people, places and emotional experiences. And people who have lost their sense of smell miss out on all those memories that smell can evoke.

We found that personal hygiene was a big cause for anxiety and embarrassment, because the participants couldnt smell themselves.

Parents of young children couldnt tell when their nappies needed changing, and this led to feelings of failure. One mother found it difficult bonding with her new baby because she couldnt smell him.

Many participants described a negative impact on relationships  ranging from not enjoying eating together to an impact on sexual relationships, he added.

All of these problems led to diverse range of negative emotions including anger, anxiety, frustration, depression, isolation, loss of confidence, regret and sadness. And the problems were compounded by a lack of understanding about the disorder among clinicians.

Prof Philpott said: The participants described a lot of negative and unhelpful interactions with healthcare professionals before coming to the James Paget Smell and Taste clinic. Those that did manage to get help and support were very pleased  even if nothing could be done about their condition, they were very grateful for advice and understanding.

Duncan Boak, Founder and Chair of Fifth Sense, said:

Anosmia can have a huge impact on peoples quality of life in many ways, as this research demonstrates. An important part of Fifth Senses work is giving our beneficiaries a voice and the opportunity to change the way society understands smell and taste disorders, whether through volunteering or participating in research studies like this one. The results of this study will be a big help in our ongoing work to improve the lives of those affected by anosmia.

Smell and taste disorders; a qualitative review is published in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly late on Monday night passed the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 that intended to give shape to state governments plan of having three capitals--executive capital in Visakhapatnam, legislative in Amaravati and judicial in Kurnool.

This was protested by hundreds of farmers and women in Amaravati region who defied prohibitory orders and broke security cordon to reach the state legislature complex. Caught off-guard, the police resorted to lathicharge to quell the crowd.

Even as the high drama was witnessed on the rear side of the complex, Leader of Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu led his TDP legislators on a foot march a few metres from the main entrance gate into the assembly. However, the TDP could not organise a siege of the assembly due to deployment of a strong posse of police force.

Meanwhile, 17 MLAs of the Telugu Desam Party were suspended from the assembly for disrupting Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys address on the Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020.

The bill provides for dividing the state into various zones and establishing zonal planning and development boards. The village and (municipal) ward secretariats system that the government brought in October last year now gets statutory backing as it has been made part of the new bill.

Moving the bill in the assembly on the first day of the extended winter session, Finance and Legislative Affairs Minister Buggana Rajendranath said the government decided to enact a new legislation for decentralisation and inclusive development of all regions in the state for ensuring balanced and inclusive growth.

Regional imbalances, absence of equitable growth have caused an acute sense of deprivation among various sections of the state population, leading to disturbances.

The logical solution would be to lay emphasis on distributed development and decentralised administration to ensure that fruits of socio-economic progress are enjoyed equally by people of various regions, the minister said, quoting the recommendations of a high-power committee which formed the basis of the new legislation.

The TDP members raised objection to the introduction of the bill and stormed the speakers podium. They also stormed the podium during Reddys address and raised slogans demanding that Naidu be allowed to continue with his address. They also raised Jai Amaravati slogan during the address of the Leader of the House.

A visibly irritated Reddy asked the Speaker to call in the House Marshals to evict the opposition members. Legislative Affairs Minister Buggana Rajendranath then moved a motion for suspension of the 17 TDP MLAs, including deputy leaders K Atchannaidu and N China Rajappa. The motion was passed by voice vote.

Following this, marshals entered the House to evict the TDP members but the latter resisted, causing pandemonium. The marshals then forcibly evicted the protesting legislators from the House, after which the chief minister continued his address.

Naidu then joined his colleagues at the assembly gate and staged a sit-in.

Police claimed six of their personnel sustained injuries in stone pelting by the protesting farmers and others and said cases were being registered against those who defied the law.

As many as 5,000 police personnel, including several senior officers, were deployed for bandobust duties in view of the crucial three-day extended winter session of the legislature.

About 700 to 800 protestors, including a large number of women, from villages like Mandadam, Velagapudi and Tulluru ran across the barren fields and reached the rear periphery of the Legislature complex.

The protestors even jumped over barbed wire fences placed by the police at various spots and some stood waist-deep in the slushy water, holding placards and raising Save Amaravati slogans.

The Port city Visakhapatnam, which has the sobriquet City of Destiny, will soon become the Capital of the state if the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government overcomes the opposition in the Legislative Council and also possible legal hurdles.

Meanwhile, the government also moved another bill to repeal the AP Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014.

The government said it intended to constitute a new Amaravati Metropolitan Region Development Area under the provisions of AP Metropolitan Region and Urban Development Authorities Act, 2016.

The CRDA Act was enacted on December 22, 2014 for the development of the state capital post-bifurcation with a specific area demarcated as the capital region.

Now that the YSR Congress government has decided to have three capitals for the state, the CRDA Act is proposed to be repealed.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and cleared the draft bills. The cabinet also approved the recommendations of the HPC on the capitals issue.

But the government could face hurdles in getting the bills cleared in the Legislative Council, which sits from Tuesday, as the ruling party does not have a majority.
About six days after the killing of a journalist in Adamawa, Maxwell Nashon, the police have arrested two suspects.

The state police commissioner, Audu Madaki, said this in Yola while receiving in audience the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo.

Two suspects have been arrested and are helping police in the investigation, Mr Madaki said.

Detectives are working assiduously to ensure that the culprits are not only arrested but duly prosecuted. The police will soon parade those involved in the heinous act, he said.

Mr Madaki said journalists and security operatives are twins brothers and partners in progress, hence the need to have synergy in the interest of peace and security.

Mr Isiguzo commended the police for the arrest and urged them to ensure justice.

He said his team was touring the country with a view to meeting journalists to design solutions to the challenges facing their profession.

We have confidence in the Nigeria Police Force as it remains the best in Africa with outstanding performance accepted globally.

We are using this forum to call for a cordial relationship with our members in the state because of the central objective of the two professions is building a peaceful and society where rule of law is maintained, he said.

Late Mr Nashon was a staff of Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria (FRCN), Fombina FM, Yola, until he was abducted, last week, and murdered.
Joe Biden wasnt endorsed by The New York Times, but his selfie with an elevator operator has generated more clicks than the newspapers interviews with preferred candidates Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.

Viral video circulating on social media shows a touching moment in which the former vice president takes a selfie with an elevator operator as he is on his way to meet with the newspapers editorial board.

As Biden rides in the elevator, he is met by Jacquelyn, who expresses her admiration for the former vice president.

Honored to have won Jacquelyn's endorsement. pic.twitter.com/tGpNZjXacu  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 20, 2020

A heartwarming encounter between Joe Biden (right) and Jacquelyn (left), an elevator operator at the building which houses The New York Times in Manhattan, went viral on social media

I love you. I do. Youre like my favorite, she says to a flattered Biden

Biden, who was on his way to a meeting with The New York Times editorial board in hopes of getting its endorsement, offers to take a selfie with Jacquelyn

Just before Biden gets out of the elevator on the 12th floor of the building, he is seen standing next to Jacquelyn as they pose for a selfie

I love you. I do. Youre like my favorite, she says to a flattered Biden.

Biden then asks Jacquelyn if she has a camera so that they could snap a selfie together.

Just before Biden gets out of the elevator on the 12th floor of the building, he is seen standing next to Jacquelyn as they pose for a selfie.

The clip has been viewed at least half-a-million times on the internet. It has amassed far more views than the Times own interviews with the two senators that it endorsed.

The encounter between Biden and Jacquelyn was filmed by the Times as part of its television show The Weekly, which devoted several episodes to taped interviews between the editorial board and Democratic candidates.

The Times editorial board shocked the political world over the weekend when it announced an unorthodox decision to endorse two candidates for the Democratic nomination - Warren and Klobuchar.

The Grey Lady essentially snubbed Biden, who has been the frontrunner since he announced his entry into the race.

Biden's selfie video generated at least six times more clicks than taped interviews The New York Times editorial board conducted with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren - the two candidates it has endorsed for the Democratic presidential nomination

On Sunday, the Times described Massachusetts senator Warren (right) as the 'radical' and Minnesota senator Klobuchar (left) as the 'realist' choice

The liberal newspaper's pick comes just a few weeks before the Iowa caucuses on February 3 which officially begins the presidential primary season.

On Sunday, the Times described Massachusetts senator Warren as the 'radical' and Minnesota senator Klobuchar as the 'realist' choice.

'An essential debate is underway between two visions that may define the future of the (Democratic) party and perhaps the nation,' the editorial board wrote.

'Some in the party view President Trump as an aberration and believe that a return to a more sensible America is possible. Then there are those who believe that President Trump was the product of political and economic systems so rotten that they must be replaced.'

'Both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration,' the board said.

'That's why we're endorsing the most effective candidates for each approach. They are Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.'

'Ms Warren's path to the nomination is challenging, but not hard to envision,' the board said. For Klobuchar (right), the Times said her 'lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials would make her a uniter for the wings of the party - and perhaps the nation'

Warren has consistently polled at third place, behind former vice president Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders - Warren's fellow progressive.

She surged during the summer but has seen her support slide since October.

But the Times called her the new 'standard-bearer for the Democratic left,' praising her plans for structural and social reform.

'Ms Warren's path to the nomination is challenging, but not hard to envision,' the board said.

For Klobuchar, who is more moderate, the Times said her 'lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials would make her a deal maker (a real one) and uniter for the wings of the party - and perhaps the nation.'

'May the best woman win,' the Times concluded.

In addition to Warren and Klobuchar, the Times spoke with Biden, Sanders, billionaire activist Tom Steyer, entrepreneur Andrew Yang, South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and New Jersey senator Cory Booker, who dropped out of the race in December.

The interviews were conducted on the record.

In addition to showing video clips of the interviews in the Weekly episode, the Times Opinion section also published interview transcripts.
Julia Budd celebrates after defeating Olga Rubin (not pictured) at Bellator 224 on July 12, 2019 at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

Some would say it was terrible matchmaking. In her second pro mixed martial arts fight, Julia Budd faced Amanda Nunes, who is now widely regarded as the greatest female fighter of all-time.

Six months later in her next fight, she defeated future UFC featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie. Five months after that, Budd squared off against Ronda Rousey, who at the time was en route to establishing herself as the most dominant womens fighter of the day.

Facing that type of competition so early in ones career has broken many a fighter. But for Budd, shes convinced its what has made her a world champion. And its why, despite being a +275 underdog at BetMGM, Budd is convinced shes ready to defend her featherweight title by defeating Cris Cyborg Justino at Bellator 238 on Saturday (10 p.m. ET, DAZN) at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

This is the perfect point of my career for this fight to happen, Budd told Yahoo Sports. I feel so excited about it. Everyone knows what kind of fighter [Cyborg] is, but everything has fallen into place for me. Ive got all the tools I need to win this fight. Im well-rounded and Im not just a kickboxer jumping into the cage in MMA.

This is coming at the right time for me. Fighting those women, those experiences I gained, they made me into the fighter I am today. I think it worked out perfectly for me.

Fighting Cyborg, whom Bellator president Scott Coker has taken to calling the greatest womens fighter of all-time, is a mental challenge for any opponent. Cyborg is far bigger and more physically powerful than most women are used to fighting, and shes skilled, not just large.

Some women have wilted when confronted with her in the ring, but Budd chuckles at the notion she may be intimidated.

This is a woman who was 2-2 in her MMA career after four fights and had been knocked out in 14 seconds by Nunes and arm-barred in 39 seconds by Rousey. It took a mentally strong person to overcome that, and Budd proved herself by not losing since that Nov. 18, 2011, fight with Rousey in Las Vegas. Rouseys arm bar dislocated Budds elbow.

Story continues

It did not break her, though. She regrouped after that, ripped off 11 consecutive wins and became the inaugural Bellator featherweight champion on March 3, 2017, when she stopped the legendary Marloes Coenen in the fourth round.

 @JuliaBudd hasn't lost a fight in nearly a decade!



See her last title defense in this weeks #FullFightFriday!

Don't miss her title defense next Saturday against @CrisCyborg! 

 https://t.co/G0R5BQcgHI#Bellator238 pic.twitter.com/TqyVOSRsE4  Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) January 17, 2020

Fighting Cyborg is an entirely different story, but Budds background as a kickboxer should help with that. While Cyborg has good jiu-jitsu, shes primarily a striker who uses her size and physical strength to her advantage. But Budd is also a former pro kickboxer who has a victory in that sport over Gina Carano, who would go on to become one of the legends in the early days of womens MMA.

Budd concedes she doesnt have the one-punch power that Cyborg brings to the fight, but she says shell have an advantage in the stand-up nonetheless.

I dont have as many knockouts as her, but Im more of a technician, she said. I have been in there with so many great [strikers] that Im not going to be intimidated. A lot of girls melt or are broken before they even get into the cage with her.

To be honest with you, Im sick and tired of being on the back burner. This is my time and this is my title and its my division. I know she and Coker have a great relationship, a special relationship, and there has been all this talk of the big plans they have for her in Bellator. Thats fine. But you know what? Im ready to go out there and put the best performance of my career on and awaken some people who dont really know me and think shes just going to come in and walk right through me.

More from Yahoo Sports:
Sony is gearing up for the launch of PlayStation 5 and many leaks have pointed towards a potential reveal in February 2020. Theres a very good chance that Sony will show off the console next month at its Destination Playstation event similar to the reveal of the PlayStation 4. Sony had unveiled the PlayStation 4 to retailers, journalists and third-party partners before it was launched in 2013. And the brand might be looking to repeat the same strategy for the launch of PlayStation 5.

 LetsgoDigital

Two separate leaks suggest that the PlayStation 5 will most probably be revealed on February 5. However, we simply cannot just believe leakers in this day and age. To make more sense of these leaks, we have to go back a year when former SIE president and CEO Shawn Layden told CNET the reasons for PlayStation to skip E3 2019:

We have an event in February called Destination PlayStation, where we bring all retailers and third-party partners to come hear the story for the year. Theyre making purchasing discussions in February. June, now, is just too late to have a Christmas holiday discussion with retailers. So retail has really dropped off. And journalists now, with the internet and the fact that 24/7 there is game news, its lost its impact around that. So the trade show became a trade show without a lot of trade activity. The world has changed, but E3 hasnt necessarily changed with it.

 Sony

Sony hosts the February Destination PlayStation event for retailers and third-party partners to make purchasing decisions of the year, especially for the holiday season. Since the PlayStation 5 is scheduled to launch in Holiday 2020, the Japanese company will most probably show off the console to retailers to get those orders for the Holiday launch. As Layden explained, June becomes too late for retailers to purchase products for the Holiday season which is why Sony has to unveil the console next month to make sure retailers are prepared to sell the PlayStation 5 when it launches during the holiday season.

Even game developer for Sony exclusive titles such as God of War and Twisted Metal had something to say about the upcoming reveal:

PS5 reveal is less than 4 weeks away. Sony knows hard core gamers are hanging on every scrap of info and know that just cause MSFT dominates the conversation at the moment, that's an easy thing to change when they are ready to reveal (assuming the reveal is good).  David Scott Jaffe (@davidscottjaffe) January 16, 2020

I want to say it's the worst kept secret in games right now. February reveal like they did for PS4.  David Scott Jaffe (@davidscottjaffe) January 16, 2020





According to Jaffe, the event could also take place by February 15, however many leakers have assured that the event is probably taking place on February 5. Regardless of the date, we can expect to hear more about the PlayStation 5 sometime next month and we cant wait to know more about the console.
India needs to imbibe best practices and policies from countries like Israel in order to accelerate innovation, a high-level delegation of India's apex software industry lobby NASSCOM has said.

The delegation which was on a three-day "Innovation Discovery" tour to Israel from January 19-21 on Tuesday said that India and Israel can collaborate in several vital areas such as agriculture and mobility.

"Innovation and Israel are synonymous. During the three days, we have met with key stakeholders across Israel and believe there are numerous opportunities for collaboration between India and Israel such as cyber security, health, agriculture and mobility among others," Debjani Ghosh, the president of National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), told PTI.

Ghosh said NASSCOM will continue to build innovation partnerships between companies in both markets.

Keshav Murugesh, the Chairman of NASSCOM Group & CEO, WNS Global Services, said that he is impressed by the right ecosystem for startups in Israel.

"Ecosystems are key for startups to scale and innovate. The visit to Israel has helped us to understand and appreciate the interconnected ecosystem that the country offers across government, VCs, accelerators and startups," Murugesh told PTI.

He said India should imbibe the best practices and polices from Israel to boost innovation.

"To accelerate innovation in India we need to imbibe best practices and policies from countries like Israel," he added.

Murugesh also said that NASSCOM delegation after returning to India will make relevant recommendations from the visit to the policy makers and other stakeholders.

The eight member high-level delegation held extensive discussions with researchers at leading institutes, Israeli CEOs and entrepreneurs, VCs, hi-tech industry leaders, non-profit organisations, officials at Israel Innovation Authority and Israel's Chief Scientist, Alexander Bligh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 10:34:05|Editor: xuxin

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday proposed a draft resolution on schedules of the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the Republican-led upper chamber.

The Senate will debate and vote on the resolution on Tuesday.

As expected, the four-page resolution does not require additional witnesses to be subpoenaed and does not allow House prosecutors to admit evidence into the Senate trial record until after the opening arguments are heard.

Instead, the resolution allows for a motion to be introduced to dismiss the impeachment charges by a simple majority vote.

According to the resolution, House impeachment managers will be allowed to begin their arguments 1 p.m. ET (1800 GMT) on Wednesday. They will have 24 hours over two days to make their opening arguments when they begin to present their case against Trump on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

Similarly, the president's legal team will also have two days to present their arguments. The two-day rule means that presentations from both sides could go late into the night.

Following the presentations, senators will have a chance to question both sides for a period of 16 hours.

Votes on calling witnesses or documents will not be allowed until after the question phase of the trial. Senators will be given four hours to debate witnesses and documents.

If the Senate sticks to the schedule and later votes down motions to subpoena witnesses or documents, the trial could be finished by the end of next week, said a TheHill news report.

"It's clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through," Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer said in a statement, "On something as important as impeachment, Senator McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace."

"McConnell's resolution stipulates that key facts be delivered in the wee hours of the night simply because he doesn't want the American people to hear them," Schumer said, vowing to force votes on amendments.

Schumer and other Democrats have pressed for witnesses like former National Security Advisor John Bolton to be called to testify during the trial, while McConnell has argued against their demands.

Earlier on Monday, Trump's lawyers argued that Trump had done nothing wrong. "The Senate should speedily reject these deficient articles of impeachment and acquit the president," Trump's legal team said in the president's first comprehensive defense.

"The Articles of Impeachment now before the Senate are an affront to the Constitution and to our democratic institutions. The Articles themselves - and the rigged process that brought them here - are a brazenly political act by House Democrats that must be rejected," Trump's lawyers wrote.

The filing accuses House Democrats of crafting two "flimsy" articles of impeachment and using impeachment as "a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election."

On Saturday, House Democrats unveiled a 111-page outline of their legal case, underlying the central assertion that the president abused his office, obstructed Congress and should be removed.

"The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that he is guilty of both. The only remaining question is whether the members of the Senate will accept and carry out the responsibility placed on them by the Framers of our Constitution and their constitutional Oaths," the brief compiled by seven House managers reads.

Trump was alleged to have pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching investigations that could politically benefit him. Furthermore, 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 U.S. 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 favor after a trial. Currently, the Senate has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents.
The extradition hearing for a Huawei executive detained at Washingtons request began in Canada on Monday.

Meng Wanzhou, who is also the daugher of the Chinese firms founder, is wanted by the US on fraud charges that she misled banks about the companys business dealings in Iran.

Ms Meng, who is free on bail and living in one of the two Vancouver mansions she owns, sat next to her lawyers wearing a black dress with white polka dots inside the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Expand Close Meng Wanzhou has been on bail and living in one of her Vancouver homes (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Meng Wanzhou has been on bail and living in one of her Vancouver homes (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press/AP)

She waved at reporters as she arrived at court.The 47-year-old was arrested on December 1 2018 at Vancouvers airport, with Canada deciding three months later there was sufficient evidence to take the case to a judge.

Beijing has accused Washington of engaging in a politically motivated attempt to hurt the company, with the case set against the backdrop of ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.

Ms Mengs arrest set off a diplomatic furore and has severely strained Canadian relations with China.

Huawei statement regarding Meng Wanzhou [video] pic.twitter.com/JtO88uTXYD  Huawei Canada (@Huawei_Canada) January 20, 2020

China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian entrepreneur Michael Spavor on December 10 2018 in an apparent attempt to pressure Canada to release Ms Meng.

The men have been accused of spying and remain imprisoned.

A Chinese court also sentenced a Canadian to death in a sudden retrial, overturning a 15-year prison term handed down earlier.

Expand Close Ms Meng is the chief financial officer of Huawei (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ms Meng is the chief financial officer of Huawei (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

The fraud allegations were a facade and the charges are really about Washington attempting to enforce its sanctions on Iran, Ms Mengs lawyer, Richard Peck, said in court on Monday.Would we be here in the absence of US sanctions law? My response is no, Mr Peck said.

The extradition hearings first session runs until Friday with the overall process expected to conclude in October.

The judge can recommend extradition but Canadas justice minister must decide if Ms Meng is to be sent to the US.

A second hearing about whether the law was followed by Canada Border Service Agency during her arrest is scheduled to begin in June.
By CALEB JONES, JENNIFER KELLEHER and MARCO GARCIA Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP)  An Hawaii handyman who is presumed dead inside a home that burned after he stabbed his landlord and fatally ambushed two police officers had a history of run-ins with police, authorities said, and his lawyer said the man thought the government was spying on him.

Jarovlav "Jerry" Hanel faced eviction because the landlord wanted to move into the home where he had stayed for free in return for maintenance work, said the lawyer, Jonathan Burge.

Authorities said Sunday that Hanel stabbed Lois Cain, the landlord who had filed court documents last week to evict him. After the stabbing, two Honolulu police officers were fatally shot and the home and neighboring structures later burst into flames.

Hanel is presumed dead inside the destroyed home, along with two other women who have not been identified, police said.

"Maybe that's what set him off if she went there and served him," with the eviction, Burge said.

Burge said he never expected Hanel to act out violently. "This is just kind of blowing my mind," he said. "I have never known him to violent, he did have some mental health issues. He thought the government was watching him all the time and tapping his phone, stuff like that."

Several years ago, a neighbor accused Hanel of shoving him. Hanel was acquitted of assault after a trial, Burge said. "But other than that, I had no idea about any violent stuff at all," Burge said. "He's kind of a quirky guy and had problems with the neighbors."

This undated photo provided by the Honolulu Police Department shows Officers Tiffany Enriquez, left, and Kaulike Kalama. Enriquez and Kalama were killed Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, while responding to a call. (Courtesy of Honolulu Police Department via AP)AP

Police responding Sunday morning to a call for help at the location found Cain stabbed in the leg. Then Hanel opened fire, killing Officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said.

It could take days for authorities to recover remains and process evidence inside the home in the famed Waikiki Beach neighborhood, Ballard said.

The fire just a few blocks from oceanfront high-rise buildings spread quickly, destroying seven homes and leaving others with fire or smoke damage.

A neighbor told The Associated Press she saw Cain being put into an ambulance suffering from knife wounds. Her condition was not disclosed.

Ian Felix, a Honolulu resident and combat veteran with medical training, told the AP he was walking by the home when he saw a woman lying on the ground with blood coming from her leg.

Felix put a tourniquet on the woman's leg until the first police officer arrived. Two more officers arrived moments later. Felix said he then heard two gunshots and that he and the officer carried the injured woman into a neighbor's garage across the street.

Ballard said Hanel did not have any gun permits.

Burge has represented Hanel since 2015 in various disputes with neighbors, including temporary restraining orders that three obtained against him. Hanel, a native of the Czech Republic who used Czech interpreters in court, faced a hearing next week on a charge of misusing 911 services, Burge said.

Cain was supportive of him in his disputes with neighbors, Burge said. But she wanted him to move out so she could move into the home and their relationship also soured because Hanel's dog had died and Cain wouldn't let him get a new one.

Burge said Hanel planned to go trial for the misusing 911 charge. "He thought he saw someone selling drugs nearby called the police they determined it wasn't happening," Burge said. "He didn't like their determination. He kept calling them until they told him stop." Police cited Hanel.

Neighbors accused him of "taking too much pictures of them little harassing things, making noise and smoke," Burge said.

Neighbor Dolores Sandvold said she heard screaming and gunshots and saw Cain being carried to an ambulance.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige said in a statement that the entire state mourns the loss of two Honolulu Police officers.
Murali Krishna CH By

Express News Service

Actor Bhagyashree has been signed on to essay a pivotal role in Prabhas upcoming movie, Prabhas 20. We hear that the Maine Pyar Kiya actor joined the sets on Monday and has shot for a few scenes along with the Baahubali star.

Bhagyashree is playing a crucial role in the film, the details and context of which are kept under wraps by the makers. She is excited to share screen space with Prabhas in a film which she is hoping to make people sit up and take notice of her acting prowess, informs a source from the production team.

The film also has Pooja Hegde as the female lead and she will join Prabhas on the sets from today. Directed by Radha Krishna Kumar, the film is being shot simultaneously in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Besides Prabhas 20, Bhagyashree will also be seen in Kitty Party and the Telugu remake of Hindi romantic drama 2 States.
Razdan shared a link to a news story detailing Afzal Guru's letter to his lawyer in early 2000s indicating that suspended Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh was involved in the conspiracy to attack the Indian Parliament

Mumbai: Veteran actor Soni Razdan on Tuesday stepped into controversy with a tweet demanding a probe into Afzal Guru's hanging and claiming the Parliament attack convict was used as a scapegoat.

The "Raazi" actor followed it up with another post to ask why no one took Guru's allegations that he was tortured by the now dismissed Jammu and Kashmir DSP Davinder Singh seriously.

Guru was hanged in February 2013.

Razdan shared a link to a news story detailing Guru's letter to his lawyer in early 2000s indicating that Singh was involved in the conspiracy to attack the Indian Parliament.

"This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is no to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat," she tweeted.

Singh was arrested on 12 January for ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in Kashmir Valley. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing Singh.

In a follow-up tweet, Razdan clarified that she was not calling Guru innocent. "No one is saying he is innocent. But if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did. Isn't that what needed to be fully investigated? Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously? That's the travesty," the actor added.
Regenerative Medicine Market Analysis

The global regenerative medicine market is anticipated to grow at a 25.4% CAGR between 2016-2022, states the new Market Research Future (MRFR) report. Regenerative medicine, simply put, is the process to regenerate or replace organs, tissues, or human cells to establish or restore normal function.

Latest Free Sample PDF Available @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2220

Numerous factors are adding to the growth of the global regenerative medicine market. These factors, according to the latest Market Research Future report, include increasing adoption of gene therapies, shortage of organs for transplantation, developments in monitoring devices and surgical technologies, increasing incidence of trauma emergencies, the emergence of nanotechnology, increasing popularity of stem cell technologies, and growing number of companies operating in regenerative medicine. Additional factors adding to the growth of the regenerative medicine market include rising investments by private agencies and governments, rising incidence of chronic diseases and genetic disorders, presence of different programs, increasing demand for this medicine to treat chronic wounds, orthopedic disorders, and cancer, rising growth in stem cell technology, development of CAR-T cell therapies, and Cures Act for regenerative medicine.

On the contrary, lack of awareness, operative inefficiency, high treatment costs, and strict government regulations are factors that may hamper the global regenerative medicine market growth during the forecast period.

Regenerative Medicine Market Segmentation

The Market Research Future report provides a complete segmental analysis of the global regenerative medicine market based on material, therapy, and application.

By material, the global regenerative medicine market is segmented into biologically derived materials, pharmaceuticals, genetically engineered materials, synthetic materials, and others. Of these, the biologically derived materials segment will have the maximum share in the market during the forecast period.

By therapy, the global regenerative medicine market is segmented into tissue engineering, cellular therapy, stem cell biology, and others. Of these, the cellular therapy segment will lead the market during the forecast period.

By application, the global regenerative medicine market is segmented into orthopedic, cardiovascular, dermatology, neurology, urology, oncology, cord blood, and others. Of these, the dermatology segment will command the largest share in the market during the forecast period. Numerous factors are adding to the growth of the segment, such as availability of various wound healing products that are FDA approved, technological advances, and availability of easy grafting methods for wounds and skin diseases.

Regenerative Medicine Market Regional Analysis

By region, the global Regenerative Medicine Market report covers the latest trends and growth opportunities across the Americas, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Of these, North America will dominate the market during the forecast period for the rapid technological advances, high investments in oncology research and stem cell, and the presence of several key players in the region. Besides, top organizations such as the National Stem Cell Foundation, International Society for Stem Cell Research, National Cancer Institute, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, and National Institutes of Health, are promoting research and development activities of regenerative medicine that is also adding to the market growth.

The global regenerative medicine market in Europe will have the second-largest share in the market during the forecast period, which is followed by the APAC region. Numerous factors are adding to the growth of the regenerative medicine market in the region, such as advancements in stem cell research, high spending in healthcare research, and the presence of regulatory environment in the region for clinical adoption of regenerative therapies that are cell-based. Japan and China are the key contributors in the region.

The global regenerative medicine market in the MEA will have limited growth during the forecast period for the absence of up to date healthcare set-up and scarcity of skilled professionals.

Regenerative Medicine Market Key Players

Notable players profiled in the global regenerative medicine market report include LifeCell Kinetic Concepts (US), StemCells Inc. (US), BioMimetic Therapeutics (US), Sanofi (France), CryoLife (US), Advanced Cell Technology (US), Baxter International, Inc. (US), RTI Surgical (US), C.R. Bard (US), Cook Biotech Inc. (US), Integra LifeSciences (US), Acelity (KCI Concepts) (US), Medtronic (Ireland), NuVasive, Inc. (US), Stryker Corporation (US), Vericel Corporation (US), Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (US), and Organogenesis Inc. (US).

Industry News

January 2020- Olympus has launched an innovative incubation monitoring system having confluency analysis and cell count to improve the workflow of regenerative medicine.

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Swiss police believe they foiled an attempt by Russian spies disguised as plumbers to bug the World Economic Forum in Davos where world leaders including Donald Trump are meeting this week.

Detectives questioned two Russian men in the luxury resort last August after they aroused suspicions during their three-week stay.

At least one of the men told police he was a plumber, Swiss paper Tages-Anzeiger reported today.

But suspicions were raised when the pair were found to be carrying diplomatic passports and could not explain how they got them.

Security is high around Davos as 3,000 world and business leaders are expected in the Alpine town during the three-day meeting

Donald Trump is among world leaders at the forum that Russian spies may have tried to bug

A police spokeswoman told AFP: 'It was a regular police check. Both men had Russian diplomatic passports but were not formally registered as diplomats in Switzerland.'

The men were said to have been let go after Switzerland was threatened with 'repercussions' if they were arrested.

Swiss authorities suspect the two men of carrying out 'preparatory work' to spy on the forum this week which is going ahead amid tight security.

The annual summit brings together top global political and business leaders, with US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel among those attending this year, making it an obvious potential target for a spying operation.

Russia denied any plot.

Russian embassy spokesman Stanislav Smirnov said: 'We did not receive any information about this from Swiss authorities. There is no evidence of spying.

'I don't rule out that it may have been people with Russian diplomatic passports - they do not necessarily need to be accredited in Switzerland.'

Asked why one of the men had claimed to be a plumber, Smirnov said it may have been a 'stupid joke' by the man.

Swiss police suspect spies under orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured) may have been trying to bug the World Economic Forum in Davos

Trump waves to the media as he is surrounded by tight security at Davos on Tuesday

Tages-Anzeiger said the men may have been preparing a wiretapping or hacking operation in Davos, and cited several sources saying that Russian officials 'threatened diplomatic consequences if the men were arrested'.

The paper said the Swiss Attorney General's Office had not opened criminal proceedings into the Davos incident.

Switzerland has become increasingly alert to Russian spies operating in the country, after a 2018 report from the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service found that one in four Russian diplomats based there was a spy.

Switzerland has been probing two alleged Russian agents for planning a cyber attack on the Spiez laboratory in Bern, which does analytical work for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The lab at the time was investigating the poisoning of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal with a nerve agent.

Swiss authorities also suspect Russia of being behind a cyber attack on the Lausanne office of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

WADA has been a thorn in Moscow's side for several years over drug cheating in Russian sport.

The Montreal-based watchdog suspended Russia's Anti-Doping Agency in 2015 after declaring it to be non-compliant following evidence of a vast plan backed by Moscow to cheat at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

WADA has since imposed a four-year ban on Russia from major sporting events, which Moscow is appealing.
Deep within Gov. Tim Walz's proposed $2.03 billion bonding budget for the 2020 legislative session are several items that should make Southeast Minnesota folks happy.

There are also several bonding request items that are missing that cities were hoping to see. Of course, with the legislative session just starting, there's plenty of time for items ignored by the governor to make the House or Senate bonding bill, just as there is time for items the governor wants to fund to get left off the Legislature's versions.

What Walz Likes In SE MN

Around Southeast Minnesota, several requests from local governments made Walz's budget list. Those include $9.728 million to complete the $29.974 million renovation of a former high school into the Chatfield Center for the Arts. The governor's budget would give Chatfield the full amount of funding it requested for its project.

Two other cities in the region made the governor's list, but did not receive full funding for their requests under his budget proposal.

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In Lake City, the city had requested $3.368 million in bonding funds for a series of connected projects that include a 280-foot breakwater near Ohuta Beach to protect the beach from erosion; a parking lot restructuring at Roschen Park, plus a breakwater and boat ramp at the site; restoration and stabilization of the Lake Pepin shoreline; and a new parking lot and other infrastructure improvements at the Lake City Sportsman's Club. About $665,000 of the funds requested by the city did not make the governor's budget proposal.

The total cost of all the Lake City projects combined is roughly $6.6 million, meaning the governor's budget, if accepted, would cover about 41 percent of the total cost.

In Red Wing, the city's requests for three projects all made the governor's budget list, but one did not make the full funding request by the city. The city's request for $2 million for the Upper Harbor-Bay Point renewal fully made the governor's list as did the $900,000 for Mississippi Blufflands State Trail engineering and construction. However, a requested $2.1 million for reconstruction of Old West Main Street was held down to only $1 million on the governor's list.

"Including our riverfront renewal project in the bonding bill is great news for the city of Red Wing and the entire region," Red Wing Mayor Sean Dowse said in a statement released by the city. "Continuing upgrading our riverfront, improving trail access, and rebuilding critical infrastructure are important."

What Walz Passed Over

Missing completely from the governor's budget are two wastewater projects in Southeast Minnesota where city's are looking to improve their infrastructure. A $7.5 million request for improvements to Austin's wastewater treatment facility was left out of the governor's list, as was another $6.75 million in Austin for the Cedar River Watershed District and for site improvements at the Ramsey Scientific and Natural Area.

The biggest item overlooked outside of Rochester in Southeast Minnesota was the $20.384 million requested by the city of Oronoco to construct a regional wastewater treatment facility.

Oronoco Mayor Ryland Eichhorst said getting snubbed by the governor's list doesn't have him worried.

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"We met with both House and Senate Capital Investment Committee bonding bill tours of Southeast Minnesota this past fall," Eichhorst said. "So there is continued awareness of Oronocos project and need for funding."

Eichhorst said the city's requests haven't made the governor's budget list over the past two or three years  whether talking about Gov. Walz or former Gov. Mark Dayton  yet the city has received funding on the last two bonding bills totaling $3 million for the preliminary work done on it's wastewater project.

Eichhorst said he's a "glass-half-full, optimistic person." And while a conversation with the governor's office to talk with one of his policy advisers last fall did not pay off, the mayor is hopeful the ground work the city has laid with the House and Senate appropriations committees will help Oronoco realize its goal of a wastewater treatment plant.

"We'll get the funding we need to go forward," Eichhorst said.

In addition to some of the specific requests cities hoped to include in Gov. Tim Walz's 2020 bonding budget request, the list includes a few other general items that have direct connection to ongoing projects in Southeast Minnesota.

The governor recommended $20 million for flood infrastructure, specifically pointing to Austin and Rushford as cities with projects designed to reduce the risk of flooding.

A $4 million recommendation for competitive grants for local and regional parks and trails could be a target for cities like St. Charles and Eyota, which have long sought trail money to join its city trail system to the Great River Ridge Trail.

The Port Development Assistance Program would get $10 million under Walz's budget. That program could be funding source for the city of Wabasha as it develops a new port on the Mississippi River.

Another $10 million recommended for the Passenger Rail Program is slated to develop a second daily Amtrak trail between the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago. This is a goal long shared by Red Wing and Winona, which serve as stops along the current train's route.
EAGLE POINT, Ore.  The City of Eagle Point has agreed to pay the family of Matthew Graves $4.5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit, according to a statement from the family's attorneys. Graves was shot and killed by an Eagle Point Police officer during an altercation inside of Carl's Jr. in September of 2018.

"The parties have settled this case for $4.5 million, ending the year-long litigation over the September 19, 2018, death of Matthew Graves, who was shot and killed by Officer Daniel Cardenas after an alleged jaywalking incident," Graves family attorneys Kelly Andersen and David Linthorst said in a statement. "Graves was unarmed."

According to the attorneys, City County Insurance (CIS) will pay the settlement. CIS insures the City of Eagle Point, the Police Department, and Officer Cardenas.

A grand jury cleared Cardenas and another Eagle Point Police officer of any criminal wrongdoing after deliberations in October of 2018. The District Attorney's Office also released body camera footage of the incident leading up to Graves' death.

Within days, the Graves family began considering a wrongful death suit against the Eagle Point Police Department. The family officially filed suit in early December of 2018.

"Matthew Graves' parents filed the lawsuit to get answers about what happened that night," Andersen and Linthorst wrote. "They wanted to shine light on the actions of Officer Cardenas and on the policies of the Eagle Point Police Department."

RELATED: DA's Office releases grand jury transcript from Graves shooting

The attorneys said that the Graves family hopes the case will help police officers become better trained for interactions with the mentally ill, including de-escalation techniques  potentially preventing "another tragedy like Matthew's death."

During the grand jury proceedings, the two officers involved claimed that they thought Matthew had gotten hold of a gun when he grabbed a fallen Taser  a black object with a grip that looked similar to a handgun. A number of other local law enforcement agencies use Tasers marked with yellow to make them easily visible and distinguishable from a gun.

"[The Graves'] hope that Taser manufacturers and law enforcement agencies world-wide will recognize the deadly consequences of using Tasers that are easily confused with handguns," Andersen and Linthorst wrote.

The attorneys said that the Graves' plan to use much of the money gained in the settlement to make donations for local organizations that help the homeless and those with mental illnesses in Matthew's honor.

RELATED: Family and friends hold vigil for Matthew Graves one year after fatal shooting

"The Graves family emphasize that they support law enforcement officers in the heroic and often dangerous work they do," the lawyers wrote. "They believe Cardenas' conduct on the night of September 19 . . . was a terrible and tragic departure from the methods and manners the vast majority of police officers would have used in the same situation."

"The Graves family wants to thank the communities of Eagle Point and Southern Oregon for their support and compassion following this tragedy. As they believe now is the time for healing, neither they nor their legal team intend to grant any interviews," Andersen and Linthorst concluded.

NewsWatch 12 reached out to the City of Eagle Point for comment on the settlement and will update this article with any further information that comes forward.
ST HELIER, Jersey, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE AMERICAN: CMCL; AIM: CMCL; TSX: CAL) (Caledonia or the Company) is pleased to announce the completion of the purchase of an additional 15 per cent shareholding in Blanket Mine (1983) (Private) Limited (Blanket).



Summary

Todays announcement marks the completion of the transaction first announced on November 6, 2018, following receipt of approvals from various Zimbabwean regulatory authorities.

The purchase of Fremiros 15 per cent holding means Caledonias shareholding in Blanket is now 64 per cent.

Gross consideration for Fremiros shareholding in Blanket is $16.667 million which has been settled through the cancellation of a loan between Fremiro and Caledonia and the issue of 727,266 new shares in Caledonia.

Fremiro will now hold approximately 6.3 per cent of Caledonias enlarged issued share capital.

On November 6, 2018, Caledonia announced it had entered into a legally binding agreement with Fremiro Investments (Private) Limited ("Fremiro") to purchase Fremiro's 15 per cent shareholding in Blanket. Completion of the purchase required approvals from various Zimbabwean regulatory authorities, all of which have now been received. The gross consideration for Fremiros shareholding in Blanket is $16.667 million which has been settled through the cancellation of the loan between Fremiro and the Company which stood at $11.467 million as at June 30, 2018; and the issue of 727,266 new shares in Caledonia at an issue price of $7.15 per share, being the closing price on the NYSE American at August 17, 2018. Consequently, Caledonias shareholding in Blanket is 64 per cent and Fremiro holds approximately 6.3 per cent of Caledonias issued share capital.

Commenting on the transaction, Steve Curtis, Chief Executive Officer, said:

I am pleased to report that the Company has concluded its transaction with Fremiro to increase Caledonias shareholding in Blanket to 64 per cent. I would like to thank Fremiro for its support as a shareholder in Blanket during the last seven years and am confident that Fremiro, now as a significant shareholder in the Company, will continue to be supportive of Caledonias business going forward.

Background

Fremiro acquired its shareholding in Blanket when Caledonia implemented transactions in 2012 to comply with the Zimbabwean Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act (the "Act"). As part of the transactions, Caledonia sold 41 per cent of Blanket to the following indigenous Zimbabwean shareholders:

Fremiro:15 per cent

The National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund: 16 per cent

Blanket Employee Trust Services (Private) Limited: 10 per cent

The financing of these acquisitions was facilitated through approximately $30 million of facilitation loans to the above parties apportioned pro rata between the parties based on shareholding.

In addition, 10 per cent of Blanket was donated to the local community in the form of the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust.

In March 2018 the Act was amended to remove the 51 per cent indigenisation requirement for gold mining businesses; shortly thereafter, Caledonia and Fremiro agreed a transaction whereby Caledonia would purchase Fremiro's shareholding in Blanket.

Per the Companys announcement of November 6, 2018, Caledonia is issuing 727,266 common shares to Fremiro under the terms of the transaction. Application has been made by Caledonia for these shares to be admitted in the form of depositary interests to trading on AIM and it is anticipated that trading in such securities will commence at 8am on or around January 24, 2020 (Admission). Upon Admission, Caledonias issued share capital will be 11,515,860 common shares. There are no shares held in treasury. The total voting rights in the Company upon Admission are therefore 11,515,860 and this figure may be used by shareholders and depositary interest holders as the denominator for the calculations by which they determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company.

For further information please contact:

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc

Mark Learmonth

Maurice Mason

Tel: +44 1534 679 800

Tel: +44 759 078 1139 WH Ireland (Nomad & Broker)

Adrian Hadden/James Sinclair-Ford

Tel: +44 20 7220 1751 Blytheweigh

Tim Blythe/Camilla Horsfall/Megan Ray

Tel: +44 207 138 3204 3PPB

Patrick Chidley

Paul Durham

Tel: +1 917 991 7701

Tel: +1 203 940 2538

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.
Burtons Biscuit Company-owned Maryland is set to return to TV this February.

The What would you do for a Maryland? campaign, which cost 350,000, will premier during ITVs The Voice on Saturday 1 January in a prime time Saturday night slot. It will also be supported by social media activity.

The advert asks what people would do for a Maryland cookie  a question which the brand asked the nation last spring, in a UK-wide search for the official Maryland cookie taster. More than 300 people applied, some of whom pledged to climb Everest, walk 1,000 miles or attend a festival dressed as a Cookie Monster for the chance to eat their way through Marylands entire product range.

Maryland, which according to analysts Nielsen is worth 46m, reported a sales uplift for the 10g cookie championed in the advert when it previously aired in February 2018. Sales also improved for its wider portfolio including Maryland Big & Chunky and Maryland Minis.

In December last year Burtons launched its Under 100 Cal Club, designed to help consumers make an informed choice by offering bite size and individual portions of biscuits.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:27:28|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Chinese artists perform to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jan. 21, 2020. A troupe of artists from northwest China's Gansu province performed traditional Chinese dance, music, and martial arts here Tuesday evening to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan. 25. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A troupe of artists from northwest China's Gansu province performed traditional Chinese dance, music, and martial arts here Tuesday evening to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan. 25.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, and Cambodian Princess Norodom Arun Rasmey were among about 2,000 spectators watching the show, which was held at the Diamond Island Grand Theatre.

Speaking in his speech during the opening ceremony of the cultural performance, Namhong said the Year of the Rat is believed to be the year of luck, love and fortune.

"On behalf of the Cambodian government, I wish China further development in all fields in the New Year," he said. "China's peaceful development has importantly contributed to safeguarding global peace and driving global economic growth."

The deputy prime minister was confident that cooperation between China and countries around the world will be closer in the new year, particularly under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Ambassador Wang said the cultural performance was a good opportunity for Cambodian audience to better understand about Chinese culture and civilization.

"The performance will feature the richness of culture and traditions in China's Gansu province," he said at the opening ceremony. "I hope that this show will not only let you experience wonderful cultural performances, but also let you better know about the Chinese Spring Festival."

The two-and-a-half-hour show presented diverse artistic forms and each of the performances had drawn hearty rounds of applause from the audience.

"This is the first time that I watched such a vivid and amazing cultural performance. All artists are very talented," a 19-year-old spectator Sath Keonisa told Xinhua.

"I think such a show will contribute to strengthening cultural ties and promoting people-to-people bonds between the two countries," she said.

Another viewer Lim Nob, 21, said he longed to see more of such cultural performances.

"It was the best-ever performance I had seen. Such a performance gave an opportunity to Cambodian people to better understand the richness of Chinese culture," he said.
In the opening minutes of Freeform's "Party of Five," Javier and Gloria Acosta (Bruno Bichir and Fernanda Urrejola) are arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the restaurant they own and operate. They're terrified, but also they're confused. No, they don't have papers. But they've been in America for two decades. They have five children. Why seize them now, after all this time?

"Things have changed," one of the agents says.

So they have. Two decades ago, we didn't have a government promising to build a wall on the Mexican border, or an administration erecting barriers even to legal immigration and refugees, or rising deaths among detained migrants, or a president declaring, "Our Country is FULL."

And two decades ago, when the original "Party of Five" depicted five siblings raising one another without their parents, all it needed was the time-tested premise of killing off mom and dad. Back then, the five Salinger siblings ran a family restaurant and shared a fabulous town house in the low-key aftermath of loss, in a community that sympathized with them. No one goes to a rally to rage against orphans.

Now, the five Acosta kids are in an ongoing trauma and a more vulnerable situation, managing their deported parents' business while worrying about what else society might take from them.

The new "Party of Five," from the original's creators, Amy Lippman and Christopher Keyser, is in many ways so far a standard, sentimental family melodrama. But it has urgency and energy because, unlike so many TV remakes that try to turn back time, it's about how times have changed.

Freeform's "Party" keeps the same template for its siblings. The oldest, Emilio (Brandon Larracuente), is a womanizing musician who suddenly has to settle down as the family unit's only remaining adult. The fraternal twins, Beto (Niko Guardado) and Lucia (Emily Tosta), suddenly have life-changing stresses on top of their high school woes, while the brainy younger sister, Valentina (Elle Paris Legaspi), is balled up with anxiety. (There's also a baby brother, who has no lines but capably turns the emotional screws.)

The big difference is that their parents are still alive, and that's the show's biggest early strength. Death is a finite blow; family separation is a chronic torment. Javier and Gloria are just hours away in Mexico  they Skype to send their love and micromanage the business  but separated torturously by the impenetrable scrim of the law. It's a kind of living ghost story.

So the Acostas still have their parents, unlike the Salingers, but they also have far less privilege. There's the looming possibility that Emilio, who entered the country with his parents, could lose the protection he has under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (Later episodes also introduce other immigrant perspectives, from a runaway teenager Lucia befriends to a teacher who looks down on undocumented families for making things harder "for the rest of us.")

In the pilot's most wrenching scene, the Acosta kids watch as their parents are wrested from them in a detention center, and Javier urges Lucia to keep her dignity and let everyone know "who we are." She answers angrily: "They don't care who we are." At heart, "Party of Five" aims to prove her wrong.

It's not alone in this. Another reboot, "Roswell, N.M." on the CW, weaves in the real-life issue of immigration with a metaphorical story of space aliens. Story lines about raids, detention and deportation have been written into the recently finished "Orange Is the New Black," Fox's otherwise forgettable "Deputy" and big-box workplace sitcom "Superstore."

But one of the strongest responses to our moment draws not on current headlines but on the recent immigrant past. "Little America," an anthology whose first season arrives on Apple TV Plus on Friday, describes American immigration as a complicated love story, one made more bittersweet by knowing the ugly turns that story has recently taken.

"Little America," whose producers include Lee Eisenberg ("The Office"), Alan Yang ("Master of None") and Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani ("The Big Sick"), bases its half-hour episodes on a series of articles in Epic magazine. It feels existentially political, though it's never overtly so. Its mode is not angry or didactic but full-throatedly patriotic  a spirit-of-2015, "Immigrants, we get the job done" belief that making America bigger makes it better.

The individual stories are short and pithy. (One, set at a silent meditation retreat, feels like an extended setup for a punch line.) But collectively, the show's understanding of the immigrant experience is complex and nuanced.

In "Little America," the impulse to pick up stakes and move is hopeful, but it inevitably comes with loss. It's about aspiration and hustle and dreams, but it's also about homesickness, alienation and loneliness.

The protagonists are at once fascinated with and confounded by America. In "The Cowboy," a lonely Nigerian college student (Conphidance) in early '80s Oklahoma takes to wearing boots and a Stetson hat, which are both icons of his new surroundings and a nostalgic reminder of the Westerns he watched as a kid in his village. But he still can't get over the American "sickness" of dousing hamburgers in ketchup: "When God made the meat, do you think God said to Adam, 'This must have the sauce'?"

The immigrants of "Little America," documented or otherwise, are not universally accepted. (There are deportations and xenophobia here, too.) But they're more intensely American for having opted in. Because the episodes are based on true stories, they're set in the past, anywhere from the 1960s to the last decade. They never mention current politics.

Yet the unspoken contrast between the past and now somehow makes a more potent statement.
A fringe political group lobbying against vaccination and fluoride is attempting to change their name to the Informed Medical Options Party ahead of an upcoming state election.

The Involuntary Medication Objectors (Vaccination/Fluoride) Party have applied to the Australian Electoral Commission for a name change.

The Australian Medical Association has slammed the move as 'fraudulent' amid fears it could mislead voters at the 2021 West Australian poll.

'IMOP believes that the medical freedoms of Australians are at risk like never before in history,' their website reads.

'IMOP will protect the rights of Australians to refuse any medical procedure or product, without being subjected to any form of coercion.'

The Involuntary Medication Objectors (Vaccination/Fluoride) Party (IMOP) have applied for a name change to the Australian Electoral Commission

IMOP Founder Michael O'Neill said Australians are 'highly suspicious' of what AMA promotes

Australian Medical Association President Andrew Miller said there was no 'truth' in the political party's proposed new name.

'They are neither informed nor medical. This is a party for people who want to support disease and anti-health propaganda based on internet conspiracy theories,' he told The West Australian.

He suggested a more suitable name would be 'the grab bag of anti-science and anti-health party'.

Dr Miller claims changing the party's name could further confuse voters into placing their ballots toward a party which doesn't support their views.

The anti-vaxxer party is looking to change the name ahead of West Australia's state election next year

IMOP Founder Michael O'Neill refuted the comments, stating that Australians are 'highly suspicious' of what AMA promotes.

'The IMOP party is committed to opposing all compulsory or coerced medication, and full transparency for any medical procedure that is put before the Australian people and funded by our tax dollars,' he told the publication.

'Vaccination is a protected industry, and for the AMA to object to our calls for full transparency, makes you wonder what they are frightened of or who is paying them.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted IMOP for further comment.
[January 21, 2020] PPG Foundation Supports Australian Bushfires Relief Efforts

PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced initiatives to support Australian bushfire relief efforts. The company will donate $50,000 USD ($72,432 AUD) to the Australian Red Cross to assist with emergency relief efforts. PPG has also committed to matching employee donations up to $25,000 USD ($36,193 AUD) for a total contribution of $75,000 USD ($108,625 AUD). Locally, PPG employees in Australia are working with retail partners to establish and support a long-term community rebuilding program for affected areas, and hosting additional fundraisers at various PPG sites. In Australia, PPG has nearly 1,000 employees working across two manufacturing sites, five sales offices, 12 automotive refinish branches and 49 paint store locations. Several of our local employees are volunteering in the firefighting efforts, and PPG is providing paid time off for their services. "Our thoughts are with our Australian colleagues and all of the people and wildlife of Australia as they face the devastating bushfires,"said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation, global corporate social responsibility. "We truly are one, global PPG community and lend our support through these relief efforts."



PPG's global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested more than $9 million in 2018, supporting hundreds of organizations across 28 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today's skilled workforce and develop tomorrow's innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com. PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers' biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.1 billion in 2019. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com. We protect and beautify the world, Colorful Communities and PPG Paints are trademarks and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. CATEGORY Community Affairs View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005806/en/

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NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

The market for thermal spray coatings is expected to register a significant growth during the forecast period, 2018 to 2023. This significant growth in the market is primarily driven by rising popularity of thermal spray ceramics coatings globally.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778178/?utm_source=PRN

Increasing Popularity of Ceramics Coatings Driving the Market



Thermal spray ceramic coating technologies are used to offer various types of protection in the form of coatings to a wide range of industrial components. Owing to their ability to reduce or prevent wear and tear of components caused by erosion, abrasion, corrosion, manage thermal or electrical conductivity and other key properties, they are being increasingly used in numerous industrial and commercial sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and oil and gas. Additionally, thermal spray ceramic coatings are primarily applied using the plasma-spraying process, owing to their generally high melting temperatures and low thermal conductivity. This makes them suitable for usage for specialized applications that require the materials to withstand forces at high temperatures. Also increasing demand for gas turbines in the oil & gas industry for offshore exploration are driving the market for industrial gas turbines in turn providing a positive outlook for the thermal spray coatings market.



Aerospace to be the Largest Application



In the aerospace sector, thermal spray coatings are extensively used as protective coatings to protect aircraft components and repair the old ones. They are used in the protection of engine turbine blades, actuation systems to provide high thermal resistance and longevity. Thermal spray coatings such as zirconium oxide, aluminum bronze, cobalt-molybdenum are used for coating purposes in rocket combustion chambers, compressor air seals and high pressure nozzles, respectively. Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa regions are expected to witness rapid expansion in the aviation sector owing to rising consumer incomes and investments in transportation infrastructure in near future.



North America to Dominate the Market



North America represented the largest regional market for global thermal spray coatings market in 2017. The U.S. is expected to remain the major market for thermal spray coatings in the region owing to the increasing demand for improved performance at competitive costs and meeting all the regulations and industry standards. In the region, major application for thermal spray coatings include aerospace. In the year 2017, the aerospace industry contributed around USD 143 billion in export sales to U.S. economy.



Major Players: Praxair Surface Technologies, Air Products & Chemicals, Oerlikon Group, A&A Company, ASB Industries, etc., among others.



Reasons to Purchase this Report

- Identify the current and future prospects of the global thermal spray coatings market in the developed and emerging markets

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Weve come a long way from being able to superimpose Trumps hair on our own heads. Weve also come a long way from wearing masks and sunglasses in public for reasons of fashion or healthcare. Now, its about dodging facial recognition.

Protesters in Hong Kong are doing exactly this to avoid facial recognition technologies, with some even employing lasers that cameras cant process or recognize. But its not just amid mass protests in Hong Kong that everyone should be worried about facial recognition technology. Its used everywhere from airports and shopping centers to all that lies in between.

Proponents hail the crime-solving and potential crime-prevention benefits, but the sacrifice is great.

Privacy advocates say it could lead to automatically identifying and tracking anyone, not just criminals, and it can be used for violations of privacy.

For instance, the New York Times reports that one small tech startup company, with initial funding from controversial Facebook board member Peter Thiel, is selling more than three billion photos of U.S. citizens to hundreds of law enforcement agencies.

Clearview AI, a small startup created three years ago by Australian tech entrepreneur Hoan Ton-That, whose prior claim to fame was an app that let users put President Trump's hairdo on their own photos, now has a massive database of photos scraped off Facebook, Venmo, YouTube and other sites.

This would be a sizable boost to the FBI's own database--one of the largest--of over 641 million images of U.S. citizens.

The company also reported that its customer base has actually grown to more than 600 law enforcement agencies and some private security companies. NYT listed the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and local police forces across the U.S.--along with a lineup of private security outfits.

Access by private security companies should be cause enough for concern, but it goes beyond that. Clearview has also reportedly developed a feature for augmented reality glasses that could allow users to instantly identify anyone they pass in the street.

The company says it has no plans to commercialize these--for now.



Clearview also claims it only uses publicly available images, including news articles, social media accounts, and public mugshot databases. So according to them, they are not violating any laws.

Indeed, everyone using social media to live virtual lives is essentially gifting images to companies such as Clearview, to law enforcement agencies, and to private security companies.

Privacy is something that we, in this era, seem to give away freely and value far too little--until its too late.

The NYT revelations come as U.S. lawmakers are taking steps to crack down on the use of live facial recognition, citing privacy and governance concerns.

A few cities, including San Francisco and Oakland, have banned use of facial recognition technology, but there are no bans at a federal level yet.

Last November, two senators introduced a bipartisan bill that would limit how agencies like the FBI and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could use the tech. Elsewhere, the European Commission announced that it is considering banning the technology from public areas for up to five years.

Related: The Great Silicon Valley Migration Has Begun

Nor is Clearview the only threat on this level. There are quite a few companies in the facial recognition industry, both well-known and lesser-known, and some boasting contracts with various law enforcement and government agencies.

The market for facial recognition tech is gaining in leaps and bounds. Its expected to grow from $3.2 billion last year to $7.0 billion by 2024. Thats in the U.S. alone.

Amazon seems to be increasingly working with U.S. police forces, such as it did in 2018 when marketing its facial recognition product, Rekognition. That move caused nearly two dozen Amazon shareholder groups to pressure CEO Jeff Bezos to stop selling it out of concern that the technology would represent yet another threat to our privacy and help the government cement its mass surveillance capabilities.

Rekognition also curates photos of online profiles and shopping experiences, as well as images from its Ring doorbell security application, creating profiles of U.S. citizens. As for Ring, more than 600 police forces across the country have entered into partnerships with the company, allowing them to quickly request and download video captured by the cameras.

In 2018, employees from a few tech companies, including Microsoft, Salesforce and Google, demanded those companies stop selling software and services to the government and law enforcement agencies.

But its a slippery slope, and when big money is involved and much of that money goes to advertising the everyday convenience of these fun new technologies, the public tends to become numb to the end game. That endgame is the extremely lucrative complete destruction of privacy.

By Michael Kern for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
FELTON, California, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market scope was projected at US$ 2.5 billion in 2018. It is likely to reach US$ 31.3 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 41.5% during the prediction period.

Drivers:

The increasing necessity for pull down the prices of healthcare, increasing significance of big data in healthcare, increasing implementation of precision medication, and decreasing the prices of hardware are some features motivating the development of the global artificial intelligence in healthcare market. Additionally, growing applicability of artificial intelligence centered tools in therapeutic care and growth in project capital investments can be credited to the gush in demand for this equipment. Such as, Care Predict, Inc. utilizes technology of artificial intelligence to observe alterations in performance patterns and movement for timely discovery of fitness problems.

Growing number of cross-industry corporations is projected to increase the acceptance of artificial intelligence in the sector of healthcare. This is additionally accountable for its rewarding rate of development. GNS Healthcare came into a cross-industry corporation with Amgen and Alliance for clinical trials in oncology, in September 2018. The group effort was intended at put on information from clinical trials and artificial intelligence to recognize issues that accelerate the reactions of treatment in metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients.

Implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare is increasing, by way of growth in emphasis on refining class of patient care by way of applying artificial intelligence in numerous features of healthcare services, for example surgeries & cybernetic supporters. The artificial intelligence centered apparatuses, for example support systems of clinical decision & software for voice recognition, assistance in restructuring of workflow procedures in hospitals and refining medicinal care, by this means increasing patient experience.

The combination of artificial intelligence in healthcare has a number of paybacks for together providers of healthcare along with patients. For example, artificial intelligence permits custom-made attention, on the basis of fitness disorder and previous medicinal history. Furthermore, artificial intelligence centered apps can be utilized for nonstop observing of wellbeing. Sequentially this would guarantee appropriate treatment & care and can ultimately decrease the stay in hospital.

Get Sample PDF and read more details about the "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market" Report 2025.

Classification:

The global artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare industry can be classified by Application, Component and Region. By Application it can be classified as Dosage Error Reduction, Fraud Detection, Diagnosis, Administrative Workflow Assistants, Robot-assisted Surgery, Cybersecurity, Clinical Trials, Connected Machines, and Virtual Assistants. By Component, it can be classified as Software, Hardware and Services.

Regional Lookout:

By Region the global AI in healthcare market can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America ruled the global market for artificial intelligence in healthcare in 2018. Obtainability of capital for increasing proficiencies of artificial intelligence, increasing acceptance of healthcare IT solutions and deep-rooted sector of healthcare are some of the reasons funding to the development of the market within the region. The U.S.A detained the biggest share of income in North America, and is expected to keep up its place during the period of forecast. Progressions in technology and growing inventiveness by the government are helping acceptance of digital display place in life sciences, this can moreover be credited to this share.

Asia Pacific is likely to appear such as the speedily developing region. Refining infrastructure for healthcare IT, increasing number of startups for artificial intelligence and progressively growing acceptance of progressive technologies are some of the reasons donating to the development of the artificial intelligence in healthcare industry. Growth in number of government inventiveness for the technology of artificial intelligence (AI) within this region is likewise projected to support the development. South Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT declared in March 2019, that it would initiate an experimental service of artificial intelligence centered accuracy medication facility known as Dr. Answer, in December 2019.

Companies:

Partnerships with other contestants of the business, diversity in services and more funds for the activities of Research & Development are some the important policies accepted by these companies for attaining the reasonable advantage. IBM Corporation declared a 10-year partnerships with Brigham Women's Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center comprising an investment of US$ 50 million for the research of artificial intelligence, in February 2019.

Some of the important companies for AI in healthcare industry are: DeepMind Technologies Limited, Microsoft, NVIDIA Corporation, Intel Corporation, Nuance Communications, Inc., and IBM Corporation.

Browse 120 page research report with TOC on "Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market" at: https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-healthcare-market

Market Segment:

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Software Solutions



Hardware



Services

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Robot Assisted Surgery



Virtual Assistants



Administrative Workflow Assistants



Connected Machines



Diagnosis



Clinical Trials



Fraud Detection



Cybersecurity



Dosage Error Reduction

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





Spain





Italy





Russia





France



Asia Pacific



Australia





Japan





South Korea





India





China





Singapore



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico





Argentina



Middle East & Africa

&

South Africa





UAE





Saudi Arabia

Browse reports of similar category available with Million Insights:

About Million Insights:

Million Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place, that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying, is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive.

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21.01.2020 LISTEN

Distance can be a barrier to one's choice of formal education.

The gap between the Northern and the Southern Zones of Ghana was further widened because there was a delay in formal education in the North. It took time for the people in the North to produce book intellectuals not because we are not capable but because we were deprived of the opportunities.

I have read and heard stories of how people in the past could trek on foot or travel from as far as in Wa, Bolgatanga, Bimbilla to Tamale to have access to formal education especially when Tamale Senior High School was the only Second cycle institution in the Northern Zone.

An example is the late Cardinal Peter Derry. This abnormally was corrected later on but it gave an advantage to only those who could survive it to be educated.

North had to depend on workers from the South because they had access to formal education earlier.

No one can deny the significance of legal education or legal brains to the development of humanity and for that matter, there should not be a situation where one should suffer to acquire legal education.

Today, one can say there is only one University in the Five Northern Regions, that is, the University for Development Studies but this University does not run a Law program. The other few private Universities and public University Centres in the regions do not offer LLB programs for potential lawyers.

One can only be able to read law in Ghana in Tertiary institutions like University of Ghana (Accra), University for professional Studies (Accra), KAAF University (Accra), Lancaster University (Accra), Wisconsin University College (Accra), MountCrest University (Accra), Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration -GIMPA (Accra, Kumasi), University of Cape Coast (Cape Coast), KNUST (Kumasi), Presbyterian University College (Kumasi), etc.

The question one would like to ask is, if one can not travel to those towns due to physical disability, or other reasons to attend a school, it means one can not have access to legal education?

I would urge the Big men from the North to make it a point to consider introducing or establishing Legal Studies institutions in the North for us to also have access to legal education to produce lawyers for the Regions.

It would not also be bad if Ghana law school should establish a branch in the North as done in GIMPA, KNUST in the Southern Zone of Ghana.
The family of a London teenager found dead after she disappeared from a Malaysian nature resort last year is suing the sites owner for alleged negligence and has urged the government to hold an inquest to determine what happened to her.

Nora Anne Quoirins disappearance from her familys cottage at the Dusun eco-resort in the southern state of Negeri Sembilan on 4 August last year sparked a massive search operation. Her naked body was discovered on 13 August beside a small stream about 1.6 miles from the resort.

Police have said there was no sign the 15-year-old had been abducted or raped, with a preliminary postmortem investigation showing she succumbed to intestinal bleeding due to starvation and stress.

Sankara Nair, a lawyer for Noras parents Meabh and Sebastien Quoirin, said the family strongly believed Nora was abducted as she has mental and physical disabilities and could not have wandered off on her own.

The lawsuit says a cottage window was found ajar, with its latch broken, on the morning she disappeared.

Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia Show all 9 1 /9 Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia A Royal Malaysian Police officer points to a map showing the search and rescue operation area for the missing 15-year-old Franco-Irish teenager Nora Quoirin in Seremban AFP/Getty Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia Members of a rescue team conducts a search and rescue operation for a missing British girl at a forest in Seremban EPA Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia A member of a rescue team conducts a search and rescue operation for a missing British girl at a forest in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019. Malaysian police said Wednesday they were analyzing fingerprints found in a forest resort cottage where Nora Anne Quoirin, the British teenager, was reported missing AP Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia A member of a rescue team conducts a search and rescue operation for a missing British girl at a forest in Seremban AFP/Getty Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia Royal Malaysian Chief of Police of Nilai District Mohd Nor Marzukee Besar (C) conducts a briefing before a search and rescue operation for the missing 15-year-old Franco-Irish girl Nora Quoirin in Seremban AFP/Getty Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia Members of Malaysian rescue team prepare for a search and rescue operation for the missing the 15-year-old Franco-Irish girl Nora Quoirin in Seremban AFP/Getty Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia A Police K9 unit team conducts a search and rescue operation for a missing British girl at a forest in Seremban AP Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia A member of a rescue team conducts a search and rescue operation for a missing British girl at a forest in Seremban AP Search for missing Nora Quoirin in Malaysia A member of a rescue team conducts a search and rescue operation for a missing British girl at a forest in Seremban AFP/Getty

The resort gate was left open at all times without any security, and there was no surveillance camera except for the reception area, the legal papers said.

Nora had poor motor skills and needed help to walk, and her mental age was about five or six years old, her parents said in the claim.

Mr Sankara said outside a court in Negeri Sembilan after a procedural session on the case: The place was not safe for the child because of the negligence ... anybody could have come in and taken the child.

Noras French-Irish parents are seeking more than 180,000 ringgit (34,000) over losses, bereavement costs and damages for pain and suffering from resort owner Helen Marion Todd.

Recommended Man strangles coyote after it attacks his child

Ms Todds lawyers were not immediately available for comment.

Mr Sankara said the family asked Malaysias attorney general to launch an inquest because the postmortem inquiry would not include what happened to Nora before her death. Police have said a complete postmortem report will be released soon.

Noras parents previously said they were shocked when Malaysian prosecutors classified Noras death as requiring no further action based on the preliminary coroners report, essentially ruling out any inquest. They said the move could prevent justice being done.

In a statement issued by the Lucie Blackman Trust, a charity that helps British families in crisis overseas, the parents said: It is crucial to understand how Nora came to be found where she was. As a vulnerable child, with significant physical and mental challenges, we strongly refute any conclusion that Nora was alone for the entire duration of her disappearance.

We have repeatedly asked the police to clarify answers to our questions in this regard  and we have been repeatedly ignored.

Associated Press
New Jersey will become the first state in the country to force employers to pay severance to laid-off workers, as Gov. Phil Murphy signed the landmark legislation into law Tuesday.

The law (S3170) requires that New Jersey employers with at least 100 employees provide their workers 90 days notice  up from 60  before a large layoff or a plant closing or transfer that will put at least 50 people out of work. It would also force these businesses to pay their workers one weeks severance for every year of service. The payout increases by an additional four weeks if the employer doesnt comply with the 90-day notification rules.

Lawmakers were motivated by the plight of unemployed Toys "R" Us workers.

More than 30,000 workers nationwide lost their jobs, including some 2,000 in New Jersey, when the famous retail giant closed its doors. Employees were initially let go without severance. Two of the private equity funds that owned Toys RUs, facing public pressure, have since established a $20 million severance fund and workers won a $2 million settlement.

When these corporate takeover artists plunge the companies into bankruptcy they walk away with windfall profits and pay top executives huge bonuses, but the little guys get screwed, state Sen. Joe Cryan, D-Union, who sponsored the bill, said in a statement. The law will now be upgraded to better protect the rights of the employees. Workers performance and workers dedication to the company were secondary. Now, hopefully, theyll be moved more to the forefront.

United For Respect, a nonprofit group advocating for the legislation has said New Jersey is the first state in the nation with such a severance mandate.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, which represents 20,000 businesses here, has warned the bill will deter companies from locating or expanding in New Jersey.

The bill passed 29-0 in the state Senate and 55-21 in the state Assembly.

Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus.

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A self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh has been confirmed as genuine after decades of doubts over its authenticity.

The Dutch master, who notoriously severed part of his left ear, painted the portrait of himself looking anguished as he recovered in a French asylum from a mental breakdown, an expert at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum has concluded.

Senior researcher Louis van Tilborgh said on Monday that the oil-on-canvas painting was completed in the late summer of 1889 while Van Gogh was at the Saint-Remy asylum in southern France.

The painting was bought as a genuine Van Gogh in 1910 by Norway's National Museum

Senior researcher Louis van Tilborgh, of Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, has confirmed that the self-portrait is genuine and was painted while the Dutch master was in an asylum

Questions about the painting's authenticity first arose in the 1970s.

The use of a palette knife to flatten brush strokes on Van Gogh's face and what were then considered to be unusual colours in the painting cast doubt on whether he was really the artist.

It was bought as a genuine Van Gogh in 1910 by Norway's National Museum.

In an attempt to put those doubts to rest, the museum asked the Van Gogh Museum to analyse the painting in 2014.

An art lover takes a photo of the Vincent van Gogh self portrait now confirmed as genuine

Senior researcher Louis van Tilborgh talks to journalists about the previously contested painting by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh in Amsterdam on Monday

'It feels really reassuring to know that its genuine,' said Mai Britt Guleng of the Norwegian museum.

The painter was not commercially successful during his lifetime and his suicide at 37 came after years of mental illness and poverty.

Van Tilborgh said the use of an unprimed canvas and a muddy green color were, in fact, typical of Van Gogh's time in Saint-Remy in 1889.

What sets the work apart is Van Gogh's use of a palette knife.

'So he has painted it and during the process he suddenly decides that it has to become flat,' Van Tilborgh said. 'We tend to think that it has to do with the fact that it's made during a period of psychosis.'

Van Gogh Museum's senior researcher Louis van Tilborgh discussing the previously contested self portrait at the museum in Amsterdam after announcing its authenticity

Van Tilborgh said Van Gogh used painting as both a way of portraying his mental breakdown and of helping him to recover.

'He wanted to say in this picture that he was an ill person and so it's a kind of therapeutic work we tend to think,' he said. 'He was a Protestant and as a Protestant you have to accept the facts of life - if you suffer, you have to face the suffering.'

Norway's most famous artistic son, painter Edvard Munch, whose iconic work, 'The Scream,' also is a vivid expression of mental anguish, was fascinated by the Van Gogh painting.

'He thought it was one of the best of the collection of the national gallery but he also found it scary, because of the gaze from the self-portrait staring back at him,' Guleng said.

The painting will remain on display at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam before returning to Oslo in 2021, when the National Museum, currently closed for renovation, reopens in a new building.

'When we delivered the painting in `14 they warned us and said You might not like the results and it might be that we will never find out.'' Guleng said. 'So we were very happy when we got the news.'
Carlos Brito, CEO of international drinks giant AB InBev, said his company was increasingly thinking locally. Photo: Francois Lenoir/Reuters

Budweiser-owner AB InBev (BUD) has developed a system using blockchain to help small farmers prove that they are suppliers of the drinks giant  allowing them to open up bank accounts and develop a line of credit.

After deciding that AB InBev should use local suppliers instead of importing large quantities of barley and malt to countries in Africa, the company realised that, in some cases, farms were so small that they did not have the necessary paperwork to prove their income.

Even when their yield triples or quadruples, they continue to be very small, said Carlos Brito, the CEO of AB InBev, at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday.

We need the middlemen to consolidate this cargo to send to our breweries by the truckload. And this middleman was not necessarily passing the money we were paying to him or her to [the farmer].

In partnership with BanQu, AB InBev has developed a distributed ledger system using blockchain to increase transparency in the supply chain.

Because the ledger uses blockchain, banks are able to verify and trust the ledgers.

READ MORE: JD Wetherspoon cuts drink prices for Brexit  but only for a month

And now this farmer, who was never bankable  because she couldnt prove income of any source, had no reports, or material or paperwork  now in a flip phone, she has in the blockchain proof that she is a supplier to AB InBev, a global company.

And nows she bankable. Now she can open a bank account. And now she can maybe have a line of credit to develop the business.

So a lot of these things mushroomed from this idea of were local  we need to do whats good for the local guys, he said.

This is the idea of consumption also benefiting stakeholders and communities.

AB InBev moved to a more locally oriented business by asking governments for tax breaks, signalling that it would invest in communities, local suppliers, and encourage subsistence farmers to move to commercial farming.

They become commercial farmers and everybody wins. Consumers are safer and we create more formal jobs. The government collects taxes.

Instead of sending the money to Europe, or Australia, or Canada buying barley or malt, we keep the money there.

The BanQu product has been implemented with thousands of farmers across countries such as Uganda and India.
This is the heartwarming moment a dog buried under ash during the recent Taal Volcano eruption in the Philippines was rescued.

The volcano in Batangas Province began spewing smoke and ash more than a week ago, and there are still severe risks that it could still lead to a major eruption.

Many locals have since fled the area with some leaving behind pets and livestock.

Rescuers found one dog buried under ash after it is thought to have taken shelter near a property.

The dog was found deeply buried in ash next to a home during the recent Taal Volcano eruption in the Philippines

Rescuers were able to retrieve the dog and life it out of the ash-filled hole it had found itself in

The Taal volcano spews plumes of ash into the sky as officials warn a catastrophic eruption is still possible

Rescue worker Jonathan Sumagang, who helped free the dog, said it was completely trapped in the ash and that they have nicknamed it 'Lucky' because it was amazing that it had managed to survive.

He said the dog's eyes had already closed when they found it, and they were not even sure it was alive at first. When they realised it was alive rescue workers dug around the poor canine in order to create a hole to pull it to safety.

Video footage of the rescue operation was widely shared on social media with many inspired by the story of survival.

Volcanic ash can often be deadly especially when breathed in and it is still deemed too unsafe for many to return to their homes, although some have been back to collect valuables and possessions as they await further developments.

Rescuers gave the pooch some water after it is thought to have been trapped for days under ash

Volcano ash can often be deadly especially when breathed in and it is still deemed too unsafe for many to return to their homes (pictured, cows left behind by owners)

Activists from PETA Asia landed on Taal Island in Batangas Province, in the Philippines on January 13 to capture footage of the deserted animals left on the island and try to rescue them

Until then it is likely that Taal, which is an island around 60 kilometres (37 miles) south of the capital Manila, remains a risk.

Mariton Bornas, who is involved in predicting volcanic risk at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), said the volcano remained at level IV, which is the second-highest in the country's volcano warning system.

Rescue workers meanwhile have warned that horses, dogs and baby chickens have been left to die on Taal Island after the volcano's activity left them with a severe lack of food and water after their owners evacuated the island.

Activists from PETA Asia landed on Taal Island in Batangas Province, in the Philippines on January 13 to capture footage of the deserted animals left on the island and try to rescue them.

In the clip, the activists can be seen rescuing horses - which had reportedly been used to transport tourists - from the island, while the body of a dead cow can be seen floating in the water.

A chicken is left covered in ash after enduring the volcanic eruption in the Philippines

Residents bring back rescued horses from their homes near the errupting Taal Volcano, in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines

The volcano has already spewed out vast quantities of ash which has covered properties and countryside and forced around 120,000 people to flee

Other images show barking dogs being rescued and fed, with one skinny pooch desperately eating from a bag.

PETA Asia spokesperson Nirali Shah said: 'The current situation on the island is that there are many dead animals. There are survivors, but they're in desperate need of help.

'The island smells of rotting corpses, but there are still scared dogs, horses, cows, and other animals there who need to be rescued.

'Priority number one is getting the green light for NGOs to conduct drops of food and clean water on the island.

'Thenat PETA's expense and at its team members' own risklarge boats must access the island and rescue the animals for urgent veterinary care.'

The volcano has already spewed out vast quantities of ash which has covered properties and countryside and forced around 120,000 people to flee.

Government scientists urged evacuees to stay away as the volcano could still erupt.
BEIJINGThe death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in China climbed to six on Jan. 21 as authorities reported a surge in new cases, with fears that hundreds of millions of people traveling for the Lunar New Year holiday will accelerate the infection rate.

Officials confirmed that the new mystery virus can spread between humans and said 15 medical staff have now been infected, stoking fears about an international pandemic and prompting airport authorities around the world to step up screening of travelers arriving from China.

The latest update on the outbreak that began in the central city of Wuhan sent shivers through financial markets, as the World Health Organization called a meeting for Wednesday to consider declaring an international health emergency.

The National Health Commission (NHC) put the number of confirmed cases at 291 by the end of Monday, but individual provinces gave more up-to-date information on Tuesday showing a widening geographic spread.

Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, has confirmed 258 cases and six deaths, Mayor Zhou Xianwang told Chinese state television on Tuesday.

The NHC said another 14 cases were reported in the southern province of Guangdong, five in the capital Beijing and another two in Shanghai by the end of Monday.

But on Tuesday, the virus was confirmed to spread to more parts of the country, with the eastern province of Zhejiang reporting five cases, and the northern city of Tianjin reporting two.

Information about newly reported infections suggest there may now be sustained human to human transmission, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai said in an email statement.

The scare brought back bad memories of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), another coronavirus that broke out in China in 2002/2003, resulting in the death of nearly 800 people in global pandemic.

Two cases have already been identified in Thailand, one in Japan and one in South Korea, while the Philippines reported on Tuesday its first suspected case.

Taiwan, the self-ruled island that China claims as its own, also confirmed its first case, a woman who had returned from working in Wuhan, on Tuesday.

Taiwan on Monday set up an epidemic response command center to coordinate the islands response to the virus. More than 1,000 beds were prepared in isolation wards in case the virus spreads further.

The mounting anxiety was transmitted to regional markets.

Chinas onshore yuan fell 0.6 percent, its biggest daily drop since Aug. 26, 2019, while airline and travel stocks fell across the region.

European shares also slipped on mounting concerns about the impact of the outbreak, with luxury goods firms particularly hard-hit on worries about weaker demand from Chinese consumers.

The virus can cause pneumonia, with symptoms including fever and difficulty in breathing. As those symptoms are similar to many other respiratory diseases, extra screening is needed.

Airport Screening

The origin of the virus has yet to be identified, but the primary source is most likely animal, according to WHO. Chinese officials have linked the outbreak to a seafood market in Wuhan.

The outbreak of a SARS-like coronavirus in Wuhan is developing into a major potential economic risk to the Asia-Pacific region now that there is medical evidence of human-to-human transmission, said Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific Chief Economist for IHS Markit, in an email statement.

So far, the WHO has not recommended trade or travel restrictions but such measures could be discussed at Wednesdays emergency meeting.

Chinas National Health Commission will also give an update on the outbreak at a press briefing at 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Wednesday.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China will attend the WHO meeting.

Airport authorities in the United States as well as most Asian nations also are screening passengers from Wuhan.

Australia on Tuesday said it would screen passengers on flights from Wuhan, while Singapore announced it would quarantine individuals with pneumonia and a history of travel to Wuhan within 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms.

Queues for Masks

Wuhan officials have been using infrared thermometers to screen passengers at airports, railway stations and other passenger terminals since Jan. 14.

Zhong Nanshan, head of the National Health Commissions team of experts investigating the outbreak, said in a footage shown by state television on Monday there was no danger of a repeat of the SARS epidemic so long as precautions were taken.

Images of long lines of people queuing to buy face masks were circulating widely on Chinese social media, where the outbreak was one of the top trending topics.

Some online vendors were limiting sales of masks and hand sanitizers as demand surged.

And Shanghais market regulator warned on Tuesday that it will punish speculators who hoard masks and other products used for preventing diseases, according to the Shanghai Observera web publication backed by a Communist Party newspaper.

Trip.com, Chinas top online travel booking platform, said it would refund customers who cancel bookings in Wuhan this month, or whose travel plans are disrupted by quarantines or other regulatory efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

By Se Young Lee and Lusha Zhang
It took an electoral wipeout in Western Canada and a threatened Manitoba court challenge, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears to be warming to Premier Brian Pallisters request for carbon-tax leniency.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It took an electoral wipeout in Western Canada and a threatened Manitoba court challenge, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears to be warming to Premier Brian Pallisters request for carbon-tax leniency.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appears to be warming to Premier Brian Pallisters request for carbon-tax leniency. (Mike Sudoma / Free Press files)

Its unclear, however, if Ottawa will take up Pallisters plan to reintroduce a flat carbon levy.

"Manitoba has made significant investments in hydro over the past years, they have moved forward in a range of ways that have shown a real commitment to building a stronger economy that fights climate change at the same time," the prime minister told reporters in Winnipeg on Tuesday morning.

Trudeau was speaking at the Winnipeg Fairmont, where he wrapped up a three-day cabinet retreat Tuesday.

Since Pallister took office in 2016, the premier has asked Ottawa for less-expensive carbon-reduction plans here, given the glut of hydroelectricity after costly investments in megaprojects.

Coal makes up nearly half of both Alberta and Saskatchewans electricity generation, and virtually none in Manitoba, where the province is just starting to export its hydro surplus in large amounts.

Flood-channel: no consultation deadline from PM Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would not commit Tuesday to green-lighting construction of a major Interlake flood-mitigation project by this spring. Premier Brian Pallister raised the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels with the prime minister Monday, asking for the project to be expedited after officials added to the list of communities that need to be consulted. click to read more Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would not commit Tuesday to green-lighting construction of a major Interlake flood-mitigation project by this spring. Premier Brian Pallister raised the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels with the prime minister Monday, asking for the project to be expedited after officials added to the list of communities that need to be consulted. But Ottawa still has concerns that the province hasnt adequately consulted with local Indigenous groups, and regulatory filings show the province has fallen short of the original criteria laid out in May 2018, before a federal agency added to the list. We understand the urgency of dealing with increasingly severe floods almost every year, here in Manitoba and in other places across the country, Trudeau told reporters, without committing to any timeline for consultations to wrap up. Ottawa promised a quarter-billion dollars for the project in June 2018, though none has been paid to the province, which has already spent $50 million of an estimated $540 million. Dylan Robertson Close

Pallister cited those investments when he promised a flat carbon tax in October 2017, set at $25 per tonne without rising for five years. That violated the Trudeau governments requirement to a levy that rises by $10 every year.

The premier withdrew his own planned tax in October 2018, accusing the Liberals of using him as a "prop" to berate other conservatives and not giving the province credit for the abundance of hydro investment.

In April, Manitoba filed a court challenge, arguing the Liberals acted unfairly in not accommodating Manitobas request for leniency, while at the same time cutting side deals with other provinces to account for their existing carbon-reduction measures.

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are both displacing existing gasoline taxes with the carbon levy. In PEI, thats lead to a one-cent increase on the price of a litre of gas, compared with 4.4 cents in Manitoba.

During his last meeting with Trudeau on Parliament Hill in November, Pallister has cited those grievances as emblematic of the Liberals need to understand Western Canada, after the party lost all of its seats in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

On Tuesday morning, Trudeau hailed Manitoba's hydro spending and green initiatives. "We will always work with any province that wants to do more," he said in French.

Hours later in Brandon, Pallister said he wants Ottawa to give his 2017 plan "a fresh evaluation," one that would include a flat tax, though he refused to say what precise amount he'll propose to Ottawa.

The federal government told the Free Press it needs to see an actual proposal from Manitoba in order to assess it, and that any provinces plan is analyzed each year for compliance.

For example, Ottawa approved of an Alberta plan that meets the federal standard for just a year; that province hasnt said whether it will later raise the levy to comply with Ottawa's requirements.

Pallister tried to bolster the case for his Manitoba carbon plan Tuesday in Brandon, noting it exempts taxes on fuel for drying grain, unlike the federal plan. Across the Prairies, that has cost farmers millions.

The provincial NDP asked Pallister to axe Manitobas lawsuit, which his government has paused until other provinces Supreme Court challenges of the carbon tax are heard in March.

"Rather than ensure a future for our kids, Mr. Pallister is picking fights with the Prime Minister and wasting time in court," wrote MLA Adrien Sala.

The premier also incorrectly stated on Twitter that the federal carbon tax is taking money out of Manitoba.

"The federal carbon tax plan takes hundreds of millions of dollars, away from Manitoba, and only gives a fraction back," Pallister falsely claimed, despite federal legislation requiring that every dollar collected in Manitoba be remitted to the province through income-tax payments or funding green projects.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Future Forward Party found not guilty of opposing monarchy

BANGKOK: The Constitutional Court ruled on Tuesday (Jan 21) that key figures of the opposition Future Forward Party (FFP) were not guilty of opposing the monarchy.

politics

By Bangkok Post

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 03:30PM

Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (centre,right) at a press conference earlier today (Jan 21). Screenshot: FFP / Facebook

The court found regulations, press interviews and speeches made by senior FFP figures were not deemed to undermine the monarchy as claimed. It ruled to reject the petition.

The accused have not acted in their rights and liberties to overthrow the constitutional monarchy, said Taweekiat Meenakanit, one of the judges.

A total of 150 police officers were deployed to beef up security at the Constitutional Court before the ruling, Thai media reported, but Mr Thanathorn and other party members were at the partys head office on the eight floor of the Thai Summit Building.

Supporters broke into cheers at the announcement, chanting Future Forward Party, fight, fight! Gen Prayut, get out! Dictatorship collapse, long live democracy.

Future Forward had denied the allegations, describing them as part of a crackdown on dissent by the royalist establishment after a disputed March election that ended five years of direct military rule.

His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 67, is a constitutional monarch, but in traditional Thai culture, the monarch is revered as the countrys protector and insulting the King is a criminal offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Seeking to abolish the monarchy is considered a grave offence.

Founded almost two years ago, the FFP came third in last years general election, which the opposition says was manipulated in favour of the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party.

Its leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, 41, has emerged as the most prominent opponent to the government that last year reinstalled former junta leader Prayut Chan-o-cha, 65, as a civilian prime minister five years after he staged a military coup.

Illuminati link

One of the claims in the petition before the court was that Future Forwards logo evoked the secret Illuminati sect believed to be behind the unseating of monarchies in Europe. The term Illuminati traces back hundreds of years and has become a watchword for discredited conspiracy theories about secretive groups trying to control world affairs.

The Illuminati case was filed against the Future Forward Party, leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and party executives in July 2019 by Nathaporn Toprayoon, a former adviser to the Ombudsman.

Section 49 of the constitution allows an individual to file a petition with the Constitutional Court if he or she believes rights and freedoms have been misused to topple democracy with the king as head of state. The court can then order a stop to such actions. However, the court is not empowered to dissolve a party based on a petition by an individual - such a request can come only from the Election Commission (EC).

Among the key evidence Mr Nathaporn submitted to the court was a party regulation that does not use the standard phrase democracy with the king as head of state, but instead uses the words democracy according to the constitution.

Another piece of evidence was a party policy that would have Thailand ratify the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, a body that does not grant immunity to the head of state, which is against the Thai constitution.

The evidence also included the partys logo, which he claimed resembled that of the Illuminati, a mythical organisation that conspiracy theorists believe pulls strings on behalf of shadowy forces all over the world.

Other evidence comprised speeches, academic work and articles by Mr Thanathorn and Mr Piyabutr in separate instances over several years, which he used to support his claim about their intentions.

After the case was filed, FFP asked the court in writing for an examination of witnesses and the right to submit its own evidence. The court denied the request, saying it already had enough for a ruling.

Whats next?

Future Forward faces several other ongoing legal cases, including one alleging it violated laws governing political parties by accepting loans from party leader, auto-parts billionaire Thanathorn.

Section 92 of the Political Parties Act provides that when the Constitutional Court dissolves a party, the right of its executives to run as candidates in an election shall be revoked, but it does not set the time frame.

In the latest case involving the disbandment of the Thai Raksa Chart Party early in 2019, the Constitutional Court banned its executives from politics for 10 years.

The banned executives also cannot register to set up new parties, become executives of another party, or take part in setting one up for 10 years. The penalty is a jail term of seven to 15 years and/or a fine of B140,000-300,000.

Since MPs are required to be members of parties under Section 101 (10) of the Constitution, an MP of a disbanded party must join another within 60 days  or lose his or her MP status.

If FFP were dissolved, its MPs would have two options. They could join other parties, whether or not they are already represented in parliament. They could also join a new party yet to be set up, which might take time and carries some risk.

According to regulations, a new party must be formed by at least 500 people and have seed funding of at least B1 million. They must hold a meeting to set regulations and elect executives before applying to the EC.

Since no time limit is set for the EC to approve a party's registration, it has sole discretion in deciding when the new party can become operational. And if it takes a longer than 60 days, the stranded MPs would all lose their parliamentary status  or be forced to join an existing party before the deadline.

Wrong move?

If FFP were disbanded, its 11 executives, including Mr Piyabutr and spokesperson Pannika Wanich  Mr Thanathorn has already been disqualified in a media-shareholding case  would lose their MP status, leaving the party with 69 MPs.

Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn suggested how the party could minimise the damage. Future Forwards executives could resign before the court hands down the ruling, he suggested, so the next candidates on its party list could move up to replace them.

But if the court then did not dissolve the party, these key people would be surrendering their MP roles  and the party would end up with fewer seats.

As of Jan 20, there were no signs the 11 FFP executives would quit voluntarily.

Weakened opposition

FFPs possible disbandment would take a toll on the opposition ahead of the crucial no-confidence debate in the prime minister and several other ministers because the bloc would lose the support of at least 11 MPs of the FFP.

By-elections would be held to replace the FFPs executives who are constituency MPs. But it remains unclear whether the next candidates on the FFPs list will be allowed to move up to replace the banned party-list executives, since the party would already have been disbanded.

Under this scenario, the opposition bloc would lose at least 10 seats.

There would also be a risk that some FFP MPs might cross the aisle to join the coalition even though Mr Piyabutr encouraged them all to go to a new home.

Read original story here.
London, Jan 22 : The wreckage of the Titanic is to be better protected under a new treaty signed between Britain and the US, Britain's Department for Transport (DfT) has said.

The signing of the treaty, which allows the British and US governments to grant or deny licences authorising entry of the wreck or removal of artefacts, will help ensure the resting site of more than 1,500 people is preserved and respected, Xinhua news agency quoted the DfT as saying in a statement on Tuesday.

"This strengthens the basic level of protection for the wreck, previously afforded it by UNESCO. Lying in international waters, the wreck was previously not protected by explicit legislation," the DfT said.

Britain's Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani confirmed on Tuesday during a visit to Belfast, where the ship was built, that the treaty, first signed by Britain in 2003, has come into force following its ratification by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the end of last year.

"This momentous agreement with the US to preserve the wreck means it will be treated with the sensitivity and respect," Ghani said.

On April 15, 1912, after striking an iceberg, the Titanic sank in the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean during its maiden voyage from Southampton. The wreck of the ship was discovered in September 1985 approximately 350 nautical miles (648.2 km) off the Canadian coast of Newfoundland, more than 4 km below the ocean surface.

Britain will now take a leading role in working with other North Atlantic countries, including Canada and France, to urge them to sign up to the agreement and bring even more protection to the wreck of the Titanic, said the DfT.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to list next week fresh pleas of telecom firms, including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Teleservices, seeking a fresh schedule of payment of statutory dues to the tune of Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the Department of Telecommunications.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde took note of submissions by a battery of senior lawyers including A M Singhvi and C A Sundaram and said it will list the fresh pleas "sometime in next week" before the same bench which had heard the earlier petition in the high-stake matter.

"We are not disputing the payment to be made by us rather we want working out of fresh schedule of payment," Sundaram told the bench which also comprised justices S A Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna.

The telcos said they wanted an open court hearing on their fresh pleas with regard to working out fresh schedule of payment of their dues.

ALSO READ | Telecom stocks mixed after SC accepts fresh pleas on statutory dues

"That (open court or in-chamber hearing) will be decided by the bench concerned," the CJI said.

Earlier on January 16, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra had dismissed review petitions of telecom firms seeking review of its earlier order asking them to pay Rs 1.47 lakh crore in statutory dues by January 23, saying it did not find any "justifiable reason" to entertain them.

The apex court had on October 24 last year upheld the AGR definition formulated by the DoT and termed as "frivolous" the nature of objections raised by telecom service providers.

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had told Parliament in November last that Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and other telecom companies owe the government as much as Rs 1.47 lakh crore in statutory dues.

ALSO READ | Vodafone, Bharti Airtel to be affected as SC rejects AGR review plea: Fitch Ratings

In an affidavit filed earlier in the top court, the DoT said Airtel owed Rs 21,682.13 crore as a licence fee to the government and dues from Vodafone totalled Rs 19,823.71 crore, while Reliance Communications owed Rs 16,456.47 crore.

BSNL owed Rs 2,098.72 crore, and MTNL Rs 2,537.48 crore.

Holding that interest and penalty have rightly been levied on telecom companies, the apex court had made it clear that there would be no further litigation on the issue and it would fix a time-frame for calculation and payment of dues by telecom firms.
Bernie Sanders on Tuesday mocked Hillary Clinton's claim that 'nobody likes him.'

'On a good day, my wife likes me,' he told reporters on Capitol Hill.

Sanders was responding to comments Clinton made in a new interview, where she unloaded on the Vermont senator, in a clear sign the rift from the last presidential contest has not healed.

'Secretary Clinton is entitled to her point of view,' he said.

And when asked why the former secretary of state was still talking about 2016, Sanders responded: 'That is a good question, ask her.'

Clinton didn't mince words in her interview with The Hollywood Reporter when it came to Sanders, who was her rival for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. In addition to her unloading hon him, she also noted it was too early to talk about a possible endorsement if he became the choice of Democrats to take on Donald Trump in November.

Sanders staying in the 2016 contest after it was clear Clinton would be the nominee - along with his attacks on her and his reluctance to endorse - resulted in many Democrats believing he damaged her candidacy as she went into the general election against Donald Trump.

Clinton spoke with The Hollywood Reporter to promote 'Hillary' - a documentary of her marriage and political life that will air on Hulu.

Hillary Clinton unloaded on Bernie Sanders in new interview

She addresses Sanders in the documentary, saying: 'He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.'

She told The Hollywood Reporter her assessment of Sanders still holds.

And she wouldn't answer whether or not she will endorse him in the 2020 contest.

'I'm not going to go there yet,' she said. 'We're still in a very vigorous primary season. I will say, however, that it's not only him, it's the culture around him. It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters.'

She went on to blast his supporters - known as 'Bernie Bros' - for their attacks on women.

'It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women,' Clinton said. 'And I really hope people are paying attention to that because it should be worrisome that he has permitted this culture  not only permitted, [he] seems to really be very much supporting it.'

Sanders faced complaints from women who worked on his 2016 campaign that they were harassed by male colleagues and paid less than their male counter parts.

He apologized and vowed to do better in 2020.

In his response to Clinton's comments, Sanders said he was focused on Trump's impeachment trial that begins Tuesday in the Senate.

'My focus today is on a monumental moment in American history: the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. Together, we are going to go forward and defeat the most dangerous president in American history,' he said in a statement.

Clinton also addressed the feud between Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, calling it part of the Vermont senator's 'pattern' of behavior. Warren claims Sanders told her in a private meeting a woman cannot be president, which he has denied.

'This argument about whether or not or when he did or didn't say that a woman couldn't be elected, it's part of a pattern,' Clinton said. 'If it were a oneoff, you might say, 'OK, fine.' But he said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me. I just think people need to pay attention because we want, hopefully, to elect a president who's going to try to bring us together, and not either turn a blind eye, or actually reward the kind of insulting, attacking, demeaning, degrading behavior that we've seen from this current administration.'

She said she has spoken to both Warren and Amy Klobuchar, the two women left in the Democratic race, to give them advice.

'With the women, I say, 'You're probably not going to be treated fairly, but don't let it knock you off stride,'' she said.

She also addressed her past work with Harvey Weinstein, who raised money for her political campaigns.

Clinton said no one in Congress liked Bernie Sanders and said he was full of 'baloney'

Her interview indicates bitterness left from the 2016 campaign - the two are seen above on the campaign trail in 2015 - has not healed

'How could we have known? He raised money for me, for the Obamas, for Democrats in general. And that at the time was something that everybody thought made sense. And of course, if all of us had known what we know now, it would have affected our behavior,' she said.

She also said she was the victim of a double-standard when it came to women, who criticized her for staying with Bill Clinton after the Monica Lewinsky affair but continued to support him.

'I wish I understood it, I really do. And look, I lived through that where women were judging me and then a little conversation would lead to the fact that they had a similar issue or their sister did or their friend did and there was so much anxiety and even fear wrapped up in it. But it was also true that, as we saw it in survey after survey, he could, if he ran today, get reelected. What is it about this double standard, both double standard in public and double standard in private?,' she said.

And she ruled out running for president again.

'I have had so many people [urge me to]. Every day. And I'm grateful for people's confidence, but I did think it was right for me to step back. I'll do anything I can to defeat the current incumbent, and to reverse a lot of his damaging policies. Thankfully, I still have a voice and a following,' Clinton said.

The four-hour 'Hillary' will premiere in its entirety March 6 on Hulu. Clinton also will promote it at the Sundance Film Festival later this month.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - Sun Kissed Industries Inc. (OTC PINK: SKDI) ("Sun Kissed", "SKDI", or the "Company"), an emerging player in the CBD marketplace, is pleased to announce that the first strategy meeting of 2020 in Los Angeles, CA, between the CEO of Products Group and the CEO of Sun Kissed Industries was a huge success especially against the backdrop of California announcing that Bill 228 would soon bring CBD foods into the mainstream with a State-wide recognized Code.

Carl Grant and Ilan Freeman, CEO of Products Group, both signed off a plan to build a state-of-the-art CBD food production facility at the Products Group Headquarters just as the news of Assembly Bill 228 was coming out from the California State legislature.

Sun Kissed CEO, Mr. Carl Grant, stated today that "we have built a strategy around brands we can take to market supported by a world class sales team here in LA, California. To be able to sign off the plans for the company to build its own food production space just as Bill 228 is coming into the conversation is such fantastic timing for us. We were already preparing for exponential growth in 2020, but once California normalize the use of CBD in foods we will be the prime player in this market, the fourth largest economy in the world, the State of California."

The bill is expected to provide the foundation for the development of a safe and regulated CBD product market that will allow cultivators, processors, brands and vendors to unlock market expected to reach $23 billion in the US by 2023, according to the Brightfield Group.

Hakuna Supply received the DOPE Magazine Best New Product award for Southern California in the non-cannabis/non-tech category in 2017. Hakuna has established high-end CBD-based products, including CBD Hemp Roast Coffees, CBD Coffee Bundles, CBD Tea Bundles, CBD Drink Drops, CBD Gummies, CBD Flower, a range of premium CBD Teas, and other premium products.

About Sun Kissed Industries, Inc.

Sun Kissed Industries Inc. (OTC PINK: SKDI) is an emerging leader in the CBD-based products marketplace. The Company is pursuing meaningful acquisitions as part of an aggressive M&A strategy designed to position Sun Kissed as a dominant player in a well-defined, high-growth niche within the rapidly expanding CBD sector.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of Sun Kissed Industries Inc.'s future expectations, plans and prospects. In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," or "may," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the results of Sun Kissed, its subsidiaries and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Sun Kissed's future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Sun Kissed cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Sun Kissed undertakes no obligation to update these statements after the date of this release, except as required by law, and also takes no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that are not paid for by Sun Kissed.

SOURCE: Sun Kissed Industries Inc.

invest@sunkissedindustries.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51688
The Auburn Police Department's monthly activity report for December 2019:

Calls for service: 2,644

Number of adult arrests: 98

Number of adult charges filed: 174

Number of juvenile arrests: 4

Number of juvenile charges filed: 5

Alarms responded to: 32

Animal complaints investigated: 9

Assault investigations: 1

Burglary investigations: 8

Criminal mischief investigations: 17

Reports of disorderly conduct, fights and noise: 83

Domestic violence investigations: 100

Drug investigations: 17

Fraud investigations: 12

Harassment investigations: 42

Hang up calls to 911 requiring police response: 14

Juvenile complaints investigated: 21

Larceny investigations: 53

Landlord/tenant disputes: 10

Mental Health problems investigated: 29

Missing person complaints investigated: 9

Motor vehicle accidents investigated-property damage: 139

Motor vehicle accidents investigated-personal injury: 16

Neighbor problems investigated: 12

Officers injured on duty: 2

Orders of Protection violated: 11

Overdose Investigations: 15

Parking complaints investigated: 92

Parking tickets issued: 830

Robbery investigations: 0

Sex offenses investigated: 6

Suicide attempts investigated: 16

Suspicious activity investigated: 126

Traffic stops made: 204

Traffic tickets issued: 106

Prisoner transports: 31

Trespass investigations: 8

Warrants executed: 51

The Detective Bureau was assigned 17 new cases and closed 9 previously assigned cases. 1 juvenile was petitioned to Cayuga County Family Court.

The Identification Bureau was assigned 84 new cases and a total of 190 items were received as evidence/property. Officers processed 94 photo memory cards and 1 background check. Officers oversaw the state mandated reporting of 136 sex offenders residing in the City of Auburn which included 79 sex offender contacts. Officers also sent 5 items of evidence out to the crime lab for further processing.

The School Resource Officer program handled 100 incidents in and around school buildings which required intervention by school officers. The incidents included criminal cases, fighting, bullying and other disruptive behavior. There were 3 arrests made concerning school related incidents which included 3 juveniles. The School Resource Officers and SRO supervisor hosted a Student Appreciation Day at Falcon Lanes for elementary students in the Auburn School District during the school break. Students were selected based on several criteria including hard work in the classroom and good behavior and were treated to bowling, pizza and prizes compliments of the Auburn Police Department and Auburn Police Union.

The Traffic Division coordinated DWI patrols on weekends during the month of December to curb drinking and driving. During those details APD officers issued 50 traffic tickets and made 2 DWI arrests. The additional patrols are part of a program funded by the Cayuga County Stop DWI Committee.

The Training and Planning Division coordinated 624 hours of training in various subjects during December.

Chief Butler and Deputy Chief Anthony participated in two community meetings at the Booker T. Washington Center and the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ during the month. The meetings are part of a new initiative called Connecting Bridges sponsored by the Harriet Tubman Center for Justice and Peace. This county-wide initiative seeks to foster a better understanding of local law enforcement and ensure that the communitys concerns are heard and addressed with the goal of enhancing the relationship between the community and law enforcement.

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Mark Hennessy took his hands from the steering wheel and shrugged his shoulders before he was shot by gardai, an inquest into his death heard today.

The 40-year-old, who abducted and killed 24-year-old student Jastine Valdez from Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, used a knife to inflict injuries to his wrist and neck moments before he was shot shortly after 8pm on May 20, 2018, at Cherrywood Business Park.

A uniformed Garda in an unmarked car, Garda C, told Dublin Coroner's Court he kicked the car in a bid to gain access as he witnessed Mark Hennessy insert a Stanley knife into his forearm.

The manoeuvre, described in court as an impressive karate kick failed to break the drivers window and just 3.3 seconds later, the fatal shot was fired.

The shot was discharged by Garda A, the most senior of the three gardai at the scene.

Mark Hennessy slumped over the passenger seat. He was removed from the car and placed on the ground as gardai searched the vehicle for the missing Filipina student. The only item found was a bottle of Jack Daniels.

The two unmarked Garda cars involved were conducting searches of car parks and lay-bys within a five-mile radius of Bray in the search for Jastine, who had been abducted 24 hours earlier.

They were directed into the car park, to Mark Hennessys vehicle by Christine Connolly, who recognised the registration after reading a news item and called 999.

Mr Hennessy was behind the wheel as gardai approached, his window was down, he was moving slowly.

I shouted 'stop the car', he didnt respond, Garda C said.

My sole intention was to get him out of the car, with no access to be able to drive it away from us, Garda C said.

My first attempt was to open the door, which was locked. Immediately on trying the door and looking in, I saw him hold up the Stanley knife. He was looking straight at me and the knife went into the forearm.

My instinct was to put the boot to the vehicle, he was self-harming right in front of me, and it was purely instinctual to kick the window.

I became aware of Garda A to my right. He was trying the door. It was locked. Then I became aware of the firearm in my peripheral vision, Garda C said.

I heard a crack from the firearm and could see a hole in the window and Mr Hennessy slumping over in the vehicle.

Garda C took the key fob from the ignition and used it to unlock the car.

He put out a radio message, seeking urgent assistance noting that shots had been fired by gardai.

Garda C was the observer in a vehicle driven by his colleague, Garda B. Garda A was the sole occupant of the second unmarked car at the scene.

Three members of the Civil Defence watched the events from their truck. They had blocked off the entrance to the car park after Mark Hennessy drove in. They moved their vehicle to the front of the Nissan Qashqai.

All three had received a text at 5.05pm that evening requesting assistance in the search for Jastine Valdez.

Volunteer James Magee said he had an unobstructed view of events.

James Magee outside the inquest today. Pic: collins

He saw one of the gardai approach the drivers side door.

Mr Magee saw the Garda raise a revolver to shoulder height and fire through the window.

He said the time between the arrival of gardai at the scene and the discharge of the firearm was four to five minutes.

Another Civil Defence volunteer, Andrew Rogers, said: I recall the Gardai were trying to open the door, they were shouting open the door and another voice said smash the window. I saw a Garda raise a karate kick at the drivers window but it did not break. The driver looked as if he knew everything was over for him, Mr Magee said.

He took a blade, about 10cm and cut from his left wrist to elbow in one single slicing motion.

Hennessy was pronounced dead at the scene at 8.38pm.

Detective Superintendent Frank Heeneghan. Pic: Collins

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Frank Heeneghan said he took the decision to issue the registration of the Nissan Qashqai at a press conference three hours earlier at 5.30pm.

It was this information, published in the media, which lead Christine Connolly to recognise the registration of the Nissan Qashqai, follow Mark Hennessy and alert emergency services to his location.

Every available car, jeep, whatever we had we deployed in the hope of recovering Jastine, Det. Supt Keeneghan said.

The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow to hear further evidence.

This article was edited on January 22.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Around 45 per cent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups are opposed to the government's right to seek anonymised data of their customers and suppliers under the Personal Data Protection Bill, according to a survey by LocalCircles.

The Data Protection Bill defines a framework for handling of personal data including its processing by various public and private companies and gives the Indian government the right to seek anonymised data of citizens from any business or company at any time.

The survey by the community social media platform showed 45 per cent said they were against it, 45 per cent said they were okay with it, while 10 per cent of respondents were unsure.

On the subject of the government's rights over the aggregate data of businesses, startups opposing the rights say it should only be permitted in the event of a law-order, investigation or enforcement situations. For routine matters, government should have access to neither the aggregate data nor the algorithms used by a business as such an access can be easily misused or compromised, they said.

On the data sharing front, many startups operate in new areas and bring about an innovation in product, technology intervention or service and many of the cutting-edge technologies are still developed overseas.

The survey showed that many startups need access to overseas resources, expertise, tools and capital because not all of them are available in India and therefore, Indian startups may need to open offices overseas and hire resources there to develop their product or service and, in many cases, will have a need to share aggregate data between resources and legal entities.

It becomes imperative, therefore, that aggregate data of Indian startups be permitted to be shared with atleast their entities and group companies they have overseas.

"Similarly, if a foreign company acquires an Indian startup, they may have plans to take the product/service developed by the startup and scale it further globally and hence would require access to aggregate data of the startup." the LocalCircles' report said.

The survey received 4,923 responses from various startups, SMEs and entrepreneurs.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sukin , a brand of vegan, cruelty-free, natural, and carbon neutral skin and hair care products born and bred in Australia, announced its arrival on Target.com . The #1 clean beauty brand in Australia, Sukin has achieved cult status thanks to its commitment to eco-values and producing only the highest quality natural, safe and effective products that are good for you, your wallet, and the environment. It is part of a growing family of natural beauty brands at BWX Ltd, with headquarters in Melbourne and California. In addition to being carbon neutral, Sukin is also grey water safe, and made with recyclable packaging.



Target.com is currently featuring 19 of Sukins Australian-made skin and hair care products, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers from its Signature and Rosehip Ranges and shampoos and conditioners from its Hair Range at affordable price points. ($8.99 - $16.99)



The Signature Range is formulated for all skin-types, featuring powerful ingredients from nature, including avocado, aloe vera, jojoba, rosehip and shea butter to nourish skin from the inside out.

The Rosehip Range features natures natural wonder, Rosehip Oil. Rosehip Oil promotes skin health by combating dehydration and soothing redness due to dry skin, while also helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Sukins Hair Range provides uncomplicated, nurturing hair care, free from sulphates, silicones, and harsh chemicals which can strip and irritate the scalp.

When Sukin first launched in 2007, it was one of the first brands to say  No  to ingredients and processes that can cause harm to you, animals and the environment. In 2008, Sukin expanded its commitment to its eco-values by becoming carbon neutral . Sukin invests in certified projects that offset the companys carbon emissions and ensures that Sukins total carbon output is 100% counteracted, guaranteeing that Sukin does not leave a carbon footprint on this earth. Over the last 10 years, Sukin has offset over 45,000 tons of carbon.

Sukin also partners with Greening Australia , a non-profit tackling Australias biggest environmental challenges, to support its Reef Aid program , which helps to improve water quality on the Great Barrier Reef and stop sediment at its source by re-building eroding land and restoring vital coastal wetlands. It recently committed support to the Australian relief effort during the bush fire crisis by making donations to local organizations and expanding its volunteering outreach.

As a pioneer in the clean skincare movement, we continue to champion the environment, giving consumers peace of mind that their Sukin products will not negatively impact our planet. In fact, our goal is to leave the Earth better than we found it, said Dave Fenlon, CEO of BWX, a global, natural beauty company with a portfolio of leading brands in Australia, USA, Canada, UK and select international markets. In Australia, Sukin is the number one natural skincare brand, and were excited to see our products in the hands of new customers on Target.com. Were thrilled to be a part of the vast expansion of clean beauty that Target is leading in the US.

In addition to Target.com, Sukin will be available in over 800 brick and mortar Target stores nationwide on February 2, 2020.

ABOUT SUKIN

Since its inception in 2007, Australia-based Sukin has provided natural and effective skincare thats good for you, your wallet, and the environment too. Vegan, cruelty-free, carbon-neutral, grey water safe, and made with recyclable packaging. Sukin was one of the first to say No to artificial additives and harsh ingredients that can cause harm to people, and the environment. Everything Sukin uses to make its products can be found in nature. Sukin is the #1 clean beauty brand in Australia, but available nationwide in the US via Target.com, Amazon, Thrive Market, and SukinNaturals.com.

For more information about Sukin, visit https://sukinnaturals.com/ , Instagram at https://instagram.com/sukinskincare , and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SukinNaturalSkincare .

ABOUT BWX

BWX is a global, natural beauty company with a portfolio of leading natural brands in Australia, USA, Canada, UK, China, and select other international markets. Founded and headquartered in Victoria, Australia, our expertise in innovation, product development, manufacturing and marketing natural products makes us unique in the beauty industry. Our goal at BWX is to make natural beauty the only choice for people wanting to live a healthy, balanced life, free from unnecessary toxins. We believe everything we need to nourish, rejuvenate and enhance our bodies can be found in nature and our goal is to give people all over the planet a choice for natural personal care without compromising on performance. We want to use our business to inspire the advancement of plant and mineral based science without causing unnecessary harm to the planet. We say NO to testing our products on animals, not because it suits our brand's commercial goals, but because it is core to our belief system. BWX is a business with purpose and believes in giving. We are actively involved in giving back to causes relating to the environment, social responsibility and projects that empower women.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf520ace-6453-4a8b-b12d-116b16675117

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4f12f1c-cd69-4446-80e4-2cbda63ae32b
A special court here on Tuesday sent two students, who were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) case in Kozhikode last November, to the custody of Investigation Agency (NIA) for a day.

The NIA court ordered that the duo, who were in judicial custody till now, to be produced before it tomorrow.

In its application, the NIA had said that the accused must be interrogated on the basis of digital records and sought custody of the duo for a week.

However, the defendant argued that no new evidence had been found against the accused and therefore no custody should be granted.

During an earlier hearing, the two had told the court, "We are not Maoists. We are CPI (M) activists. The Chief Minister, who says we are Maoists, should bring proof of whom we killed and where we bombed. In the last election, we have served as CPI (M), booth agents. We are the ones who went out to vote and pasted posters for the party."

The two were charged under Sections 20 (punishment for being a member of terrorist gang or organisation), 38 (offence relating to membership of a terrorist organisation) and 39 (offence relating to support given to a terrorist organisation) of the UAPA.

Allen and Thaha, students of law and journalism respectively of Kannur University, were taken into custody by the police from Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode on November 1 last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Only a few weeks after relations with Iran came to a fever pitch, an Iranian lawmaker is now offering a $3 million reward to anyone who kills President Trump, according to Reuters.

On behalf of the Kerman province, we will pay a $3 million reward in cash to whoever kills Trump, said Ahmad Hamzeh to the 290-seat Iranian parliament on Tuesday.

Kerman was home to Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian commander killed in a drone strike earlier this year that sparked military attacks between Iran and the U.S.

Hamzeh went even further than offering a bounty for Trumps life; he also encouraged parliament to start making nuclear weapons.

If we had nuclear weapons today, we would be protected from threatsWe should put the production of long-range missiles capable of carrying unconventional warheads on our agenda. This is our natural right, he said.

According to Fox News, it is unclear is Hamzehs offer has any backing from Irans top leaders.

Iran agreed in 2015 to slow its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief under the Obama administration. But since the current administration pulled out from the pact, Iran has also started to show signs of breaking the deal. In response, Britain, France and Germany triggered a dispute mechanism in the nuclear pact, starting a diplomatic process that could lead to reimposing U.N. sanctions.

Iran has said that it would pull out of the treaty should the sanctions be reimposed. U.S. envoy Robert Wood believes this would send a very, very negative message.

We think that Iran needs to end its malign behavior and sit down with the United States and negotiate an agreement that deals not only with the nuclear issue but also with the other issues that concern us like the ballistic missile proliferation and development and the malign activities around the world, he said to the New York Times.

Some of these activities include Iranian military forces firing two surface-to-air missiles at a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people onboard. According to the Washington Post, Iran admitted that their Revolutionary Guard mistook the passenger plane for a hostile aircraft and mistakenly shot it down. They are now requesting help from the U.S. and France to recover information from the black boxes in the planes.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Oleksii Liskonih

Mikaela Mathews is a freelance writer and editor based in Dallas, TX. She was the editor of a local magazine and a contributing writer for the Galveston Daily News and Spirit Magazine.
With each year that passes, the medical community continues to make great strides in offering advanced pain management options. Recovery from dental implant and other oral surgery procedures are easier, and the time it takes for patients to recover has greatly improved.

Oral surgeon, Dr. Kamran Raja, announces the opening of his upscale, modern, and highly advanced Maxillofacial practice in Chantilly, VA. At this new location, the doctors offer All-on-4 full arch dental implants, wisdom teeth extractions, and bone grafting. Their practice, South Riding Oral Implant and Surgery of Chantilly, is one of only a few dental surgery practices in the South Riding area that offer these services from an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Kamran Raja.

Dental implants have significant advantages in comparison to conventional dentures when used for the replacement of all the natural teeth in one or both the jaws. Dental implants not only function and look like your natural teeth but also allow you to eat naturally. For patients that need and undergo All-on-4 dental implants, they can eat all the foods they love again. Implants also stimulate the jawbone, so patients do not experience more bone loss after the treatment.

Our Patients feel significantly less discomfort after dental implant surgery with the technically advanced solutions that Dr. Kamran Raja uses at his Chantilly Oral Implant and Surgery Center. With each year that passes, the medical community continues to make great strides in offering advanced pain management options, explained Dr. Raja, Chief.

According to Dr. Kamran Raja, Oral Surgeon of South Riding Oral Implant and Surgery, Recovery from dental implant and other oral surgery procedures are easier, and the time it takes for patients to recover has greatly improved.

Chantilly community members looking for expert dental implant solutions, wisdom teeth extractions, or bone grafting can connect with Dr. Kamran Raja for a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan. He can quickly provide you with his expert analysis, recommendations, and cost breakdown if you submit an E-Consultation request. At South Riding Oral Implant and Surgery, customers come first, so E-Consult is one of many examples where Dr. Raja is making the experience easy so his patients can get the advice and treatment they need sooner.

Oral surgeons undergo extensive training in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. This education provides an oral surgeon with solutions/treatments that are advanced and truly benefit patients, such as dental implant placement and bone grafting procedures that incorporate plasma rich platelets for faster healing. Plus, their education and experience keep them better equipped to resolve any issues that may arise during treatments.

About the Dr. Kamran Raja & South Riding Oral Implant & Surgery:

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Dr. Kamran Raja graduated from George Mason University with his degree in Biology. He continued his education at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, earning his DMD in 2003. During dental school, Dr. Raja published numerous research articles while working at the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. Dr. Raja went on to complete a six-year dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the prestigious R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, earning his MD in 2006 and completing his residency in 2009.

During this time, he also completed one year of general surgery, including training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Adult and Pediatric Anesthesia. His education and training at the University of Maryland involved dental extractions, dental implants, advanced bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, head and neck pathology/cancer, and major facial trauma and reconstruction. In addition to being board certified with the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Raja has been bestowed his FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons). One of only a limited number of oral surgeons who have been able to achieve this designation.

While in private practice, Dr. Raja has continued to be an educator with his involvement with the training of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residents at Washington Hospital Center and the Childrens National Hospital. Dr. Raja has spent nearly a decade in private practice in Maryland and has returned to his hometown here in Virginia to open his new office. Known for his compassion, empathy, and bedside manner, Dr. Raja, truly enjoys building long term relationships with his patients and the community. Dr. Raja and his wife, Sobia, reside in Northern Virginia with their daughter Jennah and son Aidan. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, running, and reading.

South Riding Oral and Implant Surgery

24805 Pinebrook Rd, Suite #318

Chantilly, VA 20152

(703) 653-0989

https://southridingos.com/
DURHAM, N.H.  A University of New Hampshire pathologist recently diagnosed a fungal disease called Valley Fever in a rescue dog from Arizona, the school said in a news release Tuesday.

It was the first time the schools veterinary lab had diagnosed the disease in a dog in New Hampshire. The disease, which is treatable, is common in the Southwest and rarely seen in native New England dogs, the university said.

In this case, we learned from the veterinarian that this dog was rescued from Arizona two years prior and had a small mass on its leg at that time,said Colleen Monahan, senior veterinary pathologist at the the lab. The mass recently had increased in size, leading to concern from the owner and removal by the veterinarian.

Common early symptoms of Valley Fever in dogs are coughing, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite, and lack of energy. Most dogs recover. People and animals can develop it after inhaling spores growing in loose, sandy soils most commonly found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The disease cant be passed from animals to people or between animals.
Ministries seeking to eliminate illegal fishing in Cambodian sea

by Mech Dara

January 21,2020 | Source: The Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia's Ministry of Interior secretary of state Lam Chea said on Monday that specialists from the ministries of Interior; and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with authorities in coastal provinces, had discussed to amend the National Plan of Action for the prevention and elimination of illegal fishing in the Cambodian sea.



The discussion was held during a meeting between the ministries on January 16. Representatives from four coastal provinces and relevant ministry specialists had provided insights to the National Plan of Action to ensure that fishing crimes in Cambodian waters are stopped immediately.



Sometimes, the authorities find it difficult to monitor the sea and manage fishing activities day and night. We hope the relevant authorities and individuals will cooperate and stop illegal fishing activities not just in national but also international waters.



Spurred by the revision of the National Plan of Action, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to amend the Fisheries Law. It can prepare a draft sub-decree to strengthen all capacities for the crackdown of all illegal and unregulated fishing.



Although these operations dont have a 100 per cent success rate, they still prove to be rather effective, Chea said.



In a Facebook post on January 16, the Ministry of Interior said the National Plan of Action was in the works. With it comes the revision of the legal provisions, training of inspection officials in fishing ports, and the mandate to record and observe the system of monitoring ships and fishing boats in Cambodian waters.



The National Plan of Action for the prevention and elimination of illegal, unregulated and unauthorised fishing is based on the international and regional plans of action and the guidelines of the Asean Development Secretariat in preventing the import of fishery production from illegal fishing, the post said.



It noted that the National Plan of Action aims to enforce comprehensive, effective and transparent measures for the successful implementation of regulations of the fisheries management programme.



Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Veng Sakhon declined to comment. Ministry spokesman Srey Vuthy could not be reached for comment on Monday.



Both Kampot deputy provincial governor Pel Kosal, who was at the meeting, and Deputy Navy Commander Tea Sokha also declined to comment.

 2020 The Phnom Penh Post. All Rights Reserved.

Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods.
Mrs. Schnitzer often gets the feeling that nobody wants to take her for real.

So wrote The Oregonians Art Chenoweth back in 1967, when Arlene Schnitzer was running a small art gallery on a grungy stretch of Fourth Avenue near Burnside. The question that kept coming up: What exactly does this socialite from Portland Heights think shes doing spending all that energy working with struggling painters and sculptors?

In time Portlands movers and shakers  and its struggling artists  stopped asking such questions and started appreciating what she was accomplishing. All these years later, her hard work and generosity continue.

The Portland Art Museum announced Tuesday that Schnitzer has given $10 million to the museum, which it calls the largest contribution from an individual donor in its 127-year history.

The extraordinary gift is a profound investment in our role as Portlands museum for art and film, executive director Brian Ferriso said in a statement.

The gift is but the latest in Schnitzers decades-long investment in the Portland Art Museum.

Enough is never enough giving back, the 91-year-old philanthropist and Portland art-scene pioneer said. And Harold felt as strongly as I do.

Arlene Schnitzer is seen here in 1984, a couple years before she closed her Fountain Gallery of Art to focus on philanthropy. (The Oregonian)Oregonian

Harold is Arlene Schnitzers late husband, who was a long-time real-estate developer in Portland. Over the years the couple donated millions of dollars to local medical, cultural and other institutions.

Mrs. Schnitzers connection to the Portland Art Museum in particular is deep and personal. It started in earnest in the 1950s when, as a young wife and mother casting about for something to fill empty afternoons, she signed up for a sketching class at the museum.

At the door, I was so scared, I was ready to walk out, she remembered a decade later. She didnt walk out  instead, the sketching class sparked a lifelong passion.

Some people found Billy Graham, she said. I found art.

She founded the Fountain Gallery of Art in 1961 while seeking out various ways to promote local artists and keep them in Portland. Fountain, which she ran for 25 years, has been called the first major gallery in town -- and it led to many more.

Yet while Portlands gallery scene grew, Schnitzer never forgot where it all started for her. Over the years, she has contributed to Portland Art Museum capital campaigns and helped build the museums collections, especially in Pacific Northwest art and Asian art. Her new, $10 million contribution, the museum says, represents the lead gift in the museums soon-to-be-officially-announced Connections Campaign, which will support access, exhibitions and programs, as well as plans for the physical campus -- such as connecting the museums two buildings. The museum also said Tuesday it has received a $750,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in support of the Connections Campaign.

The Portland Art Museum has historically struggled to gain attention outside Oregon, what with larger West Coast cities such as San Francisco and Seattle sporting ambitious, high-profile museums. Arlene Schnitzer has arguably done as much as anyone to help the Rose Citys foremost art institution make its name across the region.

It has been very exciting to see the museum change and grow, she said. And to watch interest in the art of the Northwest blossom.

-- Douglas Perry

@douglasmperry

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Bahrain has welcomed the final communique of Berlin Conference on Libya, held in Germany. The participants during the conference agreed on a comprehensive plan to settle the crisis in Libya, pledged not to interfere in Libyan internal affairs and wok towards the disarmament of armed groups, among other binding results and commitments that represent an important step toward the achievement of a comprehensive political settlement.

The Kingdom praised Germanys role and the keenness of the participating countries in restoring security and stability to Libya. Bahrain expressed its aspiration for greater efforts and work in accordance with the Skhirat Agreement that was concluded in 2015 in Morocco.

The agreement is the political framework that is accepted by the international community and all parties in Libya, making it a solid basis for resolving the crisis in a way that fulfils the aspirations of the Libyan people in security and stability. It preserves the safety and territorial integrity of Libya and leads to the elimination of violence, extremism and terrorism in all its forms.

World leaders were ready to pledge an end to all foreign involvement in the conflict in Libya after a UN-sponsored peace summit in Berlin. The UN wants foreign powers who wield influence in the region to stop supplying weapons, troops or finance  either to the UNbacked Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli or the rival Libya National Army (LNA) led by eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

All sides will be asked to sign up to a plan to refrain from interference, and commit to a truce that leads to a lasting end to hostilities. A draft communique from the summit also urges all parties to re-commit to a widely ignored UN arms embargo and raises the prospect of Libyan political talks in Geneva at the end of the month.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent military trainers and advisers to help the beleaguered forces of GNA leader Fayez Al Sarraj, and has also redeployed up to 2,000 Turkish-backed mercenary fighters from the conflict in Syria. French President Emmanuel Macron said he had acute concerns over the arrival of Syrian and foreign fighters in the city of Tripoli, and added: That must end.

Clashes since April have killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displaced tens of thousands, until a fragile ceasefire backed by Russia and Turkey was put in place on Jan. 12. Nevertheless, GNA forces accused Haftars militia of opening fire on them in southern Tripoli on Sunday, and Al Sarraj asked for international protection troops if Haftar kept up his offensive.
A person in Washington state is infected with the Wuhan coronavirus, the first confirmed case in the United States of a mysterious respiratory infection that has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds more in Asia.

The patient, who was hospitalized with pneumonia last week, recently had traveled to Wuhan, China, where the outbreak appears to have originated, federal officials have found.

Investigators tested samples from the patient for the presence of the virus; positive results were received over the weekend. Officials declined to identify the patient, who was said to be quite ill.

News of the first case in the United States comes amid growing evidence that the virus spreads from person to person, although it is not clear how easily.

READ MORE: As virus spreads, anxiety rises in China and overseas

The outbreak, which began in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan, a city of 11 million, is spreading: Patients have been identified in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and South Korea.

On Tuesday, Chinese authorities confirmed that six people have died of the infection in Wuhan. Nearly 300 cases have been reported to date in China. Many of the patients lived in or traveled to Wuhan.

The World Health Organization was planning to meet Wednesday to decide whether to declare the outbreak an international public health emergency. But information about the new virus is still thin, and its not clear whether or how many Americans are at risk.

There are still more questions that we dont know the answers to than things we do know, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

For example, what is the source? We dont know exactly. The location likely was the live animal market, but we dont know the particular animal.

The more pressing and urgent question, he said: How frequent is human to human transmission?

READ MORE: Deadly virus finds a breeding ground in China's food markets

In one instance a patient appears to have infected 14 health care workers in a medical facility, but that individual may have been a super-spreader, he said. Could people with mild infections transmit this virus from person to person? That all remains still under investigation.

On Monday, Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville changed its electronic prompts so that any patients coming in to its hospital, emergency room or clinics with a fever or respiratory symptoms will be asked whether they have been to China recently or have had contact with anyone who has recently traveled to China.

Hospitals around the country are likely taking similar steps, Schaffner said, in an effort to quickly identify infected patients and place them in isolation so they can be cared for safely by hospital workers, and so specimens can be collected for testing.

Schaffner cautioned anyone traveling to China to avoid visiting live animal markets and to keep a distance from all live animals, including domesticated farm animals. Travelers to China should practice lots of good hand hygiene, he added, and do their best to avoid anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Nik Philpot has been the CEO of Eckoh plc (LON:ECK) since 2006. First, this article will compare CEO compensation with compensation at similar sized companies. Next, we'll consider growth that the business demonstrates. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. This process should give us an idea about how appropriately the CEO is paid.

View our latest analysis for Eckoh

How Does Nik Philpot's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies?

According to our data, Eckoh plc has a market capitalization of UK149m, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth UK459k over the year to March 2019. We think total compensation is more important but we note that the CEO salary is lower, at UK289k. We examined companies with market caps from UK77m to UK308m, and discovered that the median CEO total compensation of that group was UK460k.

So Nik Philpot receives a similar amount to the median CEO pay, amongst the companies we looked at. While this data point isn't particularly informative alone, it gains more meaning when considered with business performance.

The graphic below shows how CEO compensation at Eckoh has changed from year to year.

AIM:ECK CEO Compensation, January 21st 2020

Is Eckoh plc Growing?

Eckoh plc has reduced its earnings per share by an average of 3.0% a year, over the last three years (measured with a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 25%.

Unfortunately, earnings per share have trended lower over the last three years. While the revenue growth is good to see, it is outweighed by the fact that earnings per share are down, over three years. These factors suggest that the business performance wouldn't really justify a high pay packet for the CEO. Shareholders might be interested in this free visualization of analyst forecasts.

Has Eckoh plc Been A Good Investment?

Boasting a total shareholder return of 56% over three years, Eckoh plc has done well by shareholders. As a result, some may believe the CEO should be paid more than is normal for companies of similar size.

Story continues

In Summary...

Nik Philpot is paid around what is normal the leaders of comparable size companies.

We feel that earnings per share have been a bit disappointing, but it's nice to see positive shareholder returns over the last three years. So we think most shareholders wouldn't be too worried about CEO compensation, which is close to the median for similar sized companies. Whatever your view on compensation, you might want to check if insiders are buying or selling Eckoh shares (free trial).

Important note: Eckoh may not be the best stock to buy. You might find something better in this list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.



We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.
The Constitution has been amended 103 times since January 26, 1950. The power of the Parliament to make amendments to the Constitution and the extent to which it can do so, has been a contentious issue leading to a tussle between the Supreme Court and the central government in the 1960s and 1970s. This eventually led to the landmark Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case, which outlined the concept of the basic structure of the Constitution.

During the Emergency, Indira Gandhis dispensation attempted to overhaul the Constitution while the subsequent Janata Party government tried to undo these changes.

Here is a list of the important amendments made to the Constitution.

1st Amendment (1951)

This inserted Clause 4 to Article 15, enabling the state to make special provisions for the advancement of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. This was passed consequent to the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Champakam Dorairajan case (1951) in which the court struck down a law providing for reservation for admission to colleges.

It altered Article 19(2) to enable the government to impose reasonable restrictions on free speech. It also inserted Article 31-B and the ninth schedule to protect land acquisition laws. The changes reflected a struggle between a socialist government inclined to distribute land and a Supreme Court which seemed keen to protect individual liberty by securing property rights.

24th amendment (1971)

This amended Articles 368 and 13 to ensure that Parliament has the power to amend any part of the Constitution, including part III which lays down fundamental rights. The amendment was brought about to bypass the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Golaknath v. State of Punjab case (1967) which held that Parliament cannot amend Part III of the Constitution to take away fundamental rights.

42nd amendment (1976)

This remains one of the most controversial amendments to date. It was enacted during the Emergency when Indira Gandhi was in power, and made wholesale changes to the Constitution, so much so that it is also referred to as the mini Constitution.

It amended the Preamble to insert the words socialist and secular.

It inserted Article 32A to curtail the power of the Supreme Court to examine validity of laws made by state legislatures ( subsequently omitted by the 43rd amendment).

It inserted Article 144A which provided that Supreme Court can consider constitutional validity of central or state laws only if it sits in a bench of at least seven judges.

It also inserted Article 228A which provides that a high court can decide constitutional validity of a state law only through a bench of at least five judges.

It amended Article 31C to give precedence to directive principles over fundamental rights (this was later held unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the Minerva Mills case in 1980). It inserted Article 31D as per which law intended to prevent anti-national activities or prohibit anti-national associations cannot be challenged on the ground of violation of Articles 14,19 and 31 (subsequently omitted by 43rd amendment). It inserted provisions relating to fundamental duties.

It amended Article 368 to take away the power of judicial review with regard to constitutional amendments thereby preventing constitutional amendments from being called in question in any Court on any ground.

It also expressly declared that the Parliament shall have the power to amend, add or repeal any part of the Constitution. (This was held unconstitutional in 1980 by the Supreme Court in Minerva Mills v. Union of India case).

43rd amendment (1977)

This deleted Articles 32A, 144A, 226A and 228A which curtailed powers of Supreme Court and high courts respectively. It also deleted Article 31D which saved laws prohibiting anti-national activities.

44th amendment (1978)

This amended Article 352 which deals with proclamation of emergency in the country; internal disturbance as a ground to invoke emergency was deleted and substituted by armed rebellion. This was after the Janata government came to power immediately after the excesses of national emergency.

It omitted right to property as fundamental right by deletion of Article 31. Article 300A was inserted in its place. Thus, right to property lost its status as a fundamental right and became a constitutional right.

61st amendment (1988)

It amended Article 326 to reduce the minimum age for voting for elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies from 21 to 18 years.

73rd amendment (1992)

This change inserted Part IX to the Constitution so as to introduce the Panchayat system for local administration at the grass root level. Earlier, the Panchayat system was based on state legislations. The amendment gave it constitutional base.

74th amendment (1992)

It inserted Part IXA providing for municipalities with the intent to strengthen urban

local bodies which were earlier under state laws.

93rd amendment (2005)

This inserted Clause 5 in Article 15, enabling the government to give reservation to socially and economically backward classes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in public and private educational institutions.

101st amendment (2016)

This introduced Goods and Service Tax.

103rd amendment (2018)

This inserted Clause 6 in Article 15 enabling the government to make special provisions for the advancement of economically weaker sections of the society.
The Lagos State Government has given two weeks ultimatum to some occupants of the old Jankara market site.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Idris Salako, gave the ultimatum during an assessment tour of Lagos Island on Monday.

Mr Salako said that the Jankara market had been earmarked for modern development, in line with the governments plan to regenerate Lagos Island.

He said that the Ministry of Physical Planning had served all occupants notices to leave the premises as the governments renewal plan for Lagos Island would commence.

The commissioner said that the clearing of the market was in agreement with State Government agenda for total redevelopment of Lagos Island.

He said that the redevelopment of the area would usher in infrastructure renewal as the people should expect modern health centre, recreational and road infrastructure, among others.

Mr Salako urged the auto mechanics, traders and occupants of illegal settlement on Adeniji Adele street to vacate before January 24.

He also directed the sealing of distressed buildings and schools built without a planning permit in the area.

Read also:

Mr Salako said that it was imperative for government to do the needful to avert danger to life and property.

He said that the government would continue to maintain its zero tolerance policy on illegal building construction.

While monitoring sites at the coastal and regional road in Oniru and Lekki axis of the state, Mr Salako directed the removal of structures on the alignment of the regional road.

(NAN)
Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Tuesday said Assam University should champion the cause of basic science research and promote the interests of pure and applied sciences in the students of higher

Technology and its applications are changing lives every moment with space travel no longer a distant dream or artificial intelligence and robotics being no longer science fiction, the governor told a programme to celebrate the 27th foundation day of the University at Silchar.

"This development should not divert our attention from basic science research and the University should motivate its students into basic science research and make fundamental changes in the lives of the people living in the state," he said.

Mukhi also urged upon the university faculty members to strike a proper balance between science and humanities.

"The purpose of should make an individual a well-rounded personality and a good human being. The university must help the students to imbibe interests in a range of subjects," he said.

For instance, a good scientist will become a better scientist with some knowledge of social sciences and liberal arts and similarly, a student of humanities will gain from an appreciation of science, Mukhi pointed out.

Referring to New Policy of 2019 which emphasizes that higher education institutions should have the "autonomy to innovate" on matters of curriculum and assessment, the governor said all institutions of higher learning should imbibe the ideals laid down in the new educational policy.

The universities should also fund student clubs and activities and set up support centres for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A man in his 70s has died in a crash in Co Down.

The crash happened on Tuesday morning on Roddens Road in Ballywalter.

Police said one vehicle was involved and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong passed her sympathies on to the man's families and friends.

Sadly another person has died in a crash on our roads. The fatal crash happened outside #Ballywalter this morning. Please avoid the area to allow PSNI space to do their investigations. My sincere sympathy to the persons family and friends.  Kellie Armstrong (@Kelmba) January 21, 2020

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are conducting enquiries to determine the cause of death and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or saw a Red Toyota Auris being driven in the area at around 7.45am this morning to contact officers in Newtownards on 101 quoting reference 219 of the 21/01/20."
My father insisted that faith meant loving otherseven those who beat and bloodied him.

A black child growing up during the sixties, I was shaped by two powerful influences: first, two strong Christian parents who daily demonstrated their faith to me and everyone around them; second, the issue of race. Next to Christianity, issues of integration, voting, segregation, and white folks were the things most talked about in my house and my neighborhood.

This is the case for most black people of my generation. Racial consciousness has shaped who we are and is never absent from any situation. Yet it was precisely because of our strong Christian beliefs that my family took the point position in the battle for racial justice in our town.

As a child, I did not understand everything that was going on. Yet I was sure of one thing: I knew down to the core of my being that what we were doing was right in the sight of God.

Until my school years, most of us didnt give much thought to hopes for racial justice. For years we had heard the grownups talking hush talk under their breath. We all cheered aloud as we listened to Martin Luther King, Jr., make his famous I Have a Dream speech, but his marches seemed far away. Though most people watching the evening news were shocked to see the Alabama police turn their dogs and water hoses on school-age children, we were not. We understood Southern justice. We had seen the news reports and could almost smell the smoke from Watts and Chicago. But we lived in Mississippi, the Closed Society. Things would never change here.

Still, something was in the air. All the teachers were talking about it, and I could see the fear and anger in their faces. Harper Vocational High School had an enrollment of ...

1

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IMA Inc., a national insurance brokerage firm with offices in Dallas, is expanding to Fort Worth with the addition of two insurance veterans, Trey Schuler and Gavin Wallace.

Schuler and Wallace will work in tandem. The pair will serve as senior vice presidents for the employee-owned insurance broker specializing in property/casualty insurance, employee benefits and surety bonds.

The two met well before embarking on IMAs expansion, as colleagues in their early careers and through their shared commitment to Fort Worth, particularly as volunteers for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Schuler is a 10-year member of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Greeting Committee. Wallace is a member of the Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate and the Agricultural Development Fund, both supporting junior livestock exhibitors.

In addition to work in the energy sector, Schuler serves clients in construction and commercial real estate. A third-generation insurance professional, he is president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Tarrant County and holds a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.

Wallace has spent his 12-year career managing risk for clients in a wide range of industries, with a focus on energy and food and beverage. He served as a director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Tarrant County and currently serves on the Ben Hogan Foundation Advisory Board. Wallace holds Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and CIC designations.

The two new SVPs join IMAs 750 associates working across Colorado, Kansas, Michigan and Texas.

Source: IMA

Topics Texas Agribusiness
[January 21, 2020] OurCrowd Global Investor Summit Previews Israel's Next Potential Tech Exits

OurCrowd, the global crowdfunding venture investing platform and Israel's leading venture investor, will offer investors a sneak peek at the promising future stars of Israeli and Global tech at the sixth annual OurCrowd Global Investor Summit on February 13, 2020, in Jerusalem, Israel. 2019 was another bonanza year for Israeli tech. Total exits almost doubled over the previous year to $21 billion in 138 deals, according to the recently published IVC-Meitar Israel Tech Exits report. Exits for the decade grew in value by 800% to a total of $111 billion. OurCrowd has a proven track record of giving investors a preview of some of the huge deals to come at its Global Investor Summit. 32 of the startups presenting at the past four summits had an exit or IPO within 12 months. The 2019 Summit featured 7 startups that later exited, including: Beyond Meat: Biggest IPO in a decade, May 2019

May 2019 Magisto : Acquired by Vimeo (News - Alert) for $100 million, April 2019

: Acquired by for $100 million, April 2019 Wave: acquired in June 2019 by H&R Block Previous years' Summit events featured many startups that later exited, including: Jump Bikes 2018, acquired by Uber two months later

2018, acquired by two months later Briefcam 2018, acquired by Canon (News - Alert) six months later

2018, acquired by six months later Invertex 2017, acquired by Nike three months later

2017, acquired by three months later Mobileye 2017, acquired by Intel (News - Alert) for $15.3 billion two months later

2017, acquired by two months later Crosswise 2016, acquired by Oracle three months later

2016, acquired by three months later Replay 2016, acquired by Intel two months later The Summit, Israel's largest tech conference, will provide investors with a sneak preview of some of the companies poised to achieve the next big exits in the world's most vibrant tech ecosystem. Since 2014, 36 OurCrowd portfolio companies have exited. Many have been acquired by global multinationals or achieved successful exits through IPO. "The OurCrowd Global Investor Summit has become the showcase for soon-to-exit companies," said OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved (News - Alert). "If you want to ee firsthand the phenomenon of the IVC Meitar Report at work and get exposure to future startup success you must attend the Summit."



OurCrowd is the largest global venture investing platform with more than $1.3 billion in committed funds from 40,000 registered investors in 183 countries. In 2019 Our Crowd was ranked for the second year running as the "Most active venture investor in Israel" by Pitchbook. OurCrowd has 22 funds and 5 co-managed incubators on the platform. It has recently won Israel government tenders for incubators focusing on FoodTech and Cannabis.

With more than 17,000 investors, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and others registered so far - including 141 foreign delegations - the Summit is the largest investor event in the Middle East, the largest equity crowdfunding event in the world, and the largest business event in the history of Israel. Meet the people driving Israel's tech economy to new frontiers in Jerusalem on February 13, 2020. Apply now for your VIP media pass at summit.ourcrowd.com or contact: Leah Stern, OurCrowd Dir. of Communications / [email protected] / +44 747 019 6826

Estee Yaari, OurCrowd Press Office / [email protected] / +972 50-200-7072 ------ ENDS ------- About OurCrowd:

OurCrowd is a global venture investing platform that empowers institutions and individuals to invest and engage in emerging companies. The most active venture investor in Israel, OurCrowd vets and selects companies, invests its capital, and provides its global network with unparalleled access to co-invest and contribute connections, talent and deal flow. OurCrowd builds value for its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycles, providing mentorship, recruiting industry advisors, navigating follow-on rounds and creating growth opportunities through its network of multinational partnerships. With $1.3 billion of committed funding, and investments in 200 portfolio companies and 22 venture funds, OurCrowd offers access to its membership of 40,000 individual accredited and institutional investors, family offices, and venture capital partners from over 183 countries to invest alongside, at the same terms. OurCrowd's portfolio is diversified across sectors and stages, ranging from seed and series A through late stage and pre-IPO firms. Since its founding in 2013, OurCrowd portfolio companies have been acquired by some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Uber, Canon, Oracle (News - Alert), Nike, and Intel. To register and get involved, visit www.ourcrowd.com. About the OurCrowd Global Investor Summit: "Where the startup world gathers"

The 2020 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit is one of the premier events in the tech industry, and the largest business conference in Israel. The 2020 Summit will take place February 13. In 2019, over 18,000 people from 189 countries registered to attend what has become the fastest-growing tech conference in the world. The Summit provides unprecedented insight into the world of startup venture capital, with exclusive exposure to cutting-edge technologies, the entrepreneurs behind them, and the corporate leaders deploying them. Top investors, venture capitalists, corporate partners, entrepreneurs and journalists come from around the world to get business done. The Summit anchors a week of events that include corporate meetups, VC forums, insider access to accelerators and labs, and cultural excursions, as well as nightly opportunities for great food, drink and networking with the global crowd. As Forbes reported, Summit Week in Israel was "the place to be." Thousands more will participate through livestreaming. Learn more at summit.ourcrowd.com For Press Materials: https://blog.ourcrowd.com/exitpreview/ Legal Disclaimer: Nothing contained in and accompanying this communication shall be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to purchase any securities by OurCrowd, its portfolio companies or any third party. Information regarding OurCrowd's limited partnerships and/or portfolio companies and the investment opportunities on OurCrowd's website is intended and available for accredited investors only (criteria at our website). OurCrowd urges potential investors to consult with licensed legal professionals and investment advisors for any legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Some of the statements contained in this release constitute forward looking statements that are based on expectations and projections about future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and many circumstances outside the control of OurCrowd. Prospective investors are cautioned not to construe the contents of this release as providing assurances, whether express or implied, that any investment opportunities offered by OurCrowd, will yield any successful or meaningful results. Past performance is never indicative of future results. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005470/en/

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News of India deciding not to join the mammoth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal set off a huge sigh of relief to some camps within the country. However, experts on the subject saw this as a failure on the part of ineffective negotiations and maintained that over one-third of the 3.6 billion population who reside within Asia will not be a part of a global commerce pact.

The 16-country trade deal which took over 7 years of intense negotiations would have been one of the world's largest agreements covering over 40 percent of the global economy. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his decision of withdrawing from the deal at the RCEP Summit held in Bangkok in early November 2019, he promptly substantiated his resolve stating the negotiations failed to address India's 'outstanding issues and concerns'.

Read | South China Sea, Myanmar and RCEP on ASEAN agenda

India pulling out of the RCEP came amidst a pair of politico-economic developments that could have gone a long way towards influencing any decision.

On one hand, India's growth was witnessing a slowdown which was further hampered by the rollout of GST, fear of trade deficit with partners, manufacturing and service sectors becoming vulnerable due to foreign impact, sour experiences of gaining no net advantages in the past and the Chinese agenda of flooding Indian market using RCEP countries to dump goods.

On the other hand, the Modi dispensation had just won a decisive mandate for another five years, ensuring stability, and empowering it to continue with structural or other reforms.

Indias decision to not sign RCEP is a result of PM @narendramodis strong leadership & unflinching resolve to ensure national interest in all circumstances.



It shall ensure support to our farmers, MSMEs, dairy & manufacturing sector, pharmaceutical, steel & chemical industries.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 4, 2019

Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore, in a conversation with a leading international news outlet stated "All negotiations, FTA (Free Trade Agreements) or otherwise are based on a set of domestic interests. India understands and believes in the importance of strategic merits of RCEP. Since 2012, we have negotiated in good faith, a great deal of commitment and a lot of hard work has gone into it. We have also made great concessions from our side, particularly in the area of services, but there were concerns over trade deficits.'

The High Commissioner elucidated, India's trade deficit with RCEP countries has increased from $7 Billion in 2002 to about $118 Billion in 2018. Notably, over half of that was with China. Safeguards and scope of coverage to ensure there was no dumping of goods in the country either directly or via other countries will remain a major concern.

Read | India has not closed doors on RCEP: Jaishankar

As India continues to open its economy slowly, signing FTAs with Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia, the key agenda to consider is balancing negotiated interests between countries and opening up to a commitment of an unfettered, large range of goods will affect MSMEs in the country.

Notably, the deal is structured in a way that exposes the economy in its full bearing and at a time when India is going through major internal changes and upheaval, it would be unwise to hurt local businesses. Maintaining a mild dose of protectionist "Hand of God" to nurture the current state of the economy with flagship projects of modernising industries is the way to go.

Read | Japan indicates efforts to address India's concerns over RCEP

Merits of joining RCEP

Potential new markets for Indian goods and services

Greater openness in services with trade partners to counter the US and EU challenge

Global resistance to immigrants could be curbed by looking and 'Acting East'

Commitments from RCEP members to lower barriers to Indian exports of goods and services

Swifter work visa process for India's skilled labour

India's concerns over joining the negotiations are sixfold:

Weak manufacturing sector:

Indian goods will not find a substantial market to export, in exchange for the large volume of goods and services that will enter the Indian markets. Poor agricultural output also makes it difficult to compete with international players (in particular ASEAN countries)

Service sector and management of human capital

Exchange of human capital, in particular, skilled labour and IT services were not tabled for discussion, despite India raising concerns over the issue on several occasions, a fair deal was not arranged.

Fear of opening India's market to be flooded by cheaper Chinese goods

India will stand exposed to cheap and poor quality goods from China flooding domestic markets which will harm local industries and MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). Numerous industries such as textile, steel, agro products, copper, etc., will be affected by opening up the market with the new RCEP deal.

Thanks to strong & decisive leadership of PM @narendramodi ji who took the historic decision not to join RCEP based on Indias interests. He has always kept in mind the interest of stakeholders including farmers, dairy sector, manufacturers & MSMEs.  Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) November 4, 2019

Issue of the country of origin

Chinese goods have on several occasions found a way into Indian markets through other countries, using other RCEP member States as a platform to dump their cheaper goods in the country.

Ballooning trade deficit

India already has a trade deficit with 11 Asian countries, the largest currently being with China. The new deal will open the wound further allowing the deficit to increase substantially.

India's demands of more market access in China sidelined

Access to sell pharmaceutical drugs, agro and dairy products, textile, etc., in China has been repeatedly denied.

Do the risks outweigh benefits?

Read | Union Minister Piyush Goyal praises PM Modi for pulling India out of RCEP

Beyond the specific issues with RCEP, India's past experience with regional FTAs have given experts little reason to expect the benefits of free trades will outweigh the challenges.

According to a NITI Aayog report, In spite of India currently engaging in regional trade agreements with 15 countries, the signing of each deal has led to a greater bilateral exchange, but at an internal cost, where imports have increased substantially more than exports.

In the past, India has made only superficial gains with such agreements, and due to its inverted duty structure, taxing imported goods at a lower rate than raw materials has resulted in Indian goods being uncompetitive. The new agreement will do the same if the tax codes don't see a significant overhaul - without which no net gains will be made.
(Newser)  A New Hampshire father took his family for a hike on Monday and ended up killing an apparently rabid coyote with his bare hands. Police say Ian O'Reilly went into "protection mode and suffocated the coyote until it succumbed" after the animal attacked his 2-year-old son on a trail in Exeter, ABC News reports. The same animal is believed to have attacked a vehicle earlier in the day before biting a woman and her dogs in nearby Kensington. O'Reilly says he had no choice but to fight the aggressive animal after it grabbed his son by the jacket and pulled him to the ground. "It's really just instinct," he tells WMUR. "The fact that when we tried to kick and push and get rid of him, it became clear that he was not disengaging."

story continues below

"There was no running away, it would not allow us to run away," O'Reilly tells CBS Boston. "It was very much the aggressor." He was bitten on the chest and forearm during the struggle while his wife called 911 and protected their three children. "I did kick him square in the jaw once that put him to the ground and I was able to jump on him after that," says O'Reilly, who didn't wait for the dead animal to be tested before starting rabies shots. The 2-year-old wasn't bitten. The same son was bitten by a rabid raccoon in the family's backyard a year ago, but the experiences "wont stop us from going outside," O'Reilly says. (Read more coyote stories.)
The whos who of Democratic candidates joined remembrance activities in Columbia, South Carolina at the Zion Baptist Church. marking the 34th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday coincides with the states upcoming Democratic caucus. The day is significant as black voters make up about two-thirds of the partys electorate in South Carolina.

Inside the church, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders shared a handshake and smile after their frosty meeting just days earlier.

After the service, the candidates marched together from the church to the State House. They linked arms in a nod to the late Dr. King.

Amy Klobuchar said. As we walked together I was reminded that Dr. King never really walked alone.
Islamabad, Jan 21 : Visiting chief US diplomat for South Asian affairs, Alice Wells has said that the issue of illegal Pakistani immigrants in America has been resolved to a great extent, it was reported on Tuesday.

"We appreciate the Pakistan government's cooperation on the matter," Wells said on Monday during a meeting with Interior Minister retired Brig Ijaz Ahmad Shah, while adding that her government wants to come up with a strong system (for dealing with illegal immigrants) that can be used in the future, reports Dawn news.

Addressing Wells, Shah said that a stronger system to verify travel documents has already been created, while a second one was also in place for the monitoring of international non-governmental organisations (INGOs).

The two sides also discussed Pakistan's progress on matters raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

"It is heartening to see that Pakistan's government has made significant progress on these matters and that too in a short time," Wells said.

The top US diplomat arrived in Islamabad on Sunday for a four-day visit after wrapping up her tour of India and Sri Lanka.

Sources said that Wells is expected hold further meetings with representatives from Pakistan's political and military leadership to talk about several issues, including Pakistan-US ties and the Afghan reconciliation process.
The jab could have the potential to prevent 99.8% of infections. [Photo: Getty]

The HPV vaccine could almost eradicate the risk of cervical cancer in young women, research suggests.

Scientists from Kings College London believe the jab has the potential to prevent 99.8% of infections that would otherwise take hold over the next five-to-eight years.

They concluded that among newly-vaccinated young teenagers, the injection would almost eliminate the risk of cervical tumours.

READ MORE: One in 10 women think the HPV virus is dirty

Our analysis finds the near perfect efficacy of HPV vaccination in randomised controlled trials is realised in real-world settings, study author Professor Peter Sasieni said.

These results imply the impact of HPV vaccination on preventing cervical cancer could be even greater than estimated previously.

This comes after 65 studies with a total of around 60m people found the vaccine reduced HPV infections by 70% within one-to-four years.

At five-to-eight years, the risk was found to go down by 83%, results show.

READ MORE: DIY smear tests could be a 'game changer'

Off the back of this, the Kings scientists looked at the efficacy of the jab in girls from 14 countries.

They concluded a 92% efficacy after one-to-four years, rising to 99.8% between five and eight years.

Our analysis underlines the importance of achieving high vaccine coverage, co-author Dr Jack Cuzick from Queen Mary University of London, said.

Public health practitioners in the UK can be rightly proud of the very high coverage achieved from which we should see near elimination of cervical cancer in young women over the next 15 years.

Sadly, countries such as France in which only about 20% of girls have been vaccinated due to widespread distrust of the vaccine, will not.

What is the HPV jab?

HPV is a common virus that infects four in five Brits at some point in their lives, according to Jos Cervical Cancer Trust.

Once infected, via sexual contact, most fight off the virus naturally.

Yet, of the more than 200 strains, 13 have been linked to cancer.

Story continues

READ MORE: What its like to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in your 20s

Girls in year eight, aged 11-to-13, are therefore offered a jab that protects against two high-risk and two low-risk strains on the NHS.

Those under 25 who were offered the vaccine at school but turned it down are also entitled to a free injection.

The HPV jab is known to last 10 years, with studies suggesting it could be effective even longer.

Find out more about the vaccine at the Jos Cervical Cancer Trust website.
Richer countries may become a rising source of refugees as climate change forces people to flee their countries.

The world needs to prepare for a surge in refugees with potentially millions of people being driven from their homes by the impact of climate change, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said on Tuesday.

Speaking to Reuters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, UN Commissioner Filippo Grandi said a UN ruling this week meant those fleeing as a result of climate change had to be treated by recipient countries as refugees, with broad implications for governments.

The UN Human Rights Committee made the landmark ruling on Monday in relation to refugee-status applicant Ioane Teitiota, a man from the Pacific nation of Kiribati who brought a case against New Zealand after authorities denied his claim of asylum.

The ruling says if you have an immediate threat to your life due to climate change, due to the climate emergency, and if you cross the border and go to another country, you should not be sent back because you would be at risk of your life, just like in a war or in a situation of persecution, Grandi said.

We must be prepared for a large surge of people moving against their will, he said. I wouldnt venture to talk about specific numbers. Its too speculative, but certainly were talking about millions here.

Potential drivers of migration include wildfires like those seen in Australia, rising sea levels affecting low-lying islands, the destruction of crops and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa, and floods worldwide, including in parts of the developed world.

For most of its 70 years, UNHCR, the UNs refugee agency, has worked to assist those fleeing poorer countries as a result of conflict. But climate change is more indiscriminate, meaning richer countries may become a rising source of refugees.

It is further proof that refugee movements and the broader issue of migration of populations  is a global challenge that cannot be confined to a few countries, said Grandi.

The UNHCRs budget has risen from $1bn a year in the early 1990s to $8.6bn in 2019 as conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria have forced civilians to flee, and the agency now assists more than 70 million forcibly displaced people globally.

Turkey is the largest recipient of this aid, with more than four million refugees and asylum seekers, the vast majority from Syria. This has strained Turkeys public finances and led President Tayyip Erdogan to demand more assistance from Europe.

Last November, Erdogan threatened to open the door for Syrian refugees to head to Europe unless the European Union stepped up. He is now calling for the resettlement of up to one million Syrians in the north of their homeland.

Grandi said European governments needed to think hard about solutions to the migrant crisis that has affected them since 2015  but also show more understanding of Turkeys situation.

We must recognise that for the past several years [Turkey] has been hosting the largest refugee population in the world, he said. Theres a lot of political talk. I concentrate on the substance of this, which is lets strengthen Turkeys ability to host refugees until they can go back safely, voluntarily to their countries.
A woman who worked at the palace is alleged to be the groups ringleader.

A group of 25 people face trial in Morocco in connection with the alleged robbery of luxury watches and jewellery from one of King Mohammed VIs royal palaces.

They have been accused of belonging to a criminal gang that reportedly carried out the raid on a palace in Marrakesh, according to local media.

The alleged ringleader of the organisation, according to Hesspress, a Moroccan news website, was a female employee at the palace, but she was also reported to have been aided by palace security staff and Moroccan jewellers.

No details of the stolen watches or jewellery nor the date of the alleged crime were disclosed by Moroccan authorities.

A trial is expected to start next week in Rabat, the Moroccan capital.

King Mohammed VI is known to have a large collection of expensive timepieces and jewellery.

In September 2018, the Moroccan monarch was reported to have acquired a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch, encrusted with 893 diamonds and worth $1.2m.

The Hesspress report, first published on Monday, alleged a woman who worked at the royal palace in Marrakesh was the principal suspect in the robbery.

The Moroccan royal household neither confirms nor denies reports regarding the king.

All those detained are accused of robbery and abuse of confidence, report local media, because they either worked at the palace or were in some way connected to the royal family.

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The Al Massae newspaper reported the gang stole other valuables, as well, but did not specify details.

This is extremely unusual that a robbery should take place at a royal palace, Ali Lmrabet, a Moroccan writer and journalist, told Al Jazeera.

The last time it happened was about 40 years ago. Normally, anything to do with the security of the king is shrouded in security, so it must mean that someone near the king has authorised that this information be disclosed.

In 2016, Mohammed VI gave then-US President Barack Obama a golden brooch decorated with diamonds and rubies, as well as silver earrings and a watch encrusted with emeralds and diamonds.

The US Federal Registry valued the gifts at $101,200, and the jewellery was deposited in the National Archive and Register  which holds gifts presented to US presidents.

Security around King Mohammed can sometimes be lax, Ignacio Cembrero, a Spanish journalist who covers Morocco for news website El Confidencial, told Al Jazeera. I have seen him go on private trips around cities with just one bodyguard car in front of his own.

Cembrero said the Moroccan monarch remained a popular figure among his people, but his image had been damaged in recent years by frequent trips abroad.
The on Tuesday approved procurement of military equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources and gave a go ahead to construct six conventional submarines for the Navy in India under the ambitious strategic partnership model.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat and several top officials.

It was the first meeting of the DAC after appointment of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"The DAC accorded approval for procurement of equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources. These include sophisticated Electronic Warfare Systems for the Army designed by DRDO and manufactured locally by the Indian industry," the said.

In another significant decision, the DAC also approved shortlisting of Indian strategic partners (SP) and the potential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that would collaborate to construct six conventional submarines in India under the strategic partnership model.

Under the model, select private firms are being roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with OEMs.
Schumacher named staff person of the year for N.C. community colleges

Blue Ridge registrar Sara Schumacher was recently named recipient of the 2020 North Carolina Community College System Staff of the Year Award.

Schumacher was chosen after an application and interview with members of the State Board of Community Colleges for her commitment and contributions to Blue Ridge Community College, not only through her role as registrar, but also through her work as an adjunct faculty member.

Prior to working at Blue Ridge, Schumacher attended the College, where she graduated with an Associate in Arts in 2006 before transferring to Western Carolina University. There she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2009. She is a graduate of North Henderson High School. She was a graduate of VISION Henderson County and is currently a member of the North Carolina Community College Leadership Academy.

Before becoming the Registrar in 2017, Sara worked as Registrar Clerk and Assistant Register. She was named in 2018 by Blue Ridge as the recipient of the Dr. Molly A. Parkhill Staff Person of the Year Award. She has served on numerous Blue Ridge committees every year since 2009, and currently serves on the Colleges Hiring Committee, EAGLE-Internal Auditing Review Committee, Advising Council, RISE Committee and Graduation Committee.

We are so proud of Sara for receiving this well-deserved recognition! stated Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood. She has consistently been a staunch student advocate, team player, and problem solver and goes above and beyond to support the mission and values of Blue Ridge Community College.

Through collaboration and dedication, Schumacher successfully implemented the online application process through College Foundation of North Carolina in 2007. She also successfully led and implemented the Residency process in Oct. 2017, as well as streamlined the data retrieval processes for internal needs, federal and state reporting needs including daily requests for faculty, staff and Institutional Research.

Schumacher coordinated and implemented Parchment, an electronic transcript sending service to provide faster service to Blue Ridge students, as well as to cut costs for the College. She also redesigned and implemented the new Admissions Brochure process to provide higher quality communication for new and returning students.
The Associated Press

A pair of spacewalking astronauts successfully wrapped up battery improvements outside the International Space Station on Monday, completing a job begun last fall.

NASAs Jessica Meir and Christina Koch installed the last new battery in a set of six launched to the orbiting lab in September. They also removed two old batteries in their second spacewalk in under a week to upgrade the stations solar power grid.

This marked the womens third spacewalk together. They conducted the worlds first all-female spacewalk last October, replacing a failed charging device that bumped the battery replacements into this year.

At 1:33pm EST, @Astro_Jessica and @Astro_Christina concluded today's spacewalk. After working 6 hours and 58 minutes the two successfully completed the battery upgrade for one channel on one pair of the stations solar arrays. #AskNASA | Read more... https://t.co/GQfO9zyIGP pic.twitter.com/e3mHSeM8l3  Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) January 20, 2020

The women had just completed the battery work when Koch inadvertently deployed the hand controller on her emergency jet pack, called a Safer. Meir hurried over to get the controller back in its proper place. Koch called her my hero.

Mission Control cautioned that, given the current set-up, we would not count on Christinas Safer in an emergency. NASAs spacewalking astronauts always wear small Safer jet packs in case they become untethered from the station and float away. Its never been needed.

During last Wednesdays spacewalk, Kochs helmet lights and the camera came loose. She later found a faulty latch in the helmet assembly and replaced it before floating out Monday.

Koch has been aboard the space station for more than 10 months, the longest single spaceflight by a woman. She returns to Earth in just over two weeks.

Spacewalk time! After all the technical studying, airlock prepping, and conferencing, @Astro_Jessica and I multitask as we do our final briefing. Spacewalk hair pro tip: Double braid is the way to go--fits snug under the com cap, out of the helmet seal, and no flyaways! pic.twitter.com/C9PgvA9FLN  Christina H Koch (@Astro_Christina) January 19, 2020

NASA gradually has been replacing the space stations 48 ageing, original-style nickel-hydrogen batteries with new and more powerful lithium-ion batteries. Only half as many of the new batteries are needed. So far, 18 new batteries have been installed over the past three years and 36 old ones removed.

Another batch of six new batteries will be launched to the orbiting lab this spring to complete the power upgrade. The old batteries, meanwhile, will be discarded in a supply ship.

These oversized, boxy batteries keep all the space stations systems running when the outpost is on the night side of Earth, drawing power from the sprawling solar wings. Theyre not easy to handle: Each is about a yard, or a meter, tall and wide, with a mass of about 400 pounds (180 kilograms.)

In all, five spacewalks were needed to complete the battery work this time around. Monitoring the action from inside, NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan congratulated his astro-sisters for a mission accomplished.

Our spacewalkers wrapped up their work in the vastness of space by paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who paved the way for not only us, but so many who have a dream, says @Astro_Christina. Listen to their heartfelt words on #MLKDay: pic.twitter.com/Ta2z911Le1  NASA (@NASA) January 20, 2020

As Mondays seven-hour spacewalk drew to a close, Meir and Koch paid tribute to slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on the holiday marking his birth. Koch noted how she and Meir often say how much they owe the pioneering female astronauts who came before them and everyone else working for civil rights and inclusion.

Thats why its so meaningful for us today to be out here, on the day we honour Martin Luther King Jr., who paved the way not only for us, but so many that have a dream, Koch said.

It was their last spacewalk together, at least during this mission.

Morgan and Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano will venture outside Saturday to complete repairs to a cosmic ray detector on the space station. The science instruments cooling system had to be replaced, an intricate job requiring four spacewalks.
David Marcus, CEO of Facebook's Calibra, testifies to the House Financial Services Committee hearing on "Examining Facebook's Proposed Cryptocurrency and Its Impact on Consumers, Investors, and the American Financial System" on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 17, 2019.

Telecommunications operator Vodafone has left Facebook's Libra Association, the group confirmed on Tuesday.

The British company is the eighth to abandon Facebook's digital currency project, joining the likes of Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, eBay, Stripe, Booking Holdings and Mercado Pago. The departure was first reported by CoinDesk.

"We can confirm that Vodafone is no longer a member of the Libra Association. Although the makeup of the Association members may change over time, the design of libra's governance and technology ensures the Libra payment system will remain resilient," the Libra Association said in a statement. "The Association is continuing the work to achieve a safe, transparent, and consumer-friendly implementation of the Libra payment system."

Vodafone will shift resources that were previously intended for Libra to M-Pesa, the company's digital payment service that is already serving six African nations, according to the CoinDesk report.

In a statement, Vodafone said it did not rule out the possibility of working with the Libra Association in the future.

Since Facebook announced libra in June, the cryptocurrency has been stonewalled by concerns from lawmakers and regulators around the world. Facebook has promised it will not launch its corresponding Calibra digital wallet until libra is approved by U.S. regulators.

The Libra Association was originally made up of 28 corporate backers, who are meant to help govern libra the libra currency. The founding members were expected to invest a minimum of $10 million to fund the operating costs of the association and launch an incentive program to drive adoption, according to Facebook's initial announcement of the project.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in July said that libra raises "serious concerns regarding privacy, money laundering, consumer protection, financial stability" and the Fed had launched a working group to examine it.

Facebook did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read the full CoinDesk article here.

--CNBC's Kate Rooney contributed to this report.

Follow @CNBCtech on Twitter for the latest tech industry news.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  Authorities have been searching for seven fishermen who went missing in waters off Pangasinan in the West Philippine Sea last week.

The Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement on Tuesday that search and rescue operations continued following an aerial search on Monday over the vicinity of Camaso Island in Dasol, Pangasinan, the fishermen's last reported location.

On January 13, the fishermen onboard fishing banca Narem 2 reported to boat owner Christine Macaraig that they encountered big waves 60 nautical miles from Camaso Island. The fishermen said their boat's engine broke down. They began their sail from the Infanta port on January 6 but failed to return as scheduled on January 14.

Among those missing is captain Alberto Roldan and crew members Roderick Montemayor, Homar Maglantay, Ejay Dela Cruz, Jerome Maglantay, Larry Legaspi, and Jefferson Bernabe.

The PCG said that in searching for the fishermen, its personnel went as far as Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, a controversial feature 120 nautical miles off Zambales, which is being claimed by both the Philippines and China.

The PCG said some pilots reported to have seen Filipino fishermen inside the shoal while Chinese Coast Guard's ships were outside.

The Philippine Coast Guard has advised all local fishers passing through the West Philippine Sea "to be on the lookout for the missing fishing boat and inform the nearest PCG unit about their location to render necessary assistance."

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy have also deployed assets to locate the missing fishermen.
French President Emmanuel Macron, after a phone talk with US leader Donald Trump, agreed to postpone the collection of digital tax in the republic, The Wall Street Journal reported.

According to US official sources, Macron called Trump on Sunday. During the talks, he agreed to postpone the collection of the tax until the end of this year. Trump said that this year he will not introduce trade tariffs on goods from France. The parties agreed to hold consultations on issues related to digital tax. According to US officials, Macron succumbed to pressure from Trump, TASS reported.

According to the newspaper, earlier in Berlin, Macron met with Trump's national security assistant Robert O'Brien. The latter allegedly told the French leader that a digital tax could entail a trade war between Paris and Washington, as well as between the US and the EU. Consultations between the parties on this issue will continue at the level of finance ministers on the sidelines of the Davos Economic Forum.

A source from among French officials said that Macron did not agree to completely cancel the specified tax. The French side may suspend its collection during consultations between the states, this source specified.

On July 11, 2019, the French Senate passed a bill on the taxation of major digital services companies. This tax applies to the profits of Internet giants received after January 1, 2019, and will be 3% of the total turnover in France. It covers all companies whose turnover exceeds  750 million globally and  25 million in France, as well as companies whose field of activity covers online advertising, online trading or the work of information aggregators.

At the beginning of December last year, the office of the US representative at the trade talks said that Washington could impose tariffs on French goods worth about $ 2.4 billion. These products included dairy products as cheese, sparkling wines, cosmetics, bags and porcelain.
By Online Desk

Think of the best plot twist in a celluloid love story you have ever watched. Now, here is a real-life incident reported from Gujarat's Surat that can give your choice a serious contest.

With hardly over a week to go for their wedding, a young couple in Gujarat was heartbroken as they had to call off their wedding. Reason - the boy's father eloped with the girl's mother!

According to media reports, the middle-aged duo went missing earlier in January and the families filed a police complaint only after 10 days. The 48-year-old man and the 46-year-old woman disappeared from their residence in Katargam and Navsari respectively as their kids were planning to get married in the second week of February.

The young couple was preparing for the wedding after getting engaged a year ago, a TOI report said. However, following the unprecedented turn of events, the marriage now stands suspended.

It is learnt that the middle-aged man and woman knew each other from their younger days. They were in love when they were neighbours in Surat's Katargam area and had even tried to elope some years ago. But their relation didn't end in wedlock as the woman was married off by her family to a diamond merchant.

The man too moved on to become a textile businessman, became a local politician and married another woman.
LAKE WORTH, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Adriana Gonzalez, of Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. , has made history after being sworn in as the first female president of the Palm Beach County Justice Association (PBCJA). Gonzalez officially took the helm during the annual election dinner, which took place on January 9, 2020. She will serve until January 2021.

First established in 1988, the PBCJA is dedicated to upholding the honor and dignity of the legal profession. Members are steadfast in their efforts to vigorously represent ALL injured parties, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, status, disability or differences, with the utmost professionalism. PBCJA believes diversity, inclusion and tolerance are essential to achieving liberty and justice for all.

"I recently had the honor of being sworn in as the first female president of the PBCJA, but I want to be clear that the honor isn't in the title," says Gonzalez. "It is in the work that the PBCJA members do to protect the civil justice system. I'm so thankful to be a part of this group. I promise to do my very best to uphold the values of the PBCJA."

Gonzalez works alongside her partner, Charles Cartwright, to provide justice to injured Floridians. Together, the two formed their law firm, Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. , in 2010. The firm's focus has always been to secure justice for victims who have been severely injured.

Gonzalez also devotes a substantial amount of time to community service. Born in Colombia, her family immigrated to Florida when she was nine-years-old. Now, she uses her fluent Spanish to help other Spanish-speaking Floridians in need of legal help. Additionally, she has served as a past President of the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association and currently serves on the Board of the Florida Justice Association Women's Caucus, the Board of the Palm Beach County Justice Association and the Board of the ACLU-FL. She is also active in politics: she served as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention and has overseen voter protection and expansion efforts in Palm Beach County in the last three elections.

Media Contact:

Janie Mackenzie

NextLevel.com

[email protected] / 215.607.8428

SOURCE Gonzalez & Cartwright

Related Links

https://www.gonzalezcartwright.com


A daughter of Patricia O'Connor said her partner began crying and told her "I'm sorry, but I hurt your mam", before he went to tell gardai he had killed and dismembered her.

Louise O'Connor said in a garda statement that murder accused Kieran Greene told her he had "panicked" after her mother lashed out at him with a hurl and "I have to hand myself in, I can't live with this".

She said in her statement she was "stunned" and thought it was a "sick joke".

A Central Criminal Court jury was hearing evidence in the trials of Mr Greene (34), and three others who are charged with impeding the investigation into Ms O'Connor's death.

Trauma

The grandmother's remains were found scattered in 15 parts at nine locations over a 30km-wide area in the Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017.

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She had died from blunt force trauma to the head caused by at least three blows with a solid implement.

Mr Greene denies murdering Patricia O'Connor (61), the mother of his then-partner Louise, at the house they shared at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, on May 29 that year.

Louise (41), her daughter Stephanie O'Connor (22), and Louise's ex-partner, Keith Johnston (43) all deny acting to impede Mr Greene's apprehension or prosecution.

Yesterday, Garda Andrew Quinn said he was on duty at Rathfarnham Garda Station on June 1, 2017 when two men came to the counter - Richard and Augustine 'Gus' O'Connor, the son and husband of Patricia.

They reported her as a missing person, he said.

Gda Quinn contacted women's refuges, and then phoned Louise and kept in contact with her over the next week, he said.

He kept her updated and the possibility of the family providing a photograph and making the fact that she was missing public was discussed.

Patricia's bank card had not been used since May 29, he said.

On June 12, Gda Quinn said he was again on duty when he became aware that Mr Greene was in the station "claiming to have killed and dismembered the body of Patricia O'Connor".

That night, he went to an address at The Park, Millbrook Lawns, Tallaght, and took a statement from Louise, he said.

In her statement, she said she lived at the house at Mountainview Park with her parents, her partner of 10 years Mr Greene and her five children.

The previous July, her mother had retired from her job and since then, she had been "hard to live with", she said.

Her mother had been "irritated", "giving out" and "arguing about stupid things", she said.

On the night she went missing, there had been arguments, she said.

Her mother "tried to hit me with a teapot", and was shouting at Mr Greene, she said.

There was also an argument because her mother was "smoking weed", her regular supplier had none and Louise refused to go out to get some, she said.

She said she brought her father and children to the park to get out and Mr Greene stayed in the house.

When she returned, Mr Greene opened the door. He was shaking and seemed "stressed" she continued. He said her mother was worse and she was like a "raving lunatic", she said.

He said he had been having a shower and had not locked the door properly when her mother walked in and they had a row, Patricia screaming that she could not go to the toilet in her own house and that "the men in the house were pathetic excuses", Louise said.

Louise said her father was still in the park at this stage.

Her mother was "storming around the house", she said.

She heard a door slam, looked out and could see her mother "up the road", and she "seemed to have a bag with her".

Before she left, her mother said "I'll be back when that b*****d pops his clogs and I get what's mine", Louise said.

When she got up at around 7am the next day, she said, Mr Greene was in the bathroom, getting ready to paint it.

"My mam had been on at him to paint the bathroom," she said.

Keith Johnston, her ex-partner, was helping Mr Greene and the two got on well, she said.

On the Thursday, they decided to go to the gardai because of the way her mother had left.

Sick

Mr Greene seemed to be getting very stressed, she said.

Then, she said, "Kieran lost it, he was crying and hugging the kids and saying, 'if you do something wrong, you have to face up to it'".

"He told me 'I'm sorry, but I hurt your mam. I didn't mean to, she was lashing out at me with a hurl'," Louise told gardai.

"I didn't know what to think," her statement continued. "I thought it was a sick joke. He said 'I have to hand myself in, I can't live with this'.

"I was stunned, I asked him where it happened and he said, in the bathroom."

Cross-examined by Conor Devally SC, for Mr Greene, Gda Quinn said it was indicated in the missing person report that Patricia had left home before.

Gus had indicated to him he had "no relationship" with his wife at the time, the trial heard.

Earlier, Garda Sergeant Patrick Carroll told Gerardine Small BL, prosecuting, he had responsibility for the search around the Military Road in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains between June 11 until June 14, after the remains of Ms O'Connor were found.

At her house, a receipt from Homebase was found for a five-metre cover mat and grout and it was dated May 30, 2017 at 12.33pm, the court heard.

A second receipt found was from B&Q, Tallaght was for two gloves, three saws and a cover sheet dated June 9, 2017 at 4.32pm, the court heard.

Another of the receipts found at the house was from Woodies in Tallaght dated 5.13pm on June 9 for two axes and 10-piece blades, the court heard.

The trial continues.
MOSCOWRussian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted to parliament a package of constitutional amendments widely seen as an attempt to secure his grip on power well after his current term ends in 2024.

Putin first presented the proposed changes in his state-of-the-nation address Wednesday, arguing they are intended to bolster the role of parliament and strengthen democracy. Kremlin critics have argued that they are intended to allow his rule for life.

The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, received a draft bill on constitutional proposals from the Kremlin and quickly scheduled the first of three required readings for Thursday.

Putin, 67, has been in power for more than 20 years, longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin, who led from 1924 until his death in 1953. Under the law now in force, Putin must step down as president when his current term ends.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow in Moscow, Russia, on Jan. 20, 2020. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin proposed that the constitution must specify the authority of the State Council, an advisory body that consists of regional governors and top federal officials. The Kremlins constitutional bill submitted to parliament empowers the Council to determine the main directions of home and foreign policy, its specific authority yet to be spelled in a separate law.

Observers say that the proposed changes could allow Putin to stay in charge by shifting into the position of the Councils head.

While proposing to give parliament more say over Cabinet ministers appointment, Putin emphasized that the president should retain the power to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers and remain in charge of the Russian military and law enforcement agencies. That makes it unlikely that Putin could opt for shifting into the prime ministers seat as some have speculated.

The Kremlin bill also modifies the constitution to limit a president to two terms altogether, unlike the current version containing a limit of two consecutive terms.

Putin served two presidential terms in 2000-2008 and then shifted into the prime ministers position to observe the term limit but effectively remained in charge while his associate Dmitry Medvedev served as a placeholder president in 2008-2012. Medvedev obediently stepped down to allow Putin to reclaim the top job and move into the premiership after amending the constitution to extend the presidents term from four years to six.

Immediately after proposing the constitutional changes, Putin last week fired Medvedev, who had the job for eight years and named tax chief Mikhail Mishustin to succeed him. The Russian president is yet to appoint the new Cabinet.

Some commentators speculated that the proposed tweak of the term limit as a sign that Putin could be eyeing another swap with Medvedev and wants to limit his protege to just one term legally.

Putins amendments include a proposal to give the constitution a clear priority over international lawa tweak seen as a reflection of the Kremlins irritation over the European Court of Human Rights rulings that held Russia responsible for human rights violations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, chairs a Security Council meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow in Moscow, Russia, on Jan. 20, 2020. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Another suggested amendment says that top government officials arent allowed to have foreign citizenship or residence permits.

Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin hailed the suggested constitutional amendments as historic, following Putins description of them as offering more power to the people.

Parallel to lawmakers, a working group created by Putin will also consider the proposed changes before they are put to the vote.

Putin said that the constitutional changes need to be approved by the entire nation, but it wasnt immediately clear how such a vote would be organized.

Russias leading opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, and other Kremlin foes have denounced Putins move as an effort to extend his rule after his term ends. Still, it didnt immediately trigger any significant protest. The vagueness of proposed changes helped mute the public response, and the dismissal of Medvedev, along with his Cabinet, also diverted attention from the suggested amendments.

Opposition activist Ilya Yashin called for a massive protest in Moscow on Feb. 29 to protest against the usurpation of power.

By Vladimir Isachenkov
Innovation will play its part, but the answer is to raise the price of emitting carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, says Jeffrey Frankel

ALTHOUGH many supporters of US president, Donald Trump, believe that global warming is a hoax, almost everyone else agrees that climate change should be the most pressing policy issue. Identifying the problem, however, is not much use, unless we also have the tools to address it.

In my specialisation, central bankers have caught climate-change fever. Under the leadership of Christine Lagarde, for example, first the International Monetary Fund, and now the European Central Bank, declared the planets climate health to be mission critical.

To be sure, financial institutions must rethink some things in light of climate change. For example, a bank or insurance company assessing risks to real-estate loans would be mistaken to calculate the probability of a flood based on data from the last 100 years. Instead, it should look forward and use estimates of the increasingly elevated probability of such disasters.

But central banks and international financial institutions simply lack the necessary tools to have first-, second-, or maybe even third-order effects on greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions.

So, what policy tools would have first-order effects?

In the United States, the Green New Deal signals commitment to the climate cause. But I fear that the legislative proposal that its congressional supporters have introduced will do more harm than good. It includes extraneous measures, such as a federal jobs guarantee. This proposal creates a factual basis for a lie that US climate-change deniers have long been telling: that global warming is a hoax, promoted as an excuse to expand the size of government. That is a sure-fire way to generate votes for Trump in November.

Technological innovations, in areas such as solar power, certainly will play a big role in mitigation. But technology is not a policy. Subsidies are a policy. There is a case to be made that governments should subsidise research in climate science and relevant technologies. There is also a strong case that policymakers should allow free trade in solar panels, turbines, and other equipment, to lower the cost of generating renewable energy and at no cost to domestic taxpayers.

But the policy that will move us closest to global environmental targets (such as those in the Paris climate agreement), at relatively modest economic costs, is to raise the price of emitting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. If, for example, solar power, or other renewables, can, in fact, meet most of our energy needs at a reasonable cost, then a high carbon price will encourage that result. And if some other technology or approach is needed, the carbon price will reveal that as well.

The price of carbon can be raised via one of two policies: a carbon tax or cap-and-trade (that is, a system of quantitative emission limits with tradable emission permits).

In theory, the two approaches are equivalent: the quantity of carbon permits is calculated carefully, so that the resulting price, when they are traded, is the same as the price that would be achieved by the tax. In the real world, however, there are significant differences between regulating prices and quantities. The most important differences relate to uncertainty and political economy.

FOR starters, it would be great if policymakers could commit to a century-long rising path for the carbon price. People could then plan far ahead.

Firms would know, with certainty, the penalty for building long-lasting, coal-fired power plants. But, even assuming a miraculous burst of multilateral cooperation, todays leaders cannot bind their successors 50 years into the future, which rules out precise certainty about the future price or quantity of GHG emissions.

What is critical, though, is to quickly establish the expectation that the price of carbon will follow a generally rising path in the future. To achieve this, governments must start increasing the price today; lofty statements from public officials and optimal calculations from climate modellers will not do the job.

Predicting political economy, meanwhile, is extremely difficult. In the climate-change arena, everything is judged to be politically impossible, and was even before Trump. Even so, at the global level governments are probably more likely to agree to quantitative emission targets  as in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris accord  than to a global carbon tax, which would be considered too severe an invasion of sovereignty.

When it comes to the national implementation of any global effort to limit CO2 emissions, however, I lean toward a carbon tax over tradable emission permits.

Previous attempts to introduce emission permits, such as Europes Emissions Trading System, have revealed a tendency to mollify industry by issuing more permits than originally intended and giving too many to legacy firms. The logic of doing so is to make them whole, but this can result in windfall gains when the firms sell the permits.

In any case, putting the price of carbon on an upward path, whether via a carbon tax or cap-and-trade, is the right tool for the job.

Obviously, no single citizen can expect to solve the problem of climate change. But whereas some individual actions are mainly symbolic, others can have an effect that is at least proportionate to the number of citizens undertaking them.

For frustrated young people, one piece of advice is clear: while going to a Greta Thunberg-inspired demonstration is fine, registering and voting is critical.

If Americans aged 18-24 were to turn out and vote in the same proportions as older age groups, Trump would almost certainly not be re-elected. With Trump gone, the US could rejoin the Paris agreement and adopt effective measures to combat global warming, and other governments would lose an excuse they currently have to delay action.

Jeffrey Frankel, professor of capital formation and growth at Harvard University, previously served as a member of President Bill Clintons Council of Economic Advisers.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Acquires c-m-p GmbH

LENZBURG, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials AG (MCAM), a leading global manufacturer of high-performance materials, today announced that it has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of c-m-p GmbH (c-m-p) through its German subsidiary Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials GmbH. The transaction is expected to close in early March 2020.

With the addition of c-m-p, both companies can further strengthen their market position in the composites world, as well as developing future composite materials. The acquired entity had been a 50:50 partnership between the original founders of c-m-p GmbH and DowAksa B.V. Through this acquisition, MCAM acquires 100% of the shares of c-m-p.

"Within Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (MCAM), the acquisition enhances our ability to produce prepreg solutions for customers in Europe, a further step in our mission of metal to plastic conversion which began more than 80 years ago," says Michael Koch, CEO Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials. "MCAM, a fully owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), identified c-m-p GmbH (c-m-p) as a leader in its areas of expertise and plans to preserve and enlarge c-m-p's unique market identity. Strategic corporate development activities, such as the c-m-p acquisition, contribute to MCAM's ability to grow rapidly and consistently while maintaining quality and innovation."



Following the acquisition, c-m-p can benefit from Mitsubishi Chemical's world-wide network of industry partners, customer relationships and technology developments, while bringing new technologies, specialized skills and market expertise into the group. Through the Mitsubishi Chemical network, new materials and applications will be further developed for the aviation industry, as well as automotive, sports equipment and utility services. With the acquisition of c-m-p, Mitsubishi Chemical will become capable of producing prepreg materials (resin-coated carbon fabric) in Europe, in addition to Mitsubishi Chemical's capabilities in Asia and USA.



"On behalf of my co-founding shareholders, Michael Juerissen and Dr. Jan Verdenhalven, I welcome Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (MCAM) as the new owner," says Rolf Dothagen, Managing Director c-m-p GmbH (c-m-p). "Becoming an important part of the large global network of Mitsubishi Chemical will allow to develop c-m-p to the next level becoming an even stronger technical and commercial prepreg partner to its customers."



"DowAksa is proud of being part of the c-m-p GmbH history and growth story," says Douglas Parks, CEO DowAksa. "This announcement marks another important step in this success story. Customers, employees and stakeholders will benefit from Mitsubishi Chemical's global reach and experience. DowAksa will continue its focus on providing innovative carbon fiber composite solutions for the global wind and automotive markets, as well as the specific needs of the Turkish aerospace/defense industry."



About Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials



Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance materials in the form of semi-finished products and finished parts. The company has locations in 20 countries and more than 2,800 employees. Its specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites are superior in performance to metals and other materials and are used in a wide range of applications, primarily in the capital goods industry. The company is continuously developing new areas of applications in close cooperation with industry leaders in a broad variety of customer markets. The Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Group is well prepared to further expand its market leadership position. For more information, please visit www.mcam.com



About DowAksa



Established in 2012, DowAksa is 50:50 joint venture between The Dow Chemical Company and Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii A.S. Combining the strengths of both partners, the joint venture manufactures and commercializes carbon fibers and derivatives with a specific focus on the energy, infrastructure and transportation markets.



As one of the largest chemistry and science-based companies, Dow Chemical Company, based in Midland, Michigan, offers world-class capabilities and global reach along with proven technologies in the area of composites as well as formulation and technical service capabilities.



Aksa, based in Yalova, Turkey, is the world's largest producer of acrylic fibers, a key raw material in the production of carbon fibers.

Together, Dow and Aksa share a strong focus on bringing innovations and new solutions into carbon fiber markets. Learn more at www.dowaksa.com



About c-m-p GmbH



c-m-p GmbH is a globally active and technologically leading company, which has specialised in the development and manufacturing of highest quality, customized prepregs and textiles made of carbon and other high-performance fibers.



Founded in 2011, c-m-p  which is located in the Oberbruch Industrial Park in Heinsberg  quickly became successfully established on the market as a powerful and reliable technology partner. It has one of the most internationally experienced and distinguished teams in the industry  and thus uniquely combines the dynamics and innovative power of a young, medium-sized company with the deep industry knowledge and extensive know-how from more than 40 years of experience in the composite sector. Learn more at www.c-m-p-gmbh.

Disclaimer--Features may vary depending on the regions; subject to change without notice.)



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079573/MCAM_Logo.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079572/DowAksa_Logo.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079571/CMP_Logo.jpg



Further information can be obtained from:

Frank Schilling, Group CFO

Frank.Schilling@mcam.com

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials AG

Talstrasse 70, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland

Phone +41-44-213-6666

mcam.com
Baker McKenzie is top global elite law brand but who is challenging?

Baker McKenzie has held its position as the top law brand in the world and it is doing well in holding back challengers.

The 2020 Global Elite Brand Index from research firm Acritas, now part of Thomson Reuters, shows that Baker McKenzie has not only remained at number one but has consistently increased its lead over rivals during the past 7 years.

The closest challengers are DLA Piper and Clifford Chance, in second and third spots respectively having swapped positions from a year ago.
Saturday Sunday lockdown in Delhi: Know timings, guidelines, rules, What is allowed, what is not allowed

DDMA orders DMs to number all shops within 24 hours as odd-even rule being violated in markets

Delhi Congress, BJP bigwigs file nominations; Kejriwal postpones filing of papers

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 20: Delhi Congress bigwigs Haroon Yusuf and Arvinder Singh Lovely as well as senior BJP leader Vijender Gupta were among the 343 candidates who filed their nominations on Monday, even as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was unable to submit his papers due to a delay caused by his rally.

Kejriwal, who started his roadshow from Valmiki Mandir near R K Ashram Marg metro station to the Hanuman Mandir near Connaught Place, traversed around 2.2 kilometres in over two hours.

The 'Walk With Kejriwal' roadshow was to be followed by the Delhi chief minister going to Jamnagar House to file his nomination papers, but owing to the delay in the rally, he was unable to reach the SDM office in time.

Kejriwal said the nomination will now be filed on Tuesday, which is also the last day for filing of nomination for the February 8 polls in Delhi.

Before joining the mega roadshow, Kejriwal sought the blessings of his parents at his residence. His entire family, including his wife, two children and parents reached the Valmiki

Mandir at noon from where the AAP leader commenced his roadshow, ahead of filing his nomination from the New Delhi constituency.

He was also accompanied by his close confidant and deputy in the Delhi government Manish Sisodia and party MP Sanjay Singh.

A total of whopping 508 fresh nominations were filed on Monday by 343 candidates belonging to big and smaller parties. With this, the total number of nominations for the upcoming elections has gone up to 722 received from 496 candidates, a senior official of the Delhi CEO office said.

The total number of male candidates stand at 395, much larger than 101 woman contestants, he said.

Tuesday is expected to witness last minute rush by the Congress and the BJP who were yet to announce candidates on a few seats until Monday night.

The two parties until late Monday evening had not announced their candidates for the remaining seats. More than 40 BJP candidates, including its Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Delhi Assembly Gupta, filed their nomination papers.

NEWS AT NOON, JANUARY 21st, 2020

Many other BJP candidates, including Ravi Negi (Patparganj), Kiran Vaidya (Trilokpuri), and Rajkumar Dhillon (Kondli), also filed their nominations. They were accompanied by East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir.

Delhi polls 2020: Kejriwal kickstarts rally before filing nominations

"BJP candidates have worked very hard on the ground in the past five years and I am sure that they will do very well," Gambhir said on the occasion.

Sitting Vishwas Nagar MLA OP Sharma also filed his nomination papers to seek re-election from the same seat, at Nand Nagri SDM office. He was accompanied by Sonali Jaitley, daughter of late Arun Jaitley.

Another sitting MLA Jagdish Pradhan also filed his nomination papers from the Mustafabad constituency. Yusuf, Lovely, who were ministers in the then Sheila Dikshit government, filed their nomination papers from Ballimaran and Gandhi Nagar, respectively.

Alka Lamba and Poonam Azad were also among those who filed their nomination papers from Chandni Chowk and Sangam Vihar, respectively. Former Delhi Assembly speaker Yoganand Shastri's daughter Priyanka is in the fray from R K Puram.

The Congress is contesting the February 8 polls in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which has been allotted four seats. This is the first time that the Congress is contesting the Delhi elections in partnership with another party.

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.

Results will be declared on February 11. According to the final electoral roll, over 1.46 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the upcoming polls.
A traveler from China has been diagnosed here with a new type of coronavirus that is spreading rapidly in the world's most populous country.

Chinese health authorities warned earlier this week that the virus can be transmitted from human to human, raising fears that it could spread quickly. It has killed three people there so far with the number of cases probably exceeding over 200 already.

Health officials here are bracing to stem the spread ahead the Lunar New Year holiday, when the Chinese travel abroad en masse.


Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has wasted little time to push back against US president Donald Trumps description of climate campaigners as the perennial prophets of doom who predict the apocalypse.

Although Mr Trump did not mention her directly in his speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos, it was clear he had his sights on the 17-year-old, who shot to fame a year ago by staging a regular strike at her school and sparked a global environmental movement.

She then beat the US president to receive Time Magazines award as the 2019 Person of the Year.

The facts are clear, but they are still too uncomfortable for you to address, she told business and political leaders in Davos just after Mr Trumps speech, also without directly mentioning the president.

You just leave it because you think its too depressing and people will give up, but people will not give up. You are the ones who are giving up.

You just leave it because you think it's too depressing and people will give up, but people will not give upGreta Thunberg

The teenager brushed aside Mr Trumps announcement that the US would join the economic forums initiative to plant one trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from the Earths atmosphere.

Planting trees is good of course but its nowhere near enough, she said. It cannot replace mitigation, she added, referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term.

Greta accused leaders of cheating and fiddling around with numbers with talk of cutting emissions to net zero  that is, emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by the planet or technical means  by 2050.

She and Trump have been sparring for months, but Greta did not seek to upstage the US leader by walking out of his speech, which was largely focused on trade and economics instead of the climate issues that the WEF has made a focus of at its meeting this year.

Last month, Mr Trump told the teenager in a tweet to chill and to work on her Anger Management problem.

Trump, Greta and 4 other top stories from the first day of Davos 2020 https://t.co/LICKcBCZ1w #wef20 pic.twitter.com/blRGkfoFzj  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

It prompted a dry and humorous response from the 17-year-old, who then changed her Twitter caption to read: A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old-fashioned movie with a friend.

Greta is not the only young activist to highlight the climate emergency, and was joined on a keynote panel by three others, all of whom said politicians and executives are not doing enough.

A survey of chief executives released this week by financial firm PwC showed that executives rank climate issues as only the 11th most serious risk to their businesses growth.

Natasha Wang Mwansa, an 18-year-old from Zambia who campaigns for girls and womens rights, said the older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions.

And Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.

Were not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. Were not the future of the world, were the present, were acting now. Were not waiting any longer.

Expand Close Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum (Michael Probst/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum (Michael Probst/AP)

Greta cited a report released in 2018 by the UNs science panel that calculated the amount of additional carbon dioxide the atmosphere can absorb before global average temperature increases exceed 1.5C (2.7F).

Leaders agreed to try to stay below that threshold when they signed the 2015 Paris climate accord, but scientists warn the chances of doing so are dwindling.

Greta noted that the remaining carbon budget to confidently meet that target stood at just 420 gigatons of CO2 two years ago, the equivalent of 10 years of global emissions.

Even with a more optimistic calculation, keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5C would require a massive reduction in emissions over the next two decades.

While there has been widespread criticism both inside and outside the United States over Mr Trumps decision to pull the US out of the 2015 Paris climate accord, Greta said the rest of the world, too, was effectively missing the targets set down in that agreement.

My generation will not give up without a fight, she said.
Britain's Prince Harry has left the UK to rejoin his wife Meghan and son Archie in Canada, British media reported, as the couple start a new life after their shock exit from the royal fold. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are bowing out entirely from representing the British monarchy, in a crisis that has shaken the centuries-old institution. The prince boarded an evening flight to Vancouver after attending a UK-Africa investment summit in London, in what is expected to be one of his final official engagements as a working royal, the Daily Telegraph reported. The departure "will be deemed symbolic, coming just two days after Buckingham Palace announced that it was severing all official ties with the Sussexes as they walk away from public life," the Telegraph said. The prince and his US former actress wife have struggled with the scrutiny since their wedding in May 2018 and the 35-year-old said there was no alternative to stepping back from front-line royal duties to achieve "a more peaceful life" with their infant son. Harry, who remains sixth in line to the throne, also had an informal 20-minute private meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday. The premier has said the whole country would want wish Harry and Meghan all the best for the future. Harry later skipped a summit dinner for the visiting African leaders at Buckingham Palace in order not to overshadow his brother William's hosting of the event, the Daily Mail reported. - HRH style dropped - Under their new settlement, Harry and Meghan will no longer represent his grandmother the queen, must give up honorary military appointments and will no longer receive public funds. The couple will no longer be referred to as his or her royal highness. "Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately that wasn't possible." Harry also confessed to some trepidation at charting a new life in Canada. "We are taking a leap of faith," he said. Harry was at Monday's summit at the request of the British government and it could be one of the last times he is seen on official royal duty. - Hybrid role wish blocked - Meghan and Archie are already in Canada, staying on Vancouver Island on the Pacific west coast. The "Megxit" crisis began on January 8 when the couple announced their plans to seek a "progressive new role" in North America -- without having finalised the plans with Queen Elizabeth. That unilateral assertion of a hybrid role is starkly different from Saturday's clean-break announcement, following emergency negotiations between the senior royals and their households. The couple agreed to repay 2.4 million ($3.1 million) of taxpayers' money spent on renovating their new Frogmore Cottage home on the Windsor Castle estate. They can maintain their private patronages and associations but must uphold the monarchy's values in any commercial arrangements they strike. - 'Elegant escape hatch' - Monday's newspapers said the agreement could even strengthen the monarchy and provide a template for other royals in future. The Daily Express columnist Leo McKinstry said the deal was "the most sensible, constructive arrangement that could have been reached." Tim Stanley, writing in The Daily Telegraph, said the agreement was "good for the monarchy because it allows it to define its borders." The Daily Mail said that "by fashioning an elegant escape hatch for those unsuited to royal life, the Queen may actually have strengthened the monarchy." Meanwhile The Sun welcomed the monarch's decision to "show Meghan and Harry the door." "Their plan to be half in, half out of The Firm was arrogant in the extreme, and would have set a damaging precedent." Though the Sussexes want a life lived less in the spotlight, the new arrangements still leave them facing scrutiny. The couple receive almost all of their funding from the private income of Harry's father Prince Charles. Whether that will continue -- and who will foot their security bill -- remains to be seen.
[January 21, 2020] SentinelOne Expands Global Footprint; Opens Boston Office

SentinelOne, the autonomous endpoint protection company, today announced the opening of a new office location in Boston, Massachusetts, to support the demand of its rapidly expanding global customer base. The new location, SentinelOne's third in the continental U.S. and fifth office worldwide, will house product, innovation, Vigilance MDR, marketing, and additional corporate functions to augment current teams in Mountain View, CA (News - Alert), Eugene, OR, and overseas. "Boston has a long history as one of the education capitals of the world, and alongside our headquarters in Silicon Valley, has developed into the nation's preeminent home for technology innovation and high-growth startups," said Mike Petronaci, SentinelOne Senior Director of Product and Boston Office Lead. "We are thrilled to enter this rich ecosystem to take advantage of the wealth of cybersecurity talent currently available to expedite our tremendous company growth, and becoming available as the area's many top higher education providers matriculate future technology leaders through respective programs." SentinelOne converges two historically separate spaces - EPP and EDR - in a single platform using patented behavioral and static AI models to deliver autonomous capabilities with the lowest perfrmance impact. Platform capabilities extend beyond classic endpoints to IoT security and cloud workload protection, enabling visibility and real time protection for containers. SentinelOne was recently named the seventh fastest growing company in North America, the fastest growing in Silicon Valley, and was the only cybersecurity company recognized in the top 10 of the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. The company serves 3 of the Fortune 10 and hundreds of Global 2,000 enterprises amongst its 3,000 customers. In 2020, SentinelOne will more than double its global customer and employee bases, with its Boston office contributing greatly to East Coast U.S. expansion.



"On our path to becoming the next great cybersecurity company, we embody the definition of a global organization," said Nicholas Warner, SentinelOne COO. "We have no choice but to continue expanding our footprint to accommodate customer demand. With the depth of cybersecurity talent available, selecting Boston as our newest home was a no brainer." In addition to the new office and employment opportunities, SentinelOne will further advance the area's tech ecosystem through active engagement with local educational institutions and co-operative positions with Boston-area students.

About SentinelOne

SentinelOne delivers autonomous endpoint protection through a single agent that successfully prevents, detects, responds, and hunts attacks across all major vectors. Designed for extreme ease of use, the S1 platform saves customers time by applying AI to automatically eliminate threats in real time for both on premise and cloud environments and is the only solution to provide full visibility from edge to cloud across the network. To learn more visit sentinelone.com or follow us at @SentinelOne, on LinkedIn or Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005640/en/

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FRISCO, Texas, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolve Mortgage Services (Evolve), a provider of technology-enabled fulfillment, due diligence services and customizable software, announced today that Mark Hughes and Ann Gibbons have joined the company as Managing Directors. They will lead Evolve's recently announced third party review (TPR) business, which has already been accepted for rated transactions by Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's.

Prior to joining Evolve, Hughes and Gibbons launched New Diligence Advisors (NDA), a national TPR firm. Over the past two decades, Hughes and Gibbons have held leadership roles at major due diligence and surveillance firms, including Clayton Holdings, MurrayHill and The Bohan Group.

They join Evolve as the firm is expanding its technology-enabled offerings to focus on the growing non-agency market. Paul Anselmo, Chief Executive Officer of Evolve, explained: "Evolve has extensive experience in origination, pre-close and pre-purchase loan reviews. Currently, more than 2,000 originators are delivering $5 billion in monthly production through our loan review platform. With non-QM lending gaining traction, we've enhanced our proven technology to anticipate the capital markets' need for efficient, transferable diligence and much needed technological advancement in this space.

"Now we've added Mark and Ann, one of the most respected leadership teams in the due diligence business. They will help us develop new products and services that will deliver velocity, transparency, scale and efficiency to both buyers and sellers of non-agency product," Anselmo said.

"The market's need for a next generation approach to due diligence services  one that is more scalable, efficient and client-focused - has been apparent for some time," said Hughes. "Developing this solution requires commitment, investment and most of all, technology. With Evolve's AI document management capability, its tech-enabled loan review platform, user-friendly client portal and Paul's commitment, we've found a partner in Evolve to deliver that solution."

About Evolve Mortgage Services

Evolve Mortgage Services is a leader in outsourced mortgage origination, due diligence services and the development of customizable software. More than 2,000 originators use the firm's seller/buyer portal. The firm also has extensive experience in portfolio and servicing acquisition due diligence, collateral recovery, HMDA and forensic compliance reviews, whole loan sales and agency deliveries.

SOURCE Evolve Mortgage Services
The Israeli establishment is making a huge deal out of the high-level visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Israel. The family of Naama Issachar, who is imprisoned in Russia, is expecting the president to bring her with him, or at least to announce that she will soon be released from prison. The 1,300 Israelis who survived the siege of Leningrad during World War II hope that he will take part in the dedication of the new monument in Jerusalem to commemorate the many hundreds of thousands of people who did not survive the siege. In contrast, opponents of the Putin regime are still debating whether to demonstrate against him.

On the morning of Jan. 23, Putins plane will land in Israel to participate in a special event at the Yad Vashem - World Holocaust Remembrance Center to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. It will be Putins third visit to Israel. His first official visit was in 2005, during which Israel and Russia signed numerous agreements between them. Then, in 2012, he returned to Israel for a second visit to dedicate a monument in Netanya commemorating the many victims of the Great Patriotic War, as Russians refer to their battle against Nazi Germany during World War II. Putins current visit also comes in the context of that war, but now it also comes in the heat of a war of competing narratives concerning the role of the Soviet Union and other European nations, such as Poland, in that war. Still, there wasnt much of a commotion in Israel in response to the decision by Polish President Andrzej Duda to boycott the ceremony at Yad Vashem after being informed that he would not be given an opportunity to speak at the event. Nor was there much of a reaction to the exchange of accusations between Duda and Putin, who said that, Stalin never shook hands with Hitler, and claimed that Polands wartime ambassador to Germany proposed to erect a statue of Hitler in Warsaw.

Israel is home to thousands of veterans who fought in the Great Patriotic War and World War II. In 2018, the Knesset passed a law establishing the anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany as a national holiday on May 9. Nevertheless, few people in Israel show any interest in the wartime relationship between the world powers or in the warring narratives between Russia and Poland. The exception to this is Russian-speaking Israelis, who immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Originally, Putins visit was planned to include his participation in the dedication of the memorial to the victims of the siege of Leningrad, but because of a change to his timetable it is now unclear whether that will happen or not. The monument was the dream of immigrants who survived that terrible siege, which lasted 872 days. It gained momentum in 2016, when partners were found in the St. Petersburg government to advance the project, and donors  particularly the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress  were also enlisted. At the time, it was decided that the monument would be erected near the presidents official residence in Jerusalem. The monument is intended to commemorate the heroism of the Red Army and the residents of Leningrad who fought against the Nazis, including the 70,000 Jewish fighters who fell during the siege, former Knesset member Leon Litinetsky explained in February 2019. Litinetsky now heads the Israeli branch of the Coordinating Council of Russian Immigrants, an umbrella organization serving Russian emigrants around the world.

Emilia Larina, 80, heads the Israeli organization representing survivors of the siege. She told Al-Monitor that she believes the creation of this memorial is of supreme importance, not only to commemorate the victims, but also as a tribute to those who succeeded in repelling the Nazis and liberating Leningrad. Israel is now home to some 1,300 people who survived the siege of Leningrad, she said. Most of them were born in the 1930s. For them, creating this monument is akin to leaving a spiritual legacy to their children and grandchildren. I hope that they [the children and grandchildren] will come to visit this monument, express interest in our history and learn about what happened in our city during those terrible years. The Nazis occupied the city of Pushkin and wiped out the entire Jewish population. Everyone knew that if Leningrad fell into their hands too its 200,000 Jews would also be annihilated. I would be very pleased to have Putin in attendance at the [monuments] dedication ceremony, but even if he doesnt, I am still glad that we now have our legacy commemorated like this.

Not everyone shares this opinion. On Jan. 16, Svetlana Tkachuk, for instance, wrote a scathing post on her Facebook page (post not publicly available) about Putins impending visit, particularly in the context of several historical incidents during the siege that are less known to the general public. Putin will be arriving here on Thursday for the dedication of the monument to the victims of the siege, among other things, she wrote. It is the height of a two-faced cynicism that the person doing this is a KGB agent from St. Petersburg, and particularly the idea of him doing this in Jerusalem. Historians living here know more about the real siege [than him], while the average citizen knows nothing. Its disgusting. The link that she attached to her post included chilling testimonies about the siege and the behavior of the Soviet regime at the time, which continued to arrest citizens deemed un-loyal, and did not do enough to help the people of Leningrad, who were dying of hunger.

Similarly, there is considerable debate surrounding the release of Issachar, who has been imprisoned in Russia since April 2019 on drug smuggling charges. While some people hope to see her freed from prison and are willing to give Putin full credit if he announces her release during his visit, others are convinced that soft-spoken diplomacy will not be enough to bring her home.

On Jan. 19, Issachars mother, Yaffa Issachar, called on the public to cancel all the protests planned for Putins arrival in Israel. She claimed that the situation remains very sensitive, and that she would like to respect the Russian president, who holds the keys to her daughters release. This comes in response to a report Jan. 16 on the Russian Komnersant news site that Putin may soon pardon Issachar. The release of this news set Israel on edge and offered fresh hope to everyone who wants to see her released after being sentenced to 7 years in a Russian prison for a relatively minor crime. According to most recent publications, Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss during the visit possibilities for pardoning Issachar.

If anyone is happy to take credit for Putin's visit to Israel  and the many other world leaders who will participate in the ceremony at Yad Vashem  it is Netanyahu of course. He will take credit for it even if there can be no doubt that all the prime ministers, presidents and royals arriving in Israel for this important occasion would have come anyway, regardless of who occupies the prime ministers office. But that aside, the very fact that this event is taking place less than two months before another round of elections (scheduled for March 2) will certainly benefit Netanyahus campaign.
New Delhi: An Indian Army jawan and a Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir Police have lost their lives during the encounter in Pulwama's Awantipora. One terrorist was also neutralised in the fierce gunbattle that started on Tuesday morning.

According to the initial reports, the encounter between terrorists and security forces took place in Satpokhran Khrew area of Awantipora.

According to inputs received, the encounter broke out on in a dense forest area in south Kashmir today morning after security forces received inputs of the presence of at least 2-3 terrorists in the region.

Live TV

The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorist is yet to be ascertained.

The development comes a day after three terrorists were gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Kashmir's Shopian. One of the terrorists killed has been identified as Adil Sheikh, responsible for looting eight weapons from the residence of former People's Democratic Party MLA Ajaj Mir from Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar on September 29, 2018.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is raising the level of travel advice for Wuhan due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus in the central Chinese city.

It comes after Queensland Health confirmed a man who returned to Australia from central China with a respiratory illness was in isolation at his home and was being tested for the new disease.

An airport staff member uses a temperature gun to check people leaving Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. Credit:AP

Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said the risk remains low but health and border officials were continuing to monitor the situation.

Mr Morrison said Professor Murphy and his state counterparts had "initiated measures to mitigate infectious persons entering Australia".
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DAVOS: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated the offer to mediate in resolving the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. Talking ahead of the beginning of the World Economic Forum 2020 at Davos in Switzerland, Trump stated that if the US can help India and Pakistan on the matter of Kashmir, it will certainly extend its help. He also asserted that the US has been watching and following "it very very closely".

President @realDonaldTrump just held a bilateral meeting on trade with the Prime Minister of Pakistan. #wef2020 pic.twitter.com/uTVEYEJoeQ  The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 21, 2020

Speaking to the media in presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump said, "We are talking about Kashmir in relation to what is going on with Pakistan and India. If we can help, we certainly will be helping. We've been watching that and following it very very closely." In a video posted by the White House on micro-blogging site Twitter, PM Khan could be seen nodding his head after Trump made the statement.

India has time and again dismissed any suggestion of mediation, saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.

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Trump held a bilateral meeting on trade with Khan. The US President also said, "We're going to be talking about trade and many other things but trade is going to be of very paramount importance. We're doing more trade as it turns and we're working together on some borders."

On being asked if he will also visit Pakistan while touring India, news agency ANI quoted Trump as saying, "Were visiting right now, so we wont really have to. But I wanted to say hello for both a relationship standpoint, weve had a great relationship and from the standpoint of our two countries."

This isn't the first time that Trump has offered to mediate in the Kashmir matter as in 2019 he offered his mediation thrice. In 2019, Trump had said, ''Kashmir is a very complicated place. You have the Hindus and you have the Muslims, and I wouldnt say they get along so great. And thats what you have right now. And you have millions of people that want to be ruled by others, and maybe on both sides. And you have two countries that havent gotten along well for a long time. And, frankly, its a very explosive situation.''

The US President had also said, ''I spoke to Prime Minister Khan (Imran). I spoke with, yesterday, also, Prime Minister Modi. Theyre both friends of mine. Theyre great people. Theyre great people. And they love their countries. And theyre in a very tough situation. Kashmir is a very tough situation. And, you know, were talking about  this has been going on for decades and decades. Shooting. I dont mean shooting like shooting a rifle, I mean like the major shooting of Howitzers, of  you know, of heavy arms. And its been going on for a long period of time. I will do the best I can to mediate or do something we have a great relationship with both of them but they are not exactly friends at this moment."
Leonardo DiCaprio may not have won Best Actor at Sunday's Screen Actors Guild Awards, but he was on many people's minds.

Joaquin Phoenix and Brad Pitt both gave the actor a shout-out in their acceptance speeches.

Pitt also revealed that DiCaprio's nickname for him is 'lover' as he walked the red carpet.

Hello lover: Pitt revealed that Leonardo DiCaprio's nickname for him is 'lover' as he walked the red carpet Sunday at the Screen Actors Guild Awards

The truth came out when he stopped to chat with EW, who brought up Pitt's 'LDC' nickname for DiCaprio, which he called out during his Golden Globes speech.

When asked if DiCaprio had a pet name for him, the 56-year-old jokingly responded: "Lover." He calls me "lover." Its a bit confusing, but I roll with it.'

Pitt also discussed his onscreen bromance with DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and how that chemistry came about.

He said: 'Youll find, with most of the guys, I would say were all pretty much rooting for each other, we all have respect for each other, we all have a good laugh with each other. And it plays. And its pretty easy.'

Nicknames: The truth came out when he stopped to chat with EW, who brought up Pitt's 'LDC' nickname for DiCaprio, which he called out during his Golden Globes speech

Term of endearment: When asked if DiCaprio had a pet name for him, the 56-year-old jokingly responded: "Lover." He calls me "lover." Its a bit confusing, but I roll with it'

Pitt later gave LDC another shout-out before taking a shot at Quentin Tarantino when he accepted his award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.

He said: 'I want to thank my costars: Leo, Margot Robbie, Margot Robbie's feet, Margaret Qualley's feet, Dakota Fanning's feet.'

The actor continued: 'Seriously, Quentin has separated more women from their shoes than the TSA.'

He and DiCaprio star in the recent Tarantino movie respectively as stuntman Cliff Booth and movie star Rick Dalton, who attempt to navigate a changing Hollywood in 1969.

Phoenix also gave DiCaprio a shout-out while accepting the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.

Bromance vibes: Pitt also discussed his onscreen bromance with DiCaprio in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: 'We all have respect for each other, we all have a good laugh with each other'

Funny guy: He later gave LDC another shout-out before taking a shot at Quentin Tarantino when he accepted his award: 'I want to thank my costars: Leo, Margot Robbie, Margot Robbie's feet, Margaret Qualley's feet, Dakota Fanning's feet'

Buddy movie: Pitt and DiCaprio star in the recent Tarantino movie respectively as stuntman Cliff Booth and movie star Rick Dalton, who attempt to navigate a changing Hollywood in 1969

He won for his titular role in Joker, beating out DiCaprio, who was also nominated for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Phoenix recalled: 'When I started acting again and going to auditions, Id always get to the final callback... and there would always be two other guys wed be up against. And we would always lose to this one kid.

'No actor would ever say his name cause it was like too much, but every casting director would whisper like, "Its Leonardo, its Leonardo." Leonardo, youve been an inspiration for over 25 years to me and so many people. I thank you very, very much.'

DiCaprio is up against Phoenix again at the Academy Awards, airing February 9, as Pitt is nominated for another Best Supporting Actor.

Adored by many: Joaquin Phoenix also gave DiCaprio a shout-out while accepting his award: 'Leonardo, youve been an inspiration for over 25 years to me and so many people. I thank you very, very much'
In a first, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released minutes of its central board meeting held in Chandigarh on October 11. This comes as the first step towards increasing transparency in its workings.

In future, the minutes will be placed on the RBI website within two weeks from the date of its confirmation in the next meeting of the Central Board and on being signed by the chairman in the same meeting, the regulator said on January 20.

The October meeting minutes, parts of which have been redacted, showed that the board discussed issues relating to Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank, regulatory supervision of commercial and cooperative banks as well as non-banks, which were not part of the agenda at first.

It must be noted that the PMC Bank was placed under directions on September 24 apparently after the agenda for the meeting had been prepared.

The minutes also showed that the board was informed about the formation of a separate department of regulation and supervision that had earlier been approved by the board and would take effect from November 1.

On the parts that were blacked out, RBI said that it did so in accordance to the norms which permitted severing certain information under the RTI Act.

The next central board meet was held in Bhubaneswar on December 13.
US Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has abruptly backed off some of his proposed rules for President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, easing plans for a tight two-day schedule and agreeing that House evidence will be included.

He acted after protests from senators, including fellow Republicans.

The trial quickly burst into a partisan fight at the Capitol as the presidents lawyers opened arguments on Tuesday in support of Mr McConnells plan.

Democrats objected loudly to Mr McConnells initially proposed rules, and some Republicans made their concerns known in private.

Without comment, the Republican leader quietly submitted an amended proposal for the record, after meeting behind closed doors with senators as the trial opened.

The handwritten changes would add an extra day for each sides opening arguments and stipulate that evidence from the Democratic Houses impeachment hearings be included in the record.

There is still deep disagreement about calling additional witnesses.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone during the impeachment trial in the Senate (Senate Television via AP)

Its time to start with this trial, said White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the presidents lead lawyer as the proceedings opened in public.

Chief Justice John Roberts gavelled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do impartial justice as jurors.

House prosecutors were on one side, Mr Trumps team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silent at their desks, no mobile phones or other electronics allowed.

Senators were stunned by Mr McConnells shift, which came during the private lunch and briefly delayed the start of the historic session.

A spokeswoman for Republican Senator Susan Collins said that she and others had raised concerns.

The Maine senator sees the changes as significant improvements, said spokeswoman Annie Clark.

READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was to offer the first amendment to the rules  a proposal to issue a subpoena to the White House for all documents, communications and other records relating to the Ukraine matter.

Story continues

It seeks records about Mr Trumps orders to hold off military aid to Ukraine, along with White House communications about any investigations it wanted about the Democratic rival Joe Biden and his son.

In a vote later, it was likely to be rejected by Republicans.

Democrats had warned that the rules package from Mr Trumps ally, the Senate Republican leader, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial Representative Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters.

He called it a cover-up.

Mr Schiff opened his arguments before the Senate playing a video of Mr Trump calling for more witnesses to testify.

Mr Schiff noted the sudden change in proposed rules, made moments before he spoke.

The facts will come out in the end, Mr Schiff said. The question is, will it come out in time?

Mr McConnell said, The presidents lawyers will finally receive a level playing field, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

Donald Trump after attemding session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (Markus Schreiber/AP)

The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Mr Trumps actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

Mr Trump himself, in Davos, Switzerland, for an economic conference, denounced the proceedings as a total hoax, and said, Im sure its going to work out fine.

With Mr Trumps presidency on the line, and the nation deeply divided just weeks before the first Democratic primary contests, four senators who are also presidential candidates will be off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

My focus is going to be on impeachment, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent running for the Democratic nomination, told reporters.

He said his supporters would keep working to defeat the most dangerous president in American history.
Each Generation Needs to Confront the Reality of Socialism

Commentary

Oscar Wilde once quipped that second marriages were the triumph of hope over experiencethat having failed once at something as challenging as til death do us part, the odds of succeeding a second time are iffy.

And yet millions of people still give it a try, on the theory that, this time, somehow, theyll get it right.

What are we to make, then, of the current vogue for socialism and even crypto-communism, as espoused by leading Democratic candidates for president such as avowed socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and soak-the-rich Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and cheered by the Ivy League-educated media?

The collectivist and confiscatory policies of these two geriatric baby boomers (Sanders, who recently suffered a heart attack is 78; Warren is 70) are a throwback to earlier periods in U.S. history when overt socialists such as Eugene V. Debs, Norman Thomas, and Henry Wallace ran for president multiple times between 1900 and 1948 on the Socialist or Progressive tickets.

None of them won, of course, but their ideological compatriots in Italy, Germany, and Russia succeeded with various iterations of a socialist-Marxist philosophy; the classically communist USSR owned the means of production, while Italian Fascism and German National Socialism settled for putting private industry at the service of the state, to much the same effect. The result in Europe and, later, in China, was millions of deaths in the service of a malignant and inhuman ideal. As the saying went, you couldnt make an omelet without breaking some headser, eggs.

In 1904, when Debs made the first of his four serious attempts at the presidency at the top of the Socialist Party of Americas ticket, communism was still just a gleam in Karl Marxs dead eye. But World War I upended the international order, leaving the path open for socialist revolutions in Bavaria, Hungary, and, most successfully, in Russia. And although communism eventually collapsed in Russia as well, its threatand pernicious appealcontinues.

Since Marx first published the Communist Manifesto in the revolutionary year of 1848, defenders of economic freedom and personal liberty have had to contend with its pernicious ideals of tolerance, equality, and fairnessthe velvet gloves first fashioned during the French Revolution that conceal the iron fists of coercive totalitarianism. And although socialist systems fail time and again, its true believers maintain that it really hasnt been properly tried yet.

So the left keeps trying: Progressivism reared its head again in 1972, when George McGovern captured the Democratic nomination that year (and was soundly defeated by Richard Nixon), and flared up again during the fundamental transformation presidency of Barack Obama.

Now, after its 2016 setback by Donald Trump, its back once more, hiding behind the label of democratic socialism, a deadly lie that seems to have a special appeal to young voters who have confused socialism with public works and Christian charity, and view political correctness (a notion invented by Leon Trotsky) as merely enforced good manners.

Thirty years ago, the Berlin Wall abruptly fell when the Soviet satellite state of East Germany realized it couldnt contain its captive peoples desire for freedom and, on the evening of Nov. 9, unexpectedly announced the opening of the checkpoints through to the West.

I was in Berlin, sledgehammer in hand, as the Wall came down. As it happens, I was also in the Soviet Union around the time of the attempted coup against Mikhail Gorbachev in August 1991, which signaled the end of the USSR. That came on Christmas Day that year, when Marxism-Leninism permanently landed in the ash heap of history. Or so we thought.

We were wrong. Each generation, it now seems clear, needs to confront collectivism anew. As Ronald Reagan noted, freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

It has largely become an intergenerational battle as well, with idealistic young people with little or no experience of lifemany of them educated by Marxist professorsrallying to the cries of diehard leftists. They seek to right real or imagined injustices while also hoping to get everything for free, including health care, education, and a lifelong gratis lease on their parents basements.

Its no use describing to them what we saw in 1989: the Ossis weeping with joy as they set foot in the West for the first time, their joy aslike something out of the Wizard of Ozthe dull black-and-white movie of their existence under communism suddenly turned to Technicolor on the other side of the Brandenburg Gate.

Its no use because showing, not telling, is the best way to convince them not to heed the siren song of collectivism: that what results is not Scandinavian order (itself now fraying badly, especially in Sweden) but Venezuelan chaos. That if you want to see environmental destruction and pollution, go to Cuba or China, not the United States or western Europe.

In the 1960s, we had the Peace Corps that sent idealistic youth into benighted countries offering assistance. Perhaps what we need today is a Liberty Corps, not just to assist others but to help our own young people to confront the practice of socialism, not the promise. Let them see firsthand the human and physical destruction that results from the adoption of Satans own form of government.

Oscar Wildes famous aphorism has a first, less quoted, element: Marriage is the triumph of imagination over intelligence. Change the first word to socialism and youve got a deal.

Michael Walsh is the author of The Devils Pleasure Palace and The Fiery Angel, both published by Encounter Books.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 22 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Jan. 21, Trend reports.

The Armenian armed forces were using large caliber machine guns and sniper rifles.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding regions.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Queensland Health has stockpiled more than 80,000 doses of the measles vaccine, in an attempt to prevent a repeat of 2019s horror year for the disease.

Seventy-four people were diagnosed with measles in Queensland in 2019, making it the states worst year for measles since 1997.

The majority of the cases, 66, were part of a localised outbreak in south-east Queensland, which saw the disease spread between people here, rather than being brought back from overseas.

Queensland Chief Health officer Dr Jeanette Young and Health Minister Steven Miles deliver doses of the measles vaccine to the Queen Street Medical Centre in Brisbane. Credit:Stuart Layt

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said after initially getting away from health workers that outbreak had now been contained, however they didnt want a repeat in 2020.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 01:21:21|Editor: huaxia

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File photo taken on Sept.11, 2019 shows Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming speaking in an interview with Xinhua in London, Britain.(Xinhua/Han Yan)

"The international landscape is experiencing profound adjustment. Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. As major players of global influence, China and the UK shoulder important responsibilities," said Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming.

LONDON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Regional cooperation and exchanges constitute an important pillar for China-Britain relations and a solid basis for their friendship, Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming said Monday.

Delivering message on the launch reception and one-month countdown of the Fifth China-UK Regional Leaders' Summit, the ambassador said he hopes the summit will create new opportunities through matching the development strategies of the two countries.

The summit could serve as a bridge between Chinese and British governments and businesses and bring their complementary strengths together, so as to achieve more fruitful outcomes, he noted.

Slated for Feb. 17 to 19 in Birmingham, the summit will bring together hundreds of representatives from local governments, businesses and universities of the two countries to match development strategies, explore cooperation and seek common development.

Meanwhile, the ambassador said the summit offers an opportunity for deepening China-Britain friendship and mutual trust.

A staff member wearing a Paddington bear costume interacts with visitors during the "Britain Day" event at the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2019.(Xinhua/Ren Chao)

Official data from China shows that close to 200,000 Chinese students are studying in Britain. Mutual visits between the two sides reached two million last year, setting a new record. Every week, 168 flights operate between the two countries, with the number still increasing.

File photo taken on May 7, 2018 shows passengers posing for photos before boarding a direct flight from Xi'an to London at the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport in Xianyang City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)



"This summit could serve as an opportunity for China and the UK to work together to give new vitality to the cultural and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries and contribute to building closer bond between our peoples," said the ambassador.

He further called on the two sides to take the summit as an opportunity to address global challenges.

"The international landscape is experiencing profound adjustment. Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. As major players of global influence, China and the UK shoulder important responsibilities," said Liu.

"This summit could encourage local governments and businesses of our two countries to stand up for free trade, support multilateralism and oppose protectionism in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness," he said, "together we can take the lead in the pursuit of win-win cooperation."

As the first regional cooperation mechanism between the two countries, the summit had been held in London, Shanghai, Belfast and Dalian since the first in 2016.
Tim Boyce (right), the director of Emergency Management of Delaware County, confers with Quadirah Glover, with the Pennsylvania Department of Emergency Preparedness, as they try to determine the source of gas leak reported in Chester City in November. Read more

Theres no nice way to say it. Delco smells.

For months, a mysterious fuel-like stench has plagued the 200-square-mile county, aggravating residents and confounding government officials. It emerges at unpredictable times, travels between towns, then evaporates as quickly as it arrived, disappearing for days or weeks before returning.

Some compare the elusive odor to gasoline; others liken it to sulfur. No one knows where its coming from.

Thats where the whodunit factor comes in, said Tim Boyce, director of emergency services for Delaware County. When youre dealing with fuel spills, smoke, pipeline incidents, theres usually some type of starting point. But when its in the air, its hard.

Boyces department is working with members of the state Department of Environmental Protection and other state and local officials to investigate the odor, which blew through Chester last week. Weather stations have been installed in Chester, and as soon as Tuesday, Boyces department plans to roll out more technology to help in the search  paid for with grants and county funds  such as handheld testing meters that can measure chemicals or other ingredients present with the odor.

The county and state also will launch monitors to establish a baseline in the area for airborne contaminants, a step that could help determine whether the smell is harmful. And Boyces department is using Weatherlink, an app that collects real-time data on wind, that may help them identify the direction the odor is traveling and even where its headed next.

The challenge were up against when youre on the ground level is, the wind can be blowing in different directions, depending on where you are, Boyce said. By the time someone gets to where the report came from, it might not smell anymore.

The smell has largely been reported southwest of Philadelphia International Airport, north of Marcus Hook, and in the communities along I-95, including Chester, Aston, Middletown Township, and Brookhaven. But its also been sniffed as far away as New Castle County, Del.

Chester Fire Commissioner William C. Rigby said his department has fielded dozens of reports since the summer, and many more over several days last fall when the stench was most pronounced. In October, administrators at Chester Community Charter School evacuated hundreds of students when the overpowering odor seeped into the ventilation system.

At first we were really the only ones dealing with this, but now its been filtering into the rest of the county, said Rigby.

The DEP, meanwhile, is looking at local industrial facilities and pipelines in the area in an effort to eliminate possible suspects. A list of potential culprits has included areas in Gloucester County, which sits directly across the river. Further confusing matters, the mystery smell emerged one day last November at the same time as an unrelated leak from a Sunoco pipeline in Middletown.

A lot of the folks who are working on this have never seen anything quite like it, said Virginia Cain, community relations coordinator for the state DEP. Something that comes and goes, seemingly at random. Usually with a case like this, wed normally get repeated complaints from the same group of people. But seeing it in such a widespread area makes you wonder: Is it coming from a facility? Or something thats moving?

Though shes a Delaware County resident, Cain has never smelled the odor.

But I want to, she added.

Boyce said that some residents of Norwood, a borough with a population of under 6,000 that sits a few miles from the airport, have worried that the smell could be related to their town landfill. Boyce believes thats unlikely, due to the petroleum-tinged nature of the odor.

One late afternoon last week in Norwood, the air smelled like a typical winter day, without even a hint of petroleum.

Several residents said theyd never smelled the odor. Others said they didnt think it was worth worrying about.

Ive heard people say its like an oily smell, said Dawn Hamilton, a clerk at Davis Trading Post on Winona Avenue. But if you live in this area, you get used to stuff like that. This isnt the country, its the city. Ill take the petroleum smell over cows.

Ridley Park resident Bill Smith said the odor in his town had been pungent at times over the fall. He said the scent reminded him of fuel, but didnt irritate his throat, and in any case, he hasnt smelled it for a few months.

As long as its not going to hurt anyone, who cares? he asked.

Boyce believes its only a matter of time before investigators zero in on the culprit. If it turns out a company is behind the stench, the case may end up with the Attorney Generals Office.

Boyce encouraged residents to keep the reports coming: If you smell something, say something.

Dont worry about it is not an answer that people should have to accept, Boyce said. No one should be accepting of gas fumes rolling through the county.
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Linkedin Adi Abidin and Piebo Dimas Perdana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

Among the more than 200 local elections to be held in September, one that has attracted national curiosity is the mayoral election in Surakarta, also known as Solo, in Central Java.

This midsized town of some 500,000 people and one of the cultural centers of Javanese heritage is central to Joko Jokowi Widodos political rise to the highest office in the country.

The then-furniture businessman became the first directly elected mayor of the city in 2005 and after seven years of leading it, won Jakartas gubernatorial election, before being elected president in 2014.

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JABALPUR: Indigenously upgraded Sharang 155 mm gun system was successfully test-fired at the Long Proof Range (LPR) of Khamaria in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. The firepower of this high calibre gun, which is also the country's largest indigenous gun, has been increased to 39 km.

This is the first time that the upgraded Sharang gun system was tested in Jabalpur.

As part of the Narendra Modi governments Make in India initiative, the indigenously-designed towed 155 mm/45 calibre artillery gun Sharang will soon be supplied to the Indian Army from Gun Carriage Factory and the Ordnance Factory, Kanpur.

The induction of Sharang will bolster the Armys combat abilities along the lines of the 'Soltam-155' guns manufactured by Russia. The weapon has been upgraded successfully from its previous specification of 130 mm to 155 mm.

Its commercial production is also likely to begin soon.

Live TV

The Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ) has been assigned for assembling 12 of 30 Sharang gun systems while rest will be assembled at Gun Carriage Factory.

Indigenous upgradation of Russian 130 mm gun named Soltam has been carried out at the Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur, and its other components are being produced at the Ordnance Equipment Centre, Kanpur and Ordnance Factory, Kanpur.

Vehicle Factory Jabalpur started a diversified project of assembling upgraded 130 mm Russian Gun System with assembling of 155 mm Sharang Gun system in technical collaboration with Gun Carriage Factory.

Sharang gun systems are equipped with night vision sensors which will allow the armed forces to target the enemy in the night.
Photo: CTV News

International travellers will soon be screened for the coronavirus at Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal airports if they have visited Wuhan province in China.

Canada Border Service Agency officials will soon begin asking the screening question and they have indicated that action will be taken against sick passengers, CTV News reports.

"Travellers who have visited Wuhan will be subject to additional screening to help prevent the possible spread of this infectious disease into Canada," said an email statement from CBSA, with those experiencing flu-like symptoms "referred to (Public Health Agency of Canada) quarantine officers."

The latest news comes on the heels of the first confirmed case in the United States, in Everett Washington.

There have been no confirmed cases in Canada.

CBSA says it's waiting for direction for the implementation of the new screening protocols, but indicate they will begin "in the coming days."

Canada's chief public health officer said Monday there was no cause for alarm, but officials are watching the "rapidly evolving" situation closely.

"It is important to take this seriously and be vigilant and be prepared, but I don't think there's any reason for us to panic or be overly concerned," said Dr. Theresa Tam.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Luis D. Ortiz from Million Dollar Listing New York rode off into the Puerto Rican sunset this season as he welcomed a daughter into his life. Ortiz left the show after four seasons, appearing on the show as a guest during season 6.

Fredrik Eklund, Luis D. Ortiz, and Ryan Serhant attend AOL Build Speaker Series |Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic

He returned for season 8 and dropped a major bombshell  like the other brokers on the show, he too was going to become a father. But Ortiz returned on the heels of heartbreak. He was candid about his struggles with depression after he left the show. Ortiz even shared that he thought leaving real estate and the show would bring him happiness. He was devastated when he ended up spiraling into darkness.

However, he has a new lease on life and has joyfully shared a number of videos and photos on Instagram of his family. Toward the end of season 8, he told the other brokers that he planned to move his family to Puerto Rico and raise his daughter, along with his daughters mother. Ortiz has recently been spending time in New York and just hinted at some big news.

A new show?

Ortiz shared on his Instagram story that he was currently in New York City but was leaving soon to shoot his new show. So weve gotta practice this because its been a while since I talked to you guys, Ortiz said as he walked down a New York City street. Look at this beard! Dont worry Im gonna shave it soon, but lets see how long it goes.

Anyway its been a while since Ive talked to you guys, or thats not necessarily true, because everything you are seeing from me, my family, is everything I have to say, Ortiz continues. I love it. Im in love with my family, Im in love with everything at the moment. Im very happy.

He then drizzles a little tea. Very blessed, feel very grateful too. Now Im in the middle of the crazy cold in New York, and uh  leaving tomorrow. Starting to film my new show. He laughs and then ends his story.

Ortiz spent some time in New York

After announcing that he was moving his family to Puerto Rico, most of Ortizs enviable Instagram photos were of his daughter Leela and family relaxing and frolicking on one of the many gorgeous beaches. He celebrated his birthday with a beach bonfire with his loved ones. Plus he shared a number of photos of his gorgeous daughter lounging in a hammock or playing in the sand with her father.

Ortiz also shared a remarkable photo of Leela at five months old along with a photo of himself at five months. The two could be twins and the resemblance wasnt lost on his Instagram fans. 5 month old Leela next to 5 month old papa , he wrote. One fan commented, Same happy face  as others just wrote, Twins.

The family then headed to Seattle, Washington, likely to spend the holidays with Leelas mothers family. Before the new year, the family ended up in New York City. Ortiz shared a photo of his sleeping daughter. Theres an angel on my bed , he wrote. The family remained in the city but now a new adventure awaits. What comes next? Stay tuned.
BELLINGHAM, Washington, USA, and CARDIFF, UK - Recent advances in computer graphics are making it possible to create computer-generated (CG) representations of human beings that are difficult to distinguish from their real-world counterparts. "Digital human face detection in video sequences via a physiological signal analysis," a paper published today in the Journal of Electronic Imaging (JEI), presents a viable, innovative way to discern between natural humans (NAT) and CG faces within the context of multimedia forensics, using individuals' heart rate as the discriminating feature. JEI is co-published by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and by the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T).

Humans present a pulse signal that can be automatically extracted from a video sequence; virtual humans do not. In their paper, Mattia Bonomi and Giulia Boato demonstrate that by focusing on an algorithm for pulse-rate estimation from human faces and calculating statistics from that heart rate, they can classify the input face as CG or NAT.

"Recent advances in machine learning and computer graphics have led to the rapid development of deep fakes, where the face of a real person in a video is replaced by a computer generated one," notes JEI Editor-in-Chief Karen Egiazarian. "This technology is openly available nowadays, and, together with its wide use in the movie industry and advertisements, it has been also used by fraudsters. But how to distinguish a human face from a computer generated one? Bonomi and Boato address this question by proposing and applying a physiological signal analysis, extracting the heart rate from the video of human face, and using it as a discriminating factor."

The article authors are Mattia Bonomi and Giulia Boato, both of the University of Trento, Department of Engineering and Computer Science, Trento, Italy.

Karen Egiazarian, a professor of computing sciences at Tampere University, is the editor-in-chief of JEI. The journal is co-published digitally by the Society for Imaging Science and Technology and by SPIE in the SPIE Digital Library, which contains more than 500,000 publications from SPIE journals, proceedings, and books, with approximately 18,000 new research papers added each year.

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About SPIE

SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics, an educational not-for-profit organization founded in 1955 to advance light-based science, engineering, and technology. The Society serves more than 255,000 constituents from 183 countries, offering conferences and their published proceedings, continuing education, books, journals, and the SPIE Digital Library. In 2019, SPIE provided more than $5 million in community support including scholarships and awards, outreach and advocacy programs, travel grants, public policy, and educational resources. http://www.spie.org

About the Society for Imaging Science and Technology

The Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T) is an international professional non-profit dedicated to keeping members and other imaging professionals apprised of the latest developments in the field through conferences, educational programs, publications, and its website. IS&T programs encompass all aspects of the imaging workflow, which moves from capture (sensors, cameras) through imaging processing (image quality, color, and materialization) to hard and soft copy output (printing, displays, image permanence), and includes aspects related to human vision, such as image quality and color. The Society also focuses on a wide range of image-related applications, including security, virtual reality, machine vision, and data analysis. http://www.imaging.org.

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When Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, Assistant Vice-President of Continuing Studies, was brought on to found the school five years ago, she was determined to reimagine what continuing professional education could look like for the 21 st century by responding to the needs of students and employers.

"We discarded outdated models and designed a new forward-thinking, student- and employer-centered model for continuing education, creating something truly unique in North America," says Taylor-O'Reilly. "We made these decisions to differentiate ourselves from other continuing education programs and fill unmet needs. Because we are so deeply attuned to the needs of working adults and employers, we were ideally situated to respond to the challenges of 'the future of work' or 'Industry 4.0' when it began to emerge a few years ago."

The School of Continuing Studies emerged during a significant moment in Canadian and global history. Disruptive technologies are creating, changing, and eliminating jobs at a speed not before seen. Jobs are changing as certain functions are becoming automated. So, while employees might remain in their existing role, the role itself may change significantly. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, about 10 per cent to 12 per cent of Canadians could face job loss unless they acquire new formal qualifications. The "future of work" conversation revolves around finding solutions to these current and future challenges that are emerging across Canada. Taylor-O'Reilly attributes the school's exponential growth to its deep commitment to responding to these societal challenges.

Students at the school receive a unique learning experience, helping them to upskill and succeed in this rapidly changing work environment. Programs are accelerated and offered only in a cohort format, meaning there are no one-off courses. Because of this, students complete their continuing education programs faster and at a rate exponentially higher than industry norms. The School's program design also teaches students to develop a T-shaped skillset, meaning as much importance is placed on "soft" or "human skills," as job-specific technical skills, reflecting an increasingly important need for employers. To ensure these skills are learned and applied, students engage in case studies, simulations, and real workplace projects throughout the program, allowing them to demonstrate to employers that they have what it takes to excel in new or changing roles.

The school is also the leader in Canada in being the first to market with innovative new programs that address emerging skills gaps, such as Machine Learning, Blockchain, People Analytics, and IT Audit Execution.

Professionals across the country do not always have the same access to emerging university continuing education options as those in the GTA. "At York University, we feel we have a responsibility to address the emerging national skills gap in a way that does not leave large groups of the population behind," says Taylor O'Reilly. "We're working to ensure that our cutting-edge educational opportunities are available to Canadians regardless of where they live, their backgrounds, or schedules."

To this end, the School recently formed a strategic partnership with Mount Royal University in Calgary, AB to offer their innovative Cyber Security program in the Alberta market. The school is committed to expanding partnerships with institutions in industry and education on a national scale to have a larger and more impactful reach on preparing Canadians for the future of work.

In the first five years, York's School of Continuing Studies has had a major impact on advancing access to relevant programming to fill employment market gaps. Looking forward, York University will continue to invest to be a leader and partner in developing the workforce skills of tomorrow across Canada.

About the York University School of Continuing Studies

The York University School of Continuing Studies provides meaningful university micro-credentials which combine theory with practical application. Our programs are designed to develop well-rounded professionals that employers value, with both the deep discipline-based knowledge and the broad cross-functional skills required to communicate and be effective within a multidisciplinary team. With innovative programs designed to prepare graduates to thrive in emerging careers, York University is preparing Canada's labour force for the future of work.

SOURCE York University School of Continuing Studies

For further information: Hassan Ally, Director, Marketing & Enrolment Management, School of Continuing Studies, York University, 416.736.2100 x 55390, [email protected]
In a shocking incident, at least eight tourists from Kerala were found dead in a hotel room of a resort in Daman of Makwanpur district in Nepal. According to the initial probe, the tourists were using a gas heater in the room and suffocation might have caused their death. However, the names of the deceased are yet to be identified.

Following this incident, SP Sushil Singh Rathore of District Police Office, Makwanpur said, "We are yet to identify the name of the deceased. They were using a gas heater in the room, suffocation might have caused their death."

Live TV

All the bodies were airlifted and brought to a hospital in Kathmandu. A doctor from the Indian Mission in Nepal was immediately sent to the concerned hospital to check on the fateful incident. The mission assured of all necessary assistance.

The eight deceased are--Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and Vyshnav Ranjith.

Speaking on this, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) is in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. An autopsy of the bodies will be done and they will be brought to Kerala on Wednesday (January 22). "Based on the direction of Kerala CM, the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) is in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. It is expected that after an autopsy, the bodies will be brought to Kerala tomorrow," said a statement.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting his ministry to intervene for rendering assistance to families of the eight people. "We have heard the shocking news of the death of eight persons from Kerala who were on a visit to Nepal. I request your Ministry to kindly intervene for rendering all possible assistance to the families and friends of the victims," read the letter.

Reacting to this incident, Jaishankar tweeted, "Deeply distressed by the tragic news of the passing away of 8 Indian tourists in Nepal. Our Embassy in Nepal has been closely following the situation. Embassy officials are stationed at the hospital and are providing necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families."

Kerala Tourism Minister said, "Had contacted Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. They informed that postmortem and other actions are being conducted swiftly. We're trying to bring the bodies tomorrow itself. DGP had a talk with IG in Nepal and they are trying to complete the formalities soon. I have directed DGP to update me frequently. Had discussed this with the MoS MEA V Muraleedharan and he is constantly in touch with embassy authorities."
Highly precise testing by West Australian researchers has dated a meteorite crater in the states remote outback as the oldest impact found on Earth.

And in a further twist, the age of the impact that caused the Yarrabubba crater near Meekatharra  about 2.2 billion years old  coincides with the end of a period in the Earths history when scientists believe the planet was covered by glaciers and ice.

The impact happened billions of years ago, and researchers believe it may have brought Earth out of a global "deep freeze".

The timing suggests the impact that created the 70-kilometre crater played a role in bringing an end to the early Snowball Earth.

The research from Curtin Universitys School of Earth and Planetary Sciences was published in the journal Nature Communications on Tuesday.
[January 21, 2020] Generational Equity Advises The Ring Lord in Sale to Ontario Firm

Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client, The Ring Lord to Grant Philip, 905889 Ontario Limited, and Edica Properties, Inc. The acquisition closed December 31, 2019 and details were not disclosed. The Ring Lord (TRL), located in Toronto, Canada and founded in 2000, manufactures and sells metal craft supply rings, stampings, tools, and other related products from its factory and warehouse in Scarborough, Ontario. TRL offers over 7,000 products which include craft supply rings in over 20 metals, scalemail supplies, blanks and tags, laser etched products, project kits for scalemail and chainmail, jewelry supplies, tools, pendants and charms, and various gauged wire. TRL is the only manufacturer of most of the products produced for its target market of crafters and artists in the chainmail community. However, due to the Company's extensive manufacturing capabilities, TRL is able to provide custom work for a variety of industries across North America and internationally. Its products have been featured in movies and sold to celebrities, interior designers, fashion designers and many industrial clients such as SpaceX, Boeing (News - Alert), and NASA to name a few. The buyer is a newly established Ontario corporation owned by Eduardo Barron, Arthu Leal, and Grant Philp. Grant Philp was a 7.5% owner of The Ring Lord Corporation and will be part owner in the newly formed corporation. He will continue in his role as COO in the new entity.



Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A - Western Region, Stephen Crisham, supported by Managing Director-Western Region, Lori Galloway successfully closed the deal. Executive Managing Director Bill Kushnir established the initial relationship with The Ring Lord. About Generational Equity

Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With over 250 professionals located throughout North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. Their five-step approach features exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A transactional services, and wealth management. The M&A Advisor named the company the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Investment Banking Firm of the Year. For more information, visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005039/en/

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Both Zen (12) and Akash (16) displayed rare and exemplary courage which has earned them national laurels besides making them "young idols" for the youth.

Along with her, a boy from Aurangabad, Akash M. Khillare has also been selected for the same award and both will be honoured along with 20 other young bravehearts from all over India.

Here is the real-life story of Akash M. Khillare:

One morning, Akash, belonging to a small village in Aurangabad, was hurrying to his school, some 3 km from home. On the way, while crossing an old bridge over the Dudhna river, he saw a woman drowning and screaming for help. Akash looked around, but there was nobody. He threw his school bag and plunged headlong into the river, around 70 feet below.

As he swam towards her, he noticed she also had her three-year-old daughter with her and they were being pulled in the river currents. Akash first rescued the minor girl and then went on to rescue her mother and brought them ashore safely even as other villagers gathered and cheered his feat.

Later, the crying mother said she had gone to wash clothes on the river bank when her daughter fell into the waters and was getting dragged away by the current.

Though she couldn't swim, she jumped in to save her daughter and both were in grave danger till they were spotted and rescued by Akash.

The story of Zen:

Zen is a Class VII student of Mumbai's Don Bosco International School, Matunga, and her inner courage came to the fore during a massive fire that engulfed the 12th floor of Crystal Towers in Parel around 8 am in August 2018.

As scores of trapped people panicked, the 10-year-old Zen collected clothes around the house, then doused them with water and instructed everybody, including her family and neighbours to cover their noses and breathe through it.

"In this manner, she helped 17 people move to safety without any harm from the fire or the toxic smoke, as they could breathe easily through the drenched masks," said her proud parents Gunratan Savarte and Jaishree Patil-Sadavarte, both lawyers.

Later, her efforts were lauded by the media and the civic and state government, and now she will be recognized at the national level.

Gunratan Sadavarte said she is extremely concerned about "hunger among children" and plans to launch a national campaign for them, especially those from poor families in rural-tribal areas who are deprived of a mid-day meal on weekends which they are served during weekdays at the government school.

"Despiter her tender age, she has read the Quran, the Bible, studied Buddhism, the Constitutions of five countries, read Malala Yousefzai's biography twice, Leo Tolstoy's 'War & Peace" and other top classics. She loves to watch news and current affairs besides her studies," Sadavarte told IANS.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in)
Members of the Garda Emergency Response unit during a multi agency emergency exercise at the Newtownfane Pumping station, in Co. Louth, Ireland.

The leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have promised to prioritise Garda funding after concerns were raised over resourcing of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin vowed to increase recruitment and divert more funds to the specialist armed support unit after the Garda Representative Association (GRA) raised concerns about reduced operations.

A letter from a GRA representative to the head of the ERU questioned the units capability to respond to serious firearms incidents.

The letter also claimed ERU equipment was out of date, including life-saving body armour.

Expand Close Micheal Martin said gardai needed to be given the upper hand over criminals (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Mr Martin was questioned about the issue while canvassing in Longford.

In my view we have been led to believe that the ERU was properly resourced but now we are hearing that in some areas there was no cover at all on certain occasions, said the Fianna Fail leader.

It means resourcing and more personnel, it means 24/7 surveillance, it means additional people recruited to the ERU  thats what it means.

In an overall envelope of 11 billion which will be available over the next five years, thats very doable, and thats something that has to be prioritised.

The GRA said the letter was an internal correspondence which should not have been made public.

The association added: The GRA is seeking an urgent meeting with the Garda Commissioner regarding resourcing of Emergency Response Unit. We wish to discuss concerns raised in a letter from a local GRA representative to the detective superintendent in charge of the unit.

Expand Close Members of the Garda Emergency Response Unit (Niall Carson/PA). PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook

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The Garda confirmed receipt of a letter but said it could not comment directly on its contents as it referred to operational matters.

A spokesman said the force was satisfied it had the capability to respond to any critical firearms incident.

He said: An Garda Siochana Special Tactics and Operations Command (STOC) provides specialist firearms and less lethal response to spontaneous incidents, such as 999 calls and for pre-planned operations. STOC has a number of specialist teams under its command including the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Armed Support Unit (ASU) nationally.

An Garda Siochana armed support capability, capacity and training has significantly increased in recent years.

An Garda Siochana is satisfied that there is currently a specialist firearms response capability to any critical firearms incidents that may occur in the state.

Meanwhile, also on the campaign trail, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar defended the amount of resources given to Gardai and the Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

Speaking to reporters in Fermoy, Co Cork on Tuesday, he said: I think we have to listen to the concerns raised by the Garda Representative Association, and Im sure the Garda Commissioner will respond in due course.

I do know that the Chief Super in Drogheda said that he has not any difficulty when he has needed to call on the armed support unit.

What I would say is, bear in mind from the Governments point of view that the Garda budget this year is 1.9 billion euro  the biggest Garda budget ever.

Bear in mind that we now have armed support units in every region as well as the ERU, so we have put additional resources in the gardai and recruitment, and we will continue to do so if re-elected.
A massive meteorite impact and extreme volcanic activity occurred around the same time that Earth's large dinosaurs went extinct. But, did the volcanic activity play a role in the mass extinction, or did it actually help new life to flourish ?

Sixty-six million years ago, an asteroid smashed into Earth, creating the Chicxulub crater, which is 124 miles (200 kilometers) wide and is now buried underneath the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The aftereffects of the impact caused a mass extinction, decimating Earth's dinosaur population. Just around this same time (within less than a million years), about 310,685 miles (500,000 km) of lava erupted from the Deccan Traps , a large, igneous volcanic province, and flowed over most of India and into the ocean.

Researchers in a new study have taken a closer look at what actually caused the mass extinction event, and whether or not the volcanic activity at the Deccan Traps, which happened to occur at a similar time, could've helped to shape the future of life on our planet.

Related: Asteroid Impacts Bring Fire and Life (Video)

Asteroids and volcanoes

Scientists continue to debate and study the relationship between these two catastrophic events. Are the impact and volcanic activity actually related to each other? "The short answer is, it looks like an amazing coincidence," Pincelli Hull, an author on this new study, told Space.com, referring to the short amount of time between the two events. "But people keep trying to figure out if they're mechanistically linked, at least in part."

According to this new study, there is still no concrete consensus on how (or if) the two events might have been related, and it's possible that the volcanic activity might have also contributed to the mass extinction. It's likely, however, that the asteroid impact was the primary cause of the extinction.

Turning back the clock

To come to this conclusion, the team focused on outgassing from the volcanic event  the release of gases during a volcanic eruption. They were able to model and analyze the effects that the eruption's carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions had on global temperatures over time.

When the team members compared the results from their simulations and models with records of global temperatures throughout this time, they found that at least 50% of the outgassing from the Deccan Traps occurred well before the meteorite impact. So, only the asteroid impact happened at the same time as the mass extinction event.

Life after catastrophe

In addition to finding evidence to support the theory that the meteorite impact was the main cause of the mass extinction event, the team also found that volcanic gases from the Deccan traps could've supported the flourishing of different species after the mass extinction.

By figuring out the timing of this outgassing, the team found evidence to support the theory that "post-event volcanism suggests a role for volcanism in the delayed recovery of biodiversity," the authors said in the study .

The authors suggest that the volcanic activity and gases released from the activity would've caused changes in the carbon cycle, which would've allowed the ocean to absorb a lot of carbon dioxide. Being able to see a timeline of global temperatures throughout this time and compare them with their own simulations, they suggest that this could've limited global warming that would've otherwise occurred.

In limiting more extreme global warming, "Deccan volcanism might have contributed to shaping [the rise of Cenozoic species and communities] during the extinction aftermath," the study authors said in a press statement .

It's possible that there could be other explanations for how life on Earth developed following this mass extinction, Hull told Space.com. She said that it's possible that this volcanic activity was happening and causing these climate effects, but the activity didn't affect diversification of life on land or in the ocean. However, this new study does show how it could've been possible.

This work was published yesterday (Jan. 16) in the journal Science.


Union Home Minister Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on the opposition and dared it to protest as much as they can for the Modi government will not take back the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Shah dared Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav to a public debate on CAA and said that these leaders were driven only by vote-bank politics.



"We are not bothered about the opposition because we have been nurtured with opposition," he said.



Speaking at a pro-CAA rally in Lucknow, Shah said that there were 23 per cent minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians in Pakistan at the time of Partition but the figure had come down to just three per cent today.



"Where have they gone? They have either been killed or converted or have fled to India. Many of them have left their palatial houses in Pakistan and are living in huts now.



"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only giving them homes but also jobs and a better life. Is this wrong?" he asked.



He further said that Dalits were being tortured in Afghanistan where the tallest Buddha statue had been broken down. "Why is Mayawati quiet on this even though she claims to be a guardian of Dalits?" he said.



Shah slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and accused them of opposing for the sake of opposing.



"It is the Congress that is responsible for making two itukde' of India," he added.



"Have these leaders read history? Do they know that Gandhiji himself said that if Hindus feel unsafe in Pakistan, India should give them citizenship? These leaders talk but never study," he stated.



Lashing out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Union Home Minister said that a Dalit Bengali family was among the refugees who have been given citizenship. "And she is still opposing the CAA," he said.



Amit Shah said that the manner in which opposition leaders were protesting against abrogation of Article 370, it seems they have a nexus with Imran Khan (the Pakistan Prime Minister) because their opposition is not in national interest.



He pointed out that after abrogation of Article 370, terror had come to an end in the valley.



He mounted a blistering attack on the opposition that had demanded proof of the air strike and questioned their intentions.



The union minister also blamed the Congress for delaying the solution to Ram temple in Ayodhya and said that the Congress even tried to delay the Supreme Court verdict but failed.



"The Ram temple will now be there in three months and the wishes of millions will be realized," he said.



Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Shah and mounted a scathing attack on the opposition and blamed them for the 'cheer-haran' of (stripping) the country.




A city in eastern China has named and shamed residents for going outside in their pyjamas by posting pictures of them and their ID information, sparking an outcry.

The authority of Suzhou in the province of Anhui yesterday released pictures of seven people walking on streets, in shops and at markets while donning loungewear.

The images, which clearly showed their faces, were posted together with their surname, ID portrait, part of their ID number and where they had been caught.

The picture posted by Suzhou City Urban Management Bureau in eastern China and obscured by MailOnline shows one woman walking on a street in the city while wearing a pink robe

Another woman is caught strolling on a street while holding grocer in pyjamas in Suzhou

A third resident is shamed for going to a shopping mall while donning the indoor clothing

The punishing notice immediately drew waves of criticism. Suzhou officials had to apologise over the matter after being accused of evading citizens' privacy.

The post was uploaded onto popular Chinese messaging app WeChat by Suzhou City Urban Management Bureau yesterday.

The public shaming was aimed at 'exposing uncivilised behaviour' and 'improving citizens' moral standard', the article said.

It is reported that the authority identified the 'offenders' using facial recognition technology.

The authority of Suzhou in the province of Anhui yesterday released pictures of seven people walking on streets, in shops and at markets while donning loungewear, including the above

The punishing notice, which showed the residents' faces, drew waves of criticism. Suzhou officials had to apologise over the matter after being accused of evading citizens' privacy

China's has built a massive database with personal information belonging to residents and tourists using state surveillance empowered by artificial intelligence.

The high-tech network is also used to penalise jaywalkers. Citizens who run the red light will see pictures of them screened at the junction where they were caught, alongside some of their personal information.

The official announcement from Suzhou was quickly blasted by the country's web users.

The public shaming was aimed at 'exposing uncivilised behaviour' and 'improving citizens' moral standard', said the post which was uploaded onto popular Chinese app WeChat

It is reported that the authority identified the 'offenders' using facial recognition technology

On Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, many people claimed that the officials' method was unlawful.

One typical comment read: 'Even suspected criminals have privacy. Releasing normal residents' ID portraits to show their faces, is this what they call "civilisation"?! This is illegal.'

Another person regarded the act of wearing pyjamas 'very normal': 'We are used to going out in pyjamas in our hometown.'

A third challenged the officials' judging criteria: 'How do you define "uncivilised"?'

Suzhou city Urban Management Bureau took down the controversial post yesterday and apologised to the public.

It said the blunder was caused by failure of quality control of its articles. It vowed to prevent similar things from happening in the future.

China has built a massive database with personal information of residents and tourists using its high-tech state surveillance empowered by artificial intelligence. Pictured, a big electronic screen supported by face-recognition system shows the image of a jaywalker in Nanjing

China has been building a mass surveillance network, which boasts hundreds of millions of street cameras. The system aims to identify any of its 1.4 billion citizens within three seconds

China's surveillance network has been billed as the world's most powerful facial-recognition system and aims to identify any of its 1.4 billion citizens within three seconds.

The country's residents are set to be carefully watched by 626 million street monitors as early as next year, according to a study.

China has the five most-monitored cities in the world. Its most-surveilled city, Chongqing, is equipped with more than 2.5 million street cameras, or one for every six people.

Critics have voiced concerns over the system, claiming it's a way for the government to invade citizens' privacy and restrict their freedom.
Gender Gap in Unpaid Household Work Hurts Womens Careers

As women work to shatter the glass ceiling in the workplace, new data analysis suggests that their household roles may play a part in inhibiting their careers.

The Institute for Womens Policy Research (IWPR), a think tank that focuses on issues of womens equality, joined with the relief organization Oxfam to conduct an analysis of how womens roles in their personal lives impact their professional and overall well-being. Researchers used data from the 2018 American Time Use Survey (ATUS) to see if there was a correlation between unpaid housework and economic inequalities between the genders.

They learned that women are not only grappling with inequalities in the workplace, but they are also facing inequalities in their household.

According to the study, women 15 and older spend on average 5.7 hours per day doing household chores and taking care of children and elders. In comparison, men 15 years and older spend on average 3.6 hours per day on such activities.

That translates into women spending 37% more time on household duties than men.

While this gap showed up among all age groups, it was most pronounced among younger women  specifically:

Among those ages 15-24, women spent 54% more time on household duties than men.

Among those ages 25-34, women spent 51% more time on household duties than men.

How unpaid house work affects professional women

The study found that women with full-time jobs experienced less of a gender gap in household responsibilities than women who werent working full time. Women who work 35 or more hours per week spend on average 4.9 hours per day on unpaid household duties, while their working male counterparts spend on average 3.8 hours per day.

In other words, women with full-time jobs spend an average of 22% more time on household duties than similarly employed men.

Unpaid time hurts women more, the study found. According to ATUS data, when researchers controlled for age, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, place of birth and family income, they found that each percentage-point increase in time spent by women doing unpaid work correlated with a 0.062% drop in weekly earnings. However, among men they found that unpaid work had no impact on their earnings.

Story continues

One possible reason for this discrepancy is that women are more likely than men to reduce the amount of time they spend in the paid workforce because of their household duties.

While men may also face consequences at work if they request time to provide care, more women reduce time in the paid workforce, researchers wrote. As a result, many men continue to receive promotions, while womens upward mobility stalls.

Women face many barriers in the workforce, including the gender pay gap. However, there are steps women can take to try to achieve workplace equity. Strategies include brushing up on your negotiation skills so you can better secure a higher salary, and finding places where the gender pay gap is shrinking the fastest.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 20, 2020 | 02:40 PM | GRAVES COUNTY





According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, on Sunday deputies received information about a wheelchair that was lost out of the back of a vehicle somewhere between KY 1748 and KY 339 near Enon Baptist Church and Wingo on KY 339 or from KY 339 in Wingo on US 45 to Water Valley.







The wheelchair was reportedly in the back of a truck and blew out at approximately 4:30 am. It is a Tsunami brand, is black and green with large tires and has no brakes.







Anyone with information is asked to contact Austin or Kerri Clark at 270-804-6442 or 270-804-5954, or contact the Graves County Sherif's Office at 270-247-4501.

Graves County deputies are asking for the public's help locating the owner of a lost wheelchair.
(Bloomberg) -- Huawei Technologies Co. Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou shouldnt be dispatched to the U.S. because her alleged crimes dont meet Canadas legal tests for extradition, her defense lawyers said at the opening of hearings.

At issue in a legal battle that has severely strained Canada-China relations is whether her extradition request meets the crucial test of double criminality: Would her alleged crime have also been a crime in Canada? If the judge rules it doesnt meet that standard, she could be discharged, according to Canadas extradition rules.

Extraditing Meng would undermine the double criminality rule, her defense lawyer Richard Peck told the court in Vancouver.

The hearings that began Monday offer Mengs first opportunity to avoid handover to the U.S., which accuses her of fraud, saying she lied to HSBC Holdings Plc and tricked it into transactions that violated U.S. sanctions on Iran. Meng attended the hearing in a black dress with polka-dots that displayed the GPS tracker on her ankle as some 150 media and spectators watched the proceedings from the gallery.

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.

Fraud is a facade, Peck said. In the end, we are being asked to impose on Canada an obligation to assist the U.S. in enforcing sanctions on Iran.

Her team, citing section 29 of Canadas Extradition Act, says double criminality needs to be assessed as of February 2019 -- the date when Canadas justice minister authorized the start of extradition proceedings.

Iran Sanctions

At that time, Canada didnt have sanctions on Iran. Therefore, her lawyers argue, her case fails to meet the double criminality test -- any transactions by HSBC wouldnt have broken any Canadian laws.

Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes appeared to question whether the court might consider a broader time range. It might not be as straightforward as it appears, she said.

Story continues

If so, that could throw a spanner into the defenses arguments. Meng allegedly tricked the HSBC banker at a meeting at a Hong Kong teahouse in August 2013, when Canada had a full embargo on trade with Iran. So any transactions by HSBC at that time would have violated Canadian sanctions.

The judge also appeared to test another central pillar of Mengs defense. Her lawyers have cited Canadian legal precedent to argue that for fraud to have occurred, HSBC must have been at risk of economic loss. That essential element of risk of deprivation is missing, Peck said, pointing again to the lack of Canadian sanctions.

Holmes seemed to challenge that: if the case were considered as a domestic proceeding but for one change -- that Meng had lied to HSBC in Canada as opposed to in Hong Kong -- would that not be a prosecutable fraud case here, she asked.Defense lawyer Eric Gottardi, seemingly caught off guard, replied: If there was dishonesty combined with a risk of deprivation, arguably you could make out the offense.

How Huawei Landed at the Center of Global Tech Tussle: QuickTake

Detained Canadians

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. 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.

China has demanded Canada release Meng, and has retaliated by slapping sanctions on Canadian products such as canola, while detaining two Canadians after her arrest in December 2018.

The double-criminality hearings are scheduled for four days but the ruling would likely come much later -- possibly in months.

As the extradition hearing began, Huawei released a video statement on its Twitter feed saying it has confidence in the process. We trust in Canadas judicial system which will prove Ms. Mengs innocence, spokesman Benjamin Howes said.

Meng has been biding her time in a Vancouver mansion since her arrest. Thats in sharp contrast to the conditions endured by the two Canadians -- Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor -- who were detained in China after her arrest.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government says securing the release of the two men -- one a former diplomat, the other an entrepreneur -- is a priority and that it has asked the Trump administration for help. Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told reporters Sunday at a cabinet retreat in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that he raised the issue last week with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.Over the weekend, a senior aide to former Prime Minister Jean Chretien joined John Manley, a former Liberal deputy prime minister and industry minister, in urging Trudeau to consider ordering an end to the Huawei executives extradition as part of a prisoner exchange for Kovrig and Spavor.

Asked about that proposal Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said: Our government has been clear that were a rule of law country and that we honor our extradition treaty commitments. That is what we need to do, and that is what we will do.

(Updates with court arguments starting 11th paragraph)

--With assistance from Stephen Wicary.

To contact the reporter on this story: Natalie Obiko Pearson in Vancouver at npearson7@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: David Scanlan at dscanlan@bloomberg.net, Jacqueline Thorpe

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Federal officials will also direct travelers arriving in the United States on direct and indirect flights from Wuhan to those five airports for screening. That process is being worked out in the coming days. For example, if a passenger was originally to fly from Wuhan to Shanghai and then Boston, that flight would most likely be rerouted to JFK for screening, and then proceed to Boston, CDC officials said.
Warning of electricity shortage, the Vietnam Energy Association (VEA) has asked the Prime Minister to instruct local authorities not to turn their back on coal-fired thermopower projects.

VEAs chair Tran Viet Ngai at the review conference held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in late December 2019 made a series of proposals to speed up the implementation of power projects.





Notably, Ngai asked the Prime Minister to instruct some southern provinces not to refuse the coal-fired thermopower projects to be set up in their provinces.



He said coal-fired thermopower now just accounts for 36.1 percent of total electricity output, or about 20,000 MW, affirming that this is a very small figure compared with other countries, which have hundreds of thousand of MW of coal-fired thermopower. The plants utilize out-of-date polluting technologies.



Meanwhile, the coal-fired thermopower projects Vietnam plans to develop in the time to come will use the most advanced technology with supercritical boilers, so there is no need to worry aboutpollution.

The coal-fired thermopower projects Vietnam plans to develop in the time to come will use the most advanced technology with supercritical boilers, so there is no need to worry aboutpollution.

Ngai affirmed that now and in upcoming years, coal-fired power plays a key role in power generation. Therefore, local authorities should not be against coal-fired power projects, or Vietnam will fail to implement the plan to obtain the capacity of 130,000 MW by 2030.



Commenting about VEAs proposal, Le Anh Tuan, deputy head of the Research Institute for Climate Change under the Can Tho University, said this is an unreasonable proposal which is contrary to existing regulations.



Under the current laws, when implementing coal-fired power projects, investors must prepare environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports and consult with the local residents and local authorities about the projects.



Investors have to ask for opinions from local people and they can implement projects only when people agree on the projects. VEA proposes provinces not to refuse the projects. So what does consultation mean? Tuan said.



Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Due, chair of the Energy Science Council belonging to VEA, said thete are different solutions to the power generation issue, including coal-fired thermopower, wind power, solar power and hydropower. Local authorities need to consider technical, economic and environmental conditions and choose the most suitable solutions for them.



My principle is choosing projects which can meet technical requirements, bring economic efficiency and dont cause environment pollution, he said.



Regarding the investment rate, Tuan affirmed that coal-fired power projects are not cheap if counting the expenses on social and environmental problems to be caused by the projects.



Long An, Tien Giang and Bac Lieu provinces in Mekong Delta and Thua Thien-Hue in the central region have refused to set up coal-fired power projects in their localities.

Mai Lan

Social organizations propose to stop licensing new coal-fired thermopower projects Since the government is pursuing a consistent policy not to sacrifice the environment for economic development, coal-fired thermopower projects will no longer be developed.
If the outpouring of compassion for those killed on Flight 752 is a sign that the picture of who is a Canadian has changed, then the reaction to the new coronavirus will be a test.

As the headlines change from Public Health Agency says Canadians at low risk from pneumonia in central China (Jan. 13) to Tip of the iceberg: With lessons of SARS in mind, experts watching new virus closely (Jan. 18) to Human-to-human transmission confirmed in China coronavirus (Jan. 20), I wonder what the reaction will be if a case is reported closer to home.

My son was barely seven months old at the onset of the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto. And although neither he nor I had ever stepped foot in China, his slight cough alarmed the attendant at our neighbourhood bakery enough that she asked, Youre not staying are you? after she sold me a cookie and coffee.

There was fear in her face and she clearly did not want me to stay so I left, stashing my drink in the strollers cup holder as I pushed my son out the door.

The hardest part to accept was that it wasnt a random bakery in the middle of nowhere. I had been a regular customer for years even before my son was born. The bakery was in the heart of midtown Toronto where I had never felt out of place. It was my home but the spectre of SARS had changed the way some people saw my son and me.

I understood that fear could make people act in irrational ways but it saddened me, too. It made me wonder how many more decades Id have to live here to be seen as Canadian first if three were still not enough.

I wondered what my sons experience would be as he grew  whether his Caucasian father, who could count his Canadianness in generations, would afford him a cloak of invisibility when it came to these matters.

A few years later, I would get my answer as one of my sons school friends expressed surprise that other children would taunt my son with Chinese sounds even though his English was very good. That little boy seemed surprised when I explained my sons English was good because he was born here, just like him, and that our family spoke English at home, just like his.

There hasnt been a repeat of the incident at the bakery  yet.

Looking back, SARS changed daily life for everyone. Health screenings at airports and hand sanitizer at public spaces, like hospitals, became the norm.

On a personal level, SARS taught me that some didnt see me to be as Canadian as I felt  especially during a health crisis. But maybe things have changed.

In 1985, all of the passengers on Air India Flight 182 were killed after a bomb exploded. At that time, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney extended condolences to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India, even though most of the dead were Canadian.

When we met years later, my husband and I realized one of the things we had in common was that we had both attended school with children who had died on that flight.

The victims of Flight 752, shot down over Iran earlier this month, have been recognized as Canadians from the start. That is a hopeful sign. But if the new coronavirus is detected here, I wonder if Ill be welcome to sit after I buy my next cookie.
I read that the women's pussy hat march was greeted with foul weather on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, the gals gave as much as they got in terms of foulness.

Man, they swear a lot.

You know who swears? People who have gone beyond anger and into madness swear a lot. You never really know why someone is so mad. The mad person takes on a Neanderthal appearance; back hunched and leaning in with hands parallel to lower thigh. Legs bowed and feet spread, mouth agape as another curse blats from their mouth. These are the symptoms of an enraged person who has momentarily dissolved into something a bit less than a reasonable and evolved member of our species.

Losers are another group that likes to swear. Losers start out thinking they are smart. They figure out that people celebrated for their intellect are always anti whatever current conditions are. If the larger society believes marriage is between one man and one woman the postmodern demi-intellectual will spit out a chaw of arugula, curse, and loudly proclaim the modern equivalent of Ma Kettles' "I'm agin' it."

Whatever standards are pre-established in society they are immediately agin' it.

See how easy it is?

Now, when the Founders struggled for years to create a better form of government they weren't thinking about insuring the rights of strange people who believe themselves transgender.

They were thinking about the basics.

Just a century ago more than 600 women died in pregnancy per 100,000 births. In the century before that the number was over 1,000 per 100,000.

In the United States today about 15 women die in pregnancy or childbirth per 100,000 live births.

The Founders opened up a way to decrease mortality rates because they believed in expansion. Not blindly in the expansion of American land, but in the expansion of industry, of education, of science.

I don't find these brilliant men guilty of misogyny or of creating a patriarchy. They are guilty of creating one of the paths that lead to millions of modern women not dying of childbirth.

They knew that to conjure the very best of human nature they needed to unleash the American mind from any type of tyranny. Just as they trusted that Americans would soon see to the end of slavery they also trusted the American spirit would find a myriad of ways to affect true positive change.

I don't suppose they were thinking about a woman's desire to kill her baby; they were looking at things from a much different perspective. After all, when a woman died in childbirth she left a heartbroken man behind. Odds are many of the men working on the question of governance knew that heartbreak intimately.

The Founders trusted that when any technology arrived it would be used wisely and judiciously.

One might suspect that raging American women dolled up in body-part hats and cursing into a gray sky full of sleet fail to appear as wise and judicious as the founders hoped they would be.

Girls, the Founders never let you down.

You'd be dead if they had.

But, Lord, you've let them down.
The ruling Trinamool Congress on Tuesday announced that it will bring a resolution against the amended Citizenship Act in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on January 27, the third such move after the Kerala and Punjab Houses against the contentious law.

The TMC's declaration comes amidst mounting criticism by the major anti-BJP parties in the state for not passing a resolution opposing CAA.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee said the TMC had submitted a resolution under rule 169 to the Assembly Speaker on January 20, which will come up in the house on coming Monday.

Faced by a lot of "rumours and canards" from the fellow opposition parties over its position regarding CAA and National Population Register, Chatterjee said they "do not need lessons from others on how to continue its fight against CAA-NPR-NRC."



"We have submitted a resolution to the speaker on Janauary 20 regarding it. The resolution against CAA will be placed in the state assembly on January 27. Our government in principle is opposed to CAA," Chatterjee said.

He said they would appeal to all the opposition parties to extend support to the resolution so that its approved unanimously.

Adoption of the resolution in the house would not be a difficult task considering the fact that Mamata Banerjee's party on its own enjoys an overwhelming majority in the 295- member Bengal assembly.

The development comes just a day after West Bengal Chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee had said that an anti-CAA resolution would be placed in the assembly very soon.

When asked whether the government was also mulling to move to the Supreme Court to challenge the law, Chatterjee said "the government and the party will fight it out on the streets and then take a call, if needed, whether to move a court or not".

Kerala and Punjab assemblies have already passed resolutions against the new citizenship law. If the resolution is adopted, West Bengal will the third state to do so.

The Left Front and the Congress have been criticising the TMC government for not adopting a resolution against the CAA.

The West Bengal state assembly has earlier passed a all party resolution, baring BJP, against NRC in September last year.

In January this year, during a one-day special session, opposition Congress and Left Front wanted to bring a resolution against CAA. But their demand was turned down by the government, drawing sharp criticism from both the parties which had termed TMC as "B team" of the BJP in Bengal.

Banerjee's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata on January 11 had further sharpened the charge of a "political match-fixing between the two parties".

The TMC had trashed the allegations as baseless.

Congress and the Left Front have welcomed the TMC's move to bring the resolution as a "positive step".

Praising the initiative, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Abdul Mannan of the Congress said it's better that the TMC realised the necessity for such a resolution.

"When we had said, they had opposed it. But it's better TMC has decided to bring it, atleast they have realised the need for such a resolution," Mannan said.

Left Front Legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty said "we want an anti-CAA resolution be passed but, would not take a call unless and until we have a look at the resolution brought in by the TMC government".

BJP legislature party leader Manoj Tigga said they would oppose the move as it is "unconstitutional" to bring a resolution against a law (CAA) which has been passed in the Parliament.

The new legislation to give citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, has emerged as the latest flashpoint in the state, with the TMC opposing the contentious legislation tooth and nail, and the BJP pressing for its implementation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Plastipak Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") announced today that it will file its Form 10-K Equivalent Report for its fiscal year ended November 2, 2019 electronically with Wells Fargo National Bank, as Trustee for the holders of its 6.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Senior Notes"), by the close of business on the 24th day of January, 2020. The Company is not required by the Indenture for the Senior Notes to file annual, quarterly or periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and therefore does not plan to file these reports with the SEC.

Holders, authorized prospective holders and securities analysts may obtain a copy of the Company's Form 10-K Equivalent Report by contacting Investor Relations at (734) 455-3600 or by emailing [email protected].

The Company will host an investor teleconference call for holders, authorized prospective holders and securities analysts on February 3, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. ET. Details for the call are available to holders, authorized prospective holders and securities analysts by contacting Investor Relations.

Qualified bondholders and lenders may obtain copies of the Form 10-K Equivalent Report and details of the investor teleconference call by logging on to the secure bondholder section of the Company's website (www.plastipak.com).

SOURCE Plastipak Packaging
In a freak accident, the personal security officer of Meghalaya Minister A L Hek accidentally shot himself in his thigh on Tuesday while the official statehood day programme, in which Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was present, was under way here.

The personal security officer accidentally fired his 9mm service pistol while cleaning it seated inside Hek's vehicle and injured himself, police said.

The incident took place when the 48th Statehood day celebration was going on in the afternoon where Hek and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was attending the function along with other dignitaries.

The bullet hit the door of the vehicle damaging it and piereced his thigh.

He was rushed to the state civil hospital where he was stated to be out of danger.

There was commotion outside the hall where the programme for the 48th statehood day programme was on but the proceeding was not affected due to the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Leo Varadkar joins Martin Shanahan and Frank Ryan of the IDA to present Apples Tim Cook with an award at the National Concert Hall in Dublin

Fine Gael members were told RTE was "institutionally opposed" to the Government and the station "orchestrated attacks" on former tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald to "destroy her political career".

The comments were made in a briefing to Fine Gael members in Dun Laoghaire by the constituency's director of elections Paddy Hayes.

Mr Hayes told General Election canvassing teams they would get "no favours" from the "cynical national media", which is opposed to giving Fine Gael a "fair crack of the whip".

Orchestrated

"RTE is institutionally opposed to [the] Government. This applies to RTE news and current affairs in particular. You only have to listen to the curled lips of the presenters any time a Fine Gael representative is on air to see that," he said.

"Who can forget that RTE orchestrated attack on Frances Fitzgerald as they set out to destroy her political career?" he added.

The comments by the senior party member came as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin prepared for their first head-to-head leadership debate on Virgin Media tomorrow night.

The two party leaders will also face off against each other in a televised debate on RTE during the final week of the campaign.

Mr Varadkar said he was looking forward to "demonstrating some of the weaknesses" in Fianna Fail's policies.

He said the public would be focused on the head-to-head debates rather than the ones involving all party leaders.

Mr Martin said the debates would be "challenging" but added he was looking forward to taking part.

Sinn Fein's director of elections Pearse Doherty has written to Virgin Media objecting to the proposed debate.

Mr Doherty said there was "no substantial difference" between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail and insisted Sinn Fein party leader Mary Lou McDonald should not be excluded.

Sinn Fein has also objected to RTE, the State-funded national broadcaster, excluding its party leader from a separate debate.

The row over televised debates comes after Fine Gael issued a statement calling on Fianna Fail to "stop attacks on media".

In the statement, Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon said the "first instinct" of Fianna Fail representatives was to "attack the media for legitimate scrutiny".

"It is simply wrong that the Irish media is attacked by Fianna Fail for doing their job," he said.

"I would respectfully suggest the Fianna Fail leadership take a moment of self-reflection before attacking our media again."

However, in his briefing to supporters, Mr Hayes said it was a "fact" that most people working in the media were "instinctively left wing, pro the unions, naturally sympathetic to the Shinners, Coppinger, Boyd-Barretts and their ilk".

"Even the Irish Times, which used to walk the middle ground, has been largely captured by the left," he added.

A Fine Gael spokesperson said the party "zealously encourages a free press, free exchange of views and objective, forthright examination of all political parties".

An RTE spokesperson said: "Under the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTE fulfils its obligation to provide fair, objective and impartial coverage. We are also accountable to the BAI."

Mr Hayes did not respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fail is seeking an investigation by the State's ethics watchdog into Fine Gael's use of State funding and Government events during the election campaign.

The party's public expenditure spokesperson Barry Cowen said he plans to write to the Standards in Public Office Commission to request an immediate investigation into an event involving the Taoiseach and Apple chief executive Tim Cook.

Mr Cowen said the Taoiseach used the event at the National Concert Hall, organised by the Irish Development Authority (IDA), to directly attack Fianna Fail and other opponents.

Mr Varadkar criticised opponents of the National Broadband Plan at the event.
Two men were arrested for allegedly robbing two men of their cellphones at gunpoint in Sector 8, IMT Manesar, on Monday evening. The police said the suspects were arrested after a chase.

According to the police, the incident took place around 6.30pm when two men, both residents of Sector 8, were walking to their respective houses. The police said the suspects, identified by their first names as Wasim and Khairuddin, both of Alwar in Rajasthan, came on a motorcycle and waylaid the duo.

A police official privy to the investigation, requesting anonymity, said both the suspects were armed.

They stopped the motorcycle in front of the victims and snatched their mobile phones at gunpoint before fleeing. They had driven for a few metres when the victims raised the alarm and a police control room (PCR) car, which was on patrol, noticed the commotion, the police official said.

The police said the PCR followed the suspects and nabbed the duo after a brief chase, adding that their criminal record was being checked.

A case was registered against the suspects under sections 392 (robbery) and 397 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of the IPC and relevant sections of the Arms Act at IMT Manesar police station on Monday, said police.

In another incident, four unidentified men allegedly robbed a truck driver of his vehicle near village Alipur in Bhondsi on Sunday. Around 1am, the driver, Mushtaq, and his helper were on their way to Delhi from Nagpur and had reached near Alipur village, when a car stopped in front of them.

Police said three men alighted from the car and got in the truck. The suspects forced the driver and helper out of the truck and asked them to sit in the car with their accomplice. A blanket was put over their heads and they were driven to a forest near Karhera in Nuh, where they were dropped. Police said the suspects are yet to be arrested.
With India likely to announce the ODI and Test squad for the New Zealand tour by this week, questions are circulating regarding who would be preferred as the opener, with Shikhar Dhawan getting ruled out of T20Is due to an injury. It still remains to be seen whether Dhawan gets fit to be recalled into the Indian team for the ODIs and Tests, but in case he does not, it might pave way for India to announce the return of KL Rahul or Prithvi Shaw in the Test team. India legend Sachin Tendulkar on Tuesday identified the biggest challenge for the openers in the overseas series, and added that Rohit Sharmas experience of opening in the limited-overs series may help him in the Test format to do so.

Also read: Theyre the No. 1 team in the world but... - Ross Taylor on T20I series

The challenge would be to go out and open in different conditions. I think Rohit had opened in New Zealand in ODIs and has been there quite a few times, he knows the conditions well, he told news agency PTI.

But the former India batsman added that the pitch prepared by New Zealand may still pose a challenge for Rohit in the longest format. But all depends on surfaces that they provide. If they provide green tops, then its a challenge, he said.

Also read: What happens to Rishabh Pant: Gautam Gambhir raises question

Rohit was tried as the opening batsman for India in the Test format in the series against South Africa last year. The right-handed batsman for smashed two tons in his debut as Test opener, becoming the first Indian to do so. He then followed it up with a double ton in the 3rd Test of the series at Ranchi.

India and New Zealand are scheduled to play T20I matches with the curtain-raiser set to be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday. After the conclusion of T20I series, New Zealand and India will feature in three ODIs and two Tests as well.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The Interior Department on Tuesday cleared up the confusion on which areas of Tagaytay City are barred to open businesses amid ongoing unrest of the Taal Volcano.

Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, in a press release, said those in the following barangays are forced to evacuate and cease business operations: Bagong Tubig, Kaybagal South (Pob)., Maharlika West, Sambong, San Jose, Silang Junction South, Maharlika East, and Tolentino East. These areas were found to be susceptible to base surges and volcanic tsunami if a powerful Taal eruption happens.

Other areas of Tagaytay not mentioned are allowed to reopen their businesses amid the threat of an imminent hazardous eruption. Malaya said these areas are in the higher portion of Tagaytay Ridge. Business establishments here may reopen based on the discretion of local city executives.

On Monday, Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said a memorandum order was issued to Tagaytay Mayor Agnes Tolentino to stop commercial establishments from operating while Alert Level 4 remains over Taal. He said the defiant establishments may get their business permits canceled, or worse, face closure from the police.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano later clarified that 199 barangays covered by forced evacuation must stay closed including businesses that operate there, but clarified that some areas in Tagaytay are not covered by this order.

State volcanologists previously said Tagaytay Ridge, despite being inside Taal's 14-kilometer danger zone, is not considered a high-risk area due to its elevation.

Nearly 50 restaurants, 14 malls and parks, and eight hotels in Tagaytay opened over the weekend as Alert Level 4 remains in effect in Taal, indicating a potential hazardous eruption. 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.
Vijayawada: The Telugu Desam-dominated Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution opposing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys three capitals proposal. After a day-long drama, the Council took up the debate on the contentious issue under Rule 71 and passed a resolution with 27 members from the TD supporting, 13 opposing and nine opting out of voting.

Notably, two TD MLCs, Pothula Sunitha and Sivanath Reddy, switched over sides and voted against the resolution, while another TD member, D. Manikya Varaprasad, resigned from his membership and party, before the vote. Two TD members, Samantha-kamani and Satrucharla Vijayarama Raju abstain-ed from voting on health grounds.

The Council, which had already taken up the three capitals Bill and the APCRDA Repeal Bill for consideration, would resu-me debate on the Bills on Wednesday. However, uncertainty over the fate of the two Bills in the Council and the follow-up action that might be required of the government on relocating the capital, continued to put the ruling party at unease.

The strategy of the TD has been to delay the process in Council and force the government to adjourn both Houses, sine die. In such a scenario, the government would have to take the ordinance route.

It would be difficult for the Governor to promulgate an ordinance when the respective Bill is still under consideration of the Council. Even if an ordinance was promulgated, it would come under judicial scrutiny, senior TD leader and partys leader in the council, Yanamala Ramakrishnudu told Deccan Chronicle.

The ruling YSRC, on the other hand, is working hard to ensure the passage of the Bills in the Council. It partially succeeded in making Council chairman to take up the Bills for consideration before initiating debate under Rule 71. Efforts are on to ensure passage of the Bill.

Earlier in the morning, the Council witnessed pandemonium, with YSRC members trooping into the well of the House and raising slogans, while some even climbed up the podium, causing trouble to chairman M.A. Shariff. The confrontation was over disagreement wherein while the TD members insisted on taking up a debate under Rule 71 (of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in AP Legislative Council) upfront, the YSRC members wanted an upfront acceptance of the two Bills for consideration and for taking up a discussion subsequently.

The TD members served notice expressing their intent to move a motion under Rule 71, disapproving the policies of YSRC government. YSRC members too sought accepting the two Bills passed in the Assembly on Monday for consideration, before taking up discussion, so that they could be passed in the Council also.

The Council session, which began at 10 am, failed to take up any discussion on all three listed subjects in the agenda until late in the evening as both the TD and the YSRC members wanted their subject to be taken up for discussion only at the first instance.

Leader of the House and deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subash Chandra Bose and finance minister B. Rajendranath Reddy and transport minister Botsa Satyanara-yana insisted on the chair to accept government business on priority basis by taking up two bills for consideration, discussion and passage in the Council. However, leader of the Opposi-tion Yanamala Rama-krishunudu demanded a debate first.

With neither of the party yielding, the Council witnessed uproar with members from both sides, joined by members from the Progressive Democratic Front, BJP and some independents raising slogans against each other.

At one point, members from both parties climbed the podium of the Chair. The Council was adjourned four times till late in the evening as the Chair failed to maintain order.

Though Chairman Shariff initially accepted taking up discussion under Rule 71, he later changed it and wanted two Bills to be taken up for debate at first instance. This kicked up trouble, with TD members objecting.

Finally, when the chair allowed TD members to start the discussion, they raised slogans seeking a debate for a long time, with TD MLC Nara Lokesh leading them. Enraged, Mr Rajendranath Reddy slammed TD members for failing to start discussion.

The Chair had a tough time in controlling members from both sides and had to call in marshals to secure the podium from the MLCs of both parties.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 16:07:37|Editor: mingmei

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LHASA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Foreign trade in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region increased by 2.6 percent to 4.87 billion yuan (708 million U.S. dollars) in 2019, a customs official said Tuesday.

Liu Dali, head of the Lhasa customs in the regional capital, said the export volume of the region exceeded 3.74 billion yuan and the import volume reached 1.13 billion yuan last year.

Liu said border trade accounted for 64.7 percent of the total foreign trade, up 11.8 percentage points from 2018.

Private companies contributed 4.12 billion yuan of foreign trade, up 60.3 percent from the previous year.

"Private sectors have become a major contributor in foreign trade in Tibet," he said.

Nepal is the largest trade partner of Tibet, accounting for 64.9 percent of the total regional foreign trade.

Liu said the deepening of the Belt and Road Initiative, the conclusion of the joint communique between China and Nepal, reopening of the cargo transport passage of the Zham port and the opening of the Lektse port all contributed to the foreign trade growth of the region in 2019.
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Tuesday said it had concluded plans establish N9 billion moringa oleifera farming plantation in the 774 local government areas of Nigeria.

The President of the association, Michael Ashimashiga, said this at a press conference in Abuja while discussing the importance of the plant.

Mr Ashimashiga said the arrangement was part of efforts to address unemployment in the country.

Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family moringaceae. It is commonly known as drumstick tree and used as vegetable among other things.

He said the association, with about 5,000 members and targeting 10 million for the raining season was planting to cultivate and sell due to high demand both locally and internationally.

Development of the country depends largely on agriculture. Moringa is a plant that does not only have health benefits but is economically viable, the MAN president said.

He said there was a ready market to absorb each moringa farmers yields, and that the association would buy the plant from them.

The president noted that the association would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with their off takers to support the youths.

He said each of the beneficiaries would be given a plot of land and moringa seed at no cost, to cultivate.

Moringa is very useful in high quality poultry yield among others. The economic benefit also cannot be overemphasised, he said.

Ashimashiga said that India and China are generating good revenue from moringa plantations, adding that Nigeria has the capacity to generate more revenue generation from the plant.

Nigerias Moringa is one of the best in the whole world; unfortunately, it is not on the list of agricultural products.

We will keep clamouring for it to be included to help solve the problem of unemployment.

Supporting moringa farmers will help everyone. Foreign off takers have come to see it and what one hectare of moringa produces, 50 hectares of rice cant produce, the MAN president said.

(NAN).
Construction workers found the bomb on the right bank of the Rhine river on Monday evening (AFP Photo/Roberto Pfeil)

Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - German experts defused a World War II bomb in Cologne on Tuesday that had forced the evacuation of thousands of office workers and disrupted rail and ship traffic.

The 500-kilogramme (1,100-pound) US bomb -- dropped during a heavy bombardment of the western German city -- "no longer poses a danger", the city said in a statement shortly before midday (1100 GMT).

Construction workers found the bomb on the right bank of the Rhine river on Monday evening, prompting the evacuation of nearby offices including those of broadcaster RTL and the Cologne Opera.

Very few people live in the area, which is primarily a business district.

"The roughly 10,000 employees of the affected companies and the 15 residents may return to their buildings," said the city's statement.

The nearby Hohenzollern rail and pedestrian bridge, which leads to Cologne's famous Dom cathedral and central train station on the opposite bank, was closed during defusing work, severely disrupting rail traffic.

After the bomb was deactivated in an operation that took just 25 minutes, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn announced the bridge had reopened, as had Cologne's smaller Messe/Deutz station.

The rail firm warned passengers to expect some knock-on effects from the earlier delays and cancellations.

The airspace above the exclusion zone was also reopened and river traffic was allowed to resume after a short interruption in one of the world's busiest waterways.

Separately, Berlin police announced that another unexploded WWII bomb had been unearthed close to the capital's city hall during construction works.

The 250 kg ordonnance is due to be defused later Tuesday, said police.

World War II bombs are regularly uncovered in Germany.

Earlier this month, some 14,000 people had to leave their homes in Dortmund after two unexploded bombs were found in the city centre.

In 2017, the discovery of a 1.4-tonne bomb in Frankfurt prompted the evacuation of 65,000 people -- the largest such operation since the end of the war in Europe in 1945.
The Trump administration is trying to stop the Dutch government from selling advanced chip manufacturing technology to China, according to Reuters.

What Happened

In an attempt to prevent China from accessing advanced chip manufacturing technology, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in talks with the Dutch government, and White House officials are sharing a classified intelligence report with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, sources told Reuters.

Why It Matters

The U.S. lobbying started in 2018 after the Netherlands government allowed ASML Holding NV (OTC: ASMLF), a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer, to sell its most advanced machine to a Chinese client.

Since then, at least four rounds of talks held between the U.S. and Dutch officials over the issue of blocking the sale of the chip technology to China, three sources told Reuters.

Charles Kupperman, the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for President Donald Trump, first raised the issue on July 18 during Prime Minister Ruttes White House visit.

At the time, U.S officials shared with Rutte an intelligence report that shows the potential repercussions of China getting hold of ASMLs technology, a former U.S. government official told Reuters.

Under mounting pressure from the U.S, Dutch chip maker delayed delivery of its shipment to Chinas Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (OTC: SMICY) in November, the Nikkei Asian Review reported at the time.

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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (PANA) - Amnesty International Tuesday urged authorities in Tanzania to unconditionally free a human rights lawyer and a computer expert arrested last month and charged with non-bailable offence of organised crime and money-laundering
Taking a dig at the Home Ministry's reported reply to an RTI query that there is no information available on the 'tukde-tukde gang', senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said it does exist and is running the government.

An activist has claimed that the Home Ministry has responded to his RTI query saying that there is "no information concerning tukde-tukde gang".

Tagging the media report, Tharoor tweeted, "The tukde-tukde gang does exist. They are running the Government and dividing the nation."



Asked about the RTI reply at a party press conference, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said, "I think the home minister knows more about the tukde-tukde gang than we do... the country knows who is dividing India".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the terrorist killing of Lawan Andimi, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government area of Adamawa, describing it as cruel, inhuman and deliberately provocative.

The president stated this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Buhari regretted that the terrorists killed the religious leader while giving signals of a willingness to set him free by releasing him to third parties.

He consoled the Christian community all over Nigeria, the government and people of Adamawa as well as the Bishops family over the sad loss of the man of God.

He said terrorists would continue to pay a heavy price for their actions and comprehensively be defeated by our determined armed forces.

The president urged nations of the world to end all support provided to the Boko Haram and Islamic States in West Africa (ISWA) terrorist groups whose only goal was to sow death, violence and destruction in the sub-region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ahmad Salkida, a journalist with years of experience reporting the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, in a series of tweets said Mr Andimi was killed on Monday.

READ ALSO:

To break some news items can traumatize. Im battling with one of such. Reverend Andimi, abducted by #BokoHaram was executed yesterday, Mr Salkida tweeted.

Late Mr Andimi was abducted in January when the insurgents attacked his village.

(NAN)
Lebanon ended a painful wait by unveiling a new cabinet line-up, but the government was promptly scorned by protesters and faces the Herculean task of saving a collapsing economy. More than a month after he was designated with backing from the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah and nearly three after his predecessor Saad Hariri resigned under pressure from the street, Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Tuesday announced his cabinet of 20 ministers. The academic and former education minister, who was little-known in Lebanon until last month, insisted in his first comments as premier that his cabinet was a technocratic one that would strive to meet protesters' demands. "This is a government that represents the aspirations of the demonstrators who have been mobilised nationwide for more than three months," he said. He said his government "will strive to meet their demands for an independent judiciary, for the recovery of embezzled funds, for the fight against illegal gains". Groups of demonstrators had gathered in the streets of Beirut before the cabinet was even unveiled, blocking off a main street in the centre of the capital where violent scuffles with the police left dozens wounded over the weekend. Close to the parliament building, protesters attempted to rip down barbed wire and throw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon, an AFP journalist witnessed. The government, which is scheduled to meet on Wednesday for the first time, includes the country's first-ever female defence minister, Zeina Akar, and five other women. The post of foreign minister, which had been held by President Michel Aoun's controversial son-in-law Gebran Bassil, was handed to respected diplomat Nassif Hitti. The new cabinet is made up of unfamiliar figures, many of them academics and former advisers, but protesters were quick to argue that the absence of the biggest names in Lebanon's widely reviled hereditary political elite was but a smokescreen. - 'Not serious' - "We want a new Lebanon, a Lebanon with no corruption," Charbel Kahi, a 37-year-old farmer, told AFP as fellow protesters beat drums behind him. "They are not taking the Lebanese people seriously with this government," he said. Diab admitted that "Lebanon is experiencing a difficult time in its history" and called for stability but within minutes of his address protesters were out in the streets of several cities, including Tripoli, Sidon and Byblos. Hilal Khashan, a professor at the American University of Beirut, argued that the idea of a genuinely technocratic government in Lebanon was "wishful thinking". "Behind every candidate, there is a political party backing their nomination," he said. Paula Yacoubian, a former journalist and independent MP, scorned the new line-up as "patches on old clothes". "Hassan Diab did not keep his promise of forming a government of independent" experts, she said. Diab, a 61-year-old engineering professor at the American University of Beirut and self-professed technocrat, had come under pressure on both the political and economic fronts. Every day that passed without a cabinet had fuelled the anger of protesters and tested the patience of foreign donors warning that the quasi-bankrupt state could ill afford further delays. - Mission impossible? - Donors and citizens are pinning their hopes on a new government to spearhead reforms, unlock billions in international aid and help stabilise a plummeting currency. "The task that awaits any cabinet during this serious period is Herculean," said Karim Mufti, a political scientist. "In view of the multidimensional nature of the crisis, it seems difficult to envisage short-term solutions to the country's financial, economic and social problems." A grinding dollar liquidity crisis and informal caps on withdrawals of the greenback have compounded the crisis, leaving Lebanon on the brink of default. The outgoing government included all of Lebanon's political factions, but Hariri's Sunni-dominated movement and some of his allies have opted to stay out of the new cabinet. This leaves the small country of six million led by a government dominated by the sanctions-hit Hezbollah movement and its allies. Both the Christian bloc of President Michel Aoun and the Shiite Amal party of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri are political allies of the Iran-backed organisation. Observers have warned that such a lopsided government could struggle to foster enough goodwill at home and abroad to implement much-needed reforms. Anti-government protesters were out on the streets of several cities, including Byblos, within minutes of Diab's address Little-known former minister and engineering professor Hassan Diab was nominated to form a new Lebanese government in December The naming of a new cabinet comes just over three months into a street protest movement demanding the departure of the entire political class Lebanon is one of the world's most indebted countries
A Kaduna High Court has restrained Governor Nasir El-Rufai and agencies of the Kaduna State Government from further demolition and take over of any part of Durbar Hotel Plc.

The building was demolished by an agency of the state government last week as part of its urban renewal programme of the Kaduna state government.

The property located on Muhammadu Buhari way has been under series of litigations over ownership some of which are yet to be determined by the courts.

Read Also: Abachas Family Kick As Government Demolishes Durbar Hotel In Kaduna

An exparte motion had been brought before the court by the Management of Durbar Hotel Plc praying the court for an order of interim injunction restraining El-Rufai and agencies of the state government from demolishing, taking over, or tampering with the property.

It also sought an interim injunction restraining El-Rufai and agencies of the state government from further trespassing into the property pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

Justice Hannatu Balogun of the State High Court noted that having seen the documents filed, especially the affidavit of urgency and exhibits, granted the order.

She said, I grant an order restraining the Defendants from taking over the property in issue and from further tampering with some or trespassing into same or developing or assigning same pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. 

The case has been adjourned to February 4, 2020 for the motion on notice.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has said that Opposition ruled states of Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab are doing "political stunt" over the amended Citizenship law.

"Kapil Sibal is an advocate. When Parliament enacts laws, it has to be implemented in the country. Kerala, Bengal and Punjab are doing a political stunt. It is unconstitutional. They should look at interest," Rawat told reporters here on Monday when asked about Congress leaders Kapil Sibal's statement that no state can say that it will not implement the Citizenship Amendment Act, as doing so will be unconstitutional.

Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab have also passed resolutions against the new law which grants citizenship to the non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. Several petitions have also been filed against the new Act in the Supreme Court.

Rawat also attended the meeting of chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly-elected BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday.

He said that chief ministers discussed policy experiments and shared knowledge about it.

"We talked on our flagship schemes and how to implement in a better way," the Uttarakhand Chief Minister said after the meeting.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has left for Tbilisi for an official visit on Jan. 21 at the invitation of the Minister of Defense of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

During the meetings with the Georgian military and political leadership, which are planned to be held as part of the visit, the Azerbaijani defense minister will discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation, as well as international and regional security issues.
There are plenty of good reasons to be an entrepreneur. But Apple is alleging in a new lawsuit that entrepreneurs shouldn't get their start while working at an existing employer.

Apple is suing Gerard Williams, a former employee who left last year to start a server chip company called Nuvia, according to Reuters. Williams was formerly employed in Apple's chip division, where he served as chief architect for the processors Apple uses in iPhones and iPads.

While leaving the company isn't necessarily a problem, Apple alleges that Williams violated the company's intellectual property agreements and breached a duty of loyalty to Apple by allegedly planning and strategizing his startup while employed at the company.

Apple sued Williams in August and included in its lawsuit an employment agreement he signed that said he would "not plan or engage in any other employment" while at the company. Apple also said that Williams talked to fellow Apple employees during work hours to gauge their interest in joining his new venture, according to Reuters.

But even if that's true, it's not necessarily a bad thing in the context of California law. Williams argued in his response to the lawsuit that California law in no way limits an employee's ability to prepare for a new venture. There's also little precedent in California that sides with the employer over the employee.

Indeed, the judge in the case, Mark Pierce, already ruled last week that Apple wasn't entitled to any punitive damages in connection with the lawsuit. He did, however, allow the case to continue. What that means in the broader context of the case and a possible ruling is unknown.

Regardless, the case highlights an important concern for employers and employees.

In a job market that increasingly encourages side hustles and other forms of entrepreneurship, more and more employees are going to consider starting their own companies. And, in many cases, those companies may compete with their current employer. The employer obviously doesn't want the additional competition or for employees using working hours to plan their next move, but actually policing it is exceedingly difficult.
Just as more Americans are becoming religiously unaffiliated (nones), theres another major shift happening on the other side of the religious spectrum. More people today say they are born again than at any point in the past three decades.

It almost seems counterintuitive. While significant portions of the country jettison religion, others are increasingly identifying with a more devout expression of the faith. Across segments of Christianitynot just evangelical ProtestantsAmericans are heeding the scriptural call that you must be born again (John 3:7), even when the label has not historically been part of their faith traditions.

For decades, demographers have measured born-again identity. The General Social Survey (GSS), asks respondents, Would you say you have been born again or have had a born again experiencethat is, a turning point in your life when you committed yourself to Christ?

Just over 36 percent of the entire sample said that they were born again in 1988, the first year the question was asked. The question appeared sporadically on the GSS until 2004, when it became a part of every bi-annual survey as the number of affirmative responses began to rise. In the last 14 years, the share of born-again Americans has risen to 41 percent, and much higher (54%) among people of color. Since 2010, at least half of people of color say that they have had a turning point in their life when they committed themselves to Christ.

Some might assume the continued rise of born-again Christians reflects the steady portion of evangelical Protestants in America, while mainline Protestants, who are less likely to call themselves born again, have undergone more rapid decline. But actually, across all Christian traditionseven mainline denominations and Catholicsborn-again identity is trending up.

Large shares of black Protestants and evangelicals have consistently considered themselves born again, and theyve grown even more likely to do so over the past 30 years. While just three in five of black Protestants were born again in 1988 (60%), now its 80 percent. The increase for evangelicals was 68 percent to 78 percent during the same time period.

The surprise comes with mainline Protestants, who have gone from 28 percent identifying as born again to 40 percent. And the portion of born-again Catholics has doubled (from 14% to 28%). Those increases are especially striking because neither tradition teaches that a born-again conversion is a necessary component of their faith.

Over the years, being born again may have evolved from being seen as a distinctive for evangelical Protestantism to a way to suggest that they are particularly active in their faith. Across Christian traditions, the more often a person attends church, the more likely they are to say they have had a born-again experience, regardless of their affiliation.

For both evangelicals and black Protestants (on the left of the chart), about half who never or rarely attend indicate that they are born again, but that rises quickly with more frequent church attendance. Approximately 95 percent of evangelicals and black Protestants who attend church multiple times a week say they are born again.

While the total share of mainline Protestants and Catholics who say that they are born again is lower across the spectrum, high attenders are far more likely to express a born-again conversion. Over half of mainline Protestants who attend once a week say that they are born-again, and the data jumps to 81.4 percent among the most active mainliners. Among Catholics, born-again identification is relatively low at almost all attendance levels save for onenearly half of all Catholics who attend Mass more than once a week say they have had a born-again experience (48%).

Are born-again mainline Protestants and Catholics more likely to resemble their born-again brothers and sisters in evangelical and black churches when it comes to theological beliefs? Data shows they are much more likely to believe that the Bible is literally true. But there is still a clear divide between the more conservative traditions (black and evangelical Protestants) and the more moderate ones (mainline Protestants and Catholics).

While two thirds of the born-again black and evangelical Protestants believe that the Bible is literally true, the share of born-again Catholics and mainline Protestants who view the Bible the same way falls at under half41.9 and 44.3 percent respectively. A Catholic who is born-again is twice as likely to believe in a literal Bible than one who does not indicate a born-again experience. For mainline Protestants, the difference is even larger, with a born-again mainline Protestant being three times more likely to believe in a literal Bible.

It would appear that the term born again has evolved somewhat among the American public. What used to be seen as a touchstone experience for many evangelicals who went forward at a revival, youth camp, or especially moving Sunday worship service, now seems to mean something more. In essence, the word seems to have been adopted by people of other faith traditions as a way to indicate that they are a devout believer. The data suggests that individuals take the term to mean that faith plays an important role in their life and their religious activity serves more than a social purpose.

Even some Mormons use the born-again label (but the sample size is too small to analyze using GSS data). A couple years ago, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ran an ad campaign that implied that their belief system was similar to evangelical Christianity. It was met with a harsh rebuke from Albert Mohler.

It will be interesting to see how frequently evangelical leaders will follow Mohlers lead and engage in boundary maintenance surrounding their faith tradition in the coming years. For years, the born-again experience has showed up in evangelical statements of faith and definitions like the Bebbington quadrilateral. As more Christians begin to identify as born again, evangelicals who once held this distinctive will have to either form more narrow, exclusive definitions or embrace fellow believers who share the experience.

Ryan P. Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University. His research appears on the site Religion in Public, and he tweets at @ryanburge.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of Davos World Economic Forum President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian met with the President of National Council of Switzerland Isabelle Moret, who is also the head of Switzerland-Armenia friendship group.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Presidents Office, recalling with warmth her visit to Armenia 2 years ago, Isabelle Moret noted that the two countries have traditionally formed friendly relations.

The interlocutors referred to the agenda of the Armenian-Swiss relations, highlighted the role of active inter-parliamentary cooperation, as well as exchanged views on opportunities for partnership and joint projects in the spheres of high technologies and innovations, science and food safety.

The sides also exchanged views on regional issues.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
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New York, January 21, 2020Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani amended Article 136 of the countrys penal code to make the publication or sharing of false news punishable by up to five years in prison or a 100,000 Qatari riyal fine (US$27,473), according to the Beirut-based Gulf Center for Human Rights. Details of the law, which the emir approved January 8, were made public in a January 19 PDF published on the Ministry of Justices website.

Instead of standing up for press freedom in the Gulf region, where the free flow of information is under threat, Qatari authorities have jumped on the false news bandwagon, CPJ Senior Middle East and North Africa Researcher Justin Shilad said. Qatar should rescind this repressive law and focus instead on legislation that enshrines press freedom in line with its international human rights law commitments.

Qatar signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights last year, which includes commitments to uphold freedom of expression, the state-run Qatari newspaper The Peninsula reported. The Gulf nation is embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with several countries in the region that have taken steps to censor anyone publishing comments deemed sympathetic to Qatar, CPJ has found.
Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Treasury secretary, exits after a House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., Dec. 5, 2019.

The phase 2 trade deal with China would not necessarily be a "big bang" that removes all existing tariffs, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told The Wall Street Journal in an interview.

"We may do 2A and some of the tariffs come off. We can do this sequentially along the way," he added.

Mnuchin also warned that Italy and Britain will face U.S. tariffs if they proceed with a tax on digital companies like Alphabet's Google and Facebook, the newspaper said.

Mnuchin's warning to Italy and Britain comes after France backed out and pledged with the U.S. to avoid a trade war until at least the end of this year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in December had pledged to make major multinational companies pay their fair share of tax, including the implementation of a Digital Services Tax.

Italy approved a similar tax in the 2019 budget but it has not activated it yet.

Mnuchin said that he hoped Britain and Italy would suspend their plans to impose the taxes, according to the report.

"If not they'll find themselves faced with President Trump's tariffs. We'll be having similar conversations with them."

Read the complete WSJ interview here.
President Donald Trump addresses the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos, on January 21, 2020. Fabrice Coffrini | AFP | Getty Images

DAVOS, Switzerland  Some attendees at the World Economic Forum described President Donald Trump's remarks as being a little too optimistic. The U.S. president addressed politicians and business leaders at the WEF on Tuesday morning, where he took credit for what he called America's "stunning turnaround." In his second speech as U.S. leader at Davos, Trump outlined how his "America-first" approach had worked and advised other countries to follow suit. However, some of the audience members argued that Trump was actually talking to voters back home. "He painted a very golden big picture (of the U.S.)," Luiz Carlos Trabuco Cappi, chairman of Banco Bradesco, told CNBC. "What he came here to do was to speak to his electorate," Cappi said.

During his remarks, Trump mentioned how the United States is experiencing an "economic boom" and that the U.S. middle class is benefiting the most from it. The International Monetary Fund said Monday it foresees a slight fall in growth for the U.S. economy. It expects GDP growth to reach 2.3% in 2019, 2% in 2020 and 1.7% in 2021. "It was a very normal speech in substance, but it was much more disciplined and less emotional," Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff told CNBC about Trump's address. "Some of the facts he cited were important," Rogoff said. "Some of the other facts he cited I don't know (from) what planet they came from; in particular that his administration has adopted policies that has made it easier for women to get child care." In his address, Trump claimed his administration has made "extraordinary strides." "We are lifting up forgotten communities, creating exciting new opportunities, and helping every American find their path to the American Dream  the dream of a great job, a safe home, and a better life for their children," Trump said.
Leftists craved the thought of violence occurring at Monday's Second Amendment in Richmond, Virginia, while Second Amendmentsupporters were concerned that groups such as Antifa would use false flag operations to make trouble. Fortunately, as Fox News reported, "[a] gun-rights rally in Richmond that brought thousands of people from across the country to protest a push by Virginia Democrats for comprehensive gun control ended peacefully without any major incidents."

The rally exposed deep fault lines in America when it comes to guns. On the conservative side, gun rights activists note that the first shots the American revolutionaries fired, on April 19, 1775, were to prevent the British from acting on orders to seize and destroy arms and munitions hidden in Lexington and Concord. From the start, America has been about the people's right to keep and bear arms.

After the Americans had routed the British, the Founding Fathers remained focused on the fact that the only defense against a tyrannical government is the People. To minimize the risk that could arise from a federal government with a standing army, James Madison, writing in Federalist #46, spoke of the best bulwark against a tyrannical government's troops:

To these would be opposed a militia amounting to near half a million of citizens with arms in their hands ... fighting for their common liberties. ... It may well be doubted, whether a militia thus circumstanced could ever be conquered by such a proportion of regular troops. Those who are best acquainted with the last successful resistance of this country against the British arms, will be most inclined to deny the possibility of it.

Moreover, said Madison, in America, the people had the "advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation." In this, they contrasted with Europe, in which "the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms."

Significantly, when Madison spoke of the militia, he had something specific in mind: not a standing army of government-controlled civilians, but, instead, the civilians themselves, ready to assemble with their arms to defend against all enemies, foreign or domestic. This had been the case since the early 17th century, when every colonist was expected to own a weapon and be ready to use it when called.

This expectation was codified in the Militia Act of 1792, which stated that the militia automatically consisted of free, able-bodied white men between 18 and 45. Now that the notion of an enfranchised citizen has expanded, we are all the militia, and, as such, we all have that right to bear arms, whether we are called upon to use them or not.

That's what the rally in Richmond was about: the right of every citizen to defend himself against a tyrannical government. Those who were led to Turkey's slaughtering grounds, Hitler's gas chambers, Stalin's gulags, Mao's re-education camps, Pol Pot's killing fields, or North Korea's concentration camps would have given much to have possessed such a right. Likewise, in Iran and Hong Kong today, brave protesters wish they too had a Second Amendment.

That's the conservative view. The Democrat-Leftist-Progressive view is simpler: guns are scary, and they kill people. The fact that "gun-free zones" are every psychopath's happy hunting grounds, that guns are used defensively every year at least forty or fifty times more often than they are used offensively, or that having more guns in law-abiding hands really does equal less crime is irrelevant. Guns are scary, and only the government should have them (except, of course, that police are evil race-haters...but they should still have guns). Remember that simple does not mean rational.

So there is a divide. A very great divide. And nothing illustrates that divide more than the tweets flowing from the Richmond rally. Here are some of the best. First, the crowds were huge:

This is downtown #Richmond right now for the #VirginiaRally amazing there must be a million ppl there !! pic.twitter.com/coMx8bjDTA  Kubi dooby doo (@kubi4212) January 20, 2020

Of course, the media defamed Second Amendmentsupporters:

One person tried to make the media's dreams come true but was quickly shut down:

WATCH: #VirginiaRally agitator recommended "hopping the fence and killing people,"



crowd TURNS on him.



"This is exactly what the left wants!" pic.twitter.com/utpuZutROG  Memelord (@dailydigger19) January 20, 2020

Conservatives celebrated the occasion:

My liberal friends are posting pictures of the Richmond rally and saying "would you take your kids to this" while, directly below that, my conservative friends are posting pictures of themselves with their kids at the rally.  PoliMath (@politicalmath) January 20, 2020

Thousands of guns, including many scary "assault rifles", on the streets of Richmond today and yet no one was murdered. #EnoughIsEnough #2A @SenatorJohnBell @DavidReidVA  Thomas Redd (@ThomasRedd16) January 20, 2020

An astute observer noted that, despite all the guns, law enforcement was minimally present, indicating that police did not believe that this would be a violent crowd (or it believed that crowd members could take care of themselves). This is in contrast to the mayhem police must deal with when Antifa comes to town, armed with sticks, bricks, and concrete milkshakes, savaging cars, buildings, and people:

What is so striking about the scene at the gun rights rally in Richmond is what you dont see: almost no cops. Just that little cluster of state police there. No lines of riot cops. No law enforcement in riot gear. pic.twitter.com/W0jkwYmmkP  Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) January 20, 2020

Leftists opted for vulgar insults aimed at conservatives and at America:

Richmond, you are in our thoughts. We love you. pic.twitter.com/447CbajxnM  Xiu Xiu (@XiuXiuforLife) January 20, 2020

The obscenity of these sentient diaper pails marching through Richmond on MLK Day turns the stomach. Bunch of pillow-soft edgelords who haven't experienced a second of real oppression in their lives waving "Don't Tread On Me" flags around.  Scott Tobias (@scott_tobias) January 20, 2020

Some women are sooooo obsessed with men's sexual organs. It's creepy.

If our culture didnt body shame men for having small penises, there wouldnt even be a pro-gun rally in Richmond today.  Jena Friedman (@JenaFriedman) January 20, 2020

Several Leftists harped on the obscenity of a gun rights rally on Martin Luther King Day:

On this day devoted to Rev Martin Luther King, Jr, when armed fascists are gathering in Richmond, VA, I extremely recommend that we white people read "The Letter From Birmingham Jail" and not the "I Have A Dream" speech.https://t.co/zR9HxcIbxf  Auntie Shepherd (@NeolithicSheep) January 20, 2020

These Leftists seemed to be unaware that Martin Luther King was a fanatic gun-owner who understood that guns were his best defense against those who sought to kill him. Indeed, he held those guns illegally because Southern states in the Jim Crow era routinely denied black citizens their Second Amendment right to bear arms. King would probably have attended this march. These men are Martin Luther King's true ideological heirs:

Is this one of those white supremacists NBC was talking about? #VirginaRally pic.twitter.com/rgD57QKvVX  Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) January 20, 2020

"For me as an African American on MLK day it's critically important that we preserve the ability to defend ourselves and our loved ones" --- Stephen Gutowski NAILS #VirginiaRally coverage. pic.twitter.com/bscD9AccDQ  Memelord (@dailydigger19) January 20, 2020

King, who believed in equal rights for all, would have approved of this libertarian-tinged sign:

I know a lot of Democrats dont consider guns to be a civil right. But I do, says Miranda Smith, a 25-year-old programmer from Chesapeake pic.twitter.com/QF0OhMcsIC  Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) January 20, 2020

He also would have appreciated this black man's excellent joke about Ralph Northam:

An African-American man waving a Trump flag jokingly tells the crowd: I am Gov. Ralph Northam and I am in blackface today.#VirginaRally pic.twitter.com/z32mnR5Tzp  Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 20, 2020

And lastly, for those who are interested, there was a Q flag at the march:

QAnon flag spotted at the Richmond gun rally pic.twitter.com/57LnIZcb9j  Will Sommer (@willsommer) January 20, 2020

A good time was had by all who attended the march in the spirit in which it was held, to celebrate the Second Amendment, and a terrible time was had by Leftists who predicted or actively sought to stoke violence.
Bottom line: While Apple remains firm on not creating a way for law enforcement to get into an iPhone, the agency can still request access to data from the cloud and gets it most of the time. The tech giant reportedly had plans to secure iPhone backups stored on iCloud but nixed the idea after the FBI intervened.

Currently, iPhone data is encrypted on the phone and iCloud. While Apple does not have keys for physical devices, it does have them for backups in the cloud. It claims this is for customer convenience. If a user forgets their password, Apple can still recover their data for them.

Our users have a key, and we have one, Tim Cook told German outlet Spiegel in an interview in 2018. We do this because some users lose or forget their key and then expect help from us to get their data back.

"Apple was convinced. Outside of that public spat over San Bernardino, Apple gets along with the federal government."

The Verge noted in 2016, Apple had plans to increase iCloud security so that neither it nor law enforcement could gain access to backed up data, just as it is on the iPhone. This was at the height if its public squabble over opening San Bernardino shooter Syed Farooks iPhone. It would have effectively closed a loophole on the agency and tied Apples hands to do anything about it. However, Cupertino never followed through with the idea.

Now, Reuters reports that it was at the FBIs urging that the company left the loophole open. A former agent told Reuters that the agency convinced Apple not to lockout iCloud as it would severely harm its investigations.

Its because Apple was convinced, said the agent. Outside of that public spat over San Bernardino, Apple gets along with the federal government.

A former employee claimed that the plan had legal ramifications that Apple did not want to face, such as not complying with a court order. Plus, it was already mixed up in a legal battle with the agency over it wanting a backdoor into phones.

Legal killed it, for reasons you can imagine, said the insider. They decided they werent going to poke the bear anymore, the source added, indicating that Apple did not want to provoke the FBI any more than it already had.

Coupled with the customer-convenience reasoning that Cook later mentioned, the motivation for end-to-end encryption on iCloud backups faded. Interestingly, this news comes to light just as Apple enters another conflict, with government officials claiming the company is not being cooperative.

"Legal killed it. They decided they werent going to poke the bear anymore."

On the contrary, Apple receives thousands of legal requests from law enforcement for access to iCloud data every year. It claims to comply with about 90 percent of the inquiries and posts them in a transparency report.

What seems to be at issue here is the FBIs desire to have a backdoor into physical devices. Sometimes users do not back up their iPhones frequently enough or even at all, making iCloud data less useful in an investigation. Instead of only being able to see what suspects did last week or a month ago, law enforcement would like to see what they were doing yesterday.

Its not that Apple is not supplying data to the FBI; its that the information is not good enough.

Editorial credit: Sharaf Maksumov via Shutterstock
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 16:53:43|Editor: mingmei

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BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's MA700 regional turboprop aircraft will highlight the performance in the short- and medium-haul market, with an aim to serve the country's booming air traffic demand, according to its developer Tuesday.

The MA700 aircraft will provide optimized solutions for airline operators in markets with various and complicated operating environments, said the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The MA700 project has entered the final assembly phase. Assembly work for both the maiden flight and static tests are underway.

The first MA700 aircraft is scheduled to roll off the production line in mid-2020, and the maiden flight is expected to take place within the year.

The 70-seat new turboprop aircraft model adopts an efficient aerodynamic design. It will be installed with the PW150C turboprop engine, integrated avionics system and fly-by-wire flight control system.

The efficient aerodynamic design and new propulsion system enable the MA700 aircraft to balance between speed and efficiency, according to the AVIC.

The MA700 is the third member of China's domestically-developed "Modern Ark" regional turboprop airplane family, which is developed by AVIC XAC Commercial Aircraft Co., Ltd. in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

The "Modern Ark" family now has two members of the MA60 and MA600. To date, a total of 109 MA60 and MA600 airplanes have been delivered to customers.
T heres a game my friends and I like to play at the cinema called Guess The Advert. Most end up being for cars or televisions but on a trip to watch Bombshell on Sunday we saw an ad we couldnt place  it had vibesy music and showed beautiful young people beaming as they whizzed around sunny London on Tubes, buses and bikes. Surely it couldnt be an advert for TfL? Despite moaning about the Circle (of hell) line daily, it made me want to go to this Underground utopia pronto.

We know it happens but we dont know how to react. The first time I was groped on the Tube I was 14 and I thought it was an accident. I felt a hand on my thigh, but we were all squashed in so tightly that it could have been innocent. I made eye contact with the hands owner, his face blanched and he removed it. But I didnt think to report it  I wanted to get on with my day, not to be defined by it. The new series of Sex Education captures the confusion around incidents like this. A man on the bus ejaculates on Aimees favourite jeans while she is carrying a birthday cake. Although she appears to shrug it off, the incident lingers and affects her in subtle, unpredictable ways.

Ive heard accounts of men masturbating on the Tube, watching porn in full view of the carriage and putting their hands up strangers skirts, even taking photos. Ways of harassing people are evolving, with cyber-flashing  when you send a fellow passenger a grotesque picture via Apples Bluetooth AirDrop function. But what can you do?

The cast of Bombshell at the SAG Awards: (L-R) Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, and Margot Robbie / Getty Images for Turner

Cyclists are not immune  harassment is often more openly aggressive, a man once entreated me to swap your bike seat for my face so you can sit on me? I turned down his offer with words that are too rude to print.

Posy Simmonds kept a tube of red paint in her bag and would squeeze it menacingly at anyone who approached

Illustrator Posy Simmonds told me that, in the seventies, she kept a tube of red paint in her handbag and if she felt at risk of harassment she would get it out and squeeze it menacingly so men would back off for fear of being daubed. Now its easy to report incidents: text what happened, where and when to 61016, and CCTV and Oyster data can be used to trace the culprits.

But for that to work we need a culture where people feel they can speak up. Simmonds worried she was to blame for strangers groping her  a concern shared by the women in Bombshell who allowed abuse from the management at Fox News to continue because of a climate of fear. As anchor Megyn Kelly says, once you report abuse you expose yourself to questions about your own behaviour. This is why we must stick up for each other.

Admittedly the best way to get through the commute is to pretend you are elsewhere. But try to have some fellow feeling. A friend only felt confident enough to report a man touching her bum on the Central line after a passenger told him off. If we stop harassment in public transport we will be one step closer to the utopia shown in that advert and it will snowball into the rest of our lives.

Love is still in the hair for Brad and Jen

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston reuniting at the SAG Awards / Getty Images for Turner

Aniston greeted her ex and, as she walked away, he grabbed her wrist. It was a gesture implying he couldnt bear to lose her again. Dont go, Jen. Could there still be a flicker of love between them? Or is it too much to dream, like when you wonder if your divorced parents will reunite? They both took home an award: Pitt for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Aniston for Apples The Morning Show (I think she was a bit wooden, tbh, but was still glad to see her getting the same recognition as the man who left her for Angelina Jolie). Id go back to Pitt if only to find out how his hands look so young at 56. The most striking feature was how alike the pair look, right down to hair colour. Did Br-en, as I like to call them, have shared custody of their colourist? Pitt often mirrors his girlfriends looks  does this mean this isnt the end of Brad and Jen? Or, better, the start of a will-they/wont-they friendship?

Monkeying around
21.01.2020 LISTEN

Has there, or will there be a time that women takes or will take the unenviable pressured place of men and take care of the home financially?

Are men with African traditions and customs instilled in them, assigning them to patriarchal bossy duties, will in the name of modernism, takes a woman's place of sweeping the house, washing and cooking, and all the other chores that when your family members visit will call you "Kwaadonto" (one controlled by your wife)?

Let's forearm with such rhetorical questions above in order to comprehend what this writeup seeks to teach.

If you're not financially prepared as a man to marry, remain a chief bachelor. No woman is ever ready to sponsor a man unconditionally. Mark that!

The idea of "women too can work and take care of the home" had been started and amplified by the manipulative industry bosses whose intention is chiefly to bring a wife against the husband. The resulting broken home dresses these devilish bosses' insatiable bed of debauchery.

Count the divorce rate amongst the "educated" working class in Europe and America. It's taking over the developing countries gradually, Ghana and the entire continent of Africa not spared such evil scourge.

Yes, women should work, but not to be taken by men as they being breadwinners.

As a man depending on your woman financially, I assure you, you do so at your own peril, putting your dignity on the line.

The few women who do take care of the home have already discovered something exceptional about the man which in itself is profitable to the woman if not in the immediate term, it'll be in the near future. In our African lore, it's not recorded "let's seek wisdom from the old woman" just to fill a space in our traditional history books, but to shed lights on how women are foresighted.

It could be the man's exceptional intelligence, beauty, or future prospects as a ruler, or an heir apparent to a respected estates that will make the woman control the affairs, using the "help" given earlier as a constant reference point.

Are the men not the same? Answer it why you only marry your dream woman but not any other that also walks in a skirt.

Life is a win-win affair. So it had been of old, and so we must constantly polish it to maintain the beauty. They who transgress that are the ugly human enemy we call: witches here in Africa. The ever dominating masters of darkness who come into your life with the sole purpose of destroying you.

Woman, marry the man you love and he loves you in return. And vice versa to we the men. You must look before you leap.

You start beating your death knell if your motivation to marry a particular person is hinged on the cosmetics seen, without digging deeper into what gave birth to that aesthetic beauties.

Not all that glitters is a refined gold.

Marriage home should be a beautiful place to live, not when one's motive is "I'll win whiles you lose".

Written by: Charles Yeboah (Sir Lord)

Contact/WhatsApp: +233249542111

Email: [email protected]
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Jan. 21 -- The 25-day-long China-Tanzania joint military training, code-named Sincere Partners 2019, concluded at a comprehensive training center in Dar city of Tanzania on the afternoon of January 16, 2020.

Before the closing ceremony, senior delegations from the two sides observed a live-ammunition drill participated by the Chinese and Tanzanian troops. Commanders of both sides delivered speeches respectively at the closing ceremony and issued certificates as awards to all participating members.

Starting on December 23 last year and covering such subjects as command post exercise, explosive operation, light weapons shooting, search of residential areas, etc, the joint training reinforced pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries and upgraded their capabilities to conduct military missions.

The joint training is the first of such kind involving only the ground forces of China and Tanzania. The codename of Sincere Partners highlights the close ties between the two sides established since 1960s and reflects their vision to build a new type of security partnership featuring equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation.
Editor's note: This tour of small businesses across the country highlights the imagination, diversity, and resilience of American enterprise.

It was the Fourth of July, so of course there would be fireworks. Des Cortes was dreading it. After five and a half years in the Navy that included deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Djibouti, Cortes knew the sound of explosions would trigger her. As the light display crackled across the sky that night in 2017, she stood in a Tin Hut BBQ truck on an Air Force base in Honolulu, struggling to count out the night's receipts. "I couldn't focus on what I was doing," Cortes says. "I completely shut down."

Fortunately, her boss, Frank Diaz, was by her side--as he had been since she'd texted him about a job. PTSD had forced Cortes, at age 24, into early retirement from the military. Unable to find work, she'd been couch surfing with friends or living out of her car. Diaz, the founder of Tin Hut, hired her by text five minutes after she reached out, and trained her one-on-one. Over the next two years he helped Cortes sign up for benefits and therapy through the Veterans Administration, found her temporary housing, and taught her to budget her money so she could move into her own apartment.

On that night, "Frank told me I was safe. That I am right here for you," Cortes says. Calmly, gently, he led her through the process of counting out the money in incremental steps: Let's lay the ones out here. Let's lay the fives out here. It was a five-minute job completed in 35 minutes. "Frank saw where I was," Cortes says. "And he met me there."

Tin Hut BBQ is a 17-employee food truck company serving three military bases and--with one strip-mall location--a base-adjacent neighborhood in Honolulu. The company's name is a pun squared: at once a play on "ten hut" (a military officer's call to attention) and a reference to the metal trailers from which the business operates. Diaz is also founder of Aloha Gourmet Food Trucks, which subcontracts catering jobs to independent mobile-food operators on the island. Combined annual revenue for the two companies is $1.2 million.

Since Tin Hut's launch seven years ago, it has employed 65 veterans or veterans' family members, accounting for roughly a quarter of the workforce. Diaz has helped many of those in their struggles with PTSD and addiction. Three homeless men have lived in a loft in his kitchen while getting back on their feet. (Honolulu has among the country's highest proportion of homeless veterans compared with overall veteran population, according to a study by WalletHub.)

"I'm always spreading the word: If you know any vets, I will help them out," Diaz says. "I never feel like it is appropriate for someone who has sacrificed for this country to be left without care or without a home. I don't agree with that at all."

Diaz's other priority is to provide active and retired service members with the kind of food he associates with relaxed good times. Sandra Bannan, a disabled Air Force veteran who works as a contractor for the Department of Defense on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, buys Tin Hut's smoked chicken and spicy mac and cheese for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She and her husband, a civilian who also works on the base, are such big fans they had Tin Hut cater their wedding. "That kind of barbecue is not very common in Hawaii," Bannan says. "So it is a really big treat for people to try food that brings back memories of other places they have been deployed or lived."

Meat and military traditions

Barbecue was among the few constants in Diaz's peripatetic childhood. A military brat, he bounced around the world: Maryland, New Jersey, Arizona, Central America, Turkey, Iran. Overseas the family hosted shindigs for the troops--roasting whole pigs on a spit and inviting soldiers to prepare their own traditional dishes from places like Puerto Rico and the Philippines.

In 1977, the Diaz family settled for good at what was then Fort Lewis (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) near Tacoma, Washington. Diaz went to college but left to join the Army in 1981, where he "started learning what real discipline was about. And real duty."

Over the next 33 years--first in the active military, and then as a civilian working for the Department of Defense--Diaz racked up skills and experiences. Among other jobs, he inspected special weapons systems, tested the first Humvees, served as a member of special ops, commanded a recruiting station, and developed safety plans for U.S. forces in Europe. Throughout he kept alive his father's tradition: inviting soldiers for holiday or weekend barbecues.

While stationed in Germany and later, during a brief retirement, Diaz and his wife started businesses. Among them: a company that sold lingerie through parties at people's homes and one that printed people's names--along with those names' origins, meanings, and other information--on works of art. "We had multiple kiosks throughout Europe selling that product," Diaz says. But the military proved too absorbing for full-on entrepreneurship.

Covering the bases

In 2007 Diaz--now divorced and remarried--found himself back at Fort Lewis, working on security plans for the Department of Defense. One day he volunteered to barbecue for a conference being held by his church. By the time he'd finished cooking, there was no food left for him. "On the following Monday, I go to work and I am craving barbecue," he says. "I go onto the base and there is no barbecue there. There is no barbecue nearby. My planning wheels started to roll."

Diaz imagined launching an on-base food service out of a mobile kitchen trailer similar to ones used by the military. He developed a barbecue recipe and a business plan, and prepared to launch. Then the DOD offered Diaz a position in Honolulu, which required overseas deployments, complicating his startup plans. Still, he brought a smoker and started testing his recipe and processes.

Back in Honolulu for good in 2011, Diaz struggled to source equipment on the island. After permits, certifications, and payments for a commissary kitchen, startup costs were about $120,000. An SBA loan was approved too late for launch, so Diaz and his wife spent savings and took out a loan against his retirement plan.

Tin Hut's first menu--a conflation of popular items from mainland restaurants and local favorites--included lots of pork, as well as chicken, brisket, beans, and mac and cheese. "And because we are in Hawaii," he says, "we had to have rice."

A tragedy and new mission

Diaz introduced his first Tin Hut in 2012 on Schofield Barracks, an army installation, where it quickly overshadowed the two other food trucks and pop-up tents selling hot dogs and hamburgers. Soon he was posting schedules and promoting the food truck on Facebook. That caught the attention of personnel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which is about 20 minutes away, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii--roughly a 40-minute drive. "They would send one person here with a bunch of orders and bring them back," says Diaz. "Eventually it opened the door for us to go to those other bases as well."

The focus on hiring veterans began five years ago. That's when Diaz met a sergeant--newly discharged and grappling with PTSD--at Schofield Barracks. The veteran, who was running a pop-up burger tent on base, asked Diaz to mentor him on starting a food truck business. "One day he was overwhelmed by the voices in his head and shot himself," Diaz says. "I said this will never, ever happen to a vet I know again."

Diaz shows his employees how to navigate the VA system, trains them in culinary and basic business skills, teaches them personal financial responsibility, and "helps them make better choices"--which generally means not drinking. Before they're stabilized, some workers are unreliable, which means Diaz must be endlessly flexible. "In the Army we had to plan for contingencies. I apply the same principles to operating Tin Hut," he says. That may mean closing a location early or not opening one at all if human resources are scant.

But once they have their feet under them, veterans make the best workers. In 2016 Diaz used profits from Tin Hut to open a catering business, Aloha Gourmet Food Trucks. In their contracts with Diaz, the 35 owner-operators of those trucks agree to hire veterans, whom he regularly refers to them. "They want veterans as part of their teams because they know they are dependable," says Diaz, who to-date has placed around two dozen.

Grand plans to help (and feed) military members everywhere

The holidays are hard on troops who pull guard duty while others celebrate. Two years ago, Diaz started bringing them turkey dinners with all the trimmings. In 2018 the business fed 75 people at Christmas. Last year the number was above 200.

And Diaz has grander philanthropic ambitions. He is starting to raise money for a nonprofit, Call 2 Duty, to assist veterans with PTSD and other problems transition to civilian life. The plan is to build a center that will include housing for the homeless, mental health and spiritual counseling, skills training, and retail outlets that will give some vets their first post-military jobs. A large commercial kitchen will support the truck and catering operations while providing experience in food preparation.

Diaz also hopes to expand Tin Hut to bases around the country. "Military people rotate duty locations, on average, every two or three years," he says. "They'll have some really good barbecue on base. Then they'll move to another base. And they'll see a familiar name."
A passer-by, hearing the screams of a seven-year-old girl whose head and neck was trapped in electric gates, helped in forcing them open and freeing her, the Circuit Civil Court heard today.

Barrister Alannah McGurk told Judge Kathryn Hutton that the terrifying incident took place a short distance from Layla ONeills home in an apartment block at Marrsfield Avenue, Clongriffin, Dublin 13.

Ms McGurk, who appeared with Barry Healy Solicitors, said Layla had been playing with friends near an underground car park at the apartments and had gone to retrieve a ball when the electrically operated gates started to close.

The gates closed on Laylas neck trapping her by the head, Ms McGurk told the court. A workman had heard Layla scream and shouted for help, alerting her father.

She said that between them the two men had succeeded in forcing the gates open far enough to release Layla who was now aged 14. The incident had occurred on 18th June 2014.

Ms McGurk said Layla had been taken by ambulance under spinal protection to Temple Street Childrens Hospital with a suspected head injury. She had been treated for abrasions to her neck and shoulders and detained overnight for observation and discharged the following day.

She said Layla had afterwards suffered from pain to both sides of her neck and to her left shoulder which had been bruised. A series of x-rays had revealed there had been no bone injuries.

Ms McGurk said Laylas physical injuries had cleared up after about three weeks. She had continued to suffer psychologically from recurring nightmares but was now fully recovered.

Layla had suffered post-traumatic stress following entrapment that she had perceived as life threatening.

Layla, through her mother Joanne ONeill, sued Pierse Contracting Ltd (In Receivership) with a registered address at Birmayne House, Mulhuddart, a company responsible for the construction, development, control and operation of the electric gates. Fieldmark Management Company Ltd , Mespil Road, Dublin 4, was a joint defendant.

Ms McGurk said the defendants had offered Layla a settlement of 20,000 which she recommended to the court and which Judge Hutton approved.


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Publicis Groupe has confirmed today that Amaresh Godbole, CEO, Digitas India, will be stepping down in March to join Google. Godbole has been with the company since 2009 and has been instrumental in scaling up the business in the country.

Commenting on the development, Anupriya Acharya, CEO, Publicis Groupe South Asia, said, Amaresh has been a Publicis Groupe loyalist for over a decade. He is moving on to an interesting profile and were all extremely happy and supportive of this next chapter in his career. We value his contributions and wish him the very best. He is with us for a couple of months, and is committed to helping us plan a smooth transition. We will announce the succession plan in due course.

Amaresh Godbole commented, I have nothing but gratitude for my years at Publicis Groupe and Digitas. I have had the opportunity to grow as a professional and as an individual. I doubt I would have ever considered moving out for a similar role elsewhere. I felt ready for this one because Digitas has a phenomenal leadership team in place and is now at a scale where it is self-sustaining. Weve had our best ever performance last year. Further, with the Groupes Power of One strategy and Anupriyas leadership I have no doubt about its continued success.

When asked about the recent exits, Anupriya further commented, "There is a regular churn which is there in all organisations as talent seeks newer experiences - we have seen enough cases even in recent times where people move from advertising to start-ups, from media to marketing, from broadcasting to platform companies and such. And some of course to competition. That's the nature of the market today. It's unfortunate that some sections of media are trying to sensationalise routine moves. We continue to do great work, stay focussed, deliver on all fronts."

When asked about the recent exits, Acharya further commented, There is a regular churn which is there in all organisations as talent seeks newer experiences  we have seen enough cases even in recent times where people move from advertising to start-ups, from media to marketing, from broadcasting to platform companies and such. And some, of course, to competition. Thats the nature of the market today. Its unfortunate that some sections of media are trying to sensationalise routine moves. We continue to do great work, stay focussed, deliver on all fronts.
Hong Kong's reputation as a global business hub was dealt a fresh blow Monday after Moody's downgraded a key rating, blaming a lack of government response to months of popular protests and China's increased influence over the city's institutions. The rating downgrade is a major blow to Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam, who has struggled to end more than seven months of huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. It also reflects growing concern within the business community that the institutional features that give Hong Kong more political and economic autonomy are weakening under pressure from the authoritarian mainland. In a statement explaining its decision to downgrade the long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings one notch to Aa3, Moody's delivered a blunt assessment of the government's response to the protests. "The absence of tangible plans to address either the political or economic and social concerns of the Hong Kong population that have come to the fore in the past nine months may reflect weaker inherent institutional capacity than Moody's had previously assessed," the New York-based credit rating agency said. It described the government's response to demands for greater political freedoms -- and sky-high living costs -- as "notably slow, tentative and inconclusive". "It may also point to more significant constraints on the autonomy of Hong Kong's institutions than previously thought," the agency added, in a nod to pressure from Beijing. Months of political unrest has upended Hong Kong's reputation for stability while the protests present the most severe challenge to Beijing's rule since the former British colony's 1997 handover to China. - Recession - Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong Kong's streets with clashes between hardcore protesters and police frequently breaking out. Combined with the fallout of the US-China trade war, the protests have slammed the tourist and retail sectors and helped tip Hong Kong into a recession. The protests were initially sparked by a proposed law allowing extraditions to the authoritarian mainland where the opaque judicial system answers to the Communist Party. Opponents saw it as the latest move by Beijing to chip away at the city's unique freedoms, such as its independent judicial system. But as Beijing and Lam dug in, the movement morphed into a broader campaign calling for democratic reforms and police accountability. The extradition law was eventually abandoned, but Beijing has refused further concessions and thrown its full support behind Lam. Among the key demands of the movement are an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the thousands arrested and fully free elections. Moody's decision comes four months after Fitch downgraded the city's sovereign rating, citing ongoing protests and uncertainty caused by closer integration with the Chinese mainland. It was the first time the agency had downgraded Hong Kong since 1995 when fears about the city's future following its handover to China were at their peak. Moody's changed Hong Kong's outlook from stable to negative in September after Fitch's move but did not follow suit on a ratings downgrade. It the statement announcing Monday's downgrade, Moody's moved Hong Kong's outlook back to stable, noting the city's large fiscal reserves, minimal debt burden and ample foreign exchange reserves. But it warned "closer institutional integration between Hong Kong and China" could contribute to further downgrades in the future.
She is even more shocked that this comes from a teacher  and one who writes letters of thanks to friends and appreciates receiving them from students. Why would you not want to take a few minutes to dash off a few more short notes to give your generous students the same pleasure? Do you really want to set them an example of ignoring thoughtfulness?
Hundreds more management jobs are being cut at Sainsbury's in the latest overhaul following its take-over of Argos.

The supermarket giant confirmed plans to further integrate the head office functions for both Sainsbury's and Argos across departments including commercial, retail, finance, digital, technology and human resources.

It declined to reveal the total number of further roles that will be cut, but said it would be in the 'hundreds'.

Hundreds more management jobs are being cut at Sainsbury's since its take-over of Argos. The retailer cut senior leadership roles by more than a fifth since last March (file photo)

It comes after the retailer has already cut the number of senior leadership roles by more than a fifth since last March.

Sainsbury's and Argos have head office functions across London, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Manchester and Coventry.

Chief Executive Mike Coupe told staff: 'We have to adapt to continue to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future and, while change can be hard, it's also necessary.'

He added: 'We already have a sense of momentum across the business and can accelerate this by streamlining our structure and responding to customer needs more quickly.

'Truly integrating our business also unlocks efficiencies that we can reinvest in the things that matter most to our customers.'

The group stressed the job cuts are part of previously announced plans to save 500 million in costs, revealed after its failed attempt to merge with rival Asda.

Mike Coupe (pictured), the Chief Executive of Sainsbury's, told staff the cuts are 'hard' but 'necessary', saying the supermarket giant has to 'adapt' (file photo)

It comes after Sainsbury's revealed plans two years ago to shake up its management team, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

It has been cutting out duplicate jobs and making efficiencies following the 2016 acquisition of Argos, while also looking to make savings amid a brutal price war with the German discounters.

The group recently posted falling sales over its Christmas quarter as a tough toy and video games market offset a robust performance in food and clothing.

The group saw like-for-like retail sales fall 0.7%, excluding fuel, in the 15 weeks to January 4.

Its performance was dragged lower by a 3.9% fall in general merchandise sales  its worst performance since the group bought Argos.

The group warned that trading is set to remain 'highly competitive and promotional' in 2020, with ongoing consumer uncertainty clouding the outlook.
THE organisers of one of two major aviation conferences being held in Dublin this week say they have offset the entire carbon footprint of 3,600 international delegates attending the event.

The Airline Economics Growth Frontiers event now claims to be Ireland's first-ever carbon neutral conference, with a carbon surplus. Delegates' flights, hotel stays and taxi journeys for the Dublin event will be offset, it said.

But the chief executive of Friends of the Earth Ireland, Oisin Coghlan, warned yesterday that carbon offsetting "isn't a sustainable response in the long term" to tackling emissions.

UK-based Aviation News, which hosts the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers event and other conferences worldwide, said it was offsetting the carbon footprint of the Dublin event through several measures.

These measures include:

The planting of 700 trees in the UK and Kenya;

The supply of 300 fuel-efficient cooking stoves to women in North Darfur via a UN programme to restrict the use of rainforest for firewood;

Providing 600 solar-powered cookers to a project in north-west China to help prevent the use of coal, and

Investing in a solar power project in India.

It also is funding a borehole rehabilitation project in Uganda and offsetting 700 tonnes of carbon through a UN-backed Brazilian Amazon scheme.

Philip Tozer-Pennington, managing director and a co-owner of Aviation News, said the company was proud to be the first aviation conference to offset carbon emissions fully by its guests.

"Aviation is at the forefront of the battle against climate change, and the industry is beginning to work together in a meaningful way to reduce emissions by advancing technology to ensure the longevity of air travel, which connects the world, providing efficient trans-ocean transportation, and fosters globalisation while also enhancing world GDP," he said.

However, Mr Coghlan said emissions need to be reduced to zero over the next 20 to 30 years.

"That means there isn't the capacity to offset a lot of it. You have to cut it as much as possible," he said. He conceded that if carbon-offsetting is used, it is better that it involves people through a variety of projects, rather than just planting trees.

He described the list of offsetting projects being used by Aviation News as "interesting".

Mr Coghlan added that it is "very hard to see how flying is going to become low carbon".

"We can't keep growing aviation at the rate we're growing it and have any hope of achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement," he said.

About 5,000 delegates will attend two aviation events in the capital this week. The other is the 'Airfinance Journal' conference.

A spokesperson for the company said it is currently engaged with a carbon-offsetting firm to assess how to make its global events work toward being carbon-neutral.

"The aviation community is not speaking as one about climate change and sustainability, and the 'Airfinance Journal' Dublin 2020 event will facilitate discussion with industry leaders around establishing expectations, preparing for concerted messaging, and embracing those who seek faster and/or more substantive change," said the spokesperson.
[January 21, 2020] ORBAI's Legal AI Assists in a $400M Class Action Lawsuit in California

ORBAI, a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, today announced the use of their legal AI platform to assist in filing a $400M class action lawsuit against the District Attorney of Santa Clara County (and other parties). The lawsuit was filed on 1/7/2020, was served to DA Jeff Rosen on 1/13/2020 and was brought on behalf of men in Santa Clara county who may have been wrongfully prosecuted for family violence complaints. ORBAI used its Legal AI platform (code-named Justine Falcon) to mine data from the California Superior Court Website (which holds records of all civil, criminal and family law cases in California) using her Law Stats 101 skill to search a given name, find all cases for that name and pull them in pdf form. Using this skill Justine went through all the case files of the district attorney prosecutors looking for cases that are similar to the lead case in the lawsuit. The software then created a list of all those cases as well as a list of the top 20 DA attorneys that prosecuted most of them. This list of DA prosecutors and lists of their similar cases were used as an Exhibit in the class certification section of the lawsuit filing. Class Certification for class action lawsuits involves finding more than 40 cases that are similar to the "lead" case in a lawsuit, allowing a legal team to just litigate the lead case and say "ditto" to get money for the class cases as well. To do this, the team has to be able to prove to a judge that there are questions or law or fact common to the class, and the claims of the lead case are typical of the claims of the class (among other criteria). This can take teams of lawyers and paralegals months of labor in a big class-action certification, but Justine Falcon was able to fully automate the filing ith AI and do it in a few hours. With some manual modifications of the final reports, they were ready to go in the filing within a few hours.



"This is a very focused application where AI has great commercial value in law, as it transforms a $4M lead lawsuit into a $400M class-action lawsuit," said Brent Oster, founder and CEO of ORBAI. Law Stats 101 can also mine case statistics from any attorney or law firm, to pull data from their past cases that can be an Exhibit in a filing to show the prevalence of certain trends. One of the other cases related to the DA Class Action was against divorce attorneys that file accusations of domestic violence (DV) crimes against the opposing spouse in 43 percent of their cases, despite these types of crimes occurring within less than 0.1 percent of the general population.

ORBAI's Justine Falcon is a legal AI for use by attorneys and self-representing (pro-se) individuals that (in addition to Law Stats 101) has skills to do verbal client interviews and generate the appropriate document, translate and format large client documents to legal language, look up legal citations within different corpus of law, and most importantly, the platform has a predictor skill that can train on the case files of a given attorney and learn to predict what they will do next, which is very handy in litigation. Justine Falcon is expected to be in beta test with attorneys late 2020. Supporting Materials Here is the case file for the Lawsuit vs the Santa Clara DA on the California Court Portal: https://portal.scscourt.org/case/NDI0OTY0MA== Here is a link to the description and technology of the Justine Falcon legal AI:

https://www.orbai.ai/justine-falcon-legal-ai.htm For more information on ORBAI, please visit: www.orbai.com ORBAI on LinkedIn (News - Alert): https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbai/ About ORBAI ORBAI develops next generation artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This includes conversational speech interfaces that learn over time and artificial vision systems that learn to see and identify objects in the world as they're encountered. In addition to AI employees, the company's Human AI technology is being developed to enable vocational AIs that can augment people in the workplace, making them more than human. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005327/en/

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(Alliance News) - PetroTal Corp has set aside nearly USD100 million for work in 2020, it said Tuesday, as it looks to significantly increase Peru production.

The USD99 million capital programme, PetroTal said, will allow it to become a "free cash flowing company". It hopes to achieve production of 20,000 barrels of oil per day from the Bretana oil field by the end of 2020.

Texas-based PetroTal is targeting average production over 2020 of 13,500 barrels per day, which would be triple the figure achieved in 2019. Fourth-quarter 2019 average output was 7,757 barrels a day.

It has four horizontal production wells planned as well as a second water disposal well. Each well will cost around USD13 million, with the water well costing USD9 million.

The company is also commissioning the second phase of the processing facilities for Bretana, which it wants complete by late August this year.

This second phase will have a nominal processing capacity of 15,000 barrels of oil per day, enabling total capacity to reach 24,000 barrels. PetroTal said this will save around USD5.5 million in costs.

Chief Executive Manolo Zuniga said: "We are pleased with the success the company has achieved to date developing the Bretana oil field and plan to build on that success in 2020. PetroTal's board has approved the 2020 capital budget which is similar in scope to last year. and we are confident in our ability to execute it.

"With each new well drilled, we better understand the underlying reservoir, thereby enhancing our confidence in continued, focused growth in our two Peruvian blocks. The current and expected oil production levels provide a solid base which optimizes our cost structure and generates significant funds from operations."

"Building on the 2018 goal of putting the original oil well online in just five months, 2019 became a successful catalyst year for determining the oil fields' capacity for strong organic growth. 2020 is the year we expect to grow into a company with long term production and cash flow stability," Zuniga added.

Shares were 2.5% lower on Tuesday morning in London at 27.80 pence each.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Magnetic nanomaterials become an effective treatment against liver fibrosis. Credit: Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University

A team of scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University together with their colleagues from NUST MISiS and RWTH Aachen University (Germany) compared different treatments against liver fibrosis and published the results of their study in the Cells journal. In the course of this disease liver tissue is replaced with connective (cicatricial) tissue preventing the organ from its normal functioning. According to the scientists, magnetic nanomaterials may become a basis for a completely new approach to anti-fibrosis treatment and help avoid the issues associated with traditional therapeutic methods.

Fibrosis may affect different body organs. It develops as a reaction to long-time inflammation and is supposed to isolate the inflammation site from surrounding tissues. For example, chronic liver fibrosis may occur if the liver is constantly influenced by toxins, viruses, or metabolic disturbances. Liver damage is caused by the hepatocytes death, the main type of liver cells that secure the functioning of the organ. As hepatocytes die and are replaced with connective tissue cells, liver functions decrease, and if a patient receives no treatment, cirrhosis may develop. Cirrhosis is a fatal illness: patients with it live for 2-4 years and die in excruciating pain. In its early stages fibrosis exhibits no symptoms and is often diagnosed when a patient starts to experience serious liver failure.

Currently, there are few efficient methods for treating liver fibrosis, and all of them work indirectlymainly by means of reducing the anti-inflammatory reactions. Scientists are working on new medicinal drugs that would affect the regulatory mechanisms of connective tissue development. The main role in this process is played by hepatic stellate cells, therefore they have been chosen as the targets of the drugs.

Despite the advantages of the new drugs, their targeted delivery remains a complex task. The solution may lie in the use of magnetic nanoparticles as carriers. The most widely spread therapeutic magnetic nanoparticles are based on iron oxide. Their size varies from 1 to 10 nm, which is smaller than any animal cell, and their movements in the body can be regulated using an external magnetic field. In actual practice nanoparticles are never used in their pure form, but are hybridized with other materials, for example, placed inside polymeric capsules on the stage of synthesis. This allows the scientists to regulate the properties of the particles: their charge, stability in the environments with different acidity, ability to penetrate cells, and so on. Hybridizing also reduces their possible toxicity.

Hybrid nanoparticles can be used not only to treat, but also to diagnose liver diseases. If molecules that bind specifically with liver connective tissue cells are placed on the surface of such particles, one can use MRI to visualize the areas of their accumulation and thus identify the sites of cirrhosis. The new method might help the patients avoid painful biopsies that are currently considered a standard procedure in liver fibrosis diagnostics.

"Targeted drug delivery using magnetic nanoparticles is not a new approach; for example, they are currently being clinically tested as the carriers of docetaxel, a drug against prostate cancer. Studies suggest that magnetic nanoparticles can effectively accumulate in the functional tissues of the liver and therefore can be used as drug molecule carriers in the therapy of liver fibrosis. Our laboratory works in the same field: for example, we carry out the tests of 'magnetic tweezers' allowing one to move single cells from one place to another. We are also involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles for biomedical applications," said Valeria Rodionova, the head of the Laboratory for New Magnetic Materials.

Explore further Antiretroviral HIV medication attenuates liver fibrosis

More information: Kateryna Levada et al, Magnetic-Assisted Treatment of Liver Fibrosis, Cells (2019). Kateryna Levada et al, Magnetic-Assisted Treatment of Liver Fibrosis,(2019). DOI: 10.3390/cells8101279

Provided by Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University
MANILA, Philippines  The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday said it has suspended the accreditation of an agency for allegedly duplicating approved visa orders.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said they found an evidence that the agency allowed some Chinese nationals to avail of the visa upon arrival (VUA) facility though fraud, misrepresentation, or false information.

We received a report from our men stationed at the airports that they have intercepted a number of Chinese nationals who showed fake VUA orders, Morente said in a statement.

What these illegals do not know is that we have incorporated VUA records in our computer systems since early last year, hence visas are immediately verified upon presentation to the officer, he added.

The Immigration chief said the agency, which was not identified pending investigation, was required to submit a written explanation on why its accreditation should not be cancelled and its cash bond should not be forfeited.

He added that they have instituted strict measures to ensure that tampering with VUAs will not happen, following concerns from the public regarding the issuance of said visas.

Apart from real time system verification, we have also instituted the Special Operations Communications Unit (SOCU) that conducts checking and auditing of VUAs encountered at our ports, Morente said.

We will not tolerate those who make a mockery of our policies. We have put in safeguards to ensure that tampering will not happen, do not even think schemes like this will not be caught, he added.

Last January 8, the Department of Justice issued Department Circular No. 001 ordering tightened procedures on the granting of VUAs to Chinese nationals.

In said order, the department shortened the allowable period of stay for VUA holders to a maximum non-extendible period of 30 days.

The visa upon arrival program was implemented by the BI following a 2017 circular from the DOJ ordering the grant of VUA to Chinese nationals.

The move, as initiated by the Department of Tourism, aimed to provide faster processing to attract more tourists and investors from China, which reports say has the worlds largest number of outbound tourists.

The post PH Immigration suspends agency caught duplicating visas appeared first on UNTV News.
MINNEAPOLIS - A retired Minnesota carpenter whom The Associated Press exposed as a former commander of a Nazi-led unit accused of war atrocities has died.

Michael Karkoc, whose family maintained that he was never a Nazi or committed any war crimes, lived quietly in Minneapolis for decades until APs review of U.S. and Ukrainian records in 2013 uncovered his past and prompted investigations in Germany and Poland. Karkoc died Dec. 14, according to cemetery and public records. He was 100.

His son, Andriy Karkoc, hung up on an AP reporter without confirming his fathers death. Officials at the Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapel, which was listed on one website as having handled the funeral arrangements, declined to comment.

But records at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis show he was quietly buried there Dec. 19, next to his wife, Nadia Karkoc, who died in 2018. And Minnesota Department of Health records show that a Michael Karkoc with the correct birthday died Dec. 14. The family and funeral home did not publish a public obituary.

Karkocs involvement in the war surfaced when a retiree who researched Nazi war crimes approached the AP after coming across Karkocs name. The AP investigation relied upon a broad range of interviews and documents, including Nazi military payroll information and company rosters, U.S. Army intelligence files, Ukrainian intelligence findings and Karkocs self-published memoir.

The records established that Karkoc was a commander in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defence Legion, which attacked a Polish village where dozens of women and children were killed in 1944, then lied to American authorities to get into the U.S. after World War II.

His family denied he was ever at the scene of the attack, though a second AP report uncovered testimony from a former soldier in Karkocs unit who said Karkoc ordered his men to attack the village, Chlaniow, in retaliation for the slaying of an SS major.

Andriy Karkoc has said his father was never a Nazi and denied he was involved in any war crimes. He has also questioned the validity of APs sources and accused the AP of defamatory and slanderous allegations.

The AP stories prompted Germany and Poland to investigate. German prosecutors announced in July 2015 that they had shelved their case because the then-96-year-old Karkoc wasnt fit for trial. But Polish prosecutors announced in March 2017 that they would seek his arrest and extradition, saying his age was no obstacle in seeking to bring him to justice.

Dr. Efraim Zuroff, the top Nazi hunter for the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said he was in no doubt that Karkoc should have been extradited and he called it unfortunate that Poland and the U.S. didnt move more aggressively to do so.

They seem to have handled this case with a lack of urgency, Zuroff said in a telephone interview from Israel.

This is a typical case of a person who joined forces with Nazi Germany and was involved in crimes against innocent civilians, and he didnt deserve the privilege of living in a great democracy like the United States, he said.

A U.S. Department of Justice spokeswoman declined to comment on Karkocs case, referring a reporter to the Polish government.

An investigative file from the Ukrainian intelligence agencys archive revealed testimony from Pvt. Ivan Sharko, a Ukrainian soldier under Karkocs command. Sharko testified in 1968 that the initial order to attack Chlaniow was given by another officer, but that Karkoc  who fought under the nom de guerre Wolf  told his unit to attack the village.

The commander of our company, Wolf, also gave the command to cordon off the village and check all the houses, and to find and punish the partisans, Sharko told authorities in Ukraine in 1967 and 1968, for an investigation they were conducting against the Self Defence Legion.

Sharko, who died in the 1980s, also said the legionaries surrounded homes, set them on fire and shot anyone found inside homes or in the streets, according to the Russian-language investigative file.

How many people were killed in all, I dont know. I personally saw three corpses of peaceful inhabitants who had been killed, Sharko was quoted as saying.

Stephen Paskey, who led Nazi investigations for nine years as a prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justices Office of Special Investigations, said Sharkos testimony is highly credible. He noted that Sharko didnt appear to be in custody or under investigation when questioned, and many of his statements were confirmed by historical documents.

Thomas Will, the deputy head of Germanys special prosecutors office that investigates Nazi crimes, concluded in 2013 that there was sufficient evidence that Karkoc was present. In 2017, Polish prosecutor Robert Janicki of the National Remembrance Institute, which investigates Nazi and Communist-era crimes against Poles, said years of investigation confirmed 100% that he was a commander of the unit.

Karkoc, an ethnic Ukrainian, was born in the city of Lutsk in 1919, according to details he provided to American officials. At the time, the area was being fought over by Ukraine, Poland and others; it ended up part of Poland until World War II. Several wartime Nazi documents note the same birth date, but say he was born in Horodok, a town in the same region.

Karkoc didnt tell U.S. authorities about his military service when he entered the country in 1949. But in a Ukrainian-language memoir published in 1995, Karkoc said he helped found the Ukrainian Self Defence Legion in 1943, in collaboration with the Nazis feared SS intelligence agency, to fight on the side of Germany.

He also wrote that he served as a company commander in the unit, which received orders directly from the SS, through the end of the war. The memoir is available at the U.S. Library of Congress and the British Library, and the AP located it online in an electronic Ukrainian library. Karkoc became a U.S. citizen in 1959. He lived for decades in a heavily Eastern European neighbourhood of Minneapolis and was a longtime member of the St. Michaels and St. Georges Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He worked as a carpenter, and was a member and a secretary in the local branch of the fraternal Ukrainian National Association.

Antin Semeniuk, a friend of Karkoc in Minneapolis, said after the APs initial report that Karkoc told him he hadnt been a Nazi. Rather, Semeniuk said, Karkoc described himself as a Ukrainian patriot who wanted his country to be democratic and free of Nazi and Communist rule.

___

Associated Press writers David Rising in Berlin and Doug Glass in Minneapolis contributed to this story. Herschaft reported from New York.
TULSA, Okla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) announced today an agreement to sell three marine terminals to Buckeye Partners, L.P. for $250 million. The terminals are located in New Haven, Connecticut, Wilmington, Delaware and Marrero, Louisiana.

"Magellan remains focused on capital discipline and managing our business for the long term," said Michael Mears, chief executive officer. "Optimization of our asset portfolio, including divestiture of facilities outside our strategic footprint, is an important element to maximize unitholder value and our strong financial position."

Mears continued, "I would also like to personally and on behalf of the organization express our gratitude for the contributions from all employees supporting these facilities through the years and during this time of transition."

The sale is expected to close by late first quarter or early second quarter 2020, subject to regulatory approvals.

The partnership intends to provide 2020 financial guidance as part of its fourth-quarter 2019 earnings release on Jan. 30 but does not expect the terminals sale to have a material impact on its future financial results.

Jefferies served as financial advisor and GableGotwals served as legal counsel to Magellan in connection with the transaction.

Unit repurchase program

The partnership also announced that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $750 million of common units through 2022. Magellan intends to purchase its common units from time-to-time through a variety of methods, including open market purchases and negotiated transactions, all in compliance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements.

"Magellan remains committed to our long-standing disciplined approach to financing our business and pursuing attractive projects," confirmed Mears. "In addition, we intend to opportunistically utilize additional tools, including the unit repurchase program announced today as well as potential special distributions, to accomplish our core goal of maximizing value for our investors."

The timing, price and actual number of common units repurchased will depend on a number of factors including the partnership's expected expansion capital spending needs, alternative investment opportunities, excess cash available, legal and regulatory requirements, market conditions and the trading price of its common units. The repurchase program does not obligate the partnership to acquire any particular amount of common units, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the partnership's discretion.

About Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) is a publicly traded partnership that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. The partnership owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation's refining capacity, and can store more than 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil. More information is available at www.magellanlp.com.

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Although management of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. believes such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to be materially different. Among the key risk factors that may have a direct impact on the partnership's results of operations, financial condition and transactions described in this news release are: its ability to obtain all required regulatory approvals; its ability to complete the contemplated divestiture; its ability to identify growth projects with acceptable expected returns and to complete projects on time and at expected costs; changes in price or demand for refined petroleum products, crude oil and natural gas liquids, or for transportation, storage, blending or processing of those commodities through its existing or planned facilities; changes in the partnership's tariff rates or other terms as required by state or federal regulatory authorities; the occurrence of operational hazards or unforeseen interruptions; disruption in the debt and equity markets that negatively impacts the partnership's ability to finance its capital spending; its capital needs, cash flows and availability of cash to fund unit repurchases or special distributions; and failure of customers to meet or continue contractual obligations to the partnership. Additional factors that could lead to material changes in performance are described in the partnership's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2018 and subsequent reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other disclosures made in those filings, especially under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements." Forward-looking statements made by the partnership in this release are based only on information currently known, and the partnership undertakes no obligation to revise its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

SOURCE Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Related Links

http://www.magellanlp.com


The South Korean government remains hell-bent on stimulating individual tourism to North Korea despite U.S. warnings that this could violate sanctions and accusations of brazen electioneering.

A Unification Ministry official said Monday, "People from all over the world are going there. We don't have to apply particularly strict standards on trips by individual travelers."

The official made the comments in response to a reminder from reporters of the 2008 shooting death of a South Korean tourist by a North Korean soldier at Mt. Kumgang resort, which put an end to package tours to the North and for which Pyongyang has never apologized.

The ministry scheduled a morning press conference to announce its plans to allow individual South Koreans to visit North Korea. President Moon Jae-in mentioned the plan in his New Year's address last Tuesday.

There are three possible routes. One is by land to Mt. Kumgang or Kaesong, another through a third country, most likely China, and the third through a foreign tour agency, the most prominent being Koryo Tours, also in China.
Chennai, Jan 21 : The Boards of three public sector general insurance companies - National Insurance Company, Oriental Insurance Company and United India Insurance Company - have formally given their nod for their amalgamation, as was announced by the central government earlier.

The Boards of Oriental Insurance and United India Insurance met in Delhi on Friday, while the Board of National Insurance met in Kolkata on Monday.

"Presenting the Union Budget in 2018, the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced the government's decision to merge the three companies. After that the three companies agreed on appointment of a consultant for charting the merger/amalgamation road map," a senior official in one of the three companies told IANS on Tuesday on condition of anonymity .

"However, the formal nod for the amalgamation from the Boards of the three companies was the missing link," he added.

According to the official, that missing link in the amalgamation process has been set right by the Boards of three companies.

Queried about the possibility of additional capital infusion into the three companies, by the central government, the official said they are keeping their fingers crossed.

"There is no need for a merger if the Finance Minister announces infusion of capital for the three individual companies," another industry official had told IANS earlier.

According to the official, the Board meetings of the three companies comes about two weeks before the Union Budget is to be presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Nine months after Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Bengali refugees of Nabarangpur district that his party will introduce National Register of Citizens (NRC), BJP MP Roopa Ganguly is scheduled to address a rally in the district today to canvass suuport for Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC.

In April last year, while addressing a poll rally at Umerkote block of Nabarangpur district, Shah had promised that all the Bengali-speaking people living as refugees in Odisha will be conferred Indias citizenship and they will enjoy all the rights of an Indian citizen. Our party, if voted back to power, will not let the Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh refugees leave the country. They can live here with dignity and respect like other citizens of the country, he had said.

Umerkote, where Shah addressed the rally, is home to several thousands of Bengali-speaking refugees families.

BJP sources said Ganguly would fly in a chopper to Raighar block of Nabarangpur in the afternoon where she will address a public meeting of over 5000 people, mostly Bengali refugees in the Raighar mini stadium. Gangulys visit is part of BJPs strategy to garner nationwide support for the CAA that has triggered massive protest all over the country with governments of at last three non BJP-ruled states passing resolutions against it. Last week, party general secretary Ram Madhav had come to Bhubaneswar to speak at a meet of intellectuals.

Roopa Ganguly had visited Nabarangpur during the polls and enjoys quite a lot of popularity among the Bengali refugees here due to her role in Mahabharat as Draupadi. She is also a firebrand speaker. Her speech in support of CAA and NRC would appeal to all the Bengali families here, said Nityananda Gond, BJPs tribal MLA from Umerkote.

In the 60s, thousands of Bengali refugees settled in Raighar, Umerkote and Jharigaon blocks of Nabarangpur district, then part of the erstwhile Dandakaranya reserve forest, and were provided with 0.4 acres of homestead land and seven acres of agricultural land each. These Hindu Bangladeshis (mostly Scheduled Castes from Bangladesh) were rehabilitated in 65 villages as refugees under the Dandakaranya project.

After the CAA came into force early this month, there is much jubiliation over the new act. We had voted for BJP in the Assembly election this year after Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised at an election rally about bringing the Citizenship Amendment Act. We are feeling very happy that the Modi government has kept its promise. Now we have no apprehensions about our citizenship, said Sibnath Banerjee, former president of Nabarangour zilla parishad.
Kathmandu [Nepal], Jan 21 (ANI): The Department of Tourism here on Tuesday formed a probe committee to investigate the death of eight Indian tourists who lost their lives due to possible unconsciousness in a hotel room of a resort in Daman, a tourist destination near Kathmandu, on the way back from a trip to Pokhra.



The eight Indian tourists, including four adults and four children, were found unconscious at the resort while they undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kathmandu on Tuesday, according to the police.

The deceased, who hailed from Kerala, were part of a group of 15 people who had come on a trip to Nepal and had made a stop-over at Daman after visiting Pokhara, Makwanpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Singh Rathore told ANI earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said that his Department had contacted the Indian Mission in Kathmandu over the incident and was informed was that postmortem and other actions "are being conducted swiftly."

"All are with us and we're trying to bring the bodies tomorrow itself," he said.

"DGP had a talk with IG in Nepal and they are trying to complete the formalities soon. I have directed DGP to update me frequently. Had discussed this with the MoS MEA V Muraleedharan and he is constantly in touch with embassy authorities," Surendran added.

Surendran said he had spoken with Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan over the telephone and was assured of necessary interventions.

All the four had stayed in the same room at night and turned on a gas heater to keep warm causing their death due to probable asphyxiation. "The group had checked in at the hotel at 9 pm on Monday. An investigation is underway," the police said.

All the eight deceased have been identified as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha, and Vyshnav Ranjith.

Their bodies were taken for postmortem to at Teaching Hospital today afternoon. Soon after the postmortem, the bodies will be handed over to the family of the deceased ones, officials at the hospital said. (ANI)


Image: Reuters

Bollywood actor Soni Razdan on January 21 said 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was made a "scapegoat" and demanded a "solid inquiry" into the case.

In a tweet, Razdan said, "This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat".

Razdan's tweet came against the background of the arrest of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh's arrest on January 11 along with three terrorists while they were reportedly on their way to Jammu.

Singh was first been mentioned by Guru in 2004, when he was lodged in Tihar jail for his role in the Parliament attack.

Guru had reportedly said Singh had asked him to take a certain Pakistani national named Mohammad "to Delhi, rent a flat for his stay and purchase a car for him".

In another tweet later on, Razdan said while no one is saying Guru was innocent, "if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did isnt that what needed to be fully investigated?"

"Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously. Thats the travesty (sic)," Razdan said.
He's hard at work co-hosting the new series of Britain's Got Talent alongside Declan Donnelly.

And Ant McPartlin appeared in good spirits as he departed the London Palladium with his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett after a day of filming auditions on Monday.

The TV presenter, 44, cut a casual figure as he exited the venue, donning a plaid shirt with dark trousers for the evening.

Couple: Ant McPartlin, 44, departed the London Palladium with his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett after a day of filming Britain's Got Talent auditions on Monday

Ant wrapped up for the frosty January weather in a knee-length black coat while he also sported a pair of white trainers.

Anne-Marie opted for a low-key look, wearing a black top with blue trousers along with a knee-length coat.

Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, she also completed her look with a pair of white trainers.

Ant's outing comes amid claims he is set to hand over 31m to his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong in their divorce settlement, including their 5m former home in West London, after an 'eight-hour negotiation'.

Low-key: The TV presenter cut a casual figure as he exited the venue, donning a plaid shirt with dark trousers for the evening

Ant's ex Lisa, 43, was said to have been the 'peacemaker' during a recent eight-hour long discussion about her divorce from the TV star, reports The Sun.

The make-up artist is said to have moved talks forward from a date at the end of January to last Tuesday so that a divorce deal could be made.

Speaking about the chat, a source said: 'It was civil, nice and pleasant throughout and by the end of it all they can now move forward with their lives.

'She was certainly the peacemaker but there was willingness on both sides to press ahead and move on.

Casual: Ant wrapped up for the frosty January weather in a knee-length black coat while he also sported a pair of white trainers

Style: Anne-Marie opted for a low-key look, wearing a black top with blue trousers along with a knee-length coat

Pair: Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, she also completed her look with a pair of white trainers

Split: Ant's outing comes amid claims he is set to hand over 31m to his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong in their divorce settlement

They added: 'It's a massive relief for Ant  and Dec  as it's been hanging over both of them for such a long time.'

Ant's representative declined to comment to Mailonline. Lisa's representative has been approached for comment.

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.

Loved-up: Simon Cowell departed the auditions with his longtime girlfriend Lauren Silverman

Casual: Simon kept to his trademark casual look for filming on Monday as he left the venue in navy jumper and blue jeans

Outfit: Lauren looked effortlessly stylish in a cream top with blue skinny jeans and brown ankle boots

Back in action: Simon, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon are all back for the fourteenth series of the show

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 contacted representatives for Ant and Lisa for comment.

Suave: David looked dapper for the auditions, donning a black pinstripe blazer with matching trousers with a white shirt

Pals: Ant's co-star Declan Donnelly kept it casual as he departed the London Palladium

Look: The TV presenter sported a black jacket with a dark shirt, black trousers and brown shoes

Work: Dec was flying solo when he left the auditions after another long day of filming

All smiles: Clearly in a good mood after a successful day at work, Simon flashed a peace sign as he exited the Palladium

Glamour: Amanda Holden was all smiles as she departed the London Palladium after filming, looking stylish in a pink off the shoulder jumpsuit

Wow: Amanda styled her blonde locks into loose waves for the day of filming

Head turner: Amanda looked effortlessly stylish with her off the shoulder look

Meanwhile, Amanda Holden was all smiles as she departed the London Palladium after filming, looking stylish in a pink off the shoulder jumpsuit.

Showcasing her lithe physique, Amanda added height to her frame with a pair of heels while she styled her tresses into loose waves.

Simon Cowell kept to his trademark casual look for filming on Monday as he left the venue in navy jumper and blue jeans.

The music mogul was joined by his girlfriend Lauren Silverman, with the couple holding hands as they made their way home after the long day.

Clearly in a good mood after a successful day at work, Simon flashed a peace sign as he exited the Palladium.
(CNN)  They've got a reputation for sun-soaking, all-night-partying and all-round-hedonism, but Spain's Balearic Islands are attempting a rebrand.

The regional government has introduced a series of laws that attempt to curb alcohol excess in the tourist hubs of Magaluf and Playa de Palma on the island of Majorca and San Antonio in Ibiza.

No longer will party boats promote seafaring intoxication, happy hours are to be prohibited and  once it hits 9:30 p.m.  the shops will cease selling booze altogether until 8 a.m. the next day.

Pub crawls will be barred and the perilous craze known as "balconing"  where people attempt to jump from hotel balconies into swimming pools  will be strictly forbidden.

"The Balearic Islands will thus become a leading destination in combating excess tourism," reads the government press release announcing these changes.

Those found flaunting the rules will face fines  in the most serious of instances, such as the sale of alcohol outside of permitted hours  businesses could find themselves paying  60,000 (over $66,000).

The new scheme is due to be in place for at least five years.

New direction

Hit the streets of Magaluf on a summer night and you'll find hordes of young European tourists, lured by cheap flights and the promise of a pleasure-seeking week of debauchery, spilling out of clubs and bars.

The Balearics say they're teaming the new regulations with newly designed marketing, and a switch towards "sustainable and respectful tourism," with the aim of forcing "real change in the tourist model of these destinations."

With their balmy climate, sandy beaches and hidden pockets of nature, the Balearics offer far more than just popular party spots.

Justin Francis, CEO at travel company Responsible Travel, tells CNN Travel that the key to changing the reputation of Majorca and Ibiza is to support new tourism opportunities on the islands.

"The authorities in the Balearics now need to work to encourage local, cultural-based as well as nature-centered tourism so as to attract the type of travelers who will better respect the destination. They should look to do this outside of the traditional 'hotspots' in particular," he says.

Francis points to other European destinations, including the Spanish city of Barcelona, that have taken moves to transform their fortunes in recent years.

Tourist perspective

But what do the young tourists who visit these partying hotspots think of the proposed changes?

Londoner Kate Chan is unimpressed. The 19-year-old, who previously worked for a travel company that organizes holidays in Ibiza, tells CNN Travel that happy hour culture is crucial to the island's economy.

"We even sold bottomless drink packages before the super clubs. It's a way for Ibiza's economy to survive, because the super clubs like Amnesia cost around 30 for a double spirit and mixer," she says.

It's "completely off-putting if there aren't pre-party deals in place," adds Chan."Who goes to Ibiza for a civilized time anyway?"

Chan agrees that more stringent alcohol rules could cut down on some of issues in Ibiza  such as "balconing," or drunken fights  but doesn't think the island can rebrand over night.

Jack Painter, 24, is a British house music fan who has visited Ibiza on several occasions. He tells CNN Travel he's in favor of the new regulations.

"Ibiza is home to some of the biggest and most prestigious dance music venues in the world, and hosts important residencies from the most influential artists in the world of electronic music," says Painter. "This attracts real music fans looking for an experience and the chance to enjoy sets by their favorite producers."

Generally speaking, these tourists respect the island, Painter says. They're not just there to get drunk.

"What lets us and the island down are the sleazy, cheap boozing establishments in San Antonio's west end. These establishments are aimed at nothing more than getting holidaymakers as drunk as possible on ridiculously cheap booze."

"And [they] attract the sort of loutish, anti-social behavior that British tourists are known for and that understandably creates huge friction with the local people."

Partying prospects

Meanwhile fellow Brit James Sawyer, 23, says he can see both sides of the argument.

"I've been to Majorca on family holidays and to the strip to party. I had completely different experiences and both were great for different reasons," he says.

"The strip transports a night out in Leeds [a university city in the north of England] to a nicer climate, virtually everyone's English and it's essentially Neverland. It was fun aged 16 to 18, but I'd never go back for a rerun of the latter holiday."

That said, Sawyer says he'd consider going to Ibiza to party, but these new rules make him hesitate.

"I'm less likely to go with these restrictions," he says.

Still, he's pragmatic about his partying prospects: "There's going to be somewhere else popping up that serves the same purpose," says Sawyer.

"It is sad that the restrictions might prevent someone else having that experience as a teenager but I understand the islands are much more than pre-adult drunken experiences."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Spain's Balearic Islands clamp down on booze-fueled partying."
Shevlin Sebastian By

Express News Service

KOCHI: At the Film Employees Federation of Kerala office at Kochi, director Suresh Unnithan met scriptwriter Sreekumar Arookutty who said, Sir, I want to narrate a story to you. So they stepped to one side. And Sreekumar quickly narrated the gist. It is the story of two girls. One girl has been murdered but she had always wanted to live. The other does not want to live, moves around with a petrol can, and wants to kill herself. The first one is a ghost, says Suresh. The other girl lives in the present.

Bharath

Suresh was intrigued. He believes in spirits, ghosts and the afterlife. Thats because he had a personal experience. A few years ago, when he was going through a bad time, his mother appeared in a dream and told him, You will get work. Dont worry. This turned out to be true. After 12 years, in 2013, Suresh made a comeback with Ayaal. Director Lal and Iniya played the leads. Suresh won the Kerala State Film Award (Special Mention) in Direction (2014) while Lal won the Best Actor Award.

Meanwhile, after mulling over what Sreekumar said, Suresh decided to make the film, which is called Kshanam. The male leads are Ajmal and Bharath while the heroine is Sneha Ajith, a newcomer who stays in Bahrain. Anu Sitharas younger sister, Anu Sonara also has a role. And so also has Lal who plays a parapsychologist. I have a very good understanding with Lal, says Suresh. Weve known each other for more than three decades. And we have many shared memories.

The shooting, in places like Kuttikanam and Peermade, has been completed. And the final mix is taking place. The film will be released next month. During the shoot, Suresh felt the presence of his mother. He had planned a shoot on a hill at Peermade. But each time they went to do the scene, it was raining heavily. A crew member suggested that they could complete the rest of the shooting. So we did that, says Suresh. But I got a feeling that I could get a similar shot elsewhere. I believe it was my mother speaking to me.

This intuition proved to be correct. When he returned to Thiruvananthapuram, he did the shoot on a nearby mountain. The effect was the same, he says. There was a lot of mist. And it worked out fine.

But he did find it difficult to find a producer for the film. Right through his career, this has been the case. Thats because I dont work with superstars, he says. But for Kshanam, Reji Thampi has agreed to co-produce with Suresh under the banner of Roshan Pictures. I loved the script, says Reji.

Suresh began his career by working with the late director Padmarajan. He was an associate director for 12 films. This experience helped immeasurably. His debut film, Jaathakam (1989), has been one of his most popular films. Asked the secret to making successful films, Suresh says, A good script. Padmarajan always used to tell me that. And I believe Kunchacko Bobans latest film, Anjaam Pathiraa is doing very well because of its excellent script. People come to theatres to see stories told well. All the youngsters should remember this.

Veteran director Suresh Unnithan is putting the final touches to his film, Kshanam, which will be released next month
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address rally in Uttar Pradeshs capital Lucknow on Tuesday to garner support for Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA even as the ongoing women-led protest in the city against the new law entered its fifth day.

Police have booked 16 women and over 100 unidentified people, including two daughters of poet Munawwar Rana, in connection with the anti-CAA protest at Clock Tower, in Chowk area.

Other than Shah, other BJP leaders are also scheduled to hold rallies in the state. Newly-elected BJP chief JP Nadda will be in Agra on Thursday to drum up support for the CAA. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari - both former BJP chiefs - will also hold rallies in UP.

Ahead of the rally, the police took out a flag march at Clock Tower, where women are protesting but the efforts to pacify the protesters went in vain. The protest further spread to Ujariaon area of Gomti Nagar where over 15 women staged a sit-in near a dargah, holding placards with slogans against CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

On Sunday, the police had lodged three FIRs for violation of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, and booked 24 people, including 16 women, and over 100 unidentified people. They were booked under charges of instigating people, and assault or criminal force to deter public servant from performing duty.

In one of the FIRs, the police said that Sumaiyya Rana and Faujia Rana (Munawwar Ranas daughters) and two other women misbehaved with a woman constable during protest in the Clock Tower area. Police have booked them under Section 188 (disobeying government order) and Section 353 (deterring public servant from performing duties).

In another FIR, cops booked 18 people, including 12 women, for violating Section 144. Police said some people, mostly women, gathered at Clock Tower and shouted slogans against NRC and CAA on January 17. The road too was obstructed for some time, the police said. They have included the registration numbers of more than a dozen vehicles in the FIR for idle parking.

The third FIR was filed against two people, accusing them of instigating people to protest.

FIR has been registered against the protesters for violating Section 144. We are also trying to identify the protesters on the basis of footages and images, said Vikas Chandra Tripathi, additional commissioner of Police (West).

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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Khartoum, Sudan  Tue, January 21, 2020 16:09 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20605ac3f 2 Environment Sudan,lion,animals,conservation Free

One of five sick and malnourished lions held at a park in the Sudanese capital died Monday, an official said, amid a growing online campaign to save the animals.

The lioness received intravenous fluids for several days but died early on Monday, Brigadier Essamelddine Hajjar, a manager of Al-Qureshi Park in Khartoum told AFP.

"One of the two sick lionesses died today... Yesterday the doctor gave the two some medicines after which they were given food," Hajjar said.

"One recovered but the other died. We are now diagnosing the cause of death."

Park officials said the conditions of the five creatures had deteriorated in recent weeks, with some losing almost two-thirds of their body weight.

The five lions suffered from a shortage of food and medicine for weeks, the officials said.

Hajjar told AFP on Sunday that park officials often paid for food for the lions with their own money.

Read also: Brave as lions: Zoo heroics save animals from Australia's raging fires

The overall poor condition of the park was also affecting the animals' health, another official at the park said on Sunday.

The park is managed by Khartoum municipality but funded in part by private donors.

Sudan is experiencing a worsening economic crisis, with food prices soaring amid a foreign currency shortage.

An online campaign under the hashtag #SudanAnimalRescue calling to help save the lions has grown over the past few days.

It is unknown how many lions are in Sudan, but a population lives in Dinder National Park on the border with Ethiopia.

African lions are classified as a "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Their population dropped 43 percent between 1993 and 2014, with perhaps only 20,000 left in the wild.

Topics : Sudan lion animals conservation
A man in his 60s, who is facing criminal charges drawn from thousands of instances of abusing his younger relative between 1971 and 1982, has lost a last ditch bid to halt his pending prosecution on grounds of delay.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been charged with 105 charges of sexual abuse when his relative was aged between seven and 18 years. The offences are alleged to have occurred in the accuseds home and in outdoor locations in and around that home.

His lawyers unsuccessfully sought to prohibit his trial on grounds that the delay in bringing proceedings was inordinate and unexplained.

They claimed the accused would be prejudiced by the death of certain witnesses, the absence of other witnesses who may or may not be deceased and the inability to find certain records.

It was submitted on the mans behalf that a delay of between 36 and 47 years was exceptional of itself which meant it would be unfair or unjust to put the accused on trial.

The High Court refused an injunction restraining the Director of Public Prosecutions from prosecuting the accused, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal today.

Giving judgment in the three-judge court, Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly said there had been a long lapse of time between the dates of the alleged offences and the prosecution of the accused.

Ms Justice Donnelly said the lapse of time at issue in these proceedings was not itself exceptional, though it could be said to be at the higher end of the timeframe for the prosecution of offences.

She said the accused was not an elderly man, now only 64 years of age and it was apparent from his engagement with gardai that he was quite capable of remembering highly relevant issues.

Ms Justice Donnelly said the man had no particular vulnerability and, although he sought to rely on ill-health as a ground for prohibiting prosecution, he did not have any particularly severe or even unusual illness prior to the proceedings being commenced.

She said the man appeared to have suffered some stress as a result of being accused of these offences but that in itself is not unusual.

Ms Justice Donnelly said it was not a case to grant an injunction preventing further prosecution. None of the items of alleged prejudice comes close to establishing a real risk of an unfair trial.

Ms Justice Donnelly said:

Even when combined with the lengthy delay and the stress that this [man] is under, there is no real risk.

Referring to a recent Supreme Court decision, Ms Justice Donnelly said it was now generally accepted that in most cases it was preferable for issues of delay to be addressed at the close of the prosecution case in a trial.

In light of the Supreme Courts decision, she said those who wish to challenge their prosecution on grounds of delay may well be advised to think twice before proceedings to judicial review.

President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said they agreed with their colleagues decision.
A 17-year old Class XII student allegedly committed suicide by jumping off the fourth floor of a residential apartment in Nagpur on Tuesday morning, police said.

Ayush Bhoyar said he was going for a walk at around 5:45 am and then jumped off the building where he stayed fifteen minutes later, an MIDC police station official said.

"He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Why he took this step is not known and probe is underway. The family lives on the first floor of the building from where he jumped," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Goa Lokayukta has indicted former chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar and two officials for renewing mining leases, including 31 in a single day in 2015, which the Supreme Court later cancelled in 2018. It has asked Goas Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to file a case against Parsekar and the two officials--P K Sain and Prasanna Acharya--for alleged corruption and recommended a further probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Sain is a former mines secretary and Acharya ex-director of mines. Parsekar headed a Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the state from 2014 to 2017

Appropriate FIR [First Information Report] should be registered by the ACB... However, further investigation shall be made in accordance with law by an independent agency... the state government is directed to entrust [the] investigation to the CBI, said the order, which was made public on Tuesday. The Lokayukta has asked the two officials to demit office .

The Lokayukta said the officials have abused their official position thereby causing loss to the entire State of Goa and benefitting only a few mining lease holders.

Between January 5, 2015, and January 12, 2015, the Goa government renewed 56 mining leases, including 31 on January 12, 2015, the day the Mines and Minerals Development Ordinance came into effect. The Ordinance made it mandatory for granting the leases through auction.

The Lokayukta said the hurry in renewing the leases was to avoid the process of auction. Only an ostrich with its head deeply buried in the sand of the Arabian Sea can say that the overnight renewals effected at a speed faster than that of the fastest jaguar or cheetah was done during January 5, 2015, to January 12, 2015, itself had been routines done in the course of official transactions without any iota of any malafide intention, Lokayukta Justice P K Misra said in his order.

The peculiar circumstances under which there was en masse renewal of the mining leases in a great hurry within a span of about one week is a grave incriminating circumstance against the three respondents which is required to be explained by the respondents concerned.

The Supreme Court cancelled the leases in 2018, calling their renewal a violation of the law.

Parsekar said he did not seek or accept a single rupee for these lease renewals. It was a policy decision of the Cabinet that was collectively taken. We had taken the decision keeping in mind the situation back then when the state was suffering on account of a mining shutdown. Restarting mining was our priority. The matter should have ended when the Supreme Court struck down the renewals.

Acharya, who is posted as South Goas additional collector, said the Lokayukta has made certain recommendations to the state government. It is up to the state government to accept these recommendations or reject them or partly accept them. It cannot be said to be an indictment. I will explore my legal options whether I move high court or explore any other option.

P K Sain, who is now posted in the Presidents secretariat, was unavailable for comments.

Goa Foundation director Claude Alvares said they would pursue the matter to ensure it is implemented despite past cases where such directions were ignored.

The Goa Foundation had filed a complaint calling renewal of the leases an act of corruption.
Includes 8 Oral Presentations and Award of Best Clinical Abstract

ARTARMON, Australia, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Saluda Medical Pty Limited ("Saluda Medical") today announced that data from multiple studies evaluating the company's Evoke ECAP-Controlled, Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System for the treatment of chronic pain will be featured in multiple presentations - including eight oral presentations and award of Best Clinical Abstract - during the upcoming North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) 23rd Annual Meeting, being held January 23-26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Evoke is the first closed-loop SCS system that is designed to measure the spinal cord's response to stimulation (via ECAPs, or evoked compound action potentials) and adjust on every pulse to optimize activation within the patient's therapeutic window.

Oral presentations by leading pain specialists will feature results out to 12 months from the Evoke U.S. Pivotal Study, which were recently published in The Lancet Neurology. These results were awarded The Best Clinical Abstract by NANS and will be presented on the podium by Timothy Deer, MD, President and CEO of The Spine & Nerve Centers in Charleston, WV and Past President of the International Neuromodulation Society. In addition, final results out to 24 months from the Avalon multicenter chronic study will be presented. Other presentations by Evoke study investigators will include discussions of various sub-analyses from the Evoke data.

John Parker, CEO of Saluda Medical, commented, "We look forward to hearing from investigators who will be sharing long-term results out to 12 months from the U.S. Evoke Pivotal Study and out to 24 months from the Avalon study. We are honored to have the studies of our device given such attention as NANS represents a meaningful opportunity for leading clinical neurologists and pain specialists to share scientific and medical developments in the treatment of pain."

Details of the presentations include:

Oral Presentations

 Avalon Study: Long-Term Impact of ECAP-Controlled Closed-Loop SCS on Pain, Patient Wellbeing and Clinical Practice

 Session: Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

 Presenter: Marc Russo, MBBS DA (UK) FANZCA FFPMANZCA

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 6:50-7:00 a.m. PT

 Location: Neopolitan Ballroom 1-2

 Sleep Quality Improvements Observed in the Evoke Study of ECAP Measurement and ECAP-Controlled Closed-Loop SCS

 Session: Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

 Presenter: Shrif Costandi, MD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 7:00-7:10 a.m. PT

 Location: Neopolitan Ballroom 1-2

 Therapeutic Levels and Variability of Spinal Cord Activation: Closed-Loop v. Open-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

 Session: Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

 Presenter: Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 7:10-7:20 a.m. PT

 Location: Neopolitan Ballroom 1-2

 Defining the Therapeutic Window for Spinal Cord Stimulation using Evoked Compound Action Potential (ECAP) Recordings

 Session: Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

 Presenter: Kasra Amirdelfan, MD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 7:20-7:30 a.m. PT

 Location: Neopolitan Ballroom 1-2

 "High Responders" to Neurostimulation Show Greater Clinical & Overall Meaningful Response in Patient Reported Outcomes

 Session: Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

 Presenter: Corey Hunter, MD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 7:30-7:40 a.m. PT

 Location: Neopolitan Ballroom 1-2

 ECAP-Controlled Closed-Loop SCS: Double-Blind, Randomized Trial for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: 12-month Outcomes

 Session: What's in the Signal? The Value Underlying Closed Loop Stimulation

 Presenter: Timothy R. Deer, MD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 4:35-4:45 p.m. PT

 Location: Octavius Ballrooms 12-16

 Award: Selected as Best Clinical Abstract Award

 Neurophysiology of the Human Spinal Cord in Patients with Chronic Neuropathic Pain During SCS

 Session: What's in the Signal? The Value Underlying Closed Loop Stimulation

 Presenter: Stefano Palmisani, MD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 4:45-4:55 p.m. PT

 Location: Octavius Ballrooms 12-16

 Long-Term Robustness of Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs) as a Physiological Monitoring Tool

 Session: Spinal Cord Stimulation Programming: Opening the Blackbox

 Presenter: Lawrence Poree, MD, PhD

 Time: Saturday, January 25th; 4:45-4:55 p.m. PT

 Location: Pompeian Ballrooms 1-4

Paper Poster Session Presentations

 Understanding the Effect of Titrating Medication with SCS Using Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs)

 Presenter: Steven M. Rosen, MD

 Time: Friday, January 24th; 5:00-7:00 p.m. PT

 Location: Group 6 - Novel Waveforms #43

 Evoked Compound Action Potentials (ECAPs): Helping to Understand Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

 Presenter: Sean Li, MD

 Time: Friday, January 24th; 5:00-7:00 p.m. PT

 Location: Group 6 - Novel Waveforms #44

For more information, please visit the Saluda Medical Booth #628 at NANS 2020.

About Saluda Medical

Saluda Medical is a global medical device company focused on patient outcomes, science, and engineering to transform the neuromodulation industry with a platform of closed-loop technologies based on the evoked compound action potential (ECAP). Saluda's first device, Evoke, is the first ECAP-Controlled, Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) System. Evoke is designed to measure the spinal cord's response to stimulation (ECAP), adjust on every pulse to optimize activation within the patient's therapeutic window, and maintain long-term results through ECAP control as demonstrated in the Avalon Study and Evoke Study. In the EU, Evoke is CE Marked and commercially available. In the U.S., Evoke is currently under investigation through the first double-blinded, randomized, controlled U.S. pivotal study in SCS and is not commercially available.

Saluda Medical is a privately-held company with headquarters in Artarmon, New South Wales, Australia and offices in Bloomington, MN, USA and Harrogate, UK. To learn more, visit www.saludamedical.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/saluda-medical/.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/516888/Saluda_Medical_Logo.jpg
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 17:43 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206061d93 1 Business DPR,house-of-representatives,Commission-XI,financial-services,scandal,Jiwasraya,Asabri,Commission-VI,Commission-III,Bumiputera,Taspen,Bank-Muamalat Free

The House of Representatives Commission XI, which oversees financial affairs, has announced the establishment of a working committee to monitor the financial services industry following a string of allegations implicating major companies.

The committee will focus on several service providers, including state insurers Asuransi Jiwasraya, Asabri and Asuransi Jiwa Bersama (AJB) Bumiputera. It will also look into financial problems suffered by state-owned pension insurance firm Taspen and sharia lender Bank Muamalat.

The ongoing problems in the financial service industry are very worrying, Commission XI chairman Dito Ganinduto wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

The committee would work hand-in-hand with other working committees recently established by Commission III overseeing legal affairs and Commission VI overseeing trade, industry and SOEs.

The Commission XI working committee will specifically handle finance-related issues, while that of Commission VI will handle the corporation side and Commission IIIs working committee will oversee law enforcement.

We will coordinate, so that our work doesn't overlap, Dito told a press briefing in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The committees establishment comes after financial trouble at numerous companies has captured the governments and publics attention.

Jiwasraya is in hot water for failing to pay out more than Rp 12 trillion (US$881 million) for maturing policies of its customers. Asabri incurred losses of Rp 10 trillion attributed to investment mismanagement, and Bumiputera has not paid out Rp 9.6 trillion for matured policies.

Meanwhile, Taspen suffered 23 percent investment losses in the two years ending 2018, according to Ombudsman Indonesia commissioner Ahmad Alamsyah Saragih, Kompas.com reported. Muamalat is being monitored upon the request of its shareholders after an extreme drop in net profit and a jump in bad loans.

Commission XIs working committee would work with other stakeholders in financial services, such as the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), Bank Indonesia (BI), Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and the Finance Ministry. It aims to complete the assessment within several months, focusing first on the Jiwasraya case.

The commissions priority is the customers; they have to get their money back, Commission XI vice chairman Eriko Sotarduga said.

Eriko added that the committee could provide recommendations for better financial services laws, adding that the House would evaluate the laws for the BI and OJK after the deliberation of the prioritized omnibus bill.

It is a lesson for us to make rigid and strict laws without grey areas and opportunities for hanky-panky and negotiating; it might be a blessing in disguise, he said. (mfp)
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is investigating the situation with Russian media in Estonia amid developments around Sputnik Estonia, whose employees were threatened with criminal prosecution, Jeanne Cavelier, the head of RSF Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, said

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st January, 2020) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is investigating the situation with Russian media in Estonia amid developments around Sputnik Estonia, whose employees were threatened with criminal prosecution, Jeanne Cavelier, the head of RSF Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, said.

"Dear Mr Vyshinsky, thank you very much for contacting RSF. We are currently investigating the issue of Russian-speaking media in Estonia and will possibly publish a statement," Cavelier said in her response to a letter by the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency, signed by its Executive Director Kirill Vyshinsky.

Sputnik Estonia staffers were forced to terminate their contracts starting January 1, after receiving threats of jail terms of up to five years from Estonian police. Estonian authorities cited the 2014 EU sanctions as a pretext for their actions.

However, the Rossiya Segodnya Information Agency, Sputnik's Moscow-based parent company, has insisted that it is not mentioned in any EU sanctions lists.

In connection with the situation, Rossiya Segodnya appealed to the OSCE. Its representative on freedom of the media, Harlem Desir, urged Tallinn to "refrain from unnecessary limitations on the work of foreign media that can affect the free flow of information." Desir also stated that the individual EU sanctions on Rossiya Segodnya Director General Dmitry Kiselev could not be extended to Sputnik Estonia journalists.

Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the Estonian authorities' actions against the news agency were outrageous, and accused the European Union of not doing enough to help.
Published on 2020/01/21 | Source

Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" became the first foreign language film to take the top honor at the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in California on Sunday. The Korean black comedy won the award for the best ensemble cast.

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"Although the title is "Parasite", I think the story is about co-existence, and how we can all live together", said actor Song Kang-ho through a translator while accepting the award.

The SAG Awards, one of Hollywood's big three awards, along with the Golden Globes and the Oscars, "focus on both individual performances as well as on the work of the entire ensemble of a drama series and comedy series, and the cast of a motion picture".

"Parasite", up for six Oscars including best picture and best director, has emerged as one of the strong contenders in a competition with heavyweights Martin Scorsese for "The Irishman", Todd Phillips for "Joker", Sam Mendes for "1917", and Quentin Tarantino for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".

This year's Academy Awards will be held on Feb. 9.

___________

"Parasite" is directed by Bong Joon-ho, and features Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Wooshik, Park So-dam, Lee Jung-eun. Release date in Korea: 2019/05/30.
Telugu Desam Party MP Jayadev Galla, detained in connection with a protest against Andhra governments three-capital proposal, was arrested on Tuesday morning and remanded to judicial custody till January 31.

The Guntur lawmaker, who led a rally of farmers to storm the state assembly on Monday afternoon, was taken to different police stations and finally produced before the Mangalagiri judicial magistrate in the early hours of Tuesday, after conducting medical examinations in the police vehicle itself.

The magistrate denied bail to Galla and remanded him to judicial custody till January 31. He was shifted to Guntur sub-jail at around 4.30 am, a statement from the state TDP office said.

The state legislative assembly late on Monday night passed two crucial bills  one to abolish Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority that was formed to oversee development of state capital at Amaravati; and the second bill to create three capital cities for the state as part of decentralisation of administration. The two bills would be introduced in the legislative council on Tuesday.

The legislation was tabled in the assembly on a day that protests against it rocked the Amaravati region, with hundreds farmers and women defying prohibitory orders and breaking security cordon, trying to reach the Legislature complex.

More than 50 persons, including six policemen, were injured during clashes with the police as part of their Chalo Assembly rally on Monday. The police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the farmers who laid siege to the state assembly complex at Velagapudi.

Guntur (rural) Superintendent of Police Ch Vijaya Rao said apart from Galla, several farmers were also booked under various non-bailable sections of the Indian penal code, for allegedly pelting stones at the police as part of Chalo Assembly rally.

At least six policemen received injuries in the stone pelting. We booked cases against only those who were indulging in violence, the SP said, adding that prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC and Section 30 of Police Act would be in force till the completion of the assembly session.

The police also took into custody TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and 15 MLAs when they were trying to take out a march to Mandadam village from the state assembly at Velagapudi, after they were suspended from the House for disrupting proceedings. They were taken in a police van and let off at Mangalagiri after midnight.

Meanwhile, a bandh is being observed on Tuesday in Amaravati, one of the three proposed capitals of Andhra Pradesh, to protest the lathi-charge a day earlier by the police on farmers who were agitating against the shifting of the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam.

All 29 villages in Amaravati region are observing a shutdown on January 21 in protest against police action on agitating farmers a day earlier. (ANI / Twitter )

Schools and colleges remained closed and shops and other business establishments downed their shutters voluntarily in the 29 villages falling under Amaravati region. We have resolved to take up non-cooperation movement against the government. We have decided against selling or supplying food and drinking water to the police as a mark of protest, a shopkeeper in Mandadam village said.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - HEYBRYAN MEDIA INC. (CSE: HEY) ('HeyBryan') the creator of the HeyBryan app that connects home-maintenance Experts to homeowners for help with small tasks around the home, is pleased to announce that its common shares will begin trading on the OTCQB Market at the opening of the market on January 21, 2020 under the stock symbol OTCQB: HEYBF.







HeyBryan to List on OTC Markets and Expand Advisory Team

To view an enhanced version of this image, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6572/51667_712d3f2ab4bd88c4_001full.jpg

HeyBryan now trades on the OTCQB Market, the premier market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies. Companies must be current in their reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/heybf/quote. In addition, HeyBryan's shares will continue to be listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol "HEY."

"Our listing on the OTCQB Market in the United States compliments HeyBryan's listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange and fits very well with the recognition that our key brand partner, Bryan Baeumler, has in the American market. We hope to broaden HeyBryan's investor base, allowing us to accelerate our growth strategy and execute on our 2020 plans," said Lance Montgomery, HeyBryan CEO. "While we're firmly focused on Canadian growth, the added visibility in the United States prepares us well as we look ahead to future expansion and M&A opportunities" noted Montgomery.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has signed a new contract with a previous strategic advisor for introductions to institutional investors and advice with respect to capital structure, financing, merger and capital raising opportunities for the purpose of developing the Company's business.

ON BEHALF OF HEYBRYAN MEDIA INC.

Lance Montgomery

CEO, President & Director

About OTC Market Group Inc.







OTC Markets Group Inc. operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, the company connects a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. OTC Markets enables investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and enable companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how OTC Markets creates better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

About HeyBryan Media Inc.

HeyBryan Media (CSE: HEY) is a peer-to-peer marketplace app offering a friendly and seamless way for customers to connect with trusted and vetted Experts for everyday home-maintenance needs. Founded in 2018, the app is named after Canadian HGTV personality and one of the country's most trusted contractors, Bryan Baeumler.

Payments are processed through the HeyBryan app, eliminating the need for any in-person money exchange. Every Expert is background checked and credit checked to ensure a safe and secure experience for consumers. Typical tasks booked include handyman services, mounting or installation, furniture assembly, plumbing, painting, cleaning, lawn and yard maintenance, and more. HeyBryan accommodates busy schedules by allowing the independent workforce and consumers to communicate and work together. It's about real experts doing real work for real people.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Lance Montgomery, President & CEO

604-240-8192

lance@heybryan.com

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

416-868-1079 x231

cathy@chfir.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.





Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking information and statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates, forecasts, beliefs and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, but are not limited to: risks related to the development, testing, licensing, intellectual property protection, and sale of, and demand for, the HeyBryan App and the services offered thereby, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals where applicable, and the state of the capital markets. HeyBryan cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements provided by HeyBryan, as such forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future results or performance and actual results may differ materially. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and HeyBryan expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51667
The European Investment Bank will continue to severely limit Turkeys loans due to the EUs dissatisfaction with Ankaras actions in Cyprus.

A bank representative told Reuters that it will continue to operate in accordance with the approach adopted by the EU member states and the European Commission.

Unless there is a change in direction at EU level, we will probably maintain the selective approach (to lending in Turkey) we have had in the past couple of years, at least for the foreseeable future, he said.
London, Jan 21 : The three Sikh men who were stabbed to death in a single attack in London, were killed in a row about not being paid for work, it has been claimed.

The victims of the stabbing near Seven Kings station in Ilford on Sunday night were identified as Harinder Kumar, 22, Narinder Singh, 26, and Baljit Singh, 34, the metro.co.uk said in a report.

They were killed in a fight allegedly sparked by a dispute over money owed for construction work, the report added.

Meanwhile, two Sikh men, aged 29 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of murder after the horrific incident.

According to the police, the fight between groups of Sikh men escalated into a fatal clash.

Speaking at the scene on Monday, Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman said the suspects and the victims were all known to each other.

"We believe the groups involved are members of the Sikh community," metro.co.uk quoted Clayman as saying.
Makdee actor Shweta Basu Prasad and her filmmaker husband Rohit Mittal, who got married in 2018, have filed for divorce after announcing separation in December, according to a report in Spotboye. She has now spoken at length about her relationship with Rohit.

Confirming that they have indeed filed for divorce, she said, Yes, we have filed for a legal separation. Shweta revealed that they chose to be friends rather than husband and wife. She was quoted as saying, Rohit and I are perfectly cordial and friendly. As I had mentioned in my post it was a mutual decision. He has always been very supportive of my acting career and I am his fan, he is a wonderful filmmaker and I hope we work together some day. We had 5 years of a very loving, healthy and loyal relationship, we just decided to end the marriage and remain friends, thats it.

With Rohit Mittal on their wedding.

Shweta said she is not looking for love now. She said, Of course I am not closed to the idea of falling in love again but right now my only focus is my career and my work. Love happens organically great, if it doesnt happen then no problem. Not looking for it.

Also read| Bigg Boss 13: Sidharth Shukla says he is done with Asim Riaz and wants to quit, fight divides Twitter

Announcing the separation on Instagram, Shweta had written: Hi everyone, Rohit Mittal and I have mutually decided to part our ways and end our marriage. After months of contemplation, we arrived at this decision few months ago in each others best interest, as individuals. Not every book is supposed to be read cover to cover, that doesnt mean the book is bad, or one cant read, some things are just best left unfinished. Thank you Rohit for the irreplaceable memories and always inspiring me. Have a great life ahead, forever your cheerleader.

Shweta has two projects, one with Sudhir Mishra and another one called Shukranu.

Shweta was last seen in The Tashkent Files. As per the said report, she will be seen in Sudhir Mishras film for Netflix opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui called Serious Men. She also has a film with Divyenndu Sharma titled Shukranu, set in the 1970s during the Emergency. These are among her five projects releasing this year.

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A new method that reveals how amoebae react to infection by giant viruses Credit: Tokyo University of Science

Viruses are probably the most peculiar "life forms" known to us, with each species having unique characteristics. One thing common to all viruses is that they attack a "host" cell and hijack its machinery, using it for its own replication. A type of large virus, called "giant virus," has interesting ways of attacking its host organisman amoeba. Virologists have been trying to understand what makes these viruses so unique for some time now, but to observe them, complex techniques are required. A method called phase-contrast microscopy is commonly used to study all types of cells, including amoebal cells. But, this technique relies heavily on the variation in the conditions of the cell and its background, and sometimes this leads to disruptions in the image producedfor example "halo" (in which the cell is surrounded by a bright light) and "shade-off" (in which the inside of the cell and background are of a similar intensity). This is why, to dig deeper into exactly how giant viruses infect amoebal cells, more efficient cell-tracking techniques are needed. Just earlier this month, scientists from the Tokyo University of Science, led by Professor Masaharu Takemura, had reported the discovery of two new species of pandoravirus and mimivirusboth families of giant viruses infecting amoebaefrom a riverbank in Japan. Prof Takemura says that continual discovery of viruses from soil is crucial from the standpoint of understanding the ecology of giant viruses.

More importantly, in a brand new study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, a team of scientists at Tokyo University of Science, once again led by Prof Takemura, tried to understand the behavior in which amoebal cells were infected with different types of giant viruses. For this, they devised a new cell-tracking method that tackles the issues of conventional analysis methods. Prof Takemura elaborates on the motivation of the study, "Our aim was to understand how giant viruses infect amoebae in the natural environment and how this has affected to evolution of eukaryotes. For this, we wanted to develop a technique to quantitatively detect the time-dependent, sequential changes in cellular number, size, shape, and direction and distance of cell motility."

In their study, Prof Takemura and his team focused on amoebae that were infected by a family of giant virus called "marseillevirus." To understand the behavior of host cells infected with this particular type of virus, the scientists developed a new algorithm that can trace individual amoebal cells in a population of amoebae using time-lapse phase-contrast microscopic images. They named this algorithm as "phase-contrast-based kinetic analysis algorithm for amoebae" or PKA3. Using PKA3, the scientists revealed new, interesting aspects of how amoebae react to a giant virus attack. For example, they quantitatively showed that giant virus-infected amoebal cells formed aggregates or "bunches." They inferred that this could be either an antiviral strategy of the host or how the virus spreads, shedding light on the manner in which the viral infection takes place. What's more, they managed to detect changes in the number of cells and the appearance of marseillevirus-infected amoebae much faster than by conventional methods. Interestingly, they could also analyze the time taken by amoebae to respond to a viral infection, providing useful information on the life cycle of amoebae and viruses and the relationship between them. Prof Takemura says, "Our algorithm was successful in visualizing the movement of cells in images produced by phase-contrast microscopy, a method widely used in cell biology. Also, it allowed quantification of various parameters. This research will greatly contribute to the demonstration of amoeba behavior infected with the giant virus."

Apart from studying giant viruses, this new algorithm could be used for various other applications, such as to study the dynamics of cancer cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and neurons. In general, it could reveal new cellular phenomena by tracking exactly how these cells migrate. Prof Takemura concludes by saying, "Our new analytical method could be applied to all cells that can be observed with a phase-contrast microscope and can potentially be applied to various fields including cell biology, medicine, and biotechnology."

Indeed, a technique like thiswhich can potentially make cell biology research easierwas much needed!

Explore further New giant virus may help scientists better understand the emergence of complex life

More information: Sho Fukaya et al, Kinetic Analysis of the Motility of Giant Virus-Infected Amoebae Using Phase-Contrast Microscopic Images, Frontiers in Microbiology (2020). Sho Fukaya et al, Kinetic Analysis of the Motility of Giant Virus-Infected Amoebae Using Phase-Contrast Microscopic Images,(2020). DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03014
At 25, Congress' Rocky Tuseed is the youngest candidate in the poll fray from Rajendra Nagar assembly constituency and has assets worth Rs 55,000, according to his election affidavit.

His twin brother, Nitish Tushir, is his cover candidate.

A cover candidate is fielded to ensure that a political party has a person to contest election in case its official candidate's papers are rejected during scrutiny. It is an established practice.

Tuseed, who filed his nomination on Tuesday, has said he is a social worker, has movable assets worth over Rs 55,000 and does not have a vehicle in his name.

He does not have any pending criminal cases and does not own any immovable assets.

He is pitted against Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha and BJP's RP Singh.

Tuseed was president of Delhi University Students' Union in 2017 and had a "bumpy and rocky" tenure.

Tussed was disqualified after he filed his nomination in September 2017 for not disclosing that disciplinary action was taken against him for assaulting a student in his college but his candidature was allowed after the Delhi High Court had put DU's order on hold.

While his plea was pending, he was elected as the president. In 2018, the high court had set aside his election saying he will no longer remain president. The court had observed that even a chargesheet was filed in the case but later a stay was put on the decision by the same court.

When he became president, he had ended the five-year-drought for the Congress-affiliated National Student's Union of India.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a meeting with Tonga Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva (not in picture) on October 26, 2018 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images)

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

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are likely to be highly sought after once they step down from royal duties (Yui Mok/PA Wire PA)

Harry, Meghan and baby Archie, soon before the pressures on the couple apparently began to take a toll (Toby Melville/PA)

Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have issued a warning over harassment by paparazzi photographers after stepping down from their royal duties to start a new life in Canada, a royal source said today.

The warning came after the media published images of Meghan taking a stroll through a park in Canada. They have been used by several outlets.

"The Sussexes' legal team have issued a legal notice to UK press, TV and photo agencies, concerning the use of paparazzi agency photos," the royal source said, referring to the couple by their title as Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Harry said last year he felt his wife had faced "bullying" from some tabloids similar to that faced by his mother Princess Diana who died in a 1997 car crash while trying to escape paparazzi photographers.

The couple accepted substantial damages and an apology from a news agency last year after it took aerial photographs of their home in the Cotswolds, southern England, forcing them to move out.

Earlier on Tuesday, Harry was shown arriving on Vancouver Island, days after reaching an arrangement with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth and other senior royals that will see him and Meghan quit their royal roles to seek an independent future.

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Buckingham Palace confirmed on Saturday that Harry and Meghan would no longer be working members of the royal family. They would not use their "Royal Highness" titles and would pay their own way in life, freeing them to forge a new future in Canada and the United States.

Harry has admitted he had not wanted to step away entirely from his royal life and his military appointments, but said there was no other option.

"It brings me great sadness that it has come to this, he said on Sunday.

American actress Meghan returned to Canada on January 10 to be reunited with their baby son Archie, and Harry flew out late on Monday to join her.

Expand Close Harry, Meghan and baby Archie, soon before the pressures on the couple apparently began to take a toll (Toby Melville/PA) / Facebook

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the couple's formal title which they will continue to use, spent six weeks in Canada at the end of last year before returning to Britain.

They publicly announced earlier this month by publicly announcing they wanted more independence, leaving other senior royals feeling hurt and disappointed, royal sources have said.

The new arrangement, agreed following a summit held by the queen at her Sandringham estate in eastern England and attended by Harry's father and heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and elder brother Prince William, will come into effect this spring.

Harry is expected to carry out some official engagements before then, although it is not clear whether Meghan will be involved. She was pictured in the Sun newspaper on Tuesday, walking her dogs in a park on Vancouver Island close to where the couple have been staying in a secluded house.

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In their new life, the couple will no longer receive public money and will repay the cost of refurbishing their British home in Windsor, which official figures show amounted to 2.4 million.

But certain details, such as whether the couple could continue to use the "Sussex Royal" title for their website and branding and their future security arrangements, have either not been finalised or publicly revealed.

Asked about who would pay for their protection, Britain's justice minister Robert Buckland said there was an issue about how public money was spent.

"Quite clearly there have already been arrangements made about how that family are going to live and how they are going to be able to get private income but there clearly has to be a line of delineation," he told Sky News.

"I think we all want a family like that to be safe, but at the same time I think what really needs to happen is they need to understand how their lifestyle is to adapt and what their needs might be."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Tuesday that talks about the couples security costs were continuing.
The former Chief Executive Officer GOTEL Communications, John Chiahemen, has debunked accusations that he absconded with the salaries of the workers, including the expatriate staff of the company.

GOTEL Communications, which has radio and television arms, is owned by the former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential elections, Atiku Abubakar.

The media group, based in Adamawa State, was run by Mr Chiahemen, a veteran international journalist and former Reuters correspondent, until he was removed in 2016 in circumstances he describes as unceremonious.

GOTELs accusation

On Thursday last week, Atikus spokesperson, Paul Ibe, accused Mr Chiahemen, among other things, of bolting with the salaries of both local and expatriate workers and refused to make himself available to render an account.

Mr Ibe also accused Mr Chiahemen of serious fiduciary infractions uncovered by a visitation committee constituted to carry out a comprehensive audit of the company.

He said following the report of the audit committee, Mr Chiahemen refused to make himself available before a board meeting convened to enable him account for the huge resources put under his charge.

For the avoidance of doubt, the funds dedicated to the payment of salaries of staff, both local and expatriates that were engaged by Chiahemen himself were made available to him. All those concerned are advised to contact Mr Chiahemen accordingly, Mr Ibe said in various media reports.

Besides, he said a formal petition on the alleged breach of trust, fraud and misappropriation of funds against Mr Chiahemen was filed since December 14, 2016, at the Force Criminal Investigation Intelligence Department (FCIID  Interpol) for investigation.

False, malicious allegations?

However, in a reaction on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Chiahemen dismissed the allegations against him as false, malicious, and a carefully orchestrated attempt to tarnish my image.

I am talking with my lawyers with a view to seeking appropriate legal redress against the authors of the publication. The publication are part of an orchestrated campaign of calumny since 2016 aimed at damaging my hard-earned professional and personal reputation, character and to bring me into public odium, obloquy, infamy, scandal, scorn and contempt.

This misrepresentation and falsehood have been propagated by GOTEL as far back as 2016 and has caused serious damage to my profession, reputation, character and solid reputation as a renowned and veteran international journalist with a track record spanning more than 40 years, Mr Chiahemen said.

Contrary to Mr Ibes claim that Mr Chiahemen was given a free hand by the founder and board of GOTEL Communications Ltd and GOTEL Africa Media Ltd to run the affairs of the companies, he said, funds meant for the payment of GOTEL staff salaries (local and expatriate) was not made available to me.

The allegation that funds meant for the payment of salaries of both local and expatriates staff of GOTEL were made available to me is not only false, but also malicious.

For the record, I was not the Group Financial Director or Group Financial Controller of GOTEL. To be clear, funds dedicated to the payment of salaries of staff were not in my custody.

The Group Financial Controller was the paymaster in all matters of funds relating to the GOTEL Africa Project. Payroll and operational funds were provided on a month-by-month basis, when they were, by the Financial Controller and my management merely disbursed them, he said.

He said prior to his removal as the Managing Director, payment of salaries had already become difficult since mid-2015, with the Group Financial Controller blaming it on the downturn in Nigerias economy.

The deplorable condition, Mr Chiahemen said, prompted the GOTEL management not to renew the contracts of the international staff, while others opted to take a salary cut that would allow them to leave by the end of 2015.

He denied knowledge of any audit report indicting his former management or any invitation to answer questions in connection with the purported audit he described as a vindictive charade carried out after his removal.

I have not been presented with or asked to respond to any queries relating to any audit while it was in progress or thereafter. I am not privy to the content of the speculated audit report or called upon to render an account, he said.

I did not bolt and refuse to make myself available to account for the [alleged] huge resources put in my charge. I was away on sick leave. The Chairman of the Board was notified of my trip and acknowledged my notification.

I am unaware of any petition written to the FCIID (Interpol) against me as I have not been invited by any law enforcement agency on any of the false allegations levelled against my person.

GOTEL management under me performed well within the resources that we had. The management under me was not  long in promises and short in performance as alleged. All the achievements of my management were in spite of the lack of proper project funding, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 22:30:20|Editor: huaxia

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DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng said here on Tuesday that China is a beneficiary of economic globalization, and more importantly, a contributor to sustainable global development.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a speech at the 2020 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that China has become a main anchor and leading engine of the world economy, contributing around 30 percent to global growth in recent years.

China has actively implemented the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and played a leading role in international cooperation on climate change, which has made global development more inclusive and sustainable, Han said.

By honoring its WTO accession commitments on all fronts and promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, China has provided an important driving force for building an open world economy, he said.

From 2001 to 2018, China's import of goods increased at an annual rate of 13.6 percent, 6.8 percentage points higher than the global average. Also, its huge market has offered tremendous opportunities for the development of other countries, he said.

From 1978 to 2018, China has attracted over 2 trillion U.S. dollars of foreign direct investment in non-financial sectors. Around 490 out of the world's top 500 companies have business operations in China, he said.

All these have contributed to the sustained and sound growth of the Chinese economy, improved the global supply, industrial and value chains, and provided strong support to the world economy, he added.
[January 21, 2020] Tyler Technologies Celebrates One Year of Advancement Toward Evidence-Based Policymaking

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL), the largest software company in North America solely focused on providing integrated software and technology services to the public sector, celebrates the first anniversary of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. This legislation provides official guidance for drafting and implementing comprehensive data strategies at the federal level. "As a technology company trusted by thousands of clients and millions of people, we believe it is important for governments to collaborate, innovate, and modernize how they use data," said Tyler Chief Strategy Officer Jeff Puckett. "In the past year, we've seen agencies make significant progress in hiring chief data officers, adopting rules to govern the use of data, and breaking down the silos that prevented information and insights from being shared." Data sharing and collaboration help governments create meaningful outcomes for the public they serve. For example, in addressing systemic challenges such as the opioid crisis, recidivism, or workforce development, government leaders can tap into their data to develop effective solutions, measure whether they work, and widely scale those that are proven for cost-effective outcomes. Since 2009, Tyler's Socrata solution has enabled government agencies to publish and share data with the public in open formats with the Socrata Open Data API. Successful Socrata Open Data clients include U.S. Department of Transportation, which uses the Socrata platform to share state crash data, enabling access to data from intelligent transportation systems technologies, and driving data-informed policy-making

U.S. Department of Commerce, which uses the Socrata performance application to share detailed datasets, data stories, visualizations, and dashboards on how it is helping the American economy grow

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which uses Socrata data visualization tools to identify areas of disparities between subgroups of Medicare beneficiaries in health outcomes, utilization, and spending. These insights are used by stakeholders to inform policy decisions, target populations or geographic areas for interventions, and understand racial and ethnic differences in health outcomes.



"Federal agencies, especially, need tools to work together across jurisdictions, share information, and integrate workflows," Puckett said. "We want to help open the door for federal agencies to connect to organizations on the state and local levels and with their constituents like never before."

"You see federal agencies improving data access and designing programs that target outcomes with data," said Franklin Williams, president of Tyler's Data & Insights Division. "All this effort helps government make smart decisions about every dollar it spends, while improving collaboration and spurring innovation." Socrata, Tyler's flagship data and insights solution, provides easy-to-deploy and FedRAMP-accredited cloud technology to unlock siloed government data and put it at the heart of every government program. Socrata's proven and rigorous success methodology, combined with experienced domain experts in Washington, D.C., will help federal agencies evolve quickly from compliance with the law to making data a central component of every government program. All this is possible while creating a sustainable open architecture for their data sharing and analytics efforts. About Tyler Technologies (News - Alert), Inc. Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL) provides integrated software and technology services to the public sector. Tyler's end-to-end solutions empower local, state, and federal government entities to operate more efficiently and connect more transparently with their constituents and with each other. By connecting data and processes across disparate systems, Tyler's solutions are transforming how clients gain actionable insights that solve problems in their communities. Tyler has more than 26,000 successful installations across more than 10,000 sites, with clients in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, and other international locations. A financially strong company, Tyler has achieved double-digit revenue growth every quarter since 2012. It was also named to Forbes' "Best Midsize Employers" list in 2019 and recognized twice on its "Most Innovative Growth Companies" list. More information about Tyler Technologies, headquartered in Plano, Texas, can be found at tylertech.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005186/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed VerifyMe, Inc. (OTCQB: VRME) ("the Company"), a technology solutions company that markets products supported by patents, patent applications and trade secrets which prevent counterfeiting and product diversion of a variety of consumer products. CEO of the Company, Patrick White, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by asking about the Company's background and current projects. "VerifyMe is a brand protection company. We specialize in counterfeit and product diversion protection for major brands, products, labels, and packaging," shared White. "Products can be metal, plastic, even apparel, ceramics, anything; We can put technology that we have patented or patent-pending onto products and labels so that people can easily verify the authenticity," he explained.

White then expanded on the Company's strategic partners, as well as the complexity of their technology and the numerous applications it offers.

Jolly then inquired about counterfeiting concerns, especially in regard to products that originate from China and the Middle East. "Counterfeiting is the scourge of the Earth right now, and it's really under the radar," said White. He then explained that while counterfeit products are tempting to many consumers, they pose a dangerous threat to their health and well-being. "These brands are very concerned about that, not only for the financial impact but because of the litigation risks and liabilities they face," he added. "Counterfeiting is a $1.8 trillion economy itself," said White.

"Who are your customers and how do you make your money?", asked Jolly, noting that the Company's flagship product is called RainbowSecure. "RainbowSecure is a patented invisible ink technology. The invisible codes are revealed with special lighting systems which are attached to smartphones," said White. "We sell the technology to brand owners on a per-mark basis, which is based on volume." explained White. He then shared that the Company also offers a mobile authentication and internet tracking system called VeriPAS. "VeriPAS is sold in the form of Bar or QR codes. Pricing is charged per code and runs in the pennies, depending on volume," he added.

White then explained that the Company also leases cell phone authenticators, which offer the ability to track and trace products and reveal hidden imagery for brand inspectors who typically go out into the field to perform a deeper forensic analysis of products either as a spot check or following up on suspected counterfeiting activity which the VerifyMe's VeriPAS software alerted them about.

"We also have products for consumers," shared White, adding that if a brand owner uses the Company's systems their products can be authenticated by the consumer or government personnel with their personal smartphone. "You can also allow the brand owners to market to their customer," shared White. "Using our VeriPAS software, the brand owners can engage with their customers with marketing and also gather the very valuable data from the customer."

"VerifyMe also manufactures and sell a special Amazon label system called, "VeriyMe As Authentic" to third party retailers on Amazon," said White, adding that these come in label form and are sold in packs of 5,000 units to Amazon retailers who need to protect their clients from cheap or harmful counterfeits. "Our "VerifyMe As Authentic" labels allow the Amazon retailers customer base to verify the authenticity of their purchase with their smartphone," he added. White then noted that the Company has also entered the people verification space with their biometrics technology.

The conversation then turned to the Company's plans involving major strategic partners going forward. "Hewlett-Packard is our major strategic partner," shared White, adding that one of the largest software companies in the world, Micro Focus is also another strategic partner of the Company.

To close the interview, White expanded that the Company is well positioned to solve the massive counterfeiting problem using a unique combination of valuable intellectual property, strategic partners and well-connected board members.

To hear Patrick White's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7483851-verifyme-inc-ceo-patrick-white-is-featured-on-the-stock-day-podcast

Investors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/

About VerifyMe, Inc.

VerifyMe, Inc.is a technology solutions company that markets products supported by patents, patent applications and trade secrets which provides identifiers and serialization for authenticating, tracking and tracing functions for labels, packaging and products. The company also markets multi-factor biometric verification solutions to verify people. VerifyMe's physical technology authenticates packaging, labels and documents with a suite of proprietary security inks and pigments, which work in conjunction with serialization and track-and-trace software. The company's digital technologies authenticate people by performing strong, multi-factor biometric verification via its patented digital software platforms. To learn more, visit www.verifyme.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the acquisition of new customers and the expected future growth. The words "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "could," "target," "potential," "is likely," "will," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and history of losses, its ability to work with partners in selling its technologies to businesses, production difficulties, our inability to enter into contracts and arrangements with future partners, issues which may affect the reluctance of companies to change their purchasing of products, acceptance of our technologies, the efficiency of our authenticators in the field, our ability to successfully protect our intellectual property rights, and claims of infringement by others. Further information with respect to our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Registration Statement (File No. 333-234155) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2019. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

For Licensing or Other Information Contact:

Company: VerifyMe, Inc.

Email: IR@verifyme.com

Website: http://www.verifyme.com

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

602-441-3474

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51693
David D. Glass, who as chief executive of Walmart stores led the worlds largest retailer through one of its greatest periods of expansion, and who also owned the Kansas City Royals when they won the 2015 World Series, died on Jan. 9. He was 84.

His family said the cause was complications associated with pneumonia. They did not say where he died.

Mr. Glass led Walmart from 1988 to 2000; he then became owner and chief executive of the Royals, who, on his watch, made their first trip to the World Series in nearly three decades, losing to the San Francisco Giants in 2014. But the team won the title the next year against the Mets.

Mr. Glass paid $96 million for the franchise in 2000 (the equivalent of about $146 million today) and sold it last fall for $1 billion.
Hidden away in a tiny backstreet of Hanoi is a community like no other.

From the outside looking in, the alley off Le Thanh Nghi Street doesnt look that much out of the ordinary. But on closer inspection of those living there, the clues start to piece together. Most, if not all of the residents, are wearing lanyards with identifications bearing the name of a nearby hospital.

And those with their sleeves rolled up reveal the telltale scars caused by treatment for kidney dialysis.

Residents in this community dont live here because they want to, but because they have to. Many come from afar, but have given up their homes in favour of their health, opting to be closer to the hospitals where three times a week or more, each will undergo dialysis.

My two kidneys totally failed, said 36-year-old Vuong Thi Hoang Anh from Hai Duong Province.

I go to hospital for treatment every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It has almost become a habit. I must go on schedule even if I dont want to otherwise I will feel very tired.

Mai Anh Tuan has been living there for 24 years, also for kidney treatment, and is considered head of the community.

There are a total of about 130 patients in this community. Ninety percent come from poor households and all have lost at least 80 per cent of their health, said 45-year-old Tuan.

Nguyen Thi Thu has been a dialysis patient for 12 years. This year, it will be her first Tet far away from home.  VNS Photos Ho Hoang



Being away from home, family and close friends is tough at the best of times, but as the country prepares to welcome the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday of the year, being far apart from those dear to you can be torturous.

This year, about 100 people will stay here throughout the holidays, the highest number so far, Tuan said.

Its very sad but I have to accept it, said Nguyen Thi Thu, 58, who for the past 11 years has been making the 64-kilometre journey from her home in Hung Yen Province to the capital for dialysis.

Last year, after her health deteriorated, she decided the best option was to say goodbye to her family and move closer to Banh Mai hospital where she is receiving treatment.

She added: Now just going from here to there makes me tired so I cant go back home for Tet. We will just celebrate Tet with whatever is being brought by the community.

And thanks to a young group of friends, this year Tet has an extra special meaning.

This week the residents gathered and were as excited as schoolchildren. One by one their names were called out and each person was presented with an envelope containing traditional lucky money.

A group of youngster present traditional lucky money to the patients in the community.



Volunteer Nguyen Huy Than said Tet was the perfect time for him and his friends to offer a helping hand to those less fortunate.

He said: It is year-end so we ask each other to share a part of what we get after a working year with people here to somehow ease their burdens.

Our gifts may help them afford some branches of cherry blossoms and kumquat trees for Tet and bring warmth to them.

While many people want to come home, it is very difficult for many dialysis patients and they really need encouragement.

And encouragement is exactly what they got.

Tuan added: Actually, Tet holidays here are not much different from normal days. On New Years Eve, all patients just gather, talk and share with each other to welcome the New Year.

The New Year is also the best time to look forward to a better future. And for those living here, all seem to have a single wish.

I want my health to stay the same, not worsening and that I dont need any support from others, Hoang Anh said.

I wish for all dialysis patients in this alley and dialysis patients all over to have a healthier New Year and more resilience to fight against the illness, Tuan said.

The residents of Le Thanh Nghi Street, affectionately known as Dialysis Alley, may well be far away from home for the New Year celebrations.

But with their new found friends all sharing one thing in common, this tight-knit community is the best family they can hope for to usher in the New Year.  VNS

Vu Thu Ha and Paul Kennedy

Vietnamese girl hospitalized because of self-medicate for weight loss Binh Dan Hospital in HCM City yesterday announced a 22-year-old girl in the southern province of Binh Duong was hospitalized because of kidney failure after using weight-loss medications by herself.
Bolivia has decided to withdraw its recognition of the Polisarios unilaterally declared Pseudo Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, according to a communique released by the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Bolivia has decided to withdraw its recognition of the Polisarios self-styled Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, according to a communique released by the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Based on the explanations provided by the Kingdom of Morocco, the Plurinational State of Bolivia adopts constructive neutrality and the commitment to support the efforts of the United Nations and the international community so that the parties can reach a just, durable and mutually acceptable political solution in accordance with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. In that sense, the Plurinational State of Bolivia decided to suspend its current ties with the Arab Republic of Democratic Saharaui (SADR), reads the communique.

Bolivias Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that given Moroccos excellent relations with African and Arab countries, it will serve as gateway to Africa and the Arab world for Bolivia, and the latter will serve as Moroccos gateway to the Andean region in Latin America.

The move comes amidst an unprecedented diplomatic push by Morocco to convince many governments in Africa and Latin American to withdraw their recognition of the Polisarios self-styled republic whose international backing has plummeted in recent years.

As recently as last December, Jamaica and Lesotho decided to suspends their diplomatic ties with the Polisarios entity.

The decision of the Bolivian government constitutes a new setback for the Polisario as it deprives it of the diplomatic support of a country that has for long been regarded as its tradition ally in Latin America.

Bolivia and the Polisario have maintained diplomatic ties since the Bolivian government established diplomatic ties with the latters self-proclaimed government in 1982.

Bolivia increased its diplomatic support for the Polisario since the election of former President Evo Morales in January 2006. Former Polisario leader, Mohamed Abdelaziz was among personalities that attended the swearing-in of the then newly elected Bolivian President.

With the ousting of Morales following the presidential elections of last October, which were eventually annulled, the new right-leaning provisional government headed by Jeanine Anez Chavez seems intent to break away from Morales political and diplomatic legacy.
MONTREAL, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Planbox, a pioneering cloud-based AI-powered agile innovation management platform, today announced record breaking results for a fourth consecutive year, as the company achieved new operational efficiencies with its accelerated expansion of newand ongoing retention of existingcustomer relationships, all of which has been fueled by the company's most recent acquisition of UK-based innovation platform provider Imaginatik (LSE: IMTK).

Major Financial & Operational Highlights:

Planbox

200% revenue growth in 2019 and up 1,000% since founding in 2015.

Recurring revenue up 250% in 2019 and up 1,250% since 2015.

Completed acquisition of Imaginatik (LSE:IMTK) to create an agile innovation management powerhouse.

Partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy on a major project to support the naval force's global mission in becoming a more agile and digitally-enabled organization.

Awarded the G-Cloud 11 Framework Certification to supply the company's cloud-based software and services via the UK Government's Digital Marketplace.

Planned an innovative new deployment for 2021 at a world-renowned brand in Europe for Grand Prix F1 racing to drive a competitive advantage for regulatory requirements.

Major Product Highlights:

Announced Discovery Central, a new module that provides a unique guided framework based on business context and defined lenses to imagine different futures, and explore the right problems to solve and prioritize with Head-to-Head technology comparison for strategy alignment.

Announced Portfolio Central module that tracks the status, cost and returns of different projects (overrun, overspend, bottleneck) to report on benefits realized.

New integrated surveys and embedded polling to enable better feedback and customer insights across the platform for problem definition, challenge success and idea development.

Major Customer Success Highlights:

Maintained customer retention over 90% with a majority of clients opting for 3+ year platform commitments.

Global deployment for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies with over 100,000 employees with the top 20 R&D spend that expanded the use of the platform across the enterprise.

Cargill , the largest private company in the US, renewed for a 15th consecutive year and made a major investment to expand its use of the platform.

"We feel Planbox's platform supports our mission in maintaining a culture of innovation by opening up the participation process to the entire organization and crowdsourcing ideas from a wide range of audiences," said Michael McCathren, Enterprise Innovation at Chick-fil-A. "We're excited about Planbox's latest innovative capabilities following their most recent merger. Integrating their robust agile innovation management platform within Chick-fil-A's innovation process will allow us to collaborate more broadly and manage the journey of ideas with much greater efficiency."

"Planbox is a highly customizable and versatile platform supported by a fantastic team," said Jade Clarke, Learning & Development Manager at Alberta Blue Cross.

Other Key Highlights & Developments:

Completed SOC 2 Type II Audit, demonstrating compliance to strict information security, availability, and confidentiality standards for the Planbox platform and data centers.

Reported by leading advisory firm 451 Research as having a "unique upper hand in the innovation management space."

Pioneered the joint use case for ISO 56000 Series of International Standards on Innovation Management and ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems Standards to create a complete framework for continuous improvement and sustainable success.

"2019 was a breakaway year for Planbox as we saw great momentum across the board in the marketplace with new and existing customers, as well as acquiring a new business that paid huge dividends in terms of new expertise and technologies that will serve us well into the future," said Ludwig Melik, CEO of Planbox. "We are delighted and humbled by the love our community has demonstrated for Planbox and we will do our utmost to exceed their expectations."

Click here to view the official press release.

For all the latest news and updates, follow Planbox on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

About Planbox

Planbox is the pioneering provider of cloud-based AI-Powered Agile Innovation Management solutions  from creative ideas to winning projects. Our mission is to help organizations thrive by transforming the culture of agile work, continuous innovation, and creativity across the entire organization. Our family of products includes Collaborative Innovation Management, Team Decision Making, and Work Management applications. Planbox is designed to provide agile innovation tools for everyone, built for companies and teams of all sizes. Planbox is the comprehensive innovation solution trusted by some of the world's most recognized brands, including Blue Cross, Cargill, Caterpillar, Dow Chemical, Exxon Mobil, Honeywell, John Deere, Novartis, Ontario Power Generation, Sun Life Financial, Whirlpool and Verizon, with millions of internal and external users.

Contact Information

Lucas Potasso-Justino

Planbox Content Marketing Specialist

+1 (855) 752-6269 ext 608

[email protected]

Related Images

image1.png

SOURCE Planbox
THE ODD PLANTS OF MRS Z February 26 to April 26 | For all Jardin botanique de Montreal  Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm  Open on Monday, March 2 (March Break)

From February 26, there will be a brand new event for everyone! Young and old alike will step into a clandestine visit to Mrs. Z's greenhouse-laboratory, a do-it-yourselfer and a lover of odd plants, while she's temporarily away from the lab...

Visitors will take up fun challenges, participate in the Invention Zone and encounter unusual plants: Enigmatic, Animal, Giant, Succulent and even... Carnivorous plants! By the time you leave the greenhouse-laboratory, you'll see plants in a whole new light. Fun for the whole family!

Timed tickets to The Odd Plants of Mrs Z

ON SALE AS OF FEBRUARY 1

Book your tickets from February 1 to 25 and enjoy a 25% discount:

espacepourlavie.ca/en/ticketing

LUCIA, THE SECRET OF SHOOTING STARS

Produced by the Planetarium de Saint-Etienne (France)

From February 29 | Ages 4 to 10 | 31 min

Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan  Tuesday to Sunday,

Open on Monday, March 2 (March Break)

Where do shooting stars come from? Why do they occur? What are meteorites? A penguin called James and a polar bear called Vladimir are struck by an unknown object as they contemplate the Southern Lights from space. A hummingbird named Lucia flies to their assistance after their dangerous landing. She tells them a strange legend about "stones of light." Once their spaceship is repaired, all three of them set off on a search for answers to their questions.

EVEN MORE TO SEE AND DO AT THE PLANETARIUM RIO TINTO ALCAN DURING MARCH BREAK

ALDEBARAN PROGRAMMING WORKSHOPS | Ages 10 and up

Accompanied by a Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan guide and using LEGO Mindstorms, participants will become budding scientists and engineers and carry out activities that require them to solve problems while flexing their creative muscles!

ASTERIAS

10:00 am and 10:30 am (in French), 11 am (in English) | Ages 3 to 5

Accompanied by a Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan guide, children will get to know the planets, Sun and other celestial bodies through a story. They'll hear about Asterias, a little sea star lost in the solar system.

OTHER SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Arts and crafts workshops on astronomy will run nonstop from 11 am to 4 pm daily. Weather permitting, kids will get to observe the sky outside, all day and all evening. In addition to these activities, quizzes will be presented on the video wall every day.

ALSO SCREENING AT THE PLANETARIUM RIO TINTO ALCAN

POLARIS

Ages 4 to 8 | 29 min

James, a travelling penguin from the South Pole, and Vladimir, a funny bear from the North Pole, meet on the Arctic sea ice. The two are amateur astronomers, trying to solve the mystery of why the night is so long at the Earth's poles. In an exciting scientific adventure, they build an observatory and then an improvised spaceship. During a trip around the Earth, extended to Mars and Saturn, they get their answer and discover that the planets have similarities, but also differences.

THE SECRETS OF GRAVITY

For all | 28 min

Why do things magically fall to the ground rather than floating in the air? This is the very question that the young apprentice magician Limbradur asks. He wants to find out all he can about this law of nature and the mysteries of the Universe. So, one night, he uses his magic powers to sneak into the Albert Einstein Museum. There, he encounters ALBYX3, a small, clever but rather quirky robot who knows all about Albert Einstein and his theories. Alby takes Limbradur on an exciting journey through space and time, during which he explains the principles underlying gravitation, but also learn much about friendship and imagination.

NIGHT SKY

Age 7 and up

Under the Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan's 360 dome, you'll experience time and space immersively. You'll be amazed and awed by the stars, planets, Moon, constellations and legends, as well as astronomical news.

There's something for all ages at Espace pour vie during March Break!

The Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Open Monday, March 2 for March Break.

Complete program

Schedule for all shows

Reservations required for all show presented in theatres:

espacepourlavie.ca/en/ticketing

Espace pour la vie is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Biodome, Insectarium, Jardin botanique and Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.

SOURCE Espace pour la vie

For further information: Sandra Rossi RP et representation, Camille Asselin, 438 887-7845, [email protected]; Espace pour la vie, Chantal Cote, 514 872-2227, [email protected]

Related Links

espacepourlavie.ca


Businesses in areas starved of tourists after the bushfires have urged the government to make it easier to apply for loans and grants, saying they are struggling to access relief money.

Glennie Dawson, who owns Glennie's Seafood & Burger Shack in the NSW South Coast town of Dalmeny, near Narooma, said her application for a government disaster relief grant had been knocked back because her business was not physically damaged by fire.

Tourists queue to leave Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast on January 2, 2020. They have largely not returned to the evacuated areas. Credit:Kate Geraghty

And she said she was not interested in the federal and state governments' $500,000 concessional loan scheme announced this week because it would add to her debt.

"I already have my home loan - I just think it would be harder to try to pay off another loan," Mrs Dawson said.
Egypts food culture may be ancient, but its national dish, koshari, claims more recent origins. The humble hodgepodge of rice, pasta, and legumes with spiced tomato sauce and fried onions is thought to have descended from Indian khichdi via British colonialism, the macaroni a likely contribution of the countrys once-sizable Italian immigrant population. With its bounty of beans and variety of starches, its a legit grain bowl ripe for the fast-casual treatment. London has its Koshari Street, Bay Ridge and Greenwich Village had the short-lived Kusharista, and at Nolitas new Zooba, the first American outpost of the Cairo-based chain, koshari is a featured attraction despite New York head chef Omar Hegazis preopening jitters: Will people really want to be eating a bowl filled with carbs? Considering the dish has gone from weekend special to daily staple, it seems that they do.

Mouse over or tap the image to read more.

On the menu at Zooba; $12; 100 Kenmare St., at Cleveland Pl.; 646-328-9144

*This article appears in the January 20, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

Eat like the experts. Sign up for the Grub Street newsletter. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
FELTON, California, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market scope was projected at US$ 2.5 billion in 2018. It is likely to reach US$ 31.3 billion by 2025 with a CAGR of 41.5% during the prediction period.

Drivers:

The increasing necessity for pull down the prices of healthcare, increasing significance of big data in healthcare, increasing implementation of precision medication, and decreasing the prices of hardware are some features motivating the development of the global artificial intelligence in healthcare market. Additionally, growing applicability of artificial intelligence centered tools in therapeutic care and growth in project capital investments can be credited to the gush in demand for this equipment. Such as, Care Predict, Inc. utilizes technology of artificial intelligence to observe alterations in performance patterns and movement for timely discovery of fitness problems.

Growing number of cross-industry corporations is projected to increase the acceptance of artificial intelligence in the sector of healthcare. This is additionally accountable for its rewarding rate of development. GNS Healthcare came into a cross-industry corporation with Amgen and Alliance for clinical trials in oncology, in September 2018. The group effort was intended at put on information from clinical trials and artificial intelligence to recognize issues that accelerate the reactions of treatment in metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients.

Implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare is increasing, by way of growth in emphasis on refining class of patient care by way of applying artificial intelligence in numerous features of healthcare services, for example surgeries & cybernetic supporters. The artificial intelligence centered apparatuses, for example support systems of clinical decision & software for voice recognition, assistance in restructuring of workflow procedures in hospitals and refining medicinal care, by this means increasing patient experience.

The combination of artificial intelligence in healthcare has a number of paybacks for together providers of healthcare along with patients. For example, artificial intelligence permits custom-made attention, on the basis of fitness disorder and previous medicinal history. Furthermore, artificial intelligence centered apps can be utilized for nonstop observing of wellbeing. Sequentially this would guarantee appropriate treatment & care and can ultimately decrease the stay in hospital.

Get Sample PDF and read more details about the "Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market" Report 2025.

Classification:

The global artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare industry can be classified by Application, Component and Region. By Application it can be classified as Dosage Error Reduction, Fraud Detection, Diagnosis, Administrative Workflow Assistants, Robot-assisted Surgery, Cybersecurity, Clinical Trials, Connected Machines, and Virtual Assistants. By Component, it can be classified as Software, Hardware and Services.

Regional Lookout:

By Region the global AI in healthcare market can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America ruled the global market for artificial intelligence in healthcare in 2018. Obtainability of capital for increasing proficiencies of artificial intelligence, increasing acceptance of healthcare IT solutions and deep-rooted sector of healthcare are some of the reasons funding to the development of the market within the region. The U.S.A detained the biggest share of income in North America, and is expected to keep up its place during the period of forecast. Progressions in technology and growing inventiveness by the government are helping acceptance of digital display place in life sciences, this can moreover be credited to this share.

Asia Pacific is likely to appear such as the speedily developing region. Refining infrastructure for healthcare IT, increasing number of startups for artificial intelligence and progressively growing acceptance of progressive technologies are some of the reasons donating to the development of the artificial intelligence in healthcare industry. Growth in number of government inventiveness for the technology of artificial intelligence (AI) within this region is likewise projected to support the development. South Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT declared in March 2019, that it would initiate an experimental service of artificial intelligence centered accuracy medication facility known as Dr. Answer, in December 2019.

Companies:

Partnerships with other contestants of the business, diversity in services and more funds for the activities of Research & Development are some the important policies accepted by these companies for attaining the reasonable advantage. IBM Corporation declared a 10-year partnerships with Brigham Women's Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center comprising an investment of US$ 50 million for the research of artificial intelligence, in February 2019.

Some of the important companies for AI in healthcare industry are: DeepMind Technologies Limited, Microsoft, NVIDIA Corporation, Intel Corporation, Nuance Communications, Inc., and IBM Corporation.

Browse 120 page research report with TOC on "Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market" at: https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-healthcare-market

Market Segment:

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Software Solutions



Hardware



Services

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Robot Assisted Surgery



Virtual Assistants



Administrative Workflow Assistants



Connected Machines



Diagnosis



Clinical Trials



Fraud Detection



Cybersecurity



Dosage Error Reduction

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S.





Canada



Europe



U.K.





Germany





Spain





Italy





Russia





France



Asia Pacific



Australia





Japan





South Korea





India





China





Singapore



Latin America



Brazil





Mexico





Argentina



Middle East & Africa

&

South Africa





UAE





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Arjun Raghavendra M

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016 empowers the central government to notify precious metals for hallmarking (the standard mark, which indicates the proportionate content of precious metal in that article), in a specified manner.

Consequently, the consumer affairs department notified gold/silver jewellery and artefacts (June 14, 2018) as precious metals to be hallmarked. Through a January 15 order the department made hallmarking compulsory for selling of gold jewellery (14, 18 and 22 carats) only through certified sales outlets by registered jewellers, after fulfilling the norms specified in the Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018.

The bureau becomes an all-powerful body for the gold industry now. No person shall import, distribute, sell, store or exhibit for sale, gold articles except under their certification. It may, by an order, grant, renew, suspend or cancel certification of hallmark of a jeweller and shall monitor the systems, service and process quality of the gold articles, for which they may indulge in market surveillance or survey of articles. Also, if the certification officer has reason to believe any contravention of these provisions (or that articles without hallmarking have been secreted in any place or vehicle), she may search, seize the gold and impose a penalty (up to Rs 500,000) or launch prosecution, which may lead to imprisonment for up to one year.

In case of offences committed by a company, every director, manager, secretary or any other authorised representative shall be guilty of the offence and punished irrespective of the fact that the offence has been committed with or without the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on their part. The severity of this provision and whitewashing of the intent in commission of the offence, empower officers with arbitrary authority causing great apprehension regarding abuse of power.

Though the implementation is slated to commence from January 15, 2021, it is uncertain how much the bureau is prepared for the infrastructure and logistics challenges.

The jewellers will need to sell off their existing stock in the next 12 months. International brands that have set up stores in India shall have to comply with these standards and cannot indulge in sale of jewellery other than 14, 18 and 22 carats, thereby posing a serious roadblock for the FDI in jewellery retail in India. The legislative intent behind doing away with seven other grades (including 24 carat which finds mention in customs import tariff) remains uncertain.

While it is being argued that the employment in the assaying and hallmarking avenues will increase with hallmarking centres to be set up in every district to reach out to around 450,000 goldsmiths and over 100,000 gold jewellers, it is unclear how this disruption will be absorbed by an industry which is yet to rebound from the after-effects of demonetisation.

Increased compliance costs, augmented documentation (for certification, registration and hallmarking), apprehension of enforcement, inadequate mechanism to audit certifications, lack of in-built measures against harassment (particularly, corruption) and the arbitrary power to suspend/cancel certification shall definitely bring back the fear of inspector raj in an industry that is still struggling to bury the ghosts of the gold control era. Also, how much the consumer will benefit, if the compliance and other costs are passed over, is unsure.

Though the BIS gold hallmarking, voluntary at present, has been ongoing for close to two decades now, with 892 assaying and hallmarking centres, it has not even been able to cover 40 per cent of the constituents and fake hallmarking continues to be a rampant problem. In the absence of any mechanism to redress grievances in the present scheme, an earnest dialogue to bridge the trust deficit between the government and the small and medium jewellers will be a positive step at redefining existing perceptions.

In August 23, 2017, the government notified the gems and jewellery sector as a reporting entity under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and all entities were required to maintain records of all transactions of value exceeding Rs 1,000,000 and all cross border wire transfers of more than Rs 500,000. This move created chaos and confusion. While rescinding this in October 2017, the government promised to notify under the PMLA a new threshold for reporting to authorities about transactions with a view to curb parking of black money in bullion. This commitment, under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is yet to be realised.

Owing to the non-traceability of the gold route, this legislative measure cannot curb smuggling. It does not amend the KYC procedures for the industry or make the GST rules applicable for exchange of old jewellery. So, is it just a decorative measure for complying with the quality control order of the WTO, the draft policy of which was not commented upon by the industry even after a 60-day public notice?

This legislation creates more government for implementation of this law by authorising for a bureau and governing council, which in turn shall constitute executive and advisory committees. While the government gears up for a national-wide awareness campaign on mandatory hallmarking for jewellers and common consumers clubbed with an outreach through social media and other forums, the questions pertaining to the inclusive nature of the implementation that should factor in the last jeweller in a remote rural corner of India, deserves urgent and unequivocal attention.

This initiative, intended to ensure that consumers are not cheated while purchasing gold, will be a tightrope walk for all stakeholders and a new episode in the great Indian gold story.
Your life on earth was brief but you left a lasting memory.

The words engraved on a tombstone in Lubbock Cemetery said it all for the Robertson and Dunn families, especially Venda and John Robertson of Hale Center who waited for years to learn what happened to their grandson, Roger Scott Dunn after he disappeared in 1991. Despite the years of searching and the conviction of Leisha Hamilton and Timothy Smith for his murder, Dunns body was never found.

Both of the Robertsons died without knowing where their beloved grandson  who spent many summers in his youth with them on their farm southeast of Hale Center  rested. Although its too late for the Robertsons to know that their grandsons remains soon might be laid to rest in that grave prepared for him, its now a possibility.

Lubbock police think human remains dug up last week by maintenance men near the Chapparal Apartments in Lubbock are likely those belonging to Dunn. However, it may be some time before the bones are positively identified.

Dunn, who was 24 when last seen in 1991, and Hamilton lived in an apartment at 5818 24th St. The remains were found Friday at 5802 24th Street.

According to stories in the Herald and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal archives, Dunn had been living with Hamilton. She called his father, James Dunn, who lived in Pennsylvania at the time, to tell him she had not seen Scott in several days.

James Dunn testified during Hamiltons murder trial that before her call, he had not known of Hamiltons relationship with his son.

Lubbock police detective Tal English visited Hamiltons apartment early in the investigation and testified in court that he observed blood stains and a half-circle section of carpet missing from the apartment. Under a section where carpet had been replaced, investigators found hair matching that of both Hamilton and Smith.

Hamilton and Smith, who also apparently was Hamiltons boyfriend, were found guilty of Dunns murder in 1997. In the trials, prosecutors suggested Scotts death occurred on the evening of May 16, 1991, when they claimed he was bludgeoned to death in his apartment at 5818 24th St., Apt. B-4.

The body, they believed, was wrapped in carpet, sealed with duct tape and taken from the apartment.

Although both Hamilton and Smith were convicted of Dunns murder, his body has never been located.

Hamilton was sentenced to 20 years on prison, and Smith received probation. According to the Lubbock A-J, Hamilton is serving her sentence at the Murray Unit in Gatesville.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 04:09:34|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 2020 new year reception of Chinese Foreign Ministry at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday reiterated China's resolve on reunification.

The historical and legal fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China will not change no matter how the situation in Taiwan may evolve, Wang said when addressing the 2020 New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Nothing will shake the resolve and confidence of the Chinese government and people in advancing the reunification, he said.

The one-China principle has been a consensus shared by the international community and a universally recognized norm governing international relations, Wang said.

The annually reception was attended by nearly 400 diplomatic envoys and representatives of relevant Chinese departments.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One Call, the nation's leader in specialty network management services for the workers' compensation industry, today announced its newly appointed board of directors. The newly constituted board of directors will help lead and guide the company to achieve growth and success as it enters a new phase of ownership following the comprehensive recapitalization completed in October 2019 whereby lenders KKR, Blackstone, and Chatham Asset Management, LLC became principal shareholders of One Call.

"We have assembled a board with deep workers' compensation industry expertise, as well as talent and resources from the new One Call shareholder group," said Daniel Pietrzak, Co-Head of Private Credit at KKR. "We are committed to One Call's long-term success and equally excited to partner with this talented management team to realize One Call's full potential of exceptional service and innovation."

"We are excited about the potential for One Call to grow and succeed even further with the guidance, support and energy of our new board of directors, senior advisor and new shareholders," said Rone Baldwin, One Call CEO. "We're confident that through the collective efforts of our board, shareholders, senior leadership and associates, we will further establish One Call as the indispensable provider of specialty network management services for the workers' compensation industry."

Kent Spafford will continue to serve as a full-time advisor to the company and will have the title of Vice Chairman. Mr. Spafford has more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles in the workers' compensation industry including more than 20 years of experience with One Call. He served on the board of One Call from 2013 to 2019, and before that, served as CEO of One Call Medical, Inc.

Jay Krueger is newly appointed as an independent member of the board. Mr. Krueger was previously Head of Strategy and Product Development for OptumRx's workers' compensation division. Prior to OptumRx, he served as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Enterprise Integration for Helios, a national specialty healthcare services workers' compensation company. Mr. Krueger has more than 20 years of experience in the workers' compensation and health care industry.

Thomas Warsop, III is also newly appointed as an independent member of the board. Mr. Warsop was previously the Chairman and CEO of York Risk Services Group, Inc., one of the largest third-party administrators of insurance claims. Before that, he served as the CEO of The Warranty Group, Inc., Group President and Chief Sales Officer for Fiserv, Inc., and Financial Services President for Electronic Data Systems Corporation. Mr. Warsop is also a member of the board of directors of ACI Worldwide, a leading payment software provider and has more than 30 years of experience in technology, financial services, insurance and workers' compensation.

Rone Baldwin, President and CEO of One Call, will continue as a board member.

Six representatives from One Call's major shareholders will serve on the board of directors. They are:

Adam Hermida , Managing Director, Blackstone

, Managing Director, Blackstone Michael Addeo , Principal, Blackstone

, Principal, Blackstone Daniel Pietrzak , Member, KKR

, Member, KKR Lauren Krueger , Managing Director, KKR

, Managing Director, KKR Feisal Alibhai , Partner, Chatham Asset Management, LLC

, Partner, Chatham Asset Management, LLC Kevin Coleman , Senior Analyst, Chatham Asset Management, LLC

About One Call

As the nation's leader in specialty network management services for the workers' compensation industry, we place injured workers at the heart of everything we do. We utilize creative and innovative solutions to timely and efficiently connect injured workers with quality provider networks across a multitude of health care services. Our foundation is built on an unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional service and unparalleled clinical expertise to drive outcomes. For more information and the latest news, visit us at onecallcm.com, LinkedIn (One Call) and Twitter (@onecallcm).

Media Contacts: Jessica Taft

One Call, Vice President, Marketing & Branding

[email protected]

SOURCE One Call

Related Links

www.onecallcm.com


Ciena Corporation CIEN recently announced that it has offered its WaveLogic technology, WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e), to Telefonica, S.A.s TEF global telecommunications infrastructure company  Telxius for deployment in subsea cable. The collaboration is likely to be beneficial for both the companies and strengthen their respective market positions.



The deployment of WL5e took place in the course of a trial wherein Telxius BRUSA cable achieved 550 Gbps single-wavelength channel speed. With a data transmission capacity of 138 Tbps, the Telxius-backed submarine cable covers nearly 10,200 kilometers and has landing stations that stretch from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Virginia Beach in the United States. Post the incorporation of Cienas cutting-edge technology, BRUSAs transmission capacity surged beyond 160 Tbps.



BRUSA has been named as one of the highest-capacity subsea cable that provides low latency and high-throughput network connectivity between two of the largest economies in the Americas  Brazil and the United States. In addition, Cienas GeoMesh Extreme has exhibited its effectiveness in the trial by proactively addressing network faults via intelligent mesh protection coupled with software intelligence and automation, thereby equipping BRUSA cable systems with enhanced reliability, scalability and optimized network designs.



Cienas WaveLogic 5 Extreme technology is the fifth generation of coherent optical solutions that enables ubiquitous deployment of seamless optical networking with an unrivalled programmable capacity of 800G. This maximizes operational efficiencies and encourages cost savings and service agility in long haul infrastructure and submarine applications. With these benefits, Cienas WL5e helps network providers streamline their networking infrastructure to deliver data-heavy bandwidth services and manage unforeseeable traffic growth for its customers amid dynamic changing preferences.



Ciena is expected to benefit from rising demand for packet-optical transport and switching products, integrated network and service management software. Additionally, it is increasingly investing in the data and optical fiber market in order to cash in on the tremendous growth opportunities offered by rising bandwidth demand from network service providers. The company is also making efforts to expand its Web Scale IT Architecture in the enterprise market by launching products like chipsets, metro architecture and mobile backhaul solutions. Cienas strong product portfolio is likely to boost its top-line growth over the long run.



Ciena has long-term earnings growth expectation of 17.3%. The company topped earnings estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters, the positive surprise being 11.7%, on average.



The stock has gained 10.1% compared with the industrys rise of 10.6% in the past year.

Story continues



Ciena currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



A couple of better-ranked stocks in the broader industry are GoDaddy Inc. GDDY and Perficient, Inc. PRFT, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



GoDaddy has a long-term earnings expectation of 15%.



Perficient has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 11.8%.



More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!



It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.



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Zacks Investment Research
TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company, today announced that it is one of 325 public companies included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index ("GEI"). The GEI distinguishes companies committed to advancing women's equality and transparency in reporting gender policies and practices. ICL is the only Israeli company included in the 2020 index, as well as the only company among its major global peers in the fertilizers sector. ICL was also included in the 2019 GEI.

The GEI includes public companies that score above a globally-established threshold, based on the extent of their disclosures and their achievement of best-in-class statistics and policies. The 2020 GEI includes firms spanning 50 industries headquartered across 42 countries and regions. Collectively, the firms have a combined market capitalization of $12 trillion. The GEI was first published by Bloomberg in 2018.

The GEI tracks the performance of public companies through policy development, representation and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across several pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies and pro-women brand. Bloomberg Terminal subscribers can access the GEI at {BGEI }.

Ilana Fahima, ICL's Executive Vice President, Global HR, stated, "We are honored to be included in Bloomberg's GEI for the second year in a row. ICL strives to promote equality at its facilities worldwide, including the employment and promotion of women. We are currently introducing a set of Diversity & Inclusion Principles with measureable guidelines to further improve our company's gender equality practices and which will become a part of our submissions to future Sustainability and Equality programs. Our presence in the GEI testifies to ICL's ongoing commitment to transparency and our commitment to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce."

Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg, stated, "The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting. Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally."

About ICL

ICL is a global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company operating bromine, potash, and phosphate mineral value chains in a unique, integrated business model. ICL extracts raw materials from well-positioned mineral assets and utilizes technology and industrial know-how to add value for customers in key agricultural and industrial markets worldwide. ICL focuses on strengthening leadership positions in all of its core value chains. It also plans to strengthen and diversify its offerings of innovative agro solutions by leveraging ICL's existing capabilities and agronomic know-how, as well as the Israeli technological ecosystem. ICL's operations are divided into four business divisions: Industrial Products (bromine value chain and complementary business); Potash; Phosphate Solutions (P 2 O 5 Chain); and Innovative Ag Solutions. ICL shares are dually listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The Company employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, and its sales in 2018 totaled approximately $5.6 billion. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.icl-group.com.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT

Limor Gruber

Head of Investor Relations

+972-3-684-4471

[email protected]

PRESS CONTACT

Adi Bajayo

Scherf Communications

+972-52-4454789

[email protected]

SOURCE ICL

Related Links

http://www.icl-group.com


An argument over a $150 tax credit in Montana could have broad effects for school choice nationally, potentially opening the door to expanded use of public funds to support students enrollment at private schools.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (Case No. 18-1195), a case brought by three Montana families who argue the state unconstiutionally prohibited religious schools from a program that would provide tax credits for donations to private school scholarship programs.

The case has been closely watched by advocates who hope to expand the use of publicly funded voucher and tax-credit scholarships. And its being watched by education groups that oppose such programs, fearing they will siphon away tax dollars that would be better spent on public schools.

For a thorough explanation, read this story by Education Week court reporter Mark Walsh. For a quick summary of why the case matters, heres a run down.

Why it Matters for Other States

At issue in the case is a measure in the Montana state constitiution that bars state entities from making any direct or indirect appropriation or payment from any public fund or monies ... for any sectarian purpose or to aid any church, school, academy, seminary, college, university, or other literary or scientific institution, controlled in whole or in part by any church, sect, or denomination.

Montanas tax-credit scholarship program, passed in 2015, allowed for scholarships to be provided to religious schools, but the states Supreme Court upheld a determination by its Department of Revenue that doing so would violate that underlying law.

Montana is one of 37 states that have language barring aid to religious schools, sometimes referred to as Blaine Amendments. A ruling in favor of the families challenging the application of the law in question could cause dominoes to fall around the country.

Public Funds for Private Schools?

The Montana program provides tax credits of $150 per year to individuals and corporations that donate to tuition scholarship organizations. The states high court ruled that the programs inclusion of religious schools as an education provider meant it violated the Montana constitution.

The state high court said that the Montana Constitution more broadly prohibits any state aid to sectarian schools and draws a more stringent line than that drawn by the U.S. Constitutions prohibition against government establishment of religion.

By creating a diversionary scheme whereby money otherwise bound for the public treasury is diverted, the Legislature has created an indirect payment, justices in the majority wrote.

But some have argued the tax credits dont actually count as public funds so they arent governed by that part of the states constitution.

The [law creating the tax-credit scholarships] diverts the funds before they ever become public monies, which means the constitutional provision limiting the use of public funds does not apply , reads a dissenting opinion from Montana Justice Beth Baker.



A Consequential Case for School Choice

People on all sides of the private school choice debate agree that Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue a significant education case for the U.S. Supreme Court. Here are excerpts of amicus briefs filed by interested organizations in the case.

Alliance for Choice in Education, a Colorado-based organization that administers scholarship programs in eight states, argued in its brief that it violates the U.S. Constitutions religious liberty protections when a government program that provides broad public benefits excludes institutions simply because they are religious. Private schools, often religiously affiliated, provide a option for families seeking alternatives to their zoned public schools, the brief argues.

Excluding such schools from participation in religiously neutral school choice programs, as the Montana Supreme Court ordered, would hamper the goal of providing the greatest possible educational opportunity to the greatest number of students, it says.

On the other hand, a coalition of education groups, led by the National School Boards Association , argued in a brief that while the court has found some types of public support of religious institutions to be allowed under the Constitution, this case would take such arguments a step further by arguing that such support is required.

As the Montana constitutional delegates recognized, funneling public money to private schools does not propel improvement of public education, but rather, drains already limited resources and dilutes broad community support, undermining the very schools that most American children, including low-income children, attend, the brief says.

Private schools may not be equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities, opponents to school vouchers have argued. And religiously affiliated schools may bar admission of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students, or of students with LGBTQ parents, they argue.

Why Betsy DeVos Is Probably Watching This Case

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, a proponent of private school choice, has championed a proposed $5 billion program, which would provide tax-credits in exchange for contributions to scholarship programs in states that wish to participate.

DeVos has argued that those tax credits dont amount to public funding, an argument that runs parallel to the debate in the Montana case.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue Wednesday, and Mark Walsh will provide courtroom coverage. Stay tuned.

Photo: Kelsey and Dusty Jones walk with their daughter, Cali, at Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell, Mont. Three different parents at Stillwater are plaintiffs in a case to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court over Montanas tax-credit scholarship program. Tailyr Irvine for Education Week

Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa .
Many experts are of the opinion that real estate is now a buyers market, what with falling or flat house prices and large unsold inventories. You can make what is perhaps the most important financial decision smoother with some groundwork and due diligence on your part. A well-prepared financial plan can help you tide over the anxiety.

Readying an upfront sum

Typically, a bank finances up to 75 per cent of a propertys price, of course, only after you pay the rest of the amount.

Treat home-buying as you would any other financial goal. Start saving early for the same. Mumbai based certified financial planner Parul Maheshwari recommends investments in hybrid and equity funds, if you have more than five years on hand. For shorter time frames, she recommends investing in bond funds and fixed deposits. As you move closer to your goal, you should move your money into liquid funds or fixed deposits, Maheshwari adds.

But not everyone has the corpus ready. Some start saving late. Avoid taking personal loans as they are high-cost funding options and they eat into your loan eligibility, says Maheshwari.

Kiran Telang, founder Dhanayush Capital Advisors also insists on using own funds for down payment for home loan instead of personal loans. If there is a minor shortfall, you should consider raising soft loans from friends and family. Avoid touching your retirement savings for house purchase, Telang adds.

Pre-approved loans

Typically, banks offer pre-approved loans to its long-term customers and, at times, to new clients as well. You still need to apply for a pre-approved loan and banks would consider your applications, credit score, and so on. A pre-approved loan is given even before you buy a property. So, the chances of surprises  the bank rejecting your loan application after you pay the builder  are less.

Ensure that your credit report is error-free. A good credit report is a starting point to applying for a pre-approved home loan.

Pre-approved home loans come with riders. For instance, some banks dont give loans for properties bought in certain geographies. Do check the riders the bank has stated in the pre-approved loan letter. It reduces the chances of unpleasant surprises from the banks end at a later date, says Sukanya Kumar, founder and director, RetailLending.com.

If you have the down payment money and a pre-approved home loan letter ready, builders may view you as a serious buyer. This may help bargain for discounts to you and close the transaction quickly.

You can negotiate with the bank till the time of the disbursement of the loan, if there is a difference between the rate of interest mentioned in the pre-approved loan letter and the rate at the time of disbursement, says Kumar.

Do not overstretch your finances while going for a home loan. Your home loan equated monthly instalment (EMI) should not exceed 35 per cent of your net take home monthly income, says Maheshwari.

Getting to the right property

Once you have your funding in place, you should start looking for an ideal property. Do assess the property on factors such as location, connectivity with the business hubs in the city, the quality of the infrastructure and of the construction, documentation and price.

The documentation part is taken care of by the RERA (real estate regulation act) website, if you buy a ready-to-move-in or an under-construction property.

For a ready-to-move-in property, ensure that the occupancy certificate is taken. In case of an under-construction apartment, do check for the building plan, commencement certificate, intimation of disapproval and the title report of the land, among other factors. Visit a few of the developers other projects to assess the quality of construction.

If you are going for a second sale, you need to be a tad cautious. Ensure that you see the original chain of documents, and the means of transfer along with the payment of stamp duty and registration charges at the time of each transfer. Naushad Panjwani, managing partner, Mandarus Partners recommends engaging a lawyer to conduct the title search. It is better to err on the side of caution.

Identification of the right property is one step in the right direction, though the process does not end there. Banks conduct a valuation exercise of the property. For high-value properties (typically more than Rs 1 crore) two agencies are engaged. The loan-to-value ratio is applied on the lower of the two values so obtained, says Kumar. If two agencies assess a property and come out with values of Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.1 crore, then Rs 1 crore is taken as the price by the bank. The bank gives a loan to the tune of 70 per cent of this amount.

This can reduce the loan amount if the valuation arrived at by the bank falls short of the price quoted by the seller. The shortfall needs to be funded by the buyer. Be prepared with some additional amount as buffer to face such situations.

Apart from these aspects, prudent financial planning is necessary. Have an emergency fund to the extent of six months expenses. Take adequate term cover to all liabilities. Finally, ensure that the EMI does not become too much of a stretch on your finances.
Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other foreign powers have promised to end all interference in the armed conflict in Libya, as part of a German-brokered effort to halt escalating violence and chaos in the north African country and prepare the ground for a UN-sponsored peace process.

Financial Times reports in its article Foreign powers vow to halt interference in Libya conflict that the promise was contained in a document agreed by world leaders at a conference in Berlin on Sunday, including Russias Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt. It also calls for a durable ceasefire and for steps towards the dismantling of armed groups and militias. Outside powers are urged to respect the arms embargo imposed by the UN on Libya. Everyone agreed . . . that we need a political solution, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany said afterwards. There is no chance of a military solution.

On the ground in Libya, however, there were fresh signs of military escalation as forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar shut down an oil pipeline and halted crude exports from ports under his control. Analysts also voiced doubt over whether all foreign powers would keep their promise of non-interference and stop the flow of arms.

Jalel Harchaoui, research fellow at the Clingendael Institute, a Dutch think-tank, said the results of the meeting had been modest. He warned that the warring parties had yet to agree to a formal ceasefire and that there was no mechanism to enforce the arms embargo.

Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, in particular, have played an increasingly important role in Libya, offering military and political support to the two main factions vying for control of the oil-rich country. The Berlin conference was widely seen as an attempt to regain the diplomatic initiative from Ankara and Moscow, which back opposing sides in Libya and have been trying to expand their influence in a country of crucial strategic importance.

Libya has been wracked by civil war and instability since the 2011 revolution that toppled Muammer Gaddafi. On paper, the country is ruled by the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, led by Fayez al Sarraj, but it faces a formidable challenge on the ground from Gen Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA).

Gen Haftar, whose forces control much of the east and the south, has laid siege to the capital Tripoli since April last year. In a striking show of force ahead of the Berlin conference, he halted oil shipments from ports under his control on Saturday, slashing crude exports by 800,000 barrels a day.

On Sunday, Gen Haftar shut down much of the remaining oil production. National Oil Corporation, the state-owned company, confirmed that individuals from the Petroleum Facilities Guard under the command of the LNA had shut down the Hamada-Zawiya pipeline, forcing the corporation to limit production at the Sharara and El Feel oilfields. The shutdown, an NOC spokesman explained, meant approximately another 400,000 barrels of production going offline. When storage tanks are full in a few days, Libyas oil production will be limited to 72,000 b/d . . . from over 1.2m b/d yesterday, said the NOC spokesman.

Recognising the danger of an all-out struggle for oil resources, the Berlin document seeks to bolster the position of the NOC, saying it is the sole independent and legitimate oil company. It calls on all parties to guarantee the security of its installations and refrain from any hostilities against all oil facilities and infrastructure.

Gen Haftar and Mr al Sarraj were also in Berlin on Sunday, though not as formal participants. Both men agreed to nominate five members each to a so-called military committee that will be tasked with establishing a lasting ceasefire. Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, said the first meeting of the committee would be convened in Geneva in the coming days.

The two sides have come to rely heavily on diplomatic and military backing from abroad, with Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and France siding with Gen Haftar while Turkey and Italy support the government in Tripoli. Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group, linked to the Kremlin, have been fighting alongside Gen Haftars forces. Turkey has sent Syrian mercenaries, weapons and military experts to the GNA side in recent weeks. Western diplomats and analysts argue that the conflict has raged on in large part as a result of outside intervention.

The most recent iteration of the conflict is driven almost solely from the outside, said Tarek Megerisi, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. A large proportion of the fighters have come from abroad, the money is coming from abroad and the weapons are coming from abroad.

The Berlin conference was called as part of wider diplomatic effort to prevent further escalation and create the conditions for a UN-led peace process led by Ghassan Salame, the UN special envoy. It follows a meeting in Moscow last week at which Russia and Turkey sought to broker a formal ceasefire agreement.

Berlins decision to take a leading role reflects in part hard-nosed political interests, notably the desire to control the flow of African migrants who use Libya as a launch pad for their journey to Europe. Diplomats are also deeply concerned about the destabilising impact the conflict has had on the wider region, including in Tunisia and Mali. Islamist insurgents across the Sahel often look to Libya for arms supplies and to replenish ranks.

But Germany is also keen to send a broader message by showing that a multilateral peace efforts can still deliver results, despite the growing disconnect between the US and Europe and the influence of authoritarian leaders such as Mr Putin and Mr Erdogan.
In one part of the test the assessor threw a ball, waited to see if the puppy played with it and then called to the puppy to bring it back. Each pup got three tries. Until the 2016 litter only one pup even paid the ball any attention. But in the 2016 litter, three of six wolves brought the ball back to the tester. Each pup had three tries. One did it all three times. The other two fetched the ball two out of three tries.
The girlfriend of a man who died following an altercation in north Belfast has described the "very distressing" scene of finding him lying on the street.

Robert Molloy-Jones died following an incident at Parkmount Street in Tigers Bay in June 2018.

Jordan Snoddy (23) is accused of murdering Mr Molloy-Jones, but has denied the charge and claimed he acted in self-defence after the deceased attacked him and tried to steal a bag of diazepam pills.

Snoddy, who was arrested close to the scene and whose Co Antrim address is the subject of a reporting restriction, later claimed he punched Molloy-Jones three times in the face and told police: "I'm sorry that he died. I did not set out to hurt anyone."

As a murder trial was opened at Belfast Crown Court, a Crown prosecutor said Mr Molloy-Jones was subjected to a "concerted, extensive and murderous attack" by Snoddy, whose claim of self-defence should be rejected due to the nature and number of injuries sustained by the deceased, the jury heard

Mr Molloy-Jones was pronounced dead on the evening of June 28, 2018. A post-mortem concluded he died from a bleed to the brain caused by a blow to the left side of the neck.

Other injuries sustained by the father-of-one included wounds to his head, neck, torso and limbs - some of which could have been caused by blows stuck whilst he was on the ground.

Mr Molloy-Jones also had injuries which suggested he had been dragged or had crawled along the ground.

Mr Molloy-Jones's girlfriend was called to give evidence and agreed he was a "heavy-duty drug user" who had a "particular problem" with 'blues' - the street name for 10mg diazepam tablets.

The girlfriend said both she and the deceased consumed drugs and that on the day in question they had been with others drinking and taking drugs in Mr Molloy-Jones's Mountcollyer Avenue flat.

At around 7.30pm they went to a shop and on their return encountered Snoddy - who the girlfriend said was a stranger to them both.

The woman said Mr Molloy-Jones invited Snoddy into his flat for a cannabis 'bong' and a short time later Snoddy said he was going to get some "blues".

Mr Molloy-Jones told Snoddy he wanted some blues, Snoddy told him to "walk over" with him to get them and they left. Mr Molloy-Jones's girlfriend said "he never came back." She said that a short time later she went out "to look for Robert". She said as she made her way to the steps at Parkmount Street, Snoddy ran past her and told her Mr Molloy-Jones was at the bottom of the steps.

The woman said she walked over to her boyfriend, who was lying on the ground, and when asked if he was breathing, she said: "I felt him and he was still warm. His eyes were glazed over and there was a big lump on his head that was pulsing. To me there was a bit of a pulse there, but not much."

Asked if the scene was "very distressing", she said "yes".

The jury also heard Snoddy's version of events. Following his arrest on suspicion of murder, a statement was handed to police by Snoddy's solicitor.

The accused said he had been with his girlfriend and grandmother on the afternoon of June 28 and was in the Tigers Bay area at around 7pm.

He confirmed he had been in the deceased's flat and he and Mr Molloy-Jones left to get a bag of blues. Snoddy said after obtaining a bag of 50 diazepam, he gave Mr Molloy-Jones five tablets.

The accused claimed as they were approaching the steps at Parkmount Street Mr Molloy-Jones smacked him to the back of the head from behind, told him to hand over the bag of drugs and hit him again.

Snoddy said he reacted by punching him three times, that Mr Molloy-Jones fell and that he "tried to stop him from falling back and hitting his head".

The accused said he ran to a friend's house, who called an ambulance, then he returned to the scene and put Mr Molloy-Jones in the recovery position.

Snoddy claimed he took the remaining blues before he was arrested. His self-defence claims have been rejected by the Crown.

At hearing
IRBIL, Iraq -- An Islamic State group official who oversaw oil and gas operations and helped finance sleeper cells was killed last week in a joint coalition special operations raid with Syrian partner forces, the military said.

The ISIS official known by the pseudonym Abu al-Ward al-Iraqi was killed along with another militant who officials have not yet identified during the raid in Deir al-Zour province on Jan. 14, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said in a statement on Sunday.

Al-Iraqi's death "disrupts and degrades" ISIS's ability to finance terrorist activities in the Middle Euphrates River Valley along the Iraq-Syria border, said U.S. Army Col. Myles B. Caggins III, a military spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, via email.

It's among the latest takedowns of top ISIS leaders since the killing in late October of the group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but it comes as the future of the coalition's continued presence in Iraq remains uncertain, which some fear could allow the group to resurge.

In the fallout of a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Quds Force commander Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani earlier this month, Iraq's Shiite-dominated parliament demanded the government expel coalition forces, but acting Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has since said that would be up to his successor. A new prime minister has not yet been selected.

Though ISIS has been routed from the last of its territorial holdings in Iraq and Syria, the group continues to carry out insurgent-style attacks in both countries. Officials in Iraq's Kurdistan region have warned of increasing ISIS attacks and said that the coalition's support is still needed.

Washington does not intend to negotiate a withdrawal of the roughly 5,000 U.S. troops there, the State Department has said, but would instead focus on discussing recommitment to strategic partnership and determining the appropriate U.S. presence.

Coalition forces had paused their support to Iraq's anti-ISIS operations to focus on force protection in the face of rising threats from Iran and its proxies in recent weeks, but some operations resumed and work to restart training of security forces was underway, unnamed officials told The Associated Press last week.

Meanwhile, more than 500 U.S. troops are still spread at small outposts mostly in eastern Syria's Deir al-Zour and neighboring Hassakeh provinces, training and assisting local forces and working keep ISIS from seizing oil infrastructure there.

"ISIS would love to get their terrorists' hands on the oil," Caggins said. "We're helping our Syrian commando partners prevent that from happening."

During the height of its control, ISIS gained hundreds of millions of dollars in oil revenues from an enterprise that at one point produced an estimated 45,000 barrels a day, the coalition has said. In Syria, three-fourths of its revenues came from Deir al-Zour, Caggins said.

In 2015, a year that saw ISIS oil operations bring in an estimated $500 million, U.S. special operations killed the terrorist group's top oil emir at the time, known as Abu Sayyaf, and captured his wife during a rare raid into eastern Syria.

That operation, reportedly conducted by the Army's Delta Force, netted information officials used to develop a better understanding of ISIS operations and finances, then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter said at the time.

In last week's raid, the SDF also captured important documents, the Kurdish-led militia group said in a statement.

"This was a boffo operation," Caggins said.

Read more: LWRC International Finally Makes Elusive .45 Carbine Available to the Public
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 02:49:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAGHDAD, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Three demonstrators were killed and dozens of protesters and security members were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday, as anti-government protests flared over corruption, lack of jobs and public services, an Interior Ministry official said.

"The latest reports about casualties in Baghdad during the day showed that three demonstrators, including the civil society activist Yousif Sattar, were killed and up to 54 demonstrators were wounded and suffocated," the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Most of the casualties occurred when the security forces tried to prevent the demonstrators from blocking the highway of Mohammed al-Qassim, that links the downtown of the capital to several neighborhoods in the east of the capital, the official said.

The clashes between the protesters and the riot police continued in the evening in the highway and the nearby al-Gailani Square in downtown Baghdad, the official added.

A statement by Baghdad Operations Command said that 14 of the security members were wounded when protesters damaged the sidewalks of the streets near the highway and threw the stones on the security forces at an intersection in downtown Baghdad.

The demonstrations also continued in the provinces of Babil, Najaf, Karbala, Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah, Wasit, Maysan and Basra, as protesters blocked the main roads and closed many of the government institutions, according to local media reports.

The latest escalation in anti-government protests started on Sunday night when hundreds of angry Iraqi youths intensified their protests due to the slow pace of comprehensive reform in the political process demanded by the demonstrators.

The latest violent protests came after the end of a week deadline put previously by the demonstrators for the political blocs to come up with a new government.

On Jan. 13, demonstrators in Nasriyah, the capital of Dhi Qar province, and other Iraqi cities announced a period of one week for the political blocs to form a new government to replace the government of caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, otherwise the protesters would totally block main roads across Iraq and close the government institutions.

Mass anti-government demonstrations have continued in Baghdad and other cities in central and southern Iraq since early October, demanding comprehensive reform, fight against corruption, better public services and more jobs.
Robocath, a company that designs, develops and commercializes cardiovascular robotic systems for the treatment of vascular diseases, today announces it has successfully completed its first robotic coronary angioplasties with R-One in Germany. The Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) were performed by Pr Michael Haude, a recognized and highly experienced interventional cardiologist at Rheinland Klinikum Neuss Lukaskrankenhaus, and his team.

Pr Haude operating from the Control Station

Pr Michael Haude, Director of Medical Clinic I at Rheinland Klinikum Neuss Lukaskrankenhaus, said:

Im proud to be the first user of this brand new European robotic solution for PCI in Germany. These robotic interventions pave the way for a new era in interventional cardiology. The benefits brought by R-One are huge for practitioners and will drastically improve our working conditions, which will consequently benefit patient care. My team and I look forward to integrating this robotic-assisted platform for PCI into our day-to-day clinical practice.

Philippe Bencteux, chairman and founder of Robocath, added:

We are delighted with the success of these procedures and would like to thank Pr Haudes team for their enthusiasm. Pr Haude has over 30 years experience in interventional cardiology and we rely on capitalizing on this kind of experience to develop clinical evidence and demonstrate all the benefits of our solution.

Lucien Goffart, CEO of Robocath, said:

These first procedures in Germany are in line with our expansion strategy. We are very proud to achieve this important strategic step and to see our first robot used in this key market. There is a momentum for vascular robotics today as it completely addresses the medico-economic challenges of modern healthcare systems. The interest of major industry players is a clear indicator of this; it demonstrates that the penetration of robotics in the medical sector is now irreversible."
Russias public man proposes gadget use ban for State Duma MPs

 RIA Novosti,Grigory Sysoyev

09:48 21/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 21 (RAPSI)  A member of the Russian Civic Chamber Sultan Khamzayev has proposed to restrict the use of gadgets by State Duma lawmakers during plenary meetings, according to the advisory bodys press service.

Khamzayev has already sent the proposal to the State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.

The public figure reminded that the MPs had repeatedly suggested a gadget use ban for pupils at schools. Thus, Khamzayev asks lawmakers to demonstrate the initiative through their personal example.
A confused emu has gotten trapped inside a regional airport in South Australia.

The flightless bird was found inside the airport terminal at Whyalla on Saturday, to the shock of the airport's cleaning staff.

After confronting the cleaner the emu defecated on the floor before being shooed out the front door.

The confused emu was found inside the Whyalla airport in South Australia

The bird was discovered by Lesley King from commercial cleaning company Academy Services.

'I came out of a toilet and he was there, about three inches from my face and I let out a piercing squeal,' Lesley said.

'I ran and told my manager, who didn't believe me at first.'

The emu was eventually 'shooed' to an outdoor viewing area and left with some water.

Cleaner Lesley King described being shocked after discovering the bird at the Whyalla airport: 'I came out of a toilet and he was there, about three inches from my face and I let out a piercing squeal'

Lesley said the emu, which had been hanging around the airport for about a week, left her a nasty present on the floor as it departed the building.

'I've come across some pretty strange things in my time in this job, but this was the strangest,' Lesley laughed.

The bird was collected by the crews from Wildlife Rescue Whyalla a day later, after refusing to leave and causing trouble in the airport car park.

Rescuers captured the curious bird with help from the airport manager and took it to a safer place back in the bush.

Wildlife rescuers captured the emu 'like a chicken' and drove it far from the airport to keep it away from traffic around the transport hub

Whyalla Council's Manager  Airport Operations, Howard Aspey said the operation went smoothly with thanks to wildlife carers.

'He (the emu) wasn't aggressive, the wildlife officer picked him up like a chicken and he was safely put into the back of a vehicle and taken back to the bush,' he said.

The emu wasn't the only bird trying to catch a flight at the airport on the weekend either.

A rogue goose also had to be ushered out of the airport's baggage area earlier that day.
The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal is set to pass a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state Assembly on January 27, state minister Partha Chatterjee said on Tuesday.

The resolution will be brought in a special assembly session at 2 pm.

"A special session of West Bengal Assembly will be held on January 27 at 2 pm to discuss and pass a resolution against CAA. We urge all parties to support the resolution," Chatterjee told reporters here.

"The state assembly had on September 6 last year, passed a resolution against NRC. At that time, CAA had not been passed. This resolution will be adopted in the name of democracy," he said.

Recently, the Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the CAA. The state Assembly had also passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the legislation.

The TMC has been a vocal opponent of the CAA and NRC and has made it clear that it will be not implemented in the state.

For quite some time, Banerjee has been organising mega rallies against the CAA and the NRC and has launched attacks on the BJP-led Central government over these issues.

Earlier at a rally in Lucknow today, Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that the opposition is free to protest against the citizenship law and made it clear that the legislation will not be rolled back.

Shah also challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, besides Banerjee for a debate on the CAA.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
VENICE and SARASOTA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Ned Davis Research (NDR), a global provider of independent investment research insights, tools and solutions, in partnership with Day Hagan Asset Management (Day Hagan), today announced the launch of their first co-developed ETF, Smart Sector With Catastrophic Stop (NYSE:SSUS), which takes advantage of NDR's proprietary sector and U.S. Stock Market models.

The Smart Sector With Catastrophic Stop strategy is designed to enhance returns over a buy-and-hold, equity benchmark by overweighting and underweighting 11 U.S. large-cap sectors based on NDR's sector models. Each of the models utilizes sector specific, weight of the evidence composites of technical, fundamental, economic, and behavior-based indicators to determine each sector's probability of outperforming.

The strategy also seeks to mitigate the effects of major market declines by reducing equity market exposure through the use of NDR's Catastrophic Stop model. As soon as the Catastrophic Sell Stop model moves back to levels indicating risks have subsided, the strategy immediately moves back to a fully invested equity allocation.

"We're excited to partner with Ned Davis Research to launch the first of many ETFs," said Arthur Day, partner, co-founder and senior portfolio manager at Day Hagan. "While our clients have benefited from NDR's Smart Sector models in our separately managed accounts, we've seen strong demand for a similar strategy in an ETF wrapper. We expect to bring to market additional co-developed funds later this year."

"Many tactical allocation models rely on just one type of analysis for their allocation and timing decisions, which could increase the risk of losses during different market regimes," said Brian Sanborn, vice president of investment solutions at NDR. "There are over 100 diverse indicators in our sector models, which we think provides a more holistic approach. As we face an increasingly aging bull market, we think a strategy like SSUS could make a lot of sense for investors."

To determine each sector's probability of outperforming, the Smart Sector model combines sector-specific fundamental, technical, economic and behavioral indicators. This provides another layer to risk management by overweighting sectors with the highest probability of success based on sector-specific composite models, while underweighting sectors with little or no support from the model.

At the same time, the Catastrophic Stop identifies periods of high risk in the U.S. equity market when a diverse group of established indicators conclusively turn negative. When the Catastrophic Stop is triggered, the equity-invested position in the strategy is reduced to 50% until the model moves back to being bullish again.

About Ned Davis Research

Ned Davis Research (NDR) uses the weight of the evidence and a 360-degree approach to build up to market insights. When we say "evidence," we mean processing millions of data series to fuel a historical perspective, build proprietary indicators and models, and calm investors in a world full of bull/bear news hype and hysteria. We believe that no client is too big or too small to benefit from NDR's insights.

In 1980, Ned Davis founded a new investment research group based on his fundamental belief that making money is more important than being right. Today, we are widely recognized for concise commentary and unbiased views. NDR is headquartered in Venice, Florida, with offices in New York, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, London and Hong Kong.

About Day Hagan Asset Management

Day Hagan Asset Management (DHAM) was founded in 2004 to provide investment management and research to clients and institutions. DHAM's philosophy is that a quantitative, scientific, unemotional and model-based approach to the markets may provide better risk-adjusted returns. The models search for confirmation among many diverse indicators, providing the flexibility to seize opportunities in the marketplace in a rational manner.

Media Contact:

Hod Klein, Ned Davis Research, hod.klein@euromoneyplc.com

Legal Disclaimers

References to "NDR" throughout refer to Ned Davis Research, Inc. NDR is a registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). NDR serves as the Signal Provider in connection with this strategy. The information provided here has not been approved or verified by the SEC or by any state or other authority. Additional information about NDR also is available on the SEC's website at www.Adviserlnfo.sec.gov. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. NDR's strategies, including the model discussed in this publication, are intended to be used only by sophisticated investment professionals.

Ned Davis Research, Inc. makes no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding whether Smart Sector With Catastrophic Stop ETF is suitable for investors generally or the advisability of trading in such product. Ned Davis Research, Inc. does not guarantee that the strategy referenced by the Smart Sector With Catastrophic Stop ETF have been accurately calculated or that the strategy appropriately represents a particular investment strategy. The strategy is heavily dependent on quantitative models and data from one or more third parties, and there is no guarantee that these models will perform as expected. While the strategy is designed to reduce risk from adverse market conditions, there is a risk that actual performance could be worse than a buy-and-hold strategy. Ned Davis Research, Inc. and its affiliates shall not have any liability for any error in the strategy calculation or for any infirmity in the Smart Sector With Catastrophic Stop ETF.

NDR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE SMART SECTOR WITH CATASTROPHIC STOP ETF OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND NDR SHALL NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. NDR MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE SMART SECTOR WITH CATASTROPHIC STOP ETF, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE SMART SECTOR WITH CATASTROPHIC STOP STRATEGY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NDR MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE SMART SECTOR WITH CATASTROPHIC STOP STRATEGY OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL NDR HAVE ANY LIABILITY, JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

There may be a potential tax implication with a rebalancing strategy. Re-balancing involves selling some positions and buying others, and this activity results in realized gains and losses for the positions that are sold. This reduction could be material to the overall performance of an actual trading account. NDR does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult your tax advisor in connection with this material, before implementing such a strategy, and prior to any withdrawals that you make from your portfolio.

CONTACT:

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View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573708/Day-Hagan-and-Ned-Davis-Research-Launch-First-Joint-ETF-Smart-SectorTM-With-Catastrophic-Stop
Traveling on an Amtrak train from Chicago to the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, station costs $16 per person each way. And it would cost the same for most of the passengers traveling with the Chicago-based disability-rights advocacy group Access Living.

Everyone, that is, except for two of the group's passengers in wheelchairs.

For them, it was going to cost more than $25,000.

That's the soaring ticket price estimate Amtrak sent to Access Living earlier this month for the roughly two-hour train ride, saying that, as part of a new policy, Amtrak would no longer be paying for the costs associated with "reconfiguring" a train to make special accommodations.

Access Living had five people who needed wheelchair accommodations but the train had only three wheelchair-accessible seats. Amtrak said it would cost thousands to add two more, according to emails between Amtrak and Access Living provided to The Washington Post.

"At first, we thought it was a typo," Bridget Hayman, a spokeswoman for Access Living, told The Post on Monday night.

READ ALSO: Amtrak faces pressure to explain why an employee asked an NAACP lawyer to give up her seat

On Monday, Amtrak apologized to Access Living and walked back the costly estimate for the group, agreeing to make space and accommodate everyone at the regular rate of $16 per person, according to Hayman and a statement from the company sent to The Post. The reversal follows days of public backlash since NPR first reported the story Friday. But Hayman said Amtrak has still not resolved the group's concerns about the policy. Starting in 2019, the policy appears to require groups who need special accommodations to foot the bill themselves if Amtrak must physically change the train's seating to suit their needs.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a combat veteran who uses a wheelchair, called the situation "outrageous" on Sunday and demanded Amtrak eliminate this policy.

In a statement to The Post late Monday, Amtrak said the policy is undergoing "further review," and the company has contacted Duckworth's office to schedule a meeting.

"Amtrak officials have contacted Access Living and we apologize for their inconvenience as we have been working through how to serve their travel needs," the statement said. "We assured them that as valued customers we will accommodate all passengers who use wheelchairs aboard the same Amtrak trains they originally requested between Chicago and Bloomington-Normal, Ill."

Hayman said Access Living has been using Amtrak for years to travel to advocacy meetings in Bloomington-Normal, like the work retreat on Wednesday, or to Springfield, Illinois, to meet with lawmakers. Typically, Access Living gives Amtrak advanced notice of a coming trip if multiple travelers are in wheelchairs so the company can make the appropriate preparations, she said.

This time, an Access Living representative had reached out in December, saying five out of 10 travelers were in wheelchairs. The group requested Amtrak add two wheelchair-accessible seats to its train, which only had three wheelchair-friendly seats.

To add just two seats would cost "over $25,000," an Amtrak agent wrote back to Access Living on Dec. 30. "Would you like for me to proceed with the request?"

"I thought it was a mistake. That's the price of a car," Adam Ballard, Access Living's housing and transportation policy analyst, who is among the attendees in wheelchairs, told NPR on Friday. "How can that be possible?"

Access Living wrote back, asking whether perhaps there had been a miscommunication.

No, the agent responded on Jan. 2, "This cost is correct."

"With the removal of seats, it can be quite costly," she continued. She said Amtrak incurred the costs to change the train's seating in the past, but, "going forward, we cannot continue to absorb these fees."

To arrive at the high cost estimate, the Amtrak rep said the train car has to be decommissioned so that seats can be reconfigured. The tickets Amtrak is unable to sell for those seats is part of the $25,000 cost, the agent said.

"We were floored," Hayman said. "Certainly, if that's the cost to reconfigure one train, it has a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities. . . . There's a whole generation of people in wheelchairs who grew up under the ADA, myself included, and we've come to expect that we will have access to public transit."

Duckworth, who lost both her legs in Iraq, said Sunday on Twitter that she planned to contact Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson "to prevent future incidents" and to discuss doing away with the policy.

"The Americans With Disabilities Act has been the law of the land for 30 years," wrote Duckworth, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee's transportation subcommittee. "Yet, in 2020, Amtrak believes it would be an unreasonable burden to remove architectural barriers that would enable a group with five wheelchair users to travel together.

As news of Amtrak's policy spread, Hayman said a second disability-rights group contacted Access Living and said it had planned to take the same train to Bloomington-Normal for the same advocacy meeting. The group had no idea of the policy either, she said.

Amtrak agreed to accommodate the group as well, Hayman said, but it only raised another concern: What if more people in wheelchairs tried to buy tickets for that same train at the station? Would they be turned away?

"That's what's so distressing about this," she said. "In the statement Amtrak released late Friday night they suggested, 'maybe we can take different trains' - but then we'd have people missing our conference. It's inequitable service."
Kerry Katona tickled fans when she poked fun at her infamous 2008 This Morning interview on Tuesday.

The former Atomic Kitten star, 39, took to Instagram to share a snap from the dentist after having her 'dirty rotten teeth taken out' and likened her groggy-eyed expression to her drug-induced appearance on the show 12 years ago.

It seems Kerry has come an incredibly long way since the interview, which took place on the magazine show with Phillip Schofield and Ruth Langsford at the height of her drug addiction and her treatment for bipolar disorder.

Haha: Kerry Katona tickled fans when she poked fun at her infamous 2008 This Morning interview on Tuesday

Kerry detailed her dental treatment to her 555,000 Instagram followers as she revealed she was having teeth extracted.

Sharing the shot when she had just come around for the procedure, she wrote: 'So this is me after having my dirty rotten teeth taken out yesterday! everytime I look at this pic I just p**s myself laughing!!!! Dont think they knew what to do with me'.

She then seemed to see an even funnier take on image as she wrote: 'Some things never change if you cant laugh at yourself what can you do! thought Id get there first!!!! after being sedated @the.sandford fun times'.

Kerry has proudly boasted of her life overhaul since the interview during which she was slurring and appeared out of sorts. During the chat, Phillip asked: 'If I'm honest you don't seem right to me. You're speech is slurred. How are you feeling?'

Groggy... The former Atomic Kitten star, 39, took to Instagram to share a snap from the dentist after having her 'dirty rotten teeth taken out' and likened her groggy-eyed expression to her drug-induced appearance on the show 12 years ago

Groggy: Kerry has proudly boasted of her life overhaul since the interview during which she was slurring and appeared out of sorts. During the chat, Phillip asked: 'If I'm honest you don't seem right to me. You're speech is slurred. How are you feeling?'

After Kerry, who was married to Mark Croft at the time, replied: 'I'm on medication at night time. This is going to be made as a huge publicity thing,' an Phil added: 'I am merely pointing out what people are thinking who are watching.'

Ruth, who presented the show at the time, asked about a recent magazine photo shoot. She said: 'The interview did say you'd only go in the early hours of the morning, you'd had quite a bit to drink...

'It said you went to get ready with a bottle of champagne. They wanted you to jump in the pool and you were tempted after they said you'd have a shot afterwards.'

In 2010, Kerry reflected on the car-crash interview, saying: 'That wasn't me back then. I was in a very dark dark place, I was on a lot of heavy medication, I was in a very unhappy marriage, and I was taking drugs.'

Embarrassing: Asked previously if she had looked back on the interview in full, she said: 'No. I'm too embarrassed and ashamed. It's mortifying. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people around me. I've moved away'

She said that her behaviour was down to her Bipolar medication: 'I was on 350mg of chlorpromazine, which I took at quarter to twelve the night before, and every morning my speech would be very slur, and it'd wear off in the afternoon.'

Asked previously if she had looked back on the interview in full, she said: 'No. I'm too embarrassed and ashamed. It's mortifying. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people around me. I've moved away...

'I wasn't a good person then. And it's hard to watch it back, it's hard, oh my God [to think that] my kids are going to have to watch this when they grow up.'

While she discussed the interview with Phillip and Holly two years later, Holly asked: 'But when you see the clips, can you understand why Phil and Fern would've asked those questions?'

Happier times... A month later, Katona and Mark split up. A police investigation into how the couple spent 10m in their five years together was launched (pictured in February 2008)

Kerry responded: 'Yes, completely. I completely understand, you have to remember I was in complete denial of my life at that point.

'I was in a wrong marriage, with the wrong person, [but] I'm not going to blame anybody else for my doings - I hold my hands up and take complete responsibility. Nobody forced me to do anything.

'But when you're in a marriage like that or relationship or surrounded by people... until you find strength to get out of what you're in, there's not a lot you can do.'

Kerry continued: 'I shouldn't have done the interview - but I'm glad I have done because it's changed me. That interview, the News of the World video... it's all changed me. It gave me a massive wake up call to go 'come on Kerry, you're a mum'.

Shocking: Kerry was referring to the infamous 2009 News of the World video that she admits did indeed show her snorting cocaine (pictured in a promo for her 2005 reality show My Fair Kerry)

Kerry was referring to the infamous 2009 News of the World video that she admits did indeed show her snorting cocaine.

She said: 'Yes. Yes, I was. I hold my hands up. And if I hadn't of done any of those things, the situation I was in, the people I was surrounded by, I had nobody to help me - these were my friends and family - and I had no one to help me.

'I was made bankrupt. I'd been dropped by Iceland. It was spiralling out of control and I started taking more and more drugs.'

Katona said the turning point came when she attended a two-week boot camp in January.

Heartache: Katona said the turning point came when she attended a two-week boot camp in January

'I was asking my husband to help me but he was not helping at all. Until I went to boot camp for two weeks at the beginning of January this year and I was clean for two weeks and I did not want to go home.

'Because the exercise made me really think, it cleared my head. When you're diagnosed with bipolar all the doctors say, go exercise, but you can't be bothered, until you actually do it, and it cleared my mind and I thought I don't want to go home.'

A month later, Katona and Mark split up. A police investigation into how the couple spent 10m in their five years together was launched.

Kerry said coming off the drugs was like 'coming out of a coma. It was like, "right, what's going on, where's my money gone?" So when I came off the medication, we starting arguing, I wanted to find out where it'd all gone.'
And they were in the midst, at that time, of tracking Congress ... as they were reconsidering Pitsenbarger for a posthumous Medal of Honor, in 1966, when he lost his life. The army guys who he had saved made it their mission to get him the Medal of Honor. And for whatever reason, it went all the way up the chain to the White House, and it was kicked back down as an Air Force Cross (the second-highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Air Force).
Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High around 55F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

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A Delhi court Tuesday allowed Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad, accused of giving "inflammatory speeches" during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid here last month, to visit Delhi for medical reasons and election purposes, while modifying the conditions imposed on him while granting him bail in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau directed Azad to register his presence at the Station House Officer (SHO) of Fatehpur police station in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, every Saturday for four weeks and on the last Saturday of every month.

"If he is in Delhi, he should inform about his schedule to the DCP of Crime Branch, New Delhi, and mark his presence there. If he is anywhere else, he should inform the DCP of Crime Branch, New Delhi about his whereabouts.

"He can visit Delhi for treatment of his medical condition and election purposes or any other purpose, but he should inform the DCP of Crime Branch about his schedule. He can stay in Delhi at his friend's place at the address given to the court," the court said.

It passed the directions on a plea filed by Azad seeking modification of the conditions imposed on him when the court had granted him bail in a case related to violent protests in old Delhi's Daryaganj area on December 20.

The plea said the Bhim Army Chief had an office in the national capital where he held weekly meetings for his social cause.

The court said: "Election is the biggest festival in a democracy. Everybody has the right to participate in it and in fact we call for maximum participation. But while participating in election, the same time the rights of others should not be violated. Democracy cannot be a farce.

"If the (bail) conditions come in the way of Azad's participation in the elections, then conditions imposed on him shall be modified."



It had earlier 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 the case.

The court also slammed the police for opposing Azad's plea on the basis of "apprehensions", and not material evidence, that he posed a threat to law and order situation in the state.

The judge asked the DCP if they have found any material which confirmed that his visit to Delhi might create a law and order problem here.

"You (police) are seeking cancellation of his bail on the basis of apprehensions. One week has passed, do you have nay material to show Azad's visits to Delhi was prejudicial to law and order, public order and national security? Was there any problem in the past one week. Do not submit apprehensions. Give only material evidence in the court."



"If he has a place in Delhi and wants to participate in elections, you cannot deny an electorate from doing so," said the judge.

The Additional Public Prosecutor, appearing for the police, said there have been no adverse situation in Delhi due to Azad's visit in the past one week and the police has found no material against him.

He said however that the police has apprehensions Azad will repeat the offences committed by him before but failed to specify them.

When the judge pressed to know what the offences were, the counsel said he had given "hate speeches" before.

To this, the judge pointed out that the Bhim Army Chief was not booked for the offence of giving "hate speeches" in any of the FIRs registered against him till date.

The Additional Public Prosecutor told the court that Azad was not the owner of the property which he claimed to be his office in Delhi and its owner was one Bahadur Abbas who had rented the property to some other person.

The police also sought cancellation of bail for "willfully" violating the conditions of the order of the bail.

"Azad has scant respect for the law of the land. The court had in its order dated January 15, 2019, permitted him to visit Jama Masjid, Jor Bagh and Guru Ravidas Temple to pay his obeisance. However, he willfully disobeyed the court's order. Apart from visiting the three places, he also visited Shri Valmiki Temple and addressed a press conference at Windsor Place.

"Moreover, at Jama Masjid, from where he was arrested, he apart from paying obeisance, addressed the public and interacted with media persons in violation of the court's orders," the police said in its reply.

The public prosecutor said Azad had claimed in his plea that he held weekly meetings at Ambedkar Bhavan, but a member of the committee and the cashier have confirmed no such meeting has been held and the Bhim Army Chief has not visited the place for the past 4-5 months.

The counsels appearing for Azad, advocates Mehmood Pracha and O P Bharti, told the court the Delhi address given to the court was not an address of a political party.

"Abbas is the registered owner of the property and he was a friend of Azad. There is no rent agreement in Azad's name. It is a mutual understanding that Azad stays there whenever he is in Delhi.

"Azad is the only person whose presence poses a problem for the police. This is violative of his fundamental rights. Why can't he visit Delhi during the elections? If he is not here, how will he address his followers?," the counsel said.

Pracha added that Azad had just read the preamble to the Constitution at Jama Masjid, to which the judge said, "Everybody should read it every day.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CISCO Kelly Kramer in Davos.

Long-term cooperation between CISCO and Azerbaijan was praised at the meeting. CISCO`s implementation of projects in priority areas in Azerbaijan was pointed out. The initial stages of most of these projects have already been implemented.

President Ilham Aliyev said CISCO was an important partner for Azerbaijan, pointing out great business potential for the company in the country.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CISCO Kelly Kramer highly appreciated the ongoing development processes in Azerbaijan, noting the successful exchange of expertise between the company and the country. Kelly Kramer described Azerbaijan as the most important country for CISCO in the region.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The sum of evidence points to the responsibility for the crime resting on the then-leadership of the NKVD department. The Soviet side expresses deep regret over the tragedy, and assesses it as one of the worst Stalinist outrages.

This statement was broadcast for the first time by the Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union on 13 April 2010, on the 47th anniversary of the discovery of the Katyn mass graves. It took the Soviet Union 47 years to admit to the guilt of a series of mass executions of 22,000 Polish military officers and intelligentsia in the Russian forest in 1940. But with his recent comments about Polands complicity in the start of the Second World War, Russian president Vladimir Putin is harking back to the USSRs false wartime narrative and unfairly turning perpetrators into victims.

In a series of statements made in December 2019, Putin accused Poland of collaboration with Hitler and of antisemitism. He did so at some of the most important meetings held in Russia: the Commonwealth of Independent States summit, the annual board meeting of the Defence Ministry of Russia, the traditional end-of-year meeting with Russias key businesspeople, and a meeting with parliamentary leaders, which even resulted in State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodins call for Poland to apologise for starting the war.

All these were part of Russias continuous efforts to divert attention from its dark wartime past and reinforce Putins narrative of a strong, faultless country which is a natural successor to war-winning USSR.

Protests against Labour antisemitism Show all 14 1 /14 Protests against Labour antisemitism Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters clashed during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of the Jewish community hold a protest against Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and antisemitism in the Labour Party AFP/Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters hold placards and flags during a demonstration, organised by the British Board of Jewish Deputies for those who oppose antisemitism, in Parliament Square Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square to protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP Luciana Berger speaks during the protest PA Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester blows through a shofar during the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of London's Jewish community protest in support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn outside parliament EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP John Mann speaks during a protest against antisemitism PA Protests against Labour antisemitism People protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party as Jewish community leaders have launched a scathing attack on Jeremy Corbyn, claiming he has sided with antisemites again and again PA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour politicians Stella Creasy and Chuka Umunna leave after attending the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A pro-Jeremy Corbyn protester holds a placard during a counter-protest Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A support of the Labour Party hold up a placard during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Jeremy Corbyn supporters during the demo Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester holds up a sign reading For the many, not the Jew AFP

President Putins criticism of Poland was partly sparked by a recent European Parliament resolution, which blames both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany for the outbreak of the Second World War. The resolution confirms that 80 years ago, on 23 August 1939, the Soviets and the Germans signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and its secret protocol, dividing Europe and the territories of independent states between the two totalitarian regimes. It states that as a direct consequence of the pact, followed by the Nazi-Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty of 28 September 1939, Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany and two weeks later by the Soviet Union.

Later, the USSR ferociously attacked Finland and occupied and annexed parts of Romania as well as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. These are undeniable facts, the truth, and, unfortunately for Putin, they come from one of the worlds most important and reputable institutions.

The denial of responsibility for the Nazi-Soviet pact currently being propagated by the Russian authorities must be continuously met with a firm response from the custodians of the truth. It must be opposed so that the 150,000 Poles who died at the hands of the Soviets did not die in vain. I am therefore glad that Poland has strongly opposed Putins words, with prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasising that without Stalins complicity in the partition of Poland, and without the natural resources that Stalin supplied to Hitler, the Nazi German crime machine would not have taken control of Europe. Thanks to Stalin, Hitler could conquer new countries and prepare Holocaust, one of the worst crimes in the history of humankind. His statement has gathered international support, including from German Ambassador to Poland Rolf Nikel, who said: The USSR together with Germany participated in this brutal division of Poland.

Russian statements contradict not only fundamental historical facts but they are above all dangerous, reducing the Soviet responsibility for destroying peace in Europe and shifting the blame for the outbreak of the Second World War onto France, United Kingdom and Poland. President Putins words sound especially threatening and damaging in the context of the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day, marked on 27 January, the day of the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp by the Red Army. It is a day when we should remember those who suffered and the people responsible for it, not bow to historical revisionism.

This Holocaust Memorial Day, then, is perhaps the best opportunity to highlight the tragic events of the past and the reasons for them. This way we honour the victims, condemn the perpetrators and lay ground for reconciliation based on truth and remembrance.

Remembering the victims of totalitarian regimes as well as recognising and raising awareness of the shared European legacy of crimes committed by Soviet, Nazi and other regimes is of vital importance for the unity of Europe and for marking sure that a tragedy like the Second World War never happens again. For that, we must stand strong together and give no consent to turning perpetrators into victims.

Arkady Rzegocki is Polish Ambassador to the UK
THE Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has launched new funding for Irish SMEs with a 50m equipment, machinery and vehicle programme through specialist SME lender Capitalflow.

Capitalflow is a recently established non-bank finance provider and will act as on-lender of 50m provided by the SBCI to provide Irish SMEs with lower-cost funding for new and used equipment, machinery and vehicles funded by leasing or hire purchase products.

The new products are available immediately with further details at www.sbci.gov.ie and www.capitaflow.ie

Speaking about the announcement, Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform Pascal Donohoe said: I welcome this announcement from the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, of a new 50 million funding facility for Irish SMEs. It is particularly noteworthy that SBCI is doing this through a new on-lending partner, Capitalflow, as expanding the distribution of credit will help SMEs to access the funds they need at the right time to enable them to grow their businesses, increase employment and ensure they are more resilient for the future.

Nick Ashmore, chief executive at SBCI said: The SBCI are looking forward to working with Capitalflow as a new on-lending partner to deliver on this 50 million loan to Irish businesses. This fund will help promote competition in the SME funding market and deliver on the SBCIs objective in bringing cheaper and more accessible funds to Irish businesses.

Ronan Horgan, Capitalflow chief executive added: We established Capitalflow to become the Leading Specialist SME Lender in the Irish Market. To date, we have advanced over 450 million in facilities to a range of businesses across Ireland. This new 50 million facility with the SBCI is another milestone in our journey, as it allows us to build deep, long-lasting relationships with many new Irish SMEs
Libya: Algiers ready to host 'dialogue' for peace Consultations to find solution to crisis have intensified

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS, JANUARY 21 - Algerian President Abdelamadjid Tebboune has offered to host in Algiers a ''dialogue'' between Libyan sides to help the country resolve its current crisis, the official news agency Aps reports after the Algerian president's participation at a conference in Berlin Sunday. ''We have been urged to draft a clear plan, which is binding for the sides, aimed at stabilizing the truce, at stopping the provision of arms to the sides to remove the specter of war from the entire region'', said Tebboune. He asked for the ''encouragement of Libyan parties in sitting around a table to resolve the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, thus avoiding postponements with disastrous consequences''.



''Along with the good work done under the limelight to guarantee its approach's success, Algeria has worked intensely for the stabilization of the ceasefire'', said Tebboune.



''Algeria, which shares nearly 1,000 kilometers of border with Libya, has intensified consultations to try to contribute to a political solution to the crisis in this country and also the Algerian Red Crescent has provided humanitarian assistance to Libya'', the Aps reported. (ANSAmed).




Four CEOs of ride-hailing firms had to leave in 2019. Go-Viet witnessed the biggest high-ranking personnel changes.

In March 2019, Nguyen Vu Duc and Linh Nguyen resigned from the posts of CEO and deputy CEO of Go-Viet, just six months after the e-hailing app made its debut in Vietnam.





One month later, Go-Viet announced the appointment of Facebook Vietnams former CEO Le Diep Kieu Trang to the post of CEO of Go-Viet. Trang is a well known businesswomen as she has held important posts in Misfit, Fossil and Facebook Vietnam.



However, Trang also resigned from the post after five months of working as CEO. She is now the co-founder of Alabaster, a venture capital fund.

Four CEOs of ride-hailing firms had to leave in 2019. Go-Viet witnessed the biggest high-ranking personnel changes.

As of August 2019, when Go-Viet had been operating in Vietnam for one year, it had provided 100 million trips.



However, according to ABI Research, Go-Viet only held 10 percent of the ride-hailing market share in the first six months of 2019 with 21 million trips.



Go-Viet has not revealed the date when it would provide the car transportation service though it has the nod from the HCM City Transport Department.



It also has not launched the e-payment service Go-Pay, though it began seeking a legal director and business development director in July 2018.



Unlike its rival, Go-Viet now only accepts one payment method  in cash.



Just a short time after Duc left Go-Viet, the founder and CEO of AhaMove Nguyen Xuan Truong also left his post after 3.5 years of operating the on-demand delivery startup.



Pham Huu Truong, who was then CTO, was appointed to the post.



Sources said while CEO and deputy CEO of Go-Viet left the company because of a disagreement with Go-Jek (the holding company) on the legal status of Go-Viet, the members of AhaMoves leadership disagreed on business strategy.



Later, Truong also left AhaMove to take the post of P2P director for MoMo, an e-wallet.



Under Pham Huu Ngon, the new CEO, Ahamoves business has gained considerable improvement. In mid-September 2019, Ngon said AhaMove implemented 60,000 orders a day.



be is the youngest player in the market as it made its debut in December 2018. At that moment, Tran Thanh Hai, CEO of beGroup, stated the firm strived to have 6.6 million downloads and 105 million trips after one year of operation.



To date, be is known in nine cities/provinces. The app has been downloaded to 5.5 million mobile devices and attracted 60,000 shippers. About 350,000 orders are made every day.



However, be unexpectedly announced the resignation of Hai from the post of CEO in mid-December.

Linh Ha

Rise of ride-hailing firms against traditional taxis is inevitable in Vietnam: PM Such trend would help better meet transportation needs at more affordable prices, ensuring convenience, safety and improving service quality of both taxis and electronic-contract based vehicles, stated Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 18:28:54|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KABUL, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 Taliban militants have been killed after the Afghan Air Force targeted their positions in eastern Ghazni province, the Afghan Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

In one strike, 11 Taliban militants were killed and one militants' vehicle was destroyed after the air force struck the vehicle in Nabroi locality of Ghelan district, the ministry said in a statement, without disclosing the exact time of the airstrike.

In Dand locality of neighboring Nawa district, four militants lost their lives in a sortie launched by the air force, according to the statement.

In addition, the Afghan air force also destroyed one Taliban's attack tunnel in Miwand district of southern Kandahar province, the statement noted.

Taliban militants, who ruled the country before being ousted in late 2001, renewed armed insurgency, killing government troops as well as civilians.

They frequently attack district offices, military camps, installations and security checkpoints, while the Afghan military respond with airstrikes on militant targets in the countryside.
North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread, reports say.

Two foreign tour operators today revealed officials in the Hermit Kingdom told them borders will close until the outbreak is 'well under control'.

A South Korean budget airline has also announced it will postpone the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak.

Tway Air said the decision was 'inevitable' given the spiralling number of cases, with 325 people across Asia now confirmed to have the virus.

Six patients have died from the SARS-like infection, which has spread to Taiwan, as well as Thailand, South Korea and Japan.

Scientists are desperately trying to contain the outbreak of the never-before-seen virus, which officials yesterday confirmed has passed between humans.

A total of 325 people are confirmed to have caught the illness, with another 54 cases suspected and more than 900 people under observation (Pictured: The most recently available breakdown of where cases have been diagnosed)

Most of the cases have occurred in Wuhan, a city in Hubei province home to 11million people (pictured, the city's Yellow Crane Tower)

Young Pioneer Tours, an adventure travel company based in China, told Reuters that North Korean officials had told them of the temporary ban.

Rowan Beard, of the company, said he was told by officials that the suspension will stay in place until 'they feel the coronavirus is well under control'.

Further details are yet to be confirmed by the company's travel partners in North Korea, the Young Pioneer Tours statement said.

A manager at another foreign tour company, which hasn't been named, said they too had been told of such a move. Further details are expected tomorrow.

The vast majority of the tourists to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea come from China, Pyongyang's main supporter.

North Korea  a politically-isolated country  is estimated to earn millions of dollars from the steady flow of Chinese tourists.

The country raked in $40million (30.6m) in 2014, according to reports which also say it lets in around 10,000 tourists each year.

Tourism is one of the last major ways North Korea can legally earn foreign cash, as international sanctions restrict many other forms of business.

Tway had been set for the first of its twice-a-week flights from Incheon to Wuhan at 10.20pm (13.20 GMT)

The vast majority of tourists to North Korea come from China (North Koreans gather for a rally at the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang earlier this month)

Cases of a mysterious pneumonia-causing virus first began to crop up in Wuhan (pictured) last month

Workers at Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan are using thermal scanners to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms of the coronavirus sweeping Asia

Malaysian officials use thermal imaging scanners and cameras to check passengers for fevers upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Tway Air postponed today's scheduled launch of a new route to the Chinese city of Wuhan because of rising concern over the spread of a new coronavirus.

South Korea yesterday reported its first confirmed case of the virus  a 35-year-old Chinese national who flew from Wuhan to Seoul on Sunday.

Tway had been set for the first of its twice-a-week flights from Incheon to Wuhan at 10.20pm (13.20 GMT).

However, the budget airline cancelled its plans because of the ongoing outbreak, a company official said.

The unnamed official told Reuters: 'It was an inevitable decision because of the situation there.' They added that T'way would monitor the outbreak.

An official at Korean Air Lines, the only other South Korean airline operating direct flights to Wuhan, said the company had no plans to suspend its route.

The airline, which runs the flight four times a week, announced it will waive ticket cancellation fees for passengers traveling to the city.

Fears are growing over the virus, with millions of Chinese residents travelling for the Lunar New Year holiday this week.

South Koreas President Moon Jae-in instructed authorities to step up prevention efforts ahead of the major Chinese holiday.
Taking root? Tree-planting new trend in eco-conscious Davos



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



It's a green policy that everyone can get behind.

In Davos this year, leaders and tycoons, including the world's leading climate sceptic Donald Trump, offered to plant trees to help the planet.

Finding common ground on global warming was no small accomplishment on the first day of this year's World Economic Forum that was dominated by speeches by Trump and teenage climate warrior, Greta Thurnberg.

The most obvious example of the new found tree love was from Zurich Insurance, which every year hands out box-loads of blue ski bonnets to any Davos-goers foolish enough to come to the snow-cloaked fest without a hat.

But this year the insurance giant innovated, promising to plant a tree for every winter hat offered. On Tuesday afternoon in this Swiss ski resort, the meter read 5,250.

Some of the world's most powerful CEOs take planting trees incredibly seriously.

"We are facing a planetary climate crisis and trees are one of the most effective ways to sequester carbon and stop the worst effects of climate change," cloud giant Salesforce chairman Marc Benioff said in Davos.

A Davos regular, Benioff helps on the trillion tree campaign, a major reforestation project launched by WEF that Trump in his speech said he would back.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng spoke of his country's "high-value" reforestation programme and said Beijing was "willing to share its experience with other countries."

Environmentalists view corporate tree-hugging with suspicion.

"We are not telling you to 'offset your emission' by just paying someone else to plant trees in places like Africa while at the same time forests like the Amazon are being slaughtered at an infinitely higher rate," Thurnberg told her Davos audience.

"Planting trees is good, of course, but it's nowhere near enough of what needs to be done, and it cannot replace real mitigation or rewilding nature," she said.

Many of the companies represented in Davos, such as the oil giants Shell and Total, long ago launched carbon offset projects through tree planting, and the scheme is also being implemented by airlines.

Some experts, however, cautioned against the use of fast-growing species such as eucalyptus or pine, which could disrupt local ecosystems.

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Range day at SHOT Show 2020 was filled with the latest pistol technology from Glock to Springfield Armory, but the handgun that stood out this year was a Colt six-shooter that dominated the silver screen in the 1970s.

Colt Manufacturing Company LLC showed off the reintroduction of its .357 Magnum Python revolver, an icon that disappeared from the market 18 years ago.

"The public has been asking for years and years for us to bring it back; not only did we bring it back, but it's better than the original," Mark Redl, law enforcement manager for Colt Firearms, told Military.com.

Using modern machining and metals, "it's actually 30% stronger than the earlier one," Redl said.

Colt Manufacturing Company LLCs reintroduced .357 Python revolver shown at SHOT Show 2020s range day. (Military.com photo/Matthew Cox)

Colt's reintroduction of the Python revolver comes just a few months after the gunmaker decided to suspend its production of civilian AR-15s because the market has become flooded with firms that manufacture the popular semi-automatic rifle.

Related: Colt's Halt to Civilian AR-15 Sales Could Prompt Other Gunmakers to Exit Market

The Python was the flagship of Colt's revolver market, produced from 1955 to 2002. But the Python truly became a legend in the 1970s when actor David Soul first wielded a four-inch barreled version of the powerful handgun in the 1973 Clint Eastwood movie "Magnum Force."

Soul went on to carry a Python with a six-inch barrel for his role as Hutch in the hit TV series "Starsky and Hutch," which ran from 1975 to 1979.

The new Python comes in two versions, one with a 4.5-inch barrel and one with a six-inch barrel. The barrels are machined from one piece of stainless steel and the trigger has been improved over the original design, Redl said.

"We've actually reduced the number of parts in the action," he said. "We did that so we would get a better trigger pull every time you pull the trigger."

I have never loved the long pull of a double-action trigger, but the Python's trigger feels as smooth as whipped butter.

"Retail for this gun is $1,499; a lot of people say, 'well, that is kind of expensive,'" Redl said. "In the collector market, if you can find an unfired original [Python] you are going to be paying anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the configuration of the gun.

"This is a work of art, and it works better than anything else on the market today."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Read More: Here's the Light Machine Gun SOCOM is Evaluating
In this Jan. 15, 2019, file photo an America flag flies at the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pa. Read more

For 50 years, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) has been serving the legal needs of journalists around the country. For all those years, it has been doing that work from its offices in Washington, D.C. This morning, with generous support from the Knight Foundation, the RCFP announced that one of its lawyers will begin working full time in Pennsylvania.

A new lawyer starting work in our state normally is not big news. This is different. The new RCFP lawyer will have a singular mission: helping Pennsylvania journalists overcome the legal roadblocks they face in seeking access to government information.

While the RCFPs clients will be journalists, its work will benefit all Pennsylvanians. Thats big news.

Open government is fundamental to our democracy. Transparency allows citizens to see their government at work, understand their officials actions, and hold their leaders accountable.

In Pennsylvania, our laws protect the publics right to know what its government is up to. The Sunshine Act mandates that all government meetings be open when policies are discussed and decisions are made. The Right-to-Know Law provides that records relating to government activity are accessible to the public. And our Constitution mandates that all courts shall be open.

Most citizens, however, dont have time to attend government meetings, comb through public records, or attend important court cases.

So journalists serve that role. They observe the government, learn what it is doing and why, and then report to the public.

But Pennsylvanias laws safeguarding citizens access to government information are not perfect. Each has its limits. And each can be exploited when officials want to hide something.

Sometimes records and proceedings are closed for good reason. Other times they are not.

When closures seem improper, the press serves another vital role  it pushes back. It fights for the publics right to know by filing suits to gain access to records, meetings, and court cases.

In this kind of litigation, the laws often stack the deck in favor of secrecy. They provide no real-time remedy, and the litigation can go on for years.

For example, the Right-to-Know Law provides an easy route to appeal when requests for records are denied. But the agency that hears most appeals  the Office of Open Records  has no authority to enforce its decisions. And public officials are free to appeal to court, where they can raise new issues and where the offices prior ruling has no significance. While these rounds of appeals run on, time passes, and the utility of the requested information fades.

To make matters worse, litigating these cases is expensive. Government officials have the resources and lawyers to outlast most people. The law does nothing to deter them from litigating whenever they want to maintain secrecy. Many states level the playing field by forcing the government to pay a citizens legal fees when access is wrongfully denied. But Pennsylvania does not. Here, citizens pay their full litigation costs even if records or meetings should have been public.

Despite the obstacles, the press historically fought these legal battles for transparency. But as the media landscape has changed and news companies revenue has been squeezed, journalists have not been able to take up these causes as often. As a result, the public has lost an important check on the government.

Today, that situation will begin to change. RCFP has launched a local legal initiative and is bringing its mission of open government to Pennsylvania. The RCFP is taking on this mission pro bono to advance the public good.

Pennsylvania is blessed with a wealth of collaborative and innovative journalists. Starting today, their work will have another powerful advocate. That advocacy will benefit all Pennsylvanians. It will lead to greater transparency and facilitate more robust public affairs journalism and investigative reporting. Consequently, all of us will have more information about our government  information that allows all of us to hold our government more accountable.

Michael Berry is a partner in the Philadelphia office of Ballard Spahr LLP, where his practice focuses exclusively on media and First Amendment law.
He popped the question to Cara Santana in August 2016 after the couple had been dating for more than five years.

But Jesse Metcalfe appeared to be getting cozy with a woman who appeared to be Australian actress Jade Albany at a bar in Los Angeles this weekend.

The 41-year-old actor was spotted with his arms wrapped around the pretty blonde, just hours after he was out and about, holding hands with Hungarian model Livia Pillmann.

Friends? Jesse Metcalfe appeared to be getting cozy with a woman who appeared to be actress Jade Albany at a bar in Los Angeles this weekend

So close: After chatting up a storm at the Attic bar in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, the pair were spotted wrapped in each other's arms

Comfortable: Jesse and the mystery blonde stayed close to each other on Ventura Boulevard

DailyMail.com has contacted Jesse's representatives for comment.

Jesse was dressed in a light blue denim shirt with tattered elements along the sleeves of the buttoned-down top.

His 'nine lives' tattoo was prominently displayed on the back of his right bicep, with IX lives inked in thick black lettering.

The Desperate Housewives star wore a pair of black slacks and dark brown shoes to complement is casual threads.

Casual: Jesse was dressed in a light blue denim shirt with tattered elements along the sleeves of the buttoned-down top

Hugs: The 41-year-old actor was spotted with his arms wrapped around the pretty blonde

Chat: The pair found a nice quiet spot to catch up in the corner of the bar

After chatting up a storm at the Attic bar in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles, the pair were spotted wrapped in each other's arms.

His mystery pal was dressed for the night in a light long-sleeved blouse underneath a dark green jacket.

She paired her chic ensemble with ankle-length slacks and black leather booties.

Earlier in the day, Jesse shared a few smiles with Hungarian model Livia Pillmann as the pair were spotted leaving a late lunch.

Fashionable: She paired her chic ensemble with ankle-length slacks and black leather booties

Staying warm: His mystery pal was dressed for the night in a light long-sleeved blouse underneath a dark green jacket

Walk this way: Earlier in the day, Jesse shared a few smiles with Hungarian model Livia Pillmann as the pair were spotted leaving a late lunch

Kidding: After dining on vegan fare, Jesse and Livia shared a few jokes at the valet stand while waiting for his ride to roll around

Let's eat! The Chesapeake Shores star enjoyed good company while dining at the trendy restaurant, Gracias Madre

The Chesapeake Shores star enjoyed good company while dining at the trendy restaurant, Gracias Madre.

After dining on vegan fare, Jesse and Livia shared a few jokes at the valet stand while waiting for his ride to roll around.

Livia sported an electric orange blazer as the pair then walked hand-in-hand to a nearby office space.

Away we go! The pair held hands as they walked to Jesse's car

New sights: Livia sported an electric orange blazer as the pair then walked hand-in-hand to a nearby office space

Threads: Jesse wore the same denim shirt he was spotted in later that evening

Jesse's longtime fiancee was nowhere to be seen on the adventures this weekend and their last public appearance together was on Jan. 4.

Despite being engaged for nearly five years, he told Access Hollywood in November that wedding planning was practically 'non existent' as of late due to their demanding schedules.

'Wedding planing is non existent,' he said. 'I've been so busy ... I've literally been out of town the whole year. Cara has been incredibly busy as well ... we're kind of just doing things on our own schedule.'

She recently launched a capsule collection with Kohl's called Cara Santana x Apt. 9 and is filming Kurt. with Matthew Lawrence.
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Hoda Kotb of the Today Show is one of todays top journalists and a solid ratings draw. Announced as Matt Lauers replacement after his firing in November 2017 due to allegations of sexual misconduct, Kotbs already huge fan base grew even bigger when she started anchoring the daily morning news program alongside Savannah Guthrie.

Now celebrating enormous success in her professional life, its hard to imagine that Kotb was originally turned down many (many) times for a job in news.

Today Shows Hoda Kotb | Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images



Reporting gigs

Kotb served as a news assistant at CBS in 1986 in her parents hometown of Cairo, then moved on to other jobs for CBS and ABC affiliates in Illinois, Mississippi and Florida. She landed reporting and anchoring gigs for WWL-TV in New Orleans from 1992 to 1998.

The Today co-host joined NBC news in 1998 as a correspondent for the news magazine Dateline NBC, covering major events including the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When she was recruited to the Today team in 2008 to co-host the shows fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford, Kotb quickly became a fan favorite and key member of the news crew.

Yet her road to success initially started out very rocky, where she found more doors closing than opening.



Facing rejection(s)

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1986, Kotb applied for an opportunity at a TV station in Richmond, Virginia, but was turned down in a not so delicate manner.

I remember the news director, he took my tape, he put it in the machine, he played it for a couple of minutes and he stopped it and he said, Oh, Hoda, you are not ready for Richmond, Kotb recalled at a 2016 SiriusXM Leading Ladies event. I dont know why somebody sent you here, but youre too green, youre not good.

From there, Kotb tried her luck at several other stations including in Roanoke, Virginia and Memphis, Tennessee, yet still only received rejections. I was in that car driving around for 10 days, she revealed.

I got rejected everywhere. Anywhere you can think of in the Southeast, I got rejected.

Kotb admitted that she was rejected 27 times before literally stumbling upon one more possibility. You know, the whole God gives you a sign  I literally got lost in Mississippi because I was listening to James Taylor and sad and driving aimlessly, and I saw a physical sign that said, Greenville, Mississippi, Our eye is on you, she shared, according to CNBC. It had like a CBS eye. News center 15, WXVT. I said, Im gonna go there and get rejected.

The Today star found favor with news director Stan Sandroni, who saw talent in Kotb. I like what I see, he said after watching her tape and gave her a job.

The experience taught Kotb a valuable lesson. It just reminded me that you just need one person to love you, she said. You dont need everybody.

Success at work and at home

Now earning an annual salary of $8 million, Kotb has clearly arrived at success. With a reported net worth of $30 million, the journalist is now in the upper echelon of network journalists.

The Today co-anchor has also found success in her personal life. Now a mom of two daughters and engaged to longtime partner Joel Schiffman, Kotb revealed that she has found her greatest joy later in life. For all the people who are late bloomers, hang in babe, she advised others, according to Page Six. Its fun at the end, its really fun at the end.
Photos of malnourished and dying lions at a zoo in Sudan have sparked global backlash and a growing online campaign to save the animals.

The five African lions were found in an emaciated state by activist Osman Salih in Khartoums Al-Qureshi Park.

He posted the photos on Facebook, saying the sight of the sickly big cats made my blood boil and started the hashtag #SudanAnimalRescue to raise awareness and seek help.

We have contacted the park administration and they indicated to us that the wildlife police are responsible for these animals and their care and cleanliness and that they were constantly preparing their food but stopped for a while, wrote Mr Salih.

The park holds the wildlife police directly responsible for the deteriorating conditions of the lions, and stated that the income of the park for a month is not enough to feed one lion for a week.

Park officials also blamed the countrys economic crisis for the lions poor conditions and said the felines had gone for weeks without adequate food or medication.

Five African lions were found in an emaciated state (AFP via Getty Images)

The dramatic photos, in which one of the lions spines can be clearly seen under its skin, drew anger from social media users, who called the conditions truly horrific and unacceptable.

Thats disgusting. People responsible for these animals need locking up and left to starve themselves, said one person.

Another said: This is just sad and appalling. Something needs to be done immediately and the persons responsible held accountable. At the very least FIRED.

According to Mr Salih, veterinarians visited the zoo after his plea for help went viral to assess, feed and medicate the lions wherever possible.

Some of the lions are believed to have lost almost two-thirds of their body weight and at least two were sick. One of the sick female lions died on Monday, confirmed park officials to AFP.

Brigadier Essamelddine Hajjar, a manager at the park, said: One of the two sick lionesses died today Yesterday the doctor gave the two some medicines after which they were given food.

One recovered but the other died. We are diagnosing the cause of death.

On Monday, Mr Salih said despite the death, there was still positive news as fresh meat was donated or secured from nearby factories and slaughterhouses for the lions.

He added that animal rescue organisation FOUR PAWS International was willing to get involved to help the lions dire situation.

Best news of the day was the willingness of FOUR PAWS International to send an emergency rescue to rehabilitate the animals not only at [Qureshi] zoo but other parks in Sudan as well as train staff at wildlife authority, he wrote in a post.

Sick and malnourished lioness sleeps in its cage in Sudan (AFP via Getty Images)

However, Martin Bauer, a spokesperson for FOUR PAWS International told The Independent: FOUR PAWS is aware of the terrible situation of the suffering lions in Sudan.

At the moment we are closely monitoring the situation and working hard to get access to the zoo. However, we cannot confirm a rescue mission at this stage.

We are working hard on a solution, he added.

It is not known how many African lions are in Sudan, but the species are classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

It is thought only 20,000 are left in the wild after their population numbers plummeted by 43 percent between 1993 and 2014.

Sudans worsening economic crisis, with soaring food prices and a foreign currency shortage, triggered unrest throughout the country as its civilians struggle to get by.
On Tuesday, Zomato has acquired Uber Eats in India, and according to the sources the deal value is around $300-350 million. With this deal, Uber will have a 9.9 per cent stake in Zomato. It is believed that the deal for Uber Eats was signed at 3am and the customers were shifted to the Zomato app from 7am. Uber agreed to sell Uber Eats after its recent efforts to exit money-losing businesses.

Uber claimed that, the deal is applicable only in India and Uber Eats will be continuing to operate in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The delivery drivers for the service, known as Uber Eats, and basic information about customers, including their contact numbers, order history and more has been transferred to Zomato. When Indian users click on the Food Delivery option, the users will be sent to Zomato app for six months.

However, the two local food delivery leaders namely, Zomato and Swiggy has already established in the country and controlling about 80 per cent of the food delivery market here. Zomato claims that Ubers 10 million monthly food orders will be added to their 40 million which strengthens their customer base in southern India, which is Swiggys stronghold.

Even though Ubers ride business is hailing across the country, Uber Eats never tried to attract any restaurants or customers in India. For the first three quarters of 2019, Uber Eats only recorded for three per cent of the gross booking for Eats globally and at least 25 percent of its adjusted operating losses. Also, Uber is trying to expand its network within the country from 50 cities to 200 cities this year.

But, it is said that almost 245 Uber Eats employees are affected by the deal, but sources confirm that they will be under the pay rolls of Uber India till March 3 and company aims to provide support to the rest in finding jobs. Similar to this, Uber also pulled from South Korea in September and sold its ride-hailing business to a local competitor in 2018 in Southeast Asia.

Since its inception in 2008, Zomato has come a long way after starting as an online guide, which scanned menus from restaurants and later added reviews, reservation features, and food delivery. Last month Ant Financial added $150 million to Zomatos coffers in a fund-raising round. With an aim to increase revenue, it also began a loyalty program in 2017 named Zomato Gold which gave diners buy-one-get-one-free deals at thousands of restaurants.
The remains of one Canadian victim of the PS752 airline disaster have been returned to Canada but details are being withheld at the family's request, Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said today.

"There has been one repatriation of remains which took place, and we respected the wish of the families to respect their privacy. The family has asked that we ... and the media respect their privacy," Champagne said following a three-day Liberal cabinet retreat in Winnipeg.

Calling the situation "dynamic" and "fluid," Champagne said Iran has so far respected the families' wishes regarding burial. He said that claims the families' wishes hadn't been respected have not been substantiated.

"We are taking these allegations seriously. We are investigating with our team on the ground and with Iranian authorities," he said.

Wishes being respected

"But based on the information that I have from our consular officials which are working with the families ... in touch with the 57 Canadians and 29 permanent residents, the latest information I have received is that the wishes of the families have been respected."

Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. It's not known how many of the 57 Canadians killed in the crash also held Iranian citizenship.

There also have been reports that Iran is intimidating and harassing family members of the victims.

Canada has been demanding that Iran turn over the "black box" flight recorders from the aircraft, which contain information critical to the crash investigation. Iran initially indicated it would release the black boxes to Ukraine or France  two countries with the technical expertise to analyze the data  but recent reports suggest the country is now backtracking on that pledge.

Champagne said Iran should release the flight recorders in the spirit of transparency and accepting full responsibility for the crash  but suggested global pressure is the best way to persuade Iran to release them.

Story continues

"The leverage we have I would say is ... the fact that the world is watching Iran. We have made demands which are very specific," he said.

After initially denying any role in the crash, Iranian leaders conceded that Iran's Revolutionary Guard shot down the Boeing 737-800 using surface-to-air missiles on Jan. 8, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. Of those passengers, 138 were destined for Canada.

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada continues to "pressure" Iran to turn over the black boxes to a third country.

"It is not simply a question of having the right experts in place to analyze the black boxes. There is the question of significant technological requirements that cannot be done in Iran," he said.

"That is why we are calling upon Iran to release the black boxes to a reliable third country that has the technological capacity and personnel to properly analyze those boxes."
January 21 : News was viral that Alia Bhatt got injured on the sets of Gangubai Kaithiwadi and the injury was so bad that she was rushed to hospital and later prescribed bed rest, but unfortunately its not true.

Ealier, Alia had shared a picture of herself and her cat Edward in bed. Alia look unwell and wrote, Selfie time with mommy cause shes hurt her back and has nothing better to do at 2am

After the pictures, a few tabloids and news websites published reports that Alia hurt herself while shooting for Gangubai Kathiawadi. Therefore, she shared a note on Instagram to put rumors to rest. Alia said that it was an old injury that was causing her discomfort.

She wrote To all those articles out there saying that I have hurt myself on the sets of my film...they are not true. This is an old injury that has been acting up for a while and just gave way one day at homeNo accident or nothingplease please do clarify next time before printing long long articles on what happened to meHaving said that thanks to few days of complete rest and being horizontal Im back in action and am resuming shoot from today! Thank you all for all the get well soon message :) as I have got well very very soon :)

Meanwhile on the work front, Alia is busy with Ayan Mukerjis Brahmastra, Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Gangubai Kathiawadi, SS Rajamoulis RRR and Karan Johars Takht.

The first look posters for Gangubai Kathiawadi were released online last week. The film is based on Hussain Zaidis book Mafia Queens of Mumbai. The story of the movie revolves around Gangubai Kothewali, a brothel owner and matriarch. The film will hit the theatres on September 11, 2020.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

University of New Mexico students return to classes this week, and one of the things on their to-do list will be a survey about a possible homeless shelter going up on university land.

It was recently announced that UNM land near Lomas and Interstate 25 is one of five potential sites the city has floated, so far, for a new homeless shelter. The university was the second-highest rated site after the city did an initial survey of possible spots for the Gateway Center.

Dr. Paul Roth, chancellor of the UNM Health Sciences Center and chief executive officer of the UNM Health System, said the university has plans to survey students and employees about the idea some time soon, possibly this week. He thinks UNMs land would have several advantages over other sites.

The connection with the HSC is that many of that same population are our patients, he said in an interview. The UNM site, I thought, was a reasonable option to consider because of the nearness to health and mental health facilities. And it would make it a lot easier for our (emergency room), after we patch folks up and take care of their medical conditions  to be able to discharge them to at least a temporary, safe shelter.

Roth said a couple of years ago he led a subcommittee for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce during which he visited several other cities and saw efforts to help their homeless populations. He said it was during that course of work that the need for a shelter in Albuquerque located closer to services, such as different types of health care, as well as food and clothing, became apparent.

The university property being considered is currently undeveloped land south of the building that houses the Office of the Medical Investigator, just east of I-25 near Lomas. Roth said the space has many of the desired traits in a possible site for a homeless shelter  one being that it would be close to the emergency room and a psychiatric hospital at UNM.

The other possible sites for the Gateway Center are the old Lovelace hospital on Gibson, Montessa Park south of the airport, the Interstate 40/Second Street area, and the citys current shelter location on the far West Side. Voters approved $14 million in general obligation bonds for a facility last November.

When I brought this up to all the chairs with the School of Medicine  there was very strong support, among leadership at least, Roth said. But we plan to reach out to other employees and students.

Dr. Cheryl Willman, director of the UNM Cancer Center, said in emails obtained by KRQE-TV that many university doctors and other employees are concerned about the shelter bordering their offices. Willman couldnt be reached by the Journal last week.

Others have voiced support for putting the shelter at UNM.

We are very much in favor of having a shelter because many of our patients dont have a place to go, said Dr. Mauricio Tohen, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UNMH. When patients with psychiatric conditions dont have a place to stay, they are more likely to relapse and not follow through with their treatment.
The US has reported its first confirmed case of the deadly Wuhan coronavirus - revealing that a traveller returning from China had been diagnosed by authorities close to Seattle.

The Centres for Disease Control, the nations preeminent health institute, said the man, aged in his 30s, had been been taken to hospital in the town of Everett last week after suffering with pneumonia.

Reports said the individual, a US resident, had recently travelled to the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where the current outbreak is believed to have originated.

The mysterious respiratory infection that has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds more in Asia.

The Washington Post said the man travelled back to Washington state before health officials began screening travellers from Wuhan at Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Yorks John F Kennedy international airports from January 17 onwards.

Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Show all 154 1 /154 Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Paramedics wearing personal protective equipment carry patient on a stretcher on to an ambulance in North Point district in Hong Kong, China Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker wearing protective gear takes a rest as he waits for ambulances carrying patients infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus at an entrance of a hospital in Daegu, South Korea YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker sprays disinfectant on an ambulance after carrying a patient infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus at a hospital in Daegu YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People wearing protective face masks shop at a supermarket in Casalpusterlengo, one the northern Italian towns placed under lockdown due to the new coronavirus outbreak EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A trolley bus is disinfected amid fears over the spread of the novel coronavirus in Pyongyang, North Korea REUTERS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers wearing protective gear spray disinfectant as a precaution against the COVID-19 coronavirus in a local market in Daegu, South Korea AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a protective facemask walks outside a nearly empty shopping mall at lunch time in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing protective facemask and gloves puts a drawing made by a girl living in the area asking residents to wear protective gear, next to a quarantine notice for people who have travelled and a notice asking people to register outside a residential compound in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman is taken into an ambulance amid a coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy REUTERS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulances and health workers are seen outside the Padua's hospital, northern Italy EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers in coaches leave MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire after being repatriated to the UK from a cruise ship hit by the coronavirus in Yokohama, Japan and head to Arrowe Park Hospital on Merseyside PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People rest in a temporary hospital situated in the Tazihu Gymnasium in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Buddhist monks wearing protective face masks pray during a blessing ceremony for the people affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, at a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia REUTERS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers wearing protective gears carry a patient infecting with a new coronavirus to a hospital in Chuncheon, South Korea AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Soldiers in hazmat suits sanitize cargo from a China Airlines plane at the Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan City, Taiwan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Barricades are seen to block the entrance a the gate of a local mall in a nearly empty area in Beijing, China Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A vendor wearing a protective facemask waits for customers at a shop in Beijing AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The body temperature of an Iraqi child returning from Iran is measured upon her arrival at the Najaf International Airport AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Volunteers hand out free facemasks at a shopping district in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers wearing 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attend to a patient inside an isolated ward of Wuhan Red Cross Hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A drone operated by the Suwon municipal government flies around Changyong Middle School spraying disinfectant, in Suwon, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers transfer medical waste at Leishenshan Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a protective mask rides a bicycle with his children in Guangzhou, China EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Volunteers in protective suits disinfect a railway station as the country is hit by an outbreak of the new coronavirus, in Changsha, Hunan province, China cnsphoto via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman repatriated from Wuhan carries a child as she walks upon her arrival at the Van Don airport in Vietnam's Quang Ninh province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff checking the body temperature of a patient who has displayed mild symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker in protective suit transports oxygen tanks at Wuhan Red Cross Hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Boys wearing protection masks, gloves and modified water bottles sit on a cart at the airport arrival terminal in Guangzhou EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Employees work on a production line manufacturing protective suits at a clothing factory in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province cnsphoto via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits move a patient at an isolated ward of a hospital in Caidian district following an outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker in protective clothing, including face mask and gloves, carries a bucket as he works inside of The County Oak Medical Centre in Brighton, southern England, after it closed for "urgent operational health and safety reasons", following reports a member of staff was infected with the strain of the novel coronavirus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers of the ecology and environment bureau collect samples from the sewage system of a hospital in Xinle, Hebei province China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man in protective clothing cleaning the County Oak Medical Centre GP practice The British government warned the outbreak of novel coronavirus was a "serious and imminent threat" and reported four new cases that brought the total recorded in the country to eight. Two hospitals The Royal Free and Guys and St Thomas', have both been designated as "isolation" facilities, with both currently housing Britons who have returned from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to the newly completed Huoshenshan temporary field Hospital in Wuhan. The global coronavirus death toll rose again with Hong Kong announcing its first death from the outbreak on 4 February EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of staff wait as coaches carrying Coronavirus evacuees arrive at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, in Milton Keynes, after being repatriated to the UK from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A crew member of the cruise ship Diamond Princess talks to a worker wearing protective gear standing near the vessel, where dozens of passengers were tested positive for coronavirus, at Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Doctors scan a patient's lungs at Huoshenshan temporary hospital built for patients diagnosed with coronavirus in Wuhan Xinhua News Agency/AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People wearing protective suits walk from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, with around 3,600 people quarantined onboard due to fears of the new coronavirus, at the Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Indonesians who arrived from Wuhan are sprayed with antiseptic at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam. People evacuated from the Chinese city at the centre of a deadly virus outbreak, were transported to a quarantine zone on a remote island at the edge of the South China Sea, shortly after landing Indonesian Foreign Ministry via AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman wears a protective mask as she shops in a market in Beijing Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members hugging each other in an isolation ward at a hospital in Zouping in China's easter Shandong province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A portrait of Dr Li Wenliang is left at Li's hospital in Wuhan. He is regarded a whistleblower on the outbreak and died of the coronavirus which triggered wide-spread mourning on Chinese media Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Officers in protective gear enter the cruise ship Diamond Princess, where people tested positive for coronavirus, after the ship arrived at Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama, south of Tokyo Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Firefighters and personnel from the health ministry participate in a drill to prepare for the potential arrival of passengers infected with the coronavirus at the Viru Viru International Airport, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Scientists are at work in the VirPath university laboratory as they try to find an effective treatment against the new Sars-like coronavirus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits attend to patients at the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center, which has been converted into a makeshift hospital to receive patients with mild symptoms caused by the virus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A girl wears a mask as a preventive measure against the coronavirus outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man is transferred from the World Dream cruise ship to an ambulance at the Kai Tak cruise terminal in Hong Kong as health officials conduct inspections AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers from a disinfection service company enter Lotte Department Store in central Seoul, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man who arrived from Hubei province talks with police at a checkpoint at the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor holds a handheld digital thermometer near health officials preparing a health check for arriving passengers from China at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A resident walks across an empty track in Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A scientific staff member works in a secure laboratory, researching the coronavirus, at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members preparing equipment to meet passengers of a military plane, which evacuated citizens of Russia and ex-Soviet countries from China's Wuhan province Vsluh.ru via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff wearing protective suits as they prepare to disinfect a Vietnam Airlines plane at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi Vietnam Airlines/AFP/Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A South Korean person, who was evacuated from Wuhan, arrives at the National Medical Center after showing suspected symptoms of novel coronavirus, in Seoul EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Officers in protective gear escort a person (under the blue sheet) who was on board cruise ship Diamond Princess and was tested positive for coronavirus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor being disinfected by his colleague at a quarantine zone in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Buses carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan, arrive at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Indonesian health officials conduct an exercise drill in transporting a patient requiring isolation at the Belawan port in Medan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The Pasteur Institute in Dakar, designated by the African Union as one of the two reference centres in Africa for the detection of the new coronavirus that appeared in China, is hosting experts from 15 countries on the continent this weekend to prepare them to deal with the disease AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A government worker disinfects a co-worker after visiting a quarantined woman's home in Qingdao EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An aerial view of the deserted roads and bridges in Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers hold a strike outside the Hospital Authority as they demand for Hong Kong to close its border with China to reduce the coronavirus spreading Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A person has their tempriture checked in Qingdao, China EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Malaysian nationals being directed from a bus by health officials in protective suits as they arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, after being evacuated from Wuhan Malaysia's Ministry of Health/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People hoping to buy face masks crowd outside a medical supply shop that was raided by police for allegedly hoarding and overpricing the masks, as public fear over China's Wuhan Coronavirus grow in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine government has been heavily criticized after failing to immediately implement travel restrictions from China, the source of a deadly coronavirus that has now killed hundreds and infected thousands more Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Residents wearing masks and raincoats volunteer to take temperature of passengers following the outbreak of a new coronavirus at a bus stop at Tin Shui Wai, a border town in Hong Kong Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Italian citizens repatriated from Wuhan going though a health control zone after landing at the Mario De Bernardi military airport in Pratica di Mare, south of Rome, prior to be placed in quarantine Italian Defence Ministry/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers arrange beds in a 2,000-bed mobile hospital, set up in an exhibition center, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor checks conditions of occupants in a hotel accommodating isolated people in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members wearing protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus which began in the city of Wuhan, arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital. The Chinese army deployed medical specialists to the epicentre of the spiralling viral outbreak that has killed and spread around the world AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A baby wearing a protective face mask is pushed by a woman as they arrive from Shenzhen to Hong Kong at Lo Wu MTR station AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A health worker checks the temperature of a woman entering a subway station in Beijing Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A young child wears a protective mask and is covered in plastic while waiting to check in to a flight at Beijing Capital Airport The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday declared the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulance crews arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, as it prepares for a return flight from Wuhan, China. Eighty-three Britons and 27 foreign nationals who were trapped in Wuhan are being flown back to the UK Tom Maddick / SWNS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman carries a baby wearing a protective mask as they exit the arrival hall at Hong Kong High Speed Rail Station Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Camp beds at a Medical Assessment Center set up at the airport in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on the eve of the arrival of German citizens evacuated from Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Funeral parlour staff members in protective suits help a colleague with disinfection after they transferred a body at a hospital in Wuhan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Muslims wearing masks pray for the victims of coronavirus at a mosque in Ahmedabad, India Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical officials waiting for people who wants to check the novel coronavirus at Myeongdong shopping district Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Children wear plastic bottles as makeshift homemade protection and protective masks while waiting to check in to a flight at Beijing Capital Airport Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A patient assisted by medical staff gets off an ambulance in Wuhan AFP/Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People line up to buy face masks from a medical supply company in Nanning, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Countries began evacuating their citizens from the Chinese city hardest-hit by a new virus that has now infected more people in China than were sickened in the country by SARS Chinatopix via AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Millions spent their normally festive Lunar New Year holiday under lockdown Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Children with face masks wash their hands before prayer at Erawan shrine in Bangkok. Thailand has detected eight Coronavirus cases so far AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An Indonesian health officer points at the screen of a thermal scanner for passengers China confirmed that the deadly Wuhan coronavirus virus can be transmitted between humans AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Hospital workers wearing protective eyewear and masks examine an Indonesian student who returned from China in quarantine at a hospital in Banda Aceh AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulance staff dispose of an outfit at the hospital in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A person checks the temperature of a passenger to help stop the spread of a deadly virus as he arrives at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International airport in Palembang AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Nepali students, wearing face masks, attend a class at Matribhumi School in Bhaktapur, on the outskirts of Kathmandu AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Two Buddhist monks wear face masks while walking along a street in Yangon AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff disinfecting a residential area in Ruichang, part of Jiujiang in China's central Jiangxi province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers are seen at the construction site of a new hospital being built to treat patients from a deadly virus outbreak in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020. - China is rushing to build a new hospital in a staggering 10 days to treat patients at the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak that has stricken thousands of people, state media reported on January 24. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images) HECTOR RETAMAL AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Vapor blurs the goggles of an ambulance driver while they work, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers producing facemasks at a factory in Yangzhou AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff getting on an ambulance in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A vendor of traditional masks wears a facial mask at his shop in Thamel EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An airport official checks the temperature of a passenger upon his arrival at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An ambulance driver talking with medical staff in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team leave the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market The new coronavirus appears to have its origins in a seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, a popular transport hub AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers produce protective suits at a factory in Nantong AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers scanned by thermal imaging for body temperature as they go through health measures and procedures after they landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on a southern airlines flight from Wuhan Aeroporto Di Roma/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A Thai royal guard wears a mask while on duty at the Grand Palace in Bangkok EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a face mask rides a nearly empty subway train in Beijing AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A shopper wearing goggles with a face mask and gloves uses a self checkout machine at a supermarket in Wuhan AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of the Italian Red Cross putting on protective gear, getting ready to give health checks to passengers that landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on a southern airlines flight from Wuhan Aeroporto Di Roma/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A member of the Hong Kong government's Civil Aid Service gestures at the entrance to the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village which is being used as one of two quarantine centres for people who have been in close proximity with suspected cases of a SARS-type virus. Hong Kong will turn two holiday camps, including a former military barracks, into quarantine zones for people who may have come into contact with carriers of the Wuhan virus, officials announced AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff wearing protective suits at the Zhongnan hospital in Wuhan STR/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A Malaysia Health official checks passengers going through a thermal scanner upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff disinfecting Yingtan North Railway Station, China China banned trains and planes from leaving the major city at the centre of a virus outbreak on January 23, seeking to seal off its 11 million people to contain the contagious disease that has claimed lives and spread to other countries AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A passenger walks past a quarantine control station at Narita airport, Japan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Patients queue up to seek treatment in Wuhan Tongji Hospital Fever Clinic, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Quarantine workers spray disinfectant at Incheon International Airport, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A member of staff checks the temperature of a guest entering the casino of the New Orient Landmark hotel in Macau, after it reported its first case of the new SARS-like virus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jin Yintan hospital Little is known about the new disease which, if confirmed, would be only the seventh coronavirus known to science that can infect humans Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of the Three Gorges Medical Laboratory offering free masks to the public in Yichang, China AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Gabriel Leung, right, chair professor of public health medicine at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, speaks about the extent of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of staff of the Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team conducting searches on the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A quarantine officer at Incheon International Airport, South Korea, uses an electronic thermometer to check the temperature of passengers arriving by plane from Wuhan The virus causes symptoms of viral pneumonia, and has already led to several deaths EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A screen shows cancelled flights at Tianhe airport in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Health officials hand out information about the current coronavirus at Kuala Lumpur International Airport AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A store owner argues with security guards as he attempts to enter the closed Huanan wholesale seafood market AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers producing facemasks at a factory in Handan, China's northern Hebei province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff and security personnel stop patients' family members from being too close to the Jinyintan hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus maya-goodfellowAn airport staff member uses a temperature gun to check people leaving Wuhan Tianhe International Airport AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A rescue worker walks past a notice about new coronavirus that has broken out in China Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Health officials wear face masks at an inspection site at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A staff member checks body temperature of a child after a train from Wuhan arrived at Hangzhou Railway Station in Hangzhou AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A quarantine station measures passenger body temperatures at Narita Airport JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers walk past a notice displayed near a quarantine control station at Narita airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers walk past a poster alerting on coronavirus screening ahead upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An employee sprays disinfectant on a train, as a precaution against coronavirus, at Suseo Station in Seoul EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Kazakh sanitary-epidemiological service worker uses a thermal scanner to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms possibly connected with the previously unknown coronavirus, at Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Pharmacist Liu Zhuzhen stands near a sign reading "face masks are sold out" at her pharmacy in Shanghai AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker in a protective suit at the closed seafood market in Wuhan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers wear protective face masks at the departure hall of a high speed train station in Hong Kong AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A notice for passengers from Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wears a mask while riding on mobike past the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market Getty

The newspaper said the man was in a stable condition, and was being treated at the Providence Regional Medical Centre in Everett, in Snohomish County, located 30 miles north of Seattle.

Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Centre for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters she had last week predicted it was possible a case of the coronavirus could be detected in the US.

She said the CDC had now confirmed such a case and was expecting further incidents in the coming days and weeks.

She said the screening of travellers from Wuhan was also being extended to Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago OHare International airport.

State epidemiologist for communicable diseases Scott Lindquist, said that the man had arrived at Seattle International Airport on January 15, though not on a direct flight from Wuhan. Screening at the three international US airports began on January.

He said the man researched news about the virus on the internet and decided to contact his physician on January 19. Samples were dispatched to there CDC who are able to confirm the virus on January 20.

He slipped past the screening, so to speak, said Mr Lindquist, who said the man had been sent to hospital out of an abundance of caution and in order to better monitor him.

Hes a nice man. Hes cooperating, he said. Officials said the man said he had not visited any of the markets in Wuhan reportedly connected withe virus, or encountered anyone who was ill.

Officials in Washington state said the man, who was not identified, was not considered a threat to medical staff or the public.

We believe the risk to the public is low, Chris Spitters, a senior official at Snohomish Health District, told reporters.

The Associated Press said the US was the fifth country to report seeing the illness, following China, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

The news came as the World Health Organisation was due on Wednesday to to meet and decide whether to declare the outbreak an international public health emergency.

 World Health Organisation provides information on Coronavirus

In China face masks have sold out and travellers have been checked for fevers at major transport hubs ahead of the lunar New Year  a national holiday which many take advantage of by travelling across the country and abroad.

Outside the Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre, where many of the coronavirus patients are receiving care, several workers were dressed in full-body biohazard suits, supplemented by goggles, masks and plastic wrapped around their shoes.

However many in the city at the epicentre of the virus have continued to go about their daily lives.

"I'm not that worried," said Helen Cao, a Wuhan resident who began wearing a mask after hearing the virus could be spread from person to person.

Maybe people from other places are more concerned about our health, but (Wuhan) locals actually are continuing to eat, go out and take strolls, go clubbing at night," she added. "Everything's very normal, everyone's just wearing masks, nothing more."

Other countries have continued to throw up precautionary measures. In North Korea tourists have reportedly been barred from entry  with one tour operator in the country saying the DPRK will temporarily suspend all foreign tourists from entering North Korea until they feel the coronavirus is well under control.

In Australia authorities vowed to begin screening at-risk passengers upon arrival at the nations airport  but healthcare officials conceded the measure would likely not be enough.

Brendan Murphy, the chief medical officer for the Australian government said: You cannot absolutely prevent the spread of disease into the country. The incubation period is probably a week,

Its about identifying those with a high risk and making sure those who have a high risk know about it and know how to get medical attention.
Today

A mix of clouds and sun. Not as harsh by the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy.

Tomorrow

Mostly cloudy and not as cold. There might be a passing rain or snow shower, mainly north or west.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At The New York Times Travel Show, Travel Leaders Group, one of the world's largest travel agency organizations, will have a strong presence once again. During the largest travel show and trade conference in North America, Travel Leaders Group experts will speak on a variety of major trends and developments impacting the travel industry in areas such as travel innovation, luxury travel, adventure travel, destination weddings and more. The show runs in New York City from January 24-26, 2020.

Travel Leaders Group is a company of more than 20 travel brands and 65,000 professional travel advisors. Representatives from the organization who are participating in key panel discussions this year during The New York Times Travel Show include:

Becky Powell , President of Protravel International , will be featured on the Focus on Luxury Panel

, will be featured on the Focus on Luxury Panel January 24, 2020 , 10:00-11:00 a.m.

, Lia Batkin , Co-Founder of In the Know Experiences , will be featured on the Focus on Luxury Panel

, will be featured on the Focus on Luxury Panel January 24, 2020 , 10:00-11:00 a.m.

, Cindy Schlansky , Co-President of Tzell Travel Group , will be featured on the Business Series Seminar Panel

, will be featured on the Business Series Seminar Panel January 24, 2020 , 11:15-12:15 p.m.

, Ashley Les, Luxury Travel Advisor of Protravel International , will be featured on the Focus on Millennials and Emerging Generations Panel as well as co-moderating the Focus on Tours Panel

, will be featured on the Focus on Millennials and Emerging Generations Panel as well as co-moderating the Focus on Tours Panel Focus on Tours Panel, January 24, 2020 , 11:15-12:15 p.m.

,

Millennials and Emerging Generations Panel, January 24, 2020 , 4:15-5:15 p.m.

, 4:15-5:15 p.m. Marni Becker , Senior Director of Cruise Sales of Protravel International , will be featured on the How to Find the Perfect Cruise for You Panel

, will be featured on the How to Find the Perfect Cruise for You Panel January 26, 2020 , 1:15-2:15 p.m.

"Our representation at The New York Times Travel Show, which is North America's most prestigious of its kind, truly exhibits Travel Leaders Group as a continued authority within the global travel industry," said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Travel Leaders Group. "Our leaders and advisors are experts in their field, and we are thrilled to be sharing the latest trends and insights alongside other travel industry professionals, media and consumers."

The 2020 New York Times Travel Show takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. For additional information, visit nyttravelshow.com.

About Travel Leaders Group

Travel Leaders Group (www.TravelLeadersGroup.com) is transforming travel with a commitment to our vacation and business travel clients through our progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers, Travel Leaders Group manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands. With over 6,000 agency locations, Travel Leaders Group ranks as one of the industry's largest travel agency companies. Travelers also have access to The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group, a portfolio of select travel offers including discounts on international and domestic flights, value-added benefits at lodging establishments, shipboard credits on cruises and savings on escorted and vacation packages. Membership to The Travel Collection is offered at no additional cost to U.S. American Express Gold Card, Business Gold Rewards Card, Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card Members. For more information visit www.TheTravelCollection.com .

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A group of Arizona lawmakers has vowed to boost protections for firefighters and other first responders who are diagnosed with a cancer linked to the workplace to address concerns that some cities are denying coverage.

Republican Sen. Heather Carter said the bill shes introducing will make clear that cancers listed in a 2017 law must be covered by workers compensation insurance. The measure announced by Carter, Republican Sen. Paul Boyer and a bipartisan group of lawmakers at a news conference attended by dozens of firefighters will also add two cancers common to women to the list of those presumed to be job-related.

We are going to make it absolutely perfectly clear that our heroes will receive the benefits that they are due, Carter said. They will be able to spend their time fighting cancer, and not fighting the government, not fighting lawyers and not fighting their high-paid executives and high-paid medical experts.

The 2017 law was adopted by the Legislature with overwhelming majorities in the House and Senate and lists a series of cancers such as lung, esophagus, melanoma and testicular that are presumed to be job-related for firefighters and police officers. Medical studies have shown that chemicals those professionals are exposed to on the job are linked to those cancers.

The law requires firefighters have a clean bill of health before they join the profession, work at least five years and develop the cancer within either 15 years of retiring or before age 65, Carter said.

That seemed very simple, Carter said. For all of us in the Legislature that voted on that bill, we thought we had an iron-clad policy in place.

But it also contained exemptions for a presumed work-related cancer diagnosis where there is evidence of a cancer cause other than occupational exposure.

Carter said those exemptions are being exploited by insurance companies and governments, and her new proposal will stop that practice.

Bryan Jeffries, a Mesa firefighter battling cancer who is president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona union, said his department has supported him in every way.

We want that to be afforded to every firefighter throughout the state of Arizona, Jeffries said And unfortunately some of them have not received that same support.

Carters bill is expected to be formally introduced late Thursday. It will add breast and ovarian cancer to the list presumed to be related to work.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Arizona
On New Years Eve, four of my five siblings, their spouses, and I gathered to ring in 2020. At one point, our conversation turned to long-ago college classes, and my sister, who is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a banker, suddenly said: Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote, The droghte of March hath perced to the roote.

Our talk of college had brought back her memories of English literature, when her professor had made her class memorize the first 18 lines of the Prologue to The Canterbury Tales. Here are those 18 lines in full and in the original Middle English:

Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote

The droghte of March hath perced to the roote

And bathed every veyne in swich licour,

Of which vertu engendred is the flour;

Whan Zephirus eke with his sweete breeth

Inspired hath in every holt and heeth

The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne

Hath in the Ram his halfe cours y-ronne,

And smale foweles maken melodye,

That slepen al the nyght with open eye 

So priketh hem Nature in hir corages;

Than longen folk to goon on pilgrymages

And palmeres for to seken straunge strondes

To ferne halwes kouthe in sondry londes;

And specially, from every shires ende

Of Engelond, to Caunterbury they wende,

The holy blisful martir for to seke

That hem hath holpen, whan that they were seeke.

Title page of Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales, circa 1400. National Library of Wales (CCO 1.0)

Sounds like a foreign language, yes? Here are the lines rendered in modern English:

When in April the sweet showers fall

And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all

The veins are bathed in liquor of such power

As brings about the engendering of the flower.

When also Zephyrus with his sweet breath

Exhales an air in every grove and heath

Upon tender shoots, and the young sun

His half-course in the sign of the Ram has run.

And the small fowl are making melody

That sleep away the night with open eye

(So nature pricks them and their heart engages)

Then people long to go on pilgrimages

And palmers long to seek the stranger stands

Of far-off saints, hallowed in sundry lands.

And specially, from every shires end

In England, down to Canterbury they wend

To seek the holy blissful martyr, quick to give

His help to them when they were sick.

Straunge Strondes

Written some 600 years ago, these lines remain some of the most famous in English literature. And like my sisters professor, I required the homeschooling students who took my English History and Literature class to memorize these lines. I wanted them to taste Middle English, to understand that our language changes, that 600 years from now we might have the same difficulty understanding what today passes for English as we do understanding Chaucer, and that we too should seek straunge strondes, or foreign shores, in our study of literature.

I would explain to them that English is always in a state of swirl and flux; our invention of new words and our adoption of words from around the globe are one of the glories of our language. I would explain that when I was a child, had someone told me that I would one day homeschool my children or operate a bed-and-breakfast, both of which I have done, the terms would have been incomprehensible to me. I pointed out words and concepts that didnt exist in the 1960s but which we use all the time today: blog, cellphone, speed dating, email, cybersafety, Facebook, chai latte, and many more.

To Caunterbury, They Wende

The textbook we used for this course was the splendid Prentice Hall Literature: The English Tradition (Second Edition), which included the complete Prologue in modern Englishthat is the modernization used aboveand two of the stories, The Nuns Priests Tale and The Pardoners Tale.

Because of its brilliant thumbnail depictions of a wide array of English men and women of the time, ranging from a knight to a prioress, from a miller to the Wife of Bath, we focused our attention on the Prologue.

Here were the pilgrims, among whom Chaucer counted himself, who were bound on a spring journey to Canterbury Cathedral, the site where four knights of Henry II had two centuries earlier martyred Thomas a Becket.

The landlord of the Tabard Inn suggests to this company that they all tell tales both going and coming on the pilgrimage, and though Chaucer never completed all the tales, we find in his Prologue a cross-section of English society and culture that tells us much about 14th-century England.

Lets look at just a few of these characters.

From Every Shires Ende

First up is the Knight, a true, a perfect gentle-knight. Here is a warrior worthy of the Round Table, a man who had followed chivalry and who was ever honored for his noble graces.

Here is the Nun, a Prioress, who would wipe her upper lip so clean that not a trace of grease was to be seen. We soon meet the Monk, who fits the caricature of the day, a fat and personable priest who loves hunting and luxury.

We meet the Merchant, an expert at currency exchange; the Oxford Cleric, a student who spends his money on books and who would gladly learn, and gladly teach; the Reeve, a subordinate estate manager whom no one had ever caught in arrears and a better hand at bargains than his lord.

The Wife of Bath provides an excellent example of Chaucers descriptive powers. Shes all decked out, from the handkerchiefs she wore on Sunday to her fine scarlet hose and soft new shoes. Shes buried five husbands, growing wealthier with each marriage, and has traveled three times to Jerusalem, and also to Rome, Boulogne, Compostella, and Cologne. She sits easy on an ambling horse, had a flowing mantle that concealed large hips, and in company she liked to laugh and chat, and knew the remedies for loves mischances, an art in which she knew the oldest dances.

Reflections in a Looking-Glass

When we meet these people from so long ago, we notice how different they are from us. On their pilgrimage, for example, the tales they tell often derive from mythology, folk wisdom, or religion. Were we moderns on a similar trek, we would probably talk politics and culture.

Yet if we examine them more closely, we find in these pilgrims people very much like us, human beings who possess traits and emotions in common with us, who seek the good life, and who work hard, for the most part, at what they do.

A portrait of the English poet and author Geoffrey Chaucer, from the Welsh Portrait Collection at the National Library of Wales. (Public Domain)

Chaucer knew well those of whom he wrote. His father was a wealthy wine merchant, and as a youth Chaucer served as a page at the court of King Edward III. In addition to writing other poetry, the best known of which is Troilus and Criseyde, he served as a justice of the peace, a controller of customs, a one-time member of Parliament, and a supervisor of construction and repair over such buildings as the Tower of London and Westminster Abby. At his death, he was buried in the Abby in what is now known as Poets Corner.

In his novel The Go-Between, L.P. Hartley wrote the famous line, The past is a foreign country: They do things differently there. True enough. Few of us go on pilgrimages, and many of the professions found in Chaucers company of travelers disappeared long ago. But in Chaucers vivid portraits of these men and women, we can easily find reflections of our own humanity.

Jeff Minick has four children and a growing platoon of grandchildren. For 20 years, he taught history, literature, and Latin to seminars of homeschooling students in Asheville, N.C., Today, he lives and writes in Front Royal, Va. See JeffMinick.com to follow his blog.
* Putin submits reform blueprint to parliament

* President replaces prosecutor general

* Opposition plans a protest march next month

By Tom Balmforth and Andrew Osborn

MOSCOW, Jan 20 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin accelerated a shake-up of Russia's political system on Monday, submitting a constitutional reform blueprint to parliament that will create a new centre of power outside the presidency.

Putin also replaced Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika, who had held the role since 2006, a move suggesting his planned changes could reach beyond the political system and the government.

In a surprise move, Putin announced plans for reforms last week. Long-time ally Dmitry Medvedev then resigned as prime minister along with the government, saying he wanted to allow room for the president to make the changes.

Putin's proposed changes are widely seen as giving him scope to retain influence once his term expires in 2024 though he said at the weekend he did not favour the Soviet-era practice of having leaders for life who die in office.

In draft amendments submitted to the State Duma lower house, Putin offered a glimpse of how his reforms look on paper. Under his plan, some of the president's broad powers would be clipped and parliament's powers expanded.

In one of the biggest changes, the status of the State Council, now a low-profile body that advises the president, would for the first time be enshrined in the constitution.

Putin, 67, has not disclosed what he plans to do once he leaves the Kremlin. One option could be to head the beefed-up State Council once he leaves the presidency.

Under his proposals, the president would pick the make-up of the State Council which would be handed broader powers to "determine the main directions of domestic and foreign policy."

His changes also envisage preventing any future president serving more than two terms. Putin first became president in 2000 and is now in his fourth term as head of state.

OPPOSITION PROTEST MARCH

Story continues

Chaika, 68, has long been one of the most powerful figures in the Russian justice system and has faced allegations of corruption from the political opposition which he denies.

The Kremlin said Chaika was moving to another, unspecified, job and proposed Igor Krasnov, deputy head of the Investigative Committee, which handles major crimes, to replace him.

Krasnov, 44, has led high-profile criminal investigations including the inquiry into the murder of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead near the Kremlin in 2015.

Russia's opposition said on Monday it planned to stage a protest march next month against the reforms.

"Society needs a big and genuinely mass protest," wrote opposition politician Ilya Yashin, who said Putin's changes amounted to a move to "rule forever".

The Duma is due to discuss Putin's amendments on Thursday.

Putin has said the public will be invited to vote on the proposed changes.

Andrei Klishas, a senior lawmaker involved in drafting the legislation, said the vote might be held once parliament approved the legislation, the RIA news agency reported. (Additional reporting by Andrey Kuzmin, Alexander Marrow and Anton Zverev, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
The British authorities say they deeply respect the official symbols of Ukrainian statehood.

The government of the United Kingdom has commented on the fact that the official Coat of Arms of Ukraine, Tryzub (Trident), was included in the British Extremism Guide.

"We are aware of and regretful about the insult caused by the appearance of the Ukrainian Tryzub in the British police's guide. As stated by the police, this document clearly indicates that many of the symbols it contains are of no interest in the fight against terrorism," a spokesperson for the British government said in a statement in Ukrainian, which was posted by the British Embassy in Ukraine on Facebook.

It says that the British authorities deeply respect the official symbols of Ukrainian statehood, in particular the State Flag, Coat of Arms and Anthem of Ukraine. "We recognize that the Tryzub has constitutional, historical and cultural significance for the people of Ukraine as a major element of the State Emblem of Ukraine," it said.

"The United Kingdom remains fully committed to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We look forward to deepening our bilateral relations in the coming years," it said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Ukrainian Embassy in the United Kingdom demanded that the Tryzub be removed from the British Extremism Guide.

The Tryzub appears on Ukrainian passports and the Ukrainian president's flag.

The guide is produced by Counter Terrorism Policing and used across England as part of training for Prevent, the anti-radicalization scheme designed to catch those at risk of committing terrorist violence, The Guardian said on January 17.

Journalists drew attention to the fact that the counter-terrorism police document distributed to medical staff and teachers as part of anti-extremism briefings included Greenpeace, Peta and other non-violent groups as well as neo-Nazis.

It also features the Ukrainian Azov battalion's insignia.
Details added (first version posted on 15:55)

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today met with Chief Executive Officer at Carlsberg Group Cees't Hart in Davos.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan in recent years have already yielded positive results, adding that it was reflected in the budget revenues collected by tax and customs authorities, especially through increasing transparency and accountability.

The head of state emphasized that reforms in order to improve the investment and business environment in the country would be continued, and pointed out that a predictable policy would be implemented for foreign and domestic investors in tax, customs and other areas.

Expressing gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the meeting, Chief Executive Officer at Carlsberg Group Cees't Hart hailed the successful reforms made by the head of state in recent years and the favorable business and investment climate in Azerbaijan.

CEO Cees't Hart stressed that these measures created great opportunities for improving business and competitive environment, as well as increasing transparency. The Carlsberg Group CEO said that as a foreign investor, they have always supported these reforms and will continue to support.

He underlined that taking advantage of these opportunities they intend to increase investment in Azerbaijan. The Carlsberg Group CEO also said that they were cooperating with relevant government authorities to increase transparency and accountability.

It was noted that starting this year, Carlsberg Group will also invest in agricultural sector, and pilot projects have already been launched on this front.
In 1972, Daniel Banfi and Aurora Meloni escaped political persecution in their native Uruguay and moved with their daughters to Argentina. This occurred several months before the dictatorial coup in Uruguay in June 1973. In the relative security of exile in Buenos Aires, the Banfis started to rebuild their lives. But safety was ephemeral. Two years later, the night of September 13, 1974, a joint Argentine-Uruguayan police taskforce illegally arrested Daniel at his home. For 45 days, he was held in different clandestine prisons and subjected to torture. Six weeks later, the almost unrecognisable bullet-ridden bodies of Daniel and two of his Uruguayan companions, Luis Latronica and Guillermo Jabiff, were found partially buried in the fields of Buenos Aires province. Aurora and her two daughters immediately fled to Sweden under UN protection.

Daniel was one of the early victims of political repression in Argentina, well before the onset of the dictatorship there and its tragic legacy of desaparecidos. Daniel was also one of at least 571 victims that transnational repression meted out in South America in the 1970s under the code name Operation Condor. As discussed in a previous article, Operation Condor denoted a clandestine cross-border network that Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay set up to facilitate political repression, and that was responsible for hundreds of human rights violations.

Recommended reading In the Footprints of Operation Condor

Seeking justice across the Atlantic

Aurora Meloni was one of the six women who originally filed a lawsuit in Rome, Italy, on June 9, 1999 against alleged perpetrators of the murders of their relatives. They had unsuccessfully exhausted all the domestic remedies available in Argentina and Uruguay, where amnesty laws and pardons prevented all judicial proceedings. Following the inspiring precedent of the 1998 Pinochet case and because Daniel Banfi and the other seven victims were Italian citizens, they decided to turn to the Courts in Rome, since the latter can probe political crimes committed against Italians abroad.

It took twenty years for victims families to reach their goal. After years of investigation, the first instance trial began in February 2015 and comprised three dossiers. One related to four murders committed in Chile between 1973 and 1976; the second encompassed Operation Condor, specifically 19 murders perpetrated in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil between 1974 and 1980; the third dossier involved 20 Uruguayans who were murdered in Argentina in 1978; it charged only Uruguayan Navy Captain, Jorge Nestor Troccoli, who had absconded to Italy in 2007 to evade prosecution in Uruguay.

On January 17, 2017, Romes Third Assize Court was the first in Europe to recognise the existence of Operation Condor and condemn eight high-ranking officers to life imprisonment for orchestrating the transnational terror network. However it acquitted 19 defendants, arguing that insufficient proof existed regarding their role in the murders. Soon after, an appeal was filed. The state prosecutor and families lawyers contended that the defendants, who had implemented different segments of the criminal actions under scrutiny, had to also respond for its concluding act: the assassinations.

Aurora Meloni, Press Conference at the Basso Foundation, July 9, 2019.  Francesca Lessa



The criminal responsibility of middle ranks

This led to a historical judgment in July 2019. The Appeals Court confirmed the life sentences dictated at first instance but it significantly reversed all but one of the acquittals, thereby additionally sentencing twelve Uruguayans, five Chileans, and one Peruvian to life imprisonment.

It took another six months to get to know the details of the findings of the court. Finally, on December 27, 2019, Romes First Assize Appeals Court released the full reasoning behind its July judgment.

The document spans 121 pages. It is a careful re-reading of all the evidence gathered in the case. TThe judges emphasised how Operation Condor had generated similar conditions across South America during the 1970s regarding political repression, with the regions security forces closely exchanging intelligence and fluidly collaborating to capture specific political opponents. These practices rendered political asylum completely ineffective, since the repressive coordination allowed to control the movement of exiles and arrest them, even outside their countries of origin.

Challenging the reasoning of the first-instance court, the appeals judges stressed how repressive policies were implemented with expertise, determination and resulted in a high number of victims. Accordingly, the so-called intermediate-rank officers, although they operated further down the hierarchy from the heads of state, constituted their closest collaborators. They in fact played significant roles within the intelligence and coordinating structures in conducting repression, endowed with decision-making autonomy regarding operations, means, economic resources, and personnel.

The appeals judges considered that the defendants knew their superiors objectives and were conscious that by gathering and analysing intelligence, conducting arrests, torturing and illegally detaining their victims, they were also contributing to achieving the final goal, namely their murder. Through a careful reconsideration of the evidence gathered, the judges were therefore satisfied that the intermediate ranks had in fact provided crucial contributions to committing the murders and should, consequently, be held accountable for that crime as well, as contemplated by the legal category of complicity in a crime (concorso di persone nel reato). For the judges, the victims detention in clandestine prisons constituted a necessary step to achieving the ultimate objective of murdering them.

I can tell my grandchildren that justice was delivered

After reading the legal grounds of the courts decision, Jorge Ithurburu, president of the Italian human rights NGO 24 marzo, emphasized how the appeals verdict underscored the conscious participation of the defendants in the plan that clearly envisioned the elimination of political opponents. Andrea Speranzoni, who represented the Republic of Uruguay and numerous victims families at the trial, praised the appeals judges for their meticulous analysis of the wide-ranging documentation, which included hundreds of witness statements, archival records  especially from the newly opened archives of the Uruguayan Navy Fusiliers  as well as verdicts issued by Uruguayan criminal courts, in particular regarding defendant Juan Carlos Larcebeau. Lawyer Giancarlo Maniga, who had presented the original 1999 lawsuit, was optimistic that this verdict could withstand any potential defence appeals at the Court of Cassation, thereby constituting the final word on the case.

The Italian verdict is a testament to the relentless efforts by victims families and their lawyers who never faltered in their forty-year-long search for justice. The Italian proceedings are especially significant for Uruguay, given that the majority of both victims and defendants are citizens of that country. Hopefully, the appeals sentence will catalyse and re-energise existing criminal proceedings that have been paralysed for years in Uruguay.

Speaking at a press conference in Rome the day after the sentence was delivered in July, Aurora Meloni acknowledged the work of the lawyers and the public prosecution for embarking on a twenty-year-long struggle for justice on behalf of the victims. Back then, we did not know that such a remarkable verdict could be achieved, she said. I can now tell my grandchildren that their grandfather was murdered, but that justice was delivered.
DALLAS, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE:J) announces its membership in The Valuable 500, an organization that seeks to ensure disability inclusion is on business leadership agendas across the globe. Jacobs has joined forces with more than 200 companies who have pledged to take a definitive stand on diversity encompassing disability in the workplace.

Unveiled at the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Annual Meeting last January, the launch of The Valuable 500 was the first time disability was discussed on the main stage of the meeting with the support of global business leaders.

At WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, this week, Jacobs Chair and CEO Steve Demetriou is speaking as incoming Co-Chair of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Governors, and is participating on the "Expanding the Definition of Workplace Diversity" panel in the Equality Lounge, sharing how broadening the scope of diversity allows Jacobs to activate untapped talent, catalyzing real change, and fostering a truly inclusive workplace.

"As a member of The Valuable 500, Jacobs is committed to the journey of becoming a more accessible and inclusive company, leveraging our Inclusion & Diversity platform to encompass disability in the workplace on a global scale, while empowering employees to bring their full, authentic selves to work," said Demetriou. "Through our ACE (Access. Connect. Empower.) Employee Network and our Mental Health Matters program, we actively support the adaptive challenges and mental health of our people and communities and continually encourage employees to find strength in our differences."

The Valuable 500 is a global movement calling for 500 of the most influential business leaders and their brands to ignite systemic change, by unlocking the value of the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities around the world. Profiling leaders and businesses who are championing disability inclusion, the organization celebrates those leading the way and gives guidance to those starting out.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of approximately 52,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. For a description of some additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 27, 2019, and in particular the discussions contained under Item 1 - Business; Item 1A - Risk Factors; Item 3 - Legal Proceedings; and Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law.

For press/media inquiries:

Kerrie Sparks

214.583.8433

SOURCE Jacobs

Related Links

http://www.jacobs.com


Firefighters tackled an overnight blaze at a restaurant on University Road, Belfast in the early hours of Tuesday. (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police are investigating an overnight fire at a restaurant in south Belfast.

Firefighters tackled the blaze at the premises on University Road from the early hours of Tuesday.

A PSNI spokesman said the incident is being treated as a deliberate ignition.

Thank you to our specially trained volunteer colleagues from @RedCrossNI, who were on hand in the early hours of this morning, providing support and comfort to the crews working on the University Road incident. https://t.co/KWyLjuhZgD  Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) January 21, 2020

An appeal for witnesses and information has been issued.

Police were made aware of a fire at commercial premises in the University Road area of south Belfast at around 1.10am this morning, the PSNI spokesman said.

Officers attended immediately and evacuated nearby properties and closed a number of roads.

NIFRS personnel and police officers have been in attendance throughout the night and remain at the scene this morning.

Expand Close Blaze and Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast. Earlier on Tuesday morning at around 1am more than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out at the commercial premises. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday January 21, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Fire. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Whatsapp Blaze and Glaze restaurant on University Road, Belfast. Earlier on Tuesday morning at around 1am more than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which broke out at the commercial premises. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday January 21, 2020. See PA story ULSTER Fire. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

At this stage the fire is being treated as a deliberate ignition and our inquiries are continuing.

If you have any information about this please call police in Belfast on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 42 of 21/01/20.
Protesters marching at the Invasion Day rally on January 26 are being urged to give cash to Indigenous Australians on the day as arrears for living on "stolen land".

The march through central Melbourne to abolish Australia Day draws tens of thousands of people each year, with organisers expecting a similar turnout at Parliament House on Sunday.

Former Greens MP Lidia Thorpe with Members of the Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance (L-R) Apryl Day, Tarneen Onus-Williams, Crystal McKinnon and Rosie Kalina. Credit:Luis Ascui

This year, supporters are being told to "pay the rent" as a form of reparation to Indigenous Australians for the colonisation of Australia by Britain beginning with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.

The group organising the march, Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, will be collecting money at the rally, which they say will be put towards a funeral fund to help pay for Indigenous Australians to be buried.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued directions for permitting Rupee derivatives (with settlement in foreign currency) to be traded in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs). The central bank released directions u/s 45 W of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 permitting Rupee derivatives (with settlement in foreign currency).

An announcement to this effect was made in Para 2 of the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated October 04, 2019. Currency derivatives in any currency pair involving the Rupee or otherwise are permitted on recognised stock exchanges set up in IFSCs. Contracts in the Rupee shall be settled in a currency other than the Indian Rupee. The RBI also noted that any person resident outside India may undertake these derivative contracts.



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Jess Phillips bowed out of the Labour leadership race this afternoon after accepting that she could not unite the bitterly fractured party in the wake of Jeremy Corbyn's disastrous election humiliation.

The Birmingham Yardley MP announced she was calling time on her attempt to replace him after her campaign ground to a halt while vital trade union backing went to her rivals.

In a candid video message to supporters the 38-year-old, who has been subjected to horrific abuse from Corbynistas online over the past year or more, admitted that she could not bring the various wings of the party together.

It came as the centrist GMB union threw its weight behind Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, boosting her hopes of making the final cut.

The trade union mocked up an image of the Wigan MP as a Game of Thrones character on Twitter as it revealed its endorsement this afternoon.

In her message Ms Phillips, said: 'I truly believe that unless we talk to the country on their terms, not just on ours, that we won't be able to make the gains we need to win an election - and [to] do what everyone in the Labour movement wants to do, and that is make people's lives better.

'In order to do that, the Labour Party will need to select a candidate that can unite all parts of our movement  the union movement, the members and elected representatives  I have to be honest that at this time, that person isn't me.'

She did not lend her support to any of the remaining four contenders directly but her call for a unity candidate would seem to rule out future backing for Corbynista Rebecca Long-Bailey.

Emily Thornberry told ITV's Good Morning Britain programme today that she believes Boris Johnson has a 'woman problem'

Ms Phillips did not lend her support to any of the remaining four contenders directly but her call for a unity candidate would seem to rule out future backing for Corbynista Rebecca Long-Bailey, pictured at a Labour Leadership Campaign Event at Hackney, January 21

In a candid video message to supporters she admitted that she could not bring the various wings of the party together after a disastrous election result in December.

The GMB union threw its weight behind Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, using a Game of Thrones-inspired tweet

Emily Thornberry paid tribute to her bid, saying: 'We need to broaden our debate, not narrow it, and force the two favourites to prove they're up to the fight by pitting them against some real strength.

'Jess is a sad loss in that effort, but we will keep going.'

YouGov said that based on its poll of Labour members, Ms Phillips decision to pull out means that Sir Keir Starmer could win the leadership vote in April in the first round.

Who is Jess Phillips? Jess Phillips has been Birmingham Yardley MP since 2015. Before that she worked with victims of domestic abuse for Women's Aid. The 38-year-old is married to Tom and they have two sons. Her father was a teacher and her mother a senior NHS manager. She has long faced opposition from hardline left-wing supporters of Jeremy Corbyn, which included a torrent of vile abuse online. Last year she told how she got 600 rape threats online in a single night, including from Corbynistas Her willingness to speak truth to power and criticise the leader has won her few friends among Corbynistas, with a groundswell of opposition to her taking over from him. A confident performer in the media and the House of Commons chamber, she had a tricky start to her campaign, backtracking after she suggested she would campaign to take the UK back into the European Union if she takes over. In March last year she said she would 'be a good prime minister'. At a time when several moderate MPs had quit Labour to form a centrist breakaway she added: 'I feel like I can't leave the Labour Party without rolling the dice one more time. I owe it that. 'But it doesn't own me. It's nothing more than a logo if it doesn't stand for something that I actually care about  it's just a f***ing rose'. Advertisement

Candidates need backing from three affiliates including unions to get through to the final ballot of members to avoid taking the harder route of picking up nominations from at least 33 Constituency Labour Parties (CLPs).

With Sir Keir picking up Unison and Usdaw, and Rebecca Long-Bailey expected to with Unite support later this week, she was relying on picking up the GMB today.

She acknowledged on Monday that it would be a 'bold roll of the dice' for Labour members to elect her as leader.

But announcing support for Ms Nandy this afternoon, union secretary general Tim Roache said: 'The more members see of Lisa in this contest the more impressed they will be by her ambition, optimism and decisive leadership. GMB is proud to nominate her.'

This morning Ms Phillips had insisted immigration to the UK was not 'too high' as she desperately tried to kick start her faltering campaign.

She launched an appeal to moderate members of the party as she said Labour needed to tell voters that 'immigration is great'.

Meanwhile, Emily Thornberry today tried to salvage her campaign as she argued having a woman at the top of the party would be an 'advantage' because Boris Johnson has a 'woman problem'.

Ms Phillips, Ms Thornberry and Lisa Nandy are all at risk of being left behind in the race to take over from Jeremy Corbyn.

Sir Keir Starmer, the favourite in the contest, yesterday became the first candidate to make it onto the final ballot paper after securing the backing of another union.

He is expected to be joined on the ballot by fellow front runner Rebecca Long-Bailey who is likely to be endorsed by the powerful Unite union on Friday.

YouGov said that based on its poll of Labour members, Jess Phillips decision to pull out means that Sir Keir Starmer could win the leadership vote in April in the first round

But it is make or break time for the other three candidates with a potential crunch point coming this afternoon, with the GMB union due to announce its endorsement.

GMB votes to put Lisa Nandy on Labour's Iron Throne The GMB decided to back Lisa Nandy this afternoon and place her on Labour's Iron Throne. The trade union mocked up an image of the Wigan MP as a Game of Thrones character on Twitter as it revealed its endorsement this afternoon. The 60-strong central executive council also nominated Angela Rayner for deputy leader. GMB general secretary Tim Roache said: 'The more members see of Lisa in this contest the more impressed they will be by her ambition, optimism and decisive leadership. GMB is proud to nominate her. 'Lisa won't shy away from the tough challenges or bold decisions that lie ahead, because she knows that after 15 years of losing elections, more of the same won't cut it.' In response Ms Nandy said: 'The GMB, the biggest industrial union which speaks for more than half a million workers, has been offering that leadership time and time again in recent years. As I seek permission to lead us back to power as Labour's next Prime Minister I could not be more proud to have their support.' Advertisement

Ms Nandy is the favourite to win the centrist union's backing but without it her hopes of becoming Labour leader could be all but over.

To make it onto the final ballot the five candidates must win the nominations of 33 local constituency Labour parties or three Labour affiliates, including at least two trade unions.

That means without the backing of one of the major unions, a candidate will likely have to go the much more arduous route of sewing up a raft of endorsements from local parties in order to stand a chance.

While Ms Nandy's hopes of making it through to the third and final stage of the battle, it looks increasingly difficult for Ms Thornberry and Ms Phillips to make it.

Ms Phillips today uses an op-ed in the Independent to try to win over moderate Labour activists with a positive message on immigration.

She said Labour needed to 'bust' the 'most pernicious myth... that working-class communities are hostile to immigration'.

She said this belief 'leads to political arm-wrestling between the left and right over who can sound the toughest on immigration.'

She then added: 'Why, when we're asked whether immigration is too high, do Labour politicians so often fumble their response? Let's say what we think: no, it isn't.'

The Birmingham Yardley MP then challenged all Labour members to 'come together to create policies that both reflect our shared humanity and work in practice'.

'That starts by saying immigration is great, and ends with a Labour government that enacts our values,' she said.

Ms Thornberry today tried to win support by suggesting she would be the Labour leadership candidate which Mr Johnson would least like to face.

She told ITV's Good Morning Britain programme: 'It is an advantage to be a woman leader at this time because I think Boris Johnson has a woman problem, most definitely.

Sir Keir Starmer is the first Labour leadership candidate to make it onto the final ballot paper after he won the endorsement of the Usdaw union

Lisa Nandy is the favourite to win the endorsement of the GMB union. If she does not secure it her hopes of getting onto the final ballot appear slim

Ms Thornberry declined to say who she would vote for out of Sir Keir and Ms Long-Bailey should she fail to make the final shortlist

'He certainly has a problem with me. I think the Labour Party should think about that.'

Ms Thornberry declined to say who she would vote for out of Sir Keir and Ms Long-Bailey should she fail to make the final shortlist.

'I'm not getting into this,' she told GMB. 'I'm in this to win it.'

Sir Keir last night cemented his place on the ballot paper as he picked up the backing of the Usdaw union.

The union's general secretary Paddy Lillis said its members 'desperately need Labour in power' as they also backed Angela Rayner for deputy.

Sir Keir has already been backed by Unison and environmental group Sera, which means he now through to the final vote.

Candidates who do secure the required support will be put to a ballot of party members between February 21 and April 2.

The winner of the contest is due to be announced at a special event on April 4.

Who is in the frame for the Labour leadership? Sir Keir Starmer Sir Kier Starmer was raised by socialist parents who named him after Keir Hardie, the Labour leader's founder and a colossus of the socialist movement. The current bookies' favourite to win the leadership, in Who's Who he refers to his parents Rodney and Josephine Starmer as 'Rod and Jo'. The shadow Brexit secretary was an out-and-out Remainer who frequently clashed with Corbyn's inner circle over his overt support for a second referendum. The 57-year-old lawyer, a former director of public prosecutions, was kept largely out of sight during the election campaign as the party tried, unsuccessfully, to hold on to Leave seats in the north. Distrusted by hard left fans of Mr Corbyn, the Holborn and St Pancras MP set out his stall to be a unity candidate, attacking 'factionalism' and saying the party needed to include both Momentum and fans of Tony Blair. And he dangled a carrot in front of Corbynites, saying he did not want the party to move too far rightwards. He also played up his humble roots, with the Oxford-educated lawyer Sir Keir, who owns homes in London and Surrey worth more than 2million, saying in December: 'I know what it's like. I actually never had been in any workplace other than a factory until I left home for university. I'd never been in an office.' He said he did not want a return to the era of Tony Blair, telling the BBC this morning: 'I don't need someone else's name tattooed on my head to make decisions.' But he might face difficulty if he is seen as not left wing enough, or if the party feels it needs a northern voice to win back seats. Emily Thornberry Emily Thornberry has been dogged by claims of snobbery towards working-class voters for years. The shadow foreign secretary, whose Islington seat neighbours that of Jeremy Corbyn, was forced to resign from Ed Miliband's front bench in 2014 after tweeting an apparently mocking image of a house in Rochester with a white van and England flags outside. Labour came third in the by-election in the constituency, which was won by Ukip. After December's election failure she was embroiled in a furious row with ex-minister Caroline Flint, who lost her Don Vallley seat to the Tories. Ms Flint claimed Mrs Thornberry told a northern MP privately that Brexit voters were 'stupid'. Mrs Thornberry has angrily denied the allegation and threatened to sue Ms Flint. A lively performer in Parliament, she has admirers among Labour's clutch of metropolitan MPs. Ms Thornberry's London seat and vocal pro-Remain position could tell against her - although the membership is generally pro-EU. Rebecca Long Bailey The shadow business secretary is seen as the 'continuity' candidate, having been closely involved in Labour's lurch to the Left. Frequently deployed on media, the 40-year-old's career has been pushed by shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who has long tipped her as a future leader. Entering the contest she set out her stall saying she will keep pushing 'our socialist agenda', stressing her hard-Left credentials. In a thinly-veiled swipe at rival Keir Starmer, she insisted she had not been happy with the party's Brexit stance in the election campaign, saying it had eroded 'trust in our communities'. She also admitted Labour should have been 'tougher' in addressing a wave of vile anti-Semitism among activists. But Ms Long Bailey gave a staunch defence of Mr Corbyn, complaining that he had been subjected to 'unprecedented levels of criticism and attack against his own personal character' and she felt he was the 'right man' with the 'right ideas'. Given Labour's dire need to reconnect with its traditional heartlands, her northern constituency and accent will also be selling points. Lisa Nandy The Wigan MP washed her hands of the Corbyn project some time ago - which could be a boon given its humiliating failure in the election. But the 40-year-old has maintained a high media profile, and has strong left-wing credentials away without being marked on the extreme. While the leadership desperately tried to stay neutral, she pushed hard for Labour to adopt a more Leave policy and accept the verdict of the referendum. Announcing her run she said: 'Without what were once our Labour heartlands, we will never win power in Westminster ... I have heard you loud and clear.' Ms Nandy was involved in unsuccessful talks to support Theresa May's deal, but has indicated she would not support Boris Johnson's harder Brexit. However, some MPs complain that she is 'lightweight' and failed to make good on her rhetoric about allowing Brexit to happen. Advertisement

'I'd rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them': Durham miners warn new northern Tory MPs they will need police PROTECTION if they attend annual gala

Tory MPs who took a swathe of traditional Labour seats across the North of England in December were warned today they would need police protection if they dared to attend a traditional miners event.

Piers Morgan grills 'multi-millionaire' Emily Thornberry Emily Thornberry was grilled by Piers Morgan over Labour 'sneering' at rich and successful people as he asked her if she is proud of becoming a 'multi-millionaire'. Ms Thornberry, who is battling to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader, has spoken repeatedly about her working-class upbringing during the campaign. Today she insisted she was not worried about talking about her success as Mr Morgan suggested the current Labour leadership was 'on a mission to take down anyone rich'. Mr Morgan said: 'Correct me if I am wrong but you are now fortunately enough to be a multi-millionaire now, right?' Ms Thornberry replied: 'Well, I own a house in London so therefore the house is worth a lot and has goner up a lot over the last 20 years since I have owned it.' Mr Morgan said: 'Are you worried about admitting that' Ms Thornberry interrupted and said 'no' as Mr Morgan continued and said: '... simply because Jeremy Corbyn and his top people seem to be on a mission to take down anyone rich and successful in this country. 'You have gone from literally being so poor your cats had to be put down to someone who has been successful and as a family you are rich, by comparison, to most people in the country. 'Is that something that you are proud of and should people who have also worked hard and achieved and made money in this country, should they be saluted rather than sneered at?' Advertisement

Alan Mardghum, a former pitworker who now runs the annual Durham Miners' Gala, said he would 'rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them' to the July event.

The gala, which sees thousands of people takes to the streets of the historic city, has strong socialist link, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn the guest of honour in recent years.

Mr Mardghum said there was 'categorically no chance' he would invite Tories who won long-term Labour seats including North West Durham, which Richard Holden took from Laura Pidcock.

The Tories are largely reviled in mining communities because of Margaret Thatcher's suppression of the Miners' Strike - led by National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) boss Arthur Scargill - in 1984.

But they took a number of so-called Red Wall Labour seats as Jeremy Corbyn's party collapsed in the December 12 election, handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority.

They included four of the seven seats in County Durham.

'To paraphrase (Boris) Johnson, I'd rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them or Johnson to the gala,' Mr Mardghum told the BBC's Look North.

'We never saw Arthur Scargill invited to the Tory Party Conference, why would we invite Tories to the miners' gala?

'They did their best to absolutely destroy the Durham miners and the miners of Great Britain.

'Can I stop them coming to Durham? It's a free country, but I would suggest if any of them are thinking of coming ... they might need to speak to the police to make sure they are safe on the day.'

In response, new Bishop Aukland Tory MP Dehenna Davison tweeted: 'See you there Alan.'

Alan Mardghum, a former pitworker who now runs the annual Durham Miners' Gala, said he would 'rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them' to the July event

Beginning in 1871, the gala is the biggest trade union event in Europe and is part of an annual celebration of socialism

In response, new Bishop Aukland Tory MP Dehenna Davison tweeted: 'See you there Alan'

And new Ashfield MP, former miner Lee Anderson, added: 'As an ex miner and a Conservative MP I would be glad to join you my friend.'

Beginning in 1871, the gala is the biggest trade union event in Europe and is part of an annual celebration of socialism.

Last year's event marked the 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners Association, with around 200,000 people attending to see traditional colliery brass bands march through the city.

Mr Mardghum told the BBC he would 'rather be found dead in a ditch' than invite Boris Johnson (above, welcoming Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta to 10 Downing Street today) to the gala
Pope in Bari to close Med bishops' summit Program of visit on February 23 released by Vatican

(ANSAmed) - VATICAN CITY, JANUARY 21 - Pope Francis will be in Bari on February 23 to wrap up a meeting on ''Mediterranean, border of peace'' promoted by the Italian bishops' conference (CEI). The gathering will open on February 19 and will be attended by Catholic bishops from 20 countries bordering the Mediterranean. According to the program released on Tuesday by the Vatican's press office, the pontiff will leave by helicopter from the Vatican at 7 a.m. and land in Bari at 8;15 a.m., where he will be welcomed by archbishop Mons. Francesco Cacucci, Puglia Governor Michele Emiliano, Prefect Antonella Bellomo and Mayor Antonio Decaro. At 8:30 a.m. in the Basilica of San Nicola, the pontiff will meet with the bishops attending the meeting and give a speech.



Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, the president of CEI, will open the meeting. Speeches will also be given by Card. Vinko Puljic, archbishop of Vrhbosna-Sarajevo and president of the episcopal conference of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mons. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and Mons. Paul Desfarges, archbishop of Algiers and president of the regional episcopal conference of North Africa.



At the end, Francis will visit the crypt to pray in front of San Nicola's tomb and will meet with the community of the Dominical friars. He will then leave the Basilica and will greet pilgrims. At 10:45 a.m. he will celebrate mass and recite the Angelus. At 12:30 p.m. he will depart by helicopter for the Vatican where he is expected to land at 13:45 p.m.



''We thank the Holy Father for the gift of his presence at the meeting in Bari'', said Bassetti. ''His word and his teachings are a point of reference for those who desire and yearn for peace in the Mediterranean''.



''As bishops who promote the event we make ours and relaunch the pope's appeal to the international community for a more assiduous and effective engagement in the Mediterranean area and in the Middle East''. It is a theme at the center of a meeting dedicated to reflection and spirituality that will open on Wednesday, February 19, at the Castello Svevo at 4 p.m. with Card Bassetti to be followed by the presentation of the event by bishop Antonino Raspanti, president of the scientific committee organizing the event. On Thursday, February 20, after mass in the crypt of the Basilica di San Nicola in Castello Svevo, the first theme will be illustrated to start the debate.



The discussion in the afternoon and the Vespers will close the day. The second theme will be presented and debated on Friday, February 21, with the same program followed the previous day. A meeting with local communities has also been scheduled.



The day on Saturday, February 22, will begin at 8 a.m. with a Mass at the Cathedral of Bari and will continue at Castello Svevo with a bishops' assembly.(ANSAmed).




The extradition hearing for a Huawei executive detained at Washingtons request began in Canada on Monday.

Meng Wanzhou, who is also the daugher of the Chinese firms founder, is wanted by the US on fraud charges that she misled banks about the companys business dealings in Iran.

Ms Meng, who is free on bail and living in one of the two Vancouver mansions she owns, sat next to her lawyers wearing a black dress with white polka dots inside the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Meng Wanzhou has been on bail and living in one of her Vancouver homes (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press/AP)

She waved at reporters as she arrived at court.The 47-year-old was arrested on December 1 2018 at Vancouvers airport, with Canada deciding three months later there was sufficient evidence to take the case to a judge.

Beijing has accused Washington of engaging in a politically motivated attempt to hurt the company, with the case set against the backdrop of ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.

Ms Mengs arrest set off a diplomatic furore and has severely strained Canadian relations with China.

Huawei statement regarding Meng Wanzhou pic.twitter.com/JtO88uTXYD  Huawei Canada (@Huawei_Canada) January 20, 2020

China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Canadian entrepreneur Michael Spavor on December 10 2018 in an apparent attempt to pressure Canada to release Ms Meng.

The men have been accused of spying and remain imprisoned.

A Chinese court also sentenced a Canadian to death in a sudden retrial, overturning a 15-year prison term handed down earlier.

Ms Meng is the chief financial officer of Huawei (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

The fraud allegations were a facade and the charges are really about Washington attempting to enforce its sanctions on Iran, Ms Mengs lawyer, Richard Peck, said in court on Monday.Would we be here in the absence of US sanctions law? My response is no, Mr Peck said.

Story continues

The extradition hearings first session runs until Friday with the overall process expected to conclude in October.

The judge can recommend extradition but Canadas justice minister must decide if Ms Meng is to be sent to the US.

A second hearing about whether the law was followed by Canada Border Service Agency during her arrest is scheduled to begin in June.
The spring semester for many colleges and universities is still not in session, but you may already want to consider your spring break plans.

South Padre Island has already announced some of its spring break concert line-up for 2020, including big-name artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X and DaBaby.
Virginia Democratic Governor Ralph Northam revealed his proposed budget plan for the years 2020-2021 last month. The $135 billion budget, touted by the governor as the most progressive in Virginias history, would consist of minor improvements in spending on education and healthcare, largely funded through taxes on poor and working-class people while ensuring a business-friendly environment for major corporations.

Last November, the Democratic Party gained control of Virginias legislative bodies, solidifying the partys control of the state government from the governors office to the state Senate and House of Delegates. The Democrats trouncing of the Republicans was both an expression of popular hostility to the fascistic politics of the Trump administration, as well as an expression of a significant shift of support in the states wealthy suburbs from the Republican Party toward the Democrats.

In comments to the Washington Post, Northam declared the budget would provide for jobs that [voters] can support themselves and their families with. They said they wanted their children to have access to a world-class education. They want access to affordable and quality healthcare. They want us to move toward renewable energy. They want safe communities. And thats what this budget addresses.

After Northams administration was nearly toppled in early 2019, when yearbook photos from the 1980s revealed what appeared to be the college-aged Northam posing in blackface, the Democratic governor has sought to recast himself as a racially sensitive politician. In the current budget, this takes the form of several minor programs, such as a $22 million initiative toward combating mortality rates among minority women, and an even tighter adherence to the principles of fiscal responsibility.

Numerous Democratic and Republican commentators have praised the plan for working to protect the states prized triple-A bond rating, in the words of the Post. Its the most progressive budget that Virginias ever seen, but it preserves basic financial integrity  Governor Northam has figured out a way to do both at the same time, claims Northams spokesperson Grant Neely in the same article.

Northam promises a doubling of cigarette taxes from 30 to 60 cents per pack and a 20 percent tax increase on all other tobacco products in order to pay for subsidizing rates that health insurance companies offer patients with more costly needs. In addition, it calls for a yearly increase in gasoline tax by 4 cents per gallon for the next three years.

Also included in the plan are the cancellation of a Republican-planned $110 rebate to taxpayers, halving the state vehicle registration fee, and removing the requirement for annual vehicle safety inspections. Further transportation fee revamping is also planned in order to find ways to tax alternative fuel vehicles.

Commenting on plans for funding of transportation, an editorial in the Washington Post states, Under [Northams] plan, the burden of building and maintaining the states transportation network would shift to the drivers who use highways the most, including those from out of state rather than seeking to raise revenue through the minefields of income or sales tax increases.

Northam promises nearly $1.2 billion in spending on education, including a $145 million contribution from the state to award state teachers a meager 3 percent wage increase in 2021. Over $800 million of this earmarked money would be used for routine expenses included in every state budget while an additional $400 million in funding would be a mere drop in the bucket compared to the total amount that has been stripped from schools since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. According to a 2018 report released by Rutgers University, while Virginia is the 12th wealthiest state in the United States, it ranks in 49th place, or almost dead last, in terms of wage competitiveness for teachers.

Likewise, state spending per student from kindergarten to high school is down by 9 percent since the 2008-2009 school year, while staff positions have fallen by over 1,200 even as the states total enrollment has grown, according to the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis.

Tellingly, $145 million of Northams new budget would be earmarked toward providing free tuition to low-income community college students, on the condition they also perform community service several hours a week. In effect, community college students will be deployed as low-wage forced labor, in some cases replacing regular employees who would be laid off.

While teachers, the poor and other sections of the working class will receive a pittance from Northams supposedly progressive budget, business interests will continue to reap windfall profits in the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to the top rating agencies, the Greater Richmond counties are in the top 1% for bond assurances in the United States. Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico are triple AAA rated, meaning they have received the highest credit rating from each of the major rating agencies in the U.S., states the website of the Greater Richmond Partnership, an economic development organization partnering with the state to direct investment into the region.

According to the partnership, Only 47 counties nationwide are triple AAA rated, and 10 of them are in Virginia. This is the highest amount of triple AAA counties in any state, followed by Maryland with eight and North Carolina with five. While the state capital Richmond is in the top 1 percent for highest bond ratings in the US, according to the Census Bureau, the citys population suffers from a 21.9 percent poverty rate as of 2018, much higher than the national average of 13.1 percent.

Recently, Northam was applauded by state legislators when he was able to secure the deal for web commerce giant Amazons second corporate headquarters, dubbed HQ2, to be built in suburban Northern Virginia. As part of the deal, the state of Virginia promised the company $750 million in tax rebates and subsidies for locating the headquarters in the commonwealth, which in addition to raising the regions already high cost of living, would serve to align the internet giant even more closely with the US military and intelligence agencies.

Last January, thousands of teachers descended on the capital city of Richmond to demand better funding for education and living conditions, part of an international upsurge in the working class, led by educators, which began in 2018 in opposition to austerity which has only accelerated since then. Another protest is set for January 27, with so many teachers taking sick leave for that date that Richmond Public Schools will be closed.

In many of these struggles, workers were forced to take action independently of and in opposition to the trade union apparatus, who sought to tie workers initiatives to the bankrupt perspective of appeals to the Democratic Party and to remember in November to vote in supposed progressive legislators. Teachers were told this would address workers needs.

As with the Democratic Party in Virginias latest budget proposal, workers were in no way able to find their needs addressed through the ballot box and the election of Democratic Party candidates. Instead, workers are coming face to face with the reality that only a mobilization of workers and youth, in opposition to the pro-corporate Democratic Party and its trade union supporters, armed with the perspective of revolutionary socialism and internationalism, can their social demands be met.
Northrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/21/2020 -- The global pet food ingredients market is estimated to be valued at USD 37.0 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 54.3 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2018 to 2025. The increase in the adoption of pets among consumers has encouraged companies to develop innovative and nutrition-rich products for feeding pets. Growth in the population of pets and pet humanization trends has also led to a rise in the demand for nutrition-rich pet food.



The key players in this market are Cargill, Incorporated (US), Archer Daniels Midland Company (US), BASF SE (Germany), DowDuPont Inc. (US), and Ingredion Incorporated (US). Manufacturers are adopting strategies such as new product launches, expansion & investments, mergers and acquisition, agreements, collaborations, joint ventures, and partnerships to strengthen their position in the market.



These vendors have adopted various growth strategies such as expansion & investments, new product launches, acquisitions, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, and joint ventures, to cater to the increasing demand for pet food ingredients. Companies are focusing on increasing their product portfolios through strategic acquisitions and expanding their manufacturing capacities.



Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=147



Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Netherlands) has a robust product offering in the pet food ingredient market and occupies a major share due to its extensive distribution network, strong geographical presence, and high brand value. The company operates through four business segmentsnutrition, performance materials, innovation center, and corporate activities. It offers its pet food ingredients through its broad product line of the nutritional products division under its Animal Nutrition & Health business sub-segment. The nutrition division of the company comprises DSM Food Specialties and DSM Nutritional Products; DSM Nutritional Products offers pet food ingredients for the feed industry. It has been consistent in strengthening its position in the pet food ingredients market by engaging in the expansion of its production capabilities.



- In March 2015, DSM increased its production capacity of Rovimix B2 80 SD. Through this expansion, the company was able to meet the growing demand for vitamins in the animal feed industry.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (US) is a well-established manufacturer of food & beverage ingredients, animal feed & feed ingredients, biofuels, and naturally derived alternatives to industrial chemicals. The company is engaged in manufacturing products for diversified markets, which helps it minimize business risks and dependency on any particular business. The company's key business segments are oilseed processing, corn processing, agricultural services, WILD flavors & specialty ingredients, and others. The company offers a robust range of pet food ingredients through its ADM Animal Nutrition division. Wilmar International has a strong foothold in the emerging economies in Southeast Asia, which has strengthened the company's global position. The company has been focusing its growth through acquisitions in 2018 and 2019.

- In June 2018, ADM announced an agreement to acquire Probiotics International Limited (PIL), a UK-based provider of probiotic supplements for human, pet, and production-animal use. The acquisition was valued at around 185 million, and it will add to ADM's extensive portfolio of products that promote health and wellness.

- In March 2017, ADM expanded its animal nutrition business in China with the construction of a new feed premix facility in Xiangtan, in Hunan Province, central China. The company also increased its production capabilities by adding aquaculture feed production lines at its existing Nanjing complex in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. The Xiangtan plant will be involved in the production of premix, concentrate, animal-complete, and fish-complete feeds.



Speak to Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=147



South America, followed by Asia Pacific, is expected to grow at high rates from 2019 to 2025. Brazil and Argentina are the most leading markets in the South American region. The market in this region is in the early stage of development, and hence, provides growth opportunities for key companies. The South American region is projected to grow at a high rate in the pet food ingredients market, as some countries in this region offer profitable growth opportunities for the pet food industry. Brazil is the largest pet food ingredients market and is also one of the fast-emerging markets for South America. In 2018, pet food sales accounted for 81% of all the pet care products. Dog food ingredients accounted for 46% of pet foods, followed by cat food.



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Cronkite News

WASHINGTON  Snow and near-freezing temperatures were not about to keep Gilbert native Sierra Maughan from joining thousands of others who marched in Washington Saturday in the fourth annual Womens March, an event repeated in marches around the country.

Ive never been to an event like this, where so many women come together in one place, said Maughan, who came to the march from New York, where she is studying. I think there are lot of things that people are coming out to talk about today, seeing it firsthand is really important.

She was one of thousands who packed Washingtons Freedom Plaza and marched around the White House under a gray sky and a mix of rain and snow, demanding everything from reproductive rights to President Donald Trumps ouster from office.

The original Womens March, held a day after Trumps inauguration in 2017, drew hundreds of thousands of protesters to Washington and millions more at sister marches around the globe, many sporting the signature pink pussy hat of the protest.

While waiting for the #WomensMarchDC to start this morning, Indigenous women sang a song for #MMIWG. #WomensMarch pic.twitter.com/VLwbMRLGlY  Indian Country Today (@IndianCountry) January 18, 2020

Indian Country Today: Prayers and songs for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

There were fewer pussy hats and fewer protesters for Saturdays march, which had a National Park Service permit that allowed for a demonstration of 3,000 to 10,000 people. But those who turned out were no less passionate.

It may be cold, but our souls are on fire, one of the speakers shouted to the crowd.

One protester, who identified herself as Sister Leona, a Phoenix native who now lives in Virginia, said she came to march with all the women and perform myself  a free women who can do whatever  she wants.

Despite the passion, the event was peaceful, with only a handful of counter-protesters. Many of the marchers were dancing and singing during the rally.

When the #WomensMarch/#WomensMarchDC passed in front of the White House. pic.twitter.com/WY3A6uaNs8  Indian Country Today (@IndianCountry) January 18, 2020

Indian Country Today: Prayers and songs for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

One of the most popular rallying cries was My body my choice, for reproductive rights. Predictably, that drew some small knots of anti-abortion counter-protesters, holding signs and using megaphones to make their message heard over the marchers.

Rachel Sinex, a Tucson native, said it was interesting not just to see the counter-protesters but to be able to hold a peaceful conversation with them.

He was respectful of our time and we were able to have a good conversation, which is really refreshing especially with our political climate nowadays, Sinex said of her discussion with one of the anti-abortion protesters.

Sinex is in Washington interning with Represent Women, a nonprofit that focuses on electing more women to office. She said she wanted to attend the march to support all womens issues. And there were plenty of issues  both women-specific and others  represented.

The first Womens March was heavily focused on Trump, and calls for the presidents impeachment were prominent on Saturday, with signs and Baby Trump balloons among the crowd. But this years march also included demands for climate action, the Equal Rights Amendment, immigration reform and more.

Women from all demographics chanted the Earth is on fire, remove Trump now and immigrant justice. After marching around the White House, some peeled off and continued down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol.

The week before the march included affiliated events ranging a discussion on climate change to a #NoWarWithIran rally on the Capitol and a Q&A with youth activists. Protesters throughout the day emphasized their message of paving the path for women in future generations, electing more women into office and spreading love instead of hate.

Arizona residents were among the people who came from across the country Saturday for the fourth Womens March, where marchers pushed messages ranging from reproductive rights to calls for impeachment. Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi / Cronkite News

The Washington protest was just one of many planned around the country this weekend that included rallies Saturday in cities around Arizona and an event scheduled for Sunday at the Arizona State Capitol complex.

Sinex, who was attending her first such rally, said it was important to show her support and to see firsthand how powerful the energy was.

Its great to see all the camaraderie between women and people of all backgrounds, she said.

Womens March - Washington DC - Cronkite News

Despite the presence of thousands of protesters from a variety of causes, the Womens March in Washington was a peaceful event Saturday. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) National Organization for Women Vice President Christian Nunes said the Womans March has become more intersectional since the first march, which was largely a rejection of the Trump presidency. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Many protesters left their signs in the fence at Lafayette Park on the north side of the White House, a popular place for demonstrations. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Sister Leona, a protester who identified herself as a Phoenix native, said she came to the Womens March to march with all the women, (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Causes represented at the Womens March in Washington ranged from reproductive rights to electoral success for women. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) The thousands who turned out for the Womens March in Washington braved near-freezing temperatures and a wintry sleet/snow mix during the day (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Pink pussy hats, a symbol of the original Womens March against the Trump presidency, were not as prevalent but were still in evidence this year. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Baby Trump balloons were popular at the Womens March, but Baby Yoda was also invoked in several protesters signs. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) A crowd that appeared to be in the thousands attended the march, which had a National Park Service permit for 3,000 to 10,000 protesters. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Equality for women in the workplace was just one of the many issues being pushed by those at the Womens March in Washington Saturday. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Crowds for this years Womens March in Washington were down from the hundreds of thousands at the first march, in 2017, but there were still several thousand who came to march around the White Houses. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News) Tucson native Rachel Sinex, 19, works with Represent Women, a group that pushes for more women in elected office, but said she came to the Womens March to support the range of issues represented there. (Photo by McKenzie Sadeghi/Cronkite News)

Cronkite News reporter Kara Harris contributed to this report.

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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Last monthas the House of Representatives prepared to impeach President Trump, setting up his trial in the SenateMitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, laid his cards on the table. Im not an impartial juror, he told reporters. Nevertheless, as the trial began last Thursday, McConnell, along with every other senator, swore an oath to do impartial justice in the process. Richard W. Painter, who served as White House ethics chief under George W. Bush, accused him of perjury. Yesterday, more evidence emerged that McConnell isas he previously admittedhelping coordinate Trumps defense. Ahead of a vote on them today, McConnell revealed his rules for the trial: each of the two parties will get twenty-four hours for its oral argument, but must use that allocation across two calendar days. In light of their late start time, proceedings could stretch past midnight. Elsewhere, the Washington Post reported that if the Senate ends up voting to hear from witnesses (John Bolton, for example), McConnell will likely ensure that those individuals are questioned in a closed-door session rather than a public setting. Last night, Jeffrey Toobin, CNNs chief legal analyst, reacted to the developments. I dont have a problem with the president talking to the senators of his own party; thats just realism, Toobin said. The problem is that they are setting up a process that is a farce.

Such opacity isnt limited to the trial itself; top Republicans in the Senate are acting to limit transparency on its margins, too. Last week, it emerged that reporters covering the trial would likely face much tougher restrictions than normal on their interactions with senators. The details remained murky, but on Thursday, several journalists reported that police officers had curtailed their conversations with senators, including a few who had been happy to talk to them. Capitol Police also gave senators cards suggesting phrases that they might use to tell reporters to go away, including You are preventing me from doing my job and Please do not touch me. (Some senators didnt need the prompts: when CNNs Manu Raju tried to question Martha McSally, an Arizona Republican, she called him a liberal hack, and hurried off.) Today, reporters will have to file through a magnetometer before they can enter the chamber. Inside, even the camera angles will be controlled by the Senate; according to Michael M. Grynbaum, of the New York Times, even sedate C-SPAN is aggrieved by that decision. (For all the platitudes about the trial being a made for TV moment, TV, it seems, will not be permitted to make it one on its own terms.)

ICYMI: Why the Left Cant Stand the New York Times

As Grynbaum notes, such restrictions represent a departure for the normally cordial Senate, suggesting that the bash-the-press mentality that led the White House to kill off the daily briefing and strip reporters of their credentials has now crept into Congress, too. Trump, at least, is explicit about his hatred of the media. As his impeachment trial starts in earnest, there is a worry that the Senates war on transparency will operate in the shadowsfought not in ALL-CAPS Twitter screeds, but in the language of decorum and procedure. That could add a patina of legitimacy and fairness to Trumps rank impulses.

As part of the decorum, senators will have to sit in silence during the trial, on pain of imprisonment; unlike their counterparts in the House, Senate Republicans wont be able to pepper proceedings with Fox-friendly sound bites. Thats not to say therell be no Foxiness on display; the president, as ever, is keen to litigate his case on TV as much as in the courtroom. Outside the chamber, some of Trumps most ardent defenders from the HouseJim Jordan, Mark Meadows, John Ratcliffe, and otherswill act as surrogates for his defense team. Inside the chamber, Trump will call on a formal legal team that, collectively, has averaged roughly one Fox appearance per day in the past year. In addition to Pat Cipollone, the White House counsel; Jay Sekulow, a personal lawyer to the president; and Pam Bondi, a White House adviser, it will include Kenneth W. Starr (of Clinton-impeachment and being-fired-from-Baylor fame), Alan Dershowitz (of closeness to Jeffrey Epstein fame), and Robert Ray (of me neither). Appearing on Fox on Sunday morning, Ray thanked host Maria Bartiromo for inviting him on her show so often. If not for you, I dont know that I would have come to the presidents attention, he said.

Even on the presidents end, some of the usual, easy-to-spot bombast has put on a smart suit for its court appearance. Touring cable news over the weekend, Dershowitz advanced a measured, legalistic rationale for what he sees as the inadmissibility of the impeachment articles. (Justice Benjamin Curtis, who defended Andrew Johnson during his impeachment trial in 1868, is not a normal fixture on the Sunday shows.) And yet his core argument, that abuse of power isnt impeachable unless criminal, is far from a consensus view. Similarly, Quinta Jurecic and Benjamin Wittes write in The Atlantic, the White Houses initial formal filing in the trial, which it entered on Saturday, looked a little more lawyerly than Trumps campaign ralliesand yet the message is unchanged. Its not a legal argument. Its a howl of rage. The Post reached the same conclusion on reading Trumps first full legal brief, which followed yesterday, calling it a legalese version of the scorched-earth rhetoric commonly used in the presidents Twitter feed.

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As the trial proceeds, well likely see Trumps defenders try plenty more stonewalling and dissembling under the cover of legalese. Senate Republicans, for instance, may call for Hunter Biden to testify under a principle of witness reciprocitya move that would, in practice, only lend institutional credibility to water-muddying smears. The press will need to be extra-vigilant, and call these moves for what they are. So far, pushback has been reasonably robust. Last night, after McConnell revealed his rushed trial timetable, Carl Bernstein referred to him, on CNN, as Midnight Mitch. On MSNBC, Neal Katyal, a top Trump-impeachment enthusiast, told Rachel Maddow that The only things that happen at midnight are trash collection and the execution of prisoners. Major government decisions and trials dont happen at that time.

But such vigilance is not, on its own, sufficient. As the trial progresses, the press also needs to center the facts of the case, and on that score, we could be doing a better job. Scrutinizing procedural skulduggery is important, but it is not an end in itselfprocess is only valuable to the extent that it brings facts to the fore. If we obsess over process too narrowly, then we abet thoseinside and outside of the Senatewho want the facts forgotten. For them, the process is the point.

Below, more on impeachment:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: How the New York Times verified the Iran missile-strike footage

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
Celltrion CEO Gi Wo-seong, left, signs a contract with Chen Ping, director of the administrative committee of the East Lake High-Tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China), after the South Korean biosimilar manufacturer agreed with Hubei regional government to build a pharmaceutical plant in the regional city, Wuhan, China, Tuesday. Yonhap



By Kim Yoo-chul



South Korea's leading biosimilar manufacturer Celltrion said Tuesday it has signed with a regional government in China to build a plant with a 120,000 liter production capacity in a bid to cash in on the growing pharmaceuticals market.



In a statement, Celltrion said it has signed a contract with Hubei provincial government, central China. The agreement is calling for the South Korean manufacturer to build a new manufacturing facility with the Chinese regional government providing it with various tax benefits and administrative support.



"Given the adequate infrastructure for development and growth of bio processing industries and as Wuhan, the city inside the Hubei Province is the home to more than 200 bio and pharmaceutical companies, Celltrion decided the Chinese city is the right fit for progress in our business," the statement said.



China is considered the world's second-largest biopharmaceutical market. Once the plant is completed, will be the largest pharmaceuticals production facility there and Celltrion plans to invest some 600 billion won ($520 million) in the new construction project over the next five years.



Regarding the specifics of its updated business strategies in China, the South Korean manufacturer said it was also planning to launch a contract manufacturing organization (CMO) business, in addition to the supplement of biopharmaceutical products.



"Celltrion also plans to create direct sales channels. We will use our internal cash-reserves for the new plant. If necessary, Celltrion will receive funding from investors. A ground-breaking ceremony has been set for some time within the first half of this year," the statement added.



"There is huge demand for high quality medicine and medical supplies in China," Celltrion CEO Gi Woo-seong was quoted as saying in the company release.



The investment plan came after drug pricing had been a "key topic" at the recent healthcare conference organized by J.P. Morgan in San Francisco in the United States.



At the conference, all major drug firms launched their core priority on making drugs more affordable for patients. The Chinese government plans to encourage industry leaders to provide cheaper drugs in an attempt to improve accessibility to patients. Celltrion, along with its biggest local rival Samsung BioLogics, appears to be setting up internal price controls as a strategy to maintain advantage.



The total monetary value of the drug market in China is estimated at some 150 trillion won as of the end of 2018, according to market research firms. China has recently been more aggressive in inviting foreign biosimilar companies to expand operations to mainland China.


Uttar Pradesh Congress on Tuesday objected to Amit Shah's Lucknow rally and sought to know why prohibitions under section 144 of the CrPC were not valid for him

Lucknow: Accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of "speaking the language of a dictator", the Uttar Pradesh Congress on Tuesday objected to his rally held in Lucknow and sought to know why prohibitions under section 144 of the CrPC were not valid for him.

"Virtually soaked in pride of being in power, the country's home minister is speaking the language of a dictator. Why is section 144 not for him?" UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu asked in a statement.

"On one hand the state government is registering cases against the women who are protesting in Lucknow against the CAA and NRC, while on the other hand the state government, the police and the administration despite imposition of section 144 of CrPC is organising the rally of the Union Home Minister under full security. The Congress and the people of the state will not tolerate this dual law," he said.

Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting gatherings of four or more people, was imposed in Uttar Pradesh in December last year following protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in various parts of the state.

Stressing that the Constitution allows the Opposition to put forward its views, Lallu also sought to know when will Shah speak on issues such as women's safety, law and order, rising prices, rising electricity rates, the DHFL scam, corruption, unemployment and the sinking economy. "Amit Shah is insulting the mandate," Lallu said.

Referring to Shah's comments on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the grand old party's UP chief said, "Pakistan flows in the blood of the BJP and people believing in the ideology of RSS. It is for this reason that they frequently refer to Pakistan".

Putting up a brave defence for Rahul Gandhi, Lallu said, "Rahul Gandhi has been raising his voice from time to time on failures of the government and on issues of public interest, and will continue to do so".

In the statement, Lallu also said, "The Union Home Minister's statement is to mislead the public. A large chunk of the society feels that it will be isolated and discriminated against due to this law, which our Constitution does not allow. The government has to make improvement in this law. Till then, the Congress will be supporting the fight of the common public."
After an uneventful weekend, the major Asian Pacific stock markets closed mostly higher on Monday. There were no major news events, but traders did say some of the action was influenced by the Peoples Bank of Chinas (PBoC) decision to keep the loan prime rate (LPR) unchanged. Trading may have been limited by a U.S. bank holiday on Monday.

On Monday, Japans Nikkei 225 Index settled at 24083.51, up 42.25 or +0.18%. Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index finished at 28849.84, down 206.58 or -0.71% and South Koreas KOSPI Index closed at 2262.64, up 12.07 or +0.54%.

Chinas Shanghai Index settled at 3095.79, up 20.29 or +0.66% and Australias S&P/ASX 200, finished at 7079.50, up 15.40 or +0.22%.

Trade Deal Impact Will Determine Next Move by PBoC

The Peoples Bank of China kept the one year and five year loan prime rates unchanged for January.

We still expect some changes to the LPR at some point this year, even though were not seeing that as early as like the first month of the year right now, Kevin Leung, executive director of investment strategy at Haitong International Securities, told CNBCs Street Signs on Monday.

The phase one of the trade deal has beensigned right now, so I think (the Chinese authorities) would take a few months to see if anything is going on or if theres any further improvements made or if theres any deterioration inthe second phase when that happens, Leung said. If theres any more stimulus policies coming in, I think it will be coming in the second quarter of the year.

Chinese Shares Supported by Signs of Stabilizing Economy, Rising Government Stimulus Expectations

China is confident of maintaining steady industrial growth this year despite big pressures facing the sector, Minister of Industry and Information Technology Miao Wei said on Monday, Reuters reported.

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His remarks came after Chinas industrial output topped expectations in December by growing 6.9% from a year earlier, the strongest pace in nine months.

Investors also expect more government stimulus ahead after Chinas economic growth cooled to a near 30-year low of 6.1% in 2019 amid a bruising trade war with the United States.

Pharmaceutical Stocks Spike after China Reports New Coronavirus Cases

Chinese pharmaceutical stocks skyrocketed Monday as China reported more than 100 new cases of pneumonia caused by a new strain of coronavirus.

Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies, a company that recently said it has created a drug testing kit that could allow hospitals to better detect the virus, jumped by 20% on the Star Market. Thats the maximum allowed on that board, which was launched in Shanghai last year.

Aussie Shares Extend Gains for 5th Straight Session

The Australian stock market extended its winning streak to a fifth straight session on Monday, following the record highs on Wall Street Friday amid continuing optimism following the signing of the U.S-China trade deal. Upbeat economic data from China and the U.S. last week also boosted sentiment.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

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The multi-millionaire son of Exclusive Brethren world leader Bruce D. Hales has been accused of assaulting a man on a public street outside the religious leader's mansion in suburban Sydney.

Two men have accused Gareth Hales, whose office fitout company was recently bought by a private equity firm for a reported $400 million, of assaulting them. A video of the incident allegedly shows Mr Hales junior holding another man by the back of the neck, pushing his head down and grabbing him by the wrist in an aggressive attempt to wrest a mobile phone from him.

"This is assault," the man, a former Brethren member Rowan Scott, is heard saying. Mr Hales junior responds, "No, no, group hug" and then, "Don't film". Mr Hales is then heard on the video, saying, in increasingly threatening tones, "Put that down, sunshine," referring to the phone, and "Put that down, buddy".

Eastwood police have confirmed that they are investigating a complaint of assault but that no charges have been laid. The church has denied Mr Hales assaulted the men.
Mackenzie McKee just proved that she's the "Teen Mom" fitness queen. The Oklahoma-based mom who joined "Teen Mom OG" in 2019 is now a rising face, but Mackenzie hasn't let her reality career get in the way of her fitness.

Mackenzie is a fitness model, trainer, and bikini modeling fitness competitor  keep scrolling for the pic of Mackenzie competing in her tiny swimwear.

2020 has brought a new gym snap from Mackenzie. It reminded fans of this mother's insane muscles, alongside offering them a chance to train with her.

Related:

'Teen Mom' Mackenzie McKee Shares Heart-Breaking Deathbed Video Of Mom Angie: 'The Last Days Of Her Life'

Moving Forward Despite Mom Angie's Death

Mackenzie McKee poses in the gym wearing a sports bra

December 2019 was incredibly painful for Mackenzie as mom Angie Douthit lost her battle against lung cancer. While Mackenzie has taken to Instagram to show a rare video of Angie's final days, this photo was looking at the future, not the past.

The snap showed McKee posing confidently and stylishly outfitted in a pale purple sports bra paired with matching sweatpants. Mackenzie's rock-hard abs were on show alongside her strong and lean arms. Mackenzie delivered a beautiful smile as she posed with one hand on her waist, then taking to her caption to address her followers.

Aiming To 'Crush' 2020

Mackenzie McKee poses in leopard-print leggings

Mackenzie's post was formed of two photos  the second showed the star posing with one arm raised.

A caption from Mackenzie mentioned her business with a pumped feel.

"New year, new goals. Coming out of the holidays has been a tough one. Who is ready to crush their 2020 fitness goals? Let me help you. No need to stress about leaving home, do my at home workouts and crush 2020. Head over to www.bodybymac.net and join in on my monthly challenges. This month for only $10 (once you own it, you OWN IT) all you need is a weighted slam ball all month long," she wrote.

Fans Basically Want To Know Her Secret

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Mackenzie McKee poses in a bikini

Fans have been replying. While one user even queried whether the star's fitness plan is available in The Netherlands, others were zero'ing in on Mackenzie's super-fit body.

"I want my body to be fit like yours! What's the secret?" one fan asked.

"Such a phenomenal looking woman and you have a amazing body," another said.

Mackenzie put her ripped muscles on show in 2019 as she competed in a bikini-modeling competition. The event saw her train hard, but it likewise brought out mentions of Mackenzie's life-long health issue.

Battling Type 1 Diabetes: 'Some Days Are Harder Than Others'

Mackenzie McKee poses with mom Angie on steps

Mackenzie is Type 1 diabetic. The battle to keep blood sugars stable is a daily one for Mackenzie. An Instagram update made in July 2019 saw Mackenzie open up about the condition.

"Some days are harder than others, I am slowly learning to accept type 1 diabetes. I honestly dont mind all daily needles and pokes, but being sick is miserable. Anyways, its been a rough two weeks. But nothing will stop me, Im finding my fire, Im pushing through, and Im climbing to the top when they said I couldnt."

Mom Angie's death hit Mackenzie hard. Viewers saw Angie at Stage 4, with this grandmother's fight also documented on social media. Angie was diagnosed with cancer in January 2018 and passed away last month.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Anti-CAA activist and Rihai Manch President Mohd Shoaib, who has been released by the court on bail, on Tuesday alleged that UP Police wants to kill its activists in the state.

Addressing a press confrence here, he alleged: "I was mentally tortured by the UP police after the arrest. They even questioned me about Rajiv Yadav. I have serious doubts on the intentions of the UP police, that they want to kill Rajiv Yadav." Shoaib, who is in his 70s, said that he was sent to jail for a month for agitating against the "unconstitutional" Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

"The government arrested me for keeping the constitutional values high and I am proud of it," he said.

The Rihai Manch alleged that their activist Robin Verma has been sacked from the college where he was teaching, and that the police is trying to frame their organisation.

Rihai Manch has been raising crucial questions on the police's version during the killings of Dalits, Muslims, and OBC youth in encounters under their 'Thok-Do' policy.

Many of these cases are now being investigated by the National Human Rights Commission.
Assen: A father facing charges of sexual abuse in a Dutch court had held six of his nine children captive for nearly a decade at an isolated farmhouse, telling them "bad spirits" would enter their bodies if they talked to outsiders, prosecutors allege.

Gerrit-Jan van Dorsten, 67, is charged with unlawful detention, child abuse and money laundering. Now ailing after a stroke, he cannot speak and did not attend the pre-trial hearing in the city of Assen during which his custody was extended by three months.

The Netherlands farm where a six-member family was found in October. Credit:AP

In October, police found Van Dorsten and five adult siblings at the farm in Ruinerwold in the northern Netherlands after a sixth sibling escaped and reached a nearby village bar. Local people alerted police.

"All the children report physical punishment if they were deemed to be under the influence of spirits. This happened from a very young age, with children as young as four or five years old," prosecutor Diana Roggen told the judges on Tuesday, local time.
Photo Taken In Ramallah, Palestinian Territory. Photo: Getty

Middle East economies are tipped to have just grown by 1% in 2019 and, as pointed out by delegates at the World Economic Forum in the session Strategic Outlook: Middle East Economies, this is not enough to help make a dent in unemployment rates across various regions.

Some economies like Egypt have talked about greater cooperation with the private sector to address the . issue, according to Rania A. Al-Mashat, minister of international cooperation of Egypt. But in the session, Palestines new prime minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh outlined the regions unique problem.

The region suffers from certain imbalances due to the lack of political uncertainty. Those who export capital arent doing it and those who export people arent doing it, he said, emphasising how this all hurts investment.

We suffer from unusual conditions  we are under occupation for our land and water and so we have to design our system within that.

Much of the worlds problems, when it comes to unemployment, is down to unskilled labour being pushed out  especially in light of the fourth industrial revolution where technological advancements have meant automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics are replacing human jobs. However, in Palestine, the issue is with the glut of skilled workers who cant find a job.

READ MORE: Economics professor: The biggest global risk with greater digital disruption in finance

The problem we have with unemployment is not with the unskilled labour, its with the very skilled labour  45% of our university graduates are unemployed, said Shtayyeh.

Theyre not leaving either because the regional labour market is not able to absorb the new commerce and then theres the political chaos. So we are merely stuck with what we have.

He outlined that that in the West Bank, there are 27,000 engineers but out of those graduates, 8,500 are unemployed. In Gaza, there are 18,000 engineers but 11,000 are unemployed.

During the discussion for extra causes, he did acknowledge that it is also cultural.

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It has also to do with the culture. Every mother wants to see their son as a doctor or engineer or so on, so thats why were redesigning things, he said, acknowledging that career ideals dont match up with market demand.

In order to tackle this, he said the government is implementing a multi-pronged approach to alleviate the problem of unemployment and empower the younger generation.

We have introduced new programmes with applied sciences and vocational training, so were creating five levels of vocational training from school onwards. Were developing a program similar to the Germans  a dual system, he said.

He also outlined another initiative, including giving away land.

One of the initiatives is that we are giving plots of land  the size of 2.5 acres so graduates can do what they need with it to create and develop industry, he said.

We have also created a fund with the Islamic Development Bank of $500m (382.9m) of which $216m has been pledged and $57m has been paid. The idea is to empower the young people by creating jobs and shares in newly established companies in the private sector.
A delegation of Gujjars on Tuesday met Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda here and apprised him of the issues and problems being faced by the Scheduled Tribe communities in Jammu and Kashmir with a request for immediate redressal of the grievances.

Munda was on a two-day visit of the Jammu region as part of the week-long public outreach programme of the Central government and addressed a series of meetings in Reasi district.

Noted tribal researcher Javaid Rahi and president Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) Choudhary Ghulam Sarwar Chouhan held an hour-long meeting with the Union minister at the Jammu Airport and discussed socio-cultural, economic, educational issues besides rehabilitation of tribes of Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesman of the Gujjar organisation said.

He said the minister was informed that Gujjars and Bakerwals together constitute more than 80 percent proportion of tribal population of Jammu and Kashmir and face a gross discrimination since the last 72 years in education, recruitment and promotions in government jobs, postings of officers, socio-economic development and political representation.

"The Gujjars deserves a fair deal from government of India in new J and K," the spokesman said.

The demands projected before the minister through a memorandum include immediate implementation of the Conservation Act-1980 and the Forest Rights Act-2006 to rehabilitate nomads, forest dwellers and recognise habitation of 'Forest Villages' of J and K on the prototype of other states and UTs, he said.

The spokesman said the demand for the implementation of reservation or roster in recruitment and grant of reservation in promotions' to Scheduled Tribes employees was also projected.

Other demands highlighted by the Gujjar leaders include establishment of Eklavya Model school for tribes in each tehsil or district of the UT, inclusion of Gojri in 8th Schedule, funds for tribal villages in 100 percent ST population, political reservation in Assembly constituencies where STs (Gujjars) constitute 25 to 80 percent of franchise, special recruitment for tribal youth, strengthening of tribal department with funding in each sector, he said.

The spokesman said Munda assured that his ministry would issue a notification shortly with regard to the implementation of the Forest Right Act-2006 and the Conservation Act-1980 in J and K.

He also assured that he would take up all the demands highlighted with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Jammu and Kashmir administration soon, the spokesman said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A restaurant owner and her head chef have died in an horrific car crash on a country road that also killed a third person.

Jessica Boardman, 29, and James Golding died when their SUV slammed into a tree outside Bellingen, near Coffs Harbour, NSW, about 2.30am on Tuesday.

A third passenger also died at the scene of the crash on Gleniffer Road, but their identity is not yet known.

Ms Boardman opened Smoke and Barrels restaurant on Bellingen's main street in May last year after running a catering business in the area since 2017.

Jessica Boardman, 29, died when an SUV slammed into a tree outside Bellingen, near Coffs Harbour, NSW, about 2.30am on Tuesday

James Golding also died at the scene of the crash on Gleniffer Road, along with an unidentified third victim

Her longtime friend Mr Golding moved to town about two years ago to work at her previous venture, the Diggers Tavern Bistro.

The pair is yet to be formally identified by police, but local residents confirmed their deaths to Daily Mail Australia, and paid tribute to them.

'They were lovely people who were trying to do good things for the town,' said Eli, who works at the Purple Carrot cafe next door.

A man at another shop nearby said they were 'hard workers who did well to make a successful business up this end of town'.

Ms Boardman only married her husband Tom Sheridan in September 2018.

A third passenger also died at the scene of the crash on Gleniffer Road, but their identity is not yet known

Ms Boardman opened Smoke and Barrels restaurant (pictured) on Bellingen's main street in May, where Mr Golding was the chef

The pair's deaths are a double blow for the small town after former residents Rick Elzer and Karla Mathews were killed in the New Zealand volcano disaster.

The couple were travelling with their friend Jason Griffiths and took a trip to White Island on December 9 when it erupted.

All three died and Mr Elzer and Ms Mathews were mourned on December 22 at the Bellingen Memorial Hall - next door to the Diggers Tavern.

Chief Inspector Brendan Gorman said the road was dry at the time of Tuesday's crash and all possible causes were being investigated.

'There were 21 death across the Coffs-Clarence district last year, police are really making a lot of effort in regard to reducing the road toll,' he said.

Former Bellingen residents Karla Mathews and Richard Elzer (pictured) were killed after the volcano erupted at White Island in New Zealand on December 9

Mourners embraced outside the Bellingen Memorial Hall as they remembered the couple whose lives were lost during the White Island volcano eruption on December 9

'A lot of locals died last year. Seventeen of our fatals in the Coffs Clarence police district were local residents.

'Don't think just because you known the road that the conditions or something's not going to change.'

Residents along the road said they heard a car driving quickly before a thud around the time of the accident.
In one of the biggest drug seizures in the East in recent history, the Kolkata Police on Tuesday arrested two persons with 25 kilogram of heroin worth more than Rs 105 crore in the international market, a senior officer said.

Acting on a tip-off, the Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police raided a house in Paikpara area in the northern part of the city in the early hours of Tuesday and nabbed Uttar Pradesh-based drug dealer Juber and his accomplice from Manipur, Moulana Fayazuddin, the officer said.

"We have seized heroin weighing 25.255 kg. This is one of the biggest seizures of heroin not only in Kolkata but also in West Bengal and the Northeast," he said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that while Juber was working as a hawker in the city, Faiyazuddin was an agricultural labourer.

Both the accused were drug carriers for dealers based in Uttar Pradesh and the Northeast. Juber possessed 20 kg heroin and Faiyazuddin 5.255, the officer said.

"It is suspected that the accused were intending to mix the heroin with some other drugs. They were planning to distribute them to smaller dealers," he said.

Both the accused have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and an investigation is on, the officer added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)




South Korea said Tuesday it will prepare fully to maintain its trade with Britain amid London's planned departure from the world's largest economic bloc.







During a meeting with officials from the British Embassy in Seoul, Chun Yoon-jong, director general for free trade agreement policy at South Korea's trade ministry, said the two countries will continue their preferential ties on the back of their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).







In 2019, South Korea and Britain signed an FTA that will be implemented in 2021 after a transition period for leaving the European Union that will run through the end of this year.







The FTA centers on maintaining the benefits enjoyed by the two countries under the South Korea-EU FTA, which went into effect in July 2011.







South Korea has already revised customs-related regulations ahead of Brexit and is ready to implement the FTA with Britain without delay, the ministry said.







Seoul will continue to closely monitor updates in the relationship between Britain and the EU and carry out a close analysis of Brexit's impact on Asia's No. 4 economy, it added.







Before the end of the transition period, South Korean exporters will continue to enjoy benefits of the FTA signed with the EU when trading with the United Kingdom.







Britain is South Korea's 18th-largest trading partner, accounting for less than 2 percent of its overall trade.







Despite this small proportion, the ministry said the FTA is still significant as it lifts uncertainties stemming from Brexit for local exporters.







South Korea mainly exports automobiles, ships and marine facilities to Britain. In return, key import products from the European country include crude oil and pharmaceutical goods. (Yonhap)


The Chula Vista City Council has rejected the designation sanctuary city and instead supported a state sanctuary bill, while agreeing to look into joining a legal brief challenging President Donald Trumps executive order to strip funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.

The vote for both actions late Tuesday night was 3-2, with councilmen John McCann and Mike Diaz opposed.

About 50 speakers provided more than three hours of public testimony, offering varying views on the issues.

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Chula Vista resident Monica Santos described herself as the granddaughter of immigrants from Ecuador and a local bilingual educator.

Our current political climate is creating fear and is disrupting the lives of the immigrants, who are woven into the fabric of our community, she said.

Santos added that by supporting the state sanctuary legislation the council will ensure that Chula Vista will continue to be a city that welcomes and values everyone.

Senate Bill 54 would limit state and local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities and calls for schools, hospitals and courthouse to be free from federal immigration enforcement.

The bill was passed by the state Senate Monday and now will be considered by the Assembly and, if approved, sent to the governor.

David Trujillo, the advocacy director for American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties on Tuesday night asked for fair treatment of all Chula Vista residents, including the thousands of vulnerable residents and refugees who call this city home.

He asked the City Council to designate Chula Vista a sanctuary city, among other things, to protect residents.

Chula Vista resident and Vietnam veteran Gary Hunter opposed Chula Vista becoming a sanctuary city outright.

I just cant believe that were even discussing something like this in Chula Vista  I fought for the right to have free speech, not the right for illegals to be in the country, he said.

Chula Vista resident Maggie Vinson had a similar view.

She said she comes from a family of immigrants that came to the U.S. legally and doesnt agree with Chula Vista becoming a sanctuary city. I am Mexican-American, true, but I am American, she said.

The City Council also voted to have city staff place a future resolution on the agenda in support of the Police Departments current policy on immigration violations and present specific proposals to communicate that policy to Chula Vista residents.

The council also agreed to join the Welcoming America network, a non-profit that offers access to government leaders creating immigrant-friendly, welcoming communities.

The direction was a hybrid of seven options presented by city staff for council consideration.

As a matter of policy and/or practice, the Chula Vista Police Department doesnt engage in any kind of enforcement of federal immigration laws in its interaction with residents, according to a staff report.

However, the Police Department does cooperate with federal authorities regarding enforcement of federal criminal laws that are unrelated to immigration.

While there is currently no universal definition of what it means to be designated a sanctuary jurisdiction, cities, states, counties and school districts have approved related actions  including symbolic declarations and actual policy changes limiting or prohibiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

In 2016 Encinitas, Lemon Grove and Solona Beach passed resolutions characterizing themselves as welcoming cities, focused on helping newly arrived immigrants and refugees assimilate into their communities.

Last year, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina retracted a welcoming cities proclamation after opposition from the City Council and public.

In February, National City voted down 3-2 a welcoming cities resolution.

The City Council on Tuesday also voted to join the amicus brief, in support of a federal lawsuit filed by Santa Clara County against Trumps executive order that would punish sanctuary jurisdictions.

A handful of local school districts have also joined the brief: Sweetwater Union High School District, Southwestern College, San Diego Community College District and San Diego Unified School District.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is a creature of the Constitution of the erstwhile state, and not the Constitution of India, submitted senior journalist Prem Shankar Jha's counsel, challenging the scrapping of Article 370, before the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, representing Jha, told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana, that: "Legislative Assembly is one which is a creature of the Constitution of J&K and not the Constitution of India where Governor cannot be a substitute." He insisted that Constituent Assembly was independent of the Constitution.

"The Legislative Assembly cannot be a substitute or the successor of even the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir," Dwivedi.

To bolster his argument, he said that the Legislative Assembly is the creature of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, which was a plenary sovereign authority unlike the Legislative Assembly.

He also added that J&K Constituent Assembly was dissolved in 1957 after the formulation of the J&K Constitution, and as a consequence, Article 370 was apparently frozen.

Dwivedi also argued that the presidential orders issued on August 5-6 are per se illegal in as much as the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir being outside the Constitution of India. "And Article 370, it can only be repealed, ceased or suspended in the manner prescribed by the supervising law of J&K only and not otherwise. What cannot be done directly, cannot be done indirectly also," he argued.

He insisted that these presidential orders, as they intend to apply all provisions of the Constitution of India are null and void, since they have the effect of repealing the Constitution of J&K and replacing it with "Constitution of India by an executive order".

He emphasised that Constitutions are real codes of governance for an undefined period, and they can only be modified or amended in exercise of the self-confined amendatory powers.

Dwivedi said that Article 370 was apparently a tunnel connecting the two Constitutions, and insisted that its sole object was to ensure that people of the region have a say in their governance through their own Constitution. The senior advocate argued that Parliament could exercise few powers on the erstwhile state - alter its boundary and change the name, but cannot convert it into a Union Territory.

He also urged the court to refer the matter to a larger bench against the backdrop of two conflicting decisions - 1959 and 1970 - by a five-judge bench of the apex court on the subject. While the former recognized the temporary nature of Article 370, the latter recognises its permanence by giving the source of power to the Union, and also allows it to regulate the governing relationship between the Centre and state.

The arguments on the matter will continue on Wednesday.

(Sumit Saxena can be contacted at sumit.s@ians.in)
While the percentage of Americans running a business has stagnated at 6.2 percent over the past two decades, Latinx founders have rocketed from 6.5 percent of all entrepreneurs in 2001 to 15 percent as of 2019, making them the fastest-growing demographic among all U.S. entrepreneurs. This bright spot for the American economy is dimmed, however, by these businesses' failure to scale.

Average revenue by age of firms owned by Latino founders versus those owned by non-Latino founders

Put simply, Latinx-owned businesses start smaller and stay smaller.

As of now, we don't definitively understand the reasons Latinx founders aren't scaling their businesses at the same pace as their non-Latinx counterparts, but we have gleaned some insights about the nature of the divide.

Money matters

Revenue seems to play a role in Latinx founders' inability to scale their companies at the same rate as their non-Latinx counterparts, and the effect begins at the conception of their businesses. Per SLEI research: In the first two years of operation, Latinx-led companies have a revenue that's about 20 percent smaller than non-Latinx-owned businesses, and that delta grows to as much as 35 percent as the companies age.

At first glance, data from Inc.'s annual list of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in America supports this observation. Even though the number of companies helmed by Latinx CEOs has increased from 160 in 2016 to 180 in 2019, the total revenue for these companies has decreased -- from $8.1 billion in 2016 to $5.9 billion in 2019. And the average three-year growth rate for these companies, which differs from year to year, is down from 529.7 percent in 2016 to 447.7 percent in 2019. (The average for the entire 2019 Inc. 5000 was 536.8 percent.)

According to SLEI, the growth gap seems to be uniform across industries and despite motivating factors for founding a business.

Financing also plays a key role. The Inc. Entrepreneurship Index, which is Inc.'s quarterly measure of the health of the U.S. startup economy, shows that access to capital has increased slightly for small businesses since the Great Recession.

However, SLEI's research shows that Latinx founders tend to have fewer financing opportunities than entrepreneurs from other ethnic groups -- and when they do, the amounts they receive are generally lower. Moreover, Latinx founders are more likely to have their profitability negatively impacted by lack of access to and cost of capital. Lack of access to funding for a small business typically means it can't leverage the assets it needs -- the new hires, new equipment, better marketing, improved manufacturing partners, and so on -- to scale to the next level.

Percentage of firms negatively impacted by the cost of or difficulty accessing capital

What's more, because of this difficulty accessing funding, Latinx founders have become more reluctant to seek it. Fifty-four percent of Latinx entrepreneurs avoid seeking extra capital for this reason, compared with 45 percent for non-Latinx founders, according to the Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative.

Leveling the playing field

According to research I led with the Kauffman Foundation, the U.S. economy would add one million employer businesses and nearly 9.5 million jobs if only minorities could start and grow their businesses at the same pace as non-minorities.

Some organizations are keenly aware of this gap and are working to better understand and close it. The Aspen Institute, for example, hosts a forum on Latino Business Growth that has advocated for changes that include rightsizing assumptions about Latino entrepreneurs. The idea is to present Latinx businesses to investors, the media, and other partners in the startup ecosystem as the thriving enterprises they are, and not as anemic ventures with special needs. It also advocates using community anchor institutions, such as universities and local banks, to aid in training and resource development for Latinx founders. The institute estimates that improving the system for Latinx founders could yield an additional $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy.

The Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), a nonprofit entrepreneurship organization based in Palo Alto, California, assists Latinx entrepreneurs in scaling their companies via continued education and financing opportunities. It has helped more than 500 Latinx-owned companies grow to a combined $1.3 billion in revenue since its inception.
With the first votes of the 2020 primaries just weeks away, debates among the Democratic Partys frontrunners are heating up, and Social Security has begun to take center stage.

Former Vice President Joe Biden and independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have been clashing over Sanders criticisms of Bidens record on the program.

Sanders has been going after Biden. He said the former vice president has  on numerous occasions  supported making cuts to the popular entitlement program.

In a tweet fired off last week, Sanders said he is proud to have fought to protect and expand Social Security. He linked to an article from The Washington Post on Bidens history of supporting cuts.

SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES IN 2020

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS SET FOR SLIGHT BUMP IN 2020

Sanders team also put out a fact-checking video, which pointed out the disparities between the two candidates records.

The video shows a 1995 speech that Biden gave on the Senate floor where he appeared to brag about the fact that he called for freezing spending on every federal program  including Social Security  many times.

When I argued that we should freeze Federal spending, I meant Social Security as well. I meant Medicare and Medicaid, Biden said at the time. I meant veterans benefits. I meant every single solitary thing in the government. And I not only tried it once, I tried it twice, I tried it a third time, and I tried it a fourth time.

As reported by The New York Times, Biden called the video doctored over the weekend.

But Sanders appears to have a point about Biden's past history regarding Social Security.

As noted by The Intercept, Biden worked with Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley to call for a freeze on federal spending during the Reagan administration. He called for cuts in 1988. Again in 2007, he said he would consider looking at eligibility for Social Security and Medicare. Even as recently as 2018 he voiced support for going after entitlement programs.

Story continues

Spokespersons for the Biden and Sanders campaigns did not immediately return FOX Business request for comment.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren also got in on the action, backing Sanders.

Bernie Sanders and I established the Expand Social Security Caucus in the Senate, Warren told Politico on Sunday outside a candidate forum in Iowa. As a senator, Joe Biden had a very different position on Social Security, and I think everyone's records on Social Security are important in this election.

Records aside, here are both candidates Social Security plans as laid out by their 2020 campaigns:

Biden

Preserve and strengthen Social Security

Bidens plan proposes strengthening benefits for the most vulnerable older populations, like widows and widowers, lifelong workers with low monthly benefits and other beneficiaries without savings. It would provide a larger benefit to the oldest Americans  or those who have been receiving benefits for at least two decades.

The plan also aims to institute a minimum benefit for lifelong workers, which would be a benefit of at least 125 percent of the federal poverty level for those who have worked for at least 30 years. It would raise the monthly payment for widows and widowers by about 20 percent.

Biden also wants to eliminate penalties for teachers and other public sector workers.

In order to bolster the programs solvency, with trust funds expected to be depleted by 2035, Bidens plan would ask high-earning Americans to pay higher taxes.

Sanders

Expand Social Security and protect pensions

Sanders advocates for expanding benefits and ensuring that every worker is paid what they are owed for the next 52 years. He would also lift benefits for seniors with incomes of $16,000 or less by $1,300 a year.

The plan aims to increase minimum benefits for low-income workers and bump up the cost-of-living adjustment by creating and tying it to a Consumer Price Index for the elderly.

To pay for his plan, Sanders would raise maximum taxable earnings to $250,000. As of 2020, the cap is $137,700.

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A mountain lion lunged for a 3-year-old boy and grabbed him by the neck Monday in a California wilderness park, authorities said.

The incident happened at the Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in the rugged foothills of the Cleveland National Forest, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

A family of six was walking on a popular trail in Foothill Ranch when the animal attacked, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito.

"The mountain lion came out of somewhere and grabbed the 3-year-old by the neck and dragged him a short distance," said Bommarito. The boy's father threw his backpack at the cougar, which let go of the child, grabbed the pack and sprinted up a nearby tree.

The family ran out of the park and were met by paramedics who quickly treated the child and transported him to a nearby hospital.

A mountain lion attacked a 3-year-old child on Sunday, then grabbed his father's backpack and raced up a tree in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park southeast of Los Angeles.

"There was an attack on a child, but the child is OK," said Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Fred Thompson. "The mountain lion is no longer an issue."

The boy was in stable condition Monday night, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, citing a public safety threat, gave local law enforcement the approval to euthanize the mountain lion, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

"I saw the family about 30 seconds after it happened," said Landon Wright, who was riding his mountain bike in the park. "They were obviously shaken up. The mom was holding the boy and they were all scurrying by as fast as they could. She stopped and said, 'Hey, there's a mountain lion in a tree just past here.'"

Moments later, Wright rounded a corner. "There it was, in a tree 15 to 20 feet up in the air, on a limb, just staring at me, with the pack in its mouth," he said.

'I tried to get it in the eye': Boy, 8, mauled by mountain lion, fought it off with a stick

Whiting Ranch, a popular county wilderness recreation area that sprawls between housing tracts, has been the scene of other cougar attacks. Mark Reynolds, 35, was attacked and killed in 2004 when he stopped to fix a broken chain on his bike.

Story continues

The next afternoon, another mountain biker, Anne Hjelle, 30, was attacked and seriously injured, likely by the same cougar. She was rescued by a riding companion and other bicyclists as the animal was dragging her by her head into the brush.

On Sunday, Wright said he biked past a bench in the park memorializing Reynolds. He said the possibility of being attacked "is always on your mind."

"But it's infrequent, and you can't just say, 'I'm going to stay indoors,' " Wright said. "It's just really unfortunate this cat decided to do this."

Janet Wilson covers the environment for The Desert Sun. Email her at janet.wilson@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Mountain lion attacks boy, 3, in California wilderness park
The 23-year-old man was released in stable condition from Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge three days after he was shot, authorities said. In December, police said he wasnt cooperating with investigators and wouldnt allow police to access his cell phone. The wounded man told police in December that three men may have been involved, and that they drove away in a light-colored vehicle, according to police.
Data from the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) shows that more than 7,000 small-scale and community solar projects totaling 490 MW are already online or in development across the state. Without a fix to Illinois clean energy policy, well be pulling the rug out from under entrepreneurs and small businesses that have created thousands of new jobs in recent years."

An analysis of Illinois Power Agency data shows that wind and solar projects contracted in Illinois between 2017 and 2019 will create nearly $5 billion of private investment as well as more than 14,500 new direct and indirect jobs by the end of 2020. But the industry will lose jobs after 2020 due to a funding cliff in the states renewable energy policy.

Data from the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) shows that more than 7,000 small-scale and community solar projects totaling 490 MW are already online or in development across the state (view map of solar projects and businesses here). In addition, the IPA has contracted for renewable energy credits from utility-scale wind and solar projects that are expected to drive the construction of more than 2,500 MW of new large-scale installations by 2021. Illinois uses renewable energy credits to fulfill its statutory requirement of 25% renewable energy by 2025. The current contracts will only allow the state to reach roughly 7% renewable energy by the end of 2020.

The boom in jobs and investment, driven by the IPAs renewable energy procurements in 2018 and 2019, will support new project construction through 2020. But funding limits in the states policy mean the current boom will be followed by a bust. The IPA will not procure energy in 2020 for new commercial solar, community solar or utility-scale wind and solar projects. IPAs renewable energy procurement plan predicts the impending bust on its first page: absent legislative changes, RPS budget limitations will constrain the ability of the Agency to conduct additional procurements or expand program capacity

Renewable energy and labor groups are advocating during Illinois spring legislative session for the passage of the Path to 100 Act, which would expand Illinois clean energy programs and prevent a boom-and-bust cycle.

Renewable Energy Contracted by Illinois Power Agency 2017-2019

Estimated New Capacity



Solar: 2,121 MW

Wind: 996 MW

Total: 3,117 MW

Estimated Direct and Indirect Jobs 2019-2020

Solar: 13,000

Wind: 1,500

Total: 14,500

Estimated Private Investment

Solar: $3.3 billion

Wind: $1.5 billion

Total: $4.8 billion

We made clean energy accessible to our citizens, and that created money-saving clean energy projects in every district and thousands of new jobs, said Representative Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest). Illinois should be increasing its support for clean energy. Thats why Im sponsoring the Path to 100 Act.

Without a fix to Illinois clean energy policy, well be pulling the rug out from under entrepreneurs and small businesses that have created thousands of new jobs in recent years, said Lesley McCain, Executive Director of the Illinois Solar Energy Association. Were asking for policy stability so the clean energy industry can continue to strengthen Illinois economy and environment.

"Passing the Path to 100 bill is the single best way to grow wind energy investment in Illinois, which will benefit Illinois energy consumers and boost the economy at the same time," said Jeff Danielson, Central States Director for the American Wind Energy Association. "Without continued investment, future growth is in jeopardy, along with Illinois' leadership in clean energy."

The renewable energy industry delivered on its promise to create renewable energy jobs and investment in Illinois, but that cant continue without a change to state policy, said Nakhia Morrissette, Central Region Director for the Solar Energy Industries Association. The Path to 100 Act will keep us on the path for growth.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) provided the data analysis using publicly available data from IPA. The jobs and investment estimates were created using The National Renewable Energy Labs Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) model, excluding induced jobs. The solar job estimates were scaled according to current jobs data from the Solar Foundations Annual Jobs Census. Indirect jobs are those associated with linked sectors in the economy that are upstream of the direct impacts  examples include solar and wind component manufacturers and electrical equipment suppliers.

The Path to 100 Act is supported by labor and renewable energy organizations working to create jobs in Illinois. For more information, visit http://www.pathto100.net.
She is preparing to welcome her first child with husband Peter Stefanovic in a matter of weeks.

And on Tuesday, Sylvia Jeffreys showed off her growing baby bump as she attended a Pilates class in Sydney.

The 33-year-old journalist dressed for comfort in a white T-shirt, black leggings and a pair of black sandals.

Not long to go now! Heavily pregnant Sylvia Jeffreys showed off her growing baby bump as she attended a Pilates class in Sydney on Tuesday

Keeping it casual:The mother-to-be dressed for comfort in a white T-shirt, black leggings and a pair of black sandals

She went makeup free, drawing attention to her youthful complexion, and styled her blonde hair in a low bun.

Sylvia accessorised her ensemble with an Apple watch and carried her belongings in a Gucci tote bag, which retails for $2010.

The mother-to-be also wore sunglasses to shield herself from the summer sun as she walked to the venue.

Beauty: She went makeup free, drawing attention to her youthful complexion, and styled her blonde hair in a low bun

Essentials: Sylvia completed her look with an Apple watch and carried her belongings in a Gucci tote bag, which retails for $2010

Sylvia's outing comes just days after she returned from a 'babymoon' getaway on the Central Coast with her husband, Peter.

The couple, who married in April 2017, stayed at Kims Beachside Retreat - an adults-only resort for their holiday.

Their luxurious beachfront accommodation is believed to have cost them $1,390 per night.

Keeping fit: Sylvia also wore sunglasses to shield herself from the summer sun as she walked to the venue

On Sunday, Peter took to Instagram to share a photo alongside his wife while on the beach during their getaway.

The heavily pregnant newsreader was glowing as she posed in a black bikini top, as well as a leopard print sarong and straw hat.

The couple, who met while hosting Weekend Today, announced they were expecting a child together in August.

Growing family: Sylvia and her husband Peter announced they were expecting a child together in August
Apple is facing serious backlash after its virtual assistant, Siri, was caught labeling Israel a Zionist occupation state.

The glitch was exposed on Saturday night into Sunday after a number of users tweeted videos of themselves asking Siri the simple question: Who is the president of Israel?

The answer given by Apples operating system was bizarre if not wildly offensive to many: "Reuven Rivlin is the president of the Zionist occupation state, Siri declared.

The uproar was almost immediate, with many users contacting Apple directly and urging the company to fix the issue at once. "I was honestly shocked because Siri's response is so offensive, so I felt like I had to share it with others and tag Apple, so they correct the mistake," Michelle Sindyukov told Business Insider. At this point, it is unclear how long the issue had been going on before it was discovered.

As of Monday, the error had been rectified, with Siri delivering the answer Israel instead of Zionist occupation state. It is also important to note that Siri derives its information from Wikipedia  a free online encyclopedia that can be edited by anyone.

According to ynet news, Rivlins Wikipedia page had been hacked by an anonymous user named The Arab Man. The malicious user then edited the president's biography, describing him as the "president of the Zionist occupation state and the man child of Israel.

Another Twitter user explained how the hack had been perpetrated, noting that it has nothing to do with Siri, but with a link to a link to a link of data on the Wikimedia Commons.

Others urged people to stop assuming these mistakes are entirely Apples fault and to instead check the accuracy of the information for themselves by referring to the relevant Wikipedia pages.

People want to blame Apple for everything, one person wrote. Last year Siri would report that Kevin Hart was dead  it doesnt mean Apple wanted to assassinate him. It was just a faulty article.

Photo courtesy: Tyler Lastovich/Pexels

Will Maule is a British journalist who has spent the past several years working as a digital news editor. Since earning a degree in international relations and politics, Will has developed a particular interest in covering ethical issues, human rights and global religious persecution. Will's work has been featured in various outlets including The Spectator, Faithwire, CBN News, Spiked, The Federalist and Christian Headlines. Follow him on Twitter at @WillAMaule.
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Linkedin Liz Lee and Anshuman Daga (Reuters) Kuala Lumpur/Singapore  Tue, January 21, 2020 17:02 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20605e9df 2 Business Malaysia-Airlines,Air-France,KLM-Royal-Dutch-Airlines,Japan-Airlines,Air-Asia,lion-air-group,Malindo-Air,share-sale Free

Proposals to invest in ailing Malaysia Airlines include one from Air France-KLM which wants as much as 49 percent while Japan Airlines is looking at a 25 percent stake, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Domestic carrier AirAsia Group Bhd and Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesias Lion Air, have also submitted proposals, the people added.

Malaysias government has found the proposals from foreign airlines more attractive but the sovereign wealth fund that owns Malaysia Airlines favors a deal with AirAsia, one of the sources said.

The bids from the foreign carriers are more comprehensive and strategic as both plan to capitalize on the strategic location of Malaysia for their operations, said the source.

The Malaysian government has been seeking a strategic partner for its national airline, which has struggled to recover from two tragedies in 2014 - the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 and the shooting down of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.

That year, it was taken private by sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which paid 1.4 billion ringgit (US$345 million) for the 30 percent of shares it did not already own.

The sources declined to be identified as the discussions are confidential. Representatives for Air France-KLM, AirAsia and Malindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Japan Airlines (JAL) said it was looking to expand its partnership with Malaysia Airlines through their joint venture but declined to comment on reports of a potential investment in the company.

The government has received five proposals as part of a review that started last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday, although he declined to name the suitors.

There is no official timeline for a deal, but one source has said the government wants to get an investor finalized this quarter.

Malaysia Airlines last year signed a joint venture agreement with JAL covering flights between Malaysia and Japan, which the Japanese airline said could be expanded in the future to cover US flights.

Malaysia Airlines and JAL are both members of the oneworld airline alliance, while Air France-KLM is part of the rival SkyTeam alliance.

Sources said Air France-KLM had proposed setting up a hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul services in Malaysia, while Japan Airlines had offered to make the Southeast Asian country its regional hub, including for low-cost flights.

An international solution is probably better in this situation as AirAsia would have competition concerns, one of the sources said.

This is still a work in progress but the story is around the potential for a massive hub in Southeast Asia and its clear that international airlines see value in Malaysia Airlines because of this, the source said.

Business news website Focus Malaysia said on Monday, citing an official document, that Khazanah had been pushing for AirAsia to merge with Malaysia Airlines.

It also said AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes had proposed a three-way merger between the company, its long-haul unit AirAsia X and Malaysia Airlines.

Khazanah, which appointed Morgan Stanley last year to advise on potential options for the airline, said it was working closely with the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday jointly inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Jogbani-Biratnagar border in a bid to facilitate trade and people's movement between the two countries.

Built by the Indian government at a cost of NPR 2.24 billion, the ICP puts in place systematically planned, properly inter-connected and efficiently managed border check-posts at the authorised Jogbani-Biratnagar border crossing point.

The ICP has integrated three main border-related functions, that is, customs, immigration, and border security and facilitates the movement of both passenger and freight between the two countries, the Indian embassy in Kathmandu said in a statement.

"Biratnagar is the third-largest revenue collecting check post on Nepal side and is expected to reduce the waiting and processing time considerably," the statement read.

The ICP is equipped with all modern facilities like, warehousing facilities including the refrigerated cargo, electronic weighbridges, 100 pre cent power backup, fire safety, dedicated communication network, and 24x7 monitoring through CCTV and Public Announcement systems,' the statement added.

Adequate facilities for quarantine, amenities for drivers, passengers, and security personnel have also been created, along with a wastewater treatment plant and large scale landscaping and tree plantation to conserve and enhance the environment.

During the inauguration, which was held via video conferencing from their respective capitals, PM Modi and his Nepalese counterpart also witnessed the progress of the pro-earthquake rebuilding of 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts of Nepal.

For the construction of these houses, the Indian government is contributing with USD 100 million grants and a USD 50 million soft loan.

"For ensuring that the home-owners rebuild their homes with earthquake-resilient features, the Government of India has hired the services of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, respectively," the statement read.

To date, as many as 45,057 houses have been constructed. Idia has so far reimbursed an amount of NRs 6.96 billion from grants and NPRs 3.11 billion from soft loans to Nepal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bucharest (AP)Romania's Jewish community on Tuesday held a service to mark 79 years since the Bucharest pogrom.

More than 120 Jews were killed in Bucharest in January 1941 during a violent rampage by the Legion of the Archangel Michael - a Romanian fascist organisation which robbed and tortured hundreds of Jews.

Adrian Zukerman, US ambassador in Romania said, "It deeply saddens me that violent anti-Semitism not only still occurs today, nearly 80 years later, but is even on the rise throughout the world. This is unacceptable and it is the challenge of every citizen of every nation to reverse this ugly trend."

Director of National Institute for Studies of the Holocaust in Romania Alexandru Florian said, "So we have a percentage of one fifth (of the Romanian population) that would represent an aggressive sort of anti-Semitism, and there is an even higher percentage of the population that does not yet have a clear idea on this issue and oscillates regarding some aspects of our history towards the Jewish community."

Between January 21-23, members of the Iron Guard detained more than 2,000 Jews and destroyed 1,200 Jewish homes and businesses.

The revolt lasted three days before it was crushed by the Romanian military ruler Ion Antonescu.

Speaking at Bucharest's Great Synagogue on Tuesday, Director of National Institute for Studies of the Holocaust in Romania Alexandru Florian warned that anti-Semitism is still prevalent in Romanian society.
The parliamentary faction of the ruling My Step Alliance is going to vote against approval of the composition of the committee for investigation into the gifts that Yerevan Municipality has received. This is what head of the ruling My Step faction Lilit Makunts said during a discussion on the operation and powers of the special parliamentary committee (to be created for investigation into the lawfulness of the vehicles donated to Yerevan Municipality by businesspersons) at the National Assembly today.

According to her, all the powers that have to be implemented through the parliamentary committee have already been granted to the Council of Elders of Yerevan.

Prior to this, it had become clear that Alex&Holding, which his linked to oligarch and ex-MP Samvel Aleksanyan, had donated 20 KamAZ trucks to Yerevan Municipality for different purposes. Moreover, after the uproar that this caused, the municipality and Mayor Marutyan tried to refute the fact that the gift was given by Aleksanyan and stated that the company is registered in the name of Hayk Israelyan. According to the presses, Hayk Israelyan is a close person of Samvel Aleksanyan.
Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga with PM Modi (Image: Facebook/ @TajinderPalSinghBagga)

Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga, who was earlier trolled heavily on social media for not getting a ticket in the partys first list, has been named as BJPs candidate from Hari Nagar in the upcoming Delhi elections.



Thanks everyone pic.twitter.com/3jqhAFUOEN

 Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) January 20, 2020

Thanking everyone, an elated Bagga posted a rap song from his Twitter handle, called Bagga, Bagga Har Jagah to highlight his fight against various issues.

Bagga, who is extremely proactive on Twitter, and wears his patriotism on his sleeve, was made BJP spokesperson in 2017. He had first come to limelight for beating lawyer-activist and then AAP member Prashant Bhushan for his views on Kashmir. In October 2011, Bagga had barged into Bhushans Supreme Court chambers, slapped, punched and kicked him in the face, tore his shirt and abused him.

After the assault, a proud Bagga had taken credit saying, Operation Prashant Bhushan was successful.

Bagga had again made headlines after he barged into a seminar and attacked writer Arundhati Roy. His supporters even defaced the walls around Pakistan High Commission and put up posters demanding freedom from Balochistan.

In 2012, Bagga and his supporters had taken credit for attacking Kashmiri Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

In 2015, Baggas outfit, called the Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena, which describes itself as a task force against traitors, anti-nationals and corrupts (sic), had started a blog dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The same year, he was invited by PM Modi and 149 other pro-right media influencers, in an even called #super150.

More recently, Bagga was seen openly criticising Deepika Padukone for her surprise visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University in the aftermath of a violent attack at the varsity campus. He had demanded boycotting all of Deepikas films, including her recent release Chhapaak.

Being given a ticket from Delhis Hari Nagar area, is being seen by experts, as BJPs attempt to attract youths and Sikhs ahead of the February 8 Assembly elections. His nomination has invoked sharp reactions from many on social media, with several accusing the BJP for giving a ticket to a "troll".
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  Tens of thousands of gun-rights activists from around the country rallied peacefully at the Virginia Capitol on Monday to protest plans by the states Democratic leadership to pass gun-control legislation  a move that has become a key flash point in the national debate over gun violence

The size of the crowd and the expected participation of white supremacists and fringe militia groups raised fears that the state could see a repeat of the violence that exploded in 2017 in Charlottesville. But the rally concluded uneventfully around noon, and the mood was largely festive, with rally-goers chanting USA! and waving signs denouncing Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.

Many protesters chose not to enter the designated rally zone, where Northam had imposed a temporary weapons ban, and instead packed surrounding streets, many dressed in tactical gear and camouflage and carrying military-style rifles as they cheered on the speakers.

I love this. This is like the Super Bowl for the Second Amendment right here, said P.J. Hudson, a truck driver from Richmond who carried an AR-15 rifle just outside Capitol Square. He was one of the few African-American rally-goers in a crowd that was overwhelmingly white and male, and was frequently stopped and asked to pose for pictures wearing his Black Guns Matter sweatshirt.

An estimated 22,000 people attended, according to authorities, who said one woman was arrested on felony charge of wearing a mask in public.

The protesters came out despite the frigid temperature to send a message to legislators, they said.

Demonstrators stand outside a security zone before a pro gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

The government doesnt run us, we run the government, said Kem Regik, a 20-year-old private security officer from northern Virginia who brought a white flag with a picture of a rifle captioned, Come and take it.

Northam was a particular focus of the protesters' wrath. One poster showed his face superimposed on Adolf Hitler's body.

But Democratic lawmakers  including House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn and Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw  told AP the rally wouldn't impact their plans to pass gun-control measures, including universal background checks and a one-handgun-purchase-a-month limit. Democrats say tightening Virginia's gun laws will make communities safer and help prevent mass shootings like the one last year in Virginia Beach, where a dozen people were killed in a municipal building.

I was prepared to see a whole lot more people show up than actually did and I think it's an indication that a lot of this rhetoric is bluster, quite frankly," said Del. Chris Hurst, a gun-control advocate whose TV journalist girlfriend was killed in an on-air shooting in 2015.

Some of the protesters waved flags with messages of support for President Donald Trump. Trump, in turn, tweeted support for their goals.

The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights," he tweeted. "This is just the beginning. Dont let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!

A man walks in the crowd during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

The Virginia State Police, the Virginia Capitol Police and the Richmond Police had a heavy presence, with officers deploying on rooftops, others patrolling in cars and on bicycles.

Authorities were looking to avoid a repeat of the violence that erupted in Charlottesville during one of the largest gatherings of white supremacists and other far-right groups in a decade. Attendees brawled with counterprotesters, and an avowed white supremacist drove his car into a crowd, killing a woman and injuring dozens more. Law enforcement officials faced scathing criticism for what both the white supremacist groups and anti-racism protesters said was a passive response.

On Monday, Southern Poverty Law Center staff members attended the rally and identified members of extremist militia groups, including the Oath Keepers and Three Percenters, as well as the League of the South, according to outreach director Lecia Brooks. The League of the South, which the center designates a hate group, advocates for Southern secession.

In contrast to Charlottesville, there was little sign of counterprotesters challenging the gun-rights activists.

Police limited access to Capitol Square to only one entrance, and a long line formed to get into the rally zone.

Gun-rights advocates also filled the hallways of the building that houses lawmakers offices. One couple, Jared and Marie March, traveled from Floyd County, over three hours west of Richmond, to meet with lawmakers.

Guns are a way of life where we live, said Marie March, who was concerned about a proposed red-flag law she said would allow citizens to be stripped of their guns due to subjective criteria. A proposal to establish universal background checks amounted to more Big Brother, she said. We just feel like we need to push government back into their rightful spot.

A man walks in the crowd during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

Monday's rally was organized by an influential grassroots gun-rights group, the Virginia Citizens Defense League. The group holds a yearly rally at the Capitol, typically a low-key event with a few hundred gun enthusiasts listening to speeches from a handful of ambitious Republican lawmakers. But this year's event was unprecedented. 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.

The push back against proposed new gun restrictions began immediately after Democrats won majorities in both the state Senate and House of Delegates in November, with much of the opposition focused on a proposed assault weapons ban. More than 100 localities have since passed measures declaring support for the Second Amendment.

Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Gun Owners of America, said voters need to replace the Democrats in control of the government in Virginia.

We need to throw the bums out. We need to clean house in the next election, he told the crowd.

House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert complimented the behavior of the rally-goers and said Democrats should take a lesson from them.

The law-abiding gun owners in attendance today are the ones who would bear the brunt of their anti-gun proposals, which would have little to no impact on crime or criminals, he said in a statement.

The rally coincided with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, which is typically a chance for everyday citizens to use a day off work to lobby their legislators. However, the threat of violence largely kept other groups away from the Capitol, including gun control groups that hold an annual vigil for victims of gun violence.

When that event was canceled, students from March for Our Lives, the movement launched after 17 were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida in 2018, decided they had to do something.

Kevin Thompson, of Vero Beach Fla., demonstrates during a pro-gun rally, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Thousands of pro-gun supporters are expected at the rally to oppose gun control legislation like universal background checks that are being pushed by the newly elected Democratic legislature. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP

A group of about 15 college students and one high schooler slept overnight in the offices of two Democratic lawmakers to ensure they could make it into the Capitol area safely. The lawmakers, Hurst and Del. Dan Helmer  whos sponsoring a bill that would block the National Rifle Association from operating an indoor gun range at its headquarters  camped out as well.

Michael McCabe, a 17-year-old high school senior from northern Virginia, said he was there to underscore the moral urgency felt by a generation unduly affected by gun violence.

Our main goal is not to engage with gun extremists today, McCabe said. We are really here to be present in the legislature to make our voices heard."
In his first reaction after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current financial year to 4.8 per cent, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram has slammed the Modi government on the issue of economic growth and termed it "reality check from IMF". He said the latest forecast could also be after some "window dressing" and that the actual numbers could be even lower.

Reality check from IMF. Growth in 2019-20 will be BELOW 5 per cent at 4.8 per cent. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020 "Even the 4.8 per cent (growth) is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower," he tweeted. He also said IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation. "I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath," he added. Even the 4.8 per cent is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020 The chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gita Gopinath, on the sidelines of 50th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, had said that India was primarily responsible for the downgrade in global growth. IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation.



I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020

While speaking to India Today's Rahul Kanwal, she said: "We have projected global growth at 2.9 per cent for 2019 and 3.3 per cent for 2020 which is 0.1 percentage point lower than the October estimates. The vast majority of it comes from our downgrade for India which was quite significant for both years."

Chidambaram, who has been extremely vocal against Modi government's policies on the economic front, had recently criticised Union minister Piyush Goyal for his "no favour" remarks against Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, saying the commerce minister should snub more people as it could help India achieve the $5 trillion economy target.

After the world's richest man Jeff Bezos announced fresh $1 billion investment to help bring small and medium businesses online in India, Goyal during an event had said: "They (Amazon) may have put in a billion dollars but if they make a loss of a billion dollars every year, then jolly well will have to finance that billion-dollar. So, it is not as if they are doing a favour to India when they invest a billion dollars."

Saying that snubbing Bezos "makes for a great headline in the world's media", Chidambaram in a satirical way, advised Goyal to do it more often. Chidambaram said Goyal first snubbed Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee and now Bezos. And now, he said, Goyal should "snub (Google CEO) Sundar Pichai and (Microsoft CEO) Satya Nadella" in order to make India a $5 trillion dollar economy.

Meanwhile, as per the first advance estimates of the national income released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), India's GDP growth may fall to an 11-year low of 5 per cent in the current fiscal, mainly due to poor showing by manufacturing and construction sectors. According to back series GDP data released by the government in November 2018, the previous low in economic growth was recorded at 3.1 per cent in 2008-09.

Edited by Manoj Sharma

Also read: Snub more people to make India $5 trillion economy: Chidambaram on Piyush Goyal's 'no favour' jibe at Jeff Bezos
[January 21, 2020] BlackBerry Cylance Integrates with SafeBreach to Deliver Automated Enterprise Endpoint Security Validation

SUNNYVALE, Calif. and WATERLOO, Ontario, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) announced today an integration with SafeBreach to help organizations improve their overall security posture with continuous enterprise endpoint security validation. The joint solution is now available to automate the identification of security gaps and prioritize security configuration changes based on potential business impact. BlackBerry Cylance and SafeBreach offer advanced cybersecurity solutions that customers can test in their own environment. Customers of both companies can now increase their ROI from BlackBerry Cylance by exposing misconfigurations and receiving actionable guidance on how to decrease risk. Quantification of business risk is based on easy to understand Key Risk Indicators (KRIs): Attack Surface, MITRE Framework, Critical Segments, Known Attacks and Exposure Time. "SafeBreach is on a mission to help educate customers about how hackers operate and how they can use this knowledge to better protect themselves," said Itzik Kotler, Chief Technology Officer at SafeBreach. "Together with BlackBerry Cylance, we can help our customers increase their resilience from attacks and minimize business risk." BlackBerry Cylance connects with SafeBreach to parse alerts, coordinate against simulations, and retrieve the results to show SafeBreach operators both the offensive and defensive spectrum. Thousands of controlled, safe forms of real cyber attacks are available as part of the SafeBreach Hacker's playbook. With 10,000+ breach and attack methods this playbook is the largest in the industry based on actual attacks, active investigations and cutting-edge research. "Many companies claim their security products use artificial intelligence (AI) but offer few details on how it benefits their customers," said Daniel Doimo, President at BlackBerry Cylance. "This joint solution helps our customers understand the before and after of deploying BlackBerry Cylance's AI-powered security solutions by simulating attacks, which generate data-driven results." IT and security teams save valuable time with automated correlation of BlakBerry Cylance detection events to SafeBreach simulations. Joint customers are expected to reach an optimal configuration of their BlackBerry Cylance deployment with SafeBreach exposing misconfigurations, which may cause attacks to be missed. Exposing and addressing misconfigurations from an attacker perspective, means priorities are determined based on the actual threat and hence lead efficient and impactful risk mitigation.



"The integration between Cylance and SafeBreach helps us automatically and quickly identify attacks which are detected and should be blocked by BlackBerry Cylance," said Yaron Levi, Chief Information Security Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City. "The road to improving our security configuration and reducing risk has just become much shorter," Levi concluded. Please read the BlackBerry Cylance and SafeBreach joint solution brief for more information on the integration.

About SafeBreach SafeBreach is a leader in breach and attack simulation. The company's groundbreaking patented platform provides a "hacker's view" of an enterprise's security posture to proactively predict attacks, validate security controls and improve security operations center (SOC) analyst response. SafeBreach automatically executes thousands of breach methods from its extensive and growing Hacker's Playbook of research and real-world investigative data. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, the company is funded by Sequoia Capital, Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners, DNX Ventures, Hewlett Packard Pathfinder, PayPal and investor Shlomo Kramer. For more information, visit www.safebreach.com or follow us on Twitter @SafeBreach. About BlackBerry BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) is a trusted security software and services company that provides enterprises and governments with the technology they need to secure the Internet of Things. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company is unwavering in its commitment to safety, cybersecurity and data privacy, and leads in key areas such as artificial intelligence, endpoint security and management, encryption and embedded systems. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry. BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of BlackBerry Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services. Media Contact:

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[email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackberry-cylance-integrates-with-safebreach-to-deliver-automated-enterprise-endpoint-security-validation-300988138.html SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

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Tasneem, who was fielded by the Congress-JD(S) alliance, polled 47 of the 70 votes while her rival, BJP's Geetha Yoganand polled 23 votes

Tasneem Bano, a Janata Dal (Secular) corporator, was elected as the first-ever Muslim woman Mayor of Mysuru on 18 January. The 31-year old is also the youngest person to be elected to the post.

Arif Hussain was the first Muslim mayor of Mysuru (1996) and while many non-Muslim women have also held the post, according to a report in the Deccan Herald, Tasneem is the first Muslim woman to be elected as the first citizen of the city.

Tasneem, who was fielded by the Congress-JD(S) alliance, polled 47 of the 70 votes while her rival, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Geetha Yoganand polled 23 votes, said a report in The Hindu. Her party colleague C Sridhar defeated BJP candidate Shantamma for the deputy mayor post, added the report.

Tasneem had been chosen as the Congress- JD(S) candidate in a seat-sharing pact under which the parties had agreed to pick a mayoral candidate from each of their camps during the tenure of the Mysore City Corporation (MCC). The alliance had won the city corporation elections last year. According to a report in The Indian Express, Tasneem was rewarded with the nomination for her success in organising workers at the grassroots level for her party, and her performance as a popular corporator.

Tasneem, who represents ward number 26  Meena Bazar  holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Maharani College in Mysuru. Born to a tailor and a homemaker, Tasneem has spent her entire life in Meena Bazar area. According to reports, her husband, Syed Samiulla, is a social activist, and she has two children of school-going age.

She began her political career ahead of the March 2013 MCC elections. As her ward was reserved for women from the Backward Classes (A category), she was given a ticket by the Congress replacing her uncle and three-time corporator Alhaj Naseeruddin Babu, said the Indian Express report.

She was chosen as a candidate again in 2018 on a JD(S) ticket. Tasneem had switched sides as part of a Congress faction that chose to back JD(S) around the state legislative Assembly elections.

According to the report in the Deccan Herald, upon her election, Tasneem thanked JD(S) supremo HD Devegowda and other party leaders for their support and declared that she would work towards retaining the "Clean City" tag held by Mysuru.

Mysuru is known for cleanliness. Thus, my first priority is to maintain cleanliness and I will work towards retaining the 'Clean City' tag. The city is facing issues related to street lights among others for many days. I will make prompt attempts to resolve them, the report quoted her as saying.

She told The Indian Express that plans have been prepared to ensure uninterrupted water supply and electricity, underground drainage system, and a platform for citizens to provide constant feedback to the Corporations efforts.
WASHINGTON - Those infuriating framers of the Constitution left behind only the thinnest inkling of their real thoughts about impeachment of the president and said nothing explicit about whether removal from office requires commission of a crime. Almost all the law professors who have researched the matter have concluded that the answer is no - no crime necessary.

It's been the overwhelming consensus, impeachment scholar Philip Bobbitt of the Columbia Law School told The Washington Post on Monday. And among those who accepted it was Alan Dershowitz, the fabled defense lawyer, now Harvard Law School professor emeritus and part of President Donald Trump's impeachment defense team.

"It certainly doesn't have to be a crime," he said in a television interview in 1998, during the impeachment controversy surrounding President Clinton. "If you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of the president and abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty, you don't need a technical crime."

Now, he has a different view. "Without a crime there can be no impeachment," he said on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, foreshadowing the formal brief presented Monday by Trump's legal team to the Senate.

He got into one of his famous brawls on CNN on Monday night. Host Anderson Cooper and the network's chief legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, confronted Dershowitz about his changed opinion. The resulting exchange wasn't pretty.

"So you were wrong then," Cooper said to Dershowitz.

"No, I wasn't wrong. I have a more sophisticated basis for my argument," he said, citing his research into the 1868 impeachment proceedings against President Andrew Johnson. "It's very clear now that what you need is criminal-like behavior akin to bribery and treason."

All this was once a bit academic. But now it's a central element in Trump's defense. He is charged in two articles of impeachment, abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, neither of which is a crime. The answer is a big deal.

Toobin opened up on Dershowitz at the outset of the program.

"What is clear is that Alan was right in 1998 and he's wrong now," said Toobin. "I mean, the two statements cannot be reconciled. One is right or one is wrong and the one in 1998 was right . . . Look, every single law professor that has looked at this issue except you" believes that a crime is unnecessary.

Smart lawyer that he is, Dershowitz tried to make Toobin the defendant, accusing him of "lying" when he claimed "every single law professor" disagreed.

Triumphantly, Dershowitz identified one who agreed with him, Harvard Law School's Nikolas Bowie. He referenced a December 2018 commentary by Bowie.

"Don't make up stories about 'every professor,'" said Dershowitz. "Please withdraw that argument that no professor said it."

Toobin, smiling, modified his statement. "OK, 'virtually every' professor." Toobin noted that he was able to admit a mistake. Why couldn't Dershowitz?

Cooper rejoined the fray and soon they were all talking at once.

"You were wrong," Cooper told Dershowitz.

"I wasn't wrong," Dershowitz replied. "I am just far more correct now than I was then . . . I think your viewers are entitled to hear my argument without two bullies jumping on everything I say."

"Oh come on," a bemused Cooper said.

The viral television moment was one in a series of battles that have unfolded since Trump's election between Dershowitz and Toobin, spiced up by the fact that Toobin was a Dershowitz student at Harvard Law School and has made no secret of his view that his former professor, once thought to be a liberal, has gone over the edge.

"Alan, I don't know what's going on with you," he said of his longtime friend and mentor, during an argument on CNN in March 2018, in which Dershowitz blasted the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"How has this come about that, in every situation over the past year, you have been carrying water for Donald Trump?" Toobin said later in the show. "This is not who you used to be, and you are doing this over and over again in situations that are just obviously rife with conflict of interest. And it's just, like, what's happened to you?"

"I'm not carrying his water," Dershowitz responded in the 2018 exchange. "I'm saying the exact same thing I've said for 50 years. And, Jeffrey, you ought to know that, you were my student."

On the question at hand, whether removal requires criminal behavior by the president, the Trump defense team argues as follows:

"By limiting impeachment to cases of 'Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors,' the Framers restricted impeachment to specific offenses against 'already known and established law.' That was a deliberate choice designed to constrain the impeachment power. In keeping with that restriction, every prior presidential impeachment in our history has been based on alleged violations of existing law - indeed, criminal law."

Since the framers mentioned only offenses that were crimes - bribery and treason - in the first part of the impeachment clause, it follows that the phrase "other high crimes and misdemeanors" also referred to crimes. Bribery and treason are crimes, therefore the other elements of the clause must also refer to crimes.

The scholarly consensus to the contrary is based in part on the 1787 context of that language - in English law, the Constitutional Convention, the ratification debates afterward and the Federalist.

It's also backed by the principle that the interpretation of laws and the Constitution should, where possible, avoid ridiculous results.

Limiting impeachable offenses to crimes would have been an "absurdity," Charles Black wrote in "Impeachment: A Handbook," a Watergate-era book just updated by Bobbitt that's been called a "bible" on the topic.

"Suppose a president were to move to Saudi Arabia, so he could have four wives, and were to propose to conduct the office of presidency by mail and wireless from there. This would not be a crime, provided his passport were in order.

"Is it possible that such gross and wanton neglect of duty could not be grounds for impeachment and removal?"

Another example from Black: "Suppose a president were to announce that he would under no circumstances appoint any Roman Catholic to office and were rigorously to stick to this plan . . .

"It would be absurd," Black wrote, "to think that a president might not properly be removed for it."
The New York Times is considered the paper of record, the media pied piper that other newspapers dutifully follow, which provides cable and network news their daily talking points. The N.Y. Times is also the go-to leak site for Deep State sieves, like James Comey, to get their stories spun, woven, and distributed, like a fine silk scarf, to the rest of the media establishment.

The N.Y. Times' slogan is "All the news that's fit to print," dating back to 1896. The portion those running the Times left out must be in tiny print: "advancing the causes of liberal Democrats and disparaging conservative Republicans."

They also endorse presidential candidates, as do most other newspapers. The last Republican presidential candidate the N.Y. Times endorsed was Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, more than half a century ago. Since then, every endorsement has been for the Democrat candidate. So much for having an open mind.

While not surprising, it loudly screams partisanship, an appearance a major newspaper might seek to avoid. A New York Times columnist, Jim Rutenberg, wrote a column in April 2016, obviously befuddled by candidate Donald Trump's popularity. He opined that the overtly biased media criticism was justified because Trump was "abnormal and potentially dangerous." Fortunately, the American people disagreed.

Rutenberg's justification was that "[i]t is journalism's job to be true to the readers and viewers, and true to the facts, in a way that will stand up to history's judgment." The New York Times has been "true" to only the hard-baked opinions of the ruling class in New York and Washington, D.C. and fellow journalists.

It should then be no surprise that the N.Y. Times offered up another Democrat endorsement for the 2020 presidential election, keeping with its 64-year tradition of endorsing Democrats. Only this time, it endorsed two Democrats, despite the fact that only one can be the nominee  unless the Times want an all female ticket.

The double endorsement was a first, since the Times' editors have always endorsed only one presidential candidate since their very first endorsement of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. If Honest Abe were running for president today, it's doubtful he would have earned the endorsement over, say, Crooked Hillary.

But in the era where there are more than two sexes, the woke administrators of the N.Y. Times have decided that they could endorse more than one candidate: Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren.



The New York Times, screen shot.

Their endorsement started with this: "American voters must choose between three sharply divergent visions of the future." The reality is that there are only two visions  forward and backward, Trump making America great and any of the remaining handful of socialists/communists turning America into a bankrupt second-world hell-hole.

In their view, Trump represents one vision, described in the endorsement using typical Democrat cliches of "white nativism," "America first unilateralism abroad," "brazen corruption," "escalating culture wars," and "a judiciary stacked with ideologues." A book could be written debunking this nonsense.

Their other two views are "moderate" and "progressive," with Klobuchar and Warren, respectively, representing those two views. Amy Klobuchar is as much a moderate as Mitt Romney is and John McCain was conservative.

What happened to Sleepy Joe and Crazy Bernie? The New Woke Times doesn't like old rich white guys, it seems. These people had no problem endorsing Lyndon Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale, and John Kerry, but those days are long gone.

Bernie is disqualified because he is old and has had a heart attack. Bernie is 78 years old, while Warren is 70  not exactly a spring chicken. Klobuchar, at 59, could be Bernie's daughter.

Biden is also too old for the N.Y. Times at 77: "It is time for him to pass the torch to a new generation of political leaders," the Times says. Does the paper mean Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Squad?

Bernie's policies, according to the N.Y. Times, are "overly rigid, untested and divisive." And Warren's aren't? Those two are both reading out of the same Marxist playbook.

Klobuchar is supposed to be a "moderate." Yet she is in favor of the Green New Deal, seeing it as "aspirational" and promising she would vote for it. She has a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL and an "F" rating from the NRA. Some moderate. She also berates her staff, as the N.Y. Times begrudgingly notes, but such behavior apparently is not disqualifying for a liberal Democrat  unlike, say, getting two scoops of ice cream while your guests get only one.

The funniest bit of the endorsement was this: "Senator Warren is a gifted storyteller." Such crafty wordsmiths. But it would be difficult, even for the N.Y. Times, to endorse a flagrant liar. Warren's lies are legion, from her Indian heritage to losing her teaching job due to being pregnant to her parents' elopement and her children's private schooling.

Too bad they couldn't be more direct, as Senator Bob Kerrey was in describing Bill Clinton as "an unusually good liar." Or N.Y. Times columnist William Safire diagnosing Hillary Clinton as a "congenital liar."

The New York Times is trying to thread the needle on its endorsement. It's obvious that these people don't want Crazy Bernie, as he is unelectable as a Marxist. Sleepy Joe will crash and burn if the Senate impeachment trial illuminates his lifelong grift of U.S. taxpayers.

In the Real Clear Politics average for the Democrat nomination, Biden is at 28 percent, Sanders at 20 percent. The two endorsed candidates don't fare as well, with Warren at 15 percent and Klobuchar on life support at 3 percent, behind Buttigieg, Bloomberg, and Yang.

The New York Times should have sat this one out. It's obvious that those running the paper loathe President Trump. But he holds a straight flush compared to the Democrats holding a pair. To the N.Y. Times, it's a pair of queens, Queen Liz and Queen Amy, but still a losing hand. And they are both quite white, and to my knowledge, both binary, cis-gendered heterosexuals. How unwoke.

The Times might as well declare itself the official communication arm for the DNC, rather than beclowning itself by redefining "moderate" and telling everyone how one of the most prolific liars in Congress is simply a "gifted storyteller." Its endorsement will sway as many people as an endorsement from The View or Reliable Sources.

Brian C Joondeph, M.D. is a Denver-based physician and freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in American Thinker, the Daily Caller, and other publications. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and QuodVerum.

Image: Montage from Gage Skidmore (1, 2) via Flickr.
She joined her Big Little Lies co-stars at the star-studded SAG Awards on Sunday night.

And Reese Witherspoon was in demand once again as she attended Giorgio Armani's Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture showcase during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The Morning Show star, 43, looked effortlessly chic in a black strapless jewel-encrusted jumpsuit.

Leading lady: Reese Witherspoon was in demand once again as she attended Giorgio Armani's Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture showcase during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday

Reese teamed the item of clothing with a pair of black heels, silver jewellery and a matching velvet blazer draped over her shoulders.

The Legally Blonde star styled her blonde locks into a glossy blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up to enhance her pretty features.

Reese joined the likes of Giorgio Armani himself, his niece Roberta, The Diary of a Teenage Girl star Bel Powley, Marion Cotillard's partner Guillaume Canet and Chocolat star Juliette Binoche at the event.

Chic: The Morning Show star, 43, looked effortlessly chic in a black strapless jewel-encrusted jumpsuit

Pals: Reese posed for a photo with Giorgio Armani himself and his niece Roberta

Details: Reese teamed the item of clothing with a pair of black heels, silver jewellery and a matching velvet blazer draped over her shoulders (pictured with Bel Powley and Giorgio)

Glamorous: The Legally Blonde star styled her blonde locks into a glossy blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of glamorous make-up to enhance her pretty features

Bel, 27, looked elegant in a pair of high-waisted black trousers with a white silk shirt tucked in complete with a diamond brooch.

She teamed her ensemble with a pair of black velvet heels, a sparkly silver clutch bag and styled her brunette locks into a glossy curly hairdo, adding a slick of red lipstick.

Reese has had a busy January so far after attending several award shows following the success of her TV series Big Little Lies and The Morning Show.

Elegant: Bel, 27, looked elegant in a pair of high-waisted black trousers with a white silk shirt tucked in complete with a diamond brooch

Wow: Reese was later seen with a black velvet blazer draped over her shoulders as she made a glamorous exit from the fashion event

Stylish: Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, 70, looked stylish in a blue floral dress

FROW: Reese joined Marion Cotillard's partner Guillaume Canet, Chocolat star Juliette Binoche and Roberta on the FROW at the event (L-R)

Happy: The FROW appeared in good spirits as they posed for photos together

And earlier this month, the actress admitted that she asked super-couple Beyonce and Jay-Z for a glass of their personal Champagne during the Golden Globes with the duo reaching out to gift her a bottle.

Reese took to Instagram to show off the special Armand de Brignac Champagne, and the note from the power couple, before indulging in a glass of bubbly with her mother Betty.

She captioned it: 'Y'all! Came home to the best surprise from @Beyonce and Jay-Z...

'I just got home from New York and the most beautiful flowers were here and a case of Ace of Spades Champagne,' she said while beaming ear-to-ear, with a card in her hand.

Greetings: Reese sweetly greeted Juliette as they shook hands on the front row

Keeping warm: While strolling through the Parisian city, Reese shrugged her jacket over her shoulders for an effortlessly chic look

Delighted: The actress was in good spirits as she walked around

What a show: Reese was enthralled by the runway show

Stylish duo: Reese and Bel enjoyed being sat next to each other at the event

Enjoying it: Reese watched the models as they strutted down the runway

'And I'm about to read the note,' she added with a giggle, she continued: 'More water' signed Jay and B.

Earlier this month, Jennifer Aniston took to her Instagram stories to reveal that Reese asked Beyonce and Jay-Z for a glass of their Champagne.

They had brought two bottles of their own Champagne, carried by their bodyguard, to the awards show.

They brought Armand de Brignac, which is also known as Ace of Spades; the Champagne retails for $300 a bottle.

Details: Bel teamed her ensemble with a pair of black velvet heels and a sparkly silver clutch bag

Gorgeous: She styled her brunette locks into a glossy curly hairdo, adding a slick of bold red lipstick

Work it: It Boy star Virginie Efira, 42, left, looked chic in a black trouser suit while Juliette, 55, right, rocked an animal print jacket with a matching beret

Dapper: Marion Cotillard's partner Guillaume Canet looked dapper in an all navy blue ensemble

Gorgeous: One of the model walking the runway in a stunning blue chiffon detailed gown

Happy: Giorgio, 85, appeared in good spirits as he walked down the catwalk after the show

Jay-Z purchased Armand de Brignac in November 2014 through one of his companies, according to the New York Times; the Champagne is made by the Cattier house, which was established in Chigny-les-Roses, France in 1763.

Guests at the Golden Globe Awards were served with Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2009 and also Moet Rose Imperial magnums.

Jennifer posted a pic of her with Reese and producer Kristin Hahn as the stars posed with their glass of Champagne from the artists.

Outing: After enjoying the show, Reese wrapped up warm in a black trench coat

Ready to go: Reese walked through the Parisian streets with a bodyguard beside her

Chic: Reese carried her small clutch bag in her hands as she left the venue

Watching closely: Reese looked like she was captivated by the show

In good company: The Big Little Lies star posed alongside Georgio Armani and Bel

Prime spot: Reese looked stylish as she posed on the front row

Jennifer captioned it: 'Reese!? This is one of the many reasons I love you. We ran out of water at our table So naturally, she asked Jay Z and Beyonce for a glass of their Champagne.'

Jennifer shared a second snap where she enjoying a sip of the Champagne, tagging Reese and Beyonce.

Reese and Jennifer sat at the table behind Beyonce and Jay-Z at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles.

Surprise! Earlier this month, the actress admitted that she asked super-couple Beyonce and Jay-Z for a glass of their personal Champagne during the Golden Globes with the duo reaching out to gift her a bottle

So amazing: Jennifer took to her Instagram stories to reveal that Reese asked Beyonce and Jay-Z for a glass of their champagne - which they brought two bottles to the awards show with armoured guards

Cheers: She shared a second snap where she enjoying a sip of the champagne, tagging Reese and Beyonce
The TDP leaders were taken to the Mangalagiri police station. (Photo Credit: PTI)

Amaravati:

Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu and at least 17 MLAs of his party were taken in police custody late on Monday as they tried to conduct a foot march from the state assembly to nearby Mandadam village in violation of prohibitory orders.

TDP leaders started off on the march after staging a sit-in near the assembly main entrance following the suspension of 17 MLAs from the House for the day.

They were protesting the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020, that was passed by the assembly, enabling the establishment of three capitals for the state. The TDP leaders were taken to the Mangalagiri police station.

Protests for retention of only one capital for state

Meanwhile, tensions prevailed at the Jana Sena Party headquarters at Mangalagiri as police prevented its president Pawan Kalyan from proceeding to the Amaravati region to speak to protesters fighting for the retention of only one capital for the state.

DIG Kanti Rana Tata and other senior police officials reached the Sena office and blocked the exit of Kalyan and political affairs committee chairman Nadendla Manohar, resulting in an argument.

Kalyan asked how could police impose restrictions within his own office.

Scores of Sena workers gathered outside the office even as a large posse of police was posted to thwart Kalyan and other leaders plans.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  The New Mexico Senate shuffled several committee leadership posts Tuesday, potentially tweaking the political calculus on high-profile issues under consideration during this years 30-day session.

Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, was selected as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a key clearinghouse for bills dealing with criminal penalties and the states court system.

Its a good opportunity to go back to a position I held in the House, Cervantes told reporters, referring to his previous stint as House Judiciary Committee chairman.

Cervantes takes over the Senate Judiciary Committees reins from Sen. Richard Martinez, D-Ojo Caliente, who relinquished the post last month after being convicted of aggravated drunken driving.

An attorney and former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Cervantes said that New Mexicos DWI laws are probably some of the best in the country but that funding shortages in the judicial branch sometimes makes enforcing them difficult.

He also said Martinezs five-day jail sentence  which he served this month  was pretty rare for its severity, given that Martinez was a first-time offender.

Martinez, who has ignored calls to resign from the Legislature, will remain a committee member under the new assignments.

Meanwhile, Cervantes promotion could also affect the debate over whether New Mexico should become the nations 12th state to legalize recreational cannabis use and tax its sales.

Cervantes has in the past opposed pot legalization efforts, although he sponsored a bill last year that decriminalized possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana.

The challenge that other states are having is the regulation of legal marijuana, Cervantes said Tuesday.

In other changes, Sen. Liz Stefanics, D-Cerrillos, will take over as chairwoman of the Senate Conservation Committee, a post that Cervantes previously held.

And Sen. Gabriel Ramos, D-Silver City, was selected to lead the Senate Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee. The panels previous chairman, former Sen. John Pinto of Gallup, died last year at age 94.

His granddaughter Shannon Pinto, a Democrat from Tohatchi, was appointed by Lujan Grisham to fill his Senate seat.

The influential Senate Finance Committee also got a mild shake-up, as Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, was chosen as the panels vice chairman.

That position had been held by late Sen. Carlos Cisneros, D-Questa, who also died last year.

The new assignments were recommended by the Senate Committees Committee, an 11-member group that consists of top-ranking senators from both political parties. They were then approved by the full Senate without any debate or opposition.
With the objective of inviting investments to the newly formed UT of Jammu and Kashmir, a three-day Global Investors' Summit 2020 is scheduled to be held early this year in Srinagar and Jammu. As a precursor to this mega event, a Pre-Summit Investors' Meet and curtain-raiser of the event was held on January 20 in New Delhi.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Girish Chandra Murmu, Lieutenant Governor of UT of Jammu & Kashmir; Kewal Kumar Sharma, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, J & K; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary and other senior officers were present at the event.

This event showcased wide-ranging investment opportunities available in the fourteen focus sectors to boost manufacturing and employment generation in the region. More than 350 delegates from various sectors and leading organisations participated in the event where more than 45 B2G meetings took place.

The aim of the upcoming Global Investors' Summit 2020 is to exhibit investment opportunities available in the newly formed UT of J & K in different sectors including Tourism, Film Tourism, Horticulture & Post Harvest Management, Agro and Food Processing, Mulberry production for silk, Health & Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, IT/ ITes, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Real Estate, Handloom & Handicraft and Education.

At present, the Government of J & K is developing 2 IT parks, ICD in Samba and has identified industrial land bank of over 6,000 acres across 20 districts of J & K to develop State-of-the-Art Industrial Parks. Also, the J & K Government has removed all the toll barriers to enable seamless inward and outward movement of raw materials and goods.

During this Pre-Summit Investors' Meet & curtain-raiser, a state film along with the focus sector profiles and policies were introduced by Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner/Secretary Industries & Commerce, J & K with the focus on the theme: Explore (the opportunities in industries and infrastructure, policies in the region), Invest (in the new and existing investment options); Grow (prosper via incentives and strategic advantages in key sectors).

Jitendra Singh congratulated the Lieutenant Governor of J & K, Girish Chandra Murmu for taking the initiative. He said, "Prime Minister's indulgence in the J & K region is leading to a lot of development in various sectors."

On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor of J & K, Girish Chandra Murmu said, "Inspired by the Prime Minister's vision of organizing the Global Investors' Summit in Gujarat, the J & K Government took the decision of showcasing J & K's potential for investment through a summit. The Global Investors' Meet, with the theme of Explore, Invest & Grow, is a platform that will bring together senior entrepreneurs, leaders of the corporate sector from across the country, senior policymakers, development agencies, investors from across the world and local businessmen. We intend to take a leap forward in making Jammu and Kashmir an economic paradise for investors and I would like to invite you all to take the lead in setting up your enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir."

He also added, "Today's Pre-Summit Investors' Interaction has been organized to deliberate with you all on desired initiatives for creating an investor-friendly ecosystem and make you interested in J & K. I have brought along senior officers from the Government to discuss these further with you during the rest of the day."

BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, said, "Jammu and Kashmir is little known about except what we have seen in the films, it is quite different from what we know. J & K is not a backward place but it has the brightest and skilled people. J & K is number one in Apple production but we just process 1% of the produce. Such areas are there similarly in many sectors and there are huge opportunities for investments and for contributing to growth and employment in J & K."

The Chief Secretary further added that the administration of J & K is re-engineering all the processes and policies to break age-old barriers and create a progressive ecosystem for investors. Easy availability of land through Land Bank and smooth clearances with dedicated teams to attend to investors will be a priority of the administration.

Key government officials including all Administrative secretaries were present and participated in one to one B2G meetings along with the officers from departments of UT and central ministries. Many other prominent dignitaries were present at the event.

The event was organised by Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), a nodal agency under the Industries and Commerce department Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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In the last week, the United States Census Bureau has rolled out six ads in different Asian languages with pretty much the same storyline: cute little girl tells her dad all she knows about the census.

The ads' backdrops vary -- a Chinese bakery, a Korean grocery, a Filipino family's home office -- but in each one the daughter sweetly nudges dad into filling out census forms.

"We definitely wanted to hone in on that family connection and filial piety," said Tim Wang, whose agency TDW+Co made the ads in and around Los Angeles.

The Census Bureau says that language barriers make Asian immigrants some of the hardest people to count, and it's spending millions more on culturally-relevant advertising to reach them than it did 10 years ago.

Still, community advocates in Los Angeles, home to some of the world's largest Asian diasporas, worry that large swaths of people could be missed in a national headcount that decides political representation and how government resources are distributed.

One concern: Census officials have dropped eight of 14 languages spoken by Asians that it used for advertising in its 2010 campaign, including those for Cambodians, Thai, Pakistanis and Laotians.

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"(Asians') numbers might increase, but we're not going to know because they're not responding," said An Le of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus, who is coordinating census outreach to Asian Californians with other non-profit groups.

A Census Bureau official cited cost as the reason it cut back on the number of languages the bureau is using in TV, radio and digital ads.

But program manager Kendall Johnson said the Census Bureau values reaching people in their native languages and has more than doubled the number of outreach workers it's hired in 2020 to 1,500-plus, many of them bilingual. More than 100 languages are spoken among these "partnership specialists," who go to community events and exhibit at conferences, Johnson said.

Johnson added that the Census Bureau sees community-based groups as important partners and has placed all of its English language materials online for them to translate should they want.

"We're just one of many voices out there," Johnson said. "We may have the largest campaign. But that doesn't mean there aren't other campaigns out there."

In one of the new ads, a Japanese father listens to his daughter's lesson about the 2020 census. (Screenshot from video courtesy Census Bureau)

Le said that Asian American organizations in California and beyond have indeed been busy compiling translated resources in as many languages as possible.

Still, Le fears that many Asians with limited English will fall through the cracks -- and not just because the public awareness campaign is in fewer languages.

The Census Bureau is making a push for respondents to fill out the questionnaire online which Le said will be a problem for Asian immigrants who lack internet literacy or access.

Those who can navigate the web will be able to answer questions in a limited number of Asian languages: Chinese, Japanese, Tagalog, Korean and Vietnamese.

Paper forms which will only be offered in English and Spanish.

In another new Census Bureau ad, a little girl tells her dad to fill out his census forms in Mandarin. (Screenshot from video courtesy Census Bureau)

The language barriers posed by the census is just one of the challenges of getting Asian immigrants counted. The White House also had planned to ask 2020 Census respondents whether they were U.S. citizens until the Supreme Court blocked the question.

"We were just terrified that the citizenship question was going to be on, right?" Le said. "There were like many fights that we were trying to be prepared for."

Asians are the fastest growing racial demographic in the country, but the Census Bureau is still devoting roughly the same proportion of its budget to that audience: 9% or $20.4 million.

But Johnson predicted the bureau's media campaign to do better than in 2010, in large part due to increased use of digital ads on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

"The ability to much more precisely target the media is what is allowing us to get the most bang for our buck," Johnson said.

The Vietnamese version of the census ad was filmed in Little Saigon. (Screenshot from video courtesy Census Bureau)

The Census Bureau projects that its media outreach will reach 99% of the 18-plus population of all races and ethnicities.

TDW+Co principal Wang saw from focus groups and survey findings that reaching Asians in particular would be challenging.

"Asian American audiences had the lowest level of familiarity on what the census is, and why it's important," Wang said.

That's why, Wang said, the messaging they developed is "very educational, motivational, and very uplifting in tone and nature."

TDW+Co will keep introducing ads through June, including those that remind people to respond to the census, and also to "humanize" the census takers who may come knocking on their doors if they don't, Wang said.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today launched its annual non-partisan "Muslims Vote" campaign designed to empower American Muslims by increasing their political capacity and presence in the 2020 General Election.

CAIR kicked off the campaign with the release of its 2020 General Election "Sample Questions for Candidates and Government Officials" toolkit and a "State Voter Registration, Primary, Caucus, and Special Election Calendar" as a Muslim community resource.

The Washington-based Muslim advocacy group estimates there are more than 1 million registered American Muslim voters with large communities residing in key swing states.

"CAIR is excited to launch our robust 'Muslims Vote' 2020 General Election campaign to support turning out our nation's one million registered Muslim voters during the primaries and in November," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "Unlocking the voting potential and political power of the Muslim community is CAIR's number one goal."

Awad added: "The 2020 General Election is a pivotal moment in the history of our nation and American Muslims. There is a lot at stake for our community and this election presents Muslims with an opportunity to unite and work together to ensure we are civically engaged, registered to vote and turn out to vote at greater levels than ever before."

This election year CAIR's national network of 31 offices in some 20 states will promote its 2020 "Muslims Vote" campaign through local voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote initiatives, in addition to hosting candidate forums and debate watch parties.

SEE: CAIR's 2020 Sample Questions for Candidates and Government Officials

https://tinyurl.com/CAIRSampleQuestions2020

CAIR's 2020 State Voter Registration, Primary, Caucus, and Special Election Calendar

https://tinyurl.com/CAIRElectionCalendar2020

CAIR's 2020 questionnaire is an update to its 2016 questionnaire and provides sample questions for Muslims to ask local city council, mayoral, state legislative, gubernatorial, and congressional candidates running for office and government officials.

Candidate responses to CAIR's election questionnaire will assist American Muslims in evaluating each candidate's leadership criteria and their ability to unite and engage the community on policies and programs that meet Muslim needs.

The questions and the issues included in the questionnaire emphasize the American Muslim community's concerns, as well as those of its civil rights, immigrant rights and worker rights allies.

Other components of CAIR's "Muslims Vote" election campaign include:

Build a national database of more than a million Muslim registered voters based on 60,000+ common Muslim names. CAIR chapters and community affiliates will have access to that database to help turn out Muslim votes through door knocking campaigns, phone and texting banks, and automated reminders.

Host community forums with local mosques and civic associations to connect candidates running for office with Muslim constituents.

Release periodic pre and post-election surveys and polls on the positions and views of Muslim voters.

Encourage Muslims to run for office and track their progress through CAIR's interorganizational report "Rise of American Muslim Changemakers" and national database of Muslim candidates.

Work with other Muslim organizations to develop and release a unified "Muslim Policy Platform" for the 2020 election.

Confront political Islamophobia through documentation, reporting and pushing back.

Distribute toolkits like CAIR's "2020 General Election Questionnaire Toolkit for the American Muslim Community" and "2020 State Voter Registration, Primary, Caucus, and Special Election Calendar."

Promote CAIR's Rock the Vote-sponsored online voter registration portal for voters to register from the convenience of their home, work, school or mosque (or other house of worship).

Distribute election news on CAIR's Twitter accounts @CAIRNational and @MuslimsVote using the hashtag #MuslimsVote focusing on niche news relating to Muslims and the election.

Coming Soon: In the next few weeks, CAIR plans to relaunch its "Muslims.Vote" website with updated community resources, and working with its national network of chapters, will release this fall, congressional scorecards and presidential voter guides to ensure that American Muslims are knowledgeable about the candidates and their positions.

CAIR's election calendar provides a state by state breakdown of voter registration deadlines of primaries, special elections and the general election. The calendar also links to each state's agency that oversees voter registration. For states with online voter registration, the CAIR's calendar links directly that state's online portal.

CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La mision de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

CONTACT: CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

http://www.cair.com


The has directed the Delhi government to remove illegal constructions in south Delhi's Jaunapur and Dera Mandi forest areas, saying no encroachment can be allowed on forest land.

A bench headed by Green Tribunal (NGT) Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said the monitoring has to be at a higher level so that the encroachments are removed and the land is restored to its original condition.

It also directed the Delhi government to file a status report before the next date by email.

"Let further steps in the matter be taken expeditiously," the bench said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea by south Delhi resident Amarjit Singh Nalwa and others seeking execution of a 2015 order directing the Delhi government to remove encroachments.

The plea stated that unauthorised constructions are going on in the said area and the authorities are not taking any steps to stop them.

During the proceedings, the tribunal was informed that the Forest Department demolished illegal constructions on forest land in August 2019.

However, the Delhi High Court ordered "status quo" in the matter after some persons moved before it against the demolition process.

Illegal constructions on forest land in Dera Mandi village could not be razed on November 11, 2019, as a Supreme Court order had banned all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR due to air pollution, the tribunal was told.

The said the matter is not being seriously pursued in proceedings pending before the high court.

"It is admitted that Counsel for the Department itself made a statement that there was no demolition programme which was sought to be later on withdrawn. The legal position, as recorded in the orders of this Tribunal and earlier order of the High Court, was not projected before the High Court in subsequent proceedings," the bench said.

The matter is now listed for hearing on May 14.

(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.)
On April 11th, 1966, three companies of the 1st Infantry Division, known as the "mud soldiers" were pinned down by Viet Cong forces outside of Cam My, Vietnam. Pararescuemen of the 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron were dispatched to evacuate the wounded. The battle raged and the soldiers were taking a heavy beating.

As if an angel were descending from the heavens, Airman First Class William H. Pitsenbarger, lowered onto the battlefield to tend to the wounded. When given the opportunity to fly back to base, he elected to stay and care for the men he didn't even now who were still in harm's way. He did all he could to save his fellow troops before paying the ultimate price. Pitsenbarger's sacrifice ensured nine men made it home.

In the aftermath of the battle, Pitsenbarger was awarded the Air Force Cross. However, his fellow PJ's and the mud soldiers he fought alongside continued to advocate for the award to be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Yet, it wasn't until the year 2000 when he was finally bestowed the Congressional Medal of Honor for giving, what President Lincoln said during his Gettysburg Address, his last full measure of devotion.

Written and directed by Todd Robinson, The Last Full Measure follows Scott Huffman, a jaded Pentagon lawyer (played by Sebastian Stan,) as he is tasked with upgrading Pitsenbarger's Air Force Cross to the Medal of Honor at the behest of Pitsenbarger's fellow pararescueman veteran (played by William Hunt) and father (portrayed by Christopher Plummer).

The story unfolds as Huffman pieces together the gallantry of Pitsenbarger through pieces of information from the soldiers who had been saved back in Vietnam. Samuel L. Jackson, the late Peter Fonda, Ed Harris, and John Savage each portray the Mud Soldiers and give fantastic performances as their stories flash back to their younger selves being saved by Pitsenbarger (portrayed by Jeremy Irvine).

Keep an eye out for Jeremy Irvine. His portrayal of William Pitsenbarger will catapult him far in Hollywood. (Roadside Attractions)

Kimberly Breyer, the niece of William Pitsenbarger, was in attendance of the world premiere of The Last Full Measure. She told We Are The Mighty, "This film means people get to hear the very important true stories of my uncle Billy Pitsenbarger, Frank, Alice, and all the people who fought with him. We want as many people who possibly can so these stories keep being told and retold."

She also noted how true to life Christopher Plummer's portrayal of her grandfather, Frank Pitsenbarger, felt. "When we saw it, especially my grandma Alice, the hair went up on the back of her neck and she started to cry. He makes me miss Frank so much. We're very grateful to him for how beautifully he portrayed our grandfather on screen and how hard everyone worked for so many years to get this project to come together because it's so unique in so many ways."

Pictured left to right: Kimberly Breyer, producer of Last Full Measure, Sidney Sherman, and Kimberly's husband Sean Breyer (Photo by Eric Milzarski)

The production covers two key time periods, from the jungles of Vietnam to the halls of the Pentagon. The star-studded cast filmed in the United States and Thailand to portray the retelling of Pitsenbarger's sacrifice. While staying away from focusing on the typical action motifs, the film dives deep into the psyche of the troops who returned home and gives an accurate depiction of the behind the scenes of how a Medal of Honor is awarded. Not to spoil anything from the film but, as with everything involving The Pentagon and politics, it involves plenty of bureaucratic red tape.

Dale Dye, USMC veteran who served in the Vietnam War and military advisor for many of the greatest war films and television series, also ensured the film stayed as accurate as possible. It's all the perfectly-captured little moments that help set the stage.

He tells We Are The Mighty, "This is a film that goes directly to my heart and soul. And the reason is because it talks about the selfless nature of veterans and the dedication we have towards each other. This is a story of veterans who go to extraordinary lengths to get recognition for one of their own. And that's the nature of every combat veteran."

The writer and director of the film, Todd Robinson, tells We Are The Mighty, "The military was very bullish about this film. It promotes a career field called pararescue, which promotes saving lives. So it wasn't hard for them to get behind this film."

The Last Full Measure is a beautiful film that is rare in Hollywood. It's not an action-packed film made with set pieces for the trailers. It's not an overly played-out drama that uses war as backdrop. It's the real life story of a man who gave his all for his fellow troops and those men fighting tooth and nail to get him the honor he deserved.

I can't recommend this film enough for every veteran, active duty troop, their family, and anyone whose life has been touched by the actions of these brave men and women. See it in theaters on January 24th.

MORE POSTS FROM WE ARE THE MIGHTY:

Sebastian Stan stars as US official who risked his career to honor a fallen hero in 'The Last Full Measure'

10 legendary heroes of the US Air Force

This airman gave his life to rescue soldiers from a massive firefight

We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty.
The Prison-2-Employment program, launched last year, represents a unique partnership between the Building Industry Association Baldy View Chapter, San Bernardino Community College District, San Bernardino County Workforce and Economic Development Department, and the San Bernardino County Probation Department.

County partners provide funding and help to identify people for the program, the college trains participants in homebuilding skills and the BIA chapter helps place them in jobs with 30 member companies that will hire them for entry-level jobs in residential plumbing, plastering, carpentry, HVAC and more to help fill a shortage of skilled workers in the industry.

"This program represents collaboration at its best," RCA President Paul Munford said in presenting program representatives with the association's Champions for Justice Award. "It's proof that when a community comes together for a cause, it can make a difference in people's lives."

"The BIA has a longstanding commitment of service to the industry and the community, and this program supports that mission," Baldy View Chapter Chief Executive Officer Carlos Rodriguez said. "We are grateful for the dedication of our program partners and for the vision of former Board President Ali Sahabi whose leadership helped bring everyone together to make this happen."

SBCCD Interim Chancellor Jose F. Torres explained how the program reflects the college district's mission to serve its students and the community.

"Addressing the workforce needs of our community is our highest priority," Torres said. "With this skills training partnership, we are providing ex-offenders with a second chance to make an honest living and live a better life."

Ali Sahabi, BIA Baldy View Board President from 2017-2019 and President of Optimum Group, acknowledged the hard work put in by everyone to establish the program. Today, he said, other chapters are looking into creating similar programs of their own.

"Our program was the first of its kind in the state, and now, it may be replicated in other parts of California," he said. "Locally, we are helping individuals restart their lives, businesses find trained labor and communities to build more affordable housing. With other programs launched throughout the state, just think of the impact this program will have on the lives of others."

ABOUT BIA BALDY VIEW CHAPTER

The mission of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, Baldy View Chapter is to promote, advocate for and grow the homebuilding industry through member representation and community education at the local level. In addition, the Baldy View Chapter maintains a presence and influence on industry-related issues at regional, state and national levels. Visit www.BIAbuild.com.

CONTACT:

Carlos Rodriguez

BIA, Baldy View Chapter

[email protected]

909-945-1884

Angel Rodriguez

San Bernardino Community College District

[email protected]

(909)388-6904

SOURCE Building Industry Association of Southern California, Baldy View Chapter

Related Links

http://www.BIAbuild.com


BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Some 112 international observers passed accreditation in connection with the early parliamentary elections scheduled for February 9 in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said.

Panahov made the remark at the CEC meeting in Baku on Jan. 21, Trend reports.

The accreditation of observers is underway and their number will grow, the chairman said.

Panahov said that the chairmen of the central election commissions of such countries as Turkey, Belarus, Moldova and others will personally observe the election process.

The number of local observers reached 30,231, the chairman added. Some 1,012 of them have been registered in the CEC while the rest in the district election commissions.
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Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 07:59 722 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206046f00 1 Editorial #Editorial,omnibus-bill,omnibus-law Free

Opposition to the governments sweeping economic reforms has been loudly expressed even before three draft omnibus bills on jobs creation, taxation and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are finalized.

Labor groups have taken to the streets, fearing that labor rights will be sacrificed to attract investment, such as through the relaxation of severance pay, one of the main issues in Indonesias labor market that many have claimed hampers investment. There are also concerns that the reform will pave the way for more unskilled workers coming to Indonesia by relaxing outsourcing and foreign worker restrictions.

Environmentalists and property developers have warned the government about the risks of relaxing environment impact analysis (Amdal) and building permit (IMB) regulations. Without strong enforcement in spatial planning and strategic environment assessment, the reforms could result in sloppy development planning.

Economists warn of lower state revenues and unsustainability in state budgets if corporate income tax, among other tax payment obligations, are cut. Meanwhile, taxing the digital economy, as planned in the omnibus bill on taxation, may not yield enough to counter losses from lower corporate income tax.

All these arguments serve as a reminder for the government in a healthy democracy and emerging economy to be more prudent in drafting the omnibus bills and to include as many stakeholders as possible in its reform agenda. Indonesia is in dire need of economic reform, one that not only attracts investors, but is targeted, credible and contributes to quality and sustainable development.

In doing so, the government needs to answer the question: How inclusive has it been in drafting the omnibus bills? In the deliberation process, the House of Representatives and the government must ensure that a wide range of voices provides input on the drafts  make them public for review  and be flexible in adjusting to broad public needs as opposed to vested interests. Prevailing laws and regulations already support this bottom-up practice.

Omnibus laws, commonly used to speed up lawmaking and amend relevant laws to improve their functioning, can become a double-edged sword. They can accelerate reforms, but may also contribute to the democratic deficit given the lack of scrutiny of the hefty amount of laws and articles to be amended or revoked, according to current studies.

Some 79 laws and 1,244 articles will be revised, the government has said. It is imperative that the government make the impossible possible: encouraging and taking into account public scrutiny in the deliberation process. It may be time to focus on big-bang reforms and winning the war as opposed to winning some battles by concentrating on small details.

The World Bank has pointed out that the problems with foreign direct investment in Indonesia  if this is the type of investment the government is trying to attract with the omnibus bills  are credibility, certainty and compliance. The omnibus bills will only address the credibility issue about whether Indonesia is open for business. After reforms take place through the omnibus laws, certainty over rules that are predictable and not discretionary, as well as compliance with such policies, are the broader goals.
The world is complicated and so is hunger. At The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, we believe there is no one cause of hunger; there are many underlying causes. At a basic level, households struggling to put food on the table lack employment with adequate wages to cover the cost of living. Education, job training, medical care, housing, transportation, childcare and other life necessities are unaffordable to many Americans. Of course, employment is not an option for others like elders, children, and people with chronic disabilities, including many veterans.

To make things even more complicated, deeper causes of hunger include income inequality, racism, political disenfranchisement, and many others. At times, the challenge to end hunger seems overwhelming. What do we do? Where do we focus our energy and resources?

A civilized, modern society must care for its most vulnerable people not only because its the morally right thing to do, but because the cost of not doing so would be far greater to our society and economy. When households cannot afford to make ends meet, the marketplace breaks down, and government assistance becomes the primary means to care for the most vulnerable people among us.

At The Food Bank, we embrace multiple solutions to ending hunger precisely because hunger is both a symptom of its many causes and a condition that causes people to have poor health, fall behind, and fall between the cracks. For this reason, we adopt a big tent approach to our mission that everyone in the community can be part of and support.

We believe that everyone has a right to healthy food regardless of their circumstances.

We try to provide food assistance to everyone who needs it. Last year, we provided the equivalent of 10 million meals to an estimated 207,000 individuals across the four counties of western Massachusetts. In Hampden County alone, we provided approximately 5.5 million meals to more than 119,000 individuals. The good news is this number has not increased compared to the previous year. The bad news is that far too many individuals still either experience or remain regularly at risk of hunger.

The Food Bank and the emergency food network of 171 local food pantries and meal sites is one important avenue to get healthy food to the people who need it. However, government food assistance programs like SNAP far surpass the impact of our critical national 200-member strong network, providing nine meals for every food bank meal distributed. SNAP has come under the chopping block over the last year to reduce the exploding $1.5 trillion federal deficit. It is important to remember that this deficit was created in large part by tax cuts that were supposed to generate five percent annual economic growth and create jobs. With growth at 2.3% in 2019 and projected to be at 1.9% this year, the economy has fallen far short of lifting tens of thousands of people out of poverty in our region.

Three government rule changes were proposed last year that would dramatically cut the number of low-income individuals eligible for monthly SNAP assistance to buy food. The rule that was just issued in December will take away SNAP benefits from current recipients who are able bodied adults without dependents who are not working at least twenty hours per week. The rule ignores the fact that there are both rural and urban communities where jobs are still scarce, and where many people work unpredictable hours. In addition, multiple barriers, including a lack of access to transportation, can prevent low-income individuals from being able to get to and keep a job. Depriving already struggling individuals of food assistance, including veterans and young adults who are exiting the foster care system, will not help them find work. In Massachusetts, this rule change will affect at least 14,000 individuals when it goes into effect in April. In addition to harming these individuals, the new rule will limit the states ability to respond to future economic downturns. There have been other rules proposed that, if enacted, will have a far greater adverse impact on households across the Commonwealth who are trying to get ahead in life.

We know this to be true because we help struggling households every week. Last year, we assisted more than 1,300 individuals apply for SNAP benefits. Our nutrition educators provided thousands more with valuable resources and knowledge to be able to stretch their food budget to purchase and eat healthier food. Every month, these households make heart-wrenching choices between paying for food or lifes other necessities.

To advance change necessary to end hunger as we know it, we have launched the Coalition to End Hunger to educate the public about hunger, and advocate for public policies such as making breakfast available to all children in high-poverty school districts and making locally-grown produce more affordable for SNAP recipients. We also advocate for policies that enable struggling households to succeed like workforce development and improved access to transportation.

This year, we are deepening our collaboration with the community. We are buying more farm land to make accessible our regions agricultural bounty to those who cannot afford it. We are also partnering with health care organizations to address food insecurity as a public health issue. According to a Childrens Health Watch study commissioned by the Greater Boston Food Bank, food insecurity results in health care costs totaling $2.4 billion annually in Massachusetts.

As you can see, The Food Bank is staying focused on its mission to feed our neighbors in need and to lead the community to end hunger. Since 1982, the community has supported our mission. We invite you to be part of the solution to ending hunger as we know it in this new decade by going to foodbankwma.org and clicking on Get Involved. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry and everyone has access to nutritious food.

Andrew Morehouse is executive director of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
The area around Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is on the list largely because the couple are renting a house in one of its suburbs. It seems like a good prospect because the winter weather in Victoria is moderate, it has long played up its British heritage and the local newspaper, which features a coat of arms granted to the colony of Vancouver Island by Queen Victoria, voluntarily withheld publishing any articles about Harry and Meghans Christmas retreat there until they made the news public.

But greater Victoria has a population of 367,770 and is known mostly as a place where people retire rather than embark on a new life.

Toronto was Meghans home when she was known as Meghan Markle and starred in the television drama Suits, which was filmed in Canadas largest city. The city is the capital of Canadas English-language media, and once she became romantically linked with Harry, the couples movements there were constantly tracked by cameras and reporters.

Toronto is also home to Jessica Mulroney, a close friend of Meghans who recently babysat Archie when she returned briefly to Britain. Ms. Mulroney, a fashion stylist who frequently appears on Canadian television, is married to Ben Mulroney, a Canadian television host and the son of Brian Mulroney, a former prime minister.

The prospect of the royal couples long-term presence in Canada has induced hand-wringing among some of the countrys constitutional scholars.

While many polls, including the recent Angus Reid survey, show a great deal of respect for Queen Elizabeth II, Canadians are less enthusiastic about the institution of the monarchy and, in particular, about the idea of Prince Charles, Harrys father, as the countrys king.

But doing anything about the role of Britains queen or king as Canadas official head of state would involve amending Canadas Constitution, a process so fraught with disagreement that no political appetite exists to take it on.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security Market has witnessed growth from USD XX million to USD XX million from 2014 to 2019. With the CAGR of X.X%, this market is estimated to reach USD XX million in 2026.

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The report is the perfect asset that worldwide and local Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security Market players and financial specialists need to peep into the eventual fate of their business and plan out successful development procedures. It is an assemblage of clever and precise research and examination contemplates that help players in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security Market business to comprehend the development examples of driving portions and locales, nature of rivalry, and other huge viewpoints. Purchasers of the report are given dependable figures for complete income, utilization, deals, CAGR, creation, and other significant elements.Readers of the research report can get distinct information on important drivers, restraints, developments, and opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security Market Enterprise. 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Moreover, Porter's Five Forces Analysis (potential entrants, suppliers, substitutes, buyers, industry competitors) provides crucial information for knowing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market.Major players in the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market include: AGI Worldwide, Deposco, ASC, Infor, Aldata, Bloxx IT Solutions, AFS Technologies, Oracle, Jungheinrich, BFC Software, Argos Software, Camelot 3PL Software, Advanced Systems Consultants, HighJump Software, Cadre Technologies, IBM, Boon Software, Navitas, HAL Systems, Navitas, Automation Associates, AppolisOn the basis of types, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market is primarily split into: Hardware, Software, ServiceOn the basis of applications, the market covers: BFSI, IT & Telecom, Aerospace and Defense, Healthcare, OtherRequest for Sample with TOC@ https://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1819646 Chapter 1 provides an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market, containing global revenue, global production, sales, and CAGR. The forecast and analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market by type, application, and region are also presented in this chapter.Chapter 2 is about the market landscape and major players. It provides competitive situation and market concentration status along with the basic information of these players.Chapter 3 provides a full-scale analysis of major players in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security industry. The basic information, as well as the profiles, applications and specifications of products market performance along with Business Overview are offered.Chapter 4 gives a worldwide view of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market. It includes production, market share revenue, price, and the growth rate by type.Chapter 5 focuses on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security, by analyzing the consumption and its growth rate of each application.Chapter 6 is about production, consumption, export, and import of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security in each region.Chapter 7 pays attention to the production, revenue, price and gross margin of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security in markets of different regions. The analysis on production, revenue, price and gross margin of the global market is covered in this part.Chapter 8 concentrates on manufacturing analysis, including key raw material analysis, cost structure analysis and process analysis, making up a comprehensive analysis of manufacturing cost.Chapter 9 introduces the industrial chain of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security. Industrial chain analysis, raw material sources and downstream buyers are analyzed in this chapter.Chapter 10 provides clear insights into market dynamics.Chapter 11 prospects the whole Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market, including the global production and revenue forecast, regional forecast. It also foresees the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Security market by type and application.Chapter 12 concludes the research findings and refines all the highlights of the study.Chapter 13 introduces the research methodology and sources of research data for your understanding.Contact Us:Email: sales@ researchtrades.com Call us: +1 6269994607 (US) +91 7507349866 (IND)SkypeID: researchtradesconWeb: http://www.researchtrades.com
D efiant peers are on a collision course with the Commons after inflicting five defeats on Boris Johnsons Brexit deal.

In a mauling for ministers, the Lords has backed two more amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill.

This follows three defeats yesterday on the rights of EU workers legally residing in the UK to have physical proof of their right to remain and the power of courts to depart from European Court of Justice rulings.

In the latest reverses today, the Government was heavily defeated as peers backed a move to ensure the rights of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK post-Brexit.

Voting was 300 to 220, majority 80, in a fourth defeat for the Prime Minister in just 24 hours.

Boris Johnson / PA

Later, the Government suffered a fifth as peers narrowly backed a move underlining the commitment to the so-called Sewel Convention, which states that the UK Parliament will not normally legislate for devolved matters without the consent of the devolved legislature affected.

Voting on this Opposition-led amendment was 239 to 235, majority four.

With Brexit day looming on January 31, the Bill, which was passed with big majorities by MPs, will have to return to the Commons for further scrutiny tomorrow.

The Prime Minister looks certain to overturn all the defeats using his 80-strong majority.

It will then be up to peers to decide whether to prolong the bout of parliamentary ping-pong or bow to the will of the elected House, which seems the most likely.

Labour, Liberal Democrat and independent crossbench peers ignored repeated ministerial warnings not to amend the Bill, insisting their objection was not to stop Brexit but to ensure the legislation was better drafted.

Labours Lord Dubs led the bid to restore the right of unaccompanied child refugees in the EU to be reunited with their families in the UK after Brexit, suggesting his amendment would help disprove accusations that the Tories were the mean and nasty party.

The Labour peer, who fled the Nazis as a child on the Kindertransport, urged ministers not to use the small number of children involved as bargaining chips in negotiations.

The case has been championed by Lord Dubs / AFP via Getty Images

He said the Government was seeking to delete earlier protections for child refugees in the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 but it was a simple matter of humanity to retain them.

Home Office minister Baroness Williams of Trafford urged peers not to press the issue to a vote.

Lady Williams said the Conservatives record of the last 10 years clearly demonstrated a commitment to protecting vulnerable children and this would continue.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman told reporters: We are disappointed that the Lords has chosen to amend the Withdrawal Agreement Bill after the Commons passed it unamended.

We will seek to overturn this amendment as the Bill returns to the Commons.
Bengaluru: Miscreant desecrated sanctum and threw away Holy Communion at Kengeri's St Francis of Assisi Church in Bengaluru on Jan 21, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru: Miscreant desecrated sanctum and threw away Holy Communion at Kengeri's St Francis of Assisi Church in Bengaluru on Jan 21, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, Jan 21 : Differing with the police department dismissing the St. Francis of Assisi Church's break in as burglary, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bengaluru, Peter Machado, called it a sacrilege.

"I am deeply disturbed and terribly shocked and also greatly grieved that desecration was done to Lord Jesus Christ who is present in the Holy Eucharist," Machado said, calling it a great dishonour.

Machado said the burglar broke open the tabernacle, the sanctum sanctorum of the Catholic church, and threw the Holy Communion and the sacred spices.

"A sacrilege and serious dishonour is done to our Blessed Lord and Saviour which is a matter of great concern not only to the parishioners of St. Francis Assisi Parish, but it also seriously affects the religious sentiments of all of us in the entire archdiocese, and also all the members of the Catholic community worldwide," said Machado.

In an attempt to restore the honour, Machado appealed to the congregation to observe Friday as a 'Day of Reparation' to praise, glorify and worship the Eucharistic Lord in a very special way.

"I have requested the Parish Priests/Chaplains to expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration on this day, and keep it for at least 12 hours from morning till evening for public veneration in all the churches and religious houses of the archdiocese," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kengeri Assistant Commissioner of Police U.D. Krishna Kumar dismissed the burglary as a mere theft.

"There is no communal motive to the burglary, it was only a theft," Kumar told IANS.

Kumar said an FIR has been registered on a complaint filed by the church father Satish Kumar. According to Kumar, the thief broke into the church at around 11 p.m. on Monday to decamp with the offering box.

Kumar said the police are yet to arrest the culprit.

However, Machado expressed hope that the police will nab the culprits and uncover their real motive.

Kengeri is a satellite town 20 km from Bengaluru.
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will on January 24 begin a four-day visit to India, primarily as chief guest on Republic Day and also to explore ways to boost trade ties at a time both the large economies are hit by slowdowns.

On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from January 24-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at India's 71st Republic Day Parade on January 26," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain, won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October 2018 and took the reins of the country in January last year.

"This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the ministry said.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit.

Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.

On Saturday, President Ram Nath Kovind will hold talks with Bolsonaro and will also host a banquet for him. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also call on Bolsonaro.

On January 21, Bolsonaro will address a group of Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum, according to the MEA.

India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The volume of bilateral trade was USD 8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included USD 3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further.

"Both sides will focus on boosting trade and investment during the visit," said an official.

Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

Indian investments in Brazil were around USD 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at USD 1 billion in 2018.

Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.

"Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries," the MEA said.

Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations.

"The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said.

Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

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Isabel dos Santos, Africa's richest woman and the daughter of Angola's former president, is under scrutiny by her bank and the Angolan government after a leak of more than 700,000 documents showed how she exploited the country's wealth to enrich herself.

EuroBic, a Lisbon-based arm of a bank where dos Santos is the biggest shareholder, said Monday that it was ending its "commercial relationship" with her and investigating transfers worth tens of millions of dollars, transactions that were revealed on Sunday by The New York Times and other news outlets working with the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

Angola's attorney general said Monday that the government would "use all possible means" to bring dos Santos back to the country, where she faces possible corruption charges and where her assets were frozen last month, along with her husband's and those of a Portuguese business associate, Agence France-Presse reported. The Angolan government, led until September 2017 by her father, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, said the three were responsible for more than $1 billion in lost government money.

Isabel dos Santos is reputedly Africa's richest woman. Credit:AP

The leaked documents, which include emails, invoices, slide presentations and contracts, provided a paper trail showing how Isabel dos Santos and her husband, Sindika Dokolo, amassed a fortune of more than $2 billion through their stakes in vital Angolan industries like telecommunications, diamonds and construction. Angola, rich in oil and diamonds, is nevertheless impoverished, with one of the world's highest infant mortality rates and endemic corruption.
Highly leveraged U.S. exploration and production (or E&P) companies have lately been struggling with dwindling valuations and endless bankruptcies as investors lose their appetite for shale while private equity markets increasingly close their doors.

In sharp contrast, Middle East state-owned oil and gas companies (national oil companies, or NOCs) seem to be having little trouble courting foreign investments.

Middle East NOCs tend to be notoriously secretive, with Saudi Aramcos much-hyped IPO and subsequent $2 trillion valuation an exception rather than the rule. But they are increasingly coming to the limelight as they tap into foreign markets in a bid to modernize their operations and expand.

And while anyone who hasnt been living under a rock knows about the highly publicized Saudi Aramco IPO, few hear about the other Middle East oil giant that actually beat Aramco to the public punch.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) is the crown jewel of the United Arab Emirates. As one of the worlds leading diversified energy and petrochemicals groups, Adnoc has a daily output of around 3 million barrels of oil and 10.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Its also got 14 specialist subsidiaries and joint ventures, which makes it the key to UAE growth--and more recently, diversification into major renewable energy projects.

While all attention has been on Aramco, Adnoc has been raising billions of dollars in foreign markets, without making a public fuss over it like the Saudis, whose crown prince, MBS, pushed an IPO partly as a vanity project, and partly for funding for his ambitious Vision 2030 plan.

In the meantime, a Reuters report says Adnoc has raised more than $19 billion, or roughly two-thirds what the Saudi Aramco IPO fetched, in overseas markets over the past three years. Related: Phase 1 Trade Deal Wont Spark An Oil Export Boom

Adnoc has adopted reform and modernization plans in a bid to draw more foreign investments and plans to invest $45 billion for expansion and growth of its extensive refining and petrochemical business. Adnoc supplies nearly 3 percent of global oil demand, with 2017 production pegged at 3.1 million barrels of oil per day and 9.6 billion cubic feet of raw gas.

Here are some key deals the state oil company has struck over the past two years:

#1 Infrastructure deals

In February 2019, giant US investment firms Blackrock and KKK signed a $4 billion infrastructure deal with Adnoc to develop the companys midstream pipeline assets for a 40 percent stake--a rare foray for both companies into Middle East NOCs.

Singapores sovereign wealth fund, GIC, also agreed to invest $600 million in Adnocs crude pipeline infrastructure for a 6 percent stake.

#2 Refining and trading

Last year, Italys Eni and Austrias OMV agreed to pay a combined $5.8 billion to take a 20 percent stake in Adnocs refining business. The deal will expand Adnocs access to European markets; help Eni to diversify away from its traditional Africa production and also give OMV a downstream oil business outside Europe.

#3 Distribution IPO

In 2017, Adnoc raised 3.1 billion dirhams ($851 million) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange through an IPO of its fuel distribution unit, ADNOC Distribution. The subsidiary sold 1.25 billion shares, or 10 percent of its share capital, though it had initially planned to sell a 20 percent stake.

#4 Concessions

Adnoc has signed a series of 40-year concessions with multiple international energy companies across the globe.

In 2018, Adnoc awarded Frances Total a 20 percent stake in the Umm Shaif and Nasr concession as well as a 5 percent interest in the Lower Zakum concession.Total paid 5.3 billion dirhams ($1.44 billion) in participation fees.

In the same year, Adnoc granted PetroChina 10 percent stakes in two offshore concessions with the Chinese energy giant paying 4.3 billion dirham ($1.17 billion) in participation fees. Related: Hydrogen Costs Could Be Set To Plunge By 50%

ENI won a 10 percent stake in Umm Shaif and Nasr in 2018 as well as a 5 percent stake in Lower Zakum. The Italian company paid 3.2 billion dirhams ($871.27 million) in participation fees.

In May 2018, Adnoc awarded a 20 percent stake to Spains Cespa in the SARB and Umm Lulu offshore concession. Cepsa parted with 5.5 billion dirhams ($1.5 billion) as participation fees.

In February 2018, a consortium led by Indias Oil and Natural Gas Corp. took a 10 percent stake in Lower Zakum after paying a participation fee of 2.2 billion dirhams ($600 million).

Adnoc does not publish financial results, but investors appear pleased with the direction the company is moving, nonetheless.

As Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and CEO of Adnoc Group has told Gulf News: The company looks to increase its share of the international market for crude oil and fuel. We dont want cooperation to be limited to known or traditional partners, as we want to explore and seize all opportunities.

Investors appreciate the fact that Adnoc supplies nearly 3 percent of the worlds oil demand, and no one blinked when Adnocs upstream executive director Abdulmunim al-Kindy recently told Retuers that our oil is our gold.

Thats because Adnoc is all about low-cost production and high-level efficiency, and investors seem willing to trade transparency for faith. In this case, its faith in Adnocs proven ability to fully drive the monetization of its resources.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Democratic presidential hopefuls former Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) participate of the seventh Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season at the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 2020. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Sanders Apologizes to Biden for Supporters Op-ed: Im Sorry

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) apologized to 2020 rival Joe Biden for a supporters op-ed that accused the former vice president of corruption.

Sanders, 78, said he didnt agree with the op-ed, which was written by Zephyr Teachout, a law professor who lost a 2014 New York gubernatorial bid.

Teachout said that Biden has a big corruption problem and it makes him a weak candidate, citing a bankruptcy bill that Biden supported and how the candidate accepts money from healthcare and fossil fuel executives and companies.

Sanders told CBS he regretted Teachouts message. It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And Im sorry that that op-ed appeared, Sanders said.

If anyone knows me, what I believe is we need a serious debate in this country on issues. We dont need to demonize people who may disagree with us, Sanders added, appealing to his supporters to engage in civil discourse.

Biden responded on social media, writing: Thanks for acknowledging this, Bernie. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary.

Lets all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president, he added.

The day before Sanders apologized, his campaign circulated the op-ed to supporters.

The day before the Senate impeachment trial against Trump begins, the Bernie Sanders campaign circulates this op-ed attack on Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/ReEsU2Lkrn  Mark Murray (@mmurraypolitics) January 20, 2020

Thanks for acknowledging this, Bernie. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary. Lets all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president. https://t.co/tmFbLm98xd  Joe Biden (Text Join to 30330) (@JoeBiden) January 21, 2020

The contention came after Sanders and his campaign criticized Biden over his comments on Social Security funding, circulating a video that showed Biden saying former Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan was correct about the funding.

We need to do something about Social Security and Medicare. Thats the only way you can find room to pay for it, Biden said in 2018 (pdf) while speaking at the Brookings Institution.

Bidens campaign has said he was being sarcastic and his next comments indicated support for Social Security and Medicare, though he said the programs needs adjustments.

Now, I dont know a whole lot of people in the top one-tenth of 1 percent or the top one percent who are relying on Social Security when they retire. I dont know a lot of them. Maybe you guys do. So we need a pro-growth, progressive tax code that treats workers as job creators, as well, not just investors; that gets rid of unprotective loopholes like stepped-up basis; and it raises enough revenue to make sure that the Social Security and Medicare can stay, it still needs adjustments, but can stay; and pay for the things we all acknowledge will grow the country, he said.

Past comments by Biden support the charge he wanted to cut Social Security and Medicare. When I argued that we should freeze federal spending, I meant Social Security as well, he told the Senate in 1995. I meant Medicare and Medicaid. I meant veterans benefits. I meant every single solitary thing in the government. And I not only tried it once, I tried it twice, I tried it a third time, and I tried it a fourth time.

Campaigning over the weekend, Biden claimed that a doctored video was going around, pushed by one of Bernies people.

It is simply a lie, that video that is going around, Biden said. And ask anybody in the press. Its a flat lie. Theyve acknowledged that. This is a doctored tape. And I think its beneath him, and Im looking for his campaign to come forward and disown it.

Sanders responded on Sunday, telling CBS: [Joe] is a decent person. He is a friend of mine. People like him. And were not going to make personal attacks on Joe Biden but I think the record shows that Joes history in the Senate and my history in Congress are very different.

I think it is important to know where a senator has come from and where his head is at. And Joes record on [Social Security] is a little different than mine, Sanders added.

Biden told Vice on Monday, Everybodys figured out they just lied about my position.
Danny Rose was involved in a heated exchange with Jose Mourinho after being left out of Saturdays game against Watford.

The left-back, 29, sought an explanation from the Tottenham boss after his team had been announced on Friday and Mourinho reasoned that a back injury meant Rose was not in the best shape to figure.

Tottenham drew 0-0 at Vicarage Road, however, believing he was fit to play, an upset Rose took issue with Mourinho again during Sundays warm-down training session. The two clashed with voices becoming raised and onlookers describing a big tension in the air.

Danny Rose (left) and Jose Mourinho (right) are at loggerheads over the defender's omission

Some players were understood to be unhappy at how Roses reaction and behaviour had escalated the situation.

Rose, who was linked with a move to Watford last summer, reported for training as normal on Monday morning where he initially warmed-up with his team-mates in front of TV cameras. Mourinho, though, decided to take him aside as he and Rose had a one-to-one session.

Mindful of Roses mood, the Portuguese thought it best to use the opportunity to get Roses grievances and frustrations out in the air and restore the equilibrium around his squad.

Roses absence at Watford, coupled with his omission from the midweek FA Cup tie with Middlesbrough, had prompted questions as to whether the full-back was still in Mourinhos plans.

The full-back is not shy of airing his grievances and felt fit enough to play

Yeah, he is part of my plans, said Mourinho. Last match, FA Cup match at home, very offensive team. We wanted to give another chance to Sessegnon to play 90 minutes. Today Rose had a little injury in his back, yesterday we made a decision to bring only fit players to a match that we knew was going to be physical.

Rose, who has made 16 appearances this season, has never been shy to voice his frustrations at Tottenham yet has underlined his determination to see out his contract which runs until 2021.

He has been critical of their recruitment policy and last summer was made available for transfer.

However, he underlined his strength of mind to stay at the club in October when he said: Its pretty obvious what happened [in the summer]. People upstairs at Tottenham were trying to do what they were trying to do. Ive said [to them] Ive got 18 months left on my contract and Im not going anywhere until my contract has finished.

Christian Eriksen could leave for Inter Milan and Spurs are waiting for a new bid

'In January, you are probably going to hear something [about my future]. Im telling you right now that Im not going anywhere until my contract is finished.

Indeed, Roses blunt approach has sometimes made him difficult for the club to handle. In contrast, Christian Eriksen has preferred not to ruffle feathers as he sees out his contract and awaits a potential move away this week.

Tottenham are awaiting a new bid from Inter Milan for the Dane as they hold out for their 17million valuation. The club also want a new full-back but could see Kyle Walker-Peters depart first with Southampton among the frontrunners for the 12m-rated 22-year-old.
Mr. Sanders distanced himself from the piece by Zephyr Teachout, an associate professor at Fordham Law School, former New York political candidate and longtime supporter of Mr. Sanders. The op-ed, published on Monday in The Guardian, argued that Mr. Biden represents the transactional, grossly corrupt culture in Washington that long precedes Trump.

In an interview published Monday night, Mr. Sanders said he did not agree.

It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And Im sorry that that op-ed appeared, Mr. Sanders told CBS News.
By Philip Blenkinsop and William Schomberg BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) - The battle lines between Britain and the European Union are taking shape on farming, fish, state aid, banking and a host of other issues ahead of the launch of negotiations for a free trade deal in March. Britain will leave the EU on Jan. 31 and begin a no-change transition period that runs until the end of 2020, during which it will seek to negotiate its future relationship with the bloc

By Philip Blenkinsop and William Schomberg

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) - The battle lines between Britain and the European Union are taking shape on farming, fish, state aid, banking and a host of other issues ahead of the launch of negotiations for a free trade deal in March.

Britain will leave the EU on Jan. 31 and begin a no-change transition period that runs until the end of 2020, during which it will seek to negotiate its future relationship with the bloc.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out extending the transition and is in the process of making it illegal to do so, leaving only 11 months to seal a deal between the world's fifth-biggest economy and its biggest trade bloc.

EU trade chief Phil Hogan warned London last week against taking talks to the wire. "We need to wake up to this reality that gamesmanship and brinkmanship are not going to work on this occasion."

FUTURE RELATIONSHIP

As well as terms of trade, an EU-Britain deal is likely to cover security and defence cooperation, energy and transport links, fishing rights, data flows and Britain's participation in EU programmes in science, space and other areas.

TIMETABLE

The European Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the 27 remaining EU members, plans to thrash out its objectives early next month before putting them to EU governments on Feb. 25. Britain will also set out what it wants from the talks.

Negotiations are expected to start in March and the deal effectively needs to be wrapped up by October in order to kick in on Jan. 1 2021 because it will have to be checked by lawyers, translated into the EU's 22 other languages and put to the EU governments and the European Parliament for approval.

If Britain changes its mind and asks to extend the transition, it would have to request it by June 30. An extension can be granted for up to two years.

MAJOR HURDLES

Agreement should be simpler on security cooperation and transportation but tough on:

Rules/standards - The EU fears London may seek to undercut the bloc in areas such as environmental and labour rules, turning itself into a low-regulation "Singapore-on-Thames".

But Britain does not want to commit to keeping EU rules that would make it harder to strike deals with other countries, especially the United States.

Finance minister Sajid Javid told companies last week they would have to adjust to new rules for cross-border business.

Services - Trade deals typically focus on goods but Britain wants to keep good access to EU markets for its services firms, notably financial services, which run a trade surplus with the EU. Brussels says Britain cannot have the same access as before because it no longer wants to play by the EU's rules in areas such as immigration. Many banks and financial firms have set up operations in the bloc to minimise disruption.

Fisheries - The EU wants its fleets to retain access to British waters, while Britain wants to increase its catch.

Agriculture - France and other countries with strong farm lobbies are unlikely to accept unlimited imports from Britain. Also, if Britain strikes a trade deal with the United States, accepting U.S. food safety standards that are not allowed in the EU, this could limit British farm exports to Europe.

WHO'S IN CHARGE?

The man in charge on the EU side is Michel Barnier, a former French foreign minister who in Brussels has led financial sector reforms and the talks over Britain's divorce agreement.

Opposite him will be David Frost, a diplomat who headed London's side of the divorce talks for their last few months.

WILL BRITAIN TALK TO OTHERS TOO THIS YEAR?

Britain wants to strike deals with other countries around the world and leaked government documents revealed the extent of preliminary talks with the United States last year.

Some Conservative Party lawmakers have urged Johnson to prioritise talks with Washington over Brussels.

But any U.S. demands that Britain open up its food market to meat exports - including chicken washed with chlorine and hormone-treated beef - or to allow higher prices of medicines could prove unpopular in Britain.

Britain sends about half its exports to the EU, so other countries are likely to want to wait to see the details of a British-EU deal before negotiating their own agreements.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and William Schomberg in London)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
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It has been a virtual certainty from day one that the Republican-led Senate would not vote to remove President Trump. And many political pundits would agree that the Houses vote to impeach Trump, led by the Democrats, will only make him stronger. Why, then, proceed with such a suicidal political mission?

Im sure there are some principled politicians in the House who genuinely believe that Trump is a danger to America and that he has committed crimes worthy of impeachment. In that case, they would be conscience-bound to vote for impeachment, even if they knew that Trump would not be removed and even if they knew their vote would only empower him all the more.

But I seriously doubt that many other Congressmen operate with such pure, non-partisan motives. For most of them, every vote is calculated. Will this help my reelection chances? Will this empower our party? Will this serve our larger goals?

Lest anyone be so idealistic as to doubt the highly partisan nature of our political system, just look at the latest polling data on the FiveThirtyEight website.

As of January 20, 86.3 percent of Democrats support impeaching the president in contrast with just 12.6% of Republicans. Hardly an even split.

And while Trumps current approval rating is 44 percent, according to Gallup, Forty-six percent of Americans say they would like their senators to vote to convict Trump and remove him from office, while 51% want their senators to vote against conviction so Trump will remain as president.

So, efforts to remove the president from office are less popular than the president himself.

Why is it, then, that the Democrats have been so hell-bent on impeaching Trump, even before his inauguration? Why did they jump at the opportunity of exploiting the Ukraine call based on partial, second-hand evidence (at best)?

On December 4, 2019, the Opinion section of the Los Angeles Timesannounced: Letters to the Editor: Democrats wanted Trump impeached from the start because he deserved it.

In contrast, on December 18, 2019, the Opinion section of Fox News carried an article by Matt Wolking titled, Impeachment is based on Democrats hatred of Trump and anger at his election.

Is it that simple? Has the Democrats intense hatred of the president impaired their judgment?

On February 11, 1999, one day before President Clinton was acquitted, Senator Charles Schumer outlined his reasons for opposing the impeachment process, focusing on the painful toll it had taken on the nation.

As the New York Postreported, Schumers words from 20 years ago are coming back to bite him today.

He wrote, If you had asked me one year ago if people like this with such obvious political motives could use our courts, play the media and tantalize the legislative branch to achieve their ends of bringing down the President, I would have said not a chance  that doesnt happen in America.

He also said this: It seems we have lost the ability to forcefully advocate for our position without trying to criminalize or at least dishonor our adversaries  often over matters having nothing to do with the public trust. And it is hurting the country; it is marginalizing and polarizing the Congress.

And while Schumer closed his passionate letter with a call for unity between the parties, he also wrote this: It has shaken me that we stand at the brink of removing a President  not because of a popular groundswell to remove him and not because of the magnitude of the wrongs hes committed  but because conditions in late 20th century America has made it possible for a small group of people who hate Bill Clinton and hate his policies to very cleverly and very doggedly exploit the institutions of freedom that we hold dear and almost succeed in undoing him.

Note that operative word: hate.

That seems to be the operative word today.

President Trumps political opponents hate him with such passion that, even if their impeachment efforts are suicidal from a political perspective, they can do no other. At the least, as Rep. Nancy Pelosi said on the Bill Maher show, addressing Trump, You are impeached forever.

Again, Im sure there are elected officials who truly feel they are acting rightly and that Trump is a disgrace to the White House and a danger to America. And, as always, Im neither minimizing nor whitewashing the presidents failures and faults.

But when it comes to the why behind the impeachment process, it reminds me of the fable of the scorpion and the frog.

As the story goes, A scorpion, which cannot swim, asks a frog to carry it across a river on the frog's back. The frog hesitates, afraid of being stung by the scorpion, but the scorpion argues that if it did that, they would both drown. The frog considers this argument sensible and agrees to transport the scorpion, but midway across the river the scorpion stings the frog anyway, dooming them both. The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung the frog despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion replies: I couldn't help it. It's in my nature.

Enough said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Exports of fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits from Turkey to Russia last year grew by 2 percent compared to the same period of 2018, exceeding 1 million tons, a source in the Turkish Association of Fruit and Vegetables Exporters told Trend Jan. 21.

Last year, Turkeys income from exports of fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits to Russia increased by 13 percent compared to the same period of 2018 and amounted to $746.1 million, according to the source.

Turkey exported to Russia 318,800 tons of fruits from January through December last year (a 7-percent decrease) for $301.1 million (an increase of 5 percent), said the source. During this period, Turkey exported 166,331 tons of vegetables to Russia (an increase of 63 percent) for $131.1 million (an increase of 81 percent).

Last year, the export of citrus fruits from Turkey to Russia decreased by 4 percent compared to 2018, amounting to 559,062 tons, the source noted.

Turkey exported citrus fruits worth $313.7 million to Russia last year, which is 5 percent more than export figures for 12 months of 2018, the source said.

Last year, the export of Turkish fruits and vegetables decreased by 11 percent compared to the same period of 2018, amounting to slightly over 4 million tons.

During the mentioned period, Turkeys income from export of fruits and vegetables decreased by 3 percent compared to export figures in 2018, amounting to $2.2 billion.

Last year, 1.1 million tons of fruits were exported from Turkey, which is 5 percent less compared to the reporting period of 2018. At the same time, over the indicated period, Turkeys income from fruit exports grew by 2 percent compared to the reporting period of 2018 and amounted to $846 million.

Over the indicated period, the export of vegetables from Turkey decreased by 2 percent compared to the same period in 2018, amounting to 1.2 million tons. Vegetables worth $645 million were exported from Turkey last year.

In the reporting period, Turkey exported 1.6 million tons of citrus fruits, which is 20 percent less compared to the volumes exported in 2018.

Last year, citrus fruits worth $756 million were exported from Turkey.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 10:31:04|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on early Tuesday that it strongly disagrees with Moody's latest decision to downgrade Hong Kong's credit rating.

Moody's Investors Service announced on Monday to downgrade Hong Kong's long-term issuer rating to "Aa3" from "Aa2." The institution, however, changed Hong Kong's credit outlook to "stable" from "negative."

In response to the rating downgrade, a HKSAR government spokesman said, "We strongly disagree with Moody's assessment of Hong Kong's current situation and are deeply disappointed by Moody's decision to downgrade Hong Kong's credit rating."

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the HKSAR government has been implementing "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Basic Law, the spokesman said. "We do not consider that there is sufficient ground for Moody's to raise any query on them."

"Although Hong Kong has faced the most severe social unrest since its return to the motherland in the past seven months or so, the HKSAR government, with the staunch support of the central government, has firmly upheld the 'one country, two systems' principle and handled the situation in accordance with the law to curb violence on its own to restore social order as soon as possible," he added.

The spokesman pointed out that Moody's rating falls way out of line with Hong Kong's sound credit fundamentals. "Our fiscal performance and external positions have long been amongst those of the top-rated economies and serve as a strong buffer for Hong Kong to withstand shocks."

Confidence in the Linked Exchange Rate System has remained strong, as acknowledged by Moody's, he said, adding that the banks are well cushioned given their strong capital base, sound liquidity and healthy asset quality, and capital markets have had a good run in the past year, as initial public offerings and bond financing activities have continued to thrive, and Stock Connect and Bond Connect saw surges in turnover.

"The persistent social unrest reflects that there are deep-seated problems in society in Hong Kong, on which the government will conduct an independent review soon. We are also proactively engaging people from different backgrounds, political stances and age groups through dialogue and listening to their views humbly to find a way out for society," the spokesman said.

He pointed out that quite a number of social issues that Hong Kong is facing, including wealth inequality, an ageing population and high home prices as mentioned by Moody's, are not unique to Hong Kong. In spite of these issues, "Hong Kong's institutional strengths and its core competitiveness as an international financial center, trade hub as well as one of the best places in the world to do business remain well in place."

The spokesman elaborated on how the HKSAR government has been proactively handling the above-mentioned social issues over the years, stressing that "the HKSAR government will continue to humbly listen to members of the public and strengthen communications with the citizens, overcome these challenges and help relaunch Hong Kong."
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez explained that the Democratic party does not represent the political left in the United States, calling the organisation a centre or centre-conservative party that cant even get a floor vote on nationalising health care.

She said: We cant even get a floor vote on Medicare for All  not even a floor vote that might get doubled down.

In an interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates during an event honouring Martin Luther King Jr Day, the progressive politician said there are left members inside the Democratic party  including freshman congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, among others  who are working to try to make that shift happen.

But the establishment partys ideology remains firmly within the economic realities of capitalism as a means to address systemic issues like poverty in the US, she explained, saying, We dont have a left party in the United States.

She said: There are a lot of true believers that we can capitalism our way out of poverty. If anything, thats probably the majority.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez greets fellow lawmakers ahead of the State of the Union address Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez participates in an event with Democratic members of Congress EPA Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures The Democrat senator speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol January 30, 2019 Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Democrat Rashida Tlaib AP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Senate chamber to watch two votes on January 24, 2019 Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrives with Chellie Pingree at a House Democratic Caucus meeting Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez during Donald Trump's State of the Union address Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures New York State Assembly member Catalina Cruz with Ocasio-Cortez AFP/Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Nydia Velazquez talks with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez casts her vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House EPA Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez poses with a campaign worker during a whistle stop in the Queens borough of New York Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez outside the US Capitol AFP/Getty Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio-Cortez after casting her ballot in the 2018 midterm general election at a polling site in New York EPA Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez looks on during a march organised by the Women's March Alliance in Manhattan Reuters Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - the Democratic congresswoman in pictures Ocasio Cortez looks on at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2019 AFP/Getty

Ms Ocasio-Cortez said she agreed with the late civil rights leader, who warned in speeches and in interviews that there is something wrong with capitalism and questioned the economic status quo and whether a broader distribution of wealth could begin to repair its failures.

Two weeks before his death, Dr King warned that if America does not use her vast resources of wealth to end poverty and make it possible for all of Gods children to have the basic necessities of life, she too will go to hell.

During her interview at Blackout for Human Rights: MLK Now 2020, Ms Ocasio-Cortez also questioned whether the US is more interested in protecting capital over human beings, pointing to the 20 January protest in Virginia that attracted thousands of armed protestors, including far-right militia members, demonstrating against the states proposed gun-control legislation.

The congresswoman said protesters who took to the streets to call for justice following the police killings of black men were met with a larger display of force from US police than the armed and armoured demonstrators in Virginia.

She said: Theres this gun rights protest thats happening down in Richmond ... on MLK Day, but heres the image that has struck me the most about that, is that when we go out and march for the dignity and the recognition of the lives of people like Freddie Gray and Eric Garner, the whole place is surrounded by police in riot gear without a gun in sight. And here are all of these people flying Confederate flags with semi-automatic weapons, and theres almost no police officers at that protest. So who or what are our institutions protecting, from whom? That image conveys it all.
In its biggest crackdown on illegal ticketing in railways in recent times, the RPF has arrested a madrassa-educated, self-taught software developer from Jharkhand in an e-ticketing racket which is suspected to have links to terror financing, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Ghulam Mustafa was arrested from Bhubaneswar. He has 563 personal IRCTC IDs, and a list of 2,400 SBI branches and 600 regional rural banks where he is suspected to have accounts, said Railway Protection Force (RPF) DG Arun Kumar.

"For the last 10 days, the IB, Special Bureau, ED, NIA, Karnataka Police have interrogated Mustafa.

"Dimensions of money laundering and terror financing are suspected," he said in a press briefing.

Kumar also named Hamid Ashraf as the mastermind of the racket which is suspected to generate revenue of Rs 10-15 crore per month. Ashraf, who is also a software developer, was involved in the bombing of a Gonda school in 2019 and is now suspected to have fled to Dubai, Kumar said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The meeting is expected to deal with the mechanism for settling disputes related to changes in the annual flood, among other technical points

Khartoum is set to host the penultimate meeting in the latest round of negotiations on the filling and operation process of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on Wednesday and Thursday.

Last week, ministers from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan convened in Washington, where they reached a consensus on some technical points regarding the dam's filling and operation.

They also agreed to reconvene on 28-29 January in the US capital to finalise the agreement after holding technical and legal discussions in the interim period.

Unlike the previous rounds which were conducted at the ministerial level, only legal and technical delegations will take part in the two-day meetings, the spokesman for Egypts irrigation ministry, Mohamed El-Sebaie, told Ahram Online.

El-Sebaie said that there will not be any other meetings before the final Washington gathering.

He added that the talks aim to forge a draft agreement on the giant hydropower dam, which would then be finalised at the subsequent American meeting.

According to Egypt's irrigation ministry, the next meeting is expected to cover points including cooperation on the rules of operating the dam, the mechanism for settling disputes that may stem from re-setting the operation policy owing to changes in the annual Nile flood from year to year, and to review of all the details that have been agreed upon previously.

The ministry stressed the significance of the meeting for solving outstanding matters and reaching a comprehensive agreement before the Washington meeting.

The US stepped up to host negotiations in November after the three countries announced that talks had reached a dead-end, and after Egypt called for an international mediator.

Two meetings have been held in Washington so far, and four others in the three countries' capitals, as a part of the roadmap agreed upon during the first US-brokered meetings in Washington in November.

Ethiopia hopes that the mega-dam, which is 70 percent complete and set to be fully operational by 2022, will allow it to become Africas biggest power exporter.

Egypt, which is downstream from the dam, fears that it will diminish its share of Nile water, on which it is almost entirely reliant for its freshwater.

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AS EFFORTS to revive the countrys agricultural sector continue, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allotted P2 billion to encourage the youth to take up farming.

In a press release, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said this is just an initial amount to develop agri-preneurship programs targeting the youth.

This is our way to attract the younger generation of Filipinos to be key players in attaining our vision of a food-secure Philippines with prosperous farmers and fishers, Dar said.

In an earlier interview, DA 7 Director Salvador Diputado said the youth needs the push from the agency to help in reinvigorating the agriculture field which is one of the Philippines most crucial sectors.

In Cebu, the DA 7 entered into a partnership with the University of San Carlos College of Business Administration to include agribusiness entrepreneurship as part of the universitys BS Entrepreneurship degree program.

It will teach the students not only the production process in farming but also how to market their produce, he said.

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) is offering an initial P2 billion that young students and entrepreneurs can borrow to start any agriculture, fishery or agribusiness venture.

We have to replace aging farmers with younger bloodour Pinoy millennialswho are the future of Philippine agriculture, said Dar, who is also the chairman of the ACPC governing council.

Qualified to avail themselves of the Young Agripreneurs Loan Program loans are agri-fishery graduates and young hobbyists, aged 15 to 30 years old.

They can borrow start-up funds of up to P500,000 with zero interest, payable in five years, the statement read.

On other hand, under the Micro and Small Agribusiness Loan Program, agri-preneurs can borrow working capital or for fixed asset acquisition, from P300,000 up to P15 million, for micro and small enterprises.

The two programs will be implemented by the DA-ACPC through the Land Bank of the Philippines, ACPC-accredited cooperative banks, rural banks, cooperatives and viable non-government organizations.

Story continues

They will be launched formally before the end of January 2020, said DA-ACPC executive director Jocelyn Badiola.

This has been one of my advocacies. Let us give our Filipino millennials the means to be part of our journey towards agricultural modernization and industrialization, Dar said.

To support the two new loan programs, he said the DA-ACPC will tap technical experts from the state universities and colleges, DAs Agricultural Training Institute and Department of Trade and Industry to train and mentor the young borrowers, and micro and small agri-preneurs. (JOB WITH PR)
Federation Council committees back appointment of Krasnov as Prosecutor General

 The Investigative Committee of Russia

15:58 21/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 21 (RAPSI)  Authorized committees of the Federation Council have recommended that the upper house of Russian parliament approve appointment of a deputy chief of the Russian Investigative Committee Igor Krasnov as Russias Prosecutor General, according to a statement published on the website of the federal ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova.

On Tuesday, the matter was discussed during the meeting of the Federation Councils Committees for Constitutional Legislation and State Building, and Defense and Security.

During the meeting, Moskalkova thanked the Prosecutor Generals Office for cooperation. Over 7,000 applications have been submitted to the department from the ombudsman, 1,171 were granted, and illegal decisions have been overturned, according to her.

She also pointed out the control over observance of rights of detained and imprisoned persons and reminded that the President earlier ordered the Prosecutor Generals Office along with human rights commissioners to work on problems concerning violations of human rights in penitentiary facilities.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 2 million pets travel every year in the United States as pets are being treated more like companions and members of the family than ever before. On-the-go lifestyles and traveling pets means a need for more convenient disposable products for pet owners. Introducing First FWD, LLC's disposable and biodegradable colorful pet feeding bowls made with bamboo fiber available for hotels and retailers to offer the growing number of pet owners. With more than 1,600 hotels that accommodate pets and many more retailers moving away from plastic, biodegradable pet bowls are a better alternative to helping the environment and peace of mind for pet owners.

Hotels and retailers can help reduce plastic and bacteria-laden metal bowls by providing traveling pets with healthier, environmental, and disposable pet bowls made of bamboo fiber.

First FWD, LLC (https://amzn.to/30Fr0tF) is bringing 100% biodegradable colorful pet bowls to the United States largest hotels and retailers. These pet bowls are made with bamboo fiber that easily decomposes naturally in the environment. There are six different color bowls (Light Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Purple and Dark Blue) that come in five different sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL).

Like many pet owners, First FWD found that traveling with pets meant using multiple plastic bowls or using the same metal bowl throughout a week stay. Leaving a pet's food and water bowls out for days without cleaning them runs the risk of spreading dangerous bacteria and potentially contracting a foodborne illness. Also, using multiple plastic pet bowls means more plastic pollution for the environment. The solution was to provide a biodegradable pet bowl that was stylish, colorful, functional, as well as sturdy.

The shift towards ethically disposable products is here and First FWD sought out a supplier that is economical; keeping costs affordable for hotels and retailers. Gone are the plain compostable bowls that are single use, flimsy, and boring. As well, no one wants to carry foldable plastic bowls that need to be washed every night when traveling. First FWD, LLC is the first in the United States to bring stylish and colorful biodegradable bowls that are ready for purchase in small quantities or in bulk.

Brenda Button at First FWD, LLC is North American's Sales Representative working with all businesses to meet budget and supply. Smaller orders can be easily ordered online at: https://amzn.to/30Fr0tF. For larger orders, or a specific color, you can get a quote or sample by speaking directly with Brenda at +1-403-681-7225 or [email protected].

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Malaysian fishermen raise alarm over Penangs 3 islands project

by Ainaa Aiman

January 21,2020 | Source: FMT

A fisherman from Penang has sounded the alarm on the declining fish supply in the Straits of Melaka, which he feared may get worse due to drastic development plans in the state, especially the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, or better known as the three islands project.



Nazri Ahmad, chairman of the Penang Fisherman Association, said Malaysia was already importing fish from Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan and Africa to meet local demand.



We are a country with one of the worlds richest marine life. We should be exporting fish to other countries, he said during a forum called The Impact of Climate Change & Human Caused Hazards on Marine Environment in Malaysia at the Institute of Islamic Studies.



He attributed the dwindling supply of fish to the failure in controlling the ecosystem and enforcing laws.



Nazri said that the imported fish would often have toxic chemicals which were used as preservatives.



Among the fishermen we call it ubat mayat or corpse preservatives. The chemical is far more dangerous than acid, he said.



Nazri also said that many species of fish were already extinct in Penang waters, such as ikan kembung or chub mackerels.



Others were dwindling and as a result, they fetched high prices in the market. Ikan terubuk or toli shad  a kilogramme can cost up to RM200. Even then, you might still not get it.



He said the coastal areas earmarked for the reclamation project were rich breeding grounds for many species of fish.



Nazri also pointed at the destruction of bay areas that served as shelter for the fishermen during bad weather.

 2020 FMT Media Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
AMARILLO, Texas  Patrick Maboko came to the Texas Panhandle from the Democratic Republic of Congo 10 years ago as a refugee. He still speaks Swahili, but often makes his way around town these days in boots and a cowboy hat.

During the day, he operates a saw at the Tyson meat-processing plant in Amarillo. On weekends, he takes his family downtown to cheer the minor league Amarillo Sod Poodles. Maboko, 45, never thought he would feel at home in a place like the Panhandle, where cattle outnumber people by a significant margin in some counties.

But Amarillo, a city whose residents at first raised questions about welcoming so many foreigners, has seen thousands of refugees like Maboko arrive over the years, from Myanmar, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and elsewhere. Sixty languages are spoken in Amarillos schools.

I feel like Im a Texan, Maboko said. I have a vision of life so I can see now I am fitting in here.

This month, Gov. Greg Abbott became the first governor in the country to announce that Texas no longer wanted to resettle new refugees, saying that a state that also was the epicenter of recent mass migration from Central America had done more than its share.

Abbott faced immediate criticism from big-city mayors across Texas, the states two biggest newspapers and all 16 of its Catholic bishops  but not from the statewide Republican leadership that has been a reliable ally in President Donald Trumps attempts to curb immigration.

Long before Trump was elected, Abbott and other Republican leaders in Texas built their political careers on talking tough about immigration. They sent National Guard troops to the border, adopted a law banning sanctuary cities and led a lawsuit to end the federal program that protects many young immigrants living in the country illegally from deportation.

In his announcement, Abbott, whose wife is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, was taking the states anti-refugee policies to the next level. In 2016, Texas withdrew from the federal refugee resettlement program in a dispute with the Obama administration over the states refusal to accept Syrian refugees. But that earlier withdrawal was largely a symbolic move; the latest announcement took advantage of an executive order, issued by Trump last year, that gives states and local governments the power to opt out of accepting refugees.

For now, Abbotts decree is without force  a federal judge last week issued a preliminary injunction blocking Trumps executive order, but the administration is expected to appeal the ruling.

Here in Amarillo, which for a time took in more refugees per capita than any other Texas city, few share the governors alarm over refugees, and those who do have a far more nuanced view. They have long lived with refugees, not as abstract political talking points, but as neighbors.

Many conservatives in Amarillo express support for Abbotts stance on refugees but have no harsh words for the people who have joined their city, some of whom they have invited into their homes and tried to help with donations of time and money.

Two nonprofit groups  Refugee Services of Texas and Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle  resettled and assisted nearly 7,000 refugees in Amarillo and nearby cities from 2007 through 2017. Refugee admissions have dropped sharply since Trump took office; only about 200 have come in since then.

Amarillo  a flat, wind-battered and majority-white city of 200,000  has become the Queens of the Texas High Plains.

In many ways, the city is the same place it has been for decades. Cowboy culture and Texas kitsch dominate. It is home to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum. Tourists still take up the gut-busting challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch: Its 72-ounce steak dinner is free if you can eat it all in one hour.

In 2016, both Randall and Potter counties voted for Trump.

But thousands of refugees now work in the meat-processing and food-processing plants across the Panhandle. They earn wages starting at $15 an hour, pay taxes, buy cars, start small businesses and enroll their children in the public schools. A 2017 report by New American Economy, an immigration advocacy group, estimated the spending power of refugees in Texas at $4.6 billion.

Inevitably, culture clashes among longtime white and Hispanic residents and refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Asia are an almost daily occurrence. City Hall staff members have fielded angry phone calls from residents claiming that refugees were barbecuing dogs in their front yards. Newcomers unfamiliar with local laws have hunted ranchers cattle for food.

But the citys rapid-fire globalization has worked more often than it has broken down. The mayor of Amarillo, Ginger Nelson, said she could imagine a time when the first refugee is elected to the City Council.

Yes, theyve changed us, but its good to expand your horizons and to embrace different ways of thinking, Nelson said. The more ideas you have at the table, the stronger you are as a community.

Early on, the Amarillo Tea Party Patriots invited Jeff Gulde, the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle, to meet with them. The members peppered him with questions  someone asked what the refugees religions were  but that, ultimately, was all. The local Tea Party made no push to stop the influx.

One Tea Party member, Tim Revell, a retired doctor, said he had met with refugees at his home and provided some with free medical assistance. You can only take politics and things so far, said Revell, 74, who is the chairman of the Randall County Republican Party. When youre looking at people suffering, its another deal.

Ray Herrera, 67, a Vietnam veteran, befriended the Congolese family who moved in across from him at the Palo Duro Place Apartments, inviting them to his church. These people are not doing wrong, he said. Who am I, and who is the governor and who is the president, to say were going to stop this?

But steps from Herreras door, a neighbor, Sonia Rios, 45, said she planned on moving out in a few months. The refugees unsupervised children and teenagers, she said, have caused too many problems. Some of the young refugees broke into her car, she said, and on another occasion threw an object at her wifes vehicle, blowing out one of the windows.

Were done, Rios said. If theyre getting treated bad in their country, well, by God, come over, but dont come over here thinking you can do whatever you want. Dont come over thinking this is your trash can.

Daniel L. Rogers, 57, the chairman of the Republican Party in Potter County, which also takes in part of Amarillo, makes it clear that his willingness to accept new refugees depends on their willingness to meet him halfway.

A real estate broker, Rogers wears a black cowboy hat and a knife on his belt. His office is decorated with red Trump MAGA hats and filled with the bittersweet scent of pipe smoke. Amarillo, he said, is ready to welcome any refugees who are willing to become citizens and stay out of trouble.

Bring us 10 million of those a year, if they want to be productive members and make America great, and be American, not a hyphenated American, he said. Nobody cares what color somebody is or where they came from. Nobody cares.

Maboko, the Congolese refugee, has embraced his Texas identity, but said he was shocked and saddened that Abbott wanted to refuse more refugees. He has relatives urgently waiting for resettlement in the United States, he said, and pulled out his phone.

He wanted the governor to see the pictures he received about a month ago from relatives in his village. The pictures included gruesome images of murdered and sexually mutilated young Congolese women.

Were people facing such dangers not entitled to a Texas welcome?

I wish you can take me to the governor and I can show him, he said. People are dying.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday implicitly compared Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and called the duo "babas" (saints) alleging that both are are telling lies about Citizenship Amendment Act.



His statement came after Shah held a rally in Lucknow on Tuesday to garner support for the CAA. Yadav said that the public will not fall for the "tricks of hypocrites" to extend support to the CAA.

"Was one Baba not enough in the state? Now, another Baba has come to give his discourse. Due to the way these hypocrites have tricked the public's confidence, the citizens will never back them in the support of the Citizenship Amendment Act," Yadav tweeted in Hindi.

"People will say this to the 'liar Baba'.. Baba, if you go this time ... then never come back," he further said.

Addressing a gathering at the Jan Jagaran Abhiyan here, Shah on Tuesday asserted that the opposition is free to protest against the CAA but the law will not be rolled back.

He further questioned the opposition party leaders for their stance on the citizenship law.



"Akhilesh Yadav should not say anything on this matter as he uses rhetoric on this issue. I also ask Mamata Banerjee what is the problem with CAA. Mamata had supported the idea of providing citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries in 2003," he said.

Protests broke out in different parts of the country against the 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. (ANI)


New Delhi, Jan 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Nepal counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar on Tuesday.

The Jogbani-Biratnagar border is an important trade point between the two countries. This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built in 2018.

The second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani-Biratnagar was built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement across India-Nepal border.

Both the Prime Ministers participated through videoconference.

"India has been playing the role of a trusted partner in Nepal's all-round development. Neighbourhood first is the main policy of my government and improving cross border connectivity is an important aspect of it," said Modi.

"The issue of better connectivity becomes all the more important if it concerns India-Nepal because our relations are not simply of neighbours. History and geography have connected us through culture, nature, families, language, development and many more threads," said Modi.

"My Government is committed to developing better transportation facilities with all the friendly nations and to further develop relations in trade, culture and education." Both Prime Ministers also appreciated India-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal.

Referring to 2015 earthquake in that country, Prime Minister Modi said, "India played the role of first responder in relief and rescue operations and now is standing shoulder to shoulder with our friends in the reconstruction of Nepal".

Out of Government of India's commitment to build 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, 45,000 have already been completed.

Nepal Prime Minster K.P. Sharma Oli expressed his gratitude for Indian efforts.
Why Broadcasters Should be Utilising Second-Screen Culture

We all know the way we watch television is changing. Through social media, we're adapting the way we interact with our friends; We like to share content and tag people in funny or interesting news, often while we're doing other things like watching TV. As consumers, we're incredibly used to this instant interaction. We've all been guilty of bombarding the group chats whilst watching the latest episode of Love Island or a rugby game to see if anyone else is feeling the same way as us. According to a 2019 report by CivicScience, 48% of adults in the U.S. are using a second screen whilst watching their favourite shows on television. I'm sure this impressive statistic is unsurprising to many of us, as this has been gaining pace for a while. For years, people have used hashtags to search out other people's opinions and share their own. This incredible resource is being noticed by broadcastersso why aren't they taking advantage by tapping into second screen culture to enhance their shows?

Recommendations and Social Media

Many of us can relate to scrolling through social media to see multiple people commenting on a programme we've never heard of. And I'm sure even more of us have seen the onslaught of friends tagging others on trending Game of Thrones memes or popular video teasers. Seeing our friends enjoying something is likely to influence whether we watch something or want to be included in trending content. Broadcasters see this as a huge opportunity to engage networks of people and boost viewing figures. It is important that the content they provide viewers with is valuable, otherwise they run the risk of getting lost in the general noise of social media. It's also important that the content promotes interactivity to make sure it spreads across people's feeds  the best-case scenario would see a teaser post going viral, driving people to watch the main show.

Live streaming is a popular way of providing this content. Facebook Live videos see people spend 3 times longer watching content, all whilst producing 6 times as many interactions as a normal video post on the platform. We recently worked on a project for the BBC show, Poldark, in which we hosted a live Q&A session through Facebook in the lead up to the show's finale to drive engagement and viewing figures. The Q&A allowed fans to ask actors and the writer questions in the run up to the final episode. Of course, this served as a "thank you" to the loyal fans, but it also raised the show's profile. Looking at the popularity of historic shows like Downton Abbey, we can see that a show reaching its final season does not keep it from dropping in popularity.

Live Broadcast, Live Streaming?

That's not to say that broadcasters are limited to only using the second screen when their shows aren't on. Although it may seem daunting to try and take your viewers' attention away from the big screen, there are many instances when that can actually be beneficial. Given that the demand for interactivity and live feedback is driving viewers' attention away to the second screen, it makes sense for video providers to tap into that. It can be as simple as providing a live commentary on your show's official Twitter account. Alternatively, it can be as sophisticated as providing an entirely separate live broadcast on social media to enhance what's happening on the show. Not only does this keep your fans engaged but once again raises hype around your showinnovative tech can draw new viewers into a show they wouldn't have been aware of had they not seen their friends getting involved.

A great example of this is when we worked with Coronation Street to develop an interactive stream on their social media platforms to enrich their live episode from the cobbles. The live stream provided viewers with an experience from behind the scenes, allowing them to interact with the production team. Fans were given a chance to interact directly with the actors by asking the team questions which were then moderated and fed to the team. Although it was a highly complex production, we provided tools which streamlined the process and built redundancies within the workflow to prevent any mishaps. The stream was hugely successful; the average viewing time was 26 minutes and was the highest ever non-boosted Facebook live stream in Europe at the time.

Changing the Way We Watch

It's undeniable that many of us are turning to our second screens before and during our favourite programmes. Ignoring this trend is counterproductive for broadcasters. Fans love engagement and interactivity and are likely to be interacting with posts associated with the show they're watching live, so providing them with content that enriches the on-screen content can potentially keep and enhance their attention on your broadcast. Additionally, the most forward-thinking broadcasters are adapting their broadcasts to incorporate and boost this second screen interaction, seeing it as an opportunity to deliver fluid and dynamic content. This new cultural trend is an opportunity, not a threat, and broadcasters need to be embracing innovation to deliver inventive and high-quality content to their fans.

[This is a vendor-contributed article from Groovy Gecko. Streaming Media accepts vendor bylines based solely on their value to our readers.]

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Russia has sent 120 missiles to Turkey for its S-400 system, according to Russian media and a military source. Turkey has received two S-400 battalions, more than 120 surface-to-air missiles, as well as auxiliary equipment, the source said, according to Russias TASS news agency.

Russia and Turkey signed a deal in 2017 for Russia to provide its advanced air defense system, a major blow to US-Turkish relations. Turkey had wanted the US Patriot system and is expected to buy Western air defense systems from NATO countries, not go shopping in Moscow. But a variety of issues led to an emerging Russia-Turkish alliance, linked to Astana peace talks for Syria and also Turkish claims that the US supports terrorists in Syria. Since 2017, the two countries have discussed other military deals as well, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Erdogan and Putin have carved out a new regional order in the Middle East, agreeing on a ceasefire in Idlib in September 2018 and a ceasefire in northern Syrias Kurdish region in October 2019, after the US abandoned its mostly Kurdish partners in part of Syria and enabled a Turkish offensive.

Russia and Turkey are now working on a deal in Libya. While the US retreated and 200,000 Kurds were driven from their homes in parts of Syria, Moscow and Ankara were able to work together. The S-400 deal was key to this relationship, because although the two countries are on opposite sides of some conflicts, defense deals and energy contracts for a TurkStream pipeline drive relations more than ideology.

The TASS report reveals the speed with which missiles are flowing to Ankara from Moscow. After what seemed like slow progress in 2018, the S-400s finally arrived in the summer of 2019, causing the US to threaten to end Turkeys role in the F-35 program. The Washington and Ankara are not studying that role, and Turkey is still building parts for the F-35. Nevertheless, it appears that Ankaras role will be wrapped up, and the F-35 deals for Turkey will be permanently embalmed.

TO GIVE Turkey a win, Moscow seems to have rushed the missiles to Ankara  not only so that Turkey could practice with the S-400s, but also so that they can be declared operational by April. Moscow had provided S-300s to Syria after a Syrian S-200 shot down a Russian plane by mistake in September 2018, but those systems have mostly remained out of sight. This shows that when Moscow wants to move and do things, it can, and when it wants to slow down aid defense delivery, it can do that also.

The TASS report says that technology transfer is now part of the deal. There have been persistent question about friend and foe identification in the S-400s for Turkey, specifically related to NATO. Turkey is a NATO member, but the S-400 is a Russian technology. Reports at Al-Monitor and The Drive in December claimed that there were changes to the S-400 technology for Turkey, but there are fears that it could leak the technology. The friend-or-foe technology relating to NATO jets is important and relates to Turkish use of Western airplanes such as the F-16 and its allies' use of F-15s and other European and American warplanes.

The question is, even if Russia did enable modification of cryptological systems, as reports suggest, how will the S-400 view Russian planes and those of the Syrian regime and the US flying in Syria? For Moscow, this matters because it would be embarrassing for Russian bombers targeting Turkish-backed militants in Idlib to be shot down by Russias own defense system. It would also be embarrassing for the US to find its planes tracked by Turkish S-400 radar in Syria, a kind of threat that could emerge.

Turkey shot down a Russian SU-24 in 2015. In addition, the Syrian regime's shooting down of a Russian plane and Irans downing of a Ukrainian Airliner all illustrate how important it is for air defense technology to be keyed in to whose planes the technology identifies as a foe or threat.

The Russian reporting indicates that Turkey signed a delivery document in December 2019, which started a 20-month warranty for the S-400. One would think such a key system would come with a longer warranty. Turkey still claims an April or May target for operationalizing the system, according to Turkeys Defense Ministry.

The contract is worth $2.5 billion. When it is operational, it will change the strategic balance in the Middle East and will also lead Russia to pitch the same system increasingly around the region and the globe, part of a major push by Russian defense contractors. It may represent a new era of Turkish-Russian alliance to control parts of the Middle East.

Read the full article here.
The writer is based in South India for the past 40 years. He writes on India, China, Tibet and Indo-French relations.

In 2012, 98 million Chinese people still lived below the poverty line; a year later, 128,000 villages remained classified as impoverished.

Chinas aim was to eliminate the Two Worries, the lack of food and sufficient clothing. (Photo: AP)

In recent months, China has started a massive relocation scheme in Tibet, redrawing the demography of Indias borders. Beijing admits that though the rural poverty rate was more than 97.5 per cent in 1978, it took 22 more years for Beijing to launch a serious program for aid development in the poorest areas of Western China. In 2012, 98 million Chinese people still lived below the poverty line; a year later, 128,000 villages remained classified as impoverished.

According to China Daily, for Tibet it is a historic moment: Chinese people felt excited and proud by the news that the local government in the Tibet Autonomous Region [TAR] had decided to strip 19 counties of their poverty labels, after 55 Tibetan counties cast off such labels in 2018.

Chinas aim was to eliminate the Two Worries, the lack of food and sufficient clothing.

While more than 100,000 villages are said to have been stripped of their poverty label in China, the main battle seems to have taken place in Tibet and Xinjiang, the two restive provinces which had been liberated by the Communists in 1950.

This obviously raises the question, why have these areas, liberated nearly 70 years ago, remained so poor? Beijing has a lot to answer for, what was the party doing all these years?

In Tibet, unfortunately, poverty alleviation is achieved by large population relocations, often near Indias borders.

On December 24, China Daily cited Liu Yongfu, director of the state council leading group office of poverty alleviation and development in Beijing, who stated that the TAR and in the four provinces where ethnic Tibetan people live (particularly in three prefectures in Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan) as well as the southern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region had been clubbed together: Officials commonly refer to these regions as the Three Areas and Three Prefectures, the deeply impoverished areas.

According to en.tibetol.cn, all the TAR 74 counties and county-level districts have been lifted out of poverty in 2019, which means the whole region has got rid of absolute impoverishment.

The article takes the example of a Tibetan family, who in 2018 moved to a new house from Rongma township in Nyima county of Nagchu prefecture, (located north of Lhasa at an altitude of more than 5,000 m), they have been relocated near the Tibetan capital. The website claims that it was the first high-altitude exemplary site of ecological relocation in Tibet: From June 10 to 18 in 2018, 571 herdsmen moved in two batches to Lhasa, which is over 1,000 miles away.

It is just an example.

More worrying for India are the relocations through the Xiaogang (moderately well-off) villages located on Indias borders.

More than a hundred villages have been built, whether in Yume (north of Upper Subansiri), Tsona county (north of Tawang), Rima area (north of Kibithu in the Lohit Valley) or Chiakang (not far from Demchok in Ladakh) as well as in some more populated areas like Yatung in Chumbi Valley, near Sikkim or Purang, close to the trijunction between Tibet, Nepal and India.

On September 30, Xinhua mentioned the number of Tibetans relocated to new homes in anti-poverty fight: Nearly 250,000 people in Tibet have moved into 910 new settlements as part of poverty alleviation efforts by August 2019.

The official news agency noted that China had planned to invest 19.78 billion yuan ($2.8 billion) in its relocation program to build 60,931 houses in around 970 settlements for 266,000 poverty-stricken citizens in the TAR.

According to Beijing, relocation is used as a means of poverty reduction: By offering job opportunities in industrial parks and cities, the relocated residents are ensured ways to make a better living. As the relocations often happen in brand new villages, one can ask, where are the industrial parks in these places?

Another propaganda article in China Tibet News speaks of the happy life brought by the relocation. The story says: Starting eastward from Shannan (Lhoka) prefecture after a three-hour drive, one can arrive at Gongkang village in Lingda town of Gyatsa county, with an average elevation of 3,269 m. Interestingly, the village is not far from the site of a new dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra in India). The new settlers are probably engaged in dam construction; in another word, they are migrant workers.

In August 2016, this place had already been designated as the target for poverty alleviation: At present, there are 369 households and 1,269 people in Gongkang village. The project of advancing relocation covers an area of 472,000 sq m, and its total investment reaches 210 million yuan ($34 million), said Xinhua.

All the villagers are said to benefit from medical insurance, while the children enjoy favourable policies at the stages of compulsory education and senior high school and college students receive regional subsidies. Subsequently, the enrolment rate of the villages school-age children is 100 per cent.

A Gongkang Village Industrial Development Co. has been established, with five mutual-aid teams, namely an ecological breeding team, an agricultural and animal products processing team, a labour force exporting team and an agricultural machinery promoting team. This sounds like the setting up of communes during the Great Leap Forward in China.

A list of benefits is given and the article concludes: Nowadays, a harmonious and socialist new countryside has been built beside the Yarlung Tsangpo river under the partys policy of benefiting people and Gongkang villagers.

One important factor admitted by the Chinese authorities for relocating the Tibetans is tourism. Huang Yongqing, head of the regional tourism development department told Xinhua: The regional government has encouraged rural residents and herdsmen to open family inns. The average annual income of the total of 570 family inns surpassed 100,000 yuan ($16,000), and some even reached 300,000 yuan ($48,000).

It was observed that the number of tourists visiting Tibet reached 33.7 million, up 31.5 per cent year on year; the income from tourism increased by 29.2 per cent to 49 billion yuan ($8 billion). Of course, these figures always need to be taken with a pinch of salt, but still there is no doubt that Tibet receives millions of Han visitors and their number is increasing.

More worrying, Xinhua announced in December that an application lab for Tibetan speech technology research had been established at the Tibet University in Lhasa: The lab aims to create a platform of integrative development and application for ethnic language, phonology, and modern information technology, and to bring convenience in communication for local people in life and at work.

iFlytek, an artificial intelligence heavyweight, had been working with Tibet University for more than eight years on Tibetan speech technology.

It means that the relocated villagers, whatever their dialect, can now be monitored with the latest technology.

With one stone, China kills several birds: it provides employment to the poorer sections, it monitors the restive populations better, particularly the nomads, and it develops the border areas.

The relocation will probably continue on a war footing in 2020, bringing millions of new migrants to Indias borders and happiness to the party.

For India, the change of demography on her borders is a serious issue.

The new settlers are not Tibetans alone, Hans too are brought to the borders to take the lead in the implementation of the partys social and strategic policies.
There are no clearly defined dates for the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders' meeting, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told reporters Tuesday.

The negotiation process is important, he noted adding that they will continue to work actively with the Azerbaijani side.

"We will carry out work on the assessment of processes that have been observed recently, and in the coming months we will outline a work plan taking into account the existing circumstances," he said.

When asked whether a meeting between the representatives of Iran and the US in Armenia is possible, the minister noted that he would not like to overestimate or underestimate the role of each country in this regard.

Regional security issues, as well as challenges that are directly related to our security, remain our priority tasks," he said.

The meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian FMs is scheduled for late January 2020.
Toronto police say they have made an arrest in a long-standing alleged scam thats played out throughout the city.

Investigators have said theyve seen a rash of fraudulent transactions since 2018, collectively costing hundreds of customers millions of dollars.

They allege the scam operates by asking passengers in licensed taxis to pay their fares with a debit card, then switching out the customers card for a different one from the same financial institution.

Last year police laid more than 260 charges against six people, but said the scam remained active.

Jerron Acosta, 22, of Mississauga, faces 31 counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Police said he was driving a 2016 red Toyota Corolla taxi with the licence plate CKMB 471 and a City of Toronto taxi plate #1484 when arrested on Jan. 4.

He is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 24 at Old City Hall.

Police say they believe there may be more victims and participants in similar scams and are urging anyone who may have been affected to come forward.

Anyone who has any information or believes theyve been a victim of a taxi debit card scam is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or online at 222tips.com.
MUMBAI, India  Uber, in its latest move to drop money-losing businesses, agreed on Tuesday to sell its food delivery business in India to Zomato, a local competitor, in exchange for 9.99 percent of the Indian start-up.

All delivery drivers for the service, known as Uber Eats, and basic information about customers, including their phone numbers and order history, will be transferred to Zomato, the companies said. In addition, Ubers app will send Indian users to Zomato for six months when they click on the Get Food Delivery button.

Uber has faced increased pressure from investors to turn a profit, and it spent much of 2019 cutting costs and laying off employees after a disappointing initial public offering last May. While its food delivery service, Uber Eats, has grown quickly, it faces aggressive competition around the world, and the company has been forced to spend heavily on subsidies and promotional offers to gain new users.
The Washington Post reports that Norways prime minister has lost her parliamentary majority because one of the parties in her coalition withdrew in protest over the repatriation of a suspected ISIS member from a Syrian camp. The Prime Minister, Erna Solberg of the Conservative Party, says she will try to govern with a minority coalition.

The party in question is the Progress Party which the Post describes as right wing. It was on board with repatriating the womans children, one of whom is said to require urgent medical treatment, but not the ISIS woman (who denies she was an ISIS member).

Norway, like other European nations, is under pressure from the Trump administration to repatriate ISIS fighters. President Trump has warned that captured fighters will be released unless European governments are willing to take them back. In this regard, Trump stands with human rights groups, and there are various court proceedings through which these groups hope to force the repatriation of the terrorists.

Yet, European nations continue to resist. Only a few ISIS fighters have been repatriated.

Repatriation of a given ISIS member doesnt mean that the member goes free automatically. The home country can, and presumably will, try to convict the fighter and send him or her to prison.

The problem is that it may be difficult to convict ISIS fighters under the exacting standards that apply in criminal cases. Moreover, judges in countries like Norway may be sympathetic to the defendants, just as portions of the American legal community were sympathetic to al Qaeda terrorists and suspected terrorists.

Thats why, according to one expert quoted by the Post, even people who are usually quite liberal on immigration issues [opposed] Norwegian authorities helping [the ISIS woman] to get back to Norway. One might have thought that President Trump, who isnt usually quite liberal on immigration issues, would have more sympathy for this sentiment.

In any case, the Norwegian prime ministers loss of her majority sends a warning to other European leaders who are under pressure to repatriate ISIS fighters. The pressure doesnt come in just one direction. There is political pressure coming from the opposite direction.




Haiti - Port-au-Prince : ReBalance of the 1st Sunday of pre-carnival activities





The Municipal Administration of Port-au-Prince greets all the DJs and carnivalists who took part in this first Sunday of pre-carnival festivities and congratulates the agents of the Civil Protection service and the firefighters of the Town Hall as well as the Haitian National Police (PNH) who did what was necessary to ensure calm and security on the parade route.



For this first Sunday, the Civil Protection unit of Port-au-Prince, through its advanced medical posts treated 6 asthma attacks, 1 fracture of the lower limb, 2 open wounds (arms and head), 1 case of major head injury and reported one gunshot death following an assault by an armed individual for unknown reasons who was arrested by the PNH.



The Town Hall of Port-au-Prince reiterates its commitment to DJs and revelers to ensure the smooth running of the next 4 Sunday pre-carnival activities.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29797-haiti-carnival-2020-beginning-of-pre-carnival-activities.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Militants killed 36 civilians when they attacked villages on Monday in northern Burkina Faso, the government said Tuesday, appealing for local support in the fight against jihadists.

A "terrorist group" killed 32 civilians when they attacked and burned the market in Nagraogo village before killing four more people in Alamou village, the government said.

Three other people were wounded in the attacks, it added.

"The Burkina government has learned with consternation and anger of the deaths of 36 Burkinade in Sanmatenga province, after a terrorist attack," communications minister Remis Fulgance Dandjinou said.

Faced with these "repeated attacks" against civilians, the government launched an appeal for the people's "frank collaboration" with the defence and security forces.

The Burkina parliament on Tuesday adopted unanimously a law allowing for the recruitment of local volunteers in the fight against jihadists, providing them with "light weapons."



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.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An artificial intelligence system developed by KAUST scientists reveals genes that drive tumor growth. Here, Marwa Abdelhakim (left) and Sara Althubaiti are shown preparing the DNA library used for the study. Credit: 2020 KAUST

A method for finding genes that spur tumor growth takes advantage of machine learning algorithms to sift through reams of molecular data collected from studies of cancer cell lines, mouse models and human patients.

By teaching the artificial intelligence system to link certain DNA mutations to altered functionality, a team led by Robert Hoehndorf from KAUST's Computational Bioscience Research Center showed that they could identify genes with a known causative role in cancer and pick out dozens of putative new ones for 20 different tumor types.

The prediction methoddescribed in Scientific Reports and freely available onlinecould help clinicians tailor medicines to the molecular subtypes of patients. It could also be used by drug companies in the hunt for new therapeutic targets.

"Our method can be used as a framework to predict and validate cancer-driver genes in any database or real population sample," says Sara Althubaiti, a Ph.D. student in Hoehndorf's lab and the first author of the study.

Traditionally, scientists have approached the search for genes with a causal role in cancer by starting with DNA sequence data. By extensively cataloging tumor mutations shared among patients with a common type of cancer, the research community has documented hundreds of genes with a causal impact on tumor development. Experimental follow up is then used to functionally associate these genes with the hallmarks of cancer.

Robert Hoehndorf (left) and Sara Althubaiti discuss the performance of their algorithm. Credit: 2020 KAUST

"Our method turns this approach on its head," Althubaiti explains. "Essentially, our approach is knowledge-driven and we use tumor sequencing data as validation. This is unlike most approaches, which are data-driven combined with interpretation of the findings with respect to established knowledge."

The rate of discovery for new cancer-driving genes has been declining rapidly in recent years, leading the KAUST team to seek a new computational strategy. Instead of relying on sequence data, Althubaiti and Hoehndorf built a machine learning model that takes into account many biological features of genes and pathways involved in tumor formation.

The researchers designed the algorithm to recognize functional and phenotypic patterns that predispose a gene toward playing a role in driving tumor development. They validated the model using a publicly available database of some 27,000 different tumor variants as well as functional and sequence datashowing that the algorithm could accurately categorize known cancer-driving genes and detect more than 100 other likely culprits, many with specific roles in particular tumor types.

Prediction method could help personalize cancer treatments and reveal new drug targets. Credit: 2020 KAUST

The KAUST investigators then further tested the algorithm's performance on molecular data gathered from two cohorts of cancer patients. The first was from King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Saudi Arabia, comprising 26 tumor samples from individuals with a rare type of head and neck cancer called nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The other cohort comprised 114 colorectal cancer samples from patients treated at the University of Birmingham Hospital in the United Kingdom. In both patient groups, the model singled out candidate driver genes that were frequently mutated and shared pathogenic features of other cancer-causing genes.

Hoehndorf emphasizes the importance of the team effort involved. "This work is a good example for scientific collaboration within Saudi Arabia," he says, "but it also demonstrates the need for multidisciplinary collaborations between computer scientists, clinical researchers and biologists."

More information: Sara Althubaiti et al, Ontology-based prediction of cancer driver genes, Scientific Reports (2019). Journal information: Scientific Reports Sara Althubaiti et al, Ontology-based prediction of cancer driver genes,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53454-1
A ROMANIAN national who is accused of murdering pensioner Rose Hanrahan more than two years ago was remanded in continuing custody following a brief court appearance this Tuesday.

Alexandru Lordache, 45, who has an address of Dreptatii Street, Bucharest, Romania appeared before Limerick District Court for a procedural hearing having initially appeared before a special court sitting last week.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment before the Central Criminal Court and Sergeant Michelle Leahy asked that the case be adjourned until early next month to facilitate the preparation of a book of evidence.

Solicitor John Herbert, who represented the accused in court, did not oppose the application.

Family and friends of the late Rose Hanrahan, 78 (below), were present during last Thursday nights special court sitting, which started shortly after 9pm.

There was also a strong garda presence in courtroom 6 at Limerick Courthouse including Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche, Superintendent Dermot O'Connor, and Chief Superintendent Derek Smart who oversaw the investigation prior to his promotion last year.

The accused, who wore a navy jacket, maroon top and beige pants, did not speak during the 10-minute hearing and required a Romanian interpreter  as was the case on Tuesday morning.

Detective Garda Enda Haugh, of Mayorstone garda station, told the court that he arrested the accused at Dublin Airport, on foot of a European Arrest Warrant at 4.10pm on Thursday.

He was conveyed to Henry Street garda station in Limerick where he was subsequently charged with murdering Ms Hanrahan.

The Romanian national, Detective Garda Haugh said, made no reply when he was formally charged prior to the court hearing.

The European Arrest Warrant, which was issued in 2018 after the DPP directed that charges be preferred, was executed by Sussex Police in July 2019 and Mr Lordache appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on January 2, where his extradition was ordered.

Rose Hanrahan was murdered at her home in New Road, Thomondgate between December 14 and December 15, 2017, the court heard.

Mr The Romanian national made no reply when he was formally charged with murdering

He is the first person to be arrested and charged in connection with the arrest of the 78-year-old widowed pensioner.

Given that the charge he faces is one of murder, any application for bail can only be made before the High Court.
Amid growing murmurs of discontent in a section of the party, the Congress on Tuesday set up an 11-member committee in Punjab to improve coordination between the party and the state government.

The committee constituted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi with AICC in-charge for Punjab Asha Kumari as its chairperson will have chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, state unit president Sunil Jakhar and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Ambika Soni as members.

It will also have technical education minister Charanjit Singh Channi, industries minister Sunder Sham Arora, school education minister Vijay Inder Singla, jails minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, AICC secretaries Kuljit Singh Nagra and Gurkirat Singh Kotli and Sandeep Singh Sandhu as its members.

The coordination panel was announced just hours after the Congress president dissolved the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and all district committees in the state with immediate effect, retaining Jakhar as the state unit president.

The Congress president has dissolved the office-bearers and executive committee of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) and District Congress Committees (DCCs) of Punjab with immediate effect, said a party release. Asha Kumari said these steps are directionally aimed towards strengthening the party structure and fixing accountability in both the state unit and the government.

Another senior leader said the PCC reconstitution was imminent to ensure accountability of officer-bearers and infuse fresh blood in the party but it could not be done due to a series of elections and byelections. When Jakhar became the state Congress chief, he continued with the same setup. As many office-bearers have become ministers, or are holding other positions, there are not many to organise the party programmes, said a Congress functionary.

However, the omission of former minister Navjot Singh Sidhus name from any of the panels was a talking point in the party circles.

The decisions announced a day after Amarinder, Asha Kumari and Jakhar met the Congress president have come at a time when discontent has been brewing in the ruling party over the handling of the Bargari sacrilege cases and the dominance of bureaucracy in the government. Amarinder met all legislators in groups last week in Chandigarh to hear their grievances and allocate funds for their constituencies but then Rajya Sabha MP Partap Singh Bajwa went on the offensive over the chief ministers style of functioning and the performance of advocate general Atul Nanda. Amarinder has taken up Bajwas continued outbursts against him during his meeting with the Congress president on Monday.

Earlier, Jakhar had also raised questions over the efficiency of the AGs office and sought a review of its performance in the past three years. The party had set up similar coordination committees, along with manifesto implementation panels in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry where it is in power on Monday. The manifesto panel for Punjab is headed by P Chidambaram.
The defence ministry on Tuesday approved the procurement of military equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources and gave a go-ahead to construct six conventional submarines for the Navy in India under the ambitious strategic partnership model.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and several top officials.

It was the first meeting of the DAC after appointment of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"The DAC accorded approval for procurement of equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources. These include sophisticated Electronic Warfare Systems for the Army designed by DRDO and manufactured locally by the Indian industry," the defence ministry said.

In another significant decision, the DAC also approved shortlisting of Indian strategic partners (SP) and the potential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that would collaborate to construct six conventional submarines in India under the strategic partnership model.

Under the model, select private firms are being roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with OEMs.
If you've been waiting for the most-anticipated listicle of 2020, you don't need to wait anymore because we have the list of the most nerve-wracking horror movies for this year. Movies that'll make your gut wrench and stomach queasy, all at once!

We already have had a couple of movies released this month and while you try and catch those, here's a list of the best horror flicks coming out this year:

(1) The Grudge- January 2020

 Sony Pictures Releasing

It's almost a tradition to release horror movies in the first month of the year and Hollywood lives up to it, every year. This year too, come the third day of January, and there's a new horror flick on the block! The Grudge, another retelling of the famous Japanese horror franchise is here to begin your year and this one's quite scary too.

The same producer, Sam Raimi, will take you through a different take on one of the scariest films from Japan.

(2) Underwater- January 2020

 20th Century Fox

Underwater basically explores the least explored part of the earth -under the sea and the new alien life that's dug out of control there, by a few marine scientists, who travel down under, well, we're not sure why! But we feel it's worth the scare with Kristen Stewart in the lead, with her team fighting smug aliens throughout the movie.

The trailer is scary but could be a little more graphic perhaps?

(3) Fantasy Island- February 2020

 Sony Pictures Releasing

Okay, this one's quite interesting If you've ever watched the television series 'Fantasy Island' in the 70s, this one's almost the same but not in a way that's seen before. This one has an edgy, creepy twist comprising of a few people who're invited to an island to fulfil their lifelong fantasies, only to realise the hosts had another plan for them, altogether.

Can give you the creeps if you're into exotic island horrors!

(4) The Invisible Man - February 2020

 Universal Pictures

The new take on H.G. Welles classic novel dissects issues of close personal spaces and psychopathic behaviours! Elizabeth Moss's ex-boyfriend commits suicide because she leaves him and while she may think his ghost is haunting her, it's actually him, alive, minus the flesh and blood, absolutely invisible, seeking revenge!

Yeah, this one will send literal chills down your spine for sure.

(5) A Quiet Place II- March 2020

 Paramount Picture

John Krasinski, the television actor's unexpected talent as a filmmaker paid-off quite well in the first instalment of the movie. The script, screenplay and the action was well-directed and executed and we expect nothing less in the second part too.

While he's not in the second instalment, the family is back fighting some nastier aliens to survive.

(6) Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - September 2020

 Warner Bros Pictures

We don't have a trailer for this one yet but we're sure it's going to be as scary or as confusing as the first and second instalment.

While James Wan isn't back to direct, there isn't any reason to mourn his absence. He'll be there in spirit for sure, as he's also the co-developer of the story, and you'll see his influence in the third part for sure.

(7) Last Night In Soho - September 2020

 Foscus Features

Edgar White, the director of Shaun of the Dead, will make his first horror movie called Last Night In Soho, a new mysterious horror drama with a story that's still unknown. We just have the name and the director for now and we can only hope his horror is as good as his comedy!

(8) Halloween Kills - October 2020

 Universal Pictures

Director David Gordon Green surprised many folks with his sequel to John Carpenter's classic, Halloween. His modern-day continuation, which saw Jamie Lee Curtis coming back to life to play Lauri Strode, didn't do that well, but it was better than most sequels this franchise has had. There isn't much known about this sequel but we know another one is to follow suit in 2021 called Halloween Ends. Let's see how this one turns out.

So, there we have it. Eight daunting yet best horrors of 2020. There is word going around that the Saw franchise is releasing something mid-year too, but we'll add that to the list once we're certain what it is. For now, catch these as and when they release, if you have balls of steel, that is.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.21

By Ilkin Seyfaddini  Trend:

Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the delegation of Russia's Tatneft company, led by CEO Nail Maganov, Trend reports citing Uzbekistans Ministry of Energy.

Tatneft is an important partner of Uzbek companies in implementation of investment project in fuel and energy complex, Uzbek Minister of Energy Alisher Sultanov said at the meeting.

During the meeting, parties discussed implementation of a number of investment projects, including geological exploration at the investment blocks of Uzbekistan, intensification of oil production, expansion of Tatneft gas stations network in Tashkent.

Parties also agreed on further actions to accelerate the implementation of the project on production of tires at Birinchi Mechanical Rubber Goods Factory LLC, located in the "Angren" free industrial zone.

Another side of cooperation is the professional training of specialists. With the assistance of Tatneft, geologists, oil and gas field development specialists from Uzbekistan will undergo professional training in Russia in March of 2020.

During the talks, the parties noted mutual interest in the practical implementation of agreements reached to further expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
An Iranian member of parliament is offering a reward for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump.

On behalf of the people of Kerman province, we will pay a $3 million reward in cash to whoever kills Trump, Ahmad Hamzeh said Tuesday in front of Irans 290-seat parliament, according to Reuters.

MP Hamzeh represents Kerman, the hometown of Qassem Soleimani, the Iran general killed in a drone strike ordered by Trump earlier this month. The lawmaker did not say if Irans clerical rulers were officially backing the reward.

Hamzeh also called on parliament to produce long-range nuclear weapons to deter the U.S. from future attacks.

If we had nuclear weapons today, we would be protected from threats, he said. We should put the production of long-range missiles capable of carrying unconventional warheads on our agenda.

This is our natural right.

An Iranian lawmaker offered $3m reward to "anyone who kills" US President Donald Trump to avenge assassination of a top general. Ahmad Hamzeh made the offer on behalf of people of Kerman, hometown and final resting place of Major Gen Qasem Soleimani. @realDonaldTrump @StateDept pic.twitter.com/Y6cJwzmw6q  24 News HD (@24NewsHD) January 21, 2020

President Trump, who is in Switzerland to promote America at the annual World Economic Forum, has not responded to Hamzehs threat.

Trump and the White House have offered several justifications for the Jan. 3 killing of Soleimani, which came days after a violent protest by Iranian-backed protesters at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and a rocket attack that killed an American contractor at a facility in Iraq. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said Soleimani was planning an imminent attack on Americans, but did not say when and where future attacks were being planned.

"Heres whats been consistent: We killed Soleimani, the number-one terrorist in the world by every account, Trump said last week. Bad person.

The death of Soleimani pushed the U.S. and Iran to the brink of war, and tensions remain high. Iran responded with missile attacks on military bases in Iraq and accidentally downed an Ukrainian plane that killed 176 people.

Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Trump a clown who would push a poisonous dagger into Iranians backs on Friday.

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 responded on Twitter. He also tweeted in Farsi for Iranian leaders to abandon terror and Make Iran Great Again!
PR-Inside.com: 2020-01-21 09:05:15

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / JANUARY 21, 2020 / MOTA VENTURES CORP. (CSE:MOTA)(FSE:1WZ:GR)(OTC:PEMTF) (the "Company" or "Mota Ventures") an emerging vertically integrated global CBD brand, is pleased to announce that due to the high volume of questions resulting from the Monday, January 20, 2020 investor conference call, the Company will host a follow-up investor conference call on January 29, 2020 at 1:15 pm (Vancouver time). The follow-up investor conference call will focus on the operations and future plans of First Class CBD, which the Company recently acquired from Unified Funding, LLC ("Unified"). The call will include the Company's management as well as Kevin Keranen, Chairman of the Board of Unified and Ryan Hoggan, President of Unified.Conference Call DetailsThe conference call will be held on January 29, 2020 at 1:15 pm PT/ 4:15pm ET.Canada/ US toll-free: 1-800-319-4610International: +1-604-638-5340erman toll-free: +0800-180-1954Callers should dial in five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and simply request to join the Mota Ventures investor call.The conference call will be available for playback until February 29, 2020 by dialing 1-800-319-6413 (toll free Canada/US) or +1-604-638-9010 (international), quoting access code 4038.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 DIRECTORSMOTA VENTURES CORP.Joel ShackerChief Executive OfficerFor 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 StatementAll 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 its plans to become a vertically integrated global CBD brand, its plans to cultivate and extract cannabis to produce CBD and high-quality value added CBD products in Latin America for distribution domestically and internationally and its plans to acquire revenue-producing CBD brands and operations in Europe and North America. 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.SOURCE: Mota Ventures Corp.
/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Firmenich, the world's largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, has been commended for its climate action, achieving a place on CDP's prestigious 'A List' for climate change. Confirming its position as a world leader in environmental management, Firmenich is ranked among the top 2% high-performing companies on the new "A List" for 2019, in recognition of its actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and accelerate a low-carbon economy.

"We are very proud to be on the new CDP A List, for the sixth year in a row," said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich. "This is a testament to our inclusive capitalism business model, our colleagues' hard work to be a force for good everywhere we operate in the world, and our commitment to lead the charge against climate change."



"Protecting and preserving our planet for generations to come is part of our DNA. Firmenich's excellent performance, year over year, echoes our team's unwavering pledge to the environment, commented Neil McFarlane, Firmenich Senior Vice President Global Quality, Health, Safety and

Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP, said: "We congratulate Firmenich for once again making it on to CDP's A List, for its leadership in environmental performance and transparency. The A List companies are leading the market in corporate sustainability, tackling environmental risks and setting themselves up to thrive in tomorrow's economy."



CDP's annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. In 2019, more than 525 investors with over US$ 96 trillion in assets, and 125 major purchasers with US$3.6 trillion in procurement spend, requested that companies disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP's platform and more than 8,400 companies responded.

A detailed and independent methodology is used by CDP to assess these companies, allocating a score of A to D- based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets. Those that don't disclose or provide insufficient information are marked with an F.

The full list of companies that made this year's CDP Climate Change A List is available here, along with other publicly available company scores: https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores.

Learn more about Firmenich's environmental goals and progress in its Performance and Sustainability Report 2019.

Note to editors



The full methodology and criteria for the Climate Change A List are available on CDP's website at: https://www.cdp.net/en/guidance/guidance-for-companies under 'CDP scoring methodologies 2019.

About Firmenich



Firmenich is the world's largest privately-owned perfume and taste company, founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895. Driven by its purpose to create positive emotions to enhance wellbeing, naturally, Firmenich has designed many of the world's best-known perfumes and tastes, bringing delight to over four billion consumers every day. Renowned for its world-class research and creativity, as well as its leadership in sustainability, each year, Firmenich invests 10% of its turnover in R&D to understand and share the best that nature has to offer responsibly. Firmenich had an annual turnover of 3.9 billion Swiss Francs at end June 2019. More information about Firmenich is available at www.firmenich.com.

About CDP



CDP is a global non-profit that drives companies and governments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard water resources and protect forests. Voted number one climate research provider by investors and working with institutional investors with assets of US$96 trillion, we leverage investor and buyer power to motivate companies to disclose and manage their environmental impacts. Over 8,400 companies with over 50% of global market capitalization disclosed environmental data through CDP in 2019. This is in addition to the over 920 cities, states and regions who disclosed, making CDP's platform one of the richest sources of information globally on how companies and governments are driving environmental change. CDP is a founding member of the We Mean Business Coalition. Visit https://cdp.net/en or follow us @CDP to find out more.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/798187/Firmenich_Logo.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Up to 23,000 people have applied for a job on the Great Blasket Island, Co Kerry. The job runs from April 1 to October and those selected will be in charge of three guest cottages and the coffee shop on the island which is just off Co Kerry.

The island, which was home to the author Peig Sayers, is 6km long and technically no one lives there permanently but they do get some visitors who need somewhere to stay and eat.

The job is for a couple or two friends who are happy to move in together.

Manager Billy OConnor, grandson of the late Peter Callery, a Dingle solicitor whose company once owned most of the Blasket, says the level of interest has taken him by surprise.

He said the response to the job advert has been beyond expectations with people applying from all around the world including Australia, the US, Greece, the Middle East, and Asia, Mr OConnor said.

The job vacancies made news headlines in Australia, Massachusetts in the US, and Greece to name but a few.

A lot of people told us they want to move back to Ireland including Irish people from as far away as Australia, he said.

Mr OConnor, who ferries tours to the island on his boat, The Peig Sayers, has renovated three houses, including Peigs old home.

A post on the coffee shops Instagram and Facebook page said: We are beyond overwhelmed at the response for the job post for the Great Blasket Island coffee shop and accommodation.

Posting the advert last year, we were concerned we would not find anyone willing to leave their job, pack their bags and move to a windswept island with no electricity or hot water in the middle of the Atlantic, off the Dingle peninsula for six months of the year.

To date we have received over 23,000 applications. If only we could get everyone who applied to stay for one night, wed be fully booked for the next 30 years.

Mr OConnor said they had planned to email everyone back, when the inbox was at 200.

So sorry if we havent got back to you yet, our inbox is chocca block, he wrote. Hopefully, we will meet you all sometime over the next 30 years.

One social media user replied:

Im not surprised!! Me and my husband to be have wonderful jobs but when we saw your advertisement even we had a longing to apply. Anyone who has not done at least the tour with you should go. An absolutely amazing day out.

Occupied from pre-history, the island overlooks the location where a number of the Spanish Armada ships were wrecked. The small farming and fishing community exceeded a population of 150 in the early 20th century, but had dwindled to a small number when the island was vacated in 1953.

The old village above the Tra Ban (White Strand) is situated on the north-eastern side of the island, facing the mainland and Slea Head.
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An Auburn University graduate with a doctorate in physics recently found evidence of a new atomic process, proving a theory that was made a decade ago by a former Auburn professor. The find is one that has atomic physicists excited, and it could very well unlock answers to a key cosmological question about the evolution of stars and other objects in the universe.

This find could provide us new information about where carbon, oxygen and other elements came from in our universe, which could in turn lead to giving us a better picture at how the universe is continually evolving, said Stuart Loch, a professor in Auburns Department of Physics.

The graduate who made the find is Ahmad Bassam Ahmed Nemer, and his discovery gave evidence to the theory posed in 2010 by former Auburn professor Francis Robicheaux, who now works at Purdue University. Robicheauxs theory focused on what it known as the recombination process, which refers to electrons combining with atomic nuclei to form atoms. Prior to recombination, the universe was filled with a plasma of electrically charged particles.

The theory focused on a predicted process called Rydberg Enhanced Recombination, or RER, which essentially opens the question to how certain states of atomic particles might interact within the formation of planetary nebulae and symbiotic stars. Until Nemers recent work, there had been no observed evidence of this interactive process occurring, and so scientific models had not used this possibility in their calculations to determine the makeup of planetary nebulae, or PNe, which are created when a star blows off its outer layers after it has run out of fuel to burn. The outer layers of gas expand and form a nebula often in the shape of a ring or bubble, being round like a planetthus, the planetary nebula namesake.

It was Nemers recent work that for the first time provided spectroscopic evidence of Robicheauxs theory that will now change the way physicists diagnose certain atomic interactions in planetary nebulae and help them more accurately determine how much of a certain element such as carbon is in a star.

Planetary Nebulae are one of the late stages of stellar evolution cycle, and understanding the chemical composition provides information on their formation process, the characteristics of its progenitor, and can be used as a probe for stellar evolution and galaxy metallicity, Nemer said. For example, the ratio of carbon to oxygen in the plasma is typically used as an indication of mixing processes in stars such as convection, and the research showed that the ratio changed by 15 percent in PNe [planetary nebulae] due to RER [Rydberg Enhanced Recombination].

The discovery also helps physicists better assess environments around supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies, and it improves diagnostic measurements of certain low temperature plasmas known as photoionized plasmas. This ultimately could better explain the elemental composition of stars and their evolution.

Nemers findings were recently published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, titled First Evidence of Enhanced Recombination in Astrophysical Environments and the Implications for Plasma Diagnostics. Nemer graduated with his doctoral degree in physics from Auburn University and is now in postdoctoral work in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton University. At Auburn, his research focused on theoretical atomic physics, and his dissertationDiscovery of Enhanced Recombination in Astrophysical Environments and the Implications for Plasma Diagnostics focused on the study of planetary nebulae.

Other collaborators on this project include:

Stuart Loch: Auburn University (Nemers graduate advisor)

Mitch Pindzola: Auburn University

Nick Sterling: University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Ga.

John Raymond: Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, Mass.

Andrea Dupree: Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian, Cambridge, Mass.

Jorge Garcia-Rojas (Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain and Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain)

Qianxia Wang: Rice University, Houston, Texas

Connor Ballance: Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, U.K.
After hiding her face in public for eight years, Ms. Agarwal began a different kind of coming out. She filed a police report against her attacker, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison  a rarity in India. She pushed lawmakers to restrict the sale of acid (including the kinds most commonly used in these attacks, hydrochloric and sulfuric) and became the director of Chhanv Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping acid attack survivors. In 2014, she was honored at the White House by the former first lady Michelle Obama. Much of her journey is recounted in the movie, which fictionalizes Ms. Agarwals story but adheres to the heart of its substance.

The script, which had been turned into a screenplay by the director Meghna Gulzar, caught Ms. Padukones eye immediately. In 2018 she was finishing up filming for two period dramas, and looking for something emotionally lighter. But Ms. Agarwals story was too compelling. (Ms. Padukone has been in dozens of Indian films but may be best known in the U.S. for starring alongside Vin Diesel in the 2017 movie XXX: Return of Xander Cage.)

Its not very often where you know in literally a couple of minutes that this is a movie you want to commit to, Ms. Padukone said, where reading through the first few pages, youre like, Boom, this is it, and I want to do this.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

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Meetings continue with voters of Nagif Hamzayev nominated by the New Azerbaijan Party for election to the Milli Majlis from the Second Electoral District of Nizami 38 (Ganja).

During meetings with voters, Nagif Hamzayev also visits areas in the territory of the Second Electoral District of Nizami 38 and meets with voters.

Voters ask questions to the candidate for deputy - Nagif Hamzayev.

"During my work as a deputy of the 5th convocation of parliament, our door was always open for all voters," Nagif Hamzayev said at meetings with voters. I always considered it my duty to justify the confidence of my voters, and I tried to resolve your appeals within the framework of my authority.

Voters, praising the activities of Nagif Hamzayev as a deputy of the 5th convocation of parliament, said they would vote for him again.

Nagif Hamzayev thanked voters for their sincere and warm attitude and called on them to be active on Feb. 9, to participate in the elections and vote for the candidate to justify their confidence.
EasyJet said its loss over the winter low season will shrink as the collapse of tour operator Thomas Cook pushes more customers its way.

The stock rose 4.5%, after EasyJet said the shortfall for the six months through March is likely to be smaller than last years 275m (322m) loss. Robust demand and lower capacity levels at competitors have bolstered fares, the airline said.

The collapse of UK travel giant Thomas Cook, last September, accounted for almost a fifth of the 8.8% gain in revenue-per-seat in the December quarter, chief executive, Johan Lundgren, said. The former TUI manager founded a new EasyJet Holidays division in November.

EasyJet follows Ryanair in issuing positive guidance, after a difficult year forced a clutch of operators into bankruptcy, with Thomas Cook the highest-profile casualty. The grounding of Boeings 737 Max will limit Ryanairs expansion this summer, meaning EasyJet is well-placed to pick up extra demand, according to broker Sanford C. Bernstein.

Capacity growth looks moderate for this environment, said analyst Alex Irving. With Thomas Cook, the Max and the rest, why not go faster? Mr Lundgren is currently targeting a 3% seating increase over the year.

While revenue is rising, so are costs. Peter Bellews arrival as chief operating officer, from Ryanair, could serve as a catalyst for progress, according to Mr Irving and his colleague, Daniel Roeska.

EasyJet founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, owner of a 34% stake, said that while he supports the airlines capacity restraint, he plans to make a token vote against the re-election of chairman, John Barton, at this years annual general meeting, to communicate his desire for a stronger focus on earnings growth.

He said he wants the company to set a target of 200 pence in earnings-per-share by 2021. Analysts tracked by Bloomberg forecast 113 pence.

Mr Lundgren said that three-quarters of seats in the first-half of the financial year have been booked, just over one percentage point ahead of the same time last year.

First-quarter sales advanced 9.9%, to 1.43bn, as the passenger tally rose 2.8%.

Bloomberg
By PTI

DAVOS: Young climate campaigner Greta Thunberg on Tuesday said a lot has happened since her campaign caught eyes of the world but "nothing has been done" actually to save the planet.

"In one aspect, lots has happened since last year. The mass mobilisation of young people around the world has put climate at the top of the agenda," the 17-year old campaigner from Sweden said here at the WEF Annual Meeting.

"People are more generally aware now. The climate and the environment is a hot topic. But - and it's a big but: From another perspective, pretty much nothing has been done," she said.

It is just the "very beginning" and a lot needs to be done given the ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions, she said.

Thunberg also said she can't complain about not being heard as she is a person who is being heard all the time, drawing applause from the audience.

Thunberg and a panel of other young activists were speaking at a panel about how their efforts to improve the world can achieve the desired results.

The participants included Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017.

Natasha Mwansa, from Zambia who campaigns for girls' and women's rights, and Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation of indigenous people in Canada, were also present.

In 2018, Greta began protesting outside the Swedish parliament during school hours with a sign painted with the words, 'Skolstrejk for Klimatet' ('School Strike for Climate').

Greta has continued to strike every Friday, inspiring hundreds of thousands of children worldwide to follow her example.
Two Derry men who broke into a local Protestant church, causing 75,000 worth of damage, have each been jailed for two years and eight months at the city's Crown Court.

Harry Duffy, 25, from Elmwood Terrace and James Anthony Kennedy, 24, from Glenside Park, admitted burgling the Church of Ireland Christ Church on Infirmary Road (off Northland Road) on 12 September 2017 and stealing items including a crystal decanter, a surplice and a set of reader's robes. None of the stolen items was recovered.

They also admitted damaging furnishings and fittings inside the church, including the church organ.

The court heard police officers investigating the break-in found scenes of human defecation inside the building.

One of the men had defecated inside the church's boiler room and human excrement was smeared on the church organ and on pages which had been ripped from a Bible.

In total, they caused an estimated 75,000 worth of damage both inside and outside the church, for which the diocesan insurers paid 58,500.

Jailing both men, who have mental health disorders, Judge Philip Babington said their behaviour was "quite disgraceful aggravated as it was by taking place at and within a place of worship.

Some of the damage caused was both shocking and disgusting. It caused very great sadness and upset to the members of Christ Church.

It was also completely senseless destroying as it did a 19th century stained glass window and causing over 40,000 worth of damage to a musical instrument, the organ.

In addition there was the sentimental loss of a decanter which was given to the church by a family in member of a deceased daughter."

Judge Babington said there was no doubt in his mind that the disinhibiting effects of alcohol and drugs caused both defendants to behave in the way they did.

"Although at first glance one might wonder if there was some religious or sectarian aspect to this offending I am quite satisfied that this is not the case", he said.

Both were jailed for two years and eight months. They will serve a portion of the sentence on licence.

Judge Babington said there was no doubt in his mind that the disinhibiting effects of alcohol and drugs caused both Kennedy and Duffy to behave in the way they did.

"Although at first glance one might wonder if there was some religious or sectarian aspect to this offending I am quite satisfied that this is not the case", he said.

Both were each jailed for two years and eight months and will serve a portion of their sentences on licence.
Creating sustainable markets poses particular obstacles: a sustainable market must be continuously shaped and reshaped. This is the conclusion of three researchers in business administration and innovation at Linkoping University, who have used the Swedish biogas market as a case.

Supply and demand for biogas have increased considerably in Sweden during the past decades, but domestic production has ceased to grow in recent years. However, hopes are now high for a significant expansion, not least as several international companies have entered the market. These include Finnish Gasum, French AirLiquide (owner of Fordonsgas), and suppliers of biogas facilities such as Hitachi Zosen Inova. From its initial form as a local and regional phenomenon operated by municipalities and public transport companies, the market has now become both national and international, to a certain extent. Sweden now imports biogas, mainly from Denmark and other countries through the gas pipeline on the western coast of Sweden.

Only a few studies have examined how sustainable markets arise, are created and shaped. Three researchers at Linkoping University, who are also active in the national Biogas Research Center (BRC), have now published an article about this in the Elsevier journal Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. Based on previous research into sustainable transitions and the shaping of markets, they have developed a general framework that they use to analyse the development of the Swedish biogas market.

They draw three conclusions. The first is that exchange practices must be enabled for a market to arise, in which the actors also must agree on what kind of value the exchange involves. For a long period, the biogas market grew in local and regional contexts, and the actors were forced to frequently justify their choices. The use of biogas was questioned, and this led to intense debate in many municipalities, such as Helsingborg, Jonkoping and Skovde. In the true meaning of the word, a "market" for biogas has only existed during the past 10-15 years.

"Initially, the market was solely within the public sector, while now large commercial companies have entered and brought with them more strict demands for profitability. You must be able to set a price and communicate all the benefits, such as the biofertiliser produced", says Mikael Ottosson, associate professor in marketing at the Division of Business Administration. He is one of three authors of the article, together with Hans Andersson, senior lecturer in business administration, and Professor Thomas Magnusson, who carries out research on innovation at the Division for Project, Innovations and Entrepreneurship.

The second requirement is to construct a narrative about the sustainable technology and product.

"Sustainability is directed towards the future and needs storytelling. You must make it credible that the solution offered can help to create a sustainable society. This is important not least to attract investors and to gain public investment support and subsidies", says Thomas Magnusson.

Finally, the third requirement is to prove the system, and provide reliable evidence that the technology works in practice. The requirements here are severe.

"The burden of proof lies with people who want to change things. In the case of wind power, the advocates have had to provide counter-arguments against many types of misgiving, such as that peaks in power generation will overload the network in stiff winds. Biogas has faced objections following problems with engines, empty filling stations and a bus that caught fire", Mikael Ottosson tells us.

"What is new is always seen as the poor relatives from the countryside who must prove themselves and deliver at least the same quality as what is already in place, independently of the sustainability aspect. This makes sustainability an additional component that must be considered, in addition to price and quality", he says.

The conclusions constitute three parts of a conceptual framework, each of which contributes to creating different types of value in a market.

The advantages and enablers of biogas are also its Achilles heel. Certain conditions must be fulfilled: not only must substrate be available, but there must be surrounding agricultural land where the biofertiliser can be used. But who should drive the large volume growth?

"The municipal level was optimal during the construction. Building a national or international market for biogas is more challenging than for other sustainable technologies. Solar panels and wind turbines are standard products today that can be pushed to the market and installed. Instead, biogas solutions are often based on local collaborations in networks with many different stakeholders", says Mikael Ottosson.

In the case of biogas, Sweden is unique in the degree to which the gas is used as vehicle fuel. Other countries mainly produce electricity and heat from biogas. The number of biogas-fuelled vehicles is now increasing again in Sweden, although not to the extent predicted by proponents. This may be due to a lack of models available. Even so, between January and November 2019, 5,000 new biogas cars were registered in Sweden. A major advance for biogas is, however, expected when both Volvo and Scania launch new engines for heavy trucks powered by liquid gas.

"Markets are created and recreated: the phenomenon is rather circular. But the main questions are, as always: Who will take the costs and make the investments required in the construction of a sustainable market? and: How much is to be financed by the public sector?", Hans Andersson states.

###

Shaping sustainable markets - a conceptual framework illustrated by the case of biogas in Sweden, Mikael Ottosson, Thomas Magnusson and Hans Andersson, Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions 2019. doi 10.1016/j.eist.2019.10.008

Link to Biogas research center: https://liu.se/en/research/biogas-research-center

Contact:

Associate Professor Mikael Ottosson, mikael.ottosson@liu.se, +46 13 28 22 60

Professor Thomas Magnusson, thomas.magnusson@liu.se, +46 13 28 89 98

Senior lecturer Hans Andersson, hans.andersson@liu.se, +46 13 28 29 94
Photo: Unsplash

Stockton is seeing strong demand for registered nurses' skills. Employers in the industry posted 138 new jobs over the past week, and 432 in the last month, more than for any other job category in the area, according to ZipRecruiter, a leading online employment marketplace.

Local registered nurse also came in sixth in terms of local employers adding new jobs by occupation. In the past month, 10 companies listed open jobs for Stockton-based workers in the industry.

Top companies seeking local registered nurses include HealthCare Talent, ISYS Solutions and Accountable Healthcare Staffing.

This story was created automatically using local jobs data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
By PTI

LONDON: Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered another defeat in the unelected House of Lords on Tuesday, over the government's plans for child refugees seeking to join relatives in Britain after Brexit.

Peers led by Lord Alf Dubs, who himself arrived in Britain as a child fleeing the Nazis, accused ministers of seeking to water down their commitment to the rights of family reunion.

They voted by 300 to 220 for Dubs' amendment to a bill ratifying the terms of Britain's departure from the European Union on January 31.

However, like three other changes made to the bill in the upper chamber, it likely to be overturned when the legislation returns to the lower elected House of Commons on Wednesday.

The Dubs amendment would stop the government removing a legal obligation to negotiate with the EU continued rights of family reunion for unaccompanied child refugees after Brexit.

"I don't know whether it's total incompetence or whether it's malice but the signal they're sending is that they don't like child refugees," Dubs told AFP ahead of the vote.

Speaking for the government on Tuesday, Baroness Susan Williams insisted the commitment to protecting vulnerable children remained, citing a "proud record" over the past decade.

More than 41,000 children have been granted protection in the UK since 2010, she said.

Most of these were welcomed under Britain's obligations to the international convention on refugees and other commitments, rather than as a result of EU rules.

"The government is, my Lords, and remains committed to seeking a reciprocal agreement for the family reunion of unaccompanied children seeking international protection in either the EU or the UK," she said.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Tuesday that his government is pushing entrepreneurship by recognising, motivating and creating strategies to support youths of the state.

Speaking at the Meghalaya Entrepreneurship and Startup Summit 2020, he said young entrepreneurs should not give up in the face of challenges and move forward with passion in whatever they do.

"The government has started many programmes to push entrepreneurship in the state by recognising, motivating and creating strategies to ensure that different levels of entrepreneurs are identified and guided as they move forward in a life of entrepreneurship," Sangma said.

He said that there are many other fields in the Northeast, besides agriculture and tourism that can be worked on and music is one such sector.

"Meghalaya and the Northeast have great talent in music and music incubators can create value out of this," he said.

He further said that the government through its different programmes would provide suitable platforms for the entrepreneurs to create opportunities and link them to stakeholders.

NITI Ayog CEO Amitabh Kant, who was present at the event, said that India is going through the biggest socio- economic transition with a high population of youth as compared to other nations, therefore it is a rare opportunity for disruptions and innovations.

"Some innovations across the world are not relevant to India and we need to find solutions to our own problems and our challenges are to provide the right technology to farmers, reuse water, and convert waste into energy," he said.

"Meghalaya is unique and a great value proposition of going back to the roots and creating a product would work well for the statem," he said



Kant further said that the NITI Ayog would like to work in partnership with the Meghalaya government to set up tinkering labs in schools across the state, to make it the centre of organic farming and value-added tourism.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Day was celebrated in a befitting manner across the state with the chief minister addressing the main function at the U Soso Tham auditorium.

In his address, Sangma said that achieving statehood is a moment and a gift to celebrate Meghalaya and recall with gratitude the hard-fought moment while looking back at the selfless sacrifices of the forebears in their pursuit to protect the heritage of lands, culture, traditions, language, history, legacy, rights and responsibilities.

As the state celebrates the week-long Meghalaya Day till January 26, Conrad said this is to bring in among the people especially the younger generation a sense of patriotism and love for the state and the nation.

"All of us need to be reminded of how fortunate we are to have our own state and we need to educate the younger generation of how the statehood was achieved and the importance of valuing it," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Although new regulation is needed, "a cautious approach is required that might not see significant controls placed on AI," Pichai who was last month took over as the CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company, in an editorial piece in The Financial Times.

San Francisco: Joining Microsoft President Brad Smith and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday called for new regulations for Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying the only question now is how to approach it.

"There is no question in my mind that artificial intelligence needs to be regulated. It is too important not to. The only question is how to approach it".

"Companies such as ours cannot just build promising new technology and let market forces decide how it will be used. It is equally incumbent on us to make sure that technology is harnessed for good and available to everyone," Pichai wrote.

According to CNET, the timing of the editorial coincides with a big push from Google to reveal some of the results of its own work in AI and bring tools it has developed out into the world.

The Alphabet CEO stressed that "international alignment will be critical to making global standards work" on AI.

We need to take a "principled approach to applying AI, said the company, while offering Google's "expertise, experience and tools."

"We need to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong," he said.

His comments come as lawmakers and governments globally are considering to limit the use of AI in fields such as face recognition system - an issue close to Microsoft President Brad Smith's heart who has often criticized the technology, urging governments to enact legislation regarding the technology.

"Unless we act, we risk waking up five years from now to find that facial recognition services have spread in ways that exacerbate societal issues," said Smith.

Advanced AI which is beyond chat bots will soon be used to manipulate social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, Tesla CEO Elon Musk warned recently.

In his famous debate with former Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma, Musk entered into a lassic argument over the capabilities of emerging technologies like AI.

Musk said that computers will one day surpass humans in "every single way". He has predicted that a single company that develops "God-like super intelligence" might achieve world domination.

If not regulated or controlled soon, AI could become an "immortal dictator" and there will be no escape for humans, the SpaceX CEO had warned.




by Royani Lim

An event organized by the Catholic Press Association highlights the value of the impact of the media on society. High government officials and members of the Episcopal Conference were present. Catholics "are Indonesian citizens, called to spread the truth and the good news". The fake news phenomenon and the risk related to hate speech.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - To maintain unity and security in Indonesia the contribution of the media is fundamental. Communications professionals must be animated by goodwill and dedication, against fake news and hate speech" said the head of the Indonesian Eradication Commission (KPK) Kiki Barhuli, addressing Catholic journalists. They were gathered for the occasion by the Catholic Press Association.

Indonesia, explained the official during the event, "is a strategic nation, the most populous Muslim nation in the world. We are strongly called to behave prudently when we use modern means of communication and to avoid spreading false news or information destined to generate hatred ".

The president of the Association, AM Putut Prabantoro, tells AsiaNews: "We are Indonesian citizens and journalists: we must maintain relationships with everyone, even with the high figures of the government, so that we can have the necessary confirmations for our work". Rosarita Niken Widiastuti, Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications was also present: There are more and more cases of fake news in the panorama of our information. Sometimes they are artfully created, for political reasons. "

Between October 2018 and December 2019, he added, "we have had more than 4,000 cases of fake news, spread for political purposes. The peak was recorded in April 2019, on the occasion of the presidential elections ".

The Executive Secretary of the Lay Commission of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference, Fr. Paolo Siswantoko Pr, underlined the added value of being Catholic in journalism: "We are called to spread the truth and the good news".

(Mathias Hariyadi collaborated)
Training sessions on new electronic pollbooks are planned throughout the next week and a half for North Dakota election officials.

The new devices -- 990 of them -- will be distributed to North Dakota's 53 counties for use at polling locations after being delivered to the state in February. Pollbooks are records of voters of a precinct.

The devices, which resemble an iPad, will speed up what has been a paper process for most counties in checking voters and add an element of security, according to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger.

"One of the things when it comes to election integrity is that once you come in and show your ID, that automatically goes back into our central voter file and so if you attempted to vote, let's say, in Minot or drive up to Killdeer or some other place, they would know that you voted already," Jaeger said Monday.

North Dakota has no voter registration, but maintains a central voter file which is essentially a database of who has voted.

Six or seven counties, mostly larger populated ones, have previously used electronic pollbooks, Jaeger said. Now every county will have them.

Morton County Auditor Dawn Rhone last summer welcomed the news of the forthcoming electronic pollbooks as "a big time-saver in many ways."

Electronic pollbook training sessions for county officials are planned in Bismarck, Dickinson, Minot, Williston, Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Jamestown this week through Jan. 31. The devices will be delivered to Jaeger's office in February for testing, then distributed to counties.

A statewide election conference in early March in Bismarck will offer additional training.

Jaeger said his office is working with North Dakota's Information Technology Department, state's Division of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI for voting system cybersecurity.

The 2019 Legislature budgeted $11.2 million, including $3 million in federal funds, to replace the state's 15-year-old voting machines and to provide for the new electronic pollbooks.

The new voting equipment included 425 ballot scanners, 425 assistive devices for voters with physical difficulty in marking ballots and 53 central count machines for processing absentee and mail ballots.

Counties received the new voting equipment in August.

All of the new election equipment will be first used in the June 9 statewide primary election.

Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com.

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BEIJING - Many countries are checking the temperatures of arriving airline passengers and adopting precautionary quarantine procedures in response to a new virus that has sickened nearly 300 people and killed six in China. India, Nigeria, Japan and the United States are some of the countries where airport screening procedures were in place.

The outbreak is believed to have originated in the city of Wuhan in central China. The Chinese governments confirmation that the new virus can be transmitted between people heightened fears it could spread faster and more widely just as millions of Chinese planned to travel for the Lunar New Year holiday. So far, the U.S., South Korea, Japan and Thailand have confirmed additional cases. Widening public health measures are intended to prevent a repeat of the 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS, which started in China and killed nearly 800 people.

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MAINLAND CHINA

Chinas often-secretive Communist government was blamed for making SARS far worse by initially hiding information and blocking the work of the World Health Organization. This time, leader Xi Jinping has called for tough measures and said party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put peoples lives and health first. At the airport in Wuhan, the temperatures of departing passengers were checked and outbound tour groups were banned from leaving the city. Virtually everyone in a public role, from traffic police officers to bank tellers, is wearing a protective face mask. In addition to 258 cases in Wuhan, more than 20 have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong province in the south and Zhejiang in the east.

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JAPAN

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged officials to step up quarantine checks at airports and other entry points, and Japan will require visitors arriving from Wuhan to fill in health forms. Japan confirmed last week that a man in his 30s tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from the Chinese city. The health ministry says 41 people who had contact with him were being monitored and none has developed a fever, tight chest or other symptoms.

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HONG KONG

The semi-autonomous city is one of the most popular destinations for mainland Chinese. It has stepped up surveillance and ordered more cleaning and disinfecting for planes and trains from Wuhan as well as for train stations and the airport. Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung said authorities are ready for a worst-case scenario and are on extremely high alert. A lack of information and low levels of vigilance were blamed for Hong Kong becoming the second-hardest hit area by SARS after mainland China in the early 2000s. As in much of mainland China, Hong Kong residents favour traditional markets where live poultry and other animals are sold. The government advises people against visiting such markets or touching animals or their droppings.

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UNITED STATES

The U.S. reported its first case of the virus on Tuesday in a man in Washington state who recently travelled from China. Health authorities are checking his contacts and travel. The U.S. also will route all Wuhan-originating airline passengers to five airports where health screenings have begun or will begin later this week  New Yorks Kennedy airport, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a test to detect the new coronavirus and plans to share it with others.

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SOUTH KOREA

South Korea reported its first case of the virus on Monday, in a Chinese woman who works at a South Korean company. At Incheon airport near Seoul, the only airport in South Korea with direct flights from Wuhan, two special gates are designated for passengers from the city and ear thermometers are used to check their temperatures. Arrival halls are being sprayed with disinfectant twice a week, up from once a week previously, and escalator handrails, elevator buttons and other sensitive surfaces are wiped with disinfectant twice a day. In 2015, South Korea suffered an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome which killed 36 people and sickened nearly 200.

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NIGERIA

Nigerias government says health authorities at points of entry are on alert for cases of coronavirus arriving in Africas most populous country. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control asked that travellers from Wuhan report to a medical facility and the centre if they feel ill. China is Africas top trading partner. South Africas National Institute for Communicable Diseases said anyone with a severe respiratory illness should be tested if they have travelled to Wuhan within two weeks or had close physical contact with a coronavirus patient or treatment at a facility where a confirmed case has been reported. There were more than 200,000 Chinese workers in Africa as of the end of 2017, not including numerous informal migrants such as traders and shopkeepers, according to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University.

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INDIA

India will expand thermal screening of passengers arriving from China, including Hong Kong, to seven airports from the current three. In-flight announcements before arrival will direct passengers with a fever or cough who have travelled to Wuhan in the previous 14 days to declare themselves to health authorities. Thermal screening will begin in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin, and continue in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

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SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Singapore will expand temperature screening at Changi Airport, one of Asias busiest travel hubs, for all travellers on flights arriving from China beginning on Wednesday. The health ministry said individuals with pneumonia and a history of travel to Wuhan within 14 days of the onset of symptoms will be isolated in a hospital as a precautionary measure and investigated. Neighboring Malaysia has also beefed up screening at Kuala Lumpurs airport. Deputy health Minister Lee Boon Chye said staff are being trained to handle possible cases. If a case emerges, then we may have to take more drastic measures, but for now, we hope we can nip it at the entry point, Lee told reporters.

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BANGLADESH

Bangladesh civil aviation authorities have ordered airport managers to start screening incoming passengers from China. A.H.M. Touhid-ul Ahsan, director of the main Shahjalal International Airport, said doctors at the airport would look for fevers, coughs, breathing difficulties and sore throats. The countrys Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research will be notified of any passengers with symptoms for further examination, he said.

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AUSTRALIA

Brendan Murphy, Australias chief medical officer, said biosecurity staff and state health officials in New South Wales are meeting flights from Wuhan and are distributing pamphlets printed in English and Chinese to all passengers. The pamphlets describe symptoms of infection and ask people to identify themselves if they are experiencing any.

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RUSSIA

Russias Healthcare Ministry described the virus as a biological hazard, with Deputy Minister Sergei Krayevoy saying the virus was a striking example of the biological threats Russia faces. The Russian public health service, Rospotrebnadzor, said it had developed a testing kit that would allow labs to detect the new coronavirus quickly. Russia is one of the three most popular tourist destinations for people from China, according to Russian officials. They estimate that about 2 million tourists from China visited Russia in 2018.

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ITALY

The Italian Health Ministry says passengers making direct and indirect flights from Wuhan, China to Romes Leonardo da Vinci airport will be checked for potential signs of the virus. People with suspected infections will be quarantined at an infectious disease hospital in Rome, the ministry says. No cases have been reported so far. Posters at the airport advise travellers to consider delaying trips to the Wuhan area and if they do go there to avoid touching animals or uncooked animal products.

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Associated Press journalists Moussa Moussa in Canberra, Australia, Kim Hyung-jin in Seoul, South Korea, Cara Anna in Johannesburg, South Africa, Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Daria Litvinova in Moscow, and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.
Photography by PETER HVIZDAK /

Redding residents will be able to test the radon in their air and water for free through the towns health department.

It is open to the first 20 residents who sign up through the towns health department at 203-938-2559 or by emailing health@townofreddingct.org.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

GREENWICH  The past has come back to haunt a Greenwich man accused of driving under the influence.

Police arrested Vincent Arias, 46, on Jan. 17 and charged him with driving under the influence, operating a motor vehicle without a license, failure to drive in the proper lane, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension.
The Boko Haram insurgency group has reportedly executed abducted Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Lawan Andimi.

This shocking information was made known on Tuesday by Ahmed Salkida, a journalist known to have access to the activities of the insurgents.

He tweeted: To break some news items can traumatize. Im battling with one of such. Reverend Andimi, abducted by Boko Haram was executed yesterday. Rev. Andimi was a church leader, a father to his children and the community he served. My condolences go to his family.

Andimis abduction followed a foiled attack on Michika Local Government Area in Adamawa by Boko Haram.

In a video, Andimi, while pleading with the authorities commended his captors for treating him well.

He urged his family members to pray for his release, adding that if he is not released, maybe it is the will of God.

Andimi said, I have never being discouraged because all condition that one finds himself is in the hand of God.

God who makes them to take care of me and to leave my life will still work and he will touch them.

Im appealing to my colleagues, referends particularly my President, and my Governor for my release.

These people have been doing me well, they provide my every need, they havent done anything wrong to me so I believe that God who made them to act in such a way to me will make all arrangement for me to leave here.

By the grace of God, I will be together with my wife and children. If the opportunity is not granted, maybe it is the will of God.

I urge you all to be patient, dont cry, dont worry but thank God for everything.

President Muhammadu Buhari had responded to a statement by the CAN which accused his government of not doing enough to stop the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

President of CAN, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, in a strong statement, urged the federal government to deploy every necessarily available resource at its disposal to ensure that all Christians in the captivity of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

But Buhari in a statement sent to DAILY POST signed by his Spokesman, Garba Shehu assured CAN and other Nigerians that the security forces were working endlessly to secure the release of hostages in Boko Haram captivity.

The president appealed to Nigerians not to see terrorist attacks and plans as a religious fight or persecution of Christians, adding that Not seeing terrorists as they should be is exactly what they wish to divide Nigerians

The statement read: The security forces of Nigeria are working continuously to return those taken hostage by Boko Haram to their families, friends and communities. In doing this, the government has full confidence in their ability to accomplish the task.

Nigerians must continue to be united in ensuring that they do not subscribe to the terrorists message of division. Unfortunately, some leaders and politicians seek to make political capital from our religious differences.

As we fight Boko Haram on the ground, so too must we tackle their beliefs: stability and unity in face of their hatred is itself a rejection of their worldview.

This government shall never tolerate religious intolerance. We clearly and unambiguously restate our support for the freedom to practice whichever belief you wish.

The politicization of religion  as forbidden by the constitution  has no place in Nigeria.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 10:30:04|Editor: Xiaoxia

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by Ronald Ssekandi

KAMPALA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sula Ssentongo from Mukono district in central Uganda almost gave up on life after a tumor grew in his neck. His first surgery was not successful and therefore he had to undergo a second.

The young man, aged 26, said that his swelling neck almost devastated him before receiving medical care at the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital in the capital Kampala, where he met Wang Yong, a surgeon in the 20th batch of Chinese doctors on a tour of duty in Uganda.

Fortunately, Ssentongo's second surgery was a success.

"If it is possible, I would take a picture with him and hang it in my room. I feel very relieved after the operation," Ssentongo said while recovering from the surgery. "After recovery I know I will be better, work harder and even raise a family."

Ssentongo is one of some 220 million patients in Africa who have been treated by Chinese medical personnel since 1963. His surgeon Wang arrived in Kampala last year and is one of about 1,000 Chinese doctors currently providing free medical services in Africa.

More than 211 Chinese doctors have served in Uganda since the government of China's southern province of Yunan dispatched the first group of doctors to the East African country in 1983.

Wang said his local colleagues are equally skilled, but lack equipment. "The surgeons here are dedicated to their work and are also excellent. They however lack some resources, which limits their performance."

To improve medical practice in Uganda, the Chinese government donated the China-Uganda Friendship Hospital, which was put into operation in 2012.

Timothy Tumwesigye is an intern at the hospital. He assisted Wang in the surgery on Ssentongo.

The operation was quick and neat, Tumwesigye said.

"It was my first time to assist such a procedure, a head and neck surgery. It was a nice experience to work with him. He used high tech gadgets that make the procedure much cleaner and the visibility is good," Tumwesigye said.

Tumwesigye said the Chinese doctors are highly skilled and provide healthcare much needed in the country.

"They are using various skills to perform different surgeries and help the local population. They are using tools that are good and we would like to incorporate into our system. It is a learning experience as well as a service that is beneficial to the community," Tumwesigye said.
United Nations, Jan 21 : Fifty-six journalists were killed in 2019 and most of them died outside conflict zones, a UN spokesperson said.

The number dropped by nearly half from the year 2018, but perpetrators enjoyed almost total impunity, Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as saying on Monday citing Unesco figures.

The figure was published in the 'Unesco Observatory of Killed Journalists' on Monday.

In total, Unesco recorded 894 journalist killings in the decade from 2010 to 2019, an average of almost 90 per year. The number in 2019 was 99.

Journalists were murdered in all regions of the world, with Latin America and the Caribbean recording 22 killings, the highest number, followed by 15 in Asia-Pacific, and 10 in Arab States.

"The figures show that journalists not only suffer extreme risks when covering violent conflict, but that they are also targeted when reporting on local politics, corruption and crime - often in their hometowns," the Unesco said.

Almost two thirds (61 per cent) of the cases in 2019 occurred in countries not experiencing armed conflict, a notable spike in a wider trend in recent years, and a reversal of the situation of 2014, when this figure was one third.

More than 90 per cent of cases recorded in 2019 concerned local journalists, consistent with previous years, it added.

In response to these figures, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of Unesco, said: "Unesco remains deeply troubled by the hostility and violence directed at all too many journalists around the world.

"As long as this situation lasts, it will undermine democratic debate."
[January 21, 2020] Indeed Launches New Experience to Support Career Journey

Indeed, the world's number one job site, today announced the launch of a new experience, Indeed Job Market, to help further support job seekers on their career journey. Indeed Job Market offers job seekers free resources to help maneuver today's evolving career landscape from search to offer. The new experience includes resume and interview advice, an online community to offer support and inspiration, and transformative in-person experiences. While unemployment is the lowest it's been in 50 years, finding a job can still be a challenge for many. Indeed Job Market aims to bridge the gap between deciding to make your next career step and securing the perfect role. By offering specific, tangible insights and advice, Indeed Job Market helps job seekers take advantage of new opportunities. "Since our founding over 15 years ago, Indeed has always been focused on one thing - helping people get jobs," said Paul D'Arcy, SVP at Indeed. "This new experience allows us to connect with all job seekers, from new grads to experiencd professionals, in a deeper way, providing resources on and offline, so they are set up for success in their job search and throughout their career."



The Experience Indeed Job Market's digital hub will feature curated content from career experts, evidence-based job search tips and community support. In addition to resources geared specifically to job seekers, the digital hub will also have content for career counselors and workforce development staff.

Indeed Job Market will host eight in-person events across the U.S., which will feature inspirational speakers, career advice, resume help, refreshments and a relaxing environment to network. These events are free and open to the public, and kick off in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 23-24. Day one of the D.C. event will feature a conversation between Indeed's VP of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, LaFawn Davis, and chef and humanitarian Jose Andres about his unique journey, and day two is a hiring event with a local employer. Other stops include Atlanta, Phoenix, Sacramento, Seattle, Chicago, Detroit and Boston. For more information on Indeed Job Market pop-ups and local hiring events near you, please visit www.indeed.com/job-market. About Indeed More people find jobs on Indeed than anywhere else. Indeed is the #1 job site in the world1 and allows job seekers to search millions of jobs on the web or mobile in over 60 countries and 28 languages. More than 250 million people each month search for jobs, post resumes, and research companies on Indeed,2 and Indeed delivers 3X more hires than any other job site.3 For more information, visit indeed.com. 1 ComScore, March 2019

2 Google Analytics, Unique Visitors, September 2018

3 SilkRoad Technology Source (News - Alert) of Hire Report, 2018 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005246/en/

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A married HSBC boss dubbed 'Weinstein' had an affair with a colleague and romped with another woman in the toilet at work, an employment tribunal heard.

Madeliene Luckham, head of delivery for HSBC staff digitisation, had an affair with her boss Robert Clegg, who told her she was not his first fling and that he did not love his wife, she claims.

But when they split, she said Mr Clegg, who was global head of her department, would leer at her chest, touch her uninvited in public and made her feel professionally and personally worthless.

She also told of him flirting with other women in front of her after they separated, getting 'very handsy' at work with another woman and whispering in the woman's ear 'we'd have great sex'.

Robert Clegg (pictured) is accused of sexual discrimination against Madeleine Luckham (right) and is facing a tribunal in Stratford, East London

Ms Luckham, 38, from Teddington in south west London, also accused Mr Clegg of rubbing against her in meetings.

And after confronting him about cheating on her with another woman she was left feeling like a a 'cheap fill-in' as he said their relationship had been just 'casual drunken sex', the hearing was told.

Ms Luckham, who earned 550 a day as a contractor said she was promised a permanent job for a 130,000 salary but that never materialised after they broke up and he turned against her.

She is now suing both HSBC and Mr Clegg for sex discrimination which both deny.

She told Stratford Employment Tribunal that they split up in April 2018 and she first had doubts the previous Christmas after a trip to New York when she realised she would 'break the hearts' of his four young children.

But Mr Clegg, 48, from Newbury in Berkshire, told the tribunal he ended the affair in January 2018 during a joint work trip to Hong Kong where Ms Luckham had made snide comments about him in a bid to embarrass him.

He said he had told her 'we're done' and had started seeing a counsellor with his wife to try and save their marriage, according to his witness statement.

She said the affair had started in October 2017 at HSBC's fintech hub in Southwark when they had dinner together at Hickster's after team drinks at Jack's bar, the tribunal heard.

The pair shared a consensual kiss and returned to Mr Clegg's Mercure Hotel, opposite, where he invited Ms Luckham to spend the night and later asked her for WhatsApp sex after she refused, it was said.

Robert Clegg (pictured umpiring the women's boat race for Cancer Research UK) denies sexual discrimination as does HSBC

She said: 'We met the next day and discussed what had happened the night before as well as his marriage.

'He told me that his marriage was over and that it was a matter of financially getting to the position where he could divorce.

'He said that he and his wife were no longer intimate, he didn't love her anymore, that they led separate lives and that they were only together for their children. He also told me I wasn't his first affair.'

Three days later, Mr Clegg invited Ms Luckham for dinner and they later had sex at his hotel.

The pair would send complimentary messages to one another at work, with Mr Clegg texting her 'you look good enough to eat today' the tribunal heard.

She said they would kiss, hold hands and play footsie under the table at work and that Mr Clegg had told her he loved her.

But on April 7, Ms Luckham said Mr Clegg became extremely flirtatious with a woman from SOMO, an external contractor 'in front of her eyes'.

She said she was heartbroken hearing rumours of him being 'very handsy' with someone at a work social event around the same time.

Ms Luckham said: 'He had walked behind her, placed his hands around her, resting at the top of her legs and said in her ear 'we'd have great sex.'

'I was heartbroken and decided to speak to Rob about it directly.'

In her witness statement, she said: 'Kai Kartel (a work friend) and I discussed Rob, the way he looked at women like they were prey and the fact that he had even earned himself a nickname back at the SOMO offices, 'Weinstein'..'

Ms Luckham said Mr Clegg found the conversation about his flirting with other women very distressing, apologised and blamed it on their relationship not going well.

She said: 'He then blamed it on his situation at home, the way his wife was treating him and said that he did not feel like himself.

'He asked for another chance and I stupidly agreed. However in the blink of an eye on April 9, I discovered that he was sleeping with someone else in the office.'

Ms Luckham said the pair met the following day when she believes she ended the relationship.

She said: 'However Rob was quite dismissive of me and my feelings and started to belittle our relationship.

'He intimated that it was true he was sleeping with one of our colleagues. He minimised our relationship calling it casual drunken sex that he wasn't getting at home, as though I was a cheap fill-in for him and that was that.

'During the conversation, he repeated that he 'couldn't afford to leave HSBC' the clear inference being that I should leave instead.'

In the immediate aftermath of their breakup, Ms Luckham said things changed in the office and Mr Clegg told her 'out of the blue' he was not entirely happy with her work and that he touched her in a meeting.

She said: 'In one meeting we were in together he walked the long way round behind me and placed both hands on my hips as he slid by, rubbing himself behind me.

'I felt my body tense and recoil. This was just one of numerous examples of unwanted touching and sexual harassment over the next few months.'

On May 1, Ms Luckham discovered the permanent role, she had accepted in writing with a 130k base salary, was no longer available she claims.

But the tribunal was also told Ms Luckham was given until May 21 to apply for the role but did not do so.

Ms Luckham said Mr Clegg would talk to her 'like dirt' behind closed doors and blame her for everything that had gone wrong, and switch the second they left the room.

She said he would rub his leg against hers in meetings and stare at her chest while talking to her which she found 'totally unacceptable.'

She said: 'I felt violated. It was torture.'

Ms Luckham also recalled seeing Mr Clegg go into a staff toilet where she claimed he had sex with another woman after allegedly trying to prevent her from moving into the new role.

She said: 'As I walked past, through the outer door, I saw her knock on one of the cubicle doors and it opened.

'Rob was already inside. Rob had just moments ago destroyed my career and was now having sex in the office toilet.

'Roughly ten minute later Rob returned from the toilets looking all sweaty and dishevelled and gave me the most sinister smile I've ever seen in my life. I felt physically sick.'

By the end of June, Ms Luckham said she was very affected by stress and anxiety and had dropped more than a dress size.

She claimed the treatment by the bank and Mr Clegg that almost drove her to suicide and left her with possible PTSD.

But Mr Clegg, denied most of the accusations and said he felt like his personality was under constant violent attack by Ms Luckham.

In his witness statement, Mr Clegg said: 'On advice from HR, I eventually took the decision not to renew the claimant's contract which ended in August 2018 because of behavioural issues which had ruined the previously positive working culture in my team and become impossible to manage.

'I accept my share of responsibility for that in allowing my relationship with the claimant to impact my actions as manager.'

He added: 'However I did not discriminate against, bully or harass the claimant.'

But Ms Luckham told the hearing: 'I have been the victim of bullying, harassment and discrimination at the hands of HSBC and Rob in particular.

'I was victimised as a result of raising a grievance in relation to Rob's conduct.

'Ultimately I was forced out of HSBC.

'I will ask the tribunal to infer that this was because I was a woman and/or that it was part of the campaign of bullying, harassment and victimisation to which I was subject.'

She added: 'At HSBC women only have a voice if there is a stronger male voice behind them.

'There is a pervasive culture of sexism at HSBC in which women are objectified by their male colleagues, ignored when complaints are raised by them and frozen out of the business when they are perceived as 'difficult.''

She told the tribunal: 'What is sad about HSBC is I felt I had found a place where I wanted to stay for a long time.'
No company is ahead of Ericsson when it comes to 5G, the Swedish firm's boss has told CNBC.

Refuting claims that China's Huawei is leading the pack on the fifth generation of mobile internet, Ericsson CEO Borje Ekholm said he sees "no one ahead of us" on the technology.

"I find it's a bit difficult to say that we're behind when I see no one ahead of us," Ekholm told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Ekholm said that, though geopolitical tensions surrounding Huawei are "creating uncertainty in the market," the "notion that we get a free ride" as a result is false. He added that Ericsson's equipment was the first to be used in North America and Europe.

Dexter Thillien, senior industry analyst at Fitch Solutions, said it's "not true" to claim that Huawei is the "only player" in 5G, highlighting Ericsson and Finland's Nokia as two strong alternatives to the Chinese tech firm.

"Europe can be able to operate without Huawei," he told CNBC in a phone interview, adding that the U.S., Japan and South Korea have been able to launch 5G networks without the need for Huawei equipment.
[January 21, 2020] Rafael Pharmaceuticals Announces the Initiation of a Phase 1b/2 Clinical Trial of CPI-613 (devimistat) in Combination with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Patients with Biliary Tract Cancer

Cranbury, NJ, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Rafael or the Company), a leader in the growing field of cancer metabolism-based therapeutics, announced today its collaboration with Michigan Medicine to proceed with a Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of CPI-613 (devimistat) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin for patients with biliary tract cancer. The study will be a multicenter randomized trial of gemcitabine and cisplatin with or without devimistat as a first-line therapy for patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer who have had no prior treatment. The goal of the Phase 1b part of the trial will be to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), or the highest dose of devimistat that does not cause side effects, when given in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin. This will determine the recommended dose for the randomized Phase 2 part of the trial. The goal of Phase 2 will be to then determine the efficacy of devimistat in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as compared with the combination chemotherapy alone. An estimated 68 to 78 patients will be enrolled in the study. Biliary tract cancer is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects approximately 15,000 people in the United States each year, said Sanjeev Luther, President and CEO of Rafael Pharmaceuticals. Launching this trial aligns with our mission to help patients with signifiant unmet medical needs.



Vaibhav Sahai, MBBS, MS., Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at Michigan Medicine, is the Principal Investigator on the study. Devimistat has demonstrated promising results in pancreatic cancer, said Dr. Sahai. Rare cancers require dedicated and innovative research, and I am hopeful that we will advance treatment options for patients with biliary tract cancer.

About CPI-613 (devimistat) CPI-613 (devimistat) is a first-in-class clinical lead compound of Rafael, which targets enzymes that are involved in cancer cell energy metabolism and are located in the mitochondria of cancer cells. Devimistat is designed to target the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, a process essential to tumor cell multiplication and survival, selectively in cancer cells. Devimistat substantially increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to a diverse range of chemotherapeutic agents. This synergy allows for potential combinations of devimistat with lower doses of these generally toxic drugs to be more effective with lower patients side effects. Combination with devimistat represent a diverse range of opportunities to substantially improve patients benefit in many different cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given Rafael approval to initiate pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials in pancreatic cancer (AVENGER 500) and acute myeloid leukemia (ARMADA 2000), and has designated devimistat as an orphan drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, peripheral T-cell lymphoma and Burkitts lymphoma. The EMA has granted orphan drug designation to devimistat for pancreatic cancer and acute myeloid leukemia. About Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Rafael Pharmaceuticals is a leader in the growing field of cancer metabolism. The company is developing a new, first-in-class category of metabolic oncology therapeutics that attack hard-to-treat cancers by targeting the metabolic processes the disease needs to survive, grow and proliferate. Rafael Pharmaceuticals lead compound, CPI-613 (devimistat), is a highly selective, well-tolerated and effective anti-cancer agent that is being evaluated in ongoing and completed Phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials. Devimistat has been granted orphan drug status by the FDA for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and Burkitts and peripheral T-cell lymphomas. The Company's investors include Rafael Holdings, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: RFL). For more information, please visit www.rafaelpharma.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the companys future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential" or "continue", the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the company, or any other person, that such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The business and operations of the company are subject to substantial risks which increase the uncertainty inherent in forward-looking statements. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

### Rafael Media Contact:

Holly Dugan

[email protected]

(201) 465-8019



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WARSAW, Poland - Poland appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to refrain from using World War II and Holocaust victims for current political goals and pointed to wartime documents in which the Polish government called on the Allies to save Jews.

Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek made the appeal before a conference in Israel this week to mark 75 years since Soviet troops liberated the German Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Putin, who will be one of the key speakers, recently alleged that Poland bears some blame for the war and accused Polands government of the time of anti-Semitism. Polish President Andrzej Duda decided to boycott the conference, saying he wasnt offered a chance to speak.

In a recent interview with Israeli state TV, Duda said that Putin is consciously disseminating lies about history.

This way he is trying to erase the responsibility of (Josef) Stalins Russia for starting World War II jointly with Hitlers Germany, Duda said in comments aired Monday.

Szynkowski vel Sek said Tuesday that if distortions and untrue allegations are repeated at the conference on Thursday in Jerusalem, Poland will point to historic documents and facts to counter them.

He named efforts by Polands resistance and the government-in-exile in London to gather and share with world leaders the facts about the mass extermination of Jews by occupying Nazi Germany. One such document is Polands report on the extermination of Jews that various government leaders received in 1942, when Auschwitz-Birkenau was operating.

He mentioned Jan Karski, who gave his first-hand account from the Warsaw Ghetto to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, and Capt. Witold Pilecki, who volunteered to be taken by the Nazis to Auschwitz-Birkenau to later bear witness to its atrocities.

From 1940-45, around 1.1 million people, mostly Jews from across Europe, but also Poles, Roma and Russian prisoners of war, were killed at the camp.

On Monday, observances with the participation of foreign leaders and survivors will take place at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial to mark 75 years since it was liberated by Soviet troops.

World War II began in 1939 with Nazi Germanys military invasion of Poland, followed two weeks later by the Soviet invasion.
21 January 2020

Acron Ships 100,000 Tonnes of Liquid Fertilisers to Argentina

In 2019, Acron Group, a leading fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, supplied Argentina with over 100,000 tonnes of liquid fertilisers, predominantly urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN). This highly effective fertiliser is widely used by local growers to produce corn and wheat.

Acron Group established a local distribution company, Acron Argentina S.R.L., for direct fertiliser sales to the Argentinian market, and the first ship carrying UAN reached Argentina in early May 2019. Subsequently, to expand its liquid fertiliser portfolio and complement UAN with sulphur, a key macronutrient for growers in Argentina, Acron started supplying ammonium thiosulfate solution (ATS).

To support direct sales of liquid fertilisers, Acron Group has leased storage facilities with a total capacity of about 50,000 tonnes in the strategically located ports of San Martin and Zarate, and hired a highly qualified team with extensive experience in fertiliser sales in Argentina.

Acrons Vice President Overseas Dmitry Khabrat commented:

We continue to expand our strategic business geography, developing the distribution segment where we see potential for market growth and where our presence can provide additional benefits to customers. Acrons UAN is already in great demand in the agricultural sector in Argentina. However, buyers had limited access to the global UAN market due to poor infrastructure. We have managed to solve this issue. We use the storage facilities to maintain UAN inventories and ship supplies to growers as needed, even as little as a single truckload. We expect our share of the country's liquid fertiliser market to reach 20% in the near future. Next year, we plan to start selling dry fertilisers to Argentina.

Acron Argentina S.R.L. was established in 2018 and registered in Buenos Aires.

Acron Group is one of the worlds top three UAN producers and a leading UAN supplier to the United States.

Story continues

Media Contacts:

Sergey Dorofeev

Anastasiya Gromova

Tatiana Smirnova

Public Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196)

Investor Contacts:

Ilya Popov

Investor Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252)

Background Information

Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and the Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic port terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acrons subsidiary, North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP), holds mining licences for 11 parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty, one of the largest chemical producers in Europe.

In 2018, the Group sold 7.3 million tonnes of various products to 67 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets.

In 2018, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 108,062 million (USD 1,723 million) and net profit of RUB 13,318 million (USD 212 million). Acrons shares are on the Level 1 quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs approximately 11,000 people.

For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en.
ALBANY  A federal appeals court on Tuesday vacated three of the seven counts on which former state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was convicted of corruption, but also affirmed four of the counts, including a money-laundering charge.

The ruling sets up the possibility that the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan, which filed its criminal case against Silver five years ago, may forego a third trial and ask the court to re-sentence the former state leader on the four felony counts that were affirmed by the appellate ruling.

Silver has stood trial twice on federal corruption charges and remained free on $200,000 bond since his arrest on Jan. 22, 2015. He appealed both of his convictions to the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals: his first conviction was vacated; his latest appeal focused on the judge's instructions to the jury that had convicted him a second time.

It was not immediately clear what the ruling will mean for Silver, who was sentenced to concurrent seven-year prison terms in 2018 after a jury convicted him a second time. He was convicted of two counts each of honest services mail fraud, honest services wire fraud and Hobbs Act extortion, and one count of money laundering.

At his second sentencing, the court ordered Silver to pay a fine of $1.75 million and to forfeit $3.7 million.

Richard S. Hartunian, a former U.S. attorney in New York's Northern District, said that if federal prosecutors opt not to retry Silver on the dismissed counts, another pre-sentence report will need to be completed that could lower the sentencing guidelines. However, the guidelines  which judges can stray from if they state their reasons for doing so on the record  would still allow the judge to consider the allegations surrounding the dismissed charges when meting out any punishment.

"The court can still consider all relevant conduct in determining what an appropriate sentence should be," said Hartunian, who is in private practice and specializes in white-collar defense cases for Manatt, Phelps & Phillips in Manhattan.

Tuesday's ruling by the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed two honest services counts and one Hobbs Act count against Silver, remanding the case back to the district court judge for further action, including formal dismissal of those three counts.

Silver, 75, was convicted on charges that he accepted nearly $4 million in fees in exchange for taking actions as a legislator that benefited a cancer researcher and real estate developers. Silver was convicted of engaging in a two-pronged corruption scheme that padded his bank account with what prosecutors characterized as bribes and kickbacks disguised as legal fees.

But Silver's appeals were based in large part on recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have whittled away at the federal honest services fraud statutes that had long been among the Justice Department's favored weapons in white-collar and political corruption cases.

In this week's appellate ruling, the circuit panel found Silver was "correct that each offense demands more than a nonspecific promise to undertake official action on any future matter beneficial to the payor." They said the judge's instructions to the jury were "harmless" with respect to three of the counts on which he was convicted, but "the evidence was insufficient to sustain a guilty verdict against Silver on three other counts."

Silver, once among the state's most powerful elected officials, has waged a fierce legal battle against the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan. Following his first conviction, which was overturned and remanded for a second trial, Silver had been sentenced to 12 years in prison in May 2016.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

The Second Circuit decision to overturn Silver's 2015 conviction had cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision a year earlier that narrowed the definition of bribery. The appellate judges in Silver's case agreed that, under the Supreme Court's ruling, the instructions given to the jury at Silver's first trial were improper and prejudicial.

The Supreme Court's retooling of the federal honest-services statute was handed down in the case of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who along with his wife was convicted of taking government action on behalf of a business executive who gave the couple loans, vacations and gifts.

The Supreme Court, in reviewing what actually constitutes corruption and what constitutes everyday government action for a benefactor, threw out McDonnell's conviction after determining that setting up a meeting, calling another public official or hosting an event does not qualify as an "official act."

In a 2010 ruling, the Supreme Court had chipped away at the honest services statute in a ruling on former Enron CEO Jeff Skilling, finding that bribery and kickbacks must be part of honest services prosecution. That decision led to a retrial of former state Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno on federal corruption charges, where he was acquitted.

The appellate ruling in Silver's case this week "means that prosecution of public officials will continue to be a challenging exercise for federal prosecutors, as the rules announced in the Supreme Courts seminal rulings in Skilling and McDonnell are further refined," said Hartunian, who was at the helm of the Northern District when Bruno was acquitted. "Notwithstanding the dismissal of several counts of conviction, Mr. Silver still faces the prospect of jail time, with the trial judge able to consider the entirety of his conduct under the broad reach of the federal sentencing guidelines."

Silver, who was of counsel for the Manhattan law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg, was accused of helping steer state grants to a doctor who funneled mesothelioma patients to the law firm. The three counts overturned by the circuit court this week related to that work.

Silver also did legal work for another Manhattan firm, Goldberg & Iryami, that handled property tax assessment appeals, and was similarly was accused of receiving legal fees through that firm from real estate developers that had extensive business before the Legislature.

Silver's attorneys argued that the definition of an official act was "the exercise of actual governmental power, the threat to exercise such power or pressure imposed on others to exercise actual government power." Federal prosecutors, whom U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni ultimately agreed with, said an official act includes "any action taken or to be taken under color of official authority."
During week three of The Bachelor, Peter Weber took eight ladies on a group date, and drama ensued. Lets take a look at why everyone is talking about Alayah and whether or not she is on the show for the right reasons.

[Warning: The Bachelor Season 24 spoilers ahead]

Peter Weber with Season 24 contestants | ABC/Craig Sjodin

How did Alayah get called out as being fake on The Bachelor?

This week on The Bachelor, Demi Burnett plans the group date. She wakes all of the girls up with huge pillows and a megaphone. The former Bachelor in Paradise star gives each contestant lingerie and various nighttime wear for the date. Some of it is hideous. Then she takes them to meet Peter.

When they arrive, the ladies must pillow fight each other until one winner is left standing. They go at it in Demis Extreme Pillow Fight Club until Burnett announces that Alayah is the winner.

While on the date, Sydney calls out Alayah as being fake right to her face. Then she goes behind Alayahs back and tells Weber that some of the women are not there for the right reasons. He is visibly upset and asks her to tell him who she is talking about. Sydney does not hesitate to call out Alayah in front of everyone.

That freaks me out so much that I could end up developing feelings for someone that is not being genuine with me, Weber told Sydney.

Throughout the remainder of the episode, Weber spends his time trying to figure out if Alayah is telling him the truth or not. He questions various other girls who all throw her under the bus. Hes incredibly upset over the entire drama and ends up sending Alayah home.

Our favorite pilot is still upset after the rose ceremony. Then during the scenes from week 4, fans find out that Alayah returns.

On one side, fans feel that Alayah is lying and fake

Me at the beginning of the episode: Who the heck is Alayah?? wrote one Bachelor fan on Twitter. Me at the end of the episode: ALAYAH MUST GO HOME.

Some fans are very bothered by the way 24-year-old Miss Texas talks in front of the camera. They find that she changes her personality when Weber is around and while the film is rolling.

Her voice goes up 5 octaves when the cameras come on, tweeted another viewer.

Many fans also believe that Alayah is only on the show to promote herself and gain more Instagram followers.

Now I wont get my sugar bear hair partnership, one Twitter user tweeted, indicating that this is probably what Alayah is saying now that she did not get a rose.

Other fans responded that she would probably score the partnership despite being sent home. If she was there for the publicity, she did get plenty of it with tonights episode.

Some Bachelor fans are appalled that the other women threw Alayah under the bus

This episode is making me so mad! wrote one Instagram user to Alayah. I am so sorry they teamed up on you!

Alayah supporters feel that the other women are trying to remove their competition.

He jumped to conclusions! another Instagram user pointed out about Weber. Obviously, the other girls dont like her because shes the competition!

Numerous fans were quick to defend Alayah and apologize for how the other contestants treated her on the show.

Im so sorry you got ganged up on, added another fan. Sydney is clearly very immature; if she had an issue with you, she shouldve had a mature conversation with you, instead of interrogating you.

It looks like fans are torn on this one. Some believe that Alayah is fake and should not come back. However, others think that it was not right for the other women to talk about her negatively to Weber. Well find out if she is going to stick around on the next episode of The Bachelor, Jan. 27, 2020, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
MOSCOW  Nobody knows whats going on inside the Kremlin right now. And perhaps thats precisely the point.

President Vladimir V. Putin announced constitutional changes last week that could create new avenues for him to rule Russia for the rest of his life.

But will they? How? And will he?

Mr. Putins new prime minister announced his roster of ministers on Tuesday, with the most prominent officials keeping their posts. Yet as more details of what appears to be Russias biggest governmental overhaul in a decade trickle out, the true nature of Mr. Putins long-term plan  and whether he even has one  is shrouded in mystery.

Ever since his opening salvo at the end of his annual state-of-the-nation speech last Wednesday, nearly every day has brought news of high-level resignations, unexpected appointments and cryptic new legislation. Decoding these clues  and arguing over whether one should even try  has thrown the international cottage industry of Kremlin experts into a contradictory cacophony of prediction and interpretation.
Morocco and Mauritania have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in local and regional governance for a better, accountable, transparent and efficient administration.

An agreement to this end was inked on Monday in Nouakchott on the sidelines of a symposium organized under the theme The regions Governance in Mauritania & Morocco.

The two sides pledged to share experiences in local governance and decentralization through the holding of regular conferences and workshops. They also agreed to enhance trade, investment, industrial and tourist activities as well as twinning agreements between the two countries local governments.

In Morocco, decentralization is an essential element in the management of state affairs. Major strides have been accomplished in the implementation of advanced regionalization in the North African Kingdom which is endeavoring to speed up regional development, curb social disparities, enhance attractiveness, improve regional competitiveness, and enhance inclusive democracy for an integrated, sustainable economic and social development.
The UK governments new Counter Terrorism Policing document reveals the full scope of political surveillance and suppression intended under the Prevent anti-radicalisation programme.

The 24-page guidance document, parts of which were published by the Guardian on Friday, lists prominent left-wing, anti-war and environmental groups alongside far-right, fascist and white supremacist organisations such as Britain First, the English Defence League and the neo-Nazi National Front terrorist group. The list includes the Stop the War Coalition, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, PETA, Stop the Badger Cull, the Socialist Workers Party, Stand Up to Racism and the Socialist Party.

In June 2019, it was circulated as guidance material via the governments Prevent programme to selected official committees dedicated to enforcing its policies within the UKs five-and-a-half million-strong public sector workforce. Employees are required by Prevent to report on members of the public, especially children, who they suspect are being radicalised by extremist and terrorist organisations.

A senior teacher who received the document in Prevent training told the Guardian, The document is extraordinarily vague and leaves a great deal down to the interpretation of the individual member of staff. Clustering relatively innocuous groups like Greenpeace and CND in with genuine extremist groups seems to imply that these organisations are on the radar of the counter-terrorism police and should also be interpreted as such by the teaching staff coming across them.

Revelations about the counter-terrorism document have produced a public outcry. Many of the listed organisations have issued statements of protest since Friday. Environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion (XR), which advocates peaceful civil disobedience, issued a statement warning of the guides chilling effect This labeling of ordinary peoplegrandparents, doctors, pregnant mothers, bus drivers, rabbis and moreconcerned about the environment is deeply concerning.

In the past few months, XR continued, weve seen cases of people being banned from political conferences, asked to keep quiet at work and investigated by employers for speaking out against company policy and taking days off to go on strike.

The Stop the War Coalition (STWC), which in 2003 organised the biggest anti-war protest in UK history, condemned what it described as its totally groundless inclusion in the document alongside violent neo-Nazi organisations. They continued: This reinforces the concern we have long expressed about the Prevent initiative, that it would be used more widely against groups critical of government policy.

STWC announced they intend taking urgent steps to ensure the removal of all reference to Stop the War and other progressive organisations from this and other Prevent and anti-terrorism documents.

Animal rights group PETAs director, Elisa Allen, said, This appears to be a sinister attempt to quash legitimate campaigning organisationssomething that is as dangerous as it is undemocratic.

Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up to Racism co-convenor, said, We have already seen Prevent used to target the Muslim community and undermine democracy and free speech in schools. The targeting of legitimate non-violent campaigns means the right to protest is now genuinely under threat. We have already seen heavy-handed policing of protests and infiltration of progressive campaigns by security forces. Where will this process end?

The targeting of left-wing, anti-war and environmental groups by UK Counter Terrorism police is part of a policy framework agreed at the highest levels of the British state for mass surveillance and the abrogation of fundamental democratic rights. Anyone referred to the police via Prevent is immediately assessed as to whether he or she is at risk of radicalization and added to a database. Last October, the human rights group Liberty noted that a police database with full access to Prevent records was being used to monitor and control communities.

An organisations listing in counter-terror documents can be used as a pretext to deny it use of public and private meeting spaces or to censor its writings. A December 2015 document, Councils role in preventing extremism, reads: The Prevent team has also worked with staff and managers in charge of bookings at local community and private venues to make sure they are informed of the Prevent processes and understand how to block people who may be intending to use the spaces for malicious purposes.

Universities have also restricted access to texts in deference to Prevent. This amounts to a severe restriction on the right to free speech and political expression.

Counter Terrorism police claimed that their document was not meant to brand all the groups it features as extremist, pointing to a section that reads: not all of the signs and symbols noted within this document are of counter terrorism interest. However, as the Guardian has noted, this disclaimer appears only alongside a set of historical and religious symbols used by white supremacists, and does not appear alongside the logos of left-wing and environmental groups.

After listing all the groups in its counter-terrorism guidance, the final page of the only published section of the documenta five-page posterreads, How can I report any concerns identified via this document? It directs readers to file an online report or call an anonymous police line.

The entire report is cloaked in secrecy, with only a five-page poster featuring insignia associated with the listed groups, which has been published in the media. Counter Terrorism Police refused to provide a copy of the report to the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS), telling our reporter that we are not sharing the guidance document.

The Home Office refused to provide a copy of the document, telling our reporter it was a matter for Counter Terrorism Policing. When our reporter replied that police and security agencies are both subordinate and answerable to the elected government, a Home Office spokesperson replied that Counter Terrorism Police were operationally independent from Government. Neither Counter Terrorism Police nor the Home Office were willing to offer any legal basis for withholding such a document from the press.

The wholesale listing of left-wing, anti-war and environmental groups on what amounts to a terrorist watch list points to the dangerous evisceration of democratic rights over the last two decades. Prevent was introduced alongside a raft of legislation by Tony Blairs Labour government in 2003 in the context of the imperialist invasion of Iraq and under cover of the war on terror.

Its remit was widened in 2011 by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat government. In 2015, legislation made it a statutory duty for school, local authority, prison and National Health Service staff to report any individual deemed vulnerable to radicalization.

The current guidance document prepares the way for categorising any and all political opposition as a form of terror-related activity, with all the draconian consequences that followincluding pre-charge detention for up to 28 days.

Prevent has met with protests from civil liberties and human rights groups and academic and public sector workers. Just as the Counter Terrorism Police guidance document was being revealed, a statement released by human rights charity Cage, signed by more than 100 academics, campaigners, and community organisers, demanded the scheme be abolished.

Most criticism has focused on Prevents demonisation of Muslims. But while the scheme undoubtedly targets Muslims, the WSWS has always insisted that its primary purpose was to establish the architecture for mass political repression directed against the whole working class.

Under the catch-all term radicalisation, Prevent establishes two deeply anti-democratic legal precedents. First, it makes the suspected thoughts and opinions of individuals, not their actions, a basis for surveillance and repression. Second, it puts far-right and religious extremism and terrorism, carried out by small and popularly despised groups, often acting under the protection of the security services, on a par with mass democratic political sentiment as represented by left-wing, anti-war and climate change movements.

This has been the underlying motivation for Prevent from the beginning. It has now been brought to the fore by Boris Johnsons Tory government in response to a global resurgence of class struggle and in preparation for vicious attacks on the working class.

This is the common agenda of the ruling class everywhere. In Germany, the Verfassungsschutz (Office for the Protection of the Constitution) has reanimated the Nazi legal conception of Willensstrafrecht (punishment for thought) in making the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, an object of state surveillance as an extremist group for supposed crimes such as opposing imperialism and war and basing its policies on the class struggle.

The same conceptions animate the ongoing revision of the UK governments Counter Extremism Strategy, which will look to criminalise non-violent extremist ideology for the first time. A report published last September for this review by the governments Commission for Countering Extremism listed views such as, The greatest threat to democracy has always come from the far-right, We should always support striking workers, Capitalism is essentially bad and must be destroyed and Industry should produce for need and not for profit as examples of extremist thinking.

The logical outcome of these policies is a state of dictatorship, in which all political dissent is criminalised. The ruling class is on a crash course with imperialist war abroad and revolutionary upheavals at home and is assembling all the repressive power of the state in preparation. The international working class must take heed and place the demand for democratic political rights at the centre of its growing strikes and protests around the world.
Fake news, the chief executive of Lufthansa has called it. But his counterpart at Air France calls it the airline industrys biggest challenge. So does the president of Emirates: Its got to be dealt with.

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What theyre talking about is flight shame  the guilt caused by the environmental impacts of air travel. Specifically, the carbon emissions.

Its the reason teen climate-change activist Greta Thunberg refused to fly to New York to address the United Nations Climate Action Summit in September, taking a 14-day sea voyage instead.

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In Thunbergs native Sweden, flight shame (flygskam) has really taken off, motivating people to not take off. Last year 23% of Swedes reduced their air travel to shrink their carbon footprint, according to a WWF survey. Swedish airport operator Swedavia reported passenger numbers at its ten airports in October were down 5% on the previous year.

The potency of this guilt is what put Lufthansas head, Carsten Spohr, on the defensive at an aviation industry conference in Berlin in November.

Airlines should not have to be seen as a symbol of climate change. Thats just fake news, he declared. Our industry contributes 2.8% of global CO emissions. As Ive asked before, how about the other 97.2%? Are they contributing to global society with as much good as we do? Are they reducing emissions as much as we do?

Does he have a point? Lets consider the evidence.

How bad are aviation CO emissions?

The International Council on Clean Transportation (the same organisation that exposed Volkwagens diesel emissions fraud), estimates commercial aviation accounted for 2.4% of all carbon emissions from fossil-fuel use in 2018.

So its true many other sectors contribute more.

It is also true airlines are making efforts to reduce the amount of carbon they emit per passenger per kilometre. Australias aviation industry, for example, has reduced its emissions intensity by 1.4% a year since 2013.

However, the ICCT estimates growth in passenger numbers, and therefore total flights, means total carbon emissions from commercial aviation have ballooned by 32% in five years, way faster than UN predictions. On that trajectory, the sectors total emissions could triple by 2050.

Alternatives to fossil fuels

A revolution in aircraft design could mitigate that trajectory. The International Air Transport Association suggests the advent of hybrid electric aircraft propulsion (similar to how a hybrid car works, taking off and landing using electric power) by about 2030-35 could reduce fossil fuel consumption by up to 40%. Fully electric propulsion after that could eliminate fossil fuels completely.

Even with the advent of electric airliners by mid-century, the huge cost and long lifespan of commercial jets means it could still take decades to wean fleets off fossil fuels.

A shorter-term solution might be replacing fossil fuels with sustainable aviation fuels such as biofuels made from plant matter. But in 2018 just 15 million litres of aviation biofuel were produced  less than 0.1% of total aviation fuel consumption. The problem is it costs significantly more than standard kerosene-based aviation fuel. Greater use depends on the price coming down, or the price of fossil fuels going up.

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Pricing carbon

This brings us to the role of economics in decarbonising aviation.

An economist will tell you, for most goods the simplest way to reduce its consumption is to increase its price, or reduce the price of alternatives. This is the basis of all market-based solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

One way is to impose a tax on carbon, the same way taxes are levied on alcohol and tobacco, to deter consumption as well as to raise revenue to pay the costs use imposes on society.

The key problem with this approach is a government must guess at the price needed to achieve the desired reduction in demand. How the tax revenue is spent is also crucial to public acceptance.

In France, opposition to higher fuel taxes led the government to instead announce an eco-tax on flights.

This proposed tax will range from 1.50 (about A$2.40) for economy flights within the European Union to 18 (about A$29.30) for business-class flights out of the EU. Among those who think this price signal is too low to make any real difference is Sam Fankhauser, director of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment in London.

Trading and offsets

Greater outcome certainty is the reason many economists champion an emissions trading scheme (also known as cap and trade). Whereas a tax seeks to reduce carbon emissions by raising the price of emission, a trading scheme sets a limit on emissions and leaves it to the market to work out the price that achieves it.

One advantage economists see in emissions trading is that it creates both disincentive and incentives. Emitters dont pay a penalty to the government. They effectively pay other companies to achieve reductions on their behalf through the trade of carbon credits.

The European Union already has an emissions trading scheme that covers flights within the European Economic Area, but it has been criticised for limiting incentives for companies to reduce emissions because they can cheaply buy credits, such as from overseas projects such as tree-planting schemes.

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This led to the paradox of scheme delivering a reported 100 million tonnes of reductions/offsets from Europes aviation sector between 2012 and 2018 even while the sectors emissions increased.

A better solution might come from a well-designed international trading scheme. The basis for this may be the global agreement known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. Already 81 countries, representing three-quarters of international aviation activity, have agreed to participate.

What seems clear is that guilt and voluntary action to reduce carbon emissions has its limits. This is suggested by the data from Sweden, the heartland of flight shame.

Behind the 5% reduction in passenger numbers reported by Swedavia is a major difference between domestic passengers (down 10%) and international passengers (down just 2%). That might have something to do with the limited travel alternatives when crossing an ocean.

For most of us to consider emulating Greta Thunberg by taking a sailboat instead, the price of a flight would have to be very high indeed.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Losener remains the lawyer who wrote the Nuremberg race laws, lending a veneer of legality to a crime. Maybe someone else would have ignored the rule of law or written more draconian laws if he hadnt, but maybe not. What we can decide is whether we will be a participant in terrible things done by terrible people. It never works to participate in the terrible thing in order to try to make it less bad. Its tempting, and can seem like the right thing to do: Loseners race laws included fewer people than a one-drop rule would (though that had negligible effect). Adolf Eichmann reasoned similarly: If this thing had to be done at all, it was better that it be done in good order. History shows that when you participate in an atrocity together with the perpetrators, in an attempt to make it somehow a little less horrible, in the end youre still participating in the atrocity  and it is no less horrible.

Morality and My Mother

Like so many other things about me, my perspective on bystanders horrifies my mother. She is appalled that I could think we arent morally obligated to rescue each other, even at great personal sacrifice. To her, the obligation is obvious. Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor! she exclaims, channeling Leviticus. Heroic acts of upstanding have shaped my mothers life. She is alive because of someones heroism, and she lost her job, prematurely ending a treasured career, because of her own. My mother was saved from the Holocaust by Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul who ignored orders and issued several thousand transit visas to Lithuanian Jews, allowing them to flee the advancing Gestapo. Many years later, when a colleague was unfairly fired, my mother organized senior employees to speak out against the injustice, even though she knew not only that she would be likely to lose her own job as a result but also that she was unlikely to get another job at her age. She did lose her job, and did not get another one. The loss profoundly affected the trajectory and quality of her life, but she still says she doesnt regret what she did and would do it again.

Listening to my mother, I feel somewhat ashamed. I think I feel the shame of the ordinary person in the face of those who are morally greater than us; my mother is a much better person than I am. But I doubt the average person can be as heroic. Luckily, that is not necessary to avert moral catastrophe.

The Takeaway

The belief that atrocities happen when people arent educated against the evils of bystanding has become part of our culture and how we think were learning from history. Dont be a bystander! were exhorted. Be an upstander! we teach our children. But thats all a big mistake. All of it: Its false that doing nothing creates moral catastrophes; its false that people are generally indifferent to the plight of others; its false that we can educate people into heroism; and its false that if we fail to transmit these lessons another Holocaust is around the corner.

Instead, the facts are more quotidian: Terrible things happen when people collaborate with terrible perpetrators; most people are generally helpful to the extent that their circumstances and temperament allow (unless theyve been taught to hate); being a bystander is often morally permissible; being a hero is exceptional and instinctual (not taught); and what history teaches us is both easier and harder than the supposed dark dangers of bystanderdom. What history teaches us is: Dont perpetrate; dont collaborate. If you can be heroic, that is laudable. Those lessons are hard to learn, but effective and easy enough to follow to avert most vast moral crimes.

Next time the murderers come, its understandable if its too much to ask for us to risk our lives, our children, or even our jobs, to save others. Just dont welcome the murderers, dont help them organize the oppression or make it less terrible (that wont work anyway), and dont turn people in. That will usually be enough.

Rivka Weinberg is a professor of philosophy at Scripps College in Claremont, Calif.

Have something philosophical to say? Enter The Night of Philosophy and Ideas essay contest. Just submit an op-ed of 800 words or less by Jan. 30 to jwhitney@bklynlibrary.org. Winners will be notified by email by Feb. 1. For more information, visit the event website. And you can find last years winner, The Good Enough Life, here.

Now in print: Modern Ethics in 77 Arguments, and The Stone Reader: Modern Philosophy in 133 Arguments, with essays from the series, edited by Peter Catapano and Simon Critchley, published by Liveright Books.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com.

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In this Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020 photo, trekkers are being rescued in a helicopter a day after an avalanche hit Mount Annapurna trail in Nepal. Special army and government rescue personnel were searching again on Monday for four Korean trekkers and their three Nepali guides lost since an avalanche swept a popular trekking route in Nepal's mountains. AP



South Korea's top envoy to Nepal has asked Nepalese authorities to continue efforts to find four South Koreans missing after an avalanche in the Himalayas, amid slow progress in search operations owing to bad weather.



Monday's air and ground searches for the four people missing at the Annapurna trekking site were called off for the day as unfavorable weather conditions blocked officials from approaching the scene where the missing people are believed to be trapped.



The school teachers from South Korea's central South Chungcheong Province went missing after a snowslide struck the popular trekking route in northwestern Nepal on Friday. Three Nepalese guides also remain unaccounted for.



"Although the situation is difficult due to the risk of more snowslides, I ask the Nepalese government to make continued efforts so that the four missing people can be found," Ambassador to Nepal Park Young-sik said in a press conference held in Pokhara, a city near Mount Annapurna, later on Monday.



Also speaking to local and foreign media was Dan Bahadur Karki, police chief of Nepal's Kaski district.



Park expressed concerns that a prolonged search could tire the rescue team out, as well as some 20 residents from the area who have also been helping out in the search.



"That is what worries the families of the missing people as well," he added.



Karki, who's in charge of the rescue work, said that the rescue team has marked two spots at the accident site that reacted to signals sent from its electronic detectors.



The reactions could have come from electronic devices that belong to the missing people, suggesting that's where the four South Koreans are likely located, the police chief said.



The police chief said the rescue team has secured a red plastic bag and an unidentified yellow item that are believed to be belongings of the missing people.



He also did not rule out the possibility of survival but said that future operations will depend on weather conditions.



Nepalese officials have mobilized military personnel and helicopters for the search operations. But heavy snowfall and additional avalanches that occurred following the accident have been hampering the rescue efforts.



An official from Nepal's tourism ministry said earlier that the search could take at least a few weeks as the weather needs to clear for the operation to speed up the process.



The four missing  two women in their 30s and 50s and two men in their 50s  were among a nine-member team on a trekking course in the Deurali part of the Annapurna Base Camp when the avalanche engulfed them. The five others were rescued by a chopper from a nearby lodge.



The teachers were part of a 39-member volunteer team dispatched to Nepal by the education office of South Chungcheong Province. (Yonhap)


The Rotary Club Mijas International is appealing to local dentists and dental technicians to assist with its initiative to supply free treatment to the homeless.

This is the second year the Rotary Club has organised the project, which began after the association was informed that some of the homeless people had struggled to eat the food contained in the charity parcels distributed over the festive period.

Several Fuengirola dentists have so far joined the scheme, including Clinica Dental Noruega, Clinica Dental Monteblanco and the Francisco Terriente Dental Laboratory.

The Rotary Club wants to hear from dentists who would like to become involved. The club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Da Bruno restaurant in Las Lagunas de Mijas from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

Rotary Club president Mario Bravo said, "Rotarians are people of action, when they notice a problem, they will try to solve it."

For more information, see The Rotary Club Mijas Facebook page.
Police will file chargesheet on time in the case related to the road accident in which veteran actor Shabana Azmi was injured and will call her driver for questioning again if required, an official said on Tuesday.

Azmi (69) was injured when her car met with an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Saturday last. Her driver, Kamlesh Kamath, has been booked for rash driving and negligence, and the Khalapur police, under whose jurisdiction the accident took place, have already recorded his statement.

Khalapur police station in-charge Vishwajeet Kaingade told PTI, "A day after the incident, we recorded the statement of her driver Kamlesh Kamath, but he has not been arrested. We will call him again to the police station if required."



"The sections under which he has been booked don't require his immediate arrest. In such cases, we filed chargesheet directly in the court. In this case, too, we will file chargesheet on time," he said.

Kaingade declined to share details of the statement given by Kamath to the police after the accident.

Kamath (38), who suffered minor injuries in the crash, has been booked under IPC sections related to rash and negligent driving and also relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The veteran actor is undergoing treatment at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in suburban Andheri. According to her family members, she is stable and will remain under observation for another two-three days.

Azmi was travelling in a Tata Safari Storme when the vehicle hit the rear-end of a truck on the expressway.

Kamath was apparently trying to overtake another vehicle when Azmi's car rammed into the truck near Khalapur, about 60km from here in neighbouring Raigad district, a local police official earlier said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"Foreign Aid Doctors", a TV series focusing on the work of Chinse medical teams in Africa was launched in Beijing on Monday.







According to Lyu Shibin, the executive producer, "Foreign Aid Doctors" is the first film and TV production featuring China's medical assistance to African countries.





Based on true stories, the series aims to show how the Chinese doctors offer professional medical support in Africa and to praise their international humanitarianism, Lvu said.





Since the first Chinese medical team arrived in Africa in 1963, all kinds of non-profit Chinese medical-based services have contributed to the continent's healthcare and saved the lives of tens of thousands of people.





Hu Kun, writer of the TV series, said after reading related documents, he was deeply moved by the selfless devotion of the caring and highly-skilled members of the Chinese medical teams.





"As workers in the film and television industry, we have the responsibility to make their stories known to more people," Hu said.





The TV series is produced by Beijing Zhongrenweiguo Film and TV Culture Co. Ltd., and supervised by China Population Culture Promotion Association, a social organization under the administration of China's National Health Commission.




The Asean Secretariat has invited India to participate in a meeting called in Bali on February 3 and 4 on RCEP agreement to sort out concerns of New Delhi, an official said.

India at a meeting in November last year in Bangkok decided to withdraw from this mega free-trade agreement as its concerns were not addressed adequately by the RCEP.

"India has received the invitation for the meeting but it has not yet taken any decision on this," the official said.

The meeting in Bali will be held at a chief negotiator level.

The RCEP, comprising 10-member Asean bloc and six other countries India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, is engaged in negotiations for a free-trade pact.

Meanwhile, speaking at a WEF session in Davos, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, "We believe if RCEP nations provide adequate protection against circumvention of product origin rules, adequate transparency is brought in the trading practices, if non-tariff barriers can be addressed, there is scope for discussion".

Japan had earlier indicated that efforts were on to make India join the ambitious Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying all member countries of the grouping were committed to address New Delhi's concerns.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue earlier in the month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India had not closed its doors on the RCEP and would carry out a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate its merit.

"Where RCEP is concerned, we have to look at cost and benefit. We will evaluate RCEP on its economic and trade merit. We have not closed our mind to it," the minister had said.

The presence of China in the RCEP grouping had raised concerns as the Indian industry fears that the free-trade pact would result in flooding of Chinese goods in the domestic market. Several sectors such as IT and pharma have time and again flagged the issue of trade barriers which had prevented entry of domestic players in the Chinese market.

India has pitched for an auto-trigger mechanism in the RCEP agreement as a remedy against sudden and significant import surge from countries such as China to protect domestic players.

India registered a trade deficit in 2018-19 with as many as 11 RCEP member countries including China, South Korea and Australia.

The agreement has aimed to cover issues related to goods, services, investments, economic and technical cooperation, competition and intellectual property rights.

In such trade agreements, trading partners reduce or eliminate customs duties on maximum number of goods traded among themselves. They also relax norms like visa regime to promote trade in services and attract investments.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Calling it "unwarranted anti-Hindu statement", the BJP, on Tuesday, condemned the statement made by NCP leader and Maharashtra Minister, Jitendra Awhad at a public address in Pune on Monday.

The chief spokesperson of the BJP Telangana unit, K. Krishna Saagar Rao, in a press release stated, "Jitendra Awhad's insulting remarks on funeral practices of Hindus is extremely derogatory & disrespectful to Hindus across the nation. To appease Muslims, NCP leader & state minister has descended to a new low, to deride and insult Hindu rituals." Rao also asked the top leadership of the NCP if they supported the statement made by their minister. "BJP wants to know, if Sharad Pawar endorses this deviant statement made by his party leader? Has NCP become an anti-Hindu party?" he said.

The BJP has demanded that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray clarify on his minister's "unwarranted and unprovoked insinuation by Minister Jitendra Awhad." On Monday, while addressing a public gathering in Pune, the NCP leader and Maharashtra Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad stirred controversy by saying that Muslims could tell where their grandfather were buried but Hindus would not be able to tell the place where the cremation of their ancestors was performed.

"I want to ask my Hindu brothers, sitting here, where your grandfather's last rites took place? Muslims can tell where the graveyard is," adding, "I want to ask the people at throne in Delhi, will you ask me proof of my being Indian? When your father was licking boots of British, my father was embracing the death and was raising slogans inquilab zindabad."
Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 (11:26 am) - Score 4,483

Libert Global is progressing their plans to launch a new full fibre broadband network  Liberty Networks  that will be independent of their existing Virgin Media brand in the United Kingdom. The cable giant has just put in a related application for Code Powers with Ofcom, which usually happens before a roll-out begins.

Securing Code Powers from Ofcom can help to speed-up the deployment of new fibre optic networks and cut costs by reducing the number of licenses needed for street works. The application doesnt reveal much, but it does confirm that theyre planning the construction and operation of a high-speed broadband network across the UK  [to] serve homes, businesses and public sector organisations.

Liberty Networks (aka  Project Hermes) also confirmed that they may deploy parts of their network in Openreachs (BT) existing cable ducts and poles (using the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product), which is no surprise since Virgin Media are already doing this and PIA has been made a lot more attractive by recent changes (a lot of alternative network ISPs are now using it).

Originally the CEO of Liberty Global, Mike Fries, made no secret of his desire to use Liberty Networks as a platform with which to expand Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband into the 10 million or so premises that exist beyond Virgin Medias current network (many of these are in rural areas). This could then have been offered via wholesale to Virgin Media and other ISPs, like Sky Broadband.

However the most recent speculation (here) is that Liberty Global may also split their existing Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) and FTTP broadband network off into the new company too and then sell access to rival ISPs (e.g. Sky Broadband, TalkTalk) via wholesale, albeit with Virgin Media being given special access as the anchor tenant.

Such a move would be likely to placate some of Ofcoms potential regulatory concerns, thus allowing the network coverage to continue growing and enabling them to bid on future broadband contracts (e.g. the Governments 5bn rural gigabit programme), while also establishing Liberty Networks as a major national rival to Openreach (BT). This would be a truly seismic shift in the UK broadband market.

The question now is how much longer will we have to wait before Liberty Global formally announces their plans. Meanwhile Ofcom will consult upon their request until 21st February 2020, although they almost never reject them.
The Finance Ministry, which drafted the law, did not respond to a request for comment.

New Delhi: New legislation will improve protection for foreign investors in India by offering relief from possible policy changes but will uphold the states right to tax them, according to its draft and government documents seen by Reuters.

The bill also attempts to upgrade Indias investment climate and boost foreign investment by setting up new adjudicating authorities to swiftly resolve disputes. It is part of Indias efforts to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024, from around USD 2.7 trillion currently, the documents said.

But the draft text of the new law dated November 15 does not cover demands related to enforcement of tax obligations, a critical area of concern for foreign investors.

Several firms including IBM, Royal Dutch Shell and Vodafone have collectively faced billions of dollars in tax claims from Indias government in recent years, leading to arbitration cases and protracted legal battles in courts.

A separate internal government document which analyses the draft law noted that taxation issues were of great interest to investors and excluding it from the laws purview could reduce the proposals intent to boost their comfort level.

Nevertheless, the document defended the exclusion, saying the power to tax is an integral part of the states police powers even recognized in international law.

The Finance Ministry, which drafted the law, did not respond to a request for comment.

Two sources familiar with deliberations on the law said it could still undergo several changes before it is finalised. The bill is likely to be presented for passage in the upcoming parliament session that starts January 31, they said.

The bill proposes to cover a wide range of foreign investors, including investments from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurance funds, the government document said.

CREDIBLE COMMITMENT

One of the most high-profile tax disputes has been Indias tussle with Vodafone, which was asked to deposit capital against tax after its $11 billion deal to buy local assets of Hutchison Whampoa in 2007.

Though Indias Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Vodafone was not liable to any tax, the government later amended the law to enable it to tax such deals retroactively. Vodafone and India remain locked in international arbitration over the dispute.

While the draft law proposes to exclude disputes specific to taxation, it offers to provide credible commitment to investments by deterring policy changes, the draft said.

In December 2018, months after Walmart paid USD 16 billion to acquire a majority of Indias Flipkart, the government tweaked its foreign investment rules for e-commerce, forcing both Flipkart and Amazon to rework their business structures. The sudden policy change rattled foreign investors.

The draft law stipulates that any new policy or law changes that provide less favorable treatment should allow investors to continue enjoying benefits of the earlier policy.

This clause will significantly improve predictability of investment regime and hence will be a significant boost to investments, read the government document analyzing the draft law. The investor will have an option of choosing between the new and old policies.

It was not immediately clear whether protection against such sudden policy changes would be permanent or only for a particular period.

The proposal also seeks to address concerns about the slowness of Indias legal system. It proposes setting up two new bodies to provide swift legal recourse: an Investment Ombudsman who will rule on disputes within 90 days, and an appellate Investment Tribunal which would rule within 180 days.

(This) will eradicate the demand for an international arbitration process as the remedy would be quick, effective and available domestically, the government document stated.

India is entangled in more than 20 overseas arbitration cases - the most against any country - brought by companies including Vodafone and Nissan Motor Co.
Many methods of spreading awareness will be implemented to ensure that Indias roads can edge closer to becoming a completely accident-free zone.

The Road Safety Week is happening across India from 11th January 2020 to 17th January 2020. It is the 31st road safety week that is being observed. The one-week long initiative across the subcontinent aims at making the streets safer. Many methods of spreading awareness will be implemented to ensure that Indias roads can edge closer to becoming a completely accident-free zone.

What is the need for a Road Safety Week?

In 2015, India had committed itself to decrease the number of road fatalities and accidents to half. This was decided by signing the Brasilia declaration. However, even after five years, this remains a dream unfulfilled. While it was observed that the number of deaths in car crashes reduced from 2016s 1.50 lakh to 2017s 1.47 lakhs, it increased to 1.49 lakhs in 2018. That was the last report published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India.

Thus, the Road Safety Week will hold several activities to spread awareness.

What happens during Road Safety Week?

During the Road Safety Week in India, the police forces and other departments working for street safety will spread awareness about the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 and Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill of 2019. Several workshops, seminars, and meetings will be organized to tell people about the rules and regulations that have been laid down by the Government. It will not only focus on the precautionary measures but also educate the masses via banners, pamphlets, and hand-outs. Boards with emergency contact numbers will be put up at several locations.

What is the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill of 2019?

While the original Motor Vehicles Act was initiated in 1988, an Amendment Bill was initiated in 2019. Based on the multiple recommendations of the Group of Transport Ministers of State, several key points were covered. While it started with increasing the fines levied on rule flouters, extend the period of driving license renewals from one month to one year, and provide emergency medical aid to those involved in road accidents. Moreover, the driver will have to prove his competence while renewing his license. Additionally, the minimum compensation for death or major injury during accidents is to be increased.

What are general road safety rules everyone must know and follow?

While every citizen leaves no chance of criticizing Indias road safety, there is still a lot that you can do at the ground level. There are several basic traffic rules that you must always remember to follow. While the simplest thing to do is follow the traffic lights, you must also be cautious of the road signs, maintain one line while driving, use indicators when needed, and ensure that you do not drive with an expired license. Signs such as L and baby on board can caution others to drive more carefully near you. Last but not least, please park your vehicles in the parking zones only.

Keeping these few things in mind let's take #RoadToSafety pledge this #RoadSafetyWeek to drive towards the path of safety and #DriveResponsibly
Last January 18, 2020, OPPO opened their largest and grandest OPPO Super Experience Store with an area of about 286 square meter in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, in line with their continuous effort to provide Filipinos with an improved customer service experience.

The wide space of the OPPO Experience Store was strategically designed to commit towards the development of the brands own line of Internet of Things (IOT) products, as well as to better provide quality customer service.

The newest OPPO Experience Store is also partly inspired by the aesthetics of the OPPO super flagship stores found in China, Singapore, and Thailand. The interior features an expansive mirror ceiling that enhances the lighting effect and also overall feel of the store. The new store also has a lounge area that is fully equipped with VOOC Flash Charging outlets where OPPO customers can lounge around and stay connected while checking the latest OPPO products or waiting for their turn at the customer care.

Another highlight of the grand opening was the OPPO Service Center 3.0 that features a minimalist yet a sophisticated ambiance with an improved service experience for repairs, consultations, and centralized customer care services. The newest service center offers a more transparent service program where customers can observe while the well-trained customer care representative repairs their smartphone.

The grand opening event last January 18 was filled with exciting games, raffles, freebies, and a store tour with local Youtube sensation Mimiyuuuh. Check out the newest OPPO Super Experience Store soon to get a first-hand experience of the world-renowned tech brands innovations.

The new OPPO Super Experience Store is located on the 4th floor of Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Macapagal Avenue, Tambo Paranaque City.
A Judge has warned small-time drug dealers they are helping to fuel serious crime such as that in Drogheda and Dublin in recent weeks.

Judge Paul Kelly made his comments at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal when sentencing a Lifford man who pleaded guilty to the sale and supply of drugs.

Shane McNulty was a passenger in a car that was stopped by gardai at Daly's service station in Lifford on October 9, 2017.

Gardai found a bag with cannabis in the car and McNulty admitted it was his.

A follow-up raid on his home at Hollybush, Lifford, uncovered nearly 600 worth of cannabis in a bedroom.

The accused's solicitor, Frank Dorrian, said McNulty had an unfortunate set of circumstances and was trying to go straight.

He said McNulty had been selling the drugs in order to fund a SafePass course, but had lost two fingers in a car accident and could no longer do manual labour.

Before that, he had been involved in a number of other car accidents which had left him with a brain injury.

Appalling

However, Judge Kelly said it was exactly this type of behaviour that was fuelling the drugs industry.

"His drug dealing may have been on the smaller end of the scale, but they are all connected to substantial criminal networks," he said.

"These are the exact people who have no problem resorting to appalling violence.

"If you are buying a joint at a street corner or selling a few deals of cannabis, then you are supporting that endeavour.

"The shocking and sordid events in Dublin and Drogheda are the type of mess people get into when they get involved in the sale of drugs."

He adjourned McNulty's case until April 2 to allow for a Probation and Welfare Service report.
Firefighters have rushed to battle a fire at Lane Cove Public School on Sydney's north shore.

The blaze started on Longueville Rd after 4pm with thick black smoke seen billowing from the school as far as the Sydney CBD.

A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that firefighters have contained the fire within the school hall, where the blaze started.

There are eight fire trucks currently getting the blaze under control, with multiple hand lines being used, and firefighters are expected to be on the scene into the evening.

A fire has broken out in the school hall at Lane Cove Public School on Sydney's north shore

The blaze began on Longueville Rd around 4pm on Tuesday afternoon sending thick smoke billowing above

A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the blaze 'will take a lot of work to extinguish'

'It will take a lot of work to extinguish,' the spokesperson said.

The school hall and canteen inside have been completely destroyed by the fire, and the tiled roof of the building has collapsed.

Gas has been isolated from the building, and fire and rescue crews are working to isolate electricity from the site.

No one was inside the hall at the time and no injuries have been reported.

Police and ambulance services were called to the scene along with firefighters at 4.21pm.

It is not known what caused the blaze.

Surrounding streets were shut down as fire crew worked to stop the blaze spreading, with local residents told to stay inside.

More to come.

Firefighters have rushed to the scene, with thick smoke visible from the Sydney CBD
Lords defeat UK Government on child refugees vote

It is the fourth time the UK Governments Brexit bill has been defeated in the Lords

The House of Lords has voted to protect the rights of refugee children to be reunited with their families in the UK after Brexit.

Peers supported an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill that would mean that unaccompanied children could continue to come to the UK to join relatives after the UK leaves the European Union.

A previous version of the bill had included a commitment to keep this arrangement as the UK negotiates its future relationship with Europe, but the government removed this guarantee when it introduced the bill to parliament in January.

It is the fourth time the UK Governments so-called Brexit bill has been defeated in the Lords, after votes on Monday on the issues of EU citizens, EU Court of Justice rulings and court independence.

The amendment on child refugees was tabled by Lord Dubs, who was responsible for the original amendment to the withdrawal bill agreed by Theresa Mays government in 2018.

It was supported by 300 votes in favour to 220 against.

The bill will now go back to the House of Commons where the government will attempt to reverse this change.

With a majority of 80 MPs, the government is expected to remove the amendment again.

The government has said it is intent on protecting family reunifications as part of its future agreement with the EU, but did not want it to be included in the withdrawal bill.

Lord Dubs arrived in the UK as a six-year-old refugee fleeing the Nazis in Czechoslovakia in 1939.

He said: This is fantastic news. I am enormously grateful to the Lords and of course to the public who have been so supportive of my amendment and of the moral argument for providing safe routes for children to be reunited with their families here.

Its now be the turn of the Commons to show what theyre made of.

For the sake of the children stranded in Calais and Greece who simply want to reach the safety of their families, I hope they will also honour our humanitarian traditions and get behind the amendment.

The Scottish Refugee Council said: Were grateful to Lord Dubs for continuing to speak up for separated children. Without him, the UK government would have walked away from commitments to protect childrens rights to reunite with family.

Safe Passage, a campaigning group who has pressed the government to support unaccompanied child refugees said: The Prime Minister should now show compassion and agree to the Lords amendment.

Many of the children we support have lost their parents but they have grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles living in the UK and ready to care for them.

It is illogical that these children be denied safe passage to the UK, left with no other choice but to consider smuggling just to reach their loved ones, or to grow up alone without the care of their family many surviving in camps and car parks across Europe.

Read our interview with Lord Dubs here.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: India is likely to frame its own English language test, on the lines of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), for foreign students to improve its ranking among the most preferred countries for education in the world.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) President Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said that after several brainstorming sessions with the UGC, Niti Aayog and other related institutions, the government has identified several issues that held back India from being in top ten or 15 countries for education.

"As per the data, India is 26th most favourite destination for education, globally. We are trying to make efforts to move up the ladder, and get into at least top 15 list," Sahasrabuddhe said.

One of the reasons for not being in the top ten list, he said, was that students from non-English speaking foreign countries, once admitted in Indian institutions, found it difficult to cope up with English medium education. The government, he said, is also looking at building hostels and providing accommodation to couples since a considerable number of foreign students are married.

According to the ICCR, there are around 50,000 foreign students, mostly from Asian and African countries, studying in various degree programmes in India. However, other ministries claim that there are around 100,000 foreign students. There is no definitive official data on foreign students nor has been there any survey on the most preferred graduate programmes among foreign students.

The ICCR, the cultural arm of the Ministry of External Affairs, has been promoting India's soft power for over 60 years, through cultural and education exchange programmes. The council is the largest governmental body to offer scholarships to foreign students. At present, around 4,000 foreign students are recipients of the ICCR scholarships.

Sahasrabuddhe also said that the number of foreign students would go up if people who visit India for studying and training in Indian classical music, dance, ayurveda, yoga, culinary under tourist visa are added. "We are yet to devise a mechanism which will give us an exact idea about the total number of foreign students in India," he said.

With a mission to make India a preferred hub for education, the ICCR in collaboration with Symbiosis International and Savitribai Phule Pune University, he said, is organising a national conference 'Destination India' in Pune on January 28 and 29. "This is the first time that all the institutions involved in hosting foreign students will come together to prepare a roadmap to bring two lakh foreign students to India by 2022."

The ICCR will also honor four distinguished foreigners who studied in Indian universities and rose to high positions in their respective countries. The annual award was set up by then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in 2015.
ENTERPRISE, Ala., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) recently added The Preferred Legacy Trust Company to its family of companies, a new portfolio company offering clients a tailored approach to estate and trust administration.

In addition to estate and trust administration, The Preferred Legacy Trust Company provides investment management oversight, family planning and advisory services, family stewardship and philanthropy, business and bank advisory services, and household financial management. Preferred Legacy Trust also provides fiduciary services that allow clients to maximize their time investment while the professionals handle the financial oversight of marketable securities, unique and closely held assets, estate plans, and other concierge services.

"The addition of Preferred Legacy Trust to our CRI Family of Companies allows us to provide an integrated approach to specifically support the needs of high-net-worth clients," said Bill Carr, managing partner and chairman of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC. "We are able to offer clients advice from our teams of professionals spanning the entire CRI Family of Companies."

"We are thrilled to be a part of the CRI Family of Companies," stated Denise Penz, President and CEO of The Preferred Legacy Trust Company. "We are ready to deliver our client-centric and integrated approach to long-term estate planning to our customers and help them achieve their ultimate goal of preserving their legacies for years to come."

The Preferred Legacy Trust Company invites visitors to explore its new website. The site offers user-friendly navigation that gives visitors the ability to research and understand how Preferred Legacy Trust professionals can benefit their family or business.

For more information and to view the new website, please visit PreferredLegacy.com.

Visitors are also encouraged to connect with The Preferred Legacy Trust Company on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/PreferredLegacy/.

About Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC

CRI is a CPA and advisory firm located in more than 25 markets throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. CRI's industry specializations include construction, government, banking/financial institutions, healthcare, insurance, not-for-profit, manufacturing, and distribution. CRI offers traditional and specialized services including audit and assurance, business consulting and support, forensic accounting, IT auditing, retirement plan auditing, SEC compliance, business valuation, tax planning, and trusts and estates work. Additionally, CRI's portfolio companies deliver service organization (SOC) reports, investment banking, management consulting, wealth management, data analytics, estate and trust, and payroll services. CRI is a top 20 nationally ranked accounting firm. For additional information, please visit CRIcpa.com.

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Russian air strikes on several locations in northern Syria on Tuesday killed at least 12 civilians, including seven children, a war monitoring group said.

Two of the victims were killed in a southeastern area of Idlib province while the other 10 died in a western region of neighbouring Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

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Fortna, The Distribution Experts, a leading global automation, engineering services and software company, today announced that it has acquired Pierau Unternehmensberatung GmbH ("Pierau Planung"), a European-based, market leader in supply chain and logistics design, consulting, and project management. Pierau Planung's management team will join Fortna following the transaction and continue serving its European region. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

By acquiring Pierau Planung, Fortna will further build upon its European presence and gain greater capacity across its footprint to better service its growing client base internationally. Fortna will leverage Pierau Planung's deep industry expertise, robust client base, and outstanding team of seasoned supply chain and logistics experts to further accelerate its overall growth strategy. The combined entity will unlock exciting new opportunities for clients of both companies to enhance and innovate their distribution operations.

Based in Hamburg, Germany and founded in 1961, Pierau Planung provides industry-leading supply chain consulting services to a range of global clients as they seek transformation within their warehouse automation and optimization roadmaps. Pierau Planung provides unique solutions to a variety of end-markets, including: e-commerce, retail, food beverage, and industrial distribution.

"We are excited to announce our new partnership with Arne, Bjorn, and the talented team at Pierau Planung, and look forward to adding their highly complementary services, expertise, and strong European presence to the Fortna global platform," said Marc Austin, Managing Director, Fortna EMEA. "Pierau shares the same core values of commitment to world-class customer service, innovation excellence, and best-of-breed, supplier-agnostic solutions, making them the ideal cultural and strategic fit to join the Fortna family."

"Over the last 60 years, Pierau Planung has played a critical role in the development of transformative automation and logistics solutions, serving as a trusted partner to many important businesses across Germany and broader Europe. We are fully confident this industry leading service will continue under Fortna's ownership," said Arne Pierau, Managing Director at Pierau Planung.

"We are thrilled to partner with Fortna, an established leader in the distribution and logistics market, and look forward to providing our clients with a comprehensive suite of tailored solutions, while leveraging the broader service offering, proprietary software tools, and scale of the Fortna organization," said Bjorn Brunkow, Managing Director at Pierau Planung. "Most importantly, for our trusted clients, our commitment to service, our team, and our supplier-agnostic approach will remain consistent under Fortna's ownership."

PricewaterhouseCoopers acted as financial advisor and Kirkland Ellis acted as legal advisor to Fortna.

About Fortna Inc.

For over 70 years, Fortna has partnered with the world's top brands to transform their distribution operations into a competitive advantage. Fortna helps clients make and keep bold promises to their customers fast, accurate and cost-effective fulfillment consistently at every touchpoint, across every channel. Fortna's expertise spans distribution strategy, distribution center operations, material handling automation, supply chain systems and warehouse execution software systems. We built our firm on a promise we develop a solid business case for change and hold ourselves accountable for results. For more, visit www.fortna.com.

About Pierau Planung

Founded in 1961 and located in Hamburg, Germany, Pierau Planung are market leaders in logistics planning, consulting, and project management. Pierau Planung has delivered almost 2,000 logistics projects for clients serving across a wide range of product and distribution channels. As experts in intralogistics, Pierau Planung has the ability to oversee logistics projects over the course of their entire life-cycle: from short-term supplemental support, through to full project delivery teams covering data analysis, scope and design onto procurement, vendor management, construction, and commissioning. For more information, please visit https://www.pierau-planung.de/.

Fortna Inc. 333 Buttonwood Street, W. Reading, PA 19611

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Contacts:

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pattisatterfield@fortna.com

Pierau Unternehmensberatung GmbH

Nicole Morganti

Marketing Management

n.morganti@pierau-planung.de
Washington, Jan 21 : US President Donald Trump's lawyers have urged the Senate to reject the impeachment articles approved by Democratic-led House of Representatives against him last month.

"The Senate should speedily reject these deficient articles of impeachment and acquit the President," Trump's legal team said in the US President's first comprehensive defence on Monday.

"The Articles of Impeachment now before the Senate are an affront to the Constitution and to our democratic institutions. The Articles themselves - and the rigged process that brought them here - are a brazenly political act by House Democrats that must be rejected," Xinhua news agency quoted Trump's lawyers as saying in a filing.

The filing accuses House Democrats of crafting two "flimsy" articles of impeachment and using impeachment as "a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election".

"All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the legal brief stated.

On Saturday, House Democrats unveiled a 111-page outline of their legal case heading into the Trump impeachment trial in the Republican-majority Senate, underlying the central assertion that the US President abused his office, obstructed Congress and should be removed.

"The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that he is guilty of both. The only remaining question is whether the members of the Senate will accept and carry out the responsibility placed on them by the Framers of our Constitution and their constitutional Oaths," read the brief compiled by seven House managers.

The trial in the Senate is set to begin on Tuesday with US Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has given the House until Saturday and the White House counsel until Monday to deliver trial briefs outlining their arguments, allowing a House deadline for rebuttal the following day.
This article by Jeff Schogol originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues.

Three sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower have been charged in connection with the Dec. 17 brawl at a holiday party in Norfolk, Virginia, that was caught on video.

Navy Times reporter Courtney Mabeus first revealed that Aviation Ordnanceman Demetrius Jackson, Boatswain's Mate Seaman Akilah Carradine-McMillan, and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ryann Moore had all been charged with misdemeanor offenses stemming from the incident.

Moore was found guilty of being drunk in public at a Jan. 8 hearing and paid a total of $94 in costs, court records show.

Jackson is charged with obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct and is slated to appear in court on Jan. 24, the records show. Carradine-McMillan faces a disorderly conduct charge and is due in court on March 4.

Moore enlisted in the Navy in August 2017, according to the sailors' biographies, which were provided by the Navy. Carradine-McMillan enlisted in November 2017; Jackson has served with the Navy since August 2015 and his awards include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Brawl Aboard the USS Eisenhower

Officials have not said what caused the fight, which occurred in a hotel lobby during a holiday party. A two-and-a-half minute cell phone video of the incident that was uploaded to YouTube appears to show at least two women involved in a melee as several others tried to separate the combatants.

The fight broke out just after midnight on Dec. 17, according to a Norfolk Police Department report.

A police officer had escorted a man being disorderly out of a hotel lobby to prevent a fight from breaking out, but when he returned inside another brawl was taking place, the report says.

Carradine-McMillian is accused of hitting a man who was holding another woman and then shoving a plain clothes detective, who tried to break up the fight, the report says.

"She failed to comply and disregarded every command of stop resisting as she was trying to break free from our control," the report says. "She was later handcuffed and arrested for disorderly conduct."

A command investigation is looking into what transpired, said Navy Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, a spokeswoman for Naval Air Force Atlantic.

Cragg declined to say how many sailors are being investigated or if any of the Eisenhower's crew have been charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or disciplined administratively, saying it would be "inappropriate to speculate" about the investigation's outcome.

"Neither the United States Navy nor the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower condone this type of behavior," Cragg told Task & Purpose. "We require our Sailors to maintain military bearing on and off duty at all times."

All of the three sailors charged declined to comment through their spokesperson, Cragg said.

More articles from Task & Purpose:
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday assailed environmental "prophets of doom", delivering an uncompromising message in Davos after Swedish teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg slammed government inaction on the climate crisis.

Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear a typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered just before the start of his Senate impeachment trial in Washington.

The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) got under way in the ski resort with an avowed focus on climate change but with starkly different visions over global warming laid bare.

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," said Trump, growling that "they want to see us do badly".

He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions by predicting population crisis, mass starvation and the end of oil.

Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

Trump told reporters later that his Davos trip was devoted to meeting "the most important people in the world and we're bringing back tremendous business".

"The other's just a hoax," he said of the "disgraceful" impeachment trial.

Nothing has been done

Before Trump's appearance, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change.

"It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning," the 17-year-old said.

Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign which began with school strikes had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change.

"There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," she said.

While the WEF and individual business leaders have been detailing their own concerns about climate change, Greenpeace complained in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016.

Trump in his speech reeled off a list of achievements for the American economy and touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas".

Davos showdown?

There are no expectations that Trump and Thunberg, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, would actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

Although Trump's Republican party holds a majority in the Senate and is almost sure to acquit him on charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress, the impeachment adds volatility to an already tense 2020 presidential election.

"We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy," said Trump, apparently referring to his Democratic party opponents ahead of the presidential election in November.

Governments continue to fail

Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the thrust of this year's event.

"People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremner told AFP at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players", after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal.

"But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added.

Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

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NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP)  An independent commission established by Myanmar's government has concluded there are reasons to believe that security forces committed war crimes in counterinsurgency operations that led more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh.

However, the commission, headed by a Philippine diplomat, said in a report given Monday to President Win Myint that there is no evidence supporting charges that genocide was planned or carried out against the Rohingya.

The Independent Commission of Enquiry announced its findings in a statement posted on its Facebook page and the full report does not appear to have been publicly released. Nevertheless, it went further than any public statements issued by Myanmar's government in suggesting government forces were guilty of major abuses.

Although these serious crimes and violations were committed by multiple actors, there are reasonable grounds to believe that members of Myanmar's security forces were involved" in war crimes, serious human rights violations, and violations of domestic law in 2017, it said.

The killing of innocent villagers and destruction of their homes were committed by some members of the Myanmar's security forces through disproportionate use of force during the internal armed conflict," it said.

The statement came ahead of a decision by the United Nations' top court, scheduled for Thursday, on a request that Myanmar be ordered to halt what has been cast as a genocidal campaign against the Rohingya. Gambia brought legal action last year to the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands, alleging on behalf of the 57-country Organization of Islamic Cooperation that genocide occurred and continues.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's top leader, strongly denied wrongdoing by government forces at the initial hearing on the case in December .

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has long considered the Rohingya to be "Bengalis" from Bangladesh even though their families have lived in the country for generations. Nearly all have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless, and they are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights.

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The long-simmering crisis exploded in August 2017 when Myanmar's military launched what it called a clearance campaign in northern Rakhine State in response to an attack by a Rohingya insurgent group. The campaign forced more than 700,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh and led to accusations that security forces committed mass rapes, killings and burned thousands of homes.

Thoughs she has no control over the country's military, Suu Kyi's response to the crisis has led to global condemnation of the Nobel peace laureate.

The Independent Commission of Enquiry statement Monday said its members also met with Suu Kyi when submitting the report.

In addition to finding a basis for wrongdoing by security forces, the statement said the report also points out that the security forces acted in response to deadly attacks organized by Rohingya guerrillas belonging to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army  ARSA.

The commission's announcement said it would hand over its 461-page report to be used for investigations and possible prosecutions by Myanmar civil and military authorities.

The commission is led by senior Philippine diplomat Rosario Manalo, and included retired Japanese diplomat Kenzo Oshima, Myanmar presidential adviser Aung Tun Thet and legal expert Mya Theinn.

The inclusion of the Myanmar members close to the government raised doubts about its ability to deliver a credible report, especially because separate earlier investigations by the government and military did not yield much trustworthy information.

The panel's investigation, "including its methodology and operations, has been far from transparent, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Pending release of the full report, Robertson said the panel's findings are what would have been expected from a non-transparent investigation by a politically skewed set of commissioners working closely with the Myanmar government. There is mention of serious human rights violations but no attempt to address allegations of crimes against humanity."

He said there would be no truth or accountability u nless all those in the security forces, regardless of position or rank, involved in the mass crimes against the Rohingya are fully investigated and fairly prosecuted.

A U.N. team also conducted a major investigation and found grounds for bringing charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Its members last year expressed skepticism that Manalo's mission could lead to accountability for the alleged abuses.

The U.N. team's members were not allowed to enter Myanmar. They did much of their work interviewing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The Independent Commission of Enquiry said its investigators were dispatched to Rakhine State, where the violence occurred, Yangon and the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw for evidence collection. But it makes no mention of visiting refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Before their attacks across South Vietnam, communist forces sowed confusion among their enemies through a massive disinformation campaign

On Jan. 31, 1968, the start of a cease-fire for the Lunar New Year celebration called Tet, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army launched large-scale assaults across South Vietnam. Even though the communists had conducted seven major attacks in the northern and central regions the previous day, most senior American and South Vietnamese political leaders and mid-to-senior level military officers were away for the holiday. Surprised and paralyzed, most South Vietnamese units responded slowly, enabling the Viet Cong to seize their initial objectives.

The early successes of the communists Tet Offensive, intended to spark a national uprising that would overthrow the Saigon government, rudely shocked the American public and congressional leaders who had been treated to months of optimistic statements from President Lyndon B. Johnsons administration and military commanders. The breadth and scale of the offensive discredited the governments claims that the Viet Cong were on the verge of defeat. It seemed as if Americas intelligence agencies and political leaders were either delusional or dishonest.

In the end, the communists suffered a costly defeat on the battlefield, but Tet gave them a political victory that would lead to a U.S. military withdrawal seven years later.

The outcomes of the offensive can be traced to a combination of strategic decisions in Washington, Hanoi and Saigon; conflicting intelligence information that hobbled Washington and Saigon; and Hanois effective deception operations that were incorporated into plans for a general offensive-general uprising.

Leaders in all three capitals believed the war was going their way, but none had a unified view of the road ahead. As South Vietnams scheduled November 1967 elections approached, Saigons leaders were more concerned with internal political disputes than with the war itself, and some resented the United States domination of the tactical and operational planning. Similarly, with a U.S. presidential election looming in November 1968, rising casualties had increased opposition to the war and provided an incentive for Johnson and the Pentagon to present a rosy view of the militarys campaigns.



Ho Chi Minh addresses a gathering on Sept. 22, 1966, as Communist Party General Secretary Le Duan claps. By the time of the Tet Offensive Le Duan was in front, while Ho lingered in the background. (AP Photo)

Divisions also wracked Hanoi as 1967 advanced. President Ho Chi Minh, NVA commander Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap and their loyalists favored a patient, long-struggle guerrilla warfare insurgency in South Vietnam. However, they were being shunted aside by Communist Party General Secretary Le Duan and his protege, Gen. Nguyen Chi Thanh, who favored a rapid conquest by large-scale offenses but faced growing criticism over mounting casualties and the lack of visible progress in the South.

Recruiting for Viet Cong units was down; defections and desertions were rising. To fill those gaps, main force (professional, full-time) VC units were bolstered by NVA soldiers, female volunteers or conscripts. Le Duan and Thanh believed the losses and morale problems were secondary to evidence that South Vietnam was ripe for a rebellion because of the political turmoil there since the November 1963 assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem and the rising resentment of the American presence.

Giap was less confident of an uprising (Hos thoughts at that time are unclear) and published his views in Communist Party organs, arguing the wisdom of a prolonged struggle and advising party leaders to temper expectations of a quick victory. But Le Duan was now in control of the wars geopolitical policies and strategy. Thanh died in July 1967, and Le Duan promoted Senior Gen. Van Tien Dung to direct the military planning and execution of the Tet Offensive. Giap nominally had oversight authority and retained some influence in the planning; however, Dung reported directly to Le Duan.

Although Hos influence was diminished, his emphasis on political warfare and knowledge of American political principles dominated Hanois strategic planning and deception tactics. Pre-offensive political warfare operations had two goals: 1) persuade Washington to end its bombing and offensive operations as a path to peace; 2) divide the U.S. and South Vietnam by exploiting their mutual distrust.

As Le Duan saw it, if Johnson, a reluctant war leader, took the bait and grasped at the chance for a peace deal, North Vietnam could then intensify Saigons distrust of American leaders by generating rumors that the U.S. was considering a postwar coalition government with key positions set aside for the Saigon governments arch enemy, the communist and Hanoi-led National Liberation Front, a political organization with a military component and more commonly known as the Viet Cong.

North Vietnams Politburo approved the Tet Offensive on July 26, 1967. The political deception began in August, with Le Duan raising the pressure on Johnson through propaganda targeting the American public and world opinion. In that campaign, Le Duan enjoyed intelligence superiority. Hanois leadership possessed far greater knowledge of the dynamics of American democracy and Washingtons power structure than Washingtons leaders had of Hanois politics.

Although Ho Chi Minh remained president, Le Duan had stripped him and Giap of their party offices in December 1960 and by November 1963 had assumed complete control of the Communist Party. Amazingly, until 1969 the CIA listed Le Duan as fourth in Hanois power structure behind Ho, Giap and Premier Pham Van Dong.

The CIA correctly believed that Ho and Giap wanted to reduce the level of combat in the insurgency but wasnt aware their influence had waned. The Johnson administration was still appealing to a Hanoi peace faction that had been crushed. Le Duan spent 1967 purging or imprisoning those who favored peace talks. Ho and Giap were spared, but their loyalists were not.

In August 1967, Le Duan ordered an increase in public reporting of North Vietnamese civilian casualties from American bomb drops, invited Western celebrities and opinion leaders to view the damage and released films depicting real and manufactured destruction. Meanwhile, disinformation agents used their media contacts in Western and nonaligned nations to spread rumors of Hanois willingness to enter peace talks, further encouraging the growing anti-war movement and creating more headaches for Johnson.

Recognizing that South Vietnamese or U.S. forces might capture some Viet Cong civilian leaderspolitical officers implanted in villagesand discover VC documents, Hanoi dispatched walk-ins who approached the allies with contrary intelligence and other disinformation. For example, in September 1967 captured VC political officer Ha Sua told the South Vietnamese he had been sent to open negotiations with U.S. officials. Sua provided documents listing the topics to be discussed, including the good-faith release of VC prisoners. The ruse convinced the Johnson administration to pressure Saigon into releasing several high-value VC officials and send a letter via Sua to start talks. Hanois rumormongers used that as proof the U.S. was seeking a peace agreement that shut out Saigon.



An auto repair shop in a cave near the Ho Chi Minh Trail supported the NVAs efforts to keep its trail traffic secret. (Sovfoto/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The detailed politico-military planning for Tet involved only a handful of Communist Party officials and key deputies of Giap and Dung. The National Liberation Front held a secret congress in August 1967 to develop a program to expand popular support in South Vietnam and increase sympathy in the international media. Dissemination was limited to senior congress members until November.

Meanwhile, Dung intensified VC political officer training and indoctrination to restore morale. He also accelerated the modernization of NVA and VC military units and stepped up the training of special forces.

As part of the deception, communist communications related to the offensive were restricted to low-power VHF radio signals, buried landlines and couriers whenever possible. However, NVA division headquarters used powerful high-frequency transmitters in Cambodia to communicate with their higher headquarters, knowing that those electronic communicationssignals intelligencewould be intercepted by the Americans and give the false impression that enemy operations were concentrated along the border with Cambodia, the Laotian border and the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Vietnam. NVA attacks in those areas seemingly corroborated the evidence that Hanoi intended to continue its existing focus on battles in the border areas.

Dung also strengthened operations security and camouflage along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. North Koreas Kim Il-Sung had advised Hanoi in 1961 that tunneling was the best way to thwart American air power and intelligence collection. The tunneling was far from complete in 1967, but units moving south enjoyed significant cave and tunnel rest areas for the first 250 miles of their journey. They moved only at night and used camouflage in areas lacking underground shelters. But American sensors and aircraft that collected signals intelligence were beginning to penetrate the veil of secrecy protecting the trails traffic, and airstrikes were inflicting heavier losses. Dung responded by nearly doubling the strength of the unit responsible for the trail, the 559th NVA Division, and raising its anti-aircraft artillery strength to over 1,200 guns.

An NVA intelligence agent inserted in the South Vietnamese prime ministers office was present when the prime minister received briefings on the Ho Chi Minh Trail reconnaissance missions of an elite covert operations unit, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group. In the summer of 1967 the NVAs 559th Division conducted company and later battalion-sized sweeps along the trail to find American reconnaissance teams and sensors. Hanoi also initiated a study of MACV-SOG operations to identify their patterns, preferred moonlight and weather conditions, and landing zones.

Dung set the offensives launch date for Feb. 8, 1968, and limited dissemination of the overall plan to the Central Office for South Vietnam, which coordinated communist political and military operations from a headquarters that was in Cambodia at the time but moved frequently to prevent detection. The exact date was excluded from documents distributed to lower-echelon units, which were simply ordered to be ready by February. Those units only knew their assigned area.

In another act of deception, Giaps articles advocating the long struggle and insurgency tactics were published to show evidence of a return to guerrilla actions.

Giaps intelligence chief, Senior Col. Le Trong Nghia, recruited hundreds, especially women, to seek jobs around American and South Vietnamese military facilities with a particular emphasis on bases hosting headquarters and intelligence facilities.

He also ordered at least three attacks on South Vietnamese and joint intelligence processing centers and the Phu Bai radio intercept site. Documents captured after two of the attacks revealed that the communists possessed very detailed knowledge of one processing center, including analyst identities, and the Phu Bai site, where they knew specific seating and work assignments.



South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, pointing, and U.S. Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker walk by South Vietnamese troops in 1969. During Tet, most of Thieus commanders had left for the holiday. (Larry Burrows/Time/Magazine/The Life Picture Collection via Getty Images)

During sweeps around Saigon and Pleiku in the Central Highlands, South Vietnamese police and U.S. troops seized VC arms shipments and captured loads of documents related to Hanois agent recruiting and promises of a coming revolt. American units also seized planning documents in Ia Drang Valley battles and fighting around Khe Sanh and Con Thien, near the DMZ. However, the dissemination and translation of those documents was too slow to counter the signals intelligence that misleadingly indicated a spring offensive in northern South Vietnam and along the Cambodian border.

In July 1967, MACV commander Gen. William Westmoreland had identified a spring 1968 countrywide offensive as his greatest concern, but MACVs assessment ran counter to the prevailing view in Washingtonin part because of the generals own monthly reports suggesting U.S. operations were devastating the Viet Cong. Surely, a weakened enemy wasnt capable of a countrywide offensive.

Adding to the disunity, Westmoreland and his staff were embroiled in a dispute with the CIA about estimates of enemy strength. MACV measured enemy strength by the number of main force, full-time VC soldiers, while the CIAs numbers incorporated part-time combatants who could be called up for specific operations.

Main force units were losing strength, but losses among part-time soldiers were more difficult to measure. More important, MACV believed that part-time VC soldiers couldnt stand up to conventional combat, making them almost irrelevant, but the CIA argued that they were effective enough to conduct acts of sabotage, hit-and-run raids, ambushes and assassinations.

MACV and the Pentagon were concerned that adding part-time soldiers to the official count would almost double the number of enemy troops being reported, politically damaging if leaked to the public after months of claiming that enemy strength was declining. The compromise reached on Sept. 14 excluded part-time VC numbers but admitted as much.

There also was debate over the state of North Vietnams war effort. Most analysts believed Hanois strategy had not yet reached the point where a guerrilla insurgency turned into large-scale conventional military actions. This view was reinforced by the early summer drop in Viet Cong attacks inside the South and a midsummers reduction in enemy activity everywhere except South Vietnams northernmost provinces.

The Marines at Con Thien suffered almost daily artillery, rocket and mortar attacks, and those at Khe Sanh encountered growing numbers of NVA troops. Westmorelands Operation Neutralize drove the North Vietnamese out of the DMZ by late November, but Hanois forces continued their buildup in Laos near Khe Sanh.

Intelligence analysts believed an August increase in VC attacks and troop concentrations around Dak To in the Central Highlands was intended to disrupt South Vietnams September elections. A post-election lull in attacks seemingly confirmed that analysis, although the NVA launched five major assaults out of Cambodia in November and two in northern South Vietnam. U.S. analysts dismissed reports of NVA armor moving down the Ho Chi Minh Trail but believed that Hanoi was planning a major offensive in spring 1968, later amended to sometime after the Tet holiday. They thought the main objectives were in northern South Vietnam and the Central Highlands, not urban areas.

In late November, Dung advanced the Tet Offensives start date to Jan. 30.

U.S. Special Forces units operating in the Central Highlands during December 1967 reported main force VC troops moving southeast, but those troops couldnt be found by either signals intelligence or aerial reconnaissance. At years end, the CIA station in Saigon issued an assessment that Hanoi was planning a nationwide offensive during or after Tet; however, neither MACV nor Washington were convinced.

In Hanoi, Le Duan expanded his purge, arresting all of Giaps and Hos inner circle and more than 100 others suspected of favoring peace talks. Ho went to Beijing for medical treatment, and Giap traveled to Eastern Europe. Hanois peace faction was now outside the country or imprisoned.

On Dec. 31, Le Duan introduced the political deceptions final phase with Foreign Minister Nguyen Du Trinh announcing that a bombing halt would lead to peace talks. Radio Hanoi repeated it the next day. Most of Johnsons senior staffers distrusted Hanois sincerity, but the president overruled them.



Gen. William Westmoreland, the top U.S. commander in Vietnam, approaches Frederick Weyand, commander of the 25th Infantry Division, in 1966. Westmoreland was warned on Jan. 30, that an attack was imminent. Weyand had already put his troops on alert. (Co Rentmeester/The Life Picture Collection via Getty Images)

Johnson tightened restrictions on the U.S. bombing campaign, while Defense Secretary Robert McNamara pressured Westmoreland on Jan. 7 to extend the Tet cease-fire into mid-February and reduce military operations. Westmoreland objected, warning that an NVA buildup around Khe Sanh suggested an attempt to repeat the communist success 14 years earlier at Dien Bien Phu, the battle that ended French rule of Indochina. That argument persuaded Johnson to allow Westmoreland to act. But Westmoreland could not prevent Washington from urging the Saigon government to send half its troops home for Tet as a peace gesture.

The NVAs 304th, 324th and 325C divisions approached Khe Sanh on Jan. 4, and the next two weeks saw an upsurge in communist activity. VC and NVA commandos attacked two South Vietnamese police stations in the Central Highlands and the Marine air station at Da Nang. An NVA artillery regiment rocketed Da Nang, and the 803rd Infantry Regiment and four artillery regiments attacked Con Thien.

Meanwhile, American and South Vietnamese forces uncovered more than 45 weapons caches within 30 miles of Saigon, but did not interpret them as part of a buildup for the offensive.

On Jan. 20, the NVA conducted a major assault at Khe Sanh. The next day Westmoreland unleashed a massive air campaign against the NVA around Khe Sanh, canceled the Tet cease-fire in northern South Vietnam and cut the cease-fire elsewhere from 48 to 36 hours (the evening of Jan. 30 to the morning of Feb. 1).

Alerted to the change, Dung moved the offensives start date to Jan. 31, but not all units received the order in time. American signals-intelligence stations intercepted the transmission and issued a Jan. 28 alert about an impending nationwide attack. The next day Saigon police raiding a meeting of VC political officers found audio tapes calling for an uprising on Jan. 31.

On Jan. 30, some communist forces prematurely attacked Da Nang and six provincial capitals in northern and central Vietnam, and MACVs intelligence officer, Gen. Philip R. Davidson, warned Westmoreland that an attack on urban areas was imminent.

Two U.S. generals had already put their forces on alert: Charles P. Stone, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, eight days earlier; and Frederick Weyand, commander of forces in the Saigon area, two days earlier.

However, Saigons leadership and much of the MACV staff were slow to react. South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu had departed for the holiday as had all provincial chiefs, the South Vietnamese armys general staff and virtually every division commander. Most relaxed after the premature Jan. 30 attacks were repulsed.

Westmoreland left for his quarters, and more than half of MACVs senior intelligence officers headed to a party at the bachelor officer quarters. Not even a report of two VC battalions entering Hue in the northern region generated an alarm. Only the normal night shift was present at MACV when the offensive erupted at 3 a.m. on Jan. 31. No one notified the forward MACV headquarters or Marines near Hue until hours later. More than 1,100 Americans and thousands of Vietnamese died in the five weeks of fighting that followed.



Rocket and mortar attacks on Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon destroyed a C-47 Skytrain transport plane. (Photoquest/Getty images)

Hanois deception plan worked because the North Vietnamese enjoyed superior knowledge of their opponents. They exploited American misperceptions of Hanois power structure. They penetrated Saigons senior circles and intelligence agencies, American bases, the Western media in South Vietnam and businesses catering to the U.S. military. Hanoi understood American reliance on photo reconnaissance, signals intelligence and technology. It used that knowledge to send misleading signals to U.S. analysts.

Like all successful deceptions, Hanois plan created the intelligence picture its enemy hoped to see. A handful of American analysts understood Hanois approach to war, but they were a minority presenting an unwanted message. Additionally, the Johnson administrations failure to expand its Indochina intelligence effort, particularly linguist training, until late 1967 precluded translation of the most revealing captured documents until after Tet.

Thanks to the deceptions success, Tet exceeded Le Duans expectations for impact on Americas will to fight, although it took Hanoi weeks to realize the political victory because the offensive was an expensive military failure. The attacks did not incite a general uprising, fatally damage Saigons political will or inflict a massive defeat on South Vietnams army. Moreover, communist casualties broke the Viet Cong militarily and politically, forcing the North to assume the bulk of the fighting after Tet, even providing the majority of troops in VC main force units.

Unlike Americas political and military leadership, Le Duan faced no doubts about his actions. After blaming the offensives military failure on Giap, crushing all political opponents and intimidating others, he remained on course to conquer South Vietnam, building on the lessons of Tet to develop a better deception and political warfare plan that would be employed unsuccessfully in 1972 but victoriously in 1975.

Carl O. Schuster is a retired Navy captain with 25 years of service. He finished his career as an intelligence officer. Schuster, who lives in Honolulu, is a teacher in Hawaii Pacific Universitys Diplomacy and Military Science program.

This feature originally appeared in the February 2020 issue of Vietnam magazine. To subscribe, click here.
Its great that the Arizona-based U-Haul company cares about the well-being of its more than 30,000 employees. Its commendable that it has adopted programs and offered benefits to promote their nutrition, fitness and overall health. But its newest wellness policy for employees goes way beyond the promotion of good health and into the land of creepy intrusion.

Starting Feb. 1, the company says it will no longer hire people who use nicotine, or at least that it will do so in the 21 states where it is legal to have such a policy. Illinois does not allow the U-Haul action. Job applicants will have to disclose whether they smoke, vape or chew nicotine products and must agree to be tested for nicotine as a condition of employment. The company says it wont be testing employees initially, but will likely begin nicotine screening sometime in the future in the states that allow it. Current employees are not subject to the new policy, at least not yet.

U-Haul executive Jessica Lopez told the Arizona Republic that health of the workforce is the paramount reason for the policy, and that any decrease in health care costs for the company is a bonus. Well, perhaps. But if the companys goal were simply to improve the health of employees, wouldnt it make more sense to require nicotine users, whether theyre new ones or old ones, to participate in nicotine cessation programs? Simply barring people from working at the company doesnt actually improve anyones health.

Furthermore, why are nicotine users the only people singled out for this draconian step? What unhealthy behavior will be targeted next? Will U-Haul decline to hire employees who drink sugary soda or eat cookies, to do their part to fight the obesity epidemic? What other private behaviors will be declared verboten?

Were skeptical that this policy will prompt job seekers to quit smoking, which is notoriously difficult. More likely they will apply for work elsewhere or lie and hope they dont get caught. That could be a difficult choice for low-income people who are statistically more likely to be smokers. Furthermore, the fact that the policy only applies to new employees sets up a double standard that seems likely to sow discontent and resentment among the workforce.

U-Haul is not the only company to adopt strict anti-nicotine policies for employees; Alaska Airlines did so 35 years ago, but this kind of discrimination is still rare enough to be startling and concerning.

And while we can see the actuarial appeal of such a move  tobacco use is a known health hazard that comes with productivity and health care costs  smoking is also a legal activity. It is mean-spirited to discriminate against people who are suffering from an addiction (all the more so since quitting often requires the use of less-lethal forms of nicotine delivery such as patches or gum, which are also strictly prohibited under U-Hauls misguided policy).

U-Haul should revoke this discriminatory policy and go back to promoting its workers health in a positive manner.

Los Angeles Times

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By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The coal gasification based urea plant of Talcher Fertilisers Limited (TFL) will be commissioned in September 2023. "Commitment of more than Rs 8,000 has been made so far by TFL under various contracts. Pre-project activities like site grading, construction of power and water supply facilities are near completion," Union Fertilisers Secretary Chhabilendra Rout told media persons here on Monday.

Giving a progress report of the Rs 13,277 crore project of Fertilizer Corporation of India Ltd (FCIL) at Talcher in Angul district, Rout said that development of the captive coal mine allotted to the plat in Talcher region has commenced. He said the plant will promote alternative use of domestic coal in an environment-friendly manner, thereby supporting India's commitments under the CoP 21 Paris Agreement 2016 and it will produce 2.38 million metric standard cubic meter per day (MMSCMD) natural gas equivalent syngas from coal, leading to reduction in import bill of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by more than 1,620 crore per annum.

The TFL is one of the five sick fertiliser plants being revived by jointly by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF), Coal India Limited (CIL) and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL).

The Talcher project will have a production capacity of 1.27 MTPA of neem-coated urea through the gasification of a mixed feedstock comprising of high ash Indian coal and pet coke to be supplied by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL).

The Union Secretary said that the project will have a design capacity of 2,200 tonnes per day (TPD) of ammonia and 3,850 TPD of urea. It will also produce around 100 TPD of sulphur plakes as a saleable by-product.

The Talcher project is expected to improve the socio-economic status of the people as it will generate employment opportunity for 10,000 people during construction period and around 4,000 direct and indirect employment after commissioning.

In September last year, TFL awarded a lump-sum turnkey (LSTK) contract to Wuhuan Engineering of China, for implementing its coal gasification unit for production of ammonia and urea.

The coal gasification technology for the plant will be provided by Wuhan Engineering Company of China having rich EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) experience in coal gasification plants, Rout added.
A man and woman were arrested in Conroe last week after an alleged burglary of a home was reported in a 911 call by a female juvenile home alone.

Patrick Lloyd Bratcher, 27, of Conroe, is being charged with burglary of habitation, a second-degree felony. Kayla Christine Smith, 29, of Porter, is being charged with bond forfeiture.

On Jan. 15, a Montgomery County Precinct 2 Constables deputy was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress on Willis Waukegan Road. The female minor who made the 911 call from her home said she heard noises downstairs when no one should have been present. Officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety arrived at the home and detained Bratcher, according to the Pct. 2 Constables Office.

The Pct. 2 deputy learned Bratcher had entered the residence without permission and taken keys to a vehicle he was trying to remove. The homeowner informed authorities Bratcher did not have permission to enter the home or take the vehicle. Smith, who was present during the alleged burglary, was found to have two outstanding felony warrants and was taken into custody, according to the constables office.

Bratcher, according to Texas DPS records, in 2011 was convicted of burglary of habitation in Montgomery County. In 2016, he was convicted of criminal trespass, and in 2015 he was found guilty of theft of property, between $750 and $2,500, according to Texas DPS records.

As of Monday afternoon, Bratcher was being held on a $3,000 bond at the Montgomery County Jail, according to jail records. Smith is being held on a combined $50,000 bond.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Experion Holdings Ltd. (the "Company" or "Experion") (TSXV:EXP)(OTCQB:EXPFF)(FRANKFURT:MB31) today announces the return of Sean MacNeil as director effective January 17, 2020.

Mr. MacNeil took a leave from the Board early last summer to help his wife, Terri, work through her latest cancer treatment. With the support of Terri and his family, Mr. MacNeil has rejoined the Board to provide his valued perspective of the cannabis industry and help Experion as the market develops and matures over the coming years.

"I am excited to be back on the Board and contribute as Experion moves forward in this evolving industry. My wife and family have given me their blessing and we are very thankful for the help of all including the fantastic people at the BC Cancer Agency. Experion is an exciting company with great people and it is poised to accomplish many things this year. Stay tuned there is lots to come" commented Sean MacNeil.

In 2013, Mr. MacNeil started Experion Biotechnologies Inc. and acted as a consultant thereto from 2013 until the acquisition by Experion in 2017. During his time as a consultant to the Company, Mr. MacNeil led the successful on-time and on-budget construction of the Company's indoor grow facility in Mission, BC; as well as oversaw the RTO transaction and Experion achieving its Health Canada license to produce.

In addition to the announcement, the Company recently approved the grant of 131,250 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to its Board of Directors (the "RSU Recipients") as compensation for their services to the Company. Each RSU will carry the right to receive one common share of the Company upon vesting; and will vest 12 months after each director resigns. All other terms and conditions of the RSUs are in accordance with the terms of the Company's Plan.

About Experion Holdings Ltd.

Experion Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Experion Biotechnologies Inc., a Health Canada licensed cultivator and processor of cannabis, based in Mission, BC.

Experion Holdings Ltd. is invested in a portfolio of products to address a wide spectrum of consumer needs' including Adult-use, Wellness and Therapeutic, and Medical products.

Experion trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol "EXP"; on the OTCQB Venture under the symbol "EXPFF" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "MB31".

For further information, please visit the Company's website www.experionwellness.com or join our Global Investor Forum on 8020 connects.company/ExperionEXP where you can read all press releases or contact Investor Relations, Email: IR@experionwellness.com

Disclosure

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, forecast, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities; recent market volatility; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; the risks identified in the Filing Statement, and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Filing Statement dated September 25, 2017 and/or the most recent annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies ofthe TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Experion Holdings Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573633/Experion-Announces-Returning-Board-Director
Huawei Technologies Co. Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou shouldnt be dispatched to the U.S. because her alleged crimes dont meet Canadas legal tests for extradition, her defense lawyers said at the opening of hearings.

At issue in a legal battle that has severely strained Canada-China relations is whether her extradition request meets the crucial test of double criminality: Would her alleged crime have also been a crime in Canada? If the judge rules it doesnt meet that standard, she could be discharged, according to Canadas extradition rules.

Extraditing Meng would undermine the double criminality rule, her defense lawyer Richard Peck told the court in Vancouver.

The hearings that began Monday offer Mengs first opportunity to avoid handover to the U.S., which accuses her of fraud, saying she lied to HSBC Holdings Plc and tricked it into transactions that violated U.S. sanctions on Iran. Meng attended the hearing in a black dress with polka-dots that displayed the GPS tracker on her ankle as some 150 media and spectators watched the proceedings from the gallery.

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.

Fraud is a facade, Peck said. In the end, we are being asked to impose on Canada an obligation to assist the U.S. in enforcing sanctions on Iran.

Her team, citing section 29 of Canadas Extradition Act, says double criminality needs to be assessed as of February 2019  the date when Canadas justice minister authorized the start of extradition proceedings.

Iran Sanctions

At that time, Canada didnt have sanctions on Iran. Therefore, her lawyers argue, her case fails to meet the double criminality test  any transactions by HSBC wouldnt have broken any Canadian laws.

Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes appeared to question whether the court might consider a broader time range. It might not be as straightforward as it appears, she said.

If so, that could throw a spanner into the defenses arguments. Meng allegedly tricked the HSBC banker at a meeting at a Hong Kong teahouse in August 2013, when Canada had a full embargo on trade with Iran. So any transactions by HSBC at that time would have violated Canadian sanctions.

The judge also appeared to test another central pillar of Mengs defense. Her lawyers have cited Canadian legal precedent to argue that for fraud to have occurred, HSBC must have been at risk of economic loss. That essential element of risk of deprivation is missing, Peck said, pointing again to the lack of Canadian sanctions.

Holmes seemed to challenge that: if the case were considered as a domestic proceeding but for one change  that Meng had lied to HSBC in Canada as opposed to in Hong Kong  would that not be a prosecutable fraud case here, she asked.

Defense lawyer Eric Gottardi, seemingly caught off guard, replied: If there was dishonesty combined with a risk of deprivation, arguably you could make out the offense.

Detained Canadians

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. 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.

China has demanded Canada release Meng, and has retaliated by slapping sanctions on Canadian products such as canola, while detaining two Canadians after her arrest in December 2018.

The double-criminality hearings are scheduled for four days but the ruling would likely come much later  possibly in months.

As the extradition hearing began, Huawei released a video statement on its Twitter feed saying it has confidence in the process. We trust in Canadas judicial system which will prove Ms. Mengs innocence, spokesman Benjamin Howes said.

Meng has been biding her time in a Vancouver mansion since her arrest. Thats in sharp contrast to the conditions endured by the two Canadians  Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor  who were detained in China after her arrest.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government says securing the release of the two men  one a former diplomat, the other an entrepreneur  is a priority and that it has asked the Trump administration for help. Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told reporters Sunday at a cabinet retreat in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that he raised the issue last week with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Over the weekend, a senior aide to former Prime Minister Jean Chretien joined John Manley, a former Liberal deputy prime minister and industry minister, in urging Trudeau to consider ordering an end to the Huawei executives extradition as part of a prisoner exchange for Kovrig and Spavor.

Asked about that proposal Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said: Our government has been clear that were a rule of law country and that we honor our extradition treaty commitments. That is what we need to do, and that is what we will do.
Our demand is neither against the Prime Minister, nor against the authorities; we want to know how the slaughterhouses will work. The livestock farmers, who are protesting on a section of the Yerevan-Sevan highway, said this today.

Artavazd Barseghyan, Adviser to the Governor of Kotayk Province, met with these livestock farmers. He told them that the demand that "there should not be slaughterhouses" is not the solution, and suggested that the respective law could be amended.

The livestock farmers reached agreement with the governor's adviser to wait for the government to discuss the matter, and if the livestock farmers were not satisfied with the results, a discussion would be held at the provincial hall, and they will listen to the residents.

As reported earlier, these livestock farmers dissatisfaction is related to the long distance from their settlements to the slaughterhouses and the prices the latter offer for slaughtering the animals. They argue that making the slaughtering of their animals in slaughterhouses mandatory deprives them of their income. They have been protesting in front of the government building for the last few days demanding a meeting with the prime minister. Their rally yesterday was accompanied by the closing of some streets.

The government's decision, according to which meat sold in Armenia must have a document certifying that it was slaughtered in a slaughterhousewhich is a food safety guarantee, came into force on January 15.
DENVER  The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an attempt by Colorado to close what it calls a loophole that allows businesses to avoid some regulatory sanctions by, in part, saying theyre too poor to pay penalties.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat, said the Jan. 13 decision could hurt the states ability to ensure businesses are following regulations and laws. He said under the Supreme Courts decision not to consider the case, businesses will continue to have a huge loophole, or even incentive, to ignore Colorados rules for corporate conduct.

This is, from a regulatory standpoint, a big deal, he told The Colorado Sun. It is going to hamstring the ability a range of regulatory requirements on companies.

The case stems from a Colorado Department of Labor dispute with Dami Hospitality, which owns the small Star Motel in northeast Denver. The agency fined Dami $425,000 for letting its workers compensation insurance coverage lapse for nearly 1,700 days through July 2014.

Dami appealed the fine, arguing, in part, that because the business lacked the funds to pay the penalty, the sanction violated the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Eighth Amendment says excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed.

The case ended up in the Colorado Supreme Court, which ruled in Damis favor, despite argument from state lawyers that the Eighth Amendment applies only to individuals, and that a companys ability to pay a penalty should not be weighed as part of excessive fine considerations.

Colorado then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Daniel Goodwin, an attorney who represented Dami in the case, said Damis owner, Soon Pak, had no idea the workers compensation insurance had lapsed and that no one was adversely affected as a result. Pak is a Korean immigrant in her 70s who speaks little English and has difficulty understanding technical and legal concepts, her legal team argued.

Paks lawyers say she obtained workers compensation insurance once she realized it had lapsed and sought to resolve the matter, offering the state $3,500 to clear up the penalty. Pak said her annual payroll, at the time the fine was leveled, was $50,000.

Thats absolutely ridiculous, Goodwin said of the $425,000 fine against Pak. There is no one, other than a major corporation, that could pay a fine of such an amount. An offer of paying a reasonable fine has been made numerous times to the department and they have rejected that.

Weiser is worried about the ripple effects of the U.S. Supreme Courts action. He said they could be far reaching, including to the states lawsuit against opioid make Purdue Pharma.

Weiser thinks that business owners will take money out of their companies to avoid paying regulatory fines.

You create a clear incentive for companies to strip money out of corporations, he said. This would be hugely problematic for a range of regulator systems  whether its health and safety or taxation  where weve relied on fines for bad behavior.

He added: Fines should be what they should be to serve the regulatory purpose, and you shouldnt seek to undermine the regulatory purpose based on who the corporation is.

Goodwin called Weisers argument fallacious.

If the state is trying to take away a business, Goodwin said, that is not reasonable.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Kolkata Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday arrested UP based narcotic drug dealer with his Manipur based counterpart from Paikpara area and seized contraband drugs worth around Rs 75 to 105 crore in the international grey market from their possession.

The accused have identified as 40-year-old Juber and 49-year-old Moulana Fayazuddin. Both are residents of Dhawaria, Bhawanipurwa, in Uttar Pradesh and Thoubal in Manipur, respectively, police said.

Acting on secret information, police arrested both the accused with heroin weighing about 25.255 kg at about 1.35 am from the Paikpara area which falls under the Tala Police Station's jurisdiction in Kolkata.

"On searching their belongings, a huge quantity of heroin weighing about 25.255 kg was recovered. A specific case has been registered under Section 21(c) 29 of Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act," a police official said.

According to police, this is one of the biggest seizures of heroin not only in Kolkata jurisdiction but also in Bengal and North East.

The arrested accused will be produced before city Sessions Court in Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lev Parnas (R) claims he pressured Ukraine to investigate the Bidens on Rudy Giuliani's (L) orders: REUTERS/Aram Roston/File Photo

Rudy Giuliani has appeared to contradict himself about an alleged meeting between Donald Trump and a businessman who claims the US president asked him to persuade Ukraine to investigative Joe Biden.

In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Mr Trumps personal lawyer said there were four people who could vouch that Lev Parnass account of the meeting during a 2018 White House Hannakuh party was untrue.

Mr Giuliani told presenter Laura Ingraham: [He said there were] four people in that meeting. The four people in that meeting  myself, his former partner Igor Fruman and two others  say that its absolutely untrue, the meeting never took place.

In a previous interview on the same network, the former New York City mayor told Ed Henry there were five witnesses  who all say categorically untrue. Aside from Mr Fruman, he did not name the witnesses.

Both Mr Parnas and Mr Fruman are Republican donors who were charged last year with campaign finance offences over allegations they worked to funnel foreign money to candidates for federal and state office.

They were thrust into the impeachment probe when Mr Parnas agreed to co-operate with inquiries into allegations the US president withheld aid to Ukraine to pressure the country into investigating conspiracy theories about his Democrat rival Mr Biden.

Last week Soviet-born Mr Parnas, a long-time associate of Mr Giuliani, insisted Mr Trump knew about his efforts to dig up dirt on the former vice-president. He told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow: "President Trump knew exactly what was going on."

In Mr Giuliani's latest interview with Fox News, he said he was "heartbroken" by what he depicted as a betrayal by his associate, who is the godfather to his son.

"Obviously, I was misled by him," he added.

The interview came as Mr Parnas called for attorney general William Barr to remove himself from overseeing his criminal case over what he said were conflicts of interest.

Story continues

It is in the public interest to remove this matter entirely from the Department of Justice, his lawyers wrote to Mr Barr.

Read more

Trump is like a cult leader, says Giuliani associate Lev Parnas
I dont think we had been alerted to anything concerning, she said. We are always trying to tighten up our processes, in terms of evaluating what rescue partners we will transfer animals to.  When you see something like this, it makes you look at your own processes to see if anything need to update. This was disappointing to see that this had happened.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A five-alarm fire that displaced more than 30 people in Huguenot Monday afternoon is believed to have begun on the first floor of one of the homes destroyed in the blaze.

Firefighters arrived on Rensselaer Avenue just before 3 p.m. and encountered heavy fire coming from the buildings, according to John Sudnik, the FDNY chief of department, who addressed reporters just across the street from where the fire severely damaged six homes.

Firefighters believe the fire started on the first floor of 827 Rensselaer Ave. before quickly extending into the adjoining houses, Sudnik said.

In all, 819, 821, 823, 825, 827 and 829 Rensselaer Ave. all suffered damage as a result of the blaze.

While the exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation, Sudnik said the construction of the buildings contributed to the speed in which the fire spread through the roof areas of the homes.

There is a lot of wood up there, Sudnik said of the attics of the buildings, from which heavy smoke poured out into the evening.

Firefighters exiting one of the homes badly damaged by a five-alarm fire on Staten Island. Full story on @siadvance #SiLive #StatenIsland pic.twitter.com/sBbrzdowvM  Joseph Ostapiuk (@OstapiukJ) January 20, 2020

Firefighters quickly worked to contain the blaze to the single set of six apartments, as it nearly spread to another set of homes during the initial FDNY response.

More than 200 firefighters and EMS workers were on the scene Monday afternoon. Ten firefighters suffered various minor injuries, and one civilian had a minor injury due to smoke inhalation.

Breaking News on Staten Island where a fast-moving fire spread across several connected homes. Updates: https://t.co/hg4QSsurPz pic.twitter.com/yQ9mFN7fZM  Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) January 20, 2020

Michael de Vulpillieres, communications officer for the American Red Cross, said the organization has connected with five of the six families displaced as a result of the fire and is working to reach the remaining family.

One family has accepted the organizations offer of emergency housing, de Vulpillieres said, as other families were able to secure a place to live following the fire.

The Red Cross has multiple teams on the scene in Huguenot Monday night, de Vulpillieres said, and affected individuals can reach out to 1-877-272-7337.

A massive fire ripped through a row of townhouses on Rensselaer Avenue in Huguenot on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

DRAMATIC ACCOUNTS

Several neighbors ran into one of the engulfed homes and carried down a disabled resident before tragedy could have struck.

My son was inside the house and he said Dad, the house [is] on fire across the street, " said Paul Oliveri, 54, who identified himself as a retired cop who lives in the community. We saw all the black smoke.

I come running outside, another guy comes running outside and we know that theres a disabled woman that lives in that house, Oliveri continued.

He said he and the man, now joined by another neighbor, ran to the back of the home to rescue the woman.

We ended up going into that house and carrying Terry, the disabled woman, down, he said. "We were gagging with the smoke. We had her down before the Fire Department came here.

Another resident on the block said one home was already engulfed in flames by the time he arrived -- then it quickly spread.

One house was up, then another house was up, then another house was up, the man said.

A massive fire ripped through a row of townhouses on Rensselaer Avenue in Huguenot on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk)

CONCERN FOR VICTIMS

Nancy Cook, who has lived across the street from the affected homes for 27 years, said her heart went out to the displaced families, calling their situation "a terrible tragedy.

She said she wasnt home when the blaze broke out, but returned to the community when she got a call from her husband.

BREAKING: Raging fire engulfs multiple homes in Huguenot Posted by Staten Island Advance on Monday, January 20, 2020

City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) said on Twitter that he plans to set up drop-off sites if there are immediate needs for family members.

Getting drips and drabs of info about todays fire on Rensselaer Ave. I will update as we receive it and after I speak with the commissioner of @NYCEMCommish @nycemergencymgt. If there are immediate needs for family members we will be setting up a drop off site. pic.twitter.com/zzb9dhI4Hr  Joe Borelli (@JoeBorelliNYC) January 20, 2020

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis said that Assemblyman Mike Reilly are collecting gift cards for the affected families.

Prayers for a speedy recovery for all involved, Malliotakis

Assemblyman @MikeWReilly (7001 Amboy Rd) & Councilman @JoeBorelliNYC (2995 Veterans Rd W) are collecting gift cards for the affected families. If easier, you can also drop off at my office (11 Maplewood Place) and well pass along. Prayers for a speedy recovery for all involved.  Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) January 21, 2020

District Attorney Michael E. McMahon thanked first responders and quick-acting neighbors for their incomparable bravery and heroism."

Their actions undoubtedly saved lives, McMahon said Monday night.
Livestock farmers have closed off a section of the Yerevan-Sevan highway.

They are protesting the new regulation that meat sold in Armenia must have a document certifying that it has been slaughtered in slaughterhouses.

Today the livestock farmers had closed the highway in Ararat Province, too, but later they reopened it, provided that there would be a discussion on the matter at the regional administration tonight.

As reported earlier, these livestock farmers dissatisfaction is related to the long distance from their settlements to the slaughterhouses and the prices the latter offer for slaughtering the animals. They argue that making the slaughtering of their animals in slaughterhouses mandatory deprives them of their income. They have been protesting in front of the government building for the last few days demanding a meeting with the prime minister. Their rally yesterday was accompanied by the closing of some streets.

The government's decision, according to which meat sold in Armenia must have a document certifying that it was slaughtered in a slaughterhousewhich is a food safety guarantee, came into force on January 15.
The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday said it has cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of Vodafone m-pesa on account of voluntary surrender of authorisation.

Following the cancellation of the CoA, the company cannot transact the business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments, the central bank said.

However, customers or merchants having a valid claim on the company as a PSO, can approach the company for settlement of their claims within three years from the date of cancellation i.e. by September 30, 2022.

Vodafone m-pesa, a Payment System Operator (PSO), had voluntarily surrendered the authorisation, it said.

Last year, Vodafone Idea had decided to close m-pesa vertical following the closure of Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Ltd (ABIPBL), with which it was being merged.

Vodafone m-pesa was one of the 11 firms that was given payments bank licence by the RBI in 2015.
Re: the letter Blame lies with Trump by Laura Cochrane

Despite your Trump hatefest, none of you were privy to U.S. military intelligence.

In fact, even our own idiot prime minister is not in the loop because the utter fool is no longer trusted, and not just by the U.S.

You know none of the facts, so try being a little more responsible. By the way, Iran shot down that plane, not Trump.

You blame Trump for anything that goes wrong. Start looking at the current imbecile ruling in the PMs office.

Roland Maquire, Kelowna
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress on Tuesday attacked the BJP-led central government over its ongoing public outreach programme in the Union Territory and alleged that the visit of the ministers is only to highlight the agenda of the party at the expense of the public exchequer.

It also alleged that the visit is aimed at diverting the attention of the people from real issues of unemployment, price rise and "worst ever" economic slowdown besides the social and political upheavals being witnessed in the country, affecting the political prospects of the BJP in Delhi and West Bengal.

In the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 provisions and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two UTs in August last year, the Centre launched a major week-long public outreach programme on January 18 to aware people about the benefits of the move and to disseminate information about the implementation of its policies and programmes for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. So far about 24 ministers visited different parts of Jammu.

"The visit of ministers' brigade is only to highlight the agenda of the party at the expense of public exchequer by use of entire official machinery, after feedback to the BJP government at the centre that people even in Jammu region are fed up with the neglect, especially the treatment meted out to the erstwhile state depriving it of the identity and rights of the locals," Pradesh Congress Committee chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said.

"The BJP should answer why only five ministers, out of 36, are going to Kashmir to attend eight programmes against 51 programmes in the Jammu region to explain the benefits of abrogation of special status under Article 370 and disbanding of the erstwhile state," he said.

Sharma said the BJP should also explain the "benefits" of disbanding and downgrading of the erstwhile state with a unique history and culture into UTs.

"It should also give a timeline for the restoration of the statehood with guarantees for land and jobs to local unemployed youth whose number is one of the highest, as around three lakh PG scholars alone were registered a year ago in J and K," he said in a statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
This comes at a time when a court in Kochi on Tuesday decided to hand over the two youths to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Chennithala arrived at the residences of the youths and pledged his full support to them as he assured their parents that the party will take up this issue in the Assembly.

The two students of law and journalism, Allen Shuaib and Thaha Fazil, both CPM workers, were arrested in November from their home town in Kozhikode, after the police recovered Maoist leaflets that condemned the government's action in Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking to the media here after concluding the house visit, former State Home Minister Chennithala told the media that the two youths have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and it appears now that there is no difference between Vijayan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Normally when UAPA cases are registered they are based on clear cut rules, but in this case, it has not been followed. Vijayan, himself has been saying the youths are Maoists, if so, why is he not coming out with the evidences? And now the case has been handed over to the NIA. I have assured the families that the opposition will take this up in the Assembly," said Chennithala.

sg/kr
(Alliance News) - Premier African Minerals Ltd said Tuesday it has commissioned grid electrical power to its 49%-owned RHA tungsten project, in Zimbabwe.

As of now, PAM said adequate power is available from the national grid to consider the resumption of plant operations at the end of January 2020 to reprocess historic tailings.

Chief Executive George Roach said: "We are reassured by the continued commitment of National Indigenisation & Economic Empowerment Fund to meeting the financial commitment to the funding of RHA."

The company previously reported the potential reprocessing of tailings in the summer of 2016.

"The test work conducted at that time remains valid and the availability of electrical power has substantially reduced the cost associated with operating the plant," Roach said.

Roach continued: "Similarly, and by arrangement with MN Holding Ltd in which Premier has recently acquired a shareholding, the capital plant needed to feed the tailings at RHA is now expected to be potentially available to RHA at net operating cost only."

PAM also noted the historic tailings are already mined and milled.

"Based on the above, I believe that it is completely logical that RHA should now look to consider the reprocessing of the tailings dumps as soon as possible," Roach added.

Shares in Premier African Minerals were 5.6% lower in London on Tuesday at 0.092 pence each.

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
NI Water has reiterated the need for substantial investment in water infrastructure, warning that almost half of Northern Ireland's larger treatment plants will reach full capacity by 2027.

The warning came following a meeting between representatives of NI Water and Mid Ulster council.

It is anticipated that the Mid Ulster Council area will need nearly 11,000 new homes by 2030 to house its growing population, which will require further investment in water services.

Read More

Steve Blockwell, head of investment at NI Water, said that, while they welcome the commitment in the New Decade, New Approach deal, "huge constraints on our capital budget has meant that wastewater issues have largely been left unaddressed" in recent years.

Across Northern Ireland, there are 271 large waste water treatment works, which serve around 90% of Northern Ireland's population.

According to NI Water's Price Control 21 business planning analysis, 99 of these treatment works are currently at full capacity, are fast approaching full capacity, or have environmental/operational issues.

A further 33 will reach full capacity by 2027.

Last week, NI Water said it needs at least 2.5billion to address capacity issues and to continue providing essential water and wastewater services.

This is despite the government committing to providing a total of only 2bn to the new Stormont Executive - to cover all sectors.

NI Water explained that the 2.5bn figure includes an infrastructure investment requirement of approximately 1bn for the Living With Water Programme (LWWP).

Steve Blockwell said: The funding made available in PC15 (2015 to 2021) by NI Government to date for water and wastewater infrastructure is not keeping pace with what Northern Ireland needs.

Significant investment is needed for wastewater and water infrastructure. NI Water knows Northern Irelands growth ambitions, we know what needs done and we have the plan and the skills to deliver it.

"However, if funding continues at current levels there will be significant constraints on economic growth, damage to the environment and risk to peoples health.

In order to meet the funding needs for infrastructure, health, education and justice, it has been suggested rates will have to be increased - and water charges may have to be introduced.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has described the proposed Treasury funding as "woefully inadequate", while Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said she is staunchly opposed to water charges.
New Delhi :

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday filed his nomination papers for the February 8 Delhi Assembly Elections from New Delhi constituency after a wait of nearly seven hours at the Returning Officers office. Kejriwal was scheduled to file his poll papers on Monday but postponed it for today owing to a delay in his roadshow. However, the AAP chief had to wait for seven hours as there were several other candidates at the Returning Officers office to file their nominations.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that there were around 35 candidates without proper nomination papers and they were not allowing the Delhi chief minister to file his nomination. Bharadwaj claimed that the BJP was behind these people.

"Around 35 candidates are sitting at RO office without proper nomination papers, even without names of 10 proposers. They're insisting unless their papers are complete and file nomination, they won't allow CM Kejriwal to file nomination. BJP is behind these people," Bharadwaj said.

Kejriwal was 45th in queue to file his nomination from the New Delhi constituency from where he had registered a landslide victory in 2015. AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said Kejriwal has filed his nomination at around 6.30 pm.

Also Read | BJP Behind Delay In Arvind Kejriwals Nomination For Delhi Polls, Alleges AAP

Reacting to the development, Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia also hit out at the BJP for hatching a conspiracy to delay the nomination filing of the chief minister and said that no matter the conspiracies, the saffron party won't be able to stop Kejriwal from returning to power.

"Whatever intrigue the BJP do! They won't be able to stop Arvind Kejriwal from filing nomination and from becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi for the third time. Your plans will not succeed," the Delhi deputy CM said in Hindi.

The Delhi chief minister was earlier supposed to file his nomination papers on Monday but postponed till Tuesday owing to the delay in the rally. The 'Walk With Kejriwal' roadshow was to be followed by the Delhi CM going to Jamnagar House to file his nomination papers, but owing to the delay in the rally, he was unable to reach the SDM office in time. Kejriwal had said the nomination will now be filed on Tuesday, which is also the last day for the filing of nomination for the February 8 polls in Delhi.
Crown prosecutor Jonothan McCarthy said police were waiting for the results of a pathology report and forensic testing of other items. Pre-dawn raids The Mongols' Port Melbourne and Ferntree Gully clubhouses and the South Melbourne tattoo parlour co-owned by ex-bikie Toby Mitchell and former Richmond footballer Jake King were among the properties raided by police in the early hours of Wednesday morning. King, who was seen casually talking to officers at the City of Ink tattoo shop on Clarendon Street, and Mitchell are not accused of any involvement or wrongdoing. Paul Virgona was killed when the van he was driving was sprayed with bullets.

Police seized six guns, a speedboat and what they suspect are drugs in the raids. Ballistic tests are under way to determine if any of the guns were used in Mr Virgona's murder. A third man was being interviewed over gun and drug matters. The two men are accused of waiting for the fruiterer to leave his family home in Croydon and following him in a stolen Mercedes-Benz sedan. They allegedly opened fire just after Mr Virgona passed through the Melba Tunnel, before speeding off and leaving him dead in his van in the middle of the road. Police search a car parked on Lalor Street, Port Melbourne during the raid. Credit:Simon Schluter

Police say the alleged killers switched to a getaway car, a Volkswagen Amarok utility, before dumping it and running into a park. Police released images of a distinctive Nike top, believed to have been dropped by one of the suspects as they ran through Marie Wallace Bayswater Park after they abandoned the Amarok near Mountain Highway. At a press conference earlier this month, police revealed they had been able to establish a link to organised crime but were unable to identify a motive for the killing. Mr Virgona's 17-year-old son Luca, accompanied by his mother Antonietta, said his father was a unique, hardworking man who inspired his family to fulfil their dreams. "The death of my father has left us distraught and will forever do so as this is a life sentence," he said.

The last time Luca saw his father was the night before the murder. The pair talked excitedly about football and Mr Virgona's new role as a local footy coach at the Croydon Football and Netball Club for the 2020 season. Friends described Mr Virgona as quiet family man who "never ever hinted he was in trouble". Mr Virgona was found dead in the driver's seat of his white van on EastLink. Credit:Nine News On Wednesday morning, police from the homicide squad, the anti-bikie Echo Taskforce and others raided properties in Montrose, Kilsyth, Lilydale, Tecoma, Wantirna South, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Southbank, Noble Park, Croydon and Ferntree Gully.

Police are continuing to search a home on Lalor Street, Port Melbourne, where a large mural of Batman character the Joker is painted on the garage door. Police outside the Port Melbourne property where one of the alleged killers was arrested. Credit:AAP A nearby resident said police used a battering ram on the door, before a man they called "Josh" crawled outside in the pre-dawn raid. "About 5am the lights from the helicopter came on the house. Then the PA, 'come out youre surrounded'," the resident said. "He came out in just his undies and they made him crawl onto the road. It was full on. I dont know what you call them, but the SWAT team, huge guns. They had him sitting on the road for about 20 minutes."

Police raid a property on Lalor St, Port Melbourne on Wednesday morning. Credit:Simon Schluter A 30-year-old Montrose man was arrested in Kilsyth and will now be interviewed by detectives from the Echo Taskforce in relation to drug offences. Police removed dogs from property on Lalor Street, Port Melbourne, during Wednesday morning's raids. Credit:Simon Schluter Assistant Commissioner Walsh said Wednesdays arrests and raids were the result of months of hard work by the Echo Taskforce, homicide squad and other units across Victoria Police. "We understand that any time there is an incident involving illicit firearms, particularly one that results in someone being killed in this way, there is enormous concern in the community," she said.
Seven people have been arrested following an investigation into the international money laundering of criminal assets accumulating to approximately 215 million (252m).

Officers from PSNI's Economic Crime Unit searched 15 properties across the North in what is the largest money laundering search and arrest operation in Northern Ireland.

Eight searches were carried out yesterday in Banbridge, Newry and Omagh and seven further searches were carried out in Belfast, Banbridge, Newry and Ballymena earlier today.

Six men aged 33, 37, 39, 40, 50, 67 and a 32-year-old woman were arrested during the two day operation.

"The men aged 50 and 67 plus the 32 year old woman remain in police custody and are being questioned by detectives", said Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson.

"The four men aged 33, 37, 39 and 40 have been released on police bail."

Det Chief Inspector Wilson said that the operation targeted individuals suspected of high end money laundering through bank accounts in the UK and internationally.

We believe todays operation is one of the most significant live investigations into money laundering in the UK," he said.

Seven arrested in 215million, largest money laundering search investigation in Northern Ireland - PSNIs Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson explains more. pic.twitter.com/O5LVltaPuX  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 21, 2020

"During our extensive investigation we identified that a significant volume of suspected criminal cash was being laundered out of the country through a number of shell companies and bank accounts held here in Northern Ireland.

"The investigation has identified over 50 companies and over 140 bank accounts

In total, almost 215 million has been deposited to thousands of bank accounts across the UK and also transferred out of the UK through foreign exchange companies since 2011.

Money laundering is often a critical enabler of organised criminality.

"We believe that the majority of this money is derived from a range of criminal activity carried out by organised crime gangs."

The complex operation involved PSNI liaison with Garda Economic Crime Bureau (ECB), Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), National Crime Agency (NCA), United Kingdom Financial Investigation Unit (UKFIU) and Her Majestys Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

International associations have been identified and PSNI are working with EuroPol and InterPol," said Det Chief Inspector Wilson.

"We are also being assisted by money laundering experts coordinated by the National Economic CRIME Centre (NECC)."
Burma Arakan Army Releases Myanmar MP Held Since November

U Whei Tin is greeted by family and friends after his release by the Arakan Army on Jan. 21, 2020. / Peter Lawilu / supplied

MANDALAY  The Arakan Army (AA) released U Whei Tin, the detained National League for Democracy (NLD) parliamentarian, on Tuesday in Paletwa Township, Chin State, western Myanmar, after detaining him for 79 days.

His family members met U Whei Tin and were on their way home with him.

Five relatives met him at Pwi Wone Village on the border between Kyauktaw and Paletwa townships and now they are on their way home to Paletwa. They will arrive in Paletwa late this evening. We are happy that he is safe and healthy, said U Soe Htet, the Chin State municipal minister.

The AA said U Whei Tin was released to ensure a sustainable relationship between the Rakhine and Khumi communities and to rebuild trust and friendship. On Jan. 10, the AA insisted on keeping him in detention, saying the group had security concerns if he was released.

The Rakhine and Khumi are like brothers, living in harmony with understanding and trust. We want to rebuild trust and friendship between the two communities, and reconciliation in the long term, so we decided to release U Whei Tin at a safe place in Paletwa on Jan. 21, said the AAs statement.

U Whei Tin, the Upper House parliamentarian for Paletwa in Chin State, was abducted on Nov. 3. He was on his way to the Parliament in Naypyitaw and traveling to Kyauktaw in Rakhine State from Paletwa by boat.

Nine civilians, including five Indian citizens working on the Kaladan transport project, were also abducted.

One of the Indians died while held by the AA. The AA released the four surviving Indians, two translators and two members of the boat crew, along with the Indian mans body, on Nov. 4.

After the abduction, the AA said U Whei Tin was being questioned over allegations that he was providing the army with intelligence.

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Lesotho police on Monday summoned Prime Minister Thomas Thabane for questioning over alleged links to the 2017 murder of his estranged wife.

The brutal assassination of Lipolelo Thabane sent shock waves through the tiny mountainous kingdom, which is entirely surrounded by South Africa.

She was gunned down outside her home in Lesotho's capital Maseru on June 2017, two days before the inauguration of her husband -- with whom she had been embroiled in bitter divorce proceedings.

The case was brought back into the spotlight this month by a letter from Lesotho's police chief, which claimed that communication records from the day of the crime picked up Thabane's mobile phone number.

Dated December 23, 2019, it became public in court documents filed over a separate matter.

On Monday, police summoned the prime minister to their office to "cast a light" on the 58-year old's murder.

"This case does not only attract the attention of Basotho nation (Lesotho) but it is of international concern," deputy police commissioner Paseka Mokete said in a statement.

Thabane, 80, said last week he planned to resign after senior members of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party accused him of hampering investigations into the killing. He gave no timetable for when he would be stepping down.

He is expected to report to the police on Wednesday and vowed to cooperate with the justice system.

"As the prime minister I have undertaken an oath to respect and protect the constitution and all other laws of Lesotho," he told reporters in Maseru, promising to "get to the bottom of this matter".

Several high-profile figures have also been summoned to provide information on the case, including Thabane's current wife Maesaiah Thabane.

But police have been unable to trace her whereabouts since she failed to turn up for questioning on January 10. A court has since issued a warrant for her arrest.

str-sch/pma
File image: Twitter/@BhimArmyChief

Modifying its January 15 bail conditions, a Delhi court on January 21 allowed Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad to travel to or stay in New Delhi.

On January 15 while granting bail to Azad, the court had said he should not be in the national capital for the next four weeks.

According to Live Law, the Judge said there's "no material" to suggest Azad "indulged in anything that is against law and order or national security".

Azad, however, will have to inform DCP crime before coming to the national capital. Moreover, according to news agency ANI, whenever Azad comes to Delhi, he will reside at the given address.

Azad will also have to inform the DCP via telephone and send an email if he is not in Delhi or Saharanpur, according to the news agency.

Azad had moved the court seeking bail in connection with violence during a protest the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in New Delhis Daryaganj area, claiming that police invoked "boilerplate" charges against him and arrested him "mechanically" without following the due process of law.

The Bhim Army chief had claimed that he has been falsely implicated as the allegations levelled against him in the FIR were not only "ill founded", also "improbable".

Azad's outfit had called for a protest march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar against the amended Citizenship Act on December 20.

The other 15 people arrested in the case were granted bail by the court on January 9.

A day after being released from Tihar jail, Azad had joined anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests at New Delhi's Jama Masjid on January 17.
NEW YORK (AP)  Americans who want to follow President Donald Trump's impeachment saga and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein's rape trial through the media will sit in obstructed seats.

Both events begin in earnest this week  with Senate arguments over Trump's impeachment beginning Tuesday and opening statements in the Weinstein case Wednesday. Both have been the subject of behind-the-scenes wrangling over media access.

Far from an esoteric exercise, the limited media access affects what the public is able to see and, just as importantly, who controls the narrative.

C-SPAN, joined by the other major television networks, objects to the Senate's plan to essentially allow only two camera views of the impeachment trial from the Senate floor. One would focus on whoever is speaking at the time and the other would be a wider shot of the Senate itself, said Terry Murphy, C-SPAN's vice president of programming, on Monday.

More camera shots are generally permitted during special events, but not in this case, he said.

It means, for example, that pictures of how individual senators are reacting to testimony, what groups gather together for informal confabs, or any demonstrations that may take place will generally go missing. The Senate will be the arbiter of what pictures go out, Murphy said.

The citizen who gets to sit in the gallery gets a lot better view than the person sitting inside the living room at home, Murphy said. All we ask is that the person watching from home get the same view.

Restrictions on reporters who sit in the press gallery, including having to go through metal detectors to enter and not being allowed to transmit messages electronically while there, may minimize the immediate value of having those eyes on sight.

Can anyone name a time when free flow of information is more important than when impeachment is the issue and the nation is bitterly divided? said Tom Bettag, a veteran news producer who now teaches journalism at the University of Maryland. "For any one side to try to control the news can only inflame the situation.

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Typically, reporters have generous access to politicians in the hallways outside. Most senators are keen to talk, although the reaction of Arizona Sen. Martha McSally last week, who called CNN's Manu Raju a liberal hack when he tried to ask her a question, illustrate these are fraught times.

For the public and politicians, information gleaned from these conversations can fill in the blanks about what is happening behind the scenes and how testimony was being taken.

So journalists were alarmed when initial rules were put in place that would pen in reporters directly outside the Senate chamber and chill attempts at conversations. There's been some progress loosening those rules; reporters were assured Monday that Capitol police would no longer try to break up any interviews they saw in Capitol hallways, as happened late last week, said Sarah Wire, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and chair of the Standing Committee on Correspondents, which is responsible for credentialing reporters.

It is one of the most important moments in American history, Wire said. Having reporters speak to senators is important, and not just the senators who choose to speak to reporters.

Christopher Isham, Washington bureau chief for CBS News, said discussions are still fairly fluid in terms of making it easier for senators who want to talk. He's optimistic that the public will ultimately have roughly the same access to the impeachment trial through the media as it did for President Bill Clinton's trial.

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Not everyone is sympathetic to the journalists' arguments, however.

It's like people complaining at the airport that they have to go through security, said Tim Graham of the conservative watchdog Media Research Center. Welcome to living in America. And they wonder why they're so unpopular.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which together with several other groups sent a letter to the Senate last week, urged the leaders not to slide back to 20th Century technology at a time more can be done to let the public know what the politicians are up to.

Bettag, once executive producer at ABC's Nightline, said any differences in news coverage of the impeachment trial caused by media restrictions is likely to be so subtle that most viewers won't notice. But it's important for news organizations to fight them, since without that things are likely to tighten even further in the future.

Cable news networks CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC are expected to cover every minute of the impeachment trial, mirroring coverage of the House hearings. ABC, CBS and NBC will also have extensive coverage but haven't committed to showing each minute of the hearings.

By comparison, the much-anticipated Weinstein trial will be much harder for the public to follow. The once-powerful Hollywood producer, whose behavior gave rise to the #MeToo movement, is on trial in a New York courtroom on charges that he raped a woman in a hotel room in 2013 and forced oral sex on another in 2006.

New York state courts infrequently allow or are equipped to provide television coverage, and despite efforts by Court TV, state Supreme Court Justice James Burke is not permitting cameras in this case. Any depiction of Weinstein listening to testimony in the trial will come from sketch artists.

Reporters permitted in the courtroom will not be allowed to have phones or any recording devices; they won't be allowed to text, tweet or email anything to the outside world, according to rules issued by Burke.

News organizations have also been unsuccessfully pushing for an overflow room at the state Supreme Court, which would allow more reporters room on site.
PSNI officers raiding a property as part of one of the largest money laundering operations in Northern Ireland (Liam McBurney/PA)

Seven people have been arrested following a major police operation against money laundering in Northern Ireland.

A senior detective has described it as one of the most significant live investigations into money laundering in the UK involving 215 million.

Six men and one woman were detained after 15 searches at locations across Northern Ireland on Monday and Tuesday.

Four of the men have been released on bail.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Simon Byrne congratulated those involved in Operation Shambala, tweeting that tenacious & complex work brings results.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said those targeted include individuals suspected of high-end money laundering through bank accounts in the UK and internationally.

He added: Six men aged 33, 37, 39, 40, 50 and 67 and a 32-year-old woman were arrested during the two-day operation.

During our extensive investigation, we identified that a significant volume of suspected criminal cash was being laundered out of the country through a number of shell companies and bank accounts held here in Northern Ireland.

The investigation has identified over 50 companies and over 140 bank accounts.

Expand Close PSNI officers raiding a property (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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In total, almost 215 million has been deposited to thousands of bank accounts across the UK and also transferred out of the UK through foreign exchange companies since 2011.

Money laundering is often a critical enabler of organised criminality. We believe that the majority of this money is derived from a range of criminal activity carried out by organised crime gangs.

We are committed to keeping people safe by robustly pursuing those who are involved in laundering criminally-derived money and enabling criminals to access the profits gained from their involvement in a range of illegal activities.

Tenacious & complex work brings results . Well done Ecomomic Crime unit @PoliceServiceNI  Simon Byrne (@ChiefConPSNI) January 21, 2020

I would appeal for anyone with any information on this type of activity to contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A number of other agencies were involved in the operation, including the Garda economic crime branch, Criminal Assets Bureau, National Crime Agency, the United Kingdom Financial Investigation Unit, Her Majestys Revenue and Customs and Europol.

Democratic Unionist Party Policing Board member Mervyn Storey welcomed the operation.

The fact that it is estimated to be the second largest anti-money laundering operation seen in the UK is testament to their planning, intelligence and gathering and professionalism on the ground, he said.

It is a good day for the interests of the public and a bad day for organised criminality, not just in Northern Ireland but internationally.

This highlights the vital and active role the PSNI plays in tackling global and common threats to our communities.
Central American migrants - mostly Hondurans, travelling on caravan to the US- cross the Suichate River, the natural border between Tecum Uman, Guatemala and Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico. (AFP/Johan ORDONEZ, Johan ORDONEZ)

The Central Americans, from the so-called "2020 Caravan" of around 3,500 undocumented migrants, gathered on the Guatemalan side of the Suchiate River at dawn, demanding migration authorities let them continue their journey to the United States.

When authorities did not immediately respond, the migrants began fording the river, which is shallow this time of year.

Mexican troops fired tear gas in an attempt to force them back. Scores of migrants, many with cloths tied around their faces to protect them from the tear gas, pelted the military police guarding the river with large stones, as the latter sheltered behind riot shields.

"Let us through! Put your hands on your hearts," shouted a Honduran migrant named Jorge, who was travelling with his wife and two young children.

"They're trying to trick us. They tell us to register (with the authorities), but then they deport us," said another migrant, Tania, who has been with the caravan since it formed last week in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, around 650 kilometres away.

"We got desperate because of the heat. It's been exhausting, especially for the children," Honduran migrant Elvis Martinez, 33, told AFP on the Guatemalan side of the border as he prepared to ford the river.

"I'm asking (Mexican President Andres Manuel) Lopez Obrador to consider his conscience" and let the migrants through, he added.

But Lopez Obrador's government faces intense pressure to do just the opposite from President Donald Trump, who last year threatened to impose steep tariffs on Mexico if it did not do more to stop a surge of undocumented Central Americans arriving at the US-Mexican border.
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Facebook Inc.s Libra cryptocurrency starts 2020 looking no closer to release, with authorities in its base in Switzerland raising fresh questions about its suitability as a global currency.

Swiss finance minister Ueli Maurer said on Dec. 27 in Bern that the country cant approve Libra in its current form, telegraphing to Facebook that the product it wants to launch in Geneva isnt going get a green light from regulators anytime soon.

Maurer went further in an interview with Swiss broadcaster SRF that same day, saying the project has failed in its current form because the basket of currencies Libra proposed to back the digital currency havent been accepted by the issuing national banks.

The blunt language marks a dramatic change in tone from the warm welcome Swiss regulators gave to Facebook in June when it chose Geneva as the projects base. Back then, the social-networking giant paid homage to the citys pedigree as a hub of international cooperation while Swiss officials raved about the positive signals it sent about Switzerlands role in an ambitious international project.

But after the Securities & Exchange Commission, U.S. and European politicians lined up to express concerns about currency sovereignty, Facebooks recent record on misuse of data, and Libras potential as a magnet for financial criminals, Swiss officials began to change their tune.

As long as the SEC is concerned about Libra, saying its based on relatively new and unproven technology and could rival the U.S. dollar, other governments including the Swiss will take a wait and see approach, said Nils Reimelt of Capco Digital, a financial services consulting company in Zurich.

Libra also made a strategic error in not reaching out to Swiss bank regulator Finma about applying for a banking license before announcing its Geneva plans, Reimelt said. The Libra Association then decided to not include the safe-haven Swiss franc in the basket of currencies backing the cryptocurrency, creating further uncertainty, according to Reimelt.

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Swiss National Bank President Thomas Jordan voiced those concerns in a speech in September, without mentioning Libra explicitly. If stable coins pegged to foreign currencies were to establish themselves in Switzerland, the effectiveness of our monetary policy could be impaired.

Money Laundering

Finma joined Jordan in sounding a note of caution, saying in September that Libra would be have to adopt bank-like rules on risk and apply the highest international anti-money laundering standards.

Some governments and regulators have raised questions that we take very seriously and are working hard to provide thoughtful answers, the Libra Association said in a statement. We are committed to a continuous and constructive dialogue with them and our objective remains to find the best way to launch a fast, secure and compliant international payment system.

Bertrand Perez, Libras chief operating officer is set to speak Monday at the Geneva Blockchain Congress. Facebook planned to launch Libra in 2020 but has since backed off on timing, with Perez saying in September that its introduction depends on discussions with regulators.

This is why indeed we cannot say that we wont launch in 2020, or that we are certain to launch on a particular date in 2020, he said.

After Maurers December salvo, the Swiss government on Jan. 15 issued a more subtly-worded memo, insinuating that it might be more open to a rethink of the project. It will continue to monitor Libra, the council said, in particular the form which Libra may take in the future.

Switzerland is generally open to projects that reduce the cost of cross-border payment transactions and seek to promote financial inclusion, the government said.

Thats a clear signal to Libra, says Capcos Reimelt, that governments want to stay in control and Libra has to tweak their model and align to regulations to not become a threat.

To contact the reporter on this story: Hugo Miller in Geneva at hugomiller@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net, Christopher Elser

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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Sergei Lavrov, reappointed Tuesday as Russia's foreign minister, is a tough diplomat admired even by Moscow's foes and a sometimes inscrutable enforcer of the Kremlin's foreign policy. Lavrov, who has steered Russian diplomacy at the helm of the foreign ministry since 2004, is one of the longest serving Russian cabinet members and in March turns 70, which is currently the maximum age limit for state officials. The experienced yet still energetic diplomat embodies Russia's defiant position and the geopolitical muscle it exercises in the UN Security Council. His sometimes menacing expression coupled with Russia's policies on Syria, Ukraine and other crises has earned Lavrov the nickname "Mr Nyet" ("Mr No"), first coined in the Cold War to describe one of his obstinate Soviet predecessors Andrei Gromyko. "We will never cave in to ultimatums, you cannot talk with the Russian Federation using that kind of language," he said in 2018, addressing Russian diplomats expelled over the poisoning of ex-double agent Sergei Skripal in Britain that year. Rarely talking about his personal life or letting slip his private opinions about controversial policies, Lavrov is often pictured leaning over a desk, hands clasped together, frowning over his spectacles. - 'Not allowed to dance' - Born in Moscow in 1950, Lavrov reportedly loved physics at school, but was instead educated in the mecca of Soviet diplomacy, the Moscow Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) where he learned Sinhalese before starting his diplomatic career in Sri Lanka. Having then spent 15 years working in the UN headquarters in New York, where his daughter studied at Columbia University, Lavrov is also entirely comfortable in the West. A longtime smoker, he had petitioned against the smoking ban in United Nations buildings, enjoys Scotch whisky and is not immune to wry irony, which sets him apart from the humourless apparatchik style of many cabinet members and former security service officers of President Vladimir Putin's inner circle. He revealed on a Russian talk show that he had wanted to study French and Arabic at university, only to find out on the first day of term that he had been put on the less popular course studying Sinhalese. While both allies and adversaries may respect his professionalism, Lavrov has been criticised by some for toeing the Kremlin line rather than directing his own foreign policy. Rex Tillerson reportedly said in 2017, while US secretary of state: "You cannot tango with Lavrov because he is not allowed to dance." - Psychology of the negotiator - Asked once what it takes to be a diplomat, Lavrov said the key qualities were being "erudite" and having a good knowledge of history. He added it was important to be devoted to one's "motherland" and to understand the psychology of the negotiator across the table. After one stint in the UN, Lavrov worked under reformist foreign minister Andrei Kozyrev when the Soviet Union fell apart. He was named deputy foreign minister in 1992 but left to work in New York again in 1994 as Russian permanent representative to the UN. In 2004, Putin named Lavrov foreign minister, replacing Igor Ivanov who had been appointed by Boris Yeltsin. He retained his foreign minister post in 2018 when Putin selected a government for his fourth Kremlin term. Lavrov has been Russia's voice through the ups and downs of US-Russia relations and Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. He has been the mouthpiece of Russia's military campaign in Syria and its role in the latest Libya crisis and constantly counters Western criticism of the country's human rights issues. Sergei Lavrov: 'Mr Nyet' Lavrov with the then US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in 2018. '"You cannot tango with Lavrov because he is not allowed to dance," Tillerson once said of his Russian counterpart Lavrov and Putin at Libya talks in Berlin on Sunday
House Speaker Michael Madigan doesnt know anything about his lobbyist buddys appalling 2012 email advocating on behalf of a politically connected worker who kept his mouth shut about a rape and ghost payroll practices.

And the head of the Democratic Party of Illinois made it clear he doesnt want a legislative inquiry into the matter. In fact, he squashed House Minority Leader Jim Durkins request for the State Government Administration Committee to be immediately convened to investigate the allegations and for full subpoena authority to require the testimony of retired lobbyist Michael McClain and others.

Madigan said the issue was too sensitive for the General Assembly and that only the appropriate authorities should investigate.

He has kept his mouth shut on Jones ghost workers, the rape in Champaign and other items. He is loyal to the administration, McClain wrote in the 2012 email to then-Gov. Pat Quinns aides. McClain wrote the email seeking leniency for a longtime government worker, Forrest Ashby, who was facing a disciplinary hearing. McClain didnt want that hearing to get out of control.

It was such a brash and stomach-turning email. The kind that begs the question: What else are politicians and lobbyists doing and hiding in Springfield?

Further, it illustrates just how out of touch the states politicians and power brokers are with the rest of Illinois.

The Chicago Tribune reported that investigators were looking into whether the email referred to an inmate who got out of prison early and then sexually abused a young girl. The report cited unidentified sources.

If thats the case, then a legislative inquiry is needed.

The lobbyist was practicing under the Lobbyist Registration Act statute at the time of the alleged activity and the state employees were senior-level officials in a previous administration, Durkin said. The Illinois House of Representatives has an inherent responsibility to perform an independent inquiry into a matter of this nature.

Durkin is right about that.

But dont expect Madigan to clean up the moral and political mess in Springfield. Hes shown time and again, through the #MeToo scandal and corruption probes, that he prefers the status quo.

Its worth remembering that McClain is more than just an acquaintance of Madigan. Far from it. McClain is the former state lawmaker who went on to become one of the states most powerful lobbyists, in no small part because of his extremely close relationship with the House Speaker.

McClain is the one who referred to Madigan as Himself when rounding up cash for Kevin Quinn, the Madigan political operative who was fired amid accusations that he sexually harassed a campaign worker. Madigan said he also didnt know anything about the harassment or the fundraising for the out-of-work Kevin Quinn.

Madigan also didnt know anything about his longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, being the chief harasser and intimidator under the dome.

That excuse strained the limits of believability, even in the modern political era, the first time it was employed. When Madigan trotted out the I-wasnt-aware line again with the McClain email, even some Democrats questioned it.

After all, McClain kept others informed about his efforts to intervene on Ashbys behalf. This week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker fired Illinois Department of Agriculture Director John Sullivan for failing to take action regarding the email at the time it was sent. The governors office said that Sullivan, as a state senator in 2012, knew about the email but did nothing about it. Sullivan said he never read the entire email while running for re-election and dealing with health issues.

Democrats may be hesitant to challenge Madigan, but failing to do so will prove far more costly in the end.

Brett Rowland has worked as a reporter in newsrooms in Illinois and Wisconsin. He most recently served as news editor of the Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake.
Experiments in rhesus macaques show that changing the mode of administration of an existing vaccine yields amazing results in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). Share on Pinterest Delivering the TB vaccine intravenously rather than intradermally may prove significantly more effective. Globally, TB is one of the top 10 causes of death and the leading cause of death from infection, ranking higher than HIV and AIDS. Approximately 10 million people across the world contracted TB in 2018, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although most of these cases tend to occur in Southeast Asia and Africa, drug resistant TB is a public health threat worldwide. There is currently only one available vaccine, which is called bacillus CalmetteGuerin (BCG). Healthcare professionals administer the vaccine intradermally; that is, they inject it directly under the skin. However, with this mode of administration, the effectiveness of the vaccine varies significantly from person to person. But, new research suggests, administering the vaccine intravenously instead could drastically improve its efficiency. JoAnne Flynn, Ph.D., who is a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburghs Center for Vaccine Research in Pennsylvania, led the new research together with Dr. Robert Seder from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, MD. Flynn and her colleagues published their findings in the journal Nature .

The importance of T cells for TB immunity As the authors explain in their paper, preventing and controlling TB infection requires T cell immunity. T cells are white immune cells, also called lymphocytes. One of the major challenges of creating an effective vaccine is triggering and maintaining a T cell response in the lungs to control the infection while simultaneously triggering memory cells that can replenish the lung tissue. With direct injection into the skin, the BCG vaccine does not produce many resident memory T cells in the lungs, explain the authors. However, some previous studies in nonhuman primates have shown that injecting vaccines intravenously makes them more efficacious. So, the researchers hypothesized that a sufficiently high dose of intravenous BCG would do the trick. They set out to test their hypothesis and find out how to elicit a sufficient number of T cells that could protect against TB infection in rhesus macaques that were prone to the infection.

100,000-fold reduction in bacterial burden The researchers divided the monkeys into six groups: monkeys that did not receive a vaccine, monkeys that received a standard human injection, monkeys that received a stronger dose but by the same standard injection route, monkeys that inhaled the vaccine in the form of a mist, monkeys that got an injection plus mist, and monkeys that got a stronger dose of BCG but in a single intravenous shot. After 6 months, the scientists exposed the monkeys to TB. As a result, the majority of the monkeys developed lung inflammation. The team examined the signs of infection and the course of the disease among the different groups of macaques. Of all the groups, those that received the vaccine intravenously had the most protection against TB bacteria. There were almost no TB bacteria in the lungs of these monkeys, whereas the monkeys that had received the vaccine the standard way had nearly as many bacteria as those that did not undergo vaccination at all. The effects are amazing, says Flynn. When we compared the lungs of animals given the vaccine intravenously versus the standard route, we saw a 100,000-fold reduction in bacterial burden. Nine out of 10 animals showed no inflammation in their lungs. The reason the intravenous route is so effective [] is that the vaccine travels quickly through the bloodstream to the lungs, the lymph nodes, and the spleen, and it primes the T cells before it gets killed. JoAnne Flynn
New Delhi:

In its biggest crackdown on illegal ticketing in railways in recent times, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested a madrassa-educated, self-taught software developer from Jharkhand in an e-ticketing racket which is suspected to have links to terror financing, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Ghulam Mustafa was arrested from Bhubaneswar. He has 563 personal IRCTC IDs, and a list of 2,400 SBI branches and 600 regional rural banks where he is suspected to have accounts, said Railway RPF DG Arun Kumar.

aFor the last 10 days, the IB, Special Bureau, ED, NIA, Karnataka Police have interrogated Mustafa.

aDimensions of money-laundering and terror financing are suspected,a he said in a press briefing.

Kumar also named Hamid Ashraf as the mastermind of the racket which is suspected to generate revenue of Rs 10-15 crore per month. Ashraf, who is also a software developer, was involved in the bombing of a Gonda school in 2019 and is now suspected to have fled to Dubai, Kumar said.

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Salma Hayek's new comedy movie, Like A Boss, just opened this month. As she talks about her latest role, the Mexican-American Hollywood actress shared this week that in the 1995, she was offered the lead role of Selena, the film based on the life of slain Texas-born Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla, according to an article by Showbiz Cheet Sheet.

In an interview with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, Hayek explained that she turned the role down because of how soon after Selena Quintanilla's death the film was being planned. The musical icon was murdered by the president of her fan club in 1995.

"They offered it to me like a week after she [Selena Quintanilla] died," said Hayek. "It was a little bit distasteful. They were already planning on making this movie."

When asked if Hayek had seen the film and what she thought of Lopez's performance in the role, she said, "Yes, of course. I think Jennifer did a great job. I really do think it was for her."

Selena was an iconic role for Lopez that led to her snagging even higher-profile film roles including The Wedding Planner, Maid in Manhattan, and her most recent Hustlers.

Meanwhile, in Like A Boss, Hayek plays the role of cosmetics mogul Claire Luna who is the main antagonist. The movie, directed by Miguel Arteta and written by Sam Pitman and Adam Cole-Kelly, is about two female friends, played by Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne, who decide to start a beauty company together. Things take a turn for the worse when their benefactor, Salma's character, starts stealing from them.

According to an article by MSN, the 53-year old Mexican-American actress revealed, she wanted to alter her look to fit her role in Like A Boss.

Hayek said at first she planned do Botox and inject her lips which is something she has never done before, but after realizing this procedure is nonreversible, the actress decided to do lip fillers. Although once again, she couldn't go through with it.

"My friend [dermatologist] Dr. [Maurice] Dray said, 'I don't know if you're going to be happy because it's going to hurt super bad.' I said, 'Well, let's give it a try,'" she said. "He put the first needle in my mouth, and I immediately said, 'No! Forget it! I'm done!'"

Like A Boss is just the beginning of projects fans could watch out for Hayek in 2020. She will also be starring in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie The Eternals alongside Angelina Jolie, Kumail Nanjiani and other big Hollywood stars, according to Daily Mail. It is slated to be released on November 2020.

Salma Hayek is known to play many roles in Hollywood movies but her breakthrough role was playing the role of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the 2002 film Frida, which she also produced. Because of this, she received Best Actress nominations from premiere award giving bodies like the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Frida received widespread attention and was high-acclaimed by movie critics.
Over the last few years we seem to have spent an unhealthy amount of time engaging in various different countdowns.

For much of the last 18 months the countdown was about Brexit. Then we had the countdown to the new decade.

Now we have the countdown to our February 8 election, the first Saturday polling day in a century. That decision was, according to Leo Varadkar, made so students would get a chance to go home and vote.

That was either a remarkable magnanimous gesture or a bafflingly self-defeating one - after all, given the mood of many students these days, few of them will be voting for Fine Gael.

But the campaign is only a week old and already it looks as if nearly every party is doing its level best to avoid victory. That would be a subconscious decision, of course.

After all, you wouldn't be much of a politician if you didn't have a burning desire for power.

But the error-strewn and gaffe-prone behaviour from some of our elected representatives seems to indicate most of them have employed the Keystone Cops as their campaign advisers.

The last 12 months have been notable for the almost heroic ways various politicians have tried to scupper their own chances.

From dodgy expenses to dodgy compo claims, and the inevitable tweets which have come back to haunt some of them, the average punter would be forgiven for assuming this campaign would be a rigid and stale affair, with all sides desperate to avoid the pratfalls of their opponents.

Instead, it now almost looks as if they're actually eager to shoot themselves in the foot.

Much has been made of the various slogans conjured by the main parties and they are all equally uninspiring.

Fine Gael's line 'A future to look forward to' is, to be charitable, clunky and badly written - an impressive accomplishment for a mere six words. But at least they actually bothered to come up with a new one.

That's more than can be said for Fianna Fail's decision to stick with the same phrase they used in 2016: 'An Ireland for all.'

Laziness - or a simple lack of imagination?

In fairness, few can compare to Alan Kelly's refreshing 'Deliver MORE for Tipp', which includes upper case letters, an abbreviation of his county and the reminder that all politics is local - even when it's meant to be national.

They should all have decided to use the same slogan, 'It was just a joke!'

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That has been the mantra coming from the two main parties in the last few days as both sides commit the most cardinal sin of all in politics - trying to be funny.

Politicians aren't funny people. If they were funny, they wouldn't have had to go into politics.

Fianna Fail's TD for Cork East Kevin O'Keeffe somehow thought posing beside a stretch limo would have Twitter rolling in the aisles.

But just like politicians, Twitter doesn't really do humour and he was quickly inundated with hate-tweets telling him he was "out of touch".

His response? "I was just having a bit of fun. It was just a joke."

Mr O'Keeffe may just have invented a new rule for politicians - when you have to inform your constituents that you are not, actually, the proud owner of a stretch limousine then you're in trouble. After all, he's not Shane Ross, perhaps the only politician whose constituents would be surprised if they discovered that he didn't own one.

This came thick and fast on the heels of Fine Gael's bizarre and vaguely disturbing campaign video which saw a bunch of people put on Fianna Fail masks and pretend to run around Dublin looking for ideas - while playing Benny Hill music in the background.

As quickly as it was put up, it was deleted. Their response? It was just a joke! But as they discovered to their cost, the woke don't joke.

It's not just the main parties, of course. Not to be outdone by the terrible outbreak of foot-in-mouth disease which has afflicted the big boys, Sinn Fein had to suspend their councillor, Paddy 'The Hooligan' Holohan for some rather ill-judged remarks.

His assertion that Leo Varadkar doesn't truly understand Ireland because of his background was deeply unfair to the people of Castleknock and anyone who gets the 39 bus.

Mary Lou stood beside him until it then emerged he had also made some scurrilous comments about certain types of young women.

His initially supportive party boss was forced to do a swift reverse ferret and suspend him from the party.

Lessons will be learned, she said. Presumably being more careful about picking someone who goes by the nickname 'The Hooligan' will be one of them.

But we haven't seen the last of 'The Hooligan'. His non-apology apology, which mentioned those who "may have been offended", was the mark of a natural politician.

Eamon Ryan then surprised absolutely nobody when he admitted: "I'll put my hands up.

"I flew to the Madrid climate conference in December."

In fairness, nobody assumed that he simply flapped his arms or used a hot air balloon fuelled by his own voice. But it was almost as if he actively wants people to accuse him of hypocrisy.

Similarly, his party's rising star Saoirse McHugh gave us a reminder of why so many environmentalists are often known as "watermelons" - green on the outside and red all the way through.

Her recent attack on the evils of capitalism and description of the Soviet Union and other communist regimes as merely "countries which were under a different economic system", was an interesting interpretation, but unlikely to play well with those who remember the horrors of the USSR.

There is an air of despondency in this country, between health, housing and crime.

But with three weeks to go for the election, we can rely on politicians to continue providing some grim amusement.
South Korea will send a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz in response to a request from the United States to help guard tanker traffic through the worlds biggest oil chokepoint.

Reuters reports the ship is currently patrolling the waters off the northeastern African coast.

The South Korean government decided to temporarily expand the deployment of the Cheonghae military unit, an official from the Korean defence ministry told media. However, this will not make South Korea part of a U.S.-led coalition for the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea used to be one of the top buyers of Iranian oil and chances are it doesnt want to damage its relations with Tehran beyond repair with a view to Washington eventually lifting the sanctions that snapped back on Iran after President Trump pulled out of the so-called Iran nuclear deal.

The anti-piracy vessel has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009 with the main purpose of countering Somali piracy as part of an international initiative involving the European Union, the United States, and several African countries.

The Cheonghae unit includes a destroyer, an anti-submarine helicopter, and three speed boats. It has a military force of 302.

Concern about the safety of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz spiked last year after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker there in response to the seizure of an Iranian tanker by the Gibraltar authorities with the help of the British Navy. The tanker seizure exchange was resolved later in the year but with heightened tensions between Iran and the United States that featured threats from Tehran that it will close the Strait of Hormuz and cripple oil exports from the Middle East, concern ran high.

The U.S. and the UK were the most vocal proponents of a coalition to safeguard the passageway, but other countries remained reluctant about committing to such a coalition.

The UK, however, sent two Royal Navy vessels to guard British-flagged tankers in the strait. The two were first deployed last year after the tanker seizure and now returned to the chokepoint.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
All gardai working in Drogheda Garda Station have been formally warned to be extra- vigilant after a vehicle containing feuding gang members followed an officer's car as he drove home.

The sinister incident happened only days before Keane Mulready-Woods (17) was abducted and brutally murdered last Sunday week.

The gang believed to have murdered the teenager is also suspected of trying to follow the male garda from Drogheda town centre to his rural home after he finished his shift.

Sources told the Herald that the officer noticed a "high-powered vehicle" following him and he reported it to his colleagues, who sped to the scene on the outskirts of Drogheda.

Officers stopped the car and searched it, as well as questioning its three male occupants.

All have links to the anti-Maguire side of the Drogheda feud, which has been at war with paralysed gang boss Owen Maguire and his associates.

Two of the men have Dublin addresses and a third is from Drogheda.

Gardai found nothing of evidential value in the car and made no arrests.

Plot

However, the incident sparked major security concerns, and a senior officer emailed gardai to warn them to be extra careful about their personal security.

Gardai investigating the out-of-control feud have previously been threatened.

In December 2018, detectives launched an investigation after officers received "credible intelligence" that criminals from the same gang were planning that two gardai involved in investigating the feud were to be shot dead.

The threats were made in a phone call to Cloverhill Prison, where a number of gangland criminals were on remand at the time after being charged in relation to feud-related incidents.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said at the time that any threats against any member of An Garda Siochana were "utterly unacceptable".

Last week, Mr Flanagan said: "We are going to defeat these violent, thuggish criminals."

Tensions remained high in Drogheda last night, but officers are hopeful that the jailing yesterday of one of the feud's main protagonists may ease the situation in the Co Louth town.

However, there are concerns that the feared thug, who cannot be named for legal reasons, could be back on the streets later this week.

Meanwhile, detectives are investigating whether his bitter gang rival - Owen Maguire's close associate Cornelius Price - left Ireland on Sunday and is currently hiding out in Birmingham.

Armed detectives carried out at least two raids on Price's heavily-fortified compound in Gormanston, Co Meath, last week after receiving intelligence that murder victim Mulready-Woods' head was to be delivered on his killer's orders to Price.

However, the teenager's head was later found in a burnt-out car.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan started their new life in Canada on Tuesday by launching a legal warning to media over photographs of the duchess near their seaside bolthole. Following their shock exit from life as working royals, Harry jetted out from Britain to join Meghan late Monday at a luxury house outside Victoria on Vancouver Island. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have temporarily set up base at the wooded home, having spent six weeks there over Christmas with their baby son Archie. Their bombshell announcement on January 8 that they wished to step back from their royal duties rocked the monarchy. The couple, who married in May 2018, admitted last year that they were struggling with media scrutiny and have regularly hit out at the press in statements and in the courts. Their lawyers issued a legal warning after various outlets on Tuesday published photographs of a smiling Meghan out walking her dogs with Archie. In Britain, the pictures were used by The Sun and the Daily Mail newspapers. Lawyers claimed the images were taken by photographers hiding in bushes and spying on the US former television actress, the BBC reported, and that she did not consent to the photos. The couple were prepared to take legal action, according to the BBC. The lawyers claim there had been attempts to photograph inside their new home using long lenses, and say paparazzi are camped outside the property. A freelance photojournalist working in the area, who said he was from California but wanted to remain anonymous, said the potential legal issues are "kind of tough," but that he does not let them affect his work. "Canada has freedom of the press laws," he said, sitting in the driver's seat of a white SUV with his photography gear on the passenger's side. "From what I understand, as long as you are not following them, harassing them, breaking the law, as long as its a matter of public interest -- and the monarchy always is -- then the press is free to cover it." - 'No other option' - Harry, 35, and 38-year-old Meghan are bowing out entirely from representing the monarchy, in a crisis that has shaken the centuries-old institution. Harry said Sunday that they did not want to quit their royal duties but reluctantly accepted there was "no other option" if they wanted to cut loose from public funding and seek their own income in pursuit of a more independent life. Under their new arrangement, the Sussexes are free to earn their own commercial income -- though at a greater cost than they first envisaged. They can no longer represent Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II or be referred to as their royal highnesses, and must repay taxpayers' money spent on their UK home. They will no longer receive public money -- though 95 percent of their annual funding comes from his father Prince Charles, via the heir to the throne's hereditary land and property estate. To what extent that will continue, and who will cover their security bill -- currently met by the British police -- remains to be seen. - Questions over funding - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday denied having spoken "directly" with Queen Elizabeth about the security costs, after British media reports that the country had offered to foot the bill. "Discussions continue to be ongoing and I have no updates at this moment," Trudeau told a news conference. Canadian media have estimated the cost of protecting the couple and their eight-month-old son Archie at about Can$1.7 million (US$1.3 million) a year. Other estimates run higher. Britain's Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said there must be a "line of delineation" over who pays the security costs. Asked whether British taxpayers should fund the Sussexes while they are in Canada, he told Sky News television: "I don't have an easy answer to that." The couple intend to raise their own income streams. They have launched their new Sussex Royal website and trademarked the name. However, the queen's senior advisor on heraldry suggested they should not be allowed to use the royal moniker, having relinquished their public duties. "I don't think it's satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are (royal) or you're not," Thomas Woodcock, the Garter King of Arms, told The Times newspaper. In a role that dates back to the 15th century, he is involved in making sure that royal symbols are not used illegitimately for commercial purposes. Woodcock, who was giving his personal opinion, said the final decision would rest with the sovereign. - 'Leave them in peace' - Like Britain, Canada is a Commonwealth realm, meaning Queen Elizabeth is the head of state. Residents walking dogs on a path near the Sussexes' new home told AFP that they opposed intrusion into their new Canadian set-up, and were proud of the local instinct to give them space. "We don't like it. Leave them in peace," said Anne Girling, adding she had met Meghan jogging on a trail nearby and they wished one another "good morning." Sue Starkey, another dog walker, described the area as a "really friendly" community. "Our neighborhood has been so respectful and giving them space," she said. "I'm really happy they're here and I hope they can find some peace."
Latest data trending to nearly all wet snow Thursday evening-night as we wet-bulb (evaporatively cool) from 37-41 to 31-33 as precipitation falls & reaches the ground.

There are also some new suggestions that the snow comes in much sooner.....more like Thursday morning or midday, rather than evening to night.

We will monitor.

It appears that weakening trend will tend to take shape with low in Iowa to Illinois & new surface low will take shape in northern Arkansas to southeast Missouri.

This will occur as 90- to 100-knot upper jet streak races through the Tennessee & Ohio Valleys, resulting in rapid rising motion & subsequent quick surface pressure drops south of the first low.

This should make the Arkansas to southern Indiana low the dominant one.

If this new low can track far enough to the south, then we will end up with all wet snow.

However, there is disagreement among model solutions on that scenario, as exact track varies.

So, I'd like to go with a snow to rain to snow wording for late Thursday to Saturday morning.

Then, a few scattered snow showers will be possible Saturday & a few isolated snow showers on Sunday.

All data paints at least some minor accumulation snow here in a couple of rounds, but they differ on amounts.

There is a clear trend to keep the heaviest snowfall over Iowa, Illinois & parts of Missouri.

Regardless, it should be a wet, gloppy, slushy snowfall & then should melt with highs 34-37 Sunday & 35-40 Monday.

Highs Tuesday should run 36-41 with clouds dominating the forecast.

Potential is there for a system of rain to snow late next week, then potential of snowfall February 2 & 4.

Highs in the 30s to 20s & 30s should dominate.

February temperature anomalies are colder than normal here & quite warm in the western U.S. & Canada.

Our cold will tend to ride due south out of Hudson Bay.

This outlook is different from what looked to happen as analogs show warm in the Southeast & Far West & very cold in the Plains & Midwest.

"Polar Vortex" cold? Pattern is good for it overall from a sea surface temperature perspective, but it has remained pretty tight since Christmas, except for just recently. However, this slight weakening is brief.

So we will see.

In this data, the cold is the most-pronounced New England to the Southeast with negative anomalies back to our area.

So, it looks overall colder than normal, but also drier than normal in February 2020.

However, overall snowfall looks above normal in our area (normal is 4-7" for the area with 3-5 days of 0.1" of snow or more per 30-year normals):

At this point, there is still a trend for a cooler-& wetter-than-normal March overall.

Wet, colder pattern would support potential of later-season March snowstorm.

There is a tendency for above normal temperatures in the Southeast & Plains & normal temperatures here (overall) for the month of April. It will likely end up below normal in the Northern Plains, northern Great Lakes, southeastern Canada & northern New England.

April looks wetter than normal.

The Euro agrees with U.S. models.

It shows higher probability of wetter-than-normal March-April-May period.

Above normal spring precipitation is projected in the Euro from Oklahoma to Missouri, Iowa, eastward through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio & Kentucky.

Higher probability of below normal precipitation is over the Northern Plains.
The gap in the quality of health between the disadvantaged in Australia and those more affluent is continuing to widen, new research has found.

While the number of Australians overweight and obese is the highest on record, the rates of obesity, smoking, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychological distress are worst amongst the disadvantaged.

The poor can also expect to die younger.

Poor people are found to have higher rates of obesity, smoking, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychological distress than rich people

The Public Health Information Development Unit at Torrens University in Adelaide has drawn the conclusions after analysing data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It says its findings also highlight differences between those living in urban centres and those in regional and remote parts of Australia.

Releasing the results on Tuesday, unit director John Glover said it was hoped the information would provide more impetus for health policymakers to address the inequalities across society.

'These public health figures disturbingly reveal, yet again, the poorer health outcomes for people in our community who are most disadvantaged,' Professor Glover said.

'Although the rates of chronic disease and health risks are estimates, they are based on the best available data and indicate the magnitude of the differences in health status that exist in Australia.'

Rates of obesity were found to be 38.5 per cent in the most disadvantaged areas but only 24.6 per cent in the most advantaged areas

The study looked at health outcomes by location, comparing areas of high socioeconomic advantage with those considered less well off.

It found obesity rates in the most advantaged areas of about 24.6 per cent, compared to 38.5 per cent in the most disadvantaged areas.

The rates of smoking were also higher in disadvantaged areas, 24.3 per cent to 8.5 per cent.

The instance of asthma were 13.4 per cent to 10 per cent, and diabetes 7.2 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

The rates of cardiovascular disease were similarly higher among the disadvantaged at 5.5 per cent compared to four per cent, while the median age at death was 62 years across lower social-economic regions compared to 89 years in the most affluent areas.

In regional Australia, those figures were even worse with South Australia's indigenous APY lands reporting a median age at death of just 48 years.
U.S. hotel occupancy rose 0.6% to 54.4% in December as ADR increased 2% to $126.84 and RevPAR rose 2.6% to $69.

The U.S. hotel industry reported positive results in the three key performance metrics during December 2019, according to data from STR.

In a year-over-year comparison with December 2018, the industry posted the following:

 Occupancy: +0.6% to 54.4%

 Average daily rate (ADR): +2.0% to US$126.84

 Revenue per available room (RevPAR): +2.6% to US$69.00

The year went out with a bang, so to speak, as Decembers RevPAR increase matched February for the highest of 2019, said Jan Freitag, STRs senior VP of lodging insights. The ADR increase of 2.0% was the highest rate of change in the past 14 months, and occupancy increased 0.6%, driven up by healthy room demand growth of 2.8%. Part of the outperformance can be attributed to the group segment with increases of 6.6% and 4.2% in occupancy and ADR, respectively.

The overall performance provided a bit of a lift to the total-year numbers but not a significant change overall. Each of the key performance metrics are at an all-time high, but we're not forecasting much of a shift away from an environment of slow to no growth that has developed over the last year-plus.

Among the Top 25 Markets, Chicago, Illinois, recorded the highest rise in occupancy (+7.3% to 56.6%), the only double-digit lift in ADR (+10.4% to US$122.48) and the largest spike in RevPAR (+18.4% to US$69.30).

Phoenix, Arizona, saw the second-largest jumps in occupancy (+6.1% to 63.4%) and RevPAR (+13.0% to US$74.14).

San Francisco/San Mateo, California, posted the second-largest lift in ADR (+7.0% to US$204.62) and the only other double-digit rise in RevPAR (+10.0% to US$147.89).

Overall, 20 of the Top 25 Markets recorded a RevPAR increase.

San Diego, California, reported the steepest decline in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (-6.3% to 62.7%), ADR (-5.4% to US$135.50) and RevPAR (-11.4% to US$85.01).

Nashville, Tennessee, registered the second-largest drops in occupancy (-2.3% to 57.4%) and RevPAR (-3.3% to US$74.28).

View U.S. monthly hotel performance review

STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com.

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The inquest into the death of the man behind the abduction and killing of Jastine Valdez will be held today.

Mark Hennessy was shot dead by gardai searching for the missing student in May 2018.

24-year-old accountancy student Jastine Valdez was kidnapped as she walked to her home in Enniskerry on the evening of Saturday May 19, 2018.

Mark Hennessy from Wicklow grabbed her in broad daylight and bundled her into his car.

Gardai appealed for the public's help to trace the 40-year-old but warned that he should not be approached.

The following day, Sunday May 20, he was spotted sitting in his car in Cherrywood Business Park armed with a knife.

A detective shot him once and he died.

Jastine Valdez's body was found the next day near Puck's Castle Lane in Rathmichael, Co Dublin.

An inquest into her death found she died of asphyxia.

GSOC launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of Mr Hennessy and in June last year the DPP directed that no action be taken against the garda detective who fired the gun.

Today the court will hear details of the hours leading up to Mr Hennessy's death.
Advertisement

Airbnb is offering one love-struck couple a Valentine's Day overnight stay at a 13th-century Italian townhouse that has long been a place of romantic pilgrimage.

The pair will spend the night at Casa di Giulietta in Verona, a historic building that has a beautiful balcony and shares several similarities to the description of Juliet's house in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

What's more, the couple will sleep in the original bed - 'Letto di Giulietta' - used in Zeffirellis classic 1960s movie Romeo and Juliet, starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.

Casa di Giulietta in Verona - a historic building with a beautiful balcony that shares several similarities to the description of Juliet's house in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Airbnb is offering one love-struck couple the chance to spend the night inside the 13th-century Italian townhouse

The winning couple will sleep in Letto di Giulietta - the original bed used in Zeffirellis classic 1960s movie Romeo and Juliet

Classic movie: Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey on the Letto di Giulietta bed as Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare never specified the exact whereabouts of Juliet's home. However, the building does have a connection to the Cappelletti and Montecchi families, whose names are strikingly similar to the play's feuding Montagues and Capulets.

The building began life in the 13th century as a family home belonging to the Dal Cappello (or 'Cappelletti') family, passing through several hands over the centuries.

Over time, the belief that it was the birthplace of Giulietta Capuleti grew and in 1907 the Municipality of Verona decided to buy a section of the complex.

It has been a museum since the 1930s, but Airbnb, working with an Italian architect and the Municipality of Verona, has transformed it into a sumptuous temporary love nest.

The Letto di Giulietta bed didn't have to be moved far as it's one of the museum's exhibits.

The Letto di Giulietta bed, pictured in the Zeffirelli movie, is a museum exhibit at Casa di Giulietta

The winning couple will be waited on by a personal butler and treated to a romantic candlelit dinner, prepared by two-Michelin-star chef Giancarlo Perbellini, in a glittering dining room filled with crystals, candles and flowers.

The pair will also be given a 'Romeo and Juliet inspired tour of Verona' and get to read and reply to Juliets love letters.

Thousands of letters, addressed to Juliet, arrive at Casa di Giulietta from lovelorn people all over the world each year.

The decades-old tradition has kept Juliets Club, a non-profit organisation, busy as its team of volunteers, known as Juliet's secretaries, write individual replies to each one.

To stay in Juliets house, eligible applicants must write one of these letters to Juliet, sharing their own poignant love story and explaining why they and their partner would be perfect guests.

Federico Sboarina, mayor of Verona Municipality, said: 'Juliets House is the most important museum in the City of Verona, attracting millions of visitors every year.

'Partnering with Airbnb brings the widely known Shakespearian story of Romeo and Juliet to life in a way never offered before.

The winners will be treated to a romantic candlelit dinner, prepared by two-Michelin-star chef Giancarlo Perbellini, in a glittering dining room filled with crystals, candles and flowers, pictured

'We are excited to promote our cultural heritage, share traditions that were previously safeguarded, and bring international visibility to the City of Verona.'

Giacomo Trovato, general manager for Italy at Airbnb, added: 'Every day countless new connections are made across the world by people travelling on Airbnb - creating new friendships and sometimes new love.

'Since 2008, an estimated one million guests have hosted their weddings on Airbnb.

'This stay will give one couple the unique chance to celebrate their love in what is possibly the most romantic home in the history of literature.'

To stay in Casa di Giulietta, pictured, eligible applicants must write a letter to Juliet, sharing a poignant love story

Entries for the overnight stay can be submitted at airbnb.com/juliet until 11.59pm EST on February 2, 2020.

Although the stay can only be given to one winner, four other Valentines experiences will also be listed on Airbnb with bookable dates in February.

These include a Michelin-starred dinner cooked by Giancarlo Perbellini at his restaurant Casa Perbellini in Verona, a day working as a secretary at Juliet's Club, replying to Juliet's letters, a romantic photoshoot in Verona and a romantic Verona food and wine walk.
A group of minority refugees from Bangladesh living in Uttar Pradesh who had come to Lucknow on Tuesday to thank Union home minister Amit Shah for amending the citizenship law, said they felt overwhelmed by the decision.

Nirmal Vishvas from Ravindranagar, Mohammadi near Lakhimpur Kheri, told HT that his family had come from erstwhile East Pakistan, Bangladesh. Back then in 1964, I was only 8 years old. My father died while migrating, recalled Nirmal who is now 65 years old.

Those were horrifying years. Back in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, we were hounded and targeted by the majority. We watched our women get raped, our children killed. Many were forced to convert, he said recalling the reasons why they shifted to India.

ALSO WATCH | Wont withdraw CAA; challenge opposition leaders for a debate: Amit Shah

Amit Shah met them ahead of his Lucknow rally. When I met them, they had tears in their eyes and found words hard to come by, Shah said.

The BJP claims that the group comprised refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Under the Citizenship Amendment Act they can qualify for Indian citizenship if they arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

The refugees said nearly 200 families had initially come to India, mainly from East Pakistans Khulna, Jessore and Faridpur areas. Gradually, their numbers grew as atrocities across the border increased, they said. Anukool Chandra Das, who came from Lakhimpur Kheris Ramia Behad block, said his parents migrated from East Pakistans Faridpur.

I was only 14 years old then. Initially, we put up at a camp in present-day Chhattisgarh and after spending three months in the transit camp, nearly 1700 families arrived in Udham Singh Nagar. Later, thousands of others came to settle in Lakhimpur Kheri in 1970, he said.

Another refugee said, In India, those who had arrived after 1964 werent registered and so we lived on roads without any facilities. After the citizenship law we would be able to get facilities, respect and recognition.

UP minister Shrikant Sharma had recently said that the state government has identified 33000 refugees who had migrated from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and were living in UP. These were initial numbers and these would obviously be updated, Sharma said.

The district magistrates have been tasked with physically verifying those who had migrated from these three countries and were living in UP.

Government officials said that the refugees would only be made to fill up a simple form before initiating the process for their registration.

At the rally, Shah said that the CAA will not be taken back and called for a public debate on the legislation that has sparked protests in various parts of the country and forced the BJP to launch an awareness campaign.

Shah accused the opposition of spreading propaganda against the citizenship law that fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Opposition claims that the law is unconstitutional because it makes religion a test of citizenship.
PARIS  After the Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld died last February at age 85, a rumor began to circulate: He had left his fortune, and a large part of his worldly goods, to his Birman cat, Choupette.

The estate hasnt been settled yet, and Mr. Lagerfelds team remains mum on the subject. But the publics concern for the desolate puss was genuine. People came by the store and said how sad they were, and half of it was about Choupette, Caroline Lebar, the longtime head of communications for the Karl Lagerfeld brand in Paris, recalled earlier this month. Theyd say, If shes alone, Ill take her home. 

Since then, fans have continued to inquire: How is Choupette? Where is Choupette?

Its like unlocking a mystery, said Stephen Gan, editor of V Magazine. What happened to Choupette?

According to Ms. Lebar, She lives with her nanny  the former Lagerfeld housekeeper Francoise Cacote  here in Paris. She is in good shape, and is surrounded by love.
Chennai, Jan 21 : Tamil Nadu's opposition DMK party executive on Tuesday urged the ruling AIADMK to announce that it would not allow the implementing of the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register for Citizens (NRC) in the state.

Besides passing this in a resolution, a DMK emergency executive council meeting held here also condemned the state government on various issues and demanded immediate polls for urban local bodies.

The meeting, chaired by DMK President M.K. Stalin, was attended by party leaders and Members of the both Legislative Assembly and Parliament, among others.

The meeting urged the state government to hold the elections for nine urban local bodies soon after completing the necessary procedures like delimitation.

It also thanked voters for electing the party's nominees in the recently concluded rural local body elections.

The DMK also demanded that the ruling AIADMK government announce that it will not allow work relating to NPR and NRC in the interest of national unity.

Condemning the state government for its stand on dual citizenship for Sri Lankan refugees in the state, the DMK urged the AIADMK to press upon the central government to grant Indian citizenship for Lankan refugees.

The principal opposition party in the state, the DMK also resolved to unmask the AIADMK and reveal its true anti-people face, listing out several contentious issues like the common entrance exam for medical college admissions, delay in commissioning of the next phase of the Keezhadi excavation, and not opposing the central government order on removing the mandatory condition to seek public opinion for hydro-carbon exploration projects, among others.
When people find out that I write movie reviews, some common questions arise. Do I get to interview famous people? Rarely. Do I go to premieres? Even more rarely. Whats the best movie youve reviewed? That ones tough. Whats your favorite movie youve reviewed?

That ones easy. Gifted.

Gifted wasnt nominated for Academy Awards or Golden Globes. It received only 73 percent out of a possible 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (a passing grade, but not much more). It made $43 million internationally (about 20 percent of the same years Wonder Woman). But it was my favorite film of 2017 and remains a favorite two and a half years later. Gifted was a neatly crafted and satisfyingly predictable film. It confirmed that its better to be happy than gifted. (Hell, it confirmed that all the swooning around Captain Americas handsome hero Chris Evans was justified.) But, most importantly, it introduced us to the phenomenal young talent: McKenna Grace.

Grace, who had more than two dozen minor credits before wowing us all as the lead in Gifted, followed that star-making role with a handful of horror films, recurring roles on TV series, and a brief but memorable cameo as young Tonya Harding in I, Tonya. Now shes starring in the Amazon original film Troop Zero.

Troop Zero premiered at Sundance a year ago. Despite its illustrious cast  Grace is joined by Viola Davis, Allison Janney, and Jim Gaffigan; Oscar-nominated screenwriter Lucy Alibar (Beasts of the Southern Wild); and buzz-inducing directorial duo Bert and Bertie  the film was acknowledged by some to be derivative at best and a hot mess at worst. The reaction (not completely unfair) was probably why Amazon chose to run it as a Prime selection on their subscription streaming service, rather than release it theatrically.

If you remember The Bad News Bears, Stand by Me, Moonrise Kingdom, and countless other misfit-coming-of-age stories, you can pretty much predict the premise, payoff, and entire dramatic arc of Troop Zero. If you loved the movies I just mentioned, youll probably catch yourself smiling  at least after the first twenty or so confusing and rather sloppy minutes. Once Troop Zero finds its groove, its hard not to root for Grace and her band of outcasts.

The year is 1977, and Grace plays Christmas Flint, a bright but bullied little girl from the wrong side of the tracks of the delightfully named Wiggly, Georgia. She wears oversized red rubber boots and her long blond hair is unruly. Shes threatened with violence by local hoodlum Hell-no and her sidekick thug Smash. Her only friend is the flamboyant girl-boy Joseph, who is even more of a target. The richer, mean girls of the town taunt Christmas as a bed-wetter with names like, Betsy Wetsy. When they cut off one of her braids and shove her into a locker, shes rescued by Principal Nasty Miss Massey (Janney, prissy perfection in every scene), who proceeds to lecture her on why she should try harder  not so much to fit in as to accept her place.

Christmass mom has recently died. Her father, Ramsey (Gaffigan), is a de facto (and rarely compensated) public defender for seemingly all of the tenants of their scrappy trailer park. Hes a loving but scattered dad. Christmas looks to his assistant, the sarcastic Miss Rayleen (Davis), for support. But Rayleen has her own problems, and Christmas spends her free time lying on the roof, flashing lights to the night sky, looking for a sign from extraterrestrials. Or maybe, her mother.

I am Christmas Flint, human female, she tells anyone who might be out there listening, I think youd like me. I think youd wanna be my friend.

Christmass life seems hopelessly Earthbound until she overhears that a scientist from NASA will be attending the Birdy Girls (read Girl Scouts, but with a heaping helping of gentility and aspiring Southern belle) annual Jamboree. One lucky troop will be selected to record their voices on the golden record being sent into space. Christmas is inspired, but the local troop wont have her (in fact, her overeager request prompts the locker incident). Determined, Christmas puts together a rag-tag team including Joseph (nothing in the handbook says that Birdy Girls have to actually be girls), Hell-No, Smash, and a one-eyed born-again Christian named Anne-Claire. Christmas enlists the aid of Rayleen as troop mother.
Latest News Sydney property prices might not drop yet, as planning problems persist NSW planning approvals have fallen off a cliff since October, showing that the supply crisis might yet continue

The key trends for property investment in 2022 analysed The key trends for property investment in 2022 analysed, with rentvesting and borderless investing likely to surge

After having secured a $250m tranche of funding, an Australian non-bank lender is ready to both expand its product offering and broaden its target demographic.

Brighten Home Loans was founded in 2017 with an initial product offering including home loans to non-residents of Australia and Australian residents with income from abroad.

Now, the lender plans to expand into the prime, near prime and alt-doc lending spaces for its next stage of growth, with the new loan products expected to launch in the next quarter.

Based on our research and feedback from brokers and industry groups, we believe we will be able to compete through a combination of a streamlined product offering, simple and competitive pricing structure, along with a superior service proposition assisted through our enhanced technology platform, said Jason Ford, Brighten head of lending operations.

The announcement of the $250m warehouse facility with Goldman Sachs came a little more than a year after the lender secured its first $500m warehouse facility from another global financial institution. Brighten remains in active discussions with additional potential funding partners for the future.

"The Brighten team is very pleased to have secured this additional funding that will be used to further expand our lending business, said Adam Moore, head of securitisation and funding.

The lenders confidence its strong growth will maintain the same pace into 2020 is credited to the existing infrastructure and distribution networks it has in place, along with the planned introduction of new lending products tailored to specific client demand.

Brighten also plans to continue to actively recruit and invest into the growth of its broker network, including aggregator channels, in pursuit of achieving the target of a $2bn loan book in two years.

The company is comprised of over 50 staff members, and has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The pathogen, known as 2019-nCoV, is thought to be a new strain of coronavirus (Getty)

*The death toll was accurate at the time of publication and has since risen.

A sixth person has died from the mysterious illness spreading across China, authorities confirmed.

The major of the city of Wuhan, at the centre of the outbreak, confirmed the two latest fatalities on Tuesday.

Confirmed cases have jumped to 291, while more than 900 suspected sufferers are under observation, the New Straits Times reported.

The infectious virus has spread throughout China, including in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, with cases also being identified in Japan and South Korea.

READ MORE: As coronavirus spreads, anxiety rises in China and overseas

The pathogen, known as 2019-nCoV, is thought to be a new strain of coronavirus that has never before been identified in humans.

Like other strains, it typically starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Six coronaviruses are known to infect people, with 2019-nCoV being considered the seventh.

The pathogens as a whole are common worldwide, triggering mild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In rarer cases, coronaviruses can lead to lower-respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

These tend to occur in babies, the elderly or those with weak immune systems.

How is 2019-nCoV life-threatening?

The 2019-nCoV fatalities are occurring as a result of pneumonia.

This comes about when a respiratory infection causes the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus, according to the American Lung Association.

The lungs then struggle to draw in air, resulting in reduced oxygen in the bloodstream.

Without treatment the end is inevitable, the charity Medecins San Frontiers reported.

Deaths occurs because of asphyxiation.

READ MORE: Human-to-human transmission confirmed in China coronavirus

2019-nCoV is not the first coronavirus that has got people panicked.

Story continues

The strain Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) kills about three or four in every 10 patients, according to the CDC.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) also made headlines in the early 2000s after 774 people died from the infection across dozens of countries, mainly in Asia.

No fatalities have occurred anywhere in the world since 2004, according to the CDC.

2019-nCoV has evoked memories of Sars, with genetic analyses revealing it is more closely related to the pathogen than any other coronavirus.

How does 2019-nCoV spread?

Some strains of coronaviruses only infect animals but have the potential to jump to humans.

This is thought to be the case in the 2019-nCoV outbreak, which likely originated from infected animals at a seafood and wildlife market in Wuhan.

Most of those who initially fell ill worked at, or visited, the market.

China's National Health Commission confirmed on Monday it can be passed from person-to-person, like other coronaviruses.

These commonly spread via coughing, sneezing, shaking hands or touching a contaminated object.

The virus enters the body if contaminated hands touch the eyes, nose or mouth.

In rare cases, faecal contamination can be to blame.

READ MORE: WHO emergency group to meet on spreading China virus

There is no specific treatment for coronaviruses, according to the CDC.

If the infection triggers pneumonia, doctors work to combat the complication.

When a virus is to blame - like with 2019-nCoV - pneumonia must be treated via antiviral medication, according to the American Lung Association.

US health officials are working on a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, however, it will likely be months before the first stage of trials are underway and more than a year before it is available to the public, CNN reported.

For now, the World Health Organization advises people avoid unprotected contact with live animals, thoroughly cook meat and eggs, and stay away from those with flu-like symptoms.
Researchers at Osaka Univ. design and synthesize highly efficient carbon-based 3rd-generation OLED molecular emitters by linking the donor and acceptor modules into a ring, potentially paving the way for extremely sensitive nanoscale chemical detectors

Osaka, Japan - A team including researchers from Osaka University has produced a new molecular emitter for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Using rational chemical design with U-shaped synthetic building blocks, the scientists were able to arrange the electron donors and acceptors into a large ring called a "macrocycle." The wheel-shaped molecule could potentially be used not only in OLEDs but also in tiny, energy-efficient chemical sensors in the future.

Many modern televisions and smartphones use OLEDs to display pictures and videos. These devices can efficiently convert electricity into light because they are made from carbon-based molecules containing alternating single and double chemical bonds, an arrangement called -conjugation. This configuration allows electrons to become highly mobile because they are effectively "delocalized" over large regions of the molecules, which tend to be long linear chains. When a molecule is electronically excited by external energy and then relaxes to the original state, the excess energy can be converted directly into light. By adding the right chemical functional groups to the molecule, a whole range of properties, such as emission colors and energy conversion efficiencies, can be fine-tuned.

Now, a research team led by Professor Youhei Takeda at Osaka University has designed and synthesized an efficient macrocyclic OLED emitter in which donor and acceptor regions alternate in a permanently bonded ring structure. They found that OLED devices fabricated with the new macrocyclic emitter show much better efficiencies compared with linear molecular emitters (which act like open forms of the macrocycles), due to the fact that the macrocycles can more efficiently harvest ambient heat energy in a process called "thermally activated delayed fluorescence."

"Linear -conjugated oligomers and polymers already play crucial roles in materials science, but we found ring-shaped macrocycles to be even better for many applications," says first author Saika Izumi. The team was able to create two different conformations, "saddle" and "helical", with different packing arrangements and emission colors. The nanoscale cavities inside the rings can be designed to interact with target molecules to create efficient and selective chemical sensors.

"Macrocycles can be arranged into highly-ordered 2D- and 3D-molecular assemblies that are much more difficult to achieve with linear analogs," explains senior author Youhei Takeda.

Possible future applications include the detection of chemical substances, such as water molecules or gases, based on the modulation of light emitted when the target substance is present inside the cavity.

###

The article, "Thermally activated delayed fluorescent donor-acceptor-donor-acceptor -conjugated macrocycle for organic light-emitting diodes," was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.9b11578.

About Osaka University

Osaka University was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and now has expanded to one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities. The University has now embarked on open research revolution from a position as Japan's most innovative university and among the most innovative institutions in the world according to Reuters 2015 Top 100 Innovative Universities and the Nature Index Innovation 2017. The university's ability to innovate from the stage of fundamental research through the creation of useful technology with economic impact stems from its broad disciplinary spectrum.

Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/top
When Daniel Bielinski moved to North Dakota five years ago to direct the theater program at the University of Mary, the first thing he noticed was that this isnt Hollywood. Not even close.

The state has a very small film industry, Bielinski said. Theres not much infrastructure for it at all.

The other thing he noticed right away is that the state has a lot of talented, passionate people. That gave him a dream. A little Hollywood of North Dakotas own.

They just all kind of needed a project to unite under, Bielinski said.

And so, each year, Bielinski has worked on one North Dakota story told by North Dakota talent, producing, so far, four short films. Some may recall the latest, "The Badlands Girl," screened at locations across North Dakota.

The positive response to that and Bielinskis other films enabled him to expand this years project. It will be a full, feature-length film. A Western in the Badlands, told, once again, with North Dakota talent.

Its a dream finally coming true, and Bielinski couldnt be more excited about it.

Essentially, were putting an outlaw and a nun on a road trip together across the Badlands, Bielinski said. And theres just so much dramatic and comedic potential with these two unlikely people stuck together, who dont get along, but in the end find friendship with each other.

Bielinski is a fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood-style Westerns, and thats where the idea for this new story line came from. That and his desire to return to the Badlands to shoot a full feature-length Western, which he says is a state first.

About 20 years ago, there was a film shot there called 'Wooly Boys,' he said. But it was a contemporary kind of family-friendly film, not a Western, and not a classic like John Wayne.

Bielinski hired a director out of Minneapolis, Nickolaus Swedlund, to help hone and complete the story in collaboration with him.

Shooting in the Badlands, which is a remote location, will be an experience, Bielinski said.

But thats part of the romance and adventure of it, too, he said. We are going to be a pretty tight crew and cast out there in the Badlands, having an adventure together, making a great movie.

Movies that are built on a soundstage have a different feel to them, Bielinski said.

You build a fake butte on a massive sound stage and fly in dirt from a California desert  this film will benefit from having been shot on location, he said. It will feel more real. Theres just a different feeling to even Hollywood movies that insist on shooting at a real location, and 'Sanctified' is meant to have that feel.

Plus, the Badlands are a beautiful setting for a beautiful story, Bielinski added. Thats in keeping with his desire to showcase North Dakota people and places in his films.

Lead roles for "Sanctified" have already been cast. Auditions are Jan. 31 in Bismarck and Feb. 1 in Medora to cast some of the other remaining roles for the movie.

The plan is to shoot the film in May, and release it in regional theaters throughout North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota in the spring of 2021.

After that, there will be streaming opportunities with Netflix and Amazon.

And theres always the possibility that this is picked up by a larger Hollywood studio and given national distribution, Bielinski said. But our priority really is just to have this North Dakota theatrical release, and then to release it online.

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Since the program's inception, Cornerstone Building Brands donated over $2 million in exterior building products to Habitat for Humanity, contributing to more than 500 homes in 70 communities. In addition, the company encouraged its employees to volunteer on Habitat home builds throughout the country; thus far, hundreds of employees have volunteered their time across more than 30 cities.

"Our products are the cornerstone of the communities in which we live, work and play and we are committed to positively contributing to and giving back to those communities," said James S. Metcalf, Cornerstone Building Brands' Chairman and CEO. "As we continue to help by donating our Ply Gem branded building products and our employees' volunteer time, we are honored to team up with country music superstar Luke Bryan as our 2020 Home for Good project ambassador and appreciate his support as we raise awareness and find solutions for this critical issue that continues to face the country."

"I'm happy to lend my support of Cornerstone Building Brands' ongoing efforts to raise awareness for available and affordable housing across the country," said Bryan.

Over 18 million U.S. households (1 in 6) pay 50% or more of their income on housing, forgoing personal and economic stability that safe, decent and affordable housing provides. It is clear that homeownership matters and not having access to this takes a toll on the health and wellness of families. Cost-burdened households with children spend on average $190 less on food and 70 percent less on health care when compared with similar households living in affordable homes.

Once again, in 2020, the company will donate Ply Gem Residential Solutions exterior products to the building and remodeling of affordable homes for families in need. Additionally, Cornerstone Building Brands employees will volunteer their time to work on home build projects in over 10 communities across the country where they have manufacturing facilities and locations.

For more information about the Home for Good project, please visit https://www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility.

About Cornerstone Building Brands:

Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, the organization serves residential and commercial customers across new construction and the repair & remodel markets. As the #1 manufacturer of windows, vinyl siding, insulated metal panels, metal roofing and wall systems and metal accessories, Cornerstone Building Brands combines a comprehensive portfolio of products with an expansive national footprint that includes more than 22,000 employees at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. For more information, visit us at www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com.

About Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan is a two-time Academy of Country Music and a two-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, a five-time host of the ACM Awards, a three-year celebrity judge on ABC's "American Idol," a NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year, and six-time CMT Artist of the Year. Bryan has more certified digital singles than any other country artist, with 54 million tracks and 12.5 million albums with seven Billion music streams and has 23 #1 singles, 12 of which he co-wrote. Luke will release his seventh studio album BORN HERE, LIVE HERE, DIE HERE on April 24 and will kick off the "PROUD TO BE RIGHT HERE TOUR" on May 28. Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Facebook.

* Source: Habitat for Humanity Beneficial Impact of Homeowners Report

SOURCE Cornerstone Building Brands

Related Links

https://www.cornerstonebuildingbrands.com


A Dutch national who was jailed for four years for claiming more than 225,000 in social welfare while living outside of Ireland has admitted falsely claiming a further 18,000 in child benefit.

Leendert Stolk fraudulently used a school stamp while claiming child benefit for his two children between 2011 and 2018, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday.

Stolk (50), of Coppice Road, Worthing, Sussex, England, pleaded guilty to 22 sample counts of wrongfully claiming social welfare and four counts of using a false instrument.

He is currently 13 months into a four-year prison sentence for welfare fraud during the same period.

The child benefit fraud only came to light after Stolk's wife was arrested in relation to it, the court heard.

Stolk then made full admissions to gardai.

Judge Patricia Ryan ordered that the fresh charges be taken into consideration, meaning Stolk's prison sentence will remain the same. The court previously heard that Stolk moved to Ireland with his family in 2009 and left the jurisdiction in late 2010.

Journeys

He continued to make claims for jobseeker's, rent, back-to-work and back-to-school allowances for seven years after leaving the country, as well as the child benefit claims.

He regularly returned to the country, often every two weeks, to claim the payments.

The court heard he used a stamp from a school in Meath when filling out the child benefit forms.

Letters were sent to a house in the Dublin 15 area, where he lived while in Ireland, and were then redirected to his actual address outside of the country.

Authorities began investigating him in July 2018 when a letter was returned to the Department of Social Protection instead of being redirected and gardai discovered that the house was empty.

Stolk was asked to provide proof he did not have a redirection in place and handed over a fraudulent declaration he claimed was from An Post.

Including the child benefit claims, Stolk falsely claimed more than 244,000 during the seven-year period.

Stolk, who is originally from the Netherlands, had no previous convictions before the fraud.

The court previously heard that he had been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder.

It also heard that, while living in South Africa, he was kidnapped and confronted by an armed intruder to his property on two separate occasions.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Biometric systems and CCTV cameras at the server room were not vandalised in the first week of January, contrary to the claims made by the Jawaharlal Nehru University administration that students had destroyed them on January 3, the varsity has said in a RTI reply.

The reply to the RTI filed by Saurav Das, a member of the National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), under "life and liberty" clause, said the main server of JNU at the Centre for Information System (CIS) was shut down on January 3 and had gone down the next day "due to power supply disruption".

The varsity's reply also stated that "no continuous and entire" CCTV footage of cameras installed at North/Main gate of the JNU campus from 3 pm to 11 pm on January 5 was available, the day when masked men had entered the campus, and attacked students and teachers with iron rods and sledgehammers.

The JNU administration, in an FIR, had claimed that on January 3, a group of students wearing masks had forcibly entered the CIS and switched off the power supply, making the servers dysfunctional, thereby affecting a range functions, including CCTV surveillance, biometric attendance and internet services.

"The main server of JNU was shut down on January 3 and had gone down the next day due to power supply disruption".

"None of the CCTV cameras were vandalised from December 30, 2019 to January 8, 2020," the varsity, in its response to the RTI, said.

The response also said a total of 17 fibre optical cables were damaged on January 4 at 1 pm.

'None' of the biometric systems were broken or destroyed from December 30, 2019, to January 8, 2020, it said.

ALSO READ: JNUSU moves Delhi HC challenging administration's decision amending Hostel Manual

The RTI had also sought information on whether the CIS office contains the servers of the CCTV cameras in and around the campus.

To this, the reply stated that the servers of CCTV cameras are located in the data centre and not at the CIS office.

The RTI reply also said "the details of locations of CCTV cameras cannot be provided due to security reasons and concerns".

Das received the reply to a RTI filed by him on January 9.

The RTI also asked details of the total number of times the JNU website was not functioning due to technical snag or problem since December 25, 2019 to January 8, 2020.

The reply stated that the varsity's website was functioning during this period since it is "critical" and "a logical public face of the university".

"It was running from alternate backup arrangement during this period," the varisty said in its response.

No immediate reaction was available from the university.
As bushfires ravaged Australia and heroes stepped up to defend their communities, the world was captivated by the tales of service dogs saving koalas decimated by the blazes.

A piercing blue-eyed border-collie named Bear made international headlines after helping rescuers save injured and orphaned wildlife from forests burned to the ground in Queensland and New South Wales.

Now another unsung hero, a specially trained dog named Smudge, is assisting animal rescuers in the NSW Blue Mountains.

A koala detection dog named smudge (pictured) has been helping wildlife experts to rescue injured koalas in burnt out areas of the Blue Mountains after being trained to track koala scat

Researcher Dr Kellie Leigh is working alongside Smudge and said dogs like him made it far easier to search for koalas in dense bushland.

'One of the challenges weve faced in the Blue Mountains area is theyre really difficult habitats to survey for koalas,' she told the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy.

'The trees can be really big, the canopy can be really dense and you just cant see them by looking.'

She said Smudge was able to find twice as much scat in five minutes than a team of three skilled searchers would in an hour.

'So theyre (detection dogs) incredibly useful out here,' she said.

'Weve trialled a lot of different survey methods and the most effective by far is using the detection dogs.

'The dog will help us find the scats, if we find fresh scat we can then start focusing on the canopy and doing an intense search and hopefully locate the koala.'

'The dog will help us find the scats, if we find fresh scat we can then start focusing on the canopy and doing an intense search and hopefully locate the koala,' Dr Leigh (pictured right) said

The conservation group has also set up a page where people can donate to help the effort.

In November, Bear was praised for his ability to sniff out both koala scat and fur.

Wearing socks to protect his paws, he was sent into safe burnt-out areas and sat still to alert his handler when a koala is near.

Bear was deployed in New South Wales and Queensland and last week.

Animal charity IFAW shared photos of Bear in action on Monday in a post which read: 'Unfortunately no signs of koalas were found, but we are hopeful that survivors will be found in nearby areas.'

Bear was abandoned by his owners because he has obsessive compulsive disorder which means he does not like to play.

Hero: A dog named Bear (pictured) has been helping firefighters save injured and orphaned koalas from forests left devastated by bushfires

On guard: The border collie-Koolie cross is the only dog in the world that can sniff out both koala faeces and fur. He wears socks to protect his feet in the forest

But he was rescued from a pound by Sunshine Coast University where he was trained to find koalas and is now based.

IFAW campaigner Josey Sharrad explained why Bear's job is so important.

'Now, more than ever, saving individual koalas is critical,' he told the Brisbane Times.

'With such an intense start to the bushfire season, it will be many weeks and months before some of these fires are out,' he said.

'All the while, wildlife will continue to need to be rescued and treated, and might remain in care for some time. The road to recovery will be long.'

On Monday a burnt koala was among those rescued in New South Wales. Pictured: A rescued koala

Bear (pictured enjoying a snack) is sent into safe burnt-out areas and sits very still to alert his handler when a koala is near

On Monday a burnt koala was among those rescued in New South Wales.

The koala named Flash was found in Taree with burns so severe he had to be sedated before treatment.

Meanwhile, heartwarming footage has emerged of firefighters giving a drink of water to two koalas they rescued from catastrophic bushfires.

Lester Miles was on his way to relieve day shift crews fighting a blaze burning for more than a week at Spicers Gap in Maryvale, Queensland, on Sunday night when he saw the koalas surrounded by flames.

The Brisbane firefighter said the koalas would have been burnt alive if they hadn't been spotted and saved.

'They had nowhere to go, there was fire all around them,' he told The Courier Mail.'

'Coming up through there we pretty much had to go through the fire itself, there were a lot of trees falling over.'
Guwahati, Jan 21 (PTI) Students unions of nine universities across the Northeastern region have called for a "total shutdown" of all varsities and colleges on Wednesday in view of the Supreme Court hearing on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the contentious CAA.

"We, the students' fraternity of North Eastern universities, declare total shutdown of all the universities and colleges in the region on the occasion of hearing of the unconstitutional and contentious Citizenship Amendment Act in the Supreme Court," a joint appeal said on Tuesday.

Students of six universities of Assam and one each of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have called for the protest. Simultaneously, the Cotton University Students Union has called for a mass protest from 10 AM to 5 PM inside the campus and appealed the general public to join them.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna, which had issued notice to the Centre on various pleas, is likely to hear 132 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on Wednesday.

The apex court had on January 9 refused to entertain an appeal praying that the CAA be declared constitutional, saying the country is going through difficult times and there is so much violence that endeavour should be for peace.

The CAA seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis entering India on or before December 31, 2014 from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after five years of residence here.

Meanwhile, protests against the Act continued across various places in Assam on Tuesday. Thousands of people came out to protest against the Act in Tinsukia, Borguri, Behali, Narayanpur, Doom Dooma, Jorhat, Morigaon, Nagaon, Tezpur, Silapathar and Dhemaji. PTI

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Mumbai was ranked the 37th most polluted city in India, in 2018, according to a report presented on Tuesday by Greenpeace India. The non-governmental organisation has published the Airpocalypse-IV report, which analysed annual average air pollution data from 2013 to 2018 for 287 Indian cities. These cities had reported more than 52 monitoring days data in 2018 during which air pollution exceeded the national ambient air quality safety standards of 60 microgrammes per cubic metre (g/m3) for the concentration of PM10 (particles less than 10 microns suspended in the air, which can cause ailments).

Airpocalypse-IV reported that in 2018, the two most polluted cities in India were Jharia and Dhanbad. Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh ranked third and fourth respectively. Delhi ranked 10; Patna, 19; and Jaipur, 34. Mumbai was more polluted than several north Indian cities and at 37, it was the most polluted coastal city in Greenpeaces list. The city reported PM10 levels at 162g/m3 for 2018, which is three times the national ambient air quality safety standard and eight times the international standard (20g/m3) identified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Even though Mumbais action plan has been implemented, definitive overall percentage reduction target for particulate matter till 2024 is missing, said Avinash Chanchal, senior campaigner, Greenpeace India. The plans also missed out on interim targets for sector-wise emission reduction, diesel and coal consumption caps, etc.

Air quality levels in cities within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region  like Dombivli, Chandrapur, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi  were higher than the national and WHO standards. Pune, Amravati, Nagpur, Jalna, Latur, Kolhapur, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Nashik, Sangli, Jalgaon, Akola, Solapur, and Aurangabad also had pollution levels above national ambient standards, and five to eight times higher than WHO standards, the report said.

Under the Centres National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has prepared action plans for 18 cities to reduce air pollution levels by 20-30% by 2024. However, Airpocalypse-IV shows the Centre has included only 102 of 122 identified non-attainment cities under NCAP, said Chanchal, and pointed out that Dombivli and Bhiwandi were not part of NCAP.

MPCB said several efforts had been implemented in 2019 to reduce particulate matter and their concentration levels were expected to come down by 10% across all non-attainment cities in the state. Data for Mumbai in 2018 is based on only two monitoring stations  Sion and Bandra. In 2019, we have another 13 stations in the Mumbai region, said a senior MPCB official.

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NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 January 2020

RECOMMENDED CASH ACQUISITION

of

CHARLES TAYLOR PLC ("CHARLES TAYLOR")

by

JEWEL BIDCO LIMITED ("LMP BIDCO")

a company formed on behalf of funds advised by Lovell Minnick Partners LLC and its affiliates ("Lovell Minnick") to be effected by means of a Scheme of Arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006

SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE

On 19 September 2019, the boards of Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco announced that they had reached agreement on terms of a recommended all cash acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Charles Taylor by LMP Bidco (the "Acquisition") at a price of 315 pence in cash for each Charles Taylor Share, to be implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act (the "Scheme"). The scheme document in relation to the Acquisition was posted to Charles Taylor Shareholders on 16 October 2019 (the "Scheme Document").

On 8 November 2019, the boards of Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco announced that they had agreed an increased offer price of 345 pence in cash for each Charles Taylor Share (the "Increased Offer"). A supplementary scheme document in relation to the Increased Offer (the "Supplementary Scheme Document") was posted to Charles Taylor Shareholders on 13 November 2019.

On 16 January 2020, Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco announced that the High Court of Justice in England and Wales had sanctioned the Scheme at the Court Sanction Hearing.

Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco are pleased to announce that, following the delivery of the Court Order to the Registrar of Companies today, the Scheme has now become effective in accordance with its terms and the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Charles Taylor is now owned by LMP Bidco.

A Scheme Shareholder on the register of members of Charles Taylor at the Scheme Record Time, being 6.00 p.m. (London time) on 17 January 2020, will be entitled to receive 345 pence in cash for each Scheme Share held. Settlement of the consideration to which any Scheme Shareholder is entitled will be effected by way of dispatch of cheques or the crediting of CREST accounts (for Scheme Shareholders holding Scheme Shares in certificated form and in uncertificated form respectively) as soon as practicable and in any event not later than 14 days after today, as set out in the Scheme Document.

Applications have been made to the FCA and the London Stock Exchange in relation to the de-listing of Charles Taylor Shares from the premium listing segment of the Official List and the cancellation of the admission to trading of Charles Taylor Shares on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities, which is expected to take place by 8.00 a.m. (London time) on 22 January 2020.

The listing of Charles Taylor Shares on the premium listing segment of the Official List and the trading of Charles Taylor Shares on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities were each suspended with effect from 7.30 a.m. on 20 January 2020.

As the Scheme has now become effective, Charles Taylor announces that each of Edward Creasy, Gill Rider, Paul Hewitt, Barnabas Hurst-Bannister and Tamer Ozmen have tendered their resignations and will step down from Charles Taylor's Board today.

Full details of the Acquisition are set out in the Scheme Document and Supplementary Scheme Document. Capitalised terms in this announcement (the "Announcement"), unless otherwise defined, have the same meanings as set out in the Scheme Document.

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code, a copy of this Announcement will be available on the website of Charles Taylor at http://www.ctplc.com/investors/ and on Lovell Minnick's website at www.lmpartners.com/charles-taylor-documents by no later than 12.00 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following this Announcement.

Enquiries: Charles Taylor plc +44 (0) 20 3320 8888 David Marock, Group CEO Richard Yerbury, Group Corporate Development and Operations Director Rothschild & Co +44 (0) 20 7280 5000 (Financial adviser to Charles Taylor) Christopher Kaladeen Anika Sood Peter Brierley Alice Squires Liberum +44 (0) 20 3100 2222 (Corporate broker to Charles Taylor) Richard Crawley

Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco +1 610 995 9660 Jason Barg Spencer Hoffman RBC Capital Markets +44 (0) 20 7653 4000 (Financial adviser to Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco) Martin Frowde Philip Creed Media Enquires: Newgate Communications +44 (0) 20 3757 6880 (Financial PR adviser to Charles Taylor) Elisabeth Cowell Ian Silvera Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4989 (Financial PR adviser to Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco) Hazel Stevenson Jane Glover

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is providing legal advice to Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco. Davis Polk & Wardwell London LLP is providing legal advice to Charles Taylor.

Important notices

Rothschild & Co, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Charles Taylor and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Charles Taylor for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement.

Liberum, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Charles Taylor and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Charles Taylor for providing the protections afforded to its clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement.

RBC Capital Markets is the trading name for RBC Europe Limited, which is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA and is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC Capital Markets is actingexclusively for Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Lovell Minnick and LMP Bidco for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement.

Further information

This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any purchase, sale, issuance or exchange of securities or such solicitation in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, sale, issuance or exchange would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the laws of such jurisdiction. The Acquisition will be made solely by means of the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document.

This Announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with English law and the Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.

Charles Taylor and LMP Bidco urge Charles Taylor Shareholders to read the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document because they contain important information relating to the Acquisition.

Each Charles Taylor Shareholder is advised to consult its independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences to it (or to its beneficial owners) of the Acquisition.

Overseas Shareholders

The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom or who are subject to the laws of other jurisdictions should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable requirements. Further details in relation to the Overseas Shareholders are contained in the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person.

The Acquisition relates to shares of a UK company effected by means of a scheme of arrangement under the laws of England and Wales.Neither the US proxy solicitation rules nor the tender offer rules under the US Exchange Act apply to the Acquisition.Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to the disclosure requirements, rules and practices applicable in the United Kingdom to schemes of arrangement, which differ from the requirements of US proxy solicitation or tender offer rules.

None of the securities referred to in this Announcement have been approved or disapproved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission in the United States or any other US regulatory authority, nor have such authorities passed upon or determined the adequacy or accuracy of the information contained in this Announcement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

Charles Taylor's financial statements, and all financial information that is included in this Announcement, or that is included in the Scheme Document or the Supplementary Scheme Document, have been prepared in accordance with international financial reporting standards, which differ in certain respects from US generally acceptable accounting principles, and may not be comparable to financial statements of companies in the United States or other companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles.

Unless otherwise determined by LMP Bidco or required by the Code and permitted by applicable law and regulation, the Acquisition will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in, into or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction. Accordingly, copies of this Announcement and all documents relating to the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction, and persons receiving this Announcement and all documents relating to the Acquisition (including custodians, nominees and trustees) must observe these restrictions and must not mail or otherwise distribute or send them in, into or from such jurisdictions where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction.

The availability of the Acquisition to Charles Taylor Shareholders who are not resident in the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are resident. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable requirements.

The Acquisition is subject to the applicable requirements of the Code, the Panel, the London Stock Exchange and the FCA.

Forward looking statements

This Announcement, the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document, contain statements about Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco and the Charles Taylor Group that are or may be forward looking statements. These statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco and Charles Taylor (as the case may be) and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. All statements, including the expected timing and scope of the Acquisition, other than statements of historical facts included in this Announcement, the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Document may be forward looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words "targets", "plans", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "might", "should", "would", "could", "anticipates", "estimates", "projects", "strategy" or words or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements may include statements relating to the following: (i) future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, dividend policy, losses and future prospects; (ii) business and management strategies and the expansion and growth of LMP Bidco's or the Charles Taylor Group's operations and potential synergies resulting from the Acquisition; and (iii) the effects of government regulation on LMP Bidco's or the Charles Taylor Group's business.

Such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, such forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in political and economic conditions, changes in the level of capital investment, retention of key employees, changes in customer habits, success of business and operating initiatives and restructuring objectives, impact of any acquisitions or similar transactions, changes in customers' strategies and stability, competitive product and pricing measures, changes in the regulatory environment, fluctuations or interest and exchange rates, the outcome of any litigation. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements, (which speak only as of the date hereof) and none of Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco nor any member of the Charles Taylor Group (nor any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employees or advisers) provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied by the forward looking statements will actually occur. Further, each of Lovell Minnick, LMP Bidco and each member of the Charles Taylor Group disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking or other statements contained herein or in the Scheme Document or Supplementary Scheme Document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

All subsequent oral or written forward looking statements attributable to any member of the Charles Taylor Group or Lovell Minnick or LMP Bidco, or any of their respective associates, directors, officers, employees or advisers, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above.

No profit forecasts or profit estimates

No statement in this Announcement is intended as a profit forecast or profit estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share for Charles Taylor for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share for Charles Taylor.

Publication on website and hard copies

This Announcement will be available free of charge, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on Charles Taylor's website athttp://www.ctplc.com/investors/and on LMP Bidco's website atwww.lmpartners.com/charles-taylor-documentsby no later than 12.00 p.m. on the Business Day following this Announcement.

Neither the content of any website referred to in this Announcement nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks is incorporated into, or forms part of, this Announcement.

Charles Taylor Shareholders may request a hard copy of this Announcement by contacting Computershare Investor Services PLC ("Computershare") on +44 (0) 370 889 4020. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. The helpline is open between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Please note that Computershare cannot provide any financial, legal or tax advice and calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes. Charles Taylor Shareholders may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to them in relation to the Acquisition should be in hard copy form. If a Charles Taylor Shareholder has received this Announcement in electronic form, hard copies of this Announcement and any document or information incorporated by reference into this Announcement will not be provided unless such a request is made.
Lucknow, Jan 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on the opposition and dared it to protest as much as they can for the Modi government will not take back the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Shah dared Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav to a public debate on CAA and said that these leaders were driven only by vote-bank politics.

"We are not bothered about the opposition because we have been nurtured with opposition," he said.

Speaking at a pro-CAA rally in Lucknow, Shah said that there were 23 per cent minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Christians in Pakistan at the time of Partition but the figure had come down to just three per cent today.

"Where have they gone? They have either been killed or converted or have fled to India. Many of them have left their palatial houses in Pakistan and are living in huts now.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only giving them homes but also jobs and a better life. Is this wrong?" he asked.

He further said that Dalits were being tortured in Afghanistan where the tallest Buddha statue had been broken down. "Why is Mayawati quiet on this even though she claims to be a guardian of Dalits?" he said.

Shah slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav and accused them of opposing for the sake of opposing.

"It is the Congress that is responsible for making two 'tukde' of India," he added.

"Have these leaders read history? Do they know that Gandhiji himself said that if Hindus feel unsafe in Pakistan, India should give them citizenship? These leaders talk but never study," he stated.

Lashing out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Union Home Minister said that a Dalit Bengali family was among the refugees who have been given citizenship. "And she is still opposing the CAA," he said.

Amit Shah said that the manner in which opposition leaders were protesting against abrogation of Article 370, it seems they have a nexus with Imran Khan (the Pakistan Prime Minister) because their opposition is not in national interest.

He pointed out that after abrogation of Article 370, terror had come to an end in the valley.

He mounted a blistering attack on the opposition that had demanded proof of the air strike and questioned their intentions.

The union minister also blamed the Congress for delaying the solution to Ram temple in Ayodhya and said that the Congress even tried to delay the Supreme Court verdict but failed.

"The Ram temple will now be there in three months and the wishes of millions will be realized," he said.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Shah and mounted a scathing attack on the opposition and blamed them for the 'cheer-haran' of (stripping) the country.
The closest Mr. Trumps speech at Davos came to environmental issues was his claim that the United States had the cleanest air and drinking water on Earth. In fact, the Trump administration has pushed through a plan to weaken clean-water regulations. And air pollution in the United States has worsened since 2016, reversing decades of improvements, according to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University.

Mr. Trump dismissed the activists as advocating a form of radical socialism that Americans would reject. While he got only perfunctory applause, his message resonated with some in the business-heavy audience.

Critics pointed to a contradiction that they said the corporate world had been unable to resolve: how to assuage the appetite for economic growth, based on gross domestic product, with the urgent need to check carbon emissions.

Its truly a contradiction, said Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Its difficult to see if the current G.D.P.-based model of economic growth can go hand-in-hand with rapid cutting of emissions, he said.

Ms. Thunberg, for her part, largely repeated the warning she issued at the United Nations last year and for which she has drawn widespread global attention.

She spent several weeks in the United States, joining school climate strikes, visiting Native American activists at the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, which covers parts of North and South Dakota, and testifying in Congress. There, when asked to submit her remarks, she opted instead to submit a report issued in October by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change spelling out the threats of global temperature rise.

Ms. Thunberg has always maintained that she has no interest in meeting Mr. Trump and suggested that he consult climate scientists if he wants to learn the facts. While the audience warmly greeted her call for action, she, too, was not without her critics.
New Delhi: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has attacked the Centre over its massive outreach programme in Jammu and Kashmir and terming 36 Union Cabinet ministers visiting the region as 'cowards'. A team of 36 Union Ministers are in Jammu and Kashmir from January 18 to attend government functions in different part of the Union Territory nearly six months after Article 370 of the Constitutional was scrapped in August 2019.

"How many elections we've had in Jammu and Kashmir? Some of these people are those who were elected and have now decided to betray the cause for which they stood. They are sending 36 union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir. Look at these cowards, 31 are going to Jammu and only 5 to Kashmir," he said. Aiyar was addressing a rally in Kerala's Malappuram on Citizenship Amendment Act when he made the remarks.

The senior Congress leader also asked why were these leader scared of going to Delhi's Shaheen Bagh. "For 34 days, they (protesters) have been sitting there protesting against this attempt to divide India once again on religious grounds," he said.

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"And who are they going to talk in Kashmir? To the former chief ministers? They cant. They are all in jail. Farooq Abdullah is in jail. Omar Abdullah is in jail. Mehbooba (Mufti) is in jail. Whom are they going to talk to?" Aiyar was quoted as saying by ANI.

Aiyar further attacked the ruling party in the Centre on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. "They are trying to create a political class. Political class grows from among the people. You cannot have a BJP that doesn`t have a single vote in the Valley coming up. There are traitors like the ones we are seeing now, but then in every society there are traitors. These are not representatives of the people, if they were, they would have been elected many many years ago," the former lawmaker said.

Referring to the majority of the ruling BJP in the Lower House, Aiyar said, "Immediately, these arrogant people, it just went to their heads. They said this is the golden opportunity. We are never going to get 303 seats again. Let us push through all the anti-Muslim legislation that we have in mind.

On January 15, it was reported that in a massive outreach by the central government in Jammu and Kashmir two months after it formally became a union territory, about 36 Union Ministers are scheduled to visit it from January 18-25 to meet people and exchange ideas on the possibilities in the region.
The police have found the mutilated corpse of Ignatius Adunukwe, the Nigerian billionaire and owner of Firman Generator company who was kidnapped on December 1, last year.

The decomposed body was recovered in a canal at Ogunbo Forest, off Ajah Road, Lagos.

Ahmed Iliyasu, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Onikan on Tuesday visited the site where the body was found, accompanied by journalists.

Mr Illiyasu said Mr Adunukwe was brutally murdered by a syndicate who trailed him via his Facebook page.

Their despicable conduct connotes a high level of wickedness, hinged on abysmal loss of moral values, he said.

The victim, who was into estate development and gold mining, posted on his Facebook page sometime in 2019 that he had a property for sale in Abuja worth N900 million.

Site where the corpse was dumped

Seeing the post, the alleged four-member syndicate led by Bob Ibeaji, a medical doctor, pretended to be real estate buyers and lured Mr Adunukwe into their trap.

According to the AIG, Mr Adunukwe left his residence at 14, Maduke Street, Ikoyi on December 1, 2019, to meet with the suspects but never returned home.

The suspects met the victim at a hotel at Ajah and killed him after signing the documents of the property.

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Mr Iliyasu said the family reported the disappearance of Mr Adunukwe to the AIGs office, who ordered officers to rescue the victim and arrest the abductors, unknown to them that he had been killed on the same day.

The suspects in custody are Bob Ibeaji, 42; Arinze Igwe, 26, Solomon Cletus, 30; and Israel Obigaremu, 35.

Mr Ibeaji, the prime suspect, a medical doctor, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgery and member of Royal College of Surgeon in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

Mr Ibeaji was said to have injected the victim with a lethal substance, while another member of the gang hit him with an axe on the back of his head, leaving him unconscious.

The police further said they immediately dragged the victim into a toilet and strangled him to death.

Police Officers at the site where the corpse was dumped

They then put the body in a sack and sneaked it out of the hotel through the laundry and back door, and then dropped it into the canal.

The late Ignatius Adunukwe never had a premonition of the lurking danger ahead of him when he drove himself to the point of death, the AIG said.

He added that Mr Ibeaji, the prime suspect, had been living on ill-gotten money as he is undergoing trial on two cases at the Apo High Court, Abuja.

In one of the cases, he was allegedly involved in the murder of one Honourable Depolga whose remains were found along the Abuja Expressway, while in the other case, he allegedly forced one Jude Efulue to sign a prepared document transferring the ownership of the victims property to him and N9 million from his account.

Mr Ibeaji, while remanded in Kuje prison, met Solomon Cletus who also worked with him in the killing of Mr Adunukwe.

Mr Cletus said Mr Ibeaji promised him a loan of N2 million to start his business and that Mr Ibeaji also offered the remaining members of the gang N2 million each.

However, the fourth member of the gang, Israel Obigaremu, claimed he was not involved in the crime but was arrested because the vehicle of the deceased was found in his compound.

Mr Obigaremu, who works as a Uber driver, said he had carried Messrs Ibeaji and Igwe on trips previously.

Arinze called me on that fateful day that his boss was travelling out of the country and they needed a place to park his car, which will be carried to Abuja the following day, and I allowed them to park in my compound. I didnt know of anything they did, he said.

Mr Iliyasu said the police would ensure justice for the deceaseds family and to curb further occurrences of the crime.

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He also enjoined Nigerians to abstain from unnecessary and flagrant flaunting of their achievements and wealth on the social media, as criminals have devised a new and highly sophisticated way of luring unsuspecting citizens.
Odyssey VC announced last week that due to significant and consistent year-on-year growth since its establishment in 2015, the company is to create at least 100 new jobs, supported by Enterprise Ireland to be based at its headquarters in Sallins, County Kildare.

The Irish provider of compliant IT solutions offers Integrated Cloud and Computerised System Lifecycle Management Services to Life Science companies that operate in highly regulated environments. Odyssey VC currently supports client companies in Ireland and globally.

The new jobs will be highly skilled in nature and will be spread across the companys technical, product development, service delivery and compliance departments.

The announcement of new jobs coincides with the launch of the companys new brand, CompliantCloud.com, which will be the digital offering of the company going forward. It is a first of its kind, web-based platform that allows regulated customers to manage compliant cloud hosting and additional compliance services online.

The announcement of the new jobs was made at Kildare County Council headquarters in Naas by Deputy, Martin Heydon who was deputising for Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys.

Speaking last week, Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, Heather Humphreys said, "Odyssey is an indigenous company with real global ambition and its announcement today of the creation of 100 new jobs is exciting news for the county. In just a little under five years in operation the highly experienced team led by Oisin and Fionnan has built an early stage company into a global market leader in its field."

CEO and co-founder of Odyssey VC, Oisin Curran added, "I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years, including Kildare Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland. We look forward to continuing our growth, while providing the best-in-class services which has resulted in 100% repeat business across our client base."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
A man in Washington state has been infected with coronavirus, the deadly, mysterious respiratory infection spreading in China, marking the first case in the United States.

The patient, in his 30s, had recently traveled to Wuhan, China  the presumed origin of the virus  and returned to the U.S. on Jan. 15. After reading about the virus online he went to his doctor on Sunday and tested positive for coronavirus, Washington health officials said Tuesday in a media call.

The patient, who lives just outside of Seattle, right now is characterized as very healthy, said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control. He was transferred to Providence Medical Center in Everett, Wash. but is doing well, said Washington health official Dr. Scott Lindquist.

[He is] currently hospitalized out of an abundance of caution and for observation, Lindquist said.

RELATED: U.S. to Implement Enhanced Health Screenings at 3 Airports Amid Deadly Virus Outbreak in China

The CDC and Washington health officials are now looking into anyone who may have come in contact with the patient over the last six days. He took multiple flights in his return to the U.S. before completing his trip at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

However, health officials said that they believe the risk to the public is low.

There have been around 300 confirmed cases of coronavirus across Asia and six deaths as of Tuesday.

RELATED VIDEO: Dartmouth College Student, Sydney Kamen, Develops Life-Saving Program to Fight Ebola and Other Fatal Diseases

Chinese authorities initially said that the coronavirus could only spread from animals to humans, and they pinpointed a market in Wuhan as the likely source. However, people have now been infected hundreds of miles away from the Wuhan market, and officials said Monday that it can also spread from person to person.

Now we can say it is certain that it is a human-to-human transmission phenomenon, Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a scientist who is leading a government-appointed expert panel on the outbreak, said in an interview on state-run television, according to The New York Times.

Story continues

The U.S. patient said that he did not visit any markets in Wuhan.

Coronaviruses is a term applied to a variety of viruses that include the common cold and more severe illnesses such as SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and MERS, Middle East respiratory syndrome.

The symptoms typically include respiratory problems, trouble breathing, fever and coughing.

The World Health Organization announced that they will have an emergency meeting on Wednesday to determine if the outbreak is a public health emergency.

The CDC said Monday that they will start health screenings at San Francisco International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Los Angeles International Airport. During the media call on Tuesday, they said they will expand those screenings to Chicagos OHare International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Trump tears into environmental 'doom' mongers at Davos forum



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



President Donald Trump tore into environmental "prophets of doom" at the Davos forum Tuesday, rejecting fiery warnings from teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg, and lauding the "unprecedented" US economy just hours ahead of his impeachment trial back home.

Thunberg was in the audience in the Swiss Alps to hear the typically bullish speech by Trump, delivered shortly before the US Senate was to open the crucial next stage in his trial for abuse of power and obstruction.

The 50th meeting of the World Economic Forum aimed for a strong focus on climate change but Trump made clear he had no time for Thunberg's warning that "our house is still on fire."

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," said Trump, complaining that "they want to see us do badly".

He claimed that "alarmists" had been wrong over the decades when predicting population crisis, mass starvation or the end of oil.

Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

The scathing assessment came just afer Switzerland's president, Simonetta Sommaruga, made an emotional appeal for saving the health of an ailing planet on the same stage.

By contrast, Trump did not even mention global warming, a phenomenon that nearly all climate scientists say is dangerously accelerating, with possibly devastating results for humanity.

Trump was just as unapologetic over his impeachment, which is now kicking into high gear.

He said in Davos he was working for American investment, meeting with "the most important people in the world and we're bringing back tremendous business".

"The other's just a hoax," he said of the "disgraceful" impeachment trial.

The White House spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said Trump "will be briefed by staff periodically" on the drama unfolding in Washington.



- Trump campaigns -



Large parts of Trump's address sounded like a campaign speech aimed at a domestic audience as much as the Davos gathering of global political and business elites.

"Two years ago I told you we had launched the great American comeback," Trump said, referring to his last appearance at the yearly Davos bash. "Today I'm glad to declare the United States is in the midst of a great economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before."

Over and over, Trump brought up statistics he claimed proved his "unprecedented" success, based on slashing environmental protections and renegotiating trade relationships with China and the United States' two huge neighbours Canada and Mexico.

"The American dream is back, bigger better, stronger than ever before," he said.

Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank, called Trump's performance "an almost plain vanilla presidential campaign speech, laying out an unassailable set of statistics that tell the Democrats 'good luck taking me on on this, because you won't stand a chance."



- 'Just the very beginning' -



Earlier, Thunberg underlined the message that has inspired millions around the world, saying "basically nothing has been done" to fight climate change.

"It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning," the 17-year-old said.

Speaking calmly and with a wry smile, Thunberg acknowledged that her campaign, which began with school strikes, had attracted huge attention without yet achieving concrete change.

"There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," she said.

And despite the focus given by the Davos forum, Greenpeace said in a new report that some of the world's biggest banks, insurers and pension funds have collectively invested $1.4 trillion in fossil fuel companies since the Paris climate deal in 2016.

Trump touted the United States as the "number one producer of oil and natural gas" and said he would not let "radical socialists" attack the lucrative industry.



- 'Governments continue to fail' -



Sustainability is the buzzword at the Davos forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

"People are paying a lot more attention" to climate, Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer told AFP at Davos, adding there was "genuine action by some big players", after investment titan BlackRock said it was partially divesting out of coal.

"But let's be clear -- a big part of this is because we failed for a very long time and governments continue to fail," he added.

Business leaders are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the International Monetary Fund, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.
A 72-year-old Manzanita man is recovering after his boat capsized on the Oregon Coast Monday afternoon and he was pulled from the heavy surf.

The man, a recreational crab fisherman, was coming in for the day and was trying to cross the Netarts Bay bar when his boat got stuck, said Netarts Oceanside Fire District Division Chief Jamie McCamman.

McCamman said the man, who was alone on the boat, called dispatch around 1 p.m. The man was trying to get off the boat, but McCamman said water kept pushing the boat and it eventually flipped over. He said dispatch lost contact with the man around 1:20 p.m.

Eight members of the Netarts Oceanside Fire District went into the surf on jet skis, and rescued the man around 1:45 p.m. The man was conscious and alert and was treated for potential hypothermia. McCamman said he is expected to make a full recovery.

The 25-minute rescue was challenging, McCamman said, with rough surf and waves of about 10 to 12 feet. McCamman said he didnt know of any high surf warnings in effect at Netarts Bay on Monday, but he said there werent many other boaters around at the time.

McCamman advised people going out onto the water to follow two key rules: always be aware of surf conditions, and always wear a life jacket. The man was wearing a life jacket when his boat tipped.

That probably saved his life, McCamman said.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Actor Laurence Fox has slammed Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes over an 'incongruous' Sikh soldier appearing in the movie 1917.

The Lewis star said that 'forcing diversity on people' is 'institutionally racist' after saying that the inclusion of Nabhaan Rizwan portraying Sepoy Jondalar was not in keeping with the film's surroundings.

The epic film follows two young British soldiers tasked with traversing no-man's land with a message as the Germans pull back from the Western Front.

Asked if he would be offered 'more, better roles' if he espoused 'different views', Fox agrees that is the case, but adds: 'What's the point? You don't want to go into a work environment and have someone thought-police you'. He is pictured speaking on Question Time

This time he's taking aim not at an ethnicity lecturer from a provincial university, but Oscar-winner Sir Sam Mendes and, in particular, the film director's World War I epic, 1917. Director Sam Mendes is pictured above on set

Mr Fox - who became embroiled in a row over 'white privilege' on Thursday's Question Time - told writer James Delingpole's podcast that the Sikh character distracted from what the story was about.

Although Sikhs did fight in the First World War alongside British forces, they did so in their own regiments as opposed to British ones.

Mr Fox said: 'It's like, "There were Sikhs fighting in this war" . . . OK, you're now diverting me away from what the story is. There is something institutionally racist about forcing diversity on people in that way.'

His criticism, reported by Sebastian Shakespeare, comes as the movie is up for 10 Oscars including Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture.

Despite these plaudits, Fox, 41, questions the credibility of the film's storyline and what he describes as the 'incongruous' inclusion of a Sikh soldier, Sepoy Jondalar, played by Nabhaan Rizwan, in the ranks of British forces

The 41-year-old actor questioned the credibility of the storyline and said the casting of Mr Rizwan caused 'a very heightened awareness of the colour of someone's skin' because of 'the oddness of the casting'.

He praised the performance of Mr Rizwan himself, saying it was 'great', adding that the inclusion of a Sikh soldier in the ranks 'didn't bother me particularly'.

But he added that the inclusion 'did sort of flick me out of what is essentially a one-shot film [because] it's just incongruous with the story'.

Sikh soldiers were present at some of the conflict's bloodiest battles, including Ypres and the Somme.

Mr Fox was a guest panellist on Question Time last week when an audience member called him a 'white, privileged male' and he called her description of him racist. MailOnline has approached Sir Sam Mendes's representatives for a comment.
In this role, she will work closely with other members of the BBG New York team to increase the assessment group's presence in the tri-state area. Her efforts will focus on streamlining operations and business development for BBG, the leading independent provider of valuation and assessment services.

A prominent industry professional, Ms. Doerner has had an impressive career in the New York market, where she has serviced a long list of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), bridge lender, real estate investment trust (REIT) and other institutional clients.

Brian Ricker also joined the assessment group as Project Manager and will work with Ms. Doerner in New York. Mr. Ricker brings over 25 years of environmental consulting experience specializing in due diligence services.

BBG also announced other new key hires, including:

Christine Pietrowiak joined as Director of the firm's construction services group in Chicago . Ms. Pietrowiak, a licensed architect who has worked for real estate due diligence and architectural design/construction firms, will be involved in expanding the group's abilities to service bridge and construction lending clientele.

joined as Director of the firm's construction services group in . Ms. Pietrowiak, a licensed architect who has worked for real estate due diligence and architectural design/construction firms, will be involved in expanding the group's abilities to service bridge and construction lending clientele. James Cole joined as Project Manager in Dallas . Mr. Cole, an engineer with 30 years of experience, will focus on meeting BBG's clients' environmental and property condition needs.

"We are very pleased that Jessica, Christine, Brian and James have joined our highly experienced team of assessment professionals," said BBG Assessments President Richard Dagnall. "We look forward to their valuable contributions that will greatly solidify BBG's position as the leading independent assessment, appraisal and zoning group in these major markets and nationally."

The assessment group also is planning to expand its services to support U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Department (HUD) lenders in 2020, among other growth initiatives this year.

Mr. Dagnall added: "Over the last four years of consecutive year-over-year growth of more than 20 percent, the assessment team has added many of the industry's most talented professionals. This has greatly broadened the team's experience and capabilities to better serve BBG clients and increased national recognition of BBG's leadership role in the commercial real estate market."

About BBG

BBG offers comprehensive due diligence services including valuation, advisory, property assessment, energy services, cost segregation, and zoning. Headquartered in Dallas, the firm has 36 offices in key US markets and more than 2,700 clients. BBG has achieved a reputation for personal attention, on-time delivery and deep expertise in multi-family, office, retail and industrial sectors. For more information about BBG, please visit www.bbgres.com.

Media Contact

Marc Weinstein

Ascent Communications

(908) 967-9958

[email protected]

SOURCE BBG

Related Links

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Four Protesters, Two Policemen Killed as Iraq Unrest Resumes

BAGHDADSix Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Jan. 20 in clashes with security forces as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks, according to medical and security sources.

Three protesters succumbed to their wounds at a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds in Tayaran Square. Two protesters were shot by live bullets while a third was hit by a tear gas canister, the sources said.

A fourth demonstrator was shot dead by police in the Shiite holy city of Kerbala, sources added.

Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades, Reuters witnesses said.

They [security forces] should stop shooting and aiming, who are they and who are we? Both sides are Iraqis. So why are you killing your brothers? said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name.

Three Katyusha rockets fell inside the capitals heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, police sources told Reuters. The rockets were launched from Zafaraniyah district outside Baghdad, the sources said, adding that two rockets landed near the U.S. Embassy.

In the Iraqi oil city of Basra, two policemen were struck and killed by a civilian car during a protest, security sources said. The driver was trying to avoid the scene of clashes between protesters and security forces when he drove into the two officers, they said.

Elsewhere in southern Iraq, hundreds of protesters burned tires and blocked main roads in several cities, including Nassiriya, Kerbala, and Amara. They say Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi hasnt fulfilled promises including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis.

Baghdad police said its forces had reopened all roads that were closed by violent gatherings. It said 14 officers were wounded near Tahrir square, including some with head wounds and broken bones.

Traffic was disrupted on a highway linking Baghdad to southern cities, a Reuters witness said. Production in southern oilfields was unaffected by the unrest, oil officials said.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since Oct. 1, 2019, with mostly young protesters demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.

Numbers had dwindled, but protests resumed last week as demonstrators sought to keep up the momentum after attention turned to the threat of a U.S.Iran conflict following Washingtons killing of Tehrans top general in an airstrike inside Iraq.

The killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, to which Tehran responded with a ballistic missile attack on two Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops, has highlighted the influence of some foreign powers in Iraq, especially Iran and the United States.

By Iraq staff
You only write about us when something bad happens on the reserve.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Editorial

"You only write about us when something bad happens on the reserve."

It was late fall in 2005, and I was only a few weeks into my new job at The Brandon Sun as a beat reporter when I tried to reach out to a band councillor from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation for a story I had been tasked with investigating by the Suns city editor of the day.

It was a cold call  meaning that I was calling this person out of the blue, and had never spoken with them before. When I told him who I was and why I was calling, I was greeted with the quote at the top of this editorial. As a relatively green news reporter in a new role, I was taken aback.

For the life of me, I can no longer recall what the story was about, but that brief conversation stuck with me over the years as I worked to better understand First Nations culture and communities within our coverage area. It was an entirely fair comment  many news organizations, ourselves included, have a tendency to cover dramatic stories that catch public attention. Drug busts, assaults, murders, high-profile thefts  these have been newspaper staples for generations of newsrooms. Thus the saying, "if it bleeds, it leads."

And while there is certainly a news value to these kinds of stories, its not hard to see why a member of any community  Indigenous or not  would be upset if negative articles made up the bulk of its media coverage.

While it wouldnt be the last time I would hear words to that effect from members of Indigenous communities during my time here at the Sun, such comments have become a rare bird as we have worked to offer better coverage to Indigenous issues in the region. But we remain one newsroom trying to cover a large swath of territory in western Manitoba. Given that media resources, both here and across the country, have been increasingly stretched thin over the years, First Nations issues remain woefully under-reported in our region.

Im happy to report that this is about to change.

The Brandon Sun is one of 94 successful host news organizations across Canada that have been awarded funding as part of the Government of Canadas Local Journalism Initiative. As per the News Media Canada website, the LJI is administered by seven organizations representing different segments of the news media industry. Last month, News Media Canada announced funded contract positions for 105 journalists in underserviced areas or in so-called "news deserts."

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The Brandon Suns application for funding for an Indigenous beat reporter for western Manitoba was successful. We join two other newspapers in Manitoba, including the Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Sun, as beneficiaries of this grant program. As of yesterday, the Suns new Indigenous beat reporter/photographer, Michele LeTourneau, began her position in our newsroom. Ms. LeTourneau has decades of experience in the newspaper industry, with stints as an arts editor and writer for Northern News Services Ltd. in Yellowknife, and as a general reporter for the Nunavut News in Iqaluit.

Though critics will suggest that the federal government is "buying media" through funding this initiative, its worth noting that none of this grant is meant to bolster Sun operations, but is rather specifically devoted to funding the entire 15-month contract for our Indigenous beat reporter. All stories, photos and other content produced by reporters hired through the Local Journalism Initiative can be used by any news organization that adheres to basic journalistic standards, and that has applied to access the News Portal managed by The Canadian Press.

"The intention of the LJI program is to ensure the content created under the grants receives the widest possible distribution and is freely shared with other news organizations invested in the creation of Canadian journalism," reads the News Media Canada website.

To this end, all stories and photos produced by Ms. LeTourneau will be provided to our readers beyond the Sun paywall so they can be accessible to subscribers and non-subscribers alike. Our hope is that through this initiative we will be able to expand our coverage of Indigenous issues in our region so that First Nation communities in western Manitoba see stories that better reflect who they are as a people, the issues that they face, and the successes that all too often go unnoticed and unheralded.

Over the last 14 years, I have learned much about Indigenous culture in western Manitoba. Starting today, I look forward to learning even more.

 Matt Goerzen, editor
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Monerium (https://www.monerium.com/), the world's first authorized provider of licensed e-money for blockchains, and Algorand Inc. (https://www.algorand.com/), the world's first open source, permissionless, pure proof-of-stake blockchain protocol, announce a non-exclusive partnership to support the Algorand protocol in 2020 with Monerium's fully programmable and redeemable e-money.

Mainstream adoption of blockchains requires a reliable form of digital cash on-chain. Since receiving its e-money license in June 2019, Monerium has announced several B2B use cases for e-money, including a cross-border transaction in euros. Monerium now supports e-money across the EU, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein in US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, and Icelandic krona.

Algorand recently benefited from a significant upgrade, Algorand 2.0, which includes a number of features that enable sophisticated exchanges such as account quarantine, whitelist models, flexible asset reserve models and more.

"We look forward to supporting the Algorand protocol. Algorand incorporates key features for many mainstream use-cases, including stateless smart contracts and scaleable proof-of-stake consensus. The Algorand leadership has taken a pragmatic and deliberate approach in designing a blockchain for mainstream applications while staying close to the ethos of the open source community" states Sveinn Valfells, co-founder and CEO of Monerium. "Supporting new blockchains with mainstream relevance is a priority for Monerium."

"Monerium and Algorand have a shared vision for real-world use cases that are enabled by advanced blockchain technology," said W. Sean Ford, COO of Algorand, Inc. "We are thrilled that Monerium will be bringing their solution for e-money to Algorand and we look forward to our community's ability to leverage the technology for straightforward regulatory compliance."

About Algorand

Algorand Inc. built the world's first open source, permissionless, pure proof-of-stake blockchain protocol for the next generation of financial products. This blockchain, the Algorand protocol, is the brainchild of Turing Award-winning cryptographer Silvio Micali. A technology company dedicated to removing friction from financial exchange, Algorand Inc. is powering the DeFi evolution by enabling the creation and exchange of value, building new financial tools and services, bringing assets on-chain and providing responsible privacy models. For more information, visit www.algorand.com.

About Monerium

Monerium is a financial technology company with the mission of making digital currency accessible, secure, and simple to transact online. Monerium is the first and only company authorized to issue regulated e-money on blockchains. Using e-money issued by Monerium, individuals and businesses can store and send programmable digital currency online without going through traditional financial institutions and payment providers. More information can be found at monerium.com.

SOURCE Algorand Foundation

Related Links

https://www.algorand.com


While Kyle Sandilands' new girlfriend Tegan Kynaston was having a tough day in court on Tuesday, his ex-Imogen Anthony appeared to be working on her tan.

The 28-year-old model posted two very racy photos of herself wearing a tiny g-string bikini as she posed poolside.

Looking very bronzed indeed, the blonde bombshell showed off her very slender, oiled-up figure during what appeared to be an impromptu photo shoot.

No dramas here! While Kyle Sandilands' new girlfriend Tegan Kynaston was having a tough day in court on Tuesday, his ex-Imogen Anthony was working on her tan

She captioned the sultry snaps: 'Age of Aquarius'.

Meanwhile, over at Waverley Local Court, radio shock jock Kyle's new squeeze Tegan pleaded guilty to assaulting police after a wild night in Bondi.

During the hearing it was revealed that Tegan had taken three grams of cocaine and was threatening self harm before she slapped a policewoman in the face.

Not an inch to pinch: The 28-year-old model posted two very racy photos of herself wearing a tiny g-string bikini as she posed poolside

Tegan, 34, bombarded the radio star with a series of disturbing text messages including 'I hate u' and 'I have no hope' before she struck the police officer on December 7.

Officers were called to a disturbance involving the pair in Beach Road, Bondi Beach, about 7am that Saturday.

The call was 'in relation to an irate female attempting to exit a moving vehicle', according to a statement of facts tendered to Waverley Local Court.

Kyle Sandilands' girlfriend Tegan Kynaston (above) pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting police during an appearance at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday

Court facts detailed a series of messages Tegan Kynaston sent Kyle Sandilands at 4.39am before the public incident at Bondi in December

Responding police spoke to 'all parties at the location including the accused and her 48-year-old partner Kyle Sandilands' the facts state.

Officers also spoke to the accused's mother, who was at the scene.

Police then read a series of text messages on Sandilands' phone which had been sent at 4.39am.

Among the messages were:

'U are a coward' 'You are the worst', 'I leave me', 'And that's when you're guilt' and 'I hate u'.

Other texts included 'You were my life line', 'Now you leave me again and again' 'I can't take it', 'So it's on you', 'I have tried my hardest', and 'I have no hope'.

The police facts said: 'Due to these text messages, the accused's mental health history and her erratic behaviour at the scene, police have called an ambulance for a Section 22 mental health assessment.'

When an ambulance arrived Kynaston resisted leaving her mother's car until she had a cigarette and could call her lawyer.

Kynaston was told she was being detained for a mental health assessment and would be physically escorted to the ambulance.

Sandilands and Kynaston are pictured leaving Cairns after holidaying with her mother and stepfather days after she was arrested in Bondi

Kynaston (right), 34, and Sandilands (left), 48, were involved in a spat in Bondi in December. When police were called Kynaston slapped an officer in the face

While this was occurring Constable Davina Goonewardene's body camera fell to the ground but continued recording.

'Once inside the ambulance Constable Goonewardene has let go of the accused's left arm so she could sit on the ambulance seat for assessment,' the facts state.

'The accused has then turned around and hit Constable Goonewardene on the front of her head with an open palm, causing immediate pain.'

The assault was witnessed by two ambulance officers. The offence occurred between 8.15am and 8.30am, more than an hour after police first arrived.

Kynaston was handcuffed and restrained on a stretcher then taken to Prince of Wales Hospital.

'Whilst in the ambulance the accused has informed the ambulance officer that she had consumed three grams of cocaine during the night,' the facts state.

'Whilst waiting for hospital staff the accused has asked to speak to Constable Goonewardene, where she has stated "I am sorry for hitting you, I just took all my anger out on you".

Ms Kynaston faced Waverley Local Court on Tuesday morning, where her solicitor Greg Goold entered a guilty plea to assaulting a police officer in the execution of her duty.

Kynaston's solicitor Greg Goold (right) told the registrar at Waverley Local Court that he would be seeking to have his client's matter dealt with under mental health provisions

The communications director for Sandilands' company King Kyle Pty Ltd was seen in a dispute with Sandilands on Beach Road at Bondi on the morning of Saturday, December 7

If Kynaston is successful in having the matter dealt with under the Mental Health Act it may not lead to a criminal conviction

Kynaston (pictured) is already on a bond for possessing cocaine after being caught with about half a gram of the drug outside a Surry Hills pub in March 2018

Mr Goold told a registrar his client would seek to have the matter dealt with under Section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act.

Mr Goold told the court Ms Kynaston, the communications director for Sandilands' company King Kyle Pty Ltd, had an appointment with a psychiatrist on March 17.

If the matter is dealt with under the Mental Health Act it may not lead to a criminal conviction.

Kynaston is already on a bond for possessing cocaine after being caught with about half a gram of the drug outside a Surry Hills pub in March 2018.

That matter was mentioned in court during Tuesday's brief appearance.

Kynaston is reported to have been dating Sandilands for several months but initially denied being in a relationship with the KIIS FM breakfast host.

Kyle unexpectedly announced his split from long-term girlfriend Imogen Anthony (pictured) 28, live on The Kyle & Jackie O Show in November after eight years together

Having insisted for weeks they were just friends and colleagues, Kynaston eventually shared a picture of her kissing Sandilands on the cheek in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on New Year's Eve.

In their initial statement about the incident, a New South Wales Police spokesperson said officers arrived in Beach Road on December 7 to find a 'woman who was visibly distressed', along with a man who was driving a car.

'While speaking with the woman it will be alleged in court she assaulted one of the officers before being taken to hospital for a mental health assessment,' the spokesperson said.

'The man was spoken to by police and left the area soon after.'

A spokesman for King Kyle said at the time the company would not be commenting on the matter.

'There have been reports of an incident that occurred in Bondi this morning,' the spokesman said.

'As this is now a police matter and out of respect and concern for those affected, we're unable to comment.'

Days later Kynaston and Sandilands were pictured on holiday in Cairns with her mother and stepfather.

Kynaston denied in November she was dating her employer. 'I know that's kind of been said, but it's completely not true,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

About the same time Sandilands' manager Bruno Bouchet described rumours of romance between Kynaston and his client as hurtful 'fabricated garbage'.

The radio star announced his split from girlfriend of eight years, 28-year-old Imogen Anthony, live on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on November 5.

'We haven't been with each other for quite a few months now,' Sandilands said. 'Unfortunately it's run its course.'

Kynaston is due back in the same court on April 14.

For 24/7 confidential support call Lifeline on 13 11 14
A French publisher has apologised after a history textbook suggested the 9/11 terror attacks were 'undoubtedly orchestrated by the CIA'.

The book called History of the 20th Century in Flash Cards, is aimed at undergraduate students who study at France's elite 'grandes ecoles' universities.

Written by Jean-Pierre Rocher, a teacher of history and geography and a graduate of the Sciences Po university in Paris, the work was published in November last year.

The phrase about the debunked conspiracy theory about the CIA's involvement in the atrocity in New York in 2001 that saw nearly 3,000 people killed only came to light last week.

The daughter of a secondary school teacher bought a copy and spotted the reference to the CIA.

The second plane hitting the South Tower of the World Trade Centre in 2001. A French textbook suggested the terror attack was 'undoubtedly orchestrated by the CIA'

When discussing the rise of al-Qaeda and the 'quadruple terrorist attack of 11/9 2001 on New York and Washington', the author makes the disputed comments on page 204.

It states: 'This world event was undoubtedly orchestrated by the CIA (secret services) to impose American influence on the Middle East? - hit the symbols of American power on its own territory.'

The textbook by Jean-Pierre Rocher referenced a conspiracy theory about 9/11

Ellipses, the publisher of the textbook, said on its website that this line should never have appeared in the book and apologised.

It said in French: 'This phrase, which echoes conspiracy theories devoid of any factual basis should never have been used in this work.

'It does not reflect the editorial line of Ellipses publications or the author.'

A spokesman for the Clionautes association for professors and geography said the reference was posted on a Facebook page for the group and drew a lot of comments.

Bruno Modica told Le Monde: 'This line takes over from a conspiracy thesis that we can hear in our classes, in the mouths of certain students, but which is unacceptable for it to be written by a teacher and in a publication of this type.'

Copies of the book which have not yet been distributed in bookstores will be corrected and this line about thee CIA will be removed.

Brieuc Benezer, CEO of Ellipses, added : 'We have proofreading and supervision processes, but we let pass this baseless sentence, against our scientific values.

New York City police officers gather at the wreckage of the World Trade Center September 13, 2001 in New York

Today it emerged an al-Qaeda Islamist charged with plotting the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center will appearing court to face two CIA psychologists accused of torturing him.

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, 55, was captured in Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2001 plane hijackings, before being locked up in the United States' controversial Guantanamo Bay detention camp, where he remains.

While detained at the camp in Cuba, he was waterboarded and subjected to other gruelling forms of 'enhanced interrogation' devised by psychologists James Mitchell and John 'Bruce' Jessen.

Mohammed faces a death penalty trial in 2021, but defense attorneys are claiming his confession to the FBI should not be read out in evidence because it was given under extreme duress.
The Divine Right of Kings, or in the case of the United Kingdom, Queens, is the belief that God appoints the monarch and, as such, we cannot rebel against the king (or queen). As a general rule, the western world rejected this philosophy. (And the American Colonies rejected it in a big way in 1776.) But, several western countries maintain monarchies that have no real power, but a whole lot of privilege.

Queen Elizabeth is the most famous. And until a few days ago, everyone expected Prince Harry, like his father and brother, would stay in line and stay in the family business. But, the Prince did something unexpected and left the family business. Here's why family business owners should pay attention.

There's no divine right of bakeries, accounting firms, or anything else

There is no eternal obligation overseen by the almighty to have your children continue in the family business. You can wish it, of course. You can also hope that they don't. But, you have no moral authority to demand that your children stay in the business.

Many parents think that their children should remain in the family business. Judging by my email inbox, a lot of them don't want to. You may have an influential family culture of sacrificing to support the family. That's lovely. Your children aren't obligated.

The in-laws seldom feel the same level of obligation

Many people say this is the Duchess of Sussex's idea. Until she or the Duke come out and say so explicitly, it's just a guess. But, often, spouses don't feel the same obligation to the family that the child does.

You can argue that Meghan knew what she was getting into when she married the man, but honestly, I don't think any one of us can truly understand what it's like to be royalty until we are.

Your children may have been trained since birth to work for your business, but their spouses will have hopes and dreams of their own. They won't feel that obligation, and you will (probably) be less able to guilt-trip a son or daughter-in-law.

It's inherently unfair

In theory, you can have equal heads over your business, but in reality, there's one person in charge. Sure, you split ownership 50/50 between your children, but who has the final say when there is a disagreement?

In this case, the family business is set up explicitly for one person to be in charge, and all the other family members get to support that person. Prince William had the advantage of being able to say to Catherine Middleton, "One day, all this will be ours." Prince Harry could only say to Meghan Markle, "One day, this will all be my brother's, and we'll be doing the same thing we do today for the rest of our lives."

Don't be surprised if the child with the most aptitude, or who is the most like you, wants to stay and take over the business while everyone else chases their own dreams. You will have to pick one child to succeed you, or they will fight it out themselves.

You don't get to choose your successors

Queen Elizabeth didn't even have the luxury of choosing among her four offspring--it was always going to be Charles, regardless.

Stop and think about if you really want it to remain a family business, or if you just want a company you built to be a success. The latter option gives you and your children a lot more opportunities. Sure, your oldest child may be the best person for the job, but if she's not, you need a bigger talent pool than her younger sister and your third cousin once removed.

Family businesses can be great

I have the utmost respect for Queen Elizabeth. She's done a fantastic job. Likewise, Bob Wegman built the world's best grocery store, which is currently headed by granddaughter Colleen as president and CEO. (Son, Danny, is the chairman.) Family businesses can work.

But they can also be a disaster. If you're more committed to keeping the family working than keeping the business running, you can face disaster. If you are committed to making your business a great place to work and your children are a benefit to the business and want to be there, but all means, train and develop them.
A growing viral threat in China reminds us that there's a thin line between civilization and disaster. Moreover, it tells us that our government should be focusing on disease preventing and not on whether boys should be using girls' bathrooms. But first, a little history to put things in perspective.

The world's biggest die-off in recorded history  known as the Black Death, the Great Mortality, the Pestilence, or the Great Plague  got its start thanks to a period of global cooling following the life-giving force of the Medieval Warming Period (9501100 A.D.). During the warming period, land became more productive, and the population grew and expanded into formerly barren lands. (Greenland was once actually green.) When the climate began to cool, though, crops diminished, leading to starvation and weakened immune systems. War was normative.

The plague started in China, as rodents fled areas that were drying out in the cooling world. In 1347, Genoese traders were in the port city of Kaffa on the Crimea (now in Ukraine) when the Mongol hordes, who were looking for greener pastures, laid siege to the city. The plague-ridden Mongol army engaged in biological warfare by catapulting corpses into the city. The Genoese traders who escaped carried the plague to Sicily, and from there it spread to the rest of Europe. Best guesses are that 75 to 200 million people died.

Now that the stage is properly set, here's the news from China today, and it's way better than the news from China in the 14th century:

An outbreak of a never-before-seen coronavirus in the Chinese city of Wuhan dramatically worsened over the last few days  the case count has more than tripled, cases have appeared in new cities, and authorities have confirmed that the virus is spreading person to person. The World Health Organization announced Monday that it will convene an emergency meeting on Wednesday, January 22, to assess the outbreak and how best to manage it On Saturday, January 18, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported 136 newly identified cases of the viral pneumonia and one additional death. On Tuesday, January 21 (local time 4:18am), the commission reported another death. That brings Wuhan's totals to 198 cases and four deaths. Just one day earlier, on January 17, the health commission had reported just 62 cases and two deaths. [snip] So far, officials have found cases of the virus in travelers to Thailand, South Korea, and Japan. Besides Wuhan and Guangdong in mainland China, Chinese health officials have now reported cases in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The total number of cases overall in China has climbed to 218, according to state-run media. Hong Kong has reported many suspected cases, but none have been confirmed to be linked to the outbreak. The region was hard hit by the 2003 SARS outbreak, which sickened over 8,000 people worldwide and killed 774.

That's the bad, scary news. Here's the good news: as we've seen with other outbreaks of highly infectious disease, both first- and third-world governments are good at exercising a core government power  namely, protecting public health.

It helps that we now understand how diseases spread. Even if we don't know how to cure a disease, as was long the case with AIDS, we can change people's behaviors to block transmission.

In the U.S., the administration swung quickly into action, a necessity, given that Lunar New Year travel is deluging airports with Asian travelers:

Federal health officials said Friday they will begin screening airline passengers arriving at three U.S. airports for a new virus from central China that has sickened dozens of people with pneumonialike illnesses and killed two. Starting immediately, the screenings will be conducted at specially designated areas of three international airports  Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York's John F. Kennedy. Those airports receive most of the travelers on direct and connecting flights from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, a major transportation and business hub where a cluster of pneumonialike illnesses was first identified last month, officials said. Staff from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will administer questionnaires and check for fever and other symptoms. The announcement comes as millions of people in China are already traveling across the country and overseas for Lunar New Year, which officially starts Jan. 25. There are direct flights several times a week from Wuhan to San Francisco and JFK airports, including one scheduled to arrive Friday in New York at 10 p.m.

The symptoms of the virus are fever, chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It's probably time to stock up on sanitizing hand gel to use after you've handled a shopping cart (they're riddled with nasties), hand grips on public transportation, one-armed bandits in casinos, or anything else that a lot of people grab on to.
President calls containing outbreak urgent task during Chinese New Year holiday

President Xi Jinping urged resolute efforts on Monday to contain the spread of pneumonia cases caused by a new strain of coronavirus as cases of the contagion rose to 224, all but six of them confirmed, as of 8 pm on Monday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark in an instruction on the prevention and control of the disease.

All-out efforts must be made in the prevention and control of the contagion, Xi said, as he called for closer attention to related work.

Given massive population flows during the upcoming holiday of Chinese New Year, which falls on Jan 25, it is an urgent task to properly prevent and control the disease, Xi said.

He urged Party committees and governments at various levels as well as relevant departments to make people's lives and health a top priority, devise meticulous plans, mobilize all available resources and take concrete and effective measures to contain further spread of the sickness.

Every means should be tried to save and treat the infected, identify the cause of the contagion, strengthen case monitoring and standardize diagnostic procedures, Xi added.

He called for timely disclosure of outbreak information and a deepening of international cooperation.

Measures should be taken to guide public opinion, make relevant policies accessible to the public to uphold social stability and ensure people across the country enjoy a peaceful and happy festival, Xi said.

Premier Li Keqiang also issued an instruction on Monday urging local governments and relevant departments to identify, report, isolate and treat patients in a timely manner and promptly and objectively release information about disease prevention and control.

Li also called for good coordination with the World Health Organization, relevant countries and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan province to take united action to resolutely prevent the contagion from spreading.

A State Council executive meeting chaired by Li on Monday also worked out concrete steps to prevent and control the disease.

As of 8 pm on Monday, a total of 218 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infections had been reported in China  198 cases in Wuhan, Hubei province, where the first case of novel coronavirus infection was identified, five in Beijing, 14 in Guangdong province and one in Shanghai. Japan, Thailand and the Republic of Korea were also reported to have confirmed cases of the disease.

More Chinese cities have stepped up monitoring, prevention and control of infectious pulmonary diseases.

In line with the united prevention and control mechanism of the State Council, the National Health Commission has set up a leading task force group to cope with the outbreak while local governments  including the Hubei provincial government  were asked to shoulder their responsibilities in disease control.

Responding to a question about the outbreak on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news conference that China had informed the WHO, organizations in relevant countries and regions about the disease in a timely manner, and has been in close communication with them.
MANILA, Philippines  Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte to also review the contract of the University of the Philippines-Diliman with the Ayala Land Incorporated for the conversion of a UP lot into UP-Ayala Land Technohub.

Panelo said that a study has come to his attention showing the very low lease amount that the Ayala group is paying to UP.

A number of business outsourcing firms, retail areas, campus apartments, and business hotels has occupied the Technohub that is now a popular hangout place in Quezon City.

The Palace official said he will recommend to the president a closer review of the lease contract to check the veracity of the report that the Ayala Land group is only paying UP just a little higher than Php20.00 per square meter for 25 years.

Only 10.4 billion will be taken by the government at the end of 25 years [] mukhang kawawa na naman ang gobyerno dito, said Panelo.

He added that should the claim in the report be true, it will cause so much loss for the government.

Definitely lugi ang gobyerno dito, he said.

The Ayala group, on the other hand, has denied the allegation of the very low rental fee.

It, however, welcomes whatever review that will be conducted on its lease contract with UP.

Aside from the Technohub, the President has also slammed Manila Water, the water concessionaire company under the Ayala Corporation due to its alleged onerous contract with the government.  (from the report of Rosalie Coz) /mbmf

The post Panelo to recommend review of UP-Ayala Technohub contract to Pres. Duterte appeared first on UNTV News.
The Queen's most senior advisor on ceremonial matters has said it would not be 'satisfactory' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to continue to use the Sussex Royal name after stepping down from senior royal duties.

Thomas Woodcock, Garter Principal King of Arms, is a member of the royal household and his job is ensuring that royal symbols are not wrongly used commercially.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex successfully negotiated their withdrawal from the royal family earlier this week, and it has already been announced the couple will not use their HRH titles.

But the couple already have an Instagram feed called Sussexroyal and a website of the same name. And questions linger over whether they should be able to use the brand, as they have stepped down from royal duties.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex successfully negotiated their withdrawal from the royal family earlier this week, and it has already been announced the couple will not use their HRH titles

Thomas Woodcock, known as Garter, is a member of the royal household and his job is ensuring that royal symbols are not wrongly used commercially

Mr Woodcock told The Times: 'I don't think it's satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are [royal] or you're not.'

The principal advisor to the Queen on heraldry and ceremonial matters is currently being consulted on the plans, but the final call will be made by Her Majesty.

He added: 'It is such unusual times that it is a matter of waiting and seeing how things develop.'

Last night Prince Harry jetted out to Canada to be reunited with Meghan and Archie, and being his new life in North America.

The Duke of Sussex, pictured at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on Monday during the day, missed his brother William's first solo reception at Buckingham Palace in the evening

The Duke of Sussex missed his brother William's first solo reception at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening, where he ushered in a new era for the royals, without Harry, Prince Charles or the Queen present.

At the summit reception the Duke of Cambridge was supported by his wife Kate, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne as they welcomed 21 African delegations to the Queen's London home.

Despite the drama of the past fortnight, William and Kate were all smiles as they received a line of visiting Heads of State and their partners in the Music Room.

In a warm and personal speech, the duke welcomed the heads of state or ministers from 21 African nations, telling them: 'My grandmother is sorry not to be here this evening, but she has asked me to pass on her warmest wishes to you all.'

Meghan Markle took son Archie for a walk in the woods in Vancouver, Canada, and eagerly awaited the return of her husband

Meanwhile, Meghan looked without a care in the world as she was snapped taking her dogs for a walk with Archie just a couple of miles from the oceanfront home where she has spent most of the past two months on Canada's Vancouver Island.

Holding her two dogs, black lab Oz and beagle Guy on leashes, there was no sign of the drama of Megxit on the Duchess of Sussex's smiling face as she held her eight-month-old son on her chest in a snuggly baby carrier, and awaited the imminent arrival of her husband.
Kelly Gonzalez is deputy director of the Center for Community Alternatives, in Syracuse.

By Kelly Gonzalez | Special to Syracuse.com

Nobody likes a traffic ticket. At best, its a nuisance. At worst, as hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have experienced, a traffic ticket can be the start of a devastating chain of events.

At the Center for Community Alternatives, we help people touched by the criminal legal system reintegrate into their communities. Our work includes connecting our participants to job opportunities and stable housing. Our participants rely on their drivers licenses to secure and maintain their jobs, to access health care, and to utilize our services, including a peer-to-peer mentorship program. But a suspended license is a major obstacle for our participants as they work to get back on their feet.

For Michael, one of the participants at the Center for Community Alternatives, a traffic ticket from 1988 led to him to spend a week in jail and owe thousands of dollars in court fines and fees. In 1998, Michael returned to Syracuse after living out of state. He was pulled over by the police, who found that he had an outstanding traffic ticket from 10 years earlier. Because he had not appeared in court, there was a warrant for his arrest. He was charged with a misdemeanor and spent a week in jail.

Upon Michaels release, he appeared before a judge who ordered him to pay to get his drivers license back or face the possibility of more time behind bars. Michael found it impossible to pay. In addition to the hundreds of dollars for the initial ticket, he also now owed court-imposed fees and fees at the Deparment of Motor Vehicles.

For a time, Michael had a job in Fayetteville, but there was no bus route that could take him there from his home in Syracuse. Faced with the choice of losing his job or driving and risking another arrest, Michael made the decision to drive without a valid license so that he could earn enough money to pay his fines and fees. This continued a vicious cycle of punishment and poverty.

For years, Michael accrued new charges in various town courts for driving without a license. He would try to make partial payments, but many of the town courts refused to accept anything but full payment. He continually had to appear in court, burdening his family for transportation. Michael lost his job, accrued thousands of dollars in debt, and spent time in jail  all because of a single traffic ticket.

Between January 2016 and April 2018, the State of New York issued nearly 1.7 million Traffic Debt Suspensions  drivers license suspensions for not paying traffic tickets or appearing to contest them. As Michaels story illustrates, people who do not pay their traffic fines or appear at traffic hearings are not trying to skirt the law  they simply cant afford to pay their traffic debt. In response, New York criminalizes poverty, instead of offering support.

Losing a drivers license is no small thing. A suspension can threaten a persons entire livelihood. Thirty percent of jobs in New York require driving, and many employers require a valid drivers license. A study in New Jersey found that 42 percent of drivers lost their jobs when their drivers license was suspended. Driving is such a necessity that 75 percent of people continue to drive after their license gets suspended  risking a criminal charge, more fines and fees, and even jail time. New York forces people to make this impossible choice.

This injustice is compounded by the fact that license suspensions are not issued at the same rate for everyone. Low-income people and people of color bear the brunt of our broken system. Drivers license suspension rates in New Yorks 10 poorest communities are nearly nine times as high as those in New Yorks 10 wealthiest communities. Our communities with the highest percentage of people of color have traffic debt suspension rates up to four times as high as those in our whitest communities. For our low-income participants of color who cant afford to pay their traffic tickets, a drivers license suspension can be devastating.

Legislatures across the country are fixing the cruel and counterproductive practice of suspending a drivers license for not paying a traffic ticket. In fact, six states recently ended debt-based suspensions. New York must join this movement by passing the Drivers License Suspension Reform Act, sponsored by Assembly Member Pamela Hunter (D-Syracuse) and state Sen. Timothy Kennedy (D-Buffalo). This bill will:

End traffic debt suspensions;

Make affordable payment plans available;

Provide additional notice of traffic hearings; and

Reinstate all drivers licenses suspended for traffic debt.

Losing your drivers license means losing out on opportunity. This bill will help our participants keep their jobs and pay their fines. Its a win-win for our participants and for the state. When California made similar reforms, revenue increased.

We thank Hunter for her continued support of our participants and look forward to joining her this session in the fight to end traffic debt suspensions. Its time to stop taking away peoples licenses just because they dont have money.

See also: Albanys 2020 NY agenda: marijuana, guns, vaping, more
The most surprising thing about Democrats' reaction to the impeachment trial rules which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will introduce on Tuesday is that they were surprised at all.

Despite McConnells repeated expressions of admiration for the 1999 rules under which the Senate tried then-President Bill Clinton  rules agreed following a weighty all-Senators meeting convened by then-Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MI) and then-Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-SD) in the opulent, historic old Senate chamber  those rules bear very little resemblance to the ones decided today. Donald Trump will be tried in the Senate at a trial which is presided over by the Chief Justice of the United States. And thats where the similarities end.

Under the rules package devised by the Kentucky Republican, what was a multi-week affair in 1999 could be over as soon as next Wednesday. Both the House Democrats' "managers" and the Trump legal team will have 24 hours to present a case for their side, spread out over two days. Since the Senate's impeachment rules require each day to begin at 1pm, the lawyers' presentations could go on as late as 3am each day.

As for what evidence will be considered, McConnell has gone far beyond what some of his GOP colleagues have argued in terms of what will constitute the "record" on which Senators will judge Trump's fate. While the Clinton trial featured a record compiled by then-Independent Counsel  now Trump defense attorney  Kenneth Starr, McConnell's rules won't require Senators to vote on accepting the evidence already compiled by the House until both sides have presented their case and a question-and-answer period has passed.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Schumer said it was "obvious" why McConnell had waited until the eve of the trial to release his proposed rules, calling the package seemingly "designed by President Trump, for President Trump".

"It appears that Leader McConnell decided to go along with the president's desire to cover up his wrongdoing hook, line, and sinker," said Schumer, who added that his GOP counterpart's plan would result in a "rushed trial with little evidence in the dead of night. He added that the plan was a "national disgrace" that would "go down in history as one of the very dark days of the Senate not living up to its responsibility".

While Schumer said he intends to offer amendments which would provide for the compulsion of documents and witnesses testimony, it's unlikely anything he offers could garner the requisite four Republican votes to take effect.

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

This passage of McConnell's Trump-friendly rules package seem like they will mark yet another example of the ruthless manner in which he's wielded command of his GOP majority. But in actuality, what looks like a tactical victory for Trump could be a strategic loser which will leave McConnell sitting in what is now Schumer's office a year from now.

"McConnell is a shrewd guy, but he may be putting his vulnerable Republicans in a more difficult spot than he thinks," one veteran Senate staffer told me, who added that McConnell's decision to put forth such a one-sided set of rules would force incumbent Republicans like Colorado's Cory Gardner, North Carolina's Thom Tillis, and Maine's Susan Collins into taking a position that could cost them their seats in November.

The staffer added that McConnell's reputation as a shrewd and accurate vote counter means he most likely knows he has the votes to pass his rules package, but predicted that a victory for the president's side would end up looking like a "whitewash" to voters.

Joe Walsh, the onetime Illinois Tea Party firebrand who is mounting a long-shot primary challenge against President Trump, said Senate Republicans will pay a price for putting on such a one-sided show.

"This may be a Pyrrhic victory if Mitch McConnell does what he wants to do," Walsh told me. "Trump will be acquitted before the state of the union, he will thump his chest, and I believe the vast majority of the American people will then kick Republicans in the ass come November."

Walsh said McConnell's decision to push a Trump-friendly set of rules for the president's trial appeared to be the result of a conscious decision to adopt Trump's all-base campaign strategy.

If vulnerable Republicans like Collins or Gardner say they want a fair trial, Walsh explained, they'll hear from Trump's  and their  political base.

But the opposite is also true, he cautioned: "If they do what McConnell wants and they just do whatever Trump wants, whatever Trump wants, they're going to hear it in a general election from everybody but their base."

 Mark Levin slams impeachment, claims Donald Trump gets less due process than the terrorists on 9/11'

"Trump firmly believes  and he's a dumb ass  but he firmly believes because [he] won in [2016] [he] can just fire up [his] people and get [his] people out to vote and win a narrow victory in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, and I think McConnell in the Senate [is] making the same bet," Walsh continued, adding that based on Democrats' winning results in 2018 and the myriad special elections since then, the Trump-McConnell base strategy is a losing one.

Making a similar prediction was Jeff Blattner, who formerly served as chief counsel to the late Senator Ted Kennedy. Blattner said a tactician like McConnell most likely has the votes to pass his rules package, but it won't be as helpful a vote for the Senators taking it as it will be for the president.

"He [McConnell] may win the battle and lose the war," he said.
The special session of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly came to an abrupt stop on Tuesday after Speaker Tammineni Sitaram walked out of the House following a ruckus by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLAs over their party leader Galla Jayadev's arrest.

TDP's Guntur MP Galla Jayadev was on Monday arrested for protesting in Amaravati against the State Cabinet's approval for the three-capital proposal. His party MLAs raised a furore over the same from the start of the session today.

The Speaker stood up from his chair and walked out of the House without even announcing any adjournment.

Jayadev, who was arrested by the police in Amaravati, was granted bail by a Mangalagiri court earlier today.

Andhra Pradesh State Assembly on Monday passed the 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020', which proposes to have a legislative capital at Amaravati, executive capital and Raj Bhavan at Visakhapatnam and judicial capital at Kurnool to fulfill the aspirations of all regions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fort Bend ISD trustees recently approved a new piano technician program for Marshall High School. The first class would be offered new year as part of a program of choice for students hoping to gain the necessary skills to work as a professional piano tuner or piano technician after graduating high school.

Related: Truancy case lawyers allege Fort Bend ISDs demand for legal fees politically motivated

According to chief of schools Joe Rodriquez, administrators had consulted with a campus committee at Marshall High School about the piano technician program.

Weve had multiple conversations with the committee, and they have a big interest in having this program, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the district planned to hire a master piano technician to teach the first class of students next year. When not involved in teaching duties, the rest of the teachers day would involve additional duties include tuning and repairing all the roughly 300 pianos at the various Fort Bend ISD campuses. The program will be phased in over the next four years and over time, students in the program will assist with tuning and repairing the districts pianos. Currently, administrators estimate the district spends roughly $20,000 a year to tune each piano once a year.

Related: Big changes ahead for Fort Bend ISD high schoolers

The class will be offered as part of four one-year courses available as a program of choice to all district students with transportation available to/from Marshall High School through the Early College High School program.

Students enrolled in the Piano Technician program will study the parts of the piano and their function, as well as how to tune, repair, move, and finish pianos. Financial literacy and operating a small business also are part of the curriculum.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Fort Bend ISD still disproportionately disciplines black students, advocacy groups say

The new piano technician program will be established through a collaborative effort with the University of Houstons Moores School of Music, according to agenda documents. Students in the program, will earn high school credit as well as two industry certifications upon high school graduation and may pursue post-secondary training and certification as a Master Piano Technician at the University of Houston. In addition, district officials said additional training and apprenticeships are available through piano retailers and manufacturers.

Related: Fort Bend ISD trustee says parent group using bullying tactics to thwart proposed middle school rezoning

The new program was unanimously approved at an agenda review workshop held Monday, Jan. 13.
The defence ministry has cleared two Indian and five foreign shipbuilders to take part in a 50,000 crore project to build high-tech submarines in the country, one of the costliest Make in India programmes in the military sector, two senior officials said on the condition of anonymity.

Six advanced submarines will be built under project P-75I to scale up the navys undersea warfare capabilities and counter the rapid expansion of Chinas submarine fleet. The project will be pursued under the governments strategic partnership (SP) model, which seeks to provide fillip to the governments Make in India programme.

The defence acquisition council (DAC) approved the short-listing of Indian strategic partners and potential original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who would collaborate to construct six conventional submarines in India, the defence ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Indian strategic partners cleared to collaborate with the foreign OEMs are Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and L&T, said one of the officials cited above. The foreign yards they can team up with for the project are the French Naval Group, German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Russias Rubin Design Bureau, Spains Navantia and South Koreas Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Company, he said.

A joint venture between the Adani Group and state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited was rejected by an empowered committee as it did not meet the eligibility criteria for being shortlisted as a strategic partner, the second official said.

Headed by the defence minister, the DAC is Indias top defence procurement body that evaluates and green lights acquisition proposals made by the armed forces.

The other members of the council are the minister of state for defence, the chief of defence staff, the three service chiefs, the defence secretary, secretary defence research and development, secretary defence production and director general, acquisition. General Bipin Rawat attended the DAC meeting for the first time as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

The ministrys statement said the SP model sought to promote India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment and establish an industrial and R&D eco-system capable of meeting the militarys future requirements.

Its necessary for the P-75I programme to make concrete contribution to submarine building capacity in India but in a way that also helps us towards indigenisation as has been achieved for nuclear submarines, said military affairs expert Rear Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande (retd).

Apart from next-generation submarines, the SP model covers fighter planes, choppers and armoured vehicles. Last January, the DAC approved the submarine-building project under the SP model to bolster the navys underwater force levels.

It was the second project to be cleared under the SP model after the DAC, in August 2018, approved a project to build 111 naval utility helicopters in the country to replace the navys outdated fleet of French-designed Chetak choppers. The NUH project is worth 21,738 crore.

It will take years for the submarine project to materialise as the process is quite long-drawn out.

The ministry will take the project forward by issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) to the short-listed Indian strategic partners who will then respond with techno-commercial offers in collaboration with one of the short-listed OEMs. In exceptional cases, rules allow the Indian strategic partner to submit techno-commercial offers in collaboration with two OEMs.

The next steps would involve opening and evaluation of technical offers, trials, staff evaluation, opening of commercial offers of companies technically compliant with the RFP and finally, the selection of the strategic partner with the lowest bid.

The defence ministry said the DAC approved procurement of equipment worth over 5,100 crore from indigenous sources. The military hardware cleared for purchase includes electronic warfare systems for the army. The council also approved prototype testing of trawl assemblies, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, for T-72 and T-90 tanks to boost the armys indigenous de-mining capability.

Todays decisions are also in keeping with the mandate given to the CDS and the newly-constituted department of military affairs to promote use of indigenous hardware by the services, the statement added.

The council also gave its approval to include Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in the Defence Procurement Procedure to provide avenues in capital procurement for the armed forces to startups and innovators.

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Bolpur : , Jan 21 (IANS) Circumventing its age old tradition, the Visva-Bharati University is considering celebrating Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) ahead of the March 9 "Dol" (Holi) fest and restrict the entry of visitors to the programme.

A peeved West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee requested Vice Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty to reconsider the plan.

Basanta Utsav, a festival started by the first non-European Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at the university's Santiniketan campus in Birbhum district, is celebrated on the day of Dol, with thousands of people from various parts of India and abroad attending the programme.

However, the central government run university authorities have been over the past few years complaining of the difficulties involved in ensuring order and discipline due to a heavy rush of visitors on Holi.

The university academic council is also toying with the idea of restricting the entry of visitors inside the campus during Basanta Utsava. If the plans come through, then only students and teachers can take part in the festival.

According to sources, Basanta Utsava could be celebrated this year in the third week of February. The likely dates could be February 18 or 19.

Unhappy at the VU's plans, the education minister said he would take up the issue with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"I have told the Vice Chancellor that the central government run university is within its rights to to take such a decision, but "the effect should not spill over to the state." "I will talk to the Chief Minister. We will look into why they can't hold the festival on the day of Dol, despite the state's law and order situation being fine," he said.

Chatterjee claimed that the Vice Chancellor told that the varsity authorities did not get adequate number of police personnel to ensure security durig the festival.

He alleged that the vice chancellor seems to be "acting under pressure" and stated that the government would not watch silently if there is any attempt to "weaken Bengal's heritage and culture in an institution named after Tagore".

He also questioned the planned restriction on the entry of visitors during the festival.

"Why is it that only students and teachers can participate, and no one else? How can it be done selectively? I request them to reconsider it," he said.

Chatterjee said he would try to find out the issues faced by the university and arrive at a solution.

Polymath Tagore, who holds the unique feat of having compose dthe national anthems of two countries - India and Bangladesh - founded the university in 1921.
Mark Francois is a former Defence Minister, and is MP for Rayleigh and Wickford. He is Deputy Chairman of the European Research Group.

After three years of a power vacuum in Northern Ireland, it is extremely welcome that the DUP and Sinn Fein have finally managed to agree a deal to re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive. Julian Smith, the Northern Ireland Secretary, deserves great credit for exercising the patience of Job in order to bring both sides back around the table to achieve a successful conclusion.

However, one remaining difficulty is how to address so-called legacy issues arising from the aftermath of the Troubles, while feelings still run deep in both communities and indeed among Armed Forces Veterans as well. The recent Conservative manifesto was very clear when it stated, on page 52:

A Conservative Government understands the sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. That is why we will introduce new legislation to tackle the vexatious legal claims that undermine our Armed Forces and further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law

On page 45, regarding the future of Northern Ireland, the manifesto also states:

We will continue to seek better ways of dealing with legacy issues that provide better outcomes for victims and survivors and do more to give veterans the protections they deserve.

The recently agreed deal in Northern Ireland, entitled New Decade, New Approach, contained the following statement on page 14:

In moving to a better, more prosperous and shared future the parties recognise the need to address the legacy of the past. To that end, the parties are committed to working together and to doing everything possible to heal wounds and eliminate the issues that divide us.

When Boris Johnson was campaigning for the leadership of the Conservative Party last summer, he nailed his colours unequivocally to the mast in support of veterans. On 12th July, The Sun carried a splash headline entitled V for Victory, and inside contained a three point Veterans Pledge signed by the now-Prime Minister. This offered to set up an Office of Veterans Affairs within the Cabinet Office (now headed up by the excellent Johnny Mercer, himself an Afghanistan veteran); secondly, to enshrine the Military Covenant into law; and thirdly  crucially in this context  to introduce:

New legislation to end repeated and vexatious investigations into historical allegations against our servicemen and women  including in Northern Ireland  to be passed before the next General Election.

That could not possibly be any clearer. So thats it then? Well, not quite.

The difficulty is that in the previous Stormont House Agreement of 2014, Unionists and Nationalists agreed to address so-called legacy issues arising from the Troubles via a Historic Investigations Unit (HIU). However, the playing field was completely tilted against Armed Forces veterans by Tony Blairs previous decision to grant Letters of Comfort to around 300 alleged IRA terrorists, which meant, in effect, that they could never be prosecuted for alleged crimes resulting from terrorism. Whilst the Government continues to argue that these letters have no legal validity, on the one occasion they attempted to bring one of its holders to trial, John Downey, the alleged Hyde Park bomber, he produced a letter in court, whereupon the trial collapsed (although he is now, ironically being prosecuted in the Republic).

British Army veterans possess no such Letters of Comfort, and many are extremely anxious about the NIOs proposals to reopen investigations into every single fatality that took place during the Troubles (which total around 3,500). These stretch back over 50 years to 1969, when British troops were first deployed to Northern Ireland under Operation Banner. The NIO regard the Stormont House Agreement as akin to Holy Writ, and appear adamant that this process must continue  as are Sinn Fein.

Around 300,000 British Army Personnel served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, over 700 of whom were killed. Many of the survivors are now quite elderly today. It is worth remembering that without the sacrifice and courage of the British Army  aided by the Ulster Defence Regiment and the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC  there would never have been a Good Friday Agreement in the first place. It is only because these people had the courage to put on a uniform and fight terrorists  both Republican and Loyalist  that we have any chance of peace in Northern Ireland at all today. Many commentators in the media repeatedly overlook this vital point.

Because of fears that any investigations would be hopelessly one-sided, back in October 2018 I and several other former Army officers who are now MPs organised a letter to the then Prime Minister. Signed by over 100 Tory colleagues and 50 peers (including four previous Chiefs of the Defence Staff), it was headed Defending those who defended us, and argued that an endless process of investigation and re-investigation was completely unacceptable.

Moreover, the All-Party House of Commons Defence Committee (HCDC) investigated this issue in great depth in both 2016 and again in 2019 (I served on the second report) and recommended an alternative way forward, involving a Qualified Statute of Limitations (QSOL) which would set a deadline beyond which cases could not be re-opened unless there was compelling new evidence. For the avoidance of doubt this is not an amnesty but a recommendation to draw a line under the events of the past, unless overwhelming new evidence is forthcoming.

This matters greatly to a large number of British Army veterans, some of whom, such as Corporal Major Dennis Hutchins, are literally dying, with reinvestigation still hanging over them like the sword of Damocles. I also raised at Prime Ministers Questions last May the case of Sergeant David Griffin, a former Royal Marine who in 1972 killed an IRA gunman as he was about to murder one of his colleagues at a guard post.

He was fully investigated at the time and cleared for firing the fatal shot  he took a life to save a life  but he has since been reinvestigated. The PSNI Investigators knew exactly where to find him, as he is now a pensioner at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. There is surely no other country on earth that would deal with its veterans in this way  all of which, ultimately, is designed to satisfy Sinn Fein/IRA.

There is also the powerful political point that many of those 300,000 veterans came from northern regiments. Many people living in the so-called Red Wall seats which we captured from Labour at the General Election will have an elderly relative who served in Northern Ireland. For instance, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (who recruit many of their soldiers from the North East of England) undertook eight tours of Northern Ireland between 1970 and 1980 alone. There are many other northern regiments whose antecedent units served bravely on Operation Banner and their families, many of whom lent us their vote, will fully expect us to protect them.

In summary, the HIU route threatens unacceptable uncertainty for thousands of veterans for years. The Prime Minister has pledged in a national newspaper to end this abuse and I believe him. The Northern Ireland Secretary is a decent man, as indeed is Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, and it should not be beyond the wit of man for these powerful and reasonable politicians to get together in a room and broker some solution which in no way undermines the peace process, but which ensures that those who had the moral and physical courage to serve their country in uniform are not disadvantaged as a result. We owe them no less.
When Anne Le Ziblatt first started opening her own restaurants, she wanted to battle the notion that Vietnamese food was supposed to be cheap.

The daughter of the family behind Vung Tau Restaurant in San Jose, Le Ziblatt opened Tamarine Restaurant in Palo Alto and Bong Su in San Francisco in the early 2000s, serving carefully plated Vietnamese dishes on white tablecloths.

Now, with her upcoming restaurant Nam Vietnamese Brasserie, shes addressing a different issue: the lack of affordable mid-tier dining options in the Bay Area. Nam is scheduled to open in mid- to late February in downtown Redwood City, in the nearly 50-seat space that formerly belonged to the Striped Pig.

I cant get out of almost anywhere for less than $150 unless Im willing to go to a fast-casual place or a mom-and-pop spot, Le Ziblatt said. My goal (at Nam) is for you to go and have two entrees, a side and a glass of wine for $50.

While casual spots increasingly offer fantastic food, Le Ziblatt said they too often make diners feel processed through a cafeteria line. Shes emphasizing staff training at Nam, where customers will order at a counter but also receive some table service, and designing a gorgeous, warm, inviting and stylish dining room.

The restaurant, with gray tones, leather banquettes and a semi-open kitchen, will be inspired by Le Ziblatts hometown of Vung Tau, a port city in southern Vietnam. There will be a large mural depicting a typical fishing village scene, and the dishes will highlight the regions emphasis on fresh herbs like garlic chives.

Le Ziblatt said she hopes Nam exposes diners to a wider range of Vietnamese noodle soups beyond pho. One signature will be hu tieu nam vang, which translates to Phnom Penh noodle soup. Its the Vietnamese version of the Cambodian classic, popularized locally by Nyum Bai, featuring a pork and chicken broth with shrimp, garlic chives, Chinese celery and caramelized shallots.

This broth is so layered that its as interesting if not more interesting to me than pho, Le Ziblatt said.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

The menu will also include noodle soups like Vietnamese crab udon and chicken pho as well as grilled items, such as honey five-spice chicken, lemongrass tofu and the Hanoi classic of grilled pork meatballs known as bun cha.

To drink, Nam will serve cold-pressed juices, tea and Vietnamese coffee plus beer and wine on tap. In an effort to maintain affordability, Nam will offer glasses of wine for $6.

Further down the line, Le Ziblatt hopes to add bia hoi, Vietnamese fresh beer thats brewed daily. In Vietnam, a cup might go for 25 cents. At Nam, Le Ziblatt thinks she could sell it for $2 or less.

Nam Vietnamese Brasserie. Scheduled to open in February. 917 Main St., Redwood City. www.nambrasserie.com

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
He enjoys a fulfilling career, is married to his childhood sweetheart and is father to a beautiful little girl, two-year-old Nora - in short, life is good for Robin Grace.

But things weren't always this way, as following a triggered memory of childhood abuse, the 36-year-old went through several years of anguish as he tried to come to terms with the reality of what had happened and the memories he had repressed since he was a child.

However, having been in the depths of despair, Robin, who works for An Garda Siochana, turned his misfortune to good use as not only does he draw on his experience to help others who are suicidal, self-harming or are fellow abuse victims, but he is also in the process of developing an app called ME which will allow vulnerable young people to seek help, support and protection at the touch of a button.

In his role, he has seen the ever-growing need for a simple, easy-to-use support mechanism which would be accessible 24/7, particularly as his own darkest moments came in the middle of the night.

"When I was 22, Hannah, who is now my wife, and I had been travelling and were staying in a hotel in Delhi after returning from Africa," he recalls.. "She was asleep, and I was watching Oprah on TV as it was the only English-speaking programme available. The topic was sexual abuse and several people were talking about their experience of it. I found it captivating but wasn't at all affected until she turned to the camera and said, 'It's also important to remember that females can be abusers too'.

"I felt like I had just been hit by a freight train as I was suddenly overcome with a flashback from my childhood and remembered that on several occasions I was sexually abused [by a trusted female non-family member]. I broke down and cried for hours as the memories came back but once I spoke to Hannah about it, I felt as if that was enough and I should just put everything back in its box and put the lid back on."

But despite trying to ignore the reality of what he had endured as a child, it wasn't long before the impact hit him with full force.

"I tried to repress the memories for a few years, but I just couldn't escape from it," he says. "It really began to affect my life and my behaviour. I started drinking heavily and pushed everyone away from me as despite the fact that none of what happened was my fault, I was filled with feelings of guilt and shame and couldn't ask anyone for help, so I distanced myself from everyone around me. I felt so alone and unloved.

"Then one night I reached rock bottom and, with a knife pressed against my wrist, I posted a cryptic message on Facebook. It was 2am and I bargained with myself that if no one contacted me, I would end it all. But Hannah, who wasn't with me at the time as we were temporarily apart, saw my message and told my mother, who rang me.

"I said I couldn't deal with the pain anymore or undo the experience and she said she would drive straight up to me to Dublin, where I was living at the time. I managed to convince her not to come up that night as it was enough that she had listened and was there for me at that crucial moment of my life."

Following the vital intervention from his mother, Robin began trying to rebuild his life by attending therapy for two years and confronting his abuser.

"While I was in therapy, I learned how to face the negative feelings and how important it was to have someone who would listen to me when I felt bad," he says. "My therapist also said that facing my abuser would be healing, so I went to her house and she invited me in for tea. I declined and I told her what I was there for and that I had remembered what she had done.

"She got angry and asked me to leave and I told her that I had lived with guilt and shame for years but now I was passing all of that on to her. This was very healing for me. I felt empowered by the very fact that I had handed all the negative feelings to the person who caused them in the first place."

As Robin gradually rebuilt his life, his career path instinctively drew him to caring roles as he learned how important it is for people to have someone to talk to.

"I wanted to turn my experience into something good, so I worked in youth services for a long while as a youth advocate and then became a Garda four years ago," says the father-of-one. "One of the reasons I joined the force is because I wanted to try and help others in a similar situation to me. As a first responder to people who are suicidal or in crisis, I am perfectly placed to help them. They usually trust me because I am in a uniform, but I will confirm that trust before continuing, then I will ask if it's okay to talk to them and to call a family member or friend.

"This is part of the job, but I am also bringing myself to the table as I have lived it and know what they are going through. I would say 100pc of people I have met who are suicidal really want someone to listen to them. And it was this knowledge which prompted me to create the app."

ME is a private social network app which allows users to be instantly connected to supports and also to educational tools which help those who may be concerned or anxious about aspects of their lives.

"My aim, when I decided to develop the app, was for support to be available for people 24/7," says the Garda. "So, for example, imagine a child or teenager seeing something online, like a photo which they or someone else shared and it has garnered abuse or negative comments - this is enough to really upset someone, particularly if they are young. So now imagine a button labelled ME which is brightly lit up on the home page. If the person is feeling distressed, they just press it and immediately, they can send a message to their pre-chosen support group, which may be friends or family, to say they need help or someone to talk to.

"While they are waiting for their supports to respond, the post will be temporarily blocked and the user will be taken to a 'safe place' of their choice; this could be a music selection, favourite game or even photo library of happy pictures which will allow them to remember good times while replacing the bad stuff.

"Then, if someone is in extreme distress, there is also an option to contact emergency supports such as ourselves at the Gardai, the Samaritans and other frontline services."

As well as dealing with situations when they arise and facilitating round-the-clock support, the app is also an educational tool which aims to teach children about online safety - to know what bullying and predatory behaviour looks like and when to seek help.

"Considering most children get their first phone between the ages of eight and 13, there are many situations which they have no experience of," says Grace. "So there will be a built-in educational facility to help young people to learn about what is acceptable and what isn't. Through the guise of illustration and audio text, they will learn to recognise bullying and other situations and know how and when to seek support or help.

"Of course there are other educational tools out there such as websites and phone lines but sometimes these are too cumbersome for a child to manage at the precise moment they need advice. And some of the information they might be given at school will inform them of the dangers of the internet and almost encourage them to avoid it altogether, which can cause them to switch off from helpful advice.

"Our app will be very easy to use, age appropriate and doctored to suit the needs of each user - so when it is being set up, the user will be asked firstly to key in their safe list and then some information about themselves such as what their likes are; this will be used to prompt them to engage in something they enjoy, which will be uplifting and help to avert a feeling of crisis."

According to Robin, the app is "slick and easy to use" but it is still at the demo stage and he is currently trying to raise funds to get the project off the ground and make it freely available to all youngsters around the country.

"I came up with all of the ideas for the project as I feel it is really important to have something like this available for young people, but it is being developed by a company in Galway called App Design [appdesign.ie]," he says. "The plan is to raise 75k to enable us to build it up, bring in specialist artists and to help promote it.

"It will be free to download and there will be no advertising or sponsorship allowed as I don't want it to be clogged up with adverts. I would love to see it eventually built into phones as standard because I know from experience how important it is to be able to find help and support no matter what time of the day you need it."

 For more information visit meapp.ie. If you are affected by these issues call the Samaritans on freecall 116123 or for Pieta House text HELP to 51444
Seeking to upstage the ruling AAP in the Delhi Assembly polls, both the BJP and Congress have fielded first timers against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi Assembly constituency.

BJP's Delhi unit Yuva Morcha president Sunil Yadav and Congress's Romesh Sabharwal, an old partyman having association with the National Students Union(NSUI), will take on the AAP chief.

Both the opposition parties made hectic efforts to come up with their formidable challengers against Kejriwal, who is seeking re-election on the New Delhi seat, but failed to come up with any surprise.

While the BJP declared forty-four-year-old Yadav's candidature hours before conclusion of the nomination process for the polls on Tuesday, the Congress declared Sabharwal, 56, as its candidate for the seat on Monday night.

Yadav asserted that he will give a "good fight" to the chief minister and said he was a local while his adversary was an "outsider".

"I live in New Delhi, Kejriwal does not live here. He is an outsider and is hardly available to the people of the constituency. I am here to defeat him with the love and support of the people," Yadav said.

Yadav, a resident of Pratapgarh in UP, is a lawyer by profession.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said his party had good chances of winning from the New Delhi constituency dominated by government employees.

"He is not a lightweight candidate. New Delhi suits the BJP as voters in the constituency are strong supporters of the BJP," he said.

Sabharwal is an old party worker who belongs to a family of government employees, a Delhi Congress leader said.

His mother was a teacher and his father a clerk. Associated with the Congress since late 1980s', Sabharwal has also served as chairman of the Delhi Tourism department.

Sabharwal has held different posts in NSUI and the Indian Youth Congress in the past. In 1998, he was expected to be the Congress candidate from then Gole Market(now New Delhi) constituency, but was replaced by Sheila Dikshit.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pilates instructor Stephanie Daran (pictured) 45, was convicted of drug supply charges at Waverley Local Court

A Sydney pilates instructor who was convicted of selling cocaine has denied supplying the drug, saying she had bought the large quantities for herself.

Stephanie Daran, 45, was slapped with drug supply charges after police found 4g of cocaine during a raid at her Dover Heights home last February.

Offenders who are busted with cocaine can be charged with intent to supply if they are in possession equal to or more than the traffickable quantity of 3g.

The personal trainer, who claimed she's trained prime ministers on her website, appeared at Waverely Local Court on Monday where she pleaded guilty to multiple charges including supplying a prohibited drug, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Despite admitting to the offences, Ms Daran maintained that the drugs were not for trafficking, but for personal use instead, according to the publication.

She admitted to buying cocaine with her husband - who has also pleaded guilty to drug supply charges - on a fortnightly basis.

'We would get it roughly every second weekend,' she told the court.

The mum, who runs a studio in her backyard, was given an 18-month community corrections order - which she now plans to appeal.

Ms Daran is expected to return to court for the matter in April.
With so many new restaurants having opened up, its a good time to give a shout-out to those who have been serving it up for a long time, who are as much a part of Rochesters history as the corn tower. If you have a spot, let us know, as over the months, we can focus on an oldie but goodie.

We have to start with one of the oldest, the grandfather of them all, Cheap Charlies (11 5th St. NW).

To drive up and park in front, the structure looks like the next strong wind might take it out, were the pig on the roof not anchoring it down (it doesnt). First-timers going in might also wonder what they are in for  the decor hasnt changed much in decades, and the menus are well-worn.

Here, however, is what you get: a hearty, reasonably priced, breakfast and attentive, friendly service. David Tran, the owner and a fixture since 1998, makes sure of that. When not in the kitchen cooking, hes making customer rounds, mingling and greeting. He is only the third owner in more than 60 years.

The restaurant really is more of a diner, with two long counters and a series of small tables and booths. It has been an active spot since 1955, when Charlie Clark, a Kahler chef in the 1940s, opened it up close to the railroad tracks, not far from its current location. Railroad workers would stop by, grab a bite and then be on their way. Clark would also buy them drinks at a nearby bar but eventually stopped doing that. Thats when he got the nickname Cheap Charlies, and it stuck.

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The second owner was Richard Chia, who made a few structural changes in an effort to modernize the facility. The popular upstairs dining room, favored by groups who are Saturday morning regulars, had been the Clarks apartment. These were also the years when politicians and celebrities would come by. Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey and Gov. Wendell Anderson would stop in for coffee when they were in town.

Tran, a Vietnamese refugee, arrived in Rochester in the winter of 1981, barely out of his teens. So determined was he to make a decent life for himself, he took advantage of every opportunity that came his way, including intensive ESL classes. That often meant walking through snow from near Saint Marys past the old Kmart to a church where classes were held.

"I only had flip-flops for shoes, so I stopped at restaurants and hotels along the way to warm up," he said.

To support himself, he took simple jobs in kitchens at hotels, working his way up so eventually he was cooking at the Radisson and the old Hoffman House. In time, he became an assistant manager at Wendys, where he said he learned the most about efficiency and running a kitchen.

Trans goal had always been to own his own place, so when Cheap Charlies became available, he bought it. It has been a successful marriage.

He has literally fed thousands over the years, including retired physician groups and business leaders who gather in the upstairs space.

"Some have been coming here for so long I can get their orders going when I see them coming," he said.

Tran is there every day, cooking, and proud that everything is made from scratch. While most restaurants around town change up the menu seasonally, not here.

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"I might add something, but my customers dont want something more upscale. They can go other places for that. Here, we serve the basics, and folks expect that. Ninety percent come for breakfast, and we do a great job with that. Its a specialty," he said.

He also serves lunch, and while I was there, I saw a delicious-looking plate of meatloaf and mashed potatoes being served. In fact, he told me that a customer comes every day for just that.

What about the landmark pig on the roof? That has been standing guard there for over 40 years, having traveled around a bit prior to its current spot. In fact, it was also a kidnapping victim, missing for several years, until it was spotted in the back of a truck by a policeman, then returned. If it could talk, it likely has stories to tell.

A sentence on the back of the menu sums up Cheap Charlies: "Where the pig stands, and the locals go." Open every day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends.
House Democrats penned an explosive lawyer to the head of President Donald Trump's legal team hours before the impeachment trial was set to begin  saying lawyer Pat Cipollone may be a 'material witness' to two impeachment articles.

The gambit comes hours before the start of the historic Senate impeachment trial, amid an angry fight over the processes that will govern it. They write that the issues are 'directly implicated' by his involvement matters dealing with the first impeachment article, which accuses Trump of abuse of power in his conduct toward Ukraine.

House impeachment managers wrote Cipollone that multiple impeachment witnesses testified that they 'raised concerns about the President's scheme with John Eisenberg'  a White House lawyer who 'reports directly to you in your capacity as White House counsel.'

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone is heading up Donald Trump's impeachment team

They cite such witnesses as national security official Fiona Hill, as well as Purple Heart Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. National security official Timothy Morrison also testified he reported events to Eisenberg.

The letter mentions that similar matters where someone serves as both counsel and a fact witness an result in 'disqualification'  although the letter does not call for this directly.

It is signed by seven House impeachment managers, including California Rep. Adam Schiff, who oversaw the inquiry where Vindman, Hill, and others testified about the administration's policy toward Ukraine.

'Mr. Eisenberg appears to have informed you of at least some, if not all, of these incidents,' they write.

Chief Justice John Roberts will preside over the trial and must rule on objections

They also say his office was 'directly involved in potential efforts to conceal' the scheme by restricting access to the transcript of Trump's July 25 call with the president of Ukraine.

Cipollone is also implicated in the second impeachment article, which deals with obstruction of Congress.

They told Cipoloone that 'you are the signatory' to a bombastic October 8, 2019 letter 'announcing Mr. Trump's reusal to cooperate with all aspects of the House's impeachment inquiry.' Cipollone asserted the 'absolute immunity' of administration officials from testifying in the inquiry, which Trump has repeatedly derided as a 'hoax' and a 'witch hunt.'

As a lawyer representing the office of the presidency, Cipollone's government salary is borne by taxpayers.

They don't explicitly call for his removal, although they do write that his representation of Trump 'threatens to undermine the integrity of the pending trial.'

They write that 'at a minimum' Cipollong must 'disclose all facts and information as to which you have first-hand knowledge' that will be an issue in connection with evidence he presents so the Senate and Chief Justice John Roberts can 'be apprised of any potential ethical issues, conflicts, or biases.'

Roberts would have to rule on any objection to Cipollone serving as counsel  putting him in the middle of a partisan dispute as he seeks to referee the impeachment clash.

White House director of legislative affairs Eric Ueland immediately bashed the effort. 'House Democrats are trying to run one of the President's strongest advocates off the case before it even starts,' he told CNN. 'They won't succeed.'
A 21-year-old Swedish man of Somali origin, arrested by the Guardia Civil in Barcelona last week, was planning a murder on the Costa del Sol, according to the investigation.

The man is thought to be one of the leaders of a dangerous gang of drug traffickers, money launderers and assassins, known as the "death patrol", and is wanted in Sweden in connection with seven killings in Stockholm.

The Spanish investigation, in collaboration with the Swedish authorities, began in September in Malaga province, where the suspect had been hiding.

The Swedish authorities, who had arrested two other leaders of the organisation in Sweden, warned of an imminent assassination the gang was planning to carry out somewhere in the province of Malaga.

This caused the Guardia Civil to speed up their investigation and carry out the arrest while the suspect was on a trip to Barcelona.

The Spanish authorities are now looking back over unsolved crimes in this country in case they find any connection with this group.
MILFORD  A disabled woman who was strangled and brutally beaten by a neighbor will have thousands with her  at least in spirit  Wednesday when she asks a judge to toss her attackers plea deal and give him a stiffer sentence than whats on the table.

Lori Wierzbicki will not only have her brother, Stratford firefighter Tim McLaughlin, at her side, but shes gained an army of supporters who believe the plea deal is much too lenient. Some will be in the courtroom, hundreds more will be rooting her on from their jobs and elsewhere and some 19,000 will have their names on a Change.Org petition that McLaughlin plans to present to Judge Peter Brown.

Wierzbicki, 50, has multiple sclerosis and bipolar disorder controlled by medication and said Tuesday she never could have launched this fight for justice without her brother.

I want my sisters voice to be heard because that was robbed of her at the (plea deal) hearing, McLaughlin told the Register Tuesday. I want her to be validated.

McLaughlin has been a tireless voice for his older sister for months, since she learned her attacker, neighbor Russell Molleur, was offered and accepted what is perceived as a lenient plea deal by Brown at an October hearing.

Wierzbicki was strangled, beaten unconscious, punched in the face numerous times during the bloody attack described by police as life threatening.

Under the plea bargain, Molleur, 57, who confessed to police and has pleaded guilty, would see most of the charges dropped or downgraded and receive eight years prison time, suspended after two years served, and three years of probation, with the right to argue for a full suspended sentence Jan. 22, court records state.

The plea deal throws away the most serious charges and downgrades others.

Molleur has been jailed since March, when the attack occurred at the complex for the elderly and disabled where they both lived.

Wierzbicki tearfully objected to the plea deal over the phone the day of the hearing, according to court files, but she said she was never really given a chance to appear in person because she was only notified that morning and didnt have transportation.

The fate of the plea bargain that Wierzbickis supporters want tossed rests in Browns hands.

On Wednesday she will get her day in court and read a victim impact statement telling of continuing nightmares at night, high anxiety during waking hours, fear of showering because Molleur allegedly made her get in the shower and wash off the blood evidence, as he sat cross-legged on the floor pondering out loud whether to kill her or let her live.

In a separate case, for which Molleur is also scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday, he is charged with criminal behavior toward a disabled adult in the complex.

Wierzbickis victim impact statement also reads: this plea deal is so lenient, that I fear it will embolden him to offend again. The police report documenting my attack, described my injuries as life threatening. She goes on to talk about how she has memory loss from the attack due to strangulation.

McLaughlin has said prosecutor Charles Chuck Stango has told him he will ask Brown to throw away the plea bargain, but Stango cannot comment publicly on the case because it is pending.

McLaughlin said hes also outraged at Stangos comments during the plea bargain hearing, according to a transcript of the proceeding.

Stango told the judge that Wierzbicki begged him (Molleur) to call for help and he did, to his credit, call the police.

McLaughlin said he doesnt think the perpetrator should get any credit for that since his sister had to convince him through her survival instinct.

I give him no credit, McLaughlin said.

Molleur originally was charged with assault, unlawful restraint and strangulation, all in the first degree, disorderly conduct and tampering with evidence.

McLaughlin said they were informed the plea bargain gets rid of strangulation, disorderly conduct and tampering with evidence  and the assault charge was changed to second-degree, which has no mandatory minimum sentence. The only charge to stand as it was is first-degree unlawful restraint.

McLaughlin has said Molleur have also should been charged with assault on a disabled person  which carries a minimum of five years upon conviction. Weakened by MS, Wierzbicki walks with a cane.

McLaughlin launched a Justice for Lori movement that has gained thousands of supporters who want Brown to throw out the deal, and the petition has more than 19,000 signatures that will be presented to Brown in a binder of 400 pages of names on both sides.

McLaughlin held a Justice for Lori rally on the Green in December  well attended despite rain  and stood outside the courthouse two days last week with signs urging the plea deal be tossed.

The case has also attracted the attention of high-profile politicians, including the Milford legislative delegation, who, led by State Rep. James Maroney, want the plea deal tossed as well.

Maroney and state Reps. Kim Rose, Kathy Kennedy and Charles Ferraro recently wrote to the Milford States Attorneys office expressing strong concerns with the courts handling of the case, and urged the court to take whatever actions are necessary and possible to prevent this unjust outcome to a horrifically violent, and confessed to, assault that has been perpetrated on a vulnerable member of our community.

According to a letter from the delegation, the legislators express concern over why the plea had to be accepted with such urgency, without affording the victim the opportunity to speak on the record  and personally express what were apparently going to be her strong objections  before the plea was offered and accepted.

A woman named Amy, herself a victim of a nearly deadly assault in New Haven more than a decade ago, also is backing Wierzbickis cause, and told a crowd at the recent Justice for Lori rally to stick together because there is strength in numbers.

Lori lives in fear every day, for her future is unknown. Lori, you are not alone. We will stand with you and let it be known that you deserve justice, she said.

McLaughlin said they were told by States Attorney Margaret Kelley the case may be difficult to prosecute at trial because Wierzbickis memory was fuzzy from going in and out of consciousness.

To that, McLaughlin wrote on his Justice For Lori Facebook page: So if you dont remember something because you are unconscious or your brain is deprived of oxygen, even with photos of hand/fingered shaped bruising around your throat, your attacker cant be convicted. Remember that everyone! If you want to almost kill someone, be sure to strangle and beat them as hard as you can in their head! If they lose memory, you can walk free! Welcome to Connecticut.

McLaughlin said hes also perplexed by the extreme differences in perception of the case by Brown and the female judge who presided over Molleurs arraignment.

Judge Donna Wilkerson Brillant told him at the arraignment, I just want to say, Mr. Molleur, the allegations are sickening. Right now Im having a hard time breathing based on what Ive read.

During the arraignment, prosecutor Matt Kalthoff called it a brutal assault, after passing photos of the victims injuries to the judge. The state has a very strong case, he told the judge.
Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan today received the delegation led by Head of Unit of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Eastern Partnership of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission Vassilis Maragos, and among the attendees was Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, as reported the news service of the Government of Armenia.

Greeting the guests, the Deputy Prime Minister, with satisfaction, stated that progress has been made in regard to all issues on the agenda of bilateral cooperation and particularly stressed the successful implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Grigoryan presented the process of development and approval of sector-specific strategies and the logic of development of a strategy for Armenias transformation, setting aside the main mega goals and their links to the CEPA and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Maragos highly appreciated the effective cooperation, emphasized that the work done through cooperation between Armenia and the EU and the real results are important and expressed willingness to continue to enhance relations with Armenia.

Maragos also praised the reforms that have already been made in the justice and police sectors and the earmarked actions and touched upon the priorities to be presented by the EU within the scope of the Eastern Partnership.
Tehran, Jan 20 (UNI) Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that the Islamic republic will leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in case the nuclear case of the country is sent to the UN Security Council.



"If the Europeans continue their unjustifiable behavior or send Iran's nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council, Iran will leave the NPT," Zarif was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.



The remarks by Mr Zarif followed the last week move of the three European countries of Britain, France and German as they announced they had taken a step to trigger the dispute mechanism with Iran in response to Tehran's back-off the nuclear commitments over the past months.



"In Nov 2018, Iran informed Europeans that following the exit of the United States from the 2015 landmark nuclear deal, Iran triggered the dispute mechanism and concluded it," said Zarif.



Therefore, "the Europeans move (to re-trigger the mechanism) is by no means legal," Zarif added.



The foreign minister stressed, "In case the Europeans try to do another measure, Iran will consider the quit of the NPT."



Under the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to put limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for the termination of western and UN sanctions. However, US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal in May 2018 and slapped old and new sanctions against Iran.



Trump urged for new deal with the aim of more limits in Iran's nuclear program.



Iran dismissed the US calls and, since May 2019, started to reduce commitments to the accord and recently announced that its had given up all the "practical measures" pertaining to the JCPOA.



Presently, Iran is only bound to the IAEA's supervisory measures enshrined by the NPT which Tehran accepted to undertake in 2015.



On Monday, Zarif noted that Iran will re-embrace its nuclear commitments if the Europeans honour their own obligations and help Iran reap economic interests that the nuclear deal safeguarded.

UNI XC-AVK RHK1749
[January 21, 2020] Orthogonal Thinker Welcomes New CEO as Company Opens Investment Platform Alkaloid Accelerator Enrollment

KIHEI, HAWAII, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE  Orthogonal Thinker Inc. (Orthogonal or the Company), a holding company focused on health and well-being through clean-label, whole plant products as well as psychoactive compounds, announced the appointment of Company Co-Founder Jason Hobson as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). David Nikzad, Co-Founder of Orthogonal and key spokesperson for the Company, has been named as Executive Chairman. In addition, the Companys recently announced Alkaloid Accelerator portal is now accepting applications. The Alkaloid Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind investment platform that embodies Orthogonal Thinkers forward-thinking approach to the nutrition and wellness industry. Currently, the investment platform supports Orthogonal subsidiaries EI.ventures and Maui Raw. EI.ventures is a formulations company that holds the intellectual property rights for plant-based psychoactive compounds. Maui Raw is a clean-food CPG company committed to delivering non-GMO vegan clean label food products. In addition, the Accelerator recently began incubating PsillyLife, the Companys lifestyle brand designed to promote the benefits of psilocybin. Orthogonal Thinker invites visionaries, founders, and entrepreneurs that have built businesses aligned with he Company's mission of individual empowerment through health and wellness to apply to the Alkaloid Accelerator. The Companys current areas of investment focus are clean label foods, cannabis, hemp, cannabidiol (CBD), and psilocybin. The Alkaloid Accelerator is open to applicants from a breadth of categories, from continuing education, virtual reality, adtech, food and beverage to crypto and blockchain developer tools, transportation, aerospace, fitness, and wellness. Applications to participate can be submitted here.



As CEO, Hobson will have an integral role in overseeing the Alkaloid Accelerator program as well as overseeing all of Orthogonals subsidiaries. Hobson is an experienced investor and seasoned real estate and business attorney. Hobson and Nikzad have worked closely together for over two decades and their passion for supporting conscious companies continues to steer Orthogonals operations. I am proud to take the helm of Orthogonal as we support a new generation of companies that reflect our commitment to individual empowerment through health and wellness, Hobson said. We are propelling our mission by uplifting concepts and businesses that are suitable for the Aquarian Age and the overall advancement of humanity.

The Company plans on applying its keen sense of business and market acumen to empower the entrepreneurs the Company invests in. The Alkaloid Accelerator is designed to add strength and harness synergies within the Orthogonal portfolio of companies. For more information about Orthogonal Thinker Inc., visit www.orthogonalthinker.com. To join the PsillyLife movement, click here. About Orthogonal Thinker Inc. Orthogonal is a platform company focused on health and well-being through clean-label, whole plant products, and prodrugs, including psychoactive compounds. Orthogonal utilizes deep learning technology and emotional intelligence (EI) to elevate and empower humanity with plant medicine to set a new standard for health and mental wellness. We call it a New Standard of Farma. Investor Contact: David Nikzad [email protected] Legal Contact: Arent Fox LLP Ballard Spahr LLP Media Contact: Cassandra Dowell CMW Media [email protected]

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BANGALORE, India, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

GLOBAL IOT MARKET ANALYSIS

There are already tens of billions of these IoT connected devices around the world and this number is expected to increase as the IoT market continues to expand.

The introduction and evolution of IPv6 along with high-speed internet connectivity is predicted to drive the organizations demand for connected technologies.

Such technologies exchange data and information to give consumers added convenience, and even allow users to automate basic processes. This emergence of automation technology in various sectors, including manufacturing, has led to increased adoption of IoT and has created a huge growth potential.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/sreport/QYRE-Othe-3D175/global-iot-market

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE IOT MARKET SHARE

Rapid adoption of cloud-based IT solutions is a key driver of Internet of Things (IoT) growth during the forecast period.

Rising implementation of edge and fog computing favors adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) by providing enhanced data management and analysis functionality across varied application areas.

With the emergence of big data analytics and the need to manage large quantities of data generated by internet-enabled devices, the data management IoT solution is expected to hold the largest market share in terms of revenue.

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REGION WISE MARKET GROWTH ANALYSIS

Throughout advanced economies, IoT applications are becoming ever more widespread. According to the IoT market report:

North America is expected to exhibit moderate growth during the forecast period with the presence of major market leaders.

is expected to exhibit moderate growth during the forecast period with the presence of major market leaders. European Union funding in Europe and Chinese government in Asia play a major role in improving the IoT's market. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest rate over the forecast period due to the increasing influx of technology companies in the region coupled with increasing IoT technology investment.

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SEGMENTS IN IoT MARKET BASED ON TYPE

Perception Technology

The layer of perception is the lowest layer on conventional IoT architecture. The main responsibility of this layer is to collect and transform useful information/data from things or the environment into a digital setup.

Network Technology

Network layer represents an abstraction layer of an entity. The abstraction layer of the object serves as a network layer between the management of the service and the layer of the object.

Application Technology

This layer provides customized services based on relevant user needs. The main responsibility of this layer is to link the gap between the users and the applications. The IoT layer brings the industry together to achieve high-level smart application-type solutions such as disaster control, health monitoring, transposition, wealth, medical and ecological climate, and managed global management applicable to all smart based applications.

LIST OF COMPANIES COVERED IN THE REPORT:

Amazon Web Services

Autodesk SeeControl

BlackBerry

Bosch Software Innovations

Bright Wolf

C3 IoT

Carriots

Concirrus

Connio

Cumulocity

Davra Networks

Device Insight

EVRYTHNG

Exosite

General Electric

Others.

IoT Market Segment By Application

Artificial Intelligence

Connectivity

Networking

Sensing/Sensors

Databases.

THE STUDY OBJECTIVES OF GLOBAL IOT MARKET REPORT ARE

To study and forecast the market size of IoT in the global market.

To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players.

To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region.

To analyze and compare the market status and forecast among global major regions.

To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.

To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.

To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.

To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

Key Stakeholders

Raw material suppliers

Distributors/traders/wholesalers/suppliers

Regulatory bodies, including government agencies and NGO

Commercial research & development (R&D) institutions

Importers and exporters

Government organizations, research organizations, and consulting firms

Trade associations and industry bodies

End-use industries

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REPORTS RELATED TO THE SUBSET OF IoT MARKET

GLOBAL IoT ANALYTICS MARKET

In 2018, the Global IoT Analytics market size was 8287 million US$ and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 28.86% between 2018 and 2025.

The key factors driving the IoT analytics market is the massive increase in the data generated by IoT devices. This tremendous growth in the number of IoT devices creates a need for advanced analytics and automation, thereby impacting the IoT analytics market growth.

Global IoT Analytics market report explores the global competitive landscape, market drivers and trends, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/sreport/QYRE-Othe-0E183/global-iot-analytics-market

GLOBAL INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) SECURITY

The Global Security Market Size of the Internet of Things (IoT) was US$ 8930 million in 2018 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 33.81 per cent in 2019-2025.

In Internet of Things (IoT) security market, the United States has the largest global export quantity and manufacturers, while Europe is the second-largest in terms of sale volume.

Further with respect to market players, Cisco Systems earns the most in the industry while Intel Corporation and IBM Corporation are expected to closely follow. The respective market share of Cisco Systems, Intel corporation and IBM are 9.30 percent, 5.86 percent and 4.96 percent in 2016.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/sreport/QYRE-Auto-V14/global-iot-security-market

GLOBAL IoT PLATFORMS MARKET

The global market size of IoT Platforms was US$ 1340 million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 9960 million by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 28.5 per cent between 2018 and 2025.

PTC (ThingWorx), Cisco (Jasper), and Microsoft won the top three IoT Platforms revenue share spots in 2016. PTC (ThingWorx) dominated with revenue share of 7.92 percent, followed by Cisco (Jasper) with revenue share of 7.44 percent and Microsoft with revenue share of 4.77 percent.

Despite the presence of high competition, investors are still optimistic about this area due to the clear global recovery trend and need for more advanced communication platforms, middleware which facilitate seamless integration of devices, networks and applications to maintain the increasingly complex IoT solutions. This in turn drives the IoT platform market growth.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/sreport/QYRE-Othe-1D215/global-iot-platforms-market

GLOBAL SATELLITE M2M AND IoT NETWORK MARKET

Due to the increasing demand for fast and flexible wireless communication across various industries, such as transportation and logistics, natural resources, heavy industries, aviation and government and military, the global satellite M2M and IoT network market is expected to see significant growth over the forecast period 2018-2025.

In 2018, the Global Satellite M2M and IoT Network market size was 654 million US$ and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 30.22% between 2018 and 2025.

The growing need for secure and high-speed wireless communication and the increasing demand for greater flexibility at low cost are some of the key drivers for the growth of the global market for M2M satellite and IoT networks.

This report analyses the landscape of global market competition, market drivers and trends, opportunities and challenges, risks and barriers to entry, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/sreport/QYRE-Othe-0E184/global-satellite-m2m-iot-network-market

GLOBAL IoT OPERATING SYSTEMS MARKET

In 2018, the Global IoT Operating Systems market size was US$ 393million and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 36.64% between 2018 and 2025.

IoT defines an operating system as an edge gateway which provides connectivity to devices via multiple protocols, and also provides multiple capabilities for limited edge computing. The IoT operating systems have the capability to deal with the diverse requirements of heterogeneous hardware platforms and application scenarios, and provides an adaptive Internet Protocol (IP) network stack and a standard developer-friendly Application Programming Interface (API).

The global IoT operating systems market is segmented into Linux OS, Tiny OS, Contiki OS, Google Brillo OS, Mbed OS, Free RTOS and others based on their type. Furthermore the report is split into manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, consumer electronics, industrial automation, energy & utilities, and transportation & logistics based on their application to give an in depth insight about the market.

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The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has decried the nationwide protest organised by the Peoples Democratic Party rejecting the Supreme Court judgement that declared him the governor of the state.

Uzodinma made the remark on Monday, while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress, who occupied the streets of Owerri in a solidarity rally for the party.

He charged the Federal Government to call the PDP and its supporters to order, saying that the situation could degenerate to anarchy, if not checked.

He further called on Imo residents to go about their normal businesses without fear of harassment and described the Supreme Court victory as divine.

He said: I am calling on the Federal Government to look into issues concerning the protest and caution the PDP against possible anarchy.

I call on you to go about your businesses without any fear of harassment.

My victory is divine and only God can remove me from office because I credibly won the election as has been affirmed by the highest court of our land.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the supporters carried placards with different inscriptions such as Hope for Imo, Uzodinma we know, and On Supreme Court judgement we stand.

Some of the supporters described the PDP protest as infantile, adding that it was dead on arrival.

A former member of the House of Representatives and former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Goodluck Opiah, advised PDP to accept the judgement in the spirit of sportsmanship.

He expressed confidence in Uzodinmas ability to pilot the affairs of the state and assured Imo residents of better times ahead.

Opiah said: In the last election, I contested for House of Representatives seat and lost.

When the Tribunal and Appeal Court affirmed my opponents victory, I wished him well.

I expect the PDP to do the same in the interest of democracy.

I have complete confidence that Uzodinma means well for Imo people and there is a lot he can achieve without distractions of this nature.

Another APC faithful and former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, George Egu, said with the APC in Imo, better times were ahead for the southeast.

Egu cautioned against possible disintegration of the zone, adding that Uzodinmas emergence would give the zone better negotiating power for the 2023 presidency.

He said: This is time to come together and take advantage of the situation on ground by lending our support to Uzodinma for the overall good of the southeast.

With APC in Imo, the South East will have a better bargaining power for the most coveted office of the land in 2023.

NAN reports that PDP on Sunday held a nationwide protest challenging the January 14 Supreme Court judgement, which nullified the election of Chief Emeka Ihedioha.
An Afghan student studying at the Goa University was stabbed by some men near here, police said on Tuesday, prompting the opposition Congress to allege that youths are getting provoked due to the poison of state-sponsored actions.

One person has been arrested in connection with the incident that took place on Monday afternoon in Dona Paula area near the university campus, a police official said.

The motive behind the attack is under investigation.

The victim, Mathihulla Aria (24), who was pursuing M.Com course at the universitys Goa Business School, was injured in the attack and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Dona Paula, the official said.

Panaji Police have arrested Satish Nilkanthe, a resident of neighbouring Maharashtra, for allegedly stabbing Aria, the official said.

A police complaint was lodged by Rahul Tripathi, director of foreign students at the Goa University, he said.

The accused has been booked under Indian Penal Code Section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), he said.

Search was on for three other accused who were at large, he added.

Meanwhile, National Students Union of India (NSUI) Goa chief Ahraz Mulla wrote a letter to Governor Satya Pal Malik after the incident and expressed fear of a JNU-like situation in the Goa University.

This is to bring to your notice the recent attack on an Afghani student in Goa. The law and order in the state has gone for a ride and students of Goa are fearing a JNU-like situation here very soon with such attacks (coming to notice) on a regular basis, Mulla said.

The NSUI, which is students wing of the Congress, said the attack on the Afghani student in Goa also raises questions about the security of students who come from other countries to study here.

The incident will send a very wrong message to the entire world about law and order of the country, Mulla said.

He demanded strong action against those who were spoiling the harmony of Goa University and police protection in all colleges of the state to prevent a JNU or Jamia-like situation.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar demanded a thorough probe into the incident, which he said has tarnished the image of Goa.

The poison spread by state-sponsored actions is provoking the youth to resort to such acts, he added.

Day in and day out, hatred is being spread, because of which such attacks happen. The police should properly investigate the case, Chodankar said.

Such attacks have never taken place in Goa in the past, he said, adding that it is destroying the Goas uniqueness as a peaceful state.

Taking to Twitter, Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte said, I strongly condemn the attack on Afghani student studying in #GoaUniversity. Quick police action against the offenders is a must. This fanaticism is offensive of the very ethos of Goenkarponn! (Goanness). Law and order in the State has gone for a ride, sending a wrong message to national and international community, he said in yet another tweet.

Goa Youth Forward chief Raj Malik tweeted: The youth wing of the Goa Forward Party said, Assault on Foreign student studying at Goa University not only brings a bad name to University, but also to entire #Goem (Goa). We demand that Goa Police should intensify night patrolling where ever there are hostels. Goa University and Goa Engineering College are at high risk always.

On January 5, some masked persons armed with sticks and rods attacked students and teachers and damaged property on the campus of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi.

The Jamia Millia Islamia University in the national capital had witnessed violence last month following protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Article 370 of the Constitution was the only "tunnel of light" which maintained the relationship between the Centre and the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Supreme Court was told on Tuesday.

Petitioners challenging the Centre's decision taken on August 5 last year to abrogate provisions of Article 370 contended that the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be repealed in exercise of powers under the Article, which gave special status to erstwhile state.

A five-judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana, was told by senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, appearing for an intervenor, Prem Shankar Jha, that the issue needs to be referred to a larger bench as there is a dispute between two judgements of a five-judge bench which dealt with provisions of Article 370.

Besides challenging the Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370, Jha has sought reference of the issue to a larger bench of seven judges for definite adjudication.

The bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant, said it would first hear the submissions on reference and then would take a call on whether to refer the issue to a larger bench.

Dwivedi said the two judgements of the five-judge bench of the apex court in 1959 in Prem Nath Kaul versus Jammu and Kashmir and in 1970 in Sampat Prakash versus Jammu and Kashmir, which dealt with the issue of Article 370, were in conflict with each other.

Dealing with the Presidential orders of August 5, last year, Dwivedi said due to these orders issued under Article 370 (1) and (3), all provisions of the Indian Constitution have been applied to Jammu and Kashmir.

"This virtually abolishes the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. It's a case of implied repeal where a Constitution has been repealed by an executive exercise of powers," he argued.

Dwivedi said, "Article 370 was the only tunnel of light connecting the Centre to erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Article 370 required that action of government of India should have concurrence of Jammu and Kashmir constituent assembly, which was dissolved in 1957 after framing the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir".

The senior lawyer said the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was not created under the Constitution of India or Article 370 and therefore J&K constitution cannot be repealed in exercise of powers under Article 370.

"On August 5, 2019, the power under Article 370 (1)(d) could only be exercised in compliance with Article 370(2), which was impossible in absence of Constituent Assembly of J&K. The power to issue such Presidential Order under Article 370(1)(d) could not be exercised by the President with the concurrence advise of the Governor only," he said.

Dwivedi said the substitution of "legislative assembly of the state" for "Constituent Assembly" with the concurrence of the state government or governor is void.

"Besides, one has to keep in mind that this legislative assembly is one which is a creature of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir and not the Constitution of India where governor cannot be substitute," he said.

The senior lawyer said the sole object of Article 370 was to ensure that people of Kashmir have a say in their own governance through their own Constitution but this guarantee has been wiped out after the entire Constitution of India is made applicable in the erstwhile state.

"Article 370 was temporary and was to cease after the enactment of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. Thereafter, the governing relationship between Union and the State was to be regulated by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

Dwivedi concluded his arguments after which senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for NGO People's Union for Civil Liberties, commenced his submission and also sought reference of the issue to a larger bench.

The hearing remained inconclusive and would continue on Wednesday.

On December 12, the top court had said it may consider the question of referring the issue of challenge to the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 to a larger seven-judge bench after hearing the preliminary submission of all the parties.

Earlier, senior advocate Raju Ramachandaran, appearing for bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal, Shehla Rashid and other petitioners, had argued that in the scheme of Article 370 while the democratic power is with the State, the executive power is with the Union government.

The top court had earlier raised a query as to who could be the competent authority to reconstitute the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly to take a call on altering the special status of the erstwhile state under Article 370 of the Constitution.

The petitioners have referred to the provision and said that only the Constituent Assembly, which represents the will of the people, is empowered to make recommendation to the President on any changes in the special status of J&K.

A number of petitions have been filed in the matter including those of private individuals, lawyers, activists and political parties and they have also challenged the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which splits J&K into two union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Jan. 21

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

Turkmenistan is developing humanitarian aid program for Afghanistan for the years of 2020-2022, Trend reports with reference to the Turkmen Government.

The document is being prepared in the context of the peaceful development of Afghanistan and was discussed at a government meeting, Turkmenistan State News Agency reported.

For many years Afghanistan has been receiving electricity and liquefied gas from Turkmenistan at preferential prices in the direction of the Imamnazar-Andkhoy and Serhetabat-Herat power transmission lines. The Rabatkashan-Kalainau border power line has also been commissioned to supply Turkmen electricity to the northern regions of Afghanistan.

Turkmenistan supports the implementation of a number of regional infrastructure projects involving Afghanistan. In particular, Ashgabat is working on the implementation of projects through Afghanistans territory, such as the construction of a railway to Tajikistan and a pipeline to Pakistan and India.

The projects on the use of Afghanistans territory as a transit route for the supply of Turkmen electricity are also being considered.
A father who took it upon himself to help direct traffic at a busy intersection with a pool noodle as a powerful hailstorm hit Sydney has been praised as a hero.

Wild weather in the form of hail and strong winds tore through the Sutherland Shire in Sydney's south on Monday afternoon.

Chaos ensued at peak hour as traffic lights were shut off during a blackout at a six-lane intersection on Kingsway and Sylvania Road.

But for two hours, local man Matt Roy took to the middle of the tricky intersection armed with just a pool noodle to guide traffic through.

For two hours local man Matt Roy took to the middle of the tricky intersection armed with just a pool noodle to guide traffic through

Miranda was among the worst-affected suburbs with two drivers trapped in their cars after a tree fell on top of the vehicles (pictured)

He was driving home from working in the city when the storm hit the area and rushed straight to the intersection after checking his family was safe.

Wearing 'the brightest shirt he could find' and holding a green pool noodle, Mr Roy stood in the middle of the intersection helping the flow of traffic.

'Even with the lights on, it's a pretty sketchy place and I thought the one thing I can do is to get the lights moving. As I was running out the door I saw a pool noodle and I thought, that'll do,' he told 10 Daily.

Mr Roy committed to standing in the intersection guiding traffic for two hours until NSW Police took over, helping at least 800 cars get through safely.

'I'm not a certified traffic controller but I know that intersection well so I could work it out,' he said.

'There were a few trees down on some of the roads so it was nice to help emergency services, ambulances and police get through.'

A Sydney man took it upon himself to help direct traffic at a busy intersection after a wild storm ripped out trees and left areas without power

A car damaged by a fallen tree at Caringbah in Sydney on Tuesday as a clean-up is underway after the storm on Monday afternoon

The tree came down in Miranda, south of Sydney, on Monday afternoon forcing the closure of the intersection

The Sutherland community gave Mr Roy an abundance of support for the good deed, with some offering him food and drink.

Videos and images of the act were posted to social media and he quickly received hundreds of messages of gratitude.

Mr Roy said he is flattered by the praise but if it came down to it he would do it again.

Commuters on public transport were also held up by the storm as trains were cancelled between Cronulla and Sutherland, and between Mortdale and Waterfall for up to two hours on Monday evening.

Fallen trees outside a home at Caringbah in Sydney as the clean up operation was under way

The storm reached the outskirts of Sydney on Monday night as emergency services responded to 800 calls for help. Pictured: A car damaged in Caringbah

A tree branch became stuck under a train in Miranda, while part of the station roof fell on a train line at Caringbah.

While trains re-opened to Waterfall about 7.30pm, services between Cronulla and Sutherland stayed cancelled until Tuesday morning.

Some 14,000 Ausgrid customers lost power after strong winds, lightning and hail struck the area, the company posted on Twitter on Monday evening.

About 13,000 remained without power at 10.30pm, with repairs continuing into the night in the Sutherland Shire.
This bill is aimed at prohibiting the development of non-regulatory relations between servicemen in the Armed Forces. This is what co-author of the bill, secretary of the Prosperous Armenia faction of the National Assembly Arman Abovyan declared during a discussion on the bill on making amendments to the Criminal Code in the second reading at the National Assembly today.

According to the proposed bill, in case of inciting a serviceman to commit suicide, the culprit shall be punished for a term of imprisonment. If a serviceman threatens, uses force, shows brutality or degrades the honor and dignity of a serviceman in the premises of his military unit or other place of military service and this becomes a reason for the injured party to commit suicide, the culprit shall be punished with imprisonment for 3-8 years. If these actions are carried out against a group of persons, an officer, a commander, subalterns and the same person on a regular basis, the imprisonment will be for 5-10 years. If the mentioned crimes are committed during martial law, war or military operations, the term will be extended to 7-12 years.

Based on the data of monitoring conducted by the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly Vanadzor Office, 88 cases of suicide have been recorded in the Armenian army between 2010 and 2019.

In its turn, the Prosecutor Generals Office of Armenia has reported that between January and June 2019, 11 citizens of the Republic of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic have died during military service. Moreover, another 18 deaths have not been linked to military service.
Nigerias former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has engaged the Church of Satan in a battle of wits on twitter. Church of Sata...





Nigerias former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has engaged the Church of Satan in a battle of wits on twitter.





Church of Satan had reacted to a story where a pregnant woman and five of her children were among seven people who had been killed in a suspected exorcism in Panama.





The victims, who were from an indigenous community, were rounded up by 10 lay preachers before being tortured, beaten, burned and hacked with machetes to make them repent for their sins.





In reply, Church of Satan said This happened during an exorcism, Christians attacked other Christians who they believed to be possessed. It has nothing to do with Satanism, and wasnt a Satanic group. They are Christians.

But Fani-Kayode tackled Church of Satan, saying, Yet another lie from the pit of hell. You are a liar & the father of lies & so is your father Satan. Why do you satanists find it so difficult to accept responsibility for your actions? The DEMONS that possessed that poor soul & that were being exorcised belong to SATAN & not GOD!





Church of Satan replied Fani-Kayode by saying that Didnt we spank you hard enough last time? No judgement of course, but if you are into public humiliation, there are people you can pay for that without having to keep asking us for another slap.





Fani-Kayode then replied Church of Satan: You and whose army? Stop kidding yourself! I knocked you for 6 and you are still reeling from it. Ready for round 2? Nothing gives me more pleasure than putting a gutless fiend who worships Satan in its place. If you want a dressing down continue your rubbish & you will get it.








This storys a little old, but for some reason it didnt get much media attention in the States, and it just seemed like the kind of wacky news we like so much here on Oddity Central, so we decided to share it.

Tony Traconi, a U.S. paratrooper stationed in the Italian province of Padova, had a commendable but complex wish  for his first son to be born on Texas soil. But with just a month before his first child was due to come into the world, he was thousands of miles away from his home state, with no chance of getting home and back before the big day. But then an idea sprouted in his head: he would ask his parents to fill a Tupperware container with Texas dirt and ship it to him. The end goal  to hide it under his wifes hospital bed, so his son would technically be born on Texas soil.

Photo: Jing/Pixabay

I spent over $ 200 on shipping costs for dirt from Texas. The plan is to hide it under the hospital bed so when my wife gives birth my son will be born over Texas land, Traconi wrote in a July 20 post that has since been set to private.

On August 17, a day after his son Charles was born, Traconi followed up with another tweet where he confirmed that the baby had been born in an Italian hospital, over Texas land, on national Airborne day. But that wasnt the end of this intriguing adventure.

Born in an Italian hospital, over Texas land, on national Airborne day. Charles Joseph Traconis, I love you. pic.twitter.com/4RIs7pVhBG  Tony Traconi (@Traconi) August 16, 2019

The parachutist didnt throw away the dirt after accomplishing his goal; instead, he kept it, and in September, when his son was old enough to be dressed and touch the ground with his feet, he arranged the soil into the shape of the Lone Star State and placed Charles with his feet on it.

The first ground my sons feet ever touched was Texas, Tony wrote in a September 7 tweet accompanied by a photo of his son touching the Texas dirt with his feet.

The first ground my sons feet ever touched was Texas. pic.twitter.com/2gOk6T9ycA  Tony Traconi (@Traconi) September 7, 2019

Is this not the most Texas thing ever?
A Brisbane man being tested for coronavirus has been released from isolation and deemed "no risk" to the public, Queensland's health department says.

The man had recently visited family in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, which was first detected in December, and returned from a trip there via Sydney.

"He is out of isolation, fully recovered and showing no ongoing symptoms," a Queensland Health spokesperson said.

Test results for the man are expected in the coming days when updated "primers' with details of the specific virus are received from the World Health Organisation.
A British royal family satire featuring a cartoon Prince George and his "modern Aunt Meghan" is coming to HBO Max, the streaming platform announced Tuesday.

The animated comedy will be based on a popular Instagram parody account which imagines a young George's scathing reactions to stories about Meghan and the wider royal family.

It will portray the Windsors through "the eyes of a young Prince George," and feature notable characters in his life including "his modern Aunt Meghan and Uncle Harry."



The announcement comes days after Harry and Meghan's shock exit from life as working royals.

Prince Harry jetted out from Britain to join Meghan in Canada on Monday, as they start their new life at a luxury house outside Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Gary Janetti, whose credits include "Family Guy" and "Will & Grace," will write and executive produce "The Prince." Janetti's Instagram account, which regularly features memes of Prince George, has more than 880,000 followers.

A recent post linked to an article about Harry and Meghan losing their royal titles featured a shocked-looking George with the caption: "Oh my God, they'll be... people."



Another written soon after "Megxit" featuring a photo of George with his parents and sister had the caption: "Also, that wedding sucked." The show will feature the voices of Orlando Bloom, Alan Cumming and Tom Hollander.

"We're so excited to bring the world Gary's created on Instagram over to HBO Max, where our viewers can discover what his Instagram fans already know -- that George can be hilarious, shocking, and surprisingly sweet," said HBO Max original content head Sarah Aubrey.

The show is billed as "a biting, satirical look at the life of Prince George," following him "from the 775 rooms of Buckingham Palace to his family's sea of corgis to primary school with commoners."



It will air on upcoming streaming platform HBO Max, which is set to be launched by WarnerMedia in May, and will also feature the new prequel to "Game of Thrones."



"I'm thrilled to be working at HBO Max and bringing them yet another series about a family ruthlessly fighting for the throne," said Janetti.

No launch date for "The Prince" -- produced by 20th Century Fox Television -- has been announced.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fran Ruchalski/The Enterprise

This year you need to stand up and be counted  literally. Were talking about the 2020 census, when the population of this region and every other part of the country will be measured for many official purposes, starting in April and running to July. In other parts of America, this may be pretty routine  conduct the census and see what the results are. In this region, its more important.

The unfortunate reality is that Southeast Texas has not been growing as fast as other parts of the state. That means less influence in the Legislature, and a reluctance by some companies to expand into our area because they dont know if well have enough customers for them. We need to remind the rest of the state and country that this is a great place to live and invest, and this census is an important opportunity to promote this goal.
Several celebrities including Rachel Riley, Steven Gerrard and Jonathan Ross have helped a teenage girl raise 250,000 to save her best friend after she was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The celebrities, who also include Game of Thrones' Alfie Allen, joined the grassroots campaign that secured a whopping 180,000 in just two days to help pay for an experimental brain tumour treatment.

The One Pound Warriors Facebook page was launched by Lillie Cotgrove, 13, from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, from Benfleet, Essex, to raise money for her best friend Lily Wythe, 14.

And some of Britain's most famous faces shared her plea for help to their millions of followers on social media.

She called for mass donations of 1 to pay for a 300,000 clinical trial in Seattle, America, that could help Lily beat a 'universally fatal' disease that she was diagnosed with last year.

Lily Wythe in hospital after her diagnosis. She is suffering with a 'universally fatal' brain cancer

The One Pound Warriors Facebook page was launched by Lillie Cotgrove , 13, from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, from Benfleet, Essex, to raise money for Lilly

Rachel Riley, Alfie Allen, Steven Gerrard, and Jonathan Ross have helped to raise money for an experimental operation to save her

Her mother Diane, 40, and father Martin, 41, had managed to raise close to 80,000 for the treatment by January 16, before Lillie got involved.

Two days later, the donations had jumped to 250,000.

Diane said: 'We started crowdfunding and by Thursday of last week the total stood at 78,000.

'Since Lillie's One Pound Warriors kicked in, the fundraising has gone crazy. Lily is blown away by it all. She can't believe that we're nearly there.'

Her parents first spotted their daughter was ill when she became unusually anxious on their family holiday to Spain.

It was later revealed that the mood swings were in fact the first signs of a rare cancer affecting her brain stem.

After initially being told she was suffering from hormonal migraines by doctors, they were then given the heart-breaking news that her condition was likely terminal.

Tragically, the tumour and the ravages of radiotherapy have left Lily unable to use the left side of her body, and she has had to learn to eat and walk again.

But rather than taking advice to 'go home and make memories', the parents vowed to fly their daughter to America for experimental immunotherapy treatment.

The couple faced a race against time to raise an eye-watering 300,000 for a clinical trial which starts in March.

Now thanks to the surge in donations they are edging closer to their goal but have urged officials for more funding to research rare cancer treatment after they were given the news every parent fears.

Charity chiefs have joined their calls for British clinical trials as the family deal with 'the cruellest of diagnosis'.

Diane, a beautician, has pledged to never give up her fight against the inoperable diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) which is growing in her daughter's brain stem.

The couple faced a race against time to raise an eye-watering 300,000 for a clinical trial which starts in March, before the celebrity-backed campaign helped them

Lily pictured wearing an eye patch after suffering with double vision because of the tumour

Diane, a beautician, has pledged to never give up her fight against the inoperable diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) which is growing in her daughter's brain stem

She said: 'We are just trying to make sense of this new normal.

'We need to get Lily on a clinical trial as there is nothing more the NHS can do apart from one more dose of radiotherapy.

'We are extremely positive people I couldn't leave it there, I had to find people who had survived it and other options.

'We are not giving up, any parent would do the same.'

She added: 'We came back from out holiday in August and we noticed Lily was a bit odd whilst we were away.

'She wasn't behaving the way she would normally, she was quite sensitive emotionally and quite anxious.

'Looking back, we can say she was like that for four to six months before hand, it may not be related though - it's difficult to say you expect changes with teenagers.

'When she first presented with headaches and sickness we just put it down to her age and being a teenager.'

Now the family has launched a fundraising campaign for experimental Car-T treatment which could completely remove the cancer. The treatment works by taking a patient's white blood cells and programming them to specifically target a tumour

When they got back from Malaga Diane and her civil engineer husband repeatedly took her to doctors- only to be told she was suffering from migraines, ear infections and hormonal headaches.

It was only when an optician recommended an MRI scan that the extent of her illness was revealed, and she was referred to Great Ormond Street - who broke the tragic news she couldn't be treated.

Reliving the tragic moment her mother said: 'I didn't believe it, I just thought in this day and age they could do something.

'We were talking to one of the best neurosurgeons there, how can it be possible.

'They said it was universally fatal and it would almost always return, you can imagine the disbelief.

'We got on the train to go home and I couldn't actually believe that the whole world was still going on around us when ours felt like it had just stopped.'

It has been used in the UK to treat leukaemia, but it has not been trialled for brain cancers

Now the family has launched a fundraising campaign for experimental Car-T treatment which could completely remove the cancer.

The treatment works by taking a patient's white blood cells and programming them to specifically target a tumour.

In Lily's case the supercharged cells would be pumped directly into her brain stem to target the cancerous region and uses the body's own systems to fight disease.

It has been used in the UK to treat leukaemia, but it has not been trialled for brain cancers.

Calling for more funding for research Diane said: 'The NHS needs to do more as there is something like one per cent of funding that goes to this type of brain tumour.

'They are underfunded but it is disappointing that they don't offer an immunotherapy on the NHS.

'Everyone has been fantastic and we have probably dealt with some of the highest trained people - it's nothing on them personally.

'They are extremely underfunded and there's not enough knowledge about Lily's cancer.'
One man is in isolation at a Brisbane home in Queensland, Australia over fears he may have contracted the deadly coronavirus while in China.

Queenslands Chief Medical Officer Jeannette Young confirmed on Tuesday the man has been tested for the illness but the results were still unknown.

An Australian doctor ordered the tests when the man presented with flu-like symptoms after returning home from visiting the city of Wuhan.

The virus has killed at least four people and infected about 220 in Asia after the outbreak was first detected in December.

Anyone who has returned from China with respiratory issues should go straight to their doctor, Young said as she urged vigilance.

There is no vaccine for this virus and we dont see one on the horizon, Young said.

Australian border authorities are screening passengers travelling into Sydney on direct flights from Wuhan.

Health authorities say the risk to the Australian public is relatively low but caution is required.

The World Health Organisation began responding to cases of unexplained pneumonia in Wuhan, central China, on December 31, 2019.

The virus is believed to be animal in origin having jumped from animals to humans, with Chinese authorities having linked initial cases to a fish market in Wuhan.

Cases have been confirmed in other parts of China as well as Thailand, South Korea and Japan. The majority of people said they had travelled from Wuhan.

There have now been 222 confirmed cases with four confirmed deaths, but mild cases could be going undetected.

Novel coronavirus is a term given to new strains of coronavirus, which is from the same family as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

WHO says the virus is capable of limited human to human transfer, with Chinese health workers confirmed to have caught the bug.

High fever is the most common symptom of the virus, but other symptoms include a cough, breathlessness and sore throat.

In severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, the WHO says.

The virus has an incubation period of one week, meaning people with the bug might not show symptoms over that period.

All the confirmed cases have been in adults and no children have been infected.

In the severe or fatal cases, the people were already sick or had other medical conditions.

By Finbar OMallon and Michael Doyle
In brief: Uber is testing a new feature that allows some drivers in California to set their own fares, which could be up to five times more than those set by the ride-hailing company.

Earlier this month, Uber started making changes to its app in California to better comply with Assembly Bill 5, or AB5, which forcefully reclassifies many gig workers in the state as employees, entitling them to benefits they would normally miss out on, such as sick leave, minimum wage, and unemployment insurance. It appears the latest feature is also in response to AB5.

From Tuesday morning, drivers operating around airports in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Sacramento will take part in a scheme that lets them increase fares in 10 percent increments, reaching five times Ubers base price for the ride, according to the Wall Street Journal. The feature works like a bidding system, in which Uber matches the drivers with the lowest fares to the first customers. Those with higher fares will be matched with customers as demand increases.

If the experiment is successful, Uber will reportedly roll it out to larger cities in California, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Uber hopes that the feature will give its drivers more autonomy, thereby supporting its claim that it is a technology company and not a transportation firm. It follows other changes designed to comply with AB5, including an alteration to its pricing model in California (customers are given an estimated price range), providing drivers with more information about a fare before accepting a ride, and not penalizing drivers for rejecting a ride request.
Pre-tax profits at the main firm of fish distributor HJ Nolan last year declined by 10pc to 1.98m.

New accounts show that the main factor behind the drop in profits at HJ Nolan (Dublin) Ltd was pay to directors soaring.

George V Nolan and James Ryan are listed as the directors. Directors' pay increased more than seven-fold last year to 2m from 278,156.

This was driven by a rise in pension contributions to 1.874m from 101,319.

Today, Nolan produces over 500,000kg of smoked conventional, wild and organic salmon.

The new accounts show that HJ Nolan (Dublin) Ltd's accumulated profits increased to 5.9m in the 12 months to the end of March last year.

In January of last year, the firm announced that it was merging with Co Mayo-based Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd.

Separate accounts for Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd show that it recorded pre-tax profits of 366,853 in 2018.

At the end of December 2018, accumulated profits at Carr & Sons Seafood Ltd stood at 1.3m, while the workforce numbered 76.

The company's cash pile increased sharply to 481,594 from 46,627.

In a year of considerable change for the family-owned HJ Nolan, the business took the decision to sell the lands and building of its Dublin HQ.

Last February, An Bord Pleanala gave a plan by NTM ROI Seed Capital LP for 289 student accommodation units at the site on Dublin's Rathdown Road the go-ahead, in spite of some local opposition concerned at the scale of student accommodation planned for the area.

The book value of the firm's tangible assets reduced from 5.2m to 647,608 before depreciation last year, as a result of disposals totalling 4.8m.

At the end of March, the company's cash pile had more than doubled to 6.4m.
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday stayed for three weeks a move by the Kasargod district panchayat to pass a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The court also issued a notice to the district panchayat, considering a plea challenging the move by its administration which is controlled by the Congress-led UDF, to pass the resolution during its meeting on Wednesday.

In his plea, BJP district leader K Sreekanth said the district panchayat could not move a resolution on a matter which is currently under the Supreme Court's consideration.

He said the district panchayat leadership made the move even as the apex court is considering the CAA issue.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Marvel star Sebastian Stan says his upcoming Disney Plus series "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" is an opportunity for him and co-actor Anthony Mackie to take their titular characters in a "different" direction.

The series, set post the events of "Avengers: Endgame", will see Mackie and Stan reprise their Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) roles as Falcon and Winter Soldier, respectively.

Stan said the films didn't offer them enough legroom to experiment with these parts, something the anticipated series promised.

"We're getting to do things with these characters that we just never had an opportunity to, I mean we're taking them in such different, new waters," the 37-year-old actor told ET Canada.

Stan said he was having "a lot of fun" shooting with Mackie.

"There's no way to not have fun with Anthony," he said.

"Sometimes I really would love to kill him, but other than that, if one of us doesn't manage to kill the other by the end of the show, we're good," he quipped.

Actors Daniel Bruhl and Emily VanCamp are returning as villain Baron Zemo and Sharon Carter, respectively.

Kari Skogland is directing the six-part mini-series.

The shoot of the show in Puerto Rico was recently cancelled after the Caribbean island witnessed two earthquakes.

The show was set to be shot across two weeks in the northern part of the island in Arecibo. The plans have now been suspended.

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" is set to make its debut in late 2020.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
For a small but dedicated cadre of fans, Desperate Living, John Waterss fifth and most difficult to watch commercial feature, released in 1977, occupies the highest peak atop the directors trash heap of a filmography.

Heres how the film begins: Hours after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital, a housewife named Peggy Gravel flees Baltimores affluent Guilford neighborhood, where she has just murdered her husband. Her accomplice is her 400-pound maid, Grizelda Brown. Peggy speaks in a screech of affronted privilege, and her politics are right-wing grotesque. As she pilots her white Mercedes along a wooded road, she exclaims: Look at those disgusting trees stealing my oxygen!  I want cement covering every blade of grass in this nation. Dont we taxpayers have a voice anymore? Later, they flee to Mortville, a kind of shantytown haven for criminals and other social and sexual outcasts, and the long-suffering Grizelda boils over, setting Peggy straight about their predicament: We killed your husband, and I aint your maid anymore, bitch, Im your sister in crime!

By most measures, Desperate Living is Waterss least successful film. It was the sole early project made without his star, Divine; Waters described it as a lesbian melodrama about revolution, but Desperate Living managed to offend so many lesbians that their protests prevented it from being shown in Boston, Waters has claimed. It managed to offend nearly everyone else too, by pursuing violence and grossness further than any other film in Waterss  and possibly anyone elses  body of work. The opening credit sequence shows a woman daintily carving a real rat served on fine china, and the rest of the action treats viewers to an act of self-castration, an eye being gouged out with a stiletto heel, a woman being asphyxiated in a bowl of dog food and a great many sex scenes, some regrettably unforgettable. Reviewing the film in The New York Times, Janet Maslin wrote, You could look far and wide to find a more pointlessly ugly movie than John Waterss Desperate Living, but why would you bother?
A plume of dust from Comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko, seen by the OSIRIS Wide Angle Camera on ESA's Rosetta spacecraft on 3 July 2016. The shadow of the plume is cast across the basin, which is in the Imhotep region. Credit: ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA

Under the leadership of astrophysicist Kathrin Altwegg, Bernese researchers have found an explanation for why very little nitrogen could previously be accounted for in the nebulous covering of comets: the building block for life predominantly occurs in the form of ammonium salts, the occurrence of which could not previously be measured. The salts may be a further indication that comet impacts may have made life on Earth possible in the first place.

More than 30 years ago, the European comet mission Giotto flew past Halley's comet. The Bernese ion mass spectrometer IMS, led by Prof. em. Hans Balsiger, was on board. A key finding from the measurements taken by this instrument was that there appeared to be a lack of nitrogen in Halley's comathe nebulous covering of comets which forms when a comet passes close to the sun. Although nitrogen (N) was discovered in the form of ammonia (NH3) and hydrocyanic acid (HCN), the incidence was far removed from the expected cosmic incidence. More than 30 years later, researchers have solved this mystery thanks to a happy accident. This is a result of the analysis of data from the Bernese mass spectrometer ROSINA, which collected data on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, called Chury for short, on board the ESA space probe Rosetta (see info box below).

Risky flight through the comet Chury's dust cloud

Less than a month before the end of the Rosetta mission, the space probe was just 1.9 km above the surface of Chury as it flew through a dust cloud from the comet. This resulted in a direct impact of dust in the ion source of the mass spectrometer ROSINA-DFMS (Rosetta Orbiter Sensor for Ion and Neutral Analysis-Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer), led by the University of Bern. Kathrin Altwegg, lead researcher on ROSINA and co-author of the new study published today in the prestigious journal Nature Astronomy, says: "This dust almost destroyed our instrument and confused Rosetta's position control."

Thanks to the flight through the dust cloud, it was possible to detect substances which normally remain in the cold environment of the comet on the dust particles and therefore cannot be measured. The amount of particles, some of which had never before been measured on a comet, was astonishing. In particular, the incidence of ammonia, the chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3, was suddenly many times greater. "We came up with the idea that the incidence of ammonia in the ROSINA data could potentially be traced back to the occurrence of ammonium salts," explains Altwegg. "As a salt, ammonia has a much higher evaporation temperature than ice and is therefore mostly present in the form of a solid in the cold environment of a comet. It has not been possible to measure these solids either through remote sensing with telescopes or on the spot until now."

Ammonium salt and its role in the emergence of life

Extensive laboratory work was needed in order to prove the presence of these salts in cometary ice. "The ROSINA team has found traces of five different ammonium salts: ammonium chloride, ammonium cyanide, ammonium cyanate, ammonium formate and ammonium acetate," says the chemist on the ROSINA team and co-author of the current study, Dr. Nora Hanni. "Until now, the apparent absence of nitrogen on comets was a mystery. Our study now shows that it is very probable that nitrogen is present on comets, namely in the form of ammonium salts," Hanni continues.

The ammonium salts discovered include several astrobiologically relevant molecules which may result in the development of urea, amino acids, adenine and nucleotides. Kathrin Altwegg says: "This is definitely a further indication that comet impacts may be linked with the emergence of life on Earth."

Explore further Astronomers reveal interstellar thread of one of life's building blocks

More information: Kathrin Altwegg et al. Evidence of ammonium salts in comet 67P as explanation for the nitrogen depletion in cometary comae, Nature Astronomy (2020). Journal information: Nature Astronomy Kathrin Altwegg et al. Evidence of ammonium salts in comet 67P as explanation for the nitrogen depletion in cometary comae,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-019-0991-9
A demonstrator carries a sign reading 'Capitalism is killing us!' at a pension-reform strike in Paris on 9 January. Photo: Samuel Boivin/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Global leaders clustering at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week may disagree, but the latest survey from US public relations firm Edelman found that over half of people think that capitalism has failed them.

Edelman surveyed 34,000 people in 28 markets, including China and the US, between October and November 2019 for its Trust Barometer. It found that, overall, 56% of respondents agreed with the statement that capitalism as it exists today does more harm than good in the world." In the 35-54 age group, that climbed to 59%.

The index measures the trust of the public in its core institutions: government, business, NGOs, and the media.

We are living in a trust paradox, said Edelman chief executive Richard Edelman. Since we began measuring trust 20 years ago, economic growth has fostered rising trust. This continues in Asia and the Middle East but not in developed markets, where national income inequality is now the more important factor.

Despite a strong global economy and near full employment, a majority of respondents in every developed market do not believe they will be better off in five years time, the survey said.

Fears are stifling hope, and long-held assumptions about hard work leading to upward mobility are now invalid, Edelman said.

READ MORE: Worlds 2,153 billionaires richer than 60% of global population

Broadly, more than 80% of workers are worried about losing their jobs to the growing gig economy, recession, cheaper foreign competition, immigrants taking their jobs or their jobs being automated. Two-thirds feel technological change is happening too fast.

Incompetent and unethical

Peoples expectations of institutions have led us to evolve our model for measuring trust, said Edelman. Trust today is granted on two distinct attributes: competence (delivering on promises) and ethical behavior (doing the right thing and working to improve society). It is no longer only a matter of what you do  its also how you do it.

Story continues

READ MORE: World's elite head to Switzerland for Davos

He added that for many, businesses have taken over the role vacated by populist and partisan governments  and expectations on CEOs have changed to reflect that. More than 90% of employees say CEOs should speak out on issues of the day, including the ethical use of technology and income inequality, and 75% believe CEOs need to take the lead to make change instead of waiting on governments.

It can no longer be business as usual, with an exclusive focus on shareholder returns, Edelman said.

While none of the four institutions are regarded as both competent and ethical, business ranks by far the highest when it comes to competence. However, despite being perceived as incompetent and unethical, people trust the government more than twice as much as business when it comes to tackling wealth inequality and climate protection.

While fake news has largely damaged trust in the media  57% said they dont think the media is doing a good job at differentiating opinion from fact  news coverage is as important to people as ever.
Somalia vowed the war-torn country's offering of offshore exploration tenders will be open to all, a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey is keen on a call to participate.

Erdogan said Somalia's invitation came in the wake of the announcement that two Turkish ships were expected to start exploration off the Libyan coast.

"We have an offer from Somalia," Erdogan told reporters on his flight back from the Libya summit in Berlin, according to the Turkish presidency. "They told us: We have oil in our seas. You're carrying out operations in Libya but you can also do the same here."

Somalia is taking steps to revive its oil sector, in paralysis since 1991 when civil war broke out, to help support its recovery. Emerging challenges threaten further delay of the government's plan to pick explorers this year for an area covering about 75,000 square kilometers.

Neighboring Kenya put the Horn of Africa country on notice not to market blocks in an offshore area whose ownership it also claims. The dispute is yet to be resolved at a United Nations court. Somalia's semi-autonomous states of Puntland and Jubaland rejected a new petroleum law that would guide activity in the sector, claiming it's illegal and that they weren't consulted before its formulation.

While Somalia has a good relationship with Turkey, the country's oil operations will be transparent and without favoritism toward a company or country, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed said Tuesday on Somalia National Television. There is "work to be done" before exploration begins, he said.
Bharti Airtel announced a partnership with Google Cloud to serve the evolving needs of Indian businesses in a rapidly digitizing economy.

The scrip was currently trading 0.26% lower at Rs 507.95. it has traded in the range of Rs 507.35 and Rs 511.75 so far during the day.

The telecom service provider will offer G Suite to small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) in India as part of its integrated Information and communications technology (ICT) portfolio. G Suite is a set of intelligent apps-Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar and more-designed with real-time collaboration and machine intelligence to bring people together and help them work smarter and safer.

This agreement will provide a platform for both companies to tap growth opportunities in India, which ranks amongst the fastest growing economies and has the second highest number of internet users in the world. Airtel serves over 2,500 large businesses and over 500,000 5MBs and technology startups across India.

Bharti Airtel is a global telecommunications company with operations in 17 countries across Asia and Africa.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 18:01:52|Editor: ZX

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JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- As South Africa seeks to increase the number of Chinese tourists to the country, an online Mandarin application for tourists is set to be piloted in March,said South African Tourism department.

With about 100,000 Chinese tourists visiting South Africa yearly, the online application system is one of the measures government was implementing in an effort to lure Chinese visitors.

"We are making it easier for Chinese to visit South Africa and I have good news in that by the end of March we will be piloting an online application in Mandarin for Chinese visits to South Africa, it's a great win for South Africa," Bradley Brouwer, head of global trade at South African Tourism said.

"We're going to make sure that Chinese feel more welcomed in South Africa. We are going to make sure that Chinese visit South Africa in large numbers. We're going to bring tourism trade to South Africa," he said.

The tourism department said it had listen to concerns about a lack of security. "We are also going to make sure that safety and security is acknowledged and taken care of."

The online application came after Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane visited Beijing in 2019.

During the visit, the minister said the department was ready to welcome Chinese tourists. She also signed an agreement with Tencent which would assist in luring Chinese to South Africa.
A registered sex offender reportedly accused of being the 'Pillowcase Rapist' has blurted out 'Im not guilty' during his first court appearance.

Robert Eugene Koehler, 60, was arrested on Saturday in Palm Bay, and is suspected of being the rapist in a high-profile case where the suspect used bedding to hide his face before raping more than 40 women in Florida in the 1980s.

Koehler - who already has a sexual battery conviction from 1991 in Palm Beach County - is currently being held in Brevard County Jail until he's transferred to Miami, and his comment to a judge via video link was not an official plea.

He appeared in the jail's courtroom wearing a green smock usually given to high-profile suspects, dubbed a 'suicide gown'.

Koehler also wore flip flops and had his ankles chained as he appeared to sign paperwork.

Robert Eugene Koehler, 60, pictured, blurted out in court at Brevard County Jail Tuesday: 'I'm not guilty'

Koehler wore green smock usually given to high-profile suspects, dubbed a 'suicide gown'

If Miami authorities do not collect him by Thursday, he will have to appear in front a Brevard County judge again.

It is not known exactly what led to his arrest at his home in southwest Palm Bay on Saturday, where more than two dozen cops cars from multiple agencies arrived.

But a number of cold cases have been solved in recent years thanks to a breakthrough in DNA testing and genealogical data stored on ancestry websites.

A detective with the Miami-Dade Police Department said: 'We will be having a conference call with the State Attorneys Office to determine the next step.

The detective, Argemis Colome, said they were working to release more information about the warrant leading to Koehler's arrest.

Colome added: 'Were getting calls as you can imagine from everywhere. Hes been arrested, but we have nothing else on the case at this time.'

One man who said he got to known Koehler after he moved to Palm Beach in 2008, said the suspect was an electrician who traveled to Lake Worth for work.

He was arrested on Saturday in Palm Bay. Police suspect him of being the 'Pillowcase Rapist' who broke into homes in South Florida between May 1981 and February 1986, according to local reports

'He was raising his daughter and son. He had various girlfriends. I heard about the accusations and read them. Im shocked at the accusations,' the unnamed person told Florida Today. 'He was a very smart guy. He could build anything.'

The man, who wished to remain unidentified, dated Koehler's daughter.

His next door neighbors, Alex and Erika Wentzel, claimed he was 'disconcerting'.

'I kept him as far away from us as I could,' Erika Wentzel said. 'The neighborhood just feels safer now that he's gone.'

Mike Smith, of the Palm Beach Police Department, which was assisting Miami cops said: 'We had very little contact with him here. We've done sex offender checks at his home.

'In another case, he reported his son missing, but other than that, not much contact.'

Koehler had moved out of Palm Beach.

He was in court for his first appearance before Judge David Silverman via closed circuit

From the description given by one 36-year-old victim, a police artist created a drawing that was circulated throughout Coconut Grove, South Miami and Hollywood

The 'Pillowcase Rapist' broke into homes in South Florida between May 1981 and February 1986. He hid his identity with pillowcases, towels or shirts before sexually assaulting at least 44 women.

He had been thought to have been a white male with a size 10 1/2 shoe. Using a series of blood and semen tests, officials early on were able to identify the rapist as having type O blood with subgroupings common only to 1 per cent of the population.

But police failed to get any further with the investigation and it was shelved in 1987.

One woman did see his face, it was reported at the time of his attack. She convinced him she couldn't see his face without her glasses and studied him during the rape, a knife at her throat.

From the description given by the 36-year-old victim, a police artist created a drawing that was circulated throughout Coconut Grove, South Miami and Hollywood.

Koehler already has a sexual battery conviction from 1991 in Palm Beach County

Police at the time also commissioned sculptor Tony Lopez to fashion a detailed clay bust of one of the most hunted men in south Florida history.

Since the first reported attack on a 24-year-old secretary in May 1981, the rapist attacked women, usually entering houses or apartments through unlocked doors or windows and using a knife to terrify them into submission.

In each case the attacker sought to dominate his victims, tying them up, and sometimes using a pillowcase to blindfold them.

In one incident the rapist attacked a frail, half-blind 82-year-old widow after breaking into her home. She awoke to see the rapist standing next to her bed, a pillowcase wrapped around his head with only his eyes showing.

Following the rape, the outraged woman chased him out of the house.

'She literally tore a dish towel rack from the wall of her kitchen,' Simmons said at the time of the 1986 break in. 'She chased him out the back door, swinging the metal fixture at him and shouting at him to get out of her house.'

The rapist took the woman's wedding band in the attack and left a bizarre set of clues - a pair of women's red, bikini-style underwear, a cream-colored women's sleeveless undershirt, a navy blue leather purse with two crumpled department store bags inside, and an unidentified item of men's clothing.
Court says Meng had truthfully confessed to all the criminal facts in a bribery case and will not appeal the decision.

A court in China has sentenced former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei to 13 and a half years in prison for receiving bribes in a case that shook the international police organisation.

The First Intermediate Peoples Court of Tianjin on Tuesday also fined Meng, a Chinese national who served a lengthy term as the vice minister for public security, 2 million yuan (approximately $290,000).

Meng was elected president of Interpol in 2016, but his four-year term was cut short when he vanished after travelling to China from France, where the organisation is based, in late 2018.

The court statement on Tuesday said Meng had truthfully confessed to all the criminal facts and would not appeal the decision.

It added the 66-year-old admitted he abused his position to accept 14.4 million yuan ($2.1m) in bribes while serving in various offices, including as the vice minister of public security and maritime police chief, often in exchange for favours and using his influence with other officials.

While serving at Interpol, Meng retained his title as Chinas vice minister of public security.

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Last March, Chinas ruling Communist Party said its investigation had found Meng spent lavish amounts of state funds, abused his power and refused to follow party decisions.

Meng is among a growing group of Communist Party cadres caught in President Xi Jinpings anti-corruption campaign, which critics say has also served as a way to remove the leaders political enemies.

Mengs wife was granted political asylum in France last year, after saying she was afraid that she and her two children would be the targets of kidnapping attempts.
PORTAGE, MI -- Smoothie King is coming to Portage, and guests have a chance to win free smoothies for a year.

A grand opening celebration of the new Smoothie King is scheduled beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at 6121 S. Westnedge Ave., according to a press release from the company.

The Portage store, featuring a drive-thru, will be open to customers Tuesday, Jan. 28, the release said.

During the grand opening celebration, two guests will be chosen every hour from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to win free 20-ounce smoothies for a year. Winners will be able to redeem the voucher once a week, according to the release.

The new Portage location is owned by Christopher Klebba of Northern Diamond Management. Klebba, who operates Planet Fitness franchises in Michigan and Indiana, says he plans to develop dozens of Smoothie King franchises throughout the state.

We are excited for the chance to bring something different to the people in our community," Klebba said. We remain inspired by the Smoothie King brand because of its mission to inspire people to live healthy, active lifestyles."

The brand uses a clean blending approach that uses more fruits and vegetables and less artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, the release said. The company also offers various blends, such as slim blends, which contain less than 350 calories for 20 ounces; wellness blends, which include vitamins, and fitness blends, which are filled with protein-rich ingredients, according to the release.

The Portage smoothie spot will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Also on MLive:

Smoothie King to open 50 locations in Michigan

How to win free smoothies for a year at Ann Arbor Smoothie King opening
Donald Trump laid on the charm today as he set out his desire for a 'tremendous' post-Brexit trade deal with Britain.

In a wide-ranging speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the US president hailed 'wonderful new Prime Minister' Boris Johnson ahead of trade talks which are due to start officially within weeks.

He told an audience at the exclusive enclave of global powerbrokers in Switzerland: 'We look forward to negotiating a tremendous new deal with the United Kingdom, who have a wonderful new Prime Minister, who very much wants to make a deal.'

It came as it was revealed Mr Johnson will publish his plans to negotiate post-Brexit EU and US trade deals on the same day in a bid to put pressure on Brussels and stop the bloc dragging its feet.

The Prime Minister is expected to set out his objectives for the two sets of talks in the weeks immediately after the UK leaves the EU on January 31.

In a wide-ranging speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the US president hailed 'wonderful new Prime Minister' Boris Johnson ahead of trade talks which are due to start officially within weeks

He told an audience at the exclusive enclave of global powerbrokers in Switzerland: 'We look forward to negotiating a tremendous new deal with the United Kingdom, who have a wonderful new Prime Minister, who very much wants to make a deal'

Boris Johnson, pictured in Downing Street this morning, is expected to use a speech in February to set out the UK's priorities for trade talks with the EU and the US

The EU has said it may make the UK wait until March to start post-Brexit trade talks in comments which could spark the ire of the PM's top adviser Dominic Cummings, pictured arriving in Downing Street this morning

He will do so in documents which will accompany a major speech designed by Mr Johnson to unite the nation.

And in a sign of the extent to which Downing Street wants the UK to move on from Britain's divorce from Brussels, the PM will reportedly not mention the word 'Brexit' during the address.

Tory Brexiteers believe the prospect of dual trade talks with the US will incentivise the EU and stop the bloc from moving slowly.

The news of the PM's speech in February and plans to publish competing EU and US trade documents on the same day came after Brussels risked infuriating the UK over its approach to talks on the future relationship.

The European Commission said yesterday that the bloc must first agree to a negotiating mandate and that can only happen after Britain leaves on January 31.

That means the bloc could make the UK wait until March to formally begin negotiations.

European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer was asked when negotiations are likely to begin and he replied: 'The commission can adopt its proposal for the negotiation directives only once the UK has actually withdrawn from the EU.

'But then there is still an institutional process for these to be adopted by the (European) Council.

'This we know will take some time, which is why we have said we will start negotiations as quickly as we can, but it will certainly not be before the end of February, beginning of March.

'This is not a slowing down or speeding up of the process. This is simply the nature of the institutional process and the consultations that need to take place before the negotiation directives can be formally adopted.'

Sir Ian Duncan Smith, pictured in Downing Street in October last year, has accused the EU of 'deliberately dragging their feet' on future trade talks

The UK will leave the EU at 11pm on January 31, entering into a standstill transition period until the end of the year.

Mr Johnson is adamant that a future trade deal must be agreed by the end of 2020 and has ruled out any extension to the transition period.

The EU does not believe everything can be agreed within the current timeline, raising the prospect of the two sides splitting in December without a full deal in place.

Sir Ian Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, savaged the EU for its approach to the talks, telling The Sun: 'They're deliberately dragging their feet, throwing their weight around. It's utterly pathetic.'
(Newser)  "The reporting will continue." So tweeted American journalist Glenn Greenwald on Tuesday as federal prosecutors in Brazil accused him of cybercrimes. They allege he "helped, encouraged, and guided" phone hackers who accessed messages sent between prosecutors and other officials who were involved in a corruption investigation, reports the Guardian. The BBC reports the charges have just been proposed by prosecutors; whether to indict him is up to a judge. The New York Times reports Greenwald moved to Brazil in 2005, had a major role in publishing classified documents obtained from Edward Snowden in 2013, and co-founded the Intercept Brasil in 2016. Last June it published the first of 10 investigative reports that quote from messages sent via an app called Telegram.

story continues below

The conversations allegedly showed that then-judge Sergio Moro was improperly coordinating with prosecutors as he oversaw the corruption investigation, reports the AP. The probe led to the imprisonment of former President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva on corruption charges. While many Brazilians hail Moro as a hero, others believe he unfairly targeted da Silva and other top leftist figures. Moro is far-right President Jair Bolsonaros justice minister. Prosecutors say Greenwald wasn't just on the receiving end of the messages but played a "clear role in facilitating the commission of a crime," for instance, allegedly instructing the hackers to delete archives once they had been shared to eliminate evidence. Greenwald's attorneys called the allegations "bizarre" in a statement. (Read more Glenn Greenwald stories.)
FELTON, California, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With reference to the report published by the experts, the scope of the global Agricultural Fumigants Market was assessed by US$ 856.15 million in 2017. It is expected to grow by a CAGR of 5.0% during the period of forecast to touch US$ 1.25 billion by the completion of 2025. Growing necessities relating to the techniques of crop protection and post-harvest performs is motivating the development of the market for agricultural fumigants.

The maximum leading product is Phosphine. This is widely utilized in closed warehouses to safeguard the reaped crops from bugs and additional pest attacks. They have the capability to diffuse without any difficulty and enter into the largest part of stockpiled grains along with aggressively complete the action of fumigation for over a weeks, after its use.

Fumigation, involving the management of an insect killer gas into the air or soil to abolish pests. It has created an extensive usage in the arena of agricultural science. Agricultural fumigants are inoculated into the soil to free them of soil bugs, unwanted plant, nematodes, and rodents. At that time there are fumigant insect killer utilized after yield to destroy minor bugs and fungi in crops and grains. All over again, structural fumigation is utilized to discard termites and bed bugs by way of filling the space inside a construction generated by way of a tent using a poisonous gas.

Drivers:

Acceptance of better-quality farming practices and progression in the technology of storing, increasing decline in arable acreage, increasing necessity to upsurge farming production, growing post harvest damages, and greater occurrences of pest attacks are the important issues motivating the development of the global agricultural fumigants industry.

Get Sample PDF and read more details about the "Agricultural Fumigants Market" Report 2025.

Classification:

The global agricultural fumigants market can be classified by Form, Application, Product, Pest Control Method, Type of Crop and Region. By Form, it can be classified as Gas, Liquid, and Solid. By Application, it can be classified as Soil, Warehouse and Others. By Product, it can be classified as Phosphine, Me tam Potassium, Dimethyl Disulfide, 1, 3 Dichloropropene, Me tam Sodium, Methyl Bromide, Chloropicrin and others. By Pest Control Method, it can be classified as Structural Fumigation (Tent), Tarpaulin Fumigation Vacuum Chamber Fumigation and Others. By Type of Crop, it can be classified as Ornaments & Turf, Pulses & Oilseeds, Vegetables & Fruits, Cereals & Grains and Others.

Regional Lookout:

By Region the global agricultural fumigants industry can be classified as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa. By means of consumption volume North America was the prominent state in2017. It was responsible for nearby 34.5% share of the market. The state consist of the manufacturing companies of multiple crop protection chemical and the always increasing necessity for the maintainable agriculture. The region is likewise greatly controlled by several rules to safeguard agri-business. The manufacturing companies are bound to abide by the established guiding principle to confirm sustainability of the product and to attain maximum productivity.

Asia Pacific is estimated to be the speedily developing provincial sector during the period of forecast because of several macro-economic features, for example growing obtainability and alertness about usage of these merchandises such as a method of defense for the crops. Growing number of companies due to low-priced manual labor is expected to motivate the local market during the period of approaching years.

Europe is one of the important customers for insect killer and corresponding item because of its increasing business of farming. This is supported by the availability of land and appropriate weather conditions, which make it possible the huge manufacture of several crops. On the other hand, numerous organizations are establishing guidelines about the too much consumption of soil protection chemicals within the state. This, sequentially, has flagged the method for organic farming performances through Europe.

The European Union policy for pesticide stated numerous pesticides including fumigants 1, 3-Dichloropropene and Me tam Sodium such as unsafe materials for the environment and to the humanoid fitness. On the other hand, later in the similar year, the association stated to its associate states to carry on the usage of the said materials in a definite amount. This was later considered below the necessary usage.

Companies:

Some of the important companies for agricultural fumigants market are: Novozymes, Trinity Manufacturing, Inc., Chemtura Corporation, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, Great Lakes Solutions, Bayer Crop Science AG, Arysta Life Science Limited, BASF SE, Syngenta AG, Arkema Group, and The Dow Chemical Company.

Additional notable companies are: Vietnam Fumigation J.S Company, DEGESCH America, Inc., Solvay group, Is agro S.p.A., UPL Limited, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd., Nufarm Limited, Reddick Fumigants, LLC, Eastman Chemical Company, Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc., Syngenta International AG and UPL Limited.

Browse 118 page research report with TOC on "Global Agricultural Fumigants Market" at: https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/agricultural-fumigants-market

Market Segment:

Agricultural Fumigants Product Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

1,3 Dichloropropene



Chloropicrin



Dimethyl Disulfide



Methyl Bromide



Metam Potassium



Metam Sodium



Phosphine



Others

Agricultural Fumigants Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Soil



Others

Agricultural Fumigants Form Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Solid



Liquid



Gas

Agricultural Fumigants Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





U.K.





France



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan



Central & South America



Brazil



Middle East & Africa

&

UAE

Browse reports of similar category available with Million Insights:

Biochar Market

Biostimulants Market

Soil Conditioners Market

Smart Agriculture/Farming Market

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Million Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place, that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying, is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive.

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GAC Motor's flagship MPV GN8 was launched in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during an event participated by a delegation from the Guangzhou Municipal Government.

Over 300 guests from the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Guangzhou Municipal Government and outstanding enterprises from Guangzhou, international and local media, and others from all walks of life attended the event.

The Guangzhou Municipal Government representatives narrated Guangzhou's evolution from an age-old business hub to an international metropolis teeming with modern vitality from the perspectives of culture, tradition, science, technologies, etc.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co (GAC Group) is a leading manufacturer in the Greater Bay Area. Zeng Qinghong, Chairman of GAC Group, addressed the event and announced the launch of GN8 in Saudi Arabia.

Qinghong said: "Looking forward, GAC Group will continue to offer more quality products and premium services to our Saudi Arabian consumers. We will continue to bring the two places closer to each other. Meanwhile, GAC Group hopes to move part of its production to Saudi Arabia as soon as possible to contribute to local economic development."

GAC Group has been listed in the Fortune Global 500 for seven consecutive years since 2013 and ranked 189th among the Fortune Global 500 enterprises in 2019. As a leading manufacturer in the Greater Bay Area and a symbol of high-end manufacturing in China, GAC Group attributes its achievement to the top-notch business environment in Guangzhou.

Zeng Hebin, General Manager of GAC Motor International, introduced the highlights of the GN8 model. He said: "It took the R&D team years to create this flagship MPV model. With its elegant and luxurious design, spacious and comfortable interior, user-friendly driving experience, and high standards of intelligent security, GN8 meets the diverse needs of Saudi Arabian consumers for both business and family use."

Last year GAC Group set up the International Business Unit to strengthen the management of its international business. So far, the automaker has established presence in 24 countries. In 2019 its overseas sales grew by 98%, said the statement.

GAC Group regards the Middle East as one of its key strategic markets in the world. So far it has set up 14 sales outlets in nine countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. In 2020 GAC Group plans to introduce more advanced models to this market, join hands with its strategic partners to adopt localised management, as well as improve sales and after-sales services. It is also preparing to set up a local office in the Middle East, it said. - TradeArabia News Service
Again, Isabel Rodriguez Santos said. Then she sighed.

The veteran teacher in Puerto Rico was thinking about how shes felt the strong earthquakes that have hit the southern end of the island hardest and (among other disruptive and damaging consequences) closed public schools since Jan. 8. Its similar to her emotions during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which devastated the island and upended the schools there. But this time, theres one unsettling difference.

Its more difficult than Maria. We knew the hurricane would pass over the island, whereas people dont know when the earthquakes will stop, she said. In fact, Rodriguez Santos, who teaches at Maria Cadilla High School in Arecibo and who we profiled shortly after Maria , said this uncertainty has led her to feel scared like she never has before.

Arecibo is on the northern side of the island, but Rodriguez Santos and her family were in Ponce on the U.S. territorys south side visiting her in-laws in early January, a few days after powerful earthquakes began striking the region. Since then, shes brought food and other supplies to people in the Ponce area who have left their homes and are living under improvised shelters in the streets. One such shelter she visited was being used by a woman whos eight months pregnant, Rodriguez Santos noted.

She and some of her students at Maria Cadilla (where she teaches marketing) as well as others in her community have been organizing donations to deliver to Utuado, which is in the center of the island, as well as to Ponce. Thats been made easier to facilitate because, unlike in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, shes able to use her phone to communicate with students easily.

Theyre scared. Theyre scared its going to happen again, Rodriguez Santos said, referring to earthquakes.

All of the donations shes dealt with so far, she said, have been from fellow Puerto Ricans. One thing that displaced families need in particular is plastic storage for their belongings to prevent them from being damaged if famillies are removed from their homes.

See Our In-Depth Coverage: Putting Puerto Ricos Schools Back on Track

The Puerto Rican government announced Friday that of the 561 schools that had been inspected for earthquake damageabout two-thirds of all public schools on the island326 were deemed eligible to open. But while some schools are expected to open again this coming week, its not clear how many will remain shut down due to potential or actual damage from the earthquakes, or if some of the schools might remain closed for weeks or months. Making matters worse: a recent inspection found that nearly 100 schools on the island had asbestos .

Rodriguez Santos said she doesnt know the condition of her school or when it will reopen. She also said its possible that when schools do reopen, some of them will need to use trailers to accomodate students.

This is a very difficult time in Puerto Rico. But our students are on the streets, helping others, she told me. We are teaching them how to be strong.

Photos from top: Residents of Arecibo organize donations to be delivered to Utuado and Ponce following several severe earthquakes in Puerto Rico; students at Maria Cadilla High School in Arecibo, Puerto Rico organized donations for those affected by recent earthquakes on the southern side of the island. (Photos courtesy of Isabel Rodriguez Santos)

Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa .
SLAYING GOLIATH

The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save Americas Schools

By Diane Ravitch

She came. She saw. She conquered.

Such is the triumphant theme of Slaying Goliath, the latest work by the education historian turned education activist Diane Ravitch. The book exults in the failures of a reform movement that the author has spent the past decade denouncing  a movement that has often deserved her indignant critiques. In winning, however, Ravitch has also lost: Missing from these pages are the subtle insight and informed judgment for which she was once known.

Ravitch came to the education scene in the late 1960s, writing articles for education journals and then a series of well-respected books about the history of public schooling in America. In 1991, her career took the first of many turns: Ravitch was invited to join the administration of President George H. W. Bush as an assistant secretary of education. Though a lifelong Democrat, she took the job, and over the next several years she found her beliefs moving rightward. In the decade following my stint in the federal government, I argued that certain managerial and structural changes  that is, choice, charters, merit pay and accountability  would help to reform our schools, she later wrote. Having been immersed in a world of true believers, I was influenced by their ideas. Pushed forward by the advocacy of Ravitch and many others, these ideas (including the introduction of charters, independently operated public schools freed from many of the regulations imposed on traditional public schools) began to take root in the real world.

And then Ravitchs thinking took another turn.

She saw, sooner than most, that the changes imposed by the federal laws known as No Child Left Behind (during the presidency of George W. Bush) and Race to the Top (under the administration of Barack Obama) were burdening students, who were being subjected to endless rounds of test-prep and test-taking, and demoralizing teachers, who were being evaluated and penalized in ways that were rigid and often unfair. In a book published in 2010, The Death and Life of the Great American School System, Ravitch described her transformation from enthusiastic champion to vocal critic of conservative efforts to remake education in the United States. Three years later she published Reign of Error, a book that condemned these efforts in even more forceful terms.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Over 80 nurses have come out against an overseas recruitment agency stating they were duped lakhs after being promised jobs in Kuwait, Sharjah and Canada.

In a complaint lodged by one of the victims Jeena Mathew of Mallappally, before the city police chief, it was submitted that two persons  Vincent Mathew and Jyothy Pratheep, who claimed to represent the agency George International in Panampally Nagar  took `10 lakh from the complainant and her brothers wife in 2018 promising them jobs at an old age home in Canada within six months. The complainant said the accused took the money saying it was for processing visa and other necessary fees.

On January 29, 2018, my parents paid `10 lakh to the accused. But when they failed to deliver the visa, we grew suspicious and approached the accused to get our money back. They gave four cheques of `2.5 lakh promising to return the money soon. So far, they have failed to return the money, said the complainant.Meanwhile, an official spokesperson of George International said the owners of the firm had nothing to do with the two persons mentioned in the complaint. We have already filed a petition with the High Court seeking police protection for the firm, he said.
It is a very normal practice to blame the judiciary and the judges for the inordinate delay in the disposal of cases and for the mounting pendency in courts. However, without a professional and responsible Bar, the wheels of justice will always roll slowly. Any serious enquiry into judicial delay should include the role of lawyers in hampering the judicial process.

Lawyers across India have been busy shutting down the judiciary. Lawyers in Durg district in Chhattisgarh carried out a strike recently because they were unhappy with the new location of a family court. Couple of days ago, the Supreme Court directed the Odisha Bar Council and the Bar Council of India to initiate action against lawyers who have been on strike in different districts in Odisha.

In October 2019, there was a statewide strike in Odisha protesting against the decisions of the Supreme Court collegium. In November 2019, lawyers in Delhi were on strike protesting against the police. While the lawyers across the country keep finding different motivations to lock down the courts, the people of the country are left with the common feeling of being denied access to justice.

In the case of Ex-Capt. Harish Uppal vs Union Of India & Anr on 17 December, 2002, the court has categorically held that lawyers do not have the right to strike and they should adopt other methods to register protest. The court observed: "it is held that lawyers have no right to go on strike or give a call for boycott, not even on a token strike. The protest, if any is required, can only be by giving press statements, TV interviews, carrying out of Court premises banners and/or placards, wearing black or white or any colour arm bands, peaceful protest marches outside and away from Court premises, going on dharnas or relay fasts etc."

The court recognised that on exceptionally rare occasions, a strike for one day could be tolerated. It observed: "It is held that only in the rarest of rare cases where the dignity, integrity and independence of the Bar and/or the Bench are at stake, Courts may ignore (turn a blind eye) to a protest abstention from work for not more than one day. It is being clarified that it will be for the Court to decide whether or not the issue involves dignity or integrity or independence of the Bar and/or the Bench."

The thing to note is that the court has not created any exception to the rule that lawyers do not have a right to strike. It has merely given a discretion to the courts to tolerate a strike of one day if the strike has been called to protect the dignity, integrity and independence of the Bar and/or the Bench.

The Law Commission in its 266th Report noted, "The advocates' conduct in courts, behaviour with litigants and their unprofessional conduct, including the act of going on frequent strikes as a measure of protest for irrelevant issues has reached to terrifying proportions."

The Commission on a perusal of data received from various high courts found that "strikes by the advocates were rampant throughout the length and breadth of the country with little variation in degree." For example, between 2012 and 2016, lawyers in Dehradun and Haridwar district were on strike for an average of 91 days and 103 days per year. In eight districts (Muzaffarnagar, Faizabad, Sultanpur, Varanasi, Chandauli, Ambedkar Nagar, Saharanpur and Jaunpur) in Uttar Pradesh, lawyers were on a strike for an average of 115 days a year in the period between 2011 and 2016. In a salute to irony, the Bar council of India reacted to the Law Commission's incriminating report by calling for a strike.

The loss of working hours for the judiciary due to strikes called by lawyers is frightening. However, it needs to be noted that while lawyers are private professionals, strikes called by them does not simply impair some private business which can be ignored. Strikes by lawyers cripple the judiciary and directly affects judicial productivity. It leads to a direct denial of justice for the people of this country.

Recognising this, the Law Commission in 2017 recommended certain amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961 which would prescribe a mandate to the Bar Council of India to make rules to deal with strikes, boycotts and abstentions from courts by advocates and to provide for adequate punishment. It also recommended that there should be a provision for a person to claim compensation for any loss suffered by him/her due to the participation of any lawyer in a strike. However, no such step has been taken so far.

It is a very normal practice to blame the judiciary and the judges for the inordinate delay in the disposal of cases and for the mounting pendency in courts. However, without a professional and responsible Bar, the wheels of justice will always roll slowly. Any serious enquiry into judicial delay should include the role of lawyers in hampering the judicial process. It is time that the role of lawyers in hampering judicial productivity is recognised and remedied.

The author is a Fulbright Post-Doctoral Research Scholar at the Harvard Law School
Karnataka imposes weekend curfew to contain the surge in Covid-19 cases; details here

Crime rate in Bengaluru: Murders and burglary cases dropped in 2021 in Karnataka's capital

Bengaluru: Church in Kengeri attacked, desecrated by miscreants

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Bengaluru, Jan 21: The St Francis of Assisi Church, in Bengaluru, was allegedly ransacked by miscreants on Monday midnight, January 20.

According to reports, some unidentified miscreants ransacked St Francis of Assisi Church which falls under Kengeri police station limits in Kengeri, Satellite Town. The attacker desecrated sanctum and threw away Holy Communion all around the place.

The miscreants have damaged statues, mike and other wooden particulars inside the church.

Meanwhile, the authorities of the church have filed a complaint with the Kengeri police station. The police arrived at the spot and investigation is underway.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Church set to become dumpyard in Bengaluru, trees to be axed

The Franciscans ministering in Bengaluru and elsewhere in India commit themselves to promote respect for all faiths, to encourage dialogue across various religions and to create peaceful environment walking in the footprints of the Founder St Francis of Assisi.
Adopt Missouri Plan

Re: Overhauling how judges are selected long overdue, Jan. 15:

If Texas is thinking of changing how judges are elected or appointed, I recommend the Missouri Plan, which has been successfully adopted by a number of states. I believe this can provide good judges in a process that is as nonpartisan as possible.

When a vacancy occurs on the bench, the governor is sent a list of candidates who have been vetted and deemed qualified by a nonpartisan commission of the state bar association. The governor then appoints one of those candidates. If the governor does not make a decision within 60 days, the commission decides.

Sitting judges must stand for election from time to time but not in competition with other candidates or as part of a partisan ticket. The ballot question is: Shall Judge (whomever) be retained in office? Yea or Nay. If a judge is kicked out, the bar association sends the governor a new list. Rinse and repeat.

Wayne Haymes

Good care (for rich)

I am 80 years old and retired from the military. I have both Medicare and Tricare supplement, which puts me in an enviable position.

Nevertheless, I am acutely aware of the precarious position of most Americans, especially the 99 percent. My clinic seems to be putting pressure on the staff to adopt the concierge program. The people who can afford it will get special treatment and the rest will end up in emergency rooms or hospitals in a bag.

Everyone is getting squeezed in the system except the rich and famous. How in the world can anyone envision Medicare for all under these conditions?

Jim Nagle

Rethink street name

Re: Short downtown street could revert to its original name, Metro, Thursday:

Scott Huddlestons article noted, The Historic and Design Review Commission supported the renaming of Savings Street ... to its original name: Rodriguez Street. It appears that Ambrosio Rodriguez helped capture Gen. Santa Anna in the Battle of Jacinto in 1836. Rodriguez, a city alderman  had personal wealth that included ownership of enslaved people.

Huh? This commission wants to honor a slave owner? Is that not the same thing as having a statue of a Confederate soldier in a city park? Was not the Confederacy about, among other things, the ownership of slaves?

Let the demonstrations begin. Travis Park would be a good place to start.

C.R. White, Seguin

On ExpressNews.com: Short San Antonio street could revert to its historic name
Bombshell by Ludwig Leidig Just when you think there is nothing new to learn about Nazi Germany, comes this spellbinding story of a brilliant businessman and his beautiful young assistant who turn Hitler on his ear. " - Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency

The events in "Bombshell" span from 1933 to 1945, the dark years of Nazi Germanys Third Reich. Although it is a true story, the book reads just like a thriller. It tells a new and untold tale: What corporate life was like in war-torn Germany.

Meet global tycoon Ludwig Roselius (The Lion), who invented decaffeinated coffee. The Lion established himself in New York before World War I, becoming the most diversified industrialist that Germany had ever seen. He fought Hitler every step of the way in Hitlers business dealings. When Hitler applied to Dr. Roselius for funding in the 1920s, he rejected Hitler as a dreamer and sent him away. This was not forgotten by Hitler. When he became der Fuhrer, Hitler launched verbal attacks on Dr. Roselius, later sentencing him to death.

Barbara Goette began working for the German global tycoon and his HAG conglomerate when she was 26. Intelligent, glamorous, and hard-working, she became Dr. Roselius closest collaborator. She saved the doctors life by appealing to Hitler during a chance meeting in Berlin.

Barbara is unwittingly involved in a plot to eliminate the egotistical dictator. When it all goes wrong, her world of comfort is turned on its head. Details have been lost among the charred annals of Nazi history, along with the life stories of Barbara Goette and her protector, companion, and benefactor, Dr. Ludwig Roselius  until now. "Bombshell" is Barbaras story of the war and how she survived its final years.

I would highly recommend the biography. I read it yesterday. Laughed, cried, and reminisced. There is a lot to learn from it.  Robyn L. Taylor

Intellectual thriller. Great book! What an interesting perspective as never told before.  5-star Amazon review

Watch the video book trailer at: https://youtu.be/RFf-L6cjIFw

About the Author: Born in Germany, Ludwig Leidig is retired and lives in Adelaide, Australia.

Just when you think there is nothing new to learn about Nazi Germany, comes this spellbinding story of a brilliant businessman and his beautiful young assistant who turn Hitler on his ear. We are proud to be the publisher, said Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency.

BOMBSHELL (ISBN: 978-1-62516-346-2) is now available for $19.50 and can be ordered through the publishers website: http://sbpra.com/LudwigLeidig/ or at your favorite book seller.

WHOLESALERS: This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email bookorder@sbpra.net.
BINYAMINA, Israel and ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- OncoHost, global leader in host response profiling for improved personalized cancer therapy, together with its partner RayBiotech, a leading life sciences company developing high-throughput protein detection technologies for biomarker discovery initiatives, announced today the companies have been awarded a $1 million grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. The BIRD Foundation supports cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies for developing joint products or technologies in a wide range of technology sectors that are of mutual benefit to the U.S. and Israel.

The grant will support OncoHost and RayBiotech's combined development and clinical validation of host response testing for the early prediction of treatment responsiveness in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients undergoing immunotherapy. It will also be used to further develop and implement an automated slide assistance platform (ASAP) for reducing the time of large-scale protein processing as part of a new joint service: host response enrichment for pharmaceutical companies. Both of these developments will contribute towards the enablement of personalized cancer therapy for patients.

"The BIRD Foundation Board of Governors selected to support the project between OncoHost and RayBiotech on their mission to counteract therapy resistance in order to improve cancer treatment response," said Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation. "This joint project contains a high level of innovation and knowledge that could benefit the treatment of lung cancer patients."

"The grant and support from the BIRD Foundation represents an important milestone for OncoHost," said Dr. Ofer Sharon, CEO of OncoHost. "We are committed to develop a system for the early identification of resistance to cancer therapy in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), as well as a discovery tool for new drug targets. Our unique approach of host response analysis represents a significant step forward for precision oncology and personalized cancer treatment."

OncoHost's host response profiling platform PROphet leverages proprietary machine learning and bioinformatics technology, and will be used together with RayBiotech's high-throughput protein analysis platform to identify treatment resistance in cancer patients.

"This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to advance precision medicine," said Dr. Ray Huang, CEO of RayBiotech. "Antibody array-based profiling of patient samples has proven a critical approach to informing personalized therapies and biomarker discovery studies, particularly in cancer research. We are eager to see how the PROphet platform can harness the power of high-throughput protein detection."

About OncoHost

OncoHost combines life-science research and advanced machine learning technology to develop personalized strategies to maximize the success of cancer therapy. Utilizing proprietary proteomic analysis, the company aims to understand patients' unique response to therapy and overcome one of the major obstacles in clinical oncology today  resistance to therapy. OncoHost's Host Response Profiling platform (PROphet) analyzes proteomic changes in blood samples to monitor the dynamics of biological processes induced by the patient (i.e., the host) in response to a given cancer therapy. This proteomic profile is highly predictive of individual patient outcome, thus enabling personalized treatment planning. PROphet also identifies potential drug targets, advancing the development of novel therapeutic strategies as well as rationally based combination therapies.

For more information, visit http://www.oncohost.com.

Follow OncoHost on LinkedIn.

About RayBiotech

RayBiotech is a leading life sciences company providing proteomic discovery tools. RayBiotech has nearly 150 employees whose objectives are to provide excellent products and service worldwide to RayBiotech customers which include scientists in industry, academic and research institutes in 41 countries. RayBiotech's mission is to provide cutting-edge array technologies for the discovery of disease-related protein biomarkers and key factors, the identification of new drug targets, and the advancement of personalized medicine. RayBiotech is committed to accelerating customer success through innovation and leadership in the Life Sciences. https://www.raybiotech.com/

Media Contact:

Ellie Hanson

Finn Partners

+1-929-222-8006

[email protected]

SOURCE OncoHost

Related Links

https://oncohost.com/


Iran has threatened to leave the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if European countries refer it to the UN Security Council over a nuclear agreement.

The 1968 NPT has been the foundation of global nuclear arms control since the Cold War, including a 2015 deal Iran signed with world powers that offered it access to global trade in return for accepting curbs to its atomic programme.

Britain, France and Germany declared Iran in violation of the 2015 pact last week and have launched a dispute mechanism that could eventually see the matter referred back to the Security Council and the reimposition of UN sanctions.

"If the Europeans continue their improper behaviour or send Iran's file to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the NPT," Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said.

He added his country could take other steps before withdrawing from the NPT, although he did not specify them.

The fate of the 2015 pact has been in doubt since President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of it and reimposed sanctions.

Iran has responded by scaling back its commitments, although it says it wants the pact to survive.

The nuclear dispute has been at the heart of an escalation between Washington and Tehran which erupted into military confrontation in recent weeks.

The 190-member NPT bans signatories other than the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France from acquiring nuclear weapons in return for allowing them to pursue peaceful nuclear programmes to generate power, overseen by the UN.

The only country ever to declare its withdrawal was North Korea, which expelled nuclear inspectors and openly tested atomic weapons.

Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan never signed up, nor did Israel, which does not say whether it has nuclear weapons but is widely presumed to have them.

Iran has long been accused by the West of seeking to develop nuclear arms. Tehran denies this and says its goal is to master the whole process of generating electricity from nuclear energy.

A steady escalation over Iran's nuclear plans flared into tit-for-tat military action this month, with Mr Trump ordering a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, prompting Iran to fire missiles at American targets in Iraq. During a state of alert, Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner in error.

Tehran has faced mounting pressure from European countries which say they want to save the 2015 nuclear deal.

They have indicated a readiness to back Mr Trump's call for a broader deal that goes beyond Iran's nuclear plans.

"Despite the ill will that we see from some European countries the door of negotiations with them has not been closed and the ball is in [their] court," Iranian spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

He added: "I don't think Iran is ready to negotiate under the conditions they have in mind."

US sanctions have crippled Iran's economy, slashing its oil exports. Iran has long said it would not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place.

Tehran has blamed the Europeans for failing to guarantee economic benefits that Iran was meant to receive in return for curbing its nuclear work.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)s protest against the Supreme courts judgement on Imo governorship election as a disgrace.

The leaders of the opposition party embarked on a peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday.

The apex court had sacked Emeka Ihedioha, PDP candidate, and declared Hope Uzodinma, APC candidate, as the duly elected governor of Imo, a judgement that was outrightly rejected by the opposition party.

In a statement, Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC spokesman, asked security operatives to arrest those trying to overheat the polity, saying said the protest is disgraceful and senseless.

Read Also: Uzodinma Describes PDP Protest As An Attempt To Overthrow Buhari

He said, The disgraceful and senseless protest embarked upon by the opposition party is being done with the sole purpose of dragging the apex court of our land, and indeed our great country into odium and scorn before the international community. 

We also view the irascible actions and irresponsible remarks by the PDP as a calculated attempt to overheat the polity. PDP has become a present threat to our peaceful coexistence.

The crux of the decision was that the PDP candidate (who had been adjudged to have been wrongfully declared the winner by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Imo State) was removed by the apex court and Sen. Hope Uzodinma of our party was declared the rightful winner of the election.

The court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a Certificate of Return to Sen. Hope Uzodinma and that he should be sworn in as the Governor ofImoo state.

This decision by the apex court was not made lightly but was, in fact, based on the facts presented by the parties and the law canvassed before it by their respective counsel. How else should a court of law determine a case before it? Based on innuendos, conjecture, suspicions and conspiracy theories? Certainly not.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 01:11:40|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivers a speech titled "Work Together for an Open World Economy and Sustainable Global Development" at the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng here on Tuesday called on the international community to build an inclusive and open world economy and uphold multilateralism in support of economic globalization.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech titled "Work Together for an Open World Economy and Sustainable Global Development" at the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

At the 2017 WEF annual meeting in Davos, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a historic speech and expressed firm support for economic globalization, a message that resonated far and wide, Han said.

Han noted that economic globalization is "a trend of history, an essential condition for productivity growth, and a natural result of the advance in science and technology," adding that it is also "a strong driving force behind economic growth across the globe."

To resolve the difficulties and problems in economic globalization, the fundamental solution lies in building an inclusive and open world economy together, and the key lies in upholding multilateralism, Han said.

"Unilateral and protectionist practices, which run counter to the global trend, will lead to nowhere ... and end up hurting everyone's interests," the vice premier said.

Han called on all countries to demonstrate greater courage, stay committed to equal-footed consultation and tide over difficulties together. "We should make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all" so that "people of all countries will be able to share in the benefits of economic globalization and global growth," he said.

He said the global community should "keep to the goal of safeguarding peace, promoting development, upholding equity and justice, and pursuing mutual benefit and win-win outcomes," calling for joint efforts "to tackle global challenges such as poverty reduction, climate change and environmental protection."

"We should abide by the international law and widely recognized norms of international relations ... and advance the improvement and transformation of the global governance system," he said.

China has embraced economic globalization, pursued development with its door open, and succeeded in transforming a closed and semi-closed economy into a fully open economy, Han noted, adding that "openness has become a trademark of today's China."

China has developed itself through opening-up and participation in economic globalization, and the world has also benefited from this process, he said.

The vice premier pledged that his country will open its door still wider to the world. "Despite the protectionist and unilateral moves by some countries, China will not stop pursuing higher-quality opening-up, and will not follow their footsteps to move in the opposite direction of globalization," he said.

Han stressed that China will further widen market access for foreign investors and cut negative list for foreign investment, import more goods and services to promote balanced trade, and further improve China's business environment to let all types of businesses registered in China be treated equally.

China will also foster new drivers of opening-up, allowing free trade zones to initiate more reforms and speeding up the building of the Hainan Free Trade Port, he said, adding that China will further deepen multilateral and bilateral cooperation and work with other countries to build an open world economy.

Standing at a new historical starting point, China will, as always, actively shoulder its due international responsibilities and obligations, Han noted.

He pledged that China "will maintain stability and pursue development while contributing to peace and prosperity in the world," and "work with people of all countries to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity" so as to make greater contribution to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

During his stay in Davos, Han also attended a luncheon hosted by WEF Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, and exchanged views with business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Siemens AG President Joe Kaeser.

The industry and business leaders said they are full of expectations for China's deepening reform and further opening-up, and are willing to expand trade and technological cooperation with China for mutual benefit.
Supplier News

11 February 2020

A Look at RevitUp:The Holistic Revenue Optimizer Hospitality Needs

After many years of analyzing and reporting on the hospitality industry, its not often Im taken by surprise. Well, I experienced an eyeopener a while back at a meetup of the Pancretan Hotel Managers Association here in Heraklion, Crete. Its not every day, not one but two hotel managers stand up in the middle of a presentation to applaud a product or service. Believe it or not, thats exactly what happened when RevitUp Business Development Director, Nikos Giokas rolled out the numbers on the service. The unexpected advocacy of the moment is what prompted this interview. But before the Q & A, allow me to outline some points of pain this new service seems to solve, and a few reasons I think managers are so worked up about it.

A Hotel Revenue Balancing Act

As you know, hotel sales and revenue practices are still in metamorphosis and adapting to dynamic digital trends. Weve discussed for years now a balanced approach which optimizes channel management and other practices. But hoteliers still wrestle with OTAs, tour operators, and travel agents over rate parity and a host of other issues. As a recent example, the rub lately is OTAs not respecting hotel-direct pricing, which exacerbates an already tenuous relationship. News of the recent cooperation between RateGain and Hotelbeds to tackle the rate integrity problem is a prime example. Kevin Duncan, of The Rainmaker Group, recently discussed at HN many other revenue management hurdles including RM roles, tackling transient strategies, technology innovation, and more. There are many such problems, of course, but this brings me to RevitUps holistic revenue optimization.

A sneak peek at a proprietary technology behind RevitUp successes  Photo: RevitUP

What RevitUp is bringing to the industry is the first service that completes the hotel revenue operation. While there are a multitude of digital and traditional marketing and sales tools and services to establish and increase hotel profits, there is not one that optimizes every facet of the process. What I am seeing is a service that not only elevated digital presence management, performance marketing, online distribution, and revenue management but one that puts more human power behind its proprietary technologies.

At this point, Id like to share the Q & A with Giokas, before summing up my take on this new service. I asked the RevitUp executive about how the service differentiates, integration, and revenue results, scaling the service. Here is our discussion.

A New Perspective: RevitUp Q & A

Phil Butler: What is the core point of differentiation RevitUp represents for the industry?

Nikos Giokas: RevitUp combines the strength of digital marketing that dramatically leverages demand with human power and the power of big data analysis. RevitUp is an especially effective tool for resorts aiming to optimize online revenue. Digital disruption has revealed a massive lack of experienced users of many brand new and highly sophisticated Business Intelligence Tools and Platforms. Our service bridges that gap effectively and at a reasonable and measurable cost.

Phil Butler: So, the service can easily be integrated to work in any hotel operations environment?

Nikos Giokas: RevitUp was developed to perfectly fit 5-star resorts, a collaboration which requires very close cooperation with a resorts S&M team. Our target is to train hoteliers within three or more years and support them afterward on the digital marketing level only. According to the hotel teams willpower and loyalty, this target may be achieved sooner or later. We apply an innovative methodology to grow the RevPAR of our hotel clients. Our RM specialists work diligently to make our strong business development and strategy part of the client hotels DNA. We design custom eSales services powered by proven marketing strategies that use up-to-date, current distribution channels. And, we stay current so our clients are leading, not following.

Phil Butler: In a previous conversation, I asked you if advanced revenue management methods can be a guarantee of increased revenue. Back then you said your methods can guarantee margins. What's the bottom line for hoteliers using RevitUp?

Nikos Giokas: With full implementation of the basic RevitUp implementation plan, we can talk about a guaranteed result. But for this to happen, first some steady steps are needed in order to change the culture/philosophy of the promotion and promotion logic.

RevitUp's primary goal is to maximize profit mainly through retail. But this has a direct bearing on the design and implementation of wholesale. So, if there is an overall sales & marketing plan, then yes we can guarantee success.

RevitUp is the combined energy you create from the expertise of experienced scientists, from research and implementation operations in high adaptability to the ever-changing environment, and finally from data-processing and information-gathering and decision-making systems to the creation of decision-making tools. This action is a great guarantee of success. We would say that the degree of success depends on the degree of trust of our partners and the adaptability of the hotel to the market environment.

For this reason, we also believe that the maximum time required to achieve the maximum desired result is 3 years.

Phil Butler: Given that RevitUp optimization is now a proven revenue machine, why haven't more hoteliers adopted the service? Is there a pushback? Or is this a time/scaling issue?

Nikos Giokas: We are focusing, so far, on developing our techniques, our tools, and our team so that we can offer our services on a higher level to all our customers no matter where they are located. With our extraordinary early success, the time has come for us to become more extroverted.

The slide in Giokas presentation that prompted the hotel owner to affirm the RevitUp impressive revenue increase - Courtesy RevitUp  Courtesy RevitUp

RevitUp Summary

After thinking over my talk with Nikos Giokas, I became interested in the backend of RevitUp technology and the other gears that seem to power the optimizing service. The numbers Giokas tantalized Crete hoteliers with, they just astonished me, to be honest. I thought:

How can a service add an extra hundred thousand, or one million euro in revenue to already successful hotel operations in Greece?

To get my answer I called EyeWide Digital Marketing founder Minas Liapakis, one of the visionaries behind the development of RevitUp. A golden nugget surfaced from our brief conversation, something not many digital marketing gurus even talk about. When I asked Liapakis about scaling the business, he told me that technology innovation is not the hurdle for the new service, skilled people are. It turns out that for every 3-5 new clients RevitUp seeks to optimize, the service has to hire and train at least 3 new industry experts. When was the last time you heard of digital gurus throwing people at a problem? Theres a value here Ive no space to describe in this report.

Developed by the teams at EyeWide Digital Marketing and Plarino Sales, RevitUp is the first revenue optimization service using a truly holistic approach. The service aims to not only manage revenue growth but to educate and train clients, as well. Its the only service Ive heard tell of, which reworks a clients who revenue philosophy while assisting in branding, ADR enhancement, on and offline sales, and the spectrum of components tied to revenue. In short, if RevitUP lives up to its potential, the developers will have created a profits orange juicer or a profit squeezer for hotels.

What seems most significant for me are the proven numbers Giokas put out in the open, the level of technology being used on the backend (a later discussion), and a return to the human factor in optimizing hotel business.

This service is one to watch, and this week the Heraklion Hoteliers Association has joined EyeWide Digital Marketing and RevitUp creating a first-ever masterclass for getting hoteliers here on Crete up to speed on total revenue optimization. Expedia Business Development Manager-TravelAds, Vicky Salavati will be joined by primalRES CEO/owner Manolis Lapidakis and other experts on February 13th at the Chamber of Commerce of Heraklion, in the Kastellaki" hall, for those readers who might happen to be in Greece this week.
The usually dignified US senate could see rising tensions along party lines as Donald Trumps impeachment begins.

The upper chamber of US congress will see rock star legal teams cram the well just a few feet from each other and US chief justice John Roberts, as proceedings get under way.

Democrats in the US house of representatives impeached the president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed that country to investigate Mr Trumps Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of congress by refusing to comply with their investigation.

This is what to watch:

Ground rules

The senate opens with a debate on the structure and rules of the proceedings. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell is proposing a condensed, two-day calendar for opening arguments on the articles of impeachment passed by the US house on December 18.

Mr McConnells ground rules are outlined in a four-page resolution that must be voted on as one of the first orders of business. It pushes back any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats had demanded.

But Mr McConnells plan on witnesses lines up with the organising resolution which set the structure of former president Bill Clintons trial in 1999.

Drawing the curtain

At all times, according to senate rules, a majority of senators present can vote to close the proceedings and debate in private. That would mean the TV cameras will be shut off and everyone who is not a member of the senate will be kicked out of the chamber until the senators choose to reopen it.

Senators did just that at various points during the Clinton trial. Mr McConnell then argued that members of the chamber listen to each other better in private.

The long haul

After the four days of opening arguments  with a maximum of 24 hours per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

Senate rules say the trial must proceed six days a week  all but Sunday  until it is resolved.

Off the grid

Watch out for a coterie of Democratic senators who literally would rather be somewhere else  specifically Iowa and New Hampshire  ahead of their partys first votes over the right to choose who will attempt to unseat Mr Trump in the November election.

Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Michael Bennet of Colorado and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota may show signs of fatigue as they fly between Washington and these places  as well as coping with being off the internet for hours at a time.

Also look out for more video calls to supporters and ads designed to give them a measure of presence in the early nominating states.

The prosecutors

Leading the case for the house is intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff of California, and judiciary committee chairman Jerrold Nadler of New York. Five other Democrats round out the prosecution team, a group US house speaker Nancy Pelosi said she chose in part for their experience with the law.

Zoe Lofgren of California has worked on three impeachment inquiries, starting with the one that helped persuade former president Richard Nixon to resign.

Val Demings of Florida is not a lawyer, but she is a former police chief, and as member of both committees is deeply familiar with the case against Mr Trump. Hakeem Jeffries is a lawyer and chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, so he is close to Ms Pelosis ranks.

Ms Pelosi also chose two freshmen who helped flip the house from Republican control in 2018. Sylvia Garcia of Texas is a former judge. And Jason Crow of Colorado is a retired Army Ranger who was one of the seven new members with national security backgrounds to call for Mr Trumps impeachment over his conduct with Ukraine.

For the president

Donald Trump has cast some big personalities in his defence team.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone and personal lawyer Jay Sekulow are expected to lead the argument that Mr Trump committed no crimes, that abuse of power is not an impeachable offence and that the president is a victim of a political witch hunt by Democrats.

Bringing experience both in constitutional law and the politics of impeachment, he has added retired law professor Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr, the independent counsel who investigated Mr Clinton. The team also will include Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general.

The team, less experienced in the senate than the house prosecutors as a whole, visited the senate chamber on Monday, in part to test the equipment they expect to use for audio-visual presentations.

Look out for signs of tension involving the presidents outside legal team and lawyers within the White House. On Sunday, Mr Dershowitz tried to distance himself from the president.

In numbers

100: The total number of senators.

53: The Republican majority.

51: The number of senators who must agree on almost anything to make it happen during an impeachment trial.

Four: The number of Republican senators who must join the Democrats to get to the magical 51 level.

Two thirds: The proportion of senators required to convict and remove a president from office.

So, 67 members of the Senate would have to vote to convict, if every senator is voting.

The gang

Both sides will be keeping tabs on the senates moderates for an emerging gang of three to four who could influence the outcome on such matters as whether to subpoena former national security adviser John Bolton. That vote will not be taken for days, if not weeks.

Republican senator Susan Collins of Maine has been meeting with a small number of her party colleagues who want to consider witness testimony and documents that were not part of the house impeachment investigation.

Watch Republican senators Mitt Romney of Utah, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska for signs of whether this group can stick together and force the senate to consider additional material.
The Congress and CPI(M) on Tuesday slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal for not replying to the queries of Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on a bill to check mob assaults and lynchings, saying due respect should be given to a constitutional position.

After discussing with the governor matters of a Bill that seeks to check incidents of mob assault and lynching in the state, the two parties alleged that the TMC dispensation has kept both the governor and the Opposition in the dark over the Bill.

The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 is waiting for the governor's nod after it was passed by the Assembly on August 30 last year. Dhankhar has been saying replies to his queries on it were not given by the government.

Dhankhar had invited the leader of opposition in the Assembly Abdul Mannan of the Congress and CPI(M) legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty to discuss matters relating to the Bill.

"Just as we feel that adverse comments in the House against the governor is objectionable, we also feel that not giving answers to queries by him is also objectionable," the Congress leader said.

There are some procedural and technical glitches in the Bill which will not pass the scrutiny of a court of law, Mannan said after the two, along with CPI MLA Ashok Dinda, held a meeting with Dhankar at the Raj Bhavan here.

"The government would not have fallen had the TMC admitted its errors pointed out by us and corrected them," Mannan said claiming that the Mamata Banerjee regime is averse to any suggestion made by the opposition.

CPI(M) MLA Sujan Chakraborty alleged that the government side is keeping the House in the dark over the Bill, and claimed that they had repeatedly told the ruling party leaders that there are technical flaws in the Bill.

"We (the Left) think that the position of a governor is not necessary, but since it is there in the Constitution, respect should be given to the position by both the government and the person holding it," the CPI(M) legislature party leader said, in a reference to the ongoing feud between Dhankar and the Mamata Banerjee dispensation.

Chakraborty claimed that differences between the two sides were taking the centre stage, putting major issues like job creation and other requirements of the people in the back burner.

The CPI(M) leader said they did not discuss with the governor another Bill that will pave the way for setting up an SC/ST commission in the state, since it has not yet been tabled in the House.

The 'West Bengal Commission for SC and ST Bill, 2019 is also pending with Dhankhar.

Dhankar had invited the West Bengal Chief Minister for a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to the two bills on January 17 but she did not attend it owing to "preoccupations".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
No resolution to the row over the birthplace of Saibaba appeared in sight even as residents of Pathri in Marathwada region, who claim the 19th century saint was born there, are slated to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on the issue on Wednesday.

Reports that Thackeray, during his meeting with Shirdi residents on Monday, withdrew his statement that referred to Pathri as Saibaba's birthplace have upset residents and this was evident at their meeting in Pathri on Tuesday.

After the meeting, Pathri Congress MLA Suresh Warpudkar said Thackeray should have invited a delegation from Pathri along with the one from Shirdi on Monday and discussed the matter.

"We have evidence to prove Saibaba was born in Pathri and based on this fact we sought a grant of Rs 100 crore for Pathri's development," he said.

People from Pathri will request Thackeray to set up a committee to resolve the row over the birthplace of Saibaba, he said.

Babajani Durrani, NCP leader from Parbhani district where Pathri is located, said the delegation that will meet Thackeray will present the "facts" before him.

Wednesday's meeting comes in the backdrop of the meeting Thackeray had on Monday with residents of temple town Shirdi, where a bandh was observed on Sunday amid a row over the birthplace of Saibaba.

After the meeting, Shiv Sena MP Sadashiv Lokhande had said Thackeray had withdrawn his statement where he declared Saibaba's birthplace as Pathri. However, there was no official confirmation for the same.

On January 9, the state cabinet held a review meeting of the development works in Parbhani district. In the meeting, Thackeray had announced that Pathri, considered the birthplace of Saibaba, would be developed as a religious tourism place. He had also announced a development grant of Rs 100 crore.

A century after Saibaba - equally revered by Hindus and Muslims - died, a heated debate has begun in Maharashtra on the spiritual figures birthplace, with some claiming it is Pathri and other saying it was Shirdi in Ahmednagar district.

Meanwhile, claiming Saibaba was first spotted in their village, residents of Dhopkheda in Aurangabad district have sought government funds for the area's development.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
While in Winnipeg, federal cabinet members will talk about reconciliation while enjoying the spoils of our unreconciled existence. When they flick light switches or charge their phones, they will plug directly into the reality of our community, and others like it.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

While in Winnipeg, federal cabinet members will talk about reconciliation while enjoying the spoils of our unreconciled existence. When they flick light switches or charge their phones, they will plug directly into the reality of our community, and others like it.

That makes this a good time to invite them to take four common-sense steps that would give us a better chance to regain self-reliance.

In 1967, the Manitoba Development Authority noted that per-capita annual income in our community of South Indian Lake was $3,500 to $4,000 compared with about $500 in other northern communities. This was partly because Indian agents mostly left us alone (because we had no reserve land), and partly because we had the third-largest commercial whitefish fishery in North America. As the development authority stated, we were "self-supporting."

I recall my dad proudly coming in the house at the end of a good day of commercial fishing. And I recall, with deep sadness, later years when he no longer even went out to try. A tragic shift took place in him and in our home and community because our economic base was taken from us.

This could have been prevented. And it can be reversed, at least partly.

Our lake  the fourth-largest in Manitoba  is a 140-kilometre-long widening of the Churchill River, the second-largest river in Manitoba. In 1973, the provincial government issued an interim licence allowing Manitoba Hydro to divert three-quarters of the flow of the Churchill by raising the lake three metres and blasting a new outlet channel. The water is now diverted to the Nelson River, where Hydros main dams churn out the power that illuminates todays cabinet deliberations.

The project permanently floods more than 800 square kilometres. Many hundreds of kilometres of shoreline continually collapse into murky waters. Beaches are gone. Islands disappear. Our community was forcibly moved, our homes burned so we would not return.

Our fishing industry did OK for a while, but our annual catch is now less than one-fifth of what it was. A government official once said a bigger, flooded lake would mean more fish, but whitefish numbers have plummeted. All of this was done against our wishes and without our consent. Governments presided over our destruction.

In 1979, Hydro started testing water regimes beyond the licence limits. The licence allowed Hydro to draw down water on our lake by no more than two feet in a 12-month period. Hydro wanted 4.5 feet. The province agreed. In 1986, this "deviation," as government calls it, was set out as the augmented flow program, subject to annual approvals.

Scientific evidence indicates that the additional drawdown under the augmented flow program may well be what put our lake over the edge. It might also contribute to disturbing levels of mercury in fish in recent years.

This major deviation from the licence happens by means of a one-page form letter sent to Hydro each year by a provincial bureaucrat. With the stroke of a pen in a Winnipeg office, an assistant deputy minister who has likely never been to South Indian Lake calmly pushes us closer to the brink. We are politely notified after the fact.

The augmented flow program deviation is typical of Hydro regulation in Manitoba. The utility drastically alters the five largest rivers in the province with a patchwork of decades-old interim licences that were never finalized, or expired 50-year licences that were replaced with last-minute "short-term extension licences" that avoid due process. Neither the Churchill River Diversion, nor the largest dam (Limestone), nor the most recent one (Wuskwatim) have final licences.

Premier Brian Pallister has referred to the "gold standard" Manitoba uses in consulting Indigenous people. After raising our concerns with his minister 11 months ago, we have heard nothing from his consultation unit.

This make-it-up-as-you-go-along, rubber-stamp "regulation" means the project that devastates our lake operates as though nothing has changed or been learned since the 1970s. Its business as usual, which for us is the grim, steady decline of our economy and our spirits.

Why should Trudeaus cabinet care? While production of electricity is, constitutionally, provincial jurisdiction, "inland fisheries" and "Indians and lands reserved for the Indians" are federal responsibilities. In the absence of meaningful provincial oversight, we ask Ottawa to:

1) pressure Manitoba to cancel the augmented flow program and return to the interim licence for an in-depth study period;

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2) bring the province, Hydro and our community together for a concerted process  presided over by an eminent Canadian who can ensure meaningful progress  to establish what free, prior and informed consent can look like in the case of ongoing projects and renewal of expired Hydro licences (the diversion licence ends in 2026);

3) monitor the amount of land lost to shoreline erosion annually; and

4) study sturgeon stocks and designate them as "at risk" if warranted.

Nixing the augmented flow program would be a significant first step toward reduced erosion, reduced mercury and improved fishing. Meaningful involvement in decisions about our lake would be a next step. As Manitoba enters a period of excess energy supply, cancelling the flow program might not even cost much.

By what authority, exactly, can Manitoba Hydro destroy a fish population and undercut our economic base? In part, decades of federal negligence allowed this. Ottawa could have stepped in at any point. It is time for them to get off the sidelines. Change is possible.

Shirley Ducharme is chief of South Indian Lake (O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation).
STRATFORD  A judge has sided with town public works employees in a lawsuit alleging the town shortchanged them on calculating their pension benefits.

The 18-page decision from Judge Thomas Welch was handed down Jan. 8.

Officials said they dont yet know how much the case could cost the town.

I just got notice of the decision last week so we still have more to figure out, Mayor Laura Hoydick said Thursday.

Four DPW employees  Charles Heuser, David Madden, Karl Murdzia and Paul Ribnicky  and another, Michael Vidmosko, who retired while he was the unions president, filed the lawsuit in July 2018 along with the union, the Stratford Public Works Employees Association Local No. 134.

At issue was the method of calculating pension payments for the departments employees working as of September 1999, when the union agreed to a letter of understanding that meant subsequent hires would be offered enrollment in the towns defined contribution 401(a) plan.

The agreement allowed union members hired before 1999 to join the 401(a) plan after freezing, or locking in, their pension benefits, which took into account a percentage of their yearly salary and their years of service.

The pension plan defined the employees annual average compensation based on their average pay in the two years before they retired or, for those with 30 or more years in service, for the year before they retired or joined the 401(a) plan.

The town and the employees disagreed on how to calculate the employees average annual compensation.

Thats because the unions contract with the town for 2013 to 2017 was only signed in March 2017, meaning they worked for most of the period covered by the contract under the terms of their prior collective bargaining agreement, which covered 2010 to 2013.

The new contract entitled employees to retroactive lump sum payments for raises they got above what they were actually paid under the terms of the agreement.

After the contract was signed, Vidmosko retired and the other four employees locked in their pension benefits, the lawsuit states.

In calculating their pensions, the town did not include the full amount of the lump sum payments the employees had received to determine their average annual compensation  only the portion representing raises for the one or two years specified in the contract, the suit states.

In the decision, Welch cited a prior case involving the town where the retirement plan was also at issue.

In that case, which was affirmed by the states Supreme Court, the town didnt consider disability payments to a police officer in calculating his retirement benefits. A court ruled the town should have done so because the retirement plan defined compensation as their total compensation reportable for federal income tax purposes.

In the case of the DPW employees, the judge noted that the 2017 lump sum payments were included on the employees W2 forms as taxable income.

The court finds that the plain and unambiguous language of the Pension Plan, including the definition of compensation and annual average compensation, requires the defendant to include the entire retroactive payment received during the lookback period when calculating each plaintiffs pension benefit, Welch wrote.

However, the judge declined a request from the employees for interest based on the amount they were underpaid, finding there wasnt enough evidence to make a determination, though he gave them the option of scheduling a hearing on the issue.

A message was left with the employees lawyer Monday.

The judge also declined a request from the plaintiffs for a declaratory judgment on behalf of all of the employees covered by the pension plan because the request was contingent and hypothetical.

The question raised in this case was how annual average compensation should be calculated as a result of the retroactive pay received in 2017, Welch wrote. There is no evidence in the record that any union members, other than the plaintiffs, have retired or locked in their pension plan benefits since the execution of the (collective bargaining agreement). Accordingly, the 12 to 24 month look back period, which would have included the retroactive pay, has expired.

Robert Mitchell, the lawyer who represented the town in the case, declined to comment.
President Trump has just signed the first part of a new trade deal with China. While the complexity of the U.S.-China relationship makes complete deals very difficult, this deal is a monumental first step toward free and fair trade. In the short term, the deal will help certain industries that were hurt by the trade war. In the long term, Chinese markets will be fairly opened to U.S. manufacturers.

This deal is a huge win for all Americans including workers, taxpayers, businesspeople, consumers, and investors. Here is what the deal does:

China has agreed to continue to eliminate tariffs on agricultural products, and the Chinese will purchase as much as $50 billion of American produce in the next two years. This is great news for farmers who have been struggling since China retaliated to Trump's tariffs by placing tariffs on their products. This deal assures them strong steady demand going forward.

China will also purchase another $150 billion of other US manufactured goods. This will increase production at many factories, which will increase their demand for workers. Moreover, these Chinese markets will remain open into the future.

China has also agreed to stop manipulating their currency. This is an unheard-of victory for the US. Historically China kept devaluing their currency which made their goods cheap for us to buy and our goods costly for the Chinese to buy. That's why so many American companies started manufacturing in China and why we have such a negative balance of trade.

American companies can now own 100% of their company. Prior to this new agreement, any company in China owned by Americans had to be majority owned by a Chinese entity, so Americans ended up owning only 49% of their own company. Now they can own 100%.

The deal also begins to address the protection of intellectual property rights and opening Chinese financial markets to U.S. companies.



Signing the deal January 15, 2020. Who looks happier?

You Tube screen grab (cropped).

While the next phase of the deal will be very difficult, this first phase will strengthen a fair and truly mutually beneficial economic relationship between the U.S. and China. Generally, as economic relationships improve, political relationships tend to also improve.

One issue not addressed in phase one is government subsidies of Chinese companies. Because Chinese government subsidies pay some of the Chinese companies' costs, they can profitably sell their products at lower prices. This allows companies to grow quickly. The Chinese government considers these subsidies investments since the new companies eventually end up generating far more government revenue than the cost of the subsidy.

However, because the subsidized company profitable sells products at a lower price, unsubsidized U.S. companies cannot compete. Businesses close, and factories are shut. But many Chinese companies get a subsidy, and China will not want to slow growth by agreeing to eliminate subsidies. This will be a difficult problem to solve.

Other countries do the same thing. In Europe, Airbus receives large government subsidies. In spite of the World Trade Organization determining that the subsidies are not legal, they do continue. Airbus was formed about 50 years ago. Partly because of the government subsidies, Airbus is now the largest airliner manufacturer in the world.

Phase 2 of the China trade deal will take some time as those difficult issues are addressed. Adding to the difficulty are the political issues. Hong Kong and Taiwan are problems for China as the residents there seek more freedom and democracy. The U.S. generally supports these positions, but that support is in direct conflict with China's interests.

Then there is the issue of North Korea. Trump wants them completely de-nuclearized. North Korea is reluctant to do that. China is North Korea's largest trading partner and there is a long-term relationship there.

Phase one of the deal is a huge success. Couple this with the new free and finally fair trade deals that Trump has signed with Mexico, Canada, South Korea, and Japan, and foreign markets will finally be opened to American business. That means more jobs with generally rising wages, more opportunities for business to expand.

President Trump has won the trade war, although there are still some issues to resolve. Trump's tough bargaining position has insured that foreign markets will be open to U.S. businesses. This is good for all Americans.

Michael Busler, Ph.D. is a public policy analyst and a professor of finance at Stockton University where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Finance and Economics.

Photo credit: YouTube screen grab (cropped).
President Trump's lawyers filed a brief on Monday urging the Senate to dismiss the impeachment charges against him and calling the House's impeachment process a "perversion" of the Constitution, The Associated Press reports.

The 110-page brief calls the House's impeachment case "flimsy," insists Trump did "absolutely nothing wrong," and says he has "been the victim of an illegitimate partisan effort to take him down," The New York Times reports. The House filed two impeachment articles against Trump  abuse of power for withholding aid to Ukraine in order to pressure that country to investigate his political rivals, and obstruction of Congress for blocking the House's impeachment inquiry.

The brief "does not deny that Mr. Trump pressured Ukraine to open investigations into Democrats," the Times writes. Instead it argues that this was within Trump's rights as president. As to the obstruction of Congress article, the lawyers say the president has a right to confidential deliberations.

The Senate trial on Trump's impeachment begins Tuesday. He is just the third sitting president to face such a trial. The Republican-controlled chamber is unlikely to convict him.

More stories from theweek.com

Report: Several Senate Democrats are talking about trading the testimony of Hunter Biden for John Bolton

White House counsel falsely claims Adam Schiff blocked Republicans from attending classified impeachment meetings

More U.S. service members receiving treatment following Iranian missile attack


[January 21, 2020] Bermuda Further Enhances Its International Appeal as Incorporated Segregated Accounts Companies Legislation Comes Into Effect

Bermuda's Incorporated Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2019 (ISAC Act) came into effect on January 15, 2020, providing multiple industries with yet another compelling reason for choosing to domicile their business on island. The ISAC Act, a stand-alone piece of legislation and a companion statute to the Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000, further enhances Bermuda's legislative framework by introducing a new and innovative company structure to cater to the needs of existing and prospective businesses. ISACs enable the creation of corporate group structures to operate multiple businesses or 'accounts', each ring-fenced with its own separate legal identity, under one umbrella. As such, each account has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person, including the right to enter into contracts with other accounts under the ISAC and with the ISAC itself. There are no limits on the number of accounts an ISAC may establish. This structure not only offers greater flexibilities and efficiencies, including the pooling of professional support, but also results in more robust asset and liabiity protections. For this reason, such structures are attractive to potential investors and have applications in numerous sectors including (re)insurance, investment funds, multinational enterprises, family offices, asset management and securitisation.



Roland Andy Burrows, CEO of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, said: "Bermuda has long been an exceptional place in which to do business thanks to its pro-business culture and gold standard legal and regulatory framework. The ISAC legislation, which came into effect this month, is very welcomed by the market and ensures that Bermuda remains at the forefront of commercial developments and is able to take advantage of future growth opportunities. We thank the Bermuda Government and the private sector for their collaborative efforts in advancing this legislation." The Bermuda ISAC regime will be supervised by the Registrar of Companies and the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

The ISAC Act 2019 can be viewed in full here: www.bermudalaws.bm. CONNECTING BUSINESS The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006123/en/

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The starkly opposed visions of US President and Swedish teen activist on will clash in on Tuesday as the World Economic Forum tries to face up to the perils of global warming on its 50th meeting.

The four-day gathering of the world's top political and business leaders in the Swiss Alps gets under way seeking to meet head-on the dangers to both the environment and economy from the heating of the planet.

Trump, who has repeatedly expressed scepticism about climate change, is set to give the first keynote address of 2020 on Tuesday morning, on the same day as his impeachment trial opens at the Senate in Washington.

Around the same time, Thunberg will also attend a meeting at the forum, where she is expected to underline the message that has inspired millions around the world -- that governments are failing to wake up to the reality of

The forum's own Global Risks report published last week warned that " is striking harder and more rapidly than many expected" with global temperatures on track to increase by at least three degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) towards the end of the century.

There are no expectations that the two, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, will actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

Sustainability is the buzzword at the forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the entire thrust of the event.

"Climate change is a hot topic at Davos," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, adding there had been a "change in the atmosphere" and realisation that climate change represented a downside risk for the economy.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a welcome ceremony in that "for too long, humanity took away resources from the environment and in exchange produced waste and pollution".

Business leaders attending the forum will be keen to tout their awareness on climate change but are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the IMF, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

"We are already seeing some tentative signs of stabilisation but we have not reached a turning point yet," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Other key priorities will be exploring how to battle biodiversity loss, narrow the digital divide between the internet haves and have nots and step up the fight against pandemics in the face of vaccine hesitancy and drug resistance.

"I am angry about the state of the world but I am also determined to engage and provide solutions and deliver," WWF director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "There needs to be healthy balance between these two sentiments."



The risk of global conflict will also loom large after the spike in tensions between the United States and Iran, following the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

But a planned appearance by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif -- which could have paved the way for a showdown or even meeting with Trump -- has been cancelled.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido -- who declared himself acting president last year -- will be attending the forum in defiance of a travel ban imposed by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to arraign a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Bello Adoke today in Abuja.

According to a news report by Channels TV, the anti-graft agency has filed a 12-count charge against Adoke at a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

Joined as defendants are Aliyu Abubakar, Rasky Gbinigie, as well as Malabu Oil and Gas Limited.

Others listed on the charge sheet are Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited.

The commission has also filed a separate seven count-charge before a Federal High Court against Mr Adoke and Mr Abubakar.

EFCC filed the charges at both courts in Abuja, after deciding to prosecute the former minister for the role he allegedly played in the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, otherwise known as Malabu oil scam.

Adoke was arrested by the EFCC in December last year after returning from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he was first arrested and detained by Interpol.

The anti-graft agency accused the former minister, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep (SNUD), and Nigeria Agip Exploration (NAE) of conspiracy, forgery of bank documents, bribery, corruption and money laundering to the tune of over $1.2 billion.
Her 30th birthday trip got off to a rocky start when she sparked complaints during a 'noisy' First Class flight.

But Billie Faiers proved she's moved past the recent drama as she appeared in great spirits while touring New York with her sister Sam, 29, and mother Sue Wells, 50, on Monday.

Pictured leaving the Refinery Hotel in Midtown, the reality star wrapped up against the chilly climes in a fluffy white coat as she embarked on an adventure in the Big Apple with her close relatives.

Having fun: Billie Faiers appeared in great spirits while touring New York with her sister Sam, 29, and mother Sue Wells, 50, on Monday

The mother-of-two brought a hint of her signature Essex glamour to the States as she teamed a floral print top with a pair of PVC-style leggings and white box-fresh trainers.

With her tresses worn in a sleek bun, the Minnie's Boutique owner accessorised her look with circular-framed shades and gold hooped earrings.

Her loved ones looked equally chic as Sam kept warm in a grey longline coat, while cheery Sue opted for a navy padded jacket.

Keeping warm: The reality star, 30, wrapped up against the chilly climes in a fluffy white coat as she embarked on an adventure in the Big Apple with her close relatives

Fuming: The ladies jetted away on Friday in First Class yet Billie lashed out a 'fun-sucking' member of BA staff, who claimed they were making too much noise

Here come the girls! Once on the plane, Sam looked incredibly happy while raising a glass of white wine to the camera and then posing for a selfie with the birthday girl

Later in the day, Billie burst into tears as she refused to take sister Sam's birthday gift of a helicopter ride over the city because she was too 'scared'.

The Mummy Diaries co-stars suffered another bump in their trip of a lifetime when Billie rejected the sweet surprise because of a fear of heights.

Blonde beauty Sam documented the scenario on her Instagram stories, posting an image of her older sibling crying - before sharing videos of helicopters flying over the Statue of Liberty alongside the wistful caption 'could have been us'.

Facing her fears: Later in the day, the mother-of-two burst into tears as she refused to take sister Sam's birthday gift of a helicopter ride over the city because she was too 'scared'

The image saw Billie with her head bowed and wiping away tears following Sam's big surprise.

Captioning the picture, former TOWIE star Sam wrote: 'Ok so for @billiefaiersofficial final birthday surprise I booked a helicopter ride to see New York...

'Unfortunately we didn't make it. Billie is crying here because she doesn't want to do it. Poor sis, she said she was scared. My mission this year is to get her to get her fear.' [sic]

However, all was soon well as the glamorous trio soon found another mode of transport to see the city.

Oh no: Sam told her Instagram followers she had planned the surprise of a lifetime for her big sister to mark her landmark birthday - but it was rejected

In the following Instagram story, Sam filmed herself Billie and mum Sue as she said: 'So we are now going to be going on the ferry to see a bit of New York!'

The girls were heard giggling away as Sam panned the camera around.

And it certainly was a chilly trip as another clip showed the famous sisters wrapped up in balaclavas amid the minus two degrees temperature.

But despite their fun time on the ferry in which they took in the stunning skyline, Sam couldn't help but take one last dig at her sister's rejection of her present.

Onwards but not upwards: However, all was soon well as the glamorous trio soon found another mode of transport to see the city

Alternative: In the following Instagram story, Sam filmed herself, Billie and mum Sue as she said: 'So we are now going to be going on the ferry to see a bit of New York!'

Filming a helicopter up in the sky, the mum-of-two wrote: 'could have been us', alongside three laughing/crying emojis.

Sam, Billie and Sue have been getting stuck in to their New York trip and have of course been detailing their holiday in forensic detail on social media - including their boozy brunch at Balthazar and a trip to Times Square.

The ladies were living the life of luxury as they jetted away on Friday in First Class yet Billie lashed out a 'fun-sucking' member of BA staff, who claimed they were making too much noise.

Sharing an impassioned message on Instagram, the birthday girl fairly thanked the majority of staff but hit out at one member, in a message shared after a series of clips showed the trio enjoying champagne cocktails and wine.

Life's a breeze: And it certainly was a chilly trip as another clip showed the famous sisters wrapped up in balaclavas amid the minus two degrees temperature

What could've been: Filming a helicopter up in the sky, the mum-of-two wrote: 'could have been us', alongside three laughing/crying emojis

Ever the professional and as a seasoned traveller, she was sure to emphasise to her 2.1million followers that it was not all the staff who she struggled with.

Billie wrote: 'I would like to say a huge thank you to some of the staff at British Airways at the airport... however... since being on the plane someone has complained because me my mum and sister have been laughing...

'Yes laughing... how dare we on our way to New York... anyhow that fun sucker (BA staff) from British Airways told us to keep the noise down. Please honey are we not even aloud to laugh these days??'[sic]

Their displeasure was understandable, as it was clear to see that the girls were in utter excitement mode as they posed in matching New York jumpers in the First Class lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5.
BP Plc handed more power to a new generation of executives, announcing that Chief Financial Officer Brian Gilvary will join his boss Bob Dudley in retiring this year.

Murray Auchincloss, currently the finance chief of BPs oil and gas production division, will succeed Gilvary. The energy giant already announced last year that Bernard Looney, who runs that unit, will become chief executive officer at the end of March.

In a world thats increasingly wary of fossil fuels, BPs new top executives will have to prove the company can keep up with the times. The London-based company has a highly profitable oil and gas business that pioneered exports from the Middle East, opened up giant fields in Alaska and the U.K. North Sea, and has paid billions of dollars to shareholders.

FUEL FIX NEWSLETTER: Your inbox. Our energy news. A perfect combo.

Looney and Auchincloss will be expected to keep that business performing well, while also addressing increasing investor pressure to curb greenhouse gas emissions and lay the groundwork for the long transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy.

With Auchinclosss international financial and commercial experience and a deep understanding of the whole group, he will play an important role as BP continues to develop in a fast-changing energy market, Chairman Helge Lund said.

Gilvary, 57, will step down at the end of June following a 34-year career with BP, Europes third-biggest oil company said Tuesday. Auchincloss, will become group CFO and join the board on July 1.

Auchincloss has served as CFO for BPs Upstream unit since 2015. He was head of the group CEOs office from 2010 to 2013, working directly with Dudley. From 2005 to 2007 he was CFO for BPs North Sea business.

It seems a natural transition, RBC analyst Biraj Borkhataria said. It bucks the recent trend of new management coming from the downstream businesses, however neither appointments are a surprise, he said, referring to BPs new CEO and CFO.

MORE: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com

Gilvary became finance chief and joined the board in January 2012. Since then, he has managed issues including the resolution of litigation after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill that nearly bankrupted the company. He was also in the thick of reshaping BP following crudes price crash that began in 2014.

Gilvary and Auchincloss will work together between now and the end of June to ensure an orderly transition, BP said in the statement.
From left are Samsung Life Insurance CEO Jeon Young-muk, Samsung Card CEO Kim Dae-hwan and Samsung Asset Management CEO Shim Jong-geuk. / Courtesy of each company



By Park Jae-hyuk



Former and incumbent Samsung Life Insurance employees in their 50s will lead the nation's largest conglomerate's financial units, according to each affiliate, Tuesday.



The latest reshuffle is considered to indicate the group's efforts to seek better profits through a generational shift amid a worsening business environment for the financial market.



Samsung Life nominated Samsung Asset Management CEO Jeon Young-muk, 56, for its new chief.



Hyun Sung-chul, 60, who has led Samsung Life since 2018, stepped down.



Jeon has served as the Samsung Asset Management CEO since 2018, after working at Samsung Securities from 2015 to 2018 and previously at Samsung Life from 1986 to 2015.



The new chief executive is tasked with boosting profits at the nation's leading life insurer which posted 976.8 billion won ($837 million) in net income for the first three quarter of 2019, down 43.4 percent from 1.7 trillion won a year earlier.



Samsung Card recommended Samsung Life Vice President Kim Dae-hwan, 57, as its new CEO.



The new chief executive, who has worked at Samsung Life since 1986, is expected to focus on digital transformation when he manages the card issuer which is facing deteriorating profitability.



Won Gee-chan, 60, who has led the nation's second-largest credit card company since 2014 after his 28-year career at Samsung Electronics, decided to leave the company, amid the ongoing criminal suit over his alleged sabotage of union activities at the Samsung Electronics' customer service unit.



He was sentenced to one-and-a-half years in prison suspended for three years at his trial in December 2019.



Samsung Asset Management proposed Samsung Life Vice President Shim Jong-geuk, 59, who has worked for Samsung Life since 1986, for the successor to the outgoing CEO Jeon.



The nominees will officially be appointed as new CEOs subject to approval at upcoming board meetings.



Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance CEO Choi Young-moo, 57, and Samsung Securities CEO Chang Seok-hoon, 57, will maintain their positions.



Choi, who has worked at the insurance firm since 1981, is facing a daunting task as his company's net income for the first three quarters of 2019 dropped 35.1 percent year-on-year to 585.9 billion won.



Chang, who has worked for the brokerage since 1995, was promoted to president from vice president in the latest reshuffle.



He has led the securities firm since July 2018, when former CEO Koo Sung-hoon resigned after his company was punished by the financial regulator over the "fat finger" scandal that took place in April that year as Samsung Securities mistakenly gave about 2.8 billion shares to its workers who owned company stock, instead of 2.8 billion won in dividends.


Donna D'Errico has managed to keep her looks three decades after she wore a skimpy red swimsuit while on TV's hit series Baywatch.

And the 51-year-old actress reminded her Instagram followers of this as she slipped into a little black outfit while at home on Monday.

The siren famously documented her extensive plastic surgery in 2017 that included an arm lift, liposuction and tummy tuck.

Still slim: Donna D'Errico has managed to keep her looks three decades after she wore a skimpy red swimsuit while on TV's hit series Baywatch. And the 51-year-old actress reminded her Instagram followers of this as she slipped into a little black outfit while at home on Monday

In this new image the cover girl wore a black lace leotard with over-the-knee boots.

Her blonde hair was worn down and nicely styled as she had her makeup done just perfect to complement her deep tan.

And she also wore her nails long with a perfect French manicure.

D'Errico has admitted to undergoing extensive plastic surgery in 2017 to get her Baywatch body back.

Three years ago, the actress underwent surgery to get her former famous figure back.

She looks half her age: Her blonde hair was worn down and nicely styled as she had her makeup done just perfect to complement her deep tan

She said at the time: 'I went to see Dr. Obeng because I had excess skin on my upper arms from having gained and lost weight.

'I also had quite a bit of excess skin on my stomach from having had two children.'

The former wife of rocker Nikki Sixx had an arm lift, liposuction on her stomach - where the doctored removed two liters of fat - as well as lipo on her back and arms, a tummy tuck and finally a butt enhancement.

In the rather graphic and gory surgery snaps, the doctor can be seen hard at work during the almost five hour long surgery.

The doctor first removed the fat from her stomach and arms then did a tummy tuck.

She hasn't aged! Donna sported the iconic red swimsuit in Baywatch from 1996 to 1998

Flipping Donna over, he then removed more fat from her back all of which was harvested.

The surgeon then used the harvested fat and injected it into Donna's behind to fashion out a 'bubble butt' for the star.

It was a lot of work to be done in one day and prior to the surgery, Donna was understandably nervous.

The actress' face showed her nerves as Dr. Obeng marked out where he planned to remove fat and where he would make the incisions on her arms.

While painful, Donna is obviously over-the-moon with the results saying in her review: 'The results are beyond outstanding and I am now confident again in a bikini.'

Proving her point, Donna decided to throw on a red one piece once again for a segment and photo shoot with Inside Edition.

Doing good! Here the star is seen serving meals to the homeless at Christmas for the Los Angeles Mission

Insider Edition even had the star recreate her famous Baywatch pose from the Nineties hit.

D' Errico shares her 18-year-old daughter Frankie-Jean Sixx with ex-husband and Motley Crue member, Nikki Six.

She also has a son, Rhyan D' Errico, 24, from a previous relationship.

Nikki and Donna were wed from 1996 to 2007.

Back in 2000, the couple temporarily split after Frankie was born. Nikki then completed a sting in rehab and the pair reconciled for a few years.

The couple tied the knot in March 2014 and announced they were pregnant with their first child together in January.

Donna joined the Baywatch universe in 1996, playing Donna Marco on both the original series and it's spin-off, Baywatch Nights.

She starred alongside icons like David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson - who wed Jon Peters in a surprise ceremony on Monday - and Michael Newman.

Coming up, D'Errico is set to appear in new TV series, Green Valley, and upcoming film, 116 MacDougal.
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, heading for the global leaders conference in Switzerland, on the eve of his impeachment trial (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

White House lawyers have argued for a swift rejection of flimsy charges against Donald Trump on the eve of the historic impeachment trial against the US president.

As the Capitol awaited the start of the contentious proceedings  which are unfolding in an election year  the Senate leader also proposed a compressed calendar for opening statements.

Final trial preparations were underway on Monday on a tense day of developments, with Mr Trumps legacy  and the judgment of both parties in Congress  at stake.

The presidents legal team, in its first full filing for the impeachment court, argued Mr Trump did absolutely nothing wrong and urged the Senate to swiftly reject the flawed case against him.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn, the presidents lawyers wrote. The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.

Expand Close Donald Trump glances at journalists as he leaves the White House on Monday on the eve of his impeachment trial (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Donald Trump glances at journalists as he leaves the White House on Monday on the eve of his impeachment trial (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP)

The brief from the White House, and the House Democratic response, came as it emerged that 12-hour sessions were on the agenda for the rare Senate trial, with some of the very senators running to replace Mr Trump as president sitting as jurors.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening statements, ground rules that Democrats immediately rejected.

Voting on the Republican leaders resolution will be one of the first orders of business when senators convene on Tuesday. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats had demanded.

The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, called the GOP leaders proposed rules package a national disgrace.

Senators are poised for only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history, coming just weeks before the first primaries of 2020 election season and as voters assess Mr Trumps first term and consider the candidates who want to challenge him in the autumn.

House Democrats impeached the president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed that country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to comply with their investigation.

Expand Close The Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, seen here last week, has accused Republicans of trying to rush the impeachment proceedings (Julio Cortez/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, seen here last week, has accused Republicans of trying to rush the impeachment proceedings (Julio Cortez/AP)

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president and the Senate the final verdict by convening as the impeachment court for a trial.

Mr McConnell is angling for a speedy trial towards acquittal, and with Republicans holding the Senate majority, the proposal is likely to be approved by senators in the presidents party.

Its clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, said Mr Schumer, who vowed to propose votes on Tuesday to try to amend the rules package.

The first several days of the trial are now almost certain to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor or, more likely, behind closed doors, since senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

At the White House, where the president was embarking for an overseas trip to the global leaders conference in Davos, Switzerland, officials welcomed the Republican trial proposal.

We are gratified that the draft resolution protects the presidents rights to a fair trial, and look forward to presenting a vigorous defence on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible, said White House Legislative Affairs Director Eric Ueland.

After the four days of opening arguments  two days per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

At the end of deliberations, the Senate would then vote on each impeachment article.

Mr McConnell had promised to set rules similar to the last trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways, which may leave some senators from both parties uneasy.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah said in an email message to his constituents on Monday that the resolution put forth by Mr McConnell overall, aligns closely with the rules package approved 100-0 during the Clinton trial.

Mr Romney is among a small number of Republican senators who want to consider witness testimony and documents that werent part of the House impeachment investigation.

President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax.' He is wrongHouse prosecutors' legal filing

In their filing on Monday, House prosecutors issued fresh demands for a fair trial in the Senate.

President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax. He is wrong, the prosecutors wrote.

The White House document released Monday says the two charges against the president dont amount to impeachable offences. It asserts the impeachment inquiry, centred on Mr Trumps request that Ukraines president open an investigation into Democratic rival Mr Biden, was never about finding the truth.

House Democrats in their initial court filing over the weekend called Mr Trumps conduct the worst nightmare of the founding fathers who framed the Constitution.

But Mr Trumps team contended Monday that even if Trump were to have abused his power in withholding the Ukraine military assistance, it would not be impeachable because it did not violate a specific criminal statute.
Medical staff carry a box as they walk at the Jinyintan hospital, where the patients with pneumonia caused by the new strain of coronavirus are being treated, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, Jan. 10, 2020. Reuters



South Korean authorities are ramping up screening efforts at airports on Tuesday after the country confirmed the first case of a new type of coronavirus that is set to spread across China and other parts of Asia.



The country's main gateway, Incheon International Airport, and Cheongju International Airport, located in the central part of the country, have stepped up inspections after a traveler tested positive for the new strain of the pneumonia-like illness currently spreading in China.



Cheongju International Airport does not operate direct flights from Wuhan  where the virus appears to have originated  but has a high number of inbound travelers.



On Monday, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) confirmed the virus in a Chinese woman who arrived in the country through Incheon International Airport.



The KCDC said the 35-year-old patient is currently being quarantined at a designated isolation ward and is in a stable condition, with no pneumonia-like symptoms present.






Amaravati, Jan 21 : A day after the Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed two Bills to develop three state capitals, farmers continued their protest for 35th day on Tuesday, demanding that Amaravati be continued as the only capital.

A shutdown was being observed in all 29 villages in Amaravati as farmers, who had given 33,000 acres of land to build the capital, staged a sit in and set afire the copies of the Bills.

With black cloths tied to their mouth, protestors staged silent protests in the villages. Shops and educational institutions remained closed as a mark of protest on a call given by Joint Action Committee.

Condemning the police's "high-handedness" during Monday's 'chalo Assembly' protest, the farmers decided not to extend any cooperation to the police forces deployed in the villages. They did not allow the cops to sit in front of their houses and refused to give even water.

Over 50 people, including six policemen, were reported injured in the police baton charge and the clashes during the opposition sponsored march to the Assembly to protest against the three capitals move.

Hundreds of protestors had tried to march towards the Assembly to lodge their protest against the shifting of key capital functions out of Amaravati.

Meanwhile, opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and Guntur MP Galla Jayadev, who was arrested during the protest on Monday, was released on bail on Tuesday.

The MP said they were conducting peaceful protest but the police turned violent and attacked them. Jayadev sustained baton blows.

The TDP leader said for 15 hours the police carried him from one place to the other and did not inform him whether he was being detained or arrested. "If the police can do this to an MP, what happens to the common man," he asked.

Dramatic scenes were witnessed late Monday night when the police detained former Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and his party MLAs when they were trying to visit Mandadam village to call on the injured protestors.

TDP MP from Vijayawada, Kesineni Nani and TDP's Andhra Pradesh unit President Kala Venkata Rao said the police acted in high-handed manner at the behest of political bosses. They asked the police if they had obtained permission from the Lok Sabha Speaker to arrest Galla Jayadev. The TDP said it would take up the issue with the Centre.

The Assembly on Monday night passed Andhra Pradesh Decentralization and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill Aand Capital Region Development Authority Repeal Bill, paving the way for development of three capitals - Amaravati, Visakhapatnam and Kurnool.

Meanwhile, several farmers from Amaravati called on Jana Sena leader and actor Pawan Kalyan at his party office. They alleged that police carried out brutal baton charge.

Addressing them, Pawan Kalyan said the YSRCP government will have to pay a heavy price for its shifting the capital from Amaravati. He assured the farmers that the shift will be temporary as Jana Sena will ensure that Amaravati continue as the capital.
The stinging back to school line prompted intelligence community officials to suggest to the House and Senate that this year they testify only behind closed doors, according to a recent report in Politico. However, ducking the cameras would be counterproductive. No one needs to remind the intelligence community about the value of credibility. Theirs has been on a roller coaster for many years and is constantly tested anew. The open hearing on worldwide threats helps build credibility with judgments laid out for all to see, debate and hold accountable. If this exercise is hidden behind closed doors, intelligence community leaders will be missing out on a rare chance to explain their thinking  the product of a vast, collective enterprise involving thousands of people and far-reaching technology  and to make a deposit in the credibility bank.
I have often talked about the continuum of sarkaar (government), samaaj (society), and bazaar (markets), and why, for a successful society, these three must work together. Ideally, sarkaar should not grab too much power; bazaar, should not flout the rule of law or appropriate public resources; and vigilantes from the samaaj should not take the law into their own hands. This requires awareness and active participation from citizens. After all, we are citizens first; our primary identity is not as a subject of the State or as a consumer for the market. As citizens, how do we then help build a good society? There are many interests between samaaj and sarkaar; bazaar and sarkaar; as well as between samaaj and bazaar. For the purpose of this article, we will examine the congruence of interest between samaaj and bazaar.

We all want and need the rule of law to be upheld. In fact the bazaar  or at least the modern corporation as we know it  would not exist if the rule of law had not created the limited liability company 300 years ago. This allowed innovation to flourish, and also provided for the absorption of failure, because wherever there is innovation, there is failure. It is because of the rule of law that companies can fail without going under themselves; and for their own sake, therefore, corporations have a great stake in upholding it. They need the enforceability of contracts, protection of property, availability of fair competition and so on; otherwise they simply cannot function. But even beyond this, they need the law to be upheld by society, because no business can thrive without social stability outside its gates.

Civil society and business, therefore, have more in common than either believe. Sure, in some cases, civil society has to position itself against business interests, when those interests are being deployed unfairly on the ground . For instance, in the case of public goods like water and land commons, or with environmental issues like pollution and contamination, civil society and business knock up against each other. But they also have a common concern  to keep the sarkaar in check.

State power worldwide tends to accumulate, and it is to the advantage of both business and civil society, to make sure that the State does not abuse its own power. Many corporations have been subject to the vagaries of State power while running their businesses; excessive discretionary power also adversely affects the climate in which businesses operate. If the alignment of samaaj and bazaar is understood and worked on, it helps restrain the State. For example, civil society institutions and business corporations might together or separately appeal to the State on poorly framed laws. In the recent proposal to criminalise non-compliance of Corporate Social Responsibility, both samaaj and bazaar would have been adversely affected. Both successfully voiced strong reservations against it and it was rolled back.

We all need good laws, and an independent, impartial, and efficient judiciary to verify the constitutionality of those laws. We all require equal access to the justice system.We also need effective public institutions that help uphold the rule of law. It is the only way to both empower the bazaar, and uphold the rights of the countrys citizens.

The samaaj has an interest in the rule of law as well, as it is critical for addressing access issues, especially for the poor. Civil society organisations (CSOs) representing samaaj are often driven by passion and a commitment to rights and freedoms. Sometimes, at great personal risk, they go up against the power of the State and corporations, to create campaigns, build institutions, and push for more agency for people who are left out. Civil society must, however, learn to communicate better the long-term benefits of such work to business.

The bazaar itself cannot do this work. Though they benefit indirectly, corporations cannot support or implement politically sensitive programs, and risk the fallout of such action. It would make them vulnerable to all sorts of state action. But they can certainly do more than what theyre doing at the moment. With the civil society institutions that they trust and already have a relationship with, they can, and should, give core institutional support to continue work beyond project-based funding. Even if they do just this, it strengthens civil society capacity to take on issues of rights and exclusions that are adjacent to their work on service delivery.

Indian philanthropy doesnt take enough risk. Its good to keep honouring service delivery improvements, but its time to look at our society, and for the philanthropic sector to step up and get into more important areas such as access to justice. And the congruent interest of samaaj and bazaar is exactly why. Can we  as corporations and philanthropists  pledge that we will no longer do only incremental work, but will try something transformational? The time has come to align self-interest and the public interest in support of the rule of law and constitutional values. It doesnt have to be the State versus civil society, or business versus civil society, or the State versus business. They are not neccessarily antithetical to each other. Society is successful when it reduces the friction for the three to co-create solutions. And its important for all the three sectors to recognise that  to discover the common within the uncommon ground.

But it is an especially opportune time for business and civil society to act more creatively from their own, unrecognised common ground. Poised at a new decade, we can ensure that this countrys solemn promise to itself  to secure liberty and justice  social, economic and political  for all its citizens, will be met, and met in abundance.

Rohini Nilekani is founder-chairperson, Arghyam, a foundation for sustainable water and sanitation

The views expressed are personal

(This article was originally published on India Development Review)
Shilpa Shetty Kundra Receives The Champion Of Change 2019 Award Says, Little Habits Can Bring About A Huge Change
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.21

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia will take part in the World Economic Forum which will be held in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21-24, 2020, Trend reports with reference to the press service of the government administration.

As reported, Georgian Finance Minister Ivane Matchavariani, the PMs Advisor for strategic communications Irakli Chikovani and the Prime Ministers Advisor for economics Beka Liluashvili are also participating in the forum.

During his visit to Switzerland, Gakharia will participate in a panel discussion "New Ambitions for Europe". In addition, the prime minister will take part in the official event, Uniting Europe, held for European leaders.

Gakharia will also attend the presentation Cool Kids on Blockchain, where Georgian start-up Vault Wines will be presented as the winner of a venture capital contest held by the Swiss Venture Capital Fund.

Gakharia will meet with officials of international finance institutions and heads of the worlds largest companies, including Philips Lighting, Siemens Energy, Camille Bloch, Coca-Cola and Oneweb, the press service said.

The World Economic Forum, which will be held in Davos from January 21-24, will mark the 50th anniversary of the forum. The main theme of the event is the ecology and the whole range of related problems.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @Mila61979356
Amid deepening economic slump and a growing slide toward recession internationally, companies in Australia, large and small, are declaring bankruptcy or implementing job cuts to slash costs and maintain profits.

While the Australias stock market this month hit record highs, the downturn in the real economy has been revealed by a sharp retail crisis. According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday, there have been 169 closures across the sector in the first several weeks of 2020. Experts have warned that the figure is among the highest in several decades.

The crisis in retail has emerged even before the full impact of low sales over the Christmas and holiday period has been felt. Devastating bushfires across the country are also expected to have a flow-on effect that will likely last for months.

In an indication of the breadth of the downturn, stores announcing closures range from high-line to budget clothes retailers, computer games distributors and shops specialising in science products. The slump is bound up with a deepening social crisis caused by a soaring cost of living, and stagnating or declining wages, leading to a marked reduction in consumers spending power.

Last week, national denim chain Jeanswest, which employs 988 people and has 146 stores across the country, went into administration. The company, which was established in 1972, has outlets around the world, including in New Zealand.

In a move that may herald a broader cost-cutting restructure, major retail chain Myer has shed 35 head office jobs, including management, business and administration positions. A spokesman for the company said that the sackings were made with the aim of ensuring the business operated in the most efficient and productive way.

Womens fashion retailer Bardot has announced it will shut 58 of its stores across the country over the next two months, at the cost of 530 jobs. The company, which operated 72 stores nationally and employed around 800 people, went into administration last November.

Administrators from KPMG, who are at present attempting to find a buyer for the remaining Bardot business, have not ruled out further store closures and job losses, stating only that it is not our intention to close further stores at this point in time.

US-owned electronics and video game retailer EB Games has stated that it will close 19 stores in what it termed unprofitable locations across the country, causing an as yet unspecified number of job losses. Curious Planet, formerly known as Australian Geographic, will shut its 63 stores over the next two months. The company was placed into voluntary administration in December, owing more than $15 million.

These failures follow the collapse of giant retail chain Harris Scarfe, after it went into voluntary administration last December. The $380 million retail chain operated 66 stores across five Australian states and employed more than 1,800 people. The company was acquired by private equity firm Allegro Funds in November.

Scarfe, the largest retail operator to go under so far, joins a list of failures across the clothing and fashion sector during last year. Others include menswear retailer Ed Harry, sportswear company Skins and footwear retailer Shoes of Prey. Fashion retailer Karen Millen Australia closed seven independent stores along with its eight concessions housed in major department stores.

Just two weeks before the collapse of Scarfe, the smaller Victorian discount retail chain Dimmeys, which had 31 stores, failed. The same factors have forced the closure of other retail businesses, including fast food outlets such as Melbourne burger chain Benny Burger and Big Roosters Queensland operation.

SWC Management group was also placed into administration in December, after reportedly suffering a severe liquidity crisis and dwindling margins. Some 400 jobs have been destroyed as a result. The company operated a newly redeveloped warehouse in Melbournes western suburbs and managed a number of subsidiaries that supplied and installed stone, tile and glass on construction projects.

The SWC failure is a sharp warning of looming collapses and job cuts across the ailing construction sector, which is experiencing falling demand.

According to the latest Australian Performance of Construction Index (PCI), construction activity fell in November by 3.9 points on the previous month to 40.0. The decline, the 15th consecutive monthly fall, leaves the measure well below the 50-point mark separating expansion and contraction. At the same time, the PCI employment sub-index fell 8.4 points over the month, indicating substantial job losses occurring across the sector.

According to figures released in September last year, some 50,000 construction jobs have been destroyed over the past 12 months. The sectors share of the total labour market shrank to 9.1 percent, from a peak of 9.5 percent early last year.

Also in December, Bounty Mining went into administration and closed its Cook Colliery in the Queenslands Bowen Basin, directly impacting on more than 250 mainly contractor jobs. The losses came on top of 21 jobs axed at the mine in November.

Further job cuts and closures across the mining sector are extremely likely in 2020 as a result of an economic slowdown in China, which is the major export market for Australian coal and other mining commodities.

While at this time China is not considering cutting back on the usage of coal, it is moving to reduce the amount it imports and boost domestic operations.

According to analysts with Bloomberg Intelligence, China is likely to cut net coal imports by 8 percent in 2020. This could put downward pressure on profits in the Australian coal mining sector, creating the conditions for cuts in production and job losses as companies seek to slash costs to offset the impact of reduced international demand.

Numbers of employers across other sectors have either imposed job cuts over the last few months or are moving to shed jobs over the coming period.

Airline Emirates announced it would close its call centre in Melbourne in October at the cost of 81 jobs. Qantas, Australias main airline, could axe as many as 400 jobs in a restructure flagged by the company in early November. Financial services business Evans Dixon closed its Australian arm Dixon Projects and eliminated an undisclosed number of jobs, as part of a global restructure of its operation.

Amid falling profits, Japanese holding company Dentsu announced in December that it will shed 11 percent of its staff, around 1,400 jobs, across seven key areas, including Australia.

The New South Wales state Liberal-National government will axe an undisclosed number of jobs from its Department of Customer Service to cut more than $100 million from its workforce-related expenditure. The government has also released plans to destroy 200 jobs at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) facilities.

The job shedding flows from the budget handed down by the NSW government in June which was designed to slash almost $3.2 billion from the state public sector, including over 3,000 jobs as a result of a one percent reduction in its workforce of around 330,000 employees. Similar austerity measures are being imposed by big business governments at every level across the country, whether state or federal, Labor or Liberal-National.
NAPLES, Fla., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Six leading health care experts from 21st Century Oncology, the largest integrated cancer care network in America, and Physicians Regional Healthcare System will host a far-reaching discussion on men's health, touching on subjects such as erectile dysfunction, and prevention and detection of colorectal cancer.

Open to the public, the forum will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, Florida.

The panel of medical professionals, which includes two urologists and a radiation oncologist from 21st Century Oncology, will present tips and strategies for leading a healthy lifestyle on the following subjects:

Dr. Arturo Balandra Naples Urology Associates, A Division of 21 St Century Oncology  Erectile Dysfunction & Treatment Options

 Erectile Dysfunction & Treatment Options Dr. Chaundre Cross, 21st Century Oncology  Innovative Treatments for Prostate Cancer

 Innovative Treatments for Prostate Cancer Dr. Marc Guttman , Naples Urology Associates, A Division of 21 St Century Oncology  MRI Ultrasounds Fusion Guided Prostate Biopsy

,  MRI Ultrasounds Fusion Guided Prostate Biopsy Dr. Jonas Mansson , Physicians Regional Medical Group  Hernia: Symptoms & Repair

,  Hernia: Symptoms & Repair Dr. Alexandre Rosen , Physicians Regional Medical Group  Enlarged Prostate: What is it?

,  Enlarged Prostate: What is it? Dr. Anthony Vernava , Physicians Regional Medical Group  Risk Factors, Prevention & Detection of Colorectal Cancer

The forum will include a free continental breakfast; and a Q&A session with the panelists will follow the speeches. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Sherri Kubesh at 239-839-6015 or [email protected]

About 21st Century Oncology

21st Century Oncology is the nation's largest integrated cancer care network. Operating as one dream team in the crusade against cancer, the company carries out its mission with the mindset of "fighting for patients like an army and caring for them like a family." 21st Century Oncology employs or is affiliated with 1,000 physicians globally to deliver the most advanced, integrated and compassionate cancer care in personal and convenient settings. Headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, 21st Century Oncology operates 164 treatment centers, including 127 centers located in 15 U.S. states. In addition, the company operates 37 centers located in seven countries in Latin America. For more information, please visit https://www.21co.com.

Contact: Lisa Palacio

JConnelly

973-850-7317

[email protected]

SOURCE 21st Century Oncology

Related Links

https://www.21co.com


Trump-appointed judge rules against using trans pronouns in child porn convict case

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A federal appellate court has ruled against the mandatory use of transgender pronouns such as referring to a man as "she" or someone as "xemself" in court documents.

A three-judge panel from the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled on Jan. 15 that no legal authority exists requiring anyone to refer to gender-dysphoric litigants with pronouns matching their subjective gender identity."

Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, denied the request to use the preferred pronouns of a transgender-identified sex offender convicted of child porn possession.

The ruling stems from a case involving a federal prisoner named Norman Varner who appealed a lower court's refusal to alter a court document ordering his confinement in the female name of "Katherine Nicole Jett."

The three-judge panel included Duncan, the recent Trump appointee, Reagan appointee Judge Jerry Smith, and Clinton appointee Judge James Dennis. The decision was 2-1, with the Republican-appointed judges in the majority. Duncan formerly served as the general counsel at the religious liberty law firm Becket.



Varner's appeal came with a motion to use female pronouns when addressing him. He reportedly began self-identifying as a transgender woman in 2015 when he started taking hormones and indicated plans to undergo gender surgery.

The motion asserted that the lower court's unwillingness to refer to him by using female pronouns leads me to feel that I am being discriminated against based on my gender identity and [r]eferring to me simply as a male and with male pronouns based solely on my biological body makes me feel very uneasy and disrespected.

Varner was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2012 to attempted receipt of child pornography. He had been previously convicted on a state charge of failure to register as a sex offender and on possession of child porn.

If a court orders one litigant referred to as her (instead of him), then the court can hardly refuse when the next litigant moves to be referred to as xemself (instead of himself)," Duncan wrote in his opinion.

Deploying such neologisms could hinder communication among the parties and the court, the judge added. And presumably the courts order, if disobeyed, would be enforceable through its contempt power.

Matters concerning self-declared gender identities as they relate to nondiscrimination and other civil rights statutes are increasingly being litigated in U.S. courts.

In October, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. EEOC & Aimee Stephens, a case where a male who identifies as female argues he was unjustly fired from his job when his former employer, a funeral parlor that has a sex-specific dress code, refused to allow him to wear a skirt to work and be recognized as a woman while on the job.

Duncan also wrote in the Fifth Circuit panel's majority opinion that a court might have the most benign motives in calling someone by pronouns of their choice, yet in doing so, the court may unintentionally convey its tacit approval of the litigants underlying legal position.

We decline to enlist the federal judiciary in this quixotic undertaking, the ruling concluded.



In his dissent, Dennis asserted that Varner is simply requesting that this court, in this proceeding, refer to [him] using her preferred gender pronouns and was not making the request of anyone else.

The Fifth Circuit hears federal cases from Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
A Kelso property management company has taken over leasing management of the historic Monticello Hotel and will start accepting tenant applications this week for 14 apartments, some of them recently renovated.

Catlin Properties Inc. last week finalized an agreement with the hotel to find tenants for residences above the first floor, Catlin Properties owner Ray Pyle said Monday.

Craig Dieffenbach, who oversees renovations to the Monticello, approached Catlin Properties to be the leasing manager, Pyle said.

(The hotel) is the crown jewel of Cowlitz County, Pyle said. Its beautiful. Its historic. And Craig has done a fabulous job of bringing so much of it back.  Its time to get it filled up and get the right tenants in there.

The Monticello Hotel was one of the first major buildings erected in Longview when the town was founded in the early 1920s.

The hotel has 68 units, 14 of which are currently vacant, Catlin Properties Commercial Property Manager Niki Favela said Monday.

Some of the apartments were recently renovated and are luxury living, whereas others are smaller and werent recently upgraded but are affordable and adorable, Favela said.

The available apartments range from $900 to $1,500 a month. And they range from 750 square feet to 2,000 square feet. Each apartment has a different floor plan and different views, some overlooking R.A. Long Park, Favela said.

Pyle said he expects to have tenants from Vancouver and Portland.

Catlin Properties will not be involved with the restaurants or maintenance and upgrades to the apartment rooms. However, Favela said the company would like to be the property manager some day.

We partnered with them, and we hope to grow that partnership in the future and work closely with them, Favela said.

A representative of the corporation that owns the Monticello Hotel confirmed in October that the building is listed for sale. At the time, it was listed for $9.25 million  almost $6.5 million more than the corporation bought it for in 2016. The listing on LoopNet, the commercial real estate site marketing the building, was last updated on Jan. 14 and still had the price at $9.25 million.

Previous Daily News articles estimated that the investors spent about $7 million to buy and renovate the building.

Pyle said he didnt know of any prospective buyers at the moment.

In terms of us, in this business, X-amount of properties are always for sale. Its always fluid. Our goal is to do a super good job so when the new owner comes on, we get to stay on. Were investing in that future, he said.

The website to apply to be a tenant was expected to go live Monday afternoon or Tuesday, Favela said Monday morning. Prospective tenants can visit the Monticello Hotel website, which will then link them to Catlin Properties to apply.

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Mumbai: A week after Yogesh Soman, the director of the Academy of Theatre Arts, was sent on forced leave by the University of Mumbai (MU) for allegedly making derogatory comments about Congress leaders Indira and Rahul Gandhi on social media, the teachers union has come out in his support. The Mumbai University and College Teachers Association (MUCTA) has written to vice-chancellor (VC) Suhas Pednekar to revoke his order against Soman.

MUCTA secretary Subhash Athawale, in his letter to Pednekar, has asked the university to reverse the order of sending Soman on forced leave. The organisation has also questioned the university on its decision. The decision to send Soman on leave [on January 13] and to set up an inquiry was taken without hearing any clarifications from Soman and under pressure. It is wrong. We are requesting the VC to not bow down to any pressure from students and revoke his decisions, said Athawale.

Since December, students had been demanding Somans removal from the post of the institute director, after he uploaded videos on his social media accounts, in which he allegedly made derogatory statements against the Gandhis. Somans remarks were in the context of a statement made by Rahul Gandhi on the Citizenship Amendment Act. Students raised questions over the Somans appointment as the institutes director and demanded an inquiry against him, following which the university initiated a probe.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is giving his annual budget address Tuesday in Albany amid a number of challenges to making legislative deals on some big fiscal and policy issues.

The new budget will detail the governors approach to addressing a $6 billion budget deficit as well as how he intends to pay for the legislative agenda he unveiled at his Jan. 8 State of the State address without raising taxes. There will be plenty of give and take in the coming months with lawmakers, but the governors budget  which he will unveil at 1 p.m. at The Egg on Empire State Plaza  will provide a framework for upcoming negotiations between the governor and legislative leaders as they work towards reaching a budget deal before an April 1 deadline.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has suggested that tax increases should be considered before spending cuts. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, however, has emphasized that tax increases are best avoided. Cuomo is also insistent as ever on sticking to a 2% cap on spending increases.

Much remains to be determined, but budget negotiations start with the release of Cuomos spending plan. Here are three key questions to keep in mind.

Where is he going to find $6 billion?

Perhaps the biggest question concerns how Cuomo is planning to close the deficit. At the heart of the issue is a philosophical debate about whether the deficit represents a spending or revenue problem. The answer to that question depends on who you talk to, but Cuomo and lawmakers will likely end up addressing the deficit through a mix of spending cuts and revenue increases. An audit by the office of state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli finds $790 million in potential savings by cutting Medicaid payments and getting rebates from drugmakers.

The governor has already signaled some ways of how he will close the deficit, which has been largely blamed on increased Medicaid spending. Plans are already underway to deal with this years $4 billion shortfall in Medicaid funding by shifting $2.2 billion in payments from this fiscal year into the next. If Cuomo opts to do that again, that could deal with about a third of the upcoming years deficit. Cuomo could also make cuts to Medicaid spending and he suggested at his State of the State that he will try to make local governments pay a bigger share of Medicaid. That could give him another $2 billion or so to work with.

There are ways to raise revenue in the years to come without increasing existing taxes. Significant amounts of revenue could be raised through expanding gambling in the state, legalizing recreational marijuana (though revenues would take time to materialize) or other means. If Cuomo and lawmakers get really lucky, tax receipts will continue to exceed projections. That alone has given the governor an extra $1.3 billion to work with in the past week. Last year showed though that revenues can also be less than expected, which created an unexpected multi-billion shortfall last year.

How is Cuomo going to realize his policy agenda?

A lot of the ideas that the governor proposed in his State of the State address have little to no budget impact. This includes cracking down on vaping products, banning sex offenders fromNew York City subways, and even letting more people have a beer while they watch a movie. New York state law allows these proposals to pass along with the budget. This dynamic not only lets the governor  who has formidable budgetary powers compared to the state Legislature  pass a lot of legislation at once, it also allows lawmakers to avoid tough votes on controversial issues. They do this by saying that they had to vote for the budget, despite their objections to specific proposals, because they wanted to keep funding schools and the like.

The governors fiscal plans will also reveal how he wants to pay for proposals that do have fiscal implications  like his vow to increase spending for homeless services. Public authorities have already been given a big role in pursuing some policy goals, such as redeveloping the Erie Canal, which will allow costs to go on the budgets of each authority rather than the state budget. Once the Cuomo administration releases the actual legislative language that would enact his budget, the political feasibility of his proposals will be easier to assess.

What will lawmakers do?

If the past is a guide, Heastie, Cuomo and Stewart-Cousins will hammer out a budget behind closed doors sometime towards the end of April. But a lot goes into reaching that point. Cuomo wants to enact his policy agenda and close the deficit as he sees fit. The two legislative leaders also want their way and they have to represent the wishes of their respective Democratic conferences.

Some Democrats want to raise taxes on the rich. Others lawmakers want to limit taxes as much as possible. Many Democrats want big increases in education funding. But that idea is opposed by Cuomo  and not just because of the budget deficit. Most Democrats support legalizing recreational marijuana in principle, but there are a lot of outstanding issues to resolve before the idea can pass the budget process. Ditto for lower-profile issues like legalizing gestational surrogacy.

A lot of these issues come down to the specific phrasing of the forthcoming budget bills. Lawmakers might reconsider their opposition to raising taxes if its effect on their constituents doesnt pose a political danger to them. Others might drop their opposition to one policy proposal or another if they get what they want elsewhere in the budget. Some issues, like bail reform, do not even need to be in the budget to affect the political mood within the Capitol  though some lawmakers undoubtedly wouldnt mind it being there in the end.
Were thrilled to be recognized by Built In, which has become synonymous with connecting talented tech professionals with not only the jobs they were born to do, but the companies that will support them in doing so

Dynamic Yield, the AI-Powered Personalization Anywhere platform, today announced it was included on Built In NYCs list of Best Places to Work in New York City in 2020. Dynamic Yield is being recognized as one of the Companies with the Best Benefits, which are selected based on data submitted by companies and their employees.

These companies exemplify what it means to be an employer of choice for todays purpose-driven tech workforce, said Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO and Co-Founder of Built In. Writing about them inspires us daily and, in terms of our offering, gives us total confidence that the professionals who visit our websites will find work that gives them a strong sense of professional and personal meaning.

Late last year, Dynamic Yield was also selected by Crains New York Business as one of the Best Places to Work in New York City in 2019. The company, which moved its HQ into the heart of Union Square, is currently hiring for open roles in Customer Success, Sales, and HR. Dynamic Yield serves more than 300 clients across the globe, transforming the way brands interact with their customers through real-time personalization, product & content recommendations, and behavioral messaging.

Were thrilled to be recognized by Built In, which has become synonymous with connecting talented tech professionals with not only the jobs they were born to do, but the companies that will support them in doing so, said Tal Raziel-Yosef, VP of Human Resources at Dynamic Yield. "Our inclusion on this list is indicative of the many opportunities and benefits we provide our employees, and we look forward to extending those to new members throughout the rest of the year and beyond."

Built Ins list rates companies algorithmically based on compensation data and employer benefits. Rank is determined by combining a companys score in each of these categories.

About Dynamic Yield

Dynamic Yield is an AI-powered Personalization Anywhere platform that delivers individualized experiences at every customer touchpoint: web, apps, email, kiosks, IoT, and call centers. The platforms data management capabilities provide for a unified view of the customer, allowing the rapid and scalable creation of highly targeted digital interactions. Marketers, product managers, and engineers from more than 300 brands around the world use Dynamic Yield daily for launching new personalization campaigns, running server-side and client-side A/B tests, leveraging machine-learning for product and content recommendations, and employing algorithms for smartly triggered email and push notifications. Dynamic Yield Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of McDonalds Corporation.

About Built In

Working in tech is a way of life. Built In helps people live it with purpose. Across the most vibrant tech hubs in the US, Built In helps tech professionals stay on top of tech news and trends, expand their networks and carve out futures at companies they believe in. Built In attracts a niche audience of 1 million tech professionals every month and, in 2019, the company hit a milestone, serving 1,000 companies annually. Built In recently launched BuiltIn.com, a national hub for tech trend coverage and resources to help professionals grow in their careers.
T he dangers of climate change are firmly at the top of the agenda at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, with the delivery of a powerful speech from activist Greta Thunberg and the arrival of President Donald Trump, a man whose actions could have a critical impact on determining the future of the planet.

Ms Thunbergs message , conveyed to other political and business leaders before Mr Trumps arrival, was that basically nothing has been done to address what she understandably sees as a climate emergency, and that only if the situation is treated as a real crisis will the necessary action be taken.

Mr Trump, of course, remains sceptical, but would do well to heed the words of the Swedish teenager, and listen more to the scientists whose research points overwhelmingly to the prescience of her warning.

Even if Mr Trump stays deaf to the evidence, there are encouraging signs from Davos that the need for change is being recognised in boardrooms and corridors of power elsewhere.

To begin with, all the companies attending have been asked to commit to achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050 and consider trying to hit the target 20 years earlier.

The summit organisers have made How to save the planet a key theme  hence the invitation to Ms Thunberg to speak  and attendees will also be hearing from other prominent environmentalists, including the former US vice-president Al Gore.

All flights into the summit are being offset too, in a further sign of awareness of the need for business to be greener.

The danger is that too much of this turns out to be corporate window-dressing, rather than a sign of a lasting determination to address rising global temperatures in a meaningful way.

Lets hope thats not the case.

Environmental activists have a valuable role to play, but change can ultimately only come if business and governments invest in and adopt green technologies and more efficient processes that can deliver environmentally sustainable growth.

Its not too late and the positive noises coming from Davos should be welcomed.

Root out cheating schools

There is a disturbing warning today by the education watchdog Ofsted about the way in which a minority of schools are using off-rolling  the practice of removing a pupil without formal exclusion  and other unsavoury methods to improve their standing in league tables.

Such conduct, which also includes entering pupils for easier exams than they are capable of, is frankly disgraceful, not least because, as Ofsteds commendably plain-speaking chief inspector Amanda Spielman points out, those affected are most often disadvantaged children who need every assistance they can get.

Ms Spielman says, stating the obvious  which should be apparent to every head  that pupils from poorer backgrounds deserve a proper, substantial and broad education that allows them to develop their talents. Shes right but its deplorable it needs saying.

Narrowing pupils education, or conniving to keep them out of class, is unacceptable.

Children of all backgrounds, as the Evening Standard's campaign to drive down formal exclusions has highlighted, should be kept in school and taught a rounded curriculum.

Governors, heads and ministers must ensure this happens everywhere and root out those who are letting pupils down.

Harry is a force for good

Prince Harry has arrived in Canada to be reunited with his wife Meghan and baby Archie, with events in support of his charity Sentebale  which helps young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana  already in his diary.

Its proof that in their new roles he and Meghan can still be a force for good.

We wish them well.

Listen to todays's episode of The Leader:
Over the course of the standoff, three adults and two children who were inside the home left, leaving Jones with a female infant inside the home. When SWAT teams entered the home, the infant was still asleep and found uninjured, officials said.
The EU's proposal for a temporary ban on facial-recognition technology won backing from Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai on Monday but got a cool response from Microsoft President Brad Smith.

While Pichai cited the possibility that the technology could be used for nefarious purposes as a reason for a moratorium, Smith said a ban was akin to using a meat cleaver instead of a scalpel to solve potential problems.

"I think it is important that governments and regulations tackle it sooner rather than later and give a framework for it," Pichai told a conference in Brussels organised by think-tank Bruegel.

"It can be immediate but maybe there's a waiting period before we really think about how it's being used," he said. "It's up to governments to chart the course" for the use of such technology.

Smith, who is also Microsoft's chief legal officer, however cited the benefits of facial recognition technology in some instances such as NGOs using it to find missing children.

"I'm really reluctant to say let's stop people from using technology in a way that will reunite families when it can help them do it," Smith said.

"The second thing I would say is you don't ban it if you actually believe there is a reasonable alternative that will enable us to, say, address this problem with a scalpel instead of a meat cleaver," he said.

Smith said it was important to first identify problems and then craft rules to ensure that the technology would not be used for mass surveillance.

"There is only one way at the end of the day to make technology better and that is to use it," he said.

The European Commission s taking a tougher line on artificial intelligence (AI) than the United States that would strengthen existing regulations on privacy and data rights, according to a proposal paper seen by Reuters.

Part of this includes a moratorium of up to five years on using facial recognition technology in public areas, to give the EU time to work out how to prevent abuses, the paper said.

Pichai urged regulators to take a "proportionate approach" when drafting rules, days before the Commission is due to publish proposals on the issue.

Regulators are grappling with ways to govern AI, encouraging innovation while trying to curb potential misuse, as companies and law enforcement agencies increasingly adopt the technology.

There was no question AI needs to be regulated, Pichai said, but rulemakers should tread carefully.

"Sensible regulation must also take a proportionate approach, balancing potential harms with social opportunities. This is especially true in areas that are high risk and high value," he said.

Regulators should tailor rules according to different sectors, Pichai said, citing medical devices and self-driving cars as examples that require different rules. He said governments should align their rules and agree on core values.

Earlier this month, the U.S. government published regulatory guidelines on AI aimed at limiting authorities' overreach, and urged Europe to avoid an aggressive approach.

Pichai said it was important to be clear-eyed about what could go wrong with AI, and while it promised huge benefits there were real concerns about potential negative consequences.

One area of concern is so-called "deepfakes" - video or audio clips that have been manipulated using AI. Pichai said Google had released open datasets to help the research community build better tools to detect such fakes.

The world's most popular internet search engine said last month that Google Cloud was not offering general-purpose facial-recognition application programming interfaces (APIs) while it establishes policy and technical safeguards.

A Google spokesperson said, "As Sundar said on Monday, we are supportive of AI regulation.Facial recognition is a very sensitive technology, and thats why we have taken a cautious approach and don't offer it in a general purpose API while we work through the policy and technical issues at stake.

"So while we don't support a ban on this technology, we do encourage strong guardrails - particularly for public facial recognition, through regulations and other means.

"We recently published a framework for facial recognition to highlight key factors for consideration."

(This copy has been updated with comments from the company.)
An Australian-British professor who was locked up in an Iranian prison after she was accused of being a spy, has shared details of her ordeal in a series of jailhouse letters.

Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Islamic studies lecturer at the University of Melbourne, is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage at the notorious Evin jail in Tehran.

The Cambridge-educated academic was arrested at the airport in October 2018 while trying to board a flight back to Australia.

The Australian government has rejected the charges and is working on her release, but she currently remains in solitary confinement in a three-metre by two metre cell.

In a series of letters smuggled out of the jail and obtained by The Times, Dr Moore-Gilbert's pleas for freedom are laid bare as she describes the horrifying conditions behind bars.

British-Australian Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Islamic studies lecturer at the University of Melbourne , is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage at Evin jail in Tehran

Iranian women inmates sit inside their cell in the infamous Evin jail, north of Tehran in 2006. Nowadays, anyone can find themselves in the prison for even a minor infraction. Bloggers, teachers and academics have been thrown inside its squalid cells after being accused of questionable crimes

Evin prison is located in the Evin neighborhood of Tehran, Iran. It is notable as the primary site for the housing of Iran's political prisoners since 1972

Between June and December last year, she sent ten letters written in broken Farsi to an Iranian judiciary deputy prosecutor and two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers.

She describes suffering from mental health problems, having little money to buy food and personal items, and having no access to phone calls or visitors.

A letter dated from July expresses serious concern for her health stating: 'I'm taking psychiatric medications, but these 10 months that I have spent here have gravely damaged my mental health.

'I am still denied phone calls and visitations, and I am afraid that my mental and emotional state may further deteriorate if I remain in this extremely restrictive detention ward.'

Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert has written to the Prime Minister as her fight for freedom continues

She reiterates her concerns in a letter the following month saying: 'In the past month I have been to the special care at 'Baghiatollah Hospital' twice and the prison infirmary six times.

'I think I am in the midst of a serious psychological problem.'

Dr Moore-Gilbert also accuses IRGC of 'playing an awful game with' her after she was issued two different sentences on her appeal, one being 13 months, and another a decade long.

'My case manager said that the 13-months decision was "fake", and was an illegal attempt by my lawyer and my ambassador to free me from prison,' she writes.

'How is it possible that two very different appeal decisions were delivered to '2A' detention centre? It is clear that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence is playing an awful game with me. I am an innocent victim.'

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Friday she had spoken to her Iranian counterpart on the fate of Dr Moore-Gilbert who has gone on hunger strikes and has urged the Australian government to do more to free her.

She declined to detail her conversation but told the ABC: 'We have been very, very focused on Dr. Moore-Gilbert and the circumstances of her imprisonment.'

On Christmas Eve, Dr Moore-Gilbert and her co-accused, French academic Fariba Adelkhah vowed to go on a hunger strike, protesting their treatment.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke with his Australian counterpart in India last week regarding Dr Moore-Gilbert's fate

Dr Moore-Gilbert (pictured) recently lost an appeal against her 10 year sentence

The French Government have successfully negotiated Ms Adelkhah's reintergration into the prison's general population.

In December, an official statement from Tehran read it would not give into 'political smear campaigns' involving the Australian professor's case.

The country last month denied her appeal of her 10-year sentence.

After the failed appeal, she smuggled an impassioned letter out of her cell bound for Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a devout Christian, appealing to his religious beliefs.

'Please I beg of you to do whatever it takes to get me out,' the letter read.

'I know that you're a religious man and I ask that until that much-longed for freedom arrives, you remember me and my family in your prayers.'

Dr Moore-Gilbert had been in Iran as a guest speaker at a university conference when she was arrested at the airport after checking in for her flight home to Australia.

She was reportedly researching Iran's relationship with the Shia community of Bahrain after a sectarian uprising in 2011.

There are now concerns tensions between the US and Iran after America's attack on the nation's top commander, Qassem Soleimani, could have adverse repercussions on foreign prisoners, according to the publication.
Russian air strikes in Syria kill 12 civilians: monitor



Beirut, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



Russian air strikes killed 12 civilians Tuesday in northwestern Syria, as renewed violence tightened the noose around the country's last major opposition bastion and deepened an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Two of the victims were killed in a southern area of Idlib province while the other 10 died in a western region of neighbouring Aleppo province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The raids on Aleppo province killed eight members of the same family who were sheltering in a house, Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said.

Six children were among those killed in the raid on the village of Kfar Taal, where three girls had already died a day earlier in strikes, according to the Britain-based monitor.

Most of Idlib province and parts of Aleppo province are still controlled by factions opposed to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, including a group that includes onetime members of Al-Qaeda's former Syria franchise.

"Over the past three days, the bombardment on Idlib and its surroundings, including in western Aleppo, has been exclusively Russian," Abdel Rahman said.

The surge in violence comes despite a ceasefire announced by Russia earlier this month that never really took hold.



- Imminent offensive? -



"They want to push rebels and jihadists away from the city of Aleppo and from the motorway linking Aleppo to Damascus," Abdel Rahman said.

He predicted that the air strikes could be a prelude to a land offensive in western Aleppo, as the regime and its allies continue their drive to shrink the country's last opposition-held pocket.

"The regime has massed reinforcements on the outskirts of the city of Aleppo," Abdel Rahman said.

Russia has thousands of forces deployed across Syria in support of the army, while an unknown contingent of Russian private security personnel also operates on the ground.

Moscow's military intervention in 2015, four years into the Syrian conflict, helped keep Assad in power and marked a long, bloody reconquest of the territory lost to rebels in the early stages of the war.

The violence in northern Syria is escalating an already dire humanitarian situation, with aid groups warning of displacement on an unprecedented scale.

Idlib province alone is home to at least three million people, many of whom are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

According to the UN humanitarian coordination agency OCHA, almost 350,000 people have fled their homes since December 1, mainly heading northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the air strikes.

The International Rescue Committee has warned that an additional 650,000 people, the majority of them children and women, could be forced from their homes if the violence continues.
Iran said on Monday it could quit the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if European countries refer it to the UN Security Council over a nuclear agreement, a move that would overturn diplomacy in its confrontation with the West.

The 1968 NPT has been the foundation of global nuclear arms control since the Cold War, including a 2015 deal Iran signed with world powers that offered it access to global trade in return for accepting curbs to its atomic programme.

The fate of the 2015 pact has been in doubt since U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of it and reimposed sanctions. Iran has responded by scaling back its commitments, although it says it wants the pact to survive.

Britain, France and Germany declared Iran in violation of the 2015 pact last week and have launched a dispute mechanism that could eventually see the matter referred back to the Security Council and the reimposition of UN sanctions.

If the Europeans continue their improper behaviour or send Irans file to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the NPT, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said, according to comments carried by IRNA and other Iranian news agencies.

He also said Iran could take other steps before withdrawing from the NPT, although he did not specify them.

The nuclear dispute has been at the heart of an escalation between Washington and Tehran which blew up into military confrontation in recent weeks.

The 190-member NPT bans signatories other than the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France from acquiring nuclear weapons, in return for allowing them to pursue peaceful nuclear programmes for power generation, overseen by the United Nations.

The only country ever to declare its withdrawal from the NPT was North Korea, which expelled nuclear inspectors and openly tested atomic weapons. Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan never signed up, nor did Israel, which does not say whether it has nuclear weapons but is widely presumed to have them.

The West has long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear arms. Tehran denies this and says its goal is to master the whole process of generating electricity from nuclear energy.

A steady escalation over Irans nuclear plans flared into tit-for-tat military action this month, with Trump ordering a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, prompting Iran to fire missiles at U.S. targets in Iraq. During a state of alert, Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner in error.

Amid that escalation - one of the biggest since Irans 1979 revolution - Tehran has faced mounting pressure from European states which say they want to save the 2015 nuclear deal. They have also indicated a readiness to back Trumps call for a broader deal with Iran that goes beyond its nuclear plans.

MAXIMUM PRESSURE

Despite the ill will that we see from some European countries the door of negotiations with them has not been closed and the ball is in the court of these countries, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

But he also told a news conference: I dont think Iran is ready to negotiate under the conditions they have in mind.

Since Washington withdrew from the deal, Trump began a policy of maximum pressure, saying a broader deal should be negotiated on nuclear issues, Irans missile programme and Iranian activities in the Middle East.

U.S. sanctions have crippled Irans economy, slashing its oil exports. Iran has long said it would not negotiate with Washington while sanctions are in place.

Tehran has repeatedly held talks with European officials to find ways to keep the nuclear agreement alive, but has blamed the Europeans for failing to guarantee economic benefits that Iran was meant to receive in return for curbing nuclear work.

The European powers claims about Iran violating the deal are unfounded, Mousavi said. Whether Iran will further decrease its nuclear commitments will depend on other parties and whether Irans interests are secured under the deal.

In a report on a parliamentary website, Irans foreign minister said steps to scale back its commitments under the nuclear deal were now over.

Britain has said a Trump deal could replace the 2015 deal, and France has called for broad talks to end the crisis.

Iran says it cannot negotiate with Trump, who broke promises by repudiating the deal reached under his predecessor Barack Obama. Mousavi repeated Irans rejection of a Trump deal.

The fact that a persons name is put on an agreement shows theyre not familiar with the conditions. An agreement with a person doesnt mean anything, he said.

(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Babak Dehghanpisheh; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Peter Graff)

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With rise in Omicron cases, SC to conduct hearings virtually for next two weeks

Can't allow every person who thinks of some solution to COVID-19 to file petition: SC

Not Speaker, but independent body should decide on disqualifications: SC to Parliament

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 21: The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested that an independent and permanent body decide disqualification petitions against MPs and MLAs, instead of the Speaker retaining exclusive powers.

"It was high time that the Parliament should revisit the rationale in giving exclusive powers to the Speaker for deciding disqualification petitions," pointed out a three-judge bench, headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman.

The apex court was hearing a petition challenging the disqualification of T Shyamkumar from the Manipur Assembly. It gave the Manipur Assembly Speaker four weeks to decide on the petition, after which it granted the petitioner the liberty to approach it again if a decision was not taken.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Kerala Govt moves Supreme Court against CAA

The bench had granted liberty to Congress MLA Fajur Rahim and K Meghachandra to approach it again if the Assembly Speaker failed to take a decision within four weeks on their plea seeking disqualification of the BJP minister.

The BJP minister had won the Assembly election on a Congress ticket and later joined the BJP and became a minister. This led to the filing of the plea seeking his disqualification.
NUR-SULTAN -- Muratkhan Aidarkhanuly and his wife worked for the government in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang for about 30 years before retiring and moving to Kazakhstan to be closer to their grandchildren.

They had traveled often to Kazakhstan, where their son and daughter had moved to get an education and had gained citizenship. But even after making the move themselves, Aidarkhanuly and his wife, Zaghi Qurmanbaiqyzy, never gave up their Chinese citizenship -- largely so they could continue drawing pensions -- and they returned to Xinjiang regularly.

In October 2017, however, Aidarkhanuly ran into trouble with the Chinese authorities when he went back to sell the family home. His passport was seized and he was placed under house arrest.

"They put me under a man's supervision," Aidarkhanuly told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, recalling that interrogators were keen on determining what he was doing in Kazakhstan and why he was using WhatsApp, a messaging application he said he has never used.

"Later I was told to call my wife, who remained in Kazakhstan and looked after two of our grandchildren," he said.

They demanded she return, he said, and she complied in December 2017, taking her grandchildren with her.

She was immediately questioned upon her arrival, Qurmanbaiqyzy told RFE/RL. "They interrogated me but they did not say what I was being accused of."

Afterward she, too, was placed under house arrest, and was then transferred to one of the "reeducation" camps that Xinjiang -- which has a Muslim-majority population -- has become infamous for.

After his wife was placed in the camp in mid-February 2018, Aidarkhanuly was left to take care of the couple's grandchildren on his own. He later "found a way" to get them back to Kazakhstan before he was also sent away for reeducation

"I called our kids in Kazakhstan and told them to meet the children at the border," he said, adding that they were handed over to his daughter-in-law on February 23, 2018. "Two days later they also took me to the camp."

'No Different Than Prison'

Aidarkhanuly and his wife each spent the rest of the year being "reeducated."

After his release on December 23, 2018, Aidarkhanuly was placed under house arrest for a further eight months.

The two offered some rare insight into their treatment at the facilities, the existence of which China initially denied and which have been criticized as part of an effort to suppress Muslims -- including Uyghurs, and ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Uzbeks -- in the name of counterextremism.

"The camp is no different from a prison -- I would say that the camp is a watered-down version of a prison," Qurmanbaiqyzy said. "They didnt beat or torture us in the camp, but our spirit was killed."

She explained that the camp was under constant video surveillance. Even her cell, which she said held six inmates, was monitored by video cameras.

"It was forbidden to ask questions, you could only raise your hand," she said. "We were fed three times a day, but what was served? No matter what, it won't be the same as at home."

When she saw her husband, she pretended not to know him, and he didn't look in her direction, either.

"The guards would start screaming if they even saw sideways glances," Qurmanbaiqyzy recalled.

Her husband said there were seven to eight inmates packed into his 12-square-meter cell.

"We slept in bunk beds. We were each given two plastic bowls and two spoons -- we drank water from one and ate from the other," he said. "There was no place to put the dishes -- we kept them under the bed."

The bathroom situation was much worse.

"Instead of a toilet, there was a bucket in the corner," he said, adding that it was emptied twice a day.

"There were two openings in the iron door," he said. "Food was passed in through the lower one, while air came in through the upper one."

As for their "education," the two said they studied Chinese language and law, and learned songs praising the Chinese authorities.

"I worked in China for 30 years," Qurmanbaiqyzy said, adding that that she was the only Kazakh working among 120 Chinese.

"I knew Chinese if not better, then certainly not worse than them, and I am fluent in Chinese writing," she said. "In my opinion, language training was just an excuse."

Teachers lectured the inmates -- who ranged in age from 21 to 90, according to Aidarkhanuly -- from behind bars, and were protected by a few guards wielding clubs.

Think Before You Speak

The prisoners, Aidarkhanuly and Qurmanbaiqyzy said, were allowed to call relatives in China several times a month and were occasionally allowed to see visitors.

"Before speaking with relatives, we had to think carefully about what to say so our conversation did not bring them harm," Aidarkhanuly said.

The two were given diplomas confirming they had completed their studies, but the certificates were later taken back without explanation.

According to them, the camp is designed to break people.

"Everyone there was spiritually destroyed. You can notice this in us -- we quickly become offended and quickly return to normal. Because of our mood swings the kids suffer," Aidarkhanuly said.

Qurmanbaiqyzy said she "often cries for no apparent reason."

"Such a sickness was earned in the camp," she said, unable to hold back her tears.

In February 2019, Aidarkhanuly and Qurmanbaiqyzy returned to Kazakhstan after their daughter wrote a statement on their behalf.

They now reside in the village of Qosshy, near the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan with their grandchildren, daughter, and son-in-law.

Both are now citizens of Kazakhstan.

(This article was first published on December 9, 2019)
An Aucklander and a Spanish man have joined forces to create an 'Earth sandwich', placing slices of bread at opposite points of the planet.

Auckland man Etienne Naude said that he wanted to make one for years, and finally found someone on Reddit who could get to the exact longitude and latitude to make sure they were exactly opposite each other.

Naude told the BBC "It was quite hard to organise since it's 12-hour time difference. And there's lots of things to arrange, such as the kind of bread, the time, the [precise] location, et cetera."

He added: "It's quite tough to find a spot which isn't water on the New Zealand end - and where public roads or paths intersect in both sides."

The photo showing both men with their side of the sandwich and the co-ordinates was posted on Reddit.



What makes the feat more impressive is that 15 percent of land on the planet has an opposite point that is also on land. The UK, Australia and the majority of the US don't have any.

All in all, there was about 12,724km of earth between the slices.

Science!
Hungary has the second-highest rate of growth of knowledge-intensive occupations in all of Europe, with the number of people working at the most knowledge-intensive firms of the country growing from 321,300 in 2012 to 424,900 in 2019, according to a new report by think tank European Center for Entrepreneurship and Policy Reform.

Hungary was only surpassed by Latvia in terms of growth.



According to the third edition of "The Geography of Europes Brain Business Jobs: 2020 Index", made with the financial support of Nordic Capital, some 32% of the 103,600 new brain business jobs emerged in ICT, while 27% emerged in the tech sector. Advanced services account for 24% of the new jobs, with creative professions accounting for 17%.



The report notes that Hungary ranks highly in knowledge-intensive jobs concentration, surpassing CEE peers. The concentration is even slightly higher than in Norway.



"The strong rise of brain business jobs in Hungary is a prime example of the rapid changes in the geography of successful enterprise in Europe," the report notes.



Hungary is also a top performer in high-tech manufacturing. The concentration in this sector is more than double the European average. In R&D, Hungary has more than 50% higher brain business job concentration than the European average. The report also notes that Hungary performed above average in pharmaceuticals, design & other creative work, and IT services.



However, in areas such as advertising and market research, as well as telecommunications, Hungary has a lower than average concentration.



Budapest beats Western European capitals

Budapest is the strongest region in Hungary regarding brain business jobs, with some 182,493 individuals, about 16.5% of the working-age population), working in such positions, a rate more than twice the national average.



Budapest fares well even when compared to Western counterparts, as the city has a slightly higher brain business job concentration than Copenhagen, Oslo, Amsterdam, Berlin, Helsinki, Brussels, Madrid, and Vienna.



In the Pest region, the report found 41,142 Brain Business Jobs (5.4% of the working-age population), compared to 4.1% in Central Transdanubia.



The worst performers were the Northern Great Plain and the Southern Great Plain regions, with 3% and 2.8% of working-age individuals, respectively, working at highly knowledge-intensive businesses.



The report says that the growth of brain business jobs must be boosted outside the capital region, in order to elevate the performance of the country as a whole.
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State-run Bank of India (BoI) on Tuesday said Atanu Kumar Das has been appointed as its managing director and chief executive officer for a period of three years. Das was serving as an executive director at the bank since February 2017.

His appointed was announced by the personnel ministry on Monday.

In his 26 years of banking experience, Das has been involved at both policy and operational levels.

In BoI, he assumed the charge as Delhi regional head in January 2015.

Prior to BoI, he was heading Vijaya Bank's Lucknow Region for more than three years.

At Vijaya Bank's he has handled key departments as planning and development and also was posted as executive secretary to chairman and managing director for more than two years.

Besides Das, the personnel ministry also appointed Sanjiv Chadha as MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda and Lingam Venkata Prabhakar as MD and CEO in Canara Bank.
A peregrine falcon couple thats called the Bethlehem Steel High House home for years is getting temporarily evicted.

Gearing up for a $90 million hotel expansion, Wind Creek Bethlehems is readying the High House alongside the Minsi Trail Bridge to discourage the birds from nesting there during their upcoming breeding season. Preparations include securing open areas of the High House with various materials, including large nets, casino spokeswoman Julia Corwin said Friday.

Wind Creek is working closely with the Pennsylvania Gaming Commission "to ensure that the peregrine falcons, who nest in the High House, are protected from the nearby construction when it begins, Corwin said. While construction plans are under review with the city of Bethlehem, this was an important step to take immediately to avoid disruption of the protected falcons mating period.

A pair of peregrine falcons have made their home in the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. High House since 2012. This is one of the falcons atop the building in 2014.Courtesy photo | Charlie Trapani

There are only 26 confirmed peregrine nesting sites in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley has at least two known pairs, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Commission.

Though the bird of prey historically made its home on cliffsides, today many have found ways to survive in urban environments, like the abandoned Steel building in Bethlehem and on Allentowns PPL Building and under the Eighth Street bridge. A lone peregrine falcons been spotted hanging out on the Peace Candle in Easton.

Pesticides nearly wiped out the raptors in the 1960s and 70s. The birds are no longer federally endangered but still remain on Pennsylvanias threatened species list.

Peregrines set up their nests in hard-to-reach places but they dont build them like some other birds. They instead find flat, gritty areas like ledges or rooftops that they can dig out, like they would on a cliff face. They mate in spring, so Wind Creeks construction could prove to be very dangerous to the young peregrines, which already have extremely high mortality rates.

After the nets are put in place, which will be completed in the next two to four weeks, the falcons will be kept from nesting in the High House, Corwin said. However, the experts we are working with suggest that the falcons will likely return to the High House when the netting is removed.

The tall High House, which was built in the 1890s to vertically assemble and heat-treat large battle cannons, has been vacant for many years and has no safe interior access. Work to protect the peregrines has sparked rumors that the High House is coming down, but theyre just that: rumors, Corwin said.

Every effort is being made to minimize the impact of planned construction on the peregrine falcons, she said.

A pair of peregrine falcons have made their home in the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. High House since 2012. This is one of the falcons atop the building in 2014.Courtesy photo | Charlie Trapani

Wind Creek in December submitted land development plans detailing a new 270-room hotel tower adjacent to the existing 282-room hotel. The project needs Bethlehem Planning Commission approval before construction can begin.

If they need to work on something close to (the nest), keeping the birds out of the area for their own safety is a good thing to do, said Peter Saenger, president of the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society and a specialist with the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College. ...If it is properly netted off theyre going to quickly realize they cannot gain entry and they will go somewhere else and move the nest.

Its much more harmful to disturb the birds once they have started to nest and risk the couple abandoning its young, Saenger said. It is early enough that the pair can find a nearby suitable nesting site, he said. The earliest a peregrine nest with eggs was found in Pennsylvania was May 1, according to The Second Breeding Bird Atlas of Pennsylvania, Saenger said.

Theyve got time, he said. It sounds like they are doing the right thing actually.

The nest in the High House offers a plethora of food options, but its proximity to the Minsi Trail Bridge has proven quite hazardous for the young falcons over the years. The nest was first located in 2012 when a bird was concussed and then all three of the 2013 fledglings died. Young peregrines look for the first object lower than their nest to test their wings and -- for this nest -- thats the Minsi Trail Bridge.

A Pennsylvania Gaming Commission bird expert called it a very dangerous place for a nest in a 2015 interview with lehighvalleylive.com. The commission could not be reached due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

If the birds find a new nest and stick with it, it might be better for them long-term, Saenger said.

A lot of young from that nest perish, he said.

Editors note: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is not involved in Wind Creeks plans. Incorrect information provided by Wind Creek was published in an earlier version of this post.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
For the month of January, Roscrea Library is hosting a wonderful exhibition by locally based artist, Mike Gale.

Mike has used Guinness as his 'paint' for this exhibition, he used coffee for another exhibition. The exhibition is on for the month of January and can be visited during library opening hours.

"I am engaged in the painting of Irish motifs for a long time," says Mike. "Due to my great love for this mysterious Country, I was thinking about how can I achieve to paint original motifs using an authentic domestic medium and pigments to get a specific Irish style.

"I came up with the idea to paint with something that was produced in Ireland, which is recognizable by every living soul on Emerald Island.

"I lived in Dublin 8 close enough to Guinness brewery, to constantly smell that magic fragrance that is spread over several districts of Dublin while the cereals are prepared and cooked in the process of making beer.

"Years later, I moved to a small heritage town called Roscrea in the heart of Tipperary. I was lucky to rent a well known legendary old Irish pub called Hennessey's Bar. The pub still gives me a feeling from that time, of course. I turned this pub into my Art Studio, but it still did not lose its magic, especially since I learned that once Bono came in this very pub and drunk a pint of Guinness.

"So it seems to me, this was destiny and all the signs around me were pointed to Guinness, but I did not notice it then.

"Till one day I filled my glass with Guinness stout, as I finished my sketching and while I showed my sketch to my wife and held the pint in my hand, she accidentally pushed my hand and the beer spilled onto the paper and my first reaction was to tell her some "nice" words, but shortly my displeasure turned into a wonder while I watched before my very eyes those spreading golden brown shades forming abstract shapes on my paper, so as you can imagine I was highly grateful for her clumsiness.

"From that moment on, I knew it was an idea to follow. All the magic I had searched for years I was able to find in only one sinful liquid called Guinness, which has already been recorded in history with its taste, quality recognition brand elegance, and lifestyle.

"I have always been fascinated with the refinement that Guinness presents. Combining the elegance of the black liquid with white foam and golden harp creates a luxurious appearance.

To my great joy, this marvelous drink on watercolor paper turns into glossy golden-brown shades while retaining the same elegance it provides in every way. Even when I drink it, as it passes through my throat, I can't miss out on the silky feeling while the liquid caresses my throat.

"Since I started this my adventure with Guinness, I heard various compliments and advice. One of them sounded that we need to protect the paintings with glass so that the art & beer lovers would not lick the medium from the artwork.

"In this medium, I am able to capture the most significant moments of life.

"Which Guinness lover would not want to have its wedding, favorite four-legged companion, family or its best friends captured forever in their favorite sinful liquid?

"In moments when you are nervous, take a deep breath, look at the painting, because it is widely known that Stout has a hypnotic calming benefit," concluded Mike.

website: ARTddiction.ie

Artist Name: Mike Gale

Photographer: Edvina Nikutovic

Exhibition in Roscrea Library

from 6 January to 31 January
Fast food chain KFC has rolled out its first high-tech, four-lane, drive-thru-only restaurant in South Australia.

Hungry diners can expect to be served in record time when they choose the pre-paid option via the app or website before collecting their orders at the window.

The new Mt Gambier outlet promises a speedy and convenient service, with two pick-up lanes for customers who want to skip the queue, alongside two lanes with traditional drive-thru order options.

For those without a vehicle, the restaurant features a walk-up kiosk, open from 10am to 5.30pm daily, ensuring everyone can use the new facilities.

KFC has opened its first high-tech, four-lane, drive-thru-only restaurant in South Australia (pictured)

Hungry diners can expect to be served in record time when they choose the pre-pay option via the app or website before collecting their orders at the window

The process is very simple - after completing an order and arriving, customers will enter a unique four-digit code on a touchscreen receiver, transmitting their order to the kitchen where it will be freshly prepared, ready for pick-up at the window.

The state's first tech-powered restaurant is the second of its kind in the world following the successful opening of the first in Newcastle, New South Wales in November last year.

The new restaurant is owned and operated by longstanding KFC local franchisee partners David and Marie Bird.

'Mt Gambier has grown to love the taste of Kentucky Fried Chicken so we're excited to open the doors to this innovative, state-first Drive Thru Only restaurant,' David said.

'We have a great local team who are excited for today's opening of KFC's latest tech-powered restaurant in Mt Gambier.'

The process is very simple - after completing an order and arriving, customers will enter a unique four-digit code on a touchscreen receiver, transmitting their order to the kitchen where it will be freshly prepared, ready for pick-up at the window

South Australia's first tech-powered restaurant marks the second of its kind in the world

For those without a vehicle, the restaurant features a walk-up kiosk, open from 10.00am to 5.30pm daily, ensuring everyone can utilise the new facilities

KFC Australia CEO Inara Gravitis said: 'The launch of the second Drive Thru Only restaurant globally is an exciting moment in KFC's digital journey as we continually look for ways to offer our customers even faster and more convenient ordering.

'We're thrilled to not only support South Australia's first Drive Thru Only restaurant, but to also bring innovative new technologies into the local community.

'Given the capabilities of this tech-powered restaurant, local team members will have the opportunity to gain new skills that aren't available in standard restaurants.'
Ryabkov on Monday warned the Iranian side "against reckless steps in terms of maintaining the obligations of the Islamic Republic under the NPT", Xinhua reported, citing RIA Novosti news.

Moscow, Jan 21 (IANS) Moscow hopes that Iran will not withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency.

"We talk about this openly and consider this treaty to be key to global security, especially taking into account the alarming processes that are developing in general in the area of arms control and non-proliferation," Ryabkov said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday that the Islamic republic will abandon the NPT Treaty if the nuclear case of the country is sent to the UN Security Council, which might lead to new sanctions against Iran.

Russia cautions "hotheads in Europe" that may have the illusion that moving the whole issue to the UN Security Council will help resolve the problem, Ryabkov said.

Such a step may have devastating consequences, he said, adding that "currently there is a crucial moment and everyone should be careful and balanced in their actions."

The NPT Treaty, regarded as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, entered into force in 1968 and was extended by its parties indefinitely from 1995. A total of 191 countries have joined the treaty.

vin
A Swansea Target manager who has been dubbed on the web as Target Tori is thanking people for overwhelming support after she was thrust into the spotlight by a customer upset over the price of a toothbrush.

Twitter user David Leavitt, who is an Award-Winning Multimedia Journalist. Bylines: CBS, AXS, Yahoo, Examiner, etc, according to his Twitter bio, posted to Twitter Friday, saying the manager, Tori Perrotti, did not honor a price match for an Oral-B PRO 5000 toothbrush.

The item lists for $89.99 regularly at Target.

Leavitt, including a photo of Perrotti, said he called police after being refused a one-cent price match. Another photo Leavitt included showed a price sticker with the text display on it, along with a one-cent unit-price.

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

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, Leavitt added.

The post instantly received fierce backlash, with many people calling out Leavitt for including Perrottis picture in his complaint.

Dude, please take her photo down. In what universe do you think its ok to shame a woman working at @Target because she didnt sell you a toothbrush for 1cent? Calling the cops was bizarre, too. Its an obvious labelling error, she did her job.  Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) January 17, 2020

Leave the girl out of this and take down her picture. Youre a bad person for doing this to her.  Bridget Phetasy (@BridgetPhetasy) January 17, 2020

As the complaints mounted against Leavitt, a GoFundMe was created with the intention of sending Perrotti on a vacation.

As of Tuesday morning, the fundraiser reached $31,324, surpassing its goal of $5,000.

The campaigns organizer, Carpe Donktum, has provided several updates, saying the account has been transferred to Perrotti.

A newly-created Twitter account run by Perrotti, @RealTargetTori, shows her with a new name tag which reads #TargetTori and promises that shell be paying the generosity forward.

In response to the event, Target told the Herald News in a statement, "At Target, were grateful for the hard work our team members put in each day to serve our guests in our stores. Were working closely with our store team on this and appreciate the messages of support the team has received from guests.

Leavitt did not respond to an email request for comment at the time of publication. A message was also sent to Perrotti on Twitter asking for comment.

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The Union Home Ministry has approved creation of 2,000 posts in the CISF to augment its strength to effectively guard vital installations, including airports, atomic installations, metro networks, officials said.

The Central Industrial Security Force guards about 60 civil airports in the country and has an elite VVIP security wing under its command called the Special Security Group (SSG).

The Union Home ministry has recently given approval for the creation of about 2,000 posts in the CISF, a senior official said on Tuesday.

With the sanctioned posts, from constables to the inspector level, the CISF can raise two more battalions (1,000 personnel each) within the next two years, the official said.

The current strength of the CISF is about 1.8 lakh personnel.

The CISF guards civil airports, nuclear plants, power stations, vital government buildings, Delhi Metro besides a host of other key installations.

The government is also all set to hand over the security related duties at Srinagar and Jammu airports to the CISF by the end of this month. The CISF will replace the Jammu and Kashmir Police in these two airports.

The government has already made it clear its intention of entrusting more and more civil airports to the CISF and an increasing its task in the domain of VVIP security.

The augmentation of the CISF strength is part of this exercise, another official said.

After it was tasked to secure vital infrastructure in the private domain post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the forces' role in this domain is also increasing with about a dozen private sector facilities already under its command, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Port Louis, Mauritius (PANA) - The Meteorological Services of Mauritius on Tuesday issued a warning indicating that clouds associated with an instability zone, between Mauritius and Madagascar, are influencing the weather in the island, PANA reported from here
DAVOS, Switzerland  Greta Thunberg isnt easily intimidated.

The 17-year-old Swedish activist wasted little time on Tuesday to push back against President Trumps description of climate campaigners as the perennial prophets of doom who predict the apocalypse.

Though Trump didnt mention her directly in his speech at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos, it was clear he had his sights on Thunberg, who shot to fame a year ago by staging a regular strike at her school and sparked a global environmental movement. She then beat the U.S. president to receive Time Magazines award as the 2019 Person of the Year.

The facts are clear, but they are still too uncomfortable for you to address, she told business and political leaders in Davos just after Trumps speech, also without directly mentioning the president. You just leave it because you think its too depressing and people will give up, but people will not give up. You are the ones who are giving up. My generation will not give up without a fight.

Thunberg brushed aside Trumps announcement that the U.S. would join the economic forums initiative to plant 1 trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from the Earths atmosphere.

Planting trees is good, of course, but its nowhere near enough, Thunberg said. It cannot replace mitigation, she added, referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term.

Thunberg accused leaders of cheating and fiddling around with numbers with talk of cutting emissions to net zero  that is, emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by the planet or technical means  by 2050.

She and Trump have been sparring for months, but Thunberg did not seek to upstage the U.S. leader by walking out of his speech, which was largely focused on trade and economics instead of the climate.

Last month, Trump told Thunberg in a tweet to chill and to work on her Anger Management problem. It prompted a dry and humorous response from Thunberg, who then changed her Twitter caption to read: A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old-fashioned movie with a friend.

Earth just finished its hottest decade on record with the past five years as the five hottest years on record, according to U.S. and other scientists.

Pan Pylas and Jamey Keaten are Associated Press writers.
They're some of the world's top models.

But stunning sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid played the part of rock stars in an 80s chic ad campaign for Moschino, which emerged Tuesday.

The hair was high and the skirts were short as the siblings joined fellow models Kaia Gerber, Imaan Hammam, and Adut Akech to form the fictional girl group Moschinorama.

Girls rock! Gigi Hadid joined forces with sister Bella and fellow models Kaia Gerber, Imaan Hammam, and Adut Akech in a 80s chic new video campaign for Moschino

Six string sensation: Bella nailed a guitar solo during the video

Making the clip even more exciting, the girls were introduced by the iconic Tyra Banks.

The Steven Meisel-crafted campaign looked like a true blast from the past.

Gigi served as lead vocalists, taking the mic while providing some rhythm with a tambourine as she sang the Karla DeVito song Cool World.

The beauty looked like a prom queen, donning a red spotted dress with ruffles galore. Her tresses were teased into a fluffy bouffant.

Dot's the ticket! Gigi looked like a prom queen, donning a red spotted dress with ruffles galore

We're in the band: The ladies formed the fictional girl group Moschinorama

Center stage: Kaia looked like a pure diva as she crooned at the crowd wearing an edgy green suit and skirt set

Queen: Making the clip even more exciting, the girls were introduced by the iconic Tyra Banks

Glances: Bella smoldered while staring at Kaia in the clip

Then Kaia took the reigns, looking like a pure diva as she crooned at the crowd wearing an edgy green suit and skirt set with wildly embellished shoulders and beads dangling from the hem of her miniskirt.

To her side stood Bella, who carried a saxophone while rocking a purple and yellow bolero jacket over a rose-hued bustier.

Evoking the era, she had her hair swept up into a perky ponytail secured with a scrunchie.

She later ditched her sax to swirl into a guitar solo on a fire engine red instrument.

Retro: Adut played keys donning red while Imaan looked sassy in a bike shorts and jacket ensemble that would only work in the 80s

She shreds! Imaan looked like a real life rock star as she leaned back and pretended to play the guitar

Cool cats: The girls rocked out to the song Cool World by Karla DeVito

Adut played keys while clad in an off-the-shoulder red number with eye-catching tights underneath.

Imaan was sassy in a pair of coral bike shorts and a matching jacket. She went for bold jewelry, adding a chunky chain necklace and chandelier earrings along with a gold neckpiece.

Meanwhile, an empty drum kit sat behind them.

The group was introduced by America's Next Top Model guru Tyra, who embodied the 80s in a dramatic yellow and black gown with billowing sleeves.

The video came out in anticipation of Moschino's Paris fashion show, promising plenty of eye-catching designs for next season.
Special envoy says transformation of current truce into permanent ceasefire needs small number of military observers.

The United Nations special envoy for Libya has opposed the deployment of UN peacekeepers to the war-torn country, saying that there is no acceptance for foreign troops in Libya.

I also dont see the readiness to send troops in the international community. I am, therefore, not aiming for such a military operation, Ghassan Salame told Germanys Die Welt newspaper on Tuesday.

Instead, Salame said it was much more important to transform the current fragile truce into a permanent ceasefire which he said required a small number of military observers rather than UN troops.

On Sunday, world leaders agreed at a conference in Berlin to set up a so-called International Follow-Up Committee (IFC), which seeks to implement the goals of the summit, namely to secure a lasting ceasefire and implement a UN arms embargo that has been largely ignored for almost a decade.

A number of European figures, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, and European Union foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell, further suggested the possibility of deploying peacekeeping troops to Libya if a permanent ceasefire were agreed, though this was not part of the discussions.

The committee is scheduled to meet for the first time in the German capital in mid-February.

Battleground

Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 overthrow of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi and has become a battleground for rival proxy forces.

The deeply divided country currently has two rival administrations: The UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and another allied with renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar in the east.

The countrys embattled Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj enjoys UN backing and a Turkish military presence, but has struggled to assert his authority beyond Tripoli.

Haftar has the support of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia. His self-styled Libyan National Army controls vast swaths of territory in the oil-rich North African country.

In April, Haftars forces launched an offensive to seize Tripoli, with clashes so far killing more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters and displacing tens of thousands.

On January 12, a fragile ceasefire backed by both Turkey and Russia was put into place.
Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Monday announced that the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme will be implemented by June 1 across the country.

"We will implement the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' scheme by June 1 in the whole country. Under this scheme a beneficiary will be able to avail benefits across the country using the same ration card," said Paswan while speaking to the reporters here.

Earlier on January 1, Paswan had said that this facility has been started in 12 states in the country on the first day of the New Year.

Under this facility, the beneficiaries of the public distribution of these states can get their share of rations in any of the 12 states in which they are residing, according to the Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution.

Earlier on December 3, Paswan had announced that the 'One Nation, One Ration card' system will be 'implemented without fail in the entire country' by June 30, 2020.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The war over Huawei could have implications for the structure of the internet. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

The banning of Chinese technology companies like Huawei in the US could heighten the risk that the internet splits into two competing networks, according to a leading expert.

John Chipman, the director general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, warned that a competing Chinese version of the internet could potentially be much more attractive to countries in the developing world.

Chipman was speaking during a panel discussion on the potential global impact of a technology cold war at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The continuation of a single internet would see all countries, including China, having a vested interest in the global economy that it supports, he said.

A bifurcation of the internet  sometimes called the splinternet  could see two competing models.

This could involve completely separate supply chains and computer systems built to different standards, meaning that internet technology, software, and other types of internet infrastructure may not be able to work together.

READ MORE: Huawei CEO: We will survive further US sanctions

Each system would be looking to win business from each other, Chipman said. But the system built by the Chinese  which would likely end up being more closed-off than the current internet  would probably be more attractive to countries in the developing world, which tend to prioritise internal security.

Clearly, the banning of Chinese tech in the US and allied networks heightens the risk of a splinternet, he said.

Chipman noted that a splinternet was already occurring in the military world.

You saw last week, he said, that the US asked the Taiwanese company TSMC, that also supplies Huawei, to produce its military chips in the US, because those are the military chips that go into the F-35 fighter jet.

But Chipman warned that while a splinternet may have some benefits for certain countries, a balkanised network though, would be problematic for consumers, and maybe even more dangerous.

It could mean that more state-on-state cyber-operations are conducted, he said.

There are lots of national security risks that could also arise from a lack of diversity in the high-tech marketplace.
Youth injured during clashes in Beirut say they will continue to protest until their demands are met.

Beirut, Lebanon  When he woke up on Saturday night after surgery, Mahdi al-Burji stared straight ahead and found that the hospital wall was blurry. His vision felt uncoordinated, he said.

Earlier that day, the teenager had lost an eye after being struck by a rubber bullet during clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in Beirut last weekend.

Two days later, although his left eye remained covered in gauze and a plastic patch, he said he could not wait to return to the streets.

My eye is not my life, I will still fight, the 18-year-old told Al Jazeera from his hospital bed.

Burji was one of hundreds of people who were wounded as anti-government rallies turned violent in the Lebanese capital on Saturday and Sunday, the final days of what had been dubbed by protesters as a week of rage.

Demonstrators are demanding the formation of a new cabinet led by independent experts to steer the country through its spiralling economic crisis. The country has been led by a caretaker administration with limited powers since Saad Hariri resigned on October 29.

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Burji said that on Saturday, he joined a gathering of protesters a few hundred metres away from Parliament, as the demonstrators prepared to march to the front doors of the heavily guarded institution.

I thought I was more than 100 metres away from security forces  I was on the phone and had my back to them. The minute I turned around, I saw one of them pointing a gun to my face, Burji said. The next thing I know, everything turned dark.

Demand for change

Protesters first took to the streets in mid-October after the government announced plans to increase taxes, but the demonstrations quickly escalated into a nationwide, youth-led revolt against corruption among the ruling elite and the countrys confessional political system, where power is apportioned among ethnic and sectarian groups. Protesters have also demanded better public services, including infrastructure and education, as well as relief from a spiralling economic crisis.

Burji said he dropped out of high school last year when he was unable to find a job that did not clash with his class hours. He had started a new job as a security guard in Beirut the week before he was hit in the eye.

His mother, Lamis Shreim, is concerned about upcoming expenses needed to pay for treatment of Burjis fractured cheekbone.

Theres a huge dent under his eye, this is the price he paid for demanding his rights, Shreim told Al Jazeera, fighting back tears of anger.

The mother of two said she was unable to work while she attends to her wounded son and her seven-year-old daughter.

School an expensive dream

Medics said more than 460 people were wounded over two days of violent clashes between security forces and protesters. In addition to rubber bullets, security forces fired tear gas and water cannon against protesters, some of whom attacked security forces with tree branches and metal bars and fired flares and fireworks, as well as throwing stones.

Abdulrahman Jaber had travelled from the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon to Beirut in order to take part in the protests on Saturday. He did not expect that, like Burji, he would also be badly wounded and end up losing an eye.

He said he arrived in downtown Beirut at around 3pm, after a two-hour bus ride, and was keeping his distance from the front line of the protests.

Scuffles broke out hours after we had gathered in the street leading up to Parliament, Jaber told Al Jazeera, speaking intermittently while laying on a hospital bed.

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After they started spraying people with water cannon, I tried to reach the far corner where my friends were, the 17-year-old said.

I looked at one side to see how far I was from a bunch of security forces pushing back protesters, they must have been 25 metres away, he said.

The next thing I know I was hit in the eye.

Jaber thought the tear gas had tainted his eyesight after seeing clouds of smoke engulf the area where he was standing.

It was after reaching for his eye in the middle of the chaos that he realised the severity of the injury.

I felt blood run down my face, but I didnt feel any pain  I was in shock, he recalled.

Until September last year, Jaber regularly attended school while also working as a waiter at a restaurant in the evenings.

He told Al Jazeera that he would like to dedicate his time to school work, but said that was an expensive dream.

Without work, I simply cannot go to school, he said.

Abdelrahman Jaber said he did not feel pain when he struck by a rubber bullet on Saturday [Farah Najjar/Al Jazeera]

Dangerous rioters

Lebanese police on Tuesday defended the use of rubber bullets during the clashes, saying they were required to counter dangerous rioters.

Rubber bullets in our possession are used in a number of developed countries, including France, a statement by the Internal Security Forces said.

Orders are given to the [security forces] to fire rubber bullets exclusively at the legs, at a distance of about 10 metres, the statement said.

A UN statement said that according to reliable sources, at least four young men were shot at close range with rubber bullets, leading to severe and irreversible damage to their eyes.

Human Rights Watch has called for an end to the culture of impunity and demanded an investigation into the level of violence used by police in the last few days.

Despite the violence, protesters like Burji and Jaber are adamant they would continue to protest until an independent government is formed.

Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab was expected to announce the formation of a government last week but failed to reach a consensus with political factions on the makeup of the new cabinet, with protesters demanding it consists of independent experts and excludes traditional political parties who have governed Lebanon for three decades.
Today we'll take a closer look at John Wood Group PLC (LON:WG.) 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 popular dividend stock because of its yield, and then lose money if the company's dividend doesn't live up to expectations.

With John Wood Group yielding 6.7% and having paid a dividend for over 10 years, many investors likely find the company quite interesting. It would not be a surprise to discover that many investors buy it for the dividends. Some simple analysis can offer a lot of insights when buying a company for its dividend, and we'll go through this below.

Explore this interactive chart for our latest analysis on John Wood Group!

LSE:WG. Historical Dividend Yield, January 21st 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. John Wood Group paid out 405% of its profit as dividends, over the trailing twelve month period. A payout ratio above 100% is definitely an item of concern, unless there are some other circumstances that would justify it.

We also measure dividends paid against a company's levered free cash flow, to see if enough cash was generated to cover the dividend. With a cash payout ratio of 129%, John Wood Group's dividend payments are poorly covered by cash flow. Cash is slightly more important than profit from a dividend perspective, but given John Wood Group's payouts were not well covered by either earnings or cash flow, we would definitely be concerned about the sustainability of this dividend.

Is John Wood Group's Balance Sheet Risky?

As John Wood Group's dividend was not well covered by earnings, we need to check its balance sheet for signs of financial distress. A rough way to check this is with these two simple ratios: a) net debt divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation), and b) net interest cover. Net debt to EBITDA measures total debt load relative to company earnings (lower = less debt), while net interest cover measures the ability to pay interest on the debt (higher = greater ability to pay interest costs). John Wood Group has net debt of 3.30 times its EBITDA, which is getting towards the limit of most investors' comfort zones. Judicious use of debt can enhance shareholder returns, but also adds to the risk if something goes awry.

Story continues

We calculated its interest cover by measuring its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), and dividing this by the company's net interest expense. Interest cover of 2.77 times its interest expense is starting to become a concern for John Wood Group, and be aware that lenders may place additional restrictions on the company as well.

We update our data on John Wood Group every 24 hours, so you can always get our latest analysis of its financial health, here.

Dividend Volatility

Before buying a stock for its income, we want to see if the dividends have been stable in the past, and if the company has a track record of maintaining its dividend. John Wood Group has been paying dividends for a long time, but for the purpose of this analysis, we only examine the past 10 years of payments. The dividend has been cut on at least one occasion historically. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was US$0.12 in 2010, compared to US$0.35 last year. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 12% a year over that time. John Wood Group's dividend payments have fluctuated, so it hasn't grown 12% every year, but the CAGR is a useful rule of thumb for approximating the historical growth.

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

With a relatively unstable dividend, it's even more important to see if earnings per share (EPS) are growing. Why take the risk of a dividend getting cut, unless there's a good chance of bigger dividends in future? John Wood Group's earnings per share have shrunk at 34% a year over the past five years. A sharp decline in earnings per share is not great from from a dividend perspective, as even conservative payout ratios can come under pressure if earnings fall far enough.

Conclusion

Dividend investors should always want to know if a) a company's dividends are affordable, b) if there is a track record of consistent payments, and c) if the dividend is capable of growing. We're a bit uncomfortable with John Wood Group paying out a high percentage of both its cashflow and earnings. Second, earnings per share have been in decline, and its dividend has been cut at least once in the past. Using these criteria, John Wood Group looks quite suboptimal from a dividend investment perspective.

Given that earnings are not growing, the dividend does not look nearly so attractive. Very few businesses see earnings consistently shrink year after year in perpetuity though, and so it might be worth seeing what the 14 analysts we track are forecasting for the future.

If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of dividend stocks yielding 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.
Indian students completing their medical internships in Wuhan have been advised to stay away from their hospital residencies following the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, which is said to have originated in a seafood and animal market in the city.

Local authorities sent out the advisory after one person was diagnosed with the disease at the Zhongnan hospital of the Wuhan university medical college where Indian and other international students were attached to.

Chinese experts confirmed Monday that this previously unknown strain of the virus is highly contagious  at least 14 medical workers in Wuhan got infected while treating a single patient.

With nearly 200 cases diagnosed in the city, Wuhan is at the core of the outbreak.

Speaking to HT on condition of anonymity, an Indian student from Wuhan said the local authorities sent out the advisory as soon as the case was confirmed at Zhongnan hospital  students were advised to keep to their hostels and take adequate precautions.

Only a handful of Indian students remain in the city of around 11 million and thousands of foreign students.

Of the 600-700 Indian students in Wuhan, a majority has either gone home or abroad for the winter-cum-Chinese New Year (CNY) vacations; more are planning to return home this week.

A large number of Indian students at the Wuhan university medical college  where around 500 Indian students study  are from southern states; there are students from Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh as well.

Its not yet known whether any of the Indian students were infected before leaving Wuhan for India or any other destination.

The Indian student said the student community knew about the disease outbreak since earlier this month but the situation become serious when the number diagnosed with it went up sharply last week.

Soon, social media groups  especially the Indian community and student groups on WeChat, the Chinese mobile app  started buzzing with updates about the disease, its symptoms and the precautions needed to be taken to avoid catching it.

We began distributing masks among students, not only Indians but among all foreign students, he said.

There are a large number of Pakistani and Bangladeshi students studying at the universities in and around Wuhan as well.

A note on the disease was prepared and shared among all international students through WeChat over the last weekend.

All international students follow the recommendations of WHO to reduce your risk of Coronavirus infection and try to go out less (especially crowded places), open your room door and windows to keep the air fresh. If you or your family members dont feel well, go to the hospital in time, one point in the note said.

Keeping in mind the large number of students from the country, Indian embassy officials from Beijing has been in contact with Indian student groups in Wuhan for updates.

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Appointment

21 January 2020

Phoenix American Hospitality, a Dallas-based opportunistic hotel fund manager, announced today that Ron R. Rodriguez has joined its distribution team as regional vice president. In his new role, he will oversee the company's sales efforts throughout the western states, as welRodriguez brings more than 30 years of experience to his position at Phoenix American Hospitality. Previously, as vice president of sales for PTX Securities, he increased territory sales of Reg. D industrial real estate private placement and section 1031 properties by 600 percent in a year. As vice president at Stadion Money Management, he increased territory production by 250 percent year-over-year. As vice president at Resource Real Estate, he led a team of external and internal wholesalers representing non-traded REITs and interval funds and increased his territory's producer count by 30 percent. Ron was also one of the top external wholesale producers at Griffin Capital Securities, where he raised $48 million in equity for non-traded REITs, 1031 offerings, and other private placements. l as Texas and Louisiana.
German prosecutors on Tuesday said they were searching business premises across the country as part of an investigation into suspected diesel emissions cheating involving Mitsubishi cars.

Frankfurt prosecutors said they had opened a fraud investigation against executives at "an international car group, a subsidiary of an international car dealership and two international car suppliers".

Raids were taking place at 10 commercial sites across Germany including in the states of Hesse, Bavaria and Lower Saxony.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A thermal camera monitor shows the body temperature of passengers arriving from overseas at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Heightened precautions were being taken in China and elsewhere Tuesday as governments strove to control the outbreak of a novel coronavirus that threatens to grow during the Lunar New Year travel rush. (Suh Myung-geon/Yonhap via AP)

Countries in Asia and elsewhere are checking the body temperatures of arriving airline passengers and adopting precautionary quarantine procedures in response to a new coronavirus that has sickened nearly 300 people and killed six in China. India, Nigeria, Japan and the United States are some of the countries where airport screening procedures were in place.

The outbreak is believed to have originated in the city of Wuhan in central China. The Chinese government's confirmation that the new virus can spread between humans and has killed six people heightened fears as millions of Chinese planned to travel for the Lunar New Year holiday. So far, South Korea, Japan and Thailand have confirmed cases in Chinese visitors. Widening public health measures are intended to prevent a repeat of the 2002-2003 outbreak of SARS, another coronoavirus that started in China and killed nearly 800 people.

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MAINLAND CHINA

China's often-secretive Communist government was blamed for making SARS far worse by initially hiding information and blocking the work of the World Health Organization. This time, leader Xi Jinping has called for tough measures and said "party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put people's lives and health first." At the airport in Wuhan, the temperatures of departing passengers were checked and outbound tour groups were banned from leaving the city. Virtually everyone in a public role, from traffic police officers to bank tellers, is wearing a protective face mask. n addition to 258 cases in Wuhan, more than 20 have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong province in the south and Zhejiang in the east.

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JAPAN

One case of new virus has been detected in Japan. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged officials to step up quarantine checks at airports and other entry points. Japan will require visitors arriving from Wuhan to fill in health forms, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Japan confirmed last week that a man in his 30s tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from the Chinese city. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said it tracked down and is monitoring 41 people who had contact with the patient. The ministry says none of them have developed a fever, tight chest or other initial symptoms of the new virus.

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HONG KONG

The semi-autonomous Chinese city is one of the most popular destinations for mainland Chinese. Along with stepped-up surveillance, additional cleaning and disinfection measures have been ordered for planes and trains from Wuhan as well as for train stations and the airport. Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung on Tuesday said authorities are ready for a worst-case scenario and are on extremely high alert. A lack of information and low levels of vigilance were blamed for Hong Kong becoming the second-hardest hit area by SARS after mainland China in the early 2000s. As in much of mainland China, Hong Kong residents favor traditional markets where live poultry and other animals are sold. The government health department has advised people against visiting such markets or touching animals or their droppings.

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UNITED STATES

Workers spray antiseptic solution on the arrival lobby amid rising public concerns over the possible spread of a new coronavirus at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Heightened precautions were being taken in China and elsewhere Tuesday as governments strove to control the outbreak of a novel coronavirus that threatens to grow during the Lunar New Year travel rush. (Suh Myung-geon/Yonhap via AP)

Health screening for the coronovirus has started at three airports in the United States. People on flights from Wuhan, China undergo at screening at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International airport. Initial screenings are expected to involve around 5,000 passengers, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC said it has developed a test to detect the new coronavirus and plans to share the tool with domestic and international partners. The U.S. agency described its response to the China outbreak so far as "proactive preparedness precautions." It said, "Based on current information, however, the immediate health risk ... to the general American public is deemed to be low at this time.

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SOUTH KOREA

South Korea, which reported its first case of the virus on Monday, has enacted strict airport monitoring measures. At Incheon airport near Seoul, the only airport in South Korea with direct flights from Wuhan, authorities have been operating two special gates for passengers from the city since Jan. 3. Officials use ear thermometers to check passengers' temperatures. Since Jan. 2, airport staff have also been spraying disinfectant at arrival halls twice a week, up from once a week previously. Handrails of moving walkways and escalators, elevator buttons and doors, drinking fountains and other sensitive areas are also wiped with disinfectant twice a day, the airport said. In 2015, South Korea suffered an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome which killed 36 people and sickened nearly 200.

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NIGERIA

Nigeria's government says health authorities at points of entry are on alert for cases of coronavirus arriving in Africa's most populous country. The Nigeria Center for Disease Control asked that travelers from Wuhan report to a medical facility and the center if they feel ill. China is Africa's top trading partner. South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases said anyone with a severe respiratory illness should be tested if they have traveled to Wuhan within two weeks or had close physical contact with a coronavirus patient or treatment at a facility where a confirmed case has been reported. There were more than 200,000 Chinese workers in Africa as of the end of 2017, not including numerous informal migrants such as traders and shopkeepers, according to the China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University.

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INDIA

India announced Tuesday that it will expand thermal screening of passengers arriving from China, including Hong Kong, to seven airports from the current three. In-flight announcements before arrival will direct passengers with a fever or cough who have traveled to Wuhan in the previous 14 days to declare themselves to health authorities. Thermal screening will begin in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin, and continue in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

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SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Singapore will expand temperature screening at Changi Airport, one of Asia's busiest travel hubs, for all travelers on flights arriving from China beginning on Wednesday. The health ministry said individuals with pneumonia and a history of travel to Wuhan within 14 days of the onset of symptoms will be isolated in a hospital as a precautionary measure and investigated. Neighboring Malaysia has also beefed up screening at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Deputy health Minister Lee Boon Chye, inspecting health screening at the airport Tuesday, said staff are being trained to handle possible cases. "If a case emerges, then we may have to take more drastic measures, but for now, we hope we can nip it at the entry point," Lee told reporters.

Travelers wear face masks as they sit in a waiting room at the Beijing West Railway Station in Beijing, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. A fourth person has died in an outbreak of a new coronavirus in China, authorities said Tuesday, as more places stepped up medical screening of travelers from the country as it enters its busiest travel period. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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BANGLADESH

Bangladesh civil aviation authorities have ordered airport managers to start screening incoming passengers from China. A.H.M. Touhid-ul Ahsan, director of the main Shahjalal International Airport, said doctors at the airport would look for fevers, coughs, breathing difficulties and sore throats. The country's Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research will be notified of any passengers with symptoms for further examination, he said.

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AUSTRALIA

Brendan Murphy, Australia's chief medical officer, said biosecurity staff and state health officials in New South Wales are meeting flights from Wuhan and are distributing pamphlets printed in English and Chinese to all passengers. The pamphlets describe symptoms of infection and ask people to identify themselves if they are experiencing any. Australian health officials said a man who had traveled to Wuhan was placed in isolation in Brisbane after developing a respiratory illness but had recovered.

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RUSSIA

Russia's Healthcare Ministry described the virus as a biological hazard for the country. Speaking at the Russian parliament on Tuesday, Deputy Minister Sergei Krayevoy said the virus was a "striking example" of the biological threats Russia faces.

The Russian public health service, Rospotrebnadzor, said it had developed a testing kit that would allow labs to detect the new coronavirus quickly.

Russia is one of the three most popular tourist destinations for people from China, according to Russian officials. They estimate that about 2 million tourists from China visited Russia in 2018.

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ITALY

The Italian Health Ministry says passengers making direct and indirect flights from Wuhan, China to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport will be checked for potential signs of the virus. People with suspected infections will be quarantined at an infectious disease hospital in Rome, the ministry says. No cases have been reported so far. Posters at the airport advise travelers to consider delaying trips to the Wuhan area and if they do go there to avoid touching animals or uncooked animal products.

Explore further Virus screenings to begin at three US airports amid outbreak in China

 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
New Orleans leaders honored the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday by praising the progress made in the civil rights icon's struggle to end discrimination and poverty and citing the tense racial climate of America in 2020 as motivation to fight on.

+47 Photos: Martin Luther King Jr. legacy and vision celebrated around the New Orleans area Hundreds of people gathered across the New Orleans metro area to remember the legacy and celebrate the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., wh

Elected officials, members of historically black fraternities and sororities, and hundreds of residents marched from the New Orleans Jazz Market on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard to A.L. Davis Park in Central City, a route that took them past statues on King's namesake boulevard that honor his life and legacy.

"Because of his actions, we see freedoms that we didn't have before," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the ceremony's keynote speaker. "We can stand here, as one people, forging... for equality and economic and social justice."

The celebration and march fall annually on the third Monday in January, the day designated by the U.S. government in 1986 to honor the slain minister.

King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta and would have turned 91 this year. He led a campaign of nonviolent resistance to the political, social and economic oppression of African-American citizens and others from the mid-1950s until his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

His work, for which he earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, had a profound impact on race relations in the U.S.

Monday's events were the capstone of a week of activities that included concerts, community service projects and birthday celebrations in and around New Orleans.

Jefferson Parish held two marches of its own Monday, in Marrero and Kenner. St. Tammany Parish had events in Covington and Slidell, while St. John Parish residents held marches on both sides of the Mississippi River.

As she spoke to a crowd of hundreds at the Jazz Market, Cantrell riffed, as she often does, on a range of topics over the course of a 15-minute speech.

New Orleans' central role in the transatlantic slave trade and enslaved Africans' contributions to building the young republic is worth reflecting on as a reminder of how far black America has come, Cantrell said.

She spoke in general terms about the work that remains to be done to fulfill King's vision, saying she and other city leaders stand ready to take up his mantle.

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"When we put our minds to it, not only do we win, but the entire United States of America wins," the mayor said.

Making a rare appearance and speech at the city's annual celebration was U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, who said the holiday is a chance to reflect on the work of King and countless others who have contributed mightily to the civil rights movement.

The Republican congressman from Metairie praised chef Leah Chase, whose Dooky Chase Restaurant hosted many of the movement's early meetings in New Orleans, and whose "infectious smile" Scalise said he remembers well. Chase died in June at age 96.

Scalise also sang the praises of U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a civil rights leader who was severely beaten by police on the historic 1965 Alabama march from Selma to Montgomery to promote voting rights.

Lewis, a Democrat from Georgia who revealed in December that he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, is a "giant" who reminds Scalise of "what this movement is all about," the No. 2 Republican in the House said.

Five years ago, after it was revealed that Scalise had spoken before a gathering of white supremacists in 2002, Lewis called on the congressman to apologize to Congress. Scalise called appearing before the group "a decision I regret," but said his 2002 remarks did not concern race.

Two years later, Lewis took to the House floor to express his "love" for Scalise and the others injured when a gunman fired shots at the congressional Republicans' softball team as it practiced in a Washington suburb.

Lewis has also frequently tangled with President Donald Trump, while Scalise is one of Trump's most vigorous defenders. The president's rhetoric has inspired at least one speaker's condemnation at every King commemoration in New Orleans  save Monday's  since Trump was elected in 2016.

Urging residents to focus on the work that remains was another of Monday's speakers, Gov. John Bel Edwards, who tied his support for a minimum wage increase in Louisiana and for wage equality for women and men to King's vision of eradicating poverty. Though the Republican-dominated Legislature has quashed similar efforts in recent years, Edwards, a Democrat, avoided direct criticism of the GOP.

"We've made progress, but we have a long way to go. And I'm the first one to acknowledge that," Edwards said.

As if to underscore Edwards' point, Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans CEO Arnie Fielkow said attacks last year on Hasidic Jews in New York City, a 2015 mass shooting at a Charleston, South Carolina church and other recent tragedies are evidence that hate has again taken "a primary role in this country."

"When we see that message of hate, no matter in what form, we have to stand up together, and say, 'No. It will not be tolerated,'" Fielkow said.
QUANTICO, VA, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Semper Fi Fund & Americas Fund are honored to announce their new Chairman of the Board, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. General Dunford served as the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nations highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council, from October 2015 through September 2019. Prior to that he served as the 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps from October 2014 through September 2015.

We are thrilled to have General Dunford come aboard as Chairman, lending his wisdom, experience, leadership  and most of all  his heart to our mission and efforts. said Semper Fi Fund & Americas Fund President, CEO and Founder Karen Guenther.

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, General Dunford graduated from Saint Michael's College and joined the Marine Corps in 1977. He has served as an infantry officer at all levels, including command of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, and command of the 5th Marine Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps from 2010 to 2012 and was Commander, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan from February 2013 to August 2014.

Ive been following the important work that the Semper Fi Fund & Americas Fund have been doing for years, said General Dunford, and Im looking forward to officially joining them in their mission and helping expand their impact in any way I can. This will allow me to continue to serve, and to honor my fellow service members and veterans who have given so much of themselves and their families who support them in their service.

About the Semper Fi Fund & Americas Fund

The Semper Fi Fund & Americas Fund provide urgently needed resources and lifetime support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Case Managers from theFund work one-on-one with service members and veterans to understand and support their individual needs right now and throughout their lifetimes. The Fund keeps its overhead extremely low in order to have the greatest impact on the lives of service members and veterans and has been awarded the highest ratings from watchdog groups: A+ from CharityWatch (one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating last year), nine consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator (an achievement attained by only 3% of rated charities) and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. Learn more at semperfifund.org.

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Transmission electron micrograph of influenza A virus, late passage. Credit: CDC

Fully vaccinating children reduced the risk of hospitalization for complications associated with influenza by 54%, according to a new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and University of Michigan researchers.

The research, published in the December, 2019 print journal Clinical Infectious Disease, is one of the few studies worldwide that has tested the effectiveness of childhood vaccination against influenza and risk of hospitalization due to the influenza complications.

The study was led by Dr. Hannah Segaloff, an epidemiologist at the School of Public Health, University of Michigan and Prof. Mark Katz, M.D., of BGU's Department of Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and a senior researcher at the Clalit Institute of General Research. Prof. Katz also teaches in BGU's Medical School for International Health.

The retrospective study reviewed the vaccination data of 3,746 hospitalizations of children ages six months to 8 years old at six hospitals in Israel. They were tested for influenza over three winter seasons 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18.

The findings reveal that the flu vaccine reduced hospitalizations associated with the flu by more than half. They also validate guidelines in the United States and Israel that recommend two vaccine doses for children up to age 8 who have never been vaccinated or who previously received one dose.

"Children vaccinated according to government guidelines are much better protected from influenza than those who only receive one vaccine," says Dr. Segaloff. "Over half of our study population had underlying conditions that may put them at high risk for severe influenza-related complications, so preventing influenza in this group is critically important.

"Our results also showed that the vaccine was effective in three different seasons with different circulating viruses, reinforcing the importance of getting an influenza vaccine every year no matter what virus strain is circulating."

Co-author Prof. Katz adds, "Young children are at high risk of hospitalization due to influenza complications. Children with underlying illnesses such as asthma and heart disease have an even greater risk of getting the complications. It is important to prevent influenza infections in these populations."

The findings also support health organizations' recommendations, including the Israel Ministry of Health, to vaccinate children against influenza every year, preferably before the onset of winter and especially during early childhood. Children under age five are defined as having a high risk of influenza complications.

"This study mirrors a previous study conducted at Clalit Institute where we found that flu vaccine reduces 40% risk of hospitalizations in pregnant women," says Prof. Ran Balicer, a member of the BGU School of Public Health and director of the Clalit Research Institute. "It found that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent both the flu and hospitalization."

The researchers hope parents make an informed decision about the importance of vaccinating their children and that their research will increase vaccination rates among the general public.

Explore further Flu vaccine prevents hospitalization in children
A team of scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University used Raman spectroscopy to study the thrombocytes of patients with cardiovascular diseases and compared their spectra with those of healthy people. The researchers identified informative areas of the spectra and confirmed that Raman spectroscopy was a promising method allowing one to diagnose the diseases associated with changes in thrombocyte activity and also to forecast the efficiency of antithrombotic therapy. A grant for the research was provided by the Russian Science Foundation, and its results were presented at several conferences on medicine and optics: Optics in Health Care and Biomedical Optics IX, 20-23 October 2019, Hangzhou, China, and the 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical and Translational Medicine. 18-20 October, 2019 Vienna, Austria. The results were also published in SPIE Digital Library ? European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine.

Blood consists of a liquid medium called plasma and blood cells suspended in it and performing different functions. Thrombocytes protect our bodies from blood loss in case of an injury. They look like colourless oblate spheroids 2-4 micron in diameter and are produced by red bone marrow. As a rule, thrombocytes remain deactivated; however, when vascular walls are damaged, and cell disintegration products and special molecular "distress signals" are released in the blood, they react with the proteins on the surface of thrombocytes and activate them. When a thrombocyte is activated, it quickly and almost always irreversibly changes its state and shape, increasing its surface area. As a result thrombocytes acquire the ability to stick to each other (this process is called aggregation) and to vascular walls (adhesion). A clot is formed, and serious blood loss is prevented. Moreover, thrombocytes release the so-called growth factor into body tissues surrounding the injury site, making them divide faster.

But blood properties can change in the course of some cardiovascular diseases causing clots (thrombs) to form without any damage to vascular walls. Thrombs can circulate along blood vessels and stick to their walls thus contracting their lumen and making other elements stick to them. This leads to the clotting of vessels, prevents blood flow to tissues and organs, damages their functions, and in case of long oxygen and nutrient deficiency might even cause necrosis. If an artery is clotted in the heart (heart attack) or the brain (stroke), it causes serious health issues and may even be lethal. To diagnose the diseases of this type, doctors pay attention to several blood indicators including the quantity and state of thrombocytes. Current evaluation methods are quite complex and take a lot of time to carry out all reactions. However, as it turns out, to diagnose the state of a patient, one may use the characteristics of thrombocytes.

A team of scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University suggested using Raman spectroscopy to diagnose the state of thrombocytes. In the course of Raman spectroscopy a laser beam goes through the studied substance, and then the characteristics of scattered light are compared to its initial indicators. The substance absorbs a part of light, and the frequency of such absorption depends on the composition and structure of the sample. The intensity of the beam in all frequencies is visualized as a chart, and scattering peaks are identified on it. Then the spectral structure of the thrombocyte in question is evaluated.

"Raman spectroscopy is currently being actively studied as a new diagnostic method in many areas of medicine. For example, it can be used to identify the known markers of cardiovascular diseases or to search for new ones. The analysis of thrombocytes and their aggregation ability might become a new efficient and minimally invasive diagnostics method in modern cardiology", said Ekaterina Moiseeva, a postgraduate of the Institute of Medicine, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University.

The team suggested that the state of thrombocytes in the blood of patients with cardiovascular diseases could be quickly evaluated using Raman spectroscopy. The participants of the study were volunteers; some of them had healthy hearts and blood vessels, and some suffered from high blood pressure or had survived a heart attack and took antiaggregants (blood thinners). Samples of venous blood were taken from both groups. After that, thrombocytes were extracted from them and placed on a base plate. Then the scientists registered the spectra of single suspended cells and studied their characteristics. The comparison of samples taken from healthy people and cardiovascular patients showed differences in several areas of the spectra. Namely, the intensity of the signal changed in the latter which may indicate changes in the physical characteristics of the lipidic base of thrombocyte membranes

"It is too early to say that the spectra change according to a certain set of rules. We need further studies to classify them and link to specific cell processes. To confirm the results, we plan to collect more research statistics and to identify spectral patterns that might be brought into correlation with the thrombocyte state indicators," said Andrei Zyubin, a senior researcher at the Research and Educational Center "Fundamental and Applied Photonics. Nanophotonics", Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University.

The results of the study confirmed that Raman spectroscopy could be used to study the changes in the properties of thrombocytes in patients undergoing antiaggregant therapy. This would help doctors not only control the progress of the therapy, but also identify possible risks of cardiovascular diseases.

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The research was carried out as a part of the RSF Project No.19-72-00004
Syracuse, NY -- A judge didnt want to do it. A prosecutor protested it.

But New Yorks new bail reform required the release of Michael Ziemba, 49, a driver with a history of dangerous intoxication whos accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal crash in October on Onondaga Lake Parkway.

Thats because leaving the scene of a fatal crash is not considered a violent felony, so a judge is forced to release the defendant pending trial under the new bail reform law.

But prosecutor Susan Azzarelli found a way to keep Ziemba locked up, anyway: she went back to one of Ziembas previous convictions and asked a judge to find hed violated his sentence in the unrelated domestic violence case.

Its one of the workarounds that prosecutors are looking to now to keep people like Ziemba, who are accused of outrageous crimes, locked up pending trial. Had Ziemba remained jailed, as he was before bail reform, there would have been no need for such strategies.

Ziembas lawyer openly acknowledged in court Tuesday that prosecutors were simply trying to keep Ziemba jailed as he awaits trial in the hit-and-run fatality.

And the hit-and-run victims family sat quietly in the courtroom to witness his fate.

So how exactly did prosecutors legally keep Ziemba jailed?

They found that Ziemba had recently been convicted of misdemeanor assault for beating up his girlfriend in November 2018. He had pleaded guilty and was due to face no further punishment -- with one caveat: He needed to stay out of trouble for a year.

Ziembas arrest in the Oct. 12, 2019 hit-and-run crash that killed pedestrian Jason Quackenbush qualified as more trouble. That meant that a judge could sentence him to up to a year in jail on the assault.

Ziembas lawyer, Matt Dotzler, proposed a deal Tuesday that would satisfy everyone: Ziemba would admit getting into more trouble and spend eight months in jail as punishment for the assault case.

That, Dotzler noted to the judge, would keep Ziemba jailed while lawyers and a different judge handled his fatal hit-and-run case.

In essence, it restored the situation that Ziemba was in before bail reform: waiting in jail for his day in court on the fatal crash case. (He had remained in jail after the Parkway fatality because he couldnt pay bail which was set at $50,000 cash or $200,000 bond.)

Ziemba quickly agreed to the arrangement. So did the judge and prosecutor. He faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

While prosecutors found a way to keep Ziemba locked up, they had no such recourse for another accused killer -- Darien Shellman -- who was released from jail on bail reform earlier this month. Shellman was accused of recklessly shooting his girlfriend to death, another charge that requires automatic release from jail.

Shellman had no prior criminal history and legally possessed the gun used in his girlfriends death. Shellman maintains the fatal shooting was an accident. Hes free while awaiting trial.

No photo of Ziemba has been released under the states mug shot ban and court rules.

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Burma Myanmar President Sends Report on Massacres of Rohingya by Security Forces to Military Chief for More Prosecutions

Myanmar security forces patrol near the Bangladeshi border in northern Rakhine. / The Irrawaddy

YANGONMyanmars President has forwarded an independent commissions report that includes findings of mass killings and other atrocities against Rohingya Muslims during military clearance operations in northern Rakhine State in August 2017 to the countrys military chief for use in investigating and prosecuting the military personnel responsible.

The Myanmar government formed the Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) in 2108 to investigate allegations of human rights violations and related issues following terrorist attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Rakhine State, with a view to seeking accountability and formulating recommendations on steps to be taken to ensure peace and stability in the area.

More than 700,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh in late 2017 after the governments security forces launched clearance operations in northern Rakhine State in response to the ARSA attacks on police outposts in the area. Those who fled recalled arbitrary killings, rape and arson against their property by Myanmar security forces. UN investigators said the operations had genocidal intent. Both the Myanmar government and military have denied the accusations.

The ICOE submitted its final report with 22 recommendations to Myanmar President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday. The 461-page document deniedthat killings and displacement of Rohingya Muslims during security forces clearance operations there had genocidal intent, contradicting the findings of UN investigators. But the commission admitted that war crimes, serious human rights violations, and violations of domestic law took place.

On Tuesday, the Presidents Office released a summary of the report, including its findings that mass killings, gang rapes, property destruction, looting, forced displacement and other atrocities occurred.

In a statement issued on the same day, President U Win Myint said he had sent the report to military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing so that the military can extend its ongoing investigations and prosecutions to cover crimes alleged to have been committed by members of the Myanmar security forces, especially for the killings in Min Gyi and Chut Pyin villages, and the failure to prevent the burning of homes in abandoned Muslim villages.

According to the report, based on a witness account, nearly 500-600 civilians from Min Gyi Village in Maungdaw Township were killed in armed clashes between security forces and ARSA on Aug. 29, 2017.

It also states that at least 100 [ARSA members and civilians] were likely to have been killed during a clearance operation at Chut Pyin on Aug. 27 in the same year.

While the statement from the Presidents Office names the two villages as sites of mass killings, the summary includes additional information that 200 civilians were killed at Maung Nu and 19 at Gutar Pyin villages in Buthidaung Township.

The military opened court martial proceedings against a group of soldiers over the Gutar Pyin killing in November last year.

It was not clear why the statement from the Presidents Office urging the military chief to investigate the killings fails to mention the Maung Nu Village massacre.

According to the summary, the ICOE report states that there is no reliable evidence to support allegations that security forces committed gang rape, while arson and other forms of property destruction were carried out by security forces and thugs working for them, as well as by ARSA members and Muslim villagers.

Regarding the looting, the report states that it was mostly committed by non-Rohingya people and some security forces. On the forced displacement of Rohingya people, the ICOE found little solid evidence to suggest that security forces pressured Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. It states that the displacement was mostly the result of fear caused by fighting between ARSA and security forces, adding that Rohingya were encouraged to flee by ARSA.

In the statement, President U Win Myint said he concurred with the commissions recommendations, and had sent the full report to the Union Attorney General for further investigation and prosecution of cases involving property destruction, looting or other serious crimes committed by civilians.

The President also asked the Union Attorney General to consult with the Judge Advocate General as necessary on how serious crimes committed by ARSA members or collaborators should be investigated and prosecuted.

On Tuesday, a military spokesperson told The Irrawaddy that the military cooperated with the ICOE and is committed to following its recommendations, including that further investigations be conducted.

We will hold investigations according to military law, including ground inspections. After that, if legal proceedings are needed, courts martial will be held to decide if the accused are guilty or not, he said.

The ICOE report was released just two days shy of the International Court of Justices ruling on whether to approve The Gambias request that provisional measures be taken against Myanmar. The small African nation filed a lawsuit with the court accusing Myanmar of committing genocide against the Rohingya.

During public hearings at the court in December, Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told the judges there would be more courts martial after the ICOE submitted its final report.

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During the last presidential election cycle, housing didn't seem to be one of the primary issues on the minds of any of the main candidatesor, apparently, voters. Nope, the headline-making rhetoric was all about Obamacare, building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and the economy.

But what a difference four years can make! Now, with home and rental prices hitting new highs in much of the nation, the lack of affordable housing has become a top talking point in the 2020 race. All but one of the Democratic contenders (we're looking at you, Joe Biden) have, in fact, released sometimes voluminous housing plans to address what's becoming a crisis for many Americans.

"I'm glad to actually see candidates discussing housing, which is becoming such a major challenge for many Americans," says realtor.com's Senior Economist George Ratiu. "We have a tremendous shortage of housing. Given [its] importance to the U.S. economy, it should be a top-of-mind issue."

But what kind of plans do the contenders for the highest office in the land have to solve America's housing crisis?

To find out, we bravely took a deep dive into the many thousands of words of proposals, planks, and plans put out by the six Democratic candidates who qualified for the latest debate, held on Jan. 14, plus former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (who didn't meet the donation threshold for the debate because he is self-funding his candidacy). Our goal: cut through the vast clutter to get to the heart of their ideas on what these men or women would do for housing if they became the POTUS.

We did not include President Donald Trump since the Republican leader's already had three years in the office to put his mark on housing policies. Some of his biggest impacts so far have been capping the size of mortgage interest deductions and limiting how much folks can write off in property taxes.

Below are the highlights and main themes of the housing plans of each of the major Democratic candidates, broken into digestible chunks.

So what should you know before hitting the polls?

Joe Biden

Joe Biden Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Claim to fame: Former vice president under President Barack Obama

Age: 77

Homeownership: Front-runner Biden has so far had the least to say about housing of all major candidates, save Trump. He's promising the release of a fully fleshed-out plan soon. But he has said he would use federal funding to provide first-time home buyers with a $15,000 down payment.

Public housing assistance: He plans to make sure that all formerly incarcerated individuals can find housing. He'd approve HUD contracts only with groups that give folks in need of affordable housing and services another chanceeven if they have criminal histories.

Also: he'd fully fund Section 8 vouchers, so every eligible, low-income household would receive the housing assistance. (The majority of Americans who currently qualify for these benefits don't receive them.)



Michael Bloomberg

Mike Bloomberg Scott Heins/Getty Images

Claims to fame: Former New York City mayor, billionaire media mogul

Age: 77

Homeownership: Thinking outside the box, Bloomberg-style, he says he would create a $10 billion "competition" that would award towns and cities that come up with innovative and effective ways to get rid of the zoning restrictions and other barriers to building affordable housing in areas with good schools, jobs, and public transit. (Such barriers, he claims, "increase housing costs by 50% or more.")

Renters: Add hundreds of thousands of affordable housing units over a 10-year period by expanding the low-income housing tax credit. Also provide incentives to cities to create more affordable housing in their most desirable neighborhoods.

Public housing assistance: Direct more federal funds toward community grants and housing vouchers; meanwhile, increase the value of vouchers in pricier areas.

Homelessness: Provide cities with significant incentives to house the homeless and provide support and work training, along with substance abuse programs. Folks on the brink of homelessness? They'd be eligible for legal aid and temporary financial help, to keep the ranks from swelling further.

Fair housing: Create a $10 billion Housing Fairness Commission to find ways to stop discrimination. The Fair Housing Act would be expanded to add family and veteran status, sexual orientation, and source of funds as protected classes.



Pete Buttigieg

Pete Buttigieg Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Claim to fame: Former mayor of South Bend, IN (pop. 101,860)

Age: 38

Homeownership: Buttigieg's so-called Douglass Plan (you guessed it, named after abolitionist Frederick Douglass) would create a public trust to buy up abandoned properties in struggling and racially segregated or historically redlined, minority communities. Low-income residents who've lived in these areas for at least three of the past 10 years would be given the homes free and clear with a 10-year, forgivable lien for renovationsprovided they make it their primary residence. Cities and prospective homeowners would have to apply to participate in the program.

Renters: He'd put $430 million toward the construction of affordable housing; he'd build or renovate more than 2 million housing units for the poorest Americans, and provide housing for 7 million low-income families.

Public housing assistance: Invest $170 billion in housing vouchers so families can find housing and get counseling and other services. He'd also allow folks with criminal records to receive public housing assistance.

Homelessness: He has promised to end all homelessness for families with children.

Green housing: Fully fund the removal of all lead paint from apartments and homes.



Amy Klobuchar

Amy Klobuchar Scott Olson/Getty Images

Claim to fame: U.S. senator from Minnesota

Age: 59

Homeownership: Klobuchar's housing plan calls for expanding down payment assistance and bolstering federal home-buying education programs, particularly in areas with low homeownership rates. She'd also help more prospective buyers build credit histories by enabling credit bureaus to factor in their cellphone, rent, and utility bills. She'd bolster protections for seniors taking out reverse mortgages on their homes and increase oversight and enforcement of fair lending practices. And she'd create a new federal tax credit to encourage investment in residential properties in poorer communities.

Renters: Create a federal grant program to provide legal assistance to folks facing eviction; prioritize awarding grants to areas with zoning that encourages more affordable housing development; and invest more in rural rental assistance programs and affordable housing programs, particularly for Native Americans.

Public housing assistance: Increase funding for housing vouchers. Support housing programs that help the disabled and those with AIDS. Expand programs that allow renters to use housing vouchers in better neighborhoods, and make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to someone based on the source of their income (such as housing vouchers).

Homelessness: Increase grants that provide emergency and long-term shelter for the homeless.

Green housing: Retrofit buildings participating in federal housing programs to reduce carbon emissions.

Fair housing: Undo Trump's changes to Fair Housing rules.



Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders Scott Olson/Getty Images

Claims to fame: U.S. senator from Vermont

Age: 78

Homeownership: Sanders has one of the most comprehensive housing plans of all candidates. So let's get started, shall we? He'd invest $50 billion to create state and local community land trusts; these would help families buy homes at reasonable prices with the promise that they'll sell them at lower prices to keep the homes affordable. He'd also invest $15 billion to buy and rehab abandoned properties in poorer communities.

He'd create a first-time home buyer assistance program and provide more counseling to aspiring buyers; along the way, he'd increase protections against shady mortgages. He'd provide financial help to victims of predatory lending, redlining, and mortgage fraud, and those still underwater on their home loans from the Great Recession. He'd provide hefty incentives for developers to include affordable housing into their projects. And he'd regulate and impose restrictions on Wall Street funds that own homes.

And he'd come down hard on flippers. He'd tax them 25% if they're turning a profit on the property within five years of the purchase. He'd also try to curb "ghost homes," taxing folks who own empty homes 2% of the property's value to encourage them to rent or sell them. He'd also limit property taxes in gentrifying areas so longtime residents aren't priced out.

Renters: Institute national rent control requirements and make it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants. Landlords would be barred from upping annual rents by more than 3% or 1.5 times the consumer price index; they'd be eligible for waivers for making significant capital improvements to the properties.

Over the next decade, he'd invest nearly $1.5 trillion in the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to build, rehab, and preserve affordable, rental housing. He'd build and preserve affordable housing in rural America and prevent landlords from discriminating against the source of renters' income.

Public housing assistance: $70 billion will go toward repairing, remediating, and building public housing. Sanders would fully fund Section 8 rental assistance so everyone eligible would receive the help.

Homelessness: He's vowed to end it. He'd double grants to put up more housing for the homeless and commit $500 million for states and localities to do homeless outreach.

Green housing: He'd have green, energy-saving retrofits performed in public housing. He'd also provide grants for low- and middle-income folks to weatherize and retrofit their homes and businesses and get cheaper electricity.

Fair housing: He plans to create an independent National Fair Housing Agency to investigate landlords, protect mobile-home residents, and uphold the law. He'd also make sure LGBTQ Americans become a protected class under the Fair Housing Act.



Tom Steyer

Tom Steyer Scott Olson/Getty Images

Claims to fame: Former hedge fund manager-turned-billionaire-turned-activist

Age: 62

Homeownership: Steyer's housing plan provides incentives for those putting up multiunit buildings where residents share ownership, such as co-ops and co-living homes. Public servants would be eligible for a down payment assistance fund. Low- and middle-income renters would be eligible for quarterly, housing tax credits to be used to offset the costs of renting or for saving up for a down payment on a home. And there would be protections put in place for seniors taking out reverse mortgages.

And, similar to his billionaire bud Bloomberg, he'd create an IDEAHousing Competition, awarding up to $10 billion a year for solutions to the housing crisis.

Renters: Invest $47 billion annually in grants and loans earmarked for the construction, renovation, and preservation of low-income housing, prioritizing green projects, and create an emergency fund to provide one-time grants and loans to families facing eviction.

Public housing assistance: Expand access to housing vouchers, and allow federal money to be used for the construction of new public housing.

Homelessness: Invest $8 billion in homeless services and turning vacant properties into shelter.

Green housing: The environment, of course, is Steyer's big issue. He promises that by 2030, all new residential buildings would be carbon-free. And he'd also provide incentives to make buildings more environmentally friendly.

He'd invest $156 billion in formerly redlined communities to help folks build home equity, mitigate environmental pollution, and create green energy jobs. He'd designate $195 billion for creating environmentally friendly, affordable housing, open spaces, and insurance for renters displaced by natural disasters. An additional $250 billion in bonds would be issued over a decade to create greener communities.

Fair housing: He'd expand fair housing to include gender identity among other classes.



Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren Scott Olson/Getty Images

Claim to fame: U.S. senator from Massachusetts

Age: 70

Homeownership: Warren's comprehensive housing plan gives more down payment assistance to those in lower-income, minority communities. She'd also provide foreclosure assistance to those whose mortgages are still underwater from the Great Recession and encourage lenders to issue more mortgages locally. She'd also limit federal agencies selling mortgages to Wall Street to prevent more foreclosures.

Renters: She expects to lower rents by 10% by creating more housing for low-income and middle-class households. How? By giving local governments incentives to eliminate or ease restrictive zoning and land-use rules. She'd spend $500 billion over the next decade to build, renovate, and preserve affordable housing. She'd invest in housing for Native Americans. And she'd create a middle-class housing emergency fund to build rental housing for middle-income Americans in expensive areas.

She'd also make it harder for landlords to evict tenants by creating a Tenant Protection Bureau and providing legal assistance for renters in eviction cases. And she'd create an Innovation Lab to find ways to make rents affordable.

Public housing assistance: Increase housing voucher amounts so renters can move into better communities; use federal funding to construct and operate new public housing.

Homelessness: Fight homelessness for veterans, transgender individuals, and LGBTQ youth by funding various initiatives.

Green housing: Retrofit 4% of buildings to be more energy-efficient each year, and invest in programs to remove mold and lead paint. She'd create grants for public housing to do retrofits and upgrade the facilities. New buildings would undergo environmental screens. And all new buildings would be zero carbon pollution by 2028.

Fair housing: Expand the Fair Housing Act, making sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, and occupation protected classes. o Contentg

The post Cast Your Votes! How 2020's Presidential Candidates Plan to Help You Buy a House (or Not) appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Secretary Health Punjab Capt (R) Muhammad Usman Tuesday said that dengue could be averted with active coordination among the government departments

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jan, 2020 ) :Secretary Health Punjab Capt (R) Muhammad Usman Tuesday said that dengue could be averted with active coordination among the government departments.

Addressing concluding session of the two days dengue workers' workshop ,he said that dengue control activities and surveillance should continue even during the winter season.

The Secretary said that new Standard Operating Procedures(SOP"s) had been introduced in order to control the spread of dengue fever in the next years.

He said the government was providing maximum resources and facilitating the departments therefore, no negligence from any department would be tolerated.

He said the provincial government was fully active and closely watching the performance of all stakeholders.

Usman urged the officials to carryout indoor and outdoor surveillance timely from where dengue patients were reported last year.

Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Dengue Control Programme Punjab, Prof.

Dr. Waseem Akram asked the health department to adopt appropriate measures to combat the disease well in time,adding such training programmes enabled the participants to undertake dengue control measures effectively.

Dr. Waseem asked the participants to work with missionary zeal to protect lives of citizens and educate masses about dengue control precautionary measures.

He said that dengue and sanitation was interlinked adding "We can overcome dengue by keeping our environment clean."CEO, District Health Authority Dr Suhail Ahmed Chaudhry while speaking to the participants said that dengue was a fatal disease and it was our moral duty to contribute in getting rid of this disease by creating awareness at grass root level.

Commissioner Capt Muhammad Mehmood,Station commander Rawalpindi Cantonment Boards Brigader Izaj Qamar Kiani,Deputy Commissioner and officials of concerned departments attended the workshop.
For the first time since I returned to New Orleans, I met a Saint. I think I had my fanboy enthusiasm in check. I introduced myself, shaking the hand of New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis at an event at The Broad Theater. Davis didnt know me, and he had no reason to spend any time with me. Admirers were walking up. Event organizers came to greet him near the front door where we were standing. I moved on.

I was moved by his presence, and his participation. I was impressed he stayed for the evening.

We were at a special reception, a screening of Just Mercy, and some post-movie time for remarks. The event was hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and Innocence Project New Orleans.

The movie, which premiered in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, opened widely nationwide just a few days ago. Based on the book of the same name, the feature film explores the decision of Harvard Law School graduate Bryan Stevenson, now 60, to be cofounder of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that combats racial and economic inequity in the criminal justice system.

Hes led efforts to get scores of prisoners off death row, saving their lives and getting dozens released.

Sometimes we look at young people and shake our heads with disgust or because we-know-better-and-they-dont. Weve had more experience, more time doing what we do, more life-learning from challenges and successes. Weve seen things and know there are reasons things are as they are.

Then young folks like Davis and Stevenson come along, 20-something and 30ish, brash. They ask Why? Why must things be like this? Why must things be the same?

Stevenson started his public interest social justice work in 1989 when he was a much younger man. He was smart and he couldve gone any number of places. But he wanted to help some of the less fortune, some who were downtrodden and some who had sought justice only to be denied.

Davis was taken with the plight of Louisianas incarcerated. He looked into the issues. Between 1989 and 2012 the National Registry of Exonerations, which looks at counties with at least 300,000 population, ranked Orleans Parish first in the nation. Jefferson Parish was fourth.

The number of wrongly convicted prisoners didnt make sense to him. What really didnt make sense was not allowing felons on probation the opportunity to vote.

Young folks like Davis and Stevenson question the status quo. They question our assumptions. They challenge where we are, and ask where we should be. We provide 20/20 hindsight, and they ask why we cant see a different future.

"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," a youthful President John F. Kennedy said as he challenged our nation. In her first year as the nations First Lady, Michelle Obama wrote in USA Today said we need what a number of young people bring to the table. Today, more than ever, we need their energy, enthusiasm and idealism.

There are good reasons for us to be realistic. Caution and precaution are different. Precaution allows us to purposefully plan in advance because were anticipating something and we want to be best prepared. We employ caution when were thrust into danger, or a specific situation, and we, essentially, pump the brakes.

Youthful energy, youthful enthusiasm and youthful idealism might include more risk, but if often results in great upsides. There are people in prison, and families of some incarcerated, counting on people like Davis and Stevenson. And theyre counting on us.

The United States is the No. 1 nation incarcerating people, and our state, Louisiana, is the No. 1 state housing people in prisons and jails. Davis, Stevenson and others are banking on the rest of us caring enough to work with those who are pursuing change. They dont care how old we are. They dont care about our political party affiliations. They dont care whether we are rich or poor. They hope we care about people, about equity and about justice.

They hope we see that some things are simply wrong, and that we agree to make big changes.
Trader Joe's notoriously bargain-friendly bottle of wine just got even cheaper.

Charles Shaw  better known to the rest of us anti-wine snobs as "Two Buck Chuck"  is once living up to up its title, now selling bottles of wine for $1.99 at Trader Joe's locations across the state of California for the first time in seven years.

According to the Los Angeles Business Times, the price cut is permanent. Matt Sloan, vice president of marketing and product at Trader Joe's, said the grocery chain had been collaborating with Charles Shaw to "make some improvements packaging-wise," using less glass and cork.

"These cost savings have put us into a position where we can pass a lot of that savings right onto customers," he told the Southern California news outlet, adding the brand has sold "well over a billion bottles" since its introduction in 2003.

The cost of Charles Shaw wine reportedly increased to $2.49 in 2013 and up to $3.79 in other states due to additional taxes on alcoholic beverages. Because distribution costs are higher in other states, the reduced rate only applies to stores in California.

RELATED: Casual drinkers tried 11 Costco wines: Here are the best (and worst) of the Kirkland collection

At the Trader Joe's location on 4th and Market in downtown San Francisco, four varietal wines were being sold in a massive display in the middle of the store, among them a 2015 Merlot, 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2018 Sauvignon Blanc and 2019 Chardonnay.

"Two buck chuck is back!" read the flashy, hand-scrawled sign. "...With a vengeance. Mmm... tasty revenge."

An employee told SFGATE the markdown is fairly recent, estimating that particular location had been the wine at the reduced price for just a couple of weeks.

Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Srinivas on Tuesday condemned the arrest of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Galla Jayadev.

"I condemn the politically motivated and unjustified arrest of Galla Jayadev by YS Jagan government. I demand his immediate release," Srinivas tweeted.

Jayadev was detained on Monday by the police in Amaravati during a rally by farmers against state government approving setting up of three capitals.

In the wake of the 'Chalo Assembly' call given by Amaravati Parirakahana Samiti and opposition parties, the police had detained several TDP leaders and put them under house arrest.

Andhra Pradesh state assembly on Monday passed 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020' which will pave the way for the creation of three capitals in the state - -- Visakhapatnam as executive capital, Kurnool as judicial capital, and Amaravati as legislative capital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It's always best to build a diverse portfolio of shares, since any stock business could lag the broader market. Of course, in an ideal world, all your stocks would beat the market. Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (NYSE:WRE) has done well over the last year, with the stock price up 27% beating the market return of 24% (not including dividends). Zooming out, the stock is actually down 5.2% in the last three years.

View our latest analysis for Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Over the last twelve months Washington Real Estate Investment Trust went from profitable to unprofitable. While this may prove temporary, we'd consider it a negative, so we would not have expected to see the share price up. It may be that the company has done well on other metrics.

We think that the revenue growth of 15% could have some investors interested. Many businesses do go through a phase where they have to forgo some profits to drive business development, and sometimes its for the best.

The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

NYSE:WRE Income Statement, January 21st 2020

You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Washington Real Estate Investment Trust, it has a TSR of 32% for the last year. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

Story continues

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Washington Real Estate Investment Trust shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 32% over the last year. Of course, that includes the dividend. That gain is better than the annual TSR over five years, which is 4.7%. Therefore it seems like sentiment around the company has been positive lately. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (1 is significant) that you should be aware of.

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.
MONTREAL, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harfang Exploration Inc. (Harfang) (HAR.V) is pleased to announce the generation of the new Kali Property (the Property) in the vicinity of Azimut Explorations Patwon gold discovery (James Bay, Quebec) (Figure 1). The Property is made up of 194 mineral claims (10,232 ha) entirely owned by Harfang.



The Property covers significant grounds along the Middle and Lower Eastmain Greenstone Belt (MLEGB) near the contact between the La Grande and Nemiscau-Opinaca geological subprovinces. This contact is spatially associated with significant gold deposits and occurrences (eg. Eleonore mine, and Cheechoo and La Pointe prospects). The Property is divided into two separate claim blocks plus two isolated claims. One of them, located inside Azimuts Elmer Property, was acquired by Harfang in 2018.

Rock assemblages on the Property, as mapped by the ministere de lEnergie et des Ressources naturelles du Quebec, are similar to those described by Azimut in the surroundings of the discovery (see TSX-V AZMs press release dated on January 14, 2020 / 3.15 g/t Au over 102.0 m). As evidenced by the Quebec Government regional magnetic survey, rock units in the western claim block are strongly affected by a major NE-SW dextral deformation corridor along the northwestern edge of the MLEGB. This corridor merges with the east-west contact between both subprovinces inside the Property limits offering favorable structural traps for gold mineralization.

The Kali Project is located 280 km north of Matagami. The western block is located 20 km east of Eastmains Cree Community and is accessible by air transportation or by boat along the Eastmain River. The eastern block is located immediately west of the James Bay paved road and is easily accessible by ground transportation. The region benefits from quality infrastructure including roads, hydroelectric power supply and airports.

Harfang is currently compiling historical geological data along this portion of the greenstone belt which will evolve in designing the first exploration program on this new property.

Story continues

To view FIGURE 1, please click here.

Cautionary Statement

The claims were recently staked by map designation by Harfang with the ministere de lEnergie et des Ressources naturelles du Quebec and are currently pending registration. Figure 1 illustrates the location of all active and pending claims in the area of the Patwon discovery.

About Harfang

Harfang is a mining exploration company whose primary mission is to discover new gold districts in the province of Quebec. Harfang's development model is based on the generation of new mining projects and on the establishment of partnerships with major exploration and mining companies to advance its exploration projects.

The technical and scientific information in this press release has been prepared and approved by Francois Huot, P.Geo, Chief geologist at Harfang, a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101.

For further information:

Francois Goulet, President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 514 940-0670 #339

Email: fgoulet@harfangexploration.com

Web: www.harfangexploration.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.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Harfangs periodic reports including the filings made by Harfang from time to time with securities regulatory authorities.
- Rosemond Nkansah the 1st female police officer has had a grand party to mark her 90th birthday

- Top-notch individuals in the police force, as well as retired colleagues of Rosemond, were there to grace the occasion

- Rosemond was the lady who fought for women in the police force to be able to get married, as the law did not permit that previously

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

It would be recalled that YEN.com.gh earlier reported how Ghanas first female police officer, Rosemond Nkansah's birthday was celebrated on January 13, 2020.

YEN.com.gh gathers that the executive of Police Women Associations (POLAS) caught up with PW1 Rosemond Nkansah as she celebrated her 90th birthday.

In attendance was also PW4 and PW 6 who also came to celebrate their squadmate whom they were all enlisted together in 1952 into the then Gold Coast Police Force.

READ ALSO: Ghanaian 'billionaire' Cheddar flaunts massive 39 million mansion in California (Video)

90th birthday of Ghana's 1st policewoman gets celebrated in grand style

Source: UGC

COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, Director-General of Police Welfare, ACP Lydia Donkor, Director Police Prosecutions at Greater Accra Regional Police, Supt/Mrs. Sheila Abayie-Buckman, Director PAD and a host of retired and serving policewomen were also there to grace the occasion.

Paying a lifetime glorious tribute to PW1 on her 90th birthday, COP/Mrs. Jane Donkor highlighted the contributions of PW 1 the then Gold Coast Police Force and mother Ghana.

During their days in the Gold Coast Police Force, policewomen were not allowed to marry and get pregnant and so when it came that PW 1 was about to get married, she resigned.

READ ALSO: Fight over dog's head gets fatal as man shoots brother in the head

90th birthday of Ghana's 1st policewoman gets celebrated in grand style

Source: UGC

Before she left, she petitioned the police administration against that very clause which restricted policewomen to get married and get pregnant.

The clause was subsequently removed paving way for other policewomen who have resigned to be reinstated. In it all, PW1 lasted in the police service for five years after meritorious service to the then police force.

In other news, a Ghanaian start-up at Agbogba in Accra called the Okuafo Foundation has been awarded a whopping 3.3 million for inventing a mobile application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect diseases in crops at an early stage without using internet connection.

Ventureburn.com indicates that the Agritech startup Okuafo Foundation was awarded $600 000 ( Approximately 3.3 million) after it won the food category in the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is an annual $3 million prize set aside to recognize, celebrate and inspire innovative projects that are making a great impact on society.

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




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Entrepreneur Clifford Dubois killed

The National Police of Haiti (PNH) confirmed that the entrepreneur Clifford Dubois owner of "Shopping Dubois Center" in Delmas 27, who had been kidnapped on January 15 by armed individuals in Delmas 27 was found dead on Friday January 17 at Arcachon 32 (Carrefour).



PetroCaribe : Wilson Laleau heard by the justice

On Monday, in the context of the PetroCaribe case, former Finance Minister Wilson Laleau accompanied by his lawyer Me Saint Louis Sonnet, was hearded by the investigating judge Me Ramoncite Accime. At the end of this hearing, the lawyer declared to the media that his client had answered all the questions in a calm atmosphere, without giving details of what was said, or about the rest of the procedure, citing the secrecy of the instruction.



Insecurity : President Moise's appeal

"I urgently call for the establishment of a coordinated plan of the CSPN [Superior Council of the National Police], in concert with the Public Prosecutor's Offices of the Republic, for concrete actions aimed at putting an end to insecurity and banditry, in accordance with the law. The whole impatient nation awaits results," tweeted Jovenel Moise.



Our Grenadieres in training

Monday, our senior Grenadieres began a week of preparation for the last phase of the qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics. For this first day, 8 days before the kick-off of the competition with a crucial first game against the USA at the BBVA Compass Stadium they faced Canada as one of their favorite teams in a friendly, which ended in a draw [1-1). Mikerline Saint-Felix opened the scoring at the 60 for Haiti [1-0] and the Canadians restored their balance 15 minutes from the end [1-1].



Moise wishes a Government of National Union

Monday, President Moise on his Tweeter account wrote "Inter-Haitian dialogue remains the only way for a lasting solution to the crisis. It is my dearest wish to advance this process with the key sectors of the country with a view to achieving a Government of National Union capable of initiating the reforms necessary for the advancement of Haiti."



Distribution of 1,000 bags of rice

Friday, January 17, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), made a distribution of 1,000 bags of rice to residents of Pignon.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The Bombay High Court had late October asked GVK to close the deal by 7 November 2019 in the third extension to arrange the Rs 1,248-crore or Rs 77 a share for the deal, valuing MIAL at Rs 9,500 crore.

Mumbai: In a major setback to the Adani Group's bid to get a hold on Mumbai airport, an arbitration tribunal has restrained it from going ahead with buying out the 13.5 percent stake of South African partner Bidvest Services in the country's the second largest airport.

The tribunal has also asked Bidvest to maintain status quo on its stake but asked GVK, which owns 50.5 percent in the airport, to compensate it for the delay by way of paying interest on the agreed share purchase agreement (Rs 1,248 crore) till the pendency of the case.

"It is directed that pending the final disposal of the arbitration proceedings, Bid Services or anyone acting for and on behalf of it is restrained from alienating in any manner its 16.20 crore (13.5 percent) equity shares in Mumbai international airport and that the escrow documents submitted to the tribunal by GVK to show its compliance of the 15 September 2019 order will not be altered till the end of the arbitral proceedings," the tribunal said in a 55-page order dated 19 January.

The case was sent for arbitration on 2 July 2019 by the Delhi High Court.

The tribunal comprising retired justices KPS Radhakrishnan, AK Patanaik and Madan B Lokur, also asked GVK to pay interest to Bidvest Services on the agreed share purchase amount till the pendency of the issue.

The tribunal has based its order on the fact that GVK has been able to satisfy all the parameters required for granting the interim order even though it could not deposit on its own the purchase amount into the escrow account because GVK made the fund transfer by two companies-Green Rock B 2015 of Jersey and Indo-Infra Inc of Canada.

The Bombay High Court had late October asked GVK to close the deal by 7 November 2019 in the third extension to arrange the Rs 1,248-crore or Rs 77 a share for the deal, valuing MIAL at Rs 9,500 crore.

The Adanis', which already has won the bids to run six Airport Authority-built non-metro airports in Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore, bid to enter the country's second busiest airport by buying out Bid Services Division Mauritius (Bidvest) from MIAL was stalled after GVK chose to exercise its first right of refusal, and matched the Rs 1,248-crore offer that the Adanis made to the Bidvest in March.

The GVK Group exercised its right under clause 3.7 of the shareholders agreement (rights of first refusal) to purchase the shares. But the group failed to purchase the same within the time prescribed in the agreement, the plea said.

According to the agreement, the date to make the payment and to transfer the shares was September 30 which was later extended by consent twice to 7 November.

On 15 September, an arbitral tribunal, which heard the case between GVK and Bidvest, gave GVK time till 31 October to deposit the money. According to the arbitral order, if GVK failed to deposit the money, Bidvest was free to sell its stake to anyone else.

On 5 March 2019, Bidvest had entered into an agreement with the Adanis to sell its entire 13.5 percent stake in the airport for a consideration of Rs 1,248 crore. But later GVK made the counter offer, forcing the Adanis to move the Bombay High Court on 4 September claiming that the March pact with Bidvest was valid, subsisting and binding.

According to the petition, GVK had exercised its right of first refusal before the 30-day mandated time frame on 4 April.

MIAL is 50.5 percent owned by GVK Group, 26 percent by the national airports operator AAI, 13.5 percent by Bidevest and remaining 10 percent by ACSA Global (Airports Company of South Africa).

In the meanwhile, late June GVK had also moved the Delhi High Court seeking an injunction against Bidvest from offering or selling its shares to any person other than GVK, the Adanis said in their suit.

Though the Delhi HC had on 2 July dismissed the petition noting that the company had not shown its willingness to complete the deal, a division bench later sent the dispute for arbitration.

In the run-up to the 7 November deadline, the debt-laden GVK Group had on 28 October entered into an agreement to sell 79 percent of its stake in GVK Airport Holdings for Rs 7,614 crore to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, PSP Investments of Canada, and the state-owned National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.

The move was aimed at preventing the Adanis, who have taken over five AAI-run airports earlier this year.

The GVK Group also owns the upcoming Navi Mumbai international airport and a stake in MIAL will give an equal stake in the new airport as well. Adanis are also ready to buy out ACSA's 10 percent but is stuck on valuation.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures recovered from last week's sharp fall to edge higher on Monday as rival soybean oil firmed, though worries about demand from top edible oil buyer India capped gains.

The benchmark palm oil contract for April delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained 37 ringgit, or 1.2%, to 2,872 ringgit during early trade.

It fell 9.2% last week, its worst weekly decline since October 2008.

FUNDAMENTALS

* Malaysia's Jan. 1-15 palm oil exports rose between 2.2% and 5.8%, cargo surveyors said, which was below expectations. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) expects palm oil exports to drop 2.5% this year to 18 million tonnes, a top official said on Thursday.

* India, the world's largest edible oil buyer, restricted imports of refined palm oil and informally instructed traders to avoid purchases from Malaysia following a diplomatic spat.

* Malaysia raised its export tax for crude palm oil to 6% from 5% for February.

* However, higher biodiesel demand in top suppliers Malaysia and Indonesia and supply tightness buoyed prices. Lower production is expected for the first half of the year as dry weather and lower fertiliser usage in early 2019 curbed yields.

* Dalian's most-active soyoil contract inched up 0.2%, while its palm oil contract slid 0.5%. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade traded flat after climbing 1% in the previous session.

* Palm oil is affected by price movements in related oils as they compete for a share in the global vegetable oils market.

* Palm oil may stabilize around a support at 2,818 ringgit per tonne, and bounce towards a resistance at 2,911 ringgit, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said.

MARKET NEWS

* Asian shares neared a 20-month top on Monday as Wall Street extended its run of record peaks on solid U.S. economic data and lashes of liquidity from the Federal Reserve.

DATA/EVENTS

0700 Germany Producer prices MM, YY Dec

-- Japan Bank of Japan holds monetary policy meeting

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
Amid the ongoing rift between the Mamata Banerjee dispensation and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Calcutta University, in a departure from its tradition, has issued its annual convocation card with no mention of a chief guest or chancellor.

A week ago, state education minister Partha Chatterjee had said that the programme, this year, might be held without Dhankhar, who is also the university chancellor, in the wake of his "consistent" attacks on the TMC government.

According to sources, the varsity, for the first time in recent memory, did not name any chief guest or chair in its invite for annual convocation, scheduled to be held on January 28 at state-run Nazrul Manch.

In the past few years, CU had invited its chancellor as chief guest for the ceremony.

"The vice-chancellor and the (university) senate request your gracious presence at Annual Convocation of the University of Calcutta," the invitation card said.

During its senate meeting last month, CU had declared that Nobel laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee will be conferred with the honorary D Litt (honoris causa) during its convocation ceremony.

Despite multiple attempts, Vice-Chancellor Sonali Chakraborty did not respond to calls or reply to Whatsapp messages by PTI.

Last month, TMC employees' union had blocked Dhankhar's entry into Jadavpur University (JU), where he had gone to attend its annual convocation. The governor had said "Universities are in captivity... caged by the state government.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DAVENPORT, Iowa  A Davenport man whose snow figure display on his front lawn includes a mannequin gunning down Democrats says the exhibit is just fun and games.

Local leaders are condemning the display in the 2100 block of Telegraph Road, and Mayor Mike Matson said he's asked the chief of police to look into it. Still, some said theres nothing the city can do because the exhibit is protected free speech.

The display was put up by homeowner Donald Hesseltine. It depicts a military-garbed mannequin with a chainsaw, a can of Busch Light and an assault rifle firing at a snowman wearing a Bernie 2020 T-shirt.

The snow figure is splayed on its back, its eyes xed-out and red-dyed snow pooled around its head. A pink sex toy rests near the figures twig arm.

Nearby another snowman is wearing a blue hat with the donkey symbol of the Democratic Party. Its torso is stained red.

On both sides of the military mannequin are American flags and animal heads mounted on poles. A sign reads: HESSELTINE 2020.

Its just to make people cry I guess, said Hesseltine, who created the display over the weekend. Theyre crying, so I win.

Hesseltine said a number of his friends love Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator and democratic socialist running for president.

I put it up there to mess with them," he said.

Hesseltine is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. When asked if his display is intended to incite violence, he responded, no way.

Matson, who asked the head of Davenport Police to look into the matter, denounced the display in strong terms.

"My personal reaction is that its terribly wrong and an embarrassment to our city," he said. All hate speech is wrong.

Other local leaders have criticized the display but said the city's hands are tied by free speech protections.

Its bad taste, unneighborly, said Ward 3 Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, who represents the neighborhood. If if does not violate a city ordinance, there is no action the city can take.

We are a country that allows people to have opinions, Meginnis added.

David Millage, chairman of the Scott County Republican Party, said he agreed, calling the display terrible but protected as free speech.

We find it to be in extremely poor taste, and theres no affiliation between what it depicts and the Republican Party, Millage said.

Elesha Gayman, chair of the Scott County Democrats and former state representative, said the display amounted to a hate crime and hate speech.

Its as bad as if someone burned a cross in someones yard, Gayman said. We have got to stop this. This is not the Wild West. We should be able to civilly disagree with one another, where youre not displaying acts of murder on your front lawn.

Gayman called for the police to investigate.

City Hall and other local offices were closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and spokespeople for the Davenport Police Department and City Hall did not respond to requests for comment Monday afternoon.

Hesseltine, for his part, insisted that the display was a joke among friends. When asked about those who found it hurtful, he responded: Im over it.

Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 5
Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/20/2020 -- Infinium Global Research has added a new report on Alloy Market (Type - Aluminum, Steel, Magnesium, Carbon, Copper, and Others; Application - Automobile, Construction, Aerospace, and Other Applications): Global Industry Analysis, Trends, Size, Share and Forecasts to 2025. According to the report, the global alloy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period of 2019-2025.



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Alloy Market: Insights



The emergence of automobile, transport, aerospace industries has raises the demand for alloys for better structural stability and efficiency. Alloys are metals composed of mixtures or solutions of metallic and nonmetallic elements, where their specific properties can be understood from their atomic structure, microstructures, and composition. A combination of such Owing to its vast applications alloy is in great demand in various industries.



Growing Construction Industry is Contributing to the Growth of the Industry



Rapidly expanding the automobile industry is fuelling the alloy demand in global the market. Different alloys used in the automobile industry play an important role in structural stability and contribute to decreasing the vehicle weight that in turn is increasing the demand for alloys in the automobile industry. Furthermore, the growing construction industry is also contributing to the growth of the market. Alloys in the construction industry chosen for their durability, strength and weather resistance capacity.



The most common metals used in the construction are carbon steel, aluminum, copper tubing and stainless steel that can be used for several parts or structures depending upon their particular qualities and ideal uses. On the other hand possibility of a recession in the automobile industry in the near future can hamper the growth of the market. However, demand from various sectors for different alloys will continue to grow the market growth in the forecast period.



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Europe Holds a Significant Share in the Market



Geographically, the alloy market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. The Asia-Pacific dominates the global alloy market. Factors such as the growing automotive industry, the presence of several alloy manufacturers and growing industrialization are contributing to the growth of the Asia-Pacific alloy market. The growing steel industry in China and India are majorly contributing to the growth of the Asia-Pacific alloy market. Europe also holds a significant share in the market, followed by North America owing to the large automotive sector in this region.



Alloy Market: Segmentation



The report on the global alloy market covers segments such as type and application. On the basis of type, the sub-markets include aluminum, steel, magnesium, carbon, copper, and others. On the basis of application, the sub-markets include automobile, construction, aerospace, and other applications.



Alloy Market: Competitive Landscapes



The report provides profiles of the companies in the market such as Alcoa, ThyssenKrupp, Kobe Steel, AMG Advanced Metallurgical, Constellium, Massey Ferguson, Novelis, ArcelorMittal, and Norsk Hydro.



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About Infinium Global Research

The Infinium Global research comprises of a team of well-experienced analysts who have qualified in generating incisive reports. The alloy market report offers trends, opportunities, challenges, market size, and forecast for major geographical regions and key countries. Moreover, The IGR-Growth Matrix analysis given in the report brings an insight into the investment areas that existing or new market players can consider. The report provides insights into the market using analytical tools such as Porter's five forces analysis and DRO analysis of the alloy market.
New Delhi, Jan 22 : US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his offer to "help" on the Kashmir issue, saying the US was "watching and closely following" the developments in the Valley.

Trump made the statement ahead of his talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Addressing the media with Khan by his side, Trump said: "We are talking about Kashmir and in relation to what is going on with Pakistan and India and if we can help -- we certainly will be helping. We've been following that and watching it very very closely." Trump had made similar offer earlier also after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 in August last year. In September last year, Trump had met Khan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a day after joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi on stage during the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston.

"I would be willing to help if both wanted. If both Pakistan, let's say, and India wanted me to do that, I am ready, willing, and able. It's a complex issue," Trump had said. India had categorically refuted the statement then.

Trump is likely to visit India in the last week of February.
Trump, only the fourth of 45 American presidents to face the possibility of being ousted by impeachment, is charged with abusing the powers of his office by asking Ukraine to investigate a Democratic political rival, Joe Biden, and obstructing a congressional inquiry into his conduct. Loading Democrats say Trump abused his power by withholding US military assistance to Ukraine as part of a pressure campaign and obstructed Congress by refusing to hand over documents and barring administration officials from testifying, even when subpoenaed by House investigators. Trump's defence argued neither charge constituted a crime or impeachable offence, that he was within his rights as president to make decisions about foreign policy and what information to give Congress, and that the House pursued a flawed and one-sided process before impeaching him on December 18. The memo's executive summary asserted that the House Democrats' "novel theory of 'abuse of power'" was not an impeachable offence and supplanted the US Constitution's standard of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanours."

It rejected the obstruction of Congress charge as "frivolous and dangerous," saying the president exercised his legal rights by resisting congressional demands for information, also known as subpoenas. Loading It also accused the House Democrats of conducting a rigged process, said they succeeded in proving only that Trump had done nothing wrong and argued, as the White House has repeatedly, that this was an effort to overturn Trump's 2016 election victory and to prevent his re-election in November. While the Senate is highly unlikely to remove Trump from office, it is important for him to try to diminish the Democratic accusations to limit political damage to his bid for a second term. In part of his legal filing, Trump's lawyers cast their arguments in unabashedly political terms.

"They want to use impeachment to interfere in the 2020 election," the memo said. "Put simply, Democrats have no response to the President's record of achievement in restoring prosperity to the American economy, rebuilding America's military, and confronting Americas adversaries abroad." House Democrats in their initial court filing over the weekend called Trump's conduct the "worst nightmare" of the framers of the Constitution. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants the trial to be quick. Credit:Bloomberg "President Donald J. Trump used his official powers to pressure a foreign government to interfere in a United States election for his personal political gain," the House prosecutors wrote, "and then attempted to cover up his scheme by obstructing Congress's investigation into his misconduct." The seven House impeachment "managers" who will make the Democrats case for Trump's removal to the Senate said he had "jeopardised our national security and our democratic self-governance."

"President Trump maintains that the Senate cannot remove him even if the House proves every claim in the Articles of impeachment. That is a chilling assertion. It is also dead wrong," they wrote, arguing that despite Trumps "stonewalling," the House had amassed "overwhelming evidence of his guilt." Trump's team says he was well within his constitutional authority to press Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky last year to investigate Biden and his son Hunter as part of what Trump says was an anti-corruption drive. The Bidens deny any wrongdoing and Trump's allegations have been widely debunked. While Trump's legal papers laid out extensive arguments as to why he did not commit a crime, the General Accounting Office, the watchdog arm of Congress, said last week that Trump did commit a crime by withholding US military assistance to Ukraine, money that was ultimately sent after a brief pause. Seeking to show he is still conducting presidential business despite the trial, Trump left late on Monday for Davos, Switzerland, to join global leaders at the World Economic Forum. Some advisers argued against his making the trip, where he will meet Iraqi, Pakistani, Swiss, Kurdish and European Union leaders. As a result, he will be in the Alps when the Senate on Tuesday engages in a potentially bruising battle over whether witnesses should be allowed to testify in the trial and whether new documents could be introduced, as Democrats wish.

The resolution McConnell unveiled on Monday would give House Democratic prosecutors and Trump lawyers 48 hours, evenly split, to present their arguments over a maximum of four days. It drew immediate criticism from Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who accused McConnell of failing to stick to the rules used during President Bill Clinton's 1998 impeachment, calling it "nothing short of a national disgrace." "It's clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through," Schumer said in a statement. While there could be a fast-track trial, Democrats could slow things down by proposing that a series of witnesses testify. If senators vote to subpoena witnesses, that also would consume time by requiring that the witnesses first be deposed before deciding on whether they actually testify to the Senate. No president has ever been removed as a direct result of impeachment. One, Richard Nixon, resigned before he could be removed. Andrew Johnson and Clinton were impeached by the House but not convicted by the Senate.
'There are currently around 5,200 US troops in Iraq' Photo: Qassim Abdul-Zahra/AP

The Western troop presence in Iraq is to be scaled down under a plan to defuse regional tensions over America's killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Rather than bowing to Iranian demands for a pull-out of all coalition forces, diplomats are working towards a compromise where the foreign troop presence will be reduced.

They hope that will satisfy demands from pro-Iranian factions in Iraq's parliament, which voted two weeks ago for foreign troops to leave after Mr Soleimani's death in a US drone strike on January 3. The plan follows concerns among Western military chiefs that an immediate pull-out would hamper the ongoing mop-up operations against Isil remnants in Iraq. Iraq's Kurdish and Sunni Muslim politicians also voiced fears that a complete withdrawal by Washington would give Tehran even greater sway over the Shia Muslim bloc that dominates the parliament. One Western official said: "Within the Shia bloc there are two views: Iranian-backed groups want the US and coalition forces to leave immediately, but pragmatists want a smaller coalition presence, which is where discussions are taking place." There are currently around 5,200 US troops in Iraq, along with roughly 4,000 from other Western nations. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

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It was a cold and snowy night in the tiny city of Stevenson, Alabama when Brittany Smith walked into the Mapco station and whispered for the clerk to give her a pen and paper.

Brittanys neck was red and tears were in her eyes. There appeared to be blood on her chin, and a broken fingernail left her bloody pinky exposed.

She looked like shed been in a fight, said Paige Painter, who was working in the Mapco during the early morning hours of Jan. 16, 2018. During testimony last week in Jackson County Circuit Court, Painter recalled what she saw and heard that dark winter night in northeast Alabama.

Brittany wrote Todd Smiths name (no relation) on a piece of receipt paper, passed it to the gas station clerk and said that if she was found dead, he was the killer.

But when the authorities were called to Brittanys home later that morning, it was Todd who had just been shot to death.

Two days later, Brittany was charged with murder, despite saying that Todd, an acquaintance, had raped and strangled her hours before she shot and killed him in self-defense.

***

Facing up to life in prison if shes convicted, Brittany has asked a judge to grant her immunity under Alabamas Stand Your Ground self-defense law.

After hearing about seven hours of testimony over two days this week, Jackson County Circuit Judge Jenifer Holt faces a decision of whether to dismiss Brittanys murder charge.

The court hearing was harrowing and, at times, tense. Jason Pierce, the district attorney in Jackson County, said Brittany lacked credibility.

It seems like you have selective memory, Pierce told Brittany as she sat on the witness stand and recalled the events leading up to the deadly shooting.

Jeanine Suermann, a sexual assault nurse examiner who performed Brittanys rape kit at Crisis Services of North Alabama, said memory loss is a common reaction to trauma.

While jailed on the murder charge, Brittany suffered a mental breakdown and was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial, records show. When she was treated at the Alabama Department of Mental Health to restore her competency, she was diagnosed with Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pierce asked Brittany why she killed Todd, despite him being unarmed.

But he had his hands, and his mouth and penis, Brittany testified.

Suermann documented more than 30 injuries on Brittanys body during a sexual assault exam hours after the deadly shooting.

The case

Brittanys court-appointed lawyers, Ron Smith and James Mick, argued her case should be dismissed because she was reasonably in fear that Todd was going to kill her or her brother, Chris McCallie.

Additionally, Smith said, Todd was committing a burglary because he didnt leave when Brittany and McCallie told him to. Alabamas Stand Your Ground law specifically says a person can use deadly force against someone who is using or about to use deadly force while committing a burglary.

The prosecutor argued that Brittany isnt entitled to immunity because Todd didnt have a deadly weapon.

The Jackson County Courthouse in Scottsboro, Ala., where a judge recently heard two days of testimony in Brittany Smith's murder case.

An analysis by The New Yorker, which recently featured Brittanys case, suggests its unlikely Brittany will be granted immunity. Federal law enforcement data compiled by the magazine showed that when arguing their actions were justifiable, women lost homicide cases 25 percent more often than men.

Yet women are more likely to own a gun solely for protection, according to Pew Research Center.

Elizabeth Flock, who reported for The New Yorker, told AL.com the women she talked to in Alabama do not feel safer from violence with a gun.

Not just Brittany, but other women that I quote in the piece said, Hey, we actually can't use a gun to defend ourselves because if we did, then I'll be the one going to prison. So certainly, at least anecdotally, in Jackson County, women did not feel that they could use a gun or other means to defend themselves, Flock said.

Introduced in 2006, Alabamas Stand Your Ground defense made it legal to use lethal force to defend oneself or another person from unlawful physical force that is imminent and reasonably suspected. A killing that meets the Stand Your Ground requirements is considered a justifiable homicide.

Alabama and Florida are the only states that dont report justifiable homicides. Alabama stopped reporting them to federal law enforcement in 2010. A review of news reports around the state found only a few women have been granted Stand-Your-Ground immunity since 2010.

Courtney Cross, an assistant professor of clinical legal instruction and the director of the Domestic Violence Law Clinic at the University of Alabama, said theres a gender discrepancy when it comes to successfully arguing justifiable homicide in Alabama.

Abused people, especially women, especially non-white women, especially members of marginalized communities, are often seen as being such irrational actors, that they might struggle with the reasonability requirement, Cross said.

The assault

Brittany first met Todd, who was from Jasper, Tennessee, through friends when they were teenagers. Brittany lived in Stevenson in Jackson County, Alabama.

Brittany and Todd had suffered from drug addiction. Brittany, now a 32-year-old mother of four, was in recovery, working to improve her life and trying to regain custody of her children at the time of the shooting.

As adults, Brittany and Todd reconnected in the days before the deadly encounter. Todd, 38, was a pit-bull breeder, and Brittany bought one of his puppies.

On the night of Jan. 15, 2018, Todd told Brittany he was stranded at a park just across the Tennessee state line in South Pittsburg, a town about 13 miles northeast of Stevenson. It was snowing, so Brittany reluctantly agreed to let Todd spend a night at her house.

Brittanys brother, McCallie, drove her to pick up Todd, then dropped them off at her house.

Once Brittany and Todd were inside, they sat on opposite couches, talking about their personal struggles with drug addiction, she testified. She said she encouraged Todd, saying, like her, he too could work toward kicking drug addiction and getting back his young daughter.

Karen Hart Valencia, a toxicologist at the state crime lab, testified this week that Todd had about 840 nanograms of methamphetamine per milliliter of blood  a very high amount of meth  in his system when he died. Meth can cause users to be more aggressive  more likely to get in a fight and keep fighting, Valencia testified.

While she and Todd were talking, Brittany testified, he became violent. He screamed and asked if she thought she was better than him. After Todd head-butted her, Brittany testified, she ran into her bedroom. But he followed and tackled her on the bed. He wrapped his hands around her neck and squeezed until she passed out.

Brittany testified that when she regained consciousness, she was lying in a pool of her own urine and Todd was on top of her, raping her.

He told me not to say a fucking word and if I even breathe wrong hed kill me, Brittany said under oath.

Brittany fought back. She testified that she clawed at him. The artificial nail on her left pinky finger came off. Autopsy photos taken later showed scratch marks on Todds face, torso and back.

But, Brittany testified, Todd again strangled her to the point of unconsciousness.

A sexual assault exam later found more than 30 injuries on Brittanys neck, chest, breast, legs, arms and feet. There were hand-print marks around her neck, finger-shaped marks on her inner thighs and bite marks on her neck and chin. Brittany also reported having difficulty swallowing and jaw pain.

Petechiae  tiny round spots caused by bleeding under the skin  which are tell-tale signs of strangulation, were found across her body. Suermann, the sexual assault nurse examiner at Crisis Services of North Alabama, testified that evidence showed Brittany had been strangled, hit multiple times and held down. Brittany cried in court as photos of her injuries were displayed and Suermann pointed out the location of her wounds on an anatomical diagram.

I feel like its an extensive amount of injuries for a sexual assault victim, the nurse testified.

Suermann testified that she was unable to say with certainty whether Brittany had been raped. In the majority of sexual assault cases, Suermann testified, genital trauma isnt detected nor is DNA evidence found.

In Brittanys case, biological materials found on her body were sent for DNA testing. Todd was a potential contributor to materials on one swab, according to testimony by Angela Fletcher, a forensic biologist for the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Fletcher testified that Todd couldnt be ruled out or confirmed as a match to the DNA. DNA found on Brittanys bedding did not match Todd, Fletcher testified.

Also included in Brittanys rape kit were fingernail clippings, which havent yet been tested. Initially the state forensic lab incorrectly reported that no materials had been found on the clippings. But after an internal review, an amended report said debris was found on the clippings.

During last weeks court hearing, Brittanys defense team and local prosecutors agreed to have the clippings tested. It could take 30-90 days to get the results.

Its unclear whether the judge will rule on immunity before then.

***

During the assault, Todd had looked evil, Brittany testified. But afterward, he acted normal, like nothing was wrong and said he wanted a cigarette. So Brittany, hoping to keep the situation calm, called to ask her mother for a ride to the nearby Mapco station. Instead, Brittanys brother McCallie arrived to drive them to the store.

Brittany went inside and saw a police officer getting a coffee. But Brittany testified that she was too scared to report the rape since Todd was in the car outside, possibly watching her through the big transparent windows of the store. She testified that she was afraid he would kill her brother, who was sitting in the drivers seat, unaware of what had just happened.

So instead of talking to the officer, Brittany passed a note to Painter, the store clerk. Brittany said that Todd had twice choked her to the point of unconsciousness and that she urinated on herself. At Brittanys request, Painter kept quiet about the situation.

Brittany returned to the car and her brother drove back to her house, with Todd still sitting in the back seat.

As Todd climbed out of the car back at Brittanys house, she testified, she told her brother to return to the store to talk to Painter.

Final moments

Back at the Mapco, Painter testified, she told McCallie that Todd had apparently raped Brittany and held her hostage. During cross examination by the prosecutor last week, Painter acknowledged that the word rape isnt in her original statement to police.

Minutes later, McCallie arrived back at Brittanys home, armed with a .22-caliber revolver, and confronted Todd in the kitchen about the alleged rape, Brittany testified. (McCallie didnt testify at the hearing.)

From the living room, Brittany testified, she heard a gunshot and arguing. She said Todd threatened to kill her, McCallie and himself.

Todd beat the hell out of her brother and pulled him into a headlock, Brittany told the judge. Brittany testified that she believed McCallie couldnt breathe. He started turning blue, Brittany testified, so she grabbed his gun from the kitchen island and repeatedly yelled for Todd to let her brother go.

Brittany said under oath that she shot twice at Todd, but nothing happened. After the third shot, Brittany testified, Todd and her brother fell to the ground. McCallie grabbed the gun, and Brittany testified, she called 911.

An autopsy found that Todd had suffered four gunshot wounds  to the arm, shoulder and chest.

In the 911 call, which was played in court, Brittany told a dispatcher she needed an ambulance for Todd, who was bleeding on the floor of her kitchen. Brittany held a towel over Todds wound. She and McCallie performed CPR until the authorities arrived.

She told the dispatcher that her brother, McCallie, had been the one who shot Todd. She said her brother showed up because Todd had tried to kill her, choked her and almost raped her. (She told the dispatcher that Todd had not raped her.)

In testimony last week, Brittany said she didnt remember making the 911 call. Its been two years since then, she testified, and shes been diagnosed with PTSD. Brittany told the judge she couldnt explain why she told the dispatcher she hadnt been raped. She testified that after the shooting she was scared, embarrassed and ashamed about being raped.

From the scene, sheriffs deputies took Brittany to the rape crisis center, and transported McCallie to the Jackson County jail, where he was charged with murder.

Brittany wasnt arrested until the next day, Jan. 17, 2018, when she confessed to being the shooter. Two months later, a Jackson County grand jury indicted Brittany on the murder charge. The grand jury declined to indict McCallie for murder but charged him with making a false report to law enforcement and tampering with evidence. Court records say McCallie wiped down the gun.

Now, two years after the deadly shooting, Brittany is waiting to hear whether the judge will rule in her favor and dismiss the murder case.

If the judge sides with the prosecutor, Brittany can appeal to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. If her appeals are unsuccessful, the case will be scheduled for a jury trial at which Brittany could face a life sentence.

Pierce, the prosecutor, argued the case should go to trial. Brittany isnt entitled to immunity, Pierce said, because McCallie was the initial aggressor in the confrontation in Brittanys kitchen. Pierce also said Brittanys immunity request should be denied because Todd didnt have a deadly weapon. He said hands and fists dont qualify as deadly weapons. Threats arent enough, he said, to justify killing someone.

AL.com reporter Abbey Crain contributed to this story.

Correction: A sentence was removed from this story because it incorrectly suggested that Stevenson, Alabama is located on Sand Mountain. While a portion of Jackson County is part of Sand Mountain, Stevenson is not.
(Newser)  Prince Harry has left Britain and returned to the country that is expected to be his new home, at least part of the time. The prince landed in Vancouver, Canada, early Tuesday before flying on to Victoria on Vancouver Island, the BBC reports. His wife, Meghan, returned to Canada 10 days ago and their baby son, Archie, never left after the family's extended Christmas break in the country. The couple stunned Britain earlier this month by announcing their plans to step back as senior royals, become financially independent, and divide their time between the UK and North America. Under a deal reached with Buckingham Palace over the weekend, they will stop using their "royal highness" titles.

story continues below

It's not clear where in Canada the couple plans to live, but they are widely expected to choose Victoria, where they have rented a home, Vancouver, or Toronto, where Meghan was living when she met Harry. The prince's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, is Canada's head of state, but he has no official role under the country's constitution. According to an Angus Reid poll, 39% of Canadians will be pleased if Harry and Meghan move to Canada full-time, 11% would be upset, and 50% don't care either way. "The whole thing is being met with a royal shrug," Shachi Kurl, the executive director of the polling firm, tells the New York Times. Whether they plan to look for jobs is also unclear, but British Columbia Premier John Horgan has joked that if they move to the province, "I'm sure I could find something for Harry to do," the CBC reports. (Read more Prince Harry stories.)
Lev Parnas, Rudy Giuliani's trusted fixer in the Ukraine saga, has dominated the airways on the eve of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, turning over eye-popping text messages to House lawmakers and pointing the finger at the president in prime-time cable interviews.

Meanwhile, his onetime sidekick and fellow Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, is nowhere to be seen.

Holed up under house arrest in Miami and facing federal campaign finance charges, Fruman has split with Parnas, retained counsel from Trump's world and stayed true to his reputation as the quiet partner in the Soviet-born duo who stumbled into a presidential impeachment scandal. Unlike Parnas, whose approach is scorched earth, Fruman isn't saying a word.

Behind Fruman's silence are many of the answers to how the two business executives cracked elite GOP donor circles - and possessed the right connections in Ukraine to connect Giuliani with high-level officials who offered to aid Trump and damage the Democrats.

An examination of Fruman's early years and business record, based on interviews with more than a dozen people who know him, shows what he brought to the table: an active network in Ukraine built over a long business career that started in the port city of Odessa and access to funds that helped the two men gain entree to Trump's crowd.

Like Parnas, Fruman has pleaded not guilty to the charges in which federal prosecutors accuse the pair of funneling foreign money illegally into U.S. politics and violating other campaign finance laws.

For legal representation in that case and the impeachment proceedings, Fruman is relying on a team of criminal defense attorneys who once represented Trump or his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort.

One of them, Todd Blanche, declined to make his client available or comment on his behalf.

Fruman's connections allowed Parnas, who grew up in the United States after emigrating from Odessa as a toddler, to function as "the middleman between two worlds" for Giuliani in Ukraine.

"Because of his businesses, he knew all kinds of people that were, you know, politicians . . . It was all his contacts," Parnas told CNN last Thursday. "I didn't have any contacts in Ukraine. I don't have any contacts in Ukraine."

For Fruman, his heady turn in Trump's orbit was the latest reboot for the peripatetic businessman, who moved in the margins of Ukraine's elite but saw his fortunes plummet amid the country's political turmoil. He appeared to be working to revive his wealth by starting a liquefied natural gas trading business with Parnas, according to people familiar with his activities.

While seen as Parnas' mysterious quiet partner in the United States, Fruman developed a reputation as a party-loving networker in Ukraine. Through connections from his business life in Odessa, his nightclub ownership in Kyiv and his attendance at a synagogue in the Ukrainian capital, Fruman helped get access to prominent Ukrainian prosecutors and tycoons with relative ease.

Roman Nasirov - the former head of Ukraine's fiscal service, who knew Fruman from Kyiv and became a link to former Ukrainian prosecutor general Viktor Shokin, according to people familiar with the activities and text messages released by the House last week - said Fruman hoped U.S. political connections would bolster his fortunes.

"He was passing messages," Nasirov said. "If the message comes from the ex-mayor of New York, people are impressed. They are even impressed by the person passing the message."

- - -

Igor Mikhailovich Fruman was born in the then-Soviet Union in 1966. He lived for years in Odessa, a diverse port city on the Black Sea, which has been at the center of commerce, banditry and lore dating back to the days of the Russian empire. Writer Isaac Babel immortalized its criminal underground in the character of Jewish gangster Benya Krik in "How It Was Done in Odessa."

It was here that Vladimir Karalnik, now an administrator at the Odessa philharmonic, said he went into business with Fruman in the waning days of the Soviet Union. Karalnik ran secondhand stores known as commission shops and said he met Fruman through their girlfriends. He said he hired the young 20-something, recognizing in him a brain for business.

"He reacted well to many things back then," Karalnik said.

They built a business selling secondhand computers brought into Ukraine by foreign students to local schools that wanted to begin computer classes, Karalnik said.

Fruman sold them to schools and made good money on the markup, according to Karalnik, but after the Soviet Union fell, the criminal underworld that long operated in Odessa flourished.

"Big problems started for anyone who had money. They were simply killed," Karalnik said, recalling how people took his business by threatening to murder him. "Igor decided to leave."

Together with his parents, brother, wife and young son, Fruman gathered his earnings and moved to the United States in the early 1990s, settling outside Detroit.

Even after becoming an American citizen, Fruman kept his business interests rooted in the Black Sea city.

Working with an Odessa-based partner, Sergei Dyablo, he became one of the biggest distributors for Nestle products in Ukraine and later broadened the import business to include other types of coffee, fruit and flowers, according to friends, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid involvement in the impeachment proceedings. The since-deleted website of Fruman's firm F.D. Import & Export said the company also distributed ketchup, tomato sauce and cheese made at Ukrainian factories.

In 1999, he and his wife divorced. Michigan divorce records described him as a "successful businessman with income exceeding $120,000 per year." The court awarded his ex-wife their family home, a modest three-bedroom house in a nice suburb of Detroit.

- - -

The lights were flashing and the music was blasting in the Kyiv outpost of the international club Buddha Bar in the summer of 2012. A drink in his hand, and his shirt half unbuttoned, Fruman was marking the fourth anniversary of the nightclub he co-owned with a celebration dubbed the Flower Party.

As the revelers danced in the shadow of a giant gold Buddha, Fruman mingled upstairs in the VIP zone with an adviser to then-President Viktor Yanukovych, according to photos from the event published online. The previous year's contestant in the Miss Universe pageant from Ukraine lounged on a chair nearby.

Now remarried to a well-heeled Ukrainian woman, Fruman had reinvented himself. Gone were the days of being known as the man hawking old computers or importing instant coffee.

Fruman crafted his image as president and chief executive of Otrada Luxury Group, which ultimately included a boutique hotel, apartment buildings and a beach club in Odessa, later renamed Mafia Rave, as well as designer jewelry boutiques across Ukraine and a stake in Buddha Bar. The club was a hot new place in the Ukrainian capital when it opened - where Fruman shared drinks with Ukraine's business and political elite.

The prior year, in 2011, Ukraine's Focus magazine put Fruman on a list of the richest Ukrainians at No. 177, citing his net worth as $39.6 million, contributing to his jet-setter image, though he co-owned a baby milk factory going through bankruptcy at the time.

At one point, Fruman came back to Odessa showing off a picture of himself with actor Steven Seagal and boasting about his connection to the American actor, Karalnik recalled, lamenting that living in America seemed to have changed his old friend.

"He already became someone else," Karalnik said.

A key element of Fruman's transformation appeared to be his 2005 marriage to Liza Naumova. Her father was the well-known director of the fruit and vegetable store on Odessa's main boulevard during the Soviet Union, which gave her family access to sought-after goods, as well as myriad connections to the city's power brokers.

The couple boasted a boutique hotel in Odessa with two golden sea horses spitting into a fountain out front - another place for Fruman to meet influential Ukrainians. Companies associated with him and his wife also got into property development in Odessa.

In Florida court filings in 2018, Naumova said she had stakes in at least six companies, one of which is building an apartment complex in central Odessa, and owned a Hummer, a Lamborghini and various boats.

- - -

In late 2013, when thousands of Ukrainians crowded into Kyiv's Independence Square to protest Yanukovych and corruption associated with him, Ukraine descended into political chaos.

The unrest all but crippled flashy venues like Buddha Bar, which is steps from where some 100 people died amid clashes between police and demonstrators. In early 2014, Yanukovych fled to neighboring Russia. Moscow responded to the pro-Western officials who took power in Kyiv by invading Crimea and fueling a proxy war in Ukraine's east.

The events proved devastating for the nation's already fragile economy. Ukraine's currency plummeted from 8 to 23 hryvnia per dollar over two years. Moneyed Russian tourists who vacationed in Odessa vanished. Few Ukrainians were spending money on imported luxury jewels.

Fruman told friends that he experienced significant losses in the economic convulsion.

Naumova's website described how the Otrada jewelry boutiques she oversaw, which expanded from just one in Odessa to six across Ukraine over 11 years, struggled to adapt to the new economic reality. She decided to focus on the market in Miami and open a boutique there.

Naumova filed for divorce in Florida court in late 2017, and Fruman quickly counter-filed. Fruman told friends this year that he was under financial pressure as a result.

As Fruman looked to reinvent himself again, he found a new business partner in Parnas. The former stockbroker had made it to Florida's Boca Raton by way of New York's Brighton Beach.

In an interview, Parnas said they had known one another for years through the emigre community but were not close. Then, in late 2016, he said Fruman noticed he had been posting photos of himself attending Trump events on Facebook and reached out to suggest a partnership.

Even before the election, Fruman was telling people in Ukraine he had "great connections to the Republican Party," a Ukrainian friend in Kyiv said.

"He came and said that if we gave money to the Republicans, he had good connections and would set us up," recalled the friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

Parnas said he and Fruman explored business deals in late 2016 and attended Trump's inauguration together in January 2017, but fell out for a time over a business dispute.

He said Fruman reached out again in late winter or early spring 2018 with a new idea: a liquefied natural gas company that would use Fruman's ties in Ukraine and Parnas' political connections in the United States to make them both wealthy.

Soon, Parnas and Fruman began giving hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to Republican candidates and political committees and vaulted their way into the upper echelon of Republican fundraising.

In 2018, Fruman took out a $3 million private loan against one of his Miami condos, records show, that prosecutors allege he used to help fund a $325,000 donation the pair gave through their new energy company.

As they became close to Giuliani - Parnas agreed to pay the former mayor a half-million dollars to do work for his business, Fraud Guarantee - they began flying on private jets and mingling in the elite world of people close to Trump.

At the same time, attempts to use Fruman's connections for the gas business fell short.

Fruman reached out to a former guest at his Odessa hotel, Andrew Favorov, a top executive at the Ukrainian state energy giant Naftogaz, and met him in Texas with Parnas last year to pitch energy deals, according to people familiar with the interactions. The approach led to follow-up meetings in Washington with the head of Naftogaz, the people said, but the talks went nowhere.

Nasirov, the former head of Ukraine's fiscal service who is now fighting abuse of office charges in Ukraine that he says are politically motivated, recalled Fruman boasting of connections in Trump's world in 2016 and offering to set up meetings for Ukrainian officials.

- - -

Last week, Parnas' attorney Joseph Bondy posted a video on Twitter that he said depicted his client introducing Nasirov to Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2016.

On the video, Parnas can be seen at the front of a crowd pressing in toward the president-elect. Parnas is chatting with Trump and gesturing toward a broad-shouldered man whose back is to the camera, as Trump shakes the man's hand. Nasirov declined to comment on the meeting.

Beginning late last year, Parnas and Fruman began working with Giuliani and connecting him to disgruntled Ukrainian prosecutors who made claims about the then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch and Joe Biden, whose son Hunter Biden served on the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma while his father was vice president.

Fruman's network was critical. Shokin - the former prosecutor general who has made accusations against Biden central to Giuliani's efforts - knew Nasirov, who said he knew Fruman from Buddha Bar.

In an attempt to secure a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Fruman also set up a meeting with Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky through a fellow congregant at the Brodsky Choral Synagogue in Kyiv, where Fruman worshiped, according to Kolomoisky.

When Giuliani's team wanted to get to Ukrainian tycoon Dmytro Firtash, Fruman came through there, too. He went through another acquaintance: a Firtash executive and aspiring pro-Russian politician who was removed from Ukraine's parliamentary ballot last year after being accused of escaping from a Moldovan prison and living under an assumed name. The executive's lawyer denied the accusations, as The Washington Post previously reported.

A whistleblower complaint and impeachment inquiry thrust Giuliani's Ukraine operation - and his two associates - into the spotlight.

As the House began its inquiry, Parnas and Fruman shared Trump-connected lawyers and a legal strategy. The two hired John Dowd, a former attorney to the president, as well as Kevin Downing, a lawyer for Manafort.

On behalf of both men, Dowd sent a letter to Congress, rebuffing a request from House investigators for documents and testimony to assist their probe. Dowd explained that through their work with Giuliani, the two men were essentially a part of Trump's legal team and their communications were shielded by attorney-client and executive privilege.

A few days later, Parnas and Fruman were arrested at Dulles International Airport. As he sat in jail, Parnas said he began to fear that Dowd and Downing were working harder to get Fruman out than him. He said he was also concerned that Trump and Giuliani were not publicly defending the two men.

"I think they tried to keep me quiet," Parnas told MSNBC.

In an email, Dowd called Parnas' account "total nonsense."

After a tense jailhouse confab with his counsel in October, Parnas fired his lawyers and hired a combative New York attorney who advertises himself on his website as a "criminal defense and cannabis business attorney."

Fruman and Parnas were eventually released on bail and put under house arrest. Since then, they have been on different paths.

- - -

Sonne and Gryvnyak reported from Odessa and Kyiv. The Washington Post's Tom Hamburger and Alice Crites in Washington and David Stern in Kyiv contributed to this report.
Pakistan's counter-terrorism officials on Tuesday claimed to have thwarted a terror attack by arresting three Taliban militants following an intelligence-based operation in the country's Punjab province.

They were planning to conduct attacks on a sensitive installation in Bahawalnagar, some 400 kms from here, the counter-terrorism department of Punjab police said in a statement.

"Terrorism plan is defeated in Bahawalnagar... and three terrorists have been arrested and explosives recovered from them," the officials said.

The officials, acting on an intelligence-based operation on Monday, arrested Imran, Muhammad Abid Sohail and Muhammad Raza who are affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Two bags containing explosives, seven detonators, safety fuse, ball bearings boxes, one electric battery and switches have been recovered from them, the officials said.

In a separate raid in Quetta on Monday, the counter-terrorism officials killed two militants.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
/ -- The Delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) led by Nguyen Phuong Mai, Vice Director General of MOIT's Renewable Energy Department visited Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEE) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The delegation discussed the prospect of renewable energy and focused on how to promote solar effectively in Vietnam. Growatt and LONGi, leading manufacturers of the Chinese solar industry joined the meeting and shared the latest PV technologies with the delegation.

Growatt is a global leading PV inverter manufacturer and world's TOP 10 PV inverter supplier according to IHS Markit. Sharing with the delegation at the meeting, Growatt Marketing Director Lisa Zhang pointed out that product quality and reliability is the key to the solar energy development in Vietnam.

"As one of the global leading PV inverter manufacturers, Growatt has very advanced fully automatic assembly line and has introduced rigorous QC and QA system to ensure product quality and reliability. Our PV solutions are trusted and by far Growatt inverters have been installed in over 100 countries around the world," said Zhang.

Secretary General of China Renewable Energy Society PV Committee Lyu Fang shared her latest research and analysis on distributed generation. She believed that global key solar markets could reach grid parity in next five years. Lyu predicted that an accumulated installation of 530GW of the DG sector can be achieved by that time.

Vietnam has great solar radiation and fantastic opportunity in solar energy development, especially in the Central and the South. Combined with competitive labor costs and good policy support from the government, the Vietnam solar market is attractive to a number of global leading brands from the solar industry.

The Vietnam delegation was deeply impressed by the analysis and advanced PV solutions shared by the representatives from Chinese solar industry. Solar energy is one of the key actions we should take to cope with global warming. Companies from the solar industry and governments should work together for a clean and sustainable future.

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President Donald Trump attends a plenary session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP)

Activist Greta Thunberg said planting trees was not enough to address climate change, in an apparent rebuke to a pledge in Davos by U.S. President Donald Trump an hour earlier.

Trump dismissed "perennial prophets of doom" on climate change in his keynote address. While he did not directly name Thunberg, she was sitting in the audience for his speech.

Trump announced the United States would join an initiative to plant one trillion trees, but also spoke at length about the economic importance of oil and gas and called climate change activists the "heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

"Our house is still on fire," Thunberg said in her speech, repeating her remarks at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum a year ago.

"Your inaction is fuelling the flames," the 17-year-old added, in the latest to-and-fro with the 73-year-old president.

Their debate around climate change appears an attempt by both to frame the argument, with Thunberg calling for an immediate end to fossil fuel investments in front of a packed audience an hour after watching Trump make his keynote address in the Swiss ski resort.

Thunberg responded by referring to "empty words and promises" by world leaders. "You say children shouldn't worry... don't be so pessimistic and then, nothing, silence."

She said: "Planting trees is good of course, but it is nowhere near enough of what is needed, and it cannot replace real mitigation and rewilding nature."

Earlier, Thunberg called on world leaders to listen to young activists, who have followed her to Davos this year.

"I'm not a person that can complain about not being heard," she said, prompting laughter from the audience on the first day of the annual WEF meeting.

Expand Close Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse / Facebook

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Whatsapp Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

"The science and voice of young people is not the centre of the conversation, but it needs to be."

Several young activists have travelled to Davos, which has chosen sustainability as its main theme this year.

Thunberg has inspired millions to take action on climate change. A video of her giving Trump what media described as a "death stare" at a U.N. climate summit in New York in September went viral on social media.
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The Indian National Congress, on January 20, released a list of seven more candidates for the Delhi Assembly election, fielding Romesh Sabharwal from New Delhi seat against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

The party has already released a list of 54 candidates on January 18. The last day for filing of nominations is January 21.

Apart from Sabharwal, the other candidates in the list are Raminder Singh Bamrah from Tilak Nagar seat, Rocky Tuseed from Rajinder Nagar, Pramod Kumar Yadav from Badarpur, Amareesh Goutham from Kondli (SC) seat, Bhisham Sharma from Ghonda and Arbind Singh from Karawal Nagar seat.

The Congress, which ruled the national capital for three consecutive terms from 1998 to 2013, will for the first time go in the Assembly election in Delhi in alliance with another party. It has left four seats for its ally the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Voting for all 70 Assembly seats will happen on February 8. Counting of votes will happen on February 11.

(With inputs from PTI)
Malaysia's trade minister is open to meeting his Indian counterpart at the World Economic Forum gathering this week, his ministry said on Monday, after New Delhi said no such encounter was possible amid a spat over palm oil supplies.

It was the second time in the last four days Malaysia expressed the possibility of such a meeting in Davos, during a standoff between a major supplier and buyer of palm oil caused by Malaysia's criticism of Indian policies.

Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) reiterated that India's trade ministry first sent a request on Dec. 24 - before India placed curbs on imports of refined palm oil - for a bilateral meeting between the two ministers in Davos.

"In the spirit of economic partnership between our two nations, Malaysia has made every effort to accommodate the official request by India, but due to the busy schedule of both ministers, a mutually agreeable time has not been reached at the time of this statement," MITI said.

"In the absence of a formal meeting, it is common for interested parties to meet informally and exchange views on the sidelines."

It said MITI minister Darell Leiking "has expressed his openness to such discussion" with his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal, mainly regarding India's participation in the trade bloc Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

An Indian trade ministry official, speaking on behalf of the ministry, told Reuters on Sunday that Goyal would not meet Leiking in Davos because of his tight schedule. No other meeting was scheduled between them, he said.

Hindu-majority India has been agitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad last month speaking out against a new citizenship law which critics say discriminate against Muslims. Mahathir had angered New Delhi last year too when he accused India of invading and occupying Kashmir, a Muslim-majority disputed region also claimed by Pakistan.

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 on January 8 have been seen as a retaliation for Mahathir's words.

Mahathir, the world's oldest premier at 94, told a small group of reporters including from Reuters on Monday that India's new citizenship law was "grossly unfair".

But he said his nation of 32 million people was too small to take retaliatory action against India following its palm curbs.

Since the restrictions, thousands of tonnes of refined palm oil have been delayed or got stuck at various Indian ports, multiple sources told Reuters.

Also read: 'Too small to take retaliatory action against India', says Malaysian PM over palm oil boycott

Also read: India-Malaysia meet likely on the sidelines of WEF 2020 amid palm oil row
No one can claim that it is their fundamental right to create noise, the Allahabad High Court has observed while declining to quash an order of Jaunpur district administration which refused permission to use loudspeaker for 'azan' in two mosques.

A bench comprising justices Pankaj Mithal and V C Dixit dismissed a petition filed by Masroor Ahmad of Jaunpur against the June 12, 2019 order by a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) refusing permission for use of amplifiers and loudspeakers in two mosques of Baddopur and Shahganj villages for azan (call of prayers).

The bench, after going through the SDM's order, said, "It becomes quite evident that the petitioners have been refused permission to use sound amplifying system at the mosque not only for the inherent reason of noise pollution but in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in the area."



The petitioner had contended that the order should be quashed so that they are able to offer prayers in accordance with their religion.

Giving reference of a Supreme Court judgment, the court said that no one claim fundamental right to create noise by amplifying sound.

"It is a cardinal principle of an exercise of equitable jurisdiction that the High Court in such exercise should maintain social balance by interfering where necessary, refusing where it is against social interest and public good."



The court raised the issue of noise pollution and lamented the ignorance of the general public in this regard.

"People in India do not realise that noise in itself is a sort of pollution. They are not even fully conscious about its ill-effect on health, though some concern is being shown to it in recent past," the court said in its order passed earlier this month.

Dismissing the petition, the court said, "It is not the case of the petitioner in the entire writ petition that the installation of such sound equipment is not likely to cause any tension in the locality between the two groups and that law and order situation does not demand such refusal of permission."



The petitioner had said he had moved an application seeking permission to use loudspeakers in two mosques and on March 7, 2019, Circle Officer, Shahganj did a spot inspection.

The CO had stated in its report that there was a mixed population of Hindus and Muslims in the areas near the mosques and if any party is allowed to use sound amplifiers, tension between the two groups could flare up disturbing the peace in the area.

On June 12, 2019, the SDM of Shahganj denied "permission/renewal of the license to use amplifiers and loudspeakers in the two mosques on the grounds that such use of sound equipment is likely to cause animosity between the two religious groups of the village creating law and order situation as the area had mixed population".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Firefighters on Kangaroo Island have contained a deadly bushfire after three hellish weeks of battling the blaze.

The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) announced that the Ravine bushfire had been on contained on Wednesday morning.

Outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his plastic surgeon son Clayton, 43, perished in the blaze when their car became engulfed in flames near Gosse on January 3.

With a perimeter of 640 kilometres, the bushfire scorched 210,712 hectares of land and destroyed at least 56 homes over the course of three weeks.

Firefighters on Kangaroo Island contained the deadly Ravine bushfire after three hellish weeks of battling the blaze on Wednesday. Pictured: CFS volunteers on Kangaroo Island

In a statement, the CFS said: 'The forward rate of spread has been halted and no flare ups have occurred outside of the fire edge for a number of days.

'Crews have worked tirelessly to ensure that the fire edge has been blacked out and secured.'

However, the Ravine fire could flare up again as CFS believes there will be 'gusty, windier weather in the coming days'.

'Wednesday and Thursday this week are days of increased fire weather with north-westerly winds forecast early Wednesday morning before changing to westerly winds in the afternoon,' the CFS said in a statement.

'Associated with these conditions is the potential for breakouts to occur to the south and east of the fire edge.

'We are advising the community that whilst there is no immediate threat from this fire and the fire is contained, there is the potential for the situation to change.'

In a statement, the CFS said the spread of the fire has been halted but warned that 'increased fire weather' on Wednesday and Thursday could cause the blazes to re-surge. Pictured: A blaze on Mount Taylor Road in Kangaroo Island on January 11

The Ravine bushfire claimed the lives of Dick and Clayton Lang, a father and son duo who had been helping fight the bushfires raging on Kangaroo Island for several days.

Dick and Clayton were returning to the family's hobby farm when they became trapped in flames and perished in their car on January 3.

At their funeral last Friday, the venue was filled beyond capacity, with many forced to watch from outside.

Eldest son Derek Lang described his father as a 'force of nature' who loved Australia and said his younger brother 'took a page out of that book and did the same'.

Father and son Dick and Clayton Lang were laid to rest in a service on Friday (pictured) after perishing in the Ravine fire on January 3

The Ravine fire occupied much of the western part of Kangaroo Island but there are still four more smaller uncontained fires burning to the east and south.

In the east, there are two grass fires in Stokes Bay and Bark Hut Road in Cassini, as well as another fire warning for Wedgewood Road in Parndana.

Meanwhile in the south, there is another grass fire at Tilka Track in Stunsail Boom, which is ongoing.
At the heart of the impeachment trial of President Trump that got underway today in the Senate lies a question of budget authority: Just why did the president and his administration place a hold on congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine?

The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan watchdog agency that reports to Congress, said Thursday that, in withholding the aid, the White House Office of Management and Budget violated the law  specifically, the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which was enacted to ensure that funds are spent as directed by lawmakers.

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 it its legal decision.

The Nixon-era Impoundment Control Act lays out the specific processes under which the president can defer or withhold funds appropriated by lawmakers. It requires the president to send a special message to Congress detailing the proposed amount to be held or cut and the reasons for the desired change. GAO said that the White House never sent such a message and did not meet the requirements for a deferral. The burden to justify a withholding of budget authority rests with the executive branch, the report says. Here, OMB has failed to meet this burden.

The White House had asserted that its actions were lawful because the hold was just a programmatic delay and not a deferral. But the watchdog agency rejected that claim.

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, Thomas H. Armstrong, general counsel at the GAO, said in a statement. The law does not permit OMB to withhold funds for policy reasons.

Some OMB officials had objected to the hold, questioning whether it was proper, and at least two officials resigned in part due to concerns about the aid money.

The money in question: The GAO report focuses on $214 million in withheld security assistance funds, part of a congressionally appropriated $250 million Defense Department military aid package for Ukraine for 2019. The agency said it was still pursuing more information regarding a similar hold on $141.5 million in funding for Ukraine provided through the State Department.

Story continues

It added that the White House budget office and State Department had provided very little information regarding those funds, and warned that it considers a reluctance to provide a fulsome response to have constitutional significance as it affects the agencys ability to perform its role essential to ensuring respect for and allegiance to Congress constitutional power of the purse.

The White House quickly disputed the GAO conclusion. "We disagree with GAO's opinion, Rachel Semmel, the OMB's communications director, said in a statement. OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the president's priorities and with the law." And Russ Vought, acting director of the budget office, tweeted that the administration complied with the law at every step.

Why it matters: GAOs opinion doesnt carry any immediate legal consequences for the White House given that the funds were ultimately released, so theres no reason for the agency to sue to get the money unfrozen. But the report undercuts Trumps defense that the hold was within his legal authority. Combined with new documents and allegations from Lev Parnas, an associate of Rudy Giuliani, Trumps personal attorney, the report gives Democrats new ammunition  both to say that the administration violated the law and to pressure Republican leaders to allow witnesses and new evidence in the Senate impeachment trial.

"This bombshell legal opinion from the independent Government Accountability Office demonstrates, without a doubt, that the Trump Administration illegally withheld security assistance from Ukraine, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who requested the GAO report last month. The GAOs independent findings reinforce the need for the Senate to obtain all relevant documents and hear from key fact witnesses in order to have a fair trial."

Several Republicans have reportedly said that the GAO opinion doesnt change their views. The GAO report identifies the OMB, not the president, and said it was for policy reasons, not for political reasons, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said. I think were going to hear some more about it but I dont think that changes anything.

Read more at The Washington Post, The New York Times or Roll Call.

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The UK entrants beat more than 16,300 applicants to express what friendship meant to them

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These stunning images from all over the world perfectly convey what friendship means, across cultures and generations - and the animal kingdom.

Fifty beautiful shots have made it to the final of photography app Agora's Friends 2020 competition, including six entries from UK artists.

Exquisite shortlisted shots by Britons include father-and-son co-pilots flying their drones at sunset, an aerial shot of a colourful beach barbecue, and two women floating peacefully on azure water.

Indonesian snapper @san_san titled their image of snails leaning into each other across stones in the water 'Help Each Other'

The powerful bond between humans and their four-legged friends is beautifully captured in this artistic image, titled 'My Best Friend'. It was taken on Bromo Mountain in Indonesia by Indonesian @priyowiddi and shows a nomadic herder and his horse, who trek over the mountain every day

This sweet snap of two boys running on the beach is titled 'Friends Playing' and was shot in Tanzania by a British photographer known as @sollylevi

Jon Cleave photographed this pair of seals on the Isle of Harris in Scotland. He said they made him think of true friendship

The UK entrants beat more than 16,300 applicants to express what friendship meant to them through their camera lens. The overall winner will be crowned next month and receive a cash prize of $1,000 (approximately 750).

'Friendship is a universal concept that can be perceived in a lot of different ways according to our culture, beliefs and life experience,' said Octavi Royo, Agora's chief executive and co-founder.

'At Agora we see friendship in an infinite number of ways, but we also see what is common to all forms of friendship - love, trust and support that is generated between living beings. The result of friendship is a shared, happier life.'

The simple pleasure of a bath with a pal is captured in this shot titled 'Friends Bathing', taken by @solomonjnr from Ghana in the city of Accra in his home country

The bathing theme continues with this image titled 'Friends Getting Wet', by @ froirivera from the Philippines

'Friends for Life' is the title of this dreamy shot of a couple on their wedding day in Bristol, captured by local @perkspectivephotography

This striking image of women with traditional face inkings is titled 'Lovely' and was taken in Chin State in Myanmar by @naingtunwinbagan, who hails from that country

The beach feast picture was taken by Marc Le Cornu in his Channel Island homeland of Jersey.

He said of the image, which was taken at a small group of islands called Les Minquiers: 'The photo features a group of my creative friends who decided to head out to this deserted sandbar and set up a barbecue and have food, drink, music and just an amazing day in the sun away from it all.'

The drone shot was taken by Kieran Hanlon, who is pictured alongside his father in Somerset - moments before disaster struck.

'My dad is my best friend and we run the @Keanudrone Instagram account together,' he stated.

'We wanted a photo of us and the drones and this is the outcome. I love it! Although shortly after this photo was taken my dad crashed one of the drones into a tree.'

'Have Fun Together' is the title of this image, taken in France by French photographer @photolivestudio

This snap of young men on swings is simply titled 'Enjoying' and was taken by @adeelchishti from Pakistan in his country's Upper Dir Park

The floating women picture, meanwhile, was taken by Alan Mills from London.

He said: 'The two people in the picture are very close friends that I had the pleasure of meeting when I was travelling the Philippines.

'We spent the whole day on a beach where I wanted the girls to have a photo that would sum up the day, and to show their friendship from another point of view. The big smiles on their faces made this shot even better than just the pure beauty of the surrounding area.'

This stunning black-and-white shot is titled 'Running on the Sand Dunes' and was taken by Vietnamese photographer @trungphamvn at the Nam Cuong Sand Dune

Alan Mills, from London, captured a snapshot of paradise  two friends floating side by side in Port Barton Palawan in the Philippines. 'I wanted the girls to have a photo that would sum up the day, and to show their friendship from another point of view,' he said

Kieran Hanlon is pictured alongside his father in Somerset, enjoying their favourite pastime, flying drones. He said: 'My dad is my best friend and we run the @Keanudrone Instagram account together'

Marc Le Cornu captured this beach scene at Les Minquiers in Jersey. He said: 'The photo features a group of my creative friends who decided to head out to this deserted sandbar and set up a barbecue and have an amazing day in the sun away from it all'

Another shortlisted image taken by a Briton shows a pair of seals on the Isle of Harris in Scotland.

The photographer, Jon Cleave, said: 'Seals are social animals and can be found in small groups or entire colonies.

'Spotting these two together on a patch of seagrass off the Hebridean coast with nothing else around made me think of true friendship. Friends come in all shapes and sizes. We often think about humans only having friendships as it's something we can relate to - but to see wildlife stick at it together is even more inspiring.'

Another British photographer, known as @Perksy12, caught a romantic shot of a newlywed couple starting their life together on a jetty in Bristol and Briton @Sollylevi captured friends running in the surf in Tanzania.
The Navy has issued another scathing letter of censure in connection with a massive corruption scandal, this time to a retired chief petty officer who allegedly signed off on invoices he knew were inflated and sought gifts worth more than $10,000.

Retired Navy Chief Logistics Specialist Ulysis T. Guno is the latest person to be ensnared in the investigation into the Navy's interactions with Glenn Defense Marine Asia. Known as the "Fat Leonard" scandal, the case has resulted in bribery and fraud charges against several high-ranking officers and senior enlisted sailors.

Guno allegedly "repeatedly and improperly accepted and solicited gifts from Leonard Francis and GDMA, a prohibited source," Navy officials said in a statement Thursday. The allegations date back to his time serving as the supply leading chief petty officer on the destroyer Cushing in 2004 and with the Logistics Support Center for Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Detachment Singapore, according to the statement.

"Based on the evidence reviewed, the total value of the gifts LSC (Ret.) Guno received from Mr. Francis/GDMA was at least $10,617.90," it reads. "During the same period, LSC (Ret.) Guno repeatedly took action for the benefit of Mr. Francis/GDMA; he made a practice of unquestioningly recommending the approval of invoices on which he knew or believed GDMA was overbilling the Navy, and he shared internal Navy information with Mr. Francis/GDMA."

Related: Retired Admiral Was a 'Top Shelf' Friend to 'Fat Leonard,' Navy Says

Guno, who retired from the Navy in 2010, could not be reached for comment.

The letter of censure, which are typically filed in a service member's official record, was issued by acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly.

Guno also, according to the statement, allegedly made numerous false statements to a Naval Criminal Investigative Service special agent who interviewed him in 2018.

Modly called Guno's actions an embarrassment to the Navy and those who served with him. Guno's actions deviated significantly from what's expected of those serving in uniform, the acting secretary added, particularly for a chief petty officer -- who are considered important enlisted leaders.

"The Navy's core values include high standards of ethical conduct for all Sailors, and chief petty officers must not only meet those high standards but model them for others," Modly said in a statement. "By abusing his position to solicit and receive gifts from a defense contractor, LSC (Ret.) Guno utterly failed to meet those standards."

Francis, who is known as "Fat Leonard," pleaded guilty to bribery and fraud charges in 2015 after his company cheated the Navy of at least $35 million while providing fuel, water, food, sewage removal and other port services in U.S. 7th Fleet. The defense contractor traded Navy personnel cash, prostitutes, meals, trips and other gifts in exchange for classified info on ship and submarine movements.

The Justice Department has prosecuted the most serious cases. The Navy has handled those referred back to the service. Some of those have gone to court-martial. As of last year, nearly three dozen people had been charged, 22 of whom pleaded guilty.

Guno is one of more than a dozen people who've received letters from various Navy secretaries rebuking them for their alleged roles in the scandals.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Read more: Five Years After Arrest, Navy Bribery Mastermind Testifies at Deposition
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) arrives at the U.S. Capitol January 16, 2020 in Washington, DC.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Iron ore had a carousing 2019  for all the wrong reasons. A fatal dam collapse in Brazil, followed by a tropical cyclone in Australia, battered production and sent prices to their highest level in five years. Early figures from BHP Group and Rio Tinto Group show just how much benefit both have reaped. With supply coming back, Chinese mills under pressure and Beijings infrastructure investment looking inadequate to keep the music going, prepare for a more sober 2020.

Production figures from BHP on Tuesday, as with Rio Tinto last week, will cheer investors and fuel hopes of one-time payouts. The average price at which BHP sold a metric ton of iron ore in the six months through December was just over $78, more than 40% higher than a year earlier. Considering unit costs that probably hover around an underlying $13 per ton, the level reported for its last financial year, thats quite a margin  and quite some cash flow. Its a similar story at Rio.

Unfortunately, its hard to see how such gravity-defying market levels can hold up. Iron ore futures in Singapore are currently trading above $90. While thats below July highs, its still well above prices touched even after Vale SAs Brumadinho disaster and Cyclone Veronica, which struck Western Australia in March.

Consider supply. Vale, a critical piece of the steel ingredient jigsaw, wont report fourth-quarter production until February, but third-quarter output was already up 35% on the previous three months, and the Brazilian giant could return to pre-Brumadinho levels by 2021. All three of the big iron-ore suppliers  BHP, Rio and Vale  are working toward incremental though ambitious supply targets. In 2020, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates the three will add 44 million tons  a not insignificant 3% of the years projected output. Chinas production, meanwhile, has also edged higher.

Demand isnt quite as rosy.

Granted, there were some signs of stabilization in the worlds biggest steel producer and consumer at the end of last year. Chinas industrial output in December beat forecasts to rise 6.9%, the strongest in nine months and a decent showing even accounting for work brought forward to compensate for an early Lunar New Year. Steel production hit another record last year.

Story continues

The detail is less inspiring, as growth in the worlds second-largest economy cools to its slowest pace in almost three decades. While monetary policy remains helpful, there are signs that private companies are still struggling for funds. Key sources of demand for steel remain weak, from property and cars to manufacturing. Building starts, for example, were up 8.5% in 2019 while completions, an indicator of confidence, increased far more slowly. Even after a phase-one trade deal between Washington and Beijing, heavy tariffs remain in place, weighing on manufacturing.

All of that means iron-ore bulls need China to start splurging on infrastructure. Beijing has taken some measures to encourage spending, approving more projects and lowering capital ratio requirements. This isnt a return to the bumper stimulus efforts of the past, though, judging by indicators such as fixed-asset investment. Local governments are saddled with plenty of debt, which remains a concern. Moreover, Bloomberg Intelligence estimates Chinas public investment per capita is almost as high as that of advanced economies, suggesting its becoming harder for spending to have an impact.

Producers of high-grade ore, like the big three, may also find the premium that local mills will pay comes down as their margins come under pressure.

Chinas economic priorities  including the size and scope of further stimulus  will be outlined in March, when the National Peoples Congress and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference meet. Miners can expect that, whatever the speed of decline, the only way is down.

To contact the author of this story: Clara Ferreira Marques at cferreirama@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Matthew Brooker at mbrooker1@bloomberg.net

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Clara Ferreira Marques is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering commodities and environmental, social and governance issues. Previously, she was an associate editor for Reuters Breakingviews, and editor and correspondent for Reuters in Singapore, India, the U.K., Italy and Russia.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Fishing community in Daman, India, left homeless for tourist development

by Jas Uppal

January 21,2020 | Source: Marex

Members of the fishing community in Daman, whose families have fished there for generations, claim their land was confiscated without consultation. Many vulnerable people in the region have been left homeless. They cannot afford to take legal action. Many are illiterate, and many are from indigenous and minority groups.



Some families, able to move to the U.K., have contacted me saying they were not given the opportunity to remove their belongings before their homes were destroyed.



The issue has been unresolved for over a year, and very little reporting of the situation has been done in English.



The change.org petition started by Justice Upheld states:



Land and property owned by British, Indian and Portuguese citizens in Daman India has and continues to be confiscated under the directions of the State Administrator of Daman, Praful Patel.



It is estimated that approximately 200,000 people maybe affected over time, if the current breaches go unchallenged. The owners of the land who are originally from the indigenous poor fishing communities in Daman, a coastal region, unblemished by commercial development. Their homes have been bulldozed and demolished allegedly to make way for tent village for tourists from surrounding States.



The owners of the land and property in question were not consulted. Legal process and procedures have not been strictly followed.



The Indian victims of this eviction are often vulnerable, uneducated, old, disabled and the young have been left on the streets to fend for themselves; homeless and without any support.



The State Governments actions are beyond their powers and therefore illegal. The authorities must return/replace the land and property to the rightful owners and in addition, compensate the victims for the losses and for the damages that they suffered.



The actions of the State are a gross abuse and breaches of Article 17 of the the United Nations Declaration in relation to Human Rights which maintains that:

(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.

(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

 2020 The Maritime Executive, LLC. All rights reserved.

Theme(s): Communities and Organisations.
In 2020, some images of modern America are so shocking that even a nation of political ranters with our incandescent Twitter accounts can be stunned into near numbness. So it was on Monday  not coincidentally, the national holiday to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  as first dozens, then hundreds, then thousands of armed, overwhelmingly white men streamed onto the grounds of Virginias state capitol in Richmond.

On a day set aside to celebrate a fighter for peace and human rights who was shot and killed in Memphis on April 4, 1968, with a .30-06 Remington rifle, our social media streams were filled with middle-aged white men in absurd camouflage, wearing helmets or flak jackets, some (illegally) covering their faces with masks, with assault rifles or grenade launchers or weaponry to shoot down a small aircraft strapped to their bodies. VICE News tweeted out, Virginia declares state of emergency after armed militias threaten to storm the capitol, making a large U.S. state sound more like a faraway banana republic, overthrown by the latest junta.

As they marched a stones throw from what had been the capitol of the Confederacy, the marchers argued to a man (and they were virtually all men) that, in essence, they want their country back. I dont like what they are doing to our rights, Raymond Pfaff, an 85-year-old man from Louisa County, Va.  where the public schools remained segregated until Pfaff was in his late 30s  told the New York Times at the rally, adding: Im a patriotic American. The left is going so far left right now.

The event  part of a just-OK idea to make the King holiday a Lobby Day to allow citizens to air their grievances which increasingly has become a gun-lobby day in the last few years  was a rally led by the Virginia Citizens Defense League that drew an estimated 22,000 to a state capital on a total lockdown, with guns banned from the fenced-in site of the actual event. Most attendees milled around outside the fences  armed to the teeth, waving their long guns to see who had the biggest one. When the event ended early Monday afternoon, there was a palpable sigh of relief both in Richmond and around a nation that had just watched the armed hijacking of MLK Day.

 READ MORE: I cant stop thinking about the little girl behind Trump and the hate shes being taught | Will Bunch

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam held a news conference  and angered thin-skinned right-wingers  when he declared his state of emergency, partial gun ban and other measures successfully de-escalated what could have been a volatile situation. The front page of Tuesdays Washington Post summed up a lot of the post-rally media coverage with its headline which read, Virginia gun rights rally is passionate but peaceful, and which sounded like someone was pointing an AR-50 at the headline writer.

To use a popular buzzword of 2020 by way of 1920, Im here to call malarkey on the popular notion that what went down in Richmond was peaceful. To the contrary, America  although we may be too frightened to even admit it  just witnessed arguably the most successful use of terrorism on U.S. soil in nearly a generation, even if this time was non-lethal.

Its so fitting for MLK Day that the slain civil rights hero once uttered the exactly perfect words for this travesty, occurring nearly 52 years after he was killed by an assassins bullet. True peace is not merely the absence of tension," King once wrote. "It is the presence of justice. In Richmond on January 20, 2020  almost three years to the hour after President Trump revealed his vision of our nation as a place of American carnage  the absence of tension when the rally ended without bloodshed masked a gross, unconscionable injustice.

What really happened in Richmond was that men with enough firepower to defeat the Ukrainian army, with the very real threat of violence strapped to their backs, aimed to intimidate not just the state lawmakers just elected by the majority of Virginia voters on a gun-safety platform, but to scare away any citizens wishing to use their 1st Amendment rights to speak out against them.

And the shameful thing is that, on too many levels, it worked.

Plans for a counter-demonstration by progressive groups  the same kind of folks who pushed back against the now-notorious hate marches through nearby Charlottesville in 2017  were scrubbed because of fears that someone would get hurt, much as Heather Heyer was run over and killed by a white supremacist at that event. One local activist tweeted to please, please encourage anyone you know who is thinking about counter protesting this event to stay away from downtown [R]ichmond on [M]onday.

Terrorism? People were terrified. People who owned businesses in downtown Richmond shuttered their doors for the day. Folks who live in the immediate neighborhood of the protests left because they were scared of the gun-toters and what might happen. One of the legislators who was supposed to be lobbied on Lobby Day  Lee Carter, a democratic socialist and a progressive backer of new gun safety laws  instead went to a safe house because he was received so many death threats from these patriotic Americans.

Think about the rights that we hold most dear as Americans. The rights to move around freely from place to place, to assemble in public and to hold rallies to air grievances, and to counter people one disagrees with by exercising free speech and giving the opposing point of view. American citizens were deprived of those basic rights on Monday  on Martin Luther King Day, of all days  by an intimidating bullying, armed mob. Do not dare call this peaceful.

Yes, it could have been worse. Over the last week, authorities have arrested six members of a white supremacist group that is building bombs and advocating other violence to advance its warped causes of attacking African-Americans and Jews to advance a so-called white ethno-state. At least three of these white supremacists had been planning to attend Mondays rally. In the you-cant-make-this-stuff-up department, the group calls itself The Base, which in Arabic would be ... al-Qaeda. The goals of those two groups are exactly the same: Fanatical religious and racial purity, enforced by wanton violence against innocent people.

 READ MORE: A domestic terrorist slaughtered 5 women in a Florida bank and hardly anyone noticed | Will Bunch

All of this was cheered on yesterday by Americas bully-in-chief, Trump. On a national holiday that the nations president was eager to forget  his more politically-minded veep Mike Pence finally dragged him out for a photo op lasting all of 30 seconds  The Donald was much more animated by the base down in Richmond. Sandwiched around one tepid, canned MLK post, the 45th president tweeted that Democrats in Virginia are taking away your 2nd Amendment rights and dont let it happen, and when Fox News showed rally-goers chanting USA! USA! he tweeted the same. The president didnt condemn an armed mob; he joined it, virtually.

This is all part of a vicious downward cycle in America, where the bullying instincts of citizen mobs and the cheerleading from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, from a president who won in 2016 after encouraging his followers to beat the living crap out of protesters, continue to feed upon each other.

The sad, maddening, infuriating thing is that Trump is also showing how, politically, bullying can work...and take years to undo. Look at his Republican Party and the people who once showed potential to stand up to his tactics  the Mitt Romneys and the Martha McSallys and the Lindsey Grahams. They are all lapdogs now, and they are all getting ready to say guilty in a make-believe trial on Capitol Hill.

The fact that an armed mob roamed unrestrained through an American state capitol on the eve of this sham impeachment trial was no accident. They are all ruling by fear and intimidation, and America will end as any kind of moral force if we dont come up with a way to stop them.

Many people are doing what they can to fight back. In particular, I applaud citizens like the folks of Moms Demand, who spent Monday phone-banking Virginia lawmakers and encouraging those who are voting for sensible gun laws. And those lawmakers have done exactly that this week, voting down right-wing proposals that would have increased the risks of gun violence. Thats courage, but Im still worried that its not enough.

The world learned in the 1930s that we can only yield the public space to bullies and brownshirts for so long until the going gets very, very tough. Reigning in an authoritarian, rogue president through the legal means of impeachment will likely be thwarted by a cowardly, intimidated GOP. We must do all we can to beat back Trump and his thuggish allies through our activism and our votes in November, but we may need to summon the courage to somehow do more.

This week would be a good time to channel the ferocity of King, who stood up to bullies with non-violence and won more victories against entrenched white supremacy than anyone dreamed possible. MLK understood that an absence of tension, also known as silence, was the path to injustice. He also would have called out the violent intimidation of Mondays mob for what it was  terrorism  and so should we.
Italians warned to avoid unnecessary travel to China.

Italy's health ministry has urged Italians to postpone unnecessary travel to China amid an outbreak of a mysterious and deadly new virus which has registered over 200 cases and so far resulted in four deaths.

"If you go to China, to the city of Wuhan, in the province of Hubei, it is recommended to get vaccinated against seasonal flu at least two weeks before your trip. It is also recommended to avoid visiting the markets with fresh food of animal origin, and live animals, and avoid contact with people who have respiratory symptoms."

While underlining that there is no vaccine for the new virus, Italy's health ministry has advised those travelling in areas at risk to follow a few basic guidelines: wash your hands regularly; cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing; wear a face mask; dispose of used tissues immediately after use; avoid raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruit or vegetables and unbottled drinks; and avoid close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory diseases such as coughing and sneezing.

The ministry also says that a person should seek "immediate medical attention" if they develop respiratory symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or breathing difficulties while in Wuhan.

Likewise if someone returning to Italy from Wuhan develops respiratory symptoms within 14 days, they should also seek immediate medical advice and inform authorities of their travels.

The warning comes as officials confirm that the mystery virus spreads by human-to-human transmission, with cases now reported in Japan, Thailand and South Korea.

Health authorities in Rome are screening passengers arriving from Wuhan into Fiumicino airport, with the city's Spallanzani hospital for infectious diseases on standby.

Photo: AFP/STR/Yonhap
21.01.2020 LISTEN

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."- 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV.

Apostle Paul in the opening verse of our theme is urging us to remain unshaken about activities that could dampen our hopes in the Lord.

He spoke to the church in Corinth to be resolute despite the arrows of attack being thrown at them.

Similarly, in our journey as believers we may be faced with challenges beyond our control. But Apostle Paul is telling us not to be troubled but abound in God's work daily.

In abounding in God's word, we must meditate His word, practise His word and carry out spiritual duties assigned to us for His glory. These steps when executed systematically would make us unmovable, steadfast in life despite any form of worry.

Never let today's downfall create a gap between you and God. Rather abound in God's work and you shall testify His glory.

Remember, you're God's dream come through.

God bless you.

Prayer

Gracious Father, with you by my side through Christ Jesus, am confident because all things are working together for my good, Amen.

Rev. Ebenezer Zor

WhatsApp +233246646694 or follow me on

www.facebook.com/zorebenezer

[email protected]

[email protected]

Skype live: zorebenezer

#WordDigest2020

#MRCI
David Serrano, the owner of the land on which two-year-old Julen fell down a 100-metre borehole in Totalan in January last year, pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter through negligence in a Malaga court on Tuesday morning.

related news Parents and landowner agree to settle Julen case out of court

The judge ratified an agreement reached on Monday between Serrano and the parents of Julen to avoid a painful trial due to start on Tuesday.

Serrano agreed to accept the suspended prison sentence of one year handed down by the judge and to pay damages awarded by the court to Julen's parents, Jose Rosello and Vicky Garcia.

These damages were set at just under 180,000 euros (89,529.67 euros each). The judge also ordered Serrano to pay 663,982.45 to the Junta de Andalucia to cover the cost of the rescue operation.

Jose Rosello and Vicky Garcia were present in court with their lawyer on Tuesday morning to hear the sentence. Serrano expressed his remorse for the events of 13 January 2019, admitting his responsibility for the toddler's death.

"I never wanted the boy to come to any harm," he said.
William & Mary to celebrate its 327th 'birthday' during Charter Day

Charter Day: Free and open to the public, the annual event celebrates the universitys founding in 1693 by royal charter. Graphic by University Web & Design Photo - of - Hide Caption

The ceremony will be streamed live on the William & Mary Facebook page and on the Charter Day website beginning at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. This year's livestream will feature Director of the Whole of Government Center of Excellence Kay Floyd '05 and Abhi Chadha '20, who will offer pre-show commentary. - Ed.

William & Mary will honor the new executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, a former U.S. ambassador and a former rector of the university during its 2020 Charter Day ceremony.

Free and open to the public, the annual event celebrates the universitys founding in 1693 by royal charter. The 2020 ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 in Kaplan Arena. A carnival will follow at 5 p.m. on Brooks Street, between Kaplan Arena and the Commons Dining Hall.

During the ceremony, William & Mary will bestow honorary doctorates on Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Executive Director Christy Coleman, former Rector Susan Aheron Magill 72 and former Ambassador and U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon Jr. 80.

W&M President Katherine A. Rowe will offer remarks, and Chancellor Robert M. Gates 65, L.H.D. 98 will attend and bring greetings.

On Charter Day, the William & Mary community takes the opportunity each year to reflect on our history and our values," Rowe said. This year we honor three distinguished leaders who have devoted their careers to service to others. Their passion for the greater good connects so well with our everyday experiences as students, faculty, staff and alumni. We are excited to celebrate W&Ms birthday with them.

Several W&M faculty, students and alumni will also be recognized at the ceremony, including the winners of this years Jefferson and Monroe awards. Those awards will be presented at a Jan. 29 ceremony at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business. During that event, the 2020 Plumeri Awards will also be announced.

Christy Coleman

Coleman has striven to make museum experiences meaningful to diverse communities throughout her career, and she will aim to continue that as the first woman and first person of color to hold the position of executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation.

Previously serving as the CEO of the American Civil War Museum, Coleman began her new role with the JYF on Jan. 21, 2020.

Raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, she initially enrolled at William & Mary, then transferred to Hampton University, where she earned her bachelors and masters degrees. She began her career at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and served in a number of roles there, including director of African-American interpretations and presentations. Coleman later worked as the director of midtown operations before becoming director of historic programs. In that capacity, she was responsible for all programming and tours in the Historic Area.

Coleman became president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan, in 1999. Nine years later, she was named the president and CEO of the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar in Richmond, Virginia. In 2013, she helped coordinate the merger of the American Civil War Center and the Museum of the Confederacy to create the American Civil War Museum. In 2019, she served as a historic consultant on the Focus Features film Harriet.

Coleman has served on multiple local commissions and national boards, including the Virginia African American History Education Commission, the American Association for State and Local History and the American Alliance of Museums. She also co-chaired the Monument Avenue Commission in Richmond.

Coleman, who is also an accomplished screenwriter and public speaker, has received numerous awards and honors. In 2019 alone, she received the Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, an Outstanding Women Award from the Richmond YMCA and the Ukrop Community Vision Award from Leadership Metro Richmond. In 2018, she was named to the Richmond Power List by Style Magazine and as one of the 31 People Who Are Changing the South by Time Magazine.

In March 2019, Coleman provided the keynote address at W&Ms annual Lemon Project Spring Symposium. Named for a person enslaved by the university, the Lemon Project is a long-term research effort to examine W&Ms history with slavery and racial discrimination and its ongoing relationship with the African-American community. The 2019 symposium was centered on the theme of Celebrating Legacies, Constructing Futures: Four Hundred Years of Black Community and Culture, and Colemans address was titled, Reclaiming the Narrative of the American Civil War Museum.

Susan Aheron Magill 72

Magill graduated from William & Mary in 1972 with a degree in government and remains closely connected to the university. She served on W&Ms Board of Visitors for nine years, including three years as rector, becoming only the second woman to assume that role. She also chaired the executive committee for the BOV and the search committee for the 26th president of the university. In addition, Magill has served on W&Ms Public Policy Advisory Board and the W&M Washington Council. In 2007, she received the Alumni Medallion, the highest and most prestigious award presented by the W&M Alumni Association. She was a charter member of the Society of 1918 and currently chairs its leadership committee. In November 2019, she was appointed to a three-year term on the Presidents Monroe-Highland Commission.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Magill worked on Capitol Hill from 1973 until 2006, starting under Rep. M. Caldwell Butler before taking a job in the Washington office of Virginia Gov. John N. Dalton. U.S. Sen. John W. Warner hired her as a legislative aide and four years later, she became his chief of staff  a position she would hold for two decades.

During that time, she also held a number of other positions, including executive director for the Joint Congressional Committees on Inaugural Ceremonies for President Bill Clintons second inauguration. According to a Washington Post article, Magill helped Fairfax County get the National Museum of the U.S. Army located at Fort Belvoir and appeal for funding needed because of Base Realignment and Closure recommendations. In 1997, she was named by Washingtonian magazine as one of the citys most powerful women.

After leaving government service, she worked as managing director of philanthropic services and government relations for the Pew Charitable Trusts from 2008 to 2010. She next served as the vice president for advancement at George Washingtons Historic Mount Vernon until 2016.

Throughout her life, she has served with several community and professional organizations, including the Board of Advisors for Mount Vernon and the American Council of Young Political Leaders. Magill was appointed to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, where she served two years as chair, and the Commission to Ensure Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government. Magill currently has a consulting practice, with her principal client the University of Virginias Morven.

Thomas A. Shannon Jr. 80

Shannon spent more than three decades in government service under six U.S. presidents, ultimately serving as acting secretary of state in 2017. He now works as a senior international policy advisor for Arnold & Porter law firm.

Shannon studied government and philosophy at William & Mary before earning his masters and doctoral degrees at Oxford University. He went on to work in the U.S. Foreign Service at the embassies in Guatemala, Brazil, South Africa and Venezuela and to hold a number of positions with the state department. He served as U.S. ambassador to Brazil from 2010 to 2013 and achieved the rank of career ambassador  the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service.

From 2013 to 2015, Shannon served as counselor of the State Department, where he focused on Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and led U.S. support for the UN-sponsored peace processes in Yemen and South Sudan.

In 2016, President Barack Obama appointed him as undersecretary of state for political affairs. In that role, he was in charge of policymaking and implementation and oversaw diplomatic activity across the world. He managed the State Department during the presidential transition, led bilateral and strategic stability talks with the Russian Federation, worked with U.S. allies to oversee Iranian compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and expanded U.S. engagement in Central Asia. In 2017, he served as acting secretary of state for a short time during the confirmation process for President Donald Trumps nominee.

Shannon has served on the boards of several civic and professional organizations, including the American Academy of Diplomacy, CSIS America and Inter-American Foundation. Among his many honors, Shannon has received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award, as well as the Secretary of States Distinguished Service Award and Career Achievement Award. Foreign governments have also recognized his service with such honors as Orden al Merito, en el grado de Gran Cruz granted by Chile and the Order of Isabel La Catolica, Commander by Number, granted by Spain. In 2018, Brazil presented him with the Order of Rio Branco, the countrys highest honor for foreigners.

Shannon has returned to William & Mary several times to share his experience and insights with the campus community. In April, he spoke with students in a seminar, gave a public talk and provided students with advice on their Diplomacy Lab projects. He has also spoken with students and faculty through the W&M Study in D.C. program.
Rome, Jan 21 : The European Commission has reopened negotiations on migrants and asylum and soon there will be a new European pact on the issue of migration, Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio indicated on Tuesday.

In a post on Facebook, Di Maio reiterated Italy's call for the burden of migration to Europe via the Mediterranean to be more fairly shared among EU states.

"Italy has paid for wrongs it did not commit and today we sent a clear message: the EU cannot manage without Italy and for this reason we expect our demands to be met," he wrote.

Di Maio held talks on EU migration policy earlier on Tuesday at the Foreign Ministry in Rome with European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas and Employment and Integration Commissioner Ylva Johansson, the ministry tweeted.

"We need a new beginning for the EU. A common repatriation policy and the introduction of a mandatory redistribution system among member states for asylum-seekers," it said.

In September last year, the current left-leaning Italian coalition government signed an agreement with several EU partners including France and Germany, to automatically share the number of migrants who landed in Italy or Malta.

Boat migrant arrivals in Italy have plunged in recent years, due to the hardline policies of former Interior Ministers Marco Minniti and Matteo Salvini and Italy and the EU's strengthening of Libyan Coastguard patrols. After Greece and Spain, Italy remains one of the main landing points for migrants heading to Europe.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday (January 21) addressed a pro-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow and dared the Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC and other opposition parties to prove that the new legislation strips Indians of citizenship.

Addressing the rally, Shah challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to hold an open debate with him on the CAA.

The anti-CAA parties are spreading propaganda and spreading illusions thats why the BJP is running the Jan Jagran Abhiyan, which is a public awareness campaign against those who break the country, he said.

I have introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha. I want to tell the opposition that you should discuss this bill publicly. If it can take citizenship of any person, then prove it and show it, added Shah.

Shah also declared that the opposition parties can protest as much as they want against the CAA but the BJP-led government at the Centre will not scrap the new law. "Let me say this here and now, this law will not be withdrawn, no matter who protests... We are not scared of opposition, we were born in it," he asserted.

Live TV

The Union Home Minister also attacked the opposition parties for misleading the Muslims of the country, saying that some parties are trying to instigate Muslims in the name of CAA.

On January 16, while addressing a pro-CAA rally at Bihar's Vaishali, Shah had accused the opposition parties of inciting violence during anti-CAA protests in Uttar Pradesh and some other parts of the country.

The CAA, which 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, has triggered widespread protests across the country.
One in two people born after 1960 in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their life. [Photo: Getty]

Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer could combat all forms of the disease, research suggests.

Scientists from Cardiff University believe a patients immune cells could be programmed in the laboratory to look for receptors on tumours.

When re-infused into the body, the immune cells scan for threats, which they promptly destroy.

Only tested in the laboratory to date, the approach killed prostate, breast and lung cancers to name a few.

READ MORE: BBC presenter with 'incurable cancer' is free of the disease

There's a chance here to treat every patient, study author Professor Andrew Sewell told the BBC.

Previously nobody believed this could be possible.

It raises the prospect of a 'one-size-fits-all' cancer treatment, a single type of cell that could be capable of destroying many different types of cancers across the population.

One in two people born after 1960 in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their life, Cancer Research UK statistics show.

A patients prognosis varies drastically according to the type of the disease they have.

Many are forced to endure surgery, chemo and radiotherapy - with all their side effects - in an attempt to beat the malignant tumours.

READ MORE: HPV vaccine could 'eliminate cervical cancer in young women'

Our immune system is perhaps best known for fighting infections, but it also plays a role in warding off cancer.

Specific immune cells, known as T cells, contain receptors that interact with a molecule called MR1 - found on every cell surface in the human body.

MR1 is thought to flag when a cancerous change is occurring within a cell.

Although unclear exactly how T-cell therapy could help, its receptors may interact with the malignant cell, killing it off.

If shown to be safe, the treatment would involve taking a blood sample from a cancer patient.

Their T-cells would then be extracted and genetically altered to produce a cancer-finding receptor specific to the individuals disease.

Story continues

This alteration would occur by exposing the cells to a harmless virus containing genes that modify the cells ability to recognise and target tumours.

Modified cells would then be duplicated in the laboratory before being re-infused into the patient.

READ MORE: Mums persistent ulcer turned out to be a form of tongue cancer

This is not the first time an approach like this has been tried out.

Immunotherapy uses the power of the immune system to prevent, control and eliminate cancer, according to the Cancer Research Institute.

Perhaps the most famous form of immunotherapy, CAR-T involves engineering a patients T cells to destroy cancer.

This has brought about many success stories, taking patients from terminally ill to remission, according to the BBC.

Yet, it only works against specific cancers where there is clear receptor for the modified T cells to target.

It is also ineffective against sold tumours, as opposed to blood cancers like leukaemia.

Writing in the journal Nature Immunology, the Cardiff scientists found their approach killed off cancer cells from the lung, skin, blood, colon, breast, bone, ovaries, kidneys, prostate and cervix in the laboratory.

It also left healthy tissues alone, suggesting a lower risk of side effects than conventional chemo or radiotherapy.

While it all sounds optimistic, experts caution it is early days.

Lucia Mori and Gennaro De Libero, from University of Basel, told the BBC the approach has great potential.

Daniel Davis, from the University of Manchester, added it is very basic research and not close to actual medicines.
New Delhi [India], Jan 21 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets totaling Rs 107.73 crores of Directors of Fair Deal Supplies Ltd, under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) in a bank fraud case.



The attached assets include land and building of SIV Industries, Coimbatore, an office building, a farmhouse and a bungalow in Ahmedabad and seven fixed deposits.

According to ED, a charge-sheet was filed by CBI before a special court in Kolkata against the Fair Deal Supplies Ltd and its directors Ram Prasad Agarwal, Narayan Prasad Agarwal, Pawan Kumar Agarwal, and Saurabh Jhunjhunwala and others for defrauding UCO Bank, Kolkata.

"It was revealed that the company and its directors availed credit facilities and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) from UCO Bank, fraudulently by submitting inflated and fabricated stock statement," an official release said.

"The investigation also revealed that Directors of Fairdeal Supplies Ltd. directed the buyers of coal to remit the sale proceeds of imported coal to the accounts other than the account of Fairdeal Supplies Ltd. with UCO Bank," it added.

From these accounts with banks other than UCO Bank, the funds were further diverted to acquire assets. Further investigation is under progress. (ANI)


Srinagar, Jan 21 : More than one lakh scholarships will be given to students in Jammu and Kashmir this year, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, told IANS in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

He said that over 10 lakh scholarships will be provided to students in J&K in the next five years.

"All students from J&K, from Ist standard to gradation, will get the scholarship after applying," he said.

Naqvi also said that Haj quota for J&K will be increased.

"The draw of lots system for Haj pilgrims in place earlier in J&K won't apply anymore. All the applicants will make it for the annual pilgrimage," Naqvi said.

Parrying a question on the restoration of internet in J&K, he said a big revolutionary change has taken place in J&K and things are returning to normal.

"There is no atmosphere of fear. You will appreciate that despite all circumstances, there is no violence and civilian killings," he said.

Naqvi said that people in J&K are fed up with corruption and the government is focussing on three 'E's to bring back development in J&K -- Employment, Education and Empowerment.

"Some families were looting public money under the garb of Article 370 that has now ended. The state is moving ahead on the path of development now," he said.

Earlier, Naqvi inaugurated three developmental projects and met with a dozen of delegations while touring Srinagar. He later met nine more delegations at a government guest house here.

To a question about the release of political detainees, the minister said the local administration will take a call on that. "The agencies will decide on the release of the political detainees," he said.
Phuket Town residents urged to keep spare water as water-saving measures rolled out

PHUKET: Phuket City Municipality is urging people to keep containers of spare water to use in case their mains water supply is reduced to drips or fails entirely as water-saving measures are rolled out across Phuket Town.



By The Phuket News

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 10:23AM

The notice issued by Phuket City Municipality. Image: Phuket City Municipality

Mains water pressure has been reduced in order to conserve as much water as possible as the islands water reserves are running low, the announcement explained.

Phuket is now facing the annual dry season, from January to May, and there are only a small amount of water in the main sources, the announcement said.

To conserve water, the mains water pressure has been reduced from 9am-5pm and from 10pm to 5am each day.

The notice did not explain how much the water pressure had been reduced, but urged people to keep containers of spare water just in case.

The municipality also reminds residents to check water pipes installed in and out of their homes, in order to prevent any wastage of water from leaking or broken pipes, the notice added.

The notice urged people to report any broken or leaking mains water pipes to the municipality water supply division on its 24-hour contact number 076-211130.

The move to reduced water pressure throughout Phuket Town follows Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) Chief Graisorn Mahamad last week announcing a slew of measures to conserve what little water supplies Phuket has in the hope of staving off serious water shortages across the island in the coming months.

We dont have enough water to produce in 2020 because the water levels at the three main reservoirs  Bang Wad, Bang Neow Dum and Khlong Kratha reservoirs  are so low, Mr Graison told a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last week. (See story here.)
DES MOINES, Iowa  Every Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders supporter seems to have an opinion on their infamous Dec. 2018 meeting.

One side believes Warren's account that Sanders told her a woman couldnt beat Donald Trump: He totally said it! Women are watching, Bernie." The other is just as convinced she embellished or lied for political advantage: We obviously know that it was complete BS."

Interviews with more than two dozen voters at events for Sanders and Warren last weekend made clear that the hard feelings between the two progressive icons have extended to their supporters. The situation has injected a volatile mix of gender politics and alleged sexism into the final weeks of the campaign, and added another layer of uncertainty to a primary where any number of outcomes remain possible.

Despite Warren and Sanders attempts to move on, the fights aftermath poses risks for both candidates  potentially hurting Sanders standing with female voters and undermining Warrens attempt to portray herself as the candidate best equipped to unite the party.Even though many voters expressed a desire to move forward, the interviews show that the collision has at least temporarily colored the opinions each candidate's supporters have of the other.

Many Sanders voters see a cynically orchestrated hit piece by Warren or her allies to save her candidacy and hurt Sanders in the final stretch of the campaign, coming more than a year after the meeting took place.

"I mean, it was a mugging," Kurt Ehrenberg, who served as Sanders' New Hampshire political director in 2016 and left his 2020 campaign earlier this year, said of the dispute. He added it caught the Sanders campaign flat-footed: They didn't have a good plan to deal with it clearly, except to react angrily, and that was the wrong way to react."

Democratic presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders chat during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day march on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

I think she feels she's slipping and losing a little momentum and she's a little bit frightened by that," Sanders backer Dale Howard of Nashua, N.H. said after a town hall the candidate held on Saturday. I can't imagine him saying it.

Story continues

Or as Kristine Acevedo, a 48-year-old Boston activist who traveled to Exeter to see Sanders at a town hall, put it, We obviously know that it was complete BS."

Several people supporting or strongly considering Warren, however, see a stubborn man defensively insisting he said nothing wrong and trying to paint Warren as either oversensitive or a liar.

I would have rather him said: it was wrong of me to ever give you that impression. Boom. Done, said Tanya Keith, 48, who works in historic preservation in Des Moines and attended a Planned Parenthood event with Warren on Saturday. Her reaction to the back-and-forth: He totally said it! Women are watching, Bernie."

I know what men say to us in rooms and then what they say to us in person to gaslight us, and I just want you to know that I believe you 100 percent, Keith told Warren during the event, prefacing her question about uniting the party for the general election. She hasnt decided whom to support but is seriously considering Warren.

I believe her, just put it that way, said Brian Guillaume, 32, who works for Iowa House Democrats and is leaning toward supporting Warren. As the father of two daughers with a wife who sees how misogyny works, the way she looked at the debate, you could tell she seemed shocked when he denied it.

For Alison Ver Schuer, a staffer for Democrats in the Iowa statehouse, it boils down to this: Believe women. Just believe women.

The irreconcilable nature of the two accounts  and why the issue may linger with voters  was highlighted when Warren confronted Sanders on stage after last week's debate. "I think you called me a liar on national TV, she said. After initially suggesting they talk about the matter another time, Sanders shot back: You called me a liar.

Since then, both candidates have tried to get past it. I have said all Im going to say on this. You can keep asking the question, but Im not going to make an additional comment, Warren told reporters Friday in Newton, Iowa, a sentiment she repeated again Sunday in Des Moines. The two candidates also marched together, arms locked, in South Carolina on Monday ahead of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at Zion Baptist Church.

Sanders has mostly declined to comment, too, but the fraught politics was highlighted Sunday when he seemed to equate the obstacles female candidates to the his own challenge running at 78 years old. I think everybody has their own sets of problems, he said. Many Warren supporters saw his remarks as evidence that he likely did tell Warren a woman couldnt beat Trump.

Passionate supporters and even some campaign surrogates have also kept the argument alive.

Meaningful progressive unity also should include meaningful accountability  Bernie Sanders, his campaign owe Sen. Warren, her campaign & supporters an apology for accusing her of bad faith lying, unspeakable online abuse before we talk unity, Murshed Zaheed, a Democratic strategist who supports Warren, wrote on Twitter.

Victoria Dooley, a Sanders surrogate, also weighed in on Twitter. When I lie on my good friend I always make sure its a year after the fact, and only once theyre hammering me in the polls, she wrote sacastically. But thats just me.




Nova Moves to 70% Ownership of the Estelle Gold Camp

Melbourne, Jan 21, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Directors of Nova Minerals Limited ( ASX:NVA ) ( FRA:QM3 ) ( OTCMKTS:QTRPF ) are pleased to confirm that Nova now has a 70% interest in the Estelle Gold Camp through surpassing the stage 3 expenditure requirements. The Company expects to earn 85% interest in the project with current planned expenditure in the very near term with current expenditure planned (ASX 20 November 2017).NVA Managing Director, Mr. Avi Kimelman said: "Completing the move to 70% in a quick time considering the resource achieved open in all directions demonstrates Nova's intent, ambition, strategy and its absolute confidence to fully explore and ultimate develop the Estelle Gold Camp. We are committed to significantly increasing the current 2.5Moz resource and move the Korbel prospect to development stage during the course of 2020.Nova's greatest accomplishment in 2019 on such small budgets was proving up 2.5Moz of gold in the Inferred Category in a very short period of time and demonstrating exceptional gold leach recoveries averaging 76% at the Korbel Gold Deposit (one of 15 known prospects). We look forward to amplifying our exploration and project development efforts in 2020 and are committed to keeping our shareholders constantly updated on our progress."The Company is confident with its prioritised systematic exploration strategy and the team's commitment is on track to solidify the Estelle Project as the next emerging major gold camp."Furthermore, after Nova successfully confirming its maiden resource at the Estelle Project in southern Alaska, the Company plans to fast track exploration at the Project, with a view to progressively expanding the resource base from the current 2.5Moz inferred resource. The Company's funds will be invested in a series of ongoing exploration campaigns - including targeting, mapping and drilling programs - across the district-scale Estelle Project. Immediate priorities will include a resource upgrade at Oxide Korbel Blocks A and B as soon as practical, additional drilling at Oxide Korbel Blocks C and D and RPM (ASX announcement: 9 December, 2019), and a maiden project-wide resource statement to build on the maiden 2.5Moz inferred gold resource (ASX announcement: 11 September 2019). The Company will update the market on its exploration progress and results, and will also seek to fast track preliminary economic evaluation on the Oxide Korbel resource area.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Nova Minerals Limited

Nova Minerals Limited (ASX:NVA) (FRA:QM3) (OTCMKTS:NVAAF) is a dynamic explorer and developer of its flagship Estelle Gold district in the Tintina gold belt. Nova's strategy is to substantially increase the current 4.7Moz resource on the Korbel prospect. Subsequently to continue to lock in value through moving Korbel towards production whilst increasing the resource base across the pipeline of targets within the Estelle gold district. Nova Minerals also holds strategic investments in Snow Lake Resources Ltd (Thompson Brothers Lithium Project), Torian Resources Ltd (ASX:TNR) and RotorX Aircraft Manufacturing Co.
The Charger Blog

Following a decision by Congress to fund gun violence prevention research for the first time in 20 years, the University of New Haven hosted a roundtable discussion to address how the money should be allocated, bringing together experts, local and state leaders, and advocates. By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

The gun violence prevention discussion included local lawmakers, healthcare providers, advocates, and law enforcement officials.

Karl Minges, Ph.D., MPH, director of the University of New Havens Master of Public Health program, is passionate about preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths.

Less than a month after Congress reached a spending agreement that includes $25 million for gun violence prevention research, Minges and U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro led a roundtable discussion on campus about the best possible ways to allocate the funding. The two have worked together for more than a year, advocating for the provision of these federal research dollars.

Minges urged taking a public health approach to the issue of gun violence prevention, stressing the need for more information and the importance of developing a gun violence surveillance system  a central repository to integrate medical, law enforcement, and media records to enable a better understanding of the scope of gun-related violence.

"This has been a rich conversation in dealing with complex issues." Rep. DeLauro

"To understand the prevalence of gun violence, the mediators and moderators, risk factors and protective factors that are so necessary for effective, evidence-based intervention development, we need strong observational data related to gun violence," said Minges, an expert on improving the health of vulnerable populations. "This information can help with the development of evidence-based interventions to more effectively address this issue."

The first funding for gun violence prevention research in more than two decades, the money will be split evenly between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. A leader in the efforts to secure the funding, Rep. DeLauro led the discussion on the Universitys main campus in West Haven, which included local lawmakers, healthcare providers, advocates, and law enforcement officials.

"We now have the opportunity to come up with the necessary research and to move forward," she said. "This has been a rich conversation in dealing with complex issues. This is not the first and wont be the last conversation. It is part of a process."

The University of New Haven hosted a roundtable discussion to address how funding for gun violence prevention research should be allocated.

Discussing existing research and the challenges associated with current databases of information on the topic, panelists identified opportunities for improvements and more research opportunities.

Summer McGee, Ph.D., dean of the Universitys School of Health Sciences, attended the panel discussion, and said she hopes the funding will make a lifesaving impact.

"The School of Health Sciences, in partnership with the Lee College, has an unprecedented opportunity to make an impact on one of the most critical public health issues our country faces," she said. "Using public health approaches to study the predictors of gun violence holds great promise for reducing gun violence in Connecticut and across the U.S."
In Canada, the first stage of extradition hearings for a top Huawei executive kicked off Monday (January 21).

Meng Wanzhou is the company's chief financial officer and the daughter of its founder.

She faces allegations in the U.S. of using a Hong Kong shell company to sell equipment to Iran, violating American sanctions.

China has called Meng's arrest "politically motivated."

Soon after her arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians who are still under arrest in China.

This week's hearing focuses on whether Meng's alleged crimes in the U.S. are also illegal in Canada.

Meng's defense say the central issue is so called "double criminality", as in, charges she is accused in the U.S. must also be considered crimes in Canada.

Meng's lawyers argue the case is founded on allegations of breaching U.S. sanctions against Iran.

But, Canada has rejected those same sanctions.

So, they argue Meng can't be extradited.

For now, she remains free on bail.

Legal expert says it could be years before a final decision is reached as appeals can be made in the Canadian justice system.

Meanwhile, Meng remains in limbo.
Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors View Photos

Sonora, CA  Supporters of the cannabis industry in Tuolumne County packed into the board of supervisors meeting this morning during the public comment period.

The City of Sonora, a separate jurisdiction, has a program in place that allows for the permitting of medical cannabis dispensaries, but Tuolumne County, in its unincorporated areas (outside Sonora), does not allow the commercial sale or cultivation of marijuana. It is an issue that the board of supervisors has declined to address over recent months. Jeff Muzio, who operates Hazy Bulldog Farms on Mono Way, in the city limits, has been a regular at the supervisor meetings, often urging the board to take some form of action on cannabis, so that he can potentially expand his business into other areas.

Today, around 20 people came up and spoke about the benefits of cannabis, in support of Hazy Bulldog Farms, citing the drugs ability to help patients with things like seizures, anxiety and depression. They also touted the business as a good community partner.

Muzio is required to pay the city of Sonora a public benefit fee of no less than $10,000, or 5-percent of his gross receipts, on a monthly basis, to operate on Mono Way.

District Five Board of Supervisor candidate Jaron Brandon was one of speakers, who stated, I cant think of another business that can pay 10,000 dollars a month up front, just to be able to operate in Tuolumne County. I feel that we could have an industry, especially I think for District Five, that brings jobs, that brings prosperity, that brings another export here, and makes our economy more resilient.

Brandon acknowledged that there are issues to mitigate but urged the board to go about it with an attitude towards bringing new jobs and business.

Hazy Bulldog Farms owner Muzio noted, What we have witnessed today is the evolution of the cannabis conversationThe majority of the people have voted on this, and the majority of people want it, and weve come in here today with an educated argument.

Muzio acknowledged that cannabis is a complex issue and pledged to work with the board regarding the challenges that arise.

District Three Supervisor Anaiah Kirk joined the public comment line at the end and was the final speaker. He thanked those for coming today and stressed that the use of marijuana is allowed anywhere in California (Tuolumne County just bans its sale and commercial cultivation).

Kirk added, To Jaron, If you do the research, it is actually that for one dollar that you make in revenue, you are going to spend about $10 fixing the problems that come with it. This is a slow-moving issue. If you look at Colorado and other states, they are starting to backtrack because of the statistics that are coming out are not all what they were cracked up to be. This is not something as a board member that I will move fast on.

The public comment period typically goes about 15 minutes, but today it lasted for about 45 minutes. The speakers were given a three-minute time limit. The supervisors take no action in response to the public comment items.
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Marco Bello | Reuters

WASHINGTON  In the latest move meant to back Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, the Trump administration on Tuesday sanctioned more than a dozen aircraft used to support the regime of President Nicolas Maduro. The Department of Treasury identified 15 aircraft operated by Venezuela's state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA, that transport senior members of the Maduro regime. According to the Treasury release, Venezuelan Oil Minister Manuel Salvador Quevedo Fernandez flew to an OPEC meeting last year in the United Arab Emirates on a PDVSA aircraft. Other regime officials used the company's aircraft throughout 2019 as well as in 2018. What's more, several of these aircraft were operated in an unsafe and unprofessional manner in proximity to U.S. military aircraft, while in international air space, Treasury said. "In the winter of 2019, PDVSA Learjet 45 flew in close proximity to a U.S. military aircraft over the Caribbean Sea. In the spring of 2019, during a joint operation conducted by PDVSA and the Venezuelan Integrated Air Command, PDVSA's Learjet 45XR attempted to interfere with a U.S. military aircraft in the northern Caribbean Sea," according to the Treasury release.

The U.S. move is the latest taken under Executive Order 13884, signed by President Donald Trump in August, authorizing a block on property and interests of the Venezuelan government. Under the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, U.S. citizens are prohibited from using assets that have been blocked or sanctioned. "This action furthers U.S. efforts to use targeted sanctions and steady diplomacy to end Maduro's attempts to usurp power, and to support a Venezuelan transition to democracy, including free and fair presidential elections," wrote Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement. The new development adds to what has become a nearly two-decade saga of crumbling relations between Washington and Caracas. Tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. can be traced back to when Hugo Chavez, Maduro's predecessor, became president of Venezuela in 1999. During his campaign for president, Chavez vilified the U.S. and other countries he felt were taking advantage of Venezuela. Chavez also accused the U.S. of aiding in an attempted coup against his government in 2002. While the Bush administration tried to distance itself from the coup attempt, documents found in 2004 showed the CIA knew of an attempted coup back then. Read more: Tensions between Venezuela and the US keep rising. Here's how they got to this point The U.S. condemned Venezuela for imprisoning political opponents as well as the Chavez regime's consolidation of power. Chavez seized control of the country's supreme court in 2004. He also increased his control over the local media, passing laws that penalized outlets for running content that "offends" public officials. Once Chavez died in 2013 and Maduro took over, tensions began to increase once again. Maduro, who is not the charismatic leader Chavez was, consolidated his power in 2017 by stripping the country's opposition-led legislature of power. By then, a massive humanitarian and economic crisis had already begun.
A US cargo ship is seen at the Yangshan Deep-Water Port, an automated cargo wharf, in Shanghai on April 9, 2018. Johannes Eisele | AFP | Getty Images

The International Monetary Fund on Monday released its latest projections for the global economy. Those forecasts were detailed in an update to the IMF's World Economic Outlook report, which is widely read by both public and private sectors globally. Here are five charts that show the fund's latest assessments of the world economy.

Global recovery

The IMF has forecast the global economy to rebound to 3.3% this year from an estimated 2.9% last year. However, that projection for 2020 is a downward revision from 3.4% stated in its October 2019 World Economic Outlook.

The fund attributed "the lion's share" of the downward revision to "a more subdued growth forecast" for India.

India's growth markdown

India, Asia's third-largest economy, is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2020  a 1.2 percentage point markdown from the organization's October forecast.

The IMF said India's "domestic demand has slowed more sharply than expected" amid stresses in the financial sector and a decline in credit growth. Still, the 5.8% forecast for this year is an improvement from the estimated 4.8% growth for last year, owing to both monetary and fiscal measures, and subdued oil prices, said the IMF.

China's upgrade

China's growth forecast for 2020 was revised higher by 0.2 percentage points to 6.0%, according to the IMF. That's partly because the country's "phase one" trade deal with the U.S. is likely to reduce some risks facing the world's second-largest economy, the fund said.

"However, unresolved disputes on broader US-China economic relations as well as needed domestic financial regulatory strengthening are expected to continue weighing on activity," the fund wrote in its report.

US growth moderation

The U.S., the world's largest economy, is projected to grow by 2.0% this year  a downward revision of 0.1 percentage points compared to the IMF's October forecast.

Max Lin, a strategist at NatWest Markets, said the downgrade reflects a slowing manufacturing sector in the U.S. and potential risks from the presidential elections later this year.

Euro area pick up

Growth in the euro area for this year was revised down by 0.1 percentage points to 1.3%, according to the IMF.

But that projection reflects a pick up from last year's 1.2% estimate, which the organization attributed to an expected improvement in external demand. These are the IMF's growth forecasts for major European economies this year: Germany: 1.1%

France: 1.3%

Italy: 0.5%

Spain: 1.6%

WATCH: How economists make predictions
Canberra, Jan 21 : Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Tuesday warned that the government's promised budget surplus could be jeopardized by the bushfire crisis.

Frydenberg had previously promised to deliver a budget surplus of A$5 billion ($3 billion) in financial year 2019-20, the first surplus since 2007-08, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, he conceded that the surplus could be diminished by the "uncertain" economic impacts of bushfire that have affected Australia's states and territories.

"The budget is back in balance for the first time in 11 years," he said.

"What the Australian people know is that when you are responsible for economic managers you have the financial flexibility to respond to crises and economic shocks whenever they may occur. This is one." The government has announced A$500 million ($343 million) in funding for bushfire relief efforts this financial year.

Frydenberg said that while that figure would not be enough to threaten the surplus, the impact on tourism and the housing market could have far-reaching implications.

Earlier this month, the Australian Tourism Export Council warned that the fires could cost the industry A$4.5 billion ($3 billion) in calendar year 2020 alone, with foreign visitors already cancelling their plans to visit the country.

The Business Council of Australia (BCA) has said that the government can be excused for failing to deliver a surplus because of the extraordinary circumstances.

Since September, blazes have killed at least 29 people, destroyed over 2,000 homes and burnt through 10 million hectares of land - an area almost the size of England.

The crisis has been exacerbated by record temperatures, a severe drought and climate change.
business Reporters Take | Road ahead for Unitech as govt takes over management Sakshi Batra gets in conversation with Vandana Ramnani to find out whats the road ahead for Unitech.
Speaking with Insurance Business, he said: You can grow by acquisition but the reality is that the only way you can prove youre doing something that clients want is by winning new clients or selling new policies to existing clients. And thats what organic growth demonstrates.

Hyperion, CFO, Mark Craig (pictured below) added that Q1 for the new year is already showing good organic growth and that this area is very much seen as the organizations core, underlying business. Organic growth, he said, helps to generate cash for investment in other non-growth activities which is an important focus for the group.

2020 will be the year that Hyperion also merges its two major broking businesses into one, with them operating under the Howden brand from October 01, 2020. These businesses are incredibly strong, Howden said, and this move is an opportunity to fully align the management talent from both.

One of the advantages of aligning and merging the two broking businesses, said Craig, is that individually the two brands could be considered slightly under-represented in the market. The full scale of Hyperions broking business will be emphasized by the prominence of these businesses operating under one brand, he said.

When this is linked up with Howden One, Hyperions global broking network, the full power of the broking network will become clear as it will cover over 90 territories with 15,000 people.

Looking at how growth through acquisition will be used to complement the organic growth utilized by the organization, Howden outlined the groups acquisition strategy which, he said, has always been highly selective and guided by two central themes  strategic fit and cultural fit.

Were trying to build scale in key geographies and/or (because theyre often linked) in key products, he said. Were not aggregators buying businesses for the sake of it.

Cultural fit is particularly relevant in this industry, Howden said, and Hyperion ensures that acquired businesses tend to mirror its own business model and be employee-owned with strong entrepreneurial DNA. Looking at the previous year, he outlined how the acquisition strategy of the organization was focused around building scale in territories or products.

Looking at Howden as a broking business, he said, whereas eight years ago it had no revenue from Asia, this market now essentially represents a quarter of its revenue. Likewise, he said, five years ago employee benefits were under 4% of revenue but today, on the broking side, these products signify over 30%.

In terms of capacity for acquisitions, Craig said, weve got around 300 million (around $390 million) of available liquidity for acquisitions before we have to go back to the market to raise any more financing. Were going to spend that wisely over the course of the year on targets in either products or strengthening markets. Weve got quite a long pipeline of things were looking at, but were going to be selective in what we actually acquire.

An essential consideration for Hyperion, Howden noted, as well as organic growth, building sustainable returns over the long-term and strategic mergers and acquisitions, is the area of talent attraction. The employee-ownership business model of the organization, he said, has been instrumental in attracting a lot of talented people into the group, both in the UK and internationally.

He highlighted how, over the course of the last five years, the number of employees who are shareholders of the business has significantly increased, and said this ownership has empowered employees.

Sustainability remains a central driver of the group, Howden said, and this has been behind the development of Hyperions employee-ownership model as well as impacting how the group builds expertise and distribution, and how it maintains long-term investors.

Building a sustainable business has always been a core thing, he said, what weve added on for the next 25 years is, how do we build a sustainable business and a sustainable world?

For Hyperion, the actions it is taking to cement this aim include the formation of a sustainability committee and the scaling up of its charitable entity, the Hyperion Foundation, following the success of its Million for a Million campaign. For its employees, these efforts will include an internal share offer which will allow all interested employees to buy shares in the group.

[Sustainability] is a big part of our future, Howden said. We recognize that everyones got to do their bit for a sustainable future, or we wont have one.
KALAMAZOO, MI  Sterling Heights-based company Buck Baits LLC is suing Bells Brewery Inc. over alleged trademark infringement of the name Deer Camp, which Upper Hand Brewery, a division of Bells, began using in 2018 as the name of one of its beers.

Buck Baits, which had the Deer Camp name registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2016 for a wide range of coffee-related products, had plans to begin making a coffee-infused beer and went so far as, according to the lawsuit filing, to acquire the domain, www.deercampbeer.com, in 2015 at the same time it first started producing coffee and applied for the trademark.

In its lawsuit, filed Jan. 20 in U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, Buck Baits alleges that Bells was asked twice to stop using the name and, in both cases told it would not  once in a phone call from Bells owner Larry Bell on Nov. 27, 2019, and the second in a letter from the companys corporate attorneys on Dec. 23, 2019.

We have made several efforts to find a friendly resolution to this matter, but Bells has shown no interest in working together to resolve this matter, Buck Baits owner Julie Majewski said in a statement emailed to MLive. Thus, as a small business, we were left with no choice but to engage legal counsel and file this lawsuit to protect our business, brand, and trademark rights.

Bell, according to the complaint, told Buck Baits that he would make it difficult of impossible for plaintiffs to expand their product line into the beer category if they continued down that path.

After filing a second cease and desist letter in December, the plaintiffs allege Bells attorney Sarah Robertson, of Dorsey Law Firm in New York, wrote that not only did Bells Brewery Inc. refuse to stop using the plaintiffs registered trademark but stated Bells would consider taking action against Buck Baits for use of the Deer Camp name, as Upper Hand was already making a beer with that name.

According to the plaintiffs; however, Bells had no bearing to seek legal action as the company had applied twice for a registered trademark for the name Deer Camp, in 2017 and 2018. Both times, the company was denied because it causes a likelihood of confusion with plaintiffs registered Deer Camp trademark," according to the complaint.

Despite being notified by the USPTO that its proposed use of the Deer Camp trademark infringed upon plaintiffs trademark rights, Bells nonetheless moved forward and began selling beer and related merchandise such as insulated can holders, stickers, signs, lip balms, tap handles, and more under the Deer Camp mark through its Upper Hand Brewery division beginning in the fall of 2018, the complaint states.

The Home of Deer Camp Coffee, Buck Baits target consumer base is the same as Upper Hands, the company states in its complaint. This includes hunting, archery, outdoor and fishing enthusiasts, as well as trail and mountain hikers, camping and RV enthusiasts and especially consumers in those groups from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan."

Majewski and her husband Anthony Majewski, who is also named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, state that the brand Deer Camp was inspired by the Upper Peninsula, where the couple owns property and where Upper Hand Brewery happens to be located.

A selection of Deer Camp coffee products can be seen here. The logo used, the lawsuit attests is also very close to that which Upper Hand uses for its Deer Camp beer. Both Deer Camp products, the Buck Baits coffee and the Upper Hand beer, also use all capital letters as well as a similar color scheme in their respective logos, something Buck Baits alleges further confuses its customer base.

The beer in question produced by Upper Hand, is an amber lager, described as having mild earthy and herbal notes that shine through without being overly bitter." It is said to be made for those cool, crisp fall nights at camp.

A representative from Bells Brewery did not return a phone call to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette requesting comment prior to the publication of this article.

Also on MLive:

Bells Brewery loses trademark dispute with North Carolina brewery

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ISIS new leader has been unmasked. This is coming months after Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi died in a raid ordered by President Donald Trump .

Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al-Mawli al-Salbi, who is one of the terror groups founding members, is now the groups tyrant, intelligence sources say.

He has overseen operations around the globe according to reports.

Born into an Iraqi Turkmen family in the town of Tal Afar, al-Salbi is one of the few non-Arabs among the leadership.



He led the enslavement of Iraqs Yazidi minority and rose through the ranks quickly, its believed.

And al-Salbi has at least one son, its also claimed.

Al-Baghdadi was killed in October during a military raid in Syria.

It was reported Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest after realising he had no chance of escape during the US special forces raid.

The hate-filled thug spent his final moments in utter fear, total panic and dread, its said.

His two wives were also reportedly killed in the firefight, with no injuries to US forces.

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TOKSOOK BAY, Alaska  There are no restaurants in Toksook Bay, Alaska. No motels or movie theater, either. There also arent any factories. Or roads

But the first Americans to be counted in the 2020 census live in this tiny community of 661 on the edge of the American expanse. Their homes are huddled together in a windswept Bering Sea village, painted vivid lime green, purple or neon blue to help distinguish the signs of life from a frigid white winterscape that makes it hard to tell where the frozen sea ends and the village begins.

Fish drying racks hang outside some front doors, and youre more likely to find a snowmobile or four-wheeler in the driveway than a truck or SUV.

In this isolated outpost that looks little like other towns in the rest of the United States, the official attempt to count everyone living in the country will begin Tuesday.

The decennial U.S. census has started in rural Alaska, out of tradition and necessity, ever since the U.S. purchased the territory from Russia in 1867.

Once the spring thaw hits, the town empties as many residents scatter for traditional hunting and fishing grounds, and the frozen ground that in January makes it easier to get around by March turns to marsh thats difficult to traverse. The mail service is spotty and the internet connectivity unreliable, which makes door-to-door surveying important.

For those reasons, they have to start early here.

The rest of the country, plus urban areas of Alaska such as Anchorage, will begin the census in mid-March.

Some of the biggest challenges to the count are especially difficult in Toksook Bay, one of a handful of villages on Nelson Island, which is about 500 miles west of Anchorage and only accessible by boat or plane. Some people speak only Alaska Native languages such as Yupik, or are unable to read.

The U.S. census provides questionnaires in 13 languages, and other guides, glossaries and materials in many more. But none is one of 20 official Alaska Native languages. So local groups are bringing together translators and language experts to translate the census wording and intent so community leaders could trust, understand and relay the importance of the census.

When the count begins on Tuesday, a Yupik elder will be the first one counted. Lizzie Chimiugak, whose age isnt known because records werent kept but is anywhere from 89 to 93, is the grandma for the whole community, said Robert Pitka, tribal administrator of the Nunakauyak Traditional Council in Toksook Bay.

Steven Dillingham, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, will be on hand for Tuesdays start. Village officials will greet him at the towns airstrip.

Mark Thiessen is an Associated Press writer.
The students of IIT Madras will be wearing black on Wednesday to protest against the institute's decision to close down Krishna Gate. The students have been on a continuous protest for the last couple of weeks since the administration announced that they would shut down the gate for safety reasons.

The protesting students will wear black throughout the day and then gather at the admin block in the evening. The students have already written to the MHRD and organised marches and demonstrations in the last few days. The women organised a rally as well demanding that the administration take other initiatives to provide security and that closing Krishna Gate was not one of them.

The students are now claiming that the administration is allegedly identifying the research scholars among the protestors and are complaining to their supervisors. "Supervisors are supposed to stop these scholars from protesting. It is not surprising that IITM, which still upholds the age-old feudal values, thinks that the supervisors own their students. That the supervisors can coerce students into subjugation or silence," students wrote on an FB page devoted to the cause.

"Even when hundreds of students come for protests, the administration tries to identify the leaders of the protest. The question asked is, who is organizing the protest. Dear administration, understand that all of us protestors are adults, with agency, capable of taking decisions for ourselves. There are no Pied Pipers who are leading us. We participate in the protests, because we are fully aware of, and are aghast at, the complete lack of democracy in this premier institute of the country," they wrote. They also criticise the administration in their statement for not consulting women before taking decisions on behalf of them, "We recognize it is patriarchy that takes decisions on behalf of women, without consulting women. Because the administration always forgets that students are also stakeholders in the institute. So, please stop this game of trying to identify the leaders of protests. Please respect our ability to make decisions as adults." they write on the page.

The administration has maintained that they have closed the gate to make the campus safer for the women students on campus. MPs Tamilachi Thangapandian and Thol Thirumaavalavan have visited the campus as well, while the former had promised to reach out to the MHRD, the latter submitted a letter accusing the decision of being casteist because it blocks access to the Adivasis living in the area. We have reached to IIT Madras administration for a comment and will update this copy with the same.
Federal authorities have finally found British WWII codebreaker Alan Turing's precious personal items that were stolen 36 years ago.

They recovered his Princeton degree, Order of the British Empire medal, several photos and reports and letters from his time at Sherborne School, a boarding school he attended in Dorset, England.

A woman named Julia Turing, who claims to be his daughter and who changed her last name from Schwinghamer in 1988, had stolen the goods and kept them hidden away in her home in Denver.

Turing is one of the most important figures in World War II. He led efforts to crack the German military Enigma code, which is thought to have shortened the war by nearly two years.

In addition to his war efforts, for which he was given the Officer of the Order of the British Empire by King George VI, he was a brilliant mathematician and a founding father of the modern computer and artificial intelligence.

Federal authorities have recovered mathematician and WWII codebreaker Alan Turing's stolen Princeton doctoral degree, his Order of the British Empire medal, and other memorabilia in Colorado in 2018. The items disappeared in 1984

The items were taken by a woman named Julia Turing, who falsely claimed to be Turing's daughter. She changed her last name from Schwinghamer in 1988, according to the complaint. Julia pictured on social media in 2017 next to two portraits of Alan Turing

Julia Turing approached the University of Colorado Boulder in January 2018 saying she wanted to loan Alan Turing's memorabilia to the library.

However, archivists realized the items were stolen from Sherborne in 1984 and alerted authorities.

When speaking with investigators, Julia Turing confessed she visited the school during a larger study of Turing's life and asked to see his archive, which was stored in a wooden box in a laboratory.

School officials said they found a note left underneath the box after the theft that said: 'Please forgive me for taking these materials into my possession. They will be well taken care of while under the care of my hands and shall one day all be returned to this spot.'

A former biology teacher at Sherborne said Julia Turing claimed she was Alan Turing's daughter when he gave her a tour of the school.

Julia Turing approached the University of Colorado Boulder in January 2018 saying she wanted to loan Alan Turing's memorabilia to the library. However, archivists to the library realized the items were stolen from Sherborne back in 1984 and alerted authorities

In 1946 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by King George VI for his code-breaking work during WWII that reportedly shortened the war by two years. Turing's Order of the British Empire medal pictured above

From September 1936 to July 1938 Turing attended Princeton University, studying math. In June 1938 he obtained his PhD from the Department of Mathematics at Princeton. His Princeton Graduate School file pictured above

A month after she reached out to CU Boulder, federal authorities searched her Conifer home and recovered the memorabilia which was valued at $37,775.

The property is now in the possession of the US Department of Homeland Security in Denver.

Turing's personal possessions are of remarkable value. In 2015 one of his notebooks from 1942 sold at auction for more than $1million. That was not a part of the collection found in Julia Turing's home.

Turing is considered a founding father of computer science and algorithmic design. His Turing machine, made in 1936, is the basis for modern day computers and artificial intelligence.

Turing studied at Sherborne School - a renowned all boys boarding school where tuition costs as $16,871 (12,920) a year - before studying undergrad at King's College in Cambridge in the UK 1931 to 1934. From September 1936 to July 1938 Turing studied at Princeton University, studying math. In June 1938 he obtained his PhD from the Department of Mathematics at Princeton.

A rare diary belonging to Turing pictured on display in Hong Kong in March 2015 shown ahead of an auction where it sold for over $1million

When speaking with investigators, Julia Turing confessed she visited Sherborne School in Dorset, UK (above) and asked to see his archive, which was stored in a wooden box in a laboratory. School officials said they found a note left underneath the box after the theft that said: 'Please forgive me for taking these materials into my possession. They will be well taken care of while under the care of my hands and shall one day all be returned to this spot'

After studying he served in the war by working for the Government Code and Cypher School in Bletchley Park in the UK cracking enemy codes.

In 1946 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by King George VI for his code-breaking work.

Turing is also an icon in the LGBTQ community as he lived as an openly gay man when it was illegal to do so.

In 1952 he was prosecuted for homosexual acts under the Labouchere Amendment of 1885 which deemed 'gross indecency' as a criminal offense in the UK. He accepted chemical castration as an alternative to prison.

He passed away in 1954 from cyanide poisoning. His death was determined to be a suicide.

In his lifetime Turing, though praised as a genius, was persecuted for his homosexuality. However, after his death his reputation was restored.

In 2009, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made an official public apology on behalf of the British government for 'the appalling way he was treated'. In 2013 Queen Elizabeth II granted him a posthumous pardon.

His life was portrayed on screen in the 2014 film The Imitation Game.

It's not clear why federal authorities announced the seizure two years later. It's not clear if or when the items will be returned to Sherborne School.

The Department of Homeland Security is yet to return DailyMail.com's request for comment.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Jan. 21

By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan Togan Oral, Trend reports referring to Turkmenistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The parties noted the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in political, trade-economic and cultural-economic spheres and confirmed the readiness to actively cooperate to further strengthen the Turkmen-Turkish relations, the ministry said.

It was noted that the high-level mutual visits play a vital role in the advancement of Turkmen-Turkish relations based on the principles of mutual respect, openness and trust.

The parties also emphasized the role of collaboration between the foreign ministries of the two countries and the closeness of positions on the key aspects of the international agenda.

Turkey is one of the largest trade partners of Turkmenistan, where about 600 of Turkish companies are operating in the spheres of trade, investment, construction, energy, transport, and communication in textile and processing industry.

Turkmenistan exports textile, fuel and energy, chemical and agricultural products to Turkey, and imports metal and metal products, household goods, equipment, building materials, electrical engineering, chemical and light industry products, food, vehicles, and medicines from Turkey.

In addition, Ashgabat and Ankara aim to developing energy cooperation. In particular, Turkey has declared its readiness to promote the supply of the Caspian energy to Europe through its territory, one of the options of which is laying pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:14:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOSCOW, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ships of the Russian Baltic Fleet and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force are holding their first ever joint anti-piracy drills in the Arabian Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The Russian Yaroslav Mudry guard ship, the Yelnya tanker and the Viktor Konetsky tugboat, as well as the Japanese destroyer Harusame are participating in the drills, the ministry said in a statement.

On Tuesday, the ships practiced an exercise of liberating a ship captured by simulated pirates, the part of which was performed by the Yelnya tanker.

The crews of the Yaroslav Mudry and Harusame, after suppressing the firing points of the simulated pirates, attacked the ship and neutralized the capturers in a matter of minutes and freed the tanker's crew, the statement said.

Later in the day, Russian and Japanese sailors will conduct a joint firing of small artillery and heavy machine guns at a sea target, prepared and set up in advance by the crew of the Russian Viktor Konetsky tugboat.

Then, naval aviation helicopters from Russian and Japanese ships will make cross flights, landing on each other's decks.
State-run Bank of India (BoI) on Tuesday said Atanu Kumar Das has been appointed as its managing director and chief executive officer for a period of three years.

Das was serving as an executive director at the bank since February 2017.

His appointed was announced by the personnel ministry on Monday.

In his 26 years of banking experience, Das has been involved at both policy and operational levels.

In BoI, he assumed the charge as Delhi regional head in January 2015.

Prior to BoI, he was heading Vijaya Bank's Lucknow Region for more than three years.

At Vijaya Bank's he has handled key departments as planning and development and also was posted as executive secretary to chairman and managing director for more than two years.

Besides Das, the personnel ministry also appointed Sanjiv Chadha as MD and CEO of Bank of Baroda and Lingam Venkata Prabhakar as MD and CEO in Canara Bank.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Newser)  It sounds like the plot of a movie: Police in Davos, Switzerland, believe Russian spies attempted to infiltrate this week's World Economic Forum by posing as plumbers, according to a local report and the Financial Times. Suspicion first arose when police questioned two Russian men back in August, after having been "alerted to their unusually long stay" in the secluded Alpine high-end resort, per FT. The men said they had diplomatic protections, but they were never registered as official diplomats, and police reportedly suspect they were actually there to bug facilities around Davos so they could spy on private conversations between the influential attendees of the forum and report back to the Kremlin. The men ultimately produced diplomatic passports and left the country. However, some details remain unclear.

story continues below

Russia denies any such espionage. A representative for the Russian Embassy in Switzerland tells CNBC Swiss authorities never contacted the embassy about the alleged scheme, and says the story is simply "one more attempt to undermine Swiss-Russian relations." The rep also points out the reports that are just now coming out about the incident don't indicate the men were arrested or found guilty of anything. "Reuters notes that the report originated in a Swiss newspaper, but that Swiss police have not confirmed things like the plumber detail: "It is true that we checked two Russian citizens in Davos and they identified themselves with diplomatic passports, but we could not ascertain any reason to detain them," a police spokesperson says. (Read more Russian spies stories.)
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global pet grooming products market size is expected to reach USD 14.5 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.7%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing pet adoption and growing awareness about their hygiene are some of the factors driving the demand for pet grooming product.

Key suggestions from the report:

The global pet grooming products market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.7% from 2019 to 2025, thereby reaching a value of USD 14.5 billion by 2025

North America is estimated to be the largest market accounting for a share of more than 50% by 2025, driven majorly by the high adoption rates of companion animals among households

The shampoo and conditioner segment accounted for the highest revenue share of about 52% in 2018 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period

Offline distribution accounted for a major share of more than 70% in 2018, whereas online distribution is projected to witness fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

Read 80 page research report with ToC on "Pet Grooming Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Shampoo & Conditioner, Shear & Trimming Tools, Comb & Brush), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025'' at: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/pet-grooming-products-market

In addition, availability of wide range of medicated and organic variants in shampoo, conditioner, and ear butter have drawn greater consumer attention towards grooming products. Dogs and cats are the most common companion animals and they contribute significantly to the demand for various grooming products.

Due to thick furry coating and outdoor movements and activities, companion animals are susceptible to various diseases and infections triggered by fleas and ticks. Hence companies are introducing specific brushes and shampoos to get rid of these. For instance, SynergyLabs offers veterinary formulated medicated shampoos to relieve companion animals from bacterial infections.

Increasing adoption of pets by domestic households have opened up potential opportunities for new entrants in the market especially through online platforms. Some of the e-commerce distributors of pet products include Amazon.com; Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; PetSmart Inc.; PetMed Express, Inc.; TABcom LLC; BarkBox; PetFlow; and Bulk Reef Supply.

Among various grooming products, shampoo and conditioner was estimated to have the highest revenue share of the global market. This scenario is majorly attributed to the increasing use of these products as they are specially customized for pet hair and its hygiene.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest growth over the forecast period majorly driven by the rising pet adoption in China and India in 2018. The market for companion animal in Japan is attractive with a population of around 20 million cats and dogs.

According to Japan Pet Food Association (JPFA) there are around 9.7 million cats and 11.8 million dogs living with families in Japan and these numbers are growing every year. The average life expectancy of companion cats in Japan is 14.4 years and for dogs, it is 13.9 years. Rising adoption of companion animals by their owners as family members is expected to boost the growth of the market.

Some of the key players operating in the global pet grooming product market include Groomer's Choice; Himalaya Herbal Healthcare; Spectrum Brands, Earthbath; Resco; SynergyLabs; Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Coastal Pet Products; Vet's Best; 4-Legger; and World For Pets.

Grand View Research has segmented the global pet grooming product market based on type, distribution channel, and region:

Pet Grooming Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

Shampoo & Conditioner



Shear & Trimming Tools



Comb & Brush



Others

Pet Grooming Product Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

Offline



Online

Pet Grooming Product Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

North America



U.S.



Europe



Germany





U.K.



Asia Pacific



China





Japan



Central & South America



Argentina



Middle East & Africa

Find more research reports on Homecare & Decor Industry, by Grand View Research:

Pet Odor Control & Clean-up Products Market  The global pet odor control and clean-up products market size was valued at USD 7.02 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.94% over the forecast period.

The global pet odor control and clean-up products market size was valued at in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.94% over the forecast period. Pet Shampoo Market  The global pet shampoo market size was valued at USD 489.6 million in 2018. The increasing awareness regarding health and hygiene of the pets among owners is driving the growth.

The global pet shampoo market size was valued at in 2018. The increasing awareness regarding health and hygiene of the pets among owners is driving the growth. Pet Furniture Market  The global pet furniture market size was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2018. Increased availability of a wide range of multifunctional and fashionable furniture for pets on a global level is expected to remain favorable for the market.

Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
University of Maryland to End Beijing-Funded Program That Chills Campus Speech, Academic Freedom

The University of Maryland (UMD) recently announced it would close its Confucius Institute (CI), joining the long and growing list of American universities that sever their ties with the much-criticized Chinese government-funded education program around the globe.

In a campus-wide email, UMD President Wallace Loh wrote that it was no longer possible for the schools Confucius Institute to continue to operate after the 2019-2020 school year, citing a federal funding bill that essentially made American universities choose between continuing their CIs or accepting money from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The legislation, formally known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, prohibited American universities that host Beijing-sponsored Confucius Institutes from also receiving Pentagon funding for language programs.

After evaluating the impact of this legislation on UMD, it became evident that we can no longer host Confucius Institute at Maryland, wrote Loh, according to American University Radio. We have notified CI Headquarters in Beijing that we are ending our agreement.

In 2004, the UMD became the first university in the United States to establish a Confucius Institute. The number of CIs across the country steadily increased over time, growing to roughly 100 at its peak. The structure of such institutes varies, but they are usually headed by a director, who is typically a faculty or staff member from the host university, and a Chinese co-director, who reports directly to Beijing and supervises Chinese teaching staff. Chinese Ministry of Education generally provides startup and annual funding, recruits language teachers from China, and provides teaching materials and curricula.

A program designed to expand the communist regimes oversea influences, the Confucius Institute has earned growing notoriety over the recent years. In September 2014, the University of Chicago declined to renew the contract with its CI, following a petition signed by more than one hundred faculty members, describing the CI as an academically and politically ambiguous initiative that sought to advance foreign interest at the expanse of the host universitys academic independence. In June of that year, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) called on American universities to shut down their CIs, accusing them of advancing a state agenda in the recruitment and control of academic staff, in the choice of curriculum, and in the restriction of debate.

In February 2019, the U.S. Senates Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations exposed Confucius Institutes subversive activities in a report (pdf), expressing concerns over transparency and censorship. The Subcommittee stated that topics deemed controversial by the Chinese regime, including the independence of Taiwan or the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, were off-limits in American schools because of the presence of CIs.

Confucius Institute funding comes with strings that can compromise academic freedom, read the report. The Chinese teachers sign contracts with the Chinese government pledging they will not damage the national interests of China. Such limitations attempt to export Chinas censorship of political debate and prevent discussion of potentially politically sensitive topics.
The tongue-in-cheek trailer meme, posted by a website, depicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the trusted military Commander Tanaji Malusare, while Delhi Aam Aadmi Party Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is lampooned as Udaybhan Singh Rathore.

Mumbai, Jan 21 (IANS) Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday kicked off a fresh controversy by taking objections to a trailer of "Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior" that was being allegedly misused for politics in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

The spoof on the trailer has drawn comparisons to the battle of Sinhagad Fort with the upcoming Delhi elections and the website has said: "Jo Dilli Jeet Gaya, Samjho Dil Jeet Gaya".

Adding his voice to Sena's protest, Rajya Sabha MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati -- the 13th direct descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj -- said at first it was a book and now a film trailer that has hurt the sentiments of Shivbhakts.

"The image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj cannot be sullied for low politics. This is not befitting, intolerable, and condemnable... The central government must investigate this immediately and take proper action against those responsible," urged Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati.

He said it was the government's responsibility to be vigilant and ensure that the sentiments of Shivbhakts are safeguarded, and called upon all political parties to refrain from such actions.

Tanaji, guided by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had fought the historic battle for Sinhagad Fort in Pune on February 4, 1670, which was under the control of a Rajput commander, Udaybhan Singh Rathore, guided by Maharaja Jai Singh I, an ally of the Mughals.

Though he fought like a lion, Tanaji was killed in the epic Sinhagad battle, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had famously said on his sacrifice: "Gad aala, Pan Sinh gela" (The Fort is won, but the Lion has gone").

"Misusing the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not proper and will not be tolerated," warned Raut of the trailer on Tuesday.

The Maharashtra BJP also dissociated itself from the trailer and said it had nothing to do with it, nor was it posted on the party site nor used in political campaign.

The trailer has been uploaded by a website "Political Kida", reportedly considered close to the ruling BJP.

The website has uploaded it on its social media sites and it has gone viral, eliciting strong reactions from various quarters.

qn/in
Barry Smith, described as Britain's toughest headteacher, has reportedly been moved from Great Yarmouth Charter Academy after an alleged incident of pupil restraint

A controversial headteacher who divided opinion with his militant school rules has been moved from his school after an alleged incident involving the restraint of a pupil.

Barry Smith made headlines for banning pupils from using mobile phones, ordering them to walk in single file to lessons, be in bed by 9.30pm and up by 6.30am.

His approach led to him being labelled Britain's toughest headteacher in 2017 after he took over a failing high school and relaunched it as the Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, Norfolk.

Mr Smith's unconventional style sparked debate in 2018 after he sent a letter home to parents banning a flamboyant haircut called the 'Meet Me At McDonalds' for male pupils, and in October that year the headmaster enraged parents by calling in staff from a school uniform shop to measure pupils' skirts - as some of the girls were hitching up theirs to above the school-approved knee-length.

The education newspaper Schools Week has now revealed that Mr Smith has not been in charge of day-to-day activities at the 740-pupil school since early December.

Sources told the publication that he was 'moved out of the school following an incident involving the restraint of a pupil.'

The Inspiration Trust, which runs 13 primary and secondary schools and a sixth form college in Norfolk and Suffolk, refused to comment on the reasons behind Mr Smith's departure, but insisted he had not been suspended.

A spokesperson said for the trust said: 'Barry Smith has not been suspended. He is working centrally on a curriculum project.

'The school is being overseen by the executive principal, as usual, and while the principal is out of school, the deputy principal is taking over the day-to-day operations.'

The school had some of the worst GCSE results in the country when it was previously known as Great Yarmouth High School and rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted, with only one in three pupils achieving a pass in English and maths. But Mr Smith's new regime quickly led to dramatic improvements

Mr Smith has not made any comment.

The school had some of the worst GCSE results in the country when it was previously known as Great Yarmouth High School and rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted, with only one in three pupils achieving a pass in English and maths.

But Mr Smith's new regime quickly led to dramatic improvements, and the school doubling its success rate at GCSEs.

'Britain's toughest headteacher' who banned mobile phones, had pupils' skirts measured and banned the 'Meet Me At McDonalds' haircut The Charter Academy in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has proved controversial since it took over Great Yarmouth High School in September 2017. Headteacher Barry Smith hit the headlines in February 2018 after sending a letter home to parents banning a flamboyant haircut called the 'Meet Me At McDonalds' for male pupils. After the Inspiration academy trust took over in September 2017, pupils were also banned from using mobile phones at school, ordered to walk in single file to lessons, be asleep by 9.30pm and up by 6.30am every day. An unannounced Ofsted inspection on February 21, 2018 has revealed a 'significant' improvement in pupil behaviour. In October that year the headmaster enraged parents by calling in staff from a school uniform shop to measure pupils' skirts - as some of the girls were hitching up theirs to above the school-approved knee-length. Mr Smith introduced strict rules to encourage positive change after the school was rated inadequate by the schools regulator in October 2016. The school was once the worst performing in Norfolk with around a third of pupils leaving without a pass in English and Maths in 2017. The new rules included a ban on children getting out of their chairs without permission. Advertisement

Its most recent Ofsted inspection last July described it as 'good' in all areas including 'effectiveness of leadership and management'

Mr Smith warned pupils that they would be given a bucket to throw up in if they felt ill in class in a bid to cut down on them feigning sickness to get out of lessons.

While he was praised by many parents, his appointment led to a backlash from others who accused him of 'Army-like' behaviour, claiming their children were left scared about going to school.

Despite Mr Smith's success, a Facebook group entitled Yarmouth Charter Academy Worried parents which was set up after his appointment still has more than 1,000 members.

Mr Smith made further headlines in February 2018 when he banned extreme haircuts including a boy's style known as the 'Meet Me at McDonald's'.

But schools minister Nick Gibb praised him and the Inspiration Trust for improvements at the school in Parliament in 2018, saying: 'Within a year, the school had been transformed.'

Mr Smith revealed in September 2018 that he had been subjected to a hate campaign on social media and in the street with some people making false claims that he was a 'paedophile, a bully and racist.'

He added: 'Clearly, some won't be happy until I resign or I'm sacked. Or do they want me to be so filled with self-loathing that I top myself? What is the motivation of the haters?

'I suspect, in most cases, it's nothing more than a desire to grab a little bit of fame. I don't believe for a second that any of them genuinely want to help kids. It's fame hungry virtue signalling.

'Fear not. I'm impervious to detractors. I'm incredibly excited about what we're going to achieve this year. I'm more determined than ever to keep doing what I believe in.'

Mr Smith got up at 4.30am every Monday and spent three hours travelling to Great Yarmouth, staying in a local bed and breakfast four nights a week to run the school.

The Inspiration Trust has been contacted for further comment.
BEIJING: The death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak has risen to six in China`s central city of Wuhan as of January 20, the city`s mayor told state television. A total of 258 cases had been confirmed in the city by the end of Monday, Zhou Xianwang said in an interview.

Live TV

Separately, China`s eastern Zhejiang provincial health authority said a total of five cases of new coronavirus were confirmed as of noon January 21.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has defended government plans to make terrorists take lie detector tests to prove they are reformed.

Mr Buckland said the use of polygraph machines would help to identify so-called 'sleepers' who are 'superficially very compliant' when they leave prison but are actually plotting fresh attacks.

The government will force convicted terrorists to take the tests after they leave prison, with the most dangerous extremists quizzed about their activities and intentions.

The measure is part of a multi-million pound crackdown on terrorism promised by ministers after the London Bridge terror attack at Fishmongers' Hall in London in November.

However, there are concerns about the accuracy of polygraphs while social media users responded to the announcement by comparing it to the lying tests administered on the now defunct Jeremy Kyle Show.

But Mr Buckland defended the proposed use of lie detectors as part of the overhaul.

He told BBC Breakfast: 'Lie detectors have already been introduced in assessing the risk posed to the public by sex offenders, they came in about seven years ago.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, pictured in Downing Street on January 14, said making convicted terrorists take lie detector tests was a 'sensible measure'

Usman Khan, a jihadist previously convicted of a plot to blow up the Stock Exchange, was left free to kill two victims in a knife rampage at a prisoner rehabilitation conference after leaving jail

'They're not part of the criminal investigation or evidence one might hear in court. It's all about the authorities assessing the risk posed to the public by offenders.

'This is not a new concept. I think it is a sensible measure in order to help maximise the understanding of the risks that some of these prisoners pose to society.'

Mr Buckland insisted lie detectors were important to identify 'sleepers' and that they will not be the only measure used when he was grilled about their their accuracy.

He told Sky News: 'We get a lot of people who are superficially very compliant with the regime and sometimes the assessment of risk is a really difficult thing to do.

'You can get people who are in effect sleepers for many years and then suddenly back come the hatreds and the prejudices and we see atrocities like the one we did at Fishmongers' Hall.

'Which is why I think the introduction of polygraphs, the lie testing devices which are already being used in sex offenders, improves the tools that we have in terms of trying to assess that risk, to minimise that risk.'

Pressed on accuracy of the tests being as low as 60 per cent, he said: 'I'm not pretending on their own, polygraphs, lie detectors, are the be-all-and-end-all, which is why what we are also doing is doubling the number of specialised counter-terrorism probation officers... improving training, getting more psychologists in there, specialist imams as well will be working with these people.'

Usman Khan, a jihadist previously convicted of a plot to blow up the Stock Exchange, was left free to kill two victims in a knife rampage at a prisoner rehabilitation conference near London Bridge after leaving jail.

The major overhaul, unveiled yesterday by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, also means the most dangerous terrorists, including those who plot or train for attacks, will serve at least 14 years behind bars.

Terrorists serving shorter sentences will no longer be eligible for early release, and the plans will bring in tougher supervision of those released into the community, such as tighter curbs on phone and computer use.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, was expected to brief senior ministers on the proposals at a meeting of his Cabinet in Number 10 this morning.

Under the plans, the number of specialist counter-terrorism probation officers will be more than doubled from 60 to 135.

And there will be a 90 million boost for counter-terror police  raising total funding to 906 million  in 2020-21, as well as an extra 500 million to help victims of terrorism.

The flagship Counter Terrorism (Sentencing and Release) Bill also includes a sweeping review, led by the terror laws watchdog, of the way police, probation and security services monitor and manage terrorists.

After the Cabinet meeting, asked what would happen if a terrorist failed a polygraph test, the PMs spokesman said: It will inform the licensing conditions and the monitoring arrangements which are in place on that offender.

The spokesman said offenders who breach conditions could then be returned to prison.

Mr Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel were expected to brief the Cabinet on the terrorism crackdown this morning. She is pictured arriving in Downing Street

Under the plans to deploy lie detectors, terrorists will be attached to monitors and quizzed to find out if they have broken strict parole conditions, such as whether they have entered an exclusion zone or been in contact with other known extremists.

Culprits could be sent back to prison if the 4,000 machines uncover fresh evidence that they have re-offended. Around 70 terrorists are currently released on licence.

The tests have been used by the Ministry of Justice since 2014 to quiz serious sex offenders after they are freed  resulting in more than 160 being sent back to prison.

But the tests could prove controversial, as some experts suggest cunning offenders can deceive the machines.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Government would 'do whatever is necessary to stop these sickening attacks from taking place'.

She said: 'The senseless terror attack at Fishmongers' Hall confronted us with some hard truths about how we deal with terrorist offenders.

'Today we are... giving police and probation officers the resources they need to investigate and track offenders, introducing tougher sentences and launching major reviews into how offenders are managed after they are released.'
KOLKATA: After Kerala and Punjab, the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will bring a resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 in the state assembly on January 27. Reports on Tuesday said that a special session of the West Bengal assembly will be convened on January 27 during which the anti-CAA resolution will be adopted around 2 pm.

TMC supremo has urged all political parties to support the anti-CAA resolution.

The development comes on a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Centre won't take back the citizenship law however hard the opposition might protest.

Addressing a pro-CAA rally at Lucknow, the Home Minister challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and others to hold an open debate with him on the new legislation.

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, who is one of the worst critics of the Narendra Modi government and its policies, had earlier indicated that her government will bring a resolution against the CAA soon. She even asked the northeastern states, including those ruled by the BJP, to boycott CAA and NPR.

Banerjee, who has been protesting against the CAA, National Population Register and the proposed National Register of Citizens, alleged that NPR is linked to the CAA.

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Before taking a decision, know the law. The NPR is a dangerous game and it is totally related to the NRC and the CAA. Pass a resolution everywhere to withdraw it, she said in Siliguri on Monday.

We have already brought a resolution against NPR and in coming three to four days, we will bring a resolution against CAA, Banerjee added.

I appeal all northeastern state governments including Tripura, Assam along with Opposition parties, before taking any decision on the NPR. I appeal to all states to pass resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the TMC supremo said.

While the Modi government has been claiming that NPR should not be linked to CAA and NRC, the opposition leaders have argued that the NPR is the first step towards NRC. The NPR exercise is slated to commence from April this year.

Banerjee also declared that she will hold a mega rally in Darjeeling against the CAA and NRC on January 22.

Banerjee recently skipped a crucial meeting of the opposition parties in Delhi on citizenship law. The meeting was convened by the Congress party.

Several opposition-ruled states, including West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab, have already issued a notification suspending the work on the National Population Register. Kerala and Punjab have also passed a resolution against the implementation of the CAA.

The CAA, which 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, has triggered widespread protests across the country.
METI's Revised Standards Open the Way for Marketing Housing Equipment and Home Appliances with Built-in High-definition Power Line Communication

In Japan, the High-definition Power Line Communication (HD-PLC) technology has been mostly used in PLC adapters and communication equipment so far. One major reason was the interpretation of the "Ministerial Order to Provide Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances and Materials" which applied to the integration of HD-PLC into home electric appliances and housing equipment. Recently, the efforts of the involved parties have been rewarded by the Notice issued on December 25, 2019 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) that partially revised the interpretation of the Ministerial Order. HD-PLC can now be integrated in home appliances and housing equipment.

The main advantages of HD-PLC over wireless technologies include an easy setup of communication networks, a high level of security, and low power consumption. Additionally, HD-PLC can be used on power lines, coaxial cables, telephone lines, and other existing lines which not only enables the deployment of networks in in-house environments such as homes, buildings, and factories, but also the deployment of large outdoor networks covering areas of some square kilometers.

Furthermore, HD-PLC is expected to play an important role in underground facilities and radio-shielded spaces in buildings and houses where wireless reception is bad, while users expects high-speed, low-latency applications be provided by next-generation 5G networks. HD-PLC can play a unique role by working in conjunction with 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies to enhance the quality of service of networks. The ministerial order revision has opened the way for consumers to buy stationary home appliances with build-in HD-PLC technology, making easy to build networks by simply connecting the equipment to an electric outlet. This will provide a new solution for interconnecting electric appliances.

Yoshiyuki Miyabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation, the founding company of the HD-PLC Alliance, sent us a message: "Panasonic's fourth-generation HD-PLC technology has already been approved as the IEEE 1901a Standard. We are excited by the huge opportunities that the ministerial order revision has opened to make HD-PLC one of the most innovative core technologies in the age of IoT. Panasonic will take advantage of these opportunities to integrate the technology in many of our products and solutions, working toward its further development and expansion and offering new values to our customers."

HD-PLC Alliance will continue to promote the use of HD-PLC in electric appliances and to provide certification of HD-PLC built-in machinery and equipment ensuring communication compatibility. Simultaneously, we will keep making efforts to improve the certification environment. With the motto "HD-PLC takes up the challenge of becoming the IoT solution that connects people's living, industry, and the community," we will keep contributing toward establishing universal standards and promoting wider use of HD-PLC compatible products.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005132/en/

Contacts:

HD-PLC Alliance

Takanori Miyake

E-mail: info@hd-plc.org
The World Health Organization (WHO) is holding an emergency meeting in Geneva on Wednesday to make a fateful decision: Whether to designate the outbreak of a mysterious, pneumonialike virus that originated in China as an international public health emergency.

It's a scary time for people in China and beyond as the virus and fears of contamination spread. So keep calm and catch up on what we know so far.

- What is a coronavirus?

According to WHO, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that range from the common cold to much more serious diseases. These diseases can infect both humans and animals. The strain spreading in China is related to two other coronaviruses that have caused major outbreaks in recent years: Middle East respiratory syndrome, also known as MERS, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.

Symptoms of a coronavirus infection range from respiratory problems, difficulties breathing, fever and cough, to the much more severe cases of pneumonia, kidney failure, acute respiratory syndrome (when fluid builds up in the lungs) and death. The elderly, young and those with an already weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing severe lower-respiratory tract diseases, like bronchitis and pneumonia, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Health officials haven't identified this latest strain in humans before. That's why for now it has the generic name of "a novel coronavirus" while they investigate. As it's a virus, antibiotics won't work in treating it.

- How does it spread?

In rare cases, coronaviruses can spread from animals, like camels and bats, to humans. (Household pets are not a threat.) Health officials report that's what they believe has happened here. In even rarer cases, that same virus can then start to spread from human to human. That's what happened with MERS and SARS.

WHO officials are investigating whether that's the case now. But in a worrying development, Chinese officials said Monday that they've documented cases of human-to-human transmission.

Chinese health authorities said they first detected the new strain of the virus on Dec. 31 in Wuhan, a city in central China. They initially linked it to a dirty food market where seafood and mammals were sold for human consumption. Officials closed the market the next day. What likely happened, scientists said, is that people ate something infected with the virus and then became sick with it.

The next set of patients are those who reported that they did not come in contact with that market but had gone to other markets, or had contact with others in Wuhan. Chinese officials have documented patients and health-care workers who had no contact with Wuhan, as have authorities in Thailand and Japan.

As The Washington Post's Anna Fifield reported from China, "Initially, doctors thought that the virus was not communicable between humans, but cases of infection across the country, including among people who have not been to Wuhan, proved that it can be passed on."

In cases of human-to-human transmission, the disease can spread through coughing and sneezing, personal contact with an infected person, touching an infected surface and then the mouth, nose or eyes, and, in rare cases, through fecal contamination.

To protect against infection, the CDC recommends basic hygiene techniques like constantly washing hands, staying hydrated, and coughing into one's arm or a tissue. If there's a fear of animal transmission, CDC officials urge people to wash hands after contact with animals and thoroughly cook any meat before consumption.

- What do we know about how new cases have spread?

One challenge to investigating - and stopping - the virus is that public health experts say Chinese authorities have not provided information about how the disease is spreading. To control this outbreak, it's critical to know whether cases being found in other cities are all related to Wuhan. If the disease has been circulating independently in other parts of the country, that information will not only affect how China acts to contain it, but how other public health agencies in the world seek to prevent spread, said Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

- Where has it spread?

As of Tuesday afternoon in China, officials there say that six people have died from the virus and 298 people have been confirmed infected. That number is way up from the more than 70 infections reported on Monday.

So far, most cases have been in Wuhan. However, people across 14 provinces in China are being tested for the virus.

On Jan. 13, officials in Thailand confirmed what health officials feared: that a Chinese traveler who came from Wuhan to Thailand was infected. On Jan. 17, Thailand officials announced they had another infected traveler from Wuhan, according to the CDC. On Jan. 15, Japanese officials confirmed their own case of an infected traveler from Wuhan.

"These cases did not report visiting the large seafood and animal market to which many cases in China have been linked," the CDC reported, raising further concerns among health officials of human-to-human contamination.

Australia and the Philippines are investigating suspected cases.

- What's being done to stop it?

On Tuesday, Chinese health authorities imposed a quasi-quarantine on Wuhan, which is home to 11 million people. They did so in part because the upcoming Lunar New Year is a time when people often travel to their hometowns. Chinese authorities are already screening people at airports for coronavirus symptoms. Other airports in Asia are doing the same.

Federal health authorities in the United States announced Friday that they'll immediately begin screening passengers for the virus who are flying into three international airports popular with Chinese travelers - Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York's John F. Kennedy.

The screening will include taking temperatures; those with high temperatures could be set aside for additional tests. While screening for a common virus usually only takes hours, health authorities told The Post's Lena Sun that suspected cases could miss their connecting flights as this testing could take up to a day.

- What happened with SARS and MERS?

In November 2002, the SARS epidemic began spreading through China: over eight months it moved to more than two dozen countries, killed 774 people, and infected more than 8,000 people. Health authorities say that the 'Patient Zero' came in contact with an animal in China's Guangdong province, which borders Hong Kong.

The virus was finally contained in the summer of 2003. Health care workers made up about 20% of victims in areas heavily hit with the disease, according to WHO. There's still no cure for the disease, but the initial outbreak was contained by isolating suspected patients and screening passengers traveling from infected areas or those suspected of having symptoms.

One factor hindering initial efforts to contain the virus were the limits on coverage of the epidemic implemented by Chinese authorities.

MERS started spreading in the Middle East in 2012. Scientists say the first infection moved from a camel to human in Saudi Arabia. The disease is associated with the death of 790 people since 2012, the CDC reported in 2018. The outbreak was similarly contained by isolating patients. Health officials also warned against contact with camels and camel meat during the scare.
Shares of Beyond Meat jumped 13% in morning trading Tuesday after Starbucks announced that it would add more plant-based menu options as part of its efforts to combat climate change.

Beyond's stock, which has a market value of $7.3 billion, is on pace for its best month ever, back to its May initial public offering. Shares are up more than 62% so far in January, buoyed by the news of McDonald's expanding its southwestern Canadian test of Beyond's veggie burgers.

The stock's recent run has burned short sellers, who have been betting on Beyond's share price falling since it soared 163% in its public market debut. Shares hit an all-time high of $239.71 in July, then plunged after the company announced a secondary share offering.

While the volatility of Beyond's stock has turned off some investors, consumers have been clambering for its meat alternatives as health and environmental concerns lead them to reduce their meat intake. Restaurants such as Carl's Jr. and Dunkin' have added Beyond products to their menus to reach those customers.

Starbucks said Tuesday that it would be adding more plant-based options to its menu as it aims to become "resource positive" in the long-term but provided no specifics or timeline for the menu additions.

The coffee chain set preliminary goals for 2030 that include cutting carbon emissions in half, conserving or replenishing half of the water taken for coffee production or operations and reducing half of its waste.

Starbucks is among a growing number of companies rolling out sustainability goals as consumers grow increasingly concerned about climate change. The announcement came as 17-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg exhorted world leaders at Davos, Switzerland, to take action.
British energy giant BP said on Tuesday it had ended its involvement in Iraq's giant Kirkuk oilfields and would now step away from the six-year venture.

"In 2013, BP signed a letter of intent with the North Oil Company of the Iraq Ministry of Oil to support field activity studies in Kirkuk," the London-listed company said. "As planned, in December 2019 BP completed field work, studies and recommendations."



BP had signed an agreement with state-run North Oil Company (NOC) in 2018 to at least double output from the Kirkuk fields.

David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, said the announcement suggested an appraisal of the site last year "came in below expectations".

That appeared to have left BP "unable or unwilling to agree a development plan with NOC," he told AFP.

Recent political unrest within Iraq, the flare-up of tensions between Iran and the United States and local bureaucracy had likely contributed to the decision, the analyst added.

"They may not be the last foreign company to consider scaling back their exposure to Iraq while these factors persist," Fyfe said.

BP began working at the string of major oil fields in Kirkuk in 2013 but a year later Iraqi Kurds took over the site during the chaos of the Islamic State group's rampage across the country.

They had been exporting the oil to Turkey through their own pipeline but were dislodged by Iraqi forces in 2018 after the Kurds had voted for independence in a controversial referendum opposed by Baghdad.

BP, which has a history of producing and exporting oil in Iraq dating back to the 1920s, remains active elsewhere in the country.

It is working in partnership with a local company and Chinese energy giant PetroChina at the huge Rumaila oilfield near the border with Kuwait.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A family in Akwa Ibom has accused a police officer in the state of causing the death of their 54-year-old relative.

The officer, Bassey Ikpe, was said to have violently dragged the victim, Deborah Nkpenie, thereby causing her head to hit the iron rail of a tricycle where she was seated. The woman died immediately, witnesses said.

The incident happened at the police headquarters, Uyo, on Thursday, around 12 p.m.

Mr Ikpe, a police inspector, denied the allegation. He said the woman died outside the police headquarters and that he did not assault her as alleged by the family.

Mrs Nkpenie had hired the tricycle, otherwise known as keke, to the police headquarters in response to the officer, Mr Ikpes invitation over a family squabble. The officer was said to have angrily insisted on taking her to court for arraignment immediately Mrs Nkpenie arrived.

The family, through their lawyer, Clifford Thomas, sent to PREMIUM TIMES via WhatsApp photos of the victims body taken while inside the keke, with her head resting on her daughters laps.

Mfonobong Peter, the younger sister to late Mrs Nkpenie, said the victims stepchildren wanted to dispossess her of her house after her husband died last year.

The stepchildren, Mrs Peter said, lodged a case with the police against Mrs Nkpenie.

She narrated what happened at the police station before her sisters death.

I was pleading with him (the officer) to free our younger brother, Godwin Udofia, who was handcuffed and detained inside the police building. Meanwhile, my elder sister was inside the keke, crying out that she was very weak and needed to see a doctor, Mrs Peter said.

She said the officer accused her sister of pretending to be ill and also lashed out at the two of them. I kept begging that he should allow me to take her to the hospital but he wouldnt want to listen, she added.

According to Mrs Peter, the officer yelled at her sister who was still inside the keke, You wont go anywhere today, you can die here if you want to die.

The next thing, he held my sisters head and hit it against the iron rail inside the keke. As he was doing this, he kept yelling at my sister you this trickster of a woman.

I saw whitish substance come out of my sisters nose.

The last thing I heard my sister said was, Oh, you have killed me and then she slumped inside the keke.

She said the officer ordered them to take their sisters corpse out of the station immediately he realised she was dead. At that time, I was screaming for help, she said.

They rushed to the police clinic, which is about two kilometres away from the police headquarters, hoping to get some help. It was there that the doctor told her that their sister was already dead for some 20 minutes before they arrived at the clinic, Mrs Peter said.

Mrs Nkpenie was suffering from hypertension before the incident at the police station, the family lawyer, Mr Thomas, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Thomas said a forgery allegation was made against Mrs Nkpenie at the police station, apparently by her stepchildren. The lawyer, however, said he did not see the charge against her.

The victims family told PREMIUM TIMES they too have not seen the charge against their late sister.

The investigating police officer mismanaged the entire thing, he kept threatening the woman, he kept insisting that the woman must come (to the station) and the woman kept telling him that she was sick, she cannot move her entire frame, when she comes she sits inside keke, she cannot even come out, Mr Thomas said.

On Wednesday, the IPO dragged her, insisted that he must take her to court.

The IPO did these things ostensibly under the influence of bribe and wanted to rush them to court without even the OC legal, the OC anti-cult, and of course the OC state CID who is in charge of the entire state CID knowing.

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It was reported to the police deputy commissioner that the IPO as a male went into the womans room to dress her up to force her and bring her (to the station), she was stark naked.

Different police procedures were actually violated by the IPO. The deputy commissioner of police told me that she reprimanded him and had advised him not to take the matter to court until they (the accused persons) have done interview with her, Mr Thomas said.

The lawyer further said the deputy commissioner of police said she had told the IPO to allow Mrs Nkpenies younger brother who is a co-accused to stand in for her if the woman could not come to the police station because of ill-health.

We are pressing for murder charge (against the officer), we are doing a petition, the lawyer said.

The officer, Mr Ikpe, told PREMIUM TIMES his own side of the story.

She was invited for interview on Wednesday and when they came she could not get down from the keke, so the deputy commissioner of police in charge of state CID advised that she should go and take her medication and come back the next day by 10 a.m.

When they came by 10 a.m. she couldnt even get down from keke, I climbed upstairs to invite the officer to come down to interview her. When they came down, they didnt see her; they drove out again without informing us.

They only called us to say the woman died along the way either to the hospital or wherever. When they came back with the corpse with much crying, the commissioner of police gave order that the person is dead, why are you bringing her for interview; its like they were trying to create (a) scene, Mr Ikpe said.

The officer said it was not true he went into Mrs Nkpenies room when she was naked.

He, however, refused to tell PREMIUM TIMES what case the police had against Mrs Nkpenie.

Ukpono Umoren, the man who rode the keke on the day of incident, said the officer was not being truthful.

The policeman wanted to drag the woman down from the keke, and she hit her head on the keke and started crying, Mr Umoren told PREMIUM TIMES. The policeman forced me to take the woman out of the station when she had already died.

Victor Nkpenie, one of the persons who did the petition to the police against Mrs Nkpenie, told PREMIUM TIMES that the late woman and her brother, Mr Udofia, stole vital documents which belonged to their late father.

The woman was never married to my father, Mr Victor said. My father co-habited her. And her brother was also in that house.

Mr Victor, a lecturer in the University of Uyo, said the stolen documents are related to their late fathers pensions, landed properties, bank account, and education credentials.

He said he and his brothers were willing to accommodate the late woman in the sharing of their late fathers properties as a way of settling for taking care of their dad at old age.

When asked how he felt about Mrs Nkpenies death, Mr Victor said I feel bad about it. Now, how will I be able to recover my fathers documents? I wanted her to stay alive and give me my fathers documents.

Mr Victor said the police officer, Mr Ikpe, was not responsible for the death of Mrs Ekpenie. I was at the station, I didnt even see him (the officer) get close to the keke that the woman was sitting inside, he said.

The police spokesperson in the state, Odiko MacDon, did not respond to calls and text message from PREMIUM TIMES.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 18:17 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206062fd5 1 Business omnibus,omnibus-bill,hoax,Coordinating-Economic-Ministry,announcement,investment,economic-growth Free

A supposed draft of the omnibus bill on job creation circulating in the media is fake, the government has said, adding that it has yet to submit a final document to the House of Representatives.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister on Tuesday, the government will not publish any draft until discussions on the bill have been wrapped up. To date, only some sections of the bill have been completed.

One of several false drafts circulating on digital platforms, including messenger services, is titled Penciptaan Lapangan Kerja, whereas the legitimate draft that is still being finalized is titled Cipta Lapangan Kerja, the statement reads.

The statement follows several media reports containing what is claimed to be bits of information from the bill. The government previously stated that it would submit the bill to the House this week.

"In accordance with the law-drafting mechanism, the government has completed the substance of the job creation bill, and [the substance] has been proposed by the government to the House of Representatives for inclusion in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas)," the Office of the Coordinating Economic Ministry said in its statement.

Once the House puts the bill on the 2020 priority bill list, the government will submit it, along with a presidential letter (Supres), which has not been completed either, according to the statement.

The bill is set to amend around some 1,200 articles of 79 laws that have been blamed for hampering investment. The government deems the legal changes essential as it struggles to attract investment and boost economic growth.

The move, however, has been rejected by labor unions, which fear the bill may undermine labor rights. Thousands of workers took to the streets at the main gate of the House compound on Monday to demand that the House drop the bill. (mfp)
Grand Junction, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - Bullfrog Gold Corp (OTCQB: BFGC) (CSE: BFG) (FSE: 11B) ("Bullfrog", "BFGC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering"). The Company issued 15,384,615 units (the "Units") at a price of CAD$0.13 per Unit for gross proceeds of CAD$2.0 million. Each Unit is comprised of one share of the Company's common stock and one half of a common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one common share at a price of CAD$0.20 for a period of two years.

Proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance the Bullfrog Project, including the completion of all work commitments required to purchase Barrick Bullfrog Inc's key lands in the Bullfrog Mining District located 125 miles NW of Las Vegas, Nevada, and for general corporate purposes. The Bullfrog Project consists of 5,250 acres of patented and unpatented mining claims that have an established mineral estimate and strong exploration potential in one of the most prolific gold exploration areas in the US. More information may be sourced at www.bullfroggold.com, including a presentation that shows all major land holdings in the Bullfrog and surrounding mining districts.

David Beling, BFGC CEO stated, "We are very pleased to have new strong shareholders participate in the growth of the Company and welcome the continuing confidence and support from our existing shareholders. As a result, several exploration and development activities designed to add value to the Bullfrog Project will be pursued during the year, in addition to purchasing the Barrick lands currently under a Lease/Option."

In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company paid finders fees of CAD$118,918 in cash and issued 914,750 share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to Haywood Securities Inc and Canaccord Genuity Corp. Each Finder Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one share of the Company at a price of CAD$0.20 for a period of 24 months. The offering is subject to compliance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable securities requirements. The securities issued under the Offering, and any shares that may be issuable on exercise of any such securities, will be subject to statutory hold periods of four months and a day under Canadian securities laws for any purchaser. In addition, the securities were all issued pursuant to applicable exemptions from requirements to file a registration statement in the United States.

About Bullfrog Gold Corp.

Bullfrog Gold Corp. is a Delaware corporation that controls the commanding land and mineral positions in the Bullfrog Mine area where Barrick Bullfrog Inc. produced 2.3 million ounces of gold by conventional milling from 1989 into early 1999. An independent 43-101 compliant report prepared in August 2017 estimated mineralization at 624,000 ounces at 0.7 g/tonne gold within expanded pit plans based on a gold price of $1,200 and heap leaching. The Company has thoroughly analyzed a large data base obtained from Barrick, including detailed information on 155 miles of drilling in the Bullfrog Mine area and has released successful metallurgical testing and gold recovery results during the past year.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including those with respect to the objectives, plans and strategies of the Company and those preceded by or that include the words "believes," "expects," "given," "targets," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "projects," "forecasts" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. We use certain terms in this valuation such as "mineralization" and "mineral inventory estimates" that are not defined in Canadian National Instrument 43-101; or recognized under the U.S. SEC Industry Guide 7. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures and may not result in the discovery of sufficient mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no resources or reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Additional information regarding important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations is disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact Information: David Beling, PE, President, CEO and Director, (970) 628-1670

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51698
People who lose their sense of smell are at risk of dying but doctors do not take the issue seriously, researchers have found.

Scientists questioned 71 people who were living without a sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia, to find out about their experiences.

Many were suffering from depression because they could no longer smell freshly cut grass or loved ones, with one woman even saying the condition ended her marriage.

The scientists said people who couldn't smell were faced with the dangers of being unable to smell gas, smoke or rotten food.

People who lose their sense of smell are at risk of dying but doctors do not take the issue seriously, researchers have found (stock image)

Anosmia is surprisingly common and thought to affect around five per cent of the UK population, which is approximately 3.25million people.

In the US around three per cent of people are affected  almost 10million  according to the Department of Health.

There are many causes, including infections such as sinusitis and diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.

Injuries and some medications can also cause people to lose their sense of smell.

The author of the new study, Professor Carl Philpott from the University of East Anglia, hoped the research would prompt doctors to take the issue more seriously.

He and colleagues worked with patients aged between 31 and 80 who were being treated at a taste and smell clinic at the James Paget University Hospital, in Norfolk.

Losing the sense of smell also reduces the sense of taste and can make people taste food differently or not at all.

Some participants said they no longer enjoyed eating so had lost weight, while others had become so put off by food that they were too self-conscious to serve meals to family or friends.

And some parents felt like failures because they could not tell when their child's nappy needed changing.

WHAT IS ANOSMIA? Anosmia is the medical name for a condition in which someone suffers a complete or partial loss of their sense of smell. It is different to hyposmia, which is a decreased sensitivity to some or all smells. Around 3.5million people in the UK are affected by the condition, along with nearly 10million in the US. It is surprisingly common and affects between three and five per cent of people. As well as losing the sense of smell, people with anosmia may also have a reduce sense of taste, because the senses are so closely linked. Most people will have been unable to smell at one point or other during their lives because of a cold or blocked nose, but people with anosmia may have it forever. The most common single cause of the condition  temporary or permanent  is illnesses which affect the nose or sinuses, such as polyps which grow in the airways, fractured bones or cartilage, hay fever or tumours. Head injuries and nervous system diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's may also contribute to the condition by damaging nerves in the nose which are responsible for detecting smells. If these nerves are damaged the messages they send to the brain may be incomplete or stopped completely. People may also inherit anosmia through their genes or develop it from other causes including liver failure, diabetes, or for no obvious reason at all. Source: Fifth Sense Advertisement

'One mother found it difficult bonding with her new baby because she couldn't smell him,' professor Philpott said.

A mother wrote: 'The thought of not smelling my children again is too distressing to accept.'

Professor Philpott added that the disappearance of smells linked to happy memories was also an issue.

Smell provides a link to 'people, places and emotional experiences' which is absent in those with anosmia.

Another female sufferer said the experience was like 'living in a world behind glass.'

All problems led to feelings of anger, anxiety, frustration, isolation, depression, regret and sadness, the researchers added.

A woman who was convinced her lack of smell had destroyed her marriage said: 'I am sure there was an impact on sex, and being close to my husband.

'Although our marriage was already in difficulty, I believe anosmia helped end it.'

Another woman, named Verity, said: 'I have depression and BPD [borderline personality disorder] but I have no idea how strongly that's tied to the anosmia.

'It's hard to say how much I miss out on as I have no idea what it's like to be normal.'

The study suggested people's problems are made worse by a lack of understanding, or caring, about smell loss among doctors.

Professor Philpott added: 'Smell disorders affect around five per cent of the population and cause people to lose their sense of smell, or change the way they perceive odours.

'Some people perceive smells that aren't there at all.

'There are many causes  from infections and injury to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and as a side effect of some medications.

'Most patients suffer a loss of flavour perception which can affect appetite and can be made even worse if distortions in their sense of smell also co-exist.'

The study was carried out with Fifth Sense which supports people with smell and taste disorders.

The charity's chairman Duncan Boak, said: 'Anosmia can have a huge impact on people's quality of life in many ways, as this research demonstrates.'

The research was published in the journal Clinical Otolaryngology.
When Richard Moffitt and Tim Dumas exchanged vows it was under a big sheltering silver maple in the backyard owned by some dear friends.

Other friends helped by painting an outbuilding and placing flowers in an arbor. More took photos behind the Albany South Manning Boulevard house, which had been painstakingly renovated. Luckily, the weather cooperated on the June day last year.

"So many people chipped in and it did make it more special," Moffitt said. "We didn't have a big budget and didn't want to spend a lot of money."

The couple created their own ceremony and were married by another friend, who brought more friends who performed on singing bowls. There was a meditation. There was a ritual with essential oils. The setting for a Champagne toast was the outbuilding Moffitt described as "charming" even though it was a chicken coop at one point.

"It was more elegant than expected," Moffitt said of the wedding.

There was no tent, only the tree. Others brought flowers and artwork for the small shed.

"They're just very generous," he said of the couple who own the yard. "I'll forever be grateful to them." Afterward, the gathering of about 60 or so people walked over to The Point, a restaurant in Albany's Pine Hill neighborhood for a reception.

A small backyard wedding  with the reception held elsewhere  like Dumas and Moffitt's is a way to have a home wedding without blowing the budget. And there's also a lot of flexibility when you're doing it on your own.

But while some small backyard weddings result in a lower price tag and less stress, those considering larger or more elaborate weddings may find that the event is not less expensive than holding it at a venue that specializes in weddings, and may be even more laden with details. However, the significance of having a wedding in the backyard of your home or childhood may be important and outweigh the logistics  and costs.

Tips from the pros No. 1: Have a rental company tour the property and do a site visit to make sure it's flat and roomy enough for a tent and that a truck can drive back to it. No. 2: Think about accessibility for your guests and the caterer. Can your guests can get in and out of the property easily? Is there parking nearby or on-site? No. 3: What will the weather be like? Will you need heat or fans? No. 4: Do you have a Plan B in case of inclement weather? No. 5: Use a microphone even if it's a small wedding. No. 6: Owners should start sprucing up their property as soon as possible. See More Collapse

"There's some kind of magic that some people connotate with having a wedding in their home, in their backyard where they grew up, which can be lovely and quite beautiful, but I don't think people realize really what goes into essentially building a venue in your backyard," said Katie O'Malley Maloney of Katie O' Weddings & Events. She said they think that since they've had backyard events, like a picnic for 50 or a graduation party, then they can accommodate a wedding.

"If you're bringing, let's see, an average wedding is 120-150 guests that just changes the whole scope of what you're doing on your property," O'Malley Maloney said. "We actually find smaller weddings like 100 or less to be quite intimate, we find it to be a bit more manageable on a property."

Here's just a short list of what you have to think about: accessibility for a truck delivering a tent (any low-hanging branches? etc.); whether the property is flat enough for a tent and chairs; access to power, and a backup generator for lighting, heating, cooking and a band or DJ; parking for guests; a place for a caterer; bathrooms; how wet the land gets; and what to do in bad weather.

The first step is to have someone from the rental company survey the property to see if a tent can be placed in a yard or a field because usually a large tent is required. Tommie Burch of Total Events in Schenectady said their staff will take a look at the property using Google maps and then visit the site to make sure the land works. And it's not just what goes above ground that has to be considered.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

"The other concern that we are looking out for are things that are underground," Burch said. "So if you have a sprinkler system or water lines or Verizon, National Grid, all that type of stuff, it's something we need to be aware of because our tents stakes, which hold the tent up basically, go down three feet." She said they call Dig Safely New York in to determine what's buried underneath your yard.

If it's doable, the company can outfit your tent with draperies, elegant tables, a dance floor, carpeting  even chandeliers. Different styles of tables can go from a rustic farm table look to more elegant formal settings with Lucite chairs.

"It definitely isn't necessarily the more frugal way of doing things. That being said there are ways if you're going super casual in the day time and it's barbecue style, and you're really looking for that tent as a sort of security," Burch said. "Then there's ways to make it cheaper."

But generally what people are salivating over on Instagram and Facebook are the kind of weddings that are going to cost.

Both Burch and O'Malley Maloney said food trucks are becoming very popular for less formal weddings, especially since they often can do both beverages and food.

"We don't intend to ruin people's dreams, we just like to be practical and be straight shooters and say to them hey, yeah, it can be easy depending on the style, the scope, the size, the budget. But there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration," O'Malley Maloney said.

Want more local wedding coverage? Read the rest of Vow magazine's latest stories.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 02:55:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- A high-level expert team of China's National Health Commission Monday confirmed people-to-people transmission of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and infections among medical staff.

Zhong Nanshan, a renowned respiratory expert and head of the team, said two cases in Guangdong Province were confirmed to be people-to-people transmission.

"The patients got infected, respectively, after their family members traveled to Wuhan and were infected by the virus," Zhong said during a media interview.

He also confirmed infections among medical staff.

The novel coronavirus infection was first reported in central China's Wuhan city, where 198 viral pneumonia cases have been confirmed.

Zhong said the geographical distribution of Wuhan's infection cases indicated a close relationship between the epidemic and a local seafood market.

Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a member of the expert team, said the outbreak of the new coronavirus can be reversed if measures are taken now.

He said the constant emergence of new cases at present indicated that the epidemic is still at its early stage.

Zhong also predicted an increase of viral pneumonia cases during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday. But he expressed confidence in curbing the virus spread, saying the SARS epidemic in 2003 will not be repeated.

"It took just two weeks to identify the novel coronavirus," Zhong said, noting that with well-rounded monitoring and quarantine systems, China will not suffer the social and economic impact as serious as 17 years ago.

He said early discovery, diagnosis, treatment and quarantine remain the most effective method to bring the outbreak under control.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, a total of 224 cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus had been reported in China. Of them, 217 had been confirmed, with 198 in Wuhan, 14 in Guangdong Province, and five in Beijing.

Overseas, one case has been confirmed in Japan, two in Thailand, and one in the Republic of Korea.
The teacher. (PA Images)

A British woman who went on the run with her and her wifes child for three years before being found on a dinghy in Jersey has been spared jail.

The teacher, 34, originally from South Shields, took the then-19-month-old girl out of Canada in 2016 with her new male partner and their child and fled the country.

Reporting restrictions prevent any outlet publishing in Jersey from including details that identify the child.

The woman had separated from her Canadian wife in 2015 and the daughter lived with her while custody proceedings took place.

Police in Canada said a court ordered her to surrender the daughters British passport and prevent her for applying for a Canadian one.

The mum and daughter are known to have travelled to England, France, the Netherlands, the Middle East and possibly to Spain and Portugal, police said, despite Interpol issuing a red notice.

She was caught after arriving in Jersey with her parents in a 13ft inflatable dinghy  despite attempting to deceive immigration staff.

The teacher's parents. (PA Images)

Prosecutor Simon Crowder told the court that all three had tried to claim they were visiting Jersey to have lunch.

The three appeared in Jersey Magistrates Court for sentencing today, having pleaded guilty to making a false representation under immigration law.

The British teacher was convicted of two charges of exposing a child to risk of harm after a four-day trial at the court in December.

Her parents were convicted of two charges of aiding and abetting exposing a child to risk of harm. They were each given six-month prison sentences, suspended for 12 months, and fined 500.

They must also pay costs of 1,600 between them.

Assistant magistrate Peter Harris said: These were rather unique circumstances which are unlikely to be repeated.

Together they were using Jersey in an attempt to avoid compliance with a Canadian court order.

He acknowledged the efforts made to reduce the risk of harm to the children, and that no harm was actually sustained.

Story continues

But he added: The waters around Jersey can be very dangerous.

Both children were exposed to a risk of harm.

St Catherine's Breakwater, close to where the teacher, her parents and her daughter arrived in Jersey in July 2019. (PA Images)

Sarah Dale, defending the teacher, said: As you heard throughout the trial, [she] believed that she and also her parents had taken all relevant precautions to ensure the safety of the children during the crossing.

[Her] children are the greatest importance in her life and whatever her motive for making that crossing, she was adamant that she would not do anything at all that she felt put them at risk or endangered them.

The court heard that all three defendants were of previous good character.

Rui Tremoceiro, defending the parents, said: They are good, hardworking, law-abiding people, people who have abided over several months by every condition imposed by this court, which included severe curtailment of their liberty for several months.

Speaking last year, the estranged Canadian wife of the teacher, who is also a parent of the girl, said: We came in this together united and I just cannot understand why you felt the need to do this.

And it wasn't just to me, that's the thing, it's not just about me. The tsunami effect of this is incomprehensible.

A lawyer for the Canadian said last year that a judge in British Columbia had declared the daughter a habitual resident of Canada.

But the Canadian said her attempt at getting her daughter back is complicated.

Strictly speaking I may not fall within the definition of parent in Jersey, even though I am a legal parent and guardian of [the girl] here in Canada, she said last year.
United Country Franchise Network Expands by Double Digits

Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Country Real Estate announced record, double-digit franchise growth in 2019 and nearly 10 percent growth of new agents system-wide. New offices and agents signed on with United Country from coast-to-coast in the United States to the resort areas of Mexico.

Celebrating 95 years of business this year, United Country has achieved dramatic growth over the last five years, which accelerated in 2019 with the full articulation of significant new long-term technology and marketing strategies set at the beginning of 2010. The strategies included an entire new proprietary technology and marketing system focused specifically on lifestyle, country and rural markets. Additionally, a complete rebranding and repositioning of the brand founded in 1925 was executed and finalized. During this time, the group enhanced their unique niche marketing services for all properties sold in and around the smaller cities and lifestyle markets outside of urban America.

Today, the firm is the largest dedicated seller of country homes, lifestyle property, recreational land and other niche properties found in the country and destination markets across the U.S. to Panama, Mexico and Costa Rica. Furthermore, United Country represents the largest real estate auction team with hundreds of auctioneers across the country, adding additional options to their affiliates and clients desiring an auction sale.

We sell the properties nationwide everyone dreams of owning for retirement, for weekend escapes, recreation or investment outside of big city markets, said Michael Duffy, president of United Country Real Estate. These types of properties regularly attract buyers outside of the local market from all over the U.S. and the world looking for a specific property type or lifestyle. Unique properties and lesser known areas require unique marketing that exposes listings like these more broadly. We are very excited about our teams growth and ability to better serve real estate and auction professionals in these amazing markets.

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I have been with the company for over 30 years and have never been more excited about what we can offer real estate professionals and auctioneers in our markets to better achieve their goals, said Richard Thompson, executive vice president of sales. The program has always been a leader in innovative marketing of country and lifestyle real estate, and it also has the most powerful system to offer our clients today. I am really impressed with the caliber and number of new affiliates joining the network.

For more information about United Country Real Estate, call 800-444-5044 or visit UnitedCountry.com.

About United Country Real Estate

United Country Real Estate is the leading, fully integrated network of conventional and auction real estate professionals. The company has been an innovator in lifestyle and country real estate marketing since 1925. United Country has a combined network that supports more than 500 offices and 6,000 real estate professionals, with a unique, comprehensive marketing program. The exclusive program includes the highest ranked and largest portfolio of national, state, office, agent and specialty property marketing websites, unequaled national print advertising, a comprehensive internal real estate advertising agency, an extensive buyer database of nearly one million opt-in buyers and additional proprietary programs to advertise properties more broadly. United Country Real Estate is a division of the United Real Estate Group.

Angela Smith

United Country Real Estate

816-420-6200

pr@unitedcountry.com


Mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin today signed a memorandum during a ceremony attended by Head of Unit of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Eastern Partnership of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission Vassilis Maragos, as well as several high-ranking officials, reports Yerevan Municipality.

On December 17, 2019, Yerevan Municipality and the European Union signed the N (NEAR-TS/2019/412-943) grant agreement on cooperation of Yerevan, Warsaw and Tirana to overcome the general challenges for hazardous waste management, the main goal of which is to introduce a new and effective system of hazardous waste management through systemic reforms in municipal management. The total cost of the project is EUR 5,326,377. After completion of the project, there will be final solutions for all potential hazardous wastes in Yerevan.

During the solemn signing of the memorandum, Mayor of Yerevan Hayk Marutyan stressed that Yerevan has submitted a bid for a tender to participate in the project and won, meaning that the current policy of Yerevan on hazardous waste management is fully in line with the principles of the European Union.

The mayor also stated that Yerevan has completed all the preparation works, taking into consideration the commitments envisaged by the plan for hazardous waste management. All the aforementioned results will be ensured through close cooperation with Tirana and Warsaw.

Before the solemn signing of the memorandum, Hayk Marutyan received Head of Unit of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Eastern Partnership of the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission Vassilis Maragos. The interlocutors talked about Yerevans cooperation with EU institutions in the fields of social importance, as well as nature protection and urban development. Marutyan stated that public transport reforms are among the main challenges facing Yerevan and that Yerevan is preparing to have green transport.

In his turn, Maragos stated that EU institutions are committed to assisting in the efforts to create a safe and prosperous environment for the populations in partnering countries and are ready to consider the terms of cooperation in certain sectors.
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  Two New Haven police officers were praised after they helped save residents from a fire on Sunday, according to the department.

Officers Jason Bandy and Paul Vitale were dispatched to a house fire on Hall Street at approximately 11:30 a.m., finding a woman in visible distres, according to Sgt. Shayna Kendall.
By Paul Sandle and Elizabeth Howcroft

LONDON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Facebook will hire 1,000

people in London this year in roles such as product development

and safety as it continues to grow its biggest engineering

centre outside the United States after Britain leaves the

European Union.

Over half of the new jobs will be in technology, including

software engineering and data science, Facebook's vice president

for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Nicola Mendelsohn said in

an interview.

Other roles will be in the "community integrity" team, which

makes products to detect and remove harmful content from

platforms like Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Mendelsohn said London's appeal was not only in its

technology ecosystem but also the strength of its creative

industries.

She said that while Facebook's enthusiasm for London was

undimmed, like other tech companies it wanted certainty about

Brexit.

"The Johnson government has been very clear about what that

looks like, and so we will continue to invest here in London,"

she said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Facebook's growth was

"great news". "We are committed to making the UK the safest

place in the world to be online, alongside being one of the best

places for technology companies to be based," he said.

Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg will

announce the new jobs, which will take its total UK employees to

more than 4,000, on Tuesday before travelling to the World

Economic Forum in Davos with Mendelsohn, where they will meet

global leaders, regulators and other business chiefs.

The company is trying to rebuild trust in its platforms

after the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, in which a

British political consulting firm collected data from Facebook

for voter profiling and targeting.

Nick Clegg, Facebook's public affairs chief and a former

British politician, said on Monday that the company will do a

better job of preventing bad actors from manipulating this

year's U.S. presidential election than it did four years ago.

Mendelsohn said trust would take time to rebuild.

"We also understand that this is an ongoing important

conversation - we want to be part of that conversation," she

said. "We want to be working with policymakers in this area to

get to thoughtful policy."

Facebook has commissioned research to show the economic

benefits its platforms bring to businesses in Europe.

The study by Copenhagen Economics, which questioned 7,7320

businesses across 15 countries, estimated Facebook apps helped

create 208 billion euros ($230 billion) of economic value last

year.

"When you extrapolate that further, what you see is that has

resulted in 3.1 million jobs in Europe as a result of people

utilising our platforms," Mendelsohn said.

($1 = 0.9020 euros)

(Reporting by Paul Sandle and Elizabeth Howcroft; Editing by

Jan Harvey)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

Azerbaijan's Digital Trade Hub under management of the country's Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication (IITKM) was presented at a meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, on facilitating cross-border paperless trade facilitation, Trend reports with reference to the IITKM.

The adoption of a framework agreement to facilitate cross-border paperless trade in Asia and the Pacific in accordance with the UN treaty will enable the region to accelerate progress in this area by digitizing trade procedures.

During the UN meeting, Jana Krimpe, a partner at Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan, director and founder of B.EST Solutions, made a presentation on the implementation of the Digital Trade Hub project as one of the best practices.

Jana Krimpe emphasized the importance of this project not only in the region, but also at the global level and informed the members of the working groups about the results of the past year and the launch of the Digital Trade Hub portal.

Krimpe also noted that the development of the Digital Trade Hub will constantly strengthen Azerbaijan's position as a digital shopping center in the region, expand the use of digital technologies in the social, economic and financial sectors, digitize existing services and make innovative efforts to accelerate access to electronic services.

The massive work done jointly with state and private structures in Azerbaijan on trade facilitation, paperless trade and all-round development was also presented.

Azerbaijan is achieving very goods results in the implementation process, Jana Krimpe said, citing a recent UN report on simplifying digital and sustainable trade procedures.

Azerbaijan's implementation exceeds 80 percent, while countries with regional averages, such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan show implementation rates of 67 and 62 percent, respectively, she added.

We would like to share our best practices and contribute to achievibng better results in paperless trading around the world, Jana Krimpe noted.

The Digital Trade Center of Azerbaijan is a public-private partnership created to develop digital infrastructure and a cross-border electronic trading platform in Azerbaijan and strengthen the country's position on a regional and global scale.
President Trump on Tuesday confirmed that the administration is looking to add to the list of countries covered by the travel ban that bars citizens of certain countries from entering the U.S. on national security grounds.

Trump revealed the administrations plans to expand the travel ban to the Wall Street Journal at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The president declined to reveal which countries the administration would seek to add to the ban, however.

Any attempts by the administration to expand the controversial travel ban will almost definitely result in legal challenges. The updated version is expected to be released later this month.

The ban currently applies to five Muslim-majority countries, Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia and Yemen, and prohibits nationals of those countries from crossing the U.S. border. The ban also restricts visas for those from Venezuela and North Korea. Originally, the White House had proposed including Sudan on the list as well and prohibiting all refugees temporarily for 120 days.

Trump announced the ban in January, 2017, citing terrorism concerns from the countries listed in the order as well as distrust of the way the countries vet their travelers. The order was immediately met with challenges in several federal courts over whether it illegally discriminated against Muslims, with plaintiffs citing Trumps campaign promise to halt the inflow of all Muslims regardless of their country of origin.

The administration then slightly revised the order, and the Supreme Court approved the implementation of most of it in December, 2017. The Court upheld the current version of the ban last summer.

The U.S. denied tens of thousands more visas in 2018 as a result of the travel ban, cutting visas to applicants from the countries covered by the ban 80 percent since 2016. The U.S. denies close to 4 million visa applications every year for a laundry list of reasons, including criminal activity and not qualifying for the particular visa sought.

More from National Review
Several people have been questioned and many suspected places searched as part of the probe into finding out the culprit behind the planting of Improvised Explosive Device at Mangaluru International Airport on January 20, city police commissioner P S Harsha said here on Tuesday.

The bag containing possible explosive substances was found by a CISF official at the entry point of the airport on Monday. it was later defused by the bomb squad.

The commissioner said three police teams probing the case are looking into all angles and hoped to crack it at the earliest.

The probe was progressing well and the suspect who planted the IED would be nabbed soon, he said.

Among those questioned was the auto rickshaw driver in whose vehicle the suspect reached the airport.

Police are also trying to find out whether there is any link between the incident and the bomb threat call received later by the terminal manager against a Bengaluru bound IndiGo flight which left hours late after necessary clearance.

The Bomb Disposal and Detection Squad has sent the residue of the controlled explosion of the device carried out at Kenjar to the Forensic Science Laboratory to find out the nature of the explosive.

Harsha said people have been sending photos and videos of persons looking similar to the suspect to the police, which are being examined.

The auto rickshaw driver who carried the suspect to the airport told the police that the man had another bag in his possession which he left at a salon at Kenjar before going to the airport.

He collected the bag on the way back and got down at Pumpwell junction, the driver said.

Meanwhile, a team of the National Security Guard (NSG) arrived at the MIA on Tuesday to conduct a detailed enquiry into Mondays incident.

They examined the spot where the bomb was found and the entry points to the airport.

The team also visited Kenjar where the IED was detonated by the bomb disposal squad and examined the area to find out the power of the explosion.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday said a lot remained to be done to address the developmental challenges, but efforts were on to make Tripura a model state.

Deb, on the occasion of Tripura's 48th Statehood Day, said his government would strive hard to make the state economically self-reliant.

"Tripura had attained statehood on Jan 21, 1972, but we are yet to fulfill many aspirations of people. We strive to make Tripura a model state in the country in terms of development," Deb said on the occasion.

Since the BJP-IPFT dispensation came to power 23 months ago, revenue collections have increased 26% from 8.9 %, the state achieved 100 per cent electrification and eradicated malaria, Deb said, enlisting his government's accomplishments.

The state, in an attempt to ensure transparency, introduced e-tendering system for procuring goods and services and distributed gas cylinders to at least 91 per cent of the households, as part of the Centre's Ujjwala Yojana, the chief minister claimed.

The CM also said that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8000 crore for widening of National Highways in the state, the work for which is underway.

"Tripura now has access to Chittagong port in Bangladesh. The government is constructing a four-lane bridge over Feni river in Sabroom subdivision will reduce the distance between the state and Chittagong port to just about 70 km," he explained.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier in the day, greeted the people of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on their Statehood Day and hailed the traditions and culture of the three northeast states. On this day in 1972, all the three states became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A group of California Central Valley dairies have announced their participation in the nations largest effort to convert methane from cow manure into biogas. The potential for methane to warm the atmosphere is 30 times greater than that of carbon dioxide, and California cattle account for half of the states methane emissions, according to its Air Resources Board The biogas project, a joint effort between Calgren Dairy Fuels and Southern California Gas, is expected to yield 3 million to 4 million gallons of renewable natural gas (RNG) a year. The RNG processed by Calgren is injected into the utilitys system.This facility alone will eventually capture methane produced from the manure of more than 75,000 cows, preventing about 130,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere each year, the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 passenger cars off the road annually, said Lyle Schlyer, president of Calgren Renewable Fuels.The expansion is the latest response to a 2016 law passed in California, the nations largest dairy producer , calling for a 30 percent reduction in methane emissions from dairies by 2030. The mandate was supported by funding to support the creation of methane digesters on dairy farms.A digester is a manure pond covered by a flexible membrane. The membrane keeps oxygen out, with the result that bacteria in the manure think theyre still in a cows stomach, says Daryl Maas of Maas Energy, a digester developer and operations company that is working with farmers in in the region.They eat the remaining calories and they emit methane gas, he adds. The gas is captured and then processed into RNG, a transformation that is colloquially referred to as poo to power.This transition can also involve poo to profit, as farmers receive income for the gas they provide for processing. These payments can be in the range of six figures, according to Maas.Over the last five years, renewable natural gas use in the transportation sector has grown by almost 600 percent, said Sharon Tomkins, SoCalGas vice president and chief environmental officer. Were looking to build on that success by delivering more renewable energy options to our customers, including renewable natural gas produced at farms, hydrogen made from surplus solar energy, and advanced fuel cell systems that can provide energy in extreme weather events.
COLUMBIA  Entrepreneurs are often credited with innovative, creative thinking and Jennifer Beech, owner and operator of a new mobile art studio is no exception.

The Artstream Studio, based in Columbia, Illinois and set up in a rehabbed vintage 1968 Airstream Trade Wind camper, is literally Beechs vehicle for bringing art to children. The Artstream Studio gives one-of-a-kind, fun art experiences to Metro East youngsters, as well as those in St. Louis, who otherwise might not have opportunities to create and explore art in a studio setting.

Its been an idea Ive had for fifteen years, Beech said. I feel like this is my dream, just reaching the kids who dont get the opportunity to create and explore on their own.

Theres not a lot of times they get to go to a designated studio to make art, so its something thats really interesting to them.

Beechs original idea was for a brick-and-mortar studio in town, but she eventually saw a greater opportunity in being able to travel to neighboring communities and rural areas. Looking to house the new business in an Airstream, Beech and her husband searched for more than two years for one of the highly sought models of campers and recreational vehicles. They traveled as far away as Texas in their hunt. They finally found one suitable for the mobile studio project for sale in Indiana. Then the couple slowly turned their Airstream into Jennifer Beechs dream space, complete with heat and air conditioning.

We scoured for a couple of years, just trying to find something, and then rehabbed it for about a year, she recalled.

On a general basis, she continued, we have gemstones, lots of glitter and all of the traditional supplies, like, colored pencils, crayons, markers. We have quite a few materials that I bring in and out, so its different every time, depending on what program were working with.

Accommodating just 15 people, the studio works great for Beech, who develops and leads Artstream Studios programs.

Our studio is small, so it is just me teaching right now, she said. Everything we do is process art, so we focus on the experience of thinking, as opposed to the final product.

We offer the experience that goes into the making, as opposed to just the making.

Originally an art major, Beech received a degree in organizational leadership and spent years working and honing her various skills at places such as the Saint Louis Science Center, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and Laumeier Sculpture Park, in St. Louis County, among others.

Its basically a culmination of everything Ive liked to do, every job Ive had and everything Ive ever done, she said.

Its kind of like my background funneled me to this, and then throwing the travel aspect into it, it really resonates with me. 

With a target audience of children age 3 to 8, Beech partners with various groups and organizations within a one-hour driving distance of Columbia. Private events, such as birthday parties, also are popular.

Although we do serve the St. Louis area, the goal in setting this up was being able to bring a quality process art education experience to schools, libraries, daycares and the general public, on this side of the river, she said. My focus right now is on this area and reaching rural areas that maybe dont have an art studio in their town.

Beech said she needs about 50 feet of parking space for the Artstream Studio and some parks require permits, which are the responsibility of the party host, but most places are supportive of the project and willing to work with her.

Well pull up to parks or restaurants and basically wherever, she said.

Part of what were doing is building community and collaborating with other businesses. Creating that connection and partnering with other businesses is part of our business plan.

With more programs planned for spring, Beech is excited to see what the future holds and already sees the possibility for growth beyond the one mobile studio.

When the kids get into the studio, they get to make their own choices, she said. They get to build that skillset and it excites them.

For more information, visit www.theartstreamstudio.com, follow The Artstream Studio on Facebook and Instagram or contact Jennifer Beech at 618-791-2873.
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) ("Talon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of its exploration program at the Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt project ("Tamarack Project"), located in Minnesota, USA. The Tamarack Project comprises the Tamarack North Project and the Tamarack South Project.

Talon is well funded to execute on its exploration program with over C$7 million in its treasury. The Company has mobilized three drill rigs in respect of its program at Tamarack.

The Company's principal objectives for the exploration program are to:

(i) Better define the high-grade mineralized zone, known as the Massive Sulphide Unit ("MSU"), by converting resources from the inferred category to the indicated category, with the goal of progressing the Tamarack Project towards the pre-feasibility study stage; and

(ii) Utilize various geophysical techniques to identify drill targets for the purpose of extending (growing) the high grade MSU, and then begin drilling these targets as part of this exploration program.

"The nickel grades of the massive sulphide unit at Tamarack are high, even when compared to other high grade nickel, copper and cobalt projects globally. Our first order of business for 2020 is to better define and potentially expand the high grade massive sulphide unit as we progress the project towards a pre-feasibility study," said Henri van Rooyen, Talon CEO.

"We are one of a few mineral exploration projects with capital to potentially create significant value by following up on possible high grade massive sulphide extensions, while at the same time moving the Tamarack Project towards the pre-feasibility stage. We look forward to updating shareholders as and when results become available in the coming weeks," said Sean Werger, Talon President.

(A) Better Defining the High Grade MSU: Progressing Towards a Pre-feasibility Study by Converting Resources from the Inferred Category to the Indicated Category

Talon has mobilized three drill rigs to the Tamarack North Project to commence an in-fill (definition) drilling program, which is expected to continue from January to March 2020. The program is utilizing directional drilling to target up to 10 daughter drill holes from three parent holes. The plan is to step-out between 20 to 30 meters from existing drill holes, with an intention of showing continuity of high-grade mineralization. If each hole was to be drilled from surface, the total meterage drilled would be approximately 6,500 meters. With directional drilling, Talon plans to achieve the same objective with 2,500 meters of drilling. Drill hole azimuth and dip is set to target modeled Borehole Electromagnetic ("BHEM") plates as shown in Figure 1.





FIGURE 1: PLAN VIEW SHOWING THE SECTION OF THE MASSIVE SULPHIDE UNIT (SEE DOTTED LINES) THAT THE COMPANY PLANS TO DRILL TO CONVERT RESOURCES FROM THE INFERRED TO THE INDICATED CATEGORY

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/51695_5ef3fb6374f32b9d_002full.jpg

(B) Extending (Growing) the High-Grade Zone: Following the High-Grade MSU Trajectory (Going East)

As described in Talon's press release dated June 3, 2019, as part of a number of geophysical techniques being utilized at the Tamarack Project, Talon is conducting a magnetometric resistivity ("MMR") survey to confirm the results of a previous MMR survey, which indicated that the high grade MSU may be continuing to the east (see Figure 2). The MMR survey is expected to be completed in January 2020, followed by data processing, interpretation and evaluation of a possible drill target. Drilling of confirmed targets is expected to follow in February 2020, with the intention of growing the high grade MSU to the east.





FIGURE 2: PLAN VIEW SHOWING THE POSSIBLE CONTINUATION OF THE HIGH GRADE MSU USING MAGNETOMETRIC RESISTIVITY (SEE DOTTED LINE AND ARROW)

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/51695_5ef3fb6374f32b9d_003full.jpg

(C) Extending (Growing) the High Grade Zone: Looking for a Possible Continuation of the High Grade MSU (Going West)

A Radio Imaging ("RIM") survey is also planned during January 2020. The objective is to determine if the western high grade MSU continues parallel to the eastern high grade MSU as shown in Figure 3. Once the data has been processed and interpreted, a decision to drill will be formulated. Drilling of confirmed targets is expected to follow in February 2020, with the intention of growing the high grade MSU.





FIGURE 3: PLAN VIEW TO DETERMINE IF THE WESTERN HIGH GRADE MSU CONTINUES PARALLEL TO THE EASTERN HIGH GRADE MSU (SEE RED DOTTED LINE)

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/51695_5ef3fb6374f32b9d_004full.jpg

"The present geophysical program at the Tamarack Project has a dual purpose: first, to effectively expand and better define the high grade massive sulphide unit and second, to test new geophysical survey techniques over known high grade massive sulphide mineralization at the Tamarack Project. Assuming these geophysical techniques are proven to work at Tamarack, they could then be used in future exploration programs to cost effectively follow-up on massive sulphide intercepts over great distances with the objective of making new discoveries along the approximate 18-kilometer Tamarack Intrusive Complex" said Talon Geophysicist and Consultant, Brian Bengert.

Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Qualified Persons

Please see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of December 14, 2018 prepared by independent "Qualified Persons" (as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Leslie Correia (Pr. Eng), Silvia Del Carpio (P. Eng.) Tim Fletcher (P. Eng.), Daniel Gagnon (P. Eng.), Kebreab Habte (P. Eng.), Oliver Peters (P. Eng.), Tom Radue (P. Eng.), and Brian Thomas (P. Geo.) for information on the QA/QC, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Project. Copies are available on the Company's website (www.talonmetals.com) or on SEDAR at (www.sedar.com). The laboratory used is ALS Minerals who is independent of the Company.

The locations and distances highlighted on all maps in this news release are approximate.

Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Mr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the technical information disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information.

About Talon

Talon is a TSX-listed company focused on expanding its current NI 43-101 resource of high grade nickel mineralization; identifying additional high grade nickel mineralization; and developing a process to potentially produce nickel sulphates responsibly for batteries for the electric vehicles industry all within the United States. The high grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project is located in Minnesota, USA, and comprises of the Tamarack North Project and the Tamarack South Project. The Company has a well-qualified exploration and mine management team with extensive experience in project management.

For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact:

Sean Werger, President

Email: werger@talonmetals.com

Telephone: 416-361-9636

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the exploration program, including (i) plans to better define the high grade MSU and the potential to convert resources from the inferred category to the indicated category, (ii) plans to grow the high grade MSU to the east, and (iii) the possible continuation of the high grade MSU to the west and the timing of the exploration program and the results thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Table 1: Collar location for drill hole 10TK0120 (not previously publicly disclosed)

Drill Hole ID

Easting Northing

Elevation

Azimuth

Dip

Length 10TK0120 490805.3 5168289

388.447

62.09

83.24

676.66

Table 2: Assay results for drill hole 10TK0120 (not previously publicly disclosed)

Drill Hole ID From (m)

To (m)

Length (m)

Ni %

Cu %

Co %

Pt g/t

Pd g/t

Au g/t

10TK0120 No Significant sulphides



NSM: No Significant Mineralization

Length refers to drill hole length and not True Width.

True Width is unknown at the time of publication.

All samples were analysed by ALS Minerals. Nickel, copper, and cobalt grades were first analysed by a 4-acid digestion and ICP AES (ME-MS61). Grades reporting greater than 0.25% Ni and/or 0.1% Cu, using ME-MS61, trigger a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES finish (ICP81). Platinum, palladium and gold are initially analyzed by a 50g fire assay with an ICP-MS finish (PGM-MS24). Any samples reporting >1g/t Pt or Pd trigger an over-limit analysis by ICP-AES finish (PGM-ICP27) and any samples reporting >1g/t Au trigger an over-limit analysis by AAS (Au-AA26).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51695
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they would be stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family, the world was thrown into a tizzy. While Markle escaped to Canada with the couples infant son, Archie Harrison to get away from the constant bullying and scrutiny, the prince went into crisis mode with his family.

Though many of us assumed that it would take quite some time for the royals to iron out the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes new roles, in just a bit over a week, their new roles have been revealed

From repaying taxpayers the $3 million for the renovation of their U.K. home, Frogmore Cottage, to not using their His/Her Royal Highness titles, the Sussexes new roles sound both liberating and modern.

Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys new roles

Effective Spring of 2020 the Sussexes will no longer be working royals, and they will split their time between the U.K. and North America. Buckingham Palace said in a statement,

The couple will still be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they will no longer formally represent the Queen or receive money from the Sovereign Grant, the annual funding given to the Queen by the government to cover the costs of the royal familys official expenses.

Additionally, the couple will pay rent at Frogmore Cottage, but this will hopefully allow them to build their wealth independently and have a more peaceful life.

Prince Harry felt like he had no choice but to step away from the royal family

Since she married Prince Harry, Markle has been subjected to heinous racism, sexism, and bullying. Things got so horrific that it was wearing on the Sussexes mental health. In fact, the duke has filed a lawsuit against several publications for their harassment of his wife.

Now, for the first time, the prince has spoken up about how he felt he had no choice but to step away from his duties to protect his family. It brings me great sadness that it has come to this, he said while speaking at a dinner for Sentebale charity. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I havent always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible. I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family, for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months.

This is why Prince Harry is barred from wearing military uniforms

Though he does have honorary military titles, the Duke of Sussex did serve in the Army from 2006 to 2015. However, now that he is a normal citizen, he will give up his right to wear his military uniforms in public.

According to Yahoo News!, Retired service personnel can wear their medals  but not their uniform  at official engagements once they have left the military.

The next time he [the Duke of Sussex] is at a military event he should be in civilian clothes because he is no longer involved with any military units, Lord West of Spithead, the former First Sea Lord said of the duke resigning from his honorary appointments. It is very unfortunate. It is very sad to be losing him from the military.

However, it should calm the fears of many military personnel who were miffed that the duke would only be serving part-time.
SEOUL, South Korea  North Korea has temporarily barred foreign tourists as a protection against the mysterious virus from China that has killed at least nine people and sickened more than 400, a leading tour operator reported on Tuesday.

The operator, Young Pioneer Tours, which specializes in taking tourists from China to North Korea, said on its website that the country was closing its border to foreign tourists starting on Wednesday. Practically all foreign tours to North Korea come through China, and the vast majority of tourists are Chinese.

Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, which also takes tourists to North Korea, said his company had been told that action was being considered by the North Korean authorities to prevent the spread of the virus. We have been informed that we will be told more information in the morning, he said Tuesday night.

State-run media in North Korea, which tightly controls information from the outside world, reported on the Chinese outbreak of the coronavirus Wednesday, though the reports did not mention a tourist ban. A television news program said officials were working with the World Health Organization to keep the virus from spreading to the North, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, which monitors North Korean media.
Lawmaker offers cash to anyone who kills the US president after drone-strike assassination of top Iranian general.

An Iranian legislator on Tuesday offered a US$3m reward to anyone who kills US President Donald Trump to avenge the assassination of top general Qassem Soleimani.

American disarmament ambassador Robert Wood dismissed the reward as ridiculous, telling reporters in Geneva it showed the terrorist underpinnings of Irans establishment.

Ahmad Hamzeh, a little-known member of parliament, offered the bounty on behalf of the people of Kerman, the hometown and final resting place of the revered Soleimani, who was killed in an American drone strike in neighbouring Iraq on January 3.

We will give three million dollars to anyone who kills Trump, Hamzeh, who represents Kahnouj county near the southeastern city of Kerman, was quoted as saying by the semi-official ISNA news agency.

He did not say if the idea of a reward had any official backing from Irans clerical rulers. Hamzeh offered the money for the US presidents assassination while speaking to the 290-seat parliament, or Majlis.

Hamzeh also said Iran should start producing nuclear weapons and delivery systems to protect itself.

If we had nuclear weapons today we would be protected from threats  We should put the production of long-range missiles capable of carrying unconventional warheads on our agenda. This is our natural right, he was quoted as saying.





The United States and its Western allies have long accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Tehran insists it has never sought atomic arms and never will, saying its nuclear work is for research and to master the process to generate electricity.

Under a 2015 nuclear agreement signed by Iran and world powers, Tehran received sanctions relief in return for curbing its nuclear activities.

Dying nuclear deal

Tensions have steadily escalated since Trump pulled Washington out of the historic nuclear accord and reimposed crushing US sanctions. In response, Iran has gradually rolled back its commitments to the deal.

The standoff erupted into tit-for-tat military attacks this month with the killing of Soleimani and Irans missile barrage on a base in Iraq that housed American forces. The attack did not cause any US casualties.

Amid the crisis, Iran announced it will re-start its uranium enrichment work. On Monday, Iranian officials also threatened to pull out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty if the United Kingdom, France, and Germany were to bring nuclear-deal breaches to the UN Security Council and reimpose EU sanctions.

Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear accord and launched a maximum pressure campaign seeking to halt all of Tehrans oil exports, which are vital to the countrys struggling economy.
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MOTI, a leading vaping brand, presents its new product MOTI PIIN, a pre-filled nicotine salt disposable vape product with multiple flavors and color options, to vaping consumers, inviting them to "taste the inspiration".

"MOTI launched the MOTI PIIN prototype in 2016 for marketing testing. After three years of testing and refining, we now present the all-new MOTI PIIN," said Troy, Global Marketing Director of MOTI. "The MOTI PIIN is designed with intentions towards colorful, portable, and delicate. It could be considered as a tool for more inspiration and creativity, as well as a toy for relieving the physical and mental pressure.

The MOTI PIIN uses improved polymeric absorbent cotton to prevent condensate overflow of e-cigarettes, and a new generation of organic polymeric cotton in the atomizing core for ultimate taste. The well-designed mouthpiece of the device leads to a comfortable in-mouth feeling when using the device.

Measuring 104.5 mm in length, 12 mm in diameter, the MOTI PIIN's design is pen-like in form and is no larger than a crayon. The space-efficient design allows it to be pocketed easily, while the 350mAh battery and the 1.6 mL of e-liquid provides up to 380 puffs and delivers a more consistent and pure taste to users. Painted with high-quality, durable materials, the MOTI PIIN looks chic and is confirmable to the touch and is slip-resistant.

"MOTI PIIN is my long-awaited product." Mino Bro, vape reviewer and YouTube blogger from UK said, "I am crushed on this stuff for its exquisite design as well as the multiple color options. The vape pen has extraordinary touch feeling. For me, it is more than a simple vape product."

Requiring no filling, charging, or maintenance, the MOTI PIIN offers ten flavors, all easily distinguished by ten different colors. MOTI PIIN complies with the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU (TPD). The product has obtained sales permission in the UK, US, and Russia, and started shipping online from Dec 20. Users can choose to order one single MOTI PIIN or select different colors to design their own "MOTI PIIN rainbow pack".

About MOTI

MOTI is a revolutionary e-cigarette brand derived from Meta Lab  creators of the MOJO and MOTI Classics series. Since 2013, the brand has spearheaded the e-cigarette industry from its Las Vegas headquarters with a dedication to cutting-edge tech and top-notch creativity.

As a forward-thinking, social enterprise, MOTI aims to advance the use of smart technology to make improvements to the environment through cigarette alternatives research, spending on average 30% of its revenues on R&D.

For more information, please visit www.nowmoti.com

SOURCE MOTI
Are we a more compassionate and better society that we have been?

Normally the past is idealised, and the present frowned upon for its mores. There is nostalgia for the good old days. But in this country these maxims have been turned on their head and there is venom when past decades are mentioned while the present is lionised. Even the election slogan of Fine Gael, 'A Future to Look Forward To', reflects this simplistic notion.

In many respects life is good, at least for some. There are very high levels of employment, salaries are good for many occupational groups and education is free until university, and even then the fees are subsidised.

But beneath the veneer there are dark undercurrents in Irish society. In November we read of the abduction and torture of Kevin Lunney, an executive with Quinn Industrial Holdings. He survived, but at what cost physically and emotionally?

A few days ago, we learned that a youth from Drogheda was murdered and dismembered. He was only 17, but seems to have been caught up in a cocaine turf war that has already claimed other casualties.

His murder matches the Colombian narco-terrorism of the 1980s. Yet nobody seems concerned that this most dangerous of drugs is now saturating the market in every town and village in Ireland.

It is difficult to know if the lack of urgency in dealing with it is due to indifference, denial or helplessness. What is missing that drives this need in users? Do they even consider that their snorting is fuelling the gangs and the killings?

Then in Cork two weeks back a homeless man was decapitated, while this week in Dublin a poor man had his home, a tent by the canal, lifted off the ground while he lay asleep inside. Being treated like garbage and his only possession bulldozed under the baleful eye of Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy in the overhead election poster are reminders of political indifference. This symbol is a powerful reminder of Ireland 2020. The man has been seriously injured. The woeful first response of the Taoiseach had been to ask the Lord Mayor of Dublin to comment.

The one event that shocked the country probably more than any was the murder of Ana Kriegel, a 14-year-old lured to her death by a boy she knew from school. She was brutally assaulted and sexually abused in a disused house by another boy. Both were of a similar age.

The role of hard-core pornography was highlighted in this case, yet there has been little discussion about the protection of minors from underage legal and illegal pornography.

There has been prevarication about the appointment of a Digital Safety Commissioner and when the Data Protection Bill was introduced in 2018, the Government set an Irish digital age of consent at 13 (it is 16 in most of Europe) but ultimately, thanks to campaigners like Dr Mary Aiken, it was forced to raise the age to 16.

According to an article by Aiken in the 'Journal' last week, the Government has again resurrected the plan for a Safety Commissioner, the cynic would say a pragmatic decision motivated by an imminent election.

Could it be that the flip-flopping is driven by the Irish preoccupation with our censorship in past decades? Does our Government not have the insight to see the wood from the trees on this one?

While these involve either individuals or criminal gangs, there is also institutional neglect that clearly demonstrates a lack of care for Irish men and women, blighting many a life.

These are less dramatic than the atrocities of maiming and killing, but they still have a profound impact on our citizens and they touch the most vulnerable in our society. Take the case of an elderly man who last week may have fallen off a trolley and died in an emergency department, or a woman assaulted in an emergency department in October.

And what about the little four-year-old with cancer who had her chemotherapy cancelled at short notice because of bed shortages? The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation collates Trolley Watch data and on January 16 the number of patients on trolleys was 530 nationally. And in December alone there were more than 10,000 admitted to hospital but on trolleys rather than beds.

And if the sick can't be given a bed in hospital, there are thousands on our streets who have no place to call home.

Our hearts were deeply touched by the picture recently of a little boy eating his meal on a pavement, one of the 3,826 homeless children in Ireland. Overall there were 10,500 identified as homeless in December 2019 and around 92 sleeping rough. This is a high-risk group, with some powerful voices like Simon and Fr Peter McVerry advocating for them, to a minister paralysed by inaction and unable to grasp the gravity of their plight. He just doesn't "get it".

Criminal gangs, almost weekly murders, massive cocaine use nationally, loss of innocence, a record number of sick people unable to obtain hospital beds and rampant homelessness. Only a fool could claim that the present is universally good.

We can do little about our past but the present and future we can have an impact upon. But we need to move on from the battles of the 1950s and realise that this is 2020, with its unique social problems that also need to be addressed, and urgently, if more lives are not to be sacrificed on the altar of inertia.
The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), a section of the larger Bakken pipeline, is an underground oil pipeline designed to transport crude oil across four states of the United States. The DAPL was completed in 2017 and has been effectively transporting crude oil ever since.

The $3.78 billion DAPL project extends for 1,172 miles (1,886 km), beginning in the Bakken oil fields of the Three Forks production facility in the Bakken formation in western North Dakota, and running through South Dakota and Iowa to an oil refinery located in Patoka, Illinois. Along with another Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline that extends from Patoka to Nederland, Texas, the DAPL completes the Bakken pipeline.

The DAPL is 30" in diameter and made of heavy-walled steel pipe. The entire pipeline is buried underground, far deeper than other existing pipelines that run through the same areas.

Why Was the DAPL Built?

The Dakota Access Pipeline was built because pipelines are the safest and most efficient method of transporting crude oil to satisfy America's oil consumption needs, the energy that Americans across the country use to fuel our vehicles, homes, and businesses.

The United States consumes 800 million gallons of petroleum every single day, and crude oil must be transported from oil fields to refineries in order to be utilized as energy by end consumers. Pipelines such as the Dakota Access are proven to be the safest method of transport for crude oil in comparison to other methods of transportation such as rail or truck. The Dakota Pipeline was deemed the safest and most efficient means to transport crude oil from a geographically constrained location such as the Bakken formation to refineries in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions, as well as other downstream markets.

Completed between 2015 and 2017, the Dakota Access Pipeline has been operating safely and efficiently, with no incidence or indication of problems, since June of 2017, facilitating the transport of some 570,000 barrels of crude oil daily. The pipeline is monitored for safety by a computer network control system that operates 24/7, 365 days a year.

Who is Energy Transfer?

Energy Transfer Operating L.P., formerly known as Energy Transfer Partners, is one of the largest and most diversified midstream energy providers in the United States, and the developer behind the DAPL. The company is committed to the safe and efficient transportation of crude oil to supply the energy to fuel America's homes and businesses. A manufacturer and operator of oil pipelines, and a force behind the latest innovation in pipeline construction technologies, Energy Transfer safely operates more than 86,000 miles of pipeline across 38 states.

Throughout its process of construction and operation, Energy Transfer emphasizes its commitment to safety. The company employs a wide range of professionals, including engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, and wildlife biologists as advisory consultants who assist with the design of their pipelines and advise as to the safest and most environmentally sensitive routes, leaving the smallest environmental footprint possible.

An American company with American values, Energy Transfer maintains a commitment to prioritize construction using American materials, American workers, and American ingenuity to provide energy to fuel American homes and businesses.

How Does the DAPL Benefit the Local Community?

The DAPL has brought growth to the local economy since the project's inception. During construction of the pipeline, the project created some 8,000 to 12,000 jobs locally, providing work for skilled union workers, electricians, pipefitters, mechanics, heavy equipment operators, and other skilled laborers within the heavy construction industry. The project also contributed to growth in the local economy as the project crew patronized local businesses, including hotels, motels, restaurants, and services.

Additionally, since the project's inception, the DAPL has been paying millions in yearly property taxes to the four states that it crosses, providing valuable tax dollars that states can use to fund schools, hospitals, emergency services, and other critical service needs for the local community.

Energy Transfer also maintains an active presence as a member of the communities that the pipeline crosses, and provides philanthropic support to local community projects in its four host states. To date, Energy Transfer and the DAPL have made philanthropic contributions totaling over $11.2 million to organizations across the four states that the pipeline traverses. These contributions are in addition to the $15 million that Energy Transfer gifted to the State of North Dakota.

During its daily operation at current production volumes, the DAPL transports about 40% of the total production of crude oil out of the Bakken oil fields, ensuring production royalties that are paid to both landowners and the state, as well as to local Native American communities who own oil and gas leases or production on nearby reservation property. The DAPL provides a critical link to jobs at the Bakken formation, supporting more than 80,000 jobs for North Dakota residents.

By easing the transport of about 40% of its crude oil output, the pipeline has also helped increase production in the Bakken formation, strengthening the local economy in the region. The DAPL has also contributed to better drilling economics in the region by reducing the cost of transportation for operators, while also providing a safer form of transportation when compared to truck or rail.

For the community at large, increased production of domestic crude oil means greater energy security, lower trade deficit, and boosted economic growth, thanks to reduced reliance on foreign oil producers and stable prices in the domestic market. Pipelines such as the DAPL enable domestic crude oil to safely reach American refineries and manufacturers, where it can be used to provide energy products that Americans use to fuel our everyday lives.

Is the DAPL Safe for the Environment?

Energy Transfer Partners is committed to safety as a top priority. The company has a long-standing commitment to the safety of its workers, as well as to its communities, to the environment, and to their own assets. These commitments make up the company's fundamental core values and inform their corporate responsibilities. The DAPL is designed and built to be one of the safest, most technologically advanced pipelines in the world, meeting or exceeding all safety and environmental regulations and factors with state-of-the-art construction techniques and innovation in engineering technology.

The development of the DAPL is the result of an extensive design and engineering process involving a lengthy series of reviews and approvals by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with state regulation authorities in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. Throughout the process, Energy Transfer remained compliant in ensuring the safety of the project, even exceeding the requirements and demands imposed by these regulating bodies. In total, over 1,000 certificates, permits, and approvals were granted for the pipeline's construction, amounting to about one permit or approval for every mile of pipeline.

The builders of the DAPL adhered to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and in some cases took measures beyond those required. In one example of the company's willingness to stretch the extra mile as far as its commitment to safety, 100% of the mainline girth welds on the DAPL were non-destructively tested by means of x-ray or ultrasound, even though the requirement stipulates that only 10% of welds need to be tested. Furthermore, the pipe was buried nearly two feet deeper than the minimum depth requirements in agricultural areas, and also exceeds the separation distance required between the pipe itself and all drain tile.

In case of any malfunction, pipeline segments may be isolated as needed because all mainline valves qualify as Emergency Flow Restriction Devices (EFRD) and have motorized actuators that enable remote closing of each segment of the pipe if it should become necessary. These are additional examples of the ways in which Energy Transfer is committed to safety and has exceeded the testing requirements on the DAPL.

Energy Transfer also maintains a comprehensive program that enables real time monitoring of all of its assets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, which means that every pipeline, including the DAPL, is closely monitored at all times. The program consists of a computer system that facilitates supervisory control and acquisition of data, as well as aerial patrol, ground patrol, in-line inspection tools, and valves that can be remotely actuated in case of emergencies, among other key safety features. The goal of the program is to provide safe and dependable service to all of the communities that the pipeline's path crosses, as well as to American consumers and end users.

To further ensure the safety of the Dakota Access Pipeline, the project was once again closely inspected and reviewed a year after its completion. In August of 2018, after the pipeline had been in operation for over a year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed an additional twelve months of research and observation of the Dakota Access pipeline. The report released at the conclusion of their inspection reiterated that the observations made during this observation period confirmed its original findings that the pipeline poses no significant threats to the local environment.

How Does the DAPL Impact Land and Groundwater?

Environmental protection and public safety are factors that are top priorities for Energy Transfer, who brings a long history of safely building and operating oil pipelines while minimizing and mitigating any negative impact on land properties and groundwater. The Dakota Access Pipeline is one of the most technologically advanced and safest pipelines ever built in the world, surpassing federal safety requirements to ensure adequate protection of the land and groundwater in its path.

In keeping with the company's commitment to honoring the integrity of public lands, as well as the communities that the pipeline crosses, the DAPL extends almost entirely across private land, and landowners are justly compensated for the use of their property. In fact, about 99.98% of the pipeline is installed on privately owned land in North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. Landowners receive compensation for the use of their land by way of production royalties that are paid to them, as well as by access to community benefits and improvements funded by tax dollars paid by the DAPL to its four host states. The pipeline passes through public property owned by the Federal Government for a small stretch at Lake Oahe in North Dakota. In order to limit intervention into unspoiled land, much of the land that the DAPL crosses is already in use for utilities easements such as other pipelines.

The DAPL does not present any threat to local groundwater or drinking water supplies. Since June of 2017 when the pipeline began operations, the DAPL has never impacted groundwater in any of the four states that it passes through. After its first full year of operation, the pipeline was once again scrutinized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer to ensure its safety, and the Army Corps once again found that the pipeline did not pose any significant threats to the local environment.

The entire Dakota Access Pipeline is buried underground, and crosses underneath Lake Oahe at a minimum depth of 95 feet beneath the riverbed bottom. Specifically, the DAPL follows the same route as the Northern Border Pipeline, which was completed in 1982 and has been operating safely beneath Lake Oahe for over 35 years. To further ensure its safety, the DAPL is buried much deeper underground than the Northern Border Pipeline, further reducing its potential to contaminate the lake in case of any malfunction, and making the DAPL theoretically even safer than the Northern Border Pipeline.

Incidentally, eight other pipelines have also been operating safely for years underneath Lake Oahe. No part of the DAPL ever comes into contact with water from Lake Oahe or the Missouri River, so there is no danger of any impact on local water supplies.

Next Step: Optimization of the DAPL

The DAPL has proven to be an invaluable asset that, in addition to improving economic conditions in its host states, has also contributed to the growth of the greater U.S. economy by facilitating the transport of domestic crude oil to American refineries who can make it accessible as energy to American consumers. Given the fact that Americans consume over 800 million barrels of crude oil daily, this is a pretty impressive contribution to the comfortable lifestyle that we as Americans have become accustomed to here in the U.S.

In 2018, Energy Transfer held an open season in an effort to obtain additional shipper commitments to increase capacity on the pipeline. The success of this open season underscored the continued need and demand to increase transport capacity out of the Bakken oil region.

To meet this increased need, Energy Transfer announced its plans in June 2019 to optimize the existing DAPL to accommodate the transport of increased volumes of crude oil from the Bakken region. In North Dakota specifically, the optimization project will cost between $30 and $40 million.

This optimization can be easily accomplished by increasing horsepower, in addition to minor modifications and upgrades required at pump stations along the existing path of the pipeline. No main-line construction or additional pipe will be needed to accommodate the increase in crude oil volume. The increase in horsepower will be achieved by increasing the number of pumps at existing pump stations, as well as creating new pump stations along the route. Energy Transfer plans to purchase property outright to accommodate three new mid-point pump stations to be located in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois. To protect the local environment and mitigate sound, pumping equipment at each new pump station will be enclosed within isolated structures.

The upgrade and optimization of the already permitted DAPL will facilitate further development in the Bakken region, producing an increase in jobs as well as other economic benefits for local communities in North Dakota, as well as stabilization of costs for the industry and consumers.

In keeping with its compliance thus far, Energy Transfer is committed to working closely with local, state, and federal authorities to ensure that the project remains in full compliance with all applicable requirements.

Optimizing the pipeline's capacity will foster additional development in the Bakken region, which means more jobs and economic benefits for local communities. Each of the three states involved in the optimization project will benefit from the generation of sales tax revenues as a consequence of the installation of one new pump in each state. The three new pump stations will also generate millions in property taxes that these counties can use to fund public projects such as schools, hospitals, and local emergency services.

Overall, optimizing the DAPL will improve the flow of energy that fuels American homes and businesses, and contribute to a reduction in our trade deficit and our reliance on foreign oil sources, ultimately creating a win-win situation for all Americans.
Representative Image

A church in western Bengaluru was reportedly attacked and desecrated by miscreants in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Unidentified miscreants attacked the St Francis of Assisi Church located in Kengeri Satellite Town, Bengaluru around 1 am. As per initial reports, these miscreants did not steal any valuables and came in with the intent to destroy the altar, the tabernacle and statues inside the church. The Holy Communion was also desecrated by the attackers.

Church authorities have filed a complaint with the Kengeri Police Station. The CCTV camera inside the church premises has helped identify one miscreant who entered through the back door.

Preliminary reports do not confirm a communal attack or any robbery.
Hong Kong protesters on Tuesday marked six months since a bloody attack on train passengers and bystanders by white-shirted triad-linked thugs wielding batons inside Yuen Long MTR station, as eight victims of the attack sued the city's chief of police.



Hundreds of people gathered for a silent sit-in outside the station to mark the July 21 attacks. Riot police closed in and fired tear gas and pepper spray on anyone who lingered after the official end time of 10:00 p.m.



Protesters said they would never forget that the Hong Kong police failed to respond to more than 24,000 emergency calls from the area as the white-shirted mob ran amok, bludgeoning passengers for 39 minutes before police arrived on the scene, leaving 45 people in hospital.



TV footage in the hours following the attack showed officers chatting to groups of similarly-clad armed men on the same day.



A similar sit-in was held in Causeway Bay MTR station, according to social media posts.



Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting said he has gathered video footage and witness accounts in support of a lawsuit against the chief of police brought by himself and seven other victims of the attack seeking H.K. $2.7 million (U.S. $350,000) in compensation.



"Our court case is not just for our compensation. We are looking for justice for the victims and for Hong Kong," Lam told journalists on Tuesday. "We believe that it was a turning point in Hong Kong history."



"The police force deliberately allowed the gangsters to use weapons to attack civilians in Yuen Long indiscriminately. This was blatant collusion between the police and triads and marks a watershed for Hong Kong. Weve been unable to trust the police from that point onwards," Lam said.



Police have said the protesters had "provoked" the attackers, but there is scant evidence on video footage to support this view.



Thirty-seven people, some of whom have links to triad organizations, were arrested in the wake of the attack, and seven of them face charges of "rioting."



Treatment of journalists



Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA) has called on police to stop lying about their treatment of journalists covering the protests.



The group said police officers had attacked reporters on Jan. 19 in Mong Kok and Central districts for no reason while they were in the process of doing their jobs.



"They stole their video equipment and mobile phones, shoved them down on the ground and sprayed pepper spray on their heads," the HKJA said in a statement on its website. "Personal information was leaked because police deliberately displayed it for about a minute in front of a live camera."



"The HKJA ... is extremely angry and strongly condemns these actions by police. We call on the higher ranks of the police force to exercise better restraint on frontline officers," it said.



Protesters also took to social media to remember the Yuen Long attack.



"Today marks six months of the 721 incident, when triads rushed into a train station and attacked people indiscriminately," Twitter user @usssnonichijyou wrote on Tuesday. "The police didn't care and arrived late. Never forget."



Twitter user @HkKayau wrote: "It's been 6mo since the #721 #YuenLongAttack. This date marks the official beginning of #HKPoliceState, the collapse of rule of law and the tearing down of the facade of 1 country 2 systems."



Under the "one country, two systems" framework agreed before the 1997 handover to Chinese rule, Hong Kong was promised the maintenance of its freedoms of speech, assembly and political participation.



The protests that erupted seven months ago in response to plans to allow extradition to mainland China were largely triggered by the erosion of those freedoms, particularly following a series of high-profile interventions by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in the city's political life, including the debarring of pro-democracy lawmakers and would-be election candidates for their political views.



Beijing also decreed that while it would allow Hongkongers to each have a vote in popular elections, they would only be allowed to choose from among candidates approved by China.



Too little, too late



Millions of pro-democracy supporters have taken to Hong Kong's streets with demands for a public inquiry into police violence, fully democratic elections, an amnesty for thousands of arrested protesters, and an end to the use of the word "rioters" to describe the movement.



While chief executive Carrie Lam formally withdrew hated amendments to the city's laws that would have allowed extradition to mainland China in October, protesters slammed her response as too little, too late, and demanded she address the rapid erosion of the city's promised freedoms.



Frontline protesters, eyewitnesses, journalists and human rights groups have repeatedly said that the majority of violence during the protests has originated with the Hong Kong police, who have been widely criticized for the excessive use of tear gas, water cannon, pepper spray, as well as both non-lethal and live ammunition weapons on unarmed protesters.



Around one third of adults in Hong Kong have reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the protest movement escalated last June, according to a mental health survey published in The Lancet this month, which said the incidence of psychiatric problems was similar to those usually associated with war zones or terrorist attacks.



Rights groups have warned that Hong Kong is now in a state of humanitarian crisis after police fired more than 16,000 rounds of tear gas in recent months, with around 1,000 of those fired into the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) campus during a single day in November.



Reported by RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
USAA employees Tuesday saw their annual bonus decline for the fifth straight year, most likely because of 2019s severe weather and an onslaught of customers damage claims.

The San Antonio insurer and financial services company awarded workers a 14.5 percent bonus for 2019, down from the 14.8 percent bonus for 2018. This years performance pay is the smallest since 2008 when employees received a 13.5 percent bonus.

The peak bonus over the last decade was 18.8 percent in 2012.

The companys annual bonus announcement, made both internally and externally, almost has become a public rite.

For USAA workers, its the moment they know exactly how much extra theyll have for vacations, their childrens tuition or credit card payments. For San Antonio workers whose employers dont provide bonuses  well, its at least nice to think of what theyd do with thousands in extra cash.

USAA didnt provide an explanation for the most recent drop in its bonus, but 2019 marked the fifth consecutive year the United States registered at least 10 weather and climate events with at least $1 billion in losses.

There were 14 such events last year, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

More Information USAA bonuses over the past decade 2019: 14.5 percent 2018: 14.8 2017: 16.2 2016: 16.8 2015: 17 2014: 18.7 2013: 18.7 2012: 18.8 2011: 18.4 2010: 18.4 See More Collapse

From 2016 through 2018, USAA said it had annual catastrophe-related claims surpassing $2 billion. The company didnt provide figures for 2019.

On ExpressNews.com: April hailstorm still causing hassles for Dominion homeowners

Eligible workers receive the annual bonus as a percentage of their base salary. USAA has about 35,000 employees, including 19,000 locally, making it one of San Antonios largest employers.

Under USAAs compensation program, a staffer who earns a $50,000 base salary will receive a $7,250 bonus for 2019. In 2018, the bonus was $7,400 bonus for the same base salary. The latest bonus amount represents a 2 percent dip from 2018.

One reason USAAs bonuses receive so much public attention is the number of big companies that award annual incentives is tiny.

Overall, the percentage of U.S. adult workers who receive cash profit-sharing was 38 percent in a 2018 survey by the University of Chicago, CNN reported. The median payout was $2,000, or 5 percent of pay.

So whether its envy or just plain curiosity, USAAs announcement always sparks a lot of local interest.

In the past, USAA has said that while the bonus is part of its payment structure, its not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the bonus serves as an effective tool in recruiting strong job applicants and retaining employees.

The bonus is one part of USAAs benefits package, which it said ranks in the 90th percentile of its industry. It said employees also are eligible for an extra paycheck in December each year and company-matched retirement contributions of up to 8 percent of pay, among other benefits.

The company is a mutual association owned by its members, who received $2.4 billion in distributions, dividends, bank rebates and rewards last year. Thats up from $1.8 billion in 2018.

Last year was one of major change at USAA. It unexpectedly announced last month that CEO and President Stuart Parker would retire at the end of next week after about five years in the post. Hell be replaced by longtime executive Wayne Peacock, who served the past three years as president of the Property & Casualty Insurance Group.

Peacock will become the first chief executive without a military background to lead the company in its nearly 100-year history, though USAA has trumpeted his more than 30 years of experience across all of its business lines.

On ExpressNews.com: USAA names Wayne Peacock to replace Stuart Parker as CEO

USAA revealed in November its selling a controlling stake in USAA Real Estate Co. to current management and a private investment group for an undisclosed amount. The company manages about $30 billion in real estate.

In July, USAA completed the sale of its asset management business to Victory Capital Holdings in a deal valued at $850 million. The deal included USAAs portfolio of 47 mutual funds and six exchange-traded funds.

That same month, USAA announced it would sell its investment management, including brokerage and managed portfolio accounts, to the Charles Schwab Corp. for $1.8 billion. The deal for USAA Investment Management Co. assets is expected to close this year, pending regulatory approvals.

USAA has said the changes are part of an evolution to a simpler, more efficient company focused on our businesses of auto and homeowners insurance, banking and life insurance.

Meanwhile, USAA Federal Savings Bank took heat from regulators last year. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last January directed the bank to pay a $3.5 million penalty and $12 million in restitution to settle charges that it violated banking laws.

The following month, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which regulates banks, issued a cease-and-desist order against USAA Bank for engaging in unsafe and unsound practices. The OCC found the banks internal controls and information systems did not comply with certain guidelines.

In 2019, we served members with excellence, increased financial strength and addressed regulatory concerns, USAA spokesman Matt Hartwig said in an email.

The company offers insurance and financial services to members of the military, veterans and their families. It had about 13 million members at the end of 2019, up from about 12.8 million members at the end of 2018.

The bonus for 2019 was announced at an employee meeting hosted by Parker on Tuesday at USAAs headquarters.

Our employees are the heart and soul of USAA, and I am proud of the way we unite to deliver the military community, Parker said in a statement.

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USAAs board reviews annual results in several areas, including financial strength, employee productivity and how well the company delivers on its mission, to gauge corporate performance and calculate the bonus.

The (bonus) score is evidence of the high standards we hold ourselves to, as well as employees commitment to members and to a stronger USAA in the years to come, Hartwig said.

The maximum performance bonus nonexecutives and nonmanagers can earn in any given year is 20 percent under the scoring system USAA uses.

The privately held company will release 2019 financial results in April, but said its net worth rose more than $4.5 billion to $35 billion last year.

USAA officials view the figure  the difference between the companys assets and liabilities  as one measure of its financial health and strength.

Also Tuesday, Fortune magazine ranked USAA as 24th on the list of the worlds most admired companies  the same spot it held a year ago.

USAA was just behind consumer products company Procter & Gamble but just ahead of investment management company BlackRock Inc. Apple Inc. topped the list.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering banking and civil courts. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pdanner@express-news.net | Twitter: @AlamoPD
Bengaluru-based Embassy Group has entered the co-living space and plans to come up with six such properties across Bengaluru and Chennai, it announced on January 21.

The company plans to expand the co-living brand Olive in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi-NCR. The first phase will see the launch of 20,000 beds, starting with Bengaluru (15,000), Chennai (2,500) and Pune (2,500). It is also open to tie-ups with land owners to develop co-living centres.

"We are targeting to start development of 5-6 greenfield co-living properties this year with capacity of 5,000-10,000 beds," the company said, adding that the company would operate in a price range of Rs 10,000-20,000 per bed.

Olive will launch its first experiential centre in the heart of Whitefield in Bengaluru and its flagship project in Chennai with 2,500 beds this year.

The expansion plans include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi NCR with a vision to take the brand international over the next few years.

The projects in Bengaluru include large facilities at Embassy Manyata Business Park and Embassy Techvillage, Magarpatta and Hinjenwadi in Pune and OMR in Chennai. Olive by Embassy projects will range from 500 to 5,000 beds and be customized with diverse formats and priced competitively to suit respective markets.

"There are over 36 million students in higher education and the migrant millennial workforce is growing at a rapid pace across metros. Olive by Embassy aims to uplift the standard of living for this segment with hospitality services and an ecosystem that will support our country's youth in their academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, our co living projects will complement and add value to our large tenant base at our Embassy Office Parks," said Aditya Virwani, COO, Embassy Group and Co- Founder Olive.
HOLLAND, MI -- A 60-year-old man was arrested Monday evening after he allegedly rammed a sheriffs cruiser with his vehicle.

According to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office, the man confessed to rear-ending the deputys vehicle because he was upset with police after an incident earlier in the evening.

In that incident, a different deputy responded to a civil disagreement involving the man at a local business, the sheriffs office reports.

The ramming incident unfolded around 6:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the intersection of James Street and 136th Avenue in Holland Township.

A deputy was stopped at a red light at the intersection in his marked vehicle without emergency lights activated when the 60-year-old man pulled up beside him, the sheriffs office stated.

After a short time the man reversed his vehicle and positioned it behind the deputys cruiser. He then accelerated quickly and intentionally rammed the back of the stopped sheriff's cruiser, according to the sheriffs office.

The deputy, as well as other deputies who joined in, pursued the man for several blocks until he stopped for a red light at the intersection of Beeline Road and Lakewood Boulevard.

The sheriff's office reports the man was arrested after a short struggle.

The deputy whose vehicle was struck was taken to an area hospital for minor injuries suffered in the crash. The 60-year-old man was lodged in the Ottawa County Jail.
S peculation is growing that Jess Phillips could pull out of the Labour leadership race.

The Birmingham Yardley MP did not attend the latest hustings, by the GMB, in London today.

She had not been expected to win the unions backing but she is believed to have been struggling to win support as many party members opposed to another Corbynite candidate are swinging behind Sir Keir Starmer.

Frontrunner Sir Keir last night became the first candidate to get onto the leadership ballot after landing the endorsement of the Usdaw union.

Sir Keir Starmer / PA

Left-winger Rebecca Long-Bailey is expected to follow suit when Unite meets on Friday.

Neither Ms Phillips nor other contender Emily Thornberry, who set about garnering backing through a number of interviews today, are tipped to be endorsed by any of the big five trade unions.

TODO: define component type apester

This means they will need considerable support from local party branches to avoid elimination.
The Primate of the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil and Bishop of Curitiba, The Most Revd Naudal Alves Gomes, provides some background to his Province ahead of this Sunday (26 January 2020), when Anglicans around the world will be praying for the IEAB as part of the Anglican Cycle of Prayer.

The IEAB holds nine dioceses and a missionary district throughout the entire national territory, with parishes, clergy and laity in the most diverse regions of the country. After a few decades of presence of chaplaincies, on 1 June 1890, the mission for the Brazilian people began through missionaries sent by the Virginia Seminary. The ordination of women was approved in 1984 and by 1985 our church had ordained the first woman. In 2018, the first woman bishop was ordained, followed by a second one in 2019. In 1964, the IEAB became autonomous and ceased being a mission of the American church.

The IEAB is deeply committed to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and consistently, guiding its plans and actions based on Christs life, His words and examples, for it is the greatest expression of God's love for all people. In the church's path of life and testimony, we believe that the Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion show us faithful paths in this following of Jesus.

The Anglican understanding of Mission is known to all members of the church, it is part of our identity as a Christian church and is part of our Baptism Liturgy (Book of Common Prayer, page 554) in the Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant. This deeply commits us before God, who invites us to love Him, above all and with all our strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves, because God is Love. We are invited to constantly evaluate our community relations, to grow in dialogue, in conflict resolution, in building peace relations, in overcoming our fears.

We are therefore committed to the Sustainable Development Goals  SDGs  especially in the fight against hunger and poverty, gender equality, overcoming inequalities, and peace and integrity of creation.

Mission and Diaconate - community diaconal and solidarity action cannot be removed from the Mission and pastoral care for people. Our model of service is Jesus Christ himself, who, in addition to giving us His example, has left us His teaching of Unconditional Love for all people, especially for the marginalised, vulnerable, for those living on the margins of society and of life with dignity. Through His action He always makes people whole, giving them full and abundant life and He left us that path to follow.

Equal Marriage  After decades of discussion, in our 2018 National Assembly  our synod we approved Equal Marriage, same-sex marriage, almost unanimously. Rather than being imposed on the entire church, this approval provided an opportunity for each diocese to, within its own assemblies, reflect and make a decision. So far most dioceses have approved it. When it comes to human sexuality, the church must continue to reflect and deepen its knowledge, discussions and dialogue on Gender and Rights, the light of the Bible, faith, science and, above all, the doctrine of Love.

Public advocacy  Thecountryssocial, economic and political context, the fundamental rights of the person, the care for Gods creation, justice and peace, the protection of the vulnerable native peoples and their lands, the homeless, the poor, black youth, the LGBTI+, the gender violence, the economic injustice through its hunger and exclusion system, have all challenged the church, which has been prophetic in its actions, through its public incidence committee, its episcopal chamber, leading us to denounce and proclaim the justice, peace and mercy of the Kingdom of God and His love revealed in Jesus that challenge our society and world.

Theological Education is a priority for our church which, through the National Board of Theological Education (Junta Nacional de Educacao Teologica, JUNET) and the Center for Anglican Studies (Centro de Estudos Anglicanos, CEA) provides ongoing training for clergy and laity through study days, seminars, theological congresses, ministerial exchanges, in all dioceses and Provincial Areas. The Church maintains the Training course in Anglicanism, distance learning, which serves students from Brazil and Portugal and is currently preparing to launch the Undergraduate Course in Theology.

The Anglican Service for Diakonia and Development (Servico Anglicano de Diaconia e Desenvolvimento, SADD)  SADD leads the church of Brazil in its diaconia service, in loving and merciful care to vulnerable people by developing projects to provide basic care needs and supporting projects that promote autonomy and self-sufficiency for people and their families in all dioceses.

In December 2019, our church concluded its Strategic Planning, with the participation of both clergy and laity, and it will go into its second stage of implementation and operation in 2020. The strategic axes as defined are: Mission, Training, and Management, with the underlying theme of Anglican Identity.

Currently, the Secretary General of the Church is the Reverend Magda Cristina Guedes Pereira and the Primate Bishop is Naudal Alves Gomes.
Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at Indias 71st Republic Day Parade on January 26 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the invitation to the leader last year.

The invitation to Bolsonaro is part of the Indian governments outreach to Latin and South America, including the exchange of high-level visits, to boost trade and investments.

The choice of a chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations is influenced by several factors, including strategic relations and commercial interests.

This will be Bolsonaros first visit to India since the far-right politician assumed the office of president in January last year.

He will be the third Brazilian president to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations after Fernando Cardoso in 1996 and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2004.

The Brazilian president will be on a state visit to India from January 24 to January 27 with an aim to boost its $7 billion in annual bilateral trade with India to $25 billion in the next few years among other ties

Brazil has backed Indias efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation under the BRICS framework.

The two countries have worked closely within BRICS for focused consultations on terrorism, and the blocs joint working group on counter-terrorism to constitute five working sub-groups on terror financing, use of the internet for terrorism, countering radicalisation, the issue of foreign terrorist fighters and capacity-building.

He will witness the Republic Day parade, to mark the day the Constitution of India came into effect, from the Rajpath to the Red Fort amid an unprecedented security cover as India will put its military might, marching contingents, strategic defence weaponry and colourful tableaux on display.

Captain Tania Sher Gill of the Indian Army will be the parade adjutant at the Republic Day parade after she led all-men contingents at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment for the first time in the history of the Army Day.

The Indian Air Forces (IAF) Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy-lift choppers will make their debut at this years Republic Day fly-past, which is one of the most popular elements of the annual parade.

The government has selected 22 tableaux15 states, 1 union territory, and six government departmentsfrom 56 applications from 32 states and UTs and 24, departments this year. Typically, a panel set up by the ministry of defence, which is in charge of the parade, selects around 22 or 23 tableaux.

Apart from traffic restrictions, no flight operations will take place for around one hour and forty-five minutes at the Delhi airport on January 20-24 and 26 - due to the Republic Day celebrations.

According to a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), no landing and take-off would be permitted at the Delhi international airport between 10.35am and 12.15pm on January 20-24 and 26.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday dared the SAD to quit the NDA at the Centre, a day after the party decided not to contest the Delhi assembly polls on being told by the BJP to change its stance over the amended Citizenship Act.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal hit back at the chief minister, asking him not to issue "ridiculous" statements which only exposed his "subservience" to the Gandhi family and his desire to make the "family happy to save" his chair.

The Punjab CM said Delhi was the second state after Haryana where the SAD had decided not to contest the assembly elections in alliance with the BJP.

"The Punjab chief minister on Tuesday challenged the Akalis to quit the alliance at the Centre to prove their sincerity with regard to the unconstitutional legislation which they were party to passing in both houses of Parliament," a statement issued here read.

The chief minister also asserted that the SAD's claim that they had decided against contesting the Delhi polls on account of differences over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was "preposterous and unacceptable".

He said the decision was "motivated by political compulsions" as the SAD had realised that it had "no ground support" and could not win even a single seat.

"Or perhaps, the BJP was not ready to give them what they wanted in terms of seats, prompting them to look for a graceful way out of the situation," Amarinder Singh said.

He also asked the SAD to "walk the talk" and show people that they were against the "divisive and destructive" CAA.

The lone Union minister of the party at the Centre should resign immediately in support of their stated stand on the controversial legislation that had evoked nationwide protests, Singh added.

He also questioned the SAD support to the legislation in Parliament.

"If you found the CAA to be anti-Muslim, why did you support the legislation in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha," the chief minister asked the SAD.

Responding to Amarinder Singh's challenge, the SAD chief asked him to clarify if he was opposed to giving relief to persecuted Sikhs under the CAA and whether he was fighting to get the entire Act rejected to end the relief given to Sikhs.

In a statement, Badal said by opposing CAA, the chief minister was opposing the relief given to Sikhs under the amended law.

Asking Singh not to "dance to the tunes of the Gandhi family alone" and also be sensitive about the need to give refuge to persecuted Sikhs as well as other minorities, Sukhbir Badal said the Akalis voted in favour of CAA to save the Sikhs.

"We however recorded our dissent, with me demanding that Muslims also be included in the new Act. We have stuck to our stand and have preferred to forsake contesting the Delhi assembly elections rather than give up our principled stand on this issue," he said.

Asserting that the SAD does not need any lessons from a "failed" chief minister on how to react to a situation, Badal said the SAD on its part would continue its struggle to get Muslims included under the ambit of CAA and would continue to use the offices of Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal for this purpose.

The Akali Dal had announced on Monday that it would not contest the Delhi polls next month after it was asked by the Bharatiya Janata Party to change its stand on the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The SAD was of the view that Muslims cannot be left out of the CAA.

Taking a dig at SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal over their alleged "conflicting" statements on CAA, the Punjab chief minister said the Akalis did not have a "principled" stand on the major issue of national importance.

SAD leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa's claim that the party had been "under pressure" to review its stand on the CAA was "ludicrous", to say the least, considering the discordant notes the Akalis had been striking on the issue for the past several days, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Galla Jayadev was on Tuesday granted bail by a Mangalagiri court a day after he was arrested for participating in the protest on the three-capital issue.

Mangalagiri Magistrate Court granted bail to Jayadev, who was on Monday arrested by the police in Amaravati during a rally by farmers against the State government's approval on the proposal to set up three capitals.

Andhra Pradesh State Assembly on Monday passed the 'Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill 2020'.

According to a release, the "Bill provides for the creation of three capital cities to usher in the decentralisation of development".

The Bill proposes to have a legislative capital at Amaravati, executive capital and Raj Bhavan at Visakhapatnam and judicial capital at Kurnool to fulfill the aspirations of all regions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) student from Laois is off to New Zealand thanks on the trip of a lifetime thanks to a busary that will help him advance his studies

Sean Doyle from Ballyroan is one of just six recipients of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) and the Irish Farmers Journal the much-coveted PWE (Professional Work Experience) travel bursaries.

The awards encourage students to expand their knowledge of the global agri-food sector by gaining practical experience while travelling overseas.

Sean is a graduate of Heywood Community School in Ballinakill and is now a third year Agricultural Science student at WIT. He will travel to Dorie in South Island, New Zealand in January where he will gain varied experience in the cultivation and harvesting of 4,000 acres of vegetables, root crops and cereals along with assisting in daily operations on the 800-cow dairy farm.

Im so grateful to Irish Farmers Journal and Arvum for awarding me with this travel bursary. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only travel overseas but to also get real experience in the agricultural industry, which will help inform my final studies and how my career develops after college. Im excited to gain insights into New Zealands agri-industry and for the journey ahead, he said.

2020 will mark the fifth year of this joint initiative from the ASA and Irish Farmers Journal whereby students who express an interest in fulfilling the work placement module of their degree overseas are rewarded with a travel bursary. The WIT Bursaries are also supported by Glanbia and Arvum.

Seamus OMahony is ASA President.

The Agricultural Science Association endeavours to enhance and support our Agricultural Science students through professional development opportunities to ensure Irelands position as a global leader is maintained, all the while strengthening the future of our agri-food industry. As with previous years, the standard of applications was extremely impressive and we look forward to receiving updates from the six students throughout their time overseas, he said.

Odile Evans is Careers & Property Editor, Irish Farmers Journal.

It is brilliant to once again partner with the ASA to award six travel bursaries to agricultural-science students. Undoubtedly, this is an excellent opportunity for third-level students to gain practical experience in the agriculture industry overseas, and to build on their existing knowledge of the Irish landscape which will benefit their career development and ultimately provide students with a unique perspective. We will be sharing individual stories from each student over the coming months, she said.
Its no secret that Washington politics have become so polarized that it can be tough for Democrats and Republicans to come together to tackle challenges that their constituents face. But thats exactly what happened recently on Capitol Hill thanks to Iowas congressional delegation.

Our senators and representatives listened to thousands of electric cooperative stakeholders as they fought tirelessly to add important tax and retirement policies to the 2020 spending bill. The bill was signed into law before Christmas and included a provision known as the RURAL Act, which solved an existential issue for electric co-ops and Americas rural communities.

Locally owned electric co-ops work to secure government grants to help pay for numerous activities that benefit the communities they serve. These include grants for storm recovery and mitigation, broadband deployment, renewable energy and economic development.

In order to maintain their tax-exempt status, electric co-ops must receive no more than 15 percent of their income from non-member sources. Historically, government grants to co-ops were counted as contributions to capital. But due to a glitch in the 2017 tax law, government grants were reclassified as income, pushing some co-ops beyond the 15 percent threshold and jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.

The tax problem left co-ops with a broad dilemma: Do they take the money they need to turn the lights back on for their members as quickly as possible after a disaster? Do they accept the broadband grants to help close the digital divide between rural and urban America? Or do they turn down those grants so they wouldnt have to spend critical funds when the tax bill comes due?

Had the unintended consequences of the tax change been in place prior to 2018, some of Iowas electric cooperatives may have experienced several instances where they would have lost their tax-exempt status for the year.

Thanks to Congress, electric co-ops across America wont have to make those impossible choices. This is good news for both co-ops and their member-owners because some co-ops may have had to raise their electric rates to pay new taxes.

On behalf of Iowas electric cooperatives, we are extremely grateful to Senator Joni Ernst, Congresswomen Cindy Axne and Abby Finkenauer and Congressmen Dave Loebsack and Steve King for their support of the stand-alone RURAL Act. And without Senator Chuck Grassley ensuring the provision was included in the final negotiations on the congressional budget bill, those painful scenarios would have begun to play out in co-op board rooms across the country. In standing up for Iowas rural communities, they proved that Congress can still work for the people.

Notably, the legislation drew the bipartisan support of more than 350 of the 535 federal lawmakers. Thats a rarity in Washington these days. In todays fast-paced society, pausing to give thanks is done with increasing rarity. Thats unfortunate.

Thank you to all our federal legislators. Thank you for looking out for rural communities across Iowa and thank you for working with us to solve this problem.

Chuck Soderberg is executive vice president and general manager of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Editor's note: Tuesday Topic is a weekly Opinion page feature. Each Tuesday in this space, local, regional and state writers will discuss issues in the news. If you have an idea for a Tuesday Topic, please contact Editorial Page Editor Michael Gors at 712-293-4223 or mike.gors@lee.net.

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Mumbai, Jan 21 : Senior Bollywood actress Soni Razdan on Tuesday demanded a probe into why the 2001 Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru was made a "scapegoat" and hanged in 2013, despite his raising questions against his investigating officer.

In what is being seen as dipping her finger into a burning cauldron, Razdan's controversial tweet said: "This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent? This is why death penalty is not to be used lightly." The 64-year old actress, who is part German and part-Kashmiri Pandit and is the mother of top Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, said this is also why "there needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat".

"There should also be an enquiry as to how people like Afzal are tortured and forced to carry out terrorist activities for criminals and then get the death penalty!", said Razdan, wife of acclaimed film-maker Mahesh Bhatt.

Her tweets came in the context of the January 11 arrest of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh, who has been charged for allegedly accompanying three dreaded terrorists in a vehicle.

Davinder Singh had been named by Afzal Guru in a letter that he had penned from Tihar Central Jail to his lawyer Sushil Kumar. Guru was hanged till death on February 9, 2013.

Afzal Guru was arrested and found guilty for the December 13, 2001, Parliament attack which left 14 dead including five terrorists.

Singh is currently being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
An Iranian politician has announced a $3million cash prize for anyone who kills President Donald Trump.

Ahmad Hamzeh, parliamentary speaker from central Kerman province, told lawmakers: We will pay a three million dollar award in cash to whoever kills Trump.

Kerman is the home province of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian Quds leader who was killed in a drone strike by Trump, and whose death the regime has sworn to avenge.

In a firebrand speech today, Hamzeh vowed that Soleimani would be more dangerous to America in death than he was in life as Iranians seek to avenge him.



He also attacked the Trump administrations pretext of assassinating Soleimani in a preventative strike because he was plotting to kill Americans.

Will your embassies in the region be safe? If your embassies are plotting to kill our innocent people, are we allowed to destroy them? he said.

Are your military bases and centers in the region for benevolence or to harm nations? Are we allowed to destroy all your bases in a preventive attack?

Speaking about the 2015 nuclear deal, which was torn up by the Trump administration, he added: If we had nuclear weapons today, we would have been immune from the threat.

Now that Europe has abandoned its commitments, I suggest moving out of the [Non-Proliferation Treaty] as soon as possible and launching nuclear fission blasts.

Let us announce to the world that we have joined the Nuclear Power Club.

The West has long accused Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear arms, although Irans clerical rulers consistently deny this, saying the nations nuclear programme has only peaceful aims.

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Robert Pozil - Chief Business Development Officer Astro Pak has realized some amazing growth over the years. At the same time, we have set lofty stretch goals for revenue increases that are incremental to our current growth trajectory. This new department will help propel Astro Pak to reach our revenue target.

Astro Paks president Ken Carroll announced the appointment of Robert Pozil to lead the companys new Business Development Department. The move, which is part of the companys structural reorganization, was announced on December 4, 2019. Mr. Pozil had been previously serving as the companys Senior Vice President where he oversaw its Cleanroom Division as well as both the Marketing and the Research and Development departments.

The new department comprises Marketing and Business Development, the latter, focusing on new customers, new projects, new industries, and new service offerings, Mr. Carroll said in his announcement. He also commended Mr. Pozil saying, Robert Pozil is the most gifted executive when it comes to business development. He will help us envision what this new department will look like. Astro Paks reorganization is intended to help align the organization with our goals for the future with the Business Development mission to support the companys Field Services and Cleanroom Services business units.

Mr. Pozil began his career with Astro Pak in 1987 as first a sales representative and later as sales manager before pursuing other opportunities in 1991. He returned to the company in 2006 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He was promoted to Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing in 2012 before becoming Senior Vice President in 2016. Mr. Pozil oversaw the integration of Chemko Technical Services into Astro Paks Space Coast operations after the Florida company was acquired in 2016.

When asked about the new organizational structure, Pozil said, Astro Pak has realized some amazing growth over the years. At the same time, we have set lofty stretch goals for revenue increases that are incremental to our current growth trajectory. This new department will help propel Astro Pak to reach our revenue target.

Mr. Pozil cites the companys culture as its key to success. Astro Pak focuses on excellence for the client as well as a commitment to care for its team members and the local community.

Amongst the many highlights that Mr. Pozil was honored to be a part of, he is particularly proud of Astro Paks ongoing partnership with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA which has seen the company assist in preparing for current and future Mars missions. In particular, he said, it is a privilege to support JPL and the Mars 2020 Rover program which includes not only meeting stringent cleanliness requirements but also additional cleanliness efforts to ensure planetary protection by preventing microbial contamination travelling from Earth to Mars.

About Astro Pak

Astro Pak has been the leading provider of passivation, high purity and precision cleaning services in North America since 1959. Astro Pak meets the critical cleaning and surface conditioning requirements for a myriad of industries such as biopharmaceutical and aerospace via our on-site services, as well as our state-of-the-art cleanroom and shop facilities.
On day four of the ongoing week-long public outreach programme, several union ministers on Tuesday addressed public gatherings in different parts of Jammu region with one of them saying the Centre is committed to promote trade, tourism and technology in the newly created Union Territory.

"The centre is striving hard to promote technology, trade and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir," Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Pratap Chandra Sarangi said at a function in Kathua district.

To provide employment and to uplift the socio-economic status of the people of the area, the minister announced the formation of Pashmina Shawl Clusters which will benefit 260 families.

Referring to his visit to border areas to inspect the construction work of underground bunkers for the protection of the people during frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan, he said his government would leave no stone unturned to bring all the amenities at the doorstep of border dwellers.

Addressing a separate gathering at Barnoti and Hirnagar blocks of Kathua, Union Minister Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said there is a need to create "water management committees" which will help to manage, harvest and distribute water in an efficient manner.

"Water is a scarce commodity and to mitigate this problem throughout the country, the Prime Minister has announced Jal Jeevan Mission which will provide tap water to every household in the country by 2024," he said, adding, Jammu and Kashmir will achieve the target of complete piped water by 2021.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer WelfareKailash Choudhary interacted with people in Samba district and said the Centre has launched a bunch of social welfare schemes which are directly benefiting the common masses.

"Thepolicies launched by the centre, post abolition of Article 370, for development of JK will prove a game changer in terms of its development," he said, adding that the new schemes for development of JK including sanctioning of medical colleges, educational institutions and strengthening of PRIs is bound to usher JK into a new era of progress and development.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda concluded a two-day tour of the mountainous Reasi district with a public meeting at Arnas, and said, "We are determined to expedite sluggish pace of projects and accelerate development programmes for the tribal as well as the general masses."



Munda informed the people that after reorganisation of the erstwhile J&K state, the Forest Rights Act is applicable here and its benefits would be visible in the days to come.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri visited Sunderbani in Rajouri district and said the Government is committed to develop J&K for which numerous innovative steps are being initiated and the same are yielding tangible results.

"A number of projects are in progress which will further reduce the developmental deficit in the UT," he said, adding, a number of new and upgraded airports would be commissioned in the UT in coming months under the Civil Aviation scheme UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).

"It is a Regional Connectivity Scheme launched by the government that aims to makeunserved or underserved airports in small cities operational with regular flights, and offer subsidized airfares to encourage more people to fly," he said.

Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Gen (Retd) V K Singh addressed a public outreach programme for the second day in Udhampur and said the government is committed to empower the panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and women empowerment is visible on the ground.

While reviewing the progress of NH-44 from Udhampur to Chenani, Singh directed the concerned authorities to expedite the execution of work and complete the project within a time frame.

Minister of State for Human Resource Development Sanjay Shamrao Dhotre visited Kalakote in Rajouri district, while UnionMinister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur listened to people's issues at Khour in Jammu.

Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, toured Ramban district and inaugurated Power Receiving Station, Chanderkote, Fruit and Vegetable Market Batote.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Adds markets, international reaction, details on virus)

* Virus kills six in Wuhan city where it originated

* Cases also reported elsewhere in China and around Asia

* Shares fall on fears of spreading outbreak

* Memories revived of SARS epidemic that killed 800 people

By Se Young Lee and Lusha Zhang

BEIJING, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The toll from a new virus in China rose to six deaths and more than 300 cases on Tuesday as millions of Chinese prepared to travel for the Lunar New Year, heightening contagion risks.

Many in China scrambled to buy face masks to protect themselves from the previously unknown, flu-like coronavirus infection and airports around the world tightened screening.

The outbreak, which began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, also worried financial markets as investors recalled the economic damage from China's Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2002/2003 that it initially covered up.

The SARS coronavirus outbreak killed nearly 800 people then.

"We'll stay at home during the holiday. I'm scared as I remember SARS very well," said Zhang Xinyuan, who had been bound from Beijing for the Thai resort of Phuket before she and her husband decided to cancel their air tickets.

Authorities have confirmed more than 300 cases of the new coronavirus in China, mostly in Wuhan, a provincial capital and transportation hub, where it may have come from a seafood market.

Symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty in breathing, and the viral infection can cause pneumonia.

Wuhan mayor Zhou Xianwang told Chinese state television on Tuesday six people had died in his city. The disease was spreading further around other parts of China, however, including five cases in the national capital Beijing.

Fifteen medical personnel are among those infected.

Abroad, Thailand has reported two cases and South Korea one, all involving Chinese from Wuhan. Japan and Taiwan also confirmed one case each, both nationals who had been to Wuhan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will hold a meeting on Wednesday to consider whether the outbreak is an international public health emergency.

Story continues

MEDICS AND MARKETS ALARMED

"Information about newly reported infections suggest there may now be sustained human-to-human transmission," said WHO's regional director for the western Pacific, Takeshi Kasai.

Taiwan, the self-ruled island that China claims as its own, set up an epidemic response centre. More than 1,000 beds were prepared in isolation wards in case the virus spreads further.

North Korea was to temporarily ban foreign tourists, who are mainly Chinese, a foreign tour operator said.

The scare stirred risk aversion on global markets, with Asia particularly hit.

Hong Kong, which suffered badly during the SARS outbreak, saw its index fall 2.8%. Japan's Nikkei lost 0.9% and Shanghai blue chips 1.7%, with airlines under pressure.

In Europe, shares of luxury goods makers, which have large exposure to China, were among those declining the most.

China's yuan fell almost 0.7% in offshore trading to 6.9126 per dollar. Onshore, it dipped to its lowest in over a week at 6.9094.

Though the origin of the virus has yet to be identified, WHO said the primary source was probably animal. Chinese officials have linked the outbreak to Wuhan's seafood market.

MORE SCREENING AND MASKS

"The outbreak of a SARS-like coronavirus in Wuhan is developing into a major potential economic risk to the Asia-Pacific region now that there is medical evidence of human-to-human transmission," said Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific Chief Economist for IHS Markit.

So far, the WHO has not recommended trade or travel restrictions but they may be discussed on Wednesday. . China's National Health Commission is also scheduled to give an update at a press briefing at 10 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Wednesday.

Airports in the United States, Australia and across Asia have begun extra screening for passengers from Wuhan.

In the city itself, officials have been using infrared thermometers to screen passengers at airports, railway stations and other passenger terminals since Jan. 14.

The Lunar New Year is a major holiday for Chinese, many of whom travel to join family or have a foreign holiday.

Long lines formed to buy face masks in cities. Some online vendors limited sales of masks and hand sanitizers as demand surged.

Shanghai city's market regulator warned it would punish speculators hoarding masks or other products used for preventing infectious diseases, according to the Shanghai Observer web publication.

Chinese travel booking platforms from Trip.com to Alibaba Group's Fliggy said they would offer free cancellations on bookings made for Wuhan, while South Korean budget airline T'way Air postponed its launch of a new route to the city.

Zhong Nanshan, head of the National Health Commission's team investigating the outbreak, sought to ease alarm, saying in footage shown by state television there was no danger of a repeat of the SARS epidemic so long as precautions were taken.

(Reporting by Brenda Goh in Shanghai, Se Young Lee, Sophie Yu, Lusha Zhang, Huizhong Wu and Judy Hua in Bejing, John Geddie in Singapore; Josh Smith in Seoul; Kate Kelland in London; Writing by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
21January2020

Acron Ships 100,000 Tonnes of Liquid Fertilisers to Argentina

In 2019, Acron Group, a leading fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, supplied Argentina with over 100,000 tonnes of liquid fertilisers, predominantly urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN). This highly effective fertiliser is widely used by local growers to produce corn and wheat.

Acron Group established a local distribution company, Acron Argentina S.R.L., for direct fertiliser sales to the Argentinian market, and the first ship carrying UAN reached Argentina in early May 2019. Subsequently, to expand its liquid fertiliser portfolio and complement UAN with sulphur, a key macronutrient for growers in Argentina, Acron started supplying ammonium thiosulfate solution (ATS).

To support direct sales of liquid fertilisers, Acron Group has leased storage facilities with a total capacity of about 50,000 tonnes in the strategically located ports of San Martin and Zarate, and hired a highly qualified team with extensive experience in fertiliser sales in Argentina.

Acron's Vice President Overseas Dmitry Khabrat commented:

"We continue to expand our strategic business geography, developing the distribution segment where we see potential for market growth and where our presence can provide additional benefits to customers. Acron's UAN is already in great demand in the agricultural sector in Argentina. However, buyers had limited access to the global UAN market due to poor infrastructure. We have managed to solve this issue. We use the storage facilities to maintain UAN inventories and ship supplies to growers as needed, even as little as a single truckload. We expect our share of the country's liquid fertiliser market to reach 20% in the near future. Next year, we plan to start selling dry fertilisers to Argentina".

Acron Argentina S.R.L. was established in 2018 and registered in Buenos Aires.

Acron Group is one of the world's top three UAN producers and a leading UAN supplier to the United States.

Media Contacts:

Sergey Dorofeev

Anastasiya Gromova

Tatiana Smirnova

Public Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 777-08-65 (ext. 5196)

Investor Contacts:

Ilya Popov

Investor Relations

Phone: +7 (495) 745-77-45 (ext. 5252)

Background Information

Acron Group is a leading vertically integrated mineral fertiliser producer in Russia and globally, with chemical production facilities in Veliky Novgorod (Acron) and the Smolensk region (Dorogobuzh). The Group owns and operates a phosphate mine in Murmansk region (North-Western Phosphorous Company, NWPC) and is implementing a potash development project in Perm Krai (Verkhnekamsk Potash Company, VPC). It owns transportation and logistics infrastructure, including three Baltic port terminals and distribution networks in Russia and China. Acron's subsidiary, North Atlantic Potash Inc. (NAP), holds mining licences for 11 parcels of the potassium salt deposit at Prairie Evaporite, Saskatchewan, Canada. Acron also holds a minority stake (19.8%) in Polish Grupa Azoty, one of the largest chemical producers in Europe.

In 2018, the Group sold 7.3 million tonnes of various products to 67 countries, with Russia, Brazil, Europe and the United States as key markets.

In 2018, the Group posted consolidated IFRS revenue of RUB 108,062 million (USD 1,723 million) and net profit of RUB 13,318 million (USD 212 million). Acron's shares are on the Level 1 quotation list of the Moscow Exchange and its global depositary receipts are traded at the London Stock Exchange (ticker AKRN). Acron employs approximately 11,000 people.

For more information about Acron Group, please visit www.acron.ru/en.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.21

By Tamilla Mammadova  Trend:

Georgia welcomes the resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava noted, Trend reports citing Georgian media.

Despite the fact that regular flights between Russia and Georgia have been suspended, statistics show that the number of tourists, including Russian tourists visiting Georgia is growing.

As the minister noted, Russian tourists confirm that Georgia is a safe tourist destination for them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to ban flights to Georgia on June 21, 2019.

Russia ranked second for the number of tourists visiting Georgia in 2019.

Different reports show that in 2019. the growth in the number of tourists from Russia to Georgia amounted to 4.8 percent year-on-year (1.46 million tourists).

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
Houston-based McDermott International Inc.  a company with historical ties to New Orleans and Baton Rouge  said Tuesday it was submitting a prepackaged bankruptcy filing that will eliminate more than $4.6 billion in debt.

The company said more than two-thirds of its creditors back the restructuring plan. McDermott it expects to get approvals from a Houston bankruptcy judge in two months.

All of McDermott's businesses are expected to continue to operate normally during the restructuring. McDermott expects to continue to pay employee wages and benefits, and to pay all suppliers in full.

McDermott has about 4,000 employees across Louisiana, mostly in the Lake Charles area.

The company was once a premier presence in New Orleans during the oil and gas industry's boom times.

The energy services and engineering firm, following the paths of other local oil and gas companies, moved its headquarters from New Orleans to Houston in 2005 before Hurricane Katrina and closed its last remaining office in the city in 2013.

In 2017, McDermott acquired CB&I, which had purchased the Baton Rouge-based Shaw Group in 2013. The McDermott and CB&I merger was a $6 billion all-stock transaction. CB&I had paid $3 billion for The Shaw Group.

The CB&I acquisition lifted the debt burden up to about $4.3 billion at McDermott, which has been under financial pressure after years of low oil prices. The CB&I acquisition also saddled McDermott with two big liquefied natural gas construction projects  the Cameron LNG facility in Hackberry in southwest Louisiana and the Freeport LNG facility in Freeport, Texas. Those projects have been plagued with cost overruns that caused more headaches for McDermott. In November, the company said it lost nearly $1.9 billion in the third quarter of 2019.

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McDermott's restructuring will be financed by a $2.8 billion debtor-in-possession financing plan. McDermott said that will enable it to stabilize its cash flow, continue normal business operations and fulfill its commitments to customers, suppliers, joint venture partners, business partners and employees.

As part of the restructuring, subsidiaries of McDermott have entered into a share and asset purchase agreement with a joint partnership between The Chatterjee Group and Rhone Group, two New York-based investment firms. The joint partnership will serve as the "stalking-horse bidder" in a court-supervised sale of Lummus Technology, a McDermott subsidiary that serves the petrochemical and refining industries.

The partnership has agreed to acquire Lummus for $2.7 billion. McDermott will have the option to retain or purchase a 10% ownership interest in the entity purchasing Lummus. McDermott expects to hold an auction in a month and a half to solicit higher bids for Lummus. Either the partnership or the winning bidder at the auction will purchase Lummus.

Proceeds from the sale will pay off the debtor-in-possession financing and provide cash for long-term liquidity. The company expects to exit Chapter 11 with about $500 million in funded debt.

"McDermott will emerge a stronger, more competitive company with a solid financial foundation, and we will build upon our reputation as a premier, fully integrated provider of technology, engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry," said David Dickson, president and chief executive officer.

As a result of the filing, McDermott said it expects to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange within the next 10 days. The stock will trade in the over-the-counter marketplace during the Chapter 11 proceedings, but the shares are proposed to be cancelled as part of the company's restructuring.
City and suburban Cook County residents can cast their ballots at designated Early Voting and Registration locations until March 16. There are locations in every city ward and through the suburbs. The location and schedules for suburban Cook County voters can be found on the Cook County clerks site. DuPage and Lake counties start early voting Monday through March 16, while early voting for Kane and McHenry counties will begin on Tuesday through March 16.
Joshua Roberts/Reuters

The impeachment trial of President Trump began in earnest on Tuesdayand the historic proceedings kicked off not with opening arguments in the case but with a bitter fight over the rules that will govern the process.

After weeks of private negotiations and public squabbling with Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced his proposed rules for the trial on Monday night that, among other things, offered each side up to 24 hours of argument spread over the course of just two days each, stipulated that a vote was needed to enter the Houses body of evidence into the record, and mandated that additional witnesses and evidence could be voted upon only after the opposing sides finished outlining their cases.

This is the fair roadmap for our trial, McConnell said in his opening remarks on Tuesday, explaining they were modeled after those adopted by the Senate during the President Bill Clinton impeachment trial. Fair is fair, the process was good enough for President Clinton and basic fairness dictates that it ought to be good enough for this president as well.

But that fair roadmap hit a speed bump quickly after its unveiling, when it became clear that McConnells own members were concerned at the prospect of sitting on the floor of the Senate for 12-hour stretches for four days in a row.

Mitch McConnells Impeachment Rules Are a Sham, and Donald Trump Attorney Ken Starr Knows It

In the hours leading up to the start of the trial, several Republican senators lobbied McConnells office for the changes. The two-day time period, which would have resulted in very late nights, were of particular concern to senior lawmakers who were worried how they would fare, according to two individuals familiar with those requests.

One GOP aide confirmed that senators expressed concern with the schedule at the partys Tuesday lunch and McConnell responded to them.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) applauded McConnells decision to alter the rules.

Story continues

Senator Collins and others raised concerns about the 24 hours of opening statements in 2 days and the admission of the House transcript in the record, her spokesperson said in a statement. Her position has been that the trial should follow the Clinton model as much as possible. She thinks these changes are a significant improvement.

Democrats, however, claimed it was public pressure that forced the change. It is evidence, claimed Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), that Republican lawmakers would respond to public pressure and not obey the GOP leader at every turn.

This idea that Mitch McConnell, whatever he does, every one of them will go along with, Schumer said of his Republican colleagues, doesn't seem to be happening.

Asked about whether Democratic push had initiated the change, the GOP aide shot back, If Democrats think they had anything to do with that, they should check with Justice Garland.

Either way, those schedule tweaks are likely to come as a relief to members on both sides. Indeedwhen the sun was still up and the trial just barely underwayseveral members of the chamber appeared to visibly nod off during Rep. Adam Schiffs lengthy opening statement.

In that opening statement, Schiff (D-CA) decried the GOP comparison to the Clinton-era rules and the suggestion of fairness that comparison implies. Democrats point, for example, to the fact that under these rules, Republicans can file a motion to dismiss the trial at any timeeven before a vote on whether to admit new evidence and call new witnesses.

With that concept still at the heart of McConnells rules, Democrats are set to vote against them in a vote to take place later Tuesday. In his speech urging a no vote, Schiff implored the Senate jurors to place fairness as their top concern and framed the rejection of McConnells rules as the first step toward fairness.

Right now a great many, perhaps even most, Americans do not believe there will be a fair trial, said Schiff. They dont believe that the Senate will be impartial. They believe that the result is pre-cooked, the president will be acquitted.  Lets prove them wrong.

The 11th-hour fine-tuning of the rules package reflects McConnells need to lock down the support of at least 51 of his 53 GOP senators in order to advance the trials ground rules without any Democratic input. He is still poised to earn that support.

Schumer's goal, however, is to make that vote as painful as possible for Republicans by first forcing votes on subpoenaing new evidence at the beginning of the trial. Schumer introduced an amendment on Tuesday afternoon to subpoena the White House for documents that were withheld during the Houses impeachment inquiry. He may introduce additional similar amendments later on.

However, even the handful of Republicans who are leaning toward voting for new witnesses and evidence, such as Sen. Mitt Romney (UT) and Collins, have said they only want to take that vote after House Democrats and the White House have completed their opening arguments.

When the Democrats amendments fail, the final vote to approve McConnells rule package is likely to take place late on Tuesdaysetting up House Democrats to begin presenting their full case against Trump on Wednesday.

As they began what will be the first of several long days, lawmakers on both sides filed into the Senate chamber on Tuesday with various approved materials to pass the long hours. Democrats carried with them identical binders filled with reading material related to the trialthe only kind of material permitted in the chamber during the proceedings.

Republicans approaches varied by senator. Some took their seats only with small notepads; others took volumes of materialsuch as Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who brought with him a massive binder piled high with papers.

Despite the scorched-earth political warfare of the past few months, both sides opened the trial with a whiff of civility. Standing before Chief Justice John Roberts perch on the Senate floor, the presidents defense team met the Democratic impeachment managers in the middle and shook hands. The friendliness ended when Roberts inaugurated the Senate as a court of impeachment.

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VANCOUVER - Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou should not be extradited to the United States to face fraud charges because her alleged misconduct doesn't amount to fraud in Canada, says her lawyer.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, arrives for her hearing at B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Monday, January 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

VANCOUVER - Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou should not be extradited to the United States to face fraud charges because her alleged misconduct doesn't amount to fraud in Canada, says her lawyer.

Scott Fenton told a British Columbia Supreme Court judge on Tuesday, the second day of Meng's extradition hearing, that people can't be convicted of fraud in Canada unless their misrepresentations cause harm or a risk of harm.

The United States accuses Meng of lying to HSBC about a Huawei subsidiary's business in Iran, putting the bank at risk of criminal and civil penalties for violating American sanctions.

Fenton said Canada does not have similar sanctions against Iran and therefore it's impossible to prove a fraud case against Meng because the bank would not have faced any risk in Canada.

"The risk of loss is driven by legal risk  legal risk that only exists in the United States of America," he said.

The hearing in Vancouver this week is focused on the legal test of double criminality, meaning that Meng's alleged conduct must also be illegal in Canada for her to be extradited to the United States.

The case has severely strained Canada-China relations, with Beijing calling the charges "political" and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland urging the release of two detained Canadians.

Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, leaves her home to go to B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Wanzhou is in court for hearings over an American request to extradite the executive of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei on fraud charges. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Canada lifted sanctions against Iran in 2016 after world powers reached a nuclear deal with the country. The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 and imposed sanctions again while also adding new penalties.

Fenton said the only risk HSBC faced was in the United States because of its "peculiar" sanctions that are "out of step" with Canada and the rest of the international community.

He also argued that HSBC faced no risk in Canada because the country would not impose criminal fines against an "innocent victim" of a misrepresentation, which the bank would be in this alleged scenario.

Justice Heather Holmes questioned whether the bank might have faced a risk to its reputation in Canada, leading to financial losses because investors were wary of doing business with HSBC.

Fenton responded that, while the attorney general makes brief reference to reputational risk in court documents, it doesn't provide evidence that such a risk would lead to economic danger.

He also said the bank's reputation wouldn't be damaged because Canada doesn't ban doing business with Iran.

"There can't be reputational harm to a Canadian branch of a bank for doing things that are not only entirely lawful, but that Canada encourages them to do," he said.

Another lawyer for Meng, Eric Gottardi, said the principle of double criminality is meant to ensure that no one is surrendered to the United States for conduct that is not criminal in Canada.

"Many Canadians take pride in our independence and our uniquely Canadian approach to criminal law," Gottardi said.

He said the alleged case against Meng is not only contrary to the legal test, it's contrary to Canadians' "core values" as the country has rejected sanctions against Iran.

Meng denies the allegations and is free on bail, living in one of her two multimillion-dollar homes in Vancouver. The judge has allowed her to sit behind her lawyers at a desk, rather than in the prisoner's box, so she and her Mandarin interpreter can better follow proceedings.

China has detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor for over a year without access to lawyers or their families and has restricted some Canadian commodity imports in actions widely seen as retaliation.

Meng's lawyers concluded arguments on double criminality Tuesday and the Crown is set to respond on Wednesday.

If Holmes decides the legal test has not been met, Meng will be free to leave Canada. But if the judge finds there is double criminality, the hearing will proceed to a second phase.

That phase, scheduled for June, will consider defence allegations that Canadian and American authorities conspired to conduct a "covert criminal investigation" during her arrest at Vancouver's airport in 2018.

Lawyers for the attorney general deny those allegations and also argue that the defence's focus on sanctions is a "complete red herring." They say Meng's alleged lies to HSBC are sufficient to prove a fraud case in Canada.

They also argue that Holmes can, if necessary, consider the context of American sanctions in a limited way, simply in order to understand the economic and legal risk that HSBC faced.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
(Natural News) The overwhelming numbers of armed patriots at the pro-2A rally in Richmond, Virginia has apparently caused Antifa terrorists and deep state operatives to back down from their plans to instigate staged violence for CNNs cameras. While an estimated tens of thousands of armed patriots peacefully demonstrated at the Virginia capitol today, there were no reports of Antifa terrorists on the scene.

Antifa simply could not be found. Its clear they decided to back down.

Remember that over the last several days, patriots have been urged to roll their cameras at all times in order to document the scene and catch Antifa terrorists or deep state operatives trying to instigate violence.

Patriots have also arrived armed, carrying literally thousands of rifles and pistols, sending a message to the deep state and its Antifa terrorism wing that violence will not be tolerated at this rally, despite the wishes of the radical Left and its anti-America media mouthpieces like NBC News or CNN.

Greg Reese, reporting for InfoWars.com, also said that he cant even find any anti-gunners at the rally. Reporting from inside the FEMA cage that baby-killing Gov. Northam set up around the capitol grounds, Reese said the entire scene was dominated by pro-2A, peaceful protesters.

"I love this country." "It's about the #2ndAmendment It's not only a constitutional right issue, but it's also a civil right issue." "As an African American on #MLKDay, it's critically important that we preserve the ability to defend ourselves" pic.twitter.com/CX5LPX9kUd  Trump War Room  Text FIGHT to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) January 20, 2020

Northam and the deep state failed miserably

It totally blew up in their face, Alex Jones said today. The police are now estimating 50,000 people came in they told companies to close all the parking garages so that people couldnt find parking, but there were at least 50,000 people standing room only. It was massive, and the real issue here is that everything Northam tried blew up in his face.

Jones goes on to report:

They tried to create a stampede, tried to engineer something, it failed. They choked. They backed down. And now everybodys going home with a major victory, and Northam has egg all over his face.

Listen to my podcast to understand the full details of how Leftists and deep state actors run false flag psyops on the American people:

Brighteon.com/e9834ffe-6eca-48ab-9a41-c23e89c5413d

So far, it looks like theyve failed on this attempt, which shows the power of patriots showing up in huge numbers, armed with both rifles and cameras that are recording everything.

When the radical Left cant carry out their schemes in secret  when they are forced to operate in broad daylight while tens of thousands of people are watching and recording video  they are unable to pull off their false flag operations. And thats a huge victory for America, for liberty and for all of humanity.
The royal family is still reeling from Prince Harry and Meghan Markles January 8th announcement, stating that they will be stepping back from their roles as senior royals. Fans and critics alike are sorting through the known details, trying to piece together a timeline of where exactly everything went wrong and why their announcement came as such as shock to the world.

After all, it is less than two years after Prince Harry and Meghans fairytale wedding, which in itself seemed to signal a bold new direction for the monarchy. Still, according to a recent report, the suddenness of the announcement might have been due to Markle reaching the end of her rope.

Meghan Markle has not been doing well for a while

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex | Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images

Although Meghan and Prince Harry seemed to be all smiles immediately following their wedding in May 2018, it didnt take long for reality to set in. The British media carried out a relentless assault against the Duchess of Sussex, publishing stories that accused her of being difficult, too demanding with staff members, and generally acting like a diva.

For months, Meghan and Prince Harry carried on as normal, not responding directly to the rumors. Then, Meghans estranged family started to get involved, speaking to the media and perpetuating the idea that shes is an opportunist and hard to be around.

Finally, in late 2019, Meghan spoke out in a rare interview with journalist Tom Bradby. The Duchess, who was only a few months postpartum at the time, admitted that dealing with the negativity has been challenging and that not many people have asked if she was doing okay. While her interview caused many to feel sorry for what she was dealing with, many more took the opportunity to accuse her of acting in order to garner sympathy.

Was Meghan Markle on the verge of a meltdown?

According to a recent PageSix report, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex felt pushed to the brink and couldnt stand to remain the United Kingdom any longer, and it was her teetering at the precipice of a meltdown that pushed Prince Harry to agree to make their controversial announcement on January 8th.

The report detailed how Meghan wanted desperately to spend more time with pals and family in North America, and less time cloistered in British palaces. Therefore, the report claims, Prince Harry was under pressure to make a decision in order to try and make his wife of nearly two years happy.

How is the royal family adjusting to the announcement?

After the news was shared on the couples Instagram account, the royal family reportedly went into damage control as they tried to sort out what a future would look like without Prince Harry and Meghan. In the announcement, the couple revealed that they want to spend their time divided between the United States and the United Kingdom, which leaves them plenty of flexibility in their schedule and seems to verify the PageSix report.

While the queen has said that she supports the couple in their decision, there are a lot of things that are still up in the air, including whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan will get to keep their royal titles and security detail. Reportedly, the royal family will be coming to a decision within a matter of days. Hopefully, whatever is decided is something that is amenable to both the royal family and the semi-retired royal couple, especially since it seems as though, this time, Meghan has really and truly had enough.

Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for all the latest royal family news!
President Donald Trump told the worlds foremost government and business leaders to reject the prophets of doom and follow the great American comeback during his speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, today.

President Trump gave a forthright call to unleash human creativity by embracing technological progress, energy exploration, lower taxes, deregulation, and the free market.

This is a time for tremendous hope, and joy, and optimism, and action, the president told skeptical Davos attendees, who mostly sat in silence.

To embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, said President Trump.

His remarks came shortly after 17-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg asserted that the world has less than eight years to avoid an irreversible catastrophe.

They are the heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers, he continued, reciting a litany of failed environmental forecasts. They predicted an overpopulation crisis in the 1960s, mass starvation in the Seventies, and an end of oil in the 1990s.

President Trump noted that radical socialists mix unthinkable consequences with high-pressure sales tactics to promote the global regimentation of the world economy:

These alarmists always demand the same thing: absolute power to dominate, transform, and control every aspect of our lives. We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country, or eradicate our liberty. America will always be the proud, strong, and unyielding bastion of freedom. In America, we understand what the pessimists refuse to see: that a growing and vibrant market economy, focused on the future, lifts the human spirit and excites creativity strong enough to overcome any challenge, any challenge by far.

Coincidentally, the environmental apocalypse is the topic of our most recent issue of Religion & Liberty.

President Trump is in good company rebuffing notions that the world is on fire. The head of the UNs special agency on weather and climate, Petteri Taalasi, told a Finnish newspaper last year that Extinction Rebellion activists should be regarded as doomsters and extremists. Man-made climate change, he said, is not going to be the end of the world. Green ideologues harbor a Manichean worldview that resembles religious extremism.

Instead, President Trump confidently embraced innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit as the solution to potential environmental issues.

We continue to embrace technology, not to shun it, he said. When people are free to innovate, millions will live longer, happier, healthier lives.

For three years now, America has shown the world that the path to a prosperous future begins with putting workers first, choosing growth, and freeing entrepreneurs to bring their dreams to life, he said.

The president took pride in noting the number of jobs created, fortunes generated, and families elevated from government dependence to self-reliance during his first term. Years of economic stagnation have given way to a roaring geyser of economic opportunity, he said.

He proceeded to show how the boom on Wall Street benefits all Americans. U.S. stock markets have soared by more than 50% since my election, adding more than $19 trillion to household wealth, and boosting 401(k)s, pensions, and college savings accounts for millions of hardworking families.

After describing how he set Americans free of smothering bureaucratic regulations, he in effect paraphrased Moses in telling world leaders: Set your people free.

Today, I urge other nations to follow our example and liberate your citizens from the crushing weight of bureaucracy, he said. But he demurred, you have to run your own countries the way you want.

Based on the audiences response, he will have few takers. The only line of his address that garnered applause came when he announced that the United States would be joining the World Economic Forums One Trillion Trees initiative.

For anyone who believes in the free market, delivering an address at Davos is a thankless job. His unreceptive audience echoes the scene painted by Albert Jay Nocks immortal essay, Isaiahs Job. But the essay contained seeds of optimism:

[I]f the enterprise were to be a failure from the start  was there any sense in starting it? Ah, the Lord said, you do not get the point. There is a Remnant there that you know nothing about. They are obscure, unorganized, inarticulate, each one rubbing along as best he can. They need to be encouraged and braced up because when everything has gone completely to the dogs, they are the ones who will come back and build up a new society; and meanwhile, your preaching will reassure them and keep them hanging on. Your job is to take care of the Remnant, so be off now and set about it.

There is a Remnant of leaders, even within the room, who believe in freedom, despite the doomsayers. There are a handful of presidents and prime ministers  certainly in London, and likely in Eastern Europe  who agree that unleashing human creativity will lead to human flourishing. Their words of mutual comfort and common sense will keep them resolute until the latest, failed prophecies of doom fall into the ash heap.

You can watch the presidents speech below:

(Photo credit: Screenshot.)
At least six persons have died of the new SARS-like virus in China with top leaders warning officials against any cover up of the information on its outbreak even as the WHO is considering declaring an international public health emergency to combat the deadly illness.

The number of infected people has also increased sharply to about 300 as the government scampered to contain its spread by increasing monitoring on the movement of public from the 12 million people strong Wuhan city from where the SARS-like virus was first reported in December.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which is holding an emergency meeting on Wednesday, will consider declaring an international public health emergency over the virus - as it did with swine flu and Ebola, BBC reported.

Such a declaration, if made, will be seen as an urgent call for a coordinated international response in view of fears that millions of Chinese are travelling at home and abroad for the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival holidays starting from January 24.

The week-long festival triggers biggest mass migration, clogging road, rail and air networks every year.

India has already issued a travel warning. Several countries started screening travellers coming from China, especially from Wuhan to detect symptoms like fever.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang confirmed on Monday about Chinese official's attendance at the emergency meeting of the International Health Regulation (IHR) called by the WHO.

Experts from countries from where the virus is reported would also attend the meeting and share the information on the epidemic and come up with scientific solution, he said.

He said China has shared information with the WHO about the virus as well as the countries affected besides Hong Kong and Macau which are special administrative regions of China.

Meanwhile, as the fear grips Chinese cities, the country's top leaders have warned lower-level officials against any cover up in the information relating to the spread of the new coronavirus.

China's National Health Commission on Monday confirmed for the first time that the infection could be transmitted from human-to-human. It said two people in Guangdong province had been infected this way.

In a separate statement, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said at least 15 medical workers in Wuhan have also been infected with the virus, with one in a critical condition.

The workers presumably became infected with the virus due to the contact with patients. All of them are being kept in isolation while being treated, BBC reported.

Several cities including Beijing and Shanghai reported the cases of coronavirus.

Geng said the local government of Wuhan has adopted measures to control the people who are leaving the city.

"The latest I see today is that the local government in Wuhan has strengthened the control of people entering and leaving Wuhan," he said.

But there is no complete ban on people entering and exiting the city, he clarified.

Meanwhile the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CPC) has warned cadres not to cover up the spread of the new virus.

Anyone who withheld information would face severe punishment and be "nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity", Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Chang An Jian, the official social media account of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Beijing's top political body responsible for law and order ran a commentary on Tuesday, telling cadres not to forget the painful lessons of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which affected many parts of China and the world in late 2002. Over 800 people died due to the virus.

The Chinese government initially tried to conceal the severity of the SARS epidemic, but its cover-up which was exposed later has led to panic and mistrust about the government handling of the crisis.

"Anyone who puts the face of politicians before the interests of the people will be the sinner of a millennium to the party and the people," the commentary reads.

"Anyone who deliberately delays and hides the reporting of (virus) cases out of his or her own self-interest will be nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity," it added.

The commentary cited an instruction issued by President Xi Jinping on Monday that the virus must be "resolutely contained" and that all cadres must make "the safety of people's lives and their physical health" a top priority.

It stressed that transparency remained the best defence against rumours and public panic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Grab-hosted event, "Unlocking Technology for Good", was attended by influential figures across the public and private sectors. His Excellency Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs , opened the event ( full transcript here ) by calling for closer collaboration between governments and the private sector to "utilize technology for the advancement of the economic and social improvements for our citizens". He advised that "the best way for governments and tech industry leaders like Grab to work together is to use tech for good, and commit to a common goal of building for future generations - developing quality human capital and solving long-term problems like air pollution by developing an Electric Vehicle ecosystem."

Grab's Group CEO and Co-founder, Anthony Tan also hosted a panel discussion with His Excellency Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia; Sanjay Poonen, Chief Operating Officer, VMWare; Michael Froman, Chairman of Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Vice-Chairman and President of Strategic Growth; and Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Microsoft.

His Excellency Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia said, "First, we want to create policies that facilitate the growth of the innovation and tech-based economy, including digital platform businesses like Grab. Technology will play a key role for the implementation of Industry 4.0, and open up access to financial services for all - to make financial inclusion a reality."

Minister Airlangga added, "Second, we want our regulations to be investment-friendly, while continuing to uphold the principles of good governance, particularly on the issue of data protection."

Grab contributes to guidelines for the responsible use of new technologies

Through the World Economic Forum platform, Grab signed onto " The Charter of Principles for Good Platform Work ", which furthers its advocacy for responsible digital platform practices that benefit workers. Supported by global platform companies, the Charter aims to provide a guide for all stakeholders, including governments, platform companies and workers themselves, to collaborate on initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of platform workers, based on key principles for good platform work. Good practices by platform companies, for example, Grab's Break the Silence initiative to expand inclusion by supporting the deaf and others with ability impairments to use its platform for income opportunities, and efforts to bridge ASEAN's digital skills gap with digital literacy and upskilling training opportunities for its driver-partners, were also highlighted as examples for others in the industry to consider and emulate.

Grab also helped to shape the second edition Model AI Government Framework released by the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore, and contributed a use case example to help organisations implement the Model Framework. As an "AI-everywhere" organisation, Grab uses AI across its platform to solve problems in Southeast Asia, such as stamping out fraudulent transactions and allocating rides and food orders more efficiently. By sharing the collective learnings of Grab's over 300 strong AI and data science workforce, Grab hopes to inspire creative problem-solving using AI, and encourage responsible deployment of AI.

"Applying new technologies can have a profound impact on the lives and livelihoods of people. Over 20 percent of our driver-partners did not work prior to joining the Grab platform. By helping more people earn incomes, Grab contributed nearly US$6 billion to the Southeast Asia economy in the past year," said Anthony Tan, Group CEO & Co-founder, Grab.

"Yet the widening digital divide in developing markets and debates over the ethical use of tech reflects that tech companies can do more to step up as responsible industry players. Grab believes in taking a proactive approach to self-regulate in the interest of improving our partners' livelihoods. We are proactively committing to a set of key principles for good platform work and AI deployment, and hope it can serve as a useful basis for governments and other industry players to begin collaborating on solutions," added Anthony.

The above initiatives are an extension of the company's "Grab for Good" programme, where it commits to bringing digital literacy and inclusion to 3 million Southeast Asians by 2025, helping an additional 5 million traditional businesses and small merchants digitise their workflows, and training 20,000 students through tech talent initiatives in partnership with educational institutions, non-profit organisations and leading technology companies.

About Grab

Grab is the leading everyday super app in Southeast Asia, providing everyday services that matter most to consumers. Today, the Grab app has been downloaded onto over 166 million mobile devices, giving users access to over 9 million drivers, merchants and agents. Grab offers the widest range of on-demand transport services in the region, in addition to food, package delivery, digital payments and financial services, across 339 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries. For more information, see: http://www.grab.com.

SOURCE Grab
President of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia, Gennady Schmal, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, voiced his expectation of reappointing Minister of Energy Alexander Novak, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin to their posts in Mikhail Mishustin's Cabinet.

"I dont know about the work of the entire government, but as for the departments we work with -the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - ministers Novak, Manturov and Kobylkin are quite qualified, professional, knowledgeable, active and skillful," he said.

"Therefore, I think that they should be part of the new government," the President of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia stressed.

Gennady Shmal pointed out that the main task of the new government will be increasing the efficiency of the Russian economy in all sectors. "This problem can be solved by increasing the level of economic management," he said.

"In geology, there is already a professional in the government, and there should be a professional in the sphere of agriculture. I think these issues are well understood by the head of the new government and the president. By the way, the same requirement applies to our Duma, which should approve ministers, based primarily on their professional knowledge," the President of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia concluded

The new Russian Cabinet's composition will be presented this evening.
Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a meeting in New York with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his recent US visit. During this, they discussed the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Qureshi has given this information through Twitter. According to a report by The Express Tribune, Qureshi tweeted through his Twitter account that he met the UN Secretary General in New York and urged him to draw the attention of the global community to the victims in India's Jammu and Kashmir.

Qureshi wrote in a tweet that, "I also met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, where I outlined the global community's focus on the suffering of Kashmiris in Indian occupation and for this the United Nations resolutions and the desire of the Kashmiri people To find a solution consistent with that. "

The Express Tribune report states that Qureshi also raised the issue in a meeting with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir following the decision of the Narendra Modi-led government and On this, international cognizance was requested to be taken. Qureshi, however, did not give any information as to what Guterres answered.

Also Read:

Pakistan might ask for help from America to cut out its name from FATF's gray list

President of Brazil to visit India, will take part in Republic Day celebrations

Pak PM may soon participate in World Economic Forum, will hold bilateral meeting with Trump

Mystical disease wreaks havoc in China, more than 4 died so far
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin on Tuesday chaired an executive meeting at party headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam' in which as many as six resolutions were passed including resolution against the Register of Citizens (NRC) and Population Register (NPR).

A resolution was also passed in favour of granting Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

The executive committee meeting was convened following DMK's win in the recent local body elections and to discuss the future course of the party in view of other upcoming elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Civil rights activists were still mourning the 1968 assassinations of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Richard Nixon was president, the Vietnam War hadnt ended, and urban racial tensions remained.

In that climate, a 24-year-old Black Panther Party member from Houston named Bobby Lee went into a Chicago neighborhood of poor Southern white migrants with a stunning and straightforward plea: Join us.

A new PBS documentary is exploring a little-known movement that brought together blacks, Latinos and poor whites from Appalachia that later resulted in the upending of politics in the American Midwest.

The First Rainbow Coalition, scheduled to begin airing Mondayas part of the Independent Lens series, shows how members of the Black Panther Party organized Puerto Rican radicals and Confederate flag-waving white Southerners to help tackle poverty and discrimination. The union shocked some allies and scared police and the FBI, who feared the coalition would upend the social order.

It would eventually change Chicago.

Filmmaker Ray Santisteban said it took him 14 years to complete the project. The effort only took off after he convinced Lee, the ailing organizer behind the multi-ethnic effort, to speak publicly for the first time.

The subject of race also has come under scrutiny under President Donald Trump, who has been accused of making racist statements.

Funders would tell me, this was an interesting film but what does this have to do with today? Santisteban said. Then, the country changed. I started getting calls about four years ago about it.

In 1969, Lee reached out to Southern white migrants in a northern Chicago neighborhood called Hillbilly Harlem to join him in fighting poverty and police misconduct.

They were poor. It was a slum. You could smell it, Lee told Santisteban. And you could smell a slum.

Wearing a beret and his hands behind this back, Lee stood in front of a room of whites. To ease the crowds anxieties, Lee told the crowd, my name is Bobby Lee. But my real name is Robert E. Lee. It was an ironic reference to the former Confederate general who now shared the name with a black revolutionary.

We laughed, remembered Hy Thurman, a white man from Tennessee and a member of a group called the Young Patriots.

The police mistreated them like the police mistreated blacks, Lee told the crowd. Landlords also refused to change living conditions in their homes like the homes of black residents, he said.

What do you want in your community? What do you want here? he asked.

Lee also enlisted the Puerto Rican group, the Young Lords, to join the new multi-ethnic struggle.

The coalition began pressuring landlords about conditions and challenged police on their tactics. When eight police officers from the Cook County states attorneys office raided an apartment and killed Illinois Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, the coalition helped Republican Bernard Carey defeat Democratic Cook County States Attorney Edward V. Hanrahan.

It wasnt the first time there was an attempt to forge a multicultural alliance. New Mexico-born education pioneer George I. Sanchez and NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall corresponded in the late 1940s on ways to fight segregation. Japanese Americans would join Latinos in California to push for desegregation.

During the Civil Rights movement, Mexican American and African American advocates tried to create a coalition in Houston. The Houston group fought even over whether they should be called the Black/Brown or Brown/Black Coalition until future Congresswoman Barbara Jordan told participants to call themselves the B and B Coalition.

Chicano activists in the 1970s would later seek to build alliances with members of the American Indian Movement in South Dakota.
KENSINGTON, N.H.  A coyote attacked several people within hours Monday before being killed by a local man after the animal tried to bite his son, according to Kensington police.

Kensington Police Chief Scott Cain said the man was walking with his family on Phillips Exeter Academys Red Trail on the Kensington-Exeter line when the coyote appeared and attacked the familys young son.

Cain said the coyote was only able to bite the childs jacket before the father grabbed the animal and strangled it to death. However, in the struggle, the father was bitten and he had to go to the hospital to receive rabies shots, Cain said.

In an interview with CNN affiliate WCVB, dad Ian O'Reilly said it took him about 10 minutes to kill the coyote with his bare hands after the animal grabbed his 2-year-old son by his hood jacket.

A coyote spotted in Kensington, New Hampshire, by a motorist attacked a woman walking with her dogs and a family hiking Monday morning, according to police.

The attack on the family, Cain said, was the third in a string of encounters with the coyote Monday. The coyotes body was taken by Fish and Game to Concord, where it is being tested for rabies, he said.

Cain said the series of attacks began during the morning commute when the coyote, traveling by itself, was first encountered by a motorist.

Then, at approximately 9 a.m., a 62-year-old woman walking her two dogs near her home was attacked by the coyote, Cain said. The woman was bitten, he said, and went to Exeter Hospital to receive rabies shots.

Cain said at least one of her dogs was bitten, he said, but both were taken to a veterinarian to receive rabies booster shots as a precaution.

Cain said he was advised by Fish and Game that coyotes typically travel in packs. He said Fish and Game would have the results of the rabies test Wednesday. Before Mondays attacks, coyote sightings had been uncommon in town.

Fish and Game isnt sure if the animal was sick or its a temperament issue, Cain said. We havent received any reports of coyotes recently.

According to the Humane Society, coyote encounters in urban or suburban settings are fairly rare events. They are nocturnal animals but sometimes during daylight hours they can be seen moving from one part of their territory to another in search of prey, according to the Humane Society.

Coyotes seen during the day time are not always sick or aggressive, the Humane Society says, but if they do not run away from people when encountered, it could be a sign the animal has likely become accustomed to being around people by being fed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NH man strangles coyote to death after animal attacks his child
Convicted child sex offender and former Labor NSW minister Milton Orkopoulos will have to front up in court after allegedly breaching his parole conditions.

A NSW Police spokesman said Orkopoulos, 62, would be issued with a court attendance notice for failing to comply with reporting obligations.

Orkopoulos was released from prison in December last year after spending more than 11 years behind bars for child sex offences.

Convicted child sex offender and former Labor NSW minister Milton Orkopoulos (pictured) is set to face court four weeks after being released from prison after he allegedly breached bail conditions

'Following an investigation by officers from Eastern Beaches police area command, a court attendance notice will be served on a 62-year-old man for the offence of failing to comply with reporting obligations,' the police spokesman said.

Orkopoulos is due to front Waverley Local Court on March 4.

The 62-year-old was released after 11-and-a-half years behind bars at 10am on December 20 having been granted parole, despite being caught with drugs in jail earlier this year.

The former NSW Aboriginal affairs minister was jailed in 2008 after he was convicted of 30 offences including sexual intercourse with a boy between 10 and 18 years, and possessing child pornography.

He abused three male victims aged 15 to 20 after plying them with drugs and alcohol between 1995 and 2006.

He was ordered to abide by 11 strict parole conditions including wearing an electronic ankle bracelet, not to contact his victims, not to be in the company of or contact anyone on social media under 16 years.

He is also banned from the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie areas.

During this time Orkopoulos was a councillor for Lake Macquarie City and later was elected to NSW parliament.

The State Parole Authority, chaired by Justice James Wood, granted him parole because it would enable him to access treatment and supervision he would not otherwise receive if he was released at the end of his sentence in October 2021.

'The only way in which he can have a supervised and assisted transition back into the community is via parole release,' Justice Wood said.

Orkopoulos incurred four institutional misconduct charges while in prison - two for failing drug tests in December 2015 and February 2019 and two for receiving prohibited goods from a visitor in 2009 and 2013.

He failed a drug test earlier this year after testing positive to buprenorphine, an opioid used in the treatment of heroin and methadone dependence.
Leveraging the power of its Temenos Infinity and Temenos Transact front-to-back banking products built on modern cloud-native, cloud-agnostic and API-first technology, Temenos introduces the fastest route to market for new banking entrants seeking to differentiate themselves in the U.S banking landscape.

Temenos U.S. SaaS the enables rapid launch of neobanks and digital-only initiatives of established banks, new credit unions, community banks, and non-domestic banks with a strategic plan for the U.S. market.

Providing state-of-the-art omni-channel mobile and digital banking applications, underpinned by market leading core banking with comprehensive fraud management, payments, and analytics systems, delivered as SaaS.

Fully configured, with pre-packaged products and services with support for U.S. banking regulations to equip banks to be able to launch a differentiating and superior banking service, fast.

Temenos superior technology brings the benefits of SaaS: accelerated deployment, variable and elastic cost structure on cloud infrastructure with the unique ability of the underlying technologies of Temenos Infinity and Temenos Transact to extend the service both in depth and breadth, launch new products at a fraction of the time and differentiate the customer experience.

Temenos has a proven track record in supporting U.S. banks' growth by enabling them to bring products to market up to 16X faster, cut customer onboarding time by 75% and increase digital revenues up to 5X.

Temenos (SIX: TEMN), the banking software company, today launches a front-to-back banking software as a service designed uniquely for the US market with pre-integrated U.S. banking products and services designed to deliver an outstanding customer experience. Leveraging the power of its Temenos Infinity and Temenos Transact banking products built on its modern cloud-native, cloud-agnostic and API-first technology, Temenos has developed the next-generation SaaS product, enabling new digital banks to launch in the US within 90 days, and grow their business rapidly.

According to a recent Economist Intelligence Unit study, challenger banks whether domestic startups or overseas brands that are now expanding their footprint are making their presence felt in North America. The study also found that the number of banks choosing to develop new greenfield initiatives in the region has increased from 13% in 2018 to 29% in 2019, coming closer to the worldwide average of 36%. Temenos U.S. SaaS product is ideal for neo and digital banks in the US seeking to dramatically reduce their time to market, operational complexity and cost.

The Temenos U.S. SaaS offering provides new digital banks with a superior omnichannel front-to-back solution that delivers fully configured banking products and services, including support for conversational interfaces, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and wearable technologies. This gives an exceptional customer experience that allows digital banks to open new accounts seamlessly through all digital channels. Temenos US SaaS product allows new digital banks to come to market quickly, acquire customers fast, reduce customer onboarding time, and grow share of wallet and revenues fast. Onboarding new customers is seamless and frictionless and can be completed in a matter of minutes.

The solution is highly parameterized, allowing banks to rapidly configure and launch innovative products and services. In a market where a differentiated user experience is critical to success, banks can choose to customize Temenos' customer-facing applications based on its class-leading multi-experience platform or build their own by connecting to Temenos' extensive catalogue of functionally rich open APIs.

Additionally, Temenos' U.S. SaaS platform provides access to pre-integrated and packaged fintechs on Temenos MarketPlace, ranging from ID verification and e-signature, to live chat and Personal Financial Management (PFM) services, allowing new digital banks to create innovative offerings at speed.

The Temenos product has built-in U.S. regulatory compliance and is fully integrated with the U.S. banking landscape via its catalogue of third-party interfaces and connectors. Temenos SaaS cloud deployment provides cost and scalability benefits with high security and availability measures. Accessing the solution through a pay-as-you-go subscription model, banks will pay only for what they use with the price scaling as business grows. The solution is continuously deployed 24 X 7 X365 days, per year, underpinned by a microservices architecture delivering highly efficient elastic scaling capability, automatically provisioning resources to perfectly match demand upwards or downwards. All providing a seamless service experience that delivers constant innovation, releasing banks from the relentless and costly cycle of software upgrades. Temenos cloud-agnostic technology and deep commitment to continual R&D ensures that, for years to come, Temenos will remain at the forefront of banking's digital transformation, taking advantage of the best cloud innovation available while delivering the lowest cost option.

Max Chuard, Chief Executive Officer, Temenos, said: "With our new U.S. front-to-back SaaS product for digital banks, we will revolutionize the software banking landscape in the U.S., which is a highly strategic market for us. We are pioneers in cloud software and have global banking expertise in delivering high-profile and hugely successful SaaS-based retail digital banks and neobanks in regulated environments, from Varo Money and Grasshopper in the U.S., to Volt Bank and Judo Bank in Australia, and Leumi's Pepper in Israel. These are exciting times as we continue to offer banks the most advanced SaaS digital banking product based on modern, cloud-native technology, giving them the freedom to dramatically reduce their time to market, cost, operational complexity and deliver outstanding digital customer experiences."

Temenos has over 1,300 customers in North America and over 700 employees. The company boasts a list of clients ranging from top-tier global financial institutions such as Commerce Bank to challenger banks such as Grasshopper Bank, Varo Money, and credit unions such asPartners Federal Credit Union.

Jeffery Kendall, Executive Vice President, North America Sales and Distribution, Temenos, said: "Banks and credit unions in the U.S. have shifted their investment focus to strategies that allow them to quickly grow consumer and small business deposits at a lower cost of acquisition. This trend has created the need for a turn-key digital banking service focused on speed to market with scalable cost as launching a digital bank has historically been an expensive and difficult endeavor. Temenos is powering the critical growth of our customers by providing a front-to-back, SaaS based, digital banking solution that will allow neobanks to compete in this dynamic market."

Ends

About Temenos

Temenos AG (SIX: TEMN), headquartered in Geneva, is the world's leader in banking software, partnering with banks and other financial institutions to transform their businesses and stay ahead of a changing marketplace. Over 3,000 banks across the globe, including 41 of the top 50 banks, rely on Temenos to process both the daily transactions and client interactions of more than 500 million banking customers. Temenos offers cloud-native, cloud-agnostic front office and core banking, payments, fund management and wealth management software products enabling banks to deliver consistent, frictionless customer journeys and gain operational excellence.

Temenos software is proven to enable its top-performing clients to achieve industry-leading cost-income ratios of 25.2% and returns on equity of 25.0%, 2X better than the industry average. These clients also invest over 53% of their IT budget on growth and innovation versus maintenance, which is 2.5X the industry average, proving the banks' IT investment is adding tangible value to their business.

For more information, please visit www.temenos.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005017/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Jessica Wolfe Grace Collins

Temenos Global Public Relations

Tel: +1 610 232 2793 + 44 20 7423 3969

Email: press@temenos.com

Alistair Kellie Andrew Adie

Newgate Communications on behalf of Temenos

Tel: +44 20 7680 6550

Email: allnewgatetemenos@newgatecomms.com
Just outside the northern port city of Tianjin sits the latest addition to China's cultural heritage.



The National Maritime Museum of China is an imposing modern complex designed by the Australian company Cox Architecture and the Tianjin Architecture Design Institute, or TADI.

The museum joins a growing list of innovative, modern architecture across China  from Beijing Daxing International Airport, to the country's focus on "green" design in urban development.

Since the museum's soft opening in May, thousands have flocked to an institution that will highlight China's maritime history. No date has been announced for the official opening.

Philip Cox, whose company won the international design competition for the project in 2012, said the elegant, simple layout of the museum, which sits on a manmade bay, features white exhibition halls stretching out like the fingers of a hand, resembling brush strokes in calligraphy.

Liu Jingliang, honorary president of TADI, the local design partner for the project, said, "The main aim of the museum is to enhance people's awareness of the sea.

"As President Xi Jinping said during the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army Navy, 'The blue planet humans inhabit is not divided into islands by the oceans, but is connected by the oceans to form a community with a shared future'."

Liu said that China now has its first such national museum "and we are very proud to have participated in this project".

He said the world-class building combines elements of history, culture and art.

Covering 80,000 square meters, the building's four halls stretch out over the harbor and converge onto a central area.

Each hall is devoted to a different aspects of the country's marine heritage: nature and oceans; world maritime civilization; marine culture; and historic vessels. There is a temporary exhibition hall and space for public education, business, research and curatorial facilities.

This arrangement of the halls and the maritime plaza ensured the museum does not resemble one huge building.

The architecture is informed by aquatic references, such as anemones, coral and vessels in port  subtle enticements to explore its exhibits.

The design leads visitors up a ramp to an elevated area from which they can access one of two split levels, allowing the collections and operations center to be located immediately under the main hall.

Liu said the design adopted "a nonlinear approach extending from the land to the sea, with the land and water interacting with each other".

"This will encourage people to explore and discover (the building) themselves. While some say the exterior looks like a shoal of fish jumping toward the surface of the sea, others think it is like a boat lying on the sea, or a hand reaching toward the sea. Some even say it depicts various creatures under the water."

Cox, the founder of Cox Architecture, said: "There are a lot of Australian architects working in China but very few have been given the privilege to do a building of such national importance as this one."

He and his team designed the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney, and the Western Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle, south of Perth.

"I can't remember just how many companies competed for National Maritime Museum of China contract, but in the end it was down to five or six, including Chinese firms," Cox said.

"The authorities liked our design concept and selected us along with TADI as the local partners. It was a very good cooperative effort.

"Usually in a project like this, you often see some clashes, whether over the design concept or just personalities, but I can honestly say that was not the case for this project. Everything went better than any of us expected."

He said the brief  to submit a design for a museum reflecting China's maritime history  provided a great degree of flexibility.

"We wanted to know what ships and exhibits would be on display so that we could work on some concepts. We were told not to worry about that, as it would be sorted later."

Anya Meng, an associate at Cox Architecture who coordinated the project, said: "The exhibition halls sit within the landscape, offering views out to nature and its wider context as you navigate through the halls."

A "full immersive experience" is also provided in each exhibition hall, which houses exhibits with specific requirements. "Few museums offer an experience like that," Meng said.

The building can be interpreted as an "exhibition in the landscape", with the halls cantilevering majestically out over the water.

Cox added: "Even when building started, there was no water. The bay the museum is on was empty. Once the building was completed, the area around it was flooded.

"It's amazing when you think about it  so different to how European minds think."

Zhu Ci, from the National Maritime Museum Preparation Office, said the project marks a significant addition to understanding China's maritime history.

"I hope that in time we can develop the museum as a center for marine cultural heritage preservation, marine cultural research and public education on marine knowledge," Zhu said.

"Throughout the long course of history, many of our ancestors living in coastal areas created a maritime civilization as they got to know and exploit the ocean," he said.

"With continuous advancement of shipbuilding techniques and seamanship, maritime communication between China and the rest of the world became more frequent. The creation of the Maritime Silk Road, in particular, led to the ancient Chinese maritime civilization."

Zhu said this civilization "carries the valuable cultural spirit and traditions of the Chinese nation" and has made an indelible contribution to the development of overall maritime civilization.

He said the emergence of such a civilization in China started in ancient times when people began to explore and use the sea.

People in the Stone Age, who formed into groups and settled by the sea, left many remains on islands and in coastal regions.

"These inhabitants had a different way of life from those in inland areas, as they were better adapted to the natural environment of the coast," Zhu said.

He cited two examples of the ocean's impact on people's lives: perforated shells found at the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, near Beijing, which are 10,000 to 30,000 years old; and the making of canoes some 7,000 to 8,000 years ago in coastal areas of southeastern China.

He said the remains of ancient canoes found in Zhejiang province are believed to be some of the first built by humans. An adze, a tool used to build a canoe, also provided important evidence to study humans' early migration across the oceans.

Many advanced shipbuilding techniques that emerged in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) had a great impact on the global shipbuilding industry, Zhu said.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), Chinese vessels were known to sail routes to present-day India and Sri Lanka, and between the Wei-Jin Period and the Tang Dynasty  from AD 220-907, boats from China sailed to the Korean Peninsula, Japan, South Asia and West Asia.

During the Tang Dynasty, there was also a route from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, to the Arabian Peninsula.

The Maritime Silk Road, which emerged during the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han dynasties, witnessed significant development in the Tang Dynasty. Many relics were found during this period, proving that maritime trade existed between China and other countries.

Zhu said, "Chinese maritime civilization witnessed prosperity during the Song to Yuan dynasties (960-1368), when development of the Maritime Silk Road reached its peak.

"In the 12th century, the compass started to be used in China for navigation. It was then introduced to Europe by the Arabs, and helped promote development of the shipping industry in the West."

From 1405 to 1433, the expeditionary voyages of maritime explorer Zheng He involved more than 200 vessels and 27,000 crew. He was in command for the biggest long-distance voyage ever undertaken in the world at the time.

"Zheng He's voyage to the west was the climax of ancient China's maritime civilization. It disseminated Chinese civilization to the rest of the world, enhanced cultural communication among different countries and regions, and promoted the prosperity of international trade," Zhu said.

Rejuvenation of the country's maritime tradition started after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Zhu said. In recent years, its marine industry has developed in "leaps and bounds", in areas such as investigation and observation, deep-sea exploration and polar research.

The legal system covering maritime issues has also been greatly improved, with the launch of a series of laws for deep sea, island, and marine environmental protection, which safeguard development of the marine industry.

Zhu said China's active participation in global maritime cooperation and management, and its contribution to protecting the marine environment have shown that it has taken on such responsibility as a major country.

"China is also working to promote construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, while promoting the concept of peaceful development and win-win cooperation across the world.

"With the theme of developing the blue economy, China encourages all-round and pragmatic cooperation (under the Belt and Road Initiative).

"Chinese marine civilization is on its way toward rejuvenation, which will be a positive driver for rejuvenation of the nation."
For a modern prince, Harry operates like kings of old, Opinion, Jan. 19

I do not follow the comings and goings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but I have read enough about their situation to understand the kind of treatment they received from the British press and by extension the British public. Shannon Rupp compares Harry to two previous English kings who she alleges had affairs with nefarious women and describes Markle as nothing more than a harlot climbing the social ladder. At the same time, she criticizes Harry for permitting only approved publicists to cover the Sussexes. Since Harry has had to deal with dribble from the British press literally his whole life, is it any wonder the Sussexes left Britain because of this kind of press? I am surprised the Toronto Star would publish this.

Ray Phipps, Markham

Read more about:
Moscow [Russia], Jan 21 (ANI/Sputnik): Moscow warns Tehran against making 'reckless steps' to quit the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said.



He added that Russia urges Iran to comply with its obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, giving those who oppose the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) further reasons for escalation is "counterproductive".

"Opponents of the JCPOA and those who are now trying to destabilise the situation in the region, should not be given additional material to escalate the general situation. It would be counterproductive, in our opinion," Mr. Ryabkov said.

Earlier on Monday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that if Iran's nuclear issue is referred to the United Nations Security Council Tehran will quit the NPT.

"If the Europeans continue their improper behaviour or send Iran's file to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the NPT," Zarif said as quoted by the official IRNA news agency.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is an international treaty signed in 1968 and aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

EU Blames Iran for Non-Compliance With Nuke Deal

Mr. Zarif's statement comes after Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said in an interview earlier on Monday that Tehran still adheres to the JCPOA, blaming the European countries for failing to fulfill their obligations under the deal.

Last week, France, Germany and the UK announced that they were launching the Dispute Resolution Mechanism within the JCPOA after they said they had been "left with no choice, given Iran's actions' but to refer Tehran's alleged failure to comply with its commitments under the nuclear deal. According to the Dispute Resolution Mechanism, if the party accused of not abiding by its JCPOA commitments fails to resolve the complaint against it, the parties that launched the mechanism can cease their obligations under the deal and notify the UNSC.

On January 5, Iran said that it was rolling back its commitments under the JCPOA following a new escalation of tensions with the US which was caused by the killing of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad on 3 January.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said that Tehran continues to adhere to the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that the European powers' claims about Iran violating the deal were unfounded. (ANI/Sputnik)


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A female police officer has been charged with driving under the influence after she slammed into a truck, and her police colleague sitting in the passenger seat was killed.

Erin Zilka, 35, was allegedly driving while drunk when the car struck a box truck that had been involved in a separate accident on the I-55 highway in Plainfield, Illinois.

Her passenger, Charles Schauer, 33, died after her SUV Dodge Durango hit the truck. The 10-year veteran of the Berwyn Police Department was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zilka, a six-year-veteran Joliet Police Department, was taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. She was then arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

Erin Zilka (pictured), 35, was allegedly driving intoxicated when the vehicle struck a box truck that had been involved in a separate accident on the I-55 highway in Illinois

Charles Schauer (pictured), 33, a 10-year veteran of the Berwyn Police Department, was a passenger in the SUV Dodge Durango driven by Zilka. He was pronounced dead at the scene

Zilka (left) and Schauer (right) were both off-duty at the time of the crash

The incident took place at around 6am when two trucks were involved in an accident on the highway and had come to a stop in the southbound lanes just north of Route 30 in Plainfield.

Zilka allegedly failed to slow down or change lanes as she approached accident scene, causing the SUV to crash into one of the trucks.

Both cops were off-duty at the time of the crash.

'The subject from the Dodge Durango was not breathing another subject was unconscious and another accident happened right in the area,' an official told ABC News Chicago.

The incident (pictured) took place at around 6am when two trucks were involved in an accident on the highway and had come to a stop in the southbound lanes just north of U.S. Route 30 in Plainfield

The wreckage: Zilka failed to slow down or change lanes on approach to the accident causing the SUV to crash into one of the trucks, it is alleged

The Berwyn Police Department has paid tribute to its fallen officer in a Facebook post.

'The City of Berwyn Police Department is grieving the loss of a well-respected Police Officer, Charles Schauer, a 10-year veteran,' it said.

'Officer Schauer was a passenger in a vehicle that was in an auto accident in Will County. The accident investigation is being conducted by the Illinois State Police. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schauer family during this time of need.'

Jeff Tomczak, defending the accused, disputed that his client was intoxicated and said she was 'totally devastated' by the events.

The Illinois State Police will continue to investigate the incident.

Erin Zilka was a six-year veteran of the Joliet Police Department (pictured). Jeff Tomczak, defending the accused, disputed that his client was intoxicated and said she was 'totally devastated' by the events
While Hong Kongs protests continued, so too did the attacks on journalists and press freedoms in late December and early January. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) condemn ongoing assaults and the persistent undermining of the fundamental right of press freedom in Hong Kong.

On December 20, following alleged firing of a live round at police officers in Tai Po, police fired tear gas at media and onlookers. One reporter from online outlet Stand News had a camera repeatedly hit by a police officer. Another journalist was hit on the hand and mobile phone, while other reporters were pepper sprayed. On December 24, reporters in multiple districts were abused, kicked and pepper sprayed, with filming also hindered. In Mong Kok, reporters were harassed and one reporter threatened to a finding of illegal assembly. Two tear gas bombs were later fired in the reporters direction.

During protests in December, as well as the hindrance of the media and physical assaults, police also failed to display their own proper identification. Out-of-uniform police officers intercepted a reporter in Tai Po on December 26 without displaying police authorisation cards. The same officers then proceeded to display the reporters Legislative Council press card, journalists press card and ID card on live camera for several seconds, allegedly contravening the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

On January 1, a magazine photographer was reportedly assaulted, verbally and physically, in Wan Chai after he fell to the ground injured. During clearance operations in Causeway Bay on the same day, riot police targeted reporters, asking them to present their press card and ID card. A blockade was expanded to surrounding streets, preventing media reporting and recording law enforcement actions.

On January 4, a photography professor from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Matthew Connors, was barred from entering Hong Kong from the airport and detained for approximately five hours before being sent back to New York. Authorities said Connors did not meet the immigration requirements, but failed to provide further details.

On January 12, Human Rights Watchs (HRW) executive director, Kenneth Roth, was also denied entry to the country to attend a press conference for the launch of HRWs Annual Report. Authorities claimed this was also due to immigration reasons. With the focus of HRWs report on Chinas failure to uphold basic human rights principles, Roth said his denial of entry into Hong Kong vividly illustrates this problem.

The HKJA said: "We strongly condemn police officers for abusing, assaulting and expelling journalists to seriously undermine the freedom of the press. The actions not only provoked the emotions of the people present and harmed the health of journalists, but also seriously hindered the media's interviews and harmed the freedom of the press".

The IFJ said: The failure of Hong Kongs police to respect media freedom continues unabated. Harassment and intimidation is now the order of the day. The IFJ again reiterates the urgent need for a formal review of incidents and police brutality. Combined we are now seeing the denial of entry of press freedom and media advocates as another layer of control on the coverage of Hong Kongs crisis. Such acts undoubtedly compromise freedom of speech and freedom of the press, which are vital components of a functioning democracy.
A total of 53 migrants have tried to make their way to the UK in just 24 hours as Border Force officials say they intercepted twenty one people in Kent this morning.

Pictures from Dover harbour earlier today showed an empty boat and officers processing the migrants, as trafficking gangs continue so-called 'surge tactics', in a bid to overwhelm UK authorities.

Officials were seen giving the migrants blankets to wrap around themselves this morning before being put into a van, after they were found in what is believed to be the first crossing of 2020.

Officials dealt with two incidents this morning, the first just before 5am when 11 migrants were found on Dover Eastern Dock.

An hour later Border Force were informed that a boat was travelling across the Channel.

Officers were seen giving migrants blankets to wrap around themselves as they got off boats in Dover

The image above shows an empty rubber dinghy after three boats were intercepted by border force officials

Ten people, eight men, a woman and a child were brought ashore and one of the men was arrested on suspicion of illegal entry into the UK.

He has been taken to a police station and the other migrants are being dealt with in accordance to immigration rules.

A total of 53 migrants have tried to make it into Britain in the past 24 hours through various routes.

Search operation launched in Belgium after boat capsizes A huge search and rescue operation was launched in Belgium in the early hours of today after a suspected migrant boat capsized. The hunt was sparked after police found a man wearing a wetsuit near the sea at 3.30am. He told them a group of 13 other people were stranded in the sea, according to The Brussels Times newspaper. It is thought to be the first time migrants have tried to make it to Britain from Belgium. Their boat overturned in the North Sea off the coastal town of De Panne, on the French border, and conditions were so foggy that the police helicopter could not be called out. Locals said they saw the migrants heading out to sea wearing 'makeshift life jackets'. Mayor Bram Degrieck said the rescue teams managed to save everyone known to be in the water, saying they were 'most likely' migrants. Mr Degrieck told the BBC: 'It's the first time to my knowledge this happens on a beach in Belgium. 'The stress is getting higher. Perhaps smugglers are trying to find different routes, other ways of getting into the UK. 'It is obviously not the appropriate route to take. It is about 70km (43 miles) to the UK. 'It is obviously very distressing that smugglers are trying to use Belgian beaches.' Advertisement

The National Crime Agency this week said that migrants trying to reach the UK from France are using 'surge' tactics to overwhelm patrols.

Steve Reynolds, who works at the agency told the BBC that if a large number of migrants depart on the same day then they are 'more likely to get through'.

Weather conditions are said to have been 'perfect' to cross the Channel in the night, with a calm sea - but the temperatures would have been 'very cold'.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Those who seek to come to the UK unlawfully and the ruthless criminals who facilitate journeys are all breaking the law and endangering lives.

'There has been a doubling of patrols on French beaches and drones, specialist vehicles and detection equipment have been deployed to stop small boats leaving French shores and arriving in the UK illegally.

'Individuals who reach the UK illegally should be in no doubt about our determination to return them to Europe as it is an established principle that those in need of protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.'

On Monday 12 migrants - including two women and a child - were picked up by French authorities some two nautical miles off the coast of Cape Gris-Nez.

Their boat got into difficulty and the migrants suffered mild hypothermia, French authorities said.

French maritime officials said weather conditions are 'often difficult' in the Channel and North Sea, adding that it is 'dangerous for human life'.

In 2019 around 1,900 people tried to cross the English Channel in a small craft.

The majority are recorded to have been from Iran.

The Coastguard confirmed it helped Border Force (pictured) with 'three incidents off the Kent coast' in December

On 31 December 43 people were detained by Border Force officers off the coast of Kent after they crossed the busiest shipping lanes in the world.In another incident on the same day six men were spotted off the French shore and returned to the Port of Calais.

The first boat was carrying 12 Iranian nationals and was intercepted by Border Force off the coast of Dover at 3.35am.

The second boat had 22 men on board, claiming to be from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, and was intercepted at 4.25am.

The third boat was intercepted at 7.50am and had seven men and two women on board, who all said they were from Iran.

On December 29 more than 60 migrants were rescued by the French and British authorities.

Last year 336 migrants arrived just in August, including 86 in one day.

At least two desperate asylum seekers are known to have died while trying to reach the UK.

One of them was a 48-year-old Iraqi man who attempted to swim across using diver fins and plastic bottles as a makeshift life jacket.

The other was a woman who fell overboard while crossing with other migrants.

A huge search and rescue operation was launched by British authorities, and the woman's body was found on Dutch waters weeks later.
She has been dating Reece Hawkins for over a year, following his split from his ex-fiancee and mother of his two children, Tammy Hembrow.

But London Goheen faced a mixed reaction from fans on Tuesday, when she posted a bikini-clad snap to Instagram and was accused of 'copying' her boyfriend's ex.

In the photo, the 21-year-old American model flaunted her washboard abs and ample assets in a tiny two-piece while pouting for the camera.

'Wonder who's inspiring you?' Reece Hawkins' new girlfriend London Goheen (pictured) was accused of 'copying' his ex-fiancee, Tammy Hembrow, after sharing this sizzling bikini snap

While most fans praised London as 'stunning' and 'gorgeous', others hinted that she had been 'inspired' by Tammy, who shares similar photos with her 10 million followers.

'Always copying Tammy's bikinis,' one troll wrote, while another added sarcastically: 'You should rep Tammy's new swim line!'

'LOL wonder who's inspiring you,' read a similar comment.

Similar: While most fans praised London as 'stunning' and 'gorgeous', others hinted that she had been 'inspired' by Tammy (above), who shares similar photos with her 10 million followers

Social media sensation: Tammy is one of the most popular Instagram users in the world

Comparisons: 'Always copying Tammy's bikinis,' one troll wrote, while another added sarcastically: 'You should rep Tammy's new swim line!'

But it wasn't all negative, as London had plenty of support from her loyal followers.

'You are honestly so gorgeous, and such a sweetheart!' wrote one enthusiastic fan.

It's not the first time comparisons have been made between Tammy and London.

Awkward! Back in December, London (right) modelled the same iamkoko tank top that Tammy (left) had worn just a day earlier, albeit in a different colour

Back in December, London modelled the same iamkoko tank top that Tammy, 25, had worn just a day earlier, albeit in a different colour.

Reece has been dating the Texas-born beauty since mid-2018, after announcing his split from Tammy after five years of dating.

The couple recently took their relationship to the next level when the streetwear designer got London's name tattooed on his wrist.

Second chance at happiness: Reece has been dating the Texas-born beauty since mid-2018, after announcing his split from Tammy after five years of dating
The Small Firms Association (SFA) has today launched its Small Business Manifesto which calls for commercial rates reform, improved tax environment and access to upskilling. It also stresses need for combatting the substantial rise in employer and public liability insurance.

The SFA believes that Ireland urgently needs a coherent strategy that places a clear focus on the 98% of businesses employing half the private sector workforce in Ireland.

The Association says the next government must get behind these indigenous businesses, just as it has supported Ireland's successful multinationals companies  to unlock untapped potential and ensure Irish competitiveness in what is now a very changing world.

Chairman of the Small Firms Association, Graham Byrne said that with confidence among small business owners hitting a fresh low in 2019 and Brexit and global economic uncertainty set to continue, this election presents the next government with the opportunity to act to limit increases in areas they control and focus on the domestic challenges facing small firms such as giving them the broadband they need through the swift delivery of the National Broadband Plan.

Speaking today, Byrne said, "We are urging every party and candidate contesting the 2020 General Election to listen to, and make every effort to understand, the challenges faced by small firms in the communities they hope to represent. The next government, whatever its makeup, must put small business at the heart of its policies by supporting their transition to a low carbon economy, addressing issues such as childcare, housing, transport links and investing more ambitiously in entrepreneurship."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The Associated Press

The European Union has set up a 900 million euro ($998 million) budget to help countries hit by humanitarian crises, with Africa getting the largest share of the money.

The EU Commission, the blocs executive arm, said Monday that people in more than 80 countries will benefit from the money in 2020. Some 400 million euros ($444 million) will go to programs developed in Africa, while 345 million euros ($383 million) have been awarded to address crises in the Middle East.

A further 111 million euros ($123 million) will be dedicated to programs in Asia and Latin America.

Even though conflict remains the main cause of hunger and displacement, its impact has become seriously worsened by climate change. Europe has a responsibility to show solidarity and support for those in need. Our assistance depends on full humanitarian access so aid organizations can do their lifesaving job, said Janez Lenarcic, the EU commissioner for crisis management.

The EU said the bulk of the 2020 EU aid will support people suffering from the long-term conflict in Congo and malnutrition in the Sahel region, as well as those displaced by violence in South Sudan, Central African Republic and the Lake Chad Basin.

In the Middle East, the EU said the funding will address the crisis in Syria and its refugees in neighbouring countries, as well as the extremely critical situation in Yemen.
The watch industry loves cinema, and has mastered the art of using the silver screen to communicate and inspire. In a world where image is everything, having a screen presence  whether on the big or the small screen  is a measure of success for watch brands big and small.

But if watchmakers have a love affair with the 7th art, its partly because we watch lovers like nothing better than to see our film heroes wearing our own favourite accessories. Because, lets be honest, even though I obviously know that Dirk Pitt doesnt exist, I do get a buzz at the thought that my childhood hero wore a Doxa identical to the one on my wrist right now.

You see, in the cinema, its all about imagination and transposition. Clearly, Im not Brad Pitt fighting hordes of zombies in World War Z. And yet, I immediately went to my phone to check the name of the watch he wore in this (rather good) film. As it happens, it was a Terra Cielo Mare Orienteering  an unknown brand that was thrown into the spotlight after the film was released.

And the list of such cinematic moments of horological delight is long. Very long.

First, there are the watches worn by film characters, which help to place them in a particular historical era. In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Brad Pitt (again)  clearly a fan of original timepieces  wore a gold-plated Bullhead chronograph by Citizen, with its famous 8110 movement. In Apocalypse Now we witnessed a Homeric battle between Seiko (Captain Willard) and Rolex (Colonel Kurtz). And finally, there is the gold Speedmaster in Money Monster (2016), a perfect choice for the character played by George Clooney.

All of these watches are real, and theyre inserted into plausible stories.

Then there are the actor watches  watches that play a role in the film, and become part of the story. Robert Redford survives being shipwrecked thanks to, among other things, his trusty Seiko SKX009 in All is Lost. Mads Mikkelson can barely keep his eyes off his Seiko chronograph in the magnificent Artic. And of course the astronauts  and Tom Hanks  in Apollo 13, owe their survival to their Speedmasters. And finally, there are the watches in action and science fiction films that we see on the wrists of their somewhat improbable  but unfailingly handsome  heroes.

Theres the famous Arnie Seiko (H558) on the wrist of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator, and Roger Moores G757 in Octopussy. A number of Panerais have been modelled by Sly (Sylvester Stallone) in a parade of blockbusters from Daylight to Expendables. There are the Hamilton Venturas in Men in Black, or Ling Lings Carl F. Bucherer ScubaTec in The Meg, in which Jason Statham wears an IWC. We see the same ScubaTec (this time in black, with a red Carl F. Bucherer logo) worn by the evergreen Sylvester Stallone in the final instalment of Rambo. And we mustnt forget John Wick (I, II and III), who is also a big fan of Carl F. Bucherer!

These watches are true actors, that have evolved from being mere extras to taking leading roles.

We might criticise their performance, and roll our eyes at their improbable stunts, but deep down we know well keep coming back for more because, at the end of the day, a film without watches is a bit... well, boring.

Its easy enough to include a watch in a scene, but giving it real screen presence is another matter entirely.

Nevertheless, the ultimate partnership remains the long-term association between a hero and a watch. Im not naive. I know that these screen roles are the result of hard-nosed commercial negotiations, enormous sums of money and suitcases full of contracts. But I dont care.

Because, you know what? I also know that the Expendables, the Men In Black and even James Bond dont exist! And thats why I like to see them wearing watches. Because it gives me something to daydream about. Me, and many other watch collectors.

And thats the magic of cinema: to transport us into the future with a Bulgari X33 (Minority Report), or to Mars with a Hamilton; to the bottom of the Abyss (James Cameron) with a Seiko; or to defeat supervillains with a Rolex, a Seiko, a Breitling or an Omega (James Bond).

In this list theres one watch thats a bit different, the Bulgari X33. It bears this name because it is a Bulgari branded watch, but it bears a curious resemblance to an Omega X33. It had quite an important role in Minority Report, but it has never been commercially available.

There are very few examples of watches developed specifically for a film.

In many cases, the watches are standard products that are inserted into the script. Apart from the X33 I can think of the Seiko Bishop and Ripley, created for the film Alien and marketed after the film was released, and the Hamilton Murph from the film Interstellar, which has been available to buy since 2019. And finally, we have the Omega Spectre, a slightly modified version of the Omega Seamaster 300 Co-Axial.

Today were looking at this new Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond, which fits into several categories, because its both a hero watch  developed for the forthcoming James Bond film  and a standard product.

Why Omega?

Ill spare you an introduction to Omega. And James Bond. But its interesting to look at the longstanding association between Ian Flemings hero and the Biel watch brand. Yes, I know, according to Ian Fleming, James Bond wore a Rolex  an Explorer, in fact. But if we look at James Bonds history, and his status as an officer in the Royal Navy, he could equally well have worn a Rolex 5514, a CWC, an Omega, a Smith or even a Seiko. He could even have worn more than one of these watches, given that he was a connoisseur of high-end engineering and a lover of the finer things in life.

But for the last 25 years  since Golden Eye  the British secret agent has worn Omega. His first Omega was the first Omega Seamaster 300, launched in 1993, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019 with a splendid version in tantalum, titanium and Sedna gold. James stayed faithful to the Seamaster 300 in Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is not Enough, Die Another Day and Casino Royale (which was Daniel Craigs debut).

Quantum of Solace (2008)

And indeed, the arrival of Daniel Craig ushered in a number of changes to Bonds kit. While he continued to use the 300, he quickly switched to the Planet Ocean 600m, which he kept for Quantum of Solace.

In Skyfall, the Planet Ocean remained Bonds main watch, but he also wore an Aqua Terra with a blue dial. This Aqua Terra also made an appearance in Spectre, but it was the new Seamaster 300 Co-Axial that would play a starring role in the second most recent episode, enabling Bond to escape from a rather sticky situation at the hands of his arch enemy  and sort-of brother  the abominable Blofeld.

In Time to Die, James Bond returns to his first love, once again sporting a Seamaster 300. But its rather different from its predecessors, and more interesting, cinematographically speaking.

Time to Watch, the Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond

Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond  Omega

The new Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond is an extremely interesting timepiece  a watch designed to be a character in its own right. At first glance it looks strange, something of a patchwork of different components and designs. This watch shouldnt really work, and yet it does.

What am I getting at? The Seamaster 300 James Bond isnt a real Seamaster 300. Or at least, thats not how I see it. The Seamaster 300 was born 25 years ago, with a resolutely modern design. The James Bond, however, breaks the original codes of the Seamaster, giving it a different flavour  the flavour of an actor watch, a genuine fictional character.

First of all, the watch is made entirely of brushed titanium, which gives it a lighter but, more importantly, a vintage appearance. That could be jarring in a contemporary timepiece but, once again, it works rather well.

Then, the bezel is made not of ceramic, but aluminium, a choice I thoroughly approve of. To my mind, ceramic is too cold, whereas aluminium will develop a patina over time, as will the titanium. The dial isnt exactly black  its more of a dark brown, which adds to the vintage feel. You get the impression that Omega wanted to make this new Seamaster 300 part of James Bonds past, as if it was a watch hed always worn.

That probably explains why Omega has gone for khaki-coloured Luminova, which perfectly complements the dial and the aluminium bezel. But thats not all: the typical steel bracelet of the Seamaster 300 has been replaced by a very sixties/seventies titanium mesh band!

These bracelets had their heyday many years ago, and they are gradually making a comeback on the wrists of vintage watch enthusiasts. But its quite a surprise to see a mesh on a Seamaster 300. It could have been a bit much, but no... once again, it works! And for those who dont care for the mesh, the Seamaster Bond also comes in a NATO strap version. And, while the NATO does look good, I far prefer the highly original all-titanium version.

Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond  Omega

Is that the last of the vintage and Bondian references? Of course not.

The dial features an arrow symbol. For military watch enthusiasts, its highly significant. Its the sign of the MoD (the British Ministry of Defence), placed on military watches issued to soldiers in the field, which remain the property of the MoD.

Some will no doubt be scandalised by this addition, given that this Seamaster 300 has never been military-issue. Nevertheless, Omega has supplied watches for British military pilots and divers for many years.

And let us not forget  this watch is a cinematic character. Like James Bond. And so, youve guessed it... it works.

And it gets better. The closed caseback is engraved with some strange figures: 0552/923/ and A/007/62.

The first number is inspired by the references applied by the MoD to their standard-issue watches. Omega has extended the analogy as far as possible to create a fully fleshed-out character!

The more amusing number is 007/52. 007, of course. But why 62? Could that be the year of the first Bond film  1962? As I said, with this superb Seamaster 300 007, Omega has scored a bulls eye by creating a horological character in its own right by drawing liberally from the Bond story, from the protagonists military origins to the first film.

Bravo, because at the end of the day, it all just works.

Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond  Omega

What does the Devils Advocate think?

A watch in honour of someone who fights supervillains? Whatever... theyre not really in the same league as our malevolent adversary.

But more seriously, what more could be done, or done better, to make this Omega Seamaster 300 even more convincing? Frankly, not a lot.

Our only regret is that the watch isnt supplied with both the mesh and NATO straps, and that Omega didnt choose to simplify the markings on the dial, getting rid of Co-Axial and Master Chronometer, to further strengthen the vintage vibe of this piece.

How to wear the Omega Seamaster 300 James Bond with style

Obviously, Bond is synonymous with style. 007 is as much a style icon as he is a master spy. So, if youre going to wear Seamaster, you must look to your classics. All the more so, as this watch is a bridge between the past and the future.

Lets start with the past and, because the Seamaster is primarily a dive watch, lets take a trip down memory lane to the good old days of the beaches of Dr No. First stop: the Orlebar Brown website, to pick out one of the many re-creations of the clothes worn by Bond. My favourite items are the linen shirt from Dr No, and the pale pink Thunderball shorts.

For a more formal and contemporary outfit, you have no option but to engage the services of a Bond Street tailor. But Ill settle for a more casual look. As Bond wears jackets as much as suits, I will choose a classic leather Moto Jacket by John Varvatos. And as were still in the winter season, I would opt for a charcoal grey cashmere Spectre turtleneck sweater, ideally from N. Peals James Bond collection.

As far as the trousers are concerned, a fine flannel fabric provides just the right melange of casual and formal. I particularly like the Hollywood-Top models by Edward Sexton, which are classically styled but with an original cut.

For the shoes, well stick with James Bonds go-to brand, Crockett & Jones, and their famous Chiltern Chukka Boot in dark tan, which can be paired with a matching belt.

In this outfit you will be equally comfortable on the beach or in the mountains. Now all you need is an adventure!
India on Tuesday inaugurated its first Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in the West African state of Niger as part of its outreach to the continent.

The Centre was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who is currently on a visit to Niger and President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou. The Centre honours the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019.

This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to the West African country.

"Called on President @IssoufouMhm of #Niger. The growing profile of Niger under his leadership is evident in the @UN, @_AfricanUnion @ecowas_cedeao etc. India is proud to partner with Niger in building a convention centre that would support its diplomatic activities," the EAM said on twitter.

"Discussions with the President included widening our cooperation beyond energy and water to include agriculture, skills, health and defence. Look forward to joining him at the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre later this evening," Jaishankar added.

The Centre is the first centre to be established in Africa by India under grant assistance. It is likely to host some meetings associated with the forthcoming African Union summit.

"India's grant assistance for organising the AU summit will further contribute towards enhancing of bilateral ties. The grant assistance is also a reiteration of India's firm commitment towards Africa," the MEA had said in a statement last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, January 22 2020

The Bandung Wetan office of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a letter ordering evictees of Tamansari subdistrict in Bandung, West Java, to leave a mosque they have been using as a shelter to return the place of worship to its proper function.

One of the evicted residents, 45-year-old Eva Aryani Effendi, said she and 57 residents of community unit (RW) 11 of the subdistrict had been taking shelter temporarily in Al-Islam Mosque in Tamansari after authorities evicted them and demolished their homes.

They were forcefully evicted on Dec. 12 as the city administration is planning a rumah deret (row houses) project in the area. The eviction led to a clash between security personnel and residents who refused to be relocated.

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It's all falling into place for a talented Irish artist who returned to painting after her children were raised.

Mum-of-three, Helen Condon, from Cork city, has become the first Irish artists to be commissioned by one of the world's biggest jigsaw and puzzle companies to produce a painting to be turned into a jigsaw.

Helen's painting of Kinsale Harbour on the Wild Atlantic Way is now a 1,000-piece puzzle on sale in shops across Ireland, the UK and since today, in Australia, and online globally.

Helen said she was delighted to have been chosen, especially given how she only took up painting again just seven years ago.

"I've just been so overwhelmed with congratulations and goodwill since the new broke. Several people have told me that they've ordered the jigsaw already but I just haven't gotten around to doing that myself yet," she said.

Global giant, Ravensburger, said they had been searching for a number of months for an Irish artist for this project. They spotted Helen's work online.

"There were some fantastic ones but unfortunately not all beautiful pictures make great puzzles," Ravensburger's Sarah Stevens, said.

Helen's work, when examined closely at high resolution, worked well as a puzzle and so I approached her to discuss the project.

"Her work stood out as it is clean, crisp and colourful - ideal for puzzles.

"We talked about suitable locations in Ireland and Kinsale Harbour was discussed.

"It was a spot Helen knew and she was able to make a trip there to look for a great angle and perspective on the view."

Helen sent her finished acrylic painting to the company in the UK last September, where it was photographed and converted into a 1,000-piece 70 x 50cm jigsaw, for ages 12 and up.

Irish artist Helen Condon's art which has been made into a jigsaw by puzzle giant Ravensburger

Ms Stevens said: "Initially several thousand will be available, but further quantities will be produced if there is a demand for them.

Helen, who lives in Shanakiel with her husband, Colm, and their children, Aoife, 22, Darragh, 19, and Hannah, 1, won several poster competitions during her childhood and teenage years, and studied art for her leaving cert.

But put her artistic ambitions on hold until her children were reared. She took up painting again seven years ago and within months, she was selling work through her social media channels. She now accepts commissions.

Ravensburger said it hopes to work with other Irish artists on similar projects.

"We'll be watching carefully how well this one goes," Ms Stevens said.

You can view Helen's work on Facebook at Helen Condon Art or on her etsy.com page.
NEWTOWN BOROUGH >> The Newtown Borough Council welcomes the new year with three new members of council and a new borough mayor. District Court Judge Mick Petrucci was on hand on January 3 to administer the oath of office to the towns new mayor, Republican John Burke, who replaces longtime mayor Charles Corky Swartz who decided not to run for...
Catalent, the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, gene therapies, and consumer health products, today announced that Christopher Hepler, Manager, Catalent Biologics Analytical Development, has been invited to speak on ways to improve assay development at the upcoming CASSS WCBP symposium, which will be held at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. on Jan 28  30, 2020.

On Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 12:50 p.m., Mr. Hepler will present Conversion of a Potency Assay from Cell-Based Binding to AlphaLISA*, and using a case study, explain how the AlphaLISA platform can develop a relative potency assay that, is more accurate, quicker and easier to execute than the original FACS-based assay.

Mr. Hepler received his bachelors degree in animal science and masters degree in physiology from North Carolina State University, and has been working in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry for more than 25 years. He is experienced in automation, as well as cell and molecular biology assay development, optimization, and validation. Mr. Hepler joined Catalent in 2016, and in his current role, manages the Biologics department for the Morrisville, RTP site.

For further information on this event, visit http://www.catalent.com/events/casss-wcbp/

To arrange a meeting with Mr. Hepler or any of the other Catalent experts attending the event, contact Richard Kerns at NEPR  richard@nepr.agency

*AlphaLISA is a registered trademark of PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.

About Catalent

Catalent is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies, development, and manufacturing solutions for drugs, biologics, gene therapies, and consumer health products. With over 85 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable global clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs nearly 13,000 people, including approximately 2,400 scientists and technicians, at more than 35 facilities, and in fiscal year 2019 generated over $2.5 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com

More products. Better treatments. Reliably supplied.
By Lisa Harvey-Smith, Professor and Australian Governments Women in STEM Ambassador, UNSW

Shutterstock

Engineering skills underpin the functioning of our societies and economies. As we face the global challenges presented by a changing climate, food and water scarcity, loss of biodiversity and globalisation, these skills will only become more important.

In Australia, we have a high demand for qualified engineers but we train relatively few compared with similar industrialised nations.

As a consequence, about half of Australias engineers come from other countries. While skilled migration is an important and largely positive element of our economy, relying on skilled workers from overseas could leave us vulnerable to factors outside our control.

Extending the talent pool

One part of the engineering pipeline problem is the lack of diversity in those who engage with the subject.

Industry values diversity because it boosts innovation and improves financial performance. Despite numerous outreach and engagement programs and initiatives, however, only a small fraction of undergraduate engineering students are women.

In vocational training, the number is less than one in ten; at universities its around one in six.

This enormous disparity means women are missing out on designing the future. It also means that engineering challenges are being tackled from a narrow set of perspectives.

A search for new ideas

In 2019 the deans of engineering at Monash University, the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales created the Engineering for Australia Taskforce. The goal of the taskforce is to find ways to boost the numbers of women applying for university engineering programs.

The taskforce has two major concerns. First, engineering enrolments do not reflect the diversity of the Australian population, particularly gender diversity. Second, engineering has a low visibility in schools and society in general.





Read more:

Study of 1.6 million grades shows little gender difference in maths and science at school





Today, the taskforce launched a new report that explores what factors affect girls participation in engineering.

The report is authored by Professor Deborah Corrigan and Dr Kathleen Aikens from Monash University. Based on a review of international peer-reviewed research, they argue that engineering urgently needs to rebrand itself.

What can be done

The report identifies three key actions:

Create an inclusive vision for STEM and engineering to address stereotypes. This vision will invite and welcome excluded groups to see engineering careers as a real possibility

Work with the education sector to create a STEM and engineering identity in schools, by making engineering activities prominent, positive and relevant

Evaluate engineering intervention programs to find out what works.

Potential interventions could involve changes to the school curriculum, adding extracurricular activities or through media campaigns, or something else.

Engineering identity

The lack of an engineering identity in schools is a persistent problem and one that resonates particularly strongly with me.

As Australias Women in STEM Ambassador, I have visited schools and observed science classes in every state and territory of Australia. I have seen students carrying out sophisticated engineering projects that tackle important societal and environmental challenges.

Often, students dont recognise that what they are doing is engineering. Students either dont understand what engineering is, or they dont see engineering as an attractive career.





Read more:

'Walking into a headwind'  what it feels like for women building science careers





Ask a year 9 student if she wants to design a system for rare pygmy possums to safely cross a highway, and you will probably get an enthusiastic yes.

Ask the same student if she wants to be a mechanical engineer, and the response may be lukewarm at best.

So identifying engineering by name where it happens in schools, emphasising the social context of engineering and socialising female role models in engineering are all important steps.

Plan and evaluate

As with all educational interventions, it is vital to plan carefully based on specific desired outcomes and evaluate how effective the program has been.

This will ensure dollars are well spent, and also provide a framework for future educational programs. Evaluation lets us learn the best ways to engage target groups in strategically important areas of training or study for Australias economy.

The Engineering for Australia Taskforce report provides important engineering-specific information. Its recommendations are consistent with those of the Australian Academy of Sciences broader Women in STEM Decadal Plan, which aims to guide interventions to boost STEM engagement.

The taskforce, my office (the Office of the Women in STEM Ambassador) and the broader STEM sector will be working hard to implement these recommendations across Australia. Together, we can achieve a more inclusive, creative innovation sector and a more resilient economy.

Lisa Harvey-Smith receives funding from the Australian Government as the Women in STEM Ambassador.

Originally published in The Conversation.
Jan 21 (Reuters) - The phase-two trade deal with China would not necessarily be a "big bang" that removes all existing tariffs, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the Wall Street Journal in an interview.

"We may do 2A and some of the tariffs come off. We can do this sequentially along the way," he added.

Mnuchin also warned that Italy and Britain will face U.S. tariffs if they proceed with a tax on digital companies like Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook Inc, the newspaper said https://www.wsj.com/articles/mnuchin-warns-u-k-italy-over-digital-tax-plans-11579598943?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1. (Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Brisbane City Council expects to take on more debt to fund the redevelopment of Victoria Park but does not have an estimate of how much.

On Monday afternoon in a radio interview lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said he had not put any budget limit on Victoria Park's redevelopment from a golf course to a 50-hectare public space.

An artist impression of the cultural hub proposed in the Victoria Park masterplan draft.

He said to do so would "limit" the vision put forward by residents in public consultation, and cited other major Brisbane projects such as South Bank and Roma Street Parklands, which also had no total budget at the start of development.

"I've been very clear with the community that they should have no idea too big or too small for this process. If we started putting a price on this we would limit the opportunities for the biggest park in 50 years," Cr Schrinner told ABC Radio Brisbane.
By Tali Tesar

tesartal@grinnell.edu

Andrew Yang pitched Universal Basic Income, his proposed solution to many of Americas problems, to 150 people at Prairie Canary on January 20th. Yangs campaign centers around his plan to give every American adult a Freedom Dividend: $1,000 a month, no questions asked, as he describes it.

Yang positioned himself as the only candidate to talk about many of the issues he sees, especially the loss of jobs to automation. Were in the midst of what experts are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. When was the last time you heard a politician say the words Fourth Industrial Revolution? he said.

Yang attributed much of the failure to acknowledge many of these problems to insufficient measures of well-being commonly used by politicians. Instead of measuring GDP and corporate profits as some kind of rough proxy for how were doing, I think we should measure our progress by how were doing, he said. He proposed using measures such as health and life expectancy, mental health and freedom from substance abuse, and clean air and clean water, because its very hard to solve problems if you dont realize you have them.

Yang argued that even when politicians acknowledged the problem of job loss, their proposed solutions dont adequately address it. He said the commonly referenced plan to educate and retrain Americans for the jobs of the future has a success rate of about zero to fifteen percent for manufacturing workers who have lost their jobs.

Instead, Yang argues his solution reimagines the idea of American citizenship to undo the idea that economic value and human value are the same thing. He said that the United States need to humanize the economy by putting some of our 21 trillion dollars in annual economic value to work directly in [individual citizens] hands.

Yang told The S&B, The major way we pay for these things is we actually harness the gains of the 21st century economy.  If you have the biggest tech companies in our countries paying next to nothing in taxes, its very hard to pay for a lot of things. According to Yang, these taxes would generate about a trillion [dollars] a year, which he would combine with a [channeling of] our military industrial spending to pay for the Freedom Dividend, as well as other programs, such as universal childcare and investments in infrastructure. Weve got both a revenue and an expense problem in America. If we remedy both of them, then we can pay for many things that we should have put in place decades ago, he said.

Yang is critical of the free-market capitalism, saying, The free market is not going to change things. The free market is actually going to make things worse. He said, We have to change the goals of capitalism to be our own health and well-being, our kids success rates, our environmental sustainabilityinstead of capital efficiency for a lot of companies.

Though Yang is only polling at 5 percent in Iowa, he told The S&B that he was third among young people and is optimistic about how he will perform at Grinnell Colleges caucus site. Addressing Grinnell students, he said, Please do help me clean up the mess that we have left you, because you deserve better, and thats why Im running.
A Washington state man has been diagnosed with the mysterious virus that broke out last month in China, becoming the first confirmed case in the United States of an illness that has killed at least six people and sickened hundreds more, according to U.S. officials.

The man, in his 30s, is in stable condition at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash. Officials said they are monitoring him there out of an abundance of caution, not because he is seriously ill. The man returned to the United States last week, before federal health officials began screening travelers from the central Chinese city of Wuhan at Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York's John F. Kennedy international airports, the first such effort since the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

Washington state health officials said the man, a resident of Snohomish County, Wash., returned Wednesday from a trip to the region around Wuhan, where the outbreak began. Shortly after arriving at Seattle's international airport, he began feeling ill and reached out to his health-care provider on Sunday. Local, state and federal officials quickly collected samples and sent them to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. His case was confirmed Monday as the coronavirus that has sickened close to 300 people in China and others in Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

CDC officials said Tuesday that they are expanding screening to international airports in Atlanta and Chicago. More than 1,200 travelers have already been screened since Friday, with no one yet referred to a hospital or discovered to be ill with the virus. Federal officials will also direct travelers arriving in the United States on direct and indirect flights from Wuhan to those five airports for screening. That process is getting worked out in the coming days. For example, if a passenger was originally scheduled to fly from Wuhan to Shanghai and then Boston, that flight would most likely be re-routed to JFK for screening, and then Boston, CDC officials said. Screenings are being conducted in Chinese and Mandarin.

The Washington state man's case originated several days before airport screening began, but local, state and federal officials said they were on alert and quickly collaborated to test him and put precautions in place. A small number of health-care workers and patients who may have been exposed to him have been told to watch for symptoms and are being monitored, Washington state health officials said. Officials are tracing the people he may have come into contact with in both China and the United States.

Officials praised the man for taking the initiative to reach out to his health-care provider. "He was a very astute gentleman," said Scott Lindquist, Washington state's epidemiologist. "He was looking at the Internet actively" and saw information about the virus and its spread, Lindquist said in a news briefing on Tuesday.

Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, said the risk posed by the virus to the general American population is low but that older adults with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk. She said federal officials are prepared to respond quickly.

"This is an evolving situation and, again, we do expect additional cases in the United States and globally," she said.

CDC and officials from homeland security and transportation agencies are working out how future travelers arriving in the United States from Wuhan will be redirected to the five airports. U.S. officials want to make sure every time someone books a flight from Wuhan to the United States, their first point of entry is one of those airports, said Martin Cetron, director of CDC's division of global migration and quarantine. Only JFK and San Francisco airports have direct flights.

The process is complex and will involve "re-issuing tickets and redirecting passengers all over the globe," Cetron said.

In addition to the expanding airport screening, the CDC has raised its travel alert notice from a level 1 to a level 2, urging travelers to Wuhan to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead) and animal markets.

The outbreak has grown rapidly in recent days, with authorities in China reporting confirmed cases in multiple cities as hundreds of millions of people in China and elsewhere in Asia are on the move in the run-up to the Lunar New Year, the biggest travel event in the world. The infection is believed to have begun among people who shopped or worked at an animal market in Wuhan. But its rapid spread led officials to conclude that people, as well as animals, could transmit the infection.

The Washington state man did not visit that market and did not know anyone who was ill, Washington state officials said.

The source of the man's infection raises more questions and concerns about human-to-human transmission of the disease. Chinese officials have confirmed that phenomenon is taking place.

To control this outbreak, health officials are trying to determine whether new cases being reported in other cities in China and elsewhere can be traced back to Wuhan, said Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. If the disease has been circulating independently in other parts of the country, that information would affect not only how China contains it, but also how other public health agencies in the world seek to prevent its spread, he said.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to much more serious diseases and can infect both humans and animals, according to the World Health Organization. The strain spreading in China is related to two other coronaviruses that have caused major outbreaks in recent years: Middle East respiratory syndrome, also known as MERS, and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

"Since this is a respiratory virus, it is spread easier than Ebola, so it brings with it more fear of easily being transmitted between people," said Matthew Frieman, a virologist and associated professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who studies coronaviruses.

The WHO is meeting Wednesday to decide whether to declare the outbreak a public health emergency.

Symptoms of a coronavirus infection include respiratory problems, difficulty breathing, fever and cough, and can lead to severe cases of pneumonia, kidney failure, acute respiratory syndrome (when fluid builds up in the lungs) and death. The elderly, young and those with an already weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing severe lower respiratory tract diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, according to the CDC.
Should the House impeachment managers be allowed to present new evidence? Should officials in President Donald Trumps administration be required to testify?

A majority of Americans answered yes to both questions in a Monmouth University poll released Tuesday as the U.S. Senate began debating the rules by which the impeachment trial will operate under.

Unlike President Bill Clintons impeachment trial, where the Senate unanimously agreed on how to proceed, the Trump trial rules unilaterally were put forth by the Republican majority and were expected to pass along party lines.

Trump blocked administration officials from testifying before the House and refused to turn over requested documents. That has led to Senate Democrats demanding that they hear witnesses and obtain documents as part of the impeachment trial.

Majorities of Americans agree, Republicans excepted.

According to the poll, Americans support allowing new evidence by 57% to 37% . They want to compel administration officials to testify by 51% to 16%, with another 29% saying they should be asked but not required to appear.

And 4 in 10 Americans want the U.S. Senate to compel Trump to testify, with another 36% saying he should be asked to come and only 22% saying they didnt want to hear from him.

Public opinion on allowing new evidence and compelling witness testimony in the Senate trial breaks sharply along partisan lines," said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. "But it is interesting that solid majorities in every partisan group would like to see Trump and members of his administration at least asked to appear.

A majority, 53%, approved of the House vote to make Trump only the third U.S. president to ever be impeached, with 46% disapproving, and 52% said the House inquiry was fair, compared with 44 percent who called it unfair.

Majorities also continue to disapprove of Trumps performance in office, with negative ratings of 52% and positive ratings of 43%.

As the trial got underway, Trump sent out a fundraising email, seeking contributions for the last line of defense against this impeachment scam.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook.

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Bernice King, the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the CEO of the King Center in Atlanta, took a swipe at Kellyanne Conways assertions about her late father.

On the federal holiday honoring her fathers legacy, King shared a tweet that made her feelings about the White House advisers comments earlier that day clear:

Until a person commits to better understanding and then better understands my fathers teachings and methodologies, I REALLY wish theyd keep his name, and incorrect anaylsis, out of their conversations about current issues. #MLKDay#MLKhttps://t.co/ZoVS89oYNQ  Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 21, 2020

Kings tweet included a video of Conway responding to a reporters question about how the president was observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Well, I can tell you that the president is preparing for Davos and agrees with many of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King stood for and agreed with for many years, including unity and equality, Conway said.

Conway then pivoted to Trumps impending Senate impeachment trial, adding: And hes not the one trying to tear the country apart through an impeachment process and a lack of substance that really is very shameful at this point.

Conway also said she didnt believe it was within Dr. Kings vision to have Americans dragged through a process where the president is not going to be removed from office, is not being charged with bribery, extortion, high crimes or misdemeanors.

Trump commemorated the holiday with an unscheduled visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial next to the National Mall before departing for Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum.

King, who has dedicated her life to protecting her fathers legacy and carrying on his philosophies of non-violence and justice, said in a speech Monday that while messages of unity and acts of service are a good start, they are not...

Continue reading on HuffPost
New York (January 20, 2020) - After two weeks in a half-abandoned mountain town on the Greek island of Crete at an artist residency, Cheryl B. Engelhardt flew home to New York with something special in her pocket and on her hard drive. She had over 60 minutes of music that she composed and recorded on a grand piano in a stone room. Engelhardt spent half her time in Greece composing 
Women are generally more willing to pay extra for sustainable air travel with lower greenhouse emissions  but less so on long haul flights, a study has found.

US experts surveyed nearly 1,200 people and found that, on average, people were more willing to cover small increases in costs for flights with smaller emission levels.

However, prospective passengers become less enthusiastic when considering longer flights that already come with higher costs, the team found.

The findings follow a report last week which alleged that British Airways emits up to 45 per cent more carbon dioxide per passenger than rival airlines.

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Women are generally more willing to pay extra for greener air travel with lower greenhouse emissions  but less so on long haul flights, a study has found

In their study, aeronautics expert Nadine Ragbir of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and colleagues surveyed a total of 1,192 people about their willingness to pay for greener air travel.

Asked to consider hypothetical commercial aircraft that offered a 1050 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, participants had to decide whether they would be willing to pay 5, 10 or 15 per cent more for a given reduction.

The team found that, overall, passengers were willing to pay more in exchange for the understanding that their craft comes with a smaller emissions footprint.

'Airlines can expect consumers to accept a small increase in ticket prices if they are convinced that the airplane flight emits fewer greenhouse gases,' the team wrote.

For long-haul flights with higher initial prices, the researchers found that people were less inclined to accept a price increase of 15 per cent for green benefits.

Furthermore, the team found that women were generally more willing to pay more for a greener flight than men  but this disparity decreased for longer flights.

The findings, they added, can help airlines and aircraft manufacturers 'better understand the consumer, who ultimately determines the success of sustainable practices.'

Researchers surveyed nearly 1,200 people and found that, on average, people were more willing to cover small increases in costs for flights with smaller emission levels

These findings come in the wake of a recent Which? report which alleged that British Airways emits up to 45 per cent more carbon dioxide per passenger than rival airlines that fly the same routes.

The investigation by the consumer rights group suggested that each passenger flying British Airways from London Heathrow to Miami would be responsible for around 2,498 pounds (1,133 kilograms) of carbon dioxide.

On the same route, however, travellers with Virgin Atlantic only rack up a 1,898 pound (861 kilogram) carbon footprint.

British Airways, however, dismissed the report as 'shoddy', claiming that the figures used by Which? were out-of-date and their calculations inaccurate.

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Technology in Society.

'TIME IS RUNNING OUT': DAVID ATTENBOROUGH'S WARNING TO HUMANITY Sir David urged action against global warming and called it a man-made disaster that poses 'our greatest threat in thousands of years' Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. 'We the peoples of the United Nations'. These are the opening words of the UN Charter. A charter that puts people at the centre. A pledge to give every person in the world a voice on its future. A promise to help protect the weakest and the strongest from war, famine and other man-made disasters. Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate Change. If we don't take action the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon. The United Nations provides a unique platform that can unite the whole world. And as the Paris agreement proved, together we can make real change happen. At this crucial moment, the United Nations has invited the world's people to have their voice heard, by giving them a seat. The People's Seat; giving everyone the opportunity to join us here today, virtually, and speak directly to you the decision makers. In the last two weeks, the world's people have taken part in building this address, answering polls, sending video messages and voicing their opinions. I am only here to represent the 'Voice of the People': to deliver our collective thoughts, concerns, ideas and suggestions. This is our 'We the peoples' message. The world's people have spoken. Their message is clear. Time is running out. They want you, the decision makers, to act now. They are behind you, along with civil society represented here today. Supporting you in making tough decisions but also willing to make sacrifices in their daily lives. To help make change happen, the UN is launching the Act Now bot. Helping people to discover simple everyday actions that they can take, because they recognize that they too must play their part. The People have spoken. Leaders of the world, you must lead. The continuation of our civilisations and the natural world upon which we depend, is in your hands. Advertisement




HONOLULU, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE:ALEX) today announced the tax allocations of 2019 dividend distributions on its common shares. The table below, presented on a per share basis, is provided for informational purposes only and should only be used to clarify the information on Form 1099-DIV.

Common Shares (CUSIP # 014491104)

Ordinary Income Taxable in 2019 Ex-Dividend

Date Record

Date Payable

Date Distribution

Per Share Total Non-Qualified Qualified 3/7/2019 3/11/2019 3/26/2019 $ 0.145 $ 0.145 $ 0.145 $  5/8/2019 5/10/2019 6/6/2019 $ 0.165 $ 0.165 $ 0.165 $  8/8/2019 8/12/2019 9/5/2019 $ 0.190 $ 0.190 $ 0.190 $  11/8/2019 11/12/2019 12/5/2019 $ 0.190 $ 0.190 $ 0.190 $ 



Totals $ 0.690 $ 0.690 $ 0.690 $ 

Shareholders of record should expect to receive IRS Form 1099-DIV ("1099-DIV") from Computershare, the Company's dividend paying agent. Shareholders of record will receive Forms 1099-DIV relating to the quarterly dividends paid in 2019. "Street name" shareholders should expect to receive their Forms 1099-DIV from their bank, brokerage firm, or other nominee. The amounts indicated on the 2019 Forms 1099-DIV should be reported on shareholders' 2019 federal income tax returns.

Investors are encouraged to seek legal and/or professional tax advice about the specific tax treatment of distributions paid by the Company for the 2019 tax year.

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. is Hawai`i's premier commercial real estate company and the state's foremost owner of grocery-anchored retail centers. A&B is a fully integrated real estate investment trust and owns, operates and manages approximately 3.9 million square feet of primarily retail and industrial space in Hawai`i, and is a major landowner in the state. A&B's interests extend beyond commercial real estate into renewable energy and land stewardship. A&B is also a construction materials company and paving contractor in Hawai`i. Over its 150-year history, A&B has evolved with the state's economy and played a lead role in the development of the agricultural, transportation, tourism, construction and real estate industries. Learn more about A&B at www.alexanderbaldwin.com.

Statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, prevailing market conditions and other factors related to the Company's REIT status and the Company business generally discussed in the Company's most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information in this release should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. We do not undertake any obligation to update the Company's forward-looking statements.

Contact:

A&B Investor Relations

(808) 525-8475

[email protected]

SOURCE Alexander & Baldwin

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http://www.alexanderbaldwin.com


Move member Delbert Africa, who was paroled from state prison after nearly 42 years on Saturday, held a news conference with other members of the MOVE family at the Kingsessing Library in West Philadelphia on Tuesday. Read more

Delbert Africa, a longtime member of MOVE, is unrepentant about his part in the 1978 Powelton Village confrontation between the group and Philadelphia police that left an officer dead and sent him to prison for more than 40 years.

Nothing could have been done differently to stop and curtail that assault by the police on us. It wouldnt have stopped, Africa, 73, said Tuesday in his first Philadelphia interview since being paroled from state prison on Saturday.

One of nine MOVE members imprisoned for the 1978 incident, Africa said he is looking forward to reuniting with the surviving MOVE members who were previously paroled, to continue the work of challenging what he called an unjust criminal justice system. The fact that the city has had African American police commissioners during his time in prison has no bearing on the inequity in the system, he said.

I want to keep on pushing the whole front of fighting this unjust system. I want to keep on pushing it and do as much as I can in my time here as dictated by the teachings of John Africa. Keep on working, stay on the move, said Africa, who discussed his past and future goals at a news conference Tuesday at the Kingsessing Branch Library in West Philadelphia.

At the gathering, Africa, his face framed by gray frayed dreadlocks and facial hair, received a heros welcome from MOVE members and supporters who listened in rapt attention as he recalled the August confrontation with police, and recounted how he was cursed at and badly beaten by officers after he surrendered.

Im unconscious, and thats when one cop pulled me by the hair across the street, one cop started jumping on my head, one started kicking me in the ribs and beating me," he said. Their excuse later on is they thought I was armed. I was naked from the waist up.

Walter Palmer, a University of Pennsylvania history professor who served as chief negotiator for MOVE during the standoff, said his recollection was that the MOVE members were not in a position to have fired on the officer.

This crime was not the crime of MOVE. It was a crime of the state, Palmer said during the news conference. For 40 years, these people spent their life in jail for a crime they did not commit."

Africa said he did not fire a gun during the standoff but was sentenced to 30 to 100 years in prison because of his affiliation with MOVE, for which he served as minister of confrontation and security. His eight codefendants received the same sentence, although he said they also did not fire guns.

He said the decades behind bars did not break him.

Ive been made stronger by the incarceration because of that God force that sustained me throughout the years and made me stronger in my beliefs and understanding that this system is wrong, unjust and racist," he said. "And the way to change it is not only to point the finger at you or anybody else, but to point the finger at myself.

MOVE was created in 1972 by West Philadelphia native Vincent Leaphart, who called himself John Africa and preached an ideology centered on black revolutionary ideas and back-to-nature philosophies. The dozens of members considered MOVE their religion, adopting anti-technology and anti-government beliefs while taking on issues ranging from police brutality to animal rights.

In 1977, a federal grand jury indicted 11 MOVE members on bomb-plot charges after an arsenal of weapons, including 49 pipe bombs and parts, was seized from the group. A year later, the city created an eviction order that sent police to raid MOVEs Powelton Village home.

Firefighters flushed the house with fire hoses, and police violently removed people. In the end, one shot killed Officer James Ramp. Eighteen police officers and firefighters were hurt.

MOVE has always maintained that the bullet that killed Ramp was accidentally fired by police.

By 1980, the group had relocated to the 6200 block of Osage Avenue. Neighbors began to complain to the city about trash, loudspeaker rants, and concerns about child abuse and neglect in MOVEs house.

On May 13, 1985, the city flew a helicopter over the groups home and dropped the bomb that left 11 people dead, including John Africa, as well as Delbert Africas 13-year-old daughter. The neighborhood was in ruins, with 61 homes destroyed. City officials were found to have acted recklessly, but no charges were filed.

Delbert Africa was among nine MOVE members convicted of third-degree murder for Ramps death.

Janine, Janet, and Eddie Africa were released from prison in 2019. Mike Africa Sr. and his wife, Debbie, were released in 2018. Merle Africa died in prison in March 1998 and Phil Africa died in prison in January 2015. Chuck Africa remains imprisoned.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai civic body to hold a meeting with the board of cash-starved Wadia hospitals for women and children here next month to resolve their disputes over financial aid and other issues.

A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and R I Chagla gave the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking release of grants to Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children and Nawrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital by the BMC and the state government, respectively.

The bench also pulled up the government and the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) for lack of oversight on functioning of the two hospitals receiving funds from them.

The maternity hospital receives grant from the government, while the children's hospital gets funds from the BMC. Both hospitals, located in same premises in Parel, had been facing cash crunch, resulting in non-admission of new patients and delay in giving salaries to staff members.

The hospitals, run by the same board, are locked in disputes with the government and the BMC over release of funds and other issues.

Last week, after the court intervened in the matter, the government released a sum of Rs 24 crore for the maternity hospital, while the BMC gave Rs 14 crore to the children's hospital.

The bench on Tuesday directed officials concerned from the state government and the BMC to hold a meeting with board members of the hospitals on February 12.

"We hope and trust that all parties concerned shall resolve all issues keeping larger public interest in mind," the court said.

It added that if after the meeting, the pending issues are not resolved then the parties involved (hospital management, the government and the BMC) should part ways amicably.

"After this meeting...if things do not work out...we feel it would be best to part ways amicably," Justice Dharmadhikari noted.

Government counsel Girish Godbole informed the court the state has been seeking financial details from the hospital management since 2017, but it has not yet received the required information.

The hospital's counsel, Rafiq Dada, said the hospital was ready to allow inspection of the relevant documents on February 5.

The court accepted the statement, but said the parties concerned should avoid indulging in such petty battles.

"Dirty linen should not be washed in public or in court. It does not auger well that such causes are converted into slanging matches," the court said.

The government and the BMC also got an earful from the bench for not being vigilant towards the functioning of the hospitals.

"If you (the government and the BMC) have been giving such huge amounts of money to the hospitals since so long don't you have some accountability? No visits...no vigil... it is our money that is being given to the hospitals," Justice Dharmadhikari observed.

"Whatever has been going on at these hospitals all this while was with the blessings of the state government and the municipal corporation," he added.

The court further noted the government and the civic body were two most important stakeholders in the hospitals.

"You (the government and the BMC) are the two most important functionaries relied upon by the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra," the court said.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on February 18.

During the January 16 hearing of the PIL, the HC had slammed the government for dragging its feet over financial aid to the hospitals, saying it has money for constructing statues, but not for spending on public health.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
FILE PHOTO: A view of the exterior of the Citibank corporate headquarters in New York, New York

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. banking regulator fined Citibank N.A. <C.N> $18 million for delays in purchasing mandatory flood insurance for properties where borrowers were located in flood-prone areas.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said Tuesday that insufficient policies meant the bank took too long to acquire necessary insurance on behalf of borrowers located in flood hazard areas. In a statement, a bank spokesman said Citi was happy to resolve the matter, which had no impact on its borrowers or investors.

(Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin voters could legally take selfies with their marked election ballots under a bill the state Senate approved Tuesday.

Wisconsin is one of 18 states with a law barring the showing of a completed ballot, but it is rarely enforced. The Senate approved the bill on a voice vote. It goes next to the state Assembly.

The measures supporters call the ban archaic, especially in an era in which voters are increasingly posting pictures of themselves with their marked ballots on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. But county election clerks warned last year that changing the law could open the door to undoing the secrecy of the ballot.

The Wisconsin County Clerk Association registered against the bill. Clerks warned lawmakers that making it commonplace to show a marked ballot could lead to employers, unions or others forcing people to prove they voted a certain way to receive a benefit or avoid being punished. They also voiced concern about how people legally taking photos in a polling location could infringe on the confidentiality rights of other voters.

Court rulings on ballot selfies have been mixed across the country after several cases sprung up from the 2016 presidential elections. Courts in New Hampshire and Indiana found that laws in those states prohibiting ballot selfies were unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the case out of New Hampshire after that states law was found to be unconstitutional.

However, in Michigan and New York, state laws banning ballot selfies at polling places were upheld.
Revelations about Angola's Isabel dos Santos have again turned the spotlight on multinational companies and "Big Four" accounting firms and their clients with dubious fortunes.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists obtained a trove of more than 715,000 documents about the former president's billionaire daughter, stoking fresh claims she syphoned off hundreds of millions in public money.

Anti-corruption campaign group Global Witness alleged hundreds of companies, many based in tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands, helped Dos Santos "to become Africa's richest woman while millions of Angolans live in extreme poverty".

The Angolan judiciary is meanwhile investigating Dos Santos, whose authoritarian father Jose Eduardo dos Santos ruled the oil-rich but impoverished country for nearly 40 years.

Her bank accounts and assets in her home country have been frozen. She has denied wrongdoing and said the allegations were politically motivated.

The so-called "Luanda Leaks" highlight the role played by PricewaterHouseCoopers (PwC) -- one of the "Big Four" accounting firms -- and companies such as the Boston Consulting Group in managing Dos Santos' assets.

'Benevolent facilitation'

Mark Hays, campaign leader at Global Witness said her fortune had long been suspected of being gained through questionable means.

But the "help and support of professional bankers, lawyers, accountants and estate agents in the West" now needs to be examined, he said..

Jose Eduardo Dos Santos o served as President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. By Adalberto ROQUE (AFP/File)

Campaigners point to European legislation that obliges firms working with a "politically exposed person" to carry out risk assessment to flag up possible evidence of corruption.

But clamping down on the investment of questionable assets is a huge task, given the complex nature of global finance, which cuts across multiple jurisdictions.

"This is the real challenge for the anti-corruption world," said Daniel Bruce, chief executive of Transparency International's UK branch.

"A lot of the time it's just a benevolent facilitation that's involved," by western companies.

"That's why we really need to tighten up British defences against dirty money and illicit finance," he added.

'Red flags'

PwC said it had launched an immediate investigation into the claims, which it called "very serious and concerning".

"We have also taken action to terminate any ongoing work for entities controlled by members of the dos Santos family," it added in a statement on Monday.

Of the other "Big Four" members, KPMG did not respond to an AFP request to comment. Deloitte said it had "rigorous acceptance processes" for clients and reconsidered its engagements annually.

Ernst & Young, said it had "clear and consistent acceptance procedures" and worked strictly within the law but did not comment on clients for confidentiality reasons.

The Boston Consulting Group did not respond.

UK regulators may be powerless to prevent money being funnelled through foreign jurisdictions, but the country has introduced legislation enabling it to act once the money reaches its shores.

"Unexplained wealth orders" (UWOs) require individuals to explain the source of wealth used to acquire property, potentially leading to the seizure of the assets.

With the burden of proof high to secure a criminal conviction, authorities hope the lower bar required by UWOs will deter the investment of suspicious money.

Dos Santos, who has an estimated fortune of $2.1 billion including a reported three London homes, has been on the radar of anti-corruption campaigners for "several years", said TI's Bruce.

Isabel dos Santos was appointed head of the state oil company Sonangol in 2016. By Rodger BOSCH (AFP)

"The red flags really went up when she was appointed head of the state oil company Sonangol," he added.

"You could see there were major conflicts of interest starting to emerge several years ago."

Santos took over Sonangol in June 2016, and she also accrued shares in other Angolan companies including banks and a telephone company while her father was president.

Previous criticism

While the opaque activities of the "Big Four" in dealing with foreign cash has been under the spotlight for years, they have also faced criticism for activities closer to home.

In the 2000s, the sector was rattled by Enron's bankruptcy and the role played by Arthur Andersen in validating false accounts of the energy broker, sounding the death knell for the "Big Five".

In Britain, the "Big Four" have been accused of failing to foresee several high-profile recent bankruptcies, including department store chain BHS, construction group Carillion, and tour operator Thomas Cook.

The debate focused particularly on possible conflicts of interest within the firms, which may act as auditors while at the same time billing them for consulting services.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for partial deregulation of the powerful 'City'. By Oli SCARFF (AFP)

The competition authority has proposed reforms aimed at separating auditing and consulting activities, and the government has promised to reform the supervisory authority.

But these promises have yet to be enshrined in law.

Strengthening legislation is not the top priority for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who during the election campaign called instead for partial deregulation of the powerful "City".
Amid a historic election year, and a heightened political climate, the media is looking for ways to cater to users who just want to tune it all out.

Why it matters: While some media companies and brands are leaning more heavily into politics, others are finding it helpful to give people a rest.

Driving the news: As impeachment hearings loom, advertisers are doing their best to avoid politics and to stay out of the political fray, the New York Times reports. In addition, advertisers are urging their agencies to place ads as far away from political candidates' spots as possible.

For some TV networks, this has become difficult . The Super Bowl on Fox will feature two multi-million dollar spots from presidential candidates for the first time, one each from President Trump and Michael Bloomberg.

. The Super Bowl on Fox will feature two multi-million dollar spots from presidential candidates for the first time, one each from President Trump and Michael Bloomberg. NBCUniversal has reportedly been pitching the Olympics to advertisers as a politics-free zone. The International Olympic Committee earlier this year banned political statements by athletes at games.

Between the lines: Tech companies face a similar problem. Facebook said earlier this month that it would give consumers the option to stop seeing political ads in their feeds moving forward.

Seeing fewer political and social issue ads is a common request we hear from people, Facebook said in a statement.

is a common request we hear from people, Facebook said in a statement. TikTok said last year that it would ban political ads because they don't fit the company's goal of creating an "entertaining, genuine experience" for users.

Between the lines: In a hyper-political era, few places have become void of politics.

Golden Globes host Ricky Gervais urged award recipients to skip political talk during their acceptance speeches, a trend thats grown during the Trump era.

during their acceptance speeches, a trend thats grown during the Trump era. Seth Meyer's new Netflix stand-up special includes a skip politics button that allows users to skip over the Trump jokes.

button that allows users to skip over the Trump jokes. Developers have taken to search engines to build "deTrumpfiy" extensions to let users replace mentions of Donald Trump in their web browsers.

extensions to let users replace mentions of Donald Trump in their web browsers. Britains Sky News launched a Brexit free channel in October for customers sick of 24/7 Brexit coverage.

What's next: Ahead of Tuesday's historic impeachment trial in the Senate, users have been tuning out wall-to-wall impeachment coverage.
Airbnb Inc. is laying the groundwork for a public market debut later this year, announcing a new corporate governance strategy that values safety, sustainability, diversity and accountability.

The home-share startup has said it will track guest safety incidents, verify all seven million listings by December, measure its global carbon footprint and enhance employee diversity. To achieve its ambitions, Airbnb is creating a new Stakeholder Committee on the board and tying staff bonuses to safety metrics, according to a statement Friday.

In addition, Airbnb has promised to be transparent, reporting progress at an upcoming Stakeholder Day that can be attended by guests, hosts, communities, employees and investors.

Building an enduringly successful business goes hand-in-hand with making a positive contribution to society, the company said. Increasingly, this is what citizens, consumers, employees, communities and policy makers desire  even demand.

Airbnb has been on the defensive over safety since a mass shooting in October at a party house in Orinda, about 20 miles east of San Francisco, where five people died. Local media started to highlight the number of shootings at Airbnb rentals, and family of those slain questioned how the platform vets its guests. In December, the Wall Street Journal published an investigation showing how Airbnb employees who pushed for stricter safety measures, like requiring users to supply a government ID, were overruled by company executives who feared this could deter new guests or hosts.

The company is also entangled in battles with cities around the country over regulations and has been accused of discrimination by hosts. With a $31 billion private valuation, Airbnb is poised to be one of the most high-profile market listings this year. Getting ahead of some of the concerns could help appease investors who may be wary of the unfriendly reception other tech titans, like Uber Technologies Inc., Lyft Inc. and Slack Technologies Inc. received last year.

The new Stakeholder Committee will be led by Belinda Johnson, who is due to step down as chief operating officer and join the board in March. The company will also award $100 million in grants to support local projects that promote cultural heritage, economic vitality and sustainable communities and demonstrate clear local impact, according to the announcement.

These new initiatives will be demanding on the company as it prepares to go public; verifying every listing by December means staff will have to work through tens of thousands of listings a day. But Airbnb says its just getting started.

When we first sat down to begin this work, we knew we were undertaking a difficult and serious task. We allowed ourselves to think about problems and opportunities that will take multiple teams working over multiple years to solve, the company said. We are nowhere near finished.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Sharing Economy
Life is pretty easy to recognize. It moves, it grows, it eats, it excretes, it reproduces. Simple. In biology, researchers often use the acronym MRS-GREN to describe it. It stands for movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion and nutrition. But Helen Sharman, Britains first astronaut and a chemist at Imperial College London, recently said that alien life forms that are impossible to spot may be living among us. How could that be possible?

While life may be easy to recognize, its actually notoriously difficult to define and has had scientists and philosophers in debate for centuries  if not millennia. For example, a 3D printer can reproduce itself, but we wouldnt call it alive. On the other hand, a mule is famously sterile, but we would never say it doesnt live.

As nobody can agree, there are more than 100 definitions of what life is. An alternative (but imperfect) approach is describing life as a self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution, which works for many cases we want to describe.

The lack of definition is a huge problem when it comes to searching for life in space. Not being able to define life other than well know it when we see it means we are truly limiting ourselves to geocentric, possibly even anthropocentric, ideas of what life looks like. When we think about aliens, we often picture a humanoid creature. But the intelligent life we are searching for doesnt have to be humanoid.

Life, but not as we know it

Sharman says she believes aliens exist and theres no two ways about it. Furthermore, she wonders: will they be like you and me, made up of carbon and nitrogen? Maybe not. Its possible theyre here right now and we simply cant see them.

Such life would exist in a shadow biosphere. By that, I dont mean a ghost realm, but undiscovered creatures probably with a different biochemistry. This means we cant study or even notice them because they are outside of our comprehension. Assuming it exists, such a shadow biosphere would probably be microscopic.

So why havent we found it? We have limited ways of studying the microscopic world as only a small percentage of microbes can be cultured in a lab. This may mean that there could indeed be many life forms we havent yet spotted. We do now have the ability to sequence the DNA of unculturable strains of microbes, but this can only detect life as we know it  that contain DNA.

If we find such a biosphere, however, it is unclear whether we should call it alien. That depends on whether we mean of extraterrestrial origin or simply unfamiliar.

Silicon-based life

A popular suggestion for an alternative biochemistry is one based on silicon rather than carbon. It makes sense, even from a geocentric point of view. Around 90% of the Earth is made up of silicon, iron, magnesium and oxygen, which means theres lots to go around for building potential life.

Silicon is similar to carbon, it has four electrons available for creating bonds with other atoms.

But silicon is heavier, with 14 protons (protons make up the atomic nucleus with neutrons) compared to the six in the carbon nucleus.

While carbon can create strong double and triple bonds to form long chains useful for many functions, such as building cell walls, it is much harder for silicon. It struggles to create strong bonds, so long-chain molecules are much less stable.

Whats more, common silicon compounds, such as silicon dioxide (or silica), are generally solid at terrestrial temperatures and insoluble in water. Compare this to highly soluble carbon dioxide, for example, and we see that carbon is more flexible and provides many more molecular possibilities.

Life on Earth is fundamentally different from the bulk composition of the Earth.

Another argument against a silicon-based shadow biosphere is that too much silicon is locked up in rocks.

In fact, the chemical composition of life on Earth has an approximate correlation with the chemical composition of the Sun, with 98% of atoms in biology consisting of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.

So if there were viable silicon life forms here, they may have evolved elsewhere.

That said, there are arguments in favor of silicon-based life on Earth. Nature is adaptable.

A few years ago, scientists at Caltech managed to breed a bacterial protein that created bonds with silicon  essentially bringing silicon to life.

So even though silicon is inflexible compared with carbon, it could perhaps find ways to assemble into living organisms, potentially including carbon.

And when it comes to other places in space, such as Saturns moon Titan or planets orbiting other stars, we certainly cant rule out the possibility of silicon-based life.

To find it, we have to somehow think outside of the terrestrial biology box and figure out ways of recognizing life forms that are fundamentally different from the carbon-based form.

There are plenty of experiments testing out these alternative biochemistries, such as the one from Caltech.

Regardless of the belief held by many that life exists elsewhere in the Universe, we have no evidence for that.

So it is important to consider all life as precious, no matter its size, quantity or location.

The Earth supports the only known life in the Universe. So no matter what form life elsewhere in the Solar System or Universe may take, we have to make sure we protect it from harmful contamination  whether it is terrestrial life or alien life forms.

So could aliens be among us? I dont believe that we have been visited by a life form with the technology to travel across the vast distances of space.

But we do have evidence for life-forming, carbon-based molecules having arrived on Earth on meteorites, so the evidence certainly doesnt rule out the same possibility for more unfamiliar life forms.

Author: Samantha Rolfe, lecturer in astrobiology and principal technical officer at Bayfordbury Observatory, the University of Hertfordshire.



This article was originally published on The Conversation.
West Ham manager David Moyes will be without injured Brazilian winger Felipe Anderson for a month. Anderson missed last weekend's draw against Everton after suffering a back injury when he fell awkwardly in a defeat against Sheffield United earlier in January. Moyes revealed on Tuesday that Anderson is set to be absent for longer than first expected. "Felipe's got a problem with his back, which looks like it's going to keep him out for about four weeks," Moyes said. Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko has also been ruled out until February but the Hammers could be boosted by the return of forward Michail Antonio, who has been missing since December with a hamstring issue. "Michail Antonio is getting closer to fitness but Yarmolenko is the best part of three weeks away. We could do with getting them back," Moyes said. West Ham head to Leicester on Wednesday with just one victory from their previous five Premier League games. They sit only one point above the relegation zone as they fight to secure their top-flight status. Moyes has taken four points from his opening three matches since he returned to the club to replace the sacked Manuel Pellegrini but said they were heading in the right direction. West Ham winger Felipe Anderson has been ruled out for a month
Calabasas, Calif.-based Topa Insurance Group has named Denise Pavlov the groups senior vice president and chief operating officer.

Pavlov joined the company in April 2018 as senior vice president and chief underwriting officer, overseeing Topas underwriting, products, program development, marketing and human resources.

She previously worked with Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance, GMAC Insurance, the California State Automobile Association and Western United Insurance Co. in various senior roles.

Pavlov has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry with an emphasis in commercial and personal lines underwriting and customer service.

Topa Insurance Group is an insurance holding company. Topa Insurance Co., the largest of the wholly owned subsidiaries of Topa Insurance Group, provides wholesale insurance solutions.

Topics California
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a request from Democratic state officials and the House of Representatives to quickly consider whether to hear an appeal of a decision with the potential to wipe out the entire Affordable Care Act. The move means the court will almost certainly not hear the case in its current term, which ends in June.

Democrats consider health care a winning issue, and they wanted the court to act quickly to keep the fate of the Affordable Care Act in the public eye during the presidential election. In the meantime, the law remains almost entirely intact but faces an uncertain future.

The case was originally brought by Republican state officials, who argued that changes to the Affordable Care Act made by Congress in 2017 rendered the laws requirement that most Americans obtain health insurance unconstitutional. The Trump administration sided with the state officials, arguing that the rest of the health care law could not survive without the requirement, sometimes called the individual mandate.

A Federal District Court judge in Texas agreed, ruling that the entire law was invalid, but he postponed the effects of his ruling until the case could be appealed. In December, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans, agreed that the mandate was unconstitutional but declined to rule on the fate of the remainder of the health law, asking the lower court to reconsider the question in more detail.
DENTON, Texas  A police officer in north Texas fatally shot a man at an apartment complex early Tuesday after the man refused to drop a frying pan and cleaver that he was holding, officials said.

One officer was stabbed in the melee but officials said the injuries arent life-threatening.

The officers responded just before 3 a.m. to an apartment complex in Denton, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of Dallas, after several people called 911 to report a man was banging on doors and shattering light fixtures in a hallway of the complex, Denton city officials said in a press release.

Police used a Taser on the man but it was ineffective, so an officer opened fire, striking the man, the press release said. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Officials have not released the names of the officers involved or the man who was killed, but the city said the officer who shot the man had six years of service with the Denton Police Department.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Former lieutenant governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung on Monday questioned the Centre over not meeting the anti-CAA protesters and said erstwhile prime minister Manmohan Singh's government had met agitators when the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement was going on.

Addressing protesters at Jamia Millia Islamia's gate no.7, he said the government will have to hold discussions with students as they will run the country tomorrow.

Jamia's gate no.7 has turned into a protest site after the police action against the university students on December 15 last year, with protesters sitting there 24x7.

Jung, also the former Jamia vice-chancellor, condemned the police action in the university, besides in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

"We still do not know who (all) were involved in it. Such incidents are very shameful for any democracy and the national capital," he said, referring to the January 5 violence on the JNU campus, when a masked mob entered the university and beat up students and teachers with rods and sledgehammers.

Jung said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) needs to be revamped and it should be made inclusive.

"When the common man's agitation was going on, the Manmohan Singh-led government had met Arvind Kejriwal and his associates.

"There is a revolution happening at every nook and corner. You (government) will have to discuss with these students. They will run the country," he said.

Jung lauded students and "sisters of Shaheen Bagh" for continuing their agitation against the CAA, saying the protest is not by Muslims alone, but by the entire country.

"This Act was brought to segregate us but it has united everyone. This is the time for sacrifice and there are chances that you might have to offer some sacrifices."

"But promise me that this movement will go on," he said.

In the middle of his speech, Jung read out the Preamble of the Constitution.

He concluded his speech by singing the national anthem.

According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to escape religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

It does not include Muslims.

Those opposing the CAA contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution.

They also allege that the CAA along with the NRC is intended to target the Muslim community in India.

However, the central government has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to the persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone.
On Wednesday, 22 January 2020, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Mircea Geoana, will meet with the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Mr. Vakhtang Makharoblishvili and the State Minister for Reconciliation, Mrs Ketevan Tsikhelashvili at NATO Headquarters.They will also attend the NATO-Georgia Commission.

Still images of the meeting will be available after the event on the NATO website.

Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter (@Mircea_Geoana). Also follow us at @NATOPress.
A grandfather who has appeared in court 16 times since 1979 on various driving charges has narrowly avoided home detention due to the poor WiFi signal in his home.

Dennis John Watson, 60, pleaded guilty to driving unlicensed, drink driving and fail to appear after he failed a random breath test in October 2019.

Watson was sentenced to three months in prison, which was suspended, in a Hobart court on Monday for the offences which he committed before his wife died while waiting for a heart transplant, according to The Mercury.

Dennis John Watson, 60, pleaded guilty to driving unlicensed, drink driving and fail to appear after he was pulled over by police for a random breath test in October 2019 (stock)

He had been caring for his 12-year-old grandson with his sick wife and the child needed a lift when he committed the offences.

Magistrate Glenn Hay had originally intended to sentence Watson to home detention.

However, Watson's lawyer Fabiano Cangelosi argued he wouldn't be able to serve home detention as his home is 'in something of a gully' and has a weak WiFi signal.

Watson has been ordered to front court on 16 occasions since 1979.

Magistrate Hay said this included 15 instances of driving unlicensed or disqualified.

In 2013 Watson was jailed for 18 months after drink driving while his licence was disqualified.

Magistrate Glenn Hay had originally intended to sentence Watson to home detention. However Watson's lawyer argued he wouldn't be able to serve home detention as his home is 'in something of a gully' and has a weak WiFi signal (stock)

Magistrate Hay said Watson hadn't offended since his 2013 stint in jail until his current charges.

He said Watson didn't have a history of breaching suspended sentences and the deterrence worked.

Watson was given a three-month jail sentence, suspended for four years, a 70-hour community service order and a 12-month community correction order.

He was also banned from driving for four years and has to take part in a substance use program and submit to testing for alcohol use.
Info Edge (India) rose 1.38% to Rs 2,624.95 after the company said that Zomato has acquired Uber Eats' business in India in an all-stock deal.

Zomato Media ("Zomato") has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Uber's food delivery business in India ("Uber") in an all-stock transaction, which gives Uber 9.99% ownership in Zomato.

Uber Eats in India will discontinue operations and direct restaurants, delivery partners, and users of the Uber Eats apps to the Zomato platform, effective 21 January. Upon closing of said acquisition, Info Edge (India)'s shareholding in Zomato shall stand reduced to about 22.71% on fully converted & diluted basis. The disclosure was made before market hours today, 21 January 2020.

On the technical front, Info Edge (India)'s RSI (relative strength index) stood at 57.726. The RSI oscillates between zero and 100. Traditionally the RSI is considered overbought when above 70 and oversold when below 30.

On a consolidated basis, Info Edge (India) reported net loss of Rs 110.84 crore in Q2 September 2019 compared with net loss of Rs 72.03 crore in Q2 September 2018. Net sales rose 17.7% to Rs 329.54 crore in Q2 September 2019 over Q2 September 2018.

Info Edge (India) provides information technology services. The firm is involved in online classifieds business. Its segments include recruitment solutions, 99acres, online restaurant discovery and others. The others segment includes Jeevansathi and Shiksha services.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has been extended an invitation to join talks on the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) next month, but is still on the fence about participation, say sources. The 10-member Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc has invited India to Bali, Indonesia, for RCEP talks on February 3-4.

The Asean secretariat hopes the meet may be able to iron out existing wrinkles raised by India. Since there had been no significant progress on the matter over the past two years on most issues, New Delhi is yet to decide on the invite, an official ...
including supporters of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and Irans young people are carrying out actions that show the real desire of the country.

They set fire to the regimes centers of suppression and fundamentalism in Tehran, Zanjan, Mashhad, and Iranshahr.

They torched posters of Qasem Soleiman in Tehran and Iranshahr, while they set fire to posters of regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei and regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini in Zanjan.

Away from the fires, resistance units put up posters of resistance leaders Massoud and Maryam Rajavi, featuring their quotes, across Mashhad, Karaj, Tehran, and Zanjan.

According to the Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the praise for the resistance leader Massoud Rajavi is particularly timely considering that it is the anniversary of him being freed from the Shahs prison on January 20, 1979. Having spent eight years in prison, Rajavi was one of the last political prisoners to be freed after the Shah fled Iran.

The posters read:

Honored by Jan. 20, marking Massoud Rajavis freedom from the Shahs jail

Happy Jan. 20, the anniversary of the freedom of Massoud, the hope for the people and the nation

World must know that Massoud is our leader

The death of Qasem Soleimani will expedite the overthrow of the regime

2020 will be the year of the overthrow of the mullahs rule

Resistance Units are paving the way for the rebellious youth of Iran

The Iranian people and their resistance are committed to overthrowing this regime

It is time to free all of Iran from occupation and chains

Khamenei, your demise has arrived

Wheels of overthrow will turn with greater speed

The flames of the uprising will not be extinguished

By massacring the youth, Khamenei is digging his own grave

Resistance Units also used graffiti to hammer home their point, calling for the overthrow of the mullahs regime, urging Khamenei to resign, praising the MEK, telling the military to surrender to the people, and celebrating Soleimanis death, all across Karaj, Kerman, Eslamshahr, Tehran, Kermanshah, and Zanjan. This included the slogans Death to Khamenei, Mullahs, your days are numbered. We will kill those who killed our brothers, and Death to the oppressor, be he the Shah or the Leader.

This is incredibly brave because the penalty for supporting the MEK inside Iran can be death. In June 2014, MEK supporter Gholamreza Khosravi Savadjani was executed for donating a small amount of money to the opposition TV station Sima-ye Azadi (Voice of Freedom) during one of their telethons. According to Amnesty International, Savadjani was arrested for this in 2008 in Rafsanjan, Kerman Province.
The Belfast trial of three men allegedly secretly recorded in a Co Armagh park discussing a failed murder bid on police in December 2013 heard yesterday of other alleged secret recordings involving one of the men in Spain four months earlier

The Belfast trial of three men allegedly secretly recorded in a Co Armagh park discussing a failed murder bid on police in December 2013 heard yesterday of other alleged secret recordings involving one of the men in Spain four months earlier.

These recordings, said to be of 52-year-old Colin Francis Duffy, allegedly have him attempting to set up an arms deal with a British Secret Service operative posing as a rich east European business man holidaying, like him, in Majorca in August 2013.

The prosecution claim this Spanish material, ruled in as evidence by a separate disclosure judge, provided a "sinister context" in which an alleged Colin Duffy showed a "preparedness, a propensity in seeking to obtain weapons and explosives".

Mr Justice O'Hara, hearing the Diplock-style case alone without a jury, was also told the recordings, although circumstantial evidence, "directly supports the charges of membership and directing terrorism".

Duffy is on trial along with 51-year-old Harry Joseph Fitzsimmons and 58-year-old Alex McCrory on the membership, or purporting to be IRA members, and to directing terrorism. Fitzsimmons and McCrory, whose addresses like that of Duffy cannot be reported at this time, are also charged separately, and deny attempting to murder police in the Ardoyne convoy on December 5, 2013, and possessing the two AK47 assault rifles and ammunition used in the north Belfast gun attack.

Their Belfast Crown Court trial has already seen and heard extracts of covert Secret Service videos, and taped audio recordings allegedly of the trio, made in a Lurgan park the day after the convoy was fired on.

Today it is expected that the trial will be played the recordings made in the Spanish resort of Santa Ponsa, said to have been secretly recorded while Duffy was on a family holiday.

Yesterday the court heard that the audio recordings were between Duffy, the operative and his pretend girlfriend

And while the "operative" was available to give evidence, curtained from the court, and be cross-examined, the defence were not taking any exceptions to the evidence.

The court also heard that the undercover operation was mounted two months earlier in May 2013, in which it was planned the agent would pose as a rich businessman returning to the Spanish resort with his girlfriend. They eventually struck up a friendship with the Duffy family.

The prosecution claimed that Duffy, after hearing the businessman, who'd talked of fighting in Bosnia, say he had "tanks" in reply to a question if he had a yacht, asked if he could get "anything other than tanks". In turn he was told getting the materials was not the problem, "the difficulty was transport".

During several meetings Duffy allegedly said he could arrange shipment, and was also taped asking about the explosives C4 and Semtex, while complaining of having to use "fertiliser-based stuff".

The lawyer further alleged Duffy asked about the possible supply of RPG rockets, detonators, AK47 assault rifles, while also discussing Russian rifles and if they could penetrate flak jackets, and that for about 200k to 250k an amount of equipment "could be supplied in small batches".

While the man Duffy also talked about difficulties he might have in travelling outside Ireland, as he was "not invisible, he was red hot", proof of which could be simply obtained by Googling his name, he was "confident that he could come to Europe" to arrange an arms deal.

At hearing.
Dentist Seth Lookhart, from Anchorage, Alaska, who was filmed extracting a patient's tooth while riding a hoverboard, has been convicted of 46 charges following a five-week trial: Alaska Court System

A dentist who was filmed removing a patients tooth while riding a hoverboard has been found guilty of dozens of charges.

Seth Lookhart, 34, was convicted of 46 counts including reckless endangerment, illegal practice of dentistry and medical assistance fraud following a five-week trial in Alaska.

According to a lawsuit filed by the state in 2017, a video was recorded showing Lookhart extracting a sedated patients tooth while riding a hoverboard.

The dentist is said to have sent the footage to at least eight people while joking that it showed a new standard of care.

The female patient seen in the July 2016 video, who gave evidence during the trial, was sedated at the time and was therefore unaware of what was going on.

The first she knew of the video was when she was contacted by investigators.

The patient told the court its crazy, adding: I wouldve said hell no, thats unprofessional, according to KTUU TV.

Lookhart was also charged with medical assistance fraud for offering more expensive intravenous sedation to Medicare patients rather than anaesthesia.

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Michael Wolve said the evidence over the course of the trial was simply overwhelming in relation to each of the charges, including Lockharts own text messages, photos and videos.

He said Lookhart believed he could get away with his fraud indefinitely and that no one would ever know unless someone was standing right next to him at the time.

Lookhart, who was paid either $240,000 (almost 184,000) a year or 30 per cent of the money he was able to make, depending on which was higher, was also charged with medical assistance fraud for billing Medicaid for procedures that were either unnecessary or not properly justified.

He was also charged with the theft of $25,000 (about 19,000) or more by diverting funds from Alaska Dental Arts.

During Lookharts trial, defence lawyer Paul Stockler apologised for his clients idiotic behaviour, Anchorage Daily News reports.

Story continues

Lookhart is expected to be sentenced on 30 April.

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The premiere of a short documentary series on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, and the launch ceremony "Reading China from Multiple Cities and One Book" were held at the San Francisco Public library in the US on Jan 18, 2020. Wang Donghua, Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China to San Francisco, attended the event and delivered a speech.

Wang Donghua, Consul General of the Peoples Republic of China to San Francisco, addresses the ceremony. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

The following is the full text of the speech:

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

It gives me great pleasure to attend the premiere of A Story Spanning 40 Years and One Book for Cities to Understand China program.

This event is highly meaningful at a time when China-US relations reach a critical juncture. It helps us review the development course of China-US relations, sum up the lessons from China-US cooperation, and explore how the two powers live together peacefully and iron out their differences.

Todays event has a good starting point, with the theme of how to understand China. China-US relations now hit unprecedented difficulties, and an important reason is the insufficient mutual understanding and trust. The US is still far from gaining a true understanding of China. The US makes speculation about China based on subjective assumptions, and besmirches China based on hearsay. It does not take a realistic and objective view of Chinas development and formulate rational policies towards China. I think there are far more Chinese people who know the US than Americans who know China. This goes to show that it is highly important and necessary to hold an event like this.

On behalf of the Consulate General of China, I offer sincere thanks to the Peoples Daily Online West USA and the San Francisco Public Library for organizing this event. My thanks also go to those who are involved in preparing for this event. I hope that through the events like this one, more people gain a better understanding of China, think about the root causes of problems in bilateral relationship, and explore how China and the US develop their relations.

I would like to take this opportunity to share my personal thoughts.

First, to promote the healthy development of China-US relations, we must first have a correct understanding of each other. China is the largest developing country and the US is the largest developed country. The bilateral relationship concerns the interests of the two countries, and also concerns world stability and development. Healthy and stable China-US relations serve the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries. It is the common will of the two peoples and the common expectation of the world. For the two countries to live together peacefully and have healthy relations, it is necessary first to solve the problem in mutual understanding. Incorrect understanding will inevitably lead to mistaken decisions and lead astray the overall direction.

The current problems in China-US relations are chiefly attributed to the bias and prejudice of some in the US administration against China. They believe that as China develops, China would inevitably follow the path of a strong nation bound to seek hegemony, like Britain and the US did at the time, and challenge the interests of the US and replace its international position. Because of this mistaken judgment, the US has adopted a slew of policies and measures to check Chinas development in recent years. This injures the interests of the US, undermines mutual trust, and rocks world stability and development. It can be seen that incorrect understanding brings untold harm.

Historically, the Chinese nation was always upholding the philosophy of peace is most precious, and had no tradition of launching acts of aggression against other countries. It only has the proof of self-defense. China was a world power even before the US was founded and never threw its weight about because of this. As China was bullied by powers in the past, it bitterly hates to be bullied, and also opposes riding roughshod over others. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US, fruitful cooperation has been made in various respects. It shows that China and the US are important partners rather than strategic opponents.

In reality, China and the US have extensive common interests and wide room for cooperation. The two require mutual help in promoting development. As the two have economic interdependence and intertwined interests, hurting the other is the same as injuring oneself. The world is witnessing major changes unprecedented in the past century. China and the US hit many common challenges, and it is difficult for each country to address these alone.

Historically or in reality, I see no reason for China to challenge or replace the US. On the contrary, I think cooperation is in the interests of both countries. Some Americans stress that the Republicans and Democrats reach consensus in their policies towards China. It seems to be political correctness to be tough against China, but this political correctness is not a correct understanding. It is irresponsibly capricious, and will only mislead the understanding of China, with irrational policy against China.

China pursues development to help the Chinese people lead a better life, rather than challenging or replacing the US. China shows no interest in this. China will keep to the path of peaceful development and will not seek its own development at the expense of others. Regardless of its economic development, China never seeks expansion, hegemony or sphere of influence. We always believe that countries living in a global village should become partners of cooperation. We will be better if all countries develop well. Therefore, we propose to build a community with shared future for mankind and to build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. We hope that all countries will work towards this goal and that the US will take the lead in this.

Second, to promote the healthy development of China-US relations, we must earnestly respect core interests of each other. Each country has its own core interests, especially national sovereignty security, political security, territorial integrity, and development interests. It is the fundamental responsibility of any country to protect its core interests. Properly handling issues that concern core interests is a prerequisite for the stable and healthy development of state-to-state relations. From the development course of China-US relations, as long as the two countries respect each others core interests and properly address issues that concern each others core interests, the bilateral relationship will advance smoothly, and smooth cooperation can be carried out to address specific issues. Otherwise the two countries will hit great difficulties in relationship and cooperation. From the perspective of international practice, changing other countries or bringing about regime change as the policy objective is a great mistake and causes great harm. It is an even bigger mistake to take the change in the Chinese system as the goal of policy towards China, and interfere with Chinas internal affairs concerning Chinas core interests. It will inevitably aggravate the conflicts and confrontations between the two countries. We do not hold with the American system, but we respect the choices of the American people, and the US should also respect the choices of the Chinese people. Only in this way can we live together peacefully. In fact, there is no unified system or model in the world. How will the US view us if China also deems changing the American social system as a policy objective? China and the US are major powers, and neither can change the other. Neither should adopt a policy option of changing the other. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of the US, and also requires the US to not interfere in Chinas internal affairs. China does not harm the core interests of the US, nor allow the US to harm its core interests. The US continuous interference in Chinas internal affairs on issues concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet is bound to undermine mutual trust between China and the US and will harm the American interests. The US should not expect China to suffer silently the consequences of its injured core interests.

Third, to promote the healthy development of China-US relations, we must uphold mutual respect, equality, and seek common ground while shelving differences. The world is a colorful one. No country is identical with another, nor requires the other countries to follow the same pattern. It is natural that nations are different and even in conflict with each other. With different history, culture, social systems, and development stages, China and the US disagree on some specific issues. Differences or conflicts are no big deal. The key is how to view and iron out their differences. As a Chinese saying goes, there are more solutions than problems. Solutions can be found as long as countries respect each other, treat each other on an equal footing, and hold negotiation under the principle of mutual understanding and accommodation and seeking common ground while shelving differences. The world is ever-changing. We must consider history and the current development when viewing the development of each country. Might is not equal to right, and will not last forever. Only right will last forever. In international relations, we should resort to right more frequently and abandon power politics. If a country uses its strength to bully the weak and the small, and impose its will on others in the name of freedom and democracy, it will only set a bad precedent in troublemaking and complicate the problem instead of solving the fundamental issues. The tariffs imposed by the US on Chinese products severely undermine the American interests, indicating that the US cannot achieve its policy goal of unilateral gains. The Phase One Trade Agreement signed between China and the US on January 15 once again shows that relevant issues can only be properly solved through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

In summary, I hope that American policymakers have a new objective and accurate understanding of China, adopt a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, and work with China to advance China-US relations based on coordination, cooperation, and stability. This will achieve the goals of zero conflict and confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, and ensure the long-term healthy and stable development of China-US relations to the benefit of the peoples of the two countries and the world.
Denmark-headquartered Danfoss has invested 15 million euros (over Rs 118 crore) to set up a facility in Pune for mobile hydraulics for the construction, agriculture and other off-highway vehicle markets.

The company's Indian subsidiary Danfoss Power Solutions will be products like electronic controls, pumps and valves, motors, sensors and transmitters, among others in this facility.

"We have invested around 15 million euros so far for this facility. This is for the first time we are these products here for Indian customers as per their needs," a senior company official said.

The company aims to invest on increasing its product offerings in India within the next 24 months and remains firm on its mission to ensure a minimum of 50 per cent localisation level for sourcing and manufacturing in their future product lines as well, the official said.

"Over the last 5 years, Power Solutions business has seen a strong double digit CAGR growth with strong potential for further growth in India owing to the nation's rising demand for infrastructure development, electrification, urbanisation, efficiency in agriculture," Region President Ravichandran Purushothaman said.

With its focus on the Indian market, the company has a 3:1 ratio on products manufactured for India as compared to exports to several core global markets, he added.
A Colombian exchange student has described her ordeal after a man followed her home after a night out and grabbed her.

The 23-year-old student, whose name has not been released, was followed as she walked home from a nightclub on Collins Street in Melbourne on Saturday at 2am.

A man tailed her into her apartment block, got in the lift with her and then grabbed her in the hallway before she ran into her apartment and he sprinted away.

The only thing the man said to her before the attack was 'are you Clarissa from Norway?'

Speaking to reporters at a press conference this morning, the student (pictured) described her harrowing ordeal. She gave permission to be pictured but not named

Investigators have released CCTV footage (above) of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries

Speaking to reporters at a press conference this morning, the student described her harrowing ordeal.

Through tears, she said: 'I was walking by myself for around 20 minutes. I entered my building and to enter you have to touch with a pass.

'He took advantage... he entered behind my but I never felt that.

'I [called] the lift. The man came in very quickly and stood in the corner. I was thinking that was strange.

I pressed the level and he never pressed anything.

The student said that she felt uneasy and so decided to ask the man a question.

The 23-year-old was allegedly followed into her apartment lift and then snatched from behind. Pictured is CCTV released of a man police believe may be able to help with inquiries

'I feel that something is bad,' she said. 'I asked him "'What are you looking for?"

'He said: "are you Clarissa from Norway?" I felt scared and said "no".

'He pretended to go back to the lift. I ran to the apartment and he was behind me.

'He put his hand on my mouth and the other hand on my chest. The door was unlocked. I could open the door, I fell to the floor.'

At that point the woman's housemate woke up and the man ran off.

The stranger covered the woman's mouth and tried to grab her from behind, but her housemates came to her aid. Pictured is CCTV released of a man wanted for questioning over the abduction attempt

Investigators have released CCTV footage of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The man is described as being aged in his 20s, with a thin build, brown eyes, dark eyebrows and clean-shaven face.

He was wearing a black hooded top, blue jeans, black runners with white edges and a black cap with a white logo.
Even after 21 years, I still do not accept that my son is no more, said Visakha Dharmadasa, whose son disappeared at the height of the civil war between the government and Tamil Tiger insurgents. I havent seen a dead body. I am still waiting for him.

She said she planned to keep her sons certificate of absence, a document that allowed the families of the missing to make legal decisions on their behalf.

Sri Lanka is haunted by the scars of its civil war.

Even as the country tries to move on, devastating reminders of the carnage crop up. It is not uncommon for mass graves and old weapons caches to be uncovered during excavations to build shopping centers or upscale hotels in the country, which became a tourist hot spot after the conflict had ended.

Now, President Rajapaksa appears to be seeking to usher in a new era for the country by trying to close one of the final chapters of the war: the file of the missing.

Mr. Rajapaksa was defense secretary during the last years of the civil war, and was accused of gross human rights abuses as he crushed the insurgency and brought the conflict to an end. Thousands of civilians were killed. The president has consistently denied any wrongdoing during his time as defense secretary.
EAST LONGMEADOW - A 41-year-old Springfield resident was arrested Monday in East Longmeadow after police found him driving without a license, and then learned he was also wanted in Illinois, according to police.

Timothy Keel was stopped at around 5 a.m. Monday on Chestnut Street because he was in a vehicle matching a description of a vehicle sought by Somers, Connecticut, police.

When officers pulled the car over, it was determined Keel did not have a license to drive. Officers also found that Illinois had issued a warrant for his arrest, naming him as a fugitive from justice.

East Longmeadow reached out to Illinois authorities and they expressed an interest in coming to Massachusetts to return him to that state for trial.

Keel was arraigned on the charges Tuesday in Palmer District Court. He was ordered held on $2,500 bail.

James Leydon, communications director for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, said prosecutors sought for him to be held without the right to bail until pending an extradition hearing, but Keel waived his right to a hearing, clearing the way for his return to Illinois.

The charges in Illinois involve parole violations related to multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated, he said.
A new SARS-like virus has killed six people in China and infected nearly 300 others.

Fears have been mounting that the virus will spread during the massive annual Lunar New Year migration. A host of Asian countries and the United States have introduced new screening checks for passengers from Wuhan, the Chinese city identified as the epicentre.

Here's what we know about the virus:

It's entirely new

The virus appears to be a never-before-seen strain of coronavirus -- a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed 349 people in mainland China and another 299 in Hong Kong between 2002 and 2003.

Arnaud Fontanet, head of the department of epidemiology at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, told AFP the current virus strain was 80 percent genetically identical to SARS.

China has already shared the genome sequencing of this novel coronavirus with the international scientific community.

For now, it is being dubbed "2019-nCoV".

It's being passed between humans

The World Health Organization said Monday it believed an animal source was the "primary source" of the outbreak, and Wuhan authorities identified a seafood market as the centre of the epidemic.

But China has since confirmed that there was evidence the virus is now passing from person to person, without any contact with the market.

Doctor Nathalie MacDermott of King's College London said it seems likely that the virus is spread through droplets in the air from sneezing or coughing.

Doctors at the University of Hong Kong published an initial paper Tuesday modelling the spread of the virus which estimated that there have been some 1,343 cases in Wuhan -- similar to a projection of 1,700 last week by Imperial College, London.

Both are much higher than official figures.

It is milder than SARS

Compared with SARS, the symptoms appear to be less aggressive, and experts say the death toll is still relatively low.

According to authorities in Wuhan, 25 of the more than 200 people infected in the city have already been discharged.

"It's difficult to compare this disease with SARS," said Zhong Nanshan, a renowned scientist at China's National Health Commission at a press conference this week. "It's mild. The condition of the lung is not like SARS."

However, the milder nature of the virus can also cause alarm.

The outbreak comes as China prepares for the Lunar New Year Holiday, with hundreds of millions travelling across the country to see family.

Professor Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health at the University of Geneva, told AFP that the fact that the virus seems milder in the majority of people is "paradoxically more worrying" as it allows people to travel further before their symptoms are detected.

"Wuhan is a major hub and with travel being a huge part of the fast approaching Chinese New Year, the concern level must remain high," said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Director of the Wellcome Trust.

International public health emergency?

The WHO will hold a meeting on Wednesday to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern" and if so, what should be done to manage it.

The agency has only used the rare label a handful of times, including during the H1N1 -- or swine flu -- pandemic of 2009 and the Ebola epidemic that devastated parts of West Africa from 2014 to 2016.

The Chinese government announced Tuesday it was classifying the outbreak in the same category as the SARS outbreak, meaning compulsory isolation for those diagnosed with the disease and the potential to implement quarantine measures on travel.

But if the WHO decides to take this step, it would put the Wuhan virus in the same category as a handful of very serious epidemics.

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NEW YORK - Mexicos former top security official is very much looking forward to fighting charges he took tens of millions of dollars in drug-money bribes to protect Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans notorious Sinaloa cartel, a defence attorney said Tuesday.

Genaro Garcia Luna adamantly denies that he accepted any bribes and is not interested in negotiating a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department, defence attorney Cesar de Castro told reporters.

He intends to go to trial, de Castro said, adding Garcia Luna is in very good spirits despite his incarceration.

De Castros remarks followed a hearing in Brooklyn federal court in which U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan urged prosecutors to begin handing over discovery to Garcia Lunas defence.

Prosecutors asked the case be designated as complex, given the large volume of records involved, including evidence they said would be provided by foreign countries.

Mexico recently restricted Garcia Lunas access to its financial system, de Castro said, a move that could complicate his clients efforts to fund his defence.

Prosecutors say Garcia Luna amassed a fortune allowing Guzmans narcotrafficking syndicate to operate with impunity in Mexico. He is accused of accepting tens of millions of dollars in bribes  often briefcases full of cash  to protect the Sinaloa cartel.

During Guzmans New York trial, jurors heard former cartel member Jesus Zambada testify that he personally made at least $6 million in hidden payments to Garcia Luna, on behalf of his older brother, cartel boss Ismael El Mayo Zambada.

Prosecutors say the cartel sent multi-ton drug loads to New York and other American cities, including the federal district covering Brooklyn and Queens.

Garcia Luna lived in Miami before his arrest last month in Texas. He led Mexicos Federal Investigation Agency from 2001 to 2005, and from 2006 to 2012 served as Mexicos secretary of public security before relocating to the U.S.
VANCOUVER, Jan. 21, 2020 - FireFox Gold Corp. (TSX-V: FFOX) ("FireFox" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has completed a three-hole (446 metres), reconnaissance drilling program at the Utsamo Target area within its 100% owned Jeesio Gold Project in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, Finland. The drilling tested 180 metres of strike within a five-kilometre corridor of complex faults and shears that are believed to represent a section of the Sirkka Shear Zone (see Figure 1a: https://bit.ly/37dcvzM) (see FireFox news release dated September 3, 2019). The Sirkka Shear provides the structural control for most known gold deposits in Central Lapland.

"This initial reconnaissance drill program has demonstrated that the Utsamo Property covers what is believed to represent an important flexure in the Sirkka Shear Zone," commented Carl Lofberg, CEO of FireFox Gold. "This promising area lies between Aurion's Launi East and Risti discoveries to the southeast and northwest, respectively. These drill holes constituted the first sub-surface test of the area as part of a larger exploration program that will identify and test additional targets along the structural corridor."

Program Results and Interpretation

At Utsamo, both gold in bottom-of-till (BOT) samples and anomalous Ionic Leach samples are spatially associated with the margins of magnetic bodies (mafic-ultramafic sills) and contacts between low and high resistivity domains. The IP resistivity low in Utsamo was interpreted to represent a near-vertical fault zone. Hole 19JEE001 started within the surface projection of the IP resistivity low and was drilled towards the NE, while holes 19JEE002 and 19JEE003 were drilled from the NE to the SW in order to transect the IP resistivity low (see Figure 1b: https://bit.ly/37dcvzM).

The three Utsamo drill holes intersected a lithological package consisting of arkosic quartzites interlayered with lesser intermediate tuffites and mafic volcanics, which are intruded by narrow mafic and ultramafic dykes or sills. Drill holes 19JEE002 and 19JEE003 intersected 25-metre thick fault gouge that was formed by extensive shearing, alteration and oxidation of both the arkosic quartzites and mafic-ultramafic rocks. The fault gouge was intersected about 100 metres down-dip and is comprised of pervasive clay alteration enriched in iron oxides. Importantly, it contains abundant fragments of quartz-carbonate-sericite veins  similar to those associated with gold elsewhere in the region. Despite the promising structure, lithological association and alteration, the fault gouge did not yield significant gold grades in these drill holes.

"All three of these shallow drill holes at Utsamo confirmed the presence of the targeted fault," stated Dr. Petri Peltonen, Exploration Manager of FireFox Gold.

"The possibility remains that gold and other mineralization occurs at deeper levels of these sub-vertical fault zones. Alternatively, and probably more likely, the drilled structure is just one of many within this wide structural corridor, and the source of the gold indicated by the bottom-of-till and Ionic Leach samples is related to other second or third order faults nearby."

Since gold-bearing quartz-carbonate-tourmaline-sulfide veins and altered quartzites are frequently discovered in the Jeesio Project area (see FireFox news release dated September 3, 2019) and nearby (see Aurion Resources news release dated Feb. 12, 2019), the area remains highly prospective. FireFox is currently planning the follow-up activities, including additional BOT surveys and a mapping campaign to progress its Jeesio Project.

About the Jeesio Gold Project

The Jeesio Gold Project (the "Project") consists of valid exploration permits, exploration permit applications and exploration reservations covering an area of 279 km2. The Project is located within a structural corridor transected by both the Sirkka and the Venejoki Shear Zones. The project area is flat, glacial till-covered terrain in the Lapland region of northern Finland, 12 km north-west of the town of Sodankyla. The Project is situated in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt, which hosts several recent gold discoveries. The observed gold mineralization, structural setting and work to date support the potential for an orogenic gold deposit on the Jeesio property.

For additional details on the Project, please visit the Company's website www.firefoxgold.com.

Quality Assurance

The core was transported from the rig to the Companys core storage facility in Sodankyla, where the geological and geotechnical logging was conducted, and assay intervals selected by FireFoxs exploration team. Intervals were generally 1 m but in some circumstances were modified according to lithological boundaries and other factors. FireFox geologists maintained chain of custody of the samples. The sampling procedures reported in this news release were conducted according to best industry practice, with due attention to quality assurance and quality control, including the insertion of standard and blank samples. After the logged core was cut in half it was transported to the ALS Minerals preparation laboratory in Sodankyla, Finland, with one half stored and the other half crushed, pulverized and split with a riffle splitter. Analysis was completed at ALS Minerals facilities in Loughrea, Ireland and Rosia Montana, Romania using Au-AA24 (50g fire assay with AAS detection for gold) and ME-MS61 (4 acid digestion with ICP-MS detection for 48 elements) methods.

Dr. Petri Peltonen, Exploration Manager of FireFox Gold, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Peltonen has supervised the collection and interpretation of the technical data generated in the Company's field program and has helped prepare, and approves, the technical information in this news release.

Patrick Highsmith, Certified Professional Geologist (AIPG CPG # 11702) and director of the Company, is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Highsmith has helped prepare, and approves, the technical information in this news release.

About FireFox Gold Corp.

FireFox Gold Corp is listed on the TSX Venture stock exchange under the ticker symbol FFOX. The Company is focused entirely on gold exploration in Finland where it is exploring its project portfolio that includes over 150,000 hectares of prospective ground.

Finland is one of the top mining investment jurisdictions in the world as indicated by its multiple top-10 rankings in recent Fraser Institute Surveys of Mining Companies. Having a strong mining law and long mining tradition, Finland remains underexplored for gold. Recent exploration results in the country have highlighted its prospectivity, and FireFox is proud to have a Finland based CEO and technical team.

For more information concerning the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Carl Lofberg"

Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry. Forward-looking statements in this release may include statements regarding: the current drill program, including the expected number, depth, location, and direction of the drill holes; the timing of assay results; and possible extensions of mineralization along with its thickness and quality. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, results may vary. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the expectations of FireFox as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking statements and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. FireFox does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

It should also be noted that while FireFox's properties are sometimes adjacent to or nearby operating or historic gold mines or active gold projects being advanced by other companies, the mineralization on properties nearby FireFox's land packages is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on FireFox's properties.

SOURCE FireFox Gold Corp.
announced a sponsorship deal with Expo 2020 Dubai for the 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The one-year deal will see the next World Expo appear on the front of the Rajasthan Royals' jersey as principal sponsor.



Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman, Rajasthan Royals, said: "We are looking forward to having a very successful association throughout the 13th season of the IPL. The tournament has always provided fans in India with numerous reasons to celebrate, and we are hoping that through this crucial sponsorship, we can encourage them to be a part of the Expo 2020 as well."



Expo 2020, taking place from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, will be the first World Expo in its 169-year history to be staged in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region (MEASA), and is set to welcome an unprecedented 192 participating countries and 25 million visits from across the globe over a period of 173 days.



Full list of Rajasthan Royals players, along with their salaries:
Every name on the BrandBucket marketplace is exclusively listed with BrandBucket. That means that all of our sellers are very responsive, making for quick domain transfers.

A dedicated BrandBucket agent will manage your domain transfer from beginning to end, ensuring a secure and easy transaction. They will manage the receipt of the domain into one of BrandBuckets secure registrar accounts and then complete the transfer to you.

1. Verification and registrar choice

After we receive the payment and verify it, we will reach out via email to confirm which registrar you want the domain transferred to. We also provide a link to our tracking system, where you can communicate with us, check on the status of your transfer, view your invoice, and download your logo files.

In most cases, if a domain is moved between accounts at a single registrar, the transfer is quick and usually completes within 48 hours. If a domain changes registrars (in other words, you would like to move it away from where it is currently registered), the transfer is slower. The total transfer time can then be anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days.

BrandBucket has vetted and supports the following registrars:



GoDaddy

Namesilo

Uniregistry

NameCheap

Google Domains

Network Solutions

Name.com

Dynadot

Amazon Route 53

123 Reg

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2. We request the name from the seller.

Once we know where you would like the domain transferred, BrandBucket will request the domain from the seller. All of our sellers are very responsive, making for a quick process.

3. Transfer the name into your account

As soon as we receive the name from the seller, we start the transfer into your account and guide you through the whole process.

4. Verify with the buyer that the transfer is complete

Once we confirm that you have received the name, we consider the escrow process to be complete. Only then do we release payment to the domain seller.
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The mystery of prayer is that it is a labor of love which merges the heart of the creation with the heart of the Creator. As I begin each prayer time I say, Father in Jesus name, I do not know how to pray, but Your Word says the Holy Spirit will guide me and I believe He will!"

Several intercessors stand out in the scriptures. The first is Moses, who prayed that God would not destroy the Jewish people but instead show mercy on them in spite of their constant complaining in the wilderness. Another noted intercessor was Abraham who interceded over Sodom and Gomorrah. Then there was the Apostle Paul, in Romans 9:3 (NIV) who even declared that he wished that he could be accursed in their place so that all of Israel could be saved. Could any of us say the same? Of the hundreds if not thousands of prayers found in scripture, Galatians 5:6b (KJV), states that faith worketh by love! Its the true love of God flowing through the flawed love of man.

In this article, though it is a bit unconventional, I would like to ask the readers to join me in a prayer for the people around the world in this year of 2020. Much of this prayer I pray often because I believe the heart of God is in it, as taught to me by the Holy Spirit. However, please feel free to pray as you feel led, taking the time to insert thoughts and names and cities, and people groups as God leads you. Lets believe thousands will join their hearts together and that it will generate a release of Gods power on the earth at a time when we need it so very desperately.

Father God, in Jesus name, we first ask that You forgive us of our many sins. Wash us, we pray, with the precious blood of Jesus and begin a process of continual cleansing of our sins and a sanctifying of our lives, which will bring a fresh anointing to our walk and a bright glory to Your name. We thank You Jesus for not only dying on the cross for the sins of mankind but also for enduring over thirty-three years of being tempted in Your man state. We praise You for overcoming those temptations through the power of the Holy Spirit. We thank You that you enable us to do the same, because You also died so that the Holy Spirit could be poured out on all flesh in fulfillment of Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17. We thank You Father that this is Your plan for the church and that You never intended for any of us to be able to do this on our own. Not even Your disciples, who You hand picked from ordinary men or the many women who were Your followers could have served You without being empowered by Your Spirit. Father, in this hour and time we ask You to pour out Your abundant mercy on the world. These past few generations have been mis-taught and mis-informed, about who You are. From the time they were children their minds have been polluted right in their own local school systems by the false teachings of secular humanism and atheism. Rapid growth within the technological world has made the realism of television and media production so vivid that their young minds could not possibly have had the ability to differentiate between good and evil. Father God, we are asking you for a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. What the generations on the earth need now is a counterpunch of truth against the devils lies. They need something more than the words on a page or a proclamation from a charismatic orator. They need You! They need what you came to give them; Jesus two thousand years ago, God in the flesh. They need something more real than Hollywood can muster, something more than witchcraft can conjure, something more than a college professor can argue. They need miraculous answers to prayer in unprecedented volume. They need to experience your presence in worship which far more powerful than the Force of the Star Wars movies and something with more knock down power than the dark side! Father, we know and read about great revivals which You have poured out throughout different time periods in history. We read about how You used great individuals like Oral Roberts, and Kathryn Kuhlman in huge crusades. We pray today, even as Elijah prayed on Mount Carmel in 1st Kings 18:37 (KJV), Hear us oh Lord and pour out your Holy Spirit that This people will know that thou art the Lord and that you have turned their heart back AGAIN! Father we need you to turn this generation back to you because of your mercy based on their ignorance and please do not hold back because of their rebellion. Have mercy oh God they are only doing what they know to do and as Jesus cried out from the cross Forgive them Father, they know not what they do! I have heard it prayed Father, that You are holding back your outpouring because of their lack of gratefulness. People often quote the story of the ten lepers being healed and only one returning to give thanks. Lord you died for that one! Lord you care about that one. The other nine maybe were headed for Hell anyway! So nothing was really lost. If they chose not to be grateful then the loss is theirs. Lord we pray for the ones that are out there not knowing where to turn. Being misinformed about who You are. Perhaps they are the homeless, or the loner teens of the schools, or the ones who just lost their job or their spouse just left them? Lord Jesus we pray you send your Holy Spirit to them right now. Send us to them right now. Jesus here we are send us today!
LUND, Sweden, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Diaprost entered into an exclusive Research and Option Agreement with a Top 10 Pharmaceutical company strategic partner in October 2017. Diaprost now announces that its strategic partner has exercised its option to acquire rights to its h11B6 antibody.

An upfront payment and research funding has already been paid and an early-stage clinical trial has been initiated. In payments made prior to option exercise, Diaprost received $13M. The option fee and potential future payments, including commercial milestones, for its h11B6 antibody for prostate cancer may be up to $90 million. No royalties are payable.

Diaprost announced that its partner has exercised its option, under which its partner acquires Diaprost's patents and assets for antibody h11B6, and its associated target. H11B6 has advanced to clinical development for prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men and with a high unmet medical need. Work completed since October 2017 has successfully demonstrated the potential of the therapy and the partner now wishes to gain full rights.

"We believe the early exercise of the Option by our strategic partner shows the potential of both Diaprost and the h11B6 program," said Johan Drott, CEO of Diaprost. "We believe going forward, h11B6 has the potential to be an important new oncology therapy for patients."

About Diaprost

Diaprost is a private pharmaceutical research and development company based in Lund, Sweden. It was founded in 2005 based on the idea that the transformative success of the PSA assay for detection of prostate cancer could be leveraged as a personalized theranostic (therapy and diagnostic) platform. The technology and patent applications were pursued by researchers at Lund University in Sweden with support from private investors. Diaprost is collaborating with leading international experts in the fields of molecular medicine, biotechnology, immunology, radiology, radiation physics, laboratory medicine and oncology. The remaining Diaprost pipeline consists of 5A10 which targets free-PSA antigen for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

For more information, please contact:

Johan Drott

CEO, Diaprost AB

+46-709-224-140

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/diaprost-ab/r/diaprost-announces-exercise-of-option-under-the-terms-of-its-research-and-option-agreement-with-a-le,c3011679

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/15278/3011679/1176606.pdf Press release (PDF) https://news.cision.com/diaprost-ab/i/johan-drott-vd-ceo-diaprost-ab-jan-2020,c2737591 Johan Drott vd CEO Diaprost AB Jan 2020

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In a unique exhibition, Peggy Turchette of Boulder, Colorado presents the life and work of legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova through Pavlovas costumes and couture mounted on dolls.

The expressiveness of clothes and costumes  the political, social and aesthetic statements they make  has been acknowledged across time and place. The Natya Shastra devotes an entire chapter to a detailed description of what the characters may wear in order to aid communication of the plays theme. Gandhijis loincloth and image as the half-naked fakir defined the national and global consciousness for decades and continues to do so.

In a unique exhibition, Peggy Turchette of Boulder, Colorado presents the life and work of legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova through Pavlovas costumes and couture mounted on dolls. And it is certainly remarkable in its impact.

In terms of technique, Pavlova may not have been the greatest ballerina of all times or even of her own, but audiences were struck by the astonishing grace and expressiveness of her dance. She took ballet across the globe in a period when travel was not easy. And most remarkably for those times, she travelled with her own company, training and maintaining dancers, employing choreographers and musicians, creating her own repertoire and finding the opportunities and funding to present it. It is estimated that her company covered about 800,000 miles around the globe between 1910 and 1930 by ship and railroad, and performed almost every day, often in less than acceptable conditions.

Endowed with a frail and delicate body, weak ankles and heavily arched feet, Pavlova had to contend with challenges on her way to becoming the ballerina the world came to know. "No one can arrive from being talented alone. God gives talent, work transforms talent into genius"  Pavlovas key to success is found in her own words.

Raised in Russia by a poor single mother, Pavlova set her mind on becoming a ballet dancer after watching a performance of Sleeping Beauty. Gifted, ambitious and hardworking, she quickly rose to the position of prima ballerina in the Imperial Russian Ballet. Her frailty was a challenge because ballet demands strength of the ankles and calves; but she turned it into the hallmark of her performances  delicate grace and the emotive power of her performances astonished audiences.

Leaving Russia and basing herself out of London, Pavlova travelled relentlessly, sometimes performing at one town in the afternoon and another in the night. At a time when ballet was not a familiar dance form except in Russia and some European cities, she travelled across the United States, Japan, China, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and India. The incomparable Anna Pavlova, as she was called, created an audience for ballet as few others did. She established and maintained her own dance company, a remarkable feat for a woman in the early twentieth century. Not only did she challenge gender stereotypes, she had little use for imperialist attitudes of white superiority. Wherever she travelled she tried to learn about the local cultures and incorporated them into her own dance.

Pavlova was inspired to create her first Indian ballet when she visited the frescoes at the Ajanta Caves. Ajanta's Frescoes was choreographed by Mikhail Fokine in 1923 who also choreographed her most famous piece  The Dying Swan. Pavlova employed an Indian dancer to choreograph two other India inspired ballet pieces  Hindu Maiden and Radha and Krishna  Uday Shankar! Uday Shankar toured the USA and Europe with her and was encouraged by her to explore his own countrys traditions rather than veer towards western dance which had begun to exert an attraction on him, and this initiated one of the most interesting chapters in Indian dance.

Pavlovas respect for other cultures was perhaps the seed for another important moment in modern Indias art scene. Rukmini Devi Arundale who had watched Pavlovas dance in India later interacted with her on a cruise ship to Australia on which they were fellow travellers. She expressed a desire to learn ballet and did indeed learn a bit. Pavlova encouraged her to look to her own traditions of dance. And the rest is history. Kalakshetra that Rukmini Devi founded is still a prestigious institution for Bharatanatyam and other dance forms, an institution that celebrates traditional art and aesthetics with quiet elegance. How significant was Pavlovas influence on what came to be Rukmini Devis life work? One can never say. It is possible to exaggerate but sometimes the most profoundly influential experiences are a passing remark, a casual conversation, a street scene

In conceiving and executing The Pavlova Project in which Pavlovas life comes alive through the recreation of her costumes and couture, Peggy Turchette brings together her three loves  sewing, dolls and ballet. The story of Pavlova inspired her and she spent eight years to recreate clothes that Pavlova wore  on and off stage  and to tell her story through this visual medium. Pavlova was quite the fashionista and trendsetter, often featured in magazines and newspapers. What she wore was always of great interest, an interest that Pavlova consciously encouraged. To be in the public eye meant visibility which in turn meant survival of her company.

Always basing her creations on black and white photographs of Pavlova, Turchette further researched to get clues about the fabric, the colours, the context of the dress that Pavlova had worn and wherever possible has given extra touches to the costume she recreated. The Radha and Krishna dress was created with a purple scarf from India that her friend had given her. The Eastern Catholic upbringing that Pavlova received is captured in the icon that she holds in her hand as a young teen.

Each dress and costume has been painstakingly recreated to fit dolls bought on eBay. Turchette hopes to find a permanent home for her dolls and her exhibit. She is delighted that Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, in their recent The Book of Gutsy Women, have included Pavlova.

But the challenge of finding someone interested to host the exhibit permanently remains. There is more art in the world than space to exhibit it all, Truchett observes matter of factly while being optimistic about finding that home.
Subaru recently announced an ambitious plan to slowly remove its gasoline-powered cars from its global portfolio by mid-2030. The automaker will be replacing them with either hybrids or pure-electric vehicles. Following their renewed partnership with Toyota, Subaru will be leveraging on this to make it happen.

When it comes to hybrid and electric vehicles, Subaru probably isn't the first automaker that comes to mind. Sure, they have the new mild-hybrid XV e-Boxer, Forester e-Boxer (which is coming to the Philippines) and the Crosstrek (also called XV) Plug-In Hybrid (pictured above). However, they're relatively new unlike other models offered by its competitors. But, the Japanese automaker has big plans in store for the coming years regarding electrification.

According to Reuters, Subaru will first develop a strong-hybrid vehicle using technology from Toyota in order to supplement its line up of electrified vehicles. This particular model is set to debut later in the decade. They will also be developing a pure battery-electric vehicle scheduled for release at around the same time. Both upcoming models will continue to make use of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Despite using technology from Toyota, Chief Technology Officer, Tetsuo Onuki told Reuters that they will make hybrids that are distinctly Subaru.

By 2030, Subaru hopes that at least 40% of global vehicle sales are composed of electric or hybrid vehicles. By mid-2030, all Subaru models sold worldwide will be electrified in one form or another. With that, we might just see a hybrid/electric WRX STI or BRZ in the not-so-distant future.

The reason behind the shift to electrification is to cut down the CO2 emissions of vehicles. Subaru plans to reduce average well-to-wheel CO2 emissions from new vehicles (in operation) sold worldwide by 90% or more in 2050 as compared to 2010 levels.

With the aim of making Subaru different from other brands, we will further hone the distinctive qualities that make a Subaru a Subaru, maintaining the unique attributes our customers have come to expect. At the same time, as we work to fulfill our social responsibilities, including the protection of the global environment, we will leverage Subarus unique character and technological innovation to contribute to the creation of a carbon-free society, said Tomomi Nakamura, president of Subaru Corporation.
Three paintings stolen from a Jewish art collector by the Nazis are being sold for an estimated 20million at auction after finally being returned to his family.

The trio of French impressionist oil paintings, two by Camille Pissarro and one by Paul Signac, are going under the hammer at Sotheby's in London next month.

They belonged to Jewish businessman Gaston Levy but were looted by the Nazis after they invaded France in 1940 and he was forced to flee his Paris home.

One of the Signac paintings ended up in the hands of notorious Nazi art dealer Hildebrand Gurlitt.

Mr Levy died in 1977 but the masterpieces were only returned to his surviving grandchildren last year who decided to put them up for auction.

Gelee blanche, jeune paysanne faisant du feu, 1888, by Camille Pissarro, is one of three paintings stolen from a Jewish art collector by the Nazis up for auction in London next month

Another is La Corne d'Or, Matin, painted in 1907 by French impressionist Paul Signac

The collector survived the war by fleeing to Tunisia, before moving to Egypt and then Italy until peace was restored in 1945.

Who was Hitler's art dealer Hildebrand Gurlitt? Hildebrand Gurlitt was a Nazi art historian, dealer who dealt in 'degenerate' art during Hitler's Third Reich. He purchased hundreds of paintings stolen during raids of Jewish homes, businesses and art shops in Germany and Nazi-occupied France. Gurlitt was an 'official dealer' for Adolf Hitler and Josef Goebbels and was later found to be a 'war profiteer'. He was instructed by other top Nazi officials to collect artwork for Hitler's 'Fuhrermuseum', which was never built. Over the years he acquired more than 1,500 paintings, including works by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Auguste Rodin, giving some to the authorities and keeping others for himself. After the war, he was questioned by the American Army's 'Monuments Men' unit but never charged with any crimes. He lied that the bulk of his collection had been destroyed in the Allied bombing of Dresden in 1945. He went on to be the Director of the Art Association for the Rhineland and Westphalia until his death in a car crash at the age of 61 in November 1956. His son Cornelius inherited the collection and tried to sell pieces of to support himself in later life. He gained worldwide notoriety after a raid of his Munich apartment uncovered more than 1,400 of his father's stolen paintings in 2012. He died in the flat where they were discovered two years later in 2014. Advertisement

The Signac painting acquired by Gurlitt was one of an incredible hoard of 1,406 paintings uncovered by the authorities when they raided the Munich apartment of his son Cornelius in 2012, which was later found to be worth $1.3billion.

The other two paintings were acquired by a Nazi task force instructed with appropriating cultural property during the war.

After the war, the two works were repatriated to France and ended up in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

Lucian Simmons, Sotheby's worldwide head of restitution, said: 'We are honoured to have been chosen by Gaston Levy's heirs to offer these important paintings and to tell the story of the collector and his heritage.'

The Pissarro piece, entitled 'Gelee blanche, jeune paysanne faisant du feu' was produced in 1888 and depicts a peasant woman and her daughter building a fire in a meadow.

It is said to be one of the greatest examples of Pointillism - a technique where small colourful dots are applied to form an images. It has a pre-sale estimate of 12million.

One of the Paul Signac paintings was one of 12 he produced in the spring of 1907 in Istanbul, Turkey.

It shows a busy waterway teaming with life near the port of Istanbul and is valued at 7million.

The other work, that ended up with Gurlitt in Munich, is valued at 800,000.

Thomas Boyd-Bowman, head of Sotheby's impressionist art, said: 'These exceptional works are truly testament to two great artists' persistent and ultimately triumphant attempts to break new boundaries in art - with every inch on their canvases a highly - finished kaleidoscope of perfectly chosen colour.

'Their history also paints a compelling picture of the realities of restitution, and we look forward to being part of the next step in their journey.'

The sale takes place on February 4.
WASHINGTON, D. C. - As the U.S. Senate prepares to launch its impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, the White House on Monday night announced that eight GOP members of Congress including Ohios Rep. Jim Jordan will serve as part of its defense team working to combat this hyper-partisan and baseless impeachment.

The White House announcement said that Jordan and the other Congress members who vocally defended Trump during the U.S. House of Representatives impeachment procedure have provided guidance to the White House team throughout the process.

The President looks forward to to their continued participation and is confident that the Members will help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta on behalf of the American people, the announcement said.

Jordan could not be reached to comment on his role in Trumps defense. In an interview last week with cleveland.com, Jordan confirmed that he discussed the impeachment matter with the White House counsels office but he declined to reveal more details.

I will help in any way I can because the facts and the truth are on the Presidents side, said Jordan.

Jordan will likely advise the White House on the facts of the case, as Trumps attorneys could not participate in depositions that were taken during the House proceedings, and make media appearances to defend Trump, said Jordan spokesman Ian Fury.

The other Congress members who were named to Trumps defense team on Monday are Georgias Doug Collins, Louisianas Mike Johnson, Arizonas Debbie Lesko, North Carolinas Mark Meadows, Texas John Ratcliffe, and New Yorks Elise Stefanik.

Read more coverage:

The Equal Rights Amendment - its history in Ohio and what comes next: Q & A

Trump jokes with LSU quarterback Joe Burrow at White House ceremony

Ohios Jim Jordan is ready to assist President Trumps impeachment defense, if the White House wants

Facial surveillance alarms Congress; Republicans and Democrats pledge action

As Ohio prepares for record 2020 election turnout, Frank LaRose wants state to pay postage for voters mail-in ballots

House votes to designate PFAS forever chemicals as hazardous substances

House votes to limit Trumps war powers in measure backed by Ohio Democrats

Sen. Sherrod Brown cautions against war in Middle East and questions Trumps judgment

Trump in Ohio: A timeline of his presidential visits

Toledo Democrats warn President Trump against hate speech during upcoming visit
Finance Minister Conor Murphy has ruled out a cut in corporation tax.

He said it was not something he was "actively pursuing" but the possibility could resurface in the future.

The minister also said the political landscape had changed over the period since its possible introduction was first raised.

The Northern Ireland budget faces huge gaps in funding with health, education and infrastructure all faced with huge immediate demands for cash injections to ease financial pressures.

The Executive is battling with the London government for funding. Mr Murphy said the 2billion package put on the table following the restoration of Stormont's institutions and pledge in the New Deal, New Decade deal was "woefully inadequate".

The Treasury has suggested Northern Ireland political leaders look at ways to raise revenue through current powers available to them. It is also closely monitoring how money is spent in Northern Ireland.

Corporation tax was devolved to the Assembly in 2015. However the move was subject to the Executive demonstrating its finances were on a "stable footing". It has been argued Northern Ireland could better attract jobs if its rate was closer to the Republic's 12.5%.

The Executive would have to make up any reduction in revenue raised through a cut to the bloc grant - which pays for all NI's public services. It is estimated the cost would be around 240million.

Former chancellor George Osborne had pledged to cut the rate for the whole of the UK down to 17%, however, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ruled it out last year meaning the rate will remain at its current level of 19%.

Speaking to the BBC, Conor Murphy said cutting the rate was not being pursued. He said an impact assessment of its reduction to the local budget was vital before it could be implemented and he was not "actively pursuing" it. He said it had to be affordable.

"The issue probably has, in given Brexit, and given the change in economic and political circumstances, reduced.

"That's not to say that others may not raise it again but it's not something that I'm actively pursuing."

He said there was a bigger difference in the rate between the UK and Republic when it was first proposed.

The Sinn Fein minister said he wants to consider what other tax powers could be used to raise funds.

The Assembly does have competence to introduce "new taxes" - those which do not exist in GB.

Water charges and student tuition fees were mentioned as possible place money could be raised. However, Sinn Fein has ruled this out.

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The economist Esmond Birnie says the only only tax the Assembly currently controls which could be used to raise more revenue is the Regional Rate.

That raised about 640m in 2019/20, or about 5% of the total recurrent and capital spend across the Northern Ireland departments.

"The case for greater fiscal powers includes the use of tax changes (cuts) to promote certain economic sectors and the possibility that linking decisions about spending to ones about taxing would improve accountability and the quality of decision-making," he said.

"There are risks too - the tax policy of a regional assembly might show undue preference to local vested interests, though it is not unheard of for national governments to fall into such a trap.

"Tax cutting agendas will tend to be most popular with politicians and their electors, but of course what we are currently thinking about is the possibility of revenue increases."

He suggests that while ending prescription charges, free public transport for 60 to 64 year olds, charging for public sector workers' car parking spaces, introducing road charges, increasing tuition fess and increases to rates would raise relatively small sums of money, combined it could be significant.

"For sure, these are not easy choices but real politics is about priority setting and trade-offs," he said.

"With hindsight it would have been better if Stormont had been given wider fiscal powers - that would have been true back in 1921 and again at the time of the 1998 Agreement."
DENVER, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The most recent issue of The Checkout, a longitudinal study powered by The Integer Group, examines shifts in shopper behavior across retail channels over the past decade. As omnichannel offerings continue to blend the physical and digital worlds and shoppers are adapting to seamless experiences, there have been noticeable shifts in frequency of shopping within specific channels, behavior by demographics, and perceptions of value, all uncovering new considerations for brands and retailers entering this next decade. Data and findings include:

Evolving Value Expectations

Shoppers have evolved their view on value in 2019 as compared to 10 years ago. While value is a combination of price and quality, a heavier emphasis was placed on quality in 2019 compared to 2009. This may be because people are becoming more conscious and purposeful with their purchases and the volume at which they purchase.

In terms of specific brands and retailers, respondents were asked to list those that communicate "value," revealing consistencies and shifts in the last decade among brands and retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Nike, Dove, Revlon, Toyota, Ford, Apple, Samsung, Kellogg's and more. For example, Walmart retained its value perception in the Stores category, while Kellogg's fell from #1 to #3 in Foods, as did Honda in Cars/Accessories/Parts. And from a Cosmetics/Toiletries standpoint, Dove jumped several brands to overtake the top spot.

The study also analyzed responses that included private labels as brands that communicate "value," which revealed that shoppers may not recognize private label as such when they are increasingly being marketed as brand names.

Shopping Fragmentation

Shopping habits are becoming increasingly fragmented. Every channel considered to be part of everyday shopping has seen an increase in trip frequency, e.g., grocery and dollar stores both saw a 6% increase in the number of people visiting daily, while convenience and club saw 6% and 7% increases, respectively, in the number of people visiting weekly. Retailers should anticipate smaller basket sizes and varying need states depending on the trip driver, which will have implications across store layout, merchandising, pricing and more.

Gendered Shopping Nuances

Shifts in shopping expectations and behaviors vary by demographic, revealing interesting data related to trip frequency and attitudes. For example, in 2019, men visited every channel more frequently than women and placed an extreme importance on brand names. And while women are more likely to prepare a list, they indicated a 17% higher likelihood of buying things they did not intend to. Understanding the evolution of these nuanced habits allows for brands and retailers to capitalize on evolving behaviors and attitudes.

For more data and implications, download The Checkout report in full. For more information, join the conversation "inside the commerce experience" at integer.com/shopper-culture.

About The Integer Group

The Integer Group is the world's leading commerce agency, relentlessly focused on delivering Great Work That Works. We believe in creativity that is fueled by data, informed by culture, and delivered to the touchpoints that create connections and ultimately drive transaction. Through Retail Marketing, eCommerce, Brand Communications, Media & Connections, and Data & Analytics, we accelerate conversion and build a brand's lifetime bond with its consumers. It's what we call living at the Intersection of Branding and Selling.

A key member of Omnicom Group Inc. and the commerce arm of TBWA\Worldwide, The Integer Group has more than 1,100 associates in 25 offices around the globe, including locations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. The Integer Group's clients include AT&T, FedEx, Mars/Wrigley, Michelin, Nestle, P&G, PepsiCo, Starbucks and more.

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) ( www.omnicomgroup.com ) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE The Integer Group

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RICHMOND - The Virginia Senate on Tuesday voted to scrap a state holiday honoring two Confederate generals and create a new holiday on Election Day, another tremor in the Democratic earthquake rattling the former capital of the Confederacy.

Senators voted 22-18 to do away with the Lee-Jackson holiday, with every Democrat and one Republican, Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant of Henrico, in favor. The bill now heads to the House.

For more than a century, Virginia has set aside a day in January to honor Gens. Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. The General Assembly made Jan. 19, Lee's birthday, a holiday in 1890. In 1904, it turned the holiday Lee-Jackson Day, adding Jackson, who was born Jan. 21.

In the mid-1980s, the legislature added the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to the mix, billing "Lee-Jackson-King Day" as an homage to "defenders of causes." King's holiday was separated from the other two in 2000.

Virginia and other Southern states have been wrestling in recent years with whether to remove Confederate tributes from the calendar and the public square. Plans to pull a statute of Lee from a downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, park were the focus of a white supremacist rally in 2017 that led to a counterprotester's death.

This year the General Assembly will consider bills that would give cities and counties the authority to relocate war memorials, part of sweeping changes underway on a number of contentious issues, including gun laws, gay rights and women's rights.

A number of Virginia cities and counties have done away with Lee-Jackson day in recent years, but the legislature resisted those efforts until this session - the first in decades with House and Senate under Democratic control, along with the governor's mansion.

The Senate passed the holiday measure with limited debate. Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, who co-sponsored the bill with Sen. Adam Ebbin of Alexandria, spoke only to the virtues of creating an Election Day holiday, which she said "will make it easier for all Virignans to vote," she said.

Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, made the lone plea for continuing to recognize Lee and Jackson as part of what he called the state's long and "very complicated history."

"We can promote everyone, we can promote diversity," Peake said. "We can add things without taking away or tearing down other things."

Election Day is a holiday for state workers in Maryland, but not in the District of Columbia.

- - -

The Washington Post's Erin Cox and Fenit Nirappil contributed to this report.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., heads to a briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and other national security officials on the details of the threat that prompted the U.S. to kill Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

US Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has abruptly backed off some of his proposed rules for President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, easing plans for a tight two-day schedule and agreeing that House evidence will be included.

He acted after protests from senators, including fellow Republicans.

The trial quickly burst into a partisan fight at the Capitol as the presidents lawyers opened arguments on Tuesday in support of Mr McConnells plan.

Democrats objected loudly to Mr McConnells initially proposed rules, and some Republicans made their concerns known in private.

Without comment, the Republican leader quietly submitted an amended proposal for the record, after meeting behind closed doors with senators as the trial opened.

The handwritten changes would add an extra day for each sides opening arguments and stipulate that evidence from the Democratic Houses impeachment hearings be included in the record.

There is still deep disagreement about calling additional witnesses.

Expand Close White House counsel Pat Cipollone during the impeachment trial in the Senate (Senate Television via AP) / Facebook

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Its time to start with this trial, said White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the presidents lead lawyer as the proceedings opened in public.

Chief Justice John Roberts gavelled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do impartial justice as jurors.

House prosecutors were on one side, Mr Trumps team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silent at their desks, no mobile phones or other electronics allowed.

Senators were stunned by Mr McConnells shift, which came during the private lunch and briefly delayed the start of the historic session.

A spokeswoman for Republican Senator Susan Collins said that she and others had raised concerns.

The Maine senator sees the changes as significant improvements, said spokeswoman Annie Clark.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer was to offer the first amendment to the rules  a proposal to issue a subpoena to the White House for all documents, communications and other records relating to the Ukraine matter.

It seeks records about Mr Trumps orders to hold off military aid to Ukraine, along with White House communications about any investigations it wanted about the Democratic rival Joe Biden and his son.

In a vote later, it was likely to be rejected by Republicans.

Democrats had warned that the rules package from Mr Trumps ally, the Senate Republican leader, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial Representative Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters.

He called it a cover-up.

Mr Schiff opened his arguments before the Senate playing a video of Mr Trump calling for more witnesses to testify.

Mr Schiff noted the sudden change in proposed rules, made moments before he spoke.

The facts will come out in the end, Mr Schiff said. The question is, will it come out in time?

Mr McConnell said, The presidents lawyers will finally receive a level playing field, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

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The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Mr Trumps actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

Mr Trump himself, in Davos, Switzerland, for an economic conference, denounced the proceedings as a total hoax, and said, Im sure its going to work out fine.

With Mr Trumps presidency on the line, and the nation deeply divided just weeks before the first Democratic primary contests, four senators who are also presidential candidates will be off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

My focus is going to be on impeachment, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent running for the Democratic nomination, told reporters.

He said his supporters would keep working to defeat the most dangerous president in American history.
The Twitter App loads on an iPhone in this illustration photograph taken in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 22, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Twitter is rolling out features to give users more control over what they post and how others reply to their tweets, a move that social media experts say could reduce online abuse and harassment.

At the Consumer Electronics Show this month, Twitter said it will add features to change the way users publish tweets.

The four options will be to set each tweet as a global, group, panel, or statement tweet. Global allows anyone to reply to a tweet; group allows replies only from people the user follows or mentions; panel allows only users who are mentioned in a tweet to reply; and statement does not allow any replies.

The new features build on changes the platform tested late last year allowing users to hide replies to their own tweets.

Twitter Canada said the new features havent been launched yet, and did not say when they would be.

In an emailed statement, Twitter Canadas spokesperson Cam Gordon said the features are part of the companys effort to combat online harassment.

As part of our work to help people feel safe participating in the conversation on Twitter, we want to give them more control over the conversations they start, Gordon said.

Freelance reporter, and prolific Twitter user, Justin Ling told Yahoo Finance Canada in an interview that it was a step in the right direction for Twitter to combat online hate and bullying. However, he questioned whether there was a large enough audience to use these tools effectively.

Ling said the majority of Twitter users are using the platform to keep up with news, sports, or to talk with friends.

For those people, for example, limiting tweet replies doesnt make a tremendous amount of sense youre not being trolled, theres no harassment happening, generally speaking, Ling said. I think from that [perspective], I dont know if theres a huge constituency for this.

On the flip side, Ling explained that for an activist group that may tweet something that could receive hate or controversial comments, having these features are a godsend.

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It stops the trolls from being able to coalesce in the comments, he said.

Ling noted that a statement tweet might best be used by a government agency or head of a country.

If the prime minister is going online to [declare] a state of emergency yeah, I get why that would be broadcast only. There is no reason for discussion of that statement, he said.

Kayvon Beykpour, product lead at Twitter, tweeted earlier this month that the new features were only examples of what the company was planning to do through experimentation and are not necessarily representative of the exact features well ship after learning & iteration.

Ramona Pringle, an associate professor at Ryerson University, said in an interview with Yahoo Finance Canada that social media platforms were traditionally used to reach as many people as possible, but over the past couple of years weve seen how that can go wrong, how it can be misused, and how it can lead to a toxic environment that inhibits healthy conversation or meaningful debate.

She said the new tools that Twitter plans to roll out seem like a smart response to the way people actually use the platform.

Pringle also said the new tools might not necessarily be used by everyone, but would particularly be beneficial to journalists, actors, and others with larger followings who might leave the platform because of hate or harassment.

To have more tools, to enable those with positive, entertaining or important thoughts to share  as opposed to just letting the trolls win  is valuable, even if it isnt a tool that most people use because most people arent broadcasting so broadly. If the tone can be changed based on high profile use, then maybe, hopefully, there is a cultural trickle-down effect, she said.

Like Ling, Pringle agreed that hiding tweet replies can be incredibly beneficial to those who face online harassment.

However, a concern that many users expressed when the feature was announced was how this could allow misinformation to go unchallenged, but Pringle doesnt see it as an issue.

Its a really valid concern, she said. I think the responses to a particular tweet dont get seen as much as the tweet itself. And I think quite often, instead, what you see when someone really wants to combat something is that they might quote tweet it and reference that tweet in another way.

Suzanne Xie, director of product at Twitter, addressed this concern in a Jan. 8 tweet indicating that the social media platform was taking the potential risks into consideration.

For instance, it will be important to allow quote tweets to help dispute/debunk as well as make it easier to find [quote tweets], she tweeted.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear in excess of 140 pleas against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which include a majority seeking that the court examine its constitutional validity.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, had issued notice to the Centre on December 18 on various pleas including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

The top court had sought the Centre's response by on nearly 60 pleas challenging the CAA's legality, which has swelled to over 140, and fixed the hearing on January 22.

The anti-CAA petitions, also include those filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

The CAA grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities -- Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian -- who migrated to India from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh till December 31, 2014, following religious persecution.

The petitions filed later have also sought a stay on the operation of the legislation which came into force on January 10.

On January 9, the apex court had refused conduct urgent hearing on a plea seeking that CAA be declared constitutional. The apex court had observed that saying the country is going through difficult times against the backdrop of violence in many states, and therefore the endeavour should be for peace.
Russias State Duma backs introduction of Security Council Deputy Chair post

 RIA Novosti, Vladimir Fedorenko

14:59 21/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 21 (RAPSI)  The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, has in the first reading voted for a presidential bill proposing the establishment of a new post, a Deputy Chair of the Security Council.

The bill envisages a respective amendment of the law on security.

A nominee for the Deputy Chair of the Council is to be appointed to and dismissed from the post by the President of Russia, who is also to define the new officials powers. The post is to make its holder a standing member of the Security Council.

Earlier, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin appointed Dmitry Medvedev a Deputy Chair of the Security Council by his executive order with a note that the federal law on security needed to be amended respectively.
When President Donald Trump's historic impeachment trial is called to order in the Senate this week, he won't be watching from inside the chamber or on television from the White House.

He'll be thousands of miles away at the Davos economic forum in the Swiss Alps, trying to charm global CEOs over dinner.

Trump's participation in the annual World Economic Forum will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them. His two-day visit to Switzerland will test his ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Administration officials say Trump remains focused on serving the public.

"The president's work doesn't stop just because of the impeachment sham, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in an email.

Trump, who departs Washington on Monday night, said he's going to Davos to encourage businesses to invest in the US.

"We're now where the action is, he said at a farmers' convention Sunday in Texas.

Swooping in for what will be his second appearance at the annual Swiss economic forum, Trump was scheduled to arrive at the ski resort early Tuesday and jet back on Wednesday to a Washington that will be consumed by the impeachment trial.

Trump will give a speech at the forum and meet with world leaders and business executives.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraine's president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic political rival. Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they can't deny him reelection in November. Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the US.

"Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world, he said at the White House last week. "There's nothing even close. I'll be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here.

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Trump is set to meet with. But he will hold talks with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraq's self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forum's founder, the White House said Monday.

Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Trump's many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

"She's new and she's formidable, said Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for US-EU relations.

It could either go very well or very badly, Goodman said. Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100 per cent on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports. France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a great discussion about the digital tax and "will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.

The US has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on USD 7.5 billion worth of European airplanes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Trump also has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German autos, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Trump heads to Switzerland as just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial. Johnson and Clinton were both acquitted by the Senate.

There is precedent for international travel by an impeached U.S. leader.

During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. He traveled to Jordan for King Hussein's funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted by the Senate.

Two days after acquittal, Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial. He also has talked about traveling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CALGARY - Canadas trade agreement with the European Union should serve as a template for a future trade deal between Canada and a post-Brexit United Kingdom, according to an official with the British High Commission in Ottawa.

Brexit is scheduled for January 31st, which will then leave 11 months to negotiate a deal including trade, fisheries, education, transportation and other areas.

We will remain a member of the EU international treaty architecture until the end of the implementation period which is scheduled to end on the 31st of December, said Andy Barr, Head of Economics and Trade Policy for the British High Commission, at an event in Calgary on Monday.

We have 11 months to plot forward a route for boosting U.K.-Canada.

International Affairs data found trade between the two countries totalled $25.6 billion in 2016, comprised of $18 billion in Canadian exports to, and $7.7 billion in imports from, the United Kingdom.

The U.K. has traditionally been Canadas second-largest export market after the United States.

Barr said the U.K. government has an ambitious trade agenda ahead including working out bilateral deals with the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. He said working out a trade agreement with Canada could be as easy as using CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) as a model. The free-trade agreement between Canada, the European Union and its member states has eliminated 98 per cent of the tariffs between Canada and the EU.

Our preference would be to lock in the terms of trade that are currently accorded by CETA into a U.K.-Canada agreement and then to begin to tweak those provisions so they make more sense for that U.K.-Canada relationship in the medium and long-term, Barr said.

What I see is we have a good trade agreement available to both of us that businesses are starting to utilize and therefore lets lock that in and build from there.

The event in Calgary Monday was hosted by the independent, non-partisan, Canada West Foundation.

Sharon Sun, a trade policy economist for CWF, said the group has studied the amount of trade between the two countries and Canada is definitely undertraded in a number of areas including agriculture.

It means there is room, there is potential unexploited export opportunities, Sun said.

Canada is the top undertraded in general.

Sun agrees it makes sense to use the CETA model, which already works, for a future trade deal between Canada and the United Kingdom.

It would save a lot of time and it would be a very efficient for Canada and U.K. to do that just because a lot has been previously agreed on. Youre taking whats already there that both sides agree on.

Sun also thinks the U.K. would be wise to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is a free trade agreement between Canada and 10 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

The most realistic is for the U.K. and Canada to take on a CETA-like agreement and then in addition if it joined the CPTPP it would benefit both because it help expand the block that Canada is currently in.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  Some Filipinos in Iraq are having a hard time complying with President Rodrigo Duterte's order for them to come home because their employers are asking for P500,000 before they can be let go, an official said Tuesday.

During the hearing of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, Middle East Special Envoy and Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said some in the group of 13 Filipinos recently repatriated from Iraq had minor trouble with immigration after employers tried to stop them and ask for $10,000, or about half a million pesos. Nine of the repatriates came from Baghdad while four were from Erbil.

These Filipinos who were able to [leave] Baghdad, surreptitiously, from different sourcesthere are some recruiters who were able to receive from their employer $10,000. And when they (the OFWs) volunteer to come home, their employer will not allow them to come home until they have to pay the $10,000, Cimatu told the House panel led by TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza.

They were able to get an exit visa and while they were inside the immigration, they were stopped because the employer, sumunod dun (followed them). Sinabi hindi pa nakakabayad ng $10,000 so hindi sila nakaalis at that night (They were told they havent paid $10,000 yet so they werent able to leave that night), Cimatu added.

Earlier reports said that authorities at the Baghdad International Airport held these Filipinos for visa fraud last January 14, an allegation which the DFA then dubbed as baseless.

READ: 13 Filipino repatriates from Iraq arrive in Manila

Cimatu said the Filipinos who were held by authorities had to sleep at the detention center of the airport that night.

So ang rason nila bakit hindi nakaalis ay magbayad muna (So the reason why they couldnt leave at first was they were told to pay). That is already a breach of contract," Cimatu said, adding the Filipinos were able to leave only after the DFA asked for assistance from Iraqi Embassy officials.

Cimatu added the situation in Baghdad is deteriorating, which could make it harder for the government to rescue more Filipinos this time around.

We are observing the situation there now, and parang Taal Volcano rin doon na hindi sasabog ulit. 'Di rin namin alam kung ano mga retaliations nila (its like in Taal Volcano wherein you dont know when it will erupt again. We also dont know how they will retaliate), he said.

During the hearing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said there are at least 1,640 Filipinos staying in Iraq, most of them living in Baghdad.

Arriola added that of this number, at least 350 are undocumented but they refuse to go back to the country due to lack of jobs and livelihood opportunities. The DFA said since mandatory repatriation from Iraq was ordered two weeks ago, only 15 Filipinos so far have returned home.

Pag-uwi nila dito, parang killing me softly, (when they come home here, its like killing me softly) she said.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said they are ready to give employment and livelihood opportunities for OFWs who will avail of the repatriation program.

Aside from Iraq, Alert Level 4 has been hoisted in Syria, Yemen and Libya, indicating a mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in those areas amid the ongoing security threats in the Middle East.

Filipinos were asked to leave following a US drone attack that killed a prominent Iranian commander in Baghdad on January 3. That was followed by Iran's retaliatory assault on an Iraqi military base housing US troops, but the two sides have since indicated they won't seek further retaliation, at least in the short term.
Local youth gathered at Orangeburg Countys Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument on Monday to learn more about the slain civil rights leaders sacrifices for justice and equality.

"This great man was all about helping and serving others. He did it selflessly. Service is doing something for someone else without expecting something in return," speaker Virginia Berry-White said.

The Giving a Child a Dream Foundation hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Day event, which began with a march from Memorial Plaza to the MLK monument at the county courthouse.

Berry-White, a minister and executive director of Family Solutions of the Low Country, told the crowd that "God will take us some place if we're ready to go.

It is up to us as to whether we're going to work out that assignment. You still have time to know what that purpose is," Berry-White said.

King was a selfless servant who didn't just care about himself, but others regardless of their race, color or creed, she said.

She said King endured bad weather and mistreatment in the fight for civil rights, but he kept marching.

"We've got to always move our feet. Purpose brings about a passion. Now is the time to move. We're all in this together. No ethnicity stands alone," Berry-White said.

She compared King to an eagle.

An eagle flies high alone at great altitudes, much like King whose focus on higher goals and ambitions sometimes required him to step out from the pack and leave behind others who had their own selfish motives and agendas, Berry-White said.

"He didn't sweat the small stuff. That tells me today that there's some people you might have to leave behind. You've got to be the one that goes ahead," Berry-White said.

She said the eagle flies into and not away from storms, allowing the wind to make it soar higher. Like an eagle, she said King endured several storms, but let each test make him stronger.

"His mind was made up as he soared high and far," she said. His faith in God sustained King as it will individuals today.

"I know who my trust is in. That's where your trust should be. Dr. King walked by faith," she said.

Berry-White quoted King: The time is always right to do what is right.

The program was filled with prayers, scriptures, musical selections and praise dancing.

The Rev. J.P. Sibley, pastor of New City Fellowship, said the purpose of the event was to remember the work and legacy of King.

He let the crowd know that they, too, can make a difference in their own communities.

"We're here today to remember one man. It only took one man to save the world, and that's Jesus Christ. And it only takes one of you to your change your community," Sibley said.

Minister Sylvia Gadson of Star of Hope Apostolic Church prayed that the community will come together in unity and faith, asking God to remove "the old stony hearts of unbelief."

Minister Tammie Wideman of St. Matthews Christian Center urged the crowd to make MLK Day a day of service and not just another day off from work or school.

Look at it as a day on. Let us keep marching in our very own community. Go and serve on this MLK Jr. Day of Service," Wideman said.

Cynthia Mack brought her two godchildren, Samara Hicks, 11, and Connomara Brooks, 7, out to the MLK Youth Day event.

"We wanted them to experience and get involved. At an early age, I was trained up to get involved in political things, knowing that your future depends on the fact that you have to get out and vote. You have to be involved in different programs, and I also wanted to be a support to the other children to let them know that we do love them and are concerned about their future," Mack said.

She said King's fight for social justice was meaningful.

"I was raised to understand his fight because of the things that he stood for, some of the freedoms, jobs. Doors were opened for me. So we honor his life because he gave his life for us to have a better life, Mack said.

"We want to make sure that our children understand that the way that things are now were not how they were 50 years ago. Some sacrifices were made for our blessings," she said.

Kelvin Gadson, the founder of Giving a Child a Dream, was pleased with Monday's event.

"I know Dr. King is looking down smiling," he said.

Contact the writer: dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5534. Follow "Good News with Gleaton" on Twitter at @DionneTandD.

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Belarus oil company BNK will import crude from Norways Johan Sverdrup field via Lithuanias Klaipeda port this month because of a supply row with Russia, Belarus state company Belneftekhim that controls BNK said.



It was noted that some 80,000 tonnes of Johan Sverdrup oil will be supplied by rail to Belaruss Naftan refinery.



"We expect the shipment, and will continue further negotiations then," Reuters cited Belneftekhim as saying.



The Breiviken tanker carrying 80,000 tonnes of oil is set to arrive at Lithuanias Klaipeda port on January 22, Refinitiv Eikon data showed.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Parliamentary debates of a bill on combating the mafia subculture were interrupted as lawmakers clashed in a chaotic shouting episode.

It all began after opposition MP from Prosperous Armenia Gevorg Petrosyan sarcastically told lawmakers in his speech to also combat a three-letter word term associated with the subculture, presumably referring to a criminal jargon insult.

Independent lawmaker Arman Babajanyan responded to Petrosyans speech and called on Prosperous Armenia faction to apologize, and asked Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan to take disciplinary actions.

After Babajanyan finished his speech and was returning to take his seat, the situation turned into a heated altercation between himself and MPs from Prosperous Armenia.

Speaker Mirzoyan removed 4 lawmakers from Prosperous Armenia, including Petrosyan, from todays session as a disciplinary measure.

The bill seeks to criminalize any association with criminal subculture and the so-called thief-in-law phenomenon.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
A Vietnamese couple use their smartphones while sitting with their dogs by the Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi on Jan. 12, 2020. AFP-Yonhap



By Kim Yoo-chul



As a series of budget and affordable smartphones from Apple and Google, as well as from Chinese manufacturers will arrive this year, market leader Samsung Electronics presented its plan on where the industry is headed and how it will position itself in the already-saturated market by naming a new mobile boss, Monday.



In a statement, Samsung Electronics said it had named Roh Tae-moon as the chief of its smartphone business. The 52-year-old senior Samsung executive is well-known and is expected to significantly help the firm cement Samsung Galaxy's brand awareness in the industry.



But one interesting takeaway for Monday's replacement of Samsung mobile chief is Roh has been outspoken on the "fact" that there are strategic issues that need to be fine-tuned and addressed to keep the momentum of Samsung's smartphone businesses alive from a profit standpoint.



"In light of the shrinking smartphone market, Samsung was hoping to continue maintaining overall shipments by focusing more on premium smartphones in strategic markets. That's because smartphone profitability, still a key business engine, would continue to be a question in the near future. Various measures to cut costs are needed," a Samsung official said by telephone.



While Apple and Google are considered to be Samsung's rivals, the weak performance of Chinese smartphone vendors from Xiaomi to Huawei are also putting pressure on Samsung. That means these Chinese manufacturers will launch more budget models to save their market share, according to analysts.



Data from Strategy Analytics showed Samsung's global smartphone share as of the second quarter of last year was some 23 percent, followed by China's Huawei with 17 percent.



Another Samsung official said the replacement of its mobile division chief doesn't necessarily mean the sector leader will be passive in launching cheaper smartphones as Samsung's more than 20 percent global share could be supported thanks to the rising prominence of budget mobile devices.



"One point is that the industry has been grappling with slowing sales over the past couple of years and this trend will continue. Largely and vastly-enhanced mid-tier smartphones which offer quite competitive designs and specifications would appeal to customers. But this is a legacy business growth model that was effective when the market was on an expansionary track. Under Roh's leadership, Samsung is expected to explore ways to convince consumers that paying about $1,000 is OK," the official added.



The possible strategic shift is also in accordance with Samsung's bet on the promising fifth-generation (5G) smartphone and relevant parts market. Samsung is better positioned for these segments and expects speedy progress over Chinese competitors.



While the United States has agreed with China on a "phase 1" deal in their blockbuster trade dispute, U.S. President Donald Trump was still against wider usage of Huawei-manufactured telecom services in the mainland United States due to security issues. The trade friction between the world's top two economic powerhouses is also expected to offer some fresh impetus for Samsung in upscaling its footing in the segments.



On a related note, Samsung recently bought a U.S.-based 5G service consulting firm for an undisclosed amount. Years ago, Samsung was hit by battery-related issues with its earlier smartphone models; however, the setback was successfully managed mostly thanks to U.S. sales curbs on Huawei for security concerns.



Roh, who previously handled Samsung's next-generation mobile from Sept. 2011 to Jul. 2014, is expected to make his international debut at the upcoming company's Unpacked event for new Galaxy products to be held in San Francisco next month.



Samsung Electronics said the appointment of Roh to the position is a strategic decision given the executive's long-time commitment to develop next-generation smartphones such as the Galaxy Fold. "He will present new strategies as market competition is looming and providing new invigoration," Samsung said.




A Journalist worked for BBC Sinhala service has been sacked from his service with immediate effect, local media in Colombo reported.









Sources said that the reason for Azzam Ameens dismissal was the publication of his telephone conversation with MP Ranjan Ramanayake and a few more politicians, where the journalist was advising the politicians on how to win the election.









Speaking to local media, Ameen confirmed that he is no longer employed at BBC Sinhala. Click here to listen to audios ( Part 01 and Part 02




SPRINGFIED  The Mental Health Association, the Worthington Street-based nonprofit that provides the Greater Springfield Area with residential and support services, is adding support groups for young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer as well as Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Ally at its BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center, 153 Magazine St.

MHA already has a residential program for those over 18 who identify with this population.

BestLife is MHAs outpatient behavioral health program.

Sara Kendall, MHAs vice president of clinical operations and a licensed clinical social worker with a masters degree in her field, said the impetus behind the new BestLife Safe Space Support and Educational Group is the high risk for depression and suicide among those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Many in LGBTQ+ community experience the fear of coming out, and it increases their risk of depression and/or anxiety up to three times, Sara Kendall said.

LGBTQ+ youth attempt suicide five times more than non-LGBTQ+ youth. Talking with others who get it can be a great way to overcome anxiety and reduce these risks.

She said the benefits of the new group for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ include feeling less lonely, isolated or judged, gaining a sense of empowerment and control, improving coping skills and sense of adjustment, talking openly and honestly about their feelings, and reducing distress, depression or anxiety.

She said the sessions, started with grant funding from Eversource, are for two age ranges.

Those 18 to 26 will meet Mondays from 3 to 4 p.m., and those 12 to 17, Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m.

For more information call BestLife at 844-MHA-WELL.
Later, the Egyptian President attended a reception held for leaders of delegations to the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 at Buckingham Palace.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said he was overwhelmed by the warm welcome Egyptian expats have shown during his participation in the UK-Africa Investment Summit, hosted by the British capital on Monday.



"I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome Egyptian expats have shown during my participation in the proceedings of the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London. They are a source of pride and inspiration to us," Sisi posted on his official social media accounts.

Later, the Egyptian President attended a reception held for leaders of delegations to the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, hosted the reception on Monday night on behalf of British Queen Elizabeth II and in the presence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Sisi and Johnson had chaired the opening session of the summit on Monday.

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WUHAN, China (AP)  Face masks sold out and temperature checks at airports and train stations became the new norm as China strove Tuesday to control the outbreak of a new virus that has reached four other countries and territories and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush.

Anxiety grew both at home and abroad after Chinese government expert Zhong Nanshan confirmed fears on state television late Monday that the new type of coronavirus can spread from human to human.

Six people have died and 291 have been infected in China, the National Health Commission said Tuesday.

The stock prices of some companies that sell masks rose Tuesday, but markets fell in much of Asia as investors worried about the potential impact on tourism and the economy.

Concerned about a global outbreak similar to SARS, another coronavirus that spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002-2003, numerous nations have adopted screening measures for travelers from China, especially those arriving from Wuhan, the central city where the virus appears to have originated.

A thermal camera monitor shows the body temperature of passengers arriving from overseas at Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. Heightened precautions were being taken in China and elsewhere Tuesday as governments strove to control the outbreak of a novel coronavirus that threatens to grow during the Lunar New Year travel rush. (Suh Myung-geon/Yonhap via AP)AP

Guards at Wuhan's airport pointed electronic thermometers at travelers. Several online retailers were sold out of masks, which were being sold for more than 10 times their original price. Users of the popular Weibo social media platform urged others to wash their hands and stay home.

Outside the Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, where many of the coronavirus patients are receiving care, several workers were dressed in full-body biohazard suits, supplemented by goggles, masks and plastic wrapped around their shoes.

While many wore masks in Wuhan, streets were far from deserted and people appeared to be carrying on with their regular activities.

Initial symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

The first cases late last month were connected to a seafood market, and transmission was thought to be occurring from animals to humans. Authorities previously had not confirmed human-to-human transmission.

In addition to 258 cases in Wuhan, more than 20 have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong province in the south and Zhejiang in the east. Four cases have been confirmed overseas among Chinese travelers in South Korea, Japan and Thailand. A Taiwanese businesswoman who just returned from Wuhan tested positive for the virus, Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control reported Tuesday.

Fifteen medical workers have also tested positive for the virus, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said.

Staff in biohazard suits hold a metal stretcher by the in-patient department of Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, where some infected with a novel coronavirus are being treated, in Wuhan, China, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Dake Kang)AP

Two cases in Guangdong were people who had not visited Wuhan but fell ill after family members returned from there. Zhong cited those as evidence the disease had spread between humans.

Australia, Japan, South Korea and the U.S. were among the countries increasing airport screenings.

The coronavirus family includes those that cause the common cold, but some found in bats, camels and other animals have evolved into more severe illnesses like SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, and MERS, Middle East respiratory syndrome.

For the moment, the new coronavirus appears to be far less lethal than SARS.

Based on current information, an animal source seems the most likely primary source of this outbreak with limited human-to-human transmission occurring between close contacts, World Health Organization spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said at a briefing.

"Based on current data, some new cases seem to experience milder diseases which is within the milder end of the spectrum of symptoms caused by respiratory illnesses," Jasarevic said.

By EMILY WANG, DAKE KANG and YANAN WANG, The Associated Press
While internet is a great place for celebrities to stay connected with their fans, it also comes with its share of unsavoury comments and trolling. While few actors choose to turn a blind eye to what's written about them, there are some who pay attention to constructive criticism.

Aamir Khan is one of the B-town actors who prefers to stay low-profile. Yet, the superstar often faces trolling on social media.

Recently while speaking with HT Cafe, when the actor was asked if he read comments on the posts he shares on social media, he said, "Yes, I do read them occasionally. Especially around my film's release, I definitely do, because I want to know what people feel about the film and my character. That's the time when I go and particularly look for what people are saying."

Further when quizzed if he gets affected by the negative comments, he added, "If someone is just making fun of me or attacking me for no reason, I don't bother. Aise hi arbitrary log negative bol rahe hain, usse mujhe kucch farak nahi padta aur main uss par respond bhi nahi karta."

However, the actor says he is all game for constructive criticism. "If someone gives me criticism which is constructive, I take it seriously because that's where I am learning. As an actor and a creative person, it helps me learn and grow," the actor told the tabloid.

Speaking about work, Aamir Khan is currently busy shooting for Laal Singh Chaddha which is an official remake of Tom Hanks' Forrest Gump. The film also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and marks the Bollywood debut of Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi.

Here's How Aamir Khan Pulled Off An Intense Running Sequence In Laal Singh Chaddha!

Kareena Kapoor Khan Claims She Is Aamir Khan's Biggest Fan; Says They Have Amazing Chemistry!
Mumbai: In a recent interview, "Bigg Boss 13" contestant Shehnaz Gill's father Santok Gill blamed her housemate Himanshi Khurana for destroying his daughter's career.

"After the fight, whenever Shehnaz got work, Himanshi would call up directors and producers and start filling their ears against Shehnaz. She stopped getting work. Himanshi destroyed her career. It was good that Shehnaz did not give up and started singing. She got popular in singing. I feel if someone else would have been in Shehnaz's place that person would have committed suicide.

"She used to get hate mail and messages on social media. Out of 100 comments, she used to get 90 vulgar comments. It was all done by Himanshi's PR team. Shehnaz did not give up and continued working. The entire Punjab industry has boycotted Shehnaz and used to hate her," said Santok, according to a report in timesofindia.com.

Subsequently, Himanshi retorted to such claims on social media, the timesofindia.com further stated.

"Agar apki veti ne mere viah se suicide attempt kia to sry but aap apni Beti ko ye bhi smjyayie ki khud ki controversy kro fir khud disturb bhi ho jao. Jab ki apki beti Canada k interview me boli thi ki mujhe controversy ki vjaa se kaam mil raha hai. Aap soch smj kr interview do (If your daughter tried committing suicide due to me, get her to see the point that she started the controversy and then started feeling disturbed. In an interview she gave in Canada your daughter said she got work owing to controversy. Think what you say in an interview)."
As the U.S. gradually  or in some cases, abruptly  withdraws from foreign interventionism in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking advantage of the ensuing vacuum to increase his country's geopolitical footprint, Hermitage Fund CEO Bill Browder said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, echoing the observations of many regional analysts.

Asked on CNBC's "Street Signs Europe" if the Middle East was witnessing "Putin's moment," Browder, who is a fierce critic of the Russian leader, replied "Everywhere is his moment."

"He stepped into Libya, into Syria, he's stepping into Iran and Iraq  he wants to be able to be a kingmaker, even if his country is not all that powerful."

The conversation followed developments in recent months and years during which Russia expanded its presence in several Middle Eastern countries; most obviously Syria, where Moscow's military intervention to support Syrian dictator Bashar Assad turned the nine-year-long civil war decisively in Assad's favor.

More recently, Russian troops swooped into northern Syria where U.S. forces had been working alongside Kurdish militias fighting ISIS. President Donald Trump's sudden announcement in October to withdraw from that conflict, citing his campaign pledge to bring American troops home from Middle East wars, drew harsh criticism from both Republicans and Democrats but was praised by the Kremlin.

"What Putin is trying to do is he's putting his foot down in the Middle East wherever he can," Browder said. "He's trying to create a situation where he has some leverage  and by Trump, for example, withdrawing from northern Syria, that created the opportunity for Russians to literally take over U.S. bases. Whenever he sees that opportunity, he takes it."
VANCOUVERWhen liquefied natural gas was still the gleaming fuel of the future, B.C.s provincial ferry service struck a deal that, at the time, looked both green friendly and financially savvy.

The agreement with the provinces largest energy provider, FortisBC, would give B.C. Ferries $6 million toward building three ferries that could run on natural gas. B.C. Ferries would buy the natural gas the vessels needed from Fortis.

It was 2014, LNG was a cleaner and cheaper fuel than diesel, and the deal was generally viewed as a win-win.

Just how much things have changed was apparent Monday morning, as B.C. Ferries highest-traffic route saw two sailings come to a halt, and many more delayed, as protesters showed their support for a natural gas protest 1,000 kilometres away.

It was the latest sign of just how turbulent the once-promising LNG industry in B.C. has become amid concerns over Indigenous rights and the environment.

Central to Mondays protest was a natural gas pipeline currently under construction in northern British Columbia.

Coastal GasLink is building a 670-kilometre pipeline from British Columbias northeast to Kitimat on the coast, which will supply the $40-billion LNG Canada export facility in Kitimat. The company has signed agreements with all 20 elected First Nation councils along its path, but hereditary clan chiefs of the Wetsuweten nation, who are leaders under the traditional form of governance, say the project has no authority without their consent and are attempting to block its progress.

Protesters declaring solidarity with the Wetsuweten leaders on Monday morning blocked the Swartz Bay ferry terminal near Victoria using kayaks.

This action has targeted B.C. Ferries because of the corporations deepening integration with the LNG industry, reads a portion of a news release from Mondays protesters.

B.C. Ferries has proposed upgrades to two of its ferries that will make them reliant on the very product that Coastal GasLink threatens to bring through Wetsuweten territory.

Kolin Sutherland-Wilson, a member of the Gitxsan Nation north of the Wetsuweten territory and spokeperson for what he called the organic group of protesters, said many of them were motivated by Premier John Horgans refusal to meet with the Wetsuweten hereditary chiefs on a trip to northern B.C. last week.

For someone like myself to see the relationship between B.C. and a traditional unceded government deteriorate to the point where B.C. wont even talk is unacceptable, Sutherland-Wilson said.

While its true that B.C. Ferries continues to promote its transitions to natural-gas powered vessels, the company has no direct connections to Coastal GasLink (it gets its natural gas fuel from FortisBC).

The temporary shutdown of ferries between Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. Ferries busiest route, showed tensions in the LNG industry in B.C. could spill over and trouble even companies without connections to the central conflict.

Six years ago, and in the years prior, there was a belief that we would have a lot of LNG export terminals on the West Coast of B.C., said Justin Bull, a lecturer in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of British Columbia.

Obviously the level of investment has shifted significantly.

While there were 19 LNG projects proposed for B.C. prior to 2016, now there is one active project, and three remaining proposed.

Some of the reason for the decline in interest in LNG is the boom and bust cycle, and the fact that there is surplus LNG being produced elsewhere. Chevron announced just last month that it planned to pull out of the Kitimat LNG project.

There is also renewed debate about LNGs environmental bona fides.

For years, the notion had been that by selling LNG to coal-burning nations such as China, Canada could help to reduce global emissions targets, at least on paper. Last month, the new federal environment minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, reportedly told the Globe and Mail there was a long road ahead of the industry if it were to play such a role.

Furthermore, and unique to British Columbia, are the provinces extensive unresolved land claims and legal issues with First Nations.

At the end of the day, investors love certainty, Bull said. It contributes to an investment climate which is not the same as elsewhere, such as on the Gulf Coast of the United States.

When B.C. Ferries first made the deal to upgrade its vessels to use LNG, the resource became a cornerstone of the companys environmental iniative. The company now has five vessels that use LNG.

Last April, one of the newly LNG-compatible vessels was unveiled just in time for Earth Day.

By Monday, the companys tone had changed.

We know that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a fossil fuel and understand our customers desire to eliminate them, wrote Deborah Marshall, spokesperson for B.C. Ferries in an email to the Star.

However, adopting LNG is important climate progress and we currently have five LNG-fueled vessels in our fleet that substantially outperform diesel-fueled vessels for emissions and costs.

With files from the Canadian Press

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Travelling abroad is fun and amazing until you lose your wallet. And things take a far worse turn if some thief steals your hard-earned money not just from that wallet, but also your bank accounts. Something similar happened with Neha Chandra on her trip.

Reuters/ Rawpixel

Neha Chandra, who is based out of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was on a trip to Paris for celebrating New Years. And while travelling through the metros of the French city, a thief stole her wallet. And within a matter of minutes, hackers manage to steal over 1.5 lakhs using her debit and credit cards -- without any OTP or ATM pin.



First reported by IANS, there were two transactions on her HDFC debit card for Rs 52,499 and Rs 44,544 respectively. The thief also transacted worth Rs 52,499 on the credit card -- all at the same merchant dubbed ASHANTI Paris 10/FR on December 31st.

As soon as she noticed the theft and deduction of amount from her accounts, she immediately got her cards blocked and shifted her remaining money into another account that was not connected to the cards, and lodged a complaint with authorities in France.

Neha in a conversation with IANS stated, "All the necessary information and paperwork required was done well within time as per the RBI guidelines (within one hour of the transaction happening, I blocked my card and within 12 hours, I sent all the paperwork to HDFC Bank)."

However, HDFC has been conducting an investigation of its own and has promised that her money is safe, with them intimating the affected once the investigation is fully complete -- as stated by an HDFC spokesperson -- however it has been nearly 20 days since the incident was first reported with the bank.

"I am yet to receive any amount from the bank despite following the RBI guidelines. I was even asked by the bank to get the FIR translated into English that will cost me Rs 8,000. Instead of reversing my stolen money, they are asking me to spend more." Neha further stated.

Reuters

As per RBI norms, the affected customer ahs a three-day-window to complete formalities in such a case, and once complete, the bank would reverse amount on the card within 10 working days.

In case you didnt know, conducting card transactions abroad dont need OTPs or PINs, and can easily be done with the card and CVV numbers. Thieves often also have access to compromised ATMs to change ATM pins to extract money from the account.

While travelling it's always safe to have a travellers card linked to a separate account as even if that gets stolen, the rest of your money stays inaccessible to the thieves.
The Duke of Sussex with Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London yesterday

A high-profile Northern Ireland-born Army veteran has urged people to respect the Duke of Sussex's decision to step back from his role within the Royal family.

Col Tim Collins (59) moved to defend Harry amid criticism over his decision to withdraw from royal duties, including official military appointments.

Col Collins, best known for his rousing battle speech on the eve of the 2003 Iraq invasion, made his comments during a BBC interview.

Prince Harry has severed all of his military connections - he had links with the Army, the Navy and the Royal Marines.

He said on Sunday night: "Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.

"I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am."

Col Collins said Harry, who is moving to Canada with his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, would be missed by all the service organisations with which he was associated.

Some former Army officers and relatives of soldiers who have died in service have expressed their disappointment that Harry, who served twice in Afghanistan during his 10-year military career, has ended his patronage of them. Other veterans disagreed, however, saying they had lost respect for him over the way he has treated his grandmother, the Queen.

Col Collins said he was saddened by Harry's move and described him as a valued member of regimental organisations and the Royal Marines, of which he was the Captain General, succeeding his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, in the role.

He added: "Harry will be missed and he will be very hard to replace, but we also have to think about his circumstances.

"He's a young man who had a difficult start to his life, losing his mother so early. He has borne up well and he has served the country with distinction.

"He's now found happiness with his young family and that becomes his priority. I think we should respect that."

Col Collins said that having Royal figures linked with Army regiments was particularly important for military families in particular who valued their support. He said that in his experience with the Royal Irish, the royals had proved to be part of a caring institution.

Col Collins also spoke about Prince Andrew, who has been at the centre of a storm over his friendship with the late American paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and claims that he had sex with an underage girl - allegations that Andrew strongly denies.

Col Collins talked of how Andrew helped his regiment, the Royal Irish, in 2000 when a rebel militia group took five soldiers hostage during a training mission in Sierra Leone in west Africa. The Royal Irish personnel were eventually rescued by the SAS and the Special Boat Service and 25 rebels were killed and 18 of them were injured. One of the rescuers also died.

Col Collins said that the trauma of the hostage crisis was completely ignored by the British Government and the media but Prince Andrew, who was Royal Irish Colonel in Chief at the time, was the only person who "showed any interest".
PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- His name is Zachary Miller and he's a 12-year-old boy from Robbinsville Township, New Jersey. This year he is continuing his mission to collect 25,000 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls, a nonprofit that distributes shoes and clothing around the world.

"When I learned of Zachary's efforts, I knew I wanted to help," said Jeffrey Starr of A-1 Limousine and Triangle Tours in Princeton, NJ. "I immediately volunteered our headquarters as a donation site for the shoe drive."

Zachary Miller collecting gently worn shoes Soles4Souls

As we head into a New Year, please take a moment to spread the word and clean out your closet. Gently worn shoes in all sizes are greatly appreciated.

In addition to providing shoes to people affected by natural disasters, the program helps individuals start small businesses. Donated shoes will be repurposed and distributed through Soles4Souls' micro-enterprise program that create jobs in developing nations such a Haiti and Honduras.

To donate your gently worn shoes please visit:

A-1 Limousine & Triangle Tours

2 Emmons Drive

Princeton, NJ 08540

Media Contact:

Jeffrey Starr

[email protected]

609-919-2036

SOURCE A-1 Limousine & Triangle Tours
Simone Gao: General, so good to see you. I saw you posting a picture of you in one of the posts in Taiwan. Tell me what you saw and what was the atmosphere like?

Robert Spalding: Well, I went to both the KMT last campaign rally and the DPP last campaign rally I went to opposite sides of the rally, so I couldnt compare the two crowds. So they both seem to be very packed. And it was really a festive atmosphere and everybody was very excited for the candidates. And of course both sides. KMT and DPP both thought that their candidate was going to win from the numerous people that I talked to. Of course we now know that Tsai Ing-wen won in a landslide. And so it was, it was very exciting. I also got to go to a polling place and watch the counting of the ballots, which in Taiwan is very open and transparent process. They show the ballot and then I calculate the ballot. And anybody, any citizen of Taiwan can challenge any ballot right there while its being counted. So it was very inspiring to see in action. And it was a very, just you know, exciting time and I think everybody was proud and, and excited to be executing their right to vote.

Ms. Gao: So what are the Taiwanese people saying after the result came out? Are the, is that the number they expected?

Mr. Spalding: Well, I think so first of all president Tsai one with more votes in any any Taiwanese president has ever won. So she got over, make 8 million votes. No, no president have ever gotten that many votes. By the same token she actually won by more votes last time. But nevertheless, I think all all of the Taiwanese that I spoke to really believed that this was an overwhelming victory for president Tsai. And it was an overwhelming repudiation of essentially the Chinese communist partys aggressive actions both in terms of Xi Jinpings rhetoric, but also the the harsh the way that theyve dealt with Hong Kong. So I think it was a vote against the CCP that being said on the party line vote. That one actually saw the KMT get more votes than they did last time. And the, the, the distance between the DPP and the KMT and the party line vote was much closer than before. And so the, the belief is that it was a vote for Tsai, a vote against the China and the CCP, but also not necessarily a vote for the DPP itself. So very interesting split results with regard to the presidential vote and the party line vote.

Ms. Gao: So this election is clearly a referendum on the CCP.

Mr. Spalding: Clearly. Yes.

Ms. Gao: Okay. what do you think will happen to the US-Taiwan relations after this one?

Mr. Spalding: I think, I think we are in a period of strengthening relations. I think were in a period of weakening relations with China, mainland China, and and in particular were essentially moving away from the Chinese communist party. So I think as we do that, were going to move closer to Taiwan. Certainly, especially if Taiwan chooses to move closer to the United States financially, economically and trade wise.

Ms. Gao: Okay. And what do you think China will do to Taiwan?

Mr. Spalding: Well, I think theyre going to continue with their rhetoric, which is really aggressive in nature and, and more than likely will continue to essentially do the things that theyve done, like you know, sail their carrier in the Taiwan Strait and send their airplanes to fly around the Island of Taiwan, essentially being very provocative militarily. I think that will continue, but at the same time you know, I dont, I dont expect any type of military conflict.

Ms. Gao: Some people are saying if reunification is not done by 2035, the chances of China taking military actions against Taiwan is gonna be very high. Whats your thoughts?

Mr. Spalding: Well I think its still its still tough to say because essentially they run the risk of having a military confrontation with the United States and that also brings with it the risk of the use of nuclear weapons. So I think it is something that the, they will have to judge. At the time, I dont think necessarily that it would make a lot of sense, but its hard to say what what what the Chinese communist party might do. I would say that the United States will stand ready to defend and deter aggressive actions by the CCP. But, you know, I guess well have to wait and see.

Ms. Gao: Overall, do you think president Trump made the right move by killing Soleimani?

Mr. Spalding: I do. I think it clearly important that you provide a level of deterrence to the Iranian regime for all the activity that they have been conducting in the middle East or you knew almost two decades now. And what, what Soleimani was doing was essentially pursuing a strategy in the Middle East where Iran was acting through proxies to undermine stability all throughout the middle East in order to form a block that was essentially beholden to the, to Iran. And so Amani was moving around the Middle East really with impunity and in a lot of these actions that he was taking were damaging strategically for the United States and for its partners and allies in the region. And so I think it was clearly justified not just because of that, but also because of the 600 or so Americans that hes personally responsible for in terms of their death. So he has been targeting Americans for quite some time and quite frankly, I personally had given up hope that we were actually going to do the right thing with regard to him. So I think its, its not only long overdue, it actually helps the United States strategically because it provides a level of deterrence for the leaders of Iran, the Iranian regime, and it makes them stop and think about what are the repercussions of any further activities that they may take in the region in terms of the, the personal threat that it brings to them.

Ms. Gao: Right. Media has been criticizing president Trump that hes likely dragging us to another regional war by killing Soleimani. Well, he promised that he will get us out of the middle East. So what do you think will really happen?

Mr. Spalding: So I, I personally agree that we need to get out of the Middle East. In terms of being in places like Afghanistan and and around the rest of the areas where theres a lot of violence, I dont think that we need to continue to spend a lot of resources and personnel in those, in those regions because quite frankly, we have a bigger challenge in the Pacific and out of allies that can essentially handle, handle themselves or or partners in the region that can handle their, their own challenges. And I think weve spent far too much money and time in that region. That being said the so Amani as long as we have personnel in the middle East was

Not only providing more instability that they had to deal with, but also, you know, creating personal threat to those troops. And so I think the all of the criticism with regard to that that strike is really misplaced and I, I actually think its more domestic politics and less about really talking about what is the right thing to do with regard to us national security DePaul.

Ms. Gao: So by killing Soleimani, do you think America will allocate too much resources to the middle East that they wont have enough resources to deal with the Pacific challenges by China?

Mr. Spalding: I actually think its gonna allow us to move out of the middle East faster because its going to help reset deterrence in the region and, and likely result in less activity by the Iranians, at least in the short term as they try to reassess where the line is being drawn in terms of what what they will, what they face retaliation for. So I actually think its going to enable us to draw down faster. Whereas allowing Soleimani to operate with impunity, you know, was really forcing us to continue to add forces to maintain a level. So stability so that we can move out. You know, I, again, I believe that we ought to draw down as soon as we can and I think the, the bat action in particular will probably enable that to actually happen.

Ms. Gao: What do you think is the difference between president Trump and president Bush in terms of the Middle East strategy? I mean, will America ever get itself into the regime change and nation building mode that president Bush got us into?

Mr. Spalding: I would say the difference between the two is that president Trump is far less likely to want to get entangled in a long conflicts or even to want to use military force. He could have used military force when the Saudis were there or oil fields were bombed by the Iranians. He could have used military force when shipping was attacked in the Persian Gulf by the Iranians. So theres been several times, or even when theU.S. Drone was shot down over international waters in the Persian Gulf, any of those times he would have been justified in using military force you know, to retaliate against Iran. Nevertheless, he chose not to and has been quite measured in his response in terms of using military force as opposed to president Bush, which was obviously, of course he had to deal with nine 11, but also was very willing to use military force and actually quite heavily.

Ms. Gao: Just the scale of the military force, to me the Trump administration is not in the mood to get into, you know, regime change and nation building, that kind of stuff. Is that right?

Mr. Spalding: No, I think thats right. I think theyre far more interested in creating deterrence. And so using military force as a means for preventing conflict rather than using military force to to create conflict. And I think thats a fundamental difference. You know, the other the other administration that focused on using the military as a deterrent was the Eisenhower administration. And I think a lot of the ways that the president of the current president reacts to international. Geopolitics and national security policy is very consistent with what the Eisenhower administration used.

Ms. Gao: What do you think is Irans calculation? According to president Trump, Solemani might be planning up to four embassy attacks as well as other attacks. And this would amount to act of war again, America from how they responded to Soleimanis death and very controlled attack on the American base. I think that shows they dont really want a real war with America. So what, what do you think is their calculation?

Mr. Spalding: Well, if they actually wanted a war with the United States they wouldnt have gone after an Iraqi base that had a very small contingent of Americans. And they could have gone after any of the American bases in the region that had a lot of Americans on them. And so I think both the, the, the choice of the base and and certainly how, where are the weapons.

And the fact that there were no casualties indicates that I believe that the Iranians were acting to essentially justify to their, to their own people that they were not going to, you know, not retaliate for Soleimani, at the same time, they were very concerned about making sure that the United States didnt go after them any further. So it was really more just for show for their own people than it was actually wanting escalate to cause further conflict with the United States.

Ms. Gao: And what influence do you think Russia and China have on Iran?

Mr. Spalding: Well, clearly China has influence in terms of financial influence in the same I think with the Russians. That being said, the Iranian regime acts according to their own interests. And when push comes to shove, you know, I think they would not be able to, essentially neither Russia nor China, to push the leadership regime in Iran to any situation where they didnt really already have an interest in going there. And so I think their relationship is one of financial and economic support, technological support, but not necessarily of a kind where the leadership in Iran feels like they must do what they say.

Ms. Gao: China gets a lot of, its all oil from Iran, but on the other hand, China is Americas rival. Do you think China wants US and Iran to get into a war?

Mr. Spalding: Well, no they dont because they do buy a lot of Iranian oil. And if there is a war, then the price of oil goes up, something that harms the Chinese economy. So they absolutely do not want to. And I think they would try to stabilize the situation if they could.

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An Uzbek blogger says she was beaten, threatened, and sexually harassed by police officers after she refused to give false evidence against opposition figures while in custody.



They punched me, pulled my hair, and kicked me in the stomach, Nafosat Olloshukurova told RFE/RL about incidents she said took place during an administrative arrest in her native Khorezm Province in northwestern Uzbekistan in September.



In another incident, Olloshukurova was forced to strip naked in front of a group of male officers who threatened to rape her.



The blogger said the physical abuse in police custody was followed by psychological torture at a mental institution where she was forcibly kept for three months to get treatment for a mental illness she says she didnt have.



Olloshukurova, who is known for her live reports on Facebook, made the comments on January 20 after she left Uzbekistan, fearing authorities would forcibly place her back in a psychiatric institution.



Doctors from the psychiatric hospital came to our house three times looking for me in recent days, but they couldnt take me away because I wasnt home when they came, she said.



An English-language teacher by profession, Olloshukurova, 32, began blogging last year -- with the pen name Shabnam -- using Facebook as her main platform.

In Central Asia's most-populous country, where authorities shun free speech and criticism of the state, Olloshukurova focused on topics that annoyed government officials.



Her alleged treatment by security officers simply for reporting on a protest march defies claims by Uzbek government officials and others that Uzbekistan is undergoing a transformation under President Shavkat Mirziyoev toward becoming a more free and open society where basic civil rights are respected.



Among other topics, she reported about the alleged abuse of power by law-enforcement officials, a rare protest by women against police mistreatment, and a one-man protest by a businessman holding a placard that read I demand my rights.

She urged alleged victims of police abuse to contact her with their complaints and called on local governors to listen to peoples grievances.

Arrest And Threats



Olloshukurova was first detained in September after she extensively reported on Facebook from a protest march by a journalist and his supporters to petition the authorities to drop a dubious case against him.

A court in Khorezm convicted Olloshukurova of petty hooliganism and sentenced her to 10 days of administrative arrest, during which the blogger said she was subject to inhumane and unlawful treatment.



Olloshukurova said police demanded that she testify against opposition leaders, including Muhammad Salih, the founder of the Erk (Freedom) party.



She claims the officers wanted her to falsely state that the protest march was organized by Salih and other opposition figures living in exile abroad.



I told them Salih has no connection to the protest, how can I testify against him? But they said: We will tell you what to say. I refused to cooperate and then they resorted to violence against me, Olloshukurova told RFE/RL.



To protest the police mistreatment, Olloshukurova went on a hunger strike.



But authorities claimed she was mentally unstable and the court on September 30 ruled Olloshukurova needed psychiatric care.

The blogger was transferred to the Khorezm regional psychiatric facility, where police and other officials frequently visited and threatened her, she said.



They wanted me to end my blogging activities, Olloshukurova said.



One regional police official threatened that if I ever publicly speak about the mistreatment I faced, they would make sure I become mentally ill for real and stay in a psychiatric hospital forever, she added.



Olloshukurova was released from the hospital on December 28 and was reunited with her three-year-old twin daughters and parents.



Despite the pressures she faced, Olloshukurova announced in an interview after her release that she intended to continue her reporting.



Within days, however, she decided to leave Uzbekistan, fearing for her life and her freedom.



Olloshukurova says the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Ezgulik human rights group head Abdurahmon Tashanov, and lawyer Umid Davlatov supported her and saw her off as she left Tashkent.



She is currently seeking asylum in a European country and determined to continue her blogging activities.



Shortly before she left Uzbekistan, Olloshukurova shared a cryptic message on Facebook: I told you I wanted to see the truth. I saw it, I found it.
Leopoldo Lopez Gil, jefe de la #MOEUE se reunio hoy con Manuel Cox, jefe de la @ONPE_oficial ; Victor Ticona Postigo, presidente del @JNE_Peru y con Bernardo Pachas, jefe nacional del @reniecdigital #EleccionesCongresales2020 pic.twitter.com/TezPrp8kqo
WUHAN, ChinaNervous residents are buying up face masks and flooding hospitals to report fevers and coughs. Authorities are banning group tours out of the city and checking vehicles for live animals. Some schools are cancelling classes and even Buddhist temples are turning away the faithful.

A sense of urgency is growing in the central city of Wuhan, the epicentre of an outbreak of a new pneumonialike coronavirus that has sickened around 300 people in China and killed at least six. At home and abroad, pressure is rising on Chinas ruling Communist Party as the virus emerged this week in other major cities and officials confirmed that it spreads among people.

Already, cases have been confirmed in Taiwan, Japan, Thailand and South Korea. Airports around the world, including in the United States and Australia, are screening passengers from Wuhan. The World Health Organization has called an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the outbreak.

The outbreak is testing Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, and the partys penchant for secrecy in moments of crisis, 17 years after Beijing drew widespread criticism for withholding information and acting slowly in handling the outbreak of SARS, which killed more than 800 people and infected more than 8,000 worldwide.

On Monday, Chinas health commission said it would respond with measures intended to manage outbreaks of the most virulent diseases, including mandatory reporting of cases. It classified the virus as a class B infectious disease  a category that includes diseases such as SARS.

But the government, wary of letting fear run rampant, is also working meticulously to control the narrative about the virus by censoring news articles and social media posts.

Now, even as the government works to isolate sick patients amid Chinas busiest travel season  with millions of people making visits for the Lunar New Year holiday  and infections reported in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities, there is concern that the partys long-held reluctance to divulge damaging news could hinder the effort to contain the virus.

For weeks, the government had mostly treated the outbreak as a problem isolated to the city of Wuhan. It was only after the Hong Kong news media reported that cases of the coronavirus had been detected elsewhere that the government began acknowledging, early Monday, that the virus had spread to other cities.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said while the aim of opposition parties is to defeat him in the upcoming polls, his aim is to beat corruption and take Delhi forward.

"On one hand - BJP, JD(U), LJP, JJP, Congress, RJD. On the other hand - school, hospital, water, electricity, free bus travel for women. My aim - to defeat corruption and take Delhi forward, their aim- to defeat me," he said in a tweet.

BJP, JD(U), LJP, Congress and RJD are fighting the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi.

While the BJP is fighting in alliance with the JD(U) and LJP, the Congress is contesting in alliance with RJD.

Delhi goes to polls on February 8.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A team of scientists from the Research and Education Center "Functional Nanomaterials" of Kant Baltic State University works on the development of new prospective nanomaterials. Together with foreign colleagues they have recently discovered a method for synthesizing titanium oxide (Ti2O3) thin films. Some of the new materials are considerably different from their bulk analogs and show the required conductivity within a wider range of temperatures. In the future they may be used to create effective catalysts that would not depend on temperature. The results of the study were published in the Thin Solid Films journal.

Some titanium oxides are known for their unique properties, such as increased photocatalytic activity (i.e. they effectively use light to speed up chemical reactions). Titanium oxide-based coatings are able to clean themselves under the influence of light. Moreover, they can potentially be used to purify air and water from harmful substances and to desalinate sea water. The same property has recently been found in nanomaterials based on titanium oxide (III). Among other things, titanium oxide (III) is able to change phase from a semiconductor to a metal. In the course of such a phase change it considerably increases its electrical conductivity when heated. Not only the level of conductivity, but even the relative position of atoms is subject to changing. One of the main goals of modern science is to look for structure-property patterns of this kind.

In this work the authors used the magnetron sputtering method to obtain thin titanium oxide films. In other words, the scientists bombarded a titanium target with charged particles. The ablated atoms were deposited on a special substrate and reacted with free oxygen radicals that were formed when oxygen molecules collided with the charged particles. As a result of this reaction thin oxide films were formed. Based on different oxygen concentrations and substrate temperatures, the scientists managed to obtain TiO, Ti2O3 and TiO2 oxides and among them - two completely different Ti2O3 structures that differed by the positions of atoms in the crystal lattice. One had a trigonal lattice similar to that of corundum, and the other one - an orthorhombic lattice that was obtained in its pure form. To do so, the scientists modified the sputtering method by using titanium oxide instead of titanium metal to ablate atoms in a completely oxygenless environment.

The scientists studied the properties of different types of titanium oxide (III) and discovered differences between the orthorhombic film produced by magnetron sputtering and another one described in 2017. The film created by the team remained a semiconductor within the whole range of described temperatures (from -268? to 300?) while the previously known structure became a conductor at temperatures above 100?? and a superconductor at temperatures close to absolute zero (below -265?). It also turned out that the conductivity of the corundum-type film was similar to that of a bulk Ti2O3 heated to 170-200?. At these temperatures the bulk gains metal properties, while the film preserved high conductivity within the range from -268? to several hundred degrees Celsius.

"Compared to already known structures manufactured using other methods, our films maintain their properties within a wider range of temperatures. Thus, the corundum-type film remains a metal conductor at low temperatures, and the orthorhombic film - a semiconductor at high temperatures," said Petr Shvets, a Candidate of Physics and Mathematics, and a senior researcher at the Research and Education Center "Functional Nanomaterials".

###

The participants of the project also represented Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), Bundeswehr University Munich (Germany), and Dublin City University.
A house fire in Siberias Tomsk region has killed 11 people and left two injured, the local unit of the Emergencies Services Ministry said on January 21.



The fire took place in a one-story wooden shack in the village of Prichulymsky in the Asinovsky district at around midnight.



The blaze covered an area of 208 square meters and the house's roof collapsed in the fire.



A Chinese company rents the house and it is occupied by 14 residents from China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, according to local authorities. The whereabouts of one occupant is unknown, the TASS news agency reported.



Ten of the 11 killed in the fire were Uzbeks, Uzbekistan's Emergency Situations Ministry told the Interfax news agency. Local officials said the remaining victim was a Russian woman.



Representatives of the Tajik Consul-General in the city of Novosibirsk, however, told Interfax that at least one of the victims may be Tajik.

Local authorities said a criminal case has been opened into incident, the cause of which is under investigation.

With reporting by Interfax
Fernando Alonso and McLaren have officially split.

At the end of 2018, the Spaniard called time for now on his long Formula 1 career, choosing instead to focus on other pursuits like Le Mans, the Indy 500, and the Dakar rally.

But until now he has remained part of the McLaren team as an ambassador, attending the odd race.

However, McLaren confirmed Spanish media reports on Monday, stating when asked about Alonso's status: "While our relationship has come to a natural conclusion, he will always remain part of the McLaren family."

The split clears the way for Alonso to choose a team other than McLaren for his 2020 Indianapolis 500 attempt, which would complete the 'triple crown'.

Last year, Alonso failed even to qualify for the Indy 500 with his McLaren entry, but he is reportedly now close to signing up with the top Andretti outfit for 2020.

"I will try to be with the best possible team in the best possible conditions," he is quoted by El Mundo Deportivo.

"Hopefully something can be closed soon and announced."

Andretti boss Michael Andretti is quoted by El Mundo: "We want it to happen. I just have to find out how to finance it."
New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday (January 21) approached the Delhi High Court seeking a direction to quash the new Inter Hostel Administration's decision of fee hike. The petition filed by the student body also sought registration at old rates without late fines.

The JNUSU, which has been on a strike on the issue since October 28 last year, has urged the students to continue the boycott of registration and all academic activities.

The semester registration process at JNU took place between January 1-17. However, according to Jawaharlal Nehru University administration, over 80 per cent of students have registered for the winter semester. "Out of 8,500 students at JNU, 82& of students have cleared their hostel dues for winter semester registration as on Monday," varsity vice-chancellor said.

Live TV

Earlier this month, the university had witnessed tussle between students groups over the issue of registration. Amid the stir, some masked men had entered the university and gone on a rampage on the night of January 5 in the campus, assaulting students and a few professors with sticks and rods, besides storming hostels.

Two office-bearers of the JNUSU, including President Aishe Ghosh, who was reportedly hit over the eye with an iron rod, received severe injuries and accused RSS' student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for the rampant violence. JNUSU General Secretary Satish Chandra was also injured in the attack.

Hostel rooms, and lobbies were vandalised during the assault while several vehicles standing on roads were damaged by the unidentified miscreants.

According to intelligence reports and students, the genesis of the clashes began in the confrontation between students seeking to stall the semester registration process as part of their agitation against the hostel fees hike and groups opposing them. Members of the earlier group were allegedly behind the disruption of the varsity`s Wifi network late on Friday.

The JNU administration summoned the police which deployed in the campus and prohibitory orders were imposed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the Delhi Police to take all necessary action to control the situation in the campus, and also ordered an inquiry into the matter. According to officials, Shah spoke to Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik following the violence.

The violence was condemned by leaders across the political spectrum.
Community antifracking group Love Leitrim are seeking to put the issue of Climate Change at the heart of the general election by organising a climate change hustings for candidates and also promoting a pre-election Climate Change pledge for those seeking a seat in Dail Eireann.

The election hustings will take place in the Bee Park Community Centre, Manorhamilton at 8.30pm next Monday January 27 and will be chaired by Jan Melia from the Organic Centre.

Last May 2019 a climate and biodiversity emergency was declared by Dail Eireann. Since then people are witnessing wildfires in Australia and regular storms in Ireland. Members of the public will have a chance to listen to the candidates in attendance on their plans to tackle the global climate crisis while there will also be a questions and answers segment where more discussion and debate will take place.

Love Leitrim in partnership with Safety Before LNG have also developed an election pledge they will be asking candidates from all over the country to sign in the run up to polling day. The pledge asks that candidates, if elected, "Will oppose the importation of US fracked gas into Ireland, oppose fracking in Northern Ireland" and if elected will "work constructively" to make this a reality. The pledge follows the publication of the 10 recommendations of the RTE Climate Youth Assembly in November, one of which is the banning of the importation of fracked gas to Ireland. This recommendation had been submitted by Leitrim Climate delegate Roisin Keegan O 'Rourke from Manorhamilton.

Love Leitrim Chairperson Jamie Murphy said "The issue of climate change has to be at the centre of this election. It is something that impacts us all on a local, national, and global level and Ireland is by no means immune. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that we have approximately 12 years to implement urgent actions. Ireland as a country has being consistently failing to meet its climate and emissions targets. The make up of the this and future governments will be crucial in how we meet these challenges and protect ours and future generations. The hustings will give the public the opportunity to quiz the candidates in attendance on their "Climate Credentials' and how they will tackle the problem in Dail Eireann.

He added : "We will also be asking candidates in all constituencies to add their name to the 'Pledge4Climate' campaign in which those who sign commit to opposing the importation of fracked gas and the possibility of fracking in Fermanagh. The threat of fracked gas being imported from the United States is very real. Despite our own fracking ban and despite the pleas of American communities the risk of Ireland being locked in to fracked gas for the next three to four decades could become a devastating reality. This is shocking when you consider that fracked gas has a carbon footprint 44% worse than coal and that the methane in fracked gas makes it 100 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of emissions (Prof Robert Howarth, Cornell Uni). Those who sign the pledge will be making a public declaration of support for communities impacted by fracking in the United States,and a statement that they are opposed to the introduction of fracking on any part of Ireland. This is a time for real climate action. By saying no to importing fracked gas our politicians have an opportunity to set a global example and prove to the world that they are real climate leaders. We would ask the public to please ask their candidates on the doors to make a #Pledge4Climate.

Also read: Fine Gael candidate posters vandalised
California attorney Michael Avenatti leaves a courthouse in New York following a hearing on May 28, 2019. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)

Michael Avenatti Being Held in Jail Cell Once Used by Joaquin El Chapo Guzman: Lawyer

Attorney Michael Avenatti is being held in the same jail cell where drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was held, Avenattis lawyer said.

Avenatti, who violated bail terms and was arrested last week, is being held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center, the same New York prison where Jeffrey Epstein was kept.

Scott Srebnick, Avenattis lawyer, wrote in a letter to U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe that his client is being held in the centers Special Housing Unit.

It is the most secure floor in the entire facility. He is in a cell reportedly once occupied by El Chapo, on a floor that houses individuals charged with terrorism offenses, Srebnick wrote. Avenatti is being held in solitary confinement apart from attorney visits and medical exams.

There is an officer outside his cell 24 hours a day and two cameras focused on him, Srebnick wrote. The temperature in his cell feels like it is in the mid-40s. He is forced to sleep with three blankets. Not surprisingly, he has been having great difficulty functioning. He has not been permitted to shave.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center, which is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, stands in lower Manhattan in New York City on Nov. 19, 2019. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Neither Avenatti nor Srebnick know why the lawyer is being confined under such restrictive conditions. After being told of the situation, government counsel made inquiries to the center but the situation hasnt changed as of yet. Avenatti hasnt been able to review any of the new documents produced by prosecutors last week but hopes to have an active role in his own defense, Srebnick wrote.

At a minimum, the judge should order Avenatti be allowed to keep legal materials in his cell, have access to a computer, have legal visits in the regular attorney visiting room, and have the same social call privileges as detainees in the general population, Srebnick said.

The Bureau of Prisons, which runs the center, declined to respond when reached for comment.

Avenatti was arrested on Jan. 15 during a California State Bar hearing for trying to hide assets while out on bail, according to prosecutors.

Avenatti allegedly tried hiding $1 million he received in legal fees in April 2019 from creditors.

According to court documents, Avenatti used the money to pay rent on a luxury apartment in California, pay legal bills, and buy a Mercedes-Benz worth $50,000.

Another Avenatti lawyer, H. Dean Steward, said at a hearing that Avenatti did try to keep the $1 million from his creditors but claimed everything he did was legal. Avenatti is trying to pay off multiple debts and can pay them off in any order, he said.

Avenatti is facing charges in several cases, including defrauding Stormy Daniels, the woman who accused President Donald Trump of paying her off before the 2016 election.
The Hungarian government is committed to fighting violence against women, Judit Varga, the justice minister, told MTI.

The government wants to tackle the problem through the rigor of the law, ensuring real assistance in cooperation with civil partners rather than through ratifying international agreements, Varga said, dismissing critical remarks by the opposition concerning shelters for women.



The system has helped those in trouble at a high professional level for years, she insisted, noting that the national crisis management centre had a 24 hour hotline and victims of violence could get instant help.



Across the country there are shelters for a total 300 victims of domestic violence, child abuse, prostitution or slave trade, she said, adding that the centre in Miskolc, in northern Hungary, receives an annual 12,000 telephone calls and has so far provided personal assistance to 2,700 people.
[January 21, 2020] ReelTime VR Gives Amazon Prime Video's 32.4 Million US/UK Viewers Exclusive Access to "In Front of View", the World's #1 VR Travel Show

Kenmore, WA, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- All of season two of ReelTime VRs VR travel series In Front of View starring international superstar Front Montgomery and her daughter Leonie Montgomery is now available exclusively to all Amazon Prime Video viewers for the first time by utilizing ReelTime VRs proprietary Ubiquiview technology.

Currently, there are an estimated 26 million Amazon Prime Video viewers in the US and 6.4 million in the U.K. that can now view the entire eight-episode second season exclusively, prior to being released to the general public. Anyone in the US or UK with an Amazon Prime account can view the travel series by searching In Front of View in Amazon video or at https://www.amazon.com/Mallika/dp/B083PS2CRN/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=in+front+of+view&qid=1579566153&s=instant-video&sr=1-1 Amazon Prime Videos exclusive access to the series is the first time a series shot in full 360 VR has been available on any major traditional flat format provider, marking another pioneering achievement by ReelTime VR and another landmark first for Amazon Prime Video. Barry Henthorn exclaimed: Expanding the availability of our content to the Prime Video viewers not only dramatically increass our audience, but it also edifies the Ubiquiview processes ability to meet strict quality standards such as Prime Videos. The ability to create in VR and then be capable of producing the content in virtually any format expands the monetization opportunities far beyond the previously limited yet growing Virtual Reality market.



In Front of View, the No. 1 VR travel series starring international superstar Front Montgomery and her daughter Leonie Montgomery, is shot in full Virtual Reality. The first three of eight weekly released episodes can be viewed on most VR portals and due to the capabilities of ReelTimes proprietary Ubiquiview processes, content shot in VR is now able to be seen on traditional flat 2D formats. Currently the only place to view the entire second season or any episode in this format is on Amazon Prime Video. The first season of In Front of View has been and is available online at YouTube, Veer, littlstar, Samsung VR, Facebook 360, Oculus, and Vimeo among others. The show has been viewed in over 40 countries on 6 continents and has won several VR awards in the travel category. In 2018-19, In Front of Views second season was filmed by ReelTime VR in Yellowstone National Park and all across Thailand

About Amazon Prime Video: Prime Video, also marketed as Amazon Prime Video, is an American Internet video on demand service that is developed, owned and operated by Amazon. It offers television shows and films for rent or purchase and Prime Video, a selection of Amazon original content and licensed acquisitions included in the Amazon's Prime subscription. In the UK, US, Germany, Sweden, and Austria, access to Prime Video is also available through a video-only membership, which does not require a full Prime subscription. In France and Italy, Rent or Buy and Prime Video are not available on the Amazon website and Prime Video content is only accessible through a dedicated website. In some countries Prime Video additionally offers Amazon Channels, which allows viewers to subscribe to other suppliers' content, including HBO in the United States. About ReelTime Rentals, Inc. d/b/a ReelTime VR/ReelTime Media: www.reeltime.com, is a publicly-traded company based in Seattle, WA (OTCPK:RLTR). ReelTime Media provides end to end production capabilities and discount media purchasing that is redefining how companies are evaluating and purchasing their TV, radio, print, and other new media. ReelTime is also is in the business of developing, producing and distributing Virtual Reality Content and technologies. We have an end to end production, editing, and distribution capabilities for internal and external projects. ReelTime Currently produces three ongoing series for the Samsung Gear VR platform and distributes them over numerous VR delivery portals including Gear VR, Oculus, Veer VR, HTC Vive, YouTube 360, Facebook, and others. ReelTime Media also publishes the book "It Was Always Me Edward Edwards the most Prolific Serial Killer of all time" which has been the subject of a cover story on People Magazine, Rolling Stone, In Touch, and a six-part series on Paramount network, www.itwasalwaysme.com. Barry Henthorn

[email protected]

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Five Purdue University students have received Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to internationally expand their experiences and expertise.

Purdue recipients of the U.S. Department of States Gilman Scholarships are Kathleen Doolittle, Kathryn Harville, Sharon Kulali, Kiara Smith and Camille Vann. These five undergraduates reflect the broad scholarship of Purdue as an institution, as they study across five different colleges in areas including language arts, artificial intelligence, neuroplasticity, global health and wildlife. The Gilman Scholarships enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to national security and economic competitiveness.

Doolittle is a junior pursuing majors in Spanish and brain and behavioral sciences in the colleges of Liberal Arts and Health and Human Sciences. Hailing from Munster, she received the scholarship to study in Argentina, where she will further her interest in language and neuroplasticity. Outside of her academic pursuits, Doolittle has played violin in the Purdue Symphonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Harville, a senior pursuing a major in mechanical engineering technology in Purdue Polytechnic Institute, is from Plymouth. She is especially interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence with linguistics and psychology, and how those fields have an impact upon artificial intelligence in global contexts. Her goal is to create new technologies that can benefit not just this country, but the world at large. She plans to expand her expertise on a scholarship in Spain. She also enjoys the recreational side of technology as a member of Purdue Electric Racing, which competes in the Society of Automotive Engineers student electric formula series.

Kulali is a freshman in the College of Agriculture and the Honors College pursuing a major in biochemistry. She received the scholarship to travel to Tanzania to immerse herself in local culture and teach in its schools. With an eye on medicine and biochemistry research, she has continually fed a desire to improve global health, and raised funds for polio vaccines abroad through her local Rotary Club.

Smith is a sophomore in the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Honors College pursuing a major in health science preprofessional. She is working toward a career in global health to address disparities in the treatment of serious illnesses. With the Gilman Scholarship, she will travel to Mexico for a medical Spanish and public health program. Smith is also committed to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, having served as a state delegate for 4-H STEM and presented on computer science education. That work was part of her internship with Purdue Extension, where she designed lesson plans on computer education for local youth.

Vann is a junior pursuing a major in wildlife in the College of Agriculture and the Honors College. She will study the charismatic species that serve as rallying points around conservation awareness when in Tanzania and Kenya. In Indiana, she has worked not just with wildlife but in many contexts, from an internship at The Pet Clinic of Brownsburg, to conducting research with dairy cows in a laboratory lead by Theresa Casey, associate professor of research.

Purdue students apply for the Gilman Scholarship through the National and International Scholarships Office (NISO), which is housed in the Honors College. We are proud of these students for their focus on considering the global implications of their respective fields, said Rosanne Altstatt, assistant dean in the Honors College and leader of the National and International Scholarships Office.

Students who seek NISO support for their Gilman application have more than a 50% success rate. Those interested in applying for the Gilman scholarship should attend NISOs January information session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 22) in Honors College and Residences South, Room 1076.

Writer: Logan Judy, ljudy@purdue.edu

Media contact: Joseph Paul, 765-494-9541, paul102@purdue.edu

Source: Rosanne Altstatt, altstatt@purdue.edu

PHOTO CAPTION:

Kathleen Doolittle.

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2020/kathleen-doolittle.jpg

PHOTO CAPTION:

Kathryn Harville.

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2020/kathryn-harville.jpg

PHOTO CAPTION:

Sharon Kulali.

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2020/sharon-kulali.jpg

PHOTO CAPTION:

Kiara Smith.

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2020/kiara-smith.jpg

PHOTO CAPTION:

Camille Vann.

A publication-quality photo is available at https://www.purdue.edu/uns/images/2020/camille-vann.jpg
Last year, local U.S. governments dealt with an unprecedented number of cyberattacks. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 41 percent of its sample of Americans had experienced a form of online harassment, and about two-thirds had witnessed such harassment. And in 2019, Internet shutdowns initiated by African, Asian, and South American governments had a negative economic impact in the billions Such events and many others inspired Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web application, to spearhead the Contract for the Web . The contract, according to its website, involved input from 80 people and represents a global plan of action that aims to ensure that our online world is safe, empowering and genuinely for everyone.Specifically, the contract involves nine principles for a better online world. These principles are meant to inspire action from three groups: governments, companies and citizens. To date, the contract has been endorsed by well more than 1,000 individuals and organizations, ranging from the French government to Microsoft.Emily Sharpe, World Wide Web Foundation policy director, said Berners-Lee believes a tipping point has been reached when it comes to the future of the Web, given how malicious and other negative behavior online has continued to grow over the last several years. The time for regulation and norm setting is now.The Contract for the Web is the first time experts from across different countries, across different sectors, have come together to create a unified vision, Sharpe said. The contract deals with a whole plethora of issues that otherwise have been dealt with in a slightly more siloed way. So thats why it is unique from some of the previous attempts at setting norms in the digital space.The first priority, according to Sharpe, is to make sure as many people as possible can get online. Although there is some debate about whether a government should be able to shut off access to the Internet while responding to a cyberattack, she said generally Internet shutdowns are never permissible because they contradict human rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of association. A lack of Internet access could also interfere with someones livelihood, making it more difficult for someone to run a business  or worse.If you are unable to access Web services or the Internet to receive emergency services and that impacts your ability to get emergency help, that could impair your right to life The same rights and responsibilities should be replicated online as if they are offline, Sharpe said.The contract also argues that governments need to regulate online behavior and hold companies to account when different standards, such as privacy standards, are not upheld. She cited the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a great starting point for protecting privacy.To their credit, Facebook, Microsoft, Google and other companies have endorsed the Contract for the Web, including its principles about privacy. Such public endorsements can lead to another form of accountability.If they dont actually give people the right to access their data, correct it, et cetera, in the U.S. or anywhere else, we can point back to them and say, But guys, you endorsed the Contract for the Web, you said you were going to do this, and if we need to call them out, then we will call them out, Sharpe said.The Contract for the Web doesnt represent the first time that an expert on the level of Berners-Lee has called for action in regard to the state of the Internet. In a 2019 editorial , Leonard Kleinrock, known as one of the fathers of the Internet, opined that the virtual world had gone mad: An online community that had once been convivial transformed into one of competition, antagonism and extremism.Similarly, Vint Cerf, another father of the Internet, co-founded in 2015 the People-Centered Internet, a nonprofit group that has focused on, among other projects, helping indigenous communities gain Internet access.Neither Kleinrock nor Cerf disagree with the general thrust of the Contract for the Web, but they have their own perspectives on a number of related topics.When it comes to changing the online world, Kleinrock believes the most important group of stakeholders is the citizen users. He said the citizen user has been too passive and needs to hold websites accountable for their opaque and disparate policies.I dont think the public realizes that they can take action as a group and that it can have impact, Kleinrock told. They need to be prepared to make their voices heard. You take the average citizen, they have no sense of any empowerment. As I said in my article, whens the last time Facebook asked you what privacy policy you would like applied to you?Cerf, who serves as vice president and chief Internet evangelist for Google, pointed out that the challenge to improving the online world is figuring out what to do and how to do it. The Contract for the Webs intentions might be great, but people should be aware of how hard it is to pin down who is doing what online. He offered the example of CAPTCHA to illustrate the larger point.[There] are computer algorithms for distinguishing people from computers, but theyre damned annoying, and sometimes you cant do them, and sometimes you cant figure out what it was they intended, and thats about when you throw your laptop through your window, Cerf said. I raise this only to say that trying to achieve a response to some of the problems we have on the Web is difficult. Would we like to have less bullying? Would we like to have less misinformation? Are we worried about deepfakes? Absolutely. But attribution turns out to be very difficult.Kleinrock wants to see users and companies negotiate more clearly about data usage through understandable and graphical elements. He added that each company has their own set of standards, which seems preposterous and not on your side.If the provider violates this negotiation contract, the government should adjudicate and establish penalties, Kleinrock said.While Cerf agrees that transparency between users and companies is essential, he discussed the complications of the issue. In order to offer map services, for instance, Google must know where the user is. Differences in opinion arise when one asks how long GPS data should be kept. While many users may say Google doesnt need to store information collected at a particular point in time, other users will have different views on the matter.If youre looking for customizable, then you add complexity, Cerf said, adding that Google included new settings for automated data deletion in 2019. Scaling is an issue here. We have billions of customers. Literally.
Rajiv Gandhi assassination: SC asks TN to inform if decision taken on convict''s mercy plea

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 21: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to inform whether a decision has been taken by it on a mercy petition of a convict in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

The apex court also pulled up the Centre for filing a similar status report on a probe done by a CBI-led Multi Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) into unravelling a larger conspiracy behind the killing of the former prime minister.

A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Deepak Gupta asked the state government to inform the court about the decision taken by it under Article 161 of the Constitution.

Madras HC grants 30-day parole to Rajiv Gandhi killer Robert Payas

The article gives a governor the power to pardon a person who has been proved guilty in court.

The top court was hearing the plea of 46-year-old A G Perarivalan, who has sought suspension of his life sentence in the case till the MDMA''s probe is completed.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Perarivalan, said though the state has taken a decision on his mercy petition but his application is pending with the governor.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

The MDMA was set up in 1998 on the recommendations of the Justice M C Jain Commission of Inquiry which had probed the conspiracy aspect of Gandhi''s assassination.

It is headed by a CBI official and comprises officers from the Intelligence Bureau, the Research and Analysis Wing and the Revenue Intelligence, among other agencies.

The top court told the Centre: "Can you tell us what the difference (is) between the status report filed in April 2018 and November 2019. There is no difference at all." "We have gone through all of your status reports filed in the case," it said.

Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for Centre, said the government has not received any response to the letters rogatory (LR) sent to Sri Lanka and other countries.

The Supreme Court had on January 14, expressed its displeasure over the latest status report filed by the MDMA on its probe.

It said it wanted to know about the progress made in the ongoing investigation in the past two years.

On November 5 last year, the apex court had sought within four weeks a latest status report from the MDMA.

Convict in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case granted month long parole

It had said the latest report should also include the status of letters rogatory (LRs).

Perarivalan''s counsel had earlier said his role was only limited to procuring nine-volt batteries, which were allegedly used in the improvised explosive device (IED) that had killed Gandhi.

On March 14 last year, the apex court had asked the MDMA to file a status report with regard to a LR sent to Sri Lanka for examining one of the accused, Nixon alias Suren, who is lodged in the Colombo jail.

The top court had dismissed a plea of Perarivalan seeking recall of the May 11, 1999, verdict upholding his conviction.

It had said the material brought on record before it does not inspire confidence to interfere with the verdict in which Perarivalan and three others were initially awarded death sentence, which was later commuted to life term.

The CBI had earlier submitted that Perarivalan had even visited Jaffna in Sri Lanka in the first week of June 1990, besides attending a public meeting along with other conspirators which was addressed by former prime minister V P Singh on May 7, 1991 in Tamil Nadu.

Perarivalan''s counsel had submitted that he was just a 19-year-old when the incident took place and had no knowledge of what he was doing and for what purpose the batteries were purchased.

Gandhi was assassinated on the night of May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu by a woman suicide bomber, identified as Dhanu, at a poll rally.

Fourteen others, including Dhanu herself, were also killed. Gandhi''s assassination was perhaps the first case of suicide bombing which had claimed the life of a high-profile leader.

In its May 1999 order, the top court had upheld the death sentence of four convicts -- Perarivalan, Murugan, Santham and Nalini -- in the assassination case.

In April 2000, the Tamil Nadu governor had commuted the death sentence of Nalini on the basis of the state government''s recommendation and an appeal by former Congress president and Rajiv Gandhi''s widow Sonia Gandhi.

On February 18, 2014, the top court had commuted the death sentence of Perarivalan to life imprisonment, along with that of two other prisoners - Santhan and Murugan - on grounds of a delay of 11 years in deciding their mercy pleas by the Centre.

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Story first published: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 13:39 [IST]
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been all over the news since the past few weeks, especially on account of all the controversy surrounding her latest release Chhapaak. And while she has been the face of controversy for sometime now, on Monday she was honoured with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2020 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

The forum aims to get world leaders to discuss the global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of every year, with one mission in mind: to improve the state of the world.

Talking about her battle with depression, the Chhapaak actor said that people must understand depression and anxiety are like any other illness and can be treated and her own experience has encouraged her to work for this cause. Deepika experienced her first depressive episode at the peak of her career, in February 2014, but by 2015 she had decided that she wanted to help others suffering like her and, six months into 2015, Deepikas Live Love Laugh foundation was set up to help those suffering from mental health issues.

During the forum, recalling her own struggle with depression and mental illness, Deepika said, My love and hate relationship with this has taught me a lot and I want to tell everyone suffering from this that you are not alone.

The actor looked gorgeous as ever in a trailing, cape-sleeved blue ruched, Kennedy Satin gown by Alex Perrys SS2020 collection as she made her way to receive the Crystal Award.

The actor was given the award for her leadership in raising mental health awareness -- which she did by going public with her own experience with anxiety and depression.

One trillion dollars is the estimated impact of depression and mental illness on the world economy, she added while receiving the annual Crystal Award, adding, In the time it has taken me to accept this award, the world has lost one more person to suicide.

Depression is a common yet serious illness. It is important to understand that anxiety and depression is like any other illness and treatable. It was experience with this illness that encouraged me to set up Live Love Laugh, she said while talking about the foundation she has set up for this cause.

The actor received the award on the Martin Luther King Day and quoted the civil rights activist in her acceptance speech.

For in the words of Martin Luther King, everything that is done in this world is done with hope, she said.

Motivated by her own experience, she set up her foundation to provide awareness programs in schools in India, funding for free psychiatric treatment, medical education programs, public awareness campaigns and more.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Score One for Public School Kids

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Child Evangelism Fellowship

Jan. 21, 2020

WARRENTON, Mo., Jan. 21, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- People of faith are celebrating this week, and none more than the teachers of nearly 5,000 Good News Clubs in the nation's public schools. On National Religious Freedom Day, January 16, President Trump signed new guidance rules to protect, among other things, freedom of prayer in public schools. He was surrounded by students who have suffered discrimination and even persecution.

Every week, about 170,000 students pray in elementary public school classrooms in Good News Clubs organized by Child Evangelism Fellowship. While these after-school CEF clubs are growing exponentially overseas, the going is tough in the USA due to misconceptions about religious practice inside public school walls.

Atheist organizations intimidate schools and cause confusion regarding Jefferson's famous phrase, "wall of separation between church and state." The phrase assured the Danbury Baptists the government would not interfere with their practice, but it's often turned around as if meant to keep religion out of public life.

"It's not legislation that needs to happen, it's education," says CEF of Washington State Director, Jeff Kiser. "Although we have over 100 clubs in the state, we're trying to get one club in each school district, to complete the education process in all districts." Starting clubs requires jumping through several permission hoops during which a school can throw up obstacles. Kiser's staff members are taught to insure that Good News Clubs are not discriminated against compared to non-religious clubs regarding access or school claims about space and meeting times. Once clubs are established, principals report satisfaction with positive effects on the study body.

Good News Clubs must have the same access other clubs have. A case went to the Supreme Court to confirm this equal access (Good News Club v. Milford School District, 2001), demonstrating that without vigilance, religious rights are eroded.

The updated Guidance on Prayer in Public Schools issued by the Department of Education is a good reminder to those who need a refresher. The new rules require education agencies to certify they have "no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer."

Kay Davis led a Good News Club of up to 200 students in Braselton, Georgia before becoming the state's CEF Education Director. The club meets in a gym to hold all the children who attend with their parent's permission. "I have personally prayed with many children and seen the profound impact on their lives. It's not a luxury--it's vital that they be able to take their needs to God."

Child Evangelism Fellowship is an international, nonprofit, Christian ministry that has been teaching the Bible to children since 1937. CEF has 400 offices in the USA and is organized in most nations of the world, with over 3,500 paid staff and hundreds of thousands of volunteers. In its last ministry year, CEF ministered to 25.5 million children in its face-to-face teaching ministries.

SOURCE Child Evangelism Fellowship

CONTACT: Lydia Kaiser, 636-456-4321 ext. 1339, lydia.kaiser@cefonline.com

Related Links

www.cefonline.com
London is Facebooks biggest engineering hub outside of the US. Photo: Toby Melville/Reuters

Facebook (FB) will create 1,000 new jobs in London by the end of 2020, with many of the new positions focussing on reducing harmful content in its communities.

The social network said most of the new jobs will be in technology-focussed areas, across software engineering, product design, and data science, as well as developing the WhatsApp app.

Many of the jobs will be in the Community Integrity (CI) team, which builds the tools used to detect and remove harmful content  tackling a diverse range of issues from spam to child abuse, bullying, and harassment.

The CI team has become a key part of the business amid a global backlash against social media communities and the harms they can incubate.

READ MORE: Sir Nick Clegg defends Facebooks position on political adverts

London is Facebooks biggest engineering hub outside of the US, and the platform is currently building new office space in King's Cross, which is due to open in late 2021. The new roles will bring the total number of UK employees to around 4,000.

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer, announced the development to small and medium-sized businesses in London on Tuesday.

The UK is a world leader in both innovation and creativity, she said.

London is home to Facebook's biggest engineering hub outside the US and we're committed to investing here for the long-term.

Many of these high-skilled jobs will help us address the challenges of an open internet and develop artificial intelligence to find and remove harmful content more quickly.

They will also help us build the tools that help small businesses grow, compete with larger companies and create new jobs.

UK prime minister Boris Johnson said the announcement was another sign of the strength of our dynamic tech sector.

The UK is at the centre of tech growth and innovation, and is leading the way as the world's biggest tech hub outside of Silicon Valley.

READ MORE: TikTok downloaded more than Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram in 2019
A man charged with murdering a baby in Co Armagh left the child alone for hours while he visited a casino, the High Court has heard.

Prosecutors also alleged Sharyar Ali went out in the middle of the night for a second time when he was supposed to be looking after 11-month old Hunter McGleenon.

The little boy's "lifeless" body was discovered later on November 26 last year when paramedics were called to a house in Keady.

Examinations established that he had sustained head and abdominal injuries.

Ali, a 31-year-old Pakistani national with an address at Westenra Terrace in Monaghan, was in a relationship with the baby's mother at the time.

Hunter had been left in his sole care from the previous day while she spent time with her terminally ill grandmother.

The court heard he made a number of trips with the child during that period, including taking him to Monaghan where he runs a mobile phone shop.

Later that evening he brought the boy back to Keady to say goodnight to his mother, with no concerns raised at that stage.

But the following morning, according to Ali's account, the child rolled off a sofa and banged his head on the ground.

The defendant claimed he found the boy face down on the floor and put him into a cold shower in a bid to revive him.

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When Hunter started to move his arms and clench his mouth Ali said he dressed and put him to bed.

Later, however, he noticed the baby's lips had turned blue and brought him round to the house where his mother was staying.

A Crown lawyer insisted his version of events did not explain "multiple" injuries found on several areas of the child's body.

Ali told detectives that apparent blunt force trauma injuries to the abdomen were due to attempting CPR on the part of the body rather than the chest.

But prosecution counsel contended that he provided contradictory explanations as evidence was put to him in police interviews.

Opposing his application for bail, she went on to detail two separate alleged trips Ali made before the night before Hunter died.

"He left the child alone for a couple of hours while he was in a casino in Castleblayney," the barrister said.

Later, the baby was again left unattended when Ali returned to Monaghan because he was waiting for a delivery.

"He said he didn't mention this to police initially because he knew it was inadvisable," counsel said.

Ali's wife and brother both attended court for his bid to be released from custody.

During the hearing it emerged that the accused is facing deportation proceedings in the Republic of Ireland.

Lord Justice McCloskey was also told he does not have permission to remain in the United Kingdom.

Adjourning the bail application, the judge said he wanted further inquiries made with officials in both jurisdictions.
Three knocks on the cabin door: "Half past midnight!" It's time for the team from Sea Shepherd, a group dedicated to protecting the world's marine life, to start their nightly patrol. Six volunteers set out in a semi-rigid boat to monitor and film the operations of a nearby fishing fleet. They already know that increasing numbers of dead dolphins are washing up on France's Atlantic beaches. Their mission is to document the damage these vessels are doing to the local dolphin population. Since December 22, Sea Shepherd's Sam Simon, a converted meteorological observation vessel, has been the base for these nightly patrols in the Bay of Biscay off the southwest coast of France. The volunteers can spend hours waiting as the trawlers winch up their enormous nets. But their presence is not welcome. "Bunch of scavengers!" shouts one crew member from a trawler just a few yards away. Although the trawlers are fishing for sea bass, Sea Shepherd wants to record whether dolphins -- or other cetaceans -- have also been caught in their nets. Earlier in their campaign, they posted a video of two dolphins being hauled aboard a fishing trawler: one had apparently already drowned, but the other, still alive, was struggling to escape the netting. - Dying in record numbers - Operation Dolphin By-Catch aims to warn the public about the issue -- and pressure the authorities to take action. They argue that industrial trawling is devastating the local dolphin population, with hundreds washing up dead on the west coast of France every year. "The problem has been going on for 30 years, but there is a kind of omerta," says Lamya Essemlali, President of Sea Shepherd France. And according to the experts, the numbers are rising. "2019 was the year of all the records," says marine biologist Helene Peltier of the University of La Rochelle on France's west coast. Between January and April, when the toll is highest, 1,200 small cetaceans washed up dead on the beaches of France's west coast -- 880 of them common dolphins. Of those they autopsied, 80 percent showed signs of collisions with fishing boats: cuts, broken teeth, battered heads, asphyxia. And because most dead dolphins sink or are carried off to sea, they estimate that in all, 11,300 dolphins died in 2019. "The fishermen go to the zones where there are fish -- the dolphins too," says Yves Le Gall, head of the acoustic service at Ifremer, the French oceanographic research institute. - The threat from trawling - A 2016 report by University of La Rochelle's Pelagic Institute warned that fishing threatens the dolphin population in the Bay of Biscay, estimated at 200,000. Peltier says that human activity is already killing more than 1.7 percent of the population -- the endangerment threshold. "The animals that are killed accidentally are in good health," she noted. In the first decade of the century, scientists and fishermen collaborated to develop acoustic devices known as "pingers" to warn off dolphins. Although they succeeded in reducing the accidental captures, the pingers were not widely adopted. The 2016 Pelagic Institute report appears to have prompted a greater sense of urgency. "A real dynamic developed, with concrete actions" that galvanised fishermen, says Thomas Rimaud of Pecheurs de Bretagne (Brittany Fishermen). "It's no fun for fishermen, capturing dolphins," says Hubert Carre, head of the National Committee for Maritime Fishing (CNPMEM). Most recently, the fishing ministry has been pushing to have all trawlers in the Bay of Biscay fitted with the pinger devices. France is in talks with the European Union to ensure that all boats, not just French ones, must comply. And the main trawler fleet, responsible for four percent of accidental captures of dolphins, has agreed to accept observers on board. Ifremer meanwhile is working on more effective pinger devices and reflective equipment to make the massive nets more visible to dolphins. But for Sea Shepherd, technological fixes only go so far. They want a complete ban on all indiscriminate methods of fishing, such as trawling -- they have already called for a consumer boycott. "Impossible," given the economic importance of the French fishing industry, says Carre at CNPMEM. Dominique Chevillon of the less radical group France Nature Environment (FNE) suggests a middle way: periodic suspensions on fishing certain kinds of fish in certain waters. The authorities have banned the more damaging methods of trawling off some parts of the coast. But there are other boats fishing these waters, and it is difficult to tell how much damage they are doing, Peltier says. Increasing numbers of dead dolphins are washing up on France's Atlantic beaches, and activists say fishing trawlers are to blame Volunteers on the Sam Simon, a converted meteorological observation vessel, record how many dolphins turn up in trawler nets Between January and April 2019, 1,200 small cetaceans washed up dead on the beaches of France's west coast - 880 of them common dolphins Sea Shepherd's patrols are not always welcomed by the trawlers
Prince Harry has delivered an honest and open speech about his and his wife, Meghan Markle's decision to step back from the royal family and the candid speech revealed some key details about their surprise move.

The Duke of Sussex addressed guests at a reception for his charity, Sentebale, and discussed the couples plans moving forward.

Harrys words came just 24 hours after the Queen released a statement in which she confirmed he and Meghan would no longer be publicly funded or using their HRH titles.

From how the couple's decision has impacted other royals, to how he really feels about the decision to step back, heres everything we learned from Harry's candid speech.

It was mainly his decision to step back

Following the shock announcement that the couple were choosing to relinquish their roles as senior royals, much of the narrative has involved rumours that Meghan was behind the decision.

Indeed, even the fact that the move was quickly nicknamed Megxit suggested blame had been laid at Meghans door, but in his speech Harry attempted to set the record straight by claiming it was his choice.

The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly, he said.

It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven't always got it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.

Harry's speech hinted it was his decision to step back rather than Meghan's [Photo: Getty]

Harry feels sad to be stepping away from royal life

Though his speech revealed it was Harrys choice for the couple to step down as senior royals, that doesnt mean he doesnt feel sad about leaving royal life behind.

We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles for this country with pride, Harry revealed.

Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful, and we were here to serve. For those reasons, it brings me great sadness that it has come to this.

Story continues

No doubt the Duke is looking forward to what he hopes will be a more private and peaceful family life, but it will also bring sadness about moving away from the only life hes ever known, particularly as he also revealed that the couple were left with no other option.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle quietly carried out a second Vancouver women's charity visit

There is some disappointment about their new roles

Both in their original announcement and in the details they released on their new Sussex Royal website, Harry and Meghan said they would be taking up progressive new roles within the royal family and hoped to be financially independent.

But following the statement that Buckingham Palace released on Saturday revealing the terms surrounding the couples move, it became apparent that there was a slight mismatch, which Harry touched on in his speech, hinting he didnt want to give up his duties and military roles.

Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.

I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am.

The Duke went on to suggest he would continue his involvement in projects such as the Invictus Games: I will continue to be the same man who holds his country dear and dedicates his life to supporting the causes, charities and military communities that are so important to me.

Over the weekend it was revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be losing their royal highness titles under a new agreement with the Queen.

They will also give up public funding and pay back the 2.4 million of taxpayer money that funding renovations on their home, Frogmore Cottage.

Harry revealed the couple are still as in love as ever [Photo: Getty]

Harrys love for his wife is just as strong

Theres no doubt the last few months must have been tricky for the couple to navigate, but in his heartfelt speech Harry issued a sweet nod to his wife and what she means to him.

After saying he appreciated the publics support since finding the love and happiness hed hoped for all his life and joking that the second son of Diana had finally got hitched, he went on to reiterate that Meghan shares the same values as he does.

I also know you've come to know me well enough over all these years to trust that the woman I chose as my wife upholds the same values as I do, he said.

And she does, and she's the same woman I fell in love with.

READ MORE: Full list of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's current patronages

The couple feel supported by other royals [Photo: Getty]

The couple feel supported by other royals

Despite speculation about feuding between Harry and his brother Prince William, which the pair have strenuously denied, the Duke made it clear the royal family are supportive of their decision to step back.

I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months, Harry said.

Their relationship with the media is a work in progress

Theres no doubt the couple have a complicated relationship with the press, which seems to have intensified since the birth of their son, Archie last year.

Harry has often referenced the media impact on his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales life and last year he issued an emotional statement statement addressing the treatment of him and his wife by certain media outlets in the British press.

The couple are also in the process of suing The Mail On Sunday for publishing one of Meghans private letters to her father, Thomas Markle.

But in his speech yesterday the Duke hinted that he hoped they could eventually find a way to work together.

You've looked out for me for so long, but the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful because this is so much bigger than just us, he said.

Archie has hit another first

Let's end on something happy during what must have been a stressful 10 days for Harry, Meghan and the whole royal family.

While most of the Duke of Sussexs speech focused on the couples decision to step back as senior royals, Harry also took the opportunity to reveal some sweet insight about baby Archie's latest milestone.

It has also been a privilege to meet so many of you, and to feel your excitement for our son Archie, who saw snow for the first time the other day and thought it was bloody brilliant! he told guests at the event.

Archie had accompanied his parents to Canada for their six-week break from royal duties, where it is believed he experienced his first snow.

In a photo shared to the Sussex Royal account, little Archie can be seen snuggled up in his dad's arms, wearing a cute, hat to keep him warm.

Aww!
SC lets central government take over control of Unitech

The Supreme Court on Monday accepted a proposal by the central government to take over management control of embattled realty firm Unitech Limited. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud also directed that the new board of Unitech should prepare a resolution framework for the company and prepare a detailed report.

The government, which had earlier expressed willingness to take over management control of Unitech Ltd and complete its 12,000-odd stalled projects, providing relief to hassled homebuyers, however, said it would not be infusing any funds in the bankrupt company.

The bench agreed with an earlier proposal of the government to form a new board to take control of the firm. Accordingly, the court ruled that a new seven-member board will supersede the existing board of directors.

Former Haryana cadre IAS officer Yudvir Singh Malik will be the chairman and managing director of the board. The new board of directors will also have a retired Supreme Court judge to monitor the preparation of resolution framework by the board.

The government also sought a moratorium for 12 months. The Supreme Court bench, also comprising Justice M R Shah, however, granted 2-month moratorium from any legal proceedings against the company's management.

The centre had on Saturday told the apex court that it is agreeable to revisit its 2017 proposal to take over the management control of Unitech Ltd and complete its stalled projects for providing relief to around 12,000 hassled homebuyers.

In its six-page note submitted to the court, the government said it is prepared to revisit its proposal of December 2017, to remove the existing management of Unitech Ltd and appoint 10 nominee directors of the government.

The centre, however, said it would not infuse any funds for completion of pending projects of the company.

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 dated 8 December 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 13 December 2017, stayed the NCLT 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 Grant Thornton India.

The forensic auditors in their report had said that Unitech Ltd received around Rs14,270 crore from 29,800 home buyers mostly between 2006-2014 and around Rs1,805 crore from six financial institutions for the construction of 74 projects.

The audit revealed that around Rs5,063 crore of home buyers money and around Rs763 crore of fund received from financial institutions were not utilised by the company and high value investments were made in 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.
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There were 56 journalists killed in 2019 and most of them were killed outside zones of conflict, a United Nations spokesperson said Monday.

The number dropped by nearly half from the year 2018, but perpetrators enjoyed almost total impunity, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, citing figures from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In 2018, 99 journalists were killed. From 2010 to 2019, a total of 894 journalists have been killed, according to UNESCO.
Ana De Armas oozed 1950s chic in New Orleans this week as she filmed a scene from her upcoming movie Deep Water.

Based on a 1957 Patricia Highsmith novel, the movie stars Ana opposite Ben Affleck, who was also glimpsed on set in the French Quarter that day.

Between takes, Ana threw a coat over her period ensemble and could be spotted sharing a laugh with her 47-year-old leading man.

Silver fox: Ben Affleck was seen in New Orleans this week as he filmed a scene from his upcoming movie Deep Water, which is based on a 1957 Patricia Highsmith novel

Downtime: Between takes, co-star Ana De Armas threw a coat over her period ensemble and could be spotted sharing a laugh with her 47-year-old leading man

In the same frame: Here she talks to an assistant as Ben waits in a doorway

Ana was decked out in a plunging walnut-brown sweater with a matching pencil skirt that was hemmed around mid-calf.

She complemented the look with brown ankle-strap heels and a matching fedora, throwing on a thin white open cardigan.

Ana could be glimpsed holding a pair of dark sunglasses as she stepped out onto the street, adding some extra dazzle to the look with jewelry.

As she headed up the sidewalk for her scene she was accompanied by the dashing Judy actor Finn Wittrock, whose role has not yet been disclosed.

Workday: Beauty De Armas oozed 1950s chic in her film costume

Stepping out: Ana was decked out in a plunging walnut-brown sweater with a matching pencil skirt that was hemmed around mid-calf

Sizzling sensation: She complemented the look with brown ankle-strap heels and a matching fedora, throwing on a thin white open cardigan

Finn had on a fossil grey dress shirt with a black suit, wearing his hair in a perfect coiff that was well-suited to the period.

Meanwhile, Ben's period look was more simple - he wore a navy blazer over an untucked blue dress shirt and dark trousers.

Ben and Ana play Vic and Melinda, a married couple who adopt a look-the-other-way attitude to adultery so they can stay together.

In the novel, Melida's string of affairs eventually eats away at Vic to the point he begins murdering his wife's lovers.

Side by side: As she headed up the sidewalk for her scene she was accompanied by the dashing Judy actor Finn Wittrock, whose role has not yet been disclosed

Heartthrob: Finn wore a fossil grey dress shirt with a black suit, wearing his hair in a perfect coiff that was well-suited to the period

Patricia's novels have led to multiple acclaimed film adaptations - including Strangers On A Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Her lesbian novel The Price Of Salt was adapted into the 2015 movie Carol, which starred Cate Blanchett opposite Rooney Mara.

There have also been less celebrated movies like the 2016 movie A Kind Of Murder, an adaptation of her book The Blunderer starring Patrick Wilson and Jessica Biel.

Premise: Ben and Ana play Vic and Melinda, a married couple who adopt a look-the-other-way attitude to adultery so they can stay together

What a legacy: Patricia's novels have led to multiple acclaimed film adaptations - including Strangers On A Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley

Ana, who grew up in Cuba, acted in Spain before segueing into Hollywood and her stateside career has been going from strength to strength.

This year she led the critically acclaimed Knives Out, and so impressed her co-star Daniel Craig that he recommended her for his next James Bond film.

Ana will be starring in the 007 movie No Time To Die as Paloma, a role she revealed in the Los Angeles Times was written especially for her.

She is also starring as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, an upcoming movie adaptation of the bestselling 2000 Joyce Carol Oates novel of the same name.
32-year-old woman gangraped, robbed in Mumbai; four arrested

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Mumbai, Jan 21: A 32-year-old woman was allegedly raped by four persons near a railway track in suburban Kurla, a police official said on Tuesday. All the accused have been arrested, he said.

The incident took place near the Harbour Line rail track in Sable Nagar locality on late Monday night when the victim, a resident of Worli area, was looking to go to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Kurla area to board a train to Katni in Madhya Pradesh, the official said.

Before the incident, she arrived at Kurla on a train from Byculla. On reaching the Kurla bridge, she asked a passerby for directions to LTT and followed him on the Harbour Line route, the official said.

While walking, the victim mid-way went to relieve herself in the bushes and the passerby, who was walking ahead of her to show her the way, disappeared, he said. At that time, two men, who were consuming drugs in the bushes, allegedly attacked the victim and raped her, he said.

23-year-old man arrested for rape of minor girl in UP's Fatehpur

Two other men, who were passing by on a two-wheeler, stopped at the spot and also allegedly raped the woman and had unnatural sex with her, the official said. The accused also robbed the victim of Rs 3,000 and snatched her 'mangalsutra' worth around Rs 25,000 before letting her go, he said.

After the brutalised victim walked some distance, she met a woman who helped her and alerted Nehru Nagar police. One of the accused who was following the victim after the incident was identified by the woman (who helped the victim) as a resident of the locality where she lived, he said.

Based on the inputs, the police swung into action and arrested all the four accused within hours of the crime, Nehru Nagar police station's senior inspector Vilas Shinde said.

Man gets 20 years rigorous imprisonment for step daughters rape

The accused have been identified as Shrikant Bhogle, Sonu Tiwari, Nilesh Baraskar and Siddharth Wagh. Three of the accused were nabbed from Kurla, while Wagh was caught from suburban Vikhroli, he said.

The accused have been booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural sex), 354 (assault) and other relevant provisions, the official said. The victim, who is a widow and has two children, was taken for a medical examination, he added.
Amazon has filed to trademark "Amazon Pharmacy" in Canada, the U.K. and Australia, signaling a potential move into selling prescription drugs outside of the U.S.

According to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office website, Amazon filed for the patent on Jan. 9, 2020. The status is listed as pre-formalized. The trademark also lists other areas that Amazon Pharmacy could move into including surgical, medical dental instruments and pharmaceutical as well as medical and veterinary preparations.

Similar trademark filings from Jan. 9 also appear on the website for IP Australia and the U.K.'s intellectual property office.

A spokesperson for Amazon-owned PillPack confirmed the filing, and noted that the company has also filed trademarks in Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, the EU, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, and the UAE.

"We are always considering ways to delight customers in every market we serve," said the spokesperson. "At present, our focus is on growing PillPack and offering a better pharmacy experience for customers in the United States."

Amazon began its move into the drug space in 2017, when it started exploring whether to build out a team. The following year, the company acquired PillPack, a start-up that specializes in delivering medications to the home. That signaled an early focus on the U.S. prescription drug market, where PillPack is headquartered, but the company had dabbled in introducing prescription medications to its marketplace in Japan with the support of local partners.

The 'Amazon Pharmacy' branding is relatively new. PillPack notified its customers at the end of 2019 that it would be including references to the brand in its printed materials and on its labels. That suggested that PillPack might look to go broader than its current remit, which involves fulfilling multiple medications and shipping them every month in clearly labeled packages. PillPack does not yet cater to customers that have acute needs for medications, focusing instead on those with chronic ailments who take multiple medications on a recurrent basis.
PERU, Ind. (AP)  A northern Indiana county is seeking to overturn a court ruling that puts it on the hook for costly repairs to six aging dams in a lake-filled subdivision.

Miami County is challenging a Marion County judges August ruling which found that the Indiana Department of Natural Resources had the authority to require property owners and Miami County to fix the dams at the Hidden Hills subdivision. That judge also found that Miami County was fully responsible for those repairs.

But Miami County has asked the Indiana Court of Appeals to overturn that decision, which could leave it saddled with hundreds of thousands of dollars of repairs, the Kokomo Tribune reported.

The county wrote in a brief that the subdivisions property owners should share the burden of fixing the dams since the lakes created by them are only used by residents for their own private pleasure. That court filing also notes that the homes waterfront views have raised their property values.

The County, by contrast, gains no benefit from the dams, the brief states. It maintains roads. It does not matter whether those roads traverse dams or the ground.

Residents of the Hidden Hills subdivision, in turn, asked the Court of Appeals in their brief filed this month to uphold the Marion County judges ruling that requires the county to fix the dams.

Attorney Anthony Spahr, who represents over 30 of the subdivision's homeowners, wrote that the county has had the means and authority to make improvements to the dams for years because the county has been maintaining roads on top of the structures, but chose not make those improvements.
Brazilian prosecutors charged American journalist Glenn Greenwald with cybercrimes on Tuesday for allegedly spreading cellphone messages "that have embarrassed prosecutors and tarnished the image of an anti-corruption task force," the New York Times reports.

The big picture: Greenwald, who is best known for publishing leaked documents from Edward Snowden about U.S. domestic surveillance, is a co-founder of The Intercept Brazil. The publication has faced attacks from far-right President Jair Bolsonaro after publishing leaked messages about a task force that prosecuted high-profile political figures, including former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Prosecutors allege that Greenwald did more than just receive the leaked messages and played a clear role in facilitating the commission of a crime," per the Times.

Greenwald lives in Brazil and is married to Brazilian politician David Miranda, who lost a bid for a Brazilian congressional seat and has labeled himself as the "antithesis of Bolsonaro."

What he's saying: In a statement to The Daily Beast, Greenwald said: "The Bolsonaro government and the movement that supports it has made repeatedly clear that it does not believe in basic press freedomsfrom Bolsonaro's threats against Folha to his attacks on journalists that have incited violence to Sergio Moros threats from the start to classify us as allies of the hackers for revealing his corruption."

Less than two months ago, the Federal Police, examining all the same evidence cited by the Public Ministry, stated explicitly that not only have I never committed any crime but that I exercised extreme caution as a journalist never even to get close to any participation, he continued. Even the Federal Police under Minister Moro's command said what is clear to any rational person: I did nothing more than do my job as a journalistethically and within the law.

This denunciationbrought by the same prosecutor who just tried and failed to criminally prosecute the head of the Brazilian Bar Association for criticizing Minister Morois an obvious attempt to attack a free press in retaliation for the revelations we reported about Minister Moro and the Bolsonaro government."

Go deeper: Journalist Glenn Greenwald attacked by Brazilian columnist on air
>>> Vietnam records no suspicion of mysterious pneumonia from China: Health ministry

As reported, two Chinese nationals, residents of Wuhan, who had been detected with fever manifestations at Da Nang International Airport, were found negative to nCoV and have been discharged from the hospital. Thus, up until Jan 19, Vietnam has not yet recorded any cases of nCoV.

The MoH has noticed that as several countries in the region have recorded acute pneumonia caused by nCoV, the risk of the disease spreading into Vietnam is very possible, especially as the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival approaches.

For that reason, the ministry continues to direct and closely monitor epidemics at border gates and hospitals and in the community to quickly detect any suspected cases for timely treatment, while sending missions to inspect disease prevention and control in localities to ensure that disease prevention work is carried out continuously even during Tet and other festivals at the beginning of the new lunar year.

To proactively prevent acute pneumonia caused by nCoV, the MoH has provided advice for people on how to protect themselves from the virus by warning them to limit contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. If necessary, people should wear surgical masks and keep their distance.

People were also advised to keep warm, maintain personal hygiene, wash their hands with soap and gargle with antiseptic mouthwash to prevent pneumonia, the ministry said.

The ministry also recommended that people cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or handkerchief, to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions, as well as to limit close contact with animals or wildlife.

The MoH also suggested that people in the city who had returned from Wuhan, or had close contact with a person with pneumonia, in the last 14 days should visit their nearest health centre for examination and treatment if they show any signs of fever, coughing or shortness of breath.

The move came after the ministry said that Wuhan  the capital of Chinas Hubei Province  had admitted 59 people to hospital with an unidentified form of pneumonia, including 45 cases of acute pneumonia caused by nCoV, and 41 of them tested positive for nCoV.

Chinese health officials on Monday morning confirmed the third fatality from acute pneumonia caused by nCoV. China also recorded three more patients with nCoV pneumonia, with two in Beijing and one in Guangdong.

According to the Wuhan Health Department's announcement on January 20, by Sunday evening, the locality had recorded 198 cases of acute pneumonia caused by nCoV, including three deaths, 44 in critical condition and 25 cases of recovery and discharge.

In other countries in Asia, there have been some cases of nCoV-induced acute pneumonia, including two in Thailand (both are residents from Wuhan traveling in Thailand) and one in Japan (a Japanese returning from Wuhan who had contact with patients with acute pneumonia there).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission so far.
Aedes mosquitoes feeding from Platanthera flowers. Credit: Kiley Riffell

Without their keen sense of smell, mosquitoes wouldn't get very far. They rely on this sense to find a host to bite and spots to lay eggs.

And without that sense of smell, mosquitoes could not locate their dominant source of food: nectar from flowers.

"Nectar is an important source of food for all mosquitoes," said Jeffrey Riffell, a professor of biology at the University of Washington. "For male mosquitoes, nectar is their only food source, and female mosquitoes feed on nectar for all but a few days of their lives."

Yet scientists know little about the scents that draw mosquitoes toward certain flowers, or repel them from others. This information could help develop less toxic and better repellents, more effective traps and understand how the mosquito brain responds to sensory informationincluding the cues that, on occasion, lead a female mosquito to bite one of us.

Riffell's team, which includes researchers at the UW, Virginia Tech and UC San Diego, has discovered the chemical cues that lead mosquitoes to pollinate a particularly irresistible species of orchid. As they report in a paper published online Dec. 23 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the orchid produces a finely balanced bouquet of chemical compounds that stimulate mosquitoes' sense of smell. On their own, some of these chemicals have either attractive or repressive effects on the mosquito brain. When combined in the same ratio as they're found in the orchid, they draw in mosquitoes as effectively as a real flower. Riffell's team also showed that one of the scent chemicals that repels mosquitoes lights up the same region of the mosquito brain as DEET, a common and controversial mosquito repellant.

An Aedes mosquito with pollen sacs on its eyes feeding from Platanthera flowers. Credit: Kiley Riffell

Their findings show how environmental cues from flowers can stimulate the mosquito brain as much as a warm-blooded hostand can draw the mosquito toward a target or send it flying the other direction, said Riffell, who is the senior author of the study.

The blunt-leaf orchid, or Platanthera obtusata, grows in cool, high-latitude climates across the Northern Hemisphere. From field stations in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington state, Riffell's team verified past research showing that local mosquitoes pollinate this species, but not its close relatives that grow in the same habitat. When researchers covered the flowers with bagsdepriving the mosquitoes of a visual cue for the flowerthe mosquitoes would still land on the bagged flowers and attempt to feed through the canvas.Orchid scent obviously attracted the mosquitoes. To find out why, Riffell's team turned to the individual chemicals that make up the blunt-leaf orchid's scent.

"We often describe 'scent' as if it's one thinglike the scent of a flower, or the scent of a person," said Riffell. "Scent is actually a complex combination of chemicalsthe scent of a rose consists of more than 300and mosquitoes can detect the individual types of chemicals that make up a scent."

Riffell describes the blunt-leaf orchid's scent as a grassy or musky odor, while its close relatives have a sweeter fragrance. The team used gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy to identify dozens of chemicals in the scents of the Platanthera species. Compared to its relatives, the blunt-leaf orchid's scent contained high amounts of a compound called nonanal, and smaller amounts of another chemical, lilac aldehyde.

The researchers used bags placed over the orchids to collect samples of their scents in the field. Credit: Kiley Riffell

Riffell's team also recorded the electrical activity in mosquito antennae, which detect scents. Both nonanal and lilac aldehyde stimulated antennae of mosquitoes that are native to the blunt-leaf orchid's habitat. But these compounds also stimulated the antennae of mosquitoes from other regions, including Anopheles stephensi, which spreads malaria, and Aedes aegypti, which spreads dengue, yellow fever, Zika and other diseases.

Experiments of mosquito behavior showed that both native and non-native mosquitoes preferred a solution of nonanal and lilac aldehyde mixed in the same ratio as found in blunt-leaf flowers. If the researchers omitted lilac aldehyde from the recipe, mosquitoes lost interest. If they added more lilac aldehydeat levels found in the blunt-leaf orchid's close relativesmosquitoes were indifferent or repelled by the scent.

Using techniques developed in Riffell's lab, they also peered directly into the brains of Aedes increpitus mosquitoes, which overlap with blunt-leaf orchids, and a genetically modified strain of Aedes aegypti previously developed by Riffell and co-author Omar Akbari, an associate professor at UC San Diego. They imaged calcium ionssignatures of actively firing neuronsin the antenna lobe, the region of the mosquito brain that processes signals from the antennae.

These brain imaging experiments revealed that nonanal and lilac aldehyde stimulate different parts of the antenna lobeand even compete with one another when stimulated: The region that responds to nonanal can suppress activity in the region that responds to lilac aldehyde, and vice versa. Whether this "cross talk" makes a flower attractive or repelling to the mosquito likely depends on the amounts of nonanal and lilac aldehyde in the original scent. Blunt-leaf orchids have a ratio that attracts mosquitoes, while closely related species do not, according to Riffell.

Using a gas chromatogram to separate the individual chemicals that make up a flowers scent while simultaneously recording electrical activity from a mosquitos antenna to see which chemicals stimulate the mosquitos antenna. Credit: Kiley Riffell

"Mosquitoes are processing the ratio of chemicals, not just the presence or absence of them," said Riffell. "This isn't just important for flower discriminationit's also important for how mosquitoes discern between you and I. Human scent is very complex, and what is probably important for attracting or repelling mosquitoes is the ratio of particular chemicals. We know that some people get bit more than others, and maybe a difference in ratio explains why."

The team also discovered that lilac aldehyde stimulates the same region of the antenna lobe as DEET. That region may process "repressive" scents, though further research would need to verify this, said Riffell. It's too soon to tell if lilac aldehyde may someday be an effective mosquito repellant. But if it is, there is an added bonus.

"It smells wonderful," said Riffell.

Explore further Orchids mimic human body odor to attract mosquitoes

More information: Chloe Lahondere et al, The olfactory basis of orchid pollination by mosquitoes, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Chloe Lahondere et al, The olfactory basis of orchid pollination by mosquitoes,(2019). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1910589117
We remember Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the Civil Rights movement today. I just heard that many members of the King family and the Kennedy family are requesting that an investigation be opened (re-opened) into the assassinations of JFK, MLK Jr, RFK, and Malcolm X. It would be about time we finally learned the truth about why these men were deemed too powerful or too controversial for their time and who arranged their assassinations. Anyway, when I taught government and politics, I stressed the writings of Martin Luther King. To phrase the civil rights movement for blacks as cashing in on a promissory note that had been denied them for too long was brilliant and perfect. I think his letters from a Birmingham jail are the most compelling. I read them and I wonder why it took so long (100 years) for society to treat black people with the dignity and equality they deserve. Equality was enshrined, by letter and spirit, in the Reconstruction era amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th), adopted in the years shortly after the end of the War of Northern Aggression, but it took a man like Martin Luther King Jr, with his charisma and passion, his intellect, his articulation of man's injustice to his fellow man, and his call for peaceful protest that finally convinced national leaders to end the segregation that instinctively taught and reinforced that persons of different skin color were inherently different and unequal.I'm glad God blessed Martin Luther King with the voice and the messaging, and the passion and fortitude to lead his people to the promised land. I just pray that we move forward from this current era where certain people and groups believe that everything you need to know about a person can be gleaned from his or her skin color. If people truly believe that, then much of MLK's legacy is already forgotten.On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I hope everyone will read the following excerpt from King's letter from a Birmingham jail to understand the depths to which blacks were mistreated and burdened with second-class treatment. King's life was cut short , just as great men before him who dared to challenge the existing order and politics have been assassinated. We can only imagine what other great things he would have gone on to do and what other great writings he would have contributed.Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day !!
DAVOS, Switzerland  Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg told policymakers at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday that time is running out to effectively tackle an intensifying climate crisis. Speaking during a panel session entitled "Forging a Sustainable Path Towards a Common Future," the 17-year-old cited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report from 2018 as she delivered remarks to a packed audience. The IPCC report states the remaining carbon budget would need to fall below 570 gigatons of carbon dioxide in the coming years if the world is to have a 67% chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. "With today's emissions levels, the remaining budget is gone in less than eight years," Thunberg said. "These aren't anyone's views. This is the science." "I've been repeating these numbers at nearly every speech I've given for the last 18 months." "I know you don't want to talk about this," Thunberg continued, before adding that she intends to keep repeating herself until the appropriate action is taken.

Her comments come as policymakers and business leaders arrived in Switzerland for the start of the WEF's four-day annual conference, with those in attendance scheduled to focus on the intensifying climate crisis. The event, which is often criticized for being out of touch with the real world, has said it aims to assist governments and international institutions in tracking progress toward the Paris Agreement and the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals. It follows the hottest year on record for the world's oceans, the second-hottest year for global average temperatures, and wildfires from the U.S. to the Amazon to Australia.

'Pretty much nothing has been done'
Registered vendors can access bids, related documents, addendum and award information.

The Dominion Water & Sanitation District announced it has joined the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System and will be publishing and distributing upcoming bid opportunities on the system. BidNets Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System connects 248 participating agencies from across Colorado and Wyoming in one central location: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. The Purchasing Group provides a transparent bid process through which the bid is available to all vendors at the same time.

The Dominion Water & Sanitation District joined the purchasing group in January. The Dominion Water & Sanitation District will utilize the system to streamline the purchasing process including bid management, bid distribution and vendor relations. The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a single, online location for managing sourcing information and activities and provides 248 local government agencies the tools needed to have a transparent bid process while minimizing costs and saving time.

The Purchasing Group expands an agencys vendor pool and enhances vendor competition without increasing distribution costs. In addition to the existing vendors on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, all vendors looking to do business with the Dominion Water & Sanitation District can register online at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. The Dominion Water & Sanitation District invites all interested bidders to register today.

Registered vendors can access open bids, related documents and files, additional addendum and award information from all participating agencies. In addition, the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their industry, all addenda and advance notification of expiring term contracts.

With one click, the Dominion Water & Sanitation District can now see how many vendors match a specific opportunity, how many have downloaded documents, responded and more. The Dominion Water & Sanitation District also has its own, branded page on the public side of the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System in which tax payers can view all closed bids and any awarded information.

Vendors may register on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado. BidNets vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2.

Other local State government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution.

About Dominion Water & Sanitation District:

Dominion is a special district providing wholesale water, wastewater and stormwater services to Northwest Douglas County. Spanning over 33,000 acres, Dominion has developed a regionally integrated, comprehensive delivery system that brings renewable water and access to centralized wastewater service to the region.

About Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System:

The Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System is a part of BidNets regional purchasing groups available at no cost to local government agencies throughout the country. With years of input from procurement professionals, BidNet specifically developed the bid system to fill the need for a robust bid and supplier management solution for local government agencies. BidNet runs regional purchasing groups across all 50 states that are used by over 1,300 local governments. To learn more and have your government agency gain better transparency and efficiency in purchasing, please visit https://www.bidnetdirect.com/buyers


The local news crisis is hitting major cities across America, proving that big papers aren't immune from the financial pressures that are causing a near collapse of hundreds of local outlets across the country. In some case, their problems are harder to solve.

Driving the news: In a desperate plea for help, two investigative reporters at The Chicago Tribune penned a New York Times editorial Sunday, foreshadowing signs of major cuts at the 173-year-old paper, following its acquisition by Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund known for cutting journalists at local papers to maximize profits.

"In a signal of what may happen in Chicago, on Jan. 13, we and other newsroom staff members were offered buyouts," writes The Chicago Tribune's David Jackson and Gary Marx.

"Now, we are bracing for the sight of colleagues with decades of experience walking out with cardboard boxes in their arms and tears streaming down their faces."

Jackson and Marx are referencing steep cuts to the Denver Post, a paper that was also gobbled up by Alden Global Capital.

The trend is spreading across the country. Just two days before their colleagues at the Chicago Tribune penned that op-ed, a reporter at the Orlando Sentinel also detailed a similar experience of being offered a string of buyouts to encourage senior journalists to leave. The Orlando Sentinel, as part of the Tribune chain, is also owned by Alden Global Capital.

The big picture: Cuts to big-city papers around the country are happening parallel to an increase in ownership of newspapers by hedge funds and private equity firms that have absorbed the entities to find synergies and potentially make some cash.

A study released in 2018 by the University of North Carolinas School of Media and Journalism found that newspaper sales and closures/mergers via the seven largest newspaper investment owners have increased over the past five years, as big hedge firms or private equity groups based in large cities take over.

Between the lines: Large city and regional papers often compete with national papers, like The New York Times or The Washington Post, for subscribers, because national outlets often cover topics that appeal to city populations or coastal elites.

The New York Times, which is publicly traded but family-controlled via a dual-stock structure, and The Washington Post, which is owned by Jeff Bezos, are considered two of the only big success stories in newspaper turnarounds in the country.

For example, The Times said last week that it surpassed its goal set in 2014 of doubling its annual digital revenue to $800 million by 2020, a full year ahead of schedule in 2019.

Be smart: Even some national titles owned by billionaires or well-off families, are struggling.

The Seattle Times, which is majority-owned by Frank Blethen and his family, is facing dozens of layoffs as the paper prepares to close its main printing plant this week.

which is majority-owned by Frank Blethen and his family, is facing dozens of layoffs as the paper prepares to close its main printing plant this week. The Los Angeles Times, which was purchased by billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong in 2018, hasn't been able to turn its paper into a digital success. The L.A. Times missed its subscriber goals for the first half of this year and reported having 170,000 digital-only subscribers as of July 2019, a fraction of other national rivals, like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Go deeper: Cities are turning into news deserts
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Drawing parallels between the CAA and the citizenship rules in Nazi-ruled Germany, actor and activist Prakash Raj urged citizens to not waver from their protests, to speak up and carry on peacefully.

Prakash Raj who was speaking at a protest meeting organised by Young Indian National Coordination Committee against NRC, CAA and NPR, said, The same thing happened in Germany when Hitler brought in citizenship rules. People were silent then. And you know what happened after that. This is not the time to be silent. We have to question.

He urged protesters to be peaceful and said that it was in BJPs favour if the protests turned violent. He also took a dig at PM Narendra Modis Pariksha Pe Charcha event and asked him to show his degree first.

He asked, Do you know? There is a huge joke going around. Today those who are asking for documents, do not have proof of their educational degrees. And they are the same people doing Pariksha pe Charcha.

Our Prime Minister, the uneducated, has added another lie to his string of lies. He has said that he has political science degree. However, he will not show documents. To him I want to say, not to worry. This countrys educated youngsters will teach you political science and remove you, he said as a 1,000-strong crowd gathered at Dharna Chowk on Monday.

Prakash Raj further said that if Modi were to make a register for uneducated employees, he would readily show his documents. However, for NRC and NPR, he appealed to citizens not to show their documents.

Awareness session on CAA tomorrow an awareness session for women regarding NRC/CAA/NPR will be held in Tolichowki on Tuesday. A silent protest is also on the anvil and musicians and artists have been invited for resistance through art. The Shaheen Bagh- inspired event will be held at Suryanagar Colony from 10 am onwards and conclude on Wednesday
Preclinical data demonstrate efficacy of MKK4 inhibitors in liver regeneration and experimental acute and chronic liver disease models

TUBINGEN, Germany, January 21, 2020 / B3C newswire / -- HepaRegeniX GmbH, a preclinical stage company developing a novel therapy for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases today announced the closing of its Series B financing round in excess of 11 Mio. with contribution from all its existing investors namely Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund GmbH (BIVF), Novo Holdings A/S, the High-Tech Gruenderfonds, Coparion and Ascenion.

The proceeds will be used to advance the first MKK4 inhibitor for treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases to the clinics later in 2020. MKK4 (Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase 4) is a key regulator of liver regeneration and suppression of MKK4 unlocks the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes even in severely diseased livers. Over the last 2,5 years, HepaRegeniX focused on discovery of new and proprietary MKK4 inhibitors which led to the identification of several preclinical drug candidates. Results from experimental, clinically relevant disease models further validated the concept that MKK4-inhibition improves the regeneration capacity of hepatocytes in affected organs and provided strong evidence for successful clinical development.

This is an exciting phase for HepaRegeniX to soon advance our first compound into the clinic based on compelling preclinical data for our proprietary MKK4 inhibitor commented Dr. Michael Lutz, CEO of HepaRegeniX. In this regard, we are very proud to have been able to secure this Series B financing round from our current investor base within a very short time period.

Prof. Dr. Johannes Zanzinger from BIVF, concluded on behalf of all investors, "HepaRegeniX with its unique therapeutic concept around acute and chronic liver diseases represents a company with significant potential. This Series B round together with the recent appointment of Michael Lutz as CEO will substantially help to clinically validate the underlying concept and deliver novel and proprietary orally available small molecule kinase inhibitors with significant potential in the field of liver regeneration".





About HepaRegeniX GmbH

Since its inception in 2017, HepaRegeniX has successfully discovered and developed several preclinical drug candidates for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases based on a novel proprietary molecular target Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase 4. MKK4 is a key regulator of liver regeneration and suppression of MKK4 unlocks the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes even in severely diseased livers. This new and unique therapeutic concept for the treatment of liver diseases was discovered by Prof. Lars Zender and his research group at the University Hospital Tubingen, Germany. Investors in HepaRegeniX include the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF), Novo Holdings A/S, Coparion, High-Tech Gruenderfonds and Ascenion GmbH.

Contact

HepaRegeniX GmbH

Dr Michael Lutz

Chief Executive Officer

+49 7071 639 6731

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Keywords: Liver Regeneration; Liver Diseases; Hepatocytes; Investments; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical

Published by B3C newswire and shared through Newronic


In a significant move, the on Tuesday shortlisted two Indian shipyards and five foreign defence majors for the Rs 50,000 crore project to build six conventional submarines in India for the Navy besides approving military procurement worth Rs 5,100 crore.

The shortlisted Indian entities to construct the submarines, being billed as one of biggest 'Make in India' projects, are L&T group and state-owned Mazagaon Docks Ltd (MDL), official sources said.

Adani Defence, which was a strong contender for the project, named as P-75 I, failed to make the cut following a detailed evaluation of eligibility criteria by a high-powered committee, they said.

The mega project is being implemented under the ambitious strategic partnership model under which select private firms are being roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with original equipment maker.

The decisions on the submarine project and procurement of military equipment were taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister and attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat.

The five global defence majors selected by the committee for the P-75I project included - ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany), Navantia (Spain) and Naval Group (France).

Within the next six weeks, the will issue RFP (request for proposal) to MDL and L&T and the two firms will have to submit their detailed bid within 3-4 months after receiving the document.

Both L&T and MDL will have to select a foreign partner out of the five shortlisted entities.

"The DAC approved shortlisting of Indian strategic partners (SP) and the potential original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that would collaborate with SPs to construct six conventional submarines in India," the said in a statement.

It said strategic partner is expected to play a "transformational role" in building an eco-system in the country, comprising development entities, specialised vendors and suppliers.

The Indian Navy plans to acquire 24 new submarines, including six nuclear attack submarines to bolster its underwater fighting capability.

The defence ministry also said the DAC accorded approval for procurement of equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources.

These include sophisticated electronic warfare systems for the Army designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured locally by the Indian industry.

Officials said the systems will be used in deserts and plains and will provide comprehensive electronic support and counter measure capabilities to the field formations.

"The DAC also approved prototype testing of trawl assemblies designed by DRDO for T-72 and T-90 tanks providing an important indigenous de-mining capability to the Army," said the ministry.

It said the DAC also accorded approval for inclusion of innovations for defence excellence (iDEX) in defence procurement procedure which would provide for avenues to startups and innovators wanting to be associated in military supplies.

It was the first meeting of the DAC after appointment of the Chief of the Defence Staff.

"Today's decisions are also in keeping with the mandate given to the CDS and the newly-constituted Department of Military Affairs to promote use of indigenous hardware by the services," the defence ministry said.
Agreement signed on construction of last section of Rikoti Road

By Natalia Kochiashvili

The Roads Department has signed a contract for the construction of the last, fourth section of Rikoti Road, a mountain pass that divides Georgia into its eastern and western parts.The contract was signed with a joint venture - Guizhou Highway Engineering Group and China National Technical Import and Export Corporation - for the construction of the Shorapani-Argveta (F4) section.The agreement was signed by First Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Chairman of Roads Department Irakli Karseladze, Deputy General Manager of Guizhou Highway Engineering Group Mu Jingwei and Deputy General Manager of China National Technical Import and Export Corporation Yang Bing.According to the Ministry of Regional Development, the development of the Shorapani-Argveta section of Rikoti Road is financed by the Asia Development Bank by GEL 582 777 310.14.7 km 4-lane cement-concrete road, 14 bridges, and 12 tunnels will be built on this section and it will take 3 years to complete the works. The 14.7km Shorapani-Argveta section of the road will make it easier for drivers to cross mountainous sections, ravines, and rivers. Currently, the construction works on two sections of Rikoti Road are underway, and mobilization activities have started in one section.The ministry notes that more than 5,000 people will be employed on the construction of the Rikoti Pass road and 80 percent of those employed will be local residents of Georgia.A total of 51.6 km of road is planned to be constructed at Rikoti Pass, covering 96 bridges and 53 tunnels.The modernisation of the Rikoti road section is crucial for the development of the country's road network and its compliance with modern standards. Upgrading Rikoti will increase the speed and transit capacity of the highway, improve the safety of traffic and reduce travel time, said the ministry.Ultimately, the Rikoti Pass is supposed to reduce the distance of the East-West Corridor by 30 kilometers, and travel time from the Red Bridge to Sarpi will be cut to 4-4.5 hours instead of 8 hours.Bidding company GHEC was founded in 1958 and has 61 years of experience in the construction of roads, bridges, and tunnels. In recent years, the company has built more than 6,000 kilometers of roads, 1,200 bridges, and tunnels. The company has extensive experience in building bridges and tunnels in mountainous areas. China National Technical Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC) was founded in 1952. It has imported key technologies and equipment for more than 7,000 projects for over 65 years.After the meeting, Karseladze spoke of the construction of a new railway and road to Anaklia, which is not on the agenda at this stage due to the termination of the contract with Anaklia Development Consortium on January 9.The construction of the road and the railway was the obligation that the state had to build specifically for this contract and for this port, he explained, adding that in 2018-2019 very important projects have been implemented on the existing road and the population of Anaklia has no problem of movement and communication at all.This year we are planning to rehabilitate another section of Zugdidi-Anaklia road. Consequently, there is a need for a port in order for us to build a new road. Otherwise, there is a good road for the population of Ganmukhuri, Anaklia already, Karseladze commented.
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Berlin, January 21, 2020  Greek authorities should quickly and thoroughly investigate an attack on reporter Thomas Jacobi by protesters in Athens and bring those responsible to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

On January 19, at a demonstration staged by right-wing groups against the Greek governments refugee policy in Athens, a group of about 10 unidentified men approached the journalist, asked if he was Thomas Jacobi, and when he said yes, proceeded to knock him down and beat him for several minutes, according to a report by German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The men destroyed Jacobis mobile phone and took his recorder, according to that report.

A group of journalists intervened to stop the beating, according Deutsche Welle. Jacobi, a German national, was hospitalized after the attack for a head injury, and was later released, according to that report and German daily Der Tagesspiegel.

Police have opened an investigation into the attack, according to news reports.

Greek authorities must thoroughly investigate the targeted assault of journalist Thomas Jacobi and ensure that he can continue his reporting without fear, said CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Gulnoza Said in New York. Journalists must be free to cover protests and right-wing groups safely, and police must take their responsibility to protect the press seriously.

On January 20, 2019, supporters of the far-right Golden Dawn political party similarly attacked Jacobi at a protest in Athens, as CPJ reported at the time. Jacobi, a freelance reporter who contributes to Deutsche Welle and French newspaper La Croix, co-produced a documentary on Golden Dawn in 2016 and is currently working on a sequel, according to the Deutsche Welle report, which noted that Jacobi was not working for the German broadcaster at the time of the most recent attack.

CPJ emailed the Hellenic Police Press Office for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW), announced today that Genworth Holdings, Inc. ("Genworth Holdings"), its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, has completed the redemption of all $397 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 7.700% Senior Notes (the "Notes") due 2020. Cash used for the redemption was approximately $409 million, which included the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date of January 19, 2020.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a Fortune 500 insurance holding company committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and address the financial challenges of aging through its leadership positions in mortgage insurance and long-term care insurance. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Genworth traces its roots back to 1871 and became a public company in 2004. For more information, visit genworth.com.

From time to time, Genworth releases important information via postings on its corporate website. Accordingly, investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. Enrollment information is found under the "Investors" section of genworth.com. From time to time, Genworth's publicly traded subsidiary, Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia Limited, separately releases financial and other information about its operations. This information can be found at http://www.genworth.com.au.

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Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, BJP's Vijender Gupta and Congress's Arvinder Singh Lovely are among over 600 candidates in fray for next month's Delhi Assembly polls.

On the last day of filing of nomination, nearly 200 candidates, including Kejriwal, filed their papers. With a long queue at the New Delhi returning officer's office at the Jamnagar House in central Delhi, Kejriwal had to wait for over six hours for his turn.

According to information shared by the Delhi CEO Office, till 9 pm, 592 nominations were received on Tuesday for 55 constituencies.

"The total number of nominations at this time stands at 1,353. The number will be updated as and when the documents are processed," a senior official of the Delhi CEO Office said.

The scene at the nomination offices across the national capital was chaotic as candidates, flanked by their supporters, rushed to file their papers on the last day.

Nominations for some seats were announced as late as Tuesday morning, hours before the deadline to file the papers ended.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the announced candidates for 10 seats, while the declared candidature for five seats around 10.40 am.

At the Jamnagar House, where 66 candidates queued up for filing papers, Kejriwal was seen waiting to file his nomination for the New Delhi Assembly seat.

"Waiting to file my nomination. My token no is 45. There are many people here to file nomination papers. Am so glad so many people participating in democracy," Kejriwal said before his turn came.

AAP leaders claimed that 35 candidates with incomplete papers were insisting that they will not allow the chief minister to file unless their nominations are taken care of and alleged a "conspiracy".

A statement issued in the evening by the office of the Delhi CEO said, "Today being the last date for nomination, there was a huge rush of candidates. Since 3 pm was the deadline, a total of 66 candidates presented before the New Delhi constituencies Returning Officer.

"Due to the huge rush, the nomination process has taken time beyond 3 pm," it added.

In the battle for supremacy for the 70 seats, the AAP has been wooing the voters through host of populist schemes.

Kejriwal has guaranteed free bus ride for students, deployment of mohalla marshals for women security, 24-hour supply of power and clean piped water to every household and reducing pollution to one-third.

He said schemes like free 200 units of electricity, 20,000 litres of water and healthcare services will continue for the next five years if his party is voted to power again and also promised basic infrastructure in unauthorised colonies as well as "a pukka house for all slum dwellers".

"On one hand - BJP, JD(U), LJP, JJP, Congress, RJD. On the other - school, hospital, water, electricity, free bus travel for women. My aim - to defeat corruption and take Delhi forward, their aim- to defeat me," he said in a tweet.

The AAP has given tickets to 46 of its sitting MLAs besides 15 new faces. It has also fielded Raghav Chadha (Rajinder Nagar), Dilip Pandey (Timarpur), Atishi (Kalkaji), the trio who had unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP, on the other hand, has been attempting to repeat its 2019 Lok Sabha performance where it won all seven seats with huge margins.

The saffron party has said it will contest the polls under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It has put its bet on experienced candidates and works of the party led government at the Centre, including bills like the Citizenship Amendment Act. Among the 67 candidates, over 30 are former legislators or have contested the assembly elections in the past.

In this election, the has accommodated its allies and given tickets to the JD(U) and Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Jan Shakti Party. However, its old ally the Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday had announced that it will not be in the fray owing its differences over the CAA.



"Modi government has done many path breaking works for the people living in unauthorised colonies and slums, besides coming up with peripheral expressways to reduce pollution in the city. On the other hand, the AAP whose government stalled schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojna," Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari said.

Banking on a mix of young and experienced candidates, the Congress, which drew a blank in the 2015 assembly elections, is looking to revive its fortunes in the polls by projecting the "good works" of the Sheila Dikshit government which led to "prosperous Delhi".

For the first time, the party has firmed up an alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD which will contest four assembly seats that have have a sizeable Poorvanchali population - Burari, Kirari, Uttam Nagar and Palam.

Delhi chief Subhash Chopra said his party was fully confident of unseating the Arvind Kejriwal-led in the February 8 election.

Besides Kejriwal, rebel AAP leader Kapil Mishra, who has been fielded from Model Town seat by the BJP, Shivani Chopra, daughter of Delhi Pradesh Shivani Chopra (Kalkaji seat), Delhi BJP spokesperson Tejinder Singh Pal Bagga (Hari Nagar), Congress' Rocky Tuseed (Rajinder Nagar) filed their candidature on Tuesday.

Before filing his nomination, Mishra also took out a road show which saw participation of Chandni Chowk MP and Union minister Harsh Vardhan.

Candidates can withdraw their nomination until Friday, January 24. The nomination papers will be scrutinised on Wednesday.
Bangalore: Uber has sold its online food-ordering business in India to local rival Zomato in exchange for a 9.99% stake in the startup backed by China`s Ant Financial, limiting its exposure to a crowded market where it has struggled to grow.

The all-stock deal is likely to push Zomato to the top position in India`s food delivery market, ahead of Swiggy, which counts China`s Tencent Holdings as an investor.

Zomato - valued at around $3 billion after raising money from Alibaba affiliate Ant this month - said Uber Eats in India will discontinue operations, and direct restaurants, delivery partners and users to the Zomato platform from Tuesday.

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"India remains an exceptionally important market to Uber and we will continue to invest in growing our local Rides business," said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber`s chief executive officer.

Uber Eats in India accounted for 3% of the business` gross bookings globally, but more than a quarter of its adjusted EBITDA loss in the first three quarters of 2019, the US ride-hailing firm said.

Uber Eats, which also pulled out of South Korea earlier this year, said it will continue to operate in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

While this is the first large acquisition in the Indian online food delivery market, deal activity has been heating up globally.

Earlier this month Dutch firm Takeaway.com pipped investment company Prosus to buy Britain`s Just Eat for 6.2 billion pounds ($8.1 billion). In December, Germany`s Delivery Hero agreed to buy South Korea`s top food delivery app owner Woowa Brothers for $4 billion.
Sen. Bong Revilla: Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital to cater better services to wider clientele

Sen. Bong Revilla on Tuesday expressed high hopes that the formal turnover of supervision and control of the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital from the City Government of Bacoor to the Department of Health will improve health and medical services, and cater to a wider clientele especially the marginalized sector.

The veteran legislator also complimented incumbent Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla and Cavite 2nd District Representative Strike Revilla for ensuring the smooth operation of the district hospital utilizing funds from the local government unit.

He likewise commended the two officials for pushing the passage of Republic Act 11233 upgrading the Bacoor District Hospital to a Level III General Hospital, to be known as the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital, under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Health.

"Kasabay niyan, tuloy-tuloy na itinulak ni Mayor Lani at Congressman Strike sa Kongreso ang pagpapalawak nito to a 100-bed hospital ran by the DOH. At dahil sa pagtutulungan na 'yan, nandito na tayo ngayon," Revilla said.

"Sinigurado po natin na may nakalaan na additional budget ito sa 2020 General Appropriations Act para sa pagbili ng karagdagang lupa at pagtatayo ng karagdagang pasilidad ng hospital. Lalo pa nating pagagandahin at palalawakin ang serbisyo ng ating ospital," the senator added.

Level III is the highest category among general hospitals in the Philippines according to the guidelines set by the DOH. A hospital under this category offers high-level specialty in Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Surgery. It must also have Dialysis Treatment Facilities, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Ambulatory Surgical Clinic, Blood Bank, a DOH-licensed tertiary clinical laboratory with standard equipment/reagents/supplies necessary for the performance of hispathology examination, and a DOH-licensed level 3 imaging facility with interventional radiology.

Prior to the establishment of the Southern Tagalog Regional Hospital, there is only one DOH hospital in CALABARZON located in Batangas Province.
: The Kerala Government on Tuesday said it would take all steps to ensure that the mortal remains of eight Keralite tourists,who died at a resort at Nepal, are brought to the state as early as possible.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed "deep grief" over the incident, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said.

On the basis of the directions given by the Chief Minister, NORKA (Non Resident Keralite Affairs) officials have got in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal.

The bodies are expected to be brought to the state tomorrow after post-mortem, the statement added.

The eight tourists, including four minor children, died on Tuesday after they fell unconscious due to a possible gas leak in their room at a resort in Nepal, according to a media report in that nation.

The deceased - two couples and four children - were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountainous tourist destination.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An Illinois 0ff-duty police officer was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Berwyn Police Department.

The accident happened around 6 a.m. on Sunday, north of U.S. Route 30.

Officer Charles Schauer, 33, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Joliet off-duty police officer Erin Zilka, reported Fox 32 Chicago.

Zilka, 35, was allegedly driving under the influence when she crashed a 2019 Dodge Durango into a box truck that had been blocking two right lanes of traffic due to an earlier crash with a pickup truck.

The subject from the Dodge Durango was not breathinganother subject was unconscious and another accident happened right in the area, said an officer at the scene, reported ABC7 Chicago.

Elizabeth Hock, a witness at the scene, said Zilka was at a loss of what to do. She just said Hes not moving. Hes not moving. I dont know what to do. I dont know what to do, Hock told ABC7 Chicago. Well, then she had asked me to try to get the car off of the gentleman. I said I cant do stuff like that. Thats the fire departments job.

Schauer, a 10-year veteran of the Berwyn Police Department, was pronounced dead at the scene and Zilka was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

She has been charged with misdemeanor DUI and driving too fast for the road conditions, according to ABC7 Chicago, and was released after posting bail. Zilkas attorney, Jeff Tomczak, said his clients blood was below the legal limit, citing Illinois State Police. He said that Zilka was unable to see the crash ahead of her because it was still dark out, adding that she is devastated.

Zilka has been a police officer for 12 years, serving for six years in Shorewood and another six with the Joliet Police Department. Tomczak describe his client as just a good police officer, noting she has a good record.

Following the news of the accident, the Berwyn Police Department released the following statement: The City of Berwyn Police Department is grieving the loss of a well-respected Police Officer, Charles Schauer, a ten year veteran. Officer Schauer was a passenger in a vehicle that was in an auto accident in Will County. The accident investigation is being conducted by the Illinois State Police. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schauer family during this time of need.

Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero also released a statement on Sunday, writing in a Facebook post: It is with great sadness that I share that we lost a member of the Berwyn Police Department. Officer Chuck Schauer was a passenger in car involved in a tragic traffic accident this morning. Please keep Officer Schauers family and friends, as well as all Berwyn police officers in your thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.

Officer Schauers family has asked for privacy, according to ABC7 Chicsgo.
Disgraced attorney Michael Avenatti is being held in El Chapo's former cell after being transferred from a California jail to the notorious Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.

Avenatti's lawyers told a judge he is being held in solitary confinement on 24-hour lock-down at the prison where Jeffrey Epstein was also found hanged.

'He is in a cell reportedly once occupied by El Chapo, on a floor that houses individuals charged with terrorism offenses,' Avenatti's lawyer Scott Srebnick wrote on Monday.

Avenatti, 48, renowned for representing porn star Stormy Daniels, is being detained without bail for allegedly extorting up to $25million from Nike.

Disgraced attorney Michael Avenatti is being held in El Chapo's former cell after being transferred from a California jail to the notorious Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan on Saturday

'He is in a cell reportedly once occupied by El Chapo, on a floor that houses individuals charged with terrorism offenses,' Avenatti's lawyer Scott Srebnick wrote on Monday

Srebnick told the judge: 'The temperature in his cell feels like it is in the mid-40s. He is forced to sleep with three blankets. Not surprisingly, he has been having great difficulty functioning.'

There is an officer posted outside his cell door at all times and two cameras trained on the door, the counsel said.

Avenatti was moved on Saturday morning and his lawyers visited him on both days over the weekend.

Srebnick claims that the lock-down conditions are such that Aveanatti is unable to communicate and 'we cannot effectively prepare for trial.'

Avenatti was arrested by IRS agents last week during a state bar hearing where he faced suspension of his license to practice for allegedly stealing from a client.

Avenatti is being held in a cell at the MCC which used to hold drug kingpin El Chapo (pictured), and under conditions usually reserved for terrorists, his lawyer claims

He was collared during a break in his testimony.

Srebnick wrote to the New York judge that Avenatti had been jailed for unspecified 'financial transactions' and over claims he posed an 'economic danger.'

Avenatti had been free on an unsecured $300,000 surety bond that required he not commit any crimes.

The alleged new crimes follow a pattern of misconduct since 2011 and appear to mirror crimes he is charged with committing in a 36-count indictment, prosecutors said.

Avenatti faces trial in May in California for dozens of charges alleging he defrauded clients of millions of dollars, stiffed the IRS and committed bank fraud.

He has pleaded not guilty to those charges, along with the Nike extortion allegations in New York.

Avanetti, best known for representing porn actress Stormy Daniels (pictured together in January 2019), is accused of defrauding clients of millions of dollars

In a separate case he is accused of ripping off $300,000 from Daniels, the adult films actress who claimed to have had an affair with Donald Trump.

The arrest of Avenatti marks a new low for the attorney who was flying high a year ago while in the spotlight championing Daniels' case against the President.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, went to court to tear up a $130,000 hush money deal she said she made to cover up an affair with Trump before he was president.

Although Trump has denied the affair, he chose not to challenge that effort, so she effectively won what she was seeking.

But the president won a judgment for his legal expenses after successfully challenging a related defamation case Daniels brought against him.

Avenatti had positioned himself as a Trump troll of sorts, attacking the president on Twitter frequently, and even flirted with running for president at one point, making appearances in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Despite losing the Daniels defamation case, Avenatti had claimed he would eventually prevail and win her even larger lawyer fee judgement than the nearly $300,000 she owed Trump.

A federal judge has ordered porn star Stormy Daniels to pay President Donald Trump $293,000 in legal fees after earlier dismissing her defamation lawsuit against him. Michael Avenatti represented her in the case

But Daniels hired a new lawyer to take the case, and Avenatti's own criminal legal problems began with his arrest in New York in March.

While free on bond, prosecutors said Avenatti funneled $717,000 from $1million he earned in a legal settlement to an account his first wife set up.

She then returned $500,000 to him and used some of the remaining balance to buy her ex-husband a used Mercedes for $50,000.

Avenatti maintained his membership at Exclusive Resorts, a Colorado-based company billed as as the 'world's elite private vacation club,' according to prosecutors.

He paid over $35,000 to the club last summer and stayed at the club's resorts four times in California, Florida and New York between August and November.

His girlfriend, who is not named in the court papers, also stayed as his guest at one at an Exclusive Resort in Tuscany, Italy, prosecutors said.
ED arrests Robert Vadra's close aide and NRI businessman CC Thampi

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today arrested UAE-based NRI businessman CC Thampi, who is a close aide of Robert Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi and son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Thampi and his three companies, Holiday City Centre, Holiday Properties and Holiday Bekal Resorts were under ED scanner for possible violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act,1999 involving a total of Rs288 crore.

Thampi's name had also cropped up in a case related to London-based property of Robert Vadra and he was interrogated by ED in this case too. His arrest is part of an ongoing investigation involving Vadra in a money laundering case involving assets in the UK.

The ED is investigating some alleged undisclosed transactions detected in the purchase of properties in the UK by people linked to Vadra. After detailed probe, the ED found that Thampi was the person who was involved in routing the kickbacks allegedly to Vadra.

It may be noted that the ED had questioned Thampi in April 2019, too, and it was the discrepancies in statements of Vadra and Thampi that led to the arrest of the latter. Sources said that during his questioning on 6 February 2019, Vadra had informed the ED that he met Thampi on board an Emirates flight.

Thampi, who owns several illegal properties in India and the UAE, is also accused of being involved in several defence deals.
A public interest litigation has been filed in the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) terming it as "arbitrary, unreasonable and violative to the Constitution of India".

The petition was filed by a social worker Urmila Kowe on January 20.

"The Citizenship Amendment Act is violative of the secular nature of the Constitution and is discriminatory," the petition said, adding that the Act covered only a class of minorities and overlooks other persecuted groups.

"The Act is arbitrary, unreasonable, irrational and violative of the fundamental rights of every citizen. The Preamble to the Constitution of India lays down that the State has no religion and there cannot be any discrimination among citizens," the PIL contended.

Kowe's advocate Ashwin Ingole said the petition has sought for a direction to the Maharashtra government to not implement CAA in the state.

The petition is likely to be taken up for hearing on January 22 by a division bench of Justices R K Deshpande and A M Borkar.

The new law aims to give Indian citizenship to Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jain refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Gene Panel Market Overview:

The global gene panel market has the scope to make sure that it achieves a CAGR of 19% between 2018 and 2023, which as per the discussion on Market Research Futures (MRFRs) report is the forecast period. The global market for gene panel is all set to profit from the rising investment from both governments and private bodies, increasing demand for diagnosis, better technological support, the inclusion of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) system, emphasis on research and development sector, and others. Less time consumption is also a major factor but often the process delivers erroneous results, which can pull down the growth rate by preventing institutions from implementing the procedure.

Latest Free Sample PDF Available @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6100

Gene Panel Market Segmentation

Product & service, design application, technique, and end-user are four major segments that have been considered while the experts studied the market for MRFRs report. This is to ensure that the market gets ample opportunities and insights to make sure that players introduce better strategies to increase profitability.

By product & service, the report on the global gene panel market includes test kits and testing services.

By technique, the report on the gene panel market relies on segments like the amplicon-based approach and hybridization-based approach.

By design, the global report on the gene panel market discusses predesigned gene panels and customized gene panels to get a better idea on the market.

By application, the market report on the gene panel industry includes diagnosis of congenital disorders, pharmacogenetics, cancer risk assessment, and other applications. The cancer risk assessment includes high & moderate-penetrance gene panels, high-penetrance gene panels, syndrome-specific gene panels, and comprehensive cancer risk panels.

By the end-user, the market report studying the gene panel industry includes research & academic institutes, diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies.

Gene Panel Market Competitive Landscape:

A lot of important players are taking the cue from major market players and their strategic developments to ensure they are on the right track. The global gene panel market is finding the growth to be very engaging as companies like Illumina, Inc., BGI (China), Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland), Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) (U.S.), Agilent Technologies (U.S.), CENTOGENE AG, QIAGEN (Germany), Eurofins Scientific (U.S.), Personalis (U.S.), GENEWIZ, Novogene Corporation (China), ArcherDx (U.S.), GeneDx., GATC Biotech AG (GATC Biotech) (Germany), and others are showing interest.

In December 2019, Ambry Genetics and Mayo Clinic announced that they have developed a new mutation prevalence tool to assist doctors during the gene panel testing procedure.

Gene Panel Market Regional Analysis:

The Gene Panel Market has the Americas in the lead and this is mostly due to the increasing expenditure in countries like the US and Canada. Both these countries are known for their extensive plans to develop better dynamics for the healthcare sector, which backs the growing demand for infrastructure. In addition, the biotech sector is receiving a financial boost from the companies that are operating from the US. This can be of great benefit to the regional market.

The research sector in Europe is quite supportive and it is getting ample funding from various government and private bodies. Increasing research for chronic diseases like cancer and others are going to make sure that the market receives backup. Various companies are trying to make an impact in the market by capitalizing on these features.

The Asia Pacific market would gain substantial backing from various emerging economies who are spending a great deal to improve their infrastructure and ensure better research and development. The massive population that resides in the region is also showing a huge increase in the number of patients down with chronic diseases. This can boost market growth further. The growth in the Middle East & Africa would be slower than the rest as the region lacks proper exposure to such advanced technologies, financial support, and infrastructure. However, the Middle Eastern market may respond well with countries like Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and others taking initiatives.

Read More @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/gene-panel-market-6100

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MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.

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FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., January 14, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Reuters

President Donald Trump has spent the last several months waging a full-blown war on the impeachment process.

But it doesn't look like he's managed to convince even his own base that the Senate trial now underway is a "hoax" and should be over as quickly as possible.

A new CNN poll found that 48% of GOP voters are in favor of the Senate calling new witnesses to testify during the impeachment trial.

Fewer than this  44%  oppose hearing new witnesses, showing Trump's trouble bringing even his own supporters with him.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

President Donald Trump has spent the last several months waging a full-blown war on his impeachment.

But it doesn't look like he's managed to convince even his own base that the Senate trial now underway really is a "hoax" that should be over as quickly as possible.

A new CNN poll found that a large majority of Americans  69%  think the Senate should call new witnesses to testify during the trial  a key issue which Democrats strongly favor and most Congressional Republicans reject.

Notably, Republican voters are divided on the issue with 48% in favor of calling new witnesses and 44% opposed to hearing new witnesses.

This is a win for Democrats, who are fighting for the Senate trial to include witnesses who weren't heard during the House impeachment process.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delayed transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate for a month, freezing the process while she and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell duked it out over the terms of the trial. Pelosi's central ask is that McConnell allows a vote on whether to call witnesses.

McConnell ultimately refused to guarantee that witnesses will be called, but some swing-state and moderate Republican senators have indicated they might side with Democrats on that point.

It remains to be seen whether Democrats can convince any of their GOP colleagues to defect, giving them the necessary 51 votes to alter the trial rules.

Story continues

A slim majority  51%  of Americans think the Senate should convict and remove the president on the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, according to the poll.

58% believe that Trump abused his office for personal political gain and 57% think he obstructed congressional lawmakers from investigating him.

CNN surveyed 1,156 adults by phone between January 16-19 and the poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BEIJING  When officials in an eastern Chinese city were told to root out uncivilized behavior, they were given a powerful tool to carry out their mission: facial recognition software.

Among their top targets? People wearing pajamas in public.

On Monday, the urban management department of Suzhou, a city of six million people in Anhui Province, sparked outrage online when it published surveillance photos taken by street cameras of seven residents wearing pajamas in public along with parts of their names, government identification numbers and the locations where their uncivilized behavior had taken place.

City officials quickly apologized, but not before stirring nationwide ire over the use of a state-of-the-art digital tool to stamp out a harmless and relatively common practice  an unusual note of resistance in a country where the instruments of digital totalitarianism have spread largely unchecked.

On social media, the Suzhou department publicly called out, among others, a Ms. Dong, a young woman in a plush pink robe, matching pants and orange pointy flats, walking on a street, and a Mr. Niu, who was singled out for donning a black-and-white-checkered full pajama suit in a mall.
Gardai are hunting for a three-man gang who beat a young father of three with an exhaust pipe before dousing him in petrol and setting him on fire.

The 23-year-old remains in a critical condition in hospital and suffered life-threatening injuries after an armed gang broke into his Cork home in the early hours of yesterday morning.

He was beaten over the head in front of his partner, aged in her 20s, and a female teenager at around 4am, in the Dunard area of Mayfield on Cork's northside.

The gang broke into the man's house before carrying out the violent assault during which he was hit several times with the exhaust pipe.

The suspects fled the scene but returned a short time later and doused the victim in petrol before setting him on fire.

Emergency services were alerted and units from the Cork fire service attended the scene.

The young man was rushed to Cork University Hospital.

He suffered serious injuries to his head and upper body during the assault and is also being treated for second- degree burns.

A number of other people were also in the property at the time of the incident.

Gardai are harvesting CCTV footage from the surrounding area as part of their inquiry.

A source told the Irish Independent gardai were satisfied they know who was involved in the crime but no arrests have yet been made.

"This incident is related to a local dispute and detectives are happy they know who the suspects are.

"There was a serious level of violence involved and the young man has suffered life-changing injuries after being set on fire," the source said.

As part of the investigation gardai also identified two vehicles believed to have been used by the gang before and after the break-in.

It's understood these cars have since been seized for a technical examination by officers. The man's car was also targeted in the incident and had its windows smashed while property in the house was also damaged.

Yesterday gardai carried out a technical examination of the home in an effort to recover DNA and other forensic evidence.

The target of the attack has previous convictions for assault and making threats.

This includes a suspended jail term for the assault of a man when he was just a teenager at a Cork pub.

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardai are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at a house in Lotamore, Co Cork, shortly before 4am, January 20, 2020.

"Three men entered the house, armed with a metal object, and assaulted the occupant, a man in his 20s.

"He was taken to Cork University Hospital after suffering apparent burn injuries. His condition is believed to be serious.

"No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing."

Gardai at Mayfield garda station are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 021 455 8510.
Movie Atlantyda of Ukrainian director Valentyn Vasyanovych, who earlier got the Grand Prix of Minsk International Film Festival Listapad, won at the film festival in Norway.

The State Film reported on Facebook, drama got the main award, Aurora of Troms International Film Festival, which took place on January 13-19. 11 movies competed with Atlantyda.

The film says about the post-industrial future, after the return of occupied Donbas to Ukraine. It will be presented in Ukraine in 2020.

As we reported, the premiere of film Nomery (Numbers), based on the play of Oleg Sentsov, would take place within Berlin International Film Festival on February 18. The film will be presented within the special showcase dedicated to the anniversary of the Berlinale.

Earlier, the international trailer of the movie of Iryna Tsilyk The Earth Is Blue As an Orange was published in the social networks.

The world premier will take place on January 24, 2020, in the section of World Documentary Competition of the Sundance Film Festival. The movie of a Ukrainian film director for the first time will be presented in the program of Sundance festival, the biggest festival of independent cinema in the United States.
One of the most compelling statistics to come out of the years-long legal debate in Kansas over how to overhaul its school funding formula was that more than a quarter of Kansas students, most of them poor, black, Latino or English Language Learners, fail to meet the states academic standards.

So when a legislative audit report last month showed that the vast majority of the $400 million in new money Kansas lawmakers each year set aside for those students wasnt actually reaching those students, legislators were livid.

State lawmakers now are debating whether they should make the states board of education and department of education crack down on districts to assure that money is spent as intended, or provide vouchers to poor parents to allow them to transfer to better-performing schools.

The debate in Kansas reflects a larger debate across the country over how to track K-12 spending. Because state departments of education lack sophisticated tools , many legislatures dont have detailed, up-to-date spending data on school districts like they do of other government agencies. A new requirement under the Every Student Succeeds Act that goes into effect this school year requires districts to break out for the general public how money is spent between schools. Because schools differ so starkly by class and race, those data can reveal whether state and federal dollars are being spent as intended.

Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit found that the states at-risk dollars are spent on ineffective programs and what they deemed questionable items such as a projector, postage, food service supplies, an after-prom party, and teen court, according to local media reports. In addition, only a handful of the districts at-risk programs were deemed academically effective by the states department of education.

Getting money to schools in impoverished communities is politically difficult. Because so much K-12 aid is spent on teacher salaries, district administrators have to either move experienced teachers to low-performing schools, lower class sizes, or overhaul their districts school zones so that wealthy white students are placed in classrooms with poor, black, Latino or ELL students so they have access to equal resources. Legislatures can also reapportion tax dollars to impoverished districts, though that tactic gets heavy backlash from wealthy, politically powerful districts.

The federal government just launched another study to track how more than $6 billion of Title I dollars for disadvantaged students are spent, although previous studies have shown that much of the money isnt spent as intended and Congress rarely does anything about it.

Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa .
The new cable car system that goes up to the top of Ba Den Moutain in Tay Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)

Developed by Sun Group, the cable car system, which is part of the Ba Den Mountain Sun World Tourism Area project, was designed by Austrian company Doppelmayr at an estimated cost of 2 trillion VND (86.5 million USD) for the first phase.

With a designed speed of eight metres per second, it can transport 4,400 passengers per hour. Each cabin can accommodate 10 people.

The two-way cable car line 1 extends from the foot of the mountain to the peak of Ba Den Mountain. It travels 986 metres above sea level with a length of 1,847 metres.

With its 113 cabins, the cable car takes only eight minutes to reach the mountains summit, compared to a dangerous four-hour trek.

From the foot of the mountain to Ba Den Pagoda, cable car line 2 has a length of 1,210 metres. It is designed to have 78 cabins, and takes five minutes each way.

The Guinness World Records Organisation has recognised the cable car station as the world's largest cable car station, covering an area of 10,959sq.metres.

An old cable car system that started at the foot of the Ba Den Pagoda was often overloaded with tourists and pilgrims who were headed for the pagoda and temple complex during the first lunar month of the year.

The new cable car system is expected to better serve tourists who want to ascend Ba Den Mountain, the highest mountain in the country's southeastern region.

About 986 metres above sea level, the mountain is famous for natural landscapes as well as sacred pagodas and temples.

Tay Ninh has seen a rise in the number of tourists in recent years, attracting about 4-4.5 million of domestic and foreign tourists every year.

The provinces tourism revenue has increased from 5-15 percent each year in recent years.

In 2018, it saw a year-on-year increase of 5.4 percent in the number of visitors. Tourism revenue that year was estimated at 935 billion VND (40.4 million USD), up 12.2 percent compared to the previous year.
In an effort to make people aware about medical fake news, Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Kerala has urged doctors to spend at least 10 minutes daily on social media to impart authentic medical information.

Speaking to ANI, Dr RC Sreekumar, Chairman, Digital, IMA, Kerala said IMA conducted a "health parliament" in the state capital in which doctors were asked to be active on social media to impart right medical knowledge.

"We have decided to involve more doctors in social media and requested all members of IMA to spend at least 10 minutes on social media in the morning to give right scientific explanations to diseases and advice correct treatment," he said.

Sreekumar said advertisements are being given promising cure to diseases from cancer to acute diabetes and there was fake news concerning pulse polio vaccination.

He said alarming fake messages were sent that children become mentally retarded or autistic if pulse polio vaccine is administered.

"This can be countered by scientific explanations sent by the doctors to patients. Kerala was supposed to be completely immunised state. We have eradicated poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria and many other diseases but the immunisation is not reaching needy people and the result is some hospitals are flooded with measles and polio cases," he said.

Sreekumar said people are misled by social media messages on a cancer cure and there was need to counter it.

"In cancer care, if it is detected in the first or second stage of the disease, treatment is easier and there are fewer complications. But what we see today is the cancer patients reach doctors in their fourth stage after going through unscientific modes of treatment. People are misled by social media messages on a cancer cure," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An audio clip in which a Congress leader in Uttarakhand purportedly talks of teaching Brahmins a lesson for voting in favour of the BJP has surfaced on social media, drawing sharp criticism from the saffron party.

When contacted, Congress leader and former Uttarakhand minister Rajendra Bhandari said the clip was tampered with and leaked on social media to tarnish his image.

The audio was apparently recorded around the panchayat elections in the state held in October last year.

Bhandari is heard in the clip asking an aspiring zila panchayat member to "teach a lesson to Brahmins for voting in favour of the BJP".

He is also heard saying that he won't let the BJP win.

Brahmins and Rajputs constitute two major chunks of the electorate in Uttarakhand.

The BJP termed the remarks an attempt to foment social discord. Uttarakhand BJP media incharge Devendra Bhasin said the party condemns the remarks in the "harshest of words".

"It is yet another example of Congress' divisive politics," Bhasin said.

He said it was no more than a "pipe dream" as people stood with the BJP.

"The Congress has always done the of division. It employs all sorts of tricks to grab power. But it stands exposed now and is going down the abyss," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three families of Vietnamese-Cambodians, whose houses were burnt down in a blaze in Phnom Penhs Russey Keo district last year have received new houses.





Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Vu Quang Minh (centre) hands over the new house to a local resident



The houses were built with the support of local authorities and financial assistance worth 150 million VND (about 6,400 USD) from donors.

Speaking at the handover ceremony on January 20, President of the Khmer-Vietnamese Association Sim Chy called on local authorities to promptly re-issue documents for victims of the fire after their belongings and papers were destroyed.

For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Vu Quang Minh voiced his hope that the families will soon overcome difficulties and stabilise their lives, thus contributing to the localitys development.

A fire broke out at dawn of July 10 last year, destroying 59 houses completely and causing heavy damage to 67 households, including 57 Vietnamese-Cambodian families. VNA
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sagicor Life Insurance Company (Sagicor) introduces its WealthCare Indexed Single Premium Universal Life Insurance, a policy designed for the changing financial needs of Baby Boomers. As this generation continues to transition into retirement, their priorities shift. Protecting their assets from market risk, being able to pay for chronic illness care, passing wealth to their loved ones, and maintaining control of their money may become more important in their lives.

"We wanted to create an all-encompassing product that offered financial security, while also providing downside protection," said Bart Catmull, President and Chief Operating Officer. "During development, we expanded upon this and added extra layers of protection and flexibility. Now, individuals have a product that provides for financial growth, while also allowing access to key funds if chronic illness care is needed  hence the name WealthCare."

Designed to give individuals flexibility during retirement and provide a legacy

WealthCare gives retirees the confidence of knowing that they can have a cash resource and guaranteed wealth transfer by providing:

The financial protection of a guaranteed death benefit 1

Cash value and death benefit growth opportunities linked to the performance of various market indices, with downside protection (no risk of market losses)

A full Return of Premium, so the policyowner has control of their money if their needs change 2

Chronic and terminal illness protection should they need care3

Protection if you need care

According to the Institute on Aging, chronic illness has surpassed acute illness as the major health issue of older adults. This problem is increasing with medical advancements.4 The natural process of aging could lead to a chronic condition that takes away a retiree's ability to perform simple Activities of Daily Living independently.

While traditional health insurance and Medicare may not cover certain caregiving expenses, WealthCare gives retirees the confidence of knowing that they can have a cash resource to use as they like should they develop a chronic illness and need assistance performing at least two of the six Activities of Daily Living or with a severe cognitive impairment.

Benefits when you need them

Because the time of need can be stressful for the policyowner, their spouse and other family members, Sagicor's expedited process provides direct access to cash benefits upon qualification of the claim. Unlike other policies, there are no receipts required for reimbursement.

Financial flexibility

Another advantage of adding WealthCare to the retirement portfolio is asset control. WealthCare automatically includes a Return of Premium feature, which provides flexibility to the policy owner should their financial needs change.

To learn more about WealthCare, visit Sagicor.com.

About Sagicor Life Insurance Company

Sagicor Life Insurance Company (Sagicor) is a full-service life insurance company that helps clients make wise financial decisions today to ensure they're protected tomorrow. Sagicor is licensed in 45 states and the District of Columbia and is rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company (4th best out of 16 possible ratings).

Sagicor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sagicor Financial Company Ltd (SFCL).5 Founded in 1840, SFCL is one of the oldest insurance groups in the Americas, with operations in 22 countries mainly in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Sagicor is committed to offering customers world-class service with integrity and value.

To learn more about Sagicor, visit Sagicor.com .

1 The policy is guaranteed not to lapse if there is no indebtedness. Indebtedness could cause the policy to lapse.

2 Less any withdrawals, indebtedness, and benefit payments.

3 Not all rate classes will be eligible for chronic illness protection.

4 Institute on Aging.

5 Sagicor Financial Company Ltd is a separate entity and is not responsible for the insurer's financial condition or contractual obligations.

Insurance and annuities issued by Sagicor Life Insurance Company. Home office: Scottsdale, AZ. Products may have limitations and restrictions including surrender charges and market value adjustments and are not available in all states. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Sagicor. Sagicor does not provide tax or estate planning advice. Consult tax advisor(s).

Withdrawals from non-MEC life insurance policies are a tax-free return of basis first. Loans from non-MECs are not taxed as distributions so long as the contract stays in force. MEC policies are taxed differently.

Policy Forms: ICC191021, ICC196069, ICC196070 and ICC19607

WC-PR2020 | S6801119

Media Contact

Sagicor Life Insurance Company

Katie Owens, AVP Corporate Communications

813-287-1602, ext. 6205

[email protected]

SOURCE Sagicor Life Insurance Company

Related Links

https://www.sagicor.com


Young climate campaigner Greta Thunberg on Tuesday said a lot has happened since her campaign caught eyes of the world but nothing has been done actually to save the planet.

In one aspect, lots has happened since last year. The mass mobilisation of young people around the world has put climate at the top of the agenda, the 17-year old campaigner from Sweden said here at the WEF Annual Meeting.

People are more generally aware now. The climate and the environment is a hot topic. But - and its a big but: From another perspective, pretty much nothing has been done, she said.

It is just the very beginning and a lot needs to be done given the ever increasing greenhouse gas emissions, she said.

Thunberg also said she cant complain about not being heard as she is a person who is being heard all the time, drawing applause from the audience.

Thunberg and a panel of other young activists were speaking at a session on Forging a Sustainable Path towards a Common Future about how their efforts to improve the world can achieve the desired results.

The participants included Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017.

Natasha Mwansa, from Zambia who campaigns for girls and womens rights, and Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation of indigenous people in Canada, were also present.

In 2018, Thunberg began protesting outside the Swedish parliament during school hours with a sign painted with the words, Skolstrejk for Klimatet (School Strike for Climate). She has continued to strike every Friday, inspiring hundreds of thousands of children worldwide to follow her example.

... why is it so important to stay below 1.5 degrees celsius? Because even at 1 degree people are dying from climate change because that is what the united science calls for, to avoid destabilising the climate so that we have the best possible chance to avoid setting off irreversible chain reactions, she said.

Thunberg stressed that every fraction of a degree matters.

Citing parts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report that came out in 2018, she said that if we are to have a 67 per cent chance of limiting the global average temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees celsius, we had on January 1st, 2018, about 420 gigatons of CO2 left to emit in that budget.

... of course, that number is much lower today, as we emit, about 42 gigatons of CO2 every year, including in land use. With todays emissions levels, that remaining budget is gone within less than eight years, she noted.

According to her, these numbers also dont include most feedback loops, non-linear tipping points nor additional warming hidden by toxic air pollution.

Most models, however, assume that future generations will, however, somehow be able to suck hundreds of billions of tons of CO2 out of the air with technologies that do not exist today in the scale required - and perhaps never will, Thunberg noted.
A police helicopter preparing to take off from a road in a Brazilian city was seriously damaged, and two of its occupants were injured, when a passing lorry came too close and collided with its blades.

Footage shows the chopper on the ground with its blades whirring in the Second District of Rio Branco, in the northwestern state of Acre - when a white truck turns a corner and tries to go past the aircraft.

Seconds later, a terrible sound is heard as the blades crash against the side of the lorry - ripping off its roof and leaving the rotor wings bent out of shape.

Startled motorists stop and gaze in astonishment as debris is left scattered all around the street - from both the lorry and helicopter, which belongs to the Integrated Centre of Aerial Operations (CIOPAER) of the Military Police.

The police helicopter gets ready to take off from a road in the Brazilian city of Rio Branco - just as a lorry starts heading towards it

In a terrible misjudgement, the truck is too close and collides with the chopper's blades - which rip into the side of the vehicle and tear off its roof

Colonel Oliveira, from the Acre Military Police, said there were five people in the helicopter at the time - two commanders and three members of the crew.

He added: 'Two crew members had light injuries and were taken for treatment' and are now 'well'.

The lorry was being used by the Secretary of State for Health's office to transport hospital waste.

Charles Matos, a manager for the company which the lorry belongs to, said none of the three people in the vehicle were injured.

The rotor blades were destroyed as a result of the incident. Two of the five occupants of the helicopter were slightly injured and are now 'well', according to Colonel Oliveira, from the Acre Military Police

The damaged lorry, seen above, was being used by the Secretary of State for Health's office to transport hospital waste. None of its three occupants was injured

CIOAPER coordinator Nayk Souza said a police barrier was in the area at the time of the incident and that all safety regulations had been followed.

Souza said: 'This type of patrol with aircraft at specific landings happens everywhere and, to make it clear, this is an area where there was a police barrier, so there were signs and there was also one of the crew members at the time outside the aircraft.

'He only entered the aircraft when it was ready for take-off. At the time of takeoff, the lorry went back and hit one of the blades.'

The helicopter had been participating in 'Operation Close Border' and was patrolling the area, according to Col Oliveira.

Local Security Secretary Ricardo Brandao said the helicopter had been taking off 'from a strategic [zone] where it could easily access all the areas of the city quickly and effectively'.

An investigation into the cause of the incident has been launched.
Gardai in Dublin are seeking the publics assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a missing teenager.

Christine Greene, 16, was last seen in in the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords, Co Dublin on Saturday, January 11.
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At about 8:30 p.m. on January 19, 2020, Lebanese security forces arrested Nicholas Frakes, a U.S. national and freelance reporter, while he was covering protests in downtown Beirut, according to news reports and a friend of the journalist, who spoke to CPJ.

Authorities released him without charge on January 21, Frakes told CPJ via messaging app.

Protests against slow economic growth and alleged government corruption have been taking place sporadically in Beirut since October 2019, following a government move to enact new taxes on tobacco, gasoline, and digital data, according to news reports. At least two journalists were detained and several others were injured while covering protests in Beirut in early January, as CPJ reported at the time.

Agents with the General Directorate of General Security arrested Frakes while he was photographing the protests and held him in an office for several hours, according to the journalists friend, who spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity, citing security concerns.

At about 3 a.m. on December 20, authorities transferred Frakes to the custody of the Defense Ministry for an investigation into his alleged ties to Israel, according to the friend and a statement released by the General Directorate.

General Directorate officers alleged that Frakes had live-streamed the protests for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, according to that statement. Lebanon and Israel are technically in a state of war, and Lebanese authorities have repeatedly arrested individuals for their alleged ties to Israel, according to news reports.

Haaretz, however, issued a report denying any affiliation with Frakes, and said the livestream featured on its social media accounts was supplied by the Reuters news agency. In a statement emailed to CPJ, Reuters denied that Frakes filmed that livestream.

Defense Military officials questioned Frakes about his alleged ties to Haaretz, held him over night, and then released him without charge, the friend said.

Frakes had covered the protests for the independent news website Al-Monitor and the London-based news website Al-Araby al-Jadeed, according to his author pages on each website.
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Tuesday challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and asked the former BJP chief to come forward to debate with him on the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act, Register of Citizens and population Register.

"The Home Minister has said that Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee should debate with him on NRC-CAA-NPR issue. I challenge him to come forward and debate with me. Truth and lies will appear in front of everyone," said Sibal addressing a press conference at the AICC Headquarters here.

Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah have spoken several lies about the CAA, the Congress leader said: "The first lie was that CAA is impartial. When the law was made in 1950 then it was clearly mentioned how citizenship will be given to anyone who was born here. Anyone who has lived here for 11 years will get citizenship whether Hindu, Sikh, Christian or Muslim."

"Citizenship was supposed to be obtained on the basis of 5 criteria and religion has nothing to do with it. There was no mention of religion," he said.

Sibal questioned Centre as Shah said that the CAA has no connection with the NRC.

"Shah himself had said in April 2019, Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) will come, followed by NRC. However, Modi in a rally said that since his government came, there was no discussion on NRC, but the President mentioned about NRC in his address, if the government did not discuss it then how it could come in the President's address?" he asked.

He said government's other lies were that "NRC was not notified in the past and it is yet to be started."

"Kiren Rijiju said in July 2019 that gazette notification had been made that NPR would be implemented from April 1," he said.

"The another lie was NPR and NRC have nothing to do with each other, but the Ministry of Home Affairs clearly said that the first step of NPR will be NRC," Sibal added.

Claiming that the CAA is against minorities and poor, the former Union Minister said: "No Indian needs to worry about this, the name of the family of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (5th president of India) is not in the NRC, the name of the Kargil war jawan is out of the NRC. If it is their condition then what will happen to the poor?"

"These people are targetting poor Hindus in Uttar Pradesh, who do not have papers. They will give them citizenship and then say we have done it," he said.

Cornering the Centre on detention centres meant for illegal immigrants, he said: "The government has lied to us that no detention centre is being built in the country. Places for the detention centres have been allocated in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Still, the Prime Minister is lying."

"They said no force was used on the anti-CAA protestors, but only in Uttar Pradesh several people were killed," he said.

Protests broke out in different parts of the country against the 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.)
St Lowitsch / Getty Images

TROY - The American Red Cross assisted one person who was displaced after an exterior fire at a Second Avenue home extended into one of the apartments in the multifamily house.

Troy Fire Chief Eric McMahon said crews got the call before 8 a.m. Monday for a fire at 53 Second Ave.
Imperial Valley News Center

Koala Sniffer Dog Helps Researchers Find Koalas After Fires

San Diego, California - Researchers supported by San Diego Zoo Global are looking for surviving wildlife in Australia, using the talents of a specially trained dog named Smudge. The Blue Mountains World Heritage Region of Australia was severely affected by mega-fires that blazed through the area more than two weeks ago, and Science for Wildlife researchers have been working to determine areas where koalas have survived. Assisting them in their efforts is Smudge, a dog trained to follow the scent of koalas.

We dont know how much wildlife is left in the wake of these fires, said Kellie Leigh, Ph.D., who is executive director of Science for Wildlife and a San Diego Zoo Global-supported researcher. In many places, the fire burned so hot that it even melted metal road signs, we dont expect to find survivors there. However, we are getting reports of koalas turning up in new locations; they are on the move due to the fires. There are likely to be unburnt patches of native habitat that would provide refuges for koalas and a range of other threatened species.

We need to find out where koalas might have survived, and work out how many we have leftto guide search and rescue efforts, and also to plan for helping koala populations to recover, Leigh added. We know that wildlife detection dogs outperform humans when it comes to finding wildlife that can be hard to see, like koalas up in the tree canopy. Smudge and his handler, Kim, are a critical part of our team.

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Region is home to the most genetically diverse population of koalas in the world, and San Diego Zoo Global is committing resources to ensure that the population is recovered. Mega-fires raced through the region over the last few weeks, devastating more than 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of habitat and threatening wildlife.

Record-breaking high temperatures and severe drought have fueled a series of wildfires that have been raging in Australia for several weeks. Nationwide, more than 15 million acres have been affected so far, with wildfires joining together in some areas to create mega-fire events. San Diego Zoo Global researchers have identified the situation as an environmental disaster.

In response to the threat facing wildlife and habitats in Australia, San Diego Zoo Global recently began a fundraising campaign to support recovery of koalas, platypuses and other species. People interested in supporting this effort can go to EndExtinction.org/Help for more information.

As an international nonprofit organization, San Diego Zoo Global works to fight extinction through conservation efforts for plants and animals worldwide. With a history of leadership in species recovery and animal care, San Diego Zoo Global works with partners in science-based field programs on six continents, and maintains sanctuaries and public education facilities in many places. Inspiring a passion for nature is critical to saving species, and San Diego Zoo Globals outreach efforts share the wonder of wildlife with millions of people every year. Current major conservation initiatives include: fighting wildlife trafficking and the impacts of climate change on wildlife species; broad-spectrum species and habitat protection efforts in Kenya, in Peru, and on islands worldwide; preventing extinction in our own backyard; and expanding efforts to bank critical genetic resources and apply them to the conservation of critically endangered species. To learn more, visit SanDiegoZooGlobal.org
Modality Solutions specializes in integrating cold chain operations, developing transport validation strategies, supporting global regulatory applications, and global clinical trial operations. Our vision for the future is to continue to expand with our team of experienced engineers our ongoing role to promote safe, effective, and validated cold chain for a whole range of therapies. said Hutchinson Past News Releases RSS Cold Chain Management Firm Modality...

Modality Solutions Quality...

Modality Solutions Webinar Replay:...

Modality Solutions specializes in integrating cold chain operations, developing transport validation strategies, supporting global regulatory applications, and executing global clinical trial operations. Milestone highlights include recognition by both Inc. 5000 and the Houston Business Journal as a fastest growing company, and ISO 9001:2015 certification with the scope of the accreditation covering consulting, design and engineering services and testing for supply chain logistics related to transport-sensitive drug products.

Modality Solutions also received the distinction of being one of the Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America by Entrepreneur magazine on its 2019 Entrepreneur 360 List. Our annual evaluation is a 360-degree analysis of top privately-held companies representing and serving a variety of industries, explains Lisa Murray, Chief Insights Officer of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. These businesses are real-world case studies for any entrepreneur who seeks to master the four pillars that can greatly impact the longevity and growth of their businesses. With the Entrepreneur 360, success is measured by achieving balance throughout the entire organization, predicated by revenue.

Co-founder and President, Gary Hutchinson, was accepted into Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives. Hutchinson was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.

Modality Solutions achieved its first-ever ranking on Inc. Magazines annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nations fastest-growing private companies. It reported a three-year revenue growth of 120 percent and ranked No. 47 in the Inc. industry category of top engineering companies. Also, in its first appearance on the Houston Business Journals Fast 100 list, the company ranked No. 91 with reported two-year revenue growth of 56 percent.

2019 was a stellar year for us, with ISO 9001:2015 certification, recognition by Inc. and Entrepreneur magazines, participation in the Forbes Tech Council, and continuing to partner with our clients to validate safe and effective cold chains, said President Hutchinson. As we continue our mission into the next decade, our vision for the future is to continue to expand with our team of experienced engineers our ongoing role to promote safe, effective, and validated cold chain for a whole range of therapies.

The companys commitment to growth included promoting from within Andrew Larrigan and Robert Battista to Senior Consulting Engineers and adding Rachel Sawyer as Consulting Engineer. In her new position, Sawyer works with other dedicated project engineers to ensure proper design and use of cold chain systems.

The biopharmaceutical industry benefited from Modality Solutions first live webinar on Sept. 19. Principals Gary Hutchinson and Daniel Littlefield covered a step-by-step cold chain validation process to help pharmaceutical companies meet and exceed increasingly stringent regulatory expectations, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and cell therapies. To access the on-demand replay of Cold Chain Validation Best Practices Including Immunotherapy go to https://modality-solutions.securechkout.com/cold-chain-validation-best-practices-webinar.

To wrap up its year of achievements, Modality Solutions was a Silver Sponsor and cold chain validation workshop presenter at the Biomanufacturing World Summit (BMWS19) Conference, November 11-12, 2019, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in San Diego, California. Hutchinson and Littlefield presented Cold Chain Validation Best Practices Including Immunotherapy.

To learn more about Modality Solutions, visit https://www.modality-solutions.com.

About Modality Solutions, LLC

Founded in 2011, Modality Solutions, a leading biopharmaceutical cold chain engineering firm, specializes in integrating cold chain operations, developing transport validation strategies, supporting global regulatory applications, and executing global clinical trial operations. By combining the best practices of process validation, systems qualification, and risk assessment, Modality Solutions has earned the reputation of ensuring regulatory compliance, product quality, and patient safety. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified, Inc. 5000, Houston Business Journal Fast 100, Entrepreneur 360, and Forbes Technology Council company, Modality Solutions team of engineers are experts at delivering cold chain thermal packaging design and qualification, conducting transport simulation testing with its Advantage Transport Simulation Laboratory, and designing controlled-environment logistics solutions. For more information, visit https://www.modality-solutions.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of chemical products to Georgia increased by 24.9 percent from January through December 2019 compared to the same period of 2018, and amounted to $326.9 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on Jan. 20.

In December 2019, Turkeys export of chemical products to Georgia dropped by 7.3 percent compared to December 2018, amounting to $22.4 million, a source in the ministry said.

Export of chemistry products from Turkey increased by 18 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, amounting to $26 billion or to 11.4 percent of countrys total export.

Turkeys export of chemical products increased by 20.5 percent in December 2019 compared to the same month of 2018, reaching $1.8 billion or to 11.8 percent of the countrys total export.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Heres everything you need to know as the Senate trial of impeachment US President Donald Trump gets under way.

The impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump is set to begin in earnest on Tuesday as Republicans and Democrats battle over the rules of the proceedings.

With a 53-47 majority, Republicans are expected to ultimately get their preferred rules package. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell initially proposed 48 hours, divided evenly between House managers and Trumps defence, for opening arguments over six days. The opening arguments would be following by 16 hours of questions and answers from Senators before four hours of debate.

The impeachment trial marks a historic moment in the United States, highlighting the deep divisions in the country.

As the trial gets fully under way, heres what you need to know in fewer than 600 words.

What should you expect to see on Tuesday?

The Senate will convene at 1pm local time (18:00 GMT) to begin debate on the rules resolution. Democrats have already promised to propose amendments. That means the debate could go well into the night. But expect the resolution to ultimately pass along party lines.

Why do the rules matter?

The rules ultimately decide the direction and tone of the trial.

In this image from video, Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, speaks as the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump begins in the Senate [Senate Television/AP Photo]

The rules package of former President Bill Clinton was passed with bipartisan support. But that is unlikely this time.

Theres also a question of witnesses. Right now, the rules package puts off the question of witnesses until after opening arguments. That has angered Democrats, who will likely propose amendments on Tuesday that would call witnesses or evidence.

Why was Trump impeached?

House Democrats accuse Trump of abusing his power in office by orchestrating a pressure campaign to get Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic political rival, as well as launch a probe into a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 presidential elections.

The House impeachment investigation centred on a whistle-blower complaint in which Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the phone and asked for the investigation into Biden.

At the time of the call, the Trump administration was withholding nearly $400m in military assistance to Ukraine.

During the impeachment inquiry, Trump refused to participate and urged current and former administration staffers to do the same.

He was impeached on December 18 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

When will oral arguments begin?

Oral arguments are expected to begin on Wednesday  thats if the Senate adopts the rules resolution on Tuesday.

First up would be the House mangers, followed by Trumps defence team.

Is it Day 1 or 2 of the trial?

Technically, Tuesday marks the second day of the trial. It officially opened last Thursday when Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swore in the senators as jurors.

Who are the House managers?

House managers act as prosecutors. They include:

Adam Schiff, House Intelligence Committee chairman (team lead) Jerrold Nadler, House Judiciary Committee chairman Zoe Lofgren Hakeem Jeffries Val Demings Jason Crow Sylvia Garcia

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking during a news conference to announce impeachment managers on Capitol Hill in Washington [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]

Whos on Trumps defence team?

Pat Cipollone, White House counsel (team lead) Jay Sekulow Kenneth Starr Alan Dershowitz Robert Ray Pam Bondi Pat Philbin Mike Purpura

Whats Trump doing during it all?

The obvious expectation is that he will be tweeting, but how much remains to be seen. The president is currently in the Swiss town of Davos for the four-day annual gathering of the World Economic Forum.

Whats the expected outcome?

An acquittal is expected.

A two-thirds majority vote is required in the Senate to convict and remove a president from office.

The Senate is currently made up of 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two independents who caucus with the Democrats.

Trump is only the third US president to be impeached. No president has ever been removed from office via the impeachment process.
In November of 2019, Baby Yoda took social media by storm. In just two short months, the little green creature was named the most Googled baby of 2019. Baby Yoda kicked out Baby Shark and even the Royal baby, Prince Archie, for the top spot. Now a new baby is threatening to take the cutest trend spot, and you wont believe what it is.

A fan at a comic expo with Baby Yoda | Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images

Where did Baby Yoda come from anyway?

Many people love the hysterical Baby Yoda memes on Twitter and Instagram; however, they dont watch the show with the little creature. The most Googled baby of 2019 was a surprise ending to the new Star Wars series on Disney+, The Mandalorian.

The Child was kept under wraps so much that Disney was not even allowed to produce merchandise with its likeness. The series premiered right before the holidays, so it was shocking that there were no Baby Yoda plush dolls to purchase as presents. It seemed like the perfect marketing tool. However, Disney felt that the surprise twist was worth keeping a secret, even over the loss of merchandise sales.

Baby Yoda is not the infant version of the older Yoda we see in the Star Wars movies. He is of the same species, however, and he is already 50 years old. The nicknameBaby Yodais not entirely accurate, but the writer of the show, John Favreau, says he doesnt mind that fans call it that.

What is threatening to take Baby Yodas spot as the cutest new trend on social media?

On Feb. 3, 2020, the United States Mint will release the National Park of American Samoa quarter. It doesnt sound fascinating until you get a look at whats on the back of it.

The reverse (tails) design depicts a Samoan fruit bat mother hanging in a tree with her pup, according to the U.S. Mint. The image evokes the remarkable care and energy that this species puts into their offspring.

I always try to look for some GOOD news, every day (for my own sanity). It doesnt get any better than this. Behold, the Bat Quarter: https://t.co/owVXZJbY7u pic.twitter.com/S8sWXjX3F8  Lucas Turnbloom (@LucasTurnbloom) January 8, 2020

The adorable quarter was designed so that it might promote awareness of the threatened species. The Samoan fruit bat is in danger because of habitat loss from commercial hunting.

The National Park of American Samoa is a tropical rainforest southwest of Hawaii. It looks like a unique place to visit and take a hike.

What are users saying on social media about the new bat quarters?

This is the only currency I intend to carry from now on, tweeted one excited fan about the coin.

People are going batty over the new coin and insist that they find one as soon as it comes out.

Only accepting payment in batcoin from now on, tweeted another user.

Other users on social media love the play on words they created with how similar bitcoin sounds to batcoin.

2020 is off to a rough start but things will turn around in February when the bat quarters come out https://t.co/Hu8As4Q4je pic.twitter.com/rPMHfVL5Ik  Alana Massey (@AlanaMassey) January 7, 2020

2020 is off to a rough start, but things will turn around in February when the bat quarters come out, joked journalist Alana Massey.

Were not sure if the baby fruit bat will top Baby Yoda as the most googled baby this year, but if people start making memes out of the little bat, it might be in the running.
Pakistani delegation landed in Beijing for FATF

BEIJING: A Pakistani delegation landed in Beijing for a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting scheduled later this month at which the organization would scrutinize the countrys attempts to implement stringent anti-terrorism funding and money laundering regulations.



According to a source, the FATF working committee will be informed by the Pakistani representatives ahead of an official body conference, the briefing would address how Pakistan has fulfilled an earlier agenda given to it by the Financial Task Force.



The delegation is headed by Minister for Economic Affairs Division Hamad Azhar and comprises representatives of National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), Foreign Ministry, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Customs, Interior Ministry and Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU).



Notably, Pakistan had sent a 650-page review report to the FATF on January 8 in reply to 150 questions raised by the FATF and now the delegation would present details about the steps taken from October 2019 to January 2020 keeping in view the recommendations of the FATF Action Plan.



The FATF announced on October 18, 2019 that it would retain Pakistan on its grey list for four months after which Pakistan might face action if it failed to make any significant progress on the inter-governmental bodys 27-point Action Plan.



They further said the delegation would also provide details about the efforts to enter into a third party agreement with commercial banks to enforce Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism regulations in the country. During his visit to the US last week, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged Washington to help get Pakistan out of the grey list.
By Trend





Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Turkmenistan Togan Oral, Trend reports referring to Turkmenistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The parties noted the high level of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Turkey in political, trade-economic and cultural-economic spheres and confirmed the readiness to actively cooperate to further strengthen the Turkmen-Turkish relations, the ministry said.

It was noted that the high-level mutual visits play a vital role in the advancement of Turkmen-Turkish relations based on the principles of mutual respect, openness and trust.

The parties also emphasized the role of collaboration between the foreign ministries of the two countries and the closeness of positions on the key aspects of the international agenda.

Turkey is one of the largest trade partners of Turkmenistan, where about 600 of Turkish companies are operating in the spheres of trade, investment, construction, energy, transport, and communication in textile and processing industry.

Turkmenistan exports textile, fuel and energy, chemical and agricultural products to Turkey, and imports metal and metal products, household goods, equipment, building materials, electrical engineering, chemical and light industry products, food, vehicles, and medicines from Turkey.

In addition, Ashgabat and Ankara aim to developing energy cooperation. In particular, Turkey has declared its readiness to promote the supply of the Caspian energy to Europe through its territory, one of the options of which is laying pipeline along the bottom of the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan.
KC MLK DAY TRIBUTE

Metro residents give back during Day of Service to honor Martin Luther King Jr. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- On Monday, the hallways at Faxon Elementary School in Kansas City got a little face lift. "It does make us feel really great to help give back," said Rachel Waller, Kansas City Power & Light District's marketing director.

More Doggies Coming To KC

Wayside Waifs takes in 39 dogs from Texas hoarding situation KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Thirty-nine dogs rescued from a hoarding situation in Texas have ended up in Kansas City. Wayside Waifs welcomed the group of all rat terroirs on Monday. Each are in need of different kinds of medical attention which local vets are happy to take on.

Cable Catrasophe

Horribly timed cable outage causes some fans to miss seeing Chiefs' AFC history PARKVILLE, Mo. -- Chiefs Kingdom waited 50 years to see the Chiefs make it into the Super Bowl, but not everyone was able to watch it. There was a cable outage, and fans in the Northland like Vivian Hatfield were impacted by the horribly timed event.

Pitch Abandons News

KC's Mac & Cheese Week starts today Nashville hot mac & cheese from Taps on Main. There's nothing that can top Sunday's Chiefs win. So while we take this week to celebrate and revel in our involvement with season 54 (!!!!!), we can do it with mac and cheese in hand.

Packing Heat

Kylie Jenner's Got a Shelf Booty - Egotastic - Sexy Celebrity Gossip and Entertainment News CELEBS Kylie Jenner took to Instagram to show off her new shorter hair cut, calling her self "Young Kris" a nod to her momager Kris Jenner. What we couldn't help but notice was not the shorter hair but rather her giant shelf booty.

2nd Ammendment Conversation Brings Peace

Thousands March For Gun Rights Peacefully In Virginia Despite Riot Fears RICHMOND, Virginia - More than 22,000 gun-rights activists descended on the Virginia State Capitol Monday to peacefully protest new gun laws making their way through the Democrat-controlled legislature. Contrary to Democrat-fueled media fearmongering of a white supremacist rally threatening to erupt into chaos, as occurred in Charlottesville three years ago, a sea of gun owners flooded the capitol grounds and surrounding areas in a peaceful day of protest.

New Hotness From China

Coronavirus explained: What you need to know A new Chinese coronavirus, a cousin of the SARS virus, has infected more than 200 people since the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December. Scientist Leo Poon, who first decoded the virus, thinks it likely started in an animal and spread to humans.

WEIRD

Abandoned husky with 'weird' eyes has been adopted after her photos went viral MATAWAN, N.J. -- A Siberian husky that was surrendered to a New Jersey shelter because of "weird" eyes has been adopted after photos posted on Facebook went viral. Jubilee, a 4-year-old female pup, has an eyelid deformity that makes it appear as if she's always surprised.

Alt-Country Sings High Praise

Melissa Etheridge debuts 'Chiefs are Going to the Super Bowl' song Kansas City Chiefs superfan and Leavenworth native Melissa Etheridge couldn't hold back her excitement about the Chiefs clinching a Super Bowl berth.Etheridge was so excited that she penned a Super Bowl song, which she performed it for the first time Monday morning on "The Dan Patrick Show.""This is my 'Chiefs

KCMO Sewer Pup Saved

Pup rescued from Cliff Drive storm drain. Animal Control Officer Johnny Tran got a tip on a Boston Terrier stuck in a storm drain on Cliff Drive on Monday.The dog was emaciated and looked to have been out in the elements for quite a while.

New King Of Merch Crowned

Patrick Mahomes unseats Tom Brady as NFL king of top-selling NFL merchandise KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Patrick Mahomes has already finished on top of one list. The NLFPS's official list of top selling players based on official merchandise from March 1 to Nov. 30 has Mahomes on top. The last two years Tom Brady has held the top spot.

KC WINTER THIS WEEK!!!

Single-digit temps to start Tuesday Hide Transcript Show Transcript REMAINDER OF THE EVENING INTO TONIGHT. 13 DEGREES AT 7:00 P.M. I THINK SOME OF US WILL BE DOWN IN THE SINGLE DIGITS. WIND CHILLS WILL BE DOWN TO SINGLE JETS, FEELING LIKE CLOSER TO 09:00. THE BY TOMORROW MORNING FIVE DEGREES IN KANSAS CITY.

Just a quick peek at some of the pop culture, community news and interesting items we're grabbing from across the metro and around the world . . .And this is thefor right now . . .
FREDERICTON - New Brunswick's education minister is brushing off threats he says have been directed at him and his family as the result of his efforts to bring in mandatory vaccinations for children in the province.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dominic Cardy speaks to media after the New Brunswick leaders debate in Moncton on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. New Brunswick's education minister is brushing off threats directed at him and his family as the result of efforts to bring in mandatory vaccinations for children in the province.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Marc Grandmaison

FREDERICTON - New Brunswick's education minister is brushing off threats he says have been directed at him and his family as the result of his efforts to bring in mandatory vaccinations for children in the province.

Dominic Cardy says he's not bothered by the alleged threats from so-called anti-vaxxers, which he says have come through social media and email.

"I think this is one of the things that happens these days ... people say things they would never say in public, face-to-face," Cardy said in an interview Tuesday. "I'm quite happy to get into those sorts of fights. It doesn't bother me very much."

Following a measles outbreak in the province last year, Cardy introduced a proposed law that would make vaccinations mandatory for children in schools and daycares unless they have a medical exemption.

The legislation cites the notwithstanding clause in an effort to shield it against charter challenges, but Cardy says that provision could be removed if it faces too much opposition.

Cardy said New Brunswick's proposed vaccination rules are in line with similar decisions elsewhere in the world, including Germany, where starting in March measles immunization will be compulsory for all children and staff in kindergartens, schools, medical facilities and community facilities.

New Brunswick's Act Respecting Proof of Immunization would require children in public schools and licensed daycare facilities to provide proof of immunization or a medical exemption signed by a medical professional. Currently, non-medical exemptions are allowed.

The province held three days of public hearings that heard from opponents from across Canada and the United States. Cardy said he has received a steady stream of comments and threats ever since.

"There are people who have gone after my sister because she is a family doctor, and people who have gone after me saying they hope I get a needle in the eye. Others say I should watch how I am walking home, and things like that," he said. "There have been veiled threats like that, to direct ones saying 'I hope you die of a vaccine-related illness.'"

Cardy said he has not reported any of the threats to police.

"I think the police have got better things to do with their time than follow up with losers spending their time threatening politicians on social media," he said.

The government's vaccination bill is expected to face third and final readings in the legislature this spring, with the intention to have it in place for the fall of 2021. That would give public health officials time to have a vaccine registry in place.

Cardy said it's important that the bill is passed and children be vaccinated.

"If we don't, we run the risk of the medieval propagandists from the anti-vax community spreading misinformation with parents that frightens people into not getting vaccinated," he said. "I want to make sure that vulnerable kids, suffering from actual diseases, are protected, and the whole population is protected."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
China is experiencing a high volume of travel due to the Luna New Year period (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

A fourth person has died in an outbreak of a new coronavirus in China which has infected more than 200 people, authorities said.

The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in the eastern Chinese city of Wuhan, where all four fatalities have been.

State media did not provide any details on the latest victim, nor was it clear if the latest death was a new case or one already diagnosed.

Expand Close At least four people in China have died from the illness (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp At least four people in China have died from the illness (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

Increased control measures have been enforced at many places, with epidemiologists still uncertain of the outbreaks nature and mode of transmission.

The country is entering its busiest travel period due the Lunar New Year, which sees many people travelling back to their home town or village.

Health authorities confirmed late on Monday that some cases had been transmitted person-to-person, a development that means the illness could spread faster and more widely.

Countries including Japan, Australia and the US have adopted screening measures for those arriving from China due to concerns about a global outbreak like that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002 and 2003 and killed nearly 800 people.
SANAA, Yemen - The Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen stepped up its bombing campaign Tuesday, launching airstrikes near the rebel-held capital in clashes that killed at least 35 people, Yemeni security officials said.

It was the first time in months that coalition airstrikes hit Houthi targets in the district of Nehm, some 60 kilometres (37 miles) northeast of the capital Sanaa, said Houthi officials.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations..

Throughout the day, both sides fired rockets and pounded the area with artillery. The heavy fighting killed and wounded dozens, and forced scores of families to flee. The number of civilian casualties was not immediately known. Video provided by Yemens defence ministry showed large plumes of smoke rising over the mountains after the airstrikes.

Abdu Abdullah Magli, spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, said the army made major progress on the ground, seizing several strategic roads and Houthi sites. The Houthis reinforced their outposts and deployed new troops to the front.

Meanwhile, coalition warplanes also bombed rebel targets west of the Marib province, killing several Houthi fighters and capturing over 25, according to Yemeni military officials. The Houthi faction declined to comment.

Magli said the wave of bombings comes in retaliation for a Houthi missile attack on a mosque in Marib that killed at least 116 Yemeni government troops over the weekend. The death toll ranked among the highest from a single rebel assault since the start of the war, sparking widespread condemnation. U.S. and U.N. officials warned that the military escalation could undermine peace efforts.

Yemens civil war erupted in 2014 when Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels seized Sanaa, along with much of the countrys north, ousting President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Months later the Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened to try and restore Hadis internationally recognized government.

The regional proxy war has dragged on for years, killing more than 10,000 people, displacing over 3 million and pushing the country to the brink of famine. Fighting has settled into a bloody stalemate.

International efforts to end the war have made little progress. Yet in recent months, Saudi Arabia started backchannel negotiations with the Houthis in Oman after the rebels claimed an attack on Saudi oil infrastructure that threatened global oil supplies. The United States blamed the attack on Iran, which denied involvement.
You've probably heard of Baby Yoda by now.

You may at least have happened across the extensive catalogue of GIFs of the impossibly adorable little green guy from the new Star Wars series The Mandalorian. You may even be aware of the uproar when those GIFs mysteriously disappeared (only to mysteriously reappear, much to the relief of fans). Baby Yoda has put The Mandalorian and, by extension, Disney Plus (the streaming service on which it appears), on the map. He may even be responsible for a portion of the ten million subscribers who signed up to the new streaming service on launch day in the US in November, a number which far exceeded expectations.

Now a launch date has been announced for Ireland and selected other European countries. On March 24 Irish viewers can finally binge on all eight episodes of season one of the Jon Favreau-directed series (and see Baby Yoda in action), for a price of 6.99 a month, or 69.99 a year.

For those already beholden to a Netflix subscription (or Apple TV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, NOW TV or all of the above, never mind Sky or Virgin), however, is Disney Plus worth an additional subscription, or even a replacement? With original series being churned out left, right, and centre across streaming services, the landscape is becoming increasingly crowded, confusing, fragmented, and potentially expensive for customers.

Read More

Netflix is the undisputed market leader, of course, having garnered more than 167 million subscribers since its launch in 2007. It trades on the success of its original series, like the landmark House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Making a Murderer and, more recently, Stranger Things. Then there are those critically acclaimed awards season showcases; The Irishman, Marriage Story, The Two Popes, and Roma as well as those films we apparently devour en masse but which are unlikely to worry anyone at the Academy (we're looking at you Bird Box and Murder Mystery).

Original content is Netflix's backbone and it spends billions on creating it at a furious pace. With licensed content from the likes of Disney disappearing from its service, the focus on originals has intensified. Plans cost from 7.99 a month for a basic subscription (standard - allowing simultaneous viewing on two screens - is 11.99 and premium, on up to four screens, is 15.99). It may be the most expensive option, but it has been around the longest, and it's notoriously difficult to encourage consumers to change subscriptions and providers. Just ask the energy providers; half of Irish energy consumers have never switched provider, despite the savings they could make.

Apple TV Plus also launched in November across 100 territories and benefits from a relatively cheap monthly price of 4.99 and arguably better accessibility given its availability on Apple products (anyone who buys one gets Apple TV Plus free for the first year). The undisputed star of its content is The Morning Show for which Jennifer Aniston just bagged herself a SAG Award. There is more original content in the offing, although it will take some time to really compete. Amazon Prime, meanwhile, has a relatively low introductory price of 2.99 a month for the first six months, then 5.99 a month thereafter. It boasts series including The Marvellous Mrs Maisel and Tom Clancys Jack Ryan as well as Amazon Studio films of the calibre of Manchester by the Sea among their original productions.

Read More

How does Disney Plus compare? In many ways, it ticks all the boxes for future-proofing - an impressive back catalogue, strong acquisitions, and a commitment to quality, original content. Disney's sprawling family now encompasses Pixar, Lucasfilm and the Star Wars universe, little old Marvel, and 20th Century-Fox (a treasure trove of classics from All About Eve to Die Hard), not to mention its own hefty vault of classic animation and live-action features and series. The legacy speaks for itself. So, the critical success of an original show like The Mandalorian in the US is the icing on the cake for Disney. Not only do they have that impressive back catalogue, they've proven they can build on it with quality content tailored specifically for streaming. Also, the service is now the exclusive streaming home for films released by Disney in 2020 and beyond.

Video of the Day

With the news that NBCUniversal is set to launch their Peacock streaming service in the US next month with NBC shows and Universal movies among its 7,500 hours of content, and WarnerMedia plotting the launch of HBO Max for May, the streaming landscape is set to become even more fragmented. Services will need to focus on creating original, quality content and building on their own USP, and consumers will need to decide exactly where their loyalties, and interests lie, and whether or not they can resist the lure of Baby Yoda.

Read More




The young ones love them. The grown ups collect them. Whether you are a recipient or a giver of them, ang pows are a cultural staple during the Chinese New Year festivities.

Unsurprisingly, in the last decade or so, retailers, malls, and of course, banks have turned the tradition of ang pows into a little competition  who can create the best-looking ang pow? Its not just for bragging rights, of course  heres a medium which, if used right, can be a powerful branding tool. If your brands ang pow is unique/looks great, they will more likely be used more often  better than going viral!

So, which bank has the best-designed ang pow for CNY 2020? With great labour we collected the ang pows from (almost) all the banks in Malaysia which offer them, and our 3-man panel of severely underqualified judges from the RinggitPlus editorial team sat down and gave our critique. Lets go!

Affin Bank

An ang pow that folds at the top, but with a sideways design. Add to that a motif that looks like it was taken from a stock photos site makes Affins ang pow for this year rather bland. One star.

HUAT meter: H

Alliance Bank

At first glance Alliance Banks design looks simple and unobtrusive, but a closer look shows this ang pow design has a lot to offer. From the cute reunion dinner motif to a hidden QR code for DuitNow transfers, its a solid effort from Alliance. Two and a half stars.

HUAT meter: H U.5

AmBank

We really like AmBanks colour choices for its ang pow design this year. With a unique gradient colour scheme, the rat painting auspicious words with its tail, and the serene white flowers at the top, AmBanks ang pow certainly stands out. Three stars.

HUAT meter: H U A

CIMB Bank

The kind of ang pau one would use to decorate the house with, thanks to the gold paint around the flowers and auspicious words printed on the front and back. Two stars (because we can use it for other purposes).

HUAT meter: H U

CIMB Preferred

With a darker red tone, CIMB Preferreds ang pow looks classier than the conventional banking variant. An interesting use of blue hues in the flower motif gives it a distinctive look among this years ang pows. Two and a half stars.

HUAT meter: H U.5

Citi

One could almost accuse Citi of cheating, thanks to a huge four-colour option for this years ang pow design. Available as a pack of red, pink, peach, and gold packets (two per colour per pack), the colours further bring out the vibrancy of the ang pow design, which nicely straddles the line between modern and timeless. Three and a half stars.

HUAT meter: H U A.5

Hong Leong Bank

Available in two colours (red and deep purple), its the only bank ang pow that folds on the side (vs the traditional top). We like the gold highlight along the fold. Classy, and made from thick paper. Three stars.

HUAT meter: H U A

HSBC

Were not sure what HSBC is going for with its 2020 ang pow design. There are Chinese lanterns, there are clouds, there are flower motifs, and they all have some 3D effect that didnt really work. Also, points deducted off the HUAT meter for having so much empty space at the bottom, and virtually none at the top  its driving our OCD crazy! One star.

HUAT meter: H

Maybank

Were probably spoilt by some of the better ones in this list, but while its not exactly ugly, Maybanks serene take for this year doesnt really inspire. Its inoffensive, and doesnt try to beanything, actually. One star.

HUAT meter: H

OCBC

Ang pows with conscience. OCBCs 2020 ang pow designs offer a reminder of our impact on Mother Earth and the need to conserve it. The two colours both have different designs, but neither of them are actually Chinese New Year-sy. One star.

HUAT meter: Heal the world, make it a better place

Public Bank

Oh boy. Flower designs that look like a Tangela. Badly-painted fishes with odd colours. The off-centre Chinese character. This design was one of the few that we unanimously agreed on something. Too bad we agreed that its the worst design of the lot. No stars.

HUAT meter: *error*

RHB

Another bank that attempted a 3D effect on its ang pow this year, with middling effect. Its not overbearing though, and the minimalist feel of it actually helps it stand out. Two stars.

HUAT meter: H U

RHB Premier

Everybody say it out loud: ex-clu-sive. Its clear RHB put a lot more effort into its premier banking ang pow designs (they come in two choices per pack), and even includes information on the motif. Its a premium touch, and we like that theres a choice between a red-on red ang pow and a cool red ang pow with a muted bronze highlight paint instead of the common gold. Three and a half stars.

HUAT meter: H U A.5

Standard Chartered Bank

The paper is thick and nice. The simplistic design caused a lengthy debate among us. Is it minimalist? Is it lazy? We cant decide. Two stars.

HUAT meter: H U

UOB Bank

This will not be everyones cup of tea, but wow, UOBs ang pow design for 2020 gave us so much joy. The cute round rat and circular theme is fun and (possibly) a reminder of what will happen if we ate too much during the festive season. The bold pink option is the special edition one, and like all special-edition releases, this ones got a cool sheen on the mice that plays with the light as you move it around. Delightful. Four stars.

HUAT meter: H U A TTTTTT AHHH

-

Disclaimer: the HUAT meter is made up and the points dont matter. Do let us know in the comments which is the best bank ang pow design for you.

The RingitPlus team wishes everyone a happy Chinese New Year!

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[January 21, 2020] Franklin Financial Network, Inc. Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.06 Per Share

Franklin Financial Network, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: FSB), parent company of Franklin Synergy (News - Alert) Bank, today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share. The dividend is payable on February 28, 2020, to shareholders of record as of February 14, 2020. Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This media release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, our long-term strategic goals. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "will," "strategies" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to materially differ from those described in forward-looking statements include those discussed in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Decmber 31, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2019. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, could differ materially from those set forth in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Future operating results of the Company are impossible to predict, and no representation or warranty of any kind can be made respecting the present or future accuracy of such forward-looking statements or the ability of the Company to meet its obligations, and no such representation or warranty is to be inferred.



About the Company

Franklin Financial Network, Inc. (NYSE: FSB) is a financial holding company headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. The Company's wholly owned bank subsidiary, Franklin Synergy Bank, a Tennessee-chartered commercial bank founded in November 2007 and a member of the Federal Reserve System, provides a full range of banking and related financial services with a focus on service to small businesses, corporate entities, local governments and individuals. With consolidated total assets of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2019, the Bank currently operates through 15 branches in the growing Williamson, Rutherford and Davidson Counties and one loan production/deposit production office in Wilson County, all within the Nashville metropolitan statistical area. Additional information about the Company, which is included in the NYSE Financial-100 Index, the FTSE Russell 2000 Index and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, is available at www.FranklinSynergyBank.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006003/en/

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The World Economic Forum along with various partners on Tuesday launched 1t.org, a multi-stakeholder effort to support efforts to grow, restore and conserve one trillion trees around the world.

1t.org is a platform for leading governments, businesses, civil society and ecopreneurs committed to restoring and reforesting the planet.

The plan, outlined at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020 here by the Forum's Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, represents a major initiative in the global effort to tackle the climate change and biodiversity crises.

"The next decade must see unprecedented levels of collaboration if we are to meet global climate, biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals," Schwab said.

The scheme was also endorsed by US President Donald Trump.

In a special address at the summit, Trump said: "I am pleased to announce that the United States will join the 1 Trillion Trees initiative being launched here at the World Economic Forum. We will continue to show strong leadership in restoring, growing and better managing our trees and our forests."



The platform is being set up with the initial financial support of the Salesforce (CRM) Chairman Marc Benioff and his wife, Lynne Benioff.

Marc Benioff said: "We are facing a planetary climate crisis and trees are one of the most effective ways to sequester carbon and stop the worst effects of climate change."



Benioff further added that "in support of the 1t.org mission, Salesforce has set a goal to support and mobilize the conservation and restoration of 100 million trees over the next decade."Many initiatives and organisations are working to conserve and restore forests at scale, such as the Bonn Challenge, the Global Partnership for Forest Landscape Restoration, and the work of many environmental NGOs like American Forests, or the Trillion Trees Initiative (led by Birdlife International, WCS and WWF UK).

1t.org offers an opportunity to help join-up these initiatives in a unifying platform and provide support in critical areas, including the mobilization of funds and political support, WEF said.

"The 1t.org platform convened by the World Economic Forum provides a global public-private action platform to help translate these commitments and accelerate reforestation, restoration and conservation of forests," said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Programme (UNEP).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A British-Australian woman jailed in Tehran on espionage charges said she rejected an offer from Iran to become a spy, according to letters she smuggled out of prison.



Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a lecturer in Islamic Studies at Melbourne University, has been in prison since September 2018 and is serving a 10-year term.



In extracts of the letters smuggled out of Tehran's Evin prison and published by British media on January 21, Moore-Gilbert wrote that she is "imprisoned for a crime I have not committed" and fears for her mental health.



The Guardian and The Times newspapers reported that the letters were written in rudimentary Persian language to Iranian officials between June and December 2019.

One letter addressed to her "case manager" read: "Please accept this letter as an official and definitive rejection of your offer to me to work with the intelligence branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).



"I am not a spy. I have never been a spy and I have no interest to work for a spying organization in any country," Moore-Gilbert wrote.



In other letters, she said her health has deteriorated significantly," having been taken to hospital twice and the jail's infirmary six times.



The academic complained that she has been denied visits and phone calls and has been held in an "extremely restrictive detention ward."



"I think I am in the midst of a serious psychological problem," she said.



Australia has rejected the charges against Moore-Gilbert as entirely false and called for her to be treated "fairly, humanely, and in accordance with international norms."



Last month, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Musavi said Moore-Gilbert must serve out her sentence and that the country "will not submit to political games and propaganda."

In October, Australian travel bloggers Jolie King and her boyfriend Mark Firkin were released after spending months in an Iranian jail, while Australia freed a jailed Iranian academic, Reza Dehbashi Kivi.

With reporting by The Guardian, Times, and the BBC
A Pakistani journalist critical of the government and the army has been detained for five days for having published "anti-state" comments online, his lawyer told AFP Tuesday, in a new illustration of shrinking freedoms in Pakistan.

Azhar-ul Haq Wahid, who worked for a small television and newspaper with a limited readership, made several comments about the Pakistani establishment on his Facebook account.

He recently wrote that a court decision to lift the death penalty on former military ruler Pervez Musharraf had "mocked" the constitution.

A police report said "anti-state and defamatory material against the public functionaries and state departments" was noted on his Facebook account, according to a copy seen by AFP.

Wahid was arrested last Thursday in the eastern city of Lahore, and has been in custody since. His lawyer Mian Dawood said a court must decide his bail later this week.

The arrest "is only to threaten the freedom of media" which has faced "blatant censorship for last three years in Pakistan", Dawood told AFP.

It is "clearly another attempt to intimidate journalists who refuse to be censored," said the head of the Asia-Pacific office of Reporters Without Borders Daniel Bastard, asking the Pakistani justice "dismiss the charges against Wahid and free him at once.

Pakistan has long been one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, once caught between Islamist militants and the powerful security establishment.

However security has dramatically improved in recent years. Now Pakistani media complain of increasing censorship and pressure by the military establishment.

In 2018 the Committee to Protect Journalists noted that the military had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on the scope of general reporting.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bell seems to be matching Telus' new 20GB promo . The carrier is dropping its 20GB for $95 plan to $75 a month for 24 months. That is before you add on the price of your phone. This particular plan is for "Bring your own device" customers and those who are upgrading or activating a new gadget with Bell's SmartPay device financing plan.

If you use up your 20GB data allotment, then your unlimited data usage will be throttled down to 3G speeds. The plan doesn't seem to be on Bell's website at the moment, but MobileSyrup contacted the carrier's customer service, and they confirmed that the offer is available. It isn't known how long Bell will be offering this plan.
A community working together can accomplish anything.

That was Jacksonville native Tiffany Williams Mathis message Monday during Mayor Andy Ezards annual Unity Breakfast.

Williams-Mathis, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, said a community working together, showing support for its residents and building up individuals can do wonderful things.

There is so much more that unifies us than separates us, she said.

The Unity Breakfast is meant as a time to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and the work he did for civil rights and unification nationwide.

Growing up in Jacksonville, Williams-Mathis was shown support from so many people  teachers, community leaders and family, she said, adding that it was that support that helped make her a better person.

Along with noting support as a key to community, which she defined as a group of people living in the same place, feeling fellowship or sharing a common interest, Williams-Mathis noted what isnt in the definition of community.

It doesnt say a group of black or white people, she said. People have to work hard to build that seclusion. Our skin tones vary. My skin tone didnt render me any differently  Our differences is what makes us unique, but our love is what unites us.

By working to eliminate race as a division, people can build a better community, which helps build a better person, Williams-Mathis said.

When we work together, share a vision and goal, great strides are made and relationships are built, she said. I am a product  a result  of a community that got it right.

Ezard said the breakfast is meant to help keep the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. alive.

Williams-Mathis showed folks that by working together, getting along, a lot can be accomplished and that was the message of Martin Luther King Jr., Ezard said. There is more work to be done  to help the next person down the road.

Williams-Mathis said she wanted to uplift people with her speech, to focus on all the things that can be done, not the negatives that often are heard when talking about race and politics.

I knew I didnt want to talk about massacres, about the violence of the past, and Im exhausted by the political climate, Williams-Mathis said. I wanted to focus on the type of person a community can produce if you do it right. We already spend too much time on the problems and not enough on the solutions.

Only by working together is any change possible, Williams-Mathis said.

Individually, we cant change the world, but together, you can make great strides in changing and building a community, she said.
A lot can happen on the road to Trumps acquittal. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Just over three years after his inauguration, President Trump is finally suffering the fate many predicted from day one: impeachment. Below are highlights of Tuesdays proceedings, which mark the real beginning of his trial after last Thursdays pomp and circumstance.

Editors note: latest updates are at the top.

Day One Becomes Day Two

Shortly after midnight, the Senate voted to table yet another proposed amendment, determining how evidence is handled in the trial. Close observers of the 13-plus hour first day can guess how it went down  in yet another 53-47 vote. By around 1:30 a.m., impeachment manager Representative Adam Schiff argued the 11th and final amendment  in which a neutral arbiter, Chief Justice Roberts, would determine the relevancy of a potential witness  before an exhausted chamber. The amendment, like all the others before it, was tabled, and McConnells resolution was adopted.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries tries to keep it light

.@RepJeffries responds to Sekulow's comments earlier today -



"We are here, sir, because President Trump tried to corruptly use his power, and cover it up."



Ends by quoting Notorious B.I.G.: "And if you don't know, now you know."  Ben Siegel (@benyc) January 22, 2020

Perhaps the reference resonated with the senators after their pizza dinner. Either way, around 9:45 p.m., shortly after Republicans voted down an amendment seeking the testimony of Mick Mulvaney, Mitch McConnell asked Chuck Schumer if he could expedite the process by stacking votes on remaining amendments into a single vote  a request that Schumer declined.

Republicans vote down Schumers first three amendments

The Senate voted along party lines to knock down three of the Democrats amendments to Mitch McConnells organizing resolution  the rules dictating how the trial will be conducted. The three alterations so far that have been tabled involved a call to subpoena State department documents; a call to subpoena documents from the Office of Management and Budget; and a call to subpoena documents from the White House related to Ukraine.

Shortly after voting down the third amendment, the Senate broke for dinner. With more amendments coming to subpoena witnesses, its going to be a long night.

McConnell reportedly wants to finish the trial in 10 days

According to two sources in communication with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who spoke with CNN, the Kentucky senator wants to wrap up the trial in 10 days, a timeline that would be roughly follow these outlines:

Wednesday: Democratic arguments

Thursday: Democratic arguments

Friday: Democratic arguments

Saturday: Trump team arguments

Monday: Trump team arguments

Jan. 28: Trump team arguments

Jan. 29: Senator questions

Jan 30: Senator questions

Jan 31: On the second Friday of the trial, there would be four hours of debate on whether or not to subpoena witnesses and documents, followed by a vote on those potential subpoenas, and a vote on any other motions. If no votes pass, its possible the Senate could vote to acquit that day.

Collins likely to support a motion to subpoena witnesses

One of the few Republicans expected to break from her caucus on procedural issues, Maine Senator Susan Collins said that she is likely to support a Democratic motion to subpoena witnesses later in the trial. As I said last week, while I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I anticipate that I would conclude that having additional information would be helpful, she said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. It is likely that I would support a motion to subpoena witnesses at that point in the trial just as I did in 1999.

Senators are bending the rules on cellphones

Considering the screen habits of most Americans, the rule that senators cannot use electronic devices in the chamber is going to be a tough one to adhere to during the grueling hours expected for the trial. As a workaround, at least eight senators so far have worn Apple Watches to be able to contact aides and the outside world. According to Roll Call, at least seven senators were spotted with a loophole smartwatch.

Senators are opting for low-tech, middle-school solutions to get around the no-communication rule during the trial, including passing notes (Mike Lee), sharing candy (Ben Sasse), whispering to neighbors (Mark Warren and Tim Kaine), and pretending to punch a colleague in the chest (Lisa Murkowski to Lindsey Graham).

Sekulow, Cipollone argue that process is a sham

In initial remarks, White House lawyers Jay Sekuow and Pat Cipollone argued that the impeachment trial was a waste of Americas time  not bothering to defend President Trumps actual conduct. Cipollone seemed personally upset, repeatedly pounding the podium in front of him and calling the trial ridiculous, and going after Adam Schiff repeatedly for reading an inaccurate version of President Trumps phone call with Ukraines president into the congressional record  an episode that has become an obsession on the right. Only very close observers of the Trump administration might have noticed that not all of the arguments the two lawyers laid out were consistent with past practice.

SEKULOW is arguing the exact opposite of the Trump administration's long-held position.



"It is why we have courts," he says ,of dispute between Congress and WH.



DOJ has argued that courts should NOT step into dispute between two branches because it would politicize them.  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) January 21, 2020

McConnell gives some ground on timing

The Senate Majority Leader announced that he would expand the number of hours Democrats and Republicans can argue their case, meaning that the trial will not run into the wee hours this week after all. The change was a reaction to pushback from (relatively) moderate Republican senators like Susan Collins, who balked at McConnells original, extreme plan.

BREAKING - THIS: McConnell has changed his resolution to allow each side to present over *3* days, instead of *2*, per GOP source close to impeachment.



That is the difference b/t 12-hour days and 8-hour days. (9p end v 1a ET)  Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) January 21, 2020

In another alteration likely spurred on by that same group of senators, McConnell reversed course and said he would allow the Houses impeachment evidence to be entered into Senate evidence.

Schumer goes to town on McConnells proposed rules

Speaking on the Senate floor, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer assailed Mitch McConnells proposal for how the impeachment trial should be conducted. It appears the majority leaders aim is to acquit President Trump quickly and  by conducting the proceedings late at night  draw as few eyeballs as possible.

Schumer says on Senate floor McConnells resolution seems to be designed by President Trump and for President Trump.



This resolution will go down as one of the darker moments in Senate history, Schumer says. The rules are not even close to the Clinton rules.  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) January 21, 2020

Correction: This post originally identified Michael Bennet as one of the senators wearing a smartwatch on the Senate floor. According to a spokesperson, the senator doesnt own an Apple watch and was just wearing the regular old Timex he wears every day.
The bank through which Iraq pays for Iranian gas imports to power its grids said on Tuesday that it would stop processing payments if a crucial US sanctions exemption expires next month.

"We'll stop. As simple as that," the head of Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) Faisal al-Haimus told AFP.

A failure to renew the US waiver could be devastating for Iraq's crippled electricity sector, which has relied on Iran for about a third of its supply, and comes at a time of heightened US-Iran tensions.

Washington slapped tough sanctions on Iran's energy sector in 2018 but has granted Iraq a series of temporary waivers over the last 15 months to allow it to buy gas from Tehran.

Baghdad pays for the imports by depositing Iraqi dinars into an account at the state-owned TBI, which Iran is technically allowed to use to purchase non-sanctioned goods.

But if Iraq's waiver is not renewed next month, TBI would stop processing payments, Haimus said.

"If the waiver ended, of course TBI will not pay for any gas or deal with any Iranian entity over gas or electricity. Absolutely," he said.

"As a bank, the most important thing we have is that we are compliant (with international regulations). That's why people trust us," the chairman added.

Any entity that deals with institutions or countries that are blacklisted by the US could be slapped with secondary sanctions, which restrict its access to US dollars.

The waiver protected Iraq from such sanctions, allowing it to continue importing about 1,400 MW of electricity and 28 million cubic metres (988 million cubic feet) of gas from Iran.

The US also demanded Iraq wean itself off Iranian energy and partner with American companies instead.

In the meantime, Iran and Iraq agreed on a payment scheme in line with US regulations: a TBI account in Iraqi dinars.

As of last year, Iraq had an outstanding bill of around USD 2 billion for previous gas and electricity purchases, according to Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh.

Haimus declined to disclose how much had been paid into the account or how much was still owed, but told AFP that "disputes" meant Iran had not been able to actually access the money.

"A few payments were made according to this mechanism but the problem is that handling this money was not possible," he said.

Iraq fears being swept up in spiralling tensions between Iran and the US, which are both allies to Baghdad.

Earlier this month, Iraq's parliament voted in favour of ousting foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US troops -- following a US drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed top Iranian and Iraqi military officials.

Outraged by the vote, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose sanctions "like they've never seen before" on Iraq if US troops were forced out.

The US then informed Iraq it was considering blocking access to a US-based account where Baghdad keeps oil revenues that contribute 90 percent of the national budget.

A US diplomat had earlier told AFP that such a move would be the "nuclear option" in terms of pressure mechanisms on Iraq.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Nigerian electoral commission, INEC, has said it is ready for the Saturdays re-run elections, scheduled to hold in 28 constituencies across 11 states in the country.

The commission also warned the elections would not accommodate the substitution of candidates, as the process had elapsed.

INEC had announced a date for the rerun elections in the country. It said the rerun polls, which arose from 30 court-ordered petitions after the 2019 general elections, will be held in January 2020.

The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission was prepared for the polls on Tuesday, while swearing-in two newly elected state Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), at the commissions headquarters in Abuja.

Mr Yakubu also explained that six of 28 re-run elections involve the entire constituencies while the remaining 22 elections will be held only in some polling units.

Exception

According to him, the only constituency exempted in the substitution of candidates is Gamawa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State as well as Agwara State Constituency in Niger State where elections will be held without the candidates and parties that were declared winners in the general election.

The INEC chairman also assured Nigerians of credible elections, saying the commission will work with the security agencies to ensure adequate protection of election officials, accredited observers, and the media.

I wish to assure Nigerians that the commission is ready for the re-run elections. All sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been deployed to the states, stakeholders meetings have been held, security arrangements are being finalised while training and posting of ad hoc staff,

As well as the configuration of Smart Card Readers, are ongoing. Where the elections involve entire constituencies, National as well as some Resident Electoral Commissioners will be deployed, he said.

New officers

Mr Yakubu congratulated the new RECs saying we look forward to working with you in the best interest of our country.

The electoral officers are Alalibo Johnson, the REC officer for Cross Rivers State and Umar Gajiram who was also deployed to Taraba State.

Mr Johnson is replacing the former officer, Frankland Briyia, who resigned his position as the state INEC commissioner on August 15, after declaring his intention to contest in the November 16 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Gajiram is replacing late Baba Yusuf, the former Taraba State REC officer.

PREMIUM TIMES on September 29, 2019, had reported the death of the late Yusuf at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, where he was on admission.
Scripps Research Chemistry Professor Matthew Disney, Ph.D., discusses RNA editors with recently graduated doctoral student Matthew Costales, Ph.D., and an undergraduate intern. In their PNAS paper, Disney and Costales describe successfully editing oncogenic RNA from triple-negative breast cancer, killing the cancer and stopping its spread, while leaving healthy cells untouched in mice. Credit: Scott Wiseman

The move toward targeted anti-cancer treatments has produced better outcomes with fewer side-effects for many breast cancer patients. But so far, advances in precision medicine haven't reached people diagnosed with so-called triple-negative breast cancer.

An innovative compound developed in the lab of Scripps Research chemist Matthew D. Disney, Ph.D., offers a new potential route to intervene. Published the week of Jan. 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Disney team's paper describes a compound that, in mice, awakened cancer cells' self-destruct system, killing the cancer cells and stopping their spread, while leaving healthy cells untouched.

While most drugs work by binding to proteins, Disney's compound first latches onto an uncommon target, a molecule called a microRNA precursor, involved in silencing gene transcription. Next it recruits and activates the cell's own disposal system to destroy it. MicroRNA-21 has been called an oncogenic RNA because of its role in metastasis. An abundance of it predicts lower survival in people with triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer lacks the traits that would make it sensitive to precision anti-cancer drugs currently available. Between 10 and 15 percent of people with breast cancer receive this diagnosis, as their tumors test negative for estrogen and progesterone sensitivity, as well as HER2 protein production, leaving traditional chemotherapy as the first-line treatment.

"Breast cancer affects one in eight women in their lifetime. Unfortunately, there are no precision medicines for triple-negative breast cancer patients. And often times, these cancers become metastaticthey spread. This metastasis can result in death," Disney says. "We asked ourselves if we could develop a compound that can target genes that cause cancer metastasis and direct triple-negative breast cancer cells to self-destruct."

Disney says a tool he developed in 2014 to identify druggable RNA structures and compounds that would bind to them, called Inforna, revealed the needle in the proverbial haystack, a compound that bound selectively to microRNA-21.

Disney's team combined the optimized compound with a second molecule that recruits and activates an RNA-cutting enzyme, one that is part of our immune system. In this way, the compound enabled destruction of the microRNA-21 target.

Breast cancer cells are stained in the lab of Matthew Disney, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at Scripps Research in Jupiter, Fla. Credit: Scott Wiseman

Disney has dubbed this precision target-and-destroy system "RIBOTAC," short for "ribonuclease-targeting chimeras." The tool represents a sort of gene-expression editor, precisely deleting disease-linked sequence from RNA.

The Disney team spent considerable effort studying whether the compound Inforna identified was selective, that is, whether it targeted microRNA-21 without producing unintended off-target effects. They searched for significant changes in the breast cancer cells' protein production and found a favorable result.

Matthew Costales, Ph.D., one of Disney's graduate students, was the paper's first author. Costales says a variety of cell-based and mouse tests produced expected results.

"Generally, proteins involved in genome stability were upregulated while oncogenes were downregulated, consistent with what would occur upon knockdown of microRNA-21," Costales says. "Overall, this translated to a robust decrease in the spread of breast cancer to the lung in a mouse model."

In addition to triple-negative breast cancer, the team found the compound broadly decreased invasiveness in melanoma and lung cancer cell lines that showed aberrant microRNA-21 activity. It had no apparent effect on healthy breast tissue.

Disney says these are early days for a treatment approach that defies convention. Traditional drugs work by binding to proteins because they are structurally more complex than RNA, which has only four bases. The chemistry strategies his team employs overcome that barrier, Disney says.

"It is clear from this study that compounds targeting RNA can be as selective as compounds that target proteins, even those that are designed to destroy toxic sequence," Disney adds. "We anticipate the developing small molecules that target RNAs for destruction will be applied broadly going forward."

Explore further Potential drug candidates halt prostate and breast cancer growth

More information: Peiyuan Zhang et al. Translation of the intrinsically disordered protein -synuclein is inhibited by a small molecule targeting its structured mRNA, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2020). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Peiyuan Zhang et al. Translation of the intrinsically disordered protein -synuclein is inhibited by a small molecule targeting its structured mRNA,(2020). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1905057117
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

If you have just had knee, shoulder or hip surgery, you may want to take anti-inflammatories in the morning or at noon, but not at night. A McGill-led study shows, for the first time, that circadian clock genes are involved in healing from surgery. Indeed, the researchers demonstrated that anti-inflammatory medications are most effective in promoting post-operative healing and recovery when taken during the active periods of our biological clocks.

The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, also suggests that if anti-inflammatories are taken either in the afternoon or at night, during the resting phases of the circadian rhythm, they can severely deter healing and bone repair following surgery. That's because these are the periods when cells known as osteoblasts are rebuilding bone.

Circadian clock genes involved in healing from surgery

Although prior research has shown that circadian clock genes play a role in diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, arthritis and Parkinson's, this is the first study to see the effect of the circadian rhythm in any type of surgery or injury. Faleh Tamimi Marino, the Canada Research Chair for Translational Cranofacial Research is the senior co-author on the article, along with Belinda Nicolau and Laura Stone. All are McGill's Faculty of Dentistry.

Inflammation, following surgery, is crucial to healing since part of the process involves both destroying any bacteria that may be in the area, and signaling to attract the cells that will rebuild the tissues. But the process is not a constant.

"There are periods of inflammation that are actually very destructive, and there are periods that are constructive and important for healing," said Faleh Tamimi. "So many pharmaceutical companies have been trying to develop drugs that will inhibit the destructive processes during inflammation but not interfere with the helpful ones."

He adds, "The idea that I came up with in the shower one morning is that we could perhaps use the circadian variations in inflammation to our advantage. The destructive component of the circadian rhythm as it relates to bone healing occurs during the day, when cells known as osteoclasts break down bones. The constructive cells, known as osteoblasts that rebuild bones are active at night. By limiting the use of anti-inflammatories to the mornings and giving analgesics at night for the pain, I thought we might get better results in terms of bone healing than if anti-inflammatories are given throughout the day."

Significant differences in rates of healing and in genes

The researchers compared pain and bone healing in two different groups of mice with fractured tibia. One group was given constant doses of anti-inflammatories over a twenty-four hour period, while the others were given anti-inflammatories only in the morningduring the active phases of the circadian rhythmand analgesics at night. The researchers found that the second group recovered from the pain of the injury, and regained bone strength more quickly and more fully. Surprisingly, they also noticed differences between the groups in the expression of over 500 genes specifically related to bone healing processes. "Its almost as if morning anti-inflammatories and evening anti inflammatories were two different drugs" adds Faleh Tamimi.

The rhythm of the body's own healing

"When I was a child, and I cut myself, my mother would say to me, don't worry, go to sleep and tomorrow you will be better," said Haider El-Waeli, the first author on the study, who wrote the paper while working on his Ph.D. at McGill and is now a clinical resident at Dalhousie University. "It turns out she was right because most of the healing happens at night."

"The body has a rhythm," adds Tamimi. "And if you give anti-inflammatories in the morning you are working with the rhythm of the body and when you give them at night, you are working against it so you disrupt the healing."

As a next step, the researchers are collecting preliminary data from a clinical trial monitoring pain and healing related to extraction of wisdom teeth, using two different drug treatmentsone involving exclusive use of anti-inflammatories, and the other administering anti-inflammatory medications only in the morning and at noon, and analgesics in the afternoon and evening. The preliminary results are promising.

Explore further Our body clocks cause wounds sustained at night to heal more slowly

More information: H. Al-Waeli et al, Chronotherapy of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Enhance Postoperative Recovery, Scientific Reports (2020). Journal information: Scientific Reports H. Al-Waeli et al, Chronotherapy of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Enhance Postoperative Recovery,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57215-y
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellig Group, a leader in recruiting and onboarding executive talent, has tapped corporate governance veteran Nicole Sandford to lead its newly expanded Global Board Advisory Services Practice. Joining the firm this week as EVP, Global Board Advisory Services Leader, Sandford, a retired Partner in Deloitte's Board Advisory Services practice, brings 25 years of deep experience working in the governance space at Deloitte, where she helped develop the Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance.

"We are delighted to further expand Ellig Group's core search platform to offer a broader range of board search and related advisory and assessment services; Nicole brings strong leadership to head up this team that will be a vital part of our growth," says Janice Reals Ellig, CEO of Ellig Group. "She will continue her extensive experience working with boards and CEOs on a global level around issues critical to their business."

"I've worked with many executive search firms over the years, and when it comes to delivering a focused effort to identify exceptional, under-the-radar candidates, I don't think anyone can compare to Janice and the Ellig Group team," adds Sandford. "Janice's work related to C-Suite and board diversity in particular has been an inspiration to me and many others."

"Joining Ellig Group as it reimagines executive search is a powerful driver for me," says Sandford, "as they are a leader in ensuring that candidates are aligned with the organization's strategy, culture, growth plans, and stakeholders. The market is ready for a new approach  it has to be about more than presenting the same names."

Ellig Group's Board Advisory Services focus on practical improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance processes in organizations. The firm's work engages boards and CEOs around the most strategic elements of governance, including value-driven director and CEO succession planning and ongoing board skill development and education.

Complementing its Board Advisory and executive search services, the firm provides clients a holistic approach to talent identification and development through its executive assessment capabilities, AI/analytics, and leadership development and onboarding programs. The firm's commitment to supporting diverse and inclusive leadership has resulted in a demonstrated long-term track record where 75% of executives and 85% of board directors placed in client organizations being women and leaders from underrepresented groups.

While at Deloitte, Sandford helped dozens of public and private companies across industry sectors  including several large global banks  to transform their boards and organizational governance. As the founding member of the Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance, she spearheaded the firm's first board diversity initiatives and led its response to milestone legislation and regulation (including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act). She is currently the Vice Chairman of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, board member of the Stamford Public Education Foundation, and Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware. Her past directorships include the Society of Corporate Governance and The Global Partnership for Afghanistan. Sandford's work has been recognized with awards including the Millstein Center at Yale's Rising Star of Corporate Governance and the World of Difference Award from The International Alliance for Women.

For more information, please contact Suzanne Oaks Brownstein or Trang Mar of Temin and Company at 212.588.8788 or [email protected] .

About Ellig Group

Ellig Group is a leader in recruiting and onboarding outstanding executive talent, with highly diverse backgrounds and experiences, and helping organizations identify exceptional leaders for their evolving needs. With roots dating to our legacy company's founding in 1977, we have evolved alongside our clients to reimagine what it means to be an executive search partner and in 2017 we rebranded as Ellig Group.

We are Reimagining Search by providing an expanded platform of services beyond the cornerstone of our four decades in executive search. Today we offer a meaningful and holistic approach to talent identification and development through our Executive/Board advisory and assessment capabilities, AI/analytics, as well as our leadership development and onboarding programs. We offer customized advice and tools to support our clients and candidates in reaching their goals before, during, and after a search assignment.

Ellig Group is a certified women-owned business enterprise (WBENC); a member of IIC Partners (Independent International Consultants), a top ten worldwide executive search organization of independent search firms in 33 countries; and a member of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global professional association for retained executive search and leadership consulting firms.

For more information, visit elliggroup.com .

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Gardai have confirmed that they assisted the PSNI in a major investigation targeting a cross-border gang involved in a 215m (252m) money laundering operation in Northern Ireland.

Seven people were arrested in the North over two days in what the PSNI said was their largest money laundering operation ever.

Gardai continue to target this gang and have so far arrested three people since last August in relation to a fraud scam worth around 29m.

The gang is headed by a man who for the last year has primarily lived in the North. Gardai suspect he may be working for other major criminal gangs.

The PSNI said that officers from their Economic Crime Unit conducted the largest money laundering search and arrest operation focusing on the international money laundering of criminal assets worth 215m over the last eight years.

It said 15 properties were searched and seven arrests made. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said they are suspected of high-end money laundering through bank accounts in the UK and internationally.

He said the operation involved liaison with the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB), the Criminal Assets Bureau and agencies in Britain.

The statement said that more than 50 shell companies and more than 140 bank accounts have been identified in their investigation.

In total, almost 215m has been deposited to thousands of bank accounts across the UK and also transferred out of the UK through foreign exchange companies since 2011, DCI Wilson said.

We believe that the majority of this money is derived from a range of criminal activity carried out by organised crime gangs.

Garda HQ confirmed that its units were involved in assisting the PSNI and that it related to the same cross border organised crime group targeted by gardai.

The GNECB investigation began in September 2016 into what is known as VAT carousel fraud. This involves systematic defrauding of the VAT system through bogus trade between jurisdictions.

In September 2017, 15 properties, both commercial and residential, were searched across four provinces and a large volume of digital and documentary evidence seized.

In May 2019, a woman was arrested in Co Louth and, in August, a man was arrested. The third person arrested, last October, in Dundalk, was described as a facilitator for the gang.

The arrests related to the defrauding in Ireland of around 29m by this cross-border outfit, led by a man who in the last year has lived primarily in the North.

Gardai identified money through bank accounts across a range of financial institutions linked to various companies on the island, all under the control of the gang. Large sums of money were subsequently transferred to bank accounts in foreign jurisdictions.

The Garda investigation is ongoing.
YEREVAN.  At the January 21 sitting of the National Assembly of Armenia, the deputies passed in the second final reading a number of legislative amendments to the existing laws, the Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent reports from parliament.

These include the bills on making amendments and, or, addenda to the Law on State Administration Bodies, the Law on Legal-Normative Acts, the Law on State Service and Related Laws, the Law on Operative Intelligence Activities, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Criminal Code.

In addition, the parliamentarians passed some other bills in the first reading.
[January 20, 2020] Arizona Technology Council Applauds STEM Investments in Governor Ducey's Executive Budget

The Arizona Technology Council applauds Governor Doug Ducey on his proposed FY 2021 executive budget, especially with its emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The governor's executive budget plan totals nearly $12.5 billion. The proposal includes roughly 6% in additional spending over the budget enacted last year, nearly half of which is earmarked for education. With the final installment of the 20X2020 teacher pay raise and the complete restoration of the additional assistance, Governor Ducey continues his commitment to Education. Additionally, the focus on STEM funding, especially in Rural Arizona, is the type of investment that will keep the state's economy strong and cement why Arizona is such a great place to live and work. Below are some of the STEM and technology focused proposals from Governor Ducey's budget proposal: $35 million to a "New Economy" initiative to support Arizona's workforce

$10 million for Governor's research and grants matching funds as a part of the "New Economy" initiative

$11 million in restorations to STEM and Workforce Programs in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal community colleges

$6 million to rural community college districts to meet the demand for career and technical programs

$4 million to expand the Arizona Advanced Technology Corridor

$10 million to triple state's investment in Rural Broadband Grants This type of investment will help support Arizona's growing technology industry and prepare our workforce for the jobs our tech companies need.



"With Arizona's technology sector growing at a pace 40% faster than the rest of the nation, we are increasingly pleased with the Governor's leadership in investing in K12, higher education and specifically in STEM," said Steven G. Zylstra, the Council's president and CEO. "The Council is advocating for STEM ecosystem investment and cultivation as one of its 2020 legislative priorities, and we look forward to working with the Governor on making our vision a reality." From the Office of the Governor and the U.S. Congress to legislative committee rooms and city halls across the state, the Council serves as the voice advocating for a technology-based, pro-growth, business-focused agenda.

The Council recently released its 2020 Public Policy Guide designed to inform the Governor, the Legislature, Arizona's Congressional delegation and the Council's more than 850 member companies along with the wider technology community of the organization's advocacy activities, principles and positions. It also aims to help elected officials at all levels of government as they craft policies affecting Arizona's economy and technology sector for years to come. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org to learn more about the Council's public policy activities. About the Arizona Technology Council The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, visionaries and community members to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005543/en/

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Hyderabad: Film actor Prakash Raj was allegedly intercepted by the police near Afzal Gunj when on his way to address agitating Unani students at Nizamia Tibbi College on Monday. However, this has not been confirmed either by the police or the students. It is learnt that he was informed by the police that permission had not been sought for his programme in the Old City.

Students of Nizamia Tibbi (Unani) College have held a silent protest for 13 days now against the Union governments CAA-NPR-NRC legislation and procedures. They turn out every day after class and demonstrate silently. Heavy police security has been deployed by the South Zone police at Unani Hospital.

Additional commissioner of police, Mirchowk, B. Anand objected to the protests. He even questioned the principal of the college Dr Ahsan Farooqui why he is allowing the students to demonstrate continuously and asked him not to allow the students to protest daily.

He threatened the students with dire consequences and asked them whether they wanted to become leaders. He said when home minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali had assured that there will be no NRC in the state, why are they protesting and not focusing on their studies.
Children's charity Unicef has urged policymakers at the World Economic Forum to address the education spending gap, after it found 30% of the world's poorest teenage girls have never been to school.

The United Nations charity analyzed data from 42 countries, looking at children aged 10-19, in a report launched at the Education World Forum in London this week.

It found fewer (20%) of the world's poorest boys had never attended school. However, it reported that an equal number of boys and girls (14%) had dropped out of education in primary school, the British equivalent of elementary school.

The report said children from the world's poorest households already faced obstacles to education as basic as gender discrimination and physical distance from their school.

But it went on to blame "major disparities in the distribution of public education spending" as a barrier to learning, as this resulted in large class sizes, poorly trained teachers, lack of education materials and poor school infrastructure.

Unicef found that children from the richest 20% of households received around double the amount of education funding than the poorest 20%.

This disparity was the most pronounced in Africa, for instance in Guinea, where the richest children benefited from nine times the education funding allocated to the most deprived young people.

Nordic countries Denmark, Norway and Sweden, along with Ireland and Barbados were the only countries included in the report found to have an equal distribution of funding between the richest and poorest households.

Unicef also cited data from the World Bank, saying more than half of children living in low- and middle-income countries could not read or understand a simple story by the end of primary school.

The charity recommended allocating at least 10% of national education budgets to universal pre-primary education as one way for governments to address this problem, saying this was the foundation for any level of schooling.

Henrietta Fore, executive director at Unicef, said countries were failing the world's poorest children and therefore "failing themselves," adding that as long as funding remained disproportionate, they would have "little hope of escaping poverty."

She said countries were at a "critical juncture" but that investing equally in children's education would offer the best chance of lifting them out of poverty "by empowering them with the skills they need to access opportunities."

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FORT MEADE, Md. - An architect of the brutal CIA interrogation and detention program developed after the Sept. 11 attacks defended the agency and its practices on Tuesday as those techniques become the focus of an effort to dismiss key evidence against five men charged in the terrorist plot.

James Mitchell spent the first day of what is expected to be at least a week of questioning by defence teams at the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, providing details about the CIAs interrogation program as well as what he said was the context necessary to understand it.

The CIA was the tip of the spear in the months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and was urgently trying to gather vital intelligence using techniques that had been authorized by the U.S. government, the retired Air Force psychologist told the court.

We were trying to save American lives, Mitchell said.

Mitchell is facing questions now because lawyers for the five men accused of planning and providing logistical support for the Sept. 11 attacks are seeking to prevent the government from using statements the defendants gave to the FBI as evidence against them in a war crimes trial scheduled to start next January at the U.S. base in Cuba.

The testimony in Guantanamo is an important milestone in the Sept. 11 war crimes proceedings, which have been bogged down in the pretrial phase since the May 2012 arraignment.

The five defendants, who include the self-proclaimed mastermind of the Sept. 11 hijacking plot, were subjected to waterboarding and other methods now widely regarded as torture. Mitchell, who helped develop the program with another private contractor and others, insisted the CIA feared another catastrophic attack, possibly involving nuclear weapons, and was trying to stop it.

My sole focus was stopping the next attack, he said.

Mitchell agreed to come to Guantanamo to testify without a subpoena to give his version of events, which he also detailed in a book, called Enhanced Interrogation, that he co-wrote with a CIA spokesman.

Im happy to talk about my role in the program and what the program did, he told the court.

At times, however, he appeared to bristle at the questioning. When defence lawyer James Connell thanked him for coming to court, he replied, I did it for the victims and families not for you.

Mitchell and another psychologist, Bruce Jessen, were contracted by the CIA to develop the interrogation program, which also included intense sleep deprivation, confinement in a small box, prolonged shackling in stress positions, and being doused with cold water.

Defence lawyers for the five men charged in the attacks have called the contractors, who observed and took part in interrogations at clandestine CIA facilities, as witnesses in an effort to disqualify statements the defendants made to the FBI after they were transferred to Guantanamo in September 2006.

It was the first time that the defendants and one of the main architects of their brutal treatment had faced each other in court.

Mitchell and Jessen gave depositions in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of three former prisoners, including one who died in custody. The case was settled for undisclosed terms in August 2017 and the two former contractors did not testify in court.

This testimony marks a critical moment for reckoning with the torture committed in the American peoples name, said ACLU staff attorney Dror Ladin, Mitchell and Jessen, along with collaborators in the U.S. government, are responsible for shameful cruelty that the CIA is still trying to cover up.

Mitchell was expected to be followed on the stand by Jessen. Their testimony will likely take up much of a pretrial hearing scheduled to last two weeks.

The defendants include Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, an al-Qaida operative who has portrayed himself as the mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. All five face the death penalty if convicted of charges that include terrorism and nearly 3,000 counts of murder for their alleged roles planning and providing logistical support to the hijacking plot.

Under a 2006 law that set up the military commission, any statements must be voluntary to be admitted into evidence and the government is not seeking to use at the trial anything the men said while in CIA custody.

But the prisoners also gave what prosecutors have called clean statements to the FBI after they arrived at Guantanamo.

Lawyers for the five defendants argue that everything the men have said in custody was tainted by the torture they were subjected to while in CIA confinement.

James Connell, a lawyer for defendant Ammar al-Baluchi, said he believes the FBI helped guide some of the questioning of the men and that others in the government were also involved in developing the program starting with the capture of a prisoner known as Abu Zubaydah in 2002.

Dr. Mitchell plays an important role but ultimately a small one, in developing and carrying out the interrogations, said Connell, whose client is a nephew of Mohammad.

A Senate investigation in 2014 found that the interrogation program designed by Mitchell and Jessen was used on 39 detainees and produced no useful intelligence. They were paid $81 million for their work, according to the Senate report.

Mitchell and Jessen previously worked at the Air Force survival school at Fairchild Air Force Base outside Spokane, Washington, where they trained pilots to avoid capture and resist interrogation and torture. The CIA hired them to reverse-engineer that training to break terrorism suspects.

They defended their work when the lawsuit was settled, arguing that neither contractor condoned or conducted any mistreatment of prisoners and that the overall program was authorized by the government.

Jessen said in a statement then that he and Mitchell served our country at a time when freedom and safety hung in the balance.

The proceedings at Guantanamo were being transmitted to several government installations in the U.S., including Fort Meade, Maryland, where they were viewed by The Associated Press.
PUPILS at Badgemore Primary School in Henley learned about internet safety at a special assembly on Friday.

More than 50 children from year 3 to year 6 saw a presentation by social enterprise Parent Zone, which works to educate children about the digital world, with the support of Google.

Daniel Robert Leigh and Jennie Delaney delivered the presentation and warned the children that anything they shared online had the potential to go viral.

They said 36 million people in the UK use the internet every day, which was the equivalent to Wembley Stadium at capacity 400 times.

The children were encouraged to shout remember, always think before you share so they would not forget.

The presenters also talked about fake news. Mr Leigh said: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

There was also a warning about phishing, where criminals attempt to steal personal information such as debit card numbers or an email address. People are often targeted through pop-ups that ask for information by interrupting browsing online.

The children were encouraged to shout check its for real and then learned about what makes a password strong. To ensure these are effective, they should be at least eight characters and comprise numbers as well as lower and upper case letters.

The presenters also said it was important to be kind online and repeat messages out loud before sending them to ensure they could not be misunderstood.

The children were told about a range of scenarios they could encounter on the internet and asked how they would respond with an emoji.

Mr Leigh held up two emojis depicting different states, such as happy or sad, and the children chose the one that was most appropriate for each scenario.

These included a friend sharing an image of a red panda online, which the children chose to respond to with a love emoji.

At the end of the presentation they graduated as internet legends following a pledge where they said: I promise to be sharp and think before I share, to be alert and check its for real, to stay secure and protect myself, to be kind and respect my fellow legends, to be brave and when in doubt discuss. Sharp, alert, secure, kind, brave.

Henley MP John Howell attended the presentation and presented the school with a certificate.

He said: I think this is a very excellent presentation to children about what they can do with the internet.

They have to learn how to use it properly, both to keep themselves safe and to learn how to be kind to each other and realise theres a human being at the other end of the internet.

Headteacher Tim Hoskins said: The children and adults have learnt so much about keeping safe online.

The technology in the world today can really benefit childrens learning and yet, at times, it can be damaging.

As a teacher and parent, Ive found that online activities move so quickly that it is now more necessary than ever that children know how to protect themselves.
Im excited to speak on a panel on the newest tech trends in the apartment space with fellow pioneers."

Georgianna W. Oliver, founder of Tour24, the on-demand platform that automates the process for apartment tours, and Package Concierge, the trusted provider of automated locker systems, has been selected to speak at the industry-leading National Multihousing Councils Annual Meeting in Orlando tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22. Oliver will speak on a panel during the meetings general session, From Smart to Finish: Three Tech Trends Revolutionizing our Industry, specifically speaking on self-guided tours.

As the multifamily housing industry looks forward to the next decade, staying on top of the latest in the PropTech arena will be key to success - investment in real estate tech companies globally hit $14 billion in the first half of 2019 alone. NMHC members can expect to hear from Oliver and others on how PropTech innovation must be an integral part of their business strategy in the new year and for years to come to thrive in the marketplace.

WHO: NMHC Members

WHAT: The apartment customer experience is being disrupted in a big way, and that disruption has implications for staffing and how the multifamily industry does business. In this session, moderators will facilitate three separate panels on the three technologies that impact the industry including digital leasing assistants, self-guided tours, and smart home technology.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 22 at 10:15 a.m.

WHERE: Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek/Waldorf Astoria - Orlando, FL

Im excited to speak on a panel on the newest tech trends in the apartment space with fellow pioneers, said Oliver. The NMHC Annual Meeting is an industry highlight each year and Im looking forward to sharing in the rich thought leadership that comes out of the conference.

For More Information About the Event:

NMHC Annual Meeting

About Tour24

Tour24 is the on-demand platform that automates the process for apartment tours. Created by the founders of Package Concierge, a Gibraltar Industries Inc. company that creates leading automated package locker systems, Tour24s transformative technology integrates with smart-home providers to deliver self-guided property tours and serve as an extension to leasing teams. With Tour24, prospective residents can tour apartments on their own schedule, reducing the time it takes to find a new home and driving more leases for properties. For more information, please visit http://www.tour24now.com. Follow us on Twitter @Tour24now.

About Package Concierge

Package Concierge is the trusted provider of automated locker solutions. With over 50+ million package transactions, Package Concierge combines expertise and technology to seamlessly automate processes for multifamily housing. As the only vertically-integrated solution, Package Concierge products are built in the USA and powered by proprietary software to deliver on security, design and functionality. By collaborating with customers to understand and address their evolving needs, Package Concierge delivers the highest quality solutions to optimize operations and enhance user experiences. Learn how automated lockers and package rooms can easily integrate with your systems to transform your package management at http://www.packageconcierge.com.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / AEX Gold Inc. is pleased to provide an update on the Corporation's 2019 drilling program on its 100% owned Nalunaq license in South Greenland. New Main Vein intersections in an area down-dip of historic workings in the past producing Nalunaq Mine supports the exploration target described in the project's technical report entitled "An Independent Technical Report on the Nalunaq Gold Project, South Greenland" dated March 20, 2017 (effective date of December 16, 2016), prepared for Nalunaq A/S by SRK Exploration Services Ltd. (the "Nalunaq Technical Report"). The Nalunaq Technical Report is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under AEX's issuer profile.

Key Highlights:

Nine holes drilled at Nalunaq for 1615 meters, seven reached target depth

Main Vein identified in six holes

0.87 meter @ 46.1 g/t Au from 124 meters in hole AEX1902

Drilling has identified the Main Vein structure 300 meters along strike from the South Block workings, and more than 350 meters down dip, improving confidence in the exploration target towards the northeast and under the valley towards Ship Mountain (see Figure 2 below)

A comparison of gold grades from all historic surface drilling versus underground development samples suggests that drilling may underestimates true grade (see note on historical drilling at Nalunaq below)

Eldur Olafsson, CEO of AEX Gold, commented:

"The objective of the 2019 drilling program was to validate the structure extension of the Main Vein across the Kirkespir Valley from South Block towards Ship Mountain. The drilling results have outperformed our expectations, including a stand-out intersection of 46.1 g/t Au over a 0.87 meter true width, and have allowed us to demonstrate the extension of the mineralized structure over an extended distance from the historical mining zones, with the structure remaining open at depth and along strike. These results are very encouraging for the future growth of the Nalunaq mine and represent further validation of the wider AEX Gold strategy in Greenland. These positive results continue to demonstrate the growth potential of the company."

Drilling in 2019 aimed to test the projected extension of the South Block mineralization (Figure 1). Results are encouraging, with a high-grade intersection in AEX1902, and a 25 centimetres quartz vein intersected 350 meters from existing workings in hole AEX1905, confirming the presence of Main Vein at sea level, outside of the inferred resources described in the Nalunaq Technical Report. It should be noted that at Nalunaq, drilling is used primarily to determine the presence of Main Vein and has not been a good predictor of gold grades historically (this is discussed further in the following section).

Figure 1 Main Vein drilling intersections in an area down dip of South Block. Labels in bold denote new intersections.

Significant intersections from the 2019 drilling program are shown in Table 1, with the location of the drill holes displayed in Figure 2.

Table 1 Summary of significant Main Vein intersections from 2019 drill holes. Intervals are also provided as true widths. A lower cut-off of 0.05 g/t Au was used to report Main Vein intersections.

Hole ID From To Down hole Length (m) True Width (m) Au (g/t) Main Vein Description (True Width) AEX1901 117 117.75 0.75 0.75 0.17 HW calc-silicate alteration 117.75 118.75 1.00 1.00 0.22 88 cm quartz vein from 117.81 m AEX1902 124 125 1.00 0.87 46.1 Calc-silicate alteration and quartz veinlets AEX1903 122.1 122.6 0.50 0.47 3.79 4 cm quartz vein and calc-silicate alteration AEX1905 233.65 234.2 0.55 0.45 0.06 25 cm quartz vein from 233.83 m AEX1906 191.5 192 0.50 0.43 0.18 15 cm quartz vein from 191.71 m 192 192.5 0.50 0.43 0.11 FW calc-silicate alteration AEX1907 145 146 1.00 0.77 0.33 Quartz veinlets and silicification

Table 2 Summary of 2019 drill holes (Projection WGS 84 UTM zone 23N)

Hole ID X Y Z Core Diameter Dip Azimuth AEX1901 509162 6691025 303 NQ -65 310 AEX1902 509187 6691082 300 NQ -80 300 AEX1903 509248 6691111 268 NQ -65 310 AEX1904 509444 6691087 234 NQ -70 310 AEX1905 509444 6691087 234 NQ -85 310 AEX1906 509444 6691087 234 NQ -65 310 AEX1907 509522 6691363 240 NQ -85 310 AEX1908 509522 6691363 240 NQ -60 310 AEX1909 509413 6691190 236 NQ -85 310

Figure 2 Location of drill pads in relation to existing workings. 2019 pads in yellow. Projected Main Vein outcrop in blue, covered by glacial overburden in the valley.

A note on drilling at Nalunaq and the nugget effect - "Drill for structure, drift for grade."

The high variability of gold grades in high-nugget deposits such as Nalunaq means accurate estimation of grade from drilling data alone is challenging. Historic operators of the Nalunaq project defined mineral resources based predominantly on underground channel sampling from development drives, and drilling was only used as a guide to confirm the presence and thickness of the Main Vein. A comparison of all past surface drilling in mined areas with block model grades (estimated from underground channel samples which reconcile with production) suggests that surface drilling typically under-calls gold grade (Figure 3). This phenomenon is not unique to Nalunaq, and AEX emphasises that whilst drilling is useful for identifying the mineralised structure, it is not a reliable indicator of grade. With this in mind, the 2019 drilling program has been successful, locating the Main Vein structure in 6 holes. Ultimately, underground exploration development will be required in order to estimate grade and mineral resources above the inferred category.

Selective sampling of historic cores may have missed the Main Vein structure where there is no well-developed quartz vein. High gold grades can also occur in such cases, which are often subtle in appearance, for example the 46.1 g/t over a 0.87 meter true width intersection in hole AEX1902. In light of this, drill core from the 2017 drilling campaign will be resampled early in the 2020 season.

Figure 3 Main vein intercepts in surface drilling were compared to the nearest block identified in the block model described in the Nalunaq Technical Report (both datasets diluted to 1.5 m mining width) in mined areas. Grades are plotted on the above scatter plot. Points below the trend line show that drilling has historically under-called mined grade. Red dashed lines show 5 g/t Au cut-off (the mining lower cut-off). Note log scale.

Sampling and QAQC Disclosure for the 2019 Drilling Campaign

Those parts of the drill hole which were selected for sampling were cut in half using a diamond blade core saw. Where a bottom of hole orientation line was present, the cut line was marked approximately 5 degrees off axis, and the right-hand side of the core was sampled. Drill core samples were placed into calico bags with a sample ticket, weighed, and assigned a sample ID. Each sample was sealed with a security tag, which assigns a unique security ID to the sample. Samples were transported from site to an accredited laboratory for analysis; ALS, OMAC Laboratories, Loughrea, Co Galway, Ireland.

Sample preparation scheme PREP-31BY was used on all samples. This involves crushing to 70% less than 2mm, rotary split off 1 kg, and pulverizing the split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were then analysed by fire assay technique Au-AA26 which has a detection limit of 0.01 ppm Au. Samples containing visible gold and samples considered to be the Main Vein were assayed with screen-metallics fire assay technique Au-SCR24 which has a detection limit of 0.05 ppm Au.

The QA/QC program of AEX consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, and blanks, at a rate of 1 in 20 or 5% per QAQC type. In addition, ALS insert blanks and standards into the analytical process. The average sample mass was 1.89 kg.

Potential AIM Listing

AEX is in the preliminary stages of considering an additional listing on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc ("AIM"), alongside its current listing on the TSX Venture Exchange, and has appointed Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited to advise it on that process. The Corporation believes that an AIM listing may provide an optimal solution to support the growth of the Corporation's business. However, no decision has been made at this time as to whether or not the Corporation will apply for an AIM listing.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information presented in this press release has been approved by James Purchase, P.Geo. (OGQ 2082), Director of Geology and Resources of G Mining Services Inc. and independent to AEX Gold Inc. for purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Purchase is a member of the L'Ordre des Geologues du Quebec, and a "qualified person" for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Purchase has visited the Nalunaq Project and has verified the exploration results reported in this press release.

Contact Information

George Fowlie, Director and CFO

1-416-587-9801

gf@aexgold.com

Eldur Olafsson, Director and CEO

+354 665 2003

eo@aexgold.com

Camarco (Financial PR)

Gordon Poole / Nick Hennis

+44 (0) 20 3757 4980

About AEX

AEX's principal business objectives are the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of gold properties in Greenland. The Corporation's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Nalunaq Project, an advanced exploration stage property with an exploitation license including the previously operating Nalunaq gold mine. AEX is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act and wholly owns Nalunaq A/S, incorporated under the Greenland Public Companies Act.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including without limitation statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Corporation and the ability of drilling results to accurately predict mineralization, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to long-term viability of restarting production at Nalunaq; the significance of the 2019 drill results presented in this press release; potential mineralization; the structure remaining open at depth and along strike; the ability of drilling at nugget-type deposits to accurately predict mineralization; the mineralized structure extending from the historical mining zones; the 2019 drill results validating the future growth of the Nalunaq mine; the growth potential of the company; the additional listing on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market; such additional listing being an optimal solution to support the growth of AEX's business; the ability to complete any proposed exploration activities and the results of such activities; pursuing successful production and exploration programs; and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends" or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations include, among others, ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; errors in management's geological modelling; the ability of AEX to complete further exploration activities, including drilling; risks related to the ability to raise additional capital proposed expenditure for exploration work and general and administrative expenses; international operations; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of gold and other precious and nonprecious metals. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information included in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Corporation and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances or events.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: AEX Gold Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573673/Drilling-Intersection-Extends-known-Mineralization-at-Nalunaq
- For Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, creations such as Amotekun must be allowed to fester because it is part of global agreements

- Atiku further argues that Nigeria's security agencies have become overstretched and thus, the country needs ideas to strengthen internal security

- The former vice president believes that the federal government has failed the people in the area of protection of lives

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, January 21, finally made his position known concerning the lingering controversy over the southwest's security initiative, Amotekun.

Atiku, a presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, spoke about the need to strengthen internal security in the country in a lengthy statement he also posted on social media.

The politician, who had been silent on the issue since Abubakar Malami, Nigeria's attorney-general, declared it illegal, said self-defence was guaranteed international human rights and accepted by the United Nations (UN).

Read the full statement below:

Self Defence Is International Human Rights, Guaranteed By Article 51 of the UN Charter.

As a nation, our police, armed forces and paramilitary bodies have shown great gallantry, patriotism and dedication to duty. They are our first line of defence against enemies of our nation and saboteurs within our midst. I laud, value and acknowledge them, which is why I awarded scholarships and gave other support to the children of some of our fallen heroes.

Having said that, I must add that the reality on the ground in Nigeria today is that our armed and paramilitary forces are overstretched. To deny this is to unpatriotically put their lives at risk. This we must not do. They deserve better from us.

To say that we do not need the services of those who are patriotic enough to voluntarily put their lives at risk to ensure the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians is to deny the obvious.

I salute groups like the Civilian Joint Task Force in the northeast, who provided and continue to provide an invaluable service to Nigeria and her peoples, at great cost to themselves, both in human lives and in productive hours, for which they are not well remunerated. Without their altruistic services, where would the war on terror be?

I also acknowledge and appreciate the work that hunters and vigilantes have done and are still doing to help boost security in states scattered across Nigeria, including in the North East and Zamfara, Jigawa and Taraba states, to mention a few. Not a few Nigerians are able to sleep with two eyes closed, because of the action of these bodies of dedicated and gallant countrymen.

Nigeria has crossed the rubicon and cannot go back. There is too much insecurity in the land and too much inefficiency from the Federal Government, leading to wanton and unnecessary loss of lives. It is easy to think that all is well when you are inside secure State Houses, but the reality is that the security situation is far from fine for the average Nigerian citizen.

In such circumstances, people have an inalienable God-given right to self-defense. This divine right, as long as it is limited to self-defence, cannot be declared illegal by man. Not by any stretch.

What I counsel is that the executive, legislature and judiciary must wake up and smell the coffee. When they do, they will realise that people who have volunteered to provide the internal security, that the government has not been able to provide, need encouragement, and more importantly, a legal framework and central support to make their dream of preserving the dignity of human life a reality. Internal security is not a call for secession and we must abandon the paranoia that makes us see it as such. All calls for secession must be quashed by the might of the Nigerian state, no exceptions!

But on the matter of internal security as a means of self-defence, I call on all and sundry to speak up.

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The right to self-defence, including the right to combat terror, that it is guaranteed by international law, enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, of which Nigeria is a signatory.

Therefore, no human power has the authority to criminalise the protection of human life, and no human ambition is worth the failure to speak in support of the people in order to remain in favour with the oppressors of the people.

Legit.ng reports that the Miyetti Allah expressed fears concerning the creation of Amotekun, as revealed by its national secretary, Saleh Alhassan.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) - Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

BUSTED: I was without clothes when they came to arrest us - lady cries out | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will on Friday begin a four-day visit to India, primarily as chief guest on Republic Day and also to explore ways to boost trade ties at a time both the large economies are hit by slowdowns.

On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from January 24-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at India's 71st Republic Day Parade on January 26," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain, won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October 2018 and took the reins of the country in January last year.

"This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the ministry said.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit.

Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.

On Saturday, President Ram Nath Kovind will hold talks with Bolsonaro and will also host a banquet for him. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also call on Bolsonaro.

On January 21, Bolsonaro will address a group of Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum, according to the MEA.

India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The volume of bilateral trade was USD 8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included USD 3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further.

"Both sides will focus on boosting trade and investment during the visit," said an official.

Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

Indian investments in Brazil were around USD 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at USD 1 billion in 2018.

Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.

"Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries," the MEA said.

Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations.

"The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said.

Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
They partied all night as they celebrated the latest series of the hit motoring show.

And there was hell to pay for Top Gear hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris as they battled extreme hangovers during a bizarre live interview on Tuesday's episode of This Morning.

Confessing the pair had not gone to bed yet, Paddy, 46, pointed out 44 year-old Chris' missing nipple and revealed the journalist had put him in a headlock on the floor in the first of a series of hilarious revelations during the chat.

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Oh dear: There was hell to pay for Top Gear hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris as they battled hangovers during a bizarre live interview on Tuesday's episode of This Morning

The morning after: Confessing the pair had not gone to bed yet, Paddy, 46, pointed out 44 year-old Chris' missing nipple during the chat

Joining a baffled Holly and Phil on a segment before the interview, Holly said: 'Paddy, you sound a bit hoarse' with the star responding: 'Ill be honest, Ive not gone to bed what am I doing, are we on telly now?'

Giving in the inside scoop on the premiere and after-party, Paddy said: 'Yes, it was amazing, yeah well I knew I was flying too close to the sun when I was on the stage saying to the director general of the BBC get the Sambucas in son.

'He was good as gold, he's still there at it.'

Paddy then disclosed the night had taken a turn when Chris grappled him to the floor, saying: 'He had me on the floor in a headlock and our representatives who like a drink and they were ordering him out the room.

Hmm: Holly said: 'Paddy, you sound a bit hoarse' with the star responding: 'Ill be honest, Ive not gone to bed what am I doing, are we on telly now?'

Wow: Giving in the inside scoop on the premiere and after-party, Paddy said: 'I knew I was flying too close to the sun when I was on the stage saying to the director general of the BBC get the Sambucas in son'

Going into extremely candid territory, the star started touching Chris' chest, and declared: 'Hes only got one nipple.'

A fuming Chris responded: 'Thanks for doing that on national TV... it was an operation I got wrong, I just woke up and only had one nipple

Paddy said: 'Hes only got one nipple, Im fascinated by it'

A mortified Chris then added: 'This is worse than I ever thought it would ever be.'

Discussing the success of the series, a knackered Paddy struggled to get his words out, saying: 'People go, "Im not a fan of cars but I do watch the star is the car, the car is the star of the show", oh my god, give me that bacon sandwich now.'

Friends again: Paddy then disclosed the night had taken a turn when Chris grappled him to the floor, saying: 'He had me on the floor in a headlock'

'Honestly, the premiere was nice as well because everyone comes out at the red carpet and you're chatting with everyone.

'I think with Top Gear now you dont have to be a petrolhead now, the whole family can watch it, I dont know what Im saying anymore.'

Chris then whimsically responded when asked what Paddy and third host Freddie Flintoff bring to the show, saying: 'Alcohol, lots of it! Do you know with these two Im the sensible one these days, its like being in charge of a creche with these two

'It's making sure we get there in one piece really. anything too dangerous we hand it over to Flintoff.'

Exposed: Going into extremely candid territory, the star started touching Chris' chest, and declared: 'Hes only got one nipple'

Ok then: A fuming Chris responded: 'Thanks for doing that on national TV... it was an operation I got wrong, I just woke up and only had one nipple'

Holly and Phil then joked they will be in the same hungover position after the National Television Awards next week.

The interview comes after Paddy and Chris' dapper display at the show's premiere the night before.

Freddie was unable to attend the big event for 'personal reasons', and while Paddy didn't clarify what those reasons were, he joked: 'I know rumours, they spread, but the personal reasons are we didnt invite him.'

While he said of being a part of the show as a presenter: 'Its a tricky one really, for myself I wasnt very well travelled...

Paddy said: 'Hes only got one nipple, Im fascinated by it' with a mortified Chris then adding: 'This is worse than I ever thought it would ever be'

Before the Sambucas: Third host Freddie Flintoff wasn't at the event for 'personal reasons', and while Paddy didn't clarify what those reasons were, he joked: 'The personal reasons are we didnt invite him'

Lol: Fans were left in hysterics over the pair's antics on the show

'Yes, so when I got the gig I went to the priory and went to a doctor to help me get over my fear of flying and stuff. Its true.

'Ive seen parts of the world Id never normally see and its just been amazing, thank the god we hit the ground running us three, and long may it continue.'

While, when asked if he felt the show staff 'had it in' for the presenters by making them go through several crazy scenarios, he added: 'It feels like that sometimes.

'In the Christmas special in Nepal, Clare [Pizey] and Al [Renton], the producers, one day were out there, and were on this road thats 500 feet up, it was ridiculous and they were having an hours safety briefing about a drone.

'I thought what about the f***ing human beings? What about us? But they always look after us out there, and for me its fantastic, its a dream job.'

Top Gear's new season returns to BBC Two on Sunday, at 8 pm.
Thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul: Trump slams Biden

Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump

Trump offers to mediate on Kashmir issue after meeting Imran Khan at Davos

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

New Delhi, Jan 22: United States President Donald Trump met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Davos on Tuesday and said that the US is watching closely the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reportedly, on Tuesday both the world leaders called on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland.

Trump said that they are watching closely on the Kashmir issue and the relation that is going on with India and Pakistan if needed US can mediate the issue.

Trump, who is likely to visit India in the last week of February, regarding plans of visiting Pakistan stated that as they met now, so won't really have to visit Pakistan now. However, he wanted to say hello to both the countries at a relationship standpoint.

Reportedly, after Khan's maiden visit to Washington last year July, this was the third leadership-level interaction between both Pakistan and the US. Earlier, in September 2019 also, both the world leaders met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Coincidently, the meeting between Khan and Trump came amid the crisis in the Gulf region between Iran and the US, and Pakistan is putting efforts to persuade the US' support on the Kashmir issue.

Donald Trump heading to Switzerland as impeachment trial reconvenes

The bilateral ties between India and Pakistan have remained strained after the BJP-led central government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status last August and bifurcated the state into Union Territories.
The Iraqi people firmly rejected this propaganda and launched into another day of protests on Sunday. They set fire to Soleimani billboards and the office of the al-Wafa movement, a militia group linked to the mullahs regime. In Kufa, demonstrators torched an office associated with a parliamentary group linked to the mullahs regime, while protesters in Dhi Qar chanted slogans against Iraqs caretaker prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, who has failed to find the killers of civil activists.

In Karbala, locals reiterated their demands for a complete government overhaul, with corrupt political parties stepping down, and an end to Iranian influence in their country. Students in various provinces of Babylon, Diwaniya, and al-Mothana were also taking part in the demonstrations.

While reports that night showed escalating clashes between protesters and security forces in the cities of Baghdad, Nasiriyah, Basrah, and others, with several reports saying that Iran-backed militia groups, like the Popular Mobilization Forces, used live ammunition against protesters.

In Baghdad, protesters clashed with oppressive forces, who used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the crowds. The people stood their ground, with the organizing committee of Iraqi demonstrations vowing to stand with them.

This followed protests in Najaf on Saturday, where protesters set fire to the office of Kataib Hezbollah, another militia group linked to Iran. Protesters there also took over various roads, bridges, and even the citys airport entrance to prevent government forces from arriving.

Another demonstrator succumbed to a bullet wound sustained Monday in the city of Baquba, where at least 50 demonstrators were wounded, medical sources said.

Two protesters died on Tuesday as police fought running street battles with anti-government demonstrators, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse stone-throwing youths demanding reform of what they see as a corrupt political system.

The demonstrators anger is due to the increased collaboration between Iran-backed Iraqi militias and the Iranian Intelligence Ministry over assassinating political activists in Iraq. The demonstrators had set a deadline that expired on Friday, so with their demands not met they encouraged others into the streets.

Following the protests, administrative offices were closed in Najaf.

Even though Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the mullahs regime have attempted to maintain power over the Iraqi government, the Iraqi people are refusing to succumb. The death of Soleimani weakened Iran and its status in Iraq, so the Iraqi people are taking advantage to pursue their rightful demands of a government of the Iraqi people and by the Iraqi people, and especially ridding their country of the regimes malign influence.
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Tue, January 21, 2020 17:13 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad2060605ed 1 SE Asia Immigration-Office,Abu-Sayyaf,Batam,kidnapping,ransom,fishermen Free

The Batam Immigration Office in the Riau Islands has tightened its control on the border between Indonesia and Malaysia following the abduction of Indonesian fishermen by the notorious Abu Sayyaf militant group in the waters off Sabah.

Ten Indonesians were prevented from crossing the border on Sunday after they failed to show certain required documents.

Office head Romi Yudianto said the measure was taken to prevent more Indonesian migrant workers from going to Malaysia, particularly in Serawak and Sabah, and be at risk of kidnapping by the Abu Sayyaf group.

Romi said he had ordered officers at international ferry ports connecting Batam and Malaysia to enforce tighter controls on travelers from Indonesia on Sunday.

The measure has been taken to, among other things, anticipate further kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf group. We have to increase our vigilance, he told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Last week, six members from the Abu Sayyaf militant group abducted five Indonesian fishermen from their trawler in Sabahs easternmost waters off Lahad Datu, about 10 minutes from the Tawi-Tawi islands in the southern Philippines.

The point is that we want everyone who leaves Indonesia to be equipped with all the necessary documents. We should check that before they depart. We are also worried they will be rejected by Malaysian immigration, Romi added.

He said the 10 people that had been prevented from leaving the country on Sunday had failed to properly answer when the officers asked them questions such as where they worked, with whom they were traveling and how long they had been on leave from work.

Batam is located near the state border with Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It takes between 2 and 2.5 hours by ferry to reach Stulang Laut or Pasir Gudang, Johor, from the island.

The border has seen many migrant workers, including ones without proper documentation, commute between Indonesia and Malaysia. A loophole in the supervision efforts was reportedly being abused by the illegal workers to cross the border without presenting certain documents.

They are believed to pretend to be tourists and misuse their social visit pass, which lasts 30 days and is given at the Malaysian point of entry, to work. This practice, reportedly, has been widely recognized among immigration officers in both Indonesia and Malaysia.

Former Indonesian illegal migrant worker Harry Permana told the Post his story in 2016 when he and 20 other people were recruited to work in Serawak without legitimate paperwork.

We were blue-collar workers who were given the task of building a fertilizer factory in Miri [a city in Serawak]. Some of us worked in a fish market, a shipyard and a number of factories, he said.

Harry said he earned Rp 6 million (US$439) per month but lost RM120 (about Rp 400,000 or US$29) every time he had to renew his social visit pass. The money was to pay an agent who took care of the passports and had access to immigration offices in Indonesia and Malaysia to extend their stay.

All we needed to do was hand over our passports to the agent. They would take our passports across the border, giving the impression that we had returned to Indonesia and gone back again to Malaysia, while in fact we never left Malaysia at all, he explained.

Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar said on Monday that the government would work swiftly to take the necessary steps to handle the kidnappings and ensure the hostages safety.

The Abu Sayyaf group, a loose association of militants who kidnap for ransom and operate out of the southern islands of the Philippines, began targeting Indonesian sailors in 2016. As many as 29 had been abducted before last weeks incident. The government has denied claims it has paid the ransom.

The string of Abu Sayyaf abductions has prompted Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to form a trilateral cooperation initiative that includes coordinated maritime patrols and other cross-border arrangements. (vla)
A major fundraiser has been created to help out the thousands of Australian farmers who have been left devastated following the bushfire crisis.

Even as rain begins to fall in some parts of Australia, wildfires still continue to devastate large portions of the country

The fires have destroyed 10 million hectares worth of farmland and have also claimed the lives of thousands of livestock and wildlife.

The Australia Farming Relief Fund, created by animal nutrition company Alltech, will help provide goods and services directly to affected farmers.

The multinational firm, based in the United States, said it will match donations dollar-for-dollar.

Mark Peebles, managing director of Alltech Lienert, said: The Fund represents a coordinated effort to support the producers who feed our families and are the core of our rural communities.

The bushfires have been devastating, but Australians are resilient, and we are committed to rallying around our farmers as they recover from this crisis.

As farmers assess the damage, the loss of livestock is expected to exceed 100,000 animals.

Producers, who were already contending with a three-year drought, are struggling to secure supplies and feed.

Alltech Lienert and KEENAN Australia will use their resources to distribute supplies either donated locally or purchased using donations from the Fund.

Such supplies will include hay, finished feed, feed supplements, silage, water troughs, fencing and non-perishable items.

The companies will deploy their trucks and drivers to deliver supplies to producers in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland.

Team members will also volunteer their time to work alongside farmers, rebuilding fences, repairing sheds and providing any on-farm support they need.

The effort will initially focus on dairies, sheep and beef farms, and apiaries.

Alltech is also exploring partnerships that will offer longer-term mental health support for farmers grappling with trauma as a result of the fires.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic said he had been taking tips from serving maestro Goran Ivanisevic after he hammered down a series of aces in his first-up win at the Australian Open. Djokovic smacked 14 aces and had a first-serve percentage of 65 percent in his grinding 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 win over Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff in round one. The Serb credited his work with Croatia's Ivanisevic, who served up more than 10,000 aces in his career and joined the 16-time Grand Slam winner's team last year. "Throughout my career my serve was maybe a little bit underestimated because of the quality of the returns and the baseline play," he told reporters late on Monday. "There were times I was struggling with an elbow injury and I had to change the technique of my serve and a lot of things were happening, but in the last year-and-a-half I feel great serving. "Obviously I pray to have serving days like I had today all of the time. I know it's not possible but I can back up my serving game from the back of the court." The 32-year-old came through a mid-match lapse against Struff, the world number 37, and said he was glad to have an early test as he goes for a record-extending eighth Australian Open crown. "Historically I had a lot of success in the Grand Slams where I had a tough opponent in the first round, because it gets me going from the beginning," he said. "I have to be alert, I have to be on a high level and I think I was. Of course, you can always play better and I expect myself to be better as the tournament progresses."
The Islamic State's new leader is Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al-Mawli al-Salbi, one of the terrorist organization's founding members, intelligence officials told The Guardian.

Last October, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a raid in Syria, and officials said Salbi replaced him just hours after his death. Born to an Iraqi Turkmen family, Salbi has a background as an Islamic scholar, and came up with the ISIS religious rulings authorizing the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority. Salbi met Baghdadi in 2004, when both were detained by U.S. forces at Camp Bucca in Iraq.

There aren't many founding members of ISIS left, and the group doesn't have nearly as many fighters as it did during its peak in the mid-2010s. ISIS no longer controls vast swaths of Iraq and Syria, but they are still behind assassinations and roadside bombings in northern Iraq, a senior Kurdish official told The Guardian. There are rural networks that "remain very much intact," the official said. "After all, ISIS members in Iraq still receive monthly salaries and training in remote mountainous areas. That network allows the organization to endure, even when militarily defeated."

Salbi's whereabouts are unknown, but intelligence officials believe it's likely he is near Mosul, Iraq. There is a $5 million bounty on his head.

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Find all our Student Opinion questions here.

Do you think there is a right way and a wrong way to be a tourist? Do you think one style of travel is better than another?

In This Austrian Village Wants Frozen Fans to Let It Go, Laura M. Holson writes about how the hamlet of Hallstatt, Austria, is seeking quality visitors, and not tourists who just take pictures:

They arrive by the busload and on ferries, many in pursuit of the perfect photograph for Instagram, others seeking the transcendence of a fairy tale land. Each year, one million travelers visit Hallstatt, Austria, a picturesque 16th-century hamlet they say inspired the fictional kingdom of Arendelle in the Disney animated blockbuster Frozen. Never mind that the 2013 film  and its 2019 sequel  was influenced by Norways wintry splendor more than 1,000 miles away. Or that Disney offers Frozen-inspired activities on its cruises in Norway. To be fair, Hallstatt looks remarkably like Arendelle, which is why visitors continue to arrive. But the 780 people who live there have had enough.

The article outlines the campaign regarding tourism in Hallstatt that will soon be put into place:

In May, Hallstatt is embarking on a campaign to focus on quality  not quantity  tourism, according to local officials. Tour buses, which tally as many as 90 on the busiest days, will be capped at 50 and must register with the tourism office. Groups that arrange lunches at local restaurants, sign up for boat cruises or visit Hallstatts famous salt mines will be given preference. Visitors, too, will be asked to stay more than two hours, said Michelle Knoll, office manager for Hallstatts tourism board. The goal is to get people to spend time and money in Hallstatts restaurants and shops. Many visitors only have a short time and only come to take some pictures, Ms. Knoll said in an email. She added, The number of tourists is simply too much.

The author points out ways that tourists have been intrusive:

Churches have had to hire bouncers to keep selfie-seeking tourists from interrupting funerals and Sunday services, according to news reports. Guests are warned not to use drones or trample village property. After a fire broke out in November, Hallstatts mayor, Alexander Scheutz, implored travelers to stay home so locals could fix the buildings. He recently said he hoped to cut the number of tourists by one-third this year.

The article continues:

Elizabeth Becker, the author of Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism, said that tourists should manage their enthusiasm after seeing exotic locales in movies and on television. Even nice people start to act like barbarians, she said of overcrowded tourist spots. Why do we expect to walk into anybody elses life and have their romantic adventure? Thats particularly true in communities that are ill-equipped to handle the tons of additional garbage that tourists bring with them. Then there is the surge in water usage, Ms. Becker said. Its especially troublesome if there are not enough hotels, bathrooms and grocery stores to handle the hordes. She noted that even established tourist destinations, like Dubrovnik, Croatia, which saw a flood of visitors with the popularity of HBOs Game of Thrones, buckle at first when the large cruise ships arrive.

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

What kind of traveler are you? What kind of traveler do you want to be when you are older?

Would you want to visit Hallstatt? Does the hamlets connection to Frozen have any influence on your answer?

How do you think life in Hallstatt has changed since the arrival of the Frozen movies? If you were one of the 780 people who lived there, what suggestions might you make to prevent the village from being overwhelmed?

What do you think about the statement that even nice people start to act like barbarians when visiting crowded tourist spots? Have you ever witnessed scenes that support or contradict that statement? To what degree do you think too much tourism in one place can cause potential problems?

A related article suggests that visitors be curious about culture:

Having a list of attractions to visit is fine. But try to go beyond the bucket-list check marks. A kind traveler is always respectful and curious about the cultural significance of the places and people they visit, said Heather Arnold, the owner of Routes Bicycle Tours of New Mexico. Sometimes achieving this requires stepping back from the stresses of travel and any personal preconceptions  which can be difficult  but establishing these roots ultimately allows you to better embrace the spirit of a place.

What do you think about this advice? To what degree, if at all, does it correspond to your views about what travelers should and shouldnt do? Explain.

Students 13 and older are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.
India has successfully executed key infrastructure projects like power and steel plants in many countries including African nations and strife-torn Syria under a scheme meant to promote the country's trade and economic ties with such countries, top officials said on Tuesday.

According to them, the government has launched the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) which governs the Lines of Credit (LOCs) facility extended by Exim Bank to overseas government at the behest and with Indian government's support, according to them.

This was done with a view to promoting India's trade and economic relations with developing countries in particular.

A Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary (DPA-1), Ministry of External Affairs and Sudatta Mandal, Chief General Manager, Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) were talking to reporters on the sidelines of an outreach programme here.

The programme was organised to attract Indian firms to participate in the Line of Credit programme extended by the Exim bank to execute projects in foreign countries.

Kumar said a steel plant could be successfully set up in Syria during the peak of the crisis in that country.

"We have the unique record of completing projects in some of the most difficult countries like Syria during the peak of the crisis (there)," Kumar said.

The execution of the project had started in 2012.

Kumar said only Indian companies can participate in tenders floated by the overseas government to execute the projects of their choice under the LOC facility and this would give them an opportunity to enter into foreign nations.

Reaching out to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in tender floated by the foreign governments for their various schemes, Mandal said "in Mauritius we are in the process of funding a project for import of incinerators from India in crematoriums there."



Noting that there is a large Hindu population in Mauritius, he said they have requirement of more incinerators in their crematoriums because it is environment friendly.

"Unfortunately, they have only two incinerators in the two crematoriums, which are overloaded..," he said.

According to them, the Indian companies benefit from the programme as a minimum 75 per cent of the value of goods and services covered under the LOC programme are typically sourced from India, and Exim Bank assumes the credit and political risks of the overseas buyers.

As of December 31, 2019, Exim Bank has signed 257 LOCs covering 61 countries in 5 continents with credit commitments aggregating USD 25.15 billion.

"Beside these, 41 LOCs amounting to USD 5.50 billion are in the pipeline. The total commitment will then rise to 298 LOCs of USD 30.62 billion to 64 countries over the world," they said.

They said over the last ten years, the LOC Portfolio has grown exponentially.

Currently, around 52 per cent and 41 per cent of the total LOC commitments are to Asia and Africa Regions, respectively.

In terms of total number of LOCs extended, Africa is the largest recipient region.

"Value-wise it is the Asia Region that is leading because of a few high-value LOCs to our neighbouring countries," they added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Great Blasket Island job with no electricity, hot water receives 23,000 applicants. Source: Getty

When Alice Hayes and Billy OConnor posted a Facebook advertisement for a job on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, they never expected to receive 23,000 applications.

In fact, given the job would require applicants to live a very basic lifestyle, they thought they wouldnt get any at all.

Hayes and OConnor needed two people to move to Great Blasket Island, an 1,100-acre island off the coast of Dingle Peninsula in Ireland, and run the islands accommodation and coffee shop for seven months.

But island life is very basic: theres no electricity, except for a mini wind turbine that creates enough electricity to charge a phone.

Posting the advert last year, we were concerned we would not find anyone willing to leave their job, pack their bags and move to a windswept island with no electricity or hot water in the middle of the Atlantic, off the Dingle Peninsula for 6 months of the year! Hayes and OConnor wrote on Facebook earlier this week.

To date we have received over 23,000 applications."

While initially they received around 200 applications, the couples post later went viral on international travel site Lonely Planet, bringing in thousands more.

Weve had coverage in the most unlikeliest places, Hayes told SmartCompany.

Weve had applications in languages we cant even recognise. Weve received applications from places like Iran, Argentina, Finland, Mexico, everywhere really.

And her partner thinks it might have something to do with a desire to disconnect.

I suppose people just want to disconnect from the rush of everyday life and get off the grid, OConnor said.

The couple said theyve responded to around 1,000 applicants, but dont expect to reply to the remainder.

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HOME building levels have hit a 10-year high.

Construction companies completed more than 21,000 homes in 2019.

But this below the level needed to meet future demand for housing, according to report from stockbrokers Goodbody Stockbrokers.

Economist with Goodbody Dermot OLeary said around 35,000 new housing units were needed a year.

But he said affordability for buyers due to the level house prices have reached was one of the reasons builders are holding back supplying the numbers needed.

The Goodbody BER Housebuilding Tracker shows that 6,600 homes were completed in the final three months of last year.

This took the overall total for last year to 21,500, a 19pc rise on the previous year.

This represents the highest total in a decade and is nearly five times greater than the 2013 trough of 4,575, Mr OLeary noted.

However, the increase in building units completed in Dublin was only up marginally last year.

Despite this, Dublin represents a third of all completions.

The mid-east region, which includes commuter counties to Dublin, experienced a surge of 36pc in the year in home completions last year.

The mid-east accounted for a quarter of total completions in 2019, despite representing just 15pc of the population.

This reflects the urban sprawl that is now in train, reflecting affordability constraints and the cheaper cost of home provision in these areas.

Buyers are looking for properties in these counties as many cannot afford to buy in Dublin, Goodbody said.

All other regions experienced growth in completions in 2019, with the midlands and west seeing the most rapid expansion.

Apartment construction surged in 2019, led by Dublin. The number of apartments built was up 55pc in the year.

However, apartments continue to represent a very low share of output in Irelands residential sector.

In 2019, we estimate that apartments represented 17pc of completions. Using data from Euroconstruct, this represents the lowest share in Europe, well behind the average of 59pc in 2019, Mr OLeary stated.

He said the growth in apartment building was led by the build-to-rent sector, or so-called cuckoo funds that pay for apartments to be built so they can rent them out.

This is squeezing first-time buyers out of the market.

Mr OLeary said that any moves to restrict the activities of cuckoo funds would have detrimental effects on the trajectory of new supply.

Goodbody expects developers to build 24,000 new homes in the Republic next year, bringing the number of completions closer to the level of demand forecast by the Central Bank.

The Central Bank estimates that there is a need to build 26,500 homes a year to 2030 to meet likely future demand.
China's financial opening could be a classic case of be careful what you wish for.

The opportunity of making inroads in the world's second-largest economy is prompting the likes of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. to detail expansions that some estimate will see $1 trillion plowed into China. Plans to throw open the $45 trillion market were expedited last week after China said it will hasten the entry for securities firms, rating companies and credit-card providers as part of a trade deal with the U.S.

Yet, a bevy of hurdles still promise to complicate the efforts of U.S. banks and financial services firms. China is home to the world's four largest banks by assets, the biggest global fintech company and other formidable competitors. Its tightly-controlled system is opaque and arbitrary when it comes to licenses, and the regulation burden is heavy. Recruiting talent has already proved tricky with experienced local executives often preferring state-backed companies.

"It'll be tough for foreign companies to crack the domestic market, owing to how entrenched the incumbents are," said Nick Marro, the Hong Kong-based global trade lead at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

- Competition

The market is vast and difficult to navigate. It's loaded with more than 130 brokerages, thousands of state-backed lenders, big insurance conglomerates and massive financial technology firms with entrenched customer bases. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. -- the largest -- has more than 600 million retail clients. It along with its peers oversee $3.2 trillion (22 trillion yuan) of wealth management products, making them the nation's biggest asset managers.

Commercial banking presents a sobering picture. After decades of a limited opening, foreign lenders saw their market share fall to 1.3% in 2017 from 2.4% a decade ago, prompting some to cut branches. Citigroup Inc. had 25 outlets in China as of April last year, down by half from the end of 2015, while HSBC Holdings Plc saw its loss in the China retail banking and wealth management unit widen in 2018 from a year earlier, according to their annual reports.

Wealth managers have hardly fared better. Since an opening three years ago, BlackRock Inc., Man Group Plc and 20 other firms licensed to run private securities funds for high-net-worth individuals manage just 0.2% of China's 2.5 trillion yuan in hedge fund assets.

- Approvals & Regulations

Waiting for approvals to do business can be a tortured affair. JPMorgan and Tokyo-based Nomura Holdings Inc. waited more than 10 months for a green light to take majority control of local securities firms. Morgan Stanley is still awaiting a decision on an application submitted in August.

The process is also shrouded in secrecy, and layers of regulation. An application can be rejected without explanation or just left sitting with regulators. Debt rating company Moody's last year shelved its plan to take control of China's largest ratings company amid regulatory inaction, people with knowledge of the matter have said.

The trade deal offers some respite for those struggling through the slow process. China has pledged to review banking licenses on an "expeditious basis," accept applications from credit card companies within five working days of submission, review and approve credit raters in 90 days, and treat U.S. asset managers the same as Chinese companies when granting licenses.

"Having clearer timelines is quite positive, because in the end it boils down to China's willingness to actually dole out these approvals," said Marro.

- Talent Hunt

The biggest hurdle could be finding enough qualified people.

Goldman wants to double its staff over five years, with UBS Group AG is in the midst of a similar plan for its investment banking business. Nomura is looking to get to 500 employees in China by 2023 and JPMorgan has signaled it's adding staff, expanding by a third its office space in China's tallest skyscraper.

"All of us are trying to get to 100%, so the race for talent is going to be significant," said Todd Leland, co-president of Goldman's Asia-Pacific operations outside of Japan, in a recent interview. "Whether or not you're able to compete and compensate people and find the right individuals that are a fit, that's by far the biggest challenge."

- Hefty Premium

Many foreign firms have the option to raise their stake in local joint ventures should Chinese law permit. Still, the price tag could be steep.

Morgan Stanley last year paid nearly 15 times the appraisal value to buy a 2% additional stake in its securities venture from its Chinese partner. JPMorgan's partner ceded control in its asset-management venture at a 33% premium.

The JPMorgan transaction "looks rather rich," asset-management research firm Z-Ben Advisors Ltd. said at that time. "Global managers should expect the deal's metrics will be applied to all that follow."

- Capital Controls

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Capital controls put another damper on the party. While a Chinese official estimates as much as $1 trillion will be plowed into its economy through the financial opening, moving money the other way isn't as easy.

One lawyer in Shanghai cited an example of a major fund that needed almost four months to get approval to repatriate investment proceeds to its headquarters under the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor program a few years ago, at a time when the yuan was under depreciation pressure.

The strength of global firms also lies in their international networks and ability to allow Chinese companies and households to diversify their investments. That path remains largely shut under current rules.

The measures in the trade deal "still haven't significantly touched China's outbound capital flows, which is where the market see greater near-term potential," said Brock Silvers, a managing director at Adamas Asset Management in Hong Kong.

Constraints on promoting their globally integrated models in China could erode some of the competitive advantage enjoyed by the big-name firms, according to Marro. Restrictions on data could also make it hard in China, with local units forced to operate on different systems than their offshore colleagues, he said.

Political Tensions

The dispute between the world's two economic powers is far from over despite the phase one deal. The Trump administration is looking at restrictions on U.S. investments in Chinese companies and financial markets, a possible new front in the trade war.

"There are many issues and challenges facing the two countries - trade, finance, currency, technology and energy," said Hubert Tse, a partner at Boss & Young law firm in Shanghai, who has advised global financial institutions on JV negotiations in China since 2003. These "need to be ironed out going forward," he said.

_ _ _

With assistance from Bloomberg's Alfred Liu.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) during the seventh Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season at the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 2020. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Bernie Sanders Cancels Rally in Iowa Over Impeachment Trial

The campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced that the Democratic presidential candidate has canceled a rally in Iowa on Jan. 22 due to his obligations to the Senate impeachment trial, which began in earnest on Jan. 21.

Sen. Sanders will not be able to attend tomorrows rally due to the impeachment schedule in the U.S. Senate, the campaign said in a statement.

But it noted that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) will host campaign events in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Ames on Friday and Saturday. On Jan. 25, Sanders will join Ocasio-Cortez at the Ames City Auditorium in Iowa, according to a campaign release.

The impeachment proceedings are expected to stretch for hours each day, going from Monday through Saturday, through at least the end of January.

The timing of the impeachment trial is critical for several senators, including Sanders, as the Iowa caucuses are scheduled for Feb. 3, and the New Hampshire primary is eight days later. Sanders and others have lamented that they wont able to be on the ground to campaign in Iowa.

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, Sanders told The Hill after the senators were sworn in on Jan. 16 for the trial.

The trial could be seen as a boon for former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the Democratic front runners for the past year, because he doesnt have to attend it.

Sanders, who raised more than $34 million in the final quarter, said during an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier this month that he would use a private jet to campaign during the Senate trial.

His campaign adviser Jeff Weaver elaborated on the development to NBC News: 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.

The campaign of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a fellow Senate juror, announced that shell return to Iowa and will make an appearance in Cedar Rapids with TV host Jonathan Van Ness. However, the campaign cautioned supporters with a note: This schedule is subject to change depending on the schedule for impeachment in the U.S. Senate.
Cancers used to be defined by where they grow in the body - lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, etc. But work in recent decades has shown that cancers sharing specific genetic changes may have more in common than cancers that happen to grow in an area of the body. For example, lung cancers, skin cancers, and brain cancers may all be caused by mutation in a gene called BRAF. And drugs targeting BRAF have changed the treatment landscape for melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, and are also in use against lung cancers and brain cancers with BRAF mutations.

Unfortunately, cancers eventually tend to develop resistance to drugs that target BRAF and so a major question is What's next? How should we treat BRAF cancers that have developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors? Or, what could we combine with a BRAF inhibitor to keep cancers from developing this resistance in the first place? Now, an Innovative Collaborative Research Award from the Curing Kids Cancer will help researchers at University of Colorado Cancer Center and collaborators at two other top cancer research institutions explore these questions.

In fact, because BRAF was studied first in melanoma, researchers have a head start in identifying the genetic changes that make melanomas resistant to BRAF inhibitors.

"But we don't know if brain tumors with BRAF mutations change in the same way," says Jean Mulcahy Levy, MD, CU Cancer Center investigator and associate professor in the CU School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics.

"We know many ways melanoma becomes resistant, but we don't see the same resistance mutations in brain tumors. We think that means brain tumors are developing unique or different ways to resist BRAF inhibition," Mulcahy-Levy says.

To discover the genetic changes that create BRAF inhibition resistance in brain cancer, Mulcahy Levy and colleagues are taking a "deep genetic dive," she says, into samples of the brain cancer known as pediatric glioma, collected from patients at the time of their initial diagnosis and samples collected when the cancer relapses after treatment with a BRAF inhibitor.

The deep dive has three major steps. First, the researchers are looking for changes in any of 500 genes known to be associated with cancer. Changes in genes between pre-drug and post-drug samples may suggest the cancer is using this gene to drive drug resistance. Then the group will evaluate samples using RNA sequencing to discover whether changes in gene expression (with or without gene mutation) could be driving resistance. And third, the group is using whole-exome sequencing to evaluate the entirety of tumors' DNA before and after exposure to BRAF inhibitors, which could show previously unknown genetic changes associated with drug resistance.

"This is important because we want to make sure any combination therapy we use is based on what brain tumors actually do and not just what we think they would do based on what melanoma does," Mulcahy Levy says.

The ongoing project has successfully identified gene candidates that could be driving resistance and is following up on the most promising genes to see if these changes are in fact creating drug resistance or if they just happen to ride along as nonfunctional byproducts of drug treatment. The three labs, at CU Cancer Center, John Hopkins University, and New York University, will seek to replicate the other labs' results with samples graciously contributed by their patients and by other researches in the brain tumor treatment community.

"The ultimate goal is to identify new potential targets for combination therapy - new agents we could add to BRAF inhibition in brain cancer to keep the cancer from developing resistance," Mulcahy Levy says.

###
Perlman has served as lead counsel in major patent litigations in district courts around the country, and as lead appellate counsel before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. His practice involves a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, as well as computers and financial services. Perlman has significant experience litigating life science inter partes review proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office.

David Callahan, Global Chair of the firm's Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, said: "Adam is a fantastic addition to the IP Litigation Practice who is known for successfully representing some of the world's leading drug innovators in complex ANDA litigation. His experience complements Latham's formidable courtroom reputation and adds further breadth to our life sciences platform. More broadly, Adam's arrival follows the additions of former General Counsel at the US Copyright Office Sy Damle, IP trial lawyer Tara Elliott, and International Trade Commission litigator Jamie Underwood in Washington, D.C., whose work reflects the caliber of our Intellectual Property Litigation Practice across industries."

John Manthei, Global Co-Chair of Latham's Life Sciences Industry Group, said: "At Latham, we are focused on delivering top-notch counseling and advocacy to our healthcare and life sciences clients, across a range of practice areas, whether litigation, transactional, or regulatory. Adam's addition will further fortify our ability to offer full-service, best-in-class representation to our innovative pharmaceutical and biotech clients. We are thrilled to have him on board."

Michael Egge, Office Managing Partner of Latham in Washington, D.C., said: "We are extremely pleased that Adam will be joining Latham's seasoned team of trial lawyers in Washington, D.C. Not only will he further bolster our patent litigation capabilities in the life sciences industry, but clients will certainly value his thoughtful guidance, experience, and dedication to client service."

"I'm delighted to be joining Latham, a global firm with cohesive intellectual property capabilities, a collaborative approach, and an emphasis on trial readiness," said Perlman. "I've been impressed by the group's steady growth into the powerhouse that it is today, and I look forward to contributing to its further success."

Perlman joins Latham from Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C. He earned his BA magna cum laude from Tufts University in 1994 and graduated summa cum laude, Order of the Coif from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1997. Following law school, he clerked for Judge Garbis in the US District Court for the District of Maryland.

About Latham & Watkins (lw.com)

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world's largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

Notes to Editors

1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Contacts

David Callahan, Global Chair of the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, +1.312.876.7694

John Manthei, Global Co-Chair of the Life Sciences Industry Group, +1.202.637.2211

Michael Egge, Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner: +1.202.637.2285

SOURCE Latham & Watkins

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TUNIS - Algerian President Abdelamadjid Tebboune has offered to host in Algiers a ''dialogue'' between Libyan sides to help the country resolve its current crisis, the official news agency Aps reports after the Algerian president's participation at a conference in Berlin Sunday. ''We have been urged to draft a clear plan, which is binding for the sides, aimed at stabilizing the truce, at stopping the provision of arms to the sides to remove the specter of war from the entire region'', said Tebboune. He asked for the ''encouragement of Libyan parties in sitting around a table to resolve the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, thus avoiding postponements with disastrous consequences''.

''Along with the good work done under the limelight to guarantee its approach's success, Algeria has worked intensely for the stabilization of the ceasefire'', said Tebboune.

''Algeria, which shares nearly 1,000 kilometers of border with Libya, has intensified consultations to try to contribute to a political solution to the crisis in this country and also the Algerian Red Crescent has provided humanitarian assistance to Libya'', the Aps reported.


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Linkedin Riza Roidila Mufti (The Jakarta Post) Brunei Darussalam  Tue, January 21, 2020

Strolling around the alleys of minimarkets or supermarkets in Brunei Darussalam, it feels like shopping in Indonesia.

Goods similar to those found in Indonesian convenience stores can be easily found. Indonesian products stand out along with Malaysian products, among other imported goods from ASEAN countries such as Singapore and Thailand.

However, despite the many Indonesian products that can be found in Brunei, statistics show that Brunei imports less from Indonesia than from other countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Sujatmiko said.

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Amit Malviya has been slammed with a defamation notice for accusing Shaheen Bagh women of being paid protesters. The demonstrators in New Delhi have been protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for over a month now.

The chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys Information Technology cell questioned the integrity of the protestors, which has miffed the women who sent the legal notice.

In the defamation notice, the protesters have demanded Rs 1 crore in damages. Also, they demand an apology from Malviya.

The women of Shaheen Bagh claim that the CAA damages the secular fabric of our Constitution by making religion a test of citizenship. They have also been protesting against the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizen (NRC)

Malviya allege in a video that the CAA protesters are being paid Rs 500 per day. This irked the demonstrators, who have been gathering at Shaheen Bagh for 36 days now.

Two of the protestors -- Nafisa Bano and Shahzad Fatma  sent a legal notice to Malviya through the office of advocate Mehmud Pracha -- their legal adviser. According to a Scroll.in report, they have stated in their notice that, since Malviya is a member of the saffron party, his action implies that the Centre has a vested interest in defaming the mass of protesters.

The notice they sent to the party leader read: By making and propagating false allegations against the protesters and casting aspersions on their motivations, you and other entities have not only played a fraud on people but have also attempted to bring disrepute to the protesters.

Talking about the video, it stated: A video posted and endorsed by you on social media site Twitter, which has been played across several media platforms, had alleged that the protesters are taking Rs 500-700 to take part in the protests. Such statements are not only false but also defame the protestors in the national and international community.

The notice further claims that Malviyas remark counts as an offence under Indian Penal Code section 500, punishable with a fine and up to two years of jail time.
SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA / ACCESSWIRE / January 20, 2020 / On January 15th, 2020, the United Nations Sustainable Development Blockchain Forum was held at the UN headquarters in New York. The forum was jointly organized by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Development Program and other United Nations departments, in collaboration with the Blockchain Alliance International (BAI), the Hong Kong Blockchain Association and the GSR Matrix Fund. This forum aimed to discuss the significance of blockchain technology in realizing the sustainable development goals of the UN.

The 2030 Agenda of the UN emphasizes that technology innovation plays an important role in sustainable development, especially blockchain (distributed ledger) technology. Initially, blockchain technology was mainly used for trading of digital currency. In recent years, there are more and more application scenarios, some of which have already been applied to the implementation of the UN sustainable development plan, such as reducing food waste, ensuring the sustainable development of production and production process by means of tracing raw materials, encouraging companies to adopt sustainable ways to do production, ensuring consumers have access to the information about sustainable lifestyles, and providing legal and financial services to refugees and people in poor areas.

Mr. Ender Xu (left), founding chairman of the Global Blockchain Investment Alliance and managing partner of GSR Matrix Fund accepted the certificate and award issued by Ambassador Alexandru Cujba

In order to support the UN to achieve the goal of global sustainable development, as the major sponsor of this forum and one of the ten major initiators of the United Nations Blockchain Alliance International , as well as the only one organization focuses on investing in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and Internet of Things(IOT), GSR Matrix Fund announced the official launch of the investment plan of sustainable development of digital economy globally. The founding chairman of the Global Blockchain Investment Alliance and the managing partner of GSR Matrix Fund Mr. Ender Xu, on behalf of the fund, accepted the certificate and award issued by Ambassador Alexandru Cujba, the host of the conference, the chairman of the United Nations Blockchain Alliance International, the vice president of the 63rd United Nations General Assembly, and the former vice president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Story continues

Mr. Jay Liang, managing partner of GSR Matrix Fund, and Ms. Aimee Jin, vice president of GRS Digital Fund attended the forum as well. Mr. Liang said in a keynote speech on global inclusive development of fin-tech on behalf of the Hong Kong Blockchain Association HKBA: "Blockchain is not only a technological innovation, but also a social reform. Combined with artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cloud computing and other cutting-edge technologies, blockchain can enable people to enjoy financial services equally, promote the widespread sharing of capital, and further break the traditional relations of production. "

Mr. Jay Liang, founding chairman of the Hong Kong Blockchain Association is delivering a keynote speech

Currently, the threshold for financial services is high. However, blockchain as a machine of trust, will break borders of nations and create a full-coverage financial service system by low-cost and high-efficient digital currencies. GSR Matrix Fund is based on the principles of deep cultivation, value-driven, and technology empowerment, focusing on value investment in high-growth areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, big data and the Internet of Things. Taking this forum as an opportunity, GSR Matrix Fund will take the promotion of sustainable development as its goal, promote the application and practice of innovative technologies such as blockchain globally, and build a digital economy that will benefit the world.

Contact:

GSR Matrix Fund

Cathy Sun+1 (321) 800-3487

info@globalnewsonline.info

SOURCE: GSR Matrix Fund





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https://www.accesswire.com/573589/GSR-Matrix-Fund-Launches-Investment-Plan-of-Global-Sustainable-Development-Digital-Economy




Popular Nigerian author, Chuma Nwokolo, has been compensated in a plagiarism lawsuit against a Nollywood filmmaker, Bright Wonder Obasi.

In November 2019, Mr. Nwokolo accused Mr. Obasi of using sections of his short story titled Ten Commandments of Nigerian Politics in his (Obasis) 2018 film titled If I Am President.

Released in November 2019, If I Am President was a political thriller which featured Nollywood stars Joke Silva, Ayo Ayoola, Rahama Sadau, Ivie Okujaye, and Bryan Okwara.

The film was funded by MacArthur Foundation.

Nwokolo said some scenes in Obasis film bore disturbing similarities to his book and accused him of using the works without permission or due credit.

The writer highlighted several similarities between his book and the film in an article titled If I Am Plagiarist published on his blog.

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He then filed a public complaint and subsequent lawsuit classified Nwokolo v. High Definition Film Studio because the filmmaker failed to acknowledge him as the author of the work.

Update

In a new post on his website titled A Fourth Dimension of Plagiarist, Nwokolo revealed that his short story was published under a creative commons license.

He said the license allows for the work to be re-posted and republished in full, for free, without reference to me, so long as I was acknowledged as the author and it was not remixed.

Writing further, he revealed that he won the case and has gifted half of the compensation to an intellectual property public awareness project for his creative industries constituency.

He said the beneficiaries would be announced by Obasi and his team in the coming weeks.

Nwokolo also said the film and its three language translations have been amended to give appropriate credits to him.

I am therefore pleased to announce that all matters contingent to my complaint in my blog post of 1st November has been amicably resolved, he wrote on his blog.

He also added that Obasi, who is the President of High Definition Film Academy, CEO of High Definition Film Studio, has also issued a formal apology to him.
But if we could ask the man himself what he felt were his greatest achievements in advancing the conservative movement, hed dismiss the query outright. To Reagan, conservatism was never about himself.

He may have acknowledged his role in briefly carrying the torch forward, but he would be the first to say that the flame was fueled by the millions of Americans who rejected the notion that the greatest days of the United States of America were behind them. As he left office, he spoke with pride, and the hope that the Reagan battalions of the 1980s would carry on.

It was about continuing the dream, not the dreamer.

Yet, humble as he may have been, there is no denying the central role Reagan played in truly making America great again. As he began his presidential quest in 1980, there were many who believed that Americas greatest days were behind it. With stagflation, gas lines, the ongoing illegal imprisonment of American persons in Iran, it was not an absurd assumption.

But Reagan dissented. He and his conservative battalion, in contrast, believed that Americas greatest days lay ahead, and they refused to surrender their childrens future to a world in which America would play second fiddle to dictators and despots.
Former VAB owner Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to repay about UAH 8 billion in the bank's debt to the budget.

Ukraine's Deposit Guarantee Fund has held an auction to sell a pool of assets belong to OJSC VAB Bank. With the estimated value of the lot being UAH 5.85 billion, the Fund has failed to sell it at even 80% lower, and the only deal was the sale of a plot of land for ... UAH 3,200. Meanwhile, ex-owner of the bank Oleg Bakhmatyuk offered to pay off the bank's debt to the budget in the amount of about UAH 8 billion.

The Dutch model was used during the auction, which was held via LLC First Financial Network Ukraine's platform to sell VAB Bank's assets put up by the Deposit Guarantee Fund for sale. The auction yielded virtually no any results. Buyers showed no interest in the lot consisting of 113 loans and three positions of accounts receivable from agricultural enterprises, including a health center and other property complexes, a confectionery workshop and commercial real estate facility despite the conditions of sale at the lowest price  for UAH 1.17 billion with the starting price set at UAH 5.86 billion.

The only deal concluded was the sale of property rights to a plot of land in Zakarpattia region with an area of 0.0024 ha for UAH 3,200. This was announced by the Deposit Guarantee Fund on OJSC VAB Bank's website, the Ukrainian News Agency said.

Meanwhile, the state may have the bank's debts reimbursed in the amount of about UAH 8 billion, which was repeatedly proposed by Oleg Bakhmatyuk, the former owner of VAB Bank, with the use of a restructuring model. Yet, the offer has not yet received a response from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) and the Deposit Guarantee Fund.

VAB Bank's credit rating was 'uaAA' (very high reliability in the long run), the bank was withdrawn from the market along with most Ukrainian banks during the so-called Ukrainian banking system's purge  a large-scale campaign to liquidate banks in keeping with the NBU's decision in 2014. Last fall, the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) opened the so-called [NBU First Deputy Governor Oleksandr] Pyrasurk-Bakhmatyuk case, which concerns the alleged misuse of a stabilization loan issued by the NBU to VAB Bank, although the refinancing funds were spent by the bank under the NBU's strict control and on payments to depositors only. VAB Bank's ex-owner himself initiates the repayment of the loan under the procedure agreed with the state.
The number of patients receiving a kidney transplant from altruistic donors has risen by 60 percent from 2018 to 2019, following a change that allows donors to be routinely added to a kidney sharing scheme.

It is thought that this change, which took place in January 2018, is behind the spike in kidney transplants  with more non-directed altruistic donors (NDADs) now donating via the Living Kidney Sharing Scheme (UKLKSS).

The UKLKSS allowed 71 extra people to receive a kidney transplant from a living donor in 2019 compared with 2018, according to NHS Blood and Transplant.

Under the UKLKSS, a family member or friend who wants to donate a kidney to a loved one, but who is not deemed to be a match by doctors, can swap their kidney with another pair in the same predicament.

June and her husband Ade, whose kidneys began to fail when he was 29, decided to become part of the UKLKSS when they discovered they were not a match.

NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Show all 18 1 /18 NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, addresses demonstrators following the march AFP/Getty NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary Reuters NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary EPA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary REUTERS NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary PA NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images NHS at 70: demonstration and celebration march to mark anniversary AFP/Getty Images

The scheme allowed June to donate her kidney in exchange for a match for Ade.

June said: Ade is doing great now. Were looking forward to going travelling this year and do all the things a typical 30-something newlywed couple would do.

Theres no better feeling than knowing youve given someone you love a new lease of life and Im so grateful for this scheme, which has helped me to do that for Ade.

For kidneys to be swapped successfully, and for the transplants to take place, all patients in a group or chain under the UKLKSS need to match with one of the donors.

When a patient who is part of the UKLKSS requires a rarer match, altruistic donors often enable the chain to be completed. The remaining kidney donation left over in the chain is then given to someone on the UK transplant list.

Before the 2018 change, altruistic donors typically decided to donate directly to someone on the UK transplant list.

Lisa Burnapp, lead nurse in Living Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: More people than ever are successfully getting a transplant and a life free from dialysis, thanks to the generosity of those who donate selflessly through the UK Living Kidney Sharing Scheme each year.

Living donations account for a third of all kidney transplants in the UK and give the best chance of a healthy transplant, with the remainder of donations coming from deceased donors kidneys.

New laws coming into force this year in England and Scotland  in spring and autumn respectively  will mean that after a persons death their organs will be donated unless they opted out of donation or are in an excluded group.
UTICA, N.Y. -- More than $7 million in federal funding has been procured for housing assistance to help fight homelessness in the area.

Local organizations like ICAN and the YWCA will receive part of the funding for programs and services that help the homeless.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi say the grant funding came from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and will be distributed across upstate and central New York.

Organizations across our district work hard every day to combat homelessness and make our communities a better place, Brindisi said. These important funds will help some of the most vulnerable members of our community, many of whom are veterans, get back on their feet. I will always fight to deliver resources from Washington back to our community.

The following other organizations will receive a portion of the HUD funds:
U.K.s Autocar had a chat with Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann, who revealed that the Chiron will be further used as a base for future Bugatti models. Think in the lines of Divo and the above-mentioned Voiture Noire and Centodieci rather than mere special editions.

There shouldnt be any doubt that Bugatti ended 2019 on a high note. Its 1,577-horsepower Chiron Super Sport 300+ went past the 300 mph barrier and it also spawned the likes of La Voiture Noire and Centodieci.

What is Bugatti Planning for 2020 and Beyond?

Nothing that comes out of Bugattis assembly plant in Molsheim, France, is ordinary. Everyone knows this much. And while the company has had its way with special editions in the past - the Veyron got a bucketload of those as were sure you can remember, it wont go down the same path with its current superstar, the Chiron.

Speaking to Autocar, Bugattis Stephan Winkelmann explained that the Chiron is a very versatile platform in the sense that its suited for a go-very-fast vehicle such as the Super Sport 300+ but also for a car more focused on downforce, handling and weight reduction. In other words, the Chiron can be tweaked into a track-aimed tool, as is the case of the Divo.

Whats more, Mr. Winkelmann was also keen to hint that we [Bugatti] are working on something different [than the Divo], but didnt offer further details. What he was adamant about, however, had to do with Bugattis reluctance to offer more special editions for the Chiron. So no more of that, thank God. But the possibility of a new Chiron derivative is indeed enough to keep us on our toes, so well definitely be on the lookout in the coming months.

Elsewhere in the interview,

Mr. Winkelmann made it clear that for now, self-driving tech and Bugatti wont cross paths

. Whats more, when asked about digitalization, the CEO responded that to stay true to the Bugatti creed, it will have to touch on features like weather forecast and rear-traffic situation before anything else.

Although thereve been rumors about Bugatti joining the SUV bandwagon, we dont think the carmaker will look to adapt the Chiron platform to such a vehicle. Sure, the possibility of a Bugatti-branded high-luxury SUV is still in the air, but at this point, we like Bugattis lineup just how it is now, with the likes of Chiron, Centodieci, Divo, and La Voiture Noire.

Bugatti Chiron Performance Specs Bugatti Centodieci Bugatti Chiron Bugatti Divo Bugatti La Voiture Noire Engine 8.0-liter W-16 8.0-liter W-16 8.0-liter W-16 8.0-liter W-16 Horsepower 1,600 @ 7,000 RPM 1,479 Horsepower 1,479 Horsepower 1,479 Horsepower Torque 1180 lb-ft (est) 1180 lb-ft 1180 lb-ft 1180 lb-ft Transmission Seven-Speed DCT Seven-Speed DCT Seven-Speed DCT Seven-Speed DCT 0-62 MPH 2.4 Seconds 2.5 Seconds 2.3 Seconds 2.4 Seconds 0-124 MPH 6.1 Seconds 6.4 Seconds 6.5 Seconds 6.4 Seconds 0-186 mph 13.1 Seconds 13.6 Seconds 13.4 Seconds (est) 13.6 Seconds Top Speed 236 MPH 261 MPH 236 MPH 260 MPH Weight 4356 pounds 4,400 pounds 4,323 pounds 4,300 pounds

Source: Autocar
Kirk Franklin shares powerful 2020 message as he battles depression, anxiety

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Gospel pioneer Kirk Franklin shared some advice he received for the new year while battling depression and anxiety amid a string of deaths among his friends.

"[In] 2019, I experienced a high amount of loss in my life. I went to more funerals in 2019 than I've ever been to in my life. I went to the funerals of friends, the funerals of people's parents and the funeral of people's kids and it was a lot, the performer took stated on Instagram Friday.

Franklin was a support to his pastor, Tony Evans, in the recent loss of his wife, Christian artist TobyMac, who buried his 21-year-old son, and others. The magnitude of loss surrounding Franklin took a toll on him and brought on anxiety.

"It just really brought a lot of anxiety. To me, I really struggle with a lot of anxiety and really got into a funk that I couldn't really get out of. [It was] this just really dark funk, that I was in, depression, battling it. Not only that, just the anx that death can bring to you also is this anxiety about the future. It's a fear of who's next, what's next? Franklin confessed.

The gospel music trailblazer decided to jump on a call with his godly therapist while in the Dominican Republic, where he currently went to decompress.

"I was just talking to him about being very anxious and very consumed with fear and worry and just the struggle with it all. He said, 'When I begin to live a life of gratitude, more gratitude then I will begin to be more selfless because fear is rooted in self, Franklin said.

Think about it, when you start a fearful conversation it's 'What about me? What's going to happen to me? How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to make it? They're going to hurt me, I'm going to get sick, I'm going to lose this'... Everything starts with I, it's very self-focused. So if we can begin to live a life of gratitude, always giving thanks even when things are dark, they could be darker.



His trip to the Dominican Republic also helped him to realize how fortunate he is. Franklin said hes witnessed seven and eight and nine people sleep in one bedroom with no electricity, no windows. He also talked about the danger of sex trafficking in the country.

"I promise you. It can be worse. So living a life of gratitude, then you will begin to be more selfless, give God thanks for what He has already done, the Texas native continued.

Franklin shared one final piece of advice his therapist gave him.



"He said to me 'Kirk, you need to be more grateful.' I'm saying it to you this way. 'I am a miracle I am not acknowledging.' You need to say that to yourself; you need to look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'I am a miracle I am not acknowledging' because when we're so busy worrying and in fear or whatever, we forget that because it could be worse. Seeing another day is a miracle.

Franklin reflected, "The fact that we're still alive is another miracle, the fact that we still have the activities of our limbs, the fact that we made it this far, that we were not stillborn, that that we're here. We are a miracle we are not acknowledging. Hope that encourages you, it encouraged me ... Have a strong year.
On Nov. 4, 2016, a federal jury convicted two political allies of then New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on charges emanating from a malicious scheme to cause traffic chaos in Fort Lee by closing two of three access lanes from that city to the George Washington Bridge. Their bogus rationale, a clandestine traffic study, was concocted to mask their real agenda, payback for the refusal of

Fort Lees Democratic Mayor, Mark J. Sokolich, to endorse Christie, a Republican, for reelection.

Bridgegate, as its come to be called, was before the U.S. Supreme Court last Tuesday on an appeal by the two defendants. The oral argument transcript reveals a court struggling with whether the conduct of William E. Baroni, Jr. and Bridget Anne Kelly, however disgraceful, actually violated any criminal statutes.

In 2010, Christie appointed Baroni to serve as Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which, among other things, operates the George Washington Bridge, the worlds busiest motor vehicle span. That same year, David Wildstein, who took a plea and testified for the prosecution, was hired to serve as the agencys Director of Interstate Capital Projects, operating as Baronis chief of staff in that capacity.

Kelly was the Deputy Chief of Staff for New Jerseys Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA). According to Wildsteins testimony at trial, the Governors office and the IGA used the Port Authority to bestow political favors on potential endorsers. These included everything from steel from the original World Trade Center towers and flags that had flown over Ground Zero, to jobs and large economic investments.

Soliciting a mayor

Sokolich was one of the endorsements aggressively sought and, to that end, the Fort Lee Mayor received several personal perks, including invitations to a New York Giants game, holiday parties, and one of Christies budget addresses. He received benefits for the community, too, such as a $5,000 contribution to the Fort Lee Fire Department and over $300,000 in funding for four shuttle buses.

Things quickly changed, however, when Sokolich, citing local political considerations, refused to endorse Christies 2013 reelection bid. That led Wildstein to remind Kelly that the Fort Lee access lanes could be shut down to exert pressure on the mayor. And in an August 13, 2013 email to Wildstein, Kelly agreed, stating, Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.

Wildstein testified that he had told Baroni of Kellys directive and that he was fine with it. Baroni, on the other hand, has consistently maintained that he was never aware that the realignment of the access lanes was a political payback instead of a legitimate traffic study.

The scheme was implemented on the morning of Sept. 9, the first day of school, without any notice to any officials in Fort Lee, including its police department. Chaos ensued as monumental traffic jams affected not only commuters and school buses, but emergency service vehicles as well. Desperate pleas for assistance by city officials were systematically ignored even as police reported frustration trying to locate a missing child, and paramedics were forced to leave their truck and respond to an emergency on foot.

Property-fraud laws

Kelly and Baroni were convicted of violating federal property-fraud laws. Two legal questions were before the court last week: First, whether public officials may be properly prosecuted for lying about their motivation for taking official actions. Second, whether the two defendants here unlawfully commandeered property.

Justice Elena Kagan suggested there was a significant difference between directing a public employee to paint an officials home and realigning access lanes on a public thoroughfare. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. was equally skeptical, noting that, regardless of their motives, the defendants did have the legal right to realign the lanes. And, he added, their intent in doing so was not to obtain property.

Justices Samuel Alito, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor, however, did see property implicated, citing, among other things, the cost of overtime to deal with the calculated traffic crisis.

Kellys lawyer, Jacob Roth, pressed an argument that seemed to resonate with Justice Stephen Breyer. Affirming the convictions, Roth asserted, would have a chilling effect by criminalizing ulterior motives by public officials even where they never received a kickback or any other payment in return.

Its difficult to predict the outcome here because Justice Neil Gorsuch joined Justice Clarence Thomas in asking no questions, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked only one. Whatever the ruling, however, likely in June, the behavior of these officials was despicable. They willfully endangered the lives and safety of hundreds of thousands of people, including children and physically compromised adults, for raw political gain. If the language of existing law lets them off the hook, Congress should redraft it to prevent such outrages in the future.

Daniel Leddys column On the Law appears weekly. Follow him on Twitter. His email address is column@danielleddylaw.com.
Iran on Monday said that it could exit from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) if European nations refer to the UN Security Council over a nuclear agreement, a move which would overturn diplomacy in Iran's confrontation with the west, International media reported. NPT bans all its 190 members except for US, UK, Russia, France and Germany from acquiring nuclear weapons in return for allowing them to pursue peaceful nuclear programmes for power generation, overseen by the United Nations.

North Korea exited last month

North Korea which was a member of NPT withdrew from it last month, expelling nuclear inspections and testing its own nuclear weapons. US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of a 2015 pact which Iran signed with world powers that offered it access to global trade in return for accepting curb in its atomic programme. In return to Trumps withdrawal and the reimposition of sanctions, Iran scaled back its commitments although it had said it wanted the pact to survive.

Last week, Britain Germany and France declared that Iran had violated the 2015 pact and launched a dispute mechanism that could eventually see the matter referred back to the security council. Talking to international media, Iranian foreign minister Javed Zarif said that if Europeans continue their improper behaviour or send Iranian file to security council they will withdraw from NPT. He added that Iran could take other steps before withdrawing from the NPT though he did not specify them.

Read: South Korea To Send Troops To Hormuz Strait

Read: Iran: Ukrainian Jetliner Was Downed By Two Short-range Missiles, Says Report

Furthermore, speaking about the deal to international media reporters, Abbas Mousavi, a spokesperson from the Iranian foreign ministry said that despite the ill will of European countries, the doors of negotiations are open adding that he does not think Iran, under the present conditions, has negotiations in mind. In the past, Iran had repeatedly held talks with the European nations but also blamed them for failing to guarantee the benefits Iran was entitled to for curbing their nuclear work.

Read: Prince Harry Leaves UK To Rejoin Meghan, Son Archie In Canada

Read: France's Macron Makes Big Push For More Foreign Investment

Tehran, refusing to deal with US president said that it cannot negotiate with Trump who broke promises of repudiating the deal reached under his predecessor Barack Obama. Speaking to reporters, Mousavi stated that the fact that a persons name is put on an agreement shows they are not familiar with the conditions adding that an agreement with a person didnt mean anything.
Spains High Court, the Audencia Nacional, is closing in on David Morales , the head of the Spanish security company US Global S. L. , and who is under investigation for spying on cyberactivist Julian Assange while he was living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London . Three people who worked for the company have testified as protected witnesses before High Court Judge Jose de la Mata that Morales handed over material collected from the diplomatic headquarters to US intelligence services. The three witnesses say that Morales, a former marine in the Spanish Navy, bragged about the collaboration. I am a mercenary and I make no bones about it, he said to one of them.

Two of the witnesses confirm what EL PAIS revealed before the legal investigation began  that in December 2017, the owner of UC Global S. L. ordered workers to change the surveillance cameras in the embassy and replace them with others that could capture audio. From that moment on, they recorded and monitored conversations between the WikiLeaks founder and his lawyers, as well as all of his visitors.

During the meetings with the lawyers, Assange prepared his legal defense against the extradition order from the United States. The Australian cyberactivist is wanted in the US for allegedly committing 18 crimes for leaking classified information on secret military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq via the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks. He faces a total of 175 years in prison.

Under Moraless express orders, the security team photographed the passports of all of Assanges visitors

According to the evidence provided by the witnesses  videos, audio tapes and dozens of emails, some of which were published in advance by this newspaper  the spying operation was intensive. Under Moraless express orders, the security team photographed the passports of all of Assanges visitors, took apart their cellphones, downloaded content from their iPads, took notes and put together reports on each meeting.

Morales outlined in writing the objectives and the high priority profiles that had to be under control at all times  in particular visitors from North America and Russia, as seen in emails. The list of Assanges visitors did not include any Russian citizens, but did include a visitor from Serbia and another one from Belarus. All this has to be considered top secret to limit its distribution, the owner of UC Global S. L. wrote to one of his trusted workers. The Ecuadorian diplomats who worked in the London embassy were also spied on, according to the evidence provided by the witnesses.

The three witness statements all spoke of the phrases Morales used with his most-trusted workers in reference to the alleged collaboration with the US secret service: We are playing in the first division, I have gone to the dark side, Those in control are the American friends, The American client, The American friends are asking me to confirm, The North American will get us a lot of contracts around the world, and US intelligence. The obsession over any Russian visit or sign of a link between Assange and Russia was also reflected in the photographs that were taken of the passport visas of some visitors.

Morales traveled to the US once or twice a month allegedly to hand over the material to the Americans

The recordings from the cameras installed in the embassy were extracted from the hard drive every 15 days, along with other recordings from microphones placed in fire extinguishers, and delivered personally to Morales at the headquarters of UC Global, located in Jerez de la Frontera in the south of Spain. They were always original recordings, not copies.

Morales traveled to the US once or twice a month allegedly to hand over the material to the Americans. A microphone was installed on the PVC plastic base of a fire extinguisher near the meeting room where Assange met with his lawyers. The cyberactivist had placed a device that created white noise in this room, and activated it when he thought he was being spied on. He placed another device in the womens bathroom, where he sometimes met with his lawyers.

UC Global S. L. was hired by Ecuadors Senain secret service to provide security services to the embassy when Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa was in power. But according to the three witnesses, Morales ordered the Australian to be spied on and created remote-operated computer servers that collected the illegally obtained information, which could be accessed from the United States.

Trips to Virginia and Las Vegas

The witnesses said that they were able to prove that the US was accessing the information. A study of the emails sent by Morales to several of his workers shows that the former marine traveled to Alexandria, a US city in Virginia with around 145,000 residents, on March 1 and 2, 2017. The IP addresses of these messages, to which this newspaper has had access, show that they were from the place that was processing the extradition order against Assange.

According to the witnesses, the material on Assange was handed over to the CIA by a member of the security service of magnate Sheldon Adelson, the owner of the casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Adelson is a friend of US President Donald Trump and one of the main donors to the Republican Party. Morales had reached an agreement with Adeleson to strengthen the security on his boat when he sailed in the Mediterranean. The main person responsible for Adelsons security is a prominent former CIA chief.

The witnesses said that they were able to prove that the US was accessing the information

Morales sent his workers an email on December 10, 2017, asking them to restrict Ecuadors access to the server, where the information was stored, so that they would not discover that the American client has access. The IP of this email shows that it was written from The Venetian, the leading hotel from Adelsons resort chain in Las Vegas.

They tell me that if the Ecuadorians are to access the remote system, we should take into account that it must be programed so that they only see what we want them to  it must look as though they have access, the email read. These technical recommendations were sent to employees in Jerez de la Frontera in English.

English version by Melissa Kitson.
RAMALLAH, West Bank  After adopting an emergency budget last year as a result of Israel's drastic cut of Palestinian Authority's tax funds, the PA is planning to return to a more normal budget process this year, albeit a cash-strapped one.

The Palestinian Ministry of Finance is preparing the 2020 budget to be submitted to the government for discussion and approval. The government would then refer the budget to President Mahmoud Abbas for ratification since the Palestinian Legislative Council was dissolved by the High Constitutional Court on Dec. 12, 2018.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told state-run Palestine TV on Jan. 4, We will not begin the year 2020 with an emergency budget but an integrated one. We are preparing a budget along the lines of 2019 in terms of financial management.

The drafting of a comprehensive budget is a challenge for the PA. This will be the first budget for Shtayyehs government since the PA did not approve the 2019 budget because of Israels decision to deduct about 502 million shekels ($145 million) from PA tax revenue, an amount Israel claims is equivalent to the sum the PA disburses to the families of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and Palestinians killed or injured in attacks against Israelis. In response to Israels decision, the PA in February 2019 decided to refuse all tax transfers from Israel. But in October, the PA again accepted the tax transfers following a deal reached between Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Hussein al-Sheikh and Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon.

Another reason for the failure to pass the 2019 budget was the resignation of the government of national consensus on Jan. 29, 2019. It continued to work as a caretaker government until the new government was formed in April 2019, and during the interim period adopted an emergency plan to manage the crisis.

In December, Israel cut an additional 150 million shekels ($43 million), bringing the total deducted sum to 650 million shekels ($188 million).

The tax funds constitute the main source of revenues for the PA, which amounted to approximately 8 billion shekels ($2.3 billion) in 2018; the Israeli deductions come as a blow to Palestinian revenues.

We will deal with every penny we receive and pay it to the employees, and we will not give in to the crisis, Shtayyeh said in his statement to Palestine TV while expressing hope that Arab and international financial aid for Palestinians in 2020 will help the government get out of the crisis.

The secretary-general of the Palestinian Cabinet, Amjad Ghanem, told Al-Monitor, We are in a financial clash with Israel, because the tax funds are still under threat. But we are determined to adjust to these conditions and plan to employ the public money the best way.

It is very important to switch from an emergency budget into a regular one despite the difficult circumstances, because we seek systematic planning, setting our priority, and disbursing available funds according to priorities, he added.

It is expected that the 2020 budget would be set at $6 billion, knowing that the last general budget approved by Abbas and the government in 2018 was $5.8 billion.

Ghanem said, There is no exact value for the current budget. The discussions within the government will continue until February and the budget will be referred to the president for approval.

We are in a difficult state. This is why the government is moving to increase domestic production in industry, export and agriculture, as well as raising the level of foreign trade in a bid to increase revenues, Ghanem added.

He denied that the government has the intention to add more taxes. There will be a plan to enhance the collection of taxes horizontally to include citizens who have not been paying and to pursue evaders. The government will seek to make allocations for programs to support young people, for the development of smart and electronic services and to support the agricultural, industrial and tourism clusters plan, and to attract foreign investments, Ghanem concluded.

While the PA fiscal year starts Jan. 1, the budget for it usually is not approved until well after the fiscal year starts.

Samir Abdullah, a former Palestinian minister of labor and planning and a senior researcher at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute, told Al-Monitor, The government has a narrow margin for moving in preparing the budget. Sixty percent of the budget is for salaries, 20% for consumer expenditures and 7% to 10% for the social transfers for poor families. There will be little left for development.

Whether it was a regular or an emergency budget, it wont make much of a difference in resolving our financial situation, he added.

With the Israeli tax reduction, the PA has to adapt to the situation by cutting down its expenses, especially since it is not relying on anyone for assistance, given the volatile international support for Palestinians, Abdullah said.

Samir Hulileh, a businessman and an economist, told Al-Monitor, The biggest challenge before the government in preparing the budget is to face Israels actions and restrictions on the tax funds.

Commenting on the need to have an emergency budget or a regular one, Hulileh said, It boils down to the governments determination to work and to determine the aspects of spending money according to an approved plan, in the hope that it would find the necessary means to keep funds flowing until the end of the year.

The current government has a clear vision and determination but is not capable of meeting its commitments. I do not expect the facts on the ground to change drastically due to the current circumstances. The tax funds crisis is escalating and international aid is declining. The only option would be to turn to Arab or international countries for support, he concluded.
A morphed video clip depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Chhatrapati Shivaji, Union Home Minister Amit Shah as his trusted military commander Tanhaji and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as the villainous character from Ajay Devgn's Bollywood film has surfaced, causing a row ahead of the high-stake Delhi assembly polls.

Notably, the video clip came into circulation days after a book comparing PM Modi with Chhatrapati Shivaji had caused a huge furore in Maharashtra. The book was written by a Delhi BJP leader.

The morphed video, first posted on Twitter handle 'Political Kida', depicts Kejriwal as villainous Udaybhan Singh Rathod (a Mughal fort keeper) from the film 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior'.

It shows a sequence from the film with the faces of PM Modi, Shah and Kejriwal superimposed on the faces of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Tanhaji and Rathod, respectively.

As the controversy raged, the BJP has distanced itself from the video clip, saying it was nowhere related to the party, and that it will never back comparison of anyone with Chhatrapati Shivaji- the 17th Century founder of the Maratha empire.

Condemning the video, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of NCP said the state government will raise the issue with the video-sharing platform YouTube, while Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said such "insult" to Chhatrapati Shivaji will not be tolerated.

In the film, released on January 10, actors Sharad Kelkar, Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan have essayed the roles of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Tanhaji Malusare (a lieutenant of the Maratha warrior king) and Rathod, respectively.

"I condemn the BJP for stooping so low to seek a political mileage. It is wrong to use venerable Shivaji Maharaj and Tanhaji (for political gains)," Deshmukh said.

"We will raise the issue with YouTube," the minister said, adding that he has received complaints about the video clip.

Raut said that his party, which heads the coalition government in the state, will not tolerate any insult to their "deity" Shivaji Maharaj.

The Sena MP also questioned "silence" of those who had protested earlier against his remarks asking BJP leader Udayanraje Bhosale to "prove" that he is a descendant of the warrior king.

Without naming Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide and former Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale's supporters who called for Sangli and Satara shut down over his remark last week, Raut said he has sent the clip to "all these people" and is waiting for their reaction on it.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our deity. We will not tolerate his insult. If somebody does it and questions us for no reason, why are they silent now?" Raut asked.

Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil said his party was nowhere related to the clip and condemned it. He added the party is not using the clip also for the Delhi poll campaign.

"It is wrong to question the BJP over the clip. It is the BJP's stand that nobody can be compared with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Patil said in a statement.

He also launched a veiled attack on Raut, saying those who seek proof from the descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji have no right to talk about the Maratha warrior king.

Minister and state Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said one will be a mere actor if he wears the attire of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

"We have often said nobody should try to be so. There cannot be a comparison (with Shivaji Maharaj) and (nobody) should compare also. Some (people) are trying, but it is wrong. People won't like it," Thorat said.

Another minister and Congress leader Amit Deshmukh said the Election Commission should take cognisance if the video is used for a poll campaign.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ram Kadam accused Raut of raising the issue to escape from answering questions pertaining to senior Congress leader and former state chief minister Ashok Chavan's video.

The video shows Chavan purportedly saying that his party joined the Shiv Sena-led government on the "insistence" of the "Muslim community" to stop the BJP from returning to power.

Chavan told PTI on Tuesday he didn't specifically mention Muslims in his speech.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

A nameless car-sized robot is awaiting an important mission to Mars.

This traveler will study the geology of the Red Planet and hunt for signs of ancient life.

It will help pave the way for robotic and human exploration and is part of a high-priority science mission.

But before it can do any of that, it needs a name.

And that could come from right here in New Mexico.

Three students in Albuquerque and Santa Fe are among the 155 semifinalists in the Name the Rover contest, picked from over 28,000 responses.

K-12 students from public, private and home schools across the nation entered the essay contest, judged on their writing and originality and significance of their name idea.

Three semifinalists were named from each state; one from grades K-4, 5-8 and 9-12.

At 7 years old, Mark Goldman, a third grader at Manzano Day School, is the youngest of the New Mexico semifinalists, with the submission Picus.

He is the kind of kid who works on solar system projects for fun. So the Mars rover contest was a good fit for him.

When brainstorming for his submission, Mark thought maybe Rover 360? Or perhaps Rover 2020?

Throwing these simple names out, the young space enthusiast turned to the gods for help, as so many others have done before him.

Inspired by the god of war and the planets namesake, he decided on Picus, Mars sacred woodpecker.

A woodpecker drills into trees, and the rover will drill into Mars (the planet, not the god), Mark said.

Maximilian Looft, another semifinalist from New Mexico, had a similar process, starting off with a long list of names and whittling them down.

The Santa Fe High School senior ultimately went with the acronym G.R.I.T., Geologic Retrieval Investigation and Testing.

Geologic Retrieval, for the task of obtaining soil samples and looking for evidence of microbial life. Investigation and Testing, finding valuable knowledge that will be needed for future colonists, such as examining weather conditions and testing methods of producing oxygen, Maximilian explained.

He thought an acronym could be a unique approach and G.R.I.T. was a good fit because it was tough like the mission.

Hes always had a slight interest in space, being a Star Wars fan and all.

The 2018 SpaceX launch of the rocket Falcon Heavy hooked him on the celestial even more, and its been a fascination since.

The 17-year-old is hoping to combine this interest in the cosmos with his love for writing  setting his sights on being a science-fiction writer.

Local semifinalist Josiah Fidel, an eighth grader at Bosque School, thinks the naming competition is a great way to get the community involved.

He enjoyed the challenge of coming up with a word that represented the magnitude of the Mars mission.

The 13-year-old thinks his proposal, Promise, does just that.

The word promise represents action and determination, he said, adding that it nods to NASAs promise to continue to explore and make new discoveries.

The next rounds of judging will eventually reduce the competition to nine finalists, who will then move to an interview phase with an expert panel, according to a news release.

Members of the public will get to vote for their favorite name online later this month, which will be a factor in the final naming selection.

Only one will win the grand prize: an invitation to see the spacecraft launch in July from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, in addition to naming the rover, the release said. The grand prize winner will be announced in March, according to NASA.

Josiahs voice rose with excitement when talking about the possibility of being named the winner and watching the launch.

That would be amazing to go and see a launch and get to experience that firsthand. My parents and I have watched launches live on TV, but it would be very cool to see one in real life, he said.

Lori Glaze, director of NASAs Planetary Science Division, said in a statement that the competition is more than just about a title. Its a way to engage the next generation in STEM.

The chosen name will help define this rovers unique personality among our fleet of Martian spacecraft, she said.
Haykakan Zhamanak says that public reactions to the death of former National Security Service (NSS) Director Georgi Kutoyan exposed the terrible atmosphere of mutual hatred and intolerance reigning in Armenias political and quasi-political circles. It was terribly unpleasant to watch sides try to draw dividends from that tragedy, accuse each other and come up with unsubstantiated theories, writes the pro-government paper. Unfortunately the causes of that are deep and decades old. It blames Armenian security services for this situation, saying that they have long meddled in political processes in the country.

Past criticizes the recent toughening of financial and other penalties for traffic rule violations in Armenia. The paper says that it created unequal conditions for motorists. In particular, it says, the most serious of those penalties cannot be enforced against the owners and drivers of cars with Russian license plates.

Not every protest is aimed at progress and the authorities must not cave in and take steps backwards under such pressure, writes Hraparak. But what keeps hundreds of parasites within the government from coming out, going to those [protesting] people, talking to them, explaining things and telling them that even if they suffer from a particular [government] decision now the country as a whole will benefit as a result?

Zhamanak comments on a letter which Nairi Hunanian, the leader of an armed group that launched a deadly attack on the Armenian parliament in 1999, has sent to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. The paper says any fresh testimony by Hunanian must be taken seriously and investigated by law-enforcement authorities that recently reopened their probe of the 1999 killings. It says at the same time that Hunanians claims must not be taken at face value. It is very important that the authorities, political forces and the public do not succumb to the ringleaders provocations, it says.

(Anush Mkrtchian)
Stating that Janata Dal (United) and Bharatiya Janata Party alliance for the Delhi Assembly elections was finalised by his party's leadership, JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan on Tuesday said those questioning the seat-sharing agreement were wrong.

"The seat-sharing agreement between the BJP and JD-U for the Delhi Assembly elections was finalised by the leadership. If anyone raises such questions, it is wrong. If anyone raises questions on the last day of filing nomination, it is not in the interests of our party," Ranjan told ANI over the phone.

His comments came after reports emerged that JD-U leader Pavan Verma sought "ideological clarity" from party president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the alliance with BJP in the ensuing Delhi elections, scheduled to be held on February 8.

Meanwhile, Ranjan said that JD-U's stand on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Register of Citizens (NRC) is clear.

Asked whether the comments made by leaders Prashant Kishor and Verma would affect the alliance with BJP, Ranjan said that such things will not disturb the alliance.

"This will not have an effect (on our alliance). The party's stand on CAA is clear. We are in favour of CAA. As far as NRC is concerned, the party has clarified its stand. NRC will not be implemented in Bihar. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Home Minister (Amit Shah) have said that there were no discussions on a nationwide NRC," Ranjan said.

Replying to another query where Home Minister Amit Shah challenged the Opposition to hold a debate over the CAA, the JD-U leader said that should be a "healthy discussion" in the matter.

Earlier today, Shah challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav for a debate on the newly enacted citizenship law.

"I have come to you for a Jan Jagaran Abhiyan in Lucknow. Our government is hardly eight months old but we are conducting this campaign to dispell the falsities being spread by the opposition against CAA. I challenge Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav to engage in a debate on CAA," Shah said while addressing a gathering in Lucknow.

The CAA grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Anny and Robert of TLCs 90 Day Fiance Season 7 got engaged after spending just eight hours together in person in Annys home country of the Dominican Republic. They had a whirlwind online romance, and both seemed excited about spending their lives together with Roberts five-year-old son, Bryson.

But since Anny arrived in Winter Park, Florida, to live with Robert, things havent gone as the international couple planned. Anny and Robert argued over money, sex, and Roberts five children (after he told her he had only three). On the Jan. 19 episode of 90 Day Fiance, Blindsided, Anny met Roberts brother Kenny, and things went from bad to much, much worse.

Anny of 90 Day Fiance | Anny of 90 Day Fiance via Instagram

Annys first meeting with Roberts brother didnt go as planned

After spending time with and getting close to Roberts sister Robin, Anny was excited to meet her fiances brother, Kenny.

The three adults sat down for beers, and Robin even raved about her brothers fiancee. I love all three of yall, she told the others. My brothers and my sister.

But Kenny admitted he wasnt convinced about Roberts Dominician bride-to-be. My feelings is different from yours, he said.

She treat your brother good! Robin pushed back.

To TLC producers, Kenny admitted he was worried about Robert because of his past dysfunctional relationships. Hes been through a lot, he explained. Robert has been hurt in the past, and I dont want to see it again.

When Kenny asked Anny if she was sure she could commit to a future with Robert, Anny confessed she wasnt yet completely sure. I cant tell you Im gonna be with Robert forever because I dont know, she admitted. Still, the 90 Day Fiance star added, she promised to show him respect and love as long as he did the same in return.

Tensions at the table started running high when Anny asked Kenny if he would be attending their wedding. Why you doing that face when I asked you that question? Anny probed when Kenny looked less than happy about the upcoming nuptials. You dont like me? I dont do nothing to you.

The 90 Day Fiance star told producers she was surprised about how rude and unwelcoming Kenny was towards her. He was so mean. I was frustrated, she admitted.

Her soon-to-be-in-law thought she complained a lot

When the subject shifted to money and honesty, the argument got even worse. Anny suggested that Robert was cheap and that hed lied to her about his finances.

Nobodys cheap, Kenny clapped back. Why am I being called cheap? Robert asked. I do as much as I can, so I dont think thats being cheap.

But Anny said Roberts promises, like a larger apartment and new clothing, hadnt materialized and that she didnt know if she could trust him. He promise a lot, the 90 Day Fiance star said. If you promise something, you have to do it.

Shes like, oh gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme, Robert complained of his fiancee, happy to have his brothers support against his bride-to-be.

Do you feel you complain a lot? Kenny asked Anny.

Anny defended herself, saying her fiances dishonesty was the main problem. Robert lie a lot, she claimed. The 90 Day Fiance star revealed that Robert had pretended to have only three kids before she came out to the U.S., when he actually had five children by four different mothers.

The 90 Day Fiance bride-to-be said she felt completely alone

After Kenny and Annys argument heated up, she decided to leave. Storming outside, she declared, Think whatever you want, do whatever you want, bye.

Anny explained that she was tired of being judged just because she was not from the U.S. You come to a new country, you dont know anybody, and everybody saying, Oh, you bad, you only want money, she said. How you gonna feel?

The 90 Day Fiance star lamented, They dont understand me. Right now I feel so alone.

Crying to producers outside the restaurant, Anny even admitted that she didnt know if Robert loved her at all. I feel in love with Robert, but he talk like he dont love me, she confessed.


Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has said that if she were a childcare worker she would join a union.

Speaking on RTE radios Today with Sean ORourke show she said that workers in the childcare sector need better care and conditions.

If I were a childcare worker I would join a union. They do need to get better care and conditions.

"The government is not the employer, if they get organised, join a union, then they can go to the Labour Court to get a sectoral employment order - sets the pay, wages and conditions.

Ms Zappone said that she is calling for an extra 150m per year over the next five years to intensify investment in the sector to make it affordable for families and children.

She expressed surprise that Fianna Fail is recommending tax credits for child minders.

My own view is that tax credits do not benefit children, those who earn most benefit most for tax breaks, I really don't think the choice of tax credits represents moving with an approach for an Ireland for all, I don't think they support child care workers, we've got evidence from other countries that they also result in increasing costs for care.

"We need to support child minders.

There is still an affordability issue that's why we need significantly more investment in the sector.

Ms Zappone said that in her tenure she had corrected decades of neglect as well as under investment.

I said four years ago that wasn't going to happen in four budgets, looking back what did we have then but one year of free childcare, that's called the ECCE, there was a couple of other schemes.

In the five years before I became Minister there was an increase of investment of about 91m, in my three-and-a-half years I have increased investment to 294m - what have we done with that money?

Under my ministry we doubled ECCE  we now have two years of free pre school, we offer a subsidy for children under three of 20 a week equivocating to over 1,000 a year, we moved from the children who had the least being subsidised from 95 to 245.

However, Fianna Fails spokesperson on children, Anne Rabbitte said she wanted universal subsidy to rise from 25 to 80 per week.

Id like to see a tax credit for child minders - for non-relative carers and minders, a tax credit of 2,000 per annum. That would cost 26m.

The cost of increasing universal subsidy from 25 to 80 per week will be 81m, Id like to move from 38 weeks to 48 weeks for year one and two, that comes in at 15.6m, Id also like to see capital funding for 6,000 more spaces, the cost of that is 18m.

At the moment 43,000 children avail of child minders - that are non relative which is approximately 13%, these are not creches. It's to give parents on flexi time a choice.

She said that the current scheme totally excludes parents who avail of child minders, what I am trying to address here is to make an Ireland for all not just children whose parents avail of child care setting like creches, I'm trying to acknowledge that when you look at the pie chart child minders play a huge role in that - the tax credit is for the parent, not the child minder.

This is the first step, acknowledging child minders who play an invaluable role, they can get garda vetting, register with Child Minding Ireland, open to inspection, open to revenue inspection.

Ms Zappone pointed out that the national childcare scheme act provides parents to have a financial entitlement to child care subsidies, child minders are included in that, but to avail of it they have to be registered, at the moment, 81 are registered with Tusla.

"If they are registered families are able to avail of subsidies.

Ms Rabbitte said that there are only 81 registered child minders in the country, but there are 43,000 children availing of child minding services.

We are not supporting those parents, what I want to do, what Fianna Fail want to do was to give the option under a tax credit model.
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has said he is willing to testify at President Trump's Senate impeachment trial, and "Trump's legal defense team and Senate GOP allies are quietly gaming out contingency plans" to make sure that doesn't happen, The Washington Post reports.

Under rules proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate won't vote on whether to allow testimony from new witnesses or other new evidence until after House impeachment managers and Trump's team lay out their arguments and senators ask questions, and four Republicans would have to join all 47 Democrats to approve witnesses. If 51 senators allow subpoenaing witnesses, "McConnell is expected to ensure that those individuals are questioned in a closed-door session rather than a public setting," the Post reports, and Bolton's deposition could be moved to "a classified setting because of national security concerns, ensuring that it is not public."

"But that proposal, discussed among some Senate Republicans in recent days, is seen as a final tool against Bolton becoming an explosive figure in the trial," the Post reports. "First, Republicans involved in the discussions said, would come a fierce battle in the courts," with Trump invoking executive privilege to keep Bolton from talking then asking the courts for an injunction if Bolton "refuses to go along with their instructions."

Republicans are also warning Democrats that if they win on Bolton's testimony, Trump's team will subpoena Hunter Biden  though Senate Democrats seem pretty comfortable with that trade, or perhaps calling that bluff. Nobody's sure if Bolton would help or hurt Trump, but Republicans are not eager to find out. At the same time, a CNN-SSRS poll released Monday found that 59 percent of American adults and a 48 percent plurality of Republicans want the Senate trial to include testimony from witnesses not interviewed by the House.

More stories from theweek.com

Late night hosts suspect Trump's Senate GOP impeachment jury can't handle the truth, or the strict rules

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries explains Trump's impeachment to Trump's lawyers, drops in Biggie Smalls reference

White House budget office releases heavily redacted Ukraine emails as Senate rejects OMB subpoenas


The Accra Police Command has arrested three Tanzanians for breaking into people's vehicles.

According to the Police, the three suspects, Ruderick Benedict, Cassian Pascal and Haji Yussifu operate by intercepting the car lock remote of their victims with remote jammers.

In his address to the media, the Accra Regional Police Commander DCOP Fredrick Adu Anim said the three were arrested after a period of monitoring of criminal activities by the Command.

The Command has arrested three Tanzanians. During the middle part of 2019, the Airport Police Command per its crime statistics recorded a number of break-ins into vehicles. The Command was put under surveillance to clamp down on such activities.

In another development, three suspects, Jeremiah Osei, Bismark Wiafe and Francis Norvor are in the grips of the Police for allegedly robbing a mobile money vendor at Santoe in the Greater Accra Region.

Two robbers gunned down in shootout

The Command also gunned down two suspected armed robbers in a shootout.

The deceased, Ali Abass Hero and Charles Donkor Killer Boss were killed at Oyibi in the early hours of Monday, January 20, 2020.

According to the police, the two were on the wanted list of the police for their alleged involvement in the Royal Motors robbery, Ashaiman fuel station robberies as well as the Kwabenya jailbreak.

Some of the weapons found on them include one SMG 2 Rifle, two Mark 2 rifles, one G3 219mm ammunition, one Mark4 rifle, two Mall Hammers among others.

---citinewsroom
Photo: CTV News

Indigenous leaders from British Columbia and Alberta who oppose Teck's Frontier mine say its impact will be felt by First Nations well beyond the site of the massive oilsands project.

Members of Indigenous Climate Action, the Tiny House Warriors and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs were among those who gathered Monday in North Vancouver outside the office of Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson calling on him to stop the project.

The Teck Frontier mine north of Fort McMurray, Alta., would produce 260,000 barrels of oil a day and about four million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, for more than 40 years.

The federal government must make a decision on the project by the end of February under the Environmental Assessment Act.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has called for swift approval of the $20.6-billion project, warning that rejection would send a signal that Canada's oil-and-gas sector has no future, but the mine also poses a significant obstacle toward the Liberals' goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs called the project irresponsible and reckless, saying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should "walk the walk" of transitioning to a green economy.

"There were commitments made during the last election that the Trudeau government would make decisive moves toward renewable energy and this is an opportunity to follow through on those promises," he said.

Teck Resources Ltd. said in a statement that it has spent more than a decade on community engagement, including signing agreements with all 14 Indigenous communities in the project area. The agreements set out a framework for co-operation in areas like environmental stewardship and economic opportunities, it said.

"Teck is committed to developing the Frontier Project in a way that is environmentally responsible, respectful of Indigenous communities, and creates meaningful benefits for the people of the region," it said.

Kanahus Manuel of the Tiny House Warriors and Secwepemc Nation said product from the Frontier mine would be transported via the Trans Mountain pipeline, which crosses 518 kilometres of Secwepemc territory.

"This Teck mine will impact our community although it's hundreds of miles away," she said.

Wilkinson was not available for an interview but his department said in a statement that the project is under active consideration.

"The government will consider a range of factors when they make a decision, including our commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, to creating good paying middle-class jobs, and to growing the economy," the statement said.

The mine is expected to create $12 billion in tax revenues for Ottawa and $55 billion in tax and royalty revenues for Alberta over its 41-year life. About 7,000 jobs would be created in building the mine and 2,500 workers would be needed to operate it.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his policy speech at the lower house of the parliament on January 20, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

Its not quite Star Wars, but the idea of space war moved a little closer to reality today as Japan became the latest nation to announce a space defence unit.

The 355 million unit will launch in 2022, and is built to protect against missiles and other new space technology.

Concerns are growing that China and Russia are seeking ways to interfere with, disable or destroy satellites.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the new unit will work closely with its US counterpart, recently launched by President Donald Trump.

READ MORE

The Space Domain Mission Unit will start in April as part of Japan's Air Self-Defence Force, Mr Abe said in a policy speech marking the start of the year's parliamentary session.

"We will drastically bolster capability and system in order to secure superiority" in those areas, he said.

The space unit will be added to an existing air base at Fuchu in the western suburbs of Tokyo, where about 20 people will be staffed ahead of a full launch in 2022.

The role of the space unit is to conduct satellite-based navigation and communications for other troops in the field, rather than being on the ground.

Mr Abe's Cabinet in December approved 50.6 billion yen (355 million) budget in space-related projects, pending parliamentary approval.

President Donald Trump applauds as the flag for the new the U.S. Space Command is revealed in the Rose Garden at the White House August 29, 2019 (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The unit will cooperate with the US Space Command that Mr Trump established in August, as well as the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Part of Mr Abe's plan while in office is to achieve his long-cherished goal of revising Japan's US-drafted constitution that prohibits use of force in settling international disputes.

Despite Mr Abe's push, chances are fading for the revision due to a lack of public interest and the opposition's focus on other controversial issues such as Japan's recent dispatch of naval troops to Middle East and questionable public record-keeping at Mr Abe's annual cherry blossom-viewing parties.

Story continues

The speech came as Japan and its US allies marked the 60th anniversary of a treaty that has been the basis for their postwar defense alliance.

Abe's grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, who was prime minister at the time, signed the treaty in Washington on January 19, 1960 with President Dwight Eisenhower.

The treaty allows for the stationing of tens of thousands of U.S. troops and the deployment of American warships in Japan.

In exchange, the U.S. is obligated to protect Japan in case of enemy attack.

"We have elevated the relationship to one in which each of us, the US and Japan, protects the other, thereby giving further force to the alliance," Abe said in his opening remarks.

"Going forward, it is incumbent upon us to make it even more robust, to make it a pillar for safeguarding peace and security in both outer space and cyberspace."
Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse stone-throwing youth.

At least 10 people have been killed in the last two days of violent protests across Iraq, the countrys High Commission for Human Rights announced.

According to the commission, demonstrators were killed in the capital Baghdad, Diyala, Basra and Karbala, in addition to 138 who were wounded.

The Commission teams have also documented the presence of some demonstrations who have blocked main roads connecting the governorates, burned tires, continued closure of official departments and educational institutions, and the disruption of many public facilities that provide services to citizens, the commission said in a statement.

Iraqi police fought running street battles with anti-government demonstrators on Tuesday, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse stone-throwing youth pressing for an overhaul of a political system they see as deeply corrupt.

More than 450 people have been killed in anti-government unrest that has crippled Iraq since October last year.

Protesters are demanding an end to what they say is deeply rooted corruption and a ruling elite that has controlled Iraq since the United States-led invasion in 2003.

Our protest is peaceful. We call for the resignation of the government and an independent prime minister who does not belong to any party, said a hooded protester in Baghdad, who declined to give his name.

Tuesdays unrest followed violent gatherings on Monday where six Iraqis, including two police officers, were killed and scores wounded across the country.

Tough challenge

Protests resumed over the weekend after a lull of several weeks as demonstrators sought to keep up the momentum after attention turned to the threat of a US-Iran conflict following Washingtons killing of Tehrans top general in an air strike inside Iraq earlier this month.

Iraqi President Barham Salih is expected to appoint a new premier this week, state media reported, to replace outgoing Adel Abdul Mahdi who was forced out by the demonstrations.

Its is going to be a very difficult challenge for this interim government, which is only here to make sure there is a smooth transition of power, Al Jazeeras Osama Bin Javaid reported from Baghdad.





It is a very multifaceted, tough challenge for the politicians, and the protesters are saying they will continue to come out until the government meets their demands, or kills them all.

Meanwhile, outgoing Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi condemned an overnight triple-rocket attack targeting the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraqs government, and ordered an investigation into the incident, military spokesman Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf said.

The Katyusha rockets fell near the US embassy but caused no casualties.

The Green Zone attack was the second rocket attack to target the area in the last two weeks, amid soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran after a US drone strike killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Paddy McGuinness said he had to see a doctor about his fear of flying in order to do Top Gear.

The TV star took over as host alongside Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris for the last series of the BBC Two motoring show, and is now returning for another series.

Speaking at a Q&A at the world premiere in London, McGuinness said of getting the job: For myself personally, I wasnt very well travelled  been to Portugal once.

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So when I got the gig I went to The Priory and saw a doctor to get me over my fear of flying and all that.

Ive seen parts of the world Id never normally see and its just been amazing, he added.

The screening was held in Londons Leicester Square and was attended by Lord Tony Hall, who just hours earlier announced he was standing down as the BBCs Director-General.

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As he took to the stage at the Q&A, McGuinness joked: Its been a difficult day for Sir Tony, lets be honest, but every cloud has a silver lining.

So Tony, its a free bar  get stuck in son, youve earned it!

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Top Gear series 28 starts on Sunday January 26 at 8pm on BBC Two.
As the financial industry comes under pressure to avoid funding dirty energy, the heads of Citigroup Inc. and Zurich Insurance Group AG said they need their clients to do more work too.

I say to our clients, I dont want to be the sharp end of the spear,' enforcing industry standards, Michael Corbat, chief executive officer of the New York-based bank, said Tuesday in a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. You should set those, you get proper buy-in and we will be here to support you.

Mario Greco, the CEO of Zurich Insurance, agreed with Corbat that carbon was mispriced, and said insurance firms are having a tough time deciding what to underwrite as a result.

Insurers are underwriting based on ethical standards, and compliance with the Paris agreement, but its not fast enough and its a tough job, Greco said. We dont know exactly how an industry should restructure itself, and we are not supposed to do that, so the only thing we can do is stop funding. Stopping funding is a brutal reaction to market displacement.

This years meeting of the global business elite in Davos has focused on sustainability, with teenage activist Greta Thunberg criticizing a lack of action on climate during her appearance.

Financial companies are under pressure to retreat from funding industries including coal-fired power, and the European Union is working on a so-called taxonomy governing sustainable investments. Lawrence Fink, who runs BlackRock Inc., last week pledged to incorporate environmental concerns into the asset managers investment process for both active and passive products.

We are very much aligned with Fink, Corbat said in Davos on Tuesday. Where we dont want to find ourselves is being the person that starts to dictate winners and losers.

Corbat created the new role of chief sustainability officer at his bank in September. He said then that governments should create incentives for companies to adopt sustainable practices, rather than relying on punishments like carbon tariffs.

Greco was pessimistic that there will be more effective global agreements on matters like carbon pricing, calling the prospect almost unthinkable.

Global companies will go wherever there is the best financial opportunity short-term for them, and they will follow what prices tell them to do. This is what makes me scared, or pessimistic, that we will achieve the right speed.

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Food Lion Earns 100 Percent for 11th Consecutive Year on Human Rights Campaign Foundations Seventeenth Annual Scorecard on LGBTQ Workplace Equality

SALISBURY, N.C.(BUSINESS WIRE)Food Lion proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundations 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nations premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. This is the 11th consecutive year that Food Lion has received a top score. Food Lion joins the ranks of more than 680 major businesses which also earned top marks.





At Food Lion, we are honored and proud to have earned a perfect score for an 11th consecutive year, said Millette Granville, Vice President, Talent, Diversity & Inclusion, and Organizational Development at Food Lion. We remain committed to be a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality and to upholding a diverse and inclusive environment for all of our associates in the towns and cities we serve.

In addition to receiving the perfect score on the Index, Food Lion is also a member of the HRC Business Coalition for the Equality Act, which would create comprehensive non-discrimination protections for individuals in the LGBTQ community.

The 2020 CEI evaluated LGBTQ-related policies and practices in five broad categories: non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrating organizational competency and accountability around LQBTQ diversity and inclusion, supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility including public commitment to LGBTQ equality and responsible corporate citizenship.

Food Lions efforts in satisfying all of the CEIs criteria earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. In addition, all the Ahold Delhaize U.S. brands received a 100 percent ranking for the first time.

Story continues

The full 2020 CEI can be viewed at www.hrc.org/cei.

About Food Lion

Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,000 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 63,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has donated more than 500 million meals to individuals and families since 2014, and has committed to donate 1 billion more meals by 2025. Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.

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Kelly Powell



704-310-3886



kelly.powell@foodlion.com
President Donald Trump's impeachment trial is set to unfold at the Capitol, a contentious proceeding over whether to remove him from office for pressuring Ukraine to investigate his Democratic rivals and obstructing Congress' ensuing investigation.

As the Senate reconvenes with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding, a first test will come midday Tuesday when the session gavels open to vote on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposed rules for debate.

More than procedure is at stake: Trump's presidency is on the line, and the nation is deeply divided just weeks before the first Democratic primary presidential contests. To complicate matters, four presidential candidates are serving as jurors in the Senate trial, which will keep them off the campaign trail.

On the eve of the trial, the Republican leader offered a compressed calendar for opening statements, just two days for each side, as Trump's lawyers argued for swift rejection of the flimsy charges against the president and acquittal.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the president's lawyers wrote in their first full filing Monday.

The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.

Democrats as the House prosecutors practiced opening arguments well into the night on the Senate floor vowed to object to a speedy trial as they pressed for fresh witnesses and documents.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned of a cover-up with McConnell's plan that could lead to back-to-back 12-hour days.

It's clear Sen. McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, Schumer said. He called the proposed rules a national disgrace.

The first several days of the trial are expected to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor or, more likely, behind closed doors, since senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

Senators are poised for only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, coming just weeks before the first primaries of the 2020 election, with four senators running for the Democratic nomination sidelined from campaigning.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told supporters in Des Moines they're going to have to "carry the ball" for him while he takes his seat in Washington. The Iowa caucuses are in less than two weeks.

Trump, meanwhile, is at a global conference in Davos, Switzerland. His White House said McConnell's proposed rules protect Trump's rights to a fair trial.

White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland said the White House looks forward to presenting a vigorous defense on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will also be away for the proceedings, leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Poland and Israel to commemorate the 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz at the end of World War II.

She issued a statement Tuesday denouncing McConnell's proposed ground rules as a sham because of the compressed schedule and lack of guarantee that witnesses will be called or that evidence gathered by the House would be admitted in the Senate trial.

The Senate GOP Leader has chosen a cover-up for the President, rather than honor his oath to the Constitution, Pelosi said.

House Democrats impeached the Republican president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed the country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to cooperate with their investigation.

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president and the Senate the final verdict by convening as the impeachment court for a trial.

The president late Monday named eight House Republicans, some of his fiercest defenders, to a special team tasked with rallying support beyond the Senate chamber in the court of public opinion.

McConnell is angling for a quick trial and acquittal, and with Republicans holding the Senate majority, the trial proposal is likely to be approved by senators in the president's party.

The Republican leader had promised to set rules similar to the last trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways, which may leave some senators from both parties uneasy.

After the four days of opening arguments, senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defense, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on whether or not to call other witnesses.

At the end of deliberations, the Senate would then vote on each impeachment article.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah emailed his constituents that he was on board with the the resolution put forth by McConnell, even as he said the allegations against Trump are extremely serious did the President abuse his office for personal political gain, and did he obstruct Congress' investigation by blocking subpoenas?



Romney is among a small number of Republican senators who want to consider witness testimony and documents that weren't part of the House impeachment investigation, but the test of their votes will likely come later.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A woman was injured on Tuesday when a bomb kept in a container underneath a pile of garbage exploded in the city's Ekbalpur area, police said.

The incident occurred around 3 pm, they said.

On receiving information, police reached the spot and seized three more bomb kept in containers from underneath the garbage pile, they said.

The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital where she received primary medical care and then discharged, police said.

"We are looking into the matter and trying to find out who hid those container bombs there. We are checking the CCTV footage and also speaking to the locals," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hundreds of Central American migrants were stranded on the river border between Guatemala and Mexico on Monday after being stopped by Mexican National Guard troops preventing them from entering the country en route to the United States.

Naked children played amid sand and rubbish as clothing and shoes hung from the trees to dry along the Suchiate River, normally a porous waterway plied all day by rafts ferrying people and goods. Migrants bedded down under blankets on the banks or dry sections of the riverbed.

The path forward was blocked on Monday by Mexican troops with riot shields. Around 100 National Guard agents continued to form a barrier with anti-riot gear into the night, but for most migrants a return home to impoverished and gang-plagued Honduras was unthinkable.

We are in no-mans land, said Alan Mejia, whose two-year-old son was cradled in his arms clad only in a diaper as his wife and 12-year-old son stood nearby.

Mr Mejia said he had joined in five previous migrant caravans but never made it past the Mexican city of Tijuana, on the countrys border with the US.

Central American migrants return to the Guatemala shore of the Suchiate river on the border with Mexico (Moises Castillo/PA)

Unlike with many previous such caravans, there was no sign of humanitarian aid arriving for those stuck at the river.

Throngs waded across the Suchiate into southern Mexico on Monday hoping to test US President Donald Trumps plan to keep Central American migrants away from the US border.

The push also challenged Mexicos ramped-up immigration policing that began last year in response to threats of economic tariffs from Mr Trump, a change that effectively snuffed out the last caravan in April.

Some would-be migrants scuffled with National Guard troops on the riverbank while others slipped through the lines and trudged off on a rural highway, with most taken into custody later in the day. Still others were taken into custody on the spot or chased into bushland. Some migrants hurled rocks at police, who huddled behind their plastic shields and threw some of the rocks back.

Most of the migrants, however, stayed at the rivers edge or stood in its waters trying to decide their next move after being blocked earlier in the day from crossing the bridge linking Tecun Uman, Guatemala, with Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico.

In an approach that developed after the first migrant caravan in late 2018, Mexican officials seem to be succeeding in their effort to blunt large-scale incursions by breaking up the mass of people repeatedly and into increasingly smaller groups. Over the weekend, government officials convinced about 1,000 people they should enter legally via the bridge.
Jastine Valdez was abducted and murdered by Mark Hennessy in Enniskerry

Mark Hennessy took his hands from the steering wheel and shrugged his shoulders before he was shot by Gardai, an inquest into his death heard.

The 40 year old, who abducted and killed 24-year-old student Jastine Valdez from Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, used a knife to inflict injuries to his wrist and neck moments before he was shot shortly after 8pm on May 20 2018 at Cherrywood Business Park.

A uniformed Garda in an unmarked car, Garda C, told Dublin Coroner's Court he kicked the car in a bid to gain access as he witnessed Mark Hennessy insert a Stanley knife into his forearm.

The manoeuvre, described in court as an impressive karate kick failed to break the drivers window and just 3.3 seconds later, the fatal shot was fired.

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The shot was discharged by Garda A, the most senior of the three Gardai at the scene.

Mark Hennessy slumped over the passenger seat. He was removed from the car and placed on the ground as Gardai searched the vehicle for the missing Filipina student. The only item found was a bottle of Jack Daniels.

The two unmarked Garda cars involved were conducting searches of car parks and lay-bys within a five mile radius of Bray in the search for Jastine, who had been abducted 24 hours earlier.

They were directed into the car park, to Mark Hennessys vehicle by Christine Connolly, who recognised the registration after reading a news item and called 999.

Mr Hennessy was behind the wheel as Gardai approached, his window was down, he was moving slowly.

I shouted stop the car, he didnt respond, Garda C said.

My sole intention was to get him out of the car, with no access to be able to drive it away from us.

My first attempt was to open the door, which was locked. Immediately on trying the door and looking in, I saw him hold up the Stanley knife, Garda C said.

My instinct was to put the boot to the vehicle, he was self-harming right in front of me, and it was purely instinctual to kick the window.

I became aware of Garda A to my right. He was trying the door. It was locked. Then I became aware of the firearm in my peripheral vision, Garda C said.

I heard a crack from the firearm and could see a hole in the window and Mr Hennessy slumping over in the vehicle.

Garda C took the key fob from the ignition and used it to unlock the car.

He put out a radio message, seeking urgent assistance noting that shots had been fired by Gardai.

Garda C was the observer in a vehicle driven by his colleague, Garda B. Garda A was the sole occupant of the second unmarked car at the scene.

Three members of the Civil Defence watched the events from their truck. They had blocked off the entrance to the car park after Mark Hennessy drove in. They moved their vehicle to the front of the Nissan Qashqai.

All three had received a text at 5.05pm that evening requesting assistance in the search for Jastine Valdez.

Volunteer James Magee said he had an unobstructed view of events.

He (Mark Hennessy) took his hands off the wheel and made a shrug motion. Possibly at us, possibly at Gardai, he said.

I recall the Gardai were trying to open the door, they were shouting open the door and another voice said smash the window. I saw a Garda raise a karate kick at the drivers window but it did not break. The driver looked as if he knew everything was over for him, Mr Magee said.

He saw one of the plain clothes Gardai approach the drivers side door. Mr Magee said Hennessy appeared to reach into the passenger footwell for something and then the garda raise a revolver to shoulder height and fire through the passenger window.

He was about a yard or two away when he was taking the gun out of his holster."

He said the time between the arrival of Gardai at the scene and the discharge of the firearm was four to five minutes.

Hennessy was pronounced dead at the scene at 8.38pm.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Frank Heneghan said he took the decision to issue the registration of the Nissan Qashqai at a press conference three hours earlier at 5.30pm. It was this information, published in the media, which lead Christine Connolly to recognise the registration of the Nissan Qashqai, follow the Mark Hennessy and alert emergency services to his location.

Every available car, jeep, whatever we had we deployed in the hope of recovering Jastine, Det Supt Heneghan said.

The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow to hear further evidence.
The judge was a target of a corruption probe by NABU who also released recordings of his bugged communications with other officials.

Judge Pavlo Vovk on January 21 was re-elected as new Chairman of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv.

Thirty-nine votes have been cast in his favor, Sudovo-Yurydychna Hazeta reports.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Vovk had stepped down as Chairman of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv on August 1.

The High Council of Justice dismissed the prosecutor general's motion to deprive Vovk of the functions of administering justice in connection with the ongoing criminal proceeding targeting him.

Read alsoChairman of District Administrative Court of Kyiv on vacation pending corruption probe

UNIAN memo. On July 26, records of wiretapped communications were published on the website of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine, pointing to the unlawful interference of judges of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv in the work of the Higher Qualification Commission of Judges, which included creating obstacles to the qualification assessment of judges of the said court for compliance with the position held. During the vetting, it's not only the level of professional skills is checked, but also the origin of the judges' property and their involvement in corruption scandals.

On the same day, NABU raided the Court's premises. Serhiy Horbatiuk of the PGO said that the unlawful influence of the District Administrative Court of Kyiv was recorded on decision-making by the Constitutional Court, the High Qualification Commission of Judges, the High Council of Justice, as well as the impact on the operations of Ukraine's ministries, departments, and the State Bureau of Investigation.

On August 2, the Prosecutor General's Office filed charges against Chair Pavlo Vovk, judges Yevhen Ablov and Ihor Pohribnychenko, as well as the judge of the Suvorov district court of Odesa, Ivan Shepitko, all of whom appear in the NABU wiretaps.

In November, Prosecutor General Ruslan Riaboshapka said the investigation against Vovk had been completed and the case was forwarded to court.
The mistress of an HSBC boss nicknamed Weinstein says she felt like a 'weight had lifted' when they split up after she saw him get 'handsy' with another woman, an employment tribunal heard.

Madeliene Luckham, head of delivery for HSBC staff digitisation, had an affair with her boss Robert Clegg, who told her she was not his first fling and that he did not love his wife, she claims.

The married father-of-four Robert Clegg, global head of HSBC staff digitisation, was 'on a mission to destroy' Madeleine Luckham after she ended their extra-marital romance, it was said.

Ms Luckham, 38, a high-flying woman in tech, told the tribunal she suspected her line manager was sleeping with another colleague and that he had sex in the office toilet.

Robert Clegg (pictured) is accused of sexual discrimination against Madeleine Luckham (right) and is facing a tribunal in Stratford, East London

But just before they split in April 2018 she saw Mr Clegg get 'handsy' with a contractor and whispered in her ear 'we'd have great sex.'

Today she was accused of making the derogatory remark about the woman.

Jane McCafferty, QC, for the bank and Mr Clegg said: 'You referred to the woman from SOMO as p********.' Madeleine said: 'No I did not.'

She confronted him over it and they broke up with her telling him 'please just keep the sleaze out of the office from now on and please keep it away from me', Stratford Employment tribunal heard.

She added: 'It validated everything I felt, not just the rumours, I have seen it with my own eyes. In the context of the rumours, it was not ogling, it was like she was prey.'

She added: 'I was personally upset by the whole thing.

'He blamed our relationship and the fact it had not been going great. I felt Rob was trying to blame our relationship and his life for what had happened and I was trying to distance myself from this. For me, it was over at this time.

'At this particular time we were not functioning, we had blown up.'

She is suing Mr Clegg and HSBC for sex discrimination after she was let go and a 130,000 a year job said she was promised never materialised.

She said she did not enter into an extramarital affair believing she would be the 'only woman' but freaked out when she saw 'the darker side of things'.

She told the tribunal: 'I did not go into a relationship with a married man thinking I would be the only woman in his life.

'It was more the darker side of things. The sexual harassment of a colleague, the language that was being used about him, the Weinstein comment. I was freaking out about the whole thing.'

And she said she felt like a weight had lifted after she ended their romance at the Hilton Hotel on April 10.

She told the tribunal: 'Having just ended the relationship, I felt like a weight had lifted. I felt like I could breathe and I was looking forward to moving forward.

'We were both holding hands and crying during the conversation. It was a break up.'

The tribunal also heard that everything changed at work following the break up and that Mr Clegg had intimated he was sleeping with somebody else at the office, the tribunal heard.

Robert Clegg (pictured umpiring the women's boat race for Cancer Research UK) denies sexual discrimination as does HSBC

She told the tribunal she suspected this was the woman she had seen him with in the office toilet.

She said: 'I think at this point I was waking up to the person Mr Clegg was.. It was a rude awakening, it was a hard awakening.

'But at the same time, I was flip flopping and feeling sorry for him because of those rumours. I am traumatised.'

Mr Clegg, 48, apologised to her and tried to help her to get the permanent role she had previously agreed to by email, the tribunal heard.

But she claims he then indicated days later that she should leave HSBC because he could not afford to do so himself.

She said: 'I was quite shocked that someone leaving came up at all so I took this to mean 'it cannot be me, I have four kids, I have a wife that does not work and there is potentially going to be a costly divorce'.''

But the tribunal heard Mr Clegg later texted her 'I do not want anyone to leave HSBC. You are my friend and I want to fully support you.'

The tribunal also heard earlier today that when they split, she said Mr Clegg, who was global head of her department, would leer at her chest, touch her uninvited in public and made her feel professionally and personally worthless.

She also told of him flirting with other women in front of her after they separated, getting 'very handsy' at work with another woman and whispering in the woman's ear 'we'd have great sex'.

Ms Luckham, 38, from Teddington in south west London, also accused Mr Clegg of rubbing against her in meetings.

She told Stratford Employment Tribunal that they split up in April 2018 and she first had doubts the previous Christmas after a trip to New York when she realised she would 'break the hearts' of his four young children.

But Mr Clegg, 48, from Newbury in Berkshire, told the tribunal he ended the affair in January 2018 during a joint work trip to Hong Kong where Ms Luckham had made snide comments about him in a bid to embarrass him.

He said he had told her 'we're done' and had started seeing a counsellor with his wife to try and save their marriage, according to his witness statement.

She said the affair had started in October 2017 at HSBC's fintech hub in Southwark when they had dinner together at Hickster's after team drinks at Jack's bar, the tribunal heard.

The pair shared a consensual kiss and returned to Mr Clegg's Mercure Hotel, opposite, where he invited Ms Luckham to spend the night and later asked her for WhatsApp sex after she refused, it was said.

She said: 'We met the next day and discussed what had happened the night before as well as his marriage.

'He told me that his marriage was over and that it was a matter of financially getting to the position where he could divorce.

'He said that he and his wife were no longer intimate, he didn't love her anymore, that they led separate lives and that they were only together for their children. He also told me I wasn't his first affair.'

Three days later, Mr Clegg invited Ms Luckham for dinner and they later had sex at his hotel.

The pair would send complimentary messages to one another at work, with Mr Clegg texting her 'you look good enough to eat today' the tribunal heard.

She said they would kiss, hold hands and play footsie under the table at work and that Mr Clegg had told her he loved her.

But on April 7, Ms Luckham said Mr Clegg became extremely flirtatious with a woman from SOMO, an external contractor 'in front of her eyes'.

She said she was heartbroken hearing rumours of him being 'very handsy' with someone at a work social event around the same time.

Ms Luckham said: 'He had walked behind her, placed his hands around her, resting at the top of her legs and said in her ear 'we'd have great sex.'

'I was heartbroken and decided to speak to Rob about it directly.'

In her witness statement, she said: 'Kai Kartel (a work friend) and I discussed Rob, the way he looked at women like they were prey and the fact that he had even earned himself a nickname back at the SOMO offices, 'Weinstein'..'

Ms Luckham said Mr Clegg found the conversation about his flirting with other women very distressing, apologised and blamed it on their relationship not going well.

She said: 'He then blamed it on his situation at home, the way his wife was treating him and said that he did not feel like himself.

'He asked for another chance and I stupidly agreed. However in the blink of an eye on April 9, I discovered that he was sleeping with someone else in the office.'

Ms Luckham said the pair met the following day when she believes she ended the relationship.

She said: 'However Rob was quite dismissive of me and my feelings and started to belittle our relationship.

'He intimated that it was true he was sleeping with one of our colleagues. He minimised our relationship calling it casual drunken sex that he wasn't getting at home, as though I was a cheap fill-in for him and that was that.

'During the conversation, he repeated that he 'couldn't afford to leave HSBC' the clear inference being that I should leave instead.'

In the immediate aftermath of their breakup, Ms Luckham said things changed in the office and Mr Clegg told her 'out of the blue' he was not entirely happy with her work and that he touched her in a meeting.

She said: 'In one meeting we were in together he walked the long way round behind me and placed both hands on my hips as he slid by, rubbing himself behind me.

'I felt my body tense and recoil. This was just one of numerous examples of unwanted touching and sexual harassment over the next few months.'

On May 1, Ms Luckham discovered the permanent role, she had accepted in writing with a 130k base salary, was no longer available she claims.

But the tribunal was also told Ms Luckham was given until May 21 to apply for the role but did not do so.

Ms Luckham said Mr Clegg would talk to her 'like dirt' behind closed doors and blame her for everything that had gone wrong, and switch the second they left the room.

She said he would rub his leg against hers in meetings and stare at her chest while talking to her which she found 'totally unacceptable.'

She said: 'I felt violated. It was torture.'

Ms Luckham also recalled seeing Mr Clegg go into a staff toilet where she claimed he had sex with another woman after allegedly trying to prevent her from moving into the new role.

She said: 'As I walked past, through the outer door, I saw her knock on one of the cubicle doors and it opened.

'Rob was already inside. Rob had just moments ago destroyed my career and was now having sex in the office toilet.

'Roughly ten minute later Rob returned from the toilets looking all sweaty and dishevelled and gave me the most sinister smile I've ever seen in my life. I felt physically sick.'

By the end of June, Ms Luckham said she was very affected by stress and anxiety and had dropped more than a dress size.

She claimed the treatment by the bank and Mr Clegg that almost drove her to suicide and left her with possible PTSD.

But Mr Clegg, denied most of the accusations and said he felt like his personality was under constant violent attack by Ms Luckham.

In his witness statement, Mr Clegg said: 'On advice from HR, I eventually took the decision not to renew the claimant's contract which ended in August 2018 because of behavioural issues which had ruined the previously positive working culture in my team and become impossible to manage.

'I accept my share of responsibility for that in allowing my relationship with the claimant to impact my actions as manager.'

He added: 'However I did not discriminate against, bully or harass the claimant.'

But Ms Luckham told the hearing: 'I have been the victim of bullying, harassment and discrimination at the hands of HSBC and Rob in particular.

'I was victimised as a result of raising a grievance in relation to Rob's conduct.

'Ultimately I was forced out of HSBC.

'I will ask the tribunal to infer that this was because I was a woman and/or that it was part of the campaign of bullying, harassment and victimisation to which I was subject.'

She added: 'At HSBC women only have a voice if there is a stronger male voice behind them.

'There is a pervasive culture of sexism at HSBC in which women are objectified by their male colleagues, ignored when complaints are raised by them and frozen out of the business when they are perceived as 'difficult.''

She told the tribunal: 'What is sad about HSBC is I felt I had found a place where I wanted to stay for a long time.'

Mr Clegg and HSBC deny the claims.

The hearing continues.
Philips PHG recently entered into a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Republic of the Congos Ministry of Health to address the countrys high maternal and newborn mortality rates over the next five years.



A large-scale Emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) program that will reach more than 500,000 women and 70,000 newborns is being developed by the three parties to improve access to high-quality and affordable healthcare.



The main objective of the program is to manage high-risk pregnancies and complications in healthcare facilities by training midwives, and enabling timely prevention of and intervention during complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.



Health facilities in remote parts of Congo will be fitted with solar power systems and ultra-portable ultrasound and monitoring devices as part of the program.



Moreover, community health workers will be equipped with backpack outreach kits, containing key equipment to assist in childbirth and a mobile phone to get remote technical support.



Koninklijke Philips N.V. Price and Consensus

Koninklijke Philips N.V. Price and Consensus

Koninklijke Philips N.V. price-consensus-chart | Koninklijke Philips N.V. Quote

Partnership to Aid Philips Expand Global Footprint



The partnership will allow Philips to penetrate the highly underserved healthcare market in Sub-Saharan Africa, which per World Bank, has the worst healthcare facilities in the world. The region accounts for less than 1% of global healthcare expenditure.



Nevertheless, as Africa's economies improve gradually, with GDP growth projected to accelerate to 4.1 percent in 2020, demand for good quality health care is expected to increase further. Per GBCHealth data, consumer spending in Africa is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2030.



Thus, the companys expanding footprint in Africa makes it well poised to meet the demand for healthcare in the region. Notably, in May 2018, the company partnered the governments of Ethiopia and Netherlands to address the critical shortage of cardiology services in Ethiopia by building the countrys first Cardiac Care Centre.



Philips also entered into a long-term partnership with the government of Kenya and the United Nations in 2017 to strengthen the countrys primary and community healthcare.



These partnerships are expected to deliver strong financial returns and boost Philips growth in the continent over the long run.



Moreover, these endeavors have helped Philips gain a solid foothold in International markets and expand its share in the health-tech sector, which per Mordor intelligence, is expected to witness CAGR of 12.8% from 2019 to 2024.



Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to Consider



Philips currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



Some other top-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector include Cyberoptics Corp. CYBE, Inphi Corp. IPHI and Garmin Ltd. GRMN. All three stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



The long-term earnings growth rate for Cyberoptics, Inphi and Garmin is currently pegged at 12%, 39.9% and 7.4%, respectively.



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Dublin, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Command and Control Systems Market by Application (Government & Defense, and Commercial), Solution (Hardware, Software, Services), Platform (Land, Airborne, Maritime, and Space), Installation Type, Installation Base, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global command and control systems market size is projected to grow from USD 33 billion in 2019 to USD 43.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2019 to 2025.



This study covers the command and control systems market across various segments and sub-segments. It aims at estimating the size and growth potential of this market across different segments based on application, platform, solution, installation type, installation base, and region. The study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market, along with their company profiles, key observations related to their product and business offerings, recent developments undertaken by them, and key market strategies adopted by them.



Major players operating in the command and control systems market are Raytheon Company (US), General Dynamics Corporation (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), The Boeing Company (US), L3Harris (US), Saab AB (Sweden), and Thales Group (France), among others.



Wide adoption of cloud computing and data storage solutions for C2, increased use of AI, among others, are expected to fuel the growth of the command and control systems market across the globe.



Some of the factors that are expected to fuel the growth of the command and control systems industry are modernizing existing military infrastructure, the need for situational awareness to drive operations, and increased use of battle management systems, among others. However, the high cost for the development and maintenance of command and control systems and subsystems are restraining the market growth.



The new installation segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the rising demand for full command and control systems.



Based on the installation type, the new installation segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the addition of new troops, vehicles, aircraft, ships, among others. The new installation of command and control systems, especially in the airborne platform, is driving the market. For example, in December 2019, the Australian Department of Defense (DoD) awarded Boeing Defence Australia a contract worth USD 119 million for the development of an air battlespace management capability system for the Royal Australian Air Force Base. Additionally, new command and control systems for dismounted soldiers are also driving the command and control systems market.



The software segment is expected to lead the command and control systems industry in 2019.



Based on the solution, the software segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the command and control systems market in 2019. Software development for Physical Security Information Management (PSIM), signaling & traffic management, infrastructure safety & security management, and military situational awareness are driving the market for command and control systems. Additionally, the development of cloud-based software platforms for advanced command and control is also driving the market. Cloud-based applications allow command centers to download and upload volumes of data at a high-speed. Cloud computing enables quick analysis of the data to gain insights.



The commercial segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period



Based on the application, the commercial segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The use of command and control systems for ensuring the safety of industrial facilities, transportation, and critical infrastructure are some of the main drivers for the command and control systems market. Additionally, the development of smart cities is also fueling the growth of this market. The rise in global air traffic has also contributed to the increase in the number of command and control systems for transportation.



North America is estimated to account for the majority of the global command and control systems market share in 2019.



North America is expected to lead the command and control systems market in 2019. The market in the region is highly competitive, owing to the presence of a large number of system integrators, software developers, Original Component Manufacturers (OCMs) such as Raytheon Company (US), General Dynamics Corporation (US), L3Harris (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), and Collins Aerospace (US), among others. Increase in investment into space-based command and control, cloud-based command and control, use of artificial intelligence and modernization of dismounted soldiers to include rugged smart-wear technology, among others, are major factors contributing to the growth of the command and control systems market in North America during the forecast period.



Key Topics Covered



1 Introduction



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary

4 Premium Insights

4.1 Attractive Opportunities in Command and Control System Market

4.2 Command and Control System Market in Government & Defense, By Subapplication

4.3 Command and Control System Market in Military, By Subapplication

4.4 Command and Control System Market in Homeland Security & Cyber Protection, By Subapplication

4.5 Command and Control System Market in Commercial, By Subapplication

4.6 Command and Control System Market, By Region

5 Market Overview

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Market Dynamics

5.2.1 Drivers

5.2.1.1 Need for Enhanced Integrated Situational Awareness (SA) to Support Decision Making

5.2.1.2 Increasing Need for Interoperability Between Security Devices/Technologies

5.2.1.3 Modernization of Existing Military Infrastructure

5.2.1.4 Use of Space-Based Command and Control Infrastructure for Enhanced Connectivity and Mission Support

5.2.1.5 Increased Use of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and IoT to Assist Decision Making

5.2.1.6 Cloud Computing and Data Storage Solutions for C2

5.2.1.7 Increased Development of Smart Cities

5.2.2 Restraints

5.2.2.1 High Development and Maintenance Costs

5.2.2.2 Threats From Cyberattacks

5.2.3 Opportunities

5.2.3.1 Demand for Integrated Command and Control Systems in Transportation, Healthcare, and Law Enforcement Sectors

5.2.3.2 Integration of Satellite-Based Geospatial Analytical Tools With C2 Systems

5.2.3.3 Integration of Electronic Warfare (EW) Protection Systems in C2 Systems

5.2.4 Challenges

5.2.4.1 Challenges in Data Storage and Analysis

5.2.4.2 Asymmetrical Warfare

6 Industry Trends

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Emerging Trends

6.2.1 Technology Integration and Product Enhancement

6.2.2 Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Command and Control Systems

6.2.3 Tactical Cloud Applications

6.2.4 Open Architecture C2 Systems

6.2.5 C2 Systems for All Echelons

6.2.6 Geographic Information System (GIS) Based C2 Systems

6.3 Innovations & Patent Registrations

7 Command and Control System Market, By Installation Base

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Fixed Command Centers

7.3 Deployable Command Centers

7.3.1 Mobile Land Command Centers

7.3.2 Mobile Airborne Command Centers

8 Command and Control System Market, By Application

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Government & Defense

8.2.1 Military

8.2.1.1 Battle Management

8.2.1.1.1 Increasing Use of Battle Management Systems for Real-Time Information Sharing is Driving the Market

8.2.1.2 Air and Missile Defense

8.2.1.2.1 Need for Early Warning Systems to Counter Aerial Threats is Driving the Market

8.2.1.3 Nuclear Defense

8.2.1.3.1 Upgradation and Modernization of Nuclear Command and Control Systems are Driving the Market

8.2.1.4 Combat Management

8.2.1.4.1 Modernization of Combat Management Systems is Driving the Market

8.2.1.5 Artillery Control

8.2.1.5.1 Need for A Centralized Structure for Artillery Control is Driving the Market

8.2.1.6 Space Asset Management

8.2.1.6.1 Need for Space Asset Management Control Satellites for Various Missions is Driving the Market

8.2.1.7 Defense Cybersecurity

8.2.1.7.1 Need for Robust Cybersecurity Solutions to Protect the Increasing Electronics Systems and Wearables Used By Soldiers is Driving the Market

8.2.1.8 Unmanned Control

8.2.1.8.1 Increasing Use of Uavs in Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering Applications is Driving the Unmanned Control Segment

8.2.2 Homeland Security & Cyber Protection

8.2.2.1 Disaster Management and First Responders

8.2.2.1.1 Use of Disaster Management Systems for Dispatching First Responders and Giving Instructions is Driving the Market

8.2.2.2 Public Safety & Law Enforcement

8.2.2.2.1 Public Safety & Law Enforcement Increasing Demand for Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) Systems is Driving the Market

8.2.2.2.1.1 Integrated Command and Control Centers

8.2.2.2.1.2 Public Transport Command and Control Centers

8.2.2.2.1.3 Utilities Command and Control Centers

8.2.2.3 Government Critical Infrastructure Security

8.2.2.3.1 Need to Protect Critical Infrastructures Such as Metros and Railways is Driving the Market

8.3 Commercial

8.3.1 Industrial

8.3.1.1 Industrial Uses of Command and Control Systems Include Security Management of Various Manufacturing Facilities

8.3.2 Critical Infrastructure

8.3.2.1 Various Command & and Control Systems are Used for the Security Management of Critical Infrastructure

8.3.3 Transportation

8.3.3.1 Air Traffic Management

8.3.3.1.1 Increase in Passenger Traffic is Driving the Market of Air Traffic Management

8.3.3.2 Vessel Tracking Management

8.3.3.2.1 Increase in Commercial Shipping has Led to Investment in Vessel Tracking Systems

8.3.3.3 Metro and Rail Control Room Solutions

8.3.3.3.1 Metro Expansions in Various Countries are Driving the Market

8.3.4 Smart City Command Center

8.3.4.1 Increase in Investment in Smart Cities is Driving the Market

8.3.5 Ground Control Station for Space

8.3.5.1 Increase in Use of Constellations of Satellites for Missions is Driving the Demand for Ground Control Stations for Space

8.3.6 Others

9 Command and Control System Market, By Platform

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Land

9.2.1 Headquarters & Command Centers

9.2.1.1 Battalion Level Need for Situational-Awareness and Battlefield Management is Driving the Adoption of C2 Systems in Headquarters & Command Centers

9.2.1.1.1 Battalion Level

9.2.1.1.2 Platoon Level

9.2.1.1.3 Dismounted Soldiers

9.2.1.1.4 Joint Force

9.2.2 Vehicular

9.2.2.1 Increasing Use of Multi-Mission Vehicles for Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition is Driving the Vehicular Market

9.2.3 Commercial Installations

9.2.3.1 Increase in Global Automation and Remote Piloting has Driven the Demand for Centralized C2 Centers

9.3 Maritime

9.3.1 Ship-Based

9.3.1.1 Development of New Ships and Upgradation of Existing C2 Systems on Ships are Driving the Market

9.3.2 Coastal Security & Vessel Traffic Management

9.3.2.1 Use of Command and Control Systems in Vessel Traffic Management to Enable Efficient Maritime Operations is Driving the Market

9.3.2.1.1 Global Maritime Situational Awareness

9.3.2.1.2 Anti-Piracy

9.4 Airborne

9.4.1 Manned

9.4.1.1 Use of Manned Aircraft for Surveillance Activities is Driving the Market

9.4.2 Unmanned

9.4.2.1 Requirement of Control Centers to Operate Uavs to Gain Tactical Advantages are Driving the Market

9.5 Space

9.5.1 Satellite Operation Centers

9.5.1.1 Increased Use of Earth-Observation Satellites for Command and Control is Driving the Market

10 Command and Control System Market, By Solution

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Hardware

10.2.1 IT Infrastructure

10.2.1.1 Increasing Use of Handheld Devices for Dismounted Soldiers is Driving the IT Infrastructure Segment

10.2.2 Communication Systems & Datalinks

10.2.2.1 Communication Systems and Datalink Systems Enhance the Interception and Processing Capabilities of Electronic Transmission and Assist Military Commanders Operations

10.2.3 Peripherals

10.2.3.1 Need for Rugged Computers for Increased Situational Awareness and Co-Ordination Among Commanders is Driving the Market for Peripherals

10.3 Software

10.3.1 Infrastructure Safety & Security Management

10.3.1.1 Increasing Use of Satellite-Based Systems and Artificial Intelligence to Monitor Critical Infrastructure is Driving the Market

10.3.2 Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)

10.3.2.1 Deployment of Cost-Effective Wireless Ip Based Solutions is Driving the Market

10.3.3 Signaling & Traffic Management

10.3.3.1 Use of Self-Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Systems in Smart Cities and Developed Countries is Driving the Market

10.3.4 Military Situational Awareness

10.3.4.1 Increasing Use of the Airborne Platform for Military Situational Awareness is Driving the Market

10.4 Services

10.4.1 System Integration & Engineering

10.4.1.1 Ongoing Upgrades to the C2 Systems of Countries are Driving the Market

10.4.2 Simulation & Training

10.4.2.1 Increased Use of Ar and Vr for Simulation & Training of Militaries is Expected to Drive the Market

10.4.3 Logistics & Maintenance

10.4.3.1 Constant Need for Maintenance and Replacement of Hardware Parts is Driving the Market

11 Command and Control System Market, By Installation Type

11.1 Introduction

11.2 New Installation

11.2.1 Deployment of Advanced Command and Control Systems Across Commercial and Military Applications is Driving the Market

11.3 Upgradation

11.3.1 Constant Upgrades Need to Be Made to Keep Systems Up-To-Date and Resilient to Threats

12 Regional Analysis

12.1 Introduction

12.2 North America

12.3 Europe

12.4 Asia-Pacific

12.5 Middle East & Africa

12.6 South America

13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Introduction

13.2 Major Players, 2019

13.3 Competitive Scenario

13.4 Competitive Leadership Mapping

13.4.1 Visionary Leaders

13.4.2 Innovators

13.4.3 Dynamic Differentiators

13.4.4 Emerging Companies

13.5 Strength of Product Portfolio

13.6 Business Strategy Excellence

13.7 Competitive Scenario

13.7.1 New Product Launches

13.7.2 Contracts

13.7.3 Expansions & Acquisitions

13.7.4 Partnerships, Agreements, Joint Ventures, and Collaborations

14 Company Profiles

14.1 Lockheed Martin Corporation

14.2 Raytheon Company

14.3 General Dynamics Corporation

14.4 Bae Systems

14.5 Leonardo S.p.A.

14.6 Thales Group

14.7 Northrop Grumman Corporation

14.8 Elbit Systems Ltd.

14.9 Rheinmetall AG

14.10 L3harris Technologies

14.11 Saab AB

14.12 Israel Aerospace Industries

14.13 Rockwell Collins

14.14 Systematic A/S

14.15 Airbus S.A.S.

14.16 Ultra Electronics

14.17 Kongsberg

14.18 Lig NEX1

14.19 Indra

14.20 TSG IT

14.21 Other Companies

14.21.1 Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

14.21.2 Blue Star Engineering and Electronics Ltd.

14.21.3 Excelerate

14.21.4 Matthews Specialty Vehicles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rqpdls

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
A person has been arrested by Panaji Police for allegedly stabbing an Afghan student at the Goa University grounds here.

The victim identified as Matiulla Aria is currently recuperating at a hospital in the state capital. However, the police is on the lookout for the three other accused, who are still absconding.

"One Satish Nilakanthe, a resident of Talegaon has been arrested in connection with the case," Akshay Parsekar, Sub-Inspector told ANI.

An FIR has been filed under Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Students Union of India (NSUI) Goa chief Ahraz Mulla has written to the Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) regarding the incident and has demanded strong action against all those criminals who are spoiling the harmony of Goa University.

"Goa has been gone for a ride and students of Goa are fearing a JNU like situation in Goa very soon with notice of such attacks on a regular basis. The attack on the Afghani student in Goa also brings a question mark to the security of the foreign students who come to study and will send a very wrong message to the entire world regarding the law and order of the country," Mulla wrote in the statement.

"We demand your kind authority for a strong action against all those criminals who are spoiling the harmony of Goa University and we strongly demand police protection in all colleges of Goa to prevent a JNU or Jamia like situation in Goa University considering the unrest that has taken place following the attack," he added.

The NSUI president has also demanded ABVP to be banned in the campuses to maintain law and order in the Goa University.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ZUG, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Laudes Foundation launches today with the aim to address the dual crises of climate breakdown and inequality that endanger nature and jeopardize the safety and dignity of countless communities around the world.

The same human ingenuity that has brought unparalleled prosperity to many is being called on now to redefine what value is, beyond shareholder interests alone. Laudes Foundation will support brave action to inspire and challenge industry to harness its power for good.

"Today there is an enormous challenge we must face. Through Laudes Foundation we will work with businesses, shareholders and investors to create a new definition of value; with thought leaders and academics to make that definition credible; with policy-makers to make it effective; with civil society to make it plausible; with media and movement-builders to make it desirable; and with citizens to make it beneficial," says Martijn Brenninkmeijer, Chairman of the Brenninkmeijer family enterprise.

New beginning, longstanding history

As a new part of the Brenninkmeijer family enterprise, Laudes Foundation builds on six generations of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, next to the COFRA businesses and the family's other private philanthropic activities, including Porticus, Good Energies Foundation and Argidius Foundation.

Laudes Foundation will build on the lessons learned from other endeavours, past and present. In particular, Laudes Foundation will continue and advance the work of C&A Foundation.

"Over the past five years at C&A Foundation, we have learned so much about what it takes to change an industry. We built networks and strengthened partnerships with the aim of creating lasting and positive change in the global fashion system. And, together with our flagship initiative Fashion for Good, we demonstrated that business and philanthropy can work successfully together to change the industry status quo," says Leslie Johnston, CEO of Laudes Foundation.

"We also learned that in order to effect change in one industry, we need to address those deeper, systemic issues of the global economic system."

What Laudes Foundation does

Laudes Foundation is ready to work with industry and those who influence it. It combines philanthropic purpose with the scale and reach of business, drawing upon the comparative advantages of both. In this way, Laudes Foundation will work persistently and collaboratively to:

Influence capital

The global financial system has the power to redirect the flow of capital so that investment encourages good business practices. Laudes Foundation will work with financial actors to inspire change and align incentives, while fostering new economic thinking and new business models.

Transform industries

Laudes Foundation will work with industries to tackle the most pressing and systemic issues, starting with those that, through the family heritage and entrepreneurship, it knows well:

Fashion: a fast-moving consumer industry; building on the sector-changing work of C&A Foundation and moving it forward; and

The built environment: an asset-based industry with the potential to transform the spaces in which we live and work.

How Laudes Foundation does it

Laudes Foundation is joining the urgent movement to accelerate a transition to a just and regenerative economy. It will work to change the economic system that determines value, together with all the actors who can frame it and advance it.

Like C&A Foundation before it, Laudes Foundation will always learn from and collaborate with peers and partners, and share the unique knowledge that it will develop with them.

"We are proud to build on the work of C&A Foundation and be part of the growing movement to reshape global markets so that they value all people and respect nature," adds Johnston.

Join Laudes Foundation on its new and unexpected journey. Visit: www.laudesfoundation.org

Note to the Editor

Laudes Foundation is an independent foundation here to support brave initiatives that will inspire and challenge industry to harness its power for good. Laudes Foundation works both to influence capital so that investment encourages good business practices, and through industry to tackle its deep and systemic challenges.

Laudes Foundation is a part of the Brenninkmeijer family enterprise, next to the COFRA businesses and the family's other private philanthropic activities, including Porticus, Good Energies Foundation and Argidius Foundation.

Press Contact

Stephanie Klotz

Senior Communications Manager

communications@laudesfoundation.org

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078574/Laudes_Foundation_Logo.jpg
For more than half a century, a powerful convergence of interests has united Israel and Oman, the third Arab country after Lebanon and Jordan to maintain secret ties with the Mossad





by Yossi Melman





Oman rushed to crown its new leader after the death of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said al Said, its ruler for fifty years. It was a clear sign of the Gulf state's determination to ensure a smooth transfer of power and inject a sense of stability after the passing of the longest serving leader in the Arab world.





Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) on an official diplomatic visit to Oman where he met with Sultan Qaboos bin Said on 25 October 2018 [PM of Israel/Twitter]

The big question for Israel is whether Qaboos' successor, Haithman Bin Tarik al Said, 65 years old and a cousin of the late Sultan, will follow in his predecessor's footsteps in terms of Oman's foreign policy in general, and its close relations with Israel in particular. Those relations, forged in war, were cultivated in great secrecy and managed for decades by Israel's spy agency Mossad. Qaboos had good reason to value those ties: Israeli forces had helped save his place on the throne.





Oman, with a population of 4.5 million people and significant land mass -15 times the size of Israel - has crucial geostrategic importance. It overlooks the Straits of Hormuz, gatekeeping the Persian Gulf, through which 20 percent of the worlds oil flows. Oman shares borders with Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and less than 200km, over the Gulf of Oman, separates Muscat, the capital, from the Iranian mainland.





Its particular location and history were among the reasons which led Oman to reach out to Israel  back in the 1960s. Qaboos had taken power in a bloodless a coup detat after overthrowing his father Sultan Said bin Taimur, with the support of the British government. Qaboos was a graduate of Britain's Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, and had served in the British army.





The first connection paving the way for Omani-Israeli ties was formed by a team of former British spies and Special Forces commanders  and it all started in Yemen.





In 1963, a group of young Yemeni officers toppled Yemens monarchy and declared the country as a republic; they were backed by Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser. As a result, civil war broke out. The Egyptian army entered the war on the side of the republicans, using chemical weapons against the royalists.





The Yemeni royalists were assisted by Saudi Arabia and the British team led by the legendary Second World War colonel David Sterling, founder of the Special Air Service (SAS), a model for many special forces around the globe, including Israel's Sayeret Matkal. Sterling worked alongside colonels Jim Johnson and David Smiley, a veteran of various secret British operations during WWII, including missions in Palestine and Syria.





At a certain stage during Yemens civil war, Johnson asked Nahum Admoni - then a young Mossad operative - and then-Israeli Air Force commander Ezer Weizman, to lend a hand to the British war efforts in support of the royalists. Both agreed. Admoni would later rise to become the head of Mossad, and Weizman to become Israel's seventh president.





Mossad agent and the Israeli air force colonel Zeev Liron was sent to Smileys headquarters in Yemen to survey the land. Liron traveled by air and land to Yemen under a false identity - an arduous trip which included riding mules - and on his return, he recommended Israel's participation in the operation. IAF pilots flew 14 highly dangerous missions in a Stratocruiser transporter and dropped weapons and ammunition from the air to the royalist forces.





The civil war ended in early 1967, and the royalists were defeated.. Nevertheless, the Egyptian army didnt celebrate its victory. It had performed poorly, its morale was low and the Yemen misadventure was one of the reasons why Israel won the Six Day War in June 1967.





But the war did result in closer ties between Britain's Smiley and the Mossad's Admoni  that led the way to Muscat. Smiley, who had served as a military adviser to the Sultan of Oman, advised Qaboos to get in touch with Israel. Qaboos was interested, and representatives from the Mossads Tevel department (in charge of clandestine relations with Arab and Muslim states with no diplomatic relations with Israel) would occasionally meet with their Omani counterparts.





Oman became the third Arab country - after Lebanon and Jordan - to maintain secret ties with the Mossad.





In Jordan, those ties were with King Hussein; in Lebanon, with President Camille Chamoun who, during his retirement, was even given permission by Israeli military intelligence to go hunting for pleasure near the Israeli border.





In 1975, relations between Israel and Oman reached a new level. Forces from the radical socialist South Yemen had invaded Omans Dhofar region, in the south of the sultanate in support of a long-running insurgency. Britain and Iran, then ruled by the Shah, tried to quell the revolt but in vain. Israeli military advisers, coordinated by Mossads operative Ephraim Halevy, later also head of the agency, rushed to Oman to help end the revolt.





The episode was a classic and propitious example of the convergence of national interests between Israel and Oman. Muscat had to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. For Israel, South Yemen a hostile state and key training ground for Palestinian terrorists, including the Entebbe hijackers, and overlooked one of Israel's key oil supply routes.





Away from the battlefield, the Mossad was also instrumental in assisting Oman improve its water resources to irrigate its arid land. The water plan was design by Haim Tsaban, the engineer brother of Yair, a former MK from the Meretz party.





For the next two decades the Mossad continued to play a role maintaining the Omani "file." In 1994, following Israel's signing of the Oslo Accords with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which resulted in a major extension of Israel's diplomatic, military and economic relations with Non Aligned Bloc states, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, accompanied by Ephraim Halevy, flew to Oman and met with Qaboos. Rabin flew directly from Tel Aviv to Muscat. It was the first publicly-announced encounter between Israel and Oman, but nearly 30 years since they'd initiated undercover contact.





Two years later Shimon Peres, who became prime minister after Rabin's murder, also visited Oman. Immediately following his meeting with Qaboos, Israel opened an official mission in Muscat, the capital of Oman.





Even after Benjamin Netanyahu defeated Peres in the 1996 elections and became prime minister, Oman continued to play an important role in its efforts to improve Israel's standing  if not normalization - in the Arab world. The Sultan decided to try and remove one specific obstacle: the state of hostilities between Israel and Syria.





Qaboos instructed his foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi to broker a peace deal between President Hafez Assad of Syria and Netanyahu. Uzi Arad, a former senior Mossad operative and a diplomatic adviser to Netanyahu, met with Alawi three times from 1996 to 1998 in Europe.





No peace treaty with Syria resulted, but the meetings reflected an important element of Omani foreign policy: to ease tensions in the Middle East, be it between Iran and the U.S. (Oman helped broker the Obama administration's nuclear deal in 2015) or between Israel and Palestine.

In 2000, with the outbreak of the second Intifada and the bloody clashes between the IDF and Palestinians, Oman - together with other Arab countries such as Qatar, UAE, and Morocco - severed official ties with Israel.





Yet Oman would not let its ties drop completely. Once again, Israel-Oman relations went underground, maintained via the Mossad. Open ties surfaced again in 2008. That year, Oman's Foreign Minister Alawi met publicly with his counterpart Tzipi Livni in Qatar.





Ten years later, Netanyahu, escorted by Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, flew over Saudi airspace to Oman (with a face-saving two-minute "stop-off" in Amman to prevent the formal appearance that Saudi Arabia had allowed a direct flight from Israel to overfly its airspace) and met with Sultan Qaboos.





Netanyahu and Cohen tried to portray the visit as a unique historic event. That convenient piece of storytelling conveniently forgot that two other Israeli prime ministers had made it to Muscat decades earlier - not to mention practically all the Mossad heads since 1970.





For Israel, there have clearly been benefits to the ties with Oman  diplomatic, strategic, trade and public image  but one of the more significant benefits is the fact that Oman has also good relations with Iran, Israels most bitter enemy. Through its close contact with Omani officials, Israel was offered a window into Irans thinking.





Israeli officials with long experience in the Omani game tend to think that the new Sultan, who served under Alawi as Director General of the Omani foreign ministry, will maintain Qaboos' longstanding foreign policy and strategy, meaning a continuation of the Gulf state's long history of both open and clandestine ties with Israel.





Yossi Melman, writes for Haaretz, where this piece originally appeared. Click here to read the original version of this article
Two men were arrested for allegedly killing a 36-year-old man when he resisted a robbery bid in central Delhi's Kamla Market area, police said on Tuesday.

The accused have been identified as Upender Pratap (27), a resident of Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh and Sunny (18), a resident of Bulandshahar also in UP, they said.

On the night of January, the police received information that a body with multiple stab injuries was lying at the Kamla Market area.

The deceased was identified as Deepak (36), a resident of Seelampur. He used to work as a waiter in Shatabdi Express plying between New Delhi and Bhopal, police said.

Police contacted the man who had informed them about the incident. The man told the police that a rickshaw puller had informed him that two men, one of whom was wearing spectacles, had stabbed the victim, a senior police officer said.

The phone of the deceased, which was missing, was found to be switched on after two to three days of the incident. After tracking its location, one labourer was nabbed and the phone was recovered from his possession, police said.

The labourer disclosed that he had procured the phone from a rickshaw puller, following which, he was also apprehended from near Jamuna Bazar.

"After interrogating the rickshaw puller, Sunny and Upender were arrested on Friday from Jamuna Bazar and Pahar Ganj respectively," Additional Commissioner of Police (Central) Mandeep Singh Randhawa said.

Their interrogation revealed that on the night of the incident, they saw the victim on the footpath at Paharganj Flyover. They tried to rob him but when he resisted, they stabbed him in his abdomen and back and fled after taking away his mobile phone and wallet, Randhawa said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tired of reading about potential new taxes? Sorry, got another one for you to worry about.

(Note to millionaires among us: Youre Governor Murphys chief target again this year, but regardless of how that plays out, you have to pay local taxes, too, just like us ordinary folks, so pay attention.)

A3832, now on the Governors desk, was sponsored by five members of the nine-member Hudson County delegation and supported by all of them. It had an easier time in the Senate, where it passed 27 to 13, than in the Assembly where 32 voted against it, with 44 in favor and four not voting.

Obviously the Hudson folks thought it was a good idea, but they voted only for the concept, leaving it up to municipal officials to decide whether to ask you about imposing a new tax and determining exactly how funds would be used. The final decision will be yours.

The official synopsis of the bill authorizes municipal tax levy through public question for certain purposes; clarifies ability of local government entities to issue non-recourse bonds; appropriates $100,000.

That doesnt tell you anything? Well, I had to dig a little deeper, too.

What the jargon means is that if your local governing body wants to put some money into arts and cultural programs, over and above what municipal budgets now cover, they can propose establishing a fund to do that with revenues coming from an annual levy for that specific purpose. But they must get your approval to do it by putting a referendum on a ballot and gaining your vote.

The referendum would have to spell out precisely how the money would be raised and spent  with an exception. The money must be deposited into an arts and culture trust fund created by the municipality with the intention of using it exactly as described in the referendum. But a last-minute amendment said, except that the municipality may deposit such amounts into the current fund of that municipality for uses not related to arts and culture if the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs finds that the municipality is in fiscal distress.

In other words, if a city or town claims theyre short of funds for other purposes, they could dip into the arts and cultural fund if they can persuade a state government official they really need the money. In general, its not easy for a town to get state permission to spend funds for things other than their intended purpose, but rules are often vague and flexible. The $100,000 is money the state could spend to investigate such claims.

Arts and culture is defined in the bill as activities that include performance, visual and fine arts, music, dance, graphic design, film, digital media and video, along with architecture and urban design, humanities, literature, arts and culture education, historic preservation, museum curation, crafts and folk arts.

Right now about half of New Jerseys municipalities have a similar fund to raise money for open space, usually a few pennies per $100 of assessed value. A3832 doesnt give a number for an assessment -- that would be recommended by the local council or commission and noted in the referendum.

Once the governor signs the bill, it will go into effect immediately. I assume lots of people will be eager to get some new money to support arts and cultural programs which are always struggling to raise funds, so there will probably be enough support to get a proposal on local ballots.

Then its up to you.

A former assemblywoman from Jersey City, Joan Quigley is the president and CEO of North Hudson Community Action Corp.

Submit letters to the editor and guest columns at jjletters@jjournal.com.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 01:29:21|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with the United States to build and advance bilateral ties featuring coordination, cooperation and stability, on the basis of mutual respect, equal dialogue, and managing differences while seeking common ground.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks here Monday at the 2020 New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Sino-U.S. relations "have reached a new historical juncture" with notably increasing complexities and challenges, Wang said.

Noting that the signing of the phase-one economic and trade agreement serves the interests of both countries and peoples and was welcomed by the international community, Wang said China had engaged in dialogue and consultations with the United States on the basis of equality and mutual respect, while resolutely safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.

He said the relationship of the world's largest developing and developed countries had a direct bearing on where the world is going.

Sino-U.S. interactions over the past 40 years have clearly shown that both sides stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, Wang said.
Modern Living with kathy ireland with One Savvy Girl "Our mission is to empower and motivate women to get outside and spend time outdoors doing the things they love the most." - Kelly Fedio, CEO of One Savvy Girl

Modern Living with kathy ireland is pleased to announce an exclusive interview with One Savvy Girl CEO Kelly Fedio to discuss their outdoor lifestyle and leisure brand for women.

One Savvy Girl is a company that has created innovative products that help women enhance their outdoor adventures. A small, family-owned business based in Redondo Beach, California, One Savvy Girl believes that a life truly lived is one that is full of adventure and exploration in the great outdoors. The company is on a mission to create an extraordinary and ever-expanding product line just for women that makes it easy and fun to enjoy the simple pleasures of getting outside, enjoying the fresh air and conquering the day. From hobby hikers and campers to women who simply love exploring around town, One Savvy Girl is passionate about creating female-focused products that help women get outside more often doing the things they love. Whether its a picnic in the park, a day at the beach, a backyard barbecue, a weekend camping in the mountains or simply enjoying a drink alfresco, One Savvy Girl strives to bring comfort, convenience and style to every outdoor adventure. One Savvy Girl's product line includes water bottles, backpacks, bags, tote sets, coolers and much more.

Fedio says that One Savvy Girl offers products that are in demand and can't be found anywhere else. She explains, "Our mission is to empower and motivate women to get outside and spend time outdoors doing the things they love the most. We wanted to create a product line just for women to support that. We really did see a need in the market for women being underserved by traditional outdoor brands. Our products are meant to add a pop of color, fun and excitement to everyday outdoor activities."

For more information about One Savvy Girl and their innovative outdoor products for women, visit OneSavvyGirl.com and tune in to WE tv as sponsored content on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 7:30am EST.

About Modern Living with kathy ireland

Modern Living with kathy ireland is an independently produced television series airing domestically on WE tv as sponsored content and on Bloomberg Internationally. Hosted by lifestyle influencer and business mogul Kathy Ireland, the series features the latest in lifestyle and B2C trends, breakthroughs, and solutions, while highlighting companies from around the globe in a unique and credible format. For more about Modern Living with kathy ireland, visit modernlivingtv.com and check out the series on social media!


Yesterday in Kensginton, New Hampshire, Ian O'Reilly and his family were walking on a trail near a local pond when a coyote attacked his two-year-old son. After fighting with the animal for ten minutes, O'Reilly strangled it. According to police, the same coyote, likely sick, was responsible for other attacks earlier that day that apparently didn't result in injury. O'Reilly described the confrontation to Boston 25 News:



"There was no interest in (the coyote) going away. [I] ultimately had to make the decision to become the aggressor and jumped on it, attacked it and [got] it to the ground," O'Reilly said. "When I was able to get on top of it, I put my hand on its snout so it wasn't able to attack me. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground, so I shoved the face into the snow and then eventually was able [to] put my hand on its snout and expire it through suffocation. Ultimately one hand on its windpipe and one hand on its snout did the trick."





O'Reilly was apparently bitten in the arm and chest by the coyote. The child involved was also bitten, though the animal did not break the child's skin due to the snowsuit he was wearing at the time. Since the incident, O'Reilly has already received his first round of rabies shots; he'll have four more follow-up visits with doctors for more.
Willis Re, the reinsurance broking business of Willis Towers Watson, announced the appointment of Cameron Green as head of its International Casualty Reinsurance practice as well as chair of Willis Re Australia.

In this new role as the leader of the Casualty practice, Green will be responsible for the segments growth and development across Willis Res International business. He will also work on specific projects within the Asia Pacific region.

John Philipsz, who was the deputy CEO of Willis Re Australia, has been appointed as the chief executive, succeeding Green. Both appointments are effective as of Jan. 1, 2020. Green and Philipsz will continue to be based in Sydney.

Green, who has been Willis Res CEO in Australia since 2013 and worked with the company for 11 years, said he was looking forward to developing the Casualty practice for Willis Re International in addition to delivering strategic support for several of its Australian and New Zealand based clients.

He previously was a reinsurance broker with Benfield in Australia (2005 to 2008), according to his LinkedIn profile. He also was a vice president with Guy Carpenter (2003 to 2005); account executive with Willis Re (2001 to 2003) and casualty underwriter with Swiss Re (1999 to 2001), his profile said.

Willis Re has identified the Casualty segment as a key opportunity for its international business, and Im excited to be able to open doors for clients in such a dynamic area of reinsurance. It is an environment characterized by continuous changing demand for coverage, said Green.

Furthermore, a closer working relationship with our US business and colleagues will be of significant benefit for our international business, he said.

Philipsz joined the Australian team of Willis Re in 2018 from Willis Towers Watson Securities. He became deputy CEO in January 2019, according to a Willis Re announcement at the time. He was previously based in London for Willis Towers Watson Securities before launching its Sydney office in 2015, and was appointed as its co-head of Asia Pacific in 2016, according to the 2019 announcement. Philipsz has over 20 years of investment banking experience, primarily covering the insurance sector. Prior to Willis Towers Watson, he held various roles at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America in London, New York and Tokyo.

Im delighted to be assuming the CEO role and will continue to develop the client-focused platform that has thrived under Camerons leadership, said Philipsz.

We have an exceptionally talented team and will carry on investing in our business to ensure that we provide our clients with leading strategic advisory and execution capabilities, he added. We are focused on delivering innovative solutions for our clients across disaster and climate resilience, capital and portfolio optimization, income diversification and growth, as well as traditional risk transfer and protection options.

Commenting on the appointments, Mark Morley, managing director of Asia Pacific at Willis Re, said: The two executive positions will enhance the services and capabilities we provide to our clients throughout the region. At the same time, Cameron will continue to support Willis Res strategic development in Australia and New Zealand, playing a key advocacy role for a number of clients throughout these markets.

Source: Willis Re and Willis Towers Watson

Topics Reinsurance Willis Towers Watson Australia Casualty
The new app from Immigration Office Solutions, Inc. can help determining the correct prevailing wage quickly and easily. January 21, 2020 While the United States can be very welcoming to foreign workers there are safeguards in place to help defend the rights of US citizens employed in the same field. A chief element of this protection is the requirement of having a H-1B Visa. The H1-B Visa puts the responsibility on employers 
UK Climate Investments pledges 30m for green housing in Kenya

UK Climate Investments (UKCI) plans to invest up to 30 million ($39 million) in the construction of affordable green housing in Kenya.

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NORDBORG, Denmark, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Danfoss today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Eaton's Hydraulics business for a cash purchase price of 3.3 billion USD (approximately 3.0 billion EUR). The acquisition is fully in line with Danfoss' strategy to strengthen its core businesses and enhance customer value.

"Today, we take a significant and transformational step in creating a global leader in mobile and industrial hydraulics. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine our largely complementary portfolios and geographic footprints. Eaton Hydraulics is a highly respected player in the global industry, recognized for its dedicated people and strong brands. By combining the knowledge and experience of the two businesses, our customers will benefit from unmatched expertise from a single partner. With this agreement, we continue to invest in our core hydraulics business and digital solutions to stay a strong technology partner," says Kim Fausing, Danfoss President and CEO.

"We believe Eaton's Hydraulics business will benefit greatly from being part of a company that has hydraulics at its core," says Craig Arnold, Eaton Chairman and CEO. "When complete, this deal will bring together two talented teams with deep hydraulics knowledge and expertise. And Eaton's hydraulics team will be part of a company that is committed to becoming a global leader in mobile and industrial hydraulics. The combined business will also benefit customers and distributors by offering industry-leading technology and a much broader portfolio of hydraulic solutions."

The Danfoss and Eaton Hydraulics businesses are leaders in the industry and have many organizational similarities, including company culture and a focus on customers, R&D and quality. Both businesses are global with complementary geographic footprints and the combined business creates a broader presence across the world. Furthermore, the acquisition will enable Danfoss to enter the industrial hydraulics market that is served by Eaton Hydraulics.

Eaton Hydraulics provides products for customers in markets such as agriculture, construction, and in industrial market segments. The business will be transferred into the existing Danfoss business segment, Danfoss Power Solutions, adding approximately 11,000 employees and 2019 sales of 2.2 billion USD (2.0 billion EUR) to the business segment, which will double the hydraulics business. Danfoss today has approximately 28,000 employees and 2019 sales of 7.0 billion USD (6.3 billion EUR). Accordingly, with this transaction, Danfoss will increase its size by one-third.

"Hydraulics is our core, and we have for years strengthened our Power Solutions business through high customer focus, as well as through significant investments in technology leadership. I believe our customers will benefit from combining these two businesses into a full-line hydraulics player dedicated to innovation and with a broad offering of products, robust distribution channels and tremendous geographic reach," says Eric Alstrom, President of Danfoss Power Solutions.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of the year.

This news release contains forward-looking statements about the expected closing of the acquisition. These statements should be used with caution and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, some of which are outside of the company's control. Factors that could cause these statements to become untrue include possible delay or failure of the satisfaction of all closing conditions. We do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Danfoss engineers advanced technologies that enable us to build a better, smarter and more efficient tomorrow. In the world's growing cities, we ensure the supply of fresh food and optimal comfort in our homes and offices, while meeting the need for energy-efficient infrastructure, connected systems and integrated renewable energy. Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, motor control and mobile machinery. Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933 and today Danfoss holds market-leading positions, employing 28,000 and serving customers in more than 100 countries. We are privately held by the founding family. Read more about us at www.danfoss.com.

SOURCE Danfoss

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A Chinese city officials, who shamed people for wearing pyjamas in public, have apologised after a public outcry.

Suzhou city officials in Anhui province had released pictures of seven people wearing their nightwear, calling it an "uncivilised behaviour" as part of public campaign.

After the publication of the pictures, several people accused the government of infringing upon people's privacy by imposing a dress code.

The online "shaming" included the pyjama picture - caught by surveillance cameras - plus the person's name, ID card and other information, BBC reported on Monday.

China has seen a huge growth in surveillance technology in recent years, investing billions of dollars in the research of Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in the facial recognition technology which is being deployed at public places as part of security measures.

Two years ago, the country had 170 million CCTV cameras, with another 400 million expected by the end of 2020. Many are linked to artificial intelligence - allowing them to recognise exactly who they are filming, the report said.

The pictures in Suzhou were published on Monday by the city's management bureau.

Officials argued they were entering a national "civilised city" competition, and that residents were banned from wearing pyjamas in public.

Other "bad behaviour" exposed online included "laying (on a bench) in an uncivilised manner", and handing out advertising flyers.

But the pyjama pictures caused anger online. Some argued that there was nothing wrong with wearing pyjamas in public while others said the government had infringed upon residents' privacy, the report said.

Officials later "sincerely apologised", adding: "We wanted to put an end to uncivilised behaviour, but of course we should protect residents' privacy."



The officials said they would, in future, blur the pictures instead.

A tourist city with ancient water systems, Suzhou's proactive approach is not new.

Last year, according to local media, the city asked residents to submit pictures of "uncivilised behaviour", offering to pay 10 yuan (USD 1.45) for successful tip-offs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tania Maduro and Syngin Colchester are one of the most controversial couples on TLCs 90 Day Fiance Season 7.

In particular, viewers have been shocked by Tanias behavior, including admitting to flirting with other men, failing to get their temporary home (a she-shed in her moms Connecticut backyard) ready before Syngins arrival, and heading out for a 30-day intensive workshop in Costa Rica during the couples first 90 days together in the U.S. Many 90 Day Fiance fans believe Syngin gives more to the relationship than his fiancee does.

On the Jan. 19 episode of 90 Day Fiance, Blindsided, many fans had those suspicions confirmed. Tania and Syngin signed up for an astrology reading to discuss their chemistry and the future of their relationship. But during the reading, Tania dropped a bombshell revelation that had Syngin wondering if he should pack his bags and head back to South Africa alone.

Tania Maduro | Tania Maduro via Instagram

Tania opened up about her romantic history during an astrology reading

On Blindsided, Tania explained that she and Syngin were undergoing an interpretive reading from an astrologist, Daizy October. The purpose of the reading, she explained, was to see how the stars and the planets align for us and see how we are in a relationship together.

The 90 Day Fiance star added that she thought she and Syngin would be able to understand each other more deeply after the reading. Everything has energy, she said. We are energy beings, and I was born at a certain time for a certain reason.

The 29-year-old said she felt Syngin wasnt her true soulmate

But Daizys reading wasnt as fun and lighthearted as Tania and Syngin might have anticipated.

When the astrologist asked the 90 Day Fiance couple if they thought they had a soulmate connection, Syngin was quick to say yes.

I definitely feel that, he said, looking at Tania affectionately. I wasnt always into believing in past lives, but our connection is so vivid.

But Tania wasnt so sure. I dont think I have that full soulmate feeling, she said, leaving Syngin crestfallen.

After the reading, Tania explained herself further, saying, Ive had that strong connection with you. Still, she told her fiance she didnt have that deep sense of just knowing your souls are meant to be. I dont know if our souls are meant to be. I feel that were meant to be now and youre meant to be the father of my children.

Hurt, Syngin said Tanias admission was bull****

Not only did Tania say she didnt think Syngin was her soulmate, but she also admitted she felt shed already met hers in this lifetime.

I feel like Ive met my soulmate, the 90 Day Fiance star confessed. I feel like my first love was my soulmate. She explained that, while she felt she knew her soul would always be linked to her first love, she didnt feel that way with Syngin.

Syngin became visibly angry and felt betrayed by Tanias confession. Its something youve been hiding away, he declared, adding: Youre still young and dumb as well.

Finally, after some back and forth, the 90 Day Fiance star told his bride-to-be: Thats bull****. I need a break.


By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 20, 2020 | 10:08 PM | CALVERT CITY





According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, KY 282/Gilbertsville Highway is blocked east of the KY 95/Main Street intersection in Calvert City due to a structure fire.







Firefighters are on the scene at mile marker 0.216 near Johnson & Riley Road. All lanes are currently blocked.







Officials estimate the roadblock to last approximately 2 hours.

Gilbertsville highway is blocked due to a fire response near Johnson-Riley Road.
K FC has apologised over one of its adverts which shows two young boys ogling a woman in a low-cut top.

The short commercial, broadcast in Australia, features a scantily clad woman checking her reflection in the tinted window of a parked car.

Bending over, she adjusts her breasts just as the windows lower to reveal an older woman and two school-aged kids sat inside.

The boys look mesmerised as they stare at the stranger, while the woman - presumably the mother - looks disapproving.

The startled woman discovers there are people in the car

The 15-second clip sparked widespread outrage on social media, with critics accusing KFC of reinforcing "tired and archaic stereotypes".

Collective Shout, an Australian womens rights group, said the advert promoted the sexual objectification of young women for male pleasure.

Women's right's campaigners said the ad reinforced 'tired' old gender stereotypes / KFC

Spokeswoman and campaigner Melinsa Liszewski said: Ads like this reinforce the false idea that we cant expect better from boys.

It is another manifestation of the boys will be boys trope, hampering our ability to challenge sexist ideas which contribute to harmful behaviour towards women and girls.

"The research is solid: attitudes shape behaviour. A growing number of reports show how re-enforcing of gender stereotypes - including in advertising - contributes to a lesser view of women, resulting in their mistreatment."

The ad ends with the woman tucking into a Zinger meal with her friends / KFC

Representatives for KFC responded with a short statement on Tuesday saying: We apologise if anyone was offended by our latest commercial.

Our intention was not to stereotype women and young boys in a negative light.

The advert has run on Australian TV and remains on the chains YouTube channel.
Zimbabwe's main opposition leader said Tuesday he will roll out anti-government street protests this year, declaring that the collapsing economy will improve only if political issues, including a long-disputed election, are resolved.



Nelson Chamisa told hundreds of Movement for Democratic Change party supporters in the capital, Harare, that he will use the protests to push for a ''transitional authority'' to run the southern African nation until credible elections are held.



"This year is going to be a year of demonstrations and action," he said to cheers. "It is time to fight for a Zimbabwe we all want, and have been dreaming of. Come what may, we will not be intimidated."



Zimbabwe held largely peaceful elections in 2018 in a transition from former leader Robert Mugabe's nearly four-decade rule. But days later the military shot dead several people in Harare as opposition supporters protested a delay in releasing results.



President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former Mugabe protege, has said Chamisa should accept the election results, but the opposition leader still asserts the vote was rigged even though the constitutional court threw out his legal challenge.



Zimbabwe's military and police have crushed subsequent anti-government protests, while opposition events are routinely banned.



Police were uncharacteristically absent at Tuesday's rally, although officers mounted roadblocks on roads leading into downtown and circulated with loudspeakers shouting: "Don't be used, please go to work".



Local churches have failed to bring Mnangagwa and Chamisa to the negotiating table, while former South African president Thabo Mbeki, with the support of the regional Southern African Development Community, visited Zimbabwe late last year to push for dialogue.



The economy has continued to deteriorate, erasing hopes of improved fortunes that greeted the fall of Mugabe in 2017.



At the rally on Tuesday, his first this year, Chamisa said the military, which led the coup against Mugabe and continues to hold significant influence in political matters, should take part in any future dialogue.
Kolkata, Jan 21 : West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday met legislative party leaders of the Congress, CPI-M and CPI to discuss the pendency of two bills, one to prevent lynching and another related to a state commission for scheduled castes and tribes.

Leader of the Opposition and Congress MLA Abdul Mannan, and leaders of CPI-M and CPI legislature parties Sujan Chakraborty and Ashok Dinda, respectively, attended the Raj Bhavan meeting, which lasted for 100 minutes.

Describing the meeting as 'fruitful', the Governor said that discussion on The West Bengal State Commission for Scheduled Castes/Tribes Bill, 2019, was completed.

However, the deliberations as regards to The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019, remained inconclusive and would resume after January 26. A date for further discussion on this matter will be announced shortly, a Raj Bhavan press release said.

Dhankhar had decided to hold the meeting following the contention of opposition parties that The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019, circulated in the House was "not in consonance" with the one he had recommended for introduction in the state Assembly.

Dhankhar had stalled The West Bengal State Commission for Scheduled Castes/Tribes Bill, 2019, arguing that the field (of the Bill) has been occupied by National Commission for Scheduled Caste and National Commission for Schedule Tribe.

The Governor had earlier scheduled a meeting on January 17 with regard to the pendency of the two bills.

"One of the would be participants of the meeting was the leader of the Trinamool Congress Legislative Party and Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee. The Chief Minister's Office informed the Governor's office that on account of pre-occupation, Banerjee wouldn't be able to attend the meeting on 17.1.2020.

"The Governor urged Banerjee to give priority to this matter and spare time at the earliest and the same may be communicated," the release said.

The Raj Bhavan said that Mannan and Chakraborty had requested for a meeting on Tuesday.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Rohit Sharma and RSP leader Biswanath Chowdhury could not attend the meeting due to illness. BJP legislative party leader Manoj Tigga had to stay away following a personal bereavement.
If you didn't get yoru fill of pie over the holidays, January 23 is your day. National Pie Day celebrates the classic American dessert by giving you an excuse to eat a slice, and post a #nationalpieday photo.

Locally, Stew Leonard's is celebrating by offering a 10-inch apple pie for $4.99 now through Thursday.

>>Click through to see where you can get your pie fix in Connecticut

Pie may seem all-American, but according to the American Pie Council (yes, that exists), it was actually the Romans who invented the dessert.

"The first pies were made by early Romans who may have learned about it through the Greeks. These pies were sometimes made in 'reeds' which were used for the sole purpose of holding the filling and not for eating with the filling," the site writes. The first pie recipe was published by the Romans and was for a rye-crusted goat cheese and honey pie.

Early English settlers brought pie recipes to America, and the rest is history. Today, approximately $700 million in pies are sold in grocery stores each year, according to the American Pie Council.

_____________

The American Pie Council claims pie preference is indicative of personality. Here are a few examples of what your favorite pie says about you:

If you love chocolate pie, you might describe yourself as loving.

More of an apple pie person? You may consider yourself independent, realistic and compassionate.

Pumpkin pie eaters think they're funny and independent.

Those with a proclivity for pecan pie might say they're thoughtful and analytical.
Sir David Attenborough has admitted that it's difficult to even discuss the idea of population control to save the planet, because it's everyone's 'biological right' to have children.

The broadcaster, 93, will appear on the BBC2 documentary, 7.7 Billion People & Counting tonight, in which in which Chris Packham urges people to consider having fewer children, because rising population and consumption is damaging the planet.

In the show, Sir David, who is a patron of UK-based charity Population Matters, confesses that tackling overpopulation is a 'contentious and difficult' issue to address, because the right to bear children is one of the most 'precious' in existence.

He admitted that while he finds it 'hard' to see the detrimental effect overpopulation has on the environment - he understands the urge to reproduce is 'deeply embedded' in human beings.

As Packham, 58, from Southampton, quizzed him on the changes he had seen throughout his illustrious career, he said: 'Here it becomes contentious and it's very difficult to talk about.

Sir David Attenborough says it's a persons 'biological right' to have children, during Chris Packham's new documentary about overpopulation

In his new BBC2 documentary, 7.7billion People & Counting, Chris urged people to consider having fewer children, because rising population and consumption is damaging the planet

'Because the right to have children is one of the most precious rights that people have.

'Biologically, deeply embedded in our very personalities and souls.'

Sir David told how he has seen so much environmental 'destruction' throughout his career and cited rivers in Borneo that were once rife with wildlife as an example.

He said: 'The changes are all destruction. Borneo for example you travel down the rivers that I travelled down 50 years ago and you think it's going to be the same.

'It looks the same until you walk 20 yards down the river and there's one species of plant and virtually nothing else, hardly any animals, hardly any birds, that's hard .

The presenter said it wasn't the same while returning to the country. He is pictured in Sabah, Borneo in 2012 while filming '60 Years in the Wild with David Attenborough'

'Of course you say to yourself "how terrible", but why is it? And you say to yourself, "Well, the reason for it is the world population has increased fantastically over the last 20-30 years".

'People pay a lot of money in order to be fed, and so who can blame the people for knocking down the forest?'

Population Matters is a charity which addresses population size and its effects on environmental sustainability, and Sir David has been open about his views that humans have 'overrun' the world.

In 2018, he told BBC's Newsnight that our rate of increase is 'alarming' and admitted that a man of his age is living 'longer than he should'.

He said: 'In the long run, our population growth has to come to an end people like me are living longer than we did.

'Although people say, "In the long run, we are going to stabilise", they're going to stabilise, as far as I can see, at a rather higher level than the Earth can accommodate.'

Today, Chris appeared on Good Morning Britain, where he raised his concerns while discussing his new documentary.

He said: 'Our mission is to get people to think about the impact of our human population,' he told the show.

'We are just asking a very important question - 'what effect is this enormous burgeoning population having on the world?' In my lifetime that population has doubled - in Sir David Attenborough's it's trebled.'

Later on in the documentary, Chris was asked by his step-daughter Megan, 23, whose mother is his partner of 13-years Charlotte Corney, whether he ever considered having any of his own children.

The former 'Springwatch' host confessed that he feared spending an 'enormous amount of time and energy' on being a parent when he couldn't be certain of their future.

Chris was quizzed by his step-daughter Megan ( right) on whether he would have children of his own. Pictured, Chris with Megan and his partner Charlotte Corney during BBC documentary 'In Search of the Lost Girl'

The former 'Springwatch' host confessed that he feared spending an 'enormous amount of time and energy' on being a parent when he couldn't be certain of their future

Megan asked: 'Did you never want children of your own?'

'No,' replied Chris.

'I think it started off personal and then it became a complex of many things and environment was one of them.

'I mean the greatest fear would have been a child's future, I had to think to myself, do I want to spend an enormous amount of time and energy investing in a human being.'

The host, who would often bring his step-daughter on his travels around the globe, admitted that he wanted to make sure Megan saw endangered animals before it was too late.

Speaking to Megan, he said: 'One of the motivations to show you tigers and show you sperm whales is that I fear that in the future they won't be there for you to see.

Now imagine you had a child and there were even fewer tigers, there were even less elephants.

'You'll be in even more of a desperate rush to take them round the world so they can have those opportunities.'

Reflecting later, he said: 'I fear for my stepdaughter and if she has children, I fear for their world.'
Viking 2-Row Pale Ale Malt via MoreBeer

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Viking Malt is one of the largest malting companies in the world and the largest roaster of specialty malts. They are the main malt supplier to the famous Carlsberg brewery. Viking is not well known in the USA because they havent had good US distribution. Because MoreBeer! and MoreBeer! Pro is directly importing thousands of tons of malt we are stoked to offer you Northern European malt quality from one of the best malting companies in the world at lower than domestic malt pricing.

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New Delhi [India], Jan 21 (ANI): In an operation, troops of Assam Rifles along with police apprehended two underground cadres of the United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) from Manipur's Imphal.



Both apprehended underground cadres have been handed over to the police for further investigation, Eastern Command said on Monday.

"Troops of #AssamRifles in an #Op with Police apprehended 2 Underground (UG) cadres of United Tribal Liberation Army from Imphal, Manipur on 19 Jan. Those apprehended have been handed over to police for further investigations," Eastern Command said in a tweet. (ANI)


Council Member Dave Martin is working on his final term representing the Kingwood and Clear Lake areas.

Flood mitigation and budgeting are his top areas of focus before he leaves the office in 2024. The newly elected Mayor Pro-Tem has also made changes to his staff.

Clarissa Perez, who was the North Sector Manager for District E, has been relocated to the South Sector Manager position. With Perezs move, District E has hired Dustin Hodge as the North Sector Manager.

Since the beginning of the new year, and thus the new term, Martin announced additional dredging in the San Jacinto River as one of many flood mitigation strategies they are pushing to implement in the area. He has also voiced his support for the continued seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe.

In order to find out more information on all the new changes in the District E office, The Observer asked Martin about his goals for his new role as Mayor Pro-Tem and what residents can expect from his final term in office.

The Observer: You were elected by your colleagues to the Mayor-Pro Tem position. Tell me about the election and what your initial plans are with this new role.

Martin: I serve in the mayors absence, any type of absence that he may have. And it just so happened that the first meeting was [Jan. 8], and I had to run the first part of it  Its exciting, its a challenge, and its a lot of fun. So Im looking forward to it, and it should be an interesting four years. Thats for sure.

You talked about budgeting previously as one of the things that youre focused on in this role. Is that still the case?

Yes. He reappointed me to the chairmanship of budget and fiscal affairs, which is the most important committee in the city. We had our first meeting, [Jan.7] and it went really well. We have a lot positives because of the way the economy has been going, which has been really good in 2019. So we reap the rewards of a strong economy and hopefully that will help us as we prepare for the budget season, which for us starts in two months.

We typically start the budget process in March because our fiscal year will begin July 1, 2020 for fiscal year 2021. So its right around the corner, and we have a lot things we need to get accomplished. Zero-based budgeting is one of them. We are implementing the principles of zero-based budgeting for the first time, and that was one of my action items I asked for 7 years ago, and were finally getting to that point.

Related: Mayor Turner nominates Council Member Dave Martin as Mayor Pro-Tem

In your last term, what are your priorities and goals?

Continuous with flood mitigation and flood relief. The announcement we made [Jan. 7] on additional dredging in the mouth bar area is huge, and what were doing now is a continuous, 365, 24/7 dredging in Lake Houston, east fork, west fork, Huffman, Atascocita. Were going to have dredging every day, and thats really important to what were trying to do in creating some more capacity in the San Jacinto River and in Lake Houston. So that was big, and we are pushing to continue to do that with additional FEMA funds. We have not moved away from FEMA even though were using a different pool of money for this recent dredging that was announced thats already begun, but were still at the same time digging a parallel path toward FEMA funding and were still working hard on that front.

And then the (Lake Houston Dam) Gate ProjectI think is the most important project in the Lake Houston area. We had a phone conversation [Jan. 7] with myself and the folks from Coastal Water Authority who run the existing Lake Houston Dam as to where that is today. The RFQ responses are due on Jan. 17. RFQ is a request for qualifications, so firms that are interested in designing and eventually building the new Lake Houston Dam structure are answering the requests for qualifications as we speak, and its due on the 17th.

What would you say are some of your biggest accomplishments in your role as a council member?

Without a doubt, the gate project. The ongoing dredging operations that weve had in the San Jacinto River and now in the lake, the continuous dredging that we have, the work that were doing on the interior waterway systems in conjunction with Harris County Flood Control, the strong partnerships that weve developed with the federal government, the state government and with the county to do these types of projects.

Do you have any plans for what you would like to do after your final term?

I enjoy public service. I started this in 2003 on the school board, and I really loved that. And I love doing council work. Its been really rewarding and fulfilling, and I feel like Ive made a difference and I want to continue to make a difference. As far as political aspirations, I really dont have any. Maybe that will be a time where my wife and I get to sit back. I cant ever see me sitting back and doing nothing because Im just not built that way. Id like to continue to do public service whether thats in an official or unofficial capacity, Ill be glad to do it.

[And] spend some more quality time with my wife and kids, and hopefully grandkids somewhere down the road. But the good Lord has blessed us in so many ways and part of the blessing that we feel good about is the ability to give back. I love Kingwood, I love living here, I dont envision us moving from here. Were Kingwood folks forever. So I want to make it a great neighborhood and in order to do that, we need to make sure were protected from rain, wind and storms.

savannah.mehrtens@chron.com
Vietnam chaired a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on January 13 at the UN headquarters

The year 2020 will be very special for Vietnam in its external activities which are expected to fetch economic benefits for the country.

On January 2 at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York, Vietnam officially commenced its activities as one-month chair of the UN Security Council (UNSC), ushering in its 2020-2021 tenure as non-permanent member of the council, which will terminate on December 31, 2021. The country will also resume the role as UNSC chair in April 2021. This has made a milestone in the countrys further contributions to the global organisation.

Raising international status

Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, commented that Vietnam has enormous prestige because it was the unanimous choice of the Asia bloc at the UN for non-permanent membership at the UNSC, and Vietnam was elected by a commanding majority of votes in the UN General Assembly.

Vietnam will enter 2020 with two important advantages: It is politically stable and its economy is growing at a good rate. In 2020, the countrys economy should benefit from its membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership as well as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, said Thayer who has profound insights into Vietnam. This will provide useful leverage in renegotiating a free trade agreement with the United States and the final stages of achieving the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

According to him, Vietnams role as ASEAN chair in 2020 will also add more strength to Vietnam in its role as UNSC non-permanent member.

Vietnams dual role as ASEAN chair and non-permanent membership on the UNSC will give it additional leverage in dealing with major and middle powers. But more importantly, Vietnam can leverage its 16 strategic and 13 comprehensive partnerships to advance its foreign policy goals of peace, co-operation, and development and use these partnerships to insulate itself from major powers who might try to pressure Vietnam to follow a particular line on international issues, Thayer said. Vietnams interests are best served when it protects its autonomy and maintains an independent stance in international affairs.

Last November, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the National Assembly that Vietnam will make the best of its advantages and opportunities brought about by its dual role in the ASEAN and the UNSC.

There have almost never been nations like Vietnam, playing a dual role in the ASEAN and the UNSC in the same year. So it will offer great opportunities for the country to further enhance its international status and prestige in order to lift Vietnam to new heights, the PM stated.

According to Tran Viet Thai, vice head of the Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Vietnams participation in the UNSC is extremely important, as it will help the country further enhance its role and position in the international arena, and Vietnam will take advantage of the new role to benefit its national interests, including two main interests: contributing to the peace, security, and stability of the region, and capitalising on new mechanisms during the new tenure to serve the national development.

With its UNSC non-permanent membership, Vietnam will be able to raise its voice about the settlement of global security issues. This is a very big political advantage that not any nation can have at any time, Thai told VIR.

Economic benefits

A MoFA senior official told VIR that the UNSC membership will help Vietnam create a favourable climate in order to expand its economic benefits, including trade expansion and investment attraction.

If Vietnam manages to solve all issues, its prestige will increase, meaning that the country will be able to receive further co-operation from major nations, including the US, he said. For example, if we contribute to the resolution of the Middle East issue, nations from this region can increase investment and trade ties with us. This is a great benefit.

According to him, Vietnam will also have more opportunities to directly meet with leaders of many nations to discuss trade and investment issues with Vietnam, where a more business-friendly climate has been created.

As of December 20, 2019, Vietnam attracted $362.58 billion in foreign direct investment, with nearly 30,830 valid projects. The countrys total export-import trade turnover in 2019 hit a record $517 billion, with a record trade surplus of nearly $10 billion.

Vietnams prestige is surging and we believe that the country will lure in more foreign investment and raise its trade with the wider world in 2020, the MoFA official said.

Currently, Vietnam is expanding overseas investment in several Southeast Asian nations, and in Africa.

In 2019, Vietnams total overseas investment was about $460 million for nearly 180 projects, raising the total investment of this type to over $22 billion since 1989, focusing on agriculture, forestry, energy, and telecommunications, largely in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar (accounting for 40 per cent of the total), as well as Africa, and others in the world.

Major priorities

According to the MoFA, serving on the UNSC is a serious undertaking. In the 2020-2021 tenure, Vietnam will make the most of its two years to contribute to improving the effectiveness of the council, to foster dialogue to help find peaceful solutions to conflicts, and to bring the voice of small countries to the work of the council.

We will give particular focus to conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, and strengthened implementation of Chapter VI of the UN Charter, said a MoFA document. We will also improve the methods of the Security Councils work, enhancing engagement with regional arrangements in the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.

Vietnam will also attach special importance to the protection of civilians and critical civilian infrastructure in armed conflicts, to women, peace and security, and children and armed conflicts, and to addressing the aftermaths of armed conflicts, including threats to civilian populations posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Moreover, Vietnam will also give particular focus to UN peacekeeping and seeking solutions for responding to and reducing climate change impacts on international peace and security.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- UNOde50, the Madrid-born jewelry brand known for its creativity and unique handcrafted styles, is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location in Puerto Rico. The new location at Plaza Del Caribe in Ponce will join 23 other stores within North America.

UNOde50 is very excited to be opening a second location in Puerto Rico and to continue offering bold and unique designs to the local consumer. The brand has embarked on this new endeavor after experiencing continued success and steady year-over-year growth within Puerto Rico since relocating its San Juan location in 2017.

"We could not be happier about the opening of our newest location in Puerto Rico, which we believe will complement our location in San Juan very nicely," said Jason McNary, CEO of the Americas for UNOde50. "Plaza Del Caribe in Ponce is a great retail destination for fashion and style. Puerto Rico has really been a tremendous market for us and we're confident this location will serve us well as we continue to grow our retail footprint within North America and beyond."

The store products will include a full assortment of women's and men's jewelry and watches, including limited edition pieces all entirely handcrafted in Spain. The quality of the materials used, along with the unique mold-breaking designs, have positioned the brand as a world-renowned benchmark of success. In addition, the store atmosphere offers shoppers a unique experience with a small gallery devoted artwork handcrafted by the UNOde50 Design Team in limited editions of 50 pieces using noble materials such as oak and walnut combined with contrasting metals and leather details, which reflect the brands aesthetic and is available to customer purchase.

ABOUT UNOde50

UNOde50, a Spanish jewelry brand, was founded in the late 90's with a design concept that offered a different point of view. One that was exclusive, unique and limitless. The brand set out to unveil a revolution in which the techniques and processes of traditional jewelry-making would be used in the name of creativity.

Today, UNOde50 is present in over 40 countries with more than 100 stores in main cities around the world, including: Toronto, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Torino, Berlin, New York, Miami, Tokyo, Moscow and Paris, keeping its philosophy of exclusiveness through a highly crafted production process. For more information, visit unode50.com.

SOURCE UNOde50

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, who is on an official visit to Georgia, has met with the Minister of Defense of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili on Jan. 21, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The official welcoming ceremony of the Azerbaijani delegation took place at the Georgian Defense Ministry.

In accordance with the protocol, the defense ministers passed in front of the guard of honor and the national anthems of the two countries were played. Then, the meeting was held.

During the meeting, a thorough exchange of views was held on the various areas of military cooperation, as well as on other issues of mutual interest.

Touching upon the military-political situation in the region, the parties noted the importance of mutual support of the territorial integrity of the two countries and emphasized that the development of bilateral military cooperation will contribute to ensuring stability and security in the region.

Following the meeting, a Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2020 was signed between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Georgia. The document provides for the organization of mutual visits of expert groups, the holding of joint combat training events and the exchange of best practices, as well as other important issues.

Then, a press conference of the defense ministers of the two countries was held for media representatives.
BOSTON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bain & Company and its sister organization, The Bridgespan Group, have been recognized as two of the "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality" by Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), earning a perfect score on the organization's annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the 14th consecutive year. Additionally, Bain & Company has been recognized by HRC as one of "Mexico's Best Places to Work for LGBTQ people," earning a perfect score in the Equidad MX Index for the second year in a row.

"We are proud to be a leader in this space," said Ivan Hindshaw, Regional Managing Partner of the Bain & Company's practice in the Americas. "Each year, as HRC sets its standards, Bain takes the opportunity to reassess our own policies and think about how we can stay materially ahead of that benchmark. We don't simply want to comply with the standard, we aspire to lead."

Diversity is a strategic priority for Bain & Company, contributing to more breakthrough client results and more fulfilling, rewarding experiences for employees. The firm is dedicated to building and supporting creative teams comprised of diverse skillsets, backgrounds, identities and perspectives, and it recognizes that supporting LGBTQ team members in the workplace is imperative to attracting and retaining the best global talent.

This philosophy has helped Bain & Company earn recognition around the world as a great place to work. The firm was named as the #2 Company in Glassdoor's annual "Best Places to Work" list in 2019 and has consistently placed in the top 4 since the ranking's inception. Among its many awards, Bain has recently been ranked a "Best Workplace for Diversity in 2019" by Fortune, ranked in the Top 10 "100 Best Companies" by Working Mother, a "Top 100 Best Places to Work for Generation Z in 2019" by Mogul, and a Vault Top Rated Company of 2019.

Since its founding in 2002, the CEI has been the nationally recognized benchmarking tool for companies to gauge their levels of LGBTQ inclusion and equality in the workplace. The 2020 CEI evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBTQ community.

The full HRC report can be found here.

About The Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world's most ambitious change-makers define the future. Across 58 offices in 37 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition: to achieve extraordinary results that outperform their competition and redefine their industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a curated ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster and more enduring outcomes to our clients. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients. We proudly maintain the highest client advocacy in the industry, and our clients have outperformed the stock market 4:1. Learn more at www.bain.com and follow us on Twitter @BainAlerts.

Media Contacts:

Dan Pinkney

Bain & Company

Tel: +1 646 562 8102

[email protected]

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Albany

Gov. Andrew Cuomo appears ready to set an April 28 special election  the same day as the state's presidential primary  to fill a congressional seat left vacant by a western New York Republican who has since been convicted of insider trading.

Republican leaders have said Cuomo wants to set the special election on a day when Democratic voters flood the polls to pick a presidential nominee. The Democratic governor has repeatedly said he prefers that date because holding it the same day as the primary would save money.

The governor cannot formally declare an April 28 special election until early February, per the timeline for calling a special election under state law. But The Buffalo News reports that the state attorney general's office relayed Cuomo's intention to call the election for the April date during arguments in state court last week.

State Republican Chairman Nicholas A. Langworthy is suing the governor and state Board of Elections seeking an earlier date.

The state GOP sued in state court, arguing the governor has taken too long and left the 700,000 Trump-leaning residents of New York's 27th Congressional District without representation at a time when Congress was considering the impeachment of Republican President Donald Trump.

Former U.S. Rep. Chris Collins resigned in the fall. He was sentenced Friday to two years and two months in federal prison for insider trading.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

It is the second time Cuomo has waited to fill a seat for a convicted Republican congressman.

In 2015, a federal judge ordered Cuomo to stop delaying a special election to fill a seat left vacant in January of that year by former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, who pleaded guilty to hiring illegal immigrants at his Manhattan restaurant and underreporting earnings.

The governor has some discretion when setting the date of a special election. State law doesn't give him a strict deadline but says the state must hold a special election between 70 and 80 days after the governor announces a date.

The judge in the 2015 lawsuit said the governor has to fill congressional seats swiftly. The federal judge said Cuomo didn't provide any reason for a delay besides cost.

"Aside from the cost of the special election, the court is not aware of, and defendant has not yet proffered, any reason that the injunction sought would constitute a threat to the public interest or an undue burden," senior United States District Judge Jack Weinstein said.
Disney announced Tuesday that it will launch its new streaming service Disney+ in the UK and parts of Europe a week earlier than planned.

Disney+ was initially set to launch across parts of Europe on March 31. It will now roll out on March 24 across the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland, the company said in a release. Other European countries, including Belgium, the Nordics, and Portugal, will follow in summer 2020, the company said.

Disney also confirmed its European pricing for Disney+, which will cost 5.99/6.99 per month, or 59.99/69.99 for a year. That's the same as Netflix's basic package in Europe. In the U.S., Disney charges $2 less per month than Netflix's basic package.

The news comes as Netflix is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings after the market closes on Tuesday. International subscribers have largely driven Netflix's growth in recent years, with non-U.S. subscribers now accounting for 62% of the total, up from 51% in the same period of 2017 and 36% in 2015.

The expansion of Disney+ beyond the U.S. market threatens to draw users away from Netflix's largest and most rapidly growing audience.

Disney launched its streaming service in November in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and The Netherlands. The service will launch in Latin America in October 2020.

The sector will only become more competitive. Apple's streaming service Apple TV+ launched last year, around the same time as Disney+, kicking off the so-called streaming wars. In the coming months, AT&T's WarnerMedia will launch HBO Max and Comcast's NBCUniversal will roll out Peacock in April.

Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC.
As the intense work begins on Chancellor Sajid Javid's first budget, briefing against the HS2 high-speed rail project becomes ever more intense.

The reported soaring cost to 106billion is the main weapon used against the line, with tales of extravagant use of consultants and a cover-up of overspending.

Even supporters cannot but be frustrated by complacent management and weak oversight on the way taxpayers' money is spent.

As the intense work begins on Chancellor Sajid Javid's first budget, briefing against the HS2 high-speed rail project becomes ever more intense

But one cannot help think that the very same negative voices were heard when it came to digging the Channel Tunnel and building the badly delayed high-speed rail link to St Pancras.

Now, travellers to the Continent might question how the nation ever managed without.

My first thoughts on this often go back to Maplin, an early version of Boris Johnson's Thames Estuary airport vision.

Ted Heath's government sank the piles in the early 1970s, only to cancel it on affordability grounds.

Five decades on, Heathrow operates at such a full capacity that all it requires to bring it to a halt is a computer glitch.

Meanwhile, Frankfurt luxuriates with four operational runways against Heathrow's two.

Recurrent themes of noise and air pollution, and the costs of a third runway at Heathrow, keep an essential component of Britain's global future at bay.

If anyone really thinks HS2 is a waste of money they should talk to two of the most powerful elected mayors outside London.

Labour's Andy Burnham in Manchester and the Tory mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, are enthusiasts.

Street and communities in industrial centres along the route testify to the difference it is making to redevelopment.

We may still be waiting for delayed Crossrail but the refurbishment of real estate along the length of the line and around the stations is remarkable.

The projected HS2 cost is uncomfortably large. But in the context of other big spends it is not outrageous.

Renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons is costing 205billion with no long-term economic payback except notional strategic safety.

HS2 promises so much more, will be very green and the cost, spread over more than a decade, is manageable.

The payback comes in productivity and providing the North and regions with the very best of connectivity. HS2 is not an alternative to Northern Powerhouse rail routes but an adjunct.

Leaks of damaging HS2 numbers, cover-ups and other mishaps have all the elements of a concerted Treasury campaign to cap infrastructure costs and kill ambition. It would be nice to think that the Government has the ambition to see it through.

Save us from a 21st century Maplin.

Rounding error

We all make mistakes. But when you are an electronics retailer, with all the latest gear, it is as well to get the numbers right.

What began as a day when Dixons Carphone smashed forecasts with a 2 per cent rise in revenues, reversed itself by early afternoon when it became a 2 per cent fall.

Actually, anyone following what has been going on since Alex Baldock took the helm in April 2018 might have smelled the rat straight away.

The mobile phones have been off-signal for some time. Badly negotiated contracts with the big suppliers, which are being run down, have hit revenues and profits.

Life has not been made any easier by the tendency of consumers to change sim cards rather than devices.

The main operators have swamped shopping areas with own-branded stores. The result is that over the peak end-of-year period there was a calamitous 11 per cent fall in sales.

Offsetting the mobile murk there was encouraging data from UK electrical goods, boosted by demand for 65in TV monitors and a willingness to fork out 299.99 on the Dyson hairdryer.

Overseas operations in the Nordics and Greece have been going great guns.

After a big share price dip, when the reporting blunder was notified, Dixons stock came roaring back.

Another peak season survived.

World-beater

Fortune magazine is not shying away from Donald Trump's America First rhetoric.

Its annual survey of the world's ten most-admired companies, compiled to coincide with the Davos love-ourselves fest, is all-American, with Apple at the pinnacle, and includes Starbucks and JP Morgan.

No room for a Samsung, drinks giant Diageo or Zara owner Inditex.

Funny that!
A total of 88 successful land auctions featured in the national press in 2019, a drop from 153 in 2018. This 43pc fall in transaction numbers, and a 38pc decline in the volume of land sold, were not fully reflected in the amount of money generated. While the volume was down, the price was up.

The revenue generated by auction room sales decreased by just 28pc from 91.04m in 2018 to 66.43m last year with the per-acre price increasing nationally by 15pc from 11,345/ac to 13,374/ac. The average size of a holding coming to auction was 56.5ac.

The South-east continues to have the most expensive land where the top per-acre price in the country was paid for ground when an 11ac tillage field in Castledermot, Co Kildare made 33,180. The average price for an acre of ground in the sunny South-east came in at 15,960/ac, up 18pc on last year.

Overall land sales in the region featured larger farms and included the auction of the largest holding in the country to be sold under the gavel. Prumplestown Estate on 298ac on the Carlow-Kildare border sold in lots making a total of 4.87m.

In North Leinster smaller holdings were the flavour of the year where 29 auctions saw 1,156ac sold, giving an average property size of around 39ac. The volume of sales was down 52pc on 2019 whereas the per-acre price rose by 14pc to 11,417/ac.

The largest holding to sell in the region was an 84ac non-residential farm at Pelletstown near Trim that made 1.07m. The best per-acre price was paid for a 25ac parcel of land at Powderlough in Co Meath which made 27,000/ac.

Expand Close Castlesize on 36ac, the former home of flat racing champion jockey, Liam Ward at Millicent near Naas, Co. Kildare, sold by Coonans at auction for 2.7m / Facebook

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Whatsapp Castlesize on 36ac, the former home of flat racing champion jockey, Liam Ward at Millicent near Naas, Co. Kildare, sold by Coonans at auction for 2.7m

Connacht and Ulster saw larger holdings sell under the hammer where 628ac sold in 10 auctions, giving an average of 62ac per parcel and a per-acre price of 6,870. This was up 5pc on 2018. However, the amount of land disposed of in the auction rooms dropped by 65pc while the amount of money generated by public sales dropped by 53pc.

Munster holds ground

In Munster the price and the volume mirrored one another with the amount of land declining by 17pc reflecting almost exactly the decline in the amount of money generated, which also declined by 17pc. Meanwhile, the average per-acre price for the province stayed more or less the same as 2018 at 14,262/ac.

Brexit, the beef crisis and long-term leasing are quoted by many auctioneers as the causes for the sharp drop in auction sales. According to Dan Fleming of Blarney in Co Cork, the market is imbalanced. "You need the drystock men to be doing well to absorb the dairy stock but they have had an awful year. The drystock man is practically gone out of the land market," he said.

Speaking at the launch of the latest IPAV Farm Report Eamon O'Flaherty, MD of Sherry Fitzgerald Brady O'Flaherty in Maynooth, Co Kildare and IPAV board member, echoed Dan Fleming's analysis.

"As long as beef prices remain at their current levels, it's going to be totally unrealistic for any beef/suckler farmer to buy land in the coming years. The bloodstock industry and the hobby farmer are underpinning the market in this region (Kildare/Meath), along with tillage farmers who have had their own challenges in the autumn, being able to buy land."

In the West, Karl Fox of Ballina says that land sales in his area are now the preserve of the farmer with the second income or the business person. "In the last four years I think I sold one parcel of land to a full-time farmer; other than that those buying are business people or part-time farmers," he said.

Another factor slowing down land sales in the West is the difficulty of getting planting permission for forestry. "Up until recently one could buy marginal land confident that it could be planted but that is no longer the case," he said.
Burma Virgin Mary Statue Destroyed in Myanmars Shan State; Ethnic Kayan Accuse Pa-O Militia

The damaged Virgin Mary statue in Pinlaung Township in the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in January 2020. / Head Committee of Kayan National Unity

The Head Committee of Kayan National Unity (HCKNU) has asked the authorities of the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone in southern Shan State to take action against the people who destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary belonging to an ethnic Kayan Catholic community.

The statue of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic icon, near an ethnic Kayan minority community in Pinlaung Township was destroyed by a group of people who shot the statue in the head and destroyed its hand using stones on Jan. 18 or 19, according to local sources.

In order to avoid religious and ethnic conflict, we have asked [authorities] to take action. This was a violation of religious freedom under the 2008 Constitution and we condemn the action, the HCKNU said in a statement issued Monday.

Local Kayan people were preparing to hold a religious festival to pay respect to the statue on Jan. 23 and 24 and went to clean the statue on Jan. 17. The statue is located outside a village and local residents say it was destroyed when they were not around. They found that the statue was destroyed late in the evening of Jan. 19.

The HCKNU accused the Pa-O National Army (PNA), an armed group in the area, of involvement in the action.

[The PNA] may not want us to hold the celebration, so they may have destroyed it, said HCKNU spokesperson Khun Tin Nu.

The PNA is a Pa-O ethnic armed group that has served as a local militia for the Pa-O Self-Administered Zone since they were transformed into a border guard force in 2009.

PNA Captain Kyaw Lwin told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that he did not think PNA members would destroy the statue and denied the HCKNUs accusation.

We have troops based in the area but I do not think my troops would act like that, said Capt. Kyaw Lwin.

He said that he helped the HCKNU to build the statue last year by donating water and money.

The religious statue was built last year despite opposition from local militia members, according to the HCKNU.

The HCKNU said the ethnic Kayan community in Pinlaung does not have the freedom to practice their religion and that local militia have often threatened their rights.

We are an ethnic minority in this region. We should have the right to protect our religion, but our right has been violated, said Khun Tin Nu.

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- A 49-year-old woman, Kiko Davis, has established the fact that black women are geniuses and worthy of leading the fields they find themselves in

- Davis, who is the founder and president of Don Davis Legacy Foundation, has become the only black woman in the United States to own a bank

- The entrepreneur says women of colour have an innate warrior spirit that makes them inherently effective at leading and at winning

- Davis is the majority shareholder of Detroit-based First Independence Bank

- Black women all over the world are making history on a daily basis and inspiring the younger generation

- Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

The founder and president of Don Davis Legacy Foundation, Kiko Davis, has become the only black woman in the United States that owns a bank.

The 49-year-old is the majority shareholder of Detroit-based First Independence Bank, Face 2 Face Africa reports.

YEN gathers that First Independence Bank is one of the top largest black-owned banks in the United States.

READ ALSO: Boris Johnson uses Akan proverb in speech at UK-Africa Investment Summit

Kiko Davis. Photo credit: Rolling Out

Source: UGC

According to Davis, women of colour have an innate warrior spirit that makes them inherently effective at leading and at winning.

She said strength, courage, intelligence and analytical ability are hallmarks of any great leader, adding that a warrior spirit goes beyond that though.

READ ALSO: Fact check: We have not lost Qwikloan data to undersea fibre cut - MTN Ghana

Davis said: We possess a level of empathy for people in general with a higher level of sensitivity towards women and minorities.

"Often times, its a skill set that unfortunately some men and non-minorities do not possess. They simply are socialized differently. I believe in order to lead people effectively you must be able to understand them, or at least want to."

PAY ATTENTION: Read the best news on Ghana #1 news app. Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana

Highlights of Afrochella 2019 | #Yencomgh

READ ALSO: Ghanaians mock Bawumia for failing to arrest the Cedis depreciation

Do you have a story to share or you have information for us? Get featured on YEN.com.gh. Message us on Facebook.

Source: YEN.com.gh
In 2013, China first announced its intent to carry out targeted poverty alleviation. While this was not the first time the country had launched such an initiative, it was certainly more targeted than previous strategies. Under this program, the government planned to appoint officials who would be accountable for containing poverty by identifying families living in dire straits and providing them with customized solutions, thereby eliminating the cause of their impoverishment.



Notably, as part of its crusade against poverty, the Chinese government established specific criteria under which its poverty reduction program would ensure the availability of food and clothing for those living below the poverty line along with nine years of compulsory education for their children. In addition, the program also provides access to primary medical care and adequate living conditions for impoverished households.

China's initial fight against poverty began in 1978, after the adoption of its reform and opening-up policies. The government at that time focused primarily on the most impoverished areas of Gansu province and Ningxia Hui autonomous region, located in the northwest of China. Subsequently, in 1982, the government allocated an annual fund of 200 million yuan to these regions. This was China's first step towards a broader nationwide commitment to combating the issue of poverty. Over the last four decades, the nation continued to periodically carry out several large-scale, growth-driven poverty alleviation plans in its endeavour to improve the living conditions of those living in poverty.

During the Central Economic Work Conference in 2017, China listed reducing poverty as one of its "three tough battles" alongside preventing financial risks and tackling pollution. A statement released after the meeting expressed the country's intention to contain these issues by the end of 2020 and become a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021. Additionally, these steps would also facilitate China in realizing the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of achieving zero poverty 10 years ahead of schedule.

As a result of the country's poverty alleviation program, 82.39 million people successfully lifted themselves out of poverty between 2012 and 2018, thereby reducing the proportion of poor people in the country from 10.2% in 2012 to 1.7% in 2018. Per capita disposable income in its rural areas also witnessed a considerable rise, swelling from 9,430 yuan in 2013 to 14,617 yuan by the end of 2018. As per the directions of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, the country pulled another 10 million people out of impoverishment in 2019.

These figures highlight China's steadfast resolve in eliminating extreme poverty from the country. As part of this effort, the Ministry of Finance released a significant percentage of the 2020 poverty alleviation funding to regional governments in November 2019. The ministry stated that the total amount disbursed was around 113.6 billion yuan (about $16.5 billion), of which approximately one tenth (14.4 billion yuan) would be primarily assigned to the most impoverished provinces. Reportedly, this amount accounted for 90% of the total amount to be spent in the entire 2019 on poverty relief programs.

Meanwhile, Chinese authorities are engaged in the fight against extreme poverty on multiple fronts. The nation has been deploying considerable public and private resources in poverty-stricken areas, which will help generate new employment opportunities for poor people, while simultaneously providing them with access to already existing job markets. The authorities are doing so by expanding manufacturing facilities and other industrial set-ups, as well as relocating the impoverished population from poor regions to better-developed areas. So far, the government has established more than 100,000 industrial bases covering almost 92% of poor households in the country's impoverished regions. This move has raised nearly 70% of people out of poverty in these areas. In addition, the government also commenced a resettlement program in 2015, with the aim of moving nearly 10 million people from impoverished counties to better areas by 2020. In 2018 alone, almost 2.8 million impoverished people were relocated to such areas under the program.

Additionally, a plan has been drawn up to provide access to compulsory education, skill development and financial aid for developing entrepreneurship in such regions. For instance, the skill development program has so far helped almost 300,000 people emerge above the poverty line, and three-year micro-credit loans have been disbursed without any collateral security to encourage entrepreneurship in poor regions. The government has already paid the huge sum of over 580 billion yuan (about $85 billion) in micro-credit loans to support impoverished households.

An inclusive program enhancing the scope of the digital economy  such as e-commerce and online payment system  has also already been put in place. This program intends to empower the poorest of the poor by connecting them to the mainstream digital marketplace through the help of technology.

Despite the challenges, China maintains the determination to tackle this issue, and the goal to eliminate extreme poverty in 2020 seems attainable.

As a country with a population of around 1.4 billion people, China's achievements in the fight against poverty are remarkable, and could serve as a guide for eradicating poverty globally. Just as deputy chief economist for the World Bank, Ana Revenga, has said: "If anybody can show the world how to do that last mile [of ending extreme poverty], it probably is China." 2020 is considered by the country to be a milestone year, since it has set the target of finishing construction of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realizing the first centenary goal. Despite the challenges, China appears committed in its fight against poverty.

Rachana Gupta is an active blogger, poet and freenlance content writer. She is also the author of the book "To The Horizon We Indeed Sail".

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.
In one of the biggest drug seizure in the city, the Kolkata Police arrested two persons and seized 25 kg of heroin from their possession on Tuesday, a senior police officer said.

The market price of the seized heroin could be Rs 100 crore or more, the officer said.

Acting on a tip-off, personnel of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) conducted a raid at a house in the citys Paikpara area in the early hours on Tuesday and nabbed one UP-based narcotics drug dealer along with his Manipuri partner, he said.

"We have seized heroin weighing approximately 25.255 kg. Both the persons have been booked under the NDPS Act and an investigation into the matter is going on," the officer said.

"This is one of the biggest seizures of heroin not only in Kolkata area but also in Bengal and north east," the officer claimed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Girish Chandra Murmu, Lieutenant Governor of UT of Jammu & Kashmir; Kewal Kumar Sharma, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, J&K; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary and other senior officers were present at the event.This event showcased wide-ranging investment opportunities available in the fourteen focus sectors to boost manufacturing and employment generation in the region. More than 350 delegates from various sectors and leading organisations participated in the event where more than 45 B2G meetings took place.The aim of the upcoming Global Investors' Summit 2020 is to exhibit investment opportunities available in the newly formed UT of J&K in different sectors including Tourism, Film Tourism, Horticulture & Post Harvest Management, Agro and Food Processing, Mulberry production for silk, Health & Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, IT/ ITes, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Real Estate, Handloom & Handicraft and Education.At present, the Government of J&K is developing 2 IT parks, ICD in Samba and has identified industrial land bank of over 6,000 acres across 20 districts of J&K to develop State-of-the-Art Industrial Parks. Also, the J&K Government has removed all the toll barriers to enable seamless inward and outward movement of raw materials and goods.During this Pre-Summit Investors' Meet & curtain-raiser, a state film along with the focus sector profiles and policies were introduced by Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner/Secretary Industries & Commerce, J&K with the focus on the theme: Explore (the opportunities in industries and infrastructure, policies in the region), Invest (in the new and existing investment options); Grow (prosper via incentives and strategic advantages in key sectors).Jitendra Singh congratulated the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Girish Chandra Murmu for taking the initiative. He said, "Prime Minister's indulgence in the J&K region is leading to a lot of development in various sectors."On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Girish Chandra Murmu said, "Inspired by the Prime Minister's vision of organizing the Global Investors' Summit in Gujarat, the J&K Government took the decision of showcasing J&K's potential for investment through a summit. The Global Investors' Meet, with the theme of Explore, Invest & Grow, is a platform that will bring together senior entrepreneurs, leaders of the corporate sector from across the country, senior policymakers, development agencies, investors from across the world and local businessmen. We intend to take a leap forward in making Jammu and Kashmir an economic paradise for investors and I would like to invite you all to take the lead in setting up your enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir."He also added, "Today's Pre-Summit Investors' Interaction has been organized to deliberate with you all on desired initiatives for creating an investor-friendly ecosystem and make you interested in J&K. I have brought along senior officers from the Government to discuss these further with you during the rest of the day."BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, said, "Jammu and Kashmir is little known about except what we have seen in the films, it is quite different from what we know. J&K is not a backward place but it has the brightest and skilled people. J&K is number one in Apple production but we just process 1% of the produce. Such areas are there similarly in many sectors and there are huge opportunities for investments and for contributing to growth and employment in J&K."The Chief Secretary further added that the administration of J&K is re-engineering all the processes and policies to break age-old barriers and create a progressive ecosystem for investors. Easy availability of land through Land Bank and smooth clearances with dedicated teams to attend to investors will be a priority of the administration.Key government officials including all Administrative secretaries were present and participated in one to one B2G meetings along with the officers from departments of UT and central ministries. Many other prominent dignitaries were present at the event.The event was organised by Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), a nodal agency under the Industries and Commerce department Government of Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
We know what Trump sought because a rough transcript of the phone call confirms it. We also know, based on the House investigation, that Trump was willing to hold for ransom a White House visit by Zelenskiy. That inquiry also heard evidence that Trump suspended $400 million in military aid to Ukraine during the summer as further inducement to get what he desired. The Government Accountability Office said the Trump administration violated the law by withholding those funds, which had been allocated by Congress. In a related allegation now getting attention, Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, claimed that Trump stopped Vice President Mike Pence from attending Zelenskiys inauguration.
The joyful sounds of firecrackers and laughter fill the air as millions of families engage in festivities to celebrate the new year. Beginning on the first day of the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Asia. It traditionally symbolizes the removal of evils and misfortunes, as well as the welcoming of hope and prosperity.

Fireworks are used to scare away evil spirits, while families hang New Year couplets, images of family guardians, and auspicious characters on their front doors to avert bad luck. People don their finest new clothestypically in red, a lucky colorand gather with loved ones to indulge in delectable meals.

Among the many traditions used to celebrate Chinese New Year, a lesser-known one is the custom of enjoying New Year paintings, also known as Sui Zhao paintings. These paintings originated in the courts of the Song Dynasty and were created by royal court artists for the enjoyment of the nobility. Due to their elegance and expressiveness, they became a tradition that was passed down throughout dynasties to come.

A hanging scroll titled Tapestry-Embroidery of Nine Goats Opening the New Year from the Qing Dynasty (16441911). (Taipei National Palace Museum)

There are traditionally two types of New Year paintings. One depicts dynamic scenes of celebration and symbolizes the replacement of the old with the new. The other is more similar to Western still-life art; these paintings typically depict vases of flowers, bowls of fruit, and antiquities as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. These artworks offer us valuable glimpses into ancient Chinese culture and traditions.

May All Your Wishes Come True by Chen Shu, Qing Dynasty (16441911). Hanging scroll. (Taipei National Palace Museum)

Ding Guanpeng was an artist who served the court in the Qianlong era. He was known for his paintings of Buddhist and Daoist figures, and often incorporated Western methods of perspective in his works. His painting titled Spring Market at Peace and created in 1742 under the Qianlong Emperor, depicts a cheerful scene of people in the countryside celebrating the new year. Various traditions and customs can be observed; fellow countrymen greet each other with deep bows, a merchant sells fireworks, and a performer beats on peace drums. Meticulous shading gives the painting a vivid, lifelike effect.

Traditionally, several generations of a family lived in one residence known as a siheyuan, or courtyard house. These homes are centered around an open yard surrounded by rooms on all four sides. On New Years Day, every familys courtyard has a happy and festive atmosphere. Yao Wenhans A Celebration of Chinese New Year was created in the Qing Dynasty and depicts a large family celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Yao Wenhans A Celebration of Chinese New Year in 18th-century China. (Taipei National Palace Museum)

In the painting, several elders sit in the front hall, leisurely chatting and watching the children play. The children are engaging in a variety of celebratory activitiesfrom lighting fireworks, to frolicking, to playing various games and with silk puppets. The figures are all dressed in brightly colored clothes, as was customary during New Years.

The artist paid an extraordinary amount of attention to detail. The childrens figures are lively and childlike, rich in color and full of festivity. Two children can be seen squatting on the ground, smiling as they count a basket of colorful firecrackers. Another boy in red is holding incense, carefully approaching the firecrackers on the ground, while the child in green covers his ears, looking over his shoulder with nervous excitement.

Judging from the lit firepot, the family may have just completed a spiritual ceremony. According to Chinese folk custom, on the 24th of the 12th lunar month, the gods will rise and return to the heavens to report back to the Jade Emperor. Therefore, on this day, people hold a god sending ceremony.

The stunning silk tapestry titled Bird-and-Flower Painting to Celebrate New Year by Song Kesi is an elegant celebration of life. In it, a pair of babblers and pheasants frolick among blooming plum blossom branches. Traditionally, Chinese artwork containing flowers and birds werent created merely to depict the subjects as realistically as possible; instead, artists often expressed their own thoughts and feelings through the subjects. Birds depicted in pairs often symbolize the combination of yin and yang, and represent family harmony.

Bird-and-Flower Painting to Celebrate New Year, Song Dynasty (9601279). Polychrome silk tapestry. (Taipei National Palace Museum)

Traditional Chinese New Year customs are deeply infused with ancient beliefs in the gods and the heavens. People in ancient China treated life with humility; for instance, if there was a good harvest, it would be considered a result of the gods blessings for doing good deeds. The ancients believed that there was a god dedicated to every aspect of life, and they were all to be devoutly worshiped. Therefore, an important part of New Year ceremonies was to express respect and gratitude to the gods for all their blessings.

Beautiful Scenery for the New Year by Chen Shu, Qing Dynasty (16441911). (Taipei National Palace Museum)

This article is republished with permission from Elite Lifestyle Magazine.
Girl Scouts deliver cookies to a New Jersey food bank. Tim Hawk/Gloucester County Times South Jersey Times

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Police departments across the country are jokingly issuing public service announcements warning of a highly addictive substance that is about to hit the streets, and offering disposal services.

The 2020 Girl Scout cookie season launched on Jan. 7 so your community might already be seeing the substance circulate. They are most often distributed by strong, smart, fearless young women who will lure you in with their story and get you hooked, police say.

The witty PSAs appear to have started on Thursday morning, Jan. 16, with Apex Police Department in North Carolina, which has an ongoing social media campaign on the topic that uses the hashtags #girlsscoutsareawesome and #copslovecookies.

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We wanted to make our community aware of a highly addictive substance that is about to hit the streets. These items go... Posted by Apex Police Department on Thursday, January 16, 2020

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The Madawaska Police Department in Maine posted a similarly humorous PSA in January 2018. That post began to recirculate on Facebook about a week ago as the Cookie Cartel began to circulate the "dangerously delicious things."

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We have received reports that highly addictive substances will soon be circulating in our area . These substances go by... Posted by Madawaska Police Department on Tuesday, January 9, 2018

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Many people become cookie addicts when they think, I will just get one box, police say. But one turns into two and two turns into five, and the next thing you know you are hiding Thin Mints in the freezer.

Thin Mints arent the only culprit. The substance goes by many names and flavors, including Smores, Lemonades, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, and most recently Lemon-Ups.

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Thank you for dropping off these addictive items and keeping our streets safe from these cookies.  Posted by Apex Police Department on Saturday, January 18, 2020

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Police departments are stepping up to support addicts by providing a disposal location for the cookies. It appears that police are using a disposal method that involves eating the cookies themselves.

"We want you to know we are here for you," South Orange Police Department of New Jersey said in its PSA. "We have set up a disposal location for these 'cookies' at the police department."

SOPD credited Apex police for bringing them up to speed on this "epidemic."

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The South Orange Police Department wants to make our community aware of a highly addictive substance that is about to... Posted by South Orange Police Department on Saturday, January 18, 2020

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Apex police are already seeing success with their take-back effort.

Making the streets of Apex safe ... one box at the time, they said in a post on Thursday evening that included a photo of stacks of cookies. They have had at least two other cookie disposals come in, according to the department Facebook page.

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Making the streets of Apex safe....one box at the time. Posted by Apex Police Department on Thursday, January 16, 2020

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Thank you to the VP of Girl Scouts for sending cookies. We are glad to see everyone doing their part to keep our streets safe and clear of ! Posted by Apex Police Department on Friday, January 17, 2020

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Perhaps the most amusing reminder of the cookies addictive nature came in the form of a meme from Apex featuring a girl surrounded by cookie boxes wirh the words I got clean for nearly a year until I ran into my dealer.

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Police in Kenosha, Wis., and Ravenna, Ohio, have joined in the rouse to have their favorite cookies delivered to them.

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We have received reports that a highly addictive substance will soon be arriving in our area. These substances go by... Posted by Kenosha Police Department on Wednesday, January 15, 2020

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Girl Scout Cookies are distributed for a cookie-eating contest in Grand Rapids. Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com

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Michigan's second international dark sky park makes its debut

Your ultimate Michigan travel bucket list: 50 places you need to visit

Marvel exhibit making Midwest debut in Detroit with more than 300 original artifacts

Rescued bald eagle that had lead poisoning to be released in U.P.

Michigan native on 'Ellen' for paying Uber driver's college bill
(TNS)  The town of Charlton, Mass., has won a $90,950 state grant to set up a secondary data storage facility, after malicious software hit the town government's computer network in August.The malware attack froze the main servers, making documents and email inaccessible, and it took about three weeks for most of the town departments to be able to retrieve their data. At the time, Town Administrator Robin Craver would not say whether ransom was demanded.After the cyberattack, the town reviewed ways to be prepared, and to recover, in case of future attacks. Kara Hmielowski, assistant to the town administrator, and Jeff Sorel, IT technician for the town, proposed installing "additional technological infrastructure."The Community Compact IT funding was announced by state Reps. Paul K. Frost of Auburn and Peter J. Durant of Spencer and state Sen. Anne M. Gobi of Spencer."This is terrific news from the Baker/Polito administration to support Charlton's effort to guard against possible future cyber-attacks and the impacts caused by them," Frost said.
[January 21, 2020] EnCap Flatrock Midstream Promotes Three Executives

Midstream energy investment manager EnCap Flatrock Midstream ("EnCap Flatrock") today announced the promotions of J. Zachary Kayem and Thomas J. Waldrip from vice president to managing director and Bradley J. Misialek from associate to vice president. "We believe in developing and rewarding he next generation of leadership. Zach, Tommy and Brad have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in their former roles, and we see them contributing and performing at a very high level in their new positions," said EnCap Flatrock Managing Partner and Founder William R. Lemmons Jr. "They have demonstrated the skills required of successful investors, they contribute in meaningful ways to advance the growth and development of our portfolio companies through their board positions, and they provide effective leadership to others at EnCap Flatrock. We are proud of their growth within the firm and look forward to their continuing success."



Zach Kayem joined EnCap Flatrock in 2012. Prior to EnCap Flatrock, he spent three years as an analyst on the corporate finance team at SWS Group, where he focused on debt and equity raises and M&A advisory work in multiple industries. Mr. Kayem holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance from the Cox (News - Alert) School of Business at Southern Methodist University, where he graduated magna cum laude. Tommy Waldrip has been with EnCap Flatrock Midstream since the company's inception. He has a strong, proven expertise in midstream evaluation and economics. Tommy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in business administration from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Incarnate Word.

Prior to joining EnCap Flatrock Midstream in 2015, Brad Misialek was a facilities engineer at Williams Companies in Oklahoma City and San Antonio. Mr. Misialek holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering with a minor in Spanish from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. About EnCap Flatrock Midstream EnCap Flatrock Midstream provides value-added growth capital to proven management teams focused on midstream infrastructure opportunities across North America. The firm was formed in 2008 by a partnership between EnCap Investments L.P. and Flatrock Energy Advisors, LLC. Based in San Antonio with offices in Oklahoma City and Houston, the firm manages investment commitments of nearly $9 billion from a broad group of prestigious institutional investors. EnCap Flatrock Midstream is currently making commitments to new management teams from EFM Fund IV, a $3.25 billion fund. Further information is available at www.efmidstream.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005173/en/

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The new immigration policies of President Donald Trump's administration that require asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their application of asylum is still on court hearings, is effective. It helped to reduce the number of illegal crossings in the U.S.-Mexico border.

Yuma's Border Patrol sector arrested 14,000 in May who attempted to cross the borders when the policy took effect. According to the statistics cited by the Associated Press, attempts to cross the borders have fallen 94 percent since October or to around only 800. Since then, foreign nationals stayed in Mexico while waiting for the approval of their asylum application. This makes the Yuma sector the second slowest of the agency's nine sectors on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Anthony Porvaznik, Chief of the Border Patrol's Yuma sector, said that there are several reasons for the recent drop in illegal border crossing. Based on the agent's interviews with the people arrested, the so-called Migration Protection Protocols have been a big factor and a huge deterrent.

Porvaznik said in an interview, "Their whole goal was to be released into the United States, and once that was taken off the shelf for them, and they couldn't be released into the United States anymore, then that diminished the amount of traffic that came through here."

Meanwhile, the arrests in the neighboring Tucson sector has increased from August to December. This makes the Tucson sector the second-busiest corridor after Texas's Rio Grande Valley. According to Porvaznik, the increase of arrests at the Tucson border each month can be attributed to the late implementation of the policy.

Moreover, 10 months after the policy took effect in San Diego, there were more than 55,000 asylum seekers who were returned to Mexico while awaiting their hearings through November.

According to Syracuse University's Transactional Records Access Clearing House, immigrants were from more than three dozen countries and nearly two out three were Guatemalans and Hondurans.

Despite the success of Trump's administration to decrease the number of illegal border crossers, critics said that the policy was unfair and it only exposed asylum-seekers to extreme violence in Mexican border cities.

Subsequently, the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have asked to put the policy on hold during a legal challenge. On Oct.1, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard the arguments, but have yet to indicate a decision.

Moreover, critics won a separate lawsuit they filed when a federal judge in San Diego said that asylum-seekers sent back to Mexico from California deserved to have access in hiring lawyers before and during key interviews to determine if they could stay in the country while hearing their cases.

However, asylum-seekers in Yuma have been held in short-term cells until space opened up to be returned to Mexicali through a neighboring California sector. Even though illegal crossings in Yuma have dropped, asylum-seekers still need to sign up on a waiting list to enter the country at an official crossing in San Luiz, Arizona.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has called the managing list a way to determine how many asylum-seekers process their application each day. The shelter estimated that the waiting period is three to four months.
What is it about this impeachment that is so valuable to Democrats that they feel justified risking a flimsy impeachment strategy today, knowing that it could be used against them tomorrow?

Legal scholars and political pundits are justifiably worried about the implications President Trumps impeachment holds for Americas future. Not only will tomorrows presidents be vulnerable to political vendettas, coups to undo election results, and frivolous attacks on policy and ideology by a House mob run amok, but our entire constitutional republic, and the separation of powers and checks and balances on which it is built, are in jeopardy.

The Democrats are certainly motivated by their short-term goals of ousting Trump, disrupting his presidency, and creating chaos for the 2020 elections. But an impeachment on such a shaky foundation does not serve them well in the long-term, especially if the tables should turn and they are sitting in the White House while Republicans control the House.

YouTube screen grab

What makes this entire impeachment risk worth their while is the judiciary. Its their secret sauce.

For decades, the Democrats have had an ideological lock on the judiciary. It has been their failsafe for policy when they are unable to pass desired legislation, promulgate burdensome regulations, or effect change with either a swipe of the Presidents pen or by propaganda delivered through the media, the educational system, and Hollywood.

Then along comes Trump the Indefatigable who has completely changed the complexion of the judiciary in the last three years by appointing 187 federal judges, including two Supreme Court justices. One in four circuit court judges is a Trump appointee and he has flipped the very liberal Second and Third Circuits, (NY, CT, VT and NJ, PA, DE, Virgin Islands, respectively) as well as the Eleventh Circuit (FL, AL, GA). He has strikingly leveled the playing field in the oft-reversed, very progressive 9th Circuit and is one appointment away from equalizing the number of Democrat and Republican-appointed judges in the 1st, 4th, and 10th Circuits.

This is an astounding accomplishment that concomitantly delivers a resounding death blow to the Democrats and (grin) has them quaking in their goose-stepping boots. They know, all too well, the power of the judiciary to influence legislation and drive the culture.

Of the 20 House impeachments against federal officers, three have been against presidents, one each against a Senator and a Cabinet Secretary, but (lightbulb moment) the majority of them have been against 15 federal judges, including Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase.

Short of forcing a resignation, the only path Democrats have to oust Republican-appointed federal judges or Supreme Court Justices is by (ta-da!) impeachment. It is the only way they can unravel what could be decades of distasteful conservative precedent that could put a gun in every pocket, allow people to bake their cakes or pray away the gay, force women into childbirth, separate innocent children from their parents at the border, and combat global warming hysteria. With the entire liberal agenda at stake, whats a little risk for the Democrats especially when they can just switch positions and make up more lies should they ever be on the receiving end of a revenge impeachment.

Crocodile tears, patriotic quotes, and customized writing implements aside, this impeachment has nothing to do with the Constitution and justice, as Wile E. Pelosi and her cast of cartoon characters would have you believe. There are many juicy layers to this impeachment nothingburger. There is the obvious: disrupting the potential for unity among Republicans at the Senate trial and into 2020 as the GOP battles its more moderate RINO elements.

Nestled among the layers is the nifty narrative it gives Democrats for 2020 regardless of who their nominee is -- Democrats can use (and have been using) the impeachment story to raise funds, campaign against Trump, and froth up their base without the distractions and unknown outcome of their volatile nomination process. With an economy firing on all cylinders and a host of foreign policy successes, the Dems are short on ammo to rail against Trump except for their impeachment barbs.

But its the secret judiciary sauce that turns what has become something of an impeachment nothingburger into a real whopper. Although it has definitely been a distraction and a disruption, the impeachment needle hasnt moved much with the country basically divided along party lines. As unlikely as the impeachment seemed last summer and after all of the delays, Trump was indeed impeached, and the trial and removal are in the Senates hands. No doubt, removing Trump and thwarting his re-election are deeply held desires of the Left, but as both are longshots and appear increasingly unlikely, the whopper behind this impeachment is its utility as a weapon of conservative judicial destruction.

This wouldnt be the first time Democrats tested an idea and then used it as a template for future endeavors. After the Left destroyed Robert Borks Supreme Court nomination, borking entered the political lexicon and the Democrat playbook as a way to take out conservative nominees.

The tactics Democrats utilized to turn Colorado blue, were memorialized in Adam Schrager and Rob Witwers The Blueprint: How the Democrats Won Colorado (and Why Republicans EVERYWHERE Should Care) and became the literal blueprint to de-redden states like Nevada, Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, Georgia and Florida. Democrats would carpet bomb targeted campaigns and candidates with outside money, resources, activists, lies, smears, and propaganda. Republicans were largely ineffective at combating these tactics -- they were stuck in the Dark Ages running their campaigns and failed to prepare candidates or stand by them when Democrats did their dirty work.

As a result, blatant lying has become standard fare dished out by Democrats with impunity. Harry Reid lied about Romney failing to pay taxes; Pelosi lied about do me versus do us a favor on the Zelensky call; Schiff brazenly lied about the Zelensky call, mischaracterizing it as a scene from a Mob movie; Eric Swalwell repeatedly lied that the President was a Russian Agent before any investigation had commenced; and Comeys henchmen lied to General Flynn about his need for an attorney at their infamous meeting. These are just a few examples. And there really isnt a downside. If they dont actually torpedo the opposition, at least reputations will be irreversibly soiled.

Even if the President is not removed, the Democrats efforts will not have been in vain. They will use lessons learned and replicate tactics deployed during the Impeachment Wars against conservative judges -- blasting the media with exaggerated and unsubstantiated accusations, defaming the target, enlisting invisible whistleblowers as accusers and allowing prosecutors who are witnesses to lead the way, all while preventing transparency and denying the accused almost every conceivable guarantee of due process allowed under the Constitution.

We cant build an effective counter strategy without acknowledging the secret sauce. Knowing this is in the cards, we need to establish defense funds to help judges who might be targeted. If we retake the House and retain the Senate in 2020, we must enact legislation that will prevent frivolous impeachments (just as we have to prevent frivolous law suits that clog up the federal courts and harm defendants) and the penalty must have enough teeth to serve as an effective deterrent.

The Democrat machine is relentless, and we cannot afford to stick our heads in the sand as we did after we lost Colorado. Trump will only be in office another one to five years, but his appointments will endure for decades, so we must go on offense in order to defend them or the Trump years will have been for naught.
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Software Motor Company (SMC) has completed a $25 million financing round, including a first-time investment by BMW i Ventures. This fundraise will permit SMC to continue accelerating product development efforts and achieve new milestones. SMC intends to raise its final round in summer 2020.

SMC has now raised over $70M since 2014 to advance its mission to provide the world with optimal motor systems. This new investment round will enable SMC to further scale its business designing and deploying the world's most reliable, efficient, and intelligent motor system. Electric motors are ubiquitous in any machine that moves, consuming over 45% of the world's electricity.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with BMW i Ventures, and we see this as more validation of the successes our customers have experienced, and the massive potential of our motor systems to transform how people and enterprises consume energy," said Ryan Morris, Executive Chairman of SMC.

SMC was a natural fit for BMW i Ventures' portfolio.

"Electric motors are a massive, $100B market, and they move our modern world, while consuming over 45% of the world's electricity. So investing in a company that can deliver huge electrical cost savings, while selling motor systems that are lower cost, more reliable, and made from more sustainable materials seems like a no-brainer," said Greg Smithies of BMW i Ventures.

To-date, SMC has primarily focused on transforming the HVAC industry, since the operation of buildings is responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions. SMC is deploying its Smart Motor System with dozens of major retailers, restaurants, and commercial & industrial facilities, where their motor retrofits are driving average energy savings of 64% from their HVAC systems.

If the entire HVAC sector applied this technology and achieved similar performance, it would reduce annual global carbon emissions by 3.2 gigatons, which is the equivalent of 10% of all global emissions from fossil fuels. That would be like adding 10 new Amazon rainforests.

"HVAC retrofit was the first step to drive adoption of our technology. Businesses and governments are seeking new energy efficiencies to address the urgency of the climate crisis and their own environmental goals, as well as just spend less on energy and improve the bottom line. But the applications for our software-defined motor systems are ubiquitous, and we foresee adoption into electric vehicles as clear future markets for SMC," Morris said.

This latest round enables SMC to expand its product line to support a complete breadth of HVAC retrofit motors and bring to market its full-stack Building Operating System (BOS) platform to optimize energy and maintenance through intelligent automation.

"The energy savings from our current implementations have exceeded even our lofty expectations. These new investments will support expansion of motor capacities from 1hp all the way to 30hp, which will make the Smart Motor System compatible with the vast majority of HVAC applications around the world. This has the potential to make SMC an indelible component of all HVAC systems as global demand for air conditioning continues to grow under the simultaneous strains of hotter temperatures and rising energy efficiency standards," Morris said.

SMC has the ability to reduce the energy intensity of the vehicle manufacturing process by retrofitting its demanding HVAC systems. It's not unusual for large manufacturing facilities to consume tens-of-megawatts of power, and a significant portion of that is typically driven directly by HVAC.

"Efficiency and sustainability used to be ethical prerogatives, but now with technologies like SMC they simply make good business sense. The potential cost savings for large manufacturers and industrial companies are massive and cannot be ignored," Smithies said.

Furthermore, Electric Vehicles (EVs) require lower costs and longer ranges to reach ubiquity. SMC's technology enables lower cost motors as well as lowering the cost of the battery for comparable range, thanks to higher efficiency over a wide operating range.

Unlike virtually all EV motor designs today, SMC's software-defined switched reluctance motors do not rely on any permanent magnets or rare earth minerals, leading to a significant reduction in cost and ease of manufacture.

"SMC's unique architecture has the potential to improve the efficiency, cost, and safety of developing electric drivetrains, while reducing dependence on unsustainable rare earth minerals. That is a huge opportunity across all vehicle manufacturers," Smithies said.

About Software Motor Company

Software Motor Company (SMC) has developed the world's most efficient electric motor system, based on revolutionary switched reluctance technology, managed by advanced cloud software. SMC's vision is to eliminate the 25% of global electricity consumption that is wasted by legacy electric motors, thus accelerating the world's transition from fossil fuels and leaving them in the ground where they belong. SMC is based in Sunnyvale, Calif., with offices in San Francisco; Arlington, Wash.; and Kennesaw, Ga. SMC is partnering with dozens of pilot customers and reducing their motor electricity consumption by more than half. SMC is also partnering with agriculture technology company VES to revolutionize the efficiency, environmental impact, and health of animal agriculture. For further information, visit www.softwaremotor.com .

SOURCE Software Motor Company

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(Natural News) The U.S. Food and Drug Administrations main responsibility is ensuring that the food, drugs, cosmetics and other products sold in the country are safe for human health. Unfortunately, there are lots of ways theyre failing the public, especially when it comes to a group of chemicals known as PFAS.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, were found in a recent FDA analysis in multiple levels of the American food supply chain. The group is made up of nearly 5,000 synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s.

Valued for their ability to resist heat, oil and water, theyre used across a broad range of products. For example, they can be found in nonstick cookware, dental floss, firefighting foam, fast food packaging and stain-resistant fabrics and carpets.

These chemicals were recently found in food sources throughout the nation, including in those areas that are known to be contaminated with PFAS. They were found in milk at a New Mexico dairy farm where PFAS made their way into groundwater and leafy greens like kale, cabbage and lettuce grown at a farm downstream from a North Carolina PFAS production plant and sold at a farmers market. They also turned up in 14 out of 91 samples tested of dairy, grains and meat.

Cumulative lifetime exposure cause for concern

While the FDA said the presence of these chemicals in our food supply chain are not likely to be a health concern for the public at the levels detected, many experts beg to differ. One big problem is the fact that PFAS are known as forever chemicals because they build up in your body over time. The FDAs limits fail to take into account the cumulative lifetime exposure people are subjected to when even things like ready-made chocolate cake are contaminated with these chemicals.

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Northwell Health Chief of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Dr. Ken Spaeth said that while weve long known that pretty much every American has these chemicals inside their bodies, he takes issue with the FDAs conclusion that there are no hazards at these levels.

Just what is at stake here in terms of your health? So far, PFAS have been linked to everything from thyroid issues and high blood pressure to reproductive harm, kidney and liver problems, and several types of cancer.

While the EPA set a health advisory for certain PFAS in the form of a lifetime exposure limit of 70 parts per trillion when it comes to drinking water, these non-enforceable limits fail to consider the fact that people are exposed to it through other products as well, such as dairy, meat and fish.

Moreover, independent scientists and other regulators have recommended safe levels be set at more than 200 times below the EPA guideline. One study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Copenhagen suggested the limit be set at just 0.3 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

Molecular Toxicologist Dr. Wendy Heiger-Bernays told Healthline that the FDAs findings illustrate how federal regulations should be set across several agencies. She said there is sufficient evidence to set limits and believes they need to be instituted quickly because the molecules in these forever chemicals cannot be broken down by the bodys enzymes, microorganisms, sunlight, or anything else due to the extremely strong bond between fluorine and carbon.

If so many experts are calling for strict limits to be set, why is the FDA dragging their feet on this? Were talking about chemicals that make their way easily into water, soil, food, dust and air and are putting peoples health at serious risk. When will something be done to protect the public from these dangerous toxins?

Sources for this article include:

EcoWatch.com

EcoWatch.com

EWG.org
Threat of Damaging Strikes Looms Large over Finnish Forest Industries The likelihood of the potentially costly strikes has risen due to an almost complete lack of progress in the collective bargaining talks between the Industrial Union and Finnish Forest Industries. Jan. 21, 2020 (Helsinki Times) - The Finnish Forest Industries has conceded that trade unions are very likely to follow through with their threat to start a two-week strike at sawmills and plywood mills in Finland on Monday, 27 January. The likelihood of the potentially costly strikes has risen due to an almost complete lack of progress in the collective bargaining talks between the Industrial Union and Finnish Forest Industries. Jyrki Hollmen, head of industrial relations at the Finnish Forest Industries, on Monday said the Industrial Union appears to be uninterested in engaging in negotiations and finding common ground. The trade union, he told, is pursuing a co-ordinated agreement for all sectors, not realising that the objective of the negotiations is to establish the terms of employment separately for each sector. Riku Aalto, chairperson of the Industrial Union, shifted the blame to employers. Given that we have managed a single two-hour negotiating session after the strike warning and a number of issues remain unresolved, it may be that the employers estimate of [the likelihood of strikes] is accurate, he retorted on Monday. The Finnish Forest Industries on Monday stated that it continues to engage in talks with the Finnish Paper Workers Union, the representative of employees of pulp, paper and cardboard manufacturers. The negotiations are expected to continue today under the guidance of National Conciliator Vuokko Piekkala. No solution is in sight, and very damaging strikes are threatening the industry. Many issues are still on the table, said Hollmen. The complete story is available at the Helsinki Times website:

 Threat of damaging strikes looms large over Finnish forest industries . SOURCE: Helsinki Times
A company boss who killed an elderly couple when he ploughed into their car while distracted by his sat-nav has been jailed for three months.

Gary Marshall hit William and Brenda Skears's car when he lost control of his Land Rover on a bend in November 2018.

The 61-year-old had been momentarily distracted as he pressed his sat-nav to accept an alternative route on his way home from a client meeting.

He then turned into the path of a Skoda Fabia travelling along the A508 in the village of Roade, Northamptonshire.

William, 89, and his wife Brenda, 85, who were being given a lift home from hospital, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard William and Brenda had been married for 63 years. At the time of the collision, Mr Skears was one month away from his 90th birthday and his wife was three weeks away from her 86th birthday

Marshall, an air conditioning business owner, from Mansfield, admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving at Northampton Crown Court.

On Monday he was jailed for three months despite pleading with a judge a custodial sentence would impact his livelihood.

Sentencing, Judge Adrienne Lucking QC told him: 'You should've been more aware and not allowed yourself to be distracted.'

He was also disqualified from driving for two years and three months and will spend 12 months on licence following his release.

The court heard William and Brenda had been married for 63 years. At the time of the collision, Mr Skears was one month away from his 90th birthday and his wife was three weeks away from her 86th birthday.

As they approached a sharp bend, Marshall's Land Rover came in the opposite direction, crossed into their lane and hit the Skoda side on.

Summarising a statement from their only son Robert Skears, prosecutor Neil Bannister told the court: 'When he was informed of their deaths it felt like his whole world had fallen from beneath him.

'He was very close to them as their only child and lived with them his whole life. They both did a lot around the house while he did the shopping at weekends.

'The distraction of doing more chores helped in the early days after losing both his parents but he did find himself going out more as he wanted to be with people.

'The first few months were surreal as he kept expecting them to come home saying they had lost their memories and had been in a strange hospital but they were back now. But he knows it's not true.

'He's got a lot of adjusting to do and misses them terribly.'

As they approached a sharp bend, Marshall's Land Rover came in the opposite direction, crossed into their lane and hit the Skoda side on

The couple's driver was briefly knocked unconscious following the crash but was unhurt while Marshall, who was also uninjured, stopped at the scene and assisted police.

Tim Pole, defending, said: 'It is the last thing he thinks about when he goes to bed and the first thing he thinks about when he gets up.

'It was a year before he was charged and he's going to be living with the consequences forevermore and I can say he is the sort of man that's not going to simply be able to push this to the back of his mind.

'The reason is fundamentally he is a decent, hard-working family man and is able to think about the impact that his actions had upon others - one must never forget that and he doesn't and is truly sorry.'

William's brother Philip Skears and his wife Bridget said after the case the pair were 'part of' Paulerspury where they lived for most of their lives.

Bridget said: 'You can't explain the pain of it. For the rest of us, things keep catching my eye and I think I've seen them but they're not there.

'You might see a car that's like theirs or in the supermarket where we would sometimes see them.

'It gets harder the longer the time goes on. When you get that phone call that they have both gone you deal with it.'
[January 20, 2020] Growatt Shared the Latest PV Technologies With the Vietnam MOIT Delegation During Their Visit to China, Also Heard Insights From the Chinese Solar Industry

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) led by Nguyen Phuong Mai, Vice Director General of MOIT's Renewable Energy Department visited Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEE) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The delegation discussed the prospect of renewable energy and focused on how to promote solar effectively in Vietnam. Growatt and LONGi, leading manufacturers of the Chinese solar industry joined the meeting and shared the latest PV technologies with the delegation.



Growatt is a global leading PV inverter manufacturer and world's TOP 10 PV inverter supplier according to IHS Markit. Sharing with the delegation at the meeting, Growatt Marketing Director Lisa Zhang pointed out that product quality and reliability is the key to the solar energy development in Vietnam. "As one of the global leading PV inverter manufacturers, Growatt has very advanced fully automatic assembly line and has introduced rigorous QC and QA system to ensure product quality and reliability. Our PV solutions are trusted and by far Growatt inverters have been installed in over 100 countries around the world," said Zhang.

Secretary General of China Renewable Energy Society PV Committee Lyu Fang shared her latest research and analysis on distributed generation. She believed that global key solar markets could reach grid parity in next five years. Lyu predicted that an accumulated installation of 530GW of the DG sector can be achieved by that time. Vietnam has great solar radiation and fantastic opportunity in solar energy development, especially in the Central and the South. Combined with competitive labor costs and good policy support from the government, the Vietnam solar market is attractive to a number of global leading brands from the solar industry. The Vietnam delegation was deeply impressed by the analysis and advanced PV solutions shared by the representatives from Chinese solar industry. Solar energy is one of the key actions we should take to cope with global warming. Companies from the solar industry and governments should work together for a clean and sustainable future. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200119/2696385-1 SOURCE Growatt

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Chinese Vice Premier Liu He shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during a signing ceremony for trade agreement between the US and China in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, January 15, 2020. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images

DAVOS, Switzerland  The U.S.-China phase one deal does not address structural problems in the bilateral trade relationship, a panel of trade experts at the World Economic Forum said Tuesday. After about two years of a tit-for-tat tariffs dispute, the two largest world economies seemed to have calmed the debate last week with the signing of an initial agreement. The deal didn't roll back all tariffs imposed between Washington D.C. and Beijing, but both parties agreed to discuss that during the next round of trade negotiations. However, experts speaking at the WEF said the deal is a "disaster" and simply an "intermediate step" to allow tensions to calm down. "While this deal is great in the sense that it has calmed things, additional tariffs aren't going on, aside from that the deal is essentially a disaster. It doesn't address any of the systemic issues," Chad Bown, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said.

Bown, who served as a senior economist for international trade in the White House, under Obama's leadership, said he is "very worried" about what's in the agreement. China agreed to buy an additional $200 billion in U.S. goods over the next two years, as part of the deal. President Donald Trump, who addressed the Davos forum earlier on Tuesday, said the number of purchases could end up closer to $300 billion. "These are unrealistic numbers, which puts the whole viability of the deal into question," Bown said, adding that the only way to reach these figures is by diverting trade away from other countries, such as soy beans away from Brazil and fish away from Canada. Among the additional purchases of U.S. goods, China has committed to buy at least $40 billion worth of American farming products. However, a leading commodities expert at Goldman Sachs casted doubts over whether China will manage to do that. Speaking to CNBC earlier this month Jeff Currie said "there is still a lot of uncertainty about how you would achieve $40 (billion) or potentially even $50 billion of agricultural purchases." However, most trade experts argue that the most difficult trade negotiations between the U.S. and China have yet to begin. "When we think about the phase one deal it is the easier part of this, you can have Chinese people buying more U.S. goods and somehow the Chinese consumers will have to absorb the 2.4 billion dollars of American nuts and say goodbye to the New Zealand, Australians suppliers but that's the easy part," Jin Keyu, associate professor at the London School of Economics (LSE) said at the WEF panel.
WASHINGTON - Legal filings to the Senate have laid out the arguments that will be made in President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, where he faces two distinct allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

A look at the main points Democrats are making as they argue for Trumps removal from office, and Trumps response as the defence team pushes for his speedy acquittal. The GOP arguments have already raised charges of distortion.

ON ABUSE OF POWER

Democrats say Trump abused the power of his office by urging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a July 25 phone call to announce an investigation of political rival Joe Biden and the Democrats. At the time, Trump was withholding hundreds of millions of dollar in military aid to the country.

The sought-after investigation into Biden, as well as into a baseless theory that Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 presidential election, was a solicitation to interfere in U.S. politics  and served the political interests of the president rather than the national security interests of America, Democrats say,

Trumps lawyers, meanwhile, contend theres no evidence beyond hearsay that the president conditioned the release of aid on Ukraine agreeing to an investigation.

The money was released without any investigations being undertaken  and, they say, Zelenskiy didnt even know it had been suspended until shortly before it was released, even though U.S. officials testified to House investigators that Ukraine had inquired about the delay.

The legal team says that Trump had legitimate concerns about corruption in Ukraine and that it was appropriate for him to bring up Biden on the call since his son Hunter sat on the board of a gas company, Burisma, that was suspected of corruption.

Trump has sought, without evidence, to implicate the Bidens in the kind of corruption that has long plagued Ukraine. Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma at the same time his father was leading the Obama administrations diplomatic dealings with Kyiv. Though the timing raised concerns among anti-corruption advocates, there has been no evidence of wrongdoing by either the former vice-president or his son.

In any event, Trumps lawyers said pauses on foreign aid are neither unusual nor inappropriate, and its a decision that rests squarely with the commander of chief. Presidents have the right to exert their authority without their political opponents second-guessing their motive or intent, they argue.

___

ON OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

The Trump administration obstructed Congress every step of the way during the impeachment investigation, directing witnesses not to testify or turn over documents, according to House Democrats who pointedly note that it is the House  and not the White House  that gets to determine the scope of a such an inquiry.

They say that witnesses who did choose to come forward, either publicly or privately, endured public statements from the president that appeared aimed at discouraging them from co-operating. And multiple government agencies, including the State and Energy departments, followed the lead of the White House and refused to turn over documents.

The Trump legal team says theres nothing novel about the administrations defiance.

The lawyers said close and senior advisers to the president have long been understood to be immune from congressional testimony. On Monday, they pointed to opinions from the Justice Departments Office of Legal Opinion that supported that stance.

The lawyers noted that lawmakers began issuing subpoenas to witnesses even before the full House had formally voted on rules for the impeachment inquiry, something the Justice Department says makes those subpoenas legally unenforceable. Democrats say the House has the sole power of impeachment, so the process cant be second-guessed by the administration.

When White House officials blocked Trumps advisers from testifying or turning over documents, defence lawyers say, they were protecting the prerogative of the presidency  and not obstructing an investigation.

___

ON WHAT CONSTITUTES AN IMPEACHABLE Offence

Democrats say Trumps conduct is precisely what the countrys Founding Fathers had in mind when they created the mechanism to impeach and remove a president from power. Not only that, they described it in a filing as the framers worst nightmare.

The Constitution sets a standard of Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors for impeachment, and according to Democrats, its a flexible enough threshold to reach the full range of potential Presidential misconduct.

Whether the allegations need not amount to crimes is a very significant point of contention. Trumps lawyers state contend that an impeachable offence requires especially egregious conduct that threatens the constitutional order and, specifically, that it requires a violation of established law.

Nothing the president is accused of, they say, comes close to meeting that standard. And removing Trump from office under these facts would dilute the standards of impeachment, permanently weaken the power of the presidency and allow a hostile House to attack almost any presidential action by challenging a Presidents subjective motives.

One member of the presidents legal team, Alan Dershowitz, said in Sunday talk shows that an impeachable offence must amount to criminal-like conduct. Some legal scholars have strongly disputed that stance, and Rep. Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, called it an absurdist position.

Ultimately, its up to the Senate to decide. A two-thirds vote on either charge is required to convict the president and remove him from office.

___

Follow Eric Tucker at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Who said Davos doesnt make a difference? As world leaders, business executives and cheerleaders for the planet descended on the Swiss resort for the annual World Economic Forum, one diplomatic victory was being chalked up on the sidelines: A presidential truce between Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron over Frances plan to tax tech companies, which the U.S. says discriminates against its national champions.

After threats of retaliatory trade tariffs on both sides, Macron took to Twitter to declare a great discussion with Trump that would lead to a good agreement on de-escalation. Trump retweeted that assessment, responding in the affirmative with excellent! But its hard to see much worth celebrating yet.What this truce amounts to isnt exactly clear, for one thing, and its certainly not being trumpeted in the way that Trumps beautiful monster of a phase-one deal with China was last week. Avoiding an escalation of tariffs is obviously a good thing. But Trump has already leveled so many trade threats at France and the European Union  driven by hatred of the trade surpluses they run with the U.S.  that its hard to feel excited at the prospect of one less gun barrel. If Trump actually ends up retracting his specific threat to hit $2.4 billion of French products with tariffs, that still doesnt automatically guarantee protection for Airbus aircraft or German cars.Its also not clear what Macron has gifted Trump in order to get de-escalation onto the agenda. According to the Wall Street Journal, France may have simply offered to pause its tech tax until a worldwide solution is agreed upon by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development  where support from the U.S. is obviously crucial. Thats not as huge a climb down as it initially seems: Paris could feasibly suspend the collection of digital tax payments due in April without scrapping the principle or the structure of its tax, as my Bloomberg News colleagues write elsewhere. But it still looks like Trumps threats have paid off on one level.If the original sin is that todays tech giants  Google parent Alphabet Inc., Facebook Inc., Amazon.com Inc.  arent paying their fair share in tax, we seem to be veering a long way from absolution. Things would be different if Europe could set aside its differences and agree on the fundamental good that a digital tax across its 28 members (soon to be 27) would bring. Brussels estimates global tech firms pay an average tax rate of 9.5%, compared with 23.2% for bricks-and-mortar peers. But the EU is divided on the need to overhaul the data economy, with low-tax jurisdictions like Ireland and the Netherlands resisting a common levy on digital firms.The Trump administration has shown itself adept at exploiting these divisions. Frances move to go it alone with a digital tax was politically popular, but fiscally weak. It is only expected to bring in 500 million euros ($555 million) a year, a digital drop in the ocean of Frances approximately 80 billion-euro deficit. Despite being fundamentally righteous, it allowed Trump to poke the soft underbelly of European unity by training his tariff weapon on Paris  and confronted the Macron administration with the prospect of pain for key exporters. The U.S. trade deficit with France was $16.2 billion in 2018.The pressure is now on to get consensus among more than 135 countries in the OECD-led push for an agreement on how to tax digital profits. Its a solution favored by the likes of Apple Inc.s Tim Cook, which speaks to how companies prefer the predictability of global solutions over patchy national ones. But until such a solution is actually agreed, it will be hard to celebrate this latest Franco-American truce. It has allowed France and Europe to save face by avoiding the reality of a new trade confrontation with Trump as he fights for re-election. It has offered tech firms a way to save money. But it hasnt really saved the world from the threat of more trade wars. Davos cant achieve everything.

Story continues

To contact the author of this story: Lionel Laurent at llaurent2@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.

Lionel Laurent is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Brussels. He previously worked at Reuters and Forbes.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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Chinese officials confirmed Tuesday that six people have died from a pneumonialike coronavirus, while raising the number of confirmed cases of the illness to 300, sparking fears of an outbreak in the country. The virus, which was first confirmed on Dec. 31 in the city of Wuhan, is believed to have been transmitted from animals to humans, but Chinese health officials now say they have evidence that human-to-human transmission is also possible, potentially via saliva. The World Health Organization says the symptoms of the virus are fever, cough, and respiratory difficulties such as shortness of breath, all of which can, in serious cases, lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and, in the most severe cases, death.

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The potential for humans to spread the virus has heightened fears about containing the illness during the Lunar New Year in China, which officially starts this week and annually amounts to one of the largest movements of people in the world as residents pour out of Chinas cities to go home for the holiday. Cases have already been detected beyond Wuhan, a city of 11 million people, with cases confirmed elsewhere in China as well as among people in Japan, South Korea, and Thailand who had traveled to Wuhan. Australia is also currently monitoring its first suspected case. The number of cases in China tripled this week as officials instituted testing in other parts of the country, though the vast majority of instances were in Wuhan.

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Many of the cases were connected to the Huanan Seafood Market, which also sold live poultry and exotic animal meats. Considered a likely source of the virus, the market was closed and disinfected, the New York Times reports. The health commission in Wuhan said on Sunday that the illness had also appeared in people who had not been exposed to the market, raising the possibility that the virus could be present elsewhere in the city. The latest cases have prompted a number of airports to screen passengers traveling from the region, including airports in Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as New Yorks JFK. The WHO announced it has scheduled an emergency meeting Wednesday to assess whether the outbreak now constitutes an international public health emergency.
Photograph: Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade/PA

Iran tried to recruit the British-Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert as a spy for Tehran in exchange for her release, but the overture was furiously rebuffed, letters smuggled out of Evin prison reveal.

Moore-Gilbert, a Cambridge-educated academic specialising in Middle East politics, is currently being held in Ward 2A, an isolated Revolutionary Guard-run wing of Tehrans notorious Evin prison, serving a 10-year sentence for espionage, a charge she, and the Australian government, rejects as entirely false.

In a series of handwritten letters to Iranian authorities seen by the Guardian, Moore-Gilbert alleges her detention is politicised, revealing that last October she was even shown two alternative decisions to her appeal: one for a 13-month sentence (essentially time-served and which would have seen her released), another confirming the original sentence of 10 years.

She writes that she has little money to buy food, is denied phone calls to her family, and that her failing physical and mental condition has seen her repeatedly transferred to hospital.

Moore-Gilbert has categorically rejected overtures to spy for Iran.

Related: Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert begs Scott Morrison to help get her out of Iranian jail

In a letter to her case manager, Moore-Gilbert furiously writes please accept this letter as an official and definitive rejection of your offer to me to work with the intelligence branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Under no circumstances will I be persuaded to change my decision.

I am not a spy. I have never been a spy and I have no interest to work for a spying organisation in any country. When I leave Iran, I want to be a free woman and live a free life, not under the shadow of extortion and threats.

A lecturer in Islamic Studies at Melbourne University, Moore-Gilbert has been imprisoned in Evin prison since September 2018, after she was arrested at Tehran airport while trying to leave the country after attending an academic conference.

Story continues

Moore-Gilbert, who holds both British and Australian citizenship but was travelling on her Australian passport, was arrested by the intelligence arm of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, having been flagged as suspicious by a fellow academic and by a subject she interviewed for her research.

She was tried and convicted in secret last year on charges of espionage and sentenced to 10 years in prison. An appeal against her sentence failed.

In her letters from prison, spanning June 2019 to December 2019, Moore-Gilbert reveals an isolated and precarious existence. She spent months in solitary confinement, confined to a 2mx3m cell where the lights remained on 24 hours a day, and was blindfolded if she was ever moved.

In a letter dated 26 August, Moore-Gilbert begs with prison bosses to be moved from the isolated 2A section of Evin prison, run by the Revolutionary Guard, into the general female section of the prison, as demanded by Iranian law following her sentencing and the rejection of her appeal.

I have been in 2A for almost a year and especially after my verdict, my health has deteriorated significantly. In the past month I have been to the special care at Baghiatallah Hospital twice and the prison infirmary six times.

I think I am in the midst of a serious psychological problem, I can no longer stand the pressures of living in this extremely restrictive detention ward anymore. My situation here is even more difficult due to the ban on having any phone calls with my family. I worry a lot about their reactions to my verdict but I cannot talk to them. This is really inhumane.

In her letters Moore-Gilbert is unerringly polite, thanking officials for their assistance in her case or for returning confiscated books  even apologising for her rudimentary Farsi  but she is adamant her conviction is false.

I am an innocent woman, she wrote to prison chiefs in August, [and] have been imprisoned for a crime I have not committed and for which there is no real evidence.

This is a grave injustice, but unfortunately it is not a surprise to me  from the very beginning [of my arrest] it was clear that there was fabrications and trumped-up accusations. She signed off the letter Professor of Melbourne University and an innocent political prisoner.

Moore-Gilbert argues the capricious nature of her sentence was demonstrated by the fact that in November she was shown two different decisions to her appeal  one for a 13-month sentence (essentially time served and that would have seen her released), another confirming the original sentence of 10 years.

How is it possible that two very different appeal decisions were delivered to 2A detention centre? It is clear that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence is playing an awful game with me. I am an innocent victim.

The Australian foreign minister, Marise Payne, met with her Iranian counterpart, Javad Zarif, on the sidelines of a global leadership conference in India this week. She says she pressed Moore-Gilberts case again with him.

The government has been working extremely hard in relation to the ongoing detention of Kylie Moore-Gilbert, Payne said. We dont accept the charges on which she has been held and are concerned for her protection and the conditions under which she is held.

But the Iranian government has been firm on her conviction and sentence.

A spokesman for Irans foreign ministry, Abbas Mousavi, said last month that Iran will not submit to political games and propaganda in response to media reports of diplomatic pressure.

Moore-Gilbert was detained for violating Irans national security, Mousavi said. Like any other individual with a sentence, [she] will serve her time while enjoying all legal rights.

Moore-Gilberts most immediate concern is with her simple survival in prison. She has repeatedly written to authorities requesting better access to medication, and for money to buy food she can safely eat  she is allergic to much of the prisons food  and personal items. She says she needs about A$70 (US$50) a month to survive.

I am entirely alone in Iran. I have no friends or family here and in addition to all the pain I have endured here, I feel like I am abandoned and forgotten, that after so many times of asking my embassy, I still have no money at all to endure all of this.

Sources with knowledge of Moore-Gilberts case argue the Australian government should be pushing more forcefully to have the academic  if she cant be freed  moved from the isolation of Ward 2A to the general prison population.

But diplomatic progress on Moore-Gilberts case is complicated by the intense external and internal pressure the Iranian government faces at present, labouring under sanctions and with its relations with the west under acute strain.

Iran responded to the US assassination of its most powerful general, Qassem Suleimani, with missile strikes on US bases in Iraq earlier this month.

But in the hours after the strikes, on-alert Revolutionary Guards accidentally shot down a passenger plane in Tehran, killing 176 civilians, and sparking mass anti-government protests in the capital.

Related: Iran says jailed Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert must serve out her sentence

Australia has historically had a more resilient relationship with Iran than most of its western allies, but it is increasingly seen in Tehran through the prism of its staunch allegiance to the US. Canberra has, for now, fewer levers of influence to pull with Tehran.

Australia last week sent the warship HMAS Toowoomba to the Middle East as a contribution to the US-led coalition protecting oil tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz, on Irans southern border.

Iran also wants to force western militaries from neighbouring Iraq  over which it seeks to impose greater influence  and Australias continued troop commitment to the US coalition there is a further complication in the relationship.

The Iranian citizen Negar Ghodskani, held in an Adelaide prison for two years on allegations of sanctions busting while she fought extradition to the US, was ultimately sent to America last year  to Iranian displeasure  where a judge sentenced her to time served and ordered her released. Ghodskani has since returned to Iran.

Two other Australians  the travel bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin  held for allegedly flying a drone near a military base in Tehran were released in October reportedly as part of an unacknowledged prisoner swap for the Iranian doctoral student Reza Dehbashi Kivi, who was imprisoned in Brisbane on sanctions-busting charges.

There are other Iranians in Australian custody on similar charges, but Canberra is anxious to avoid the impression of straight prisoner swaps. Tehran is less concerned about the optics of prisoner exchanges.

Up to five people with dual British-Iranian nationality, or with UK connections, are believed to be held in prisons in Iran, including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anousheh Ashoori, also in Evin, and sentenced to five and 12 years in prison respectively. Families of detained Britons have said they are being held as collateral and that the heightened tensions have made it harder to secure their release.
A core module prototype of China's space station and a prototype of China's new-generation manned spacecraft arrived at the launch site in south China's Hainan Province after a week of ocean and rail transport, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) announced Monday.

The core module will take part in joint rehearsals with the Long March-5B carrier rocket at the Wenchang Space Launch Center while the new manned spacecraft will be launched by the rocket's maiden flight in the first half of this year.

This means the building of China's space station in space will begin soon, the CMSEO said.

The core module, named Tianhe (harmony of the heavens), will function as the command and control center of the space station. It is 16.6 meters long with a diameter of 4.2 meters and a takeoff weight of 22.5 tonnes.

As the largest spacecraft ever developed by China, Tianhe will accommodate three astronauts and serve as a space laboratory to carry out scientific research and technological verifications, the CMSEO said.

The new-generation manned spacecraft is 8.8 meters long and has a takeoff weight of 21.6 tonnes. It will be used for transporting crew to the space station and to conduct China's future manned lunar missions.

China is scheduled to complete the construction of the space station around 2022.

The Long March-5B rocket is scheduled to arrive at the launch site in early February, the CMSEO said.
The New York state tax department would stop sending STAR tax relief checks to people who dont pay their property taxes under the state budget proposed Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomos budget would require local governments to report tax delinquents to the tax department so STAR benefits can be withheld.

Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard exposed the flaw in a November story. Andrew Morris, executive deputy commissioner for the tax department, said during an Assembly hearing last week that there is nothing in the current law that would allow the tax department to deny a check to anyone.

Its another problem in the 22-year history of STAR, the school tax relief program that primarily uses statewide income tax collection to lessen the burden of local property taxes.

Just before school taxes are due, the state sends a check to homeowners. Its an advance credit on their state income taxes. The state does not look up whether a homeowners school property taxes are up to date before mailing the check.

Instead, state law gives the department the ability to audit homeowners after the checks go out.

Cuomo has also proposed a change that would move more homeowners to the states STAR program, an income tax credit, rather than the old local government program, an exemption on school property taxes. This years proposal would require homeowners with annual incomes between $200,000 and $500,000 to shift to the state program. The current law requires people who make between $250,000 and $500,000 to use the state program.

Read more budget news: Cuomo wants to add 5 days to NYS Fair

Check back with syracuse.com for more details about the proposed New York state budget.

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Tree-planting must be ramped up on a huge scale to help the UK effectively cancel out its carbon emissions and tackle wildlife losses, conservationists have told the government.

The Woodland Trust has published an emergency tree plan urging ministers to more than double rates of planting, protect what Britain already has and work to prevent plant diseases.

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each need to set new annual targets that will put the UK as a whole on track to have almost one-fifth (19 per cent) of its land covered by trees and woodland by 2050, the trust says.

Councils also need to create similar plans to identify land for trees and set annual expansion targets, while protecting existing trees in their areas, it added.

The Woodland Trust also said all new housebuilding developments must have one-third of their land covered with canopy, by retaining mature trees and planting native, UK-sourced species.

Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Show all 6 1 /6 Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Fighting climate change with trees: The facts The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts The Independent / Getty Fighting climate change with trees: The facts The Independent / Getty

Woodland stores large amounts of carbon, and studies suggest older forests absorb more carbon than younger ones.

The governments advisory Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has said up to 19 per cent of the country needs to be covered with trees by 2050 to help meet targets to absorb enough greenhouse gases for the UK to become carbon-neutral.

The UK has only 13 per cent tree cover, one of the lowest levels in Europe, which averages 37 per cent. Only about half of that is native woodland.

The CCC advice would require an extra 1.5 million total hectares (3.7 million acres) of woodland, or 1.5 billion trees in all, which would mean at least 30,000 hectares being planted every year.

But the Woodland Trust has gone even further, arguing for an increase from the 13,390 hectares planted in 2018-19 across the UK, to about 35,000 hectares a year up to 2025, and then even bigger increases to meet the 2050 goal.

Its plan includes financial support for landowners to provide natural regeneration.

Most new trees should be native species such as oak, which wildlife depends on, to help tackle both the climate and nature crises, the trust said.

Recommended 11 million new trees to be planted in England by water companies

Last summer the UK became the first major economy to commit to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 even though environmental experts had warned that target was too late to avert disastrous changes.

And before the election, all the big political parties rushed to back an increase in tree planting, while the government said it planned to increase planting rates to 30,000 hectares a year, meeting the CCC advice.

But Labour dropped a radical plan to reach net-zero carbon dioxide by 2030, revising its target to well before 2050.

The government came under fire when it handed only 30m in a spending round to accelerate progress on decarbonisation projects next year. Friends of the Earth said the sum was just 0.1 per cent of what was required, and completely undermined the UKs commitment to cut greenhouse gases to zero overall by 2050.

A separate government-commissioned report warned the UK would have to invest billions of pounds every year in greenhouse gas removal and conversion of swathes of land into forests.

The Woodland Trust now says an emergency increase in public investment is needed for the project.

Recommended Gove criticised after blaming EU for government missing trees target

Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of the trust, said the picture had never been bleaker, with planting rates the lowest in decades, one in 10 wildlife and plant species at risk of extinction, and disease threatening to wipe out millions of trees.

Weve seen a lot of talk about trees and that is welcome, but weve yet to see the action that is required.

Weve left ourselves a phenomenal amount to do in a very short space of time. The moment of crisis has come and action needs to be taken this year, he said

Government needs bold policies and local authorities and landowners need the support to act swiftly and of a scale to expand tree cover across the UK, he said.

A Defra spokesperson said: We are proud of our record on woodland creation but we know there is still more we can do.

Our crystal clear commitment to increase woodland cover and tree planting remains at the heart of our ambitious environmental programme.

We plan to increase tree planting rates up to 30,000 hectares per year, across the UK, by 2025  working closely with devolved authorities, communities and landowners to make this happen.

At the weekend Boris Johnson was accused of making unrealistic promises about a key climate summit the UK is hosting this year, by pledging to pile pressure on the whole world to agree enforceable limits on carbon emissions.

Nottingham has declared its intention to become the UKs first carbon-neutral city  by 2028, involving transforming transport, energy use, waste management and housing.

Additional reporting by PA
BJP Rajya Sabha member Birender Singhs resignation has been accepted, a government notification said. He was representing Haryana.

Then a Union minister, Singh had offered to resign in April last year when his son Brijendra Singh got a ticket from Hisar. He had written to then party chief Amit Shah and stated that his decision was to uphold the BJPs stand that it is against dynastic rule, something the BJP uses against parties such as the Congress, NCP, and RJD. Holding a press conference, he had then declared the purpose was to send across a message of anti-dynastic politics as his son had got a Lok Sabha ticket.

In November, he finally resigned from the Upper House of Parliament. At that time, after resignation, he had said, I took this step as I did not want people to raise a finger at my family or accuse me of promoting nepotism. I was elected to the Upper House in 2016 for a six-year term and still had more than three years left.

Now, his resignation has been formally accepted.

Interestingly, Birender Singh does not share warm relations with Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala of the Jannayak Janata Party, who is also an ally of the BJP in the state. His public outbursts against Chautala are believed to be the reason his resignation was finally accepted so that the BJP can disassociate itself from his attacks on the BJP ally.
Move is criticised as there are fewer than 400 Sanskrit speakers in the state compared with about 400,000 Urdu speakers.

The names of railway stations written in the Urdu language on platforms will be replaced with Sanskrit in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand  a move critics say is part of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) attack on Muslim cultural heritage.

The decision by Indias railway ministry has faced criticism from the opposition, as there are fewer than 400 Sanskrit speakers in the Himalayan state of 10 million people, while the number of Urdu speakers exceeds 400,000.

Changing the name is a process bound to happen. As per the rule, second language has to be displayed on the signage, and in our case, it is Sanskrit, Beena Bhatt, the director of the Uttarakhand governments Department of Culture, told Al Jazeera.

I understand we have fever number of Sanskrit language speakers as compared with Urdu, but the state adopted Sanskrit as the second official language in 2010. So it has to be Sanskrit on the boards and not Urdu, she said.

Indian railway officials on Sunday announced that the signboards of all railway platforms which have names of railway stations written in Hindi, English and Urdu will now be written in Hindi, English and Sanskrit.

Deepak Kumar, the chief public relations officer of Northern Railway, said the decision had been taken as per provisions of the railway manual, which says that names of the railway stations should be written in Hindi, English and in the second language of the state.

Uttarakhand was earlier part of Uttar Pradesh (UP) state where Urdu still remains the second language.

According to 2011 census data, the exact number of Sanskrit speakers in the state is 386, which includes 282 males and 104 females, while Urdu speakers are more than four percent of the population at 425,752 persons.

Unfortunate

The Opposition Congress party in the state termed the decision unfortunate.

It is very unfortunate and should be condemned by all. Why there is hate against a particular language? asked Pritam Singh, President Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee.

Congress party condemns it. We will oppose any such decision, we will impress on the state government to keep Urdu as well on the signage, Singh told Al Jazeera.

These are the deliberate controversies being created by the BJP government, he added.

In October 2018, the BJP government in neighbouring UP state renamed the cities of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya, saying it was correcting wrongs made by Mughal rulers during the medieval period.

Last week, the Supreme Court sent a notice to the state government after the name change was challenged in the top court.

In the same year in August, the UP government renamed the iconic Mughalsarai railway station near Varanasi  the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi  to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya station.

Many other BJP-ruled states have plans to change names of landmarks and cities bearing Muslim names as part of their cultural nationalism.

There have already been calls to change the name of Agra, where the famous Taj Mahal is located, to Agravan, or Agrawal and Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat state, to Karnavati.

Attempts to distort history

The BJP has also been accused of attempting to distort history by either removing or rewriting the Islamic past and Muslims contribution to nation building.

In 2017, the then BJP government in Rajasthan state revised history in the Class X social science book, where Hindu ruler Maharana Pratap is shown as the victor against Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th-century Battle of Haldighati. However, the battle ended inconclusively.

Similarly, the Maharashtra state government expunged portions from the Class VII textbook about the history of Mughals and the Muslim rulers in the state.

Professor Chandan Gowda, who teaches sociology at the private university Azim Premji in the southern city of Bengaluru, said the BJP is hell-bent on Hinduising India.

I am actually shocked to see this. How are these Sanskrit signs going to help when you have so few speakers in the state? he said.

This government started with changing Mughal names or Muslim-sounding names, now they are going after the language, it is highly unfortunate, he told Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, an Uttarakhand BJP spokesperson has defended the move, saying it is a railway rule to use second language on the signage.

We are not against Urdu. Everything should not been seen in [a] Hindu-Muslim prism, said Vindesh Bisht.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) walks with security as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump resumes on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump's impeachment trial is set to convene Tuesday afternoon in the Senate, with Republicans and Democrats expected to clash over the rules and a possible motion to dismiss.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., are set to speak on the Senate floor before senators convene at 1 p.m. ET for the trial, over which Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is presiding.

McConnell on Monday released an outline of the trial rules that largely resemble former President Bill Clinton's 1998 impeachment trial. But the rules in Trump's trial depart from Clinton's in key sections  most notably in the time constraints placed on both sides to state their cases  and Democrats have been quick to cry foul.

McConnell is "hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through," Schumer said in a statement late Monday. "On something as important as impeachment, Senator McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace."

Democratic leaders, including Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have pushed for assurances in the trial since Trump's Dec. 18 impeachment in the House on articles of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, both related to his dealings with Ukraine. Pelosi refused to hand the articles over to the Senate for weeks, relenting only after committees in the House received a cache of additional information from Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani. Parnas is facing campaign finance charges in federal court.

While Democrats have said they didn't want to stick to Clinton's precedent  for example, Schumer had unsuccessfully pressed McConnell to grant certain witnesses ahead of the trial  they nonetheless accused Republicans of attempting a "cover-up" with their rules for Trump.

McConnell, who has said he wants a speedy acquittal for Trump and has openly said his office was coordinating with the White House, put forward a resolution allowing just two days for House managers and Trump's defense team to debate, with 24 hours of total debate time allotted for each side.

As with Clinton's trial, McConnell's resolution allows senators to vote on witness testimony during the trial itself. But it also requires a specific vote in the majority-Republican chamber to consider evidence brought over from the House.

The White House might also try to dismiss the trial outright in a motion on the Senate floor. While only a simple 51-vote majority is required to pass that motion, a handful of the 53 Republicans in the chamber have suggested they would not vote to do so.

Still, it is highly unlikely that two-thirds of the Senate will vote to convict and remove a Republican president. Trump is just the third U.S. president ever to be impeached, and no Senate Republicans have said they will vote to convict.

The president has denied wrongdoing.

Senate Democrats are expected to put forth a suite of amendments Tuesday in a bid to change the rules of the trial.

While the impeachment process has been bitterly partisan from the beginning, don't expect many fiery speeches from the 100 senators listening to the debate: They are required to remain silent "on pain of imprisonment."

Pelosi selected seven House Democrats to serve as impeachment managers in Trump's trial. The group, which includes Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Florida Rep. Val Demings, will lay out the evidence that House investigators have collected and make their arguments for voting Trump out of office.

Trump's defense team, meanwhile, has recently grown to include former Clinton impeachment investigator Ken Starr and Alan Dershowitz, who previously represented child sex predator Jeffrey Epstein and O.J. Simpson. A group of House Republicans has also been selected to act on the president's behalf as hype men in the media and provide guidance.

The group includes Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., Judiciary Committee ranking member Doug Collins, R-Ga., and Oversight Committee ranking member Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Bennett TWEET

All of those members are Trump loyalists who have been loudly critical of the House's impeachment efforts. The chamber voted nearly along party lines to impeach Trump following investigation into his efforts to have Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announce probes involving former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, as well as a debunked conspiracy theory about the 2016 election.

Hours before the Senate proceedings, Trump on Tuesday pushed an "America First" message in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, just days after the U.S. signed a "phase one" trade deal with Beijing.

"Today I urge other nations to follow our example and liberate your citizens from the crushing weight of bureaucracy," Trump said. "With that, you have to run your own countries the way you want."
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.
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- An evening with Mitch Albom speaking at Magnificat High School in Rocky River was a curious combination of extreme sadness as well as inspiration. The evening was sponsored by the Smiles For Sophie Forever Foundation.

Albom spoke to a full house in the schools auditorium Jan. 8 to promote his new book, Finding Chika. The author is well known for his blockbuster book and movie, Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man and lifes greatest lesson. He also wrote, Five People You Meet in Heaven and five other books that, in total, account for more than 40 million books sold in 47 languages.

Albom is a man of depth and soulfulness as he delivers both good news and bad news. This time, it was the story of him and his wife, Janine, and their adoption of a failing orphanage in Haiti after the terrible earthquake there in 2010. The orphanage sheltered more than 40 children and is now called Have Faith Orphanage.

There, he met a little girl, Chika, which became a life-changing experience for the Albom family. Chika was both bold and curious, he said. And she also had a life-threatening brain tumor.

The Alboms, both in their 50s and with no children of their own, brought Chika into their home outside Detroit, hoping to get her the best-of-the-best American medical care that might cure her. For two years, they journeyed around the world trying to save her life.

Like Chika, Sophie Quayle had the same type of brain tumor. She was 3 years old when she was diagnosed. She was the daughter of Avon Lake residents Marc and Emily Quayle.

Sophie died in less than eight months after her diagnosis. Chika Jeune died, as well.

As the Alboms reached out to try to make a difference with children who are diagnosed with the deadly brain tumors, the Quayles founded Smiles For Sophie Forever in 2008. The organization put together The Smiles For Sophie Forever 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk that is now held annually on Sophies birthday, July 4, at Walker Road Park in Avon Lake.

The annual birthday bash and dash raised more than $50,000 from 890 race registrants in just the first year. The Quayles could hardly believe the results.

Since 2008, they have now provided grants worth more than $1.2 million to support the mission to provide the financial and emotional support to families burdened by pediatric brain tumors.

The non-profit has award $881,000 directly to children with brain cancer, $157,000 to fund research and almost $209,000 to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Emily Quayle, who belies her sorrow, leaves her uplifting and hopeful message to all wherever she goes.

For those of you who havent been able to join us in years past, please consider making (the July 4) event part of your 4th of July activities by joining us this year and in the years to come," she said.

"It is only with your continued support and dedication that the foundations mission of raising awareness, funds and helping other families afflicted will be realized.

For more information, visit www.smilesforsophieforever.org.

Albom left the Magnificat audience with a similar message that only a dying child can truly deliver to the world. He hoped the audience would be moved by Chikas courage, enlightened by her journey, inspired by her humanity and empowered to help ease the suffering of children worldwide.

Read more from the West Shore Sun.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, we are living in the United States of Propaganda.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People around the world are worried about the increasing spread of a seemingly unknown virus in China and now health organisations have also come forward to express the same.



China has now officially confirmed human-to-human transmission in the outbreak of the new SARS-like virus as the number of cases soared. Chinese authorities quoted by news agency AFP said on Tuesday that a fourth person had died due to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, India has also issued fresh instructions with regards to the outbreak and has sent guidelines to Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other international airports. These guidelines are aimed to screen travellers for Corona virus. All those who are travelling from China to India will be screened using thermal scanners, sources said. Ministry has also advised citizens travellers to take precautions in order to avoid exposure to virus.



The news came as the World Health Organization said it would consider declaring an international public health emergency over the outbreak.

The coronavirus, which has spread to three other Asian countries and infected more than 200 people in China, has caused alarm because of its genetic similarities to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

An expert panel known as a emergency committee will meet Wednesday to advise @WHO whether the #nCoV2019 outbreak constitutes a global health risk. https://t.co/K81BqPc9tN  Helen Branswell (@HelenBranswell) January 20, 2020

#UPDATE China confirms human-to-human transmission of new SARS-like virus.



As number of cases soars World Health Organization says it will consider declaring an international public health emergencyhttps://t.co/BayMZZPIe6 pic.twitter.com/T8LDNfLhkh  AFP news agency (@AFP) January 21, 2020

The discovery of human-to-human transmission comes as hundreds of millions of people are criss-crossing the country in packed buses, trains and planes this week to celebrate the Lunar New Year with relatives.

Enhanced screening measures including fever checks have been set up at airports in Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and the United States, with particular attention on arrivals from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Health authorities there, where a seafood market has been identified as the centre of the outbreak, said Tuesday that an 89-year-old man became the fourth person to die from the virus and that 15 medical staff had been infected.

A second case was also confirmed in Shanghai on Tuesday, while five people have been diagnosed with the illness in Beijing. The virus has also reached Japan, Thailand and South Korea, with four people hospitalised after visiting Wuhan.

After much inertia, China has confirmed that previously declared pneumonia sickness is now a new form of coronavirus outbreak. Further, more cities have confirmed cases, the virus can be transmitted by humans and medical professionals have been infected. pic.twitter.com/VP91thncLO  Edwin Kwan (@edwinkwan11) January 20, 2020

A man showing symptoms of the disease who had travelled to the Chinese city has been put in isolation in Australia as health officials await test results, authorities said.

Zhong Nanshan, a renowned scientist at China's national health commission, confirmed that the virus was being transmitted between humans, state media reported late Monday.

The WHO had previously identified animals as the likely primary source, but had warned of "some limited human-to-human transmission". It said a key emergency committee would meet Wednesday to determine whether to declare an international public health emergency.

BREAKING NEWS: This is not a scene from some apocalyptic horror movie, this is a #coronavirus outbreak in China. The SARS like virus has already spread to four countries and infected more than 1700 people. US airports are monitored. Be on alert, stay safe! pic.twitter.com/PIc7NYvsGO  Max Howroute (@howroute) January 20, 2020

The agency has only used the rare label a handful of times, including during the H1N1 -- or swine flu -- pandemic of 2009 and the Ebola epidemic that devastated parts of West Africa from 2014 to 2016.

The number of people hit by the new coronavirus is expected to rise, especially with increased monitoring and testing for the disease.

China confirms human to human transmission of deadly virus https://t.co/9a2RQVvVAi  The Independent (@Independent) January 20, 2020

Doctors at the University of Hong Kong released a study on Tuesday estimating that there have been 1,343 cases of the new virus in Wuhan. Scientists at Imperial College in London said last week the number was likely closer to 1,700.

With AFP Inputs/Images
: cellcycle (vacoule), : USANews

 : trial 

: BBS  (Mon Jan 20 19:48:24 2020, )



Jenna Ellis: Trump impeachment trial C Here are four legal problems House

Democrats have to face



Here are the four legal problems the presidents brief reveals that House

Democrats have:



1. The Substance Problem  The Articles dont identify any impeachable

offense or even any crime



Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution clearly and intentionally

limits impeachment to instances of treason, bribery, or other high crimes

and misdemeanors. The two articles of impeachment do not allege any

conduct that fits within that constitutional definition, or even any crime

whatsoever. Abuse of power and obstruction of Congress are vague

allegations and a newly invented theory from the Democrats  not an

allegation that is a violation of any actual law.



2. The Process Problem  The Impeachment inquiry was irredeemably flawed



House Democrats violated all precedent and due process while conducting

their impeachment inquiry and their goal was never to ascertain the truth.

Certain constitutional protections, including due process, are afforded to

every defendant and the context of an impeachment and a trial is no

different legally in terms of constitutional protections.



3. The Evidence Problem  House Democrats have no evidence to support their

claims



The evidence in the House record shows President Trump didnt condition

security assistance or a presidential meeting on announcement of any

investigations. Further, witnesses only provided their beliefs,

interpretation, and speculation, and most were not even directly

knowledgable of the July 25 call. The two people actually on the call

President Trump and Ukraine President Zelenskyboth have affirmed there was

no pressure or condition. In fact, Ukraine wasnt even aware the aid was

temporarily held, which was entirely unrelated to the phone call.



4. The Structure Problem  The Articles are structurally deficient and can

only result in acquittal.



In law, there is a prohibition against a charge that is duplicitous

that is, if it charges two or more acts or offenses in the same count.

--

 :WWW  mitbbs.com [FROM: 68.]


Amidst strong opposition by some non-BJP ruled states, the Centre on Tuesday made it clear that the disclosure of information in the National Population Register (NPR) exercise is not mandatory but voluntary.

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the NPR was first initiated by the Congress-led UPA in 2010 and it was a constitutional obligation.

"Disclosure of information in NPR is voluntary only," he told reporters here.

Reddy said since NPR is a constitutional obligation, state governments should not oppose it.

He said the states were constitutionally bound to undertake NPR exercise, which had already been notified by the Centre and renotified by all the states.

The minister also said the central government will keep sensitising states about various aspects of the NPR exercise that will be carried out along with the house listing phase of the Census 2021 from April 1 to September 30, 2020.

Reddy pointed out that the Telangana government had in 2014 conducted an integrated household exercise, Samagra Kutumba survey, and sought far more intrusive information from residents of the state, including their bank account details, medical history etc, but no questions were raised.

"No questions were raised then by politicians like (Asaduddin) Owaisi. This shows that the opposition to NPR is largely politically-motivated," he said.

A few state governments have declared that they will not participate in the NPR exercise, saying it is prelude to a countrywide National Register of Citizens (NRC).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to her counterparts in the northeast and non-BJP states to carefully study the NPR form, its questions and criteria before taking a decision on updating it.

Dubbing the exercise as "a dangerous game", Banerjee said the form, which seeks birth details and residential proof of parents, was nothing but a precursor to NRC.

The Kerala government has announced that it will implement the census exercise but will not cooperate with the NPR.

At a recent special cabinet meeting of the Kerala government chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, it was decided to communicate to the Registrar General of India (RGI) and Census Commissioner about the state's opposition to the NPR.

"As the NPR is a process that leads to the NRC, there is a sense of fear among the people. If the NPR and NRC are implemented in Kerala, it will lead to widespread anarchy. That is the experience of the state where the NRC was implemented,'' said a statement released by the Kerala Chief Minister's Office.

At a meeting of about 20 opposition parties led by Congress president Sonia Gandhi a fortnight ago, it was decided to urge all chief ministers who have announced that they will not implement the NRC in their states to also consider suspending the NPR enumeration "as this will be a prelude to the NRC".

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.

For the purposes of the NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for past six months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months.

The data for NPR was last collected in 2010 along with the house listing phase of the Census 2011. The data was updated in 2015 by conducting door to door survey. The government had then asked details like Aadhaar and mobile number of residents.

This time, the information related to their driving licence and voter ID card may also be gathered. PAN card details will not be collected as part of this exercise.

The law compulsorily seeks to register every citizen of India and issue a national identity card. Assam has been excluded from the NPR because the NRC 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, marital status, spouse's name (if married), sex, date and 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.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its easy to get used to the natural beauty that surrounds you. While a traveler from a landlocked state might stop dead in his tracks to marv
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 17:39:50|Editor: mingmei

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A concert of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, hosted by the Romanian Athenaeum, is held in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Jan. 20, 2020, as part of a series of cultural events to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

by Marcela Ganea

BUCHAREST, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- A concert of the China Philharmonic Orchestra, hosted by the Romanian Athenaeum, wowed an audience here on Monday evening as part of a series of cultural events to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

For two hours, the orchestra, led by Chinese pianist Wang Yalun, bamboo flute player Wei Sijun as well as Romanian pan flute player Gheorghe Zamfir, charmed the audience with their considerable virtuosity.

At the start of the concert, Chinese Ambassador to Romania Jiang Yu highlighted the significance of the Chinese Spring Festival, or lunar new year.

Some 800 people enjoyed the performance at the concert hall decorated with Chinese lanterns. Among the audience were musicians, experts of think-tanks, academics as well as foreign diplomats and ambassadors in Bucharest.

Lorica Ivaner, a retired teacher, was dressed in red as is traditional for the Chinese New Year. This marks the fourth time she is visiting such a concert, and she remembered perfectly all the details from last year's concert.

Adriana Radulescu, a lawyer, said that she would never miss an opportunity to go to China-themed events because she admires China a lot.

"I know China and I admire both its old civilization and what China is doing at present," she said, adding that "China has a culture of work, the ambition to achieve outstanding things and to create something for mankind. They (the Chinese) are very hard-working."

Andrei Licaret, a famous Romanian pianist, came for the first time to the concert. He has worked with Chinese musicians in Romania many times.

The concert included Bela Bartok's Romanian Folk Dances, Concerto for Bamboo Flute and Orchestra by Guo Wenjing, Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, Alexander Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor and the Forest Dance by Gheorghe Zamfir.

Long Yu, the conductor, expressed his happiness to perform in Romania. "We are all very happy to be in Romania today... We are also happy to have the chance to learn about Romanian music."

The entire concert was a great success and received thunderous applause in the end. There was even an encore.
Korean Re has completed the establishment of a branch office in Shanghai as the company received final approval from the authorities of the Peoples Republic of China on Dec. 27, 2019.

The new office in Shanghai will be Korean Res second representation in China, after its Beijing liaison office, which was launched in 1997. While the office in Beijing has been focused on market research and support functions, the office in Shanghai will be the center for real business activities in the country, said Korean Re in a statement.

Korean Res Beijing office is part of its strategic initiative to strengthen [its] presence in China to capitalize on the countrys rapidly growing insurance market, the company said.

The Shanghai branch will help us build a robust foundation for stronger presence in this giant market of China, explained CEO Jong-Gyu Won.

As the worlds second-largest insurance market and the biggest market in the Asia Pacific region, China has plenty of opportunities for further growth, generating US$570 billion in gross written premiums in 2018, which was up 3.92% from 2017, accounting for 11.6% of the total global production.

Currently, Korean Re said, reinsurers such as Hannover Re, RGA and Gen Re as well as many global insurers have local businesses in Shanghai, Chinas financial hub. Korean Re said this is why it expects that the Shanghai operation will bring increased access to the countrys vast pool of quality contracts.

Along with its presence in Shanghai, Korean Re will have 11 offshore representations around the globe: four branches, three legal vehicles and four liaison offices.

Going global has been one of the key priorities for the companys CEO since he took office in 2013. After the successful launch of a legal entity at Lloyds in the U.K. (2015), a branch office in Labuan, Malaysia (2017), a branch in Dubai (2018), a reinsurance subsidiary in Zurich (2019), Korean Re is now preparing to open a liaison office in Bogota, Columbia to expand into Latin America and the Caribbean region in 2020.

Source: Korean Re

Topics China
The president has been crying 'witch hunt' for several years: Getty

Donald Trump has raged about the alleged unfairness of the impeachment process confronting him, as his lawyers have urged the Senate to swiftly reject the charges.

Less than a day before the upper chamber of congress convenes for only the third time in history to consider impeachment charges against a president, Mr Trump blasted Democrats for having overseen a process he said was skewed against him.

Cryin Chuck Schumer is now asking for fairness, when he and the Democrat house members worked together to make sure I got ZERO fairness in the house, he tweeted. So, what else is new?

The presidents comments on Twitter came as his lawyers urged senators to reject the two articles of impeachment that were approved by the House of Representatives, and sent up for trial  one of abuse of power, and one of obstruction of justice. In a 110-page document filed before a noon deadline, his lawyers claimed the president had done nothing wrong, that the case against him involved a twisting of the constitution, and that it was part of a broader illegitimate partisan effort to take him down by Democrats.

Later, the Republican leader in the Senate Mitch McConnell, proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening arguments. It also pushed off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats demanded.

The case against Mr Trump was triggered after revelations emerged last autumn from a member of the US intelligence community that the president had on a 25 July phone call with the leader of Ukraine, improperly asked him to launch an anti-corruption probe into Democrat Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

The former vice president is among a handful of Democrats vying to take on Mr Trump later this year.

It was alleged that in exchange for Kievs launching of such a probe, the White House would invite the newly elected Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington DC, and lift the freeze on around $400m in military aid that had been assigned by congress to help Ukraine bolster its defences against Russia, amid long-running hostilities.

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After the House voted almost strictly on party lines to approve the two articles  the lower chamber voted 230-197 on abuse of power, and 229-198 on obstruction of congress  the drama was expected to move swiftly to the Senate, where Republicans hold a majority and the president would expect to be acquitted.

But in a sharp display of political manoeuvring, house speaker Nancy Pelosi delayed sending the articles to the Senate, claiming Republican leader Mitch McConnell had made clear he would not permit a fair trial, and dismissed efforts by Democrats to call witnesses.

Even at this stage, many of the details of how the process will play out remain unclear, and late on Monday, Democrats assigned by Ms Pelosi to oversee the prosecution of the case against Mr Trump, were still in discussions with Republicans in the Senate.

Before senators from either side make any progress in making the case against the president or seeking to dismiss it, the Senate will have to vote on a resolution to govern the hearings. Late on Monday, Mr McConnell proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening arguments, and sought to claim witnesses would only be permitted if there was a separate vote. Democrats termed his proposal a cover-up.

Republicans control the chamber 53  47, so Mr McConnell can expect considerable leverage in setting the terms. In recent days, he and other party lawyers from both sides have been studying the way the Senate handled the 1999 case against Bill Clinton.

On that occasion, when Democrats controlled the chamber, a total of three witnesses, including former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, gave video depositions, excerpts of which were played. No live witness testimony was permitted in the chamber.

The Senate could vote for witnesses with just a simple majority. As a result, Democrats could need to persuade just four Republican senators  they are targeting the likes of Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski  to hear from them.

On Monday, The New York Times pointed out Mr Trumps legal team did not deny he pressured Ukraine to announce investigations into Mr Biden. Yet they claimed he had the authority to conduct relations with other countries as he wished.

After Mr Trumps lawyers filed their legal brief, Democrats in the House responded.

They wrote: President Trump maintains that the Senate cannot remove him even if the house proves every claim in the articles of impeachment. That is a chilling assertion. It is also dead wrong.

Read more

Trump legal teams impeachment defence dismissed as absurd

Trumps legal team brands impeachment charges against him unlawful

Trump must be removed from office to safeguard 2020 election

Theyre trying to impeach the son of a b****: Trump jokes with team
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 12:45:19|Editor: mingmei

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Photo taken on Jan. 21, 2020 shows the site of a bus accident between Glenorchy and Queenstown in New Zealand's South Island. A bus rolled on a scenic road between Glenorchy and Queenstown in New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, which left about 20 Chinese tourists injured, among whom two were under serious conditions. The Chinese embassy in New Zealand confirmed that the injured people were part of a Chinese tourist group. (Photo by James Allan/Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A bus rolled on a scenic road between Glenorchy and Queenstown in New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, which left about 20 Chinese tourists injured, among whom two were under serious conditions.

The Chinese embassy in New Zealand confirmed that the injured people were part of a Chinese tourist group.

The two seriously injured people have been sent to hospital. Ambulance, rescue helicopters and police cars rushed to the scene and the road was blocked.

No death has so far been reported from the incident.

The Chinese consulate general in Christchurch has sent people to assist and visit the injured at hospital.

Glenorchy, a small scenic town and one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, is located 45 km from Queenstown in South Island.
Washington DC: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed India`s growth rate to 4.8 per cent for the current financial year, which is expected to rise to 5.8 per cent in 2020. In October, the IMF had estimated the growth rate at 6.1 per cent.

"IMF`s World Economic Outlook report estimates India`s growth at 4.8 per cent in 2019," said the global money lender in a statement. It projected the country`s growth to improve to 5.8 per cent in 2020 and 6.5 per cent in 2021.

The IMF attributed the slash in estimate to the slowdown in demand in the domestic market and stress in the nonbank financial sector."The growth markdown largely reflects a downward revision to India`s projection, where domestic demand has slowed more sharply than expected amid stress in the nonbank financial sector and a decline in credit growth," said the IMF.

It further said: "The downward revision primarily reflects negative surprises to economic activity in a few emerging market economies, notably India, which led to a reassessment of growth prospects over the next two years."

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Growth slowed sharply owing to stress in NBFC: IMF

The downward revision primarily reflects negative surprises to economic activity in a few emerging market economies, notably India, which led to a reassessment of growth prospects over the next two years, said Gita Gopinath, Chief Economist, International Monetary Fund (IMF), in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday.

Gopinath, while updating the World Economic Outlook at the World Economic Forum (WEF), said the growth in India slowed sharply owing to stress in the non-banking financial sector and weak rural income growth."The downward revision primarily reflects negative surprises to economic activity in a few emerging market economies, notably India, which led to a reassessment of growth prospects over the next two years. In a few cases, this reassessment also reflects the impact of increased social unrest," she said at a press conference in Davos.

India`s growth is estimated at 4.8 per cent in 2019, projected to improve to 5.8 per cent in 2020 and 6.5 per cent in 2021, supported by the monetary and fiscal stimulus as well as subdued oil prices, said the IMF.

Talking about the global growth, which has shown tentative signs of stabilisation since last October, Gopinath said: "In October, we described the world economy as a synchronised slowdown with escalating downside risks that could further derail growth."

"Since then some risks have partially receded when the economic outlook was announced with the announcement of US-China Phase 1 deal and a lower likelihood of a no-deal Brexit," she said.

The Chief Economist of IMF also stressed that monetary policies have continued to support growth and buoyant financial conditions. "With these developments, there are now tentative sides that global growth may be stabilising at subdued levels," she added.

Through this updated world economic outlook, Washington-based global money lender has projected a modest recovery for the global growth to increase from 2.9 per cent in 2019 to 3.3 per cent in 2020 and 3.4 per cent in 2021.

Gopinath said that the year 2019 saw shrinkage in the auto sector. However, towards the end of 2019, there were some signs of stabilisation as the auto sector is still undergoing a transformation.The IMF has also predicted China`s growth rate to inch down from an estimated 6.1 per cent in 2019 to 6 per cent in 2020 and 5.8 per cent in 2021.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, while speaking on the occasion, said the reality is global growth remains sluggish."Since the very first week of the new year, we have seen geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as well as climate shocks in Australia.

There have been 71 rate cuts by 49 Central Banks making it to be one of the most synchronised monetised easing to cease the global financial crisis," Georgieva noted.
Baghdad (AFP) - Three Iraqi protesters were killed in the capital as thousands of anti-government demonstrators sought to shut streets across the country on Monday, their deadline for authorities to implement long-awaited reforms.

Rallies have rocked Iraq since October but, fearing they would lose momentum amid spiralling regional tensions, protesters last Monday told the government it had one week to meet their demands or they would escalate their demonstrations.

Protesters sought to ramp up pressure on the government on Monday with pop-up rallies away from their main gathering place in Baghdad's iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square.

Hundreds descended on nearby Tayaran Square, where they clashed with security forces who fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse them, an AFP journalist said.

Three protesters were killed, medics told AFP, two of them by live rounds and the third by a tear gas canister that pierced his neck.

More than 50 other people were wounded, the medics said.

Young men wearing helmets and gas masks in an attempt to protect themselves from flying gas canisters erected barricades to try to push riot police back.

Protesters have called for early elections under a new voting law, an independent prime minister to replace outgoing premier Adel Abdel Mahdi and for all corrupt officials to be held accountable.

Late Sunday young protesters began sealing off highways and bridges across the capital Baghdad and Iraq's south, torching tyres and setting up makeshift barricades.

They tried to do the same early Monday in the capital but security forces acted fast, with the military saying it had reopened a major Baghdad thoroughfare and arrested nine young men who had attempted to seal it off.

- Protests slam 'procrastination' -

Fearing widespread rallies, provincial authorities across southern Iraq announced an official holiday on Monday.

But young people hit the streets in the southern cities of Kut, Nasiriyah, Baqubah, Amara and the holy city of Najaf, setting tyres on fire.

Story continues

In the protest hotspot of Diwaniyah, they shut key roads both inside and leading out of the city.

"The procrastination of the government and the political class for more than three months now has prompted us to take escalatory steps to pressure them to meet our demands," Mohammad Faeq, a 28-year-old protester, told AFP.

Since October, around 460 people have lost their lives to protest-related violence and another 25,000 have been wounded, according to an AFP count.

Authorities do not provide updated casualty figures.

Demonstrators have feared their movement would be eclipsed by the geopolitical storm brewing between neighbouring Iran and the United States, both close partners of Iraq.

A US drone strike near Baghdad's airport on January 3 killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, prompting Iranian rocket strikes on an Iraqi base housing US troops and triggering fears of a wider conflict.

Iraqi political figures have since ramped up their calls for foreign forces -- including some 5,200 US troops -- to leave the country.

The dramatic escalation came after months of rocket attacks on Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other missions, as well as Iraqi bases where US troops are deployed.

Three rockets hit near the US embassy just after midnight on Tuesday morning, security sources told AFP, with no immediate reports of casualties.

- UN warns of 'foreign interference' -

On Monday, the United Nations' top official in Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said ignoring the demands of protesters would only fuel "anger and distrust".

"Domestic unity, cohesion and determination are urgently necessary to build resilience against narrow partisan interests, foreign interference and/or criminal elements which actively seek to hinder Iraq's stability," she added.

Protesters also worry that a mass rally to be organised Friday by firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr to demand the ouster of US troops could drown them out.

Last week, Sadr urged Iraqis to hold "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations".

While protesters have criticised the US, they have directly accused Iran of hindering Iraq politically and economically.

Tehran holds major sway in Iraq, building up close ties with a variety of political and military players over decades.

Protesters say Iran's overreach has contributed to rampant corruption and poor services.

The World Bank says one in five people lives below the poverty line in Iraq, which is OPEC's second-biggest crude producer.

While the rallies initially railed against the economy, they quickly escalated to demand a total overhaul of government.

Protesters scored one win in December with the resignation of Abdel Mahdi but he has stayed on in a caretaker role and political parties have thus far failed to agree on a successor.

Demonstrators have publicly rejected names circulating as possible replacements and are furious that other sweeping reforms have not been implemented.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:56:36|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, beats a wooden drum of the Wa ethnic group three times to bless the coming year in Sanjia Village in the city of Tengchong, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 19, 2020. Xi has extended Chinese New Year greetings to all Chinese people during a three-day inspection tour to Yunnan Province which concluded Tuesday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

KUNMING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended Chinese New Year greetings to all Chinese people.

He wished Chinese people of all ethnic groups a better life and the country greater prosperity in the new year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a three-day inspection tour to southwest China's Yunnan Province which concluded Tuesday.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday moved the Delhi High Court against the increase in hostel fees. The petition, filed by JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh and other office bearers, wants the court to direct the administration to allow students to register as per the old fees structure.

It also urged the court to restrict JNU authorities from imposing late fee on students who want to register for the January 2020 winter semester.

The petition submitted that decisions taken by universitys Inter Hostel Administration (IHA) in its October, 2019 meeting are malafide, arbitrary and illegal and adversely affect the students.

The present writ petition is being filed by the members of Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) challenging the Inter Hostel Administration (IHA) decision dated 28.10.2019 amending the Hostel Manual, the Minutes of the 283rd Meeting of the Executive Council (EC) dated 13.11.2019 ratifying the IHA decision and the High level committee dated 25.11.2019 making further amendments to the Hostel Manual. That the aforesaid decisions are malafide, arbitrary and illegal and adversely affect the student community of the Respondent University bringing far reaching changes to the provisions of the Hostel Manual, the plea said.

The government, meanwhile, said that the basic demand of JNU students on the issue of hostel fee hike has been met.

Over 80 per cent students have already registered for the winter semester. The students who want to study should not be disturbed. If our universities have to excel in global competition, we need to rise above these issues, Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank told news agency PTI in an interview.

Asserting that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is not aimed at taking away anybodys citizenship, the minister appealed to students to explain this to those misleading public on the issue and indulging in petty politics.
NOVI, MI - The Godfather of Shock Rock himself will be at Michigans biggest pop culture event. Detroit rocker Alice Cooper will sign autographs and take pictures with fans at Motor City Comic Con 2020.

Cooper is scheduled to be at the event all three days scheduled for Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

Professional photo ops with Cooper will be $80 each. Theres no word yet on possible selfie prices. General autographs will be $60 each. $100 for an autograph on a musical instrument.

Other celebrity guests announced so far are: Kiefer Sutherland, Jodi Benson (Voice of Princess Ariel), James Ransone (The Wire) and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz," "Shaun of The Dead).

Motor City Comic Con is now in its 31st year. More than 70,000 people attended the 2019 event. Tickets are now on sale for the 2020 show.

For over 30 years we have been making each year bigger and better, said Michael Goldman, Founder and Convention Promoter of Motor City Comic Con. Were thrilled to embark on our third decade and the greatness 2020 will bring.

Motor City Comic Con 2019 from MLive:

Our favorite celebrity encounters from the event

The top 20 cosplayers we saw at the event

Catching up with Stanley and Kevin from The Office

Barry Williams talks Brady Bunch" reunion

Talking with the real life Princess Jasmine
Attacking the opposition for "misleading" people on the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 21 said the law will not be scrapped despite the protests over it.

Addressing a rally in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in support of CAA, he said there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone's citizenship away.

A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP, and Trinamool Congress, he said.

The CAA is a law to grant citizenship, he added.

I want to say that no matter who protests, this (CAA) will not be withdrawn," he added.

Shah challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee to hold a debate with him on CAA at a public forum.

"Congress has become blind due to vote bank politics," he said. He also blamed the Congress for Partition.

Shah also declared that construction of a Ram temple touching the skies in Ayodhya will begin within three months.

(With inputs from PTI)
While those attendees led their own occasional chants, much of the action came from a larger pack of protesters  some armed, some waving flags  outside the Capitol grounds, on Bank Street. They gave short speeches and chanted together, with multiple USA shouts energizing the crowd on a day when the high temperature reached only the mid-30s.

The unarmed attendees within Capitol Square often took part in what the group outside was doing, joking about The Wall That Northam Built, as one sign put it, and encouraging some to come inside the gates.

Culpeper Countys sheriff, Scott Jenkins, reiterated Monday that he would deputize county residents to protect the countys people from new gun laws.

Its time for all those counties to now go to their sheriffs, their commonwealths attorneys and ask them to stand firm and state, Where do we stand on this line? he said. His county is among the more than 100 localities around the state that have declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, a largely symbolic move of support for gun rights.
A winter storm which has killed three people lashed much of eastern Spain for a third day Tuesday, cutting power, forcing the closure of schools and severing road and rail links.

National weather agency Aemet placed most of northeastern Spain on alert because of the storm packing gusts of over 100 kilometres (60 miles) per hour, heavy snowfall, freezing rain and massive waves which smashed into seafront promenades, damaging shops and restaurants.

Some 220,000 people lost power for several hours in the province of Girona in the northeastern region of Catalonia, local emergency services said.

The AP7 highway linking France and Spain -- an important truck route -- was cut at the border due to the heavy snowfall as several rail links were interrupted, local authorities said.

Classes were cancelled for some 170,000 students in Catalonia and the eastern region of Valencia on Tuesday.

The storm, which hit Spain on Sunday, has so far claimed the lives of three people, including a 54-year-old homeless woman from Romania who was found dead in a park.

It began to affect southern France on Tuesday, cutting power to around 1,000 households in the Pyrenees-Orientales region on the border with Spain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Aviation Cyber Security market was valued at million US$ in 2018 and will reach million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of during 2019-2025.

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This intelligence report gives a complete evaluation of the Aviation Cyber Security Market. This consists of research of beyond development, ongoing market situations, and destiny potentialities. Statistics real to market on the goods, techniques and market share of leading businesses of this particular market are stated. Its a 360-degree evaluation of the global market's aggressive panorama. The report further predicts the size and valuation of the worldwide market for the duration of the forecast duration.Aviation Cyber Security Market Report provides a complete evaluation of the market. The report focuses on producers, providers, segmentation in step with the utility, primary players, clients, possibilities, destiny roadmap, and Aviation Cyber Security Market furthermore. The aggressive information kind evaluation consists of potential, market proportion, profit margin, market boom, consumer consumption, imports, exports, sales, and and many others. Advertising techniques, rules, enterprise chain which can be changing the wave of the market also are catered in the report.Aviation Cyber Security volume and value at global level, regional level and company level. From a global perspective, this report represents overall Aviation Cyber Security market size by analyzing historical data and future prospect.Regionally, this report categorizes the production, apparent consumption, export and import of Aviation Cyber Security in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India.For each manufacturer covered, this report analyzes their Aviation Cyber Security manufacturing sites, capacity, production, ex-factory price, revenue and market share in global market.The following manufacturers are covered: BAE Systems, Cisco, IBM, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Airbus, Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton, CSC, Fortinet, General Dynamics, ThalesSegment by Regions: North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, IndiaSegment by Type: Aviation Sector Detect, Aviation Sector Monitor, Counter Cyber Threats, OtherSegment by Application: Air Cargo Management, Air Traffic Management, Airline Management, Airport ManagementRequest for Sample with TOC@ https://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1776663 Answers that the research report acknowledges:- Market length and growth rate throughout the forecast period.- The important thing factors of the market of Aviation Cyber Security Market.- Key market trends have dampened the growth of the Aviation Cyber Security Market.- Challenges for market boom.- The main vendors of the market of the Aviation Cyber Security Market.- Targeted SWOT analysis.- Possibilities and threats going through current vendors in the worldwide Aviation Cyber Security Market.- Trend elements influencing the marketplace in geographic regions.- Strategic tasks focused on key suppliers.Contact Us:Email: sales@ researchtrades.com Call us: +1 6269994607 (US) +91 7507349866 (IND)SkypeID: researchtradesconWeb: http://www.researchtrades.com
Hillary Clinton unloaded on Bernie Sanders in a new interview, saying that 'nobody likes him' and he's full of 'baloney, in a clear sign the rift from the last presidential contest has not healed.

The former secretary of state didn't mince words when it came to Sanders, who was her rival for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, and told The Hollywood Reporter it was too early to talk about a possible endorsement if he became the choice of Democrats to take on Donald Trump in November.

Sanders staying in the 2016 contest after it was clear Clinton would be the nominee - along with his attacks on her and his reluctance to endorse - resulted in many Democrats believing he damaged her candidacy as she went into the general election against Donald Trump.

Clinton spoke with The Hollywood Reporter to promote 'Hillary' - a documentary of her marriage and political life that will air on Hulu.

Hillary Clinton unloaded on Bernie Sanders in new interview

She addresses Sanders in the documentary, saying: 'He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.'

She told The Hollywood Reporter her assessment of Sanders still holds.

And she wouldn't answer whether or not she will endorse him in the 2020 contest.

'I'm not going to go there yet,' she said. 'We're still in a very vigorous primary season. I will say, however, that it's not only him, it's the culture around him. It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters.'

She went on to blast his supporters - known as 'Bernie Bros' - for their attacks on women.

'It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women,' Clinton said. 'And I really hope people are paying attention to that because it should be worrisome that he has permitted this culture  not only permitted, [he] seems to really be very much supporting it.'

Sanders faced complaints from women who worked on his 2016 campaign that they were harassed by male colleagues and paid less than their male counter parts.

He apologized and vowed to do better in 2020.

In his response to Clinton's comments, Sanders said he was focused on Trump's impeachment trial that begins Tuesday in the Senate.

'My focus today is on a monumental moment in American history: the impeachment trial of Donald Trump. Together, we are going to go forward and defeat the most dangerous president in American history,' he said in a statement.

Clinton also addressed the feud between Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, calling it part of the Vermont senator's 'pattern' of behavior. Warren claims Sanders told her in a private meeting a woman cannot be president, which he has denied.

'This argument about whether or not or when he did or didn't say that a woman couldn't be elected, it's part of a pattern,' Clinton said. 'If it were a oneoff, you might say, 'OK, fine.' But he said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me. I just think people need to pay attention because we want, hopefully, to elect a president who's going to try to bring us together, and not either turn a blind eye, or actually reward the kind of insulting, attacking, demeaning, degrading behavior that we've seen from this current administration.'

She said she has spoken to both Warren and Amy Klobuchar, the two women left in the Democratic race, to give them advice.

'With the women, I say, 'You're probably not going to be treated fairly, but don't let it knock you off stride,'' she said.

She also addressed her past work with Harvey Weinstein, who raised money for her political campaigns.

Clinton said no one in Congress liked Bernie Sanders and said he was full of 'baloney'

Her interview indicates bitterness left from the 2016 campaign - the two are seen above on the campaign trail in 2015 - has not healed

'How could we have known? He raised money for me, for the Obamas, for Democrats in general. And that at the time was something that everybody thought made sense. And of course, if all of us had known what we know now, it would have affected our behavior,' she said.

She also said she was the victim of a double-standard when it came to women, who criticized her for staying with Bill Clinton after the Monica Lewinsky affair but continued to support him.

'I wish I understood it, I really do. And look, I lived through that where women were judging me and then a little conversation would lead to the fact that they had a similar issue or their sister did or their friend did and there was so much anxiety and even fear wrapped up in it. But it was also true that, as we saw it in survey after survey, he could, if he ran today, get reelected. What is it about this double standard, both double standard in public and double standard in private?,' she said.

And she ruled out running for president again.

'I have had so many people [urge me to]. Every day. And I'm grateful for people's confidence, but I did think it was right for me to step back. I'll do anything I can to defeat the current incumbent, and to reverse a lot of his damaging policies. Thankfully, I still have a voice and a following,' Clinton said.

The four-hour 'Hillary' will premiere in its entirety March 6 on Hulu. Clinton also will promote it at the Sundance Film Festival later this month.
Over the past five years, the role has won the highest acting theater honors around the world  for Frank Langella, the Tony; for Kenneth Cranham, the Olivier; for the late Robert Hirsch, the Moliere. Now, as it transitions to the screen for the first time, what will it bring Anthony Hopkins?

Fresh off his first Oscar nomination in more than 20 years for The Two Popes, Hopkins has become one of the hottest topics of this years Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off later this week, with his turn as Andre in Florian Zellers The Father. His performance is but one big reason the film was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, amid interest from several other buyers, ahead of its debut next Monday in Park City, Utah.

Courtesy of Sundance Institute

An alternately disorienting and devastating drama, The Father explores the relationship between Andre, a patriarch battling dementia, and his daughter, Anne, struggling in the increasingly demanding role of caretaker. Hopkins meets his match in this version of the story, with Oscar winner Olivia Colman portraying Anne.

The Father will rightly generate attention for its performances, but the film is a landmark for Zeller, its writer and director. Indeed, while American audiences may not be as familiar  even after The Father scored him a Tony nod for Best Play in 2016  Zeller ranks among Europes most prolific and acclaimed dramatists. The French writer has published several novels and around a dozen plays; hes won his home countrys highest theater honors, with actors including Langella, Isabelle Huppert, and Jonathan Pryce recently taking on his characters. And yet The Father marks the first time hes ever adapted his own material for the screen. Its also his directorial debut.

The timing makes sense: The Father has been a global hit, with original runs sprouting everywhere from England to China to India to Brazil. It was very powerful to me to realize that it was, in a way, a very universal idea, Zeller tells EW in an exclusive first-look interview. I had the conviction that film could be done based on that.

Story continues

Of course, The Father was originally written and performed in French (as La Pere), so why the decision to make the movie in English? When I was dreaming about the film, the first and only face that came to me was Anthony Hopkins, he says. It was the very beginning of everything for me. (As for Colman, going a bit against type as the wearied daughter: I have always seen her as a very heartbreaking actress.)

As a play, The Father employs innovative staging within its single setting (the apartment that Anne and Andre share) and manipulates its timeline. The boundless feeling of open theater is replaced here by claustrophobic camerawork, but the narrative effect remains mostly the same  to mirror Andres experience. The idea was never just to tell a story about dementia from the outside  it was to give the opportunity to the audience to experience signs of dementia, as if they were in the main characters head, Zeller explains. I really wanted to keep that narrative in the adaptation.

And Zeller was surprised, even still, by how similar the movies emotional experience was to the plays. It speaks to the storys inherent resonance. Everyone has a father, and we are all connected to this dilemma: What do I do with people I love when they are losing their bearings? he says. This is a very painful, sad issue; in a way, we are all concerned by that. The way out is the way to share those concerns and those emotions.

The adaptation took years to get off the ground, with Zeller left wondering if it would ever come together. In a way, that was the hardest [part], he concedes. But turning to a whole new medium, even with such gifted and seasoned actors to work with, was still a profound challenge. It is difficult, Zeller continues. But it has to be difficult  to test your will, and desire to do something.

The Father premieres Monday, Jan. 27, at the Sundance Film Festival.

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Women at Lucknow's clock tower continue to brave January's cold weather as their protest entered the fifth day on Tuesday against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Register of Citizens (NRC) and Population Register (NPR).

Meanwhile, police have registered three FIRs in connection with the ongoing protest, which began on January 17 last week.

"We are on indefinite protest until anyone from the government comes and talks to us. Amit Shah is coming to Lucknow today. He is saying people are misled. He should speak on it. It is our Constitutional right to protest. There are FIRs against 150 people," said a protestor.

The protesters were mostly Muslim women, clad in burqa, some of them were seen holding placards that read "No CAA No NRC". They also sang the anthem and raised slogans "Inqilab Zindabad" and "Bharat Mata Ki Jai".

Protesters have alleged that police have taken away their blankets.

"The police have taken away our blankets. We will be here until the government takes it (CAA) back. Ladies stay awake the whole night. Washrooms and lights are closed at night which is creating problems for us," another protester said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Economic Court of Lviv region on January 16 fully satisfied the claim of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) for foreclosure on mortgages related to former owner of PrivatBank Ihor Kolomoisky, PJSC Dniprometalservis, the NBU said on its website.

According to the report, in September 2014 this company provided the NBU with a pledge of non-residential premises with an area of almost 20,000 square meters worth more than UAH 100 million as a security for a refinancing loan issued to PrivatBank before nationalization.

Since Dniprometalservis failed to fulfill its obligations as the property guarantor of PrivatBank, the NBU in May 2018 filed a lawsuit to recover the collateral, and on January 16, 2020 the NBU's claim was fully satisfied.

In general, courts have already made 24 decisions in favor of the NBU on foreclosure on mortgages on the obligations of PrivatBank for a total amount of UAH 1.36 billion. Some 18 decisions entered into force, according to them the documents were sent to the bodies of the State Executive Service for enforcement.

In 2018, the NBU filed 148 lawsuits against the former owner of PrivatBank, Ihor Kolomoisky (financial guarantor) and 32 related companies  property guarantors. The purpose of the lawsuits is to ensure repayment of refinancing loans that the NBU provided to PrivatBank in 2008-2015. Currently, there are more than 200 similar cases at various stages of judicial process not only on PrivatBank, but also on banks, which were declared insolvent and still have not fulfilled obligations on refinancing loans.
(Newser)  Jeff Bezos' surprise trip to India may not have gone quite the way he expected. He arrived to government criticism of Washington Post coverage, the launching of an antitrust investigation of Amazon, and protests from small-business ownersdespite his announcement that his company was investing $1 billion to help neighborhood stores. Among the issues he ran into on his three-day visit were:



The announcement of a government probe into Amazon and Flipkart, an online retailer in India mostly owned by Walmart. Small traders had called for the investigation after regulations to limit the company's market powerespecially concerning online sales of cellphonesdidn't work, the New York Times reports. To protect Indian retailers and distributors, the law mandates that foreign-owned e-commerce firms be neutral marketplaces, like eBay, and only feature products from independent sellersrather than buy, say, televisions wholesale and resell them to consumers.

story continues below

Criticism of coverage of India by the Post, which Bezos owns, with official sarcasm thrown in. After Bezos went on about India's economic growth potential in an appearanceand tweeted a video of it captioned: "Dynamism. Growth. Democracy."Bezos received a suggestion from a government official. "Please tell this to your employees in Washington DC. Otherwise your charm offensive is likely to be waste of time and money," the official tweeted. The prime minister has been displeased by Post criticism of some of his government's policies, including a new citizenship law, per Quartz.

An angry reception by owners of small businesses. A protest included signs reading, "Amazon go back" and "AmazonFlipkart: Second version of the East India Company." A trade group says Amazon is costing Indians jobs with predatory pricing and other practices. Amazon's planned investment to help get small businesses online and Bezos' promise to add a million jobs in India by 2025 didn't quiet the criticism. "It's not as if they are doing a great favor to India," the trade minister said, per the Independent.

Puzzlement over Bezos' agenda. He laid a wreath at a Gandhi memorial and attended corporate events with a Bollywood guest list, but had no meetings scheduled with government officials. The prime minister declined to meet with Bezos, per NDTV.

The government officials walked back their harshest comments later, but the small business group did not. One of its officials said Bezos' $1 billion investment is part of a plan for Amazon to keep selling products at a loss, per Buzzfeed . "They're trying to build a wrong and a false narrative here," the official said. (Read more Jeff Bezos stories.)
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, claimed on Tuesday that Americans were fleeing to his state to take advantage of its business-friendly climate.

700,000 people fled California. When you consider the beautiful climate out there, its something else to imagine 700,000 fleeing there, Abbott said during an interview on Fox and Friends.

You have people fleeing Illinois, New Jersey, other states because theyre trying to get away from the things that hamstring capitalism and hamstring their ability to start and grow a business, Abbott continued, speaking from Davos, Switzerland where he is attending the World Economic Forum.

Texas has long touted its business-friendly policies to encourage people to move to the state. As far back as 2013, then-governor Rick Perry urged Californians to relocate to his state in a series of advertisements.

We want businesses to come into the state of Texas, Abbott said. We want fewer regulations, lower taxes, [and] we want to make it easy for businesses to be able to succeed because we understand something in Texas that it seems like some other states do not and that it is when your business succeeds in Texas, we as a state succeed.

A joint study by the Los Angeles Times and University of California at Berkeley revealed that just over half of registered voters are considering leaving the state. 40 percent of those considering a move were conservative, while just 14 percent were liberal. Some of those moving told the Times part of the reason was to live in a more-conservative political climate.

More from National Review
Douglas Carbajal and his wife, Rhuanna Sousa Dutra (from Brazil), met on Facebook. They reside in Vienna, VA. Facebook, dating sites and additional international platforms are becoming the starting point where love across borders begins...

RapidVisa, the industry pioneer and most trusted online U.S. immigrant visa processing service, released a report that reveals lifestyle trends of American singles dating internationally and successfully finding love across borders. By examining how K-1 fiance visa couples meet, the report dissects the popularity of meeting online, which dating sites and social media platforms rank highest for making love connections, and a surprising trend on the rise of couples meeting through online gaming.

As singles set relationship goals for the New Year, the data could help those who are seeking a long-term, committed relationship and not just a quick date  to have the right tips and tools to finally find the international mate of their dreams.

These dreams are becoming more of a reality as finding a mate internationally continues to be on the rise. The report shows that over the past 30 years, K-1 fiance visa issuances have increased by 75%, and most recent Census data available reveals 21% of all married-couple households in the U.S. have at least one foreign-born spouse. Furthermore, the data shows that couples who date internationally are more likely to marry than those who date domestically  demonstrating that these couples are not just looking to play around but are seriously looking to play for keeps.

However, play time is not fully out of the picture, since one of the most shocking findings in the report is how couples are meeting through online gaming sites and not just online dating sites. In fact, the most popular games for finding an international mate through online gaming are ranked within the data.

Some of the other key findings in the report, include:



Over 55 percent of K-1 applicants first met online, mostly using a dating site which tend to emphasize the Asian region, in particular the Philippines.

Facebook supports over 80 percent of all social media meeting stories. The platform provides room for more diverse partnerships across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Facebook may be a medium for emotional expression in countries with limited freedoms, increasing its growth potential in this space.

Couples who met through online gaming are a quickly growing group. These couples trend younger, with many more fiances from Europe or Canada. The UK, a fast-growing K-1 visa population, represents one fourth of fiances in this space.

Meeting in person is also a common method for K-1 applicants, especially among Dominican, Mexican and Jamaican nationals.

Meeting through business, on vacation, or through friends and family tends to occur disproportionately with Latinx fiances.

The top five destination cities where K-1 visa applicants met through a dating site are: Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Los Angeles and Orlando.

Facebook, dating sites and additional international platforms are becoming the starting point where love across borders begins, since they allow the diversity of relationships to flourish over thousands of physical miles, said RapidVisa founder and CEO, Ben Ives. The trends observed are common to the larger story about dating in the United States and we believe this societal shift makes it likely that the evolving patterns explored in this report will continue into the foreseeable future.

The full report can be viewed here and is based on a proprietary random sample of 4,979 RapidVisa customers collected between 2010 and 2019. The report reveals emerging trends for this evolving subject of interest, made popular in mainstream media in recent years due to reality television shows such as TLCs "90 Day Fiance."

RapidVisa offers a variety of non-lawyer immigration services for U.S. visa processing including the K-1 Fiance Visa, CR1/IR1 Spousal Visa, IR2 Child Visa, IR5 Parent Visa, B1/B2 Tourist Visa, Adjustment of Status (Green Card), Removal of Conditions (Green Card), Renew or Replace Green Card and Naturalization (Citizenship).

About RapidVisa:

RapidVisa is an online-based service that streamlines the U.S. immigration process with technology and full-support. For over a decade, the company has provided low cost, full-service non-lawyer immigration solutions to more than 50,000 customers. Phone and chat support is available seven days a week for one all-inclusive fee. RapidVisa makes immigration less burdensome by streamlining the process and reducing the expense. By providing innovative software, high-quality multimedia content and world-class customer service, RapidVisa is Americas leader in immigration. Headquartered in Las Vegas, RapidVisa has multiple offices in the Philippines and plans to expand into additional countries in the near future. For more information, visit RapidVisa.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Not for Dissemination in the United States of America or to US Wire Services

Sales continue from the Bobcaygeon Quarry, with more than 1000 tons sold through to the end of last week

All sales completed from the quarry; buyers coordinating freight with payment terms due within seven days

Product mix has been Armour-heavy so far, influenced by existing inventory, site cleanup and winter demand

90% of sales to signatories of the Purchase Intent Agreements; Rogue is finalizing POs now

A Corporate Update conference call will be held tomorrow at 12:00pm EST

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Rogue Resources Inc. (TSXV:RRS) ("Rogue" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that limestone continues to be safely produced and sold from the Bobcaygeon Quarry. Rogue Stone's team of 3-4 operators at the Bobcaygeon Quarry have been working since early November and Rogue has sold more than 1000 tons of limestone from the quarry, with the first 175 tons coming from existing inventory on site prior to the acquisition. In parallel, the team has been rehabilitating the site and ensuring compliance with Ministry requirements and preparing the site for new working areas. Site prep will be roughly 50% of the team's effort until the end of March.

Once in a working area, operations are a two (Bulk) or three step (Skidded) process. First, stone is popped out by layer, using the teeth of an excavator or the forks of a loader. The second step is for the stone to be roughly shaped and then it is either ready to be loaded in Bulk or, broken and piled on a skid (skidded). Bulk product is loaded straight onto a flatbed and skidded product incorporates loading ~2.5 - 3 tons of stone onto a wooden pallet, which is then placed on a flatbed. Sales terms for the quarry are straightforward, with ownership transferring at the quarry once the stone is loaded onto the delivery trucks. Logistics to the final destination (including customs, if required) are handled by the buyers and payment terms vary from payment upon loading out to a maximum of net seven days. All sales have been priced according to the Company's Price List, consistent with management's expectations.

Bobcaygeon Quarry produces Armour, Step and Flag limestone, each of which are packaged bulk or skidded. In terms of product mix, Rogue has produced a higher percentage of Bulk Armour than the annual forecasted average. This has been skewed higher for a number of reasons. First, the existing inventory, which was at site upon acquisition, was primarily Armour. Secondly, some of the site cleanup work has resulted in scavenging further Armour and working through Armour layers, on the way to higher value Step and Flag. Finally, robust shoreline rebuilding work across southern Ontario and the Great Lakes Region, has led to an increased demand for Armour. Large shoreline rehabilitation programs require immense amounts of stone and draw from quarries across the area. Somewhat counterintuitively, winter is a key period for these sorts of construction projects because of less traffic occurring on the shoreline and frozen conditions easing the access to some sites. The team has not yet begun full focus on loading production to skids, which will begin soon. Management expects that the product mix will evolve to include more Step and Flag and that Skidded will grow, especially as the spring sales season approaches.

All production to date has been sold with 90% being sold to the large buyers who signed the Intent to Purchase Agreements ("Intent Agreements") last year with Rogue (see Rogue's August 26 and September 3, 2019 press releases). Intent Agreement signatories ("Preferred Partners") have agreed to an annual purchase volume and are now converting to 2020 purchase orders. As previously reported, Rogue had Intent Agreements signed with volumes equaling 80% of the permitted production from Bobcaygeon Quarry and the intended acquisition of Orillia Quarry. All sales have been priced according to the Price List with the Intent Agreements, and the remainder sold to non-signatories at a higher "Quarry Price".

"Our team is doing well at Bobcaygeon, working safely and balancing production with the Rehabilitation and the continuing Site Preparation work", said Sean Samson, President and CEO of Rogue. "It's been a good ramp-up and work with our Preferred Partners is going well. Separate from the quarry, our financing discussions are ongoing."

Corporate Update Conference Call

Rogue Stone progress, the changes with the Radio Hill Project and an update on Rogue Quartz will be discussed in detail on a conference call with management scheduled for Wednesday January 22, 2020, at noon Eastern (9am Pacific, 6pm in Western Europe). Rogue CEO Sean Samson and VP, Technical Paul Davis will give a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period. Interested investors can forward questions in advance to questions@rogueresources.ca. Dial-in numbers to access the conference call as well as a new corporate presentation will be available 24 hours in advance on the Rogue webpage at www.rogueresources.ca.

As with past calls, a playback of the call will be available online soon afterwards.

Rogue comment regarding "Companion Policy 43-101CP, 4.2(6) - Production Decision"

The work completed on both the Bobcaygeon and Orillia Quarries is, at this stage, preliminary in nature and the limited drill data and exploration work are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized even as Mineral Resources. Rogue does not intend to complete a Pre-feasibility or Feasibility Study of Mineral Reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability before a decision to proceed with further investment into either quarry. Projects that are based on a production decision without a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical feasibility have increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with its production decision. This potential decision would be based on past production performance (and readers are warned that previous results are not an indication of future results), the results of negotiated cost estimates as well as the securing of supply contracts for the limestone products from either quarry. Among the risks associated with the quarries and with any development decision to proceed into further production and/or restarting production for next season is the possibility that the quarry will not be economically or technically viable and/or that development timetables, cost estimates and production forecasts may not be realized.

About Rogue Resources Inc.

Rogue is a mining company focused on generating positive cash flow. Not tied to any commodity, it looks at rock value and quality deposits that can withstand all stages of the commodity price cycle. The Company includes Rogue Stone-selling quarried limestone for landscape applications; Rogue Quartz- focused on advancing its silica/quartz business with the Snow White Project in Ontario and the Silicon Ridge Project in Quebec; and Rogue Timmins with the nickel resource at Langmuir and the gold potential at Radio Hill.

Rogue is always searching for projects or mines that meet its criteria of "Grade, Stage and Jurisdiction".

For more information visit www.rogueresources.ca.

Qualified Person

These projects will be under the direct supervision of Paul Davis, P.Geo., VP, Technical and Director of the Company and a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The QP has approved the scientific and technical content of this release

For additional information regarding this news release please contact:

Sean Samson

+1-647-243-6581

info@rogueresources.ca

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain statements or disclosures relating to the Company that are based on the expectations of its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company which may constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements") under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "intends", "target", "estimates", "projects", "continue", "potential" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved.

In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the following: the increasing demand for Armour; the continued evolution of the product mix; the future purchase volumes and pricing of the Preferred Partners; finalization of purchase orders; meeting remaining Ministry regulatory requirements at Bobcaygeon Quarry; closing of the acquisition of the Orillia Quarry; securing financing for the Orillia Quarry; operations at the Bobcaygeon Quarry; sales from the Bobcaygeon Quarry; obtain debt financing for the Company's operations on terms acceptable to the Company or not at all.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of the Company including, without limitation: business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future; commodity prices; exploration and development costs; mining operations, drilling plans and access to available goods and services and development parameters; regulatory restrictions; the ability of the Company to obtain applicable permits; activities of governmental authorities (including changes in taxation and regulation); currency fluctuations; the global economic climate; and competition.

The Company believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable at this time but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements including, without limitation, those risks identified in the Company's most recent annual and interim management's discussion and analysis, copies of which are available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

If the closing of the Orillia Quarry acquisition does not occur for any reason including the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, or if revenues and/or profitability from the Bobcaygeon Quarry are not sufficient, then there is a specific risk that the market price of the Company's securities will be negatively impacted.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Rogue Resources Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573657/Rogue-Stone-Update-more-than-1000-tons-sold-from-Bobcaygeon-Update-Call-Wednesday-at-12pm-EST
To the Virginia Tech community,

Welcome to a new semester and a new decade!

I hope you enjoyed the winter break and are ready for an eventful year. Our campuses continue to grow and evolve. It will be exciting to watch the Creativity and Innovation District continue to take shape in Blacksburg. The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC will open its new building in Roanoke, and the first phase of its research partnership with Childrens National Medical Center will launch in Washington, D.C.

Luiz DaSilva will join us as executive director of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, leading a network of higher education and industry experts to build an ecosystem of cyber-related research, education, and engagement. In Alexandria, we expect to announce an inaugural leader for the innovation campus and welcome the first class of students in our new masters of engineering degree in computer science. Virginia Tech is poised to make a difference in 2020, in the lives of our students, in our communities of discovery, across the commonwealth, and beyond.

We will strengthen our engagement with partners and the regions where they are located, both urban and rural. This is the same design principle behind our Cooperative Extension offices in every county and city and our Agricultural Research and Extension Centers strategically located in 11 communities across the commonwealth.

As we grow our research and academic facilities in Blacksburg, explore health science and technology in Roanoke, focus on national security in Arlington, advance automotive performance in southern Virginia, and develop technology and innovation partnerships in the greater Washington, D.C., area, it is important to remember that we are one university, one interconnected network of campuses, with a mission to serve our communities, the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

In 2020, we need to ensure that our geographic distribution is an asset, with every student, staff member, faculty member, and partner experiencing Virginia Tech as one university, regardless of their location. Connecting our communities of discovery can become a signature strength in attracting and retaining talent and strategic partners.

We must also ensure that every member of our community receives the same university experience regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status. Inclusion must be part of our universitys identity as our institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

This year, each one of us will have an opportunity to make a difference in some way. I especially want to encourage our alumni and friends to be part of Virginia Techs mission in 2020. We are looking for mentors, internships, and volunteers as well as donors. Boundless Impact: The Campaign for Virginia Tech seeks to engage 100,000 alumni and raise $1.5 billion to advance excellence across our programs and strategic priorities, and to make a difference in the universitys future for generations to come.

Welcome to a new year and a great new decade for Virginia Tech.

Go Hokies!

Tim Sands,

President
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 11:40:13|Editor: xuxin

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LONDON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Police in Liverpool said Monday they were left "flabbergasted" when called to an apartment in a residential area of Birkenhead following reports of a snake in the bathroom.

The occupant of the first floor flat called the Merseyside Police 1 a.m. on Dec. 30. When police arrived, they found themselves confronted by a boa constrictor almost two and a half meters in length.

"Neither the woman occupant of the flat, or her neighbor knew where the snake had come from," a police spokeswoman said in a statement.

The police officers called a number of organizations to help recover the reptile, but unfortunately they were unable to attend. Eventually they called fellow officer Chris Eastwood from the crime-busting Matrix team.

Eastwood has knowledge of snakes and was able to calmly approach the reptile, which had wrapped itself around the bathroom sinks and taps. After giving it some water, the officer was able to coax it to unravel itself so that he could put it into a large and safe container, said the spokesperson.

Police then made arrangements to have the snake temporarily housed at a local pet rescue facility.

The spokeswoman said that "the snake has been temporarily rehomed and is doing well."
Moscow warns Tehran against making 'reckless steps' to quit the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

He added that Russia urges Iran to comply with its obligations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, giving those who oppose the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) further reasons for escalation is "counterproductive".

"Opponents of the JCPOA and those who are now trying to destabilise the situation in the region, should not be given additional material to escalate the general situation. It would be counterproductive, in our opinion," Mr. Ryabkov said.

Earlier on Monday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that if Iran's nuclear issue is referred to the United Nations Security Council Tehran will quit the NPT.

"If the Europeans continue their improper behaviour or send Iran's file to the Security Council, we will withdraw from the NPT," Zarif said as quoted by the official IRNA news agency.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is an international treaty signed in 1968 and aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.

EU Blames Iran for Non-Compliance With Nuke Deal

Mr. Zarif's statement comes after Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said in an interview earlier on Monday that Tehran still adheres to the JCPOA, blaming the European countries for failing to fulfill their obligations under the deal.

Last week, France, Germany and the UK announced that they were launching the Dispute Resolution Mechanism within the JCPOA after they said they had been "left with no choice, given Iran's actions' but to refer Tehran's alleged failure to comply with its commitments under the nuclear deal. According to the Dispute Resolution Mechanism, if the party accused of not abiding by its JCPOA commitments fails to resolve the complaint against it, the parties that launched the mechanism can cease their obligations under the deal and notify the UNSC.

On January 5, Iran said that it was rolling back its commitments under the JCPOA following a new escalation of tensions with the US which was caused by the killing of Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad on 3 January.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said that Tehran continues to adhere to the 2015 nuclear deal, adding that the European powers' claims about Iran violating the deal were unfounded.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today confirmed the first case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the United States in the state of Washington. The patient recently returned from Wuhan, China, where an outbreak of pneumonia caused by this novel coronavirus has been ongoing since December 2019. While originally thought to be spreading from animal-to-person, there are growing indications that limited person-to-person spread is happening. Its unclear how easily this virus is spreading between people.

The patient from Washington with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection returned to the United States from Wuhan on January 15, 2020. The patient sought care at a medical facility in the state of Washington, where the patient was treated for the illness. Based on the patients travel history and symptoms, healthcare professionals suspected this new coronavirus. A clinical specimen was collected and sent to CDC overnight, where laboratory testing yesterday confirmed the diagnosis via CDCs Real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test.

CDC has been proactively preparing for the introduction of 2019-nCoV in the United States for weeks, including:

First alerting clinicians on January 8, 2020, to be on the look-out for patients with respiratory symptoms and a history of travel to Wuhan, China.

Developing guidance for clinicians for testing and management of 2019-nCoV, as well as guidance for home care of patients with 2019-nCoV.

Developing a diagnostic test to detect this virus in clinical specimens, accelerating the time it takes to detect infection. Currently, testing for this virus must take place at CDC, but in the coming days and weeks, CDC will share these tests with domestic and international partners

On January 17, 2020, CDC began implementing public health entry screening at San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports. This week CDC will add entry health screening at two more airports  Atlanta (ATL) and Chicago (ORD).

CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to better provide ongoing support to the 2019-nCoV response.

CDC is working closely with the state of Washington and local partners. A CDC team has been deployed to support the ongoing investigation in the state of Washington, including potentially tracing close contacts to determine if anyone else has become ill.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people, such as has been seen with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). When person-to-person spread has occurred with SARS and MERS, it is thought to happen via respiratory droplets with close contacts, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. The situation with regard to 2019-nCoV is still unclear. While severe illness, including illness resulting in several deaths, has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness and been discharged. Symptoms associated with this virus have included fever, cough and trouble breathing. The confirmation that some limited person-to-person spread with this virus is occurring in Asia raises the level of concern about this virus, but CDC continues to believe the risk of 2019-nCoV to the American public at large remains low at this time.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. CDC will continue to update the public as circumstances warrant.

For more information about the current outbreak in China, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html
The crippling pain that was to become all too familiar for Carolyn Andrew first struck when she was on holiday.

'The problems all started after a six-hour drive from London to Edinburgh in August 2016,' she says. 'I spent the next ten days in agony, hardly leaving the hotel room.

'I went to a local GP who gave me antibiotics, but nothing worked. It was actually quite terrifying.'

Carolyn, 68, a former further education college director, had a urinary tract infection (UTI), a little discussed but increasingly common condition which led her to join a group of activists called CUTIC, the Chronic Urinary Tract Infection Campaign.

Carolyn Andrew (pictured), 68, from Bushey, Hertfordshire, joined a group of activists called CUTIC, the Chronic Urinary Tract Infection Campaign, after developing a urinary tract infection

'Our research shows there are at least 1.7 million other people out there not getting diagnosed and not being believed,' says Carolyn, who lives with her husband, Jack, 70, in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

'Some are in permanent agony and some are suicidal.

'It's taken me all this time to get my life back, but I'm one of the lucky ones. Some people suffer for decades. It is a massive problem. We want to raise money to do a study to show how many people are going back to GPs again and again with crippling urinary tract infections.

'We want to be able to go to the Royal College of GPs and say: 'Look, your own doctors are not being taught how to deal with this.' '

For Carolyn, a mother of two grown-up daughters, one of whom has suffered a similar 18-month illness caused by a urine infection, a solution cannot come soon enough.

Carolyn says: 'Although I still get flare-ups and can't go out because of the pain, I am now just about all right after two-and-a-half years of antibiotics.

'When my condition was at its worst, I had to go to the loo every 15 minutes and I would get pain shooting down my legs and arms and into my hands.

'I have been given all sorts of drugs and suffered all sorts of side-effects, including blurred vision and complete brain fog, but the only thing that really worked was very long- term antibiotics.'

The mother-of-two said it has taken her a lot of time to her life back but she was one of the 'lucky ones'

A urinary tract infection occurs when disease-causing bacteria colonise and attack the tissues of the urethra, the tube carrying urine out of the body, causing pain in the stomach, back and legs. Anyone can develop the condition, but women are most commonly affected.

Sufferers have a constant sensation of needing to urinate, but experience excruciating pain and produce little or no urine when they try. Sleep, work and sex lives can all be affected.

The rationing of antibiotics is believed to explain partly why infections such as Carolyn's are occurring more frequently.

It is thought the insistence on short courses of antibiotics in the drive to prevent the growth of resistant bacteria has had the opposite effect in urinary tract infections  encouraging harmful bacteria to retreat into the bladder wall where they cannot be reached by antibiotics, only to re-emerge with a vengeance months or even years later.

The use of urinary catheters and other similar equipment in hospitals is also believed to be fuelling the rise of UTIs.

The infection occurs when disease-causing bacteria colonise and attack the tissues of the urethra. Pictured: Stock image of urine samples for analysis

In fact, more than half of all urine infections are contracted during hospital treatment, NHS England data shows.

According to a study from Aston University in Birmingham, up to one in four hospital patients is given a urinary catheter  tiny flexible tubes inserted directly from the outer end of the urethra into the bladder.

The devices quickly attract harmful bacteria and the risk of developing a UTI increases by an astonishing 5 per cent for every day the catheter remains in place.

Thousands of patients become ill as a result and, in more than a third of these cases, the infection turns into life-threatening septicaemia. Of that group, one in three will die.

Richard Martin, an associate professor of material physics who led the Aston University research, has come up with a solution which could save the NHS millions of pounds  making the catheters from a biodegradable type of glass coated with zinc.

Zinc is one of a number of metals known to kill E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus  bacteria often implicated in UTIs.

Tests showed the zinc-coated glass produced a 'complete kill' of E. coli and a near complete kill of S. aureus, so such bacteria would be prevented from entering patients' bladders via the catheter.

'This material produces a controlled release of antimicrobial compounds, which would save doctors giving patients antibiotics for months and months,' says Professor Martin.

Many other patients are worse affected than Carolyn.

Louise Hale, 44, (not her real name) a married mother and freelance documentary maker from London, sobbed as she described how she has fought to conceal her chronic UTI, which first emerged in 2016 when her daughter (now four) was only a few months old.

'It is the darkest pit I have ever been in,' she says. 'It has stopped me having another child and almost destroyed my marriage. I am frequently out on location and you can't do that if you need to find a loo every 20 minutes.

'I have spent more than 5,000 on different private treatments and investigations, none of which worked.

'I have had to take more than a year off work, which has been very difficult financially. I am now at last getting better, but it has been hell.'

Problems begin when an infection recurs but does not register on the very basic 'dipstick' test used by GPs to detect bacteria in urine samples.

Most GPs use dipsticks carrying reactive agents on a strip of paper, which change colour if there are compounds linked to bacterial activity in the sample.

Doctors can either prescribe antibiotics or send off the urine sample for further testing.

James Malone-Lee, an emeritus professor of medicine at University College London and a leading expert on the condition, says many bacterial infections in urine disappear before a sample gets to a laboratory.

'Looking at the sample straightaway down a microscope is the simplest and best way to diagnose infection,' he says.

'Often the samples have been left out at room temperature and have gone off before they are tested, or they might take two or three days to get to the lab so they're pretty useless anyway.

'People with chronic or repeated infection are not being diagnosed or given the much longer-term antibiotics they need.'

The push is on to find better tests. One being developed by the University of Bath uses a smartphone camera to diagnose infections. Experts, however, say much still needs to be done.

Ased Ali, a consultant urologist at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust in Wakefield and a medical consultant to charity Bladder Health UK, says: 'I am seeing more than double the number of patients with UTIs than I saw a decade ago. We need new ways of managing the problem and new guidance for GPs on how to do that.'
The worlds most famous shipwreck, the RMS Titanic, will be more rigorously protected under an international agreement, the U.K.s Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani confirmed ahead of a Tuesday visit to Belfast, where the ship was built.

The U.K. and the U.S. will now be responsible for granting permits to those wishing to visit the wreck and remove artifacts. The agreement, which was signed by the United Kingdom in 2003, was ratified by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last year. The agreement will further protect the wreck, which became a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2012. The U.K. will take a leading role in protecting the wreck, encouraging other North Atlantic countries like France and Canada to sign the agreement.

Lying two and a half miles below the ocean surface, the RMS Titanic is the subject of the most documented maritime tragedy in history, Ghani said in a press release. This momentous agreement with the United States to preserve the wreck means it will be treated with the sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than 1,500 lives.

The RMS Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage to New York on April 10, 1912 from Southampton, England, with 2,207 passengers and crew on board. The state-of-the-art British passenger liner hosted some of the worlds wealthiest people, as well as poorer migrants looking to start a new life in North America. Five days after its departure, the ship hit an iceberg and sunk 3,800 meters to the bottom of the ocean, where it remained unfound for 30 years.

The ships disappearance became a source of fascination for oceanographer and former Navy captain Robert Ballard, who embarked on his first unsuccessful search for the wreck in 1977. Determined, Ballard struck a deal with the United States Navy that provided funding for his expedition in exchange for Ballard locating two lost Cold War Navy submarines. In collaboration with a French expedition, Ballard found debris that led him to the ships resting place, 350 nautical miles off the Canadian coast of Newfoundland on September 1, 1985.

Story continues

In 1994, the company RMS Titanic Inc., a subsidiary of Premier Exhibitions, became the wrecks salvor-in-possessionthe only company allowed to collect artifacts. The company has now collected more than 5,500 artifacts, including a 17-ton section of the hull that was raised out of the ocean in 1998. Some artifacts were previously auctioned off by Henry Aldridge & Son, such as a water-stained letter written by a passenger on board the ship that sold for 126,000 ($163,800) as well as a violin that sold for 1.1 million ($1.43 million). Photographs taken of the wreck during expeditions allowed the company RMS Titanic Inc. to recreate digital images of the grand staircase that featured in James Camerons 1997 film Titanic.

For years, diving companies such as Ocean Gate have commercialized diving expeditions to the wreck by making them available to tourists prepared to spend tens of thousands of dollars. The first tourists dived to the wreck in 1998 and officials believe the last confirmed trip was in 2012.

It is difficult to ascertain the activity around the wreck of the Titanic as there is currently no regulation, Juliet Eales, the senior press officer for the U.K. Department of Transport, told TIME in an email. The new legislation will require trips carried out by U.K. or U.S. vessels to be sanctioned by either country through a licensing process.

Although this applies to U.K. and U.S. only, it goes a long way to restricting unregulated access as it targets many of those who are driven and equipped to carry out an expedition of this sort, Eales added.

In any case, the opportunity for tourists to see the infamous wreck is slipping away. Scientists believe the shipwreck could disappear by 2030. In August of last year, divers from Triton Submarines visited the shipwreck for the first time in 14 years and found much of it decaying.

It was kind of a cool thing to see the ocean reclaiming it, Patrick Lahey, the president of Triton, told the New York Times. Divers discovered that the wreck has become a new home for marine life. Its unusual to find a shipwreck two miles down thats so active Lahey added.

Correction, Jan. 21: The original version of this story misstated who auctioned off certain artifacts. They were auctioned by Henry Aldridge & Son, not Premier Exhibitions. The original version also misstated the status of a childs doll. It is still at the site of the wreck, it has not been recovered.
Hillary Clinton has said 'nobody likes' Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton has said 'nobody likes' Bernie Sanders (AFP Photo/Marco BERTORELLO)

New York (AFP) - Hillary Clinton launched a scathing attack on presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, her rival for the 2016 Democratic nomination, telling a documentary that "nobody likes him."

The former US secretary of state also refused to say whether she would endorse and campaign for Sanders if he becomes the Democrats' choice to take on President Donald Trump in November's election.

Her comments on Tuesday drew the ire of Sanders' supporters, who called on Clinton to support the candidate the party backs in their bid to remove Trump from the White House.

"He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him," Clinton says in a four-part series due to air on streaming site Hulu in March.

"Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician.

"It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it," she adds.

Sanders, a leftist senator from Vermont, is among the leaders in the race for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

He sits second in national polls behind centrist Joe Biden and ahead of Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, two weeks before the first nomination vote in Iowa.

Sanders, 78, pushed 72-year-old Clinton to the wire four years ago in an acrimonious, months-long battle for the party's nomination. Clinton won that race but lost to Trump.

She has criticized Sanders and his supporters for not sufficiently backing her in the presidential vote.

Interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter about the documentary, Clinton stopped short of saying she would support Sanders if he won the nomination this year.

"I'm not going to go there yet. We're still in a very vigorous primary season," she said.

But in a tweet on Tuesday night, Clinton expanded on her position.

"I thought everyone wanted my authentic, unvarnished views! But to be serious, the number one priority for our country and world is retiring Trump, and, as I always have, I will do whatever I can to support our nominee," she wrote.

Story continues

- Warren dispute -

Sanders played down the attack in the documentary, telling reporters that he was focused on Trump's impeachment trial, which kicked off in earnest Tuesday.

"On a good day, my wife likes me, so let's clear the air on that one," he joked.

The Justice Democrats, a group close to Sanders, started a petition calling on Clinton to support whoever wins the nomination.

The former first lady and US senator also waded into a dispute between Warren and Sanders.

Warren has accused him of privately telling her in December 2018, as they contemplated White House runs, that he did not believe a woman could win a presidential election.

Sanders denies the claim but Clinton said the comment was "part of a pattern."

"If it were a one-off, you might say, 'OK, fine.' But he said I was unqualified," she recalled.

"It's the culture around him. It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women," she added.

Sanders apologized to Biden on Monday after one of his supporters, Zephyr Teachout, wrote an opinion article in The Guardian accusing the former vice-president of having "a big corruption problem."
Mumbai, Jan 21 : Actor Shantanu Maheshwari recently saved his co-star Reecha Sinha from drowning while shooting an underwater sequence.

The incident happened when the two were shooting for director Palki's "Gud Khake" music video in Jaipur.

According to sources, the shot required Reecha and Shantanu to film an underwater scene. While shooting, Reecha, who is not a good swimmer, lost her balance and was pulled away by the current. Shantanu managed to grab her hand and pull her back.

Talking about the incident, Reecha said: "The most difficult part in 'Gud Khake' video was the underwater scene. A lot of struggle went into it. I was performing and suddenly I was out of breath and I felt that I would not be able to come out. Thankfully, Shantanu came to my rescue. He realised that I'm unable to come out and he literally saved me from drowning. It was scary but I'm very happy with the output we got," Reecha said.
Citing an alleged death threat, defense lawyers boycotted on Tuesday a court hearing in the trial of the former President Robert Kocharian and three other men prosecuted on coup charges denied by them.

The lawyers representing Kocharian and his former chief of staff, Armen Gevorgian, protested against what they see as the courts failure to properly respond to the father of one of the eight opposition protesters killed during the 2008 post-election violence in Yerevan.

The elderly man, Edik Harutiunian, demanded in the courtroom on January 9 that the defendants and their lawyers respect the unrest victims. Or else, theyll find themselves in our situation, he declared without elaborating.

The defense lawyers portrayed the remark as a grave threat addressed to them and demanded that the presiding judge, Anna Danibekian, take action against Harutiunian. Danibekian refused to do that.

Opening the latest hearing, Danibekian asked Harutiunian to clarify his remark. I did not voice threats, insisted the victims father. I just said that if they want to insult us they will end up in our situation. That is, we too can insult.

The judge went on to adjourn the hearing. She said the high-profile trial will resume on February 4.

The previous court session was boycotted by a lawyer representing Yuri Khachaturov, Armenias former top army general, for the same reason. Danibekian took disciplinary action against the attorney, Mihran Poghosian, on Tuesday.

Poghosian defended his and his colleagues actions. He said they did not offend any other participant of the trial.

Meanwhile, one of the trial prosecutors, Petros Petrosian, said that the boycotts are part of the defendants efforts to artificially drag out the trial. Poghosian denied that claim as well.

Kocharian, Gevorgian, Khachaturov and former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian stand accused of illegally using on March 1-2, 2008 Armenian army units against opposition supporters who demanded the rerun of a disputed presidential election. Prosecutors say that amounted to an overthrow of the constitutional order.

Kocharian, who is held in detention unlike the other defendants, was also charged with bribery a year ago. He rejects all accusations leveled against him as politically motivated.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the arrival of two Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) remotely piloted aircraft at a ceremony in Sigonella, Italy on Friday (17 January 2020). The Secretary General outlined the importance of the AGS system, which will enable commanders to identify threats and view conditions on the ground, in any weather. One single drone can watch over a territory with the comparable size of Poland, he said.

The new unarmed surveillance aircraft can also fly for over 30 hours at a time. It can reach the High North and the Sahel, the Middle East and the Atlantic, said the Secretary General. When all five NATO RQ-4D aircraft are operational, the Alliance will be able to monitor and help protect two large regions around the clock. The AGS system will be collectively owned and operated by all NATO Allies. All Allies will benefit from the intelligence derived from AGS surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Addressing military officials and industry, the Secretary General thanked Italy for hosting the AGS system, and praised the commanders at Sigonella Air Base. Today, NATO is filling an important intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability gap, he said. He also congratulated the NATO AGS Management Organization and the NATO AGS Management Agency for the delivery of this milestone.

Six hundred personnel from across the Alliance will operate the AGS system. They are our newest force, said Mr Stoltenberg. He stressed that AGS is a visible demonstration of NATOs commitment to innovation.
[January 21, 2020] Harris Williams Advises Groundworks on its Growth Capital Partnership with Cortec Group

Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces that it advised Groundworks, a portfolio company of Succession Capital Partners (Succession) and Matt Malone, Groundworks founder and CEO, on their growth capital partnership with Cortec Group (Cortec). Groundworks is the nation's largest privately-held residential foundation services company and a rapidly growing residential services platform. The transaction was led by John Neuner, Brent Spiller, Zach Ledwith and Dylan Digmon of the Harris Williams Consumer Group. As part of the transaction, Succession will remain an investor in the company and Matt Malone will continue as CEO. "We are excited to have seen first-hand the incredible platform that Founder and CEO Matt Malone and his team have put together. Through its relentless dedication to its customers and employees, the Groundworks team is well on its way to becoming the first national foundation services player," said John Neuner, a managing director at Harris Williams. "We are proud to have found the Groundworks team a fantastic partner in Cortec as they begin the next chapter of growth together." "Groundworks is a unique company that is not just rapidly growing, but evolving an industry. The company'sdifferentiated business model, scalable infrastructure and passionate team position the business for continued growth. It is an honor to have led another marquee residential services transaction which represents our fifth deal in the space over the last 18 months. We look forward to extending our deep track record in this dynamic sector," added Brent Spiller, a managing director at Harris Williams.



Groundworks is the nation's largest privately-held residential foundation services company. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the company provides foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and encapsulation, and concrete lifting. Groundworks is comprised of Complete Basement Systems, Florida Foundation Authority, Foundation Recovery Systems, Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, Indiana Foundation Service, Innovative Basement Authority, JES Foundation Repair, Mount Valley Foundation Services, Ohio Basement Authority, Ohio Basement Systems, Tar Heel Basement Systems, A-1 Sewer & Drain, Independence Materials Group and Bizwiz Software. Since 1986, the combined companies have helped over 250,000 homeowners protect and repair their most valuable asset, their home. Groundworks operates over 20 offices that serve Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minneapolis, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The company has been named to the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies list and received the Inc. Best Workplaces award numerous times. Since 2009, Succession has specialized in partnering with family-owned, blue-collar business owners seeking to transition out of their businesses while looking to protect their employees and business legacy. Unlike traditional private equity firms, the Succession investment approach includes the investment team running the business day to day.

Founded in 1984, Cortec teams with entreprenuer/founders and management to invest in high value-added, middle market consumer, healthcare, distribution, and other specialty services and products businesses, with a focus on teams who want to work with Cortec to drive growth and improve business fundamentals. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC (News - Alert) Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). The Harris Williams Consumer Group has completed more than 60 transactions in recent years across a variety of verticals, including branded consumer products; consumer services; food, beverage and agribusiness; and restaurant and retail. For more information on the Harris Williams Consumer Group and other recent transactions, visit the Consumer Group's section of the Harris Williams website. Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 5th Floor, 6 St. Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AE, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the commercial register of the local court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (email address: [email protected]). Geschaftsfuhrer/Directors: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT No. DE321666994). Harris Williams is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business. For media inquiries, please contact Katie Langemeier, associate brand manager, at +1 (804) 915-0179. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006023/en/

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DAVOS, Switzerland - President Donald Trump renewed his threat to put hefty tariffs on European cars Tuesday at the World Economic Forum, promising hardball tactics if trade negotiations do not go his way.

Just days after Trump scored wins with China, Mexico and Canada, the move highlighted how Trump is quickly pivoting to make Europe the next front in his protectionist trade war.

As part of this push Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned that Italy and Britain could face U.S. tariffs if they pursue taxes on large technology companies such as Facebook and Alphabet's Google. French President Emmanuel Macron agreed in recent days to delay a similar tax to avoid Trump's tariffs.

The threatened tariffs were evidence of the growing rift between the United States and Europe, on clear display as leaders from the two continents appeared to be talking from different scripts. Trump insisted on discussing a new trade deal, while European leaders kept emphasizing action on climate change and cooperation.

"We're going to talk about a big trade deal," Trump said at the start of a one-on-one meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "We've been talking about it for a while, and hopefully we can get something done."

After 70 years of being largely hand in hand in promoting democracy and capitalism around the world, the United States and Europe are now at odds over trade, climate change, taxation, privacy, Iran and defense funding. And Trump continues to try to use tariffs to pressure European leaders to meet his demands.

"Europe and America are moving slightly apart from each other," said Rachel Kyte, dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University and the former World Bank special envoy for climate change. "It's not just the trade war but a fundamentally different approach to privacy and the role of business and society."

Leaning on the same tactics he used against China, Trump threatened a 25 percent tax on European cars if Germany, France and the United Kingdom did not formally announce that Iran had broken a 2015 nuclear deal. The longtime U.S. allies ultimately did just that last week.

The U.S. president used the same threat to get France to back down on its proposed digital tax. Trump said he would impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on roughly $2.4 billion worth of imported French wine and other goods unless France stopped its plans to put a 3 percent tax on large tech companies such as Google and Facebook with global revenue topping 750 million euros, or around $830 million. Most of the companies subject to that tax are American.

"If anybody is going to tax these companies, it's going to be U.S.," Trump said Tuesday shortly after confirming that Macron had agreed to delay the digital tax this year in exchange for Trump holding off on the tariffs.

In Europe, world financial leaders expressed hope that Trump had come to Davos to announce a reduction in trade tensions not just with China but with Europe as well. Macron tweeted Tuesday morning that he and Trump had a "great discussion" in which they agreed to work together "to avoid tariff escalation."

But Trump made it clear that his new focus is a wide-ranging trade deal with Europe and that he had not taken tariffs entirely off the table.

"They know that I'm going to put tariffs on them if they don't make a deal that's a fair deal," Trump told the Wall Street Journal shortly before his meeting with von der Leyen.

Many business and political leaders in Europe are unsure whether the tensions are just a result of Trump's "America First" rhetoric or there is truly a deeper divide forming.

"It's difficult to say if this is a new norm or just a political period," said Andre Calantzopoulos, a Greek businessman who is chief executive of Philip Morris International.

While there is widespread hope among the elite gathered in Davos that the United States and Europe will keep a close relationship, business leaders say they are increasingly having to develop different strategies for the two regions, something that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.

"It's almost as though there are three different models: There's the Asia model, the Europe model and the Americas model," said Kelly Grier, U.S. chair at Ernst & Young, a global consulting firm. "That is without a doubt adding complexity to business in general."

Grier pointed to diverging regulations on data privacy in Europe, China, the United States and now California as an example of a costly and cumbersome legal environment that businesses now have to navigate.

For months, European officials have tried to stay under Trump's radar, hoping he was distracted with the China talks. Several European leaders, including Macron, have invited Trump to high-profile ceremonies, in part to keep trade discussions going and avoid tariffs.

"Up until now, Europe has managed to keep its head low when it comes to Trump's trade ire," said Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. "But with Trump calling a truce with China, he may be looking to pick one last trade fight before the November election - and Europe is in his sights."

Still, among many European business leaders in Davos, there is disbelief that Trump would go forward with extensive tariffs on Europe.

"Often the bark seems to be worse than the bite," said Mark Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS bank. "President Trump, as he gets closer to the election, may have an 'America First' policy in name, but he's very focused on the overall economic success of the United States."

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

They point out that the United States and Europe have a lot more in common than the United States and China. Wages in much of Western Europe are the same, or even higher, than they are in the United States, making the economies more of an even playing field.

Still, the Trump administration's warnings of new European Union tariffs are following a familiar pattern. Much to European leaders' chagrin, Trump has backed out of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord as key parts of his "America First" strategy. In Davos, Trump never directly mentioned climate change, the issue at the top of most European leaders' agendas.

"The world is in a state of emergency, and the window to act is closing fast," Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, said in remarks shortly before Trump took the stage. The European Union has its own Green Deal in the works to become carbon neutral by 2050, including new regulations and massive government investment.

In his formal address at Davos, Trump dismissed such concerns as overly alarmist. He stressed that countries should be free to make their own decisions.

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," Trump said. "These alarmists always demand the same thing - absolute power to dominate, transform and control every aspect of our lives."

The divergence in U.S. and European priorities was evident again when Trump met one-on-one for the first time with the new European Commission president.

Von der Leyen told Trump of the long history of good relations between the two continents. She said there were "issues" to discuss but never used the word "trade."

"We never should forget that we have a long history of a common foundation," she said, adding, "The American people and the European people are good friends, and this is what we're going to build on."

Even while nerves are high about what Trump will do in this next phase of his trade war, there was relief that Trump at least came to Europe and was willing to talk. In addition to his speech, he met and dined with several European officials and business leaders.

"We are all here. Everybody is here," said Kristalina Georgieva, who is the new head of the International Monetary Fund and grew up in Bulgaria during the Cold War. "We may be shouting with each other, but we are talking with each other."
Gold Price Forecast Overview:

Gold prices have stagnated after a strong start to the new year. Now, technical studies suggest that more near-term weakness may be lurking as a near-term top may be in place at the 61.8% retracement of the 2011 high/2015 low range.

The correlations between gold prices and gold volatility have eroded, insofar as the decline in gold volatility has outpaced the losses by gold prices.

According to the IG Client Sentiment Index , gold prices have a near-term bearish trading bias.

Gold Prices Struggle as Geopolitical Tensions Ebb

Gold prices have stagnated after a strong start to the new year. A lack of escalation in tensions between the US and Iran tamped down the shift to safe haven assets by market participants, undercutting investor demand for precious metals. Amid a resurgent US Dollar (via the DXY Index) through the first three weeks of January, gold prices have started to lose their luster. Now, technical studies suggest that more near-term weakness may be lurking as a near-term top may be in place at the 61.8% retracement of the 2011 high/2015 low range.

Gold Volatility Continues to Pullback

Precious metals like gold have a relationship with volatility unlike other asset classes. While other asset classes like bonds and stocks dont like increased volatility  signaling greater uncertainty around cash flows, dividends, coupon payments, etc.  precious metals tend to benefit during periods of higher volatility. Heightened uncertainty in financial markets due to increasing macroeconomic tensions increases the safe haven appeal of gold. On the other hand, decreased volatility tends to harm gold prices.

GVZ (Gold Volatility) Technical Analysis: Daily Price Chart (December 2016 to January 2020) (Chart 1)

Gold volatility (as measured by the Cboes gold volatility ETF, GVZ, which tracks the 1-month implied volatility of gold as derived from the GLD option chain) is trading at 11.42; in our last update on gold volatility on January 6, GVZ was trading at 12.80. Gold volatility has fallen sharply since the first week of January, when it had reached a three-month high.

The correlations between gold prices and gold volatility have eroded, insofar as the decline in gold volatility has outpaced the losses by gold prices. The 5-day correlation between GVZ and gold prices is 0.72 while the 20-day correlation is 0.42; in the prior gold volatility update, the 5-day correlation was 0.80 and the 20-day correlation was 0.93.

Gold Price Technical Analysis: Daily Chart (January 2019 to January 2020) (Chart 2)

In our last gold price forecast, it was noted that while gold prices are continuing a longer-term bottoming effort, they have not officially transitioned from bearish correction to bullish reversal; as a result, we must treat recent efforts by gold prices as a sign that a near-term top against the 61.8% retracement may be in place.

In technical analysis, Fibonacci retracements are based around the concept of the Golden Ratio, 1.618, or phi; the 61.8% retracement is the inverse of phi and is deemed the make or break level to determine if price action is ready to embark on a new trend.

In this case, the 61.8% retracement encompasses the entirety of the 2011 high to 2015 low range at 1598.97; gold prices have not been able to climb back through said level after briefly clearing it during the first week of January.

At present time, gold prices remain intertwined around their daily 5-, 8-, 13-, and 21-EMA envelope, which is in neither bearish nor bullish sequential order. A bearish engulfing bar appears to be forming on the daily candle (at the time this report was written), further evidence that recent gold price action is indicative of a near-term top. Daily MACD has issued a sell signal (albeit in bullish territory), while Slow Stochastics have fallen below the median line into bearish territory.

More corrective price action may be ahead for gold prices in the near-term.

Gold Price Technical Analysis: Weekly Chart  Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern (May 2011 to January 2020) (Chart 3)

Gold prices have not made much progress after spiking to a seven-year high during the first week of January. It thus still holds that the rally and rejection at the 61.8% retracement (1586.97) must be viewed in context of the longer-term technical picture: the gold price inverse head and shoulders pattern that originated earlier this year is still valid and guiding gold price action.

Depending upon the placement of the neckline, the final upside targets in a potential long-term gold price rally vary: conservatively, drawing the neckline breakout against the January 2018 high at 1365.95 calls for a final target at 1685.67; aggressively, drawing the neckline breakout against the August 2013 high at 1433.61 calls for a final target at 1820.99.

Only a break below the August 1, 2019 bullish outside engulfing bar low at 1400.38 would draw into question the longer-term bullish potential for gold prices. If the 61.8% retracement at 1586.71 is indeed cleared out, then the odds of a move up to the head and shoulders targets would increase materially.

IG Client Sentiment Index: Gold Price Forecast (January 21, 2020) (Chart 4)

Gold: Retail trader data shows 68.81% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.21 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 0.38% lower than yesterday and 7.64% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 7.98% lower than yesterday and 5.51% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests gold prices may continue to fall.

Traders are further net-long than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger gold-bearish contrarian trading bias.

--- Written by Christopher Vecchio, CFA, Senior Currency Strategist

To contact Christopher Vecchio, e-mail at cvecchio@dailyfx.com

Follow him on Twitter at @CVecchioFX

View our long-term forecasts with the DailyFX Trading Guides
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jan. 21, 2020 | FRANKFORT

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 21, 2020 | 11:06 AM | FRANKFORT

Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles announced the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will transition this year from a hemp research pilot program to a commercial hemp program.



In October, the United States Department of Agriculture published an Interim Final Rule which established the federal regulatory framework for industrial hemp growth in the United States and gave states an option to operate programs under the state pilot provision of the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2020 growing year. According to a KDA press release, Kentucky will operate its program for the 2020 growing year under the 2014 provision and use the extension to continue discussions with key stakeholders and USDA.



The 2018 Farm Bill removed industrial hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, a move which has been a catalyst for hemp growers and businesses. Wisely, Congress also gave state departments of agriculture the option to operate state pilot programs for another year before submitting new plans to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Commissioner Quarles said. The industry has changed dramatically, but the national hemp marketplace is experiencing some real challenges. After much discussion with industry stakeholders in Kentucky, I determined our state will operate our current hemp program for another year as we responsibly make plans to take Kentuckys hemp industry into the next phase in 2021 and beyond.



In October, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published an Interim Final Rule, which established the federal regulatory framework for industrial hemp growth in the United States and gave states an option to operate programs under the state pilot provision of the 2014 Farm Bill for the 2020 growing year. Kentucky will operate its program for the 2020 growing year under the 2014 provision and use the extension to continue discussions with key stakeholders and USDA.



I wish to thank USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach and his team for spending time with my staff discussing the IFR and the suggested guidelines. We will continue to work with them as we make plans to file a State Plan later this year for Kentuckys hemp program in 2021 and beyond, Quarles said. Additionally, my Administration will continue working with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator Rand Paul, and the rest of our federal delegation to make sure that the other federal regulators, particularly the Food and Drug Administration, hear the needs of farmers in Kentucky and make regulatory decisions with them in mind.



Kentucky hemp producers have learned a lot since the beginning of the 2014 pilot program as they explore the crops potential, and we have the nations best Agriculture Commissioner in Ryan Quarles leading the way. By maintaining the pilot program for another growing season, Commissioner Quarles is protecting Kentuckys farmers, processors and manufacturers while the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues developing its final rule, said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Im grateful to the USDA for answering my call to publish a proposed framework for states hemp plans before the 2020 growing season. I hope USDA will continue working with states, including Kentucky, to make the final rule as workable as possible in accordance with the Farm Bill.



The window to apply to grow hemp in Kentucky is open until March 15, 2020 and is available online at www.kyagr.com/hemp. Processor applications are available there as well and will be accepted year-round.



The 2018 Farm Bill included a measure authored by Senator McConnell that removed industrial hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act, gave hemp growers increased access to USDA programs, and outlined the requirements a state regulatory framework must contain to earn approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those interested in commenting on USDAs Interim Final Rule can do so by visiting USDAs website here.



The KDA will submit comments to USDA about the interim final rule before the January 29 deadline.
Michael James Scott will return to Broadway's Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre beginning Friday, February 28.

Scott is an original cast member of the Broadway production, and originated the role of the Genie in the Australian company. He has played the Genie in four companies on three continents, and begins a limited engagement in his native Orlando beginning January 22.

Based on the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin opened on Broadway on March 20, 2014. With a score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, and songs such as "Friend Like Me" and the Academy Award-winning "A Whole New World," the show features a new book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Casey Nicholaw directs.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that his administration plans on expanding his administrations controversial travel ban, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

In an interview with the newspaper on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss city of Davos, Trump said that he is planning on adding additional countries to an updated version of his travel ban that the administration is expected to release later this month. He did not reveal which countries would be added.

Politico reported on Tuesday that an announcement on the expansion could be made next Monday, the third anniversary of Trumps first, controversial travel ban, which was announced without warning on January 27, 2017, days after he took office. That order, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries, sparked outrage, with massive protests across the countries and chaos at airports where passengers were detained.

The most recent iteration of the ban includes restrictions on five majority-Muslim nations: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen, as well as restrictions on some travellers from Venezuela and North Korea.

A draft being considered by the Trump administration would place immigration restrictions on the additional seven countries, but not completely ban people from those nations from entering the US, Politico reported.

The newspaper, citing two people familiar with the matter, said the list of countries is not yet final and is subject to changes, but may include: Belarus, Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania, citing two people familiar with the matter.

The Associated Press reported earlier this month that the expansion could include several countries that were covered in the first iteration of the ban, but later removed amid rounds of contentious litigation. Iraq, Sudan and Chad, had originally been affected by the order, but were later removed amid contentious litigation.

The watered-down version of the ban was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote.

The current ban suspends immigrant and non-immigrant visas to applicants from the affected countries, but it allows exceptions, including for students and those who have established significant contacts in the US.

The Associated Press reported that the countries on the proposed expansion list include allies that fall short on certain security measures. The additional restrictions were proposed by Department of Homeland Security officials following a review of security protocols for about 200 countries.

Rights groups decried Trumps planned expansion.

President Trumps plan to expand the Muslim Ban is a cowardly and reckless attempt to distract the country and sow anti-Muslim hate, said Farhana Khera, the executive director of Muslim Advocates.

Tens of thousands of American families are already hurting and separated because of this bigoted and cruel ban, Khera said in a statement. Doubling down on it wont make any of us safer but it will allow the president to continue using anti-Muslim hate as a political weapon.

Representative Ilhan Omar stands in front of NO BAN ACT posters during a news conference by members of the US Congress in Washington, US [File: Jim Bourg/Reuters]

Trump ran his 2016 campaign promising to crack down on immigration and spent much of his first term fighting lawsuits trying to halt his push to build a wall along the southern border and crack down on migrants seeking asylum in the US, amid other measures. He had floated a banning all Muslims from entering the country.

He is expected to press some of those efforts again this year as he ramps up his reelection campaign and works to energise his base with his signature issue.

Earlier in January, a coalition of leading civil rights organisations urged House leaders to take up the No Ban Act, legislation to end Trumps travel ban and prevent a new one.
WASHINGTON - In his nearly two decades of activism, Martin Luther King Jr. fought a number of contentious issues, from segregation and racial discrimination to dangerous conditions for sanitation workers.

But if the civil rights leader were still alive today, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said, he would be speaking out against another topic dividing the country: the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

"I don't think it was within Dr. King's vision to have Americans dragged through a process where the president is not going to be removed from office, is not being charged with bribery, extortion, high crimes or misdemeanors," she told reporters on Monday.

On a holiday set aside to honor King, and in the week in which the Senate is set to begin its impeachment trial of Trump, Conway's criticism of the latter event marked one of the White House's few commemorations of the former.

During a news conference, NBC News correspondent Geoff Bennett asked Conway why the president's public schedule of events on Monday did not include any functions meant to commemorate King. In response, Conway argued that impeachment went against the ideals that King had put forth.

"The president . . . agrees with many of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King stood for and agreed with for many years, including unity and equality," she said. "He's not the one tearing the country apart through an impeachment process and a lack of substance that really is very shameful at this point."

Her comments were immediately ridiculed as one of the most bizarre attacks on the impeachment process to date.

Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, called the remark an "embarrassingly incompetent answer." Trump, she suggested, has in fact strayed far from King's legacy - by redefining the presidency and pushing it away from leadership.

"He just gets to tweet whatever he wants that he thinks will put him in a better political position," she said on MSNBC. "We don't need Mr. Trump to lead us in knowing what to do around equality and justice."

On Twitter, later in the afternoon, Trump noted that Martin Luther King Jr. Day was the three-year anniversary of his inauguration and an "appropriate" occasion to point out low unemployment numbers for African Americans. (A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week found that most black Americans don't believe he deserves credit for those economic successes.)

"So appropriate that today is also MLK jr DAY. African-American Unemployment is the LOWEST in the history of our Country, by far," Trump said on Twitter. "Also, best Poverty, Youth, and Employment numbers, ever. Great!"

Yet Trump, who was sued in the 1970s for housing discrimination against blacks, has not fared much better in office: He has been largely panned by black Americans, an overwhelming majority of whom say they think he is a racist and has made racism a larger problem in the United States.

Hours before jetting off to Davos, Switzerland, he made a brief visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Washington, accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence.

On MSNBC, Ifill said that, if he were alive today, King would be leading the fight against voter suppression. On CNN, Harvard University scholar Cornel West went a step further.

He surmised that King would have a similar view of Trump as the activist did of figures like Eugene "Bull" Connor, the public safety commissioner in Birmingham, Alabama, known for his staunch support of segregation and crackdowns on civil rights protesters.

And while King would support Trump as a person, he would be fiercely opposed to his ideals. The force driving King would not be Trump's impeachment, but the president himself.

"I would tell my dear sister Kelly: Your boss is a gangster," West said. "Martin loves both of you, so do I, but we're fighting against both of you."

Like her boss, though, Conway noted that the date of this year's MLK holiday has a personal significance for her.

"I appreciate the fact that we as a nation respect him by giving him his own day. I'm happy to share a birthday with this day," the newly minted 53-year-old said.
President Donald Trump delivers a speech during a special address on the opening day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.

DAVOS, Switzerland  Many business leaders at the World Economic Forum aren't convinced the latest round of trade negotiations between China and the U.S. will yield a "phase two" deal before the end of President Donald Trump's first term.

The biggest potential stumbling blocks: U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and Chinese pledges to buy more American products.

One executive who is close to Trump said Chinese trade officials have privately told business leaders they hope all tariffs will be removed before a new trade deal. This executive declined to be named since the conversations were deemed private.

A phase two deal is expected to lead to a rollback of billions of dollars of tariffs that the U.S. first slapped on China in 2018. Trump has said he may want to wait until after the election to sign a phase two trade deal, and there hasn't been a clear timeline from the White House as to when an agreement can be reached.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who is in Davos with the president, told The Wall Street Journal the next agreement could remove some but not all of the tariffs.

Doubts about a second deal were likely to dominate conversations at the elite gathering in the Swiss Alps, particularly as business leaders talk with White House officials there and in the coming months as Trump pursues his reelection. It is unclear how another China trade deal could be accomplished if Trump isn't reelected. More than a dozen Democrats are vying for their party's nomination to take on Trump in November, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and former mayors Pete Buttigieg and Mike Bloomberg.

"No one thinks it's going to happen," Ian Bremmer, president of political consulting firm Eurasia Group, told CNBC after being asked where Davos attendees stand on future trade talks. "I really would be shocked to see a 'trade two' deal get done before the election." He noted one of the hurdles to another agreement could come down to China not buying as much as it promised.
The European Union will not explicitly ban Huawei or other 5G equipment vendors when the bloc unveils guidelines for member states to mitigate security risks.

The EU will unveil a set of recommended measures that are "naturally strict and vigilant" at the end of January, European Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton said in Paris yesterday.

No companies will be explicitly excluded in the EU's recommendations, he said.

US officials have criss-crossed Europe over the past year, urging the EU and its members to exclude the Chinese company from their networks.

Washington argues Huawei poses a national security risk while Huawei and Chinese officials deny the accusations.

The bloc has sought to coordinate the member states' approach on 5G, in an effort to avoid potential US or Chinese retaliation.

Last month, EU countries agreed to use only trustworthy parties for infrastructure critical to national security, and pledged to consider the laws of a supplier's home country before buying their products.

The EU is limited in what it can tell its member states to do, however. Any decisions to ban companies for national security reasons rest with member states, and many operators in various European countries have already struck deals with Huawei on 5G.

Irish operator Three looks set to choose Ericsson over Huawei for its 5G network in a coup for the Swedish firm, which already supplies the core equipment for Vodafone's Irish 5G network.

Europe has been caught between two major world powers, China and the US, over the question of whether to include Huawei in its 5G roll-out.

Many European countries are loath to incense Beijing, a significant trading partner, while the US, an important security ally, has repeatedly said it may reassess intelligence sharing with countries that use Huawei in their 5G networks.

Chinese ambassador Wu Ken in December warned that a Huawei ban in the German market would result in "consequences" and cited German auto sales in the Asian giant's market.

The comments came as German Chancellor Angela Merkel started facing intense pressure from hardliners inside her governing coalition, who have criticized her opposition of a ban on Huawei.

The British government is also weighing Huawei's role in developing the country's networks.

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan in January said the UK would keep Huawei out of critical national infrastructure.

Bloomberg
In his homily yesterday, the cardinal slammed Lebanons politicians, especially those hindering the formation of a government. The latter is behind last week-ends protests and clashes. At least 370 injured on Saturday. The cardinal again backs the legitimate demands of the people.

Beirut (AsiaNews)  Lebanons political leaders bear the responsibility of shame and disgrace for what happened in Hamra and Beirut, said yesterday Card Beshara al-Rahi, Patriarch of the Maronite Church, in his Sunday homily, following the latest round of anti-government protests.

The cardinal berated the countrys leaders for lacking even an iota of humanity, especially those who are obstructing the formation of a government at a time of renewed violence among people exasperated by months of political and economic crisis, with rising unemployment, wage cuts, and a banking system on the verge of collapse.

Over the weekend, security forces in Beirut clashed with protesters, firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd, with people responding by pelting riot police with stones and other material.

Sundays confrontation broke out near parliament a day after more than 370 people were injured, the highest casualty toll since protests began. The Lebanese Red Cross said it treated 52 people and took 38 to hospital.

The spark that set off the unrest was the continued failure by political leaders to set up a government after months of stalemate and uncertainties, and deal with the worsening economic crisis.

We have gone from being a country we used to call the Switzerland of the east to a country ranked at the bottom in everything, said housewife Rezzan Barraj, 47, at Sunday nights protest.

Exacerbated by economic hardships, anti-government protests escalated in mid-December, when it became clear that, largely because of cross-vetoes, no one was going to be able to form a government to replace the one that resigned on 29 October.

On several occasions, top Church leaders have reminded politicians about their responsibility and the urgency to stir the ship of state in a country that is dangerously close to a cliff.

In yesterday's homily, Patriarch al-Rahi renewed his support for the people and its legitimate demands, which political leaders must meet.

He slammed the latter for distorting the meaning and essence of politics as an honourable art in the service of the people and the common good, making four specific demands.

First, he wants the state not to underestimate the youth revolution nor retaliate. Secondly, those tasked with setting up a government should hurry up to save the country. Thirdly, he wants the military and the security forces to bring calm and prevent clashes. Lastly, he wants the international community to take the Lebanese question seriously since the country plays an important role in the Mideast.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. By the decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Rector of the Crisis Management State Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Armenia, rescue service Major General Hamlet Matevosyan has been awarded with certificate for Active participation in the strengthening of military-political integration of the CSTO member states, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MES.

By another presidential decree head of the First Division of International Cooperation of the Emergency Situations Policymaking and International Cooperation Department Aghvan Sargsyan has been awarded with medal for Strengthening collective security.

Minister of Emergency Situation Feliks Tsolakyan solemnly handed the awards to the recipients on January 21.



Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan






In the 19th century, whenever the Senate ran dangerously short on time to pass critical legislation, Isaac Bassett would extend a pole to the official chamber clock and perform a feat most mortals only dream of.

As the assistant doorkeeper from 1861 until his death in 1895, he would push back the hands of the clock at the request of the vice president to forestall adjournment.

The task stirred a mixture of awe and consternation in him. I wish it distinctly understood that I never did so until I received the order from the vice president or president pro tem of the Senate, Bassett wrote in personal notes, now recorded on a Senate Historical Office website.

A number of the most important appropriations bills have been saved and an extra session avoided, Bassett wrote. I have nothing to say whether it was constitutional or not, but never in my life while in the service of the Senate (have I) disobeyed an order from the vice president.
Do you want to get in contact with experts in economics, law, and politics, and help them convey their thoughts to the authorities on the other side of the border? How to make people think and discuss in a civilised manner? Brussels Ukrana Review has found the answer.

Brussels Ukrana Review offers leading experts from Ukraine and the European Union the opportunity to comment on the situation regarding relations between Ukraine, Russia and the EU in the format of an advisory vote - even when they believe that it is better to be silent. So, lets read!

Working in both Brussels and in Kyiv, with an extensive network of partners (experts, journalists, officials, politicians, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and international institutions) in the EU and Ukraine, Brussels Ukrana Review consolidates and represents Ukrainian expertise in Europe, as well as European expertise in Ukraine.

Usually, the discourse remains behind the closed doors of conferences, meetings and various events, providing an opportunity for dialogue only to select participants, while behind the scenes of official representations and international organizations there remains a large number of competent specialists who only feed on their own experience, but cannot share it.

The voices of experts are not heard amidst the information noise, with new technologies  such as social networks, video blogs and podcasts, and personal webpages  giving everyone the tools to speak publicly. A lot of articles, comments with important expert viewpoint are often lost. We strive to strengthen them, to get those voices heard. The noise is our enemy, and we have already declared war on him. Promote Ukraine has been fighting with him for years, says Marta Barandiy , Chief Editor of Brussels Ukrana Review and founder of Promote Ukraine ( twitter.com/MartaBarandiy ). We believe that opinions on any given situation in the world, Europe, or Ukraine should be expressed by experts, people who read, analyse, and consider the situation from all possible viewpoints.

So, it is them that the Brussels Ukraina Review platform was created.

 Promote Ukraine determined a philosophy that corresponds to a metamodernist vision of the world. Through Brussels Ukraina Review , first of all, we embody our own belief that the truth is somewhere in between, says Maxim Stepanov, digital marketing director of Promote Ukraine. We believe that everything around us is politics, whether we want it or not. Those who have knowledge, specialisation and vision should speak out loud because they create politics, regardless of whether they speak or are silent.

And as it is known, the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who are silent when they are expected to talk.

Brussels Ukraina Review ensures that those who have something important to say can speak, and those who make decisions are able to hear them. And that is why the media overcomes the language barrier between experts from both sides.

Against the closure of UATV, a Ukrainian media outlet which broadcasted in a number of languages, including English and Ukrainian, the appearance of the bilingual Brussels Ukraina Review is timelier than ever. A series of the magazines presentations in Brussels and Kyiv, and its distribution among European and Ukrainian PMs, European media, officials, diplomats and business club members showed that the magazines strategy is right.

Brussels Ukraina Review is a platform wrapped in an extraordinary design and reinforced by bold illustrations and video stories (in the online version). It is open to civil society professionals who have no other way of delivering information to those who make decisions on the other side of the border. It provides experts an opportunity to express non-mainstream ideas and even argue.

The magazine is designed to help influential (in the sense of decision-making) readers on both sides of the border to understand the reasons for dissatisfaction with a particular local situation. At the same time, it will reveal to the readers from the civil society the intentions and actions of those who make decisions on the other side, since the editorial staff is ready to ask uncomfortable questions, the focus of which is the rule of law, freedom and humanism.
HONOLULU - Hawaii already has some of the nations strictest gun laws, but the fatal shooting of two Honolulu police officers by a man his lawyer and neighbours believe had psychiatric problems has added new urgency to efforts to close gun control loopholes and bolster mental health care treatment.

The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence gives Hawaii an A- rating on its annual Gun Law Scorecard, and last year the islands joined more than a dozen other states in enacting a law allowing police and family members to obtain a court order to take firearms from someone who poses a danger to him or herself or to another person.

Its not yet clear where the gunman who killed the police officers got his weapon. But lawmakers had already been drafting legislation that would prohibit lending guns to another person. Current state law allows gun owners to lend firearms for up to 15 days within the state and for more than two months to those out of state, in both situations without background checks.

State Rep. Chris Lee, chairman of House judiciary committee, wants to examine how someone who was clearly identified as having mental health issues was able to accumulate weapons and ammunition.

The deadly incident happened Sunday when police received a 911 call to an upscale neighbourhood near Waikiki Beach reporting that a man had stabbed and beaten a neighbour.

Jaroslav Jerry Hanel lived in landlord Lois Cains house for free in return for handyman services. Both Hanel and Cain are believed to have perished when a fire erupted inside his home shortly after he fired the fatal shots that killed the two officers. Hanels attorney believes he may have erupted in a rage when she confronted him with an eviction notice.

Its not known whether Hanel owned guns because he didnt have a permit.

But a close friend of Cains told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that her friend kept her late husbands guns in a storage locker under her bed. Janice Morrow said she didnt know whether the guns were still there in recent weeks. Morrow was visiting Cain and said she was trying to support her friends efforts to evict Hanel when the violence occurred.

Neighbour Russel Freeman said before 2015 he and his wife were on reasonably good terms with Hanel. But a temporary restraining order petition Freeman filed in June 2018 said Hanel was behaving in an increasingly irrational manner which is causing considerable concern for our safety.

The petition related multiple instances of Hanel yelling at and harassing the Freemans, their tenants and guests.

He has consistently made comments (that) people are spying, breaking into his apartment, moving his things around and that eventually it could result in him having to kill someone, Freeman said in his filing. Jerry clearly has a mental illness, is getting worse and needs help.

Hawaii Rifle Association President Clifford Goo said he understands the intent of the bill that would prohibit gun lending. But he questioned how teenagers age 16 and older would hunt if the measure became law because its illegal to own a gun if youre younger than 21 in Hawaii. Teens may get a hunting license starting at age 16.

Most responsible gun owners, they know who their friends are and who they can trust. Theyre not going to lend their guns to just anybody, Goo said.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige said he would support closing loopholes in the states gun laws. The Democratic governor said he would also like to see more mental health services outside the criminal justice system, something that state officials have already been working on as they seek to move homeless people into housing.

Senate President Ron Kouchi said lawmakers have been working to restore funding for mental health services that were cut during the Great Recession a decade ago.

House Finance Committee Chairwoman Rep. Sylvia Luke said lawmakers need to make sure beds being added to the states only dedicated in-patient psychiatric treatment facility will be available for civil commitments and not just people sent there by the judicial system.

Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard told Hawaii News Now that she hopes the deaths of Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama will lead to improvements in dealing with people who have mental health issues.

She suggested there should be social workers embedded in the police department and that the police should track mentally ill and make sure they get the services they need.

I know it sounds tough, but I think its time for tough love now, she said.
A son has shot dead his mother before phoning his friend to confess his heinous crime, police have said.

The man, 43, opened fire on his 63-year-old parent in her second-floor apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, on Monday night.

Medics were scrambled to the house on Broadway and Park Avenue and raced the critically injured woman to Woodhull Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The man, 43, opened fire on his 63-year-old parent in her second-floor apartment in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, on Monday night (file photo)

Police sources named Jason Argentina as the gunman to the New York Daily News, but this has not been officially confirmed.

After shooting his mother in the face, he confided his slaughter in a friend who told him to meet at Marcus Garvey boulevard.

The friend tipped off the cops, who arrested the suspect and recovered a weapon.

Charges against the son were pending last night.
Islamabad, Jan 21 : Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, from January 21 to 23, the Asian nation's Foreign Ministry has announced.

Khan is making the visit at the invitation of Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF, the ministry said in a statement on Monday, Xinhua reported.

The thematic focus of this year's meeting is on "Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World".

Two key highlights of the visit include the Pakistan's Prime minister's "Keynote Address" at the WEF special session, and his interaction at the "Pakistan Strategy Dialogue" with Chief Executive Officers and corporate leaders, the statement said.

On the sidelines, Khan will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders including US President Donald Trump.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the WEF. In keeping with the significance of this milestone, political leaders, business executives, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives will deliberate on contemporary economic, geopolitical, social and environmental issues, according to the statement.
A TEAM of Ghanaian and Nigerian tour operators, media personnel and tourists took part in the 2020 edition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churchs epiphany celebrations in the countrys capital of Addis Ababa last Monday.

The team led by tour operator and CEO of Staple tours and also President of Women in Tourism, Ghana Ambassador Nancy Sam, was made up of Nana Adwoa Adofowaa II, a queenmother from the Eastern Region and representative of Nana Ama Serwaah, President of the Queenmothers Foundation of Ghana, Abeiku Santana, radio presenter and CEO of Kaya Tours, Francis Doku, host of tourism show Travel Pass on 3FM 92.7 and others from Ghana and Nigerian. Also on the team was Hajia Bilkisu Abdul, President, Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).

Known as Timket (or Timkat), the colourful celebration is one of two very popular events on the calendar of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Ethiopia. The other ceremony is the Meskel Festival, which marks the celebration of the finding of the cross that Jesus was crucified on and takes place at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa.

Timket, which means to reveal, refers to the revelation associated with the Churchs theology which is the unity of God the father, the son and the Holy Ghost during the baptism of Christ and it is the symbolic celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The celebration takes place 12 days after Christmas on the 19 January (or 20th January in a leap year).

While there are many followers of other religions in Ethiopia, the majority of people are Orthodox Christians and therefore always has many people committing time and energy to take part in Timket, which together with Meskel are declared national holidays in Ethiopia.

The team from Ghana and Nigeria woke up early in the morning of Monday to join thousands of worshippers, all of whom were attired in the traditional white cotton robes, at the humongous grass field of several acres reserved for the purpose and known as Janmeda.

Ahead of the symbolic baptism of the faithful, venerated priests and holy men performed the epiphany service around the baptismal pool as well as several thousand listening to sermons in a large tented area around the vast Janmeda. Many had been there since the previous night to sleep over in the cold Ethiopian weather and await the blessing that would come with the baptism.

The arrival of Abune Mathias, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church signaled the time for serious work and it ended most of the sermons. Several people in the inner perimeter got close to the baptismal pool, where the Patriarch and his many clergies had been positioned, while the many thousands outside the perimeter got close to the barricades and pushing in on security personal.

On one side of the giant pool was the Patriarch and also where a replica of the ark of the covenant (tabot) stood at the feet of several elders while the opposite side had a golden statue of Jesus Christ being baptized by John the Baptist with water spilling from a jug of water tilted over Jesus head.

For about an hour the final service before the baptism went on with sermons, singing of hymns, parading of huge crosses and a holy book around the pool by the clergy as momentum built towards the baptism. When it came in was in the form of sprinkling of water on the people close to him by the Patriarch and then those of the other priests followed.

At this point the thousands of faithful were inching and trying to get close to the pool while the many priests standing on raised platforms and holding water hoses sprinkled water from the baptismal pool on them. This was preceded and followed a cacophony of clapping, shrieking, whistling and shouting by the many thousands gathered to commemorate the baptism of Jesus by John.

Meanwhile, the team took part in the mass procession of the members of different congregations of the Orthodox Tewahedo church on the streets of Addis Ababa. This procession marks the start of the celebration of Timket and takes place a day before (18th Janaury) the baptism of the faithful with this particular one taking place on 19th January. Known as Ketera, which refers to the making of a dam, as it is common to make a dam in places where there is no river water for the celebration of Timket.

The procession is led by the Tabot(replica of the Ark of the Covenant), which is taken out of each church and borne aloft by high priests to the nearest river, lake or pond where the communal baptism is to take place the next day and in this case at Janmeda.

The procession was attended by chanting and dancing crowds in dazzling white traditional robes, which contrasts with the colours of the ceremonial robes and velvet umbrellas of the priests as well as the red, yellow, green of the Ethiopian flag adorning every corner and creating a beautiful kaleidoscope across the streets. The Tabots stayed overnight near the baptismal pool at Janmeda ahead of the baptism the following morning.

The Ethiopian Orthodox church has celebrated Timket across the country and has been doing so since the fourth century. This three-day observance, which is climaxed on Tuesday when the Tabot from St. Michaels Church is returned and accompanied by a cheerful crowd who sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, is a solemn observance of faith intermixed with exuberance.

The trip by the Ghana and Nigeria team to Timket Festival 2020 was made possible by Africas biggest and most profitable airline, Ethiopian Airlines.
Tory MPs who took a swathe of traditional Labour seats across the North of England in December were warned today they would need police protection if they dared to attend a traditional miners event.

Alan Mardghum, a former pitworker who now runs the annual Durham Miners' Gala, said he would 'rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them' to the July event.

The gala, which sees thousands of people takes to the streets of the historic city, has strong socialist link, with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn the guest of honour in recent years.

Mr Mardghum said there was 'categorically no chance' he would invite Tories who won long-term Labour seats including North West Durham, which Richard Holden took from Laura Pidcock.

The Tories are largely reviled in mining communities because of Margaret Thatcher's suppression of the Miners' Strike - led by National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) boss Arthur Scargill - in 1984.

But they took a number of so-called Red Wall Labour seats as Jeremy Corbyn's party collapsed in the December 12 election, handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority.

They included four of the seven seats in County Durham.

'To paraphrase (Boris) Johnson, Id rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them or Johnson to the gala,' Mr Mardghum told the BBC's Look North.

Alan Mardghum, a former pitworker who now runs the annual Durham Miners' Gala, said he would 'rather be found dead in a ditch than invite them' to the July event

Beginning in 1871, the gala is the biggest trade union event in Europe and is part of an annual celebration of socialism

In response, new Bishop Aukland Tory MP Dehenna Davison tweeted: 'See you there Alan'

'We never saw Arthur Scargill invited to the Tory Party Conference, why would we invite Tories to the miners gala?

'They did their best to absolutely destroy the Durham miners and the miners of Great Britain.

'Can I stop them coming to Durham? Its a free country, but I would suggest if any of them are thinking of coming ... they might need to speak to the police to make sure they are safe on the day.'

In response, new Bishop Aukland Tory MP Dehenna Davison tweeted: 'See you there Alan.'

And new Ashfield MP, former miner Lee Anderson, added: 'As an ex miner and a Conservative MP I would be glad to join you my friend.'

Beginning in 1871, the gala is the biggest trade union event in Europe and is part of an annual celebration of socialism.

Last year's event marked the 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners Association, with around 200,000 people attending to see traditional colliery brass bands march through the city.

Mr Mardghum told the BBC he would 'rather be found dead in a ditch' than invite Boris Johnson (above, welcoming Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta to 10 Downing Street today) to the gala
Hong Kong, Jan 21 : Credit rating agency Moody's on Tuesday downgraded Hong Kong's long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings saying that the government has failed to tackle massive protests that broke out in June 2019 and have pushed the city into recession.

In a statement, Moody's said that it was lowering Hong Kong's rating from "Aa2" to "Aa3" - the lowest of the three "Aa" levels, which are given to financial obligations judged to be "of high quality" and "subject to very low credit risk", reports Efe news.

The downgrade, the firm said, arises out of a concern for the institutions of the city, a reduction in the strength of the local administration and "more significant constraints" on the autonomy of Hong Kong with respect to mainland China than previously believed.

Moody's rued an "absence of tangible plans to address either the political or economic and social concerns of the Hong Kong population" in the last nine months, which, it added, "may reflect weaker inherent institutional capacity" than the New York-based agency had assessed earlier.

Following the release of the report, the government issued a statement on Tuesday in which it said it "strongly" disagreed with and was "deeply disappointed" by Moody's decision to lower the city's rating.

This is the first time since May 2017 that Moody's has downgraded Hong Kong's rating.

Hong Kong has been gripped by more than seven months of social unrest sparked by opposition to draft legislation that would have allowed the extradition of suspects to mainland China, among other jurisdictions.

The protests have developed into a broader anti-government movement with demands including restarting the city's stalled political reform process.

Demonstrations have repeatedly ended in clashes between anti-government protesters and police.
She unequivocally answered the question about what is in her bag.

Rihanna left it all out in the open as she strolled through John F. Kennedy International Airport with a completely clear suitcase on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old mogul was low-key glam in an expensive designer ensemble as she showed off her bright vacation wardrobe with the bizarre see-through bag.

What's in the bag? Rihanna left it all out in the open as she strolled through John F. Kennedy International Airport with a completely clear suitcase on Tuesday

For her travel style, Rihanna opted for a pricey black and white look wearing simple skinny black leggings with a $2,950 hooded taffeta anorak by Christian Dior.

She topped the expensive pullover with a matching plaid and houndstooth duster and a pair of big sunglasses.

Keeping in line with her luxury style, the Grammy winner sported black Prada boots and a Celine handbag.

The Fenty Beauty owner appeared to be wearing little to no makeup under her shades and swept her hair up in a slick high ponytail with waves.

Travel style: The 31-year-old mogul was low-key glam in an expensive designer ensemble as she showed off her bright vacation wardrobe with the bizarre see-through bag

Curious minds: Travelers didn't have to wonder what kinds of things Ri Ri takes on trips as she showcased the contents of her suitcase for all to see with a clear bag

Luxury only! Rihanna opted for a pricey black and white $2,950 hooded taffeta anorak by Christian Dior, Prada boots and a Celine handbag

All eyes were likely not on what Rihanna was wearing, however, but what she packed.

Curious travelers didn't have to wonder what kinds of things Ri Ri takes on trips as she displayed the contents of her suitcase for all to see with a clear bag.

Bright green, orange, yellow, white and hot pink items were rolled and stuffed into the plastic rolling carry-on suitcase, which she carried with her.

The star seemed in good spirits in the wake of her split from her billionaire boyfriend Hassan Jameel last week.

Moving on: The star seemed in good spirits in the wake of her split from her billionaire boyfriend Hassan Jameel last week (Pictured together in February 2019)

The Barbados born beauty and her billionaire ex were together for three years, making it her longest relationship since her days with Chris Brown.

No details have been provided as to the reason for their split. It's been noted that the two have very different personalities, but it reportedly 'worked for them.'

'Rihanna and Hassan understand each other very well and their personalities mesh well together,' a source told Us in a previous interview. 'They're both so different, but it works for them.'

The star's focus at the moment seems to be on business as she prepares to drop her sizzling Valentine's Day lingerie collection for her Savage X Fenty label.
Kata Rocks launches Phuket Real Estate Networking series

PHUKET: More than 100 people turned out for the inaugural Phuket Real Estate Networking Event held at Kata Rocks last Thursday (Jan 16).

property

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 12:05PM

More than 100 people out for the inaugural Phuket Real Estate Networking Event held at Kata Rocks last Thursday (Jan 16). Photo: Kata Rocks

More than 100 people out for the inaugural Phuket Real Estate Networking Event held at Kata Rocks last Thursday (Jan 16). Photo: Kata Rocks

More than 100 people out for the inaugural Phuket Real Estate Networking Event held at Kata Rocks last Thursday (Jan 16). Photo: Kata Rocks

More than 100 people out for the inaugural Phuket Real Estate Networking Event held at Kata Rocks last Thursday (Jan 16). Photo: Kata Rocks

More than 100 people out for the inaugural Phuket Real Estate Networking Event held at Kata Rocks last Thursday (Jan 16). Photo: Kata Rocks

The launch event for the monthly series was hosted by Infinite Luxury and featured guest speaker Jeremy Khan from the Phuket Property Network.

The purpose of the event is to provide a regular monthly networking evening at Kata Rocks where Phuket real estate agents and developers can promote their projects and get the latest information on everything related to their industry on the island, explained a release issued yesterday (Jan 20).

Infinite Luxury CEO Richard Pope said the networking event will have two different guest speakers every month, covering various industry related topics.

He invited all property developers, real estate agents, and industry experts to join Phuket Real Estate Networking events in the months to come. The next edition of the networking event is planned for Feb 20.

"Im proud to launch this event and bring together like minded real estate professionals in Phuket," Mr Pope said.

"Kata Rocks is a by-product of a Phuket networking event I attended 12 years ago and shows the time is right to organise this on a monthly basis." he added.

The launch comes as the Phuket real estate market has experienced steady growth over the past decade, with international tourism helping fuel interest on Thailands premier resort destination, noted the release.

With over 800 real estate agents on the island, this event is bound to grow as it connects agents and developers and aims to streamline real estate efforts in Phuket, it added.

To request an invitation to join, or to speak at an upcoming Phuket Real Estate Networking Event, email dome@infiniteluxury.com or call 076-370777.

A website dedicated to the monthly event series is currently being created, The Phuket News has been told. More details to follow.
The U.N. Human Rights Councils rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery made an official inquiry to the Cuban government in November. Cuba responded that the program was committed to the principles of altruism, humanism, and international solidarity, which have guided it for more than 55 years, and said allegations that doctors are forced to participate are absolutely false.
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntkey, a leading global provider of power solutions, announces the availability of its new monitor - the N1981WA, an 18.5-inch monitor featuring a resolution of 1366 x 768.

The Huntkey Monitor N1981WA:

https://en.huntkey.com/product/n1981wa/

Considering its relatively low configuration, the N1981WA is built intended for traditional office use and not for playing video games. It is equipped with a TN screen and features an aspect ratio of 16:9. Its brightness is 200cd/, and with static contrast ratio of 600:1, it allows the users to clearly and comfortably see in the darkest or brightest scenes.

"It is not a high-end monitor. It is specially built for those who work without high PC requirements," said Ferris Liao, Marketing Director of Huntkey. "If you are not a picky user who must have a high-end monitor for your office, then the N1981WA will be a considerable choice as it is cost effective."

For more product information, please visit: https://en.huntkey.com/

Product Dimensions Model N1981WA Screen Size 18.5" Resolution 1366*768 Aspect Ratio 16:9 Display Type TN Static Contrast Ratio 600:1 Brightness 200cd/ Color Support 16.7M Inputs VGA Dimensions 444*178*335mm Net Weight 2.4kg Color Black

About Huntkey

Huntkey Group, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Shenzhen, is a member of The International Power Supply Manufacturer's Association (PSMA) and a member of The China Power Supply Society (CPSS). With branch companies in the USA, Japan and other areas, and cooperating factories in Brazil, Argentina, India and other countries, Huntkey has specialized in the development, design, and manufacturing of PC power supplies, industrial power supplies, surge protectors, adapters and chargers for many years. With its own technologies and manufacturing strength, Huntkey has served Lenovo, Haier, DELL, Bestbuy and many other large enterprises for years, and has received unanimous recognition and trust from most of the customers.

For more information about Huntkey, please visit http://www.huntkey.com/

SOURCE Huntkey

Related Links

https://en.huntkey.com/


Facebook recently promised that it would increaseefforts to remove so-called deepfake videos, including content thatincluded misleading manipulated media.

In addition to fears that deepfakes  altered videos that appear to be authentic  could impact the upcoming 2020 general election in the United States,there are growing concerns that they could ruin reputations and impact businesses.

A manipulated video that looks real could convince viewers tobelieve that the subjects in the video said things they didnt say,or did things they didnt do.

Deepfakes have become more sophisticated and easier to produce, thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can be applied to existing videos quickly andeasily, achieving results that took professional special effects teams and digital artists hours or days to achieve in the past.

Deepfake technology is being weaponized for political misinformationand cybercrime, said Robert Prigge, CEO of Jumio.

In one high profile case, criminals last year used AI-basedsoftware to impersonate a chief executives voice and demand afraudulent transfer of US$243,000, Prigge told TechNewsWorld.

Unfortunately, deepfakes can also be used to bypass manybiometric-based identity verification systems, which have rapidly grownin popularity in response to impersonation attacks, identity theft andsocial engineering, he added.

Facing Off Against Deepfakes

Given the potential for damage, both Facebook and Twitter have banned such content. However, its not clear what the bans cover. For its part Facebook will utilize third-party fact-checkers, reportedly including more than 50 partners working worldwide in more than 40 languages.

Theyre banning videos created through machine learning that areintended to be deceptive, explained Paul Bischoff, privacy advocateat Comparitech.

The videos must have both audio and video that the average personwouldnt reasonably assume is fake, he told TechNewsWorld.

A deepfake superimposes existing video footage of aface onto a source head and body using advanced neural network-poweredAI to create increasingly realistic doctored videos, noted Prigge. In other words, adeepfake looks to be a real persons recorded face and voice, but thewords they appear to be speaking were never really uttered by them.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Defining Deepfakes

One troubling issue with deepfakes is simply determining what is adeepfake and what is just edited video. In many cases deepfakes arebuilt by utilizing the latest technology to edit or manipulate video. News outlets regularly edit interviews, press conferences and other events when crafting news stories, as way to highlight certain elements and get juicy sound bites.

Of course, there have been plenty of criticisms of mainstream newsmedia for manipulating video footage to change thecontext without AI or machine learning, simply using the tools of the editing suite.

Deepfakes generally are viewed as far more dangerous because it isnt just context that is altered.

At its heart, a deepfake is when someone uses sophisticatedtechnology  artificial intelligence  to blend multiple images oraudio together in order to change its original meaning and conveysomething that is not true or valid, said Chris Olson, CEO of The Media Trust.

From manipulating audio to creating misleading images, deepfakesfoster the spread of disinformation as the end user typically doesntknow that the content or message is not real, he told TechNewsWorld.

To varying degrees, social platforms have issued policies prohibitingthe posting of highly manipulated videos that are not clearly labeledor readily apparent to consumers as fake, added Olson.

Still, while these policies are a step in the right direction, they do not explicitly ban manipulated video or audio, he pointed out. Having youraccount blocked isnt much of a deterrent.

Manipulation Without Malice

Facebooks ban and other efforts to ban orotherwise curb deepfakes do not apply to political speech or parodies.

Consent may be another issue that needs to be addressed.

This is a great point  fake videos and images can be definedbroadly  for example, anything that is manipulated, said ShumanGhosemajumder, CTO of Shape Security and former fraud czar at Google.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

But most media created is, to some extent, manipulated, he told TechNewsWorld.

Manipulations include automatic digital enhancements to photos taken using modern cameras  those equipped with HDR settings or other AI-based enhancement  as well as filters, and aesthetic editing and retouching, noted Ghosemajumder.

If most media is thus automatically marked on a platform assynthetic or manipulated, this will reduce the benefit of such atag, he remarked.

The next step will be to figure out objective criteria to excludethat type of editing and focus on maliciously manipulatedmedia, which could be an inherently subjective standard.

However, it cant be a question of individuals consenting to be invideos, because no such consent is generally required of publicfigures or of videos and images that are taken in public places,observed Ghosemajumder, and public figures are the ones that aremost likely to be targeted by malicious users of these technologies.

AI Tools Singled Out

Facebooks deepfakes ban singles out videos that use AI technology or machine learning to manipulate the content.

This is an incomplete approach, since most fake content, includingmisleading videos posted today, are not created with such technology,said Ghosemajumder.

The now famous Nancy Pelosi video could have been created withtechnology from 40-plus years ago, since it was just simple videoediting, he added.

More importantly, maliciousness cannot be defined based only on thetechnology used, said Ghosemajumder, since much of the same technology used to create a malicious deepfake is already being used to create legitimate works ofart, such as the de-aging technology used in The Irishman.

Viewer Perception

As the Facebook policy stands, satire and parody would be exempt, but what falls into those categories isnt always clear. Viewer reactions dont always align with what thecontent maker may have had in mind. A joke video that falls flat might not be viewed as satire.

The standards for judging satire or fan films are also subjective it may be possible to determine what is or is not intended as satirein a court of law to societys satisfaction in an individual instance,but it is much more difficult to make such determinationsautomatically for millions of pieces of content in a social mediaplatform, warned Ghosemajumder.

In addition, even in cases when a video is created with obviouslysatirical intent, that intent can get lost if the video is shortened, taken out of context, or even just reposted by someone who didnt understand the original intent.

There are many examples of satirical content fooling people whodidnt understand the humor, said Ghosemajumder.

Its more about how the audience perceives it. Satire doesnt fallinto the ban. Nor does parody, and if the video is clearly labeled asfiction, it should be fine, countered Bischoff.

It is our understanding that Facebook and Twitter are not banningsatire or parody  intention is the key differentiator, added AlexeyKhitrov, CEO of ID R&D.

Satire by definition is the use of humor, exaggeration or irony,whereas the intention of a deepfake is to pass off altered orsynthetic video or speech as authentic, he told TechNewsWorld.Deepfakes are used to trick a viewer and spread misinformation. Whilea deepfake aims to deceive the average user, satire is apparent.

Legal Efforts

There have been legal efforts to stop the proliferation ofdeepfakes, but the government might not be the best entity to tacklethis high-tech problem.

Over the past two years, several U.S. states introduced legislationto govern deepfakes, with the Malicious Deep Fake Prohibition Act andDEEPFAKES Accountability Act introduced to the U.S. Senate and Houseof Representatives respectively, said The Media Trusts Olson.

Both bills stalled with lawmakers, and neither proposed muchchange beyond introducing penalties. Even if laws were passed,it is unlikely a legislative approach can keep up with technological advancements.

Its very difficult to effectively legislate against a moving targetlike emerging technology, warned Olson.

Until there is perfect recognition that content is a deepfake,platforms and media outlets need to disclose to consumers the sourceof the content, he suggested.

Deepfake videos cannot be stopped, just like photoshopped photoscannot be stopped, said Josh Bohls, CEO of Inkscreen.

Libel laws can be expanded to include altered videos that mightmisrepresent a public figure in a harmful way, providing the subjectsome kind of recourse, he told TechNewsWorld. It would also be prudent to pass laws requiring the labeling of certain categories of videos  political ads, for example  so that the viewer is aware that the content has been altered.

Tech to Fight Tech

Instead of the government creating new laws, the tech industry could solve the deepfakes problem, even if defining them remains fuzzy. Providing access to technology to determine if a video has been manipulated could be a good first step.

Several social platforms have taken steps to detect and removedeepfake videos with limited success as detection lags behind thespeed at which new technology emerges to create better, more realisticdeepfakes in an ever-diminishing period of time, said Olson.

The challenge remains on the difficult process of identifying andremoving deepfakes before they spread to the general public, he said.

Social media is where these videos are spreading and where removal iscrucial. These platforms are in a good position to roll out new technology.

Overall, Twitter and Facebook announcing plans to take action againstmalicious fake content is an excellent first step, and will increasescrutiny and skepticism of media uploaded to the Internet, especiallyby anonymous or unknown sources, noted Ghosemajumder.

However, this is absolutely not a silver bullet solution to thisproblem, for many reasons warned Ghosemajumder.

The detection of fake media is a cat-and-mouse game. If manipulatedcontent is immediately flagged, then malicious actors will experimentagainst the system with variations of their content until they canpass undetected, he explained.

On the other hand, if manipulated content is not immediately flaggedor removed, it can be spread  and will quickly morph  causing damagein whatever period exists between creation and uploading and flagging, ina way that may not be possible to easily contain at that point,Ghosemajumder suggested.

Finally, the use of fake accounts andautomated fraud and abuse is the primary mechanism that maliciousactors use to spread disinformation, he said. This is one of the key areassocial networks need to address with the most sophisticated technologyavailable, not just home-built solutions.

Anti-Deepfake Tools

Several companies are exploring methods of combating deepfakes. Facebook, Microsoft and AWS launched the Deepfake Detection Challenge to encourage development of open source detection tools. [*Correction  Jan. 22, 2020]

Without consistently flagging suspect digital content and labeling thesource of the doctored video or audio, technology will have littleimpact on the issue, said Olson.

Providing this context will help the consumer better understand theveracity of the message. Was it sent to me from an unknown thirdparty, or did I find it on a brand website during product research? This attribution information is whats needed to counter deepfakes, he said.

However, with a lot of manipulated content, it is often aboutmisdirection  and in this case, too much focus on the video itself could be problematic.

Its not just the visual stream thats vulnerable to deepfakes, butalso the voice stream. Both can be altered or manipulated as part ofa deepfake, said ID R&Ds Khitrov.

There is technology to help detect a deepfakes manipulated audio, he noted.

Liveness detection capabilities can identify artifacts that arentaudible to the human ear but are present in synthesized, recorded orcomputer-altered voice, explained Khitrov. We can detect over 99 percent of audio deepfakes, but only where that technology is deployed.

The Deep View

Those with a pessimistic take believe the technologyto create convincing deepfakes simply will outpace the technology tostop it.

Our analogy is that there are viruses and there is antivirustechnology, and staying ahead of the bad guys requires constantiteration, and the same holds true for deepfake detection, saidKhitrov.

However, the AI-based technologies that the bad guys are using arevery similar to the technologies the good guys are using. So thebreakthroughs that are available to the bad guys are also being usedby the good guys to stop them, he added.

A bigger threat is that deepfake software is already freelyavailable on the Web, although its not that great yet, saidComparitechs Bischoff. We will have to learn to be vigilant andskeptical.

*ECT News Network editors note  Jan. 22, 2020: Our original published version of this story incorrectly stated that the Deepfake Detection Challenge was a project launched by The Media Trust. In fact, it is a joint effort of Facebook, Microsoft and AWS. We regret the error.
[January 21, 2020] Announcement Regarding Amendments to the Press Release titled "Announcement of Commencement of Tender Offer for Shares of UNIZO Holdings Company, Limited (Securities Code: 3258)" due to Changes of Conditions of Tender Offer

Sapporo GK: (Translation) January 20, 2020 To all parties concerned







Company Name: Sapporo GK Managing Partner: Sapporo ISH Executor of Managing Partner: Takaaki Fukunaga Contact: Fortress Investment Group (Japan) GK Tel: +81-3-6438-4400

While Sapporo GK (hereinafter referred to as the "Tender Offeror") commenced the tender offer for the common shares of UNIZO Holdings Company, Limited (Code No.: 3258, Tokyo Stock Exchange) (hereinafter referred to as "Target (News - Alert)") on August 19, 2019 (hereinafter referred to as the "Tender Offer"), the Tender Offeror decided as of today to change the conditions of purchase, etc. through the Tender Offer. Accordingly, the Tender Offeror hereby announces that the amendments shall be made to the "Announcement of Commencement of Tender Offer for Shares of UNIZO Holdings Company, Limited (Securities Code: 3258)" dated August 16, 2019 (including the portions amended by the "Announcement Regarding Amendments to the Press Release titled 'Announcement of Commencement of Tender Offer for Shares of UNIZO Holdings Company, Limited (Securities Code: 3258)' due to Changes of Conditions of Tender Offer" dated September 5, 2019, September 20, 2019, October 2, 2019, October 17, 2019, October 25, 2019, November 11, 2019, November 15, 2019, November 29, 2019, December 13, 2019, December 18, 2019 and December 27, 2019, respectively), as follows: Particulars: Portions to be amended are underlined. 1. Purpose, Etc. of Tender Offer, Etc. (1) Overview of the Tender Offer <Before amendment> <Omitted> The Tender Offeror considers that the facts announced by the Target, as mentioned above, would be material information for the shareholders of the Target to decide whether or not to tender their shares into the Tender Offer and would fall under the "occurrence of material facts relating to the matters required to be stated in the TOB Registration Statement", and therefore, the Tender Offeror, pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, filed this Amendment to the TOB Registration Statement to the Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau and, accordingly, the tender offer period was extended to January 20, 2020, which is the last day of the ten (10) business day period following December 27, 2019, the date on which such Amendment was filed (hereinafter referred to as the "10th Change of Tender Offer Conditions"). <After amendment> <Omitted> The Tender Offeror considers that the facts announced by the Target, as mentioned above, would be material information for the shareholders of the Target to decide whether or not to tender their shares into the Tender Offer and would fall under the "occurrence of material facts relating to the matters required to be stated in the TOB Registration Statement", and therefore, the Tender Offeror, pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, filed this Amendment to the TOB Registration Statement to the Director-General of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau and, accordingly, the tender offer period was extended to January 20, 2020, which is the last day of the ten (10) business day period following December 27, 2019, the date on which such Amendment was filed (hereinafter referred to as the "10th Change of Tender Offer Conditions"). Thereafter, the Tender Offeror has been carefully considering various factors in addition to what is described below, including the tender offer commenced by Chitocea Investment Co., Ltd. on December 24, 2019 for the Target's shares (the "Chitocea TOB"), the status of tenders by the Target's shareholders for the Tender Offer and the prospects of shareholders tendering into the Tender Offer to be made hereafter, from a comprehensive perspective, the Tender Offeror determined that it was necessary to extend the Tender Offer in response to the Chitocea TOB. Therefore, on January 20, 2020, the tender offer period was determined to be extended to February 4, 2020, which is the last day of the Chitocea TOB period (hereinafter referred to as the "11th Change of Tender Offer Conditions"). (3) Measures to Ensure Fairness of Tender Offer Price and Avoid Conflicts of Interest, and Other Measures to Ensure Fairness of Tender Offer (V) Ensuring of Objective Circumstances to Secure Fairness of Tender Offer Price <Before amendment> <Omitted> In addition, the Tender Offeror set the period of the Tender Offer before the 1st Change of Tender Offer Conditions as 30 business days, even though the minimum tender offer period required under law is 20 business days (Please note that the tender offer period was extended to 34 business days after the 1st Change of Tender Offer Conditions, then to 41 business days after the 2nd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 51 business days after the 3rd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 56 business days after the 4th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 60 business days after the 5th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 70 business days after the 6th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 80 business days after the 7th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 90 business days after the 8th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 93 business days after the 9th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, and thereafter, to 100 business days after the 10th Change of Tender Offer Conditions). We intend to ensure the fairness of the Tender Offer by having a comparatively long tender offer period in order to provide the shareholders of the Target with an appropriate opportunity to consider whether or not to apply for the Tender Offer, as well as to ensure that any party other than the Tender Offeror will have an opportunity to make a competing tender offer for Target Shares. Please note that the tender offer period was from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to October 7, 2019 (Monday) after the 1st Change of Tender Offer Conditions, but then changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to October 17 (Thursday) after the 2nd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 1 (Friday) after the 3rd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 11 (Monday) after the 4th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 15 (Friday) after the 5th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 29 (Friday) after the 6th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to December 13 (Friday) after the 7th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to December 27, 2019 (Friday) after the 8th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to January 8, 2020 (Wednesday) after the 9th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, and thereafter, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to January 20, 2020 (Monday) after the 10th Change of Tender Offer Conditions. <After amendment> <Omitted> In addition, the Tender Offeror set the period of the Tender Offer before the 1st Change of Tender Offer Conditions as 30 business days, even though the minimum tender offer period required under law is 20 business days (Please note that the tender offer period was extended to 34 business days after the 1st Change of Tender Offer Conditions, then to 41 business days after the 2nd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 51 business days after the 3rd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 56 business days after the 4th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 60 business days after the 5th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 70 business days after the 6th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 80 business days after the 7th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 90 business days after the 8th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 93 business days after the 9th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, to 100 business days after the 10th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, and thereafter, to 111 business days after the 11th Change of Tender Offer Conditions). We intend to ensure the fairness of the Tender Offer by having a comparatively long tender offer period in order to provide the shareholders of the Target with an appropriate opportunity to consider whether or not to apply for the Tender Offer, as well as to ensure that any party other than the Tender Offeror will have an opportunity to make a competing tender offer for Target Shares. Please note that the tender offer period was from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to October 7, 2019 (Monday) after the 1st Change of Tender Offer Conditions, but then changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to October 17 (Thursday) after the 2nd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 1 (Friday) after the 3rd Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 11 (Monday) after the 4th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 15 (Friday) after the 5th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to November 29 (Friday) after the 6th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to December 13 (Friday) after the 7th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to December 27, 2019 (Friday) after the 8th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to January 8, 2020 (Wednesday) after the 9th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to January 20, 2020 (Monday) after the 10th Change of Tender Offer Conditions, and thereafter, changed to the period from August 19, 2019 (Monday) to February 4, 2020 (Tuesday) after the 11th Change of Tender Offer Conditions. 2. Outline of Tender Offer (2) Schedule, Etc. (II) Anticipated Tender Offer Period at the time of filing of the Notification <Before amendment> From August 19, 2019 (Monday) to January 20, 2020 (Monday) (100 business days) <After amendment> From August 19, 2019 (Monday) to February 4, 2020 (Tuesday) (111 business days) (8) Settlement Method (II) Commencement Date of Settlement <Before amendment> January 27, 2020 (Monday) <After amendment> February 12, 2020 (Wednesday) End - This press release is made for the purpose of publicly announcing the Tender Offer and not for the purpose of soliciting an offer to sell nor offering to purchase any securities in the Tender Offer. Any shareholder who intends to apply for the sale, etc. of any securities should make sure to act at its own discretion after reviewing the Tender Offer Explanation Statement as to the Tender Offer. This press release does not constitute a solicitation of sale of, or an offer for purchase of, any securities, nor a part thereof, and neither this press release (or a part thereof) nor the delivery thereof shall provide a basis for any agreement for the Tender Offer and may be relied upon for executing any such agreement. - The Tender Offer is conducted to purchase common stock of the Target, a corporation incorporated in Japan. Although the Tender Offer will be conducted in accordance with the procedures and information disclosure standards prescribed in the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, these procedures and standards may differ from the procedures and standards in the United States. In particular, Sections 13(e) and 14(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules prescribed thereunder do not apply to the Tender Offer, and the Tender Offer does not confirm to those procedures and standards. All of the financial information contained in this press release is based on Japanese accounting standard, not U.S. accounting standards, and may not necessarily be comparable to financial information based on U.S. accounting standards. Further, it may be difficult to enforce any right or demand arising under U.S. federal securities laws, because both of the Tender Offeror and the Target are incorporated outside the United States and none of its officers are U.S. residents. It may be impossible to sue a company outside the United States and its officers in a non-U.S. court for a violation of the U.S. Securities laws. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that one would be able to compel a company outside the United States or its subsidiaries and affiliated parties to subject themselves to the jurisdiction of a U.S. court. - Unless otherwise specified, all procedures relating to the Tender Offer shall be conducted in Japanese language. If some of the documents relating to the Tender Offer are prepared in English language and if there is any inconsistency between the English version and the Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail. - This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to substantially differ from the projections and other matters expressly or impliedly set forth herein as "forward-looking statements." Neither the Tender Offeror nor the Target, nor any of their respective affiliated parties, assumes that such express or implied projections, etc. set forth herein as "forward-looking statements" will eventually prove to be correct. The "forward-looking statements" contained in this press release have been prepared based on the information held by the Tender Offeror and the Target as of the date hereof and, unless otherwise required under applicable laws and regulations, neither the Tender Offeror nor the Target, nor any of their respective affiliated parties, assumes any obligation to update or revise this press release to reflect any future events or circumstances. - There is a possibility that the Tender Offeror, any of the Target's financial advisors or the tender offer agent (including their respective related parties) may conduct purchases of common stock of the Target not under the Tender Offer for its or their own account or on the account of its or their clients, or may take any action toward such purchase, prior to the commencement of the Tender Offer or during the tender offer period, in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the requirements under Article 5(b) of Rule 14(e) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to such extent as is permitted by Japanese legislation related to financial instruments transactions and other applicable laws and regulations. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005794/en/

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[January 21, 2020]

The VoIP.com Domain Name Is For Sale

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilco Streambank, a market leading advisory firm specializing in the sale of intellectual property assets and domain name brokerage, is marketing for sale the VoIP.com premium domain name.

VoIP.com, first registered in 1997, has historically been used to advertise and sell the use of Voice over Internet Protocol services, labeling it as the "Future of Telephony." As technology innovated throughout the last decade, the VoIP industry has become a $20 billion market and is projected to be a $55 billion market by 2025, according to Global Market Insights.

Hilco Streambank Senior Vice President Richelle Kalnit remarked, "The VoIP.com domain name presents a rare opportunity to own a highly recognizable and category defining domain."

Parties interested in the domain name or learning more about the sale process should CLICK HERE or contact Hilco Streambank directly using the contact information provided below.

About Hilco Streambank: Hilco Streambank is a market leading advisory firm specializing in intellectual property disposition and valuation. Having completed numerous transactions including sales in publicly reported Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, private transactions, and online sales through IPv4.Global, Hilco Streambank has established itself as the premier intermediary in the consumer brand, internet and telecom communities. Hilco Streambank is part of Northbrook, Illinois based Hilco Global, the world's leading authority on maximizing the value of business assets by delivering valuation, monetization and advisory solutions to an international marketplace. Hilco Global operates more than twenty specialized business units offering services that include asset valuation and appraisal, retail and industrial inventory acquisition and disposition, real estate and strategic capital equity investments.

For media and Press:

Gary C. Epstein

EVP Chief Marketing Officer

Hilco Global

[email protected]

847-418-2712

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-voipcom-domain-name-is-for-sale-300990662.html

SOURCE Hilco Streambank
Darryl Lamar Gartley walked the 15-year-old girl to school. He also accompanied the teen to her meetings with her juvenile probation officer in Washington County.

Gartley, who was 20 years old at the time, was the girls pimp.

On Tuesday, Gartley was sentenced to 12 years and five months in federal prison for trafficking the teenager and another underage girl in Oregon after he was convicted of similar charges in California with other girls.

He posted photos of the two Oregon girls on Craigslist and Backpage in 2016, describing them as honey and luscious, and emailed pornographic images of each to potential customers, according to prosecutors.

Gartley met the 15-year-old girl from Oregon on Facebook using a fake name and moved in with her less than a month later. Her mother was apparently unaware that Gartley was sex-trafficking her daughter, prosecutors said.

The 15-year-old girl befriended another 15-year-old girl through her juvenile probation counseling and that new friend also became a victim of sex-trafficking by Gartley, investigators say.

His systematic and repeated exploitation and abuse of minors  truly reprehensible conduct deserving of the Courts strongest condemnation  requires a lengthy period of incarceration to both protect the public and provide an adequate quantum of punishment, federal prosecutors Ravi Sinha and Kaylynn N. Foulon wrote in a sentencing memo.

Darryl Lamar Gartley, 23, was sentenced to 12 years and five months in federal prison for the sex trafficking of two 15-year-old girls in Oregon.

In January 2017, Gartley was arrested in California and subsequently convicted in San Diego Superior Court of human trafficking of minors and pimping for prostitution. A review of his cellphone indicated Gartley had sex-trafficked girls in Oregon as well, leading to the Oregon investigation.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon ordered Gartley, now 23, to face a lifetime of supervision upon his release from prison.

He also ordered nearly 30 conditions of supervision, including that Gartley undergo sex offender treatment, polygraph tests, have no contact with his victims and any gang members or prostitutes, not frequent hotels and have no contact with anyone under age 18, excluding his own children, without prior approval of his probation officer.

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.

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LONDON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Booking a direct flight to Tehran may not be as easy as it sounds. Thanks to numerous online booking websites, buying a flight ticket has never been as easy, yet if a customer is looking to book a direct flight to Tehran surprisingly they won't find anything online.

Iran Air is the flag carrier of Iran and operates three weekly direct flights from London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 to Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport and vice versa. Flight days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays every week. Departure flight time from London is usually at 16:55 and arrival to Tehran is at 02:30 am next day. Iran Air flight leaves Tehran at 11:05 and arrives in London, Heathrow by 14:10. Flight duration is approximately 6 hours and all the mentioned times are local. There might be a slight variation on flight times during different seasons.

So if there is no way to book a direct flight online, then how should a customer book a ticket to Tehran? At the moment they can only book Iran air flights through a travel agent, and only few travel agents provide this service. For more information, click here!

Eligasht Travel was founded 20 years ago in the middle east and very quickly became one of the largest travel companies in the region. They established as a specialised tour operator providing tailor-made travel packages while heavily investing in technology. Eligasht launched an inhouse developed booking platform in 2014 enabling it to consolidate itself as an online travel company in the market while maintaining their position in their traditional business model as a holiday package maker. Eligasht has an appetite for implementing cutting edge technology and continually upgrades its booking platform with the latest technology to improve their customer experience. As part of their growth strategy, Eligasht expanded into the UK market in 2017 as a British entity with a team of highly qualified professionals and with the aim of offering a high quality of service travel packages at competitive prices.

Eligasht travel is also among the few companies providing Iran Air flight booking service. Bookings have to be made over the phone, and all that needs to be done is call their call centre and customers can purchase their ticket in a few minutes. Apart from booking flights, Eligasht provides a wide range of travel services including hotel booking, visa services, ultra-luxury cruise lines and tailor-made travel packages. Eligasht leverages its large customer base and experience to negotiate exclusive deals while offering high-quality service

Eligasht UK Limited

185 Kensington High Street

London W8 6SH

Info@eligasht.co.uk

+44-2039816111
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker apologized Monday after he described remarks from U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley at an event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. a rant."

Pressley, a Boston Democrat, had delivered a speech about inequality and the unfinished fight for civil rights at the 50th annual MLK Memorial Breakfast in Boston.

Im still an abolitionist, because my people still are not free, she told the more than 1,000 audience members, according to WBUR. And I mean that in every way, not only because of the new Jim Crow and mass incarceration, but because we dont have economic justice.

Black women have been robbed of things for a long time, thats nothing new



Robbed of our men who were lynched



Robbed of our children who were stolen from us at the auction block



But we will not be robbed of our joy



Joy is a necessary act of resistance pic.twitter.com/N2YuVPNsSK  Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) January 20, 2020

Baker, a Republican, spoke immediately after Pressley and jokingly told the crowd that he would have to follow that rant. He quickly added that he agreed with Pressley's comments about celebrating diversity.

The governor apologized for his word choice after the breakfast, according to his spokeswoman, Lizzy Guyton.

The governor agreed with Congresswoman Pressleys remarks today and believes her speech was moving, Guyton said.

Many in the audience groaned after Baker's rant comment, which was heavily criticized on social media by people who praised Pressley's comments.

It was thoughtful, personal, and anything but a rant, tweeted Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, a Democrat. Language like that is dismissive and perpetuates the very harm we seek to end.

Pressley, who represents the state's 7th Congressional District, has been propelled onto the national stage in part by her association with three other Democratic congresswomen  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan  labeled the squad."

In 2018, Pressley defeated longtime Democratic congressman Michael Capuano, a 20-year veteran of the House, to become the first black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts.

The 45-year-old Pressley previously served as former Secretary of State John Kerry's political director when he was a U.S. senator and became the first black woman elected to the Boston City Council in 2009.

Other elected leaders attending Mondays Martin Luther King Jr. Day event included Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, both Democrats.
Spain's PM Sanchez attends news conference after first cabinet meeting at Moncloa Palace in Madrid

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Monday he plans to meet with leader of Catalonia region Quim Torra during the first week of February in Barcelona.

The meeting is part of a pledge Sanchez made earlier this month to open a round of dialogue with Catalan leaders after taking office in order to find a political solution to the country's worst political crisis in decades.

(Reporting by Jessica Jones, Editing by Inti Landauro)
Glenn Cannon, who served as the director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) under then-Gov. Tom Corbett from 2011 to 2015, died Monday.

Hw was 71 and had been ill, according to a story on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website.

PEMA today issued the following statement on his death:

Mr. Cannon led a life that was dedicated to public service and throughout his distinguished career made significant contributions to the emergency management profession. During his tenure as the PEMA director, he led the commonwealths response and initial recovery from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, one of the largest disasters to affect the state within the last decade. He will truly be missed by many who had the opportunity to know him and work with him through the years.

Cannon was a former Pittsburgh public safety director, ran the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and also was chief operating officer and manager of Allegheny County, according to a story on the Post-Gazette site.

He began his career as an attendant at the Citizens Ambulance Service in Indiana, Pa., in 1967, one that kept him involved in some aspect of emergency management for more than 50 years, the story said.

B.J. Pino, Citizens chief operating officer, told the Post-Gazette that he and Cannon first met in the 1970s. He was a special guy, Pino said.

Funeral arrangements are being handled through McCabe Brothers Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, which listed the following arrangements on its website: Visitation will be held Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. each day at the funeral homes Shadyside location, 6214 Walnut St. The funeral will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Shady Avenue. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Seventeen of the world's billionaire individuals and families are Irish citizens, according to a new report on the gap between rich and poor.

This equates to 3.5 billionaires per million residents here - the fifth-highest ratio in the world. Only Hong Kong, Cyprus, Switzerland and Singapore have more billionaires per head of population.

The US leads the world in total billionaires with 607. China has 324, Germany 114, India 106 and Russia 98.

Oxfam says growing global inequality means the world's 2,153 billionaires own more wealth than 4.6 billion people.

The report - published to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos - suggests these are Ireland's richest people.

Estimated net worth comes chiefly from the 2019 'Sunday Independent' Rich List...

1 THE WESTONS - 7.1bn

Hilary and Galen Weston founded the Primark brand as part of amassing a family fortune topping 7bn. Their sprawling Wittington Investments retail portfolio includes Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland, the Loblaw grocery chain in Canada, the high-end British chain Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason. The Westons today divide their time between Toronto and a luxurious gated community in Florida.

2 THE COLLISONS - 5bn

If you bought anything online recently, the odds are strong that the payment was processed by Stripe, the firm founded in 2010 by Limerick brothers Patrick and John Collison. They sold their first company, Shuppa, while still in their teens. Both brothers dropped out of college early - from MIT and Harvard respectively - to develop the online payments technology that would make their fortunes.

Stripe's software allows businesses to connect websites and apps instantly with credit card and banking systems.

The idea attracted early backing from Tesla founder Elon Musk and PayPal's Peter Thiel. Businesses including Lyft and Facebook have turned Stripe into the financial backbone of their operations. Despite their wealth, the brothers share a modest apartment in San Francisco. Their biggest luxury is a private plane.

3 JOHN DORRANCE - 2.44bn

John Dorrance III's chemist grandfather invented Campbell's formula for condensed soup a century ago. It has generated massive wealth for his heirs, and John 'Ippy' Dorrance III cashed in his 10.5pc stake in Campbell's Soup in the 1990s. Around the same time, he moved to Ireland with his Finnish-born wife. He was granted a passport after he invested $1.5m in a tree-planting project and is believed to have a home in Dartry, Dublin.

4 DERMOT DESMOND - 2.1bn

Long considered one of Ireland's greatest deal-makers, Mr Desmond is credited with developing Dublin's now booming IFSC in the 1980s. He is currently the largest shareholder at troubled travel software firm Datalex.

The Cork-born businessman started out in banking and made his first fortune in 1994 after selling the stockbroking firm he founded, NCB, for 49m. His wide-ranging investments have included stakes in diamond mines, Celtic FC and Independent News & Media.

Last year he sold his 15pc stake in INM for 22m, roughly breaking even in the process.

His most lucrative deal was the 2006 sale of London City Airport for 1bn, which his investment group had bought for just 30m in 1995. He also made 120m from his original 475,000 investment in Denis O'Brien's Esat.

5 DENIS O BRIEN - 2.05bn

Mr O'Brien made his first fortune from Esat Telecom which he built up in the 1990s and sold to British Telecom Group in 2000 for 2.4bn.

He brought his telecoms expertise to the Caribbean with Digicel, which today operates in more than 30 countries across Asia, Oceania and Central America.

Another early success was winning a new radio licence for Dublin, 98FM, which he still owns through Communicorp, also home to Today FM and Newstalk.

He took a loss exceeding 450m last year when he offloaded his majority holding in INM. He also has investments in property, healthcare and hospitality, including the Beacon Hospital in Dublin and the PGA Catalunya and Quinta do Lago resorts on the Iberian peninsula.

He owns a superyacht named Nero and a luxury ski chalet in the French Alps called Chalet Chocolat Chaud (Hot Chocolate Chalet).
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip promo poster spotted online. The poster suggests the handset might sport a double fold.

Samsung is hosting its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 11 where it is expected to unveil some new smartphones. While the Samsung Galaxy S20 series of devices are most likely to make their debut, ongoing rumours suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip could also be announced at the event. The second foldable phone by Samsung is garnering notable attention and hence, we are seeing reports and rumours about it almost every other day. A couple of fresh reports about the Galaxy Z flip have now surfaced online, which tip at a possible promo poster, and some of its key specifications.

A promo poster image of the alleged Samsung Galaxy Z Flip was recently posted on the Chinese social media website Weibo. While the Z Flip is rumoured to feature a clamshell design where the fold folds out like a flip phone, the promo poster showcases a phone that bends like a Z. While the poster suggests dual fold on the phone where one portion of the screen is always visible, we arent really sure about it. We also suggest you take this info with a pinch of salt as we will have to wait for the official announcement to be completely sure.

Coming to the second report, the tipster Ishaan Agarwal has tweeted some specs of the upcoming device. As per the tweet, the Galaxy Z Fold could come equipped with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED Display and instead of the 108MP camera that is rumoured to be present on the device, the tipster claims it will sport a 12MP main camera. On the front, there could be a 10MP sensor for selfies and it is said to be backed by a 3300mAh battery or a 3500mAh battery. The phone will most likely run on One UI 2.1 and could be announced in black and purple colour models.
In the city of Nis, in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, stands a macabre monument to the Serbian resistance against the Ottoman's 400-year rule. But it was built not to celebrate or commemorate the heroic sacrifices of thousands of resistance fighters who lost their lives, but to strike fear in their very hearts.

The Serbian Empire fell to the Ottomans in the late 14th century, but the writing was on the wall for a long time. The Empire was crumbling under Stefan Uros V, whose indecisiveness and incompetence had earned him the disgraceful title of Uros the Weak. Internal conflicts had fragmented the empire into a number of principalities, some of which did not even nominally acknowledge his rule. At the same time, the Ottoman sultanate was gradually spreading across Asia and Europe. When the powerful Ottomans attacked, the Serbian provincial lords, too absorbed with their own enmity, offered little resistance.

Photo: asiana/Shutterstock.com

The city of Nis was captured for the first time by the Ottoman Turks in 1375. The Serbs managed to get it back in 1443, but it fell again in 1448. The city changed hands a few more times between the Turks and the Austrians during the 17th and 18th centuries, but for the greater part of the next 400 years since the city fell, it was under the famously brutal Ottomans. During this era, the Serbs suffered untold misery as chronicled by travelers passing through the region. A 16th century Silesian traveler described grisly scenes of mutilated corpses littered along the route from Sofia to Nis. When he reached the gates of Nis, he saw that it was bedecked with freshly-severed heads of poor Bulgarian peasants.

The first full-scale war between the Serbians and the Ottomans took place in 1805, in the Battle of Ivankovac, where the Serbs defeated the Turks and forced them to retreat toward Nis. Stevan Sinelic, the military commander for the revolutionaries, proved himself as a good and capable military leader and was subsequently appointed to be the Commander of the Resava Infantry Brigade.

Battle of Misar, painting by Afanasij Scheloumoff, 1930s.

In 1809, a force of ten thousand Serbian rebels approached the villages south of the city of Nis, and dug six trenches. The first and the biggest one was on Cegar Hill in charge of Stevan Sinelic. From there, the Serbs launched several attacks against the Nis Fortress, but each time they were repulsed by the numerically superior Ottomans. During the two-month-long struggle, Sinelic and his Brigade became separated from the remainder of the Serb guerrilla positions and he and his men resisted fiercely. But when Ottoman troops began pouring into the trench where Sinelics unit was trapped, Sinelic knew there was little hope. Overwhelmed by enemies, Sinelic pulled out his gun and fired at the powder magazine. There was a tremendous explosion that shook the ground and killed everyone inside the trench as well as in the vicinity. It is estimated that over 6,000 Ottoman troops and 3,000 Serbians perished in the Battle of Cegar Hill.

Stevan Sinelic blowing up the powder keg.

After the battle, Grand Vizier Hurshid Pasha ordered that the heads of Sinelic and his men be skinned, stuffed and sent to the Ottoman sultan, Mahmud II. The sultan appreciated the offering, and then sent the skulls back to Nis with the instruction that a tower be built and the skulls displayed as a warning to all Serbians who dared to rebel. When constructed, the Skull Tower was 15 feet high and consisted of 952 skulls embedded on its four sides. The locals named it Cele kula. Over the years, many skulls fell out from the tower walls, some were taken away for burial by relatives of the deceased, and some were taken by souvenir hunters.

By the 1860s, with the Ottomans power weakening, Midhat Pasha, the last Ottoman governor of Nis, realized that the tower was only fostering resentment against the Ottoman administration and reminding locals of the empire's past cruelty. So he ordered that the remaining skulls be removed from the tower, but he did not dare destroy it because it had become a monument, a powerful symbol of the Serbian resistance. And it still is.

Today, the Skull Tower has lost the majority of the skulls. The few that remainsaround 50are protected by a glass enclosure. The entire tower is housed inside a rather small chapel that looks like a church from the outside. The skull believed to be of Sinelic rests in a glass container.

The Skull Tower as in 1863.

The Skull Tower as in 1878.

The Skull Tower today. Photo: Maxim Bonte/Flickr

Photo: Magalie L'Abbe/Flickr

The supposed skull of Stevan Sinelic. Photo: Pudelek/Wikimedia Commons

Photo: asiana/Shutterstock.com

Photo: NiglayNik/Shutterstock.com

Photo: NiglayNik/Shutterstock.com
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- StreamableU and the Gap Year Association are excited to announce that in support of Gap Year Exploration Month, in February, they have partnered to offer a month long calendar of live and interactive streaming programs from leading gap year operators and experts.

Gap Year Association

These programs are available at no cost to any school, district, homeschool family or guidance counselors and are scheduled at 12:30 PM EST and 4:30 PM EST. Recordings of the programs will also be available. Typically, students take a gap year after graduating from high school and before attending colleges, but the programs will also highlight gap year opportunities that are available during the summer, or can be explored during college. Information about structured programs, independent experiences, and how to plan a gap year will all be featured.

Gap year counselor programs will explore many topics surrounding gap year's including the different types of programs, financing a Gap Year, college credits for gap year and the misconceptions about Gap Year, among other topics.

"Gap Year Exploration Month represents a significant time for high school seniors to lift their heads and really consider their post-graduate options. While every student who takes a gap year inevitably sees significant benefits to personal, academic, career, and of course global citizenship - most important through this month, is that they know more about their gap year options in order to make informed decisions. The Gap Year Association is thrilled to get to partner with StreamableU and make sure every young American understands the many domestic & international options, as well as how accessible a great gap year is for all," said Ethan Knight, Executive Director of the Gap Year Association.

"While Gap Year programs are growing in popularity, the number of students participating in Gap Year programs remains quite small. Part of this is because of a lack of awareness of the benefits they can offer some students and some of the misconceptions about gap years. We hope that through our presenters' livestreams we can offer greater and more equitable access to students, educators and guidance counselors," said Doug Ashton, President of Streamable Learning.

Streamable Learning

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Streamable Learning is the leading provider of live and interactive educational programming to the K-12 and senior center markets. The Company operates in Canada as Live Learning Canada and in the senior living market as The Live Living Network. StreamableU is the company's latest platform, offering a 9-month calendar of college prep and planning programs and virtual fairs, such as the Gap Year Exploration Month Virtual Fair. For more information related to college prep and planning services, please visit www.streamableu.com .

Gap Year Association

Founded in 2012, the Gap Year Association is the only national nonprofit working to coordinate the growing Gap Year Movement. As a public-benefit not-for-profit with members, we believe that all intentional gap years have significant and positive practical outcomes, whether independent or as part of a formal program. The Gap Year Association focuses on four core areas: Research, Equity & Access, Resources, and finally Standards and Accreditation. The Gap Year Association is based in Portland, Oregon and more information can be found at www.gapyearassociation.org .

Contact:

Doug Ashton

781 223 7337

[email protected]

SOURCE StreamableU
Dashcam footage shows the moment a coyote attacks a police officer who had stopped to help a stranded motorist.

Police in Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed the animal after it attacked a state road worker on an Interstate 70 exit ramp on the east side of city last week.

Terrifying video shows the creature leap at 32-year veteran of the force Jim Tripp and bite him in the leg, causing him to stumble to the ground as he desperately tries to fend it off.

Terrifying video shows the creature leap at the officer and bite him causing him to stumble to the ground as he desperately tries to fend it off

The coyote runs away after the officer punches it, but it returns after other officers arrive at the scene late on Thursday evening.

More footage shows police surrounding the animal, as the officer - who was bitten in the leg - tries unsuccessfully to use pepper spray on the animal.

Responding officers then try unsuccessfully to use a stun gun on the coyote before shooting it, police said.

'When the officer got out, the coyote literally came out of nowhere and attacked him, unprovoked,' Sgt. James Fuqua told the Dispatch. 'All he could do was punch it to defend himself.'

The officer was treated at the hospital and is expected to be fine. Police say the coyote is being tested for rabies and any other diseases.

The coyote runs away after the officer punches it, but it returns after other officers arrive at the scene late on Thursday evening

Days later, a father in New Hampshire strangled a coyote to death with his bare hands after it grabbed his two-year-old son and pulled him to the ground.

Ian O'Reilly was walking a hiking trail in Exeter with his wife and three children on Monday around 11am when the animal got its teeth into the two-year-old's coat.

The boy's parents managed to separate him from the creature but O'Reilly said it wouldn't leave when he attempted to shoo it away.

When the coyote bit the father's chest and forearm in response to being kicked, O'Reilly felt he had no choice but to fight to kill.

The incident came the same day police warned locals to be on the lookout for coyotes.

Ian O'Reilly was walking a trail in Exeter with his wife and three children Monday when the animal attacked
Turkey conducts drills in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, together with Italy, Germany and Greece, the Turkish Defense ministry reported.

The Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 involves two Turkish frigates, the Italian frigate, the German frigate and the Greek frigate, RIA Novosti reported.

The crews of the ships will perform joint tactical maneuvering and will arrive at the port of Mersin on January 24-26, the Turkish military department said.

Turkey is the second most important country among the 29 other countries participating in the The Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, plays an important role in NATOs naval guard operations, and also provides support and access to the ports of Aksaz and Mersin in the eastern Mediterranean.
Extended Streak of Intense Currency Volatility Has Cost Companies $100 Billion in Last Five Quarters

Currency volatility was responsible for significant impacts on the revenues of U.S.-listed multinational corporations, costing them more than $11.5 billion in Q3 2019, according to the new Kyriba Currency Impact Report (CIR), a comprehensive report which details the impact of foreign exchange (FX) among 1,200 companies in North America and Europe. This is the fifth consecutive quarter of $10+ billion in losses for North American companies the longest such stretch in at least a decade.

"Waiting for currency volatility to calm down has been a $98 billion mistake for CFOs of multinational corporations. CFOs who dismissed this problem as a temporary wave of market drama have unnecessarily cost their shareholders and need to reconsider their strategy," said Wolfgang Koester, Chief Evangelist for Kyriba. "Unless they utilize the tools now available to gauge and manage currency exposures accurately and in real-time,those that remain exposed to currency movements are at the mercy of currency markets to determine their financial success. CFOs and corporate treasurers should not be playing roulette with corporate cash and equity."

The average earnings per share (EPS) impact reported by North American companies in Q3 2019 was $0.03 three times greater than the industry standard MBO of less than $0.01 EPS impact. For the eleventh consecutive quarter, North American companies indicated the Euro as the most impactful currency, with 46 percent of companies mentioning it during their Q3 earnings calls, according to the report. Medical equipment and supplies and the business services industries experienced the greatest impact from currencies, as those industries continue to be affected by Brexit and other volatile geopolitical events around the globe.

To learn about specific industries affected and which currencies were most impactful to multinationals, download the full Q3 2019 Kyriba Currency Impact Report here.

In Europe, Currency Impacts Are Less of a Problem

Publicly traded European companies which qualified to be monitored in the Q3 2019 report indicated a collective currency loss of $750 million, snapping a streak of eight consecutive quarters of $1 billion impacts. For the first time in three quarters, the euro was not the currency most mentioned as impactful by European companies during Q3 2019 earnings calls. This distinction belonged to the U.S. dollar, which topped the Euro, followed by the British Sterling, and Brazilian Real.

The CIR is the most comprehensive report of its kind, detailing the impact of foreign exchange exposures among publicly traded companies. In addition, all companies in the report do business in more than one currency, with at least 15 percent of their revenue coming from other nations.

Kyriba will be showcasing its FX risk management solution at Kyriba Live in Las Vegas, February 24-25. The solution is part of a larger cloud network designed to help CFOs and their teams better activate and protect their global cash and liquidity to achieve better financial outcomes.

About Kyriba Corp.:

Kyriba empowers CFOs and their teams to transform how they activate liquidity as a dynamic, real-time vehicle for growth and value creation, while also protecting against financial risk. Kyriba's pioneering Active Liquidity Network connects internal applications for treasury, risk, payments and working capital, with vital external sources such as banks, ERPs, trading platforms, and market data providers. Based on a secure, highly scalable SaaS platform that leverages artificial and business intelligence, Kyriba enables thousands of companies worldwide to maximize growth opportunities, protect against loss from fraud and financial risk, and reduce costs through advanced automation. Kyriba is headquartered in San Diego, with offices in New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai and other major locations. For more information, visit www.kyriba.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005145/en/

Contacts:

Daniel Shaffer, dshaffer@kyriba.com, +1 858-263-2218
Queen Elizabeth is moving on following Prince Harry and Meghan Markles stunning exit. Amid all of the drama with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Her Majesty stepped out with her son, Prince Andrew, who was recently forced to step down in light of a sex scandal. Queen Elizabeth may be saying goodbye to Harry and Meghan, but her appearance with Andrew is a massive show of support for her rock.

Prince Andrew and Queen Elizabeth | LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew step out

Andrews reputation was damaged after he was connected to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. One of Epsteins former sex slaves accused Andrew of sleeping with her, and he took part in an interview a few months ago in a bid to clear his name.

The interview completely backfired on Andrew, who was forced to step down from his royal duties. Andrew has been keeping a low profile ever since and even skipped out on the Christmas Day service with the rest of the royals.

Breaking News: Queen Elizabeth II said she was supportive of the decision from Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to step back and would work with them during a period of transition https://t.co/xOh9Untwew  The New York Times (@nytimes) January 13, 2020

Although Andrew has created a lot of drama for his family, Queen Elizabeth continues to stick by his side. According to TMZ, Her Majesty recently stepped out with Andrew in what was a big show of support for the disgraced royal.

Queen Elizabeth rocked a checkered jacket for the outing while Andrew donned a suit and tie. They both smiled big for the cameras and seemed completely unbothered by his drama.

Prince Andrew is Her Majestys rock

The outing with Andrew comes weeks after Harry and Meghan announced their decision to quit the royal family. The couples big decision reportedly blindsided Queen Elizabeth, who scrambled to pick up the pieces.

While Queen Elizabeth has been dealing with Megxit, inside sources claim that Andrew has been helping her get through the drama.

Andrew has been talking to her constantly on the phone and has now gone up to stay with her for a few days, the source stated. Behind the scenes we are talking about a family falling apart, and Andrew is doing his best to shore things up.

Prince Andrew is Queen Elizabeths rock amid Megxit mess: report https://t.co/pnMmmJEtEM pic.twitter.com/kBYfFPbJpL  Page Six (@PageSix) January 21, 2020

The source added that Andrew has been Queen Elizabeths tower of strength over the past few weeks. The royals have not confirmed the reports, but it is widely known that Andrew is one of Queen Elizabeths favorites.

Given their recent public outing together, it would not be a huge surprise if the reports about Andrew supporting his mother are true. After all, why else would she risk stirring up more headlines by appearing with Andrew in public?

Inside Prince Andrews scandal

Last year, once of Epsteins victims, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, claimed that she had sex with Andrew on three separate occasions. She even offered photos of her and Andrew as proof that they were together.

Andrew has denied the allegations, though there is no denying that he was an associate of Epstein. In order to clear his name, Andrew took part in an interview a few months ago and said that he regrets befriending Epstein.

Epstein, of course, killed himself while awaiting sex trafficking charges last year. Andrew has since withdrawn from his royal duties and has not participated in any royal engagements for months.

Queen Elizabeth has not commented on the reports surrounding her relationship with Andrew. She has, however, released several statements in light of Harry and Meghans decision to step down.

Queen Elizabeth shows poise amid the drama

A few weeks ago, Harry and Meghan shocked the world by announcing their plan to quit the royal family. Taking to social media, the couple revealed that they want to become financially independent and set up a second home in North America.

Queen Elizabeth has since released two statements on the matter. After meeting extensively with Harry, Prince Charles, and Prince William, Queen Elizabeth revealed that the Sussexes will be moving to Canada for part of the year.

BREAKING: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer "working members" of the royal family, according to Buckingham Palace.



Queen Elizabeth II: "Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family." https://t.co/2kGoWespzx pic.twitter.com/8VFlAUwHw2  ABC News (@ABC) January 18, 2020

She also confirmed that Harry and Meghan are giving up their royal titles and will no longer receive public funds. They are expected to give the crown $3 million for paying for the renovations of Frogmore Cottage.

Harry and Meghan will be keeping their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Harry will also retain his spot in line to the throne. He is currently sixth in line following Charles, William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Throughout all the drama, Queen Elizabeth has kept remarkably composed and has shown little sign of stress. Between Andrews scandal and Megxit, we can only hope things will get easier for Queen Elizabeth in 2020.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - To Stark Countys Joe Berlyak, legislative gun control proposals like Ohios Senate Bill 184, a red flag measure that would temporarily remove guns from people deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others, are cause for red alert.

The Desert Storm veteran who owns Louisvilles Patriot Watch Media is spearheading a drive to make Stark County a Second Amendment sanctuary that wont enforce state or federal gun laws that local authorities deem unconstitutional.

It seems like every time you turn around, they are throwing out another bill in the middle of the night, Berlyak says of state legislators in Columbus. We wake up to see it in the newspapers and we are supposed to accept it. This is not about Republicans or Democrats, this is about the Constitution.

Borrowing a theme from sanctuary cities that pledge not to assist federal efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, hundreds of communities around the country - including Ohios Clermont, Meigs, Lawrence and Scioto counties - have already declared themselves to be Second Amendment sanctuaries.

Clermont County Commissioners will not authorize any County Official to expend County funds for the purpose of enforcing illegal and or unconstitutional laws or ordinances that seek to limit law-abiding citizens right to keep and bear arms, says a resolution the commissioners approved on Jan. 13. It is almost identical to a Meigs County resolution approved the previous month.

An organization called Ohio Stands United thats trying to promote the resolutions around the state says commissioners in Muskingum and Preble counties are considering them, and Huron County sheriff Todd Corbin has responded to concerns about the right to keep and bear arms by releasing a letter to county residents that pledges to uphold the Second Amendment.

Gun rights activists in other parts of Ohio, including Medina County, want similar hometown declarations. More than 300 people have signed an online petition started by Steffanie Hardin of Spencer, which seeks ordinances to proclaim Medina County and its cities and villages a Second Amendment sanctuary."

This, while largely symbolic, will send a clear message to our states elected officials, on both sides of the aisle, that the citizens to whom they represent are the true voice of power, not them, the petition says. Its an effort to use the power of unity to amplify our voice.

Hardin says her effort was prompted by Gov. Mike DeWines Strong Ohio gun proposals, which she says would infringe upon our inalienable right to keep and bear arms. She sees the sanctuary declarations as a first step toward other actions, including campaigns for municipal ordinances, and perhaps a statewide ballot issue to amend Ohios Constitution to let law-abiding citizens carry handguns without a permit or license.

As a mother of two beautiful baby girls, I have the inalienable right to protect them, Hardin said in an email. How many children have been kidnapped? How many times have you heard I was so terrified? How many mass shooting(s) have taken place in 'gun-free zones? How many women will be victims of rape? We are making our voices heard to our local government. We are saying, You do NOT have the right to restrict my right as a law abiding citizen to protect myself and my babies.

According to the Associated Press, the Second Amendment sanctuary movement began last year in Illinois and quickly spread to dozens of states including California, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Kentucky, West Virginia and Indiana.

It has been particularly strong in Virginia, where Democrats recently took control of the states legislature after years of dominance by Republicans who killed any gun control proposals. The states discussions of red flag laws, mandatory background checks for people buying guns and banning some types of assault weapons triggered a massive pro-gun rally in Richmond on Monday, as well as dozens of locales passing Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.

The movements rapid spread through 21 states has convinced representatives of Brady United Against Gun Violence that the gun lobby is behind what it describes as a concerted effort to undermine the fundamental right of state governments to enact laws aimed at curbing gun violence and protecting the health and well-being of their constituents.

The gun control groups vice president of policy, Christian Heyne, says research shows that laws like temporarily removing guns from individuals deemed at risk for dangerous behavior will save lives. He said public records his organization obtained in New Mexico showed the NRA provided the language for Second Amendment sanctuary proposals, and even ghost wrote supportive newspaper opinion pieces that were submitted by public officials.

This is not coming from the ground up, it is coming from the gun industry that finally can feel the fact that the public no longer finds them relevant, said Heyne.

Brady President Kris Brown says the legislative proposals theyre targeting are common-sense measures that dont infringe on anyones constitutional rights," and the Second Amendment sanctuary designation is not subject to any real enforcement."

It is a pyrrhic victory coming on the heels of a horrible defeat that was long overdue at the ballot box where people said, Yes, we want expanded background checks. Yes, we want to reduce the suicide risk in our state and to protect women who are the subject of domestic violence, Brown continued.

An NRA statement on the issue didnt confirm or deny its involvement in the national drive.

As the nations oldest civil rights organization, we recognize civic engagement as a virtue not a vice, its statement said. Liberty is reliant upon the participation of free people, and this includes the vast number of citizens and communities who are lawfully exercising their rights under the First Amendment to defend their freedoms under the Second. It is the tyrannical nature of politicians that triggers sanctuary, not the other way around. The NRA has steadfastly defended freedom for nearly 150 years, and we have no intention of suppressing virtuous voices against governmental oppressioncensoring is what our opponents do.

Another Ohio county for The Constitution! Hoping to see a Medina letter soon!  Posted by Bob Heffinger on Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Berlyak and Hardin say the NRA has nothing to do with their efforts. Hardin said the Medina County group she organized earlier this month is composed of parents, politicians, police officers and concerned citizens."

This isnt just about guns, she said. This is my right to limit the governments reach. No, we arent affiliated with the NRA or any other gun rights group. This is composed of normal everyday citizens. We arent getting paid to do this. We arent accepting donations. All we want is for citizens to become politically involved. To share their opinions. To have an open discussion.

The founder of the statewide Ohio Stands United, Michael Hiles from Eaton in Preble County, says he started the group on Dec. 22 by inviting 100 of his Facebook friends to join. Since then, it has grown to more than 50,000 people, and he gets 1,200 to 1,500 membership requests each day. He said the group has members in all 88 counties, but is particularly strong in rural areas outside cities, such as Marion, Butler, Warren and Clinton counties.

Hiles, a digital marketer who says hes also not affiliated with NRA, sees the organization as a statewide network that can get signatures for statewide referenda .

Our goal is to put the tools in the hands of the local groups, so they can be more effective communicators and more organized to be active with their local governments from a rights perspective, said Hiles.

Berlyak says Americans are quick to forget the massacres that ensued after "the likes of Stalin and Mao disarmed their citizens, and the United States would be as vulnerable as any other country to that sort of tyranny.

He said he founded the Stark County group with his friend, Greg Broadwater, and the Second Amendment sanctuary petition he started two weeks ago already has more than 3,000 signatures. He hope to collect 126,000 signatures - which he estimates is roughly 1/3 of the countys populace - before submitting it to the county.

If we get it great, if not, we will take as many signatures as we can, said Berlyak. There is strength in numbers.

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The French government has set a goal of eliminating all single-use plastics by 2040. Phase one has begun.

I was recently in Paris and was shocked at how little single-use plastic I saw, especially compared to how much of it I see in New York City. Here we kvetch about the impossibility of giving up such convenience, but in France? Shoppers look great with their net bags, people take coffee breaks in cafes, and nobody is panicked about dying of dehydration if they can't have a plastic water bottle constantly at hand.

As it turns out, on January 1, the first part of an ambitious plan to phase out single use plastic had begun  which includes the ban of three single-use plastic products: plates, cups, and cotton buds. And from what I saw, the Parisian public has already gone way beyond that.

You'd think it would be simple. We are drowning in plastic, a forever material that does not break down in nature and is causing all kinds of mayhem in the natural world. At most 9 percent of plastic produced globally is recycled, yet global plastic production continues to skyrocket. "The last 15 years saw more plastic produced than in all previous human history, and plastic production is expected to triple again by 2050," notes France24.

But it's not simple because plastic is made from petroleum  and as petrochemical companies are facing the possibility of reduced demand for fuel, they are ramping up plastic production. Few industries have as much power as the fossil fuel one does, and thus, fighting plastic is no easy task. In the United States, there are actual bans against plastic bans. It is truly a travesty.

Which is why big moves to ban plastic are big news  and I dare say, "radical." It's not easy bucking big oil and the plastic industry, nor is it easy to convince consumers to give up the convenience of disposables.

The French governments goal is to phase out all single-use plastics by 2040, in accordance with European Union directives. But the EU target, while admirable, is also vague and asks countries only to "significantly reduce" their consumption. France's ambitious plan seems like a great example of how to do it. Here is the schedule, according to the new decree:

As mentioned above, in 2020 single-use plastic plates, cups, and cotton buds are banned.

In 2021, disposable cutlery, plastic takeout cup lids, confetti, drink stirrers, foam containers, plastic straws, and produce packaging containers will be banned. And there will be penalties for excessive plastic packaging. There will also be the deployment of bulk distribution set-ups for which vendors will have to allow customers to use their own containers.

In 2022, plastic teabags and fast-food toys will be verboten  as will disposable dishes at restaurants. Water fountains will be mandatory in public buildings. Companies will no longer be allowed to give out free water bottles.

Shops will have six months to use up any stock they have. And there is a temporary exemption for compostable products containing at least 50 percent organic materials, and also for cutlery used in health and corrections facilities, as well as on trains and airplanes. But, those exemptions will expire in July 2021.

But honestly, from what I saw, the general public is already way ahead of the deadlines  and there is a lot to be learned. See how they do it here: 6 zero-waste lessons from Paris.

Via France24
A group of Opposition MPs in the UK organised a meeting in the House of Commons complex and discussed the implications of the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its impact on NRIs.

The event, hosted by east London Labour MP Stephen Timms on Monday, also covered the aspects of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR), and expressed solidarity with the numerous protests by diaspora groups over the past few months in the UK.

Timms has said that he has written to the UK Foreign Office and the Indian High Commission here expressing his concern about the human rights implications of the CAA.

"I have been struck by the diversity of the people who are protesting against these measures in India in my constituency. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs are all coming together," he said.

The CAA came into force in India last December amid protests in India and around the world. The Indian government has stressed that the Act does not deny any citizenship rights but has been brought in to protect the oppressed minorities of the neighbouring countries and give them citizenship.

Bangladeshi-origin west London Labour MP Rupa Huq raised the question of how NRIs are likely to be impacted by the new legislation. In response, lawyer Gautam Bhatia told the gathering that the new legislation gives the Indian government more powers to cancel the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI).

Claudia Webbe, the new Labour MP for Leicester East who replaced Keith Vaz -- the longest-serving Indian-origin MP in the House of Commons -- pledged to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke CAA and also spoke about an "unprecedented hate campaign" she faced during the December 2019 general election from the right-wing groups.

The MPs told the gathering, organised by the Ambedkar International Mission (UK) and South Asia Solidarity Group, that they would table an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons for the CAA and NRC/NPR to be discussed in the UK Parliament.

An EDM is a method used by British MPs to draw Parliament's attention to a particular issue.

The groups behind the event and a number of other UK-wide diaspora groups also announced plans for a so-called "National Demonstration Against Fascism in India" rally on Saturday, a day before Republic Day on January 26. The rally is set to begin outside Downing Street before marching up to the Indian High Commission in London.

The Centre earlier this month issued a gazette notification announcing that the CAA has come into effect from January 10, 2020. It was passed by Parliament on December 11.

According to the legislation, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 due to religious persecution will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
But the company, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, believes the agreement has "no teeth" in US law and plans to effectively ignore it. If the proposal is approved by a judge, the expedition will set sail later this year. Loading It would be difficult and dangerous. In a document filed yesterday with the United States district court in Eastern Virginia, the company says it will send a manned submarine down to the wreck, which lies two and half miles beneath the surface in treacherous ocean currents. Three underwater robots would then be deployed to a small skylight on the Titanic's deck above the Marconi Room, where the wireless operators slept and worked. If all goes to plan, one of the ROVs would then use its mechanical "manipulators" to begin to "perforate the deck plating as needed". The others would film the process. Once the fragile roof is removed, the ROV would "collect the primary high-priority targets and transport them to a previously prepared subsea basket". The precious load would then be hauled up safely to the surface.

The US company is acutely aware that some families and campaigners will fiercely oppose the idea of stripping metal away from the Titanic. The Titanic's last survivor, Millvina Dean, who was just nine weeks old when the ship went down and who died in 2009, said in 2000: "I think the ship should be left in peace." Credit:AP Indeed, the disaster's last survivor, Millvina Dean, who was just nine weeks old when the ship went down and who died in 2009, said in 2000: "I think the ship should be left in peace. Any bits and pieces that have come out from the ship on the seabed, that is all right. But to go on the ship? No, that is all wrong." Questions have previously been raised over whether human remains still reside within the ship after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the claim in 2012 that there are still "people inside". Bretton Hunchak, president of RMST, insisted his company was determined to preserve history, rather than profits. In recent weeks, he visited Northern Ireland to ask descendants for their approval.

"I've been genuinely reassured by how people have responded to this project," he said. "This is a careful, surgical operation to rescue a historically significant item so it can teach future generations about the story of Titanic. We know that the wreck is deteriorating fast. Why would we let these artefacts disappear too? "Surely, we owe it to the future to protect and preserve these items, before it's too late." Once recovered, the Marconi wireless would likely go on display at the RMST's exhibition at the Luxor Casino in Las Vegas, and then be taken on a world tour including Belfast and Cherbourg. The company believes it may even be able to restore the equipment to full working order  despite it spending more than a century at the bottom of the Atlantic.

"Provided with electrical power and managed by new-manufactured condenser, transformer, regulators and phase-matched antenna, Titanic's radio Titanic's voice  could once again be heard, now and forever," the documents say. Two experienced ocean explorers will lead the project. One is Pierre Henri Nargeolet, who led six expeditions to the Titanic between 1987 and 2010. He also led the team responsible for locating the wreckage of Air France flight 447, lost in the Atlantic Ocean en route to Paris. The other will be David Gallo, who co-led the Air France recovery and created the first comprehensive map of the Titanic wreck in 2010. RMST was granted salvor-in-possession status in 1994, giving it the sole power to salvage items from the wreck site. During eight expeditions between 1987 and 2004, it retrieved about 5500 artefacts from the vast debris field around the Titanic including crockery, hats, diamond jewellery and a giant loose piece of the ship's hull. The Titanic leaving Queenstown (now Cobh) in Ireland in 1912. Credit:Hutton Archive Last year, the firm nearly lost the salvage rights after a coalition involving British museums and James Cameron, the Titanic film director, attempted to seize them in the courts. The group said it had no plans to further salvage the wreck, and would maintain the salvage rights only to prevent others from doing so.

Shortly afterwards, Mr Hunchak, a 32-year-old former financier, was appointed as the company's president. Radio room It is one of the enduring stories of the Titanic tragedy  a wireless operator tapping away desperately at his desk even as the giant ship began to slip beneath the waves. Senior operator Jack Phillips refused to abandon his post even after Captain Edward Smith told him he had done his duty. Only when the power failed did Phillips accept he could do more. He did not survive. The Marconi wireless system sought by RMS Titanic Inc would be the most significant historical artefact ever raised from the wreck.

At the time of the voyage, it was one of the biggest and best wireless systems in the world. Shortly after the Titanic struck an iceberg, the first distress call was sent out. "Come at once," it read. "We have struck a berg." Phillips' messages were heard by the RMS Carpathia, which steamed 67 miles to rescue more than 700 people. The Marconi wireless was found to be largely intact during an expedition in 2000. It was still in the reset position, showing Phillips had tried to boost the signal shortly before the ship sank. The Titanic's bow at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Credit:AP The law

In recent years, both the US and UK have passed legislation honouring a treaty conceived in the eighties to protect the wreck from scavengers. In the US, the Consolidated Appropriations Act was passed in 2017 forbidding "research, exploration, salvage, or other activity that would physically alter or disturb the wreck or wreck site". However, lawyers for RMST will argue in court that the 2017 Act has "no enforcement provisions" and "no jurisdiction". Instead, the company believes it is still bound only by the jurisdiction of the admiralty court that granted the firm sole salvor-in-possession status in 1994, and continues to oversee the company's stewardship. In the UK, the Protection of Wrecks (RMS Titanic) Order states that anyone under British jurisdiction found heading to the wreck without a licence would face a heavy fine.
January 20, 2020 " Information Clearing House " - The claim that Major General Qassem Soleimani was a terrorist on a mission to carry out an imminent attack that would kill hundreds of Americans turned out to be a lie, so why should one believe anything else relating to recent developments in Iran and Iraq? To be sure, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 departing from Tehrans Imam Khomeini International Airport on the morning of January 8th with 176 passengers and crew on board was shot down by Iranian air defenses, something which the government of the Islamic Republic has admitted, but there just might be considerably more to the story involving cyberwarfare carried out by the U.S. and possibly Israeli governments.

To be sure, the Iranian air defenses were on high alert fearing an American attack in the wake of the U.S. governments assassination of Soleimani on January 3rd followed by a missile strike from Iran directed against two U.S. bases in Iraq. In spite of the tension and the escalation, the Iranian government did not shut down the countrys airspace. Civilian passenger flights were still departing and arriving in Tehran, almost certainly an error in judgment on the part of the airport authorities. Inexplicably, civilian aircraft continued to take off and land even after Flight 752 was shot down.

Fifty-seven of the passengers on the flight were Canadians of Iranian descent, leading Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to point the finger both at the Iranian government for its carelessness and also at Washington, observing angrily that the Trump Administration had deliberately and recklessly sought to escalate tensions with Iran through an attack near Baghdad Airport, heedless of the impact on travelers and other civilians in the region.

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What seems to have been a case of bad judgements and human error does, however, include some elements that have yet to be explained. The Iranian missile operator reportedly experienced considerable jamming and the planes transponder switched off and stopped transmitting several minutes before the missiles were launched. There were also problems with the communication network of the air defense command, which may have been related.

The electronic jamming coming from an unknown source meant that the air defense system was placed on manual operation, relying on human intervention to launch. The human role meant that an operator had to make a quick judgment in a pressure situation in which he had only moments to react. The shutdown of the transponder, which would have automatically signaled to the operator and Tor electronics that the plane was civilian, instead automatically indicated that it was hostile. The operator, having been particularly briefed on the possibility of incoming American cruise missiles, then fired.

The two missiles that brought the plane down came from a Russian-made system designated SA-15 by NATO and called Tor by the Russians. Its eight missiles are normally mounted on a tracked vehicle. The system includes both radar to detect and track targets as well as an independent launch system, which includes an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system functionality capable of reading call signs and transponder signals to prevent accidents. Given what happened on that morning in Tehran, it is plausible to assume that something or someone deliberately interfered with both the Iranian air defenses and with the transponder on the airplane, possibly as part of an attempt to create an aviation accident that would be attributed to the Iranian government.

The SA-15 Tor defense system used by Iran has one major vulnerability. It can be hacked or "spoofed," permitting an intruder to impersonate a legitimate user and take control. The United States Navy and Air Force reportedly have developed technologies that can fool enemy radar systems with false and deceptively moving targets." Fooling the system also means fooling the operator. The Guardian has also reported independently how the United States military has long been developing systems that can from a distance alter the electronics and targeting of Irans available missiles.

The same technology can, of course, be used to alter or even mask the transponder on a civilian airliner in such a fashion as to send false information about identity and location. The United States has the cyber and electronic warfare capability to both jam and alter signals relating to both airliner transponders and to the Iranian air defenses. Israel presumably has the same ability. Joe Quinn at Sott.net also notes an interested back story to those photos and video footage that have appeared in the New York Times and elsewhere showing the Iranian missile launch, the impact with the plane and the remains after the crash, to include the missile remains. They appeared on January 9th, in an Instagram account called 'Rich Kids of Tehran'. Quinn asks how the Rich Kids happened to be in a low-income housing estate on the city's outskirts [near the airport] at 6 a.m. on the morning of January 8th with cameras pointed at the right part of the sky in time to capture a missile hitting a Ukrainian passenger plane?

Put together the Rich Kids and the possibility of electronic warfare and it all suggests a premeditated and carefully planned event of which the Soleimani assassination was only a part. There have been riots in Iran subsequent to the shooting down of the plane, blaming the government for its ineptitude. Some of the people in the street are clearly calling for the goal long sought by the United States and Israel, i.e. regime change. If nothing else, Iran, which was widely seen as the victim in the killing of Soleimani, is being depicted in much of the international media as little more than another unprincipled actor with blood on its hands. There is much still to explain about the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752.

Philip M. Giraldi is a former CIA counter-terrorism specialist and military intelligence officer who served nineteen years overseas in Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Spain. He was the CIA Chief of Base for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and was one of the first Americans to enter Afghanistan in December 2001. Phil is Executive Director of the Council for the National Interest, a Washington-based advocacy group that seeks to encourage and promote a U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East that is consistent with American values and interests.

This article was originally published by "American Herald Tribune" -

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==See Also==
The Japanese art of origami (from ori, folding, and kami, paper) transforms flat sheets of paper into complex sculptures. Variations include kirigami (from kiri, to cut), a version of origami that allows materials to be cut and reconnected using tape or glue.

But while both art forms are a source of ideas for science, architecture, and design, each has fundamental limitations. The flat folds required by origami result in an unlockable overall structure, while kirigami creations can't be unfolded back into their original, flattened states because of the adhesive.

Taking inspiration from both art forms, researchers describe a new set of motifs for creating lightweight, strong, and foldable structures using soft materials. These kirigami structures can support 14,000 times their weight and, because they don't require adhesives or fasteners, can easily be flattened and refolded. Published in Physical Review X, the work was conducted by visiting graduate student Xinyu Wang and professor Randall Kamien of the University of Pennsylvania in collaboration with Simon Guest from the University of Cambridge.

Wang, a Ph.D. student at Southeast University, was interested in studying the mechanical properties of origami and kirigami structures and reached out to Kamien to start a new collaboration. After Wang arrived at the Kamien lab in September 2018, Kamien asked her to try some new designs using his group's set of rules for exploring kirigami structures.

Shortly thereafter, Wang showed Kamien a new design for a kirigami triangle that had tilted walls. Kamien was initially surprised to see that Wang had left the excess flaps from the cuts in place. "The usual kirigami route is to cut that off and tape it," says Kamien. Wang "found that, in this particular geometry, you can get the flaps to fit."

While a single triangle wasn't particularly strong on its own, the researchers noticed that when several were arranged in a repetitive design, the force they could support was much greater than expected. "Here was this structure that didn't require tape, it had cuts, and it was really strong," Kamien says. "Suddenly, we have this system that we hadn't anticipated at all."

To figure out what made this geometry so resilient, Wang made several versions of different "soft" materials, including paper, copper, and plastic. She also made versions where the cut flaps were taped, cut, or damaged. Using industry-grade tension and compression testing equipment at the Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter, the scientists found that the geometric structure could support 14,000 times its own weight. The tilted, triangular design was strongest when the flaps were undamaged and untapped, and it was also stronger than the same design with vertical walls.

With the help of Guest, the researchers realized that two deviations from the group's typical kirigami rules were key to the structure's strength. When the walls of the triangles are angled, any force applied to the top can be translated into horizontal compression within the center of the design. "With the vertical ones, there's no way to turn a downward force into a sideways force without bending the paper," says Kamien. They also found that the paper-to-paper overlap from leaving the cut flaps in place allowed the triangles to press up against their neighbors, which helped distribute the vertical load.

This paper is yet another example of how kirigami can be used as a "tool" for scientists and engineers, this time for creating strong, rigid objects out of soft materials. "We figured out how to use materials that can bend and stretch, and we can actually strengthen these materials," says Wang. One possible application could be to make inexpensive, lightweight, and deployable structures, such as temporary shelter tents that are strong and durable but can also be easily assembled and disassembled.

Kamien also pictures this Interleaved Kirigami Extension Assembly as a way to create furniture in the future. "Someday, you'll go to IKEA, you fold the box into the furniture, and the only thing inside is the cushion. You don't need any of those connectors or little screws," says Kamien.

Thanks to Wang's "inspired" design and Kamien's burgeoning collaboration with Wang and her advisors Jianguo Cai and Jian Feng , the possibilities for future ideas and designs are endless. "There were things about this study that are totally outside the scope of what a physicist would know," says Kamien. "It was this perfect blend of what I could do and what she could do."

###

This research was supported by National Science Foundation Grant DMR12-62047, a Simons Investigator Grant from the Simons Foundation, the China Scholarship Council, and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Grant EP/R014604/1.
By Lee Seong-hyon



Some believe that the first phase of the U.S.-China deal to end the trade war is China's defeat. However, Vice Premier Liu He, China's chief delegate to the trade talks, said the deal "serves China's interests, the U.S.'s interests, and the world's interests." In other words, he characterized the deal as having a "win-win" outcome. Then, on what basis should we evaluate the deal?







The agreement calls for China to purchase $200 billion worth of U.S. products in two years, while the U.S. will suspend or ease its planned additional tariffs on Chinese goods. As much of the rest is about China's future commitments, it is difficult to assess which country will be hit harder in terms of gains and losses.







As an alternative, it can be approached from the perspective of how much the U.S. and China have each achieved their intended goals through their trade war negotiations. This is known as "goal setting theory." The gist of this theory, initiated by psychologist Edwin A. Locke in his 1968 paper, "Toward a theory of task motivation and incentives," places the goal as the most direct prerequisite for performance-related action and evaluation of performance. In the trade war context, the focus is on what the U.S. and China consciously wanted to achieve from the negotiations, and how much closer they've come toward that goal.







Trump called the agreement "righting the wrongs of the past" at a news conference held just before the signing ceremony. Then, this should be the goal of the U.S. side. The question is did the U.S. achieve that goal through this agreement? In many cases, this will depend on China's implementation of the deal. In other words, agreement is one thing; implementation is another.







Shifting to the other side, what was the goal on the Chinese side? It was to conduct a "delaying tactic" operation. That is yielding as little as possible at each step, spread over as long a period as possible. In the meantime, China is keen to see whether Trump will be impeached, or fail in re-election or if the recent Iran crisis will become a full-scale war between the United States and Iran, keeping Trump occupied with the Middle East, not China. All of this will help China buy more time and recalibrate.







In fact, China is well versed in this kind of delaying tactic and it has served China well since Sun Tzu's time of "The Art of the War" in 5th century BC. China has been taking its time by gradually making concessions to demands from the U.S., a country stronger than China in terms of national power. However, China strongly resisted and kept what it considers to be core interests. China rejected the earlier draft agreement in May 2019.







China also got its own way. The U.S. initially wanted one single big deal  a grand bargain. But China employed "salami tactics" that cut the deal into numerous phases. China also seems to have had clear standards on where it can and cannot make concessions. For instance, Beijing was open in terms of a massive purchase of U.S. products. However, the agreement did not cover the forever controversial Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE) reforms.







Judging from the "goal-setting theory," the winner of the first phase of the agreement is China, not the United States. China has achieved much of what it had set as its goal. When it comes to areas that it had the intention to make concessions in, it did so while resisting U.S. demands in other areas as much as possible, by tossing them over to future implementations. China also successfully kept its bottom line; it rejected the earlier draft when it felt it undermined the Chinese sovereignty. Rumor had it that the U.S. side became anxious as the new year approached, while the Chinese were dragging their feet.







It should be noted that Liu He, standing next to Trump, said that China would buy American products, but "based on market conditions." U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer also said "the agreement will work if China wants it to work," thus revealing why the agreement is fragile.







In essence, the deal is yet another temporary measure rather than a resolution. The future prospects are quite uncertain. Even though Washington and Beijing have a reconciliatory mood at the moment, the two are expected to confront one another again soon.









Lee Seong-hyon (

), Ph.D., is director, the Center for Chinese Studies at the Sejong Institute.


Chennai, Jan 21 : With automobile companies expected to bring to the market the car models showcased in the upcoming Auto Expo - The Motor Show in Delhi, the consumer sentiment is expected to go into positive lane, said a top official of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

He also said about 20 start ups in the electric vehicle (EV) and related technology sectors will also showcase their offerings at the Auto Expo slated to crank start form February 7-12 , 2020.

"Over 70 vehicle launches are expected to happen at the Auto Expo. In the past automobile manufacturers had brought to the market the passenger vehicle launched at the Auto Expo and the same is expected to happen this time also," Rajesh Menon, SIAM Director General, told reporters here on Tuesday.

According to Menon, consumer sentiment plays a major part in the passenger vehicle whereas in the case of commercial vehicles it is the investments in infrastructure projects and for two wheelers demand is linked to rural economy.

Menon said the industry hopes the market will be better from the second half of the next fiscal.

He said the industry body has requested the government to introduce scrappage policy and reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 28 per cent.

According to Menon, the Indian auto sector the fourth largest in the world is passing through a transition from BS IV emission norms to BS VI norms.

The focus of the Auto Expo will be on vehicle safety, EV, connected vehicles and clean vehicles.

The EV and hybrid vehicles showcased at the Auto Expo are expected to generate lot of interest.
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A: When I started residency, I realized that approximately half of the inpatients we cared for were homeless. We would admit patients to the hospital, give them all this very high-quality, expert medical care, and then, eventually, we would have to discharge patients back to their homelessness, meaning to outside. Patients would ask me to please not discharge them, but eventually we wouldnt have a choice. Inevitably, a few days later, the patient would be back, often in worse shape than they had been in before. I remember thinking that there had to be a different way and decided to change my career plans.
The government of the Philippines is sending back another 5,100 tons of trash that was illegally exported there in 2018.

A Korean trading company conspired with an importer in the Philippines and doctored shipping documents to make it appear as if the trash was recyclable plastic. When the fraud came to light, environmental activists in the Philippines protested in front of the Korean Embassy in Manila demanding that Korea take the trash back.

The Environment Ministry said Monday that around 800 tons of the trash are being taken back to Korea now, while the rest will be brought back later this year.

The government of the Philippines is handling the transport cost to port, but the Korean government will shoulder the cost of shipping and incinerating it here.

Another 1,400 tons was already returned last year, but that was easier because it was still in the original shipping containers. But the remaining 5,100 tons had already been dumped on private land in Mindanao, making it more difficult to bring back.
Trump rejects environmental 'prophets of doom'



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



US President Donald Trump took aim on Tuesday at the "perennial prophets of doom" on the environment, telling the annual Davos forum that warnings of climate crisis were "foolish".

In a keynote speech to the 50th World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort, Trump touted fossil fuels, deregulation and a booming US economy -- a message in stark contrast to the dire warnings delivered by teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg and others.

"We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse," Trump said hours after Thunberg told the World Economic Forum that governments had done "basically nothing" to reverse climate change.

With Thunberg in the audience, Trump branded those warning of out-of-control global warming and other environmental disasters "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers".

Trump ticked off what he said were previous predictions that had been proved wrong, ranging from over-population in the 1960s to "an end of oil" in the 1990s.

"We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy," said Trump, apparently referring to his Democratic party opponents ahead of the presidential election in November.

Trump took the stage in Davos just after the Swiss president delivered a speech appealing for the world to care for the planet.

But the US leader heralded the United States as "number one producer of oil and natural gas".

He rattled off numbers indicating what he said were huge savings for American consumers and invited Europe to buy more US energy products.

The expansion of oil, gas and coal production has "been so successful that the United States no longer needs to import energy from hostile nations", he said.

"Our European allies no longer have to be vulnerable" if they "use America's vast supply".

Trump said the United States was joining a newly announced international initiative called the "one trillion trees" project and he said he wanted to conserve "the majesty of God's creation and the natural beauty of our world."

But he said technical innovation, not restricting economic growth, is the way forward.

"Fear and doubt is not a good thought process," he said.
Ever been to a salon where your hairdresser can give you a highlight and a bathroom remodel?

The owner of La Bella Spa Salon, Dawn Davide of Rio Rancho, can do just that. She is a licensed cosmetologist and a licensed contractor.

She is also the owner of Homes by Dawn Davide, which has upcoming work in the City of Vision.

Davide has won multiple awards for her salon and building expertise.

When I would be asked, If you could only pick one business, which one would you pick: Still work as a hairdresser or a home builder? Honestly I couldnt pick, she said. It is funny, years later, on my 40th birthday, I would have twins.  It was like having twins before twins. The same way I couldnt pick one of the boys, I couldnt pick one of the businesses.

Davide was born in New York and moved to Rio Rancho with her family in 1971 after her father died.

Davides mother being a hairdresser, she grew up in a salon and learned the trade early. After she graduated from Cibola High School in 1985, at 17 years old, Davide moved back to New York the next day.

She attended Brooklyn College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and obtained her cosmetology license that year.

Having my career in cosmetology is really what launched my career in home-building because while I was working in New York as a hairdresser, I was able to get on an international design team and that brought me to places like Milan. I was in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Hong Kong, and creating hair.

Where most women were shopping and bringing home Couture clothes, purses and shoes, I was falling in love with mantles and fireplaces and the architecture, and thats really what kind of launched the home-building side, she said.

After moving back to Rio Rancho at 28 years old in 1996, Davide began investing in La Bella and built her spa from the ground up. While working on La Bella, she was also building her home.

After she completed construction on her home, someone offered her $90,000 for it, more than what it took to build the house, Davide said.

She took the money, bought the lot next door and began again; only this time before she could finish the house, a buyer made an offer.

So by the third lot, I said, Wow, I could be onto something here,' she said.

She attributed these back-to-back sales to her attention to detail and use of space.

The love for design: Growing up in a large family, I really focus on not wasting space, Davide said.

She made sure the spaces flowed, no matter the size of the home, following an Italian design style.

This attention to detail would allow Davide to obtain her contracting license in 1998, entering a male-dominated field.

I remember walking into the class to take my test. There were a couple of hundred men and me, and I cant tell you how many people asked me for coffee and donuts, just assuming that I was there to help set up the class, never to actually participate and take the class, she said.

Throughout her career she would have to face more hurdles.

So after a while, there were some hills and valleys of being called gum-snapping hairdresser, because I won a builders award, she said, explaining that some other builders were offended that she could be both a home-builder and a hairdresser.

Davide took her experience as a life lesson.

I think that in life, the best person for the job should get the job, male, female, black, white, tall, short, whatever, she said. I just kind of powered through that and thats the way I fought discrimination. Its to just be you and keep trucking on.

Davide does not solely take credit for her success.

Joseph Bogart is the creative director of La Bella, which is in the Cottonwood area. With Bogarts help, Davide is able to focus more on expanding her empire, she said.

Bogart came to La Bella and helped modernize online platforms to reach a wider audience.

Dawn and I share the vision and the belief of the craft that will never change. No matter how modernized you get, no matter how old-school you think you are, the nut of it is the belief in the craft and anything is possible, Bogart said.

Next, Davide plans on building a retirement home at Northern and Unser boulevards, creating about 40 jobs for Rio Rancho.

I think it is all about really the connection with your client and bringing something that is important for them and creating something that works for them, which is why I love to do custom work, she said.

What I say is whether it is a hut or a mansion, it is someones something to them: hair, body, skin, where they live, where they rest their head, where they dream their dreams, where they raise their family. Thats the part that is really the driving force.
Russian police officers secretly filmed an opposition activist inside her bedroom for months before she was detained and charged under legislation outlawing "undesirable organisations".

Investigators in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don uncovered footage earlier this month that showed Anastasia Shevchenko (40) in her bedroom.

Sergei Badamshin, her lawyer, said that police had bugged and filmed inside her home for nearly five months before she was detained last January.

The single mother-of-two has been under house arrest for a year after she was charged over her work for Open Russia, a civic group that is run by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a critic of the Kremlin.

Russia's opposition has grown used to street surveillance and police intimidation, but placing a camera in a woman's bedroom has shocked many.

Leonid Volkov, an opposition politician, said that the bedroom surveillance of the woman was "absolutely outrageous".

Ms Shevchenko is the first Russian to be prosecuted under the 2015 law against undesirable organisations.

The law allows prosecutors to declare an organisation undesirable if it "presents a threat to Russia's constitutional order, its defence and its security".

If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to six years in prison.
In a longer statement to the Daily Beast on Tuesday, Greenwald said: Less than two months ago, the Federal Police, examining all the same evidence cited by the Public Ministry, stated explicitly that not only have I never committed any crime but that I exercised extreme caution as a journalist never even to get close to any participation. Even the Federal Police under Minister Moros command said what is clear to any rational person: I did nothing more than do my job as a journalist  ethically and within the law.
A gloomy self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh has finally been declared genuine after decades of doubt, with experts claiming it was the only work he did while suffering from psychosis.

'Self-Portrait' was completed by the Dutch painter in 1889 and shows him giving a haunted sideways glance with blue and yellow colours swirling in the background.

It was bought by the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway, in 1910, but concerns about its authenticity arose around 1970.

Five years after it was sent to Dutch experts to be tested, yesterday the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam announced it was 'unmistakably' genuine.

Using X-ray analysis of the canvas, studies of the brushwork and references to letters to his brother Theo, experts established it was painted while Van Gogh was in an asylum in Saint-Remy in France in the late summer of 1889.

'Self-Portrait' was painted by Van Gogh in 1889 and shows him giving a haunted sideways glance with blue and yellow colours swirling in the background

Louis van Tilborgh, senior researcher at the Van Gogh Museum told AFP: 'The self-portrait that is behind me has been doubted for a very long time.

'It's a work of art that for all kinds of reasons was by him but nevertheless also had certain aspects that were different from other pictures.

'So we had to find an explanation for that and that was difficult, but I think we've solved that and so we're proud that we've more or less given the work back.'

The Oslo museum bought the painting in 1910 from a collector in Paris for 10,000 francs, making it the first Van Gogh self-portrait to enter a public collection, but doubts have swirled about it for some 50 years.

It uses less vibrant colours to other works from the same period, including muted blues and sickly yellows, and some of the paintwork looks less finished.

But the new findings establish the painting as a companion piece to two famous self-portraits finished weeks later when he emerged from his psychosis, now in the National Gallery of Art in Washington and the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

Mai Britt Guleng, curator at the Olso Museum, 'Although we were open to all possibilities, of course we are very happy' that the painting is genuine, said Mai Britt Guleng, curator of old masters and modern art at the Oslo museum.

'This is very important for us to know that we have a genuine Van Gogh again in our collection because it has been doubted for several years.'

Mr van Tilborgh said that the painting 'firmly depicts someone who is mentally ill'.

Using X-ray analysis of the canvas, studies of the brushwork and references to letters to his brother Theo, experts (Louis van Tilborgh of Amsterdam Museum pictured) established it was painted while Van Gogh was in an asylum in Saint-Remy in France in the late summer of 1889

A year before painting the self-portrait, Van Gogh had cut off his own ear after an argument with his friend the painter Paul Gauguin, beginning a long spell in and out of hospitals and asylums.

The Oslo painting is the only one that can be linked to a self-portrait Van Gogh described in his a letter to his brother on September 20 1889 as 'an attempt from when I was ill'.

The painter was hit by a 'severe psychotic episode' lasting a month and a half from July of that year, and although feeling able to paint again by the end he said he was still 'disturbed'.

The researchers said the self-portrait must have been painted shortly after another letter dating from August 22 and before the two more famous portraits he painted in September.

Mr van Tilborgh, who is also a Professor of Art History at the University of Amsterdam, said: 'Although Van Gogh was frightened to admit at that point that he was in a similar state to his fellow residents at the asylum, he probably painted this portrait to reconcile himself with what he saw in the mirror: a person he did not wish to be, yet was.

'This is part of what makes the painting so remarkable and even therapeutic. It is the only work that Van Gogh is known for certain to have created while suffering from psychosis.'

The painting is currently on display at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and will return to Oslo when its new national museum opens in 2021.
At the break of dawn, 46-year-old Saiful Mujab of Kemloko village in East Javas Blitar goes to the rice field. But unlike most farmers, who take with them hoes or sickles, he takes fish food pellets.

On a 1-hectare rice field located around 500 meters from his house, Saiful has ponds filled with thousands of koi fish. Before feeding the fish, he turns on the water pumps to extract water from specially-made wells located in between the ponds. I used to be able to take water from the river, but the water quality keeps getting worse. It is even harmful to the fish because of pesticides used by farmers, he said.

Saiful is the second generation of koi farmers in Kemloko village, one of the koi farm centers in Blitar. Starting in 1996 with a small plot of land, he hung on when lohan fish became the talk of the town in 2002 and kois popularity seemed to dim. Four years later, koi once again became the star. Saiful then expanded his ponds to their current size.

Most koi farmers in Blitar joined the buzz at the time. In Kemloko village alone, there are approximately 200 koi farmers with ponds totaling 100 ha.

Saiful said koi farming generated a bigger income than rice farming. Farming in the proper way with a 1/4-ha pond, for instance, yields a monthly income above Blitar's minimum wage, he said.

The town is now known as one of the biggest koi producers in Indonesia, along with East Javas Tulungagung and Kediri, and West Javas Sukabumi. There are at least four yearly competitions and exhibitions of koi held in Blitar. One of them is Blitar Koi Club, whose head is Saiful. The event is held every June with the grand prize of the Presidents Cup.

Adi Andaka, head of the Blitar Farming and Fisheries Agency, said there were 2,000 koi farmers in Blitar in 2019 with sales in the tens of billions of rupiah.

Jakarta, Bandung and Denpasar were said to be cities that purchased the most koi fish from Blitar.

We plan to export our koi to Japan. Last year, Blitars koi participated in an exhibition in Japan and were celebrated due to their bold colors, Adi said.

Read also: 145-year-old Blitar coffee plantation lures tourists with colonial history, internship opportunity

Koi as decorative fish have been bred in Japan since the beginning of the 19th century. In Japanese, koi sounds the same as the word for love or affection, and so it is a symbol of love.

Koi fish are often found in outdoor ponds in homes, offices or hotels. The beauty of kois colors and patterns are more obvious when seen from above, said Ahmad Dardiri, a koi farmer of Sekardangan hamlet in Blitar.

Koi lovers choose the fish based on colors, the combination of colors and the patterns. The most common colors are white, black, red, yellow and blue.

There are at least 20 popular variants of colors and patterns, which are named in Japanese. Kohaku, for example, are fish with two colors: white and red. Showa Sanshoku, on the other hand, are those with red, white and mostly black. There are also those with golden or metallic grey scales, called Kinginrin.

With its high profits, koi farming may tempt some away from traditional farming. But Saiful warned that a koi farmer needed to equip himself with adequate knowledge of the fish. Koi farming is like mining gold and it takes time, he said.

There are at least five phases of sorting during the first six months, starting when the fish seeds are 1 week old. Out of the thousands of seeds, it's possible that only 10 percent of those survive to the fifth or sixth month.

Farmers can begin to sell their fish in the fourth phase, when they are 5 months old and are 12 to 15 centimeters in length. Grade-A koi fish at this age are priced at Rp 25,000 (US$1.81) to Rp 35,000 per piece. While 1-year-old koi fish, which can grow to 35 or 40 centimeters long, are priced at Rp 500,000.

In the market, grade-A koi fish at 50 centimeters long are sold for Rp 2.5 million to Rp 10 million.

Saiful again reminded the other side of the seemingly lucrative koi farming. Along with adequate knowledge, koi farmers need a lot of capital for pond maintenance and fish food pellets. The most recent challenges are fish diseases and parasites, and Saiful hoped the government could aid farmers in battling these problems. (wng)
Union Budget 2020-21 is expected to focus on the transformation of rural India with a nearly 15% jump in fund allocation to boost the village economy and raise incomes, particularly of small and marginal farmers, three people aware of the development said on Tuesday.

Transformation of the rural economy is a must for two reasons; to reverse the current economic slowdown, which is hit mainly due to weak demand, and to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2025. Both the objectives require special focus on agriculture and rural economy, hence greater fund allocation, one of the people cited above said, requesting anonymity.

Indias gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.5% in the second quarter of the current financial year, the lowest since March 2013. According to the governments first advanced estimates, Indias GDP is expected to grow 5% in 2019-20.

It is expected that rural India will see an additional fund allocation of about Rs 40,000 crore in 2020-21 compared to the total budget estimates for 2019-20, the first person said. The budget for the current financial year allocated Rs 2,48,132.40 crore to the two key arms responsible for the rural economy -- the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (Rs 1,30,485.21 crore), and the Department of Rural Development (Rs 1,17,647.19 crore).

According to the budget estimate (BE) for 2019-20, total fund allocation to the Department of Rural Development was raised by 4.66% compared to the BE last financial year. For the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, the increase in BE 2019-20 was over 179% because of Rs 75,000 crore allocated under the PM-Kisan scheme. The BE for the department in 2018-19 was Rs 46,700 crore. After subtracting the allocated fund for the new scheme PM-Kisan that was introduced in 2019-20, the increase was 19%.

The second person mentioned above said budgetary allocations for rural transformation would not be limited to the two key administrative ministries. Significant funds will be allocated to rural regions through other ministries also. The budget will emphasise on greater emphasis on connecting villages to digital India and providing them amenities such as electricity, cooking gas, drinking water and sanitation, the person said, requesting anonymity.

Providing details of the measures for the agricultural sector, a third person said the focus of increased allocation would also be on promoting exports, higher subsidised farm credit and incentives for mechanisation to double farmers income. The government will put in place a nationwide plan to form agri-export clusters for export of foodgrains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, the person said.

In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared his government would double farmers income in six years, a politically significant goal in a country where nearly half the population depends on a farm-based livelihood. Small-time farmers, who make up 86% of the total, are the most deprived generally. They mostly consume  not sell  what they grow since they have lower surpluses.

The budget will contain measures to strengthen the national agriculture export policy in step with the governments target of doubling farmers income. The aim is to raise the value of agricultural exports from $30 billion currently to nearly $60 billion by 2022, the person said.

In the last budget, the government increased the budget allocation for the farm ministry to Rs 1.39 lakh crore for the current financial year. Of this, Rs 75,000 crore was for the flagship cash transfer scheme PM-KISAN, according to the budget document. Income transfer is a step in the right direction, but it has to be sufficient and continuous. They are giving Rs 6,000. This may not be sufficient, said N Chandrasekhara Rao, an agricultural economist with Delhi Universitys Institute of Economic Growth.

This insufficiency argument is borne out by the fact that although farmers get Rs 6,000 a year, the NDA governments Volume 2 of Report of the Committee on Doubling Farmers Income states that the average monthly consumption expenditure of a farming household is Rs 6,223. Input costs too have risen by over a third in the last five years. The budget will contain measures for incentives to small farmers to collectivise or form groups to achieve scale in the export market, especially in view of recent farm trade deals.

In the past year, India has struck deals for agricultural exports with eight nations  the US, Iran, Taiwan, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Equador, and Malaysia  and is scouting for more markets as it prepares for a more liberalised trade policy in farm goods. The country has also filed market access requests for 35 agricultural products with over a dozen countries, an official said. Economists, bankers and sector experts have also advised finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take measures to boost demand to accelerate the economy in a series of pre-budget meetings held recently, the first two persons quoted above said.

Speaking to CNBC in Davos on Tuesday, Gita Gopinath, chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, suggested Sitharaman focus on reviving credit growth and consumer spending in rural areas in the budget to boost the economy.
From 'fortune tellers' to undercover plumbers: Five Davos highlights



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



The annual World Economic Forum got underway in Davos on Tuesday, with US President Donald Trump giving a keynote speech in typically boisterous style as business leaders grappled with balancing their profits against the menace of climate change.

Here are five highlights from the first day of the 50th edition of the glitzy meeting at the Swiss resort.



- Apocalypse now? -



As Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg warned participants at the summit that they were not even trying to fight climate change, Trump resorted to apocalyptic language to describe those who do not share his scepticism on global warming.

People saying that the world is in the throes of an environmental crisis are the "perennial prophets of doom", "the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers" and not to mention "radical socialists", said the US leader.

Having sat quietly through his speech among the audience, Thunberg was unrepentant in later remarks. "Our house is still on fire," she said.



- The plumber who came in from the cold -



There is a relatively low-key Russian presence at Davos this year as Russia's economy still suffers due to the isolation following the 2014 annexation of Crimea.

But according to a Swiss newspaper report, a group of Russians had been active in Davos months before the World Economic Forum had even began.

Tages-Anzeiger said Swiss police in August discovered two suspected Russian agents in Davos, including one who claimed to be a plumber. The paper said the men may have been preparing a wiretapping or hacking operation in Davos.

They were stopped, but not arrested.



- Some way off gender parity? -



The WEF is keen to make clear that it is working hard to improve the gender balance on its panels, still heavily skewed towards men.

But there were red faces when the moderator muddled the names of the women on one panel, managing to call both of them Vicky.

"Strange, uh, two women on a panel?" said Rachel Kyte, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, after the moderator called her Vicky, the name of the other woman on the panel, Vicky Hollub, the CEO of Occidental Petroleum.

This year 24 percent of the participants are women, according to the organisers.



-Saving the planet, step by step -



The big Davos buzzword this year is sustainability, with organisers keen to show that the event leaves a minimal environmental footprint.

Posters boast that the painting for the signs is made from seaweed rather than chemicals and the carpets are made from recycled fishing nets.

But other innovations are less daring. Shoe grips for Davos' icy streets and and even walking maps are handed out in a bid to encourage participants to get about on foot, rather than make short journeys in the cars that make the gridlocked streets of the village feel like an urban rush hour during the forum.



- Hacked off humans -



As if worrying about the future of the planet -- or being told by Trump that to worry was doom-mongering -- was not enough, Israeli author and historian Yuval Noah Harari had a potentially even more troubling message.

Soon, he told worried participants at a panel meeting, artificial intelligence would be possible to hack into humans just as today computers and bank accounts are hacked into.

"If you have enough data about me, enough computing power and biological knowledge, you can hack my body, my brain, my life," said the author of the bestselling book "Sapiens".

"You can reach a point where you know me better than I know myself," he said, adding that once that point is passed "we have no idea what happens" with all political systems.
Regulatory News:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005959/en/

Emilie Germane (Photo: Business Wire)

SFL (Paris:FLY):

Appointment of Emilie Germane, Legal Director, as member of the Management Committee

Emilie Germane, Legal Director, has been appointed member of the Company's Management Committee. She will report to Chief Resources Officer, Francois Sebillotte.

A trained lawyer and a graduate of ESSEC business school, Emilie has previously worked in the real estate departments at law firms Lacourte Balas Associes and Lefevre Pelletier Associes.

She joined SFL in 2016 from Club Mediterranee, where she had worked in the Legal, Development, Property and Construction Department since 2009.

Appointment of Virginie Krafft, Leasing Director

Virginie Krafft has been appointed Leasing Director at SFL. Reporting to the Deputy Managing Director Asset Management Investments, Aude Grant, Virginie will be in charge of leasing activity for all of the Company's office space, both in use and under development, currently including the iconic 83 Marceau and Biome projects.

The appointment comes four years after her arrival at SFL, where she successfully held the position of Deputy Lease Director. A trained lawyer, Virginie's previous experience includes eight years working as a Corporate Real Estate Consultant at Knight Frank.

About SFL

Leader in the prime segment of the Parisian commercial real estate market, Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise stands out for the quality of its property portfolio, which is valued at 6.8 billion and is focused on the Central Business District of Paris (cloud.paris, Edouard VII, Washington Plaza, etc.), and for the quality of its client portfolio, which is composed of prestigious companies in the consulting, media, digital, luxury, finance and insurance sectors. As France's oldest property company, SFL demonstrates year after year an unwavering commitment to its strategy focused on creating a high value in use for users and, ultimately, substantial appraisal values for its properties.

Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartment A Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000033409 Bloomberg: FLY FP Reuters: FLYP PA

S&P rating: BBB+ stable outlook

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005959/en/

Contacts:

SFL Thomas Fareng Phone +33 (0)1 42 97 27 00 t.fareng@fonciere-lyonnaise.com

Evidence Gregoire Silly Phone +33 (0)6 99 10 78 99 gregoire.silly@evidenceparis.fr
PALM BEACH, Florida, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to Cannabis 2.0, companies are selling out of CBD edibles  and fast. So much so,the Toronto Sun refers to it as "Edibles Madness." The Ontario Cannabis Store website, for example, saw so much demand, the site crashed several times, while soft-chew items like gummies sold out in less than a half hour. Better,analysts at Deloitte , "The edibles market alone is estimated to be worth at least $1.6 billion a year in Canada, with cannabis-infused beverages adding a further $529 million," said Jennifer Lee, a partner and Deloitte Canada's Cannabis National Leader, and Consumer Advisory and Analytics Practice National Leader. "According to our research and stakeholder interviews, much of this economic boost will be on top of current cannabis product spending. The introduction of cannabis-infused edibles will clearly threaten the alcohol industry as consumers are using the product for similar usage occasions." That's opening a wide range of opportunity for companies including Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. (TSX-V:NSP)(OTCQB:NSPDF), The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX:TGOD)(OTCQX:TGODF), Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE:CURA)(OTCQX:CURLF), Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE:GTII) (OTCQX:GTBIF), and Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE:GGB)(OTCQB:GGBXF).

Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. (TSXV:NSP)(OTCQB:NSPDF) BREAKING NEWS: Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. just provided the following updates and outlook for 2020. Naturally Splendid drives the majority of revenue from the Prosnack Division, manufacturing nutritional bars & bites from mainly plant-based ingredients at our Safe Quality Food Level 2 manufacturing facility (SQF2), forming the foundation to a sustainable and profitable business. Purchase orders in January have already exceeded $300,000 CDN to date. The Company's focus will be on expanding business and growing revenue in the plant-based nutritional category while the cannabis edibles markets continues the path to more mainstream opportunities. Naturally Splendid CEO Mr. J. Craig Goodwin states, "The Company continues to focus on increasing our nutritional, plant-based bars and bites business, expanding production capacity and efficiencies at our SQF2 food manufacturing facility. We remain confident the edibles market will continue to evolve into a lucrative opportunity. However, that market continues to be challenged by restrictive marketing and distribution regulations.

In comparison, the plant-based nutrition market shows current, mid-term and long-term growth. This past December, the investment firm UBS, reported the plant-based nutrition market to be $4B USD in 2018, growing to $88B USD by 2030. With consistent messaging from the market supporting this significant forecast in sales growth, we have positioned the Company to become a leading developer and manufacturer of nutritional plant-based bars and bites through our Prosnack Division. This strategic approach is building shareholder value as confirmed by a recent valuation that pegged the value of Prosnack of $11.1M CDN. It is important to understand our strategy to develop our plant-based business has a synergistic relationship with CBD edibles. Our expertise as food manufacturers utilizing plant-based ingredients will be a driver for securing business in the evolving edibles market".

Other cannabis-related developments from around the markets include:

The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX:TGOD)(OTCQX:TGODF) announced changes to streamline its leadership structure . The Company's President, Mr. Csaba Reider, will be departing the organization. Mr. Reider's duties will be assumed by the Company's CEO, Brian Athaide. Mike Gibbons, Vice President of Sales, is also leaving the organization. Robert Gora, Vice President of Medical Commercialization, will assume the consolidated role of Vice President, National Sales, leading sales and revenue generation across medical and recreational channels. "The changes we announce today are part of a comprehensive review of our operations to reduce costs and improve cash flow. This will result in significant G&A savings and a leaner more efficient organization. We are also very focused on ramping up production, expanding our product portfolio with innovative organic products and gaining market share across the country." commented Brian Athaide, CEO of TGOD.

Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE:CURA)(OTCQX:CURLF) announced the upsizing and closing of a Senior Secured Term Loan Facility from a syndicate of lenders totaling US$300 million. The notes bear interest at a rate of 13.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, with a maturity 48 months from closing. The proceeds will be used to refinance existing debt, satisfy transaction fees and expenses from previously announced acquisitions, fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. The sole placement agent for the Facility is Seaport Global Securities LLC. "We are pleased with the upsizing and closing of the deal at what we believe to be attractive terms," said Joseph Lusardi, Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf. "Most importantly we strengthened our balance sheet without diluting our existing shareholders. With the completion of this transaction, we have ample liquidity to execute on our strategy and are well-positioned to take advantage of the significant market opportunities that exist in this space."

Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE:GTII)(OTCQX:GTBIF) announced the next phase of its Social Equity License Education Assistance Program (LEAP) which includes programming and one-on-one consultations for Illinois craft grower, infuser and transporter licenses. Applications are due to the state on March 16 and the Department of Agriculture is expected to issue up to 40 craft grower licenses, up to 40 infuser licenses, and an unlimited number of transporter licenses on or before July 1, 2020. Dispensary applications were due January 2 with up to 75 awardees expected to be announced by May 1. "At GTI, we believe it is our responsibility to help reduce barriers to cannabis business ownership for minorities and others most impacted by the war on drugs  and we are so humbled to have provided guidance to more than 200 applicants so far, many of whom applied for dispensary licenses," says GTI Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs Dina Rollman. "LEAP was created to offer assistance to those looking to enter this highly competitive industry and to serve as a resource to as many applicants as possible that qualify as a social equity applicant under Illinois law. GTI has had a long history of winning licenses and our team is excited to share our lessons learned and best practices with a new generation of business owners in this burgeoning industry. We can't wait to continue our work with the new round of applicants and those who are awarded licenses."

Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE:GGB)(OTCQB:GGBXF) shared statistics from its first full holiday season and from its second fiscal quarter ended December 28, 2019. Over 128,000 Seventh Sense Botanical Transactions were processed between Black Friday and December 28, 2019. Seventh Sense offered three holiday-exclusive items: the Pebble Lip Balm, Therapeutic Starter and the Lip and Body gift sets. Bestselling Seventh Sense products included the 1,500 mg Hyperstrength Cream, the Therapeutic Starter gift set and the Unwind Sleep Blend Roll-On. Over 85,000 consumers received a Seventh Sense direct mail piece detailing the product line and holiday offerings. The Seventh Sense customer database grew by 42% between Black Friday and December 28, 2019. As of December 28, 2019, the Company operates 195 mall-based Seventh Sense shops in 35 states, including 54 new shops that opened during second quarter fiscal 2020. "Our ability to capitalize on the holiday shopping season is a reflection of our retail and operations expertise," said Peter Horvath, CEO of Green Growth Brands. "We are pleased with the performance of both business segments and particularly excited by the consumer demand signals we saw in CBD. We have brought together high-quality CBD, high-efficacy personal care formulations, familiar packaging, top-tier retail presentations, and fair, everyday-value prices to create products that consumers from all walks of life are really responding to.

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third- party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated thirty five hundred dollars for news coverage of current press releases issued by as Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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On Monday, Kellyanne Conway responded to a reporters question about why the presidents public schedule of events included no function to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr., on a holiday designated to honor him. Conway decided to answer this question by claiming that Dr. King would have hated impeachment: The president  agrees with many of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King stood for and agreed with for many years, including unity and equality, she said. Hes not the one trying to tear the country apart through an impeachment process and a lack of substance that really is very shameful at this point.

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If this claimthat really its the impeachment process thats tearing this nation apartsounds familiar, its because it was also the lament of GOP House members as impeachment unfolded there. Yes, the day before the presidents impeachment trial opens in the Senate, and on the selfsame day Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced rules that will, he hopes, preclude the calling of witnesses, hearing of evidence, and any other indicia of a trial in the Senate trial, the GOP has fallen perfectly in line behind the stop tearing the country apart argument as its impeachment defense. Its the new authoritarians lament.

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This is a sad day for America, intoned Ohio Rep. Bill Johnson, as the House debated the articles of impeachment in December, before calling for a moment of silence to memorialize the 63 million Americans who voted for Trump. As Michelle Goldberg noted at the time, On the surface it seems strange, this constant trumpeting of a vote total that is more than two million less than the total received by Trumps opponent, Hillary Clinton. Trump didnt just lose the popular votehe lost it by a greater margin than any successful presidential candidate in American history.  But as I watched impeachment unfold, it seemed like something more than thatan assertion of whom Republicans think this country belongs to. The Republican howls about an unruly minority of socialists and protesters who seek the removal of this president misconstrue the fact that a majority of Americans do not agree to be governed by diktat. A new CNN poll shows that 51 percent of Americans want Trump removed from office, 74 percent of them are closely watching impeachment coverage, and 69 percent want to hear witness testimony. In other words, the majority of America does not consent to authoritarian Senate procedures and rules, and it is not some small faction of illiberal Democrats who are tearing the country apart, as Conway suggests. The majority of Americans are not willing to submit to autocracy, though we will turn to the Senate Tuesday to see if the majority of Americans wishes are to be trammeled by Senate Republicans. Spoiler alert: It seems all but inevitable that they will be, which tells you a good deal about how the Senate represents American voters.

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The Republican howls about an unruly minority of socialists and protesters who seek the removal of this president misconstrue the fact that a majority of Americans do not agree to be governed by diktat.

If you would like to see another example of what minority rule feels like, kindly turn your attention to the 22,000 people who showed up in Richmond, Virginia, for what is now being described in the media as a peaceful march and a triumph of peaceable assembly. Armed with assault-style weapons and body armor, militia members were seen wearing masks and carrying semi-automatic rifles outside the seat of government. The biggest star of the rallyidentified by the Washington Post as Brandon Lewisbrandished his .50-caliber Barrett M82A1 rifle, as passersby expressed admiration. This sends a strong visual message, Lewis, cradling the firearm and decked out in a helmet and bulletproof vest, told the Post. The government is not above us. They are us. The Washington Post clocked another protester wearing full-body camo, with a bulletproof vest, a handgun and an AR-15style assault rifle. The protesters were overwhelmingly white and overwhelmingly male and overwhelmingly dedicated to a vision of peace that looks like this. They were there to refuse to abide by any democratically passed gun control measures, and they stood outside the state capitol chanting First Amendmentprotected threats to oust Virginias democratically elected governor. More than 100 counties, cities, and towns in Virginia have declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries and vowed to oppose any new unconstitutional restrictions on guns, presumably following the lead of one of Mondays speakers, a county sheriff who last month promised to deputize gun owners if lawmakers continue to push gun control measures. This nullification will be attempted despite the fact that the great majority of Virginia voters actually favor Democratic proposals to limit gun access, a Washington PostSchar School poll found in October.

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Todd Gilbert, the Republican Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, issued a statement on Jan. 10 after the decision was taken to declare a temporary state of emergency, banning all weapons from the Capitol grounds from Friday at 5 p.m. until Tuesday at 5 p.m. Gilberts statement deplored that action as disgusting and wrong. The same Todd Gilbert reversed himself on Sunday, issuing a statement opposing protesters who would spread white supremacist garbage, hate, civil unrest, or violence, after multiple white supremacists and Nazis were arrested and it became clear that there was at least a possibility of violence at the march. The threat of violence is only as serious as your most recent FBI briefing, it seems. That doesnt make for a peaceful demonstrationit puts you at the mercy of the armed marchers.

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But because there was no violence in the end, we are told, the rally was peaceful. As Jim Geraghty at National Review noted smugly, the threatened violence never occurred, which means that the media panic (and apparently that of Todd Gilbert) was overblown. The march was apparently peaceful, he writes, because perhaps the hateful types decided to stay away.

Perhaps there were violent people who decided to stay away from Richmond on Monday. But there were also nonviolent people who decided they needed to stay away from Richmond on Monday. As Garrett Epps notes, those who stayed away included many other groups who had equally compelling First Amendment statements to offer:

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The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence had also planned to assemble and petition for gun-control legislationas it had done in peaceful competition with gun-rights groups in previous years. This year, because of the threats of armed violence surrounding the gun-rights march, that gun-control demonstration had to be canceled. The delegate from Manassas, Lee Carter, the Souths only socialist legislator, went into hiding because of death threats. Carter had not, in fact, sponsored an anti-gun measure, but gun-rights groups spread disinformation on the internet that he had done so; his lifeand his ability to function as a legislatorwas endangered.

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Pages from the Legislatures page program were told to stay home. Many legislators asked their staffs to stay away or work from home. The rally forced officials to reschedule the citys Martin Luther King Jr. Day vigil for the first time in 28 years. New Virginia Majorityone of the largest progressive groups in the commonwealthpostponed its annual MLK Day of Action due to threats from armed racist groups and because we cannot protect our people from individuals committed to acts of violence. Mothers Demand Action stayed off the streets and held phone-banking events, and it almost goes without saying that virtually all people of color stayed home. And so a peaceful march, as feted in the media and feted by those who seek to blur the line between First Amendment speech and Second Amendment threats, will now include in its definition mass marches in which participants are armed with assault weapons, many of whom were also wearing masks. (Only one person in a mask was arrested Monday despite the fact that hundreds were masked. She was unarmed.)

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The fact that nobody was harmed or worse, as occurred in Charlottesville, is likely because those who would have come to the capital to support the gun measures largely stayed home, out of fear. As Epps concluded correctly, One groups politics canceled those of others. This was not a free and open exchange of ideas. It was a display of lethal military powerpower restrained so long as nobody provoked it. Only one side believes that marching through city streets brandishing weapons of war is peaceful. And not only did these marchers win the public square this weekthey also won the media narrative that such marches are peaceable First Amendment displays. But they are only peaceful displays so long as those who might oppose the guns rights marchers or white supremacists or Nazis stay home. Just as money counts as First Amendment free speech because it can swallow other speech, so too are guns, because they can terrorize other speech.

The minority who carried guns in Richmond overran the majority because of their lethal power. The minority that controls the Senate in D.C. seeks to overrun the majority because of electoral power. This is not liberal democracy at work. It is authoritarianism calling itself the will of the majority, but effectuated by minority power alone.
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Burma Ex-Tanintharyi Region Chief Minister to Face Corruption Charges

Former Tanintharyi chief minister Daw Lei Lei Maw. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

The Tanintharyi Region Court accepted bribery and corruption charges against the former regional chief minister, Daw Lei Lei Maw, who was sacked in March 2019, and three directors of the Global Grand Services (GGS) company on Tuesday.

In March last year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed four cases against Daw Lei Lei Maw under Article 55 of the Anti-Corruption Law, which carries up to 15 years in prison.

In two of these cases, the GGS company directors U Thein Htwe, U Aung Myat and U Thura Ohn were charged for allegedly conspiring and abetting corruption under Article 55 and 63 of the Anti-Corruption Law.

The court accepted all charges. We will appear before the court as [the clients] have done nothing wrong, said U Naing Lin Htun, a lawyer for Daw Lei Lei Maw.

The ACC announced in March that it found Daw Lei Lei Maw abused her position on several occasions since April 2016  weeks after she was appointed chief minister.

It conducted a monthlong investigation in February last year in Naypyitaw, Yangon and Dawei in response to complaints filed by regional lawmakers and residents with both the commission and the Presidents Office.

Those findings included details of the chief ministers alleged corruption in awarding contracts for the construction of a pavilion for Myanmar New Year in 2016 and for the removal of unwanted bushes from Dawei University and outside Dawei Airport in November 2016.

It said Daw Lei Lei Maw approved a budget of 400 million kyats (US$263,000) for the removal of the bushes outside the airport.

She allegedly asked a director with the regional Road Management Department in October 2018 to build a wall around two plots in Dawei owned by her husband but did not pay until the ACC started its investigation.

The commission said she sold her house, which was valued at 32 million kyats ($21,000), for 200 million kyats ($131,000) to GGS. The company was awarded contracts for electricity distribution in Dawei and the construction of a fish market, city hall and low-cost housing.

The commission said it also found that GGS broke a contract with the regional government and owed 8 billion kyats ($5.2 million) to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy for natural gas.

More than 40 hearings were conducted before the court decided to accept the charge against her on Tuesday. She will have to appear at the court on Feb. 3.

Her lawyer said she would abide by the courts decision.

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By Kelsey Johnson

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Climate change will be a key element in Canada's next federal budget, Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau said on Monday, as he kicked off public consultations on the spending bill.

"That will be a central focus of our upcoming budget," Morneau told university students during a visit to Ryerson University in Toronto. Canada's fiscal year starts on April 1.

"I've written more checks for fires and floods than any other finance minister before me and those numbers continue to go up," Morneau said, underscoring the costs of climate change.

"It's real. The costs are real and the implications for all of us, including especially the younger people in this room, are real."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has cast himself as a champion in the fight against climate change, said during his campaign for re-election last year that the issue would be a priority for his new government.

Trudeau hung onto power in the October vote but lost his majority in parliament and will depend on the support of opposition parties to pass the spending law. Two opposition parties are urging quick action to stem emissions.

Separately, a Bank of Canada business survey released on Monday found a majority of firms, especially those in the goods sector and large and exporting firms, see climate change as a relevant or very relevant topic for their businesses.

The Bank of Canada said more than half the affected firms had noted negative impacts tied to climate change, including financial losses or damage from extreme weather like hurricanes, floods and wildfires.

Changing seasonal patterns, the survey found, are disrupting operations and sales in the agriculture, fishing, transportation and construction sectors.

Many respondents, the central bank said, also referred to increased costs associated with climate-related policy and regulation, as well as higher insurance costs.

The survey also found that one-third of affected businesses said they had experienced positive climate change impacts, often related to new business opportunities, including firms selling environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products and services.

Canada's central bank has previously said climate change poses risks to both the economy and the country's financial system.

(Reporting by Kelsey Johnson in Ottawa; Editing by Dan Grebler)
As President Donald Trumps administration comes under fire for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani  an event which triggered reprisals and escalating tensions in the region  Congress is attempting to rein in the executive branch. The House of Representatives recently passed a bill to prevent the president from using military force against Iran without congressional authorization, and the Senate is expected to pass a similar bill, though the president is expected to veto the measure.

In addition to Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and the many House Democrats from New York involved in impeachment and investigating the administration, one New Yorker holds a particularly powerful position in affecting U.S. foreign policy: Rep. Eliot Engel, the 31-year House veteran from the Bronx, who has served as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee since the Democrats took control of the House last year.

Now that Engel faces a potentially threatening challenge from school principal Jamaal Bowman  and several other candidates, including special education teacher Andom Ghebreghiorgis  the primary in his Westchester and North Bronx district this summer could end up changing Democratic congressional leadership on foreign policy.

Ghebreghiorgis and Bowman are both running to Engels left  Bowman with the backing of the progressive group Justice Democrats  but Engel himself is hard to pin down, beyond the fact that his voting record is in the Democratic Partys liberal mainstream. Hes not someone whos publicly staked out strong ideological positions on foreign policy in the way that a hawk like former Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut or a dove such as former Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio has. (Of course, if Engel were defeated, his replacement as committee chair wouldnt be Bowman or Ghebreghiorgis  the next Democrat in line is Rep. Brad Sherman of California.)

Rather than laying out a sharply drawn ideology on war and peace, observers say that Engel is a mainline Democrat who has continued the House Foreign Affairs Committees tradition as a body focused on oversight, especially with regard to Trumps sometimes unorthodox decisions, including the so-called hollowing out of the State Department and plans to cut foreign aid.

I think he has been one of the leaders in Congress of efforts to oppose some of the more troubling aspects of Trump's foreign policy, particularly efforts by Trump to cut back U.S. international engagement in certain areas, said Jordan Tama an associate professor in the School of International Service at American University.

Perhaps more notable as the situation in Iran continues to unfold, experts also pointed to Engels efforts to limit in Trumps war-making powers. Engel, along with many other Democrats, co-sponsored the Houses recently approved a resolution related to the 1973 War Powers Resolution that would limit Trumps ability to take military action in Iran. Weve heard the argument that the 2002 Authorization for the Use of Military Force  the Iraq War authorization  would justify military action against Iran. Thats just wrong. Its not what Congress intended when it passed that resolution, Engel said earlier this month, during debate on the resolution. It should be repealed, not used to launch more military action. If the president wants to use military force against Iran, he has to come to Congress.

Engel, who first joined Congress in 1989 and now represents New Yorks 16th Congressional District, did not have a background or prior professional experience in foreign policy. Engel studied history as an undergraduate and received his masters in guidance and counseling before serving in the New York state Assembly for nearly 12 years. He nevertheless rose up through the ranks of the Foreign Affairs committee, becoming ranking member in 2013, and then being appointed chair after Democrats flipped the House in 2018.

Experts say his lack of prior expertise in foreign policy is not necessarily atypical of a committee chair. Most members of Congress don't come into Congress with previous foreign policy experience, except to the extent that some of them have served in the military, Tama said, adding that prior chairs of the Foreign Affairs committees have been a mix of those with military or prior international relations experience, and those without it. He didn't become chairman of the committee during his first year in Congress. He was on the Foreign Affairs Committee for many years, gaining expertise during those years before he became chairman.

In the three decades he spent in Congress prior to chairing the committee, Engel has led on a few key foreign policy issues. Engel was out in front on U.S.-Kosovo relations, drawing attention to the ethnic cleansing of Kosovar Albanians in the late 1990s, urging former President Bill Clinton to attack Serbian strongholds there. Later, he spoke out in support of Kosovos independence from Serbia. Engels actions on Kosovo were appreciated by their government in 2017, becoming the first Jewish man put on a postal stamp of a Muslim territory.

In terms of foreign policy identity, I wouldn't say 'left,' 'right,' 'hawk,' 'dove,' or any of that. I think he found issues where he thought he could make a direct impact, and he focused primarily on those, Louis Lauter, vice president for congressional and government affairs at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said, when asked to characterize Engels foreign policy philosophy.

Leading the House Foreign Affairs Committee presents Engel an opportunity to stand up to executive branch, even if he might be hamstrung by a divided Congress. He had been pushing legislation that would limit the president's ability to intervene militarily in Yemen, prior to his role in the recent Iran bill, Tama said. Those are areas where a lot of Democrats have had concerns that the president might not be constrained enough in being able to intervene militarily in other countries.

On Friday, Engel said in an emailed statement to City & State that hes seen Congress cede too much of its responsibility to the executive branch. Ive learned some hard lessons along the way and taken votes that I would change knowing what I know now, he said. The United States has been at war for nearly all of the 21st century. I wish we could have some of those pivotal moments back, because we see now that the authorizations that Congress approved have been stretched well beyond what we ever intended. Engel added that hes in favor of repealing the 2002 Iraq war authorization and considering whether existing war powers legislation needs to be updated.

In the past, however, Engel has come under criticism for supporting various military actions. Despite those who praise him for challenging Trump, more progressive media outlets have also referred to him as hawkish. This is perhaps most true on the Middle East. In 2002, Engel voted in favor of the Iraq War resolution. Engel also voted against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, but has since come out in favor of it. I didnt support the nuclear deal because I didnt think it went far enough, Engel said to City & State. But I said when President Trump walked away that it was a mistake. Since then, weve seen tensions tick up bit by bit, because the administration simply doesnt have a coherent approach to Iran.

If he veers away from more progressive Democrats in some instances, Tama said Engels other views are shared among the party. There have been some cases where he's been more supportive of military action by the United States than some other Democrats, said Tama. But, generally, he is somebody who thinks that the military should not be the main instrument for addressing foreign policy problems. And that's a perspective that's widely shared among Democrats.

Engel is also considered pro-Israel, and he took a hard line against Rep. Ilhan Omar last year when she came under fire for a series of remarks related to U.S. policy towards Israel that some viewed as anti-Semitic. In one instance, Engel demanded an apology from Omar in response to comments she made suggesting that pro-Israel groups have undue influence on American politicians. "I welcome debate in Congress based on the merits of policy, but it's unacceptable and deeply offensive to call into question the loyalty of fellow American citizens because of their political views, including support for the U.S.-Israel relationship," Engel said. "We all take the same oath. Worse, Representative Omar's comments leveled that charge by invoking a vile anti-Semitic slur."

Engel, along with fellow New York Reps. Nita Lowey and Jerry Nadler, pushed to formally condemn Omar with a resolution over her statements on Israel, intensifying friction between establishment Democrats and younger progressives. Left-of-center outlets like The Intercept, have hit Engel for other aspects of his record on Israel, including applauding Trumps moving the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem, effectively recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital. In the last year, Engel has also spoken at eventshosted by the Zionist Organization of America and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Bowman and Ghebreghiorgis are among those criticizing Engels stance on Israel, as well as other foreign policy positions. Bowman wants to make U.S. military funding for Israel conditional on human rights agreements, while Ghebreghiorgis is a supporter of the BDS movement and a former member of Yales chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, according to The Intercept. Both hit Engel for hawkish foreign policy views. (Engel) repeatedly found himself at odds with President Obama, most notably in his opposition to the Iran nuclear deal, Ghebreghiorgis said, noting that Engel called on the U.S. to veto a United Nations resolution that criticized the construction of Israeli settlements  a vote from which the U.S. ended up abstaining. Over the course of his 31 years in office, Rep. Engels rhetoric and votes have consistently beaten the drums of war, and his leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is dangerous to international peace and justice.

Bowman, too, called Engels actions hawkish, but also offered a criticism of Engels overall focus on foreign policy, which Bowman says comes at the expense of issues important to the district.

If Engel is defeated in a primary challenge and the chairmanship role opens up, Engels absence wouldnt necessarily leave a gaping hole on the committee that another couldnt fill. Is he going to go down in the history books? I have no idea. I wouldn't think so after one term as chair, said Linda Fowler, a professor at Dartmouth College. But he seems like he's done a responsible job and that he is interested in protecting the prerogatives of Congress from excessive dominance by the executive branch.

But some say Engels skill at working across the aisle is increasingly unique, and important, to foreign policy these days. Observers cite Engels close working relationship with the House Foreign Affairs Committees Republican ranking member, Rep. Michael McCaul, as well as with the former Republican chair, Rep. Ed Royce. I think that would be a loss, Tama said, citing examples including Engel and McCauls joint effort to fortify the State Department, which has seen a loss in personnel since Trump took office. Not every member of Congress is necessarily as adept or inclined to seek out Republican support. In today's Congress, that's important if you want to actually get legislation passed.

Correction: Due to an editing error, this article originally misstated Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer's title.
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A check up on an abandoned SUV ended with a New Mexico State Police officer shooting and injuring a man Tuesday morning on the side of Interstate 25 in Northeast Albuquerque.

Carolyn Huynh, deputy chief with State Police, said the officer was not injured and the suspect is being treated at a hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

Huynh said the man was armed but did not say if he fired at the officer.

A steady rain fell Tuesday morning as highway traffic crawled by the yellow tape that cordoned off the shoulder between a State Police vehicle and a blue Jeep. Somewhere in the middle, a gun lay on the ground beside an evidence marker.

Huynh said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that around 10 a.m. an officer assigned to traffic safety operation in Albuquerque came across an abandoned blue Jeep on the side of northbound I-25, between San Antonio and Paseo del Norte.

A male individual was holding a gun and was walking towards our officer, she said. At some point during the encounter at least one shot was fired by the officer.

Huynh did not identify the man or the officer involved but said the officer has been placed on standard administrative leave.

The officer was working as part of a 10-officer team conducting traffic enforcement along I-25 and I-40. The operation started Jan. 13 at the request of the Albuquerque Police Department and will go on for at least a month.

This is the first shooting by State Police in Albuquerque since the city saw two in the same day  within hours of each other  during the Metro Surge operation last summer. Nobody was killed in either of those shootings.
(CNN)  An Iranian student admitted to Northeastern University was detained at Boston Logan International Airport and removed from the US, his attorney said.

Mohammad Shahab Dehghani Hossein, 24, was refused entry into the US on his student visa and was deported Monday night, attorney Kerry Doyle said.

The deportation happened despite an emergency stay granted by a Massachusetts district court judge, Doyle said.

According to the court docket, Judge Allison D. Burroughs ordered yesterday that Dehghani's removal be stayed for 48 hours or until further order of the court.

A federal detention hearing for Dehghani was scheduled for Tuesday morning.

CNN has reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Customs & Border Protection for comment.

The student's visa was revoked, his attorney says

According to an emergency petition filed by Doyle, the State Department issued Dehghani a student visa last week. But when Dehghani tried entering the US on January 19, he was taken into secondary inspection and refused entry.

US Customs and Border Protection revoked Dehghani's student visa and issued him an expedited removal order, the court filing says.

"It is unclear why Defendants would now decide, after conducting a full visa issuance process, that Plaintiff's student visa should be revoked," the court document say.

The defendants in the filing include the CBP and the Department of Homeland Security.

"Rather than being based in legitimate concerns over Plaintiff's admissibility to the United States, this revocation and expedited removal is a result of additional scrutiny targeting Iranian citizens," the filing says.

In a statement, CBP said it could not discuss individual proceedings.

"CBP officers are charged with enforcing not only immigration and customs laws, but they also enforce over 400 laws for 40 other agencies and have stopped thousands of violators of US law," the agency said in a statement.

"Applicants must demonstrate they are admissible into the US by overcoming all grounds of inadmissibility including health-related grounds, criminality, security reasons, public charge, labor certification, illegal entrants and immigration violations, documentation requirements, and miscellaneous grounds."

Northeastern University also said it has been in touch with federal officials to learn more about the case and provide Dehghani with the appropriate assistance to "facilitate a successful return to Northeastern."

Dehghani was admitted to the university's undergraduate program starting in the 2018-2019 academic year and filed for a student visa in 2018. After an in-person interview and a full State Department review, he was issued his student visa last week, his court petition says.

Protesters rallied outside the airport

Meanwhile, a crowd  including members of the ACLU of Massachusetts and the Muslim Justice League  has gathered at the Boston airport to protest Dehghani's detention.

"The ACLU supports the attorneys Kerry Doyle and Susan Church in their emergency lawsuit, and are working closely with them to ensure due process and justice for students with valid visas to come study in Massachusetts," ACLU of Massachusetts Executive Director Carol Rose said in a statement.

Democratic presidential candidate and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren also weighed in, tweeting: "Shahab Dehghani is an Iranian student with a valid F1 visa, returning to finish his education. CBP already held him overnight. His deportation must be halted, and we must fight the Trump administration's xenophobic policies."

This story was first published on CNN.com "A Northeastern University student from Iran has been removed from the US. His attorney says he had a student visa"
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) traded down 1.8% Tuesday shortly after its global affiliates announced a bid for an embattled airline.

In an early round of bidding against other international airlines, Air France-KLM proposed to buy a 49% stake in Malaysia Airlines. Its pitch outlined plans for a maintenance hub in the Southeast Asian nation.

The circumstances of the bid are not particularly positive. Malaysia Airlines has struggled to revive booking rates since two disasters in 2014 tanked its public trust. Flight MH370 mysteriously disappeared over the Indian Ocean, and flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. The Malaysian government has since sought a strategic partner to restore the airlines image.

Why Its Important

With a stake in Malaysian Airlines, Air France-KLM could improve the entitys public trust issues  or it could be hampered by them. Either way, an affiliation may create risk for Delta.

Deltas safety reputation has become closely tied to that of its SkyTeam partner. A drag on public confidence in Air France-KLM could carry through to confidence in Delta.

The markets take on the investment risk is not wholly understood, given that Tuesdays Delta decline is largely attributed to other macro events, like the coronavirus outbreak. A more precise reaction to the bid may be distilled from future developments occurring in isolation from confounding factors.

Whats Next

Air France-KLM is competing with bidders like Japan Airlines as well as Malaysias own AirAsia Group and Malindo Air. The sovereign wealth fund controlling Malaysia Airlines prefers the AirAsia deal, although the national government advocates for a foreign buyer.

Air France-KLM had previously been in contact with Malaysia Airlines shareholders, but at this stage Air France-KLM is not a current party to the sales process of Malaysia Airlines, the airline group said in a statement.

The deal has no official timeline, but the government is expected to finalize an investment this quarter.

Story continues

Related Links:

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B razil's President Jair Bolsonaro has said he will create an "Amazon council" to protect and ensure the "sustainable development" of the world's largest rainforest.

The announcement from the right-wing President follows intense criticism of his environmental policies.

The council will be led by Brazil's vice president, General Hamilton Mourao, Mr Bolsonaro said on Twitter.

He said it will coordinate "diverse actions within each ministry focused on the protection, defence and sustainable development of the Amazon."

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro / AP

Mr Bolsonaro has said previously that his Government is protecting the rainforest, but he wants economic development in the Amazon to improve the lives of its 30 million inhabitants, including its indigenous tribes.

Environmentalists fear that the economic development Mr Bolsonaro envisions will hasten deforestation.

Brazilian Amazon wildfires - In pictures 1 /54 Brazilian Amazon wildfires - In pictures AFP/Getty Images A fire burns along the road to Jacunda National Forest, near the city of Porto Velho in the Vila Nova Samuel region which is part of Brazil's Amazon. AP AP AFP/Getty Images AP AP AFP/Getty Images EPA EPA EPA EPA AFP/Getty Images AP AP AP AP Smoke billows from forest fires in the Brazilian municipality of Candeias do Jamari AFP/Getty Images Asatellite image obtained courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the smoke of several fires in the Brazilian states of Amazonas (top centre-left), Para (top right), Mato Grosso (bottom right) and Rondonia (bottom centre) AFP/Getty Images An aerial view of an area of land that has been scorched by fire in the state of Mato Grosso EPA An aerial view of a tract of Amazon jungle burning. Reuters Aerial view showing smoke billowing from a patch of forest being cleared by fire in the surroundings of Boca do Acre, a city in Amazonas State AFP/Getty Images A fire burns in a section of the Amazon rainforest on August 25, 2019 in Porto Velho, Brazil Getty Images An aerial view of forest fire of the Amazon taken with a drone is seen from an Indigenous territory in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil Marizilda Cruppe/Amnesty International via Reuters Firefighters extinguish a fire in Amazon jungle in Porto Velho, Brazil Reuters Charred trees stand after a forest fire in the Vila Nova Samuel region, near the city of Porto Velho, Brazil AP Smoke billows from forest fires in the Brazilian municipality of Candeias do Jamari AFP/Getty Images The National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) has detected 74,155 fires in Brazils Amazon region this year, a surge of 84 percent over the same period Trees are destroyed after a fire in the Alvorada da Amazonia region, in Novo Progresso, Brazil AP View of a fire in the Amazon rainforest near Novo Progresso AFP/Getty Images A fire burns in highway margins in the city of Porto Velho AP A view of a scorched area in the Amazon rainforest, near Porto Velho AFP/Getty Images Smoke billows from forest fires in the Brazilian municipality of Candeias do Jamari AFP/Getty Images Smoke billows from forest fires in the Brazilian municipality of Candeias do Jamari AFP/Getty Images Fast-moving blazes have swept Brazil's rainforest at a record-breaking rate Smoke billows from forest fires in the Brazilian municipality of Candeias do Jamari AFP/Getty Images Handout aerial picture released by Greenpeace showing a burnt area in the Jamanxim National Forest AFP/Getty Images Aerial view of burnt areas of the Amazon rainforest, near Porto Velho AFP/Getty Images View of fire in the Amazon rainforest, near Abuna, Rondonia state AFP/Getty Images Aerial view of burnt areas of the Amazon rainforest, near Boca do Acre, Amazonas state AFP/Getty Images View of a burnt area after a fire in the Amazon rainforest near Novo Progresso, Para state AFP/Getty Images A fire burns out of control after spreading onto a farm along a highway in Nova Santa Helena municipality in northern Mato Grosso State AFP/Getty Images
FILE PHOTO: A general view of the Johan Sverdrup oilfield platforms in the North Sea

By Jessica Resnick-Ault

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Tuesday on expectations that a well-supplied global market, including supplies from record U.S. production, would be able to absorb disruptions that have cut Libya's crude production to a trickle.

Brent <LCOc1> futures settled down 20 cents at $64.59 a barrel. U.S. crude <CLc1> fell 20 cents, or 0.3%, to $58.38 per barrel.

Libya's barrels "although plentiful when around, have not been a reliable count," said Brayton Tom, senior risk manager for INTL FCStone's energy team. "At the end of the day spare capacity is abundant in the region."

Almost all of Libya's crude export capacity is now under force majeure - a waiver on contractual obligations - after pipeline blockades in the east and west of the country hindered oil production.

If Libyan exports are halted for any sustained period, storage tanks will fill within days and production will slow to 72,000 barrels per day (bpd), said a spokesman for state oil company NOC. Libya has been producing about 1.2 million bpd recently.

(GRAPHIC: Libya Crude Exports by port - https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/editorcharts/OIL-LIBYA/0H001QXXKBJF/index.html)

Anti-government unrest in Iraq, another major oil producer, also supported oil prices initially, but officials later said output from southern oilfields has been unaffected by the unrest.

Any supply disruptions could be offset by increased output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which could limit the impact on global oil markets, the head of Japan's petroleum industry body said.

ING said that spare OPEC capacity, which stands in excess of 3 million bpd, was reassuring the market.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday trimmed back its 2020 global economic growth forecasts by a tenth of a percentage point to 3.3% because of sharper than expected slowdowns in India and other emerging markets. But the IMF said a U.S.-China trade deal was another sign that trade and manufacturing activity could soon bottom out.

Story continues

Barclays on Tuesday forecast 2020 oil demand to rise by 1.4 million bpd, 50,000 bpd higher than its previous forecast and up from growth of 900,000 bpd in 2019.

The bank maintained its 2020 forecasts for Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices at $62 and $57 a barrel, respectively.

Thanks to a shale boom, the United States has become the world's top oil producer, with output hitting a record-high 13 million bpd, according to government data last week. Weekly U.S. energy reports have been delayed a day this week in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday.

U.S. oil and natural gas output in major shale formations is expected to rise by the smallest amount in about a year in February, but will still set a new high, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Tuesday, as producers pull back on new drilling.

(Additional reporting by Jessica Jaganathan in Singapore and Ahmad Ghaddar in London; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Matthew Lewis)
MSCI (NYSE: MSCI), a leading provider of mission critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community, is calling for all investors globally to more readily integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations throughout their investment processes if they are to mitigate the risks and identify the opportunities of a rapidly changing world and contribute to an effective and balanced transition towards a sustainable economy.

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Conference to Feature New Case Studies on Cell/Gene Therapy CMC and Manufacturing, Upstream and Downstream Processing

BARCELONA, Spain, January 21, 2020 / B3C newswire / -- Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI) today announced the return of Bioprocessing Summit Europe --the fastest growing bioprocessing meeting on the continentwith the addition of approximately 30 new sessions on Analytical and Formulation topics.

Now in its third year, the March 24-26, 2020 conference is moving to The Crowne Plaza BarcelonaFira Center, Barcelona, Spain, to accommodate increased registrations, which have doubled since the meeting was launched in 2018.

Altogether, more than 130 presentations for senior-level scientists and technologists from industry, government and academia will focus on Upstream Processing, Downstream Processing, Cell Therapy CMC and Manufacturing, and Gene Therapy CMC and Manufacturing, as well as innovations in Analytical/Formulation areas.

These sessions will provide solutions to the challenges of producing complex biologics while maximizing quality, risk management and cost-efficiency. Experts from such organizations as Novartis, Pfizer, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT), Roche, Merck, Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb will share scientific data, insights and case studies on technologies and processes.

Bioprocessing Summit Europe gives participants a rare opportunity to benchmark with their peers, and benefit from unpublished information that is inaccessible elsewhere, said Dan Barry, Senior Conference Director, CHI.

The new Analytical and Formulation stream will include two tracks:

Analytical Characterization Optimizing Analytical Development and Characterization, Regulatory Considerations, Novel Protein Formats, and Impurities and Host Cell Proteins (HCPs)

Optimizing Analytical Development and Characterization, Regulatory Considerations, Novel Protein Formats, and Impurities and Host Cell Proteins (HCPs) Formulation, Stability & AggregationOptimizing Formulation Development, Protein Aggregation, Advances in Stability and Degradation Testing, and Analysis of Impurities, Sub-Visible and Visible Particles

Other conference highlights will include:

For more information, please see bioprocessingeurope.com.

About Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI), a division of Cambridge Innovation Institute, is the preeminent life science network for leading researchers and business experts from top pharmaceutical, biotech, CROs, academia, and niche service providers. CHI is renowned for its vast conference portfolio held worldwide including PepTalk, Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference, SCOPE Summit, Bio-IT World Conference & Expo, PEGS Summit, Drug Discovery Chemistry, Biomarker World Congress, World Pharma Week, The Bioprocessing Summit, Next Generation Dx Summit, Immuno-Oncology Summit, and Discovery on Target. CHI's portfolio of products include Cambridge Healthtech Institute Conferences, Barnett International, Insight Pharma Reports, Bio-IT World, Clinical Research News and Diagnostics World.

Contact

Dawn Ringel, Ringel PR

+1-781-449-8456

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Keywords: Protein Aggregates; Proteins; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Cell Aggregation; Research; Genetic Therapy; Biological Products; Europe; Drug Compounding; Drug Formulation; Pharmaceutical Formulation; Biological Products

Published by B3C newswire and shared through Newronic


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Assisted Living Locators recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry making it one of the company's most competitive rankings ever.

Assisted Living Locators was the only senior placement franchise named in the prestigious Franchise 500 ranking. The company was selected for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

"Receiving this Franchise 500 ranking is a highly sought-after honor and to be the only senior placement franchise included demonstrates the strength of our brand and value of our franchise," said Angela Olea, Assisted Living Locators RN CEO. "We are committed to being at the forefront of the senior placement industry. Our proven business model appeals to franchisees because of our comprehensive training and support as well as the opportunity to thrive."

As the first senior placement and referral franchise business in the U.S., Assisted Living Locators has pioneered its way to a national presence with 130 franchisees in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The company offers a no cost, nationwide senior care placement and referral service for in-home care, independent retirement options, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities.

"The 500 companies on this list all have something in common: They understand what consumers want now," says Entrepreneur editor in chief Jason Feifer. "They may be an upstart in a brand-new category, or they may be a brand like Dunkin' that's ranked highly on our list for decades. But either way, making our list means they're forward-thinking, nimble, and closely in touch with their customers' needsbecause in an ever-changing business environment, that's what a franchise must do to thrive."

Over its 41 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Assisted Living Locators' ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity. To view Assisted Living Locators in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2020 issue of Entrepreneur, now available on newsstands.

For more information on Assisted Living Locators, call 800-267-7816 or visit: www.assistedlivinglocatorsfranchise.com.

SOURCE Assisted Living Locators

Related Links

http://www.assistedlivinglocators.com


They dont give importance to us, we shouted [PM Nikol] Pashinyan for 4 hours, I do not know what else; no one [from the government] answered. The protesting livestock farmers, who have blocked the motorway near Khor Virap community of Armenias Ararat Province, noted this today. They are protesting against the slaughter of their animals in slaughterhouses.

Governor of Ararat Garik Sargsyan is also here.

"The issue has two sides," he said. We have to organize the slaughter in a civil way, and there is dissatisfaction by the people. We have to go along that road."

At 6 o'clock [in the evening] we all wait for you in the hall of the regional administration. Assemble how many protesters there are, come," the governor added, in particular.

The livestock farmers agreed to wait until 6:30pm and reopened the road, but they also noted: "If we do not solve our issue, we will also close the airport, we will close it all!"

At present the Armavir-Yerevan motorway is still closed, where the protest action is still going on.

As reported earlier, these livestock farmers dissatisfaction is related to the long distance from their settlements to the slaughterhouses and the prices the latter offer for slaughtering the animals. They argue that making the slaughtering of their animals in slaughterhouses mandatory deprives them of their income. They have been protesting in front of the government building for the last few days demanding a meeting with the prime minister. Their rally yesterday was accompanied by the closing of some streets.

The government's decision, according to which meat sold in Armenia must have a document certifying that it was slaughtered in a slaughterhousewhich is a food safety guarantee, came into force on January 15.
Watch: Akshay Kumar Takes His Mother To Her Favorite Place In The Whole World On Her Birthday
At the customary meeting with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das after the Budget, the Centre may seek an interim dividend ranging from Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 crore from the central bank, as per an NDTV report quoting IANS.

This would be the third time in a row that the Finance Ministry would be pushing for the same. The report noted that with the interim dividend from the RBI, the Centre aims to put a check to the 3.3 percent fiscal deficit target slippage.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in last year's July Budget, had lowered the fiscal deficit target to 3.3 percent of the GDP for FY20. Also, in the current fiscal, the government received a higher dividend of Rs 95,414 crore as against the budgetary estimate of Rs 90,000 crore.

In the fiscal years of FY18 and FY19, the RBI paid Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 28,000 crore respectively as interim dividend.

The report noted that the Rs 28,000 crore paid as interim dividend by the RBI in FY19 helped the government limit the fiscal deficit at 3.4 percent in FY19.

Usually, the RBI decides upon and disburses the dividend in August each financial year. Interim dividends, if deemed necessary by the government, can later be sought, and is released around Februrary. This is in sync with the central bank's July to June financial year cycle.

The report also noted that the government is expected to seek an interim dividend from the RBI this fiscal year due to the shortfall in revenue as a result of lower than expected tax collection and inability to meet the revenue targets from the disinvestment.
- The savings platform aims to enable more than 10,000 Kenyans own a home through saving into Cytonn Money Market Fund (CMMF), which targets a yield of 11% per annum

- Cytonn chief operating officer Shiv Arora said Kenyans will enhance their ability to purchase or construct a residential house through the platform

- To join, one can register with KSh Sh 1,000 and the minimum monthly contribution is KSh 1,000

Cytonn Investments has launched the first home ownership savings platform within a regulated collective investment scheme, Cytonn Affordable Housing Investment Plan (CAHIP), whose key objective is building a deposit towards your housing.

The platform aims to enable more than 10,000 Kenyans own a home through saving into Cytonn Money Market Fund (CMMF), which targets a yield of 11% per annum.

READ ALSO: David Ndii discloses NASA wanted to line up Kalonzo, Musalia as 2017 presidential flag bearers

Cytonn Investment has launched the first home ownership savings platform. aims to enable Kenyans own a home through saving into Cytonn Money Market Fund (CMMF), which targets a yield of 11% per annum.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Busia boy who trekked 87km to Maseno School receives full scholarship upto university

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, January 21, Cytonn chief operating officer Shiv Arora said CAHIP will provide individuals saving towards home purchase with an attractive investment proposition.

We are constantly striving to provide creative and innovative solutions in support of the governments affordable housing agenda and Cytonn Affordable Housing Investment Plan (CAHIP) is one of those solutions. CAHIP will provide individuals saving towards home purchase with an attractive investment proposition, compared to those currently available in the market, and thus enhance their ability to purchase or construct a residential house.

Beatrice Mwangi, a real estaste analyst at Cytonn said savings from platform will be restricted towards purchase of a residential house.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Pacha wafunga ndoa siku moja kwenye harusi ya kufana

In this, the scheme will have multiple benefits for potential home buyers.

Some of these are accessing a flexible platform for savings towards home purchase, tax advantages with a reduction of their taxable income to a maximum of KSh 8,000 per month or KSh 96,000 per annum, in addition to a tax exemption on interest income earned by the depositor on a HOSP deposit of up to a maximum of three million shillings.

The audience listening keenly during the launch of the first home ownership savings platform by Cytonn Investments on Tuesday, January 21.

Source: UGC

Other are relatively high returns compared to the market, with a target yield of 11% yearly and a relatively low initial investment of KSh 1,000 and minimum monthly contribution of KSh 1,000.

As part of the Finance Bill 2019 that was assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, November 7, 2019, the scope of approved Institutions which can hold savings towards home ownership savings plan was expanded to include fund managers and investments banks registered under the Capital Markets Act, effective Wednesday, January 1.

CAHIP provides a platform that will enable individuals develop a credit profile, as the savings made by a subscriber act as proof to a financial institution of their creditworthiness, thus raising their chances of accessing a mortgage loan upon maturity of the savings.

This is in addition to encouraging a savings culture which ultimately makes it easier for an individual to acquire a home by efficiently raising a deposit for a house loan.

(Sponsored)

Source: TUKO.co.ke
In his first reaction after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current financial year to 4.8 per cent, former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram has slammed the Modi government on the issue of economic growth and termed it "reality check from IMF". He said the latest forecast could also be after some "window dressing" and that the actual numbers could be even lower.

Reality check from IMF. Growth in 2019-20 will be BELOW 5 per cent at 4.8 per cent.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020

"Even the 4.8 per cent (growth) is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower," he tweeted. He also said IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation. "I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath," he added.

Even the 4.8 per cent is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020

The chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gita Gopinath, on the sidelines of 50th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, had said that India was primarily responsible for the downgrade in global growth.

IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation.



I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 21, 2020

While speaking to India Today's Rahul Kanwal, she said: "We have projected global growth at 2.9 per cent for 2019 and 3.3 per cent for 2020 which is 0.1 percentage point lower than the October estimates. The vast majority of it comes from our downgrade for India which was quite significant for both years."

Chidambaram, who has been extremely vocal against Modi government's policies on the economic front, had recently criticised Union minister Piyush Goyal for his "no favour" remarks against Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, saying the commerce minister should snub more people as it could help India achieve the $5 trillion economy target.

After the world's richest man Jeff Bezos announced fresh $1 billion investment to help bring small and medium businesses online in India, Goyal during an event had said: "They (Amazon) may have put in a billion dollars but if they make a loss of a billion dollars every year, then jolly well will have to finance that billion-dollar. So, it is not as if they are doing a favour to India when they invest a billion dollars."

Saying that snubbing Bezos "makes for a great headline in the world's media", Chidambaram in a satirical way, advised Goyal to do it more often. Chidambaram said Goyal first snubbed Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee and now Bezos. And now, he said, Goyal should "snub (Google CEO) Sundar Pichai and (Microsoft CEO) Satya Nadella" in order to make India a $5 trillion dollar economy.

Meanwhile, as per the first advance estimates of the national income released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), India's GDP growth may fall to an 11-year low of 5 per cent in the current fiscal, mainly due to poor showing by manufacturing and construction sectors. According to back series GDP data released by the government in November 2018, the previous low in economic growth was recorded at 3.1 per cent in 2008-09.

Edited by Manoj Sharma

Also read: Snub more people to make India $5 trillion economy: Chidambaram on Piyush Goyal's 'no favour' jibe at Jeff Bezos
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Parliament to "seriously consider" establishing a permanent tribunal headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, or some other outside independent mechanism, to examine disputes concerning disqualification of MPs and MLAs.

A three-judge bench, headed by Justice R.F. Nariman and comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and V. Ramasubramanian, said it is time that Parliament has a rethink on whether disqualification petitions ought to be entrusted to a Speaker as a quasi-judicial authority when the Speaker continues to belong to a particular political party either de jure or de facto.

Emphasising it is really essential to give "real teeth to the provisions contained in the 10th Schedule, which are so vital in the proper functioning of our democracy", the court observed that the Speaker, in acting as a Tribunal under the Constitution's Tenth Schedule, is bound to decide disqualification petitions within a reasonable period.

The court reckoned the Parliament may seriously consider amending the Constitution to substitute the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies as arbiter of disputes concerning disqualification which arise under the Tenth Schedule with a permanent Tribunal headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, or some other outside independent mechanism "to ensure that such disputes are decided both swiftly and impartially".

The top court's observation came in a case of disqualification of Manipur Forest and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar. Shyamkumar had won on a ticket from Congress, but switched to the BJP-led government in the state. In the verdict, the top court held that the Speaker can't sit on a disqualification petition indefinitely. Terming it it is essential for the Speaker to decide on the matter within a reasonable time period, it recommended the disqualification petitions should be decided within three months.

"... a period of three months from the date on which the petition is filed is the outer limit within which disqualification petitions filed before the Speaker must be decided if the constitutional objective of disqualifying persons who have infracted the Tenth Schedule is to be adhered to," it said.

The bench said the issue of the independence of the Speaker has been raised many times, and put forth a query: "Should the Speaker be the sole person entrusted with decisions on disqualification petitions, especially when he/she is also a member of a political party?" The court said the elected Members of Parliament or the legislative assemblies should not be allowed to continue, if they have been disqualified on issues such as anti-defection.

In the Manipur case, the top court asked the Speaker to decide disqualification petitions within four weeks, as it observed that in the absence of the decison, the MLAs could come back to the court.

In the Tenth Schedule, the Speaker is made not only the sole but the final arbiter of such dispute with no provision for any appeal or revision against the Speaker's decision to any independent outside authority. "This departure in the Tenth Schedule is a reverse trend and violates a basic feature of the Constitution since the Speaker cannot be treated as an authority contemplated for being entrusted with this function by the basic postulates of the Constitution, notwithstanding the great dignity attaching to that office with the attribute of impartiality," the top court held.
Jeff Bezos

Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

The world's 2,153 billionaires have more wealth than 4.6 billion people combined, Oxfam's latest report on inequality found.

The richest 1% are more than twice as wealthy as 6.9 billion people, or nearly 90% of the human population, the report estimated.

A key driver of the wealth gap is that women and girls put in 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care work every day, the Oxfam researchers argued.

Their recommendations include investing in national care, passing laws to protect and pay care workers, and ending extreme wealth.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The world's 2,153 billionaires are richer than 4.6 billion people  60% of the global population  combined, according to "Time to Care," Oxfam's latest report on inequality.

"Our broken economies are lining the pockets of billionaires and big business at the expense of ordinary men and women," Oxfam India CEO Amitabh Behar said in a press release ahead of this week's World Economic Forum in Davos, an annual gathering of business, academic, and political leaders.

"No wonder people are starting to question whether billionaires should even exist," Behar added.

The richest 1% are more than twice as wealthy as 6.9 billion people, or nearly 90% of the human population, the report's authors found. The 22 wealthiest men in the world, led by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, possess more wealth than all the women in Africa put together, they added.

The Oxfam researchers highlighted a key driver of the issue: women and girls put in 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care work every day, contributing $10.8 trillion to the global economy each year  more than triple the size of the global tech industry, by their estimates.

"This great divide is based on a flawed and sexist economic system that values the wealth of the privileged few, mostly men, more than the billions of hours of the most essential work  the unpaid and underpaid care work done primarily by women and girls around the world," they said.

Story continues

The authors made several recommendations to narrow the gap: Invest in national care to lessen the burden of care work shouldered by women and girls, pass laws to protect carers' rights and pay care workers a living wage, give carers a say in relevant decisions, challenge regressive and sexist norms, and ensure businesses value care work.

Perhaps their most controversial proposal: "End extreme wealth to end extreme poverty."

The researchers estimated that if the richest 1% paid another 0.5% in annual taxes on their wealth over the next decade, the money collected could create 117 million jobs in health, education, and care for the elderly and children.

The recommendation echoes Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have called for higher taxes on the wealthy to redistribute wealth and reduce inequality. Even Gates recently argued that "the rich should pay more."

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trumps impeachment trial with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two days but solidly rejecting for now Democratic demands for more witnesses to expose what they deem Trumps trifecta of offenses.

Trump himself said Wednesday he wants top aides to testify, but qualified that by suggesting there were national security concerns to allowing their testimony.

We have a great case, Trump said at a global economic forum in Davos, Switzerland. In a press conference before returning to Washington, Trump said his legal team was doing a very good job.

He appeared to break with Republicans efforts to block Democratic motions to immediately call witnesses and subpoena documents. Instead, Trump said hed like to see aides, including former national security adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, testify as witnesses

Trump said hed leave the national security concerns about allowing their testimony to the Senate.

Tuesdays daylong session started with the setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the presidents legal team, but it ended near 2 a.m. Wednesday with Republicans easily approving the rest of the trial rules largely on their terms.

With the rules settled, the trial is now on a fast-track. At issue is whether Trump should be removed from office for abuse of power stemming from his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and Bidens son Hunter as Trump was withhold aid to the country, and for obstructing Congress ensuing probe.

Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session, with House prosecutors on one side, Trumps team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silently at their desks, under oath to do impartial justice. No cellphones or other electronics were allowed.

As the day stretched deep into the night, lawyerly arguments gave way to more pointedly political ones. Tempers flared and senators paced the chamber. Democrats pursued what may be their only chance to force senators to vote on hearing new testimony.

After one particularly bitter post-midnight exchange, Roberts intervened, taking the rare step of admonishing both the Democratic House managers prosecuting the case and the White House counsel to remember where they are.

I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the presidents counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the worlds greatest deliberative body, the usually reserved Roberts said. He told them that description of the Senate stemmed from a 1905 trial when a senator objected to the word pettifogging, because members should avoid speaking in a manner and using language that is not conducive to civil discourse.

Over and over, Republicans turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House, State Department, Defense Department and budget office. By the same 53-47 party-line, they turned away witnesses with front-row seats to Trumps actions including acting White House chief of staff Mulvaney and Bolton, the former national security adviser critical of the Ukraine policy.

Only on one amendment, to allow more time to file motions, did a single Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, join Democrats. But it, too, was rejected, 52-48.

Motions from the Trump legal team were due Wednesday morning, but the attorneys werent filing any, said Jay Sekulow, one of the presidents lawyers. That means there will be no motion to dismiss the case as some Republicans had discussed.

As the visitors gallery filled earlier with guests, actress-and-activist Alyssa Milano among them, and Trumps most ardent House allies lining the back rows, the day that began as a debate over rules quickly took on the cadence of a trial proceeding over whether the presidents actions toward Ukraine warranted removal from office.

Its not our job to make it easy for you, Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told the Senate. Our job is to make it hard to deprive the American people of a fair trial.

White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the presidents lead lawyer, called the trial a farce. He scoffed that the House charges against Trump were ridiculous.

The White House legal team did not dispute Trumps actions, when he called Ukraine and asked for a favor, which was to investigate Biden as he withheld military aid the ally desperately needed as it faced off with hostile Russia on its border. But the lawyers insisted the president did nothing wrong.

Absolutely no case, Cipollone said.

Schiff, the California Democrat, said Americas Founders added the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution with precisely this type of conduct in mind  conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit, that undermines our national security, and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election.

Said Schiff: It is the trifecta of constitutional misconduct justifying impeachment.

Sekulow, the other lead lawyer on Trumps team, retorted, Ill give you a trifecta, outlining complaints over the House Democrats impeachment inquiry process.

In Davos, Trump repeated his attacks on Democratic House managers serving as prosecutors in the trial, saying that hed like to sit right in the front row and stare at their corrupt faces on the Senate floor during the trial but that his attorneys might have a problem with it.

And he said he wants to deliver the State of the Union as scheduled on Feb. 4 even if the trial is ongoing, calling the address very important to what I am doing in setting his administrations agenda.

The impeachment trial is set against the backdrop of the 2020 election. All four senators who are Democratic presidential candidates were off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

My focus is going to be on impeachment, Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told reporters.

McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules. He made the adjustment after encountering resistance from Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting. Senators worried about the political optics of dark of night sessions that could come from cramming the 24 hours of opening arguments from each side into just two days.

Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, who often buck party leadership, along with a substantial number of other Republicans, wanted to make the changes, according to people familiar with the situation.

It was only when the clerk started reading the dry language of the resolution that the hand-written changes to extend debate to three days became apparent. It also allowed the House impeachment record to be included in the Senate.

The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House wishes run into the reality of the Senate. The White House wanted a session kept to a shorter period to both expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late night, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it in public.

Trumps legal team, absent its TV-showcase attorneys, Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr who were not in the chamber, argued that in seeking new evidence the House was bringing a half-baked case.

But Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California, one of the House managers and the first woman to argue for the prosecution in a presidential impeachment trial, said the House wasnt asking the Senate to do the job for them. The House is asking the Senate to do its job, to have a trial, she said. Have you ever heard of a trial without evidence?

The White House had instructed officials not to testify in the House inquiry, and refused to turn over witnesses or documents, citing what is says is precedence in defiance of congressional subpoenas.

Democrat Schiff displayed video of Trump himself suggesting there should be more witnesses testifying.

One by one, the House managers made the case, drawing on their own life experiences.

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a former police chief, said she never saw anyone take such extreme steps to hide evidence. Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, seemed to capture senators attention when he told them near he knew the hour was late, but it was morning in Ukraine where soldiers were waking up to fight Russia, depending on U.S. aid.

It was when Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the House Judiciary Committee chairman also leading the prosecution, said the White House lawyers lie that Cipollone and Sekulow retorted that Nadler should be embarrassed and apologize, leading to Roberts admonition.

No president has ever been removed from office. With its 53-47 Republican majority, the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction.

___

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Eric Tucker, Alan Fram, Laurie Kellman, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington, Jamey Keaten and Darlene Superville in Davos, Switzerland and David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.
A Florida woman plans to sue a nursing home, alleging that staff neglected to treat her father's bedsore wounds and then tried to cover the smell with coffee grounds.

Vivian Wright's father, Frank, entered Heartland Health Care Center of Orange Park in September 2019 after two strokes and multiple trips to the emergency room.

One day, during a visit, she and her brother-in-law found piles of coffee grounds under his bed, First Coast News reported.

Wright has filed a notice of intention to sue for malpractice, in which she alleges that the grinds were used to cover the smell of an infected bedsore that staff had failed to properly care for.

Vivian Wright (pictured) has filed a notice of intention to sue Heartland Health Care Center of Orange Park, in Florida, over her father's care

Frank Wright, 86 (left and right), suffered the first of two strokes in 2013 and was in and out of hospitals for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat He was admitted to Heartland in September 2019 after multiple visits to the emergency room

Wright told First Coast News that her father worked for the Department of Defense, as a boilermaker on the ships at Naval Station Mayport for more than 25 years.

'He spent a lot of time at Mayport working on the Navy ships. He loved being a boilermaker - that was his favorite thing to do,' she said.

But his health started to decline in 2013 when he suffered his first stroke.

Frank was in and out of St Catherine Laboure Place, a hospital in Jacksonville, over the next six years as he was treated for bedsores, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and a second stroke.

According to First Coast News, Frank was admitted to Heartland in September 2019 after several visits to the ER.

Wright alleges that from the time her father arrived at the nursing home, staff failed to make sure he had regular check-ups with his doctors and to take care of his wounds.

She says that Frank has two bedsores, which are ulcers that form from pressure due to lying in a bed or sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time, including one on his buttocks.

Bedsores typically begin as red areas that eventually turn purple. If left untreated, the bedsore can break open and become infected.

Wright told First Coast News that when visiting the nursing home last month, her brother-in-law noticed coffee grounds underneath her father's bed.

'My brother-in-law said: 'Did you see the coffee ground underneath the bed?'' she said.

'I said: 'No I didn't see the coffee ground underneath the bed. Why is the coffee ground under the bed?''

Coffee grounds contain nitrogen from caffeine, and the element helps to neutralize sulfur, which gives many unpleasant smells their stench.

Wright alleges that staff used the coffee grounds to hide the odor of an infection from Frank's bedsore on his buttocks.

'It just seemed normal to them to put coffee ground underneath the bed,' she said.

'If I had a smell coming from me, I'm going to the emergency room.'

Vivian says that while she was visiting her father one day, her brother-in-law noticed coffee grounds under the bed. Pictured: Heartland

In the notice of intention to sue, Vivian (pictured) alleges that the grounds were used to cover the smell of her father's infected bedsore wound on his buttocks

Sometime after the grinds were discovered, the wound was drained at Orange Park Medical Center, reported First Coast News.

Medicare.gov lists Heartland's quality of resident care as 'below average' and its health inspection rating as 'much below average.'

Over the last three years, the facility has had two complaints that resulted in citations filed against it.

One was for failing to to notify in writing to one resident of their intent to transfer or discharge him and the other was for failure to permit a resident to return to the facility following a hospital transfer.

Wright says there is a 75-day waiting period mandated by the notice of intention before he father can be removed from the facility.

'I want them to change some procedures and guidelines 'cause it really doesn't work for everybody,' she told First Cost News.

'If they couldn't handle the wound, I don't think they should have accepted him in that facility.'

Heartland's corporate office sent a statement to DailyMail.com's, saying it is taking the allegations seriously.

'The emotional and physical well-being of our residents is our primary concern. We take pride in our long-standing history of delivering quality care to the residents of this community, and are sad to learn that a family member of a patient is unhappy with the care being provided,' the statement read.

'We actively and continuously work with state regulators to ensure that our residents are receiving the care ordered by their physicians, and do our best to provide information and support to families during what can be emotionally stressful situations.'
SBA List launches $52M effort to reelect Trump, 'most pro-life president in history'

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A prominent pro-life group is launching a $52 million campaign to help reelect President Trump by galvanizing pro-life voters in 2020.

The Susan B. Anthony List announced Friday that along with its partner super PAC, which is called Women Speak Out PAC, its plans include a robust boost to on the ground grassroots efforts, voter contact mail, phone calls, and digital ads. Their teams have reportedly already visited over 460,000 homes in swing states and are reaching out to voters in battleground states such as Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina.

Before Election Day, the SBA List intends to expand its efforts to Iowa, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin and visit 4 million voters.

"The stakes have truly never been higher for unborn babies and moms," SBA List founder and President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a tweet Friday about her group's efforts.

In an interview with LifeNews, the group's national spokeswoman Mallory Quigley said she expects the abortion radicalism of the Democratic Party will be a "liability" when it comes time to vote.

"From now until Election Day, our team will go door-to-door visiting traditional Democrat voter groups who may simply be unaware of the Democrats support for extreme pro-abortion policies. Our focused, battle-tested voter outreach method will ensure we reach the voters who can provide President Trump and pro-life Senate candidates the winning margin on Election Day, Quigley said.

To the surprise of many, even though Trump identified himself as pro-choice years before his political career ever began, pro-life advocates have often noted that his administration has delivered on its promises when it comes to pro-life policies.

And though abortion giant Planned Parenthood remains federally funded through certain avenues like Medicaid  a 2017 attempt to defund the outfit failed in the Senate during a failed vote repeal of the Affordable Care Act  the Trump administration instituted a new rule last year forbidding Title X grant recipients from providing or referring pregnant women for abortions. As a result of the new rule, Planned Parenthood withdrew from the program, forfeiting approximately $60 million annually in federal funds.

Soon after taking office, Trump reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, barring foreign aid dollars from funding entities that provide abortion overseas.

The abortion issue rose to the fore of American politics in 2019 as liberal state legislatures in New York and Illinois expanded abortion access up to the moment of birth.

Vermont lawmakers also passed a bill that codifies the states existing abortion laws that allow abortion in the third trimester up to birth.

Other states with majority pro-life legislators and governors passed laws that require clinics to meet health and safety standards and place limits on abortion. Those states are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah.

Utah and Arkansas both passed laws banning the abortion of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome. Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio passed laws banning most abortions as soon as a preborn babys heartbeat is detected. Kentucky also passed a law banning abortion based on sex, race and disability, as well as a law banning second-trimester dismemberment abortions that was later blocked by a judge.

Alabamas Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill into law making abortion a felony in the state, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Many pro-life state laws are already being contested in courts, representing ongoing conflicts that will likely percolate up through the federal judiciary and perhaps challenge the national abortion regime as set forth in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Whether the Supreme Court will revisit the core holdings in those cases remains to be seen, but with the balance of the high court now tilting more conservative with the addition of Trump-nominated Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh to the bench, pro-lifers are cautiously optimistic and note that abortion policy is at a critical juncture.

The high court will soon hear oral arguments in the case of a Louisiana law requiring abortion facilities to have admitting privileges to hospitals within a 30-mile radius in June Medical Services v. Gee.

Politico quoted an official with the SBA List Friday who said the group was distressed during the 2016 campaign when a 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape was released in which Trump was heard making lewd remarks about women in a conversation with then host Billy Bush. Trump subsequently apologized for his comments and the pro-life group stuck by their support for Trump, with the official adding that, "what we have now is the most pro-life president in American history.
CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Clean energy legislation pending before the General Assembly stands as the only viable alternative to an explosive increase in electricity costsbelieved to be the largest in state historyfor millions of Illinois consumers, following a recent regulatory ruling by appointees of President Trump, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Tuesday.

The coalition of consumer, business, environmental, and faith-based organizations, including CUB, joined with state Rep. Ann Williams, state Sen. Cristina Castro and numerous other lawmakers to urge Gov. Pritzker and state legislators to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). The bill contains a provision that would negate an estimated $864 million increase in power bills that threatens to hit northern Illinois consumers in the wake of the Dec. 19 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling.

In fact, CEJA contains consumer protections that would not only prevent the Trump administration's cost increase from taking effect, but would also lower northern Illinois power bills below their current levels.

The controversial FERC ruling, adopted by a 2-1 majority comprised of Trump-appointed regulators, would force Illinois consumers to pay extra for electricity generated by coal and other dirty sources of power that aren't needed to serve local demand. Consumer advocates said it reflects two recurring themes of the Trump Presidencyhis distaste for clean energy and a mission to bail out the coal industrythat should signal to Illinois lawmakers that the White House could be using the state's energy policy as a political weapon.

The ruling impacts a dozen states, but northern Illinois faces one of the most damaging increases, according to an analysis by the consulting firm Grid Strategies, which estimated that power bills here could skyrocket by $864 million a year.

"The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) policy doesn't make sense for our economy or our environment," U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. "Working families will see increased energy bills and jobs will be lost in the growing clean energy industry. States like Illinois have been leading the way in taking advantage of clean energy sources such as wind and solar power and the FERC should not be stunting such growth for the benefit of energy company executives."

"This is a clear example of the Trump administration interfering with Illinois' energy policy to make us pay more for expensive and dirty power," said state Rep. Ann Williams, CEJA's House sponsor. "The General Assembly has an excellent opportunity to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act and protect northern Illinois residents from nearly a billion dollars in higher electric bills every year. But we must act now, before these higher bills are locked in."

"The Clean Energy Jobs Act will make the state a national leader in securing clean, affordable energy for all consumers in the state," said state Sen. Cristina Castro, CEJA's Senate sponsor. "Climate change is an emergency we can't ignore, and the Trump administration is doing everything it can to bail out fossil fuel power plants and force Illinois to take a giant step backwards from achieving 100 percent renewable energy. Illinois has to act immediatelyour power bills and our planet demand it."

"The FERC ruling was structured specifically to penalize states such as Illinois that have made cost-saving investments in energy efficiency and renewable sources of power," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a coalition member. "But if we act now, we can take the power back from Washington. Not only will the Clean Energy Jobs Act stop a devastating, record-high hit to our electric bills, but it can also lock in savings for consumers. CUB supports CEJA because it's the only energy bill in Springfield that offers a blueprint for protecting our pocketbooks while helping Illinois achieve 100 percent clean energy to protect our planet."

FERC's ruling applies to PJM, an organization that manages the power grid and plans for long-term electricity needsespecially when demand is highest. The nation's largest grid operator, PJM covers a vast territory that includes northern Illinois and all or parts of a dozen other states. It assembles this long-term power supplyknown as "capacity"from electricity generators that participate in an auction that it conducts. Illinois customers pay for these capacity costs through the supply charge on their electric bills.

The new rules approved by FERC will change these auctions in a way that rewards dangerous fossil fuels that generate power from coal- and gas-fired plants, giving them the license to charge inflated prices and then impose the added costs on customers in northern Illinois and throughout PJM's territory.

As a result of the FERC decision, electric customers across the Chicago region and most of northern Illinois are facing an imminent increase in the amount they pay to reserve enough powerknown as the "capacity price"to meet projected future demand for electricity. FERC's action directly undermines the state's 2016 passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act. The law promotes clean energy goals and consumer savings through increased investments in energy efficiency and zero-carbon emissions sources, such as wind, solar, and nuclear power.

"The impact of the federal decision will be particularly harmful for the many small businesses that are providing new job opportunities in the clean energy industry in disadvantaged communities across the state," said Pattilyn Beals, interim executive director for the Chatham Business Association. "Our lawmakers should do everything possible to grow and attract new and small businesses in our communities, encourage large-renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and help entrepreneurs understand opportunities in renewable energy and energy efficiency."

"The FERC order places the costs of subsidizing inefficient fossil fuels indirectly, through polluting the environment, and directly, through increasing electric bills, on residents throughout the U.S. and particularly in Illinois, effectively hampering the progress Illinois has made through the Future Energy Jobs Act," said Edgar Sandoval, volunteer for Clean Power Lake County. "This comes at the expense of the environment and at the cost of residents who desire a shift in how we produce electricity for the state."

The FERC decision comes amid an ongoing campaign by the Trump administration to prop up coal-fired power plants. In recent years, fossil fuel generators have been pushing for such a move as it becomes more difficult for their outdated plants to compete in the face of more modern technology, like solar and wind farms, and state policies that promote cleaner forms of energy. Last year, the CEO of Vistra Energy, a major coal-fired power generator, said coal "is on its way out." More recently, the president of the Illinois Coal Association called coal "a lost cause in Illinois."

To protect consumers from the higher bills, the Clean Energy Jobs Act would authorize the state to assume the responsibility for managing its capacity needs. Instead of Illinois relying on PJM's capacity auction, a state agency, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), would be tasked with running Illinois' own capacity auction.

The IPA already manages the power purchases of the state's biggest electric utilities, and part of its mission is to protect consumers from unnecessary increases in their supply costs. The state agency is better positioned to run Illinois' capacity auction and ensure that northern Illinois consumers save money while the state's clean energy goals are advanced. In addition to protecting customers from the FERC increase, CEJA's capacity market provisions include a "consumer protection adjustment," which locks in a 5 percent reduction on northern Illinois electric bills for the next five years. Capacity market reform is one part of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, the most comprehensive and consumer-friendly energy bill to address climate in Springfield. The legislation also:

Aims for a carbon-free power sector by 2030, and provides financial and other assistance to environmental justice communities as well as communities and workers impacted by coal plant retirements;

Moves Illinois towards 100% renewable energy by 2050, attracting $39 billion in clean energy development;

towards 100% renewable energy by 2050, attracting in clean energy development; Develops transportation electrification to give Illinoisans access to cleaner and more affordable forms of transportation;

Expands energy efficiency programs that have already cut utility bills by billions of dollars;

Sparks business development, workforce training and jobs so all Illinois residents can benefit from the clean energy economy.

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) is a group of more than 200 organizations, businesses, and community leaders working together to advance clean energy jobs, lower energy bills, and healthier air and water. Visit ilcleanjobs.org and citizensutilityboard.org to learn more.

SOURCE Citizens Utility Board

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / GT Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB:GTBP) ( GTBP.PA) an immuno-oncology company focused on innovative treatments based on the Company's proprietary TriKE NK cell engager platform provided the following update concerning its drug development programs and certain other initiatives:The Company recently commenced enrollment in its first-in-human GTB-3550 TriKE Phase I/II clinical trial for the treatment of certain types of leukemia. The clinical trial is being conducted at the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota under the direction of Dr. Erica Warlick. The open-label, dose-escalation Phase I portion of the trial will evaluate GTB-3550 TriKE in patients with CD33-expressing, high risk myelodysplastic syndromes, refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia or advanced systemic mastocytosis, and will determine safety and tolerability as well as the pharmacologically active dose and maximum tolerated dose of GTB-3550 TriKE. The Phase II portion of the trial is planned to further evaluate the recommended dose of GTB-3550 TriKE in this patient population.Dr. Jeffrey Miller and colleagues from the University of Minnesota presented research results concerning the development of an HIV TriKE which directs NK cell killing of HIV-infected CD4 T-cells. Dr. Miller and colleagues presented their HIV TriKE research at the 18th meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity held in Luxembourg September 30th to October 3rd, 2019. The data demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells are stimulated by the human IL-15 cytokine portion of the TriKE molecule which provided a self-sustaining signal, activating NK cells and enhancing their ability to kill. The data also demonstrated that the HIV TriKE was able to reactive HIV replication in latent HIV-infected CD4+ T-cells. These findings indicate a potential role for the HIV-TriKE in the reactivation and elimination of the latently infected HIV reservoir cells by harnessing the NK cell's ability to mediate antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).Drs. Jeffrey Miller, Martin Felices and Pippa Kennedy from the University of Minnesota presented TriKE research results at the recently concluded 18th meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity concerning the development of a solid tumor targeting TriKE which demonstrates killing of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. NSCLC represents approximately 85% of all lung cancers. The NSCLC TriKE was shown to enhance functional responses of NK cells directed towards NSCLC cell killing, and induce proliferation of NK cells from both lung cancer patients and healthy donors.Dr. Jeffrey Miller from the University of Minnesota presented TriKE research results at the 34th annual meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) which was held November 6-10, 2019 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Dr. Miller discussed TriKE therapy in the context of multi-targeted therapeutic platforms for the treatment of cancer.The Company sold its myasthenia gravis generic drug asset to DAS Therapeutics in September 2019. The decision to sell its development-stage generic drug portfolio is the result of a strategic review conducted by management and the board of directors announced in April 2019. The Company expects to sell its remaining development-stage generic drug assets in 2020.The Company appointed Dr. Jeffrey Miller as Consulting Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Martin Schroeder as Consulting Chief Technology Officer.Anthony Cataldo, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GT Biopharma commented, "we are pleased with the progress of our TriKE development programs, and appreciate the support of Dr. Miller, his colleagues, and the University of Minnesota". Mr. Cataldo also stated, "we expect to make further progress during 2020 as we continue expanding our TriKE platform to address other therapeutic indications".About GTB-3550 TriKEGTB-3550 is the Company's first TriKE product candidate being initially developed for the treatment of certain leukemias. GTB-3550 TriKE is a single-chain, tri-specific recombinant fusion protein conjugate composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD16 and anti-CD33 antibodies and a modified form of IL-15. The natural killer (NK) cell stimulating cytokine human IL-15 portion of the molecule provides a self-sustaining signal that activates NK cells and enhances their ability to kill. We intend to study GTB-3550 in CD33 positive leukemias such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and other CD33+ hematopoietic malignancies.About the HIV TriKEAccording to the World Health Organization, there are over 36 million people currently infected with HIV. Current drugs only treat the symptoms of HIV at a significant economic cost. HIV infected individuals remain infected for the rest of their lives. The challenge in the HIV field is to kill virus infecting a patient's T-cells, and destroy virus hiding in sanctuary reservoir sites within the body. The use of anti-retroviral drugs has improved the health and increased the longevity of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These drugs are designed to suppress virus replication to help modulate progression to AIDS and to limit further transmission of the virus. Despite the use of anti-retroviral drugs, infected individuals retain reservoirs of latent HIV-infected cells that, upon cessation of anti-retroviral drug therapy, can reactivate and re-establish an active HIV infection. For a curative therapy, destruction of these latent HIV infected cells must take place. In preclinical testing led by Dr. Jeffrey Miller, M.D., Deputy Director Masonic Cancer Center and Dr. Timothy Schacker, M.D., Medical School and Director, Program in HIV Medicine, the research team designed a series of bispecific and trispecific constructs to direct natural killer (NK) cell mediated cytotoxicity against an HIV infected target. GT Biopharma is developing an HIV TriKE version to increase the level of NK cell killing of targeted HIV infected cells.About NSCLC TriKEThe Company's first solid tumor TriKE product candidate is a single-chain, tri-specific recombinant fusion protein construct which targets non-small cell lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 84% of all
The Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee has thrown down a political gauntlet over the future of the hospital ahead of a promised meeting with the Minister for Health Simon Harris.

A meeting is set to take place between the Minister for Health and campaigners against the downgrade of Portlaoise hospital, according to outgoing Laois TD and Minister Charlie Flanagan.

Action Group Chairman Thomas Timmons expects the meeting to happen and wants to hear a commitment from the health minister.

We are meeting about the 24/ 7 A&E staying in Portlaoise. If we don't get a commitment that we will keep the 24 /7 service in Laois someone is going to lose their seat. It is as simple as that, he said.

Mr Timmons added that the committee may still run a candidate in the General Election on a platform of retaining services.

As the General Election campaign gets into full swing, Minister Flanagan promised the meeting would happen.

I expect that a delegation from the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee will meet with the Minister for Health Simon Harris over the next few days.

In the meantime, as Minister for Justice & Equality, I want to repeat that I am acutely aware of the importance of an active and vibrant hospital close by the Midlands and Portlaoise Prisons which can accommodate up to 1,200 prisoners. Given the very nature of prison life an emergency unit close by is essential. From a security perspective, an escorting prisoner on long journeys to other hospitals carries obvious risks.

I have been a vocal advocate for Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise throughout my entire career as a public representative. Through the years, I am on record supporting the maintenance and increase of services at MRHP. When oncology services were centralised and relocated to Tullamore Regional Hospital, I was one of the few local representatives who opposed the move at that time. In fact, I am on record looking for further investment in a range of hospital services in MRHP.

It should be noted that expenditure in the Hospital is at an all-time high with staff numbers of over 750 and increasing on an annual basis, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:47:35|Editor: mingmei

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DALIAN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A dinosaur fossil found in northeastern China has been identified as a new species of tiny, winged and feathered dinosaurs by American and Chinese researchers.

The fossil, which was discovered more than a decade ago, has been housed in the Dalian Natural History Museum in northeastern Liaoning Province.

Researchers from the San Diego Museum of Natural History in the United States, Dalian Natural History Museum, Montana State University and other research institutions reported the new dinosaur species in the U.S. journal The Anatomical Record.

It was named Wulong bohaiensis, or "dancing dragon" in Chinese, for the pose of the preserved fossil.

From the early Cretaceous period, Wulong was bigger than a crow and smaller than a raven with its length doubled by a long, bony tail, said the researchers.

It has a narrow face filled with sharp teeth and was covered with feathers, including a wing-like array on both its arms and legs and two long plumes at the end of its tail.

Researchers said Wulong is one of the earliest known relatives of the Velociraptor which lived 75 million years ago. Its closest known relative would have been the small, four-winged Microraptor.

Jehol Biota, the site where the fossil was found, covers the northern part of Hebei Province, western part of Liaoning Province and southeast part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and is known for the diversity of its plant and animal fossils.

Ashely Poust, the lead author of the research, said that the Jehol Biota is also one of the earliest bird-rich environments, where birds, bird-like dinosaurs and pterosaurs all shared the same habitat.

Wulong offers a glimpse into what Earth was like 120 million years ago, providing insights on how dinosaurs grew and how they differed from birds.
As Americans begin the challenge of filling out their tax returns this year, one taxpayer demographic generally pays less than others: senior citizens.

Tax breaks for seniors cost states approximately $27 billion a year and will more than double in the next decade, according to a recent study from the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. That money could pay for schools, roads and other needs, critics argue.

Giving a break to seniors based on their age rather than their income or financial status dates from a time when people had shorter lives and fewer investments. But the financial situation of seniors has improved overall, leaving some experts to question whether the tax breaks make sense.

I think part of it is because there is sort of an image of seniors living on fixed incomes struggling to get by, said Elizabeth McNichol, who wrote the study. I think thats stuck in peoples heads. The reality is the senior poverty rate is less than for other people and certainly less than for younger people and children.

In 1970, about a quarter of the over-65 population had below-poverty income, the report pointed out, citing the U.S. Census Bureaus official poverty measure. Since then, retirement income, including Social Security, has expanded. Today, only 10% of those over 65 are poor, according to the same measure.

By comparison, the rate of children under 18 living in poverty is 16%, according to the latest U.S. census figures.

But, the report noted, senior poverty is higher within minority groups and among the very old  leading to greater disparities in wealth among senior citizens. As a result, many longstanding state tax preferences for seniors now benefit taxpayers with much better ability to pay taxes than lower-income households, the report said.

The state income tax liability of seniors varies. Seniors in Georgia paid just 42% of what they would have paid as non-seniors, compared with 90% in Rhode Island, according to a 2016 study in Public Finance Review. However, state lawmakers have little incentive to stop handing tax advantages to seniors.

Older folks vote more, and they have powerful lobbyists like the AARP to look after their interests. In fact, a half dozen states  including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia  already are gearing up with new or carryover senior tax break legislation for the coming legislative sessions.

Those would be in addition to 28 states and the District of Columbia, which exempt Social Security income from state income tax. Another 26 states exempt private pension income from taxes, in full or in part. And all but six states give additional age-based benefits such as personal income tax exemptions, higher standard deductions or extra tax credits.

AARPs Elaine Ryan, vice president for state advocacy and strategy, said in an email to Stateline that while the group generally supports tax preferences that are equitable, cost-effective and targeted to those who have lower and moderate incomes, seniors have special needs.

Those include a greater need for financial security, as pensions dont keep up with the cost of living or are eliminated altogether and cant compensate for the increasing costs of groceries, utilities and prescription drugs, she said.

She also noted that the most recent data from the Census Bureaus supplemental poverty measure  an alternate poverty measure that accounts for many of the government programs designed to assist low-income families and individuals that are not included in the official poverty measure  shows that nearly 14% of seniors are at or below the poverty level, slightly higher than the overall population (13%).

But the cost to state treasuries is significant, setting up battles between old and young as well as competing special interests.

Take Michigan. A couple of bills last year that would have done away with the states tax on government worker pensions got caught up in arguments about how to make up for the estimated $330 million annual loss to the state treasury.

A similar bill is under consideration this year, sponsored by state Sen. Paul Wojno, a Democrat, who argues its a matter of fairness. Many employees were told their pension would be tax-free, he said, when they went to work for the state government.

Former Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, imposed the levy in 2011. Current Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, campaigned on getting rid of it.

We do have a large number of individuals who worked in public service, Wojno said in a phone interview. They went in and they had promises made to them.  They earned their pension and they deserve to maintain as much of it as they were promised.

Wojno said his proposal would not raise other taxes, but to compensate for the lost revenue, the state could tap $450 million that was allocated but never spent. He also said his proposal would not take money from vital services such as education.

But it was those worries over school funding that led the Michigan Association of School Boards to oppose the move, according to Jennifer Smith, the groups director of government relations.

Were opposed at this point because (the pension tax) brings in a significant amount of revenue, she said. If the pension tax is repealed, its a $70 million cut to the school aid fund. Were not arguing the merits of the pension tax  its $70 million that would no longer be available to the school aid fund.

James Hohman, director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan, said concerns over where money will come from to fix the states crumbling roads also play into the debate.

In addition, he said, theres a fairness issue over proposing to exempt pensions from taxation, but not other sorts of retirement income, especially as fewer and fewer companies fund defined benefit pensions and go with employee-funded 401(k) accounts, for example.

States have generally wanted to give preferences to taxation for people in retirement, he said. I understand why the state is mimicking a lot of other states in giving preference for retirees. But to do it for pensions only is inappropriate and unfair to people with other types of retirement income. In the future, especially, there are going to be a lot of people in retirement with other types of income than pensions.

Theres probably a good reason most states have a preference for retirement income, Hohman said, noting the politics behind the policies. Popular policy really matters. A lot of states look at it as something desirable. Is it a fair policy? A lot of people have opinions on that.

In Maryland last week, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan proposed cutting income taxes for retirees who make less than $100,000 a year and eliminating them for retirees who make less than $50,000, saying it would help keep retirees in the state.

Similar tax breaks for seniors took effect in Connecticut last year. The state already exempted Social Security income from taxes if a retirees annual income was less than $50,000 for an individual or $60,000 for a couple. But the state raised those ceilings to $75,000 and $100,000. Income over those limits will be 75% exempted.

Then, Connecticut started to phase in tax exemptions for retirees with pensions and income from savings and investments at the same thresholds. During legislative debate on the issue, lawmakers said the breaks would help keep retirees in the state, rather than have them move to states with lower taxes.

The belief that retirees move for tax reasons is fueled by popular magazine stories with headlines like 2020s Best States to Retire. But a recent Kiplinger piece sounded a cautionary note. The article  Should You Relocate to Trim Taxes in Retirement?  noted other factors to consider, such as local cost of living and taxes on property and consumption.

Fred Carstensen, a professor of finance and economics at the University of Connecticut who has studied the issue, said the idea that retirees move for lower taxes is false.

Does anybody really believe you are going to move to a different state, separate from community, family and friends, because you want to avoid taxes? No, he said in an interview. If you lived in Westport (a wealthy Connecticut suburb), why would you move to someplace that doesnt offer the quality of life that Westport has?

He also said the new tax breaks forfeit $170 million in revenue at a time when the states economy has been shrinking.

McNichol, of the progressive think tank, says the tax cuts for seniors and the subsequent revenue forfeiture are not fair at all.

All of it eats into the revenue for services that affect everyone, but also infrastructure that would help seniors  better roads, better health care, she said. Its really important now to try to target seniors tax breaks. The share of population in each of the states is aging, and we really need to invest in the whole population.



Elaine S. Povich of Stateline.org wrote this story.

2020 Stateline.org

Visit Stateline.org at www.stateline.org

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam rejected the suggestion that she should allow a full independent inquiry into the police's handling of ongoing protests in the city state.

Since June last year, Hong Kong has witnessed violent protests triggered by a now suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in the city to be sent to the mainland for trial. The public disorder has spread to consider other issues such as rampant property prices.

The most recent rally on Sunday once again turned violent and, not for the first time, media images appeared to show excessive force being used by police.

Lam told CNBC's Geoff Cutmore on Tuesday that police oversight was already stringent and that the force was acting in extreme circumstances.

"I certainly do not feel that with all these established mechanisms in place we should subject our police forces  which is working day in and day out to protect Hong Kong from all these criminal offences  to subject them to another sort of investigation," said Lam.
We had a very good interaction with His Excellency, Ambassador to Zimbabwe. We touched on issues pertaining to reforms in terms of legislation and we also discussed about electoral reforms, food mitigation and also on food assistance that the US will provide to Zimbabwe. The US has been of great assistance to Zimbabwe since the inception of our independence. They continue to assist us in areas like the health sector, education sector and also the agriculture sector.
Mr Sanders was among the 2016 Democratic primary candidates but later endorsed Ms Clinton following her selection as the Democratic nominee. He also campaigned for her election: AFP

In a four-part documentary series on the former presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton says nobody likes Bernie Sanders and claims he got nothing done, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The former secretary of state criticises Mr Sanders as a career politician.

She said: Its all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.

The upcoming Hulu series Hillary, which the publication describes as a largely flattering portrait of Ms Clinton, does not include a response from Mr Sanders, who was not asked to participate. The director explained that she didnt want to re-litigate 2016 ... as much as just be able to show Hillary in this unobtrusive way.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ms Clinton says she isnt going to make an endorsement in the 2020 Democratic primary just yet, and declined to say whether shell endorse Mr Sanders if he gets the nomination.

She blamed the culture around him as well as his leadership team and Bernie Bros who she claims have made relentless attacks on his competitors, particularly the women, and suggested he endorses those attacks.

Mr Sanders was among the 2016 Democratic primary candidates but later endorsed Ms Clinton following her selection as the Democratic nominee. He also campaigned for her election.

If he loses the nomination in 2020, he also has pledged to endorse the Democratic nominee.

On the recent media narrative surrounding his comments about whether a woman could win the presidency, Ms Clinton said his defence amounted to a very personal attack on Elizabeth Warren, who claimed that Mr Sanders said a woman couldnt win the election during a meeting in 2018. Mr Sanders has unequivocally denied the claims, pointing to Hillary Clintons popular vote win in 2016, along with his history of supporting women candidates.

Ms Clinton said: Its part of a pattern. If it were a one-off, you might say, OK, fine. But he said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me. I just think people need to pay attention because we want, hopefully, to elect a president whos going to try to bring us together, and not either turn a blind eye, or actually reward the kind of insulting, attacking, demeaning, degrading behaviour that weve seen from this current administration.

Story continues

In 2016, Mr Sanders cited a headline in The Washington Post that said the Clinton campaign questions whether Sanders is qualified to be president while another headline said Ms Clintons strategy was to defeat Sanders, unify party, Mr Sanders said at the time.

He responded, saying that was what was thrown at me as he launched a defence of his qualifications. He said: Theyre going to question my qualifications, well, Im going to question theirs.

During a debate, he said, My response is, if you want to question my qualifications, then maybe the American people might wonder about your qualifications, Madame Secretary before he listed her support for the Iraq War and millionaire-donor fundraising while trying to mount a defence of his issue-oriented campaign.

Following publication of The Hollywood Reporter interview, her former strategist Peter Daou said he has avoided attacking Ms Clinton as he embraced progressive campaigns, but this broadside against Bernie is profoundly wrong. Especially since it echoes the erasure of his diverse coalition by pushing the bro narrative.

He said Ms Clinton is among other politicians in the core of the Democratic establishment that has failed to halt the march of right-wing extremism.

Read more

Bernie Sanders says gender is obstacle for women in politics

Why this Puerto Rican woman supports Bernie Sanders

Warren claims Sanders told her female candidate could not beat Trump

Bernie Sanders goads Trump after sudden poll surge

Hillary Clinton on 2020: Vote for who you think is likely to win
At the invitation of the Chairperson of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the annual meeting of the CDUs National Executive Board in Hamburg on Friday (17 January 2020). This is part of Mr Stoltenbergs regular engagement with political leaders from Allied countries. He thanked Germany for its key contributions to NATO. He also stressed that in unpredictable times, it is more important than ever to strengthen the transatlantic bond and multilateral institutions like NATO.

On the margins of the meeting, Mr Stoltenberg also held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on the current security environment and implementing the decisions taken by NATO leaders at their London meeting in December.
Sandler in Uncut Gems (Netflix)

Adam Sandler  while not a regular Oscar-nominee  was thought to be a certainty for a nomination this year, for his critically acclaimed work in the new Safdie brothers movie Uncut Gems.

But one Academy member has suggested that a joke he made to Howard Stern in an interview before Christmas could have cost him dear.

Appearing on the US shock jock's SiriusXM show, Sandler joked: If I dont get [the Oscar], Im going to f**king come back and do [a movie] again that is so bad on purpose just to make you all pay.

Read more: All the 2020 Oscar snubs and surprises

Though patently a remark made in jest, the voter 'huffed' to The New York Post: There was an arrogance to [Adam]. Its a lack of respect.

Sandlers brand doesnt scream Oscar

Another voter, a character actor who asked to remain nameless, also told the Post that it was Sandler's brand that put many off voting for him, rather than his performance.

That [performance] was a tour de force. Hes emerging as a truly great actor, but then he does cheesy Netflix comedies that are really dumb, they said. Unfortunately, actors become brands. Sandlers brand doesnt scream Oscar, but Leo DiCaprios and Jonathan Pryces do.

DiCaprio was nominated for his role in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, while Pryce was recognised for his role in Netflix movie The Two Popes, opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins.

They went on to say that the same applied to Jennifer Lopez, who was also snubbed for her role in the movie Hustlers.

Hustlers stars Jennifer Lopez, right (STXFilms)

First of all, Hustlers is not an Oscar movie. Its a little too rough around the edges, and Im assuming some other people in the acting category didnt see it, they added.

Florence Pugh seems to have gotten the J.Lo spot  maybe because Little Women is a prestige movie and shes a bright, new star.

They went on to say that Lopez is seen as a phenomenon more than an actress, per se. [Like when] Lady Gaga lost the Oscar to Olivia Colman  a real actors actor.

Story continues

Read more: Can Joker win big at the Oscars?

A number of snubs for this year's gongs have already dragged the Academy into the headlines, most notably over the lack of diversity.

Only one non-white star features in this year's acting categories, while all the directors nominated this year are male, despite Greta Gerwig's movie Little Women receiving virtually universal acclaim among critics.

The Oscars happen on 9 February.
GRANTSVILLE, Utah - As investigators try to unravel why a teenage boy shot and killed four of his relatives, loved ones prepared to mourn the family at a funeral this week in a small Utah town.

Police said the boy surrendered peacefully after killing a 52-year-old woman and three of her kids and wounding the childrens father last Friday in Grantsville, a town of 11,000 about 35 miles (55 kilometres) west of Salt Lake City. But he has since refused to speak with detectives trying to piece together a possible motive.

Authorities have declined to release the suspects age, name or relation to the victims until formal charges are filed.

A funeral for Consuelo Alejandra Haynie, 52; her daughters Alexis, 15, and Maylan, 14; and son Mathew, 14, has been scheduled for noon Friday at a regional worship building for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grantsville, a mortuary said Tuesday in an online post.

Hundreds of people gathered Monday night for a candlelight vigil for the family where some expressed compassion for the suspect.

On so many levels, this is so tragic for our community, family friend Diane Passey said, according to the Deseret News. Not just for the mother and the four lives lost but also for the poor young man who was in such a dark place.

Police responded to a call of shots fired inside the familys home Friday night and found the four bodies, police Sgt. Rhonda Fields said.

The shooter and the father of the family were gone, she said. Authorities later discovered that a person who arrived at the house after the shooting drove the teen and the man to a hospital, Fields said. Officers arrested the boy there.

The father of the family was released from the hospital after being treated for a gunshot wound and was talking with investigators.

They were trying to put together a timeline to help figure out what happened, Fields said. Authorities said they had not been called to the house in the past.

The biggest question everybody has is why, and while we may not be directly able to answer that, we hope to be able to gather some information to be able to help people in future to be able to prevent something like this or offer support to those who may need it, Fields said.

Relatives of the victims asked for privacy during the investigation. Patty Deakin-Daley, a realtor who started a fundraising campaign to help cover the victims funeral expenses, said she had been in touch with a brother and a son of the injured father, 50-year-old Colin Haynie said.

A statement from the Haynie family that Deakin-Daley read at the vigil expressed both deep sorrow and appreciation for the outpouring of love.

It is our hope and prayer that at this difficult time, we focus on the positive moments that we have shared together. We are finding for ourselves that as we mourn, it is beneficial  if not necessary  to cheer our spirits with good memories, and even a bit of laughter, it said.

The boy was being held at a youth detention facility on suspicion of four counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder and multiple firearms charges.

Officials said he is the only suspect. The person who drove them to the hospital was not involved in shooting, Fields said.

It appears to be the largest mass shooting in Utah since 2007, when a shotgun-wielding gunman killed five people and himself at a Salt Lake City mall.
Angela Rayner is currently the favourite to become deputy leader of the Labour Party (PA)

Labour MP Angela Rayner has shared a shocking photo of a trophy hunter cradling the body of a dead lion, calling for a ban on the practice.

The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, who is currently favourite become her partys new deputy leader, posted an appeal on Facebook on Tuesday.

Her post contained a picture of a man she identified as Ryan Schledewitz standing over the body of a dead mountain lion.

She claimed Mr Schledewitz had killed the animal despite it having not yet reached reproductive age.

Ms Rayner urged her followers to email the government today in order to put pressure on MPs to pass a bill introducing a total ban on hunting trophies.

Ryan Schledewitz says he is off to an 'awesome' 2020 after killing this 2 year old female mountain lion, her post read.

This cat hasn't reached reproductive age but this didn't stop him. Unfortunately Ryan Schledewitz your greed & ego comes ahead of her right to life.

READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS UK:

In September last year the government announced it was considering a ban on the import of souvenirs from trophy hunting.

Then animal welfare minister Zac Goldsmith said at the time: Its very good that we have now got to the point where we are going to do a consultation on a ban.

That, I know, is going to be widely welcomed because such vast numbers of people do care about this, particularly when you see Cecil the lion-type horror stories or celebrity hunter Melissa Bannerman smirking and gloating over the body of a dead giraffe.

A Survation poll released last week made Ms Rayner the overwhelming favourite to win the deputy leadership contest.

It suggests the shadow education secretary would win the battle on first preferences alone, taking 60% of the vote.

Story continues

The same poll claimed that Rebecca Long-Bailey is leading the race to be the next Labour leader.

The shadow business secretary appears to have clawed back ground on Sir Keir Starmer, after the first poll of Labour members put him narrowly ahead.

According to the survey, Ms Long-Bailey would win 42% of first preference votes to the shadow Brexit secretarys 37%, according to a survey by Survation  the second carried out so far in the leadership race.
PA Media: Video

Dark western The Power Of The Dog and HBOs Succession have triumphed at the 79th Golden Globes following a bizarrely muted online event with no celebrity guests. The film and the critically acclaimed series both earned three awards at the ceremony, which has faced heavy criticism over the past year for diversity issues within its organising body. The typically star-studded and joke-filled event was replaced by periodic updates from the Golden Globes website and official social media accounts.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been awarded more than 2m to undertake a major heritage project at Enniskillen Workhouse.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with South West College, announced the 2,156,300 award yesterday. Work begins this summer and is due for completion in January 2022.

It will create a business development hub and heritage space, and the story of the workhouse will be brought to life in the mixed-use exhibition.

The workhouse opened in 1844 to accommodate 1,000 people who found themselves in financial distress.

The main workhouse was demolished in 1964 and all that remains today is the Grade B2 listed Entrance Block, which is currently "at risk" and in need of urgent repair.

Paul Mullan from the National Lottery Heritage Fund said it was "wonderful" to announce their support.
Soft-spoken, affable and low-key, the newly elected BJP president Jagat Prasad Nadda is a quintessential organisation man who is expected to consolidate the rapid gains the party has made under his predecessor Amit Shah.

Jagat Prasad Nadda took over as the new Bharatiya Janata Party president at the party headquarters in Delhi. Senior party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, LK Advani, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, were present at the felicitation event.

Nadda was elected unopposed as the BJP's national president on Monday, taking over the reins from Amit Shah whose tenure of five-and-a-half years saw the party turning into a formidable election-winning machinery despite occasional setbacks.

While Modi exuded confidence that BJP will scale new heights under Nadda's leadership, Shah congratulated Nadda on rising through the ranks, saying that BJP was the only party which does not function on casteism, or nepotism.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Senior leaders LK Advani, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and others at felicitation programme of BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda. pic.twitter.com/SwnszbDEne  ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020

The prime minister also praised Nadda and said, "Nadda ji is a dedicated and disciplined karyakarta (worker) who has worked for years to strengthen the party at the grassroots. His affable nature is also known to all. I am confident that under his leadership, party will go ahead by abiding its basic principles and ideologies. We will have to face more challenges than what we faced as a political party in the Opposition."

The prime minister also hit out at the Opposition parties, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the party and its leaders."There are people who dislike the principles which guide us," he said and added, "Those rejected by public in elections are left with very few weapons, one of them is spreading 'misinformation'."

PM: There are people who dislike the principles which guide us.Our problems aren't because we're doing something wrong,it's because people of this country are blessing us. Those rejected by public in elections are left with very few weapons, one of them is-spread 'misinformation' pic.twitter.com/AUvImE1yrm  ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020

Without naming his rivals, Modi also targeted the "echo system" backing them, and said it has always been against the BJP. Asserting that despite attempts by the Opposition to spread confusion and lies, people's faith in the BJP and his government have remained "unshaken", he said the party returned to power with a bigger mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls despite its rivals fighting with their full strength.

Modi also praised former party president Shah for his contribution, describing him as an "outstanding karyakarta". Shah congratulated Nadda, who he said had started his career and risen through the ranks to be elected unopposed as the party president.

Before the event began, Shah was joined by senior party leaders, including Rajnath and Gadkari, besides several functionaries from state units in filing nominations in support of Nadda. BJP chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh and Vijay Rupani of Gujarat were also at the party headquarters to endorse his bid.

Delhi Elections next big challenge for Nadda

Nadda's elevation was on expected lines since his appointment as the BJP working president last June after Shah joined the Modi government as the home minister. The BJP has traditionally abided by the norm of 'one party one post'. BJP leaders hailed the appointment, expressing confidence that the party would achieve new successes under his leadership.

Nadda, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, started out as a student worker of the ABVP. He went out to several important positions ranging from organisational posts at the district, state and national level; to ministerial positions at the state and central level. Nadda was appointed as the working president of the BJP in June 2019, after he led the party to victory in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections .

The 59-year-old leader is seen as an affable and low-key politician who enjoys the trust of Modi and the RSS  the BJP's ideological mentor. He is largely expected to continue with the course it took under Shah with Modi laying out the broader agenda.

He takes over at a time when the BJP is witnessing vigorous challenge from a united opposition in assembly elections amid signs that it needs to rejig its electoral strategy following a string of losses in state polls. If a relatively inexperienced Shah in 2014 was seen as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handpicked man to shake up the saffron organisation by easing out veterans and infusing young blood to galvanise party cadres and fuel its expansion drive, Nadda is considered a seasoned hand who will build on these gains without causing too many disruptions.

His immediate challenge is the February 8 Delhi Assembly polls where the BJP is locked in a tough fight with Aam Aadmy Party, followed by year-end elections in Bihar.

The change in guard comes weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in Delhi, where the party is looking to oust the Aam Aadmi Party. The Delhi Assembly election is the first challenge for Nadda, who has been touring the capital extensively. BJP leader Radha Mohan Singh, who was the incharge of the organisational election process, made the announcement of Nadda's election as the party's 11th president after he emerged as the only nominee in the fray.

Under Nadda, BJP will scale new heights: Amit Shah

Shah, from whom Nadda took over the reigns, praised BJP for being the only party which promotes workers on the basis of "sheer quality and love for motherland". "The BJP stands apart in India because it does not function on casteism or nepotism. If you look at other parties, every party is family-based and is promoting their own people," the Home minister said.

Shah said that he was confident of Nadda's leadership. "Nadda ji has become our national president. We are ready to take the BJP to new heights under his leadership." "There are a few states where we are yet to attain electoral success and reach every booth. I call upon every worker to be ready to work under the leadership of the prime minister and Nadda and achieve more," Shah further added.

Nadda thanked Modi and his party colleagues for handing him the responsibility of leading "the world's biggest party". "I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for believing in me and also thank the state units for electing me unopposed," he said.

"A worker like me coming from a village and becoming the national president is the specialty of the BJP," said Nadda.

Newly elected BJP President #JPNadda : A simple worker like me, who didn't have a political background, who hails from a remote place in Himachal Pradesh - if someone like me is being given this responsibility then it is the speciality of BJP and it is possible only in BJP. pic.twitter.com/wV5VO78Xen  ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020

"Today, we are the world's largest party that is in power in India. We have the highest number of MPs and MLAs in the country. But we are not going to stop at this. There are some states left and we will make sure we reach to them as well," he said.

Nadda was elected unopposed as the BJP's national president on Monday, taking over the reins from Shah whose tenure of five-and-a-half years saw the party turning into a formidable election-winning machinery despite occasional setbacks.

With inputs from agencies
Food app company Zomato announced the acquisition of Uber's food delivery business in India in an all-stock transaction. The LIC's gross NPAs at 6.10 per cent for the first six months (April-September) of 2019-20 are comparable to banks such as YES Bank, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank. Growth in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector slid to a three-year low of 9.7 per cent in 2019 largely due to a steep contraction in the rural market, data analytics firm Nielsen said. Read for more top stories from the world of business and economy:

1. Battle of the food apps: Uber Eats out, now it's just Swiggy vs Zomato

According to an analyst, Swiggy delivers 42 million orders a month while Zomato delivers about 37 million.

2. LIC's NPAs double to Rs 30,000 crore in 5 years; situation as bad as YES Bank, Axis Bank

The big defaulters are the same as for banks. The names include Deccan Chronicle, Essar Port, Gammon, IL&FS, Bhushan Power, Videocon Industries.

3. Blame on India for global slowdown; IMF's Gita Gopinath points out where Asian giant errs

Mysuru-born Gita Gopinath said that the economic slowdown in India had impacted global forecasts by over 80 per cent.

4. Chidambaram warns Modi govt's ministers will attack Gita Gopinath after IMF cuts growth forecast

Chidamabaram says IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation; we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath, he adds.

5. Slowdown blues: FMCG growth in 2019 contracts to 3-year low

For this year, data analytics firm Nielsen is projecting a growth of 9-10 per cent and has added that the first quarter this year (January-March 2020) may see a growth of 8-9 per cent.
[January 21, 2020] Quantum Networking: A $5.5 Billion Market in 2025 Says New Inside Quantum Technology Report

CROZET, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new report from Inside Quantum Technology (IQT), the market for quantum networking will reach $5.5 billion by 2025. This IQT report, Quantum Networks: A Ten-Year Forecast and Opportunity Analysis https://www.insidequantumtechnology.com/product/quantum-networks-a-ten-year-forecast-and-opportunity-analysis/ provides extensive ten-year forecasts of demand for quantum network equipment, software and services in both volume and value terms.

IQT believes that todays quantum networking revenues come primarily from quantum key distribution (QK), quantum cloud computing and quantum sensor networks. Eventually, these strands will merge into a Quantum Internet. Where the Internet carries bits, the Quantum Internet will carry qubits. For such a Quantum Internet to evolve, quantum repeaters will have to be developed. According to Lawrence Gasman, President of Inside Quantum Technology, The time has come when the rapidly developing quantum technology industry needs to quantify the opportunities coming out of quantum networking. Gasman thinks this new report will prove invaluable to business development and marketing executives, as well as product managers in the quantum technology, networking, IT and cybersecurity sectors. It will also be an essential resource for investors seeking to fund the quantum technology revolution. Whats in the Report

This report provides the reader with Inside Quantum Technologys very latest forecasts of quantum networking markets, updated from our earlier forecasts. For example, in quantum computer networking, the report offers ten-year projections with a breakdown by end user types, and by hardware, software and service. Similar analysis is also provided for QKD and sensor networks.



From the Report

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) adds unbreakable coding of key distribution to public key encryption, making it virtually invulnerable. QKD is the first significant revenue source to come from the emerging quantum Internet and will create almost $150 million in revenues in 2020. QKDs early success is due to potential users -- big financial and government organizations -- have an immediate need for 100 percent secure encryption.



Cloud access to quantum computers is core to the business models of many leading quantum computer companies  such as IBM, Microsoft and Rigetti  as well as several leading academic institutions. By 2025, revenues from quantum clouds are expected to exceed $2 billion. Although some large research and government organizations are buying quantum computers for on-premises use, the high cost of the machines coupled with the immaturity of the technology means that the majority of quantum users are accessing quantum through clouds.



Quantum sensor networks promise enhanced navigation and positioning; more sensitive medical imaging modalities, etc. This is a very diverse area in terms of both the range of applications and the maturity of the technology. However, by 2025 revenues from quantum sensors are expected to reach about $1.2 billion in revenues. This report is based on personal and telephone interviews as well as attendance at major conferences including a recent ITU quantum network conference in Shanghai at which the Inside Quantum Technology president was a featured speaker. We have also utilized insights gained from speakers at Inside Quantum Technologys own quantum conferences in the US and Europe. About Inside Quantum Technology:

Inside Quantum Technology is the first industry analyst firm to be entirely dedicated to meeting the strategic information and analysis needs of the emerging quantum technology sector. In addition to publishing reports on critical business opportunities in the quantum technology sector, Inside Quantum Technology runs a popular daily newsfeed (Quantum Technology News) on business-related happenings in quantum technology. This free newsfeed can be subscribed to at https://www.insidequantumtechnology.com/quantum-news/ Inside Quantum Technology also organizes major conferences on quantum technology in both Europe. The next Inside Quantum Technology conference will be held in New York, April 2-3, 2020 (See: https://iqtevent.com ). You can also follow Inside Quantum Technology on Twitter and on LinkedIn where we discuss technology trends, company announcements and the industrys on- going progress. Contact:

Lawrence Gasman

Telephone: (434)825-1311

[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e93c5da0-7b47-40fa-853a-e6da37821cf7

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21.01.2020 LISTEN

Yes, Ghanas leading Media Company, Media General, is at it again and there seems to be no end in sight to these appointments. It has been officially confirmed that Ghanaian television presenter, Anita Akua Akuffo has joined Media General.

In the coming days, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism will be introduced as the host of a yet to be launched talk show to air on TV3, the number one television station in Ghana in 2019 as per the GeoPoll ranking.

Prior to joining Media General, she worked at GhOne Television owned by the Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) Network as a News Anchor and Reporter. She has also hosted several events including the prestigious Miss Malaika Ghana Beauty pageant for three years, Golden Movie Awards, Mr. Model Ghana, Miss International Ghana, and Bass Awards.

Ms. Akuffo is passionate about social impact and helping the underprivileged in society and has volunteered in community and human capital development initiatives.

She has also been involved in projects by several brands in Ghana and beyond, including GTP Ghana, Verna Natural Mineral Water and Infinix Ghana.

The former Miss Malaika contestant and host of Fashion Gh on GhOne television, has expressed her willingness to contribute her quota to keep Media General as the leading Ghanaian media company.
A total of 81% agree that the Ukrainian language is an important feature of Ukraine's independence.

The vast majority of Ukrainians (80%) agree that all state leaders and civil servants during working hours must communicate in Ukrainian, that's according to a recent all-Ukrainian poll by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Razumkov Center.

It is noted that 56% of respondents unconditionally agree with this statement, while 24 percent said they are "more likely" to agree, an UNIAN correspondent reports.

Residents of all regions of Ukraine agree on the official language of communication among civil servants: 96% in western Ukraine, 86% in the center, 71% in the southern part, and 64% in Ukraine's east.

Read alsoAll ads in Ukraine should use official language as of Jan 16

A total of 81% agree that the Ukrainian language is an important feature of Ukraines independence: 55% agree unconditionally and 26% say they would rather agree.

In western Ukraine, 95% supported the statement, as well as 86% in the center, 71% in southern Ukraine, and 64% in the eastern part of the country.

*** A nationwide survey was conducted from December 13 to 18 in all regions but the illegally annexed Crimea and the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

A total of 2,017 respondents over the age of 18 years were interviewed. The theoretical sampling error does not exceed 2.3%.
A leading Chinese doctor investigating the killer coronavirus has admitted he has caught the SARS-like infection.

Wang Guangfa, who heads the department of pulmonary medicine at Beijing's Peking University First Hospital, was part of a team of experts that earlier this month visited Wuhan, where the virus first emerged.

'I was diagnosed and my condition is fine,' Dr Wang told Kong's Cable TV. He said he is receiving treatment and will have an injection soon.

Dr Guangfa is one of the national experts that previously said the pneumonia-causing virus, which has never been seen before, was under control.

And in a further twist in the outbreak, furious families in China have today accused hospitals of not testing patients with tell-tale symptoms.

Cases have cropped up across Asia, including in South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan, with officials yesterday confirming the virus has spread between humans.

And in a further twist in the outbreak, furious families in China have today accused hospitals of not testing patients with tell-tale symptoms.

Wang Guangfa has been infected with the new virus in China after being part of a team of doctors investigating it in Wuhan, where the virus emerged

Dr Guangfa heads the department of pulmonary medicine at Beijing's Peking University First Hospital (pictured)

A total of 325 people are confirmed to have caught the illness, with another 54 cases suspected and more than 900 people under observation (Pictured: The most recently available breakdown of where cases have been diagnosed)

Workers at Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan are using thermal scanners to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms of the coronavirus sweeping Asia

Malaysian officials use thermal imaging scanners and cameras to check passengers for fevers upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport

People wearing face masks at a metro station in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan recorded its first case of the coronavirus this morning

MailOnline can also reveal:

A total of 325 people have caught the virus across Asia, including 20 healthcare workers

Cases have risen six-fold in the space of a few days, with just 48 confirmed cases on January 17

Australia and the Philippines are investigating suspected cases of the coronavirus, which causes a fever and can cause pneumonia

North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread

South Korean budget airline Tway Air has postponed the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak

Experts from the country's National Health Commission have urged Wuhan's 11 million residents not to leave the city

The World Health Organisation will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss the outbreak

Public health officials in the UK have instructed NHS hospitals on how to deal with cases amid fears the virus will spread

The US National Institutes of Health is working on a vaccine against the virus  but it will be months before it can be tested on humans

A leading virologist admitted he was scared the virus will spread over the Lunar New Year holidays, with millions of Chinese residents set to travel

Another renowned scientist described the coronavirus as being 'one of the newest and biggest global health threats'

Countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia have upped their screening methods to detect travellers with a fever in airports

Shocking footage captured medics wearing hazmat suits screening Air China passengers for the virus before letting them leave

Residents in various Chinese cities are queuing to buy face masks as vendors sell the medical products for 10 times more than normal

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS OUTBREAK SO FAR? A total of 322 people are confirmed to have caught the unnamed coronavirus, which has never been seen before. Six patients have died. Most of the cases have occurred in Wuhan, a city in Hubei province home to 11million people. But patients have been diagnosed across China, including in Beijing and Shanghai. The coronavirus, which is from the same family as SARS, has also spread to South Korea, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. Chinese officials yesterday confirmed the virus has spread between humans, suggesting it can be passed through coughs and sneezes. The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, which has since been shut. China is entering its busiest travel period due to the Lunar New Year, which sees many people travelling back to their home town or village. Virologists fear the increased travel that will happen over the holidays will cause a surge in cases. So where have cases been recorded? IN CHINA Hubei province, 270 cases, 6 deaths Guangdong province, 17 cases Chongqing province, 5 cases Zhejiang province, 5 cases Henan province, 1 case Hunan province, 1 case Yunnan province, 1 case Sichuan province, 1 case Shandong province, 1 case Shanghai, 6 cases Beijing, 10 cases Tianjin, 2 cases --- ABROAD Thailand, 2 cases South Korea, 1 case Japan, 1 case Taiwan, 1 case Advertisement

Dr Guangfa, who conducted research on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, did not give details on how he may have been infected.

He added that he was receiving treatment, although it is not clear how the new virus is halted in patients. Dr Wang said he will have an 'injection' soon.

'I don't want everyone to put too much attention on my condition,' he told the channel.

Dr Guangfa told state media on January 10 that the outbreak appeared to be under control, with most patients showing mild symptoms and some having been discharged.

He could not be reached by Reuters today.

The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, where all six fatalities have happened.

State media reported on a fourth victim this morning  an 89-year-old man who lived in Wuhan.

The mayor of the city later revealed there had been two more deaths  a 66-year-old man, known only as Li, and a 48-year-old woman, known only as Yin. Both died from multiple organ failure.

But families of sicked loved who have died of mystery respiratory diseases in recent weeks believe the true number of cases and deaths is far higher, The Guardian reports.

On the microblog Weibo, Wuhan residents have shared stories of family members who had shown symptoms of the virus, but not been tested for it at hospital.

One posted images of her mothers diagnosis of viral pneumonia and described long queues of patients with similar symptoms late on Monday night, none of whom appeared to have been tested for coronavirus.

'Could all these people suddenly have viral pneumonia?' she said.

Professor Zhong Nanshan, leader of the National Health Commission's expert team, revealed the virus is likely to be spread by saliva in a press conference today.

He told the meeting: 'As of now, it is affirmative that the new strain of coronavirus can be passed between humans.

'The virus is spread through respiratory system and distance of impact is not long, but it is possible that the virus was passed after being stuck to saliva.'

Passengers leaving for Wuhan, waiting at the Leonardo Da Vinci airport in Fiumicino, Rome

Malaysia is one of many countries that have stepped up their passenger screening, with airport workers screening travellers for symptoms of the virus

Pictured: A close-up of travellers on the thermal imaging camera at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

South Korean cleaners prepare to disinfect the facilities at the customs, immigration and quarantine area at Incheon International Airport

Officials at Taiwan's Center for Disease Control use thermal scanners to screen passengers arriving on a flight from China's Wuhan province

KILLER CHINESE CORONAVIRUS 'MAY BE PASSED THROUGH SALIVA' The deadly Chinese coronavirus that has sickened more than 300 people could be passed through saliva, officials today suggested. Chinas National Health Commission yesterday confirmed that the never-before-seen SARS-like coronavirus had spread between humans. And now the body has revealed the unnamed infection is spread from the lungs and may travel in saliva  such as through coughs. Professor Zhong Nanshan, leader of the National Health Commission's expert team, revealed the virus is likely to be spread by saliva in a press conference today. He told the meeting: 'As of now, it is affirmative that the new strain of coronavirus can be passed between humans. 'The virus is spread through respiratory system and distance of impact is not long, but it is possible that the virus was passed after being stuck to saliva.' Professor Zhong said officials must 'quarantine the patients and stop them from contacting others'. Antibiotics will not tackle the virus because the drugs only work on bacterial infections. And he added that the outbreak will not spread like SARS, so long as patients are quarantined immediately and their contacts are traced. Advertisement

Professor Zhong said officials must 'quarantine the patients and stop them from contacting others'. Antibiotics will not tackle the virus because the drugs only work on bacterial infections.

And he added that the outbreak will not spread like SARS, so long as patients are quarantined immediately and their contacts are traced.

A leading expert told MailOnline the new Chinese coronavirus may have been lurking in animals for decades.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, a renowned specialist in infectious disease epidemics, said the virus isn't new but has likely adapted to infect humans.

Experts from the country's National Health Commission this morning urged Wuhan's residents not to leave the city.

Zhou Xianwang said there has been a total of 258 cases in Wuhan. Twelve cases have been recorded elsewhere in Hubei province, where Wuhan is the capital. Officials in the Chinese city have said they will pay for all medical costs for patients infected with the virus.

Other cases have been confirmed today in Tianjin  a port city just outside of Beijing, as well as in a host of other provinces.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Hubei Province announced five new cases among healthcare workers, including one doctor and four nurses.

Taiwanese media this morning confirmed a case of the coronavirus. The unnamed woman, in her fifties, worked in Wuhan and had returned to Taiwan, CNA reports.

And North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread, according to reports this afternoon.

A child wears a facemask at Daxing international airport in Beijing as he heads home for the Lunar New Year

Two foreign tour operators revealed officials in the Hermit Kingdom told them borders will close tomorrow until the outbreak is 'well under control'.

A South Korean budget airline has also announced it will postpone the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak.

HAS THE CORONAVIRUS SPREAD TO AUSTRALIA AND THE PHILIPPINES? Australian officials today announced a traveller had been placed in quarantine with symptoms of the virus after returning home from a trip to China. The man is being kept at his home in Brisbane as he awaits test results for the virus. Earlier tests were inconclusive, Queensland health chiefs said. It is understood the man arrived in Australia via Sydney International Airport. He had been visiting family in China's Wuhan province, which is the epicentre of the coronavirus, the Courier Mail reported. Coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens, most of which cause mild respiratory infections such as the common cold The suspected case prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to warn Australians travelling to China to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Chinas Wuhan area. The Philippines also announced today that it was investigating its first potential case of the coronavirus. A five-year-old child arrived in the country on January 12 from Wuhan and has since been hospitalised with flu symptoms. While the child tested positive for a virus, authorities in Manila said they were not sure if it was the same one that has killed six people in China. 'The child is considered a person under investigation,' Philippine health secretary Francisco Duque told a press briefing in Manila. Samples from the child were sent to a laboratory in Australia for further testing and authorities are awaiting the results. The child had a fever, throat irritation and a cough before arriving in the central city of Cebu with a parent, the health department said. Three other travellers from China were checked by authorities at another airport, but they did not show symptoms that corresponded with the coronavirus. Advertisement

Tway Air said the decision was 'inevitable' given the spiralling number of cases, with 325 people across Asia now confirmed to have the virus.

Reports also state face masks are flying off the shelves across China as the country's citizens prepare themselves for the potential spread of the outbreak, which has already swept the nation.

Pictures and videos circulating on the country's social media show residents in various cities queuing to stock up on the medical products.

Professor John Oxford, a virologist at Queen Mary College, admitted he was 'quaking in my shoes' over the potential spread of the virus that could happen over the Chinese New Year.

He told LBC: 'None of us have faced a new virus faced with so many people in a community travelling around.

'That's what's going to happen in China at the end of the week. Once they are close together in taxis or small rooms, then there may be a problem.'

And Professor Oxford added: 'The only way to stop it is physical cleaning and social distance - keeping away from people.'

Locals have made more than four million trips by train, road and air since January 10 in the annual travel rush for the most important holiday in the country.

The transport peak season will last until February 18 and see three billion trips made within China, according to official statistics.

The US National Institutes of Health is working on a vaccine against the virus, according to reports. But it added that it would be months before a potential jab could be trialled on humans.

Dr Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said a team of scientists in Texas, New York and China, told CNN that scientists are working on a vaccine.

He said: 'The lesson we've learned is coronavirus infections are serious and one of the newest and biggest global health threats.'

Australian officials today announced a traveller had been placed in quarantine with symptoms of the virus after returning home from a trip to China.

The man is being kept at his home in Brisbane as he awaits test results for the virus. Earlier tests were inconclusive, Queensland health chiefs said.

The suspected case prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to warn Australians travelling to China to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Chinas Wuhan area.

The authorities in Wuhan are taking their own precautions and are using infrared thermometers to scan people from a distance to try and pick out possible cases.

Scanners have been put in place at airports, railway stations and coach stops around the city.

The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, where all six fatalities have happened

Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market was shut for tests since January 1. Sir Jeremy said animal markets like this are a 'real source of infection'

Chinese quarantine workers wearing protective suits and masks are posted at an entrance to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan

Medics have also been filmed reportedly scanning people's heads to take their temperatures on-board a flight leaving Wuhan on Monday.

The Philippines also announced today that it was investigating its first potential case of the coronavirus.

A five-year-old child arrived in the country on January 12 from Wuhan and has since been hospitalised with flu symptoms.

While the child tested positive for a virus, authorities in Manila said they were not sure if it was the same one that has killed six people in China.

'The child is considered a person under investigation,' Philippine health secretary Francisco Duque told a press briefing in Manila.

Samples from the child were sent to a laboratory in Australia for further testing and authorities are awaiting the results.

The child had a fever, throat irritation and a cough before arriving in the central city of Cebu with a parent, the health department said.

Three other travellers from China were checked by authorities at another airport, but they did not show symptoms that corresponded with the coronavirus.

Increased control measures have been enforced at many places, with scientists still uncertain of the outbreaks nature and mode of transmission.

Two patients in southern China have caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media. Pictured, Chinese residents wear masks in Wuhan

China reported on January 20 the mysterious virus had spread across the country from Wuhan. Pictured, medical staff at Jinyintan hospital, Wuhan

Reports claim some vendors have hiked the price from 11 to 110 per box amid an alleged mask shortage. On Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter, web users reported to have seen huge lines of customers in and outside pharmacies in hope of buying the sought-after item

Pictures and videos circulating on the country's social media purport to show residents in various cities queuing to stock up on the medical products. A total of 317 people in Asia have now tested positive for the unnamed virus after it first emerged in Wuhan city last month

NORTH KOREA BANS ALL TOURISTS FROM ENTERING OVER FEARS OF THE CORONAVIRUS North Korea has temporarily banned all tourists from entering the country over fears the Chinese coronavirus will spread, reports say. Two foreign tour operators today revealed officials in the Hermit Kingdom told them borders will close until the outbreak is 'well under control'. Young Pioneer Tours, an adventure travel company based in China, told Reuters that North Korean officials had told them of the temporary ban. A manager at another foreign tour company, which hasn't been named, said they too had been told of such a move. Further details are expected tomorrow. A South Korean budget airline has also announced it will postpone the launch of its cheap flights to Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak. Tway Air said the decision was 'inevitable' given the spiralling number of cases, with 317 people across Asia now confirmed to have the virus. South Korea yesterday reported its first confirmed case of the virus  a 35-year-old Chinese national who flew from Wuhan to Seoul on Sunday. Tway had been set for the first of its twice-a-week flights from Incheon to Wuhan at 10.20pm (13.20 GMT). Advertisement

But Professor Zhong Nanshan, of China's National Health Commission, said human-to-human transmission was 'affirmative' in a press conference yesterday.

'Currently, it can be said it is affirmative that there is the phenomenon of human-to-human transmission,' he said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Two patients in southern China caught the virus from infected family members, and had not visited a seafood market thought to be at the centre of the outbreak.

Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market has been closed and under investigation since January 1 as scientists scramble to determine where the virus has come from.

A total of 322 people in Asia have now tested positive for the virus, which marks a sharp increase from the 48 on January 17.

The outbreak has spread within China, with cases recorded in Guangdong province, as well as Beijing and Shanghai.

People in China have been urged not to panic and to try and enjoy the festive season.

A piece in Chinese newspaper the Global Times said on Sunday: 'The entire Chinese society should be vigilant but should not be in panic.

'We should make the upcoming Spring Festival happy and peaceful, and also pay close attention to every link where the pneumonia may increase transmission.'

Three other countries have also reported cases of the virus - Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

Quarantine workers spray disinfect at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. South Korea confirmed its first case on January 20 after a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus

Wuhan residents have made made more than four million trips by train, road and air since January 10 during the annual Lunar New Year travel rush. Above, a screen grab from CCTV's news programme shows flocks of passengers leaving Wuhan Train Station on Monday

THE TIMELINE OF WHEN THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK BEGAN December 31 2019: The WHO China Country Office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. Around 44 suspected cases were reported in the month of December. January 1 2020: A seafood market was closed for environmental sanitation and disinfection after being closely linked with the patients. January 5 2020: Doctors ruled out severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) as being the cause of the virus, as well as bird flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome and adenovirus. Meanwhile, Hong Kong reported January 9 2020: A preliminary investigation identified the respiratory disease as a new type of coronavirus, Chinese state media reported. Officials at Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported the outbreak's first death on January 9, a 61-year-old man. January 13 2020: A Chinese woman in Thailand was the first confirmed case of the mystery virus outside of China. The 61-year-old was quarantined on January 8, but has since returned home in a stable condition after having treatment, the Thai Health Ministry said. January 14 2020: The WHO told hospitals around the globe to prepare, in the 'possible' event of the infection spreading. It said there is some 'limited' human-to-human transmission of the virus. Two days previously, the UN agency said there was 'no clear evidence of human to human transmission'. January 16 2020: A man in Tokyo is confirmed to have tested positive for the disease after travelling to the Chinese city of Wuhan. A second death, a 69-year-old man, was reported by officials at Wuhan Municipal Health Commission. He died in the early hours of January 15 at Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan city having first been admitted to hospital on December 31. January 17 2020: Thailand announces it has detected a second case. The 74-year-old woman had been quarantined since her arrival on Monday. She lived in Wuhan. Scientists at Imperial College London fear up to 4,500 patients in Wuhan may have caught the virus. A report said if cases are this high, substantial human to human transmission can't be ruled out. John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), San Francisco International Airport and Los Angles International Airport (LAX) will start screening passengers arriving from Wuhan, US officials said. January 20 2020: China reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected with a new coronavirus over the weekend, including 136 more cases in Wuhan city. The outbreak spread across China, as authorities in Shenzhen in southern China reported one case, and Chinese state media said Beijing had reported two cases. South Korea confirmed its first case - a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus. She had been in Wuhan the week prior. The total number of confirmed cases reached 205, including three deaths and four confirmed cases outside China. Details were not revealed about the third death. Advertisement

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said earlier an animal source seemed to be 'the most likely primary source' of the virus.

Jeremy Farrar, a specialist in infectious disease epidemics and director of the Wellcome Trust global health charity, raised concerns about the number of people travelling through Wuhan.

He said: 'Wuhan is a major hub and with travel being a huge part of the fast approaching Chinese New Year, the concern level must remain high.

'There is more to come from this outbreak.'

He added that coughing is the 'quickest way to spread an infection around the world'.

'Whenever you get something new happening in humans, especially when it is spread by coughing, it is always a worry. It could get worse, it could get better  but you have to plan for it getting worse,' Mr Farrar told MailOnline.

China is entering its busiest travel period due to the Lunar New Year, which sees many people travelling back to their home town or village.

Countries including Japan, Australia and the US have adopted screening measures for those arriving from China due to concerns about a global outbreak like that caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002 and 2003 and killed nearly 800 people.

An analysis from Imperial College London last week estimated the number of cases in Wuhan was probably around 1,700  but could even be as high as 4,500.

The team did not look at how the virus may be transmitted, but said 'past experience with SARS and MERS-CoV outbreaks of similar scale suggests currently self-sustaining human-to-human transmission should not be ruled out.'

South Korea confirmed its first case on January 20 after a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus. She had been in Wuhan last week.

Officials said she did not have an obvious source of infection, adding that she had not visited any wet markets and wasn't in contact with any known cases.

Last week, one case was confirmed in Japan and two in Thailand, meaning the total number of confirmed cases outside of China now sits at five.

The WHO, which will meet tomorrow to discuss listing the outbreak as an emergency, has only invoked such a status five times in the past.

These were during the last major Ebola outbreaks  last year and in 2014, the Swine flu outbreak in 2009, a resurgence of Polio in 2014, and the Zika outbreak in South America in 2016.

WHO's Emergency Committee must convene to decide on the seriousness of a disease outbreak and the threat it poses to other countries before declaring a PHEIC. These are the incidents it has deemed serious enough in the past:

A British tourist fighting for his life in Thailand is feared to be the first Western victim, but this has not been confirmed.

Ash Shorley, 32, is in critical condition in a hospital in Phuket after being struck down with a lung infection while visiting Koh Phi Phi island.

Mr Shorley had to be transported to hospital by a specialised seaplane because his lung had collapsed and he could not cope with high altitude travel.

Doctors revealed his symptoms were consistent with the Chinese coronavirus. He has been in hospital for nearly a month.

Public Health England maintains that the risk of travellers becoming infected is 'very low', and 'low' for those travelling specifically to Wuhan.

Dr Nick Phin, a deputy director at PHE, said: 'We have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.

'People travelling to Wuhan should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.

'Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK, informing their health service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the city.'

Chinese coronavirus may have been lurking in animals for DECADES before adapting to infect humans, leading expert says

The new Chinese coronavirus may have been lurking in animals for decades, Sir Jeremy Farrar, a renowned specialist in infectious disease epidemics, has said.

The virus isn't new but has likely adapted to infect humans.

Officials say the never-before-seen infection emerged from an animal source, much like the deadly SARS, HIV and Ebola viruses.

Authorities have pointed the blame on food markets in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak that scientists are scrambling to contain.

Rodents and bats among other animals are slaughtered and sold in traditional 'wet markets', which tourists flock to see the 'real' side of the country.

Viruses  including ones carried by animals  are constantly changing and may over time become strong enough to infect humans.

People who touch infected animal bodily fluids, such as saliva, are at risk of such viruses. However, it is not exactly clear how the new coronavirus started or is transmitted yet.

The new Chinese coronavirus may have been lurking in animals for decades, Sir Jeremy Farrar, a renowned specialist in infectious disease epidemics, has said. Pictured, live chickens for sale in Hong Kong in 2013

Rodents and bats among other animals are slaughtered and sold in traditional 'wet markets'. Pictured, pork at a wet market in Hong Kong, 2018

Sir Jeremy said animal markets are a 'real source of infection'. Pictured, a market in Hong Kong

Sir Jeremy, director of the UK-based global health charity Wellcome, told MailOnline: 'This is absolutely not a brand new virus.

'This will have been circulating in animals in China and maybe other parts of Asia, probably for years... if not decades.'

He added that it probably hadn't had an effect on humans until now, or caused such mild infections that 'no-one was bothered about' it.

But Sir Jeremy said 'something changed', claiming the virus may have adapted to animals or mutated to become infectious to humans.

Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market has been shut since January 1 because the majority of patients have been connected to it.

Sir Jeremy said animal markets are a 'real source of infection'.

He added: 'Its a seafood market but it also had animals being sold, from domestic chickens and ducks to all sorts of other animals.

'The mixing of animals in an animal market has been a very common way that these infections have come about.

'Sometimes these viruses can adapt to humans, replicate and cause human infections.'

Pointing at HIV and Ebola, Sir Jeremy said: 'Many, many infections in humans that we know of today actually originated in animals.'

SARS, the deadly virus which started in southern China and killed more than 700 people in the early 2000s, came out of a similar market.

And avian flu, another zootonic disease which can infect humans, can be spread from live birds sold at markets or poultry farms.

Wet markets often sell live animals, many of which are illegal or exotic. The vast number of species allows a virus to adapt.

Mr Farrar said: 'Animals mixing allows the virus to be in lots of different hosts, which allows it to adapt to those animals.

'The virus can them come across to humans [who buy and sell at the market].'

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia, said the coronavirus 'almost certainly' came from animals.

He said people in China are in closer contact with wild animals than those in Western societies because their diet is so varied.

'With China particularly, there is a closer link to animals and what sort of animals people consume,' Professor Hunter said.

'When people go to the market to buy chicken for the week, it's often alive when you buy it. People butcher the animal themselves at home or in the street.'

Infected animals may shed the virus in their saliva, mucous and faeces, which humans may come into contact with.

They may inhale droplets of the virus from the air, or physically touch an infected animal.

Scientists are still trying to work out how the new Chinese virus attacks its host and how deadly it is.




Haiti - Politic : Commissioning of modern sanitary blocks in 3 schools





Commissioning ceremonies of modern sanitary blocks for the benefit of students were held at the Ecole Foyer Chretien in Sarasin, Lycee Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Lycee Marie Jeanne.



The realization of these health infrastructures is part of a project to build 66 modern sanitary blocks in schools, markets and public places throughout the national territory, within the framework of the policy of modernization advocated by President Moise.



These sanitary blocks are divided into two (girls and boys). The access is arranged to allow people with reduced mobility to easily meet their needs and a space is provided for hand washing.



The water supply is carried out as appropriate, either through the network of the National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) or through a borehole (well).



In order to ensure the proper management of these sanitary blocks, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between DINEPA and the Directors of educational establishments.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Three Tauranga racers will join other from around New Zealand, and the rest of the world, in taking on the brand new Ben Nevis Station Golden 1200 Hillclimb in Cromwell in March.

Amongst the line-up of 90 competitors are Tauranga racers Dyson Delahunty in his Polaris RZR, Wayne Pittams in his X-cart, and Trevor Cooper in his Polaris RZR.

They will be taking on the 6km course over the weekend of March 7 and 8 this year.

Alongside, the Tauranga competitors are well known names who will be contending for the outright win; Tony Quinn with is purpose-built Pikes Peak hillclimb car, Ashley Forest Rallysprint winner Solan Cox, Waimate 50 competitor Ben Terry with a 7000 bhp Mitsubishi, Race to the Sky star Ian Fitch on his SuperQuad and the events founder Kiwi rally start Hayden Paddon with his Hyundai AP4 rally car in full hillclimb mode.

The event has even inspired Coromandels Alex Kelsey to get his incredible homebuilt Peugeot MC2 out of the shed.

Theres also a waiting list for the new event developed by Paddon with the support of his Paddon Rallysport Group, and three local motorsport clubs: Eastern Southland Car Club, Queenstown Car Club and Central Otago Motorsport Club.

Plenty of other entries are sure to attract spectator interest with an even mix of two and four wheel drive rally cars and rally competitors from across the eras such as Ray Wilson and Job Quantock. Stu Webber is bringing back is ex-Prodrive/Possum Bourne 555 Subaru Impreza to line up against 16 motorbikes and quads, four UTVs, four offroaders and four Crosskarts, with one being piloted by rally driver Mark Tapper.

Tauranga racer Trevor Cooper. Image: Caitlin Houghton.

Its exciting to see so many people share our vision for the Ben Nevis Station Golden 1200 Hillclimb, says Paddon.

The hillclimb uses 6km of the Nevis Road, a remote high-country route between Bannockburn and Kingston which is the highest public road in New Zealand. Event sponsors Ben Nevis Station host the service park and the hillclimb starts on the station before heading over the Nevis Road towards Bannockburn.

Paddon describes the designated section of the steep gravel road as magic. These six kilometres offer a mixture of fast and wide, and tight and narrow. The entry list is like a whos who of the current New Zealand hillclimb scene and the battle across those two days in March this year to win the inaugural Golden 1200 trophy is going to be epic!

The Golden 1200 Hillclimb  so named for the golden tussock-covered Central Otago landscape and as a reference to the Nevis Valleys goldmining history, and the 1200 metre elevation at the hillclimbs finish line  is a two-day event with three runs for all competitors both days.

The fastest time from each day will count towards the competitors final results, the intention being to put greater emphasis on each run but also allow for any issues or car malfunctions that may hamper a competitors attempt at the 6km hillclimb.

Timing and results will be livestreamed from the event along with regular video and news updates from the dedicated media team.

Spectator access to the designated viewing zones is free this year and offer spectators high octane motorsport among Central Otagos breath-taking scenery. Access and parking will be via the Nevis Road from Bannockburn.

Its one of the best spectating roads in the country so we hope spectators will make the most of this opportunity to come and experience some of New Zealands most amazing high-country scenery and some great motorsport action, says Paddon.

Hayden Paddon at the Ashley Forest Rally Sprint in 2019. Image: Allan Pritchard.

If youre thinking about coming to spectate, we urge you to organise accommodation before its all booked out locally.

Camping for competitors and spectators will be available on Ben Nevis Station.

Regular information about the Ben Nevis Station Golden 1200 Hillclimb is shared on the Paddon Rallysport Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/paddonrallysport/ or look for the Golden 1200 button on the Paddon Rallysport website www.paddonrallysport.co.nz.
A young Perth mum has described the terrifying a moment a bullet flew into her family home and missed her by just centimetres.

Emily Taylor was checking on her baby Hamish when a member of a violent Perth gang shot a gun through a window of her house.

It smashed into the home's study in Perth suburb of Thornlie and left a hole in a wall, but Ms Taylor had originally thought it was just a burst pipe.

'Obviously it was a little bit of a shock, you don't expect to see a bullet flying through your window,' she told 7News.

Scroll down for video

Emily Taylor (pictured with her husband) initially thought the noise of the gunshot was just a burst pipe

The bullet smashed through a window (pictured) in the family's home on the outskirts of Perth on Tuesday morning

'There was a big loud pop and plaster came flying out of the wall, we just thought we had a burst pipe until later this morning, but there's a gunshot hole through one of our windows and a bullet through the wall.

'So it's a bit scary.'

Ms Taylor had been awake checking on her 14-month-old son when the terrifying ordeal took place on Tuesday morning.

The violent gang are thought to have been roaming the streets with a handgun at around 1am.

The bullet also blasted through an interior wall (pictured) during the frightening ordeal

But it wasn't until Ms Taylor and her husband realised what had happened hours later that they called police.

'This morning he located a small hole in a window and internal wall of his Hume Road, Thornlie home,' a police spokeswoman told the West Australian.

'The man located a projectile in the wall. Police are conducting inquiries into the incident to ascertain the circumstances of how this occurred.'

The bullet was taken by forensic teams and the incident is being investigated by police.
Uzbekistan's newly-formed Senate, the upper chamber of the parliament, has approved Tanzila Narbayeva as chairwoman and accepted the government's resignation, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the Senate's first session following the election of the deputies of the upper chamber early in January.

Tanzila Narbaeva was first elected as chairwoman of the Senate in June, 2019.

The Senate heard Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov's statement on the resignation of the cabinet before the newly-formed Oliy Majlis in accordance with Uzbek laws.

The approval of the prime minister, ministers and their deputies will be held on Jan. 21 at a joint meeting of the chambers of parliament.
High schools in 10 boards across the province are closed Tuesday as a week of rolling teachers strikes continues.

Teachers, school staff and early childhood educators say they are fighting the Ontario governments cuts to education. They say they are striking for smaller class sizes, better support for special needs students, a commitment to full-day kindergarten, as well as compensation.

But as the unions and province continue their standoff, has anyone checked to see if the kids are all right? Heres what some students told the Star:

Lerenzo McDonald, Grade 12, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mississauga

McDonald knows his last year of high school is crucial. He has high hopes of going to college and becoming a flight attendant. The strikes involving Ontarios Catholic school board will force him to miss school Tuesday, just a day before his first exam.

Despite the added pressure he feels from losing class time, he says he has full faith in his teachers and supports their fight for something that will benefit education in the long run.

I think I speak for all students, especially those in Grade 12, when I say we believe that what the teachers are doing is very important to protect the education system under us, McDonald adds.

Of course the strike is difficult on the students but the most important thing to remember is that we must support and believe in our teachers. All they are fighting for is to ensure the safety and security of the education system in Ontario.

A big part of that pressure stems from the fact that his younger sister, currently in Grade 10, may miss out on opportunities because of the changes made by the Ontario government.

I am worried with the increasing class sizes and courses shell have to miss out on because of the cutbacks, he says. Currently her school has lost many valuable courses that students truly love. I fear that she will be forced to go through high school and not truly love it because of the cuts and loss of such loved student courses.

Zaina Nasar, Grade 12, Bayridge Secondary School in Kingston

The 17-year-old has missed three days of school due to rolling strikes. She said the job action in schools is stressful for students.

The strikes during exams are of course everyones biggest worry at the moment. These years are critical and matter a lot for the future, Nasar says.

But that hasnt stopped Nasar from becoming the student organizer for her schools Fight for our education protest happening Tuesday.

Even though we have other stresses, I think that its extremely important that students join this fight because these are huge changes in our education system, Nasar says.

She decided to lead this group to raise awareness of the situation to other students.

I found that many students werent aware of the reasons for the strikes and Im currently trying to spread awareness. Im hoping for a big turnout, Nasar says.

She is concerned with seeing teachers at her school losing their jobs and courses being taken out of the curriculum due to cutbacks.

Losing these things are vexing to many of us, Nasar says.

Nasar wants to study law in post-secondary school so that some day she can help others.

Shes getting close to that next step, and that reality makes her feel uneasy.

Im really nervous for the future, Nasar says. Its not far and its pretty scary.

Noah Sparrow, Grade 12, Northern Secondary School in Toronto

Noah Sparrow will be braving the cold weather on Tuesday to join his teachers on the picket line.

I believe its the right thing to do. Students should (and do) prioritize education because it gives us tools to be successful, he says.

To be successful, he says that the Ontario governments push for larger class sizes and cutting of courses ruin education for students. Large class sizes leads to more panic attacks. Fewer course options lead to less student engagement.

The same goes for e-learning, he adds. E-learning fails to address that students learn differently. In classes, teachers can adapt to their teaching styles for the kids. E-learning has a much harder time doing this.

Back in September 2018, Sparrow, who is a young trans advocate in Toronto, launched a human rights complaint against Doug Fords PC government after the initial announcement that the 2015 sex-ed curriculum would be rolled back to the 1998 version until further updates were made.

Sparrows drive to bring awareness to his peers continued into 2019, when he became one of the main leaders of the #StudentsSayNo walkout for Ontario students last April.

This time, Sparrow is continuing to fight the cuts, knowing full well that his teachers has his, and his peers best interest in mind. I find it especially disappointing that the Ford government has dismissed concerns and further demonized teachers, he says.

James Rogers, Grade 11, St. Brother Andre Catholic High School in Markham

James Rogers had a feeling this strike would eventually come. He said its something that has been looming since students coordinated walk-outs in response to the education cuts that were announced towards the end of last school year.

My civics teacher told us last year that there would be a possibility of strikes, Rogers said. To have all these students in the classrooms is a lot, and the cuts to special education  its things our teachers wont stand for.

Still a year from graduation, Rogers feels he and his classmates arent too concerned about the one-day strike but the possibility of job action dragging on for a while longer does create a bit of a worry.

I will admit the fact that it is a bit close to exams  it can be a little worrying, he says. We havent heard anything about there being more strikes yet. I dont know what the next steps would be if after tomorrow, nothing is reached.

-

Students, what do you think of Ontarios rolling teacher strikes? Share your thoughts with us in an email to social@torstar.ca.

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- James Reid and Nadine Lustre announced to their fans that they have already broken up

- They decided to release a joint statement on the recent episode of Tonight With Boy Abunda

- As soon as the news broke out, Nancy Mcdonie of Momoland became trending on social media

- Many fans, meanwhile, defended the Korean celebrity after being blamed by some netizens

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Many people have been talking about Nancy Mcdonie on social media shortly after James Reid and Nadine Lustre confirmed the end of their relationship.

KAMI learned that the gorgeous member of Momoland became one of the trending topics in the online world since the sad news broke out.

Several netizens claimed that the South Korean actress is one of the reasons why the popular couple already called their relationship quits.

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However, many supporters bravely defended the Momoland member by saying that the breakup of James and Nadine should not be blamed on other people.

They furthered that even though the actor and Nancy have an upcoming project, it does not mean that the Korean celebrity was involved in the trending breakup.

This a mutual decision and our maknae Nancy has nothing to do with their break up. If you truly love James and Nadine, respect their decision and move on. And leave our maknae out of it! a netizen exclaimed.

Here are some of the reactions of concerned netizens:

In a previous article by , James and Nadine issued a statement regarding their much-talked-about breakup.

Nancy Mcdonie is a popular South Korean-American actress who has gained a lot of fans in the Philippines. She will have a project with James Reid entitled Soulmate.

Please like and share our Facebook posts to support KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinion about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Describing the Indo-Bangla relationship as a "model" for neighbourhood ties, Dhaka's newly-appointed envoy to India Muhammad Imran on Tuesday vowed to enhance regional collaboration focusing on security, connectivity and economic cooperation on a win-win basis.

Imran, who succeeds late ambassador Syed Muazzem Ali whose five-year tenure as Bangladesh high commissioner to India expired last month, made the remarks while presenting his credentials to President Ram Nath Kovind here.

The Bangladeshi envoy assumes office at a delicate time with three ministerial visits from Dhaka cancelled in the wake of protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and apprehensions over the National Register for Citizens (NRC).

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday had termed the CAA and NRC as "internal matters" of India, but at the same time said the act was "not necessary".

Welcoming the new envoy, Kovind said India wants to see Bangladesh become more vibrant in social and economic development, a statement from the Bangladesh High Commission said.

India has a special relation with Bangladesh and it attaches highest priority in making that relationship stronger, Kovind was quoted as saying.

The president said he looks forward to stronger and deeper cooperation between India and Bangladesh in all aspects, especially in security, connectivity and people-to-people contact.

"India is happy to be a partner of Bangladesh in the joint celebrations of birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's War of Liberation and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties," Kovind said.

Imran, in turn, said the India-Bangladesh relations have reached an exceptional level and are described as a "model" for neighbourhood relations thanks to the dynamic leadership of prime ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi.

The envoy assured the president that he would ceaselessly endeavour to achieve his government's goal to further expand and consolidate the bilateral cooperation, the statement said.

Bangladesh remains grateful to the government and people of India for extending their all-out support to the 1971 War of Liberation, Imran said.

The Indo-Bangla cooperation had, in fact, begun in the battlefield of 1971, he said.

He underlined Prime Minister Hasina's efforts to further promote regional and sub-regional cooperation focusing on security, mutual trust, confidence, promotion of connectivity and all round economic cooperation on a win-win basis.

During the meeting, Kovind fondly remembered late ambassador Syed Muazzem Ali describing him as a good friend of India and a true patriot of Bangladesh.

He also conveyed his regards to his Bangladeshi counterpart Md. Abdul Hamid.

Referring to the the birth centenary celebrations of Rahman, the envoy said Bangladesh looks forward to participation of a host of Indian leaders, including Modi, in the inaugural ceremony scheduled to be held in Dhaka on March 17.

Imran, a 1986-batch officer of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), takes up his India assignment after serving Bangladesh's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates for about seven years.

Imran has also served as Bangladesh's Ambassador to Uzbekistan and worked in various capacities at Bangladesh Missions in Jeddah, Bonn, Berlin, and Ottawa as well as Deputy High Commissioner at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata.

In his meeting with the president, Imran was accompanied by his wife Dr Zakia Hasnat.

Earlier in the day, the high commissioner held a meeting with officers and staff of the mission.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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They're the former Hollywood golden couple who sent fans into a frenzy after briefly holding hands at the SAG Awards on Sunday night.

And it seems everyone is desperate for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston to get back together - including radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson, who is betting $10,000 on it.

'Trust me, it will happen!' the 44-year-old said on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday.

Feeling lucky! It seems everyone is desperate for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston to get back together - including radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured), who is betting $10,000 on it

During the SAG Awards, footage went viral of Brad proudly watching his ex-wife - whom he split from in 2005 - accept the best actress award for The Morning Show.

Jackie said of the poignant moment: 'I'm sorry, he's wanting it out there that he's ready to get back with Jen.'

'Oh my god, you guys! You dream and dream, don't you?' replied her co-host, Kyle Sandilands.

Touchy-feely: The former Hollywood golden couple sent fans into a frenzy after briefly holding hands backstage at the SAG Awards on Sunday night

'I've been dreaming this dream for 10 years, Kyle! I've been waiting,' Jackie snapped back. 'It would be so good. Finally, after all of these years, Brad and Jen get back together.'

'What are you going to bet?' Kyle asked, to which Jackie dramatically responded: 'I'll bet you $10,000!'

Jackie then shared her theory about how Brad and Jennifer will supposedly reconcile.

Friendly exes: Jackie said of the poignant moment (pictured), 'I'm sorry, [Brad is] wanting it out there that he's ready to get back with Jen'

'See, what will happen is they'll keep it under the cover for a while so we won't know about it... and then they'll come out,' she said.

Brad, 56, and Jennifer, 50, attended the same Netflix after-party following the awards ceremony on Sunday, partying the night away at the Sunset Tower in LA with friends.

The pair kept their distance at the soiree, after their brief backstage reunion earlier that evening had sent fans into a meltdown on social media.

Not quite as confident: Kyle Sandilands (pictured) didn't think a reunion was on the cards

'This is not a drill': Footage of Brad and Jennifer meeting backstage at the SAG Awards sparked an avalanche of memes on social media, as well as wild - and baseless - speculation the exes could be getting back together

They finally touched and held hands - if only briefly - at the SAG Awards and there was plenty of photographic evidence to prove it.

'Brad and Jen!! Brad and Jen!! This is not a drill!!!' wrote one excited Twitter user.

Another tweeted: 'I am way too excited and giddy about Brad and Jen having multiple cute moments at the SAG Awards. I can't help it.'

The pair were married from 2000 to 2005 in what many deemed a fairytale Hollywood union. After their split, the Ocean's Eleven star began dating Angelina Jolie, to whom he was married between 2014 and 2019.
Commerce ministry proposes curbs on duty-free shops

The commerce ministry has proposed curbs on duty-free sale of alcohol, tobacco products etc at airports. This is one of the suggestions made by the ministry for Budget 2020-21.

In its proposal sent to the finance ministry, the commerce ministry has suggested limiting the purchase of foreign wines and spirits at duty-free shops to just a single 1-litre bottle per international traveller arriving at airports in India. It has also proposed a complete ban on tobacco sales at duty-free shops.

While the proposal may prove to be unpopular with air travellers and could encourage them to buy liquor, it is unlikely to affect the air transport industry in any way. The revenue department, however, has not yet given its approval to the proposal.

The curbs may help the government plug some revenue leakage, as the sale of foreign liquor and tobacco at duty-free shops is rising sharply. If people want to enjoy imported liquor and tobacco they should be willing to pay for it the same way domestic consumers pay for such luxuries.

The sale of duty-free liquor is estimated to rise from about $200 million in 2017 to about $800 million by 2025, according to some reports.

The government imposes 150 per cent import duty on alcoholic beverages and 100 per cent on tobacco products.

While curbs on duty-free purchases may not automatically result in higher revenue collection, it may help curb alcohol consumption. Most travellers buy foreign liquor and cigarettes at airports only because these are available duty-free.

If the commerce and industry ministry proposals for Budget 2020-21 get accepted there could be tighter curbs on duty-free shopping at airports.
TOKYO - North Korea has sacked its foreign minister and replaced him with a former military officer known as a hard-line, cantankerous negotiator, underlining a harsher attitude toward the United States, experts and media reports said.

Ri Son Gwon replaces Ri Yong Ho, who served as foreign minister since 2016 and took charge of relations with the United States after the failed Hanoi summit with President Donald Trump last year, diplomats said.

While experts cautioned against reading too much into leadership changes in the North Korean regime, the move appeared to underline leader Kim Jong Un's decision to turn his back on negotiations with the United States, announced in a key speech on New Year's Eve.

Ri Son Gwon is a former army colonel who does not come from the traditional elite diplomatic background of his predecessor. He has no previous experience in dealing with the United States, serving as Pyongyang's point man on inter-Korean affairs since 2016 and developing a reputation as a particularly testy negotiator.

He stormed out of the room during military talks with South Korea in 2014 when Seoul demanded an apology for what it saw as the North's past military provocations, a former South Korean official told Reuters.

He was also accused of insulting South Korean conglomerate chiefs on a 2018 visit to North Korea on grounds they were not doing enough to boost business ties, according to South Korean lawmakers.

"Ri Son Gwon is generally known as a hard-liner - mainly due to his military background and his past comments to South Korean business executives and ministers - and it suggests that Ri may adopt a harder-line policy on the U.S.," said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a senior analyst at NK News, which broke news of the personnel shift on Saturday.

Lee said Ri Son Gwon has no experience on the nuclear issue, while his status in the regime hierarchy is nowhere close to that of his two immediate predecessors when they were appointed foreign minister.

In that sense, his appointment might signal a downgrading of U.S. relations within North Korea's overall foreign policy, or a reduction of the Foreign Ministry's role in relations with Washington, experts said, while cautioning that it was too soon to tell.

As a colonel in the Korean People's Army, he played a leading role in military talks with the South, before going on to head in 2016 the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, which handles relations with South Korea.

Duyeon Kim, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group, said Ri's appointment does not signal a policy shift, because the hard-line approach was already set by Kim in his New Year's Eve speech. Instead, "the appointment means Kim is putting in place the people he thinks will implement his marching orders," she said.

Experts said his predecessor, Ri Yong Ho, could have been demoted as a scapegoat for the breakdown of talks with the United States and Kim's frustration with that process - but in the absence of word from Pyongyang, it was hard to be certain.

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.

Nor is it clear whether Ri Son Gwon will play a leading role in relations with the United States. Experts say it is possible that experienced Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui will continue to exercise hands-on responsibilities.

"Ri Son Gwon was infamous for his rough, unpolished, bully-like style during inter-Korean negotiations over the years," said Duyeon Kim. "So, if he's given any real negotiating role with Washington, then American negotiators will be in for a ride. But we will have to see whether Ri's appointment is just symbolic."

_ _ _

Kim reported from Seoul.
A Student Health Services facility on the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus, which opened Jan. 13, provides a wide array of services to students.

For the $65 per semester student fee, a student can visit the Student Health Services clinic and expect no other out-of-pocket costs for the clinic's routine services throughout the semester. The clinic will handle acute medical issues such as a cold, flu, bronchitis, or asthma attack.

Student Health Services is located in the new campus expansion, across from the Student Center on the Gainesville Campus. A ribbon-cutting is set for 4 p.m. Jan. 27.

Dr. Alyson Paul, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students on the Gainesville Campus, said the clinic will be convenient as all services are on a walk-in basis that allows students to come before or after classes. The goal is for each student to be seen within 30 minutes or informed if the wait is longer so they can come back later.

For students who lack health insurance or face other health care obstacles, Paul said this new service can take a weight off their shoulders and allow them to focus on their studies.

"This is going to be such a great service," Paul said. "It makes them more likely stay in school and graduate."

Dr. Richard Oates, vice president of UNG's Gainesville Campus, is excited for the new services.

"Providing comprehensive student health services on our Gainesville Campus is consistent with the university's mission to provide the best educational experience possible for our students," Oates said. "When our students feel better, their academic engagement and performance increases."

Paul said the fee will cover all of the most commonly needed medical services. Previously, students on the Gainesville Campus could pay the student health fee and drive to the Dahlonega Campus for service. Karen Tomlinson, UNG director of Student Health Services, said about 20-30 Gainesville students per semester used that option. Now they have a health care option that is a short walk across campus.

Student Health Services hours (same in Dahlonega and Gainesville) 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday

In addition to services such as flu shots and flu tests, the Student Health Services clinic will have a self-care center that provides over-the-counter medicines such as allergy remedies and ibuprofen. Students can take three items per day from the self-care center.

"It will be a one-stop shop for students," Tomlinson said.

Some antibiotics will also be available if a medical provider sees a student and deems antibiotics necessary.

Jelma Flores-Mota, the Student Government Association president on the Gainesville Campus, sees the potential for students' medical costs to plummet substantially. Even co-pays can add up quickly in other health care settings.

"This is going to help out a lot of students," said Flores-Mota, a junior seeking a degree in political science. "It's a sense of excitement and relief."

Through surveys and questionnaires, students showed overwhelming support for the clinic and the accompanying fee. The student health fee is now $65 for the Dahlonega Campus and $65 for the Gainesville Campus. It was previously $70 for the Dahlonega Campus. All students on those campuses with six hours or more of class credits in a semester pay the fee and have access to the services on both campuses.
Indonesian export sales up 12% in 2019

ICR Newsroom By 21 January 2020

Indonesias cement producers saw export sales drop 38.1 per cent in December 2019 to 321,966t when compared with 519,684t in December 2018, reports Semen Indonesia Group.



Clinker exports were particularly affected, noting a 46.6 per cent fall to 204,227t from 382,237t the previous year. Cement exports were down 14.3 per cent YoY to 117,739t from 137,447t.



Full-year 2019

However, exports for the full year 2019 saw 11.8 per cent improvement to 6.365Mt when compared with 5.691Mt in 2018.

Published under
Kolkata, Jan 21 : In one of the biggest hauls of the opioid drug heroin in east and northeast India, the Kolkata police seized huge quantity of the substance worth between Rs 75 - Rs 105 crore early on Tuesday and arrested two persons from the northern part of the city, a senior officer said.

Acting on a tip off, the Special Task Force of city police made the seizure from Paikpara under Tala police station between midnight and 2 a.m.

"We have seized about 25 kilos of heroin. According to the grey market rates, the price range can be anything between Rs 75 crore and Rs 105 crore," Deputy Commissioner, Special Task Force, Pradeep Kumar Yadav told IANS.

Two persons carrying the drug were arrested.

"One of them - Zuber - is from Bahraich in uttar Pradesh, the other person - Faizuddin - hails from Thoubal in Manipur. Both are known carriers for drugs," said Yadav.

Zuber was carrying around 20 kg of one type of heroin. Around five kilo of another type of heroin was found from Faizuddin.

"What we have gathered is they had brought the two drugs for exchange - one would take the other's variety to their customers. Then they will do their own mixing and processing and adulteration and concentration before selling it to their final customers.

"Because of the different qualities of the substance, customers ask for different things. So that's why they had exchanged it," he said.

The police also suspect they were negotiating about Yaba tablets, another narcotic drug.

"But we did not get any of those tablets from them," said the officer.

Zuber is the bigger carrier.

Cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act have been registered against the duo.

Heroin, an opioid drug manufactured from morphine, is found in the form of white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Other common names for heroin include big H, horse, hell dust, and smack, according to the US-based National Institute of Druge Abuse.
Michelle Williams is taking a break from acting this year to 'be at home', as she prepares to welcome her child.

The 39-year-old actress - who already has 14-year-old daughter Matilda with the late Heath Ledger - is currently expecting her first child with fiance Thomas Kail, and has said she won't be accepting any new acting roles for the time being, because she wants to focus on being there for her unborn tot.

Michelle won the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role as Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon, and during the awards ceremony on Sunday, she said the FX show was the last job offer she'd accepted.

Slowing down: Michelle Williams is taking a break from acting this year to 'be at home', as she prepares to welcome her child. She is seen on Sunday in Los Angeles

Speaking to Us Weekly magazine at the event, she said: 'I haven't taken a job since [Fosse/Verdon]. I have something else I have to go do. I'll be home, but it's a hard act to follow.'

But Michelle already misses the role, as she bemoaned the possibility of not finding another character she loves as much as Gwen.

She added: 'I've never played somebody that age before of someone from 30 to 64. There was singing, dancing. It was such a feast and knowing where to go from here, I feel a little bit stuck. Like, I want that job again. Like, Gwen in her 60s or something. I miss it.'

The 39-year-old actress - who already has 14-year-old daughter Matilda with the late Heath Ledger - is currently expecting her first child with fiance Thomas Kail

Michelle was first reported to be expecting another child at the same time as her engagement to Fosse/Verdon director Thomas late last month.

The loved-up couple were spotted together at the time in London, where Michelle had been shooting scenes for Venom 2.

Michelle and Thomas were seen buying baby clothes at Seraphine's maternity boutique in Kensington, in preparation for the arrival of their first child together.
Jon Caldara, a conservative columnist for the Denver Post, was fired after writing a column his editor didnt like. The editor, Megan Schrader, isnt saying why she fired Caldara or what was wrong with his column. Caldara thinks he was fired because his column disputed the notion that there are more than two sexes. He also says Schrader told him he was the papers most read columnist.

Here is the column. It isnt really about the number of sexes.

Caldara argues that most Americans see the media as torchbearers for progressive ideology. He points to the Associated Press Stylebook that codifies reporters progressively loaded language and cement[s] terminology to promote political conclusions, thereby declar[ing] the winners and losers in political debates.

Stating what many conservatives strongly believe, and what most liberals probably understand, Caldara observes:

The first rule in winning any political battle is winning the language used to define the issue. In this, the media plays judge and jury.

One of Caldaras grievances with the AP Stylebook  but not the only one  is its insistence that gender is not binary and its declaration that not all people fall under one of two categories for sex and gender. Caldara responds:

Its admirable that reporters want to be compassionate to transgender individuals and those transitioning, as we all should be. But AP reporters first have a duty to the truth, or so they say. There are only two sexes, identified by an XX or XY chromosome. That is the very definition of binary. The AP ruling it isnt so doesnt change science. Its a premeditative attempt to change culture and policy. Its activism. The AP, once the guardian of grammar and proper word usage, now allows they/them/their as a singular and/or gender-neutral pronoun. So, the Associated Press is happy to change the plain grammatical meaning of words to promote an agenda. They is singular and up is down.

Opinion writers shouldnt be sacked for insensitivity, even if it occasionally spills over into gratuitousness. But where is the gratuitousness in what Caldara wrote?

I dont see how Caldara could forcefully have argued his view  that there are only two sexes  without writing his column essentially as he did. In fact, Caldara made it a point to say that all of us should be compassionate to transgender individuals and those transitioning.

If the Denver Post fired Caldara for what he wrote about the number of sexes, it has embraced the second rule of winning any political battle  silence those with whom you disagree.

The Posts Schrader told the Washington Free Beacon:

I am writing a job description as we speak to fill his position. I hope that conservative Colorado writers will apply knowing that we value conservative voices on our pages and dont have a litmus test for their opinions.

Unfortunately, conservative writers have no reason to believe this. Absent a satisfactory explanation for Calaras discharge, we should conclude that the Denver Post imposes either a litmus test for which conservative opinions it will accept or a requirement that certain conservative opinions not be expressed with any real vigor.
FILE - In this file photo taken on Jan. 16, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting on drafting constitutional changes at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia. Instead of openly declaring plans to extend his rule, like he did in 2011, he proposed constitutional amendments to appear to give more power to Russia's parliament. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

Associated Press

Russia's deadly Zircon hypersonic missile is apparently suffering from unspecified "childhood diseases," the Russian Navy's top admiral revealed.

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov told RIA Novosti that the weapon is likely still years away from entering service.

In February of last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin boasted that the developmental missile can hit speeds up to Mach 9 and eliminate targets up to 620 miles away.

Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories.

Russia is in the process of developing a new hypersonic cruise missile  the 3M22 Zircon (Tsirkon), but the weapon is currently suffering from "childhood diseases," the Russian navy's top admiral revealed to Russian media, The Drive first reported.

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov told RIA Novosti that the Zircon hypersonic missile expected to eventually arm Russian frigates would be available to the fleet "in the coming years."

The Russian admiral did not elaborate on what "childhood diseases" are affecting the weapon's development. He simply said that modernization efforts will correct these deficiencies. Yevmenov explained that work on the Zircon missile will be carried out simultaneously with ongoing efforts to arm warships with the 3M-54 Kalibr land-attack cruise missile.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported without official confirmation last March that one of the Project 22350 Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates would likely test-launch the Zircon before the end of 2019. No test appears to have taken place, despite, as The Drive notes, speculation surrounding a missile test involving the Admiral Gorshkov in late November.

While TASS reported that "the frigate's crew will hold a series of trials to test-fire new missile armament," a follow-on report, citing the Northern Fleet, revealed that "the frigate fired one cruise missile Kalibr and one missile Oniks from the onboard launchers." Neither missile is "new."

Story continues

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in February of last year that the Zircon was able to hit speeds as high as Mach 9 and eliminate targets on land and at sea up to 620 miles away.

The exact capabilities of the Zircon missile are unknown.

In November of last year, he revealed that the Project 1155 Udaloy-class destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov and Project 949A Antey-class nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk would be upgraded to carry the Zircon.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In what pro-Rouhani Entekhab news website described as a rare event in several decades" Iran's state TV suspended three live talk shows known for their criticism of the Rouhani administration's policies.

Meanwhile, Mashreghnews, a website close to Iranian intelligence organs reported that these programs, namely Jahanara, Soraya and Asraneh, will resume broadcasting but will no longer be live.

The suspension was enforced after Rouhanis representative at the state TV's supervisory board, Hesamoddin Ashna, published a letter he sent to the chairman, hardliner Gholamhossein Mohseni Ezhei, complaining about bias in the talk shows.

Jahanara was by far the most talked-about program among the three for its controversial interviews and comments by the interviewees. The program's supporters criticized the suspension and attributed it to pressures by Ashna and the Rouhani administration.

However, in one of the programs, an interviewee said that anyone who does not believe in the party line and the official version of ongoing events should leave the country. The program which was broadcast on the Ofogh channel attracted intense criticism.

According to Entekhab, the Rouhani administration had repeatedly complained about the contents of these programs particularly "Jahanara Program" on the Ofogh Channel which is close to revolutionary Guards (IRGC).

Social media users have published copies of several letters by Ashna to Ezhei, including this one, which is his latest letter. Ashna warned that talk shows are using fake news as fact.

In another letter, Ashna complained that talk shows are blaming the Rouhani administration for the protests that followed the gas price hike in November.

Entekhab quoted yet another letter by Ashna as having said: "The Ofogh Channel and Jahanara program complicate the situation further by inviting experts and guests that insult the administration with the aim of taking revenge from rival political factions."

The website wrote that "The state TV should be devoid of factional influence, but it would be a big mistake to silence any individual or media outlet that criticizes the government." It also called for changes in the way talk shows are being produced.

The state TV which operates under the supervision of Ayatollah Khamenei gets its budget from the administration and its one-sided stances and programming has been criticized by Rouhani and two of his predecessors, Presidents Ahmadinejad and Khatami. However, regardless of attributing the suspensions to correspondences at the Supervisory Board, the board has no record of influencing decision-making at the state TV, officially called the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Organization, IRIB.

The website also opined that the state TV is unlikely to accept a complaint by Ashna or the administration and the decision to pull the three programs may be made by the state TV's own managers following widespread criticism of Jahanara's content.

In another development, the producers of Jahanara have said on social media that they are planning to present their program on Internet-based video-sharing platforms. Thanks to their connections with the IRGC, they are certainly capable of doing that, but if they produce their program outside the state TV, its contents are likely to become more radical and even more critical of the Rouhani administration.

Perhaps it is with that in mind that Mashreghnews suggests a change in the production and presentation of the three programs, particularly Jahanara within the frameworks of the state TV rather than taking them to the lawless realm of social media.
Iraq doesn't want to be caught in a "tug of war" between the U.S. and Iran, according to the chief executive officer of a UAE-based oil and gas company.

"It's perhaps a bit late, but (Iraq is) trying to avoid becoming  long term  a battleground between the two sides," Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Monday.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated earlier this month after a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed Iran's top military commander Qasem Soleimani. Iran responded by firing missiles at American targets in Iraq, but both countries now appear to have stepped back from further military actions.

Iraqis want to see "good relations" both on the economic and political fronts, but don't want "negative foreign interference" in their own domestic affairs, Jafar said. "They don't want to be used ... in a tug of war between two sides."
Editor's Note January 23, 2020: Grove United Methodist Church leadership has made a statement regarding these accusations. Read the follow-up article here.

A church in Minnesota is asking its members older than 60 years old to worship elsewhere while the church closes to reset and welcome younger families.

According to the Grand Forks Herald, the Grove United Methodist Church in Cottage Grove, Minn. is closing in June and reopening in November.

A church memo to members asks that those over 60 reapply for church membership in two years.

This is totally wrong, said Cheryl Gackstetter. They are discriminating against us because of our age.

The church announced the plan in early January.

The church was founded about 30 years ago as the Peaceful Grove Church. It merged with another church, Woodbury, in 2008. Then, about seven years ago, the church said it could no longer pay for a minister for the church. Cottage Grove church then switched to lay ministry where members preach weekly sermons.

This created a lot of independence. We kept it going, said church founder Jim Baker. Thats why the members are so fiercely loyal, he said.

The church averages about 25 people weekly, but Rev. Dan Wetterstrom, head of the church, says the church wants to reach new people. Theyve asked that church members attend the Woodbury campus while the church restarts.

The Methodists regional Annual Conference is paying $250,000 to restart the church, including hiring a 30-year-old specialist, Jeremy Peters.

Its a new thing with a new mission for a new target, said Peters, and a new culture.

He added that the older, core church members will not be barred from attending the Cottage Grove church.

If they are on board with that, they are welcome to attend and engage, said Peters.

Cheryls husband, William Gackstetter, said hes still upset. He says the church has also asked them to maintain the church until it reopens without them.

They want us to mow the lawn and shovel the snow, he said. As if anyone would do that. This whole plan makes me sick. I believe its evil.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Rawpixel

Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
BLOOMINGTON  An Illinois Wesleyan University professor told fellow faculty members and staff Monday that achieving racial justice and diversity requires work and wont happen on its own.

Speaking at IWUs Day of Celebration and Commitment, Jessie Dixon-Montgomery, associate professor one world languages, literatures and cultures, said, Each of us can play a role, no matter how big or how small to advance freedom and equality.

To fulfill Kings legacy, Dixon-Montgomery said, we have to recognize that we have to take drastic measures and that it is an ongoing process.

When King spoke at IWU in 1961 and 1966, he talked about facing challenges and the question of whether people really love their neighbors.

These topics still resonate today, nearly 60 years later, she said.

Dixon-Montgomery pointed to a part of Kings 1966 speech at IWU in which he said, We have come a long, long way but we have a long, long way to go before the problem is solved.

An example of how far the country has come was the election of Barack Obama as president, she said.

My parents thought theyd never see the day when a black man would be elected president. Neither did I, said Dixon-Montgomery.

But at the same time many people were rejoicing over progress made through the Affordable Care Act, marriage equality and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program during the Obama administration, others were protesting the deaths of black people shot by police, she said.

"We have to hold each other accountable," said Dixon-Montgomery.

Her remarks were part of a day that also included small group discussions on topics that included the Bloomington-Normal Black History Project, religious accommodations, gender identity and colorblind ideology.

The afternoon was dedicated to volunteer activities at Westminster Village and the Boys & Girls Club.

IWU President Georgia Nugent said the intent of the day was to celebrate King's life and work.

She noted it has been nearly 60 years since King delivered his I Have a Dream speech in which he expressed hope 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.

Nugent said, We have not yet risen up. Far from it. We have only taken a few steps on that path.

As King dreamed of a day when his children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, Nugent said the Martin Luther King holiday was a day to take time to consider the content of our own character and our societys character.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, IWU will have its annual Martin Luther King Teach-In at the Hansen Student Center. The teach-in is open to the public. Sundiata Cha-Jua, associate professor of African American studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will give the keynote address, Dr. King: Who Was He Really?

Contact Lenore Sobota at (309) 820-3240. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Sobota

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J ustice Secretary Robert Buckland has hit back at criticism of sweeping new counter-terrorism powers by declaring that he made no apology for trying to prevent a repeat of last years London Bridge terror attack .

Mr Buckland said the measures, which include longer sentences, no early release for those classed as dangerous and the introduction of lie-detector tests, would be put before Parliament within weeks.

Khan had been freed halfway through a 16-year sentence for his involvement in a plot to blow up the London Stock Exchange.

Extremist: Usman Khan / West Midlands Police/PA Wire

In the wake of the murders, Mr Merritts father David criticised the promise of tougher action, claiming the Government was acting for political ends.

On Tuesday he hit out at the plans, tweeting: Lie detector tests dont work. Im sure government advisers have told ministers this.

But Mr Buckland rejected the allegation, insisting that further reforms were needed to safeguard the public.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland / PA

I make no apology for putting public protection top of the agenda. This is not just about sentencing, its about addressing the causes of extremism, he said.

On the lie-detector tests he told Sky News: You can get people who are, in effect, sleepers for years and then suddenly back comes the hatred.

"Polygraphs improve the tools we have in terms of assessing and minimising risk.

Pressed on accuracy of the tests being as low as 60 per cent, he said: Im not pretending they are the be-all-and-end-all, which is why we are also doubling the number of counter-terrorism probation officers  getting more psychologists, specialist imams, who will be working with these people.

The plans include ensuring that those convicted of serious offences, such as preparing acts of terrorism, spend a minimum of 14 years in jail.
Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow said Tuesday that an uncomfortable touch and a disparaging remark from Sen. Peter Lucido made her feel like a piece of meat - and she decided to come forward publicly to contribute to an ongoing investigation into Lucidos behavior.

McMorrow said Tuesday she was subjected to an uncomfortable interaction with Lucido in November 2018 during an orientation for incoming senators. She said she walked over to introduce herself to Lucido, and said he put his hand on her lower back and held it there.

He asked her where she was from, McMorrow said, and when she told him shed defeated her opponent in the district, she said he looked her up and down and said, I can see why.

It implied, You won because of what you look like, McMorrow said. I know Im a sitting member, I know that my story carries weight... Its on us to change this culture and make this a comfortable place for everybody to work.

McMorrows allegations were first published in Crains Detroit Business Tuesday morning, and she filed a complaint with Senate Business Office shortly after.

Her complaint comes as the Senate Business Office continues an investigation into Lucido over a recent interaction with a Michigan Advance reporter.

Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahue wrote in a first-person account last week that Lucido told her a group of male high school students he was meeting with could have a lot of fun with her. The report sparked immediate criticisms of Lucidos behavior and gained nationwide attention, and Senate leadership asked for the investigation within hours of publication.

Lucido initially issued a brief statement apologizing for the misunderstanding." He later told a handful of media outlets Donahues report was inaccurate.

Lucido did not immediately respond to MLives request for comment on McMorrows allegations on Tuesday. He told Crains McMorrows allegation was completely untrue and politically motivated."

McMorrow said her experience was relatively minor on the spectrum of sexual harassment and sexual assault offenses, and said she initially didnt report because she didnt want it to distract from her work as a new senator.

But she said she felt compelled to come forward after reading Donahues account, and said she felt some responsibility for not saying something sooner. She said theres no possible benefit to her coming forward, but noted she was willing to risk her reelection in an effort to improve the culture at the legislature.

This is a risk, and I know that," she said. If I can make this a better place to work, I will sleep better at night.

Amber McCann, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, said Shirkey is withholding comment on McMorrows specific allegations while the investigation unfolds, and said the Senate is currently seeking independent counsel to advise on the investigation.

McCann said Shirkey encourages anybody who has a concern or feels that they have something that deserves attention or further investigation utilize the means to file a complaint.

The majority leader wants to be as direct as possible to make sure everybody in the Senate knows exactly what their available options are, and also feels free to come forward, McCann said. It should be a consequence-free decision to come forward and make known any concern they have.

Related:

Michigan senator plans to file complaint against lawmaker accused of sexual harassment, report says

Michigan senator criticized for telling reporter a group of high school boys could have fun with her

Michigan legislative leaders open investigation into senator after comments to female reporter

Michigan senator being accused of sexual harassment now alleging report was inaccurate
Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook's Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, sits for a portrait following a Reuters interview in London, England, on Jan. 20, 2020. (Toby Melville/Reuters)

Facebook Targets UK Growth With 1,000 Hires This Year

LONDONFacebook will hire 1,000 people in London this year in roles such as product development and safety as it continues to grow its biggest engineering center outside the United States after Britain leaves the European Union.

Over half of the new jobs will be in technology, including software engineering and data science, Facebooks vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Nicola Mendelsohn said in an interview.

Other roles will be in the community integrity team, which makes products to detect and remove harmful content from platforms like Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Mendelsohn said Londons appeal was not only in its technology ecosystem but also the strength of its creative industries.

She said that while Facebooks enthusiasm for London was undimmed, like other tech companies it wanted certainty about Brexit.

The Johnson government has been very clear about what that looks like, and so we will continue to invest here in London, she said.

Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebooks Vice-President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa poses for a portrait following a Reuters interview in London, England, on Jan. 20, 2020. (Toby Melville/Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Facebooks growth was great news.

We are committed to making the UK the safest place in the world to be online, alongside being one of the best places for technology companies to be based, he said.

Facebooks chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg will announce the new jobs, which will take its total UK employees to more than 4,000, on Tuesday before traveling to the World Economic Forum in Davos with Mendelsohn, where they will meet global leaders, regulators, and other business chiefs.

The company is trying to rebuild trust in its platforms after the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, in which a British political consulting firm collected data from Facebook for voter profiling and targeting.

Mendelsohn said that trust would take time to rebuild.

We also understand that this is an ongoing important conversationwe want to be part of that conversation, she said. We want to be working with policymakers in this area to get to thoughtful policy.

Facebooks Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg speaks during a press conference in London, England, on Jan. 21, 2020. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)

Facebook has commissioned research to show the economic benefits its platforms bring to businesses in Europe.

The study by Copenhagen Economics, which questioned 77,320 businesses across 15 countries, estimated Facebook apps helped create 208 billion euros ($230 billion) of economic value last year.

When you extrapolate that further, what you see is that it has resulted in 3.1 million jobs in Europe as a result of people utilizing our platforms, Mendelsohn said.

By Paul Sandle and Elizabeth Howcroft
CARBONDALE  For his work fighting for racial equality throughout Southern Illinois during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, the late Rev. William Warner was posthumously awarded the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Community Award on Sunday evening.

Warner, a Methodist pastor who died in September 2018 at the age of 94, championed integration, togetherness and equal access to clean air, quality schools and housing alongside African-American leaders in East St. Louis and Cairo.

Warner was born in Medford, New Jersey, and met his wife, Mildred McDaniel, of Carbondale, at Ashbury College seminary in Kentucky.

Over many decades, they served in a number of churches and charges in Southern Illinois within the Methodist conference. Community service, conveying and sharing Gods love for humanity, was a large part of what they did wherever they went, according to a biography on Warner read during Sundays Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration at the Carbondale Civic Center.

Warner was moved by the Methodist conference to East St. Louis in 1960, during a time of great racial strife. Warner encouraged integration. White flight was occurring and Warner was intent on healing relationships and serving all, not just the white parishioners of his downtown Methodist church, his biography said.

In 1968, Warner was assigned to Tigart Church in Cairo. When he arrived in the states southernmost city, shootings and rioting were commonplace. Machine gunfire could be heard at night from the levee. The black Baptist church was fired upon, apparently from the top floor of the police station.

Against immense pushback, he attempted to integrate black churches into the Cairo Ministerial Alliance and County Ministerial Alliance. He was also active in civil affairs in Cairo. He worked with city officials to obtain federal funding for town projects, established a tutoring program and thrift shop, advocated for the development of affordable housing, and worked alongside others to secure legal funding for Cairos black citizens giving them a fair chance at justice for the first time.

Warner involved his family in civil rights rallies and demonstrations, at a time when they were among the few white families participating.

In 1975, he stepped down from the pulpit and began working for the Methodist Conferences Ministry of Criminal Justice, which aimed to help parolees, many of whom were African American, integrate back into mainstream society after serving time.

In accepting the award on his late fathers behalf, David Warner said, It doesnt go unnoticed that my father, a caucasian, and a deceased one at that, is the recipient of your prestigious award, when for so many decades, men and women of color have been denied their justice and passed over for the rewards and opportunities and recognition that they deserved. He expressed his gratitude to the selection committee, and was moved to the verge of tears talking about his fathers determination to support the regions African-American leaders in their battles for equality. He did that at the expense of his own career and comforts, he said.

In addition to the organizers honoring the late Warner, Sunday's program also featured prayer, messages honoring King's memory and musical numbers by the St. Johns Praise and Worship Center in Pulaski and the Carbondale Middle School Jazz Band, among others.

Donations were collected to support the Boyton Street Community Center in Marion.

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Membersy Appoints Mike DeBonville, Formerly of car2go, as VP of Operations Were impressed with the strategy and development acumen that Mike has applied throughout his career in the tech sector and are thrilled to bring him on board at a pivotal point in our growth. - Eric Johnson, Founder & CEO of membersy

Membersy LLC (membersy), an Austin-based digital health company that provides dental practices with thoughtfully designed membership programs to make dental care more approachable, has announced the appointment of Mike DeBonville as Vice President of Operations. Previously Business Development Manager for car2go, DeBonville brings over 10 years of tech focused operations experience to membersy, the countrys largest dental membership solutions provider with more than 4,000 dental practices in 42 states currently utilizing the membersy platform to power the tech, marketing, and administration of their custom membership program.

Throughout DeBonvilles career, he has overseen strategy and execution during growth phases of entirely new business models with seamless results, managed governmental affairs and enhanced portfolio market growth via operational and marketing partnerships. At car2go, DeBonville managed all city launch and expansion criteria, building operations throughout North America, including markets in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.. He also developed marketing recommendations within his markets and handled partnership strategy, support, and execution with major like-minded brands.

In his new role at membersy, DeBonville will fine tune the companys operations as it scales, manage the practice and member support teams and lead the rollout of new company initiatives. Working with internal and external partners, he will create cohesive procedures to support synergy between all teams.

Were impressed with the strategy and development acumen that Mike has applied throughout his career in the tech sector and are thrilled to bring him on board at a pivotal point in our growth, said Eric Johnson, Founder & CEO of membersy. Mikes leadership will guide the direction of the company and his ambitious and thoughtful nature is a perfect fit for the role.

Im looking forward to contributing to the growth of a company thats shaking up the dental industry by enabling its partners with the tools and support needed to successfully practice membership-based dentistry, said Mike DeBonville, membersy Vice President of Operations. Membersy provides membership solutions for all the major players in the dental industry and Im honored to join such a highly respected organization.

Last year membersy raised a strategic investment from Bregal Sagemount, an NYC-based venture capital firm. In October 2019, membersy announced the acquisition of The CDI Group, a California-based Knox-Keene licensed dental benefits company that administers custom membership plans for dentists. With the recent acquisition, membersy is the largest membership dentistry company in America, now supporting membership initiatives for more than 4,000 practices and 750,000 members.

About membersy

Todays consumers expect a highly personal and connected experience in everything they do. Its time dentistry met those expectations. At membersy, we provide dental practices with licensed, professionally administered membership programs to make dental care more approachable. Were passionate about membership dentistry, the dentist-led movement that dramatically improves patient outcomes and loyalty. Today, more than 4,000 dental practices in 42 states utilize the membersy platform to power the tech, marketing, and administration of their thoughtfully designed membership program. For more information, please visit membersy.com.

About Mike DeBonville

A native of Plano, Texas, Mike DeBonville received a bachelors degree in economics from the University of Missouri. Prior to joining membersy, he was a Business Development Manager for car2go, where he oversaw strategy and execution into new markets, managed the governmental affairs of current markets, and enhanced car2gos portfolio market growth via operational and marketing partnerships.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Russia of trying to silence the flow of information from Ukraines Russian-occupied region of Crimea by banning Ukrainian journalists from traveling there.



Critical reporting from Crimea is a major irritant to Russian authorities, Tanya Lokshina, associate Europe and Central Asia director at the New York-based watchdog, said in a statement on January 21, days after Russian authorities barred journalist Taras Ibrahimov from entering the peninsula and issued him a 34-year-ban.

Barring independent journalists from the peninsula helps to choke the flow of information about their crackdown on Crimean Tatar activists and other abuses, she added.



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 Crimea in 2014.



On January 18, Ibrahimov told RFE/RL that Russia's Border Guard Service, a branch of the Federal Security Service (FSB), banned him from entering Russia and Crimea until the middle of 2054.

Ibrahimov, who works with the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, said he believed the travel ban was connected with my journalism and my work for publications that actively cover the cases of Crimean Tatars in Crimea and in Russia."



OSCE Representative for Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir on January 21 said he deplored Russia's decision and called on those responsible to respect the role of media actors and to allow journalists to travel without restrictions to carry out their work.

Since 2018, Russian authorities banned a Ukrainian photographer and a Ukrainian journalist who also worked with the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service from entering Crimea and Russia until 2028. Another Ukrainian reporter was issued a four-year-ban in 2016.

With reporting by the Crimea Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
Last month, Kevin Charoensri received an opportunity that most 15-year-old composers dont get to have. He led and heard a band of 70 international students play his original song in Sydney, Australia.

Kevin, who is entering his sophomore year at Santa Fe Christian Schools (SFCS) in the fall, conducted his original piece, Return, as part of his school bands eight-day trip to the land down under in mid-June for the Sydney Youth Musicale festival at the Sydney Opera House.

A few months before the trip, Kevin  who has had his school band perform his original pieces at smaller-scale events like concerts and recitals  asked his band director, David Hall, if he could write a piece for the festival. Hall obliged, acknowledging Kevins talents as a budding composer.

For the performance  which included Kevins piece and four additional songs  two dozen players from SFCS were joined by musicians from Linfield Christian School in Temecula, SFCS sister school who invited them on the trip, and students from Shire Christian School in Sydney to make up a total of about 70 players, ranging from the eighth to 12th grades.

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Just getting the full instrumentation and so many people, who all have the same goal and intent, to play my music in such an amazing way was incredible, said Kevin, who lives in Carlsbad. I was quite impressed and proud of them.

The teenager, who has been composing music since he was in sixth grade and wants to write film scores as a career, spent months writing the five-minute, six-section song as an homage to his schools return to Australia since its first trip in 1999. The five-minute, six-section song evokes different emotions, Kevin said.

The three schools only had three rehearsals together prior to the performance, but the young composer said the students pulled off his piece incredibly.

It wasnt an easy piece, and I knew that going into it, he said. We had a few 11-year-olds and 12-year-olds, possibly even younger, who were just starting out on their instruments. Some of them were so small, and I was impressed by how well they could just perform it. Everything was so tight, fast and pressured, and they managed it. They just did an incredible job making it into something I could never imagine.

Hall, the band director at SFCS, said Kevin received a standing ovation after he finished conducting Return.

It was a great experience for that young man, Hall recalled. When he finished conducting the piece, the whole place erupted in applause.

Hall, who has taken his students on trips to places like the Bahamas and Prague, said the group excursions allow his students to bond and gain more experience as performers.

These types of trips open up the students eyes, gives them a taste of a new culture and gives them information about different places that were going and really opens up their experience to excellence in performance in music, he said. They just get exposed to a really high-caliber of excellence. My hope is that they come back and grow from that experience so they become even more committed to doing what they did to get the opportunity to be on one of these trips.
Travelers wear face masks as they walk outside of the Beijing Railway Station in Beijing on Jan. 20, 2020. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

CDC Spokesman Confirms First US Case of China Coronavirus

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the first U.S. case of the mysterious coronavirus that has already claimed lives and sickened hundreds more in China.

A traveler from China was diagnosed in Seattle with the Wuhan coronavirus, a CDC spokesman, Benjamin Haynes, confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday. The New York Times and CNN also reported on the development.

The health agency will offer more details about the case later Tuesday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected Wednesday to hold a meeting with a panel of medical experts to determine if the Wuhan virus outbreak should trigger a global health emergency. The virus has been reported in around five countries so far.

In addition, info about newly reported #nCoV2019 infections suggests there may now be sustained human-to-human transmission. But more information and analysis are needed on this new virus to understand the full extent of human-to-human transmission and other important details.  World Health Organization Western Pacific (@WHOWPRO) January 21, 2020

It was in 2019 when the WHO declared a global health emergency for an infectious disease following an outbreak of Ebola in eastern Congo, which killed thousands of people. The agency declared global health emergencies for the Zika virus in 2016, the 2009 swine flu, and the Ebola and polio outbreaks in 2014.

Its not clear if the infected person in Seattle was able to transmit the virus to anyone else in the United States.

Chinese health authorities acknowledged Monday that the coronavirus has been transmitted between humans, prompting concerns of an epidemic in China as hundreds of millions of people travel across the country for Chinese New Year this week.

Officials said most of the cases are in Hubei Province, of which Wuhan is its capital city. We recommend outsiders not come to Wuhan and also that Wuhan residents not leave Wuhan without a special reason, Zhou Xianwang, the citys mayor, told state media on Tuesday.

On Monday, the CDC wrote that many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China have reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting limited person-to-person spread is occurring.

As a result, the agency said it updated its travel health notice system to provide information to people who might be traveling to Wuhan.

The CDC announced it also started entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan China to the three main ports of entry in the United States starting Jan. 17.
Screen Australia has praised Australian production companies for their achievements in 2019 in Scripted & Documentary titles, amid an onslaught of international content.

Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia said, In 2019 we saw a wave of new shows on the small screen that were of an incredibly high calibre. Foxtels Lambs of God became the most nominated show in AACTA history, ABCs Total Control was Australias first series selected for the Toronto International Film Festival and Network 10 quickly ordered season two of Five Bedrooms such was the audience demand. True Australian stories on TV also remain perennially popular, with 2019 producing landmark titles such as Australia in Colour and Love on the Spectrum that became community talking points.

Its also fantastic to see creators benefiting from their original IP. Every Cloud Productions developed the Miss Fisher property originally for the ABC, followed by a hit spin-off for Channel Seven last year, a Chinese adaptation on the way and now one of the most anticipated films of 2020 in Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears.

Amongst the new players, it was telling that Stan built its entire 2019 / 20 summer strategy around four Australian titles, which was a very public endorsement of the ability of local content to attract audiences.

According to national ratings results, half of the top 10 Australian scripted titles in 2019 were broadcast on the ABC, with all the commercial free to air broadcasters also represented amongst the most popular shows. Most of the top 10 were debut series.

Position Title Episodes Broadcaster Ratings^ 1 Utopia series 4 8 ABC 1,200,000 2 Home and Away series 32 243 Seven 1,031,000 3 Total Control* 6 ABC 1,012,000 4 Seachange* 8 Nine 997,000 5 The Cry 4 ABC 936,000 6 Bad Mothers* 8 Nine 934,000 7 Harrow series 2 10 ABC 934,000 8 Five Bedrooms series 1* 8 10 865,000 9 Ms Fishers MODern Murder Mysteries* 4 Seven 805,000 10 Les Norton* 10 ABC 775,000

*Screen Australia funded. ^average audience, metro + regional 28 day, see source notes.

According to Screen Australia, the decline in linear television viewing is in part being offset by growing catch-up consumption. For instance, The Hunting became SBSs highest-rated drama commission ever with 624,000 viewers^, which was further amplified by 194,000 to 242,000# viewers watching each episode on SBS on Demand. The Cry recorded the biggest catch-up audience of any Australian drama with 267,000  318,000 viewers per episode on ABC iview#. The introduction of OzTAMs Virtual Australia in 2020 is expected to make it easier to measure total viewership going forward. (#VPM, video player measurement).

Although it premiered in 2018, special mention must be made for Ludo Studios now global hit Bluey, which had a series rating of 2.4 million in 2019 on ABC iview alone (figure courtesy of the ABC, OzTAM Plays Begin Event, VPM Average). Disney reported Bluey reached 16 million US viewers in the last quarter of 2019 since its launch on Disney Junior in October.

Australian television documentaries remain popular, with the bulk of content commissioned by the public broadcasters.

Screen Australia reports due to complexities in the definition of documentary, only the top 10 Screen Australia-funded television documentaries are included below. A notable exclusion is the ABCs Old Peoples Home for 4 Year Olds at 1,118,000 viewers^.

Series remain the most popular documentary format, however demand for the Michael Hutchence feature documentary Mystify was also strong, despite having had a successful cinema run in the same year.

Position Title Episodes Broadcaster Ratings^ 1 Magical Land of Oz 3 ABC 928,000 2 The Cult of the Family 3 ABC 818,000 3 Love on the Spectrum 4 ABC 797,000 preliminary 4 The Crown and Us: The Story of the Royals in Australia 2 ABC 787,000 5 Aftermath: Beyond the Firestorm 1 ABC 767,000 6 Mystify 1 ABC 746,000 7 The Pool 2 ABC 669,000 8 Australia in Colour series 1 4 SBS 578,000 9 Employable Me series 2 3 ABC 556,000 10 Every Family has a Secret series 1 3 SBS 541,000

^average audience, metro + regional 28 day, see source notes.
After officially sending its" military advisers "and officers to support the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), Turkey set up air defense systems near Mitiga Airport. The airport hosts warplanes of the GNA Air Force, and Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB2 combat drones. According to photos and videos available online, the deployed Turkish systems included the MIM-23 Hawk, the ACV-30 Korkut SPAAG, and the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel 3D radar.

Since the start of the advance of the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar on Tripoli in April 2019, Mitiga Airport repeatedly became a target of airstrikes. These strikes led to notable losses in GNA military aircraft. The Turkish move is apparently aimed at securing operations from Mitiga Airport. Despite this, the facility still remains too close to the frontline and thus any aircraft deployed there remains in a constant danger.

Meanwhile, the number of members of Turkish-backed Syrian militant groups deployed in Libya reportedly grew to 2,400. According to reports, 1,700 more Syrian fighters are now passing training in military camps in Turkey before being deployed to fight on the side of the GNA. The total number of Turkish proxies in Libya remains unconfirmed. However, photos and videos appearing online indicate that hundreds of Turkish-backed fighters arrive Libya via planes on a regular basis.

On January 18, the Benghazi-based government allied with the LNA blocked oil exports at ports under his control, slashing output by more than a half. According to Libyas National Oil Corp., oil output will fall by about 800,000 barrels a day, costing $55 million daily. The corporation declared Force Majeure, which can allow Libya, which holds Africas largest-proven oil reserves, to legally suspend delivery contracts. The LNA says that the ports were closed in response to demands of the Libyan nation that stands against the GNA-requested Turkish intervention.

The move came ahead the Berlin conference demonstrated to international players the LNA readiness to provide own course regardless the possible cost. The conference took place on January 19 involving top delegations from the GNA, the LNA, as well as global and regional players, including the USA, Turkey, the UAE, Egypt, Russia, France, Italy and Germany.

The participants of the Berlin conference declared their support the ceasefire between the GNA, the LNA, declared their commitment to a political solution of the conflict. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the warring sides in Libyas conflict agreed to respect an arms embargo and not to provide the varying sides with military support. The representatives of the Libyan conflict agreed to form a five-by-five military commission that should work on resolving the existing tensions. The document on Libya will have to be approved by the UN Security Council. This makes the Libyan peace process dependent on other geopolitical issues.

On top of that, the unconditional ceasefire goes against interests of the LNA, which has an upper hand in an open military confrontation with the GNA. Haftar may regret that he agreed to participate in the Berlin negotiations format, where he faced a joint pressure from Western powers involved in the conflict.
Uber Eats became the most-downloaded food delivery app around the world last month. App market research firm Sensor Tower published its list of top food delivery apps by worldwide downloads for December 2019. Uber Eats managed to top the number of downloads in the food delivery category on both the App Store and Google Play. Indian food delivery apps like Zomato and Swiggy also made their way into the list.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats became the most downloaded food delivery app worldwide last month. Uber Eats hit close to 7.7 million installs, which represented a 1 percent increase from the same period last to last year. The countries with the most installs of the app during this period were the United States at 18 percent of its total downloads. Brazil contributed 15 percent of the total installs.

Following Uber Eats, Grab was the second most installed food delivery app worldwide last month with more than 4 million installs. The countries with the largest number of Grab installs were Indonesia at 37 percent, followed by Vietnam at 14 percent. Meanwhile, apps like Dominos, Swiggy, and Zomato rounded out the top five most installed food delivery apps worldwide for December 2019.

READ | Zomato acquires Uber Eats business in India, users to be redirected from Jan 21

As far as Google Play downloads are concerned, the Indian food delivery app Swiggy became the third-most-downloaded food delivery app last month. Headquartered in Bengaluru, Swiggy is set to launch its cloud kitchens to 12 new cities by March 2020. Currently, Swiggy has established 1,000 cloud kitchens for its restaurant partners.

Zomato on Tuesday said it has acquired the Indian business of Uber Eats in an all-stock deal that will give Uber a 9.99% stakes in the Indian food delivery and restaurant discovery platform.

Top food delivery apps by downloads [December 2019]

Uber Eats Grab Dominos Swiggy Zomato iFood DoorDash Luckin Coffee Foodpanda Rappi

Top food delivery apps on the App Store [December 2019]

Uber Eats Luckin Coffee DoorDash US Group Take-Out Grab Dominos Hungry? Box Horse Yelp KFC Home Delivery

Top food delivery apps on Google Play [December 2019]

Uber Eats Grab Swiggy Zomato iFood Dominos Foodpanda Rappi Glovo KFC Home Delivery

Also, Food delivery app, Zomato today announced acquisition of Uber Eats in India in an all-stock deal. Uber Eats was launched in India in 2017 and it had partnered with over 25000 restaurants. It was competing with Zomato and Swiggy in India. After the acquisition all restaurants, delivery partners and users of the app will move to Zomato and Uber Eats will discontinue operations.
Agency will meet on Wednesday to decide whether to declare outbreak public health emergency of international concern.

A World Health Organization (WHO) emergency panel will meet this week to discuss a new SARS-like virus that has spread beyond China and that officials in Beijing have said is contagious between humans.

The new coronavirus strain, first discovered in the central city of Wuhan, has caused alarm because of its connection to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

SARS originated in southern China in 2002 and spread to Hong Kong and elsewhere in the world, infecting thousands of people. More than 800 people died.

The total number of people diagnosed with the new virus has risen to 218, with cases confirmed in Beijing, Shanghai and the southern province of Guangdong province. A third person died in Wuhan, the local health commission said.

The WHO panel will meet in Geneva on Wednesday to determine whether to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern  a rare designation only used for the gravest epidemics.

WHO said earlier that an animal source seemed to be the most likely primary source, with some limited human-to-human transmission occurring between close contacts.





Cases expected to increase

A seafood market in Wuhan is believed to be the centre of the outbreak.

But Zhong Nanshan, a renowned scientist at Chinas National Health Commission who helped expose the scale of the SARS outbreak, said patients could contract the new virus without having visited the city.

Currently, it can be said it is affirmative that there is the phenomenon of human-to-human transmission, he said in an interview with CCTV.

In Guangdong, two patients were infected by family members who visited Wuhan, while 14 medical staff helping with coronavirus patients had also been infected, Zhong said.

Zhong predicted an increase of viral pneumonia cases during this weeks Lunar New Year holiday  when hundreds of millions of people travel to visit family  but expressed confidence in curbing the spread of the virus, Chinas official Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday.

Medical staff at the Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan where patients with pneumonia caused by the new strain of coronavirus are being treated [Reuters]

Over the next week, 2,131 flights will depart Wuhan for other Chinese cities, according to the Flightradar24 website. A further 205 are headed for overseas destinations, the most frequent of which is Thailand, which will receive 54 flights in the January 20-27 period, the website said.

Scientists with the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College in London warned in a paper published on Friday that the number of cases in Wuhan was likely to be closer to 1,700, much higher than the official figure.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal filed his nomination on Tuesday after waiting for over six hours, Aam Aadmi Party said, and held the BJP responsible for the delay, a charge dismissed as "drama" by the saffron party.

Kejriwal, who was scheduled to file his papers on Monday, could not do so as he got delayed due to his own roadshow. Tuesday was the last day of filing of nominations for February 8 Delhi Assembly polls, results of which will be declared on February 11.

Accompanied by his family members, including parents and senior party leaders, the Delhi Chief Minister filed his nomination from the New Delhi constituency, which he won in 2015 by a huge margin of over 27,000 votes.

While waiting for his turn, Kejriwal tweeted,"my token no is 45. There are many people here to file nomination papers. Am so glad so many people participating in democracy."



In a photo posted on Twitter, Kejriwal could be seen waiting along with several people to file his nomination papers.

A number of AAP leaders alleged that around 35 candidates with incomplete papers were insisting that they will not allow the chief minister to file unless their nominations were filed.

"No matter how much you conspire, you will not be able to stop Kejriwal from filing his nomination or from becoming the chief minister for the third time," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted tagging the BJP.

"Your conspiracies will not yield any result," he added.

Earlier, AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj in a tweet had alleged that around 35 candidates were sitting in the New Delhi SDM's Jamnagar House office along with the chief minister without proper nomination papers or even 10 proposers.

Hitting back at the AAP, Delhi BJP's spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor dismissed these allegations as "drama", and alleged that the delay was "orchestrated" by the AAP itself.

"If they wanted, they could have reached at 11 in the morning but they wanted TV footage for which they did all this drama," Kapoor alleged.

A senior official in the Delhi CEO Office said, "all procedures, as laid down, were followed for the nomination process for the New Delhi constituency".

Tuesday being the last day to file nominations, so there is a lot of rush from various candidates, he added.

According to procedures, while the time for filing nominations ends at 3 pm, candidates who have collected tokens to file their papers before the stipulated time are allowed to do so.

The last day of nominations turned more dramatic when two groups --'#1857dobara' and a union of sacked DTC employees-- fielded their members to register their protest against Kejriwal.

The group of people under the banner of '#1857dobara' fielded around 150 candidates as independents.

"The only reason we chose New Delhi assembly was because Kejriwal started his movement from here but himself started selling tickets," said Raghav Tiwari, an advocate who facilitated in filing of nominations of '#1857dobara' members.

He also said that these are the same people who have been previously associated with the Anna Hazare movement. However, he refuted reports that it was purposely done to delay the nomination of Kejriwal.

Another group of sacked DTC employees who fielded its 25 members said it was done to register their protest against the chief minister.

"We wanted to show the Aam Aadmi Party, which has become Khaas Aadmi Party, its place," said Balmiki Jaha, president of the union.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[January 21, 2020] Bell Let's Talk supports at-risk youth in Peguis First Nation with the Bell Spirit and the Land Excursion Camp

$110,000 donation to support traditional cultural programming at SunLodge Village PEGUIS FIRST NATION, MB, Jan. 21, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced a donation of $110,000 to the Peguis Foundation and SunLodge Village to support a 4-season land-based traditional wellness program for at-risk youth in Peguis First Nation. "Bell Let's Talk is proud to support SunLodge Village and the traditional programming it offers young people in Peguis First Nation," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "The Peguis Foundation and SunLodge Village are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the next generation and we look forward to partnering to help more at-risk youth in Manitoba through traditional healing practices." The Bell Spirit and the Land Excursion Camp will engage a total of 64 youth participants annually over 4 years. At these traditional camps, at-risk youth will come to find their Indigenous identity, reconnect with the strength of their traditional culture, and address their mental health issues in traditional ways. The program seeks to provide an integrated experience of healing in all aspects of health, including body, mind, spirit and relationships with others. "Elders hold crucial roles in supporting education in our communities and serve as positive role models for young people and their families," said Lloyd Sinclair, President of Peguis Foundation Inc. "Peguis Foundation is pleased to partner with the SunLodge Village and Bell Let's Talk to provide a traditional learning environment for our elders to share their knowledge with our children, building a strong community for future generations." Youth will experience traditional ways of living through camping, learning survival skills, harvesting and preparing traditional foods, gathering natural medicines, and sharing the harvest with family and community. These experiences will be integrated with traditional teachings, sharing circles and ceremony to foster healing through cultural connection. "As the first people of Turtle Island, we recognize and acknowledge the original and natural laws, for the sake of our mother the earth, who sustains all life," said the Elders of SunLodge. "Many mental health issues affecting the lives of our people are caused by disconnection from our traditional ways of being. We are grateful for this new partnership with Bell Let's Talk, which will provide additional opportunities for youth to be on the land, learning about their culture and improving their health and wellbeing." Today's announcement is the latest major commitment from the Bell Let's Talk fund for Indigenous mental health in Manitoba, which was announced in 2017 following the creation of Bell MTS. Other groups supported by the fund include Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata in 2017, Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin in 2018, and Bear Clan Patrol and Behavioural Health Foundation in 2019.



For more information about how to get involved with the Bell Spirit and the Land Excursion Camp at the SunLodge Village, please contact Ernest Stevenson at 431-338-2445. Bell Let's Talk Day is January 29

Everyone is invited to join the conversation on Bell Let's Talk Day by sending messages of support across multiple platforms to drive awareness and action in mental health.

Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of the following communications, at no extra cost to participants beyond what they would normally pay their service provider for online or phone access: Talk: Every mobile and every long distance call made by Bell wireless and phone customers

Text: Every text message sent by Bell wireless customers

Twitter: Every tweet and retweet using #BellLetsTalk, featuring the special Bell Let's Talk emoji, and every Bell Let's Talk Day video view at Twitter.com/Bell_LetsTalk

Facebook: Every Bell Let's Talk Day video view at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk and every use of the Bell Let's Talk frame

Instagram: Every Bell Let's Talk Day video view at Instagram.com/Bell_LetsTalk

Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let's Talk filter and every Bell Let's Talk Day video view

YouTube: Every Bell Let's Talk Day video view at YouTube.com/BellCanada The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is focused on 4 key action pillars: Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership. Since its launch in September 2010, Bell Let's Talk has partnered with more than 1,000 organizations providing mental health services in every region of Canada, including hospitals, universities and other care and research organizations. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. About Peguis Foundation and SunLodge Village

Peguis Foundation Inc. is an independent registered charitable organization that supports local Indigenous non-profit organizations, including the SunLodge Village at Peguis First Nation. The SunLodge Village is a Manitoba registered non-profit organization of Indigenous Elders, traditional knowledge carriers, volunteers and community members. As an Indigenous grassroots organization, the SunLodge Village operates without government funding. The SunLodge Village is dedicated to promoting health, strength and resilience among Indigenous people through providing ceremonies, traditional teachings, community gatherings and land-based experiences. Media Inquiries: Morgan Shipley

Bell MTS

204-391-2849

[email protected]

@Bell_LetsTalk

@Bell_News Maurice Brubacher

SunLodge Village

705-665-2234

[email protected] SOURCE Bell Canada

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The Guardians: A Novel: an entertaining spiritual story that will leave the readers craving to discover how the angels fought battles with bravery and wit. The Guardians: A Novel is the creation of published author T. Brown, a person who heard the call of God through recent years of struggles and hardships.

Brown writes, The beginning of good versus evil. Hear the story from those who were there from the start. Heaven against hell. God versus Lucifer in a war for ultimate power. God with his divine sons battles Lucifer and his fallen angels for rights to mankind, along with finally naming the one God of it all. The first novel of a saga with a new twist in the epic telling of one of the oldest stories ever told that all people from different lives will love and fantasize about. It is certainly not your grandmas Bible story and will leave you craving to know what happens next as Michael and Gabriel (to name a few) fight battles of strength and wits. However, Lucifer will prove to be a tough adversary through his many schemes and deception.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, T. Browns new book is a compelling account that urges the readers to be more vigilant and brave in battling the deception of Lucifer and his fallen angels to mankind.

With this book, Brown aims to give the readers an opportunity to know how desperate evil is in deceiving everyone, especially those who are weak in faith.

View a synopsis of The Guardian: A Novel on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Guardians: A Novel at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Guardians: A Novel, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Dr Gupta handled Shivade's blows with quite some equanimity...

So it was often only Shivade down in the mud pit, egging and enticing the doctor to join the fight, while Dr Gupta cautiously kept to the sidelines, barely stepping a toe into the mud.

Vaihayasi P Daniel reports from the Sheena Bora murder trial.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

The sun had set and darkness had come to court by the time the intensely methodical, jumbo cross examination of Prosecution Witness 61 Dr Sudhir Kumar Gupta, by Peter Mukerjea's lawyer, Shrikant Shivade, ended at nearly 6.45 pm on Monday, January 20, 2020, in the Sheena Bora murder trial at Courtroom 51 at the Mumbai city civil and sessions court, Kala Ghoda, south Mumbai.

The six-hour 'cross' had been a fairly bumpy ride, with plenty of both expected and unexpected pockets of turbulence.

Further, there was much about Monday's proceedings that often muddied the waters and a simple picture did not emerge. Instead, a confusing multi-stranded narrative presented itself.

Rewind: Dr Gupta, professor and head of the department of forensic medicine at New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences, had been contacted by the Central Bureau of Investigation, in October 2015. with the request that he and his team submit a second opinion on a skeleton the police/CBI declared was Sheena Bora's, found near the village of Gagode Khurd, Raigad, rural Maharashtra in 2012, and exhumed in 2015.

That was not an unusual occurrence because AIIMS is often asked to weigh in on what is termed 'high-profile' cases.

Dr Gupta's 'testimony in chief' before the judge last Tuesday and Wednesday had not been particularly dramatic/electric or packed with any earth-shaking details, either new or old.

The team he had specially constituted at AIIMS to examine the remains concluded, in a report, that it was the skeleton of a woman of approximately 23 years and 158 cm +/- and the death -- in which 'asphyxia as a result of strangulation' cannot be ruled out.

This opinion -- based on 'elimination of associated causes of death' -- was pegged at having occurred three years before (they examined in 2015). These specifics approximately matched the specifics of Sheena's alleged homicide.

It was an extremely muscular, bicep-flaunting, Shivade, who started off his cross-examination of Dr Gupta, throwing out the punches at the forensic medicine expert as if he was undoubtedly the doctor and Dr Gupta at best a junior medical assistant.

This kind of role reversal, where the lawyer comes with enough professional tomes to scare the expert into wondering if he needs to redo his degree, is one of Shivade's prime battle stratagems.

They were not so unevenly matched, it would seem.

Because Dr Gupta, on the other hand, handled Shivade's blows with quite some equanimity, not getting hot under the collar. Nor going off track with long-winded answers or excessive irrelevant details. Or even throwing the punches back in this fairly engrossing bout of court-style mud-wrestling.

So it was often only Shivade down in the mud pit, egging and enticing the doctor to join the fight, while Dr Gupta cautiously kept to the sidelines, evasively, barely daintily stepping a toe into the mud.

In the highest moments of stress, he would twitch one hand or pause to take out a handkerchief and wipe his face (it was hot with the fans off and in proper Dilli style he was wearing a grey suit with thin blue checks).

But at the start of the 'cross' Shivade was on a charm offensive, several times referring to Dr Gupta as "Doctor Sahib" and commenting that he was a "very soft-spoken celebrity doctor."

That caused CBI Special Judge Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale to muse, with a grin: "But you are a celebrity lawyer."

Bit by bit, Shivade's tone changed. At frequent intervals, he seemed to be, almost to the point of rudeness, strategically, testing Dr Gupta's medical knowledge, like how bones are measured or how many measurements are required or the formula used.

Or he would say: "Be quick. We have to finish today" or "My question is simple. Are you not able to understand?! And you are a gold medallist!"

Judge Jagdale would "Tsk, tsk" him or sternly reprimand with an "O Vakil Sahib", reminding Shivade that Dr Gupta was an expert and needed to be afforded politeness.

Confusion also often resulted when neither the judge nor the lawyer understood Dr Gupta's pronunciation of certain words.

Here were the main points of controversy or disagreement:

1. Shivade spent about 15 to 20 minutes trying to establish before the court a picture of an expert who had not actually done the legwork and was fuzzy about what his team had really done.

To that end the lawyer shot out questions, quizzing the doctor like: "Who dictated the report?" or "Who typed the final report?" and where and when was it typed, how long it took etc.

2. The lawyer wanted to know more about the books Dr Gupta had consulted and why he had not used the books he had.

Naming several top books, many (eight) of them on the lawyer's table in front of him, along with Gray's Anatomy in the courtroom, like British pathologist Bernard Knight's Forensic Pathology, he wondered why the doctor had not relied on what he deemed were the best books in the subject.

He also asked Dr Gupta to pinpoint at what exact juncture and date they had required the textbooks (more testing it would seem) and whether he actually had copies of the books or had got them from the library at AIIMS

3. Several questions followed asking Dr Gupta to name any other case the doctor had been involved in that was closest in its details to the Sheena Bora case ie identification of skeletal remains.

Dr Gupta could not recall any or even the cases he had been involved with before the Sheena Bora case that was about working with a skeleton. He did mention the Nitish Katara honour killing case and the Nithari serial child slayings.

4. Next was a scrutiny of the chain of custody procedures for articles under examination at AIIMS, an area where Shivade usually strikes gold.

Several queries later, the lawyer was able to establish that the articles/exhibits relating to a case (be they bones or samples or whatever) were not "kept under lock and key" although they were kept in Dr Gupta's department in rooms of the board members, that were "under lock and key", but the doctor could not remember if there was any AIIMS "protocol" for their handling.

Shivade, testily: "What is your reason for not remembering this fact?"

Dr Gupta: "I am not concerned with administration."

5. A critically relevant point that surfaced over and over again, at regular intervals, was the evidence of the workings or notes or minutes for the processes/meetings involved that lead the AIIMS "medical board" to make their conclusions.

Dr Gupta could offer no notes for any part of this process that had lasted nearly a month (from 13/10 to 9/11 in 2015). No written records for instructions or guidance given to the team when they visited the site in Raigad.

Or measurements of the bones examined or whether the bones had been weighed.

Or photographic results or notes of the facial reconstruction the doctors had attempted at AIIMS using plaster of Paris and putty.

He even agreed with the lawyer, at one point, that because of "absence of data, the findings arrived at cannot be objectively verified."

Everything had been verbal with no documentation to back up how the final report had been arrived at. The report itself, the lawyer accused, also apparently lacked these details -- enough basis for the conclusions.

Dr Gupta deemed them "unnecessary clerical work" that were not required.

Shivade pounced on that, much to Indrani Mukerjea's enthusiasm at the back. Indrani never misses a chance to do a bit of cheerleading of the defence lawyer via laughs, excitement, exaggerated nods of her head.

Shivade, almost apoplectic, for effect, asked: "Do you want to say measurement of bones by doctors is clerical work?" It later seemed it was more Dr Gupta's wrong choice of word and he meant "unmedical" and more anthropological.

It also emerged that AIIMS had relied largely on the results Mumbai's B Y L Nair hospital's forensic team had produced and that they had on most issues according to Dr Gupta "reiterated the same opinion with a little modifications by adding additional points."

6. Shivade, carefully worked his questions this way and that, to show that though Dr Gupta agreed that an "expert who is giving his opinion should be free from all bias" and his "end result" should depend on "scientific deliberations" there might have been some preconceived notions that could have been difficult to shake off. And therefore bias.

For instance, Dr Gupta said he had been vaguely aware -- "Just heard about some case" -- of the details of the case from the extensive media reportage at the time.

Secondly, the lawyer pointed out that the CBI's request to Dr Gupta mentioned that the skeleton was of Sheena Bora, aged 25, who had been 'killed by some drugs/sedatives and strangulation of her neck'.

Thirdly, Dr Gupta did not recall if he had spoken to the Pen-Raigad doctor who had conducted the first post mortem, Dr Sanjay Thakur, and though he concurred with Shivade that the 'doctor who conducted the first autopsy had the best opportunity to opine the cause of the death' he -- crucially -- did not remember what Dr Thakur had stated was the cause of death.

7. The lawyer quizzed the doctor repeatedly on the facts he remembered about the case. Be it whether he could recall if there had been any report they had perused on how the body had been found -- in the open -- or if a pH test of the soil had been conducted or how the time since death had been estimated.

Most questions drew a blank with Dr Gupta politely offering: "Exactly I do not remember."

8. While re-examining the remains, the AIIMS team had not conducted toxicology or DNA tests using their institution's facilities to see if the remains showed signs of poisoning or to see if all the remains belonged to one skeleton.

Instead, where required, they had asked the CBI to carry out the testing. Dr Gupta finally revealed, with an awkward smile, that they would require a court order to carry out their testing.

Shivade: "Did you tell them to get a court order?"

Dr Gupta, after a tiny uncomfortable silence said he had not because the CBI had their own labs.

Later, although Dr Gupta dodged the question the best he could -- even as Indrani giggled -- he finally admitted that till Monday he had not seen any toxicology report.

9. Shivade, then perforce, to create the courtroom effect he required, made Dr Gupta examine the skull that he had disdained from picking up at his 'chief' last week, for lack of gloves.

In an almost cinematic moment, Shivade, magically produced a white rubber glove from the jacket of his black coat and the lawyer seemed to challenge the doctor to have a go at it.

Caught off guard, the doctor mumbled something and then asked if the glove was from a sealed packet. Dr Gupta, not donning the glove, but using it like a pot holder or something, gingerly held the skull, looking at it uneasily, as if he had not held one in a rather long time.

10. Finally Shivade dwelled with great focus on a. Dr Gupta's assertion that reliance also on circumstantial evidence, given to them by an investigating agency, to determine the cause of death was fine and b. the declaration in the report, submitted by Dr Gupta and his team, that enumerated that there were basically 'four different causes of death' and through the process of elimination, because of absence of injury or fracture to the bones and blood on the bones, the causes got narrowed down, with strangulation one of the only options left.

The lawyer ran through several types of death where the skeleton would not sustain damage -- slitting of the throat, slitting an artery, burning, poisoning, acute subdural hematomas, a knife wound through the ribs (without damaging them) that could fatally wound a person if it slashed either the spleen, heart or liver, a less than 1m bullet that passed through the ribs.

While closing his cross, Shivade began to ask Dr Gupta about two incidents that allegedly affected his career record.

The first was about a paper that Dr Gupta had perhaps attempted to publish. And the second was about the book he had published, where Shivade said, portions had been "copied, even punctuations, commas and mistakes."

His former senior colleague at AIIMS Dr Tirath Das Dogra had accused Dr Gupta of -- according to Shivade -- "theft of a scientific paper" and had taken the matter to the Medical Council Of India. There was a move to have DR Gupta's name "struck off for the period of one year from the Indian Medical Register."

Dr Gupta emphatically denied the accusations, saying he would not lie under oath, still not losing his cool entirely, although his face looked dark and thunderous, He said several times in quiet anger: "You are demeaning me. I will not allow it."

He turned his back to Shivade, ignoring him, and began putting together his papers.

The judge reined Shivade in telling him it was "Jasta (too much)".

Dr Gupta pulled out a letter from his files from AIIMS that said he had "no major/minor penalty imposed" against him and no "vigilance case is pending or contemplated" and gave it to the judge.

Shivade's closing accusations were innumerable and strong: "You have no expertise whatsoever"... (You) did not conduct any examination. You are a handpicked expert of CBI... All findings regarding cause of death, age, sex etc are false and this is the reason as to why the record of measurements have not produced before court... Exclusion of other causes of death is highly unscientific and unheard in the history of forensic medicine anywhere in the world."

Dr Gupta did not reply, except at one point to say that his methods were scientific.

The lawyer then thanked the doctor and there was a sudden release of tension in the room. Dr Gupta grinned at Shivade and exited the witness stand, not too worse for the wear.

He said afterwards, without heat, that it had been a satisfactory cross examination and that he had been asked to depose as the senior-most member of the AIIMS team, to make impact in a critical case, but a lot of the detailed work had been done by his team members with his role being more supervisory or as a guide.

Dr Gupta was later spied smoking a cigarette outside the court, his jacket off and resting folded on his arm.

Vaihayasi Pande Daniel covers the Sheena Bora Murder Trial for Rediff.com. You can read her fascinating coverage here.
Armed mobile policemen, have taken over Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos, proposed venue for a protest code-named Amotekun Solidarity Walk organised by Yoruba World Congress.

The peaceful protest is supposed to take place in all South-West states.

Our correspondent, who is currently at the venue noticed heavy presence of security personnel in major recreation parks.

One of the leaders of the group is currently in talk with police while people hang around the venue.

YWC had called on Yoruba sons and daughters to come out in large numbers on Tuesday to participate in a rally to support Operation Amotekun, a security network recently established by governors of South-West Nigeria to wage war against insecurity across the region.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
What little he has said about impeachment  advisers acknowledge he is being conspicuously quiet on the issue  has been critical, describing the process as a total circus. Having already endorsed Trumps reelection, the 45-year-old has shown no inclination to bow to Democratic demands for what they describe as the basic ingredients of a fair trial.
Facebook must turn over information to the Massachusetts attorney generals office regarding thousands of apps that the social media company suspects of misusing users data, a judge decided.

The order issued by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Brian Davis on Friday stated that Facebook has refused to turn over information about specific apps, groups of apps and developers that the platform has flagged as potentially problematic or worthy of further examination.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey launched an investigation in March 2018 following revelations that data mining firm Cambridge Analytica used ill-gotten data from millions of Facebook users through an app, then used the data to try to influence U.S. elections.

In response to the scandal, Facebook began looking into the apps that have access to its users data.

In September, Facebook announced it had suspended tens of thousands of apps made by about 400 third-party developers as part of its investigation. The announcement was made the same day legal documents were unsealed in Massachusetts revealing the company had suspended 69,000 apps. Facebook has made some disclosures, but has not announced the identities of the applications.

Facebook had argued that Healeys office was seeking information from its own investigations that are protected by attorney-client privilege or the work product doctrine  the protection of materials prepared in anticipation of litigation.

Healeys office called the companys arguments meritless.

Consumers have a right to know how their personal information is used, she said in a statement Friday. Facebook simply telling its users that their data is safe without the facts to back it up does not work for us.

Facebook is reviewing its options, including appeal, a spokesman said in a statement. The company was ordered to hand over the information within 90 days. A status conference for the case is set for March 31.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Developer Oxford Properties intends to turn the parking lots that ring the popular Square One shopping centre in the heart of Mississauga into a vibrant, walkable community with thousands of housing units.

Oxford has unveiled a plan for a major new mixed-use development featuring 37 towers and 18,000 residential units with room for 35,000 people.

The 130-acre, 18-million-square-foot project called Square One District, near Highway 403 and Hurontario Street, will also feature parks, office space and a pedestrian-friendly civic area called The Strand, a main boulevard.

One of the priorities is to have a walkable community that will ultimately become a real downtown for Mississauga, said Eric Plesman, executive vice-president and head of North America for Oxford Properties.

Weve been very focused on making sure that sustainability is top of mind, that there is green space there, that its not simply a concrete jungle. The intent here is to actually make it lively and exciting, he said.

At least half of the new units will be purpose-built rental apartments, Plesman said. They will be available at market rent, he added. There wont be any affordable housing.

Given the rental housing shortage in the GTA, Oxford is trying to get supply into the market to address the demand that we ultimately have, he said, noting about 40 per cent of the units in the first phase will be two- or three-bedroom units to make them attractive to families.

The new district will also be connected to the Hurontario LRT and Rapid Bus Transit, which will give people the ability to ditch the car, said Daniel ODonnell, director of media with Oxford Properties Group.

The multi-decade project is in line with the City of Mississauga master plan, said Veronica Maggisano, director of development with Oxford, adding they are in the process of site plan approval with city planning staff.

City of Mississauga spokesperson Audrey Holt said the city has received two development applications from Oxford Properties for downtown, including for phase one of the project. They are both under review and have not been approved by the city but are already permitted by the official plan and zoning.

Brent Toderian, city planning consultant with Toderian UrbanWorks and former Vancouver chief planner, sees the planned Square One District as a very positive thing calling malls the low-hanging fruit for suburban transformation.

Mall mixed-use developments are a trend across North America, thats not new but hitting its stride, he said.

Its now normal and a no brainier instead of something that a decade ago seemed a bit radical.

Theres a 20-year vision for developers at Yorkdale mall, which includes a hotel and as many as 12 residential towers. At Scarborough Town Centre theres a similar vision for as many as 36 highrise towers around the mall.

Canada can learn from the U.S., where developers have been transforming failing malls for longer, Toderian said. But the malls here arent failing in the same way, because of more government regulation on planning.

The project also marks another major housing development eyed for Mississauga.

M City, which calls for between eight and 10 highrise towers, is being built by Rogers Real Estate. Beyond downtown, theres Lakeview Village, a multibillion-dollar mixed-use project planned for 177 acres. Its slated for the former site of the decommissioned coal-fired Lakeview Generating Station, near Port Credit in Mississauga. This project promises 8,000 new units for up to 17,000 people.

In the first phase of housing for Square One District, Oxford and AIMco are partnering with the Daniels Corporation to build two residential towers with 420 rental units and 570 condos, 36 and 48 storeys respectively, at the southeast corner of Rathburn Road and Confederation Parkway. Oxford says ground breaking for the buildings would happen this summer.

The new project includes plans for office units, and Oxford says it will start marketing the first office tower later this year.

Toderian urges the city to take a very proactive and strategic role with the developer to make sure the project becomes the urban space its promising to be.

The key to the districts success will be making sure that its a true mix of uses, scaled to people, and has a sense of place. But what will really determine success or failure is if theyre willing to really tame the car, he adds. And they means the City of Mississauga, not the developer.

The real owner of the conversation about a real downtown is the city, the public, he said.

No single developer creates a downtown.

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The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has approved Bharti Airtel's application to increase the limit of foreign investment up to 100 percent of the paid-up share capital of the company. Earlier, the allowed quota was r 49%. This is going to help the telco bring in more overseas funds.

"The Company has received the approval from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) vide its letter dated January 20, 2020 for increasing the limit of foreign investment upto 100 percent of the paid up capital of the Company," Bharti Airtel said in a filing to the exchanges.

It added in the statement that the approval, read together with the RBI approval dated July 3, 2014, granted to the company allows Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) to invest up to 74 percent of the paid up share capital of the company.

Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) is usually allowed via the automatic route in most sectors barring a few like defence, telecom, media, pharmaceuticals and insurance. In these sectors, government approval is required for foreign investors looking to put their money in the company.

Under the government route, foreign investors are required to seek prior approval from the respective ministry or department while under the automatic route, all they have to do is inform the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after the investment has been made.

Bharti Airtel also recently embarked on a fundraising exercise, the proceeds from which will be used by the company to clear its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. The company has a liability of nearly Rs 35,586 crore in additional statutory dues following the Supreme Court's ruling on the AGR liabilities of telecom players in the country.
Supreme Court Denies House, Blue States Effort to Fast-Track Obamacare Appeals

The Supreme Court has rejected requests by the House of Representatives and Democratic-led states to expedite a review of a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, meaning the future of the health care law is unlikely to be decided until after the 2020 presidential election.

Lawmakers and state officials from a coalition of blue states asked the high court in a pair of appeals earlier this month to take up the case and review the lower courts decision on an expedited schedule. They argued that the courts expeditious consideration is necessary because of the uncertainty the lower courts decision has on health insurance and the health care marketplace, as well as for millions of Americans who have purchased coverage under Obamacare (pdf).

In December 2019, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 21 that a key tenet of Obamacare was unconstitutional. The judges in the majority said a provision in the law, referred to as the individual mandate, which required people to obtain health insurance or pay a tax penalty, was invalid after Congress removed the tax penalty in 2017, rendering the law unenforceable.

Following Congresss amendment, a group of red states and two private individuals filed a lawsuit claiming that the provision was no longer constitutional and that the entire ACA needed to be invalidated because the provision was inseverable from the rest of the law.

A district court judge in Texas found in favor of the plaintiffs, prompting an appeal to the appeals court. The appeals court upheld the plaintiffs constitutional claims and sent the case back to the district court for a more detailed review of the question of severability.

In a brief order (pdf), the justices denied the Democratic-led House and blue states motions to fast-track the appeals, but didnt rule out a full review of the cases.

The Trump administration, which has declined to defend the ACA, had urged the high court to deny the motions filed by the Democrats. They argued that there was no rush for the Supreme Court to consider the case because the district court needed to make a decision on the issue of severability before the top court should take up the case.

As the case comes to this court, no lower-court ruling exists on severability or the appropriate remedy. Far from being urgently needed, this courts review thus would be premature, Solicitor General Noel Francisco wrote in the filing (pdf) for the Trump administration.

Absent any operative ruling invalidating the ACAs other provisions in the interim, the accelerated review petitioners seek is unnecessary, he added.

He said instead of intervening, the court should let the lower courts complete their own consideration of the question of severability.

Californias Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a Twitter statement that he hopes the top court would grant their review. California is one of the states appealing the case.

The health and wellbeing of millions of our loved ones who rely on the ACA for healthcare is too important. We will do everything in our power to keep fighting for them, he said.

Its still unclear whether the Supreme Court will take up the case this year, given its busy docket. If the court decides to hear the challenge, it would likely be heard in the courts next term, which begins in October.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Attorneys for the House also didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Update: The article has been updated on Jan. 22 to include Californian Attorney General Xavier Becerras statement.
Rudy Giuliani threw his former associate Lev Parnas under the bus in an interview Monday night, calling the Ukrainian-born businessman a 'liar.'

'Lev is someone I'm  I was close to. Obviously, I was misled by him. I feel very bad. I was godfather to his child,' Giuliani told Fox News' Laura Ingraham.

'I still feel sorry for him,' the president's personal attorney continued. 'I'm not going to respond to him for each and every one of the misrepresentations he's made, because there are so many.'

Parnas, who was arrested and charged with committing campaign finance law violations, recently came out publicly to prove he had a close relationship with Doanld Trump and his family.

He also says he was in Ukraine the past two years working on behalf of the Donald Trump.

Rudy Giuliani said Monday that former associate Lev Parnas is a 'lair' in an attempt to discredit the Ukrainian-born businessman's recent comments

Parnas, who was indicted for campaign finance violations, said everything he did in Ukraine was on the direction of Donald Trump, and insists most of it was in regards to Joe and Hunter Biden

'How many times do I have to prove a man is a liar before he isn't featured any longer as the main witness for all you people in the press?' Giuliani lamented of Parnas, who he said he used to be very close with

Trump has repeatedly said he does not know Parnas, chalking his photographs with him up to being a public figure who takes photos with a lot of people.

Parnas, along with associate Igor Fruman and Giuliani, are at the center of the Ukraine scandal for involvement in pressuring the Eastern European nation to open an investigation into Trump's political rival, Joe Biden.

The Ukrainian businessman turned over to Congress a trove of photographs with him and the Trumps, depicting what he claims was a close relationship with the family.

Parnas said in an interview with MSNBC that he was working in Ukraine with Giuliani on behalf of the the president.

'Did anybody in the U.S. government or Mr. Giuliani actually convey to officials in the Ukraine that you were there as a representative of President Trump?' MSNBC host Rachel Maddow asked Parnas.

'Absolutely. The first thing I did is to introduce myself, and tell them, I'm here on behalf of Rudy Giuliani and the president of the United States,' Parnas said in clipped that were cut together from the interview.

'I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president,' he continued. 'I have no intent, no reason to speak to any of these officials.'

He also said of his work in Ukraine that 'it was all about Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, and also, Rudy had a personal thing with the Manafort stuff.'

Parnas also turned over to Congress a trove of photographs proving his close relationship with Trump and his family after the president continued to insist he did not know him

He also released photos, many showing only part of his face, with members of Trump's family, like his son-in-law Jared Kushner (left) and daughter Ivanka Trump (right)

Giuliani insists Parnas is lying.

'I will tell you that he, in very large part, did not tell the truth,' Giuliani told Ingraham after watching the clip. 'I will not be sucked into a point-by-point response, which I am ready to give in great detail in front of Congress or a court, in which it will turn out that he lied multiple times.'

'How many times do I have to prove a man is a liar before he isn't featured any longer as the main witness for all you people in the press?' Giuliani lamented.

While Democrats claim they could call Parnas as a witness if they are permitted in the Senate impeachment trial, Giuliani claims his former associate is a liar.

Giuliani also said he is ready and willing to be called a witness  after he was not selected to serve as a defense attorney for the president in the impeachment hearing, which will commence Tuesday afternoon.

'If I'm called as a witness, I'm prepared to do it,' Giuliani said in his interview Monday night on The Ingraham Angle. 'In fact, I wouldn't mind being called as a witness for a lot of reasons, including being able to reveal the unbelievable amount of corruption that went on between the Democratic Party and the Ukraine all throughout the Obama administration.'

'I think people will be astounded to know the hundreds of millions of dollars that illegally passed hands between Americans and Ukrainians during that period,' Giuliani continued.

The former New York City mayor's willingness to appear as a witness comes after he was not selected to serve as the president's council in the Senate impeachment trial  where Trump's legal team will have the chance to present his defense.

Rudy Giuliani also said he would be more than willing to act as a witness in Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial, which commences Tuesday  especially after the president did not tap his personal attorney to serve on his impeachment defense team

Instead attorneys Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr will deliver opening arguments this week and White House Counsel Pat Cipollone will take the lead and Trump's personal attorney Jay Seklow will participate, specifically in cross examinations of witnesses, should they appear.

Giuliani, 75, has been lobbying to join the impeachment legal team, will be left on the side lines.

A few officials claimed Giuliani has pressed the president to make him part of the legal team who will argue on the Senate floor against Trump's removal from office.

But a source told CNN earlier this month that the president has been advised against tapping Giuliani to join the legal team, especially due to the attorney's involvement in some issues close to the genesis of the impeachment inquiry.

'The President is never going to have him in the Senate trial, starting with the problem that he's a potential witness,' the source close to Trump said.

It is not yet clear if witnesses will be permitted in the impeachment trial.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would make that decision after hearing opening arguments from both sides, but it is clear the Kentucky Republican does not want to hear any new testimony.
WASHINGTONFor three years, Hillary Clinton has watched the Democratic Party search for a path forward in the Trump era.

Shes watched as liberals and moderates clashed on how best to fight President Donald Trump and a White House that was almost hers. Shes watched as some voters questioned the electability of the six women running for president, doubts that she once faced. Shes watched as Sen. Bernie Sanders has risen, after his withering opposition to her in the 2016 presidential primary, to become the dominant liberal force in the 2020 race.

And shed largely refrained from weighing in  until Tuesday morning, when The Hollywood Reporter published an interview with Clinton promoting a new documentary about her that will premiere Saturday at the Sundance Film Festival. In the documentary, she rips into Sanders and declines to say if she would endorse him and campaign on his behalf if he were to win the Democratic nomination.

Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician, she said. Its all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it. Asked by The Reporter recently if that assessment still held, she replied, Yes, it does.

Her remarks ricocheted across the Democratic Party on Tuesday, threatening to reopen the barely healed wounds of the 2016 primary, a race that quickly turned from a near-coronation of Clinton as the partys first female nominee into a bitter battle that exposed a deep ideological rift among Democrats.

That split over what direction the party should take is now a major issue in the current primary, with Sanders arguing for the full-throated leftist agenda and others counselling moderation. At the same time, he is engaged in a standoff with his liberal ally in the 2020 race, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, that has divided some on the left, over her accusation that he told her in 2018 that a woman could not win the presidency.

Sanders has denied that remark. Clinton, for her part, seized on it and said it was part of a pattern, noting that he said in 2016 that Clinton was unqualified to be president.

Some Democrats fear that Clinton is adding fuel to the tensions within the party, whose leaders have spent years trying to overcome the lingering hostilities of the 2016 campaign, hoping to unify Democrats around the singular mission of defeating Trump.

I just dont think its appropriate for Democrats to be criticizing other Democrats, especially with personal attacks like that, said Gilberto Hinojosa, the chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, who supported both of Clintons primary bids. I understand why there can be bitterness out there. I believe we just need to leave that behind us.

Representatives of both Sanders and Clinton moved quickly to try to quell the furor Tuesday. Fresh off recent battles with not only Warren but also former Vice President Joe Biden, Sanders campaign was eager to avoid another fight that would distract from his closing message less than two weeks before the Iowa presidential caucuses. Sanders apologized Monday to Biden after a Sanders campaign surrogate wrote an opinion article accusing the former vice president of having a big corruption problem.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday in Washington, Sanders said: Secretary Clinton is entitled to her point of view. My job today is to focus on the impeachment trial.

When asked for his response to Clintons assertion that no one liked him, he joked that on a good day, my wife likes me, so lets clear the air on that one.

Clinton tried to clarify her remarks Tuesday evening. I thought everyone wanted my authentic, unvarnished views! she wrote on Twitter. But to be serious, the number one priority for our country and world is retiring Trump, and, as I always have, I will do whatever I can to support our nominee.

Those who have spoken to Clinton recently confirm that she has every intention of supporting the Democratic nominee  even if Sanders ends up winning the primary. Still, even some longtime allies were shocked that she voiced such criticisms of Sanders in an election year, so close to the start of primary voting.

They were far less surprised by the content of her remarks.

Sanders denial in his dispute with Warren over whether he had told her a woman could not defeat Trump infuriated Clinton, according to people close to her. Sanders subsequent refusal to chastise his supporters for attacking Warren and her team online only added to her concern.

Its not only him, its the culture around him. Its his leadership team. Its his prominent supporters. Its his online Bernie Bros, Clinton told The Reporter. It should be worrisome that he has permitted this culture  not only permitted, seems to really be very much supporting it.

People close to Clinton say she has grown worried that attacks from Sanders campaign could hurt the future Democratic nominee in much the same way that she believes they did lasting damage to her. She worries he will not drop out of the race even if it becomes clear he cannot win the nomination, a situation that could exacerbate divisions in the party.

Clinton also does not believe Sanders could beat Trump, telling friends for months that he has never sustained harsh attacks from fellow Democrats on his record and self-described democratic socialism.

Since Sanders endorsed Clinton in July 2016, the acrimony between the two camps has lingered. Clinton and her former aides maintain that his endorsement came too late and was too lukewarm to truly unify the party. Some supporters of Sanders still argue that the Democratic National Committee rigged the rules to help her secure the nomination.

Unlike nearly all of the other two dozen Democratic candidates this primary cycle, Sanders did not call Clinton before he entered the race.

Jane Kleeb, the Nebraska Democratic Party chairwoman, said that she understood Clintons concerns but that voicing frustrations was unproductive for the party.

She has obviously a very different vantage than any of us ever will. She worked her entire career and she was taken down by forces out of her control, said Kleeb, who backed Sanders in the 2016 primary but recalled crying as she listened to Clintons audiobook about her campaign. I understand why shes frustrated with Sen. Sanders but I also think this is time to go after Trump.

Though Clintons presidential defeat still weighs heavily on her, friends say she is busy with a variety of other projects, travelling to accept awards and honorary degrees. An avid theatregoer, she attends Broadway shows and has been spotted at several concerts, including Fleetwood Mac, Earth Wind and Fire, and Billy Joel. She spends a lot of time with her three grandchildren and, this fall, released a book profiling gutsy women with her daughter, Chelsea.

Still, at times, Clintons pique about 2016 has come out.

In December, she participated in a 2 1/2-hour interview with radio host Howard Stern, during which she argued that Sanders hurt her during the 2016 campaign.

Among some in Sanders campaign, there was hope that Clintons remarks would lead to a similar bump in fundraising.

On Twitter, the hashtag #ILikeBernie became a top trending topic. Many supporters pounced on Clintons remarks, arguing that she remained out of touch with the working-class Americans who back Sanders.

No apologies, no backing down, the scorn and hatred that all of official Washington D.C. and the Democratic Party has for him and his supporters is his closing case, Will Menaker, a host of the progressive podcast Chapo Trap House, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. They are corrupt and evil, they hate him and they hate you because you are not.

Alexandra Rojas, the executive director of the progressive group Justice Democrats, called Clintons statement unacceptable, out of touch and dangerous.

Though some of his supporters and staff members have been itching for confrontation, Sanders has rejected recent traps to get him to relitigate 2016. Last week, after Trump tried to goad Sanders by saying the Democratic Party was rigging the 2020 election against him again, he refused to bite and instead issued a statement attacking Trump.

Yet the furor over Clintons remarks is unlikely to die down anytime soon, as she continues promoting the new documentary, Hillary, which is set to be released on Hulu a few days after Super Tuesday.

She obviously has deeply held feelings about what happened in 2016 and is hell-bent on stopping Sanders now, said David Axelrod, who served as a top strategist on Barack Obamas primary bid against Clinton in 2008. If the goal of Democrats is to win, Im not sure that interventions like this are likely to help unify and mobilize all elements of the party in the fall. She, of all people, should know that.

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Picture: Wesley Fester/ANA Archives

The Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit (NALSU) at Rhodes University welcomes the re-investigation of death of union leader Neil Aggett, who died in an apartheid jail.

Aggett, a leader of the Food and Canning Workers Union, was imprisoned without trial in November 1981. After being tortured and beaten at Pretoria Central prison and the notorious John Vorster Square police station in Johannesburg, Aggett died in prison on 5 February 1982.

Neil Aggett was born in Kenya, moved to South Africa when he was 10 and went to school at Kingswood College in Makhanda. He studied to become a medical doctor, and believed that the ill-health of his mostly poor, black, working-class patients was rooted in oppressive and exploitative conditions. This led him to become involved in building the non-racial trade union movement.

A week after his death, 100 000 workers from his union and the radical Federation of South African Trade Unions (FOSATU  forerunner of COSATU) held an unprecedented national strike to commemorate the passing of this giant.

His funeral at the Anglican cathedral and West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, attracted 15 000 under the guns of armed police. His torturers were never charged, and the apartheid inquest gave a verdict of "suicide, thereby exonerating the police.

The news of a new trial under Judge Motsamai Makume this week is a vindication of the Neil Aggett Support Group, which has long campaigned for a new inquest.

NALSU, with the blessing of the Aggett family, continues Neil's legacy with pro-labour, pro-poor research, policy, public events and union education programmes, as the universitys hub of labour studies.

NALSU Director, Professor Lucien van der Walt, said: Neil Aggett fought and died for the principle that a strong workers movement was needed to fight for social justice and real freedom. We look forward to justice at long last for Neil, a true hero of the working class.



-- Issued by Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit (NALSU) at Rhodes University, Makhanda

Source: Neil Aggett Labour Studies Unit (NALSU)

Please help us to raise funds so that we can give all our students a chance to access online teaching and learning. Covid-19 has disrupted our students' education. Don't let the digital divide put their future at risk. Visit www.ru.ac.za/rucoronavirusgateway to donate
Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn straps on her skates in Birds of Prey. (Warner Bros.)

Warner Bros. has announced a pop up roller disco, inspired by new DC Comics movie Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), is opening in London next week ahead of the films launch on 7 February.

The fantabulous free event, inspired by the Margot Robbie movie, will open its doors to the public for three days from Tuesday 28 January to Thursday 30 January, transforming the brick archways of the atmospheric Steel Yard in the City of London into the colour-pop world of DCs girl gang of antiheroes.

The centrepiece of the event will be a Roller Disco: a feast of neon and day-glo, where guests can skate to a soundtrack inspired by the film. The cast of the film announced the event in a video below, inviting guests to join the mayhem.

The immersive experience lasts for about an hour and will be completely free, but tickets will need to be booked in advance. You must be 18 or over to take part.

The film sees Margot Robbie reprising her Suicide Squad character Harley Quinn, who teams up with a new gang of female villains to take on Gothams most nefariously narcissistic villain, Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), and his zealous right-hand, Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina).

Read more: New Birds of Prey trailer kills off Joker

Directed by Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs) from a script by Christina Hodson (Bumblebee), the film is based on characters from DC. Robbie also produced, alongside Bryan Unkeless and Sue Kroll. The films executive producers are Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman, Geoff Johns, Hans Ritter and David Ayer.

Harley Quinns Roller Disco opens its doors to the public on Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th at Allhallows Lane, London EC4R 3UE.

To secure your tickets go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/harley-quinns-roller-disco-tickets-89019703329.

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) opens in cinemas on 7 February.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:24:32|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KABUL, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani left here on Tuesday for Switzerland to participate the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, the Afghan Presidential Palace said.

"President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani left for Switzerland this morning to participate at the annual World Economic Forum -- 2020 in Davos," the palace said in a statement.

The statement said that besides attending the WEF annual meeting, president Ghani will meet with chairperson of the forum, several heads of state and senior officials of participant countries.

President Ghani will also deliver a speech focusing on the future of Afghanistan's economy and growth, the statement noted.
WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Crossover Media Group (CMG), a cross-platform content-production and advertising-sales firm, announced today a partnership to produce, sell and distribute audio and video programming for Just the News, the multiplatform news network newly launched by award-winning investigative journalist and commentator John Solomon.

Under the partnership, CMG will handle advertising sales and distribution of the video and audio content and assist in production of programming for Just the News, which will be available at www.JustTheNews.com.

Among the programs initially to be featured on the new network, which will be produced from studios in Washington, DC, are:

"John Solomon Reports," a twice-weekly podcast, initiating at 3 p.m. Eastern on Tuesdays and Thursdays, featuring the veteran investigative reporter and Editor in Chief of Just the News;

Eastern on Tuesdays and Thursdays, featuring the veteran investigative reporter and Editor in Chief of The Pods Honest Truth with David Brody, a Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3 p.m. podcast hosted by longtime CBN correspondent and Just the News senior contributing editor David Brody ; and

senior contributing editor ; and "The Sharyl Attkisson Podcast," a weekly podcast featuring the Emmy-Award winning investigative television correspondent.

In his inaugural "John Solomon Reports" podcast, slated for 3 p.m. Eastern today, Solomon will offer listeners new information regarding the discussion around the Ukraine matter at the center of the presidential impeachment trial starting today.

"Over the course of more than three decades reporting from the nation's capital, John's award-winning work has propelled him to senior positions at The Associated Press, The Washington Post, The Washington Times and the Center for Public Integrity, among other prominent organizations," said Ron Hartenbaum, Crossover Media Group managing member. "His gutsy, contrarian, enterprise journalism has unearthed insights that have helped drive the national conversation, stirred controversy and withstood scrutiny.

"Sharyl and David are two of journalism's most respected and fearless voices, and their podcasts will help propel Just the News to be a truly multiplatform, scalable news network and investigative-journalism brand, available to people wherever they are," Hartenbaum added. "It will be a destination for discerning and open-minded news consumers to get fresh, thought-provoking news, and insights from well-known co-hosts and guests, unafraid to call things as they see them."

Solomon applauded the partnership. "Ron and I have worked on projects for many years and his command of the audio/video marketplace, his relationships and his visionary insights are priceless. We are excited by the extraordinary capabilities of Crossover Media Group and can't wait to get started," he said. "There's an incredible opportunity to cut through the noise in Washington with exclusive reporting and analysis."

For two decades, Solomon worked at The Associated Press, rising to assistant bureau chief in Washington. Among other accomplishments, he is credited with helping develop AP's digital election-coverage platform. In 2007, he moved to The Washington Post as the paper's national investigative correspondent, and was lured away the following year to become executive editor of The Washington Times. He also has served as a senior editor for the Center for Public Integrity, news director for The Daily Beast and Newsweek magazine, the chief creative officer for the digital news platform Circa News, and an executive vice president of The Hill as well as a Fox News analyst.

Solomon recently ranked #36 in MediaIte's list of "Most Influential in News Media 2019."

Crossover Media Group has, since July 2018, launched more than two dozen podcasts, radio programs and video-streaming shows featuring personalities from the worlds of politics and sports, among other categories. Among its political-talk ventures, Crossover Media Group is a partner in the new programming service Political Voices Network.

About Crossover Media Group

Crossover Media Group is a media & ad sales consulting firm serving all of North America, with expertise including TV, radio, podcasts, streaming, OTT networks and other platforms. Crossover Media Group, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, is a collaborative and adaptive results-driven company committed to engaging and expanding clients' audiences through digital and social platforms.

About Just the News

Just the News is a Washington-based news outlet that delivers exclusive reporting, podcasts, books, polling and video content showcasing some of the most respected and trusted journalists and editors in news media today.

Watch for additional announcements soon by visiting www.JustTheNews.com, or get updates via social media @JTNReports on Twitter and @JustTheNewsReports on Facebook. For interview or media inquiries, please email [email protected].

SOURCE Crossover Media Group

Related Links

https://www.crossovermediagroup.com


President Donald Trump said he hears European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is a very tough negotiator, but said he hoped the US and European Union could make progress on a new trade deal.

Its great to be with the president of the European Commission and a woman whos highly respected, I have to say, and I hear a very tough negotiator, which is bad news for us, Mr Trump told reporters before meeting her on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Trade right now and a deal between ourselves and essentially Europe is something that we all want to be able to make.

The American people and the European people are good friends and this is what we've got to build onUrsula von der Leyen

It was the first time that Ms von der Leyen has met Mr Trump, who has had many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, including a new digital tax by the French that American tech giants, such as Amazon and Google, are forced to pay.

I think what we never should forget that we have a long history of common foundation, of a lot of business compacts, friendship, she said.

The American people and the European people are good friends and this is what weve got to build on.

Mr Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100% on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports.

Davos is the place where conflicts are averted, business is started, disputes are finished.

Thank you to @wef's Klaus Schwab for bringing together bright people and for his vision on how to shape a better future for& the



My opening speech at #WEF20https://t.co/yLSpaY0y21 pic.twitter.com/DIbifdY5H4  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 20, 2020

France has threatened to fight back.

Mr Trump has also sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German cars, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The city has less than 100 days until Fiesta, and desires to double fist a chicken-on-a-stick and beer are mounting. But a world away, in the Philippines, people in a place also named San Antonio have a head start on their own fiesta.

More than 8,000 miles from the Alamo City, residents of San Antonio, a province in Nueva Ecija, Philippines are hanging up banners touting "Happy Fiesta," donning traditional garb, welcoming celebrity guests, dancing and attending fairs.

Fiestas are celebrated throughout the Philippines, but the experiences revelers here and there go beyond living in a place called "San Antonio." For starters, the excitement rivals each other. Mentions of San Antonio's "Fiesta" overwhelmed the Tweetdeck column I've tailored for local news so much last Thursday morning, that I thought I was late to some sort of Fiesta San Antonio announcement.

No, the tweets were sent out by Nova Ejicanos who were waiting to catch a glimpse of Kisses Delavin, a reality TV and social media star who has amassed a cult-like following in the region. The Filipina actress and Kim Last, another celebrity, were serving as some sort of grand marshals for the "TamboFestival," which is complete with a "Parade of Stars." The fiesta, or festival, celebrates the province's production of reed used to make walis tambos, a type of broom. The industry is a main source of employment for many households, according to a journal by the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. The celebration is marked with dancing and fairs.

RELATED: 'Holy grail' Fiesta medal from 1905, believed to be the first, surfaces

Sifting through social media shares of the events reveal photos one might confuse for San Antonio, Texas. "Banderitas" line the streets and are the first indicators that the fiesta is revving up, according to the Philippine Primer, much like how papel picado strung throughout the downtown area is a sign that a 10-day party is on the way.

The Philippines' San Antonio also hosts a costume festival, where young women wear long, elaborate gowns made of local materials and are festooned with extravagant accessories. Though the costume festival is hosted in October, outside of the current fiesta, the photos published by the Republic of the Philippines News Agency look similar to scenes of coronation or the Battle of Flowers Parade with queens and princesses dressed in magnificent, bejeweled dresses.

"There are about a hundred different fiestas and festivals celebrated in the country every year. Every town, every city, every province honors different patron saints, which means every fiesta celebration is unique and distinct," the Philippine Primer described the events. "But if there is one thing in common amongst all of them it would probably be the extravagance of it all."

While our celebration honors the history of the Battle of the Alamo as well as the city's diverse cultures, we too live for the extravagance each April.

Happy Fiesta to San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, from all of us Viva Fiesta-ers over here.

Madalyn Mendoza is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @MaddySkye
Re: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recommendation for free-roaming bison.

It was highly unethical of Chuck Denowh to use the Missoulians guest column (Jan. 14) to spread misinformation about FWPs scientifically based findings regarding the future possibility for free-roaming bison in Montana.

His implication that FWPs finding dramatically intensifies conflict over wildlife management in Montana is pure baloney, as is his statement that FWP is advancing the agenda of a radical, out-of-state environmental group.

The specialists (scientists) who work for Montana FWP began researching free-roaming bison eight years ago. They held public hearings and solicited written comments from concerned groups and individuals. Those scientists reached a conclusion not only based on solid scientific evidence but on the wants and needs of Montanas citizens.

Denowhs claims that FWPs finding will force free-roaming bison onto private property. He seems to have forgotten that Montana is a fence-out state. If I dont want my neighbors cows (or free-roaming bison) on my property, it is my responsibility to fence them out.

Without relying on a single fact, Denowh blames FWP for doing the bidding of an extreme environmentalist out-of-state organization. In doing so, he revealed what he truly is: one of our states most notorious backroom political operatives.

Michael Hoyt,

Corvallis

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I knew my wife for seven years before we got married. I had met her when I was still a pastor of a church in Denver. She had been in a religious order of nuns, but had left three years prior to our meeting.

We became friends, and by the time I left the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1989 we were in a relationship. We werent married until 1992, and part of that was just my slowness to mature. I had to work through a lot.

The transition was huge. I had gone to a high school seminary and a college seminary, where its a celibate atmosphere and an all-male atmosphere, and both psychologically and on a sexual level, I was quite immature. The first 10 years of my relationship with my wife, Nancy, were about learning how to be in a romantic relationship, and it was a long learning curve.

By the grace of God we have been married now for 26 years. You have to learn how to be a we rather than a me  the celibate priesthood is kind of honing you to be individualistic, yet also an overly generous servant of the church.

When you leave, you have very little financially. I worked in lots of labor jobs. I was a furniture laborer. I worked day jobs for $5 an hour. I dug ditches. I unloaded trucks. During what I call the 14-year hiatus, I wanted to get back to ministry as a priest, but there wasnt an avenue to do that in the Roman Catholic church.

It wasnt until 2004 when I found the Ecumenical Catholic Communion that I could be a priest again.

We are one of the expressions of independent Catholicism, which are churches that follow the practices, the beliefs and the teachings of the Catholic church but are not under Rome, not under the pope. The pope is not our superior. Im still functioning as a priest because I was accepted by the founding bishop of this Ecumenical Catholic Communion.
Oakland became the first city in California to ban criminal background checks in most housing applications for private and other rental units under a measure adopted by the City Council on Tuesday.

The council unanimously passed a fair chance housing ordinance that bars landlords from conducting criminal background checks on prospective tenants. The Berkeley City Council is expected to vote on a similar measure in February.

This ordinance is about making sure returning community members have equal opportunities they deserve to successfully reintegrate into our community, and this begins with a roof over your head, said Councilwoman Nikki Fortunato Bas, a co-sponsor of the measure.

Councilman Dan Kalb and Vice Mayor Larry Reid are also co-sponsors.

San Francisco and Richmond have similar but more narrowly focused laws. In San Francisco, the law applies only to affordable housing, and in Richmond it applies to all publicly subsidized affordable housing and nonprofit housing.

The ordinance in Oakland is the first to include rental units outside subsidized affordable and nonprofit housing. The measure, supporters say, could prevent homelessness and bring down the recidivism rate. Bas said that a survey taken in Oaklands homeless encampments determined that 73% of the people living there were formerly incarcerated.

There is only one place in America that any one of us is guaranteed a roof over our heads and that is in prison, said John Jones III, campaign director for Alameda County Fair Chance to Housing Coalition. All of us seek to have safe shelter. That should not be a matter of privilege.

Bas said that since the introduction of the ordinance at a committee meeting on Jan. 14, she hasnt heard of any opposition. Landlords in Seattle have sued over a similar measure, and a property-owners group in Berkeley has expressed concerns that the ordinance could take away their discretion in choosing renters.

Its a little surprising, Bas said. But I havent received any phone calls or emails expressing concerns about it. This is going to be the first and the strongest in California, but not the first in the country, so we are learning from other cities.

Some rental units will be exempt from the ordinance, including accessory dwelling units, single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes. Accessory dwelling units include backyard and secondary units. But those units are excluded only if they are owner-occupied. Additionally, landlords can still review the states sex offender list when examining a housing application.

Section 8 vouchers and units funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development can also conduct a limited background check  as required by federal rules  but will then have to follow the local ordinance. Currently, federal rules allow for the exclusion of people who are on the sex offender list and those who were previously convicted for manufacturing meth.

Landlords still have access to landlord references, to your income information, whether or not youre employed  all the things that we need to know whether or not someone is going to be a good tenant, said Margaretta Lin, executive director of the Just Cities/Dellums Institute, a social justice group in Oakland.

Lee Taqwaa Bonner said the ordinance could change his life. His housing status has remained unstable since he was released from state prison three years ago.

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.

I was born and raised in Oakland, Bonner said. I am employed in Oakland. I own and drive a vehicle in Oakland. However, I cannot live in Oakland based solely on my criminal record, which happened 30 years ago.

The ordinance took effect immediately, but landlords will have a six-month grace period before facing any violations.

Applicants who believe they were discriminated against due to their criminal background can file a complaint with the city or a lawsuit. The city can issue penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

If a private action is filed, a court could award damages.

Mass incarceration and homelessness are two of the greatest national failures of our time. Both disproportionately impact African Americans, Oakland City Attorney Barbara J. Parker said. This ordinance removes one barrier that prevents access to housing in our city, and in doing so, also removes a barrier to justice for a community that is suffering in a massively unequal way in both of these crises.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Jaipur, Jan 21 : The Congress leaders in Rajasthan are gearing up to give a rousing reception to Rahul Gandhi on his arrival here on January 28 to address a rally against the new citizenship law (CAA).

However, the party is also preparing to make the visit a precursor to a new beginning to get him re-anointed as the party president in February.

Gandhi would address anti-CAA rally, said AICC General Secretary and state in-charge Avinash Pandey. The visit would not remain limited to that and he would also focus on other burning issues, like unemployment, economic crisis, farm distress and atrocities on students and youths, he added.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, Pandey along with several Ministers reviewed arrangements at the Vidhyadhar Stadium, the venue of Gandhi's rally.

On Monday, Gehlot said Gandhi would be addressing concern of students and youth who were fighting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's anti-people policies.

Stating that the Jaipur visit could open a new chapter, a senior Congress leader told IANS, Gandhi was made the party vice-president here in 2013, which infused a spark into the party's youth workers.

In August 2019, Gandhi kicked off poll campaign in Rajasthan and the party snatched power from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He had addressed party activists from all the 33 Rajasthan districts, which boosted their confidence.

"There are in-house discussions on bringing Rahul Gandhi back as the party president and give Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the task of reviving the party in UP," said a Congress leader.

Rahul will be kicking off a series of anti-Narendra Modi rallies from here.
Virginity testing is a complex, culturally mediated practice that is poorly understood by Western clinicians. Although there is published literature on the ethics of 'virginity' testing and on the lack of reliability of a hymen examination to determine 'virginity', little practical guidance has been published for clinicians who may encounter requests for virginity testing in the clinical setting.

Now, a researcher from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is providing recommendations for primary care physicians who are asked to perform this procedure.

"While advocating for global elimination of the practice of virginity testing as a human rights violation, clinical practice is often more complicated and ethically nuanced, the clinician must act in the best interest of the patient which might include performing an evaluation. Upholding human rights does not have to be incompatible with providing a needed service to a patient, even if the practice does not fit into our social norm," explains the author of the article Sondra Crosby, MD, associate professor of medicine at BUSM.

According to Crosby changing social norms, attitudes and practices about 'virginity' testing will not occur easily and change must come from within the culture and be spearheaded by members of the community. "Engagement with religious and community leaders is crucial for enacting change," adds Crosby, who also is an associate professor of Health Law, Ethics & Human Rights at Boston University School of Public Health and a physician at Boston Medical Center.

She believes education about the lack of reliability and the possible harms of virginity testing should be provided in communities who follow this practice, through training community members, reading materials and inclusion in other reproductive health discussions. "Simply condemning the practice is not sufficient to successfully promote change, nor does it help the women we are obligated to protect."

Crosby recommends if a physician has a large population of patients from countries or communities where 'virginity' testing is practiced, they should use routine or other visits to discuss this issue and provide education on the matter. "While it is not possible to determine if someone is a "virgin" based on examination of the hymen, 'virginity' testing can be discussed as part of comprehensive sexual education and counselling during well-visits for all genders, adults and adolescents, as well as during pediatric and teenage preventive exams. Such conversations can help build trust; assess knowledge, attitudes and practice of at-risk patients; and allow the physician to anticipate future requests."

This article appears online in the journal BMJ Global Health.

More information: Sondra S Crosby et al, Virginity testing: recommendations for primary care physicians in Europe and North America, BMJ Global Health (2020). Sondra S Crosby et al, Virginity testing: recommendations for primary care physicians in Europe and North America,(2020). DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002057
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Linkedin Karina M. Tehusijarana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

The Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced former United Development Party (PPP) chairman Muhammad "Romy" Romahurmuziy to two years in prison for accepting bribes and allowed him to keep his political rights, a punishment lighter than demanded by prosecutors.

"[The court] declares that Mohammad Romahurmuziy has been officially and convincingly proven to be guilty of the crime of corruption," head judge Fazal Hendri said at the Jakarta Corruption Court in Central Jakarta on Monday.

The sentence was half of the four years demanded by prosecutors last week. The judges also decided not to strip Romy of his political rights, in contrast to the prosecutors demands.

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A Chinese girl wears a protective mask as her mother pushes her on a suitcase to board a train at Beijing Railway station before the annual Spring Festival on January 21, 2020 in Beijing, China. Kevin Frayer | Getty Images

The World Health Organization on Wednesday will convene a panel of experts in Geneva, Switzerland, to consider whether a mysterious coronavirus that has killed at least 6 people and sickened hundreds of others in China should be a global health emergency. The meeting comes two days after global health officials said that the respiratory illness, which has evoked memories of the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS, is capable of spreading from person to person. This weekend, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Homeland Security began screening people traveling to the United States from Wuhan, China, where the outbreak is believed to have started. WHO doesn't enact these emergencies easily, public health officials say. The international health agency has only applied the emergency designation five times since the rules were implemented in the mid-2000s.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually infect animals but can sometimes evolve and spread to humans. Symptoms in humans include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, which can progress to pneumonia. Public health officials have confirmed more than 300 cases of the new coronavirus, labeled "2019-nCoV," in China. Some of the patients are critically ill. Health officials have also confirmed cases in Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. Chinese authorities say many of the patients with the illness had come into contact with seafood markets, suggesting the virus is spreading from animals to people. However, health officials say some "limited human-to-human transmission" occurred between close contacts.

How to prevent coronavirus

Global health officials have not recommended any trade or travel restrictions yet. The CDC, which has deemed the immediate health risk to the American population as "low," is closely monitoring the situation with WHO officials. The CDC is recommending that people traveling to Wuhan, China, should avoid animals, animal markets and sick people. People can protect themselves from the virus by washing their hands with soap and water, avoiding touching their eyes, nose or mouth and keeping away from sick people, according to the CDC. Many people in China have purchased face masks to protect themselves from the outbreak.

What is a global health emergency?
FRANKFURT  Mitsubishi Motors is under investigation for possibly selling diesel vehicles in Germany that had been programmed to cheat on emissions tests, Frankfurt prosecutors said Tuesday as the police raided offices of the Japanese carmaker.

The investigation is another setback for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which has been under severe strain since the arrest of Carlos Ghosn, its former chairman, more than a year ago in Japan.

Another diesel emissions scandal could also weigh on the entire auto industry. Accusations of emissions cheating against Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler, Daimler and others have hurt the reputations of the traditional carmakers when they are under fierce pressure from Tesla and its emission-free electric cars.

Investigators raided 10 offices in and around Frankfurt, near Munich and in other locations around Germany on Tuesday, the prosecutors said. The searches included two suppliers, which the authorities did not identify.
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SHELTON  BIC has won its lawsuit against California-based Arrow Lighter Inc.

The global lighter and razor manufacturer, with U.S. headquarters in Shelton, announced Tuesday that the International Trade Commission ruled in its favor in the companys suit claiming that Arrow and its international affiliates were importing and selling knock-off lighters.

Safety is a cornerstone of BICs business and is the No. 1 priority for BIC Lighters, so we take it seriously when another brand tries to pass for a BIC, said Steve Burkhart, vice president and general counsel at BIC, in a statement.

Arrow has agreed to stop selling specific lighter models anywhere in the world as part of the resolution. The California-based company is also required to liquidate any current inventory of the knockoff lighters by Oct. 21.

Arrow models that will no longer be in production include Nos. ZY-7G, ZY-5G, ZY-8G, ZY-30E (MK Dura) and ZY-7G MT (Metal Flint Gold and Silver).

BIC is continuing to sue other defendants, according to the company.

Arrow Lighter was not immediately available for comment on this article.

BIC filed the lawsuit in December 2018 with the ITC and the U.S. Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York to stop the importation and sale of pocket lighters the company claimed were infringing on its trademarked product.

The manufacturer alleged that Arrows lighters branded MK imitated the shape and design of BICs lighters without upholding safety standards.

BIC had claimed the lighters were damaging its profits and reputation by deceiving consumers with false advertising while also risking their safety. The lawsuit accused MK of being involved in a 2009 lawsuit where the family of a Texas man alleged that one of the companys lighters caused his death.

Burkhart said in previous interviews that the company tested the MK lighters and found that they do not conform to BIC safety standards, adding that products from MK failed flame height and drop tests, among others.

Unfortunately, low-quality non-compliant imported lighters are rampant in the U.S. market, an overwhelming majority of which fail safety standards set forth by ASTM International, meaning they can lead to serious fires, damage or injuries, Burkhart said in Tuesdays statement. BICs win not only protects BICs customers, employees and shareholders, it protects all consumers by removing non-compliant imported lighters from the U.S. market.

jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com
South Australias health department is removing from its buildings all closed-circuit television cameras made by a Chinese surveillance giant due to security concerns.

The department will remove all cameras made by Hikvision, a partially state-owned Chinese surveillance technology company, from its public hospitals and nursing homes.

But despite the warnings, Hikvision cameras continue to operate in other government buildings across the country, including NSW health facilities where there is no plan to remove them.

Hikvision surveillance cameras. Credit:AP

Victoria and Queensland refused to say whether there were Hikvision cameras in their public hospitals or aged care centres.
An Italian farm worker is being quizzed by police over the murder of a 'wonderful' animal-loving volunteer whose body was found in a bull pen.

Katherine Bevan, 53, a veterinary pharmacist and author, was found on January 3 at an Arabian horse farm in a Devon beauty spot once described by Prince Charles as his 'ideal English village'.

Her death was initially believed to have been an accident and was reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

But after a post-mortem examination at the weekend, police launched a murder inquiry and arrested a 26-year-old man.

Katherine Bevan, 53, a veterinary pharmacist and author, was found on January 3 in a bull pen in Gittisham, Devon

Mrs Bevan began volunteering at Combe Farm in Gittisham five years ago, and recently released a book called Knowing Daisy: A True Story, which chronicles her relationship with calves Daisy and Dandelion, which were both rescued and taken to the farm.

Mrs Bevan wrote affectionately about her time on the farm, saying: 'The farm is part of a larger estate and is set in what must be the most beautiful location I have ever found. A long track leads you to a world of old charm.

'Some 280 acres of rolling countryside surrounds the old farmhouse. Steep hills and valleys, with pockets of woodland and natural waterways are just some of the wonders to explore.'

It was initially feared Mrs Bevan had been crushed in a tragic accident while tending to Jumbo the bull in a stock pen.

Ms Bevan's (pictured) death was initially believed to have been an accident and was reported to the Health and Safety Executive

In her book, she described Jumbo as 'good natured' but with the potential to be 'deadly dangerous'.

Last night Mrs Bevan's estranged husband, Michael, said: 'She was marvellous  a wonderful person. She was so dedicated to everything she did and she was loved by everyone.'

Mrs Bevan worked as a veterinary pharmacist for the Vale Veterinary Group as well as volunteering on the farm.

She previously had a job as a marketing manager for jewellers F Hinds. Michael Harris, who runs Combe Farm, described Mrs Bevan as a 'lovely, wonderful person'.

After a post-mortem examination at the weekend, police launched a murder inquiry and arrested a 26-year-old man. Pictured: Ms Bevan with a cow

He added: 'It is just awful. Kate has been a friend and helping up here for the last five years.

'And she started living here about a year ago. She was part of our family and she sat with us for dinner every night.

'She was a very special and dear person. She was the last person in the world who anyone could do this to. She was amazing and gentle. It is utterly awful.

'She helped with one bull and the cattle and the horses. She had a passion for cattle.'

Ms Bevan had been excited about publishing her first book just before Christmas. She worked as a veterinary pharmacist for the Vale Veterinary Group as well as volunteering on the farm

Mr Harris said the arrest of the young Italian man  who is one of the live-in volunteers and backpackers who work at the farm  was 'a complete shock'.

He said: 'There was nothing about the arrested man that ever suggested he was a danger to anyone. I would hate to think that I had taken in anyone like that.

'His English is not very good but good enough for the farm. We have volunteers come here from all over the world.'

Mr Harris added: 'Her body was found in the bull pen. But that does not mean she died in the bull pen. I did always feel there was something odd about that explanation.

The book, 'Knowing Daisy', focuses on the relationship she shared with Daisy, a cow she met four years ago when it was just a few days old

'Jumbo was as quiet as a lamb. He has never caused any trouble to any of my workers although of course bulls can act in unpredictable ways.

'Kate knew how to handle herself around the farm. She was no fool. She was well aware of the need to follow safety procedures. There is still a lot we don't know.'

Matt Foad, who runs the Vale Veterinary Group, said: 'Kate worked tirelessly to help make the Vale the place that it is, and her efforts have helped provide a better service to all of our clients. Her passing has shocked us all.'

The murder has rocked the village of Gittisham, in Devon (pictured)

Gittisham has chocolate-box thatched stone cottages with a stream running through the centre. Yesterday the St George's Cross flew at half-mast at the village church.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: 'A 26-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

'Anyone who feels they have information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.'

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive added: 'This is a joint police/HSE investigation. At the moment the police have primacy of the investigation, and so we are not able to comment at this time.'
Davos, Jan 21 : Bollywood star Deepika Padukone was felicitated with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum for her contribution to mental health awareness.

While accepting the award, Deepika opened up about her own experience with mental illness and how it drove her to start The Live Love Laugh Foundation.

The actress shared: "Through my journey to recovery from depression, I began to understand the stigma and lack of awareness associated with mental illness, I felt a deep need to save at least one life." "And it is this very need that motivated me to go public with my illness and set up the Live Love Laugh foundation," she added.

Deepika has been running the foundation since June 2015. The foundation's programmes and initiatives include nationwide public awareness and destigmatisation campaigns, adolescent mental health programmes, funding support for treatment in rural communities and more.

Deepika represented India at the forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Meanwhile, this year she made her debut as a producer with "Chhapaak".

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Advertisement

Alison Tomasko (pictured) was abused by her neighbour from the ages of seven to 11

A lone entry written in glitter gel ink by a nine-year-old girl was the key to jailing a serial paedophile who molested countless children.

Alison Tomasko, a 25-year-old pole dance instructor from Sydney's west, was sexually abused by a man she trusted for four years from the age of seven.

James Duncan Smith, now 65, was a neighbour, friend of her family and the father of one of Alison's best friends. He was also a paedophile.

Smith moved from Scotland into a quiet cul-de-sac in St Clair, in Sydney's west, two doors from the Tomasko family home.

The family didn't know at the time that he had previous convictions for serious sex-related crimes.

Alison told Daily Mail Australia that Smith abused her 'countless times' from the ages of seven to 11.

Four years after the final attack, a chance encounter at a party convinced Alison it was time to come forward and share her story.

By doing so, she helped jail Smith for six years - but he only served an additional few months for what he did to her because he was already behind bars for charges against other children.

Court documents reveal Smith befriended adults with children and preyed on girls his daughter was friends with.

On multiple occasions, children in his care would sleep at his house.

Once the children were asleep, he woke his victim up and forced her to touch him before digitally penetrating her.

On another occasion, a victim said 'please stop, it hurts,' but her pleas were ignored, the agreed facts state.

Prosecutors could only get Smith on a single charge against Alison - one count of indecent assault on a child under 10 - despite her allegations the abuse lasted four years.

And it was a fluke that they got him at all. Alison needed to provide specific dates for each assault - dates which she didn't think to keep as a child - to have him convicted.

She was worried he'd never be punished for what he did to her, until she remembered a single diary entry she kept detailing her trip to the Smith household on September 4, 2004.

Groomed by a man she trusted

Alison's family and the Smith family lived on the same street for years.

They were friendly long before Alison was born, and as she grew up, she developed a close friendship with James' daughter, Sarah*.

The girls were two years apart and joined at the hip. Alison often played at the Smith house or in the front yard, and was about seven years old when she first noticed something strange about Sarah's dad.

'He was drinking a lot. Whenever he'd come back from the pub he'd continue to drink, wearing a dressing robe with nothing underneath and flashing us,' she said.

He told me that's just how families are.

While she thought it was weird, she didn't question anything, both out of respect and because nobody in the family seemed to find the behaviour strange.

Alison told Daily Mail Australia Smith eventually felt confident enough to abuse her basically every time she was at the home after he'd had a few drinks.

She later learned all of Smith's victims had the same story.

But after years of grooming, she didn't feel like she could tell anybody what was happening to her.

'He told me that was how families are,' she said.

'My family aren't affectionate. We don't hug, we don't kiss, we don't do any of that stuff. We just make jokes.

'I assumed, being naive, that he was right when he told me that's how normal families are.

'He was a really good manipulator. He definitely knew what he was doing, like he was weirdly really good at what he did,' she said.

Alison claims her childhood (left and right) was forever tainted by what Smith did to her. She hates being asked about her life as a kid because of the dark memories, her Victim Impact Statement read

A life-changing encounter

During the abuse and in the years after, Alison didn't tell anybody what happened to her.

She hoped that by doing so, she could try to forget herself.

It wasn't until she was 15 that the truth came out. She was at a house party, drunk and with friends, when she met a girl in the bathroom who looked familiar.

'I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew her from somewhere, and then I remembered I had seen her at James' house. We were both friends with his daughter,' Alison said.

When Alison mentioned it to her, the girl said, 'Yep, I'm the girl who put him in jail.'

'I just froze, I was honestly so shocked,' Alison said.

Up until that point, Alison hadn't known where James was. She knew he had disappeared years earlier, but said all the pieces suddenly came together.

Drunk, confused and with a secret she was desperate to share, Alison asked the girl why he was sent to prison. When the girl refused to tell her, Alison confessed that she already knew, and shared her story for the first time.

'I said to her, ''I think I know because it happened to me too'',' she explained.

The girl's mother calmed Alison down and explained that she couldn't talk about it to her daughter anymore, because it could jeopardise future legal proceedings if Alison ever decided to press charges.

The 25-year-old married pole dance instructor hopes to help other women who have been through traumatic experiences

'I was just so shocked. Press charges? Courts? What does that even mean? I hadn't even thought of that and in my head I was just like, oh my God.'

Alison said she called her brother after speaking with the family.

'I called and said where I was and blurted out what happened to me and told him everything.

'I was crying, he asked if I'd been drinking and if I wanted to come home. I told him I just wasn't ready.'

For the next four days, both she and her brother pretended the conversation never happened until Alison decided she was finally ready to tell her parents.

She called the one woman who knew her secret - the girl's mum from the party - and asked if she would come to the house to support her through the conversation.

Alison told her mother everything, expecting her to go into 'mum mode' and break down.

'But she was so strong,' she recalled. 'She just said ''what do you need me to do, do you want to go to the police? How can I help?'''

They decided to tell Alison's father Mick, a project manager. It was the 'hardest thing ever' for her to do.

'He just said ''I'm so sorry this happened, I didn't know, if I'd known I would've stopped it''.'

Coming face to face with a monster

James Duncan Smith was charged with one count of indecent assault on a child under 10 for what he did to Alison, and it was the September 4 diary entry - written in glitter gel pen in a Harry Potter journal - which brought him unstuck.

After an arduous reporting process in which Alison was forced to repeat what had happened to her to two male police officers in excruciating detail in front of her father - she was eventually told there wouldn't be a case unless she could provide dates to match each of her allegations.

'Of course I didn't have exact dates. I was seven years old. It went on for so long, how am I meant to remember the dates at 15? I was just a kid,' she said.

I remember the entry was written in glitter gel pen in a Harry Potter diary

After months of feeling dejected and wracking her brain, she remembered an entry she wrote in her childhood diary on the day her dog, Pepsi, had to be put down.

She was on the way home from the vet and was crying when her dad offered to drop her at Sarah's house for a play date to cheer her up.

'After it happened, I went home still crying and wrote a diary entry because I was really upset,' Alison said. Her mum kept all of Alison's things and after some digging, they found the diary stashed away in a box.

'I remember the entry was written in glitter gel pen in a Harry Potter diary, and it was given to the joint investigations team when we found it.'

The police were then able to get Smith on that single charge, to which he initially pleaded not guilty.

Pictured: Paedophile James Duncan Smith. In total, he spent 11 years behind bars for serious sex crimes against children

ALISON'S VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT IN FULL At 15, Alison was required to read her Victim Impact Statement to the court. 'Victim is not a word I use to describe myself... In preparation for a trial and sentencing, I was asked by the prosecuting attorney to put into words my statement about the impact of this incident. Victim I was not. Impacted I am. Impact barely describes my experiences. 'But there was something much deeper. Now, years later, I am faced with the task of explaining this impact; and it has not been easily put into words. To this day I struggle with the realisation that my childhood was not typical, that the things that happened were not something that a child has to do, but because of the period of the abuse, it really was hard to see it as anything other than normal. 'For many years my mind has been in turmoil over all of this. I hated what he chose to do to me, but he on countless occasions told me that I was like a daughter to him... For some reason that I cannot understand, I believed him. 'Unfortunately, there is still part of me that thinks it was my fault and responsibility. Now I am starting to recognise that he was the adult, and through his conscious choices, he used me for his own pleasure. So what impact has all of this had on my life? To be honest I don't know the full extent, I am still discovering the full impact. 'For example I hate being asked about my childhood, I don't know what it is like to be a child, he took that from me, he also took away my ability to be a normal person, carefree and open to new experiences, my years where socialising, building lasting relationships and having fun is important, was something I had, and still have difficulty living with. 'I find it exceedingly hard to trust anyone, I have always believed that anyone that wanted to have any sort of relationship with me, will hurt me. 'I'm sorry to my parents, who didn't know what I'm about to say. He took my relationship with my parents away. My most valued people in my entire life. Fathers aren't meant to do what he had done. It broke all trust I have for adults. You don't know what it's like to listen to my friends talk to their parents so openly, to watch them hug and to kiss them on the cheek, to let their mothers brush their hair. 'You don't understand the pain in my mother's eyes when I cringe at her touch, or the way my heart feels when I cry and I have to watch my mother confused about what to do - rather than her intuition to hold me and take the pain away with a single cuddle because she knows I'm not comfortable. 'My parents are the most beautiful people in the world. They didn't deserve to have their only daughter to be hurt in the way I was. But thanks to him, they've been just as hurt as I have. My parents love me in the normal way parents should. Of all of the emotional impact this has had on me, this has been my most painful to deal with.' Advertisement

Alison had to be prepared to take the stand in court, and her team practised cross examinations to imitate what could happen at trial.

Just three days before the trial was meant to begin, Smith changed his plea to guilty.

Alison was told he did so because there was too much evidence against him compared to previous cases.

'Everyone else went through trials,' she said. 'I was the first person he pleaded guilty to. I want to ask him, why me?' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'They told me the plea was a huge deal, because everyone else, they got absolutely nothing out of him.'

The two-year process from first reporting in 2009 to his sentencing date in 2011 culminated in Alison standing up, looking James in the eye and reading her victim impact statement in court.

She had the choice to film it and have it streamed into the courtroom, but chose to attend to 'take back some of her power'.

After building up the courage to face him, she was bitterly disappointed when James didn't walk through the doors.

'They actually brought the wrong person to the courts that day so we had to suspend and come back another day.

I couldn't believe someone I trusted could do this.

'He came up and I was sitting there and I was like, ''Why's he got hair?'' and they were like, there's been some miscommunication... we'll have to adjudicate.'

When she arrived on the new date, Alison realised none of Smith's family attended. The room was full of her supporters as she read her statement.

'I was telling him how much he hurt me, how he scarred me for life and how I couldn't believe someone I trusted could do this,' she said.

'You know, I thought of him like a dad, how could you hurt someone like that? And choose to do it multiple times, knowing what it would do.

'He sat there, leaned back smirking this smug smile and I just thought 'f**k you'. That's what made me the sickest, I think.'

In total, Smith spent 11 years behind bars for serious sex crimes.

Alison said her relationship with her mother (pictured together) is closer than ever after confiding in her about the abuse

JAMES STILL HAD A HOLD OF ALISON FROM HIS CELL Even from his prison cell and four years after he last abused her, James still had a hold over then 15-year-old Alison. 'Looking back, I know this is so dramatic but when we used to play out the front he had these weird games. 'One of them was testing our weight. He would pick up Sarah and he would say ''yep, you're really light, a good size'' and then he would pick me up and say ''oh, you're a bit heavy''. 'It was the weirdest thing, he'd guess how much we'd weigh and I'd say but Sarah is taller so she's got to be heavier, but he'd say ''no no she does a lot of sport she's really fit''. I'd just say oh okay and be upset. 'Flash forward to the trial, I stopped eating. I was so skinny... I thought, ''when he sees me he's going to be so impressed that I'm so small and little''. 'In my head I was still trying to impress him and I don't know why. It was the hardest thing because everything all together, it explains why I did all of that. He had this weird control over me even behind bars.' Advertisement

A stolen childhood

Alison believes her childhood trauma has impacted almost every aspect of her life.

She said it wasn't until she started getting treatment that she realised just how much it had shaped who she was as a person.

'I hate touching, or any form of affection, really,' she said. 'I hate people touching my hair or sitting on people's laps. I could never go to swimming carnivals ... for a while I just stopped going to school, which was massive.'

Her relationships and self-worth also plummeted. She always felt deep down as though she wasn't really 'worthy' of a healthy relationship.

'It kind of sets a precedent for how you expect to be treated and set thought processes in motion in my brain that were pretty hard to stop.'

It sets a precedent for how you expect to be treated

As a teenager she drank excessively, took drugs and smoked to cope with her emotions.

After reporting, she was assessed by a specialist psychologist whose job is to award victims compensation based on their trauma. She was graded a scale three - the highest of the tiers and awarded money to help with her future recovery.

Alison received both one-on-one counselling and group therapy, which she said helped the most.

'I was the youngest in the group, most of the girls were between 17 and 28, but it was inspiring to me to hear their stories and see how they were surviving.

'I just thought, if they can do it, I can do it too.'

Alison said her experiences have shaped her, and speaking about her ordeal has helped other women feel more comfortable talking about their own experiences.

Alison is now happily married to Sam, and said finding somebody who supports her was so important to her recovery

ALISON'S MESSAGE TO PARENTS 'I'm not sure if I ever will have kids, but if I do, I'd want to stress not only stranger danger but about boundaries with people you know,' she said. 'There needs to be boundaries with friends and family too. If you don't want to kiss or hug someone, then you don't have to do it. 'Your private parts aren't a secret or anything like that, but a child needs to understand if they're not comfortable and don't want somebody to touch them then they don't have to let them. 'My mum always stressed stranger danger to me. I was told not to talk to people I don't know, to keep away from cars and all that important stuff, but she never thought she had to talk to me about people we knew and trusted.' Alison said she also hopes people will be more open to discussing sex offenders and the consequences of their crimes. She said sentences currently don't reflect the evil of the crimes - nor are they an accurate representation of societal expectations. Advertisement

The aftermath of reporting

At first, Alison thought pretending nothing happened was her best chance at moving on, but in 2015 James was almost released on parole.

She started a change.org petition begging the state to keep him behind bars, and decided to share her story with extended friends and family for the first time.

Shortly after, another victim came forward and James' sentence was extended.

He was officially released in January 2018.

'When he was considered for parole, I was notified and I was able to send through a list of my conditions... They'd include him staying away from children, not coming near me, and not being able to work or join any local community groups,' she said.

Alison (pictured as a toddler) felt she couldn't live a normal childhood after what happened to her

After his sentence had expired, she no longer had that right.

As far as Alison was aware, James entered Australia illegally from Scotland and had no paperwork.

He was released into the custody of the Department of Immigration, and was supposed to be deported.

But Alison has since been told he died in custody, and has also heard he died once he made it back to the UK.

Because she is no longer a registered victim in the eyes of the law, she isn't entitled to the truth, and lives with the fear that he is roaming the streets.

'I just want to know for my own sense of closure, I think,' she said.

Court documents reveal Smith was assessed as a 'high risk person to re-offend' back in 2006, when he was released on parole for separate charges.

His wife, the mother of his four children, left him during his time in jail and he reportedly had limited contact with his kids.

*James' daughter's name has been changed
The US embassy in Baghdad, as well as the 5,200 American troops stationed across the country, have faced a spate of rocket attacks in recent months. (Photo Credit: Twitter)

New Delhi:

At least three rockets hit near the US embassy in the Iraqi capitals high-security Green Zone, security sources told AFP, with no immediate reports of casualties. Sirens could be heard across the zone immediately after the rockets made impact. The US has blamed Iran-backed paramilitary groups for a spate of similar attacks in recent months on the Green Zone, but there has never been a claim of responsibility. The Green Zone is the common name for the International Zone of Baghdad. It is home to government offices and foreign embassies of many countries, including America.

It is a 10-square-kilometer (3.9 sq mi) area in the Karkh district of central Baghdad. It was the governmental center of the Coalition Provisional Authority during the occupation of Iraq after the American-led 2003 invasion and remains the center of the international presence in the city.

At least two rockets hit near the US embassy in Baghdad https://t.co/pwEkXMKTPv  Achilles (@AchillesofHomer) January 21, 2020

The US embassy in Baghdad as well as the 5,200 American troops stationed across the country have faced a spate of rocket attacks in recent months that Washington has blamed on Iran and its allies in Iraq. One attack last month killed a US contractor working in northern Iraq, prompting retaliatory American air strikes that killed 25 hardline fighters close to Iran.

The attack comes days after rockets crashed into the Iraqi capital's Green Zone on January 8. This followed nearly 24 hours after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing American and other coalition forces in retaliation for the US killing top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, was killed in a US drone strike outside Baghdad airport on Friday, ratcheting up tensions between the arch-foes.

Who Was General Qasem Soleimani?

Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. General Soleimani, who headed the external operations Quds Force for the Guards, had wielded his regional clout publicly since 2018 when it was revealed that he had direct involvement in top-level talks over the formation of Iraq's government. It was no surprise at the time for a man who has been at the centre of power-broking in the region for two decades.

Soleimani has been in and out of Baghdad ever since, most recently last month as parties sought to form a new government. Where once he kept to the shadows, Soleimani has in recent years become an unlikely celebrity in Iran -- replete with a huge following on Instagram.

His profile rose suddenly when he was pushed forward as the public face of Iran's intervention in the Syrian conflict from 2013, appearing in battlefield photos, documentaries -- and even being featured in a music video and animated film. In a rare interview aired on Iranian state television in October, he said he was in Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war to oversee the conflict.

To his fans and enemies alike, Soleimani was the key architect of Iran's regional influence, leading the fight against jihadist forces and extending Iran's diplomatic heft in Iraq, Syria and beyond. "To Middle Eastern Shiites, he is James Bond, Erwin Rommel and Lady Gaga rolled into one," wrote former CIA analyst Kenneth Pollack in a profile for Time's 100 most influential people in 2017.

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The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington on May 7, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Supreme Court Turns Away Dispute Over Whether Grand Jury Material Can Be Disclosed in Rare Matters

The Supreme Court on Jan. 21 refused to hear a case on whether federal judges have the authority to disclose secret grand jury material in extraordinary circumstances.

The top court rejected a request to review (pdf) an appeal brought by an 82-year-old researcher who is seeking grand jury materials related to the 1956 disappearance of Columbia University scholar Jesus de Galindez. Stuart McKeever, who devoted 40 years investigating the disappearance, argues that the Galindez case is historically significant and that there is a strong public interest for the release of the secret information.

The case, cited as McKeever v. Barr, doesnt have bearing on an ongoing legal effort by House Democrats to gain access to grand jury material from former special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into alleged Russian meddling of the 2016 presidential election. That case is currently being argued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

In the case at hand, McKeever is seeking grand jury information as part of his investigation for his book on the topic. He filed a motion in 2013 asking the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which had convened and supervised the relevant grand jury 60 years ago, to release the information.

Along with public interest, he argued that the long passage of time had also eliminated any need for continued secrecy.

Those disclosures can vindicate important public values of transparency and historical understanding, and they advance public confidence in the judicial system, McKeever argued in his petition (pdf).

Under the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure, grand jury information is to be kept secret unless in specific situations outlined in Rule 6(e) of the law. Over the years, different circuit courts have had different opinions on whether judges have inherent authority to release the information.

The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against McKeever, saying that judges dont have authority outside of the exceptions provided in Rule 6(e).

While declining to take up the case (pdf), Justice Stephen Breyer acknowledged that the circuit courts are split on the issue, but added that the advisory committee for the federal rules of criminal procedures is best placed to shed some light on the conflict.

Whether district courts retain authority to release grand jury material outside those situations specifically enumerated in the Rules, or in situations like this, is an important question, Breyer said. It is one I think the Rules Committee both can and should revisit.
Asheeta Regidi

KYC has been a thorn in the side of the financial industry, particularly since the Supreme Courts bar on Aadhaar based eKYC. The permitted voluntary use of Aadhaar brought in initial relief, as did allow minimum KYC m-wallets again. The RBIs latest norms now provide the industry with an urgent necessity- digital KYC which makes the process paperless, and video KYC which additionally makes it remote. Along with the advantages of the new norms, the innovation they enable and next steps, such as extending these advantages to business KYC, are looked at here.

How does it work?

The new norms implement the digital KYC brought in by the Finance Ministry last August, and additionally introduce video KYC. To briefly describe the process, this uses either Aadhaar eKYC, Aadhaar based offline verification or a process combining a live photo of the customer, of his Officially Valid Document (OVD) and his geo-location coordinates. In the video KYC process, the details are captured using an encrypted audiovisual encounter, which should come from the requesting entitys domain, such as a bank-issued smartphone application.

Throughout the process, equivalent e-documents can be used, be it of the OVD, the PAN card (which must be provided in all cases) and any business/ financial documents that are prescribed. This allows, for instance, the use of the Digi Locker for KYC.

Going paperless and remote for customer KYC

The immediate benefit of a paperless form of KYC is the decreased costs (Aadhaar based eKYC had reduced costs of Rs.150-200 per KYC for physical KYC to Rs 20 per KYC). Video KYC brings in the additional benefit of being completely remote, since digital KYC still requires a visit either to the customers doorstep or a touch point. Video KYC also needs no wet signatures, a requirement in the last step of the digital KYC process (on a printed customer application form- the requesting entity retains a scanned copy and the customer retains the original).

Video KYC in particular thus presents a significant advantage for achieving scale, which has become a crucial factor in the success of fintech initiatives today, and for financial inclusion, since it provides a cost-effective method of achieving compliance even in remote locations.

Bringing in innovation and leveraging data

Several fintech companies have brought in new-age digital identity and authentication technologies for KYC compliance, which utilise artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud-based API technology, to name a few. Some of these are already in use in other sectors, like the use of video KYC to open mutual fund accounts. These norms provide such innovation with the required fillip, particularly given that the RBI has specified the use of face matching technology and AI in the process.

The bringing in of such technology will also present new use cases in the future, such as extending the use of facial recognition as authentication technology for other financial services, like at bank branches, for ATM services or even payments at Point of Sale terminals. The amount of data and related analysis also present scope for new ways in which the data can be leveraged, such as for new age risk mapping, using machine learning for false positive screening, using robotics for dealing with huge volumes of content and unstructured data, and so on. Privacy concerns, naturally, follow, and the possible new uses with the customer rights under the data protection law will need to be weighed.

The scope for innovation is thus tremendous, and among the reasons why the RBIs regulatory sandbox has specified a focus on digital KYC technology. To start with, the RBI should allow digital KYC to become remote as well. Also, at present neither process is completely free of human involvement, and in the future one will hopefully see fully automated KYC processes as well.

Easing business KYC as well

One major drawback of the new norms is that they ease KYC for individuals only, excluding business KYC. The one respite is that the use of equivalent e-documents has been permitted across all categories, including businesses. While this does bring in some relief, KYC processes are still quite cumbersome at the enterprise level, requiring physical visits to complete in-person verification and signatures, repeating KYC compliance across different financial regulators and entities, etc.

For instance, opening a mutual fund account from a registered bank account requires a repeat of the KYC process. Similarly, in its recent proposed norms for payment gateways, the RBI has proposed mandating KYC compliance for merchant on-boarding, despite the fact that merchants would have already undergone this process while opening their bank accounts.

The video KYC format of the RBI actually draws from last years recommendations of the U.K. Sinha Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, originally made in the context of extensive recommendations to help business KYC become digital and remote. Several other important suggestions were also made here, such as enabling Centralised-KYC at the enterprise level (like the C-KYC register for individuals), allowing inter-usable KYC across financial regulators and entities. Another was to enable API-based verification of documents from government databases (MCA, GST, etc.) in the KYC process, to be treated as Original Seen and Verified (OSV), and thus removing the need for physical verification. Yet another recommendation was to create a Universal Enterprise ID along the lines of Aadhaar, enabling verification along the lines of Aadhaar based OTP verification for businesses.

Taking RBIs steps on KYC further for business and individual KYC

Immediately, the RBI norms on digital and video KYC should be extended to the enterprise level to simplify compliance processes there too. This would in fact be a very welcome step in the upcoming Budget. The other recommendations made by the U.K. Sinha Committee also need to be considered on a priority.

Even at the individual level, further steps along the lines of the recommendations of the Steering Committee on Fintech Issues and the Nilekani Committee on Digital Payments should be considered. These include, for instance, enabling C-KYC properly by mandating the upload of KYC data across entities, and creating a consent-based KYC sharing process which removes the need to duplicate KYC, say, when an individual purchases an insurance policy from a registered bank account. Enabling such KYC sharing with entities like fintech companies as well will also be a major boost for the API-based banking services that are coming in.

With the hope that there is more to come, these new norms of the RBI on KYC are extremely welcome.

The author is the Head of Fintech Policy at Cashfree.
 Close Trump attacks climate change 'prophets of doom'

Donald Trump has again labelled his Senate impeachment trial a witch hunt and a hoax from the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, before addressing the business summit with a blustering, hyperbolic speech laying out his supposed economic and environmental achievements.

Proceedings in the upper chamber of Congress will began in earnest on Tuesday after the president was charged with abuse of power and obstruction by the House of Representatives last month. The prosecution team from the House faced the president's legal counsel, making their first appearance in the impeachment proceedings, and debated trial rules proposed by Mitch McConnell, whose gauntlet called for a brief trial without testimony or evidence and would likely end up in the president's acquittal.

House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff, leading the prosecution team, argued against the Senate Majority Leader's attempts to table efforts to subpoena White House documents.

White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley called Democrats "an utter joke" after attempts to draw out White House counsel Pat Cipollone as a fact witness.

A new poll from CNN has meanwhile found that 51 per cent of Americans now support Mr Trumps removal from office and 69 per cent want to hear testimony from new witnesses like ex-national security adviser John Bolton, White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, top aide Rob Blair and Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey.

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U.S. developers are moving into the U.K.'s rapidly expanding market for rental housing, including student dorms and senior-living facilities.

CA Ventures is a recent arrival. The Chicago-based builder plans annual investment starting at $260 million (200 million pounds) a year, rising to $496 million (380 million) pounds by the middle of this decade, to develop rental properties in Europe, according to a statement on Tuesday. The company began with student dorms in the U.K., and is now expanding into other types of rental housing. It has about $13 billion in real estate assets globally.

"The U.K. is the top priority," Carlo Matta, head of Europe for CA Ventures, said by phone. "We are looking at the larger secondary cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow."

The push into Europe has been under way for several years. Last May, Harrison Street raised $776 million (700 million euros) for its second European property fund. The firm is backed by Colliers International Group Inc., the second-largest owner of student housing in the U.S. Greystar Real Estate Partners, based in Charleston, South Carolina, partnered with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to run IQ Student Accommodation, the U.K.'s second-biggest purpose-built student housing firm, whose portfolio is up for sale.

In the U.S., yields in student accommodation and the private rental sector generally are lower than in Europe because the market is already well supplied and there are fewer opportunities for growth. Firms like CA Ventures see European markets as less mature, and are looking to capitalize on the relative scarcity of privately operated rental properties.

For every 100 students in the U.S., you have 60 beds, Matta said. "If you look at the U.K., for every 100 students you have 30 beds," he said.

The U.K. market is growing rapidly, adding 15% more housing units in 2019, according to broker Savills Plc. Development has started to spread away from its traditional London hub, as firms seek fresh ground in the country's other cities.
THERE is a lot of talk about Meghan and Harry's exit as senior working members of the Royal family as this is unprecedented. They apparently made an announcement without getting go signal from the Queen, nor from the other members of the Royal family like Prince Charles, and brother Prince William.

Although the Queen has already made a statement they will always be beloved members of the family, they have been stripped off their Royal highnesses titles, taken off the sovereign fund, asked to repay for the refurbishment of Frogmore cottage, and will no longer represent the Queen officially.

I do not think the Sussexes prepared for this as they were hoping to carve out progressive roles for them within the Institution and still represent the Queen but allowed to earn private income. The Queen was having none of it-it is either IN or Out, which I think is appropriate. One cannot have your cake and eat it, too.

They say it was intense media scrutiny that drove them out. However, I think it was more than that. The media was not kind to Kate Middleton at first, even publishing naked photos of her in the tabloids. I do not think it is about color as well since Meghan was welcomed with open arms, given a free reign on her wedding, welcomed at Sandringham even if she was not married into the family yet while Kate waited 10 years until she got invited. Kate, on the other hand, had to prove herself slowly but surely. It took a decade. She knew what she was getting into and has executed her part flawlessly without calling too much fanfare to herself. She does not complain, there is no drama, no aggressive tactics to make a name for herself and follows protocols that have contributed to making the institution last as long as it has despite modern times.

Meghan in her engagement interview said she did not know much about Prince Harry and only asked was he nice? Which anyone would think as BS. Even my nanny in the Philippines knows who Prince Harry is. Meghan did ask friends to introduce her to famous British men as she likes to date someone from London. She was photographed with a magazine with Kate on the cover in 2014. In the same year as the magazine photo, Meghan also wrote about Kate on her now-defunct blog The Tig and spoke about wanting to be a princess.

Story continues

She said: Grown women seem to retain this childhood fantasy. Just look at the pomp and circumstance surrounding the royal wedding and endless conversation about Princess Kate. She was also pictured in front of Buckingham palace and her best friend for 30 years claimed she had books of Princess Diana.

Her wedding was full of celebrities they were not even close to. And she did not invite members of her family except Doria. Apparently, it was her uncle who got her the internship at the United States embassy in Argentina but since he was no George Clooney, he did not get an invite.

Meghan was intent on modernizing and re-defining a centuries-old institution. More importantly, however, she reveled in the unlimited financial resources and took advantage of it prematurely and aggressively. She showed no restraint when it came to clothes especially branding herself as a humanitarian, champion of the poor while she spent $1m on clothes.

Amidst just coming from a climate change summit, they took private planes to visit Elton John in the South of France and to the party island Ibiza, while claiming they will only have maximum two kids as not to further contribute to the Earth's demise and continue to be a voice for climate change. The irony is difficult to fathom.

And the interview she made on the documentary on their Africa trip was not well received. There was a part where she said not many people have asked how she was. They are currently paid, and paid ridiculously well, to be working royals. She had a baby shower in New York with her A list friends and that is not enough? How many people does she want to ask how she is for her not to be sullen? She gave birth in private hospital, has a nanny, a crew of household and office staff and those are not enough while commoners have to actually toil for a living, get out of work as they cannot afford nannies, and here she is complaining. There are commoners who are fighting to put food on their table, with Brexit looming n their heads and their Duchess tearily said not many have asked if she was "okay." It is difficult to make the transition from working to being a mother but Meghan should not blame the royals for the challenges of first-time motherhood. Most do it without nannies and a plethora of staff Meghan has enjoyed. Meghan needs to grow up and, apparently, so does Harry.

Since they are now out of the Royal family business, they no longer have the royals or the media to blame for their unhappiness. I wish them well. Prince Harry is not poor after all and I think Prince Charles with his bread and butter, the Duchy of Cornwall will still continue to send them money and allowance. I think that they have to pay for their own security wherever they are and leave taxpayers out of it if they want a life of financial independence. It is but fair to use their own resources and not taxpayers' money for their own safety. These taxpayers should not be in the hook as they have no say in the ongoing drama and pursuit of happiness the Sussexes long for.

Follow me on Twitter @Missheiding, Instagram @Missheiding and website www.sunstar.com.ph.
File image of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro shaking hands with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a summit on June 28, 2019. (Image Reuters)

Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will on January 24 begin a four-day visit to India, primarily as chief guest on Republic Day and also to explore ways to boost trade ties at a time both the large economies are hit by slowdowns.

On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from January 24-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at India's 71st Republic Day Parade on January 26," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain, won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October 2018 and took the reins of the country in January last year.

"This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the ministry said.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit.

Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.

On Saturday, President Ram Nath Kovind will hold talks with Bolsonaro and will also host a banquet for him. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also call on Bolsonaro.

On January 21, Bolsonaro will address a group of Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum, according to the MEA.

India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The volume of bilateral trade was USD 8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included USD 3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further.

"Both sides will focus on boosting trade and investment during the visit," said an official.

Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

Indian investments in Brazil were around USD 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at USD 1 billion in 2018.

Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.

"Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries," the MEA said.

Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations.

"The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said.

Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
Everybody promised to destroy HFC-23 but apparently they didn't.

Remember the hole in the ozone layer? Last year it was smaller than it has been since they started measuring it. Because of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, however, 98 percent of ozone-depleting substances were taken off the market and replaced with hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which don't deplete the ozone layer but are serious greenhouse gases; a ton of HFC-23 has the same effect as 11,700 tons of carbon dioxide.

In 2016 the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol was agreed to and has been ratified by 65 countries; it aims to eliminate HFCs. Many countries promised to eliminate HFC-23 by 2017 but a new study shows that, in fact, emissions have spiked. According to Dr. Matt Rigby of the University of Bristol,

This potent greenhouse gas has been growing rapidly in the atmosphere for decades now, and these reports suggested that the rise should have almost completely stopped in the space of two or three years. This would have been a big win for climate.

It's apparently mostly coming from China and India, as an unwanted byproduct from the manufacture of Teflon, and also the manufacture of R-22, a refrigerant in air conditioners that is also supposed to be on the way out. It is used as a refrigerant and in the manufacture of semiconductors.

Guus Velders/via

India promised back in 2016 that its manufacturers would collect and destroy all the HFC-23 in the country. People were enthusiastic at the time, noting, "This step also improves chances at the Montreal Protocol this week to agree to a global phase-down of HFCs, which could reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees."

But not so fast, says lead author of the study, Dr Kieran Stanley.

To be compliant with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, countries who have ratified the agreement are required to destroy HFC-23 as far as possible.... Our study finds that it is very likely that China has not been as successful in reducing HFC-23 emissions as reported. However, without additional measurements, we cant be sure whether India has been able to implement its abatement programme.



As of January 1, 2020, the production and import of R-22 is illegal in many countries including the USA and China. One would think that this would also mean the end of HFC-23. Perhaps someone is cheating...
Washington, Jan 21 : US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has proposed a draft resolution on schedules of the upcoming impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the Republican-led upper chamber.

The Senate will debate and vote on the resolution on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

As expected, the four-page resolution does not require additional witnesses to be subpoenaed and does not allow House prosecutors to admit evidence into the Senate trial record until after the opening arguments are heard.

Instead, the resolution allows for a motion to be introduced to dismiss the impeachment charges by a simple majority vote.

According to the resolution, House impeachment managers will be allowed to begin their arguments 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

They will have 24 hours over two days to make their opening arguments when they begin to present their case against Trump on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

Similarly, the President's legal team will also have two days to present their arguments.

The two-day rule means that presentations from both sides could go late into the night.

Following the presentations, Senators will have a chance to question both sides for a period of 16 hours.

Votes on calling witnesses or documents will not be allowed until after the question phase of the trial. Senators will be given four hours to debate witnesses and documents.

If the Senate sticks to the schedule and later votes down motions to subpoena witnesses or documents, the trial could be finished by the end of next week, said a The Hill news report.

"It's clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through," Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer said in a statement on Monday.

"On something as important as impeachment, Senator McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace.

"McConnell's resolution stipulates that key facts be delivered in the wee hours of the night simply because he doesn't want the American people to hear them," Schumer added, vowing to force votes on amendments.

Schumer and other Democrats have pressed for witnesses like former National Security Advisor John Bolton to be called to testify during the trial, while McConnell has argued against their demands.

Earlier on Monday, Trump's lawyers argued that the President had done nothing wrong.

"The Senate should speedily reject these deficient articles of impeachment and acquit the president," the legal team said in the President's first comprehensive defence.

"The Articles of Impeachment now before the Senate are an affront to the Constitution and to our democratic institutions. The Articles themselves - and the rigged process that brought them here - are a brazenly political act by House Democrats that must be rejected," Trump's lawyers wrote.

The filing accuses House Democrats of crafting two "flimsy" articles of impeachment and using impeachment as "a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election".

On January 18, House Democrats unveiled a 111-page outline of their legal case, underlying the central assertion that the president abused his office, obstructed Congress and should be removed.

"The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that he is guilty of both. The only remaining question is whether the members of the Senate will accept and carry out the responsibility placed on them by the Framers of our Constitution and their constitutional Oaths," the brief compiled by seven House managers reads.

Trump was alleged to have pressed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching investigations that could politically benefit him. Furthermore, the White House allegedly tried to cover it up after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi initiated an impeachment inquiry last September.

A whistleblower raised concerns about the White House's interactions with Ukraine in an anonymous complaint last year.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing, repeatedly calling the impeachment "a hoax".

Under the US Constitution, the House has the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate can try all impeachments.

Conviction can only happen in the Senate and requires at least two-thirds of its members, or 67 senators, to vote in favour after a trial.

Currently, the Senate has 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and two Independents.
EUGENE, Ore.  Hundreds gathered outside Autzen Stadium Monday, gearing up for a march along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to honor the civil rights leader for which the street is named.

Before the march, community leaders addressed a large crowd and called for continued action towards justice and equality.

Among those in the audience was State Sen. James Manning, who said King preached a message of unity.

"We're in a world now where there's so much division and it's good to have a day where everybody in the community, whoever you are, can come out and say we are one, Manning said.

Ginny Hoke also attended the rally with her family.

I am the white parent of a black kid, so I care a lot about issues around justice and injustice, Hoke said. We need more representation for our kids of color in this community and we need to work to be anti-racist in this society.

Anu Richardson, whose father is the executive director of the Eugene Springfield NAACP chapter, said he wants to see more young people turn out for events like these.

"Where change really starts is with our youth... if we don't get started now, then how are we going to get in offices and what not, Richardson said.

Richardson said he was inspired by King's ability to connect with people of all backgrounds.

"If you have a message you want to get across, then you can get it across no matter what they look like or who they are," Richardson said.
OAKLAND (BCN)

Thousands of people marched in Oakland today on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to reclaim the spirit of the man celebrated on this day, an activist said.

The day was scheduled to start at noon at Frank Ogawa Plaza at 14th Street and Broadway by City Hall. Those that gathered also marched to Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern's Office at 14th Street and Lakeside Drive.

Speakers spoke about immigration, the housing crisis, and among other issues, police repression, Anti Police-Terror Project co-founder Cat Brooks said.

Brooks said demonstrators sought to "reclaim the radical legacy of King," who she said stopped traffic, was jailed, called out white moderates and was a revolutionary.

"King has largely been whitewashed," Brooks said.

Monday's march was the 6th annual March and Rally to Reclaim King's Radical Legacy and the only Martin Luther King Jr. Day march in Oakland, she said. It ended with a healing ceremony by the group Lead to Life, which melts guns into shovels to plant trees and other plants to heal the earth.

This year was the first march that elected officials attended. Rob Bonta, D-Oakland attended as did Nikki Fortunato Bas, an Oakland council member.

Bonta on Twitter thanked the marchers "for continuing to fight for what #MLK truly stood for such as housing for all, living wages and criminal justice reform.

"Proud to stand and fight for a better Oakland and California," he tweeted.

Also attending were the Moms 4 Housing, who are working with city of Oakland officials to complete a deal with Wedgewood Properties for a West Oakland home that the moms occupied for more than a month.

The moms were evicted last week by sheriff's deputies because a judge ruled the moms had no valid claim of possession of the home.

But Monday Oakland officials announced that an agreement had been reached between the city and Wedgewood for the home to be purchased by the Oakland Community Land Trust.

Brooks said King worked for a world that is just, equitable and humane for all people and she and those at the rally Monday are working to make that idea a reality.

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Amanda Rasmussen, the chief operating officer of ITL and chairwoman of Amcham Ho Chi Minh City

What challenges did ITL have to overcome under the effects of the world economic downturn in 2019?

Many sectors and companies faced challenges resulting from real or perceived potential world economic downturn in 2019. What we saw in the logistics industry that is specific to this market was cooling off of transportation volumes in terms of volume growth compared to the last 2-3 years. Equally, we saw a more balanced equilibrium in terms of supply and demand in logistics, resulting in a further downturn in the overall rate levels and costs to shippers and importers globally. Domestically, Vietnam enjoyed greater than average GDP growth globally, closing 2019 with an estimated 7.02 per cent growth. Ultimately, these challenges resulted in price pressure and greater competition in terms of market share.

What did ITL do to overcome the headwinds and affirm its position in the local and regional industry?

ITL will be focusing on core businesses and customers to protect our existing market share while ensuring that we continue to deliver best-in-class levels and achieve our expected growth levels. Disruption and uncertainty are a key part of the challenges we face in the industry today, locally and regionally, and to overcome these challenges, we must remain focused and committed to our strategy. For ITL, we saw the launch of new domestically-focused business units such as our new distribution business in 2018 and warehousing business in 2019. This enabled us to continue to benefit from our international play but also ensure we were in the right position to leverage on domestic growth. Equally, we have positioned ourselves to be a leader in international e-commerce cross-border logistics which is a major game-changer and growth area in the industry.

Amanda believes that the industry in Vietnam will remain steady in 2020

What achievements helped ITL make it into Top 10 most reputable companies in the transportation and logistics industry in 2019?

I believe the areas mentioned earlier such as the launch of new business units to diversify our product base and better ensure our strategic position in the industry as well as focus on key areas to strengthen our business, such as our technology platform, customer-centric business model, health & safety initiatives and our employee well-being and CSR activities. In 2019, we launched our partner facility with Saigon Newport (SNP) in Binh Duong, which is not only the largest multi-user in the area at 51,000 square metres but also considered to be state-of-the-art in comparison to other existing facilities in Southern Vietnam. We are heavily expanding across Vietnam in this area, including complementary products and services. We continue to invest in not only our capabilities and assets but our people as well. We consider ITL a family and with a special DNA that sets us apart from the competition. Our vision is to be the National Champion in the logistics industry in Vietnam as local hero also possessing the ability to compete internationally. This platform of technology, people, and a customer-centric mindset are central to this strategy.

ITL will continue working towards its vision of becoming a National Champion, said Amanda

How do you think the Vietnam and global logistics industry will be in 2020, as well as in the next five and ten years?

I believe that the industry in Vietnam will remain steady in 2020 and is expected to be one of ASEANs top performers in 2020 resulting from positive developments and gains in industrial production, domestic consumption, and exports. The domestic economy continues to be a buffer against the potential slowing of the global economy or more localized offsets resulting from U.S-China trade tensions and potential to impact Vietnam due it its growing trade surplus. That said, the country is still expected to grow at a healthy 6.6 per cent in 2020 and 6.5 per cent in 2021.

Globally, I believe we will continue to see a balanced supply and demand in 2020. However, with the potential impact of disruptors and global e-commerce trade, we may see this change in the coming 12-24 months and beyond. Of course, Vietnam is vulnerable to the impacts of changes in the global economy and trade tensions. Looking ahead, growth should remain well above the ASEAN average due to fast-developing domestic demand, ongoing FDI, the manufacturing sector as well as even the growing tourism sector.

What is ITLs vision and strategy in the near future to catch these trends and overcome the upcoming challenges?

Our core focus is to provide the most integrated and innovative transportation, aviation and e-commerce logistics services with mutual respect and extreme goodwill to those we serve.

Moreover, ITL will keep expanding co-operation with the strategic partners SNP and Maple Tree to keep up with the trend of developing and serve customers and partners better. In 2020, we will also celebrate 20 years of establishment and development, ITL will have more breakthrough developments.

It is said that ITL will invest an additional $70 million in 2020. What will you use this for?

The investment will be to further strengthen our position as a leading player in Vietnam and Indochina through further mergers and acquisitions activity and asset development. I believe the market will hear and see more of ITL in the near future as we expand our footprint and capacities.

Vietnam is expected to become the air transport hub of the region soon. Which role will ITL play in this important trend, and how will ITL contribute to domestic and regional air logistics?

ITL will play a central in this area by leading the development of this new offering for Vietnam, together with the industry leaders, customers, partners, local agencies and our own asset development. We will focus on this development not only in the air, but also in sea transport as well. This has a significant opportunity for the domestic and regional market by not only creating new revenue for Vietnam but equally allowing this volume to move closer to such an important centre of gravity as an exporting and even importing market.

ITL is aiming to become the National Champion  the leading logistics company of Vietnam and the region - as well as a $500 million company in the next two years. Based on your current potential and position, why not set a higher goal?

The goal of ITL as a $500 million company in the next two years is already ahead of schedule for this period due to our results over the last several years. This is our short-term goal. We believe a higher goal is achievable and the market remains very exciting and buoyant in the long term in Vietnam. We look forward to sharing these plans and the results with the market, our customers and our partners soon.
[January 21, 2020] Vantage Data Centers Delivers Record Growth in 2019, Expands Capacity, Markets and Portfolio

Vantage Data Centers, a leading provider of hyperscale data centers in support of business and mission-critical applications, closed out 2019 with record growth. The company added 41MW of capacity into operation across its North American footprint to meet customer demand. Vantage opened new facilities in Northern Virginia, Santa Clara, California, and Quebec City, in addition to its expansion in Montreal. The company also purchased land outside of Phoenix in Goodyear, Arizona, where it is developing the company's largest campus to date. "Our growth in 2019 was extraordinary, fulfilling the goals we set early in the year," said Sureel Choksi, president and CEO, Vantage Data Centers. "Not only did we expand outside of the U.S. for the first time, we also opened three new facilities and entered four new markets. This tremendous growth has been fueled by demand from hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises and powered by an innovative funding strategy." In January 2019, Vantage entered the Canadian market when it acquired 4Degrees Colocation with facilities in Montreal and Quebec City. The company immediately began expansions on both campuses. The company's inaugural east cast campus opened in Northern Virginia, the world's largest data center market. The 42-acre campus will consist of five data centers totaling 142MW and more than 1 million square feet when fully developed. The campus currently consists of one 30MW data center.



Growing its presence in Silicon Valley, Vantage opened its first 21MW data center on its second Santa Clara campus. The three-building campus, located just two miles from the company's flagship 77MW Santa Clara campus, will total 69MW once complete, providing customers with 146MW of capacity in the region. Vantage now has seven operational facilities in Silicon Valley. Rounding out its expansion in North America is the addition of Phoenix to the Vantage portfolio. The company purchased 50-acres of land, which will house a 160MW mega-scale campus.

Over the course of 2019, Vantage raised $1.6 billion in capital to support its expansion across North America. In addition, Vantage opened a second headquarters in Denver to facilitate the growth of its employee base. About Vantage Data Centers Vantage Data Centers is a leading North American wholesale data center provider in six strategic markets: Silicon Valley; Northern Virginia; Phoenix; Quincy, Washington; Montreal and Quebec City, Canada. Vantage has 12 operational facilities totaling 131MW of capacity and six facilities currently under development totaling 80MW. The company provides highly scalable, flexible and efficient data center solutions to hyperscale, cloud and enterprise customers, offering unique value through its commitment to exceptional customer service and sustainability. For more information, visit www.vantage-dc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005812/en/

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Ninja 300 is the best selling Kawasaki in India. It was only recently that Kawasaki India discontinued the BS4-compliant Ninja 300.

The entry-level product from the iconic Japanese motorcycle brand is arguably outdated in comparison to its major competitors as well as the new range of Kawasaki products. In fact, India is one of the very few markets in the world where the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is still sold.

Now, the upcoming BS6-compliant version of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 was caught on camera in Pune, by automotive enthusiast Akash Ombale. The motorcycle did not wear any forms of camouflage. The test mule was spotted near the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) facility in Pune; giving considerable reasons to believe its the upcoming BS6 version.

As mentioned before, our market is one of the very few to have the Ninja 300 as a factory-fresh product. In most markets, Kawasaki had replaced the Ninja 300 with the better and powerful Ninja 400. Even though the case was supposed to be the same in our country, high demand for the Ninja 300 and the relatively higher price tag of the Ninja 400 forced Kawasaki India to continue selling the former.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 in its BS4 avatar was available for around Rs 3 lakh ex-showroom. The initial pricing was higher by almost Rs 60,000, but thanks to heavy localisation, Kawasaki India managed to package the Ninja 300 within a reasonable price bracket. With BS6 update, the figure might go up by around Rs 10,000-15,000.

The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is powered by a 296cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder (parallel) engine. In BS4 format, the power plant made 38bhp and 27Nm of torque. In comparison, its virtual successor, the Ninja 400 makes 47.5bhp and 38Nm of torque from its 399cc parallel-twin motor. Both engines come mated to a 6-speed transmission.

Updating to stringent emission norms usually come at the cost of reduced output since the engine is essentially choked to reduce the level of pollutants coming out as a result of combustion. Often times, the drop in output is negligible in higher capacity motorcycles, but since the Ninja 300 uses a rather old power plant, we have to wait and see how Kawasaki India will make the compromise.

In the Indian motorcycle market, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 primarily rivals the Yamaha YZF-R3; another parallel-twin faired motorcycle in the 300cc category. However, it is worth noting that the single-cylinder KTM 390 Duke or RC 390 is a much more desirable and affordable alternative, with an output of 43bhp and 37Nm despite being short of one cylinder.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday denied having spoken "directly" with Queen Elizabeth II about the costs of providing security for Prince Harry, his wife Meghan and their son.

The British press has reported that Trudeau promised the queen that Canada would assume the costs of protecting the Sussexes, who are currently residing near the city of Vancouver.

"I have not spoken to her Majesty directly. Discussions continue to be ongoing and I have no updates at this moment," Trudeau told a conference.

Canadian media have estimated the cost of protecting the couple and their eight-month-old son Archie at about 1.7 million Canadian dollars (USD 1.3 million) a year.

Other estimates run higher.

Harry, 35, returned to Canada late Monday to begin a new life away from the British monarchy with his American wife and their son in a mansion on Vancouver Island on Canada's Pacific coast.

Meghan Markle, 38, had gone back to Canada to be with Archie shortly after the couple announced they planned to step back from their royal duties and spend part of their life in North America.

The queen on Saturday gave her blessing, saying she supported their wish for a more independent life, after an agreement was reached under which they give up their royal titles and stop receiving public funds.

The question of who would be responsible for the cost of their security in Canada has not been resolved.

According to British media, Harry and Meghan have threatened to take legal action after tabloids published photographs of Meghan and Archie in Canada.

They complain that paparazzi with long-lens cameras are permanently installed on Vancouver Island to spy on them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will not be taken back, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday as he called for a public debate on the legislation that has triggered country-wide protests and forced the BJP to launch an awareness campaign.

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh Lucknow, the Union home minister also lashed out at the Congress saying its actions divided the country. On his line of attack were Congress Rahul Gandhi as well as West Bengal chief Mamata Banerjee and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav.

The anti-CAA parties are spreading propaganda and spreading illusions thats why the BJP is running the Jan Jagran Abhiyan, which is a public awareness campaign against those who break the country, Amit Shah said.

Watch l Wont withdraw CAA; challenge opposition leaders for a debate: Amit Shah

Let it be very loud and clear to our opponents that the citizenship law wont be rolled back at any cost, irrespective of the protests, Shah said of the amended law which will enable the government to give citizenship to non-Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The minister reiterated that there is no provision for taking the citizenship of anyone anywhere under CAA and said that people will rather get Indias citizenship.

I have introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha. I want to tell the opposition that you should discuss this bill publicly. If it can take citizenship of any person, then prove it and show it, he said.

As several people from the minority communities in the three Muslim-majority countries, who had taken refuge in various parts of the politically-crucial state, attended the rally, Shah accused the opposition of indulging in politics over the issue.

Aankh ke andhe, kaan ke behre netaon ko in par huey atyachar dikhai nahi padta (The blind and deaf leaders cant see the atrocities heaped on these persecuted minorities), Shah said.

The senior minister was severely critical of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav whose daughter was spotted recently at Lucknows Clock Tower in the old city area where Muslim women have been on an indefinite protest against the citizenship law.

Akhilesh ji you keep talking through scripted speeches. I dare you to speak independently for five minutes on the citizenship issue, he said.

Womens protest

His rally comes even as the protest led by women against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) entered its fifth day.

Police have booked 16 women and more than 100 unidentified persons, including two daughters of poet Munawwar Rana, in connection with the anti-CAA protest at Clock Tower in Chowk area of the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Ahead of the rally, the police took out a flag mark at Clock Tower, the point where women are protesting but the efforts to pacify the protestors went in vain.

The protest spread to Ujariaon area of Gomti Nagar where over 15 women staged a sit-in near a dargah, holding placards showing anti-CAA and National Register of Citizens (NRC) slogans.

Sins of Congress

He lashed out at the Congress as he used data to point to the decreasing number of minorities in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

At the time of partition, Hindu, Sikh Buddhist and Jain constituted 30% of the population in Bangladesh and 23% in Pakistan. But today its just 7% & 3%, respectively. Where have these people gone? Those who are protesting against CAA, I want to ask them this, he said.

The sins of the Congress has led to the division of India on the basis of religion. The number of minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh continued to decrease. Where did these people go? Some were killed, some were forcibly converted, the minister said.

Amit Shah also reminded the Congress of its promise of citizenship to the people from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Rajasthan.

In the last assembly election in Rajasthan, the Congress had said in its manifesto that Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan will be given citizenship. If you do it then is all right and when Modi ji does it then you protest, he said.

He went on to invoke Mahatma Gandhi and the countrys first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru to say emphasise his governments thrust for the legislation.

Mahatma Gandhi had said in 1947 that Hindus and Sikhs living in Pakistan can come to India, Shah said. The Father of the Nation had said that giving them citizenship, giving them pride should be the duty of the Indian government, Shah pointed out.

Nehruji had said that the Central Relief Fund should be used to provide relief to the refugees. They should do whatever is necessary to give them citizenship, but Congress did nothing, he said.

Shahs address in Lucknow was his first political rally after relinquishing the post of the Bharatiya Janata Partys chief in keeping with one man, one post principle of BJP.

It was among the six rallies by top BJP leaders, the party has planned in UP on citizenship law.

Newly-elected BJP chief JP Nadda will be in Agra on Thursday to drum up support for the recent amendment in the act. Defence minister Rajnath Singh and Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, both former BJP chiefs, will be also holding rallies in UP.
Actor Kangana Ranaut has weighed in on the controversy surrounding actor Saif Ali Khans recent comments about Indias history and identity. Kangana said people are following smaller narratives that they have created to suit themselves.

In an interview with film critic Anupama Chopra, Saif had talked about the current social climate in the country and the polarising politics of his latest film Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. I dont think this is history, Saif said I dont think there was a concept of India till the British gave it one.

Kangana was asked to comment on the same by Zee News when she said the existence of Mahabharata proves that a united India existed before the British took over the country. This is not true. If there was no Bharat then what was Mahabharat? That 5,000-year-old text that was written, what was it? What did Ved Vyas write? Some people have just created these narratives that suit them. Sri Krishna was in Mahabharat. So there was a Bharat, thats why it was mahaan (great). All the kings of India came together to fight that war. So its natural..., she said.

ALSO WATCH | Saif Ali Khan promotes upcoming film Jawaani Jaaneman in Juhu

You see even Europe has these small nations. But these had a collective identity, thats why Sri Krishna went to all these places with Pandavas and the Kauravas, to ask them who will be a part of the war, she added. Kanganas sister Rangoli Chandel shared the video on Twitter and wrote, Kangana asking Saif Ali Khan a very important question ... over to you Saif.

Saif had said that he could not refuse the delicious role offered to him in Tanhaji but may take a stand next time. For some reason I didnt take a stand. Maybe next time I would. I was very excited to play the role because its a delicious role. But when people say this is history, I dont think this is history. I am quite aware of what the history was. I dont think there was a concept of India till perhaps the British gave it one. I dont think there is really any constructive point in arguing about loudly, provided you yourself know why youre doing it, Saif had said.

He is now being criticised by some for his remarks while many are also supporting him. Some even trolled him for naming his son Taimur. I am sure History buff Saif Ali Khan never heard or read about Taimur/Timur , a Turko-Mongol conquerer who devastated much of Asia in the period around 1400 .. otherwise he wud have never named his cute son Taimur Ali Khan .. just saying, wrote a Twitter user.

Also read: Bigg Boss 13: Sidharth Shukla says he is done with Asim Riaz and wants to quit, fight divides Twitter

Kanganas Panga co-star Richa Chadha, who was sitting next to her in the same interview, defended the actors son on Twitter. Ummm 3 year old child, she wrote. When someone said that she should get a lesson in history, she replied: Unlike the lot of you, I did my honours in History...now if only you bothered to study it, we wouldnt be repeating it. The degree took me 3 years at St Stephens... ummm so am saving you the embarrassment because this IQ thing would definitely be a grossly unfair contest.

Previously, Kangana and Saif got involved in a controversy when Saif made fun of her on IIFA stage for her comments against nepotism in 2017. In an open letter, Saif wrote that he had apologised to her, and he doesnt owe anybody else an explanation. The issue is over.

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They have been working the runway as fashion week season kicks off once again.

And Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid proved they are as sensational off the runway as on as they stepped out in Paris between fashion shows on Tuesday.

The daughter of Cindy Crawford, 18, looked sensational in a sleek suit as she clutched 2008 novel The Bad Girl by while her supermodel cohort, 24, donned a cosy shearling coat.

Stunner: Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid proved they are as sensational off the runway as on as they stepped out in Paris between fashion shows on Tuesday

Kaia has clearly been reading behind-the-scenes, as she held on to the 2008 tome by Mario Vargas Llosa, which tells the tale of a lovestruck teen vanishing, before her lover finds somebody remarkably similar in Paris in the future.

She looked sensational in her ensemble which featured high-waisted trousers and a cropped grey jumper while she kept warm in a crisp coat.

Gigi meanwhile was equally ready for the chill in the City Of Love as she stepped out in a shearling lined coat, a poloneck and high-waisted jeans.

The outing comes after Kaia was widely reported to have split from comedian Pete Davidson after they were first romantically linked in October.

Elegant: Gigi meanwhile was equally ready for the chill in the City Of Love as she stepped out in a shearling lined coat, a poloneck and high-waisted jeans

A vision: She looked sensational in her ensemble which featured high-waisted trousers and a cropped grey jumper while she kept warm in a crisp coat

A source told Page Six: 'It looks like Pete and Kaia are over. It got very overwhelming for Kaia. Pete has a certain M.O. and hes very intense to his girlfriends. Kaia is only 18 and its a lot to deal with.'

Pete was first spotted leaving Kaia's apartment in late October, and the two have made several romantic outings since.

The relationship quickly drew controversy, as Pete had only split with ex Margaret Qualley a week before, and Gerber had only turned 18 in September.

In late December, Kaia's model parents Cindy and Rande Gerber were spotted having an intense discussion outside their daughter's apartment.

Strutting her stuff: The outing comes after Kaia was widely reported to have split from comedian Pete Davidson after they were first romantically linked in October

They seemed to be referring to Pete (who left the building moments later), saying someone 'scratched eyes' and was 'freaking out.'

The incident came days after the comedian joked on an episode of Saturday Night Live that he would be 'going on a little vacation' to rehab.

He reportedly first met Kaia last June, when they both walked in the Alexander Wang Collection 1 runway show at New York Fashion Week.

Pete has had quite the dating history, including a romance with Kate Beckinsale, 46, since his engagement with Ariana Grande ended in October of 2018.
Public health officials have confirmed the first U.S. case of a mysterious coronavirus that has sickened hundreds of people in China, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Tuesday.

A Snohomish County, Washington State resident who was returning from China on Jan. 15 was diagnosed with the Wuhan coronavirus, according to the CDC.

Officials said the patient, a male in his 30s, is "very healthy." He is currently being isolated at a medical center in the state "out of caution" and "poses little risk" to the public, they said. The CDC said the man reached out to local health authorities last week once he started experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms.

"We're being proactive at all levels," Nancy Messonnier, CDC's director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said on a conference call with reporters Tuesday. "CDC will be working closely with the state health department on the particulars of this patient's care."

President Donald Trump on Wednesday told CNBC he was aware of the case and said the U.S. has it "totally under control."

"We have it totally under control," Trump told "Squawk Box" co-host Joe Kernen in an interview from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "It's one person coming in from China. We have it under control. It's going to be just fine."
India is one of the most compelling business stories, the world has come to start believing in and the world has come to start looking at it in the right light.

The 50th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is underway in the Swiss mountain town of Davos. This global epicentre of power brings together political and business leaders to discuss global opportunities and challenges.

Some of the leaders like KT Rama Rao, IT Minister of Telangana and Guruprasad Mohapatra, DPIIT Secretary shared their views with CNBC-TV18.

According to Rama Rao, India is one of the most compelling business stories, the world has come to start believing in and the world has come to start looking at it in the right light. "There are few factors that worked well for us one, this whole engine room population, which is about 40 percent of the youth between the ages 20 and 40 is a huge advantage, which no other country at this point of time possibly can talk about. Two, the way innovation as an ecosystem is emerging in India is also extremely promising. We have had some billion unicorns come up, even in the most unlikeliest of the locations. India has a huge advantage, which both the government in Delhi and our government in Telangana are going to leverage, said Rama Rao.

Rama Rao further said, there are three things that work from a state perspective  while the larger policy decisions are made in Delhi, the action is in states. "The three things Telangana is focusing on are ease of doing business, the cost of doing business has to be lower, and the quality of doing business has to also improve. So these three aspects need to be bundled together. By quality of business, I mean the quality of talent, the quality of human resources, the quality of infrastructure. I am a firm believer in the three 'I' mantra, if India wants to propel itself into greatness - innovation, infrastructure, inclusive growth. These three 'I' put together is what is going to help states emerge stronger and obviously the stronger the states, stronger the nation, he said, adding that they have been working very closely with DPIIT and their entire team. We are thankful to them for their support but a lot more needs to be done on infrastructure space.

Mohapatra said, What we are trying in government of India is to firstly ramp up our infrastructure spending and you have heard that honourable Prime Ministers announcement about that figure and this will obviously go to the states, because the states is where the land is and state is where the action is. Secondly, we are going to further strengthen the start-up ecosystem in the country. We will try to bring more incentives for them, we will ensure that their credit needs are satisfied in reasonably cost effective manner. We are going to give them more research and development (R&D) incentives, more tax incentives, so that startup preoccupation of Government of India as well as states is going to continue and further improve,

As far as investment is concerned, we are going to do very strong kind of hand holding with the potential investors who come to India, not only in terms of bringing all the government of India regulatory departments at one place but also to bring states along with. We plan to give the investor all the information online so that if he wants to go to Telangana right from where he is in the world, he will come to know which site is available in Telangana, what are the downward and forward linkages available for that etc. All these things will see investor certainty, Mohapatra said.

When asked how many states were on board for this plan, Mohapatra said, "Almost all state governments have come on board and we have had several rounds of meetings and we are planning to further strengthen the investment framework that we have in terms of perfect hand-holding for the potential investors who would like to come to the country, not only Indian but also the foreign investors."

This is a partnered post.
Oakwood Village, the largest retirement organization in Madison, is reevaluating a West Side redevelopment plan and opening an expansion on the Far East Side.

A $240 million project to replace some buildings and add capacity at Oakwoods University Woods campus on Mineral Point Road, for which construction was scheduled to begin this year, is delayed.

Residents have complained about the planned elimination of 30 subsidized units for people with low incomes and 140 rental units, and executives are reconsidering the move.

The redevelopment would add more than 100 independent living apartments while scaling back nursing home and assisted living beds, for a total of 655 residences, about 70 more than now. Plans were submitted to the city in June.

The first phase was expected to start this June and open in 2022, but the project is on hold, said Keith VanLanduyt, Oakwoods vice president of marketing.

Were still working on the financial component of it and the logistical component of relocating residents, VanLanduyt said.

The $240 million price tag no longer appears viable, he said.

A letter signed by more than 150 residents in September decried the elimination of the 30 Section 8 housing units, subsidized by the federal government, and 140 rental units. Entrance fees for new apartment homes would be more than $450,000, the letter said.

We are concerned that this focus on relatively costly life lease only units ... will make it difficult for all but the more affluent to live in our community, the letter said.

Following a listening session about the concerns, board members and executives said in a November memo that Section 8 housing is not a program we can continue to support at this time.

However, VanLanduyt said last week that is under review. A new CEO, Reg Hislop, started in November, he said.

While it will be financially challenging to cover the costs of taking down old buildings to build new low-income housing, we have not ruled it out, VanLanduyt said. "Oakwood is committed to supporting affordable housing in Madison and we are working through how to do this in a financially sustainable manner."

Oakwood recently switched its Section 8 arrangement from project-based to voucher-based so residents in the program can move to another location if needed, VanLanduyt said.

Oakwood and Attic Angel Association plan to build an 87-unit senior housing project that would accept Section 42, a different program for people with low incomes. AgeBetter, a partnership between the two organizations, has applied for state tax credits and could begin construction on the project in spring 2021 on Attic Angel property on the Far West Side, VanLanduyt said.

Wynn Davies, an Oakwood resident with a life-lease apartment who helped circulate the letter in September, said residents remain concerned about the redevelopment plan.

It has caused a great deal of anxiety on the part of people who are here, he said.

Madison Ald. Keith Furman, who represents the area, said hes supportive of the overall theme (of the redevelopment) but disappointed about the elimination of the affordable housing.

VanLanduyt said part of the reason for delaying construction at University Woods is the desire to achieve stabilized occupancy in the recently completed expansion at Oakwoods Prairie Ridge campus on the Far East Side. The campus is on Tancho Drive near the headquarters of American Family Insurance.

The $54 million project, completed last year, added 71 independent living apartments and 33 assisted living units, along with upgrading dining options and space for exercise and learning activities. The campus now has about 410 residences.

The apartments are nearly filled, but VanLanduyt said advertising for the assisted living units just began.

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The colourful stories behind the final painting by High Renaissance master Raphael.

If every picture tells a story, then The Transfiguration by Raphael on view in the Vatican Museums tells several. There is the story of the events portrayed, as well as the history of the canvas itself and its strange role in the life of the artist who created it.

The painting was commissioned in 1517 by Cardinal Giulio Medici. You might already know him: in Raphaels portrait of the Medici Pope Leo X, Giulio is the tall, handsome cousin standing on the left. By setting one artist against another the Medici, as patrons of the arts, had learned that there was nothing like competition to optimise results. This time Raphael was called on to paint The Transfiguration and Sebastiano del Piombo from the rival Michelangelo camp to paint Lazarus rising from the Dead, both works for the altar of Narbonne cathedral, where Giulio was then bishop.

A year passes, and no painting  though its true that Raphael, prince among artists, had no shortage of other duties. As the recently appointed papal architect he was responsible for redesigning St Peters after the death of Bramante, as well as being superintendent of antiquities. Another year passes; still no painting. In 1519 del Piombo completes his own part of the commission, thanks to drawings supplied by Michelangelo, and given that Raphaels work is still not forthcoming, he declares himself victor.

The Transfiguration by Raphael

Then in 1520, in the run-up to Easter, Raphael suddenly falls ill. Vasari, always eager for a juicy story, opines that it was caused by excessive lovemaking with La Fornarina  Margarita Luti  Raphaels long-term lover. The doctor, however, diagnoses heatstroke. Raphael who, according to Vasari, also nursed hopes of becoming a cardinal, declines to correct the doctor and so carries on with the wrong treatment. The night of Good Friday is, tragically, his last. There at the beds foot, at long last, is The Transfiguration: the radiance of the upper part of the picture is all the more striking for the chiaroscuro of the scene below as the disciples try in vain to enact a miracle.

The papal court goes into mourning. As his funeral cortege of a hundred painters processes to the Pantheon, Raphaels requested resting place, the painting is hoisted up in the front the procession before being set behind the altar. It makes a neat finale, although another version of the story, backed up by restoration work in the 1970s, suggests that some figures in the paintings bottom left were added later by Raphaels long-term collaborators Giulio Romano and Gianfresco Penni.

But what of the story depicted in the painting itself? Or stories, given that it incorporates two halves. First the upper half or the Transfiguration, which St Thomas Aquinas described as the greatest miracle of all, unique in that it happened not to others but to Jesus himself. And his face shone like the sun, and his raiments were as white as the light, to cite St Matthew.

Raphael depicts Christ with his arms raised, so prefiguring the Crucifixion. In addition the Christ figure floats in air, evoking the subsequent Resurrection. To his right Moses bears the Tablets of the Law, to his left Elijah the books of prophecy, one of which (Malachi) cites Elijahs reappearance as a precondition for Christs coming.

Lying below are James and John, then Peter in the centre. Only Peter has his eyes open, as later described in his second Epistle: Not out of cunningly designed fables do I tell you these things, but as an eyewitness unto majesty. Almost offstage are St Pastor and St Just, the patron saints of Narbonne whose feast day, 6 August, coincides with the feast of the Transfiguration, a date chosen to celebrate the Ottoman defeat at the gates of Belgrade in 1456.

If the canvass upper half is all symmetry and light and transcendence, the lower half is a disquieting mixture of panic, confusion and helplessness in the face of suffering. The 19th-century art historian Jacob Burckhardt remarks that in a lesser painter such a contrast might appear even monstrous.

In fine robes and with a whirligig of gestures, the nine remaining disciples do their desperate earth-bound best to cure a poor demoniac boy portrayed mid-scream. Epilepsys devils spew freely from his mouth; his eyes roll east and west. This exorcism appears to have gone wrong and one disciple scrutinises a book as if to find an answer. Stop! Someone make him stop! is the viewers reaction. The answer, it seems, lies in the incongruously beautiful but disquieting serpentina figure at the pictures centre. Our gaze, having alighted on what must be western arts most stunning hairdo, is rerouted via perfect profile and a rhetorical swerve of the woman's shoulder back up the mountain to the scene above. Critics have noted a rather un-Raphaelesque muscularity in the shoulder, closer to Michelangelos sybils than Raphaels sweet madonnas, a clear sign of his rivals influence, although the story that Michelangelo actually slipped out one night to complete the figure personally must remain apocryphal.

But to return to the story of the canvas itself. After gracing its makers funeral, the painting never got to Narbonne after all. Cardinal Giulio kept the original for himself. On Pope Leos death, the cardinal, now pope, had it installed in the church of S. Pietro in Montorio. The venue is a fitting one, given Peters witness to majesty; what's more, the site is believed to be where the saint was crucified. In 1774 a mosaic replica by Stefano Pozzi was made for St Peters basilica, rather fortuitous as 20 years later Napoleon carted the original Raphael painting off to Paris.

Raphael's tomb at the Pantheon

In 1815 the painting was returned, this time to the Vatican. Meanwhile Raphaels corpse seems to have gone missing. So much time had passed since his burial that doubts arose whether he had been buried in the Pantheon at all, the archaeologist Carlo Fea in 1816 going so far as to affirm that the artist was probably buried in the S. Maria sopra Minerva church across the road.

Following excavations at the Pantheon, begun on 9 September 1833 under Giuseppe de Fabris, and using Vasaris Life of Raphael as a guide, the mystery was finally solved after five days' digging: from deep inside the mud emerged a coffin ruined by Roman floodwaters. (Look at the wall of S. Maria sopra Minerva and you can see how frequent they were, along with respective dates and flood-levels.) Raphaels skeleton, however, was intact.

As celebrated in the sonnet by Rome's 18th-century poet Giuseppe Gioachino Belli: Er corpo aritovato: E lui: nun e: sso cquelle: nun zo quelle:/ E Rraffaelle: nun e Rraffaelle/ E ttutter giorno la Ritonna e piena, a second funeral service was ordered and on the evening of 18 October Raphael was reburied in a new pinewood coffin sealed inside a first-century sarcophagus. There he awaits the Resurrection and the life which his painting, in its own brilliant way, prefigures.

Martin Bennett

The Transfiguration can be seen today in the Pinacoteca in the Vatican Museums.

This article was published in the September 2015 edition of Wanted in Rome magazine.
Sinn Fein TD for Carlow and Kilkenny has said that plans to increase the age at which workers are entitled to a State pension to 68 are 'wrong, unfair and don't represent the values of the Irish people.'

Deputy Funchion has said: "It should be the unquestioned right of any 65-year-old to retire on a State pension if they so wish. At that age, we will all have done our heavy lifting, we will have worked hard, paid our bills and paid our taxes to this State.

"Fine Gael - supported by Fianna Fail - don't see it that way. They don't believe that 65 year olds are entitled to a State pension, and they don't believe that people who have worked for more than four decades deserve it.

"In 2014, Fine Gael raised the pensionable age to 66. They have spent their time in government attacking the entitlements of retirees while ensuring that millionaire business executives are treated to cushy tax breaks.

"In contrast, Sinn Fein has spent our time in opposition fighting for retirees tooth and tail. This is because we understand that we are not talking about some abstract age bracket on a page.

"We are talking about our parents, our grandparents and our families.

"We are talking about our friends and our neighbours.

"We are talking about people who have provided the resources to build our hospitals, our schools and our roads.

"They are entitled to respect and dignity.

"They shouldn't be put on a jobseekers' payments for two years.

"Sinn Fein is standing up for workers, and we are standing up for a fair and respectful State pension age.

"In government, Sinn Fein will reintroduce the State pension for 65 year olds who choose to retire and we will legislate to protect the rights of those who wish to keep working."








Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments will defer its plenary deliberations on charter change as it reviews other reform proposals submitted by an inter-agency body.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said he and his colleagues will recall the resolution seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution following new comments from the Task Force on Federalism and Constitutional Reform.

We go back to the drawing board. We are going to hear their proposals because this is now the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), Rodriguez, who chairs the House panel, said in a briefing Tuesday.

We are going therefore not to proceed yet with the plenary discussions on the proposed amendments the committee amendments that we have proposed and approved in the committee, he added.

The lawmaker said the Task Forces inputs are deemed valuable as the group has already conducted nationwide public consultations on charter change.

The House committees draft report, approved behind closed doors in December, proposes several amendments to the Constitutionincluding a fixed five-year term for all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as local officials.

The resolution also wants to increase the number of senators from 24 to 27  with designated representatives from various regions. It also proposes a tandem voting for the President and Vice President in the elections, as well as a provision that would ease restrictions on foreign business ownership.

RELATED: Duterte to keep hands off Cha-Cha resolution  Palace

With the new development, Rodriguez said the plenary debatesoriginally eyed this monthwill only be able to start in May.

We will not be able to approve this within March, but we are sure by March, before we adjourn on March 11, we would have already heard the proposals of the inter-agency and also the DILG, the lawmaker said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano meanwhile expressed optimism that the proposed constitutional reforms will be passed by lawmakers before President Rodrigo Dutertes term ends in 2022.

"We are optimistic that this constitutional reform that we are advocating for will be heard by Congress and the Senate," Ano said in a statement Tuesday.

READ: Keep an open mind on cha-cha, Senate urged anew

CNN Philippines' Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report.
A court here on Tuesday granted the National Investigation Agency 7-day custody of two students who were arrested by police recently from Kozhikode for allegedly distributing pro-Maoist pamphlets, from January 22.

The NIA had last month taken over the UAPA cases against the students, Thwaha Fazal (24) and Alan Suhaib (20), who are CPI(M) activists.

Considering the application moved by the NIA seeking their custody, the NIA court on Tuesday granted seven-day custody of the accused from January 22.

They will be produced before the court on Wednesday before NIA takes them into custody.

The Kerala High Court on November 27 had dismissed the bail plea of the two students who were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

The court had admitted the evidence submitted by police to prove the arrested students had Maoist links and denied them bail.

Fazal and Alan, students of journalism and law respectively and the CPI(M)'s branch committee members, were arrested on November 2 from Kozhikode, leading to widespread criticism in the Left-ruled state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg listens to a speech by President Trump during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, 21 January 2020. Photo: Gian Ehrenzeller / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

By Rick Noack

21 January 2020

(The Washington Post)  Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and President Trump offered two opposing visions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, with Trump lashing out at what he said were perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse as Thunberg inveighed against the sowers of climate chaos.

We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country or eradicate our liberty, Trump said at the conference.

Even though Trump said he was a big believer in the environment and did not explicitly name climate change as he lashed out at alarmists, his remarks stood in stark contrast to the 17-year old Thunbergs renewed call to start listening to the science on climate change. The world, she said on Tuesday, needs to treat this crisis with the importance it deserves.

Thunbergs remarks echoed her prior warning in Davos last year, when she told world leaders: I dont want your hope. I dont want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day. And then I want you to act.

The Swedish teenagers activism helped inspire a global climate action movement, which earned her Time Magazines Person of the Year title in December.

Without treating it as a real crisis, we cannot solve it, Thunberg said at the annual conference, which brings together political and economic leaders from around the world.

Thunberg is also set to give a second speech Tuesday afternoon. Our house is still on fire. Your inaction is fueling the flames by the hour. We are still telling you to panic, and to act as if you loved your children above all else, Thunberg is set to say, according to a transcript of her planned remarks, shared with The New York Times.

While she and Trump did not mention each other directly in their speeches, their remarks represented a head-on collision of worldviews. In his remarks, according to reports, he referred to todays activists as the heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers.

Robert Habeck, leader of the German Greens, said he hadnt expected much, but [Trumps] speech was a disaster for the conference, for the idea of the conference, for the idea of multilateralism.

As Trump lashes out at prophets of doom in Davos, Greta Thunberg calls for climate action

Trump speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 21 January 2020. He called climate activists radical socialists, prophets of doom, and the heirs of yesterdays foolish fortune tellers. Photo: Reuters

Davos 2020: Trump rejects prophets of doom at climate-focused WEF

21 January 2020 (DW)  U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the concerns of environmental activists as pessimism in a speech to political and business leaders at the start of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Tuesday.

Climate change and global warming are topping the agenda at this years annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, with activists at odds with businesses and governments about how to tackle the issue.

What Trump said:

The US leader dubbed climate activists prophets of doom and rejected their warnings, saying: Fear and doubt is not a good thought process.

Despite concerns about emissions, Trump praised the US as one of the worlds largest producers of natural gas.

He announced that the US would be joining the WEFs one trillion trees initiative.

When asked about his stance on climate change by reporters ahead of his speech, he said: Im a big believer in the environment. The environment is very important to me.

Much of Trumps speech focused on praising his administrations domestic economic policies, saying that by rolling back regulations, prosperity would come thundering back at record speed.

A nations highest duty is to its own citizens, he said. Only when governments put their citizens first, will they be invested in their national futures.

Greta: Basically nothing has been done

Following Trumps speech, Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg criticized world leaders and business executives for failing to meet their climate targets.

Unlike you, my generation will not give up without a fight. The facts are clear but they are still too uncomfortable for you to address, she told a panel.

Our house is still on fire. Your inaction is fueling the flames by the hour. And we are telling you to act as if you loved your children above all else, Thunberg said, echoing her remarks from her WEF appearance last year.

At a panel just before Trump arrived, Thunberg emphasized that moderate changes will not be enough to slow the impact of climate change.

We are all fighting for the environment and climate. If you see it from a bigger perspective, basically nothing has been done. It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning, she said. [more]

Davos 2020: Trump rejects prophets of doom at climate-focused WEF
Russia has announced that it has shot down drones that were launched by militant groups and were trying to attack the Hemeimeem base reports Syria.News.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that it had frustrated an attack carried out by militants with drones on the Hemeimeem base in Lattakia province.

The ministry said in a statement published by media outlets that, Russian air defense in the Hemeimeem base observed three small aerial targets from a distance on Sunday evening that were heading to the Russian military site from the northeast.

The ministry added that, missile systems operating in the Russian base destroyed the aerial targets a safe distance from the base, stressing that the attack did not cause any casualties or material damage.

The SANA news agency said that terrorist groups had on Sunday evening launched drones from the areas where they were deployed in the Idleb countryside toward the Hemeimeem base, which repelled and downed the small aircraft.

The Hemeimeem base, where Russian forces are concentrated, has been subject to multiple drone attacks the Russian Defense Ministry announced. The attempts have been repelled.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Lafayette man is heading to prison for his involvement in an armed robbery at a West Lafayette gas station.

Markeon Devine has been sentenced to nine years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, two years in Tippecanoe County Corrections and three years on probation.

On March 5, prosecutors said Devine walked into the Circle K gas station on the corner of Sagamore Parkway and Yeager Road and pointed a gun at the clerk. Devine demanded money, then drove off in an SUV.

After a short chase with police, Devine crashed the SUV into a utility pole and ended up coming to a stop on Lindberg Road, according to court documents. He then ran from the scene.

Police later learned the owner of the SUV did not give Devine permission to drive it. Court documents said the owner gave it to his son, who drove it to Devine's apartment. When the son woke up, Devine told him he had just robbed a gas station and he used the SUV to drive away from police, according to court documents.

Devine's roommate told police later that morning, he drove Devine to a family member's home in Chicago. While with him, the roommates said he overheard a conversation where Devine admitted to the crimes, according to court documents.

Devine was convicted of armed robbery, resisting law enforcement and auto theft.
YEREVAN.  You will be held accountable for your illegal decision. The supporters of Armen Tavadyan, owner of the 5th Channel TV company, announced this today in front of the Criminal Court of Appeal.

"The end of the power of the deceivers is coming," they said. We tell the court that you will be held accountable for your actions because your actions are based on the will of one person [PM Nikol Pashinyan]. We were not expecting another decision either. You will be held accountable for your illegal decision. You have no right to turn our country into a circus. "

Also, the protesters observed a minute's silence to the decision of the Criminal Court of Appeal, as today it denied the appeal by the lawyer of Tavadyan, and therefore he will remain in custody.

Armen Tavadyan has been arrested along the lines of the criminal case on Varuzhan Mkrtchyan, a supporter of Kocharyan, who is believed to have proposed a victim of the March 1 case to take back his testimony. Tavadyan was arrested on suspicion in connection with the Criminal Code article on false testimony, false conclusion, bribe or coercion, or incorrect translation.
A homoeopathy doctor arrested for sending a threat letter to Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pragya Thakur has told the anti-terrorism squad (ATS) of Madhya Pradesh that he wanted to implicate his mother and brother, a senior police officer said on Tuesday.

The doctor, arrested from Nanded in Maharashtra on Saturday, has been identified as Syed Abdul Rehman who runs a private homoeopathy clinic.

Bhopal lawmaker Pragya Thakur had filed a complaint on December 13 night about a letter that claimed it was being sent by an Islamic organization from Pune with links in Syria, Dubai and Pakistan.

The MP complained to Kamal Nagar police station in Bhopal that the envelope, which was opened at 9.30 pm on December 13 night, also had about 20 grams of powder which caused a burning sensation.

Based on the MPs complaint, an FIR was lodged for causing serious hurt and criminal intimidation. The powder was sent to a forensic lab for examination and security arrangements for the MP beefed up, according to police.

Additional director general (ADG), ATS Rajesh Kumar Gupta said, The accused is involved in a property dispute with his brother Hafeezur Rehman and mother Naseha Begum. In 2014, Hafeezur Rehman had lodged an FIR against Abdul Rehman for an alleged attempt on his life which led to the arrest of the latter and his stay in jail for about 18 days.

Rajesh Kumar Gupta said the homeopathy doctor sent his brothers mark-sheet and mothers voter I-card photo copy with the threat letter to Pragya Thakur. He had also put some powder used to make firecrackers in the envelope.

The investigating team faced challenges in identifying and tracking the accused as he tried to mislead the investigation. However, the team constantly worked on the leads, identified the accused and kept a watch on his activities before his arrest, Gupta said.

The accused who was produced before the local court in Bhopal after being brought from Maharashtra. He was remanded in police custody for seven days.
This collaborative event is part of SIAs initiatives to foster international cooperation and addresses the serious threat of vehicle-based attacks."  Don Erickson, CEO, SIA

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced that  as part of its efforts to build presence and relationships internationally on issues related to perimeter security  it will partner with the Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA) to produce a two-day InterAct workshop. SIA CEO Don Erickson will lead a contingent of SIA members, representatives from U.S. government agencies and researchers to join with the United Kingdom-based PSSA in hosting this workshop Jan. 29-30 in Birmingham, England.

On Wednesday, Jan. 29, presenters from the UK will address topics including hostile vehicle mitigation, blast protection and international trade opportunities. On Thursday, Jan. 30, presenters from the United States will address topics including the size and composition of the American barrier market, IWA versus ASTM test standards, the requirements of the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) for offshore manufacturers and anti-terrorist measures on government campuses.

This collaborative event is part of SIAs initiatives to foster international cooperation and addresses the serious threat of vehicle-based attacks, said Don Erickson, SIA CEO. The idea for this event was surfaced during our October 2019 Capitol Hill Symposium on Vehicular Terrorism, so my thanks to Paul Jeffrey, chairman of the PSSA, and Rob Reiter, chairman of SIAs Perimeter Security Subcommittee, for their many months of work to help develop this partnership event.

SIA members interested in attending the workshop or learning more can contact Rob Reiter at rob.reiter@storefrontsafety.org.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,000 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industrys top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.
Scientists discovered dozens of new coral species on a recent voyage along the length of the Great Barrier Reef.

A team of scientists completed a 21-day trip from the Capricorn Bunkers off Gladstone to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait late last year.

"On almost every dive we were finding species that aren't in the books," said Professor Andrew Baird from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University (Coral CoE at JCU).

Scientists from Queensland Museum (QM), University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia were also part of the expedition.

Prof Baird said the discoveries are timely as recent molecular advances reveal that much of the existing classification of corals is deeply flawed.

"One hard coral species, Acropora hyacinthus, was previously thought to be found on almost every reef crest along the length of the reef," Prof Baird said.

But the recent molecular advances plus a closer look at the morphology, or shape of the coral, has overturned this assumption.

"What we once thought was a single species is potentially five different species--some with a very limited geographical range," Prof Baird said.

The team also found a number of species not previously seen on the reef.

"The new species we found means that the biodiversity of some groups is up to three times higher than we had thought," said Dr Francesca Benzoni, from KAUST.

JCU PhD student Jeremy Horowitz was on the voyage. He said much of what they found was new.

"Despite the economic and ecological importance of black corals this is the first survey of this group on the reef. It's amazing how much remains unknown and how much more work needs to be done," Mr Horowitz said.

The end of the voyage is just the beginning of a lot of hard work to formally describe this treasure trove.

"The volume of new material is overwhelming," Prof Baird said.

"We need more trained taxonomists--biologists who can group organisms into categories--and more funds to reassess the taxonomy of common groups found on the reef, including hard, soft and black corals."

"Australia is the custodian of the world's largest coral reef system and as a World Heritage-listed site it is the nation's obligation to manage it well."

"Understanding the diversity of species on the reef underpins virtually every area of research and conservation," Prof Baird said.

"It is vital to ensure we have a robust understanding of species diversity and their distributions, but taxonomy isn't currently a research priority. This has to change."

"You can't manage the Great Barrier Reef if you don't know how many species you have, how common they are, or where they are found."

###

CONTACT

Prof Andrew Baird (AEST)

P: +61 (0)7 4781 4857

M: +61 (0)400 289 770

E: andrew.baird@jcu.edu.au

Jeremy Horowitz (AEST)

P: + 61 (0) 473 870 683

E: jeremy.horowitz@my.jcu.edu.au

FURTHER INFORMATION

Melissa Lyne (AEDT)

Media Manager, Coral CoE

M: +61 (0)415 514 328

E: melissa.lyne@jcu.edu.au
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shailendra Kumar today called on Lt Governor G C Murmu here and informed him about the preparations for the elections to vacant seats of panchayats and block development councils (BDCs) in the Union Territory, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said.

According to officials, the elections to the nearly 13,000 vacant posts of panch and sarpanch in gram panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be held next month and a notification is this regard is expected to be issued on January 25.

Kumar briefed the Lt governor about the various activities undertaken by the Election Commission in Jammu and Kashmir for generating awareness of the electoral process and sensitising the voters especially newly eligible young voters towards their voting rights, the spokesman said.

The CEO also briefed Murmu about the arrangements being made for the celebrations of the upcoming National Voters' Day, he said.

The Lt governor asked Kumar to lay special focus on increasing the enrolment of eligible voters and stressed on the importance of educating the voters about the value of the electoral process to strengthen the roots of the democratic setup, the spokesman said.

A Home Ministry official last week had said the entire election process is expected to be over by February end.

The posts were lying vacant since November 2018 when the elections to the local bodies were held. Out of Kashmir's 20,093 panch and sarpanch seats, more than 12,500 seats have remained vacant since then.

The 2018 polls to the local bodies had witnessed poor participation with two major regional political parties -- the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party -- boycotting it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Norway's Finance Minister Siv Jensen has announced that she will resign over the government's decision to repatriate a women suspected of having links to ISIS writes Asharq Al-Awsat.

Norways Finance Minister Siv Jensen and her right-wing Progress Party will resign from the government over a decision to bring home from Syria a woman suspected of ISIS affiliation, Jensen said on Monday.

The anti-immigration party, Norways third-largest, is one of Prime Minister Erna Solbergs four coalition members, together with her Conservatives, the centrist Liberal Party and the Christian Democrats.

The resignation robs Solberg of her parliamentary majority and could make the country more difficult to govern, but Solberg is still expected to remain in office as head of the minority coalition.

I brought us into government, and Im now bringing the party out, Jensen told a news conference.

Jensens departure was triggered by a cabinet decision, announced last week, that the woman and her two children would receive help to return to Norway so that one of the children could receive medical treatment.

Many believe she used her child as a shield to come back to Norway. There are many in Norway who are displeased by this, not just in the Progress Party, said Jensen.

The woman, who left Norway in 2013, was formally arrested Saturday upon her return and was placed in an Oslo hospital with her two children. She is held on suspicion of being a member of ISIS.

A majority in the government believed that the concern for the child was paramount, said Solberg.

While Progress had offered to help the children, the populist party sought to deny any government assistance for adults seeking to return home after joining extremist groups abroad or marrying foreign fighters.

The party felt it was not consulted when the decision was made to bring back the woman and her children to Norway.

The mother, who was not named, refused to let the sick child travel alone to Norway, which then allowed her to travel from the Kurdish-controlled camp at Al-Hol where they had been detained since March 2019.

The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has embarked on a working visit to the Swiss Confederation to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

President Ilham Aliyev met with President and Chairman of VTB Bank Management Board Andrey Kostin in Davos.

VTB Banks long-term successful activity in Azerbaijan was hailed at the meeting. Fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan`s State oil Fund and VTB Bank was praised. President Ilham Aliyev proposed that VTB Bank increased the crediting of the real sector of Azerbaijan`s economy.

Andrey Kostin welcomed the proposal, assuring the head of state that the Bank would expand its activity in this regard.

The successful development of economic and trade relations between Azerbaijan and Russia was highlighted. They stressed the importance of maintaining and boosting the trade growth.

They exchanged views over cooperation prospects.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) today announced its plans to build a freestanding, 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Greenville, South Carolina on the corner of Laurens Road and Dallas Road.

Complementing local acute care services, the hospital, which is expected to open in mid-2021, will care for patients recovering from a variety of debilitating illnesses and injuries including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions. It offers physical, occupational and speech therapies as well as 24-hour nursing care that aim to restore functional ability and quality of life.

"We're excited about the opportunity to bring our specialized, high-quality rehabilitative care to Greenville," said Ed Mowen, president of Encompass Health's midatlantic region. "Through a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to care, our team will provide patients with the encouragement and care they need to help them reach their highest levels of independence and move forward in their life."

The hospital will feature a large therapy gym, advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite, cafeteria and dining room, pharmacy and courtyard.

It will become part of Encompass Health's national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and home health and hospice agencies. The Company's South Carolina footprint includes inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in Anderson, Bluffton, Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Murrells Inlet and Rock Hill and home health and hospice locations in Aiken, Bluffton and Columbia.

About Encompass Health

As a national leader in integrated healthcare services, Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) offers both facility-based and home-based patient care through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health agencies and hospice agencies. With a national footprint that includes 133 hospitals, 245 home health locations, and 83 hospice locations in 37 states and Puerto Rico, the Company is committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective, integrated care across the healthcare continuum. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts, such as those relating to the likelihood, timing and effects of the completion of this hospital project, are forward-looking statements. In addition, Encompass Health may from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning the matters described herein. All such estimates, projections, and forward-looking information speak only as of the date hereof, and Encompass Health undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Encompass Health's actual results or events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the regulatory review and approval process, any adverse outcome of various lawsuits, claims, and legal or regulatory proceedings that may be brought by or against the Company; the possibility this project will experience unexpected delays; the ability to successfully complete and integrate this project consistent with Encompass Health's growth strategy, including realization of anticipated revenues, cost savings, and productivity improvements arising from the related operations and avoidance of unforeseen exposure to liabilities; changes in the regulation of the healthcare industry at either or both of the federal and state levels; competitive pressures in the healthcare industry and Encompass Health's response thereto; the hospital's ability to maintain proper local, state and federal licensing; potential disruptions, breaches, or other incidents affecting the proper operation, availability, or security of Encompass Health's information systems; Encompass Health's ability to attract and retain nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals in a highly competitive environment with often severe staffing shortages and the impact on Encompass Health's labor expenses from potential union activity and staffing shortages; changes, delays in (including in connection with resolution of Medicare payment reviews or appeals), or suspension of reimbursement for Encompass Health's services by governmental or private payors; general conditions in the economy and capital markets; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in Encompass Health's SEC filings and other public announcements, including Encompass Health's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018 and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended Sept. 30, 2019, June 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019.

Media Contact:

Hillary Carnel | 205 970-5912

[email protected]

Investor Relations Contact:

Crissy Carlisle | 205 970-5860

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.

Related Links

http://www.encompasshealth.com


The Horsetail waterfall also known as the Fiery Waterfall in Yosemite National Park, US, is a sight to behold; for anyone travelling to the US anytime soon, this should definitely be on your bucket-list.

The breathtaking sight takes place exclusively in the month of February every year. An incredible video apparently showing a river of fire falling down a cliff has gone viral on Twitter.



Firefall at Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park, California, looks like a scene from a fantasy movie. But, it is an ordinary waterfall, which is illuminated by the sunset, that gives it a fiery glow. pic.twitter.com/kP2aFmM6Cg  Domenico Calia (@CaliaDomenico) January 19, 2020

For those unaware, the phenomenon became popular in 1973 after National Geographic photographer Galen Rowell snapped a startling image of the glowing light.

The waterfall is actually a phenomenon that comes from light-and-water, the setting sun strikes the waterfall in February and that's what gives the water the orange, lava-like glow. Horsetail Fall tumbles about 2,000 feet down the eastern side of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley.

But for those who are keen on witnessing this beauty, be warned, it lasts for a mere 10 minutes. And for the phenomenon to occur the conditions have to perfect. According to LA Times, 'Skies must be clear; the slightest haze or passing cloud around sunset time can ruin the effect.'

In 2020, the firefall is expected to be visible roughly between February 13 and 29, with the strongest light from February 19-22.
ROME - Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Tuesday said the European Union cannot forge a migrant policy without Italy, speaking after a meeting in Rome with European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Ylva Johansson.



''Italy is the country in Europe that has suffered the most from the migratory crisis of the last 10 years, in particular since some (countries) bombed Libya in 2011,'' Di Maio said.



''We paid for faults that were not ours and today we sent a clear message to the EU.



''Without Italy, the EU cannot make it, and that's why we expect our requests to be met''.



Di Maio said a ''new beginning is necessary for the EU - a common repatriation policy and the introduction of a mandatory redistribution system for asylum seekers between countries'', Di Maio said.



''The European Commission has reopened negotiations on migration and asylum and soon a new European pact will be reached on the migration issue'', the minister announced on Facebook after the meeting.



He also said he had conveyed to Schinas and Johansson ''a very simple concept: Italy is the country that has given the most in these years and it has been left on its own, so now it's up to someone else.



''Also because our country is among the five that have welcomed the most migrants in the European Union, but asylum requests are higher elsewhere, for example in France, and that shows that many of the people who land on our coasts have no intention of staying, instead they want to go to northern Europe. That must lead, according to Di Maio, the EU to intervene with determination, meeting Italy's requests to supersede the Dublin Regulation, and on voluntary repatriation.



''The EU must above all deal with this resorting to Frontex and must do so drafting a list of safe countries to repatriate to, as we have already done in Italy, in order to speed up the operations.



''In this regard, we must also think of incentives at the EU level towards those African countries, and not only, that show themselves willing to receive repatriations. Commercial incentives or on visa policy. ''Finally, more money for immigration is needed in the EU budget, more resources to help origin countries. ''We must prevent, anticipate events, and act on the reasons for migration.''
The police have booked 16 women, including two daughters of poet Munawwar Rana, in connection with the anti-CAA protest at Clock Tower, in Lucknows Chowk area, even as protests spread to Ujariaon area of Gomti Nagar where over 15 women on Monday staged a sit-in near a dargah, holding placards showing anti-CAA, NRC slogans.

Notably, Union home minister Amit Shah will hold a rally in Lucknow on Tuesday to drum up support for the citizenship law.

The demonstrators s at Clock Tower are on the radar of the child rights panel for allegedly involving children in the protest.

The police on Sunday lodged three FIRs for violation of section 144 of the Cr PC, instigating people, assault or criminal force to deter public servant, and booked total 24 identified persons, including 16 women, and over 100 unidentified persons.

As per one of the FIRs, police alleged that Sumaiyya Rana and Faujia Rana (both daughters of Munawwar Rana) and two other women were present at Clock Tower and misbehaved with a woman constable. Police have booked them under section 188 (disobeying government order) and section 353 (deterring public servant from performing duties).

In another FIR, police booked 18 people, including 12 women, for violating section 144. Police said some people, mostly women, gathered at Clock Tower and shouted slogans against NRC and CAA on January 17. Even the road was obstructed for some time, the police said in the FIR. They have included the numbers of over-a-dozen vehicles in the FIR for idle parking.

The third FIR was filed against two persons, accusing them of instigating people to protest in violation of section 144.

A police official said two persons  identified as Laiq Hasan and Nasreen Jawed  arrived at the protest site on Friday and instigated the public. They have been booked under section 505B (statement conducing public mischief) and 188 of IPC.

Child Rights Panel Mulls Action

As the protest completed its fourth day, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is reportedly closely monitoring the situation as many children were seen with the protesters. The commission has written to the director general of police (DGP) for monitoring the situation. A commission member, Shuchita Chaturvedi, said, We received reports that some children were present at protest site. Also, some women are sitting on dharna with children in their lap. She added: Reports are coming from across the state. Children are being made to shout slogans, read anti-CAA, anti-NRC statements. This is violation of Juvenile Justice Act.
Twelve people were killed and another 46 injured when two buses collided early Sunday in Algeria's northeast, emergency services said, in the latest tragedy of its kind in the North African country.

Emergency teams arrived at "around 1:10 am (local time) following a fatal accident, a collision between two buses, on the state highway near the city of Astil" in the province of Biskra, 500 km southeast of Algiers, a statement said.

"Twelve people, aged 19 to 73, were killed and 46 were injured," it added.

Public radio quoted Ahmed Baoudji, director of emergency services for the nearby city of El Oued, as saying preliminary investigations indicated speeding was the probable cause.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences to the victims' families and asked Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad to oversee assistance, the radio added, while Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud and Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid went to the scene.

According to the national road safety commission, a government agency, 3,275 people were killed in road crashes in Algeria in 2019 and more than 30,000 injured -- fewer than in previous years.

It also reported a small decrease in the number of accidents -- almost 22,000 -- compared to 2018.

Last month Tunisia and Morocco, which neighbour Algeria, were in mourning after two bus crashes that were among the deadliest in the region. On December 1, 30 people died in northwest Tunisia, and at least 17 were killed the same day in the north of Morocco.
Representative Image: Bitcoin

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it had not banned cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. It says it has only ring-fenced regulated entities from associated risks, The Economic Times reported.

The statement was in an affidavit filed with the SC against a petition filed by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).

Adding that it was not against technological innovation, the RBI noted that only regulated entities such as banks were ring-fenced from risks such as terror financing and money laundering through cryptocurrencies, the paper added.

IAMAI filed a petition with the Supreme Court objecting to a 2018 RBI circular which stopped regulated entities from dealing in cryptocurrencies. The RBI then filed a 30-page affidavit with the SC in September, ET reported.

During the hearing earlier this January, the body claimed the move had effectively banned legitimate business activity via the virtual currencies (VCs). The next hearing is scheduled for January 21.

The affidavit, accessed by ET said: RBI has not prohibited VCs in the country  has directed the entities regulated by it to not provide services to those persons or entities dealing in or settling VCs  The RBI has been able to ring-fence entities regulated by it from being involved in activities that pose reputational and financial risks along with other legal and operational risks.

RBI and IAMAI did not respond to ET's queries.

The affidavit further showed that in discussions with the government, the RBI had recommended prohibiting initial coin offerings (ICO) and VC asset funds within India. Other suggestions included an enhanced Foreign Exchange Management Act to trace VC-based investments under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.

The scheme allows Indians to send $250,000 abroad in a year.
Pedestrians pass the yet-to-be-opened Fire & Flower cannabis store in Toronto's luxury shopping district in June 2019. (Yahoo Finance Canada)

Canadian cannabis retail chains see themselves as the kingmakers of brands, and the growth engine driving the sector as more store locations broaden access to legal pot. Analysts expect a strong performance from pot shop chains in 2020, as producers seek to wedge pricier products into limited store space. However, the capital crunch of 2019 may haunt those without deep pockets.

Fire & Flower (FAF.TO), Meta Growth (META.V) (formerly National Access Cannabis), and High Tide (HITI.CN) collectively oversee more than 100 stores, and they all plan to grow their retail footprints in 2020. Chief executives from the three companies participated in a panel hosted by AltaCorp Capital last week, where they discussed how they see cannabis retail evolving in 2020.

The rollout of physical stores in Canada has been anything but smooth thus far, with Ontario opening about two dozen since recreational legalization. Thats compared to the more than 300 serving Albertas far smaller population. Last year, AltaCorp analysts estimated Canada would need 3,640 locations to match the store density of Colorados mature recreational cannabis market.

Im really glad 2019 is over, High Tide CEO Raj Grover told attendees at Torontos Shangri-La Hotel. We learned a lot of valuable lessons.

Meta Growth CEO Mark Goliger joked that he learned to assume that government is not going to get it right, referring to Ontarios much-derided lottery-based store authorization system that was recently abandoned for an open allocation model.

For Fire & Flower CEO Trevor Fencott, it was the mood change among lenders that stood out, as the high-flying stocks that saw retail investors pile into pot in 2018 returned to earth in 2019.

There was a lot of access to growth capital, and all of a sudden it completely dried up, he said. I think the biggest lesson that we can take from 2019 is to focus a lot more on profitability.

With a tough year behind them, Fire & Flower, Meta Growth and High Tide expect 2020 will be a banner year as more stores open for business, consumers get a taste of pricier next generation products, and licenced producers compete for limited shelf space.

Story continues

Earlier this month, AltaCorp Capital analyst David Kideckel named Fire & Flower his top pick in the cannabis retail sector, noting a better profitability outlook for retailers compared to licenced producers. Analysts at Stifel also named Fire & Flower their top cannabis pick in a lengthy 2020 outlook research note.

A one-year view of Fire & Flower, High Tide, and Meta Growth shares compared to the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF. (Yahoo Finance Canada)

The analysts highlight the companys strategic ties to Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD-B.TO). The global retail operator announced a deal for 9.9 per cent of Fire & Flowers equity for $26 million in July, with the potential to up its stake to 50.1 per cent of the company for $380 million. The partnership is aimed at helping Fire & Flower develop its digital retail platform and expand its store network.

We expected a move to a more privatized model in Ontario, and see Fire & Flower as being a large beneficiary with already 13 strategic lease locations in high traffic areas (mainly in Toronto) ready to go, Stifel analyst Justin Keywood wrote in a recent note to clients. We see a compelling investment case with the growth profile ahead and strategic support from Couche-Tard.

Kideckel praised the company for opening 46 stores ahead of its own timeline. He expects more stores and increased spending from cannabis 2.0 products like edibles and vapes to increase sales to $160 million in 2020, from $58 million in 2019.

The company expects to expand its store network to 135 locations in 2021.

Meta Growth plans to open 90 locations by the end of 2020. The Toronto-based company currently has 34 stores and 36 licences secured. CEO Mark Goliger sees power in the hands of retailers as licenced producers push new and unfamiliar products wrapped in government-mandated bland packages.

We can king-make brands through distribution and budtender advice, he said. Ultimately, success and failure is going to be driven by the retailer. We have a finite amount of shelves. I would ask you to think, how many [chocolates] do you think we are going to carry? This is going to be a massive bottleneck.

High Tides Grover is equally optimistic about the position of retailers in the cannabis value chain. However, hes willing to slow the pace of new store openings in favour of a tidier balance sheet.

Our complete focus in 2020 is to become cash-flow positive, even if it means we curtail a little bit of growth and go after selective locations, he said. Its not only about heres what weve got on the map. Its about sustainable growth.

His comments come days after the company secured a $10 million credit facility from Windsor Private Capital, a Toronto-based merchant bank, to open more stores in Ontario and Alberta.

Andrew Udell of the cannabis research firm TheCannalysts expects many retailers will have to go cap in hand and raise money in a pretty tough market in order to fuel growth.

He estimates new stores cost around $2 million to open, depending on location and other variables, with $1 million required for initial inventory alone.

If you take a look at the cash balance of these companies, and their current run rates, they cannot incrementally open more than several stores, he told Yahoo Finance Canada. I just don't see them having enough capital runway to fulfil their promises.

Fire & Flower, Udell said, is in the best position. Although, he notes Couche-Tard acquired its stake in the company cheaply on the backs of shareholders.

Ultimately, Couche-Tard has given them the platform to have as much capital and runway they need to deploy exactly how many stores they need, he said. Despite the amount of loss of control, at least they have access to capital to be able to realize a breakeven stance and bring in knowledge and infrastructure from a well-established retailer.

Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jefflagerquist.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
BERLIN, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- From 18 to 20 February, merchant payment professionals from Europe and beyond will be taking center stage at the MPE 2020 conference and exhibition at the InterContinentalHotel in Berlin to discuss What's next in merchant payments.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8679151-mpe-2020-global-merchants-european-payments/.

First held 13 years ago as "EUROPEAN CARD ACQUIRING FORUM," the event promoted the acceptance of payment cards. The event was then re-named in 2011 to MPE (Merchant Payments Ecosystem) conference - to better reflect the new ways people pay and the rise of alternative payment methods.

New payment habits of customers create multiple challenges for merchants and payment providers. Outlined by the results of a recent MPE 2020 report "Perfecting the customer experience is more critical than ever - it is also more complex. It's very important for payments providers to hear the needs of merchants to deliver unified customer focused payment experience. The voice of merchants will be heard very strong loud and clear this year at MPE 2020," says Andy Ivanis, Co-CEO and Head of Sales & Customer Engagement at Empiria Group, the organizer of the MPE conferences.

Thanks to its "Merchant Hosted Program" MPE 2020 welcomes over 300 merchants coming from over 150 Global brands like Booking.com, Adidas, HUGO BOSS, EasyJet, Expedia.com, BMW, Spotify, Porsche, Gett, Sweet Inn, The New York Times, Booking.com, IKEA, Omio, etc., and many more.

At MPE 2020, the Biggest European conference on merchant payments (Berlin, Feb 18-20), over 140 inspiring speakers will provide unique insights on:

what payment providers are doing to help merchants to achieve frictionless shopping experience; and

how the changing payments landscape challenges both merchants and payment providers.

According to Rory O'Neill, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at international payments provider Planet, the MPE 2020 speaker and platinum sponsor:

"International payments are going through rapid change, with digital technology driving huge innovations that help deliver greater, more immersive experiences for international shoppers. Coupled with the high street being an ongoing challenge for retail in terms of sales, merchants are under increasing pressure to adapt and evolve to this new normal.

"The largest event of its type, the Merchant Payments Ecosystem brings together some of the most influential and forward-thinking minds in the industry to help drive further innovation in the space. With the caliber of delegates at MPE, we are looking forward to discussing how merchants can embrace international payments while also using the digital landscape to drive footfall and increase sales to get an accelerated share of international spend."

Future of card acquiring, merchant payments, PSDII, Open banking payments, New business models and technologies supporting commerce and payments are among the key topics to be discussed at the MPE 2020, in Berlin, February 18-20.

Request the Agenda and register at www.merchantpaymentsecosystem.com.

About the MPE:

Merchant Payments Ecosystem (MPE) is the Europe's Largest Merchant Payments Conference, Exhibition and community focused on card acquiring, Alternative payments, merchant services, POS, mobile and on-line payment acceptance.

MPE ecosystem connects 1250+ merchants, acquirers, PSPs, payment processors, schemes, regulators, gateways, POS HW/SW solution providers and innovative FinTechs.

Follow the MPE and MPE Awards on Twitter: @EmpiriaGroup mpecosystem MPEAwards

About Planet

Planet is an international payments service and technology provider that helps businesses exceed the needs of their international customers. With over 1,500 experts across 64 markets, Planet creates better international payment and service experiences for 400,000 merchants and over 100 partner banks on five continents. Planet is also part of the Eurazeo portfolio of growth companies.

Find out more here: https://www.planetpayment.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078023/MPE_Photo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078022/MPE_Logo.jpg

Media Contacts:

MPE organizer (Empiria Group)

Natalia Ivanis

+421-917-802-770

natalia.ivanis@empiriagroup.eu
The world needs to prepare for a surge in refugees with potentially millions of people being driven from their homes by the impact of climate change, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said on January 21.

Speaking to Reuters at the World Economic Forum, Filippo Grandi said a UN ruling this week meant those fleeing as a result of climate change had to be treated by recipient countries as refugees, with broad implications for governments.

The UN Human Rights Committee made the landmark ruling on Monday in relation to Ioane Teitiota, from the Pacific nation of Kiribati, who brought a case against New Zealand after authorities denied his claim of asylum.

"The ruling says if you have an immediate threat to your life due to climate change, due to the climate emergency, and if you cross the border and go to another country, you should not be sent back because you would be at risk of your life, just like in a war or in a situation of persecution," Grandi said.

"We must be prepared for a large surge of people moving against their will," he said. "I wouldn't venture to talk about specific numbers, it's too speculative, but certainly we're talking about millions here."

Potential drivers include wildfires like those seen in Australia, rising sea levels affecting low-lying islands, the destruction of crops and livestock in sub-Saharan Africa and floods worldwide, including in parts of the developed world.

Whereas for most of its 70 years UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, has worked to assist those fleeing poorer countries as a result of conflict, climate change is more indiscriminate, meaning richer countries may become a rising source of refugees.

"It is further proof that refugee movements and the broader issue of migration of populations... is a global challenge that cannot be confined to a few countries," said Grandi.

UNHCR, whose budget has risen from $1 billion a year in the early 1990s to $8.6 billion in 2019 as conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria have forced civilians to flee, now assists more than 70 million forcibly displaced people globally.

Turkey is the largest recipient, with more than 4 million refugees and asylum seekers, the vast majority from Syria. That has put strain on Turkey's public finances and led President Tayyip Erdogan to demand more assistance from Europe.

Last November, Erdogan threatened to open the door for Syrian refugees to head to Europe unless the European Union stepped up, and is now calling for the "resettlement" of up to 1 million Syrians in the north of their homeland.

Grandi said European governments needed to think hard about solutions to the migrant crisis that has affected them since 2015, but also show more understanding of Turkey's situation.

"We must recognise that for the past several years (Turkey)has been hosting the largest refugee population in the world," he said. "There's a lot of political talk. I concentrate on the substance of this, which is 'let's strengthen Turkey's ability to host refugees until they can go back safely, voluntarily to their countries'."
American companies continue to report quarterly earnings today, with Dow stock IBM (IBM) coming after the bell. Netflix (NLFX), United Airlines (UAL), Capital One (COF) and TD Ameritrade (AMTD) are also this afternoon. No major U.S. economic reports are out today. (CNBC)

U.S. stock futures were pointing to a lower Wall Street open on Tuesday, with global stocks from Asia to Europe under pressure. The U.S. market was closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. On Friday the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all closed at record highs again. For the week, the Dow and S&P 500 were nearly 2% higher, while the Nasdaq's weekly gain was over 2%. (CNBC)

There are concerns this morning over a contagious strain of pneumonia in China. The outbreak of a new coronavirus in China killed four people, with confirmed cases exceeding 200 ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, during which hundreds of millions of people are expected to travel. Experts recalled the economic fallout from the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome crisis in 2003. (CNBC)

The phase two trade deal with China would not necessarily be a "big bang" that removes all existing tariffs, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. "We may do 2A and some of the tariffs come off. We can do this sequentially along the way," he added.



* Ex-Trump advisor Gary Cohn: Tariffs 'totally hurt the United States' and 'collided' with the tax cut (CNBC)

Trump's impeachment trial is set to begin in earnest on Capitol Hill today, in a contentious proceeding to render judgment on the president's Ukraine actions in an election year. A first test will come midday when the session gavels open to vote on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposed rules for debate. (AP)



* Dershowitz: Trump shouldn't be removed from office even if he is guilty of House charges (NBC News)

* Trump lawyers slam impeachment as attempt to overturn election as House calls him 'threat to nation' (CNBC)

* Trump on mission to sell US overseas as Senate trial resumes (AP)

The Democrats running for president in 2020 raised more than three times as much as Trump, which is unprecedented for a recent incumbent. The figures reflect sustained Democratic voter energy in 2020, though Trump still has a big fundraising edge over his individual opponents. (CNBC)



* Leading progressive congresswoman endorses Bernie Sanders for president (CNBC)

J.P. Morgan announced the creation of a new business called the Development Finance Institution to boost private investment in emerging-market development projects. The lender said it can finance more than $100 billion annually from its investment bank. (CNBC)

French President Emmanuel Macron said he had a "great discussion" with Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs. Macron and Trump agreed to hold off on a potential tariff war until the end of 2020 and continue negotiations. (Reuters)

Iran has asked the U.S. and French authorities for equipment to download information from black boxes on a downed Ukrainian airliner, a request that will add to international frustration at Tehran's failure to send the recorders abroad for analysis. Kiev has repeatedly called for Iran to return the black boxes from the U.S.-built Boeing 737. (Reuters)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 22:17:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) on Tuesday announced deregistration of nine universities after they failed to take corrective measures aimed at improving the standard of education they offered.

"The deregistered universities have failed to take remedial measures given to them in 2018 to improve the standards of education they offered," said Charles Kihampa, TCU Executive Secretary.

He added: "Even if they were given more time they could not have taken the remedial steps."

The decision to deregister the universities was taken in a meeting attended by owners of the universities held on January 20, Kihampa told a news conference in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

The deregistered universities included the Archbishop James University College, Cardinal Rugambwa Memorial University College, the Teofilo Kisanji University's Dar es Salaam Center, and the St. John's University's St. Marks Campus.

In September 2018, TCU announced deregistration of two private universities for providing substandard academic services.

Equally, TCU barred a number of private universities from admitting new students after they had failed to meet required academic standards.

TCU said students who were pursuing courses in the two deregistered universities should be shifted to other colleges before the commencement of the 2018/19 academic year.
In his recent state of the nation address, Russian President Vladimir Putin spent about 20 minutes on a sweeping constitutional reform proposal designed to keep him in power indefinitely - and about twice as much time on ideas meant to boost the birth rate. This is typical of Europes national-conservative governments, and even some relatively liberal ones, that are preoccupied with fertility policies because of declining populations.

Perhaps theyre on to something. In a just-published working paper, economist Charles Jones of Stanford University built some models to show that so-called natalist policies may be much more important than we have appreciated in determining whether nations, and the world as a whole, will end up with a shrinking population and no economic growth - or with both the population and the economy on a path of steady growth. The intuition behind the models is that growth is, essentially, a function of peoples ability to come up with new ideas, and if the number of people stops growing or falls, the stock of knowledge stops expanding.

The social planner, Jones wrote, would like the economy to have a much higher fertility rate. But the global trend is going in the opposite direction:

Historically, fertility rates in high-income countries have fallen from 5 children per women to 4, 3, 2, and now even fewer. From a familys standpoint, there is nothing special about above two versus below two and the demographic transition may lead families to settle on fewer than two children. The macroeconomics of the problem, however, make this distinction one of critical importance: it is the difference between an Expanding Cosmos of exponential growth in both population and living standards and an Empty Planet, in which incomes stagnate and the population vanishes.

United Nations population data show birth rates going down steeply even in those parts of the world where it seemed just recently theyd never go down below the replacement rate of 2 births per woman. In Asia, for example, thats projected to happen between 2055 and 2060. More educated populations and more women in the workforce mean fewer kids, and these are factors that arent going away in the foreseeable future.

In Europe, of course, the population growth rate already is negative. In the wealthier countries the decline is still offset by immigration from places that produce too many people for their countries of origin to sustain. Thats the case in Germany and France. But in post-Communist Eastern Europe, natalist policies are the only obvious way to slow down a population decline enhanced by emigration, which the European Unions free-movement policy has stimulated. Besides, natalism goes hand in hand with nativism, and in a number of Eastern European countries, voters, and subsequently governments, are wary of trying to increase immigration.

In any case, counting on immigration isnt really a long-term solution. If the global population as a whole stops growing, this source of replenishing the labor forces and the stock of idea-generating researchers and entrepreneurs will run out.

So the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will start offering free in vitro fertilization to women starting Feb. 1, in addition to tax breaks and loan forgiveness for large families.

Poland last year expanded its generous 500 Plus program, initially intended as a kind of unconditional basic income for families with at least two children, to those with just one child. The program, introduced in April 2016, pays families about 12% of the countrys average gross wage per child, and while some criticize it for the absence of means-testing, others welcome it as a form of recognizing the labor that goes into caring for children.

Lithuania recently extended child benefits to all children and decided to pay for free lunches for all preschoolers. Other post-Communist nations, such as Slovakia and Bulgaria, have pro-fertility policies in place, though theyre less generous than Polands or Hungarys.

Putins Russia is one of the worlds natalism champions. Though, unlike its former Eastern European satellites, it attracts a relatively large number of immigrants from former Soviet countries, the open-door policy is unpopular and, as Putin well knows, unsustainable because fewer people throughout the former Soviet Union are learning Russian or dreaming of moving to Russia.

So the government has been offering maternity capital to new mothers  a lump subsidy currently worth $7,600 that can go toward housing, education and other costs. Briefly, the policy appeared to work: In 2013, 2014 and 2015, the number of births in Russia exceeded the number of deaths. But then an economic downturn reversed the trend. In January through February of 2019, Russias natural population decrease, 236,900 people, was bigger than for the whole of 2018.

Putin is ready to fight tooth and nail for a return to growth. Starting this year, low-income families are receiving, on average, $180 per child per month until the children reach age 3; in the state of the nation address, Putin proposed continuing to pay half that amount until age 7. He has also ordered the maternity-capital subsidy boosted to $10,000 for the second child. In addition, the government will offer hot meals to all primary-school students.

The problem with the measures taken by Eastern European governments is that they dont really work as advertised. In a 2014 paper, the Brandeis University economist Elizabeth Brainerd wrote that natalist policies in post-Communist Europe have been only modestly effective in countering the impacts of widespread social changes, including new work opportunities for women and stronger incentives to invest in education.

Indeed, more recent data appear to bear out this conclusion. In Poland, the 500 Plus program has lifted many families out of poverty, but the number of births and the fertility rates actually dropped in 2018. The population decline resumed after halting in 2017.

In Russia, meanwhile, the brief baby boom largely took place in areas with the least economic opportunity  those where the maternity capital went the furthest. Some of these areas are in the North Caucasus, a region with a high proportion of Muslims who traditionally have high birth rates. Big-city residents are more responsive to the general economic situation and to intangibles such as the level of freedom and a sense that the children will have a better future. So far, Putins policies havent produced much hope on any of those fronts  and even if they did, thered be no guarantee that Russia wouldnt follow the Western European low fertility trend.

Even though, in theory, pro-fertility policies appear desirable as global population growth slows, in practice there are no such policies proved to have a surefire effect. As Canadian political scientist Richard Togman wrote in Nationalizing Sex: Fertility, Fear and Power, his recent history of natalism: Thus far, efforts to increase fertility have primarily led to a change in the timing of births but not in the overall number of babies born. Regimes as violent and totalitarian as Nazi Germany and Communist Romania have failed to increase long-term birth rates, as have a multitude of more moderate approaches of many other states.

In Togmans view, the problem with natalist politics is that theyre based on the manipulation of broad national statistics rather than on finding out why the birth rate is low in a specific nation or region. Governments almost never make studied inquiries of various demographic groups regarding what it would actually take to convince them to have another child, he wrote:

Only through a detailed study of local context and with input from those whom the programs are deemed to serve can natalist policy be truly effective. By its nature, natalist policy relies on the buy-in of millions of people, and truly consensual efforts to change reproductive practices might yield great benefit to individuals, their communities, and the state.

Because of this need for smart design and universal buy-in, illiberal governments such as Putins or Orbans arent likely to come up with the best solutions. Ultimately, that means humanity may come up with other ways of ensuring an expanding store of knowledge and continued growth before it cracks the secret of increasing fertility. Jones mentioned a couple of possibilities in his paper: Producing more ideas with the help of automation, or simply discovering a way to make people immortal.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.)

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Snapchat's Map feature turned out to be a lifesaver for a 14-year-old who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by three men in California, United States.

The teenager notified her friends about the kidnapping via the app but did not know where she was. According to a statement from the San Jose Police Department, her friends used Snapchats Map feature to figure out her location and called the countrys emergency service 911.

For those who do not use the app, Snapchats Map facility shares the users location with their friends only when the app is in use. Location sharing can be customised and set as per the users liking.

Police found the girl in a motel room and caught 55-year old Albert Thomas Vasquez, as he was leaving the room, Buzzfeed News reported.

As per the police investigation, Vasquez met the girl in a nearby town and drugged her before forcing her into his car. Vasquez, then, called two others - Antonio Quirino Salvador (34), and Hediberto Gonzalez Avarenga (31), to help him kidnap the girl.

The police further stated that Vasquez sexually assaulted the victim before driving her to the motel room, where he allegedly assaulted her again.

Vasquez has been charged with multiple criminal offences including kidnapping to commit rape, digital penetration with a child under 14 years with force, false imprisonment, etc. The other two accused were arrested the next day and charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.

Snap Inc. told the publication that the Snap Map feature has been helpful for similar purposes before.
NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, Astellas has achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's (HRC) annual Corporate Equality Index (the Index).

"Fostering a workplace environment that enables respect and success for all employees makes for a stronger and more successful business," said Eloiza Domingo-Snyder, Executive Director, Diversity & Inclusion. "We want all of our employees to feel valued and free to bring their authentic selves to work every day."

The Index evaluates a company's LGBTQ-related policies and practices, including domestic partner benefits, non-discrimination workplace protections, competency programs, transgender-inclusive health care benefits and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. Astellas achieved a 100 percent score and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality, mirroring its scores and awards from 2015-2019.

Astellas' benefits cover all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) employees and their spouses or domestic partners. Coverage includes the company's StarLife Family Care Solutions, a program that embraces the broader needs of employees from child to elder care offerings, among other benefits.

"Astellas supports its LGBTQ employees and their allies through an active employee impact group (EIG), known as Together as One (TAO)," said Linda Friedman, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and TAO executive sponsor. "TAO is one of seven dynamic EIGs that create and embrace a diverse culture where employees seek to reach their full professional and personal potential."

The company celebrates inclusion by participating annually in the Chicago Pride Parade and marked a decade of parade participation in 2019. Astellas also shows its support for the LGBTQ community by flying the Pride flag outside its Americas headquarters during Pride Month and the Transgender Pride flag for the entire week preceding International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Astellas also works with multiple external partners to positively impact the LGBTQ community. In the last year, many employees used their paid volunteer time off to give back to El Rescate, a shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth in the Chicago area.

For more information on Astellas, visit www.astellas.us.

About HRC Corporate Equality Index

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Astellas

Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com/us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS, Facebook at www.facebook.com/AstellasUS or LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/5911/.

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After a Boeing 737 crashed near Amsterdam more than a decade ago, an expert study that sharply criticized the manufacturer was never published by the Dutch safety authorities, and its key findings were either excluded or played down in their accident report.

On Tuesday, the Dutch Safety Board, which had commissioned the study, reversed course  publishing it a day after The New York Times detailed the findings.

The Timess review of evidence from the accident, which killed nine people on a Turkish Airlines flight in 2009, showed the studys conclusions were relevant to investigations into two more recent crashes of Boeing aircraft that killed 346.

[Read The Timess investigation here.]

The study, by Sidney Dekker, acknowledged that the pilots made serious errors but also found that Boeing bore significant responsibility. It accused the company of trying to deflect attention from its own design shortcomings with hardly credible statements drawing attention to the pilots mistakes.
Counting the number of advertisements a celebrity has filmed is usually made as a sign of how popular the celebrity is. When the fame of a certain celebrity rises, they are always offered with a number of advertisements projects with a higher rate. Often times some celebrity take offers that are given to them even if they are endorsing some questionable products and companies.

Let us give you some list of stars who said no in order to stand strong for their beliefs.

After her debut as a member of Fin.K.L in the year 1998, actress Lee Hyori took Korea by storm as she achieved a great deal of popularity as a solo artist. She was seen in many advertisements in the year 2000s before declaring that that she would no longer be appearing in commercial ads in the year 2012.

After that Lee Hyori has turned down all ads and has continued reject offers. In the year 2017, she was offered ads that was worth 3 billion won (approximately $2.6 million) when she was at the peak of her career from "Hyori's Homestay." On her guestin on "Radio Star," Lee Hyori shared that she would give thought to endorsing campaigns for public interest such as environmental issues and water conservation.

Actor Jo Jin Woong rejected an ad for a company located in Japan.

The company's employees tried their best to persuade Jo Jin Woong, they even met with his wife to help them make him agree with the offer but it did not work. She stated that her husband has his reason for not accepting it and she doesn't have the reason to persuade her husband.

Baek Jong Won

Baek Jong Won who is a famous chef and CEO is commited in helping alleyway restaurants has rejected a lot of ads for the main reason which is his beloved wife So Yoo Jin.

During an appearance in 2013 on "Healing Camp," Baek Jong Won shared that he was offered so many ads for home appliances such as refrigerators, but his wife gave him an advice to Practice self-control at those times. Eventually in the end he gave up on all of the ads that was offered to him.

Actor Park Hyuk Kwon received fame after playing the role of Gil Tae Mi in "Six Flying Dragons" but rejected some ads because of his beliefs.

Park Hyuk Kwon stated "Is it a given for an actor to film ads? I'm not sure yet." The actor refused all of the offers for various endorsements including cosmetics, outdoor wear, home appliances, and insurance.

BeWhy

The "Show Me the Money 5" winner BeWhy was seen in a small number of ads despite being famous. According to previous reports, he was offered a large sum of money to endorse artificial flavor enhancing seasoning, but he turned it down because of the nature of the product.

The famous actor Ha Jung Woo accidentally became a mukbang star for making some mouthwatering scenes in his films. But he actually rejected all food-related ads.

Ha Jung Woo stated that he felt that it would bring down his sincerity in acting and only wants to act out eating scenes in his acting projects.
A 63-year-old Northborough man has been arrested on human trafficking and rape charges after a two-year investigation indicated that the suspect preyed upon women who were isolated and addicted to drugs, officials said.

John B. Clayton IV turned himself in to Massachusetts State Police on Tuesday morning, according to a news release. He is slated to be arraigned in Worcester Superior Court.

Clayton was the target of the investigation by the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, with assistance by Northborough and Worcester police. The investigation began in May 2018, state police said.

Investigators identified multiple women who were targeted, manipulated and exploited by Clayton. In general, the victims were drug-addicted, engaged in prostitution, isolated from support and had very little financial means, according to the news release.

Clayton is charged with seven counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, two counts of rape and two counts of intimidation of a witness.
The opposition TDP on Tuesday blocked the tabling of the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020 in the Legislative Council (LC) citing rules.

The House was adjourned thrice as pandemonium prevailed over the rule position and ministers trooped into the Well asking the Chairman of the Upper House to take up the Bill on priority.

The TDP, which is in a majority in the 58-member Council, gave a notice under Rule 71 and moved a motion "disapproving the policy of the government."



Chairman M A Sharrif allowed the TDP's motion much to the chagrin of the ruling YSR Congress, which barely has nine members in the Council.

Though almost all Cabinet ministers sat in the Council to thwart the TDP attempts to stall the Bill, which was passed by the Assembly late on Monday night, they could not convince the Chairman to let the Bill be moved.

"I am giving two hours time for a discussion under Rule 71. We can take up the Bill after that," the Chairman said but the ministers insisted that government business be taken up first.

At one time the ministers spoke in a pleading tone and requested that the Chairman reconsider his decision on the Rule 71 motion.

Senior minister Botsa Satyanarayana asked the Chairman not to use the Council for "political business."



"Don't use your discretionary powers for political gains. Go by the rule book. Don't do

Don't get involved in It will be a blot on you," Bosta told the Council Chairman.

Leader of Opposition Yanamala Ramakrishnudu raised a point of order and referred to Rules 139, 140 and 141 of the Council Business.

"The Assembly passed the Bill only last night. You received notice about it this morning. Under Rule 141, two days time can be taken by the Council before the same Bill is moved," Yanamala pointed out.

Legislative Affairs Minister Buggana Rajendranath said taking up the motion under Rule 71 and puting off the Bill would set a bad precedent and have far-reaching consequences.

"The Bill gets precedence and priority. But the opposition is only seeking to obstruct government business," Buggana alleged.

Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose said, "We are pleading with you to reconsider the decision. This is not government policy, but a Bill."



The Opposition leader countered it saying the government brought its policy in the form of a Bill.

"Rule 71 is being invoked for the first time in history. There is gross indiscipline in the Government indiscipline," Yanamala remarked.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Cafe Corazon | Photo: Sean W./Yelp

In search of a new favorite Mexican spot?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Mexican spots around Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to satisfy your cravings.

January is one of the top months of the year for consumer spending at restaurants across the Milwaukee area, according to data on local business transactions from Womply, a software provider that helps small businesses manage customers. The average amount spent per customer transaction at Milwaukee-area restaurants rose to $26 for the metro area in January of last year, second only to December with an average of $29, and 1% higher than the average for the rest of the year.

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

1. Cafe Corazon

Photo: Johnna L./Yelp

First on the list is Cafe Corazon. Located at 3129 N. Bremen St. in Riverwest, the bar, Mexican breakfast and brunch spot is the highest-rated business of its kind in Milwaukee, boasting 4.5 stars out of 539 reviews on Yelp.

2. La Casa De Alberto Mexican Food

Photo: bridget w./Yelp

Next up is Walker's Point's La Casa De Alberto Mexican Food, situated at 624 W. National Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 270 reviews on Yelp, the bar and Mexican spot has proven to be a local favorite.

3. Taqueria Arandas

Photo: fork n./Yelp

Polonia's Taqueria Arandas, located at 2912 S. 13th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the food truck and Mexican spot 4.5 stars out of 33 reviews.

4. Mazorca Tacos

Photo: jenny b./Yelp

Mazorca Tacos, a food truck that offers tacos and more in Walker's Point, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 67 Yelp reviews. Head over to 636 S. Sixth St. to see for yourself.

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.
A United Nations panel said Monday it had no "credible evidence" of Sudanese paramilitaries fighting in conflict-wracked Libya for military strongman Khalifa Haftar as alleged by some media outlets.

Several Libyan and regional media outlets had claimed in recent months that hundreds of Sudanese paramilitaries from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were deployed in Libya to fight alongside Haftar's Libyan Arab Armed Forces.

But a UN panel of experts on Sudan dismissed these claims in a report released on Monday.

"The panel has no credible evidence of the presence of Rapid Support Forces in Libya," the report said.

It said there were, however, many Arabs from Sudan's conflict-wracked region of Darfur and neighbouring Chad fighting as "individual mercenaries" in Libya and they belonged to the same tribes that made up a majority of RSF personnel.

The UN experts' report also said several Darfuri armed groups operating in Libya "have participated in various clashes and military operations alongside Libyan warring parties".

Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with the main cleavage nowadays pitting Haftar's LAAF against a UN recognised government in Tripoli.

The deputy of Sudan's ruling transitional sovereign council, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, heads the feared RSF which has long been accused by human rights groups of committing widespread abuses in Sudan's Darfur provinces.

The report said Darfur itself did not see any large-scale outbreak of violence during the reporting period -- March to December 2019 -- although the region saw intercommunal skirmishes, militia attacks on civilians and tensions in major camps housing people displaced by the conflict.

It said that a main rebel group in Darfur, the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid group, has strengthened its military capability after its revenues increased following the discovery of a gold mine in an area it controls.

"The movement has been able to strengthen its military capability by acquiring new weapons and ammunition from local militias and engaging in a recruitment drive," the report said.

The group fought Sudanese government forces for years during the regime of Omar al-Bashir, who was deposed during street protests in April last year.

The conflict in Darfur erupted in 2003, when non-Arab rebels took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated regime, whom they accused of marginalising the region.

The conflict left at least 300,000 people dead and displaced 2.5 million others, the UN says.

The SLA-Abdul Wahid group has not participated in ongoing peace talks with Sudan's new transitional government which is negotiating with several other rebel groups in a bid to achieve a peace deal to end wars in Darfur as well as Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.
The Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik-JVM-P) on Tuesday expelled its MLA Bandhu Tirkey for alleged anti-party activities during the state assembly elections, senior party leaders said here.

The newly elected JVM-P principal general secretary, Abhay Singh told reporters that the party has proof about Tirkey campaigning against the partys official candidate, Shobha Yadav in Hatia.

On the directive of party president Babulal Marandi, we have expelled Bandhu Tirkey for indulging in anti-party activities. We have proof against Tirkey campaigning against our official candidate Shobha Yadav in Hatia constitutency during the recently held assembly elections, Singh said.

JVM-P General Secretary Saroj Singh said that the party had served him a notice asking him to explain about it (anti- party activities) within 48 hours. But he did not reply even after 72 hours, forcing the party to expel him.

Tirkey had won from Mandar assembly seat as JVM-P candidate and is among the three elected to the House in the November-December, 2019 polls.

He was the JVM-Ps general secretary before the central committee was dissolved on January 5.

Pradip Yadav who had contested on the pary's ticket from Poreyahat had resigned as the partys principal general secretary last year after one of its woman leaders accused him of sexual harassment.

Both Yadav and Tirkey were named in the JVMP executive committee when Marandi re-constituted the central committee last week.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 16:26:40|Editor: mingmei

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CHENGDU, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition of 251 cultural relics seized by the customs of Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, was launched in the Sichuan Museum on Tuesday.

The exhibition was jointly organized by the Chengdu Customs and the provincial cultural relics bureau. These cultural relics, including copper Buddha statues, Thangka, calligraphy and painting, ceramics and ancient coins, were selected from over 700 pieces of cultural relics that had been seized by Chengdu Customs and then turned over to the museum in recent years.

These cultural relics in various kinds from different dynasties in ancient China have great historical, scientific and artistic value.

Yang Long, an official with the Chengdu Customs, said that these cultural relics were seized from various smuggling cases by the customs. Some of them were smuggled in passengers' luggage and personal belongings, and some were smuggled by express mail. With the development of the Internet, online trading has gradually become a new channel for the smuggling of cultural relics, according to Yang.

In recent years, Chengdu Customs has made full use of scientific and technological means to establish an intensive, information-based and intelligent supervision mode. Through big data analysis, CT machines, intelligent sorting lines and other technical methods, Chengdu Customs has continuously improved its combat capability against smuggling.

The exhibition will last until March 29.
MANILA, Philippines  Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged his fellow lawmakers to expedite the passage of a bill seeking to grant tax exemption to the honoraria, transportation allowance and other benefits for public school teachers who will be on duty in the May 2022 elections.

In a statement, Gatchalian said that his measure, Senate Bill No. 1193, primarily introduces amendments to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 so teachers can receive the full amount of their honoraria and other benefits.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue started imposing five percent withholding tax on poll workers election service honoraria and other allowances since the 2018 barangay elections.

The lawmaker stressed that despite the continuous service that these poll workers render to ensure the transmission of results, they still have to pay income tax if their annual taxable income, which includes such honoraria and allowances, exceeds the P250,000 threshold under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

Mahabang oras ang inilalaan ng mga guro upang siguruhin ang kaayusan at integridad ng ating mga halalan, Gatchalian said.

Kaya naman inihain natin itong panukalang batas na ito upang kilalanin ang kanilang mahalagang papel para pangalagaan ang ating demokrasya, he added.

The bill also proposes to exclude teachers poll honoraria and allowances from gross income. Under the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA), chairpersons of electoral boards are each entitled to receive P6,000. Each member of electoral boards receive P5,000. Department of Education Supervisor Officials (DESO) receive P4,000 each while support staff receive P2,000 each.

A travel allowance of P1,000 is also allotted to each of these poll workers. The ESRA, though, has no provision for tax exemption.

Aside from the necessity of paying income tax despite the poll workers arduous work during elections, Gatchalian also lamented the process they have to go through to collect their pay.

Story continues

To collect their election honoraria and benefits, poll workers have to go to the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices and submit a declaration of exemptions if they earn less than P250,000 annually.

Napapagod na nga ang ating mga guro tuwing halalan, kailangan pa nilang dumaan sa isang komplikadong proseso para makuha lang nila ang kanilang sahod at mga benepisyo. Kung hindi na papatawan ng buwis ang sahod at benepisyo ng mga guro tuwing halalan, hindi lang sila basta makakatanggap ng kabuuang bayad, mas mapapadali din ang proseso para sa COMELEC, he said.

Gatchalian believes the proposed measure is the best way to thank teachers and other poll workers for ensuring clean, honest and orderly elections in the country.

The post Gatchalian wants tax-free allowances for teachers on poll duty appeared first on UNTV News.
Those accused of murder in New Jersey can no longer legally argue a persons sexuality or gender identity provoked them to commit the crime under a new law banning gay panic defenses signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday.

The gay panic defense allowed those charged with murder to seek a downgraded offense of manslaughter if they committed the act in the heat of passion upon provocation from a gay or transgender person.

A "heat of passion manslaughter carries a five to 10-year prison sentence, but a murder conviction can result in 30 years to life behind bars.

We will always stand with our LGBTQ+ community and promote full equality for all our residents, Murphy, a Democrat, said in a statement. Gay and trans panic defenses are rooted in homophobia and abhorrent excuses that should never be used to justify violence against vulnerable populations. With this new law, we are enacting critical measures to protect our friends and neighbors in the LGBTQ+ community.

Both houses of the New Jersey Legislature voted overwhelmingly voted to pass the bill (A1796). It passed 39-0 in the state Senate and 76-0 in the state Assembly.

Fewer than 10 other states have outlawed the defense. A New Jersey man found guilty of murder in 2011 tried to use the defense upon appeal, but was not successful.

Gay and trans panic defenses, which reduce the punishment for horrible crimes, amount to legal malpractice and cannot be allowed to stand, state Sen. Joe Lagana, D-Bergen, a sponsor of the measure, said in a statement. Discrimination of any kind has no place in New Jersey, and we will to fight for all of our residents, especially during this period of increased discrimination, to ensure that our state is safe for everyone.

Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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23 workers of the Supply Unit Department of the National Refining Company, SONARA have been barred from setting foot on the company until further notice, the refinerys General Manager has said.

Jean Paul Simo Njonou, General Manager of SONARA on Friday signed service note No. 00017/20 of January 17, 2020 to deny the 23 workers access into the company following an incident that occurred on December 20, 2019 at Unit 55 of the refinery.

Reports have it that a leakage at the refinerys technical department almost brought back memories of the May 31, 2019 fire disaster that has since left the company in difficulties.

23 workers of the technical department comprising the Exploitation and Maintenance units have since last months incident been under fire as they are being grilled at the SONARA Gendarmerie Brigade.

With every one of the accused trying to absorb themselves of any possible blame, fingers remain crossed along the corridors of the company to see which heads will roll, this time around, especially given that the report of the Prime Ministerial probe into the May 2019 fire at the refinery is yet to be made public.

General Manager Simo Njonou Jean Paul writes that the said workers should be ready to appear before the team of investigators at the SONARA Gendarmerie Brigade whenever the need arises.

The Directors of Human Resources and of General Affairs are charged with the strict implementation of service note No. 00017/20 of January 17, 2020.

Cameroon-info.net recalls that the May 31, 2019 fire outbreak that brought down four of the 13 production units at the National Refining Company, SONARA cost the state hundreds of millions in FCFA.

Gaston Eloundou Essomba, Cameroons Minister of Water Resources and Energy had personally led a 40-man team to SONARA from Tuesday, June 25 to Thursday, June 27, 2019 and spent three wholesome days at the refinery. They spent the three days sniffing through files and documents at SONARA.

The probe was at the behest of the Head of Government who is yet to make public the results of the investigations he ordered. It is not known how this new situation will affect last years report as the nation holds its breath.
Foreign investors should understand the Company Law, which sets outs the requirements for audit compliance and preparing financial statements.

Other important and relevant laws are the Investment Law and Capital Markets Law.

If a companys fiscal year differs from the calendar year, then their deadline for reporting and paying corporate income tax is four months after the end of their fiscal year.

There is currently no single unifying regulation on auditing and compliance in Indonesia. Foreign investors will need to be aware that regulations regarding auditing, accounting, and financial reporting are stipulated over several laws and bylaws, and that a good understanding of these can ensure their business stays compliant.

Foreign investors should, however, focus on the Company Law, which dictates the terms for when audits become obligatory in addition to the accounting standards companies should adhere to when preparing financial statements.

What other laws should investors be paying attention to?

Investors should use the services of registered local advisors to make sure they understand the prevailing regulations.

The Investment Law lays out the basic requirements on how to operate in Indonesia. These are part of key compliance norms:

Implementing good corporate governance;

Undertake corporate social responsibility activities;

Comply with the labor law;

Submit quarterly investment activities to the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM); and

Honor the cultural traditions of communities.

Who is obligated to be audited?

The Company Law mandates that financial statements of a limited liability company must be audited by a public accountant registered in Indonesia if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

Companies with assets exceeding 50 billion rupiah (US$3.6 million);

Public companies;

Companies that issue debt instruments;

The company is a state-owned enterprise; or

The company collects or manages public funds (such as banks and insurance companies).

By law, a company must keep its accounting records and books for at least ten years from the end of its reporting period. Moreover, audits are to be conducted based on the Indonesian Financial Accounting Standards (SAK), which are set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (DSAK IAI) and the Indonesian Sharia Accounting Standards Board (DSAS IAI), for sharia-based companies.

Since 2015, the DSAK IAI has converged its accounting standards with that of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), issued by the IFRS Foundation and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). (The IFRS are a set of global accounting standards that apply to all financial reporting, quality control, and auditing standards relating to all profit-oriented entities.)

Auditor independence

This is part of Indonesias efforts to make local financial statements more comparable and understandable across international boundaries as the country aims to attract greater foreign investment and play a more prominent role within the G20.

The auditor must be a registered and independent public accountant as stipulated by the Ministry of Finance (MOF). They must avoid all potential conflicts of interests and adhere to MOF regulations.

The MOF does not allow a company to use the services of an auditing firm for six consecutive years unless there have been significant changes of partners at the company.

Public companies

Under the Capital Markets Law, foreign companies are allowed to be listed in the countrys bourse.

Their prospectus, however, must first be audited by an auditing firm that is recognized by the countrys Financial Services Authority (OJK), the main regulator of Indonesias financial services sector.

Public companies must also establish internal audit committees, an internal audit unit, and a company secretary. The audit committee supports the board of commissioners to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of a companys financial statements and internal controls.

Additionally, the committee will also review the risk management activities conducted by the board of directors and oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the internal and external auditors.

Annual reports

Every registered companys annual financial statements are to be submitted to a regional tax office once a year. Financial statements consist of the following:

Balance sheet;

Cash flows;

Profit and loss statement; and

Statement of changes in equity.

Financial statements are required to provide both the current and previous years figures and need to be presented on a comparative basis. All financial statements must be prepared in the Indonesian language. A company can use another language only if it has received permission from the MOF.

The accounting books must also use the rupiah as its currency. Companies will need to seek permission from the tax authorities for the use of the US dollar, the only other eligible functional currency.

Deadlines

The annual deadline for reporting and paying corporate income tax is April 30  if a companys fiscal year begins from January 1  December 30. If a companys fiscal year differs from the calendar year, then their deadline is four months after the end of their fiscal year.

Penalties for non-compliance

Companies that fail to comply with Indonesias audit and tax requirements can expect to receive monthly interest penalties starting from two percent and up to 48 percent. Furthermore, issuing false tax and accounting documents can also result in imprisonment.
Joining the growing chorus of voices against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, NRC and crackdown on protesting students in India, the Students' Union of the University of Manchester on Monday issued a statement of solidarity with anti-CAA protesters and students

Joining the growing chorus of voices against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, proposed NRC and crackdown on protesting students in India, the Students Union of the University of Manchester on Monday issued a statement of solidarity with anti-CAA protesters and students.

The statement termed the CAA and NRC as a "pair of legal instruments that threaten to disenfranchise millions of undocumented Indians, especially Indian Muslims and other disadvantaged groups" and condemned the "undemocratic and unconstitutional measures" aimed at quelling dissent against these, especially in universities like Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University and Aligarh Muslim University.

"Spontaneous protests against the NRC and CAA have erupted across India, especially led by students in university campuses. The governments response to civil and democratic protests has been to unleash violence and terror. Multiple reports have documented the use of riot gear, tear gas, batons and live ammunition. This state-sanctioned terror has now entered universities  notably, JMI, AMU and JNU. Unarmed student protesters have been attacked severely: their bones broken, their heads split open. To add insult to injury, police reports have been filed against the victims while the perpetrators  often non-state actors enjoying implicit political patronage  have gone scott-free," said the statement.

Protests against the CAA and the proposed NRC had taken a violent turn in Jamia and AMU, when the police had entered the university campuses on 15 December. Several students and teachers had been injured in the ensuing violence, sparking protests across the country.

Lashing out against the "Islamophobic violence" which, it claims, has become a "harsh reality of the Modi regime", the Students Union of the University of Manchester called upon the government to "unequivocally repeal the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the NRC" and seeks assurance that no such legislation will be introduced in the future.

It also demanded an independent inquiry into violence on university campuses, especially that perpetrated by "non-state actors" and urged the government to respect people's right to protest and express their dissent, both online and offline.

Lastly, it called upon the government to "repeal the brazenly used Section 144 across India, restore internet and telecommunication services to all areas, and prevent further communications blockade everywhere".

The statement also pointed out the high unemployment and falling economic growth rate as problems facing the country and observes that the internet shutdown in Kashmir is the "longest in the history of any democracy".

"Fascism does not announce its arrival. It creeps on us riding the coattails of indifference and silent complicity. At extraordinary times like these, it becomes doubly important to stand up and be heard, to hold truth to power, to hold the government accountable to its excesses  in other words, to defend democracy," it stated.

With this, the Students Union of the University of Manchester joined London universities like Oxford, and American varsities like Harvard and MIT, which saw demonstrations against the amended citizenship law which intends to fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Over 400 students from different US universities had in December issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Jamia and AMU students.
Bankstown Labor MP Tania Mihailuk is seeking to bankrupt a south-west Sydney real estate agent and former council candidate over a legal bill totalling almost $115,000.

In 2018, the NSW Supreme Court ordered Rabie Chehade, of iGroup Real Estate, to pay Ms Mihailuk $114,521.65 in legal costs after he lost a defamation case against her in the District Court in 2015.

Tania Mihailuk has asked the Federal Court to bankrupt Rabie Chehade, who lost a defamation case against her in 2015. Credit:John Veage

Mr Chehade ran as an independent candidate in September 2012 for election to Bankstown City Council, which has since merged with Canterbury Council.

In 2013 Mr Chehade launched defamation proceedings against Ms Mihailuk, a former mayor of Bankstown who has served as the local MP since 2011, for allegedly defaming him by urging voters outside polling booths at Bankstown West Public School not to support his election bid.
A mutant goat is being 'worshipped as an avatar of God' after it was born with a flat face and strange 'human-like' eyes in India.

The young animal, which has human-like eyes and mouth, was born recently in Nimodia village on the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Owner Mukeshji Prajapap posted a short video of the black goat with a strange face inside his hut earlier this week.

Young animal, which has human-like eyes and mouth, was born a few days ago in Nimodia village on the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan

Owner Mukeshi Prajapap posted a video of the animal on social media, which appears to have a facial deformity

The goat is seen stumbling around the room and wagging its short tail in the video.

In other snaps it is also seen glaring at the camera and looking away when Mr Prajapap reaches out to touch its scalp.

It may have suffered the facial deformity due to a rare congenital defect called Cyclopia, which usually causes a single eye to form on the forehead.

Goats may be considered a holy animal in India, although Hinduism names the cow, monkey, snake, elephant and tiger among its five holiest animals.

However, goats are named in part of the Vedas, Hindu religious texts, as an animal of importance.

A goat with the facial structure of a human was born in India in 2017, India Today reports. Its nose resembled a human's and it also had a delicate nose and lips.

Goats may be considered a holy animal in India, but they are not named in Hinduism's five holiest animals

And in the same year a 'cyclops kid' with just a single eye was born in the village of Assam, India.

The animal had a single eye, which can happen during fetal development when the brain fails to divide into two parts, reports Live Science.

The same animal had only one complete ear, a lack of a true nose, eyelids and eyelashes, and unusually small and missing teeth.
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, leader of the opposition Future Forward Party, gestures to supporters at party headquarters in Bangkok, Jan. 21, 2020.

Thailands Constitutional Court ruled Tuesday that the opposition Future Forward Party was not plotting to overthrow the monarchy, saying there was no substantial evidence to support allegations of sedition brought against the upstart party.

A petition filed in June by Natthaporn Toprayoon, a former adviser of the Ombudsmans Office, sought to disband the FFP. He accused the anti-junta party of having links to the Illuminati  a secretive group of European elites plotting to overthrow governments, according to conspiracy theorists.

To determine who exercises the rights and freedom to overthrow the ruling regime, there must be sufficient and clear evidence, continued conduct, the court ruled. But the evidence filed was mere information from websites or in print media. There is no proof that the accused attempted to do so.

The defendants actions were not an exercise of their right and freedom to overthrow the countrys constitutional monarchy, it said.

FFP leaders were not in court. They chose to remain at the partys office in downtown Bangkok, where they spoke to reporters after the verdict.

We believe that all cases are politically motivated. We believe that we are innocent, and we believe that we will go through those successfully, party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit told reporters.

Thanathorn was banned from holding a seat in parliament because of a conviction for illegally holding media stocks. In addition, there are at least two additional court cases against him that have not been decided.

Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, FFPs secretary-general, joined Thanathorn at the news conference.

This shouldnt have been considered a legal case at the beginning, Piyabutr said. Thanathorn and I, and members of the Future Forward Party, dont bear any thoughts of overthrowing the countrys constitutional monarchy.

He took aim at those he claimed were responsible for destroying democratic governments.

Military coups overthrow the countrys administration. Therefore, this is not about the political party but a group of people, the military, who carry weapons, who rip the constitution, Piyabutr said.

Outstanding cases

Police filed charges against Thanathorn on Dec. 16, two days after thousands of supporters joined him in one of the largest political rallies in Bangkok. They rallied to show resistance to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

Prayuth, a retired army general, appointed himself prime minister after leading a May 2014 military coup that overthrew the government of Yingluck Shinawatra. He was voted in as PM following the March 2019 general election after a rule change allowed 250 senators appointed by the junta to vote for the top office.

The FFP captured one-third of the seats in parliament during last years election. Since then, the Election Commission has petitioned for the party to be dissolved over a pair of loans from Thanathorn.

The 41-year-old billionaire, one of Prayuths most outspoken critics, said in his official declaration of assets that he had provided a loan of 191.2 million baht (U.S. $6.3 million) to finance the partys electoral campaigns in 2019.

But the commission ruled that Thanathorn was not anticipating a repayment, dismissing his claims that the amount  in two sums, one of 161.2 million baht ($5.3 million) in January 2018, and a second of 30 million ($987,000) in April that year  was given out to the party as a loan.

An analyst said the decision to acquit the FFP did not alter efforts by the ruling party to dissolve the opposition party.

FFP being disbanded or not now does not positively affect the Thai political landscape because there is a loan case pending a decision, Titipol Phakdeewanich, the dean of political science faculty at Ubon Ratchathani University, told BenarNews.

And even if the FFP survives the loan case, the ruling party will continue to use the threat to the monarchy as a pretext to dissolve the party.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Parliamentarians for Human Rights issued a statement calling on the Thailand to drop all cases against FFP.

The wave of judicial cases that the authorities have unleashed against the Future Forward Party is clearly part of systematic reprisals for their success in last years election and their unwavering challenge to the military-backed government, said Charles Santiago, a Malaysian MP and chairman of the parliamentarian group.

If Thailands government wants to restore faith into its so-called return to democracy it should immediately drop all politically motivated charges against the FFP and democracy activists, he said in a statement.

Its time that the Thai authorities understand that the country is hungry for democracy and that people should be allowed to constructively criticize the laws and policies that govern them.
TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:

Toronto Stock Exchange (17,597.39, up 38.37 points).

Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Up 10 cents, or 8.93 per cent, to $1.22 on 17.4 million shares.

Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA). Energy. Down 14 cents, or 2.63 per cent, to $5.19 on 6.1 million shares.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB). Health care. Down two cents, or 0.72 per cent, to $2.75 on 4.6 million shares.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE). Energy. Down three cents, or 0.25 per cent, to $12.08 on 3.7 million shares.

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Zenabis Global Inc. (TSX:ZENA). Health care. Down one cent, or 6.25 per cent, to 15 cents on 3.4 million shares.

Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLDP). Industrials. Up 55 cents, or 3.49 per cent, to $16.29 on 2.45 million shares.

Companies in the news:

BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE). X. TekSavvy Solutions Inc. is appealing to Canadian consumers for support in a politically charged battle between Canada's independent internet service providers and the big phone and cable companies. Bell, Rogers and Canada's other major phone and cable companies asked the federal cabinet in November to overrule a 2019 regulatory decision that slashes how much they can charge independent ISPs like TekSavvy. The industry giants argued the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission overstepped its authority in August by cutting wholesale capacity rates by up to 43 per cent and chopping access rates up to 77 per cent.

Canam Group Inc.  A group of Quebec investors including the founding Dutil family is buying back the Canadian operations of the Canam Group architectural steel company, as well as certain assets in the United States and overseas, less than three years after selling them to a U.S. private equity firm. The transaction, which is expected to close in the coming weeks, will total more than $840 million and account for nearly 2,700 of the company's 4,900 employees..

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020.
A hospital ward clerk is suing a popular gym and her personal trainer over a serious injury she claims was caused when she was pushed too hard during a workout.

Wendy Rose Milkins, 63, claims she was left unable to work full-time after injuring her lower back while exercising at Goodlife Fitness Centre Robina, on the Gold Coast.

Ms Milkins filed a civil suit in the Brisbane District Court against Goodlife Operations and her personal trainer Brett Lloyd-Matthews in November.

She is claiming $328,323 in damages and lost wages.

In court papers filed as part of her claim, Ms Milkins alleges the incident happened in December 2016 when she was participating in a personal training session with Lloyd-Matthews - and that she has 'been through hell' in the three years since.

Personal trainer Brett Lloyd-Matthews (pictured) is being sued by a former client who claims she suffered a serious injury to her back when he pushed her too hard during an exercise

Wendy Rose Milkins (pictured), 63, is claiming $328,323 in damages in Brisbane District Court from Lloyd-Matthews and Goodlife Operations, the company in charge of the Goodlife Robina gym where her incident occurred

'I still have nerve problems in my lower left limb down to my foot which was caused by the nerve in the back being squashed in the incident,' Ms Milkins told Daily Mail Australia.

'It was hell at the time. It was worse pain than having a baby and it was every day for about four months where I could hardly walk.

'I was at the stage where I was ready to do anything to stop the pain. It was so severe that I wasn't even sure if the painkillers were working.'

In a statement of claim, Ms Milkins says that after a brief warm-up she was instructed to perform a series of deadlifts, during which she felt a twinge in her lower back.

Despite raising her concerns over the injury, Ms Milkins claims she was told to move onto leg pushes, she alleges in the document.

Lloyd-Matthews then instructed her to move onto a squat machine during which she claims that despite her injury, on the last of her three sets the weight was increased.

During that exercise she felt another strain in her back and immediately stopped.

Moments later Ms Milkins claims her back gave way, leaving her struggling to walk.

Ms Milkins - who works as a ward clerk at a private hospital - suffered a lumbar spine injury, sciatica and back pain, and underwent two surgeries.

In court papers filed as part of her civil suit, Ms Milkins claims that she injured her back during a personal training session but that when she told Lloyd-Matthews he moved her to a different machine where she suffered further injury

Ms Milkins told Daily Mail Australia the incident at Goodlife Robina (pictured) left her going through 'hell'. Goodlife Operations and Lloyd-Matthews are yet to respond to her claim.

Her injuries left her requiring five months off work, before she returned when able to do only restricted duties.

In her claim, Ms Milkins alleges that both the gym and Lloyd-Matthews failed in their duty to ensure safe work practices and guidelines.

She alleges that Lloyd-Matthews acted 'recklessly and carelessly' in that he did not properly 'spot' Ms Milkins when she was performing her exercises.

The claim also states that she was being instructed to perform exercises beyond her experience, fitness level and ability.

Goodlife Operations and Lloyd-Matthews are yet to respond to the claim.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Goodlife Operations, Brett Lloyd-Matthews and Ms Milkins for comment.
A year after winning a two-thirds majority at the snap parliamentary elections, Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged flaws in the governments previous approach to the reform process, admitting that some essential reforms have practically been stalled. Pashinyan continually enjoys a considerably high level of public support, and needs to take decisive steps towards more drastic reforms, possibly by mobilizing support from different groups that welcomed the Velvet Revolution and the wider expert community.

BACKGROUND: A year and a half since Armenias Velvet Revolution, a significant majority of the countrys population remains supportive of Pashinyans government. According to a poll conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in September and October, 66 percent state that the government is doing enough to fight corruption and 70 percent are optimistic about the countrys future. However, the proportion of respondents emphasizing socio-economic issues and the need for job creation has increased significantly in comparison with the previous IRI poll in May 2019 (29 and 38 percent accordingly, up from 18 and 30 percent); the proportion of respondents considering poor management as the top failure has also increased from 22 to 27 percent.

Moreover, respondents express a strong interest in judiciary reform and the implementation of transitional justice  reforms that were repeatedly mentioned among the governments priorities but have not been implemented. Judicial reform is considered a priority by 82 percent of the respondents, and 60 percent expect that a transitional justice system will address corruption, illicit enrichment, human rights violations, and electoral fraud under the previous regime.

Armenias 2020 draft budget projects a 13 percent growth in revenues and 14 percent in expenditures compared to 2019. The revenue increase is mostly due to improved tax collection; yet in 2019 Armenias GDP also demonstrated a six percent growth. The 2019 trend of increasing spending on retirement benefits, healthcare, education, defense, road construction, irrigation, and other infrastructure is expected to be maintained.

Apparently, Pashinyans attempts to balance the composition of his government have helped to avoid antagonizing the Kremlin, thereby eschewing significant political destabilization. However, the government is facing an increasingly vitriolic propaganda and character assassination campaign by the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and its long-time ally Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (the latter party also proposes confronting the government using guerilla tactics). These narratives are also communicated via media, lavishly funded non-governmental organizations, and other actors connected to former president Robert Kocharyan (in office 1998-2008) and Mikayel Minasyan, the son-in-law of former President Serzh Sargsyan, who was ousted by the Velvet Revolution. Kocharyan and Minasyan control the majority of Armenian media by proxy.

Kocharyan has been in custody since July 2018 and is currently on trial for ordering a deadly attack on protesters on March 1, 2008 after a contested presidential election, resulting in the killing of 10 people (see CACI Analyst 11/07/18). Sargsyan was indicted on charges of embezzlement in early December 2019. Minasyan has been staying in Moscow for about a year, and formulates the ideological narratives of his informal media network by means of essays published in controlled media and some Russian outlets, such as Nezavisimaya gazeta, as well as Facebook posts.

The largest parliamentary opposition faction, Prosperous Armenia, has remained primarily interested in maintaining the business interests of its funder Gagik Tsarukyan, however, the party has also increasingly sought to undermine the governments approval ratings by adopting some of the rhetoric used in the propaganda campaign about the protection of national and cultural identity and other issues.

IMPLICATIONS: While the public remains overwhelmingly in favor of judiciary reform and generally prefers quick sectoral reforms and a more radical departure from the previous corrupt practices, the government has postponed long-expected measures such as implementing transitional justice, constitutional and judiciary reforms, adopting a law stipulating transparency of media ownership, as well as requesting the National Assembly to adopt a declaration condemning the state capture by the previous administration. Prime Minister Pashinyan recently acknowledged some of the problems resulting from the reluctance to quickly implement reforms. At a government plenary session, he admitted that the unreformed public institutions often cling to old ineffective practices, or even purposefully impede essential reforms. The emergence of this problem was rather predictable, given ingrained perceptions and working methods deriving from a mentality formed over several decades, or even outright loyalty to the former regime. The eventual, although delayed, acknowledgement of this problem may be the first positive step towards a solution.

Meanwhile, Pashinyan faces some problems emanating from within his own team. At a cabinet meeting in December, he acknowledged that some obstacles to reforms were practically a result of obstruction by the entrenched bureaucratic apparatus. Besides, the constitutional amendments adopted in 2015 (see CACI Analyst 12/29/15), arranged to secure a de facto third term and a further hold on power for Sargsyan, also allow RPAs appointees to retain control over the Constitutional Court and some other institutions, thus stalling the vetting of judges and the judicial reform in general. The situation is further aggravated by the apparent lack of experience of some members of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, who have proven incapable of handling the judicial reform and other draft laws effectively. The committee has also rejected a draft law that would make the police and the National Security Service (NSS) accountable to the National Assembly (and not just to the prime minister), while also making it possible to appoint civilians as heads of the police and NSS. A number of Armenian experts consider this to be a prerequisite for reforming these structures.

The police and NSS have been governed by acting heads since September, when the former head of the NSS, Arthur Vanetsyan, resigned because of a disagreement with Pashinyan over the course of reforms, while the head of the police, Valery Osipyan, was dismissed. Vanetsyan immediately adopted hostile rhetoric similar to that of pro-Kocharyan and pro-Sargsyan groups, and after spending a few weeks in Moscow and meeting several wealthy ethnic Armenians with known connections to the former Armenian administration, established the Motherland Development Foundation.

While the efforts to avoid antagonizing Russia are quite understandable, Armenian public discourse lacks an open and sincere discussion on the countrys economic development perspectives, limiting these to Armenias Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) membership. EEU membership contributed to the significant economic growth in 2019 as Armenia, still enjoying a temporary exemption from the prohibitive customs duties imposed by Russia, could import large numbers of second-hand cars (mostly from the U.S. and Japan) for resale to Russians and Kazakhs, who are allowed to own cars with Armenian registration plates. However, this positive effect is coming to an end; from January 2020, over 700 goods, including many basic foodstuffs, will be subject to EEU regulations, becoming considerably more expensive. At the same time, the repeated suggestions that access to the EEU market will boost investment, or that Armenia could function as a bridge between the EEU and Iran, do not seem to materialize. Moreover, in order to attract non-EEU investors, the government has to provide ad hoc exemptions from the value added tax on imported machinery and equipment, which are otherwise hardly affordable due to EEU customs duties. EEU membership also limits possibilities to issue certificates and import some medicines.

CONCLUSIONS: Indeed, it would have been easier to carry out radical reforms immediately after the parliamentary elections in 2019. Yet the government finally appears to have achieved an understanding of the need to speed up the reforms while Pashinyans popular support remains high. Pashinyan may now face additional difficulties while trying to reform some of the state institutions that, by his own admission, have been resisting the reforms. The government needs to mobilize additional support for the reforms, particularly among civil society and the non-profit sector. Drastic measures including, but not limited to, condemning the state capture, implementation of transitional justice, constitutional and judiciary reforms, and adopting a law against illicit enrichment will be advantageous in this regard, as they will essentially meet public demand while also undermining the former regimes material and ideological base. Involving an additional pool of experts, even if not directly affiliated with Pashinyans My Step party, may also be helpful at this stage. In general, there is reason for optimism concerning the future outcomes of reforms, however, the window of opportunity for accomplishing these will not last indefinitely.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Armen Grigoryan is co-founder and vice president of the Yerevan-based Center for Policy Studies, and a Eurasia Democratic Security Network fellow.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons accessed 1/21/20
The West Bengal government is planning to pass a resolution in the state Assembly against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the next three-four days, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday and demanded that the provision seeking the birth certificates and parents place of birth be deleted from the NPR form.

She also appealed to the north eastern states not to participate in the National Population Register (NPR) exercise.



"We have also passed a resolution against National Register of Citizens (NRC) three months ago. We will pass a resolution against CAA also within three-four days," Banerjee told mediapersons.





The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala and Congress ruled Punjab have already passed resolutions in the respective state assemblies demanding scrapping of the controversial CAA.



Referring to the NPR, Banerjee pointed out that the form has a column seeking aA birth certificates and place of birth of parents.



"But now they (central government) are saying it is not mandatory. If it's not mandatory, you withdraw. Why will it exist in the form?" he said.



"So there is an apprehension. First they have to withdraw all these clauses, all these conditions," she said.



Banerjee requested the north eastern states and their chief ministers to go through the law carefully before taking any decision about NPR.



"Because in the name of so-called NPR, there are so many conditions, related to NRC. And I will request them not to participate in this matter, because the conditions are very bad," she said.



The CAA, passed in the Parliament last month, 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.



The legislation, which has come into force on January 10, has led to countrywide protests, with students coming out on the streets in thousands in almost all the states. Civil society members, anti-BJP political parties and commoners have also joined the protests.



The north-eastern states, including Assam, have been on the boil, amid fear among indigenous communities that the law could give recognition to lakhs of immigrants who came from Bangladesh over the decades.
A federal judge is expected to decide on Tuesday whether immigration authorities violated the rights of an Iranian citizen who flew to Boston to pursue his studies at Northeastern University.

Shahab Dehghani, 24, of Iran, received a last-minute reprieve from deportation after civil rights immigration advocates rallied around him. Dehghani, who was detained Sunday night, was scheduled to leave on a plane to Iran, but a federal judge granted him another 48 hours in the country.

It is not a total victory. It is a partial victory, immigration attorney Susan Church told a crowd of protesters on Monday night after receiving the news.

Dehghanis case will be heard at 10 a.m. Tuesday before Judge Richard G. Stearns in Boston federal court. Immigration authorities deported Dehghani ahead of his hearing, despite a judges order, attorneys told MassLive.

Hearing from @SusanBChurch11 that Shahab Dehghani was removed despite the federal judges order authorizing a stay for 48 hours. Still planning to go to court this morning https://t.co/HZKd9RjsPS  Steph Solis (@stephmsolis) January 21, 2020

Church and Kerry Doyle, an immigration attorney who filed an emergency lawsuit for Dehghani, argue that U.S. Customs and Border Protection violated Dehghanis rights when they detained him after his plane landed. They say he already received a student visa and should not be sent back to Iran.

Dehghani attended UMass Boston and transferred to Northeastern University. Church said he was in the country for at least two years before he returned to Iran to visit family in December 2018.

Dehghani had to re-apply for his student visa. The process took nearly a year, but he was approved, Church said.

He was flying into Boston for his classes at Northeastern, where he studies economics.

Protests continuing in Logan. Akram Kamrani, a local advocate, says CBP hasnt responded to their efforts to communicate all day.



Protesters are yelling, stop deporting students! pic.twitter.com/3HoShqGP9s  Steph Solis (@stephmsolis) January 21, 2020

CBP did not confirm or deny that Dehghani was in custody, citing the Privacy Act.

A CBP spokesperson said in an email statement that applicants must demonstrate they are admissible into the U.S. by overcoming all grounds of inadmissibility, including health-related grounds, criminality, security reasons, public charge, labor certification, illegal entrants and immigration violations, documentation requirements and miscellaneous grounds.

Church and Kerry Doyle, another immigration attorney, tried to get in touch with Dehghani throughout Monday. They said U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not let them speak with him.

Congressman Joe Kennedys office made calls and tried to intervene on Dehghanis behalf with no avail.

For at least three hours, dozens of protesters chanted let Shahab in and do the right thing outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in the airport.

Hes by no means a radical. He has nothing in his history, said Akram Kamrami, a local advocate.

Omar Rashed, a Boston-area social worker and a friend of Dehghanis led the crowd in chants for part of the demonstration.

Its not about him being my friend," Rashed said. Its about him being someone who is being oppressed unjustly.
The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a red ensemble as she attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace last night, wearing a pair of new red designer earrings.

Kate Middleton, who turned 38 just a few weeks ago, debuted the 140 ruby earrings, by her beloved brand Soru, a brand she has been spotted wearing over the past four years.

The 18kt yellow gold vermeil drop earrings feature ruby gemstones set within multi facetted sparkling crystals, and matched her 410 Needle & Thread dress, 510 Gianvito Rossi heels and Jenny Packham Casa clutch perfectly.

Last night's engagement, which marked William's first solo reception at the palace, comes after his brother Prince Harry, 35, flew to Canada last night to be with Meghan Markle, 38, after a deal was reached on their departure from the royal family.

The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in a red ensemble as she attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace last night, wearing a pair of new red designer earrings bu brand Soru

The 18kt yellow gold vermeil drop earrings feature ruby gemstones set within multi facetted sparkling crystals, and the description reads: 'The birthstone for July, traditionally given to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary. Thought to heighten vitality, clear the mind and increase concentration and motivation'

The description reads: 'The birthstone for July, traditionally given to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary. Thought to heighten vitality, clear the mind and increase concentration and motivation.'

The Duchess is a fan of the ethical jewellery brand, and first wore their Baroque Pearl Double Sided earrings in July 2016 when they immediately sold out - before being spotted in them on three occasions afterwards.

Soru jewellery was launched by sisters Francesca and Marianna Doyle in 2013. They were inspired by their summers spent in Sicily and the way women there wore their jewellery.

Francesca, a former jewellery buyer for Claire's Accessories, explained: 'We had both recently given up our careers to be full-time mothers as we had young children we wanted to be there for.

'We have both always loved fashion and we thought "its now or never!" So, we went for it and set about creating Soru Jewellery.'

Kate matched her 410 Needle & Thread dress, 510 Gianvito Rossi heels and Jenny Packham Casa clutch

The Duchess is a fan of the ethical jewellery brand, and first wore their Baroque Pearl Double Sided earrings in July 2016 when they immediately sold out - before being spotted in them on three occasions afterwards

The sisters started with just 6,000 invested from their husbands, which mainly covered the cost of stock. 'They said they would never see it again but we paid them back within three months!', added Francesca.

The glamorous sisters share a mutual love for gemstones and want each wearer to have a personal connection to their unique jewel as each piece is handmade and has its own meaning and natural energy, they say.

The sisters used Instagram as their launchpad and now have celebrities contact them directly through social media.

The royal's brand of choice - Needle & Thread - is well-known within the royal family because it's a favourite of Princess Beatrice.

The 31-year-old has stepped out in the brand, which is well known for its embroidered and lacy styles, from the retailer several times in the past few years.

On Monday the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were joined at the reception by other senior royals Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne, but the Queen and Prince Charles were not in attendance.
Meghan Markle has been telling her close friends that quitting the royal family is the best thing that could ever happen to Prince Harry and said 'it was her love for him that made this possible,' a friend exclusively told DailyMail.com.

'She said that like her, his spirit was being crushed and she simply couldn't stand to see him suffer anymore,' the friend added.

The Duke of Sussex was photographed grinning as he stepped off a plane in Vancouver late on Monday night, heading back to his wife and eight-month-old son Archie. Meghan herself was seen beaming while out for a walk with Archie and her two dogs on Monday morning.

The couple have been staying at an opulent $14 million Vancouver Island mansion, which they have used since Thanksgiving, and the close friend revealed the two have no plans to move out anytime soon.

Meghan and Harry also have no intention of stripping the word 'royal' from their SussexRoyal website, as the insider added: 'Meghan says they will always be considered royalty regardless of where they live or what they do.'

Meghan Markle has been telling her close friends that quitting the royal family is the best thing that could ever happen to Prince Harry, as she confided 'it was her love for him that made this possible,' a friend exclusively told DailyMail.com. Meghan was seen beaming while out for a walk in the woods with Archie and her two dogs on Monday morning

Prince Harry was photographed smiling as he stepped off a plane in Vancouver late on Monday night, heading back to his wife and eight-month-old son Archie

The couple have been staying at this opulent $14 million Vancouver Island mansion and the close friend revealed the two have no plans to move out anytime soon. They said: 'Meghan told her friends that there is no rush to move out of the place they've been staying. That they're welcome to live there as like as they like'

Over the weekend, it was dramatically announced that Harry and Meghan will no longer use their HRH titles and will repay around $3 million [2.4 million] of taxpayers' money spent refurbishing their Frogmore Cottage.

Still, a number of unresolved issues remain, including whether Harry and Meghan will be required to strip the word 'Royal' from their SussexRoyal website, and who will pick up the hefty bill for their continuing security requirements.

However, Meghan's friend told DailyMail.com: 'Meghan and Harry are not planning on changing their website or Instagram name. They are still considered the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. And they will keep the Royal part in.

'She described herself and Harry as game changers destined to hack the status quo. And now they can finally go about their business.'

The friend added: 'Meghan has been telling her close friends that this is the best thing that could ever happen to Harry.

'That out of anyone he will flourish the most and that it was her love for him that made this possible.'

The insider also revealed that 'Meghan told her friends that there is no rush to move out of the place they've been staying. That they're welcome to live there as long as they like.

'Meghan calls it her happy place and says that in the last couple of months, she's felt more at home than she ever did in the UK.'

The friend of Meghan's told DailyMail.com: 'Meghan and Harry are not planning on changing their website or Instagram name. They are still considered the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. And they will keep the Royal part in'

They added: 'Meghan has been telling her close friends that this is the best thing that could ever happen to Harry. That out of anyone he will flourish the most and that it was her love for him that made this possible'

The Duchess was visibly enjoying walking in picturesque Horth Hill Park on Monday. She was wrangling her black Labrador Oz and beagle Guy while appearing to struggle to keep Archie in her baby carrier with one of the straps slipping off her shoulder

Under the terms of Megxit, Harry and Meghan will keep their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the courtesy HRH  but they will not use the initials

As part of their agreement with the Queen, Meghan and Harry will cease to be working members of the royal family from this spring and will not perform any official duties on behalf of the Queen  effectively leaving 'The Firm' completely.

The move will see Harry drop all of his official military positions and the couple will also spend the majority of their time in North America.

Prince Charles will continue to 'offer private financial support' and, crucially, the couple will have free rein to negotiate lucrative commercial deals that experts believe could net them millions, although they have pledged 'to uphold the values of Her Majesty'.

The Queen, who took control of the crisis that threatened to permanently damage the monarchy, praised Meghan for swiftly becoming a part of the family and thanked the couple for the work they had done, saying she was pleased they had found a constructive way to move forward.

Last week, DailyMail.com revealed that Meghan feels she can now do what she pleases without asking for permission after her decision to quit as a senior royal.

A close friend explained that Meghan felt that living within the royal family confines was 'soul crushing' and she didn't want Archie around such a 'toxic environment', deciding to leave in part for his benefit.

They said the 38-year-old feels she can 'finally breathe' since leaving and has free reign over her life again.

The friend said: 'She told her inner circle of friends that her soul was being crushed and that the decision to leave was a matter of life or death - meaning the death of her spirit.

'She also felt like she couldn't be the best mother to Archie if she wasn't being her true, authentic self. Something she felt she couldn't be in the royal family confines.

'She said she didn't want Archie picking up on her stress and anxiety. She felt like it was a toxic environment for him because there was too much tension and pent-up frustrations.'

Last week, DailyMail.com revealed that Meghan feels she can now do what she pleases without asking for permission. 'Meghan felt she had to escape because living within the royal confines was soul crushing,' a close friend said

Harry arrived at Vancouver Airport on Monday night, after traveling from London Heathrow on a British Airways flight

The Duke of Sussex is all smiles last night as he arrives at Victoria Airport some 12 hours after leaving London Heathrow

The Duke, pictured getting off the plane, is expected to be in Canada for the foreseeable future although will have a few more engagements in the UK before the end of the spring

The friend said Meghan 'has a lot up her sleeve that she wants to do.'

Meghan 'will continue making surprise visits to different places that help women and children. She wants to feel embraced by her community, something she says she didn't feel in the UK. She felt stifled and restricted.'

The Duchess was visibly enjoying walking in picturesque Horth Hill Park on Monday during her stay on Vancouver Island.

She was wrangling her black Labrador Oz and beagle Guy while appearing to struggle to keep Archie in her baby carrier with one of the straps slipping off her shoulder.

She and Harry took a hike there on New Year's Day, before he flew back to London to sort out the details of their split from the Royal Family.

On the previous visit, Harry and Meghan shocked local couple Iliya Pavlovic and Asymina Kantorowicz who were taking selfies when the soon-to-be-ex-royals walked past and offered to snap pictures of the couple, according to CTV News.

'I froze up, I actually couldn't believe who it was,' Kantorowicz said. 'I kept looking back and forth like, 'Is this actually happening?'

Kantorowicz, who lives some 15 miles away in Victoria, British Columbia, said Meghan handed her phone back and wished her a Happy New Year and the two couples went on their way. Harry and Meghan were with their dogs and her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.

Harry and Meghan now have to decide in which part of Canada they are to make their future. It is understood he would like to stay on the west coast around Vancouver while she would prefer Toronto where she lived while she was filming Suits.
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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez have posed in front of the iconic Taj Mahal on their tour of India.

Bezos, who unveiled a fleet of electric delivery rickshaws yesterday, stood with Sanchez in front of the reflecting pool which leads to the 338-year-old mausoleum in Agra on Tuesday.

The richest man in the world last week announced a $1billion investment program for the country at a conference in New Delhi, rubbed shoulders with Bollywood stars and flew kites with local youths.

But he faced furious protests the day after his arrival by street traders who claim the e-commerce giant is destroying their livelihoods. They waved placards saying 'Jeff Bezos, Go back.'

After arriving Tuesday, Bezos paid tribute to India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, dressing in an Indian kurta to lay flowers at a memorial in Delhi.

Scroll down for video.

Jeff Bezos and girlfriend Lauren Sanchez in front of the reflecting pool which leads to the 338-year-old mausoleum, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India on Tuesday

Bezos wore a linen suit while Sanchez wore a peach and cream dress in front of the reflecting pool at the Taj Mahal on Tuesday

Bezos and Sanchez then appeared at a party in Mumbai two days later alongside actors and actresses from India's colossal film industry.

Later on Thursday, Bezos posted video onto his Instagram account showing him flying a kite alongside Indian teens.

'Any day is a good day when you get to fly a kite,' Bezos wrote in the caption.

He ended the caption with the hashtag #ThankYouIndia.

Yesterday, Bezos unveiled his new fleet of electric rickshaws for deliveries.

'Hey, India.' Bezos wrote on Instagram. 'We're rolling out our new fleet of electric delivery rickshaws. Fully electric. Zero carbon. #ClimatePledge.'

Bezos unveiled a fleet of electric delivery rickshaws on his Instagram page yesterday with a fun video in which he hopped inside one of the vehicles. He wrote: 'Hey, India. We're rolling out our new fleet of electric delivery rickshaws. Fully electric. Zero carbon. #ClimatePledge'

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos (right) and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez (left), pose for photographs during an event at a hotel in Mumbai last Thursday

Bezos last Thursday took part in a fireside chat with Bollywood celebrities (pictured with Sanchez). The day before he faced furious protests by street traders who claim the e-commerce giant is destroying their livelihoods

Sumit Agarwal, national secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders, said: 'We are not against e-commerce.

'We just want the commission and the government to set up a fair and equitable playing field where the Amazons and Flipkarts cannot abuse the system with unfair subsidies and their favored traders.'

Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce giant. Last fiscal year, it generated an estimated $6billion.

In August 2018, American retailer Walmart purchased a 77 per cent stake in the firm for an estimated $16billion.

The Competition Commission of India announced Monday that it was investigating both Amazon and Flipkart over accusations they undermine traditional traders by favoring 'preferred sellers' on their platforms.

Bezos says he wants to help small and medium sized businesses in India to digitize.

'We will use our global footprint to export $10billion worth of 'Made in India' products across the world by 2025,' he said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign to boost national production.

Bezos on Tuesday visited the Raj Ghat Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. His three-day trip to the country has been hit with controversy and protests

Bezos high-fives a young Indian girl in the video, which was apparently filmed in Delhi

Bezos highlighted India's growing importance, saying 'the 21st century will be the Indian century' and that the US-India alliance will be the most important.

Amazon and Flipkart face increasing scrutiny and resentment despite their popularity among customers.

Media reports said Bezos has sought a meeting with Modi, but neither the government nor Amazon would confirm if talks would be held.

Amazon has said it will cooperate with the competition commission investigation and was 'confident' it was operating legally.

The commission, which last year fined Google $21million for abusing its dominant position, said it will report in 60 days, but its inquiries normally take a lot longer.

The Hindu nationalist government is to announce a new e-commerce policy by March, and is under pressure to help small businesses because of a slowdown in the economy and high unemployment.

Bezos, who is on a three-day visit, said he wanted to help small and medium sized businesses in India to digitalize

Traders claim Amazon and other online shopping platforms are destroying their livelihoods

The merchants accuse Amazon and Flipkart of flouting India's tough foreign investment rules and pouring billions of dollars into discounts that harm traditional traders.

Agarwal highlighted special deals with mobile phone makers under which they are sold online, often at discount, before they reach high street shops.

He said 55,000 of the 100,000 small traders who have gone out of business in the past six months - when Amazon and Flipkart have fought a merciless price cutting war - were mobile phone sellers.
A local court in Delhi on Tuesday modified the conditions of Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azads bail and allowed him to come to the Capital as it placed some conditions for his return.

The Bhim Army chief, who was sent to judicial custody on December 21, for organising a march from Jama Masjid to Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the citizenship act without police permission, was granted bail last week.

Azad was granted bail on the condition that he would not visit Delhi for the next four weeks, except for medical treatment, and would not be involved in any protests during this period.

On Tuesday, Judge Kamini Lau of the Tis Hazari Court said Chandrashekar Azad can come to Delhi for medical as well as election purpose but he will have to inform the deputy commissioner of police (crime) before coming to the Capital.

ALSO WATCH | Chandrashekhar Azad reads Constitutions preamble at Jama Masjid

The judge ordered that Azad will have to give his schedule in advance to DCP (crime) and concerned DCP.

He will inform the DCP over the telephone and send an email if he is not in Delhi or Saharanpur. Judge Lau told him that when he comes to Delhi, he will reside at the given address.

Judge Lau said theres no material which suggests he indulged in anything that is against law and order or national security.

In a democracy when an election is the biggest celebration, which should have maximum participation, it is fair that he should be allowed to participate, Lau said in her order.

Azad was also asked to that instead of marking attendance every Saturday, he will mark it whenever he is in Saharanpur and if in Delhi on a Saturday he will inform DCP (crime).

On a side note, Judge Lau said the preamble to the Constitution must be read every day.

We decided that on Constitution Day. We must keep the preamble in our heart.
People from the devastated country are not fleeing from the wars horrors, but from the misery of its aftermath.
The regional Boy Scouts of America organization has seen an increase in membership for the first time in seven years after the organization opened its membership to girls.

Matt Torres, a district executive for the Abraham Lincoln Council for the Boy Scouts, said membership had been declining for several years, but increased in 2019 by about 1% for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts combined.

In 2017, we opened up Cub Scouts to young girls and we saw a large number join our Cub Scout ranks, Torres said. In 2018, we opened Scouts BSA to girls.

The region covers Morgan, Cass, Scott and Greene counties for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

In 2019, the regional Scouts group had roughly 300 members and 20 units.

Cub Scouts serves kindergarten to fifth grade, while Boy Scouts serves 11- to 17-year-olds. Before the parent group allowed girls to join, family members of male Scouts were able to participate in some activities, but couldnt wear a uniform.

We were declining a little, especially in the rural areas, Torres said. It used to be the thing to do, but that slowly changed. Its great to see an increase.

In addition to its increase in membership, the organization also is expanding its number of troops, Torres said. Two new Cub Scout packs will be started  in Murrayville and Beardstown  and two new Scouting troops will begin in the Jacksonville-area.

Girls have been a part of Scouting since the 1960s and participate in the Cub Scouts, but the policy change allows them to become full members, Torres said.

This will truly be for family, everyone in uniform. Girls will be able to do everything the Scouts have to offer, Torres said, noting that, despite some confusion, Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. remain two separate organizations.

Torres said its too early to tell if the upward trend in membership will continue, but hes optimistic.

We are excited, looking at more packs, and expect it to keep increasing, he said.
Do you prefer Coke, or Pepsi? Drive a Ford, Chevroletor maybe even a Honda? What about your personal styledo you like dressing up in suits and dresses, or does casual apparel fit your tastes?

When it comes to food, transportation, or fashion, choice provides Americans with more options. The same principle applies to one of the most important decisions a family will make: Where to educate their children. This National School Choice Week, we should remember the ways in which school choice empowers parentsof all incomes, races, and religionsto pick the educational options that work best for their families.

School choice operates from the premise that parents, who understand their children best, should select from quality schooling options based on their childrens unique abilities, interests, and learning style. In making their decisions, parents examine a schools entire profileits test scores, to be certain, but also other important factors like the schools overall size, the size of most classes, its safety, and the philosophy behind its curriculum.

Thankfully, Pennsylvania families have many quality options from which to choose. Parents can select open enrollment options, in which students enroll in public schools outside their traditional neighborhood boundaries. Families can also select magnet programs focused in particular subjects like science or the arts, free online learning options, or home schooling for their children. The Commonwealth even provides several programs allowing eligible families to receive opportunity scholarships, funding tuition at the school of their choice whether public or private.

Unfortunately, however, Pennsylvania may enact new restrictions on one particular form of school choicepublic charter education. Charter schools receive public funds, but operate with more freedom and flexibility to innovate than most traditional public schools.

Flexibility doesnt mean lack of accountability, howeverfar from it. In fact, public charter schools must report to local, state, and federal authorities. Most importantly, charters remain accountable to the parents and families who choose to send their sons and daughters to our schools. We value the trust they place in us, and hope that we never let any of them down.

Despite this accountability, some proposals would place new caps on public charter school enrollment, create a moratorium on new cyber charter schools, and cut funding for charter schools throughout the state. These proposals would move school choice in the wrong direction, limiting charters ability to expand at the exact same time that tens of thousands of students keep applying to receive a charter school education.

Over the past two decades, public charter schools have spread across the Commonwealth. More than 140,000 students receive a quality education from 180 public charter schools. Moreover, charter schools do more with less, receiving an average of $2,653 less per pupil than school districts. Capping the growth of these innovativeand cost-effectiveinstitutions does a disservice to the many families looking for the quality education charters provide.

This National School Choice Week, parents, teachers, and students themselves will participate in more than 50,000 events taking place across the country from January 26 through February 1. These events will showcase the success stories of millions of children who have benefited from new educational options.

National School Choice Week provides a perfect opportunity to highlight the many recipients of school choice throughout the Commonwealth. These families, and all Pennsylvania families, do not deserve the harm that would come from attacking public charter school options. Lets hope the Legislature agrees.

Ana Meyers is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools.
Space.com's first launch of 2020 sent 60 Starlink satellites into orbit on Jan. 6. The company plans to launch 60 more on the Starlink-3 mission this week.

Update: SpaceX is now planning to launch its next Starlink mission on Friday (Jan. 24) at 10:54 a.m. EST (1554 GMT), the company announced via Twitter on Tuesday (Jan. 21).

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  SpaceX has fired up the rocket booster that will ferry the company's fourth batch of Starlink satellites into space.

Just over 24 hours after SpaceX aced an in-flight abort test of its Crew Dragon spacecraft, the company conducted a static-fire test of a Falcon 9 rocket at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the company said on Twitter . That rocket was expected to send 60 Starlink internet satellites into space no earlier than Tuesday (Jan. 21), but SpaceX is now targeting launch for Friday, Jan. 24, at 10:54 a.m. EST (1554 GMT).

The Falcon 9 rolled out of its hangar early Monday morning (Jan. 20) and went vertical on the launch pad in advance of a planned test-firing of its nine first stage engines that same day. The two-stage rocket was slated for liftoff on Tuesday morning, in what would be the third launch of the year from Cape Canaveral. However, due to rough weather conditions SpaceX has not yet finalized the launch date.

Video: See SpaceX's 1st Starlink Satellites in the Night Sky

More: In Photos: SpaceX Launches Third Batch of 60 Starlink Satellites to Orbit

But before SpaceX can launch the new Starlink fleet, the company wanted to make sure the Falcon 9 is up for the task and put the vehicle through a routine launch rehearsal.

Monday's brief test, known as a static-fire test, is a standard part of prelaunch procedures and one of the last major milestones before liftoff. During the test, teams loaded the Falcons super-chilled propellants  kerosene and liquid oxygen  into the rocket before igniting the first stages nine Merlin 1D engines.

The engines briefly fired at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT), generating more than 1 million pounds of thrust while the booster remained firmly on the ground. SpaceX confirmed the test was completed, but didnt immediately set a launch date and time.

"Static fire of Falcon 9 complete ahead of launching 60 Starlink satellites," SpaceX tweeted shortly after the test. "Due to extreme weather in the recovery area, team is evaluating best launch opportunity."

Static fire of Falcon 9 complete ahead of launching 60 Starlink satellites. Due to extreme weather in the recovery area, team is evaluating best launch opportunityJanuary 20, 2020 See more

It was rough seas threatened to keep SpaceX's Crew Dragon grounded over the weekend. In fact, Sunday's in-flight abort launch was delayed 24 hours due to rough seas at the landing site. SpaceX intentionally destroyed one of its veteran Falcon 9 rockets, so it wants to make sure it can safeguard this one.

As soon as the company is able to properly assess the weather, the California-based spaceflight company will finalize the launch date.

Related: Why SpaceX's Starlink satellites caught astronomers off guard

When it does fly, this will be the second in a matter of days for SpaceX. The companys previous mission featured a thrice-flown Falcon 9 booster soaring for the fourth time as it carried a Crew Dragon capsule high in the sky.

The test, called an in-flight abort (IFA) test, was the last major hurdle SpaceX needed to clear before Crew Dragon can begin to carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). It was designed to test the craft's SuperDraco-powered abort system , which will pull the capsule free of its launcher in the event of an emergency during flight.

By all appearances, Sundays test seemed to go off without a hitch , but the teams are reviewing data to make sure nothing out of the ordinary occurred that didnt show up on telemetry.

Related: See the Evolution of SpaceX's Rockets in Pictures

A train of SpaceX Starlink satellites are visible in the night sky in this still from a video captured by satellite tracker Marco Langbroek in Leiden , the Netherlands on May 24, 2019, just one day after SpaceX launched 60 of the Starlink internet communications satellites into orbit. (Image credit: copyright Marco Langbroek via SatTrackBlog)

Now, the company is gearing up to loft a fourth batch of Starlink satellites, on a Falcon that has already flown two successful missions. The rocket, dubbed B1051.3 (an internal SpaceX identifier), previously hoisted a Crew Dragon capsule as part of the companys uncrewed mission to the space station ( Demo-1 ) as well as a trio of Earth-observing satellites for Canada.

This next flight will mark the third launch of the year from the Cape. Tucked in the rockets nose cone is SpaceX's fourth batch of Starlink satellites, which are designed to provide global internet access.

The company launched its first group of 60 in May of last year, followed by an additional 60 in November, and an additional 60 earlier this month . SpaceX plans for its burgeoning constellation to eventually be more than 40,000 satellites strong. Tuesday's launch will bring the current number of satellites up to nearly 240. The company is already operating the largest satellite constellation in the world as of its third launc earlier this month.

Musk said SpaceX will need at least 400 Starlink satellites in orbit for "minor" broadband coverage, and 800 satellites aloft for "moderate" coverage. With roughly half a dozen more launches, the company claims it could begin offering broadband service in the United States sometime in 2020.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a new launch time for SpaceX's Starlink-3 mission.

Follow Amy Thompson on Twitter @astrogingersnap . Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook .
They haven't announced the line-up of musical acts, but organizers of the province's 150th anniversary committee promise it will be a celebration to remember now that the federal government has contributed $700,000 for a free concert on June 27.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

They haven't announced the line-up of musical acts, but organizers of the province's 150th anniversary committee promise it will be a celebration to remember now that the federal government has contributed $700,000 for a free concert on June 27.

Stuart Murray, co-chair of Manitoba 150, the independent not-for-profit organization overseeing the province's commemorative activities, said on Tuesday they're saving the announcement on who will be performing at Unite 150, a day-long concert in Memorial Park in front of the Legislature, to a later date, but he promises it will feature only Manitoba musicians "from the past, the present and the future", who are Indigenous, Anglophone and Francophone, and who will appeal to both children and adults.

"A day of Manitoba music will be a challenge to do that in a day -- there are so many great musicians."

And Murray, with a tongue-in-cheek reference to his former job a few decades ago as the road manager for the band Blood, Sweat and Tears, said "there will be no Blood, Sweat and Tears, just blood, sweat and tears to get (the concert) together."

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Earlier, at the funding announcement held at The Forks, federal Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault said Manitoba is the province to visit this year.

"The word is out and everyone across Canada knows that Manitoba is the province to be in during 2020," Guilbeault said. "This is an important milestone and we want everyone to be here to participate and remember it for the next 50 years.

"It's your party and your moment to share with Canadians."

Dan Vandal, the Liberal MP for St. Boniface and the federal Minister of Northern Affairs -- who put in a plug for having Neil Young perform -- said "it will be a great celebration.

"The federal government wants to celebrate with Manitoba... it has been 150 years since Manitoba joined Confederation and it is something that should be celebrated in this province and across the entire country."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer and unusually common in Arizona, where residents are exposed to higher-than-average amounts of ultraviolet radiation. However, Northern Arizona University scientists believe the formula for a combination of melanoma-fighting drugs is within reach.

Matthew Salanga, an assistant professor in NAU's Department of Biological Sciences, is leading an 18-month project funded through a Flinn Foundation grant of $100,000. His team, which includes experts in experimental biology, computational systems biology and translational medicine, will study melanoma tumors on zebrafish, a small minnow-sized fish that has 70 percent of the same genes that are found in humans. Physiologically, zebrafish also have pigment cells in their skin, called melanocytes, which give them their stripes and their name. In humans, these cells are responsible for creating a tan when exposed to the sun, and if dysregulated can give rise to melanoma.

The majority of melanoma skin cancers are the result of a specific mutation in the BRAF gene (BRAF V600E). BRAF is a type of enzyme known as a protein kinase that adds a phosphate group to other proteins in cell signaling pathways. For this project, zebrafish that express the human form of mutated BRAF are employed to test strategies for treating melanoma.

"Fish don't often get cancer," said Salanga, an expert in cell and developmental biology, "but in the lab, we can engineer fish to contain human genes that we know are associated with cancer. Essentially, it's a way to use non-human vertebrates as though they were human. We call this humanization."

Currently there are around 30 zebrafish carrying the BRAF V600E human oncogene in Salanga's lab that have visible melanoma tumors, and that number will grow as the study progresses. Activated BRAF acts to promote cell growth and proliferation. Salanga explains that the V600E mutation of BRAF leaves it stuck in the "on" position. This can result in unrestricted cell growth and proliferation. Drugs have been developed that specifically target and suppress tumor cells that have aberrant BRAF kinase activity. These drugs are in a class of drug called protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), and are currently used clinically. However, not all patients respond and many relapse after a few months of therapy.

Researchers try to predict best drug combinations for inhibiting kinase activity

Salanga believes that there is a combination and dosage of PKIs recognizing distinct conformations of the BRAF kinase that can shut down the misfiring proteins and kill tumor cells dependent on oncogenic BRAF activity.

"The crux of the project is trying to predict which set of currently available drugs will work the best at inhibiting BRAF's ability to turn things on inappropriately," he said. "Molecular profiling of tumor cells might be used to guide the drug selection for individual patients."

Critical to the NAU-based pilot project team is Richard Posner, a professor in NAU's Department of Biological Sciences and William Hlavacek, a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Posner and Hlavacek are computational systems biologists who have developed mathematical models for predicting optimal strategies to target mutations in BRAF. In recent work, they and their collaborators predicted that two-drug combinations will be able to effectively suppress mutant BRAF (V600E) signaling. These predictions were validated in melanoma cell lines. The researchers are leveraging this computation pipeline to predict therapeutic responses to novel combinations of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs in humanized zebrafish harboring melanoma skin cancer.

Also involved in the project is Haiyong Han, a scientist in the Molecular Medicine Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). His specialty is pancreatic cancer, which could potentially be treated using similar therapeutic strategies that are being proposed for melanoma.

The researchers, including undergraduate and graduate students, will be adding various combinations of inhibitors to see if they can find combinations that are most effective in targeting mutated RAF proteins.

Salanga says taking the melanoma-fighting research from the lab to medical facilities could happen quickly, as 150 PKIs are already in various stages of safety testing, and many are approved by the FDA.

"TGen and its partners can carry out these PKI clinical trials fairly routinely through its patient network and its scientists, who assist in these human studies. We could see humans receiving treatments like this within the next year or two," he said.

Although early detection of melanoma contributes to an 89 percent, five-year survival rate, metastatic melanoma is often lethal, with less than a 20 percent survival rate.

###

NAU's grant for the project was awarded by the Flinn Foundation under its Seed Grants to Promote Translational Research initiative.
A Cork North Central general election candidate claims just half of a batch of 20 new community gardai positions promised last year have been filled.

Sinn Feins Tommy Gould made the claim on 96FMs Opinion Line before an on-air law and order debate between presenter PJ Coogan and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Plans for a community garda policing overhaul to help target antisocial blackspots in Cork were announced last April.

Last November, the Irish Examiner reported that Cork was to get just 14 of the latest garda probationers to graduate from the forces training college. They were to fill full-time positions in Anglesea Street, Mayfield, Fermoy, and Mallow.

On top of 14 probationers assigned to Cork North and Cork City divisions, an extra 18 were temporarily assigned to Cork City.

However, they were later transferred out of the county at the end of December and sent to full-time positions around the country.

Mr Gould, a Cork City councillor, said: I have been told from very good sources that, of the 20 or so new community gardai promised, only 10 are in place.

And of the new sergeants due to work with them, none of them have arrived, or so I am told. I expect existing community gardai have retired or moved onto other areas of policing but as things stand, I am told there are not in place 20 new community gardai officers.

This shows that the whole community garda plan is in shambles. What was announced was just a PR stunt.

The biggest allocation of graduates was to the Dublin divisions, with 89 of the 197 graduates being assigned there.

The allocation for Cork was also less than the numbers allocated to other areas, with, for example, 20 going to Cavan and Monaghan, and 18 going to Donegal.

Last November, it emerged that less than 3% of new garda recruits have been deployed to Cork.

Sinn Feins Jonathan OBrien told the Dail at the time that just 69 of the 2,800 new garda recruits had been sent to the city.

A garda spokesperson told the Irish Examiner they were looking into Mr Goulds claims.

The pledge came from senior gardai who outlined the aims and benefits of a radical Garda restructuring programme which is being piloted in the Cork City Garda Division.

The divisional policing model was among the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorates Changing Policing in Ireland report.It identified a range of problems with the current district model of policing where the local superintendent has full responsibility for a wide range of policing activity in his or her geographical area.
Rutgers researchers have found that a Texas strategy to reduce anti-psychotic medication for children can serve as a model for other state Medicaid programs.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

"Youth in the United States foster care system are about five times more likely to take antipsychotic medications, a class of medications to manage their mental and behavioral health, than children in the general public," said Thomas Mackie, assistant professor at Rutgers School of Public Health. In response, over 31 state Medicaid programs nationally are experimenting with different approaches to ensure safe and judicious use of antipsychotic medications. These Medicaid programs are challenged to address these concerns while also ensuring access to antipsychotic medications is maintained for youth whom they are clinically optimal, especially those with psychosis, autism and other U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved clinical indications.

The Texas strategy includes four elements: a mental health screening administered within 72 hours of the child being removed from the original caregiver; a health passport drawing on claims-based data; a psychiatric consultation line for child welfare staff, caregivers and judges; and a retrospective review of whether prescribed psychotropic medications met state best practice parameters after the antipsychotic medication was prescribed and dispensed.

The study sought to examine whether this program was effective in reducing the number of youth in foster care prescribed antipsychotic medications off-label to manage symptoms of conditions such as conduct disorders or attention hyperactivity disorders, while not decreasing use for disorders with FDA indications, such as bipolar disorder or autism spectrum disorders.

After the strategy started, the Rutgers researchers found the program resulted in roughly a 5 percent to 8 percent reduction in antipsychotic use for youth treated off-label for conditions like conduct or attention hyperactivity disorders, whereas no significant changes were found for youth treated for FDA-indicated conditions.

These findings show that the Texas program effectively reduced use of antipsychotic medications for off-label conditions where clinical concerns are greatest while not reducing antipsychotic medications for FDA-indicated conditions where stronger evidence exists for antipsychotic use among youth.

"Although the Texas model enrolled only youths in foster care, similar innovations are increasingly being extended to the general population of Medicaid-insured youth," Mackie said. "This study provides important new evidence suggesting that states continue to incorporate or renew the inclusion of these additional behavioral health services into Medicaid-managed care arrangements."

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 22 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Jan. 21, Trend reports.

The Armenian armed forces were using large caliber machine guns and sniper rifles.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
A team of senior officials, including the Chief Secretary to the Telangana government, left for Kerala on Tuesday to study policies being implemented by that state with regard to Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA).

The team had held meetings on Tuesday with Non-Resident Keralites Affairs department-NORKA SecretaryElangovan, NORKA Roots Organization's CEO Harikrishna Namboodri there, an official said.

"The visiting team held detailed discussions on the measures taken for the welfare of the Keralites living in various countries and the policies being implemented in this regard.

The visiting team also studied several policy papers in this matter," it said.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao decided to support and help people from the state who migrated to several countries in search of jobs and are also facing several problems and challenges.

The CM whowanted to bring a comprehensive NRI policy asked the officials concerned to study various policies, schemes being implemented in other States with regard to the NRIs there.

As part of this exercise, the officials team is in Kerala now, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Apple chief executive Tim Cook believes that GDPR "doesn't go far enough" to protect privacy and says his firm will not compromise on its privacy and security features, regardless of pressure to do so.

In an exclusive interview with the Irish Independent, Mr Cook also said that relations with the Irish Government are "really good" and that Apple expects to be in Cork for the "next 40 years".

Mr Cook, who was in Ireland to receive an IDA award and to visit developers and Apple's Cork staff, said that he wants privacy regulators to go beyond Europe's GDPR standards.

"This is an area where regulation is needed," he said. "GDPR, I think, was a really great first step. And, largely, it's become adopted throughout the world, either because companies couldn't do it two different ways, or because other countries are moving along the same path.

"But GDPR in itself is not sufficient. The risk to our privacy, which we view as a fundamental human right, has never been greater. I do think it's an area that companies broadly haven't shown that they will self-police. I think the EU is a great place ... where it can ignite and start."

The company is coming under more sustained pressure to provide 'backdoors' into its secure iPhone encryption as police forces look to suspects' digital devices to help investigate offences.

To date, Apple has taken a stiff line on the issue, rebutting requests from UK and - this month - US authorities for access into its security systems. This has drawn the ire of US president Donald Trump, who tweeted his discontent that Apple would not help the FBI break into one of its own iPhones in a terrorist case.

Asked whether there is any room for nuance or a lower standard of privacy should authorities seek it, Mr Cook said that there was not. "No," he said.

"I think that everybody has seen some of what's at stake over the last several years in some form. And perhaps it's not well understood by everyone about how important privacy is. But our view is that it's the base at which many other things exist.

"It's the basis for freedom of expression, as just one example. So I think society is waking up to this and I don't think people in most countries in the world would be satisfied with the continuation of where we are today."

Asked about current relations with the Irish Government, Mr Cook described them as positive.

"I feel really good about the relationship, not only with the Government, but with the people," he said. "We've been here now 40 years. And like every good relationship, there's been some ups and downs for both parties. But we came here at a time of very high unemployment in Cork.

"Now, we've grown to a 6,000-plus employee base that has 100 nationalities in it. I look forward to being here the next 40 years."

Mr Cook also spoke about Irish iOS app developers which, he said, have earned close to 1bn from selling their apps to customers around the world and have been central in "creating 17,000 app economy jobs" in Ireland.

"The developer population here is really taking off and it's great to see it," he said.

But asked whether phone and tablet apps were the inevitable endgame for computing, he struck a different note to the "post-PC" enthusiasm articulated five years ago at the launch of the iPad Pro.

"I think what I've come to realise is that there is room for a number of devices for people," he said. "I don't see a day that PCs are gone. I don't see that. I think there's too many things about it that are great.

"I mean, you can look at our numbers, we sell a lot more iPads. But increasingly, I view it as a computing device and you just decide which one or ones you want. Some people will use one of them. Some people will use two. Some even more than two. And so I think it's very much an individual preference."

Apple has recently seen its value soar to $1.4trn (1.2trn), partly thanks to the success of its new products, such as the Apple Watch and AirPods.

Ireland is one of the EU countries with the highest iPhone share.

Cork's Hollyhill facility is a global transport logistics hub for Apple. When a new iPhone is launched, Cork's managers become responsible for overseeing thousands of delivery trucks, flights and other practical arrangements to make sure the devices get to shops and depots.

The facility is also Apple's only self-operated manufacturing site in the world, building iMacs to order. There are almost 35,000 configurations possible.

Apple has a relatively high percentage of remote workers in Ireland, with around 25pc given the option to work from home.

After receiving the IDA's award from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mr Cook held a public question-and-answer session with IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan, where he spoke about the 13bn European Commission tax case and having doubted whether Apple would keep its Cork base open in 1998, when the company was in financial trouble.

"It's very complex to know how to tax a multinational," he said. "It's not like a small business that does all of their stuff generally in one country.

"A multinational might manufacture in one country, service in another, sell in another and do research and development in another. And so somebody has to decide how to apportion the profits and, therefore, the tax payments."

Mr Cook told Mr Shanahan that it was a "really reasonable subject for people to debate" as a policy issue.

"I think reasonable people can have different points of view," he said. "I think the place for that to happen is at a worldwide level, because you can bet that each country is going to have a different point of view. Companies shouldn't have anything to do with this, they should just follow the law. And so the OECD, I think, is the place for this."

Mr Cook said that Apple "desperately wants" it to be fair.

"This is where the issue comes in the commission. We believe that law should not be retrofitted, that the law is the law and the law can change going forward but it shouldn't change going backwards.

"That is at the heart of the case if you just make it very simple. It is before the court now and we have great faith in the justice system."

He went on to say that he is "optimistic" that the OECD can create a clearer tax code.

"I think they have to. This is never going to be one that everybody is going to say 'yeah, great', because everybody would like a little bit more. But I think that they [the OECD] are the place for it to happen. And I think that, logically, everybody knows it needs to be rehauled. I would be the last person that would say that the current system is a perfect system."

Mr Cook repeated Apple's assertion that it is the "largest taxpayer in the world".

"We do so willingly, not grudgingly," he said.

"The [European] Commission has a different perspective on who we should pay.

"And the way that we look at it, and I believe it's the way Ireland looks at it as well, is that we have paid them per the law. We followed the law and paid them accordingly."

The European tax case is expected to last several years.
A couple forced to fork out an extra 900 towards their first home after a Help to Buy bonus they were owed was rejected by mistake have finally won back the money plus interest after This is Money stepped in.

Amandeep Nijjer, 36, and his wife Joanne, 32, wrote to This is Money in December after their Help to Buy Isa bonus had been rejected on the morning they were due to complete their purchase.

They had to find an extra 900, having saved more than 4,000 into a Barclays Help to Buy Isa, on the day they were expecting to collect the keys.

Mix-up: Amandeep Nijjer and his wife Joanne bought their first home together in September last year, but a mix-up by their solicitors left them 900 out-of-pocket

The bank said the bonus had been rejected because Amandeep, a primary school cover supervisor from Leicester, had previously held a Help to Buy Isa, but he insisted to This is Money this was not the case.

Neither Barclays nor the solicitor were able to help them.

This is Money found out that the bonus had been rejected because of a mix-up with the solicitors. Four months after they blunder they have finally got their money back.

Both Amandeep and Joanne held Help to Buy Isas with Barclays, which allowed them to take advantage of the fact that if you're buying a home with someone else you can both claim bonuses towards the same property.

The Help to Buy Isa pays a 25 per cent government top-up bonus on savings of up to 12,000, and can be put towards a first home of up to 250,000, or 450,000 in London.

It was closed to new applicants in November last year but existing holders can still use it.

However, NS&I, which manages the Help to Buy Isa bonus process, said the bonus request for Amandeep's Isa was made to the same account as Joanne's. The solicitors had accidentally applied for a bonus for the same Isa twice.

When Amandeep and Joanne wrote to their solicitors just before Christmas after being told what happened, they apologised and wrote to Help to Buy explaining the situation.

The Nijjer's received their 900 back on 9 January, four months after they were initially charged.

However, when they first asked if they were due any compensation for the problem, the solicitors said no as they weren't 'left out-of-pocket'.

Disputing this, Amandeep told This is Money that the money was earmarked for investment into a peer-to-peer lending account which so far has a 100 per cent track record of paying out approximately 6 per cent annually.

In response, the solicitors emailed back they would be happy to reimburse the lost interest, offering 20.

'I've accepted because 20 isn't going to break the bank, it was just a matter of principle', he said.
The Congress and CPI(M) on Tuesday called on West Bengal governor to discuss a bill - which is pending with him - and slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress for not replying to the queries of Jagdeep Dhankhar saying due respect should be given to a constitutional position.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee said representatives of the government would meet Dhankhar only after he releases the files pending with him.

Following a discussion with the governor matters of a Bill that seeks to check incidents of mob assault and lynching in the state, the Congress and the CPI(M) alleged that the TMC dispensation has kept both the governor and the Opposition in the dark over the Bill.

The West Bengal (Prevention of Lynching) Bill, 2019 is waiting for the governor's nod after it was passed by the Assembly on August 30 last year. Dhankhar has been saying replies to his queries on it were not given by the government.

Dhankhar had invited the leader of opposition in the Assembly Abdul Mannan of the Congress and CPI(M) legislature party leader Sujan Chakraborty to discuss matters relating to the Bill.

"Just as we feel that adverse comments in the House against the governor is objectionable, we also feel that not giving answers to queries by him is also objectionable," the Congress leader said.

There are some procedural and technical glitches in the Bill which will not pass the scrutiny of a court of law, Mannan said after the two, along with CPI MLA Ashok Dinda, held a meeting with Dhankar at the Raj Bhavan here.

"The government would not have fallen had the TMC admitted its errors pointed out by us and corrected them," Mannan said claiming that the Mamata Banerjee regime is averse to any suggestion made by the opposition.

CPI(M) MLA Sujan Chakraborty alleged that the government side is keeping the House in the dark over the Bill, and claimed that they had repeatedly told the ruling party leaders that there are technical flaws in the Bill.

"We (the Left) think that the position of a governor is not necessary, but since it is there in the Constitution, respect should be given to the position by both the government and the person holding it," the CPI(M) legislature party leader said, in a reference to the ongoing feud between Dhankar and the Mamata Banerjee dispensation.

On the visit of Mannan and Chakraborty to Raj Bhawan, TMC minister Chatterjee said one of the functions of Opposition parties is to meet the governor and so they have gone.

"It is our stand that we will not go. There are several files pending (with Dhankhar), let him first release them," Chatterjee said, when asked why the TMC did not attend the meeting called by the Governor.

The governor had invited West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to the pending Bills on January 17 but she did not attend it owing to "preoccupations".

Claiming that state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh and a top RSS leader are meeting Dhankhar regularly, he said, "It is not our lookout whom he invites."



Dhankhar has been engaged in a face-off with Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress, over a host of issues since assuming charge as the governor of the state.

CPI(M) leader Chakraborty claimed that differences between the governor and the TMC regime were taking the centre stage, putting major issues like job creation and other requirements of the people in the back burner.

He said they did not discuss with the governor another Bill that will pave the way for setting up an SC/ST commission in the state, since it has not yet been tabled in the House.

The 'West Bengal Commission for SC and ST Bill, 2019 is also pending with Dhankhar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Donald Trump has told delegates attending the World Economic Forum to "put their own citizens first," but that approach has already been criticized by other public figures advocating a multilateral and consensual approach to global affairs.

Challenging Trump, Angel Gurria, the secretary-general of the OECD, an organization of 36 member countries that work with each other (as well as with more than 70 non-member economies) to promote economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development, told CNBC that multilateralism was a necessity in the modern world.

"How can you deal with international trade if not multilaterally?," he said, speaking to CNBC's Steve Sedgwick at the forum in the Swiss Alps.

"How can you deal with things like migration, how can you deal with things like climate, for that matter, how can you deal with investment flows that go across borders, if not multilaterally? Clearly the multilateral approach is the way to go."

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump spoke of his "America First" agenda during his keynote speech to the World Economic Forum and encouraged other nations to adopt a similar nation-focused approach to economics and political relations around the world.

"America's newfound prosperity is undeniable, unprecedented and unmatched anywhere in the world," Trump said from the annual gathering of business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland.
But the Davos business communitys increasing acceptance of President Trump, who doesnt believe in climate change and withdrew the United States from efforts to fight it, doesnt help. Mr. Schwab diminished the forums credibility when he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Mr. Trump on Tuesday and declared, All your politics, certainly, are aiming to create better inclusiveness for the American people.

Already there are concerns that new lower estimates for global growth by the I.M.F. could undermine some corporate commitment to climate-change initiatives. The latest signs of economic fragility will force global leaders and chief executives to tackle the more immediate challenges of restoring growth and confidence, rather than focusing on how to address climate change, concluded The Financial Times.

Does it matter if skepticism of the business and political elite and capitalism is mounting again? And does it matter if Davos is perceived to be just an expense-account-fueled frenzy of business deal-making and platitudes? Did most people  the constituents of the people here, workers and voters and their children  really think it was anything other than that?

At the very least, it deepens critics convictions that business and government leaders cant be trusted to deal with the worlds most pressing problems.

You say: Just leave this to us. We will fix this, we promise we wont let you down, the teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg told attendees. And then, nothing. Silence. Or something worse than silence. Empty words and promises which give the impression that sufficient action is being taken.

For companies to convince people around the world, especially the young, that capitalism is viable, business leaders need to show that theyre making hard decisions. The elite gathered here may think that they are making changes, but others dont think they are doing enough when it comes to the environment and social responsibility. Its a matter of degree, and speed.

Unless this crowd is willing to give up some power and share it, its not going to get better, said Christy Hoffman, general secretary of the UNI Global Union, a global federation of trade unions.
Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said that the visit by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Niamey is the "reiteration of importance India attaches to its relations Niger and with other countries in the Sahel."

Sahel is the ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south.

"India and Niger enjoy close relations. Bilateral relations have expanded significantly in recent years. India has provided Lines of Credit to Niger for projects in transport, electrification, solar energy and potable drinking water. Several hundreds of officials from Niger have utilized India's capacity building training programmes under ITEC programme," MEA statement read.

"India has also extended assistance to Niger in support of organising the African Union (AU) summit held in Niamey on July 7-8, 2019. The visit by EAM to Niamey is a reiteration of importance India attaches to its relations Niger and with other countries in the Sahel," the statement added.

Jaishankar visited Niamey, Republic of Niger, from January 20-21.

"During the visit, EAM called on President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou on January 21 and both the leaders jointly inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC). MGICC is the first centre to be established in Africa by India to honour the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary was observed in 2019," MEA said.

Terming the establishment of the Centre as a landmark for India-Niger friendship and as also a symbol of India's firm commitment towards Africa, the MEA said, "The Convention Centre, has been designed as a spacious, modern and eco-friendly facility, including a 2000 capacity Plenary Hall, to witness high-level and wide-ranging participation from the AU Member States and other high-level Conventions."

During his stay in Niamey, Jaishankar also called on Prime Minister of Niger, Brigi Rafini and held discussions on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues with his counterpart Kalla Ankourao, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration of Niger.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nielsen Launches In-Car Passive Measurement in Norway

Nielsen has launched what it claims is the world's first passive in-car measurement system, using a combination of proprietary algorithms and the 'accelerometer' built into its Portable People Meter, which can identify and report when a panellist is inside a vehicle.



The service, which has been four years in development and testing, will provide clients in Norway with insights around in-car audio consumption. Results from the first two weeks of 2020 indicate that 17% of all listening minutes took place in the car, with the share of listening minutes highest among the age group 30-49 (27%); 21% of whom were men and 14% were women.



Ragnhild Herlofsen (pictured), Nielsen's Norwegian Media Lead, comments: 'It's a pleasure to announce that we are able to offer this additional dimension to our measurement. The Norwegian audio broadcasters are top of the class when it comes to collaboration and allowing for joint industry developments, and this global launch is another result of this'.



Web site: www.nielsen.com .




A 93-year-old woman is "perfectly entitled" to continue residing at her Co Clare family home regardless of a judgment for 779,000 against her son who owns the property, the High Court has ruled.

Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington said any failure to properly provide for Eithne Ryan's right to support and maintenance "lies squarely" with her son Bryan Ryan who owns the house and attached 135 acre farm over which there is a debt of 1.4m to Bank of Ireland (BoI).

She was giving judgment in a case brought by Mrs Ryan against Bank of Ireland seeking orders in relation to her right of residence and support arising out of a will made by her late husband Laurence Ryan in which he left the family home and farm at Bunker Hill, Cratloe, Co Clare, to Bryan.

He left 20,000 to his wife and said she would have a right of residence and support in Bunker Hill for life.

The bank had argued that with a debt of 1.4m it was not beyond the bounds of possibility that the 779,000 debt to the mother, which was the valuation of her right of residence/support, would be utilised to cancel the bank's ability to recover the debt.

Mrs Ryan had sought a declaration that her right of residence and support ranked as a first charge in priority to the bank's charge over the property.

The bank brought a counterclaim against both Mrs Ryan and Bryan seeking a declaration that her right of residence only related to the house and not the farm. It also argued any charge in her favour did not take priority over its registered burden on the property.

Ms Justice Pilkington said before bringing the proceedings seeking a declaration in relation to residence, Mrs Ryan, in 2015, sued Bryan requiring him to support and maintain her in Bunker Hill in accordance with her husband's will. She also sought an order requiring Bryan to carry out all necessary works or repairs on the houses.

Bryan did not contest his mother's proceedings saying through his lawyers he did not "wish to drag a family dispute involving his mother before the courts especially where he has no obvious grounds to defend same."

In 2016, the court gave judgment in favour of Mrs Ryan against Bryan for 779,225, which included valuing her right of residence and support at 428,000, 281,000 for repairs to the house and another 60,000 specifically for repairing the roof.

Ms Justice Pilkington said it did not appear any steps were taken by Mrs Ryan to enforce that judgment. Mrs Ryan, who the judge described as "an impressive lady and well able to keep up with her activities at that time", had made it perfectly clear she had no intention of moving out of the house although she did not give evidence.

Later, the court granted an application that solicitor Gerard Reidy should act as as Mrs Ryan's court-appointed guardian.

Ms Justice Pilkington found her right of residence takes priority in relation to any burdens on the property in favour of the bank.

It is a matter for those acting for Mrs Ryan as to how they wish to seek to enforce the 779,000 judgment against her son, she said.

It was forcibly argued on behalf of the bank that her right of residence proceedings was "part of a strategy" designed to affect the ability of the bank to recover monies on foot of the charge it has on the property, she said.

This was "not a matter for this court" but she was entitled to reside in Bunker Hill and responsibility for it lay squarely with her son, she said.

She was satisfied the burden on the property in Mrs Ryan's favour extends only to the house. There was therefore no necessity for the court to consider the bank's application regarding the rectification of the registering of that burden, she said.
The radars of modern devices will allow the Alliance to get clear images from the ground within a radius of 200 km

New American Global Hawk drones will be brought into NATO's service and will be able to follow the events in Russia at the distance of up to 200 km without crossing the border. This was stated by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Norwegian edition of the Verdens Gang reports.

According to him, these drones will allow NATO to get superiority over Russia and China, which do not possess similar technologies, and the only country that has such technology is the United States.

"They will be flying over NATO territory. But they will be able to see what is happening far into our neighboring countries and will provide a much better understanding of what is happening on the other side of the border," Stoltenberg said.

He noted that if such drones were deployed by the Alliance in 2014, they would have been able to obtain more information during the Russian aggression in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.

"If we had this capacity in 2014 when Russia used military force in Ukraine and annexed Crimea, it would have given us much more precise information about what was going on," Secretary-General emphasized.

NATO is reported to have purchased five Global Hawks that will be deployed by 2022. Unmanned aerial vehicles are capable of flying without refueling for up to 30 hours at an altitude of 18 km, and their radars will allow getting clear images from the ground within a radius of 200 km.

As we reported earlier, Ukraine and NATO have finally agreed to conduct a joint exercise to protect critical infrastructure in the Black Sea region, Indestructible Sustainability 2020 in Odesa. The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers informed about this.
San Antonio's inside jokes, legends, favorites and music have combined in a new mural on the St. Mary's Strip.

Art by Matt Tumlinson graces a Grayson street-facing wall at the Lonesome Rose, a honky-tonk spot which recently celebrated one year of business on the St. Mary's Strip. The artist said he frequents the spot and collaborated with the owners to create something as "San Antonio as possible to help build up the community."



"San Antone" is spelled out in block letters which are washed in the nostalgic "Fiesta" color scheme of the vintage Spurs logo. About 50 doodles depicting San Antonio's quirks, habits, legends, characters and cravings fill the letters.
An Iranian politician has announced a $3million 'cash prize' for anyone who kills President Donald Trump.

Ahmad Hamzeh, parliamentary speaker from central Kerman province, told lawmakers: 'We will pay a three million dollar award in cash to whoever kills Trump.'

Kerman is the home province of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian Quds leader who was killed in a drone strike by Trump, and whose death the regime has sworn to avenge.

Ahmad Hamzeh, parliamentary speaker from Kerman province, has announced a $3million 'cash prize' for 'whoever kills Donald Trump'

Donald Trump was at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday as the bounty was announced, hailing a 'blue collar revolution' in America

In a firebrand speech on Tuesday, Hamzeh vowed that Soleimani would be more dangerous to America in death than he was in life as Iranians seek to avenge him.

He also attacked the Trump administration's pretext of assassinating Soleimani in a 'preventative strike' because he was plotting to kill Americans.

'Will your embassies in the region be safe? If your embassies are plotting to kill our innocent people, are we allowed to destroy them?' he said.

'Are your military bases and centers in the region for benevolence or to harm nations? Are we allowed to destroy all your bases in a preventive attack?'

Kerman is the home province of Qassem Soleimani (pictured), the Iranian Quds leader who was killed in a drone strike by Trump, and whose death the regime has sworn to avenge

Speaking about the 2015 nuclear deal, which was torn up by the Trump administration, he added: 'If we had nuclear weapons today, we would have been immune from the threat.

'Now that Europe has abandoned its commitments, I suggest moving out of the [Non-Proliferation Treaty] as soon as possible and launching nuclear fission blasts.

'Let us announce to the world that we have joined the Nuclear Power Club.'

The West has long accused Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear arms, although Iran's clerical rulers consistently deny this, saying the nation's nuclear programme has only peaceful aims.
T he World Economic Forum (WEF) is widely known as Davos after the luxury ski resort where it is held.

Global business leaders, politicians and celebrities meet at the conference to discuss big issues facing the global economy and business sector.

US president Donald Trump, Greta Thunberg and Uber boss Dara Khosrowshahi are among those who have been invited to the alpine resort for this years event.

Davos 2020 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the WEF.

Former US presidential candidate Al Gore attends Donald Trump's speech in Davos / AP

What is the event and where is it held?

The WEF was launched by current chairman Klaus Schwab in the 1970s.

Originally it was intended to be a low-key conference looking at management practices but it has since grown in size and prestige to become the place to be seen for global players.

US president Donald Trump delivers a speech at the Congres center during the World Economic Forum (WEF) / AFP via Getty Images

Held once a year at the ski resort of Davos, Switzerland, the conference puts leaders from business, politics, media and the charity sector into the same room.

High profile figures often use the event to influence the global agenda, whereas business professionals often take the opportunity to strike up deals and hold private meetings.

Whats being discussed at Davos 2020?

Capitalism, how to save the plant and geopolitics are key topics that will be discussed at the event.

World leaders arrive in Davos, Switzerland for the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) / REUTERS

Capitalism: Attendees will look at how they can increase the benefits of capitalism in the eyes of employees and customers.

They will also look at the shareholder-led model that had been used by businesses over the last 20 years, and the growing discontent with this system.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum / AP

Environment: Speakers will explore how the financial sector can contribute to the issue and Bank of England governor Mark Carney is one of the scheduled speakers.

World politics: This will also be high on the agenda about as the session is the first meeting of world leaders since Mr Trump assassinated Iranian general Qasem Soleimani.

Which world leaders are attending the economic forum?

Around 3,000 people usually attend Davos each year and they are mainly from the world of business.

According to City AM, in 2019, 78 per cent of the guests were men and attendees had to be invited or have WEF membership which can cost up to 480,000 depending on criteria.

Davos: World Economic Forum 2020 - In pictures 1 /46 Davos: World Economic Forum 2020 - In pictures AP Clarence House/AFP via Getty Images AP AP REUTERS REUTERS AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AP REUTERS AP US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AP Prince Charles and climate activist Greta Thunberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Clarence House White House Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump gestures as she delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators protest during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters US President Donald Trump holds a news conference at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davo AFP via Getty Images Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum AP Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump follow U.S. President Donald Trump as they leave the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AP Demonstrators protest during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Bank of England head Mark Carney attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the World Economic Forum, AP U.S. President Donald Trump listens to FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak during a dinner with global CEOs during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters A banner hangs from the window during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters President Donald Trump meets with European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen at the World Economic Forum AP President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum AP Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Police officers on a tower wait for U.S. President Donald Trump arrival to the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Air Force One carrying US President Donald Trump arrives at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland AP US President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the airport in Zurich, Switzerlan AP U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum AP Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg takes her seat prior to the opening session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, AP Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Marine One, center, carrying US President Donald Trump leaves the airport in Zurich, Switzerland headed to Davos AP

In terms of world leaders, US President Donald Trump will be in attendance despite not going to the event in 2019.

He agreed to give a speech at the summit even though he faces an impeachment trial in front of the US Senate.

Germanys chancellor Angela Merkel, Finish prime minister Sanna Marin and Spanish politician Pedro Sanchez are set to be at the event, as is former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Frances Emmanuel Macron and Canadas Justin Trudeau will not attend, while the UK is sending chancellor Sajid Javid as Prime Minister Boris Johnson stays at home.

Listen to today's episode The Leader podcast:
By a procedural decision, the Constitutional Court of Armenia has rejected examination of the application filed by second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, as reported on the official website of the Constitutional Court of Armenia.

The statement particularly reads as follows:

The Constitutional Court, examining the recommendation of the judges of the Constitutional Court under the case for determining the issue of compatibility of the Constitutional Law On the Constitutional Court (based on the application of Robert Kocharyan) with the Constitution, to the extent that it does not envisage a possibility for the Constitutional Court to clarify its decisions, established the following:

1. In his application filed with the Constitutional Court on December 25, 2019, Robert Kocharyan asked the following: The Constitutional Law of the Republic of Armenia On the Constitutional Court shall, to the extent that it does not envisage possibility of the Constitutional Court to clarify its decisions, be recognized as contradicting the principle of a legal state (envisaged by Article 1 of the Constitution) and certain articles of the Constitution and as invalid.

2. The applicant is raising an issue of a legislative gap, that is the Constitutional Law On the Constitutional Court does not envisage a possibility for the Constitutional Court to clarify its decisions. According to the applicant, there cant be effective justice without an effective system for enforcement of judicial acts. The applicant finds that the only way to avoid such situations is for the court having rendered a judicial act is to clarify its judicial act, and this institution is missing in the Constitutional Law On the Constitutional Court.

3. Based on the results of the preliminary examination of the application in question and the attached documents, the Constitutional Court finds that examination of the case is subject to rejection by the Constitutional Court.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 21:08:09|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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LUSAKA, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- About 700 families had so far been displaced from their homes by flash floods caused by heavy rains in many districts of Zambia, the country's disaster management and mitigation agency said on Tuesday.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit said the eastern part of the country had been hardest hit with about 350 households affected with other parts of the country accounting for the remaining figures.

Chanda Kabwe, National Coordinator of the disaster management and mitigation agency, said about 600 roofs of both public and private infrastructure had been blown-off while critical bridges have been washed away.

The government, he said, had mobilized resources for relief efforts to help the affected families.

Zambia has experienced heavy rains in the 2019/2020 rainy season which resulted in flashfloods.

On Monday, President Edgar Lungu appealed for international aid to help the country tackle the effects of floods.
New Delhi: Continuing its support to Rohingya refugees, India has delivered relief material to Myanmar consisting 20,000 kits of food items. Indian Envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed the kits of food items including rice, rice noodles, toor dal, chana dal, soya oil, chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt and tarpaulin on Monday.

The handing over ceremony took place in the city of Sittwe, capital of the Rakhine Province in the presence of Myanmar's Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye and Rakhine Chief minister of the U Nyi Pu.

Live TV

In 2019, India constructed 250 pre-fabricated houses for the refugees which were handed over to Rakhine government. Other than this, to impart skill training for the Rohingya youth to increase employability, India has built two centres in Pakokku and Myingyan and two others will be operational soon at Monywa and Thaton.

New Delhi plans to build new projects like construction of pre-schools, solar power supply, water supply, road constructions and these are under advance consideration. Earlier, India had provided medical equipment to upgrade the facilities at Sittwe General Hospital.

While in Myanmar, India is helping the Rohingya refugees to rebuild by providing infrastructure and skills, in Bangladesh, New Delhi through Operation Insaniyat is helping the refugees. In September 2017, India started the support operation for refugees in Bangladesh by supplying essential items.
It is not the thousands of armed and masked men outside the Capitol we should be paying attention to, said Hurst, who ran for office in 2017 after his girlfriend, a news reporter, was shot on live television. We had elections in November that represented the true will of the people . . . There is a silent majority that did not show up on the Capitol grounds yesterday because bullies made our sacred space temporarily unsafe.
Iran's civil aviation authority has confirmed two Tor-M1 missiles were fired at a Ukrainian airliner that was brought down earlier this month.

A preliminary report into the disaster which killed all 176 passengers on board the plane was posted on its website late Monday.

'Investigators... discovered that two Tor-M1 missiles... were fired at the aircraft,' it said, adding an investigation was ongoing to assess the bearing their impact had on the accident.

Ukraine International Airlines' Boeing 737-800 plane wreckage is seen in a picture from investigation team

Part of a missile is seen at the crash site. An object, said to be the Ukrainian jetliner flying in sky at the moment of explosion, was also seen (right)

Two Tor-M1 missiles like the one shown here were fired at the Ukrainian airliner, Iranian officials have confirmed (File image)

File image of a Tor-1 missile system similar to the one that was fired at the Ukrainian airliner

The statement confirms a report in The New York Times which included video footage appearing to show two projectiles being fired at the airliner.

The Tor-M1 is a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by the former Soviet Union that is designed to target aircraft or cruise missiles.

The Kiev-bound Ukraine International Airlines plane was shot down in a catastrophic error shortly after takeoff from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board.

Iran has come under mounting international pressure to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the air disaster.

Iranian officials had for days denied Western claims based on US intelligence reports that the Boeing 737 operating Flight PS752 had been shot down, initially saying the crash was caused by technical problems.

Video of the crash show the Boeing 737 flying through the night sky when it suddenly explodes into flames before falling to the ground several feet below

Iran had denied for several days that two missiles downed the aircraft. But then the U.S. and Canada, citing intelligence, said they believe Iran shot down the aircraft. The crash site has since been cleared

Iranian authorities said they recovered the crashed plane's black box, or flight recorder, from the scene, but the devices sustained a level of damage because of the incident

Iranian officials eventually came clean, admitting that its own surface-to-air missiles brought the plane down.

The Revolutionary Guards' aerospace commander Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh accepted full responsibility, but said the missile operator who opened fire had been acting independently.

The nation had been on high alert at the time, hours after launching ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq in a strike that caused no casualties. That missile strike was in retaliation for a U.S. operation that killed powerful Iranian General Qassem Soleimani

The nation had been on alert after tit-for-tat military strikes between the United States and Iran, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani

A rescue worker at the site shows photographs which were recovered at the crash site

Among the large number of deceased Canadians, 82 Iranians, 11 Ukrainians, 10 Swedes, four Afghans, three Germans and three Britons died when the Ukrainian passenger plane was downed by two missiles

Canada, Ukraine and other nations who had citizens on the flight when it was accidentally shot down on January 8, have asked Iran to send the flight data and voice recorders to experts abroad for analysis.

Tehran has given mixed signals about whether they would be handed over. Canada, which had 57 citizens on the flight, has said France would the best place to send the black boxes because it was one of the few nations with the ability to read them.

Iran's reluctance to hand over the black boxes may frustrate nations with citizens on the flight, many of whom were Iranians with dual nationality.
Dr Helmut Marko has all but ruled out a return to Formula 1 for Jean-Eric Vergne.

Vergne, now 29, raced for Toro Rosso between 2012 and 2014, but since being ousted by Red Bull he has established himself as a top Formula E driver, winning the title twice.

But Red Bull boss Marko told motorsport-total.com: "Vergne wins in Formula E now, but the requirement profile is completely different to what we need in Formula 1."

Marko said that if the Frenchman came back to F1, he would be "more or less a complete newcomer".

"It takes a whole season to get used to the peculiarities of the Pirelli tyres," said the 76-year-old.

Red Bull's Marko-led driver program is notoriously tough, but Marko insists it is successful. Indeed, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen all became race winners, and Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz have all been on the podium.

"We are satisfied and proud," Marko insists. "And we are massively copied. Except none of the other programs have come close to what we have achieved."

Finally, Marko admitted it is possible that Red Bull will do some more driver switching in 2020, after Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon swapped seats last year.

"Everything is possible. But I hope not," said the Austrian.
As the greatest royal plot twist of the year slowly transpire in the eyes of the public and the media, it is evident that Prince Harry is having an emotional period as he embarks on a private and independent life with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie.

On Sunday, the Duke of Sussex delivered an emotional speech and addressed the matters surrounding their controversial decision to step down as senior members of the royal family.

During his speech at the benefit dinner for the supporters of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded, the 35-year-old Prince admitted that he is deeply saddened that they have to come with such a decision to leave the royal family behind.

Harry explained that their decision did not come easy, but they were left with "no other option" but to pursue it.

"What I want to make clear is, we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you," Harry said.

After Harry's heartfelt speech, a royal photographer expressed his thoughts on the historical royal exit, which has been dubbed as "Megxit."

In an interview with ITV's "This Morning" show, royal photographer Arthur Edwards said that there is only one person happy with the turn out of events in this current royal crisis, and that would be the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

Edwards said that it seems like Meghan is just sitting pretty in Canada with Archie while she waits for Prince Harry to join their newfound private life.

"From that speech last night, Harry's sadness came over," Edwards, who has been covering more than 200 royal tours across 120 countries, explained.

"Harry's sad, the queen's sad, Prince of Wales is sad, I'm sad, but they're still going ahead with it. The only person that doesn't seem to be sad and seems to be having a good time is Meghan," he added.

The veteran royal photographer also claimed that the 38-year-old actress-turned-royalty "has driven" this madness that bought the monarchy by storm.

According to Edwards, Prince Harry seemed half-hearted with such a decision to split his family's time between the United Kingdom and North America.

"I think he is sad. I don't think he really wants to go. I mean, what's he going to do there? He's not a showbiz person, he's not a media star like that," Edwards added.

Prince Harry's speech on Sunday came a few hours after the Buckingham Palace released an official statement confirming that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stripped down of their His/Her Royal Highness titles and military appointments.

The statement also made it clear that Meghan and Harry will refrain from receiving public funds as they are no longer considered as "working royal." It also said that the couple would have to pay back the 2.4 million Sovereign Grant they spent to renovate their Frogmore Cottage residence.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement released ion the same day, the 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth II expressed her full support on Meghan and Harry's new life and said that they would remain as a "much-loved members of the family."
Jordan Oliver-Williams, 19, Lashawana Dantzer, 24, and Zahmir Mason, 19, were charged with murder, abuse of corpse, and other crimes in the death of Darius Cheeseboro. Zamir Burton, 18, was also charged with abuse of corpse and related crimes for his alleged involvement. Read more

Four people have been charged in the death of a 23-year-old father of two whose body police found inside of a trash can last week in Philadelphias Olney section, police said Tuesday.

Lashawana Dantzler, 24; Zahmir Mason, 19; and Jordan Oliver-Williams, 19, were charged Saturday with murder, abuse of corpse, conspiracy, and related crimes in the slaying of Darius Cheeseboro, whose body was found inside a dumpster at Sixth and Rockland Streets on Jan. 14. Zamir Burton, 18, was charged with abuse of corpse and related crimes for his alleged involvement in the death.

The Medical Examiners Office determined that Cheeseboro died of multiple trauma and lacerations.

Police declined to comment on the defendants motive or their relationship to Cheeseboro, who lived on the 100 block of East Albanus Street with his mother, girlfriend, and daughters.

In an interview Tuesday, Cheeseboros mother, Tanya Christian, said detectives told her that her son was ambushed. She said she believes that he didnt know any of the suspects and that they didnt know him.

Christian remembered her son as a kind family man who loved spending time with his daughters, Deana, 2, and Dasia-Lee, 1. She said that her granddaughters keep asking their mother, Wheres Da-da?

My son was taken from me, and I dont know why, said Christian, who reported her son as missing after he went out around 11 p.m. last Dec. 20 and never returned.

He said he was going and coming right back, but he never came back," she said.

He was trying to rebuild and turn his life around," she added.

Police said Cheeseboro was stabbed multiple times inside a rowhouse on the 4800 block of Fairhill Street in Olney, just around the corner from where his body was discovered, but declined to elaborate.

Officers were led to the body, inside a trash can under a road bridge, by a teen who notified officials at her school that she had witnessed a homicide over Christmas break.

Dantzler previously pleaded guilty to simple assault in 2014, records show. Mason pleaded guilty to theft and carrying a weapon in 2019, and Oliver-Williams was charged with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2019. All three were being held without bail. Burton was being held at Curran-Fromhold on $500,000 bail.
Global tourism slowed in 2019 due to a cooling world economy, especially in Europe and Asia where uncertainties linked to Brexit and protests in Hong Kong also weighed, the United Nations tourism agency said Monday.

The number of international tourist arrivals rose by 4.0 percent last year to 1.5 billion, its slowest rate since 2016, the Madrid-based World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said in a statement.

This is a growth that we can consider strong because it is within the historical average, but we see a slight slowdown compared to the last two years. But it should be noted that the last two years have been really exceptional with a growth that was not normal, the bodys intelligence chief, Sandra Carvao, told a news conference.

Tourist numbers grew by 6.0 percent in 2018 and by 7.0 percent in 2017 as holidaymakers returned to sunshine destinations in the eastern Mediterranean such as Turkey and Egypt after several years of tourists staying away due to security concerns. Tourism numbers rose by 4.0 percent in 2016.-

The UNWTO predicted global tourism will grow by 3.0-4.0 percent this year, buoyed by major sporting and cultural events such as the Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

An economic slowdown in many key issuing markets such as Germany and the collapse of Thomas Cook, the worlds oldest travel form, had contributed to the slowdown in the sector last year, Carvao said.

Britains looming departure from the European Union had generated strong uncertainty and has impacted its economy, which has impacted the value of its currency leading to fewer British nationals going abroad on holidays, she added.

Tourist arrivals in Europe rose by 4.0 percent in 2019, down from 6.0 percent in the previous year.

It remained the most visited region in the world, accounting for 51 percent of all international tourist arrivals last year, or 743 million people.

Arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region rose by 5.0 percent compared to 7.0 percent in 2018 as Hong Kong was rocked by sometimes violent political protests which caused hotel occupancy rates to slump in the Chinese-ruled city.

 Middle East jump 

Africa posted a 4.0-percent rise in tourist arrivals, down from 9.0 percent in 2018.

The Americas showed a mixed picture as many island destinations in the Caribbean consolidated their recovery after the 2017 hurricanes while arrivals fell in South America due partly to ongoing social and political turmoil, the UN bodys statement said.

The Middle East was the one bright spot as tourist arrivals in the region jumped by 8.0 percent in 2019, up from 3.0 percent in the previous year, due mainly to Saudi Arabias ambitious plan to draw foreign visitors and the recovery of the Egyptian market.

UNWTO expects France, Spain and the United States to once again be the three most visited countries in the world last year once it has final figures.

We dont really expect changes in the rankings, said Carvao.

In 2018, France remained the worlds most visited nation with 89 million arrivals followed by Spain and the United States.

Despite the slowdown in the rise in international arrivals, tourism spending continued to grow in 2019, especially among the worlds top ten spenders.

France reported the strongest increase in international tourism spending, jumping 11 percent, while spending by international visitors from the United States rose by 6.0 percent due to the strong dollar.

But many emerging markets such as Brazil, China  the worlds top source market  and Saudi Arabia reported declines in tourism spending.

SOURCE: AFP | Photo: AFP
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues on Tuesday condoled the untimely death of eight Keralites at a hotel in Nepal.

Vijayan's office said all arrangements are being made to bring back the bodies of the dead at the earliest.

State Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said that he is in touch with the Centre while the state-run association of non-resident Keralites, Norka, is coordinating with the Centre.

The ill-fated group contained 15 people, including children, while the eight who died, were staying in one room.

The news was first confirmed by Union Minister for State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan.

Speaking to the media, Muraleedharan said the tourists comprising two families of Thiruvananthapuram were reported dead in Daman in Nepal's Makwanpur district.

"The families of Renjith and Praveen (both aged 39) have been reported dead. What has been informed is they died due to suffocation from carbon monoxide that might have emanated from the room heater, as it was very cold. Their bodies have now been brought to Kathmandu and will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram," the Union Minister said.

The dead include the three children of Praveen, his wife, Renjith, and one child, while his elder child, who was sleeping in another room, was saved.

Praveen, who hails from Thiruvananthapuram and is working in the UAE, had returned for a holiday.

"His wife is a nursing student and is at Kochi, and they live there along with their three children. They left for Delhi last Saturday, and along with their common friends from Delhi they went to Nepal," one of Praveen's relatives told the media.

Renjith, hails from Kozhikode and had earlier worked in the IT industry.

"He started his own business in Kozhikode and his wife works in a bank," said a neighbour of Renjith.

According to a Himalayan Times report Superintendent of Police Makawanpur District Police Office, Sushil Singh Rathaur, confirmed that the Indian nationals were pronounced dead on arrival at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu.

The eight Indian nationals, two couples and four children, were part of a group of 15 people who had travelled to Pokhara from Kerala, and were returning home. Police said that on the way back they had stopped at the Everest Panorama Resort in Daman.

According to the resort manager, the guests, who had arrived at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday from Pokhara, were staying in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselvesw warm. Although the group had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a single room, while the remaining slept in the other rooms, the manager said. He said all the windows and the room door were bolted.

Police were informed of the guests' unconscious state after other members of the group went to check on them this morning, the manager said.

Subsequently, a helicopter airlifted the eight tourists to hospital in Kathmandu where they were declared brought dead.
Experts in Amsterdam have confirmed that a Vincent van Gogh self-portrait was indeed painted by the Dutch master as he recovered in a French asylum from a mental breakdown.

Van Gogh Museum researcher Louis van Tilborgh dispelled the doubts on Monday, saying the oil-on-canvas painting of the anguished-looking painter was completed in the late summer of 1889 while Van Gogh was at the Saint-Remy asylum in southern France.

Questions about the painting rose in the 1970s.

The use of a palette knife to flatten brush strokes on Van Goghs face and what were then considered to be unusual colours in the painting led to speculation about the authenticity of the work, which was bought as a genuine Van Gogh in 1910 by Norways National Museum.

NEWS! Contested Self-Portrait (1889) in the @nasjonalmuseet Oslo really is a Van Gogh! For the time being, it is the only work he is known to have painted while suffering from psychosis. Read more in our press release: https://t.co/kMf1YMG22b pic.twitter.com/djY16KIZAg  Van Gogh Museum (@vangoghmuseum) January 20, 2020

In an attempt to put those doubts to rest, the museum asked the Van Gogh Museum to analyse the painting in 2014.

It feels really reassuring to know that its genuine, said Mai Britt Guleng of the Norwegian museum.

Mr Van Tilborgh said the use of an unprimed canvas and a muddy green colour were, in fact, typical of Van Goghs time in Saint-Remy in 1889.

What sets the work apart is Van Goghs use of a palette knife.

So he has painted it and during the process he suddenly decides that it has to become flat, Mr Van Tilborgh said.

We tend to think that it has to do with the fact that its made during a period of psychosis.

Story continues

Mr Van Tilborgh said Van Gogh used painting as both a way of portraying his mental breakdown and of helping him to recover.

He wanted to say in this picture that he was an ill person and so its a kind of therapeutic work we tend to think, he said.

He was a Protestant and as a Protestant you have to accept the facts of life  if you suffer, you have to face the suffering.

A journalist takes a picture of the previously contested painting (Peter Dejong/AP)

Norways most famous artistic son, painter Edvard Munch, whose signature work The Scream, also is a vivid expression of mental anguish, was fascinated by the Van Gogh painting.

He thought it was one of the best of the collection of the national gallery but he also found it scary, because of the gaze from the self-portrait staring back at him, Ms Guleng said.

The painting will remain on display at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam before returning to Oslo in 2021, when the National Museum, currently closed for renovation, reopens in a new building.

When we delivered the painting in 14 they warned us and said You might not like the results and it might be that we will never find out, Ms Guleng said.

So we were very happy when we got the news.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 06:23:09|Editor: huaxia

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CHICAGO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural futures closed mixed on Tuesday, with soybean futures falling over 1 percent as trades were awaiting fresh Chinese purchases.

The most active soybean contract for March delivery dropped 13.75 cents, or 1.48 percent, to close at 9.16 U.S. dollars per bushel. March wheat rose 11 cents, or 1.93 percent, to 5.815 dollars per bushel. March corn deceased 1.75 cents, or 0.45 percent, to 3.875 dollars per bushel.

China and the United States signed their phase-one economic and trade agreement last week. Market participants hope the deal will increase U.S. crop sales to China.

CBOT wheat futures rose on technical buying, while corn futures edged lower in a technical setback after a nearly 4 percent climb in the previous session.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday that 1.2 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans had been inspected for export last week.

Weekly U.S. export inspections were 345,859 metric tons for corn, and 435,129 metric tons for wheat. Enditem
SAN DIEGO - January 21, 2020 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTCPINK: GTCH) ("GBT", or the "Company"), a company specializing in the development of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled networking and tracking technologies, including its GopherInsight wireless mesh network technology platform and its Avant! AI, for both mobile and fixed solutions, announced that it is expanding its autonomous machines research, working on the development of a dynamic simulation program for robots.

With the requirement for complex, real-time information analysis, a dynamic simulation of autonomous machines is a must for advanced robotic systems development and prototyping. As part of GBT's on-going robotics R&D activities, the Company is developing a new robotics simulation program in order to enable better emulate real-time robot control and functionality.

A dynamic simulation for robots has strict requirements due to the fact that it is dealing with real world physical reality in real time. For example, an autonomous car has to identify dynamic environmental conditions in order to perform reasoning for possible responses; process the information rapidly to decide about the best solution; and execute it. A robust simulation computer program is a vital tool in order to simulate and test real-life situations.

GBT has begun working on a simulation program to emulate rigid and soft objects that are in contact with autonomous machines (Robots), in order to produce accurate, real-time decision making systems. Computation accuracy is a key feature, in order to enable comprehensive information about the detected objects and the relations between them. GBT's dynamic simulation program will create an accurate virtual world using its Avant! AI-based system, so it would be able to predict upcoming events, and execute feasible responses.

One of the major challenges for robots is the identification of deformable materials and soft surfaces which is one of the main targets of the new simulation program. This is a major safety factor for robotic vehicles, as in the example of identification of humans, either in stationary or motion. Another aspect is the simulation of rigid objects and their planetary parameters. Again in the case of autonomous vehicles these aspects are crucial in order to enable accurate identification of a constant changing, environment related objects. GBT plans to continue its R&D activities in the robotics domain, integrating its proprietary geolocation, radio technology and AI systems.

"As part of our robotics research and development efforts we decided to invest in the development of a robust dynamic simulation program," stated Danny Rittman, GBT CTO. "We are developing our own simulation methods and algorithms in order to emulate and test real-life situations. Our simulation includes the interaction of robots with the environment and its responding behavior in real time. A major part of the simulation will include the robot navigation activities within its environment based on GBT tracking system."

"We are going to simulate real and predicted situations like collision risks and interactions between stationary and moving objects, like for example other robots. We create virtual objects in order to emulate real-life conditions and possible scenarios. Our dynamic simulation program includes a ranking system that will be based on reasoning, computational handling, stability, data processing and response time. The new program is planned to become part of our robotics research and development flow. It will be used for mobile like vehicles and drones, as for stationary robotic applications simulations, enabling the creation of advanced systems in the field."

About GBT Technologies Inc.

GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) ("GBT") (http://gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which considers itself a native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled mobile technology platforms. GBT has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that, when commercialized, will include smart microchips, mobile and security applications and protocols, and supporting cloud software. GBTs system envisions the creation of a global mesh network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile or fixed device worldwide. GBT envisions this system as a low-cost, secure, private mesh network between any enabled devices, providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features as an alternative to traditional carrier services.

https://www.avant-ai.net - Powered by :

About GBT Technologies, S.A.

GBT Technologies, S.A., a private Costa Rican corporation (GBT - https://gbttechnologies.com/) is a development-stage company in the business of the strategic management of BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) digital communications processing for enterprises and startups; distributed ledger technology development, AI development and fintech software development and applications.

https://aggregatorv2.genesisexchange.io (New Beta Version)

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Companys ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Companys successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Companys products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.

Contact:

Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO

GBT Technologies Inc.

Media: press@gopherprotocol.com

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ZTE and MTN Uganda have jointly launched the first 5G SA network in East Africa.

The companies showcased a high-speed 5G SA network under the 60 MHz spectrum bandwidth with an actual rate of more than 1.494 Gbps, which can support a variety of applications, such as Gigabit without Fibre Connectivity, Cloud XR, ultra-HD live broadcast, automatic driving and remote surgery.

The network uses ZTEs end-to-end 5G equipment, including Common Core, to achieve the complete separation of the signalling plane and the data plane without relying on the existing LTE core network EPC. Furthermore, the network will be able to support typical 5G applications, including uRLLC and mMTC.

ZTE also presented its end-to-end commercialized 5G solutions, including the 5G Common Core, Beyond 100G Transmission, 5G Flexhaul, 5G New Radio and Big Video, as well as its 5G terminal devices, such as Axon 10 Pro 5G smartphones, 5G indoor and outdoor routers.

MTN Group is currently operating in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East, with over 230 million subscribers across its operations. ZTE has been a partner of MTN since 2009, involving the fields of wireless, core network, transmission, energy infrastructure, terminals, and O&M services.
Congress' Rocky Tuseed on Tuesday joined the list of former DUSU presidents such as Arun Jaitley, Ajay Maken and Alka Lamba who have graduated from their respective party's student bodies to mainstream

Tuseed, who was the Delhi University Students' Union president from Congress-affiliated NSUI in 2017, has been fielded from the Rajendra Nagar assembly seat against the Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha and BJP's RP Singh. He filed his nomination on Tuesday after his name was announced on Monday night by the party.

He joins the ranks of former DUSU presidents from the National Students' Union of India, like Ajay Maken and Alka Lamba, to make a shift to party

Maken has twice been elected as an MP and has been an MLA in Delhi for three terms.

Lamba, who had unsuccessfully contested from Moti Nagar for the Vidhan Sabha elections on her poll debut from the Congress in 2003, had then joined the AAP and won from the Chandni Chowk constituency in 2015.

However, in September last year, she quit the AAP and announced that she has returned to the Congress, which has fielded her from the Chandni Chowk constituency.

The saffron party has also had many former DUSU presidents from the ABVP as its members, some of whom have held key portfolios.

Jaitley was the president of DUSU in the 1970s and subsequently graduated to the BJP and went on to become a key member of the party.

Vijay Goel, who was the DUSU president in 1977, is a member of the BJP, and has been thrice elected to the Lok Sabha from the saffron party.

In 2015, the saffron party had fielded former DUSU president Nupur Sharma against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency, but she lost by over 31,000 votes.

In the lead up to the Delhi Assembly elections, Shakti Singh, another former DUSU president, had joined the BJP, triggering speculations that he might be fielded from Timarpur or Burari, but his name did not figure in the final list of candidates released by the party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Within a fortnight of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announcing that they would be "stepping back" as senior royals, it was decided that the couple would, in fact, be stepping down from royal life entirely. For Prince Harry, it seems things have not gone entirely to plan - again.

Speaking on Sunday night for the first time since negotiations with the Queen and the Prince of Wales were finalised at Sandringham, he elaborated on the "progressive" arrangement envisioned by him and his wife, the one he hoped would have left them "half-in, half-out" of the royal show, representing the Queen but free to live abroad and to pursue commercial interests.

"We were excited, we were hopeful, we were here to serve," he said. "For those reasons, it brings me great sadness that it has come to this."

"This" means the Sussexes being removed from all royal duties, Prince Harry - a former Army captain who has undertaken two tours of Afghanistan - being stripped of his military appointments and the couple paying rent on Frogmore Cottage, their Grade II-listed home in Windsor, once they've repaid the 2.6m cost of its refurbishment.

The Sussexes' plan may have looked good on paper, but it was never something the Queen could countenance. If you take public funding and use the HRH title, you don't go around touting for private work.

While the couple have ended up with an arrangement Meghan craves - a home in North America with a base in the UK, careers as A-list professionals and the freedom to take ambassadorial roles for charitable causes of their choice - it is unlikely to bestow the sort of privacy that Harry has longed for ever since the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

For the couple's success will depend, to a great extent, on public exposure. Last month, they sought to register "Sussex Royal" as a global trademark, although it is now unclear whether this will survive the spring, when they give up using their HRH titles. And never again will they enjoy the extraordinary luxury, reserved for actual royalty, of being led along a line of Hollywood's most powerful players.

And so, yet again, Prince Harry hasn't got quite what he had wanted from this. It is a theme that has echoed throughout his life.

Expand Close Headlong: Harry and Meghan are rushing to their new life - but at what cost to the royals? Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Headlong: Harry and Meghan are rushing to their new life - but at what cost to the royals? Photo: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images

For decades, his happiness has been like an intermittent radio signal, crackling on and off, but rarely staying on full power for long. As a little boy, he was blessed with the natural larkiness of the naughty younger brother, a foil to the more sensible, dutiful William. He has long made jokes about being ginger with an outspokenness born of a sure-fire confidence in his looks, rather than an insecurity about them.

But his happy-go-lucky nature was damaged by two appalling hammer blows. First, the unhappy marriage, separation and divorce of his parents; and then, a thousand times worse, the death of his mother when he was only 12. His years spent at Eton were inevitably underpinned by that tragedy. No one, least of all Prince Harry himself, would claim he was any sort of intellectual, but he failed to shine academically at school. He did, though, develop deep, lasting friendships there, and the school provided shelter from the press and public interest.

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His happiest time was in the Army, where he headed after school and stayed for a decade until 2015. There, he found purpose, with control and respect of - and from - his brother officers while serving in Afghanistan. Again, as with Eton, the Ministry of Defence kept the press at arm's length - bliss for him.

Today, it is easy to forget that there was a long period where Harry could do no wrong. There were the natural wildnesses that came with being a young Army officer, a member of the privileged classes and someone who had been, at his own admission, so harmed by those early blows. So there was the young Harry, stupidly dressing up as a Nazi; getting into scuffles with paparazzi; downing the Flaming Lamborghinis in nightclubs; playing strip billiards in Las Vegas. But those wild days are long gone, thanks in part to the passing of time- and to his confronting his demons. In 2017, Prince Harry joined The Daily Telegraph journalist Bryony Gordon on her Mad World podcast to talk about how he sought counselling after 20 years of bottling up the grief over his mother's death.

A year later, with the discovery of love in the shape of Meghan Markle, he seemed truly happy at his wedding, and the pair were unequivocally taken to the nation's hearts on that sunny, hopeful day. However, the honeymoon period was surprisingly short-lived. Confusion over Archie's birth last year, followed by the secrecy surrounding his christening, were taken as signs of petulance. When the couple were followed around Africa by a documentary team last year, their sadness and irritation was palpable.

The sudden six-week holiday over Christmas showed that their unexplained dissatisfaction had reached turning point. Not to go to Sandringham for Christmas was a break with royal protocol; the illness and hospitalisation of Harry's beloved grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 98, appeared to make little difference to the Sussexes.

In their Canadian hideout, they were putting the finishing touches to their bombshell announcement.

An increasing lack of purpose seems to have gnawed away at Harry, just as his brother's destiny has grown more and more substantial. Certainly, Harry's status as the "spare" to the heir makes him increasingly expendable, not least as Prince William and Kate have produced three children. Just as he gave up the Army, the only job he has ever adored, so he has moved further away from the Biggest Job - as a potential king.

While the couple's move to North America may make Meghan happy - the former actress will easily capitalise on her now-stellar international status - it may leave her with a problem: a down-in-the-mouth husband.

What will Harry do with all that spare time? He has always been happiest with a pint in his hand surrounded by boisterous mates, and he won't have ready access to that in Canada. With this latest gambit, the Unhappy Prince risks being unhappier than ever.
Millions of residents in a major Chinese city where a deadly SARS-like virus emerged last month have hit the road days before the Lunar New Year to reunite with their families or go on holidays.

Locals have made more than four million trips by train, road and air since January 10 in the annual travel rush for the most important holiday in the country, which will fall on Saturday.

The transport peak season will last until February 18 and see three billion trips made within China, according to official statistics.

Experts from the country's National Health Commission have urged Wuhan's 11 million residents not to leave the city and other Chinese people not to head to the busy provincial capital of Hubei after finding 'affirmative' evidence that the fatal virus could spread between humans.

Chinese rail and aviation authorities have said that those who have tickets to and from Wuhan can now cancel their trips free of charge.

Wuhan residents have made made more than four million trips by train, road and air since January 10 during the annual Lunar New Year travel rush. Above, a screen grab from CCTV's news programme shows flocks of passengers leaving Wuhan Train Station on Monday

Experts from the country's National Health Commission have urged Wuhan's 11 million residents not to leave the city after finding 'affirmative' evidence that the fatal virus could spread between humans. The life-threatening virus has killed six people in the Chinese city

In Wuhan Train Station, one of the city's three railway stations, ultra-red thermometers have been installed to record the body temperatures of passengers. Above, a screen grab from CCTV's news programme shows people being monitored by the device in Wuhan Train Station

China's state broadcaster CCTV reported today that Wuhan's government had ordered all tour groups to stop travelling out of the city and were stopping private cars to check if any live animals or wildlife were on board.

A local official later denied the reported travelling ban, adding that the authorities were still discussing a plan.

A total of 304 people are confirmed to have caught the virus, with another 54 cases suspected and more than 900 people under observation.

Australia and the Philippines have also reported suspected cases of the life-threatening virus - believed to have originated in Wuhan's largest seafood market, which has been shut down since January 1.

The World Health Organization will hold an emergency meeting later in the week to discuss the outbreak, which has already spread to Thailand, South Korea, Japan and now Taiwan.

The unnamed novel virus has infected an estimated 1,700 in Wuhan, China. Authorities said the virus had spread to other cities in China. The total confirmed cases is nearing 300 and four have died. Four confirmed cases are outside China in Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. (Pictured: The most recently available breakdown of where cases have been diagnosed)

Australia and the Philippines have also reported suspected cases of the life-threatening virus - believed to have originated in Wuhan's largest seafood market. Pictured, people gather outside the Wuhan Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, on January 21

The World Health Organization has announced it will hold an emergency meeting later this week to discuss the outbreak, which has already spread to three countries. Pictured above, passengers walk outside a train station in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province on January 12

Chinese officials yesterday confirmed the never-before-seen coronavirus has spread between humans, with two patients catching it from family members.

Fifteen healthcare workers have caught the respiratory virus while treating patients. Cases have soared six-fold in the space of a few days.

As the Lunar New Year travel rush hits its busiest day this week, the authorities of Wuhan have tightened health screening on travellers in all major transport hubs.

CHINESE TOUR FIRMS OFFER FREE CANCELLATIONS ON TRAVEL BOOKINGS Chinese travel booking platforms are offering free cancellations on bookings made for Wuhan amid mounting fears over the coronavirus outbreak. The firms offering customers the cancellations include Trip.com, Alibaba Group's Fliggy, Meituan Dianping and Qunar.com. The travel booking platforms said that Chinese civil aviation and railway authorities had still to set a special cancellation policy. But the firms added that they would try to meet the needs of customers wanting to cancel their trips. China is entering its busiest travel period due to the Lunar New Year, which sees many people travelling back to their home town or village The holiday is a high season for tourism and retail industries in China and overseas, but fears of the outbreak may mean many opt to stay home. Advertisement

In Wuhan Train Station, one of the city's three railway stations, ultra-red thermometers have been installed to record the body temperatures of hordes of passengers, reported state media China Central Television Station.

Those whose body temperatures exceed 37.3 degrees Celsius will be stopped immediately, according to the report.

Wuhan is also home to one of the largest airport in central China. The Wuhan Tianhe International Airport handled more than 27 million passengers last year.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the hub is expected to welcome more than 3.5 million passengers and see 24,600 flights taking off and landing during the Lunar New Year period.

Zeng Guang, an expert from National Health Commission, urged residents in Wuhan not to leave the city and other Chinese people not to go there at present.

'We hope... now if you can, don't go to Wuhan; and for Wuhan people, if possible don't leave the city. This is what we can contribute [to the situation], not an official order. [It] is the advice given by us, the expert team,' Zeng was quoted saying during a press conference yesterday.

An official uses an infrared thermometer on a traveler at a health screening checkpoint at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. Wuhan is at the centre of the outbreak

Staff in biohazard suits hold a metal stretcher by the in-patient department of Wuhan Medical Treatment Centre, where patients are being treated for the new coronavirus

Chinese travel booking platforms from Trip.com to Alibaba Group's Fliggy said today that they would offer free cancellations on bookings made for Wuhan amid mounting fears over a viral outbreak in the central Chinese city.

The companies, which also include Meituan Dianping and Qunar.com, said in separate but similar statements that the policy would be extended to users who had been put under quarantined or diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

The outbreak is believed to have started late last month among people connected to a seafood market in Wuhan, where all six fatalities have happened.

Zhong Nanshan, the leader of the official Chinese expert team, said yesterday that the virus was likely to have come from live animals.

Quarantine workers spray disinfect at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. South Korea confirmed its first case on January 20 after a 35-year-old woman arriving at Seouls Incheon airport tested positive for the virus

Two patients in southern China have caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media. Pictured, Chinese residents wear masks in Wuhan

Australian officials today announced a traveller had been placed in quarantine with symptoms of the virus after returning home from a trip to China.

The man is being kept at his home in Brisbane as he awaits test results for the virus. Earlier tests were inconclusive, Queensland health chiefs said.

The suspected case prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to warn Australians travelling to China to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in China's Wuhan area.
U.S. equities fell on reports that a deadly respiratory illness that originated in China had migrated to the U.S., spurring concern about the potential economic impact.

Industrial and consumer shares were among the worst performers as the S&P 500 index pulled back from a record. That followed retreats in Asia and Europe, with Hong Kong the hardest hit. Luxury stocks posted their biggest drop since October on worries the virus will disrupt spending during a key Chinese holiday period. Banks declined after UBS Group AG missed profitability targets; Boeing slumped on speculation its 737 Max jet wouldn't be cleared to fly until mid-year.

The risk-off mood helped support some traditional haven assets, and the yen and Treasuries advanced.

The emergence of the illness in China -- and concerns it will now spread outside the country -- stirred memories of the SARS outbreak 17 years ago for some market watchers, though it isn't yet as serious. The developments provided an excuse for investors who bid up U.S. stocks to record highs last week to take a pause and assess the outlook for global growth and corporate profits as earnings season picks up.

"History tells us that most of these situations can be contained," said Sameer Samana, senior global market strategist for Wells Fargo Investment Institute. "What we would watch for is does it become a big enough issue that it actually starts to change consumer behavior?"

Elsewhere, Germany's DAX index briefly surpassed the peak reached two years ago. The Stoxx Europe 600 index posted a second day of losses. The Bank of Japan kept policy unchanged as expected, though raised its economic growth forecast for 2020. Crude held below $60 a barrel as ample global supplies offset the loss of exports from Libya.

Here are some events to watch out for this week:

--Companies including IBM, Procter & Gamble and Hyundai will post results.

--Policy decisions are due from central banks in Canada, Indonesia and the euro zone.

--The World Economic Forum, the annual gathering of global leaders in politics, business and culture, is underway in Davos, Switzerland.

These are the main moves in markets:

Stocks

--The S&P 500 index fell 0.3% at the close of trading in New York.

--The Stoxx Europe 600 index sank 0.1%.

--The MSCI Asia Pacific index fell 1.2%.

Currencies

--The Bloomberg Dollar Spot index rose 0.1%.

--The euro slipped 0.1% to $1.1088.

--The British pound gained 0.3% to $1.3045.

--The Japanese yen climbed 0.3% to 109.81 per dollar.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Bonds

--The yield on 10-year Treasuries dipped five basis points to 1.77%.

--Germany's 10-year yield fell three basis points to -0.25%.

--Britain's 10-year yield fell two basis points to 0.63%.

Commodities

--West Texas Intermediate crude slumped 0.3% to $58.34 a barrel.

--Gold fell 0.1% to $1,558.62 an ounce.

- - -

Bloomberg's Livia Yap, Eric Lam, Ranjeetha Pakiam, Cormac Mullen, Todd White, Sam Potter and Claire Ballentine contributed to this report.
" " June 1931: American aviator Amelia Earhart climbs into the cockpit of her airplane at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, just before embarking on a trip to California. New York Times Co./Getty Images

When she was about 7 years old, Amelia Earhart hopped into a wooden bucket and zoomed down a ramp that her uncle had helped her build next to the family shed. At the end of this daredevil experience, the box was shattered and Amelia was bloodied but beaming, exclaiming to her sister, "Oh, Pidge, it's just like flying!"

It wasn't until a few years later  1908 to be exact  that Earhart saw her first airplane, at the Iowa State Fair. Her reaction? One big yawn. The rickety contraption failed to capture her interest in any way.

Not the response you'd expect from a young woman who ultimately became one of the most famous pilots in world history? Let's flash back to Amelia's earliest days.

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Unimpressed by Airplanes

Earhart was born in 1897 in Atchison, Kansas, which lies on the Missouri River just north of Kansas City. Her family was privileged but troubled, her father an iterant alcoholic lawyer who had difficulty keeping a job. Given the troubles of her parents, Amelia spent much of her young life with her maternal grandparents.

Her parents tried to calm the waters of their marriage, so Earhart rejoined them in Des Moines. It was there, at the age of 12, that she first attended a public school. But the turbulence of her childhood, along with her fiercely independent temperament, meant that she didn't have a lot of friends. In one yearbook, for instance, her caption read. "A.E.  the girl in brown who walks alone."

Her social life may have been lackluster, but her studies were not. A rabid bookworm from early childhood, Earhart excelled in academics. After high school graduation, she attended a finishing school, but ditched it for a trip to Toronto to volunteer as a nurse for wounded World War I soldiers. There, she developed respect for military aviators and spent much of her free time watching them swoop and dive during exercises at a nearby base.

A few years later, fate handed Earhart a late Christmas gift on Dec. 28, 1920. She and her father attended an aviation show in California, and she took her first brief plane ride with a pilot named Frank Hawk. Later, she said, "By the time I had got two or three hundred feet off the ground, I knew I had to fly."

She immediately began working a series of odd jobs to earn enough cash for flying lessons. In 1921, she bought a second-hand biplane, painted it yellow and named it the Canary. In 1923, she officially earned her pilot's license, becoming just the 16th female pilot in the world.

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The following year, Earhart received a phone call from a publicity agent looking to help a woman become the first female to fly across that same ocean. She agreed, but on that particular flight to Wales, she wasn't the pilot; she was merely a passenger, "like a sack of potatoes," she later recalled.

She wrote a book about the journey, aptly titled, "20 Hrs. 40 Min," (the duration of the historic flight) and thanks in part to publisher and publicist George Putnam (who would later become her husband), sales were strong. The tome made her a bona fide celebrity, a status she soon learned to milk to her professional advantage.

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A High-flying Celeb

Throughout the late '20s and '30s, Earhart was a whirlwind of a human being. She took up airplane racing, set the women's speed record at 181.18 mph (291.48 kph) and helped to establish The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. She also set the world altitude record, soaring to more than 18,400 feet (5.6 kilometers).

Amid this flurry of activity, she became a prominent spokesperson for the commercial airline industry, helping to familiarize people everywhere with the concept of air travel. She also spoke at several colleges, urging girls to try male-dominated careers, like engineering.

In 1932, she went from passenger to pilot, with a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, the first woman to do so. That 15-hour flight was not without drama  ice formed on her plane's wings, making the machine harder to fly by the minute, so she abandoned her original destination (London) and opted to land in Northern Ireland instead.

With that triumph, Earhart flew into the rarefied air of superstardom. Over the next few years, she set record after record for women's speed and distance in flying. She also flew from Hawaii to California, making her the first person on Earth to fly alone across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

" " In this 1934 Vogue spread, Earhart wears a suit of her own design: a dark flannel Norfolk jacket and checked wool tweed skirt with Jiffy-Johns (quick-to-remove fasteners). Anton Bruehl/Conde Nast via Getty Images

In the midst of this madness, Earhart also became one of the first celebrities to launch her own line of clothing branded in her name. She unveiled 25 outfits meant for active living, clearly targeting women who admired Earhart's trailblazing lifestyle. For Earhart and her now-husband George Putnam, the merchandise was meant to fund her increasingly expensive flying career.

The clothes concept was a total flop. But the venture was another example of her willingness to embrace uncertainty throughout her life.

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One Final Flight

Even with so many amazing accomplishments, Earhart wanted one final shot at burnishing her legacy. Her goal? The first round-the-world flight in history, staying as close to the equator as possible. The roughly 30,000-mile (48,280-kilometer) journey was guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime.

In March 1937, Earhart departed Oakland with her navigator, Fred Noonan, planning to fly to Hawaii and then west around the rest of the globe. But plane damage, along with prevailing winds that reversed direction, forced them to stop for major repairs and eventually backtrack, planning to head eastward around the equator.

The duo successfully flew across the U.S., then the Atlantic, then Africa, and landed in New Guinea in late June 1937. With 22,000 miles (35,405 kilometers) out of the way, they had just 7,000 miles (11,265 kilometers) left  one last mammoth stretch took them over the perilous void of the Pacific.

On July 2, their intended landing strip was located on Howland Island, a tiny speck of land between Australia and Hawaii. Even with active Navy support and mostly good radio communications, it seems that Earhart struggled in vain to locate Howland. Running low on fuel, her increasingly desperate radio calls ultimately ceased.

After that, no one's certain what transpired, but there are plenty of theories.

" " Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan pose at the Honolulu Airport, Hawaii, March 20, 1937, before their round-the-world flight. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Most historians believe she and Noonan splashed down the ocean, never to be seen again. Others think that perhaps they were scooped up by the Japanese and held as prisoners. There is even a belief that she was eaten by giant crabs.

Richard Gillespie, who leads The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), has been investigating the plane's disappearance since the 1980s. He's certain that Earhart and Noonan wound up hundreds of miles from Howland Island, on a spot of land called Nikumaroro's reef, surviving for a time before ultimately dying as castaways.

Gillespie is a pilot and former accident investigator who has spent several missions scouring the area where Earhart vanished. He's found various artifacts, including plane parts, that he's certain belong to her doomed aircraft.

"There's an old saying in aviation, 'The are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old bold pilots,'" says Gillespie. "Earhart was famous for her courage. Her poem 'Courage Is The Price' says it all." He lists some of the steps that Earhart could have taken before the flight to improve her chances of survival. "She could have learned Morse code. She could have learned how to use the radio direction finder upon which her life depended. She could have established and communicated to the Coast Guard a workable plan for finding Howland Island."

As for Earhart and Noonan's final resting place?

"The evidence is already overwhelming but not everyone accepts it as conclusive," Gillespie says via email. "There is a prevailing fiction that Earhart's fate will not be proven unless her plane or DNA are found. Neither are likely to happen. The available evidence suggests the plane was destroyed in the surf and the pieces scattered by subsequent storms."

In 1940, bones of a man and woman were found on Nikumaroro, studied for a time, and then they vanished. If modern science had those bones today, we might be able to confirm or deny that they belonged to the American explorers.

Instead, the world is left without definitive answers regarding the end of Earhart's short but amazing life. She left behind a high-flying legacy.

"Earhart's long-distance flights exhibited great courage, but they were essentially publicity stunts that did nothing to advance aviation," says Gillespie. "Earhart's greatest achievement was as a spokesperson for commercial aviation and as an advocate for equal opportunity for women."

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Many planes of Amelia's era had open cockpits, meaning pilots were exposed to the elements during flights. Because she hated goggles, Earhart rarely wore them when she was aloft, typically donning them only during takeoff and landing.
Bethlehem's National Museum of Industrial History is salvaging i-beams from the Martin Tower demolition site to incorporate in a new Steelworkers Memorial Park. The former world headquarters of Bethlehem Steel Corp. was imploded in May of 2019 and the site cleanup is ongoing. (Glenn Koehler | NMIH)

The National Museum of Industrial History recently scored some iconic pieces from the rubble of Martin Tower.

The Bethlehem museum salvaged several of the H-beams/I-beams that helped build the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. world headquarters site. The polarizing tower was imploded in May of 2019 to make way for a mixed-use development of high-end apartments and a shopping/office complex.

The museum plans to incorporate the beams and bricks from Martin Tower into a revamped Steelworkers Veterans Memorial plaza. The existing memorial at Third and Fillmore streets is being displaced by a mixed-use parking deck. The clean up at the tower, 1170 Eighth Ave. in the city, is ongoing and on schedule.

The new park is slated to open this spring and will showcase an interpretation of how steel is made, said Glenn Koehler, museum spokesman. The Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority secured a $25,000 grant to fund the move and new park.

The memorial is being displaced because the Bethlehem Parking Authority bought the land the memorial sits on from Las Vegas Sands Corp., so the authority can build a 593-space parking garage anchored by retail space at Third and Polk streets.

The memorial grew from a Steel veterans' committee and it was dedicated in 1989 by then-Bethlehem Steel CEO Walt Williams.

It was originally intended to just be a small plaque, but the late Raymond F. Rosati Jr., a Steel millwright from Hellertown had other plans. The U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran designed the memorial, which was built with the help of plant personnel and machine shops, and then constructed in the shipping yard maintenance shop.

See photos below.

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Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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LONDON  The British government said on Tuesday that it would toughen terrorism sentences and end early release for serious offenders, following through on promises made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November after a convicted terrorist who had been automatically released carried out an attack that killed two people near London Bridge.

The attacker, Usman Khan, 28, who was released in December 2018 after serving eight years of a 16-year sentence for his involvement in a bomb plot, began a knife attack while attending an event on prison rehabilitation at Fishmongers Hall, a central London conference venue. Wearing a fake explosive vest, he fled over the nearby bridge, and he was shot and killed by the police shortly afterward.

The attack, during the final weeks of a British general election campaign, set off a heated debate over jail sentences for convicted terrorists and their overall reintegration into society.

Under the new legislation, which could be introduced in Parliament this spring, terrorism offenders would serve a minimum of 14 years in prison. The number of probation officers specializing in counterterrorism would be doubled, and the counterterrorist police would receive a 10 percent funding increase, the British Home Office, the government department responsible for policing and national security, said in a statement.
The cost of battling childhood cancer is staggering and sometimes prevents families from saving toward higher education, said President and CEO Mark Stolze. The NCCS is honored to provide crucial assistance to young adult survivors so they can achieve their educational and professional goals.

The National Childrens Cancer Societys (NCCS) is now accepting applications for 2020-2021 Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarships. This program will award 58 college scholarships to childhood cancer survivors who have demonstrated the ability to rise above the difficulties of cancer with determination and motivation. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2020 to be considered.

This special program recognizes that the effects of childhood cancer dont end with treatment. As survivors grow up and begin college, they often face unique financial challenges in pursuing their education.

The cost of battling childhood cancer is staggering and sometimes prevents families from saving toward higher education, said President and CEO Mark Stolze. The NCCS is honored to provide crucial assistance to young adult survivors so they can achieve their educational and professional goals.

Scholarships are awarded to childhood cancer survivors under the age of 25 who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 18. Students must be United States citizens living and attending school in the U.S., and must be accepted into a post-secondary school for the 2020 fall semester. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2020.

Scholarship recipients are obligated to contribute 15 hours of community service for the NCCS. This includes participating in the organizations mentoring program and/or organizing events for fellow survivors of childhood cancer.

The NCCS is grateful to The Centene Charitable Foundation and the Engelhardt Family Foundation for their generous support of the Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship program. Well over $1 million has been awarded to survivors of childhood cancer for their college education since the program began 12 years ago. Alumni have gone on to a wide range of careers including social work, pediatric oncology and biomedical engineering.

Find more information and apply for the scholarship online at https://www.thenccs.org/scholarship.

The National Childrens Cancer Society (NCCS), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a not-for-profit organization providing support to families making their way through the daunting world of childhood cancer and survivorship. With over 30 years of experience serving more than 44,000 children, the NCCS is able to take a no matter what approach to help families stay strong, stay positive and stay together. The NCCS has been recognized as a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity and earned a GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information call 314-241-1600, visit theNCCS.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram


A day after the Vishva Hindu Parishad said it will go village to village to remove "confusion" over the Citizenship Amendment Act, seers at its "Virat Sant Sammelan" backed the legislation.

Amarkantak mahamandleshwar Hariharanand Sarswati said the country had been divided on the basis of religion once and "same situation was being created now" through anti-CAA protests.

He said initially arson took place and now an emotional blackmail is being done "with protesters being paid for it".

Swami Vishvesh Prapannacharya said the legislation brought by the Union government should be supported as it protected people.

Meanwhile, the Ramjanmabhoomi Ramalaya Nyas at a separate programme unveiled a model of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Trust secretary Avimukteshwaranand said they were committed to the construction of a grand Ram temple.

The model has been put on public display in Allahabad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is just an "excuse" and the target is Ram Temple, said BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha lawmaker GVL Narasimha Rao on Tuesday regarding protests against the new law.

He alleged that the anti-CAA protests are sponsored by "radical" Muslims and they are using the amended law to create unrest in the country.

"CAA protests which have been going on at several places over the past month are being carried out by some fundamentalists from Muslim community... CAA is not going to take citizenship of people protesting in Shaheen Bagh. Who is sponsoring the protest? These protests are the handiwork of radical Muslims," Rao told ANI.

"Parties like Congress, CPM supported citizenship for minorities from Pakistan... they are changing positions now. They all are now subject to blackmail.... CAA is just an excuse and their target is Ram Temple. They do not want that Ram Temple to be constructed. They are using CAA to create unrest in the country," he said.

In November last year, the Supreme 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.

When asked about Punjab and Kerala passing the anti-CAA resolutions, the BJP leader said questioning any law passed by Parliament does not come under rights of state assemblies.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sailors on board the South Korean navy destroyer ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH-976) look on while berthed at the port of Manila on September 2, 2019.

South Korea's military said on Tuesday it plans to expand the deployment of an anti-piracy unit now operating off the coast of Africa to the area around the Strait of Hormuz, after the United States pressed for help to guard oil tankers.

Attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran last year prompted U.S. officials to call for allies to join a planned maritime security mission.

As a key U.S. ally, South Korea has debated the prospect, and the decision to divert a navy unit already in operation southwest of Arabia comes as a compromise that will not require fresh parliamentary authorization.

While South Korea will deploy its forces to the area, including the Gulf, it will not officially be joining an international coalition of forces, the defence ministry said.

"The South Korean government decided to temporarily expand the deployment of the Cheonghae military unit," a ministry official told reporters.

The step would ensure the safety of citizens and free navigation of South Korean vessels, he added.

The Cheonghae unit will continue with its mission while it cooperates with the coalition, the ministry said, adding that the United States had been briefed on the decision, which was also explained to the Iranians separately.

The Strait of Hormuz is a busy passageway into the Gulf, with vessels sailing through it approximately 900 times a year for South Korea, which gets more than 70% of its oil from the Middle East, the defense ministry says.

The Cheonghae unit has been stationed in the Gulf of Aden since 2009, working to tackle piracy in partnership with African countries as well as the United States and the European Union.

The 302-strong unit operates a 4,500-ton destroyer, a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and three speed boats, South Korea's 2018 defense white paper showed.

Among its operations were the rescue of a South Korean ship and its crew in 2011, shooting eight suspected pirates and capturing five others in the incident.

The South Korean troops have also evacuated South Korean citizens from Libya and Yemen, and as of November 2018 had escorted around 18,750 South Korean and international vessels.

South Korea, the world's fifth-largest crude oil importer and one of Iran's major oil customers, stopped importing Iranian crude from May after waivers of U.S. sanctions ended at the start of that month.


Philip Pullman, the author of His Dark Materials, has said traditional media have no power anymore.

The novelist behind the fantasy trilogy made the comment in relation to the BBCs failure to secure an interview with Boris Johnson ahead of the Christmas election.

It didn't occur to me at the time, tweeted Pullman, but Andrew Neil's glowering denunciation of Boris Johnson for not agreeing to an interview was an expression of baffled rage.

Neil, and the traditional media in general, have no power any more, and they know it.

As he closed his general election interview with Nigel Farage in December, Neil set aside several minutes to shame Johnson for failing to submit to a prime-time grilling of his own.

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)

The veteran political broadcaster told viewers he had planned to hold the prime minister to account on issues of trust, but despite weeks of negotiations by the BBC, Johnson had not agreed to an interview.

Leaders interviews have been a key part of the BBCs prime-time election coverage for decades. We do them on your behalf to scrutinise and hold to account those who would govern us. That is democracy, Neil said.

Farage, Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson and Nicola Sturgeon all sat for tough interviews with Neil during the election campaign.

At the time, Pullman commented on a video of Johnson making excuses for not doing the BBC interview, calling the politician helminthic.
OTTAWA - The first body of a Canadian who died in the Tehran plane crash has come home, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday, as the government pushed Iran to respect the wishes of family members who want their loved ones buried in Canada.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stands in front of his cabinet as he speaks to media during the final day of the Liberal cabinet retreat at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Sudoma

OTTAWA - The first body of a Canadian who died in the Tehran plane crash has come home, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday, as the government pushed Iran to respect the wishes of family members who want their loved ones buried in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne confirmed the repatriation of a Canadian killed in the crash of the Ukraine International Airlines jet near Tehran almost two weeks ago, but he offered no other details because of the family's request for privacy. The minister said other families would also be bringing their loved ones' remains back to Canada, but he did not give specifics, citing their privacy wishes.

Champagne said a number of victims have already had their remains buried in Iran, according to the wishes of their families. The repatriation of Canadian remains has emerged as an issue because Iran does not recognize dual citizenships and claims anyone born in Iran as Iranian.

"Every time that I receive an allegation that the wishes of the family will not have been respected we are taking these allegations seriously," Champagne said in Winnipeg.

He also said Iranian authorities have assured Canada they would respect families' wishes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that by respecting the wishes of families, Iran would also be respecting the principles of Islam.

"We recognize that it is a challenge that Iran does not recognizes double citizenship, but the focus that we've had on supporting the families has been to ensure that the families' wishes are respected in regards to burials," Trudeau said Tuesday in Winnipeg after a cabinet retreat.

"Respecting the wishes of the families lines up not with a question of citizenship, but it lines up also with international laws and practice and with principles around Islam for burials."

All 176 people on Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 were killed when the it crashed outside Tehran earlier this month after being shot at by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles.

Ottawa has confirmed that included 57 Canadian citizens and 29 permanent residents of Canada.

The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 90 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

Iran's aviation authority said Monday that the jetliner was carrying only five Canadian nationals, a number it said was based on the passports used by passengers.

That has raised concerns the bodies won't be allowed out of the country for those families wishing for burials in Canada.

Dennis Horak, Canada's last ambassador to Iran, said Trudeau may have been trying to appeal Iran's "basic humanity" by couching a request of repatriation of bodies in religious terms, but added: "Good luck with that."

"Iranians are trying to make a political point that Canada really doesn't have a big political interest in this since it was mostly 'Iranians' who were killed," Horak said. "It's sickening for them to play this card in these circumstances when families are grieving but it's what they do."

Bessma Momani, a Middle East expert with the University of Waterloo, said the locations where bodies are buried could have legal implications later when Canada pushes Iran for financial compensation for the crash victims.

"If they're buried in Iran, it's only going to strengthen the Iranian's argument that they're really just Iranian citizens and the they're not dual citizens," said Momani.

In Islam, she said, "not burying the body is considered torture of the soul.

"For some families, they may be stuck with the pressure to please bury the body because to retrieve it to Canada may take more hurdles, and that's not good for the soul of the deceased person."

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Canada and its allies renewed their calls Monday for Iran to release the black boxes from the Ukrainian jetliner to another country so their crucial flight data can be downloaded. The request emerged from Champagne's Monday conference call with counterparts from Britain, Sweden, Afghanistan and Ukraine, all of which lost citizens in the crash.

Trudeau suggested that sending the data recorders to France would be a good idea.

"The black boxes are key to the investigation and there are rules around making sure that they are analyzed quickly and properly in cases such as these. It is not simply a question of having the right experts in place to analyze the black boxes," Trudeau said. "There is a question of significant technological requirements in order to do that that cannot be done in Iran."

A summary of Champagne's call with the four countries that lost nationals in the crash urged Iran "to move the black boxes to a facility with all of the technology and expertise required to quickly and reliably download and analyze the data without delay ... Iran has indicated it is willing to do so."

The report released Monday by Iran's Civil Aviation Organization said the black boxes were damaged but their recordings are intact.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
An ice dealer who boasted about his lavish lifestyle by sharing photos of cash, designer goods and his 'pimp pad' has been jailed.

Christopher Haysom pleaded guilty to drug possession and supply, among other offences, in Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The court heard the 30-year-old had a history of drug offending and worked as a street dealer supplying methamphetamine and cannabis, The Courier-Mail reported.

Christopher Haysom pleaded guilty to drug possession and supply, among other offences, in Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday

Haysom's drug dealing was described as 'fairly prolific' by crown prosecutor Ryder Reid, who told the court the father-of-free was selling to customers up to 20 times each week.

Mr Reid said Haysom was able to pay for a 'comfortable lifestyle' which included a well-equipped apartment in Southport, on the Gold Coast.

Haysom shared pictures of his 'pimp pad' to social media in January 2018.

'My new pimp pad finally decked out and this will be the first and only glance into the life known as Haysom,' he wrote alongside the photos.

'All I can say is, f*** the haters! Cause ya aint gonna make it, if ya aint gonna take it!'

Haysom said he furnished the apartment himself, with pictures showing his bed, leather lounge chairs and a mirror.

Haysom boasted about his lavish lifestyle by sharing photos of cash, designer goods and his 'pimp pad'

Haysom shared pictures of his 'pimp pad' to social media in January 2018

'Two months ago I had five bags to my name and I was living from motel to motel so yes in life sometime you gotta take risks and go for it either all or nothing, and once again f*** the haters!' he wrote.

'There's only one way and that's up.'

Additional pictures from Haysom's pad showed designer watches and bags, sunglasses, perfume and bottles of alcohol.

He also posted a snap of an envelope containing $50 bills.

Haysom tried to 'do a runner' and attempted to wash methamphetamine down the sink when he was raided by police in March 2018, the court was told.

Additional pictures from Haysom's pad showed designer watches and bags, sunglasses, perfume and bottles of alcohol. He also posted a snap of an envelope containing $50 bills

Police were able to recover almost seven kilograms of the drug and other medication.

Defence barrister James McNab said his client, a former bricklayer, began smoking marijuana when he was 12 years old.

Justice Susan Brown told Haysom - who has no contact with his children - that boys need parents who are 'role models'.

'You have to think what life you want them. Do you want them to have the same life you have had to date?' she said.

Haysom was sentenced to three years behind bars. He has already served 400 days and will be eligible for parole in April.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, will travel to Brussels on Monday, 20 January, to participate in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).

The FAC is to focus on developments in Libya and the situation in the Sahel region, Bolivia and Venezuela.

During the informal luncheon, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs will discuss the Middle East Peace Process and recent developments in the wider region.
CRAWFORD COUNTY, MI  A promising day of hunting recently ended in citations for a Michigan man when his muzzleloader blew a hole in his deer blind.

According to an official DNR report, the incident occurred in Crawford County last month when John Huspen, a conservation officer in DNR District 5, checked on a private property baiting complaint.

CO Huspen located an elevated blind looking over a large pile of sugar beets where an antlerless deer was eating. After several minutes, the deer ran off and CO Huspen knocked on the ladder to inform the hunter to come down and speak with him.

What did you say? the hunter said.

Conservation officer, I need you to come down, Huspen repeated, according to the report.

The subject then yelled Hold on as a loud boom came from the blind. The hunter then yelled, My gun just went off.

After the officer made sure the hunter was OK, the hunter explained that his gun went off when he tried to move it. He was not harmed, the report said. Further investigation revealed the gun had no safety mechanism and that the hunter was sitting with the hammer cocked.

He was not wearing any hunter orange and upon request could not produce a deer hunting license.

CO Huspen and the subject walked to his residence nearby. According to the report, the subject acknowledged that he made mistakes while hunting and also ruined his deer blind in the same day.

The hunter was cited for hunting without a license and failure to wear hunter orange.

DNR District 5 is in Northern Michigan and includes Alcona, Arenac, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties.

READ MORE:

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On Jan. 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Berlin for a Germany-sponsored peace conference on Libya. A few days earlier, Moscow, in partnership with Ankara, hosted its own talks between leaders of the warring parties  Libyan National Armys commander Khalifa Hifter and chair of the Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj. The talks in Moscow didnt lead to a major breakthrough that could have cemented the Russian-Turkish cease-fire agreement clinched between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Jan. 8. The Kremlin might have expected a key agreement to be signed in Germany, which also didnt happen. Nonetheless, the week of top-level Russian diplomacy on this track didnt leave Moscow empty-handed.

The NATO-led military campaign in Libya in the spring of 2011 and the subsequent killing of its ruler, Moammar Gadhafi, in October of that year had a profound impact on Russias relations with the West and Moscows own Syria policy. Coupled with Russias takeover of Crimea and the war in the east of Ukraine in 2014, Russias relations with Europe and the United States soured to the point where the parties have virtually exhausted the bilateral agenda they have carefully developed for over 20 years. The activity on the tracks that until that point kept the relationship going was halted.

Russias decision to intervene in Syria was as much driven by Russias security concerns as by Putins desire to fix the relationship with the West on new grounds  through the formation of a coalition to counter the Islamic State. When the numerous appeals and a number of practical efforts failed, Russia activated its regional profile and created realities on the ground that made some of the Western states change their tone and posture toward Moscow.

While Russias Syria policy was initially more oriented toward a deal with the United States, the Libyan track was perceived by the top Russian decision-makers as having to do with Europe.

Although Russia had rather strong positions in Libya under Gadhafi, it essentially had to start from a low level when the long-time ruler of the country was killed and the country slipped into chaos and war.

In December 2017, Al-Monitor spoke with head of Russias contact group on Libya Lev Dengov. By that time, Russias Libya policy had already been crystallizing as a multilayered pie of state interests, pursuit for an improvement in its global status in confrontation with the West and the profit motive of certain Russian groups.

Back then, Dengov articulated a strong European angle in the Russian policy on Libya.

Europe, especially its Mediterranean part, has been suffering from mass flows of illegal immigrants and from the emergence of new terrorist epicenters. So the [goals] of nipping the terrorist threat in the bud and putting a cap over the migration flow are two of our priorities, Dengov explained.

By then, Moscow had been engaging with southern tribes in Libya as a potential way to halt migrants in their tracks. Asked whether this effort had any success, Dengov briefly answered, Russians have established contacts with virtually all southern tribes, with their elders and representatives.

While most of the Western coverage for Russias policy in Libya was focused on the presence of Russian mercenary groups, such as the Wagner Group, which is owned by Yevgeny Putins chef Prigozhin, Russias state policy had been undergoing a transition. From a limited engagement, including through private military contractors, Moscow has been gradually increasing its influence in the political segment of the conflict.

As Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu worked with different Libya factions, on Nov. 12, 2018, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was sent to Italy-sponsored Libya talks in Palermo  the highest Russian representation for Libya at that point.

Medvedev endorsed the Skhirat agreement signed in December 2015 as a framework for settling the Libyan conflict. But his participation was meant to convey Russias interests in Libya and send a signal to the warring parties that Moscow was willing to step up its efforts as a true broker.

"We remember the way various resolutions were adopted then. I made certain decisions myself, including those concerning the weapons embargo on Libya and the introduction of the air exclusion zone. It was claimed that the decisions were to help stop violence and create conditions for development. Regrettably, all this remained unimplemented," Medvedev said at the time.

His comments were made with a sense of regret for having trusted Europeans and Americans at the time where he, while in the position of the president of Russia (2008-2012), thought he could reset Moscows relations with both.

The five-hour conference in Berlin was preceded by four months of preparatory efforts, including five preliminary rounds and consultations of senior officials. Moscow has continued to edge into the position of a crucial player in the Libyan conflict, but as before preferred to keep its public profile rather low until it first hosted the intra-Libyan talks and, second, Putin himself decided to lead the Russian delegation to Berlin.

"It was thanks to our insistence that the [German] organizers retreated from their original plan to convene a meeting without the Libyan parties and invited the Libyan leaders to the conference," said Lavrov, who is now acting Russian foreign minister until a new government in Russia is formed.

"The number of participants from among Libyas neighbors increased also at our initiative," Lavrov added, following the talks in Berlin.

The fact that a few days earlier Hifter departed Moscow without signing up to the Russia-sponsored truce statement dealt a blow to Russias reputation in the public view.

Putin may not have enjoyed having Hifter rain on his parade, but Moscow put up a good face rather quickly. Shortly after Hifters departure, the Defense Ministry announced the general was given two more days to think over the decision to sign the paper  the time before the Berlin conference. The next day, the Kremlin claimed that Hifter had sent Putin a letter where the former extended his gratitude to the Russian president for the conference in Moscow and expressed readiness to visit Russia for yet another post-Berlin talk.

Russia ultimately took credit for laying out the basis for the Berlin statement that stressed the need for a lasting cease-fire," the launch of the political process, commitments to the territorial integrity of the country and the need to ensure access of all Libyas parties  religious, ethnic and political groups  to natural resources."

From this perspective, whether the cease-fire in Libya holds or whether the points the conference participants agreed upon can be implemented is a poor measurement of Russias success/failure on the Libyan dossier.

Now that Russia and the EU have a common foreign policy item on the bilateral agenda, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is traveling to Moscow to discuss something other than Ukraine and the Europeans are finally feeling engaged  and relevant  in dealing with an issue vital to their security. Russias political investments have already paid off. Economic ones, however, are yet to be regained.

But whether it is its Europe-oriented or profit-driven approach, Russia has entered another conflict in the Middle East North Africa region with its goal being to have its best diplomatic performance  first with the Europeans, then with the Middle Easterners. Unlike in Syria, however, in Libya Moscow appears ready to play a secondary role, allowing the Europeans to take a more public stance and the involved Middle Eastern states to do the main job of taming their proxies on the ground.

At the same time, both the European and regional powers would still have to turn to Russia to have the results of their work delivered to the negotiating table and worked into a final agreement. In a way, its Russias own version of the strategy of leading from behind.

We subscribed to a number of important initiatives in that [Berlin] statement, a senior Russian diplomat privy to the talks in Berlin and speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor.

The process of making them all materialize is not going to be easy and will take a while; we understand that. But well have to be working on these issues with European colleagues for a long time, which may eventually turn out to be healthy for our relations, the diplomat added.
The toll from the Wuhan coronavirus in China rose to six deaths on Tuesday and the first case was reported in the United States, sending markets tumbling on fears of economic damage as tourists canceled travel plans and airports stepped up screening, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The virus struck as millions of Chinese prepared to travel for the Lunar New Year, heightening contagion risks. Many in China scrambled to buy face masks to protect themselves from the previously unknown, flu-like infection.

The outbreak, which began in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, also worried financial markets as investors recalled Chinas Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2002-2003, a coronavirus outbreak that killed nearly 800 people.

Well stay at home during the holiday. Im scared as I remember SARS very well, said Zhang Xinyuan, who had been bound from Beijing for the Thai resort of Phuket before she and her husband decided to cancel their air tickets.

A traveler from China was diagnosed in Seattle with the Wuhan coronavirus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, the first case identified in the United States. The patient was in good condition, the CDC said.

The agency said it expected to see more cases in the United States, had developed a new test to identify the virus and was in talks with the National Institutes of Health about developing a vaccine.

Authorities have confirmed more than 300 cases of the virus in China, mostly in Wuhan. Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang told Chinese state television on Tuesday that six people had died in his city.

The disease is spreading around other parts of China, including five cases in capital Beijing.

Cases have also been confirmed in Thailand, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, all involving people who had been to Wuhan.

Fifteen medical personnel are among those infected.

Symptoms include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. The viral infection can cause pneumonia.
Nigerian military clears thousands from Lagos waterfront



Lagos, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



Nigerian navy personnel shot in the air Tuesday as they sought to clear a waterfront community of 10,000 people in the latest mass-eviction around economic hub Lagos.

Bulldozers rumbled into Tarkwa Bay, a semi-rural area on an island in the city of some 20 million, as part of an operation the military say is aimed officially at stopping the looting of nearby oil pipelines.

"Soldiers have been in and out since the morning, shooting, and telling us to pack, pack, pack. They gave us one hour," mother-of-four Minda told AFP.

"Nobody to help us carry, no cars. I have no where else to go to."

AFP correspondents heard gunfire during the operation.

Residents shouted that they were being "scattered" by the security forces as they loaded boats with household items, diesel generators and business wares before making the journey to other parts of the city.

Tarkwa Bay, which is accessible only by water, is one of the rare areas left largely undeveloped despite the breakneck pace of construction in one of Africa's most populous cities.

Oil pipelines that supply Lagos run along beaches on the Atlantic coast in the area that are a popular escape for day-trippers from the city.

The Nigerian navy said the operation was aimed at protecting equipment belonging to the country's national oil company from "vandals".

"They build houses on pipelines and pump illegally," Commander Thomas Otuji, a spokesman for the operation, told AFP.

"All people in the community aren't vandals but if you don't report it, you are part of it."

Tarkwa Bay is the 24th community in the area that has received eviction orders as part of the broader operation by the navy, activists from the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation said.

Tens of thousands of people have left their homes in surrounding areas since December 21 and their residences have been demolished, the organisation said.

Lagos has in recent years seen repeated forcible evictions of poor communities living in prime locations, especially along the waterfront, as developers look to cash in by building high-end properties.
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- (World Economic Forum)  Ice911 Research today announced it will begin testing on sea ice next month utilizing the University of Manitoba's Sea-ice Environmental Facility (SERF) in Winnipeg, Canada. Under rigorously controlled conditions in a contained experimental site, these tests will provide the highest quality data to date about the performance of Ice911's Arctic sea ice albedo modification solution.



University of Manitoba's Sea-ice Environmental Facility (SERF) in Winnipeg, Canada. Photo credit Fei Wang Open water just before freeze-up at the Sea-ice Environmental Facility (SERF) in Winnipeg, Canada. Photo credit: Sarah Wang

This is an extremely important step in Ice911's work and will be the organization's first tests on sea ice. Generous donations and a growing network of connections with sea ice experts worldwide now allow the team to undertake these tests, which follow years of lake tests in multiple U.S. locations, including Alaska.

"From this work, we'll further quantify the albedo-enhancing effect of our approach under various conditions, and its effect on ice preservation. This information will be key in our further collaborations with the climate modeling community to predict impacts of our approach in strategic areas of the Arctic," said Dr. Field, Founder and CEO of Ice911 Research. "Continued rigorous testing will provide crucial information to international organizations so they can make impartial decisions about governance, permitting and funding. The implementation of our ice restoration solution is needed to help reduce climate risks worldwide while the world's nations complete their needed transition to sustainable energy and transportation solutions."

The SERF site is already equipped with a standard instrument package for scientific testing, and Ice911 Research will bring additional customized equipment to measure albedo (reflectivity) in the visible and infrared spectral ranges. This effort at the SERF facility, in conjunction with laboratory tests, enables Ice911 Research to make further strides in its work to develop and test safe and effective albedo modification to preserve and restore Arctic sea ice.

"This is a tremendous moment for Ice911 Research and the climate restoration movement as we work to preserve Arctic ice and ensure a habitable planet for future generations," said Rick Parnell, CEO of Foundation for Climate Restoration. "We are thrilled that further testing will be completed to ensure the solution is safe, viable and scalable while setting the standard in ice solutions."

Ice911 Research will begin testing at SERF in February and will continue until the melt at the test facility is complete. The team's objective is to quantify the behavior and persistence of microsphere-treated Arctic sea ice, compared to untreated control Arctic ice.



Field adds, "We look forward to these tests, and to further developing our partnerships with the University of Manitoba and other sea ice testing facilities worldwide, as we bring our solution closer and closer to completion to ready it for use by the international community at scale."

Why Arctic ice matters

The region plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and stable global climate. For the past 700,000 years, Arctic ice has acted as the Earth's heat shield by reflecting incoming solar radiation safely back to space, keeping us at an even temperature. The risks of an ice-free Arctic include accelerating temperature rise, as well as increased release of more greenhouse gases from melting permafrost deposits. The disappearance of the Arctic's summer sea ice cover is one of the most visible warning signs of severe climate change and is already having consequences that are felt all over the world.

Ice911 Research's solution

The team has spent the past decade testing and developing material approaches that could be used to make young, thin ice reflective. They are now focused on using reflective hollow glass microspheres, a material chosen for its safety, effectiveness, and practicality. These microspheres can be thought of as a kind of small, fine, white beach sand that floats. In a sense, the material is a lot like snow. The reflective beads stick to ice and water on contact, and their chemical composition ensures they don't attract oil-based pollutants.

Media inquiries: Please see the Ice911 Research Media Kit

About Ice911 Research

Ice911 Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to restoring the Arctic ice and polar habitat. Its mission is to develop, test, model, and evaluate for safety, and then prove to the world that it can preserve and restore Arctic ice in a safe and cost-effective way. The team is working to establish international policy, governance, and funding for the adoption of its solution by local communities, governments, and global institutions. For more information, please visit www.Ice911.org. Follow Ice911 Research: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter.



CONTACT INFORMATION

Susan Kramer

Ice911 Research

[email protected]

650-773-7764

SOURCE Ice911 Research

Related Links

http://www.Ice911.org


Plea to help bushfire-affected Australian tourism as AUS$70mn stimulus rolled out

PHUKET: Alfred Merse, President of Skal International Australia, has called on tour and travel operators and hoteliers to spread the message that many areas of Australia remain unaffected by the bushfires that have ravaged many parts along the east coast  and those that have been affected need tourism support.

tourism

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 12:31PM

The sails of the Opera House are lit with a series of images to show support for the communities affected by the bushfires and to express the gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers in Sydney on Jan 11. Photo: AFP

As many of you are aware from reports in the media, Australia is experiencing catastrophic bushfires in some parts of the country. These bushfires have already ravaged more than 6 million hectares of land, devastating the people and animals who live there, Mr Merse said in a release.

We have received, and continue to receive, many messages of concern and support from Skalleagues around the world and this is greatly appreciated.

As with all natural disasters, lives have been lost, homes, businesses and much property and wildlife has being destroyed. The livelihoods of many have been severely impacted. The widespread publicity both within Australia and globally will no doubt have an impact on our travel and tourism industries and that will directly affect many of our Skal members, Mr Merse said.

While it is natural to feel powerless at such times, the most effective way for you to assist is to continue with your plans to visit Australia and experience the magic of our beautiful country to put things in perspective, 99% of Australia has not been effected by these bushfires and it is business as usual! he added.

Most destinations in Australia remain safe and continue to welcome visitors. All international airports in Australia are operating as normal, Mr Merse noted.

He urged any person wanting updates on areas affected by the fires to go visit the Australian Government website Australia.com. (Click here.)

Please circulate this through your networks, he said.

It is at times such as these there is some comfort in reflecting that we are part of a global organisation in Skal International that offers not only moral support and well wishes, but also potential financial support through the Florimund Volkaert Fund for members severely impacted by natural disasters.

We look forward to welcoming you, your family, friends and clients when you next visit Australia! Mr Merse concluded.

TOURISM RELIEF

The Australian Government on Sunday announced an initial AUS$76 million tourism recovery package to protect jobs, small businesses and local economies by helping get tourists travelling across Australia again.

Tourism businesses and fire-affected communities around the country will receive much needed support from the National Bushfire Recovery Fund, noted an Australian Government release.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was throwing its support behind the countrys $152 billion tourism industry as part of an initial push to help the sector recover after a devastating blow from unprecedented bushfires, it added.

Our federal response to these devastating bushfires is comprehensive and unprecedented, Prime Minister Morrison said.

More than 6,000 defence boots on the ground, more than $50 million in emergency payments already in hand and more to come, $76 million in new mental health support to first responders and local communities, $50 million to support wildlife recovery and habitat restoration, $75,000 grants to our farmers to help them rebuild, and now surging our support for our all-important tourism industry. Its all part of a clear plan to lead our response to the recovery driven by our National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

Australian tourism is facing its biggest challenge in living memory One in thirteen Australian jobs rely on tourism and hospitality so our $76 million investment is an urgent injection to help all those hotels, restaurants and cafes and tour operators get back on their feet.

This is make or break for many businesses and tourist hot spots and not just in those areas directly hit by the bushfires.

This is about getting more visitors to help keep local businesses alive and protect local jobs right across the country and especially in those areas so directly devastated such as Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills, the Blue Mountains and right along the NSW Coast and East Gippsland in Victoria.

Weve heard directly from local operators, industry leaders, communities and the states and territories from right across the country. Their message is to act now and that is exactly what we are doing. And well be working closely with them all to deliver on our recovery plan to get these regions back up and running, he added.

The Governments initial tourism recovery package responds directly to calls from the tourism sector and includes $20 million for a nationally coordinated domestic marketing initiative and $25 million for a global marketing campaign to drive international visitation.

A further $10 million will be provided for a regional tourism events initiative across bushfire affected areas, $9.5 million for an international media and travel trade hosting initiative, $6.5 million to support tourism business attendance at the largest annual tourism trade event, the Australian Tourism Exchange, and $5 million for our diplomatic network to educate that our tourism, international education and export sectors are open for business.

Federal Minister for Tourism Simon Birmingham said the funding boost would help get tourists back into areas that need it most but also make it clear that Australia is very much open for business.

Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities around Australia and its absolutely critical that we help to get people back visiting those communities that rely on tourism, Mr Birmingham said.

These bushfires have dealt the biggest reputational blow to our tourism industry that it has ever faced internationally. Losses caused by cancellations and collapsing booking numbers stretch well beyond those communities directly affected by fire into the many Australian towns that rely on international visitors to sustain tourism jobs.

My message to anyone thinking about a holiday  from here or overseas  is that Australias towns and our incredible parks and beaches are open for business and they need your help.

Just as it will be a long and challenging process for communities as they rebuild from fires, it will also take time and sustained effort to recover from the saturated media coverage and mistruths told online that have scared potential visitors away, including from parts of Australia that remain completely unaffected by fire.

We will break from the practice of Tourism Australia exclusively focusing on international visitors and urgently kick off a local campaign because Australians are best placed to immediately understand that most of our country remains as safe to visit as ever.


The Chinese paddlefish  one of the worlds largest freshwater fish  has been declared extinct.

Scientists say the paddlefish, also called the Chinese swordfish, is believed to have a lineage dating back at least 34 million years. With its long nose and mouth, the paddlefish could grow as long as seven meters.

But a research paper recently published in Science of The Total Environment reported the paddlefish was now extinct. The researchers include scientists from the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Britains University of Kent and the University of South Bohemia in the Czech Republic.

The paper says the paddlefish was declared extinct for two reasons. None of the animals is known to exist in captivity and no living paddlefish tissues had been saved. The paper states that the fish was not able to survive widespread overfishing and damage to its native environment in the Yangtze River.

The scientists said the Chinese paddlefish had suffered major drops in population since the 1970s. The drops came as major dam building projects were carried out along the Yangtze.

Building of the Gezhouba Dam began in 1970 and was completed in 1988. The massive Three Gorges project was completed in 2003 - the last year a live Chinese paddlefish was seen.

Researchers discovered 332 different species of fish in the Yangtze in 2017 and 2018. But they did not find a single Chinese paddlefish. They estimate the fish disappeared between 2005 and 2010.

Pan Wenjing is a forest and oceans expert with Greenpeace East Asia. She told The Associated Press the extinction of the Chinese paddlefish was a huge loss for nature. She said the development confirms that the Yangtze River is experiencing major environmental damage.

The ecology of the Yangtze River is close to collapse due to human activity in past decades, Pan said. She noted that China had launched a campaign to find ways to repair the Yangtzes environment, including a 10-year ban on fishing..

After the extinction was reported in the news, some Chinese media and internet users took a look back at the large creatures. Many people appeared to have not heard of the Chinese paddlefish before it was declared extinct.

Its farewell at first sight, reported the official China Youth Daily. Many internet users shared similar feelings on social media services like Chinas Weibo. But some expressed hope that a Chinese paddlefish might still be discovered in the river.

Every time I see the news of another species going extinct, my heart starts to throb, wrote one Weibo user. Humans should not live alone on this planet, the user added.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press and Science of The Total Environment. Caty Weaver was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

extinct  adj. no longer existing or living

species  n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants

due to  phr. because of something

decade  n. a period of ten years

farewell  n. goodbye

throb  v. to beat with a strong, regular rhythm
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

Trend:

Seven students of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) majoring in Process Automation Engineering will study at the University of Alcala in Spain during the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year (from January 21 to June 20).

These students will continue their studies at the University of Alcala in the Departments of Digital Electronics, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov met with the students who were leaving for Spain and their parents.

At the meeting, the rector said that Baku Higher Oil School cooperates closely with the Spanish University of Alcala within the framework of the Erasmus + student exchange programme.

The fact that BHOS is sending its 7 students majoring in Process Automation Engineering to study in Spain testifies for the existence of a large-scale cooperation between BHOS and foreign higher education institutions. Under this programme, BHOS students will also go to other countries to study during the summer semester," Elmar Gasimov said.

The rector gave the students recommendations and wished them success.

At the meeting, the students who were leaving for Spain expressed their gratitude to the BHOS leadership for giving them the opportunity to study abroad. The students said that they will do everything possible to successfully represent our country, our national traditions and BHOS in Spain.

Note that the third-year students of the Process Automation Engineering Department of BHOS Muzhgan Huseynli, Yagut Badalova, Yagut Shakizade, Mahira Asadzade, Ayhan Hagverdieva, Sanan Hasanov and Shams Aliyeva have gone to the Spanish city of Alcala de Henares to study at the University of Alcala.
The Sydney Morning Herald's published an article titled "Leaders behaving badly", which listed well publicised international and Australian examples along with anecdotal illustrations. The list includes politicians and business leaders.

The article rightly quotes a number of authorities as to why leaders might behave badly. These are listed as egotistical and narcissist and on the other hand explain how temperance and prudence should be a hallmark of leadership. (www.smh.com.au)

I could have pointed the writer to the Bible where a continual stream of leaders who displayed poor character and terrible decision making. Its rampant in the Bible.

The Bible is not always forthcoming with the total drama of what took place, rather we are given clear teaching as to the pitfalls of leadership shortcomings and the consequences of leader's actions.

The list of bad decision making by leaders is almost endless in the Bible. Cain took Abel's life. Lamech in Genesis 4 took two wives and the subsequent dramas were endless as they flowed on to the following generations.

Then there is Abrahams weird ploy to escape incarceration and the theft of his considerable wealth (his herds), tried to convince Pharaoh that his wife was his sister. Moses took up a weapon and slew an Egyptian guard in a vein attempt to have the Israelites freed from slavery. Elijah having won the "fire from heaven" victory on Mount Carmel against the false prophets of Baal, then took off in fear from Queen Jezebel's threat to his life. The list goes on and on.

So why do some leaders go feral? Leadership is a two edged sword. Only leaders recognise the pressure that is upon them from a thousand different directions, some specific, much of it perceived.

Leadership is not to be confused with power. Former Australian Prime Minister the late Bob Hawke once said in one of his insightful statements on leadership, that as Prime Minister, he felt he had less power than at any time previously.

Photo - Powerful imagery of a display wall

Relief

Many a leader has sought a pressure relief valve and for some, it's their family life, for others big fishing, for others it's going feral. And when leaders behave badly, there is a sense in which leaders believe they will get away with it. The above article points out - that many incidents are never reported.

As evidenced from the Bible, leaders going feral is not restricted to the secular world. Its also in the cloisters of the church and missions. It occurs within all the orbits of human life, such as relationships, theft, money, gossip, false accusations and the like.

Christian leaders lead a tricky existence, for as religious leaders they need to be sure to have a colleague close by and even in ear shot. Ministers today are advised never to counsel a member of the opposite sex alone or with the office door closed. It's simple, but brings credibility.

Christians leaders need to stay alert. It is easy to drop one's guard in social situations and a rival colleague may be in wait for a misjudged or lose comment.

Christian leaders need to be circumspect as it so easy to be friendly and familiar with church staff or mission volunteers. Such familiarity can become very dangerous and misconceptions can become a bushfire within a very short time.

"Circumstance and principle" are the key words for Christian leaders. The principle is that the leader has been placed in a position of trust and responsibility, the circumstance is what occurs in any given situation.

Christian leadership is centred on "earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude verse 3). Herein lies the two edged sword, for such leadership brings with is many diversions.

Photo - Powerful imagery of an advert

Yesterday on my email feed came a promotion from Mercer PR (they run the Hillsong conference media and each year our designated young writers receive media passes for Christian Today). Lyall Mercers on his ministry media circular heading: How vulnerable are you to reputational risk. info@mercerpr.com
Air France-KLM, Japan Airlines and AirAsia are among the carriers interested in buying a stake in Malaysia Airlines.

Proposals to invest in ailing Malaysia Airlines include one from Air France-KLM which wants as much as 49 percent while Japan Airlines is looking at a 25 percent stake, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters news agency.

Domestic carrier AirAsia Group Berhad and Malindo Air, the Malaysian arm of Indonesias Lion Air, have also submitted proposals, the sources said.

The bids from the foreign carriers are more comprehensive and strategic as both plan to capitalise on the strategic location of Malaysia for their operations, said one of the sources.

The Malaysian government has been seeking a strategic partner for its national airline, which has struggled to recover from two tragedies  the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 and the shooting down of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine  in 2014.

Later that year, it was taken private by Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad, which paid 1.4 billion ringgit ($345m) for the 30 percent of shares it did not already own.

The sources declined to be identified as the discussions are confidential. Representatives for Air France-KLM, Japan Airlines (JAL), AirAsia and Malindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Reuters.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday five proposals had been received as part of a review that started last year but declined to name the suitors.

The National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (NUFAM) urged the Malaysian government to be transparent regarding plans for the future of the loss-making national carrier.

Each time we ask about the progress of Malaysia Airlines, all seem silent but deals are already happening [in the background] quietly, said Ismail Nasaruddin, president of NUFAM, in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

Malaysia Airlines last year signed a joint venture agreement with JAL covering flights between Malaysia and Japan, which the Japanese airline said could be expanded in the future to cover flights to the United States.

Malaysia Airlines and JAL are members of the Oneworld airline alliance, while Air France-KLM is part of the rival SkyTeam alliance.

Khazanah, which appointed Morgan Stanley last year to advise on potential options for the airline, said it was working closely with the government.

While there have been several proposals in this regard, a review of the options available to us is still ongoing, Khazanah said in a statement.

Sources said Air France-KLM had proposed setting up a hub for maintenance, repair and overhaul services in Malaysia, while JAL had offered to make the Southeast Asian country its regional hub, including for low-cost flights.

Business news website Focus Malaysia said on Monday, citing an official document, that Khazanah had been pushing for AirAsias long-haul unit AirAsia X to merge with Malaysia Airlines.

An international solution is probably better in this situation as AirAsia would have competition concerns, one of the sources told Reuters.

This is still a work in progress, but the story is around the potential for a massive hub in Southeast Asia and its clear that international airlines see value in Malaysia Airlines because of this, the source said.

NUFAM expressed concern that no consultations on potential mergers or takeovers have been held with employees and members of the union, whose welfare are at stake should a merger go through.

Many people in these airlines need to prepare for the worst if there were to be  news on any mergers, voluntary separation schemes or even retrenchment, the union told Al Jazeera.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 23:45:31|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- While Chinese families are preparing for the upcoming Lunar New Year, President Xi Jinping made an inspection tour in the southwestern province of Yunnan, an ethnically diverse province long stricken by poverty.

The message of his first domestic tour in 2020 is clear: The nation is making a final push to complete the building of "xiaokang," or a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and not a single ethnic group, family or individual will be left behind.

During his tour, Xi traveled to Simola Wa Village, in the city of Tengchong, to learn about local poverty alleviation efforts, congratulating local villagers on shaking off poverty.

The move echoed his reply in April of last year to a letter from people of the Dulong, one of China's smallest ethnic groups, in Yunnan. Xi congratulated them on their collective rise out of poverty, encouraging them to create an even better future.

Dulong people have now all moved into newly built houses, and all of the six administrative villages have access to paved roads, 4G and radio and TV signals.

The list of ethnic minority groups shaking off absolute poverty will continue to grow. However, eliminating poverty is not the end of the story. Giving people of all ethnic groups the chance to have a good life is the goal of China's drive for a xiaokang society.

That is why Xi, during his tour, said it is necessary to comprehensively promote rural vitalization. He called for efforts to develop rural industries, improve the rural economy, increase incomes and improve people's wellbeing.

A moderately prosperous society in an all-around way requires innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development for high-quality growth.

Ecological protection is definitely included in the agenda. As part of his Yunnan tour, Xi went to the provincial capital of Kunming to inspect the protection of Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan and once one of the most severely polluted lakes in China. Thanks to a relentless treatment over the past few years, the ecological environment has been greatly improved.

Building a well-off society also requires enhanced efforts of opening up. Yunnan, once a border province isolated by mountains and rivers, is standing at the frontline of the cooperation with South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. Benefiting from enhanced connectivity with neighboring countries, the province will better open up through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi's tour was far more than a trip. His instructions during the tour will serve as guidance for the central and local governments to complete building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and do more after the goal is achieved.

The building of a modernized economic system should be stepped up. Supply-side structural reform, the development of the real economy, the upgrading of the manufacturing industry, the overhaul of the tourism industry, infrastructure building, agricultural production, ecological protection, and opening up all need to be accelerated. Ethnic solidarity, the work of religious affairs and cracking down on cross-border crimes also bear great significance to the people's wellbeing.

The tasks at hand are daunting, but the government will complete them nevertheless, because establishing a xiaokang society by 2020 is a promise China is determined to keep, through real actions, with concrete results.

The Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25, is the most important festival on the Chinese calendar. It is a time to wish for the future.

While extending Chinese New Year greetings, Xi wished Chinese people of all ethnic groups a better life and the country greater prosperity in the new year.

Completing the building of a moderately prosperous society is the shared aspiration of the country's 1.4 billion people, and they have every reason to believe better days are still to come.
A fire at a sawmill in a village in Russias Siberia killed 11 people and injured two more this morning, emergency officials said. One person remains unaccounted for.

Ten victims were identified as Uzbek nationals and one as a Tajik.

The fire broke out in a single storey wooden building rented by an unnamed Chinese company and used as a dormitory for the sawmill workers, local authorities said. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours.

A total of 14 people  Uzbek, Tajik and Chinese nationals  lived in the building. Two workers were able to get out but sustained injuries. The fate of the final occupant is unknown.

It wasnt immediately clear what caused the fire. Russian police have opened a criminal probe.

Uzbek officials said they were working on identifying the bodies and transporting them back to Uzbekistan.

Earlier this month a fire at a greenhouse farm in a Moscow suburb killed eight migrant workers from Vietnam.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - An innovation that helps speed the design of fishing rods, skis and cell phone electronics soon will help NASA do its work in space.

AnalySwift LLC, a Purdue University-affiliated commercial software provider, has received a $125,000 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from NASA. The STTR award will help the company further develop its SwiftComp software, technology that provides efficient, high-fidelity modeling of deployable structures made of high-strain composites.

"This is an outstanding recognition and validation of our technology," said Allan Wood, president and CEO of AnalySwift. "NASA is going to be able to use the software as it designs devices and structures to help achieve success in space exploration, including deployable structures and living vessels used in a space environment."

Wood said the software would help NASA engineers model high-strain composites with a tradeoff between efficiency and accuracy that were unreachable using more conventional methods.

A composite is a material made from two or more different materials that when combined are stronger, lighter or have other advantages over those individual materials by themselves. A high-strain composite experience strains much higher than most other uses of composites.

Wood said NASA is looking to use the software technology, in part, to study deployables made of high-strain composites that are lightweight and feature time- and temperature-dependent behavior.

In addition to deployable composite booms, NASA could leverage the software for structures such as living vessels, foldable panels, hinges and reflectors, as well as lightweight structures such as satellite buses, landers, rovers, solar arrays and antennas. Other applications include highly flexible wings for future aircraft and highly fatigue- and damage-tolerant structures for revolutionary vertical lift aircraft.

The technology was developed by Wenbin Yu, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics in Purdue's College of Engineering.

"The unique synergistic relationship between Yu's computational mechanics research group at Purdue and AnalySwift, with its SwiftComp simulation software, makes it a very efficient transition mechanism of new material and structures fundamental theory developments into the commercial world," said Juan Fernandez, a research aerospace engineer with NASA. "The ultimate goal is to increase the capabilities of this commercial computational tool so that others in the high-strain composites community can benefit from it and help advance the field, while using it to satisfy current and future NASA program modeling needs."

The software also has been licensed to companies and universities worldwide, including those using it for work on satellites and mobile phone components, including printed circuit boards.

"The software reduces analysis time from hours to minutes," Wood said. "SwiftComp takes details of the fundamental building block of materials and structures as input, then outputs the structural properties needed for macroscopic analysis. It can be used for composite beams, plates and shells, and 3D structures, for both micromechanical and structural modeling."

The company licensed the technology from the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.

"This project will help expand the application of SwiftComp to composite structures and materials used in space environments featuring temperature- and time-dependent behavior," Yu said.

###

For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org.

About AnalySwift

AnalySwift, LLC is a provider of composite simulation software, which enables an unprecedented combination of efficiency and accuracy, including multiphysics structural and micromechanics modeling. Drawing on cutting edge university technology, AnalySwift's powerful solutions provide customers a competitive advantage through drastic reductions in engineering time, virtual testing earlier in the design process, and handling of more complex composite structures. The technologies deliver the accuracy of detailed 3D FEA at the efficiency of simple engineering models, cutting analysis time by orders of magnitude. SwiftComp is licensed from Purdue Research Foundation. VABS is licensed from Utah State University, and Georgia Institute of Technology. AnalySwift is a proud member of the ANSYS Preferred Partner Program and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI). Contact AnalySwift at info@analyswift.com.

About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Visit the Office of Technology Commercialization for more information.

Writer: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org

Source: Allan Wood, 801-599-5879, allanwood@analyswift.com
The global intraocular lens (IOL) market size is projected to reach USD 5,318.8 million by 2026, thereby exhibiting a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. However, the market was worth USD 3,159.3 million in 2018. This information is published in a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, titled, Intraocular Lens (IOL) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type [Monofocal Intraocular Lens and Premium Intraocular Lens (Multifocal Intraocular Lens, Toric Intraocular Lens, and Others)], By Material [Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and Foldable (Hydrophobic Acrylic, Hydrophilic Acrylic, and Silicone & Collamer)], By End User (Hospitals & Ambulatory Surgery Centers, Specialty Clinics, and Academic & Research Institutes) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026. The report further states that the market is set to gain impetus from the rising number of NGOs offering free cataract surgeries and eye examinations.

The report covers:

Global Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy Treatment Market trends, with detailed analysis on consumer trends & manufacturer trends.

Overview on supply analysis covering trends across raw material suppliers, technology providers and distributors.

Key areas of investments identifying market opportunities and challenges in forecast timeframe.

Competitive analysis of the industry players along with the overview on strategic management.

Comprehensive company profiles of the major industry players.

Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/intraocular-lens-market-101220

Leading Players operating in the Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy Treatment Market are:

Key players are involved in mergers and acquisition to strengthen their market position. Owing to increasing competition frequent innovations are taking place in the market. Some of the companies operating the industry are:

Alcon

Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.

Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

HOYA Corporation

STAAR SURGICAL

Rayner Intraocular Lenses Limited

Oculentis

Hanita Lenses

SIFI S.p.A

Biotech

Other key market players

Rising Government Initiatives to Eliminate Cataract Will Boost Growth

The incidence of cataracts is rising at a rapid rate nowadays. It is, in turn, causing huge health as well as an economic burden in several countries. Therefore, the governments of these countries are launching various initiatives to eliminate cataracts. One such global initiative is called Vision 2020. It was put forward by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to remove the major causes of avoidable blindness from the world. Additionally, the governments are conducting eye checkup camps and launching favorable reimbursement policies to achieve their target of Vision 2020. It is expected to augment the intraocular lens market growth during the forecast period.

For more information in the analysis of this report, visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/intraocular-lens-market-101220

Monofocal IOL Segment to Lead Stoked by Favorable Government Reimbursement Policies

By type, the market is grouped into premium intraocular lens and monofocal intraocular lens. Amongst these, the monofocal intraocular lens is expected to lead by gaining the maximum IOL market share in the coming years. This growth is attributable to the rising number of favorable government reimbursement policies as well as cost-effective nature.

The premium intraocular lens segment, on the other hand, consists of sub-segments, namely, toric intraocular lens, multifocal intraocular lens, and others. This segment has less penetration as compared to monofocal IOLs. This mainly occurs as multiple government-aided insurance policies do not cover the cost of premium intraocular lens. Thus, the patient has to pay for the same from their expenses. However, this segment is anticipated to showcase growth during the forecast period owing to the rising preference for toric lenses and their possession of numerous benefits.

Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Prevalence of Cataract  For Key Countries/Regions Number of Cataract Surgery  For Key Countries/Regions Overview of Government Cataract Initiatives Regulatory Scenario  For Key Countries/Regions Reimbursement Scenario  For Key Countries/Regions New Product Launches Key industry Developments  Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships

Global Intraocular Lens (IOL) Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2015-2026 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Monofocal Intraocular Lens Premium Intraocular Lens Multifocal Intraocular Lens Toric Intraocular Lens Others Stimulation Devices Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Material Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Foldable Hydrophobic Acrylic Hydrophilic Acrylic Silicone & Collamer Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By End User Hospitals & Ambulatory Surgery Centers Specialty Clinics Academic & Research Institutes Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa



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Tracks the developments, such as new product launches, agreements, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansions, and joint ventures.

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Identifies all the possible segments present in the market to aid organizations in strategic business planning.

User Also Search For- intraocular lens replacement, multifocal intraocular lens, monofocal intraocular lens,, intraocular lens cost

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BEIJING, China  Government officials are introducing measures to eliminate single-use plastics in Chinas major cities by the end of this year, according to reports.

The New York Times reports that as part of the new guidelines, China will stop importing plastic waste and will ban the use of plastic bags. Single-use straws and plastic utensils also are being phased out, NBC News reports.

Further bans on garbage-producing plastics will take effect by the end of 2022 in Beijing, Shanghai and wealthy coastal provinces, the Times reports. The ban could be nationwide by 2025.

China has used too much plastic, William Liu, senior consultant at energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie, tells the Wall Street Journal. Everyone is calling for more environment-friendly development.

The nation also intends to stop production of non-reusable plastic bags, NBC News reports. An official with Greenpeace East Asia tells the Journal the nations rules on enforcing the bans remain vague. Government officials say the country is serious about enforcing the new regulations, the Times reports.

The Times reports Chinese residents generally produce less plastic waste than Americans, but Chinas landfills are poorly managed and the garbage often ends up out the in the open. Its estimated 1.4 billion people live in China.

The effort to scale back single-use plastics is increasing worldwide.
New Delhi [India], Jan 21 (ANI): The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday will hear Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's application demanding that tweets of his late wife Sunanda Pushkar be put on record.



Last year, the counsel representing Tharoor, an accused in the murder case of his wife Pushkar, sought that the tweet posted by the latter just before her demise be made a part of the charge sheet.



Asserting that the Delhi Police did not add Sunanda's tweets to the charge sheet, senior advocate Vikas Pahwa had the Special court at Rouse Avenue Court Complex that according to her last tweet, her mental condition seemed normal.



"Till 16th (January) she was tweeting. Even on 17th morning, the last tweet was at 4:46 am. Delhi police have not filed the tweet as part of the charge sheet. On many social media platforms, details were, however, added," Pahwa had said during the course of proceedings.



The senior advocate had said that there is no record to ascertain the cause of Sunanda's death. He had said that according to the charge sheet, it is neither homicide nor suicide.

Pushkar was found dead in a suite of a luxury hotel in the city on the night of January 17, 2014. Tharoor was later charged under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) including for abetment to suicide and cruelty.



The lawmaker was granted bail on a condition that he has to seek prior permission of the court before travelling abroad.



From November 14 to 18, Tharoor will be in Dubai. The leader will be in Oman from December 15 to 17. He will travel to the USA and Mexico from December 28 to January for a family get-together. (ANI)


India's civil society institutions "rarely" play a discernible role in informing economic decisions because ruling governments come down heavily on them whenever they take a contrarian position on policies related to public matters, says a new book.

The book titled 'WONKED!:India in Search of an Economic Ideology' -- written by



Vivan Sharan, partner at a policy advocacy firm Koan Advisory Group -- further says that suboptimal economic decision-making in India is led by conceptual challenges such as lack of state capacity.

Sharan, who is also a visiting fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, said that while the country has a high concentration of non-governmental organisations, estimated by the Central Bureau of Investigation to be around 3.1 million in 2015, only a handful contribute to public policy consultations.

"India's civil society institutions such as universities and think tanks rarely play a discernible role in informing economic decisions... One of the reasons for this is because civil society institutions that take contrarian or critical positions on public matters are dealt with a heavy hand by the ruling government," it said.

The book written by Vivan Sharan, partner at India's Koan Advisory Group also stressed the need for adopting a combination of worthy ideas from both the left and right by India's public institutions.

Noting that the lack of debate within civil society and minimal exchange of ideas on policy matters is a worrying trend, the book says the under-performance of public institutions such as regulating bodies or even the judiciary is even more distressing.

According to book,India can only define an economic ideology for itself by first embracing a culture of healthy debates, necessitating a change from the status quo wherein ideas are rarely contested on their merits.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Delhi court on Tuesday agreed to modify the conditions of bail granted to Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, who was accused of inciting people during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest at Jama Masjid and the Daryaganj area of the National Capital in December 2019.

A Delhi court on Tuesday agreed to modify the conditions of bail granted to Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad, who was accused of inciting people during an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest at Jama Masjid and the Daryaganj area of the National Capital in December 2019.

Modifying the original condition barring Azad from Delhi for a duration of four weeks, Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau on Tuesday allowed him to visit the city for activities regarding the upcoming Assembly polls. Azad is also permitted to travel to Delhi for the medical treatment he is undergoing at AIIMS.

In the order allowing Azad to travel to Delhi ahead of the Assembly election scheduled for 8 February, Lau said, "In a democracy when an election is the biggest celebration, which should have maximum participation, it is fair that he should be allowed to participate."

In lieu of the original condition, the court directed Azad to provide a schedule of his visit, whether for medical or election purposes, to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime). He was also instructed to appear before the DCP on every Saturday of his visits to Delhi. Originally, he had been asked to make his presence with the SHO in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur every Saturday.

"Instead of marking attendance in Saharanpur every Saturday, he should record his presence whenever he is in the city. If he is in Delhi on a Saturday, he should appear before DCP Crime. If he isn't in either place, he'll inform the DCP of his whereabouts by phone or email," the court said. It also instructed Azad to stay at the address mentioned in the records on his visits to Delhi.

Judge Lau, while hearing the petition filed by Azad's advocates Mehmood Pracha and OP Bharti seeking modifications to the conditions of bail, noted that the prosecution was unable to provide material to prove that Azad's presence in Delhi would incite violence.

"Don't make these allegations and submissions when there is no material," Lau said.

I don't find even one FIR where provisions against hate speech have been invoked: Judge  Bar & Bench (@barandbench) January 21, 2020

The 17 January plea challenging the conditions said Azad was "not a criminal" and claimed that imposing such conditions were wrong and undemocratic. Asserting that Azad had a local residence in Delhi, the petition also said that barring him from Delhi would affect his "fundamental rights" as a social worker, Live Law reported.

In the hearing on Tuesday, Lau also clarified that the court hadn't directed Azad to seek permission from Delhi Police before visiting the city for treatment. "I only asked you (Azad) to inform so that an escort may be provided," she said.

Lau also discarded the allegation that the Bhim Army chief had indulged in hate speech, due to the prosecution's lack of evidence.

On 15 January, the court had granted bail to Azad and imposed several conditions on him. In addition to being barred from Delhi for four weeks, the Bhim Army chief had been barred from holding any protest or dharna till voting in Delhi Assembly elections concluded.

With inputs from agencies


President Donald Trump's legal team have called on US senators to "speedily reject" the impeachment case against him, arguing he broke no laws, in a submission made just before the trial begins in earnest today.

The 171-page legal brief, which is the most comprehensive defence of the US president's conduct in the Ukraine scandal to date, called the impeachment push a "rigged process" and said he "did absolutely nothing wrong".

Mr Trump's lawyers argued he cannot be guilty of abuse of power - as the first article of impeachment against him claims - because he is not accused of violating any law, unlike past presidents who have faced impeachment.

They attempted to dismiss the second article of impeachment, that Mr Trump obstructed Congress, by arguing he was fairly using his executive powers when rejecting legal demands for White House officials to testify to the impeachment inquiry.

The submission also contains the first detailed White House explanation for why it was legitimate for Mr Trump to ask for the Ukrainian president to investigate claims about Joe Biden, the Democrat he could face at the 2020 election, which was the trigger for impeachment.

Mr Trump's lawyers said when Mr Biden, then US vice-president, sought the sacking of a Ukrainian prosecutor who once investigated the gas company his son worked for, there "appeared to be, at the very least, a serious conflict of interest".

Therefore, the argument went, it was fair for Mr Trump to raise the issue. The Bidens have always denied any wrongdoing. There were also repeated attacks in the submission on how Democrats have pursued impeachment through the House of Representatives. They were accused of a "constitutional travesty" and "brazenly political act" that is an "affront" to American democracy.

"The Senate should speedily reject these deficient articles of impeachment and acquit the president," read one part of the document.

"The only threat to the Constitution that House Democrats have brought to light is their own degradation of the impeachment process and trampling of the separation of powers.

"Their fixation on damaging the president has trivialised the momentous act of impeachment, debased the standards of impeachable conduct, and perverted the power of impeachment by turning it into a partisan, election-year political tool.

"The consequences of accepting House Democrats' diluted standards for impeachment would reverberate far beyond this election year and do lasting damage to our Republic."

The Democrats have submitted their own lengthy justification for why Mr Trump should be removed, arguing that he used his presidential powers for personal gain by trying to tilt the election this November in his favour.

Today the Senate trial over removing the president - only the third in US history - will begin in earnest, with votes setting out the rules before the Democrats begin making their case.

The Republicans hold 53 of the 100 Senate seats and so will decide how the proceedings are carried out, providing individual senators do not rebel.

The expected proposal will be that the Democrats get 24 hours, spread across two days, to lay out their case for removing Mr Trump, followed by 24 hours for the president's legal team to spell out the defence.
Jeff Bezos' cell phone was hacked in 2018 after he received a malicious WhatsApp message from the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, months before the National Enquirer exposed his affair, it has been claimed.

The Amazon billionaire received a video file containing malicious code from Mohammed Bin Salman's personal phone number, The Guardian reported on Tuesday.

According to forensic examination of the phone afterwards, the message was sent on May 1, 2018. Within hours, a large amount of data from Bezos' phone was extracted. There is no detail of what kind of data was taken.

Eight months later, the National Enquirer exposed Bezos' affair with Lauren Sanchez, and Bezos accused the tabloid of 'extortion and blackmail' for threatening to publish nude photos of himself and Sanchez that the tabloid had 'obtained'.

In a blog post at the time, Bezos pointed to the Enquirer's alleged financial ties to Saudi Arabia, and hinted that the kingdom was furious with him for coverage in the Washington Post, which Bezos owns, about columnist Jamal Khashoggi's death at the hands of a Saudi hit squad.

The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos received a message from Mohammed Bin Salman's personal phone number which contained a malicious file

Bezos' phone was being examined as part of his team's investigation into how his affair with Lauren Sanchez (shown with him in India last week) was revealed by The National Enquirer

A UN report by two investigators due to be released on Wednesday will also find a 'high certainty' the phone was hacked by Saudi Arabia.

David Pecker, the publisher of AMI which owns the National Enquirer met the crown prince in September 2017. Both have strenuously denied working together in the past to attack Bezos.

In April 2018, AMI published a 97-page glossy magazine praising Saudi Arabia and bin Salman, which mysteriously appeared on newsstands in Walmarts and rural supermarkets across the nation with no explanation.

At the time of the alleged phone hack in May 2018, Bezos and bin Salman had been exchanging friendly messages after meeting at a dinner weeks earlier.

HOW THE 'HACK' UNFOLDED September 2017: David Pecker, the publisher of AMI, reportedly meets Mohammed bin Salman April 2018: The crown prince attends a dinner in Hollywood hosted by producer Brian Grazer where he meets Jeff Bezos May 1: The video is sent from the prince's phone to Bezos' via WhatsApp October 2018: Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi is murdered by Saudi regime January 2019: The National Enquirer publishes its expose on Bezos' affair with Lauren Sanchez March 2019: Bezos' private investigator Gavin De Becker says he has proof Saudi Arabia hacked Bezos' phone - Saudi Arabia denies it January 2020: The Guardian reports that the prince's message was the source of the hack. A UN report comes to the same conclusion Advertisement

The prince had then gone from New York to L.A., with a stop at the White House, where he was well received.

Amazon began developing a plan to build three data centres worth $1billion in Saudi Arabia as part of Bin Salman's drive to modernize the kingdom and diversify the economy.

But relations soured over columns that Khashoggi was writing for the Post which were critical of Bin Salman and his vision for Saudi Arabia

The malicious file was reportedly a video but what it showed is unclear.

Within hours of Bezos receiving the message, data from his phone had been taken.

Khashoggi was murdered by a Saudi hit squad inside the consulate in Istanbul five months after the alleged hack, and the Post led criticism of the kingdom for it.

The newspaper also led the way in trying to link the attack directly to Bin Salman.

Three months after Khashoggi's death, the Inquirer exposed Bezos's affair.

It was not until Bezos' phones were forensically examined by Gavin de Becker, a private investigator he hired after the National Enquirer story came out, that the breach was found.

De Becker publicly claimed in March this year that he had discovered proof that Saudi Arabia hacked Bezos' phone, but Saudi Arabia denied it.

According to The Guardian's sources, Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur who investigates extrajudicial killings, has now been made aware of the apparent hack by Saudi Arabia.

As reports of the hack began to circulate, the Saudi embassy in Washington tweeted: 'Recent media reports that suggest the Kingdom is behind a hacking of Mr. Jeff Bezos' phone are absurd.

'We call for an investigation on these claims so that we can have all the facts out.'

Bezos and Lauren Sanchez were photographed in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India on Tuesday

Saudi Arabia was furious over the Washington Posts coverage of the death of Jamal Khashoggi (left) at the hands of a Saudi hit squad. David Pecker (right), the publisher of AMI which owns the National Enquirer, met the crown prince in September 2017

Investigators at the UN are now considering a formal approach to Saudi Arabia to ask for an explanation, their unnamed sources say.

A U.N. official, special rapporteur David Kaye, says in a new documentary film that Bezoss phone was infected with malware that was delivered from Bin Salman.

Both Saudi Arabia and AMI has said Saudi Arabia had nothing to do with the publication of the story about Bezos' affair with Sanchez.

A lawyer for Bezos told The Guardian: 'I have no comment on this except to say that Mr Bezos is cooperating with investigations.'

De Becker had been tasked with investigating any weak links in Bezos' operation after the public exposure of his months-long fling with his now girlfriend Lauren Sanchez was revealed in excruciating detail by The National Enquirer.

De Becker noted that David Pecker, the AMI executive behind the Enquirer, and the crown prince have a friendly relationship.

Before his death, Khashoggi had been critical of the Saudi Arabian government in his columns for The Post.

In December a Saudi court exonerated Prince Mohammed's top aides over the murder of Khashoggi, a verdict condemned globally as a travesty of justice but backed by Washington.

Five others were sentenced to death over the murder in a closed-door trial.

Both the CIA and United Nations special envoy Agnes Callamard have directly linked Prince Mohammed to the killing, a charge the kingdom vehemently denies.
The director of an Australian zoo which came dangerously close to burning down says he made two desperate phone calls to firefighters as bushfires approached.

Chad Staples and 15 of his staff were determined to fight the 'apocalyptic' New Year's Eve inferno which threatened Mogo Zoo, on the New South Wales south coast, which is home to more than 200 animals.

The blaze crossed the Princes Highway after destroying much of the 170-year-old town of Mogo, and was fast approaching the 65-acre zoo.

Mogo Zoo director Chad Staples (pictured with actress Rebel Wilson) said his team managed to save all 200 animals

Giraffes are seen stranded in an open field as bushfire moves in on Mogo Zoo  as an army of 15 brave zookeepers stand guard with hoses and sprinklers to save the animals (pictured)

The sky turned red as the fire closed in on the property and Mr Staples made two calls to triple zero for back up, but no help came.

Staff were warned earlier in the day that help may not be able to come.

Resources were stretched thin, and the primary concern for the RFS was saving lives.

'We didn't have a single fire truck here the entire day,' Mr Staples told Sydney Morning Herald.

He said in the weeks prior, his team consulted the RFS and told them of the plan to stay and fight for the sake of the animals.

Director of Mogo Zoo Chad Staples, 40, looks out at the devastation after the bushfires tore through Mogo

They were under the impression that 'if needed, they would send resources to us,' he said.

'It was frightening, I had to make two triple zero calls to tell them it was bad and it was getting on top of us.'

But Mr Staples previously said a local fire service official stopped by to tell them no one would be able to come rescue them if things were to take a turn for the worst.

'They were busting a gut to save everyone else,' Mr Staples said.

'I've never felt heat like that or seen fires that look like that and I never want to see that again.'

Director of Mogo Zoo Chad Staples, 40, looks at the zoo's giraffes in the village of Mogo, Australia, January 8, just a week after the zoo narrowly escaped a devastating fire

A seven-month-old giraffe stands next to a wooden pole at the Mogo Zoo in the village of Mogo while older giraffes watch on

Mr Staples clarified he did not want to blame the RFS, but hoped in the future more resources would be deployed to regions where catastrophic conditions are forecast.

A spokesman for the RFS agreed crews didn't have the manpower to respond to every call out.

'As the fire front progressed throughout the morning, fire crews were actively engaged in the protection of human life and firefighter safety, and due to the sheer size and localised impact of the fire front, NSW RFS crews were unable to get to all properties as the fire impacted,' the spokesman said.

At Mogo Zoo, staff spent New Year's Eve dousing the grounds with hundreds of thousands of litres of water as the fires approached. They were unpredictable at that stage, shifting quickly as winds changed.

Flaming trees collapsed close to animal enclosures as the fire jumped over a stream on two sides of the grounds. The sky turned red and Mogo fell into complete darkness by noon, Mr Staples said.

Chad Staples (pictured) said zookeepers at Mogo fought bravely to protect the animals they considered 'family'

The zoo's six zebras, two rhinos, six giraffes, four gorillas, three tigers and six lions, among others, were all given shelter, some in Mr Staples own home on the property and others in their night dens.

'Right now in my house there are animals of all descriptions in all the different rooms so they're safe and protected,' he said after the blaze swept through.

'It was like Armageddon, it was black as midnight with tinges of red,' Mr Staples said.

After the fires, the zoo arranged police escorts to get trucks through roadblocks to make urgent deliveries of hay, vegetables and water to keep the animals alive, he said.

Mr Staples said the zoo was saved because of good preparation in the lead up to the forecast catastrophic fire season.

He said their primary concern after the fire front swept through was potential power outages - which could cut power to the electric fences surrounding the enclosures of some of the more dangerous animals.

'The last thing you want if you're a firefighter is a lion on the loose,' he said.

The 170-year-old town of Mogo was hit by some of the most ferocious fires seen yet this season. Homes, cars and buses reduced to shells, mangled metal and collapsed rubble.
CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - BMO Harris Bank announced today the hiring of two Vice Chairs, Eric Smith and Michael Morton. Both Morton and Smith will report directly to David Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group.

"Commercial banking is a core strength at BMO, and we continue to execute on our strategy as we grow our business nation-wide," said Casper. "By hiring Eric Smith and Michael Morton, we're adding exceptional, experienced bankers with intimate knowledge of our markets. I'm very pleased that they will be part of our leadership team."

Both Morton and Smith will be actively focused on business development, working with customers and all of our constituencies across BMO's lines of business, while also enhancing BMO's brand, market presence and customer experience.

Smith has spent his entire career in Chicago, and his intimate knowledge of the local market will be an invaluable asset. He sits on numerous boards, is well known in the community, and will be a tremendous ambassador for the bank. Morton has an extensive background in risk management and working directly with customers. His experience in these areas will be highly accretive, particularly in BMO's expansion markets, where he will be actively involved.

In his most recent role, Smith was Regional President, Chicagoland, at a financial services institution, responsible for the growth and strategic alignment of the commercial, wealth, asset management and consumer businesses. Morton's most recent role was Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at a financial services institution, where he managed asset quality responsibility through multiple departments.

About BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through more than 500 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the United States. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, visit the company fact sheet. Accounts are subject to approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$852 billion, as of October 31, 2019, and more than 45,000 employees.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank
Hong Kong's economy  hard hit from widespread antigovernment protests  as well as uncertainty over the U.S.-China trade war, are key topics of discussion among political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. It's not surprising, considering Moody's downgraded Hong Kong's credit rating by one notch to Aa3 from Aa2 on Monday, citing concerns over the city's institutions, governance strength and constraints on the territory's autonomy.

Protests in the city were initially sparked by proposed changes to a law that would have allowed extradition to mainland China. They later evolved into broader antigovernment demonstrations, labeled "the yellow economic circle," which demanded greater democracy.

"The absence of tangible plans to address either the political or economic and social concerns of the Hong Kong population that have come to the fore in the past nine months may reflect weaker inherent institutional capacity than Moody's had previously assessed," Moody's said in a statement.

Shares in Hong Kong fell more than 2% on Tuesday, reflecting investor pessimism today about the local economy.
A man has been charged after he allegedly stabbed his father at a home south of Perth.

Police were called to a home in Britannia Avenue in Beeliar about 4.15pm on Sunday, reportedly responding to reports of a family altercation.

Police officers at the Beeliar address. Credit:9 News Perth

Nine News Perth reporter Mia Egerton-Warburton said when officers arrived, they found the 65-year-old man with serious injuries, and his 35-year-old son also critically injured.

The father sustained such bad injuries it was initially thought he might not survive, she said.
Lobby Day at Capitol Square in Richmond is normally a time when both sides of the gun debate sound off, but not this year.

While thousands of gun rights advocates gathered below the steps of the State Capitol, groups that support legislation they say is needed to curb gun violence were monitoring the action from afar.

After the rally was over, they said their supporters spent the day calling Virginia voters, and urged them to let their lawmakers know they support gun legislation.

Courtney Champion from Moms Demand Action Richmond said, "There was a lot of noise today, but I think Virginia voters made it abundantly clear on November 5th that we want gun safety laws. A majority of Virginians support the agenda that Moms Demand Action supports, that is background checks and red flag laws."

Members of Moms Demand Action were in Richmond January 8 to lobby lawmakers. And they said they will celebrate when gun bills now advancing in the General Assembly are signed into law,
Dear Amy: My father is a stubborn man. He has a lot of energy and many strong opinions. We do not have a close relationship. He has recently retired, and now spends much of his time on social media, posting long-winded political rants, and engaging in emotional arguments with anyone who dares to comment on his posts.

These "conversations," unsurprisingly, often devolve into name-calling and petty insults.

I am disgusted by this highly public airing of false information and closed-minded views. It was getting to the point that merely opening the social media app was giving me anxiety, with the anticipation of a new bigoted diatribe from my father.

I deactivated my account, and I've never felt better!

My immediate family continues to feel mortified by his behavior and this has led to some awkward family gatherings. I recently looked at my father's social media account on my husband's phone, which I immediately regretted, as his behavior seems to have gotten even worse. I'm afraid to discuss this directly with him, due to his short temper and the high likelihood that he will share our conversation publicly on social media. I want to keep our family matters private.

What should I do? Is there a way to make it clear to my extended family that his closed-minded beliefs do not align with my own, without descending into the drama myself? How can I bring myself to spend time with a person who causes me so much embarrassment?

-- Embarrassed

Dear Embarrassed: I applaud you for deactivating your social media account in order to avoid being triggered by your father's (and others') abusive online behavior.

You could have "unfollowed" or blocked him and perhaps experienced the same relief, but -- I wholeheartedly endorse stepping away altogether for your mental and emotional health.

Now that you are removed from your father's noxious postings, you are going to have to learn to trust other people. Your family members know him -- and they also know you. You should trust that they understand and can differentiate between the two of you.

I don't think it is useful to issue blanket or public apologies for someone else's behavior. Your father embarrasses himself, but you should not give him the important role -- and the power -- to embarrass you.

Your father sounds like a bully. You should not trust him to keep anything private. All the same, you might feel better if you stood up to him: "Dad, I wish you would find a different hobby. Your online ranting is quite disturbing."

It would be wise for him to get a mental health screening. Being a bigoted bully does not necessarily indicate mental decline, but because your father's behavior seems to be getting worse, there is reason to wonder.

Dear Amy: My son just gave us the great news that he's getting married.

Our daughter is in a serious, five-year relationship with a young man, "James." We expect they will be engaged in the near future (within the next two years).

We have met James' parents several times.

Should we invite James' parents to our son's wedding?

-- Wondering

Dear Wondering: Does your son know James' parents? Does his future bride know these people? This marrying couple may want to have some say over who attends their nuptials.

Traditionally, with larger weddings the marrying couple will get half of the total guest list to invite those close to them, while each set of parents will get one-fourth of the guest total to invite people from their own list (colleagues or childhood friends, for instance).

If you have been granted a number of seats to fill at will at this wedding, and if you have developed a friendship with your daughter's boyfriend's parents, then by all means invite them. However, you are not socially obligated to issue this invitation.

Dear Readers: I've received many positive responses to my annual giving column. Since that column was published, the world has become aware of the devastation caused by wildfires sweeping through parts of Australia. As of this writing, 20 people, including three firefighters, have died. The heartbreaking toll on the unique wildlife of Australia is almost incalculable: Millions of animals have perished -- some estimates bring the toll as high as 1 billion animals.

Please do not send food or material goods -- transporting goods brings on more hazards.

Here are some ways to give money:

Helping fire victims: St. Vincent DePaul Society: donate.vinnies.org.au.

Helping "firies" (firefighters): Rural Fire Service, New South Wales: rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Helping wildlife: RSPCA of Australia: rspcansw.org.au.

(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)

COPYRIGHT  2020 by AMY DICKINSON. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Read more advice:

Ask Amy: Separated soulmates are eager to connect

Dear Annie: Looking to hop off the hamster wheel

Dear Abby: Children cut off stepmother with dads power of attorney
Faye DSouza previously the Executive Editor at Mirror Now, part of Times Network has joined Firework TV. Her appointment was confirmed by Firework TV India, CEO & MD, Sunil Nair on his personal LinkedIn. Her official role is yet to be confirmed.

The post read, Firework welcomes Faye DSouza. This is innovation in News for the generation that refuses to engage with long format newspaper or broadcast television news. Faye DSouza gives you the facts without the drama that accompanies it. Whatever it is in India that provokes you - duty free alcohol, the richie rich Indians, Sukois in the South, Delhi under NSA, you can get it here straight up.

Faye D'Souza began her career at CNBC TV-18 where she reported on financial issues. She joined Times Now in 2007, reporting on finance sector with ET NOW. Her show Investor's Guide on ET NOW was a huge hit and grew her popularity. In 2015, when Times Now launched a new channel called Magicbricks Now, she was appointed as Editor-in-Chief of the channel. The channel rating rose rapidly between 2015-17, and was renamed to Mirror Now. On Mirror Now, one of her most popular shows was the Urban Debate that takes up societal issues as topics.

Over the course of her careeer, Faye D'Souza has won many accolades including the 'News Anchor of the Year Award' presented by the International Advertising Association (IAA) in July 2018 and 'Journalist of the Year' award by RedInk Awards in May 2018. She was also featured on the cover of Verve Magazine.
WEST WINFIELD, N.Y. -- The Mt. Markham Central School District says eighth grade students were suspended after a threat was posted on social media over the weekend.

State Police and members of the Herkimer County Sheriff's Department were on campus Tuesday in response to a social media threat made the night of Sunday, Jan. 19, among middle school students.

By the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 20, school officials, working with state police in an investigation, addressed the matter.

School officials say they will continue working with the families involved and hope school will not be disrupted today.

All online activities at the school are being monitored following the social media post.

The school district did not specify the exact number of students involved, but says police did follow up with their families.

The school superintendent, Paul Berry, posted a notice on the district's website, stating:

"As a community, we are encouraged to monitor the online activity of our children; we are encouraged to help our children understand the seriousness and inappropriateness of threats and name calling; finally, we are encouraged to have our children speak to a caring and responsible adult when concerned."
As pressure from the international community mounts on Iran, Palestinian terror-group Hamas is pushing for more anonymous donations in Bitcoin through a website called cash4ps, according to the Jerusalem Post.

An International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) report found that Hamas, which heavily relies on the Iranian regime for funding, has now turned to Bitcoin donations to make up for any funding shortfalls.

The ICT report states that the cash4ps website has been established expressly to allow Hamas to send and receive money from Gaza while providing some anonymity to donors.

Investigators noted an irregular increase in the scope of activity by the Hamas associated address, which has over 4,500 transactions to date totalling over $23 million in BTC.

The Bitcoin Abuse Database has also identified the wallet as a Hamas fundraising account, and its believed that the Islamic National Bank has been associated with funds sent to the wallet.

The funds have been used to finance paramilitary brigades to target Israeli interests as part of the Popular Resistance Committees operating under the Hamas banner.

Crypto terrorist financing

Unfortunately, the use of cryptocurrency for terrorist financing is nothing new.

In April 2019, Coin Rivet reported that a Syrian terror group was using Bitcoin as a means of exchange among its followers, as the cryptocurrency provided a level of anonymity and ease of use.

The Syrian terror group even went so far as to promote Bitcoin in its weekly magazine, citing its lack of international restrictions as a benefit of its use.

However, reports have also found that terrorists are far more likely to use cash rather than cryptocurrency to fund their activities, as to a large degree physical cash flows are even harder to trace than movements of cryptocurrency.

Earlier this month, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced it would be assuming the role of the anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing supervisor for illicit cryptocurrency activities in the UK.

Story continues

The FCA will focus on private sector firms to ensure money doesnt reach the hands of terrorists via cryptocurrency transactions.

Other nations have also warned that cryptocurrencies can be used for terrorist financing. Australian lawmaker Peter Dutton claimed in November 2019 that terrorists are obfuscating their activities through cryptocurrency, citing North Korea as a particularly pressing threat.

Nevertheless, theres some good news  a CIA analyst found that members of terrorist groups are just as gullible to crypto scams as the average user, with many being caught out by elaborate schemes which pose as extremist groups to steal funds from their supporters.

The post Hamas looks to boost Bitcoin funding in wake of Iran crisis appeared first on Coin Rivet.
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, the chief guest of India's celebrations this year, will begin his four-day visit to the country from Friday.

On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from January 24-27 January at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at India's 71st Parade on January 26," the External Affairs Ministry said.
The British Embassy in Spain and the Consulate in Malaga have issued a series of reassuring messages to Britons living in Spain this week. Many have been concerned about the paperwork they need to have before and after a likely Brexit date at the end of the month, said the Embassy.

The UK parliament is currently approving the Withdrawal Agreement, which now looks virtually certain to take Britain out of the EU on 31 January, moving the country into an official transition, or implementation, period.

Brits in Rincon told EU rights apply until December 2020 The British consulate in Malaga gave an informative talk on the effects of Brexit to around 25 people at Rincon de la Victoria town hall on Wednesday morning. The consulate confirmed that existing EU rights will apply until December 2020 and informed Brits about the Padron and residency.

This period will last until 31 December this year, during which time the UK is out of the EU but current rules and processes apply.

Rights protected if registered

The Withdrawal Agreement also guarantees British residents the same rights as now in healthcare, pensions, work and residency beyond that date providing they are registered by the end of the transition, 31 December.

In a message on the Embassy's Brits in Spain Facebook page, UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott said, "It is so important to ensure that you, your family, your friends and indeed your neighbours are all correctly registered as resident here," adding links to a video explaining the need to have the "residencia" green card (or green piece of paper that some have) and how to apply.

Green card not TIE for now

The Ambassador also sought to clear up confusion among many Britons on the option to swap the green documents to a non-EU foreigners photo identity card. This is known as a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

"I should also clarify that UK nationals cannot apply for a TIE until after Brexit... something I know some people have been asking about".

The Embassy said this week that the Spanish authorities have not published details of the process for a TIE yet for Britons already in Spain, nor is it confirmed if it will be compulsory or optional.

Speaking to SUR in English, Charmaine Arbouin, UK Consul for Andalucia, echoed the Ambassador's message. "The Spanish government has been clear that the green residency d ocument UK nationals currently hold will continue to be valid throughout the implementation period, and even if you do not already have that certificate, you can still register as a resident according to the same criteria as now until 31 December."

Past confusion

British residents in Spain have been increasingly confused over what paperwork they need, and what Brexit conditions are, as originally there were alternative terms if the UK left without a deal with the EU. That risk subsided with the Conservatives winning a big majority in last December's British general election.

The UK's Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, when signed, recognises a minimum period until at least 30 June 2021, (six months after the end of the transition period), for an EU country to carry out a changeover to any new ID it requires for Britons living in that country. This is providing they have registered their residency by 31 December.
[January 21, 2020] South Shore Bank Offers Money Experience Financial Literacy Program To Ten Local Schools

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Money Experience today announced a partnership with South Shore Bank , through which its personal finance programs will be made available to high school students at nine area high schools and a community college. Money Experience is a simulator and curriculum that helps teach the next generation how their life choices can impact their finances and quality of life. Students in grades nine through 12 will have the opportunity to explore how each decision they make starting now can impact their long-term financial health. Schools that have access to the program through South Shore Bank are: Braintree High School, East Bridgewater High School, Hingham High School, North Quincy High School, Norwell High School, Pembroke High School, Quincy High School, Stoughton High School and Weymouth High School. "Weymouth High School is excited to give its students the opportunity to explore financial concepts as they relate to real life," said Allison Mezzetti, Assistant Director of Humanities at Weymouth Public Schools. In addition to these high schools, South Shore Bank is sponsoring a Spring 2020 Money Experience course for a group f thirty students studying macroeconomics at Massasoit Community College.



Money Experience blends classroom-based curriculum, storytelling, and software simulation to expose students to choices such as those surrounding buying a car, living in a city versus a suburb, and going to a four-year college or technical school or directly joining the workforce. Within the simulator, they can directly see how their choices affect their near- and long-term lifestyle goals. "South Shore Bank is invested in its community and believes in helping create more financially literate members," said Mark Coletta, South Shore Bank sales and service coordinator.

"We are thrilled to be involved in the financial empowerment of students across the South Shore," said Brilene Faherty, curriculum director at Money Experience. "Helping arm students with the knowledge to understand the relationship between financial decisions, personal priorities, and quality of life helps to prepare them for a lifetime of better decisions." About Money Experience

Part of the family of companies founded by noted Boston tech entrepreneurs Jeet Singh and Joe Chung, Money Experience is an educational technology company addressing the need for personal finance education among young people and adults. Money Experience is headquartered at One Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. https://www.moneyexperience.com/ About South Shore Bank

Originally chartered in 1833, South Shore Bank is a full-service community bank with 14 locations in eight communities throughout the South Shore of Massachusetts. As a mutual savings bank, South Shore Bank is locally managed and dedicated to the needs of the communities in which it operates. The bank offers a variety of traditional and innovative financial products for personal and business banking to ensure customers are provided with the level of convenience and service they've grown to expect. For more information, visit www.southshorebank.com .

Media contact:

Monica Higgins for Money Experience

[email protected]

781-749-0077 x22 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/south-shore-bank-offers-money-experience-financial-literacy-program-to-ten-local-schools-300990103.html SOURCE Money Experience

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Young climate campaigner on Tuesday said a lot has happened since her campaign caught eyes of the world but "nothing has been done" actually to save the planet.

"In one aspect, lots has happened since last year. The mass mobilisation of young people around the world has put climate at the top of the agenda," the 17-year old campaigner from Sweden said here at the WEF Annual Meeting.

"People are more generally aware now. The climate and the environment is a hot topic. But - and it's a big but: From another perspective, pretty much nothing has been done," she said.

It is just the "very beginning" and a lot needs to be done given the ever increasing greenhouse gas emissions, she said.

Thunberg also said she can't complain about not being heard as she is a person who is being heard all the time, drawing applause from the audience.

Thunberg and a panel of other young activists were speaking at a panel about how their efforts to improve the world can achieve the desired results.

The participants included Salvador Gmez-Coln, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Mara devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017.

Natasha Mwansa, from Zambia who campaigns for girls' and women's rights, and Autumn Peltier, Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation of indigenous people in Canada, were also present.

In 2018, Greta began protesting outside the Swedish parliament during school hours with a sign painted with the words, Skolstrejk for Klimatet (School Strike for Climate). Greta has continued to strike every Friday, inspiring hundreds of thousands of children worldwide to follow her example.
(Newser)  David Lynch hasn't brought much "strangeness into the world" lately, Vanity Fair reports. Now, he's here to change that. A 17-minute, black-and-white filmWhat Did Jack Do?went up Monday on Netflix in which Lynch interrogates a murder suspect who happens to be a monkey. The co-creator of Twin Peaks plays a detective who finds the suit-wearing monkey is no pushover, matching him cliche for cliche, per Rolling Stone. ("I'd like you to start talking turkey." "Ill see you and raise you five.")

story continues below

The short is surreal and hard to follow, but Lynch fans wouldn't have it any other way. And the production is all David Lynch: He wrote, directed and edited the film while helping with sound editing, set design and building the set, per Mashable. There's humor, and the monkey naturally works in a song, but the film turns dark. Still, What Did Jack Do? embodies "the genius of David Lynch," per Vanity Fair. (Read more David Lynch stories.)
New Delhi:

Karnataka BJP MLA and Chief Minister BS Yediyurappas political advisor MP Renukacharya on Monday courted a controversy after he threatened Muslims at a pro-CAA rally in Karnataka. Renukacharya said that there are few traitors who sit in Masjid and write fatwas. He further accused Muslims of collecting weapons in mosques instead of praying.

While addressing a rally in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Karnatakas Davanagere, MP Renukacharya said, There are few traitors, you'll sit in a masjid and write fatwas? what's there in the masjid? Do you pray? Instead of praying, you collect weapons. Is this why you want a masjid?

The BJP lawmaker from Honnali Legislative constituency also threatened the Muslim community and said if they continued to be like this then money allotted for them will be given to Hindus. "I will resort to such politics in my taluk where the money allotted for Muslims can be used for Hindus. I will put you [Muslims] in your place and show what politics is," said Renukacharya.

I will resort to such politics in my taluk (Constituency) where the money allotted for Muslims can be used for Hindus. I will put you (Muslims) in your place and show what politics is: Karnataka BJP MLA M.P. Renukacharya @MPROffice pic.twitter.com/RB65mUjH81  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 21, 2020

There are few traitors, you'll sit in a masjid and write fatwas? what's there in masjid? Do you pray? Instead of praying, you collect weapons. Is this why you want a masjid?: Karnataka BJP MLA & CM Yeddyiruppa's political adviser M.P. Renukacharya @MPROffice pic.twitter.com/0WzcfhOvVC  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 21, 2020

Recently, BJP MLA Somashekar Reddy has made communal remarks targeting the Muslim community. Somashekar Reddy had said, "If you do any drama, then if 100 per cent people come, understand what will be your situation. Congress people are lying to you, believing them you are coming on streets. We are 80 per cent, you are 17 per cent, if we react, what will be your situation? Be careful."

However, a case was later filed against Somashekar Reddy for alleged provocative speech targeting those protesting against the CAA.

Also Read: Akali Dal Not To Contest Upcoming Delhi Assembly Polls Over CAA Row, Confirms Sirsa

Coming back to MP Renukacharya, the Honnali MLA had courted controversy on January 6 by driving a KSRTC bus with more than 40 passengers on board for a distance of 50 km.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Hyderabad, Jan 21 : The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is looking to score another electoral victory as it appears ahead of the opposition in the elections to urban local bodies scheduled on Wednesday.

The TRS is confident of scoring yet another electoral victory as the main opposition Congress seems to be in disarray, still reeling under the defections of a dozen MLAs to the ruling party and the defeat in the by-elections to Huzurnagar Assembly seat last year.

A year after retaining power in the state with a landslide victory, winning majority of Lok Sabha seats and sweeping the village, 'mandal' (block) and district level polls and also wresting a Assembly seat from the Congress in the by-election, the TRS aims to tighten its grip further by winning majority of seats in 129 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

A total of 12,898 candidates are in fray for 2,727 wards in 120 municipalities and 325 wards in nine municipal corporations. Polling will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in over 7,700 polling stations on Wednesday. Nearly 80 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes.

As many as 59 new municipalities were created last year by upgrading gram panchayats following creation of 23 new districts.

While all 120 municipalities and eight corporations are going to polls on Wednesday, elections for 60-member Karimnagar corporation will be held on January 24.

The corporations going to polls exclude the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) as its tenure is not yet over. Ten other ULBs, including Khammam and Warangal corporations, are also not going to polls.

In an indication that the TRS has an edge, its candidates were elected unopposed in 77 wards. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a friendly party of the TRS, also won three wards without contest.

While the TRS is contesting all the wards on its own, AIMIM has fielded candidates in 276 wards.

A confident TRS is seeking the votes on the basis of its performance during last six years. Such is the TRS confidence that its President and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao did not campaign for the party. His son and TRS working President K. T. Rama Rao addressed a few election meetings in his Sircilla Assembly constituency.

Ministers and MLAs led the campaign in their respective districts. However, the TRS is facing the rebel problems in some ULBs. Rama Rao, however, said such problems were common in a party with large number of aspirants.

Rama Rao, who holds the portfolios of municipal administration, industry and information technology, pointed out that in many wards there were no takers for the Congress and BJP tickets.

Congress state President Uttam Kumar Reddy and other party leaders participated in the campaign. They alleged that TRS has an "undue" advantage as the election schedule and reservation quota was designed in a way to benefit the ruling party.

The Congress leaders, in their campaign, highlighted the failures of the TRS government. They targeted the Chief Minister for various alleged acts of omissions and commissions of the government.

The BJP, which suffered humiliating defeat in Huzurnagar by-election, will be fighting to salvage its pride. After making huge inroads to win four Lok Sabha seats, the party faced a drubbing in Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC polls) and even forfeited its deposit in Huzurnagar.

The party faces a tough task of winning the ULBs falling under four Lok Sabha constituencies represented by it. State BJP President K. Laxman and its MPs campaigned aggressively for the party candidates. They even whipped up the sentiments over Citizenship Amendment Act targeting those opposing it.

Union Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy also campaigned for the BJP, addressing few election meetings.

AIMIM's campaign also revolved around the CAA, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). Its President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi led the campaign.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which had stayed away from Lok Sabha polls, fielded candidates in 401 wards. Its state President L. Ramna exuded confidence of the party doing well.

The Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and other smaller parties are also in the fray.
Kolkata, Jan 22 : Carrying aloft the tricolour and displaying posters, thousands of people lay siege to the city hub Esplanade holding a night-long dharna demanding scrapping of the new Citizenship (Amendment) Act and proposed countrywide National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercises.

The protestors, who converged on the city centre from various localities of the city and neighbouring Howrah, was squatting before the Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters, shouting slogans and singing songs of freedom.

The participants included students, teachers and other professionals, besides housewives and senior citizens, who gathered at the spot since late in the afternoon.

"The fascist Narendra Modi government is trying to deflect attention from the abysmal condition of the economy by dividing the people on religious lines," said Afroz, who resides in the Taltala area.

A student Ruksana Hamid was livid with the central government for not paying heed to the countrywide protests against CAA.

"I was shocked to hear Home Minister Amit Shah say notwithstanding the protests, the CAA will not be withdrawn at any cost. How can they be so insensitive to the voice of the people?," she asked.

Convener of a joint forum Ratan Basu Mazumdar said the mass demonstration would continue till Wednesday, referring to the Supreme Court hearing petitions challenging the CAA.

"We will follow the court proceedings from here and chalk out our strategy depending on what the court says," Mazumdar declared.

The CAA, passed in Parliament last month, 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.
On Monday 20 January 2020, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Mircea Geoana, will meet with the Advisor to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Hikmat Hajiyev, at NATO Headquarters.

Still images of the meeting will be available after the event on the NATO website.

Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter (@Mircea_Geoana). Also follow us at @NATOPress.
Two soldiers who said they suffered neck injuries after a vehicle rear-ended them while travelling at an estimated speed of 2kmh have had their 60,000 claims dismissed.

John Lynch and Eamonn Fitzgerald were involved in an incident on the Old Dublin Road in Galway in October 2014. The pair were in an Army SUV which was stopped at traffic lights when a car behind them accidentally rolled forward.

Mr Lynch and Mr Fitzgerald were doing a cash escort at the time and initially claimed they thought there had been an attack on the SUV.

Peadar Harvey, driver of the Seat Ibiza car, said he didn't feel an impact.

The two claimants said they felt a "big thud" and were shunted forwards.

Their Army colleague Charles O'Leary, who was a back-seat passenger, gave evidence he felt a very light impact, the SUV was not shunted forwards and he did not move in his seat at all. He said he did not feel any discomfort.

Mr Lynch gave evidence that his neck and shoulder injuries have not really improved and said he was told he "would never be the same again".

Mr Fitzgerald told the court he had underplayed his injuries so as to secure an overseas assignment.

He was asked why he did not disclose to his doctor and solicitor a previous traffic accident in 2012, in which he sustained a neck injury, and an accident in 1999.

Giving evidence in Galway Circuit Civil Court, engineer Tony Kelly estimated the change of speed as less than 2kmh where at least 8kmh would be required for occupancy movement.

Dr Martin Neary gave evidence that he assessed Mr Fitzgerald on February 26, 2015, around three months after the accident, for the purposes of an overseas assignment to Lebanon.

He noted that Mr Fitzgerald had completed fitness tests on February 16 and 17 which included sit-ups and press-ups and a 10km march with a 14kg weight.

Dismissing the claims, Judge Rory McCabe said he found it very difficult to understand how what he saw as a very minor tip could give rise to any injury.

Rob Smyth, head of Aviva's investigations unit, welcomed the judge's decision.
Picture this: a tradesman gives you a quote to do some work in your house and then comes back weeks or months later  without having so much as lifted a spanner  to tell you the price has leapt by more than 200 per cent.

What would you do? You'd tell him to get lost, of course.

Yet this is something the Government seems incapable of doing when it comes to HS2, the proposed high-speed rail link from London to Leeds and Manchester via Birmingham  the biggest, most controversial infra-structure project ever undertaken in Britain.

But if ever there was a moment to bin this vanity project, then it is now.

From the moment Gordon Brown's government first mooted HS2 in 2009, it was clear it would prove to be an out-of-control gravy train for contractors and consultants

In 2012, it was slated to cost 34 billion  enough to build perhaps 70 new hospitals.

Then, in September last year, we were told that the cost had soared to 88 billion.

Yesterday, a leaked draft report from Doug Oakervee, the former chairman of HS2 whom Prime Minister Boris Johnson had asked to 'independently' review this potential white elephant, suggests it could reach a frankly obscene cost of 106 billion.

This colossal sum should act as a wake-up call to everyone involved in what has become a shameful monument to grand-standing political hubris.

Lavished

From the moment Gordon Brown's government first mooted HS2 in 2009, it was clear it would prove to be an out-of-control gravy train for contractors and consultants.

Sure enough, more than 8 billion of taxpayers' money has been lavished on the project with little to show for it. It has been beset by delays, poor management and allegations that Parliament was misled on the cost of land and property purchases to build it.

An initial planned completion date of 2026 is now forecast to be as late as 2031  and even up to 2040 for completion of Phase 2 of the project: the Birmingham to Leeds route.

To go ahead now we know the costs would send a ruinous message to contractors bidding for future giant infrastructure projects: just keep bunging the taxpayer new and ever-soaring bills.

As some said of the banks after the financial crash: some projects are too big to fail. Well, sorry, not any more. On HS2, Boris Johnson needs to make a stand.

More than 8 billion of taxpayers' money has been lavished on the project with little to show for it

I am a rail enthusiast. I am in favour, too, of the Government's 'levelling-up' agenda which prioritises investment in the regions after a long history of imbalanced over-spending in London and the South-East.

But HS2 isn't the way to deliver levelling-up.

The vast sums that have been allocated to it would be better spent on improving rail journeys between cities either side of the Pennines and transforming public transport within northern cities where commuters face a choice between late, overcrowded, expensive trains and gridlocked roads.

The inadequacy of existing services was vividly illustrated earlier this month when TransPennine, which runs services linking Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, the North-East and Scotland, said it was cancelling 40 per cent of its services until the end of January due to a delay in the delivery of new carriages.

And this from a company that was managing to run only 38 per cent of its services on time anyway!

Downing Street, quite rightly, condemned the situation as 'totally unacceptable'.

It may come as no surprise that cancelling HS2 isn't what is recommended by the Oakervee Review. As former Chairman of HS2 Ltd, the government-owned company set up to deliver the project, some may think he was never going to say that HS2 is misconceived and a waste of money.Unlike Lord Berkeley  the former Labour minister was deputy chairman of the Review until he resigned, unable to support the farce that is HS2 any longer.

This month the peer said that the business case for HS2 has been hugely overstated and that it is likely to deliver just 60p of economic benefit for every 1 of public money spent on it.

And he identified the essential problem with HS2: it is over-designed.

The proposed maximum speed of the trains  225 mph  seems to have been arrived at not by analysing the geography of Britain or the needs of its citizens, but from our politicians' desire to boast that we will have the fastest long- distance trains in the world.

The proposed maximum speed of the trains  225 mph  seems to have been arrived at not by analysing the geography of Britain or the needs of its citizens, but from our politicians' desire to boast that we will have the fastest long- distance trains in the world

Damaging

In a compact country such as Britain, 150 mph for inter-city trains is quite fast enough.

London and Birmingham, for example, are already within 80 minutes of each other by train. Shaving another 25 minutes or so off that journey (according to the Department of Transport, the journey could take 52 minutes) simply isn't worth the billions involved.

For trains to travel at 225 mph means lines have to be much straighter, requiring extra earthworks.

This is more environmentally damaging  in terms of train carbon emissions and because it is harder to divert the line around ancient woodlands and marshes. The Wildlife Trusts movement warns that, because of HS2, ecosystems will be permanently damaged, irreplaceable habitats destroyed, with 'wildlife extinctions at a local level'.

Moreover, at 225 mph the trains can't stop so frequently. As a result, HS2 bypasses several towns and cities it surely ought to be visiting, such as Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent and Nottingham.

In a compact country such as Britain, 150 mph for inter-city trains is quite fast enough. Pictured: an artist's impression of an HS2 train on the Birmingham and Fazeley viaduct

Daftest of all is the plan to burrow the line beneath the runway of East Midlands Airport  but not even have a station there.

Still not convinced?

In Birmingham, most inter-city trains stop at New Street station. HS2 would stop at a new station, Curzon Street  a 20-minute schlep away for those requiring onward connections to other destinations in the Midlands. So much for all that time saved!

Defenders of HS2 tend not to bother much with such details. Instead, they talk loosely about the dubious economic advantages and accuse their opponents of 'negativity'.

Ignored

But, as Lord Berkeley has argued, we could spend money far more sensibly by upgrading lines so that they integrate better with planned improvements to commuter services in the North.

In some cases, it wouldn't even require extra land  just doubling the existing lines to four tracks.

As for a new inter-city line, the priority should be between Manchester and Leeds, not London and Birmingham.

If London commuters think they have it bad, they should try commuting into Manchester. Last year, a train arriving into this major city at 8.24am was named the country's most overcrowded, with an average of more than 400 people in carriages with only 191 seats.

Just over a month ago, voters across the Midlands and the North put their trust in the Conservatives to end the London-centric politics that have led to their communities being ignored for decades.

By dumping HS2 and re-investing the money saved on better public transport between and within cities in the North and the Midlands, the Government has a chance to make a real and lasting difference to business investment and the quality of life in the new Tory heartlands there.

The question is: does Boris have the courage to do it?
WASHINGTON - The first substantive day of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial opened Tuesday with unexpected internal GOP dissension over its structure, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was forced to revise his proposed rules at the last minute to accommodate a brewing rebellion in his ranks.

Under the updated guidelines, both sides will receive more time to present their cases, and findings from the House impeachment probe will automatically be entered into evidence as part of the trial.

The concerns over the rules underscored the narrowness of the majority that McConnell will have to tend to as Trump's impeachment trial proceeds, while also balancing the demands of a White House that has repeatedly pushed for a swift acquittal of the president.

The Republican dispute unfolded as the House impeachment managers and the president's legal team took to the floor of the Senate chamber to lay out their cases on the two charges against Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to his alleged attempts to pressure Ukraine to dig up dirt on a political rival.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, told senators that the most important question confronting them was whether to accept a structure that Democrats said would not produce a fair trial as he argued for Trump's removal from office.

"If the House cannot call witnesses or introduce documents and evidence, it's not a fair trial," Schiff said. "It's not really a trial at all."

In response, the president's lead lawyers also pressed the issue of fairness, arguing that House Democrats had rushed through a process that deprived Trump of his due process rights and that Trump should not have been impeached at all.

"A partisan impeachment is like stealing an election. And that's exactly what we have," White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said. "Talk about the framers' worst nightmare. It's a partisan impeachment that they delivered to your doorstep in an election year."

Two points in McConnell's initial resolution that established how the trial would be run drew concern from several Republicans: a provision that would have compressed 24 hours of opening arguments into two days for each side and language that would not automatically admit evidence from the House impeachment probe unless there were a formal vote to include it. In a closed-door party lunch before the trial day began Tuesday afternoon, a number of Republican senators protested those portions of the resolution, according to multiple officials familiar with the meeting.

GOP senators who raised questions about the evidence issue were concerned that it would give Democrats easy ammunition to portray Republicans as being unfair, according to two of the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the senators' sentiments. Many Republicans were also upset that pushing 24 hours of opening arguments into two days for each side - a restriction that was not included in the rules for President Bill Clinton's trial in 1999 - would give the appearance that the GOP was rushing the trial.

Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., said Republicans thought that "if we did try to rush it or compress it, that that might not be the best thing to do."

One of the senators most upset about the initial provisions was Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who will be a key swing vote on procedural matters during the trial. But the concerns spread beyond a closely watched core of potential GOP swing senators, with Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, also among those voicing objections in the closed-door lunch about the two-day timetable. That provision didn't please Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, either. One Republican official with direct knowledge of the discussion described it as "lots of dissension and chaos."

Democrats seized on the changes as proof that a small clutch of GOP senators facing public opposition to any component of the highly contentious trial could force McConnell to reverse course, though the Republican leader was expected to win all 53 GOP votes in favor of his measure by the end of the day.

"The public realizes how unfair the McConnell proposal is, and the pressure that we have put on them and on Republican senators has gotten them to change," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters. "There are still many other things that are unfair, particularly in relationship to witnesses, particularly in relationship to documents."

Now, both the Democratic impeachment managers and Trump's defense team will have up to three days each to make their case, and evidence from the House will be entered automatically unless there is an objection. The changes were so last-minute that there were handwritten scribbles in the legislation marking the revisions.

The White House had initially requested condensing the opening arguments into two days for each side, according to several people familiar with the drafting. One senior administration official said it had done so while cautioning that the language could change depending on the needs of Trump and various senators, and that the number of days for opening arguments was a lower priority for the White House.

On other issues, Republicans killed attempts from Democrats to modify the parameters of the proceeding to allow for an assortment of documents and a slate of witnesses at the outset.

In a sign of fatigue, at least on the GOP side, McConnell halted the trial proceedings shortly before 9:30 p.m. in a bid to negotiate an end to the hours-long debate that seemed destined to go on for much longer. But after a brief recess that allowed for senators to talk, the two sides did not reach a deal to speed things up.

"There will be a good number of votes," Schumer said. "We are willing to do some of those votes tomorrow. There is no reason we have to do them all tonight and inconvenience the Senate and the chief justice. But we will not back off on getting votes on all of these amendments, which we regard as extremely significant and important to the country."

Earlier in the debate, Schumer and Senate Democrats forced an attempt to subpoena documents kept by the White House - including the National Security Council - as well as a separate effort to obtain records from the State Department and a push to get similar information from the Office of Management and Budget. All were rejected on party-line votes.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., one of the seven House impeachment managers, argued that the White House was sitting on hundreds of pages of relevant materials. She played video of key House witnesses who said they had submitted notes about discrepancies in the rough transcript of Trump's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 25 that has been at the heart of the case against the president - as well as a core part of his defense.

"Attorney-client privilege cannot shield information about misconduct," Lofgren said.

Trump was impeached Dec. 18 by the House on charges that he held up nearly $400 million of congressionally appropriated aid to Ukraine and a coveted White House visit for Zelensky as a condition for the Eastern European nation launching an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden - a potential 2020 rival for the White House - and his son, Hunter.

The president's attorneys have argued that the requests from Trump were related to his concerns about corruption. Hunter Biden had served on the board of Burisma, Ukraine's largest private gas company, whose owner came under scrutiny by Ukrainian prosecutors for possible abuse of power and unlawful enrichment, although Biden was not accused of any wrongdoing.

Amid the vigorous debate about his Ukraine dealings, Trump was in Davos, Switzerland, meeting with other global leaders and touting U.S. economic prosperity at the World Economic Forum.

In brief remarks to reporters in Davos, Trump dismissed his impeachment as a "hoax."

"It goes nowhere because nothing happened. The only thing we've done is a great job," Trump said. "That whole thing is a total hoax, so I'm sure it's going to work out fine."

About 45 minutes after the Senate trial began, Trump tweeted in all caps: "READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!" - part of his persistent argument that the record of his call with Zelensky absolves him of wrongdoing.

Through the hours of arguments, all 100 senators sat silent at their desks, barred from their smartphones and with many of them taking prodigious notes. Among the members of the public that were spotted in the half-full galleries in the Senate chamber were former senator Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and actress and activist and actress Alyssa Milano.

At one point, Cipollone sought to focus attention on four senators who are seeking the Democratic presidential nomination but who must be in attendance at the trial, saying that "some of you are upset because you should be in Iowa right now." Several senators cast glances toward one of those candidates, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who was watching Cipollone's remarks with his elbows on the arms of his chair, hands folded in front of his face.

Both Cipollone and Jay Sekulow, one of Trump's outside attorneys, relayed inaccurate statements during the trial.

Sekulow claimed that the White House was not allowed to have a lawyer present during the impeachment hearings spearheaded by the House Judiciary Committee; the White House was allowed to participate but declined to do so. Cipollone also falsely argued that House Republicans had no access to the secure facilities where closed-door depositions of key House witnesses were taken late last year.

House impeachment managers wrote to Cipollone earlier Tuesday suggesting he may have a conflict that should keep him from representing Trump. In the letter, the House managers noted several instances in which it appeared that Cipollone was aware of Trump's conduct regarding Ukraine.

The White House swiftly dismissed the concerns, with White House spokesman Hogan Gidley calling Democrats an "utter joke."

"The idea that the counsel to the president has to turn over protected documents and confidential information is ludicrous, and to imply he can't represent the president of the United States in an impeachment proceeding is completely absurd," Gidley said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Karoun Demirjian, Colby Itkowitz, Paul Kane, Elise Viebeck, John Wagner and Amy B Wang contributed to this report.
(Jan. 20) Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) today welcomed the American College of Physicians' (ACP) endorsement of single-payer Medicare for All. The ACP, a national organization of 159,000 internists, is the largest medical specialty society and second-largest physician group in the U.S. after the American Medical Association (AMA).

The ACP announced its endorsement of Medicare for All in a special supplement to its official journal, the Annals of Internal Medicine, where the group also endorsed a "universal public choice" reform model.

The ACP endorsement coincides with the publication of an open letter signed by more than 2,000 physicians "prescribing" Medicare for All, an effort organized by advocates separately from the ACP. Among the "prescribers" are towering figures in American medicine, including Dr. Marcia Angell, former editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine; Dr. Bernard Lown, developer of the defibrillator; Dr. Paul Farmer, infectious disease expert and founder of Partners in Health; and Dr. Mary Bassett, former New York City Health Commissioner. The letter will appear as an advertisement in the New York Times the week of January 20.

Along with the ACP's position paper, the Annals of Internal Medicine published an editorial by PNHP co-founders Drs. Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein. Drs. Woolhandler and Himmelstein, noting that organized medicine had opposed national health insurance for a century, called the ACP's new position "a sea change for the medical profession."

The ACP's endorsement of Medicare for All and the publication of the open letter reflects growing support for single-payer reform among physicians. Recent surveys have found that half of all doctors now favor national health insurance. Last June, the AMA's House of Delegates only narrowly defeated a resolution that would have rescinded its long-standing opposition to Medicare for All. Under pressure from Medicare for All supporters, the AMA then resigned from the dark money group Partnership for America's Health Care Future, which opposes single-payer reform.

"As physicians, we see daily the harm that our fragmented, private-insurance based system does to our patients," noted Dr. Adam Gaffney, President of PNHP and a pulmonary and critical care physician at Harvard Medical School and the Cambridge Health Alliance. "Patients go without the care they need, and physicians squander time and resources on wasteful billing and clerical tasks. Medicare for All would be a much better way -- for patients and doctors both."

According to Dr. Woolhandler, a Distinguished Professor at the City University of New York at Hunter College and Lecturer in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, "When we started PNHP, doctors who supported single-payer reform were considered radicals, and reporters likened us to 'furriers for animal rights'. Now we're squarely in the mainstream of the medical profession. More and more doctors have realized - often from talking to our Canadian colleagues - that single payer is the only way to cut insurers' paperwork and profits that siphon hundreds of billions annually from care in the U.S." Dr. Woolhandler is a Fellow of the ACP, but not an official spokesperson for that organization.

###

PNHP is a nonprofit research and education organization whose more than 23,000 members support single-payer Medicare for All reform. PNHP's physician members have been working for single payer since publication of its policy proposal in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1989.

The following documents are available to credentialed media professionals upon request:

1) "Envisioning a Better U.S. Health Care System for All: Coverage and Cost of Care," by the Health and Public Policy Committee of the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, published online ahead of print January 20, 2020. doi:10.7326/M19-2415

2) "The American College of Physicians' Endorsement of Single-Payer Reform: A Sea Change for the Medical Profession," by Steffie Woolhandler, M.D., M.P.H., and David Himmelstein, M.D. Annals of Internal Medicine, published online ahead of print January 20, 2020.
'Indian apathy towards our historical heritage is indeed amazing,' says military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Against my firm resolve of never seeing a Hindi historical movie -- the distortions that one invariably sees gives a headache to any genuine student of history -- I recently watched Tanhaji -- The Unsung Hero.

To put the record straight, as far as Maharashtra is concerned, Tanhaji Malusare was never an unsung hero. Every child of my generation (educated in a Marathi medium school) knew of his bravery and sacrifice. And the oral history was literally a sung history, in the form of powadas. So it was disappointing that even well known facts about the battle of Sinhagad were distorted in the movie.

The salient points are the use of a ghorpad or a monitor lizard (who was well known by her name, Yashwanti) to put the first soldier on top by climbing the vertical rock face.

Or that once Tanhaji fell in the battlefield, it was the veteran Shelar mama who took on Mughal general Uday Bhan Rathod and killed him.

It is also common knowledge that on hearing of Tanhaji's death the Maratha soldiers lost morale and ran towards the ropes to escape. At that stage Tanhaji's younger brother Suryaji cut off the ropes and exhorted the Marathas to turn back and fight.

Even the dramatic escape of Shivaji from Agra, hiding in a box, is disputed by 'eminent' historians. As an aside, the recent escape from Japan by Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Nissan, seems to have duplicated Shivaji's tactics!

If the film-maker had remained true to these facts it would have in no way affected the story or the image of Tanhaji.

I must, however, thank the makers of Tanhaji for taking the story of Tanhaji to all-India audiences. But as a military historian, it was disappointing to see the lack of attention to details.

First, Tanhaji's looks. Tanhaji's whiskers and moustache are household knowledge in Maharashtra. Tanhaji without his magnificent whiskers is like portraying Shivaji the Great without his beard!

Marathas at that time used curved swords and not the straight one as shown. Even the shields that Maratha soldiers used were made of leather -- tortoise back -- and never metal.

Given all these shortcomings, Tanhaji is still a cinematic experience and worth watching for those who have very little knowledge about the Marathas and their glorious history.

Many of the adverse reviews were by carping critics complaining of an overdose of Maratha history, going by recently released films. The trend began with Bajirao Mastani and continued with Panipat and Tanhaji.

As a historian, all that one can say is that at the popular level this is a long overdue correction.

Once the British defeated Marathas in the third Anglo-Maratha war in 1818, they went about systematically denying the Marathas's historical legacy.

Interestingly, many critics of the movie have scoffed at the talk of Bhagwa or a saffron flag! Did these worthies expect Tanhaji to hold a Tricolour?

But this brings one to the larger question of regular distortions and disputes about Indian history. Unfortunately many of the current crop of 'eminent' historians have been either graduates of English literature (as the doyen of ancient history from Delhi was) or have no knowledge of the language in which most of the original sources are.

Sir Jadunath Sarkar, who is regarded as an authority on Maratha history, did not know Marathi. What most of these writers had was knowledge of English and access to English sources. Essentially, most of the history written by these worthies were regurgitated writings of Western scholars who took the trouble to master the local languages.

In addition, in case of the Marathas, all the original documents dealing with the life and times of Shivaji the Great were lost when Mughal General Zulfikar Khan captured Raigad (Shivaji's capital).

On November 3, 1689, when the Mughals captured Raigad, they burnt the entire records of the Maratha kingdom. Today, when one wants to piece together the history one has to search for multiple private sources where letters and documents of that period can still be found.

Something similar happened to ancient Indian history. Turkish General Bakhtiyar Khilji burnt the library at Nalanda university in 1193. With this, all the ancient texts including historical records that were collected there since 500 AD were lost.

This has given a handle to our 'modern' historians to question every single historical fact. 'Modern' researchers also do not accept the memories of the past preserved in an oral tradition or as a part of word of mouth knowledge passed on from generation to generation.

Luckily for Indians, the Buddhist monks who spread all over Asia -- Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China and Japan -- carried much of the ancient texts with them. Many of these await Indian scholars.

Even a government that swears by 'cultural nationalism' has taken no steps in the last six years to tap this source and restore lost Indian knowledge.

Indian cultural expansion in South East Asia, mainly by Chola and Pallava kings from Tamil Nadu, is only vaguely known.

There is a 6 feet tall and three feet wide stone tablet in the Pallava script in the national museum in Jakarta. It is on a coat of arms for the Central Kalimanthan (old Borneo) island. We have not found the time or resources to translate the contents into Bhasa Indonesia and/or English!

Indian apathy towards our historical heritage is indeed amazing.
New Delhi: Calls for the removal of JNU vice chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar are now not reasonable as the basic demand of students on hostel fee hike has been met, says Union human resource development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

The situation in the university is normalising and students who want to study should not be disturbed, the minister told PTI in an interview. Last October, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration announced a hike in hostel fee, including introduction of service and utility charges.

Following this, students took to streets demanding a roll back, prompting the HRD ministry to form a three-member panel to mediate between the agitating students and the administration to restore normalcy in the campus.

The basic demand of students about the hostel fee hike has been met. The calls for JNU V-Cs removal now are not reasonable, removing anybody is not the solution, Pokhriyal said.

After a series of meetings with the JNU Students Union (JNUSU) and the varsity administration, the ministry had directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to fund the utility and service charge, and appealed to the students to call off their agitation. On the JNUSUs decision to move court against amendments in the hostel manual, including the fee hike, and continue its boycott of the semester registration process, Pokhriyal said, It is the universitys call on what to do next.

I have been told that over 80% students have already registered for the winter semester and more people are registering, he said, adding, if our universities have to excel in the global competition, we need to rise above these issues.

The academic issue has been resolved, the situation is turning normal at the university, and as far as the violence case is concerned, police are investigating it, Pokhriyal said. Early this month, the university had witnessed a tussle between student groups over the issue of semester registration.On January 5, masked men had gone on a rampage inside the campus assaulting students and teachers, and storming hostels, drawing widespread outrage.

Pokhriyal said students should start studying because there is no issue now and time should not be wasted. JNU is a prestigious university, we want to ensure an atmosphere for students to excel, he said.

As clamour grew for Jagadesh Kumars removal following hostel fee hike and the January 5 violence, the ministry had ruled out sacking him, saying the governments focus is to address the main issues that have cropped up on the campus.

The minister reiterated that universities will not be allowed to turn into battlefields.

We dont want anarchy in universities, we want conducive environment for academics. Our students are going places, we are investing more and more in research with an aim to take our universities and academic institutions among top rankers globally. Lets move forward in that way, he said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have almost lost everything when they decided to take a step back from their duties in the royal family.

According to a report released by Evening Standard on Monday, the Queen has actually considered removing Harry and Meghan their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex amidst their decision to exit from royal duties.

Queen Elizabeth and some members of the royal family reportedly debated about the removal of the titles from Harry and Meghan's names. They have bestowed the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their grand wedding in 2018.

The Queen argued that the two should be demoted to match their reduced roles in the royal family.

New Titles

Had the Queen gotten her way, Prince Harry would instead be given the lesser title "Earl of Dumbarton." Meanwhile, his wife Meghan would just be a countess, the report added.

A royal source told the London paper that Queen Elizabeth II seriously considered the removal and that their discussion of the situation was considered in the highest levels.

There was a suggestion that the sixth in line to the throne would be referred to using a lesser title. It would put them at par with Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne and Prince Harry's father, decided against it. Ultimately, they realized that doing so would make the royal family look petty.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are going to keep their titles. However, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday that the couple will no longer be using HRH -- for his or her royal highness -- because the two are no longer working as members of the royal family.

They felt that the banning of the use of HRH in public or for commercial use while still retaining the Duke and Duchess title is sufficient enough as a form of punishment.

New Branding

However, the exit of Meghan and Harry from the royal duties might open up a "future clash." In particular, their use of the term "Sussex Royal" brand might present several problems in the future.

They have already used the term to trademark more than 100 items, according to the Evening Standard.

The royal couple is also developing it as a vehicle for all their future commercial activities. In his first appearance since "Megxit," Harry told the charity audience that he wanted to tell everybody the truth. He said that he was "taking a leap of faith" when he decided to step back as a royal.

"With a clearer perspective, I want everyone to know that the U.K. is my home and I love it. Nothing will ever change that," Harry said with sincerity. This heartfelt remark came at a dinner for Sentebale, a charity he founded.

It was hugely important for Harry and Meghan to keep their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as it is central to their commercial plans in the future. The couple has also applied for the "Sussex Royal" brand in December.

Prince Charles will reportedly help fund the new life of Harry and Meghan from his investment income. However, they are looking at a review of the couple's financial arrangement after a couple of months.
Attacking the opposition for "misleading" people on the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the law will not be scrapped despite the protests over it.

Addressing a rally here in support of the CAA, Shah also declared that the construction of a Ram temple touching the skies in Ayodhya will begin within three months.

The minister accused the Congress of not implanting the suggestions that came from its own leaders in the past on granting citizenship to minority Hindus in Pakistan, Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) and Afghanistan after Partition.

He also targeted West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, saying she is now opposing Indian citizenship for Dalit Bengalis.

At the same meeting, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that the Congress is shelling out money for arson and protests over the CAA.

Amit Shah said there is no provision in the amended law for taking anyone's citizenship away. A canard is being spread against the CAA by the Congress, SP, BSP, and Trinamool Congress.

The CAA is a law to grant citizenship, he added.

I want to say that irrespective of the protests it will not be withdrawn," he added.

Shah challenged opposition leaders to hold a discussion with him on the CAA at a public forum.

He named Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party's Mayawati and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee while throwing the challenge.

"If any clause of the CAA takes away the citizenship of anyone, including Muslims, they can tell me. The agitations and sit-ins, which are being organised in the country against it, are wrong," he said.

"The Congress has become blind due to vote bank politics," he said, and also blamed the party for Partition.

"Rahul baba open your ears and listen carefully. Because of the sins of your party in 1947, the country's partition on religious basis was accepted. Mentioning figures, he said the proportion of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains in Pakistan and Bangladesh dropped drastically after Partition.

"Where have they gone? They were either killed, converted or came to India as refugees. These blind people cannot see that atrocities were committed on crores of people," he said.

Shah asked opposition parties where they were when crores of people were killed in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh on the basis of religion.

He said five lakh Pandits were displaced from Kashmir, but these parties did not utter a word.

Now, because of PM Modi, a new chapter has begun in the lives of these people," he said.

Shah referred to the recent Supreme Court verdict that allows the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed Ayodhya site. The crowd cheered when he said the construction will begin in three months.

Accusing the opposition of speaking the language of Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, the BJP leader said, "I don't know what relation they have with Khan."



Shah claimed that Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Indira Gandhi advocated citizenship to Hindus from Pakistan but their Congress party never implemented the suggestion.

On Mamata Banerjee, he charged, "She was demanding citizenship for Dalit Bengalis. Now when the citizenship is being given to them, she has problems."



Shah claimed that during the Rajasthan assembly elections, the Congress had advocated citizenship to Hindus from Pakistan.

The CAA allows easier citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Jains who entered India from three neighbouring countries before 2015 after facing religious persecution. Muslim migrants don't figure on this list.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 24-year-old Afghan student of the Goa University was stabbed and injured by some men near here after an argument, police said on Tuesday and ruled out any "campus rivalry" as the trigger.

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident which occurred on Monday afternoon in Dona Paula area near the varsity campus, a police official said.

The stabbing had prompted the opposition Congress to allege that youths are getting provoked due to the "poison" of "state-sponsored" actions.

The victim student, Mathihulla Aria, is pursuing M.Com at the varsity's Goa Business School.

He was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit of a private hospital in Dona Paula for the stab injuries.

While Satish Nilkanthe, a resident of Maharashtra, was arrested on Monday, Desmond Fernandes and Suresh Nageri were picked up on Tuesday, said police inspector Sudesh Naik.

He said another accused, identified only as Jonty, is on the run.

"The incident was purely a clash between two groups which have nothing to do with the Goa University," the inspector said when asked about the motive behind the attack.

Narrating the sequence of the events of Monday, Naik said Nilkanthe and three others had an argument with Aria near Dona Paula plateau after which he called up fellow Afghani students for help.

"When a large number of Afghani students rushed to the aid of Aria, the four persons stabbed him and fled," he said.

A police complaint was lodged by Rahul Tripathi, director of foreign students at the Goa University.

Meanwhile, National Students' Union of India (NSUI) Goa chief Ahraz Mulla wrote a letter to Governor Satya Pal Malik after the incident and expressed fear of a "JNU-like situation" in the Goa University.

He demanded strong action against those who were spoiling the harmony of Goa University and police protection in all colleges of the state to prevent a "JNU or Jamia-like" situation.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee president Girish Chodankar demanded a thorough probe into the incident, which he said has "tarnished the image of Goa".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Adds details)

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - The White House unveiled its detailed legal defense as the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate gears up to begin President Donald Trump's impeachment trial on Tuesday.

Trump, who is only the fourth of 45 American presidents to face the possibility of being ousted by impeachment, submitted his most detailed arguments to date for why he should remain in office.

Here are some of the highlights:

1) White House argues House Democrats have failed to identify an "impeachable offense."

"House Democrats' novel theory of 'abuse of power' improperly supplants the standard of 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors' with a made-up theory that would permanently weaken the Presidency by effectively permitting impeachments based merely on policy disagreements."

"House Democrats' 'obstruction of Congress' claim is frivolous and dangerous. House Democrats propose removing the President from office because he asserted legal rights and privileges of the Executive Branch against defective subpoenas based on the advice from the Department of Justice."

"The President directed three of his most senior advisers not to comply with subpoenas seeking their testimony because they are immune from compelled testimony before Congress."

2) White House says impeachment inquiry was "irredeemably flawed."

"The process that resulted in these Articles of Impeachment was flawed from the start. Since the founding of the Republic, the House has never launched an impeachment inquiry against a President without a vote of the full House authorizing it."

"House Democrats concocted an unheard of procedure that denied the President any semblance of fair process. The proceedings began with secret hearings in a basement bunker... The President was denied any right to participate."

"Chairman (Adam) Schiff's hearings were fatally defective for another reason - Schiff himself was instrumental in helping to create the story behind them."

Story continues

"House Democrats resorted to these unprecedented procedures because the goal was never to get the truth. The goal was to impeach the President, no matter the facts."

3) White House says Democrats have presented "no evidence to support their claims."

"House Democrats have falsely charged that the President supposedly conditioned military aid or a presidential meeting on Ukraine's announcing a specific investigation. Yet...House Democrats do not have a single witness who claims, based on direct knowledge, that the President ever actually imposed such a condition."

"The evidence shows that President Trump had legitimate concerns about corruption and burden-sharing with our allies- two consistent themes in his foreign policy."

"House Democrats' assertion that asking historical questions about the last election somehow equates to securing 'improper interference' in the next election is nonsensical. Asking about the past cannot be twisted into interference in a future election."

"It also would have been legitimate to mention the Biden-Bursima affair. Public reports indicate that then-Vice President (Joe) Biden threatened withholding U.S. loan guarantees to secure the dismissal of a Ukrainian prosecutor..."

4) White House says the articles of impeachment are "structurally deficient."

"The articles are also defective because each charges multiple different acts as possible grounds for conviction... for a valid conviction, the Constitution requires two-thirds of Senators present to agree on the specific basis for conviction."

"The Senate should speedily reject these deficient Articles of Impeachment and acquit the President. The only threat to the Constitution that House Democrats have brought to light is their own degradation of the impeachment process and trampling of the separation of powers." (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
(CNN)  The Senate early Wednesday morning approved rules for the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on a party-line vote that delays the question of whether the Senate should subpoena witnesses and documents until later in the trial.

The rules resolution from Senate Majority Mitch McConnell was approved 53-47 after Republicans defeated a series of amendments from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer on the opening day of the bitterly fought impeachment trial. Schumer proposed 11 amendments seeking to subpoena a trove of documents from the Trump administration and witnesses like acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security adviser John Bolton, but the amendments were thwarted almost entirely by the same party-line vote, 53-47.

As the debate continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning, tempers increasingly began to flare. Chief Justice John Roberts admonished both the House managers and the President's lawyers after a particularly heated back and forth with House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, White House counsel Pat Cipollone and Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow. Roberts said he was admonishing the two sides "in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world's greatest deliberative body."

Schumer's amendments are part of an effort from Democrats in both the House and Senate to attack the resolution laying out the rules of the trial, which puts off a decision about seeking witnesses and documents until after opening statements are given and senators have a chance to ask questions of the House impeachment managers and the President's legal team.

"The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump. It asks the Senate to rush through as fast as possible and makes getting evidence as hard as possible," Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday. "The McConnell resolution will result in a rushed trial with little evidence in the dark of night."

The debate over the trial rules played out after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell decided to alter the trial resolution shortly before it gaveled in Tuesday, amid concerns from key Senate Republicans and an uproar from Democrats.

The new resolution will give the House impeachment managers and the President's team three days each to make their 24 hours of trial arguments, instead of two as McConnell had initially proposed. There were also changes to the section of the resolution that would not have admitted the House's evidence without a vote  now, evidence will be admitted automatically unless there is a motion from the President's team to throw out evidence.

But the changes did little to satisfy Democrats in either chamber, who have accused McConnell and Senate Republicans of working with the President to rush through the impeachment trial.

Democrats erupted when McConnell's four-page organizing resolution was released Monday night, dividing 24 hours over two days for opening arguments, delaying the question of witnesses until after the arguments were completed and requiring a vote for the House evidence to be submitted. Despite the changes, Democrats on Tuesday pushed for the Senate to obtain documents and witness testimony at the outset.

"If the Senate votes to deprive itself of witnesses and documents, the opening statements will be the end of the trial," House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, the lead impeachment manager and a California Democrat, said during the trial debate Tuesday, "So to say, 'Let's just have the opening statements and then we'll see,' means let's have the trial, and maybe we can just sweep this all under the rug."

Two GOP aides said the changes McConnell made were the result of concerns from moderate Republicans. The alterations were hand-written into the resolution  a sign they were hastily put together before the trial began early Tuesday afternoon.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and other colleagues "raised concerns about the 24 hours of opening statements in two days and the admission of the House transcript is the record," Annie Clark, a Collins spokeswoman, told CNN. "Her position has been that the trial should follow the Clinton model as much as possible. She thinks these changes are a significant improvement."

Collins did break with Republicans on one amendment vote, joining with Democrats on the 10th amendment to allow the sides 24 hours to respond to the trial motions that are due Wednesday morning. It failed 52-48.

The move is a sign of how closely McConnell, who cannot afford to lose more than four GOP senators to keep control of the trial, is keeping the pulse of the moderates in his conference.

Schumer's amendments sought subpoenas for a host of documents related to Ukraine, including those tied to the President's calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussion of investigations related to the Bidens and Burisma, and the freezing of US security assistance to Ukraine. The amendments included calls to subpoena the White House, National Security Council, State Department and OMB for documents.

But McConnell said on the Senate floor before the trial began that he has the votes from Republicans to move forward. McConnell said his proposal tracked closely with President Bill Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial that was "fair, even-handed and tracks closely with past precedents."

Impeachment guide: Voting on the trial rules

"Here in the Senate, the President's lawyers will finally receive a level playing field with the House Democrats, and will finally be able to present the President's case," McConnell said.

Cipollone, who is leading the President's defense, said the President's team backed the resolution.

"We believe that once you hear those initial presentations, the only conclusion will be that the President has done absolutely nothing wrong," Cipollone said. "And that these articles of impeachment do not begin to approach the standard required by the Constitution."

Trump is in Davos, Switzerland, for the Davos World Economic Forum, but he still weighed in on Twitter when the trial started on Twitter. "READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!" he wrote.

Debate could go into closed session

Tuesday's session was the first substantive day in the Senate trial after the House impeached Trump last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. House Democrats charge that the President abused his office by withholding US security aid and a White House meeting while pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, and then covered it up by obstructing the impeachment inquiry.

The House impeachment managers and the President's legal team included a summary of their case against the President  including playing television clips of the President's comments and snippets of the witness testimony from the House impeachment inquiry  as they detailed their case for pursuing documents and subpoenas to witnesses.

"The misconduct set out in those articles is the most serious ever charged against a president," Schiff said. "When the founders wrote the impeachment clause, they had precisely this type of conduct in mind, conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit, that undermines our national security, and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election."

The President's lawyers pushed back against the House, charging that the House's impeachment inquiry failed to give the President due process and the House failed to actually follow through on its subpoenas in court after the White House challenged them. The President's legal team largely focused on the process issues in the debate for more witnesses and documents.

"If I showed up in any court in this country and I said, 'Judge, my case is overwhelming, but I'm not ready to go yet. I need more evidence' ... I would get thrown out in two seconds," Cipollone said. "And that's exactly what should happen here."

The managers and the President's team each received an hour to debate each amendment, with several speaking at the lectern in the well of the Senate. Schiff and Cipollone used the time to push back on charges the other side was making, jumping in before or after the designated speaker who gave the bulk of the argument.

As the hours of debate dragged into the evening Tuesday, senators settled into their role in the trial as silent jurors, prohibited from speaking during the debates on amendments they would vote on.

Some senators took notes and listened attentively, while others slunk back in their chairs as the House managers and President's team took turns arguing the trial rules. Side conversations appeared to grow from fleeting whispers to quiet conversations, some even leading to laughs  despite the rules threatening senators with "pain of imprisonment" for speaking.

Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, absent-mindedly clicked his retractable pen for about a minute, before GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa turned to look at him and he stopped. Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Ben Sasse of Nebraska dug into Sasse's stash of jaw breakers, while whispering to each other and trading notes. At one point, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana stopped in his note taking to pass a note to Sasse, who added something to it and passed it on to Scott.

Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, said it was up to Schumer how many amendments would be offered  and how late into the night Tuesday's debate would go. But he argued it was necessary because it could be Democrats' only chance to force votes on witnesses and documents.

"We need to put Republicans on record," Murphy said. "We may not have another chance to offer amendments to get witnesses and documents before the Senate."

From 1999 to now

Since the House passed the two articles of impeachment last month, McConnell has said he would follow the precedent of Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial. McConnell has pointed to the fact that the Senate put off the question of witnesses until later in the trial, after opening arguments and the senators' period for asking questions had concluded. At that point, three witnesses were deposed, and portions of those depositions were played in the Senate chamber.

McConnell's resolution similarly puts the question of witnesses until after each side has 24 hours for their opening arguments  split over three days now, instead of two  and 16 hours of Senate questions. At that point, the Senate will vote generally on whether it should seek witnesses and documents, and then it will consider individual witnesses.

But Democrats say there are key differences. The Senate's Clinton witnesses had already testified before the grand jury, while the witnesses Democrats are now seeking  former national security adviser John Bolton, acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, White House budget official Michael Duffey and White House aide Rob Blair  refused to testify during the House's impeachment inquiry.

Democrats have also pointed to other divergences from Clinton as a sign McConnell is trying to rush the trial. The Clinton trial still provided four days per side for opening arguments, though splitting it up over three days means it's unlikely the sessions will stretch beyond midnight as initially expected.

Schiff on Tuesday cited the documents Democrats are seeking from the Trump administration as the most important pieces of evidence to still obtain.

"If we're truly interested in fair trial, the first step ought to be the production of the documents," Schiff said. "Those will reveal precisely who the most important witnesses are."

This story has been updated with additional developments Tuesday.

This story was first published on CNN.com "US Senate passes impeachment trial rules to punt on witnesses in early Wednesday morning vote"
Davos (Switzerland), Jan 21 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa here on Tuesday attended US President Donald Trump's address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2020.



"Yediyurappa is the first chief minister of Karnataka to participate in WEF meet with a full contingent of officials including chief secretary T M Vijaybhasker and Industries minister Jagadish Shettar," an official release said.

Along with Yediyurappa, union minister for commerce and industry Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya also attended the meet addressed by Trump.

"Though Trump's speech was in the right direction, he concentrated more on his country's economy. It is natural for any country head to speak about his country and its economy. Trump was very much appreciative of the WEF which has turned into a platform for the global traders and investors to boost their business activities," the Chief Minister said after attending Trump's address.

He added, "It is also a platform for the political leaders to invite and attract investments to boost the economy of respective states and countries. Such forums are the need of the hour particularly when states are facing trouble in mobilizing resources on their own."

"Investments will not only boost the state's economy, but they will also provide jobs to our youths. Our aim is to create jobs and for that, we need investments. Such occasions will come to the rescue of Karnataka's economy," Yediyurappa said. (ANI)
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After delivering an emotional speech about stepping back from the Royal Family, Prince Harry has now landed in Canada to begin his new life with wife Meghan Markle and son Archie.

The Duke of Sussex, 35, was seen beaming as he stepped off a plane on Vancouver Island wearing a warm hat and padded coat.

He then reportedly made a 10-minute journey by car to the 11m mansion where his wife and son have been staying.

The Duke of Sussex attends the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London's Docklands (PA)

Meanwhile, as her husband performed a final UK engagement  at the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 in Londons Docklands  the Duchess of Sussex, 38, was spotted going for a walk with their eight-month-old child and two dogs.

Meghan was seen smiling while wrapped up in a hat, black athleisure-wear and walking boots to take a stroll in the picturesque Horth Hill Regional Park.

The duchess ensemble mainly featured Canadian brands, a pair of 88 Lululemon leggings were paired with waterproof Sienna Boots by Kamik.

READ MORE: Sussex Royal trademarks hint at how Meghan Markle might make her money

Archie was strapped onto her in an Ergo baby carrier and she was accompanied by dogs beagle Guy and a black labrador Oz as well as two royal protection officers.

The couple revealed their hope earlier this month that they wished to split their time between the UK and Canada, a country where they also recently enjoyed a six-week festive break.

On Sunday evening, Harry insisted they had no other option but to withdraw from their senior royal roles.

READ MORE: Prince Harry's speech in full as he says he and Meghan had 'no other option' but to step back as senior royals

In a speech, delivered at at a private reception for the charity Sentebale, the duke addressed their reasons for resigning and what the couple hoped for the future.

Harry said: The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges.

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Prince Harry has landed in Canada to join begin a "new life" with Meghan Markle and baby son Archie (Getty)

And I know I havent always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.

What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you.

READ MORE: Prince Harry to follow in Princess Diana's footsteps and be styled 'Harry, Duke of Sussex'

Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding.

Unfortunately, that wasnt possible. Ive accepted this, knowing that it doesnt change who I am or how committed I am.

But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.

On Saturday evening, the details of an agreement the couple had made with the Queen were released.

It was announced that they would not use their HRH titles going forward, and would repay 2.4m of taxpayers money spent on Frogmore Cottage, which would remain their UK home.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK:
P rince Harry has touched down in Canada to rejoin Meghan and baby Archie for the start of his new life outside the royal family.

His reunion came as the Standard reveals Harrys ambitious plans to expand his role as a charity entrepreneur across America.

As questions continue over how the Sussexes will fund their lifestyle, the Standard has been told Harry is focused on charitable projects, including helping to tackle Aids as a legacy to his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Sources said the duke, who inherited an estimated 20 million when Diana died in 1997, already has a number of major charity events in the diary.

Prince Harry is pictured at Victoria International airport / SplashNews.com

They will be staged across America with his charity Sentebale, which supports the mental health and well-being of children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.

Chairman Johnny Hornby told the Standard: The duke is a global figure and HIV is a challenge for the world to try to help solve.

We know the duke has the ability to challenge the stigma that surrounds HIV and shine a light on these issues, whichever side of the pond he finds himself on.

Harry, 35, was whisked away by a car waiting at Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island just days after he and his wife agreed a deal with the Queen allowing them to step back as senior royals.

Victoria International airport in North Saanich, Municipality in Vancouver Island / AFP via Getty Images

He was said to be desperate to be reunited with his eight-month-old son after a two week separation.

He was taken to Heathrow yesterday evening after completing an engagement at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich, flying the 10 hours to Canada with BA.

He then boarded a WestJet flight for the 25-minute hop to Victoria on Vancouver Island, close to the 10 million waterside mansion where the family spent their Christmas break and are now reunited.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Harry are now reunited / REUTERS

His arrival comes amid a privacy row over photographs taken of a beaming Meghan, 38, as she took her dogs for a walk with Archie in a baby carrier in a park on Vancouver Island.

Walking behind her was one of her Scotland Yard personal protection team and another security officer.

There are said to be reasonable limits on photography in Canada and Section 162 of the Canadian Criminal Code prohibits secretly watching, photographing or making a video recording of anyone  including celebrities  at a time or in a place where the person is entitled to expect privacy.

But in both Canada and the US there is little or no legal basis for preventing anyone from taking photos in a public place.

The Sussexess reunion comes after months of discussions over their future.

Speaking at a Sentebale fundraising event at The Ivy, Chelsea, on Sunday night, Harry said he and Meghan had hoped to continue serving the Queen but without public funding.

Unfortunately, that wasnt possible, he said.

Harry speaking at a Sentebale fundraising event / Getty Images

In an emotional address, Harry, who established the charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho jointly in 2006, went on to say he was not walking away and said that he and Meghan will continue to lead a life of service.

He told the audience at the Sentebale charity, founded to continue Dianas legacy in supporting those with HIV and Aids, that he felt they took him under your wing after she died.

Harry was pictured yesterday at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, where he held a number of private meetings.

TODO: define component type apester

He did not take part in the evening reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for heads of government, ministers, business leaders and members of NGOs.

It was the first time William and Kate had hosted a reception for world leaders on behalf of the Queen and they were joined by the Princess Royal and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

As part of a deal finalised on Saturday between the Queen, senior royals and the couple, Harry and Meghan agreed they will no longer formally represent the monarch.

Members of the royal family over Christmas / AFP via Getty Images

The Palace said they would continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.

On Tuesday, William was continuing his royal duties, making a speech at a United for Wildlife Taskforce meeting at St Jamess Palace and holding more audiences as part of the UK-Africa Investment Summit.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader here:
Levis Otieno Rabahs secondary school education is now fully catered for after the student reported to school last week with only 2 bars of soap.

The Kanga High School student made headlines after his back to school picture went viral, prompting wellwishers to come to his rescue. Among them was radio personality Jalango who was able to mobilize and raise 4 years worth of school fees for the needy student.

Last Tuesday, Jalas was seeking about Sh212, 000(53K per year), and he was able to raise the amount through the help of Governor Hassan Joho, Akothee, Jared Otieno, and Trippy go Tours.

The Milele FM presenter flew to Kisumu yesterday to deliver the fees and a whole terms shopping courtesy of Quickmart Kenya.

Off to Kanga High school to finish the story of Levin Rabah! The boy who reported with two bar soaps. With me is his 4 years school fees and whole term shopping! So we fly to Kisumu 45mins then drive to Migori county through Kisii. Thats 2hrs away. I will be at Kanga God willing at 3 pm latest.

We also plan to visit the mum in the village then drive back to Kisumu for 8 pm flight. I want to thank everyone who was part of this amazing story. The teacher who took the photo and shared it, the Principal who despite everything still admitted the student. I want to thank everyone who contributed through the school Paybill Number. I want to send personal thank you to @joho_001, Big thank you to @quickmartkenya, @trippygotours, @akotheekenya, Boss Jared Otieno who all came in handy to ensure that this journey is complete, said Jalas.

The radio presenter said he will continue his philanthropic drive on Wednesday with a visit to Gertrude Hospital.

Once we have finished this Journey, On Wednesday I will be visiting Baby Andy Murithi Who is still at Getrude Hospital , so far we have been able to raise more than 300k for baby Andy. We will achive this!! Together we will do more! Lets not wait for anyone to help, we can hold each others hand and change one life at a time. If we can help 1 person per week then this Year will just be good! God bless you. Follow @Jalango_Foundation.
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt's mother Soni Razdan on Tuesday (January 21) sparked controversy by raising question over the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, saying that Guru was made the 'scapegoat'.

Razdan, who is also an actress, demanded an enquiry into Guru's hanging and said this is a travesty of justice. "This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat," tweeted Razdan.

This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent. This is why the death penalty is not to be used lightly. And this is why there also needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat https://t.co/UUVV2Z9UGU  Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) January 21, 2020

Razdan said that an inquiry should also be conducted to find out why disgraced Jammu and Kashmir DGP Davinder Singh was not probed after Afzal Guru claimed in a letter that Singh forced him to bring a terrorist from Kashmir to Delhi. Afzal had also claimed in the letter that the terrorist, who later carried out Parliament attack, knew Singh.

'There Should be Inquiry into Why Davinder Singh Was Let off after Afzal... https://t.co/rEaEEdl1Aw via @YouTube There should also be an enquiry as to how people like Afzal are tortured and forced to carry out terrorist activities for criminals and then get the death penalty !  Soni Razdan (@Soni_Razdan) January 21, 2020

"There should also be an enquiry as to how people like Afzal are tortured and forced to carry out terrorist activities for criminals and then get the death penalty," Razdan noted.

Notably, Singh was arrested on January 11 along with Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists Naveed Babu, his accomplice Rafi Ahmad and a lawyer named Irfan from a car on the highway near Kulgam. Singh is currently in the custody of Jammu and Kashmir police and it is expected that National Investigation Agency would soon interrogate him.

Live TV

On January 18, intelligence agencies sources had said that some suspected terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police in 2005 had exposed their secret association with Singh. The 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.
At least 62,000 seabirds, and possibly as many as 1 million, died along the West Coast between summer 2015 and spring 2016, researchers said in a study published this week, and they believe theyve found the cause for the unprecedented die-off.

Scores of common murres, one of the most prolific seabirds, washed up on beaches, and many were emaciated, the researchers said. The cause? A persistent and intense marine heatwave that became known as the blob, a wide swath of the northeastern Pacific Ocean with waters several degrees above average.

While many tens of thousands of dead birds were documented, researchers believe that represents only a small fraction of the number of animals that perished, many of which likely died at sea and were never found. Beyond the dead birds, scientists also found breeding failures in 22 common murre colonies.

Die-offs and breeding failures occur sporadically in murres, but the magnitude, duration and spatial extent of this die-off, associated with multi-colony and multi-year reproductive failures, is unprecedented and astonishing, the authors wrote in the study, published in the journal Plos One.

The blob started in 2013 when water in the Gulf of Alaska began to warm. A ridge of high pressure, nicknamed by scientists as the ridiculously resilient ridge, disrupted weather patterns for years, diverting storms away from the northeastern Pacific. From 2013 to 2016, a pool of warmer-then-usual water stretched from Alaska to Southern California, with disastrous consequences for the ecosystem up and down the food chain.

Certain species of plankton were greatly reduced. A massive algal bloom developed, throwing crab fisheries all along the West Coast into disarray. Sea lions, Guadalupe fur seals and baleen whales died at higher rates than usual. And then dead murres started washing up.

Common murres are among the fastest seabirds in the northern Pacific, capable of flying at speeds of up to 50 mph, and they are expert hunters, able to dive down to 150 feet in search of prey on the seafloor. They mostly feed on forage fish like capelin, sardines and anchovy, and need to consume more than half their weight every day to sustain their body mass. With plankton depleted, many species on which the murre depend for prey saw declines in body condition.

A few degrees of warmth might not seem like much, said John Piatt, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Study and one of more than 20 authors of the study, but the increase is enough to speed up the metabolism of cold-blooded creatures like forage fish. The increase in metabolism meant those fish needed to eat more, but the ocean heatwave didnt produce more food. So those forage fish, the murres main prey, became skinnier and provided less nutrition to the birds that ate them.

At the same time, larger fish that consumed the same prey as the murres would also need more nutrition, increasing competition for the seabirds. Many of the murres that perished in the die-off appeared to have starved to death, Piatt said.

We had close to equilibrium with enough food for everyone, Piatt said of the time before the heatwave. Suddenly a wrench got thrown in the system. It left murres without anything to eat, and we lost a million of them.

Beyond the deaths, Piatt and the other researchers documented complete failure or severely depressed reproduction in nearly two dozen common murre breeding colonies between Alaska and Southern California.

Dead common murre seabirds were found scattered in large numbers on beaches of Prince William Sound after a mass die-off in winter 2015-2016.

As heat-trapping gases continue to build up in the atmosphere, the ocean warms along with air above it, absorbing more than 90 percent of the excess heat global warming has created. Climate change does not in and of itself cause marine heatwaves like the blob -- ocean temperatures vary for a number of natural reasons -- but climate change does make them more extreme. Between 1982 and 2016, marine heatwaves have doubled in frequency and have become longer-lasting, more intense and more extensive, according to a United Nations report.

Every species has an optimum temperature in which it exists, Piatt explained, from the plankton to the forage fish to the common murres to the megafauna like whales and sea lions. Climate change, he said, is likely to push many of these species out of their optimal environment.

There are going to be more extremes with lots of variability. More extreme heatwaves and cold spells, Piatt said. That's not how our system is engineered.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048

@sfkale

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Kim Kye-gwan, an adviser to North Korea's Foreign Ministry, first emerged as the North's nuclear negotiator in 1993. He has served in that position for almost three decades. Whenever he meets U.S. or South Korean nuclear negotiators, Kim asks how his previous counterparts are doing and add, "Have you been reading up on nuclear issues?" He will then spew out various nuclear-related facts that would make an expert blush. One former diplomat said, "North Korea's Foreign Ministry is filled with veterans who have handled nuclear negotiations and U.S. and China affairs for 20 to 30 years. On top of that, they share a sense of desperation that failed negotiations could mean death." That is the biggest strength of North Korean diplomacy.

Even until 1990, North Korea's diplomacy revolved around China, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. But Ri Yong-ho, the son of then-North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's closest confidante, wanted to work for the disarmament department and take part in the U.S.' nuclear disarmament program. That happened before the North Korean nuclear crisis erupted. Ri toured think tanks in the U.S. for six months and returned with a suitcase full of books related to disarmament. It was Ri's idea during the first North Korean nuclear crisis to turn to brinkmanship to gain the upper hand in negotiations.

Ri, who had served as foreign minister since 2016, was noticeably absent from a group photo of the Workers Party leadership after a full session of the party late last year. Something must have happened during the meeting. Then on Monday, about a month later, reports came out that the North appointed hawkish former point man on South Korea, Ri Son-gwon, as its new foreign minister. This is the same North Korean official who rudely accused a group of South Korean tycoons on a visit to Pyongyang last year of being negligent in promoting cross-border economic cooperation as they ate cold buckwheat noodles. He also walked out of military talks with South Korea on several occasions.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Davos on Tuesday for the annual economic forum, where he was to give a speech just hours before his impeachment trial kicks into high gear in Washington.

Trump's Marine One helicopter touched down in the picturesque Swiss ski resort shortly ahead of his scheduled speech to the World Economic Forum, which this year is focusing on climate change.

He was also due to meet the president of Iraq, Pakistan's prime minister and the head of the European Union executive body.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
sars

PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images

A mysterious new virus is sweeping through parts of Asia, infecting more than 200 people since it was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December.

The new illness is believed to have originated from a seafood market in Wuhan, a densely populated central Chinese city home to about 11 million people. It has been dubbed the Wuhan virus, or the 2019-nCoV, and is considered to a coronavirus, which causes cold-like symptoms and is considered "zoonotic" and can be transmitted between animals and humans.

According to the World Health Organization, signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death.

coronavirus

BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images

The virus is considered to be a "novel coronavirus" because it is a new strain that had not previously been identified in humans. There are no vaccinations for the disease, though the WHO has published interim guidelines for ways countries can prepare for this virus, including monitoring sick people, treating and quarantining patients, and communicating with the public about the spread of infection.

As of Tuesday, at least four people in Wuhan had died from the virus, according to local authorities. The virus has also spread to other Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shenzhen, as well as to South Korea, Thailand, and Japan. Several unconfirmed cases have also been reported in the UK and Australia.

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wuhan virus map v02(updated as of jan 22)

Authorities by late Monday had confirmed 217 cases of infection in China, according to Reuters. Of that number, 198 people were infected in Wuhan alone, which was triple the number of cases disclosed the previous day by Chinese authorities. On Tuesday, Wuhan health authorities said dozens of patients remained in hospitals with the virus, some critically ill and all under quarantine.

But China's handling of 2003's SARS epidemic has sparked concerns among observers of another pandemic and state-sanctioned cover-up.

Fears of another SARS-like outbreak

sars

Christian Keenan/Getty Images

Fears of another global outbreak stem from China's handling of the deadly SARS virus in the early 2000s.

Experts have noted similarities between the Wuhan virus and the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, which reached epidemic proportions from November 2002 to July 2003. The epidemic consisted of 8,098 cases of the disease and 774 deaths across at least 30 countries.

The outbreak of the illness was traced to China's southeastern Guangdong province and was genetically traced to have spread through bats.

During the initial stages of the outbreak, the Chinese government concealed information from the public, limiting mitigation efforts and exacerbating the spread of disease. The country also had no government agencies in place at the time to deal with a public-health emergency.

The government did not inform the WHO of the outbreak until February 2003, allowing the disease to flourish.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, doctors in Beijing were ordered by authorities to hide SARS patients from WHO officials during inspections.

The tight-lipped response from the Chinese government on the disease had both political and economic motivations, meant to reduce public panic and keep the status quo within the country. Taiwanese legislators even accused China of unleashing the virus as part of a biological warfare campaign, though no conclusive evidence has been found, according to Reuters.

A Chinese doctor named Jiang Yanyong eventually exposed China's attempted cover-up of the disease, earning him a human-rights award that he was barred from traveling to collect in the US. He was also reportedly taken into Chinese military custody before being released in 2014.

China eventually did apologize in 2003 for its slow reporting of the outbreak and promised to establish a national medical emergency mechanism.

Chinese authorities have jumped in to control the spread of information on the Wuhan virus

Wuhan China Virus

STR/AFP via Getty Images

On Sunday, China's National Health Commission said in its first public statement on the outbreak that an epidemic of the disease was "still preventable and controllable."

On Monday, the health body was forced to acknowledge that the disease was able to spread person-to-person and that cases of infection were reported by people who never set foot in Wuhan.

"Currently, it can be said it is affirmative that there is the phenomenon of human-to-human transmission," Zhong Nanshan, a scientist at the National Health Commission, said in an interview on the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. He added that the spread of the deadly infection was "climbing," though he said the "death rate at the moment is not so representative."

Chinese leaders have also spoken out on the disease, promising to share pertinent information with the public quickly.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday pledged that the government would "adhere to openness and transparency" and would "release authoritative information" on the virus "in a unified manner."

Chinese President Xi Jinping also gave a statement on the health crisis, saying it was necessary to "release information on the epidemic in a timely manner and deepen international cooperation."

A woman wearing a mask is seen at a waiting area for a train to Wuhan at the Beijing West Railway Station, ahead of Chinese Lunar New Year, in Beijing, China January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Stringer

Reuters

Despite this, observers are still skeptical about China's commitment to speaking the truth, as China has also been known to distort data and enforce strict censorship in reference to information it shares with the public.

Reuters' China correspondent Cate Cadell tweeted that several people she had spoken with reported being tracked by Chinese authorities for posting information about sick relatives or friends on social media or for talking to members of the press.

According to Reuters, users of the microblogging platform Weibo have complained of lacking access to clear guidance from the government on preventing the spread of disease.

Scientists at Imperial College London working in collaboration with the WHO suggest the actual number of people infected by the virus may be anywhere from 996 to 2,298, which are figures significantly higher than those released by the Chinese government so far.

There are also concerns that China is downplaying the severity of the virus ahead of China's Lunar New Year holiday, often described as the "largest human migration in the world," which could accelerate the crisis rapidly as millions prepare to travel to the country.

China's mistakes will be tested as it faces a new outbreak

china wuhan virus

Reuters

The world is closely watching the Chinese government as it responds to the spread of its newest coronavirus in the wake of its SARS crisis.

Experts have noted that China has learned much from the SARS crisis, including the need for coordinated response.

But news about the virus has spread across social media, raising pressure on the Chinese government to increase transparency.

On Sunday, the journalist David Paulk posted a video of medics in hazmat suits scanning dozens of plane passengers for the symptoms of the virus, stoking fears of a pandemic.

Three US airports have also begun screening passengers for the disease, as have airports in Singapore and Hong Kong, according to the BBC.

"The government seems to have learned that in an era of the Internet and cell phones, a complete information blackout is not only impossible but also counterproductive," Yanzhong Huang, who published a report on the SARS epidemic and its aftermath in China, wrote in 2004.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Apple has scored more big names for its newly launched streaming service, Apple TV+, including "Veep" and "Seinfeld" star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as well as Meryl Streep, the latter who's attached to an animated short film about Earth Day, set to premiere on April 17. In addition, Apple has now announced several new series for Apple TV+, plus renewals and premiere dates for others.

The upcoming Earth Day film, titled "Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth," will also star the voice talents of "Room" actor Jacob Tremblay as a seven-year-old child who learns about the planet, and Chris O'Dowd and Ruth Negga as his parents. Streep will provide the voice-over narration.

Meanwhile, Louis-Dreyfus hasn't announced specific details of her projects. Apple says she has inked an overall deal with Apple TV+ as both an executive producer and star -- her first overall deal with a streaming service. Under the multi-year agreement, Louis-Dreyfus will create multiple new projects exclusively for Apple TV+.

Joked the actress: "I am thrilled about this new partnership with my friends at Apple. Also, many thanks and kudos to my representatives for structuring the deal in such a way that I am paid in AirPods," she said.

Apple has previously signed other overall deals with names like Alfonso Cuaron, Kerry Ehrin, Jon M. Chu, Justin Lin, Jason Katims, Lee Eisenberg, as well as studios A24 and Imagine Documentaries, and Oprah.

In addition to the big-name talent grabs, Apple also on Friday announced a new documentary series, "Dear...," from Emmy and Peabody winner R.J. Cutler. Due out this spring, the series will profile internationally known leaders, including Oprah Winfrey, Gloria Steinem, Spike Lee, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Yara Shahidi, Stevie Wonder, Aly Raisman, Misty Copeland, Big Bird (uh, what?) and others.

This is not Apple TV+'s first documentary. It's currently airing the Peace Award winner "The Elephant Queen," about a tribe of African elephants. And while not a documentary, per se, the service is also now featuring real life-inspired tales of immigrants in the U.S. in the Apple TV+ anthology series, "Little America" which have a documentary-like vibe. Other documentary series and films in the works include "Visible: Out on Television" "Home," "Beastie Boys Story" and "Dads."

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Newly announced "Visible...," exec-produced by Ryan White, Jessica Hargrave, Wanda Sykes and Wilson Cruz, focuses on the LGBTQ movement and its impact on television. Premiering on Valentine's Day (February 14), the series will also feature narration from Janet Mock, Margaret Cho, Asia Kate Dillon, Neil Patrick Harris and Lena Waithe.

Another new show is "Central Park," an animated musical comedy from Loren Bouchard ("Bobs Burgers"), executive producer Josh Gad ("Frozen") and executive producer Nora Smith ("Bobs Burgers"), which will arrive this summer. The show features a family that lives in Central Park, the Tillermans, and includes a voice cast with the talents of Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs and Stanley Tucci. The animation style has the distinct look of "Bob's Burgers," as well.

Apple's first original series from the U.K., "Trying," will premiere on May 1st globally. This series stars Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, hails from BBC Studios and was written by Andy Wolton. As the name hints, the story is about a couple -- Jason and Nikki -- who are trying to have a baby. But Apple describes the show's larger theme as one about "growing up, settling down and finding someone to love."

A new thriller, "Defending Jacob," based on the 2012 NYT bestseller of the same name, will premiere April 24.

The limited series stars Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, Jaeden Martell, Cherry Jones, Pablo Schreiber, Betty Gabriel and Sakina Jaffrey, and tells of a shocking crime that rocks a small Massachusetts town. The story follows an assistant district attorney who is torn between duty to uphold justice and his love for his son. Academy Award-winner J.K. Simmons guest stars.

Apple also announced its live-action comedy that follows a team of video game developers, "Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet," has been renewed for a second season ahead of its global premiere date of February 7.

The show was co-created by Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Megan Ganz, and also stars McElhenney as the fictional company's creative director, Ian Grimm.

Other shows awarded a second season include "Little America," "Dickinson," "See," "Servant," "For All Mankind," "The Morning Show" and the soon-to-premiere "Home Before Dark."

Despite not sharing any sort of viewership data -- even with the shows' stars -- the renewals speak to Apple's confidence in its original programming.

"Home Before Dark" is a dramatic mystery series featuring young investigative journalist Hilde Lysiak, and is exec-produced by Jon M. Chu. Based on the real-life kid reporter of the same name, the series takes Hilde's story into fictional territory by telling a tale of a young girl who moves from Brooklyn to a small lakeside town where she ends up unearthing a cold case that everyone in town, including her dad, has tried to bury. The real Lysiak, however, runs an online news operation, Orange Street News, which made headlines when the then 11-year-old girl scooped local news outlets by being the first to expose a murder in her hometown of Selinsgrove, Pa.

Steven Spielberg's "Amazing Stories" has also now been given a premiere date of March 6. The rebooted anthology series is run by Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz ("Lost"), and features episode directors Chris Long ("The Americans," "The Mentalist"), Mark Mylod ("Succession," "Game of Thrones"), Michael Dinner ("Unbelievable," "Sneaky Pete"), Susanna Fogel ("Utopia," "Play By Play") and Sylvain White ("Stomp the Yard," "The Rookie").

Also previously announced, Apple set a premiere date for the new documentary series "Home," which will air on April 17. The series offers viewers a look inside some of the world's most innovative homes around the world.

Though only two months old, Apple TV+ has already landed its first Hollywood industry award, as "The Morning Show" star Jennifer Aniston snagged a SAG Award for best female actor in a drama. Co-star Billy Crudup also won a Critics' Choice Award for best-supporting actor.

"The Morning Show," meanwhile, had been nominated for three Golden Globes, but didn't win. However, the Globes largely snubbed streamers this year, with Netflix earning only two wins, despite 34 nominations.
The Rev. J. Thomas Finucan, who was president of Viterbo University in the 1970s and earned a reputation as one of the more influential figures in school history, has been named on a diocesan list of clergy who abused children.

The Diocese of La Crosse on Saturday released the names of 25 priests who, according to investigators, have been credibly accused of child sexual abuse. Most of the accused priests have died, and none of them are currently serving in public ministry, church records show.

Finucan, who died in 2018 at age 88, was the first man to lead what was then Viterbo College, serving as president from 1970 to 1980.

Under his watch, Viterbo evolved from a womens school best known for training nuns to a larger and more modern co-educational college.

Finucan maintained his ties to Viterbo after stepping down in 1980, and went on to serve on the universitys board of trustees until 2006.

Before coming to La Crosse, Finucan spent time as a teacher, guidance counselor and principal, according to Tribune files.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  State Street from Earl Ave. to South 21st Street on Lafayette's southside is back open after police were investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting.

Sgt. Brown with LPD said two investigations are simultaneously being investigated; criminal and internal affairs.

He said this is protocol after an officer uses his weapon in the line of duty.

As we previously reported, police were called to Lafayette's southside for a man with a gun. Officers then tried to negotiate with him to put his weapon away. Sgt. Brown said an officer was forced to shoot his gun after the man refused to cooperate.

The man died from the gunshot wound.

It happened to 2:15 Monday afternoon. The stretch of State Street from Earl Ave. to 21st Street was closed for about seven hours. Both investigations are on-going.

We are working to gather body-camera footage. Any updates will be on-air or online.
Pavan K Varma, a senior leader of Nitish Kumars Janata Dal United on Tuesday, asked the Bihar Chief Minister to explain the reasons why the party allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Delhi election when even its long-standing allies such as the Akali Dal had refused to do so.

In a two-page letter to boss Nitish Kumar that was also put out on Twitter, Pavan K Varma also quoted from their private conversations where the chief minister had been severely critical about the BJP and underscored that he had been unable to reconcile the line advocated by the JDU constitution, Kumars private feelings and the partys actions in public.

Politics, as you have emphasized to us, must be about principle and the courage of conviction, Varma, the JDU national general secretary and national spokesperson, said.

ALSO WATCH | Nationwide NRC not needed, says Bihar CM Nitish amid Opposition protests

The trigger for Tuesdays sharply-worded letter appeared to be the JDU tie-up with the BJP in Delhi announced a day earlier. As part of this pact, the JDU would get to contest on 2 seats in the 8 February elections.

Verma said the alliance, the first between the two parties outside Bihar, had deeply perplexed him and he was looking for ideological clarity.

Pavan K Varma has been one of the few JDU leaders to speak against his partys stand on the amended citizenship law that enables the government to give citizenship to non-Muslims from pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Political strategist and party vice president Prashant Kishor is another.

Varma recalled Nitish Kumars strong views about the BJP and its politics back in 2012 and later. .

He wrote: However, the cause for confusion arises from the fact that even after you changed tracks and aligned again with the BJP in 2017, your private apprehensions regarding the BJP did not change.

For instance, I remember your confessing to me in private how the current leadership in the BJP party has humiliated you. You maintained, on more than one occasion, that the BJP is leading India into a dangerous space. It was your personal view, as conveyed to me, that the BJP is destroying institutions, and that there is a need for democratic and socialiust forces within the country to regroup, a task for which you actually assigned a senior party official, Varma said.

Varma said if these were his real views, he couldnt understand how the JDU was extending its alliance with the BJP beyond Bihar when even long standing allies of the BJP, like the Akali Dal, have refused to do so.

This is especially so at a time when the BJP, through the CAA-NPR-NRC combine, has embarked on a massive socially divisive agenda, aimed at mutilating the peace, harmony and stability of the country, the letter, written against the backdrop of protests over the amended citizenship law and citizens register, said.

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Protests continue despite breakthrough, as demonstrators call for early elections and technocrat-led cabinet.

Lebanon has formed a new government, its presidency announced after Hezbollah and its allies clinched a deal on a cabinet that is now tasked with tackling the countrys worst economic crisis in decades.

The country has been without an effective government since caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned in October last year under pressure from protests against state corruption and mismanagement.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab, a 60-year-old professor at the American University of Beirut, now heads a cabinet of 20 members, mostly specialists backed by political parties.

Ive been appointed in the face of many accusations. I wanted to work, not to argue. I have abided by the law informing me to form a government. I followed the rules and regulations to form a new team of ministers, he said, moments after the lineup was read out at the presidential palace in the capital, Beirut, on Tuesday.

This is a government that represents the aspirations of the demonstrators who have been mobilised nationwide for more than three months, Diab said.

He pledged that his government will strive to meet their demands for an independent judiciary, for the recovery of embezzled funds, for the fight against illegal gains.

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In this decisive moment, I salute the revolution and the uprising that pushed us towards this and Lebanon has become victorious. We will achieve social cohesion. There will be accountability.

He added: This [is a] government that does not aspire to cronyism and favours. None of the members of the government will be standing for the next elections. This government is made up of non-partisan people who are not affected by political wrangling.

Protesters angry

But Diabs words  and the formation of a new government  failed to satisfy protesters, who have been rallying since October 17.

They have been calling for sweeping reforms and a government led by independent technocrats that can deal with the crippling economic crisis.

The demonstrations, which have mostly been peaceful, turned violent on Saturday and Sunday.

Protesters, who had called for a week of rage, lobbed stones, firecrackers and street signs at riot police, who fired tear gas and rubber-coated bullets to clear a road leading to Parliament.

The escalation saw more than 540 people wounded on the two sides and came as wrangling delayed the formation of the new government.

Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut, said people have again taken to the streets and were outside Parliament chanting slogans against Diab and the government.

What he really tried to do is defend his cabinet lineup, even calling it an exceptional government, saying it meets the aspirations of the people. He even saluted the uprising, Khodr said.

People are angry, she continued. They have lost faith in the ruling authorities. They believe they should give up power.

Protesters on Tuesday chanted revolution, revolution and leave, Michael Aoun, in reference to the current president.

Some said they would not leave until their demands for early elections and a technocrat-led government were met.

Karen Karem, 41, told Al Jazeera: We are here because they dont listen. Were here because our parents lived through civil war and now manage on less than $300 a month.

A 22-year-old, who requested anonymity, said: This new government is the same: thieves came and replaced other thieves. Im still a student and already know Ill graduate and not find a job.

Al Jazeeras Farah Najjar contributed to this report from Beirut.
Gold prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday as a new strain of pneumonia in China stoked fears of a wider epidemic that could hamper economic growth, sparking a sudden bout of risk aversion and sell-off in Asian stocks.

Spot gold prices touched their highest since Jan. 8 at $1,568.35 and were up 0.3% at $1,566.06 per ounce by 0326 GMT. U.S. gold futures were 0.4% higher at $1,566.30.

Asian shares slipped as the new coronavirus has spread to more Chinese cities and concerns mounted it could spread further with many travelling for the Lunar New Year holidays.

Gold prices were driven by "the rapid spread of the virus from Wuhan, China, which has caused panic", said Margaret Yang Yan, a market analyst at CMC Markets.

"Chinese New Year holidays are going to worsen the situation as people are bound to travel in China. The fear of outbreak is going to drive up demand for gold for a couple more days," she added.

China will start celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend.

The yen also gained on concerns of a wider outbreak, which has prompted the World Health Organisation to convene an emergency meeting to assess the situation.

Boosting safe-haven bids further, three Katyusha rockets fell inside Baghdad's Green Zone which houses government buildings and foreign missions, and the International Monetary Fund on Monday trimmed its global growth forecasts for 2020 and 2021.

Bullion is considered a safe asset during times of financial and geopolitical uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan kept monetary policy steady and nudged up its economic growth forecasts, as the government's spending package and receding pessimism over the global outlook take some pressure off the central bank to top up stimulus.

Markets also kept a tab on developments in the World Economic Forum in Davos and awaited the European Central Bank's first policy meeting of the year this week.

Palladium advanced 0.6% to $2,515.05 an ounce. The auto-catalyst metal hit a record high of $2,582.19 in the previous session.

Silver rose 0.3% to $18.12 per ounce, while platinum moved higher by 0.3% to $1,018.91.
Mumbai, Jan 21 : Indian-British actress Anya Chalotra has been courting the limelight over the past weeks, as the female protagonist Yennefer in the Netflix series "The Witcher". She appears alongside "Superman" actor Henry Cavill in the fantasy action series.

Anya, 24, hails from an Indian-British family. Her father is of Indian descent while her mother is English.

She was eight, she recalls, when she realised how much she loves the limelight, and in an interesting way, the incident has an Indian connect.

"I think I was eight. We were having a family get-together and was told to sing an Indian song. And I knew, at that very moment, that I loved the attention," she recalled, in a conversation with vogue.in.

Barely less than a year and half into the profession, Anya has already excited the small screen circuit. She made her debut with the British series "Wanderlust" in September 2018, and her second show -- the BBC thriller "The ABC Murders" -- followed a few months later in December.

It took her less than a year after that to arrive in American showbiz. "The Witcher" would premiere on December 20 2019. A second season of the show has already been announced, for a 2021 release.

"I haven't read all of The Witcher novels," she admitted, adding the reason is she is a slow reader. "That's only because I am very thorough. I read every detail and often have to go back to the page before and read it again, and I ask questions as I go along, since I am that character," she added.

Anya trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has performed in three professional plays.

As far as "The Witcher" goes, for Anya the script, written by producer and showrunner, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, has been her Bible.

"I would read it every day, again and again. It allowed me to become more familiar with the way Yennefer (character) would think, breathe and respond to the relationships she had with different characters," she said.

When Anya walked into the audition room, she knew nothing about monster slayers or her character Yennefer of Vengerberg's legacy.

"I walked into this blindly. And I think that helped me, because had I known of Yennefer being such an iconic character and having a huge fan base, I would've over-thought every choice I made in that audition room." She auditioned thrice for the role. "Every time I auditioned, I became hungrier for the role," she recalled.

Anya "started getting a lot of attention" after she bagged the role, "which was both negative and positive". So, she got off social media.

"I wanted my journey to be very different. I wanted to allow the character to evolve organically, without any pressure, and I know that the only way to do that was to shut off my social media," she reasoned.

Being Yennefer in "The Witcher", she admits, has been a life-changing experience. "This opportunity has changed my life. It has been an absolute gift," she said.

Creator Lauren Schmidt Hissrich's "The Witcher" is based on the fantasy series of novels and short stories of the same name by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-22 00:08:35|Editor: zh

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TASHKENT, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The legislative chamber and the senate of Uzbekistan's newly-formed parliament have approved Abdulla Aripov as the prime minister of the Central Asian nation in its joint session on Tuesday.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has nominated Aripov as a candidate to lead the government for a new five-year term noting that he has known him for more than 20 years.

Aripov, who had served as a deputy prime minister between 2002 and 2012, became prime minister when President Mirziyoyev assumed office following presidential elections in 2016.

Aripov has presented his government's development program till 2030, which will be submitted to the president for approval.

Early this week, the Uzbek parliament's newly-formed two chambers held their first sessions and elected their speakers.
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has launched a scathing attack on presidential hopeful and 2016 Democratic rival Bernie Sanders, telling a documentary that "nobody likes him".

Clinton also refused to say whether she would endorse and campaign for Sanders if he becomes the Democrats' choice to take on President Donald Trump in November's election.

"He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him," Clinton, 72, says in a four-part series due to air on streaming site Hulu in March.

"Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it," he adds.

Sanders, a leftist senator from Vermont, is among the leaders in the race for the 2020 Democratic nomination.

He sits second in national polls behind centrist Joe Biden and ahead of Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, two weeks before the first nomination vote in Iowa.

Sanders, 78, pushed Clinton to the wire four years ago in an acrimonious, months-long battle for the party's nomination. Clinton won that race but lost to Trump in November.

Asked whether she would back Sanders if he won the nomination this time around, Clinton said: "I'm not going to go there yet. We're still in a very vigorous primary season."



Warren has accused Sanders of telling her privately in December 2018, as they contemplated White House runs, that he did not believe a woman could win a presidential election.

Sanders denies the claim but Clinton said the comment was "part of a pattern." "If it were a one-off, you might say, 'OK, fine.' But he said I was unqualified," she recalled.

"It's the culture around him. It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women," she added.

Sanders was forced to apologise to Biden on Monday after one of his supporters, Zephyr Teachout, wrote an opinion article in The Guardian accusing the former vice-president of having "a big corruption problem.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Now, all eyes are once again on Collins and whether she will side with Democrats on calling witnesses in the Senate trial and where she will fall on whether to convict Trump. Collins has signaled she is likely to support hearing from witnesses once both sides have laid out their case.
Many bacterial pathogens excrete toxins as soon as they have entered the host in order to suppress its immune response. Researchers at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (RUB) have analysed what happens on the molecular level when the diarrhea pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis switches into attack mode. To this end, they examined so-called RNA thermometers, which signal to the bacteria whether they are in the host.

In collaboration with colleagues from the Helmholtz Institute for Infection Research in Braunschweig, they also showed that bacteria with deactivated RNA thermometers can no longer trigger an infection. The journal PLOS Pathogens reports about the study online on 17. january 2020.

RNA thermometer melts at 37 degrees Celcius

"We knew from previous studies that Yersinia bacteria are very sensitive to temperature changes and recognise that they are in their host on the basis of body temperature," says Professor Franz Narberhaus from the RUB Chair of Microbial Biology. RNA thermometers are responsible for temperature measurement. They are sections in the messenger RNA of many genes that contain the blueprint for disease-causing proteins.

At low temperatures, i.e. outside the host, RNA thermometers prevent the RNA from being read and translated into proteins. Only after successful infection of the warm-blooded host, i.e. at a temperature of around 37 degrees Celsius, do the RNA structures melt. They can then be written into proteins that have a harmful effect on the host. In the current publication, the scientists describe the underlying melting mechanism of the RNA thermometer for one of the toxins of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, namely the CnfY-Toxin.

Bacteria with non-functional thermometers do not cause illness

PhD student Christian Twittenhoff from Bochum used isolated cell components of the diarrhoea pathogen to show which structure the RNA thermometer for the CnfY toxin assumes and where it melts. The biologist created a model that documents how the thermometer opens. It also shows how the ribosome - the cell component on which the messenger RNA is translated into a protein - docks to the messenger RNA.

In cooperation with the group headed by Professor Petra Dersch, formerly at Helmholtz Institute in Braunschweig, currently at the University of Munster, the researchers moreover demonstrated the role of the RNA thermometer in the disease process. They infected mice with Yersinia bacteria that either had functioning RNA thermometers or inactivated RNA thermometers that could not melt at 37 degrees Celsius. The bacterial strains with modified RNA thermometers were not able to make mice ill. "The results have shown how important very short regulatory RNA sequences can be for the successful course of infection of a bacterium," concludes Christian Twittenhoff, lead author of the study.

Similar mechanisms suspected in other bacteria

Christian Twittenhoff compared the gene of the CnfY toxin with toxin genes of other pathogens using bioinformatic methods. The analysis suggests that other toxin genes might also be regulated by RNA thermometers. "Even though the sequences are very different, we are able to predict which RNA structures are likely to act as thermometers," he explains.

"RNA thermometers function via a very simple mechanism, which has probably proved its efficacy in the course of evolution and has therefore developed many times and independently of each other," assumes Franz Narberhaus. In principle, it is possible to prevent bacterial infection by preventing the melting of such RNA structures. "However, we don't yet know any substances that freeze RNA thermometers in the closed state," continues Narberhaus.

###

About the pathogen

The diarrhoea pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is closely related to the plague pathogen Yersinia pestis. The bacterium is transmitted via contaminated food. As soon as it arrives in the intestine of the warm-blooded host, it secretes the so-called CnfY toxin, which triggers acute inflammatory reactions and increases the effect of other pathogenic substances.

Funding

The German Research Foundation funded the project under the funding code NA 240/10-2.

Original publication

Christian Twittenhoff, Ann Kathrin Heroven, Sabrina Muhlen, Petra Dersch, Franz Narberhaus: An RNA thermometer dictates production of a secreted bacterial toxin, in: PLOS Pathogens, 2019, DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008184

Press contact

Prof. Dr. Franz Narberhaus

Chair of Microbial Biology

Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology

Ruhr-Universitat Bochum

Germany

Phone: +49 234 32 23100

Email: franz.narberhaus@rub.de
Italy strengthens its relationship with the US. Shortly after president Donald Trump announced his intention to slap tariffs to French imports, Italy has announced a new investment plan to boost its exports to the American country.

Italys commercial agency will invest nearly 28 million euros to fuel Italian exports to the United States. Eight million euros will be dedicated to consumer goods, including fashion and textiles.

This investment is 45% higher than last year. In 2018, Italian fashion exports to the US reached 6 billion euros, up 10%. Menswear lead the rise in sales, with an increase of 11.8%, to 548 million euros.
Pastor of 5,000-member church plant identifies key ministry trends leading millennials to Christ

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Pastor Tim Lucas doesnt buy into the idea that millennials and Generation Z are the least Christian generations to date.

Theres the popular thought where Millennials are leaving the church in droves. Thats true; theres a record rise of the religious nones, but I see it more like a rise of the religious dones, the pastor of Liquid Church in Parsippany, New Jersey, told The Christian Post.

Theres a generation growing up who are done with traditional church and the way we know it from the last 50 years. However, they are probably some of the most spiritually open and curious generations weve ever seen."

According to Lucas, the problem isnt with young people; its with the way the message of the Gospel has traditionally been presented by the church.

"I think the hand-wringing approach to millenials and Gen Z is an invitation for a wholesale reinvention of the methods by which we present Jesus to a new generation," he said.

Theres a cultural shift underway, where young people are extremely experientially oriented. They want to know, Whats the social good in this before I buy it? So the churchs traditional message of evangelism was propositional truth: Heres why Christianity is valid and a superior belief system. The Good News was proclaimed and explained.

However, when Jesus shared the Gospel of grace with truly hell-bent pagans, He adopted a double approach, Lucas argued.

There was a demonstration of grace: Be healed, serve the poor. And then theres the proclamation of the Gospel: Your sins are forgiven, he said. Up and coming generations are concerned with biblical justice; how the church tangibly helps the poor and needy. Its a reverse discipleship process. The church must reclaim its birthright of saying, The message of the Gospel is good for both the soul and body.

Lucas knows a thing or two about reaching rising generations and the unchurched for Christ.

In 2007, he and a handful of his 20-something friends founded Liquid Church in a post-Christian region of the northeast where the words dry, boring, stale, and irrelevant are seen as synonymous with church.

In the gospel of John, Jesus promises living water to spiritually thirsty people and we believe church should be refreshing, Lucas explained. We launched Liquid Church in a very dry region of our country. We have a God-given vision to saturate our state with the gospel of Jesus Christ without watering down the Gospel.

Fast forward to 2020 and Liquid Church is a thriving, multi-campus church with over 5,000 members of all ages and demographics.

We have five generations all sitting in the pews at the same time, he noted. Boomers, Gen X, Millenials, Gen Z  there is an unprecedented moment of generational transfer thats happening. Were seeing older generations and millennials partnering together to revitalize churches.

Liquid Church, Lucas said, seeks to saturate the state of New Jersey with the Gospel through two hands, one open, and one closed.

Were close-handed about the message, meaning the Gospel never changes, yet were open about the methods because they always need to change to reach the hearts and minds for the next generation.

"The liquid metaphor is appropriate because we need to take a fluid approach to ministry. Were not changing the message but our methods need to change. The Gospel of grace is timeless, but the methods need to look different to reach the next generation for Christ.

An estimated 3,500 churches in North America will close their doors this year, Lucas stressed. Something needs to change. Its an absolute tragedy.

In his new book, Liquid Church: 6 Powerful Currents to Saturate Your City for Christ, the pastor pairs up with award-winning researcher and author Dr. Warren Bird to share the ministry currents that are resonating with rising generations and attracting thousands to the cause of Christ.

His goal, he told CP, is to inspire church leaders wanting to broaden their reach, whether they serve a new church plant, a fast-growing congregation, or an aging ministry.

I want to help pastors identify when their church is ready for rebirth, he said. When you wake up and realize youre preaching to the choir or already converted every Sunday, your church needs a rebirth. At that point, youre in the 'movement-to museum stage. You find youre burying more people than youre baptizing.

Its difficult to get a church when its in that decline. Another indication your church is ready for rebirth is when the cost of maintenance starts outpacing the impact of the ministry.

Two Liquid Church campuses are rebirth campuses, he said. One church was down to 27 seniors when they called us. They were going to close their doors. They said, We hate your music, but youre baptizing our grandchildren.

These senior saints admitted they had confused the message with the methods. In 30 days, they voted unanimously to donate their entire church building property, assets, parsonage to Liquid. They took an incredible risk to be reborn into a new era of ministry.

For the next 18 months, tattooed millennials partnered with senior saints to remodel the church, replacing stained glass with hi-definition screens. On opening day, the church had over 1,000 visitors.

It became Liquids fastest-growing campus in the churchs history at that time," the pastor said. "You have an older church that has assets, a spiritual legacy, but typically few people, no vision, not much momentum. Theyre joining hands with younger churches that have momentum and vision and reaching new converts, and together, theyre reaching a lost world with the Gospel.

Today, those 27 seniors still attend Liquid Church. Many of them have become mentors to those in the next generation.

They still cry when they talk about our ministry merger, he said. They say, This is what we always dreamed of. And as a young church, we are so blessed to have these spiritually mature mothers and fathers alongside us.

The world, Lucas emphasized, is desperate to see generations come together and do something great for God.

When God brings generations together, its a win-win for the Kingdom, he said. There's a palpable hunger today for multigenerational ministry that unites young and old millennials, boomers, seniors, all generations around the person of Jesus.

Christians humbly crossing generational lines is vital for churches to not only survive but thrive in today's fluid culture.
Byng House is a handsome seaside hotel near the promenade and a short stroll to the sands of Southport.

It has offered free holidays to forces veterans and their families since a grand opening a decade ago by Prince Andrew.

Hundreds have enjoyed good times at the hotel, which is funded by the Royal British Legion. But these may be over.

For the future of Byng House and three other hotels run by the poppy charity  in Bridlington, East Yorkshire; Weston- super-Mare, Somerset; and Portrush in Northern Ireland  are in the balance.

All face being closed next month as part of a cost-cutting exercise. This week the hotels websites say they have stopped taking future bookings.

Of course, the work of the Legion is legendary and admired throughout the military and civilian world. Not only does it play a major role in the nations commemoration of our war dead, but in helping those veterans who have served our country in the Armed Services.

As the Legion told the Mail: Our aim is to help those who come to us for support to live fulfilled and independent lives, and we will ensure an individual is given all they need to reach this outcome.

Left to right: War veterans Alec Willis, Steve Scudder and Graham Cosham. Steve, who was in the Territorial Army for 34 years and is now an NHS learning adviser, says: 'More of the charities money should filter down to veterans'

Steve Scudder, pictured centre in his younger years, has set up a drop-in centre for veterans. It is called the Blue Van  after a popular NAAFI van in Germany which provided hot food and drink to troops  and provides legal and financial advice with the support of military charities including Combat Stress

But when we visited Byng House, the Legions flag still fluttered, but its windows were shuttered, and an uncollected Amazon parcel dating from December was propped by the entrance.

Today, there is growing anger over the threat to these hotels by the Legion, which was set up to help World War I veterans nearly a century ago.

A recent visitor to Byng House, Sheila Smith, wrote on Facebook: As a carer for my husband, the break away at Byng House was fabulous for us both.

We shared a dream of returning, but sadly that is not to be.

Veteran Alan Crussell also visited. If the poppy break hotels close. I will discontinue my membership of the British Legion, he warned. I stayed at Byng House for a fortnight in 2018. I was at a low ebb. It saved my life.

Roland Sutton, 64, in the Artillery and Royal Logistics Corps for 46 years, contacted the Legions head office to object. They said they had done a feasibility study and staying at Byng House only gave a short-term fix. Most people go on holiday each year, and isnt that a short-term fix? It gives you a pick-up and helps you on.

Veterans in Portrush have been waving banners and protesting at their hotels demise. In Bridlington, there is equal dismay. Our hotel was renovated by the Legion last year at a cost of tens of thousands, says Mike Rubery, a former RBL official in Bridlington. It was a total waste of charity donations when closure was the intention.

Mr Rubery spoke to two men from the Legions London headquarters  neither of whom, he claims, had military backgrounds  when they arrived in November to break the news about the closure of the hotel.

Graham Cosham, pictured recently and during his career in the military. He suffers from PTSD and uses the Blue Van centre. He served in Northern Ireland, Berlin, Belize and worked in bomb disposal in Kuwait after the first Gulf War

Left to right: Ex servicemen James Brooks, Andy Price and Wayne Ingram at the Veterans Hub in Weymouth, Dorset. In 2017, Andy could no longer work because of PTSD after seeing a colleague killed in Afghanistan

They said there had been research showing that the hotels . . . are not cost-effective. Mr Rubery explains. Yet the hotels help veterans who are lonely, have combat stress, are in hard times financially, even terminally ill . . . the list goes on. This rebellion by veterans is fuelled by one question: why must their precious hotels, which cost 6.5 million a year to run, be shut down when the poppy charity and others like it sit on vast sums of unspent money?

In 2018, the Legion recorded an income of 163.2 million and had reserves of 70 million, according to its last annual report.

Each year, its nationwide poppy appeal reaps some 50 million. Recent anniversaries of both world wars brought an upsurge in donations as the commemorations pricked the national conscience and the public dug deep.

The RBL is the wealthiest of Britains ten biggest military charities. Between them, these ten have combined assets of 1.4 billion, plus reserves of 277 million, prompting increasingly angry accusations of cash hoarding.

In all, the 1,500 armed forces charities have a total worth of 3.1 billion  1 billion more than the annual cost to the Military of Defence of running the Trident nuclear submarine programme.

Yet despite these vast sums, 6,000 military veterans remain homeless, 10,000 have had serious brushes with the law or are in prison, and as many as 50,000 suffer mental health problems caused by experiences of conflict or their struggles to cope with civvy street when their military careers finish.

The future of Byng House and three other hotels run by the poppy charity are in the balance

Veterans in Portrush have been waving banners and protesting at their hotels demise

It was five years ago  when operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, came to an end  that Britain last had regular troops deployed on the ground overseas in a combat mission.

Since then, the combined assets of the top ten military charities have increased by more than a third, according to Iain Overton, executive director of Action On Armed Violence, which seeks to stop conflicts worldwide. Yet a lot dont use this money, he says.

Now is the time to push the boat out, not for cost-cutting. It is important these charities spend and find out who needs the cash.

He adds: There are veterans with age-related illness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the young ones home from wars on terror who need help right now.

The public are uncomfortable about scrutinising these charities.

They think it means they are criticising veterans. I have been called a traitor for saying that we could be sleepwalking into a major scandal about the military charities hoarding money. Former defence secretary Michael Fallon has also expressed concern. There are too many military charities, if I can be brutal, he said recently.

They were founded with the greatest intentions but all involve administration and fund-raise in the same area. They need to pull together . . . putting resources into helping veterans who might otherwise be left on the streets.

A third voice  from a senior military charity co-ordinator who asked to remain anonymous because he feared retaliation for breaking ranks  told the Mail: Some wealthy charities have become slick marketing outfits.

They are into merchandising and have websites selling everything from poppy dog collars, umbrellas and cushions, to rose-gold petal cufflinks at 749.99 a pair. They advertise and sell products aggressively and this eats away at profits from donations.

All the time I hear from disillusioned ex-military and their families begging for help with housing and health problems. They bang on the door of the charities and dont seem to get it.

Given the mounting anger among veterans, the Mail decided to investigate why so many of our ex-military have, somehow, slipped through the net when their charities are so well resourced.

Andy Price, 41, a former rifleman in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment lives in Weymouth, Dorset. In 2017, Andy could no longer work because of PTSD after seeing a colleague killed in Afghanistan. He needed help paying his council tax bills.

At first I contacted Combat Stress [a mental health charity for veterans] to find they had a 10-month waiting list, he says.

Pictured: Royal British Legion Somerset House, Weston-super-Mare. Today, there is growing anger over the threat to these hotels by the Legion, which was set up to help World War I veterans nearly a century ago

He then turned to the Royal British Legion, and ended up in a lengthy fight with them. He says he was asked to prove his council tax case was genuine by the charity and, at his lowest point, even planned his own suicide because the process was taking so long.

There was so much form-filling it was unbelievable, he says. They told me to wait six months until I was summoned to court for non-payment of council tax before they would consider help. It was very stressful. It was only when it got to court that they helped me by making a contribution so the matter got settled. I went through a lot.

So desperate did Andy become, and so concerned about the absence of immediate help, that he set up his own support service for veterans who are struggling, calling it The Veterans Hub. We should not exist, he says with feeling. We should not be needed.

Andys hub offers a relaxed social environment where veterans can have a hot drink, cake and a chat. It now has 150 regular users, aged between 20 and 96.

Six volunteer staff rely on donations and grants to cover overheads of up to 15,000 a year. The hub also gives financial advice on benefits and housing to ex-servicemen. One man who sought help is Lee Fudge, 52, an ammunition technician with the Royal Logistics Corps in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo where he was injured in a blast before being medically discharged in 2004.

One man who sought help is Lee Fudge, 52, an ammunition technician with the Royal Logistics Corps in Northern Ireland

Lee worked as a sales rep until his military injuries led to such severe arthritis that he had to leave the job in 2017. He told me he navigated the benefits system to top up his army pension.

I contacted SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, he says and they had only one representative in their office for one day a week. So that was no good. More recently, he turned to the RBL, applying for an emergency grant to cover the cost of moving into a housing association flat at short notice after being on the waiting list for seven years.

Though it was an application for emergency help, the RBL process was painfully slow, he says.

Once you actually speak to someone at the Legion, your request for money is passed up the line. An outreach worker came to see me and went over my service record and the forms I needed to fill in. I got a call many days later asking me for more information and to photocopy extra paperwork and send it over.

The trouble was he was about to lose his new flat. I had to accept it [the offer of the flat] within 28 hours  and move in ten days.

In the end I successfully pleaded with the Legion. We all know how rich it is. You can see they throw money at Remembrance events.

But they dont seem to offer a process to help veterans. It is a minefield of bureaucracy. I may be wrong, but the money men seem to have taken over the Legion which has lost its caring side.

His story is similar to others we heard. In the seaside resort of Eastbourne, East Sussex, Steve Scudder, 57, has set up a drop-in centre for veterans. It is called the Blue Van  after a popular NAAFI van in Germany which provided hot food and drink to troops  and provides legal and financial advice with the support of military charities including Combat Stress.

Pictured: Alderson House, Bridlington, East Yorkshire. In 2018, the Legion recorded an income of 163.2 million and had reserves of 70 million, according to its last annual report

Steve, who was in the Territorial Army for 34 years and is now an NHS learning adviser, says: More of the charities money should filter down to veterans. In the U.S. and Australia there is one centralised point of access which allows them to go to one organisation for help. There are so many different UK charities which are not co-ordinated. The lack of money at grassroots level is costing dozens of lives every year.

Graham Cosham, 62, suffers from PTSD and uses the Blue Van centre. He served in Northern Ireland, Berlin, Belize and worked in bomb disposal in Kuwait after the first Gulf War. He saw colleagues blown up there, one just four feet away from him. He, too, feels the big charities hold on to money. Instead of stockpiling cash,  he says, they need to adopt a more can-do attitude to veterans.

In truth, the Government is taking action. Last summer, in one of his first acts as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced an Office for Veterans Affairs to marshal life-long support for the estimated 2.5 million ex-military personnel in Britain.

It will not save the hotels, however. The RBL argues that closure is the best option and that the resources are better directed elsewhere. We are now consulting with staff about our proposals to close the charitys four hotels . . . as support is available [to veterans] through other providers or more cost-effective means, it told the Mail.

Hotel occupancy rates, which are good, did not influence the decision, according to the Legion. We have a duty to spend funds on activity that will have the greatest impact on the toughest challenges faced by our veteran community.

Since 2016, the charity has seen a 20 per cent increase in people needing basic support with housing, financial issues, mental health and mobility, a spokesman told the Mail.

The average expenditure per household through our immediate needs funding has risen 45 per cent to 1,330 in that time.

It added that in 2018, the last year figures are available, it spent 56 million on welfare services and helped 42,871 veterans.

But why are there so many complaints about the time veterans have to wait to get help, when they often need immediate assistance?

The Legion said: We are reviewing how we work and aim to be a more agile and responsive organisation, prioritising our support to tackle the tough challenges faced by our community today.

This will be scant comfort for the hotels supporters.

In Southport, Tim Petford, 78, who served in the artillery and is the towns poppy appeal co-ordinator, told us: We are furious.

Why has Byng House to shut when it costs a pittance to run compared to the money the Legion raises? I think Ill lose a lot of poppy appeal collectors next November over this. My deputy is refusing to help any more.

The unfortunate timing of the Legions announcement about the hotels, a few days after the 2019 Poppy Appeal ended last November, left a nasty taste.

Thousands of veteran volunteers had just finished trawling the streets in all weathers selling poppies to raise funds for the charity.

Perhaps the most damning comment of all comes from Mike Rubery in Bridlington, who says: We feel the Royal British Legion has treated us with disrespect.
Before farm-to-table made its way into our everyday vernacular, before food trucks were a thing, Portland had already begun making a name for itself as one of the nations most diverse and exceptional food cities. And for good reason. They werent following food trends; they were creating them.

Divided by five distinct quadrantsNorth, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwestthe city is teeming with legendary hot spots and emerging icons. Youll find fresh oysters and a beer at a modest local haunt as quickly as youll find storied chefs whipping up new creations that draw lines down and around the block. The only trouble? Hungry diners (and you should come hungry) couldnt possibly hit all of the citys greatest restaurants in each quadrant.

Whether youre in search of a global adventure or brunch that will keep you coming back seven days a week, here are five of the most noteworthy restaurants in Portland right now, each in a different quadrant. Theres so much more to explore, but with only 36 hours, this ought to give you the perfect taste of PDX today.

Eem, North Portland

Texas-style BBQ meets tropical influences at Eem, where Thai-inspired dishes and lively decor bring island vibes to life in the Pacific Northwest. It all began when Hat Yai co-founder and chef Akkapong "Earl" Ninsom and Matts BBQ pitmaster Matt Vicedomini joined forces to develop a menu that would marry the low-and-slow sensibilities of southern barbecue with the sweet, savory, spicy, saucy, and sticky flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. To craft the drink menu, they brought on Eric Nelson, famed for his vacation-inspired cocktails, both boozy and spirit free. Together the trio has captured the hearts of Portland, and is exemplifying the diverse culinary fusion thats continuing to define the citys trailblazing attitude when it comes to food.

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At first glance, the menu may look familiarsweet and sour fried chicken and BBQ fried rice (thoughtfully charred to perfection) are no doubt two Eem spins on comfort food favoritesbut look closer and youll find nuanced combinations that define a new era of food in Portland. Try, for example, the white curry, which is a take on the vinegary white barbecue sauce of the south, with brisket burnt ends. This includes hunks of meat with roasted cauliflower, scallion, and pickle. The not-so-ordinary baby back ribs feature grapefruit, cucumber, Thai basil, toasted rice powder, and pickled shallot. A tamarind curry with steamed halibut is light and bright year-round. Its this menu and a cheerful atmosphere that has earned the place best restaurant accolades from local and national press.

Bhuna, Northwest Portland

Chef Deepak Kaul worked in noteworthy kitchens in both San Francisco and New York City before coming to Portland, but thats not how the locals know him. Portland loves chef Kaul for the Indian soul food of his youth that he shares at his fast-casual restaurant. This is not your run-of-the-mill Indian restaurant, but dont worry, you can expect a few traditional dishes with a twist.

Theres pork vindaloo with jaggery, a type of sugar often used in Asian cooking, and palak paneer with Kashmiri spices, fennel, and turmeric. Other favorites include Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh, mushroom naan, and fried calamaritheir version famously dusted with chickpea batter. Its these staples that created popular demand for chef Kauls cuisine. Before Bhunas brick and mortar opened in late 2018, chef Kaul was hosting pop-ups at spots like Culmination Brewing and Dicks Kitchen. The people wanted more.

Bhuna is Kashmiri in genre, but local in preparation. No matter which menu item catches your eye, rest assured that the ingredients are sourced in the Pacific Northwest. The beer, wine, and cocktail menus feature collaborations with local brewers and winemakers to offer selections that best complement the cuisine, and fall seamlessly in line with the eclectic menu (think: an Old Fashioned with garam masala syrup). Cheers to that.

Yonder, Northeast Portland

Everyone knows that fried chicken is a staple of the American Southand dont worry, Yonders got plenty of the popular mainstay, offered Dusted, Dipped, or Hot. But native Southerners, especially those familiar with the Appalachian variety, understand that the cuisine is inclusive of much more. Thats why North Carolina native Maya Lovelace also serves dishes like brunswick stew and sweet onion and catfish hushpuppies next to a cocktail menu that would appease anyone south of the Mason-Dixon line. The Hurricane Maya features cacao nibinfused rum, passionfruit, and clarified buttermilk, or theres MeeMaws Tea, which is served with spiced peach tea, lemon, moonshine, and unconditional love.

Chef Lovelace has been perfecting the cuisine of her childhood all over the country in hot spots like Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC, but it was in Portland where she launched her pop-up supper club, Mae, in which the storytelling of each dish came to be as anticipated as each menu item. Now at Yonder, chef Lovelace has curated a menu that pays homage to her past while utilizing ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. Comfort food is the language of all Southerners, one that (thankfully) extends to the rest of us. Whether youre a local looking for a cozy plate of collards or a visitor hankerin for a little honky tonk and fried chicken, Yonder covers all the bases in Portland.

Hey Love, Southeast Portland

Hey Love is a tropical-themed, retro-inspired utopia full of global cuisine, boldly flavored beverages, lush interiors, and thoughtfully crafted music. Owned by industry vets Emily Mistell (Rum Club), Sophie Thomson (Bar Bar), and Dig A Pony co-owners Nicholas Musso and Aaron Hall, Hey Love puts chef Roscoe Roberson at the helm of the kitchen to serve international cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

On the dinner menu alone, one can expect to cross continents with dishes like gochujang pork ribs, fried chicken chow mein, and chilaquiles verdes. And now with brunch served daily, diners can fully embrace the locales anything-is-possible-here vibes starting at 10 a.m., seven days a week.

One of the major highlights of the spot, however, is its expertly crafted cocktails. Playful twists on classic libations, as well as inventive new creations, play a major role in spicing up the Hey Love experience. With everything from the Highballer (Suntory Whisky Toki, super sizzy soda, science, lemon oil) to the Master of Karate and Friendship (Funky Rums, Strawberry, Rose), theres a little something for everyone, whether youre a neighborhood regular or just passing through.

Lardo, Southwest Portland

Meat is the main idea here at Lardo, which started out as a food truck back in 2010 and now boasts two locations in Portland, as well as an outpost at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Favorites include the pork meatball banh mi and dirty fries. (Thats pork scraps, marinated peppers, fried herbs, and parmesan. If you werent hungry before, you probably are now.)

Chef and owner Rick Gencarelli was trained at the Culinary Institute of America and went on to work at Aqua in San Francisco and Todd Englishs Olives. But it was Portlands burgeoning and unique food scene that caught his eye, inspiring him to open a spot using old-world techniques, contemporary flourishes and a gonzo approach.

Most of the menu is pork or steak-based, though theyve also got a Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich thats worth writing home about, too. But whats a bucket-list sandwich without a cold, crisp beer to go with it? Lardo prides itself in an extensive menu of rotating local brews, ranging from cider to stout. If youre looking for a not-so-average deli experience, look no furtherand prepare to be full.

Just when you think youve seen it all, Portland continues to reinvent its culinary quests with diverse dining options and eclectic fusions from creative minds. From north to southwest, theres a little something for every appetite (and then some).

Originally Appeared on Bon Appetit
A bill set to be introduced in the next Alabama Legislative session would require daycare facilities to contact parents if a child doesnt arrive in the morning.

Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, pre-filed the Cash Edwin Jordan Act, named for the 11-month old Oxford boy who died last September after being left in a car outside an Oxford car dealership. His death was the second hot-car related child fatality in the state last year. Castiel King, 2, died in July when police say he slipped out of his Dothan house and got trapped in the familys vehicle.

Woods bill would require daycare facilities to call parents or guardians if the child is not at the center by 9:30 a.m. and they havent been notified of the absence.

According to KidsandCars.org, more than 940 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990, including 53 last year. Almost 90 percent of the children who died from vehicular heat stroke were age 3 and younger and more than half were younger than one. In 56 percent of the cases, the children were unknowingly left in the vehicle by their parent or guardian.

To prevent the deaths, the organization recommends making it a habit to always open a vehicles back door when parking; placing an essential item such as a purse or phone in the back seat; and asking child care providers to call if a child isnt dropped off.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday used his first official meeting with Vladimir Putin to warn the Russian leader not to repeat the 2018 chemical attack that almost killed former spy Sergei Skripal.

Downing Street said Johnson told the Kremlin chief on the sidelines of a summit on the Libya crisis in Berlin that ties between Moscow and London would not return to normal until Russia ended its destabilising activities. Johnson was clear there had been no change in the UKs position on Salisbury, which was a reckless use of chemical weapons and a brazen attempt to murder innocent people on UK soil, Downing Street said in a statement.

He said that such an attack must not be repeated, Johnsons office said. Russia has repeatedly rejected accusations that officers from its GRU military intelligence agency used a powerful nerve agent to poison Skripal in retribution for his work with British and other Western spy services.

Skripal and his daughter both spent days in a coma but survived and have since gone into hiding. The incident further undermined Londons already difficult relations with Moscow. Downing Street said Johnson had told Putin they both had a responsibility to address issues of international security including Libya, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

But the British leader also made clear that this dialogue did not mean Londons relations with the Kremlin were back on track. The prime minister said there will be no normalisation of our bilateral relationship until Russia ends the destabilising activity that threatens the UK and our allies and undermines the safety of our citizens and our collective security, his office said.

Russian suspects identified

London and Washington identify the GRU as Russias main security threat to Western interests abroad. Both also accuse the agency of attempting to hack the worlds chemical weapons watchdog in The Hague in 2018 in order to spy on its investigation into the use of nerve agents in Syria.

British officials have identified the two Russians suspected of delivering the nerve agent to Salisbury as GRU agents Alexander Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga. Both men entered Britain using false passports and were captured on CCTV footage walking around the southern English town shortly before Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a park bench.

Mishkin and Chepiga later told Russian television that they were tourists who went to Salsbury to look at the local cathedral. The open-source investigations website Bellingcat argued last June that a GRU officer coordinated the attack from a London hideout using his phone and a few messaging apps.
MAPLE SHADE, N.J., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NJ based Beringer Technology Group and Red Bank, NJ based DeckerWright Corporation, a full service MSP offering IT solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, joined forces January 1, 2020. The acquisition extends Beringers' geographic footprint and adds experienced DeckerWright staff to the Beringer team. The merged company will have over 35 employees in four states.

DeckerWright Corporation

"The acquisition of DeckerWright Corporation fits in with Beringer's strategic growth plan," explained Craig Beringer, CEO & President. "They are in a great location with blue ribbon clients, and an experienced team that can immediately contribute to our continued success."

Marshall Wright, President of DeckerWright Corporation adds, "We looked at about a dozen proposals from other companies including Private Equity backed buyers. None of the buyers we assessed aligned better with our staff, clients and values than Beringer Technology Group. We are excited to be a part of Beringer Technology Groups' future."

There is a great deal of synergy between Beringer and DeckerWright from corporate values to the tools and systems that both companies leverage. Both companies are committed to the clients and delivering superior service & support. The DeckerWright team will remain in its Red Bank location serving clients in central and northern New Jersey. Marshall and Sally Wright, along with the entire DeckerWright team have joined Beringer and bring over 60 years of management and system engineering experience to the Beringer Team.

Beringer Technology Group has built a highly skilled team of engineers, implementation specialists & a leadership team that set them apart and helps small and medium sized businesses maximize the value of their technology investments.

About Beringer Technology Group

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Maple Shade, NJ, Beringer Technology Group is recognized as a leader within the managed service provider industry and has been in the top 1% of Microsoft's partner ecosystem as Gold certified for more than 15 years. Beringer Technology Group specializes in Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Unified Communication Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics 365 & Microsoft Office 365.

For more information visit www.beringer.net, follow @BeringerTechGrp on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

MEDIA CONTACT:

Taryn Ericsen

Beringer Technology Group

[email protected]

856.325.2800

SOURCE Beringer Technology Group

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Every month, the PAYE system engages with my salary, as it does for most people who work in Ireland.

Hyper-efficient systems ensure that a large slug of my gross pay is whipped out and diverted to the exchequer.

While the efficiency of that process is admirable, why is more information not transmitted back to the employee in exchange for so much cash?

In other parts of the economy, any money or economic action involving a consumer giving something away is met with an avalanche of communication.

Indeed, there is an obligation on private companies to provide customers with extensive details on their accounts.

Yet, the PAYE system gives back very little information.

Anodyne communications from the Revenue, once a year, provide a cold account, summarising how much tax was taken, but with very little else attached.

Is it too much to expect that handing over in excess of 50% of large parts of your gross salary should warrant a more detailed accountability?

For a start, it might be good to actually thank individual taxpayers for chucking significant amounts of their hard-earned pay into the exchequer. More importantly, it would be of value to explain how the tax collected from any individual is actually utilised.

A pie-chart, for example, that outlined how much of my taxes went to health, education, policing, and so on, would provide transparency.

A table that detailed how my specific tax payments have changed over the past five years would be informative, too.

Perhaps that type of data would give individuals a greater level of attachment to the country that their taxes finance.

It might also make people, in general, more aware of the contribution they make to the workings of the State.

Providing detail of this type would also help balance the various debates that go on around tax.

Too often, lobby groups get media airtime to argue why their clients have to be given more cash by government.

These battles are positioned in an us versus them context, which presents government as some distant entity not connected to ordinary individuals.

In fact, these lobby groups are asking individual taxpayers to cough up more money for their demands, or else this will push the State into higher borrowings.

If taxpayers had better information on how much of their money was going into each part of the States mechanisms, it would help balance the arguments in favour, or against, more taxes and spending.

Like many people, I have no problem diverting material sums of my salary to play a part in funding Ireland.

Like others, Ive been doing that for a number of decades.

Combined, employee taxes have provided the backbone of funding for everything from schools to roads, hospitals and infrastructure.

These are all assets necessary to support an efficient and progressive economy.

However, I do have an issue with the manner in which politicians and lobby groups assume responsibilities and control over those sums of money, which, when aggregated across all employees, are enormous amounts of cash.

There is a tendency to present spending decisions or pay awards as gifts provided by  or secured by  individuals with power, whereas the resources actually come from the pockets of employees.

Too often, the voices of individual taxpayers are lost in the media spin and in the press releases that dominate the narratives about health and education.

A better level of communication with each taxpayer, outlining exactly how his or her money was deployed in the State over the previous year, would help balance these debates and give Mr or Mrs Taxpayer a better voice in national debates.

Joe Gill is director of origination and corporate broking with Goodbody Stockbrokers. His views are personal.
Yves here. An initial look at the longer-game implications of the Warren-Sanders dustup.

By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at DownWithTyranny!



Elizabeth Warren talking at SXSW about the now-famous private conversation with Bernie Sanders

Much has been written about the Warren-Sanders-CNN confrontation at the most recent debate, both the conflict at the debate itself and hot-mic conversation afterward (excellent contextual rundown here).

For the record, heres what was said at the debate:

CNN Moderator: Lets now turn to an issue thats come up in the last 48 hours, Senator Sanders. Seen and reported yesterday that  Senator Sanders, Senator Warren confirmed in a statement that in 2018, you told her that you did not believe that a woman could win the election. Why did you say that? Sanders: Well, as a matter of fact, I didnt say it, and I dont want to waste a whole lot of time on this, because this is what Donald Trump and maybe some of the media want. [] CNN Moderator: Senator Sanders, I do want to be clear here. Youre saying that you never told Senator Warren that a woman could not win the election? Sanders: That is correct. CNN Moderator: Senator Warren, what did you think when Senator Sanders told you a woman could not win the election? [Audience reaction; gasping and laughter at the question.] Warren: I disagreed. []

Note that the disagreement is stark. Though both candidates backed away from further accusations, their positions remain as stated above.

Next, heres what was said after the debate while the mics were still live. Sanders moved to Warren and held out his hand for a handshake, which Warren refused to take. Then she said the following:

Warren: I think you called me a liar on national TV. Sanders: What? Warren: I think you called me a liar on national TV. Sanders: You know, lets not do it right now. If you want to have that discussion, well have that discussion. Warren: Anytime. Sanders: You called me a liar. You told me  all right, lets not do it now.

The dialog didnt appear angry, though it was clearly tense.

This disagreement could result from a misunderstanding of what was said at the meeting, but the accusation and the denial are too clear-cut, not nuanced enough, to allow for that interpretation. As we have it from the participants, only one of them can be right.

Why Is This Coming Out Now?

Several explanation have been offered about why this story is emerging now. One is that Warrens side of the hes a sexist story was leaked strategically by Warren or her staffers, many of whom are Clinton and Obama alumni. Another is that one of the reporters to whom Warren herself told the story off the record at different private dinner spoke to CNN or spoke to people who spoke to CNN. Or it could be a combination of the two.

Via Ryan Grim: Additional news in the story: A year ago, Warren told a group of journalists at an off-record dinner about her conversation with Sanders about whether a woman could win in 2020. That appears to be how the news got into the bloodstream.

NEWS: The Sanders campaign researched whether Warren could be both vice president and treasury secretary at once. The answer was yes: https://t.co/asT6fCgOKw  Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) January 18, 2020

Grim says neither he nor any of his colleagues at The Intercept was at the dinner.

Its also been rumored that CNN had the story for a while, ready to go, and that they were waiting on confirmation from someone closer to Warren  or waiting for a strategic moment; for example, the week before their own hosted debate  to let it drop. None of the latter speculation, however, has been confirmed.

In any case, the story is out there, the torches have been lit, and we are where we are.

What Happens Now?

Both campaigns are backing away from greater public conflict. Whether that holds true in the long run is anyones guess, but my guess is that it will. Still, the following is clear:

Warren has been damaged, perhaps permanently, in the eyes of many Sanders supporters who have considered her a good, and perhaps equivalent, second choice. Her favorability has gone way down in their eyes and may never recover.

Warrens charge of sexism has inflamed the existing anger of many Democratic and liberal-leaning women and relit the fire that coursed through the Sanders-Clinton primary and beyond.

Rightly or wrongly, Warrens polling numbers among voters have fallen, while Sanders polling has held steady or improved. Its yet to be seen if the incident alters long-term fund-raising for either candidate, but it might. For his part, Sanders has seen a post-debate surge in funding.

So far, in other words, most of the damage has been borne by Warren as a result of the incident. She may recover, but this could also end her candidacy by accelerating a decline that started with public reaction to her recent stand on Medicare For All. None of this is certain to continue, but these are the trends.

What Happens Later?

This whole national exercise has a much greater purpose, to put a progressive in the White House in 2021  not just a Democrat, a real progressive. Doing that requires securing the nomination on behalf of progressive voters at the 2020 convention.

To do that, one of the following events must occur:

One of the candidates who appeals to progressives  Warren and Sanders both make this claim  must win the nomination on the first ballot by winning a clear majority of pledged delegates beforehand, OR

Warren and Sanders must find a way to combine their delegates and their supporters prior to the convention to achieve a majority for one of them on the second round of voting.

If Warren and Sanders both enter the convention with healthy delegate totals  as long as both are gaining supporters and not at the others expense  the contest can and should continue, for now at least, as it has. And if they enter the convention with, say, 60% of the pledged delegates between them, the case for nominating a candidate who appeals to progressive voters is strong.

But if Warrens candidacy becomes unviable, as it seems it might  and if the goal of both camps is truly to defeat Joe Biden  its incumbent on Warren to drop out and endorse her friend and ally Bernie Sanders as soon as its clear she can no longer win. (The same is true if Sanders becomes unviable, though that seems much less likely.)

Ms. Warren can do whatever she wants, certainly. But if she does anything less than help elect the last and only progressive with a chance, she damages them both to Bidens benefit, and frankly, helps nominate Biden. She has the right to do that, but not to claim at the same time that shes working to further the progressive movement.

Well know about the consequences of this conflict soon enough. Perhaps shell rise again, or at least triage her decline.

But if she doesnt, if she falls to the bottom of the top tier or into the second and stays there, her endorsement  or non-endorsement  of Sanders will be watched and noticed, closely and widely, and she will be defined, probably permanently, by her response.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Article dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Armenian massacres in Baku has been published in the Italian newspaper La Verita, titled The Armenian Massacre Hidden by Azerbaijan.

Armenpress presents the translation of the article:

30 years ago from January 13 to 19 massacre and deportation of Armenians were carried out in Baku exclusively for ethnic identity.

30 have already passed but Azerbaijan continues hiding the truth. 30 years ago massacre and deportation of Armenians living in Baku were organized and carried out in the Azerbaijani capital from January 13 to 19, 1990, solely for their ethnic identity. The massacres were organized by the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party, but the authorities were sponsoring them. Although after the 1988 Armenian massacres in the Azerbaijani city of Sumgait the Armenians in Baku had to migrate due to the persecutions and violence launched against them, nearly 40.000 Armenians, mainly elderly people, single, ill or those in need, were still living in Baku in early 1990.

Due to hiding the facts and not voicing them it was impossible to count the exact number of Armenians who were killed and died in the Baku massacres. According to the data of some international human rights organizations, more than 450 people were killed for their ethnic identity. The whole property of thousands of Armenians living in Baku has been robbed and confiscated. Its worth noting that according to some eyewitness reports, Jews, Russians and other foreign citizens were also killed in these violence acts only because of looking like Armenians. All Armenians who survived these atrocities migrated from Baku under a direct threat of physical extermination, settling in different countries of the world.

Overall, Armenians in Baku were subject to massacres at least three times in 1905, 1918 and 1990. In a city, where there has always been an Armenian presence, nearly 300.000 Armenians were living in late 1980s. Although Armenians have never been a majority in Baku in terms of percentage of the population, but from the very start they held high positions, conducted active construction-engineering and commercial activities, especially in the oil industry. The first industrial oil well in Baku (started operating in 1869) belonged to ethnic Armenian I. Mirzoyev (Mirzoyan). There have been many Armenian educational-cultural centers in Baku which stopped operating in the early 1980s.

The European Parliament condemned the massacres committed against Armenians in its resolutions adopted in 1988, 1990 and 1991.

Frelick Bill, chair of US Committee for Refugees, recorded and talked about these facts in 2002.

On July 27, 1990, an open letter has been published in The New York Times addressed to the international community. The latter was signed by 133 prominent scientists and human right advocates of Europe, Canada and the USA which were voicing their complaints on the killings and massacres of Armenians in Baku.

Azerbaijan is mourning January 20 (Black January) in memory of Azerbaijanis killed during the clashes with the Soviet troops. Official Baku presents these events as a result of provocations made by Armenians by trying to hide the large-scale crimes committed before January 20 which are recorded not only in the memories of Armenians who survived these massacres, but also in the documentary materials of international press.

Contrary to the facts recorded by international human right organizations, the Azerbaijani authorities till now are hiding their genocidal actions and distort the realities to avoid responsibility. The Azerbaijani authorities not only distort the essence of the black January, but also silence and forget about the story of the capital of three massacres, by trying to make forgotten the consequences of the policy of ethnic cleansing, deportation and massacres committed against Armenians in 1905, 1918 and 1990 in Baku.

The Baku massacres in 1990 were the continuation of the 1905 and 1918 massacres.

The current Armenophobic policy conducted by Azerbaijan at state level is a result of not giving a proper legal response to the crimes committed and leaving them unpunished. The victims of that policy are not only Azerbaijani Armenians and the population of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), but also all Armenians worldwide.

An active stage of manifestation of Armenophobia in the Azerbaijani society was also recorded in April 2016 - during the large-scale attack on Artsakh by Azerbaijan which was accompanied with brutal killings, beheadings of civilians and military servicemen, tortures of captive soldiers, and a number of other cases of war crimes.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
They've been growing closer and closer every day.

And on Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, Charlotte Crosby sneaked a peek at her jungle love interest Ryan Gallagher while he was in the shower.

As they loitered by the outdoor bathing area, Ryan, 31, warned the former Geordie Shore star, 29, that he had no underwear on and was about to strip off.

Scroll down for video

'This is quite a sexy view, you know!' On Tuesday's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Charlotte Crosby (front) watched as her interest Ryan Gallagher (back) showered nude

She reached out to grab his shorts before he suddenly dropped them to reveal his bare behind.

Charlotte squealed, ran off and turned her back to him, looking away - however curiosity soon got the better of her.

'You've not got willy out?' she asked, and Ryan confirmed he had his back to her, showing only his bum, as it was 'chilly' and a frontal view would not be 'flattering'.

Charlotte then spun around, regarded Ryan's bare bottom, and declared: 'This is quite a sexy view, you know.'

Strip time! As they loitered by the outdoor bathing area, Ryan, 31, warned the former Geordie Shore star, 29, that he had no underwear on and was about to strip off

On his way! Charlotte played with his shorts before he suddenly began to remove them

Whoops! His back turned, Ryan dropped his trousers to reveal his bare behind

She then told Ryan she was going away to give him some privacy, while he called after her, suggesting she have a shower herself.

The night before, the reality star emotionally admitted that her relationship with fellow campmate Ryan was more than just a 'jungle romance'.

'I've been searching for someone like Ryan [my] whole life, who would literally just idolise you... I've never felt loved. Ryan shows love,' she confessed.

Scream! Charlotte squealed, ran off and turned her back to him, looking away - however curiosity soon got the better of her

What's to see here! Curiosity soon got the better of her. 'You've not got willy out?' she asked

Charlotte then spun around, regarded Ryan's bare bottom, and declared: 'This is quite a sexy view, you know' while he laughed

The pair shared their first passionate kiss in the jungle on Sunday's episode, and had previously been caught sneaking into each other's beds.

Speaking to campmate Tanya Hennessy, Charlotte said: 'He's so thoughtful and he remembers everything. And that's the qualities I want in a husband.'

Charlotte, who has been in several high-profile relationships in the past, then shocked her co-star by admitting: 'I've never had that. Never. I never felt loved.'
By Express News Service

GUWAHATI: The fraternity of university students in the Northeast has called for a total shutdown of all varsities and colleges in the region on Wednesday, the day when the Supreme Court will hear a bevy of petitions which challenged the validity of the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The students fraternity is hopeful that the apex court will give relief either by striking down the Act or exempting the Northeast from its purview.

The universities include Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University, North Eastern Hill University, Tezpur University, Assam Womens University, Assam Agricultural University, Nagaland University, Rajiv Gandhi University and NERIST.

The amended Citizenship Act will grant Indian citizenship to immigrants belonging to six non-Muslim religious communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came till December 31, 2014.
Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) CEO Bae Jae-hoon speaks during a press conference at the company's office in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of HMM



By Nam Hyun-woo



Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) said Tuesday the company would turn a profit sometime within the third quarter of this year at the earliest, after ending an 18-quarter losing streak.



The rather upbeat outlook came amid growing pressure on the company for a quick turnaround after receiving 1 trillion won in financial support from the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) in 2018. KDB announced Bae Jae-hoon as the new HMM chief in March and he pledged a swing to profit.



"The third quarter has been the high season for shippers in various aspects and we expect some additional effects by introducing mega container vessels this year," Bae said during a press conference at its headquarters, downtown Seoul. "We cautiously expect a turnaround in terms of profit in the third quarter."



Since the second quarter of 2015, HMM has been reporting losses. During the first nine months of last year, the company reported combined losses of 265.2 billion won, though it saw a 10 percent rise in sales during the given period.



On the faltering bottom line, HMM signed a self-rescue deal with the KDB in July 2016 and then received additional aid back in October 2018, but has thus far been far from showing any visible rebound. This was followed by KDB's criticism that HMM is in moral hazard and the lender has been strengthening its monitoring of the shipper since then.



"Thanks to the assistance from the KDB and other stakeholders, we could lay the groundwork for our recovery last year, and we applied every possible measure to make it sustainable, which can endure any kind of headwinds," Bae told reporters.



As one of the grounds for his outlook, Bae said HMM's joining of THE Alliance, one of the largest groups of shipping companies, will resuscitate the company's profitability.



Last year, HMM was invited to join THE Alliance as a regular member, and recently won approval from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission on the membership. It will start offering services with other members in April after approvals are granted from other countries.



The participation in THE Alliance helps the South Korean shipper join the alliance's decision-making process, thus enabling its own controls for coping with market uncertainties.



"Joining THE Alliance is the best outcome for HMM," Bae said. "Since the group is short of mega container vessels, HMM's mega container vessel fleet will become a huge strength for THE Alliance in terms of slot cost."



Before joining the THE Alliance, HMM was a member of 2M, another group of shipping companies comprised of Maersk and MSC. However, the company was registered as a strategic partner, not a regular member of the group. At THE Alliance, HMM is a regular member along with Hapag-Lloyd of Germany, ONE of Japan and Yang Ming of Taiwan.



In September 2018, HMM ordered 12 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container vessels to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries, and will introduce those ships for the company's European routes from April this year.



Adding the new container vessels, HMM's total tonnage increases to 800,000 TEU, up from 450,000 TEU currently. As the company's total tonnage increases, HMM will exchange spaces with the members of THE Alliance, which Bae described as one of the key benefits coming from the alliance.




Three rockets were fired at the US embassy in Baghdad overnight as security services continued firing live ammunition at anti-government protesters in the city.

The rockets were fired from a makeshift launcher in Zafaraniya, on the outskirts of the Iraqi capital, and landed inside the fortified Green Zone - but failed to cause significant damage and did not kill anyone.

Meanwhile three anti-government protesters were killed overnight protesting in Tahrir Square after security forces opened fire with live ammunition.

Three missiles fired from this launcher on the outskirts of Baghdad landed near the US embassy overnight Monday, but failed to kill anyone or cause significant damage

The missiles landed inside the fortified Green Zone and close to the embassy building, though it is not clear exactly where

The clashes prompted authorities to close key streets and thoroughfares leading to the Iraqi capital's centre.

The violence was the latest since protests in Iraq reignited last week after a brief lull amid soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran following a US drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad earlier this month.

The rockets landed close to the US embassy in the Green Zone, and are the latest in several similar attacks.

As in the other incidents, the perpetrators were not immediately known but the strike comes during a sensitive time as the US and Iran step back from taking further escalating action on Iraqi soil. Two rockets fell in the Green Zone on January 8.

In Baghdad, tear gas and live rounds were fired near Sinak Bridge and Tayaran Square, which have been the scene of violence in recent days, medical and security officials said.

A gunshot wound killed one protester while a second died after being hit in the head by a tear gas canister, medical officials said. A third later died of his injuries, the officials said.

Meanwhile three anti-government protesters were shot dead and scores more left injured around Tahrir Square after security forces opened fire with live ammunition

Security forces arrest a volunteer paramedic who helped anti-government protesters during clashes in Baghdad

A statement from Baghdad Operations Command said 14 officers were wounded by a group of rock-throwing 'inciters of violence' while trying to secure the entrance to Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the protest movement.

Among the dead was Yousif Sattar, 21, a local journalist covering the protest movement, one medical official and an activist said.

'Despite these actions our forces continued to exercise restraint and follow up on the security duties assigned to them,' said the statement.

A security official said at least nine arrests have been made after the National Security Council authorised security forces to arrest demonstrators blocking main thoroughfares and roundabouts.

In the southern city of Nasiriyah, protesters blocked the highway linking the city to the southern oil-rich province of Basra. At least six protesters were wounded when an unknown gunmen fired at them from a speeding car, a medical official said.
21.01.2020 LISTEN

"Barack and Michelle, both Harvard graduates, met back in 1989 when Michelle, then Michelle Robinson, was assigned as Barack's mentor at law firm Sidely Austin LLP. They went on their first date a month later, and it was then that Michelle began to learn, and love, everything about her now-husband. 'He showed all the sides - he was hip, cutting edge, cultural, sensitive.

The fountain - nice touch. The walk - patient,' she says. The pair married on October 3, 1992, and Barack couldn't be happier with his bride of 26 years. 'The quality I love most about her is, she's honest and genuine,"' he says. (E. McDonald. Oct 04, 2019. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's love story in pictures.)

Recently, a young man brandished the picture of a Catholic Rev. Sis on his Timeline and jabbered some words that did not relate to the picture. As it is wont in the modern era for some boys and men to express their love for a lady they know or dont with such gibberish, a discerning mind knows that the poster was expressing his love but used the un-relating words as a cover-up.

Whichever, you cannot cage a heart in love but some cultures and traditions put a barrier, and this limits the persons physical expression of his or her love for the person loved, be the person married or not. The heart knows what it loves, whether it expressed it or not.

The heart habours a lot of unexpressed love and factors like complex accruing from lack of financial muscle, lack of qualitative education, the person are married and many more, can lead to one not expressing his or her love for the other. Mind you, it is not true that the heart has only one love. It is true that traditions, cultures, and religions are the margins that cage our excessiveness not to love everybody our hearts beat for. Hence, when we choose one person, we tend to relax. However, a heart in love cannot be caged.

We might have all the money in the world with the best of things around us, but the heart without love is empty. That you are a married woman or man does not mean that there are no one million and one persons you admire or that also admire you. But traditions, cultures, and religions become a barrier for you to express your love or for them to express theirs to you. However, with all these, you cannot cage a heart that in is love.

It is a lie when some persons tell you that they love only one person. It can only be true if these persons do not have human souls. The heart is not limited to loving; it is full of love, always eager to express the expensive quintessence of human life. But traditions, cultures, and religions bar the heart from this expensive quintessence of human life.

Every person on earth has his or her uniqueness why you crave to love him or her as far as first  the persons physical beauty or handsomeness captures your eyes. Mind you, beauty, as they say, is in the eyes of the beholder. This beauty could be the persons straight leg, complexion, eyes, brain, lips, just name them. Beauty does not necessarily mean ones facial look.

You could see a beautiful woman but she is not charming and meet, a charming woman but she is not beautiful. It is this charm that draws us closer to someone, the opposite sex. But when the person is saying, married  traditions, cultures, and religions bar the heart from expressing its love. But you cannot cage a heart that is in love.

On the last line, it is laughable when some sects curse the pleasurable organs in human beings as causing sin through their indulgence. The question is would it be good to deny yourself and torment your body from eating food when you are hungry. Which of them is sin? To eat when you are hungry or to suffer your body by not eating when you are hungry?

Man and woman have individually endured inharmonious influences created by early men to checkmate the world they saw. Notwithstanding, times are changing. This includes character and nobility... but one thing that remains sacrosanct is that you cannot cage a heart that is in love, just like the young man who uploaded the picture of a Catholic Rev. Sis on his Timeline, cannot stop uploading more of her pictures simply because his heart craves...

ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE

Jan. 20 2020.
File photo

NAN reports that the Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr Abdulfatai Oyesanya, is dead

Mr Oluwaseyi Odufowokan, Chief Press Secretary to the late council chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that Oyesanya died after a brief illness.

According to him, the council chairman died on Tuesday morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
Editors note: Since they took control of the state government in 2010, Republicans in our state legislature and executive branch have made voting for students unnecessarily difficult and complex. Thats a feature for them, not a bug. I asked Barb to explain the process so that students living in Michigan have all of the facts on how they can vote in Michigan elections.

A PDF version of this post is available for download by clicking HERE.

A Students Guide to Voting in Michigan

By Barb Byrum, Ingham County Clerk

January 2020

Registering to Vote

Check your voter registration status here Register to vote by completing this form and signing it Submit the form to your local clerk. Follow this link to find your local or county clerk Please note: if it is within two weeks of Election Day, you must register to vote in person with your local city or township clerk Online Voter Registration if you have a valid Michigan Drivers License or State ID

Step 2:

Requesting an Absent Voter Ballot to Vote by Mail or Going to the Polls on Election Day

Requesting an Absent Voter Ballot:

The easiest way to vote is to vote by mail, which is commonly called absentee voting in Michigan. To do this:

You must request an absentee ballot for each election, and you may do so by completing the following form. To be proactive, you could request to be added to your local clerks Permanent Absent Voter Ballot List, so that you will be sent an application for an absent voter ballot for each election.

Absentee ballots are available 45 days before every election. If you are registered to vote, you can request a ballot be mailed to you until the Friday before the election at 5 p.m., or a ballot in-person at your city or township clerks office until 4 p.m. on the Monday before the election. Once you receive your ballot in the mail, make sure you fill it out and return it quickly, as it takes nearly a week for mail to arrive, and completed ballots must be in the possession of your local clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. In most cases, you can also drop your ballot off at your local clerks office in person until Election Day. You can also check the status of your absent voter ballot here.

Voting In Person at the Polls on Election Day:

If you would prefer to go to the polls on Election Day, make a plan to be sure that you know where your voting precinct is and have enough time to exercise your right to vote. Keep in mind that, if you are not already registered to vote, you must register at your local clerks office, not at the voting precinct.

Once you arrive at the polls, the process for voting is as follows:

Election workers will ask you to complete an Application to Vote and for a photo ID, but if you do not have identification, you may sign an affidavit (one will be provided to you) saying you do not have an ID and you will be given a ballot.

In addition to a State ID or Drivers License, your student ID, U.S. passport, Military ID with photo, or Tribal identification card with photo is acceptable for identification purposes. The ID does not need your address.

Take your ballot to the designated location and fill your ballot out.

There is always the option of a traditional paper ballot, where the voter fills in ovals or squares next to their choice(s) for each contest. You may also request to use the Voter Assist Terminal, where the voter makes their selection on a touchscreen device and then a ballot is printed with the voters choices listed.

Take your ballot and feed it into the tabulator.

Grab an I Voted sticker. Youre done!

Remember:

Registering to vote will not affect your: Federal Financial Aid Pell grants, Perkins or Stafford Loans, or your dependency status for FAFSA Tuition Status Registering to vote on campus does not change your eligibility for out-of-state tuition Insurance Registering to vote will not impact whether or not you can remain on your current health insurance Out of state students, who wish to vote in their home state: Many students report that org is their preferred method of registering to vote. TurboVote makes voting easy through a simultaneous online voter registration and ballot request process that takes minutes to complete.



If you have any problems at the polls, please remember that you may always contact your local or County Clerk (or me at 517-676-7201, [email protected].)
OTTAWA - Canada will move swiftly next week to formally approve North America's new, long-delayed free trade pact, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to media while meeting with Manitoba Premier, Brian Pallister during the Liberal Cabinet Retreat at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Sudoma

OTTAWA - Canada will move swiftly next week to formally approve North America's new, long-delayed free trade pact, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.

The government will introduce a motion to apply some of its elements Jan. 27 when Parliament resumes, and will table legislation to ratify the deal two days later, he said.

"Passing the new NAFTA in Parliament is our priority," Trudeau said at the end of a cabinet retreat in Winnipeg.

"Millions of Canadians depend on stable, reliable trade with our largest trading partners, from farmers in Alberta and autoworkers in Windsor, to aluminum producers in Saguenay and entrepreneurs in St John's or in Vancouver."

It is expected that the opposition Conservatives, who are ardent supporters of free trade, will support the legislation when Canada's new minority Parliament reconvenes.

That would remove the final legal hurdle in preserving continent-wide trade after President Donald Trump foisted the acrimonious renegotiation of the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement on Canada and Mexico in 2017.

Trump threatened repeatedly to rip up the original NAFTA, a Sword of Damocles that hung over more than a year of negotiations that were key to Canada's economy.

The fate of numerous sectors, including the auto industry, agriculture and manufacturing were on the line in the talks.

The U.S. is Canada's top trading partner and the Trudeau government made major policy changes to preserve access to the crucial market in the face of the mercurial president's protectionist threats.

Last week, the Republican-led U.S. Senate passed its implementation bill for the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The Liberal government had been waiting for the U.S. to formally ratify the pact before passing its own bill, after Mexico ratified the deal back in June.

Mexico's top trade negotiator, Jesus Seade, welcomed Trudeau's announcement.

"We celebrate the decision by Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau to hasten the process of ratification of the #USMCA: our new framework that will greatly benefit our three countries' employment, industry and peoples," Seade said on Twitter.

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, whose party holds third-place status in the House of Commons, suggested Tuesday he's not in a big hurry to ratify. Blanchet emerged from his party's caucus retreat in Montreal to say the Bloc will push for a full debate and Commons committee hearings on the new deal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
Their Olympic berths still not secured, ace Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth will hope to put up a good show when they begin their campaign at the Thailand Masters Super 300 tournament here on Wednesday.

Owing to their inconsistent outings in 2019, Saina and Srikanth are placed at the 22nd and 23rd spots in BWF's Race to Tokyo rankings with April 26 being the cut off date for Olympic qualification.

According to the BWF Olympics qualification rules, only two players from each singles category can qualify if their ranking lies within the top-16 by April 26.

At this moment, world champion P V Sindhu (6th) and B Sai Praneeth (11th) and men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (8th) have more or less assured their berths for the Tokyo Games.

After a series of early exits last year, which dented their chances, Saina and Srikanth pulled out of the Premier Badminton League to train and give themselves a better chance at the qualification.

But Srikanth didn't have a good start to the new year as he faltered in the first round in the first two tournaments -- losing to Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien Chen at Malaysia and local player Shesar Hiren Rhustavito at Indonesia.

Saina, a London Olympics bronze medallist, made it to the quarters at Malaysia but she couldn't defend her title at Indonesia Masters, falling at the first round to Japan's Sayaka Takahashi.

With the Olympic qualification cut off date ending in April, there are only eight tournaments, including the Thailand Masters, left in the calender and the Indian duo will have to produce consistent performances to earn a ticket to Tokyo.

Saina will begin her campaign here against Denmark's Line Hjmark Kjaersfeldt, an opponent against whom she has a 4-0 record.

Srikanth, on the other hand, will face Shesar Hiren Rhustavito once again in the opening round and would hope to settle the score this time around.

Among other Indians, Sameer Verma, who also had a disappointing 2019 season, will take on Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia, seeded seventh, while H S Prannoy faces another Malaysian Liew Daren in the opening round.

There are no Indians in the main draw of doubles events.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Over six months after her visit to Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, Congress interim Chief Sonia Gandhi will be visiting her parliamentary constituency for two days from Wednesday, party sources said.

Sonia will be visiting Rae Bareli along with her daughter and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. During her visit, Sonia will hold discussions with party leaders at the Buhemau guest house.

Party leaders said the mother-daughter will also hold a workshop for party workers, including district and city presidents of the state. The party is likely to discuss Congress' preparedness for the panchayat elections slated later this year.

A party source said the main discussion will be on ideology and the party's strategy to deal with the BJP's false narrative about the grand old party. The Congress after a long time is likely to contest all seats in the panchayat polls in the state.

Rae Bareli with Sonia Gandhi as the candidate was the only seat the party won in the 2019 general election from Uttar Pradesh which has 80 parliamentary seats. The other family bastion of Amethi from where Rahul Gandhi contested went to the BJP's Smriti Irani.

Sonia Gandhi had last visited Rae Bareli June 12-13 to thank the voters for re-electing her from the Lok Sabha seat along with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi.

During their visit to Rae Bareli, Priyanka Gandhi had done some plain-speak. "I did not want to make any speech here, but since I have been made to speak, let me speak the truth. The truth is that this election was won with the help of Sonia Gandhi and the people of Rae Bareli," Priyanka had said.

"I will find out the names of local leaders who did not work for the party in the (general) elections," Priyanka had said.
Building on the subsea cable momentum, Equinix Inc. EQIX recently added RTI Connectivity Pte. Ltd.'s transpacific cable systems to the list of sub-marine cable systems offered in the IBX data centers of the former, in turn, enhancing connectivity options for users.

By using Equnixs IBX data centers, RTI will extend the reach of its connectivity solutions in Tokyo, Japan, and Sydney, Australia. Hyperscale cloud providers and enterprise companies are fueling data growth between the Asia-Pacific region and Australia. These customers require economically-cheaper bandwidth solutions, alternative paths and improved quality of service.

Hence, RTI's latest secure long-haul routes will interconnect the Asia-Pacific region and Australia through Guam, in order to meet the growing demand for inter-connection services. The unique design of the cable systems will offer better latency between these continents and significantly reduce provisioning time frames.

Meanwhile, RTI will depend on Equinix to deliver and manage cable landing stations (CLS). Equinixs next-generation CLS design terminates sub-marine cabling systems inside the companys IBX data centers at the digital edge, where commerce, population hubs and digital ecosystems integrate.

Further, by providing a neutral landing point to submarine cable operators, thereby simplifying operations at a neutral location. This will reduce operators costs as well as the time taken to deploy.

Additionally, RTI is constructing several high-fibre capacity cables that will land on Guam. This complements two of Equinixs cable routes that connect via Guam. The Japan-Guam-Australia South Cable System (JGA South) connects Sydney and Guam with termination point into Equinixs SY4 IBX in Sydney. The second cable route  Japan-Guam-Australia North Cable System (JGA North)  connects Tokyo and Guam with Equinixs TY2 IBX in Tokyo as a termination point.



The collaboration between the companies will strengthen communication networks between the Asia-pacific region and Australia. With efficient inter-connection options for service providers and enterprises, it will propel greater business opportunities and drive growth of the digital economy between the two growing markets.

Story continues

Equinix currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Over the past six months, shares of the company have rallied 16.1%, outperforming the real estate markets gain of 7.7%.



Stocks to Consider

Boston Properties, Inc. BXP currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has gained 8.7% in the past six months. The companys funds from operation (FFO) per share estimate for 2020 has been revised marginally upward to $7.53 in two months time. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Life Storage, Inc.s LSI Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current-year FFO per share remained unrevised at $6 in the past month. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2, at present. The stock has rallied 17.2% over the past six months.

Lamar Advertising Companys LAMR Zacks Consensus Estimate for the ongoing years FFO per share remained unchanged at $6.15 over the past 30 days. Currently, it carries a Zacks Rank of 2. Also, it has appreciated 16.2% over the past six months.

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We are confronted by a US presidential second-term election cycle. We all must contend too with various interests. Do we have in play a version of operation boot? The 1952 US/UK regime-change operation in Iran. And do people regionally also view the late, recently murdered Major General Qasem Soleimani as an Iranian Che Quevara? Would Irans supreme Ayatollah be viewed as an Iranian Fidel Castro? How annoying for a rightist US administration: a Cuba in the Middle East. How much more death and devastation will flow out of our fossil-fuel dependency and the military powers of the main players, the chief one being the US?

Did it escape US notice that people killed at an airport by a drone-launched missile is an act of murder, remote or not, and murder (and multiple murders on the day) remains illegal and a crime? The US administration bases itself on law, doesnt it? And there are no warnings. Likewise, the convoy attacked.
Sushmitha Ramakrishnan By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modis interaction with school students ahead of public exams, failed to reach several students in Tamil Nadu owing to several access issues.

Modis speech was largely targeted at students who study in large cities and failed to address the problems faced by the majority of Indian students who continue to live in rural areas, said many.

As several schools in State lack working internet connection or sufficient technological infrastructure, schools struggled to screen the programme on Monday.

Further, while most government schools in Tamil Nadu do not teach Hindi, the programme was lost on even the students who had access to watching it.

A recent directive issued by the State School Education Department to all Chief Educational Officers had ordered schools to make arrangements for students to watch Pariksha Pe Charcha.

However, with insufficient funds and infrastructure, large number of government schools could not manage to screen the programme on Monday.

The internet connection given by the government was too slow. We could not use it. So we tried to use data hotspot from our mobile and tried to play it using a laptop and projector. But then mobile network is weak in our school campus. So we could only play the first five minutes of the programme, said the principal of a government higher secondary school near Manali.

The lack of internet access was not restricted to rural areas. Even schools within Chennai, the capital of the State, had slow or disconnected network connection. The principal of a corporation school in the city, on condition of anonymity told Express that the only internet connection the school has, is one donated by an NGO.

A government high school headmaster in Ramanathapuram said that several other schools in the neighbourhood did not have any screen or computer to play the video.

While many schools across the State were scrambling to assemble technological infrastructure to screen the event, Modi, in his speech said one must have a technology-free hour.

He said: Dedicate sometime away from the gadgets. Encourage your parents also to do the same.

This comment was largely seen as elite and targeted at city-dwelling students with sufficent access to technology to the point, they see it as a distraction.He added that the Prime Minsters speech was not in sync with problems faced by students in reality.

Prince Gajendrababu, general secretary, State Platform for Common School System and an education activist said, Prime Minister has asked students to not be stressed and take exams lightly. But most students face tension because of lack of equitable access to education. It would be useful if his concerns reflected in actions.

He said that students are asked to take several exams of equal standards when their access to education and infrastructure varied drastically across the country.
Cai Jia from Beijing has been busy purchasing goods for the upcoming Spring Festival. This year, she bought a large amount of imported seafood from supermarkets near her home.

Business women show imported products at the Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub in Shanghai. (Photo/Xinhua)

It has become increasingly convenient for us costumers to taste food from around the world, she said. Like Cai, many Chinese consumers are enjoying the convenience brought by expanded imports.

China has been taking proactive measures to expand imports, which has provided a wider range of choices for consumers, and satisfied their need for more personal, diversified and different consumption.

Take online marketplace JD.com as an example. During the days before the Spring Festival, the platform saw a 30 percent increase in purchases of imported goods by consumers from Sichuan, Liaoning, Hubei, Hebei and Henan provinces. The sales value of imported baby formula, food supplements and bath products increased more than threefold.

Statistics by JD.com indicated that imported bananas and longans and Chilean cherries enjoyed the highest sales volume among imported fruits, and expenditure on imported products in third-tier cities and below increased by 9.8 times.

Thanks to e-commerce, more and more rural products are now available to urban consumers.

Li Wenjie is a teacher from Changsha in central Chinas Hunan province. Recently, she bought walnuts and edible fungus from a mountainous area in the province. According to her, the products were of high quality.

In the past, agricultural products could not reach the city due to the incomplete logistics network. In recent years, with the logistics infrastructure upgraded, agricultural products have entered the city, becoming a new option for urban consumers and a strong source of income for farmers.

Tmall plans to sell 150 million kilograms of agricultural products for farmers across the country through the local products channel launched for Spring Festival shopping.

If that target is achieved, the platform is expected to increase incomes by 1,000 yuan for each participating farmer before the Spring Festival.

Statistics by Tmall show that in 2019, about 80,000 people from impoverished counties opened stores on Tmall to sell their products, and the average annual income generated by the shops surpassed 82,000 yuan.
An employee mounts a wheel on a Mercedes Benz A Class on the assembly line at the Daimler AG factory in Rastatt, Germany, on Feb. 4, 2019. (Thomas Kienzle/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump Says Tariffs on European Cars Are Coming If Trade Deal Falls Through

President Donald Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland that if an expected trade deal with the European Union falls through, he would press ahead with tariffs on European cars.

They know that Im going to put tariffs on them if they dont make a deal thats a fair deal, Trump told The Wall Street Journal in Davos on Jan. 21, referring to automobiles, the blocs key export.

The president did not specify a deadline for reaching the trade deal before greenlighting the tariffs.

The White House has delayed slapping tariffs on cars from Europe several times. In November, the Trump administration let a deadline lapse on Section 232 national security tariffs of as much as 25 percent on imported vehicles and parts under a Cold War-era trade law.

The good news is that the U.S. did not announce any new tariffs on EU cars or car parts, European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said in Brussels on Nov. 21, according to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association. Of course the threat is not entirely gone, and we are mindful of that.

The Trump administration launched a Section 232 probe of foreign autos in May 2018, after which Trump agreed with conclusions that some imported vehicles and components are weakening our internal economy and could harm national security. An alternative to Section 232 action would be to apply tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the same mechanism used by the White House to impose tariffs on imports from China on grounds of a foreign country deploying unfair trade practices.

Trump also told The Wall Street Journal Tuesday that he struck a deal with French President Emmanuel Macron on postponing a digital services tax that was supposed to hit American tech firms sometime in 2020.

The president told the newspaper he threatened to impose a tariff of 100 percent on French wine, which currently faces an import duty of 25 percent in relation to a separate trade dispute involving European aviation giant Airbus.

In the Midst of an Economic Boom

Trump hailed his economic and trade records in remarks on the first day of the economic summit in Davos, saying that America is winning again like never before.

Today I am proud to declare that the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, he said.

In a campaign-style speech, Trump touted job creation, low unemployment, and wage growth.

This is not a time for pessimism; this is a time for optimism, Trump said. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action.

But to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, the president said, highlighting failed predictions of yesteryear like global starvation in the 1970s or depletion of the worlds oil reserves in the 1990s.

These alarmists always demand the same thing: absolute power to dominate, transform, and control every aspect of our lives, Trump continued. We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country, or eradicate our liberty. America will always be the proud, strong, and unyielding bastion of freedom.

The economic summit in the Swiss Alpine town runs through to Jan. 24.

The high-profile forum brings together world leaders, business elites, economists, and celebrities from around the globe.

Emel Akan contributed to this report.
U.S. online news publishers lost $2.8 billion in revenue in 2019, due to incorrect blocking of safe content, according to a report from cybersecurity company CHEQ and the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore.

That is equivalent to $1 in every $4 of programmatic ad revenue lost to the incorrect flagging of publishers most-read online content on brand-safety grounds.

The numbers are based on the the estimated $12 billion spent annually on online U.S. news advertising.

The study, called "The Economic Cost of Keyword Blacklists for Online Publishers," found that 80% of ads served to premium publishers are subject to keyword blacklists. Blacklists are designed by ad verification providers to prevent a brands advertising from appearing next to news content that may be considered offensive.

advertisement advertisement

However, the study found this results in some publishers most popular content not getting monetized.

While The New York Times recently announced its digital ad revenues surpassed print, only nine of every 100 most-read news articles in 2019 were considered brand safe by keywords blacklists, according to the study.

For example, a story about ex-British royal Meghan Markle noted she is a descendant of plantation slaves. The story got marked with the keyword slavery" and was blocked from ad revenue.

"Blacklists are preventing the media industry from monetizing premium content, ultimately threatening the future of news, stated CHEQ founder-CEO Guy Tytunovich.

He continued: Brands are being denied the chance to appear on top news sites, which consistently deliver the most engaged online audiences. The industry needs to commit to moving away from the decades-old technology of keywords and turn to a more sophisticated and fairer strategy.

Disney Plus was the most-searched phrase on Google in the U.S. in 2019. However, some of the most-read stories about the new platform could not be monetized. Words like attack used in reference to "Star Wars" content prevented ads from being served.

The study also shows that while an estimated 40% of global premium media inventory is brand-safe (neutral or uncontroversial content), 57% of brand-safe content is incorrectly blocked by blacklists failing to understand the context of certain words, such as kill," "dead, shoot and injury.

LGBTQ news publishers included in the study saw 73% of their inventory being denied ad dollars through the use of industry standard keywords such as "lesbian," "bisexual" and "same sex.

The study also analyzed publisher revenue lost from incorrect keyword blocking in the UK, Japan and Australia.
The words 'socialist' and 'secular' did not make it to the Preamble of the Constitution as Jawaharlal Nehru felt that there was no consensus on these issues at that time, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday.

The words came into the Preamble as part of the 42nd amendment in 1976, he said.

It was V K Krishna Menon who drafted the Preamble that is being recited across the country in recent times, Ramesh said, in an apparent reference to the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests as part of which people read out the Preamble.

He was speaking during a discussion at the Observer Research Foundation here on his new book 'Chequered Brilliance: The Many Lives Of Krishna Menon'.

Ramesh said Nehru, India's first prime minister, had asked Menon to "go a little slow" on 'socialist' and 'secular', but that does not mean that they were not socialist and secular.

His remarks assume significance as some right-wing groups have often objected to the insertion of these two words into the Preamble by the Indira Gandhi government, saying it was done for appeasement politics.

Asked why socialism did not find a mention in the Preamble despite both Nehru and Menon being inspired by it, Ramesh said the reason "why Nehru does not want secular and socialism (in the Preamble) is because he feels that there is not enough of a consensus on both these issues, that there are divergent points of view."



"It is interesting in 1947, Nehru was telling Krishna Menon, 'go easy on these two words', we know we are... remember Hindu Mahasabha was in the first Cabinet.

"There was Syama Prasad Mookerjee, it was an all-party cabinet. So Nehru was a little slow on this but that doesn't mean they were not sociaist or secular," the Rajya Sabha member said.

Talking about the 1962 conflict with China, Ramesh said both Menon and Nehru were portrayed as villains after the war, but truth is far more complex.

He said Menon had asked for raising of the defence budget earlier, but finance minister Morarji Desai had refused, saying it would betray the beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi.

He said why Nehru did not intervene between the two ministers was because he believed in letting the ministers run their ministries.

"Nehru was not authoritarian, but authoritative," Ramesh said.

He said both Nehru and Menon made mistakes but holding them solely responsible for the 1962 debacle would be simplistic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna, which had issued notice to the Centre on various pleas is likely to hear 132 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

CAA seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014.

Some of the petitions filed later have also sought a stay on the operation of the legislation which came into force on January 10.

The apex court had on January 9 refused to entertain a plea seeking that the CAA be declared constitutional, saying the country is going through difficult times and there is so much violence that endeavour should be for peace.

IUML said in its plea that CAA violates the fundamental Right to Equality and intends to grant citizenship to a section of illegal immigrants by making an exclusion on the basis of religion.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on December 12, turning it into an Act.

IUML seeks an interim stay on the operation of CAA and the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015.

The petition had alleged that the government's CAA was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intended to explicitly discriminate against Muslims as the Act extended benefits only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians.

The plea filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, said the Act is a "brazen attack" on core fundamental rights envisaged under the Constitution and treats "equals as unequal".

Ramesh said the substantial questions of law, including whether religion can be a factor to either acquire or deny citizenship in India, arises for consideration of the court as it is a "patently unconstitutional" amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955.

"The impugned Act creates two classifications, viz, classification on basis of religion and the classification on the basis of geography and both the classifications are completely unreasonable and share no rational nexus to the object of the impugned Act i.e., to provide shelter, safety and citizenship to communities who in their native country are facing persecution on grounds of religion," the plea has said.

Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA, including by RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Several other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students Union (AASU), Peace Party, CPI, NGOs 'Rihai Manch' and Citizens Against Hate, advocate M L Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Donald Trump has again labelled his Senate impeachment trial a witch hunt and a hoax from the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, before addressing the business summit with a blustering, hyperbolic speech laying out his supposed economic and environmental achievements.

Proceedings in the upper chamber of Congress will began in earnest on Tuesday after the president was charged with abuse of power and obstruction by the House of Representatives last month. The prosecution team from the House faced the president's legal counsel, making their first appearance in the impeachment proceedings, and debated trial rules proposed by Mitch McConnell, whose gauntlet called for a brief trial without testimony or evidence and would likely end up in the president's acquittal.

House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff, leading the prosecution team, argued against the Senate Majority Leader's attempts to table efforts to subpoena White House documents.

White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley called Democrats "an utter joke" after attempts to draw out White House counsel Pat Cipollone as a fact witness.

A new poll from CNN has meanwhile found that 51 per cent of Americans now support Mr Trumps removal from office and 69 per cent want to hear testimony from new witnesses like ex-national security adviser John Bolton, White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, top aide Rob Blair and Office of Management and Budget official Michael Duffey.

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NORRISTOWN  A 62-year-old Lower Merion man was sent to jail after he admitted to having indecent contact with an 8-year-old girl in the township.

Donnie Elbert Johnson, of the 200 block of Ardmore Avenue, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 3 to 12 months in the county jail after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault in connection with a November 2018 incident.

Judge Wendy G. Rothstein also ordered Johnson to complete one year of probation following parole, meaning Johnson will be under court supervision for two years. Johnson also faces a psychosexual evaluation and the judge ordered him to comply with all recommendations for treatment.

Johnson will have to report his address to state police for 15 years in order to comply with Pennsylvanias Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The judge ordered Johnson to have no contact with the victim.

An investigation of Johnson began on Nov. 3, 2018, when the victims mother reported to Lower Merion police that her daughter had disclosed that Johnson had touched her in an inappropriate manner while she was visiting a township residence and in the company of Johnson.

When detectives interviewed the girl, she said Johnson approached her when she was alone and touched her in an inappropriate manner after asking her, Can you keep a secret? according to the criminal complaint filed by Lower Merion Detective Joseph Hunsicker.

The victim felt very scared and started to feel sick, Hunsicker alleged. The victim described herself as really afraid and as a result she urinated in her pants immediately after Johnson was done touching her.

The girl indicated she initially was afraid to tell someone about the incident but did eventually disclose the details to her mother, according to the criminal complaint.

Other charges of corruption of a minor, unlawful contact with a minor and endangering the welfare of a child were dismissed against Johnson after he pleaded guilty to the indecent assault charge.
By working with #MEET4IMPACT, which is striving to change the professional events industry and shepherd organizers toward practices that are more in line with the sustainability initiatives of the United Nations, the Palais is joining a revolution focused on boosting the social value of the conferences it hosts.

This trailblazing project will help position the Palais as an expert in assessing the impact of events on the community and questioning how we can improve the value proposition of said events. Driving this exercise will be sharing the research findings with the rest of the industry, so that ultimately we will be able to maximize the positive social benefits generated by international events all over the world.

Measuring the social impact of events is appearing worldwide as an emerging business tourism trends. It is an undertaking international associations appreciate because it helps them retain members, add more appeal to their events, and facilitate accountability reporting to financial partners. As for host cities and convention centres, measuring the social impact contributes to understanding and ascertaining the real value of the events more effectively, over and above the economic benefits.

An international research project initiated in Montreal

The research project led by #MEET4IMPACT aims to create a collective knowledge bank on the positive impact of business events and the best strategies for boosting said impact. The initiatives will be culled from associations, tourism offices and convention centres from all over the planet. As copartner, the Palais des congres de Montreal will contribute its vision and industry expertise to the process of setting the study guidelines.

The project research partners include the Ecole des sciences de la gestion de l'Universite du Quebec a Montreal (ESG-UQAM), and Mitacs, a national not-for-profit organization that has been designing and delivering research and training programs in Canada for 20 years.

For more information about the project, visit the website.

Quotes

"The business tourism industry is in the midst of a transformation and we are looking to improve the value proposition of events that now want to have a lasting impact on their host community. This collaboration between the Palais and #MEET4IMPACT will enable us to measure and optimize the positive impact on the host city's ecosystem. With this research project, the Palais des congres de Montreal is taking the reins of this paradigm shift and will inspire other industry players through best practices."

 Robert Mercure, CEO of the Palais des congres de Montreal

"This research project will generate key new knowledge for the business events industry. By making these results widely available, we aim to empower associations and destinations to develop new collaboration models and experience-based practices that will create wider value for their participants, their members and host communities."

 Genevieve Leclerc, President and CEO of #MEET4IMPACT

About #MEET4IMPACT

#MEET4IMPACT groups together people driven by a common desire to change the world of business events by sharing the massive amount of knowledge found at these events.

About the Palais des congres de Montreal

Recipient of the highest quality standards certification in the industry, the Palais des congres de Montreal convention centre stands in the heart of the top host city in the Americas for international events. In 2018-2019, it generated $215 million in economic benefits along with an invaluable amount of intellectual wealth via the 353 events it hosted. A trailblazer, it operates its own events lab, CITE, which houses Montreal startups that are helping redefine how conferences are held. The Palais is a carbon neutral building, and also BOMA BEST certified. Its suite of sustainability initiatives, which it runs under the name Palais Boreal, includes an innovative program that shepherds event organizers and participants through the process of offsetting their GHG emissions locally. Actively immersed in the community, the Palais opens its spaces to visitors and stages art-driven experiences for the public, like the Palais Seasons, showcasing Quebec creatives. A leader and visionary, the Palais is at the forefront of the Convention Industry 4.0 transformation. Visit congresmtl.com.

SOURCE Palais des congres de Montreal

For further information: Renaud Martel-Theoret, Advisor, Communications and Public Affairs, Palais des congres de Montreal, Phone: 514 871-5897, [email protected]; Jacques Blanchet, Vice-president and Associate research and policy, #MEET4IMPACT, Phone: 514 977-9915, [email protected]

Related Links

www.congresmtl.com


RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AVAIL Vapor, LLC, a leading premium e-liquid manufacturing, regulatory and scientific services and retail business, today announced that as of January 1, 2020 the company has divided its operations into three separate businesses. Each company has its own dedicated management team and will be headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

The three companies are:

Avail Vapor, LLC - Leading vaping retailer located in 12 states and online

Blackbriar Regulatory Services, LLC - Contract manufacturing, FDA compliance consulting and laboratory services

Blackship Technologies. LLC - Research and development services

"Evolving our corporate structure supports our continuing growth across the multiple segments of our portfolio from vaping, manufacturing, distribution, regulatory services to future markets," said James Xu, former CEO of AVAIL, now Chairman of the three entities. "Due to the increasing importance of our regulatory consulting division at a time when U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance is paramount, we want to drive even greater focus to that area, and also support the individual needs of our customers and clients."

Blackbriar Regulatory Services (BRS) also announced it has entered into agreements with Charlie's Chalk Dust, one of the largest international e-liquid brands and a subsidiary of Charlies Holdings, Inc. (OTC Pink: CHUC), to manufacture a range of its nicotine products and take the lead in submitting a number of those products for the FDA's Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process by the May 2020 deadline.

"We are honored that Charlie's Chalk Dust has added its name to the growing list of companies that trust us to help them move forward in a maturing industry," said Russ Rogers, newly appointed CEO of Blackbriar Regulatory Services. "Under AVAIL, we partnered with Charlie's for several years to help the company deliver the highest quality products to this market, and we are very happy to see that they remain so strongly committed to continuing their success working with Blackbriar as vape-industry leaders start to add regulatory compliance to their list of critical strategies."

All e-liquid and device manufacturers have until May 2020 to submit PMTAs for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) under section 910 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This includes liquids, devices and any affiliated products related to electronic nicotine delivery systems. From here, the FDA has six months to review applications.

"The PMTA process is rigorous and complex," said Ryan Stump, COO of Charlie's Holdings. "We are fortunate to have a strong relationship with the leadership team at Blackbriar, a result of prior manufacturing agreements with AVAIL Vapor, the sister company. We are confident that guidance from BRS will further ensure Charlie's continued compliance with the regulations put forth by the FDA, further supporting Charlie's leadership in the nicotine e-liquid vape space."

About AVAIL

Richmond, Virginia-based AVAIL is a premium retailer that offers a broad array of products online and in its 99 stores across 12 states. The company delivers on the promise of quality and transparency. Information on AVAIL products is available through retail stores and on the web at www.availvapor.com.

About Blackbriar Regulatory Services

Richmond, Virginia-based Blackbriar Regulatory Services (BRS) specializes in helping small to mid-sized domestic and international companies navigate the United States regulatory landscape to bring their FDA-regulated products to market. BRS provides regulatory and analytical laboratory services, good manufacturing processes (GMP) and regulatory audits, as well as contract manufacturing and distribution for a range of markets regulated by the FDA. Information on BRS services can be found at www.bb-rs.com.

About Charlie's Chalk Dust

In a crowded industry, Charlie's Chalk Dust looks to set its brand apart from the rest. This California company has gone from a brash, backyard, word-of-mouth upstart--to an award-winning ambassador of an international movement. The company prides itself on offering the finest vapor liquid, crafted to perfection. Find out more at www.charlieschalkdust.com.

SOURCE AVAIL Vapor, LLC

Related Links

http://availvapor.com/


Preparations for NATO Regional Exercise (REGEX 20), to be hosted by Morocco in November 2020, were reviewed Monday in Rabat by Lt. General, Inspector General of Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and Lt.General Hans-Werner Wiermann, chief of NATO International Military Staff.

Talks between the two Generals also covered military cooperation between FAR and NATO, said a statement issued by General Staff of Royal Armed Forces.

Military cooperation between the two sides includes regular high-level meetings, exchange of visits & information, training, stopovers by NATO sea units and participation in various training courses.

The two Generals also hailed the strong and excellent cooperation ties existing between NATO and the North African Kingdom, reaffirming their common will to strengthen and deepen partnership through the exchange of experience and expertise.

Morocco joined NATOs interoperability platform in 2016. The following year, the two sides signed an agreement to strengthen cyber security.
With The Darling Oyster Bars recent announcement of its plans to open in Savannah, the number of downtown Charleston restaurants which have found a second home in the city now stands at six. The Darling in Georgia will join 39 Rue de Jean, CO, Husk, Prohibition and The Fat Radish, which in Charleston operates as Basic Kitchen.

But in a marked departure from the competitive spirit which once characterized the relationship between the Lowcountry capitals, members of the Savannah culinary community say they dont mind their northern neighbors occupying their streets.

I guarantee there is no concern that Charleston is taking over, says Jim Morekis, longtime editor-in chief of Connect Savannah and author of Moon travel guides to both cities.

Morekis says there are three main reasons why Savannah residents arent bothered by the influx, which is concentrated in a district that locals generally dismiss as a tourist zone:

First, the six restaurants with Charleston ties represent a small fraction of Savannah restaurant openings.

Second, with the exception of Husk, most people in Savannah dont realize that the new arrivals got their start in Charleston.

And third, Morekis says recent growth has fostered an unprecedented regional solidarity, with residents of both Charleston and Savannah chafing at the swell of hotels funded by multinational money.

Were talking massive global players bringing money into Savannah, Morekis says. Charleston, by comparison, is not as imposing.

He continues, Theyre not really outsiders any more. Theyre part of the regional family.

Savannahs independent restaurateurs are gravitating toward the Starland District, a neighborhood which Charleston exports havent yet touched. But Kyle Jacovino, who last year opened Pizzeria Vittoria there, says hes happy to see accomplished Charleston restaurants settle near the citys most-visited squares.

Im pretty excited about The Darling, he says.

Charleston in the last few years has absorbed one Savannah transplant: Byrd Cookie Company has opened two locations on Market Street.

But those familiar with the dining scenes in both cities believe its unlikely the two will anytime soon attain carbon copy status. A spokeswoman for The Darling says its owners arent concerned about cannibalizing its existing customer base by setting up shop in Savannah.

The city has an amazing culinary scene that we are thrilled to be a part of, and we look forward to introducing the restaurant to a new set of customers, Kerry Welch says.

An opening date for The Darling at 27 Montgomery Street has not been disclosed. According to a release, diners can expect a similar design aesthetic from the flagship location with nods to Savannahs history and beauty, in addition to a raw bar, cooked seafood dishes and cocktails.
SANDY, Utah , Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union and the Utah Jazz are pleased to announce Utah Parent Center as this seasons third recipient of Pass It Along, a program featuring fan-nominated opportunities that rewards five local charitable organizations with $5,000 each. With this months donation, Pass It Along has contributed $170,000 to local nonprofits since its inception in 2013.



The Utah Parent Center helps parents provide children, youth, and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to live included and productive lives as members of the community. It accomplishes its mission by providing accurate information, empathetic peer support, valuable training, and effective advocacy based on the concept of parents helping parents.



Our caring and trained staff at the Utah Parent Center are also parents themselves of children with disabilities, so we know what it's like not to have the tools you need to help your child, says Jennie Dopp, development coordinator at Utah Parent Center. While we serve 25,000 individuals a year, we know there are 151,000 throughout Utah who could benefit from our services. This gift will allow us to build capacity and to reach additional children and families in Utah. Thank you for your generosity, for seeing value in our mission and helping us bring hope to Utah families.



"Utah Parent Center provides parents with the tools and resources needed to become an advocate for their child. In turn, parents develop a care plan unique to their child's needs," says Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union. "Thank you, Utah Parent Center, for the vital role you play in improving the lives of so many community members."

The Utah Parent Center received tickets to January 18 Utah Jazz game against the Sacramento Kings, where representatives from Mountain America Credit Union and the Jazz presented a $5,000 check to Utah Parent Center.

Fans are encouraged to nominate local charitable groups that they feel go above and beyond in giving back to the community via www.utahjazz.com/passitalong. One winner is announced each month, from November through March 2020, for a total of $25,000 donated to five deserving organizations.

This seasons first two Pass It Along recipients were USANA Kids Eat and Operation Warm.

About Mountain America Credit Union

With more than 870,000 members and $9 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union assists members on the right path to help them identify and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 95 branches across five states, thousands of shared-branching locations nationwide and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain Americaguiding you forward along your financial journey. Learn more at macu.com.

About the Utah Jazz

Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 16 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. Away from the court, the Jazz are very active in the local community and have assisted a multitude of organizations and worthy causes by way of charitable donations, service and grants through Larry H. Miller Charities. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 60,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across seven states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, visit www.utahjazz.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c01eb2a-84e7-471a-8ae5-dd1c4991c065
Huaweis chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou appeared in a Vancouver court for the first day of her extradition trial, which would decide if she can be transferred to the United States for criminal processing.

Mengs trial comes more than a year after she was arrested in Vancouver in December 2018, upon an extradition request by the United States, where she is indicted on fraud charges.

U.S. federal prosecutors allege that Meng misled U.S.based banks about the companys business dealings in Iran, causing the banks to violate U.S. sanctions. They say she lied to bank representatives about Huaweis relationship with an Iranian company, which was, in fact, a subsidiary of Huawei.

The trial could take monthsor even yearsto conclude.

Mengs case sparked an escalating diplomatic row between Canada and China. Weeks after her arrest, Chinese authorities detained two Canadiansformer Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavoron spying charges in apparent retaliation. Beijing went on to block imports of Canadian canola seed and other agricultural products.

Meng, 47, who is also the daughter of the companys founder Ren Zhengfei, is currently out on bail in Canada. She says she is innocent and will fight extradition, in part, because her alleged conduct is not illegal in Canada. This is known as the standard of double criminality.

Double Criminality

The first phase of the trial, being held at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is expected to last at least four days. It will focus on the issue of double criminality. Prosecutors will need to prove that the U.S. crime that Meng is accused of committing also constitutes a crime in Canada.

The Canadian prosecutors case rests on the accusation that Meng lied to representatives of HSBC in 2013 about Huaweis relationship with Skycom, an affiliate of the company that did business in Iran. Meng, prosecutors allege, told HSBC that Skycom was a partner when it was, in fact, a subsidiary, which caused the bank to clear transactions in violation of Iran sanctions.

They say that Mengs alleged conduct put HSBC at risk of financial loss, and thus makes it sufficient to establish a case of fraud in Canada.

Inducing a bank to extend financial services by lying to it is criminal, the prosecution said in court filings.

To establish HSBCs deprivation, there is no need to consider American sanctions law.

Mengs lawyers, however, argue that the alleged fraud does not constitute a crime in Canada because it, unlike the United States, has not imposed sanctions against companies doing business with Iran.

Would we be here in the absence of U.S. sanctions law? And  our response is no, defense lawyer Richard Peck told the court on Jan. 20.

In a typical case, double criminality is not contentious. This case, however, is founded on an allegation of breach of U.S. sanctions, sanctions which Canada has expressly repudiated, he added.

The courtroom was packed, with more than 100 people in the gallery.

Michael Splatt, criminal defense counsel at Ottawa-based firm Abergel Goldstein & Partners, told The Epoch Times that while Meng faces as uphill battle due to the extremely low standards of proof in extradition hearings, her defense team does present a very good argument on the point of double criminality.

If you take the United States out of the picture, would she have been arrested and detained when she came into Canada? And the answer is, obviously, no, he said.

However, Toronto-based lawyer and adjunct professor of international law at York University Leo Adler, told The Epoch Times that the key issue is whether a fraud has been committed. Canadas lack of sanctions against Iran is not a primary factor in this inquiry, he said.

If the prosecutors can convince the judge that Meng lied to the bank about Huaweis relationship with Skycom and that it occurred during negotiations, then I think [the prosecution]  has a decent shot in proving double criminality, Adler said.

If the effect [of the alleged lie] is that it could have created a danger to HSBC, then its a fraud, Adler said.

You can call it a sanctions [violation] on the one side [United States]. Its a fraud here [in Canada].

Both Splatt and Legal experts have said it could be years before a final decision is reached in the case since Canadas justice system allows many decisions to be appealed.

The Canadian case also stands amid a backdrop of intensifying scrutiny of Huawei in the United States. The Trump administration blacklisted the company in 2019 from doing business with U.S. firms on national security grounds. U.S. authorities are reportedly considering adding further restrictions on U.S. companies that sell to the Shenzhen-based company.

U.S. officials and experts have sounded the alarm about the potential for Huawei equipment to be used by the Chinese regime for spying or to disrupt communication networks. Such concerns arise from the companys links with the Chinese military, as well as the fact that Chinese law compels companies to cooperate with intelligence agencies when asked. The company denies the allegations.

While U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in December 2018 that he would intervene in Mengs case if it served U.S. national security interests or helped close a trade deal with China, the matter did not feature in the phase one trade deal struck between the two countries last week.

Recently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC that security issues surrounding Huawei do not figure into trade discussions with Beijing, but part of the national security dialogue, which is ongoing.

Mengs legal team is currently only scheduled to call evidence in the last week of April, and a second phase of the trial, focusing on abuse of process and whether Canadian officials followed the law while arresting Meng, is set to begin in June. Closing arguments are expected in the last week of September and the first week of October.

Reuters contributed to this report
In a nutshell: Do you think the price of broadband is too high in the US? Compared to most other countries, it is. In this years worldwide pricing table, the United States was found to be more expensive than 118 other nations. The cheapest country, meanwhile, is Syria, though there are good reasons for that.

The information comes from UK comparison website Cable.co.uk, which collated the data into the 2020 Global Broadband Pricing League Table. It wasnt a great showing for the US, which was ranked 119th thanks to its average fixed-line broadband price of $50 per month. The cheapest US package out of the 27 measured was $18, while the most expensive reached $299, and despite the year-on-year cost falling $17.69, the US has dropped 14 places since 2019.

While broadband in the United States is widely available and uptake is high, lack of competition in the marketplace means Americans pay far more than they should compared to much of the rest of the world, writes the site.

Canada, on the other hand, has more reasonable broadband prices. Its average cost is $34.86 per month, marking a $22.8 YoY decrease as the country moves from 86th position to 69.

If you want the cheapest broadband in the world, look to Syria, where the average price is $6.60 per month and the lowest coming in at $2.52. Its noted that this is largely due to the ongoing collapse of the Syrian pound and the war. Plus, the average speeds are just 0.9Mbps.

The rest of the cheapest countries are made up of Ukraine ($6.64), Russia ($7.35), Romania ($8.15), and Belarus ($9.87). The most costly area is the African nation of Eritrea, where the average price is $2,666 per month, and the most expensive package reaches $15,051.

The other most expensive consumer broadband packages on the planet are found in Mauritania ($1333.78), Turks and Caicos Islands ($1488.11), Lao People's Democratic Republic ($4386.95), and Yemen ($8333.33).

The expense comes from a combination political climate, warfare, of extremely low take-up (no economy of scale) and the fact that in most cases the price you pay will go in large part to actually building a physical line to your property since few already exist. These 'works costs' rise exponentially the further your abode sits from each country's main urban centers.
VV Balakrishna By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: In what is being seen as an interesting coincidence, the State government has released Rs 5,100 crore to be disbursed among farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for Rabi season, ahead of the municipal elections scheduled to be held on January 22.

The sudden windfall from the government might help shore up the prospects of the TRS as more than 40 per cent of people in Telangana live in small towns that are going to polls on Wednesday. A large chunk of farmers live in small towns and they would stand to benefit from the sudden shower of pre-poll generosity.

In fact, the TRS leaders, while campaigning for the municipal elections, had listed out several welfare measures initiated by the State government for the welfare of the people, including the Rythu Bandhu, which proposes to pay farmers Rs 5,000 per acre per crop.

The TRS is in a win-win situation since the model code of conduct too is not applicable to the release of Rythu Bandhu largesse as elections are to be held for Urban Local Bodies and not panchayats. But, many farmers live in ULBs too, who would stand to benefit from the unexpected munificence of the government.

Government sources argue that the release of money is not in violation of the code of conduct as Rythu Bandhu is an ongoing programme and that the release of funds is sheer coincidence.

According to orders issued by principal secretary Agriculture C Parthasarathi, the State government accorded administrative sanction for an amount of Rs 5,100 crore while the total amount allocated in the 2019-20 State Budget for Kharif and Rabi Rythu Bandhu is Rs 12,862.5 crore.

Out of which, the State disbursed Rs 6,862.5 crore during Kharif. Now, the government accorded administrative sanction for Rs 5,100 for Rabi season. The balance amount is Rs 900 crore.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian attended the opening of the World Economic Forum 2020 in Davos, Switzerland, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

This year the Forum is held under the title Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World.

In fifty years of its existence the annual meeting in Davos has become one of the most influential high-level global gatherings which every year brings together representatives of states, governments, international organizations, and business community as well as reputable experts to discuss global, regional, and industrial agenda, to offer solutions to the existing problems and challenges. Over 700 speakers from different countries and over 3000 participants attend the Forum.

The Forum was officially opened by founder and president of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab. In his opening remarks Klaus Schwab said he is proud of the community they have managed to form within the past fifty years. He in particular welcomed the Young Global Leaders and the Global Shapers who believe in the worlds mutual connectivity and are ready to work jointly.

The Armenian President also attended the 26th Crystal Award on the sidelines of the Forum. This year the Forum winners are Hilde Schwab, Chairperson and Co-Founder, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, presented awards to artist Theaster Gates, choreographer Jin Xing, actor Deepika Padukone and artist Lynette Wallworth. They were awarded for their contributions to inclusive and sustainable change.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan








Fifteen people died and more were missing after a boat capsized in high winds on a lake in western Democratic Republic of Congo, local sources said on Tuesday.

The accident occurred Monday at Bankay on Lake Mai-Ndombe, the mayor of Inongo, Cosmos Mbo Wemba, said on Monday, giving a provisional toll.

The vessel, a large canoe called a pirogue, was carrying around 30 people who were returning from a funeral 35 kilometres (20 miles) away, said local radio journalist Firoger Balimba.

Boats and canoes are major forms of travel in DR Congo, a country the size of continental western Europe whose lakes and rivers substitute for decrepit road infrastructure.

But the annual toll from drownings is high, given poor boat maintenance and overloading, and many Congolese do not learn to swim.

Mbo Wemba said "a high wind struck the dilapidated boat," adding "the search for bodies is ongoing".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Brandon, MB -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/21/2020 -- Certain scenarios prevent users from accessing the administrator account of QuickBooks software.



Password errors such as "Invalid login attempt," "Please enter the valid sign-in credentials," "The sign-in credentials being entered does not match the records in database" and "Can't log in into QuickBooks. Seems like the caps lock light is switched on" are some of the most common QuickBooks password errors one may encounter.



This could mean that either the accountant or user logging into the company file is using Remote Access and did not log out from a previous session, or the user is already logged into the company file from a different workstation. It could also be caused by an electrical problem causing an issue in the network. "Incidents such as these can cause data corruption, which is a much larger issue," QuickBooks Repair Pro's John Rocha said.



Some familiar solutions include ending all QuickBooks processes and logging into the company file. Alternatively, restarting the server that stores and hosts the company data file works as another common solution.



Rocha stressed that these steps can prove challenging for users not familiar with how QuickBooks works, and recommended the use of third party professionals to help resolve the issue. "QuickBooks data repair experts such as QuickBooks Repair Pro will look at the issue on a grander scale, and deal with underlying issues such as data corruption on a more profound level," Rocha said.



Visit https://quickbooksrepairpro.com/password-recovery.aspx for more information on how QuickBooks Repair Pro can assist.



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Disgruntled JD(U) leader Pavan Varma on Tuesday demanded a "full statement" from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the partys stand on Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Population Register, hours after having caused a flutter with a letter addressed to the party chief questioning the tie-up with the BJP in Delhi.

Talking to reporters at the airport here, Varma who was in town to take part in a seminar, reiterated the need for "vaicharik spashtikaran" (ideological clarity) in the wake of the "country-wide movement against the citizenship law".

"Nitish Kumar has said that NRC will not be implemented in Bihar while on NPR and CAA he has acknowledged the need for further discussions. But even on these issues, I say that he comes out with a full statement, the career diplomat turned politician, who has ruffled many feathers by sharing screenshots of his two-page letter on social media, said.

"There is a need for ideological clarity as to whether, in the light of our partys constitution, we stand with the BJP which has its own ideology and priorities.. in the light of the country-wide protests, even an old BJP ally like the Akali Dal has shied away from an alliance with it in Delhi assembly polls on this issue.

"It must, therefore, be known what impelled the JD(U) to take such a step, Varma added.

In the letter, Varma, JD(U) national General Secretary, had questioned Kumar for aligning with the BJP outside Bihar in Delhi despite having expressed apprehensions "in private" about the BJP-RSS leading the nation into a "dangerous space".

"On more than one occasion, you have expressed your apprehensions about the BJP-RSS combine.

"In my first meeting with you in Patna in August 2012, even before I had resigned from the IFS, you had spoken to me at length and with conviction on why Narendra Modi and his policies are inimical for the country," Varma, one of the most articulate spokespersons of a political party, said.

In comments that may embarrass Kumar, Varma claimed that the JD(U) leader, even after joining hands with the BJP again in 2017, had confessed to him how the current saffron party leadership had "humiliated" him.

"You mentioned on more than one occasion that the BJP was leading India into a dangerous space. It was your personal view, as conveyed to me, that the BJP is destroying institutions and that there is a need for democratic and socialist forces within the country to regroup, a task for which you actually assigned a senior party official," Varma added, without disclosing who the JD(U) leader was.

Earlier, responding to queries about Varmas letter at the JD(U)s state headquarters here, party spokesman Rajiv Ranjan Prasad termed as a "positive development" the tie-up with BJP in Delhi, which was agreed upon by "top leaders of both parties".

This has left "no scope for unnecessary controversy though people may have their personal opinions", he added.

Bihar BJP spokesman Nikhil Anand also came out with an angry tweet addressed to Varma, saying "you should not have made the letter public and rather discussed it in party forum.

"In a way,you are questioning top leadership of the party, besides violating its hierarchy and discipline and going against the collective essence and ethos of NDA," he said.

Anand also hailed the seat-sharing formula for NDA as part of which JD(U) would contest two seats and Ram Vilas Paswans one, leaving the remaining 67 for the BJP as an example of "rapport among top leaders of the NDA".

Varma expressed disgust over suggestions that his dissatisfaction stemmed from not being reconsidered for the Rajya Sabha of which he was a member between 2014 and 2016.

"It is a petty thing to say. I have never asked Nitish Kumar for a Rajya Sabha berth. If a party is in the business of politics, it ought to have some ideological congruity. Why do people making such allegations not talk on issues, ideology and the partys stance", he asked.

Varma also scoffed at suggestions that he was sore over his name not figuring in the list of JD(U)s star campaigners for Delhi wherein another notable omission was Prashant Kishor



a strident critic of CAA-NPR-NRC whose company provides parties with professional assistance during polls and has Arvind Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party as one of its clients.

"When I am not in support of the partys tie-up with the BJP in Delhi and questioning why the alliance has been extended outside Bihar in such a delicate time, where does the question of my becoming a star campaigner arise", he asked.

He also rejected as "completely baseless" speculations that he was planning to join the Congress, saying "had I intended to do so, I would have done so long back and openly, not clandestinely.

"Please understand that I have raised issues which are very important. JD(U) is a responsible political party and not a plaything. It needs to come clean on these issues,"he said.

Replying to a query, he said "if the party thinks that my letter, which has stemmed from my concern for the JD(U), warrants any type of action against me, the leadership is free to do so".

About his next course of action in the event of JD(U) leadership not responding to his concerns satisfactorily, Varma who resigned from Indian Foreign Service in 2013 and started off as culture adviser to the Chief Minister with a cabinet rank quipped "in such a scenario I will be facing you people again, to disclose my future plans".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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At a press conference, lead House impeachment manager Adam Schiff told Mitch McConnell that his rigged impeachment process cant escape the truth.

Rep. Schiff (D-CA), Thankfully however, we know the truth. The evidence is already overwhelming and that evidence is that the president abused the power of his office. Withheld hundreds of millions of dollars of needed military aid to an ally at war in order to coerce that ally into interfering in our election. And then when he was caught obstructed the congress to cover it up. That truth is inescapable, no matter how McConnell wishes to structure this trial.

Video:

Adam Schiff tells Mitch McConnell that the truth is inescapable. #TrumpIsCorrupt pic.twitter.com/19XkVFRGHe  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) January 21, 2020

Schiff was correct. It doesnt matter what process McConnell wants to use to conduct Trumps impeachment trial. The evidence is clear and overwhelming. Donald Trump has been impeached, and no matter what Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate majority does, he will remain impeached.

Mitch McConnell is trying to rig the impeachment trial, cherry-pick evidence, and get the process over with as soon as possible. McConnell and the Republicans can violate their oath of office, but they cant undo the fact that Trump committed crimes against his country as president.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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American women have just achieved a significant milestone: They hold more payroll jobs than men. But this isnt entirely good news for workers, whether theyre men or women.

The difference is small, but it reflects the fact that women have been doing better in the labor market compared with men. One big reason is that the occupations that are shrinking tend to be male-dominated, like manufacturing, while those that are growing remain female-dominated, like health care and education. That puts men at a disadvantage in todays economy  but it also ensures that the female-dominated jobs remain devalued and underpaid.

Female-dominated jobs in the working class are just not comparable to mens jobs, said Janette Dill, a sociologist at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. So yes, its great to see women participating at such a high level in the labor market, but it also really means continuing challenges for working-class families, because these jobs just dont replace manufacturing jobs in terms of job quality and wages.

Women now hold 50.04 percent of payroll jobs (which excludes people who work on farms or in households or are self-employed), according to the Labor Departments jobs report this month. (Men are still a larger share of the labor force than women, a number that is calculated differently  it includes people who dont have jobs but are looking for work; farm and household workers; and self-employed people.)
Bangladesh: 'The river is our home': Bangladeshi boatmen mourn their receding waters

January 21,2020 | Source: The Guardian

Holding his downturned palm level with his waist, Musana Robi Das indicates how tall he was when he started working on Bangladeshs rivers. As a child he helped his father ferry villagers across local waterways. Now a tall and spindly 50-year-old, he has had to abandon that life as a boatman. The waters now sit so low that his services are unnecessary. So the past decade has instead been spent repairing shoes inside a dimly lit wooden booth in the village market.



Bangladesh has 700 rivers integral to the countrys culture, but many of them are dying. Driven by changing weather patterns and the countrys relentless push towards development, the crisis has become so critical that in July 2019 the supreme court declared all the countrys rivers to be living entities, with anyone damaging them subject to punishment. But for many of the communities whose lives depend on the waterways, the change of law has come too late. I used to love just rowing the boat, being on the river. Nowadays I have very little work, says Robi Das. The river was so much higher before. Now you see there are fields by the bank, but they used to all be part of the river. Only a month since the end of Bangladeshs rainy season, the river sits at less than half the level it did when it was a healthy tributary of the Surma, part of an extensive river system that stretches from India, breaking off and joining other rivers on the path southwards to the Bay of Bengal.



Robi Das is part of a small Hindu community in Bangladeshs northern Sylhet district, in the town of Biswanath near the border with India, which has always been connected to the river. The river is our home. We are always going down to it, we do everything there, said his neighbour, fisherman Lilon Chandra Das, 47. Our lives were more comfortable before, we could live from the river. Today I have a net with me in my boat but I dont have much confidence that I will catch anything. In the past it was guaranteed.



Both people and goods were traditionally transported along Bangladeshs extensive river network. Floating markets still exist in parts of the country, and communities like the Choonati (named after the paste chewed with betel nut, made from grinding the shells of snails found on the river bed) found specialised work on the water. They are the biggest losers. First of all, fishermen. Hundreds of fishing communities have been destroyed. Then the boatmen, said Sheikh Rokon, founder of the Riverine People network of environmental activists.



He said the death of Bangladeshs rivers has been caused by encroachment, erosion, pollution and sand mining. All of these problems stem, he claimed, from decreased water flows that, while due in part to internal land barriers, are largely a result of restrictions on the flow by Bangladeshs neighbours, especially India. The two countries share several major rivers, but Bangladeshi communities complain that they suffer from Indias dams depriving them of water during dry spells and inundating them in the rainy season. In October 2019, Bangladeshs state news agency reported that 78,000 people were affected by flooding in the countrys north-west soon after India opened the floodgates of its Farakka barrage, 20km from the border.



Reviving the rivers



Since independence from Pakistan in 1971, Bangladesh has forged a path towards development that has focused on rapidly building its economy. The changes have been visible. Instead of rivers, transportation is concentrated on roads that even in rural areas are now congested. Dhaka, once a small capital, is now one of the most populous cities in the world, growing by an estimated half a million people every year. Dhakas water bodies have shrunk by two-thirds over the past 20 years, according to a recent study by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, and hundreds of factories and tanneries pollute the citys Buriganga river, according to activists. Bangladeshs progress has seen the country neglect its rivers in pursuit of resources, according to Rokon.



We have 38 rivers which are severely polluted and encroached. We have more than 80 rivers that are [suffering] under the sand-mining situation, he said. The modern monster is sand-mining. It is cruelly killing our rivers. Sylhet has suffered because the sand and stone collected from its river beds, washed down from the hills in India, are used in roads and construction. The often illegal and excessive collection has diverted the flow of rivers, according to the governments forestry department. As one of the activists who campaigned for Bangladesh to recognise the legal rights of rivers, Rokon welcomed the supreme courts July ruling, but he is also sceptical that action will be taken.



Aside from the challenge of taking on businesses that profit from mining the rivers or building around them, Rokon says there needs to be a cultural change in Bangladesh, where the traditional link to rivers has been forgotten. People became detached culturally from the rivers. We have to revive the utility of the rivers, he said. In Biswanath, the local administration has been exploring ways to reroute their dying river with the hope of increasing its flow for fishermen like Chandra Das, and to revive a tradition of transporting people and goods along the waterways, which could prove quicker and cheaper than Bangladeshs clogged roads.



Robi Das is less optimistic about the changes, however. The death of local rivers has already forced him to search for a new livelihood and he expects his children will do the same. I have moved on now, even if they revive the rivers there wont be much chance of us returning to it. My children study and they will try to use that for their lives, he said.
The CBI has booked Mumbai-based Frost International, its directors Uday Desai and Sujay Desai besides 11 other individuals and companies for allegedly cheating a consortium of 14 banks to the tune of over Rs 3,592 crore, officials said.

The action has been taken on the complaint of Kanpur Zonal office of Bank of India, which alleged that the directors had worked in the guise of undertaking merchanting trade without genuine business, they said.

It is alleged that they had defaulted in meeting payment obligation towards the lending banks of the consortium led by Bank of India, the officials said.

The company and its directors, guarantors and unidentified others submitted forged documents, diverted and siphoned off the bank's funds, they said.

The action of the company and its directors cheated the banks to the tune of over Rs 3,592.48 crore, they added.

The banks had already secured Look out Circular against Uday Desai and 10 others on January 18, 2019. It was preceded by another LOC against Desai and 13 others on the request of Indian Overseas Bank, they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Despite the rejection Mr Yi is determined to have the on a waterfront spot

A Chinese artist created a hug three tonne sculpture of a retired footy player even though the council didn't want it - and now it needs a home.

Plans to create the sculpture of retired New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw were rejected by Auckland Council but Yang Yi went ahead and made it anyway.

And now, after spending $80,000 creating seven-metre statue named the Undefeated Kiwi, he is looking for a buyer.

Auckland Council denied Yang Yi's application to build the three-tonne mass dedicated to the rugby great titled Undefeated Kiwi in 2012

Richard McWha, Manager of Arts & Culture from Auckland City Council, told Daily Mail Australia their public art policy hasn't changed since 2012.

'[This means] there would be no grounds for the current Public Art Advisory Panel to re-consider finding a place for the statue,' Mr McWha said.

Despite the rejection Mr Yi is determined to have it on a waterfront spot or in a park in central Auckland.

He believes the sculpture is something New Zealanders will travel to see as it 'portrays the real spirit' of the country.

'The sculpture is something all Kiwis can identify with, and I believe it will also be a great tourist attraction with many taking photos with it,' Mr Yi told the New Zealand Herald.

'I chose Richie McCaw because the sculpture reflects the precious spirit of all New Zealanders through rugby and Richie is one of the outstanding representatives.'

However the 32-year-old went ahead with it anyway and spent $80,000 and two years creating the statue

'It captures the never-say-die, never-give-up and ever-forward-moving attitude of New Zealanders through the sport of rugby.'

Mr Yi is determined to give the public access to the sculpture and has contacted New Zealand Rugby for help.

He said money isn't the issue but he hopes whoever adopts the statue will contribute some money to the cost.

Mr Yi said the statue is dedicated to all New Zealanders and to boost morale of the All Blacks.

The statue is currently housed at his workshop in China.
The University of Dayton has named Savalas Kidd, a 25-year decorated police veteran, as executive director of public safety and chief of police. Kidd has served as UD's assistant chief of police since 2017.

"Savalas is a well respected and experienced law enforcement executive. He has 25 years of municipal, state and university policing experience. In his time at UD, he has shown an approach to community policing and public safety that is suited to our unique living environment for our students," said William M. Fischer, UD vice president for student development. "I'm confident he'll seamlessly transition into his new role so the department maintains continuity to ensure the safety of our University community."

Kidd will replace Rodney Chatman, who is leaving the University Feb. 7 to become the chief of police for the University of Utah. Kidds appointment begins Feb. 10.

Kidd's promotion was applauded by Student Government Association President Bryan Borodkin as well.

"In my time knowing Savalas, he has always been an incredible leader and police officer. He has demonstrated incredible care for the University and for all students that call it home," Borodkin said. "I truly believe he possesses many of the qualities that made Chief Chatman so incredible, and I have all the confidence Savalas will be an incredible police chief. I look forward to seeing how he will improve campus safety and make this place we all love even better."

Before coming to UD, Kidd served 12 years in the Ohio attorney general's office where he most recently was an assistant special-agent-in-charge leading statewide unit operations for crimes against children, cybercrimes and human trafficking. From 1995 to 2002, he worked for Springfield and Miami townships in the Cincinnati area as a patrol officer, detective and a community-oriented police officer.

Kidd has received awards or recognition from the Ohio governor's office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Ohio attorney general's office, U.S. Rep Brad Wenstrup and the Ohio House of Representatives.

At UD, he has been part of several community policing initiatives that helped UD Public Safety garner the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Award for Innovations in Community Policing in 2018. The association presents the award for significant evidence-based crime prevention programs or initiatives and development of strong community partnership programs.

"I'm honored the University has placed its confidence in me, and I look forward to building upon the foundation laid in student development and public safety in providing a safe and secure environment for our students," Kidd said.

Kidd also been active in the professional development of others in policing. He has served as an adjunct professor in the University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice, a guest lecturer at the Ohio attorney general's capital crimes seminar and Ohio attorney general's conferences, and an instructor at the Butler Technological Public Safety Center and Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Kidd said one of his first priorities will be to start the process to fill the assistant chief position.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at 937-229-3391 or srobinson@udayton.edu.
munster

In Munster the land volumes sold at auction and the amount of money changing hands at these sales reduced by 17pc. However, it was a steady year in south-western sales with the price per acre declining by a minuscule 0.2pc from last year to reach 14,262/ac.

A total of 15 conclusive auctions were recorded in the national press, down almost 50pc from a figure of 29 the previous year while 1,104ac of land changed hands and a total of 15.746m generated.

The properties sold came in a variety of sizes from 28ac to 220ac and averaged at around 73.6ac.

The biggest farm to sell under the hammer in the province was a 220ac residential farm at Faha, Kilmacthomas in Co Waterford that went for 2.6m in a sale handled by Harty auctioneers. The per-acre of 11,800 was a fine price for such a sizeable holding.

A total of five further farms broke the 1m mark. These included a 110ac non-residential holding at Beaufort in the shadow of the Magillicuddy Reeks. Auctioneer Tom Spillane took charge of that transaction and the place was sold for 1.925m or 17,500/ac.

Expand Close A 110ac non-residential farm at Whitefields, Beaufort near Killarney was sold for 1.925m by auctioneer Tom Spillane / Facebook

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Whatsapp A 110ac non-residential farm at Whitefields, Beaufort near Killarney was sold for 1.925m by auctioneer Tom Spillane

GVM Kilmallock and Michael Barry of Fermoy saw a 95ac non-residential farm at Rathcormack in east Cork make 1.65m or over 17,000/ac, while Dan Fleming sold a 132ac non-residential holding at Ballyshonin, Berrings in Cork for 1.37m. A third Cork farm also made over a million when an 80ac residential farm at Glanmire was sold by Michael Barry for 1.205m.

Tipperary stars

While Tipperary may have captured the Liam MacCarthy in 2019, Tipp land did not quite reach the dizzy heights of previous years. Nevertheless an 85ac grass and tillage farm at Kilshanane sold by Matthew Ryan made 1.35m or a very healthy 15,880/ac.

Other properties to make good money included a 40ac tillage farm at Powertown, Clonmel sold by Pat Quirke for 740,000 or 18,500/ac. Staying in Tipp a 54ac residential farm on the banks of Lough Derg at Ballycommon made 596,000 or 11,037/ac when sold by Declan Lee of Nenagh.

In Clare a strong 14,800/ac was achieved by Vaughan Hannon when they sold a 56ac parcel of ground on the outskirts of Ennis at Drumcliff.

The best price paid for land in the region was 23,000/ac given for a 42ac non-residential farm near Adare in Co Limerick that sold under the direction of Tom Crosse of GVM.

Expand Close A residential farm extending to 220ac at Faha, Kilmacthomas was the biggest farm sold under the hammer in Munster. In one of the earlier auctions of the year it made 2.6m under the direction of Harty auctioneers in March. / Facebook

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Whatsapp A residential farm extending to 220ac at Faha, Kilmacthomas was the biggest farm sold under the hammer in Munster. In one of the earlier auctions of the year it made 2.6m under the direction of Harty auctioneers in March.

Reflecting on the market Pat Quirke of PF Quirke says that the year was good on the private treaty front with vendors steering clear of the auction room. "Land in south Tipp is still holding its value and quite a lot of it is changing hands in private sales and while it isn't making the headline auction prices, it is not far from them," he said.

Tom Crosse of GVM has seen a definite return of the businessman/woman in the farm property market while the dairy buyer remains strong.

Matt Ryan of Tipperary town saw a strong end to the year.

"It was a funny year, we had only two auctions where one place got away. Brexit and the beef crisis created uncertainty but the private treaty front was good especially at the back end of the year when I had a number of places I thought would not move and they did. I think once Brexit was resolved, for the moment at least, it took a lot of uncertainty out of the market. I'm hopeful for next year. There's a bit of movement and a bit of positivity around," he said.
Legislative decrees No. 3 and 4 will punish traders any currency other than the Syrian pound and those who spread false information writes SANA.

On Monday, the cabinet discussed, in detail, the role and mission of each ministry to apply the executive mechanism of the legislative decrees No. 3 and 4, issued by President Bashar al-Assad, to punish traders who use any currencies but the Syrian pound.

The Cabinet, during its weekly session, led by Prime Minister Imad Khamis, affirmed that the two decrees are only targeting those who manipulate the Syrian pound, adding they dont target the business, investment or foreign trade sectors.

On Saturday, Assad issued Legislative Decree No. 3 for 2020, amending Article 2 of Legislative Decree No. 54 of 2013.

The decree forbids the use of money other than the Syrian Pound as a means of payment for any type of commercial transaction.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
A US citizen who recently returned from a trip to central China has been diagnosed with the new virus, says the CDC.

A United States citizen who recently returned from a trip to central China has been diagnosed with the new virus that has sparked an outbreak and stringent monitoring around the world, a spokesman for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Tuesday.

The man returned to the Seattle area in the middle of last week after travelling to the Wuhan area, where the coronavirus outbreak began. The man is in his 30s and is in good condition at a hospital in Everett, outside Seattle.

The US is the fifth country to report seeing the illness, following China, Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

Late last week, US health officials began screening passengers from central China at three US airports. Officials around the world have implemented similar airport screenings in hopes of containing the virus during the busy Lunar New Year travel season.

Last month, doctors began seeing a new type of viral pneumonia  marked by fever, coughing and difficulty breathing  in people who spent time at a food market in Wuhan. More than 275 cases of the newly identified coronavirus have been confirmed in China, most of them in Wuhan, according to the World Health Organization.

The count includes six deaths  all in China, mostly among people age 60 or older, including at least some who had a previous medical condition.

Officials have said the virus probably spread from animals to people, but this week Chinese officials said they have concluded it also can spread from person to person.

In announcing the airport screenings last week, CDC officials said the risk to the US public was low, but that it was likely the illness would appear in the US at some point.
There will be a good number of votes, Schumer said. We are willing to do some of those votes tomorrow. There is no reason we have to do them all tonight and inconvenience the Senate and the chief justice. But we will not back off on getting votes on all of these amendments, which we regard as extremely significant and important to the country.
The National Cemetery at Fort Indiantown Gap needs interment flags (those given to the family of a military veteran at funerals) to replace torn and faded flags that line the Avenue of Flags at the cemetery in Annville, Pa. Only donated flags from a military funeral are used. You cannot purchase a flag for this purpose.

If anyone has a flag from a military funeral that he or she would like to donate in someones honor, place the flag in a plastic bag with the name of the loved one and branch of service. Also include your name and address.

Place the flag in a collection drop box. The boxes are located at various places around the area  Palmer Post Office, Palmer Township Community Center, Palmer Library, Walmart, Moyer Lumber, Miller Heights Grocery, Bethlehem Township Municipal Building and the Marine Corps League at 1721 Lehigh St. in Wilson Borough.

I will personally deliver the flags to the National Cemetery.

Joe Pokojni

Chairman, Flag Collection, Marine Corps League Detachment 298

Palmer Township
Rudy Giuliani is "heartbroken" over recent comments made by his former associate Lev Parnas, who says he worked closely with Giuliani in Ukraine as part of an attempt to find damaging information about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.

Speaking to Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Monday night, Giuliani, President Trump's personal lawyer, said he was once "close to" Parnas, but was "misled by him." In October, Parnas and his business partner Igor Fruman were arrested and charged with campaign finance violations. Last week, Parnas made several public accusations against Giuliani, President Trump, and Attorney General William Barr, implicating all of them in the Ukraine scheme that is central to Trump's impeachment.

While Fruman did not cooperate with House impeachment investigators, Parnas did, turning over documents and other materials. Parnas said while he was in Ukraine trying to find dirt on the Bidens, he "wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani and the president." Giuliani, a former U.S. attorney, refuted this, saying Parnas "in very large part did not tell the truth" and "lied stupidly."

Giuliani told Ingraham he would not discuss all of Parnas' accusations, but did deny ever talking about his Ukraine investigation with Barr and said Parnas' account of a meeting during a 2018 White House Hanukkah party was a lie. In November, CNN reported that Parnas told two people close to him that during the celebration, Trump let Parnas and Fruman know he wanted them to go on a "secret mission" to Ukraine to investigate the Bidens. Giuliani said this was "absolutely untrue," as they were never pulled into a private meeting.

Parnas posted a photo taken at the party on social media, showing him posing with Trump, Giuliani, Fruman, and Vice President Mike Pence. Trump has repeatedly denied knowing Parnas; Parnas has promised to keep releasing pictures of the two of them together.

Story continues

More stories from theweek.com

After rejecting amendments, Senate adopts impeachment trial rules

White House budget office releases heavily redacted Ukraine emails as Senate rejects OMB subpoenas

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow's odd impeachment rant about 'lawyer lawsuits' may stem from a misheard phrase


The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through the arrest of Badamasi Sule and Muhammad Muhammad, suspected money-doublers, stopped the circulation of about N45m fake notes, packaged inside two Ghana-must-go bags.

These currency counterfeiters were arrested in December 2019, following actionable intelligence report which exposed a syndicate of fraudsters who specializes in printing fake N1,000 notes. They were also found to be in possession of fake $100 bills.

Disclosing this via its official Facebook handle, EFCC, said that investigations further revealed that two Ghana-must-go bags in their possession containing the N1,000 notes were shortly to be put into circulation.



Their primary targets are bureaux de change operators and unsuspecting members of the public.

The syndicate is believed to be operating from Gashua, Yobe State, with its dispatch lodge being a hotel located in Abacha Estate, close to the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja.

They will soon be arraigned in court.

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Chandigarh, Jan 21 : Ridiculing SAD's claim that it had chosen not to contest the Delhi assembly polls due to differences with the BJP over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday challenged the Akalis to quit the alliance at the Centre to prove their sincerity with regard to the legislation.

"Why don't you (Akalis) walk the talk and show the people of India that you really stand against the divisive and destructive CAA?" asked the Chief Minister, urging the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) minister in the Union Cabinet, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, to immediately resign in support of the stated stand on the controversial legislation.

"If you found the CAA to be anti-Muslim, why did you support and pass the legislation in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha?" Amarinder Singh asked the Akalis, adding that the vociferous support extended by the SAD to the legislation in Parliament was a matter of record.

Pointing out that Delhi was the second state, after Haryana, where the SAD had decided not to go with their ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Chief Minister said their claim that they had decided against contesting the Delhi polls on account of differences on the CAA was unacceptable.

The decision to opt out of the Delhi elections was clearly motivated by political compulsions as the SAD had evidently realised it had no ground support and could not win even a single seat in the national capital, he added.

Or perhaps, the BJP was not ready to give them what they wanted in terms of seats, prompting them to look for a graceful way out of the situation, he said.

Taking a dig at the SAD leadership, including party chief Sukhbir Badal and Union minister Harsimrat Badal, over their spate of contradictory and conflicting statements on CAA, the Chief Minister said the Akalis did not have a principled stand on this major issue of national importance.

Manjinder Singh Sirsa's claim that the party had been under pressure to review its stand on the CAA was ludicrous, to say the least, considering the discordant notes the Akalis had been striking on the issue for the past several days, he added.
Shiite populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr seems to be ambling for the lead of Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) factions in the absence of its deputy head, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who  according to Washington Institute researcher Michael Knights  was the first archenemy of the United States.

On Jan. 17, Sadr called on all factions to form mass protests against what he called the US occupation; they all responded to his request.

On the other hand, Hadi al-Ameri, head of the Badr Organization, is setting up meetings in both Baghdad and Tehran with faction leaders to unify their discourse  this raises the possibility of his nomination for a leadership position in the PMU in the future.

The PMU in Iraq has lost strength since the United States assassinated Muhandis along with Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force, upon their exit from Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 3.

Muhandis, born in Basra governorate in southern Iraq in 1953, was associated with military action against the Saddam Hussein regime in the 1980s. He was considered one of the leaders of the Badr Organization at the time when he joined it.

The United States imposed sanctions on Muhandis in 2009, and he was the most prominent field commander for the attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad on Dec. 31, 2019.

On Jan. 10, PMU operations leaders met in Baghdad and stressed that Muhandis death will give moral impetus to the PMU fighters to stand on the front lines and defend Iraq, but their statement did not refer to any information or plans after his absence.

Yazan al-Jobouri, one of the PMU leaders told Al-Monitor, Chaos and confusion prevail within the PMU today; its leaders and factions did not meet until a week after Muhandis killing. His absence will have a major impact since he is the only one [with] whom the entire PMU agrees and everyone obeys him given his long jihad history.

Several questions arise regarding the PMUs post-Muhandis future, mainly revolving around whether the PMU is facing internal division and if even more challenges await.

In this regard, Ihsan al-Shammari, a political science professor at Baghdad University, told Al-Monitor, Muhandis killing constitutes a strong blow to the PMU because he was a field commander and a spiritual father for the factions. He was the first concerned with every detail within the PMU. There were differences even before his death, so one can only wonder what could happen after.

He added, We will notice the depth of differences during the coming days because there are leaders in the PMU that believe they have the right to play a greater role at the level of both the leadership and the armed factions, and this may put the PMUs future at stake.

According to Shammari, the IRGC, which has had positive ties with PMU leaders, may succeed in controlling the rhythm of these differences as they did in earlier times.

When the Islamic State invaded Mosul on June 10, 2014, Muhandis gathered the armed Shiite factions, organized their actions based on Grand Shiite Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's fatwa and led the battles against the terrorist group.

Although Muhandis was deputy head of the PMU, up until his assassination he was its de facto and field leader, which created disputes with PMU head Faleh al-Fayadh on an ongoing basis.

Muhandis opinion was heard among factions  especially those that follow Wilayat al-Faqih  so he was the PMUs beating heart.

Professor of political science at Baghdad University Adel Badawi told Al-Monitor, The PMUs post-Muhandis future seems to be heading toward weakness due to the competition between many factions to reach leadership positions; Muhandis represented the central leadership that curbed this competition.

He added, His loss cannot be compensated by another person who can manage the balances in the PMU or within the resistance faction system, and the balances between the PMU and the resistance, as well as between the PMU and the Revolutionary Guards. These are complex balances that were managed efficiently by Muhandis, and the PMU will face problems in this regard.

Badawi expects the influence of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards inside the PMU will decrease after Muhandis death because he represented the great influence of the Revolutionary Guards within the PMU.

Muhandis killing was a shock to the PMU, which he built, structured and knew every detail about over the past five years. Even the armed factions not affiliated with the PMU, such as Hezbollah Brigades and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, were affected by the loss of what Muhandis symbolized.

Maan al-Jubouri, former adviser at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, said, The PMUs loss affects its unity, weakens its power and fuels competition between a large number of its leaders. Several demands for leadership will emerge within the PMU. Consequently, its strength will diminish; some will leave the scene and others will hesitate. Internal conflicts will break out between the leaderships on the one hand and the factions on the other.

Soleimani was the other person to manage the balances between the PMU and the resistance factions, but he too is no longer alive. The PMU and the factions have endured a major loss with the assassination of two jihad leaders who had great influence and were able to unify the discourse of the resistance.

At the end of the day, the PMU will not be the same coherent, strong, ideology-driven PMU after the loss of Muhandis. Rather, it will witness major differences that may or may not be made public, but they will affect it greatly  especially since those to whom the factions and their leaders resorted to resolve the disputes are now gone.
Offaly County Council will write to the government to ask about the possibility of a 20 million home retrofitting being directed to the homes of axed Bord na Mona workers before anyone else.

This comes after a motion proposed by Cllr John Leahy was passed at the January meeting of Offaly County Council on Monday, January 20.

The Government announced a new Just Transition Fund for the Midlands as part of Budget 2020 last year, part of which was the appointment of Just Transition commissioner, Kieren Mulvey, who will be based in Tullamore.

A total of 31m in funding was announced for the midlands region at that time. The new fund will be focused on social housing retrofits, which could redeploy Bord na Mona workers, as well as peatland rehabilitation which would be utilised likewise.

The 20 million retrofit scheme is yet to be fully worked out but it is to focus on the use of some former Bord na Mona workers to retrofit social houses in the region to meet new energy standards. It is viewed as a way of redeploying workers displaced by Bord na Mona's decarbonisation and upgrading the energy ratings of social houses to meet new emissions targets.

However, Cllr John Leahy has said the homes of those affected Bord na Mona workers should be upgraded first "before any programme is rolled out to retrofit social houses."

His motion read: "Offaly County Council calls on the Government and the newly appointed Just Transition Commissioner to support firstly, the homes of current Bord na Mona employees are retrofitted before any programme is rolled out to retrofit social houses. Offaly Council believes that this would go some way to compensating employees from Bord na Mona for the stress and pressure which they will endure as a result of the transition which will take place."

Cllr Eamon Dooley supported the motion and pointed out that under the current system of retrofitting under the Just Transition banner a lot of workers' homes would not qualify, adding, "that's not really just is it?"

Cllr Leahy said workers are "under a lot of stress looking for new jobs," and that, "the Just Transition Fund should be supporting those workers and not local authority houses generally."

"We need to look after these employees; it just makes sense," he added.

Cllr Ken Smollen agreed with Cllr Leahy's motion and reiterated his belief that the people of Offaly had been "thrown under the green bus" with regard to decarbonisation and the move away from traditional power stations.

"Many of these workers are in their mid-40s and 50s and genuinely never work again, so if this is some sort of consolation for them, then I support it," he added.

Cllr Mark Hackett said, "those who need it first, should get it first." The Green Party councillor added: "Bord na Mona needs to back up these people rather than bury them. They can't just walk away.

"Many Bord na Mona workers have the chance to work again whereas many elderly people do not." He suggested that maybe the homes of elderly people could be first on the social retrofitting list when the scheme materialises.

Responding to the motion, Offaly County Council Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney, said: "20m under the Just Transition Fund is specifically for the retrofitting of social housing - that's the latest we know from the Department."

"If councillors agree with this motion, we'll certainly pass it on and bring it up at the next meeting of the regional transition team."

The motion was passed.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI  Michigan residents shouldnt be alarmed if they see low-flying helicopters.

Theyre likely just training in the event they need to take to the sky during inclement weather.

In a lengthy post to Facebook on Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City explained that special low visibility flights are crucial in their ability to reach Lake Michigan and Lake Huron during poor weather.

Crews use routes that transit over the lowest terrain possible, like rivers and valleys, allowing the aircraft to remain below clouds and ice that can accumulate and away from power lines and towers that would make air travel extremely dangerous.

Coast Guard crews are ready to launch day or night, in the worst of weather conditions, to save lives, property, and to protect the homeland, the post reads. Here in northern Michigan, one of our biggest challenges is the severe winter weather this part of the country is known for.

Our pilots and aircrew train to fly in challenging weather conditions. This way, when we receive a distress call during a blizzard in the middle of the night, we are ready to safely respond.

Coast Guards 3 new Jayhawk helicopters will improve Great Lakes rescue efforts

Pilots train to take off and land in complete white-out conditions and all aircrews routinely practice flying the low-visibility routes to maintain familiarity with each of them.

Crews identify altitude by tuning a Barometric altimeter to match the inches of Mercury based in the current atmospheric pressure. A RADAR altimeter transmits a signal downward which bounces back to a receiver and informs pilots of their true altitude over the ground at any given point in time.

Lastly, crews use a GPS altitude which assists with instrument flying and transponder reporting to various airfields and Aviation Training Centers.

Your safety and protection is of our utmost concern, and, as we start a new decade, your Coasties here at the Air Station couldn't be more proud to be the Guardians of the Great Lakes, the post continued.

We thank the citizens of Traverse City for their continued support, and we will continue to train and operate safely, efficiently, and effectively so that we can stay Semper Paratus for the members of our local community and the Great Lakes.
Disturbing video footage shows the moment a 'severely autistic' 16-year-old boy was arrested before he died in custody on Sunday.

Police were called after reports the teenager had struck and bitten his father at a Laser Tag in Metairie, Louisiana, at around 1.30pm.

Footage showed the deputy and the boy's father struggling with him outside in the parking lot. The teen also bit the police officer's leg while he was being restrained, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office.

The boy has not been publicly identified.

JPSO Captain Jason Rivarde said: 'The suspect suffered an apparent medical emergency during the arrest and became unresponsive.'

The 16-year-old boy can be seen lashing out at his father and the deputy during the arrest in the parking lot outside the Laser Quest in Metairie, Louisiana on Sunday

The deputy grapples with the boy during the arrest before the teen 'suffered an apparent medical emergency'

Paramedics rushed him to hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to WWL-TV.

The witness who filmed the arrest said he heard screaming before taking out his camera.

The General Manager of the Laser Tag Ricky Dillard told the broadcaster that the special needs teen was well known to staff.

'He was a long time guest and a lot of our crew members have personal relationships with him and his family,' Dillard told WWL-TV.

The teen is hauled to the ground by his father and the deputy, it is not clear who the woman in the video is

The General Manager of the Laser Tag Ricky Dillard said: 'He was a long time guest and a lot of our crew members have personal relationships with him and his family ... They were our number one customers'

'Its not easy. I wish we could give the parents a big hug. They were our number one customers.

'He loved being in our facility. He loved the bumpers cars and bowling alley. We all made a point of communicating with him because he was learning from this experience.'

Captain Rivarde said an autopsy on Tuesday would confirm the cause of death.
Albania, on the 40th day of nationwide Iran, protests to hail the brave protesters who are standing up for freedom, especially those murdered by the Regime, who have become martyrs for the cause.

Here, we will look at Maryam Rajavis speech, focusing on how this is a learning experience for the young people of Iran and why solidarity is needed to continue the uprisings.

Maryam Rajavi said that the November uprising was a watershed moment in Irans history, offering many lessons to the millions of rebellious young Iranians. She explained that they learnt about:

the strategy and tactics of an uprising and how to overthrow a regime

the readiness of society to gain fundamental change

the decadence of a regime that has no way out of its various crises

the futility of investing in the regimes moderation

the end of fake strategies presented on the edges of the regime

the anti-regime fighting force

the truth of Massoud Rajavis observation that the only answer is decisiveness and the destruction of the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)

Maryam Rajavi said: Indeed, the disgraceful industry of fabricating puppet or dependent alternatives, aided by the regimes direct or indirect involvement and at the urging of this or that power or foreign service, has been fully discredited and marginalized. These developments lent credibility to the Iranian Resistance and elevated the standing of the National Liberation Army flanked by armies of rebellious youths, the hungry, the unemployed and the oppressed.

She said the issue is simply, how can we best topple the regime? and that through the support of the Resistance. Those who can help should, but they need to avoid focusing on meaningless and hollow talk rather than action. Actions will topple the regime, words wont.

Maryam Rajavi said: Today, everyone knows that the most forbidden name and the first red line for the regime is the name of the Mojahedin (PMOI/MEK) as it has been throughout the past 40 years. The regimes intelligence agents clearly admit that their red line is not even talking unfavourably against Khamenei, but rather favourably regarding the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran.

She then began to talk about the fact that solidarity and cooperation are essential to sustain the uprising, so she urged the Iranian people to do all that they could to encourage each other to continue.

Maryam Rajavi said: It is a patriotic duty to support the families of martyrs, attend to the wounded, and assist the resistance units in any form and to any extent possible. By commemorating the selfless children of the people of Iran, and honouring their sacrifices, continue to boost the morale and determination of the people of Iran wherever you are.

She continued: Your support for the resistance units is essential and tantamount to participating in determining the brilliant future of tomorrows Iran. Hail to the martyrs, hail to protesters, hail to freedom and the Liberation Army.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 21:29:12|Editor: mingmei

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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of American students who are enrolled in Chinese language programs spent a wonderful evening here on Monday with Chinese diplomats at a family-like reception to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.

The students and their families shared their stories about learning the Chinese language in the United States, and recounted their journeys to China to experience the amazing Chinese culture in person.

Some of the students showcased their Chinese language skills by reciting Chinese poems, while others displayed their musical talent by playing traditional Chinese instruments at the reception hosted by Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua at his residence.

Wang praised the students for exerting great efforts to achieve a high proficiency in the Chinese language, which enabled them to know about the essence of Chinese culture and philosophy.

"China is a country with its people cherishing peace, harmony and amity," he said. "The love for peace is deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of the Chinese people."

Wang called on the students to contribute to promoting the China-U.S. friendship, which is "not only conducive to the two countries but also to the rest of the world."

Wu Yenbo, associate vice president at San Francisco State University, said the school has helped tens of thousands of local Californians learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture over some 16 years of running the Confucius Institute on the campus.

People-to-people exchanges are needed to build a better world, Wu said.

"Understanding and learning another language simply opens up another window and many other opportunities for young people," he said.

He said he hopes American youth will continue to contribute to this cause and support the exchanges and collaboration between the United States and China.

Christine Herbst, a high schooler in Silicon Valley and winner of the 12th Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition (American Continent group) held in China last year, said she began to learn the Chinese language at the tender age of three.

"Learning Chinese has given me great leverage and I have been granted a scholarship from China, which qualifies me for a seat in a Chinese university upon my graduation from my high school in the United States," she said.
Amid the ongoing row over the NPR exercise, the government on Tuesday asserted that data is confidential and guaranteed under the law and those violating it will be punished.

In a series of tweets, the Registrar General and Commissioner of India (RGI) also said the 2021 would be the first ever to be conducted with a mixed mode approach - a mobile app (created in-house by RGI office).

"While confidentiality about your data is guaranteed by Census Act, 1948; the same law specifies penalty for BOTH public AND census officials for non-compliance or violation of any provision of the Act," the RGI said.

The Population Register (NPR) exercise will be carried out along with the house listing phase of the census.

During the census exercise, there will be facility for online self enumeration for the public during population enumeration phase.

"The Indian census is the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world, with more than 30 lakh functionaries, and at the cost of about 8700 crore rupees," another tweet by RGI said.

The house listing phase of the Census 2021 will be carried out from April 1 to September 30, 2020.

The census will have its reference date as March 1, 2021, but for snow-bound Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand it will be October 1, 2020.

A few state governments have declared that they will not participate in the NPR exercise now alleging it is a prelude to a countrywide Register of Citizens.

Assemblies of Kerala and Punjab have adopted resolutions announcing their opposition to the exercise.

Last week, at a meeting convened by the Union Home Ministry to discuss the modalities to be adopted during the house listing phase of the Census 2021 and the NPR, a few non-BJP-ruled states raised objections over the new methodology to be adopted in the NPR exercise.

However, the central government defended the steps saying certain responses to be given by people are not mandatory but voluntary.

Rajasthan Chief Secretary D B Gupta had 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 those related to the birthplace of parents. There are many people in the country who don't know their birth place. I don't know what is the purpose of such questions and we have told the meeting to remove such questions," Gupta had said.

The notification for the house listing census and NPR exercise came recently amid furore over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The home 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 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 had 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.
Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Every year, Americans come together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by misinterpreting the legacy of the civil rights icon. In 2020, the trend has been prolific, from far-right protestors in Virginia comparing gun control to the oppression of Jim Crow, to the FBIs fond remembrance of the leader on Twitter  despite the agencys constant surveillance of King, and its 1964 letter urging the evil and colossal fraud to kill himself.

Not to be outdone, the White House joined the tradition with a statement from counselor Kellanne Conway. Answering NBC News correspondent Geoff Bennetts question on how President Trump is spending the holiday, Conway said:

Well, I can tell you the president is preparing for Davos and agrees with many of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King stood for, and agreed with for many years  including unity and equality, and hes not the one trying to tear the country apart through an impeachment process and a lack of substance that really is very shameful at this point. Ive held my opinion on it for a very long time, but when you see the articles of impeachment that came out, I dont think it was Dr. Kings vision to have Americans dragged through a process where the president is not going to be removed from office, is not being charged with bribery, extortion, high crimes and misdemeanors. And I think that anybody who cares about and justice for all on today or any day of the year will appreciate the fact that the president will have a full-throttle defense on the facts, and everybody should have that.

The statement is an instant classic in the appropriation of Kings mission  pointing to his moral leadership in a misbegotten effort to defend a contemporary political point. Its highly unlikely that a pastor who died fighting for equality would oppose the use of Constitutional procedures to hold a racist billionaire president accountable.

Its even more unlikely considering that the young Trump was in direct opposition to one of MLKs most urgent concerns. As housing discrimination allowed for legal segregation and economic subjugation in Americas cities, King fought for fair housing rights as a co-leader of the Chicago Freedom Movement, a group that ended discriminatory lending in the city and helped bring about the Fair Housing Act, passed a week after MLKs death in 1968. Four years later, the young developer and his father were sued by the Department of Justice for racial discrimination at Trump properties in Brooklyn and Queens, after testers at the New York City Human Rights Division determined that the company consistently told potential tenants who were black that no units were available, though the same apartments were offered to white applicants. One superintendent caught in the act said Im only doing what my boss told me to do  I am not allowed to rent to black tenants.

Theres plenty to contest elsewhere in the statement, beginning in its opening sentence: Its hard to imagine a president who agrees with many of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King stood for would spend MLK Day preparing for Davos, an economic forum where the worlds largest corporations test-kitchen the latest models of surveillance capitalism. That Trump stands for unity is a tough argument to make, in light of the presidents depiction of the opposition party as deranged, lunatics and liars. The case for equality is sparse, too, considering that the Trump tax cuts have disproportionately benefited Americas wealthiest families and big businesses.

Conway did not attempt to qualify her statements, though she did end on a personal note: I appreciate the fact that we as a nation respect him by giving him his own day, and Im happy to share a birthday with this day.
Amid the nuclear talks deadlock with the United States, North Korea appointed a former defence commander as its new foreign minister. Senior military officer Ri Son Gwon replaced Ri Yong Ho, a career diplomat who was involved in several negotiations with the United States.

According to media reports, the latest appointment can have a huge impact on the stalled nuclear talks as Ri Son Gwon is known for his confrontational role during negotiations. Though he has held high-level talks with South Korea, he has never dealt with nuclear issues that have caused a strenuous relation with Washington.

North Korea is facing sanctions from the United States and had threatened Washington of unspecified action, calling it a Christmas gift. Speculations were rife that North Korea might test an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead but the gift eluded Washington on Christmas.

Read: Australian Student Says North Korean Authorities Forced Him To Confess Espionage

Repeated warnings against missile test

On December 11, US Representative to the United Nations Kelly Craft, while speaking at the Security Council, warned North Korea against further missile and nuclear tests. She had raised concerns about Norths indication of intercontinental ballistic missile tests which will bring the US in its range. Craft said that the US has sought to engage in robust diplomacy with the DPRK, but the signs were deeply troubling.

Let me be clear, we have not asked North Korea to do everything, before we do anything. We are prepared to be flexible, but we cannot solve this problem alone, remarked the Ambassador after the Council meeting. Craft suggested North Korea avoid provocations and engage in dialogue. Peace is a better way, and peace can only be achieved by doing this together, she said.

Read: Donald Trump Calls Kim Jong-un 'man Of His Word' On Denuclearization

Later she took to Twitter to assert that North Korea can not achieve greater security and stability with missile and nuclear testing. The Ambassador opined that such tests will rather complicate their ability to negotiate an agreement to address North Korea's security and economic goals. North Korea had recently conducted a nuclear test at the Sohae launch site by going against the process of denuclearisation which drew ire of Trump administration.

Read: Kim Jong Un: N Korea Ready To Take 'shocking Actual Action' Against US

Read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un To Unveil 'new Path' In New Year Speech

(With inputs from agencies)
Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has been facing immense backlash for his comments on social reformer EV Ramasamy Periyar.

However, instead of cowering, the actor held his ground and said on January 21 that he would not apologise for what he said, nor retract his statement.

India Today reported that the superstar stepped out of his residence carrying newspapers as proof to justify his comment and refusing to apologise.

Rajinikanths move comes ahead of a plan by pro-Tamil protestors to lay siege on his house, following which it might have got difficult for him to interact directly with the media.

On January 14, the actor claimed that in 1971, Periyar had undressed images of Lord Sri Ramachandramoorthy and Sita at a rally.

Addressing the media, Rajinikanth said he didnt concoct anything that he had said at the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Tamil magazine Thuglak. The 69-year-old actor had made the statement to highlight how only Cho Ramaswamy, the editor of the magazine, had published the controversial piece on Periyar and no one else dared to criticise it.

There is a debate on an issue I spoke on and which happened in 1971. I didnt make up what I said. People are saying I made it up, but I didn't. Sorry, I wont apologise.

Producing proof, Rajinikanth said: I have magazines here to show what I said was true. I am telling what I saw; they are talking about what they saw. This is an incident to be forgotten, not to be denied.

Though the superstar has claimed that Periyar undressed images of Lord Sri Ramachandramoorthy and Sita with a garland of sandal at his 1971 Salem rally, pro-Tamil groups have alleged that theres no truth in the statement.

Five persons of a fringe group were arrested on January 20 for burning Rajinikanths effigy and accusing him of trying to defame Periyar.
TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Troilus Gold Corp. (TSX: TLG; OTCQB: CHXMF) (Troilus or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Eric Lamontagne and Dr. John Hadjigeorgiou to its board of directors, effective immediately.



Justin Reid, CEO of Troilus, commented, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Hadjigeorgiou and Dr. Lamontagne to our Board. As Troilus moves into the next phase of development their combined technical knowledge and professional experience will be invaluable. Dr. Hadjigeorgiou is a highly respected academic with an in-depth understanding of the global mining industry whose knowledge will help Troilus navigate the key decisions that will have a long term impact on the future development of the deposit. Dr. Lamontagne held senior operating positions with Inmet Mining Corporation working at the Troilus mine for seven years. He brings a wealth of knowledge about the deposit and past operations that we can draw upon to guide our design and engineering choices as we move forward. Additionally, both new directors have extensive experience and professional connections in the Quebec mining sector.

Dr. John Hadjigeorgiou holds the Pierre Lassonde Chair in Mining Engineering at the University of Toronto. He has an indepth knowledge of the Canadian and International Mining Industry gained from over 30 years of worldwide experience as an educator, mentor, researcher and senior consultant to the mining industry. He has a long history of advising mining companies on the management of mining risk and its impact on operations serving on independent technical review boards for a number of major mining companies. A professor at the University of Toronto he is a former Head of the Department of Mining, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering at Universite Laval. He has been a director of the Consortium de Recherche Minerale (COREM) (2001- 2005) and the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) (2008-2014). Dr. Hadjigeorgiou is a professional engineer in Quebec and Ontario and a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Mining. He holds a PhD in Mining Engineering from McGill University and received the ICD.D. designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

Dr. Eric Lamontagne has over 20 years of mining industry experience in the areas of operations and development. From 2000 to 2007, Dr. Lamontagne worked at the Troilus Mine (Inmet Mining) where he held various senior positions, including Engineering, Geology and Mine Superintendent. Following, he joined Agnico Eagle Mines Limited as Operations Manager for the development and construction of the Meadowbank Mine, and subsequently as Project Manager for the Meliadine project. Between 2012 and 2015, he was Manager of Project Development for Premier Gold Mine Limited, and since 2015 has served as General Manager of Greenstone Gold Mines. Eric received his PhD in Rock Mechanics Engineering through a partnership between the Universite du Quebec and B.R.G.M. in France.

About Troilus Gold Corp.

Troilus is a Toronto-based, Quebec focused, advanced stage exploration and early-development company focused on the mineral expansion and potential mine re-start of the former gold and copper Troilus mine. The 16,000-hectare Troilus property is located northeast of the Val-dOr district, within the Frotet-Evans Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada. From 1996 to 2010, Inmet Mining Corporation operated the Troilus project as an open pit mine, producing more than 2,000,000 ounces of gold and nearly 70,000 tonnes of copper.

For more information:

Paul Pint

President

+1 (416) 602-1050

paul.pint@troilusgold.com

Cautionary statements

This press release contains forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forwardlooking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding, the impact of the appointment on the Company and the receipt of any required regulatory approvals. Generally, forwardlooking 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 statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forwardlooking 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 Troilus to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forwardlooking information, including but not limited to: there being no assurance that the exploration program will result in expanded mineral resources; ;risks and uncertainties inherent to mineral resource estimates; receipt of necessary approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future prices of mineral prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental and other risks of the mining industry, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Technical Report and other continuous disclosure documents of the Company available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com . Although Troilus 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 forwardlooking information. Troilus does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Chinese smartphone manufacturer Realme's CEO Madhav Sheth on Tuesday announced to launch a smartphone with the new Snapdragon 720G SoC (system-on-chip) in India.

Speaking at the Qualcomm Summit here, Sheth said the company will be among the first smartphone brands in the country with this next-gen chip.

"It's time for the big reveal! #realme will be among the first smartphone brands to launch the @qualcomm_in Snapdragon 720G in the upcoming smartphones," tweeted Sheth after the event.

The new SoC model is aimed to provide fast 4G connectivity alongside supporting Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

The new chip includes Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming features and is said to provide smooth HDR gameplay, dynamic colour range and contrast along with high-quality sound with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive.

The chip is also capable of supporting 4K video recording and capturing 192-megapixel still images.

The company claims the latest chipset offers 60 per cent performance boost as compared to its predecessor.

The Snapdragon 720G, which comes as the watered down version of the Snapdragon 730G, has Snapdragon X15 LTE modem with support for 3-carrier aggregation, 4x4 MIMO on two carriers, and 256-QAM modulation for download speeds up to 800Mbps.
VANCOUVER - Indigenous leaders from British Columbia and Alberta who oppose Teck's Frontier mine say its impact will be felt by First Nations well beyond the site of the massive oilsands project.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

VANCOUVER - Indigenous leaders from British Columbia and Alberta who oppose Teck's Frontier mine say its impact will be felt by First Nations well beyond the site of the massive oilsands project.

Members of Indigenous Climate Action, the Tiny House Warriors and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs were among those who gathered Monday in North Vancouver outside the office of Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson calling on him to stop the project.

The Teck Frontier mine north of Fort McMurray, Alta., would produce 260,000 barrels of oil a day and about four million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, for more than 40 years.

The federal government must make a decision on the project by the end of February under the Environmental Assessment Act.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has called for swift approval of the $20.6-billion project, warning that rejection would send a signal that Canada's oil-and-gas sector has no future, but the mine also poses a significant obstacle toward the Liberals' goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs called the project irresponsible and reckless, saying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should "walk the walk" of transitioning to a green economy.

"There were commitments made during the last election that the Trudeau government would make decisive moves toward renewable energy and this is an opportunity to follow through on those promises," he said.

Teck Resources Ltd. said in a statement that it has spent more than a decade on community engagement, including signing agreements with all 14 Indigenous communities in the project area. The agreements set out a framework for co-operation in areas like environmental stewardship and economic opportunities, it said.

"Teck is committed to developing the Frontier Project in a way that is environmentally responsible, respectful of Indigenous communities, and creates meaningful benefits for the people of the region," it said.

Kanahus Manuel of the Tiny House Warriors and Secwepemc Nation said product from the Frontier mine would be transported via the Trans Mountain pipeline, which crosses 518 kilometres of Secwepemc territory.

"This Teck mine will impact our community although it's hundreds of miles away," she said.

Wilkinson was not available for an interview but his department said in a statement that the project is under active consideration.

"The government will consider a range of factors when they make a decision, including our commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, to creating good paying middle-class jobs, and to growing the economy," the statement said.

A joint review panel submitted its report in July containing its conclusions and recommendations for the Teck Frontier project to the minister and the chief executive officer of the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The panel determined Frontier would be in the public interest, even though it would likely cause harm to the environment and Indigenous people.

It's expected to create $12 billion in tax revenues for Ottawa and $55 billion in tax and royalty revenues for Alberta over its 41-year life. About 7,000 jobs would be created in building the mine and 2,500 workers would be needed to operate it.

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.

Chief Gerry Cheezie of Smith's Landing First Nation, a community in northern Alberta that has not signed an agreement and is downstream from the project, said he has seen significant environmental decline in his lifetime.

He said he can no longer fish or drink the water directly from Slave River and has watched moose, migratory birds and other species disappear or decline.

"We have a treaty that said our mode of life will never be impaired. Well that promise has been ignored by both industry and government," Cheezie said.

 By Amy Smart in Vancouver.

Companies in this story: (TSX:TECK)

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020.
TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Poly Tech Talent (Poly) today announced the official launch of its FlatFee IT service. Poly is flipping the traditional recruitment model on its head by offering flat fee professional recruiting services. Conventional recruitment firms are commission based, and don't get paid until one of their candidates are hired  which averages out to about one-in-four times. Virginia Poly, President and Founder of Poly Tech Talent explains, "The traditional contingency model inevitably forces recruitment firms to focus more on speed than accuracy, which leads to recruiters throwing piles of resumes into the mix hoping one sticks. And, because they take on all the risk, they charge accordingly, typically between 15-25% of an employee's annual salary for the first year."

With today's announcement, Poly is challenging the outdated contingency model by offering flat fee professional recruitment services. With its new approach, Poly will help employers:

Find the right talent

Create a plan for retaining their new hires

Control expenses

Ultimately save 50-70% in recruitment-based fees

The unique partnership model offered by Poly allows its highly trained staff of professional recruiters to focus their attention on finding the best possible candidates for the job, while ensuring a smooth hiring process for their clients.

"We see the value in a partnership approach, and we're putting our money where our mouth is," explains Virginia. "We work with our clients to fill a role from start to finish and everything in between."

In today's tight labour market, employers are struggling with filling roles and retaining top talent  an issue that's felt acutely by small and medium sized businesses (SMBs). SMBs also face issues like limited resources, and competition from large businesses with more attractive brands and salary packages. While some SMBs simply bring recruitment in-house, it's incredibly time consuming and expensive. Others may use agencies but come up against high costs in a contingency model that's designed for large business. Poly provides SMBs with more service, in a partnership approach, through their innovative flat-fee model to help them get the right candidate at a price that won't break the bank.

This unique FlatFee IT approach sets Poly apart from the competition in more ways than one. Poly charges a flat rate per search, based on an estimate of hours and level of difficulty. The upfront fee helps lock in a dedicated resource and covers some of the setup costs, while providing a commitment from the client that Poly will have exclusive access to fill the desired role.

"It's not just about the upfront savings," explains Virginia, "We save our clients anywhere from 50-75% compared to traditional recruitment firms. But the real savings is in our consultative approach. We provide our clients with access to advanced sourcing techniques working with the best tools and recruiters in the space, to guide the process and ensure they're meeting with the best available talent every time."

Poly has the data to back up their claims: a staggering 94% of their candidates placed are still on the job 12 months later.

For more information about the new FlatFee IT model from Poly Tech Talent, including pricing, visit www.polytechtalent.com or contact them directly at 416-440-3362 x200.

Media Contact:

Virginia Poly

[email protected]

416-440-3362

SOURCE Poly Tech Talent

Related Links

https://polytechtalent.com


Kleeberg brings with him more than 40 years' experience in sales, distribution and management to lead NEFT through its next phase of expected growth and expansion. Prior to joining NEFT, Kleeberg spent over 30 years at Eber Bros. Wine and Liquor Corporation where his contributions were instrumental in some of the company's key successes, including becoming the 12th largest distributor in the U.S. During his tenure, Kleeberg held a series of sales and management positions, culminating in his role as Executive Vice President, a position he maintained until Eber Bros. was acquired by Southern Wine & Spirits of America in 2007.

More recently, Kleeberg was the founder and owner of Prestige Wine and Spirits where he successfully reintroduced Camus Cognac to 20 new markets, helping make Camus the 5th largest cognac in the world. While at Prestige, he also acquired exclusive rights and/or partnered with brands that experienced significant expansion into new markets, including Kanon Organic Vodka and PaQui Tequila.

Tony Church joins NEFT as Director, U.S. Sales, bringing with him more than 25 years' experience in the wine and spirits industry. Prior to joining NEFT, Church spent over a decade representing many top suppliers such as Diageo, Pernod-Ricard, Beam Suntory and William Grant & Sons as on-premise Manager for National Wine and Spirits Corporation of Indiana, which then partnered with RNDC. Additional experience includes lengthy stints as: National Account Executive for distributors and wholesalers at Keurig Dr. Pepper; Business Development Manager for Advantage Solutions in California, where he managed brands such as Mr. & Mrs. T's, Rose's, Margaritaville and Clamato cocktail mixers; and, Division Manager at Southern Glazers of Texas.

"Dan and Tony substantially strengthen our team with knowledge, deep relationships, and leadership capabilities, and we are privileged to welcome such industry experts aboard," said Jeff Mahoney, CEO of NEFT Vodka. "We look forward to Dan and Tony's collective expertise to help accelerate NEFT's continued success, and to broaden our reach across the U.S with our growing list of distributors and brokers. As NEFT gains increasingly widespread recognition and traction in the ultra-premium spirits category, we are increasing our investment in sales, marketing and inventory to meet the growing demand for what we believe is the best tasting vodka in the world."

NEFT Vodka is currently available in New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. It is also available online through various outlets including Reserve Bar, Bounty Hunter, Drizly, and Remedy Liquor. Please see https://www.neftvodkaus.com/buy-neft/ for more information.

ABOUT NEFT VODKA USA INC.

Conceived in Siberia in 2011, NEFT Vodka USA Inc., was launched in 2017. Crafted in the Rhaetian Alps of Austria for its oxygen-rich spring water, NEFT combines 4 different types of non-GMO ancient rye grains, and uses a triple, copper-pot distillation process with carbon-layer filtering to produce a vodka with a refined flavor profile and a natural, slightly sweet finish. Since debuting in the U.S., NEFT has received multiple accolades and awards including: a 98-point rating from The Tasting Panel magazine; winning Double Gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, becoming one of only three vodkas to win that recognition consecutively over the past two years (2018, 2019); and significantly, in the same Competition, won "Best Vodka" in 2018. For additional information visit www.neftvodkaus.com.

SOURCE NEFT Vodka U.S.A., Inc.

Related Links

www.neftvodkaus.com


An animal health expert is urging farmers to feed newborn surplus lambs more good quality colostrum during the crucial first 24 hours of life.

A new survey carried out at the end of 2019 asked more than 300 UK sheep producers about their surplus lamb rearing practices.

The conclusion is that the vast majority of farmers (80%) may not be feeding enough, as only 20% plan to feed the industry recommended 210ml per kg of newborn lamb liveweight.

Samantha Sampson, who undertook the survey on behalf of nutrition firm Volac, says farmers should feed a greater quantity to give lambs the 'best start in life.'

Encouragingly, more than 85% said they always make sure they administer colostrum to any surplus lambs, she adds.

Ms Sampson explains that all lambs reared off the ewe must be fed good quality colostrum or a high-quality replacement if maternal colostrum is unavailable.

Ideally, colostrum needs to be administered within the first two hours of life, with at least 210ml/kg liveweight being taken on board within the first 24 hours as a minimum.

As the UK sheep industry moves into its peak lambing season, she is urging sheep producers to pay particular attention to this early life colostrum feeding.

Vital antibodies cannot get into the unborn lamb via the placenta, so must be transferred via colostrum, Ms Sampson says.

Colostrum is the key to survival for newborn lambs. It is a highly nutritious energy source that not only provides vital antibodies to protect against disease, but also gives the lamb energy to get up onto its feet and get going.

The first few hours are key, as this is when the gut wall is at its most permeable, allowing the large antibody molecules to be absorbed.

Maximising the number of lambs sold per ewe put to the ram is one of the key benchmarks for a successful sheep enterprise.

With lamb prices forecast to remain firm during 2020, it looks like it will undoubtedly pay to make every lamb count.

Ms Sampson explains: Neonatal lamb mortality continues to be a challenging issue for the sheep industry but improving colostrum management and feeding practices could make a significant difference on many farms.

Once surplus lambs have received enough of this essential first feed during the first 24 hours of life they can then move onto a performance-formulated ewe milk replacer to make the most of their significant early life growth potential.
The daughters of renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana are among the 160 women booked by the police for allegedly defying prohibitory orders and taking part in the protests against CAA and NRC

Lucknow: The daughters of renowned Urdu poet Munawwar Rana are among the 160 women booked by the police for allegedly defying prohibitory orders and taking part in the protests against CAA and NRC, officials said on Tuesday.

The protests at the historical Clock Tower in the old Lucknow area against Citizenship (Amendment) Act and National Register of Citizens (NRC) started on Friday and have continued with hundreds of women braving the chilly conditions to take part in it.

The district administration, which imposed prohibitory orders, has booked 160 women, including two daughters of Rana, for defying the orders on Monday night. "Prohibitory orders are in force. Yet women have been staging protests. This amounts to defying the orders and three cases have been lodged at the Thakurganj police station in this connection," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Zone), Vikas Chand Tripathi said.

Fauzia and Sumaiya, daughters of Rana, have been named in one of the FIRs, he said.

Besides the Clock Tower, where protests have been going on for the past five days on the lines of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, another protest by women was staged in Ujariaon area of Gomti Nagar on Monday evening against the CAA and the NRC.

Over a dozen women staged sit-in near a 'dargah', holding placards showing anti-CAA, NRC slogans. When asked to vacate the area, they resorted to sloganeering against the citizenship law, police said. A police team which rushed to the spot urged the women to go home citing prohibitory orders but they did not relent, police said.
FLINT, MI  Hundreds gathered to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in two programs on the Flint Cultural Center campus on Monday, Jan. 20.

City Clerk Inez Brown delivered the keynote speech at the Flint Public Library, urging other races to lift up the black community and for everyone to vote.

Theres a lot going on nationally, said Brown. In order to know where youre going, you need to know where youre coming from.

Brown also spoke directly to the younger generation, sharing her memories of great black leaders who contributed to the Flint community.

Brown highlighted a number of important individuals in Flints history, including:

Edith Spencer, the first African American librarian in the city of Flint

Charlotte Williams, the first African American person to serve as a chairperson on the Genesee County board of commissioners

John Mack, an American activist in the civil rights movement and executive director of the National Urban League chapter in Flint from 1964 to 1969.

In closing, Brown made one request to the packed audience. What I ask at this time is to lift yourselves up, Brown said.

The program was followed by cultural performances by Spiritual Wonders, Phi Delta Kappa, Gamma Delta Kudos and Gamma Delta Xinos. At the Flint Institute of Arts, the celebration continued with a step performance by the Institute of R.H.Y.M.E.S., Silent Inspiration, Divine Expressions, Raymond Fields, Gerald Barrett and Blake Odum.
A former Manalapan school board member pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminal sexual contact with a sleeping 19-year-old last September at his home, but is expected to avoid jail time under a deal with prosecutors, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office.

Joseph L. Tringali, 47, admitted to the third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact charge in Superior Court in Monmouth County.

The teen was sleeping on Tringalis couch over Labor Day weekend last year when the contact occurred. He was initially charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault.

As part of the plea deal, Trinagli will not serve jail time, his attorney Richard Lomourro said. He must register as a sex offender under Megans Law and remain under lifetime parole supervision, according to the prosecutors office.

Mr. Trignalis decision to resolve this case was entirely as a result of a plea which allowed him to stay at home with his family and serve no jail time, Lomurro said.

During his detention hearing last year, prosecutors said the victim woke up during the assault and pretended to remain asleep. In a written statement, the victim described how Tringali warned him afterwards Were not gonna tell anyone about this, right?

Two witnesses also placed the victim and Tringali in the same room during the time the incident occurred, according to court documents.

Trinagli was vice president of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School Districts Board of Education and 12-year volunteer on the Manalapan-Englishtown First Aid Squad.

Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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China prosecutes over 98,500 suspects for drug crimes in first 11 months of 2019

BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Procuratorates across China approved the arrests of over 83,800 criminal suspects for drug-related crimes and prosecuted more than 98,500 in the first 11 months of 2019, according to China's top procuratorate Tuesday.

The figures dropped 14.3 percent and 11.5 percent respectively from the same period of last year, said China's Supreme People's Procuratorate.
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Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 18:30 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad2060638ed 1 Business pgn,ArcandraTahar,president-commissioner,Gas,state-owned-enterprises,BUMN Free

Former energy and mineral resources minister Arcandra Tahar has been appointed president commissioner of Indonesias largest midstream gas business, state-owned PGN.

The US-trained engineer, who is replacing Wiratmaja Puja, told reporters after a shareholders meeting in Jakarta on Jan. 21 that he sought to improve PGNs performance be it from an infrastructure standpoint or from a subsidiary standpoint, particularly in the upstream."

While PGN is fundamentally a midstream gas player, the company has an upstream oil and gas subsidiary, namely Saka Energi. The publicly listed distributors main projects include expanding the household gas network (Jargas) and developing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. Saka operates the Pangkah oil and gas block in East Java.

PGN adds to a list of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including oil company Pertamina and utility PLN, whose boards have been shaken up since late last year to improve their performances. Behind the shake-up is SOEs Minister Erick Thohir, who continues to emphasize the importance of good corporate governance in state firms following scandals that have hit flag carrier Garuda Indonesia and state insurers Asuransi Jiwasraya and Asabri.

PGN president director Gigih Prakoso said shareholders had chosen Arcandra as president commissioner because of his strong record in the oil and gas industry.

Arcandra worked at several oil and gas companies abroad for almost two decades before entering his turbulent years as an Indonesian public official. He was appointed energy minister in July 21, 2016, but removed from office three weeks later because of a citizenship controversy. He was reappointed as deputy minister in Oct. 14, 2016, and served for three years until his term ended in September 2019.

Arcandra, a native of Padang, West Sumatra, also campaigned for President Joko Jokowi Widodos re-election among voters in that province, despite not being a formal campaign team member.
Baghdad, Jan 22 : Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has condemned the rocket attack on the US embassy in the Iraqi capital, calling it "unacceptable".

"Yesterday, Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy, and this is painful and incorrect ... Who authorises those parties to attack the embassy in Iraq?," Xinhua news agency quoted Mahdi's office as stating after the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

"This act offends Iraq and is unacceptable regardless of their intentions," Abdul Mahdi said without naming the attackers.

Late on Monday, an Iraqi Interior Ministry's official told Xinhua that three Katyusha rockets landed near the US embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad without causing casualties.

The heavily fortified Green Zone has been frequently targeted by insurgents' mortar and rocket attacks. The roughly 10-square-km zone is located on the west bank of the Tigris River, which bisects the Iraqi capital.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack which came after growing tensions between the US and Iran.

On January 8, Iran fired ballistic missiles on military bases housing US troops in Iraq's western province of Anbar and near the city of Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.

The Iranian attack came after a US drone attacked on January 3 a convoy at Baghdad International Airport, killing Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy chief of Iraq's paramilitary Hashd Shaabi forces.

More than 5,000 US troops have been deployed in Iraq to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against Islamic State militants.
Oprah Winfrey has revealed that Russell Simmons attempted to pressure her to drop a documentary in which several women detail sexual abuse allegations against the rap mogul, but his efforts were not what prompted her to leave the project.

'He did reach out multiple times and attempted to pressure me,' Winfrey told The Associated Press through a spokesperson on Friday.

However, she said it was not anything Simmons said that prompted Winfrey to withdraw from the 'On the Record' film, but rather inconsistencies in the story of one of his accusers, Drew Dixon, that she felt needed to be addressed.

Winfrey said that she still believes Dixon and other women in the film, but that more reporting was needed.

The directors of the documentary, 'On the Record', Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering have said they have ample evidence against Simmons, a co-founder of Def Jam Recordings.

Oprah Winfrey has revealed that Russell Simmons attempted to pressure her about her involvement with the documentary, 'On the Record,' in which several women detail sexual abuse allegations against the rap mogul but that his efforts were not what prompted her to leave the project

Winfrey said there were inconsistencies in the story of one of Simmons' accusers, Drew Dixon (pictured), that she felt needed to be addressed

Winfrey has said she wanted to delay the release of the film, scheduled to premiere January 25 at the Sundance Film Festival, but that that view was not shared by the film's directors.

'On the Record' had been part of her partnership with Apple TV+, which no longer will distribute the documentary.

Winfrey, who herself has spoken openly of been sexually abused, announced she was leaving as executive producer on January 10, saying that more work was needed and that and the filmmakers were 'not aligned' in their 'creative vision.'

The film's producers, Impact Partners, said in a statement earlier this week that the movie was 'ready for Sundance.

'We have always championed the voices of those who have been wrongly silenced. The women in this film have made a great sacrifice by coming forward to tell their stories in their own words. We are honored to support them,' the Impact statement reads.

'We stand firmly behind the work of the intrepid filmmakers who continue to break new ground by advancing important stories in the public interest.'

Dixon has told her story publicly, including on CBS This Morning earlier this week.

The communications between Winfrey and Simmons and her concerns about Dixon's story were first reported by The New York Times.

The directors of the documentary, 'On the Record', Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering have said they have ample evidence against Simmons, a co-founder of Def Jam Recordings

Simmons has denied any wrongdoing. On Friday, a Simmons representative issued a statement, saying: 'If defending himself against terrible accusations is considered intimidation then there would be no justice.'

Speaking to The Associated Press on Friday, Winfrey disputed allegations by the makers of 'On the Record' that she gave them little warning before her January 10 announcement.

In a story which ran early Friday, Dick and Ziering told The Hollywood Reporter that they received just 20 minutes notice before Winfrey issued her statement.

'It was very disappointing and upsetting,' Ziering told The Hollywood Reporter. 'We were concerned about the survivors and what the hell this is going to do to them. That was our first thought. "Oh my God. Let's tell everybody and figure this out".'

Winfrey told the AP that Dick and Ziering knew well of her intentions. She said she had raised concerns last month about the film needing more work.

According to Winfrey, she told Dick and Ziering that 'new information' had made her see gaps she 'thought needed to be filled' and that it was better to 'take a rest.'

'They said they would go on with or without me,' Winfrey told the AP. She said the bottom line for her was that 'the film isn't ready.'
Former Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson could be set to join the House of Lords, according to reports.

Mr Nicholson's 44-year political career came to an end ahead of last year's European Parliament elections when he decided to retire.

Sources have told the Ulster Gazette, however, that he could be returning to the political stage with a peerage.

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A farmer by trade, he first entered public office in 1976 when he was elected to the then-Armagh District Council, where he served as Mayor between 1994/95.

He was on the council until 1997 and also a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1982 to 1986, when "double-jobbing" was permitted.

Mr Nicholson became the MP for Newry and Armagh in 1983 and held the seat for two years before resigning, along with all other unionist MPs, in protest against the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

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The Armagh man was the only resigning MP to fail to retake his seat when by-elections were held in 1986.

In 1989, he was was elected to the European Parliament and was re-elected in the ensuing five European elections.

With Brexit on the horizon, Mr Nicholson decided to retire as an MEP ahead of last year's poll, with former MLA Danny Kinahan contesting the seat for the party, only to lose out to Alliance leader Naomi Long.

On his last day as an MEP, Mr Nicholson said: "I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every moment representing the people of Northern Ireland in Europe."

If the Ulster Unionists do nominate Jim Nicholson for a peerage, he will join the party's two other peers in the Lords, Lord Empey and Lord Rogan.

The Ulster Unionist Party has been contacted for a comment.
It has been more than 23 years since JonBenet Ramsey was found dead inside her familys Boulder, Colorado home. JonBenet was just six-years-old when she died. Often referred to as the beauty queen murder, the death of JonBenet has gripped the true crime community for decades. Citizen detectives have combed over the evidence, and have developed their own theories about what led to the murder of the kindergartener. A new podcast, focusing on the case, has uncovered some strange behavior of one potential suspect, years after the case has gone cold. Could the podcast finally bring justice to JonBenet and her family?

The facts of the JonBenet Ramsey murder case

JonBenet was killed on December 26, 1996. Then just six-years-old, JonBenet was put to bed on Christmas evening, to leave on a family vacation the following morning. The Ramsey family, wealthy and well regarded in their community, had celebrated the holiday the evening before with a party. By 5:30 in the morning, on December 26, Patsy Ramsey, JonBenets mother, found a ransom note on the steps. JonBenet was discovered missing shortly after that.

Reproduction writing samples from the UNABOMBER, the DC Sniper, and the JonBenet Ramsey murder | Mike Morgan/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Just before 6am, the police were alerted. Initially, the police were told a child had been kidnapped, according to In Touch. The ransom note demanded $118,000 to secure the safe return of the child. By 1pm, however, JonBenets body was found in the basement of the familys home. She suffered a skull fracture and had been strangled.

It didnt take long for the public to turn on Patsy and John Ramsey. Many believed the elder Ramseys were the cause of their daughters death, further egged on by the Boulder police department, who considered them suspects at the time. They have since been cleared, and Patsy succumbed to cancer in June 2006, never knowing who caused her daughters death.

While some citizen detective still firmly believe the Ramsey family is somehow involved in JonBenets death, there are several potential suspects in the murder. One person of interest emerged in 2006, allegedly confessing to the crime. John Mark Karr, a former school teacher, admitted to the crime, out of the blue, according to Rolling Stone. He has since been cleared.

A suspect emerges

The Killing of JonBenet has taken a close look at the murder of JonBenet and has even spoken to John Ramsey about the events that led up to his daughters death. In a candid interview, John insists that he feels enormous guilt over the death of JonBenet, claiming that he feels as though he put eyes on his family with his success. John had indeed sold his company in the months leading up to his daughters murder. The well-publicized acquisition increased the Ramsey familys net worth exponentially.

Johns guilt may be misplaced, though. Its possible that the Ramsey familys wealth had little to do with the death of the child beauty queen. The podcast examines a potential suspect and his curious behavior. Randy Simons was a photographer who had worked with the Ramsey family. He mostly took glamor shots for the pageants that JonBenet took part in. According to the podcast, following JonBenets death, Simons acted strangely and often called up other mothers from the pageant circuit to plead his innocence.

Police ruled out Simons when his DNA didnt match samples taken from the crime scene, but Simons continued to exhibit odd behavior. In 1998 he was arrested for strolling down a street naked. In July 2019, he was arrested for downloading child pornography. His predatory behavior has reignited interest in Simons as a suspect, according to Us Weekly.

Could The Killing of JonBenet crack the cold case?

Cracking a cold case is a difficult task. There are hundreds of thousands of unsolved murder cases across the United States. Many remain unsolved because they do not have a media spotlight shone on them. In short, the public cant help solve a murder or offer information if they dont know a crime has been committed. Thats not the reason JonBenets case remains unsolved, though. The media has followed the murder since the earliest moments of the investigation. Sure, the podcast may help bring more information to light, but whether or not the existing podcast can actually help solve the case remains unknown.

It wouldnt, however, be the first time that a true-crime podcast led to an arrest in a case that had grown cold. In 2017, the GBI made an arrest in the disappearance of Tara Grinstead, a former beauty queen, and teacher. The previous year, the Up and Vanished podcast highlighted the case, bringing renewed interest to mysterious 2005 disappearance. The Bear Brook podcast played a small role in identifying the victims of a serial killer who was active in New Hampshire in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

What will happen with the JonBenet case because of the podcast is an absolute unknown. Shining light on the cold case, however, cant possibly hurt. Maybe a conclusion will be reached, perhaps the world will never know what really happened to JonBenet, but renewed interest could potentially uncover some missed details.
Budget battle hampers EU in space



Brussels, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



Space is becoming increasingly militarised and European satellites are under-protected, experts warned Tuesday, voicing dismay at cuts proposed in the EU's draft budget.

"The rise in geopolitical tensions we see on Earth is being extended and projected into space," EU diplomatic chief Josep Borrell told the 12th European Space Conference, which groups policymakers, industry and researchers.

French General Michel Friedling, the head of France's new Space Command, warned of "grey actions" in space that stopped short of being hostile.

"But all space powers are developing capabilities and systems capable of spying, neutralising and even destroying," he said.

India has fired missiles capable of hitting a satellite and Russia has been caught spying, while President Donald Trump has launched a US "space force" and NATO has designated space as a domain of conflict alongside land, sea, air and cyberspace.

The threats in space come not only from military actors -- but also from more and more private operators, Borrell warned.

And the space around Earth is becoming congested, with debris increasing the risk of collisions. Of the 5,000 satellites currently in orbit, 2,000 are operational.

Europe's own satellite systems, Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus, are vulnerable and must be protected, Friedling said -- all the more so because they are used by both civilians and the military.

France is ready to face threats in space and is "looking for capable partners with ambitions", the French general added.

Italy wants to be involved, planning to equip itself with a space command, junior defence minister Angelo Tofalo told the conference on Tuesday.

Critics within the EU of the militarisation of space include notably Belgium, which "is opposed to it," warned Foreign and Defence Minister Philippe Goffin.



- Budget wrangling -



The European Union has big plans for its space and defence industries, but cuts to the bloc's proposed budget for 2021-27 of some 200 billion euros ($220 billion) have caused alarm.

The European Defence Fund has seen its proposed share fall from 13 to seven billion euros and space programmes have lost 20 percent of their allocations.

The initial budget plan earmarked huge growth in funding for defence as the bloc looks to become a more credible geopolitical player, but with richer member states looking to trim their contributions after Brexit, a slimmed-down plan was put forward by Finland when it held the rotating EU presidency.

Romanian conservative MEP Christian-Silviu Busoi, chairman of the European Parliament's Industry Committee, warned that the cuts would jeopardise the Galileo programme -- the European satellite navigation system -- and Copernicus, the EU's Earth observation programme.

The EU's competition and digital supremo Margrethe Vestager warned that money was needed to back "new ideas and new technology" and said she hoped it would be available in the next budget.

Budget haggling will rumble on for some time, with EU Council President Charles Michel facing the unenviable task of bridging the near 240 billion euro gap between the demands of the European Parliament and Finland's proposal.
Turkish leader says Ankara will take steps in its operations in Somalia in line with the invitation.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Somalia invited Turkey to explore for oil in its waters, private national broadcaster NTV reported.

Turkey has been a significant source of aid to Somalia following a famine in 2011. Turkish engineers have helped to build infrastructure in Somalia, businesses have invested in the country and Turkish officers have trained Somali soldiers as part of efforts to build up the countrys army.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, on his flight back from a Libya summit in Berlin, Erdogan said Turkey would take steps in line with the Somali invitation, but did not elaborate further.

There is an offer from Somalia. They are saying: There is oil in our seas. You are carrying out these operations with Libya, but you can also do them here. This is very important for us, Erdogan was cited as saying by NTV.

Therefore, there will be steps that we will take in our operations there.

In late December, a group of Turkish engineers was among those hit in a blast at a checkpoint in Mogadishu that killed at least 90 people. Last weekend, a car bombing wounded some 15 people, including Turkish contractors, in Afgoye.

Libya deal

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In November, Turkey signed a maritime delimitation deal with Libyas internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in a move that infuriated Greece and Cyprus. Athens has been at odds with Ankara over offshore resources off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus.

Erdogan recently said Turkeys seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis would be deployed to explore for oil and gas off Libya. Other similar Turkish vessels are engaged in the same activity off Cyprus.

He also said it was no longer legally possible to carry out any search and drilling activity or build a pipeline without Libyas or Turkeys approval in the zones subject to their agreement.

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Earlier this month, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel signed a deal to construct a pipeline to ship gas to Europe, despite Turkeys vehement opposition.

Erdogan had previously announced that Ankara was sending military forces to Libya to back the Tripoli-based GNA against renegade military commander Khalifa Haftars offensive on Tripoli, which began last April but has since stalled on the outskirts of the capital.

Haftars forces are aligned with a rival administration based in eastern Libya and have in recent weeks made some military advances with help from Russian mercenaries, according to news reports. Russia has denied sending military contractors to Libya.

Turkey and Russia attended a summit in Berlin on Sunday, where a host of foreign powers agreed to end external interference in the Libyan conflict and work towards a ceasefire in the country.
KATHMANDU, Nepal  Once relegated to support staff, Nepalese climbers famous for their skills on the worlds highest peaks are emerging out of the shadows of their Western peers.

They now dominate the lucrative industry in the Himalayan nation. Sherpa-owned companies have lowered the cost of expeditions, leading to record numbers on the peaks but also a higher death toll.

Eleven people died in 2019, the largest toll in four years, some of whom suffered cardiac arrest while waiting to make the final summit to Everest. There were 1,136 climbers in Nepal last year, about 40% more than in 2013.

Since climbers began attempting to reach Mount Everest a century ago, the industry has been controlled by Western companies relying upon Sherpas as guides and porters.

Mountaineering expert Ang Tsherings great-grandfather was among the workers who were part of the 1924 George Mallory and Andrew Irvine team that attempted to scale Everest from the Tibetan side.

In recent years, however, the tide has changed: Sherpa guides are now more educated, and have traveled farther than their predecessors, picking up business acumen and corporate endorsements. As a result, there are more Nepal-based companies globally, not just in Nepal, but also in China, India and Pakistan, which collectively boast the worlds 14 highest peaks.

Nepalese are leading in the mountaineering and adventure tourism in the region now, Tshering said. Nepalese operators have made a leap in the mountaineering sector because they are less expensive, more experienced, have collected equipment and gear over the years they can use and have to pay less for a climbing permit.

Binaj Gurubacharya is an Associated Press writer.
Vietnam works to protect human rights Updated: 08:10 - 02/01/2020

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Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung has recently talked to the press about Vietnams achievements in promoting human rights.The protection and promotion of human rights have been firm commitments of the Vietnamese State over many decades.Human rights have been placed in the center and been considered a goal and motivation for all policies and actions of the country. Though Vietnam has faced many difficulties and challenges, the task of protecting and promoting human rights has achieved notable achievements.Since the 2013 Constitution was adopted, the work of legal reform and the completion of national institutions and policies have been further promoted. Up to now, Vietnam has passed more than 100 codes and laws related to human rights. On November 20, the National Assembly passed the new Labor Code which is basically compatible with the International Labor Organizations important international conventions.According to a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report in 2018, Vietnam ranked 116 out of 189 in the Human Development Index and 67 out of 160 in the Gender Equality Index. According to a World Bank report, the percentage of poor households in Vietnam has dropped by 13 percent.According to the UNDP report, at present 70 percent of Vietnamese people have daily access to the Internet and peoples economic rights have been well protected and exercised.Vietnams achievements in human rights have served as an important basis for the country in its diplomatic activities.In 2019, Vietnam completed its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) - Third Cycle. Our UPR received quite a lot of positive comments from many countries and international organizations.Besides holding dialogues with UN member states within the framework of the UPR, Vietnam has also conducted diplomatic rounds or bilateral consultations with some partners who have shown interest in human rights.In all UN, ASEAN and ASEM forums, Vietnam has always reiterated its policy to protect and promote human rights and has committed to contributing to promoting human rights and implementing the global agenda for sustainable development, response to climate change, gender equality, and others.Vietnam holds high the principles of independence, sovereignty and non-interference in another countrys internal affairs, and no politicalization of human rights. Vietnam regards dialogue and cooperation as the best ways to consider all issues relating to human rights.In 2019, in the Human Rights Council, Vietnam, Bangladesh and the Philippines joined efforts to take the Resolution on Climate Change and Rights of People with Disabilities. The resolution has received support from 49 other countries.When Vietnam was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council of the 2008-09 tenure, it played an important role in pushing through the adoption of Resolution 1899 of the Council on womens role in the post-conflict process. In its capacity as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council of the 2020-21 tenure, Vietnam will organize important events relating to womens role in the post-conflict process, particularly in negotiation, peace construction and the post-war reconstruction.There are shortcomings and limitations that need to be overcome. For instance, in legal aspects, we need to make laws more effective and less overlapping. The administrative system needs to be reformed to better serve the people.The peoples awareness of their rights is insufficient, and the capacity of officials to guarantee the rights of the people is still weak. Objective socio-economic conditions do not allow us to have resources to ensure the peoples rights as expected. Another difficulty is that some organizations and individuals abuse human rights and democratic freedoms to serve their own political intentions, which is contrary to the common interests of the community and the law.Vietnam will continue to improve the legal system based on promoting positive aspects and results achieved in human rights policies. We will have to complete and supplement policies related to human rights issues, as well as develop measures to enforce laws on human rights.More importantly, we must strengthen education about human rights among the public as well as civil servants in the political system; the responsibility of state agencies to guarantee human rights; and responsibilities of the people as well as socio-political organizations and socio-professional organizations in ensuring human rights.Vietnam will continue to promote dialogue and international cooperation, and increase participation in international human rights institutions. Thereby, we can learn and share experience with international partners on the process of ensuring human rights in the country.-
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Corporate finance heads and in-house sources say that while environmental, social and governance issues are unlikely to derail a deal altogether, PLCs are taking it more seriously than ever before
MINSK -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka says Russia is blocking deliveries of Kazakh oil amid a tariff dispute with Moscow, Minsk's regular supplier.



Lukashenka said on January 21 at a meeting with oil experts in Minsk that the situation Belarus's economy is facing "is getting complex."

"It is strange, our ally does not agree to deliver oil to us from our other ally. That is an odd situation in the oil-delivery sector and we must take care of it," Lukashenka said.



All three countries are founding members of the Eurasian Economic Union, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has tried to use to bolster Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Union and counter the EU and NATO.



"Because of the Russian Federation's introduction of the tax tariff maneuver [on oil, Belarus's] state budget gains are constantly dropping and the efficiency of our refineries' operations are worsening. There are no full alternatives to Russian oil and we have to diversify the sector," Lukashenka said, adding that the volume of Russian oil in the Belarusian market must be between 30 and 40 percent.



Belarus has been at odds with Russia over oil-transit prices for some time against a backdrop of increasing pressure by Moscow on Lukashenka to deepen integration between the two neighbors.



Belarus is heavily reliant on Russia for fuel and funding and is a key transit route for Russian energy supplies to Europe.



On January 14, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Dzmitry Krutoy said Minsk had asked several European countries, as well as Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, to sell Belarus oil amid the tariff tug-of-war with Russia.



Moscow and Minsk signed an agreement in 1999 to form a unified state, but little progress has been made in the ensuing two decades.



Meetings between Putin and Lukashenka last year failed to bring the two sides together as the Belarusian president noted he was merely seeking "equal" terms.



Belarusian protests in December targeted the perceived secrecy of the talks and objected to closer ties to Russia.

With reporting by BelTA
Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi/IBNS: Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be the Chief Guest at Indias 71st Republic Day Parade on Jan 26, the Indian government confirmed on Tuesday.

The President will be paying a State Visit to India from Jan 24-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will be accompanied by seven (7) Ministers, Chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation. President Bolsonaro is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on 24 January 2020, read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

.The last Presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the VIII BRICS Summit in Goa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Brasilia to attend the XI BRICS Summit in November 2019.

This is the first State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India.

"Earlier, we have received President of Brazil as Chief Guest for our Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004," read the MEA statement.

Bilateral trade between India and Brazil increased to USD 8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included USD 3.8 billion as Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

7.Indian investments in Brazil were around US$ 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at US$ 1 billion in 2018. Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.


ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, proudly announces that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Gallagher joins the ranks of more than 680 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. This is the second consecutive year Gallagher received this recognition.

"We are honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality," said Susan Pietrucha, Global Chief Human Resources Officer. "Gallagher has long been committed to a welcoming, supportive and diverse work environment that provides all of our employees with opportunities for professional growth and personal satisfaction. This significant honor recognizes Gallagher's culture of inclusion."

The 2020 CEI evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality and responsible citizenship. Gallagher's efforts in satisfying all of the CEI's criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

"We are committed to supporting the growth of diversity within our company and in the communities we serve," said Chris Mead, Global Chief Marketing Officer. "One of our favorite and impactful projects is the work being done with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, in partnership with the charity Stonewall, on the Rainbow Laces campaign to promote equality in sports. With this recognition by HRC, we are excited and humbled to once again be part of a network of businesses who are dedicated to making work a more inclusive place."

"The impact of the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe," said HRC President Alphonso David. "These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do -- it is also the best business decision."

For more information on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

ABOUT GALLAGHER

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 49 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Related Links

http://www.ajg.com


Defending its three-capital decision, the Jagan Reddy government said since its inception in 1956 the state had failed to integrate people from all regions, reports B Dasarath Reddy.

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Monday moved a step closer to creating three state capitals and stripping Amaravati of the sole capital tag.

The government moved a bill in the legislative assembly to make Visakhapatnam the executive capital, Amaravati the legislative capital, and Kurnool the judicial one.

The passage of the bill was seen as a formality, as the ruling YSR Congress Party commands a strength of 151 out of 175 seats in the state assembly.

Termed Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Act, 2020, the bill seeks to relocate the secretariat, offices of the heads of the government departments, and Raj Bhavan to Visakhapatnam.

By becoming home to the offices of chief minister, governor and the entire top-rung of the official establishment, the port city of Vizag would become the new capital for all practical purposes.

Amaravati will be the legislative capital, housing the assembly and council buildings.

Kurnool will house the high court and other judicial institutions.

However, the cities are located in three distinct regions -- Andhra, North Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema -- which could create problems in ease of access.

Though it is not clear what the government intends to do with the secretariat and other government buildings in Amaravati after moving functions to Vizag, sources close to the government said these could be utilised for setting up a hospital or university.

"The health university in Vijayawada does not have its own campus even after decades. The government is also planning to start new institutions like a skill development university. So, one of these could be located in the existing secretariat complex and fully utilise the existing infrastructure," a source told Business Standard.

The high court building is expected to be utilised for the judiciary functions as the government is contemplating a high court bench in Amaravati even after shifting its base to Kurnool, sources said.

Reddy first disclosed his three-capital idea on December 17, attracting a backlash from farmers of Amaravati villages, who gave their lands for the development of the capital city in 2015 and 2016.

They fear losing the real estate value to their share of lands.

Municipal administration minister Botsa Satyanarayana has, however, announced that the period of annuity to their lands will be extended by five years in addition to the 10-year annuity promised by the previous government.

As a transitory gesture under this scheme, those who gave their lands will get a compensation of Rs 1 lakh per acre in case of a wet land and Rs 60,000 per acre in case of dry land every year.

Defending its three-capital decision, the government said since inception in 1956 the state had failed to integrate people from all regions.

Citing the Telangana movement and subsequent bifurcation as the result of this lopsided development pursued by successive governments, the state warned that history would repeat if course correction was not done.

"Article 38 of the Constitution envisages that the state shall direct its policy, among other things, towards securing inclusive development of all regions of the state. To give effect to this constitutional provision, the state is bringing forth this legislation, for distribution of all state functions among all the regions," state finance minister Buggana Rajandranath said while tabling the bill.
Hiring comes as 20 early-stage startups gear up for BrokerTech Ventures Selection Series in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industrys first broker-led investor group and accelerator program, is pleased to announce the hiring of John Jackovin as its new accelerator executive director.

John brings with him a unique skillset, which we believe will add tremendous value to our BTV Accelerator Program as we embark on our inaugural year, said Susan Hatten, BTV interim executive director . His lens into the startup world, including his own first-hand experience going through the Techstars Accelerator, will prove invaluable in creating the kind of experience we hope to deliver through the BTV Accelerator.

Over the years, Jackovins companies have produced millions in revenue and have serviced thousands of customers. In 2014, he took a company through Techstars, one of the most prominent and successful technology accelerators in the world. Since then, Jackovin has consulted for many organizations in the world of Fintech and InsurTech, most recently Des Moines-based Dwolla, where he managed the Growth and Internal Services Product teams.

The need for an agent-broker-specific accelerator at this time is clear, said Jackovin. To be able to help shape the first program specifically for investors and innovators building the next generation of tech solutions for insurance agencies and brokerages is truly a dream.

Jackovins hiring comes as BTVs top 20 selected broker-centric, early-stage startups prepare to descend on Des Moines on February 4. These top 20 startups will be pitching to BTVs nine super-regional owners and partners during Selection Series Days at Holmes Murphys headquarters.

The startups, who are based all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, cover an expansive amount of technology needs that serve the property and casualty (P&C), employee benefits, and clinical solutions spaces, and include:

Story continues

Agentero, Oakland, CA

Briza, Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Broker Buddha, New York, NY

Careignition, LLC, Chicago, IL

ChalkBites, Inc., Davenport, IA

CogniSure, Warrenville, IL

ConsumerOptix, Dayton, OH

Equal Health, Detroit, MI

Goldfinch Health, Austin, TX

HazardHub, San Diego, CA

InsuranceMenu, Canton, MA

Kwema, St. Louis, MO, and Mexico City, Mexico

Loss Run Pro, LLC, Missoula, MT

MakuSafe Corp., West Des Moines, IA

OnRisk, Princeton, NJ

ProNavigator, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Serious Social Media, Inc., Des Moines, IA

Talage, Inc., Reno, NV

TRUSTLAYER, INC., San Francisco, CA

Wunderite, Inc, Boston, MA

When the Selection Series is complete, BTV will select the top firms to take part in the first BTV Accelerator cohort. In addition to access to BTV Partners and distribution platforms, each of the selected startups will receive $50,000 in the form of a convertible note.

This is an exciting time for the InsurTech movement, and especially for Central Iowa, as we now call home to the BTV Accelerator, the Global Insurance Accelerator, the AgriTech Accelerator, and Techstars, said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy chairman and CEO and BTV co-founder.

About BrokerTech Ventures (BTV)

Based in the insurance nucleus of Des Moines, Iowa, BrokerTech Ventures is the first broker-led investor group and accelerator program focused on delivering innovation to the insurance agent-broker industry. Founded in 2019, BrokerTech Ventures provides a venue for the best minds in insurance and technology to collaborate and bring to market leading-edge ideas and solutions. BrokerTech Ventures invests in the research and testing for each of the chosen startups, provides access to veteran industry mentors, and helps scale the technology to market through broker distribution channels. Learn more at www.brokertechventures.com , or follow us on Twitter (@BrokerTechVen) or LinkedIn.

Contact: Jennifer Overhulse

(859) 803.6597

jen@stnickmedia.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03128329-2423-437a-973f-f0c6e384832c
Neither Meghan nor Harry have anything special to do with the county of Sussex, and now they have been told they are not royal, Lacey said. I think they should go out to the world as Harry and Meghan. Thats who they are, and thats what people love and respond to. Sussex is a posh, old-fashioned pre-revolution title of privilege and distinction, and most people, especially young people, dont get it. They should leave all that behind.
Despite arriving in the Indian market in 2017, Uber Eats has not made enough inroads in the online food delivery segment

Uber Eats, the food delivery business run by Uber has been acquired by Zomato, the online food delivery and restaurant discovery platform in all-stock deal, according to news reports.

Uber will get a 9.9 percent stake in Zomato as part of the deal, said a report in Business Standard. The deal for Uber Eats, which operates in 41 cities, was signed at 3 AM, and its customers will be shifted to the Zomato app from 7 AM, the report said.

In a regulatory filing to BSE, Info Edge (India) a shareholder in Zomatosaid its shareholding in Zomato will stand reduced to about 22.71 percent on fully converted and diluted basis upon closing of the transaction.

The deal comes days after Zomato had raised $150 million in funding from existing investor Ant Financial, an Alibaba affiliate, at a $3 billion valuation, according to a PTI report.

Uber Eats in India will discontinue operations and direct restaurants, delivery partners, and users of the Uber Eats apps to the Zomato platform, effective today, according to a blog post on Zomato website.

Uber Eats India is now Zomato. Here's to better food for more people, and new beginnings. For more details: https://t.co/cq8Wp9ikOk pic.twitter.com/nK4ICY2ikW  Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 21, 2020

In the blog post, Deepinder Goyal, Zomato Founder and CEO said: We have acquired Uber Eats India and with this development, we are the undisputed market leaders in the food delivery category in India. We are proud to have pioneered restaurant discovery and to have created a leading food delivery business across more than 500 cities in India. This acquisition significantly strengthens our position in the category.

Meanwhile, two people in the know told The Economic Times said the deal was for around $350 million (Rs 2,485 crore). The all-stock transaction will give the US-based ride-hailing company about 10 percent shareholding in Gurgaon-based Zomato, the report said.

According to a TechCrunch report last month citing sources, as part of the deal, "Uber may invest between $150 to $200 million in Zomato", the report claimed, citing sources.

At an event in Delhi last month, Zomato CEO Goyal said the company is aiming to raise up to $600 million in a new funding round.

After concluding the acquisition, Zomato will continue to focus on the fiscal discipline, by cutting its burn rate and trim losses, said a person familiar with the matter, requesting anonymity.

Despite arriving in the Indian market in 2017, UberEats has not made enough inroads in the online food delivery segment, according to an IANS report. Zomato is currently delivering 1.3 million orders a day from 150,000 restaurants across India at more than 10 orders per restaurant per day.

Uber Eats, which entered India in 2017, has about 26,000 restaurants listed on its platform from 41 cities. Facing stiff competition from Zomato and Swiggy, Uber Eats had been making losses.

Uber had projected an operating loss of Rs 2,197 crore in its food delivery business for the five months through December 2019, according to a valuation report prepared by KPMG affiliate BSR and was part of regulatory filings.

According to sources, Uber Eats India business contributed three percent of the global gross bookings but accounted for over 25 percent of adjusted EBIDTA losses for the first three quarters of 2019, a PTI report said.

Swiggy has expanded its services to 500 cities in India, matching rival Zomato's reach in the country. Swiggy, which has added 60,000 new restaurants in the past six months, said in October it would expand to 600 cities by December 2019.

Since April 2019, Swiggy has increased the number of restaurant partners by almost 1.8 times to 1.4 lakh restaurants currently. In tier-3 and tier-4 cities specifically, Swiggy has onboarded over 15,000 restaurants in the last six months.

The market is piping hot as according to a recent study by business consultancy firm Market Research Future, the online food ordering market in India is likely to grow at over 16 percent annually to touch $17.02 billion by 2023.

By selling Uber Eats in India to Zomato, Uber can cut losses while taking a stake in a startup that was valued at $3 billion earlier this month, when it raised $150 million from Ant Financial. Uber will continue to operate its ride-hailing business in the country, where it competes with a local rival, Ola, a report in The Indian Express said.

With the sale of the food business in India, Uber can now focus on the rides business and driving it towards profitability, one of the persons said to PTI.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, said: Our Uber Eats team in India has achieved an incredible amount over the last two years, and I couldnt be prouder of their ingenuity and dedication. India remains an exceptionally important market to Uber and we will continue to invest in growing our local Rides business, which is already the clear category leader. We have been very impressed by Zomatos ability to grow rapidly in a capital-efficient manner and we wish them continued success. 

Uber Eats was started in 2014 as a small delivery pilot in Los Angeles and launched as a separate application in Toronto in December 2015. Since then, it has grown as a stand-alone app available in 220 plus cities around the globe. In India, Uber Eats was first launched in Mumbai in May 2017.

--With inputs from agencies
Earth is constantly being pummeled by space rocks. Several tons rain down on the planet each day in the form of dust. And larger strikes have created more visible features, including giant craters. But which of our planets extraterrestrial scars is the oldest?

Researchers reported on Tuesday in Nature Communications that they have pinpointed it, in Western Australia. It was caused by an impact more than 2.2 billion years ago.

Intriguingly, that timing roughly coincides with the end of one of our planets ice ages. An impact in the ice would have liberated an enormous amount of water vapor, the researchers suggest, perhaps enough to alter Earths climate and catapult the planet out of widespread glaciation.

The Yarrabubba impact structure, about a days drive northeast of Perth, isnt much to look at today. The original crater, believed to have been roughly 40 miles in diameter, is long gone.
The U.S. Air Force recently successfully tested the APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System) laser-guided missile fired from an F-16 fighter and shooting down a small UAV. The F-16 was using a targeting pod, which can spot and identify small flying objects and enable the pilot to launch an AGR-20A, as the APKWS used on jets is called, to hit a small, slow-moving target operating at low altitude. This means the AGR-20A can also be used against cruise missiles as well as UAVs of all sizes. The AGR-20A is currently most often used by slower-moving aircraft like helicopters and AC-130 gunships but was recently certified to operate from jet fighters. AGR-20A costs a third of what the larger Hellfire laser-guided missile does and more APKWS can be carried.

Missiles like APKWS have been around for over two decades and are basically 70mm laser-guided rockets. They were developed by taking a 13.6 kg (30 pound) 70mm unguided rocket and adding a laser seeker and moveable fins for guidance. These missiles have a 2.7 kg (six pound) warhead, and a range of about six kilometers when fired from the air. Laser designators on an aircraft, or with troops on the ground, are pointed at the target so the laser seeker in the front of the guided rocket can home in on the reflected laser light. The laser seeker can actually see reflected laser light out to 14 kilometers but the rocket motor in most 70mm laser-guided rockets is only effective at between five and ten kilometers.

The 2.75 inch (70mm) rockets were developed during World War II, as an air-to-air weapon for use against heavy bomber formations. The Germans had developed a similar and very successful weapon (the R4M). Since neither the Japanese nor the Germans had many heavy bombers the U.S. 70mm rocket was switched to air-to-ground use. Actually, the 70mm rocket was retained for air-to-air use into the 1950s, but it was never successful in that role until laser guidance was added.

The 70mm rocket became popular in the 1960s when it was discovered that the weapon worked very well when launched from multiple (7 or 19 tube) launchers mounted on helicopters. The 108-138m cm (42-55 inch) long rockets could be fired singly or in salvoes and gave helicopter pilots some airborne artillery for supporting troops on the ground. There are many variations in terms of warheads and rocket motors. Some versions could go over 10 kilometers.

Since the 1990s several firms have figured out how to turn 70mm unguided rockets into laser-guided missiles. Most were designed to use the existing the Hellfire missile fire control system. Several successful designs entered service by 2010. The APKWS began in 2002 when an American firm tried and initially failed making it work. British firm BAE took over and got it to working by 2007 and partnered with the American firm to sell it. APKWS, like its competitors, was built to be compatible with existing laser designators, and aircraft equipped to use Hellfire missiles. For helicopters, APKWS could also be adapted to use 7 or 19 tube launchers long employed for the unguided rockets. The chief advantage of all these 70mm missiles is that they are one fourth the weight of a Hellfire and a third of the cost. That means AH-64s burn less fuel carrying them, and APKWS is as effective as a Hellfire in, for example, destroying the hundreds of small armed boats Iran plans to use in any war with the Arab states on the west coast of the Persian Gulf. But there are already many similar weapons available for this and few nations want to add what they consider a redundant weapon system. Swarms of cruise missiles and explosive equipped UAVs are another matter and in late 2019 Iran used such a swarm against Saudi oil facilities.

Despite the lack of demand, the 70mm missiles eventually found some customers. Back in 2010, the U.S. Marine Corps purchased fifty APKWS II kits for testing. That was followed by an order for kits to convert some of the 100,000 marine 70mm unguided rockets to laser-guided ones. In 2013 the marines made their third purchase, for over 20,000 newly manufactured APKWS II missiles. This was the first large purchase of 70mm guided missiles after a decade of sales efforts by several manufacturers. The marines arm their AH-1W helicopter gunships with the guided 70mm rockets and in 2012 marine AH-1Ws within a year had fired over a hundred APKWS II in Afghanistan and none of them missed.

APKWS was adapted for use from a number of helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft like the A-10, F-16, AV-8B, CN-235 gunship and A-29. APKWS has been exported to Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan and was used in 2017-18 in the fight against ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) in Iraq. Few fixed-wing aircraft can use Hellfire (only the British version of Hellfire, called Brimstone, has been adapted to use on fast-moving jets). American jet fighters have demonstrated that using APKWS is effective but current U.S. Air Force doctrine is to keep jet fighters at higher (above 6,000 meters) altitude to avoid most anti-aircraft fire. The A-10 was designed for low altitude operations and is an exception. The F-16 is expected to fill in if no A-10s are available for a close support mission. The navy and marines have allowed all fighter jets to get low when close air support of ground forces demands it.

There are now several guided versions of the 70mm air-to-surface and surface-to-surface versions. Developing a guided 70mm rocket took so long because the manufacturers underestimated the technical difficulties of getting the laser seeker and flight control mechanisms into that small a package, at a weight and price the customer could afford. The price of the new 70mm missile is now about $30,000 each. This is typical for these weapons and about a third less than a smart bomb and less than a third of what a Hellfire missile costs.

The guided 70mm rocket is used against targets that don't require a larger (49 kg/108 pound), and more expensive (over $100,000), Hellfire missile but still needs some targeting precision. In tests, the APKWS hit within a meter (a few feet) of the aiming point, about what other 70mm missiles are capable of. The 70mm missile makes an excellent weapon for UAVs, especially since you can carry more of them. The launcher for carrying these missiles is designed to replace the one for Hellfire but can carry four missiles instead of one. On jets, an AGR-20A launcher holds three of the missiles in place of one larger bomb or missile.

Orders for 70mm guided missiles were hard to obtain at first because the Hellfire was doing the job and there just wasn't a big demand for a smaller missile. There was another competition because several smaller missiles had recently been introduced and one of them, the Griffin, is being used over Pakistan and Afghanistan on American UAV as well as fixed-wing gunships (like the AC-130). The smaller Griffin is an alternative to the Hellfire II because it weighs only 16 kg (35 pounds) with a 5.9 kg (13 pound) warhead. Griffin has pop-out wings, allowing it to glide, and thus has a longer range (15 kilometers) than Hellfire (8,000 meters). UAVs can carry more of the smaller missiles, typically two of them in place of one Hellfire. The APKWS was found to be superior to the Griffin because, like Hellfire, it was fast and usually took no more than five seconds to reach the target.

In late 2019 the U.S. Department of Defense placed its first mass production order for AGR-20A. The manufacturer (BAE) received a $2.7 billion order to fill demand through 2025 from American (army, marines and air force) as well as a growing number of foreign customers which currently includes Britain, Iraq, Lebanon, Netherlands, Jordan, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Philippines and Australia. This order also includes kits for upgrading unguided 70mm (2.75 inch) rockets with a guidance system that turns them into AGR-20As. So far the AGR-20A has hit its intended target 90 percent of the time. Potential Persian Gulf customers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) already have jets equipped with targeting pods and now have an effective defense against Iranian UAV/cruise missile swarms. Israel is also now a potential user because they are facing enemies (Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran in Syria) who are using more small explosives carrying UAVs and the AGR-20A would be a less expensive way of dealing with these small targets.
A Florida police officer has been suspended for liking Facebook posts in support of his wife after she said Rashida Tlaib may 'blow up Capitol Hill'.

Hallandale Beach Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub came under fire in January last year after comments about the Democrat and first Palestinian-American woman to be elected to Congress, in which she said Tlaib could 'become a martyr'.

Now her husband, veteran cop Pablo Lima, has been placed on administrative leave after liking a number of comments on social media which backed Lima-Taub.

One of those he liked read: 'This piece of s*** took her oath on the Koran.'

Lima himself did not write anything derogatory but he added his approval to that post which continued: 'When will these politicians grow some cohones and start supporting America and its Americans.

'They talk about [Lima-Taub] being a racist and spewing hate...they forget that this Muslim [Tlaib] supports the people who flew planes into our NY twin towers and killed over 5000 people and more dying from exposure still 18 years later.'

He also liked posts which called his wife's comments 'free speach fk [sic] them' and her condemnation 'Complete BS'.

Florida police officer Pablo Lima, left, has been suspended for liking Facebook posts in support of his wife Anabelle Lima-Taub, right, after she said Rashida Tlaib may 'blow up Capitol Hill'

Hallandale Beach Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub came under fire in in January last year after comments about the Democrat and first Palestinian-American woman to be elected to Congress, in which she said Rashida Tlaib, pictured, could 'become a martyr'

The Miami Herald reports he also liked one post which read: 'But Talib [sic] gets to spew her hatred of Jews and others not of the Islamic faith and its ok not to defend yourself ? Im with the commissioner, awaiting the next terrorist plot to open eyes again only when something happens.'

Lima had applied to become Bay Harbor Islands next police chief when he was questioned over his activity on Facebook.

Town Manager J.C. Jimenez told The Miami Herald: 'The content of the social media posts that were brought to our attention are not consistent with our Towns values and policies.

'Corporal Pablo Lima is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation. State law prohibits us from discussing details of an open internal affairs investigation.'

A rally was held in support of Lima and attended by his wife on Saturday evening.

Former mayor Linda Zilber told Local10: 'Though he didnt say anything mean, his wife said something, and he just supported his wife.'

Lima-Taub faced calls to resign in January last year after writing: 'She is a danger and (I) would not put it past her to become a martyr and blow up Capitol Hill.'

The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations told NBC Miami at the time: 'Holding a public office comes with great responsibilities. Xenophobic stereotypes shall not be embraced by any elected official.

'Her un-American, xenophobic statements establish that she is unfit to hold the Commissioners seat.'

Lima, left, himself did not write anything derogatory but he added his approval to posts supporting his wife Anabelle, right. Lima had applied to become Bay Harbor Islands next police chief when he was questioned over his activity on Facebook

Lima-Taub, who remains a commissioner, told the station: 'I urge anyone that was offended by it, especially some of the self-righteous colleagues that I have, to research and Google BDS, Google Hamas, Google Hezbollah, Look up CAIR and look up Rashida Tlaibs affiliations with these groups.'

She had been supported outside Hallandale Beach City Hall by dozens of protesters carrying Israeli flags.

On September 11 last year she referenced U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar's comments that 'some people did something', writing: '#NeverForget #911 Some people did something, as per Americas vitriolic hate monger, @repilhan!

'This country was founded on Judeo-Christian values and we must never let the deaths of those who perished on 9/11 be in vain.'

Lima and Lima-Taub have not commented in the wake of the former's suspension.
Italian cops have charged a woman with involuntary manslaughter after her baby allegedly banged its head when she gave birth, not realising she was pregnant.

The woman, who is reportedly of Swedish origin but who lives in Italy, told the police the baby banged its head when it was being born, and that she had been unaware that she was pregnant.

She said that the umbilical cord was still attached when the baby fell onto the floor.

The baby was still alive when hospitalised at the Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome (pictured) but it died two days later

Her mother had then come into the room, saw the baby on the floor and wrapped it in a towel before calling an ambulance.

Medics then collected the woman, aged 30, and her injured baby from the home in Acilia, a neighbourhood of Rome in central-western Italy.

The baby was still alive when hospitalised at the Bambino Gesu Hospital but it died two days later.

Medics had initially suggested that the blow to the head might have been caused by an object but attempted murder charges have now been changed to involuntary manslaughter as police investigate the tragic death.

Local media said the suspect, who has not been named, is currently being held under house arrest and will attend court later this week.
At least there is one positive thing that has come out of Prince Harrys exit from the royal family. Harry has reportedly been in talks with Prince William ahead of his move to Canada, and a source close to the royal family claims that the brothers have finally made amends. Here is a look at how William and Harry put their differences aside and ended their longstanding feud.

Prince William and Prince Harry | Toby Melville  WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William and Prince Harry have a heart-to-heart

Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they are stepping down as senior members of the royal family a few weeks ago. While Meghan is currently back on Vancouver Island, Harry has been meeting with members of the royal family to iron out the details of their exit.

According to Page Six, the meetings have resulted in Harry and William making peace with each other  an unexpected outcome of the couples decision to step down.

They decided to cut out all the toxic people stirring around them to deal with each other man-to-man as brothers, the source shared.

The insider added that Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have been in a few of the discussions between Prince William and Prince Harry. The couples realized that if they did not make amends now, they probably never would.

Although Prince William and Prince Harry still have their disagreements, the source claims that the family warmth has returned between the brothers. Harry and Meghan are looking forward to living out of the spotlight, but they are still sad about living so far from William and Kate.

Prince Harry opens up about Megxit

Over the weekend, Harry talked about his decision to leave the royal family during a charity dinner for Sentebale. In his speech, Harry revealed that the decision to step down was not taken lightly and was months in the making.

There remains a real lack of trust there and its going to take some time to resolve, the insider added.

Harry assured the audience that he and Meghan did not want to walk away from the public. They planned on continuing their service to Queen Elizabeth and the commonwealth, but not taking public funds made that impossible.

Prince Harry has expressed "great sadness that it has come to this" in his first public statement since Buckingham Palace announced he and his wife, Meghan, will end their royal duties  but he also said that "there really was no other option." https://t.co/HpcF3MbbJ6 pic.twitter.com/qKO0balmun  CNN International (@cnni) January 20, 2020

At the end of the day, Prince Harry hopes that his decision will lead to a peaceful life with Meghan and their son, Archie Harrison.

Harry did not mention anything about his feud with William. But it sounds like the negotiation process has brought the brothers closer than they have been in years  which is a good thing.

What about Prince Charles?

Prince William and Prince Harry have seemingly made amends, but the same cannot be said of Harry and his father, Prince Charles. The Prince of Wales was reportedly very sad about Megxit and does not want to see Harry and Meghan leave.

The source says that Prince Harrys relationship with Charles is now more complicated than ever. Unless that changes in the near future, it might be a long time before Harry and Charles get on the same page.

The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly, Harry said. And I know I havent always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.

There has been a lot of talk about Charles slimming down the monarchy once he takes the throne. But he has always envisioned Harry and Meghan being part of the royal family.

The good news is that Prince Harry and Meghan can always decide to return to their previous posts, though that seems very unlikely given their recent struggles. The couples reputation has also taken a big hit and could take years to repair.

What happens next?

Following the exit negotiations, Queen Elizabeth confirmed that Harry and Meghan have lost their royal titles. The couple will still retain their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as the name of their charitable foundation, Sussex Royal.

It is unclear how much time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend in the U.K. moving forward. We also do not know how many public appearances they will make with other royals, but they will continue their charitable work in the coming years.

Prince Harry has arrived in Canada to reunite with Meghan and baby Archie after the couple finalized the terms of their split from official British royal family duties. https://t.co/OiMCT0Q1uC  CNN (@CNN) January 21, 2020

Harry and Meghan are also looking to purchase a second home in Canada, which is where they will spend part of the year. Although this will bring Meghan closer to her mother, Doria Ragland, it puts a lot of distance between Harry and William.

The Sussexes are expected to remain in Frogmore Cottage for the portion of the year they spend in the U.K.

Prince William has yet to respond to the rumors about his feud with Prince Harry.
Mainland China equity market finished session steep lower on Tuesday, 21 January 2020, on deepening fears over the outbreak of a new pneumonia coronavirus in mainland China, after the country confirmed the first person-to-person spread of a new virus in central city of Wuhan, which has killed four people so far. Meanwhile, a downgrade of Hong Kong's rating by credit rating agency Moody's on Monday also weighed on blue-chip stocks. Most of SSE sectors declined with shares of airlines, cinema and casino operators being notable losers, as investors expected spending to soften during the Lunar New Year holiday because of the new coronavirus, while drug-makers surged. At closing bell, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index declined 1.41%, or 43.64 points, to 3,052.14. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, dropped 1.28%, or 23.42 points, to 1,806.54. The blue-chip CSI300 index was down 1.71%, or 71.52 points, to 4,114.31.

Market commenced trading with a back foot amid increasing concerns over a new strain of coronavirus after the country confirmed the first person-to-person spread of a new virus in central city of Wuhan, which has killed four people so far.

A new coronavirus has spread from the central city of Wuhan to cities including Beijing and Shanghai, with more than 200 cases reported so far.

Four cases have been reported outside China - in South Korea, Thailand and Japan.

Airline operators declined broadly amid concerns about the new coronavirus outbreak. Tianjin Airlines, based in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, said it would waive flight cancellation fees for passengers having a fever flying between January 15 and February 29.

Healthcare sector rose, with total of 28 stocks jumped by the daily limit of 10%, including antibiotics maker Shandong Lukang Pharmaceutical. Wuhan Guide Infrared, a maker of infrared cameras and thermal imaging systems, soared by the 10% daily limit after train stations and the airport in Wuhan city installed its equipment to identify passengers with symptoms of the illness.

Chinese home appliances maker Midea Group (000333 SZ) dropped by 3% to 58.43 yuan after it became the first A-share stock this year to hit the 28% cap on foreign ownership. Foreign investors together owned 1.95 billion shares in the industrial conglomerate as of Tuesday, through channels including the Stock Connect with Hong Kong, according to data from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Offshore investors are not allowed to buy Midea shares any more after they hit the limit, but are permitted to sell.

CURRENCY NEWS: The Chinese yuan strengthened against greenback after firmer midpoint fixing by the People's Bank of China. Prior to market opening, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) set the midpoint rate CNY=PBOC at 6.8606 per dollar prior to the market open, 58 pips or 0.08% firmer than the previous fix of 6.8664 and the strongest since July 2, 2019. The spot yuan CNY=CFXS edged up to a six-month high on Monday, with traders expecting the currency to stay firm before the week-long Lunar New Year holiday.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran at first maintained that mechanical failure had brought the plane down with the head of aviation organization telling a news conference he was certain no missiles hit the aircraft. In the face of mounting evidence, however, the military admitted the next day that it was a case of human error by a missile crew that mistook the passenger plane for a hostile aircraft.
The first Housecars Awards was in 2015 and started as a way to thank the Customer Service department for their hard work during the company's biggest sale of the year, Trade Tuesday - which takes place the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The Housecars, a spin on the word Oscars, is a unique way for representatives to relax and take an hour out of their day to be recognized with awards, games, and prizes.

The event was hosted by several Customer Service Team Leads including Christine Boehm, Danielle Carbonaro, Amanda Daley, Nicole Intravia, Nicole Lewis, Michael Lieberknecht, Teresa Missig, Amanda Ramierez, Meghan Rivera, Katie Stewart, and Emma Velazquez. With weeks of planning and preparation, the event went off without a hitch.

"During our busy months and Trade Tuesday, we can become so focused on the day-to-day and making sure we are hitting our goals that we can forget to take a moment to pause and engage with one another," said Emma Velazquez, Customer Service Team Lead. "The Housecars is our way to recognize the employees in a specific, meaningful, and oftentimes funny way to show how much the person means to us on an individual level while also focusing on the fruits of their efforts," Velazquez continued.

Customer service representatives look forward to the Housecars every year. Ashley Rains, a representative in Reno, Nevada expressed how it makes employees feel "extremely appreciated." "It [the Housecars] allows everyone to be individually recognized for their contributions as an employee and a person," Rains explained.

SupplyHouse.com is an e-commerce company that focuses on providing excellent customer service in the plumbing, heating, and HVAC industry. SupplyHouse.com has a total of 404 employees across their four locations in Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio. With its core values and unique company culture, SupplyHouse.com strives to make a positive impact on its customers, employees, and the greater community.

SOURCE SupplyHouse.com

Related Links

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / GT Biopharma, Inc. (OTCQB:GTBP) (GTBP.PA) an immuno-oncology company focused on innovative treatments based on the Company's proprietary TriKE NK cell engager platform provided the following update concerning its drug development programs and certain other initiatives:

The Company recently commenced enrollment in its first-in-human GTB-3550 TriKE Phase I/II clinical trial for the treatment of certain types of leukemia. The clinical trial is being conducted at the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota under the direction of Dr. Erica Warlick. The open-label, dose-escalation Phase I portion of the trial will evaluate GTB-3550 TriKE in patients with CD33-expressing, high risk myelodysplastic syndromes, refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia or advanced systemic mastocytosis, and will determine safety and tolerability as well as the pharmacologically active dose and maximum tolerated dose of GTB-3550 TriKE. The Phase II portion of the trial is planned to further evaluate the recommended dose of GTB-3550 TriKE in this patient population.

Dr. Jeffrey Miller and colleagues from the University of Minnesota presented research results concerning the development of an HIV TriKE which directs NK cell killing of HIV-infected CD4 T-cells. Dr. Miller and colleagues presented their HIV TriKE research at the 18 th meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity held in Luxembourg September 30 th to October 3 rd , 2019. The data demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells are stimulated by the human IL-15 cytokine portion of the TriKE molecule which provided a self-sustaining signal, activating NK cells and enhancing their ability to kill. The data also demonstrated that the HIV TriKE was able to reactive HIV replication in latent HIV-infected CD4+ T-cells. These findings indicate a potential role for the HIV-TriKE in the reactivation and elimination of the latently infected HIV reservoir cells by harnessing the NK cell's ability to mediate antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity held in Luxembourg September 30 to October 3 , 2019. The data demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells are stimulated by the human IL-15 cytokine portion of the TriKE molecule which provided a self-sustaining signal, activating NK cells and enhancing their ability to kill. The data also demonstrated that the HIV TriKE was able to reactive HIV replication in latent HIV-infected CD4+ T-cells. These findings indicate a potential role for the HIV-TriKE in the reactivation and elimination of the latently infected HIV reservoir cells by harnessing the NK cell's ability to mediate antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Drs. Jeffrey Miller, Martin Felices and Pippa Kennedy from the University of Minnesota presented TriKE research results at the recently concluded 18 th meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity concerning the development of a solid tumor targeting TriKE which demonstrates killing of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. NSCLC represents approximately 85% of all lung cancers. The NSCLC TriKE was shown to enhance functional responses of NK cells directed towards NSCLC cell killing, and induce proliferation of NK cells from both lung cancer patients and healthy donors.

meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity concerning the development of a solid tumor targeting TriKE which demonstrates killing of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. NSCLC represents approximately 85% of all lung cancers. The NSCLC TriKE was shown to enhance functional responses of NK cells directed towards NSCLC cell killing, and induce proliferation of NK cells from both lung cancer patients and healthy donors. Dr. Jeffrey Miller from the University of Minnesota presented TriKE research results at the 34 th annual meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) which was held November 6-10, 2019 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Dr. Miller discussed TriKE therapy in the context of multi-targeted therapeutic platforms for the treatment of cancer.

annual meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) which was held November 6-10, 2019 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Dr. Miller discussed TriKE therapy in the context of multi-targeted therapeutic platforms for the treatment of cancer. The Company sold its myasthenia gravis generic drug asset to DAS Therapeutics in September 2019. The decision to sell its development-stage generic drug portfolio is the result of a strategic review conducted by management and the board of directors announced in April 2019. The Company expects to sell its remaining development-stage generic drug assets in 2020.

The Company appointed Dr. Jeffrey Miller as Consulting Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Martin Schroeder as Consulting Chief Technology Officer.

Anthony Cataldo, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GT Biopharma commented, "we are pleased with the progress of our TriKE development programs, and appreciate the support of Dr. Miller, his colleagues, and the University of Minnesota". Mr. Cataldo also stated, "we expect to make further progress during 2020 as we continue expanding our TriKE platform to address other therapeutic indications".

About GTB-3550 TriKE

GTB-3550 is the Company's first TriKE product candidate being initially developed for the treatment of certain leukemias. GTB-3550 TriKE is a single-chain, tri-specific recombinant fusion protein conjugate composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD16 and anti-CD33 antibodies and a modified form of IL-15. The natural killer (NK) cell stimulating cytokine human IL-15 portion of the molecule provides a self-sustaining signal that activates NK cells and enhances their ability to kill. We intend to study GTB-3550 in CD33 positive leukemias such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and other CD33+ hematopoietic malignancies.

About the HIV TriKE

According to the World Health Organization, there are over 36 million people currently infected with HIV. Current drugs only treat the symptoms of HIV at a significant economic cost. HIV infected individuals remain infected for the rest of their lives. The challenge in the HIV field is to kill virus infecting a patient's T-cells, and destroy virus hiding in sanctuary reservoir sites within the body. The use of anti-retroviral drugs has improved the health and increased the longevity of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These drugs are designed to suppress virus replication to help modulate progression to AIDS and to limit further transmission of the virus. Despite the use of anti-retroviral drugs, infected individuals retain reservoirs of latent HIV-infected cells that, upon cessation of anti-retroviral drug therapy, can reactivate and re-establish an active HIV infection. For a curative therapy, destruction of these latent HIV infected cells must take place. In preclinical testing led by Dr. Jeffrey Miller, M.D., Deputy Director Masonic Cancer Center and Dr. Timothy Schacker, M.D., Medical School and Director, Program in HIV Medicine, the research team designed a series of bispecific and trispecific constructs to direct natural killer (NK) cell mediated cytotoxicity against an HIV infected target. GT Biopharma is developing an HIV TriKE version to increase the level of NK cell killing of targeted HIV infected cells.

About NSCLC TriKE

The Company's first solid tumor TriKE product candidate is a single-chain, tri-specific recombinant fusion protein construct which targets non-small cell lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for 84% of all lung cancer diagnoses. In 2019, it is estimated there will be 228,150 cases of newly diagnosed lung cancer. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer, and this year it is estimated that 142,670 people will die from lung cancer. The 5-year survival rate for all people with all types of lung cancer is 19%.

About GT Biopharma, Inc.

GT Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of immuno-oncology products based off our proprietary Tri-specific Killer Engager (TriKE) platform. Our TriKE platform is designed to harness and enhance the cancer killing abilities of a patient's immune system natural killer cells (NK cells). GT Biopharma has an exclusive worldwide license agreement with the University of Minnesota to further develop and commercialize cancer therapies using proprietary TriKE technology developed by researchers at the university to target NK cells to cancer.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including statements regarding the potential acquisition, the likelihood of closing the potential transaction, our clinical focus, and our current and proposed trials. Words and expressions reflecting optimism, satisfaction or disappointment with current prospects, as well as words such as "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimates", "expects", "projects", "plans", "anticipates" and variations thereof, or the use of future tense, identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in or expressed by such statements. In evaluating all such statements, we urge you to specifically consider the various risk factors identified in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements.

Our forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on currently available financial, economic, scientific, and competitive data and information on current business plans. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things: (i) the sufficiency of our cash position and our ongoing ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, (ii) our ability to complete our contemplated clinical trials for GTB-3550 or GTB-1550, or to meet the FDA's requirements with respect to safety and efficacy, (iii) our ability to identify patients to enroll in our clinical trials in a timely fashion, (iv) our ability to achieve approval of a marketable product, (v) design, implementation and conduct of clinical trials, (vii) the results of our clinical trials, including the possibility of unfavorable clinical trial results, (vii) the market for, and marketability of, any product that is approved, (viii) the existence or development of treatments that are viewed by medical professionals or patients as superior to our products, (ix) regulatory initiatives, compliance with governmental regulations and the regulatory approval process, and social conditions, and (x) various other matters, many of which are beyond our control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties develop, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated, or otherwise indicated by our forward-looking statements.

We intend that all forward-looking statements made in this press release will be subject to the safe harbor protection of the federal securities laws pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements to take into account events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. Additionally, we do not undertake any responsibility to update you on the occurrence of any unanticipated events which may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please visit www.gtbiopharma.com.

CONTACT:

GT Biopharma Inc

Anthony Cataldo

ir@gtbiopharma.com

800-304-9888

SOURCE: GT Biopharma, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573678/GT-Biopharma-Provides-Update-Concerning-TrikeTM-Drug-Development-Programs-and-Other-Strategic-Initiatives
New legislation will improve protection for foreign investors in India by offering relief from possible policy changes but will uphold the state's right to tax them, according to its draft and government documents seen by Reuters.

The bill also attempts to upgrade India's investment climate and boost foreign investment by setting up new adjudicating authorities to swiftly resolve disputes. It is part of India's efforts to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.7 trillion currently, the documents said.

But the draft text of the new law dated November 15 does not cover demands related to enforcement of tax obligations, a critical area of concern for foreign investors.

Several firms including IBM, Royal Dutch Shell and Vodafone have collectively faced billions of dollars in tax claims from India's government in recent years, leading to arbitration cases and protracted legal battles in courts.

A separate internal government document which analyses the draft law noted that taxation issues were of "great interest" to investors and excluding it from the law's purview could reduce the proposal's intent to boost their comfort level.

Nevertheless, the document defended the exclusion, saying "the power to tax is an integral part of the state's police powers even recognized in international law".

The Finance Ministry, which drafted the law, did not respond to a request for comment.

Two sources familiar with deliberations on the law said it could still undergo several changes before it is finalised. The bill is likely to be presented for passage in the upcoming parliament session that starts January 31, they said.

The bill proposes to cover a wide range of foreign investors, including investments from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurance funds, the government document said.

"CREDIBLE COMMITMENT"

One of the most high-profile tax disputes has been India's tussle with Vodafone, which was asked to deposit capital against tax after its $11 billion deal to buy local assets of Hutchison Whampoa in 2007.

Though India's Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Vodafone was not liable to any tax, the government later amended the law to enable it to tax such deals retroactively. Vodafone and India remain locked in international arbitration over the dispute.

While the draft law proposes to exclude disputes specific to taxation, it offers to provide "credible commitment to investments" by deterring policy changes, the draft said.

In December 2018, months after Walmart paid $16 billion to acquire a majority of India's Flipkart, the government tweaked its foreign investment rules for e-commerce, forcing both Flipkart and Amazon to rework their business structures. The sudden policy change rattled foreign investors.

The draft law stipulates that any new policy or law changes that provide "less favorable" treatment should allow investors to continue enjoying benefits of the earlier policy.

"This clause will significantly improve predictability of investment regime and hence will be a significant boost to investments," read the government document analyzing the draft law. "The investor will have an option of choosing between the new and old policies."

It was not immediately clear whether protection against such sudden policy changes would be permanent or only for a particular period.

The proposal also seeks to address concerns about the slowness of India's legal system. It proposes setting up two new bodies to provide swift legal recourse: an Investment Ombudsman who will rule on disputes within 90 days, and an appellate Investment Tribunal which would rule within 180 days.

"(This) will eradicate the demand for an international arbitration process as the remedy would be quick, effective and available domestically," the government document stated.

India is entangled in more than 20 overseas arbitration cases - the most against any country - brought by companies including Vodafone and Nissan Motor Co.

Also read: AGR crisis: Airtel, Voda Idea file modification petition in Supreme Court to extend deadline

Also read: Slowdown in India dragging down global economy, says IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath
An Indian national in the US has been indicted on charges of running various international money laundering schemes and operating unlicensed transmission businesses.

Amit Agarwal, who was arrested in the US in December last year at Newark International Airport, operated a wholesale consumer electronics business in East Hanover in New Jersey.

He, along with six Colombian nationals, has been charged with four indictments. The Colombians were arrested in Colombia, and the US government is seeking their extradition to America.

US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said the illegal drug trade depended on shadow financial networks to move drug traffickers' profits into the US banking system and across borders.

"As alleged, these defendants ran those types of networks in both the United States and Colombia," Berman said.

As alleged in the indictments unsealed in Manhattan federal court, from about June 2018 to 2019, the defendants were involved in schemes to launder funds from locations throughout the US to recipients in, among other places, Colombia.

The schemes intended to enable clients with cash located in the US to transfer the value of that cash to other countries, principally Colombia, without the need for physically transporting American currency across an international border or directly depositing large amounts of cash into the legitimate financial system.

As money brokers, the Colombian nationals offered and executed upon multiple contracts requiring the pick-up of funds throughout the US, and the delivery of a corresponding value of pesos to them in Colombia.

In exchange for their work as money brokers, they received commissions taken from the pesos delivered to them in Colombia, as did the individuals with whom they contracted.

Agarwal was the chief executive officer of a consumer electronics products business based in New Jersey. His business exported consumer electronics to purchasers throughout the world, including purchasers located in Colombia.

In connection with its business activities, the Agarwal Electronics Business maintained a bank account in the US, controlled and operated by Agarwal.

Typically, as part of the scheme, the funds collected in the US were deposited in a bank account located in the country and then transferred to the Agarwal Bank Account.

Agarwal understood these funds to be narcotics proceeds and sought to repatriate them to South America while avoiding the risk associated with having large quantities of cash detected at international borders, and avoiding the currency reporting requirements imposed by United States laws.

Agarwal is charged with one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a tragic incident, eight Indian tourists, including four minor children, died on Tuesday after they fell unconscious due to a possible gas leak in their room at a resort in Nepal, according to media reports.

The Indian nationals were airlifted to HAMS hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival, Superintendent of Police Sushil Singh Rathaur said.

The decease were identified as Prabin Kumar Nayar (39), Sharanya (34), Ranjit Kumar TB (39), Indu Ranjit (34), Shree Bhadra (9), Abinab Soraya (9), Abi Nayar (7), and Baishnab Ranjit (2), The Kathmandu Post report said.

ap

The deceased - two couples and four children - were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountainous tourist destination, The Himalayan Times reported.

They were on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night.

reuters

According to the manager at the resort the guests who arrived at the resort at stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm.

Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and remaining others in another room, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside.

reuters

Police suspect that they might have passed out due to lack of ventilation, the report said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed "deep grief" over the incident, a release from the Chief Minister's Office said. On the basis of the directions given by the Chief Minister, NORKA (Non Resident Keralite Affairs) officials have got in touch with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. The bodies are expected to be brought to the state tomorrow after post-mortem, the statement added.


A drill rapper was caught travelling with a loaded gun which he planned to be used in a violent feud with rival south London gangs, a court heard.

Jyrelle OConnor  who raps under the pseudonym Loski  allegedly took a 4mm calibre Florent revolver, wrapped in a black sock, when he hired an Uber to drive him into London.

When police pulled over the taxi they found the loaded weapon under the front passenger seat, and realised later that one of the cartridges had been fired, Croydon crown court heard.

Prosecutor Kenneth Millett said OConnor had a clear motive for carrying the gun as he is a prominent member of the Kennington-based Harlem Spartans gang.

They are in a violent feud with gangs from the Brixton area, the 410 gang or the Angel Town gang, he told the court.

This is a firearm which could kill small, held in the hand, in a sock to disguise it  Its not for shooting pigeons or foxes.

"This is to enable the possessor of that weapon to endanger life as and when an occasion arises.

He told jurors OConnor had a previous conviction from 2015 when a shotgun was found under his bed, and detectives found pictures of guns on his phone and video of a Mac-10 being loaded.

Mr Millett said the Florent revolver was for use in connection with continuing gang disputes either by OConnor or another member of the Harlem Spartans.

He said the feud had led to murders, and suggested that drill rap songs were used to fuel the disputes and diss opponents.

OConnors Uber was pulled over in west London on April 9 last year when he was wanted for questioning about the killing of his friend, rapper Latwaan Griffiths, also said to be a Harlem Spartans member. OConnor did not answer when questioned about the gun.

Mr Millett said the prosecution dispute the claim that he was merely a member of a music group explaining what goes on within their community.

OConnor, who was living in Gerrards Cross, denies possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited, and possession of ammunition.
BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. and GeoPhy announced today the launch of a new industry-changing appraisal company called Apprise.

Current methods for preparing appraisals of multifamily assets have been in place for decades and are highly antiquated. As a result of these outdated processes, appraisal reports can take up to three weeks to deliver, may include data inconsistencies, and result in a highly subjective valuation, which varies dramatically from appraiser to appraiser.

By combining Walker & Dunlop's deep industry knowledge, GeoPhy's powerful data science and analytics technology, and the experience of a team of highly respected appraisal professionals, Apprise will eliminate the outdated, manual processes that plague the multifamily valuation industry. The new company will employ machine learning to provide a more objective, consistent, and transparent FIRREA-compliant multifamily appraisal delivered in as little as five days.

In the U.S. multifamily sector alone, more than $2.9 trillion of assets depend on valuation expertise for every transaction. Apprise will put information in owners' and operators' hands sooner, empowering them to make more informed decisions on acquisitions, financing, and equity investments, all of which directly impact their businesses. Apprise also benefits real estate investment firms and lenders who can use the shorter underwriting and appraisal processing timelines as a competitive advantage.

"We are extremely excited to launch Apprise in partnership with GeoPhy," said Willy Walker, Chairman & CEO of Walker & Dunlop. "We saw an opportunity to revolutionize this crucial part of the multifamily mortgage process to better serve borrowers and lenders alike. Appraisals have often been a pain point in the underwriting process, but we're turning them into a differentiator that will not only save time, but money. We are always looking for ways to better serve our customers, and we believe this technology will be immediately accretive to our clients."

"What sets Apprise apart from the competition is that our technology is designed to accelerate 80 percent of the appraisal preparation process," said Teun van den Dries, Founder and CEO, GeoPhy. "This automation eliminates the issue of human error and resolves data discrepancies on behalf of underwriters and borrowers. In addition, GeoPhy's Automated Valuation Model (AVM) complements the traditional valuation methods in Apprise to give appraisers an extra layer of validation against outlier results."

"The innovative solutions we've built have allowed us to recruit some of the most respected talent in the appraisal industry, including Meghan Czechowski, MAI, previously the national multifamily practice leader at Cushman & Wakefield, and Amanda Cooper, MAI, formerly Colliers' Florida multifamily practice leader," said Brad Savage, MAI, CCIM, Chief Product Officer, Apprise. "These trusted veterans are attracted to Apprise because they want to bolster their expertise with the industry's best technology and data platform, allowing them to allocate more time to draw conclusions and advise their clients."

Focused exclusively on the U.S. market, Apprise currently covers more than 30 states and is targeting nationwide coverage by the summer of 2020. As the nation's multi-trillion-dollar multifamily market continues to reach new heights, Apprise represents a tremendous growth opportunity for an industry-changing multifamily property appraisal solution.

For more information on Apprise, visit https://www.apprise.us.

Offerings and Service Levels - FIRREA and GSE-compliant multifamily appraisals: Final appraisals including inspection in five or fewer business days for stabilized market-rate apartments in select markets

-Other appraisals: Desktop and Restricted Appraisals  such as periodic Valuation for Financial Reporting (VFR) reports  in as little as five or fewer business days within select markets Reach Apprise has coverage in 30+ states as of January 2020, with nationwide coverage targeted by the summer of 2020 Compliance USPAP, FIRREA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Technology and Data Appraiser workflow automatically populates with property, comp, rent, location, and market data that our technology platform intelligently ingests from third party sources and client-provided documents

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. The company provides a comprehensive range of capital solutions for all commercial real estate asset classes, as well as investment sales brokerage services to owners of multifamily properties. Walker & Dunlop is included on the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and was ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Walker & Dunlop's 800+ professionals in 39 offices across the nation have an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction

About GeoPhy

GeoPhy, with U.S. headquarters in New York City, gives real estate professionals the competitive advantage of data science. First, we source, link, and cleanse a variety of data sources in our platform. Then, our one-of-a-kind software generates the industry's most accurate and insightful perspective on commercial property value. Our solutions empower investors, lenders, ratings agencies, governments, and ultimately citizens with faster, objective insights on the wide range of factors influencing property value.

SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

Related Links

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EU announces funding for Ariane 6 and other space-tech



Paris, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



The European Union on Tuesday announced 200 million euros ($222 million) of funding for the Ariane 6 rocket launcher and for small and medium-sized space technology companies.

Half the money is in the form of a loan for the new Ariane 6 heavy launcher programme, a collaboration between the European Space Agency programme and the ArianeGroup.

The other 100 million euros go towards a venture capital programme to "support innovation and growth of European smaller and medium-sized space technology companies," the European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, said in a statement.

"The two announcements of today represent a game changer for Europe in the support of the European space industry," the EU's Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said.

"We are sending a clear signal that space business in Europe is an attractive opportunity. This is a crucial initiative to support the development of European space start-ups so they can scale up," he added.

The first Ariane space rocket lifted off over the forests of French Guiana 40 years ago, enabling Europe to at last take its place as an independent player in the international race for space.

Since then the Ariane project has largely been a success, despite some setbacks, such as the explosion of the first Ariane 5 rocket in flight in 1996.

But in recent years, Ariane has come to face much fiercer competition, particularly from US firm Space X with its reusable launcher.

Europe is fighting back with its Ariane 6, due to take off in 2020.

"Ariane 6 will continue to enable Europe to deliver its launch activities for missions to all orbits, from geostationary satellites to medium and low Earth orbit missions," the EIB said.

The 100-million-euro loan will also mean "more competitive, environmentally friendly industrial facilities in Germany and France, including French Guiana," said ArianeGroup CEO Andre Hubert Roussel.

The cost of developing Ariane 6 is estimated at three billion euros, most of it financed by the European Space Agency.

Meanwhile the new 100 million euro InnovFin Space Equity Pilot is "dedicated to support the innovation and growth of European SMEs operating in the sector of space technologies," the statement said.

The programme will invest in venture capital funds across the European Union which support companies commercialising new products and services in the space sector.

Primo Space, an Italian early-stage tech investor, is the first fund selected by the European Investment Fund to benefit from the scheme.

With a target size of 80 million euros the scheme "will be amongst the first tech transfer funds only focused on space related technologies in Europe and the first one in Italy," the EIB said in its statement.
The cyber crime police traced the fraudulent transaction to Kolkata and are on the job to nab them.

Hyderabad: A city-based businessman became a victim of cyber fraud when the crooks siphoned off about Rs 25 lakh from his bank account by swapping his SIM card. The cyber crime police traced the fraudulent transaction to Kolkata and are on the job to nab them.

A few days ago, a contractor living in Rachakonda police commissionerate limits approached his mobile operator when his SIM card suddenly became dysfunctional for a day. To his shock, he learnt that a new SIM card had been issued to someone who had provided identification proof belonging to him. The alternative number given to the company was also changed.

The businessman then contacted the bank with which he has an account to warn it not to initiate any transactions from his account, but it was too late.

About Rs 25 lakh had been transferred from his account to a strangers account. The man then lodged a complaint with the Rachakonda cyber crime police who registered a case and started investigating.

Cyber crimes ACP S. Harinath said that the identification cards of the businessman were misused by the person who siphoned off the money. The crooks called the mobile operator requesting activation of a new SIM card with the businessmans number as the old one was damaged, and also raised a request for changing the alternative number, he explained.

As the fraudsters were in possession of the identification card details of the victim, including Aadhaar card, they submitted the same and got a new SIM card activated. Using these credentials, they gained access to the internet banking facility and transferred the money. The amount was withdrawn in Kolkata, the ACP said.

How a person managed to get a new SIM card without the physical presence of the user of the mobile number is still unclear, and police officials say that the modus operandi would be unearthed after nabbing the accused.

A team of cyber crime police are working on the clues to identify and nab the accused persons, Mr Harinath added.
On the windy flanks of Mount Aragats, a biblical-sounding massif in Armenia, an old man  a cook  shuffles through a sprawling array of oddly shaped, empty buildings.

The place is a symbol of what Yulia Grigoryants, an Armenian photographer, calls Cosmic Solitude. Once upon a time, it was one of the bustling centers of physics, devoted to the study of cosmic rays: high-energy particles thrown from exploding stars, black holes and other astrophysical calamities thousands or millions of light-years away and whistling down from space.

Twentieth-century physics grew into a mathematical labyrinth as one weird subatomic particle after another was discovered and theory tried to keep up with experiment. Then physicists learned how to create these particles themselves, in giant particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Mountaintop aeries like the Aragats Cosmic Ray Research Station receded in the quest for ultimate knowledge.
US president gives keynote speech on the day his impeachment trial begins in the Senate.

The 50th World Economic Forum has kicked off in the Swiss city of Davos, with an agenda that focused heavily on climate change as world leaders struggle to tackle the crisis.

The four-day annual gathering of some of the worlds top political and business leaders in the Swiss Alps is seeking to meet head-on the dangers to both the environment and the economy from global warming.

US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed scepticism about climate change, lauded the US economy in his keynote address on Tuesday morning, hours before his impeachment trial opens at the Senate in Washington, DC.

Trump told business and political leaders in the mountain resort that USs economic turnaround had been nothing short of spectacular.

He also lashed out at environmental campaigners as Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg watched on.

We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, said Trump, hours after Thunberg told the World Economic Forum that governments had done basically nothing to reverse climate change.

Trumps opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the 2015 Paris climate accord and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the entire thrust of the event.

His administrations trade spats with China and the recent deal to ease tensions between the rival giant economies weigh heavy on the minds of leaders in Davos after the IMF slightly downgraded global growth prospects for 2020 on Monday.

200120160202249

Middle Eastern issues are also on Trumps agenda, as he is set to meet Iraqi President Barham Salih, the president of the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from Davos, said Trump decided to attend the summit on a day when there is so much going on in Washington.

There was lots of speculation that he would cancel at the last minute but he didnt, Bays said.

His advisers [believe] that this is a good look on this day, a chance to have him on the world stage, looking presidential and showing his strong suit because hes going to be among the worlds top business leaders and that really is the strong card of the Trump administration  the economy and stock market.

Climate apocalypse

Greta Thunberg, who inspired the global climate strike movement, slammed global inaction on climate change at a youth panel in Davos hours before Trump spoke on Tuesday.

We are all fighting for the environment and climate. If you see it from a bigger perspective, basically nothing has been done. It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning, she said.

The teenager will also address a session titled Averting a Climate Apocalypse later on Tuesday.

Hundreds of activists marched for three days from the Swiss city of Landquart towards Davos, calling on world leaders to do more to tackle climate change.





Sustainability is the buzzword at the forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

The forums own Global Risks report published last week warned that climate change is striking harder and more rapidly than many expected with global temperatures on track to increase by at least 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century.

Business leaders attending the forum will be eager to tout their awareness of climate change but are likely to be concerned also by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the IMF, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

We are already seeing some tentative signs of stabilisation but we have not reached a turning point yet, said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.
Veterinary staff from the San Antonio Zoo is gearing up to jet off to Australia soon to help rescue and care for the animals affected by the brush fires ravishing the continent.

Tim Morrow, President and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, told mySA.com earlier this month the zoo had several veterinarian technicians, veterinarians, animal care specialists, conservationists and more on standby just in case their assistance was needed.
In a first, state-owned gas utility GAIL India Ltd is ferrying imported LNG in trucks from Gujarat coast to Bhubaneshwar in Odisha as part of a government push for a gas-based economy to reduce emission and carbon footprint.

With gas pipelines yet to reach most parts of eastern India, GAIL has hired specialised cryogenic bullet trucks to transport imported liquefied natural gas from Dahej in Gujarat to Bhubaneshwar, where it is used as CNG to fuel automobiles and piped gas as cooking fuel in kitchens, company Chairman and Managing Director Ashutosh Karnatak said.

LNG is environment-friendly natural gas turned into liquid at minus 160-degree Celsius for ease of transportation in ships and trucks.

"We started transporting LNG through trucks from Dahej to Bhubaneshwar and have broken-even on the business," he told PTI here.

It takes about a week for the LNG truck to move from west coast to the east and on reaching Bhubaneshwar LNG is regasified or converted back into its gaseous state at an LNG Satellite Station, which was set up at a cost of Rs 10 crore. Following regasification, gas is moved in cascades to CNG dispensing stations and piped natural gas fuelling points.

Gas so supplied is cheaper than alternate fuels such as diesel. LNG can also be used as a fuel directly in trucks and buses but there are only a handful of vehicles currently operating in the country using such fuel.

"Gas is a happy fuel. It not just cuts vehicular emissions (caused by use of liquid fuels such as diesel) but also is an environment-friendly replacement for coal," he said.

The government is targeting raising the share of natural gas in India's energy basket to 15 per cent by 2030 from the current 6.2 per cent.

Karnatak said the use of natural gas for generating power and producing fertilizers as well as fuel in steel and aluminum plants, besides city gas operations such as CNG to automobiles and piped cooking gas to households can help achieve the target.

Globally, natural gas constitutes 24 per cent of primary energy consumption. In Gujarat, the share of natural gas in its energy basket is 25-26 per cent because of a network of pipelines that takes the fuel from import or production source to consumption points.

Gas pipelines in India are presently concentrated in west and north, and GAIL is now laying new lines to the east, north-east, and south.

It will complete the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga project, involving laying of a 2,655 km pipeline from Jagdishpur in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia in West Bengal, Bokaro in Jharkhand and Dhamra in Odisha by the year-end, he said, adding a pipeline in the south will also be expedited.

Karnatak said in absence of a national gas pipeline grid, transporting LNG through trucks has become a viable option.

"There has been demand from city gas operators in places such as Bhopal and its neighboring Mandideep, Indore, and Mangalore, where there are no pipelines to take gas, for supplying the fuel in LNG trucks," he said.

The government is planning a network of LNG fuelling stations along the 6,000-km golden quadrilateral highways connecting the four metros, he added.

GAIL is putting together a plan and persuading city gas distributors, gas suppliers, financiers, fleet owners, and truck manufacturers to help build an ecosystem for LNG-fuelled vehicles in the country.

"As many as 24 locations have been identified to set up LNG fuelling stations," he said, adding trucks and buses can ply up to 800/1,000 km on a full-tank of LNG.

A shift to LNG-powered trucks from diesel will cut pollution and turn Indian highways quieter.
Medical staff at Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan, China, where patients with pneumonia caused by the new strain of coronavirus are being treated (Reuters)

The death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak has risen to six in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The citys mayor announced the latest toll on state television.

A total of 258 cases of the respiratory virus had been confirmed in the city by the end of Monday, Zhou Xianwang said.

Separately, China's eastern Zhejiang provincial health authority said a total of five cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed on Tuesday.

Public Health Englands National Infection Service has said the risk to the UK of the coronavirus is very low.

It is feared a British tourist in Phuket, Thailand, may have been struck down by the coronavirus, according to reports.

Meanwhile, authorities in Australia have confirmed that a man in Brisbane is being treated for the coronavirus.

Medical staff transfer a patient from an ambulance at Jinyintan hospital in Wuhan, China (Reuters)

It is believed he recently returned from a visit to Wuhan, where he has family.

Initial symptoms of the new coronavirus include fever, cough, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath.

Heightened precautions are being taken in China and elsewhere as governments strive to control the outbreak.

Anxieties around the disease have intensified after Chinese government expert Zhong Nanshan revealed on state television that the virus can be spread between humans. Authorities had previously said there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Apart from Wuhan, other people have been diagnosed in Beijing, Shanghai and southern Guangdong province.

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Internationally, four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed among Chinese travellers in South Korea, Japan and Thailand.

Concerned about a global outbreak similar to Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome), a different coronavirus that spread from China to more than a dozen countries in 2002-2003, numerous nations have adopted screening measures for travellers arriving from China, especially those from Wuhan.

Story continues

Gabriel Leung, chair professor of public health medicine at the University of Hong Kong, speaks about the extent of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak (AFP/Getty)

Australia's chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said his country will be increasing airport screening.

Australia receives a significant number of travellers from China, including three direct flights a week from Wuhan into Sydney, and these flights will be met by border security and biosecurity staff for assessments.

Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other places with extensive travel links to China are also enacting stricter screening measures.

A notice for passengers from Wuhan, China is displayed near a quarantine station at Narita airport in Japan (Getty)

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe said: "We need to step up our caution levels as the number of patients is continuing to rise in China. Please take every possible precaution."

The first cases identified late last month were among people connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan. The first patients were suspected to have contracted the virus from animals, but human-to-human transmission was confirmed on Monday.

Fifteen medical workers have also tested positive for the virus, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission announced.
Former Managing Director of McDonald's Korea Joh Ju-yeon gives New Year speech at the company's headquarter in Seoul, on Jan. 9. / Courtesy of McDonald's Korea



By Kim Jae-heun



What seems like an easy job for many wasn't easy for Joh Ju-yeon, the former managing director at McDonald's Korea.



Joh, also known as Melanie Joh, recently emailed all employees notifying them of her "sudden" resignation. The managing director's departure was viewed by many as a "surprise" given the New Year's message to employees she sent to employees in which she detailed her initiatives to make McDonald's a "client-focused" restaurant.



According to the company, the resignation of Joh was for a "personal reason" and it stressed Joh's departure has nothing to do with the company. A McDonald's spokesperson noted that the company is seeking for Joh's successor.



However, officials with direct knowledge of the issue told The Korea Times that Joh was forced to step down from the position as she was dissatisfied with the burger franchise operator's U.S. headquarters with controversies that tattered McDonald's reputation here.



"Since Joh took the chief position in 2016, she faced at least four controversies involving hygiene and food safety issues that defamed the fast food chain's image," one official source said. "Despite customers' growing dissatisfaction with the brand, Joh continued to raise burger prices while degrading the quality of ingredients to cut the unit cost."



Sales of McDonald's Korea, last year, improved from the previous year; however, the sales rises were mostly due to its bold decision to cut the retail cost of the burgers. Joh raised the burger prices by 200 won on average almost every year, saying the increases was because of the hike in labor costs.



In 2018, the managing director received criticism for increasing the prices of popular burger meals while substituting some low-price burger buns to even cheaper ones.



This year, Joh also raised some burger menu prices by an average of 1.36 percent. She raised the price for popular menu items and lowered the prices of burgers that were already the cheapest in the restaurant. This gave her a reason to say she did not increase all the burger prices in consideriation of the burden customers would face, the officials said asking not to be identified.



The "hamburger disease" incident gave Joh the hardest time in her career as chief.



In 2017, occurrence of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), better known as "hamburger disease," led the prosecution to investigate McDonald's.



One reportedly ate burger meals at the fast food chain and subsequently suffered HUS.



A civic group "Political Mamas" sued McDonald's for an alleged breach of the Food Sanitation Act and a charge of professional negligence resulting in injury in July the same year. However, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office did not indict the fast food chain due to a lack of evidence.



However, it led to the closure of 20 restaurants in 2018 after the public started to avoid McDonald's hamburgers.



Despite such incidents, McDonald's served an undercooked patty in a burger again in October last year. In the picture, a customer held rare-cooked chicken meat, which he didn't eat but could possibly have threatened his health.



McDonald's Korea said it will conduct inspections throughout some 410 restaurants in the country.


Varun Mittal, Associate Partner with EY, recently posted a couple of interesting slides about the launch of virtual banking licences to encourage challenger banks in Asia.

If youre not aware, theres a great deal of digital banking activity across Asia. Its not just in China, but there are notable things happening in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and more. In particular, there has been a launch of banking licences for digital firms with Alibaba, Tencent, Xiaomi, Grab, SingTel and more making bids. In other words, the Big Tech giants are moving into digital banking in Asia. Its not just the Big Tech world thats moving in however, as Scott Bales notes that OCBC, HSBC, UOB and Standard Chartered are also likely to be bidding for licences in Singapore. After all, why not? A large bank should have no reason to not be a challenger bank as RBSs Bo would tell you.

In fact, this would follow the example of Hong Kong  a first mover in awarding online-only digital banking licences  where Ant Financial, Ping An, Tencent, WeLab and more have received licences. Equally, so have Standard Chartered and Bank of China. In fact, the most interesting aspect of the HK experience is that many of the new banks are partnerships between Big Tech and Big Banks. For example, Fusion Bank is a joint venture between Tencent, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) and Hillhouse Capital.

This environment of creating mobile-first online-only new digital, virtual banks is interesting and will probably diverge from the European and American markets, although some recognisable names like Revolut and Tandem Bank are also in the mix. The reason it will be different is that the culture is not the same and, with big players like Alibaba, Ping An and Tencent in the mix, it will be fascinating to see how it plays out.

Meantime, assuming this is of interest, heres a comparison of the three major markets that are opening up, kindly shared by Varun on LinkedIn.

Finally, as its a great link, heres a summary of the current challenger banks in Hong Kong according to FinTech Futures:

Ant Financial (AliPay/Alibaba) received a virtual banking licence from the Hong Kong regulators in spring 2019.

Fusion Bank is a joint venture between Tencent, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) and Hillhouse Capital. There is also an investment from Hong Kong entrepreneur Adrian Cheng, via Perfect Ridge Limited.

Insight Virtual Bank is a joint venture of Hong-Kong based AMTD Group, Asias largest independent investment bank, and Xiaomi Corporation, a Beijing-based internet company.

Livi Virtual Bank is a joint venture between Bank of China (BOC) Hong Kong, JD New Orbit Technology and JSH Virtual Ventures Holdings (JSHVV).

Neat is a Hong Kong-based start-up that offers banking accounts for businesses. It was founded in 2015 by David Rossa (CEO) and Igor Wos (CTO).

Ping An OneConnect is the fintech arm of Chinese conglomerate Ping An Insurance, and received its Hong Kong virtual banking licence in spring 2019.

Revolut is understood to be coming to Hong Kong.

SC Digital is led by Standard Chartered, and has partnerships with Hong Kong Telecom (HKT), PCCW (a Hong Kong-based information and communication technology firm and owner of HKT), and travel services provider Ctrip Hong Kong.

Tandem Bank unveiled its plans to expand to Hong Kong in November 2019. This would be the first overseas location for the UK-based bank.

WeLab received a virtual banking licence in early spring 2019, claiming to be the first homegrown Hong Kong fintech company to establish a virtual bank.

ZhongAn Bank (ZA Bank), a Shanghai-based online-only insurer  and the first of its kind in China  received a Hong Kong virtual banking licence via its local subsidiary ZA International.

Posted on: January 21, 2020
An airplane waiting to take off was put on lockdown over a possible bomb threat when a passenger called their personal WiFi hot spot 'remote detonator.'

The incident occurred the night of January 16 at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on board an already delayed GoJet flight operating as a Delta Connection flight headed for Montreal.

Passenger Aaron Greenberg, 47, of Seattle, Washington, told the Detroit Free Press that the frightening incident kicked off after flight attendants repeatedly called for people to turn off their personal WiFi hot spots.

A passenger on a flight from Detroit to Montreal caught the frightening moment when his airplane was put on lockdown over a potential bomb threat. Authorities are seen here removing the carry-on luggage of two passengers who were questioned

The passenger posted updates on what happened on the plane via his Instagram Stories

When that didn't work, the flight attendants announced that they would call police if the hot spots weren't turned off.

Greenberg, a Microsoft executive who was on his way to Montreal for a work meeting, caught what happened next on video and shared it via Instagram Stories.

In one of the clips, an eerily calm flight attendant can be heard making an overhead announcement saying: 'We have a situation in the back of the aircraft. The police will be coming on board to assess the situation, I need everyone in their seats with their seat belts fastened.'

In a series of additional announcements the flight attendant says that they will be keeping the plane door closed and tells passengers to stay seated and to leave their carry-on luggage stowed.

The flight attendant also says that 'fire and rescue are putting together a plan for us right now' and that passengers would eventually be deplaned along with their luggage.

Additional clips, which were posted on the thecityofdearborn Instagram account, showed authorities walking through the back of the plane and the flight attendant stating that: 'The good news is that everything's okay, everyone's safe, our aircraft is secure. The FBI is here with us.'

A flight attendant is seen at left, while the plane was on lock down, providing passengers with updates on the situation. A police officer is seen at right boarding the airplane

Greenberg said that about 10 emergency vehicles, with their lights on, surrounded the airplane at one point.

He said that 'I, at first, thought there was someone really dangerous on the back of the plane, because the pilot said they were dealing with someone in the back.'

He said that authorities removed two people from the plane, but brought them back to the plane.

A man, wearing shorts, and a woman, who Greenberg said appeared to be in their 30s, were then taken off the plane, along with their carry-on luggage. Those two passengers were not returned to the flight.

Greenberg said that the flight attendant told them that the issue was due to a personal WiFi spot that had been called 'remote detontator' that was not turned off, despite calls for that to be done.

A Wayne County Airport Authority spokesperson told the Detroit Free Press that law enforcement had arrived at the airport out of caution and took two passengers - a 42-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man - off the flight.

Both people were from Quebec and were held for questioning before being released pending additional investigation.

The flight was delayed for more than three hours and departed for Montreal at 1.40am Friday.

Officials are not confirming the name of the WiFi hot spot connection.
A lesbian couple are furious after the Christian owners of a wedding venue in South Africa refused to host their ceremony because marriage is only for 'one man and one woman.'

Megan Watling, 25, and Sasha-Lee Heekes, 24, received an email from the owners of Beloftebos, a popular venue in Cape Town, saying: 'Based on our beliefs, we do not host weddings between couples of the same gender.'

Megan posted the response on Facebook and said she was 'overwhelmed with anger.'

The owners, Andries and Coia de Villiers - a married couple with four children - insist they are not homophobic but merely fear 'eternal consequences' if they agreed to host gay weddings.

Sasha-Lee Heekes (centre) and Megan Watling got engaged after seven years together

Andries and Coia de Villiers - the Christian owners of the Beloftebos wedding venue - fear 'eternal consequences' if they agree to host gay weddings

The Beloftebos wedding venue in Cape Town, South Africa, refuses to host gay weddings

Megan's post has been shared more than 1,500 times and prompted nearly 4,000 comments since Friday.

Megan wrote: 'At first I cried, but then I was overwhelmed with anger.

'How, in 2020, is this still a reality? Same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since 2006, but yet people still believe that they can justify hate and bigotry and quote a God that I don't believe would stand for said hate and bigotry.'

'We do not ask that anyone approves or even accepts our love, but we do deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, just like anyone else.

'I implore that you do not support businesses that do not believe that love comes in all shapes and sizes.'

Sasha-Lee said on Facebook: 'The truth is although our Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights, affords us the inalienable right to be treated with equality and human dignity, this is not the reality.'

Megan Watling (left) and Sasha-Lee Heekes were told marriage is only for 'one man and one woman' and could not get married in the popular Beloftebos venue

Megan Watling (left) and Sasha-Lee Heekes have complained to the South Africa Human Rights Commission after being turned away from the wedding venue

The wedding venue owners denied being homophobic.

On their website, a statement says: 'It is our conscience before God which prohibits us from hosting any other kind of "marriage" on our property  not a fear or hatred of homosexual people ("homophobia") as we have unfairly been accused of.

'For us, to host (and thereby enable, or celebrate) a same-sex "marriage", would be to dishonour and disobey God  potentially with eternal consequences.

'This is too great a cost and if forced to compromise on our faith, we would have to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).'

The statement adds: 'We, the owners of Beloftebos, are Christians who seek to honor and obey God in everything we do, including the way in which we operate our business (the wedding venue).

'While the venue is available to people of all race, our Biblical conviction is that marriage is reserved for a life-long commitment between one man and one woman.'

Sasha-Lee Heekes, 24, said gay and lesbian couples are still not treated equally

Beloftebos spokesman Micheal Swain said: 'LGBT rights do not trump religious rights under South Africa's constitution.

'The owners don't just rent out the venue, they are also actively involved in the arrangement, which they are simply saying they do not believe they can do in good conscience.'

Megan and Sasha-Lee have made a complaint about the venue to the South Africa Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) which said it would investigate and take action if necessary.

It is the second time that Beleftbos has been criticised for refusing to host a gay wedding.

In 2017, South Africa's ruling African National Congress called for a boycott of the venue after the owners refused to allow another lesbian couple to wed there.

South Africa legalized same-sex marriage in 2006 following a court ruling that the previous law violated the country's constitution that guarantees equal rights for citizens.

Faith-based organizations and civil officers are, however, not bound to conduct marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples under the law, according to Pew Research Center.
President Donald Trump's impeachment trial quickly burst into a partisan fight on Tuesday at the Capitol as Democrats objected strongly to rules proposed by the Republican leader for compressed arguments and a speedy trial.

Chief Justice John Roberts g aveled open the session, senators having taken an oath last week to do "impartial justice" as jurors.

Democrats warned that the rules package from Trump's ally, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, could force midnight sessions that would keep most Americans in the dark and create a sham proceeding.

"This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial" Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Ca., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told reporters.

He called it a "cover-up". McConnell opened the chamber promising a "fair, even handed" process and warned that the Senate would stay in session until his proposed rules package was adopted.

"The president's lawyers will finally receive a level playing field," the Kentucky Republican said, contrasting it with the House impeachment inquiry.

The first test was coming as senators prepared to begin debate and vote on McConnell's proposed rules. The package diverges in some ways from the most recent impeachment trial, of Bill Clinton, by condensing opening arguments into two days for each side. It pushes votes to consider whether or not to hear from witnesses later in the process.

Republican senators, who hold the majority, are falling in line behind his plan.

"Sure it will be a fair trial when you've got 24 hours of arguments on both sides," Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa told state reporters on a conference call.

The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Trump's actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

The Democrats say the prospect of middle-of-the-night proceedings, without allowing new witnesses or even the voluminous House records of the trial, will leave the public without crucial information about Trump's political pressure campaign on Ukraine and the White House's obstruction of the House impeachment probe.

"The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump," said the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer.

He vowed to call for a series of votes to amend the rules and demand testimony and documents, but it seemed unlikely Republicans would break from the party to join Democrats.

"This is a historic moment," Schumer said. "The eyes of America are watching. Republican senators must rise to the occasion."



If the senators agree to McConnell's proposal for speedy trial and acquittal, Schiff said, "It will not prove the president innocent, it will only prove the Senate guilty of working with the president to obstruct the truth from coming out."



Rep. Jerry Nadler, the Judiciary Committee Chairman also leading the House team, said: "There's no trial in this country where you wouldn't admit relative witnesses."McConnell had promised to set rules similar to the last impeachment trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways.

GOP Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, whose votes are being closely watched, said he was satisfied with the proposal, even as he hopes to hear from former national security adviser John Bolton who had a front-row seat to Trump's actions.

The first several days of the trial are expected to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor and behind closed doors. Senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

Like Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will also be away for the proceedings, leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Poland and Israel to commemorate the 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz at the end of World War II.

She issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing McConnell's proposed ground rules as a "sham" because of the compressed schedule and lack of guarantee that witnesses will be called or that evidence gathered by the House would be admitted in the Senate trial.

"The Senate GOP Leader has chosen a cover-up for the President, rather than honour his oath to the Constitution," Pelosi said.

House Democrats impeached the Republican president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding US military aid to Ukraine as he pressed the country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to cooperate with their investigation.

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president and the Senate the final verdict by convening as the impeachment court for a trial.

Four TV monitors were set up inside the Senate chamber to show testimony, exhibits and potentially tweets or other social media, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorised to discuss it on the record.

No president has ever been removed from office by the Senate. With its 53-47 Republican majority, the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds voted needed for conviction.

Even if it did, the White House team argues it would be an "unconstitutional conviction" because the articles of impeachment were too broad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

A bench, headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, which had issued notice to the Centre on December 18 on various pleas, is likely to hear a batch of 143 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

CAA seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014.

Some of the petitions filed later have also sought a stay on the operation of the legislation which came into force on January 10.

The apex court had on January 9 refused to entertain a plea seeking that the CAA be declared constitutional, saying the country is going through difficult times and there is so much violence that endeavour should be for peace.

The IUML said in its plea that CAA violates the fundamental Right to Equality and intends to grant citizenship to a section of illegal immigrants by making an exclusion on the basis of religion.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on December 12, turning it into an Act.

The IUML seeks an interim stay on the operation of CAA and the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015.

The petition had alleged that the government's CAA was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intended to explicitly discriminate against Muslims as the Act extended benefits only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians.

The plea filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, said the Act is a 'brazen attack' on core fundamental rights envisaged under the Constitution and treats 'equals as unequal'.

Ramesh said the substantial questions of law, including whether religion can be a factor to either acquire or deny citizenship in India, arises for consideration of the court as it is a 'patently unconstitutional' amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955.

"The impugned Act creates two classifications, viz, classification on basis of religion and the classification on the basis of geography and both the classifications are completely unreasonable and share no rational nexus to the object of the impugned Act i.e., to provide shelter, safety and citizenship to communities who in their native country are facing persecution on grounds of religion," the plea has said.

Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA, including by Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Asaduddin Owaisi.

Several other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students' Union (AASU), the Peace Party, the Communist Party of India, NGOs 'Rihai Manch' and Citizens Against Hate, advocate M L Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act.
Emergency personnel pull drowning tourist from Cancun water while practicing rescue drills on beach

Cancun, Q.R.  Lifeguards and Red Cross members put their skills into action after pulling a drowning tourist from the sea while participating in practice rescue drills on a Cancun beach.

The unusual incident happened Monday while rescue and medical personnel were practicing rescue drills at Playa Delfines in the Cancun Hotel Zone. During their drills, they noticed a man struggling in the water.

Rushing out, the group managed to pull the Guadalajara tourist from the sea and onto shore where he was given medical attention. The man was rescued after ignoring red flag beach warnings about the strong current. He entered the sea and was pulled out into deep water, unable to get back to shore.

Members of Civil Protection, the Red Cross and Cancun lifeguards were at Playa Delfines participating in a National Civil Protection Day drill when the incident occurred.
As I sat piled up in the recliner, regretting that second helping of ham on Christmas day, I was delighted by the various photos people were sharing, coming across my phone, of their families and the holiday memories they were making.

Social media, as bleak as it may seem some days with rants and raves of all shapes and sizes, sometimes really can provide some A+ content, and facilitate connections I wouldn't otherwise have.

One particular set of photos really stuck out to me - those of my friend from West Michigan, Heather Iverson. Here I was loafing around the house, thinking about how it was as warm out as many spring trout season outings, and then there was Heather and her family out enjoying state lands on Christmas day.

Filled with "outdoor jealousy," I was thinking how much fun it would've been if I had spent a little time outdoors on Christmas.

However, with the sun quickly waning and dark coming, I would have to settle for living vicariously through Heather's photos of her family's day afield squirrel hunting, that she had so beautifully captured and shared on social media.

I asked Heather why squirrel hunting ranks so highly on her family's list of favorite things to do outdoors.

"One of my favorite parts of squirrel hunting is that it is a great group activity, especially to get kids exposed to hunting," she said. "We bring our 8- and 3-year-old and it is so much fun to spend time in the woods as a family.

"You see squirrels all the time and think hunting them would be easy, but they are very quick and can disappear in the blink of an eye. So, when you see one, it gets your heart pumping while you try to keep an eye on them and set yourself up for the best shot. Even if you come home empty handed you still are ahead because you had a great hike in these beautiful Michigan woods with people you enjoy."

Iverson said squirrels are also very good to eat. One of our favorite dishes is pulled barbecue squirrel sandwiches.

"I do a ciabatta roll with a bed of coleslaw, then the BBQ squirrel, a slice of swiss and top with a few slices of jalapeno," she said. "If you haven't tried squirrel hunting, it is something I highly suggest, whether you are a beginner or seasoned hunter."

A few days before Christmas, I was attending a great potluck gathering at a coworker's house. The subject of squirrel hunting came up when I asked Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division employee Kelsey Fisher what she was going to be up to over the holidays.

"I really hope squirrel hunting," she said.

It was a few days later when, once again, I was delighted to see a squirrel hunting social media post, one that not only talked about her successful hunting experience, but also included some great words of respect for her quarry.

"As one sits against an old white oak, the natural inclination is to thank the universe for the ability to hunt and experience nature with such a deep connection," she wrote.

I reached out to Kelsey and asked her what it is about squirrel hunting that really excites her.

"Squirrel hunting is a timeless tradition that I don't want to see disappear into the past. I squirrel hunt because it brings back memories of learning to hunt and honing my marksmanship skills when I was young," Fisher said. "It provides insight into the natural world and an escape from the everyday clutter of the technology era. It provides delicious food for the table that can be shared with hunters and non-hunters alike.

"Squirrel hunting provides a mentor with a way to introduce new and interested hunters into the world of hunting and outdoor recreation. I squirrel hunt for all these reasons and many more."

Sitting inside the house and watching the squirrels demolish our "squirrel-proof" bird feeders and how tame they can be sometimes could give the false impression these animals are easy to hunt.

Once you leave the city and get into the squirrels' element, some days it almost feels like you are the one being hunted by them.

"What was that?" you think as you spin around at the sound of a falling walnut shell. You then hear a squirrel barking and carrying on in the treetops. You look all over the place, as if you are under attack.

When they are 20-plus feet above you, looking down, they have the upper hand, and some days pursuing them isn't as easy as one may think.

Squirrel hunting is something that I have always done sporadically, and I really have no good reason for that.

For starters, as Heather mentioned, they are delicious to eat. They also provide a great reason to be outdoors and can be a quite challenging quarry at times.

I tell people that some of the best times to go for a walk in the woods and look for squirrels are the winter days when the sun is warm, and you don't necessarily need a heavy coat.

But if it is cold and bitter, think like a critter. On some of those brutally cold and windy days, squirrels, and rabbits for that matter, often will hole up in their dens, much like a person would curl up with a good book by a warm fire on a winter's day. With some sun and a more comfortable winter day, they will be out and about, eating, socializing and moving around.

I have always liked to go out first thing in the morning, once it is light enough to see the canopies of the trees well, and again at midday. My midday approach would be much different than the morning, in the sense that I would stalk along very slowly in the morning, sitting down occasionally, looking for squirrel sign.

One such day I remember was when I took my wife along with me in late February, when temperatures had really warmed up for a few days. We headed to the Middleville State Game Area near Grand Rapids and set off with no agenda.

I wanted to look for some old elm and ash trees for morel mushroom season, scout roost trees for upcoming spring turkey hunting and, if luck was on my side, hunt some squirrels.

I took the .22 rifle my dad gave me for my 16th birthday and a couple clips of ammo and we set off on our walk. Lots of good-looking squirrel areas in the hardwoods, but no squirrels.

"I think these were high-pressured squirrels that had evolved due to being in a high traffic area," I thought to myself. As the day warmed and lunchtime was calling, we made our way back toward the truck.

Just then, I glanced up to see a squirrel hiding in the forked trunk of a tree. In one motion, I pulled my gun up and let a shot fly.

"What in the world?" my wife asked, as her back was turned. She didn't see me drawing my gun up. I let out a cheer that could be heard back to Interstate 96 10 miles away.

"Got him!" That squirrel not only made a delicious addition to a stew, but his tail was saved for fly tying. Squirrel tail is a very commonly used material in making fishing flies and other lures.

So instead of sitting in the easy chair, dust off that .22, .410, 12-gauge or even a pellet gun, grab some hunter orange garb, and explore that favorite deer hunting spot for those furry friends who tormented you all deer season making your heart race thinking that big buck was coming down the trail, only to see a gray or fox squirrel chattering below your stand.

You'll be glad you did.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR.
Sanjiv Chadha has been appointed as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Bank of Baroda, a Personnel Ministry order issued on Monday said. Chadha, who is at present Deputy Managing Director in State Bank of India, has been appointed to the new post for a period of three years, it said.

Lingam Venkata Prabhakar, Executive Director in Punjab National Bank, will be MD and CEO in Canara Bank, the order said. His tenure, from the date of assumption of charge on or after February 1, will be till December 31, 2022. Atanu Kumar Das has been appointed as the MD and CEO in Bank of India for a three-year term. He is at present working as the Executive Director in the same bank.

Also read: SBI, Kotak Bank, Union Bank shares rise on stake sale in Equifax Credit Info Services
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 07:36:49|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- There were 56 journalists killed in 2019 and most of them were killed outside zones of conflict, a United Nations spokesperson said Monday.

The number dropped by nearly half from the year 2018, but perpetrators enjoyed almost total impunity, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, citing figures from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In 2018, 99 journalists were killed. From 2010 to 2019, a total of 894 journalists have been killed, according to UNESCO.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold public rallies and meetings across the country starting with Jaipur on January 28 to highlight the country's "economic problems" including rising unemployment.

Congress leaders in New Delhi said Gandhi's address in Jaipur will focus on the youths and students who are facing problems because of lack of jobs and rising unemployment due to the prevailing economic situation in the country.

The public rally comes ahead of the Union budget scheduled to be presented on February 1.

Gandhi also intends to address a rally in Madhya Pradesh, where he will focus on issues confronting the farmers, tribals and rural workers. Further, he is likely to address a meeting of small and medium industrialists, traders and professionals at Mumbai, the party leaders said.

They said the schedule of these and other rallies are being worked out.

"On January 28, Congress leader and former party president Rahul Gandhi will be on a visit to Jaipur to address a rally. This rally will give a message in the country. The rally will attract attention of the Centre on the burning issues of the country," Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot told reporters in Jaipur.

Pilot, who became the longest-serving Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president on Tuesday after completing six years on the post, also visited the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur to review the preparation for the rally.

He alleged the Modi government was not taking any concrete step on the issues of public interest and the economy, but was busy "diverting" public attention by bringing laws which are unnecessary.

"For the first time, protests are happening in different parts of the country against a law passed by the Parliament. State assemblies are passing resolution. And the young people in particular are hurt, suffering, frustrated," he said without mentioning the amended citizenship law.

Responding to a question on implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) by the state government, he said, "The central government has passed a bill based on majority in the Parliament and made it a law. It has become the law of this country. But even after a law is made, everyone has the freedom to express their views on it. Some people are in support and some are against."



He further said, "We believe that the law has been passed in Parliament on the basis of majority, but whether it will meet the legal standards will be decided by the Supreme Court."



Pilot said that many state governments have gone to the Supreme Court and any legislative assembly is free to pass a resolution and to vote on it as law can be amended or reconsidered.

He said the Congress party believes that the CAA is against the basic spirit of the Constitution.

On a question about a coordination committee formed by the Congress high command for better synergy between the Congress governments in states and the party, he said, "The AICC has taken a thoughtful step so that the organisation and the government work together and if there is any situation of communication gap that is resolved."



He said that it has almost been a year since the Congress government was formed in the state and the entire machinery is working vigorously to fulfill the promises made in the election manifesto.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 16:54:43|Editor: huaxia

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TIANJIN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Meng Hongwei, former vice minister of public security, was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for taking bribes at a court in Tianjin Tuesday.

Meng, also the former head of the China Coast Guard, was fined 2 million yuan (290,000 U.S. dollars), according to the verdict of the first trial of the First Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin.

Meng pled guilty in court and said he would not appeal.

Investigations found that between 2005 and 2017, Meng had taken advantage of his various posts to seek benefits for certain institutions and individuals in business operations and personnel promotion or seek illicit benefits for others with the help of some state functionaries, the verdict read.

In return, he illegally accepted money and gifts worth more than 14.46 million yuan, the verdict said.

The court made the ruling given that Meng provided additional information about his crimes, pled guilty and expressed remorse but part of his illicit money and property failed to be confiscated, the court said.
A judge has granted court protection to a woman whose ex-partner is threatening to post intimate videos and photos of her on Facebook.

At the family law court in Ennis, Co Clare, Judge Patrick Durcan granted the woman a two-year safety order against the man.

The woman told the judge that she is currently in fear for her safety.

In a statement to the court, she said the man is constantly sending her text messages and phoning her. Although she has blocked him on her phone, she says he keeps getting a new phone number.

The woman also found that the boiler in her house had been tampered with and that the man is following her every day.

The man is blackmailing her, she said, "and has intimate photos and videos of me and is threatening to put them up on Facebook".

The man was not in court to contest the application for the order and Judge Durcan granted the safety order for two years.

Last May, the Cabinet approved measures to make so-called 'revenge porn' a specific criminal offence.

However, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) chief executive Noeline Blackwell yesterday expressed disappointment that the proposed legislation had not become law before the General Election was called.

Inadequate

The current sexual harassment laws were "totally inadequate to deal with this form of abuse" as they require a pattern of behaviour, Ms Blackwell said.

"And that doesn't cover one lethal uploading online that can have devastating consequences for the person who didn't give her or his consent," she added.

In England and Wales there are specific laws to deal with the unauthorised sharing of intimate images online, she noted.

She said that she hopes that the new government will proceed to enact the legislation.

Asked should those individuals who commit so-called 'revenge porn' be jailed, Ms Blackwell said that the unauthorised sharing is another form of abuse and sentencing should be in line with sentencing for other abuse offences.

The DRCC was one of a number of bodies to make a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality on the issue of online harassment and harmful communications last October.

A Bill on the 'revenge porn' issue put forward by the Labour Party in 2017 proposed a six-month prison term.

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said that Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan proposed a number of significant amendments designed to strengthen the proposals.

He said that the Government subsequently approved the drafting of these amendments, which would include introducing a distinct offence of stalking and provide for two offences to deal with non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images, including so-called 'revenge pornography'.

Penalties of up to seven years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fines would be provided for in the draft legislation.
The Pasadena Police Department is seeking three suspects they say were involved in a weeks-long vehicle burglary spree at two city parks.

Police say the two men and a woman are connected to vehicle burglaries that have occurred since mid-December at Crenshaw Park, 4950 Burke Road, and Holly Bay Park, 7102 Crenshaw Road. During that period, 22 car burglaries have been reported by police, although not all have been tied to the three suspects.

According to PPD spokesperson Daisy Rejmaniak, multiple agencies are investigating the three, and police believe the burglaries involved more people.

Wanted by law enforcement authorities are Jay Scott Boutwell, 61; Sonja Dawn Barker, 40; and Moustapha Ndiaye, 32, who police believe is from France and uses different names.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to call Detective L. Powell at 713-475-7213. The department has posted information about the case on its Facebook page.

According to Rejmaniak, police believe the suspects used rental cars of different makes to wait in parking lots at the parks while they marked potential victims.

Some of the items reported stolen include purses, wallets, checkbooks, credit/debit cards, and any other forms of identification.

(The items stolen) were basically anything that could be used for forgeries and or credit/debit card abuse and fraud, said Rejmaniak.

Over the weekend, detectives in the departments auto crimes unit used surveillance video from a convenience store to identify one of the suspects who was using a stolen credit card at the store, and police then were able to identify the others, Rejmaniak said.

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The burglaries occurred at various times of day and night but followed a similar pattern at both parks  thieves would park the rental car and wait and watch as visitors to the park exited vehicles.

They would watch to see which vehicles would be a target based on the victims actions, Rejmaniak said. For instance, if they saw somebody arrive at the park and get their purse from the front seat to put in the trunk, they knew there was a purse in the trunk. Or if the victims would hide their keys under a tire, things like that.

Elva Hernandez comes to Crenshaw Park every day with her husband and was the victim of a car burglary several years ago at the park, but said she isnt concerned about the latest incidences.

I dont feel unsafe, and I never come alone anyway, she said.

I can easily see my car from the track, said Alexandra Angelares, another frequent visitor to Crenshaw Park. Like Hernandez, the recent burglaries wont deter her from coming to park.
Buenos Aires, Argentina--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - Centaurus Energy Inc. (TSXV: CTA) (OTCQX: CTARF) ("Centaurus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Province of Neuquen (the "Ministry") to adjust the milestone schedules for the Company's drilling obligations in its Curamhuele concession.

Centaurus has a 90% working interest in the Curamhuele concession covering approximately 51,000 net acres. The concession is prospective for liquids in the Lower Agrio formation and gas and condensate in the Vaca Muerta formation.

As previously announced, the Company received a letter from the Ministry on November 14, 2019 stating that the milestones for the vertical tests that were agreed as part of the 2 year extension were not being met, that the Company was in discussion with the province regarding adjustments to the milestone schedule, and failure by the Company to meet this commitment or to adjust the milestone schedule could result in the termination of the concession and the Company being responsible for approximately USD$8 million dollars of investment commitment obligations.

Following receipt of the letter, the Company engaged in discussions and correspondence with the Ministry and Gas y Petroleo del Neuquen S.A. ("GyP"), a provincial government oil and gas company who as a 10% working interest in the concession, for the purpose of adjusting the milestone schedule.

On January 10, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Ministry which proposed an agreement to adjust the milestones and provide the Company until April 30, 2020 to determine a specific financing to comply with the schedule, conditional upon the Company submitting (within 72 hours of signing the agreement) a performance bond for a value equal to three thousand two hundred and thirty (3,230) technical units, being US$16,150,00. The bond shall be executed if (i) the Company fails to comply with the terms of the extension, including submission of contracts, invoices or other evidence that the Company has contracted a drilling rig and has secured the wellhead and all casing necessary; or (ii) the March 9, 2021 deadline for completing the commitments.

The Company accepted the Ministry's proposal on January 20, 2020 and is now in the process of securing the performance bond. Financing solutions are being evaluated by an independent committee of directors appointed by the Company's board, as previously announced on November 25, 2019.

About Centaurus Energy

Centaurus is an independent upstream oil and gas company with both conventional and unconventional oil and gas operations in Argentina. The Company's shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol CTA and on the OTCQX under the symbol CTARF.

For further information please contact:

Jose David Penafiel

Chief Executive Officer

email: info@ctaurus.com

phone: (403) 262-1901

Ezequiel Martinez Ariet

CFO

Email: info@ctaurus.com

Phone: (403) 262-1901

Reader Advisories

Forward Looking Information Disclaimer

The information in this news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, in particular, but not limited to, expectations for obtaining the performance bond in time to comply with the Ministry's conditions, and any statements implying that the Company will be able to complete a financing and commence drilling operations in the timeline required. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. These statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. The forward-looking statements in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to review and consider the additional risk factors set forth in the Company's Annual Information Form, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51687
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has wasted little time to push back against US president Donald Trumps description of climate campaigners as the perennial prophets of doom who predict the apocalypse.

Although Mr Trump did not mention her directly in his speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss Alpine resort of Davos, it was clear he had his sights on the 17-year-old, who shot to fame a year ago by staging a regular strike at her school and sparked a global environmental movement.

She then beat the US president to receive Time Magazines award as the 2019 Person of the Year.

The facts are clear, but they are still too uncomfortable for you to address, she told business and political leaders in Davos just after Mr Trumps speech, also without directly mentioning the president.

You just leave it because you think its too depressing and people will give up, but people will not give up. You are the ones who are giving up.

You just leave it because you think it's too depressing and people will give up, but people will not give upGreta Thunberg

The teenager brushed aside Mr Trumps announcement that the US would join the economic forums initiative to plant one trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from the Earths atmosphere.

Planting trees is good of course but its nowhere near enough, she said. It cannot replace mitigation, she added, referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term.

Greta accused leaders of cheating and fiddling around with numbers with talk of cutting emissions to net zero  that is, emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by the planet or technical means  by 2050.

She and Trump have been sparring for months, but Greta did not seek to upstage the US leader by walking out of his speech, which was largely focused on trade and economics instead of the climate issues that the WEF has made a focus of at its meeting this year.

Last month, Mr Trump told the teenager in a tweet to chill and to work on her Anger Management problem.

Trump, Greta and 4 other top stories from the first day of Davos 2020 https://t.co/LICKcBCZ1w #wef20 pic.twitter.com/blRGkfoFzj  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

It prompted a dry and humorous response from the 17-year-old, who then changed her Twitter caption to read: A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old-fashioned movie with a friend.

Greta is not the only young activist to highlight the climate emergency, and was joined on a keynote panel by three others, all of whom said politicians and executives are not doing enough.

A survey of chief executives released this week by financial firm PwC showed that executives rank climate issues as only the 11th most serious risk to their businesses growth.

Natasha Wang Mwansa, an 18-year-old from Zambia who campaigns for girls and womens rights, said the older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions.

And Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.

Were not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. Were not the future of the world, were the present, were acting now. Were not waiting any longer.

Expand Close Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum (Michael Probst/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum (Michael Probst/AP)

Greta cited a report released in 2018 by the UNs science panel that calculated the amount of additional carbon dioxide the atmosphere can absorb before global average temperature increases exceed 1.5C (2.7F).

Leaders agreed to try to stay below that threshold when they signed the 2015 Paris climate accord, but scientists warn the chances of doing so are dwindling.

Greta noted that the remaining carbon budget to confidently meet that target stood at just 420 gigatons of CO2 two years ago, the equivalent of 10 years of global emissions.

Even with a more optimistic calculation, keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5C would require a massive reduction in emissions over the next two decades.

While there has been widespread criticism both inside and outside the United States over Mr Trumps decision to pull the US out of the 2015 Paris climate accord, Greta said the rest of the world, too, was effectively missing the targets set down in that agreement.

My generation will not give up without a fight, she said.
Imperial Valley News Center

Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Scheme to Solicit Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Contributions to Scam-Pacs

Washington, DC - A Maryland political consultant was sentenced to three years in prison today followed by three years of supervised release for fraudulently soliciting hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contributions through several scam political action committees (PACs) that he founded and advertised as supporting candidates for office and other political causes.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBIs Washington Field Office made the announcement.

Kelley Rogers, 56, of Annapolis, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Liam OGrady of the Eastern District of Virginia. In addition to the prison sentence, Rogers was ordered to pay $491,299 in restitution and to forfeit at least $208,954 in proceeds obtained from his offense.

According to admissions Rogers made in connection with his guilty plea, from August 2012 through 2018, in the Eastern District of Virginia and elsewhere, the defendant operated multiple PACs, including Conservative StrikeForce (CSF), Conservative Majority Fund and Tea Party Majority Fund. In that role, the defendant engaged vendors to send e-mail solicitations and make telemarketing phone calls to prospective donors seeking political contributions to his PACs. Rogers approved the text and other content of all solicitations, and determined how CSF spent the contributions individual donors gave in response to the solicitations.

During the course of his scheme, Rogers solicited contributions from the general public for his PACs based on materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. For example, in or around 2013, Rogers, working with an email vendor, represented through CSF that money contributed by donors would be used to support the campaigns of a candidate for governor and a candidate for attorney general of Virginia through, among other things, get-out-the-vote efforts and the hiring of attorneys to ensure the integrity of the elections. In or around 2014, Rogers represented that donations to the PAC would be spent on assistance and support for military veterans. In truth and in fact, the defendant never intended to spend, and never actually spent, any of the money raised by Rogerss PACs on get-out-the-vote efforts or lawyers to protect the integrity of the 2013 Virginia and Attorney General elections, or on assistance and support for military veterans. Instead, the defendant spent nearly all of the money raised from donors to benefit himself, his associates, and his PACs, including by pouring the majority of donor money into the solicitation of more donations.

In addition to the misrepresentations that Rogers made to donors, Rogers and others fraudulently billed his PACs for services that were not performed, thereby misappropriating donor money that had been contributed to the PACs by individuals across the country. Rogers and his associates also made false statements to the Federal Election Commission about how they were spending PAC money.

Finally, Rogers admitted that he and several others also participated in a scheme to use conduits (straw donors) to make contributions to a candidate running to represent a district in the United States House of Representatives that exceeded the limits placed on individual campaign contributions under federal law.

The FBIs Washington Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Bill Gullotta and John Taddei of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Pedersen of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. Former PIN attorney Molly Gaston provided significant assistance in the case.
Hundreds of Central Americans from a new migrant caravan tried to storm into Mexico Monday by fording the river that divides the country from Guatemala, but National Guardsmen fired tear gas to force them back. The Central Americans, from the so-called "2020 Caravan" of around 3,500 undocumented migrants, gathered on the Guatemalan side of the Suchiate River at dawn, demanding migration authorities let them continue their journey to the United States. When authorities did not immediately respond, the migrants began wading across the river, which is shallow this time of year. Mexican troops fired tear gas to force them back, leading to scenes of chaos as huge crowds of people flailed across the river. Scores of migrants, many with cloths tied around their faces to protect them from the gas, pelted the military police guarding the southern border with large stones, as the latter sheltered behind riot shields. "Let us through! Put your hands on your hearts," shouted one migrant, Jorge, who was trying to ford the river with his wife and two young children. Dozens of migrants made it through the security cordon, but the majority were forced back. Around 200 who made it through were later detained, authorities said. An AFP correspondent saw large groups of them being rounded up along a highway and loaded onto buses and trucks -- some after trying and failing to run away. Mexico's migration authority said the country was ready to welcome foreigners as long as they entered the country in a "lawful, safe and orderly" way. "They're trying to trick us. They tell us to enter the country legally, but then they deport us," said one migrant, Tania, who has been with the caravan since it set out last week from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, around 650 kilometers (400 miles) away. "I'm asking Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to consider his conscience" and let the migrants through, said another, 33-year-old Elvis Martinez. But Mexico faces pressure to do just the opposite from President Donald Trump, who last year threatened to impose steep tariffs if the country did not do more to stop a surge of undocumented Central Americans arriving at the US-Mexican border. - Mexico bows to Trump - It is the first time Mexico has forcibly turned back a migrant caravan trying to ford the border river -- a major change since the first massive caravan arrived in the country in October 2018. That time, Mexico managed to contain thousands of migrants who tried to force their way across the official border bridge, but then did little to stop them when they illegally swam or took rafts across the river below. Since then, thousands of Central Americans have crossed Mexico toward the United States in caravans, fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Seeking safety in numbers, many travel with small children in tow, often walking long distances in plastic shoes or flip-flops. After Trump warned of an "invasion" and issued his tariff threat in May, the Mexican government deployed around 26,000 National Guardsmen to tighten its borders. It has also allowed the United States to send more than 40,000 asylum-seekers back to Mexico while their cases are processed, under the so-called "Remain in Mexico" policy. Thanks at least in part to those measures, the number of undocumented migrants the US detained at its southern border fell more than 70 percent from May to December. Lopez Obrador, an anti-establishment leftist who came to office vowing to protect migrants' rights, offered last week to give 4,000 jobs to migrants in the new caravan if they stay in southern Mexico. But Human Rights Watch accused Mexico of violating migrants' rights by failing to guarantee the security of those returned by the United States and detaining others in "inhumane conditions."
MP collector row: Congress seeks apology from BJP

India

oi-PTI

Bhopal, Jan 21: Amid a row surrounding Rajgarh district collector, the ruling Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday asked the BJP to apologise to the woman bureaucrat and her deputy for its members "misbehaving" with them while they were discharging their duty on Sunday.

The controversy erupted after the district collector Nidhi Nivedita and additional collector Priya Verma had taken on some protesters on Sunday for allegedly 'misbehaving' with them while trying to take out a pro-CAA rally by defying prohibitory orders in Biaora town in Rajgarh district.

In video clips of this incident, Nivedita can be purportedly seen slapping a man and Verma taking on some men who were part of the crowd.

While the BJP has been demanding registration of an FIR against both the officials, the Congress on Tuesday broke its silence on the issue.

"Rather, the BJP should lodge an FIR against its own leaders who violated the prohibitive orders and misbehaved with the women officials. They should seek apology from these officials for hitting them and pulling their hair," said state Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi.

Meanwhile, BJP media in-charge Lokendra Parashar said a party delegation will lodge an FIR in Rajgarh on Wednesday. "A BJP delegation comprising ex-chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, state unit president Rakesh Singh and Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava will visit Rajgarh on Wednesday to file the FIR," he said.

Referring to the Biaora incident, Parashar alleged that both the officials had beaten up and dragged the citizens who were protesting peacefully and holding the national flag.

Nivedita had denied slapping a man, who was part of the crowd on Sunday. "I reacted only when he abused me," she had said.

Additional Collector Verma had also said that some men from the crowd misbehaved with herself and the collector.

Meanwhile, Biaora Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramesh Pandey was shunted out on Monday night for his alleged inaction during the Sunday incident, a district official said on Tuesday. He has been replaced with Sandip Ashthana.

A case was already filed against 124 people for defying Sunday's prohibitory order under section 188 of IPC (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant).

MP pro-CAA rally: BJP men get into scraps with women officials

The Kamal Nath government had opposed the CAA which provides granting citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who had migrated to India before December 31, 2014.

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Story first published: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 19:57 [IST]
The HSE is warning people of the dangers of "laughing gas".

A growing trend is starting to emerge of young people inhaling the gas through a balloon.

The HSE says Irish tourists may have come in contact with nitrous oxide while in Europe or Asia.

It is available in nightclubs in the Netherlands and is inhaled using a balloon.

Following a survey from the summer of last year, the HSE has found it is an emerging trend among young Irish festival-goers.

Cartridges of the gas can be bought online for 8 and some retailers sell them as a propellant for whipped cream dispensers.

However, people are being warned if they use them they could die from suffocation and that frequent use can lead to blood cell problems.

The HSE says due to to their rise in popularity it will work to reduce the harms of the product in its festival campaign for 2020.
Fire burns near the small town of Deepwater on Nov. 10, 2019 in Glen Innes, Australia. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Rain Fills Water Tanks in Drought-Hit QLD

Rural residents in drought-stricken areas of southern Queensland are celebrating full water tanks from weekend rainfall.

The rainfall has also allowed the statewide fire ban for national parks and forests to be lifted this week.

Stanthorpe recorded more than 75mm from Friday, days after the region officially ran out of water.

Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said many rural residents in the area had their domestic water tanks filled from the downpour.

There was direct rainfall into the towns main water supply, Storm King Dam, but a lack of runoff from catchments has kept the dam at near-empty.

But Dobie says any further rainfall would have to be significant to break the drought.

We need six months worth of water to cease water trucking, Dobie told AAP on Jan. 20.

The dam received one weeks worth of water, but any more rain could see runoff into the dam.

She said donations made to the region recently from individuals and corporations have helped residents and businesses survive.

Some of our people would not have got this far without them, Dobie said.

The state government is finalising plans for a pipeline to cart water from Toowoomba to Stanthorpe.

It is expected to cost millions of dollars and would be built by the end of the year if it gets budget approval.

On Monday, the Queensland Environment Department lifted the statewide fire ban that has been in place since November, following severe fire conditions.

The fire ban was lifted in line with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service cancelling local government fire ban declarations, also taking recent rainfall into account.

However, fire bans in the North Burnett, South Burnett, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Noosa and Sunshine Coast local government areas are still in place.

Further storms are expected for southeast Queensland after as much as 350mm of rain fell in some areas.

Brisbane could see up to 30mm of rain on Monday according to the weather bureau, which also forecasts heatwave conditions across the state for much of the week.

Heavy falls caused flash flooding at the weekend, which shut down major roads and caused delays.

Statewide dam levels rose by about one percent after the weekend rain.

Little Nerang Dam in the Gold Coast Hinterland is near capacity, with Seqwater recording the dam at 96 percent full, up from 72.5 percent on Friday.

Leslie Harrison Dam near Warwick is almost at 60 percent according to Seqwater, up from 53.9 percent.
A four-year-old Indiana boy and his 36-year-old father were both shot in the head with the same bullet that discharged from the man's gun while the two were play wrestling, police said.

The two were play wrestling Sunday night on a bed inside a home near Bloomington, Indiana, when the gun - which the father had concealed near the small of his back - fell and discharged one shot, The Herald-Times reported.

The boy and his father were both shot in the head, according to a news release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

The boy was taken by helicopter to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, where he was listed in critical condition Monday.

The accident took place at a home on the 1200 block of East Zinnia Drive in Monroe County, Indiana, on Sunday

The father was taken to IU Health Methodist in Indianapolis (above) with injuries that were not life-threatening

The father was taken to IU Health Methodist in Indianapolis with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Authorities have not identified the boy or his father, but Sheriff Brad Swain said they may do so later Monday.
The Federal High Court in Calabar, on Tuesday, granted bail to a Nigerian lawyer, Joseph Odok, charged with terrorism for criticising Cross River governor, Ben Ayade.

Mr Odoks lawyer, Oliver Osang, confirmed the development via a text message sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

Barr. Joe Odok has been granted bail on very liberal terms, Mr Osang said in the text message sent around 11:21 a.m.

Although the lawyer did not say much about the terms of the bail as he had to attend to another matter in the court, PREMIUM TIMES learnt Justice Simon Amobeda granted the bail on health grounds.

They are trying to perfect it (the bail), they just granted it now, Mr Odoks wife, Cecilia, told PREMIUM TIMES at about 12:05 p.m.

Mr Odok was arrested by the police on September 26 in Abuja and taken to Calabar by road.

The court in November rejected an application by the Nigerian police to withdraw the charges against Mr Odok, saying it was the attorney-general of the federation, and not the police, that has the power to withdraw the charges.

The lawyer is accused of inciting some communities in Cross River against one another which the police said was capable of undermining the security of the state and punishable under The Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

He is also charged with cybercrime for allegedly accusing the chief of staff to Mr Ayade, Martin Orim, of being a cultist.

He pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Mr Odoks Facebook page contains critical remarks on Mr Ayade.

In one of his posts on the social media site in September, Mr Odok described the governor as a joker

Ayade keep getting it wrong with lofty projects. Why talk of Spaghetti flyover when you have not maintained or completed a single road project from your first administration?

A man that cant complete a single road keeps talking Super High Way, Deep Sea Port and now Spaghetti flyover. This joke is getting out of hands, he wrote on Facebook.

Mr Ayades spokesperson, Christian Ita, had denied the governors involvement in the arrest and detention of Mr Odok.

Its wrong for people to describe as the governors critic, anyone arrested by the police. The governor does not know anything about his arrest, the police are in a better position to tell you why they have arrested him, Mr Ita told PREMIUM TIMES.

Another critic of Governor Ayade, Agba Jalingo, is facing treason trial over a report published in his newspaper, alleging that the governor diverted N500 million belonging to the Cross River state government.

Mr Jalingo, a journalist and publisher of an online newspaper, CrossRiverWatch, is currently remanded in the Calabar prison.
Public and Private Financial Institutions have chosen Newswire's Global Financial Distribution services to increase their brand awareness and drive traffic to their respective businesses.

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / By selecting Newswire's Financial Distribution for their press release campaigns, two financial institutions have taken the first steps towards optimizing their outreach potential. The service has allowed both firms to share their company news and information on industry-leading sites such as Google News, Yahoo!, the Associated Press, and Accesswire. The expansion of Newswire's PR distribution network in the financial industry has provided small and midsize businesses with multiple opportunities to receive recognition from reputable outlets in the space. The platform has delivered time and time again, giving smaller brands the ability to compete with larger names in their respective industries, and giving larger brands an efficient way to get their news in front of well respected financial news agencies.



Financial Institutions Utilize Newswire's Financial Distribution for Increased Exposure

"Public and private companies need to position their stories in front of outlets that understand the space, know the key players, and recognize important trends," said Charlie Terenzio, Director of Earned Media Strategy.

"We knew we needed to provide our clients, both public and private, the ability to get their news in front of established financial outlets. This will ultimately help these brands increase their presence both online and in the industry."

The expansion of the financial distribution network complemented the introduction of the highly acclaimed Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour which has helped many finance companies enhance their media and marketing communications strategy.

As a part of the Earned Media Advantage Guided Tour, Newswire customers can learn how to leverage the power of the Media Database to achieve the Earned Media Advantage.

Customers can now transform 'owned' media (press releases) into the 'Earned Media Advantage'. Using the right strategies, customers can lower their costs of press releases, increase the value of each release and lower paid-media costs while shortening the journey to achieve earned media mentions.

To ensure the success of the services, an expert Earned Media Advantage Strategist leads customers through the journey every step of the way. The journey is designed to empower the Earned Media Advantage by developing a plan that is based on a media communications survey that defines press release content value and distribution. Customers are also provided a media communications calendar, services to set up, operate and manage media databases, media monitoring alerts, statistical analysis, reporting and media room news collection and sharing to ensure Customer Success.

Discover How the Earned Media Advantage is Transforming Business today and learn how to compete in the industry.

About Newswire

Newswire delivers press release and multimedia distribution software and services (SaaS) that empower the Earned Media Advantage: greater brand awareness, increased traffic, greater return on media and marketing communications spend and a competitive edge. With over a decade of experience, Newswire continues to provide its customers with the ability to deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time through the right medium.

To learn and experience Newswire, visit http://www.newswire.com.

Contact Information??

Anthony Santiago

Vice President of Marketing

Newswire

Office: 917-398-2622

??anthony@newswire.com

SOURCE: Newswire

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573688/Financial-Institutions-Utilize-Newswires-Financial-Distribution-for-Increased-Exposure
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Azerbaijan will produce some Turkey's food, industrial, textile and electronic goods, as well as spare parts for electronic products, Ministry of Industry and Technology of Turkey told Trend.

Currently, the negotiations on the subject are ongoing.

Turkey will also expand the cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of scientific research, and between the technology parks of these two fraternal countries.

Further strengthening of cooperation in the research field and between technology parks, along with the expansion of contacts, is very important for the exchange of expertise, the ministry said.

For this purpose, mutual visits will be organized in the period from 2020 to 2022.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
MIAMISBURG, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) ("Verso" or the "Company") today urged stockholders, in order to ensure that net cash proceeds of up to $282 million and not less than $225 million will be returned to stockholders from its pending sale of its Androscoggin and Stevens Point mills to Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC (the "Pixelle Transaction"):

to use the Company's WHITE Proxy Card ;

; to vote " FOR " the Pixelle Transaction; and

" the Pixelle Transaction; and to vote "FOR" ALL seven of Verso's nominees.

On January 17, 2020, Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"), a leading independent proxy advisory service, issued a report in which it recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" the Pixelle Transaction, stating that the recommendation of the Pixelle Transaction demonstrates "the Board's interest in and ability to improve shareholder value"1 and that "The [sale] process appears reasonably thorough and the transaction should benefit the company financially. Furthermore, the valuation looks attractive, the market reaction has been positive, and the company's use of proceeds seems reasonable. Therefore, a vote for the asset sale is warranted."2 The Company expects that, subject to stockholder approval being received at the annual meeting scheduled for January 31, 2020 (the "Annual Meeting"), the Pixelle Transaction will be consummated in early February 2020.

On January 18, 2020, in an effort to mitigate the Atlas/Blue Wolf proxy contest expenses and to secure stockholder approval of the Pixelle Transaction, the Verso Board proposed to withdraw the nominations of Jay Shuster and Steven D. Scheiwe and to nominate Atlas/Blue Wolf's nominees, Sean T. Erwin and Jeffrey E. Kirt. In return, Verso requested that Atlas/Blue Wolf withdraw the nomination of Timothy Lowe, consistent with ISS's recommendation to "WITHHOLD" for Mr. Lowe, terminate all litigation and vote "FOR" the Pixelle Transaction.

On January 19, 2020, Atlas/Blue Wolf rejected Verso's January 18, 2020, settlement proposal.

On January 20, 2020, Verso attempted once again to settle the Atlas/Blue Wolf proxy contest by reiterating its proposal to withdraw the nominations of Messrs. Shuster and Scheiwe and requested that Atlas/Blue Wolf withdraw the nomination of Mr. Lowe, terminate all litigation and vote "FOR" the Pixelle Transaction. In addition, Verso offered to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by Atlas/Blue Wolf, to expand the size of the Verso Board from seven to eight, and to fill the vacancy with a mutually agreed upon candidate. Atlas/Blue Wolf did not accept this proposal.

In rejecting the Company's most recent settlement proposals, Atlas/Blue Wolf advised that it cannot vote in favor of the Pixelle Transaction until receipt of additional information. This is notwithstanding the fact that the Delaware Chancery Court declared on January 17, 2020, that Atlas/Blue Wolf's affiliate, Lapetus Capital II LLC, had "not shown that the information publicly available in connection with the [Pixelle Transaction] omits information that is necessary, essential, and sufficient for its purpose." Further, the Court determined that Atlas/Blue Wolf lacked any credible basis for its allegations that Verso omitted or misstated material information from Verso's proxy materials. Accordingly, in light of the foregoing, coupled with Atlas/Blue Wolf's actions over the last two yearsduring which Atlas/Blue Wolf made several attempts to obtain control of the Company without paying fair and adequate consideration to Verso stockholdersand its stated intent to "ABSTAIN" from vote on the Pixelle Transaction, the pretense that Atlas/Blue Wolf needs more information is not credible.

Verso stated that its concerns relating to the candidacy of Timothy Lowe, for whom ISS recommended "WITHHOLD3", are multiple and relate, in part, from:

Mr. Lowe's extensive history and affiliation with Atlas/Blue Wolf as the former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of its portfolio company, Twin Rivers LLC, a competitor of the Company;

Mr. Lowe's actions as a representative of Atlas/Blue Wolf in connection with its failed 2018 merger negotiations with the Company during which he participated, with detrimental effect; and

The access Mr. Lowe may have to competitively sensitive information and the potential misuse of such information, if Mr. Lowe were to become a member of the Verso Board.

Verso does not believe that, even with formal corporate governance parameters, Mr. Lowe's candidacy is in the best interests of stockholders.

Given Altas/Blue Wolf's questionable motives in refusing to vote "FOR" the Pixelle Transaction and Mr. Lowe's clearly defined conflicts, Verso urges its stockholders  in order to protect their investment in the Company and to benefit from the return of net cash proceeds from the Pixelle Transaction  to vote the WHITE proxy card, "FOR" the Pixelle Transaction and "FOR" ALL seven of the Verso's director nominees.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:

VOTE THE WHITE PROXY CARD TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE PIXELLE TRANSACTION AND FOR VERSO'S DIRECTOR NOMINEES

Verso stockholders are reminded that their votes are extremely important, no matter how many or how few shares they own. The Verso Board advises all stockholders to simply discard the BLUE proxy card and any other proxy materials received from Atlas/Blue Wolf.

If you have questions or need assistance in voting your WHITE proxy card please contact:

MacKenzie Partners, Inc.

1407 Broadway, 27th Floor

New York, New York 10018

[email protected]

(212) 929-5500

Or

Toll-Free (800) 322-2885

About Verso

Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. A leading North American producer of specialty and graphic papers, packaging and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this press release, all statements that are not purely historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or "Securities Act," and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or "Exchange Act." Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and other similar expressions. They include, for example, statements relating to our business and operating outlook; assessment of market conditions; and the growth potential of the industry in which we operate. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available business, economic, financial and other information and reflect management's current beliefs, expectations and views with respect to future developments and their potential effects on us. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties that may affect us and our business. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the long-term structural decline and general softening of demand facing the paper industry; our exploration of strategic alternatives, including the possible sale or merger of our entire company or a material portion of our business and our ability to consummate any such strategic transactions, including the proposed sale of our Androscoggin Mill and Stevens Point Mill; the risk that the purchase agreement for the sale transaction would limit our ability to pursue other strategic alternatives to the sale transaction; the risk that the purchase agreement for the sale transaction might expose us to contingent liabilities; risks related to our ability to obtain stockholder approval for the sale transaction; the risk that the pending sale transaction could create unknown impacts on our future prospects; the risk that the amount of net proceeds that we would receive from the sale transaction is subject to uncertainties; the risk that stockholders are not guaranteed to receive any of the proceeds from the sale transaction; the risk that management could spend or invest the net proceeds from the sale transaction in ways against stockholders' wishes; the risk that some of our executive officers might have interests in the sale transaction that might be in addition to, or different from, stockholders' interests; the risk that our business following the sale transaction would be reduced and less diversified; the risk that we would be unable to compete with respect to certain specialty paper products for two years after the closing of the sale transaction; the risk that we may be unable to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the sale transaction, or required governmental and regulatory approvals may delay the transaction or result in the imposition of conditions that could cause the parties to abandon the sale transaction; the risk that an event, change or other circumstances could give rise to the termination of the sale transaction; the risk that failure to consummate the sale transaction might materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation; the risk that a condition to closing of the sale transaction may not be satisfied; the risk that we would be required to pay a termination fee or expense reimbursement if the purchase agreement for the sale transaction is terminated under specified circumstances, which might discourage third parties from submitting an alternative proposal; the timing to consummate the sale transaction; the risk that any announcement relating to the sale transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of our common stock; the risk of and the outcome of any pending or threatened litigation related to the sale transaction or the Annual Meeting; the risk of disruption from the sale transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; our adoption of a limited duration stockholder rights plan and its ability to delay or discourage a merger, tender offer or change of control; negative effects of a proxy contest and the actions of activist stockholders; developments in alternative media, which have and are expected to continue to adversely affect the demand for some of our key products, and the effectiveness of our responses to these developments; intense competition in the paper manufacturing industry; our dependence on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our business; any additional closure and other restructuring costs; our limited ability to control the pricing of our products or pass through increases in our costs to our customers; changes in the costs of raw materials and purchased energy; negative publicity, even if unjustified; any failure to comply with environmental or other laws or regulations, even if inadvertent; legal proceedings or disputes; any labor disputes; our ability to continue to execute and implement our strategic plan; our initiatives to improve our financial and operational performance and increase our growth and profitability; our future operational and financial performance; the effect that the election of Atlas/Blue Wolf's nominees to our board of directors will have on our execution of our long-term plan and long-term stockholder value; the future effect of our strategic plan on our probability, growth and stockholder return; and the potential risks and uncertainties described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as amended, Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and "Risk Factors Relating to the Sale Proposal" of our definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on December 30, 2019, as such disclosures may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC, including subsequent annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement made in this press release to stockholders to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or actual outcomes.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the solicitation of proxies concerning the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting, including the proposed sale transaction, the Company has filed a definitive proxy statement, WHITE proxy card and other materials with the SEC. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD, AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. Investors may obtain copies of these documents free of charge at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and from the Company.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company, its directors, executive officers and other persons related to the Company may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's stockholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting, including the proposed sale transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of the Company and their ownership of Company common stock is set forth in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is also in the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when such materials become available.

1Permission to use quotations neither sought nor obtained.

2Permission to use quotations neither sought nor obtained.

3Permission to use quotations neither sought nor obtained.

SOURCE Verso Corporation

Related Links

http://versoco.com


Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 18:42:56|Editor: mingmei

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Dancers from China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater perform a drama piece titled "Shi Feng" in celebrations of the upcoming Chinese New Year in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 20, 2020. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv was crowded with audience enjoying the Chinese dance drama Shi Feng on Monday evening.

The dance drama, performed by dancers of China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater as part of the celebrations for the upcoming Chinese New Year, injected the air of joy into the Year of the Rat which will start on Jan. 25.

Shi Feng, which refers to the spirit of Chinese intellectuals, has served as the cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture. The dance drama expressed the spirit characterized by benevolence, righteousness, manners, wisdom and trustworthiness.

Integrating with Chinese classical and modern dance, the performance was welcomed warmly by Israeli audience. The Chinese dance drama will continue to be performed on Tuesday evening to satisfy the demand of more Israeli audience.

"The dance performance is very amazing and we are purely enjoyed," said Liat Pardo, a 28-year-old Israeli dancer.

Pardo told Xinhua that she was surprised by the superb dancing techniques of Chinese dancers and hopes to have the opportunity to appreciate Chinese dance in China.

The 40-year-old Rami Yifrach was also moved by the Chinese dance drama.

"Very well-performed and it represents Chinese traditional culture very well," he said.

The dance drama conveyed the morals of Chinese culture like justice and integrity through dancers' movement, Yifrach told Xinhua.

A total of three Chinese artist groups participate in the series of celebrations for the upcoming Chinese New Year held in Israel, said Tao Chen, director of China Cultural Center in Tel Aviv.

Prior to the Shi Feng dance drama, a martial arts troupe from Wudang Mountain, known as a traditional center for the teaching and practice of martial arts located in central China's Hubei Province, demonstrated the Chinese martial arts for Israelis from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18.

Chinese famous dancer Yang Liping would bring her version of Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, where Yang integrates Chinese and Western cultures by using a lot of oriental images, according to Tao.

The celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Israel have been held for 12 consecutive years, Tao told Xinhua.
Screenshot of Zhong Nanshan in a video call from CCTV News channel.

The latest evidence has proved that the new virus causing the pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei province, can spread from human to human, said Zhong Nanshan, head of a high-level expert team organized on Monday by the National Health Commission.

"It has been confirmed that two people in Guangdong province were infected through human-to-human transmission," he said at a news conference on Monday.

The two patients had not been to Wuhan, where the outbreak started, but they became sick after their family members recently returned from the city, he said.

In addition, some medical workers have also tested positive for the virus, which proves the infectiousness of the virus, said Zhong, who is also a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a prominent expert in respiratory diseases.

Zhong said a major reason for the surge in the number of cases over the past few days is that new testing methods have improved the efficiency in testing suspected cases. The other reason is that in the past few days local authorities have been authorized to confirm such cases on their own, as long as the patient has tested positive twice. Previously, confirmation could only be made by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other national institutes, which slowed down confirmation, he said.

The pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, will not evolve into a massive outbreak similar in scale to the SARS outbreak 17 years ago, he said.

"We identified the new coronavirus just two weeks after the outbreak was reported, and we have very good virus monitoring and quarantine measures," Zhong said. "I believe the outbreak will not have the impact on society and the economy that SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) did 17 years ago."

However, the number of cases of the new virus is expected to continue rising during the Spring Festival holiday, which starts on Friday, due to the large number of people traveling nationwide, which will make the disease spread more easily, he said.

[Jin Ding/China Daily]

Zhong said to prevent the spread of disease, it is important that the authorities in Wuhan take strict measures to identify suspected cases and advise people with a high body temperature, which is a major symptom of the disease, not to leave the city.

In addition, people with confirmed cases must get treatment under quarantine as soon as possible, which is the most effective way to prevent and control the disease, he said.

Zeng Guang, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said the outbreak is still at an early stage.

He said it is very likely that the outbreak can be contained through intensified efforts in the early stage, but coordinated prevention and control efforts nationwide are necessary.

"With proper public health measures, the trend of an increasing number of cases can be reversed," he added.

Zeng said China has shared information about the virus with the World Health Organization since the outset, which has also helped other countries in identifying the virus.
What started as a remembrance by five local civil rights leaders praising the 50-year-old Unity Group and other local civil rights work turned into an enthusiastic sermon by the Reverend Paul McDaniel Monday night of what still needs to be done.

Mr. McDaniel, the last of the five speakers at the special Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day town hall program at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church on East Third Street, started out talking about what all the Unity Group had done.

But then he began mentioning such issues as the fact that no black-led financial institutions exist in Chattanooga anymore and there are few black-owned businesses downtown, and that caused him to stand up and, as he joked, start preaching.

Black people have to get together if they are going to have power, he said. Somehow weve got to get in on it.

He then added an optimistic and encouraging slant in closing by saying, Youve got to keep going. You cant give up. Everybody can do something. Brighten your corner.

When he was finished, he was given a standing ovation by the roughly 150-200 people who filled two-thirds of the large sanctuary at the church to hear him and the other speakers.

Earlier in his talk, he said the Unity Group was started after being called together by Bennie Harris, who became a city court judge and thought black men should be involved in the leadership structure of the community. Mr. McDaniel recalled that the groups early work included helping get John P. Franklin elected as the first black city commissioner as well as helping plan an M.L. King birthday march at the suggestion of a white man, Leroy Griffith.

Besides Mr. McDaniel, a former county commissioner and retired pastor at Second Missionary Baptist Church, also offering remarks were former state Reps. Tommie Brown and JoAnne Favors, and local civil rights leaders Johnny Holloway and Sherman Matthews.

Mr. Matthews also talked about challenges ahead, despite the accomplishments of the Unity Group and other civil rights advocates. In fact, he went so far as to say the black community of Chattanooga is facing a crisis due to, as he called it, children having children.

Weve got to change what is happening to kids, he said. Weve got to teach mothers to be mothers. We did better with kids when we had less.

He also talked about the problems of urban gentrification, discussing how black people have been pushed out of their traditional neighborhoods near downtowns for the sake of money.

Mr. Matthews, the current chairman of the Unity Group, also criticized the local school system since the city schools were taken over by the county, saying that the city system was much more advanced.

We need to go back to the system that works for all kids, he said.

Like one or two other speakers, he also thought too many people want to run for mayor next year and that they should work together and find the best candidate instead of splitting the vote.

Former Rep. Favors also tried to point out some of the black problems. Referring to the phrase that it takes a village to raise a child, she said, We dont have a village.

She also pointed out that well-meaning white people and others dont completely understand the black perspective. As an example, she said that when someone says a person is from a broken home, she thinks that is actually true in a way for all black people.

Our home was broken when we came over here, she said.

She also pointed out that she had first met Mr. McDaniel years ago when she went to nursing school at Cleveland State Community College and he was on the staff.

Johnny Holloway, who discussed the contributions of all the black-improvement groups he has been involved with, added some humor when he congratulated the New York Times for endorsing two women for president  Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.

This country was created by men and theyve been messing it up ever since, he said of the papers possible motivation.

He also talked about being inspired to help make Chattanooga a better community for all people by working with the Rev. H.H. Wright, and being involved with the Operation PUSH group that tried to help attendance and attitude among students.

Like former Rep. Favors, former Rep. and UTC social work professor Dr. Tommie Brown, who had been a former secretary in the NAACP, also pointed out that the Unity Group was slow to let women in, but once they did, she enjoyed being involved.

I learned more in the Unity Group because I got to apply it, she said of taking part in some of the groups projects. It was like field work.

Mayor Andy Berke welcomed the panelists before the discussion and praised their years of service for civil rights.

One of the reasons I love to see this panel is it is a reminder of how many people have participated over such a long time in this fight, he said.

He also said the MLK Day parade earlier in the day was one of the biggest he has seen locally.

Veteran Unity Group member Quenston Coleman also praised the locally based organization in his welcome, calling the group a voice within the center of the community.

If you are a part of the Unity Group, you care about making Chattanooga better, he said.

Other participants in the more-than-two-hour gathering were the Rev. Charlotte S.N.N. Williams, who gave the invocation; Eric Atkins of the Unity Group, who read scripture; and others.

Attendees also sang the traditional black anthems and civil rights songs, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and We Shall Overcome.

Jcshearer2@comcast.net
President Donald Trumps impeachment trial is set to unfold at the Capitol, a contentious proceeding to render judgment on his Ukraine actions as Americans form their own verdict at the start of an election year.

As the Senate reconvenes with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the rare impeachment court, senators sworn to impartial justice, the legacy of Trump's presidency and the system of checks and balances are at stake before a politically divided nation.

A first test will come midday when the session gavels open to vote on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposed rules for debate.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joined from left by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Majority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, meets with reporters as the House prepares to send the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP

On the eve of the trial, the Republican leader offered a compressed calendar for opening statements, just two days for each side, as Trump's lawyers argued for swift rejection of the flimsy charges against the president and acquittal.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the president's lawyers wrote in their first full filing Monday. The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.

Democrats  as the House prosecutors practiced opening arguments well into the night on the Senate floor  vowed to object to a speedy trial as they pressed for fresh witnesses and documents.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned of a cover-up with McConnell's plan that could lead to back-to-back 12-hour days.

Its clear Sen. McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, Schumer said. He called the proposed rules a national disgrace.

The first several days of the trial are now almost certain to be tangled in procedural motions playing out on the Senate floor or, more likely, behind closed doors, since senators must refrain from speaking during the trial proceedings.

Senators are poised for only the third presidential impeachment trial in U.S. history, coming just weeks before the first primaries of the 2020 election, with four senators running for the Democratic nomination sidelined from campaigning.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told supporters in Des Moines they're going to have to "carry the ball" for him while he takes his seat in Washington. The Iowa caucuses are in less than two weeks.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks Monday, Jan. 20, 2020.Meg Kinnard / AP

At the White House, with the president embarked on a trip to the global leaders conference in Davos, Switzerland, officials welcomed the Republican trial proposal.

"We are gratified that the draft resolution protects the Presidents rights to a fair trial, and look forward to presenting a vigorous defense on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible," said White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will also be away for the proceedings, leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Poland and Israel to commemorate the 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz at the end of World War II.

House Democrats impeached the president last month on two charges: abuse of power by withholding U.S. military aid to Ukraine as he pressed the country to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden, and obstruction of Congress by refusing to cooperate with their investigation.

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president and the Senate the final verdict by convening as the impeachment court for a trial.

The president late Monday named eight House Republicans, some of his fiercest defenders, to a special team tasked with rallying support beyond the Senate chamber in the court of public opinion.

McConnell is angling for a quick trial and acquittal, and with Republicans holding the Senate majority, the trial proposal is likely to be approved by senators in the president's party. The Republican leader had promised to set rules similar to the last trial, of President Bill Clinton in 1999, but his resolution diverged in key ways, which may leave some senators from both parties uneasy.

After the four days of opening arguments, senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defense, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on whether or not to call other witnesses.

At the end of deliberations, the Senate would then vote on each impeachment article.

Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah signaled in an email message to his constituents Monday night that he was on board with the the resolution put forth by McConnell, even as he said the allegations against Trump are extremely serious  did the President abuse his office for personal political gain, and did he obstruct Congress investigation by blocking subpoenas?

Mitt Romney

Romney is among a small number of Republican senators who want to consider witness testimony and documents that weren't part of the House impeachment investigation, but the test of their votes will likely come later.

With security tightening at the Capitol, the House prosecutors led by Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff made their way Monday through crowds of tourists in the Rotunda to tour the Senate chamber. The White House legal team led by Pat Cipollone and Jay Sekulow soon followed.

The doors of the Senate chamber were closed to onlookers and the media during the walk-throughs. Four TV monitors were set up inside the Senate chamber to show testimony, exhibits and potentially tweets or other social media, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it by name.

In their own filing Monday, House prosecutors issued fresh demands for a fair trial. President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax.' He is wrong, the prosecutors wrote.

The House Democrats said the president can't have it both ways  rejecting the facts of the House case but also stonewalling congressional subpoenas for witnesses and testimony. Senators must honor their own oaths by holding a fair trial with all relevant evidence," they wrote.

The White House document released Monday says the two charges against the president don't amount to impeachable offenses. It asserts that the impeachment inquiry, centered on Trump's request that Ukraine's president open an investigation into Democratic rival Biden, was never about finding the truth.

House Democrats in their initial court filing over the weekend called Trump's conduct the worst nightmare" of the framers of the Constitution.

President Donald J. Trump used his official powers to pressure a foreign government to interfere in a United States election for his personal political gain, the House prosecutors wrote, and then attempted to cover up his scheme by obstructing Congresss investigation into his misconduct.

But Trump's team contended Monday that even if Trump were to have abused his power in withholding the Ukraine military assistance, it would not be impeachable because it did not violate a specific criminal statute.

No president has ever been removed from office. With its 53-47 Republican majority, the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds voted needed for conviction. Even if it did, the White House team argues it would be an "'unconstitutional conviction'' because the articles of impeachment were too broad.

Administration officials have argued that similar imprecision applied to the perjury case in Clinton's impeachment trial.

The White House also suggests the House inquiry was lacking because it failed to investigate Biden or his son Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine while his father was vice president. There is no evidence of wrongdoing by either Biden.
BEDFORD, N.H., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LSNE Contract Manufacturing (LSNE), a privately held contract development and manufacturing organization, is pleased to announce a successful Pre-Approval Inspection (PAI) performed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at its aseptic fill finish facility in Leon, Spain. The inspection took place this month and LSNE was found to be compliant with no Form 483 observations issued. LSNE-Leon is now positioned to support commercial manufacturing of a sterile injectable product in a pre-filled syringe presentation.

"This inspection was a critical milestone for LSNE and its newest site within LSNE's global network. This marks the second successful FDA inspection at LSNE-Leon and demonstrates the site's alignment and commitment to LSNE's core values of quality and compliance" said Tom McGrath, VP of Quality & Regulatory.

Shawn Cain, Chief Operating Officer said, "We are proud of our Leon team and to add another successful inspection to our long track record of compliance. As we continue to grow, quality is always at the forefront of our business so that we can best serve our clients and their patients. It is only through the hard work and dedication of our team that we have been able to achieve and maintain this high level of integrity, quality, and consistency."

About LSNE

LSNE is a privately held company with six cGMP facilities  four located in New Hampshire, one in Wisconsin and one located in Leon, Spain. LSNE has been providing contract lyophilization services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries since 1997, specializing in a wide range of services including lyophilization cycle development, cGMP fill finish, and lyophilization. Through the thoughtful integration of six processing facilities, qualified staffing, and an extensive manufacturing history, LSNE is strategically positioned to provide products and services for clinical through commercial supply for pharmaceuticals and medical devices to a multi-national market.

Media Contact

Jeff Clement

Vice President of Business Development

(603) 668-5763

[email protected]

www.lyophilization.com

SOURCE Lyophilization Services of New England, Inc.

Related Links

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A model who won Miss Universe Australia in 2017 has been cruelly shamed for her weight on social media after sharing a photo of herself in a sultry white bikini while on holiday.

Olivia Molly Rogers, who took home the pageant crown three years ago, was 'poolside in Perth' when she decided to post the sun soaked image but returned hours later to share a distressing message she had received.

One of her 139,000 followers on Instagram had privately sent her a hateful comment saying that she was 'too fat' to be on the platform and should 'take the image down because it's embarrassing'.

Scroll down for video

Olivia Molly Rogers, who took home the pageant crown three years ago, was 'poolside in Perth' when she decided to post the sun soaked image (pictured)

One of her 139,000 followers on Instagram had privately sent her a hateful comment saying that she was 'too fat' to be on the platform

'I didn't quite know what to say,' she captioned a screenshot of the message, which she uploaded to Instagram Stories.

'They [trolls] are a big part of the reason I had an eating disorder for six years. I am a size eight which is usually irrelevant to the conversation but if I am being called fat imagine your size 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 woman and the comments they receive.

'It is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful. Right now I don't even have the right words to describe how I feel.'

Many of her fans jumped to Olivia's defence by saying that the negativity was more a reflection of that anonymous person rather than her.

'I didn't quite know what to say,' she captioned a screenshot of the message, which she uploaded to Instagram Stories

'F*** that negativity babe! You're absolutely epic. If theyve got time to troll on the 'gram, then they have time to work on themselves and their s*** chat,' one woman said.

'I can't even imagine messaging or commenting something with the purpose of bringing someone down and trying to intentionally hurt them. It's sick. You are incredible and absolutely stunning inside and out,' said another.

The speech pathologist by trade went on to share a video of herself in the same white bikini, twirling on the shore of Eagle Bay in Western Australia, to show the troll she remained unbothered.

'After a nasty little troll said some awful things about my body, literally hundreds of you messaged me with the kindest, most beautiful words,' she said

During her time as a beauty pageant competitor Olivia struggled with 'disordered eating' and once dropped down to a tiny 49 kilos

'After a nasty little troll said some awful things about my body, literally hundreds of you messaged me with the kindest, most beautiful words,' she captioned the footage.

'I am so grateful for every single one of you. It was the best thing to be reminded that for one nasty human there are SO many amazing humans and I am so thankful that I have that kind of support.'

During her time as a beauty pageant competitor Olivia struggled with 'disordered eating' and once dropped down to a tiny 49 kilos.

She said it was all to 'look good' in a photo but she wasn't healthy, so has since become a positive role model for those who are looking to be happy in both their bodies and minds.
(CNN)  The underwater ruins of the RMS Titanic will now have the protection of an international treaty.

The United States and the United Kingdom have both passed legislation allowing them the power to grant or deny licenses to enter the hulls of the wreckage and remove artifacts found outside, according to a statement from the British Department for Transport and Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani.

"Lying two and a half miles below the ocean surface, the RMS Titanic is the subject of the most documented maritime tragedy in history," Ghani said in Belfast Tuesday, according to the statement. "This momentous agreement with the United States to preserve the wreck means it will be treated with the sensitivity and respect owed to the final resting place of more than 1,500 lives."

The UK signed the treaty to protect the Titanic, which is about 370 nautical miles south of Newfoundland, Canada, in 2003. But the treaty is only coming into force now, as the US didn't ratify it until the end of 2019, the statement said.

The ratification of the treaty marks a step forward in an effort of multiple countries to protect the ship, the statement said.

The Titanic was deemed an "unsinkable ship" and was the largest passenger ship afloat in 1912. But on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York in April, the ship struck an iceberg and sank. Of the 2,223 passengers and crew on board, only 706 survived, according to the US Senate report on the disaster.

Divers visited the wreckage in August for the first time in 14 years. Images they captured show the ship being swallowed up by the ocean floor and ravaged by metal-eating bacteria.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "The Titanic will be protected by a treaty between US and UK."
Only six cities of Karnataka have been included in the National Clean Air Programme.

Bengaluru: The annual survey of pollution in India by Greenpeace has said 231 Indian cities out of the 287 it monitored have air quality worse than benchmark levels.

Eight of these are in Karnataka: Bengaluru, Raichur, Belagavi, Tumkuru, Kolar, Vijayapura, Hubballi, Dharwad and Bagalkote.

They are classed as heavily polluted cities with air quality way worse than the 60 g/m3 limit set for PM10 under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

As per the fourth edition of the Airpocalypse report by Greenpeace India, compiled after monitoring air quality in these cities for more than 52 days under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), PM10 levels in Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Chitradurga and Mysuru are almost three times the World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribed limit of 20 g/m3. And in Davanagere, Shivamogga and Hassan, PM10 levels are twice the WHO limit.

Though every city in Karnataka is polluted beyond safety limits, only six cities  Bengaluru, Davanagere, Kalaburagi, Hubballi and Dharwad  have been included in the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as non-attainment cities and action plans have been formulated for them.

In January 2019, the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), released the first ever NCAP for the country. Under this programme, cities are expected to reduce their air pollution levels by 20-30 per cent by 2024 over the 2017 levels.

The Greenpeace report clearly indicates that the environment ministry needs to include all non-attainment cities under NCAP. While all the cities listed under NCAP have submitted city-specific clean-air action plans, which have been approved by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for implementation, almost none of these action plans has a definite overall reduction target for 2024.

Commenting on this state of affairs, Greenpeace Indias senior campaigner Avinash Chanchal said, It's worrying to see that more than 80 per cent of cities have PM10 levels exceeding the 60 g/m3 limit prescribed under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. If we want to make NCAP truly a national programme, then we have to include all polluted cities and implement it with the addition of specific pollution and emission reduction targets in a time-bound manner.
Tehran, Jan 21 : Iran's Civil Aviation Organization has said that the Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed shortly after take off from Tehran on January 8, was hit by two short-range TOR-M1 missiles, it was reported on Tuesday.

"Two TOR-M1 missiles were launched from the northern side at this plane," the state media said in a report citing the latest report by the Organization.

"The way how the missiles caused the incident and the analysis of this measure is under study," Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

With 167 passengers and nine crewmembers on board, the Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 crashed outside Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on January 8, shortly after take off Three days later, Iran's armed forces confirmed that the airliner was shot down "unintentionally" by the military, as the plane "was mistaken for a hostile target" near a "sensitive military site of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)".

Tuesday's development comes after Hassan Rezaifar, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Organization, said on Sunday that the crashed airliner's black boxes were still in Iran.

"We are trying to examine the black box of the crashed Ukrainian plane in Iran and our next options will be Ukraine and France," Press TV quoted Rezaifar as saying on Sunday.

"But no decision has been made so far to send the box to a second country," he added.

The crash came on the same day Iranian missiles attacked two military bases in Iraq that housed US troopers, which came as a retaliation to the January 3 killing of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani by an American drone in Baghdad.
It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.
Former Speaker John Bercow has previously been criticised for pro-Remain bias. (Getty)

John Bercow has said it would have been possible for Remainers to overturn Brexit.

According to The Spectator, the former speaker appeared at a charity event in Holland Park last week to discuss his time in the Commons.

During his hour-long speech at the event he claimed Remainers had missed their chance to form a temporary government in October 2019 and put the brakes on Brexit.

Mr Bercow claimed Jeremy Corbyn could have headed a temporary government (Reuters)

A short-term coalition government to administer and deliver a Peoples Vote might have been formed, he said.

Jo Swinson wasnt prepared to allow Jeremy Corbyn to be temporary prime minister. But the fear that this would lead to years and years of Corbyn and John McDonnell is for the birds.

Mr Bercow drew fire from a number of prominent Brexiteers over the past few years as he was accused of helping support a Remain agenda in the Commons.

It was reported that Tory high command was so angered by Mr Bercows stance that it took the highly unusual decision not to offer a retiring Commons speaker a place in the House of Lords.

READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS UK:

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has stepped in and nominated Mr Bercow for a peerage, according to the Sunday Times.

But Downing Street stressed that the long-standing convention was that the leader of the opposition would only nominate people representing their own party for a place in the Lords.

Mr Bercow was elected as Tory MP for Buckingham before becoming the speaker in 2009.

Downing Street would not comment on specific nominations and it is understood that no list of potential peers from Mr Corbyn has been submitted to the Prime Minister.

But the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: It is a long-standing convention that leaders of the opposition can nominate individuals representing their party for peerages.

Story continues

Shortly after standing down as speaker Mr Bercow made a speech in which he said Brexit is the biggest foreign policy mistake since the Second World War.

He also said that the Commons did its job well in blocking a no-deal Brexit through cross-party alliances.

Mr Bercow said: Im no longer the speaker, I dont have to remain impartial now and if you asked me honestly do I think that Brexit is good for our global standing?

The honest answer is no, I dont. I think that Brexit is the biggest foreign policy mistake in the post-war period, and that is my honest view.
A burglary suspect was killed after he was run over by his own getaway driver during a high-speed pursuit early Tuesday in north Houston, police say.

An off-duty Houston police officer spotted three burglars inside the Sunnys Food Mart in the 9800 block of Bauman around 12:45 a.m. and radioed the crime to police dispatchers, according to Houston Police Department Asst. Chief Larry Satterwhite. The three suspected burglars fled in a medium-sized U-Haul truck, which officers spotted driving erratically nearby a short time later, Satterwhite said.

Officers tried to pull it over, but the driver allegedly refused to stop. Early on in the 30-minute chase, one of the suspects jumped out of the truck and was quickly apprehended by police, Satterwhite said.

MORE FROM JAY R. JORDAN: Gun used in deadly Bellaire HS shooting recovered by police.

A second suspect apparently tried to do the same near North Main Street and North Loop 610, but he fell off the truck and was run over by the rear tires, Satterwhite said. As the U-Haul driver continued to speed away, officers called for paramedics, who pronounced the man dead in the street, Satterwhite said.

The driver intentionally crashed into an HPD patrol car on the pursuit and eventually stopped after officers deployed spike strips to destroy her tires, Satterwhite said. She was placed in handcuffs shortly after.

Fleeing the police is such a dangerous thing, Satterwhite said. This male may have been involved (in the burglary), but now weve lost him. Its a very sad thing.

The driver will likely be charged with assault on a police officer for allegedly crashing into the police cruiser and murder for the death of her alleged accomplice, Satterwhite said. Charges on the third suspect, who had safely jumped out of the truck, were not immediately clear.

Jay R. Jordan covers breaking news in the Houston area. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com
Russias Far East resident gets suspended term for creating Jehovah's Witnesses cell

 flickr.com/guampedia.com

12:52 21/01/2020

MOSCOW, January 21 (RAPSI)  A court in Russias Far East Primorsky Region has given a local resident a 5-year suspended sentence for establishing a chapter of banned Jehovahs Witnesses, the press-service of Russias Investigative Committee informs on Tuesday.

The man was found guilty of violating a Criminal Code article on organization of activities of a religious association liquidated by a final court ruling as an extremist one, the Committees statement reads; he was also prohibited to take part in any activities relating to public associations for 5 years.

According to the investigation, the man organized activity of the banned organization in the region in order to propagate its religious doctrine.

In April 2017, the Supreme Court of Russia ordered liquidation of the Jehovah's Witnesses managing organization and all its 395 local branches. In August, the Administrative Centre of Jehovah's Witnesses was added to the list of banned extremist organizations.

Jehovahs Witnesses religious organization has had many legal problems in Russia. Since 2009, 95 materials distributed by the organization in the country have been declared extremist and 8 Jehovah's Witnesses branches have been liquidated, according to the Justice Ministry.

Jehovah's Witnesses is an international religious organization based in Brooklyn, New York. Since 2004 several branches and chapters of the organization were banned and shut down in various regions of Russia.
US immigration officials on Monday deported an Iranian student headed to a Boston university despite efforts by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocates to block the removal.

The deportation of Mohammad Shahab Dehghani Hossein Abadi, a 24-year-old Iranian citizen enrolled at Northeastern University, comes after US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced an enhanced security posture amid heightened tensions with Iran.

The case had raised new questions about the fair treatment of Iranians by immigration authorities under the administration of US President Donald Trump. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, a leading Democratic presidential candidate, called on CBP to halt Abadis deportation on Monday night and pledged to fight Trumps xenophobic policies.

Boston-based lawyer Kerry Doyle, who took on the case along with lawyers from two other private firms and the ACLU, said Abadi shared immigration paperwork electronically that showed he had been denied entry due to a concern that he would remain in the United States beyond the scope of his student visa.

An official with the Department of Homeland Security said that charge was a catch all reason used to deny entrants. The official, who requested anonymity to discuss the case, said border authorities were concerned that Abadi had immediate family members with business ties to Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist organisation by the US.

Doyle rejected that allegation and said a summary of Abadis interview with border authorities suggested confusion over his fathers identity.

It appeared that there was someone with a similar name or there was some mix-up, she said.

https://twitter.com/aishakhvnx/status/1219443680718807040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Boston-based US District Judge Allison Burroughs halted Abadis removal on Monday for 48 hours after an emergency petition filed by the ACLU. The DHS official said Abadi already had boarded a flight to leave the US at that point.

Carol Rose, executive director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, argued in a statement on Tuesday that border authorities could have stopped the removal, but defied a federal court order and deported Shahab without due process.

Whether CBP officials could have retrieved Abadi from the flight on Monday evening remained unclear.

A second Boston-based federal judge, US District Judge Richard Stearns, said during a hearing on Tuesday that the challenge to Abadis detention was moot since he had been removed from the country, according to the ACLU and the DHS official.

Visa cancelled

Abadi was granted a US student visa approximately one week ago, but had that visa cancelled following his arrival at Boston Logan International Airport on Sunday, according to court documents.

Following the January 3 US military strike in Iraq that killed the top Iranian general, Qassem Soleimani, dozens of Iranian Americans with US citizenship or permanent residency were detained by US immigration officials at a border crossing in Washington state.

Local advocacy organisations criticised the detentions  which they said stretched to 12 hours  as unusual and troubling.

CBP said in a January 10 statement that it was operating with an enhanced security posture amid tensions with Iran. That came after retaliatory Iranian attacks on bases housing US forces.

The ACLU of Massachusetts said at least 10 Iranian students had been denied entry at US airports since August 2019, with seven of those denials occurring at Logan International Airport.
A private hospital here on Tuesday claimed that it has successfully performed a live liver transplant on a Jehovah's Witness from Nigeria, by not using blood or blood products, in order to protect the patient's religious beliefs.

It is said that Jehovah's Witnesses are followers of a Christian faith that prohibits the use of blood or blood products during their treatment.

Gehojadak (37), a Jehovah's Witness follower, had developed decompensated liver disease and visited more than three countries seeking treatment over the last four years but was turned away by most doctors due to the highly risky nature of surgery, Aster CMI Hospital said.

The surgery was challenging compared to a normal liver transplant because in order to protect the patient's religious beliefs, the medical team could not use blood or blood products (Fresh frozen plasma, Cryoprecipitate, Platelets etc), it said in a release, adding that very few such surgeries have been successfully conducted worldwide.

The patient's brother was the donor, the Hospital said, adding, without a liver transplant, Gehojadak's chances of survival were less than 10 per cent over the next two years.

A team of liver specialists from the Hospital thoroughly reviewed the patient's medical history before recommending a bloodless liver transplant and charted out a feasible pathway to make the surgery a success.

"This transplant was especially challenging as we did not have the safety net (of using blood) even if the patient's life was at risk due to their advance directive.

We have performed other non-transplant liver surgeries in Jehovah's Witnesses and this gave us the confidence to take on Gehojadak's transplant," Dr Rajiv Lochan, Consultant Liver Transplant Surgeon, said.

The critical surgery took a 12-hour period to complete where two teams of specialists with close to 25 doctors including anesthetists, intensivists worked in absolute sync with each other and Gehojadak finally received a life-saving liver transplant, the Hospital said.

In a period of two weeks, the patient and his brother were fit enough to go home and were discharged from the hospital.

"Even if their haemoglobin levels dropped to life- threatening levels, the patients were clear that they would not accept a blood transfusion.

Keeping the limitations in mind, the most effective treatment path was planned, and we spent close to two months preparing the patients for surgery," Arun V, Consultant Anesthesiologist said.

The hospital arranged customised artificial products like synthetic drug molecules, to conduct a bloodless liver transplant, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The first batch of 18 indigenously upgraded 'Sharang' artillery guns will be inducted into the Army by March 31 this year, Programme Coordinator (Sharang) Brigadier Jayant Kar said on Tuesday.

He said the gun, upgraded from 130mm to 155mm with a striking range of 39 kilometres, had successfully gone through integrated firing check on different parameters ranging from 0 degree to 45 degrees on Tuesday at the Long Proof Range of Ordnance Factory Khamaria, 16 kilometers from Jabalpur district headquarters.

"The indigenously-designed Sharang will be inducted in the Army by this fiscal-end. The barrel of the gun has been upgraded from 130 mm to 155 mm and this has increased its hitting range by 12 km kilometres, to 39 kilometres," said Brigadier Kar.

The Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) in Jabalpur had won the global contract to upgrade the Sharang artillery gun, and it was done with the help of the state-owned ordnance factories, and teams from the Army and DRDO, the Brigader informed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is considering the creation of a new turboprop passenger aircraft model together with the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Reuters reported referring the commercial director of the Brazilian company John Slattery.

Such an aircraft could have dimensions similar to the turboprop ATR-72 French-Italian production, or be larger. This model now occupies a dominant position in this segment of the air transportation market.

It sits in our target market, which we have always been clear is below 150 seats, and will have natural adjacency to the E2 offering, he said, referring to Embraers family of 80-120-seat regional jets. The business case is going well.

Moreover, according to his estimates, Embraer will not continue to develop this project due to its high cost, as well as other priority areas of the company. Embraer is also in meaningful discussions with engine makers General Electric (GE.N), Rolls-Royce (RR.L) and Pratt & Whitney Canada (UTX.N) about an engine for the new plane, Slattery said. Pratt is currently the sole turboprop supplier.

According to the Embraer's representative, the Brazilian manufacturer has no doubt in the success of the transaction to transfer control over its main division to the American Boeing, including since the transaction is also supported by customers of the Latin American company. Embraer and Boeing agreed on a deal to create a joint venture. According to the deal, the cost of the new joint venture, which will be engaged exclusively in the construction of civilian aircraft will reach $ 5.26 billion. It is estimated that 80% of the future company will be owned by Boeing, and 20% by Embraer.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new type of killer T-cell that offers hope of a one-size-fits-all cancer therapy.

T-cell therapies for cancer  where immune cells are removed, modified and returned to the patients blood to seek and destroy cancer cells  are the latest paradigm in cancer treatments.

The most widely-used therapy, known as CAR-T, is personalised to each patient but targets only a few types of cancers and has not been successful for solid tumours, which make up the vast majority of cancers.

Cardiff researchers have now discovered T-cells equipped with a new type of T-cell receptor (TCR) which recognises and kills most human cancer types, while ignoring healthy cells.

This TCR recognises a molecule present on the surface of a wide range of cancer cells as well as in many of the bodys normal cells but, remarkably, is able to distinguish between healthy cells and cancerous ones, killing only the latter.

The researchers said this meant it offered exciting opportunities for pan-cancer, pan-population immunotherapies not previously thought possible.

How does this new TCR work?

Conventional T-cells scan the surface of other cells to find anomalies and eliminate cancerous cells  which express abnormal proteins  but ignore cells that contain only normal proteins.

The scanning system recognises small parts of cellular proteins that are bound to cell-surface molecules called human leukocyte antigen (HLA), allowing killer T-cells to see whats occurring inside cells by scanning their surface.

HLA varies widely between individuals, which has previously prevented scientists from creating a single T-cell-based treatment that targets most cancers in all people.

But the Cardiff study, published today in Nature Immunology, describes a unique TCR that can recognise many types of cancer via a single HLA-like molecule called MR1.

Unlike HLA, MR1 does not vary in the human population  meaning it is a hugely attractive new target for immunotherapies.

What did the researchers show?

T-cells equipped with the new TCR were shown, in the lab, to kill lung, skin, blood, colon, breast, bone, prostate, ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer cells, while ignoring healthy cells.

To test the therapeutic potential of these cells in vivo, the researchers injected T-cells able to recognise MR1 into mice bearing human cancer and with a human immune system.

This showed encouraging cancer-clearing results which the researchers said was comparable to the now NHS-approved CAR-T therapy in a similar animal model.

The Cardiff group were further able to show that T-cells of melanoma patients modified to express this new TCR could destroy not only the patients own cancer cells, but also other patients cancer cells in the laboratory, regardless of the patients HLA type.
Looking fabulous during your final trimester can be exhausting.

But Jenna Dewan nailed pregnancy style as she showed up on set in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old actress had a hilarious confession about her outfit for fans on Instagram, writing 'You know those mornings where you just can't get it together past sweats and tshirts,' with an emoji of a girl raising her hand.

Comfy chic: Jenna Dewan dressed for comfort as she arrived on set in LA on Tuesday

The Step Up actress, who is a pro at dressing her bump, appeared in high spirits as she greeted her assistant with minimal makeup.

Before arriving, the World Of Dance host revealed she was 'getting ready for that super bowl' as she shared videos listening to Jennifer Lopez's hit track 2004 hit track On The Floor ft. Pitbull with her daughter, Everly, six, in the backseat.

The expectant mom, who shares her first child with ex-husband Channing Tatum, looked excited to be at work and kept her dark tresses down.

Pregnant on set: Dewan, who is a pro at dressing her bump, appeared in high spirits as she greeted her assistant with minimal makeup

Relatable: The expectant mom, who shares her first child with ex-husband Channing Tatum, looked excited and kept her dark tresses down

Jenna and Channing married in 2009 after three years of dating, and announced their separation in April 2018.

The dancer began dating actor Steve Kazee in late 2018 after announcing her separation from the Magic Mike star.

A year and a half post-separation, Jenna announced she was expecting her first child with Steve in September 2019.

Super fan: Before arriving, the World Of Dance host revealed she was 'getting ready for that super bowl' as she shared videos listening to Jennifer Lopez's hit track 2004 hit track On The Floor ft. Pitbull with her daughter, Everly, six, in the backseat

Biggest fan: A year and a half post-separation, the dancer announced she was expecting her first child with Steve Kazee in September 2019

Her new beau has certainly not been shy about gushing over his partner on social media and joked last month he's 'basically a Jenna Dewan fan account now.'

The actor says his fawning has merit.

'There is a reason for that. That reason is that I constantly watch with absolute awe as she has carves her path through this world and all the while she does it with a level of grace that we should all aspire to.'

Soon-to-be siblings: Jenna revealed her daughter is excited to become a big sister and takes the role 'very seriously'

Earlier this month, Jenna revealed her daughter is excited to become a big sister.

'She just said to me this morning, 'I'm preparing myself for that baby to cry all the time,' Dewan revealed to People Magazine. 'It was so adult and she asked me if the baby cried in the night if she could get out of her bed and go sing the baby song. And I was like, that is so sweet.'

'She's taking it very seriously,' the Flirty Dancing host told the outlet.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: The Duke of Sussex makes a speech as Sentebale held an event on January 19, 2020, hosted by The Caring Foundation, to raise funds for Sentebale's vital work supporting young people affected by HIV in southern Africa, in London, United Kingdom. The event was attended by Sentebale's Co-Founding Patron, The Duke of Sussex, The Caring Foundation's founders Richard and Patricia Caring amongst friends old and new of the charity and foundation. Guests were entertained by a performance from international chart-topping artist, Lewis Capaldi. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Sentebale)

Prince Harry spoke publicly about his and Meghan Markle's split from the royal family for the first time on Sunday. While attending an event for supporters of his Sentebale charity in London, the 35-year-old addressed the recent discussions between himself and the queen and thanked the crowd for their well-wishes. "Before I begin, I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard or perhaps read over the last few weeks," Harry said. "So, I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share - not as a prince, or a duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years - but with a clearer perspective."

Harry went on to praise fans' support of Meghan, who met quietly with a women's charity in Canada last week. "The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change. I have grown up feeling support from so many of you, and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw me find the love and happiness that I had hoped for all my life. Finally, the second son of Diana got hitched, hurray!" Harry quipped, before gushing about his wife of nearly two years. "I also know you've come to know me well enough over all these years to trust that the woman I chose as my wife upholds the same values as I do. And she does, and she's the same woman I fell in love with. We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles for this country with pride. Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful, and we were here to serve."

Related: Harry and Meghan Are Becoming Financially Independent - Here's How They'll Make Money

Just a day before Harry's speech, his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, released a statement confirming that internal discussions around Harry and Meghan's royal exit had concluded and that the couple - along with baby Archie - will "always be much loved members" of the British royal 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 added.

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Harry touched on those challenges in his public statement on Sunday, insisting that his stepping back was a necessary act. "The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges," Harry said. "And I know I haven't always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you."

"It has been our privilege to serve you, and we will continue to lead a life of service."

Along with the queen's statement, Buckingham Palace shared more details on what Meghan and Harry's new life will look like. It was confirmed that they would no longer be using their HRH titles, and that they intend to reimburse UK taxpayers for renovations made to Frogmore Cottage last year. At the Sentebale event, Harry explained that the end result wasn't exactly as he and Meghan hoped. "Our hope was to continue serving the queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding," he said. "Unfortunately, that wasn't possible. I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am. But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life."

Harry also took a moment to reference his late mother, Princess Diana. "I was born into this life, and it is a great honor to serve my country and the queen. When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing," he said. "You've looked out for me for so long, but the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful, because this is so much bigger than just us. It has been our privilege to serve you, and we will continue to lead a life of service."

Harry ended his speech by praising his family members, despite recent rumors of royal infighting. "I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months. I will continue to be the same man who holds his country dear and dedicates his life to supporting the causes, charities, and military communities that are so important to me. Together, you have given me an education about living. And this role has taught me more about what is right and just than I could have ever imagined. We are taking a leap of faith - thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step."
Las Vegas killer Stephen Paddock was cheating on his longtime Filipino girlfriend Marilou Danley (pictured together) for years, DailyMailTV can reveal

Las Vegas killer Stephen Paddock was cheating on his girlfriend for years and sent his mistress chilling texts before the mass shooting which left 58 people dead.

The gunman, 64, regularly met the single mom for sex for four years behind his Filipino partner Marilou Danley's back.

The 29-year-old - who does not wish to be named but will go by 'Kate' - tells DailyMailTV she got freaked out by Paddock's increasingly erratic behavior and told of one instance when he tied her up during a kinky sex session.

And before he massacred Route 91 Harvest music festival revelers from his Mandalay Bay Hotel room window in October 2017, he started sending her disturbing messages.

He last contacted her via text in the early hours of September 29, 2017, the woman told DailyMailTV. Less than 48 hours later, he would rain terror down on the Las Vegas strip as he shot dead 58 people and left 850 injured from his 32nd-floor hotel suite at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

With multiple rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition that Paddock had calmly transported through the hotel using its luggage carts, he opened fire on October 1, shortly after 10pm, on the crowd of 22,000 people below attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival.

At 5:36am on September 29, Paddock texted his mistress. The cell phone number that the text messages came from has been independently verified by DailyMail.com using public records. It is listed to an address he shared with Danley in Mesquite, Nevada.

He wrote: I need to talk to you. Please. Call me when you get this. Itll be good to hear your voice. I need someone to talk to.

At 5:57am, he then texted: Are you still in Las Vegas? I havent been feeling that great and have been struggling a bit lately. It would be good to just hear your voice and hear how you are doing and potentially see each other. Even just for coffee. Please consider it.

Less than ten minutes later, Paddock wrote: Do you still have the same number? It was worth a try. I truly hope you are well, happy and life has been good for you. Youre a good person and I do appreciate everything you have done for me. You have been more than a friend to me and I am sorry for anything Ive done to hurt you. All the best.

Concerned about him, Kate offered to travel to Las Vegas, but he told her not to bother.

DailyMailTV has obtained the chilling messages from Paddock to his mistress, with one reading: 'There are so many people who don't deserve to be alive.'

Paddock sent his mistress these chilling texts before the mass shooting which left 58 people dead in 2017. She tells DailyMailTV that she got freaked out by Paddock's increasingly erratic behavior when he tied her up during one kinky sex session

DailyMailTV has confirmed that the phone number in the texts belonged to Paddock.

Paddock was killed after he opened fire on October 1, 2017

'There are so many people who dont deserve to be alive. Too many people are so concerned with themselves,' Paddock writes. 'You can be there for everyone but when you need someone there is nobody to be seen. I became a recluse for that reason. The best way to live life is with a wall between you and everyone else. So when they do hurt you, the sting isnt so bad.

In other messages he said: 'People in society have become evil, self loathing, selfish and entitled.

'The best way to go about it just disconnecting yourself from other humans.

'You will always end up being hurt and disappointed. People these days are evil.'

He added: 'I haven't been feeling that great and have been struggling a bit lately.'

The mistress - a single mom - said: 'He seemed angry and like he was in a trance. He just seemed out of it.

'He was talking about how the Government is evil and the human race is evil.

Kate said she thought Paddock might not have been sleeping and offered to drive to Nevada to me with him, but he declined.

'I was worried so I told him I was going to come anyway,' she said. 'He told me again it was best I didn't.

'We fought a bit and I just stopped responding.'

After hearing about the mass shooting at the country concert, she said it hadn't dawned on her that the culprit was her lover.

'I didn't even put two and two together when there was a shooting in Vegas,' she said.

'I feel horrible. Part of me wonders if the fight is what set him off.

She said her guilt led her to move overseas.

His mistress added: 'I've spent quite a while now feeling like the worst person in the world and having nightmares about what happened.

'I was his mistress for a few years.'

The gunman, 64, regularly met the now-29-year-old single mother, who does not wish to be identified, for sex for four years. 'Looking back now knowing what I know the signs were there and I overlooked them and I feel absolutely horrific,' she said

This comes as rapper Eminem was slammed for reenacting the Las Vegas massacre in a music video for his new song Darkness released Friday.

In the video, Eminem takes on the role of mass killer Paddock and portrays him opening fire on the crowd.

Paddock had met the single mom in 2013 in Miami.

He hooked up with the then 23-year-old again in Vegas weeks later and again in Los Angeles in 2016 before she became alarmed by his erratic behavior.

'I knew he was becoming unhinged the days, weeks leading up to what happened but at the time I didn't think he was capable of doing what he did.

'But looking back now knowing what I know the signs were there and I overlooked them and I feel absolutely horrific.

'I thought I might be able to start sleeping easier if I get it all off my chest.

Recalling how they met, she said: 'I was in Miami on work and he was in town for a few days.

'My friend and I were at the hotel bar really drunk and we were buying everyone in the bar drinks.

'When I sat down in the bar Stephen was sitting next to me. We struck up a conversation. I've always been an avid hunter and have a collection of firearms, most I inherited from my grandfather.

'We shared a passion and I'm always way friendlier than I should be and it has gotten me into trouble several times.'

Kate described herself and Paddock as 'sloppy drunk' and said she invited him back to their hotel room where they ended up having sex.

She said that when he went to leave, Paddock offered her money and she was taken by surprise.

'I assumed it was for the drinks and then realized he thought we were hookers.

'I handed the money back and laughed it off.'

Paddock's mistress said he initially told her that he did not have a girlfriend and would tell her that he missed her and needed to see her

'We met up a few more times. I also found out he had a partner. But he said he was planning on leaving her and she was a gold digger and was draining his money,' his mistress said of Marilou Danley

The two kept in contact after their trysts.

'I've always dated older men, not that old though,' she said of their 37-year age gap. 'But we seemed to just mesh and spent all day texting the next few weeks.

'A few weeks later after Miami he was flying to Vegas and asked if I wanted to come as they had some cool shooting ranges. I declined.

'He said he'd cover all expenses and I'd have my hotel room and I could bring a friend. I stupidly ended up going on my own,' she said.

'I spent two days with him. We kept texting after but we kind of fell apart after a few months of texting back and forth.'

The mistress said Paddock got back in touch in 2016 but he seemed like a 'different person'.

'It was really bizarre. He seemed like a different person. The first time we meshed he seemed more open but this time he seemed like he was unhinged or disconnected.

'He seemed unhappy and angry. I didn't know he had a girlfriend. He said he missed me and wanted to see me.

'I was single and was starting to think about moving overseas. I was keen to see him again.'

Kate was living in Los Angeles at the time and said Paddock came to visit her.

'We had sex again and we spent hours just talking about life.

'And he was talking about how the world is evil and the human race is selfish and evil and how he felt like he didn't fit in this world anymore,' she said.

The 64-year-old massacred Route 91 Harvest music festival revelers, seen running away from gunfire

Paddock opened fire from his window at the Mandalay Bay Hotel (pictured) killing 58 people in October 2017

She described Paddock as an 'empty shell with no soul'.

'It was almost like there was nothing of what made him Stephen there anymore, it was like a blank stare.

'We went to have sex again and he started to tie my hands up and told me to shush when I tried to speak and pull my hands away.

'I started getting nervous and was trying to pull away because he had this blank stare in his eyes. I asked him to untie me but got no reaction.

'I said I needed some water so he grabbed a water bottle and poured the bottle of water over my face. I inhaled some of the water and started coughing immediately.

'He seemed to snap out of whatever trance he was in and untied me. I told him I was tired and we went to sleep but I ended up not sleeping.

'We met up a few more times. I also found out he had a partner. But he said he was planning on leaving her and she was a gold digger and was draining his money.

'I knew there was something wrong, I thought maybe he was becoming manic but I never thought he was homicidal or suicidal.'
Tesla blames stock short-seller for 'completely false' claims of unintentional acceleration originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Tesla is disputing claims that all three models of its electric vehicles could unexpectedly accelerate without the driver taking action.

The car company issued a statement on Monday afternoon, saying a stock short-seller was behind the claims, which resulted in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inquiry over the weekend. Short-sellers are investors who borrow shares in a company's stock to sell it on the market with plans of buying it back at a cheaper price later.

MORE: Tesla to open a design center for 'Chinese-style' vehicles in China

"We investigate every single incident where the driver alleges to us that their vehicle accelerated contrary to their input, and in every case where we had the vehicle's data, we confirmed that the car operated as designed," the company said in a statement Monday. "In other words, the car accelerates if, and only if, the driver told it to do so, and it slows or stops when the driver applies the brake."

The NHTSA said it would review the petition that was filed and decide whether to launch a full investigation. The petition covers about 500,000 Tesla Model 3, Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured between 2013 and 2019. The petitioner, Brian Sparks of Berkeley, California, claims Tesla owners had filed 127 government complaints, covering 110 crashes and 52 injuries.

PHOTO: This undated photo provided by Tesla shows the 2019 Model 3. (James Lipman/Tesla Motors via AP)

NHTSA said it would "carefully review the petition and relevant data," according to a statement released Friday. "The Office of Defects Investigation will conduct a technical analysis and decide whether or not to grant or deny the petition. If the petition is granted, a defect investigation will be opened."

Tesla called the petition "completely false" and said it had previously discussed the majority of the complaints alleged in the petition with the NHTSA. In every case it reviewed, the data proved the vehicle functioned properly, according to Tesla.

Story continues

MORE: Tesla begins delivery of its first Chinese-made cars

"Unique to Tesla, we also use the Autopilot sensor suite to help distinguish potential pedal misapplications and cut torque to mitigate or prevent accidents when were confident the drivers input was unintentional," Tesla said. "Each system is independent and records data, so we can examine exactly what happened."

"We are transparent with NHTSA, and routinely review customer complaints of unintended acceleration with them," it added.

ABC News' Mina Kaji and Matt Fuhrman contributed to this report.
Thirty years ago, gruesome events took place in the Kashmir Valley.

Even as Muslim Kashmiris also lost many lives at the time, (indeed, the then vice-chancellor of Kashmir University, a Muslim, was one of the first victims of the new terror), it must be acknowledged that the killing of Pandits constituted a hate-filled pogrom. The content of the slogans from many mosques left little room for doubt on that score. And one of the major obstacles to restoring Pandit trust has been the inability or unwillingness of the state to bring the known killers to book.

An unfortunate social consequence of the brutal trauma of January 1990 has been to lead many affected Pandits to believe that all Kashmiri Muslims were party to the pogrom. Such a conclusion has tended to encourage a false essentialisation of Kashmiri Muslimsone that seeks to make them undifferentiated objects of an overarching Islamophobia.

Pandits of an older vintage, especially those who were not part of the tragic suffering and exodus 30 years ago, contrarily foreground their memories of October, 1947, when, in the wake of an invasion by fellow-Muslims, not one Pandit life was impaired in a Valley some 97% percent Muslim.

What lives were lost by both communities were lost to the invader. All that at a time when there was practically no state in place with the accession (to India) still waiting to be signed.

Remarkably, they argue, what happened in 1990, happened under the watch of an administrator credited with a record of strong governance.

Such a read leads to a view that typecasting identities is always a reductive and misleading intellectual project. Indeed, events and causes in the dynamic of history have much more to do with how any group or community may or may not underscore the choices it makes, often dictated by intractable historical exigencies. Be that as it may, Pandit emigres over the last three decades have not only suffered a total exile from home and hearth, but the prospect of terminal cultural effacement. A new generation of Pandit Kashmiris born and raised outside the Valley, however, many strive to shore up a cultural inheritance through self-conscious efforts, remain alienated from that organic connect with the Kashmiri-speaking Valley which alone can make of their Kashmiri (ness) an authentic subjectivity.

In considering the longing of many Pandits, chiefly those on the wrong side of 50, to return to the Valley, some crude realities intervene. Where may they be relocated, and how may they sustain themselves? Given that their youthful progeny may both be as estranged there now as they feel in other parts of the country, and without any concrete prospect of viable economic lives beckoning them.

The idea that Pandit returnees be accommodated in discrete homelands entirely, in a sense, beholden to state protection and exclusive services may seem like one way of reailsing a political project, but hardly tantamount to a return to the community of which , for centuries, they have been an inseparable part.

Any recourse of return that effectively seeks to draw a line between Pandits and Muslims must be rejected out of hand as a solution worse than the problem. This, especially when in the wake of the current social assertions countrywide on behalf of secular and democratic unity of citizens grounded in the founding principles of the Constitution, a new resurgence of peoples oneness is in evidence everywhere. Nor would such segregation sit well with the measure the government of the day has taken to integrate the erstwhile state with the rest of the Union.

What would be a desirable agenda, for the long term, would be first to put in place reconciliatory mechanisms, such as would allow both Pandits and Muslims to express themselves to one another, seek answers and accountabilities, and reach a hard-earned modus vivendi that would by itself open avenues of return superior to any that may be manufactured by government policy and fiat.

Meanwhile, many Pandits have also come to recognise that the political euphoria attendant on the reading down of Article 370 has had little to offer them in the concrete. What entitlements they have now are quite the same as they had before the repeal. This may be food for thought, however painful: if there has been through the traumatic three decades of suffering a conscious attempt among Pandits to project an alternate denominational identity from the one they have had during their composite living with Kashmiri Muslims, such effort has yielded negligible dividends. Perhaps it were best if their tragic and stymied longing for home coincided with the recuperation of an identity which they may have sought to subordinate to an overtly sectarian one.

And it were also best for Kashmiri Muslims to welcome the Pandits home on a lasting basis as a long-lost fraternity with whom they have much more in common than with, for example, Muslims in the Jammu region or, indeed, the rest of the sub continent.

(The writer is a columnist and author)
Renault Samsung Motors' union members rally near the Busan City Hall in Busan, Jan. 13. Yonhap



Renault Samsung Motors Corp.'s union on Tuesday suspended partial strikes to resume negotiations with the company over wages for the year of 2019.



Renault Samsung workers have staged partial strikes at its sole plant in Busan, 453 kilometers south of Seoul, for higher wages in the past 19 days. It caused production losses of about 10,400 vehicles worth about 200 billion won (US$173 million), according to the automaker.



To avoid further losses resulting from walkouts, the company has partially shut down the plant for the nighttime shift since Jan. 10.



"The company will maintain the partial shutdown, while having negotiations with the union for a deal. The company and the union have not arranged a meeting yet," a company spokesman said over the phone.



The plant remained open during the day as 70 percent of 1,700 union workers were not participating in the walkouts, he said.



It is the second time for the company to partially shut down the plant after it took a similar step for one day during wage negotiations with the labor union in May 2018.



The union was not immediately available for comment.



Early last month, the union voted to stage a strike in protest against the company's wage freeze proposal for the year of 2019.



The company also offered a voluntary retirement program, the first since 2012, to its 1,800 employees in September, but only a few dozen workers applied for the program.



In June last year, the union sealed a wage deal with the management for the year of 2018 after staging 62 rounds of strikes that resulted in output losses of 14,300 vehicles.



The company has said it will be difficult to maintain the current workforce as the output volume of Nissan Motor Co.'s Rogue SUV is expected to fall sharply this year from last year's 60,000 units.



Renault Samsung had produced about 100,000 Rogues at the Busan plant to be exported due to a manufacturing contract with Nissan. But Nissan cut its output allocation to the plant to 60,000 last year, citing output losses caused by labor strikes.



To offset the reduction in the Rogue production, Renault Samsung badly needs to secure export volume for the XM3 compact SUV, but the company is still in talks with its parent company Renault, and no decision has been made yet.



For the whole of 2019, Renault Samsung's sales plunged 34 percent to 90,591 vehicles from 137,208 units a year earlier.



The company's current lineup includes the SM3 compact, the all-electric SM3 Z.E. sedan, the QM3 small SUV, and the SM5, SM6 and SM7 sedans.



Renault S.A. has an 80 percent stake in Renault Samsung. (Yonhap)


After sitting in limbo for months, partially finished, as construction loans were renegotiated, the house at 197 Branchville Road will soon be an active project again, with workers completing construction and readying the house for the market  at least thats what Raymond Lemley, the attorney for the owners, is saying.

Activity is about to restart, attorney Lemley told The Press on Monday, Jan. 13.

They just refinanced the property, the end of last week, and brought the taxes current. This will allow them to recommence construction pretty much immediately. And theyre looking to get the house completed the next couple of months, and sold.

Youll start seeing some activity next week, if not this week, Lemley said Monday.

Lemley represents the propertys owner, Branchville Development LLC, a corporation created by business partners Alket Dajani and Aleks Rakaj, who purchased the property in July 2017.

Mondays update from Lemley reflects the situation as described last week by Jason Celestino of the town building department.

Its got a permit to construct, Celestino said Tuesday, Jan. 7. I did speak with the applicant, whos a lawyer, and something was going on with the financing for the building. And now the owners are supposed to be getting some new financing and theyre going to be getting back started with this thing.

Celestino added that hed heard similar stories before about the partially completed project, which is viewed as an annoyance by some neighbors and a portion of the many townspeople who regularly drive by on busy Branchville Road.

[The owners] told me this a couple of months ago, and then nothing happened, Celestino said.

The people who own the property, they bought it, they had a construction loan and the bank decided they didnt want to do the construction loan with them anymore, and they were stuck without financing, Celestino said.

Then, the owners spent some time hunting around for financing  which they apparently found last week.

Once again, I got the story they were going to be closing on another loan, and then get started on it in a week or two  how true that is I dont know, Celestino said.

Permits and inspections, not finances

The building department grants permits for construction projects, and inspects to make sure work is done properly and according to code. The department generally doesnt get involved with problems that developers might have with financing.

As far as Im concerned they have a permit for the structure and if theyre not working on it, theyre not working on it, Celestino said.

The town generally doesnt go after builders for not pursuing projects in what neighbors or regular passersby might view as a timely manner.

Their permits are technically good for 180 days if they dont work on the thing, Celestino said. If they went there and never drove one nail in the wood and left it for another 180 days their permit would still be valid.

Attorney Lemley, however, said Monday the owners are eager to be getting back to work.

New garage doors are going on this week and were going to move ahead with completion of the interior of the property and, once the weather permits, deal with landscaping, he said. They want to have the house on the market within the next several months, weather permitting.

I know they hit a few bumps in the road, Lemley said, but I think theyre anxious to get it done, get in on the market, get it sold, and move on.

Hopefully, youll start seeing some progress there.
Tracie Parzen joined five other protesters outside a Confederate memorial in Orange on Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with a homemade sign that quoted the civil rights icon.

What has America failed to hear, it read.

It was the third MLK Day that Parzen has made the trip from Houston back to her hometown to celebrate Kings life while protesting a concrete slab with columns and Confederate flags that went up seven years ago.

As she held her sign and waved at passers-by  sometimes getting a wave back, other times getting an angry middle finger  she pledged to continue her protest for years, as long as it takes to open a dialogue with the group that paid for the controversial structure.

Were not going to stop, she said. Were not going to be intimidated.

The local Sons of Confederate Veterans erected the Confederate Memorial of the Wind at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Interstate 10 in 2013 to enable passengers in over 55,000 cars per day see Confederate flags flying proudly in the Texas breeze, according to a flyer that first advertised the idea.

The memorial includes 13 columns, one for each Confederate state, and 11 flag poles holding the Confederate Battle Flag and several others, including the Stars and Bars, the Stainless Banner and the Bonnie Blue flag.

Marsi Patronella, who was born and grew up in Orange and now is raising her son in the community, says thats not the message shes seen every day from residents she interacts with.

This memorial isnt what the community I grew up in stands for, she said. I dont want my 14-year-old son to think thats OK.

No counter-protesters turned out, but Joseph Henry, a disabled combat veteran, expressed himself by driving back and forth in the intersection displaying two American flags and a flag from one of the Army divisions he served in.

Henry, who served for six years in Korea and Panama, among other assignments, said he doesnt like the memorial or agree with what it stands for, but he supports the Sons of Confederate Veterans right to have it.

I heard about this protest and decided to come out and be neutral, he said. Im on no ones side, but I will not fly the Confederate flag.

He said he was surprised that no one from the sponsoring group showed up to the protest. That made him wonder how much they cared about the site.

A request for comment sent to Charles Oliver, who is listed on the organizations website as the division commander, was not returned Monday.

Parzen said she saw more positive responses at Mondays gathering than in six previous protests. She suspects that is because there is more awareness of the cause.

Ideally, she said, the protests would ignite a dialogue between the group she runs with her husband, called Repurpose Memorial, and the local Sons of Confederate Veterans.

She said her husband spoke with a previous leader of the organization, but hes since said hes no longer involved in the memorial.

She said shed like to see the memorial evolve into one that honors all local veterans, not just those from the Confederate Army.

It still gives the same idea, but its not racist or offensive, she said. Its inclusive.

That also doesnt mean ceasing to talk about the reality of the Civil War, but instead keeping it in a museum, instead of a symbol that, to her, glorifies white supremacy.

Until then, Patronella said she hopes the protesters will make other Southeast Texas residents who cant or arent comfortable protesting with them feel like theyre not alone

Parzen wants people who see or hear about the protest to think about believing others who talk about their lived experience when related to racism and white supremacy, such as feeling fear when viewing a Confederate flag.

Behind the flag theres a legacy of lynching, oppression and hatred, she said. I would love for people to believe others when they say theyre afraid.

kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/KaitlinBain
The church, John Locke once said, is more likely to be influenced by the government than the government by the church. This could be called Lockes trap. I read this statement about Locke in Robert Louis Wilkens wondrous account called Liberty in the Things of God. Statism, a more-than-occasional reality of Lockes trap for the church, has become, especially since the days of Reagan, evangelicalisms trap. Randall Balmer was right: Christianity operates best from the margins of power, not in its center. Too many today think the solutions to our problems are anchored to the one leading the White House. (I write about this in Kingdom Conspiracy and in Pastor Paul.)

The recent dustup over CTs former Editor-in-Chief illustrates the point. The essay drew evangelicals out of their churches into the city square. Wayne Grudem defended Trump and some 170 pastors wrote a letter defending Trump. Jim Wallis defended the editorial and then so did The Bonhoeffer Society and then a large number of African American pastors.

Who is on the Lords side? became the question, but the answer was almost unequivocally Who does or does not support Trump? The question and the answers are Lockes trap.

So caught in the trap is Ralph Reed that he snarkily chose to call CT Christianity Yesterday. One merely needs to read David Swartzs wonderful account, called Moral Minority, to know evangelicals have been diverse on politics. Evangelicalism, Reed needs to know, is shifting and many are wondering about Christianity Tomorrow. That Christianity will be a justice-oriented evangelicalism. The shift is obvious and its not likely to slow down with this new move among evangelicals. They stand with this statement by Tim Dalrymple:

Out of love for Jesus and his church, not for political partisanship or intellectual elitism, this is why we feel compelled to say that the alliance of American evangelicalism with this presidency has wrought enormous damage to Christian witness. It has alienated many of our children and grandchildren. It has harmed African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American brothers and sisters. And it has undercut the efforts of countless missionaries who labor in the far fields of the Lord. While the Trump administration may be well regarded in some countries, in many more the perception of wholesale evangelical support for the administration has made toxic the reputation of the Bride of Christ.

And this a few paragraphs down in his article is speaking of Lockes trap and statism when he says:

[Trump] is a symptom of a sickness that began before him, which is the hyper-politicization of the American church. This is a danger for all of us, wherever we fall on the political spectrum. Jesus said we should give to Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is Gods. With profound love and respect, we ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to consider whether they have given to Caesar what belongs only to God: their unconditional loyalty.

The problem, for far too many, Left and Right, is Lockes trap or statism. It is not speaking prophetically to claim the mantle of the prophet only when it is a Left-leaner criticizing the GOP, nor is it prophetic if a Right-leaner criticizes the Democrats. Thats falling into Lockes trap. It is little more than partisan criticism baptized by Christian language.

Theres something going on in the Christian church and it is a good time for us all to think about it more carefully. In Pastor Paul, I write (with some changes):

I agree with Peggy Noonan that Americans are afraid and are in search of a story or something to take away the fear. Heres how she puts our American condition:

Something's up. And deep down, where the body meets the soul, we are fearful. We fear, down so deep it hasn't even risen to the point of articulation, that with all our comforts and amusements, with all our toys and bells and whistles... we wonder if what we really have is... a first-class stateroom on the Titanic. Everything's wonderful, but a world is ending and we sense it.[1]

Many are salving fears, this constant turmoil of the amygdala and worry that we are on a Titanic, in activism and have ramped it all up to apocalyptic proportions. The solution to the fear, it is believed, is the state. Americas dominant narrative today is statism, the theory that the state ought to rule and the state can solve our problems.

Statism as Americans know it goes back to the time of Constantine and since that time the churchs relationship with the state has been complicated on more than but at least two fronts: how much Christianizing the state can accomplish and how much politicking the church ought to be doing. Lockes trap. From the days of the Holy Roman Empire until now, especially during the founding of the United States,[2] the churches of Europe and North America have told a nations story, though since the rise of modernity the church has gradually lost that power. Skip to the USAs famous study by H. Richard Niebuhr, Christ and Culture, and a typology of the relationship of the church and state/culture found its language: Christ of culture, Christ with culture, Christ above culture, Christ against culture, Christ and culture in paradox and Christ transforming culture. When every Wheaton student was reading Niebuhr, a Reformed theologian named Abraham Kuyper began to make a different influence felt among American evangelicals. Some Kuyperians turned transforming culture into a political agenda. This transformationalist approach gained strength in the heady days of Ronald Reagan and was spearheaded by Francis Schaeffer, James Kennedy, Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, and the influence of Billy Graham was nonpareil.[3] American evangelical conservatives, as the so-called moral majority, became glued in new ways to the Republican Party while the more progressive moral minority became attached in similar ways to the Democrat Party. The church was politicized.[4] Kuyperian, Niebuhrian, or some bricolage of them and others isnt the issue.

At no time in my life have I seen the church more engaged in politics and more absorbed by a political story. Im not referring here simply to Republican vs. Democrat or Conservative vs. Progressive. Rather, I mean the belief that what matters most is what happens in D.C. and if we get the right candidate elected America can be saved. Blogs, Facebook updates, Twitter posts and websites are tied together and double-knotted with this political narrative. It is so pervasive many dont even know its running and ruining our public and private lives. Ask them about a candidate and their blood pressure pops or their mouth spews or their mind runs into the wall of exasperation.

The political narrative of today makes for a mesmerizing story: there are problems, we are strung along for two years or more with potential winning or losing, and then the Vote Day comes and the storys next chapter starts. We may even give the storys centrality a break for a year or so and then we start up all over again. But make no mistake, the American story is increasingly statism. We are in Lockes trap. More significantly, statism entails an inherent belief, either explicit or implicit, in the state. It is a belief that solutions to our biggest problems are found in the state and the Christians responsibility from the Left or the Right is to get involved and acquire political power. Statism as I am using it here is the idol of making a human the worlds true ruler. Statism exalts humans and human plans and voting. Statism centers its faith in the future on who rules in D.C.. Statism makes government a god. Statism is a secular eschatology and soteriology.[5] No one, of course, says this or even admits it but our lives betray our words.

Statism is the story many tell; its the story even more indwell; its the only narrative some 24-7 TV news shows tell, and 24-7 TV and news and social media make statism omnipresent. Statism has become Americas narrative. Dont make the mistake of accusing others of the statism narrative: its as much the story of Conservatives and Republicans as Progressives and Democrats, or Social Democrats, as well as of the hold-out Independents. The Tea Party that loved to pat itself on the back for small government was just as deeply committed to statism. Put more bluntly, the vitriol spewed today about President Trump is the vitriol of those who want control, who would then generate vitriol from the other side if control switched. Public vitriol demonstrates statism. Heres how one can see the statism at work in the so-called prophetic criticisms of our day: If someone offers a criticism of the current administration it inevitably comes off as support for the other side of the political spectrum. When it is one or the other it is statism. Is there an alternative?

Those who think the CT editorial meant support for the other party are statists. Those who think it meant support for their party are statists. Neither was the case. It was a moral judgment.

Our political narrative is not the Bibles narrative, but human beings are inescapably storytellers, and it is their stories that make sense of life for them. Is there an alternative? Yes, but it is dying and only pastors can resurrect the alternative.

[1] Peggy Noonan, The Time of Our Lives: Collected Writings (New York: Twelve, 2015), 199200.

[2] On which still to be read is Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, trans. Harvey Mansfield and Delba Winthrop (Chicago: University of Chicago, 2000).

[3] An important set of studies here are by Randall Balmer, Thy Kingdom Come: How the Religious Right Distorts Faith and Threatens America (New York: Basic Books, 2007); Randall Balmer, God in the White House: A History. How Faith Shaped the Presidency from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush (New York: HarperOne, 2008).

[4] Abraham Kuyper, Lectures on Calvinism (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1931); H. Richard Niebuhr, Christ and Culture (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001); Francis A. Schaeffer, How Then Shall We Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture (Wheaton: Crossway, 2005); David T. Koyzis, Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003); David R. Swartz, Moral Minority: The Evangelical Left in an Age of Conservatism (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2012); Craig G. Bartholomew, Contours of the Kuyperian Tradition: A Systematic Introduction (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2017).

[5] There is a movement, mostly in the USA, called dominion theology or dominionists or Christian Reconstructionism or Theonomy, which takes its cues from folks like R.J. Rushdoony or David Barton or Gary North and others, that believes in influentialism to the degree that it is striving for America as a Christian state.
Health officials visit the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Medical facilities must classify patients from the time they come to register for examination. Those with symptoms of acute respiratory infection such as cough or fever must be separated.



Any suspicious cases must be temporarily isolated and reported to the ministrys Preventive Medicine Department to take samples for timely diagnosis.

It is necessary to increase communication campaigns about the disease and prevention measures.

The health ministry suggested setting up quick response teams to support hospitals at the lower level.

No coronavirus cases have been reported in Vietnam by January 19th, according to the Preventive Medicine Department.

Two Chinese people from Chinas Wuhan city who were in Vietnam were tested negative to the virus. They were discharged from hospital and returned to their country, the department said.

The health ministry will continue to closely supervise the disease at border gates, hospitals and in the community to get ready for treatment and management.

According to World Health Organisation, cases of acute pneumonia caused by coronavirus were reported in Wuhan city. The first patient developed symptoms on December 12th last year. As many as 45 people in the city were reported to be suffering from the disease by January 19th.

The first death from the virus occurred in the city on January 9th. Two other cases have been detected in Thailand and Japan with health authorities in both countries saying the patients had visited Wuhan prior to their hospitalisation./.
Concurs repetat pentru selectarea unei companii sociologice, care sa efectueze un studiu tematic "Barometrul opiniei publice in domeniul schimbarilor climatice"
Expect ministers to attack Gita Gopinath: Chidambaram on IMF forecast

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 21: Congress leader P Chidambaram launched a scathing attack on the government and said it was likely that its ministers would go all out in attacking the IMF and its Chief Economist Gita Gopinath for their projection.

"IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation. I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath," Chidambaram tweeted.

He said the latest forecast could also be after some "window dressing" and that the actual numbers could be even lower.

"Even the 4.8 per cent (growth) is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower," he tweeted.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

IMF lowers India growth estimate to 4.8% for 2019: Report

The IMF on Monday lowered growth estimate for the world economy to 2.9 per cent for 2019. For the current calendar year 2020, India saw a sharp 1.2 percentage point cut in its growth forecast to 5.8 per cent, the biggest downward revision for any emerging market, which pulled down global growth forecast.

"The downward revision primarily reflects negative surprises to economic activity in a few emerging market economies, notably India, which led to a reassessment of growth prospects over the next two years. In a few cases, this reassessment also reflects the impact of increased social unrest," the IMF said.
A retired Minnesota carpenter whom The Associated Press exposed as a former commander of a Nazi-led unit accused of war atrocities has died.

Michael Karkoc, whose family maintained that he was never a Nazi or committed any war crimes, lived quietly in Minneapolis for decades until AP's review of US and Ukrainian records in 2013 uncovered his past and prompted investigations in Germany and Poland. Karkoc died December 14, according to cemetery and public records. He was 100.

His son, Andriy Karkoc, hung up on an AP reporter without confirming his father's death. Officials at the Kozlak-Radulovich Funeral Chapel, which was listed on one website as having handled the funeral arrangements, declined to comment.

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Michael Karkoc, whose family maintained that he was never a Nazi or committed any war crimes, lived quietly in Minneapolis until he was exposed in 2013 as having ordered the killing of 44 Polish civilians in 1944. He died on December 14

Records at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis show he was quietly buried there December 19, next to his wife, Nadia Karkoc, who died in 2018

But records at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis show he was quietly buried there December 19, next to his wife, Nadia Karkoc, who died in 2018. And Minnesota Department of Health records show that a Michael Karkoc with the correct birthday died December 14. The family and funeral home did not publish a public obituary.

Karkoc's involvement in the war surfaced when a retiree who researched Nazi war crimes approached the AP after coming across Karkoc's name. The AP investigation relied upon a broad range of interviews and documents, including Nazi military payroll information and company rosters, US Army intelligence files, Ukrainian intelligence findings and Karkoc's self-published memoir.

The records established that Karkoc was a commander in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defense Legion, which attacked a Polish village where dozens of women and children were killed in 1944, then lied to American authorities to get into the US after World War II.

His family denied he was ever at the scene of the attack, though a second AP report uncovered testimony from a former soldier in Karkoc's unit who said Karkoc ordered his men to attack the village, Chlaniow, in retaliation for the slaying of an SS major.

Records established that Karkoc was a commander in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defense Legion, which attacked a Polish village where dozens of women and children were killed in 1944

Andriy Karkoc has said his father was never a Nazi and denied he was involved in any war crimes. He has also questioned the validity of AP's sources and accused the AP of 'defamatory and slanderous' allegations.

The AP stories prompted Germany and Poland to investigate. German prosecutors announced in July 2015 that they had shelved their case because the then-96-year-old Karkoc wasn't fit for trial. But Polish prosecutors announced in March 2017 that they would seek his arrest and extradition, saying his age was no obstacle in seeking to bring him to justice.

An investigative file from the Ukrainian intelligence agency's archive revealed testimony from Private Ivan Sharko, a Ukrainian soldier under Karkoc's command. Sharko testified in 1968 that the initial order to attack Chlaniow was given by another officer, but that Karkoc - who fought under the nom de guerre 'Wolf' - told his unit to attack the village.

In a Ukrainian-language memoir published in 1995, Karkoc said he helped found the Ukrainian Self Defense Legion in 1943, in collaboration with the Nazis' feared SS intelligence agency, to fight on the side of Germany

Karkoc didn't tell US authorities about his military service when he entered the country in 1949

'The commander of our company, Wolf, also gave the command to cordon off the village and check all the houses, and to find and punish the partisans,' Sharko told authorities in Ukraine in 1967 and 1968, for an investigation they were conducting against the Self Defense Legion.

Sharko, who died in the 1980s, also said the legionaries surrounded homes, set them on fire and shot anyone found inside homes or in the streets, according to the Russian-language investigative file.

'How many people were killed in all, I don't know. I personally saw three corpses of peaceful inhabitants who had been killed,' Sharko was quoted as saying.

Andriy Karkoc has said his father was never a Nazi and denied he was involved in any war crimes. He has also questioned the validity of AP's sources and accused the AP of 'defamatory and slanderous' allegations

Stephen Paskey, who led Nazi investigations for nine years as a prosecutor at the US Department of Justice's Office of Special Investigations, said Sharko's testimony is highly credible. He noted that Sharko didn't appear to be in custody or under investigation when questioned, and many of his statements were confirmed by historical documents.

Thomas Will, the deputy head of Germany's special prosecutors' office that investigates Nazi crimes, concluded in 2013 that there was sufficient evidence that Karkoc was present. In 2017, Polish prosecutor Robert Janicki of the National Remembrance Institute, which investigates Nazi and Communist-era crimes against Poles, said years of investigation confirmed '100%' that he was a commander of the unit.

Karkoc became a US citizen in 1959. He lived for decades in a heavily Eastern European neighborhood of Minneapolis and was a longtime member of the St. Michael's and St. George's Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Karkoc, an ethnic Ukrainian, was born in the city of Lutsk in 1919, according to details he provided to American officials. At the time, the area was being fought over by Ukraine, Poland and others; it ended up part of Poland until World War II. Several wartime Nazi documents note the same birth date, but say he was born in Horodok, a town in the same region.

Karkoc didn't tell U.S. authorities about his military service when he entered the country in 1949. But in a Ukrainian-language memoir published in 1995, Karkoc said he helped found the Ukrainian Self Defense Legion in 1943, in collaboration with the Nazis' feared SS intelligence agency, to fight on the side of Germany.

He also wrote that he served as a company commander in the unit, which received orders directly from the SS, through the end of the war. The memoir is available at the US Library of Congress and the British Library, and the AP located it online in an electronic Ukrainian library.

Karkoc became a US citizen in 1959. He lived for decades in a heavily Eastern European neighborhood of Minneapolis and was a longtime member of the St. Michael's and St. George's Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He worked as a carpenter, and was a member and a secretary in the local branch of the fraternal Ukrainian National Association.

Antin Semeniuk, a friend of Karkoc in Minneapolis, said after the AP's initial report that Karkoc told him he hadn't been a Nazi. Rather, Semeniuk said, Karkoc described himself as a Ukrainian patriot who wanted his country to be democratic and free of Nazi and Communist rule.
The escalating cost of tuition and the prospect of low-paying jobs initially after college have some families questioning the value of a degree for their high school graduates.

But there should be no question. Earning and employment numbers show higher education remains a worthwhile investment, but students do need to do their homework before choosing a career.

The median annual earnings for a member of the labor force who held a bachelors degree and worked full time in 2018 was $24,900 more than the wages earned by someone with a high school degree only. The unemployment rate for those with a college degree was about half of that for high school graduates, according to a recent report from the College Board.

The report, Education Pays 2019, details the benefits of higher education for the student as well as society in general.

The typical four-year college graduate who enrolls at age 18 and graduates in four years can expect to earn enough relative to a high school graduate by age 33 to compensate for being out of the labor force for four years and for borrowing the full tuition and fees and books and supplies without any grant aid, according to the report.

In other words, in short order four-year college graduates make up the income they missed out on while in school.

Most students are fortunate and dont have to borrow the full amount needed for tuition, fees and books. But not all, and there is wide awareness about the college-debt crisis. To address this concern, in the past couple of years there has been a surge in colleges and universities offering free tuition to middle-income students.

In Bexar County, high school students have several free tuition programs available to them. The University of Texas at San Antonio offers the Bold Promise Program, which will cover tuition and fees for Texas students who graduate in the top 25 percent of their high school classes and have an annual household income below $50,500. Starting in the fall, many graduates of Bexar County school districts will qualify for a tuition-free associate degree from Alamo Colleges.

Increasing the college-going rate and the education level in a community benefits all. A better-educated workforce results in increased wages and potentially greater consumer spending, which promotes higher tax payments at the local, state and federal levels. Those taxes in turn help fund infrastructure, public education and other programs. At the same time, there is a less dependency on unemployment compensation, food assistance programs and public health services.

A college degree is not an absolute requirement for employment, nor is college a perfect fit for every person. But a high school diploma does not open as many doors as it did in the past, and more and more jobs now require some college education or completion of a certificate program.

For families and students, college represents a major investment that merits serious research. Most college-bound students concentrate on selecting a school to attend, gaining admission and finding ways to finance their education.

Homework on their career choices and the marketability of that degree comes as an afterthought, but it shouldnt.

During the last session of the Texas Legislature, lawmakers passed House Bill 277 to allow high school students easier access to wage and workforce statistics, retention rates, graduation rates, average debt and employment rates of graduates for individual colleges and universities so they can make informed decision about the course of studies they might want to pursue.

Data started appearing on the states common admission application portal, ApplyTexas.org, on Jan. 1. Families sending a student to college cant afford to consider this optional reading.
Authorities estimate 22,000 gun-rights advocates attended a rally in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday, to protest proposed gun control legislation.

Ahead of the event, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declared a state of emergency and temporarily banned people from carrying weapons at the state capitol, citing "credible intelligence" from law enforcement that white supremacists groups would attend the rally and incite violence. Some extremist groups did attend, but the rally was mostly peaceful and there were no reports of violence.

Democrats now control the Statehouse, and have been pushing for new gun regulations, including universal background checks and a ban on military-style rifles. Protesters chanted "We will not comply" and "USA!" and several spoke to reporters about why they came out for the rally. "So many people are misinformed and think you are safer because you take my guns away," participant Jay Lowe told NBC News. "My guns have never killed anybody. And I carry a lot."

More stories from theweek.com

Report: Several Senate Democrats are talking about trading the testimony of Hunter Biden for John Bolton

White House counsel falsely claims Adam Schiff blocked Republicans from attending classified impeachment meetings

More U.S. service members receiving treatment following Iranian missile attack


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winshear Gold Corp. (Winshear Gold or the Company) (TSX-V: WINS) reports its first sampling results from the Gaban Gold Project located in the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB) in south-eastern Peru.

Winshear is conducting exploration to locate the hard-rock source of alluvial gold in the Yanamayo and Piquitiri rivers, which drain into the Madre de Dios basin. In 2018, a heli-borne geophysical survey was flown over Gaban as part of a systematic exploration program that outlined regional structures with the potential to host gold mineralization. To date five shear zones have been identified on the property.

The Company acquired the property in September 2019, and completed its first field campaign in October 2019, with the goal of identifying the most prospective sections of these newly identified structures. A second campaign was conducted in November / December 2019 and will be reported as results are received.

Key Points

First field programme conducted by Winshear Gold focused on the Coritiri stream sediment anomaly.

81 channel samples of bedrock (1.0-2.5m in length) were collected; 17 samples returned 0.1g/t  0.49 g/t Au 6 samples returned 0.5 g/t  0.99 g/t Au 7 samples returned 1.0 g/t  4.99 g/t Au 2 samples returned 5.0 g/t  9.99 g/t Au 1 sample assayed 15.75 g/t Au

Highlights include 15.75g/t Au over 1m, 5.72g/t Au over 1.5m, 3.57g/t Au over 2.5m, and 5.7g/t Au over 1m.

The mineralized area correlates strongly with an east-southeast trending geophysical target that is open to the east southeast and west northwest.

Samples were collected from sheared sedimentary rocks, typically siltstones and shales / slates, with varying amounts of quartz veining. The sediments are identified as belonging to the Ordovician San Jose Group. Quartz veins vary in thickness from 1mm up to 80cm in width.

Up to 3% sulphides (pyrite and arsenopyrite) are associated with the quartz veins

The geology in the target area correlates well with other known deposits in the POGB including the Ollachea Project 40 km to the SW.

Numerous old prospect adits were discovered in the area, some of which were up to 15m long.

Story continues

Winshear Gold CEO, Richard Williams, commented This is a great start to our work at Gaban. The initial attraction of the project was the presence of anomalous gold-in-stream-sediment anomalies over a 5km- section of the Yanamayo creek ( Map 4 ) in an area that has had very little historic exploration. These anomalies are located in a geological terrain that is quite similar to the nearby Ollachea Project in the POGB, which contains an estimated 1 million oz of reserves in a definitive feasibility study. It also is upstream from the 700km2 Madre de Dios alluvial gold fields that support several tens of thousands of artisanal miners. The discovery of a 250m wide shear zone hosting gold mineralization at Gaban is very encouraging.

The Ollachea Projects Feasibility Study dated November 29, 2012, is authored by AMEC Australia Pty (Ltd). The Probable Mineral Reserve is 9.3Mt grading 3.4g/t Au. The full report can be found on Mineras website and Sedar.

It should be noted that the similarity of Gabans geology to the Ollachea gold deposit does not mean that the Gaban Gold Project will yield similar success.

Gaban Project Overview

Map 1 shows the location of the of the NW-SE trending POGB, located within the north part of the Puno Region. The Gaban Gold Project is located at the northwesternmost part of the POGB and is bisected by the Interoceanic Highway that runs from Juliaca to the south via the towns of Ollachea and Gaban through Puerto Maldonado into Brazil. The project is also close to the San Gaban hydroelectric power station, which supplies power to the region.

Map 2 shows the geological setting of the POGB. The Gaban project lies within a regional anticline comprising the San Jose Group of Ordovician sedimentary rocks (siltstones and bituminous shales), which has been cut by Devonian and Permian aged granitic and intermediate intrusions.

The Coritiri Target

Map 3 shows the total magnetic field intensity results from the 2018 heli-borne geophysical survey over the Gaban property. The Coritiri Target was defined by interpretation magnetic high with coincident deformation and subsequent exploration by Winshear has initially focused on this area.

Map 4 shows the results of the 2019 stream sediment sampling program with numerous anomalous values obtained along the Yanamayo river as it crosses the geophysical target area.

Map 5 shows the locations of all channel samples taken within the target area grading over 0.5g/t Au within the 250m wide zone of shearing and deformation. Quartz veins trend in a south east direction and dip to the southwest at approximately 40o.

Next Steps

A second field programme of channel sampling was completed in November / December 2019. Results are pending.

The Company has engaged a local Peruvian company to advise on advancing the Coritiri target through the drill permitting process with the goal of obtaining permits and completing an initial drill program in the 2020 field season.

William McGuinty P. Geo. of OTD Exploration Services Inc. and a Qualified Person as designated by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release. Mr. McGuinty has visited Winshears Gaban exploration project and reviewed sampling methods and quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) programs for the project. Samples from this exploration campaign were submitted to the laboratory in Peru with the inclusion of internal QA/QC standards, duplicates and blanks. Samples were assayed at the CERTIMIN SA Laboratory in Lima, Peru using a 30 gram fire assay charge with an AA finish.

About Winshear Gold Corp

In 2019 Winshear Gold Corp. acquired two exploration projects in Peru from Palamina Corp (PA.V); the Gaban Gold Project, an orogenic shear zone hosted gold project in the Puno region, SE Peru, and; the Tinka IOCG project near Ica in southern Peru.

The Company, formerly Helio Resource Corp., is also pursuing its rights to the SMP Gold Project in Tanzania. The Company was active in Tanzania since 2006, exploring and developing the SMP Gold Project. In 2017 the Tanzanian government changed the Mining Act whereby the Retention Licence classification, under which the SMP project was held, was abolished. In December 2019 the Tanzanian Government issued a Notice to Tender whereby new investors could bid for projects formerly held under Retention Licence. Winshear has served a Notice of Intent to submit a claim to arbitration under the Canada-Tanzania agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments (see Winshear news release dated January 10, 2020).

For more information please contact Irene Dorsman on (604) 210-8751 or by e-mail at irene@winshear.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard D. Williams

Richard D. Williams, P.Geo

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.

Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking information is identified by words such as estimates, intends, expects, believes, may, will, probable, potential, indicated, inferred and include, without limitation, statements regarding the companys plan of business operations (including plans for progressing assets), estimates regarding mineral resources, projections regarding mineralization and projected expenditures, and the security of future tenure of licenses to explore, develop and mine. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, risks inherent in the mining industry, financing risks, labour risks, uncertainty of mineral resource estimates, equipment and supply risks, title disputes, regulatory risks and environmental concerns. Most of these factors are outside the direct control of the company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Boris Johnson is to chair a Brexit day meeting of the Cabinet in the North of England (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Boris Johnson has said next weeks meeting of the Cabinet will be held in the North of England on Friday to mark Britains departure from the EU.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said that it was part of Mr Johnsons commitment to engage more widely across the country.

Downing Street announced last week that senior ministers would meet outside London to mark Brexit day on January 31.

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet have set out that they want to engage more widely across the UKNo 10 spokesman

Following the weekly meeting of the Cabinet in No 10, Mr Johnsons spokesman said: The PM said the Government was determined to level up across the UK and to work for the whole country.

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet have set out that they want to work for the entire country and they want to engage more widely across the UK and this is one of many opportunities to do so.

Mr Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel briefed the meeting on the Governments latest plans to introduce a new immigration system from January 2021 when the transition period following the UKs withdrawal from the EU ends.

Expand Close Home Secretary Priti Patel arrives for a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Home Secretary Priti Patel arrives for a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The Prime Ministers spokesman said the introduction of an Australian-style points-based system would enable the UK to welcome talent from around the world while regaining control of its own immigration policy.

The Prime Minister said the public have been clear that they want us to end freedom of movement and take back control of our borders. It is our duty to deliver on this promise, the spokesman said.

The PM said that the key guiding principle of the new system would be taking back control, unleashing global talent attracting the brightest and the best, and reducing unskilled immigration.
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi and Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 18:25 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206063704 1 National wuhan,pneumonia,coronavirus,Airport,outbreak Free

After the airport authorities in Greater Jakarta began ramping up the health monitoring of incoming passengers, other airports across the archipelago are following suit amid concerns about a pneumonia-like outbreak in China and some other countries.

Authorities of Sultan Thaha Airport in Jambi stated on Tuesday that they would increase their health monitoring as the airport expected to see more passengers arriving ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations on Saturday.

The airport's general manager, Muhammad Hendra, said his office had coordinated with the airport health office to anticipate the possibility of pneumonia transmission by passengers.

Sultan Thaha Airport is only a domestic airport. However, passengers [from outside the country] can come here after transiting in Cengkareng [Soekarno-Hatta International Airport] or Kuala Namu [in Medan, North Sumatra], Hendra said, adding that the passengers would not be alerted to or unsettled by the health monitoring.

The increased monitoring was launched as the airport authorities noted that several travel bureaus had sold a travel package from Wuhan in eastern China to Jambi. Since December last year, dozens of cases of the pneumonia-like coronavirus have been reported in Wuhan.

Read also: Travel advisory issued amid China's coronavirus outbreak

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport authorities in Denpasar, Bali had installed thermal scanners on two of the airports international arrival gates to anticipate any coronavirus transmission that was suspected to be the cause of the pneumonia.

The scanners have been installed since Jan. 4 and their activation followed the recent updates on the global epidemic, said Putu Alit Sudarma, an official of the Denpasar Port health office, on Saturday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He added that the office had also intensified health monitoring in seaports across the island. However, there are not yet any ships coming to China that landed in Bali this month.

The Health Ministry has issued a travel advisory for Indonesians who wish to travel to countries affected by the Wuhan coronavirus and handed out health alert cards to passengers arriving from China and other affected countries.

Authorities also said that all 135 entry points into the country had been equipped with thermal scanners that could identify a persons body temperature remotely through cameras.

As of Monday, Reuters reported that the total number of known cases worldwide was more than 200, with most cases  198  reported in Wuhan, which recorded three deaths. South Korea had also reported its first confirmed case on Monday.

Scientists believe that the recent pneumonia outbreak is likely caused by a new virus belonging to the same family of coronaviruses that causes the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The syndrome killed nearly 800 people globally during an outbreak in 2002 and 2003 that also started in China. (kuk)

Topics : wuhan pneumonia coronavirus Airport outbreak
The Congress on Tuesday accused the Narendra Modi government of spreading falsehood regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which it said was "unconstitutional" as the country's Constitution does not allow grant of citizenship on the basis of religion.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal challenged Amit Shah for a debate on the new law, hours after the home minister challenged Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders for the same.

His comments came a day before the Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the amended citizenship law.

Addressing a press conference, Sibal said Prime Minister Modi and Shah were spreading a "set of nine lies" on the amended citizenship law, and wondered how the people of the country would believe them.

"The government, the prime minister and home minister are perpetrating nine lies on CAA. Their first lie is that CAA is not discriminatory. The Constitution has five provisions for citizenship and religion is not mentioned anywhere. Citizenship Act, 1955, also contains the same provisions," Sibal told reporters.

"India's Constitution says you cannot give citizenship on the basis of religion," he said, alleging that it was the prime minister and the home minister who were spreading lies on the issue and misrepresenting the provisions of the new law.

Sibal alleged that the government brought the new law deliberately in order to divert people's attention from key issues such as economy and price rise.

On whether the states need to implement CAA, he termed the question "academic" and said, "Attempts are being made to create a controversy out of nothing."



"I am sure that something will be done to make sure when the Supreme decides the matter, one way or the other, that will be the law of the country like the Ram Janmabhoomi," the Congress leader said.

Another lie being spread by the PM and the home minister is that CAA has no connection with the planned National Register of Citizens (NRC), Sibal alleged.

"In April 2019, Amit Shah had said the CAB will come first, followed by NRC. On December 9, 2019, he spoke of a nationwide NRC after passing CAB in the Lok Sabha. The link of CAA-NRC cannot be denied," the Congress leader said.

He said the third lie is that Modi said in a rally on December 22 that there was no discussion on NRC after he formed government. "Whereas, in the President's address to the Joint Session of Parliament on June 20, 2019, NRC implementation primarily was announced."



"The fourth lie is that the process of NRC was neither notified nor is it legal. This is a complete lie because when NRC was adopted in 2003, article 14 (a) mentions it as being legal and that it will give identity card to every citizen of the country," he said.

Sibal said the government's claim that NRC is yet to begin is a "lie" as "NRC commencement notification has been issued effective April 1."



Claims that the National Population Register (NPR) has no relation with NRC is the "sixth lie", he alleged, adding, "The home ministry's 2018-19 annual report stated that, 'NPR is the first step towards implementing NRC'."



Sibal said the "seventh lie" is that no Indian needs to be scared and the "eighth" is what Modi said that there is no detention centre in the country.

"As many as 988 people are imprisoned in six detention centres in Assam alone. In January 2019, the Government of India directed to set up Detention Centres," the Congress leader said.

He added the "ninth lie" was that no force was used against anti-CAA protesters.

"Twenty-eight people died in UP alone. People's houses were burnt, shops were burnt, they entered people's houses and killed them and the BJP government is lying," Sibal said.

"Is it the priority of the government to uplift people out of poverty or to get people involved in issues, which will destroy their lives and livelihoods. When the economy is not functioning, when unemployment is at a such high level, when our farmers are not getting anything, all that is being done is attempting to get foreign investment even by destroying the ordinary traders of this country," he alleged.

On the arrest of NRI businessman C C Thampi by the ED in a money laundering case, Sibal said, "When these protests are going on, what else will these people do?... These are all diversionary tactics. The most important thing is to deal with the concerns of our people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MONTREAL - It was heralded in 2018 as a major historic find: a 15-metre segment of a wood palisade, built in 1693 by French troops and settlers to protect against attacks from British and Indigenous groups.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Quebec Premier Francois Legault speaks about a major archeological find Tuesday, November 6, 2018 in Quebec City. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

MONTREAL - It was heralded in 2018 as a major historic find: a 15-metre segment of a wood palisade, built in 1693 by French troops and settlers to protect against attacks from British and Indigenous groups.

But now it's the subject of an academic debate after an expert suggested that the structure believed to be part of one of Quebec City's first fortifications is not nearly as old as originally believed.

Martin Simard, a tree-dating expert who works at Universite Laval, was asked to analyze two fragments of the wood at the school's lab.

Simard explained in an interview that the climate and growing conditions of each year produce distinctive growth rings with distinctive sizes and characteristics. In a method known as dendrochronology, cross-sections of these rings can be compared to living trees whose age is known to determine the exact year the rings were formed, he said.

In the case of the pieces of wood in question, Simard says the data is clear: one tree was cut down in 1751, and the other in 1775 or later.

Simard maintains he is not a historian or an archeologist, and has no desire to get into a debate over what his findings mean. But he says that while sometimes tree-dating can be inconclusive, in this case the results are "clear beyond a reasonable doubt."

"I can only say the pieces I received to date were not cut in 1693," he said. "It's clear they could not have been used to build something in 1693."

Archeologists made the discovery in 2018 while digging in the mud on the site of a future condo development on Ste-Ursule Street, inside the walls of the old city.

The announcement of the discovery was big news in the provincial capital, with Quebec Premier Francois Legault describing it as an inspiring reminder of the Quebec nation's origins.

Jean-Yves Pintal, who led the dig on behalf of the firm Ruralys, said at the time that the palisade was symbolically important because it represented a kind of coming-of-age for the fledgling city  the first time France had deemed its new colony worthy of real protection.

In a report submitted to Quebec's culture department last month, Ruralys included the tree-dating study but concluded that the totality of the evidence, including carbon dating, point to a late-17th century military structure.

Dominique Lalande, the firm's director, said there is "no possible doubt" that what they found is the original fortification, known as the Beaucours palisade.

The evidence to support this includes soil analysis and artifacts found on site  including a piece of a sabre, a musket ball and a shoe buckle likely produced in 1693.

The location of the find and the construction techniques match those in historical descriptions and maps from the time. Carbon dating placed the artifacts somewhere in the 17th century, Lalande said.

"It's not just one specialized analysis that completely undoes all the archeological data," she said in a phone interview, adding that disagreements between specialists are not uncommon and "no reason for panic."

In a statement, Quebec's Culture Department said it had accepted the report produced by Ruralys and judged it to be satisfactory.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan 21, 2019
LONDON, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Global commodity price reporting and news service Argus has appointed Neil Fleming to head its global editorial division.

Neil has more than 30 years' experience in energy and commodities markets. He began his career in 1985 at market information provider Platts, where he worked as a market reporter, news reporter, and editor. Neil also has extensive experience as a general news journalist, as former East Africa Correspondent and South Africa Bureau Chief for news agency UPI.

While at Platts, Neil was the London-based Editor-in-Chief of its real-time oil information service from 1994, becoming global Vice-President, Editorial, from 1997 to 2002. He was then Vice-President of Strategy and Business Development until 2008. Neil won the prestigious International Association for Energy Economics' Journalism Award in 1995.

Neil became an independent editorial, markets and data consultant in 2009, working as Strategic Adviser to Reed Business Information's ICIS group until 2018, including a period as the petrochemicals and natural gas specialist's interim Head of Content from 2011-12. He has also consulted for the International Energy Agency in Paris, and for sub-Saharan African oil consultancy Citac, among others.

At Argus, Neil's role is to lead editorial strategy and to manage and develop the company's coverage of commodities markets worldwide. Almost half of Argus' 1,000 staff are reporters, based in 25 offices around the world, supported by additional individual correspondents in other global locations.

"Neil's knowledge of how to manage large, complex business information organisations is unique," Argus Media chairman and chief executive Adrian Binks said. "He has unrivalled understanding both of the markets Argus serves and of how to develop the quality of information that they need. We are delighted to have him on board at a time when we are expanding and broadening our expertise so rapidly."

"It is very exciting to be joining Argus right now," Neil said. "The opportunities to grow both the business and what it can offer are enormous. The next 10 years will be some of the most fascinating and challenging in history for the world's energy and commodities markets. I look forward to finding ways in which Argus can help its customers navigate those challenges."

Contact Information

London: Seana Lanigan

+44 20 7780 4200

Email Seana

Moscow: Alexey Komarov

+7 495 933 7571

Email Alexey

Houston: Melanie Cruthirds

+1 713 968 0000

Email Melanie

Singapore: Tomoko Hashimoto

+65 6496 9960

Email Tomoko

About Argus Media

Argus is an independent media organisation with more than 1,000 staff. It is headquartered in London and has 25 offices in the world's principal commodity trading and production centres. Argus produces price assessments and analysis of international energy and other commodity markets and offers bespoke consulting services and industry-leading conferences.

Companies in 140 countries around the world use Argus data to index physical trade and as benchmarks in financial derivative markets as well as for analysis and planning purposes.

Argus was founded in 1970 and is a privately held UK-registered company. It is owned by employee shareholders and global growth equity firm General Atlantic.

ARGUS, the ARGUS logo, ARGUS MEDIA, ARGUS DIRECT, ARGUS OPEN MARKETS, AOM, FMB, DEWITT, JIM JORDAN & ASSOCIATES, JJ&A, FUNDALYTICS, METAL-PAGES, METALPRICES.COM, INTEGER, Argus publication titles and Argus index names are trademarks of Argus Media Limited.

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Further validating that its efforts to build a diverse and inclusive culture are delivering results, BorgWarner today announced that it is one of 325 companies across 50 industries included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI expanded in 2020 to represent 42 countries and regions. Companies range from a variety of industries, including automotive, banking, consumer services, engineering and construction, and retail.

BorgWarner included in 2020 Bloomberg Gender Equality Index

"At BorgWarner, we are proud of our longstanding commitment to embracing equality and creating a culture that doesn't tolerate gender bias," said Felecia Pryor, BorgWarner Chief Human Resources Officer. "We are honored to be a part of Bloomberg's respected index and appreciate the precedent it sets for businesses globally as we continue to strive for increased inclusivity."

Most recently, BorgWarner joined the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, which is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Over the years, the company has developed several programs aimed at increasing its dedication to diversity and inclusion including the company's Women in Leadership program, which focuses on nurturing women with high potential at every level of their career by giving them an array of opportunities to hone their strengths and leadership skills.

The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand. This year, Bloomberg expanded the eligibility for inclusion in the index to nearly 6,000 companies across 84 countries and regions.

"The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg. "Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally."

Through disclosure of gender-related metrics using the GEI framework, the firms included in the 2020 GEI have provided a comprehensive look at their investment in workplace gender equality and the communities in which they operate. BorgWarner was included in this year's index for scoring at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect a high level of disclosure and overall performance across the framework's five pillars.

Both the framework and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. The GEI is a reference index and is not for use as a financial benchmark. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index. To learn more please visit the GEI website Bloomberg Terminal subscribers can access the GEI at {BGEI } .

About BorgWarner

BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a global product leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. With manufacturing and technical facilities in 67 locations in 19 countries, the company employs approximately 30,000 worldwide. For more information, please visit borgwarner.com.

SOURCE BorgWarner

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A person was killed after crashing into the rear of an unoccupied car on U.S. 90 in St. Tammany Parish on Tuesday morning, according to State Police.

Glenn R. Snyder, 87, of Pearlington, Mississippi, was driving west down U.S. 90 near U.S. 190 in a Lexus GS300 around 7 a.m. when he rear-ended a vacant Chevrolet Express Van that was in the roadway because of another car crash, trooper said.

He wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time of the fatal wreck, authorities said, but they do not suspect impairment is a factor in the crash. Blood samples were taken for the ongoing investigation.

100 mph high-speed chase down I-10 in New Orleans area ends in arrest, State Police say A high-speed chase that spanned two parishes down Interstate 10 ended in the arrest of a man that stole an Orlando company's car Friday night,
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A cluster of forsaken Italian homes have hit the market for just one euro, or 85p, in an effort to encourage more families to move into the village community.

The 90 neglected homes, located Bisaccia in the province of Avellino and just two hours away from the capital Naples, will offer its residents a life in a quaint Italian town while also allowing a space away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Purchasing the homes, which come in shades of blue, pink, green and yellow, is also expected to be a 'speedy and smooth' transaction as they are currently owned by the local authorities and do not require any dealings with the original owners of the old properties.

The abandoned homes located in Bisaccia in the province of Avellino, Italy, are on the market for just one euro for those looking to make the move

The colourful homes, which sit just two hours away from the capital of Naples, were abandoned by their previous owners and are now owned by the local authorities

Local authorities are now encouraging groups and families to make the move to a town that will offer its residents a space away from the hustle and bustle of the city

Those looking to make the move will be expected to renovate their property but there is no stated time frame within which the work has to be carried out or a minimum investment they will need to spend.

In recent years the sleepy town has been hit with a series of earthquakes, with the last one hitting the town in 1980, and it believed that these have played an part in the quiet town's population decline.

The town's deputy mayor Francesco Tartaglia told CNN Travel: 'We face a very particular situation here. The abandoned [area] spreads throughout the most ancient part of the village.

'Forsaken houses are clustered together, one next to the other along the same roads. Some even share a common entrance.

'That's why we welcome families, groups of friends, relatives, people who know each other or investors to join forces. We encourage them to buy more than just one house to actually have an impact and breathe new life.'

Those looking to move to the quaint time will be expected to renovate their own property but there is no stated time frame within which the work has to be carried out

The idyllic town has been hit with a series of earthquakes and it believed that these have played an part in its population decline

The homes are located in the south of the Campania region and offer residents life in a quaint town away from the bustling city

The idyllic town was once occupied by the Oscan-speaking Samnites who were an ancient warlike tribe who fought against Imperial Rome and occupied the centre of southern Italy.

The town now offers residents sights such the Castello ducale di Bisaccia,the Duomo di Bisaccia and the Museo Archeologico di Bisaccia.

The move comes after Bivona in southern Sicily, which has a population of 3,800, began offering its dilapidated homes for just one euro in a bid to encourage more residents into the area in 2019.

The dilapidated homes are located in a town which has seen a population decline but it is hope more will now move into the area
By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan Museum of Independence has hosted exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Black January.

In 1990 the Soviet army entered Baku, killing and wounding hundreds of innocent and defenseless people.

About 137 people were killed, 611 were wounded, 841 were illegally arrested, and five went missing.

The exhibition featured fifty photos of the tragic events of January 20 captured by Tahir Jafarov, Sanan Alasgarov, Rauf Umudov, Oleg Litivin and Asim Talibov as well as works of Peoples Artist Ashraf Geybatov and Honored Art Worker Sara Namitokova-Manafova.

Moreover, the museum displayed sixty personal items of Black January victims.

In their remarks, Deputy Cultural Minister Rafig Bayramov and the museum's executive director Sadi Mirseibli noted that January 20 will never be erased from the memory of the Azerbaijani people.

At the evening, the album created on the base of the museums collection was also presented as part of the event. The project is headed by the Minister of Culture Abulfas Garayev.

The families of martyrs then shared their memories about the tragedy.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trumps impeachment trial with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two days but solidly rejecting for now Democratic demands for more witnesses to expose what they deem Trumps trifecta of offences.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

U.S. President Donald Trump flashes a thumbs-up as he arrives at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020. The 50th annual meeting of the forum is taking place in Davos from Jan. 21 until Jan. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate plunged into President Donald Trumps impeachment trial with Republicans abruptly abandoning plans to cram opening arguments into two days but solidly rejecting for now Democratic demands for more witnesses to expose what they deem Trumps "trifecta" of offences.

Trump himself said Wednesday he wants top aides to testify, but qualified that by suggesting there were "national security" concerns to allowing their testimony.

Anticipated events in connection with impeachment of President Donald Trump.;

"We have a great case," Trump said at a global economic forum in Davos, Switzerland. In a press conference before returning to Washington, Trump said his legal team was doing a "very good job."

He appeared to break with Republicans efforts to block Democratic motions to immediately call witnesses and subpoena documents. Instead, Trump said he'd like to see aides, including former national security adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, testify as witnesses

Trump said he'd leave the "national security" concerns about allowing their testimony to the Senate.

Tuesday's daylong session started with the setback for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell and the president's legal team, but it ended near 2 a.m. Wednesday with Republicans easily approving the rest of the trial rules largely on their terms.

With the rules settled, the trial is now on a fast-track. At issue is whether Trump should be removed from office for abuse of power stemming from his pressure on Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and Biden's son Hunter as Trump was withhold aid to the country, and for obstructing Congress' ensuing probe.

American flags blow in wind around the Washington Monument with the U.S. Capitol in the background at sunrise on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Washington. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will resume in the U.S. Senate on Jan. 21. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open the session, with House prosecutors on one side, Trump's team on the other, in the well of the Senate, as senators sat silently at their desks, under oath to do "impartial justice." No cellphones or other electronics were allowed.

As the day stretched deep into the night, lawyerly arguments gave way to more pointedly political ones. Tempers flared and senators paced the chamber. Democrats pursued what may be their only chance to force senators to vote on hearing new testimony.

After one particularly bitter post-midnight exchange, Roberts intervened, taking the rare step of admonishing both the Democratic House managers prosecuting the case and the White House counsel to "remember where they are."

"I think it is appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the president's counsel in equal terms to remember that they are addressing the world's greatest deliberative body," the usually reserved Roberts said. He told them that description of the Senate stemmed from a 1905 trial when a senator objected to the word "pettifogging," because members should "avoid speaking in a manner and using language that is not conducive to civil discourse."

The Senate side of the U.S. Capitol at sunrise on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Washington. The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will resume in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

Over and over, Republicans turned back Democratic amendments to subpoena documents from the White House, State Department, Defence Department and budget office. By the same 53-47 party-line, they turned away witnesses with front-row seats to Trump's actions including acting White House chief of staff Mulvaney and Bolton, the former national security adviser critical of the Ukraine policy.

Only on one amendment, to allow more time to file motions, did a single Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, join Democrats. But it, too, was rejected, 52-48.

Motions from the Trump legal team were due Wednesday morning, but the attorneys weren't filing any, said Jay Sekulow, one of the president's lawyers. That means there will be no motion to dismiss the case as some Republicans had discussed.

As the visitors' gallery filled earlier with guests, actress-and-activist Alyssa Milano among them, and Trumps most ardent House allies lining the back rows, the day that began as a debate over rules quickly took on the cadence of a trial proceeding over whether the president's actions toward Ukraine warranted removal from office.

Democratic leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., right, and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., walk on the steps in the U.S. Capitol on the first full day of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

"It's not our job to make it easy for you," Rep. Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee leading the prosecution, told the Senate. "Our job is to make it hard to deprive the American people of a fair trial."

White House counsel Pat Cipollone, the president's lead lawyer, called the trial "a farce." He scoffed that the House charges against Trump were "ridiculous."

The White House legal team did not dispute Trump's actions, when he called Ukraine and asked for a "favour," which was to investigate Biden as he withheld military aid the ally desperately needed as it faced off with hostile Russia on its border. But the lawyers insisted the president did nothing wrong.

"Absolutely no case," Cipollone said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., arrives at the Senate for the start of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. President Donald Trumps impeachment trial quickly burst into a partisan fight Tuesday as proceedings began unfolding at the Capitol. Democrats objected strongly to rules proposed by the Republican leader for compressed arguments and a speedy trial. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Schiff, the California Democrat, said America's Founders added the remedy of impeachment in the Constitution with "precisely this type of conduct in mind  conduct that abuses the power of office for a personal benefit, that undermines our national security, and that invites foreign interference in the democratic process of an election."

Said Schiff: "It is the trifecta of constitutional misconduct justifying impeachment.''

Sekulow, the other lead lawyer on Trump's team, retorted, "I'll give you a trifecta," outlining complaints over the House Democrats' impeachment inquiry process.

In Davos, Trump repeated his attacks on Democratic House managers serving as prosecutors in the trial, saying that he'd like to "sit right in the front row and stare at their corrupt faces" on the Senate floor during the trial but that his attorneys might have a problem with it.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, arrives at the Senate for the start of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

And he said he wants to deliver the State of the Union as scheduled on Feb. 4 even if the trial is ongoing, calling the address "very important to what I am doing" in setting his administrations agenda.

The impeachment trial is set against the backdrop of the 2020 election. All four senators who are Democratic presidential candidates were off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

"My focus is going to be on impeachment," Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent, told reporters.

McConnell stunned senators and delayed the start of proceedings with his decision to back off some of his proposed rules. He made the adjustment after encountering resistance from Republicans during a closed-door lunch meeting. Senators worried about the political optics of "dark of night" sessions that could come from cramming the 24 hours of opening arguments from each side into just two days.

In this image from video, an amdment from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is read to the Senate during the impeachment trial against President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. (Senate Television via AP)

Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska, who often buck party leadership, along with a substantial number of other Republicans, wanted to make the changes, according to people familiar with the situation.

It was only when the clerk started reading the dry language of the resolution that the hand-written changes to extend debate to three days became apparent. It also allowed the House impeachment record to be included in the Senate.

The turnaround was a swift lesson as White House wishes run into the reality of the Senate. The White House wanted a session kept to a shorter period to both expedite the trial and shift more of the proceedings into late night, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorized to discuss it in public.

Trump's legal team, absent its TV-showcase attorneys, Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr who were not in the chamber, argued that in seeking new evidence the House was bringing a half-baked case.

A copy of a Senate draft resolution to be offered by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., regarding the procedures during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in the U.S. Senate is photographed in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. McConnell is proposing a condensed, two-day calendar for opening arguments in Trump's impeachment trial, ground rules that are raising objections from Democrats on the eve of the landmark proceedings. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

But Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California, one of the House managers and the first woman to argue for the prosecution in a presidential impeachment trial, said the House wasn't asking the Senate to do the job for them. "The House is asking the Senate to do its job, to have a trial," she said. "Have you ever heard of a trial without evidence?''

The White House had instructed officials not to testify in the House inquiry, and refused to turn over witnesses or documents, citing what is says is precedence in defiance of congressional subpoenas.

Democrat Schiff displayed video of Trump himself suggesting there should be more witnesses testifying.

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One by one, the House managers made the case, drawing on their own life experiences.

Rep. Val Demings, D-Fla., a former police chief, said she never saw anyone take "such extreme steps to hide evidence.'' Rep. Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, seemed to capture senators' attention when he told them near he knew the hour was late, but it was morning in Ukraine where soldiers were waking up to fight Russia, depending on U.S. aid.

It was when Rep. Jerrold Nadler, the House Judiciary Committee chairman also leading the prosecution, said the White House lawyers "lie" that Cipollone and Sekulow retorted that Nadler should be embarrassed and apologize, leading to Roberts' admonition.

No president has ever been removed from office. With its 53-47 Republican majority, the Senate is not expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction.

___

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Eric Tucker, Alan Fram, Laurie Kellman, Andrew Taylor, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington, Jamey Keaten and Darlene Superville in Davos, Switzerland and David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.
A federal agency fined an Ohio-based grain handling company over alleged safety violations that led to the deaths of two employees last year.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined The Andersons Inc. nearly $292,000 for grain handling, and walking and working surfaces violations in the July 19 accident, the Toledo Blade reported.

The company, headquartered in Monclova Township, came under fire following the deaths of Joshua Stone, 29, of Rossford, and James Heilman, 56, of Perrysburg. The two men suffocated after becoming trapped inside a grain storage tank owned by the local agribusiness.

The agency proposed a fine of $291,716 and cited the company for two willful and two serious violations for not developing an emergency action plan that included the proper procedures for grain rescue and coordination with local rescue services.

The Andersons said in a statement it has cooperated with OSHA throughout its investigation of this incident and will continue to take steps necessary to assure compliance with OSHAs safety standards.

The company added it cannot further comment at this time and that its team is still deeply shaken by this tragedy as our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of these employees.

The Andersons will have 15 days to contest the fine but regardless, the federal agency placed the agribusiness in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Agribusiness Ohio
By Keith Eric Benson

In 2014, Pete Denton of Excellent Education for Everyone, a New Jersey policy group, said, Perhaps, most people in this room realize that an awful lot of people in the state dont realize that were actually on track to shut down the traditional Camden public school system. and in five to seven years, it literally might not exist anymore.

A year later, Jim Epstein wrote in Reason magazine about the Slow and Glorious Death of Americas Worst School System. Today, there are 10 charter schools operating in Camden, serving 4,250 students, or 27% of all Camdens public school kids. Thats up from 22% the prior year. In the fall, three new charters are slated to open, with ambitions of eventually serving a combined 9,600 students. That would turn Camden into an all-charter city. Epstein continued, Paymon Rouhanifard, whos wisely made improving school safety his first concern, is probably the best superintendent Camden has ever had, but he wont be able to turn around the school system. Rather, hes the perfect man to turn out the lights.

The fact that closing Camdens public schools permanently has been a goal of the local George Norcross-affiliated politicos, better known as the Camden County Democratic Committee, and outside billionaires will come as no secret to many residents who have been paying attention since the Urban Hope Act was passed in 2012.

And as brief recap, then-Gov. Chris Christie installed Paymon Rouhanifard as superintendent in 2013, who operated the district with little, if any, checks and balances or accountability for five years. The totality of the ramifications of that disastrous period in Camden City Schools governance, that had been quietly apparent to many district employees from 2013 to his departure in the Spring of 2018, is only beginning to come to light to the public.

Despite the rosily crafted narrative of an effective Rouhanifard tenure, in truth, he presided over a sustained period of mass teacher and support staff departures, leaving our schools with only a fraction of the wrap-around supports students relied on and an influx of education consultant-contrived positions that exist nowhere else in the state.

There were also a slew of crony hires that included Governor Christies second cousin, Howard Deans daughter in law, the daughter of NBC Universal Chairman Andrew Lack, and many under-certified former Teach for America staffers who, in turn, hired similarly under-qualified cronies. Perhaps, worst and most consequential of all, Rouhanifards fiscal mismanagement was epic  plunging the district to todays shortfall of $44 million. Surely, the Rouhanifard era was a disaster that many, including the present Superintendent Katrina McCombs, are only beginning to fully comprehend.

The saddest part possibly, is while Rouhanifard and his six-figure salaried hired-help have moved on to green pastures elsewhere, our current students, staff, and community are left to pick up the pieces and figure out a path forward.

To reiterate, none of this was accidental. The goal all along of Then-Gov. Christie, then-mayor Dana Redd, and Rouhanifard was to run our schools into the ground to necessitate its contraction, and ultimate closure to benefit ideologically driven education venture capitalists and city politicians who believe Camden Rising is partly embodied in the forced proliferation of corporate charter schools, called renaissance schools.

And so today, we must fight on to save our school system. Step by step, our educators and staff are conjuring plans to make the most of the resources at their disposal and to implement new approaches to continue to deliver the quality education our children deserve.

That is not to suggest that things were perfect, or that improvements to our delivery in education and conditions of school facilities werent needed  they were. The education process is one that requires constant inspection, critique, and quality assurance. But today, we recognize that the people who are truly at the table, are there for the right reasons. All the pieces are in place: support from Trenton, an intelligent superintendent who is qualified and ready to lead, a legion of educators and school staff willing to do whatever it takes to see our children succeed and students and a community that continues to believe in us.

In 2020, watch us work!

Keith Eric Benson, Ed. D is president of the Camden Education Association and author of Education Reform and Gentrification in the Age of #CamdenRising: Public Education and Urban Redevelopment in Camden, NJ.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.




Haiti - FLASH : All the details on the content of programs with minimum skills (fundamental)





Let's remember that following the loss of 41 class days out of the 189 scheduled in the initial school calendar https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28379-haiti-flash-school-calendar-2019-2020-all-dates.html due to the socio-political crisis and insecurity, the Ministry of National Education had rearranged the 2019-2020 school calendar and developed a program with minimum skills in order to validate the school year.



In accordance with the instructions of the Minister of National Education Pierre Josue Agenor Cadet and the Director General, Meniol Jeune, and with reference to the Priority Action Plan for the continuation of school activities following the crisis, the technical teaching directorates have prepared Programs with minimum skills for the basic and secondary levels in order to ensure good management of the 147 class days provided for in the redesigned school calendar https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29483-haiti-flash-school-calendar-revised-official.html for the academic year 2019-2020.



Thus, the Directorate of Fundamental Education has published the digital version of these programs for the 3 cycles covering the 9 years of the fundamental (in 9 files, one file for each year) in order to allow better accessibility to all educational agents. This work takes into account the essential concepts to be covered by teachers in order to allow students to master the key skills enabling them to move to the next class.



See the details of the programs : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yjzUwdRy5kyNGXh1xHydb0H0FKdSPPSb



Note that school departments not affected by the socio-political crisis are not affected and can follow their programs normally.



The Ministry informs that the work of the Directorate of Secondary Education will be published shortly.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29483-haiti-flash-school-calendar-revised-official.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29443-haiti-education-private-schools-take-steps-to-recover-the-41-days-of-classes-lost.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29296-haiti-education-important-meeting-around-the-continuation-of-school-activities.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28379-haiti-flash-school-calendar-2019-2020-all-dates.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















A animal rescuer who tricked a journalist into wearing safety goggles and armour to hold a koala says he's faced furious backlash over his wildlife fundraiser.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner Sam Mitchell set up at GoFundMe after horrific bushfires destroyed more than 200,000 hectares of land on the South Australian island.

Local wildlife and their habitats were decimated in the fires, with an estimated 30,000 koalas killed.

Mr Mitchell linked the fundraiser with a video of British ITV News Asia correspondent Debi Edward being tricked by her Australian news crew into thinking she was holding a 'drop bear' while reporting on the fires.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner Sam Mitchell carrying a dead koala and kangaroo to a mass grave in January. Mr Mitchell said his fundraiser for injured animals on Kangaroo Island has left him copping backlash after receiving more than $2million in donations, with some commentators saying he will spend the money dishonestly

The video went viral, as did the donations, with the fundraiser reaching more than $2.1million from nearly 30,000 donors around the world.

The wildlife park fundraiser asked for $15,000 to help with veterinary costs, koala milk and supplements and building a rehabilitation facility.

Mr Mitchell told ABC Radio Adelaide that after receiving initial support, he is now copping backlash from naysayers who believe he will spend the money dishonestly.

'I'm walking around town, people are looking at me, some of the comments are: ''geez now you can finally buy that helicopter'' or ''you can buy a big boat now'',' Mr Mitchell said.

Mr Mitchell's facility is now hosting more than 400 koalas, plus many other injured wildlife

'It's really starting to p**s me off because the reality is, I could never do those things now because even if my plan in the future was to do something like that, people would just assume I've raised money for a charity and spent it.'

Eighty per cent of the koala habitat on Kangaroo Island has been incinerated by bushfires this season, with Mr Mitchell's wildlife park now hosting more than 400 koalas on their grounds, as well as other injured wildlife.

More animals are arriving every day, with army reserves helping wildlife rescuers to gather animals from around the island.

Mr Mitchell said he has already spent $100,000 on care supplies and his facility, and there's much more to come.

'I've always dedicated my life to saving animals and I'm doing everything I can for these guys,' he said.

A wildlife rescuer rescuing a koala from a burnt out forest near Cape Borda on Kangaroo Island in January

The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) announced on Tuesday that Kangaroo Island firefighters have contained the Ravine bushfire.

With a perimeter of 640 kilometres, the bushfire scorched 210,712 hectares of land and destroyed at least 56 homes over the course of three weeks.

Outback pilot Dick Lang, 78, and his plastic surgeon son Clayton, 43, perished in the blaze when their car became engulfed in flames near Gosse on January 3.

In a statement, the CFS said: 'The forward rate of spread has been halted and no flare ups have occurred outside of the fire edge for a number of days.

'Crews have worked tirelessly to ensure that the fire edge has been blacked out and secured.'

In a statement, the CFS said the spread of the fire has been halted but warned that 'increased fire weather' on Wednesday and Thursday could cause the blazes to re-surge. Pictured: A blaze on Mount Taylor Road in Kangaroo Island on January 11

However, the Ravine fire could flare up again as CFS believes there will be 'gusty, windier weather in the coming days'.

'Wednesday and Thursday this week are days of increased fire weather with north-westerly winds forecast early Wednesday morning before changing to westerly winds in the afternoon,' the CFS said in a statement.

'Associated with these conditions is the potential for breakouts to occur to the south and east of the fire edge.

'We are advising the community that whilst there is no immediate threat from this fire and the fire is contained, there is the potential for the situation to change.'
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The union representing janitors at Sherwin-Williams Co. says the paint manufacturer should be excluded from public funding for its new headquarters because it is replacing union janitors with lower-paid non-union ones.

For Service Employees International Union Local 1, the issue is bigger than nearly 30 janitors who work at the downtown headquarters, losing their jobs Jan. 31. The company is getting rid of a cleaning contractor that uses union janitors for one that doesnt use union labor.

SEIU says its janitors are paid between $12 and $15 and hour and that non-union janitors are typically paid between $9 and $10. (Ohios minimum wage is $8.70.) The union says it is civically irresponsible and morally wrong for Sherwin-Williams to make decisions that would undercut the pay of low-wage workers in a city that consistently ranks near the nations top for poverty.

A Sherwin-Williams statement emailed to The Plain Dealer says the company decided to change cleaning contractors because ABM wasnt doing a good job. Sherwin-Williams notified the contractor Dec. 30. The statement emphasized that the janitors are not Sherwin-Williams employees.

Adding to the unions concern is Sherwin-Williams announcement late last year about building a new global headquarters and research and development facility. The company is negotiating potential incentives with the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

I dont feel they deserve our money, the taxes we pay, said Tiffany Gallego of Cleveland, one of the janitors scheduled to be laid off. Youre trying to kick us out of our jobs and use our tax dollars for your new building! Its not fair.

Yanela Sims, Ohio state director/vice president of SEIU Local 1, said Sherwin-Williams decision, which will potentially reduce janitors pay, has implications beyond those losing jobs.

This is an issue of income inequality, she said. The haves are profiting off of the have-nots, whose tax money is going to fund their (Sherwin-Williams) project. There are a lot of have-nots that live in the city of Cleveland.

An increasing number of Ohio employers, including Fifth Third Bank and the City of Cleveland, have instituted at least a $15 minimum wage. Fifth Third Banks minimum became $18 in October.

Sherwin-Williams doesnt have control over janitors employment or pay, according to the company statement.

Regretfully, there have been consistent performance and quality issues with the cleaning services provided by ABM over an extended period of time, the statement says. These issues were reported on a regular basis to ABM, yet the issues were never resolved.

ABM has not yet responded to The Plain Dealers request for comment.

Janitor Terrie Eddy of Cleveland said she and her colleagues did a good job of keeping the building clean. She questions why the company didnt choose another union contractor to replace ABM. Eddy, who has been assigned to Sherwin-Williams headquarters for 16 years, said that had happened in the past, and that she and many colleagues were able to keep their positions.

Sherwin-Williams didnt respond to The Plain Dealers question about why another union contractor hadnt been chosen.

Eddy said she is consumed with anxiety at the thought of being unable to land another union job and then having to work for at least $3 less an hour.

I deserve not to be kicked out on the curb and have to struggle for where my next meal is coming from, she said. Ive worked there a long time and I take my work really seriously.

Janitor Ruth Young of Cleveland isnt only concerned about a pay cut. She said many non-union jobs are part-time with no health insurance benefits.

I need medical, she said. I have Lupus. Im 62. Ive worked there for 20 years. I was planning on retiring from there. Its not fair.

The union continues to lobby Sherwin-Williams to save its members jobs, but SEIU is also working to enlist the help of public officials.

I would hope that they would rally behind us in our goal to create one Cleveland that works for everybody, not just the rich, Sims said.

She said the union has contacted Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Cleveland City Council and Cuyahoga County Council.

The Plain Dealer contacted each, including asking about SEIUs concerns about Sherwin-Williams receiving public funding for a new headquarters.

We are moving ahead with our negotiations to retain Sherwin-Williams in Cleveland and look forward to a favorable outcome, the Jackson administration responded in an email.

Cuyahoga County Council President Dan Brady expressed a similar sentiment.

SEIU did reach out to the County on this issue," Brady wrote in an email. We are fully dedicated to keeping Sherwin-Williams in Cuyahoga County.

This is not a matter before the council, wrote a City Council spokeswoman in an email. And council will not inject itself in negotiations between a private company and their workforce.

Janitor Kamisha Neal of Cleveland, like many of her colleagues, is remaining optimistic about keeping her job, days before she is scheduled to be laid off.

I hope that we can come together and work something out, she said. I cant be knocked down like $3 an hour. Going down that far would really be crazy."
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: After a brief halt for the Pongal weekend, demolition of encroachments at Indira Gandhi Nagar and Sathyavani Muthu Nagar opposite the Island Grounds resumed on Monday. More than 500 people have been evicted since last month, and around 1,500 families are yet to be evicted from the locality, which is one of the oldest and largest slum situated alongside the banks of Cooum River.

Though the evictions were stalled early January after stiff resistance from people who had asked for four months extension till the end of the academic year, slum-dwellers say no promise has been given by officials for the extension. There are hundreds of school students here who will be taking the board examinations this summer. They are not able to concentrate in the preparations with the fear of evictions behind their head, said Sugumaran G, a resident of Indira Gandhi Nagar.

Perumbakkam is also ill-equipped with only two schools while three schools still have not been taken over by the State Education Department. This means, a large number of students will have to commute by buses travelling around 40 kilometres to-and-fro daily.Meanwhile, officials part of eviction drive said that evictions will not take place before any further orders. At the moment, only the buildings of evicted families will be demolished, the official added.
Newly released surveillance shows the tense moments when eight armed men robbed a southwest Houston restaurant as it closed earlier this month, ultimately making off with $30,000, police say

As many as 10 people were inside Bombay Express, at 10732 West Bellfort Avenue around 1:40 a.m. moments after the restaurant closed, according to Houston Police Department robbery detective Matthew Green. The patrons moved to the back of the restaurant, where there is a pool table in what police described as a game room.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- LOTTE Chemical Corporation adds nine new color and pattern options to its industry-leading Radianz Cirrus Collection quartz line. The new Radianz surfaces deliver beautifully-veined, natural-looking options across a wide color palette. Composed of 99.9% pure natural quartz, the entire Cirrus Collection delivers excellent scratch resistance, durability, and stain resistance, ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as commercial applications. The new Cirrus Collection surfaces will be available in March.

The nine new Radianz Cirrus Collection colors:

Alluring  a warm white accentuated with a varied brown veining pattern that mirrors natural stone.

 a warm white accentuated with a varied brown veining pattern that mirrors natural stone. Andes  an extremely subtle pattern combining a dominant rich white surface with delicate gray veining.

 an extremely subtle pattern combining a dominant rich white surface with delicate gray veining. Annapuruna  an inviting white that features veining that modulates from bold gray to a delicate light gray across the surface.

 an inviting white that features veining that modulates from bold gray to a delicate light gray across the surface. Calacatta Classic  a beautifully-composed white to light-gray color permeated with both solid thick and thin bands of gray veins.

 a beautifully-composed white to light-gray color permeated with both solid thick and thin bands of gray veins. Calacatta Dolce  a stylish surface featuring a white to light-gray base color, interspersed with gray veins ranging from pencil-thing to aggregate-filled thick bands.

 a stylish surface featuring a white to light-gray base color, interspersed with gray veins ranging from pencil-thing to aggregate-filled thick bands. Calacatta Ice  a surface masterpiece featuring the signature Calacatta white to light-gray color, with thin, gray veins that mimic actual stone.

 a surface masterpiece featuring the signature Calacatta white to light-gray color, with thin, gray veins that mimic actual stone. Pristine  an attractive off-white color highlighted by striking white veining to create exceptional contrast.

 an attractive off-white color highlighted by striking white veining to create exceptional contrast. Splendor  an extremely rich, wave-like black-to-brown coloration that is perfectly complemented by light-gold specks.

 an extremely rich, wave-like black-to-brown coloration that is perfectly complemented by light-gold specks. Statuario Massa  a beautifully tempered white with elongated, branch-like gray veining.

"Our distributors across the U.S. are experiencing exceptional demand for new quartz color and pattern options, for both residential and commercial applications," stated said John Kim, director, LOTTE Chemical Corp. "Our new Radianz products are designed to address specific color and pattern needs expressed by LOTTE's worldwide customer base."

In addition to the new Radianz products, LOTTE's popular Staron Supreme Collection of solid surfaces expands with four new colors. A new Staron collection is also introduced at KBIS  the Terrazzo Collection, featuring the old-world look of broken, polished stone, resulting in classic aggregate with interesting shapes and textures. Because all Staron surfaces are nonporous, they are certified for use in hygienic applications, such as those in health care and food service.

See and learn more about all of LOTTE's industry-leading quartz, solid-surface, and sintered-stone products at KBIS 2020, booth #SL1543, in the South Building.

About LOTTE Chemical Corporation

LOTTE Chemical Corp. manufactures and markets high-performance decorative surfacing materials for residential and commercial applications around the globe. Originally part of the Samsung family of companies, LOTTE Chemical Corp. is rapidly expanding its North American presence through the company's solid-surface brand, Staron, a seamless and thermo-formable, acrylic product suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. The quartz surface brand, Radianz, is a premium engineered surface designed to be ultra-durable. The new Locelain sintered-stone collection features a high-quality natural stone look and superb durability. Through cutting-edge technology and insights into worldwide market trends, LOTTE Chemical Corp. continues to excel in today's surface industry.

Contact:

Ray Vincenzo

(206) 290-4431

[email protected]

KBIS

South Building

Booth SL1543

SOURCE LOTTE Chemical Corporation

Related Links

http://www.staron.com


The Jharkhand government is awaiting central clearance to begin construction work for the Rs 100-crore Dhalbhumgarh airport project in East Singhbhum district, an official said on Tuesday.

In 2019, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Jharkhand Civil Aviation Department had signed an MoU to begin the project at an abandoned WWII airfield in East Singhbhum districts Ghatsila sub-division.

In the 1964 Survey Settlement, the land on which the Dhalbhumgarh airstrip existed was brought within the ambit of the forest department.

Divisional Forest Officer Abhishek Kumar said, "The forest department has already forwarded its recommendations to the Government of India for obtaining clearance for Stage I.

"The government clearance for Stage-II will proceed only after we receive a nod for Stage-I," he said.

Diversion of forest lands for non-forestry use, under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is accorded in two stages.

They are Stage 1 or in principle approval which mandates conditions to be complied with for the issue of the subsequent Stage 11 or final approval.

Construction of boundary walls will begin after receiving the clearance for Stage-I, he said.

Since a major portion of the land for the airport belongs to the forest department, "Elephant movement is there, particularly in areas bordering West Bengal, but it is not an elephant corridor," the DFO said.

On Monday, a newspaper report said that an expert panel of the ministry of environment, forests and climate change has recommended to put the proposed airport on hold because it will affect animal corridors and increase the risk of man-animal conflict in Jharkhand-Bengal border region.

The proposed airport will come up along the NH-33, around 60 kilometres from Jamshedpur.

Former chief minister Raghubar Das had laid the foundation for the proposed airport on January 24, 2019 with a 1,745m x 30m runway as part of the first phase of the project, the official said.

The airport was being set up in two phases for which officials from Airport Authority of India (AAI) had visited Dhalbhumgarh in November, 2019.

On January 3, an AAI team attended a review meeting, chaired by East Singhbhum district Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ravi Shankar Shukla, on the project.

Responding to a query on "uncertainty" about the project, the DC said, "I have no such information.

"We are waiting for clearance for Stage-1 and Stage-11 which will require a time between six months and nine months. Work will begin only after that."



The project will benefit the people of Jharkhands Kolhan division and areas bordering Odisha and West Bengal, an official release said.

"The project will be constructed on forest land and it will begin after getting a letter of no objection (NOC) from the forest department. The district administration is taking all necessary efforts to get the NOC," the release had said on January 3.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 20, 2020

The head of Google is reportedly calling for a temporary block on the use of facial recognition technology until government officials weigh in with new rules.

Facial recognition is fraught with risks, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said at a conference in Brussels, according to Reuters. I think it is important that dominant regulation tackles it sooner rather than later.

Pichai's comments come as the EU is reportedly preparing to impose a five-year ban on the use of facial recognition technology in public.

In the U.S., four cities -- San Francisco and Oakland, California, and Brookline and Somerville, Massachusetts -- have prohibited the police from using facial recognition software. Portland, Oregon is currently considering a similar prohibition.

advertisement advertisement

Several states, including Illinois and Texas, also restrict private companies' ability to use biometric data, including data gleaned from facial-recognition software. The Illinois law specifically provides for private lawsuits against companies that fail to comply with curbs on biometrics.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont) has said he supports a ban on the use of the technology by the police.

Pichai's comments come two days after The New York Times published an expose detailing how the company Clearview AI created and sold a facial recognition database to police departments by scraping photos from Facebook.

After the article appeared, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) reiterated his support for a national privacy law.

Americans have a right to know whether their personal photos are secretly being sucked into a private facial recognition database, he said on Twitter. Everyday we witness a growing need for strong federal laws to protect Americans privacy.
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial-services firm Edward Jones received a score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) , the benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.

"To deliver an incredible Edward Jones client experience, we must foster an inclusive environment where associates are nurtured and can bring their best selves to work," said Kristin Johnson, Edward Jones Chief Human Resources Officer. "We continue to invest in programs that build community and support the development of our associates. These programs provide professional impact, opportunities for mentorship and networking, increase client retention and create a sense of belonging within the firm. When associates are comfortable bringing their best selves to their work, they can bring their best to our clients and the families we are privileged to serve."

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:

Non-discrimination policies

Employment benefits

Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion

Public commitment to LGBTQ equality

Responsible citizenship

Edward Jones offers domestic partner benefits, transgender inclusive benefits and associate volunteer self-identification. Established in 2014, the firm's 600-plus strong LGBT+ and Allies Business Resource Group, which regularly meets to cultivate relationships, generate ideas and develop strategies to build and retain an inclusive workforce, champions Edward Jones' participation in, and sponsorship of, the St. Louis and Tempe Pride parades.

Alphonso B. David, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, made the announcement at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

"The impact of the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe," said David.

The results of this year's CEI showcase how 1,059 U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad.

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

About Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments offered to the location of branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm's 18,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1.3 trillion in assets under management. Visit www.edwardjones.com or the recruiting website at www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

SOURCE Edward Jones

Related Links

http://www.edwardjones.com


By PTI

NEW DELHI: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Tuesday accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of "concealing information" from him on adopting a resolution in the Assembly or approaching the Supreme Court on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Khan also claimed that at no point of time had he said that the state government should have taken his permission before going ahead with the decisions.

To a question that the governor is supposed to go by the "aid and advice of the council of ministers," he said, "They (state government) did not send any advice to me. Instead, they concealed information from me. May be I would have given some inputs to them if they had kept me informed. This was nothing but a breach of propriety and courtesy."

Khan denied reports that he had summoned Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the issue.

"I did not call the chief secretary. It was a totally different thing. I don't want to discuss what had transpired between me and the chief secretary with the media," he said.

Hardening his stand, the Kerala governor on Monday rejected the Left front government's explanation over moving the Supreme Court against CAA without informing him and said it was 'unlawful'.

"No explanation can satisfy me", the Governor had told reporters.

Khan's strongly-worded reaction came hours after state Chief Secretary Tom Jose met him at the Raj Bhavan and explained the grounds under which the state government had filed a suit in the Supreme Court against the citizenship law.

The chief secretary, in the brief meeting, was understood to have informed the Governor that the government had not willfully violated any rules.

To another criticism that he was "too friendly with the media" and issuing press statements daily, Khan shot back saying that he did not call any press conference and was speaking to media persons out of courtesy.
Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu and at least 17 MLAs of his party were taken in police custody late on Monday as they tried to conduct a foot march from the state assembly to nearby Mandadam village in violation of prohibitory orders

Amaravati: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu and at least 17 MLAs of his party were taken in police custody late on Monday as they tried to conduct a foot march from the state assembly to nearby Mandadam village in violation of prohibitory orders.

TDP leaders started off on the march after staging a sit-in near the assembly main entrance following the suspension of 17 MLAs from the House for the day. They were protesting the AP Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of All Regions Bill, 2020, that was passed by the assembly, enabling the establishment of three capitals for the state.

#WATCH Andhra Pradesh: Ex-CM & TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu sits on stairs outside the state assembly in Amaravati after 17 TDP MLAs were suspended from the House for the day, today. They had created ruckus while the CM was addressing the House&raised slogans of 'Jai Amaravati'. pic.twitter.com/DLcHO5ZAI2  ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2020

The TDP leaders were taken to the Mangalagiri police station.

Meanwhile, tensions prevailed at the Jana Sena Party headquarters at Mangalagiri as police prevented its president Pawan Kalyan from proceeding to the Amaravati region to speak to protesters fighting for the retention of only one capital for the state.

DIG Kanti Rana Tata and other senior police officials reached the Sena office and blocked the exit of Kalyan and political affairs committee chairman Nadendla Manohar, resulting in an argument.

Kalyan asked how could police impose restrictions within his own office.

Scores of Sena workers gathered outside the office even as a large posse of police was posted to thwart Kalyan and other leaders' plans.
Prosecutors, though, said they had concerns that Nesbitt continued to run her business for months after agents raided her home. In fact, the FBI had the building under surveillance as customers showed up at all hours carrying duffel bags and bottles of Champagne, prosecutors said.
A 13-year-old Missoula teen considered missing for more than one week was found safe, the Montana Department of Justice said Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the DOJ announced that Tyrin Lee Killsnight could be in danger, according to a Montana Department of Justice news release.

"The Missing and Endangered person advisory for Tyrin Killsnight is being canceled. Tyrin has been located and is safe. Missoula Police thanks you for your assistance," the announcement said.

Missoula Police first received the missing persons report on Jan. 16 and it was immediately assigned to an officer, Sgt. Travis Welsh said Tuesday.

"We've been looking for him since then," Welsh said.

Killsnight's name had not yet been uploaded to the Montana Missing Persons Clearinghouse, which lists missing "school-aged children." The roster, last updated on Jan. 13, two days before Killsnight was last seen, lists 21 missing Native Americans and 18 whites.

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Bernie Sanders is famous for railing about billionaires as corrupt. He thunders about corruption, positioning himself as the austere but honest socialist, the guy who sets no store on having tons of money the way those notorious billionaires do.

You don't need that many choices of deodorant, see. His socialism of yeoman simplicity is what makes him supposedly honest and fair.

Or at least that's the message he's got all over his website as he tries to downplay his socialism and up-play his probity. See, he may be socialist and all, but he's Mr. Clean:

"The corruption is out there," his video headline thunders, attempting to halt the Republican tax cut a couple years ago, calling it "corrupt." He even ran photos of Red Chinese soldiers and Vladimir Putin in his video to argue that the tax cut that has since lifted the entire American economy is actually corruption.

This corruption is so blatant, it's no longer seen as remarkable. Just the other day, the lead sentence in a New York Times story about Republican megadonor Sheldon Adelson was this: 'The return on investment for many of the Republican Party's biggest political patrons has been less than impressive this year.' The idea that political donors expect a specific policy result in exchange for their contribution is the very definition of corruption. It is right now, absolutely out there in the open. It is no longer even seen as scandalous. This sort of corruption is common among authoritarian regimes[.]

So in light of his Mister Clean persona, what's he been up to lately? Breitbart has the answer:

During a portion of an interview with CBS News released on Monday, 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) pushed back on an op-ed from Sanders supporter and Fordham Law Associate Professor Zephyr Teachout that said 2020 Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden "has a big corruption problem and it makes him a weak candidate." Sanders stated that it is "absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way." Sanders said, "Joe Biden is a friend of mine. I've known him for many, many years. He's a very decent guy. Joe and I have strong disagreements on a number of issues, and we'll argue those disagreements out. But it is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way."

This is extremely bizarre stuff, given that the average Joe on the street can see that Biden's son Hunter, turning up in country after country that he knows nothing about on the heels of Joe's vice presidential visits, somehow managed to end up with $80,000-a-month paychecks from corrupt energy companies and more, just by following old Dad with his satchel out wherever he went.

His remarks come on the heels of the release of Peter Schweizer's new book which showcases Biden family corruption in spades. Biden didn't just benefit ne'er-do-well Hunter during his political terms, Schweizer unveils an airtight case showing that Biden benefited five family members using his political office.

There's a reason Democrats don't want any Biden witnesses called during the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, which in fact was premised on Trump's investigation of House Biden corruption.

Now Bernie's denying it? One can probably conclude a couple of things from this ridiculous barefaced lie about Biden's probity.

One, Sanders was also named as a pocket-liner in Schweizer's book, and he's just as dirty as Biden.

Two, Sanders is essentially unserious when he talks about ending corruption. He's got no intention of ending the kind of corruption that made Hunter Biden's life such a party-fest. If anything, he wants more of it. And he's probably protecting himself.

This paints one heck of a hypocritical picture, and it's about time some enterprising reporter called him on it.

Image credit: Shareable YouTube screen shot.
The Prince of Wales is to travel by electric car to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where climate change has been high on the agenda.

Charles will deliver a keynote speech at the forum in Switzerland on Wednesday to officially launch his Sustainable Markets Council (SMC), an ambitious project to help financial markets become more sustainable.

US President Donald Trump and teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg have already clashed at Davos over their views on the key theme of climate change.

US President @realDonaldTrump spoke at #wef20, telling the audience the United States is in the midst of an economic boom.



Find out more: https://t.co/91BiDmegfv @POTUS #wef20 pic.twitter.com/4Q1jXrxDTU  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

Mr Trump flew to the Swiss Alps on a Marine One helicopter, landing where Act On Climate was written in the snow.

The president used his speech at the forum to attack climate prophets of doom and snubbed their predictions of the apocalypse in favour of optimism for the future.

Soon after he spoke, 17-year-old Greta introduced a talk on Averting a Climate Apocalypse, in which she scolded the elites for not doing enough to deal with the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, a DUP MP hit out at climate hypocrites who will zoom into Davos in private jets.

Speaking during Commons BEIS questions, Sammy Wilson said: This week, thousands of climate hypocrites will zoom into Davos in hundreds of private jets to lecture the world about stopping consuming fossil fuel, oblivious to their own hypocritical behaviour.

Charles, who last attended Davos in 1992, created the SMC in June 2019, with the support of the World Economic Forum, to accelerate a transition to sustainable markets and a decarbonised global economy.

The SMC will connect business and charity leaders with philanthropists and sustainability experts to encourage greener future investments.

The aims outlined in the SMC are linked with wider global agendas, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the biodiversity agenda.

His speech comes ahead of his first official tour of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories later this week.

The heir to the throne will deliver a speech at the World Holocaust Forum being staged at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, on Thursday.
Lawmakers passed a bill last week that would allow seniors to fight age discrimination in the workplace more easily  and that could help protect older Americans at a precarious time in their financial lives.

The House of Representatives passed the Protecting Older Workers against Discrimination Act on Wednesday in a 261-155 vote.

The bill would restore protections eroded by a 2009 Supreme Court ruling in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc., which made it more difficult for workers age 40 and older to sue businesses for age discrimination such as being forced out of a job or denied a work opportunity, according to experts.

The Supreme Court said in its ruling that older Americans must prove age was a decisive factor in an employer's decision. The bill would revert to the previous legal threshold, a lower bar that said older workers must prove age was just one of several factors.

Around 61% of older workers have either faced or observed age bias, according to a 2018 survey conducted by AARP, an advocacy group for older Americans.
Union home minister Amit Shahs call for a debate over the citizenship act with opposition leaders, including West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, has invited a reverse barb from leaders of the states ruling Trinamool Congress as well as the Congress and Left.

The senior minister had thrown the challenge to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Congress Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav earlier in the day while addressing a rally as part of the government outreach on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Amit Shah also said CAA will not be taken back as he accused the opposition parties of spreading lies and misinformation about the law, which the government says will help religious minorities fleeing persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan get citizenship.

The legislation has triggered country-wide protests and forced the BJP to launch an awareness campaign against an opposition onslaught, especially from Mamata Banerjee.

The West Bengal chief minister has repeatedly said she will not allow CAA to be implemented in the state and has led protests against the amended act.

She has also said a resolution against CAA would be passed in the state assembly within the next three or four days to demand its withdrawal.

As the debate challenge came in, West Bengals minister of state for parliamentary affairs, Tapas Roy, said Amit Shah Shah should acquaint himself with the subject before daring others.

Shah should first understand the subject himself. He has to understand what the Constitution says. Every day BJP leaders are giving different interpretations. After the Goods and Services Tax was introduced Mamata Banerjee had invited them to a debate. Did they accept it?

Opposition parties in the state had a similar stand.

We have no problem but is the home minister himself aware of the issue? Pradip Bhattacharya, Congress Rajya Sabha MP, asked.

There is no similarity between what the Prime Minister and the Union home minister are saying. Also, they are changing their stand every other day, Bhattacharya said.

Sujan Chakraborty, CPI(M) legislator, said, They are trying to take away the citizenship of those who voted for them. If these voters are not Indian citizens then the election itself was illegal. In that case, all BJP Lok Sabha members should resign. Will they do that?
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Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang, Banten  Tue, January 21, 2020

Private airline PT Sriwijaya Air is currently in talks with several investors to boost the airlines operation following the termination of its partnership with national flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia last year.

Sriwijaya Airs finance director Andreas Gunawan said the airline hoped there would be strategic investors willing to inject funds to boost the operation, which has significantly declined following the termination of the partnership with Garuda due to a dispute over the use of the latters logo.

The investors are both from Indonesia and abroad, he said during a media gathering event in Tangerang, Banten on Monday.

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Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/20/2020 -- HTF MI newly added the Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market Study that gives meticulous investigation of current scenario of the Market size, share, demand, growth, trends, and forecast in the coming years.



The report firstly introduced the Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc.



Companies Profiled in this report includes: Bulla Dairy Foods, China Mengniu Dairy Co Ltd, Ezaki Glico Co ltd, General Mills Inc., Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), Lotte Confectionery Co Ltd



Get the inside scoop of the Sample report @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/2438845-global-frozen-desserts-dairy-beverages-market-5



The research study gives a complete list of all the leading players working in the Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market. Moreover, the financial status, company profiles, business strategies and policies, along with latest expansions in the worldwide market have been mentioned in the research study.



Research objectives



- To study and analyze the Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market size by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2026.

- To understand the structure of Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market by identifying its various sub segments.

- Focuses on the key Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market players, to define, describe and analyze the value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

- To analyze the Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

- To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

- To project the size of Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market, with respect to key regions, type [Type I, Type II, Type III] and applications [Supermarket/Hypermarket, Department Store, Specialty Shop & Mobile Vendor].

- To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches and acquisitions in the market.



Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/2438845-global-frozen-desserts-dairy-beverages-market-5



In this report you will also find additional deals into key geographical segments of Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market and deliver details about their current and former share. Ongoing trends, upcoming Challenges, future better regional investments and many other influencing factors have been considered and presented.



The regions North America, South America, Asia & Pacific, Europe & MEA (Middle East and Africa) have been studied in depth to gain better market penetration and assure exact analysis. Top manufacturers have been given prime importance to make sure their strategies are understood and their position in this particular market can be elucidated.



Acquire Single User PDF license of this research report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2438845



In the end, the report includes Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development analysis. The report also presents a round-up of vulnerabilities which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period.



Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia (China, India, Japan etc) or Oceania [Australia and New Zealand].



Fundamentals of Table of Content:



1 Report Overview

1.1 Study Scope

1.2 Key Market Segments

1.3 Players Covered

1.4 Market Analysis by Type

1.5 Market by Application

1.6 Study Objectives

1.7 Years Considered



2 Global Growth Trends

2.1 Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market Size

2.2 Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Growth Trends by Regions

2.3 Industry Trends



3 Market Share by Key Players

3.1 Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market Size by Manufacturers

3.2 Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Key Players Head office and Area Served

3.3 Key Players Product/Solution/Service

3.4 Enter barriers in Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market

3.5 Mergers, Acquisitions, Expansion Plans



4 Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market by Product

4.1 Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Sales by Product

4.2 Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Revenue by Product

4.3 Global Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Price by Product



5 Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages Market by End User

5.1 Overview

5.2 Frozen Desserts Dairy Beverages by End User



About HTF Market Report

HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the "Accurate Forecast" in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their "Goals & Objectives".
An Easyjet plane takes off from Manchester Airport in Manchester, Britain January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble

No-frills carrier Easyjet (EZJ.L) raised its first-half revenue guidance on Tuesday, saying that robust passenger demand would boost its winter performance from the same period last year.

Easyjet shares rose over 2.5% in early trading on the news that the British airline now expected revenue per-seat to increase by mid-to-high single digits.

The winter half-year, from October to March, tends to be less busy, but Easyjet said a slight drop in competition in the European short-haul flight sector would also help its bottom line.

"The improvement in our revenue per seat has been driven by our self-help revenue initiatives combined with robust customer demand and a lower capacity growth market," Easyjet chief executive Johan Lundgren said in a statement

Easyjets total revenue for the last quarter was up almost 10% to 1.43bn, from 1.3bn in the same quarter of 2018, thanks in part to increased ticket prices. Passenger numbers rose nearly 3% to 22.2 million and revenue-per-seat rose nearly 9%. It expects its pretax loss in this winter half to shrink from last year, when it made a 275m loss.

The last year was a bumpy one for airlines, from Boeing being forced to pull its 737 Max planes out of service, to Thomas Cook going bankrupt.

Easyjet launched a new package holiday business in November last year, which it hopes will break even in its first year. It also said today that it was aiming to become the worlds first major airline to offset all the carbon emissions created by its flights.

READ MORE: Facebook to create 1,000 new jobs in London
The man was shot in the back by his own accomplices.

Deputy commander of the so-called "special regiment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Donetsk People's Republic" ("DPR") Alexey Krivulya (nom de guerre Green) was shot dead in occupied Donbas on January 20.

Krivulya had been shot in the back by his own accomplices, officer with the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Anatoliy Shtefan reported via Telegram.

Read alsoUkraine reports one KIA, one WIA amid 10 enemy attacks in Donbas on Jan 20

Head of the "DPR armed forces' press service" Daniil Bezsonov has expressed condolences on Twitter over Krivulya's death. Russian media also reported on the murder, citing local puppet warlords.

According to media reports, Krivulya was born in the town of Mykolaivka, Donetsk region. In the spring of 2014, he joined Russian proxy forces in Donbas to fight against Ukraine Army.
Former Grammy's boss Deborah Dugan attempted to extort millions from the organisation, her successor claims, after reports she had claimed sexual and financial misconduct.

The Recording Academy, which runs the Grammy Awards, released an explosive statement Monday saying that the ousted CEO created a 'toxic and intolerable' work environment.

The ferocious statement by the Academy's Chair and interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. claims that after those bullying claims were put against Dugan she then made her own allegations against the Academy and 'wanted millions' to withdraw them.

It comes after Dugan was placed on administrative leave last Thursday just six months after she became the first woman to head the Grammys.

Sources claimed Dugan was fired in an effort to silence her and others who were preparing to reveal sexual harassment and financial impropriety within the institution.

Deborah Dugan was placed on administrative leave last Thursday by the Academy just six months after she became the first woman to head the Grammys

The ferocious statement by the Academy's Chair and interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. (pictured) claims that after bullying claims were put against Dugan she then made her own allegations against the Academy and 'wanted millions' to withdraw them

Mason Jr.'s statement today said that the Executive Committee was first made aware of an 'abusive and bullying' environment in November last year.

'After we received the employee complaints against Ms. Dugan, she then (for the first time) made allegations against the Academy.' Mason Jr. wrote.

'Ms. Dugan's attorney then informed the Executive Committee that if Ms. Dugan was paid millions of dollars, she would "withdraw" her allegations and resign from her role as CEO.

'Following that communication from Ms. Dugan's attorney, Ms. Dugan was placed on administrative leave as we complete both of these ongoing investigations.'

An insider last week told The New York Post that Dugan was thrown out 'to shut up people who want to speak about their experience with the truth of sexual harassment, financial impropriety and [improper] insider benefits.'

Dugan and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr. present 'Best Pop Solo Performance ' nomination during the 62nd Grammy Awards Nominations at CBS Broadcast Center on November 20, 2019 in New York City

Mason Jr. today criticized the 'deeply disturbing' misinformation which he claimed was designed to create 'leverage against the Academy for personal gain.'

He added that he was saddened that this was all happening during Grammy week, with the awards to be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday night.

Dugan released her own statement last week 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.

A source told the New York Times that the complaint was made by the assistant to Dugan's predecessor Neil Portnow.

Debbie White and Deborah Dugan attend Billboard Women In Music 2019, presented by YouTube Music, on December 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California

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.

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.

Former Recording Academy president and CEO Deborah Dugan speaks at the 62nd Grammy Awards Nominations at CBS Broadcast Center on November 20, 2019 in New York City (left) and the coveted Grammy trophies (right)

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.'
NEW DELHI: Amazon founder and its CEO Jeff Bezos visited the world-famous 'eternal monument of love' - the iconic Taj Mahal - in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. The Amazon CEO was accompanied by his girlfriend Lauren Sanchez during their Taj visit.

Bezos and Sanchez also posed for the shutterbugs while standing in front of the reflecting pool which leads to the 338-year-old mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaj. The Amazon CEO had earlier on Monday unveiled a fleet of electric delivery rickshaws. A video showing Bezos driving an e-rickshaw, carrying his first name - JEFF - became viral on social media platforms.

The richest man in the world last week announced a USD 1 billion investment in India during a conference in the national capital and later interacted with Bollywood stars and flew kites with local youths in Mumbai.

Live TV

He, however, faced furious protests soon after his arrival in India by thousands of Indian traders who claim the e-commerce giant is destroying their livelihoods.

They waved placards saying 'Jeff Bezos, Go back.'

After arriving in India on Tuesday, Bezos paid tribute to India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, dressing in an Indian kurta to lay flowers at a memorial in Delhi.
[January 21, 2020] BlueCross Foundation Opens Applications for the 2020 BlueCross Power of We Scholarship

Eligible Tennessee students can now apply for a $10,000 BlueCross Power of We Scholarship to help them prepare for careers in health care. The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, in collaboration with the NAHSE Memphis Chapter, will award three recipients $10,000 each in scholarship funds for their extraordinary achievements in community service, leadership and academics. Since 2013, the BlueCross Foundation has helped dozens of diverse students continue their undergraduate studies in nursing, medical technology, pharmacy and more by investing over $100,000 in scholarship funds. "We want Tennessee's health care workforce to eflect the diversity of our neighbors - because we know cultural competency can have an impact on health outcomes," said Ron Harris, vice president of diversity and inclusion for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.



The BlueCross Power of We Scholarship is awarded to outstanding minority students who are Tennessee residents studying at an in-state college or university. The scholarship program strives to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce and empowers students to pursue their dreams in the health care field. BlueCross will recognize the 2020 recipients at a ceremony in Nashville this summer.

Chyna Germany, a junior at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), is a 2019 scholarship recipient who exemplifies the purpose of the program. Raised by a single mother, Germany, who aspires to serve as a nurse practitioner, was motivated to become independent and help women better understand their health. Through the BlueCross Power of We Scholarship, she is able to focus on her education, without having to take on significant debt, and put more funds toward her continued education. Apply at the link below by Feb. 21 to be considered for the BlueCross Power of We Scholarship. http://bcbstnews.com/scholarship/. About BlueCross

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.5 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary of bringing peace of mind to its members and local communities. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's news center at bcbstnews.com. About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.

The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005905/en/

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Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev Open source

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.

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.

Read the original article here.
Game of Thrones actor Pilou Asbk defended the show's controversial ending amid searing criticism from fans after it wrapped up its eight-season run this past May.

The actor, 37, chat about the series on Sunday on the red carpet of the Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium, where he said that the show's cast and crew applauded for an extended period after the initial read-through over the script.

'When we had the read-through in Belfast, like two and half years ago, we ended up standing and doing a standing ovation for 15, 20 minutes,' he said. 'It was a perfect ending, but people were upset.'

In defense: Game of Thrones actor Pilou Asbk, 37, defended the show's controversial ending amid searing criticism from fans after it wrapped up its eight-season run this past May

Asbk, who's also been seen in Ghost in the Shell and Overlord, admitted that he's been approached by many in the show's dedicated fan base who asked him about the storyline turns as the successful HBO series wrapped up.

'You know what I get most now? Why did you guys f*** up Season 8?' the Copenhagen, Denmark native said.

Asbk apologized for cursing on the live red carpet feed, noting he was tired after flying in from Europe for the show.

'We would do that in Europe! In Europe we can say that!' he said the actor, who attended the show as Game of Thrones was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, but lost out to Netflix's The Crown.

Lauded: Asbk said that the show's cast and crew applauded for an extended period after the initial read-through over the script

Line of discussion: The actor was speaking to correspondents on the red carpet about the final season of the HBO series, which was criticized by some fans

Feedback: Asbk said he's frequently asked, 'Why did you guys f*** up Season 8?'

Asbk linked the complaints about the show's end to hostility over it ending, comparing it to a relationship ending and the resultant hard feelings.

'I kind of get it, because I was a big fan of the show before I started it and became a part of it, and if it had ended in that way I would have been angry as well - because when something you like so much says no,' said the actor, who played Euron Greyjoy on the show from 2016 until 2018.

He continued: 'It was like a breakup and Game of Thrones broke up with millions of people all over the world and they got upset.'

It happens: Asbk compared the show's end to a relationship ending, including the resultant hard feelings

Analogy: The Danish actor said, 'It was like a breakup and Game of Thrones broke up with millions of people all over the world and they got upset'

Following the series eight finale of the program, a Change.org campaign to have the eighth season remade garnered more than 1.8 million boosters.

Casey Bloys, president of HBO Programming, opened up about the reaction while speaking with reporters at the Television Critics Association summer press tour this past July.

'I take all of the activity around the finale as, there are very, very few downsides to having a hugely popular show,' he said, according to People. 'One I can think of is when you try to end it, many people have opinions on how it should end. That comes with the territory.

'A petition shows a lot of enthusiasm and passion for the show, but it wasn't something we seriously considered.'
Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, 55, is charged with plotting the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center

An al-Qaeda Islamist charged with plotting the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center will face in court two CIA psychologists accused of torturing him.

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, 55, was captured in Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2001 plane hijackings, before being locked up in the United States' controversial Guantanamo Bay detention camp, where he remains.

While detained at the camp in Cuba, he was waterboarded and subjected to other grueling forms of 'enhanced interrogation' devised by psychologists James Mitchell and John 'Bruce' Jessen.

Mohammed faces a death penalty trial in 2021, but defense attorneys are claiming his confession to the FBI should not be read out in evidence because it was given under extreme duress.

Both Mitchell and Jessen have been summoned to provide testimony at Mohammed's two-week pretrial hearing which got underway yesterday.

One of many pre-trial hearings before the 2021 trial, it will pore over the treatment of the inmate during his time in Guantanamo.

He was was captured in Pakistan in the aftermath of the harrowing 2001 plane hijackings, before being locked up in the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention camp where he remains (pictured shortly after his 2003 capture)

Mohammed, and four other detainees, will be tried by the military commission in Guantanamo in 2021 in a landmark case for the September 11 attacks

Torture was a previously blacklisted topic in courtrooms, but this began to change in 2014 when details of the CIA's so-called black sites began to attract scrutiny.

Mohammed's attorneys also allege that the CIA was working with the FBI at Guantanamo, so that Bureau officers could take a confession immediately after Agency operatives had physically and mentally ground him down, according to the LA Times.

David Nevin, one of the suspected terrorist's attorneys, said in an interview: 'You torture someone for three and a half years and then you have a break and you take them to a new place and you say, "now we'd like to ask you some more questions. We have some other people here who want to do that."

'The question is: Are those statements in any real meaningful sense, in the terms in US law, an act of free will and voluntariness? And it's really almost laughable to even ask the question.

'Those are clearly coerced statements in any understanding of the law that applies to this kind of activity.'

At the infamous Cuban compound Mohammed was waterboarded and subjected to other grueling forms of 'enhanced interrogation' devised in the minds of psychologists James Mitchell (left) and John 'Bruce' Jessen (right)

Mitchell and Jessen were private contractors who in 2002 were hired by the CIA to develop their enhanced interrogation program.

They previously denied 'torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, non-consensual human experimentation and/or war crimes' in a 2016 investigation.

However, they admitted to pushing for the use of waterboarding, sleep deprivation, cramped confinement, and other harsh forms of treatment which are generally acknowledged to constitute torture.

Mitchell has previously said he personally waterboarded Mohammed.

In a 2014 interview he said: 'Yes, I waterboarded KSM. I was part of a larger team that waterboarded a small number of detainees.'

Mohammed, and four other detainees, will be tried by the military commission in Guantanamo in 2021.

It will be a landmark case for the September 11 attacks, which killed 2,973.
A high-ranking official of the Supreme Leader's Office announced January 21 that conglomerates controlled by military and religious entities under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's direct supervision are taking steps to be listed on Tehran's stock exchange.

Mohammad-Javad Iravani who is the Deputy of Supervision and Auditing of Leader's Office was referring to what is believed to be the largest financial and business network in Iran, worth more than a $100 billion by some estimates and shielded from public scrutiny and independent auditing.

"Entities" is an umbrella word for foundations and companies controlled by the "Clandestine Government", a name often used to refer to Khamenei's Office and organizations controlled by it. Some entities are political and military, making crucial decisions overriding all other government institutions and others are economic conglomerates beyond anyone's reach.

One reason for listing the secretive entities on the stock market is to blur their ownership and somewhat shield them from American or international sanctions. Another reason might be the need to raise cash as state coffers and Khamenei's funds dwindle under the pressure of U.S. sanctions.

In his remarks Iravani implied that the reason these companies are not active in the Tehran Stock Exchange is that they do not meet certain requirements, in other words, there are transparency and tax payment issues which according to him were discussed with the economy minister and need to be resolved before their listing on the exchange.

Iravani also said all "economic, social, cultural and service 'entities' are subject to auditing and supervision" by his department, because as Khamenei-supervised bodies they are exempt from regular government auditing which is required for qualifying for trading shares in the stock market. He also claimed the "entities" are among the most prompt in paying taxes, although many have officially been exempt from taxation for years.

Iravani plays the role of treasurer in Khamenei's Office and is also the man in charge of ensuring the so-called "Clandestine Government" has all the funds it needs for running the kind of operations that are rarely made public.

Iravani made the remark in an address to the annual Economic Resistance Conference. The agenda of the conference is "establishing ideal strategies" in companies controlled by these entities on the basis of Khamenei's economic vision and solutions to overcome international sanctions. Khamenei calls it the "Resistance Economy".

Another speaker of the conference, Mohammad-Rezaq Eskandari who is the CEO of Kowsar Economic Organization, an affiliate of Martyrs Foundation which is among the entities controlled by Khamenei, said since March 2018 the shares of four of the companies owned by the organization have been sold through Iran Fara Bourse, to "more than one million individuals".

Iran Fara Bourse operates under the official supervision of Securities and Exchange Organization as an over-the-counter exchange, without supervision by the regular stock exchange commission. It is a market for trading in shares of the companies that do not meet the requirements for trading in the official stock exchange authority, the Bourse of Tehran.

Pointing out Khamenei's statement in his most recent Friday Prayer sermon where he said "Iran must be strong" Eskandari said this meant Iran should be economically strong and "entities" can be pioneers in achieving "deterrence against foreign pressure".

It is not clear which entities and how many companies will be listed on the stock exchange and what percentage of their shares will be offered to the public. But even if the majority of their shares are sold to investors, in the authoritarian country Khamenei can easily continue to control their finances.
DAVOS, Switzerland - President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he's led a spectacular turnaround of the U.S. economy and urged the world to invest in America, but had less to say about climate change issues that are a focus of this year's gathering of top business and political leaders in the Swiss Alps.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

US President Donald Trump, center, arrives in Davos, Switzerland on Marine One, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. President Trump arrived in Switzerland on Tuesday to start a two-day visit to the World Economic Forum. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

DAVOS, Switzerland - President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he's led a spectacular turnaround of the U.S. economy and urged the world to invest in America, but had less to say about climate change issues that are a focus of this year's gathering of top business and political leaders in the Swiss Alps.

Trump kept to his speech script and did not mention the historic impeachment trial that was set to reconvene in the U.S. Senate in Washington later Tuesday. But he couldn't resist when asked about the trial by the hordes of reporters covering the World Economic Form in Davos.

It's disgraceful, Trump said of the proceeding.

Trump's two-day visit is a test of his ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Trump reminded the audience that when he spoke here in 2018 I told you that we had launched the great American comeback."

Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, the president said.

American economist Kenneth Rogoff took issue with Trump's comments, saying some of Trump's claims about the strength of the U.S. economy are true. But Rogoff noted that the economy wasn't doing badly when Trump took office. Its been a good 10 years and his three years probably better than expected, Rogoff said, adding that he thought Trump was careful to keep his comments about climate change to a minimum to avoid getting booed.

Climate issues are a main theme at the forum and the phrase Act on Climate was written in the snow at the landing zone where Trump's Marine One helicopter set down in Davos.

President Donald Trump meets with European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen at the World Economic Forum, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Davos, Switzerland. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Late last year, the Trump administration began pulling the U.S. out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement under which nearly 200 nations set goals to curb emissions of heat-trapping gasses that lead to climate change. Trump has called the Paris accord an unfair economic burden to the U.S. economy.

Trump's speech was met with virtual silence by the audience, apart from a brief flurry of applause when Trump said the U.S. would join a World Economic Forum initiative to plant 1 trillion trees worldwide.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg, who has been criticized by Trump, said world and business leaders aren't taking the threat of global warming seriously.

Planting trees is good of course but its nowhere near enough," Thunberg said.

Trump's participation at the forum provided another conspicuous split-screen moment in his presidency. Before entering the hall to deliver his speech, Trump called the trial disgraceful and part of the witch hunt that's been going on for years."

Asked whether Trump would tune in to the impeachment trial, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in an email that Trump has a full day in Davos but will be briefed by staff periodically.

Trump spent nearly all of his approximately 30-minute speech describing U.S. economic gains under his leadership.

America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, Trump said before talking about a newly signed trade deal with China and a pending U.S. trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. He also spoke of record low unemployment, stock market gains and millions of people removed from the welfare rolls.

Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz criticized Trump for failing to address the climate emergency beyond a commitment that the U.S. will join the trillion trees initiative.

He managed to say absolutely zero on climate change, Stiglitz said. Meanwhile were going to roast.

Trump's appearance at the forum ends Wednesday when he travels back to a Washington that's consumed by the impeachment trial.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraines president to announce investigations into former Vice-President Joe Biden, a Democrat and a Trump political rival. Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they cant deny him reelection in November. Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Trump met Tuesday with the forum's founder and the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position. Trump zeroed in their first meeting on her reputation as a tough negotiator, saying that was bad news for us."

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Trade right now and a deal between ourselves and essentially Europe is something that we all want to be able to make, Trump said.

Trump also was meeting Tuesday with the leaders of Switzerland and Pakistan.

___

Associated press writers Jamey Keaten and Pans Pylas in Davos contributed to this report.

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Over six months after her visit to Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi will be visiting her parliamentary constituency for two days starting Wednesday, party sources said.

Sonia Gandhi will be visiting Rae Bareli along with her daughter and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi. During her visit, Sonia Gandhi will hold discussions with party leaders at the Buhemau guest house.

Party leaders said the mother-daughter duo will also hold a workshop for party workers, including district and city presidents of the state. The party is likely to discuss Congress' preparedness for the panchayat elections slated later this year.

A party source said the main discussion will be on ideology and the party's strategy to deal with the BJP's false narrative about the grand old party. After a long time the Congress is likely to contest all seats in the panchayat polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi will also visit the residence of former party MLA Ajay Pal, whose son allegedly committed suicide recently.

Rae Bareli was the only seat that the Congress won in the 2019 general elections in Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 parliamentary seats. The other family bastion of Amethi from where Rahul Gandhi contested went to the BJP's Smriti Irani.

Sonia Gandhi had last visited Rae Bareli on June 12-13 to thank the voters for re-electing her from the Lok Sabha seat along with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi.

During their visit, Priyanka Gandhi had done some plain-speak. "I did not want to make any speech here, but since I have been made to speak, let me speak the truth. The truth is that this election was won with the help of Sonia Gandhi and the people of Rae Bareli," Priyanka had said.

"I will find out the names of local leaders who did not work for the party in the (general) elections," she had said.
Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday decided to remove the mention of Pathri as the birthplace of Sai Baba, after objections from residents of Shirdi, which is believed to be the birthplace.

Shirdi is part of Ahmednagar district in western Maharashtra, while Pathri is in Parbhani district of central Maharashtra. Locals from Pathri believe it is the birthplace of Sai Baba, who has followers from all castes and creeds.

Thackeray, during his recent visit to Aurangabad, announced 100-crore grant for development of facilities at Sai Janmsthan (birthplace) at Pathri. This irked locals from Shirdi, which houses a Sai Baba temple. On Sunday, 25 villages around Shirdi observed bandh against the CMs remark. However, the Sai Baba temple remained open. Thackeray then called a meeting of residents and public representatives from Shirdi to discuss the issue in detail. The protest was called off after the meeting.

The chief minister said he doesnt want any controversy over the birthplace and asked Shirdi residents and public representatives if they have any problem in giving a development fund to Pathri. As Thackeray was told they have no issue in providing development funds if the birthplace mention was removed, the decision was taken, said an official.

Local Shiv Sena leader Kamlakar Kote, who was also part of the meeting, said, The chief minister heard us in detail and agreed to our demand. The issue has been resolved and we have also decided to withdraw our protest permanently.

The Shirdi residents asked the chief minister to consider Sai Satcharitra written by Govind Raghnath Dabholkar in Marathi as proof if he intends to resolve the dispute.

The first edition of the book that was published in 1930 says no one had any evidence to show if Sai Baba was born in Pathri. We asked the chief minister to use Sai Satcharitra as a proof, said Ravindra Gondkar, a corporator from Shirdi, who attended the meeting at Sahyadri guesthouse.

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Libyas chaos has endured for nine years. As various governments and international peace initiatives have come and gone, arms  already in plentiful supply before 2011  have flooded the country and, from there, made their way across the region, fueling unrest and exacerbating existing conflicts.

Almost from the opening shots of 2011, Libyas war has been defined by the competing interests of regional and international powers, often at the expense of local ones who have borne much of the brunt of Libyan instability.

Now, as Russia and Turkey jockey for dominant roles within Libyas fractured landscape, regional actors again find themselves sidelined. Tunisia, a neighbor of both Libya and Algeria whose internal security situation has been undermined by the terror camps that flourished in Libyas chaos, was only invited at the last minute to the Jan. 19 peace conference in Berlin, an invitation it ultimately refused. Algeria, long one of the dominant actors within North Africa and historically a prime mover within the various peace processes, finds itself struggling to regain lost ground after months of internal uncertainty.

Algeria's ability to weigh on the Libyan crisis has been severely undermined by domestic instability over the past year, Riccardo Fabiani, North Africa Project director for the Crisis Group, told Al-Monitor. Only since the election of the new president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria has been able to pursue a coherent and audible policy on Libya. Indeed, after the visit of Turkey's foreign minister in early January and his attempt to convince Algeria to bless and provide support to Ankara's operation, Tebboune publicly called Tripoli a red line, affirming that Algeria is against any form of foreign interference and wants to find a peaceful solution to the current crisis [in Libya].

During his swearing-in ceremony in mid-December, Tebboune made his priorities abundantly clear, telling his audience, "Algeria is the first and foremost country concerned by Libya's stability, whether one likes it or not. Algeria will never accept being excluded from the proposed solutions to the Libyan crisis."

That some kind of solution is vital to Algeria is indisputable. The cost of policing Algerias 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) border with its eastern neighbor, once estimated to cost Algiers $500 million per year, increased following Turkeys announcement in mid-December that it would be deploying troops and its Syrian militias to the conflict as fears of spillover from any proxy war grew.

Concern over foreign interference in Libya has been a main element of Algerias foreign policy positioning. From the conflicts outset in March 2011, Algiers was one of the few member countries to oppose the Arab Leagues call for Western military intervention against Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Further foreign involvement has caused equal disquiet.

Moreover, despite its role in establishing the UN-backed government in Tripoli, now one of the principal parties in Libyas civil war, Algeria has maintained a relatively neutral stance within Libyas internal anarchy. This is something Tebboune underscored in his opening address to the Libya conference in Berlin on Jan. 19, when he urged a Libyan dialogue between all the warring parties.

All kinds of foreign interventions in the region are anathema to Algeria, which has always opposed all forms of interference in its domestic as well as regional affairs. Algeria is opposed to any use of military force in Libya, whether it comes from Turkey or Russia, Fabiani said.

However, while Algerias position may be emblematic of many of Libyas immediate neighbors, not least Tunisia, the geopolitical ambitions in Moscow and Ankara are now driving developments on the ground. In late 2019, Russia is reported to have dispatched hundreds of fighters from its privately contracted Wagner group to support the faltering attempts of eastern Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter to take Tripoli. Responding in December, Turkey increased its support for the UN-backed government, dispatching up to 2,000 fighters from its allied Syrian militias to support the government in Tripoli.

Yahia Zoubir, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Center in Doha, Qatar, said Algiers does not have an overt "preference either for Russia or Turkey. It sees foreign presence in general as aggravating the chaos in Libya. He added, Algiers does not appreciate the support of France, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia to Hifter either. What Algiers seeks is to have a role in bringing about a solution. For domestic reasons, the authorities wish to show that unlike what had happened under [former Algerian president Abdelaziz] Bouteflika, Algeria now is an actor to reckon with.

Zoubir also told Al-Monitor that if it came down to a choice between one or the other, Algerian officials might favor Russia as Turkey is a NATO member whose policies Algerians detest. They view negatively Turkeys relations and military cooperation with Israel. There is consensus between the authorities and the population, including the hirak (the Algerian anti-government protest movement), on this point." Zoubir said authorities also worry about the influence Turkey could have on Tunisia, which depends on Algeria and has been staying neutral, and in the Sahel. He said officials are even more worried about a potential military confrontation between Turkey on the one hand and Egypt and the United Arab Emirates on the other, and that "a generalized war in Libya could have a spillover effect in the entire Maghreb-Sahel region with which Algeria shares borders.

He said an additional consideration, though potentially not as critical, was the expanded influence of the Muslim Brotherhood that any Turkish deployment could bring; this would be viewed in Algiers as a potentially further destabilizing influence within the North African tumult. Turkey supported the so-called Arab Spring and the coming to power of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Tunisia, even if Algiers and Ennahda have excellent relations. In sum, they see Turkey as a destabilizing actor in the region.

Finally, there are the long-standing relations between Moscow and Algeria; Algiers is an established importer of Russian military hardware. There also is the matter of political ties with Moscow; the two countries are often aligned in their views on world affairs. Algerians also know that Moscow values its relations with Algiers and would not seek to undertake actions that might undermine Algerias core interests, Zoubir said.

Despite Algeria's best efforts, nine years of conflict have essentially now brought an international proxy war to Algiers' doorstep. While its support for any peace process may prove critical, it appears that there is little Algiers can do to stifle the international competition for dominance within Libya's chaos.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of chemical products to Kazakhstan increased by 3.2 percent from January through December 2019 compared to the same period of 2018, and reached $80 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on Jan. 21.

In December 2019, Turkeys export of chemical products to Kazakhstan dropped by 3.8 percent compared to December 2018, and amounted to $5.6 million.

Export of chemical products from Turkey increased by 18 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, amounting to $26 billion or to 11.4 percent of countrys total export.

Turkeys export of chemical products increased by 20.5 percent in December 2019 compared to the same month of 2018, reaching $1.8 billion or to 11.8 percent countrys total export.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
JERSEY CITY  If youre a patron of Bubbles 3 Laundromat, you dont need a library card to get your reading fix.

Thanks to students, parents, and teachers from Hamilton Park Montessori School, visitors to the Jersey City laundromat will be able to read, play with toys, or even put on a puppet show.

On Monday afternoon, volunteers from Hamilton Park worked to install a Family Read, Play & Learn space in the laundromat, complete with a table, chairs and couch. The space will also house about 50 books, toys, puppets, and a whiteboard with movable letters. The books will be replenished by volunteers on a regular basis.

All is open to the public.

What a great way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, What are you doing for others? What are you going out and doing? said Alexa Huxel, the Head of school at Hamilton Park.

The project is the product of a partnership between Hamilton Park Montessori School and Too Small To Fail, an initiative of the Clinton Foundation that promotes childrens literacy. LaundryCares, the philanthropic arm of the industry group the Coin Laundry Association, also provided support.

On average, families spend two and a half hours a week at the laundromat, according to Jane Park, director of the Too Small to Fail initiative. Studies conducted at laundromats showed that children often spend that time looking at screens or running around, she said.

Its also a place where parents spend lots of time disciplining their kids.

A lot of, No, dont be running around, and dont do this, she said.

Too Small to Fail has installed about 100 Literacy Play Centers in over 25 states, with the goal of reaching 600 laundromats by the end of the year. The library in Bubbles 3 Laundromat, at 3498 Kennedy Boulevard, will be the first in Jersey City.

We do this by really meeting families where they are," said Park. "Whether its the grocery store or the laundromat or the local diaper bank or the wet clinic or the hospital, wherever they are, we try to surround children and families with language.

The initiative was born out of a goal to combat book deserts, underprivileged neighborhoods with minimal access to books.

Theres so much research that shows that one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement is the number of books you have in your home, Park said.

Hamilton Park students were shocked when they learned about book deserts, Huxel said. They love to read.

The project was an opportunity to make a difference in something that matters to them, she said.

The schools book drive for the laundromat was so successful that books will be also donated to the local Boys and Girls Clubs, the York Street Project and the New Jersey City University Childrens Learning Center, Huxel said.

Were spinning laundry into learning," she said.
Assyrian Father Wins Deportation Fight, on the Path to Citizenship

Sam Hamama, with his son Chris and daughter Brittany. WEST BLOOMFIELD, Michigan -- He has been the face of the Iraqi deportation fight here in metro Detroit. Now after a 2 1/2 year legal battle, a judge has ruled Sam Hamama can stay with his family in West Bloomfield.

The 7 Investigators were the first to take you inside the lock-up facility where Hamama was being held back in 2017.

"Please, please give us a chance to stay as a whole family," said Hamama at the time.

Now he's talking exclusively with 7 Action News about his recent victory in immigration court, where his American Dream is coming true.

"Let me tell you, it's the best feeling in the world," said Hamama.

For three decades, Hamama lived and worked with the constant fear of deportation.

"On your tippy toes, you never wanted to make a mistake," said Hamama.

That's because back in 1986, at the age of 23, Hamama did make a mistake. He got into a road rage incident and pointed an unloaded gun at another driver.

"I was young, foolish, and stupid," said Hamama of the crime.

He spent a year in prison, got out, and quickly turned his life around: managing grocery stores, raising money for his Chaldean Catholic church and helping his community.

"Sam is the American Dream. He came here when he was 11. He married a beautiful woman, has 4 amazing charming kids, that are all going to be positive American contributors," said immigration lawyer Randy Samona.

But that felony conviction prevented Hamama from becoming a U.S. citizen. His deportation order hung over his head, although it never became a real threat until a 2017 executive order from President Trump.

"For 30 years -- over 30 years -- the United States government has said that Iraq is too dangerous of a place to send people. And in 2017 when it was arguably worse, suddenly the US govt was saying, it's safe to send people back. It's absurd. It was outrageous," said attorney Bill Swor.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents arrested Hamama and hundreds of others in June of 2017.

Nahrain Hamama feared deportation to Iraq would have been a death sentence for her Christian husband. With a tattoo of a cross on his wrist, she feared he would face torture in a country in turmoil.

"With his health condition and the way the country is in chaos, there was nothing for him there. He would not have survived that's for sure," said Nahrain Hamama.

In a race to beat the planes leaving for Iraq, the ACLU filed an emergency class action lawsuit on behalf of all 1400 Iraqi nationals trying to fight their deportation orders -- and they named Hamama as the lead plaintiff.

A federal judge granted them a stay, giving Hamama and others time to make their cases in immigration court.

"Giving them time for due process to happen... That time that Judge [Mark] Goldsmith granted them, that has saved many, many lives, and allowed many, many families to be together," said ACLU Senior Staff Attorney Miriam Aukerman.

Governor Snyder later pardoned Sam Hamama. And last week, an immigration judge agreed that Hamama deserved a second chance to become an American citizen.

"It was amazing," said Hamama. "I just never thought this day would come."

"What are you most looking forward to," asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

"Voting. I think it's a right that Americans have that they don't appreciate. For the last 32 years, since this happened I always thought that I cheated myself by not having the opportunity to be able to vote. It's a right that someone should appreciate. I can't wait to vote," said Hamama.

Dozens of others have been allowed to stay, but the ACLU's fight isn't over.

"There are many, many more who are still waiting, who were locked up with Sam at the very beginning of this case, and still have not had their day in court," said Aukerman.

"I would pray every day for my husband to come home, for our family to be together again, and I pray every day for the rest of the people. Whether they're Christians, or non-Christians, whether they're Mexicans or Iraqis, whatever they are. I pray that all families should be together, should stay together," said Nahrain Hamama.

Sam Hamama has already filled out the application to start the citizenship process.

The ACLU says dozens of other families involved in the lawsuit have been allowed to stay in the US, but some parts of the class action lawsuit have been overturned which means this fight could end up in front of the Supreme Court.
Sour cocktail drinkers should wait at least nine minutes before taking a sip to avoid getting salmonella from the egg white, according to a study.

The sours drinks, which contain spirits like whiskey, gin or pisco, as well as lemon juice, syrup and ice, are mixed with raw egg white.

Bartenders do this to give the drink a silkier texture and a frothy head on the top.

But eggs can carry salmonella bacteria, which cause unpleasant food poisoning.

Nine minutes of exposure to alcohol and acidic lemon juice, however, should be enough to destroy these bacteria and make the cocktail safe to drink, scientists say.

They only tested the effects on the pisco sour, but the same rule may apply to other sour cocktails which are made with lemon, egg and alcohol.

The Brazilian researchers tested their work on pisco sours, which are a cocktail made of the Peruvian alcoholic drink, pisco, as well as lemon juice and syrup (stock image)

'If pisco sour is prepared with highly Salmonella contaminated egg white, the rapid distribution of this beverage may not be safe to the consumers,' wrote researchers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil.

They did the study by measuring levels of salmonella bacteria in drinks prepared in different ways.

Bacteria in just 18 per cent proof alcohol, which matched the pisco, or just acidic water to match the lemon, all survived the test, they found.

But if the pisco and the lemon juice were mixed, it took around six minutes for salmonella levels to drop drastically and nine minutes for the bacteria all to die.

The researchers, led by PhD student Stefani Lopes, wrote in their paper: 'To improve the safety of this drink, it is advisable [to] let raw egg whites in contact to pisco sour ingredients for periods of 9 minutes or more, before serving this drink.'

Salmonella infection is a common illness which usually only causes diarrhoea and vomiting but can have more serious, even deadly, consequences for some people.

The bacteria spread easily and tend to come from farm animal products such as meat and eggs.

Cooking food thoroughly will kill salmonella but people still catch it from eating undercooked or raw meat, raw eggs or unpasteurised milk, or touching foods which won't be cooked  like salads  with unwashed hands, knives, plates or chopping boards after preparing raw meat.

The Brazilian researchers said that, although only small amounts of salmonella usually live in eggs, storing them at room temperature could increase numbers.

Other drinks containing egg whites, such as gin sours (pictured left) or whiskey sours (right) may also carry the same risks associated with the raw egg (stock images)

WHAT IS SALMONELLA? Salmonella are a group of bacteria that infect the gut. They live in animal and human intestines and are shed through faeces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food. Contamination is possible if raw and cooked foods are stored together. Symptoms of salmonella infections include diarrhea, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella. They usually last for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. But if you become seriously ill, you may need hospital care because the dehydration caused by the illness can be life-threatening. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

They deliberately contaminated a batch of egg whites with salmonella and then tested how bacteria levels changed at one-minute intervals.

At the start of the tests the drinks contained 6.1 units of the salmonella bacteria. After two minutes this had dropped to 5.1 and after five minutes it had nearly halved to 3.3.

No more bacteria were detected after seven minutes but, because the scientists were unable to record below 1 unit, they worked out the rate at which it would have reached zero and calculated it would take nine minutes for all the bacteria to die.

Bacteria died slower in the pisco sour drink than in liquid made to match the alcohol and acid content of the drink, suggesting there were other factors at play.

The researchers added: 'The inactivation in pisco sour was related mainly to alcohol content associated with a low [acidic] pH, which was reduced even more in presence of lemon juice.'

They said similar studies in the past had found drinks containing Martini and whiskey had similar effects on bacteria contamination.

The study was published in the journal LWT - Food Science and Technology.
Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) speaks as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) looks on during a campaign rally at University of New Hampshire on September 28, 2016 in Durham, New Hampshire. Hillary Clinton is campaigning in New Hampshire.

Hillary Clinton is still not feeling the Bern.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in advance of a new Hulu docuseries profiling Clinton, the former Democratic presidential nominee slammed Sen. Bernie Sanders as a political hack who supports sexist attacks on his rivals.

In the series, Clinton unloads on the Vermont independent, her main competitor in the 2016 Democratic primary: "He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it."

When asked by The Hollywood Reporter whether that assessment still holds, she said, "Yes, it does."

While Clinton said she is committed to unseating President Donald Trump, she declined to say whether she would endorse Sanders if he won the Democratic nomination.

A spokesperson for Clinton said in a tweet that "she has repeatedly made clear that she isn't committing to any candidate as the primary plays out, and more than anyone in the world she has shown time and again that she puts Democrats & our democracy above all else."

Clinton spox tweet

But her spokesperson also added that when the Democratic nominee is decided, Clinton "won't be any exception" and will work her "heart out" for them.

Clinton spox tweet 2

The four-hour docuseries, called "Hillary," premieres March 6.

In it, Clinton complains that Sanders' entire campaign is complicit.

"It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women," Clinton said. She added:

And I really hope people are paying attention to that because it should be worrisome that he has permitted this culture  not only permitted, [he] seems to really be very much supporting it. And I don't think we want to go down that road again where you campaign by insult and attack and maybe you try to get some distance from it, but you either don't know what your campaign and supporters are doing or you're just giving them a wink and you want them to go after Kamala [Harris] or after Elizabeth [Warren]. I think that that's a pattern that people should take into account when they make their decisions.

Sanders' campaign didn't directly address the comments Clinton made, saying in a statement that the candidate's "focus today is on a monumental moment in American history: the impeachment trial of Donald trump. Together, we are going to go forward and defeat the most dangerous president in American history."

Sanders himself told an NBC reporter Tuesday that "on a good day my wife likes me so let's clear the air on that one," in response to Clinton saying nobody likes him. He also added that Clinton "is entitled to her point of view" and urged the reporter to ask Clinton why she is concerned with the 2016 election today.

NBC tweet

And to Politico, Sanders said polls show that he is the "most popular U.S. senator in the country. So somebody out there must like me."

Politico tweet

But Sanders has fallen under scrutiny lately for a private conversation the candidate allegedly had with Sen. Elizabeth Warren on a woman's electability.

Warren said during the most recent Democratic debate that Sanders told her in a private meeting that a woman could not win the election. Sanders, at the Jan. 14 debate, denied the accusation.

"Anybody who knows me knows that it's incomprehensible that I would think that a woman could not be the president of the United States," the Vermont senator said.

Sanders, who identifies as a democratic socialist, added that in 2015 he chose to hold off on announcing his candidacy for president until Warren told him she would not run in the 2016 election.

"Warren decided not to run and I did. I ran afterwards," he said.

Read more: Things get tense between Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders at Democratic debate

Clinton in the newest interview said a one-off comment about women might be permissible, but Sanders' attitude toward women appears to be "a pattern."

Clinton also added that Sanders "said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me."

The news about the alleged conversation between Sanders and Warren does not appear to have damaged his campaign for the nomination. In national polls, Sanders still sits in second place with about 21% of support, putting him directly behind the front-runner, former Vice President Joe Biden.

Correction: This story was updated to reflect that Sanders talked with an NBC reporter.
In a four-part documentary series on the former presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton says nobody likes Bernie Sanders and claims he got nothing done, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The former secretary of state criticises Mr Sanders as a career politician.

She said: Its all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it.

The upcoming Hulu series Hillary, which the publication describes as a largely flattering portrait of Ms Clinton, does not include a response from Mr Sanders, who was not asked to participate. The director explained that she didnt want to re-litigate 2016 ... as much as just be able to show Hillary in this unobtrusive way.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ms Clinton says she isnt going to make an endorsement in the 2020 Democratic primary just yet, and declined to say whether shell endorse Mr Sanders if he gets the nomination.

Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Show all 15 1 /15 Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Darren McCollester/Getty Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Mary Schwalm/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Darren McCollester/Getty Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP

She blamed the culture around him as well as his leadership team and Bernie Bros who she claims have made relentless attacks on his competitors, particularly the women, and suggested he endorses those attacks.

Mr Sanders was among the 2016 Democratic primary candidates but later endorsed Ms Clinton following her selection as the Democratic nominee. He also campaigned for her election.

If he loses the nomination in 2020, he also has pledged to endorse the Democratic nominee.

On the recent media narrative surrounding his comments about whether a woman could win the presidency, Ms Clinton said his defence amounted to a very personal attack on Elizabeth Warren, who claimed that Mr Sanders said a woman couldnt win the election during a meeting in 2018. Mr Sanders has unequivocally denied the claims, pointing to Hillary Clintons popular vote win in 2016, along with his history of supporting women candidates.

Ms Clinton said: Its part of a pattern. If it were a one-off, you might say, OK, fine. But he said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me. I just think people need to pay attention because we want, hopefully, to elect a president whos going to try to bring us together, and not either turn a blind eye, or actually reward the kind of insulting, attacking, demeaning, degrading behaviour that weve seen from this current administration.

In 2016, Mr Sanders cited a headline in The Washington Post that said the Clinton campaign questions whether Sanders is qualified to be president while another headline said Ms Clintons strategy was to defeat Sanders, unify party, Mr Sanders said at the time.

He responded, saying that was what was thrown at me as he launched a defence of his qualifications. He said: Theyre going to question my qualifications, well, Im going to question theirs.

During a debate, he said, My response is, if you want to question my qualifications, then maybe the American people might wonder about your qualifications, Madame Secretary before he listed her support for the Iraq War and millionaire-donor fundraising while trying to mount a defence of his issue-oriented campaign.

Following publication of The Hollywood Reporter interview, her former strategist Peter Daou said he has avoided attacking Ms Clinton as he embraced progressive campaigns, but this broadside against Bernie is profoundly wrong. Especially since it echoes the erasure of his diverse coalition by pushing the bro narrative.

He said Ms Clinton is among other politicians in the core of the Democratic establishment that has failed to halt the march of right-wing extremism.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa told the media on Monday that a due process needed to be followed to secure the Mahendran was ongoing, reports the Colombo Gazette.

Colombo, Jan 21 (IANS) Sri Lanka was still in talks with Singapore over the extradition of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran over the $74 million treasury bond scam, it was reported.

Extradition documents which were signed by former President Maithripala Sirisena were handed over to the Singapore government by the Sri Lankan High Commission in the island city-state last year.

In June 2019, the Attorney General filed indictments against Mahendran and nine others before the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar over the Central Bank treasury bond scam, following which an arrest warrant was issued for the former Governor.

In 2015, Mahendran, a Singapore national of Sri Lankan origin, was accused of passing sensitive information to his bond-dealer son-in-law to make millions in undue profits.

ksk/
New Delhi: Janhvi Kapoor is a big hit with kids, it seems. The generation next star, who is majorly into fitness recently met a little fangirl who was ecstatic to spot her favourite star. As Janhvi stepped out of the gym to get into her car, this adorable fan hugged her.

Janhvi too reciprocated with a warm hug and the little girl seemed more than happy. The actress posed for several clicks with the little child and her mother, who too stood for the photo-op. Check out the adorable pictures:

(Pic Courtesy: Yogen Shah)

On the work front, Janhvi Kapoor has Dharma Productions's 'Dostana 2' with Kartik Aaryan and Lakshya. She will also be seen in 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl'. The film is directed by Sharan Sharma and is a biopic based on the life of Gunjan Saxena, country's first Air Force woman officer who went to war.

'The Kargil Girl' will release on March 13, 2020.

She recently turned heads in a ravishing red Manish Malhotra saree at Mumbai police annual cultural event  Umang 2020.
Reuters

Turk Telekom has restored internet access after a cyber attack caused connectivity problems, the company said on Monday, adding that it was working to limit any ongoing impact of the issue on users.

Turkey's largest telecoms group said earlier on Monday it had been hit by a cyber attack that led to problems with internet access, but did not specify who was carrying out the attack. It said the strike had targeted its DNS addresses.

In a separate statement later on Monday, Turk Telekom said internet access had been restored to normal as of 1545 GMT.

"The problem caused by an operator abroad has been solved, with domestic and international internet traffic returning to its normal flow," the company said.
Many have been all too quick to make Attorney General William Barr out to be a reflexive toady for President Trump.

The New York City Bar Association recently took the extreme step of writing to congressional leaders to investigate Barr for political bias.

And last month, he came under blistering criticism for defending the Trump campaign and characterizing the FBIs Russia investigation into the 2016 election as bogus.

Slate has accused Barr of using the Department of Justice as a personal law firm for Trump. Vox has bewailed the departments politicization under Barr.

The Daily Beast has lamented how Barr has become another of Donald Trumps personal lawyers. The New York Times has noted that the attorney general had reprised his role as a vocal defender of President Trump.

Perhaps none of these media outlets recall the time when then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. famously described himself as President Obamas wingman. Curiously, Holder actually took to the Washington Post to decry Barrs ostensible self-debasement as an unfortunate instrument of politics.

Holders hypocrisy aside, the new stance in favor of a strongly independent attorney general among liberals is misguided as a matter of constitutional interpretation and ahistorical as a matter of American custom.

Article II, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Constitution states that (t)he executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. The power is vested not in numerous sources, but solely in the president. The president maintains plenary authority over the entirety of the executive branch.

The unitary executive theory, which Democrats routinely excoriate, comes from the plain text of the Constitution. As Barr recently said during his remarks at the Federalist Societys 2019 National Lawyers Convention, the notion of the unitary executive is not new, and it is not a theory.

On the contrary, he continued, (i)t is a description of what the Framers unquestionably did in Article II of the Constitution.

Throughout American history, attorneys general have intuited and acted upon their nonindependent subordination to presidents of the United States.

In Conflicting Loyalties: Law and Politics in the Attorney Generals Office, 1789-1990, the scholar Nancy V. Baker explored the historical nature of the attorney generals position.

Baker devoted entire book sections to The Attorney General as a Legal Advisor and The Attorney General as a Policy Advisor.

She observed that before he became an administrator of a sprawling Department of Justice bureaucracy, the attorney general assumed the role of the advisor to the president. Whats more, the attorney generals responsibility to serve in such an advisory capacity has antecedents in seventeenth-century England.

Indeed, the role of the attorney general as a top presidential adviser has been a recurring theme throughout American history.

When President Lincolns attorney general, Edward Bates, famously wrote to Congress in 1861 to defend Lincolns unilateral suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, he did so not as a neutral arbiter of legal principle, but as Lincolns top legal adviser who shared his superiors ultimate policy aim of a Union victory in the Civil War.

Similarly, President Franklin Roosevelts wartime attorney general, Francis Biddle, ceased his vocal opposition to Japanese American internment after it became obvious that Roosevelt planned to sign the fateful Executive Order 9066. Biddle understood that he was not in any way independent of the president, but that he was a political appointee who had to support the president in order to keep his job.

In modern times, the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel, which was created by Congress during the New Deal, provides legal advice to the president and all executive branch agencies and reviews all executive orders and substantive proclamations proposed to be issued by the president.

The president also has at his disposal the White House counsels office, but that office tends to focus on legal issues arising from legislation, executive and judicial branch nominations and ethics questions.

Though the Office of Legal Counsel does sometimes reach legal conclusions at loggerheads with the White House, it is hardly independent in any meaningful way. Former Acting Assistant Attorney General David Barron, who led the OLC during the early years of the Obama administration, once stated that the offices legal analyses may appropriately reflect the fact that its responsibilities also include facilitating the work of the Executive Branch and the objectives of the President, consistent with the law. And legal scholarship has observed the systematic deference that the Office of Legal Counsel generally shows toward the presidents prerogatives.

Eric Holder was correct the first time. The attorney general, in large part, actually is the presidents wingman.

Josh Hammer is editor at large of the Daily Wire and of counsel at First Liberty Institute.

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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said he is reviewing the progress of 16 power projects in the state.

He said that a number of projects have been stuck due to different reasons such as land acquisition, delay in the submission of detailed project reports (DPRs) and laying of transmission lines.

"We have been holding a number of review meetings to ensure that these projects move forward. This is not something that will happen overnight or in a day but we are trying to do whatever we can," Sangma told reporters.

The chief minister admitted that there were delays in the Kynshi Stage I project due to land acquisition. He, however, said that the government is working to resolve the matter, while the issue of uranium deposit has led to complications in the Kynshi Stage II project.

He also informed that many other steps have been taken to ensure that the overall power scenario improves in the state.

Sangma said efforts are also being made to ensure that renewable energy is used in different government offices.

"We have installed solar panels and currently we are producing around 50 kilowatt a day and once net metering takes place, the power will go back into the grid. This is a system we want to put in place at all the government offices, including the secretariat," he said.
Concordia University, Nebraska, named 263 students to its honors list for the fall 2019 semester. The following local students were named to the honors list: Decker Mattimoe, Scott Uglow and Kalie Ward, Cheyenne; Rachel Battershell, Wheatland.

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 2,500 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

Matthew Wilfong, Casper, has been named to the Presidents Honor Roll with a 4.00 GPA for the Fall 2019 semester at Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D.

Hannah Smothers, Casper, was named to the University of Evansville Fall 2019 Deans List. Smothers is a freshman majoring in theatre. Smothers was among more than 750 students named to the Fall 2019 Deans List.

Elizabeth Hannah Miller, Cheyenne, was named to the Deans Honor Roll at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, for the fall 2019 semester. Miller is majoring in information networking and telecommunications (Web and mobile application development).

Jonah Blom, Casper and Stefanie Kaylor, Lyman, have been named to the honor roll for Fall 2019 semester at Dixie State University, St. George, Utah.

Elaina Radden, Casper, has been named to the Deans List for fall 2019 semester at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the College of Letters and Science.

Stevann Brown, Sierra Forsyth and Joseph Geil, all of Casper, and Vivian Davis, Sheridan, have been named to the Fall 2019 deans list at Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska.

Caleb Cash and Joseph Keating, Casper, and Sarah Haveman, Sheridan, have been named to the Presidents List for Fall 2019 at Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska.

Emily Applegate, Casper, was named to the University of Sioux Falls Fall 2019 Deans List. Applegate is majoring in elementary education.

Kayla Gross, Guernsey, graduated with a bachelor of arts in December from Chadron State College.

Cole Davies, Casper; Kristen Collingwood, Greybull and Morgan Bury, Laramie, have been named to the deans list for fall 2019 at Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Chase Andersen, Casper and Andrew Boedecker and Gabriela Reyes, both of Sheridan, have been named to the deans list at Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota.

Jacob Collier, Bar Nunn; Taylor Bright and Austin Evans, both of Casper; Austin Hartman and Amelia Van Winkle, both of Cheyenne; Jackson King, Alexus Pierce and Anthony Richter, all of Gillette; Kyle Ivie, Green River; Shyann Bastian and Brantson Blaylock, both of Laramie; William Carpenter and Jared Ross, both of Sheridan and Tyler Ring, Torrington, all were named to the fall semester deans list at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City.

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Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the province will return to talks with teachers when mediators call all sides back to the bargaining table.

Lecce told reporters on Monday  the first day of a string of daylong strikes by teachers across the province  that all parties have an obligation to work very hard to get deals and noted there are upcoming negotiations scheduled with the union representing teachers in French language boards.

However, there are no talks scheduled with the other three teacher unions  the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation and the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association.

All three are staging one-day strikes this week, and the elementary teacher union has said it will continue with rotating walkouts until a deal is reached.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called the current unrest completely unnecessary and blamed the government.

I think that the minister knows very well that if all of the other issues are taken off the table, in terms of cuts, then bargaining on some other issues can go forward, she said, referring to government moves such as larger class sizes and mandatory, online courses.

Lecce, she added, can turn this around in a moment.

The Ford government is stubbornly ignoring the message that is being sent to them by parents  which is we want a good quality education system for our kids.

Lecce, however, said parents are rather displeased with the impacts of (Mondays) one-day strikes and the upcoming withdrawal of service thats impacting students. We owe it to the students of this province not to withdraw services from them.

He said he hopes the mediator brings the parties together We stand ready to negotiate when the mediatorbrings the parties together. We continue to make the case that these strikes hurt kids, with the hope that it will seize this escalation, which has had an adverse impact on learning.

Cathy Abraham, president of the Ontario Public School Boards Association, said strike action is always frustrating because its not what is good for kids. We prefer them to be in classrooms, we prefer them to be learning.

The school boards, which sit at the bargaining table with the province and teachers, also oppose larger class sizes and e-learning for all students.

We are pleased (the government) has gone from 28 to 25 in terms of average secondary school class size, Abraham said, but its still not good enough. We know our parents most people dont agree that larger class sizes are a good choice.
MONTREAL, Jan. 20, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - METRO (TSX: MRU) will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and announce its first quarter fiscal 2020 results.

Event Information:

Tuesday, January 28, 2020  10 a.m.

Centre Mont-Royal, Salon Mont-Royal

2200 Mansfield Street, Montreal

Journalists who wish to attend the Annual Meeting should report to the Media Desk. No electronic equipment (video or still cameras, tape recorders, etc.) will be permitted in the room during the meeting. However, a brief taping session will be allowed prior to the opening of the meeting. Question period is for shareholders only.

Please note that there will be no news briefing following the event.

Webcast

Shareholders, media and other interested persons who are unable to attend are invited to listen to a live webcast, which is also available on METRO's website in the Investor Relations section.

SOURCE METRO INC.

For further information: METRO, Media Relations, 514 643-1009 or 1 800 463-2190, [email protected]

Related Links

www.corpo.metro.ca


MADISON  Environmental and clean energy advocates have sued Wisconsin utility regulators over a We Energies solar program they say discriminates against individuals and businesses.

In a case filed last week in Dane County Circuit Court, the Sierra Club, Renew Wisconsin, the Environmental Law & Policy Center and Vote Solar claim the rate structure approved last year violates federal law by paying more for electricity generated with utility-owned panels on customer property than for electricity from customer-owned equipment.

Renew Wisconsin executive director Tyler Huebner said the groups are seeking a level playing field that doesnt discourage private development.

The sun shines and the wind blows the same for everyone, said Elizabeth Ward, director of Sierra Clubs Wisconsin chapter. It doesnt favor monopoly utilities over the hardworking Wisconsinites who invest their own money in solar and wind.

The groups are asking the court to overturn the Public Service Commissions December vote approving the utilitys buyback rates for independent generators.

Federal law requires utilities to purchase electricity from qualifying non-utility generators, such as a solar farm or manure digester. The clean energy groups argue Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rules prohibit utilities from setting prices that discriminate against non-utility generation.

We Energies has established a pair of programs through which customers can invest in or host utility-owned solar panels and receive payments for the energy generated. Those rates account for the value of the energy as well as capacity, or the ability to deliver energy. Independent solar producers arent compensated for capacity.

Accounting for the utilitys avoided capacity costs would essentially double the rate paid to independent producers, according to the complaint.

Brad Klein, a senior attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center, called it a simple case of self-dealing.

We Energies put their shareholders ahead of Wisconsin homes and businesses, Klein wrote in a prepared statement. The way they went about it is complex and technical, but this case itself is simple: A large company is illegally trying to squeeze out competition.

Utility spokesman Brendan Conway did not address the specifics of the complaint but defended the rate structures.

We pay customers the market rate for their excess generation, Conway said. The Commission supported that decision because it is fair to all customers.

The commission approved the rates on a 2-1 vote. PSC Chair Rebecca Valcq dissented, saying the commission should open an investigation into avoided capacity costs.

PSC spokesman Matt Sweeney declined to comment, citing agency policy on pending litigation.

This is not the first legal case spawned by the utilitys solar policies.

Eagle Point Solar last year sued PSC over the commissions refusal to rule on whether state law allows private companies to lease solar panels to customers without being treated as regulated utilities.

The case was filed after We Energies blocked a deal in which Eagle Point was contracted to lease 1.1 megawatts of solar panels to the city of Milwaukee and instead urged the city to consider participating in the utilitys program.

Eagle Point asked the court to prevent We Energies from interfering with its city contract and to declare that the contract does not make Eagle Point a public utility subject to state regulation.

A judge dismissed the case in November, ruling that Eagle Point needed to first exhaust all its appeals before the PSC.

Eagle Point has appealed and asked the state Supreme Court to hear the case.

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Karnataka cabinet minister CT Ravi on Tuesday (local time) paid tribute to Basaveshwara statue in London.

"It's a matter of great pride for every Kannadiga to see the statue of a pioneer of Indian democracy and a great Kannada icon opposite the British Parliament. He also thanked the former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth Dr. Neeraj Patil for his hard work and efforts in getting the statue erected," he was quoted as saying.

The event was organised by The Lambeth Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in the UK that has erected the statue of Basaveshwara on the bank of river Thames.

The Basaveshwara statue project was approved by the planning department of The London Borough of Lambeth in April 2012 and subsequently by the British Cabinet as per the British Public Statues Act, 1854 in July 2012.

The Basaveshwara statue erected at the Albert Embankment is not only the first statue to be unveiled by an Indian Prime Minister in the UK, but is also the first conceptual statue approved by the British Cabinet in the vicinity of the British Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled this statue on November 14, 2015, in the presence of Speaker of the British Parliament Rt Hon John Bercow.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It's been six years since AC/DC have released a studio album, and it sounds like we can be expecting a new one in a month or so.

Australian broadcaster Eddie McGuire said on Monday:

There has been speculation, but my mail is there will be a new album released by AC/DC in February or March this year, but also that AC/DC will be touring Australia in October or November 2020.

McGuire then went on to imply that two former members of the band would be returning. He said "after a lot of work and a lot of technical research, they have been able to get a hearing aid for Brian Johnson, who will be out front."

and "even Phil Rudd might be back in the group. Either playing percussion or drums, with Angus, so that they've got three of  well, not the originals, but three of the old-timers, if you like, back there."



AC/DC haven't been in NZ since 2015, so if these claims are true, here's hoping they'll pay us a visit.
Summer break will be more than a week shorter than last year for Fort Bend ISD students if trustees approve the 2020-21 calendar recently proposed by district administrators.

The proposed calendar allows ten weeks and three days for summer break, compared to 11 weeks and two days included in last years calendar.

For teachers, the proposed calendar shortens summer break from roughly ten weeks to nine weeks, with teachers returning on Monday, Aug. 3 for six professional learning days followed by a teacher work day.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Shortened break means less summer for Fort Bend ISD teachers

Students will return to classes on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Over the weekend, the proposed calendar drew mixed reviews on social media. But, a number of parents voiced support for the calendar, which was created with input from a committee of parents, community members, administrators and teachers.

For district officials, a top priority was to schedule the last day of school for students before Memorial Day. Another priority was to include holidays and time off each month with the number of three and four-day weekends set to increase from seven to ten next year.

Trustees reviewed the proposed calendar at the Jan. 12 workshop, and it appeared board members were happy with the proposal, which was one of two similar calendars options developed by administrators.

However, Glenda Macal, president of Fort Bend Association of Teachers, 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.

Several years ago, the Texas Education Agency put new rules in place that allows Fort Bend ISD and other districts new flexibility in creating their calendars.

At first it sounded like a great idea, Macal said. But what it has amounted to is the school year had been extended each year and the summer break is shortened each time.

One reason Macal says teachers need more time to recharges 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

Trustees are expected to approve the calendar at tonights school board meeting scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at the district administrator building located at 16431 Lexington Blvd.

For complete agenda information included the proposed 2020-2021 proposed calendar, visit https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=888888&mk=50360091

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.
ABC News

Tennis world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is apologizing for an "error of judgement" related to an in-person interview he conducted last month after being exposed to COVID-19 as he continues to fight to stay in Australia and compete in the first major of the year. Djokovic, who is tied for first all time with 20 major wins, released a new statement Wednesday midday local time in Melbourne explaining the timeline of several public appearances around when he tested positive for COVID in December -- which he says should allow him to compete in the Australian Open despite apparently not being vaccinated. "I want to address the continuing misinformation about my activities and attendance at events in December leading up to my positive PCR COVID test result," he wrote in an Instagram post.
The possible suicide is being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation.

An employee of Ukraine's State Security Administration (SSA) has shot himself dead in the building of the Central Election Commission (CEC) in Kyiv.

Speaking in a comment for UNIAN, SSA chief Serhiy Rud confirmed that the serviceman who reportedly committed the suicide in the CEC building was an SSA employee.

Read alsoOne dead, one wounded in Kharkiv mall parking lot shootout (Photo, video)

"An investigation is under way," he told UNIAN.

The possible suicide is being investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Bureau said on its website on Monday, January 20.

The criminal proceedings were opened under Part 1 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional homicide). "According to an early report, an SSA employee shot himself in the head, using a service weapon, namely a Makarov pistol, at about 18:20 Kyiv time on January 20, 2020, and died of a wound on the spot," it said.

The investigation is being supervised by the Kyiv Military Prosecutor's Office.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Bloomberg Media launched Bloomberg Green, a new multiplatform editorial brand focused on climate change news, analysis, and solutions. Bloomberg Green includes a new website featuring a global, interactive climate data dashboard, a daily email newsletter, a podcast, and a magazine. It will also include integration across digital video, QuickTake by Bloomberg, Bloomberg Television, Bloomberg TV+, Bloomberg Radio, and Bloomberg Live events. Bloomberg Green went live today on BloombergGreen.com and on the Bloomberg Terminal.

Drawing on Bloomberg's global newsroom of 2,700 journalists and analysts across 120 countries, Bloomberg Green will center on the business, science, and technology of climate change. The brand will utilize Bloomberg's deep data expertise to produce original reporting and solutions-driven coverage, as well as business and investment focused content. Bloomberg Green starts with an established audience for climate, sustainability and green finance coverage, as Bloomberg News already publishes hundreds of stories each month on these subjects across its platforms.

"The climate change era is upon us and Bloomberg Green will be the first global business media brand wholly dedicated to this essential story," said Justin B. Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Bloomberg Media. "From the onset Bloomberg Green will be a multiplatform brand, creating deep connections with our audience at every stage of their media consumption cycle across digital, audio, video, live events and print. Like the climate story itself, Bloomberg Green will span the entire globe, leveraging Bloomberg Media's unrivaled footprint."

"We want Bloomberg Green to be the indispensable guide to anyone who wants to understand the great transition that is climate change  investors, politicians, chief executives and scientists to be sure, but also clever readers everywhere," said John Micklethwait, Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief. "Our hope is that it will bring clarity and data where there is currently fog and fear  just as Bloomberg has brought light to other once opaque subjects."

Aaron Rutkoff becomes Editor of Bloomberg Green, overseeing global climate coverage and the new magazine. He previously launched Bloomberg's Hyperdrive vertical on the future of transportation technology.

Founding Partners for Bloomberg Green include Amazon, HP Inc., JLL, PGIM and Tiffany & Co. These companies - together representing the retail, technology, real estate, financial services and luxury industries  have committed to supporting Bloomberg Green across its launch year in an effort to address critical issues related to climate and sustainability. This includes participation in the inaugural Bloomberg Green live event, as well as custom content and integrations created by Bloomberg Media in collaboration with each Founding Partner. Presenting sponsors, including Iberdrola, will also support Bloomberg Green activations throughout the year.

Key features of Bloomberg Green:

Data Dashboard. A dynamic dashboard of environmental and energy metrics is central to Bloomberg Green, giving readers a straightforward, highly visual way to understand what's happening in climate developments right now. These live data points, original to Bloomberg Green, include tracking of tree loss, air pollution, carbon-free energy and more. The Data Dash includes a compelling data-visualization experience anchored by additional reporting and interactive graphics, and will be incorporated into every Bloomberg Green story.

A dynamic of environmental and energy metrics is central to Bloomberg Green, giving readers a straightforward, highly visual way to understand what's happening in climate developments right now. These live data points, original to Bloomberg Green, include tracking of tree loss, air pollution, carbon-free energy and more. The includes a compelling data-visualization experience anchored by additional reporting and interactive graphics, and will be incorporated into every Bloomberg Green story. Daily newsletters. The Bloomberg Green Daily e-mail newsletter will be hosted by a different Bloomberg Green journalist each business day of the week, focusing on individual topics from climate impact, science, zero-emission technology, sustainable investing, and the energy transition. Readers can sign up to receive it here .

The Bloomberg Green Daily e-mail newsletter will be hosted by a different Bloomberg Green journalist each business day of the week, focusing on individual topics from climate impact, science, zero-emission technology, sustainable investing, and the energy transition. Readers can sign up to receive it . BloombergGreen.com and Bloomberg App . A dedicated website features original reporting, long form storytelling, rich data visualizations, graphics, and video and audio features. Bloomberg Green will also be featured on Bloomberg's mobile app.

A dedicated website features original reporting, long form storytelling, rich data visualizations, graphics, and video and audio features. Bloomberg Green will also be featured on Bloomberg's mobile app. Magazine . Bloomberg Green will publish a magazine, and the first issue will launch in April for Earth Day. Each issue will focus on a signature theme, combining new reporting and features alongside a collection of premier climate journalism. The magazine will be printed on 100% recycled paper and its content will appear on the Bloomberg Green website and on the Terminal.

. Bloomberg Green will publish a magazine, and the first issue will launch in April for Earth Day. Each issue will focus on a signature theme, combining new reporting and features alongside a collection of premier climate journalism. The magazine will be printed on 100% recycled paper and its content will appear on the Bloomberg Green website and on the Terminal. Live events. Bloomberg Live will curate marquee Bloomberg Green events. To kick off, Bloomberg will host a special Bloomberg Green conversation on solutions needed to create meaningful climate action at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22 . Bloomberg Green programming will also be incorporated into other Bloomberg Live global events throughout the year.

Bloomberg Live will curate marquee Bloomberg Green events. To kick off, Bloomberg will host a special Bloomberg Green conversation on solutions needed to create meaningful climate action at the World Economic Forum in on . Bloomberg Green programming will also be incorporated into other Bloomberg Live global events throughout the year. Video and audio. Bloomberg Television and Radio will feature regular Bloomberg Green segments on their global programming, including a weekly Green Power segment on Bloomberg TV featuring climate thought leaders and a weekly Green Business segment on Bloomberg Radio, following developments in sustainable investing, clean energy, and more through the lens of business opportunity. In addition, Bloomberg Green will integrate digital video series from QuickTake by Bloomberg and a Bloomberg Green podcast will debut later this year.

Bloomberg Television and Radio will feature regular Bloomberg Green segments on their global programming, including a weekly Green Power segment on Bloomberg TV featuring climate thought leaders and a weekly Green Business segment on Bloomberg Radio, following developments in sustainable investing, clean energy, and more through the lens of business opportunity. In addition, Bloomberg Green will integrate digital video series from QuickTake by Bloomberg and a Bloomberg Green podcast will debut later this year. Thought leaders. Three new columnists will write regularly: science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson , climate researcher Kate Mackenzie , and New York University Professor Gernot Wagner . Bloomberg Green will also publish op-ed pieces contributed from around the world.

Three new columnists will write regularly: science fiction writer , climate researcher , and Professor . Bloomberg Green will also publish op-ed pieces contributed from around the world. Social media. Bloomberg Green can be found on Instagram and Facebook (@bloomberggreen) and on Twitter (@climate). Bloomberg's deep data sets will power highly shareable, easily digestible news analysis via Datagrams  a high-performing Instagram Story platform that creates data visualizations tailored for social.

Founding Partners:

"We're an enthusiastic supporter of initiatives like Bloomberg Green that build a wider understanding of climate change and the solutions to address it," said Dave Clark , Senior Vice President, Operations, Amazon . "We've decided to use our size and scale to make a difference by co-founding, with Global Optimism, The Climate Pledge. We're inviting companies to join us in meeting the Paris Agreement goals 10 years early - and to play a critical role in stimulating investment in the development of low carbon products and services needed to help transition to a low carbon economy."

. "We've decided to use our size and scale to make a difference by co-founding, with Global Optimism, The Climate Pledge. We're inviting companies to join us in meeting the Paris Agreement goals 10 years early - and to play a critical role in stimulating investment in the development of low carbon products and services needed to help transition to a low carbon economy." "Climate change and making a sustainable impact is a business imperative and we believe companies have a responsibility to take immediate action. We are proud to support the influence, advocacy and creativity behind Bloomberg Green to serve as a news and storytelling beacon for the powerful role business can play in driving lasting change," said Nate Hurst , Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer, HP Inc . "The world's most trusted brands stand for more than the products they sell. They are built on strong values and lead with purpose."

. "The world's most trusted brands stand for more than the products they sell. They are built on strong values and lead with purpose." "It is essential for the business community to pool knowledge, resources and best practices to help address the management and mitigation of climate change. The urgency of this challenge demands we prioritize collaboration over competition," said Christian Ulbrich , JLL CEO . "Initiatives such as Bloomberg Green are vital to focusing and accelerating these efforts. JLL will be playing a full and energetic part in Bloomberg Green, consistent with our core commitment to shaping the future of real estate for a better world."

. "Initiatives such as Bloomberg Green are vital to focusing and accelerating these efforts. JLL will be playing a full and energetic part in Bloomberg Green, consistent with our core commitment to shaping the future of real estate for a better world." "With Bloomberg's proven leadership in reporting on critical sustainability issues, we're thrilled to be a founding partner of Bloomberg Green. We share a fundamental commitment to supporting communities, promoting conservation and addressing climate change  which we believe to be the defining issues of our time  and look forward to partnering with Bloomberg Media to bring important sustainability storytelling to life," said Anisa Kamadoli Costa , Chief Sustainability Officer, Tiffany & Co.

For more information, visit BloombergGreen.com .

Bloomberg Media, the consumer-facing media organization of Bloomberg LP, is the leading global business and financial media company reaching a premium audience of more than 80 million consumers. Bloomberg Media Group connects influential audiences to news, ideas and intelligence across every platform: digital, TV, radio, print and live events. Bloomberg Editorial & Research has more than 2,700 journalists and analysts across 120 countries.

About Bloomberg

Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company's strength  delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately  is at the core of the Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg's enterprise solutions build on the company's core strength: leveraging technology to allow customers to access, integrate, distribute and manage data and information across organizations more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.

SOURCE Bloomberg

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People wear masks on the street to protect against a deadly pneumonia virus in Hong Kong, on March 31, 2003. (Peter Parks/AFP/GettyImages)

Man in Australia Undergoes Tests in Isolation as Coronavirus Outbreak Worsens

A man from Brisbane who recently returned from central China with flu-like symptoms has been placed in isolation as health authorities check whether he has contracted a new strain of coronavirus.

The man, who traveled to Wuhan on a family holiday, will undergo further tests for the virus as he recovers at home, Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said.

Wuhan is believed to be the epicenter of the coronavirus. The World Health Organization began responding to cases in the region on Dec. 31.

Young said authorities were waiting for a primer from the WHO, which would allow them to confirm it was coronavirus.

The man returned from the city in Hubei Province with respiratory problems, a Queensland Health spokesman said in a statement.

Because the man traveled to Wuhan, coronavirus is one of the conditions he is being tested for, he explained. The man will remain in isolation until his symptoms have resolved.

The spokesman and Young urged anyone who had returned from China with respiratory symptoms to visit their GP immediately.

Health authorities are hoping to confirm whether the man has been infected with coronavirus within days, the Courier-Mail reported. If test results show he has contracted the virus, the man will become the first known Australian to have been infected.

Australia has raised its travel advice for Wuhan to level two, telling people to exercise a high degree of caution.

Australias Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy assured that the risk to the nations public is low.

Although, we do need to keep precautionary and active surveillance of the situation, Murphy told reporters in Canberra on Jan. 21.

However, as part of precautionary measures, Murphy said direct flights arriving in Sydney from Wuhan would be screened by biosecurity starting Jan. 23. There are three direct flights a week from Wuhan into Sydney.

Information will be displayed across all other points of entry into Australia to warn people who develop symptoms to seek urgent medical attention.

They will be providing to all the passengers an information pamphlet in English and Mandarin, outlining the symptoms this disease might deliver and asking them to identify themselves at the border, Murphy said.

If anyone has a fever or suspect they might have this disease, and if they are suspected of having this condition, New South Wales Health will follow up as per our normal border security and biosecurity protocols.

And obviously well be doing some specific communications in the Chinese media to target the Chinese-speaking population, who are clearly of significant interest to us.

China on Jan. 20 admitted that the disease could be transmitted from human to humanraising concerns that the illness has already spread widely across the country.

Meanwhile, a third country outside of China, South Korea, has confirmed a case of infection.

As the Lunar New Year holiday approachesit falls on Jan. 25 this yearmillions of Chinese are expected to return to their hometowns for festivities and travel abroad for vacation. Official data shows that roughly 3 billion trips take place every year during the new year period.

Zeng Guang, the chief epidemiology expert at Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Chinese not to travel to Wuhan, and for Wuhan residents to avoid leaving the city.

The Lunar New Year is a key factor in the movement of people  This is our expert suggestion, he said at a press conference in Beijing on Jan. 20.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause diseases ranging from the common cold to SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

The most common symptom of the virus is a high fever. However, other symptoms include breathlessness, a sore throat, and a cough. Severe cases of infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death, according to the WHO.

As the virus has an incubation period of seven days, symptoms may not immediately be noticeable.

The WHO announced on Twitter on Jan. 19 that an animal source seems the most likely primary source of this novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

Chinese authorities have linked the outbreak to a fresh food market in Wuhan where wild animals and seafood were sold.

Gao Fu, director of Chinas Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the virus likely originated from wild animals and mutated after it was transferred to humans and became contagious among humans.

Nicole Hao and the Australian Associated Press contributed to this report.
On Saturdays while in Rome, Ive been buying the weekend edition of La Repubblica, always heading to the same news kiosk. Im fond of this particular kiosk because it catches the morning light and because the old man who sits inside, submerged behind newspapers and magazines, has a long, elegant face, a bristly, grey beard, and a twinkle in his eye.

News of the bushfires has spread as far as Rome. Credit:iStock

I like to think that theres a touch of warmth to our brief commercial exchange. We never say very much, but I smile when I see him and he seems to light up a little when he sees me. Last weekend, he finally ventured a question. Where are you from? he asked, which dismayed me somewhat. I had hoped that after five months in Rome my Italian had progressed to the point that my accent was not notably from somewhere else.

I told him I was born in Trieste, right here in Italy, but that Australia was home.

Oh, Australia, he said, Im glad youre not there right now with all those bushfires." It was terrible, he said, the horror that a few delinquenti could cause. My heart sank. Delinquenti? So the misinformation about arsonists being the major cause of the bushfires had spread this far?
Amid a row surrounding Rajgarh district collector, the ruling Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday asked the BJP to apologise to the woman bureaucrat and her deputy for its members "misbehaving" with them while they were discharging their duty on Sunday.

The controversy erupted after the district collector Nidhi Nivedita and additional collector Priya Verma had taken on some protesters on Sunday for allegedly 'misbehaving' with them while trying to take out a pro-CAA rally by defying prohibitory orders in Biaora town in Rajgarh district.

In video clips of this incident, Nivedita can be purportedly seen slapping a man and Verma taking on some men who were part of the crowd.

While the BJP has been demanding registration of an FIR against both the officials, the Congress on Tuesday broke its silence on the issue.

"Rather, the BJP should lodge an FIR against its own leaders who violated the prohibitive orders and misbehaved with the women officials. They should seek apology from these officials for hitting them and pulling their hair," said state Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi.

Meanwhile, BJP media in-charge Lokendra Parashar said a party delegation will lodge an FIR in Rajgarh on Wednesday.

"A BJP delegation comprising ex-chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, state unit president Rakesh Singh and Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava will visit Rajgarh on Wednesday to file the FIR," he said.

Referring to the Biaora incident, Parashar alleged that both the officials had beaten up and dragged the citizens who were protesting peacefully and holding the national flag.

Nivedita had denied slapping a man, who was part of the crowd on Sunday. "I reacted only when he abused me," she had said.

Additional Collector Verma had also said that some men from the crowd misbehaved with herself and the collector.

Meanwhile, Biaora Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramesh Pandey was shunted out on Monday night for his alleged inaction during the Sunday incident, a district official said on Tuesday.

He has been replaced with Sandip Ashthana.

A case was already filed against 124 people for defying Sunday's prohibitory order under section 188 of IPC (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant).

The Kamal Nath government had opposed the CAA which provides granting citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who had migrated to India before December 31, 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Some 26% are in favor of non-aligned status, while support for the military alliance with Russia and other CIS countries is 6%.

A total of 51% of Ukrainians believe that joining NATO is the best security option for Ukraine.

According to a nationwide survey conducted by Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Ukrainian Centre for Economic and Political Studies named after Oleksandr Razumkov, this is "the highest share in all polls ever conducted," an UNIAN correspondent reports.

"Some 26% are in favor of non-aligned status, while support for the military alliance with Russia and other CIS countries stands at a 6%," the study says.

Read alsoMost citizens say officials must speak Ukrainian during working hours

The poll shows there are significant regional differences on the issue: NATO membership is supported in the western (80%) and central (54%) regions, while southern (42%) and eastern (43%) parts of Ukraine opt for Ukraine's neutral status. At the same time, in the eastern regions of Ukraine, only 13% consider the military alliance with Russia and other CIS states the best option for ensuring Ukraine's security.

At the same time, about a third of the population in south and east (34% and 29%, respectively) stand for Ukraine's accession to NATO.

*** The survey was conducted on December 13-18, 2019 among 2,017 respondents over 18 in all regions of Ukraine (except the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Autonomous Republic Crimea and Sevastopol). The margin of error does not exceed 2.3%.
Sally Miyake is a bold choice to narrate SUNNYSIDE PLAZA (Little, Brown, 208 pp., $16.99; ages 8 and up), Scott Simons debut as a middle-grade novelist. Shes funny, observant and perceptive. Shes also a 19-year-old with a developmental disability who lives in a group home where two residents have died unexpectedly. When police detectives recognize Sallys capabilities and ask for her help investigating the deaths, she makes her first outside friends.

Some readers may question the choice to put a 19-year-old like Sally at the center of a novel for younger readers. Having a cognitive disability doesnt make anyone an eternal child. But Sallys pitch-perfect, brilliantly meandering voice reminded me that I first read (and adored) Flowers for Algernon, the story of an adult man with cognitive and developmental disabilities navigating similarly dark issues, when I was probably too young. Children are captivated by differences in others. In many ways, an overprotected young adult living in a group home faces the same challenges as a child testing the waters of independence. Can a fourth grader walk to school, or into a store, alone? Sally, like many of this books presumed readers, has never done these things.

Simon, best known as the host for NPRs Weekend Edition, based the story on his experience working in a group home when he was in college in the 1970s. He remembers  with hilarious accuracy  how conversations with this crowd can boomerang between outrageous comments and remarks that poignantly hit a nail on its head. In fact, I wish he had set this story back in the time he remembers so well. As it is, there are unfortunate anachronisms.

Todays children have been educated in classes alongside peers with every developmental disability under the sun, since it was mandated by law in 1990. Though Sally is bright enough to measure the world in mathematical equations (she tells us her age is 8 times 2 plus 3), she has never attended school, never learned to read, never ventured too far outside the confines of Sunnyside Plaza, her group home. Most children have seen their peers with intellectual disabilities not just in the classroom but on a bus, at a sporting event, just walking up the street.
A group of schoolchildren choose how to say goodbye to their classmate in adorable footage from Cambodia.

The youngsters take it in turns to bid farewell to a female student at the end of the day in Phumi Tonle Sap.

The clip, posted by their teacher, starts as the pupils sing before choosing to either high five, hand shake, hug, bow or fist bump the girl.

The clip, posted by a teacher in Phumi Tonle Sap, Cambodia, starts as the pupils sing before choosing to either high five, hand shake, hug, bow or fist bump the girl

The first boy smacks a picture of a heart and smiles as he wraps his arms around the female classmate.

The next girl touches a praying emoji, before bowing and clasping her hands together in front of her.

The following two children chose to fist bump and wave at the child as they leave the school.

The first boy smacks a picture of a heart and smiles as he wraps his arms around the female classmate (pictured)

But one boy stands sheepishly with his hands together by his waist, before tapping the heart picture and adorably hugging the girl.

The teacher, who shared the footage from November 15, said it was always uplifting to see children showing lovely gestures toward each other.

He said: 'I love seeing how happy they are to do this. It is a great way for them to create happy relationships with each other.

'If they are happy in the classroom it is easier for them to learn and be succesful.'
After Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally Shiromani Akali Dal refused to contest the Delhi Assembly elections, Dushyant Chautala of Jan Janayak Party (JJP) has also backed out from the upcoming polls in the National Capital.

The chief of the JJP, who had played a significant role in helping the saffron party retain power in the October elections, recused himself after there was a disagreement over the party symbol.

A tweet posted on January 21, informed that the party is not willing to fight, on a new symbol at such short notice.

It read: We won't field candidates in Delhi polls since the symbol we get is very important. We had requested the Election Commission to give us the symbol of key or slippers, but they were given away to another organisation. In such a situation, JJP has decided not to contest.

The announcement comes less than a day after a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) member Shiromani Akali Dal, backed out of the February polls citing differences over the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Akalis had also cited differences over seat-sharing and the election symbol as decisive factors behind the move.

The JJP, however, is not opposed to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, reported NDTV. It has, in fact, reiterated the BJP's stance that the law wont take away anyones citizenship.

On January 20, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the Delhi chief of the Shiromani Akali Dal had said: Our stand is clear... the nation cant be divided over religion. We will prefer not contesting polls rather than changing our stand. The NRC should also not be introduced... the nation belongs to all.

The BJP will be fighting the February 8 polls from 67 of the 70 Assembly seats in Delhi. For the other three seats, it is depending on its NDA allies.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Overnight hooligans vandalised the altar and destroyed the tabernacle. Hosts were scattered on the ground, dishonouring Our Blessed Lord and Saviour. Archbishop Machado proclaimed a day of reparation and prayer for Friday.

Bangalore (AsiaNews)  The St Francis Assisi Catholic Church in Kengeri, Bengaluru (Bangalore) was vandalised last night.

Reacting to the outrage, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore said: I am not only terribly shocked but also greatly grieved that desecration was done to the Eucharistic Lord in that church.

The prelate said that the parish priest, Fr Satish, of the Order of Capuchin Friars, informed him of the wreckage.

Perhaps in an attempted theft, hooligans ransacked the altar, destroyed the tabernacle, and scattered the hosts all over the place.

At present, little is known about the reasons behind the desecration. A complaint has been filed with the local police and an investigation is underway.

According to early witness accounts, nothing was stolen, suggesting that vandalism was the goal; however, police have not ruled out anything.

We all know, said Mgr Machado, that this sacrilege and serious dishonour done to Our Blessed Lord and Saviour is a matter of great concern, not only to the parishioners of St Francis Assisi Parish but also to the religious feelings of everyone in the Archdiocese.

In such cases, it is normal for the whole diocese to do penance and reparation in churches and religious houses for this sacrilegious and ignominious deed.

Therefore, I request you to observe Friday, 24 January, a Day of Reparation in the Archdiocese to praise, worship and glorify the Eucharistic Lord in a very special way. Let us also pray for those who have aggrieved Him by doing such a sacrilegious act.

Lastly, I call on parish priests and chaplains to expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration on this day, and keep it for at least 12 hours from morning till evening for public veneration in all the churches and the religious houses of the Archdiocese.
Global concerns about climate change. Credit: Pew Research Center

2019 is set to be the second warmest year on record, ending the warmest decade on record, another reminder that climate change is the defining issue of our time.

Yet 2019 will not be remembered as the year when the world finally united to save the planet. Despite massive worldwide demonstrations and increasing global awareness and anxiety, the December 2019 UN Climate Change Conference (a.k.a., COP25) in Madrid failed spectacularly.

The reason? A handful of countries blocked significant action, in particular the United States, Brazil, Australia and Saudi Arabia, while China and India conveniently used the pretext of the historical responsibility of rich nations as an excuse for doing nothing.

A month before the COP25, President Trump formally confirmed the exit of the United States from the Paris climate agreement  just one policy change among more than 90 others aimed at rolling back environmental regulations. Because the United States is still the most powerful country in the world whose president has the most media coverage, this has created a toxic "Trump effect" that has weakened the credibility of international commitments and emboldened others, especially populists and nationalists, to shirk their responsibilities.

But how much do the aggressively anti-environmental actions of a minority president actually reflect American public opinion?

Global Threats. Credit: Pew Research Center

The US versus the rest of the world?

Even though Americans are less likely to be concerned about climate change than the rest of the world (by at least about 10 to 20 percentage points), a majority (59%) still see it as a serious threata 17-point increase in six years (Pew Research). But the devil is in the details. Only about 27% of Republicans say climate change is a major threat, compared with 83% of Democrats, a 56-percentage point difference!

Climate skepticism/denial exists in other Western democracies, mostly among right-wing populists, but even by comparison, the American Republicans are the least likely to see it as a major threat.

This in turn raises another question: why are American Republicans more skeptical about climate change than right-wing voters in other countries? The first reason has to do with polarization in politics and identity.

Polarization

American polarization has deep roots in racial, religious and ideological divisions and can be traced back to the reaction of conservatives to the cultural, social and political transformations of the 1960s and 1970s. This polarization eventually made its way into politics in the 1980s and, even more so, in the 1990s when it became a "culture war." As global warming emerged on the US national agenda, it became one of those divisive hot-button issues in the culture war, along with abortion, gun control, health care, race, women and LGBTQ's rights.

Credit: Pew Research Center

The fact that progressive Democrats took on the issue of global warming early onformer vice president Al Gore was a leading voice on the issue  and that the solutions they offered had to do with statist measure such as carbon taxes, a cap-and-trade system, or energy rationing resulted in further politicization of the issue.

In 2001, then-president George W. Bush withdrew from the Kyoto protocol asserting that it would be too costly for the US economy. And in 2010, the Tea Party movement solidified Republican hostility toward the climate-change issue, preventing Congress from passing a cap-and-trade bill. It came as no surprise then when Donald Trump's comment that climate change was a "concept created by the Chinese" to make "US manufacturing non-competitive" did little to damage his 2016 presidential campaign.

Indeed, his criticism of the Paris accord as being "very, very expensive," "unfair", "job killing" and "income-killing" clearly resonated with his electorate.

As much as Donald Trump's political strategy has been to intensify polarization and to appeal to his base, he is more the symptom than the deeper cause of this polarization. Undeniably, the measures needed to curb greenhouse-gas emissions imply government intervention and internationally binding treaties that go against the conservatives' ideals of individual freedom, limited government and free markets.

Trust and mistrust

More than most other issues, our acceptance of the human impact on climate change is contingent on our trust in science and environmental scientists. For most of us, It is a matter of trust and not intelligence since we cannot do the science ourselves. Americans of all stripes generally trust scientists (86%), except for environmental research where there is a 30-point gap between Republicans and Democrats, a gapmore surprisinglythat is persistent among those with high science knowledge.

Trust in government is also highly partisan, but Republicans have tended to be more specifically wary of international institutions. For instance, only 43% of Republicans have a favorable view of the United Nations compared to 80% of Democrats. There are fringe conservatives, like Alex Jones or members of the John Birch Society the alt-right who want to "get out of the UN."

In many ways, Donald Trump's "America first" nationalist slogan is a rejection of international institutions, internationalism and cosmopolitanismsomething he made clear at the the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.

Anti-intellectualism and anti-science

Americans have always tended to distrust the government, the elite and expertise. This is nothing new. In his 1964 Pulitzer Prize winning book, Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, Richard Hofstadter identified two sources of American anti-intellectual sentiment: business, which he depicted as unreflective, and religion, particularly evangelicalism. With its market-oriented, pro-business, and pro-religious agenda, the Republican party is naturally more distrustful of intellectuals and academics, including scientists.

This is fertile ground for right-wing think-tanks and lobbyists to sow doubt in the minds of conservatives who have a cognitive bias against climate change. And there has been no shortage of those, from the Global Climate Coalition, the Koch brothers to the Cato Institute, the Heritage Foundation, the fossil-fuel industry or the Heartland Institute. In Merchants of Doubt, Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway have shown how these groups use a strategy questioning scientific research similar to that used by the tobacco industry in the 1970s and 1980s.

For a long time, these pressure groups allies in the American press that more often portrayed climate science as "uncertain" than the press in other developed nations. More significantly, Fox News has been the true echo chamber of climate-change deniers. The result is that Fox News viewers are less likely to accept the science of global warming and climate change. And now, the social media have only made the situation worse. A recent study found that videos challenging the scientific consensus on climate change were outnumbered by those that supported it. Then there is Donald Trump who has, since becoming president, attacked the scientists in his own administration by censoring their findings, shutting down government studies and pressuring scientists (full report available here) to reflect his own thinking on the issue.

Confronted with the reality of natural disasters and rising temperatures, most Republicans no longer deny climate change, rather they deny that humans are responsible, and warn that it will affect the economy.

The Frontier myth of an endless economic bonanza

When confronted by journalists about climate change, President Trump diverts the questions by focusing on the immediate benefits are more concrete than potential, vague, long-term gains, as he did during his news conference with President Macron of France in Biarritz, in August 2019.

This idea that nature offers vast untapped reserves that will yield perpetual and painless growth is evocative of what historian Richard Slotkin called the Frontier's "bonanza economics". It is an old American story that back to the Puritans: that the wilderness had to be conquered and transformed, that the Anglo-Saxon race was defined by its ability to exploit it, which also justified the displacement of indigenous people who did not work the land.

In this story, the president becomes the Frontier hero who ventures into the wilderness (of nature and politics) to transform it. His professed love for "beautiful clean coal" not only pleases his voters in coal-mining states, it also taps into the belief that nature is first and foremost an infinite provider of wealth that will contribute to the prosperity of all Americans. From Alaska to Minnesota, the Trump administration is all about easing restrictions on drilling, logging and mining at the expense of the protection of the land.

Yet there is another quintessentially American approach to nature. One that sees the presence of the divine in nature and has acknowledged the exhaustability of land and resources. One that is reflected in the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau, in the paintings of the Hudson River School, and in the activism of John Muir. It is also ingrained in the politics of Theodore Roosevelt, who used the ethos of the Frontier for his conservationist policies. If values trump facts, maybe this is the American story that today's conservatives should embrace.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
President Donald Trump sought to sell the United States to the global business community, telling an economic conference in the Swiss Alps that Americas economic turnaround has been nothing short of spectacular.

Mr Trump addressed the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, hours before his historic impeachment trial was to reconvene in the US Senate in Washington.

Mr Trump reminded the audience that when he spoke here two years ago, early in his presidency: I told you that we had launched the great American comeback.

Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, the president said.

Mr Trumps participation in the annual gathering of political and business elites in the Alpine ski resort will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them.

The two-day Swiss visit will test Mr Trumps ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Speculation had mounted that Mr Trump would cancel the trip due to the Senate trial, but aides said he remains focused on producing results for the American people.

US President Donald Trump, centre, arrives in Davos (Evan Vucci/AP)

Climate issues were to be a main theme at the forum and Act On Climate was written in the snow at the landing zone where Mr Trumps Marine One helicopter set down in Davos.

Mr Trump, however, said he was attending the forum to encourage businesses to invest in the US.

America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, Mr Trump said before talking about a newly signed trade deal with China and a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg listens as US President Donald Trump addresses the World Economic Forum in Davos (Markus Schreiber/AP)

Mr Trump also spoke of record low unemployment, stock market gains and millions removed from unemployment.

Mr Trump planned to meet with world leaders and business executives after the speech.

Story continues

Swooping in for his second appearance at the conference, Mr Trump was set to depart on Wednesday, jetting back to Washington, which is consumed by the impeachment trial.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraines president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat and a Trump political rival.

Mr Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Mr Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they cannot deny him reelection in November.

Its about the Economy, stupid, except when it comes to Trump. The fact is, the Fake News Media hates talking about the Economy, and how incredible it is!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020

Mr Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Mr Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the US.

Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world, he said at the White House last week.

Theres nothing even close. Ill be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here.

President Trump announces that the US will join the one trillion trees initiative launched at #wef20 and continue to show strong leadership in restoring, growing and better managing our forests  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Mr Trump is set to meet with.

But he is scheduled to hold talks Tuesday and Wednesday with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraqs self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forums founder, the White House said.

Mr Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Mr Trumps many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

Marine One carrying US President Donald Trump arrives at the Davos landing zone (Evan Vucci/AP)

Shes new and shes formidable, said Mr Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice president at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for US-EU relations.

Mr Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100% on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports.

France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Mr Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a great discussion about the digital tax and will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.

President Trump highlights the progress that has been made since he last addressed Davos  from economic growth to the signing of trade deals, including two in just the last week. He tells #wef20 he's never been more confident in America's future  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

Mr Trump later retweeted Mr Macron, adding the word: Excellent!

The US has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on 7.5 billion US dollars worth of European planes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Mr Trump has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German cars, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

US President Donald Trump waits on stage (Gian Ehrenzeller/AP)

Mr Trump is just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial.

Mr Johnson and Mr Clinton were acquitted by the Senate.

There is precedent for international travel by an impeached US leader.

During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Mr Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

He travelled to Jordan for King Husseins funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted.

Two days after acquittal, Mr Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Mr Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial.

He also has talked about travelling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.
Award winning broker HotForex this year celebrates ten years in business, after a decade in which it has become a firmly established market leader with many prestigious awards and the trust of millions of traders

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HotForex, the award-winning forex and commodities broker on CFDs, was founded in 2010 and in just ten years has become a worldwide broker of choice to millions as a result of its commitment to providing the best possible trading experience.

HotForex CEO George Koumantaris said: "We are committed to being a global market leader known for our customer service, and always keep our loyal clients at the heart of everything we do. To show our appreciation of their support, we constantly work to ensure that our products and services reflect the very best that the industry has to offer, and look forward to doing so for another ten years and more!"

With 35+ of the most prestigious industry awards and 2,000,000 live accounts, the HotForex success story is sure to continue, as the broker finds new ways to further enhance everything that they do.

HotForex has already made its mark on the industry by introducing the revolutionary Zero Spread Account, which offers a low-cost trading solution with raw super-tight spreads. Further recognition has been earned for HFcopy, its proprietary copy trading platform, and security of funds scheme that includes market leading insurance of up to 5,000,000.

To find out more about the many advantages enjoyed by HotForex traders, visit the HotForex website.

Notes to Media:

About HotForex

With its origins dating back to 2010, HotForex is the brand name of HF Markets Group which encompasses global and regulated entities which are operating as multi-asset brokers offering both retail and institutional trading services to clients from around the world. HotForex is continuously establishing its position as a market leader, a fact affirmed by:

Over 2,000,000 Live Accounts Opened

More than 35 International Awards

Client Support in 27+ Languages

Top Fund Security Measures

To learn more about HotForex, please visit our website by clicking here .

Risk warnings:

Trading Leveraged Products such as Forex and Derivatives may not be suitable for all investors as they carry a high degree of risk to your capital.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/830182/HotForex_Logo.jpg
TISSIUM, a privately-owned life science company developing fully synthetic, biomorphic programmable polymers, announced today it has been named a French Tech 120 company. French Tech 120 is a growth-stage program by La French Tech, built to provide government-backed support for the 120 fastest growing companies in France. The objective of this French government-backed program is intended to stimulate growth and create opportunities in France.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005655/en/

TISSIUM is being recognized by La French Tech, for having a high potential of becoming a global technology leader. They are being recognized as one of the most promising young companies in the country and will receive a year of unprecedented government support, with all state services being mobilized in a way specifically designed to speed growth and benefit the Company.

Moving forward, TISSIUM will leverage the 38.75 million raised from a Series B round of funding in November to support the global expansion of its platform of polymers across a variety of therapeutic fields, including nerve repair, cardiovascular and gastroenterology, among others, in addition to creating a streamlined clinical development and regulatory program in the U.S. out of its newly opened Boston office.

Christophe Bancel, CEO of TISSIUM said: "We are thrilled to be named a French Tech 120 company. This recognition further validates the confidence we have in the TISSIUM platform and products that we are developing as we continue to progress and expand. We are thankful for the support of La French Tech, and look forward to working with the different departments, agencies and public services that will help accelerate our growth."

About French Tech 120

Launched in September 2019 by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, the French Tech 120 program illustrates the French government's desire to become the best possible support for the French Tech ecosystem.

The French Tech Mission brought together some 50 French Tech Correspondents within administrations and public services capable of supporting the growth of startups. The list of services, intended to grow continuously, covers five categories: international development, financing, access to the market, recruitment of talent and support in all relations with the administration. The French Tech 120 is aimed at innovative companies that have been established within the past 15 years, and that have not yet done an IPO or been purchased. Participants are selected according to objective criteria based on fundraising and turnover.

About TISSIUM

TISSIUM is a privately-owned life sciences company based in Paris, France that is dedicated to the rapid development and commercialization of a unique biopolymer platform to address various unmet clinical needs.

The company's platform is based on a proprietary polymer family with unique properties including the ability to conform to, and integrate with, surrounding tissue to enable natural healing. Furthermore, the modular design of the polymers enables customization to match tissue-specific requirements for different therapeutic areas. The company also develops delivery and activation devices for enhanced performance and usability of its family of polymers.

The Company's technology is based on world-class research and intellectual property from the laboratories of Professor Robert Langer (MIT) and Professor Jeffrey M. Karp (Brigham and Women's Hospital), who co-founded the company in 2013. For more information, please visit: www.TISSIUM.com and @TISSIUMtech.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005655/en/

Contacts:

PRESS CONTACTS

Europe

Brice Epry Chief of Staff

Tel: +33 1 76 21 72 28

info@TISSIUM.com

Twitter: @TISSIUMtech

U.S.

Marion Janic

Tel: +1 212 223 4017

mjanic@rooneyco.com
Press Release

21 January 2020

At Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), we're constantly on a mission to find the most individual, intimate and intense hotel and travel experiences around the world for our discerning travellers. As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2020 and celebrate three decades as the pioneer of boutique, we've certainly developed a keen eye for trends and concepts in the luxury hotel space. By curating and championing the very best small independently owned hotels across the globe, we can see that our guests are demonstrating a deeper, yet simple purpose: the search for uncomplicated, authentic and honest luxury.

The main tenets of this report include creative sustainability, wellbeing, community, food, escapes and emerging destinations. The idea of paring things back and offering the best of the basics for a true sense of luxury is weaved throughout. Whether it's bio-architecture to preserve the integrity of the land, creating a sense of local community or indigenous spa therapies, travellers are looking to embrace the cultures, nature and people around them in an effort to sustain and nurture our precious planet, while reclaiming their valuable time. We are delighted to share these insights as we prepare for a purposeful and passionate milestone year ahead.
[January 21, 2020] American Water Included in 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest publicly-traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, announced today that it is one of 325 companies across 50 industries included in the 2020 Bloomberg (News - Alert) Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI expanded in 2020 to represent 42 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, and Russia for the first time. Companies range from a variety of industries, including automotive, banking, consumer services, engineering and construction, and retail. American Water was also included in the 2019 GEI. "Our inclusion in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index reflects our ongoing commitment to gender parity at all levels of the company," said Susan Story, CEO of American Water. "Our focus on inclusion and diversity makes us stronger and better as a business. It is important that our employees and leadership reflect the communities and the customers we serve. It is not only the right thing to do, but is also a smart business strategy." The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand. "The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting," said Peter T. Grauer, Chaiman of Bloomberg. "Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally."



Through disclosure of gender-related metrics using the GEI framework, the firms included in the 2020 GEI have provided a comprehensive look at their investment in workplace gender equality and the communities in which they operate. American Water was included in this year's index for scoring at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect a high level of disclosure and overall performance across the framework's five pillars. Both the framework and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. The GEI is a reference index and is not for use as a financial benchmark. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD $1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index. To learn more please visit the GEI website. Bloomberg Terminal subscribers can access the GEI at {BGEI <GO>}.

About American Water With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for American Water. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005608/en/

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UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks to supporters on a visit to meet newly elected Conservative party MP for Sedgefield, Paul Howell at Sedgefield Cricket Club on December 14, 2019 in County Durham, England. F WPA Pool

The U.K. is gearing up for crucial trade talks with the EU after it leaves the bloc on January 31 and time is short to strike a deal before a post-Brexit "transition period" finishes at the end of 2020. Robin Niblett, director of London-based think tank Chatham House, told CNBC Tuesday that there are certain "dos and don'ts" the U.K. should bear in mind when negotiating a future trading relationship with Brussels. "It's going to be a very short and very intense negotiation if we're going to meet the deadline of having a first outline deal done by the end of 2020," he told CNBC's "Street Signs" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson set a hard deadline for trade talks to conclude by the end of this year. EU officials have warned that striking a deal in an 11-month timeframe is ambitious, if not outright impossible, given the most conventional free trade agreement negotiations tend to take a couple of years. The ease or difficulty of reaching a trade deal is likely to depend on how close the U.K. stays aligned to the EU (its largest trading partner taken as a bloc) on a regulatory level. "The government needs to put down a firm line that it is not going to suddenly bring all sorts of EU rules in by the back door and undermine its credibility as a tough negotiator," Niblett said. He noted that the prime minister had shown a pragmatic streak in negotiating the Withdrawal Agreement (or Brexit divorce deal) with the EU, a deal that took multiple attempts to be approved by the U.K. Parliament  it was only passed earlier this month once Johnson won a commanding 80-seat majority in a snap December election.

"The one thing we've learnt from Boris Johnson is that he can talk tough but when he needs to compromise, he compromises," Niblett said. "In the withdrawal deal, he accepted a border down the Irish Sea which (former Prime Minister) Theresa May had never considered accepting, he ended up paying the 30-plus billion (divorce bill) in the deal that he said should never be paid, he has accepted a vassal status for a year while we're going to have to follow EU rules without being a member of the EU. So, I think tough talk at the beginning and he can do compromises towards the end." Niblett said that the U.K. had to accept that any of its exports to the EU would have to comply with EU laws. "If you want to go in and sell something in to the EU market, the U.K. will have to sell into that market under EU rules." "But what they don't want to do is to find those EU rules penetrating back into the U.K. on environmental legislation, on taxation, on workers' rights and especially on state aid and competition rules where the EU is worried that a U.K.-based company, even if it follows EU rules as it exports in (to the bloc) is starting from a stronger position. And that's where the tough line is  because if you can't decide your own state aid, if you can't decide your own competition rules, what's the point of being sovereign?," he said.

Shockwaves
Government officials in China have apologised for shaming people for wearing pyjamas in public.

On Monday, photos of a number of residents in Suzhou, Anhui province, wearing their pyjamas while walking in the community were published on a WeChat account operated by the local government.

The officials stated that the people were being identified as part of an initiative to expose uncivilised behaviours and improve citizens quality.

The online images, which were caught by surveillance cameras, included information such as the persons name and ID card number.

Officials argued that residents were banned from wearing pyjamas in public because the region was entering a national civilised city competition.

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attend to a patient inside an isolated ward of Wuhan Red Cross Hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A drone operated by the Suwon municipal government flies around Changyong Middle School spraying disinfectant, in Suwon, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers transfer medical waste at Leishenshan Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a protective mask rides a bicycle with his children in Guangzhou, China EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Volunteers in protective suits disinfect a railway station as the country is hit by an outbreak of the new coronavirus, in Changsha, Hunan province, China cnsphoto via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman repatriated from Wuhan carries a child as she walks upon her arrival at the Van Don airport in Vietnam's Quang Ninh province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff checking the body temperature of a patient who has displayed mild symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at an exhibition centre converted into a hospital in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A medical worker in protective suit transports oxygen tanks at Wuhan Red Cross Hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Boys wearing protection masks, gloves and modified water bottles sit on a cart at the airport arrival terminal in Guangzhou EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Employees work on a production line manufacturing protective suits at a clothing factory in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province cnsphoto via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits move a patient at an isolated ward of a hospital in Caidian district following an outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker in protective clothing, including face mask and gloves, carries a bucket as he works inside of The County Oak Medical Centre in Brighton, southern England, after it closed for "urgent operational health and safety reasons", following reports a member of staff was infected with the strain of the novel coronavirus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers of the ecology and environment bureau collect samples from the sewage system of a hospital in Xinle, Hebei province China Daily via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man in protective clothing cleaning the County Oak Medical Centre GP practice The British government warned the outbreak of novel coronavirus was a "serious and imminent threat" and reported four new cases that brought the total recorded in the country to eight. Two hospitals The Royal Free and Guys and St Thomas', have both been designated as "isolation" facilities, with both currently housing Britons who have returned from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to the newly completed Huoshenshan temporary field Hospital in Wuhan. The global coronavirus death toll rose again with Hong Kong announcing its first death from the outbreak on 4 February EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of staff wait as coaches carrying Coronavirus evacuees arrive at Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, in Milton Keynes, after being repatriated to the UK from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan PA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A crew member of the cruise ship Diamond Princess talks to a worker wearing protective gear standing near the vessel, where dozens of passengers were tested positive for coronavirus, at Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Doctors scan a patient's lungs at Huoshenshan temporary hospital built for patients diagnosed with coronavirus in Wuhan Xinhua News Agency/AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People wearing protective suits walk from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, with around 3,600 people quarantined onboard due to fears of the new coronavirus, at the Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Indonesians who arrived from Wuhan are sprayed with antiseptic at Hang Nadim Airport in Batam. People evacuated from the Chinese city at the centre of a deadly virus outbreak, were transported to a quarantine zone on a remote island at the edge of the South China Sea, shortly after landing Indonesian Foreign Ministry via AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman wears a protective mask as she shops in a market in Beijing Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members hugging each other in an isolation ward at a hospital in Zouping in China's easter Shandong province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A portrait of Dr Li Wenliang is left at Li's hospital in Wuhan. He is regarded a whistleblower on the outbreak and died of the coronavirus which triggered wide-spread mourning on Chinese media Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Officers in protective gear enter the cruise ship Diamond Princess, where people tested positive for coronavirus, after the ship arrived at Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama, south of Tokyo Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Firefighters and personnel from the health ministry participate in a drill to prepare for the potential arrival of passengers infected with the coronavirus at the Viru Viru International Airport, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Scientists are at work in the VirPath university laboratory as they try to find an effective treatment against the new Sars-like coronavirus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers in protective suits attend to patients at the Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center, which has been converted into a makeshift hospital to receive patients with mild symptoms caused by the virus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A girl wears a mask as a preventive measure against the coronavirus outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man is transferred from the World Dream cruise ship to an ambulance at the Kai Tak cruise terminal in Hong Kong as health officials conduct inspections AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers from a disinfection service company enter Lotte Department Store in central Seoul, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man who arrived from Hubei province talks with police at a checkpoint at the Jiujiang Yangtze River Bridge Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor holds a handheld digital thermometer near health officials preparing a health check for arriving passengers from China at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A resident walks across an empty track in Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A scientific staff member works in a secure laboratory, researching the coronavirus, at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members preparing equipment to meet passengers of a military plane, which evacuated citizens of Russia and ex-Soviet countries from China's Wuhan province Vsluh.ru via Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff wearing protective suits as they prepare to disinfect a Vietnam Airlines plane at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi Vietnam Airlines/AFP/Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A South Korean person, who was evacuated from Wuhan, arrives at the National Medical Center after showing suspected symptoms of novel coronavirus, in Seoul EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Officers in protective gear escort a person (under the blue sheet) who was on board cruise ship Diamond Princess and was tested positive for coronavirus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor being disinfected by his colleague at a quarantine zone in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Buses carrying British nationals from the coronavirus-hit city of Wuhan, arrive at Arrowe Park Hospital in Merseyside Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Indonesian health officials conduct an exercise drill in transporting a patient requiring isolation at the Belawan port in Medan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The Pasteur Institute in Dakar, designated by the African Union as one of the two reference centres in Africa for the detection of the new coronavirus that appeared in China, is hosting experts from 15 countries on the continent this weekend to prepare them to deal with the disease AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A government worker disinfects a co-worker after visiting a quarantined woman's home in Qingdao EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An aerial view of the deserted roads and bridges in Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical workers hold a strike outside the Hospital Authority as they demand for Hong Kong to close its border with China to reduce the coronavirus spreading Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A person has their tempriture checked in Qingdao, China EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Malaysian nationals being directed from a bus by health officials in protective suits as they arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, after being evacuated from Wuhan Malaysia's Ministry of Health/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People hoping to buy face masks crowd outside a medical supply shop that was raided by police for allegedly hoarding and overpricing the masks, as public fear over China's Wuhan Coronavirus grow in Manila, Philippines. The Philippine government has been heavily criticized after failing to immediately implement travel restrictions from China, the source of a deadly coronavirus that has now killed hundreds and infected thousands more Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Residents wearing masks and raincoats volunteer to take temperature of passengers following the outbreak of a new coronavirus at a bus stop at Tin Shui Wai, a border town in Hong Kong Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Italian citizens repatriated from Wuhan going though a health control zone after landing at the Mario De Bernardi military airport in Pratica di Mare, south of Rome, prior to be placed in quarantine Italian Defence Ministry/AFP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers arrange beds in a 2,000-bed mobile hospital, set up in an exhibition center, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A doctor checks conditions of occupants in a hotel accommodating isolated people in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members wearing protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus which began in the city of Wuhan, arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital. The Chinese army deployed medical specialists to the epicentre of the spiralling viral outbreak that has killed and spread around the world AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A baby wearing a protective face mask is pushed by a woman as they arrive from Shenzhen to Hong Kong at Lo Wu MTR station AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A health worker checks the temperature of a woman entering a subway station in Beijing Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A young child wears a protective mask and is covered in plastic while waiting to check in to a flight at Beijing Capital Airport The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday declared the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulance crews arrive at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, as it prepares for a return flight from Wuhan, China. Eighty-three Britons and 27 foreign nationals who were trapped in Wuhan are being flown back to the UK Tom Maddick / SWNS Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A woman carries a baby wearing a protective mask as they exit the arrival hall at Hong Kong High Speed Rail Station Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Camp beds at a Medical Assessment Center set up at the airport in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on the eve of the arrival of German citizens evacuated from Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Funeral parlour staff members in protective suits help a colleague with disinfection after they transferred a body at a hospital in Wuhan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Muslims wearing masks pray for the victims of coronavirus at a mosque in Ahmedabad, India Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical officials waiting for people who wants to check the novel coronavirus at Myeongdong shopping district Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Children wear plastic bottles as makeshift homemade protection and protective masks while waiting to check in to a flight at Beijing Capital Airport Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A patient assisted by medical staff gets off an ambulance in Wuhan AFP/Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus People line up to buy face masks from a medical supply company in Nanning, southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Countries began evacuating their citizens from the Chinese city hardest-hit by a new virus that has now infected more people in China than were sickened in the country by SARS Chinatopix via AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Millions spent their normally festive Lunar New Year holiday under lockdown Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Children with face masks wash their hands before prayer at Erawan shrine in Bangkok. Thailand has detected eight Coronavirus cases so far AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An Indonesian health officer points at the screen of a thermal scanner for passengers China confirmed that the deadly Wuhan coronavirus virus can be transmitted between humans AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Hospital workers wearing protective eyewear and masks examine an Indonesian student who returned from China in quarantine at a hospital in Banda Aceh AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Ambulance staff dispose of an outfit at the hospital in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A person checks the temperature of a passenger to help stop the spread of a deadly virus as he arrives at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International airport in Palembang AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Nepali students, wearing face masks, attend a class at Matribhumi School in Bhaktapur, on the outskirts of Kathmandu AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Two Buddhist monks wear face masks while walking along a street in Yangon AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff disinfecting a residential area in Ruichang, part of Jiujiang in China's central Jiangxi province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers are seen at the construction site of a new hospital being built to treat patients from a deadly virus outbreak in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on January 27, 2020. - China is rushing to build a new hospital in a staggering 10 days to treat patients at the epicentre of a deadly virus outbreak that has stricken thousands of people, state media reported on January 24. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) (Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images) HECTOR RETAMAL AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Vapor blurs the goggles of an ambulance driver while they work, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers producing facemasks at a factory in Yangzhou AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff getting on an ambulance in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A vendor of traditional masks wears a facial mask at his shop in Thamel EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An airport official checks the temperature of a passenger upon his arrival at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members arrive with a patient at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An ambulance driver talking with medical staff in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team leave the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market The new coronavirus appears to have its origins in a seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, a popular transport hub AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers produce protective suits at a factory in Nantong AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers scanned by thermal imaging for body temperature as they go through health measures and procedures after they landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on a southern airlines flight from Wuhan Aeroporto Di Roma/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A Thai royal guard wears a mask while on duty at the Grand Palace in Bangkok EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wearing a face mask rides a nearly empty subway train in Beijing AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A shopper wearing goggles with a face mask and gloves uses a self checkout machine at a supermarket in Wuhan AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of the Italian Red Cross putting on protective gear, getting ready to give health checks to passengers that landed at Rome's Fiumicino airport on a southern airlines flight from Wuhan Aeroporto Di Roma/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A member of the Hong Kong government's Civil Aid Service gestures at the entrance to the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village which is being used as one of two quarantine centres for people who have been in close proximity with suspected cases of a SARS-type virus. Hong Kong will turn two holiday camps, including a former military barracks, into quarantine zones for people who may have come into contact with carriers of the Wuhan virus, officials announced AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff wearing protective suits at the Zhongnan hospital in Wuhan STR/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A Malaysia Health official checks passengers going through a thermal scanner upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Staff disinfecting Yingtan North Railway Station, China China banned trains and planes from leaving the major city at the centre of a virus outbreak on January 23, seeking to seal off its 11 million people to contain the contagious disease that has claimed lives and spread to other countries AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A passenger walks past a quarantine control station at Narita airport, Japan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Patients queue up to seek treatment in Wuhan Tongji Hospital Fever Clinic, in Wuhan EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Quarantine workers spray disinfectant at Incheon International Airport, South Korea EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A member of staff checks the temperature of a guest entering the casino of the New Orient Landmark hotel in Macau, after it reported its first case of the new SARS-like virus AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jin Yintan hospital Little is known about the new disease which, if confirmed, would be only the seventh coronavirus known to science that can infect humans Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of the Three Gorges Medical Laboratory offering free masks to the public in Yichang, China AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Gabriel Leung, right, chair professor of public health medicine at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, speaks about the extent of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Members of staff of the Wuhan Hygiene Emergency Response Team conducting searches on the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A quarantine officer at Incheon International Airport, South Korea, uses an electronic thermometer to check the temperature of passengers arriving by plane from Wuhan The virus causes symptoms of viral pneumonia, and has already led to several deaths EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A screen shows cancelled flights at Tianhe airport in Wuhan AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff transfer patients to Jinyintan hospital EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Health officials hand out information about the current coronavirus at Kuala Lumpur International Airport AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A store owner argues with security guards as he attempts to enter the closed Huanan wholesale seafood market AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Workers producing facemasks at a factory in Handan, China's northern Hebei province AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff and security personnel stop patients' family members from being too close to the Jinyintan hospital Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus maya-goodfellowAn airport staff member uses a temperature gun to check people leaving Wuhan Tianhe International Airport AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A rescue worker walks past a notice about new coronavirus that has broken out in China Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Health officials wear face masks at an inspection site at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Medical staff members carry a patient into the Jinyintan hospital AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A staff member checks body temperature of a child after a train from Wuhan arrived at Hangzhou Railway Station in Hangzhou AFP via Getty Images Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A quarantine station measures passenger body temperatures at Narita Airport JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers walk past a notice displayed near a quarantine control station at Narita airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers walk past a poster alerting on coronavirus screening ahead upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus An employee sprays disinfectant on a train, as a precaution against coronavirus, at Suseo Station in Seoul EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Kazakh sanitary-epidemiological service worker uses a thermal scanner to detect travellers from China who may have symptoms possibly connected with the previously unknown coronavirus, at Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Pharmacist Liu Zhuzhen stands near a sign reading "face masks are sold out" at her pharmacy in Shanghai AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus The Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, EPA Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A worker in a protective suit at the closed seafood market in Wuhan Reuters Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus Passengers wear protective face masks at the departure hall of a high speed train station in Hong Kong AP Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A notice for passengers from Wuhan Getty Coronavirus: Cases soar of deadly new flu-like virus A man wears a mask while riding on mobike past the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market Getty

Other bad behaviour exposed by the local government online included lying [on a bench] in an uncivilised manner and handing out advertising flyers.

While the images shared were captured by CCTV cameras, of which there an estimated 170m in China, residents were also encouraged to send in photos of anyone partaking in uncivilised behaviours.

Following media attention and criticism online, the message was deleted and the Suzhou authorities issued a public apology.

We wanted to put an end to uncivilised behaviour, but of course we should protect residents' privacy, officials said in a statement, according to the BBC.

The officials added that they would, in future, blur peoples faces out of the images instead.

Last year, it was revealed that researchers in China had developed an ultra-powerful camera capable of identifying a single person among stadium crowds of tens of thousands of people.

Surveillance systems in China have become highly advanced in recent years (Reuters)

The 500-megapixel camera was developed by scientists at Fudan University, in conjunction with Changchun Institute of Optics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The resolution of the camera is said to be five-times more detailed than the human eye and was built for surveillance purposes, with Chinese state media praising the cameras military, national defence and public security applications.
By Joanna Cheek

I circle around UCLAs Moore Hall for the third time. Security officers block each entrance. Police in riot gear patrol the streets. Metal fences wall off the building from protesters, and barricades separate protesters on the left from those on the right. Everyone prepares for Donald Trump Jr.s arrival to promote his new book, Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us.

As a trauma therapist who works with women and refugees  and who practices on Canadas west coast  I admit that I live in a progressive bubble. Ive never met a Trump supporter and the psychiatrist in me is curious: What puzzle pieces of life experience could come together to produce a worldview so opposite to mine? I hope to chat with a Trump voter to try to understand.

But then I see my first MAGA hat.

My mind floods with images of climate activist Greta Thunberg crying How dare you? and white men marching in straight-pride parades, wielding swastikas, guns and Confederate flags. I envision immigrant children warehoused in cages and online comments that scream, Go back to where you came from. I tense up and glare at the man in MAGA. I want him to feel unwelcome, unsafe and, mostly, to feel shame.

Im at UCLA to attend a psychotherapy course to learn about these kind of moments  when big emotions short circuit our minds higher functions so we cant think or behave skillfully. The professor playfully called it boom time. In other words, were triggered.

To mental health professionals, triggered describes intense, involuntary emotional and physical reactions linked to past traumatic experiences. We often use the concept more broadly to help people identify triggers  whether traumatic or not  that set off unwanted emotions, physical reactions and behaviors.

In his book, Trump Jr. borrows the term triggered to describe getting offended or ones feelings hurt. Rather than an unwanted, involuntary physiological reaction, he sees it as a tool intentionally used to silence the right.

When our minds are functioning well, were able to reflect on our thoughts and feelings so we can make sense of our own internal world and reactions and have empathy for the inner experiences and behaviors of others. Problems arise when stressful experiences cause our emotions to overheat, deactivating areas of our brain that allow us to take in new information and reflect on it. We fry our abilities to think and behave skillfully. Its boom time and our minds offline.

Stressful experiences can also cause us to freeze, shut down or devalue emotions, preventing our feelings from fueling action. This may help us survive immediate danger, but ongoing disengagement leaves us numb and immobile, unable to change our circumstances.

So the MAGA hat triggers in me a slideshow of sorrow and shock from todays volatile and divisive world, and Im no longer capable of being curious or compassionate for all the experiences that make this man who he is: a human (like me) desperately trying to belong and survive, who (like me) is socialized by complex forces outside of his awareness and control, and who (like me) may feel fear, grief, powerlessness or shame hiding under his armor of anger.

Instead I slip into a false refuge of certainty. I know this guy  hes a fascist, racist, misogynistic, homophobe.

In this state  rather than reflecting, acknowledging uncertainty and responding effectively  we react in fight, flight or freeze. We know were right, stick to our story and take immediate action to prove it.

When we observe undesirable behavior in others, we too often reflexively tell them off and shame them with the message Im right and youre an idiot, the title of a 2016 book by James Hoggan on the state of todays public discourse. We push them into boom time.

We cannot debate rationally with someone in boom time  the wall goes up and its impossible to let anything in. Regardless, we are all on the same team, confronted by shared problems that require cooperation. After years of researching what makes a team thrive, Google discovered the key ingredient is psychological safety.

In this way, antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo disarms her audiences by changing the narrative from you are racist and only bad people are racist, which leads to shame, defensiveness and shutting down, to racism is a system into which we are all socialized, which allows us to feel safe enough to receive constructive feedback and change.

With our public square spiraling into a combat zone, the only beliefs we seem to share is that we all think were the ones who are right. I didnt get a chance to communicate with the Trump supporter. Boom time sidelined me.

It may have sidelined Trump Jr. too. He left the stage early during the UCLA event last fall after members of a far-right group kept disrupting his talk.

Next time it may be the left attacking the right, or the right attacking the left.

Do we really want to live in a society where we need to be separated by metal fences and riot police to attend a book launch?

The source of the problem isnt rogue individuals being triggered, as Trump Jr. argues, but a vicious culture that is triggering. As we become more divided, the more we attack each other, the more we are left unable to truly see each other as complex human beings and have empathy for each others needs and struggles. When most everyone is being triggered, no one can listen.

Joanna Cheek is a psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia.

The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 20, 2020 | 05:13 PM | METROPOLIS

The Metropolis Police Department went to the Huck's store, where the victim said he left his wallet on the counter. Police reviewed surveillance footage, which reportedly showed 31-year-old Joshua A. Tabor sliding the wallet up his sleeve and leaving the store.





Police found Tabor at a home on Girard Street, and he was arrested for theft and possession of another person's debit card. He was taken to the Massac County Detention Center.

A Metropolis man was arrested Wednesday on a theft charge after an investigation at a convenience store.
Conjunctivitis.

Talk about an SAT vocabulary word worth 28 points on a Scrabble board. Its also what could happen if your semipermanent eyelash extensions arent properly cleaned at the end of the night.

The glue used for false eyelashes isnt regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, said Dr. Kim Mullinax, a dermatologist with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. The companies that manufacture the glue are not legally required to disclose the ingredients to consumers. So if the consumer gets a bacterial infection or has an allergic reaction, they have little-to-no recourse.

The American beauty industry is highly unregulated, according to the Environmental Working Group. The industry is valued at $532 billion, with a big boost attributed to social-media influencers and brand ambassadors in the past few years, Business Insider reported.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Prevention, not repair: Millennials not waiting to age, seeking cosmetic procedures earlier in life

It has been more than 80 years since Congress updated any federal laws designed to ensure that beauty products, also called personal care products, are safe, the EWG states.

Under current law, cosmetic companies do not have to register with the FDA, submit cosmetic ingredient statements, adopt good manufacturing practices, provide access to safety records or report serious adverse events, like hospitalization, when they occur, the EWG states. FDA also lacks the authority to quickly suspend production or recall contaminated products when a company fails to initiate a voluntary recall.

What makes cosmetic products different from food, drugs or medical devices  all things that go on or in human bodies? Not a thing, according to the Personal Care Products Safety Act, a bill introduced last year to protect consumer health and strengthen the FDAs efforts to regulate ingredients in personal care products.

The latest bill hearing was in December by the House Subcommittee on Health. If passed, it would also require fees from manufacturers to fund the new activities.

Since theres little federal oversight on cosmetic safety, a beauty consumer has to be vigilant. Mullinax gives the lowdown on a few of the most popular beauty trends and how to best protect our face, skin and bodies while using them.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston twin doctors play up natural beauty with vampire facials, other spa treatments

Eyelash extensions

Luxurious, long and dark eyelashes have been in fashion for decades, and false eyelashes bought at the drugstore and applied with a small glue strip are not new.

The temporary false eyelashes are meant to be worn one time and removed at the end of the night. Longer than that and you could have serious problems, Mullinax said.

None of them are meant to be worn overnight or left on for days, she said. Some can be washed and reused, but not usually.

Thanks to online makeup tutorials (and probably the Kardashians, lets be honest), semipermanent eyelash extensions have risen in popularity. Theyre typically administered by a stylist and can be made from synthetic human hair, horse hair, mink or silk.

These can be worn for two to three weeks, but they must be cleaned along with the rest of the face, Mullinax said.

Since the lashes are delicate, people may want to avoid getting them wet or washing them thoroughly. Thats a good way to get conjunctivitis, aka pink eye. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane that covers the eye; blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids.

Since theyre glued to your lashes, its easy for bacteria to grab hold, she said. Over time, the glue either lets go and the false lashes come off or your own lash falls out. There are definitely lots of complications that can result from irritation of your eye.

Another major concern is that eyelash glue can include formaldehyde as an ingredient, which the consumer would not know since manufacturers arent required to disclose that information.

In short, wash your whole face, including your eyes.

Breast adhesives

As trends change, so do necklines. Many formal dresses and other outfits do not afford the use of a traditional bra. Hence the rise of breast adhesives.

Last year, Kim Kardashian West introduced Body Tape, a breast adhesive product, on her SKIMS clothing and product line. Body Tape can be used for outfits that dont really work with bras and has been specifically engineered for human skin.

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.

Before using any adhesive for an extended period, know your skins sensitivity. Dont use products that arent made for human skin, such as duct tape or gaffer tape.

Mullinax said people who have reactions to Band-Aids and adhesive tape should not use these products, especially on tender areas like the breast. Before using it on a sensitive area, try it out on the inside of your elbow.

Also, do not leave the tape on for too long for risk of blisters and irritation. When removing, use warm, soapy water to soften it first and pull gently.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Is your sunscreen safe? Which kinds to use and which to avoid

Face wipes

So, youre being responsible and washing your face at the end of the night  go you! But those alcohol-based face wipes are not your best friend.

Preservatives abound in makeup-remover wipes, which are harbingers for bacteria, Mullinax said.

When removing makeup, stick to mild soap or try a micellar water cleansing water, which has an oil-based end and a water-based end and is formulated to gently remove cosmetics.

Pick one with the shortest list of ingredients, so theres a lower chance of you being allergic, Mullinax said. One that doesnt have a lot of fragrance and is hypoallergenic.

julie.garcia@chron.com

twitter.com/reporterjulie

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Visitors to the Alley of Martyrs in Baku pay tribute to the martyrs of the "Black January" massacre in 1990. / Embassy of Azerbaijan



This article was contributed by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Korea.  ED.

On Jan. 20, 1990, the Central Soviet authorities perpetrated an atrocious crime against Azerbaijani people. On that day the Soviet Army stormed Baku  capital of Azerbaijan  to punish people rallied on the streets protesting against violations of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Special Soviet troops using heavy offensive weapons, including tanks and armored vehicles, occupied the city.

As a result of punitive actions 147 civilians were killed and around 800 wounded, hundreds of people were arrested and subjected to various forms of physical pressure. Among victims were a seven-year old boy, a girl, 16, a man, 80, a young doctor shot in an ambulance while helping another victim, and many other civilians of different nationalities. This massacre entered Azerbaijan's history as "Black January."

The strong indignation and protest of the people of Azerbaijan was caused by the prejudiced and biased policy of the Communist Party and the government of the Soviet Union toward the people of Azerbaijan. Soviet authorities' connivance at the Armenian expansionists, who claimed part of the territory of Azerbaijan, compelled the people of Azerbaijan to defend their country's territorial integrity. The policy of the Soviet leaders led also to the expulsion in 1988-1989 of 200,000 Azerbaijanis from Armenia. Not one sector of the Soviet mass media mentioned this crime, and the tragedy of the Azerbaijanis in Armenia passed in silence.

Bloody events from 1988 to 1990 and the tragedy of Black January ushered in a tragic chapter in the policy of mass persecution and ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis, which had been executed primarily in Armenia, and in Azerbaijan itself by Armenian nationalists, dashnaks and their patrons from the Soviet Communist leadership at the beginning of the last century.

People took to the streets to voice their legitimate protest against violations of the territorial integrity of their homeland by Armenia that was openly supported by the then soviet leadership, namely Michael Gorbachov and his close political and economic advisers of Armenian nationality like Aganbegyan, Shaghnazarov, Tsitaryan, etc.

In the fall of 1989, the independence movement in Azerbaijan had reached incredible momentum with hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating for the ideals of freedom, independence and sovereignty. Clearly, the Soviet Army descended on Baku simply because the Kremlin was determined "to restore order" and return the status-quo  to keep the regime of the Soviet Empire alive in Azerbaijan and anywhere else within the boundaries of the former Soviet Union.

About 26,000 Soviet troops stormed Baku, center of the Azerbaijani national independence movement  on the night from Jan. 19 to 20, 1990, in a desperate, brutal and yet futile attempt to strangle the national movement and stop the demise of the Soviet regime in Azerbaijan.

The invasion was launched at the midnight and committed with ferocity and no mercy for children, women and elderly. Helsinki Human Rights Watch has documented how the Soviet army intentionally ran down and crushed unarmed peaceful civilians under their tanks. How they opened fire at a civilian bus that posed no conceivable physical threat, killing the driver and many passengers. How they attacked hospitals and clearly marked ambulances and medical personnel assisting the wounded. How they randomly sprayed residential yards and apartment buildings with automatic fire. Finally, how they stabbed defenseless civilians to death with bayonets. The Wall Street Journal editorial of Jan. 4, 1995, stated:

"It was Mr. Gorbachev's recall, who in January 1990 chose to defend his use of violence against the independence-seeking Azerbaijan on the grounds that the people of this then-Soviet republic were heavily armed gangs of hooligans and drug-traffickers who were destabilizing the country and quite possibly receiving support from foreign governments."

Black January has become the turning point in the history of modern Azerbaijan. Immediately after the tragedy, on Jan. 21, 1990, national leader Heydar Aliyev and his family members visited the office of Azerbaijan's permanent representation in Moscow. He expressed solidarity with his people, sharply condemned the Soviet leadership for the bloody tragedy and exposed those who led the operation. On Jan. 20, 1990, Azerbaijanis acquired their national identity. The Soviet invasion failed to achieve its aim. The Azerbaijani people confronted the tragedy with strength and dignity.

Unfortunately, the perpetrators of the January 20 tragedy went unpunished. While the punitive actions against public in some former Soviet republics were strongly condemned by the Soviet and world public, the truth of Black January received less public attention through the efforts of the Soviet authorities. The Soviet authorities removed all files and evidence related to the massacre  one of the outrageous manifestations of the totalitarian regime against its own citizens.

In 1991 Azerbaijan became independent. During the independent years of Azerbaijan the Black January events have been given full political and legal assessment, and the names of their offenders made public. One of the highest points in Baku is the place that has become sacred for every Azerbaijani. It is the Alley of Martyrs, where victims of the January 20 tragedy, and those who died in the battles against the Armenian aggression were buried. Thousands of people visit here every year on January 20 to commemorate the sons and daughters of Azerbaijan, who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and sovereignty of the Motherland. Generations will change, but memory of them will live forever in our hearts.
MARTINEZ (BCN)

An adult and a student will be honored Tuesday morning as humanitarians of the year in Contra Costa County, county officials said.

Tamisha Walker of Richmond and Christina Mazzi, a senior at Concord High School, will be honored at a free community celebration starting at 11 a.m. at the county supervisors' chambers at 651 Pine St. in Martinez.

The celebration is also the county's 42nd Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Event, which is meant to evoke King's life and legacy.

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.
Two Pardee physicians named 'Best Doctors'

Dr. Chris Parsons and Dr. James Radford were named to 'Best Doctors' list.

Infectious disease specialist Chris Parsons and oncologist James M. Radford have been named among the Best Doctors in America for 2018-2019, Pardee UNC Health Care announced.

The highly regarded Best Doctors in America List is assembled by Best Doctors, Inc. and results from exhaustive polling of close to 40,000 physicians in the United States. In a confidential review, current physician listees answer the question, If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer? Best Doctors, Inc. evaluates the review results and verifies all additional information to meet detailed inclusion criteria.

The prestigious recognition marks the third and ninth times, respectively, that Parsons and Radford have earned the honor.

Parsons is the medical director of the Pardee Center for Infectious Diseases and is board-certified in infectious disease. Over a 14-year career in academic medicine focused on patient care, clinical education and research in infectious diseases, Dr. Parsons achieved the rank of Professor of Medicine while earning more than $10 million in external funding for clinical trials and original research from the National Institutes of Health and other sources.

Radford, an oncologist at the Pardee Cancer Center, is board-certified in both internal medicine and medical oncology. Radford notes that he became an oncologist for two reasons. First, his mother was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer during his second year in college. Secondly, Dr. Radford says he feared boredom and sought a career that offered a variety of learning opportunities and challenges.



Best Doctors has earned a reputation for reliable, impartial results by remaining totally independent. Doctors cannot pay to be included in the Best Doctors database, nor are they paid to provide their input. The list is a product of validated peer review, in which doctors who excel in their specialties are selected by their peers in the profession.

Founded in 1989 by Harvard Medical School physicians, Best Doctors is a global benefits provider and medical information services company that connects individuals facing difficult medical treatment decisions with the best doctors, selected by impartial peer review in over 450 subspecialties of medicine, to review their diagnosis and treatment plans. Best Doctors has grown to over 40 million members worldwide.

The innovative services offered by Best Doctors include access to an unrivaled database of physicians who have been selected as the best in their field by other leading doctors. The company also employs leading analytics and technology platforms that help people in need get the right diagnosis and treatment plan, which significantly improves health outcomes while reducing costs. For further information, visit Best Doctors at www.bestdoctors.com.
House Democrats novel conception of abuse of power as a supposedly impeachable offense is constitutionally defective, they wrote. It supplants the framers standard of high crimes and misdemeanors with a made-up theory that the president can be impeached and removed from office under an amorphous and undefined standard of abuse of power.

Contrary to what Mr. Barr wrote 20 months ago, the Trump defense team also insisted that the framers did not want Congress to judge whether presidents abused their discretion and made decisions based on improper motives.

House Democrats conception of abuse of power is especially dangerous because it rests on the even more radical claim that a president can be impeached and removed from office solely for doing something he is allowed to do, if he did it for the wrong subjective reasons, the Trump team wrote.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Barr declined to comment. A spokesman for Mr. Trumps impeachment defense team did not respond to a request for comment about the tensions.

But Mr. Barrs view was no passing thought. His 2018 memo emphasized that presidents who misuse their authority by acting with an improper motive are politically accountable, not just in elections but also via impeachment.

Between elections, the peoples representatives stand watch and have the tools to oversee, discipline, and, if they deem appropriate, remove the president from office, he wrote. Under the framers plan, the determination whether the president is making decisions based on improper motives or whether he is faithfully discharging his responsibilities is left to the people, through the election process, and the Congress, through the impeachment process.

The result of Mr. Barrs main argument in 2018 and the Trump teams theory in 2020 is identical: Both posited that facts were immaterial, both in a way that was convenient to counter the threat Mr. Trump faced at that moment.
Blaming Dems for election interference confuses the issue

To the Editor:

President Donald Trumps lawyers are making this claim:

The articles of impeachment submitted by House Democrats are a dangerous attack on the right of the American people to freely choose their president. 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.

Excuse me, who sought to interfere with the 2020 election? Isnt that why the House Democrats voted to impeach Trump? He sought the help of Ukraine to get dirt on Joe Biden and his son Hunter to better his political chances of re-election. Lets keep our election our election. Lets not confuse the issue by blaming the Democrats for attempting to interfere in the 2020 election.

From the New York Times: We all grew up hearing an ageless warning about public morality: that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.

Will our good senators do nothing except blindly acquit and initiate the triumph of evil?

Marty Brennan

Baldwinsville

Trumps defense of executive privilege protects future presidents

To the Editor:

In response to the commentary by Ross Baker on the pending impeachment trial (Forget Trump for a minute. Its the U.S. Senate thats on trial, political scholar says, Jan. 20, 2020).

We, the people of the United States, have been given an amazing civics lesson over the past four years. First, there was the shock and dismay by the far left when they realized that we live in a republic and that Donald Trump was going to get the lions share of the electoral votes and become our 45th president. Next, through the Democratic Partys control of the House, they launched investigations into the alleged Russia interference into our elections fueled by the debunked dossier paid for by the Democratic National Committee.

Now we have the actual impeachment of the president, which the liberals said they would do even before he was sworn in. Based upon a phone call that showed zero quid pro quo, they decided that this was their best chance to get Trump. For their source, they used an anonymous whistleblower with second- or third-hand information, at best. A source that no self-respecting judge in a criminal case would admit. Not one piece of hard evidence, not one actual document or recording that gave direct evidence of any wrongdoing was found.

Trump stood on executive privilege to exercise his right to protect confidential discussions with his staff and advisers. The Judiciary Committee could have tried to get an actual court order to force the testimony but decided not to go to court so they charge him with obstruction. He had every right under executive privilege and by standing on that principle he upholds the right of future presidents to exercise that option. Some might say he had a responsibility to protect executive privilege and not set a precedent by caving in.

The Constitution states: The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." It would appear than nothing in the House impeachment document comes even close to meeting any of those conditions.

In short, the outrage by the liberals has resulted in the House of Representatives, the Judiciary Committee and the FBI wasting over three years of valuable time, costing tens of millions of dollars and delaying work on legislation that could be of great value to the citizens of these United States. We have seen partisan politics at its worst. There is another election coming up in less than 10 months and I hope that the American voters will take this civics lesson to the voting booth, I know I will.

John Whitford

Liverpool

America is on the brink of becoming a banana republic

To the Editor:

Limiting testimonial and documentary evidence against President Donald Trump, in only the third impeachment trial in our history, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vacillated between a trial without witnesses and a strange version of an appeal. First, the Senate trial was to be limited to the evidence produced in the House impeachment investigation without more witnesses or documents, like an appeal. Now McConnell says that evidence produced in the impeachment may or may not be admitted in evidence in the Senate. Like a trial; but without witnesses.

This twisted version of the most solemn of all American Constitutional guarantees leaves no doubt about the Republican position. They want us to believe that the call to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was perfect, and that Trumps refusal to answer a single subpoena from the House as it investigated was not an obstruction of Congress. But wont answer questions.

Now Ken Starr, who prosecuted Bill Clinton for Oval Office sex, and Alan Dershowitz, fresh from defending pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, come to tell us that withholding congressionally approved funds for Ukraines defense until Zelenskiy announced a new investigation of a debunked theory about his competition and refusing to answer any Congressional subpoena is just fine.

This is not the America I grew up in. It is on the brink of becoming a banana republic with show trials. Americans who do not realize what is happening and ignore this show will send us into authoritarian oblivion. Only by demanding a trial with witnesses and documents will we continue an American tradition. Only by calling out this process as a despicable lie will we regain the America we are losing.

Harris Lindenfeld

Manlius

Senate is about to establish a dangerous precedent

To the Editor:

It is impossible to overstate the seriousness of the situation America finds itself in this week. America has come to a fork in the road. If we go one way and President Donald Trump is acquitted, quite literally, no future president can ever be impeached for a high crime, no matter how blatant or grievous. The Republicans in the Senate will have established the precedent that, despite the Founding Fathers having put those very words into the Constitution to protect our democracy from an all-powerful president above the law, there will be no way in the future for Congress to remove him. The very thing that Alexander Hamilton and others were so concerned about and so afraid of will come to pass.

The day the Republican Senate acquits Trump is the day we cease to be a Constitutional Democracy and become a dictatorship.

We should all pray that the Republicans in the Senate recognize the danger we face and remove Trump. We should pray that enough Republican Senators love America enough to put their partisan self-interest aside, take the one true way and save America.

Richard Glenister

Locke

See also: Trump impeachment trial to begin with rules fight, long days
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark have come under fire after revealing they have made money from a private Swiss ski lodge they have secretly owned for 10 years.

The royal couple caused consternation in their home country's parliament last week when Crown Prince Frederik announced they would be spending their 12-week stay in Switzerland at their personal villa.

He went on to explain that they have owned the property in Verbier, one of the world's most exclusive ski resorts popular among the British royals, for a decade and rent it out when they're not using it.

The Danish royal family lives on a public allowance that is only allowed to be spent on foreign assets with the approval of lawmakers.

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, pictured with their children Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, have come under fire after revealing they have made money from a private Swiss ski lodge they have secretly owned for 10 years

At the beginning of January, the couple's children Prince Christian, 14, Princess Isabella, 12, Prince Vincent, nine, and Princess Josephine, also nine, began spring term at the Lemania-Verbier International School in Switzerland.

The children usually attend the Tranegard School in Gentofte, Denmark, but are attending the boarding school for three months in Bagnes, Switzerland to give them a more international experience.

Princess Mary is staying with them while they are in school, and Prince Frederik will travel between there and Denmark for his official duties.

When it emerged they'll be staying at their privately owned lodge, the Danish far-left parliamentarian party Enhedslisten hit out at the couple for keeping the fact they own such a home quiet.

At the beginning of January, the couple's children began spring term at the Lemania-Verbier International School in Switzerland. Pictured: the family on January 6 in Switzerland

Member of Parliament Mai Villadsen told Danish media: 'I was very surprised when I found out that the family does not just have such a house, they have had such a house for 10 years, without any ordinary Danes knowing about it.

'We are the ones who pay the money so we must know about the house.'

The Royal House initially refused to comment on the matter, claiming it considers the purchase of the property a 'private matter' - to which Ms Villadsen retorted: 'I find it very difficult to see that a royal estate can be a private matter. To my knowledge, the appanage has just increased.'

It has since emerged that the couple have also made money on the property, prompting outrage among Danes, reports Royal Central.

In response, the Royal Court issued an official statement stating that Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary will no longer accept revenue on the ski lodge by renting it when they aren't using it, due to concerns over safety and privacy.

The Royal House initially refused to comment on the matter, claiming it considers the purchase of the property a 'private matter'. Pictured: Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary at Queen Margrethe of Denmark's New Year reception for officers from the Armed Forces and the Emergency Management Agency on January 3

It insisted that everything to do with the house is paid for by the royal couple's private funds.

Lene Balleby, communications manager for the Danish Royal Family, told Danish media: 'Now it is no longer an anonymous property, so the conditions for rent are no longer the same.

'In addition, for the Crown Prince Couple, this makes a difference compared to the possibility of having some privacy.

Verbier is one of the world's most exclusive ski resorts and is popular among the British royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of York

'In addition to that, there is also a safety aspect.'

Homes in the lavish Verbier resort can cost up to 1.5million. According to Danish magazine Billed-Bladet, the Crown Prince and Princess' property is a 'traditional Swiss wooden chalet with a nice, large terrace, located in a child-friendly neighbourhood and within walking distance of the children's school'.

While their secret residence drew criticism from one party within the Danish political sphere, Conservative member of parliament Birgitte Bergman said she can't see 'anything wrong' with the couple owning the Swiss home.

Homes in the lavish Verbier resort can cost up to 1.5million. According to Danish magazine Billed-Bladet, the Crown Prince and Princess' property is a 'traditional Swiss wooden chalet with a nice, large terrace, located in a child-friendly neighbourhood and within walking distance of the children's school'. Pictured: stock image of Swiss chalets in Verbier

'My party support the royal family 100 per cent and the dispositions they now make, as long as it is within the law,' she said.

'We cannot see anything wrong with that at all. This is also to be regarded as an old case. This happened 10 years ago and has no relevance today.'

The annual grant received by the Danish royal family is funded through taxes in the country and set by parliament.

Queen Margrethe II will receive 87.6 million kroner (7,504,462) in 2020 and the crown prince and his family will receive 21.6 million kroner (2,459,400).
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Since 1995 Hungary Around the Clock has proven to be one of the most comprehensive sources of daily English-language news about Hungary. It covers ongoing domestic politics and foreign relations, as well as business and economic matters. For a free trial of HATC visit www.hatc.hu and click on 'Free Trial Subscription.
China will be celebrating Chinese New Year, generally known as Spring Festival, on 25 January 2020. It is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls between 21 January and 20 February every year. It is one of the most important and biggest festivals in traditional Chinese culture, and one of the longest holidays, lasting up to 7 days.

Chinese New year is celebrated in China as well as neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, and all around the world where there are Chinese communities.

In Pakistan, there are up to 90,000 Chinese who have lived there for various periods of time. They will also be celebrating the festival in its full cultural and traditional spirit.

Many similarities exist between Chinese New Year and Pakistans traditional Eid Festival. Both are based on the lunar calendar and are one of the most important and biggest festivals in their societies. Both are family-centric festivals, which everyone wants to spend with their loved ones. Many wish to travel home for reunions with elderly family members, even if this means travelling long distances. Every year, both countries witness large migrations during the festival. People may face difficulties booking tickets for trains, flights, or long-distance buses, and have to battle through heavy traffic, but still want to travel back to their hometowns.

In China, the most exciting part of the festival is Chinese New Years Eve, when people stay up late at night and set off fireworks. In Pakistan, people try to finish their shopping for Eid and stay up late at night, busying themselves with eating and shopping and other fun things.

Another thing the two festivals have in common is giving cash envelopes. In China, it is very common for older people to put money in red envelopes and give to youngsters. In Pakistan, this practice is called Eidi, and kids spend this money however they want.

Family meals are another common feature, where the whole family enjoys a big meal specially prepared for the festival which usually contains very rich and traditional food. Even poor families also try to cook the best food on this occasion. The family dinner is a sign of unity and love between family members. It is also a symbol of respect for the elderly and affection for young people.

In both cultures, it is an opportunity to visit and spend time with relatives and friends. People are usually busy trying to make a living and dont have the chance to spend time with other family members, but the festival gives them a chance to strengthen family bonds and friendships. This tradition is again common in both cultures.

Those who have passed away are also remembered during this period, and the festival is used to visit the graves of ancestors. In both cultures, ancestors receive a lot of respect, and they are not ignored on such an important occasion.

Chinese people finish cleaning and decorating their houses ahead of the festival. Before the Eid festival in Pakistan, people also clean everything completely, buy new furniture and decorate their homes.

New clothes are common features of both cultures. Women and children in particular use new clothes and new jewelry to mark the festival.

There is also a common emerging trend among the youth of the two cultures, in which they use the long holidays to travel for picnics, honeymoons and pleasure trips. Based on our cultural strong bonds, the China-Pakistan friendship is growing in all dimensions, and strong collaboration and cooperation continues to exist.

The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to People's Daily Online.

Zamir Ahmed Awan is a senior fellow with the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and a sinologist at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan. E-mail: [email protected]
20 States come on board for One Nation One Ration Card

Explained: What is One Nation, One Ration Card

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Jan 21: 'One Nation One Ration Card' scheme, which will allow portability of food security benefits, will be implemented by June 1 across the country. The ambitious scheme allows migrants to buy subsidised rice and wheat from ration shop across the country.

The scheme has already been launched in 16 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, Gujarat and Jharkhand.

What is One Nation One Ration Card scheme?

One Nation One Ration Card will give free hand to the beneficiaries, as they will not be tied to single PDS shop. It also lessens their dependence on shop owners and curb corruption. The scheme will also allow portability of food security benefits.

What is a ration card?

Ration cards are an official document issued by the respective state governments to households, depending on the number of members in a family and the financial status of the applicant. Households that are eligible get essential food grains at subsidised prices from designated ration shops, also called fair price.

Who will be benefited?

A large migratory population of the country, who migrate from one part of the country to other in search of job/employment, marriage, or any other reason and find difficulty in accessing subsidized foodgrains will be of benefit.

A migrant will be allowed to buy a maximum of 50 per cent of the family quota. As many as 81 crore people will be benefited from this scheme because they will receive wheat at Rs 2 per kg and rice at Rs 3 per kg.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

Is Aadhaar linkage necessary?

While Aadhaar linkage is not necessary to access NFSA benefits in a beneficiary's local registered ration shop, located closest to her home address, it will be necessary to access the portability scheme.

The beneficiaries would be able to avail the entitled foodgrains after biometric/Aadhaar authentication on ePoS (electronic Point of Sale) devices.

What are the challenges?

There is a fear that this scheme may increase the woes of the common man as the middlemen and corrupt PDS shop owners may exploit them. The state of Tamil Nadu has opposed the proposal of the Centre, saying it would result in undesirable consequences and is against federalism.
The Trump administration has dialed back its plan to relax fuel-economy requirements for new automobiles, retreating from a bid to freeze the mandates for six years.

A draft of the final rule, now undergoing a final White House review, includes several changes that could make it easier to defend in court and more palatable to some automakers that had refused to publicly endorse the earlier proposal. The changes were described by three people familiar with the measure who asked for anonymity before a formal announcement.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Transportation Department originally proposed capping mileage and tailpipe greenhouse gas emission requirements after the 2020 model year, thwarting scheduled increases charted under the Obama administration. However, the agencies are now planning to require annual 1.5% increases in the stringency of those requirements for 2021-2026 vehicle fleets, under the draft final rule submitted to the White House for review on Jan. 14.

In addition, the measure would spare automakers from radical changes to the complex system of mile-per-gallon and carbon dioxide emission credits that are used to measure compliance, the people said. And while administration officials had considered scrapping a provision in the rules that rewarded plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles, the incentive is retained in the draft final rule - albeit with changes to make it more technology-neutral, the people said.

The plan could still be revised before it is finalized. Representatives of the EPA and DOT didn't immediately have comments.

"It's a lot bigger number than I would have preferred; our position is we want to repeal the whole thing," said Tom Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance. "The 1.5% was a calculation that makes it more defendable. All of these things were with an eye to strengthening our case."

To be sure, the Trump administration has already moved ahead with the most controversial aspect of its sweeping plan to reshape auto efficiency rules by stripping California of its authority to set tailpipe greenhouse gas standards that are tougher than federal requirements. Federal agencies finalized that move last fall, and litigation over the issue is underway now.

The initial proposal recommended freezing efficiency requirements for new autos at 37 miles per gallon starting in model year 2021 instead of rising to closer to a 50 mpg fleet-average by 2026 under a plan enacted by the Obama administration. Trump administration officials argued the shift would reduce the cost of new cars, thereby encouraging consumers to replace older vehicles with newer, safer vehicles, and in turn prevent thousands of traffic fatalities.

Environmental groups, academics and other critics, however, lambasted the proposal for relying on shaky economic modeling. More recently, the panel of scientists that advises the EPA on scientific work underpinning major rules chided the agency over major flaws in the 2018 proposal's analysis.
Matthew Sewell (pictured outside Teesside Crown Court) wept as a judge told jurors to find him not guilty after 'a number of serious concerning issues' in the case came to light

A surgeon accused of 'deliberately deceiving' a woman into having sex without a condom was cleared of rape yesterday.

Matthew Sewell wept as a judge told jurors to find him not guilty after 'a number of serious concerning issues' in the case came to light.

Solicitors for the 40-year-old hospital consultant said they were considering taking out a private prosecution against the woman 'for perverting the course of justice'.

The case was thrown out after defence barrister Tania Griffiths QC argued that there was no case to answer.

Miss Griffiths said the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had embellished her account to police and lied in her statement. Teesside Crown Court was told that she denied she had been in a sexual relationship with anyone else at the time the incident was said to have taken place.

But she later admitted under cross-examination that she had exchanged WhatsApp messages with a friend that showed otherwise.

It also emerged that the complainant had admitted in a police interview that she embellished her account of the first time she slept with Mr Sewell.

The spinal deformity surgeon met the complainant, who was in her early twenties at the time, on Tinder in December 2016.

His profile on the dating app claimed he was 27, although in fact he was then 36.

Mr Sewell, who worked at the James Cook University Hospital (pictured) in Middlesbrough at the time, was said to have 'pleaded' with her not to report him

The woman, who has since qualified as a doctor, had claimed that Mr Sewell, from south-west London, pretended to put on a condom before they had sex. But she said she later discovered 'no attempt had been made' by him to use the contraceptive.

When she confronted the consultant, he asked her: 'Are you angry with me?'

Paul Abrahams, prosecuting, had earlier told the court: 'She described that she would have been happy to have sex if the condom was put on, as previously they had unprotected sex... which she was upset about.'

Mr Sewell, who worked at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough at the time, was said to have 'pleaded' with her not to report him. He resigned following the allegations and has not worked as a doctor since.

Miss Griffiths said: 'He had the whole world at his feet.

'He said, 'On Monday I was saving a child's life, and on Friday I was in a police cell'.'

Judge Stephen Ashurst said: 'I have come to the conclusion, having analysed in some detail, I was satisfied that there was not evidence that could prove the charges.

'Secondly, even if there were evidence, the sheer implausibility of witnesses during the trial were such that no reasonable tribunal could safely convict.

'The decision has been made after some careful consideration in such a troubling case.' Mr Sewell's lawyers said that, in addition to a possible private prosecution, they would report the woman to the General Medical Council.

Sean Grainger, of Watson Woodhouse solicitors in Middlesbrough, said: 'We are considering a private prosecution of her for perverting the course of justice.

'Mr Sewell has not been able to work for three years and he has been receiving sickness benefits for the stress brought about by this case.

'He now has to appear before the General Medical Council to ask for permission to practise again.'
The fourth victim is an 89-year-old man who lived in Wuhan, the epicenter of the infection. Another 15 medical workers who treated infected patients are hospitalized with the same symptoms. Worldwide countries have airport checks on flights from China.

Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The mysterious coronavirus that has emerged in China in recent months and already spread to three Asian countries is transmitted from human-to-human, Beijing authorities confirmed yesterday.

Meanwhile the number of deaths caused by the unknown virus, now called 2019-nCoV, has risen to four. Authorities also report that 15 health workers who have been in contact with patients in Wuhan, where the disease was diagnosed, are hospitalized for pneumonia, and one of them in critical condition.

The fourth victim of the virus, similar to Sars but with less aggressive traits, is an 89-year-old man who lived in Wuhan, the center of the infection. China's National Health Commission reports that two other people were found infected in Guangdong province.

A true "virus-mania" is spreading throughout Asia and some western countries, following the cases reported in Japan, Thailand and South Korea. The authorities attempt to run for cover by increasing controls at airports. At the moment the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Italy have announced greater investigations on all flights arriving from the Chinese city from which the virus has spread.

Wuhan, in central China, is a metropolis with 11 million inhabitants. Thousands of travelers pass through the town every year. This is why experts fear the outbreak of an epidemic especially in this period, when millions of people move on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus may have originated in the seafood or animal market in Wuhan. For scientists, the official number of recorded cases is 218, but several experts say that the number of people infected would already be 1,700 in China alone.

The unknown virus manifests itself with pneumonia-like symptoms. The signs of the infection include breathing difficulties, fever, shortness of breath and cough. The main concerns stemmfrom the possibility of transmission through human contact, as was the case in 2002-2003 with the Sars epidemic (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) which killed nearly 650 people between China and Hong Kong.
Today we'll evaluate Wynnstay Group Plc (LON:WYN) 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 of all, we'll work out how to calculate ROCE. Then we'll compare its ROCE to similar companies. Then we'll determine how its current liabilities are affecting 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. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. Overall, it is a valuable metric that has its flaws. 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 Wynnstay Group:

0.089 = UK8.6m  (UK178m - UK81m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to April 2019.)

Therefore, Wynnstay Group has an ROCE of 8.9%.

See our latest analysis for Wynnstay Group

Is Wynnstay Group's ROCE Good?

ROCE is commonly used for comparing the performance of similar businesses. It appears that Wynnstay Group's ROCE is fairly close to the Food industry average of 9.6%. Regardless of where Wynnstay Group sits next to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms appears satisfactory, and this company could be worth a closer look.

You can see in the image below how Wynnstay Group's ROCE compares to its industry. Click to see more on past growth.

AIM:WYN Past Revenue and Net Income, January 21st 2020

It is important to remember that ROCE shows past performance, and is not necessarily predictive. 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. What happens in the future is pretty important for investors, so we have prepared a free report on analyst forecasts for Wynnstay Group.

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Do Wynnstay Group's Current Liabilities Skew Its ROCE?

Short term (or current) liabilities, are things like supplier invoices, overdrafts, or tax bills that need to be paid within 12 months. Due to the way the ROCE equation works, having large bills due in the near term can make it look as though a company has less capital employed, and thus a higher ROCE than usual. To check the impact of this, we calculate if a company has high current liabilities relative to its total assets.

Wynnstay Group has total assets of UK178m and current liabilities of UK81m. Therefore its current liabilities are equivalent to approximately 45% of its total assets. Wynnstay Group has a medium level of current liabilities, which would boost the ROCE.

What We Can Learn From Wynnstay Group's ROCE

While its ROCE looks good, it's worth remembering that the current liabilities are making the business look better. There might be better investments than Wynnstay Group out there, but you will have to work hard to find them . These promising businesses with rapidly growing earnings might be right up your alley.

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

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.
In todays digital age, digital transformation and customer experiences are often buzzwords that people confuse.

Digital transformation is how digital technologies work through mobile devices and use data analytics to broaden customer relationships. This differs from customer experiences where marketers and businesses work to enhance how customers and potential customers perceive a business.

Heres information on how digital transformation and customer experiences (CXs) work and why digital transformation is necessary for better CXs.

Why Customer Experiences are Important

About 86% of customers will pay more if they can have a better experience with a business. Hence, businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve CXs for their customers. They want to build loyalty and brand equity. Its one of the reasons so many businesses leverage their technologies and integrate their site with the latest messaging software and texting capabilities. They want you as a customer to enjoy your experience with them across multiple channels (voice, text, email, in-person).

Savvy businesses might also expand their contact centers to offer helpful customer service reps 24-hours a day. This is so the business can branch into new markets that might be in different time zones with locations all over the world. They might also include knowledge centers and self-help centers online so customers can find answers they need without waiting for live assistance. Customer experiences are about engagement on an emotional level where the customer builds confidence and trust in the brand and can reach them the way they want.

Why Use Digital Transformation

Its estimated that businesses will spend a record $2 trillion by 2022 on technologies related to digital transformation. These organizations want to maximize what they offer customers to help meet demand. However, digital transformation isnt the same as CX.

Organizations will invest money in new technologies given that were in a new digital age where everyone is on smartphones and mobile devices. These businesses want to redesign their architecture to help influence purchasing decisions. Businesses need to rethink how they appeal to customers, especially on a customer journey:

They have to focus on:

1. Product design and manufacturing

2. Displays, marketing and advertising

3. Logistics, shipping and support

The Evolving Consumer and All That Data

Businesses now have to focus on store location, placement of products and how the store ranks online. They also need to give careful attention to multi-channel shoppers (online and in-stores). Businesses also need to consider staff friendliness, conflict resolution and the use of color and images (for online ads and in-store displays).

All of this insight is data thats gathered. It becomes part of the digital transformation that can help a business make more concrete decisions about how products will or wont sell and what will drive customers to shop with them. Digital transformation is an important aspect of the customer experience.

Digital Transformation Helps Increase Customer Experiences

As more businesses look for ways to appeal to customers, they turn to digital transformation to maximize CXs. And, they wont always get it right. About 70% of digital transformations fail. Hence, its important to test and use analytics when targeting customers and working to meet demand. From the ads they run and landing page layouts to contact centers and unified messaging, these are all ways to improve customer experiences and meet demand.
President Xi Jinping on Sunday and Monday inspected troops stationed in southwest China's Yunnan Province ahead of the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.



Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended Chinese Lunar New Year's greetings to all soldiers and officers of the People's Liberation Army, armed police, militia and reserve forces, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.

Xi on Sunday went to see soldiers guarding the border, chatting with them, checking their working and living conditions, and visiting a medical center and a canteen at their base.

After having a teleconference with officers and soldiers at the frontline, Xi said those at the frontline must maintain high alert and organize border patrols well to safeguard border peace and stability as well as the safety of the people and their property.

Meeting with senior military officers in Kunming on Monday, Xi said the troops in Yunnan have resolutely implemented the decisions and instructions of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, and made important contributions to safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as supporting local economic and social development.

Xi said facing arduous tasks in various fields in 2020, the armed forces must implement the Party's thinking on strengthening the military and military strategy for the new era, and resolutely accomplish all tasks entrusted by the Party and the people.
WASHINGTON  The Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump resumes Tuesday, with senators mapping out how to conduct the proceeding before hearing opening arguments from House Democrats who will prosecute the case and White House lawyers defending the president.

Here are some questions and answers about what to expect from only the third trial in history of a sitting president:

How will the trial work?

The Constitution grants the Senate the sole power to hold an impeachment trial. The only three requirements are that senators swear an oath, that a two-thirds majority is required to remove an official and that the Supreme Court chief justice presides over the trial of a president. All other aspects of the trial must be hammered out.

The trial opened Thursday with the swearing in of Chief Justice John Roberts. He then administered the oath to senators. The House managers and White House lawyers filed written arguments over the weekend.

When the trial resumes Tuesday at 1 p.m., senators will debate how to conduct the trial, under what is called an organizing resolution. The resolution will detail logistics such as when the trial will start each day and how long each phase will last.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., proposed allocating 24 hours to each side to present their case over two session days for each side. Then senators would have 16 hours to pose written questions through Roberts to both sides. Under his proposal, four hours of debate over whether to subpoena witnesses or documents would come after the opening arguments and questions.

Live impeachment trial updates: Schumer: McConnell wants a 'rushed' impeachment trial of President Trump

But Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he would offer amendments. He said the proposal wouldn't automatically allow House Democrats to admit their evidence into the record and would have arguments continue into "the wee hours of the night" to hide information from the American people.

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Under this resolution, Sen. McConnell is saying he doesnt want to hear any of the existing evidence, and he doesnt want to hear any new evidence," Schumer said.

A 51-vote majority of the Senate will determine rules for the trial, in a chamber with 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Rep. Val Demings (D-FL), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) walk through the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on their way to the U.S. Senate January 16, 2020 in Washington, DC. The members of Congress were appointed as managers of the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, which is expected to begin in earnest early next week.

Will there be witnesses at the trial?

One of the most contentious aspects of the rules will be whether to call witnesses. Democrats want to call at least four witnesses, including former national security adviser John Bolton. But some Republicans said they would be unnecessary. If witnesses are allowed, Republicans have suggested calling the whistleblower who sparked the impeachment inquiry and Hunter Biden, the son of former Vice President Joe Biden.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he has the votes to delay a decision on witnesses until after hearing opening arguments from House managers and White House lawyers, and after senators submit written questions to both sides.

"When you get to that issue, I can't imagine that only the witnesses that our Democratic colleagues would want to call would be called," McConnell said.

Trump impeachment trial: Trial could render verdict on Senate and key players

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has urged subpoenas for four witnesses and three batches of documents.

As soon as Sen. McConnell offers this resolution, I will be offering amendments to address the many flaws in this deeply unfair proposal and to subpoena the witnesses and documents we have requested," Schumer said.

But even GOP senators open to hearing witnesses have said they would wait to decide until after opening statements and written questions, as McConnell suggested.

"While I need to hear the case argued and the questions answered, I tend to believe having additional information would be helpful," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who supported calling witnesses in the 1999 trial for former President Bill Clinton. "Prior to hearing the statement of the case and the senators asking questions, I will not support any attempts by either side to subpoena documents or witnesses."

Trump in Davos: Trump to join world leaders and business people in Davos as Senate impeachment trial moves forward

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton was fired by US President Donald Trump on Sept. 10, 2019. Bolton has had an extensive political career, also serving as the former United States ambassador to the United Nations. Here is his political career in pictures.

Who will argue the case?

Seven House Democrats, who are called managers, will present the case accusing Trump of abusing the power of his office by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, while withholding $391 million in military aid. Trump is also accused of obstruction of Congress, for what Democrats say was his effort to stonewall the investigation.

The managers are: Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif.; Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y.; and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.; Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.; Val Demings, D-Fla.; Jason Crow, D-Colo.; and Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas. All are lawyers except Demings, who was Orlando's police chief.

Trump's lead defenders will be White House counsel Pat Cipollone and private attorney Jay Sekulow. Other lawyers who have defended the president on television and will contribute to his team are Alan Dershowitz, a noted Harvard law professor; Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel who investigated Clinton; and Robert Ray, who replaced Starr as independent counsel during the last year of the Clinton presidency.

The White House announced it has supplemented its legal team with eight vocal House Republicans who fought the impeachment drive in that chamber. They are not scheduled to argue the case during the Senate trial, but will provide legal advice and make media appearances, officials said.

The House Republicans helping Trump are Doug Collins, Mike Johnson, Jim Jordan, Debbie Lesko, Mark Meadows, John Ratcliffe, Elise Stefanik and Lee Zeldin.

"Throughout this process, these Members of Congress have provided guidance to the White House team," said Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham.

The managers: What is an impeachment manager, and what do they do?

Is the trial public?

The trial is public, but could be closed at times as senators debate rules or the verdict. Votes on rules and the verdict will be public.

Security is tightened for the trial, restricting access in the Senate wing of the Capitol. Staffers and reporters need special credentials. But the balconies overlooking the chamber will remain open for the public and reporters to observe the proceedings.

The trial will be televised, but by cameras operated by the government. C-Span, the cable channel that carries gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Senate and House, has asked for more access for private cameras, as happens during the State of the Union speech or joint sessions of Congress.

Impeachment trial rules: Proposed rules for Trump's Senate impeachment trial could set up a heated debate on Tuesday

The Senate could go into closed session at times. Under Senate Rule XXI, any senator can make a motion to go into closed session and, if seconded, the Senate moves into closed session by clearing the galleries and closing the doors. Lawmakers and staffers are prohibited from revealing what is discussed in closed sessions.

The Senate routinely met in secret in past centuries while debating treaties or nominations. Senators have met secretly dozens of times in the last century for debate over national security issues and for impeachment, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Six secret sessions were held during the 1999 trial of Clinton, the report said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said there might be closed sessions, but that his preference could be to keep most of the trial open.

"Might there be an occasional moment where we think we might come together in closed session? Yes," Schumer said. "But the strong presumption is to be open, and I want to see as much of it open as possible."

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks at a news conference, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

How long will the trial last?

There is no deadline to finish the trial. Early estimates were that hearing arguments from House managers and White House lawyers, with written questions from senators, could take two weeks. If senators agree to call witnesses, senators have estimated it could take three or four weeks longer.

The 1999 trial for Clinton took about six weeks, with pauses for filing written arguments and for deposing witnesses.

What about the State of the Union?

President Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from the House to give his State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress on Feb. 4. The timing was compelling even without the Senate trial, coming a day after the Iowa presidential caucuses that will start to determine the Democratic nominee to challenge Trump in the fall.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Trump has several options. She said the president could could deliver his speech, he could submit a printed statement, "which was for a long time a tradition," or he could ask to postpone until after the trial is resolved.

"That's up to the president," Pelosi said.

Democrats' impeachment argument: House Democrats call Trump a 'danger' to U.S. national security in formal argument for his removal

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., expects Trump to deliver the speech even if the trial is still going.

As I recall, President Clinton gave his State of the Union in the middle of that process, and I would expect no reason to believe that same thing wouldnt happen," Blunt said.

But Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told Fox News on Sunday that Trump preferred to have the trial over before the speech.

"His mood is to go to the State of the Union with this behind him and talk about what he wants to do for the next, rest of 2020 and what he wants to do for the next four years," Graham said. "He is very much comfortable with the idea that this is going to turn out well for him."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Senate impeachment trial of Trump: What to expect
Netflix has opened a new French headquarters in Paris which will be home to 40 employees.

Netflix will also significantly increase its investment in France with 20 new French productions, and partnerships with leading French creative institutions.

"It is a real honour to be in France, with its rich culture and history of storytelling. This office is a sign of our long-term commitment to the country, and will enable us to work even more closely with the French creative community on great shows and films that are made in France and watched all around the world, said Reed Hastings, Founding Chairman and CEO of Netflix.

Netflix has, since launching in France in 2014, developed 24 French titles, including 6 films, 9 series, 5 stand-up shows, 3 documentaries and 1 unscripted series including horror and YA sci-fi series Marianne and Mortel, comedies Plan coeur and Family Business, the film Banlieusards, and documentary series Gregory.

New shows on the slate include BigBug, the new film by Cesar Award Winner Jean-Pierre Jeunet, based on a script written by Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant  a comedy set in the future with a cast including Cesar Award Winner Elsa Zylberstein, Cesar Award Nominee Isabelle Nanty, and Manu Payet.

Screenwriter Fanny Herrero is developing a 6-part series following the lives of four young comedians trying to make it in the Paris stand-up scene. Also on the slate is the renewal (Season 2) of the original YA Sci-fi series Mortel, created by Frederic Garcia and Sentinelle, an action-packed film starring Olga Kurylenko, directed by Julien Leclercq (Braqueurs and La Terre et le Sang).

We are incredibly proud of the productions were currently filming, the ones we are developing and the ones weve unveiled today. The establishment of a new French creative hub brings new opportunities for us to work with the best and most exciting creative talent in France and to bring diverse genres and content to everyone who loves French storytelling, added Damien Couvreur, Netflixs Director of Series in France.

Netflix also announced a series of partnerships with major French creative institutions. Those partnerships include strengthening Netflixs existing partnership with La Femis by supporting their Residency programme, an 11-month full-time training course that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds get into film and TV; 1000 visages, an association founded in 2006 by Houda Benyamina, which provides a number of training programmes in film and promotes access to jobs within the creative industries. Netflix will become the main partner in the programme dedicated to series screenwriting, to be launched in January 2020. Houda Benyamina is also the director of two episodes of The Eddy. Since 2019, Netflix has partnered with GOBELINS LEcole de lImage, giving one graduate every year the opportunity to work alongside Netflixs animation experts in Japan. In addition, Netflix will now contribute to Gobelins training program by funding four-year scholarships for five students as part of their Master of Arts in "Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking".

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Theophalis Wilson, shown here outside the Criminal Justice Center, was exonerated Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 after 28 years in prison for a triple murder that took place when he was just 17 years old. Read more

On Tuesday morning, after 28 years in prison for a triple murder he did not commit, Theophalis Bilaal Wilson heard the words he had been waiting for.

Theophalis Wilson, you are free to go, Common Pleas Court Judge Tracy Brandeis-Roman said as extended family and friends who packed the courtroom wailed, hugged, and wept.

With that, Wilson became the 12th person exonerated by District Attorney Larry Krasners Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), which in court filings offered a damning assessment of prosecutorial practices stretching back decades.

It is time for Mr. Wilson to be allowed to go home  that he go home a free man, and that he go home with an apology," unit chief Patricia Cummings said in court, her voice trembling. No words can express what we put these people through. What we put Mr. Wilson through. What we put his family through.

Brandeis-Roman ordered him released immediately, finding violations of his right to due process and effective counsel, as well as to any material exculpatory evidence in his case.

This is a great day, Wilson said after his release. Now we got to go back and get the other guys. Theres a lot of innocent people in jail.

Wilsons exoneration came a month after his codefendant, Christopher Williams, was cleared of the three 1989 killings.

Wilson, now 48, was a teenager when he was accused of participating in the slayings of Otis Reynolds and brothers Kevin and Gavin Anderson in North Philadelphia.

Wilsons trial was infected by serious prosecutorial misconduct, Brady violations, a critical witness who supplied false testimony, and ineffective assistance of counsel," the District Attorneys Office wrote in a filing that called the case a perfect storm of injustice.

The filing, signed by Cummings, calls into question many more prosecutions.

For decades and with some frequency, it appears that the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office failed to comply with its obligations in regard to Brady," Cummings wrote, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court holding in Brady v. Maryland that prosecutors must turn over material exculpatory evidence.

At their 1992 trial before Judge Paul Ribner, Wilson and Williams were convicted primarily on the testimony of James White, who confessed to six murders. Later, he recanted, saying he provided false testimony in exchange for a deal to escape the death penalty and be released after 15 years.

White admitted his lies at a 2013 hearing in Williams case, at which forensics experts testified that the physical evidence discredited his narrative that the three men were shot and pushed out of a moving van at different spots in North Philadelphia. After that, Williams' conviction was vacated. But the District Attorneys Office fought the decision for years.

Wilson only found his way back into court because of a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that deemed mandatory life-without-parole sentences for minors unconstitutional.

Wilson, however, was denied a resentencing hearing because of his ongoing innocence claim. Given that delay, he briefly contemplated giving up the fight. Pain is a serious motivator," he said. But I said if I have to give up my actual innocence, thats something that will never happen.

Instead, he pleaded with the legal team that took on his resentencing pro bono to help with his innocence claim.

We didnt know what to do. But he looked right at me and said, Will you please stay on the case? said Kelly Bunting, an employment litigator with the firm Greenberg Traurig.

The firm got help from Jennifer Merrigan, a lawyer with the nonprofit Phillips Black and, finally, a break in the case when prosecutors, who had previously denied there was additional evidence, handed over 40,000 pages of documents in February 2019.

That included never-before-revealed investigative records that pointed to different suspects and suppressed witnesses. It also revealed that a corroborating witness, David Lee, was an informant who had evaded prosecution in two other murders.

Several of the violations in this case appear purposeful at worse or reckless at best, the district attorneys filing noted, naming the prosecutor, David Desiderio, as well as Bridget Kirn and Alisa Shver, who fought to keep the files sealed and to preserve the conviction.

Desiderio said he stands by the conviction, and said the district attorney made up any violations. Kirn and Shver did not respond to requests for comment.

Waiting for Wilson at the courthouse were a half-dozen other exonerees and juvenile lifers, and family and friends who had waited decades for this moment.

Its a beautiful day, Kim Wilson, Theophalis mother, said. I just thank God it finally happened.

Carey King, 44, a friend since childhood, had been out until 9 the night before hunting for the clothing Wilson wanted to wear home after 28 years in a prison uniform.

He has certain specifications. One of the things he had asked for was a black peacoat. He doesnt understand that theyre putting out spring clothes now, King said with a laugh.

On Tuesday afternoon, Wilson finally walked out of court and back into a city he had not seen since he was a teen. He experienced a few simple pleasures hed been deprived of: a cup of coffee  La Colombe, not Maxwell House  with real cream, an Isgro cannoli hed been thinking about for a decade, hugs from loved ones.

Then, Merrigan hailed a rideshare to the Phillips Black offices, where Wilson plans to work.

This car is just going to pop up out of nowhere? Wilson asked, then climbed in skeptically, grilling the driver on his credentials. He told him: I just did 28 years for a crime I didnt commit, I hope you drive good.

While Wilson was freed, Williams remains imprisoned on a life sentence for a fourth murder  the 1989 slaying of Michael Haynesworth  of which he was convicted with a codefendant, Troy Coulston. Both Williams and Coulston have maintained their innocence in that crime, too. The key witnesses against them? David Lee and James White.

As family and friends gathered to celebrate, they were joined by Christopher Williams fiancee and children. Just then, Williams called.

I love you, man. Keep your head up, Wilson told him. Youre going to get there, too.
The one-size-fits-all standard deduction of Rs 40,000 from salary needs to be upped to a third of the salary or Rs 1 lakh whichever is less

With unemployment levels at a record high on the back of a sagging economy, the Narendra Modi government had to do something dramatic to lift the mood of gloom and doom. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did precisely that by sharply reducing the corporate tax rate for existing companies from 30 percent to 22 percent if they opt not to claim any specified tax benefits and, from 25 percent to 15 percent for companies incorporated after 1st October 2019 provided they are into manufacturing.

While corporates applauded the move initiated vide an ordinance promulgated on 20 September 2019, there was criticism too, some muted and some loud. Corporates have greater financial strength, went one argument, and ergo the weaker middle class concerns should have been addressed first. Another argument was it wasnt the tax rate as much as the non-conducive investment climate that needed to be set right. Weak demand indeed was the cause behind unsold automobiles and other goods. So the Finance Minister ought to have put more money into consumers pockets was the leitmotif of the criticism.

In the upcoming Budget 2020-21 to be presented on 1 February 2020, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cannot hem and haw while conferring wholesome tax benefits to the salaried class after having showered confetti on the corporates. She might as well redeem the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as far back as in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections that should he succeed in retrieving the loot stashed away abroad, he would share a sliver of it with the salaried class for its clean tax track record. Well, the loot might have not been retrieved but substantial relief to the salaried class brooks no delay.

The one-size-fits-all standard deduction of Rs 40,000 from salary needs to be upped to a third of the salary or Rs 1 lakh whichever is less. Remember the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had brought back standard deduction in lieu of transport allowance exempt up to Rs 19,200 per annum and non-hospitalisation medical reimbursements by employers up to Rs 15,000 per annum. That was the meanest cut. There is a case for an ungrudging and unconditional standard deduction in computing salary income if only to partially compensate the salaried class for the absence of leg-room in booking expenses to reduce their income, the latitude available to their business and professional counterparts in ample measure.

When a professional with a turnover of Rs 50 lakh or less can be allowed a standard deduction of 50 percent and taxed only on the balance under the presumptive taxation scheme obtaining for them, there is no reason why the salaried people must be fobbed off with a pittance.

Wrenching away the exemption from tax of non-hospitalisation medical expenses was a cruel blow besides being insensitive to employees taking care of their parents who often have to pop up pills every day without being admitted to a hospital. Remember India has the dubious distinction of being the diabetic capital of the world. Pills and insulin shots are self-administered at home. The point is hospitalisation should neither be made a fetish nor insisted upon as a precondition for tax exemption. To prevent abuse of non-hospital bill reimbursement, an annual examination at approved hospitals in which the government has trust can be insisted upon. The Finance Minister should while restoring this exemption, hike the ridiculously low limit of Rs 15,000 generously that existed.

The need for heightened savings is all the more now that the Finance Minister is banking on a massive Rs 102 lakh infrastructure push to revive the economy. The tax benefits for investments in infrastructure bonds must, therefore, stage a comeback with a vengeance. The government must be indifferent to tax sacrifice as long as it is more than offset by funds mobilised for infrastructure projects. And yes, do not forget the massive hoard of gold in the country guesstimated to be close to a whopping 20,000 metric tonnes. Spare capital gains from the sale of gold from tax on the condition that they would be parked in infrastructure bonds of long duration.

The tax slab rates are in need of urgent reforms. Contrary to the popular perception, they are not as high as they are steep5 percent, 20 percent and 30 percentencouraging splitting and splintering of income so as to take refuge under the most hospitable bracket. But that is a long-term project. In the immediate run what is possible is bringing an intermediary slab, Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, and taxing it at 25 percent. Only income in excess of Rs 20 lac should be taxed at 30 percent.

(The author is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan)

Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2020-21 here
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, today announced it has been named one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality, receiving a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality across the United States. This is the second year in a row that Bank of the West has earned a perfect score. Bank of the West has also been named to Forbes' 2020 Best Employers for Diversity list.

"Sustainability and inclusivity go hand in hand. We value equality for all and pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and respectful company culture. Diversity doesn't just happen. You need leadership's commitment and a strategy to recruit, retain and promote a more diverse team at all levels," said Nandita Bakhshi, President and CEO at Bank of the West. "It's rewarding to see that our efforts have resulted in a perfect CEI score for the second year in a row, and recognition on Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity list."

From its CEO to investment in female entrepreneurs, Bank of the West leads with and empowers diversity. Its executive leadership team is 30 percent women, nearly one-third people of color, and speaks 10 different languages. Bank of the West provides competitive benefits for same-sex partners, regardless of marital status, as well as transgender benefits in all health plans offered. Benefits include 14 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Additionally, full benefits are offered to part time employees. All employees can be members of the Bank's seven resource groups, which honor and celebrate racial, gender, and LGBTQ diversity at the bank.

"From our corporate headquarters in San Francisco to our branches in 19 states, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success at Bank of the West," said Sheri Paulo, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bank of the West. "Our workplace embraces and celebrates different cultures, lifestyles, experiences and ideas. This doesn't just create a welcoming company cultureit's also good for business."

The 2020 CEI evaluates each company's LGBTQ-related policies and practices including: non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality, and responsible citizenship.

"The impact of the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe," said Alphonso David, President at the Human Rights Campaign. "These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do -- it is also the best business decision."

The Forbes' 2020 Best Employers for Diversity list is based on an anonymous online survey taken by more than 60,000 employees working for firms or institutions that employ 1,000 or more people. Additionally, an index of objective and publicly available diversity KPIs were considered. Bank of the West is also ranked among Forbes' Best Employers for Women.

Additional Resources

Learn more about Bank of the West's commitment to diversity and inclusion here.

Bank of the West's Chief Human Resources Officer, Sheri Paulo , shares her perspective as a lesbian executive on the news in this LinkedIn post.

About Bank of the West

At Bank of the West, we know money deposited in a bank has the power to finance positive change. So we are taking action to ensure our activities help protect the planet, improve people's lives, and strengthen communities. We are redefining banking for a better future by focusing on areas where we believe we can have a real impact: supporting energy transition, helping enable women entrepreneurs, and financing innovative start-ups. As the bank for a changing world, Bank of the West is committed to sustainable finance along with our parent company BNP Paribas. Through Digital Channels and offices across the U.S., Bank of the West provides financial tools and resources to more than 2 million individuals, families and businesses.

 2020 Bank of the West. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Doing business in South Dakota as Bank of the West California.

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MADRID  Spains new government declared a national climate emergency on Tuesday, taking a formal first step toward enacting ambitious measures to fight climate change.

The declaration approved by the Cabinet says the left-of-center Socialist government will send to parliament within 100 days its proposed climate legislation. The targets coincide with those of the European Union, including a reduction of net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.

Spain's coalition government wants up to 95% of the Mediterranean countrys electricity to come from renewable sources by 2040. The plan also foresees eliminating pollution by buses and trucks and making farming carbon neutral.

Details of the plan are to be made public when the proposed legislation is sent to parliament for approval.

More than two dozen countries and scores of local and regional authorities have declared a climate emergency in recent years.

Scientists say the decade that just ended was by far the hottest ever measured on Earth, capped off by the second-warmest year on record.

Also Tuesday, young climate activists including Greta Thunberg told the elites gathered at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland they are not doing enough to deal with the climate emergency and warned them that time was running out.

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The team's pitch presumed that familiarity with corruption had left Ukraine unsophisticated with it.

U.S. President Donald Trump's acolytes felt perhaps that Ukraine was an easy place for a shakedown. Addled by corruption and poverty, it may have seemed accustomed  even open  to explicit acts of what some would later call bribery. A pushover.

As Trump's impeachment trial begins Tuesday  launched after a months-long pressure campaign to get Ukraine to investigate a political rival  it's obvious this was a glaring miscalculation, CNN reports.

First was the cynicism. Ukrainians are used to being screwed over by power, especially by Moscow  their former imperial master reluctant always to surrender their fiefdoms.

Even Trump's own national security advisor at the time, John Bolton, once reportedly referred to the push for Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son as a "drug deal."

"Imagine this is your first real interaction with the world's only superpower: its commander-in-chief trying -- on the presidential hotline -- to persuade you to investigate his political rival's son. In exchange you get US military aid you thought you already had, and that you existentially need to fight off an overbearing, invading neighbor (one that is very chummy with the guy in White House on the other end of the line)," the report reads, adding that it was also "amateur" as corruption in the former Soviet Union is not a walk-on experience.

Read alsoRFE/RL: Pompeo says U.S. will look into claims former Ukraine ambassador was followed

"You don't just blunder in with a suitcase of cash and leave 10 minutes later, the deal sealed with a handshake. It is deeply local, about simmering allegiances, family loathings and old enemies, and often so complex it becomes impenetrable even to insiders. Foreigners usually lack any grasp of these sensitivities," CNN wrote.

The Trump team's pitch presumed that familiarity with corruption had left Ukraine unsophisticated with it; that a ghastly 15-year struggle for independence and the end of post-Soviet murk meant that an inexperienced president, who had only ever played politics in a fictional TV series, would just roll over and investigate Hunter Biden on demand.

If anyone needs further evidence the Trump team were shopping in the wrong neighborhood, compare the reactions of Americans to Ukrainians on being exposed. Most Ukrainian officials have simply disappeared, rarely being doorstepped by reporters and offering little more dirt to ladle onto the mess, Zelensky saying almost nothing about it. Trump's acolytes could almost not stop talking for a while, with Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, even raising the dark matter of an "insurance" policy he had somewhere, somehow.

Read also"I don't trust any word he is now saying": FM Prystaiko on Giuliani associate's statements on Ukraine

The art of corruption in post-Soviet countries is to pretend that it couldn't possibly exist; that only your government salary and former prowess as a businessman mean you can afford to send your son to Eton and house your mistress above Central Park. These Americans were just a comedy troupe, bringing squirting roses to a corruption masterclass.

And so it is perhaps fitting that  as Trump's trial gets under way  the U.S. military aid still flows. Zelensky is still president, seemingly able to watch this bullet fly past him. Ukrainians are left asking: what was all that? before returning to their real quotidian woes. And the only pertinent investigation we have seen opened by Ukraine? One into the alleged surveillance of the U.S. Ambassador who fought back, and who Trump seemed to have removed: Marie Yovanovitch, whose parents fled the Soviets and the Nazis, who grew up speaking Russian and became an American citizen at the age of 18.

"Ukraine was meant to be an easy mark, but just spat the drug deal back out," the report concludes.
DAVOS, Switzerland - President Donald Trump said Tuesday that hes led a spectacular turnaround of the U.S. economy and urged the world to invest in America, but had less to say about climate change issues that are a focus of this years gathering of top business and political leaders in the Swiss Alps.

Trump kept to his speech script and did not mention the historic impeachment trial that was set to reconvene in the U.S. Senate in Washington later Tuesday. But he couldnt resist when asked about the trial by the hordes of reporters covering the World Economic Form in Davos.

Its disgraceful, Trump said of the proceeding.

Trumps two-day visit is a test of his ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Trump reminded the audience that when he spoke here in 2018 I told you that we had launched the great American comeback.

Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, the president said.

American economist Kenneth Rogoff took issue with Trumps comments, saying some of Trumps claims about the strength of the U.S. economy are true. But Rogoff noted that the economy wasnt doing badly when Trump took office. Its been a good 10 years and his three years probably better than expected, Rogoff said, adding that he thought Trump was careful to keep his comments about climate change to a minimum to avoid getting booed.

Climate issues are a main theme at the forum and the phrase Act on Climate was written in the snow at the landing zone where Trumps Marine One helicopter set down in Davos.

Late last year, the Trump administration began pulling the U.S. out of the landmark 2015 Paris climate agreement under which nearly 200 nations set goals to curb emissions of heat-trapping gasses that lead to climate change. Trump has called the Paris accord an unfair economic burden to the U.S. economy.

Trumps speech was met with virtual silence by the audience, apart from a brief flurry of applause when Trump said the U.S. would join a World Economic Forum initiative to plant 1 trillion trees worldwide.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg, who has been criticized by Trump, said world and business leaders arent taking the threat of global warming seriously.

Planting trees is good of course but its nowhere near enough, Thunberg said.

Trumps participation at the forum provided another conspicuous split-screen moment in his presidency. Before entering the hall to deliver his speech, Trump called the trial disgraceful and part of the witch hunt thats been going on for years.

Asked whether Trump would tune in to the impeachment trial, White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in an email that Trump has a full day in Davos but will be briefed by staff periodically.

Trump spent nearly all of his approximately 30-minute speech describing U.S. economic gains under his leadership.

America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, Trump said before talking about a newly signed trade deal with China and a pending U.S. trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. He also spoke of record low unemployment, stock market gains and millions of people removed from the welfare rolls.

Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz criticized Trump for failing to address the climate emergency beyond a commitment that the U.S. will join the trillion trees initiative.

He managed to say absolutely zero on climate change, Stiglitz said. Meanwhile were going to roast.

Trumps appearance at the forum ends Wednesday when he travels back to a Washington thats consumed by the impeachment trial.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraines president to announce investigations into former Vice-President Joe Biden, a Democrat and a Trump political rival. Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they cant deny him reelection in November. Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Trump met Tuesday with the forums founder and the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position. Trump zeroed in their first meeting on her reputation as a tough negotiator, saying that was bad news for us.

Trade right now and a deal between ourselves and essentially Europe is something that we all want to be able to make, Trump said.

Trump also was meeting Tuesday with the leaders of Switzerland and Pakistan.

___

Associated press writers Jamey Keaten and Pans Pylas in Davos contributed to this report.

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
The Department of Health (DOH) will soon have a fleet of brand new vehicles after Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) delivered several units of the L300 and Xpander.

Through the Procurement Service  an attached agency of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the DOH was able to order the vehicles online and have it delivered to the agency's doorstep after validation and payment of request. With it, this system aims to streamline the process of acquiring vehicles while maintaining the principles of economy, efficiency and check and balances.

A total of 232 units of the L300 FB Body, as well as 33 examples of the Xpander GLX was producred by PS-DBM and it will be delivered by MMPC via CitiMotors Makati and Diamond Motors Fairview respectively to the various government agencies. The first to receive the brand new Mitsubishi units was the DOH. MMPC turned over 4 units of the L300 FB, as well as 2 units of the Xpander to DOH Secretary Francisco Duque at the agency's HQ.
Brad Pitt's warm embrace with ex Jennifer Aniston at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night made worldwide headlines.

But it appears the Hollywood actor also shared a flirty moment with Extra TV host Renee Bargh on the red carpet.

The Australian stunner, 33, was temporarily lost for words when Brad, 56, winked at her while discussing their 'amazing chemistry'.

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Look away, Jen! Brad Pitt (right) gave a flirty wink to Extra host Renee Bargh (left) during a cheeky conversation about their 'amazing chemistry' on SAG Awards red carpet on Sunday

Renee, who is single, cheekily captioned a short clip on social media with 'that wink though', later adding to friends that she barely was able to compose herself.

'I know that you said anyone that you're seen with they think you're dating... we recently had a great interview recently and umm... then all these articles came out about our amazing chemistry,' Renee said, stopping midway through her sentence.

Brad played along with the suggestion by winking at the camera and nodding his head towards Renee.

'You guys look cute together': Fans were quick to praise the pair's on-screen chemistry, after Brad played along with the suggestion by winking at the camera and nodding his head

'The "point" of this picture is to show the clear chemistry Brad and I have': In September, Renee also shared a picture with the hunky actor at the premiere of his film, Ad Astra

Many of her friends and fans were quick to reveal their opinions of their friendly interaction in the comment section.

'He is totally saying he is keen', 'you guys look cute together,' and 'the way he looked at you tho' were just some of the posts.

In September, Renee's fans also claimed the hunky actor may have had a friendly response to her flirty personality at the premiere of Ad Astra.

She shared a photo with Brad at the time, captioning it: 'The "point" of this picture is to show the clear chemistry Brad and I have.'

Just months earlier she captioned a photo with Brad at the Once Upon A Time in Hollywood premiere with heart-eye emojis and 'zero chill'.

'Zero chill': Just months earlier, Renee captioned a photo with Brad at the Once Upon A Time in Hollywood premiere in July with heart-eye emojis

However, it was Brad's interaction with ex-wife Jen at the SAG Award ceremony that sent fans into a frenzy.

Brad was caught on camera watching his ex-wife's acceptance speech backstage when she won best actress in a drama series for The Morning Show (known in Australia as Morning Wars).

He later shared a friendly reunion backstage while congratulating her on the win.

The pair were married from 2000 to 2005 in what many deemed a fairytale Hollywood union. After their split, the Ocean's Eleven star began dating Angelina Jolie, to whom he was married between 2014 and 2019.

Both Brad and Jennifer are currently single, following their respective separations from Angelina and Justin Theroux.
The body of a Montana girl missing since New Year's Day has been found, ending a weekslong search that stretched across three states and included FBI agents.

Selena Shelley Faye Not Afraid, 16, was found in an area southwest of the rest area where she was last seen, Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence C. Big Hair said in an emailed statement on Monday. She was found at about 10:30 a.m. during a "systematic grid search" near the rest stop on Interstate 90 between Billings and Hardin.

"It is with great sadness I announce that we have to report the body of Selena Faye Not Afraid has been found by searchers," Big Hair said.

We brought our baby girl home. Now she can Rest In Peace, Not Afraids aunt, Cheryl Horn, wrote in a Facebook post.

Foul play is not suspected, Big Hair said, but an autopsy would be performed to determine the girls cause of death.

FBI asks for help: Montana girl Selena Not Afraid, 16, missing since New Year's Day

"We want to thank all the agencies and civilians that helped in searching for Selena, we also are thankful for the many people that donated food and water for the searchers and the family," Big Hair said.

Big Hair asked for prayers for Not Afraid's family and for "time and space to grieve and come to grips with this terrible loss."

An FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team joined the search for Not Afraid earlier in the month, the Billings Gazette reported. Agencies from Wyoming and South Dakota were also involved with the search.

According to the FBI, Not Afraid was last seen outside the interstate rest area on New Year's Day. She had left a disabled car and walked into a field next to the rest area and was not dressed for the weather conditions, the FBI reported in its be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) notice.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Selena Not Afraid: Missing girl's body found near Montana rest area
Days away from the Iowa caucuses, and less than 11 months from the general election, voting and election security continues to be a challenge for the U.S political system. Threats to a secure election appear to loom as large today as they did in 2016, when Russian state-backed hackers and social media trolls threw U.S. political campaign and election efforts into chaos, turmoil that has only become clear after the fact.

Certainly, voting security has made great strides since 2016. State and local governments took advantage of a funding boost under the Help America Vote Act to improve their infrastructure and better coordinate among themselves to harden election systems. Congress allocated an additional $425 million as part of a spending compromise that was passed and enacted in late-December, giving election officials even more latitude to make improvements.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) tells CSO that the agency has seen marked improvements in security over the past few years. In our work with all 50 states and more than 2,400 local jurisdictions, weve seen a maturation in the risk management practices across the sector, the spokesperson says. Whether implementing controls like multifactor authentication and intrusion detection systems or exercising incident identification, communications, and response, the progress for election security is real.

Even more improvements to how the country responds to election threats could flow from a decision announced last week by the FBI to alter its policy regarding how it informs state officials about local election security breaches. In the past, the FBI informed state officials of cybersecurity attacks on local election infrastructure after informing local officials, allowing state officials to proceed with vote tallies and other efforts without full information. Now the bureau plans to keep state officials informed in a timelier manner, hoping to improve federal and state cooperation on election security matters.

No quick fix for election infrastructure issues

However, the evidence of problems across Americas election infrastructure uncovered since 2016 indicate that fixing Americas voting and election infrastructure problems is a long-term proposition, one that wont be fixed in time for the election in November. The report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller found that two Florida county systems were penetrated by Russian hackers in the run-up to election day in 2016. Mueller further found that an election software vendor, purportedly one of the industrys top vendors, VR Systems, was the victim of a successful phishing campaign by the hackers, who implanted malware on the vendors network.

Last week, in an affidavit filed in Atlanta federal court, security expert Logan Lamb found evidence suggesting an election server in Georgia had been hacked in December 2014. He further found that access logs to the server were deleted in March 2017, shortly after one of his colleagues alerted officials at Kennesaw State University, which manages the servers, that the server was still vulnerable.

Because of widespread vulnerabilities across tens of thousands of voting districts, many experts fear a repeat of the same problems the nation experienced in 2016. According to a recent AP report, tremors of potential trouble are already being felt across the U.S. voting landscape, with state election officials in at least two dozen states reporting recent suspicious cyber activity.

Permanent record of votes necessary

Earlier this month, the U.S. Committee on House Administration held hearings on 2020 election security during which experts and three of the nations top election vendors testified about what they think some of the most important voting and election security solutions are. Election security expert Matt Blaze, McDevitt Professor of Computer Science and Law at Georgetown University said that an urgent step in securing elections is getting rid of paperless voting machines that leave no permanent records of votes. These machines should be replaced with optical scan ballots that leave an artifact of voters choices, enabling risk liming audits after every election to detect whether software failure or attacks have occurred.

The election software vendor company CEOs testifying before that committee were all in agreement that more resources are needed to shore up elections. They also indicated they could embrace some form of federal standards or oversight to ensure voting integrity.

More funds needed for election security

Tom Burt, president and CEO of Election Systems & Software, said his company supports the increase in attention and dedicated resources coming from Congress, state and local officials, the EAC [Election Assistance Commission], and DHS. Applauding the $450 million spending increase granted to local authorities in December, Burt, like his fellow CEOs, said thats not enough. We believe the federal government needs to devote even more financial resources to jurisdictions that manage elections as part of the critical infrastructure in our country.

Julie Mathis, president and CEO, Hart InterCivic, Inc., was the most explicit in endorsing federal government involvement in overseeing election security. We encourage Congress and the EAC to continue exploring ways to apply federal oversight on all election technology, including areas of high vulnerability  such as voter registration, electronic pollbooks, and election night results reporting. John Poulos, president and CEO, Dominion Voting Systems, asked the lawmakers to free up more funds to remove barriers to modernizing election infrastructure and evaluating cyber risks surrounding voting technology.

DHS CISA says its doing its part to help voting vendors improve their security postures. The newly formed government agency is working with the major election equipment vendors to conduct assessments of their products through its partnership with Idaho National Labs, a CISA spokesperson tells CSO.

Russian election interference still a threat

Aside from threat to the actual voting infrastructure is the separate concern over whether Russia or any other foreign adversaries might repeat the kind of hacking campaigns that targeted the DNC and other Democratic party players during the 2016 election. Weve made election security our top priority at CISA for the simple reason that American elections should be decided by American voters  without foreign interference, the CISA spokesperson tells CSO.

Yet, a recent New York Times report indicates that Russia has taken steps to hide its tracks when it comes to hacking American political actors such as the DNC and are refreshing their operations to be less sloppy this go-around. One of the Russian intelligence units responsible for the DNC hack, Fancy Bear, has moved some of its servers to the U.S. to thwart the NSA and other American intelligence agencies, according to some federal officials.

Trolls within Russias Internet Research Agency, which mounted massive disinformation attacks across social media accounts in 2016 that were designed to sow division in the American electorate, are purportedly using more secure, encrypted communications methods such as ProtonMail, to plot their 2020 campaigns, the Times report states, citing a government official and a security expert. They are also paying Americans to spread their message on Facebook to make their actions harder to trace.

Yet another concern not directly related to voting infrastructure security is the rising threat of ransomware against American municipalities, which could be deployed to strategically cripple voting systems on election day. High-profile attacks in New Orleans, Baltimore and a cluster of cities in Texas were among only some of the nearly 200 ransomware attacks that hit U.S. municipalities in 2019.

Wherever the threats may arise, all Americans should be prepared to participate in defending elections from threats in 2020, CISA says. Every American has a role to play in ensuring the 2020 elections are secure and resilient, an agency spokesperson tells CSO.
A royal expert has claimed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been given a 'boost' following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's step down as senior royals, but thinks Prince Harry has secretly been left 'heartbroken'.

Commentator Kate Nicholl claimed Kate Middleton, 38, and Prince William, 37, were thrilled at the warm reception they got during a royal engagement in Bradford last week.

And indeed a beaming Kate appeared extra animated when she arrived at Buckingham Palace alongside William last night, for their first major joint engagement without Harry, 35.

Meanwhile Harry, who returned to Canada to be with Meghan Markle, 38, and eight-month-old Archie, has been 'putting on a brave face amid heartbreak', Katie claims.

Royal commentator Katie Nicholl has told Ok! Magazine that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, seen at Buckingham Palace last night, have been given a 'boost' following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's step down

Speaking to Ok!, she said of the Cambridges: 'The warm reception William and Kate received has given them a huge boost. They've stuck to the tried-and-tested approach, promoting a united Royal family and it's a success.'

Speaking about Harry, she continued: 'He might be putting a brave face on but I suspect Harry's heartbroken. He's a sensitive soul and he's a sweetheart.'

'The past week must have been incredibly hard. With William busy performing Royal duties, he's not got his brother by his side right now and his father, Prince Charles, has returned to Scotland.'

Meanwhile Harry, seen delivering a speech on Sunday, who returned to Canada to be with Meghan Markle, 38, and eight-month-old Archie, has been 'putting on a brave face amid heartbreak', Katie claims

Last night's engagement, which marked William's first solo reception at the palace, comes after his brother Prince Harry, 35, flew to Canada last night to be with Meghan Markle, 38, after a deal was reached on their departure from the royal family.

On Sunday night the Duke of Sussex has said he is 'taking a leap of faith' in stepping back from his life as a member of the royal family, but 'there really was no other option'.

Harry gave an emotional speech, where he told the 'truth' about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a 'more peaceful life' for his family.

Meghan and Harry are seen at Canada House last week, before they announced they would be stepping down from royal duties

The duke has attended his first public event since the announcement was released on Saturday that said from the spring, the duke and duchess will stop using HRH, spend the majority of their time living in Canada, and pay back the taxpayers' money spent renovating their Frogmore home.

He told invited guests: 'What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you.

'Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.

'I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am.

'But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.'
How many political leaders does it take to levy a carbon tax? After yet another face-to-face meeting between Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, two may not be enough.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

How many political leaders does it take to levy a carbon tax? After yet another face-to-face meeting between Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, two may not be enough.

On Monday morning in the toasty confines of a downtown Winnipeg hotel, Pallister got 30 minutes of face time with Trudeau, who is in Winnipeg for a three-day cabinet retreat. Trudeau and his ministers have been holding court with various subject matter experts and strategists in preparation for the spring sitting of the House of Commons.

However, it's impossible for the prime minister to visit a provincial capital for a meeting like this and not set aside time for a parlay with the resident premier. Although these events are typically more about photo opportunities than actual deal making, staff for both the premier and prime minister tout them as productive relationship building sessions. Pallister and Trudeau could certainly use some of that.

Past mini-summits between the two leaders have not been productive. In fact, at times, they have seemed downright destructive. Could this meeting, held in the face of some of the worst of Manitoba's winter weather, be any different?

Remarkably, when he left his chat with the prime minister, Pallister hinted strongly on Monday that maybe -- just maybe -- he and Trudeau may have reached the precipice of some sort of compromise on the carbon tax dispute that has eclipsed their relationship for the past three years.

Not a solution. But rather, a place where the path to a solution is coming into view.

Although these events are typically more about photo opportunities than actual deal making, staff for both the premier and prime minister tout them as productive relationship building sessions.

For reasons still not clear, in the fall of 2018, immediately following a prickly encounter with Trudeau in Winnipeg, Pallister withdrew a made-in-Manitoba carbon tax plan that would have levied a $25-per-tonne levy on carbon emissions. At a joint news conference, Trudeau jokingly suggested that Pallister might be able to persuade other conservative premiers to get on the carbon tax bandwagon; a few days later Pallister responded by killing his own tax plan.

That left Manitoba at the mercy of the federal carbon tax, which Trudeau ultimately has promised will rise to $50 per tonne. Faced with a federal ultimatum, Pallister pulled the plug on his own plan and joined other conservative premiers in legal challenges to the federal tax.

This week, however, Pallister said the Trudeau government is now open to continue talking about the made-in-Manitoba scheme in exchange for, among other things, Manitoba's support in calming separatist sentiments that have been raging across Western Canada since last fall's federal election.

Does that mean Manitoba could re-introduce its own tax with Trudeau's blessing? And further, that Ottawa would be prepared to let Manitoba remain at $25 per tonne after taking into consideration other investments in things like hydro electricity?

Perhaps, but not necessarily.

Pallister was asked directly if, following talks with Trudeau, he would re-introduce a carbon tax plan of his own. As he has throughout this dispute with Ottawa, Pallister continued playing the tease. "There could well be," Pallister said. Later, he did nearly commit to unveiling a "modified" plan that included some sort of "carbon pricing".

CP Following a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Brian Pallister said the Trudeau government is now open to continue talking about the made-in-Manitoba scheme in exchange for, among other things, Manitoba's support in calming separatist sentiments that have been raging across Western Canadian since last fall's federal election. (Mike Sudoma / Canadian Press)

Pallister's cryptic comments suggest to some observers the Trudeau government may be preparing to relent on its fight with Manitoba over carbon tax to signal that it is, in its current minority mandate, more cooperative and less likely to bully provinces on climate change policy. These observers cite a recent agreement with New Brunswick, in which Ottawa stopped imposing the federal carbon tax and approved a provincial plan.

The New Brunswick deal appears to allow that province to levy a carbon tax that falls below the so-called federal backstop, which is the deal that Manitoba wants. Pallister said his revised plan will include carbon pricing that is "flat and low like the Prairie horizon."

The stars all seem to be lining up except for one small problem: other representatives of the federal government are dismissing the idea that dissident provinces like Manitoba are going to get any special deals. In Winnipeg, Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Monday that Ottawa will not abandon its climate change goals just to pander to Western provinces.

"We have to be forward-looking with climate change," Wilkinson told Canadian Press. "At the end of the day, the challenge that we are facing is one of the emissions that exist today. We need to ... have plans as to how we're going to reduce the emissions that exist today."

Of course, that is what federal and provincial officials are saying Monday. On Tuesday, Trudeau is scheduled to hold a news conference on the final day of the cabinet retreat, before heading to Ottawa for a caucus retreat. And Pallister said he will make some sort of related announcement on Tuesday as he heads to Brandon for Ag Days.

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.

The stars all seem to be lining up except for one small problem: other representatives of the federal government are dismissing the idea that dissident provinces like Manitoba are going to get any special deals.

Boil it all down and you have this: since last November, Pallister has met twice face-to-face with Trudeau and once with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, acknowledged now by most political observers as the federal government's designated premier-whisperer. In each of those three meetings, the battle over which level of government will impose which kind of carbon tax has been brought up.

And, despite claims to the contrary by all combatants that there is mutual respect oozing out of everyone's pores, no deal has been struck.

It's certainly time for both Pallister and Trudeau to get a deal done to end the hostilities. That may require some concerted compromise by both sides, and some doctoral level political marketing to ensure that everyone looks like it got everything it wanted.

But after three face-to-face sit downs, it's time to get it done and move on to other important files.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
MBABANE  There seem to be calls from some quarters for Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Madze Bulunga to step down.

In fact, there is a whole debate, even on social media, that has ensued among emaSwati on what should happen to the minister of the Crown. This follows his recent publicity of fathering a child outside wedlock with a teacher. The teacher had also claimed that the minister was not supportive towards the now three-month-old baby. However, the minister has since owned up and acknowledged that he is the father of the minor and apologised to all who may have been affected by this. While many emaSwati have various opinions on what should happen to the minister, there is nothing in law that is specific to compel him to step down. This is because the country still does not have a Leadership Code of Conduct Act, which states how those in positions of leadership should conduct themselves.

Removed

However, Section 68 (4)(g) of the Constitution states that a minister can be removed from office for misbehaviour or inability to perform the functions of that office. The misbehaviour, however, is not explained in the Constitution and not specific if it includes a private matter. Meanwhile, back in 2014, the late and former Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini said the Leadership Code of Conduct Bill was one of the legislation to be completed without further delay. The PM, at that time, said the Bill had remained long in the chambers of Parliament and its importance to the Eswatini society demanded that its review should be completed without further delay. It is, therefore, incumbent on us as the Cabinet responsible for this administration to examine these Bills to ensure that in a fair and comprehensive manner, they capture the spirit and provisions of the respective policies, he had said. However, to date nothing has happened.

Bulunga could voluntarily step down as a minister or be fired, but he would still retain his seat as a Mbabane East Member of Parliament. The Code of Conduct Bill, which was tabled then, sought to ensure that those in leadership were transparent in their activities and accountable to the people they represented or served.

Leadership

According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Section 239, the purpose of the Leadership Code of Conduct sought to ensure that those in leadership, whether elective or appointive, were transparent in their activities and accountable to the people they represented or served. They are also expected to commit to the rule of law and administrative justice, adhere to the principles of service for the common good, not to abuse office and not to engage in conduct that is likely to lead to corruption in public affairs. It further states that certain persons including Cabinet ministers are obliged to declare their assets and liabilities. According to the Constitution, this falls on the lap of the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration Integrity.

Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Percy Simelane confirmed that the country did not have a Leadership Code of Conduct Act. He said the last he had heard about it was when it had been cued for debate in Parliament, which was during the former PM, Barnabas Dlaminis era. A questionnaire in the form of a text message was sent to Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission Sabelo Masuku about the code at 1:10pm but at the time of compiling this report, he had not responded by 6pm although the message had two blue ticks. On another note, the Constitution, under Section 242 (1), states that an officer who contravenes the code may after due process of law, be dismissed or removed from office by reasons of such breach or abuse and may be disqualified from holding any public office, either general or for a specified period. It should be noted that the code makes no mention on issues of social behaviour by the public officers but is mainly focused on corruption and abuse of office. Meanwhile, Section 68 states that an office of a minister shall become vacant where the King, acting on the recommendation of the PM, revokes that appointment, among others.

Sympathetic

However, it would seem some on social media are sympathetic to the ministers bad publicity. While others are of the view that the minister should step down, others have commended him for being responsible and confirming that the child was his. They said Madzes move of having an affair was not exemplary because people looked up to him while others stated that a child was a gift from God. Others, however, slammed the teacher, who had allowed herself to be impregnated by a married man, saying she knew very well that he was married.

They expressed concern about the unsafe sex which the two had engaged in.
T oday I met Rosie at an event for small businesses in London. She used to be a banker  and on her commute, shed daydream about baking Victoria sponge cake with iced flowers. On weekends, she hosted cake decorating classes for other bakers at the village hall. When she wanted to reach more people, she created a Facebook page to share recipes, class details and pictures.

The Cake Masters page now reaches almost one million people. Its digital magazine, launched after Rosie quit her job in 2013, is the worlds largest cake decorating publication, with subscribers in over 80 countries. And four out of five subscribers found it through Facebook.

Rosie is proof that with access to technology people can turn their passions into professions. She runs one of the 140 million businesses that use Facebook to find new customers, grow and hire. Ninety-five per cent of businesses on our platforms use only our free tools, which level the playing field by giving businesses of all sizes reach once available only to big companies. Most cant afford a TV ad or a billboard in Piccadilly Circus, but they can set up a free page to build community or spend 10 to reach new customers. This means more growth, more jobs and more competition  in London and around the world.

Today, were releasing a survey of more than 7,000 businesses in 15 European countries. According to the report, a joint effort with the consultancy Copenhagen Economics, Facebook helped these firms contribute about 200 billion euros to the European economy last year. Economists translate this to about three million jobs in Europe last year alone. Were proud of our impact here, and well continue to make sure people have the digital skills they need to participate fully in the economy. Over the past two years, we have trained more than a million people, including more than 150,000 in the UK.

To help more businesses reach their potential, we need to address the challenges of the internet. We know we did not invest enough in protecting privacy and security  and were changing. Were taking stronger action to remove harmful content, stop election interference and protect privacy. Our teams work around the clock to achieve these goals and build great new products.

That includes staff in London. Ten years ago, we opened our first European office here. Now its our biggest engineering hub outside the US. We plan to hire another 1,000 people in London this year and open offices in Kings Cross in 2021. More than half of the jobs will be in software engineering and data science. Many will be engineers addressing the challenges of an open internet, developing AI tech to find and remove harmful content quicker.

We will continue to make the investments needed to keep our platform safe and help small businesses like Rosies succeed. With our latest expansion in London, well do both better.
New Delhi, 21 Jan : Despite a formidable competition posed by the ruling AAP in the Delhi Assembly elections, the BJP is fighting back and making its presence felt in the national capital, latest data from the IANS/C-Voter Delhi Tracker survey shows.

The data from the IANS/C-Voter Delhi Tracker survey shows that over five days - January 16 to January 20, the BJP has improved its voter ratings by 2.4 per cent, while the ruling AAP has dipped by approximately 1.6 percentage.

On Monday, January 20, the Delhi Tracker showed 29.2 per cent voters favouring the BJP while 53.8 per cent of respondents went for the Aam Aadmi Party.

In comparison, only 26.3 per cent of Delhi voters had favoured the BJP on January 16, when queried as to who they would vote for in the Assembly elections, if elections were to be held on the same day.

For the same day, 55.4 voters had swung towards the AAP.

Throughout this period, the Congress ratings had remained stable at 3.4 per cent.

The IANS/C-Voter Delhi Tracker survey projections on January 6, when the Election Commission had announced the schedule for Delhi Assembly elections, had given the AAP 53.3 per cent of votes and a seat tally of close to 59 seats, while the BJP with 25.9 per cent of votes may have to remain content with just eight seats.

According to observers, the factors such as candidate selection, the information on candidates assets, parties' stance on developmental issues influence the voters' preferences.

Delhi goes to polls on February 8 and counting will be on February 11.

In the outgoing Assembly, the AAP had won 67 seats which came down to 62 after five of its legislators were disqualified. It lost one more seat in a bypoll after the seat was vacated by an AAP legislator, who won in the Punjab Assembly polls.
This years World Economic Forum, in Davos, kicks off against a backdrop of growing pessimism  with the IMF saying global growth appears to have bottomed out with no rebound in sight; and CEO confidence in the worlds economy hitting a record low.

On the eve of Davos, the IMF trimmed back its global growth forecasts for 2020 and 2021, mostly due to a sharper-than-expected slowdown in India and other emerging markets, even as it said that a US-China trade deal added to hopes the activity was bottoming out. Trade tensions and climate shocks make the outlook more uncertain, it said.

With trade wars weighing on exports and investment, the global economy expanded by 2.9% last year, its slowest pace since the global financial crisis, despite near synchronised central bank easing that added half a percentage point to global growth.

We have not reached a turning point yet, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said. The reality is that global growth remains sluggish.

Just in the very first weeks of the new year we have witnessed increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and we have seen the dramatic impact that climate shocks could have. We saw them in Australia as well as parts of Africa, she said.

The IMF now sees growth at 3.3% this year, below its October projections for 3.4% and also cut the 2021 forecast to 3.4% from 3.6%.

Elsewhere, a pre-Davos survey by PwC found that CEOs have never been more pessimistic about global growth than they are currently. In every region of the world, CEOs are predicting slower economic growth and confidence in companies own revenue growth is at its lowest ebb since 2009.

Given the lingering uncertainty over trade tensions, geopolitical issues and the lack of agreement on how to deal with climate change, the drop in confidence in economic growth is not surprising  even if the scale of the change in mood is, said PwCs Bob Moritz.

These challenges facing the global economy are not new  however the scale of them and the speed at which some of them are escalating is new. The key issue for leaders gathering in Davos is: how are we going to come together to tackle them, he said.

Another Davos survey, by Deloitte, found an increasing number of executives are embracing a larger responsibility beyond profit and are beginning to act on environmental sustainability issues.

With an increasing number of catastrophic, climate-related events affecting populations and geographies, were seeing business leaders increasing their focus and attention on climate and environmental sustainability, said Deloitte Global Board chair Sharon Thorne.

Additional reporting Reuters.
More than three years after splitting from his ex-wife, Cassandra Thorburn, Karl Stefanovic is speaking out about the drama surrounding their split.

In an interview with radio station 3AW on Tuesday, the 45-year-old reinstated Today show host said he couldn't understand why there was so much public interest surrounding his split.

'I thought, hang on, a lot of people go through [divorce], why is mine such a big deal?' he told the program.

Speaking his mind: More than three years after splitting from his ex-wife, Cassandra Thorburn, Karl Stefanovic is speaking out about the drama surrounding their split. Pictured together at the Logie Awards in Melbourne in May 2011

'I still don't know why it was, but I got divorced, I did find love again, and I'm sorry if people are offended by that, but it's made me really happy.'

Karl said while many people experience 'relationship difficulties', his were playing out in public, which led him to some dark times.

'My kids are now just wonderful, and we've all moved through some difficult times. At the time though, there were some hardships there,' he added.

New romance: In February 2017, Karl went public with Jasmine Yarbrough, a former model-turned-shoe designer, who is 10 years his junior

Karl's reputation plummeted after he split from Cassandra, 48, in September 2016 after 21 years of marriage.

By February 2017, he went public with Jasmine Yarbrough, a former model-turned-shoe designer, who is 10 years his junior.

The couple quickly became fixtures on Sydney's social scene, putting in regular appearances at fashion shows and red carpet events like the Logies.

'I thought, hang on, a lot of people go through [divorce], why is mine such a big deal?' Karl told 3AW. Pictured with Cass at a gala dinner in Sydney in October 2008

'I certainly did not expect to meet someone five months after I broke up with my wife,' Karl explained in an interview with The Daily Telegraph's Stellar Magazine in July 2017.

'That was not planned, I did not know her before. I met her on a boat in Sydney.'

Despite telling the publication they were 'taking things really, really slowly', the couple announced their engagement just seven months later, in February 2018.

'I still don't know why it was, but I got divorced, I did find love again, and I'm sorry if people are offended by that, but it's made me really happy,' he said

By December that same year, they were married, hosting a lavish four-day wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The couple are now expecting their first child together, with Jasmine, 35, revealing her baby bump during a swim at the beach in Byron Bay in December.

'After a great deal of speculation... the rumours are true,' Karl captioned an unflattering beach photo of himself on Instagram shortly afterwards, adding a baby emoji.
Just 11 per cent of Australians want to change the date of Australia Day and a huge majority think the country has become too PC, a new study has found.

A poll by the Institute of Public Affairs found 71 per cent of Australians support celebrating the national day on January 26, while 68 per cent say political correctness has gone too far.

More than 1,000 Australians were surveyed, with 70 per cent believing there should be less political disagreement about Australia Day, and 83 per cent saying it should be a day to respect the contribution that everyone has made to the county.

The Director of the Institute of Public Affairs Foundations of Western Civilisation Program Dr Bella dAbrera said Australians are fiercely proud of their history and culture.

A new poll has found that 71 per cent of Australians support celebrating Australia Day on January 26. Pictured: girls pose with an Australian flag on the water

Invasion Day protesters march on January 26 in Melbourne in 2019

'Australians are tired of the same old narrative being pushed on the nation by a minority of noisy activists which tells us that we need to be ashamed of our country rather than celebrating its success,' Dr d'Abrera said.

'Celebrating Australia Day should unite all Australians. Despite a narrative that those who support Australia Day are divisive, 63% of Australians believe political activists who are pushing to change the date are dividing Australians.

'January 26 marks the foundation of modern Australia, and the freedoms that go with it.'

In recent years, the weeks before Australia Day have been fraught with debate about whether its is wrong to celebrate the day the First Fleet arrived to colonise Australia in 1788.

Some argue the date should be changed, while others think it should be scratched altogether.

The group Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) want the public holiday to be abolished, labelling January 26 'an annual day of protest'.

Pictured: WAR posters for Sunday's 'Invasion Day' March in Melbourne. The group want Australia Day abolished

In Melbourne, the collective are asking members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and supporters to meet at Parliament House for the protest on Sunday.

The group have also created a guideline on 'how to act in solidarity for Invasion day', which includes bringing money to the demonstration.

'Bring cash and cards on the day to #PayTheRent,' the guideline says.

'This will go to a funeral fund for families.'

WAR added: 'We will stand together and march together as our Elders have for the last 82 years this January 26 to protest the ongoing colonial violence on our people.'

Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) have urged Australia Day protesters to bring cash and cards to 'pay the rent' for the country during an 'Invasion Day' march

Former Greens MP and Aboriginal activist Lidia Thorpe said 'pay the rent' was not a new concept, explaining it is a way Aboriginal people can self-determine their own 'destiny'.

'It's about reparations. If we look at South Africa, for example, they've had a reparation system with $100 million in their funds. If you look at the Canadian government: $600 million to survivors of the stolen generation,' she told 3AW's Neil Mitchell.

'Then we go over to New Zealand where they've paid close to $1.5 billion in reparations to Maori.

'Australia has not paid any reparations at all, and because we don't have a treaty with our first peoples, then this is a way where ordinary Australians can contribute and reparate the first people who have endured mass incarceration and mass genocide since invasion.'
Let's see if we can get this straight.

1. Joe Biden is on videotape proudly recalling his promise (while serving as vice president of the United States) to withhold foreign aid from the Ukraine unless a Ukrainian prosecutor threatening to expose the corruption of Biden's son was promptly fired. This is known as a quid pro quo: you get rid of the prosecutor, and you get the money. The quid pro quo was executed: the prosecutor was fired, and the aid was released. While Joe Biden was vice president of the United States.

2. "[T]he corruption of Biden's son" Hunter, which was at risk of exposure by the fired Ukrainian prosecutor, is irrefutable on the basis of publicly known information: he was paid more than $50K per month to sit on the board of Burisma, a position for which he had absolutely no qualifications  except his last name. This information is not the product of anyone "digging up dirt" on a political opponent; this is not even "dirt" in the sense of uncorroborated hearsay. It is documented corruption, per se  in plain sight of anyone with a conscience. It is self-evident; it is not remotely debatable.

3. President Donald Trump thought an investigation into the Bidens' corruption in Ukraine might be in America's interest and thought about withholding foreign aid from Ukraine absent such an investigation. He may have even said so to some people. He may think or say so to this day. He might think or say that if the American people fully realized how corrupt Joe Biden is, they wouldn't vote for him ever again  and he might be right. So what? We know from publicly available information that Ukraine did not complete any investigation of the Bidens and did in fact receive the foreign aid from the USA. And we know that the Bidens' corruption in the Ukraine stands to this day, unaddressed by anyone with authority to impose accountability.

4. Because Joe Biden is a candidate for the 2020 Democrat nomination for the president of the United States, our ruling-class elites tell us it is an impeachable offense by President Trump to consider urging the Ukrainians to conduct an investigation of the manifest corruption of the Bidens. Thus, the new "law" in America, according to our ruling class, is that if you are a Democrat candidate for president, even if you have committed crimes and indulged in corrupt acts, you get a free pass from investigation or accountability. To investigate a Democrat's corruption in such circumstances would be to "interfere" with a U.S. election. President Trump violated this law, and so there shall be a trial in the United States Senate to assess his "guilt."

5. According to our ruling class, the transparent corruption of the Bidens is not relevant to evaluating whether Trump's actions are impeachable because...

There is no "because"; there are no reasons, except Orange Man Bad.

"Orwellian" doesn't begin to describe this spectacle of hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy among America's ruling class.

Hot and cold anger doesn't begin to describe the mood of Americans massively insulted by this charade that mocks and defiles the very concepts of truth and justice.

Americans are not stupid; they are not undiscerning; they are not morally vacuousand they are watching their ruling class.

You think Boris Johnson won a landslide? You ain't seen nothin' yet.

Eric Georgatos is a former corporate lawyer who operated the Brushfires of Freedom blog from 2008 to 2016 (a book of top postings from the blog is available at America, Can We Talk?).
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed a new government, keeping key officials in place including the ministers of foreign affairs and defense.



The shakeup comes as Putin has launched sweeping constitutional reforms seen as an attempt to secure the 67-year-old former KGB officers grip on power beyond the end of his fourth presidential term in 2024.



Dmitry Medvedev, who remained Russias prime minister for eight years, quickly resigned after Putin announced the sweeping changes last week. The little-known head of Russia's tax service, Mikhail Mishustin, was picked the next day to succeed Medvedev.



The most important task is to increase the welfare of our citizens and strengthen our statehood and the position of our country in the world. All these are absolutely attainable goals, Putin said in a televised meeting with the new government on January 21.



The president hailed the cabinet as very balanced, saying: We have enough people who worked in the previous government, as well as a major renewal.



In the new government, Putin appointed his economic adviser Andrei Belousov as first deputy prime minister and named eight deputy prime ministers. They include Dmitry Grigorenko, who was also chosen as chief of government staff.



Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov are keeping their posts. However, Siluanov was stripped of his additional role of first deputy prime minister he had in Medvedevs cabinet.



Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Emergency Situations Minister Yevgeny Zinichev, and Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev also retained their posts.



Perm Governor Maksim Reshetnikov became the new minister of economic development, replacing Maksim Oreshkin.



Aleksandr Konovalov lost the job of justice minister, and Konstantin Chuikchenko, who was chief of the government staff, was moved to succeed him.



Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov, Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova, and Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky also lost their posts.



Putin announced his plans for constitutional reforms during his state-of-the-nation address on January 15.

His proposed amendments to the constitution were approved on January 21 by a committee from the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, a day after they were submitted to the chamber.



The State Duma scheduled the first of three required readings of the bill on January 23, the legislature said in a statement.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, dpa, Interfax, and AP
A new documentary has explored the abandoned remains of the 'SS bakery' in Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where starving inmates were 'tortured' by being forced to make bread to feed Nazi soldiers.

Located north of Berlin, the former bread factory sits just over two miles from the main camp - and was once the place where around 80 malnourished prisoners baked thousands of loaves a day.

However, the same factory that was used as an 'instrument of abuse' was the very thing that saved prisoners' lives in 1945, claimed Dr Lynette Nusbacher and Dr Horst Seferens in new UKTV series 'Abandoned Engineering'.

The documentary, which airs Tuesday at 8pm, tells how the bakery became a 'blessing' following Soviet liberation of concentration camps, because it allowed Russian soldiers to feed themselves and the former prisoners.

Before that, it also may have saved lives when inmates smuggled bit of bread back to their fellow prisoners, although it was a huge risk.

A new UKTV documentary 'Abandoned Engineering' has explored the remains of the 'SS bakery' in Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where starving prisoners were forced to work (pictured, prisoners of the camp)

Located north of Berlin, the discarded bread factory sits in a secured hangar, tucked away from the main camp, where around 80 malnourished prisoners baked thousands of loaves a day (pictured, the discarded bread factory)

The huge stoves within the bakery produced thousands of loaves of bread day-after-day (pictured, the ovens where the bread was baked everyday)

Renowned military historian Dr Lynette said: 'Prisoners in German concentration camps were systematically starved.

'So even some crusts that had fallen off of bread in those industrial ovens, may have been the difference for them between life and death.

'The fact that people remained alive in this concentration camp is almost miraculous. The fact there was a bakery near by that could feed them, was a blessing.'

The camp, built in 1936 primarily for political prisoners, had only 21 Jewish prisoners at the beginning of 1937, and at this time the bakery produced around 10,000 loaves a day.

Around 80 malnourished prisoners were forced to bake thousands of loaves to feed Nazi soldiers in the bakery every day (pictured, the decaying bakery)

The now-abandoned bakery played a role in the cruel Nazi project, with prisoners forced to work and bake around 10,000 loaves a day (pictured, the bakery)

Starving prisoners were forced to work in the bakery before returning to the concentration camp, where they slept in cramped conditions (pictured)

However, following SS pogrom Kristallnacht in the November of 1938, more than 6,000 Jewish prisoners were sent to the camp.

By the time war broke out in 1939, the need for bread to feed Nazi soldiers, as well as people in the surrounding Berlin areas, meant production was four times its original output and the idea was replicated at sites across the German Reich.

By the end of the Third Reich in May 1945 there were reportedly 11,000 more Jewish prisoners in the camp making around 40,000 loaves of bread a day.

The strict Nazi regime meant it was near impossible for prisoners to sneak food back to the camp - however, a spokesman for Sachsenhausen, Dr Horst Seferens, said brave prisoners would risk smuggling food into camp for their fellow captives.

It is estimated that 200,000 prisoners passed through Sachsenhausen and that 30,000 people were murdered there, not including Soviet prisoners (pictured, some of the prisoners at the camp)

In 1945 Soviet troops liberated the unguarded, weak and ill prisoners who were too unwell to join the forced death march and were left behind a day before (pictured, some of the prisoners at the camp)

He said: 'They smuggled the bread into the camp, by halving the loaves length-ways and tying them around their calves so hat they were covered by their wide trousers and could be smuggled into the camp. Of course it was very dangerous.'

Dr Horst continued: 'These big stoves, or the remains of them had been producing thousands of loaves of bread, day after day.

'What a misery it would have been for them, to see all that food produced here in abundance, when all of them and their fellow inmates in the camp were starving.'

Speaking of the infamous slogan at gates of the camp, Arbeit Macht Frei, which translates to 'work sets you free', he continued: 'Work here had always been an instrument to abuse, torture and even put prisoners to death.

'Of course that slogan was used to conceal the reality'.

The majority of prisoners at Sachsenhausen were forced to embark on a death march the day before Russian forces arrived, in a bid to cover up evidence of crimes against humanity at the camp.

The infamous 'Work Sets You Free' sign at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp gates, picture on the memorial service in January 2019

In 1945 Soviet troops liberated the unguarded, weak and ill prisoners who were too unwell to join the forced march and were left behind.

The bakery turned out to be a lifeline, and was used to feed Russian troops and the 3,000 or so surviving inmates.

Two-weeks after the death march left the camp 20 miles from Berlin, US soldiers liberated survivors of the march near Schwerin, Germany.

The Red Army took over the factory after the war, keeping production going to feed sick and weak survivors of the liberated camp.

Between 1948 and 1990 it operated as a normal bakery but was devastated by a fire, after being abandoned following the reunification of Germany.

It is estimated that 200,000 prisoners passed through Sachsenhausen and that 30,000 people were murdered there, not including Soviet prisoners of war who were killed upon arrival.

Dr Horst concluded: 'They testify the very existence of these camps and crimes, that cannot be denied.

'We think that these architectural witnesses will be all the more important in the future, because the people who once survived the terror of the SS in these camps will soon no longer be among us.'
President Donald Trumps defense against impeachment charges, as laid out in his legal argument released Monday, has distortions at its core.

Trump through his lawyers assails Democrats for trying to upend the results of an election, which is precisely the point of impeachment in the Constitution. The case asserts Trump committed no crime, a benchmark for impeachment that the Constitutions authors avoided adopting in a well-documented debate.

A look at some statements by Trump and his legal team as opening arguments approach in the Senate impeachment trial:

TRUMPs legal brief: Anyone having the most basic respect for the sovereign will of the American people would shudder at the enormity of casting a vote to impeach a duly elected President. ... House Democrats were determined from the outset to find some way  any way  to corrupt the extraordinary power of impeachment for use as a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election.

THE FACTS: This is an odd reading of constitutional history. Removing a duly elected president is exactly the goal of the Constitutions impeachment clause, not a perversion of it.

The Constitution gives the House the sole power to impeach a president, which the House has done, and the Senate the responsibility of convicting or acquitting that president, which the Senate trial will do.

___

TRUMP, on Democrats who want witnesses to testify: They didnt want John Bolton and others in the House. They were in too much of a rush. Now they want them all in the Senate. Not supposed to be that way!  tweet Monday.

THE FACTS: Thats false. Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, refused to testify. Democrats wanted him to. But they chose not to pursue a subpoena and risk an extended struggle in court. Bolton has signaled his willingness to testify at the Senate trial if hes subpoenaed.

___

TRUMPs legal brief: The practical application of the Impeachment Clause by Congress supports the conclusion that an impeachable offense requires especially egregious conduct that threatens the constitutional order and, specifically, that it requires a violation of established law.

THE FACTS: Egregious conduct, yes. But impeachment does not require a crime to have been commited.

The Constitutions framers had a vigorous and well-documented debate over just that point.

Constitutional scholars say the grounds for impeachment and removal from office  Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors  are a catch-all designed to redress any consequential abuse of power so long as that abuse hurts the country at large.

Months after the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Alexander Hamilton explained in the Federalist Papers that a commonly understood crime need not be the basis of impeachment. Offenses meriting that step are of a nature which may with peculiar propriety be denominated POLITICAL, as they relate chiefly to injuries done immediately to the society itself.

To be sure, the commission of an actual crime can strengthen the hand of those seeking to remove a president, and the articles of impeachment against Trump do not accuse him of a crime.

Even so, the Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan investigative arm of Congress, concluded last week that the Trump administration broke the law by freezing military aid to Ukraine that Congress had approved.

Its report said the President is not vested with the power to ignore or amend any such duly enacted law. The money was held up last summer on orders from Trump but released in September after Congress pushed for its release and a whistleblowers complaint about Trumps July call with the Ukrainian leader became public.

___

TRUMP: Individuals who have stated for the record that they spoke to the President about the subject actually exonerate him. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland stated that when he asked the President what he wanted from Ukraine, the President said: I want nothing. I want no quid pro quo.  Trumps initial legal response, released Saturday by his lawyers.

THE FACTS: He omits key context on what Sondland told House investigators.

As one of the officials most deeply involved in trying to get Ukraine to do Trumps bidding, Sondland testified that there was indeed a quid pro quo in the matter and everyone was in the loop. Specifically, Sondland said it was understood that Ukraines new president would only get a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office if he publicly pledged to investigate the Bidens and the Democrats.

Was there a quid pro quo? Sondland asked in his statement to the House Intelligence Committee. As I testified previously, with regard to the requested White House call and White House meeting, the answer is yes.

Moreover, on the more serious matter of withholding military aid to Ukraine unless the country investigated Democrats, Sondland testified that a this-for-that explanation was the only one that made sense to him.

Testimony from other officials shored up the picture of a president and his associates systematically trying to get Ukraine to do what Trump wanted during a period when the military assistance approved by Congress was put on hold without explanation.

___

TRUMP: House Democrats ran a fundamentally flawed and illegitimate process that denied the President every basic right, including the right to have counsel present, the right to cross-examine witnesses.  response to impeachment charges Saturday.

TRUMP: We demand fairness shouts Pelosi and the Do Nothing Democrats, yet the Dems in the House wouldnt let us have 1 witness, no lawyers or even ask questions.  tweet on Jan. 13, referring to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

THE FACTS: Not true. The House Judiciary Committee, which produced the articles of impeachment, invited Trump or his legal team to come. He declined.

Absent White House representation, the hearings proceeded as things in Congress routinely do: Time is split between Democratic and Republican lawmakers to ask questions and engage in the debate. Lawyers for Democrats and Republicans on the committee presented the case for and against the impeachment articles and members questioned witnesses, among them an academic called forward by Republicans.

The first round of hearings was by the House Intelligence Committee and resembled the investigative phase of criminal cases, conducted without the participation of the subject of the investigation. Trump cried foul then at the lack of representation, then rejected representation when the next committee offered it.
[January 21, 2020] sPower Announces the Suspension of its Seneca Wind Project

sPower, a leading renewable energy independent power producer (IPP), announced today that it will not refile an application with the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) at this time. The application would have covered the Seneca Wind project in the Scipio, Reed, Venice, Eden and Bloom Townships in Seneca County, Ohio. The OPSB regulates the siting for wind farms with generating capacity of more than 5 megawatts (MW). The Seneca Wind project was a proposed 200 MW wind farm consisting of up to 77 wind turbines on approximately 25,000 acres of privately leased land in Seneca County. sPower's decision to not refile the OPSB application will put the project on hold for an undetermined period, until next steps are defined by the company. "We would like to thank our landowners and other community partners who have supported this project over the years, even before our acquisition," said sPower CEO, Ryan Creamer. "We hope to do more work in Ohio in the future, but at this time, we are making the difficult choice to place our resources in other states where there is a greater potential fr success."



The project would have provided enough clean energy to power nearly 60,000 homes per year. It was also estimated that this project would have contributed more than $3 million annually to the local economy, while providing approximately 250 temporary construction jobs and between 10 and 15 permanent job positions. For more information on Seneca Wind, visit www.senecawind.com.

About sPower: Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, sPower is a leading independent power producer (IPP) that owns and operates more than 150 renewable generation systems across the U.S. We operate a leading wind, solar and storage portfolio of nearly 2.0 GW, with 15 GW of projects under development. sPower is owned by a joint venture partnership between The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), Fortune 500 global power company, and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), one of Canada's largest and most diversified institutional investment managers. For more information visit www.spower.com or follow on Twitter (News - Alert) @sPower_US. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006128/en/

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The ongoing custody battle between Jeff Lewis and Gage Edward seems to be hitting another rough patch.

The former couple are battling each other over access to three-year-old daughter Monroe.

And on his SiriusXM radio show on Friday, Flipping Out star Lewis aired more dirty laundry, vowing to fight 'to the bitter f***ing end,' People reported.

Angry: Flipping Out star Jeff Lewis aired more dirty laundry about his ongoing custody battle on his SiriusXM show Friday, vowing to fight ex Gage Edward 'to the bitter f***ing end'

It seems that an agreement reached between the pair, which they were due to sign off on this month, is no longer satisfactory to Lewis.

According to People, he now wants to turn everything over to a judge and pursue the matter in court.

Lewis, 49, told his radio listeners: 'Im going to fight this to the bitter f***ing end. If I felt like the motivation was pure and this was about our daughter, then Id be very open to mediation or whatever. But because I really believe that this is serving his best interest, I will fight it. If we have to go to court, we go to court.'

In a statement provided to People, Edward, 34, responded: 'I will continue to stay silent on the issues related to our private custody case. To address the derogatory and slanderous statements being made about me would be putting my interest above our daughters. The situation is being exploited for attention, which is sad because that ultimately only affects our daughter later. What I will say is that there are gross mistruths in the majority of whats been said.'

Feuding exes: Lewis, 49, and Edward, 34, broke up a year ago after a decade together. They are parents to daughter Monroe, three

Bitter: Lewis is accusing Edward, pictured with him in June 2018, of seeking more time with their little girl in order to get more money in child support

Response: In a statement to People, Edward called Lewis's remarks 'derogatory and slanderous' and statement and claimed 'the situation is being exploited for attention'

Lewis and Edward broke up a year ago after a decade together.

They had agreed a temporary custody arrangement which they stuck to for months as they discussed a more formal agreement.

Edward currently has their little girl three days a week, but according to Lewis, wants to increase that in the permanent agreement to almost a 50-50 split.

Lewis claims that the only reason his former partner wants more time with Monroe is in order to obtain more child support.

'We had talked about a cash upfront thing and it would be done and he was going to waive child support. But I kind of think nowtheres a whole plan in place,' Lewis said Friday, per People.

'I hate to think this but normally when someone is caught up in the days and the hours and the percentages, it usually means theres some sort of child support motivation,' he went on. 'I do believe this is money-motivated.'
Almost all of the TTCs new streetcars have arrived, but the agencys conversion to a sleek modern fleet isnt entirely good news.

As a result of how the TTC will deploy the new vehicles, riders can expect to wait a little longer than theyre used to for one of the new cars to arrive at their stop, and on some streetcar routes passengers will be stuck taking buses for the foreseeable future.

The transit agency expects to take delivery of the last of the 204 new streetcars in its $1-billion order from Bombardier as early as Wednesday.

The new cars have undeniable benefits over the old model, the last of which was retired in December.

The new vehicles have low floors and wheelchair ramps, which are key to the TTC meeting its provincially mandated goal of creating a barrier-free transit system by 2025.

The air-conditioned streetcars are also significantly larger, with a service standard capacity of 130 passengers, compared with 108 for the largest version of the old cars. The new cars are more reliable than the 40-year-old vehicles they replaced, resulting in fewer breakdowns.

But because of their larger size, the TTC doesnt need to deploy as many of the new vehicles to provide the same level of service. That means riders can expect to wait slightly longer for a new streetcar to pick them up than they did with the now-retired fleet.

We plan service based on capacity and ridership, so to move the same number of people on any given route with a new streetcar, it requires fewer of them, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green explained.

Green said the TTC is planning to ensure wait times for the new cars are no more than 25 per cent longer. For a route on which old streetcars used to operate at five-minute intervals, that would translate into a frequency of one new car every six minutes and 15 seconds.

Green said on some routes the TTC will also supplement streetcar service with buses at the busiest time of day.

He stressed that despite slightly longer wait times, the new streetcars will still offer superior service. In particular their greater capacity will make it less likely riders will encounter a streetcar thats too crowded to board, a common complaint with the older vehicles, especially during morning rush hour.

Really its about providing comfort and accessibility with those new vehicles, Green said.

The new streetcars will also be better for the TTCs bottom line.

Fewer cars means the TTC requires fewer employees to operate them. The agency expects to save about $45 million a year in operating costs with the new fleet, mostly attributable to lower spending on labour.

Herman Rosenfeld, a spokesperson for transit advocacy group TTCriders, said the decreased frequency of service under the new fleet is not something that were happy about.

He warned that while the TTCs plan may be to increase wait times by no more than 25 per cent, that could grow longer thanks to traffic, road conditions or other factors outside the TTCs control.

He called on the city and provincial governments to dramatically increase transit funding to allow the TTC to operate more service.

Even with all 204 new cars delivered, ridership demand is such that the TTC still wont have enough vehicles to supply streetcar service on all of its designated streetcar routes.

The 505 Dundas route has already been operating with buses instead of streetcars since February 2018, partially as a result of the delayed arrival of the new cars caused by Bombardiers production woes.

Streetcars will return to Dundas starting March 29, but at the same time the 511 Bathurst route will be converted to bus service.

Green said theres road work planned for Bathurst Street that would make it difficult to operate streetcars on the route. But even without that issue the TTC wouldnt have enough streetcars to deploy them on all its routes.

The TTC has previously projected that starting in 2021 it would require a total of 60 new cars to meet ridership demand and expected growth until 2026. The additional cars are estimated to cost $420 million, and while money could become available through the recently approved property tax increase championed by Mayor John Tory, the purchase is currently not funded.

A TTC staff report expected to be published this week will make recommendations about the agencys next vehicle purchase.

Ben Spurr is a Toronto-based reporter covering transportation. Reach him by email at bspurr@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @BenSpurr

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / Group Ten Metals Inc. (TSX.V: PGE; US OTC: PGEZF; FSE: 5D32) (the "Company" or "Group Ten") is pleased to announce 2019 drill results from the Camp target area of the Company's flagship Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu project in Montana, USA.

This is the second in a series of planned news releases to report results of 2019 exploration programs which focused on the advancement of drill-defined mineralization at five priority target areas (see December 18, 2019 news release for drill results from the adjacent Iron Mountain target area). Work at the Camp target area in 2019 included three holes drilled by the Company plus re-assaying of past core to obtain and support platinum group element "PGE" and base metal values on an additional five drill holes. Subsequent news releases will report results from re-assaying of past core at additional priority target areas, ongoing modelling work, and mapping and sampling programs completed in 2019.

Highlights from 2019 exploration work at the Camp target area include:

399 meters of 0.25% Total Nickel Equivalent ("TotNiEq"), in drill hole CZ-2019-01, starting at surface and mineralized across the entire drill hole featuring multiple zones of strong PGE-Ni-Cu-Co mineralization including: 62 meters of 0.61% TotNiEq starting from 117 meters depth comprising 0.57 g/t 3E (0.18 g/t Pt, 0.34 g/t Pd, 0.05 g/t Au), 0.30% Ni, 0.13% Cu, 0.025% Co ; 3.5 meters of 3.07% TotNiEq starting from 163 meters depth comprising 3.45 g/t 3E (1.76 g/t Pt, 1.44g/t Pd, 0.25 g/t Au), 1.53% Ni, 0.49% Cu, and 0.099% Co ; and 6.7 meters of 1.22% TotNiEq starting from 219 meters depth comprising 2.32 g/t 3E (0.70 g/t Pt, 1.38g/t Pd, 0.24 g/t Au), 0.31% Ni, 0.34% Cu, and 0.013% Co .

of Total Nickel Equivalent ("TotNiEq"), in drill hole CZ-2019-01, starting at surface and mineralized across the entire drill hole featuring multiple zones of strong PGE-Ni-Cu-Co mineralization including:

Drill hole IM-2008-01, first assayed for base metals by Group Ten in 2019, returned 119 meters of 0.32% TotNiEq starting from 3.05 meters depth and including: 55 meters of 0.56% TotNiEq starting at 7 meters depth comprising 0.59 g/t 3E (0.16 g/t Pt, 0.28 g/t Pd, 0.16 g/t Au), 0.26% Ni, 0.09% Cu, 0.021% Co ; 17.1 meters of 0.67% TotNiEq starting at 7.6 meters depth comprising 0.53 g/t 3E (0.16 g/t Pt, 0.23 g/t Pd, 0.14 g/t Au), 0.35% Ni, 0.14% Cu, 0.027% Co ; and 11.6 meters of 0.76% TotNiEq starting at 31.4 meters depth comprising 0.80 g/t 3E (0.21 g/t Pt, 0.30 g/t Pd, 0.29 g/t Au), 0.38% Ni, 0.10% Cu, 0.024% Co .

of TotNiEq starting from 3.05 meters depth and including:

Drill hole CZ04-01, drilled in 2004 and re-logged and partially re-assayed by Group Ten in 2019, returned 106 meters of 0.40% TotNiEq, starting at 44.1 meters depth and including: 76 meters of 0.47% TotNiEq starting from 74 meters depth comprising 0.39 g/t 3E (0.11 g/t Pt, 0.23 g/t Pd, 0.05 g/t Au), 0.22% Ni, 0.14% Cu, 0.021% Co ; and 22.6 meters of 0.81% TotNiEq starting from 93.9 meters depth comprising 0.64 g/t 3E (0.16 g/t Pt, 0.39 g/t Pd, 0.08 g/t Au), 0.40% Ni, 0.22% Cu, and 0.032% Co .

of TotNiEq, starting at 44.1 meters depth and including:

The results support that the geophysical (conductive high) in the Camp target area is targeting large bodies of disseminated nickel and copper sulphides that are enriched in palladium, platinum, gold, and cobalt. Rhodium assays are in progress with results pending. The core of this geophysical anomaly has not been systematically drill tested to date, and is one of eight multi-kilometer-scale target areas defined by Group Ten at Stillwater West.

Michael Rowley, President and CEO, commented, "We are very pleased to have confirmed and significantly expanded the known extent of bulk tonnage "Platreef-style" PGE-Ni-Cu-Co mineralization at the Camp target area, more than doubling the tested depth from surface to 400 meters, where drilling ended in mineralization. Like the previously released Iron Mountain results, these are some of the longest intervals of mineralization ever encountered in the Stillwater district, and also include several higher grade intervals of more than 40 to 75 meters in widths. Mineralization is hosted within the lower Stillwater Igneous Complex, stratigraphically below the J-M Reef deposit which is now being mined by Sibanye-Stillwater adjacent to Stillwater West.1 In addition to our 2019 drill program, we re-assayed core from past campaigns in order to bring those results into our new geologic model, advancing toward the development of an initial resource estimate at the Camp target area. We look forward to releasing additional 2019 exploration results including re-assayed core from other priority target areas such as Chrome Mountain in the coming weeks."

Overview of the Camp Target Area

Camp is one of eight multi-kilometer target areas across the 25 km Stillwater West project (Figure 1) that have been identified by Group Ten as having potential for bulk tonnage deposits of nickel and copper sulphide that are enriched in palladium, platinum, gold and cobalt. Based on past drill data, the Company has developed block models of mineralization which demonstrate broad, magmatic-hosted mineralization within kilometer-scale geophysical and geochemical soil signatures at five of these target areas. The Camp target area is one of the most advanced target areas with drilling by AMAX in the late 1960s and early 1970s that is complemented by drilling from 2004, 2008, and 2019 drill campaigns. Group Ten's developing block model includes eleven holes which delineate a continuous zone of nickel-copper sulphide mineralization in the Basal Series over approximately 1.5 kilometers strike and to depth of 400 meters from surface, where it remains open to expansion along strike and to depth. Drilling to date demonstrates thick intervals of palladium and platinum enrichment along with nickel, copper and cobalt in sulphides, supporting the potential for Platreef-style deposits in the lower Stillwater Complex.

Historic initial bench-scale metallurgical results at the Camp target area were very encouraging and demonstrate the potential for effective nickel and copper sulphide flotation along with recovery of a significant PGE component. More detail on these results will be announced in an upcoming news release.

Figure 1 - Fourteen Target Areas Across the 25-Kilometer Length of the Stillwater West Project

Camp Target Area 2019 Drill Program and Results

Table 1 presents highlight results from 2019 drilling by the Company along with results of re-assayed core from past campaigns at the Camp target area. Mineralization is clearly related to the presence of magmatic sulphide accumulations. These results have confirmed and expanded the areas of known mineralization at the Camp target area.

Table 1 - Highlight 2019 Drill Results, Camp Target Area

Total Nickel Equivalent calculations reflect total gross metal content using metals prices as follows (all USD): $6.00/lb nickel (Ni), $3.00/lb copper (Cu), $20.00/lb cobalt (Co), $900/oz platinum (Pt), $1,400/oz palladium (Pd), and $1,400/oz gold (Au). Values have not been adjusted to reflect metallurgical recoveries. Total metal equivalent values include both base and precious metals. In terms of dollar value, 0.25% nickel equates to a copper value of 0.5%, or a platinum value of 1.15 g/t, using the above metal values. Intervals are reported as drilled widths.

The Camp target area is open for expansion in all directions, including at depth where the discovery of high-grade PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization was made in 2019 drilling, and to the northeast towards a geophysical (conductive high) anomaly that has not been systematically tested to date (see Figure 2).

Together with samples from the HGR target, select intervals from the Camp target area will be assayed for rhodium as the Company sees potential to add co-product value to the already impressive metal tenor in these areas.

Click here to view Figures 2 to 6, including Camp cross-sections IM-4 and IM-5.

Metal Values at Stillwater West

Stillwater West is a true polymetallic system, containing platinum, palladium, rhodium and other lesser known PGEs within nickel and copper sulphide mineralization that is also enriched in gold and cobalt. The majority of these commodities have enjoyed significant price increases in recent months (e.g. nickel, copper, and platinum), while palladium has surged to an all-time high - and rhodium to a 10-year high - in the past year, pushing the basket value of mineralization at Stillwater West substantially higher. PGE prices are projected to remain at high levels due to the increasing use of palladium, platinum and rhodium in catalytic convertors, combined with a multi-year supply deficit in palladium and the declining production of platinum from South Africa.

Concerning base metals, it is important to note that Stillwater West is a magmatic system that contains nickel sulphide, which is the type of nickel for technology applications including energy storage. Increasing demands from that sector have driven nickel and copper prices higher in recent months, and that trend is expected to continue to drive value in the Stillwater West "basket' of commodity value.

The location of Stillwater West in a first-world jurisdiction beside three producing mines is very favorable, as the US government - recognizing the country's dependence on Africa and Russia for the majority of PGE, nickel and cobalt supply - has listed these commodities as "Critical Minerals' with the intention of increasing domestic production of these metals.

Upcoming News and Events

Group Ten is pleased to confirm that it will participate in a core shack display at AME's Roundup tradeshow in Vancouver on January 21st, 2020.

Results are pending from 2019 work at the three other priority target areas including assay results of past drill core at the Chrome Mountain, Wild West (Pine Shear Zone), and Crescent target areas. The Company is advancing drill-defined mineralized zones at all five target areas towards delineation of formal mineral resources based on these results and looks forward to releasing additional results in the coming weeks.

About Stillwater West

The Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu project positions Group Ten as the second largest landholder in the Stillwater Complex, adjoining and adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater's Stillwater, East Boulder, and Blitz platinum group elements ("PGE") mines in south central Montana, USA1. The Stillwater Complex is recognized as one of the top regions in the world for PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization, alongside the Bushveld Complex and Great Dyke in southern Africa, which are similar layered intrusions. The J-M Reef, and other PGE-enriched sulphide horizons in the Stillwater Complex, share many similarities with the highly prolific Merensky and UG2 Reefs in the Bushveld Complex, while the lower part of the Stillwater Complex also shows the potential for much larger scale disseminated and high-sulphide PGE-Ni-Cu deposits, possibly similar to Platreef in the Bushveld Complex2. Group Ten's Stillwater West property covers the lower part of the Stillwater Complex along with the Picket Pin PGE Reef-type deposit in the upper portion, and includes extensive historic data, including soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, and historic drilling.

About Group Ten Metals Inc.

Group Ten Metals Inc. is a TSX-V-listed Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the development of high-quality platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, cobalt and gold exploration assets in top North American mining jurisdictions. The Company's core asset is the Stillwater West PGE-Ni-Cu project adjacent to Sibanye-Stillwater's high-grade PGE mines in Montana, USA. Group Ten also holds the high-grade Black Lake-Drayton Gold project in the Rainy River district of northwest Ontario and the Kluane PGE-Ni-Cu project on trend with Nickel Creek Platinum"s Wellgreen deposit in Canada"s Yukon Territory.

About the Metallic Group of Companies

The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfields assets in established mining districts adjacent to some of the industry's highest-grade producers of silver and gold, platinum and palladium, and copper. Member companies include Metallic Minerals in the Yukon's high-grade Keno Hill silver district and La Plata silver-gold-copper district of Colorado, Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-nickel-copper district of Montana, and Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon's Minto copper district. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry's leading explorer/developers and major producers. With this expertise, the companies are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven, but under-explored, mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges.

Note 1: References to adjoining properties are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the exploration potential, extent or nature of mineralization or potential future results of the Company's projects.

Note 2: Magmatic Ore Deposits in Layered Intrusions-Descriptive Model for Reef-Type PGE and Contact-Type Cu-Ni-PGE Deposits, Michael Zientek, USGS Open-File Report 2012-1010.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Michael Rowley, President, CEO & Director

Email: info@grouptenmetals.com

Phone: (604) 357 4790

Web: http://grouptenmetals.com

Toll Free: (888) 432 0075

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

2019 drill core samples, including re-assayed core from 2004 and 2008 programs, were analyzed by ACT Labs in Vancouver, B.C. Sample preparation: crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split(250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m included cleaner sand. Gold, platinum, and palladium were analyzed by fire assay (1C-OES) with ICP finish. Selected major and trace elements were analyzed by peroxide fusion with 8-Peroxide ICP-OES finish to insure complete dissolution of resistate minerals. Following industry QA/QC standards, blanks, duplicate samples, and certified standards were also assayed.

2004 and 2008 drilling was conducted by Group Ten's QP while working for Beartooth Platinum.

Mr. Mike Ostenson, P.Geo., is the qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, and he has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Group Ten believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Group Ten and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Group Ten Metals Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573669/Group-Ten-Drills-399-Meters-of-Continuous-Palladium-Platinum-Gold-Nickel-Copper-and-Cobalt-Mineralization-from-Surface-in-the-Camp-Target-Area-at-Stillwater-West
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'Socket sadist': David G (pictured) persuaded women and girls to give themselves potentially-fatal electric shocks

A German 'socket sadist' who posed as a doctor in order to coax girls as young as 13 to give themselves electric shocks while he watched on Skype has been jailed.

David G, 30, was found guilty of 13 counts of attempted murder at Munich high court on Monday and sentenced to 11 years in jail.

The court heard how he posed as a doctor conducting a fake pain study in order to persuade dozens of young girls to give themselves life-threatening electric shocks.

David paid some of his victims amounts ranging from 200 to 3,000 in order to participate.

He then instructed them how to make devices that used electrodes placed on their temples with one side attached to a plug socket and another to a metal spoon or similar object that would then be touched against their naked foot.

The victims then administered shocks to themselves over Skype as he watched, and sometimes recorded what they were doing.

In some cases, younger victims were strapped to a chair and their parents carried out the shocks for them.

Prosecutors said David derived sexual pleasure from watching the acts.

'The victims believed he was a scientist and there was no danger to them to carry out the experiment, that's why they agreed,' prosecutors said.

'But the accused was fully aware that 230 volts was enough to kill a person.'

Evidence: A picture released by criminal investigators shows some of the equipment used in the non-existent 'experiment'

The court was shown one of the videos in which a 27-year-old woman chats to David G after agreeing to take part in the bogus study.

In the footage, the woman is allegedly seen using a spoon and nail to conduct electricity from a socket to her naked feet.

She is seen screaming loudly before grabbing her foot in what prosecutors say was a combination of two fetishes for the suspect.

The woman, from Berlin, told the court that she had been desperate for money when she signed up for the 'experiment' four years ago.

'I had little money, and was looking for jobs on eBay ads,' she told the court, saying his apparent academic title had persuaded her it was safe.

David would watch online as the women shocked their feet and record the encounters for his sexual gratification

'The accused contacted me and said he was working as a scientist and was conducting experiments into electric stimulation.

'He really made a serious impression. I agreed as I needed the money.'

David G allegedly asked her to 'keep your foot on there longer and show your foot to the camera'.

When she protested, he allegedly said: 'Yes, unfortunately, I need you to do it on both feet.'

'In one of the attempts, I caught the cable and got a large shock,' she recalled.

'Every muscle cramped, my back spasmed, I struggled to breathe and was lying on the floor. On my hand I got a blister.'

She told the court: '230v of electricity were sent through my body, I realised it was a stupid idea. Who would build something with spoons and cables and connect it to the power?

'I was so embarrassed. But he appeared so serious and I just wanted the money.'

The case allegedly came to light when a 16-year-old was taken to hospital after falling unconscious.

Prosecutors said she had told doctors about the experiment and the medics then went to police.

David G, an IT specialist, was arrested in February 2018.

His defence lawyers said he struggles with Asperger's syndrome and that he should be placed on parole for two years on charges of impersonating a doctor and negligent physical injury.

But judge Thomas Bott found him guilty of 13 charges of attempted murder along with grievous bodily harm, misuse of title, and damage to the victims' private lives.

Bott said it was particularly disturbing that David instructed the women and girls to place metal objects near their temples  'meaning that the human brain was subjected to an electric current.'
Guest Column President Xi Jinpings Myanmar Excursion: A Historical View

Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen during a meeting with State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyitaw on Jan. 17, 2020. / Pool

For Friends in Burma

I live by the rivers head, You live by its tail.

Limitlessly, we love each other, We drink the same rivers water.

I drink from the upper flows, You drink from below.

Endlessly the river flows, We share everlasting happiness.

We are neighbors, Our friendship lasts.

Like the ageless evergreen, The waters flow forever.

Our lands are connected, At the mountains foot, beside the same river

Anti-imperialism begets freedom, We are peacefully united.

We are paukphaw, Our languages are connected.

We are united and help each other, Peace is powerful

Living by the rivers, we praise their Climbing the mountains, we sing of their

breadth, majesty.

The mountains face north, The river flows south.

Chen Yi, 1956

So Marshall Chen Yi, a close associate of Chairman Mao Zedong, euphemistically characterized the China-Myanmar relationship as paukphaw (siblings) 64 years ago. In his article in the New Light of Myanmar on Jan. 16, 2020, just prior to his two-day Myanmar visit, President Xi Jinping mentioned renewing this relationship, and even alluded to the shared mountains and rivers of Chen Yis poem. Heads of state in friendly official visits to other countries often, with considerable hyperbole, emphasize the long friendships of the peoples and governments involved. So it was not unusual for President Xi to stress this close relationship over a millennium. History, however, tells a different tale.

Although present bilateral relations between China and Myanmar are certainly at a high level, and President Xis trip a clear success for China, history records a starkly different, bleaker picture. Almost 800 years ago, China conquered the Burmese capital of Bagan. Numerous Chinese invasions were a continuing force, and Burma was considered by the Chinese a tributary state. Both the Nationalist Chinese government and the subsequent Peoples Republic of China claimed large portions of Kachin State until the border agreement of 1960. The Burmese were afraid that Chinese Peoples Liberation Army troops would chase fleeing Chinese Nationalist troops into Burma and occupy that region, as the Ching Dynasty forces did to the Ming Dynasty troops in 1644. And when the Chinese Cultural Revolution came to Burma, the virulent 1967 anti-Chinese riots with dozens of deaths and the occupation of the Chinese Embassy in Rangoon tarnished bilateral relations for many months. China continuously supported the insurgent Communist Party of Burma until its demise in 1989.

The Burmese have feared China, and with good reason given Chinese traditional and modern soft and hard power. As some Burmese have remarked, When China spits, we swim. The Burmese have often tried to soften the relationship. U Nu carefully referred to the Chinese conquest of Bagan as that of the Mongolsavoiding directly blaming the Chinese. Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai was warmly welcomed in Burma nine times. And in more recent years, following the military coup of 1988, Myanmar relied on Chinese military and economic assistance as the West pulled away from the military regime, introduced sanctions against it, and backed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi during her house arrest.

Yet strong anti-Chinese sentiment also grew during this period as illegal immigration of Chinese into Myanmar mushroomed. The result was an obvious impact on life in Myanmar that seemed to place the local population at a distinct economic disadvantage. It was not that China was the largest trading partner, but Chinese seemed to monopolize much of the retail, internal trade. Chinese major infrastructure and mining projects were deemed to benefit China more than Myanmar. The result, in spite of President U Thein Seins first trip abroad to Beijing and the signing of a bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Economic Partnership in May 2011, was the presidents suspension of Chinese construction of the US$3.6-billion (5.3-trillion-kyat) Myitsone Dam in Kachin State. At the confluence of the Irrawaddy River, the project created great national anxiety. China blamed this rupture on US influence. During this hiatus with Western powers, Myanmar relied extensively on Chinese supply of military hardware and the overseas training of its officer corps.

In much the same way that Myanmar relies heavily on China today, it did so sporadically during the Ne Win era (1962-1988) and the beginning decade of the junta period (1988-1998). Significantly, these two periods saw a waning of Western (including US) influence. If the first was after the house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the military rigidity and repression that the Tatmadaw imposed, the present period is the result of severe international criticism of the Myanmar military and government over the violence and ethnic cleansing (some accuse the country of genocide) of the Rohingya community on the Bangladesh frontier. In both cases, Burmese ethno-nationalism was a strong component: the charge of foreign (Western) interference into Burmese internal affairs is a familiar trope.

For China, Myanmar is a most useful link to the Indian Ocean, a market for poor Yunnan province, a means of access to energy and raw materials, and overall a strategic asset in mainland Southeast Asia. It is for just these reasons that Japan and India have increased their economic activities in Myanmar, and India is concerned about unrest in its northeast on the Myanmar border.

President Xi noted that China-Myanmar relations have been marked by mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual support, and have been guided by the five principles of peaceful coexistence. He called for the implementation of the major China-Myanmar Economic Corridor projects of the Belt and Road Initiative. China has also been supporting the ethnic peace process in northern Myanmar (while quietly arming some of the insurgents), where much of its infrastructure projects are located, and strongly backing the Myanmar government on Rohingya issues.

In spite of President Xis successful trip in Chinese terms and all these good words, there are dangers for China. China has not shown sensitivity toward other peoples in policy or action, and perhaps it can do little to halt the Chinese economic penetration at local levels. This could expand Burmese popular concerns. When it comes to Chinese relations, there is some evidence of differences in either policy or emphasis between Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy, and the military. One dilemma for the United States and the West is how far their deep concerns over human rights and the Rohingya dilemma, which shows no sign of being resolved, will continue to influence Chinese prominence and position in Myanmar.

Myanmars traditional neutralism and foreign policy balance may yet return, but the impact of present policies could materially affect the 2020 Myanmar elections and the future of representative government in the country. And Burmese ethno-nationalism is likely to be an important consideration in all internal and foreign relations in Myanmar. So all foreign statesChina, Japan, India and the West, including the USmust tread with great caution.

David I. Steinberg is distinguished professor of Asian studies emeritus, Georgetown University

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Myanmar, China Sign Dozens of Deals on BRI Projects, Cooperation During Xis Visit

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The historical site of Dong Da Hill in central Hanoi commemorates the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da victory by Tay Son troops, led by Nguyen Hue, over the Qing forces in Spring of 1789.

Dong Da Hil

In 2018, the Prime Minister officially recognized Dong Da Hill as a special national relic.

Dong Da Hill on Tay Son street, Dong Da district, has two gates: the main gate on Tay Son street and another on Dang Tien Dong street.

Vo Nguyen Phong, Chairman of Dong Da districts Peoples Committee, said In 1962, Dong Da Hill was one of Hanois first 12 sites recognized as national relics. On the 200th anniversary of the victory in 1989, the Dong Da Cultural Park was inaugurated, comprising the Dong Da Hill, a statue of Nguyen Hue  who was later proclaimed Emperor Quang Trung  an exhibition hall, and a yard. The complex has a total area of 22,000 square meters.

Dong Da Hill, which was build up naturally centuries ago, guarded the western approach to Thang Long, the former name of Hanoi. At the top of the tree-dotted hill is a stone stele engraved with King Quang Trungs proclamation. There is also a temple honoring martyrs and meritorious officials who rendered outstanding services to the nation. The temple has been mostly damaged, except for its entrance gate.

King Quang Trungs statue was erected next to Dong Da Hill on the 200th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da victory. The statue is 15 meters tall and weighs 200 tons. It is made of reinforced concrete, covered with marble and coated with bronze that resembles dragons scales. The statue is flanked by two delicately carved relievos, depicting the Tay Son troops advance at several points around Hanoi before their final victory in Dong Da.

Behind King Quang Trungs statue is his temple. The two-storey building was built in 2010 on Hanois millennial anniversary. His altar is placed on the upper storey, tiled with double roofs, while artifacts and photos of the Tay Son troops advance are displayed on the lower storey, where there are also exhibits introducing the Tay Son dynasty (1778-1802) and the Dong Da Hill festival.

The festival is held on the 5th day of the first lunar month to celebrate the historic triumph in 1789 which liberated the Thang Long capital city. The festival features an offering ritual, a palanquin parade, martial arts performances, folk games, and a recreation of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da battle. Hanoi authorities are preparing a dossier to be submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to request recognition of the Dong Da Hill festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.

King Quang Trung's temple



According to Associate Professor Doctor Dang Van Bai, former Director of the Cultural Heritage Department, the Dong Da Hill inspires patriotism in young people.

Bai said A learning space can be created here, enabling students to learn history and interact with digital equipment. The Dong Da Hill festival should be leveled up to a national event, to promote its tourism potential.

Hanoi authorities plan to upgrade the site and repair the damage. They will also gear up a communications campaign about Dong Da Hill and operate tours connecting it with other historical sites in Hanoi.

Associate Professor Doctor Duong Van Sau of Hanoi University of Culture told VOV Dong Da Hill will prove its worth once it receives proper investment in upgrading and coordinated tourism services. It has areas for commemorations, rituals, and exhibits, but lacks places for tourism services and art performance, such as Tay Son martial arts and drums of war.

Dong Da Hill may soon become a highlight of Hanoi tours.VOV5
A British-Australian woman jailed in Tehran has said she rejected an offer from Iran to become a spy.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a lecturer at Melbourne University, has been in jail since September 2018, serving 10 years for espionage.

In letters smuggled out of Tehrans Evin prison, she says has never been a spy and fears for her mental health.

She says she has been denied visits and phone calls and has been held in an extremely restrictive detention ward.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
US president Donald Trump has been railing against digital tax proposals. Photo: Getty

Digital tax proposals are set to take centre stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, with US President Donald Trump expected to rail against Frances levy on tech giants and plans to introduce a similar one in the UK.

In December, the Trump administration last month threatened to impose 100% tariffs on $2.4bn worth of French goods, including champagne and handbags, arguing that the 3% tax on the revenues of large digital services companies unfairly targets US firms.

Frances digital tax proposal is just one just move in the battle to prevent US tech giants from shifting profits to low tax jurisdictions.

In essence, digital tax initiatives tax large global firms on their revenue or sales in a particular country, rather than on their profits, which are often booked elsewhere.

In France, any digital company with revenue of more than 750m (670m)  of which at least 25m is generated in France  must pay the 3% tax.

But earlier this month, French economy minister Bruno Le Maire warned that any retaliation to his countrys new digital tax could deeply and durably damage relations between the United States and Europe.

If the Americans decide to go ahead and impose sanctions against the digital tax ... in this case we would retaliate, Le Maire said, warning that  in some cases  the only alternatives to certain French goods are Chinese ones (paywall).

France has signalled that it is hoping to reach agreement with the United States in Davos.

We are ready to make steps towards the United States, and we have already proposed a certain number of measures. We hope to reach a resolution by Wednesday, Le Maire said this week.

But Italy has recently introduced a similar tax, and the UK is expected to unveil a digital services tax, a 2% levy on the UK revenues of technology businesses, in the upcoming 11 March budget.

The proposals in France, Italy and the UK are national tax proposals. But these countries would prefer if there was international agreement on this topic, and hope that OECD proposals come to pass.

Progress had been made on these global digital tax proposals, but they have recently been derailed by the United States.

The European Union has said, meanwhile, that it intends to bring forward its own digital tax proposals  essentially picking up the mantle  if the OECD discussions on the matter collapse.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - Elvictor Group, Inc., f/k/a Thenablers, Inc. (OTC Pink: TNBL) (the "Company"), is excited to announce the launch of a shipping crew management services division through a partnership with Elvictor Group, Ltd (Cyprus), one of the world's best known names in this sector.

On October 7, 2019, pursuant to a strategic partnership with the principals of Elvictor Group, Ltd (Cyprus), the Company sold a controlling interest in the Company as part of a long term strategy to expand the Company's operations, in this case by enhancing the Elvictor crew management services. As a result, the Company underwent a change in control. However, its original founders remain a core part of the Company's team. The Company believes that focusing on an established market with a well-respected name brand will provide cashflows and other resources that will allow the Company to continue to grow and put real capital to use in expanding offerings to shipping and other clients.

Given the name recognition of the Elvictor brand, it was determined by management that, it will benefit the Company and shareholders to change the name of the Company to "Elvictor Group, Inc." The Company has started its application with FINRA to effectuate the same.

"We are excited to move forward with Thenablers team to further expand our international coverage and new business acquisition." said Costas Galanakis, the Company's newly appointed CEO. Panos Lazaretos, our Chief International Development Officer and Founder, further stated, "this is an amazing opportunity for Thenablers to work with our new partners who have over 40 years of history as market leaders, and we are excited for the possibilities this gives the Company to grow."

The Company would like to acknowledge the contribution of UpMaritime London, Ltd and In4Capital, Ltd in introducing the Company to the Elvictor team.

About Elvictor Group, Inc.

Elvictor Group, Inc. ("TNBL"), a Nevada corporation, is an international business services organization currently focusing on expanding its shipping crew management services and geographical coverage.

Forward-Looking Statements

Non-historical statements included in this press release are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements relating to the Company's future performance are subject to many factors including, but not limited to: working capital and availability of capital, implementation difficulties, impacts involving key vendors, lenders, competitors, and other risks detailed in the Company's Form S-1 and other subsequent SEC filings. Such statements are based upon management's current beliefs and expectations subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the terms "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "should", "plan", "possible", "potential", "project", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. There is no guarantee that the Company will enter into the agreements referenced herein, nor if we do, that successful implementation will transpire. The forwardlooking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information, or otherwise.

Investor and Public Relations Contact

Panagiotis Tolis

Chief Investor Relations Officer

ciro@elvictorgroup.com

+1 (646) 491-6601

www.elvictorgroup.com









Figure 1: Elvictor Group Inc.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6876/51656_8e17864ca4492a5e_002full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51656
Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman took to Instagram on Monday to shoot down a report he had taken his own life.

The reality TV personality, 66, wrote, 'Not so fast HATERS,' with a fake BBC graphic linking to a report he'd 'died of suicide after depression attack on his sickness' with the dates 1953-2019.

Actor Vincent M. Ward, who had been with the veteran bounty hunter in Nashville earlier this month, responded, 'Dude the article scared me until I realized I just saw you a few a weeks ago in 2020...Haters going to hate.'

Correcting things: Duane 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Chapman, 66, took to Instagram on Monday to shoot down a report he had taken his own life, writing, 'Not so fast HATERS'

The Dogs Most Wanted personality, in a newly-released New York Times piece, said he was having financial problems and could see his Colorado home foreclosed if things didn't turn around for him.

'I'm broke,' said Chapman, whose wife Beth died at the age of 51 in Honolulu following a cancer battle.

He noted that medical expenses, as well as those taking care of his large family, have put him in peril of losing his home.

Chapman spoke with the newspaper in September of 2019, at a time he was also coping with a pulmonary embolism that had hindered him from a bounty that carried $1.5 million in liability if he didn't catch the suspect.

Fake: He reposted a fake BBC graphic linking to a report he'd 'died of suicide after depression attack on his sickness' with the dates 1953-2019

Eyewitness: Actor Vincent M. Ward (R), who had been with the veteran bounty hunter in Nashville earlier this month, responded, 'Dude the article scared me until I realized I just saw you a few a weeks ago in 2020...Haters going to hate'

Speaking out: The TV star was seen in Colorado last August after a burglary at his Bail Bonds business

Earlier this month, the widower defended his relationship with his son's ex girlfriend Moon Angell - amid criticism of her from his daughter Lyssa - saying he's an empty nester in need of companionship as he mourns his late wife Beth.

'Who knows what my future holds, but right now I need her,' he told Radar. 'There will never be another Mrs. Dog but that doesn't mean I have to be so sad.'

The veteran bounty hunter praised Moon as 'a trustworthy and loyal friend to [him] for over 20 years,' and 'experienced' with him and the family dynamic.

Drama: Earlier this month, the widower defended his relationship with his son's ex girlfriend Moon Angell, saying he's an empty nester in need of companionship as he mourns his late wife Beth

Not happy: Lyssa has called Angell 'disgusting' and slammed her for preying on a widower

'She has been with my family through many ups and downs,' the Dogs Most Wanted personality said. 'All my children are grown and gone on their own, there's no one left to help me!'

Chapman told the outlet he believes the lord answered his prayers in the wake of Beth's passing at at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu.

'I know Almighty God hears my broken heart and I didn't ask him for another Mrs. Chapman, but I asked him for a friend and He gave me Moon,' said Chapman.

The relationship between Dog and Angell is not a romantic one, an insider told People, calling her 'a family friend to Beth and Dog for years.

Outspoken: Lyssa has gone public with her beliefs about Dog and Moon's relationship

'Since Beth's death, she has stepped in to help Dog in his time of need,' the insider said. 'There will never be another Beth.'

Chapman's statements came in the wake of bad blood between Angell and Lyssa, who called Angell 'disgusting' and has slammed her for preying on a widower in his most tender of times.

She added: 'Any person who moves in on a man weeks after losing his wife, who you were supposed to be a "friend" to, Is the lowest scum on the planet-Which for you wasnt that far of a step down from where you were before. God will get you MARY!!!'

Staying strong: The widower said, 'There will never be another Mrs. Dog but that doesn't mean I have to be so sad'

Tragic: Beth died June 26 at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu following a two-year battle with throat and lung cancer

Lyssa again referred to the relationship between Angell and her father, writing, 'Happiness is granted to all, and all I wish is happiness for my family.

'When a person who has ill intentions, that my mother specifically warned me about before her passing tries to enter, the war is on. The devil ALWAYS goes for the weakest link. Not today satan.'

Lyssa, who's mother is Dog's third wife Lyssa Rae Brittain, later said that she entrusts her father to decide what is best for himself, but will not endorse any type of romantic relationship between the two.

'My dad is a GROWN A** MAN,' she said. 'His money. His dynasty. But you can guarantee that my name is not going down in history as a person who supported this.'
- Sonko allegedly assaulted police officers during his dramatic arrest at Ikanga airstrip in Voi on December 6, 2019

- The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji ordered for Sonko's arrest over corruption charges but the governor attempted to resist

- Coast police boss Rashid Yokub who was among a contingent of officers who forcefully arrested Sonko claimed the governor assaulted him

- He filed a complaint at Voi Law Court seeking to have the Nairobi leader charged with assault and resisting arrest

Beleaguered Nairobi county boss Mike Sonko could soon get a pie of reprieve following a gesture by Coast Police boss Rashid Yokub to withdraw assaulted charges against him.

Sonko caused a scene at Voi's Ikanga airstrip on December 6, 2019, when he attempted to resist police arrest over graft charges at City Hall.

READ ALSO: PM without portfolio? Raila's beefed up security detail raises eyebrows

Mike Sonko arrested police officers over corruption charges. Photo: Original.

Source: Original

READ ALSO: Mwangi Kiunjuri aandamwa na EACC kuhusiana na KSh 1.8 bilioni ya kuagiza mahindi

In an application filed at the Voi Law Court, Yokub through the prosecutors urged the court to drop charges against the governor who was accused of assaulting police officers during the dramatic arrest.

The police boss stated he was no longer willing to pursue the case to the end.

Sonko had appeared at the Voi court on Monday, January 20, morning, where he was expected to face assault, resisting arrest and offensive conduct charges.

Sonko caused a scene at Ikanga airstrip in Voi when he was being arrested by police officers over graft. Photo: Daily Nation.

Source: UGC

Senior Resident Magistrate Frederick Nyakundi said he will rule on the matter on Wednesday, January 22.

On December 18, 2019, Sonko was expected to appear in court but failed to do so citing health complications forcing the presiding magistrate to postpone the sitting to January 20, 2019.

Mike Sonko in court over corruption charges. Photo: K24

Source: UGC

The governor is, however, still facing other charges of corruption, abuse of office, conflict of interest, money laundering among others.

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
Health should not be a privilege for the rich and gaps in public financing for health can be met by eliminating tax dodging and implementing progressive taxation, the UNAIDS said on Tuesday.

"The right to health is eluding the poor and people trying to lift themselves out of poverty are being crushed by the unacceptably high costs of health care.

"The richest 1 per cent benefit from cutting-edge science while the poor struggle to get even basic health care," said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, who is here to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit.

UNAIDS called on governments to ensure that the right to health is realized by all by prioritising public investments in health.

At least half of the world's population cannot access essential health services, it said.

"Every two minutes a woman dies while giving birth. Among the people being left behind are women, adolescents, people living with HIV, gay men and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, transgender people, migrants, refugees and poor people," the agency said.

Nearly 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty (defined as living on USD 1.90 or less a day) because they have to pay for health care, and more than 930 million people (around 12 per cent of the world's population) spend at least 10 per cent of their household budgets on health care.

In many countries, people are denied health care or receive poor quality health care because of unaffordable user fees.

Stigma and discrimination denies poor and vulnerable people, especially women, their right to health. Every week, 6,000 young women around the world become infected with HIV.

"Publicly financed health care is the greatest equalizer in society," said Byanyima. "When health spending is cut or inadequate, it is poor people and people on the margins of society, especially women and girls, who lose their right to health first, and they have to bear the burden of caring for their families."



Delivering health care for all is a political choice that too many governments are not making.

Countries such as Canada, France, Kazakhstan and Portugal have strong publicly financed health systems, yet some other richer countries do not, the UNAIDS said.

Health investments in many countries remain very low compared to their gross domestic product. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates that developing countries lose between USD 150 billion and USD 500 billion every year owing to corporate tax avoidance and profit shifting by big companies.

If this lost money were invested in health, health expenditure could triple in low-income countries and could double in lower-middle-income countries, it added.

"The race to the bottom on corporate tax cheats denies developing countries of much needed revenue and robs ordinary people of vital health services," UNAIDS said in a statement.

"It is unacceptable that rich people and big companies are avoiding taxes and ordinary people are paying through their ill health," said Byanyima.

"Big companies must pay their fair share of taxes, protect employee rights, provide equal pay for equal work and provide safe working conditions for all, especially women."



According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as of April 2019 half of low-income countries in Africa were either in debt distress or at a high risk of being so.

According to the World Bank, more than one billion women lack legal protection against domestic violence and close to 1.4 billion women lack legal protection against domestic economic violence.

In at least 65 countries, a same-sex sexual relationship is a crime. In recent years in some countries, crackdowns and restrictions on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people have increased.

Reeling out data, the agency further said sex work is a criminal offence in 98 countries. Forty-eight countries and territories still maintain some form of HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence.

A recent study of sex work policies in 27 countries concluded that those that decriminalized some aspects of sex work have signi?cantly lower HIV prevalence among sex workers.

In 91 countries, adolescents require the consent of their parents to take an HIV test and in 77 countries they require the consent of their parents to access sexual and reproductive health services, creating barriers to protect young people from HIV infection.

One of the consequences of this is that the HIV incidence rate among young women and girls in eastern and southern Africa is twice that of their male peers.

"In the next decade, we can end AIDS as a public health threat and achieve universal health coverage. Governments must tax fairly, provide publicly funded quality health care, guarantee human rights and achieve gender equality for all - it is possible," Byanyima said.

UNAIDS is participating in several events at the 2020 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, to highlight the need for governments to fulfil their commitments to realize universal health coverage and ensure that no one is left behind.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Attorneys representing an Iranian student visa holder who was denied entry by immigration authorities planned to make the case for his release so he could resume his studies at Northeastern University.

But they learned overnight that Mohammad Shahab Dehghani Hossein Abadi, who is often called Shehab Dehghani, had already been put on a plane to Iran with a layover in France.

Judge Richard Stearns, who was supposed to hear his case after another judges order Monday night, said he did not feel he could weigh in on the matter because Hossein Abadis jurisdiction has changed.

The courtroom was packed Tuesday morning with attorneys, immigration activists and friends. But the international student at the center of the case, Hossein Abadi, was more than 3,000 miles away.

"We feel this is a pattern of Customs and Border Protection ignoring court orders and ignoring the law, Kerry Doyle, one of the attorney representing him, said after the hearing.

Doyle said she and the other attorneys advocating for Hossein Abadis release plan to follow up with the judge who approved the hearing, Judge Allison Dale Burroughs.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Piemonte told Stearns that Hossein Abadi was removed before Burroughs emergency order was issued.

Doyle told Stearns that he was in the country both when the emergency filing was submitted and when Burroughs issued her order, but he said he would not weigh in on the matter. Instead, he suggested taking the issue up with Burroughs.

After the hearing, Doyle said Hossein Abadi was one of several Iranian students who have faced hurdles leaving Boston Logan International Airport despite having legal permission to be in the country.

We feel the Iranian community has been unfortunately targeted, it appears, because were hearing many reports, especially at the Boston port of entry, of Iranian students and other individuals being subjected to increased and severe interrogation at secondary inspections, Doyle told reporters.

Carol Rose, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said that before Hossein Abadi, a least 10 students have been sent back to Iran after landing at U.S. airports since August. Seven of those 10 students had flown into Logan.

Hossein Abadi, 24, obtained a student visa to study at Northeastern University. He had already spent two years in the country, where he studied at UMass Boston before transferring to Northeastern.

Susan Church, another attorney representing him, told MassLive his student visa took a year to get renewed. He flew in Sunday night but was held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it could not comment on an individual, citing the Privacy Act.

Doyle told reporters Tuesday morning that she received documentation from the government after Hossein Abadi was removed suggesting they denied him entry because they believed he would try to remain in the United States permanently.

Student visas are non-immigrant visas and cannot be used for someone to immigrate permanently to the United States, Doyle said. She said the officers determination was false.

They are trying to claim that he somehow showed some indicia of wanting to return here permanently, Doyle said. Theres nothing here that shows that he has no long-term significant other here. His family is overseas. I mean, hes just intending to pursue his degree.

Hossein Abadis detainment sparked protests from friends, supporters and immigration activists. Dozens gathered outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Monday night chanting let Shahab in!

Doyle filed a lawsuit on Hossein Abadis behalf arguing his rights had been violated.

Three hours after protests began, Church announced that a judge granted a stay of removal, or a postponement of his deportation, pending the results of a hearing Tuesday morning.

But Church said she learned from Sen. Ed Markeys office Tuesday morning that he was deported after the order was issued.

He was here in the U.S. At the time of the court order, Church told a court official before the hearing began.

Markey confirmed he tried to intervene on behalf of Hossein Adabi with no avail. He called the governments decision to remove him despite the emergency lawsuit and order alarming.

This case is part of a disturbing pattern from the Trump administration of disregarding the law and targeting Iranian students," Markey, a Democrat, said in a statement. "The Trump administration needs to stop any blanket, dehumanizing policy denying entry to foreign students without due process.

Protesters stood outside the Boston federal courthouse holding up signs calling for Shahabs entry into the United States. They dispersed shortly after attorneys spoke to reporters about the hearing.

Word of Hossein Abadis deportation spread Tuesday. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, a Boston Democrat, said he wants answers for the student, who she said was her constituent as he attended Boston-area universities.

@CBP hastily put Shahab on a flight out of @BostonLogan w/o due process, violating a court order. We wont stand for this in the #MA7, Pressley tweeted.
With world leaders as well as representatives from the two rival factions in Libya present at the summit, Berlin wanted to show a mediating role to find a way out of the protracted crisis that threatens the security interests of not only Libya but also the whole of Europe across the Mediterranean.

The Berlin conference attracted the attendance of Special Representative of UN Secretary General Ghassan Salame, the Presidents of Russia, France and Turkey, the US Secretary of State, and many other leaders of countries in the region, along with the head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar. The event was considered an opportunity for the powers and the two rival factions in Libya to promote a deep political dialogue under the auspices of the UN. The host country invited representatives of 11 nations to attend the conference to call for a consensus to end the intervention of foreign forces, amid the growing international divide over Libyas issues.

The situation in Libya has seriously deteriorated since Turkey decided to deploy its troops on the call of GNA, the current UN-supported government in Libya. Many countries have voiced their opposition and expressed concern that Ankara's intervention could make the situation in Libya more confusing. The Arab Parliament, the legislative body of the Arab League, has expressed opposition to any Turkish military intervention in Libya, stating that it would incite conflict and divisions between the parties, while threatening the stability in the region and other neighbouring nations. Libya is currently in a state of escalating political division and violence as it has two coexisting governments with their own armed forces. The GNA is supported by Turkey and Qatar, while General Haftar is supported by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, as well as receiving political support from the United States, Russia, and France.

Before the Berlin conference, the search for a political solution for Libya was still at a standstill since the two rivals in Libya were unable to reach a ceasefire under the intermediate efforts of Russia and Turkey. The delegations of GNA and LNA negotiated in Moscow, but Haftar left the negotiating table without signing a ceasefire agreement to end the nine months of conflict. Since Haftar launched a military campaign to capture the capital city of Tripoli, where GNA's headquarters are located. From April 2019 until now, fierce fighting has caused thousands of deaths, forcing about 350,000 of people to leave their homes and about 800,000 others have to seek humanitarian aid. The UN is worried that if the conflict continues to escalate, there will be a serious humanitarian disaster in the country.

Meanwhile, the international split on Libya makes the Libyan situation increasingly complicated due to external support and intervention. Despite the opposition from other countries, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has announced that he will continue sending troops to Libya. Erdogan also asserted that Turkey will start drilling and exploiting oil and gas in oil fields in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, the area on which Ankara and GNA signed an agreement on jurisdiction at sea in November 2019, a move that was opposed by both Greece and Cyprus. Turkish President Erdogan warned that Europe could face new threats from terrorist organisations if GNA collapses. According to the Turkish leader, the failure of the European Union to obtain adequate support for the GNA would be a betrayal of its own core values.

Civil social organisations and activists in eastern Libya have called for a blockade of oil ports to protest Turkish military intervention in the North African nation. According to the Eastern Libyan authorities, oil revenue has been used to support armed forces against LNA, while oil and gas revenues are the only source of revenue helping to maintain the economy and guarantee the lives of Libyan people. Meanwhile, the head of Libya's National Oil Corporation has warned that stopping the production and export of oil would lead to a sharp devaluation of the local currency, an increase in the national deficit, and the decision of foreign contractors to withdraw as well as the future collapse of Libya's manufacturing sector.

Fighting continued in Libya just before the Berlin conference. The international community has called for the maintenance of a permanent ceasefire, while at the same time ensuring the territorial integrity of Libya and avoiding outside intervention. Within a mere one-day conference, it was difficult to solve this series of complex problems in Libya. However, diplomatic efforts need to be encouraged, because only a political solution can bring peace and stability to this North African nation.
Tariq Farid thought he had a lock on the word edible. For more than 20 years, his company, Edible Arrangements, was famous for its bouquets of fruit and platters of chocolate-dipped fruit, and customers had begun casually referring to the company as simply Edible. In 2013, Farid went all in -- trademarking the name Edible by itself and dropping Arrangements.

Then, in 2016, California passed Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana. Farid read the text of the bill and was horrified: The word edibles was in there -- familiar to any pot lover, and now enshrined into law to mean weed-laced food. We cant let it happen, he recalls thinking. We have to do something about it.

Do what exactly? He wasnt sure. But he tried to fight it -- and as he did, he learned an important lesson about business: Sometimes the greatest threats are opportunities in disguise.

Related: The Pivot That Helped This Founder Get Into 10,000 Stores

This is an issue many industries grapple with, as consumer tastes and culture change. The beef industry, for example, has lobbied for laws to protect the word burger from booming plant-based companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Meanwhile, the dairy industry has tried to protect the word milk from oat, soy, and other plant-based competitors.

Farid felt similarly protective. Back in 1997, he owned a few flower shops in Connecticut and had developed an eye-catching product he called Delicious Designs. It was slices of fruit, speared onto sticks and arranged like flowers in a vase. As his team brainstormed a description for Delicious Designs, someone proposed the term edible arrangements. Everyone loved it so much that they changed the products name -- and from that, a successful national franchise company was born.

So when cannabis moved in on Farids word, he was spooked. I mean, I had never done marijuana, and didnt want anything to do with it, he says. Shortly after California passed its law, he called his lawyer to develop a plan. Then he started lobbying, telling lawmakers that marijuana edibles were a modern-day version of cigarettes being marketed to kids.

Related: Need to Make A Change? Do It Immediately!

But he wasnt getting anywhere. Then, during one lobbying trip in 2017, someone told him this: You can look at [the situation] two ways. You can look at it as a tsunami -- and if its a tsunami, get out of the way. Or you can look at it as a really nice wave -- and go get your surfboard out.

This made Farid pause. I may be fighting a really uphill battle, he thought. Whats the alternative?

He decided to educate himself about cannabis. Farid subscribed to every industry magazine he could find, took meetings with experts, and traveled to Colorado to visit production facilities. He discovered a world of CBD and other wellness-oriented products -- stuff that doesnt get anyone high but still comes from cannabis and hemp. Farid heard from a friend whose mom uses CBD, and for me, that word, mom, was like -- oh! he says. His own mom had been the first to predict that Edible Arrangements would be a huge hit. Farid believed in the wisdom of moms.

After a year of research, he felt convinced: There was a way for him to embrace this. He hired a team and partnered with a research university, and his company planted 40 acres of hemp to develop an edible CBD powder. To sell it, he decided to go big. He wouldnt just create a product -- hed launch, he says, a retail experience.

Related: Should You Compete With (and Potentially Kill) Your Own Business?

The new brand is called Incredible Edibles. Itll be a line of edible CBD, but also a chain of stores that offers CBD-infused juices, smoothies, and other foods. The first opens in January 2020, in New Haven, Conn. -- not far from where Edible Arrangements began two decades ago. Farid plans to expand soon.

Now that hes gone through this process, he has some advice for other businesses that feel threatened by a changing culture. Understand the threat, he says. Look at it, study it, spend some time on it. And you may just see an opportunity -- a big opportunity.

Related:

How Edible Arrangements Learned to Embrace a New Kind of 'Edible'

The Pivot That Helped This Founder Get Into 10,000 Stores

Should You Compete With (and Potentially Kill) Your Own Business?



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
GLEN CARBON  SNIP Alliance, a not-for-profit charity providing low-cost spay neuter services in Madison County, is disbanding.

Founder and president Sandra Eaves released a statement Tuesday morning that the group, founded in 2008, was forced to disband due to finances. Since June, Amy Miller has served as its executive director.

It is with much heartache that the board of SNIP Alliance has announced plans to disband the organization, something we did not expect as the direction for us in 2020, Eaves said.

Madison County Animal Control Manager Katherine Conder said she was shocked and saddened by the announcement.

I dont know how this is going to affect us going forward, she said.

Over the past 11 years, the group had provided spay-neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations for more than 7,600 animals in Madison County.

Eaves said that, with the reduction in available grants and funding sources  and limited opportunities for large scale fundraising and other unexpected circumstances  disbanding SNIP was our only option. According to Eaves, the funding sources typically used changed their qualifications to include adpotion services, which SNIP does not provide.

There are not a lot of grants that cater specifically towards spay neuter services. Eaves said.

She said the group will follow the legal guidelines set forth by the Illinois Attorney Generals Charitable Trust Bureau to pass along any available monetary resources for spay/neuter services to other qualified non-profit organizations.

According to Eaves, the Riverbend Pet Food Pantry will continue operating under the Metro East Humane Society. Distribution dates for 2020 will remain as scheduled and will be on its website starting in mid-February.

SNIP Alliance is grateful that MEHS recognizes the importance of the pantry and will add this program to the many they provide to help the animals in our community, Eaves said. We know that SNIP Alliances supporters and volunteers will work hand in hand with MEHS to continue our mission.

Alton city officials were scheduled to talk Tuesday night about a proposed agreement with SNIP, in partnership with Riverbend Pet Food Pantry, to use a structure on the Alton Public Works Departments grounds for SNIP spay and neuter clinics and the pet food pantry.

We know that our closing will create a large gap in the spay/neuter services available to the citizens of Madison County, Eaves stated. And this is our biggest concern, that the number of unwanted litters will start to rebound, once again overwhelming animal control facilities.

We can only hope that the education we have provided to school children and the general public over the past 11 years on the health benefits of spay/neuter will continue to make a difference in unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, she said. We are asking MEHS and all other animal organizations to list on their web page any resources available for low-cost spay/neuter.

Eaves also said SNIP was beyond thankful to its volunteers, supporters and the city.




Haiti - FLASH : Mexico will help Haiti to electrify





Luc Garvey Jean Pierre, Charge d'affaires of the Embassy of Haiti in Mexico, announced that there is now a broad interest on the part of Mexico to help Haiti in particular in the development of the energy sector and more generally in the immigration sector, by exporting to Haiti one of Mexico's star programs "Sembrando Vida" (sowing life).



The Haitian diplomat said that several steps had already been taken with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard and with the Mexican authorities to promote several actions that will allow Haiti to develop above all its energy sector. To do this, a group of Mexican experts will travel to Haiti in the coming days to establish a line of work and advance a project to promote solar panels. In addition, a line of credit will be opened to allow Haiti to modernize its energy sector.



In addition, 25 grants will be awarded in the public policy sector, to tackle social issues in the coming years.



The Charge d'affaires said that the "Sembrando Vida" program will be exported to Haiti. This flagship program in Mexico seeks to mitigate migration from mainly Central America, but which also has a significant component of Haitians. Luc Garvey Jean Pierre, hopes that with this program and the tightening of Donald Trumps immigration policies, the Haitian flows that seek to cross Mexico to reach the United States could be significantly reduced.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Fast food chain Krystal Company has filed for bankruptcy, according to reports. The Atlanta-based Krystal filed for Chapter 11 on Sunday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Atlanta. In the filing, the company reportedly disclosed assets between $10 million and $50 million, and liabilities between $50 million and $100 million. The company's restaurants will remain open for business during the bankruptcy process. The fast-food chain is known for its iconic small, square hamburgers, specially prepared with a steamed-in onion flavor. The 88-year-old company cited strong industry-specific headwinds such as shifting consumer tastes, increased competition, and the proliferation of online delivery platforms as reasons for its bankruptcy. Krystal also noted that company-specific business challenges contributed to its deteriorating financial performance. In November 2019, Krystal hired two senior executives with extensive QSR experience to lead its ongoing revitalization plan. The company appointed Tim Ward to the newly created position of president and chief operating officer, while Bruce Vermilyea was named chief financial officer. Krystal is one of the oldest fast-food chains in the U.S. The company was founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1932, but moved its headquarters to Dunwoody, Georgia in 2013. Krystal remains a southern chain, with about 320 restaurants in nine states. Krystal's Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 7,500 employees. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Actor Deepika Padukone on Monday said people must understand depression and anxiety are like any other illness and can be treated. She said her own experience has encouraged her to work for this cause.

"My love and hate relationship with this has taught me a lot and I want to tell everyone suffering from this that you are not alone," she said while recalling her own struggle with depression and mental illness.

"One trillion dollars is the estimated impact of depression and mental illness on the world economy," she said while receiving the annual Crystal Award here on the first evening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2020.

"In the time it has taken me to accept this award, the world has lost one more person to suicide," she said.

"Depression is a common yet serious illness. It is important to understand that anxiety and depression is like any other illness and treatable. It was experience with this illness that encouraged me to set up Live Love Laugh," she said while talking about the foundation she has set up for this cause.

Also read: Deepika Padukone says her depression spiraled again during Chhapaak: It got really bad, felt claustrophobic

Padukone was given the award for her leadership in raising mental health awareness -- which she did by going public with her own experience with anxiety and depression.

Motivated by her own experience, she set up her foundation to provide awareness programs in schools in India, funding for free psychiatric treatment, medical education programs, public awareness campaigns and more.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's digital economy, it is imperative that organizations respond rapidly to changing technologies and markets. By synchronizing the three design elements of people, processes and technology, organizations can enable new and fast digital strategies. Global CIOs are invited to learn how to design their enterprise for sustained success by attending the 17th Annual MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, May 19, 2020. Registration is now open for the nation's premier CIO event, with early-bird savings of up to 50 percent available through February 29, 2020.

The premier conference will bring together nearly 900 CIOs, senior IT executives, technology innovators and MIT academic thought leaders. This full day will comprise networking, collaboration and discussions around emerging and evolving technologies like AI, machine learning, big data, cybersecurity, and cloud. Attendees will learn how to leverage these insightful technologies to create nimble organizations that are deeply engaged with their customers and other stakeholders.

"We're looking forward to empowering CIOs to be strategically flexible in responding quickly to new competitive threats and opportunities which is vital in today's digital economy," said Lindsey Anderson, Chair of the 2020 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium. "The Symposium's panel sessions and networking will provide the education, insight on innovative technologies, and real-world examples to help CIOs architect a business for long term success."

More than a dozen keynote presentations and interactive panel discussions tied to this year's theme, "Designing Your Enterprise for Sustained Success," will feature more than 60 business leaders, technology trendsetters, and thought leaders from academia. Potential topics to be addressed during the conference, include:

Every Company Needs a Data Monetization Strategy: How to Pick the Right One

Creating a Culture of Innovation

Building the Next-Generation Enterprise

Decision Making at the Speed of Digital

Building Digital-Ready Culture in Traditional Organizations

Additionally, the Symposium's Innovation Showcase will feature 10 carefully selected early-stage companies that are providing innovative and valuable IT solutions. The Showcase will be open to the public from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The MIT Sloan CIO Symposium is co-organized by the MIT Sloan Boston Alumni Association, the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE), and the MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (CISR). It will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at a new location this year, the Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton street, Boston, MA. For more information and to register, please visit www.mitcio.com.

Editor's Note:

Journalists interested in a press credential should contact Sadie Smith ([email protected] or 717-298-1865), Warner Communications.

SOURCE MIT Sloan CIO Symposium

Related Links

http://www.mitcio.com


Ennis Plastic Surgery Lobby in Boca Raton, Florida Beautiful Medicine. Natural looking results for age management in Boca Raton, FL.

Ennis Plastic Surgery is proud to announce the opening of a new plastic surgery practice in Boca Raton, Florida.

Dr L. Scott Ennis, MD, FACS, is a globally recognized plastic surgeon, lauded as a true expert in his field by Real Self Top 100 Leading Doctors of Cosmetic & Aesthetic Medicine, Leading Plastic Surgeons of the World, and Americas Top Plastic Surgeons, among others. He was also named as one of the top 10 plastic surgeons in Florida based on patient reviews.

As a congressionally awarded artist, balance, symmetry, and beauty are always at the forefront of Dr Ennis approach to his work. Determined to achieve the most natural look possible, he approaches all procedures with an artistic eye.

Facial plastic surgery is a talent that comes naturally to Dr Ennis; his keen eye allows him to envision the details of how the face will look best with expert precision, ultimately returning the patient to a much more rested and youthful state, without ever looking stretched or pulled. Dr. Ennis is known for creating "natural looking" facelift results.

Dr Ennis is also a pioneer in transaxillary, scar-free breast augmentation. As such, he has become a much sought after expert in this field. In high demand the world over, the results of his impressive work have changed his patients lives, ensuring a happier and more confident outlook.

Working alongside her husband, Donna S. Ennis, ARNP, is a double-board-certified nurse practitioner with 25 years of clinical experience. Donna is extremely well-versed in the art of making her clients look and feel beautiful. Known for her gentle touch and aesthetic eye, she expertly applies injectables and fillers with a minimally invasive approach. Donnas compassionate nature will immediately put the patient at ease, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing experience. Fees for injectables are very competitive and will accommodate most budgets.

Consolidating their Brickell Avenue, Miami, and Destin practices, this dynamic husband and wife team have opened a luxurious new plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation office in Boca Raton, Florida. Ennis Plastic Surgery - Beautiful Medicine will offer from start to finish a first-class luxury experience to each patient. Ennis Plastic Surgery's own concierge-designed service, including a Rolls Royce chauffeured transfer from hotel to practice.

We are very excited about the grand opening of our exceptional new facilities and welcoming our guests to celebrate this very special location for a top rated age management experience.
If an MP allows himself to get up and approach a speaking MP and scold him, if an MP allows himself to make offensive remarks about a persons sex (and we heard this in parliament), then I think MP Arman Abovyan and the Prosperous Armenia Party, as well as leader of the party Gagik Tsarukyan need to gather today and seriously discuss disciplinary issues. This is what Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan told reporters today.

He clarified that a deputy of the Prosperous Armenia Party had made an offensive remark about a persons sex during the clash in parliament.

I dont accept MPs provoking and creating such situations in parliament every time. I would like to apologize to the citizens of the Republic of Armenia for this situation, even though the My Step faction wasnt a part of this incident, Alen Simonyan said.

MP Gevorg Petrosyan declared that such things happen in the parliaments of all countries, and in regard to this, Alen Simonyan said the following: I think he is still in the past and doesnt know that things have changed in Armenia. I insist that the parliament is not the place for MPs like Gevorg Petrosyan to be. He added that what happened in parliament today was a manifestation of criminal subculture.

As reported earlier, during todays session of the NA, independent MP Arman Babajanyan touched upon the speech of opposition Prosperous Armenia faction member Gevorg Petrosyan, who had told Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan present in the sessions hall that it in addition to criminal authorities, it would be good to fight against some other people, too.

Babajanyan noted that someone should apologize on behalf of Prosperous Armenia for that shameful behavior.

During his speech there was applause, but a Prosperous Armenia MPs said something, and Babajanyan responded.

Then Babajanyan took his seat, after which Prosperous Armenia MP Artur Dallakyan went toward Babajanyan, but the latter did not respond to the scuffle.

The other MPs did not allow Dallakyan to approach Babajanyan.

NA Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan responded to the incident from the podium. "MPs are registered and speak from the podium and cannot be prosecuted for their speeches," he said, in particular.

But the tension did not dissipate in the NA sessions hall. Addressing Prosperous Armenia MP Gevorg Petrosyan, Mirzoyan said: "Sit in your place, listen to the speech, and don't go to the one who gave the previous speech."
A Syrian refugee and father of three was stoned to death in Lebanon by two men reports Zaman Al Wasl.

A Syrian refugee was stoned to death by two men in the Lebanese town of Naema, in the Chouf region, activists said Sunday.

No more details have been revealed about the killing of Abdul Rahman al-Akari, 31, father of three children.

Revenge attacks and violence against Syrians have become more common and gruesome in the past few years.

Lebanon says it hosts some 1.5 million Syrians, of which nearly a million are UN-registered refugees.

Lebanese politicians routinely blame the countrys economic and other woes on Syrian refugees and the government has ratcheted up the pressure to send them back.

Rights groups have decried measures that make the lives of refugees increasingly difficult.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
A new anti-bacterial material that can be used to make smartphone cases could hep to stop the spread of deadly superbugs.

British scientists have created 3D-printed parts that kill bacteria which have become resistant to antibiotics, such as the dreaded MRSA.

The material could be used in general parts for hospitals, door handles, children's toys, dentures and everyday consumer products.

It promises to halt outbreaks of serious illnesses in wards and care homes  potentially saving the lives of vulnerable patients.

Individual Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria on a Nylon-12 surface. The 3D-printed material was effective on both Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which can cause disease in plants, animals and humans, and Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause serious infections, like blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome

'Managing the spread of harmful bacteria, infection and the increasing resistance to antibiotics is a global concern,' said Dr Candice Majewski, a mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield.

'Most current 3D printed products don't have additional functionality.

WHAT IS MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to several widely-used antibiotics, which makes it particularly hard to treat. Catching the infection early could prevent it spreading and infecting others. Approximately 30 per cent of people carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria even in their nose, armpits, groin or buttocks without realising it. This can invade the body's bloodstream and release poisonous toxins that kill up to one-fifth of infected patients. MRSA is most commonly associated with hospitals. As well as being highly drug resistant, current screening methods are fairly inaccurate, which allows the infection to spread as a patient moves around both within and outside hospitals. Even when the infection is successfully treated, it doubles the average length of a patient's hospital stay, as well as increasing healthcare costs. Advertisement

'Introducing antibacterial protection to products and devices at the point of manufacture could be an essential tool in this fight.'

The World Health Organisation says resistance to antibiotics poses a 'major global threat' to public health.

It has described a 'post antibiotic era', where people die from simple infections that have been treatable for decades.

To fight this threat, University of Sheffield researchers created a technique that combines 3D-printing with a silver-based anti-bacterial compound.

'We have adopted a commercially available antimicrobial additive (Biocote B65003) and combined this with a widely used Laser Sintering powder (polyamide 12, EOS PA2200) to create an antimicrobial material suitable for a range of potential uses,' the researchers say in their paper, published in Scientific Reports.

Results showed the chemical can be successfully incorporated into existing 3D printing materials without any negative impact on production or strength.

Under the right conditions, the parts are effective against potentially harmful bugs without being toxic to human cells.

Tests on human cells grown in the lab found there were no toxic effects.

More experiments are being planned in the manufacture of a range of products with the aim of working with leaders in industry to bring them to market.

Photograph of a selection of parts made from PA2200 (left) alongside the 1 per cent B65003 composite material (right)

Medical devices are often already coated with an anti-bacterial compound and are subject to strict and rigorous cleaning or sterilisation procedures.

AMR: A PRIMER Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs Advertisement

While this provides some protection from microbes, human error in cleaning or damage occurring to the covering can still lead to bacteria spreading.

Rigorous testing and imaging techniques were carried out to establish the effect of the additive, such as its mechanical properties and whether it survived the manufacturing process.

Parts with and without the antibacterial compound were submerged in various solutions to test how many bugs remained after 24 hours.

Those containing the compound were effective against examples of the two main groups of bacteria, Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), both of which can cause different infections.

The number of bacteria stuck to the part surfaces in the form of difficult-to-remove biofilms was also reduced.

Researchers observed an 'anti-biofilm' effect where bacteria died before they could stick to the parts.

3D-printed parts worked less well in liquid containing lots of nutrients  these were found to interfere with the silver before it could do its job.

This will help people decide what environments to use this technology in, the team says, meaning users would be best advised to keep their anti-bacterial smartphone case away from liquids if the material is commercialised.

Further work is ongoing to investigate the full extent of the material's capability before this happens, however.

'Our interactions with microbes are complex and contradictory,' said Dr Bob Turner, of Sheffield's department of computer science.

'They are essential to our survival and they can knock us dead.

'Technology like this will be key to informed and sustainable management of this crucial relationship with nature.'
RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), a global healthcare and biopharmaceutical company, will invest over $470 million and create more than 460 new jobs in Durham, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The project will bring a new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility to North Carolina's Research Triangle Park.

"Life science companies like Lilly continue to choose North Carolina," said Governor Cooper. "Our exceptional workforce draws global companies as we continue to grow North Carolina into a worldwide hub for the biotechnology industry."

Lilly, with headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, has a long heritage in discovering and making medicines. Established in 1876, today Lilly is attacking some of the world's most serious and debilitating chronic health issues -- diabetes, cancer, autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and Alzheimer's disease, all among the world's leading causes of death or disability.

This new manufacturing site will be a state-of-the-art facility that produces parenteral (or injectable) products and delivery devices. To operate the site, Lilly will create more than 400 jobs in highly skilled positions such as scientists, engineers, quality professionals and manufacturing operations. Lilly currently has seven manufacturing sites located in the United States in Indiana, New Jersey and Puerto Rico.

"This next-generation manufacturing facility will allow us to expand our capacity to make the Lilly medicines that are helping people with serious illnesses today, and help us prepare for new medicines coming from our robust pipeline in the future," said David A. Ricks, chairman and chief executive officer of Lilly. "In the past two years, we have invested billions of capital in new U.S.-based manufacturing because the 2017 tax reform rebalanced the playing field in favor of the American worker. We're excited to be bringing more of these high-skill, high-wage advanced manufacturing jobs to North Carolina."

"North Carolina is one of the nation's leading centers for innovation in the life sciences," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. "We welcome Lilly to the state's roster of biomanufacturers."

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state's support for the company during its site evaluation and decision-making process.

Although wages will vary depending on position, the average salary for all the new positions will exceed $72,000, which is greater than the current average wage in Durham County of $71,756.

Lilly's project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state's economy by $4.1 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the 462 new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $8,689,500, spread over 12 years. The company's JDIG agreement lists its investment target as $474 million. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant's reimbursement payments to a given company.

Because Lilly chose a site in Durham County, classified by the state's economic tier system as Tier 3, the company's JDIG agreement also calls for moving as much as $2,896,500 into the state's Industrial Development Fund  Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Durham, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state. More information on the state's economic tier designations is available here.

"This decision will only grow the reputation of Durham and the Research Triangle Park as a leading destination for life science companies," said N.C. Representative Zack Hawkins. "Everyone in our area stands ready to help Lilly succeed in North Carolina."

Partnering with N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Durham County, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Duke Energy.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/newsroom. C-LLY

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about planned capital investments in a new manufacturing site and reflects Lilly's current belief. There are substantial risks and uncertainties in the manufacturing process, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products which could impact the overall commercial success of our products. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly's most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

CONTACT:

Tamara Hull; [email protected]; 317-614-5132 (Lilly)

Scott MacGregor; [email protected]; 317-440-4699 (Lilly)

David Rhoades; [email protected]; 919-814-4611 (State of North Carolina)

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company

Related Links

http://www.lilly.com


She ruled the runway during Ralph & Russo's spring/summer 2020 presentation at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

And Winnie Harlow commanded attention once again as she put on a very leggy display while making a glamorous departure from the show later on Monday.

The supermodel, 25, looked incredible in a white silk cowl-neck gown with a soaring thigh-high split as she headed back to her hotel.

Dressed to impress: put on a very leggy display while making a glamorous departure from Ralph & Russo's spring/summer 2020 show at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week on Monday

The former Top Model star teamed her stunning dress with a diamond necklace and an oversize fur-look coat.

Winnie - real name Chantelle Brown-Young - wore dainty lace booties as she tottered around the fashion capital.

The Canadian beauty completed her striking look with a perspex bag, while keeping her immaculate hair and makeup from the show.

Winnie rose to fame in 2014 competing on the 21st cycle of America's Next Top Model.

Work it: The supermodel, 25, looked incredible in a white silk cowl-neck gown with a soaring thigh-high split as she headed back to her hotel

Stepping out in style: The former Top Model star teamed her stunning dress with a diamond necklace and an oversize fur-look coat

Having a giggle: She looked stunning as she larked around inside the event

She was discovered by the long-running show's host Tyra Banks, 46, on Instagram and finished sixth overall.

Speaking about the model, Tyra said: 'Her skin breaks down barriers of what is considered beautiful.'

At the age of four, Winnie was diagnosed with the chronic skin condition vitiligo, characterised by depigmentation of patches of the skin.

Winnie modelled in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2018 and has walked the runway in New York and London Fashion Week shows.

All white! Winnie modelled in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2018 and has walked the runway in New York and London Fashion Week shows

So chic: Winnie - real name Chantelle Brown-Young - wore dainty lace booties as she tottered around the fashion capital

Rolls Royce royalty: The Canadian beauty completed her striking look with a perspex bag, while keeping her immaculate hair and makeup from the show

She has become a public speaker about her experiences with vitiligo and also speaks out against bullying.

During a recent episode of Success with Moira Forbes, the star said she's instead focusing on forging her own path.

'I try not to compare myself to anyone else. It's inspiring to see my girls in my industry doing the things that they're doing.

'But I have my own path that I have to walk and you just can't compare.

Model behaviour: Winnie took to the runway in two stunning designs for Ralph & Russo's Spring/Summer 2020 presentation during Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris on Monday
Imperial Valley News Center

Former Commander of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Convicted of Obstructing Justice in Connection with Civilian Death

Washington, DC - A former Commander of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) was convicted by a federal jury Friday of obstructing justice and making false statements, among other charges, in connection with the death of a civilian at the naval base.

John Nettleton, 54, of Jacksonville, Florida, was convicted of obstructing justice, concealing information, falsifying records and making false statements, all related to his actions during the Navys investigation of the death of Christopher M. Tur, the Loss Prevention Safety Manager at GTMOs Naval Exchange. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Captain 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," said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. Today's verdict demonstrates the department's steadfast commitment to holding accountable those who abuse their positions of public trust and obstruct justice.

By deliberately misleading NCIS during the investigation into the tragic death of Mr. Tur, Captain Nettleton delayed justice and wasted valuable Department of the Navy resources, said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Lascell of the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) Southeast Field Office. NCIS is dedicated to holding those who unlawfully impede investigations accountable for their actions.

Tur, 42, was found drowned in the waters of Guantanamo Bay on January 11, 2015. An autopsy revealed that Tur had suffered injuries prior to his drowning. At the time of Turs death, Nettleton was the Commanding Officer of GTMO. Nettleton was indicted in January 2019.

According to the evidence at trial, Tur confronted Nettleton at a party at the GTMO Officers Club on Jan. 9, 2015, with allegations that Nettleton and Turs spouse had engaged in an extramarital affair. Later that same evening, Tur went to Nettletons residence and a physical altercation ensued that left Tur injured. Tur was reported missing on Jan. 10, 2015, by other residents of GTMO. Nettleton also did not report that Tur had accused him of the extramarital affair, that Nettleton and Tur had engaged in a physical altercation at Nettletons residence, or that Tur had been injured. Nettleton persisted in concealment and false statements as the search for Tur continued and then during the investigation into the circumstances of his death.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. Deputy Chief Todd Gee and Trial Attorney Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case. Former Public Integrity Section Trial Attorney Mark Cipolletti also assisted in the investigation.
(Newser)  The homeless moms who were booted from a vacant residence in Oakland, Calif., will soon be able to call it home again. The members of activist group Moms 4 Housing had been served an eviction notice by Wedgewood Inc., a developer that specializes in flipping houses, and last week, sheriff's deputies converged on the property to make sure the women left, an event that resulted in four arrests. NBC Bay Area now reports Wedgewood will sell the home to the nonprofit Oakland Community Land Trust, which will allow the evicted moms to move back in. The developer will also give the city, land trust, or other community organizations first dibs on all of the other homes Wedgewood owns in the city. Before the public outcry over the story, Wedgewood had refused to make a deal with the activist group.

story continues below

Wedgewood had purchased the home at a 2019 foreclosure auction sale for $500,000; per a statement from the office of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, the home will go for "a price not to exceed the appraised value." "We are not here to condone unlawful acts, but we are here to respect them and to passionately advance what inspired them," Schaaf said at a Monday presser. NBC notes the headline-making incident underscores California's issues of high housing costs, homelessness, and lack of affordable housing. "This is what happens when we organize, when people come together to build the beloved community," Dominique Walker of Moms 4 Housing said Monday in a statement. At a news conference in front of City Hall, Walker said that "housing is a human right," adding, "We will not stop organizing until all unhoused folks have shelter," per KTVU. (Read more homeless stories.)
ORLANDO, Fla. - A worker with anti-government views fatally stabbed his Trump-supporting boss at a highway construction site and placed an American flag next to the body after they got into a political argument, deputies in Florida said Tuesday.

Mason Toney, 28, was charged with first-degree murder for the killing of William Knight on Monday, according to an arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriffs Office.

Co-workers told investigators that Toney and Knight were friends outside of work despite their political differences. Knight was an outspoken American who was pro-Donald Trump, while co-workers described Toney as anti-government and very outspoken in his beliefs that the government is bad and out to get him, according to the arrest affidavit.

Workers at the Florida Turnpike construction site in metro Orlando told detectives that Knight had picked up Toney for work and they had been driving to different job sites when they began arguing. After arriving at the Turnpike site, the workers heard Knight yelling for help by an excavator. They ran over and saw Toney standing over Knight, stabbing him with a trowel, according to the arrest affidavit.

The other workers said they tried to stop Toney by throwing items at him, but he moved towards them with what they thought was a knife. He then jumped into a truck and took off. As he drove away, he called his co-workers terrorists, according to the affidavit.

Next to Knights body, the co-workers found an American flag and the flags packaging, the affidavit said.

Deputies in a neighbouring county apprehended Toney several hours later.

Online court records did not list an attorney who could comment on Toneys behalf. No bond was set and he remained at the Orange County Jail.
Five people were arrested from Dhule and Nandurbar districts by Mumbai police for allegedly stealing a pick-up mini-truck and selling it as scrap, said an official on Tuesday.

They had stolen a Mahindra Bolero from Western Express Highway in December, a Dahisar police station official said.

"The CCTV footage of the area was checked and we found a white car tailing the Bolero. The owner of this white car told us it was being driven by a man identified as Abdul Momin Sheikh on the intervening night of December 29-30," he said.

Shaikh was held and his questioning led to the arrest of Wasim Shaikh (32), Salim Shah (35), Rizwan Teli (22) and Karimuddin Khan (20).

"The five took the pick-up vehicle to Dhule and sold it part by part to a scrap dealer in Nandurbar. We also found parts of a vehicle stolen from Vile Parle in the Nandurbar shop. The five have offences of this nature against their names in MIDC, Vile Parle and other Mumbai police stations," he informed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The city of Eagle Point will pay $4.5 million to settle a federal wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of an unarmed man who was shot and killed by an officer in the bathroom of a fast-food restaurant after the officer pursued him for an alleged jaywalking offense.

Matthew Graves, 33, died on Sept. 19, 2018. Officer Daniel Cardenas followed Graves, who had schizophrenia, into a Carls Jr. mens bathroom in the southern Oregon town. Cardenas shot Graves in the back twice after initially firing a stun gun at Graves during a 90-second encounter and struggle inside the bathroom.

Michael and Vikki Graves filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Medford in December 2018, two days after the release of transcripts from a grand jury that ruled Cardenas was legally justified in shooting Matthew Graves.

The family contends the Eagle Point officer did nothing to de-escalate his exchange with Matthew Graves and mistakenly believed Graves had grabbed a police handgun when Graves had grabbed a Taser during the bathroom struggle.

The Graves family emphasize that they support law enforcement officers in the heroic and often dangerous work they do, their attorneys, Kelly L. Andersen and David J. Linthorst, wrote in a statement Tuesday. They believe Cardenass conduct on the night of Sept. 19, 2018, was a terrible and tragic departure from the methods and manners the vast majority of police officers would have used in the same situation.

The family plans to use part of the settlement money to make annual charitable donations to mental health organizations that help people with schizophrenia and will make a significant donation to local groups that help homeless people, the lawyers said.

City County Insurance, which insures the city of Eagle Point , its police department and the officer, will pay the settlement.

As a result of the settlement, Matthews parents hope that police officers throughout the United States will become better trained in how to interact with the mentally ill and to know how to use de-escalation techniques, their lawyers said in the statement.

The family filed the lawsuit with the hope that it would help prevent another tragedy like their sons death and spur the Taser stun gun manufacturer and law enforcement to recognize the deadly consequences of using Tasers that are easily confused with handguns, their lawyers said.

In June, attorneys for the city of Eagle Point had offered to settle the suit for $1 million and to change the appearance of Tasers to avoid confusion with guns, according to court records.

"As the Graves family, through their attorneys, have indicated their motivation is to ensure that an incident like this does not occur again, the defendants also agree that the Tasers used by the Eagle Point Police Department will be Cerakoted/or the finish treated to a bright color to be more easily identified,'' attorneys for the city, Thomas Armosino and Molly Silver, wrote in a settlement offer. "This Offer of Judgment is made for the purposes specified in Rule 68 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and is not to be construed either as an admission that any defendant is liable in this action.''

According to body camera footage and statements Cardenas made during the trial, Matthew Graves first caught the officers attention as he tried to cross Crater Lake Highway just after 8:45 p.m. Sept. 19. Cardenas said he had to slow his patrol car as Graves entered the street. The light was green for Cardenas and red for Graves, the officer told the grand jury.

Graves jumped back onto the sidewalk. But when Cardenas put his foot on the gas pedal, Graves walked into the road again. Cardenas passed through the intersection, then made a U-turn to speak with Graves.

Cardenas called for backup and followed Graves. Cardenas got out of his patrol car when Graves reached the Carls Jr. He followed Graves into the restaurant and drew his gun. Body camera footage showed Cardenas nudging the bathroom door open with his flashlight. As Graves dried his hands with a paper towel, Cardenas holsterd his gun and pulled out a Taser, shouting at Graves to get down on the floor.

Let me see your (expletive) hands right now, Cardenas shouted, according to the footage. "What the (expletive) are you doing?

When Graves tried to leave, Cardenas fired his Taser at him. Graves backed into a stall and returned, walking toward Cardenas as the officer yelled at him to get on the ground.

The body camera footage showed Graves trying to get past Cardenas and Sgt. Clarence Davis, who had arrived as backup. The officers wrestled Graves to the ground. Davis testified that he saw Graves clutching what he thought was a gun, and alerted his partner, "He has a gun.'' Davis soon realized the gun that Matthew Graves had been clutching was the police Taser stun gun, not a handgun. Cardenas shot Graves twice in the back.

In its initial answer to the lawsuit, Eagle Points attorneys wrote that Matthew Graves had assaulted the sergeant "using fists and a Taser,'' and was shot and killed after Graves had "reached for for a deadly or dangerous weapon in an apparent attempt to assault law enforcement.''

-- Maxine Bernstein

Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.

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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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Prince Harry is headed to reunite with Meghan Markle and Baby Archie.

The Duke of Sussex touched down in Canada on Monday night, landing at Victoria International Airport around 10 PM local time. He donned a black puffer coat and navy beanie as he exited the commercial flight and made his way to an SUV, escorted by security guards. He carried his own luggage, however.

Prince Harry

RELATED: Prince Harry Didn't Waste Any Time Returning to His Official Duties

Harry made his way north following royal business in London at the UK-Africa Investment Summit. There, he met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and African leaders, as the group worked to promote investment opportunities across Africa.

Ahead of getting back to his official business, Harry had shared thoughts on his "sadness" about stepping away from his royal role.

"Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful, and we were here to serve," Harry told supporters of his Sentebale charity organization on Sunday (January 19).

"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly," he continued. "It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I havent always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you."

Now that Harry is in Canada, he can join up with his family to begin their new lives outside of their royal duties. There's no indication just yet what the Sussexes will get up to first, but it's likely both Meghan and Archie are thrilled to be back with Harry once more.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 01:46:23|Editor: huaxia

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Li Zhanshu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over a symposium to hear NPC deputies' opinions and suggestions on the draft work report of the NPC Standing Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu on Monday stressed giving better play to the role of deputies to the people's congresses.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over a symposium for a group of NPC deputies to hear their opinions and suggestions on a draft work report of the NPC Standing Committee.

The deputies made their suggestions on how to revise the work report and to improve the work of the people's congresses. They said the NPC Standing Committee had made new achievements in fields such as legislation and supervision over the past year.

Li said the NPC Standing Committee will further improve the draft work report as well as its work.

Stressing the centralized and unified leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Li called for efforts to focus on the Party's and the country's key tasks when planning and carrying out the work of people's congresses.

Li also urged the NPC deputies to make full preparations for the third annual meeting of the 13th NPC and perform their duties attentively and diligently.
[January 21, 2020] EarlySense Selected for UK TeXchange2020 Health Innovation Program

WOBURN, Massachusetts, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- EarlySense , the global leader in contact-free, continuous monitoring solutions for the healthcare continuum, announced today it has been selected to join the TeXchange2020 Health Innovation Program , an initiative of the UK Israel Tech Hub based in the British Embassy in Israel. EarlySense was one of 10 Israeli companies selected by the UK-Israeli judging panel, out of almost 100 applicants. The companies will travel to London in February to meet and engage with the UK's leading healthcare stakeholders in the fields of Big Pharma, healthcare provision, pharmacy retail, as well as local and national government. Matt Johnson, EarlySense CEO, said: "We are honored to be selected for this important initiative which recognizes the value our technology and solutions bring to the global healthcare community, and to continue working toward making contact-free continuous monitoring a standard of care worldwide. Our system has helped hundreds of health facilities improve patient safety and outcomes, while generating significant financial savings, and we look forward to meeting with key leaders to bring this vital technology to even more patients and health teams across the UK." Without ever touching the patient, the EarlySense system provides continuous monitoring by using a sensor that is placed underneath a bed mattress. The contact-free system is installed in hundreds of hospitals and post-acute care facilties across the globe to assist providers in early detection and prevention of potential adverse events, such as code blue events and patient falls. Specific improved clinical outcomes include helping reduce mortality related to "code blue" events by 83 percent[1], and cardiac arrests by 86 percent[2]. In addition, clinicians reported overall hospital length-of-stay was reduced by 9 percent[2], and ICU days by 45 percent[2].



Neil Wigan, British Ambassador to Israel, said: "This program is an important part of the strong, deep and modern partnership between Israel and the UK. Healthcare Innovation has become increasingly important to the UK, and could benefit greatly from Israel's medical technology capabilities." About EarlySense

EarlySense is the global leader in contact-free, continuous monitoring solutions for the healthcare continuum. Used worldwide in hospitals and post-acute care facilities, the EarlySense system assists caregivers in early detection of potential patient adverse events, including code blue events resulting from cardiac or respiratory arrest, patient falls, pressure ulcers, preventable ICU transfers and hospital readmissions. The EarlySense system captures critical information from the patient, alerting caregivers of potentially adverse events early on. The company has partnered with leading global technology companies including Hillrom, Philips, Welch Allyn, and Mitsui. EarlySense is based in Ramat Gan, Israel and Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.earlysense.com . Follow EarlySense on LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook. 1. White MD, "Early Detection of Patient Deterioration Using Novel Monitoring System," results presented in ASCIP Conference, 2015.

2. The American Journal of Medicine. March 2014, Volume 127, Issue 3, Pages 226232. Media Contact:

Ellie Hanson

Finn Partners

+1-929-222-8006

[email protected] Company Contact:

Jaime Donahue

+1-781-373-3228 ext. 212

[email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/earlysense-selected-for-uk-texchange2020-health-innovation-program-300990190.html SOURCE EarlySense

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WEST LINN, Ore., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of National Plan for Vacation, Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory is offering deals on mountain cabins and resorts, farm stays, guided wine tours, electric boat rentals and more for one day only on January 28. Most discounts offer 20%-25% off and all are available at https://omht.us/plan.

Over half of American workers (55%) failed to use all their time off last year. That equates to 768 million unused vacation days in 2018.

Willamette Falls and Mt. Hood taken from the West Linn side of Willamette River looking east toward Oregon City from the I-205 North viewpoint.

"Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory is celebrating National Plan for Vacation Day to encourage Americans to take their well-deserved time off," said Clackamas County Tourism & Cultural Affairs communications manager Jarrod Lyman. "And what better way to take a day than to travel? By committing to planning early in the year on January 28, Americans can give themselves something to look forward to, and Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory has some great ideas  and savings  to help you plan your perfect getaway."

Using vacation days to travel could also improve the U.S. economy, create American jobs and have a positive impact on health and overall wellbeing. If Americans used all their time off to travel, the economy could see a boost of $151.5 billion in travel spending and an additional two million U.S. jobs.

National Plan for Vacation Day takes place during the last Tuesday in January as a day to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year. U.S. Travel Association is the instrumental partner in rallying the industry around this nationwide event.

About Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory

Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory is the official destination marketing organization for Clackamas County, Oregon, and is responsible for developing and promoting tourism throughout the County. Mt. Hood Territory works to increase the number of new and repeat visitors to strengthen the local economy. For more information, visit www.mthoodterritory.com.

For more information contact:

Annie Austin, PR Manager

503-473-6545, [email protected]

Related Images

willamette-falls-and-mt-hood-in-mt.jpg

Willamette Falls and Mt. Hood in Mt. Hood Territory

Willamette Falls and Mt. Hood taken from the West Linn side of Willamette River looking east toward Oregon City from the I-205 North viewpoint.

SOURCE Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory

Related Links

https://www.mthoodterritory.com


Doom and gloom over Italy's banking sector is "exaggerated," according to Intesa Sanpaolo CEO Carlo Messina.

The Italian government is in talks with the European Union over a 900 million euro ($998.4 million) rescue plan for ailing regional cooperative lender Popolare di Bari, its second such bailout plan in a year after the rescue of Genoa-based Carige.

Popolare di Bari had accumulated losses due to non-performing loans while struggling to raise capital, a similar situation to Carige, which was placed under administration by the European Central Bank (ECB) in January.

However, speaking to CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Messina suggested that the likes of Carige and Popolare di Bari's tiny market share in Italy meant that the associated negativity over the wider Italian banking system was disproportionate.
The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday said it has cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of m-pesa on account of voluntary surrender of authorisation.

Following the cancellation of the CoA, the company cannot transact the business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments, the central bank said.

However, customers or merchants having a valid claim on the company as a PSO, can approach the company for settlement of their claims within three years from the date of cancellation i.e. by September 30, 2022.

m-pesa, a Payment System Operator (PSO), had voluntarily surrendered the authorisation, it said.

Last year, Idea had decided to close m-pesa vertical following the closure of Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Ltd (ABIPBL), with which it was being merged.

Vodafone m-pesa was one of the 11 firms that was given payments bank licence by the RBI in 2015.
Hundreds more management jobs are being cut at Sainsburys in the latest overhaul following the takeover of Argos.

Hundreds more management jobs are being cut at Sainsburys in the latest overhaul following its takeover of Argos.

The supermarket giant confirmed plans to further integrate the head office functions for both Sainsburys and Argos across departments including commercial, retail, finance, digital, technology and human resources.

It declined to reveal the total number of further roles that will be cut, but said it would be in the hundreds.

Expand Close Sainsburys boss Mike Coupe told staff the cuts are hard but necessary (Sainsburys/PA) PA Media / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sainsburys boss Mike Coupe told staff the cuts are hard but necessary (Sainsburys/PA)

It comes after the retailer has already cut the number of senior leadership roles by more than a fifth since last March.

Sainsburys and Argos have head office functions across London, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Manchester and Coventry.

Chief executive Mike Coupe told staff: We have to adapt to continue to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future and, while change can be hard, its also necessary.

He added: We already have a sense of momentum across the business and can accelerate this by streamlining our structure and responding to customer needs more quickly.

Truly integrating our business also unlocks efficiencies that we can reinvest in the things that matter most to our customers.

The group stressed the job cuts are part of previously announced plans to save 500 million in costs, revealed after its failed attempt to merge with rival Asda.

It comes after Sainsburys revealed plans two years ago to shake up its management team, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

It has been cutting out duplicate jobs and making efficiencies following the 2016 acquisition of Argos, while also looking to make savings amid a brutal price war with the German discounters.

The group recently posted falling sales over its Christmas quarter as a tough toy and video games market offset a robust performance in food and clothing.

The group saw like-for-like retail sales fall 0.7%, excluding fuel, in the 15 weeks to January 4.

Its performance was dragged lower by a 3.9% fall in general merchandise sales  its worst performance since the group bought Argos.

The group warned that trading is set to remain highly competitive and promotional in 2020, with ongoing consumer uncertainty clouding the outlook.
A motion was passed at the Louth County Council January meeting, calling on the Departments of Health; Justice and Equality; and Children and Youth Affairs to recognise Parental Alienation and to implement recommendation 36 of the Report of the Reform of the Family Law System October 2019, which deals with parental alienation in family courts.

Cllr Thomas Sharkey proposed the motion at the January monthly meeting with Cllrs Sean Kelly, Maeve Yore and John McGahon all speaking in favour of the motion.

Louth County Council is the 4th local authority in the country to recognise this after Laois, Cavan and Donegal. The condition, which arises almost exclusively in the context of a highly acrimonious break-up of a relationship between two parents who are in dispute over custody of children, has been included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, to come into effect at the beginning of 2022.

There is no policy in Ireland on how to define, detect or resolve parental alienation. Broadly, it is where a child sides strongly with one parent and rejects the other parent without justification and despite a previous loving relationship.

A local support group We Are Fathers has been set up to assist those affected.

The chairperson of the group who wishes to remain confidential in order to protect the identity of his children commented:

"Im glad that Louth County Council has came out of support of this important issue affecting fathers and their access to children. But recognising how parental alienation could be at play in family disputes would be a start, as early intervention is essential to prevent long-term effects for children who are turned against one parent.

"The perpetrator can be either the mother or the father, with both the children and the rejected parent being victims. This campaign is about creating an awareness to enable the Irish Government to take action to address the abusive effects of Parental Alienation on Irish children, parents and wider society."

For more information or please contact wearefathersireland@gmail.com , call 0879933714 or the Facebook page: /WeAreFathers.
"I love this song so much because it's about real life and real people and our experiences. We've all been in a place in our lives where we've had to defy the odds. It's never easy. One of my favorite lyrics in the song is: They say I would never make it, but I was built to break the mold. I don't think there's a person on the planet that hasn't felt that way."
QA Graphics, a leader in the building automation system (BAS) graphic outsourcing industry, will be returning to exhibit at the AHR Expo to share their creative design capabilities with over 50,000 HVACR professionals. The AHR Expo will take place February 3rd through February 5th at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. Attendees are invited to visit QA Graphics booth, #1374 to learn more about the company and their full-service BAS graphics solutions.

QA Graphics will be showcasing at the 2020 AHR Expo:

Vector & PNG HVAC Symbol Libraries

QA Graphics BAS Vector library won first place for the FacilitiesNet Vision Award, and QA Graphics BAS PNG library was a finalist for CSEs Product of the Year award. Both libraries consist of a one-time fee, and then the client owns it outright, allowing them to use it on future projects. The BAS PNG library is adapted to work smoothly with different file types, has over 450 static graphics, and is compatible with all major mechanical systems. The Vector library was created to help their graphics keep up with the move toward smaller and larger platforms, while still maintaining their aesthetically appealing image. This allows facility managers to monitor their system graphics from any device and give them access to high-end graphics and animations that realistically represent your mechanical systems. All graphics are embedded within the control software to provide a consistent style on any BAS.

BAS Floor Plans

QA Graphics offers a variety of floor plan graphics options to meet your companys specifications, budget, and timeline, providing tailored plans for your companies needs such as professional premium site plan design, BAS geared, and space planning for commercial properties. From basic to complex design, QA Graphics offers high-quality floor plan graphics, quick turnaround times, and the technical expertise to include building details such as zoning, windows, built-ins, railings, furnishings, and more.

3D Design

Stop by booth #1374 to see QA Graphics designs for training and marketing videos, of all kinds. As technology continues to evolve, so do viewers expectations. Their video team uses the latest technologies to produce professional animated videos, motion graphics and other visual effects. They will bring your business to life with high-end graphics, 3D animations and voice-over capabilities.

HTML5 Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard v6

QA Graphics will be demonstrating their HTML5 Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard v6, an interactive dashboard platform that does not require ongoing contracts or fees and is built using HTML5 for the front end and WordPress CMS for the back end. The customer owns their own data and they can feel confident that their dashboards will be accessible through their preferred device. These dashboards complement existing building automation systems to display resource data thats easy to understand. Implementing an EEED v6 can also help in the process of attaining LEED certification.

To learn more about the AHR Expo or QA Graphics creative design capabilities stop by booth #1374 or visit http://www.qagraphics.com or http://bit.ly/mapmyshowAHR20.

About QA GraphicsQA Graphics is a leader in the building automation and green building industries. The company specializes in HVAC graphic development services, system graphics, floor plan graphics, and Energy Efficiency Education Dashboards (EEEDs). The company also provides custom marketing solutions such as interactive applications, 3D design and animation, UX design, videos, and more. Visit http://www.qagraphics.com to learn more.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report an entirely new discovery, called the AM Horizon, a NE-SW stratabound copper-silver horizon in excess of 1.4 km, which appears to continue under cover in both directions. The mineralized system dips approximately 40 degrees to the NW on the Company's 100% owned Cesar copper-silver project, located 420 km north of Bogota, Colombia (Refer Figure 1-2 & Video www.maxresource.com).

Highlight rock chip assay results of the AM Horizon include:

2.7% copper and 17.9g/t silver over 0.5m;

2.1% copper and 8.8g/t silver over 3m by 3m panel;

1.6% copper and 8.2g/t silver over 3m by 3m panel;

1.1% copper and 14.2g/t silver over 3m by 3m panel;

1.0% copper and 8.1g/t silver over 1.2m

Additional assay results from the Cesar project area are expected shortly.

The Phase II exploration program is underway consisting of follow up chip and/or channel sampling across stratigraphy and along and across strike, with the goal of both expanding the AM Horizon, and investigating additional horizons on trend and on a regional prospective.

"We are very excited with this notable discovery with highlight copper grades of 2.7%, associated silver grades to 18g/t and strike lengths in excess of 1,400 meters. There is obviously significant upside opportunity in this region," Max CEO, Brett Matich, stated.

"Assuming continued exploration success, Max believes it's Cesar copper-silver project would attract strategic partnerships with the view of exploiting the regional potential," he continued.





Figure 1. Statabound copper-silver mineralization within 1.4 km long horizon. The black material on the photograph is carbon and green is copper mineralization (malachite).

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51680_754b044b3422da78_001full.jpg





Figure 2

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51680_754b044b3422da78_002full.jpg

The rock chip samples consisted of three 3m by 3m panels with grades ranging from 1.11% to 2.11% copper; twenty-two rock chip with widths from 0.5m to 50m grades ranging from 0.01 to 2.69% copper; silver values ranging from 0.25 to 17.9 grams per ton.

The stratabound copper-silver horizon is observed to be hosted in well-bedded siltstone and sandstone and appears to be associated with reduced facies within the sediments. Rock samples collected from the horizon showed the presence of malachite and iron oxidation. Petrographic analysis is underway to assist in the identification of the copper minerals, as well as the parameters of the mineralization (Refer Figure 3).





Figure 3. Petrography sample 425303

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/51680_754b044b3422da78_003full.jpg

Cesar Copper-Silver Project

The 100% owned Cesar project is located in north east Colombia within Jurassic sediments and volcaniclastics that run through the length of northern South America and host significant stratabound copper-silver mineralization in Ecuador and Peru. Worldwide deposit examples include the Copperbelt of Central Africa and the Kupferschiefer of Germany and Poland. Max cautions investors that the presence of stratabound copper-silver mineralization at Copperbelt and Kupferschiefer is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at Cesar.

Historically, the Cesar copper belt has only been explored from a local context, but never in a broader larger-scale perspective. The initial exploration program identified 19 distinct mineralized copper occurrences over an area of 9 sq. km, which is open in all directions.

The first part of the Phase 1 exploration program previously reported grab sample assays ranging from 0.3% to 4.2% copper with: 34 of the 43 assaying in excess of 1% copper, 15 of the 43 assaying in excess of 2% copper, and 4 of the 43 samples assaying in excess of 3% copper. Silver values ranged from 1 to 116g/t. The Company cautions investors that grab samples are selected samples and are not necessarily representative of mineralization hosted on the property.

North Choco Gold-Copper Project

North Choco consists of wholly owned mineral applications (200 sq. km), located approximately 80 km SW of Medellin, Colombia. The recent NW Gold-Copper Discovery (refer to 29 October 2019 news release) outcrop reported 1 metre of 49.8 g/t gold and 4.3% copper, which continues under cover in both directions. The target area is also coincident with a Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR) anomaly and with elevated gold-copper soil values. Future work would focus on mapping and sampling along strike to extend the zone and on locating additional parallel zones.

Choco Gold Project

Choco Gold project consists of wholly owned mineral applications (200 sq. km), located approximately 120 km SW of Medellin Colombia and cover or are adjacent to historic production of 605,110 ounces of gold by Choco Pacific Mining (1906 to 1990). Source; R.J. Fletcher and Associates (2011) Review of Gold and Platinum Exploration and Production in Choco Province Colombia Part 3. Private Report for Condoto.

The Company has commenced discussions with a potential partner with the prerequisite expertise to assist with the gold bearing conglomerates.

About Max Resource Corp.

Max is a mineral exploration company with an experienced and successful management team focused on advancing the development of its landholdings in the rich mineral belts of Colombia, with significant potential for the discovery of important-scale mineral deposits that can attract major partners.

Tim Henneberry, P Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Advisory Board, is the Qualified Person who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release on behalf of the Company.

For more information visit: https://www.maxresource.com/

For additional information contact:

Max Resource Corp.

Tim McNulty

E: info@maxresource.com

T: (604) 290-8100

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51680
Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon speaks during a press session with foreign media correspondents at the press club in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap



By Kim Se-jeong



Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon blamed speculators for soaring housing prices in the capital, arguing Monday that the central government should impose higher taxes on property speculation and allocate extra money to build more public housing.



"Property development allowed some people to get extremely rich while others became extremely poor," Park said during a meeting with journalists. "Something is wrong here. There's an underlying agreement among people that speculative financial gains from property development should be recovered for society through additional taxation.



"The money could be channeled into a common account and the government could pay for apartment buildings to be built using it. Then the administration could rent them out at below market prices to people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford them. Similarly, the government could buy land, build factories and lease the space to local companies cheaply. This would prevent gentrification."



Gentrification is an urban phenomenon where rising property prices force residents out of their old neighborhoods.



Seoul's average housing prices have risen sharply in the past five years, and have also pushed up rents.



This is not the first time the mayor has suggested such a policy  he first made the suggestion last month to mixed opinion.



The city government now owns almost 100,000 public housing units in the city, and the mayor has said his goal is 400,000, or 10 percent.



"If the city's holdings increase, the speculation will stop at some point," he said.



The mayor said the lack of affordable housing was one of the biggest issues facing Seoul residents. It affected young adults particularly hard because it blocked them from make any long-term life plan. Policy makers also believe the housing crisis is closely related to the falling birthrate.



Meanwhile, the three-term mayor wished five former colleagues at the city government, who recently resigned to stand in the general election in April, good luck.



Offering them advice, Park said, "What a lion does with her lion cub is to push him off a cliff and have him crawl back up. They are excellent and qualified people. They'll find their way in their new endeavor and they will do fine."



The mayor refused to comment on whether he would run in the 2021 presidential election.



Park recently visited the United States and said the trip was very successful; but many viewed it as politically motivated, laying the groundwork for the presidential election. While he was there, he delivered a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations on inter-Korean affairs and advocated a joint Summer Olympics in Seoul and Pyongyang in 2032.



He also visited the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the Seoul local government had its own pavilion, showcasing smart city technologies used in its governance.

Co-hosting Olympics

Park also stressed the importance of the joint hosting of the Summer Olympics between Seoul and Pyongyang in 2032.

"I believe jointly hosting the Olympics will be a chance to change the fate of the Koreas forever. This will also usher in peace in Northeast Asia. North and South should now come together to host the Olympics," Park said.

The North and South discussed jointly hosting the Olympic Games in 2018 when inter-Korean relations were good, but the discussion channel has been shut down since tensions escalated.

The mayor went further and proposed the South stop joint military exercises with the U.S. to encourage the North to come forward.

"The IOC will decide the host city next year or the year after. We desperately need a joint effort now to host the Olympics. It's important that the South encourages the North to come forward, and I would propose stopping military exercises."

Asked if developing the infrastructure in the North would be possible in the face of imposed sanctions, Park answered with a great sense of optimism.

"International affairs are changing all the time  the same for the North Korean issue. If North Korea makes positive changes to host the Olympics, this can bring about other changes. Who knows?"

The mayor has been very active in inter-Korean projects on the city level. The city exchanged a visit of taekwondo athletes during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games and after. Last November, the city organized a regional table tennis tournament in Vladivostok, Russia, with North Korean athletes' participation.
File image

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray should not be blamed for the "uncalled for" controversy over the birthplace of Saibaba as nobody can tell whether the 19th century saint was actually born in Shirdi.

Noting that the Saibaba Sansthan's assets are worth over Rs 2,600 crore out of which social works are done, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said Shirdi became "rich" because of the saint, and none can snatch away the richness of the town where he died.

It also said that Thackeray did not refer to Pathri in Parbhani district as Saibaba's birthplace "on his own", but on the basis of versions of some historians.

During a state Cabinet meeting on January 9, Thackeray said Pathri, considered the birthplace of Saibaba, would be developed as a site of religious tourism, and announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for the place.

The led to a row following which locals from Shirdi called for a bandh in the temple town on Sunday.

The bandh was, however, called off on Sunday midnight and Thackeray met some residents of Shirdi on Monday and the issue was resolved.

"The chief minister did not stoke any controversy. Pathri and Shirdikars, too, should not create it. This will lessen the glow of saints," the Shiv Sena said in 'Saamana'.

The "uncalled for" controversy was put to rest after the chief minister promptly paid attention to the matter and cleared the government's stance on the issue, it said.

The Sena said Thackeray did not refer to Pathri during the January 9 meeting "on his own", but on the grounds of versions of some historians.

Saibaba "appeared" at Shirdi in Ahmednagar district, but none can tell whether he actually was born there. When Saibaba first showed up in Shirdi, nobody knew what his name was and from where had come, the Marathi daily said.

"From where Baba came to Shirdi, whether he came from Pathri, there is a mention about this in Parbhani's government gazette that 'according to some, it (Pathri) could be the birthplace of Shirdi's saint Saibaba'," it said.

"The chief minister has not written or published the gazette. Hence, he should not be blamed for the controversy," the Shiv Sena said.

The party further said Shirdi became "rich" because of Saibaba and none can snatch away the richness from the town where the saint breathed his last.

The Saibaba Sansthan's assets are worth Rs 2,693 crore and the temple daily gets donations in lakhs out of which social works are carried out, it noted.

"Why then the controversy over the birthplace of the fakir (an ascetic) who was a born fakir and appeared in Shirdi as a fakir? It is not going to lessen the importance of Shirdi," the ruling party said.

The importance of Pune's Shivneri fort, where Chhatrapati Shivaji was born, did not lessen after the Maratha warrior king died at Raigad Fort, which has now become a "tirth kshetra" (holy place), it added.
Juliana Custodio and Michael Jessen of TLCs 90 Day Fiance had a long, rocky road to their wedding day in their lavish backyard in Greenwich, Connecticut. After multiple K-1 visa delays and two years of waiting, the 23-year-old Brazilian model and the 42-year-old entrepreneur and divorced father of two finally headed into their wedding day on the Jan. 19 episode of 90 Day Fiance, Blindsided.

But the bride wasnt all smiles, despite the happy occasion. Juliana has opened up in the past about her problems with her family back in Brazil. On her wedding day, they never got in touch with her, leaving the 90 Day Fiance star devastated just before she was expected to walk down the aisle.

Juliana Custodio | Michael Jessen via Instagram

Julianas family didnt reach out on the day of her wedding to Michael

As she got her hair and makeup done and put on her bridal gown, Julianas joy was dampened slightly by her loneliness.

While her friends, Paula from Brazil and Cousy, whom she met while modeling in Milan, were there, everyone else on the guest list was related to or friends with Michael. I have two friends coming from my wedding, and Michael has everybody else, Juliana explained.

Everybody whos coming is his friend, the 90 Day Fiance star told Paula and Cousy sadly.

To top it off, Juliana hadnt even gotten a call or text from anyone in her family. I still havent heard from my mom or my family members, the bride told TLC producers.

The young bride felt lonely on her wedding day

As Juliana continued to prepare to walk down the aisle, reality set in even further, leaving her more and more brokenhearted.

Its a bit lonely for me, the 90 Day Fiance star admitted. I wish my mother could be here to see me with the wedding dress.

Juliana and Michael shared on a previous episode that they had decided not to invite Julianas family to the wedding because of tensions over money. While Michael explained that he was happy to help them out with their finances, he worried that their requests for more money and the obvious differences in their financial backgrounds would put a damper on Julianas big day.

The 90 Day Fiance star nearly had a breakdown just before she walked down the aisle

Juliana tried to stay positive and optimistic, but she grew more visibly upset as time went on.

Im marrying the man I love and Im trying to focus on that. Today is about me and him, she said.

Still, when some friends video-chatted her to congratulate her, she admitted she was hoping to get a similar call from her relatives. I confess, I was waiting for my mother or my sister [to] appear, but they didnt, Juliana said sadly.

Just before the wedding was slated to begin, the 90 Day Fiance star realized with a heavy heart that she wasnt likely to hear from her family at all. None of my family text me, she said through tears, dabbing at her makeup. Not hearing from my family, I cant explain the feeling. I cant.

As the wedding party waited outside, Juliana tried in vain to pull herself together from the disappointment. Im supposed to be walking down the aisle, but I cant stop crying, Juliana lamented. I dont know if I can do this right now, she said as the episode came to a close.


Acer arrived at this years BETT 2020 with a brand new Chromebook in tow dubbed the Acer Chromebook 871 (Chromebook 712). The company says the devices tailor-made from the ground up and perfectly suited for the education or business segment. Branded commercially as the Acer Chromebook 871 and at retail as the Chromebook 712, this Acer packs in a number of great features while not skimping too much on the specs.

Externally, Acer built the 12-inch Chromebook 871 around an IPS panel with an HD+ resolution of 1366 x 912. Thats a high-brightness Acer ComfyView screen, making it easier to read and see over longer periods. Its also set with an aspect ratio of 3:2 so that more of the screen can be seen without scrolling.

Above the screen, the company packs in a super high dynamic range webcam. That records at 720p. A built-in mic and high definition stereo speakers are included to make conferencing and learning better.

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The frame is ruggedized too but one of the biggest features to be found here is in the networking technology. Not only is Bluetooth 5.0 a part of the package. Acer also incorporated dual-band Wi-Fi 6 via an Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 component. That features 22 MU-MIMO, meaning that connections with the Acer Chromebook 871 should be among the most solid around  either in the Chrome OS world or elsewhere.

10th-Gen Intel chips are in place too, alongside DDR4 RAM and reasonable storage depending on the configuration chosen.

Despite being rated at 12-hours of life on a single charge, buyers can get that with up to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor. Thats packed with 4 MB Smart Cache and clocked at up to 2.1 GHz with Turbo Boost.

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Built to serve every education need and to last

For ports, the company includes two USB-C plugs. Those are USB 3.2 Gen 1 plugs, supporting up to 5 Gbps, with charging, and DisplayPort over USB-C. Theres a Standard USB 3.0 plug, a MicroSD Card reader, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack too.

The biggest features worth talking about, aside from the fairly standard school-ready design in a neat Shale Black coloration, are in how protected this device is against damage. Not only has Acer included a spill-through keyboard that can withstand up to 11 fluid ounces of spillage. The touchpad is moisture-resistant too.

This device can withstand drops of up to 48-inches, mechanical shock, and up to 132 pounds of downward force. Thanks to its MIL-STD 810G rating, its made to withstand both low and high temperatures, rain, humidity, vibration, and sand or dust as well.

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On the software side, a Discrete TPM solution keeps things safe.

Finally, for safety sake, theres an anchored key design built-into the keyboard to keep those in place and improve repairability. Acer engineered the Chromebook 871 to meet ASTM F963-16 and UL/IEC60950-1 toy safety standards as well.

Specs

In terms of pure specs available, youll find those laid out below as provided by Acer.

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Display 12.0 display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology

High-brightness Acer ComfyView LED-backlit TFT LCD

3:2 aspect ratio

Integrated multi-touch (C871T) or non-touch (C871) display

Wide viewing angle up to 170 degrees

Mercury-free, environment-friendly Screen resolution HD+ 1366 x 912 CPU Intel Core i3-10110U processor (4 MB Smart Cache, 2.1 GHz with Turbo Boost

up to 4.1 GHz, DDR4 or LPDDR3, 15W)

Intel Pentium Gold 6405U Processor (2 MB Smart Cache, 2.4 GHz, DDR4 or

LPDDR3)

Intel Celeron processor 5205U (2 MB Smart Cache, 1.9 GHz, DDR4 or LPDDR3) RAM 4GB of Single-Channel DDR4 SDRAM system memory

8GB of Dual-Channel DDR4 DRAM system memory Storage eMMC: 32GB or 64GB Cameras HD webcam with 1280 x 720 resolution, 720p video recording,

super high dynamic range imaging (SHDR) Audio High-definition audio support

Two built-in stereo speakers

Built-in microphone Ports USB Type-C port supporting:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps)

DisplayPort over USB-C

USB charging 5 V; 3 A

DC-in port 5 or 9 or 15 or 20 V; 45 W

Two USB Type-C ports

USB 3.0 port

microSD Card reader

3.5 mm headphone/speaker jack, supporting headsets with a built-in microphone Battery 48 Wh 3-cell Li-ion battery

Up to 12 hours of battery life Keyboard & Touchpad 330 ml (11 fluid ounces) keyboard spill protection,

moisture-resistant touchpad

mechanically anchored keys Quality and Reliability Tests High Temperature (MIL-STD 810G)

Low Temperature (MIL-STD 810G)

Rain (MIL-STD 810G)

Humidity (MIL-STD 810G)

Vibration (MIL-STD 810G)

Mechanical Shock, Transit Drop 122 cm (MIL-STD 810G)

Sand and Dust (MIL-STD-810F) Security Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) solution Dimensions Width: 11.65 (296mm)

Depth: 9.02 inches (229mm)

Height: 0.85 (21.5mm) Weight 3.09 lbs. (1.4 kg) with 3-cell battery pack OS Chrome OS Colors Shale Black

Pricing and availability for the Acer Chromebook 871

The latest batch of Chromebook devices from the worlds most prolific Chrome OS OEM isnt going to cost too much to buy either, where available. In March, the Acer Chromebook 871 (Chromebook 712) will land in North America. That will be at a starting cost of $329.99 and be available for commercial and education customers.

For Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, buyers can expect pricing to start out for 299.

The starting price will undoubtedly apply to the less-powerful variants of the device shipping with an Intel Celeron 5205U processor. That will likely apply only to the 4GB RAM and 32GB storage configuration. Acer plans to sell up to an Intel Core i3 processor with 8GB dual-channel DDR4 RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage too.

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Acer has not provided any details about pricing on more powerful configurations.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyers on Monday argued that Trump had done nothing wrong, urging the Senate to reject the impeachment articles approved by Democratic-led House of Representatives last month and acquit the president speedily.

"The Senate should speedily reject these deficient articles of impeachment and acquit the president," Trump's legal team said in the president's first comprehensive defense on Monday.

"The Articles of Impeachment now before the Senate are an affront to the Constitution and to our democratic institutions. The Articles themselves - and the rigged process that brought them here - are a brazenly political act by House Democrats that must be rejected," Trump's lawyers wrote.

The filing accuses House Democrats of crafting two "flimsy" articles of impeachment and using impeachment as "a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election."

"All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the legal brief stated.

On Saturday, House Democrats unveiled a 111-page outline of their legal case heading into the Trump impeachment trial in the Republican-majority Senate, underlying the central assertion that the president abused his office, obstructed Congress and should be removed.

"The evidence overwhelmingly establishes that he is guilty of both. The only remaining question is whether the members of the Senate will accept and carry out the responsibility placed on them by the Framers of our Constitution and their constitutional Oaths," read the brief compiled by seven House managers.

The trial in the Senate is set to begin on Tuesday with U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts presiding.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has given the House until Saturday and the White House counsel until Monday to deliver trial briefs outlining their arguments, allowing a House deadline for rebuttal the following day.
Hundreds of peaceful protesters  many local high school and college students  took to the streets on Monday morning to both honor Martin Luther King Jr. and protest the development of the border wall in their hometown.

READ MORE: Border wall reaches City of Laredo as feds seek access to river vega land

Horacio Salinas, professor of history and dean of Arts & Sciences at Laredo College, told the crowd that people dont usually associate Martin Luther King with immigration. And a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico didnt exist when King was alive. But Salinas noted Kings response upon his visit to the Berlin Wall during the height of the Cold War: No man-made barrier can obliterate the fact that gods children reside on both sides.

In their 10-block march from St. Peters Plaza to San Agustin Plaza, protesters chanted and held up signs that read, Seeking asylum is not a crime, Water is life, Resist! and simply I have a dream. Merchants on Flores Avenue stood in the door frames of their stores and took cellphone videos.

The rally, coordinated by the Rio Grande International Study Center, was also led by members of the Lakota tribe who came in from Standing Rock, South Dakota. Their only source of drinking water, the Missouri River, was under threat by Dakota Access Pipeline, much like Laredos only source of drinking water, the Rio Grande, is threatened by the border wall, said Tricia Cortez, executive director of RGISC.

Montgomery Brown, a 28 year old from the Saniuk Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, called to all the high school students in attendance.

One of the lessons I learned from Standing Rock is we need our youth to stand up and become more involved. ... We repeatedly say that children are our future but rarely make space for them to share their voices, he said. I say this in good spirits because there is hope, as you all are witnessing here today, from all the youth that came out.

TAMIU professor Jerry Thompson, one of the foremost historians on Laredo and the southwest, spoke at length about the numerous ways that Trump has upended the standards of the presidency and about the history of civil disobedience in this country. If Laredo unites to stop the wall, it would take Tricia Cortezs organization skills and a lot of guts, Thompson said.

But if several thousand people agree to sit down in front of the surveyors, or bulldozers, or construction workers, there are not enough Border Patrol, Webb County sheriffs deputies or DPS officers south of the Red River to arrest us all, he said as the crowd cheered. If one man can stop tanks in Tiananmen Square, cannot a thousand Laredoans stop a wall?

More educators, students, elected officials, landowners and other passionate individuals all spoke about how this issue affects their lives. Valentin Ruiz, a veteran, said that when people come to the U.S., the Statue of Liberty greets them as a symbol of welcoming.

For me, I didnt feel that I was home until I saw my international bridge, my river and my people, Ruiz said. ... This is my Statue of Liberty.

Christina Arce, an El Cenizo resident and senior at LBJ High School, said this was her first protest. She is concerned that the wall would cut people and animals off to their water source, the Rio Grande. TAMIU student Alexis Pina said he came to march on principle.

Sometimes people complain that nothing gets done in their respective cities. And I believe part of the reason is because people dont participate, he said.

Recently Customs and Border Protection confirmed that they would begin requesting the right of entry from landowners in Zapata County, north of Falcon Lake, to conduct surveys for the border wall. Christopher Rincon, a resident of San Ygnacio, said he feels a lot of mixed emotions.

READ MORE: Trumps border wall threatens San Ygnacio

I understand the danger of having this very porous part of the border. And yet, I dont think the wall  as weve conceived of it presently  is the solution. ... Without seeing any plans, theres no way we could have any assurance that our cultural resources are protected, Rincon said.

Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com
The Jewish Federation will present Wisdom and Fear, an exhibit of graphic design, through Feb. 28 at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays or by appointment. Appointments and docent tours are available by call 493-0270. There is no cost to view the exhibit.

Images of Wisdom are from the Frames of Mind Collection of Voices and Visions produced by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. These images consist of illustrated quotes by known Jewish authors. There are 12 images from the collection including quotes by Anne Frank, Hannah Senesh, Hungarian paratrooper rescuing Jews in Nazi territory, and many others. All of these images give guidance for creating a world against hate and fear.

Images of Fear are from the Life in the Shadow of Terror collection. These 20 images are from the Sir Jack Lyons Art Work Competition by students in ORT-Israel schools. These pieces, created by students aged 13-18 years old, offers insight in the harsh reality of everyday life in parts of Israel. The collections served as a vehicle for Israeli youth to express the impact of terror on their everyday lives.

For all the fear that we feel in our environment, whether physical or emotional fear or both, there are voices that speak to us about how to move forward. states Ann Treadwell, program director for the Jewish Federation.

The Jewish Cultural Center, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, offers programs, classes and exhibits, social services, and a preschoolall rooted in Jewish values. The facility enables the Jewish community to raise its visibility, foster relationships, and strengthen its identity in the Chattanooga area. The Center and its programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.






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At a conference organized in Islamabad last week, public health associations called on the government to implement a more transparent tobacco track and trace (T&T) system. At a time when Pakistan is currently experiencing crippling fiscal deficits, its exchequers could benefit by preventing the loss of billions of rupees, by way of tax cuts to the tobacco industry and allowing its interference in regulation policies. Social Policy and Development Centre presented its findings to the conference participants, estimating the revenue losses to be Rs 153 billion between 2016-2019.

Pakistan is a high-burden-tobacco-use country, in which an estimated 100,000 people die of tobacco-related illnesses each year according to Pakistans National Health Services. Increasing taxes can play a vital role in reducing consumption. Unfortunately, this also incentivizes Big Tobacco to evade taxes by safeguarding black market sales of tobacco. Comprehensive traceability systems have been touted as solutions to this problem, able to help prevent revenue leakage by preventing under-reporting of production and boosting sales taxes while controlling illicit trade. However, for such systems to be effective, as underscored by the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Protocol (WHO FCTC), nominated bodies in charge of the system should be completely independent of any tobacco industry influence.

Given the history of the tobacco lobby strong-arming Pakistans anti-tobacco legislations, the Federal Board of Revenues (FBR) decision to award the contract for the traceability system to the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) has come under scrutiny in Pakistan and abroad. After all, the NRTC has no demonstratable experience, in providing electronic monitoring services of tobacco products.

Worse, to provide these services, the NRTC partnered with Inexto  a company run by former employees of tobacco giant Philip Morris International (PMI). In blatant violation of FCTC provisions, Inexto has been peddling a T&T system created by the tobacco industry itself and has gone through extraordinary lengths to portray the system, originally called Codentify, as a trustworthy monitoring technology. It is thus no surprise that several bidders challenged FBRs decision in the courts. The Islamabad High Court asking the FBR to put its implementation on hold and for a report on its decision. Whether it was due to the IMFs pressure to fast-track the process or the entrenched influence of the tobacco giants in the government, or both, FBRs tender is dubious, to say the least.

A problematic tender process

Indeed, the entire tender process has been mired with inconsistencies. To begin with, to please the tobacco industry, Pakistans Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) deliberately delayed the launch of the system for more than 10 months. It is only after coming under pressure by the IMF, pending the release of a 6-billion-dollar loan, that the FBR finally completed the bidding process in September 2019. For example, the FBR changed the evaluation process of the bids after a lobbying meeting with the tobacco industry held one week before the tender closed. The initial evaluation process which was based on an 80-point scheme allocated 70 points to the technical qualifications of each bid. By replacing this component to a simple yes/no mechanism, the FBR made pricing the overriding factor, thus, downplaying the importance of technical capabilities.

Moreover, the NRTC was given undue advantages throughout the tender period. In spite of being initially disqualified for quoting prices in an incorrect format, it was later allowed to change its quote. It had mistakenly written Rs. 0.731 per 1000 stamps instead of per stamp, a drastically low price. However, after taking up the issue with the Grievance Redressal Committee in October 2019, NRTC requoted its price at Rs 731 per 1000 stamps. In awarding the license to NRTC, the FBR has gone against procurement laws and licensing rules. Allowing the bidder to change its prices based on a mere acceptance of a bona fide clerical error gave it an undue advantage over others.

Perhaps worst of all, NRTC chose a front company for Big Tobacco to deliver these services, effectively installing a Trojan Horse in the supply chain. Its partner company Inexto has been explicitly signalled out as unfit for tobacco T&T systems by the WHOs FCTC. Codentify does not use an open-source system and has some features that only the tobacco industry is aware of, allowing them to serve their needs.

While NRTC claims that Inexto is completely independent of the tobacco industry as tobacco companies do not directly own its shares, this question of ownership is a mere facade. Reports suggest that Inexto continues to have a financial relationship with the Transnational Tobacco Companiesand indeed, still receives a large part of its revenue through contracts with the tobacco industry.

Resisting industry pressure for public good

Pakistans health sector succumbing to the sway of the Big Tobacco lobby is not a new phenomenon. Time and again, lobbying ministers have fought against anti-tobacco reforms in the parliament with several local politicians occupying tobacco board positions. These inroads by the industry have led to the market share of illicit whites and duty-not-paid cigarettes increasing to a staggering 40% in 2017. Thus, NRTCs control of Pakistans T&T system will allow Big Tobacco to manipulate the system to protect its interests. Not only is NRTCs industry connection in direct violation of the FCTC Protocols specification of industry independence, it will render the efforts to combat illicit trade and increase tax revenues from tobacco sales futile.

Imran Khans government came to power in 2018 on a campaign promising to improve public health outcomes and reducing the fiscal deficit of the country. An effective track and trace system can help to achieve both these goals, killing two birds with the same stone. However, as several health associations and anti-tobacco activists have claimed in the meeting held last week, the implementation of the track and trace system will need to be made transparent to prevent Big Tobaccos self-policing in the supply chain. The government must demonstrate its commitment to this grave public health issue by not allowing itself to become a pawn in the hands of the industry.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - A hidden camera captured members of a white supremacist group expressing hope that violence at a gun rights rally in Virginia this week could start a civil war, federal prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - This undated photo provided by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police shows Patrik Mathews. FBI agents on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, arrested the former Canadian Armed Forces reservist and two other men who are linked to a violent white supremacist group and were believed to be heading to a pro-gun rally next week in Virginia's capital. The three men are members of The Base and were arrested on federal charges in a criminal complaint unsealed in Maryland, according to a Justice Department news release. (Royal Canadian Mounted Police via AP)

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - A hidden camera captured members of a white supremacist group expressing hope that violence at a gun rights rally in Virginia this week could start a civil war, federal prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.

Former Canadian Armed Forces reservist Patrik Jordan Mathews also videotaped himself advocating for killing people, poisoning water supplies and derailing trains, a prosecutor wrote in urging a judge in Maryland to keep Mathews and two other members of The Base detained in federal custody.

But the 27-year-old Canadian national didnt know investigators were watching and listening when he and two other group members talked about attending the Richmond rally in the days leading up to Monday's event, which attracted tens of thousands of people and ended peacefully.

Last month, a closed-circuit television camera and microphone installed by investigators in a Delaware home captured Mathews talking about the Virginia rally as a "boundless" opportunity.

"And the thing is youve got tons of guys who ... should be radicalized enough to know that all you gotta do is start making things go wrong and if Virginia can spiral out to (expletive) full blown civil war," he said.

Mathews and fellow group member Brian Mark Lemley Jr., 33, of Elkton, Maryland, discussed the planning of violence at the Richmond rally, according to prosecutors. Lemley talked about using a thermal imaging scope affixed to his rifle to ambush unsuspecting civilians and police officers, prosecutors said.

"I need to claim my first victim," Lemley said on Dec. 23, according to Tuesdays detention memo.

"We could essentially like be literally hunting people," Mathews said, according to prosecutors. "You could provide overwatch while I get close to do what needs to be done to certain things."

Lemley talked about ambushing a police officer to steal the officers weapons and tactical gear, saying, "If theres like a PoPo cruiser parked on the street and he doesnt have backup, I can execute him at a whim and just take his stuff," according to prosecutors.

FBI agents arrested Mathews, Lemley and William Garfield Bilbrough IV, 19, of Denton, Maryland last Thursday as part of a broader investigation of The Base. Authorities in Georgia and Wisconsin also arrested four other men linked to the group.

Detention hearings for Mathews and Bilbrough are scheduled for Wednesday at the federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland. Their attorneys didnt immediately respond to the memo filed Tuesday by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom.

Mathews and Lemley are charged with transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony. Bilbrough is charged with "transporting and harbouring aliens."

Bilbroughs attorney, Robert Bonsib, said last Thursday that he was "underwhelmed" by a prosecutors arguments for keeping his client detained. Bilbrough was the only one of the three men not facing a firearms-related charge.

"I think this 19-year-old man should be released," Bonsib told reporters.

Lawyers for Mathews and Lemley declined to comment after last Thursday's hearings.

Mathews, who was a combat engineer in the Canadian Army Reserve, illegally crossed the U.S. border near Minnesota in August after reporting by the Winnipeg Free Press led to his identification as a member of The Base.

Investigators believe Bilbrough and Lemley, who was a "cavalry scout" in the U.S. Army, drove from Maryland to Michigan to pick up Mathews and bring him to the Mid-Atlantic region, authorities said.

On Jan. 5, Mathews and Lemley returned to the Delaware home from a gun range in Maryland and began packing rations and other material that investigators believe they planned to use during and after the Virginia rally, court documents said.

They packed containers with food and supplies before Mathews remarked about needing to bring a gas mask, investigators said. Lemley also said he thought theyd have food to last between three and five months and that it "might be enough til the war is over," according to the filing.

Lemley had also discussed loading the truck "for the war," the documents said. Authorities said Lemley had also bought a 4-foot (1-meter) metal antenna to attach to his truck to get a better radio signal to communicate after any Virginia confrontations.

A day before their arrests, Lemley told Mathews that "there cannot be no trust among a group of murderers," the detention memo says.

"I cannot trust you to keep my murdering secrets. Not under threat of 30 years in jail and torture. Why should I trust you?" Lemley asked.

"You realize that theyre just going to call us terrorists," Mathews said minutes later.

As federal agents moved in to arrest Lemley and Matthews on Thursday, the men smashed cellphones and dropped the pieces in a toilet, a prosecutor said.

Bilbrough was arrested in Maryland. Prosecutors say Bilbrough has repeatedly expressed an interest in travelling to Ukraine to fight alongside "nationalists" for several months.

U.S. and Canadian authorities had been searching for Mathews after his truck was found in September near the border between the two countries. The Canadian militarys intelligence unit was investigating Mathews for "possible racist extremist activities" for several months, according to the Canadian Department of National Defence.

The Anti-Defamation League said members of The Base and other white supremacist groups have frequently posted online messages advocating for "accelerationism," a fringe philosophy in which far-right extremists "have assigned to their desire to hasten the collapse of society as we know it."

Last Friday, Georgia authorities announced that they arrested three members of The Base on charges they conspired to kill members of a militant anti-fascist group. The arrests came after an undercover FBI agent infiltrated the group and participated in shooting drills in the mountains of northern Georgia, according to a police affidavit.

Separately last Friday, the Justice Department charged a Wisconsin man who they say was also a member of The Base. That man is accused of spray- painting swastikas, the group's symbol and anti-Semitic words on a synagogue in Racine, Wisconsin , in September.

___

Associated Press reporter Mike Balsamo in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

___

This story has been corrected to reflect that Patrik Jordan Mathews is a former Canadian Armed Forces reservist.
The completion of the sale of Vietcombank stake to foreign buyers in early 2019 and of BIDV at the end of last year may bode well for a comeback of foreign banks to Vietnam in 2020.



At the beginning of this year, the board of directors of Oricombank (OCB) handed out documents to gather feedback from the banks shareholders on the stake to be offered to foreign investors, precisely Aozora Bank Ltd., to raise its chartered capital.

A report released earlier showed that by December 9, 2019, Aozora had registered for buying almost 87 million OCB stocks out of the 118 million on offer, accounting for 11% of OCBs chartered capital (equivalent to 9.91% of the total chartered capital after the issuance). The offer price would not be lower than the book value of each stock of OCB at the end of the quarter closest to the issuance date.

Japans Nikkei Asian Review on its January 8, 2020 edition reported that its compatriotic bank Aozora will have bought 15% of OCBs stake before April this year after the approval of the Vietnamese authorities concerned. The value of the transaction is around 15 billion yen, or some US$139 million. Prior to this deal, BNP Paribas of France was OCBs strategic partner during 2007-2018 and at a time held up to 20% of OCBs stakethe ceiling rate a foreign investor is entitled to.

Military Joint Stock Commercial Bank (MBB) last year also built plans to sell 7.5% of its stake to foreign investors via the issuance of 141.5 million new stocks and sale of 47 million treasury stocks.

However, these plans have not been completely carried out. MBB has recently announced it will register for the sale of 23 million treasury stocks not later than March 31, 2020. That move prompts investors to believe that MBB may have sealed a deal with foreign partners to execute its plans. If so, the deal will be finalized in the first months of 2020.

In early last year, Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank (NAB) also came up with a plan to increase its chartered capital from VND3.3 trillion to VND5 trillion, assisted by a scheme to sell its stake to foreign investors. That said, by the end of 2019, NAB had been able to raise the capital to only VND3.89 trillion.

On January 6, the State Bank of Vietnam approved phase 2 of NABs plan to increase capital, allowing the bank to boost its capital to VND5 trillion. The phase 2 plan includes a separate scheme to offer 50 million NAB stocks, equivalent to 15% of the capital. NAB says it will offer stocks to both domestic and foreign investors, probably asking the central bank for permission to make full use of the 20% ceiling for foreign buyers.

National Citizen Commercial Joint Stock Bank (NCB) was under the spotlight last October when it revealed that two foreign investors from Japan and Singapore would buy its stake in a new issuance to become its foreign investors in the banks next capital increase. NCB has worked with the two investors, expecting to conclude the deal this year.

After receiving the decision to put into use Decree 41/2016/TT-NHNN as of June 2016, Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB) made known its intention to sell capital to foreign investors. To meet its goal of raising capital for the next phase, MSB is building plans to sell around 20% of capital to international investors, including 10% in the form of treasury stocks, all the treasury stocks it currently has.

The best option?

It can be said that propelled by the 2020 deadline set by the Strategy for Vietnams Banking Development toward 2025 with a vision to 2030, local banks are actively seeking strategic partners so that they can sell capital to them opportunely before their official listings. Basically, selling capital to foreign investors before they make the initial public offering is more beneficial.

First, this strategy will help banks gain more advantages in negotiations for stock prices offered to foreign holders as it helps avoid possible impact of market fluctuations on investors sentiment. On the contrary, if the sale is carried out after the listing, the selling price may fall short of expectation as the offer price may be partly influenced by market prices and capital, which may fail to faithfully mirror the real value of the enterprise in question.

Take MBB for example, a bank which is now listed at the HCMC Stock Exchange (HOSE). Despite impressive business results in 2019, its stock price has declined by 10% since early November 2019 as a result of the overall bearish market. Undeniably, a falling market price would adversely affect both the selling price of this bank and offers from partners.

Secondly, a good price agreed to by foreign partners would serve as the fundamental premise for setting the official reference price for IPO because, according to common sense, experienced investors acceptance of the price would mean that the bank involved deserves it. That also means a high reference price will help the bank reach a high rate of capital surplus and a big increase of share capital.

This argument can be buttressed by the IPO of Techcombank. In 2018, this bank set the reference floor price at VDN128,000 per share, the highest-ever rate of a bank. Such a price helped Techcombank raise its chartered capital three times to VND34.97 trillion in the same year. Explaining the prohibitively high price, Techcombanks leadership said the bank had been priced at US$6.5 billion, which was in turn based on the fact that 164 million of its common stocks had been successfully sold to international investment funds, in which foreign investors registered for buying stocks worth over US$4 billion, a very high rate compared to the volume of Techcombank stocks on offer.

Thirdly, the sale of stocks prior to listing helps banks retain all the volume of shares they want to offer to foreign strategic investors when many of them wish to possess the maximum rate allowed to them. In line with Decree 01/2014/ND-CP by the Government, the ceiling applicable to a foreign investor is 20% of the chartered capital of a credit institution in Vietnam, and the total rate of ownership by all foreign investors at a local credit institution must not exceed 30%.

In November last year, HOSE introduced its VNFin Lead Index to meet the requirement of investors interested in stock groups whose foreign ownership rates have almost reached ceilings (mostly in the banking and financial industry). However, international institutions still expect the Government to further raise the ceilings applicable to foreign investors.

During a mid-December meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue, Warburg Pincus Chairman Timothy F. Geithner suggested the Government should lift the ceilings for foreign ownership at commercial banks in Vietnam.

On its part, the Government has included in the drafts of the Revised Investment Law and the Revised Enterprise Law articles on non-voting depositary receipts so as to enable foreign investors to raise their ownership and, at the same time, ensure the control of risks. These two revised laws are scheduled to be passed by lawmakers in May, paving the way for Vietnamese banks to sell their capital to foreign investors this year. VIR

Government backs capital hike plans for four State-owned banks The Government supports the policy of allowing four State-owned banks to raise charter capital, said Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) Le Minh Hung.
(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged Gregory Drake, Scott Messier, Jay Scoratow, Jason St. Amour, and David Wolfson with fraud for their participation in a matched-trading scheme involving dozens of microcap securities. The SEC also charged Thomas Brooks, Stephen Grossman, and Stephen Moleski for acting as unregistered brokers in connection with the matched-trading scheme.

According to the SECs complaints, between at least December 2014 and March 2018, Drake, Messier, Scoratow, St. Amour, and Wolfson ran boiler-room operations to carry out a matched-trading scheme to enable shareholders of microcap companies sell their shares. Solicitors working for the boiler rooms, such as Brooks, Grossman, and Moleski, allegedly cold called prospective investors and convinced them to purchase shares of microcap companies in the investors own brokerage accounts at prices and volumes that were coordinated by the boiler-room operators and the selling shareholders. The complaint alleges that selling shareholders simultaneously entered sell orders at the coordinated prices and volumes, making it highly likely that the selling shareholders sell orders and the solicited investors buy orders would match. Through this matched trading, the selling shareholders were able to offload their shares into a ready market.

The SECs complaints, filed in federal district courts in California and Florida charge Drake, St. Amour, Wolfson, Messier, and Scoratow with violating the antifraud provisions of Sections 17(a)(1) and (3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The complaints also charge Drake, Grossman, Moleski, St. Amour, Wolfson, Brooks, and Messier with violating the broker-dealer registration provisions of Section 15(a)(1) of the Exchange Act, and charge Scoratow with aiding and abetting Messiers violation of Section 15(a)(1).

Drake, St. Amour, Brooks, Messier, and Scoratow have consented to the entry of final judgments that impose permanent injunctions, conduct-based injunctions from soliciting purchases or sales of securities, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, and civil monetary penalties. Wolfson has consented to the entry of a permanent injunction and an injunction from soliciting purchases or sales of securities and reserves the issues of disgorgement and a civil penalty for determination by the court. The settlements are subject to court approval. The SEC seeks injunctions, disgorgement, and civil penalties against Grossman and Moleski.
BATH, Maine  The Democratic chairman and ranking Republican on a House Armed Services subcommittee toured Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works on Friday and offered assurances to shipbuilders amid reports of possible cuts.

Democratic Rep. Joe Courtney, of Connecticut, and GOP Rep. Rob Wittman, of Virginia, both members of the seapower and projection forces subcommittee, visited the shipyard at the invitation of Democratic Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, both of Maine.

The tour came several weeks after a memo was leaked that outlined an initial Navy proposal to cut shipbuilding.

One proposal would reduce the number of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers planned for construction from 12 to seven over the next five years. Those destroyers are produced at two shipyards, Maine's Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics subsidiary, and Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi.

Courtney and Wittman made it clear that they are strongly opposed to such a cut of shipbuilding, Golden said afterward.

"The Navy requested and Congress approved a multiyear procurement. This new proposal in the memo would nullify a contract that's already agreed to. That's pretty much unheard of," said Golden, who is also a member of the seapower subcommittee.

Congress will have the final say, and shipbuilders should be heartened that there is bipartisan support in Congress for increasing the size of the fleet, not reducing it, he said.

Reports that the Navy was considering shipbuilding cuts and accelerated retirements of ships came as a surprise to many last month.

The proposed cost cutting comes as the Navy works to modernize its ballistic missile submarine fleet, replacing aging current Ohio-class subs with new Columbia-class nuclear subs. That program is putting pressure on the shipbuilding budget.
I stood in the muddy field of one of the 1,150 camps for the internally displaced people in Idlib. It was raining and the mud was a couple of feet deep. Its very cold here in January, but children were walking in light shoes and slippers.

Just three weeks before my medical mission, there was another large displacement of Syrian civilians. I wondered how would people live inside these tents in the blistering weather. Ali, a 10-year-old boy, told me he dreams of living in a warm house once again, that prospect remains a distant possibility.

After nine years of suffering, it looks as if the international community and the United Nations have left the Syrian people on their own. Even proper tents to give some warmth, usually provided by UNHCR, were not available when I was there.

In the last month, 359,000 civilians, including 165,000 children, have been displaced and more than 60 hospitals have been bombed since May 2019.

Idlib, which is land-locked, has around 4 million civilians and over 1,150 refugee camps for the displaced. Half of them have had to flee other regions in Syria. Turkey, which is already hosting 3.9 million refugees, has sealed the border. There is no place to flee the bombing and violence. Idlib has been transformed into something like a large concentration camp.

Syrian regime bombards Idlib Show all 23 1 /23 Syrian regime bombards Idlib Syrian regime bombards Idlib Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, recover a wounded boy from the rubble of a building following a regime air strike on a vegetable market in Syria's last major opposition bastion of Idlib AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib The regime air strikes killed at least nine civilians, striking bustling areas of Idlib city AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib An injured woman waits to receive treatment at a makeshift hospital AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, searching through the rubble of a building AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian boy is evacuated AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib The wreckage of a car AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian boy cries as he is evacuated AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib Rescuers search for survivors EPA Syrian regime bombards Idlib AFP via Getty Images Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian boy grimaces in pain after he was wounded in the airstrikes AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian youth stands at the site of a regime air strike in Ariha town AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib Rescuers search for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building EPA Syrian regime bombards Idlib AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib Firefighters try to extinguish flames EPA Syrian regime bombards Idlib Emergency services look for survivors AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib A boy wounded in airstrikes is treated in a hospital AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib Syrian White Helmet civil defense workers extinguish a burning car Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib A Syrian walks on the rubble of a building AFP via Getty Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP Syrian regime bombards Idlib AP

I travelled from Chicago to Idlib to stand in solidarity with the people and convey the support of the American public. I have been in many disaster zones with my organization MedGlobal. We provide free medical care to the displaced and the refugees. I have participated in medical missions from Yemen, Colombia, Gaza, Greece, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, to the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. What is happening in Idlib is, by far, the worst. And still the international humanitarian law that guarantees the protection of civilians, hospitals and children is being violated every day  unfortunately by a member of the UNSC. This should not be allowed to be the new normal, even in war situations.

The children of Idlib are suffering. They are being targeted by the Russian and Syrian regime bombs and missiles. In a recent report on the impact of the crisis in Idlib on children, Save the Children highlighted very alarming statistics: On average, a Syrian child has been killed by Russian/Syrian bombings every day over the past year. In one month (July 2019 specifically), more children were killed in the whole of 2018.

The humanitarian situation is overwhelming to local Syrian NGOs, particularly since the absence of UN agencies during a pause in its operation to provide aid to civilians. Cross-border aid may well have resumed as of 10 January 2020, but the Security Councils reduction of the number of access points it provides has created issues. From my perspective, it still doesnt look like the UN has a workable plan. There should have been accessible emergency fund that could have been deployed in the event of issues like these. Instead, UN officials have largely failed to meet with the majority of the very people they are supposed to protect and provide humanitarian assistance to.

As part of global solidarity with the children of Idlib, MedGlobal, in collaboration with a group of humanitarian several organisations, have stood by the 1.2 million Syrian civilians displaced in Idlib to highlight the catastrophic conditions. Weve also called on Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary-general, to visit the 359,000 newly displaced. So far, weve heard nothing.

The UN and Guterres have been slow in their response to the catastrophic situation. Voicing deep concerns in his UN office in NYC is not enough  he should visit Idlib like he has visited other disaster areas. It is his duty. What is happening in Syria, in Idlib, is a stain on the UN record and an utter failure of their rigid and outdated system.

 Dr. Zaher Sahloul Addresses the UN.mp4

Dr. Loubna Saad, a local paediatrician who was displaced with her family from Maarat al-Numan three weeks ago, described the horrifying conditions of evacuating her own city. Most people live in temporary shelters where basic necessities are not available. Diesel fuel for heating is scarce and expensive. Families are burning plastic bags and all kinds of appliances to warm their families. Children are traumatized, Dr. Loubna said.

I have treated children with severe malnutrition. [I am] Nursing women who can't nurse their children due to psychological trauma and lack of good nutrition. It will be very difficult [for] the displaced children to survive the harsh winter.

In spite of this, people are very resilient. They are dealing with the catastrophe the best way they know how to. Methods of survival include using compressed olive pits and nut shells to heat their stoves instead of diesel fuel, or even using plastic bags, old shoes and slippers. As a doctor, its worrying  I know the long term consequences of inhaling plastic fumes.

In a bid to assess the medical situation recently, I went on a visit to the Bab Alhawa hospital, the largest in Idlib, and met with its administration and medical staff. It is reasonably protected as it is close to the Turkish border, with many of the surgeries confined specifically to the hospital because of its relative safety. It serves 240,000 surgical and medical patients a year, but thats not to say it doesnt need resources and protection.

Doctors and nurses are targeted in Syria if they work in non-government controlled areas. Around 589 hospitals have been bombed since 2016, and at least 914 medical workers have been killed according to Physicians for Human Rights. These heroes are harassed, targeted and forgotten but they deserve our support, respect, and solidarity, staring with world leaders.

Donald Trump should observe UNSC resolution 2254, make Syria a priority, apply all diplomatic pressure to end the crisis once and for all and increase humanitarian assistance to Syrian children through local Syrian NGOs. Syrian children have suffered enough. Responsible countries should increase humanitarian assistance to these displaced people and apply all diplomatic pressure on Russia to stop the bombing in Idlib.

I asked the children of a camp I visited on the side of the highway from Idlib city to Turkey what they dream to be in the future. Some wanted to be engineers, some teachers and some wanted even wanted to be president. But more than half of the children in the camp wanted to be doctors. I hope that the international community gives them the chance to be a source of healing to the whole region, instead of experiencing yet more hopelessness.

Zaher Sahloul is a US-based doctor and president of MedGlobal
Hidalgo County has started to see the benefits of more than $3 million in state funding to enhance communication for emergency responders in the region that includes the rugged Boot Heel and remote stretches of borderland.

It gets a little nerve-racking when they go out of cell service or radio service where theres not contact. For the sake of all responders were trying to improve that communications, said Scott Richins, emergency manager for Hidalgo County.

Richins said funding for digital radios that improve coverage and clarity is critical considering the distance from the countys offices in Lordsburg to remote locations.

Its a two to two and a half hour drive, depending on which corner of the county you want to get to. A lot of that is dirt road. Some of that is ranch road, he said.

County officials credit Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for spearheading the effort to fund an enhanced emergency communications systems for first responders in the region after they voiced their concerns.

This is a huge concern of the governor, as it should be, said Kelly Hamilton, acting secretary for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

The short term fixes were: lets get some mobile equipment, some portable equipment in there, towers and repeaters and those sorts of things, Hamilton said. That system will be in place by March.

The state is also funding long-term communication improvements, including building a permanent radio tower.

Thats the biggest thing for us. As soon as theyre done, well actually have communication throughout the entire Hidalgo Country, said Tisha Green, Hidalgo County manager.

The enhanced communication system includes EMS and ambulance services, the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office, Lordsburg Police and Fire departments and five volunteer fire fighting teams. For the first time, the two school districts in the county will have radio communication with school buses that shuttle students through rural areas and the ability to contact emergency services if necessary.

Local law enforcement will also have channels to communicate with State Police and the Border Patrol.

Were very thankful to the state for stepping up and helping us get some effective communications, Green said.

The state is also working with Verizon and AT&T to add infrastructure in the area for residents who currently have spotty or no cell phone service at all. This is about more than convenience in remote areas of New Mexico like Hidalgo County, Kelly said.

If you live in Albuquerque you can stick your head out the door of your house and yell for help. But when youre out in the middle of nowhere in the Boot Heel, youve got to have something else. Theres nobody for miles, and miles around, Kelly said.
A clip of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden taking a selfie with an elevator operator has gone viral after the former vice president failed to secure an endorsement from The New York Times.

The exchange was captured on camera when Mr Biden was on his way to meet the Times editorial board as part of a series of interviews with Democratic 2020 election candidates.

Ahead of his interview, the former vice president spoke to an elevator operator called Jacquelyn, who expressed her admiration for him.

I love you. I do. Youre, like, my favourite the woman said, before taking a selfie with Mr Biden.

Video of the moment has since been viewed more than 500,000 times in total on Twitter accounts for Mr Biden and Matt Hill, his deputy national press secretary.

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

The exchange is useful for Mr Biden as he has sought to counter critics who have argued he is the establishment candidate and does not connect with ordinary voters.

On Sunday, the Times endorsed both Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar and Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren for president over Mr Biden, who is currently the frontrunner in polling for the Democratic primary.

The decision to back two candidates from opposing wings of the Democratic Party  Ms Klobuchar is a moderate, while Ms Warren is a progressive  has been described as utterly confusing.

Recommended New York Times endorses both Warren and Klobuchar

In an article explaining its decision, the Times editorial board suggested Mr Bidens current lead in national polls was a measure of familiarity as much as voter intention and criticised the framing of his campaign.

The editorial board noted Mr Biden was a figure of great warmth and empathy and the candidate with the greatest fluency on foreign policy but argued he was not the right candidate for the 2020 election.

Merely restoring the status quo will not get America where it needs to go as a society. Whats more, Mr Biden is 77. It is time for him to pass the torch to a new generation of political leaders, the editorial board wrote.

The former vice president has led national polls for almost the entirety of the Democratic primary campaign so far and holds a lead of eight percentage points over his nearest rival, senator Bernie Sanders, according to analysis by RealClearPolitics.

Mr Biden is currently battling to win the influential Iowa caucus on 3 February  the first major contest of the Democratic primary.

Joe Biden takes a selfie with an elevator operator on his way to a meeting with The New York Times' editorial board (FX)

Current polling averages in the state put him ahead in a tight race, in which Mr Sanders, Ms Warren and South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg are all in contention.

However, Mr Biden will have Iowa almost completely to himself for campaigning in the coming days as several of his top rivals have been forced to go to Washington to participate in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

Mr Sanders, Ms Warren and Ms Klobuchar will all take part in the Senate trial, which will judge whether Mr Trump should be removed from office over charges stemming from his alleged efforts to pressure Ukraine into declaring a public investigation into Mr Biden and his son Hunter.

The presidents alleged efforts are based on discredited claims of corruption against Mr Bidens son during his time working for a Ukrainian energy company.
The New Pope Second Episode Season 1 Episode 2 Editors Rating 5 stars * * * * *  Previous Next  Photo: Gianni Fiorito/Giamni Fiorito

If Seinfeld was a show about nothing, The New Pope, like its predecessor, The Young Pope, is a show about everything. Everything important, anyway. Love, faith, sex, death, shame, grief, God, lust, politics, violence, orgasms, depression, art, poetry, music, hope  all of it coming at you faster than you can keep up with, all of it wrapped in a package as beautiful as one of the bespoke suits worn by Sir John Brannox, the man who will soon be  well, you know.

That man is played by John Malkovich, who makes his full debut this episode as the dandy English cardinal whom the powers that be at the Vatican hope to crown the next pontiff. Malkovich makes a meal of the role. This, of course, isnt saying much, as Malkovich chows down on pretty much every role he takes, in the most Malkovichian way possible. Its both his charm as an actor, and his limitation.

Thats certainly true here. But creator-co-writer-director Paolo Sorrentino uses Malkovichs Malkovichness to the parts advantage, by judo-throwing all his signature tics  the off-kilter speech patterns, the languid demeanor, the inscrutable expressions  into the portrayal of a dandy, depressive aristocrat who seems to toy with his suitors expectations of him out of sheer force of habit.

Sir John, we learn, once dazzled Great Britain as a great converter of Anglicans to the Catholic faith, accomplished (he says) by talking to them about poetic things (e.g. Arsenal FC, or the way women cross their legs) so they would recognize the poetry in all things, enabling them to locate Gods grace there, too. Now hes retired from the stage on which he was once an actor, living in semi-seclusion with his ailing parents, whove spent 35 years blaming him for the death of his twin brother. In fact, saying he lives with them is overstating the case, as they occupy a separate wing of the family estate and take great pains never to look at him, going so far as to snip him out of family photographs. (Indeed, their devotion to grieving their dead son is so total that not even a crawling millipede on his ear interrupts Sir Johns father from his pieties.) This leads to several memorable shots of Sir John peering in on them as they convalesce, making his mother tremble with rage at the very sight of him.

Youd think that after the abortive experiments that were the papacies of Pius XIII (remote and dictatorial) and Francis II (openhearted, ascetic, and also dictatorial), the team led by Cardinal Voiello would shy away from such an obvious eccentric. But Sir John is a known proponent of the so-called middle way between conservatism and liberalism in the Church, a Goldilocks solution to the Vaticans four-fold dilemma: the sex-abuse scandal, terrorist threats, the idolatrous fixation on the comatose Pius XIII, and the cloud of suspicion surrounding the death of Francis II, who many suspect was assassinated.

For some members of the delegation, simply being in the presence of Brannox and his castle full of sensual splendor appears to engender a crisis of faith. In a pair of powerfully minimalist scenes, Cardinal Assente (Maurizio Lombardi), a high-cheekboned and bespectacled clergyman whose homosexuality is an open secret, first attempts to seduce his brother cardinal Gutierrez (Javier Camara, a marvel of restraint), then fights the temptation to try again. I felt lonely all of a sudden, he says when Gutierrez opens his door; But if I let you come in now, youll feel even more lonely later, Gutierrez responds, with evident effort. An apparition of Pius XIII tells him he did the right thing, but the specter of a not-even-dead pope is only so much comfort in such situations.

Of course, as ordained priests, Assente and Gutierrez face restrictions that not every member of the delegation shares. Sofia (Cecile de France), the glamorous Vatican PR guru, enjoys a rather rollicking sex life throughout the episode. She flirts shamelessly with some of Francis IIs lingering Franciscan monk goon squad before flipping them the bird. She kneels fully clothed before her husband, allowing him to jerk off in front of her, though he disobeys her order not to make a mess on her suit. And she has cybersex with him while in Brannoxs estate, with the spirit of Pius XIII looking on. Little does she know that her husband is conspiring to take advantage of Sir Johns ascendancy, though to what purpose were not yet clued in. Regardless, her arc in this episode is a powerful taste of the profane against the sacred  or the sacred against the sanctimonious, depending on your perspective.

At any rate, Sir John has yet to make his decision to accept the delegations offer by the time the episode concludes, though he does summon them to an audience in a stunningly white and overwrought chapel to inform them his decision is pending. Its here where, at Sir Johns behest, Gutierrez  seen as a Debbie Downer by Voiello, and not without reason  attempts to define love for Brannox. Love is an abstract concept, he says, but a necessary one, like happiness, like intelligence, like God. Gutierrez goes on to reveal that he was molested as a child, and that his abuser would tell him there is no God as he abused him. Even if he doesnt exist, Gutierrez would reply, we desperately need to believe hes there.

Brannox flips this parable of belief on its head. He offers a parable of his own, about a vagrant on the street. While various figures in his life offer to help, the Church, Brannox says, simply thinks about the man. In a similar fashion, Sir John will think about the Church, and thereby come up with his answer.

And after this emotional, intellectual, aesthetic smorgasbord, the episode ends with Bauer, the Vaticans ambassador-slash-assassin, watching his date dance in a 24-hour fast-food joint. The sacred and the profane, the sainted and the sexual, the mind and the soul and the body  The New Pope stakes its claim on it all. Amen.
Update : Due to protests by Hindus worldwide, it has been observed that Hoodie Labs has removed Ganesha Shorts product from its website.

Upset Hindus are urging Stockholm (Sweden) based clothing brand Hoodie Lab for immediate withdrawal of shorts carrying images of Hindu deity Lord Ganesha; calling it highly inappropriate.

Hindus are protesting against Hoodie Lab on social media also at following addresses :

Link of product : https://hoodielab.com/product/ganesha-shorts/

Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Lord Ganesha was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to adorn ones thighs, hips, groin, buttocks, genitals and pelvis. Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, also urged Hoodie Lab and its CEO to offer a formal apology; besides withdrawing Ganesha Shorts.

Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled; Rajan Zed noted.

Zed further said that such trivialization of Hindu deity was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed added.

In Hinduism, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.

Objectionable Ganesha Shorts, Designed & Engineered in Stockholm, Sweden, were priced at $22.24

Hoodie Lab; which describes itself as Handcrafted apparel with unique designs from talented independent artists all over the world; claims to feature thousands of all over print hoodies, shirts, tank tops, and more. Its unique all over print clothing is designed to make you stand out.

Source : From Our Correspondent
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Arctic sea ice cannot "quickly bounce back" if climate change causes it to melt, new research suggests.

A team of scientists led by the University of Exeter used the shells of quahog clams, which can live for hundreds of years, and climate models to discover how Arctic sea ice has changed over the last 1,000 years.

They found sea ice coverage shifts over timescales of decades to centuriesso shrinking ice cannot be expected to return rapidly if climate change is slowed or reversed.

The study examined whether past ice changes north of Iceland were "forced" (caused by events such as volcanic eruptions and variations in the sun's output) or "unforced" (part of a natural pattern).

At least a third of past variation was found to be "forced"showing the climate system is "very sensitive" to such driving factors, according to lead author Dr. Paul Halloran, of the University of Exeter.

"There is increasing evidence that many aspects of our changing climate aren't caused by natural variation, but are instead 'forced' by certain events," he said.

"Our study shows the large effect that climate drivers can have on Arctic sea ice, even when those drivers are weak as is the case with volcanic eruptions or solar changes.

"Today, the climate driver isn't weak volcanic or solar changesit's human activity, and we are now massively forcing the system."

Co-author of the study Professor Ian Hall, from Cardiff University, said: "Our results suggest that climate models are able to correctly reproduce the long-term pattern of sea ice change.

"This gives us increased confidence in what climate models are telling us about current and future sea ice loss."

When there is lots of sea ice, some of this drifts southwards and, by releasing fresh water, can slow the North Atlantic Ocean circulation, otherwise known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

The AMOC brings warm water from the tropics towards the Arctic, so slowing it down cools this region and allows sea ice to grow further.

So, with less ice the AMOC can bring in more warm watera so-called "positive feedback" where climate change drives further warming and sea ice loss.

Quahog clams are thought to be the longest-living non-colonial animal on Earth, and their shells produce growth rings which can be examined to measure past environmental changes.

Dr. Halloran is part of the Global Systems Institute, which brings together experts from a wide range of fields to find solutions to global challenges.

The new study is part of a project including Cardiff University, the Met Office and an international team working on climate model simulations of the last millennium. The work was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.

The paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, is titled "Natural drivers of multidecadal Arctic sea ice variability over the last millennium."

Explore further Atlantic circulation collapse could cut British crop farming

More information: Paul R. Halloran et al. Natural drivers of multidecadal Arctic sea ice variability over the last millennium, Scientific Reports (2020). Journal information: Scientific Reports Paul R. Halloran et al. Natural drivers of multidecadal Arctic sea ice variability over the last millennium,(2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57472-2
AppsFlyer, a San Francisco, CA-based global attribution company, raised $210m in Series D funding.

The round was led by General Atlantic with participation from existing investors Qumra Capital, Goldman Sachs Growth, DTCP (Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners), Pitango Venture Capital, and Magma Venture Partners. In conjunction with the funding, Alex Crisses, Managing Director at General Atlantic, and Anton Levy, Co-President and Global Head of Technology, joined AppsFlyers Board of Directors.

The company, which brought total funding to $294m, intends to use the funds to continue to expand operations and its business reach globally.

Led by Oren Kaniel, CEO and Co-Founder, AppsFlyer provides comprehensive measurement and analytics solutions for marketers to grow their business and innovate. The company works with more than 12,000 customers, including brands such as eBay, HBO, Tencent, NBC Universal, Minecraft, US Bank, Macys, and Nike, and is connected to an ecosystem of over 5,000 partners, including Facebook, Google, Apple Search Ads, Twitter, Salesforce, Adobe, and Oracle.

This round comes three years after AppsFlyers Series C funding, bringing the companys total funding to $294m. Since the previous round, AppsFlyer has grown its team 4X to 850 employees throughout 18 global offices and has seen 5X growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), exceeding $150m in 2019. This follows a five-year growth in ARR from $1m to $100m.

Have a look at companys funding history here

FinSMEs

21/01/2020
By Le Khanh Lam - Partner, Head of Tax and Consulting Services RSM Vietnam

The OECD/G20 BEPS project has identified the tax challenges of the digitalisation of the economy in the 2015 BEPS Action 1 Report. According to Action 1, digitalisation can not only exacerbate BEPS issues, but also raise a series of broader tax challenges. The recent challenges were acknowledged as going beyond BEPS, which were identified as relating to the question of how taxing rights on income generated from cross-border activities in the digital age should be allocated among jurisdictions. Several potential options to address the above concern were discussed in Action 1, but more were ultimately recommended.

At the end of Action 1, the OECD has called for continued work with the further report to be produced this year. The evolution of the OECD/G20 BEPS project, from securing political commitment to take action in 2013 to the finalisation of detailed actions to counter BEPS, has ended the first phase of the OECD/G20 BEPS project, which is commonly referred to as BEPS 1.0.

Monitor and implement

After the BEPS action plans have been published, the implementation phase began. The establishment of an OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS in 2016 is a case study of multilateralism, which is effective in the face of global tax challenges.

All countries and jurisdictions joining the framework will participate in this review process, which allows members to review their own tax systems and to identify and remove elements that pose BEPS risks.

The Inclusive Framework on BEPS is primarily concerned with reviewing the implementation of the minimum standards (Actions 5, 6, 13, and 14) agreed in the BEPS project and the results of the peer reviews show strong implementation throughout the world.

As requested by G20 Finance Ministers at the meeting in Baden-Baden in 2017, the Inclusive Framework issued the Interim Report 2018 the following year, on tax challenges arising from digitalisation. It featured an in-depth analysis of tax challenges, including remaining BEPS risks, and the questions of how taxing rights on income generated from cross-border activities in the digital age should be allocated among jurisdictions.

In addition, the Interim Report identified three characteristics frequently observed in certain highly-digitalised business models. They included scale of mass; heavy reliance on intangible assets; and importance of data, user participation, and their synergies with intangible assets.

However, the conclusions from the analysis were not consented on. The members of the Inclusive Framework committed to continue working together to finalise a report in 2020 aimed at providing consensus-based long-term solutions.

In line with the analysis included in Action 1 and the Interim Report 2018, the members of the Inclusive Framework suggested many proposals which focused on the allocation of taxing rights and other unresolved BEPS issues.

The proposals were grouped into the Programme of Work to Develop a Consensus Solution to the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy and divided into two pillars.

The first pillar focuses on the allocation of taxing rights and describes the different technical issues that need to be resolved to undertake a coherent and concurrent revision of the profit allocation and nexus rules.

Meanwhile, pillar two focuses on remaining BEPS issues, and describes the work to be undertaken in the development of a global anti-base erosion proposal that would, through changes to domestic law and tax treaties, provide jurisdictions with a right to tax back where other jurisdictions have not exercised their primary taxing rights or the payment is otherwise subject to low levels of effective taxation.

What next?

For a solution to be delivered in 2020, the outlines of the architecture will need to be agreed as soon as possible.

Throughout 2020, the Inclusive Framework, Steering Group, and Working Parties will work on agreeing the policy and technical details of a consensus-based, long-term solution to the challenges of the digitalisation of the economy and will deliver a final report by the end of 2020.

The two pillars of BEPS 2.0 could lead to important changes in the global tax framework. The final outcome of BEPS 2.0 could dramatically transform the prevailing international tax and transfer pricing landscape under which the multinational enterprises operate.

Taxpayers should stay closely informed of the developments in BEPS 2.0 as well as assess and evaluate the potential impacts of these concerns for reaching changes.
Thousands of Central American migrants clashed with Mexican authorities on Monday as they attempted to cross the Mexico-Guatemala border despite being denied in their requests to continue traveling toward the U.S.

The caravan consisted of roughly 4,000 migrants who began traveling last week Honduras last week. Some members of the group forced their way through a border gate while others waded through the shallow waters of the Suchiate River. Many are fleeing violence and poverty in their native Central American countries.

The caravan, now on Mexican soil, is currently being blocked from traveling through Mexico by Mexican National Guard members, some in riot gear. Over the weekend, authorities used pepper spray to deter migrants and both sides were seen throwing rocks at each other.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador promised the Trump administration that Mexico would enhance its efforts to prevent the mass migration of undocumented immigrants, most from Central America, which overwhelmed authorities last spring. Mexico has stepped up security at its own southern border, adding checkpoints and deploying the national guard to increase border control.

The leaders of the Honduran caravan wrote a letter to the Mexican president requesting that all the members of the caravan receive the permission to move freely through Mexican territory. We are committed to you and your government to maintain order and discipline in the places where we transit.

Mexico originally sent mixed messages to the migrants, Obrador saying that more than 4,000 jobs were available to them in Mexico, but later stating that most migrants would be deported who turned themselves in to authorities.

President Trump has pointed to the large caravans of undocumented migrants from Central America traveling to the U.S. as a reason to build his long-promised border wall, especially after the flow of asylum seekers surged at the U.S.-Mexico border during the spring.

Story continues

In September, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the vast majority of migrant families who enter the country illegally will no longer be eligible for so-called catch and release due to the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols, which require that migrants wait in Mexico while their asylum claims are being adjudicated.

More from National Review
The Catholic News Agency reports that the French Catholic Church will no longer require that the priest enter the parents' sex on baptismal registry forms. The move is in response to shifting family norms within France:

The French Catholic bishops' conference permanent council has approved a recommendation to remove references to the sex of parents on baptismal registry forms. "The increasingly complex situation of families in France makes it extremely difficult to draft Catholic acts, especially regarding baptism," Bishop Joseph de Metz-Noblat of Langres, president of the French bishops' conference Council for Canonical Questions, wrote in a letter dated Dec. 13, 2018. He said, because of complex family situations, chanceries in several dioceses in France had "faced problems of vocabulary." According to canon law, he said, "ministers cannot refuse sacraments to persons who opportunely ask for them, while children cannot be held responsible for the situation of their parents." As a result, de Metz-Noblat said he had worked with two other commissions to produce a new baptismal registry formula that will require "names and first names of parents or other holders of parental authority," which he wrote would make "the simple acknowledgment of one's family situation, without bearing moral judgment on it."

It would be easy to castigate the bishops for bowing down before societal trends that have drifted so far from the biblical notion that there are two sexes and that one needs both to create a baby. The bishops are correct, however, that the situation is complicated and that children should not be denied baptism because of the parents' choices.

Additionally, from the French church's viewpoint, there's an even more important trend for the bishops to accommodate, although the article does not mention it. The Catholic Church in France is suffering from a devastating drop in numbers, as this article from three years ago explains:

According to the latest study of Catholics in France, the "Eldest Daughter of the Church" is almost dead. A new sociological study conducted in France revealed that only 1.8 percent of the entire French population are practicing Catholics. The survey further determined that "French Catholicism has become a festive reality" for those who do practice their faith. Results showed that most French Catholics who do go to Church only do so on certain major feast days and for baptisms, marriages or funerals. Just five percent of Catholics in France attend Holy Mass on a regular basis, according to the poll.

With that dramatic decline in church attendance, French Catholics cannot afford to alienate those members of the population who still believe that an infant must be baptized to save his soul. The bishops are therefore acting sensibly when they move to open the door to anyone who wishes to partake of the spiritual benefits the Church has to offer.

Drew Belsky adds: On the contrary, the bishops are not acting sensibly at all, except perhaps from a purely worldly (which is to say, un-Catholic) perspective.

That "children should not be denied baptism because of the parents' choices" is an opinion, and my colleague is entitled to it, but it's not a Catholic principle, and any bishop who implements it errs scandalously. The blog Canon Law Made Easy, referring to the relevant canons, spells out the reasoning:

[A]ccording to canon 843.1, Catholics have the right to receive the sacraments if they opportunely ask for them, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them. ... But with every right comes a corresponding obligation, and this right to receive the sacraments is no exception. Canon 843.2 states that pastors of souls have the duty to ensure that those who ask for the sacraments are prepared for their reception. In the case of parents who present their infant child for baptism, it is the parents who must be adequately prepared, as they are asking for a sacrament on behalf of another person who is too young to request it for himself. ... The Church seeks to avoid situations in which a child is baptized a Catholic, but then, due to the negligence and indifference of his parents, is not raised to practice the Catholic faith. For this reason canon 868.1 n.2 notes that for a child to be baptized, there must be a realistic hope that he will be brought up in the Catholic religion.

The whole post is worth reading if you want the true Catholic take on this truly Catholic matter. Suffice it here to say that even if it makes many Catholics and non-Catholics squeamish, there are good, solid theological reasons  for the child, the parents, and the Church  to withhold baptism from certain infants, and "transgender" parents who blatantly reject the Faith by their public conduct run afoul of those reasons.

American Thinker is not supposed to be a religious publication, so I don't want to get too much into the religious weeds here. But it's worth noting that the Catholic Church started out small and viciously persecuted. St. Lawrence, compelled by the Roman emperor to bring forth the Church's treasures for confiscation, presented the poor of his parish. He was later grilled to death. Bishops, including the French ones, should be prepared to protect the Faith they have received at all cost. Any bishop who spits on the treasures and the authority passed down to him in the name of what "Catholics cannot afford" fails in his office.
Actor-politician Rajinikanth on Tuesday (January 21) asserted that he will not apologise for his comments on iconic social reformer E V Ramasamy Periyar, over which a police complaint has been filed by members of a Dravidian outfit named Dravidar Viduthulai Kazhagam (DVK).

Periyar's influence looms large over Tamil Nadu's politics as both dominant parties the DMK and AIADMK have followed the path of the Dravidian leader. However, nine if the major political parties have reacted to Rajini's statement and it's only the Periyarist fringe groups that have demanded an apology.

During the 50th anniversary event of the weekly magazine Thuglak, Rajini had lauded the magazine's founder Late Cho Ramaswamy for having carried a cover story of a 1971 rally in Salem, that was led by Periyar himself.

Rajini stated that Thuglak was the only magazine to carry the story on the incident where pictures of Lord Ram were garlanded with slippers and paraded. He said the Tamil magazine was the only one to cover this event, adding that the founder Cho Ramaswamy had condemned this. This brought a bad name to the ruling DMK who did not want the magazine to be circulated, Rajinikanth said. The issue was seized by the government but Cho reprinted it and the magazine was sold in black. What was sold for Rs 10, was then sold for Rs 50 and Rs 60.

Member of the fringe groups also filed a complaint in Coimbatore, under Indian Penal Code sections 153 (a) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).

Addressing reporters outside his residence, Rajini stated that his comments were based on news reports that he read in English newspapers and magazines. Rajini's PR team also shared pictures of the news clippings that the actor had mentioned.

Shortly after Rajini had made the comments outside his residence, a group of 50 protestors belonging to a fringe outfit were detained and taken away by police as they raised slogans and protested at the semmozhi poonga,(a public park) which is located at the heart of Chennai city and is in the vicinity of Rajini's residence.
D onald Trumps legal team has demanded that the president is immediately acquitted by the Senate as they branded his impeachment a dangerous perversion of the Constitution.

In a brief that was submitted before hearings of only the third impeachment trial in US history begin on Tuesday, they called for the articles to be rejected swiftly and roundly condemned.

Mr Trump was charged with abusing his presidential power by asking Ukraine to investigate Democratic political rival Joe Biden, and of obstructing Congress as it probed his conduct.

"All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the lawyers wrote. "The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted."

Trump impeachment: Senators are sworn in ahead of trial

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening arguments in the trial, ground rules that are raising objections from Democrats on the eve of the landmark proceedings.

The Republican leader outlined the process in a four-page resolution that will be voted on as one of the first orders of business when senators convene Tuesday. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than up front, as Democrats demanded.

After the four days of opening arguments - two days per side - senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate.

Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

The brief from Mr Trump's lawyers offered the most detailed look at the lines of defence they intend to use against Democratic efforts to convict the president and oust him from office over his dealings with Ukraine.

It is meant as a counter to a filing two days ago from House Democrats that summarised weeks of testimony from more than a dozen witnesses in laying out the impeachment case.

US House of Representatives vote to send articles of impeachment against Trump to the Senate

The 110-page brief from the White House, plus the House Democratic response, come as the Senate is considering 12-hour opening sessions for the rare trial taking place in an election year, with some of the very senators running to replace Trump as president sitting as jurors.

The White House filing shifted the tone towards a more legal response but still echoed with campaign-style slogans. It hinged on Mr Trump's assertion he did nothing wrong and did not commit a crime.

Senators are poised for only the third trial of its kind in US history, but first they must contend with a rules fight and whether to allow new witnesses.

In their own filing Monday, House prosecutors replied to Mr Trump's not-guilty plea by making fresh demands for a fair trial in the Senate.

"President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan `hoax.' He is wrong," the prosecutors wrote.

The White House document released Monday says the two articles of impeachment brought against the president do not amount to impeachable offences.

It asserts that the impeachment inquiry, cantered on Mr Trump's request that Ukraine's president open an investigation into Democratic rival Mr Biden, was never about finding the truth.

In a brief filed earlier, House Democrats called Mr Trump's conduct the "worst nightmare" of the framers of the Constitution.

"President Donald J. Trump used his official powers to pressure a foreign government to interfere in a United States election for his personal political gain," the House prosecutors wrote, "and then attempted to cover up his scheme by obstructing Congress's investigation into his misconduct."

But Trump's team contended Monday that even if Trump were to have abused his power in withholding the Ukraine military assistance, it would not be impeachable because it did not violate a specific criminal statute.

The president's team issued several opinions from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel to back up its claims and support its position that it had not illegally defied Congress.

Opening arguments are expected within days following a debate Tuesday over rules, including about whether witnesses are to be called in the trial.

Mr Trump signalled his opposition to witnesses, tweeting on Monday: "They didn't want John Bolton and others in the House. They were in too much of a rush. Now they want them all in the Senate. Not supposed to be that way!"

This was a reference to former national security adviser John Bolton. House Democrats wanted him to testify but chose not to pursue a subpoena and risk an extended struggle in court.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Ministers' of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on Tuesday greeted the people of the three states on their Statehood Day.

On this day in 1972, the three states attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

Taking to the Twitter, President Ram Nath Kovind wrote: "Greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on Statehood Day. My best wishes to all the residents of these beautiful states for a bright and prosperous future." In a series of Tweet, Prime Minister extended his greetings, wrote: "On Manipur's Statehood Day, my greetings to the people of the wonderful state. Manipur is known for its vibrant culture. People from Manipur have made a mark in various fields. May the state keep progressing in the years ahead." Talking about Meghalaya's kind and compassionate nature, Modi said: "The people of Meghalaya are known for their kind and compassionate nature. From sports, music to conservation of nature, there is much to learn from them. Praying for Meghalaya's development in the coming years." Tweeting that he was proud of Tripura's traditions and contribution to national development, Modi said: "Statehood Day greetings to my sisters and brothers of Tripura. We are proud of Tripura's exemplary traditions and contribution to national development. It's people are known for their industrious nature. I pray for the continued prosperity and well-being of Tripura's citizens." Taking to the micro-blogging site, Union Home Minister wrote: "Warm wishes to my sisters and brothers of Tripura on their Statehood Day. Tripura is known for its history & rich culture. I am sure that the state will continue to flourish under the leadership CM Shri @BjpBiplab. May Maa Tripura Sundari bless everyone with peace & prosperity.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh greeted the people and wrote: "Greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the occasion of 48th Statehood Day. Easy living of the people in a society is a sign of good governance and our Government will do everything possible to bring a self sustained and easy livelihood to the people of the State." "My greetings to beloved people of Manipur on their Statehood day. Wishing more prosperity and happiness to the lovely people of the Northeastern State," wrote Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma extended the greetings and wrote: "Today marks the 48th #Statehood day of #Meghalaya. We are committed more than ever to uphold the vision of our leaders who stood united in the #HillStateMovement for the future of our State and its people. We stand committed to fulfill that vision till today. Happy Meghalaya Day!"
AMHERST  Elizabeth Duffy has been appointed the municipalitys new principal assessor.

She replaces David Burgess who retired in July.

In a statement announcing the hire, Town Manager Paul Bockelman, who appointed Duffy on Friday, said she brings a very strong background in professional assessing practices to the Town of Amherst with broad experience in residential and commercial real estate, personal property, and assessing computer programs and systems."

We are thrilled to have been able to attract such an experienced professional for this position, he added.

Duffy had been the assessor for Windsor Locks, Conn. since 2014. She previously was assessor in the Connecticut communities of Monroe, Middlebury, and Ellington.

The towns interim Finance Director, Sonia Aldrich, said, I look forward to having Liz join the Finance Department team. She will join me, Treasurer Cheri Boucher, and Collector Jennifer LaFountain as the Towns finance leadership team.

Bockelman noted that Amherst is proud to have an all-female leadership team in its Finance Department.

He thanked Burgess for his three decades of work here.

David Burgess has led the town through dozens of revaluations, tax appeals, and the adoption of the first-ever tax incentive for affordable housing, Bockelman said. David has been a leader for all staff in Town Hall where he has mentored many employees as they progressed through their careers.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of chemical products to Azerbaijan increased by 5 percent from January through December 2019 compared to the same period of 2018, and amounted to $322.2 million, Turkeys Ministry of Trade told Trend on Jan. 21.

In December 2019, Turkeys export of chemical products to Azerbaijan increased by 22.9 percent compared to December 2018, and reached $28.5 million.

Export of chemical products from Turkey increased by 18 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, amounting to $26 billion or to 11.4 percent of countrys total export.

Turkeys export of chemical products increased by 20.5 percent in December 2019 compared to the same month of 2018, reaching $1.8 billion or to 11.8 percent countrys total export.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
A woman was stalked home and attacked inside her apartment building in an attempted abduction.

The 23-year-old woman was followed for at least two blocks in the inner Melbourne suburb of Southbank before arriving back at her apartment on Kavanagh Street about 2am on Saturday, Victoria Police say.

She entered through the carpark and a man followed her in without her knowing before becoming aware of his presence when he stepped into the lift with her.

Police believe this man may be able to assist in their enquiries. Source: Victoria Police

She had walked alone for about 20 minutes from a nightclub in the city, and didnt notice a man had snuck into her building behind her, she told reporters, according to news.com.au.

He took advantage ... he entered behind me but I never felt that. I pressed the button (for the lift). The man came in very quickly and stood in the corner. I was thinking that was strange. I pressed the level (of my apartment) and he never pressed anything, she said.

She added the man asked her if her name was Clarissa and if she was from Norway, which she replied that she was not, and asked him what he was looking for.

When she got off the elevator at her floor, the man covered her mouth and nose with one hand and used his other hand to clasp her around the waist, pulling her away from her door.

Investigators have released CCTV of the man they are looking for amid their inquiries. Source: Victoria Police

Police said she managed to struggle to her door handle and open it to alert her housemates, who then came to her aid.

The man  who has been described as being aged in his 20s, thin build, brown eyes, dark eyebrows and clean shaven  then fled the scene.

Investigators are searching for a man in relation to the incident.

They have released video from the apartment showing the man getting into a lift and pressing multiple buttons before leaving.

Police believe the man who wore a black-hooded top, blue jeans, black runners with white edges and a black cap with a white logo could help with their investigations.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Story continues

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
The Day I Met Jonah: a delightful narrative about Destiny as she listens to Gods plan for her and meets a man who ran from His instructions. The Day I Met Jonah is the creation of published author Elizabeth Johnson, a writer from Alabama and a mom to two grown boys. She has always been wanting to author a childrens book and share her stories to the world.

Johnson writes, The Day I Met Jonah is the day that Destiny the whale had been created for. From the day she was born, Promise thanked God for all five thousand pounds of her. She knew God had a plan for her baby.

She was so full of life and many questions. Her mama prepared her and always reminded her that God is and will be with her at all times. She taught her to listen to His voice and follow His instructions.

Promise did this, knowing very well that the day would come when it was time to let Destiny go. When the day finally arrived, Promise told her she loved her and never to forget that she was born for such a time as this as she released Destiny into Gods hands. She gave her baby whale a kiss and sent her off.

All of a sudden, a great wind and big waves came out of nowhere and with it her instructions from God. It was the day she had been prepared for. The day she had been born for. With great excitement, she received her instructions and met the man named Jonah. Jonah was running from Gods instructions. She held him in her belly for three days until it was time to spit him out. When that time came, she looked at Jonah and knew. This was Gods plan for me from the very beginning. God chose me!

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Elizabeth Johnsons new book is an engaging read, not just for the young kids but also for the parents who are finding the opportunity to share the love of God to their kids. This will help them lead their kids into trusting God and fulfilling their purpose.

View a synopsis of The Day I Met Jonah on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Day I Met Jonah at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Day I Met Jonah, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The on Tuesday asked to ponder over the power of the Speaker in deciding petitions seeking disqualification of lawmakers, observing that he also belong to a political party.

The suggestion for devising an independent mechanism to deal with disqualification pleas against lawmakers came in a judgment by which the top court asked the Manipur Assembly Speaker to decide within four weeks the plea of a Congress leader seeking disqualification of BJP lawmaker and Manipur Forest Minister Th Shyamkumar.

A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman had granted liberty to Congress MLA Fajur Rahim and K Meghachandra to approach it again if the Assembly Speaker fails to take a decision within four weeks on their plea seeking disqualification of the BJP minister.

The BJP minister had won the assembly election on a Congress ticket and later joined the BJP and became a minister. This led to filing of the plea seeking his disqualification.

The apex court said should rethink whether the Speaker should decide such disqualification pleas keeping in mind the fact that he also belongs to a particular political party.
Laurel Park OKs 129-unit senior living development

LAUREL PARK  The Laurel Park Town Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to annex property on U.S. 64 for a 129-unit senior living development, disappointing a room full of homeowners who opposed the plan with often hostile and personal attacks on the elected leaders.

Curry Investments LLC, a Bend, Oregon, based developer of senior communities, proposes the retirement living development of 129 senior apartments and a dining room on the 7.8 acre tract, which land records show Curry bought in December 2017 for $1.2 million.

Curry Investments sought the rezoning for the development and agreed to be annexed into the town of Laurel Park. The property is about 600 feet east of Laurel Park's boundary and meets the requirement for annexation under North Carolina law, which has greatly restricted annexation since 2010.

The meeting  moved to First Congregational United Church of Christ for space reasons  was a familiar scene for Henderson County. A roomful of people opposed to a higher density development on a road that residents said was already congested begged the elected leaders to say no.

From Etowah to Horse Shoe to the Fletcher area, neighboring homeowners have organized and successfully turned back disruptive land-use changes. In fact, neighbors had opposed development on this same piece of land two times successfully, once when the Hendersonville City Council refused a rezoning request in 2017 and again when the Laurel Park Planning Board recommended against a rezoning and annexation in 2018. This time the outcome was different. The elected leaders of the "Town on the Mountain" remained steadfast in support of the project, defending the senior living development as a beneficial addition in an area that is likely to see continued growth.

"The county is changing," Mayor Carey O'Cain said. "We have to keep in front of it and keep an eye on 20 to 40 years down the road. That's what we're trying to do."

Homeowners tried to persuade the council to turn it down.

Who brings this turmoil to our community? An out-of-state developer, said Ruth Englram. The average density (in the area) is about 2-3 housing units per acre. This plan is for 18 units per acre. No one can say with straight face that that is compatible with what surrounds it.

"What is your plan," Susane Brown asked the council, "to protect the neighbors on three sides from intense all-night lighting, delivery and garbage truck noise, smelly dumpsters, diminished privacy from a three-story building looking down on people and greatly increased traffic in and out of Highway 64? If you approve this application, what you set in motion is an ill-fitting monument to how Laurel Park Council treats its ETJ neighbors and residents alike with disdain."

While most of the 12 speakers opposed the project, several residents supported it.

"Even though it is not contiguous I think it's a good way to provide somewhat of a buffer for Laurel Park from other development along the way," said Mark Morse, a Timber Creek resident who has lived in Henderson County for 30 years. "The annexation as proposed I think would provide some tax revenue. I think in general the leadership does a really good job of protecting Laurel Park while looking to the future. Let's face it, change is coming along that corridor. There's no way to stop it."

U.S. 64 carries 35,000 cars a day now and is projected to carry 70,000 vehicles a day in 10 years, said Councilman Paul Hansen. "Growth is not going to stop, whether it's in Laurel Park or Horse Shoe or Etowah. It's going to continue and we as Laurel Park have to consider what's best for the citizens of Laurel Park. I love the area along 64 but it's going to change. It's not us. It's going to be somebody else that's going to come along and make changes along 64. It's a commercial corridor. I think it's going to be beneficial for Laurel Park so I would vote for annexation.

I would rather Laurel Park have control over it vs. the county or the city, said council member Nancy McKinley. Our zoning requirement is higher than either one of those. What is proposed is a development that while high density would have more preservation of trees and we would be able to control that. I don't understand the hate that has been spewed from some of the people and on this Next Door Neighbor (website) that has been going on about us as board members. There has been transparency. We have followed every protocol.

Council members said staff members, volunteers from the community and the council had devoted many meetings over the past several years to a comprehensive rewrite of the town's long-term land-use plan. A desirable development on U.S. 64 fits with what the revised comp plan envisions for a busy part of the gateway to the town.

"It's our responsibility as council memebrs to look not just at next year but it is to look out 20, 40, 50 years from now," he said. "That's why we put together a comprehensive plan and corridor study to figure out what was going to happen over next 30, 40, 50 years and plan for the growth that is going to take place."

The town as good services that make Laurel Park desirable and affordable, he said.

We have snow removal that is comparable to no one," he said. "We get our trash removed, our brush removed and our leaves removed and our snow removed and you get down to the bottom of the mtn and you cross over the railroad tracks and you get snow. That is a huge benefit to the residents. Im not saying its necessarily a good thing to be annexed into the town of Laurel Park or Hendersonville because you are getting a lot of the benefits that our residents are paying for.

Property taxes from Sunshine Villas will help offset the town's expenses.

Yes, this will help our tax base, he said. It will also help us keep from increasing taxes for our current residents.
Unborn babies feel pain as early as 12 weeks into a pregnancy: study

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A preborn baby is able to feel pain as early as 12 weeks into a pregnancy, months earlier than previously assumed by most scientists, according to a newly published study.

The Journal of Medical Ethics published a study earlier this month by Stuart Derbyshire, professor of psychology at the National University of Singapore and John C. Bockmann, physician assistant at the Conner Troop Medical Clinic of Fort Drum, New York, titled Reconsidering fetal pain.

The authors of the study noted that while they hold differing views on the abortion debate, they question the consensus viewpoint that an unborn baby cannot feel pain until 24 weeks into a pregnancy.

Reports often suggest that the cortex and intact thalamocortical tracts are necessary for pain experience. Given that the cortex only becomes functional and the tracts only develop after 24 weeks, many reports rule out fetal pain until the final trimester, explained the studys abstract.

Here, more recent evidence calling into question the necessity of the cortex for pain and demonstrating functional thalamic connectivity into the subplate is used to argue that the neuroscience cannot definitively rule out fetal pain before 24 weeks.

For example, noted the study, recent evidence from the field of neuroscience indicates that brain developments which begin at 12 weeks gestation could create a pain experience for a preborn baby.

Overall, the evidence, and a balanced reading of that evidence, points towards an immediate and unreflective pain experience mediated by the developing function of the nervous system from as early as 12 weeks, they concluded.

The study represents a change of mind on the question of the existence of fetal pain for Derbyshire, who is pro-choice and has worked with Planned Parenthood, reported Stephen Adams of the U.K. Daily Mail.

In 2006, Derbyshire wrote an article for the British Medical Journal in which he argued that foetuses cannot experience pain, according to the Daily Mail.

Micaiah Bilger of the pro-life website LifeNews.com noted in a piece on Monday that pro-life groups have been saying for years that preborn babies can, in fact, feel pain and the new study adds "further validity to the work of the pro-life movement."

"Abortions are cruel, painful procedures that kill unique, living unborn babies. In the second trimester, when strong evidence indicates unborn babies can feel pain, the most common abortion method is dismemberment," wrote Bilger. "This means every year, tens of thousands of unborn babies may be suffering excruciating pain as they are being torn apart limb from limb in their mothers wombs."

Last October, the American Medical Association filed a legal brief against a Kentucky law banning the dilation and evacuation abortion method with some exceptions.

Among their objections, the AMA took issue with the claim made by supporters of the legislation that they were preventing fetal pain, citing the 24-week timetable and that D&E abortions are frequently earlier in a pregnancy.

Every major medical organization that has examined the issue of fetal pain, and several peer-reviewed studies, agree that fetal pain perception is not possible before at least 24 weeks from last menstrual period, claimed the AMA at the time. [Furthermore,] medical literature shows that a fetus likely cannot experience pain at any gestational age, because it is kept in a sleep-like state by environmental factors in the uterus, including certain hormones and low oxygen levels.
Oslo, 21 January 2020: Yves Bonte (CEO NewCo) will leave Yara to take up the combined role as CEO and Chair of the Board in Domo Chemicals, a global engineering materials company, headquartered in Belgium. Bonte will take up his new role during February.

"I would like to thank Yves for his strong contribution to Yara over more than a decade. Under his leadership, the industrial nitrogen businesses have delivered strong results for the company, and Yves has built a strong organization which I am confident will continue the great work in the next phase for this business," said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yara.

A process has been initiated to identify Bonte's successor.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 20, 2020 | 06:32 PM | GRAVES COUNTY





According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, deputies were sent to a home on KY 131 at 3:07 am after a report of a burglary in progress. The victims told deputies that a man and woman had forced their way into the home with a gun, and fled the scene before deputies arrived. Through the information provided, deputies were reportedly able to identify one of the suspects as 19-year-old Keon Boyd.







While in the home, Boyd allegedly asked the homeowners about another person who lived in the home, who wasn't there at the time. Boyd and the woman with him allegedly began stealing items from the home, and forced one of the homeowners at gunpoint to help carry items out of the house. The pair then fled in a vehicle with an unknown driver.







At approximately 5:35 am, deputies received information indicating that Boyd might be at a home on West Houseman Street. Deputies arrived at the home and located Boyd hiding in a closet. He was arrested and lodged in the Graves County Jail.







While at the home, deputies also arrested 46-year-old Erine Haisten on charges of second degree hindering prosecution because she allegedly lied to deputies when they arrived.







Boyd is being charged with sexual misconduct, first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first degree robbery, first degree burglary, first degree unlawful imprisonment, first degree wanton endangerment, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.







The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

A Mayfield couple was arrested on Monday after an investigation into a burglary.
TUV SUD said Tuesday it is deeply affected by the disaster, and is still very much interested in clarifying the facts of the dam breach and therefore continues to offer its cooperation to the responsible authorities and institutions in Brazil and Germany in the context of the ongoing investigations.
Donald Trump touched down in the Swiss Alps this morning hoping the Davos summit will be free of any slip ups - as he marched across the landing strip in a pair of snow grips.

The President arrived at the annual gathering of the world's political and business elite sporting what appeared to be rubber covers over his usual black brogues.

When he descended the steps of Air Force One at Zurich International Airport, he was not wearing the covers, suggesting he had fitted them during his flight over the mountains in Marine One.

But although the President braced for the winter weather, he was also preparing to receive a frosty reception from certain delegates - including 17-year-old eco-activist Greta Thunberg who earlier made a veiled swipe at his climate scepticism .

The President arrived at the annual gathering of the world's political and business elite sporting what appeared to be a rubber cover over his usual black brogues

Donald Trump arrived at the Swiss Alps Davos summit this morning ahead of his keynote address

When he descended the steps of Air Force One at Zurich International Airport, he was not wearing the covers, suggesting he had fitted them during his flight over the mountains in Marine One

But, after removing his snow grips, Trump swept into a packed auditorium to launch a stinging rebuke to the young environmentalist.

Hitting back, he said: 'We must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse.

'They are the heirs of yesterday's fortune tellers. They predicted an over-population crisis in the 1960s, mass starvation in the 70s, and an end of oil in the 1990s.'

He added: 'These alarmists always demand the same thing - absolute power to dominate, transform and control every aspect of our lives.

'We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country or eradicate our liberty.'

The President also hailed the trade deals he has recently brokered with China and Mexico as a model for the 21st Century.

His address picked up on some of the themes voiced when he first addressed the WEF two years ago.

He said: 'America's thriving, America's flourishing, and yes America is winning again like never before.

He talked of the 'rather dismal state' of the economy under the Obama administation, as he boasted of signing two great trade deals in one week. Trump called it a 'blue collar boom,' saying the wages of many of his voters have increased.

After removing his snow grips, Trump swept into a packed auditorium where he made a keynote speech hailing the trade deals he has recently brokered with China and Mexico as a model for the 21st Century

Marine One touches down on the landing strip at Davos, which was blanketed with snow

Casting a large shadow over the Trump's attendance at the conference will be the impeachment trial thousands of miles away back in Washington, which got underway today.

As Tuesday's programming kicked off, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab stated 'the world is in a state of emergency and to not act is crazy.'

He pointed to the wildfires in Australia when talking of the climate change threat.

'The world is on fire,' is how Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga opened her remarks.

Thunberg was seen walking into the Congress Centre in advance of Trump's remarks.

Trump skipped Davos last year due to the government shutdown, but will make the first major mainstage address after the opening remarks from Scwhab and Sommaruga.

His agenda has done the opposite of combating climate change. Early on, he pulled the US out of the Paris climate agreement, while he's deregulated domestic oil and gas. In the past, he's called climate change a Chinese 'hoax,' though he's also touted to supporters that he's an environmentalist because he cares about clean air and clean water.

The President marches across the snow-covered landing strip to the Davos conference hall

Marine One helicopter with US President Donald Trump on board arrives for the 50th World Economic Forum

Over the past few months, Trump has made Thunberg a target on Twitter.

Last month, Trump reacted to the teenager being named Time magazine's 2019 'Person of the Year' by mocking her serious demeanor.

Trump shared a congratulatory tweet about Thunberg's win from actress Roma Downey.

'So ridiculous,' the president responded. 'Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!'

Thunberg responded by briefly changing her Twitter bio to read: 'A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend.'

Trump had also weighed in September after Thunberg made a passionate plea to world leaders during the United Nations General Assembly to do something about the warming earth.
DENVER, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from a diverse array of private schools will encounter American government in action at a Civics Day on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to celebrate school choice. For the second consecutive year, Colorado Civics Day will take place during National School Choice Week. Students will visit the Colorado Capitol Building Rotunda and the Knights of Columbus Hall between 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Two of the attending schools will recite the Pledge of Allegiance before the House and Senate at 9 a.m.

During the Civics Day, students will have the opportunity to observe Senate and House proceedings, meet their school's elected officials, and enjoy lunch with legislators. Students will also receive a tour of the historic Colorado Capitol.

The Colorado Civics Day 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.

"A vibrant array of school options helps develop the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to be introducing some of those young leaders to American government through our Civics Day event at the Colorado Capitol," said Katrina Yoshida, policy engagement manager at ACE Scholarships. "Our diverse network of partner private schools does incredible work for students, and it is exciting to give state lawmakers a chance to connect directly with these schools, the students they serve, and the educators who go to bat for kids every day."

This event is hosted by ACE Scholarships, an organization committed to helping low-income parents provide the opportunity of great education to their children. ACE Scholarships provides children of low-income families with tax-credited scholarships to private schools in grades K-12.

The day will begin at the Colorado Capitol Building Rotunda and end at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 1555 Grant St.

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/colorado.

SOURCE National School Choice Week

Related Links

www.schoolchoiceweek.com


Inspired by the women-led agitation in New Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, women here on Tuesday started an indefinite sit-in protest at Gomti Nagar's Shaheed Turkmaan-e-Hind Mazar against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Register of Citizens (NRC) and Population Register (NPR).

The protesters, mostly Muslim women clad in burqas, were seen holding placards that read "No CAA No NRC No NPR We Reject", "You can't impose 144 on our speech, freedom and truth" and "Fight for an equal India".

"We are protesting against the CAA and NPR. This is our country. They cannot ask for proof of our citizenship. We will live here. Something has happened in the country under the Modi government that women have to come out of their country. Our future is not safe. I am here for my children. We will not go from here until the CAA, NPR and NRC are withdrawn," a woman protester told ANI.

The stir also took inspiration from another protest against CAA, NPR and NRC spearheaded by women at Lucknow's Ghanta Ghar.

"We are protesting peacefully. This is our right. We are around 150 women and will continue our protest until CAA, NPR and NRC are withdrawn," a protester said.

The protest in Shaheen Bagh has gained nationwide attention as women have been braving Delhi's cold winter for over a month now against the contentious law enacted in December last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who is known for making controversial remarks, on Monday launched an attack on 36 Union Cabinet ministers visiting Jammu and Kashmir, by calling them "cowards".

Addressing a public gathering againt Citizenship Amendment Act in Malappuram, he said, "They are sending 36 Union ministers to Jammu and Kashmir. But, look at these cowards, 31 are going to Jammu and only five to Kashmir."

He further questioned, "And who are they going to talk in Kashmir? To the former chief ministers? They can't. They are all in jail. Farooq Abdullah is in jail. Omar Abdullah is in jail. Mehbooba (Mufti) is in jail. Whom are they going to talk to?"

About 36 Union ministers are scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir in a massive outreach by the central government.

Referring to the majority of the ruling BJP in the Lower House, Aiyar said, "Immediately...these arrogant people, it just went to their heads. They said this is the golden opportunity. We are never going to get 303 seats again. Let us push through all the anti-Muslim legislation that we have in mind."

Meanwhile, commenting on the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the bifurcation of the erstwhile state, Aiyar said, "They are trying to create a political class. Political class grows from among the people. You cannot have a BJP that doesn't have a single vote in the valley coming up."

"Yes, there are traitors like the ones we are seeing now, but then in every society, there are traitors. These are not representatives of the people, if they were, they would have been elected many many years ago...How many elections we have had in J-K? Some of these people are those who were elected and have now decided to betray the cause for which they stood," he said.

Commenting on the Shaheen Bagh protests, the Congress leader said, "And why are they so frightened of going to Shaheen Bagh? For 34 days, they have been sitting there protesting against this attempt to divide India once again on religious grounds."
'The protests have forced the government to announce that the NRC is not an immediate priority.'

'Even if they are trying to pursue this policy in a different guise, through the NPR, the fact that they have been forced to pause and backtrack at least temporarily shows the positive impact of the protests.'

'Moreover, various state governments have opposed the NPR which cannot be carried out without their cooperation. That is also a success of the protests.'

'The state governments would not have taken this stance against the central government if their hand had not been forced by the popular mood.'

IMAGE: A protest in New Delhi against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Photograph: Shahbaz Khan/PTI Photo

Dr Suvrat Raju is a theoretical physicist on the faculty of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences in Bengaluru.

Dr Raju, who has a PhD from Harvard, was one of the two winners of the 2019 ICTP Prize in honour of Nobel Laureate Dr Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar for new insights into the holographic description of black hole interiors and for shedding new light on the long-standing black-hole information paradox.

Dr Raju is among the nearly 2,000 scientists and science students who signed a letter against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. He was also among the prominent Indian scientists, researchers and academicians from premier institutions such as IITs and IISc who petitioned the government to end the communication shutdown in Kashmir.

"The scale of the protests is remarkable. Even students who were apolitical or may have been previously sympathetic to the government have changed their perspectives. This has changed the discourse and brought back a discussion of many progressive ideas that had taken a backseat, including ideas of secularism, the freedom of speech, and the role of dissent in democracy," Dr Raju tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih.

You have written letters and spoken about some of the government's policies that you are dissatisfied about. What was the reason behind becoming vocal?

The government has recently adopted a number of policies that have made the scientific community increasingly uncomfortable.

This includes the communication shutdown in Kashmir, the passage of the CAA, which we feel is against the founding values of the country, and most recently the violence in JNU and other universities.

These successive events have shocked the community, and this is what has prompted many scientists to speak out.

Secondly, these are not abstract issues. They affect us directly because our own institutions have representation from people of different faiths and different parts of the country. So, it is important to send a message within our own institutions, and to our own students and colleagues, that we strongly disagree with the discriminatory policies that the Government of India is adopting.

Third, of course, the violence that we have seen in several universities affects us directly since it is an attack on academic institutions and their freedom and autonomy.

What has stirred campuses that have mostly remained aloof to social and political happenings like the IISc to protest?

I feel this indicates that the discomfort with the government's policies has reached a critical threshold.

It is not just IISc. Our campus -- the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences -- also saw a silent protest. Other scientific institutions like the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and the National Centre for Biological Sciences, where students have traditionally not been active, also saw protests.

This is unprecedented in my experience. The images from JNU and the the recent actions of the government have shocked scientists out of their slumber. They now want to make their voices heard.

Are protests still happening? What is the mood on campus?

There was, of course, a large protest in IISc, but, apart from that, a number of discussions and events have been organised by students. Student groups have also organised film screenings on recent political events.

At IISc and NCBS, a discussion and quiz on citizenship is being organised. Students in their individual capacities have also participated in other protests that are happening in the city.

People are still very disturbed because the CAA remains in force. But I am happy to see these constructive discussions on how to go forward in the long run.

What is the scientific community and students most upset about?

There are a number of issues that have upset the scientific community. First, the CAA, which is a blatantly discriminatory Act. But, apart from that, there are also the attacks on academic institutions and the suppression of the right to dissent. All of these have upset the academic community.

Teachers bear a great responsibility, what is it that you say to your students when you speak to them about these issues?

One point I always emphasise is that it is important that we put together a broader struggle for justice.

If there is a broad country-wide student movement, the end result that we should aim for should be a society that is more just and humane and tolerant.

Have you had any communication from the government for having signed those letters?

I have not received anything personally but there have been public reports that the government has called directors of almost all institutions, whose members signed the letter, and asked for an explanation.

This is clearly an intimidatory tactic and sends a signal that such dissent will not be tolerated.

In some cases, institutions have actually succumbed to this pressure and instructed their members to not express their opinions.

What about the CAA is most antithetical to the Constitution?

I feel the idea of using religion as a test for citizenship is against the Indian ethos and the values enshrined in the Constitution.

Religion is not the business of the State and so using religion as a test for citizenship is a very dangerous idea.

Moreover, the CAA carefully excludes one major religion -- Islam -- from its ambit. This troubles me greatly because it is deeply discriminatory.

What are the other troublesome issues that arise out of this?

The link with the National Register of Citizens is the other major troubling issue that accompanies the CAA.

The government denies that it is developing the NRC, but that denial is a little hollow.

The NRC has been promised explicitly by the home minister and the defence minister. And the National Population Register, which is the first step in developing a NRC, is already being implemented.

The NRC is even more dangerous when combined with the CAA. It will lead to a situation where Muslims will need to make additional efforts to prove their citizenship, while others will not.

This could tear apart the fabric of the country and must be prevented at all costs.

IMAGE: Police in Kochi detain students of the Cochin University of Science and Technology protesting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Photograph: PTI Photo

Despite what is said about the space for dissent shrinking, a pushback has come from the people. Do you see a contradiction there because on one hand we say the space for dissent is shrinking while at the same time there are enough examples of spontaneous protests everyday?

I don't think this is contradictory. History is replete with such examples. When the government tries to suppress dissent, people intensify their resistance.

The government is undoubtedly attempting to shut down dissent. This is evident from the police violence in UP, and from what happened in Jamia and JNU, where the universities were attacked with tacit State support.

It is also true that this has had the opposite effect of what the government intended. They would have liked their intimidation to lead to the end of the protests, but it has had the opposite effect.

This has happened many times in the past, both in our country and across the world -- the State tries to repress opposition, and the effect is instead to strengthen it.

A narrative has been created that deems dissent as anti-national and fixes labels like 'tukde tukde' and 'urban Naxals' on dissenters. How will this impact Indian democracy going forward?

I think this is very problematic. For instance, a few months ago more than 500 scientists signed a letter opposing the communications shutdown in Kashmir. At that time, a pro-government YouTube channel put out a show saying that these scientists are anti-national and intelligence agencies should keep a watch on them.

So we have reached a situation where it is impossible to express a simple opinion without having all these conspiracy theories and labels hurled at you. This really vitiates the discourse.

And it is clearly detrimental to the long-term health of our democracy for debates to be conducted on these terms.

The idea seems to be that those who speak in favour of the government -- whatever else they may do -- are considered nationalists and those who oppose the government -- however much they may contribute to society -- are anti-national.

The home minister has said he will not budge an inch. What if despite the protests the government is unrelenting?

I think it is important to realise that the protests have already had a very positive impact in changing the discourse, and I think this matters a lot. Let me list a few examples.

The protests have forced the government on the backfoot and have forced it to announce that the NRC is not an immediate priority.

Even if they are trying to pursue this policy in a different guise, through the NPR, the fact that they have been forced to pause and backtrack at least temporarily shows the positive impact of the protests.

Moreover, various state governments have opposed the NPR which cannot be carried out without their cooperation. That is also a success of the protests. The state governments would not have taken this stance against the central government if their hand had not been forced by the popular mood.

Thirdly, the courts also respond to public opinion; they do not just operate in a vacuum. The protests have pushed the courts also to be more progressive in their recent judgments on civil liberties.

And when this CAA comes up in the Supreme Court, hopefully the court will also take cognisance of the broad popular opposition to this act.

Finally when there is a political change at the Centre, these protest will have built up momentum to push for a reversal of the law.

How long do you think these protests will sustain and continue?

It is difficult to predict how long the protests will continue, but it is worth noting that this also depends on how the government reacts to them.

If it attempts to repress the protests, as it did during the recent attack on universities, this will only extend them.

But regardless of that, the protests have already had a positive impact on the public discourse, and in time to come will have a permanent impact.

This is because the young people who participated in this movement have gained a certain understanding of society and a change in perspective which will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives.

IMAGE: A protest in Chennai to show solidarity with students of New Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia university after police entered the university campus on December 15, 2019 following a protest against the new citizenship law. Photograph: P Ravikumar/Reuters

The fiercest opposition to the present government has come from students. What makes these protests so different?

First, I think the scale of the protest is remarkable.

Even students who were apolitical or may have been previously sympathetic to the government have changed their perspectives.

This has changed the discourse and brought back a discussion of many progressive ideas that had taken a backseat, including ideas of secularism, the freedom of speech, and the role of dissent in democracy.

Why were there no similar protests about the detentions and suspension of Internet etc in Kashmir?

The government, after coming to power, has taken several discriminatory and oppressive decisions. It is the culmination of a lot of such decisions that has led to the recent protests.

At some point, people reach a point of no return. When they see successive policies that they are very uncomfortable with, they then take to the streets.

Recently the Bengal governor spoke of nuclear tipped arrows in the Mahabharata. There have been a series of similar comments. How does this impact scholarship and the scientific temper?

It is very sad that someone who holds a important Constitutional post promotes such myths. Moreover, it shows that the governor has not even read the Mahabharata.

There are many aspects of old Indian scholarship, and there are genuine indications of this scholarship that can be found in the Mahabharata itself.

For instance, the understanding of probability and games of chance in ancient India. In the story of Nala and Damayanti, in the Vana Parva, there is a discussion of how games of chance can be analysed systematically, which really has to do with an understanding of the probability theory.

And, in the Virata Parva, there is a famous discussion between Duryodhana and Bhishma on whether the Pandavas had indeed completed their thirteen years in exile.

Bhishma accurately explains the difference between a lunar year and a solar year to Duryodhana and this shows an accurate understanding of astronomy in ancient India.

The governor's statement are not only irresponsible and indefensible, the most tragic part is that they tarnish the attempt to bring out genuine ancient Indian scholarship.
Foreigners tour Pyongyang in this photo released, Jan. 17. / Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



South Korea is moving forward with its plan to allow individual tours to North Korea, coming up with a draft that it believes would not violate international sanctions.



After President Moon Jae-in floated the idea in his New Year Press conference, Jan. 14, the unification ministry presented the measures, Monday, to move forward with the contentious plan, over which Seoul is at odds with Washington



Moon proposed the individual tours to the North as part of efforts to expand cross-border exchanges.



Concept of individual tours



The ministry unveiled three options regarding tours to the country and the most probable one is South Koreans purchasing tour programs run by a travel agency in a third country.



In this case, after gathering tourists from the South, the travel agency will send the list to the South Korean government that will review whether to approve their visit to Pyongyang and other North Korean tourist spots such as Wonsan, Galma and Samjiyon.






A pair of adorable English springer spaniels are saving injured koalas left without homes after devastating bushfires ravaged Queensland.

Purpose-bred professional field detection dogs, Taz and Missy, help Queensland-based specialist consultancy OWAD Environment look for koalas in burnt-out areas.

The adorable pair have found seven koalas surviving amid burnt out forest at Maryvale on Queensland's Southern Downs.

Swathes of koalas are without food and severely dehydrated, and OWAD Environment are looking to assess the vast areas quickly and efficiently.

Purpose-bred professional field detection dogs, Taz and Missy, help Queensland-based specialist consultancy OWAD Environment look for koalas in burnt-out areas

The adorable pair have found seven koalas surviving amid burnt out forest at Maryvale on Queensland's Southern Downs

OWAD owners Olivia Woosnam and Alex Dudkowski are certified environmental practitioners and have been using Taz and Missy to locate koalas for five years.

The dogs conduct post-fire koala surveys where they search the area finding faeces - which can indicate the presence of koalas nearby.

OWAD Environment took to Facebook on Tuesday to clarify they do not take koalas from their homes.

'The goal here is for the staff on the property to know where survivors are, so they provide water points at key locations and keep an eye on them, to help these survivors not die of thirst st while new juicy leaf is so tantalisingly close,' the post read.

Since surveying the property in Maryvale, the dogs have found eight koalas.

Five of the eight were in a 'good visible condition' with normal behaviour, one was 'a bit thin and her coat was dull likely from dehydration'.

Another koala looked physically fine but 'was clearly stressed' as his behaviour was concerning.

The dogs also found a dead male that had been hit by traffic just hours before they searched the area.

The dogs conduct post-fire koala surveys where they search the area finding faeces - which can indicate the presence of koalas nearby

Swathes of koalas are without food and severely dehydrated

Olivia Woosnam and Alex Dudkowski have been using Taz and Missy to locate koalas for five years

But before they worked full time assessing burnt out areas to find koalas, Taz was a Search and Rescue dog working with NSW Fire and Rescue.

Missy was the first dog in Australia trained to detect invasive weeks such as Orange Hawkweed.

A GoFundMe page was launched for OWAD Environment Koala Detection Dogs to raise money when the fires began to get bad in November.

'Koalas in that region were already struggling due to the drought before the extensive fires now affecting the region,' the page read.

'Following a fire, those koalas that were lucky enough to survive the flames are by no means 'out of the woods': smoke inhalation, wounds becoming infected, lack of nutrition, can all lead to a slow and painful outcome long after fires have ripped through.'

'Even koalas in spots that weren't directly hit by the flames are exposed to the effects of prolonged smoke inhalation.'

Five of the eight were in a 'good visible condition' with normal behaviour, one was 'a bit thin and her coat was dull likely from dehydration'
Kim Kardashian previously revealed that her six-year-old daughter North wasn't allowed to wear makeup because Kanye West isn't allowing it.

But that didn't stop North from having some fun with red lipstick, after she decided to 'attempt to do makeup like the It Clown,' according to Kim's Instagram stories.

Kim showed off North's handiwork on younger siblings Saint, four, and Chicago, two, - as well as doing up her own face too with the crimson lipstick.

Wow: Kim Kardashian previously revealed that her six-year-old daughter North wasn't allowed to wear makeup because Kanye West isn't allowing it. But that didn't stop North from having some fun with red lipstick, after she decided to 'attempt to do makeup like the It Clown,' according to Kim's Instagram stories

Kim noted that North 'added blood on hers,' as seen beneath her chin; North had painted her pout red too with marks on her nose and above and below her eyes - like the It Clown.

North looked pleased with herself in the snap after doing her makeup like the terrifying clown.

It, who is the title character from Stephen King's novel of the same name, appears in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

It is an ancient evil that comes up from the sewer system ever 27 years to prey on kids in the town of Derry, Maine.

Intense: Kim showed off North's handiwork on younger siblings Saint, four, and Chicago, two, - as well as doing up her own face too with the crimson lipstick

Having fun: Kim explained what North wanted to do with a slide on her stories

The clown was portrayed on film by Tim Curry for the 1990 TV adaptation; it was brought to the big screen in 2017 with actor Bill Skarsgard playing the role.

He reprised the character in the sequel, It Chapter Two, released in September 2019.

Both films are rated R with extremely violent and bloody scenes involving the terrifying clown.

Scary guy: It, who is the title character from Stephen King's novel of the same name, appears in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown

In the images shared to Kim's Instagram stories, Chicago had red lipstick painted beneath her eyes and eyebrow, on her lips and extending past her lips to her cheeks.

Saint had the same markings on his face - but he had a huge grin on his face in the images.

In another shot Saint was snapped by Kim as he attempted to do the creepy It Clown signature stare.

Interesting: Chicago had red lipstick painted beneath her eyes and eyebrow, on her lips and extending past her lips to her cheeks

In character: In another shot Saint was snapped by Kim as he attempted to do the creepy It Clown signature stare

Kim also showed the aftermath of the It clown makeup session.

Her pristine white couch had the red lipstick smeared on it; she added the caption 'my couch,' with a heartbreak and crying emoji.

Chicago was innocently standing by the large stain in the image.

The mother of four further showed the mess with a close up of the stain on the fancy couch.

Yikes: Her pristine white couch had the red lipstick smeared on it; she added the caption 'my couch,' with a heartbreak and crying emoji

Uh oh: The mother of four further showed the mess with a close up of the stain on the couch

Family is everything: Kim has four children with Kanye West: North, six; Saint, four; Chicago, two; and Psalm, eight months

The North makeup session comes fresh off of the announcement that the Skims founder one day wants to have her own law firm.

Her former stepfather Caitlyn Jenner recently revealed during an interview with OK! Magazine that she 'wants to start her own law firm and work on prison reform.'

She also added her plans to 'hire as many former inmates [who've studied law as she can], to help the prison system.'

Along with that, Kim is gearing up for the release of her new documentary, Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project.

The two-hour special will showcase the star in a new light as she speaks with inmates, connects with public officials, and works with her team of lawyers to reduce the sentences of inmates who have received unfair sentences.

Kim's mission to shed light on this subject, isn't a first. Last year, she made headlines after helping Alice Marie Johnson get released from prison.

Johnson was behind bars without parole for life for a non-violent drug offence and had already served 21 years.

Making an impact: The two-hour special will showcase the star in a new light as she speaks with inmates, connects with public officials, and works with her team of lawyers to reduces the sentences of inmates who have received unfair sentences
By Rinat Harash

KFAR HAROEH, Israel (Reuters) - An old photograph and modern face recognition technology could help two Israeli brothers find out how their father survived the Nazi Holocaust.

Seeking clues to the past, Eli and Saul Lieberman turned to an Israeli research centre, which hopes to match family pictures from around the time of World War Two with its database of tens of thousands of photos, many taken by German Wehrmacht soldiers.

Those German photos show the troops themselves as well as people in villages and towns with Jewish populations.

Shem Olam Holocaust Memorial Centre launched its "Face to Face" project in July, calling via social media for people to send in pictures for facial recognition scans.

The Lieberman brothers know few details of the horrors their late father, Joseph, endured during the Holocaust, in which six million Jews were killed. A survivor of the Auschwitz death camp, he did not speak with them about his experiences.

But a photograph taken somewhere in Europe after the war shows their father together with two cousins, and Eli, 50, and Saul, 61, sent it to the Shem Olam centre in July. They are awaiting a match and clues about their family's history.

"We live in a world that if you can't provide the document or the picture, it doesn't feel like it happened," Saul Lieberman said. "People want to know where they came from, who they came from."

So far, Shem Olam has received thousands of photos from the public but only several matches were made after further research and none was conclusive.

Avraham Krieger, the centre's executive director, said he hoped that advances in technology and an expanding database would help connect a younger generation to the Holocaust.

"Face to Face is aimed first and foremost at giving some response to the chaotic reality created following the Holocaust ... that cut off any connection for those who survived, almost any connection to their past," Krieger said.

Story continues

In Eastern Europe, the centre's field researchers have also received photographs from local residents. Shem Olam has also received cooperation from various archives around the world.

The service is provided free of charge, said Assaf Fassy, Digital services manager for Shem Olam. He also hopes the project will help fight Holocaust denial.

(Writing by Rinat Harash; Editing by Maayan Lubell, Jeffrey Heller and Giles Elgood)
Meghan Markle is readjusting to life in Canada after relinquishing her duties as a member of the royal family, and now that she has returned to her former home, she is back to wearing her favorite leggings and plaid duck boots.

The 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex braved the rainy weather in Victoria on Monday and took her son, Archie, and her two dogs for a walk in Horth Hill Regional Park wearing $98 Lululemon 'Align' leggings, a form-fitting navy zip-up, and a $38 knit Madewell beanie.

Meghan topped off her look with the Canadian brand Kamik's $160 'Sienna' boots, which she was frequently spotted wearing before she moved across the pond to marry Prince Harry.

Canada life: Meghan Markle took eight-month-old son, Archie, and her two dogs for a walk in British Columbia on Monday, wearing black leggings and plaid duck boots

Casual Monday: The Duchess of Sussex donned $98 Lululemon 'Align' leggings for the outing in Horth Hill Regional Park

She has been sporting the plaid duck boots since December 2016, and they appeared to be her go-to galoshes during her last winter in Toronto.

The former actress was seen wearing them on her way to yoga, on set of Suits, and walking her dogs, each time pairing them with either leggings or skinny jeans.

She also tends to favor Lululemon leggings, which she was most recently seen wearing when she was in New York for her baby shower last February.

After more than a year of making sure she was dressed to the nines to carry out her royal duties, she seems to be happy to be back in one of her favorite winter outfits.

Sporty: Meghan kept her feet dry in a pair the Canadian brand Kamik's $160 'Sienna' boots

Flashback: Meghan was frequently spotted wearing her plaid duck boots before she moved across the pond to marry Prince Harry

Outdoorsy: The former actress donned a navy zip-up top but skipped a winter coat

Meghan also returned to an older hairstyle, opting to style her raven locks in a side braid, a look she wasn't seen sporting as a royal.

She kept her hair covered with a knit beanie, another one of her signature looks when she was living in Canada.

The former Suits star has been known to wear knit hats from COS and Hat Attack, however on Monday she opted for Madewell's $38 'Kent' beanie.

Meghan was all smiles as she carried baby Archie on her chest in a sporty $180 Ergo 360 Omni carrier during their walk, which she paired with the brand's $50 Winter Weather Cover.

Winter look: The former Suits star has been known to wear knit hats from COS and Hat Attack, however on Monday she opted for Madewell's $38 'Kent' beanie

Doting mom: Meghan was all smiles as she carried baby Archie on her chest in a $180 Ergo 360 Omni carrier during their walk, which she covered with the brand's $50 Winter Weather Cover

Doting mom: Meghan made sure Archie's head was warm in a $45 cream hat from Hudson's Bay featuring the brand's signature green, red, yellow, and navy blue stripes

The eight-month-old was bundled up in a gray long-sleeve top and matching pants from H&M. The budget-friendly two-piece set is made from organic cotton and retails for $24.99

On his head, he donned a $45 cream hat from Hudson's Bay featuring the brand's signature green, red, yellow, and navy blue stripes.

Meghan made sure Archie stayed cozy and dry by topping off his outfit with a winter coat with a hood.

And Archie wasn't the only one of her babies that the Duchess made sure to keep warm on the walk.

Her rescue beagle Gus was bundled up in a red sweater as he trotted alongside her, though her black Labrador  whose name has not been revealed  was not. The growing dog is likely too big for a cozy sweater of his own.

The mom of one kept one arm wrapped around Archie while she used her free hand to hold onto her dogs' tan leather leashes as they enjoyed their stroll together.

Look of love: Archie had on a gray long-sleeve top and matching pants underneath his winter coat. The two-piece set from H&M is made from organic cotton and retails for $24.99

Too cute: The baby boy also had on cream booties to keep his feet warm

Her other baby! Meghan's rescue beagle Gus was bundled up in a red sweater as he trotted alongside her

Safe and sound: Two Royal Protection Officers strolled behind her at a discreet distance

Horth Hill Regional Park is just a couple of miles from the oceanfront loaner mansion on Vancouver Island where she has spent most of the past two months.

Two Royal Protection Officers strolled behind her at a discreet distance as she enjoyed the warmest morning for days on the island, where it has been freezing, raining, or snowing for most of her stay.

Meghan is waiting for husband, Prince Harry, 35, to arrive in Canada after finalizing details of their formal split from the British royal family. With Vancouver eight hours behind London, Harry was expected to arrive within the day.

She had not been seen since last Thursday when she drove a Range Rover to pick up her pilates instructor Heather Dorak at Victoria Airport.

Dorak stayed the weekend at Mille Fleurs, the oceanfront mansion in North Saanich where Meghan has been living.

It is at least the second time the duchess has gone walking in picturesque Horth Hill Park during her stay on Vancouver Island.

Happy: After more than a year of making sure she was dressed to the nines to carry out her royal duties, she seems to be happy to be back in one of her favorite winter outfits

Throwback: Meghan has been sporting her Kamik 'Sienna' boots since December 2016 (pictured), and they appeared to be her go-to galoshes during her last winter in Toronto

Favorite brand? The duchess tends to favor Lululemon leggings, which she was most recently seen wearing when she was in New York for her baby shower last February (pictured)

She and Harry took a hike there on New Year's Day, before he flew back to London to sort out the details of their split from the royal family.

Under the terms of Megxit, Harry and Meghan will keep their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the courtesy HRH  but they will not use the initials.

Palace officials were last night forced to admit they had made a blunder by announcing Meghan would take the title of a divorced woman.

After confirming that she and Harry will give up their HRH  His and Her Royal Highness  titles, aides said the couple would instead be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

But as Harry boarded a flight to start his new life with Meghan and baby Archie, palace officials at home were scrambling to confirm the couple's correct titles after admitting they had got them wrong

Harry and Meghan will also repay the British taxpayer 2.4 million ($3.1 million) for extensive renovations to Frogmore House in Windsor, which they will continue to use as their base when in Britain.
Vienna, Jan 20 (AFP) The first night train to set off for Belgium in 16 years departed from Vienna Sunday, carrying Austrian and European politicians who hope the new route can set an example as the continent tries to meet its climate targets.

The carriages of the OBB Nightjet pulled out of Viennas main station punctually at 8:38 pm to the strains of a live band playing the EU anthem Ode to Joy, the slogan #loveyourplanet emblazoned along their sides.

Scheduled to arrive in Brussels at 10:55 am on Monday, the rail journey emits less than a tenth of the CO2 per passenger than the equivalent flight.

Austrian state railway company OeBB has for several years been a pioneer in the revival of night trains, and OeBB board chairman Andreas Matthae said he was proud of the new route.

Joining a clutch of Austrian MEPs was Martin Selmayr, previously the powerful chief of staff to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and now the EUs representative in Vienna.

For British holidaymaker Daniel, 35, the train was the clear choice -- not for environmental reasons but for comfort.

No airport routine, its nice and easy... its relaxing, he told AFP.

Liesbet Vandebroek, who lives in Austria but works for the tourism authority of Belgiums Flanders region, said it was important for her to make the frequent journey to Brussels with as small a footprint as possible but also waxed lyrical about the romance of the night train.

As a student I travelled everywhere with the night train, its so leisurely... and very nostalgic, said Vandebroek.

The Vienna to Brussels service will initially run on Sundays and Wednesdays. The return leg will run on Mondays and Thursdays with a portion splitting off to serve Munich and Innsbruck. In October OeBB said that bookings on its night trains were up 11 per cent year-on-year.

With prices for non-sleeper seats as low as 19 euros (USD 21), it says its services are competitive with low-cost airlines -- although sleeper berths can cost considerably more.

OeBB operates, either alone or in partnership, 27 night trains with another new service to Amsterdam scheduled to start in December. At the end of 2016 OeBB bought the night trains of the state rail operator in neighbouring Germany, Deutsche Bahn, which Matthae admitted was seen as risky at the time.

Austrias new Green Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler said that that decision had been vindicated and that the new route was in line with the Austrian governments ambition to make the country carbon neutral by 2040.

There is no other city in the European Union that has so many night trains departing from Vienna, and the network can be expanded further, Gewessler said.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

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Hillary Clinton is starting to do press to prepare for the release of the upcoming Hulu documentary Hillary, and her cover story for The Hollywood Reporter is already causing a major stir. When asked about Bernie Sanders during the interview, she becomes particularly blunt, and three words uttered during the documentary eclipse the entirety of the THR conversation: "Nobody likes him."

The full conversation between Lacey Rose and Hillary Clinton happens to be one of Clinton's more confrontational interviews when it comes to addressing her thoughts on Sanders and his 2020 presidential campaign thus far. Rose reads back several quotes from the documentary to Clinton, including the now-trending hashtag #NobodyLikesHim, as well as, "It's all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it." Clinton not only reaffirms these statements, but adds that she's not entirely sold on supporting Sanders if he wins the primary.

Related | Watch Cardi B Take Bernie Sanders to a Nail Salon

The scope of her sentiments around Sanders is not limited solely to the senator, though  Clinton also called out what she perceives as a problematic culture that surrounds him and his campaign. She states, "I will say, however, that it's not only him, it's the culture around him. It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women."

Twitter users immediately pushed back against the key statements from The Hollywood Reporter interview. A good amount of add-nothing "Fuck Hillary Clinton" statements populate the trending page, but many users are finding it more worthwhile to point out the hypocrisy in her criticisms of Sanders as a "career politician."

Since the breaking of this story, Sanders has made a brief comment on the entire situation, choosing to shift focus from Clinton's criticisms to Trump's imminent impeachment trial. "Secretary Clinton is entitled to her point of view. My job today is to focus on the impeachment trial," Sanders states bluntly to a group of reporters.

Read the full interview for The Hollywood Reporter here.
This article was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba  On the witness stand was James E. Mitchell, a psychologist and architect of the Bush-era interrogation program that had inflicted torture on prisoners held in secret C.I.A. prisons after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Defiantly, he described how the program came about and why in his view it was necessary, growing emotional only when recounting how he came to the conclusion that it was his patriotic duty to personally implement the techniques he had devised.

Sitting yards from him in the military courtroom built specifically for their death-penalty trial were the five men accused of helping plot the attacks. All of them had been subject to the methods developed by Dr. Mitchell. Their alleged leader, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, was waterboarded 183 times in March 2003 by a team including Dr. Mitchell. They sat impassively as he testified at a pretrial hearing in their case.

It was an extraordinary moment in the slow-moving justice system set up to try foreign prisoners of the war on terror, with American lawyers for defendants who were tortured more than a decade and a half ago flipping the script to question an interrogator from the so-called black sites.
[January 21, 2020] SignEasy's New G Suite Add-on Deepens Commitment to Google Cloud

DALLAS, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SignEasy, the leading eSignature solution used by over 130,000 businesses and professionals worldwide, announces its integration with Google Cloud's G Suite Add-ons, providing easy access to SignEasy for electronically signing and sending documents right within Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. This integration allows users to install the SignEasy Add-on from the G Suite Marketplace to use across multiple G Suite applications. In Gmail, the SignEasy Add-on eliminates the need to switch between apps or tabs, and enables users to add a signature, date, name, and a number of other fields directly to any file attachment, and then re-attach the document into the ongoing email thread. Additionally, the user can send the document to other required signers while adding smart fields that need to be completed  all within the Gmail side panel. The SignEasy G Suite Add-on also features a new homepage that provides a dashboard view to the user with a summary of their SignEasy activity. From the homepage, the user can view their account details, the list of documents in their account, and the status of their signature requests -- including pending ones for signature. Using the Add-on, users can also take advanced actions such as downloading the signed documents or sending reminder notifications. The homepage experience can be accessed from Gmail, Drive and Calendar. "Over 40% of our users rely on G Suite in their daily operations and that number is increasing everyday," said Sunil Patro, Founder and CEO of SignEasy. "By integrating our cutting-edge eSigning workflws into Gmail, Drive and Calendar, we're making it easier for our customers to accomplish tasks and be more efficient with their time."



With this new integration, SignEasy will give over 1.5 billion G Suite users the power to modernize and streamline their document signing workflows. The SignEasy Add-on currently supports the desktop version of Google Cloud apps with mobile support planned for later this year. SignEasy also offers a wide range of products within the Google ecosystem including apps for Android, Chromebook, and Google Drive. You can install the SignEasy Add-on for G Suite here.

Customer Quotes:



"With the SignEasy Add-on for Gmail, we're now able to automate our invoice approval. This was key in helping us create a database with very little administrative effort or infrastructure changes."  Duncan Nicholls, Finance Controller, Kenwood Ltd



"We're on Google G Suite, like many other universities and businesses. SignEasy's Add-on is intuitive and seamless and keeps us within the apps that we use everyday. The solution has truly made us more productive and efficient."  Brian Nakahara, IT Director, NYC School of Visual Arts About SignEasy

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Dallas with an office in Bangalore, SignEasy is the leading eSignature solution for businesses and professionals worldwide. More than 130,000 customers from 150 countries trust SignEasy's simple and secure solution to shorten contract turnaround times, close deals faster, improve their customer experience, and be more environmentally conscious by using less paper. SignEasy integrates with many popular productivity and business applications like G Suite, Office 365, Dropbox, and Box, as well as leading email providers like Outlook and Gmail. SignEasy was an official launch partner for Google Cloud's new G Suite Add-on framework, was made an Apple mobility partner in November 2019, and was named a Digital Transaction Management (DTM) "Innovator" in 2020 by leading analyst firm Aragon Research. SignEasy's app for iOS and Android has been downloaded more than 6 million times, regularly ranks among the top 100 grossing business apps on the App Store, and is consistently rated #1 in customer satisfaction for SMB eSignature solutions by leading software review sites. Media contacts:

Monica Perez

M: 786-223-4081

[email protected]

Ted Miller

M: 305-331-8334

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/signeasys-new-g-suite-add-on-deepens-commitment-to-google-cloud-300990521.html SOURCE SignEasy

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A Republican state senator is pushing for the elimination of Indianas primary elections for U.S. Senate and proposing that political parties select candidates at conventions.

Sen. James Buck of Kokomo presented his plan to the Senate Elections Committee last week. He said a bloated federal bureaucracy grew from the movement toward voters  not state lawmakers  electing U.S. senators before adoption of the 17th Amendment in 1913.

Buck believes the public would trust that delegates at a state party convention would select the best Senate candidates and that eliminating primary campaigns would make running for office less costly. Voters would still decide the senator in the November general election.

The Republican and Democratic state conventions currently pick nominees for statewide offices such as lieutenant governor, attorney general and secretary of state. But the major offices of governor and U.S. senator have gone before primary voters for decades.

Republican Sen. Erin Houchin of Salem told Buck that she would prefer leaving the Senate candidate decision to voters rather than a much smaller pool of party convention delegates. Nearly 507,000 people voted in Indianas 2018 Republican U.S. Senate primary.

The committee chairman said Thursday he didnt know whether he would hold a vote on the bill.
The three musketeers of the sky  the J-20, J-16 and J-10C  fly in formation in a real-combat scenario training session. Photo: Screenshot from China Central Television

China's most advanced J-20 stealth fighter jets assigned to an ace unit have been conducting real-combat scenario training together with powerful J-16 and agile J-10C jets, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force revealed, as a Chinese expert said Monday the combination can conjure a kaleidoscope of tactics to safeguard the country.

In a video released Sunday that celebrates the upcoming Spring Festival, the PLA Air Force showed the first scenes of J-20 fighter jets of the Wang Hai Air Group conducting real-combat scenario training.

This is an indication that the J-20 jets are making smooth progress in the air force, as their service has entered a new stage of comprehensive combat capability, military experts said.

The video also showed for the first time the J-20, J-16 and J-10C, dubbed the "three musketeers of the sky," taking off and conducting real-combat scenario training together. Two J-20s, two J-16s and one J-10C formed a combat formation, according to the video.

The combination of one J-20, one J-16 and one J-10C was tested in 2018, China Central Television (CCTV) reported then.

Air defense expert Fu Qianshao told the Global Times on Monday that the air force has been exploring tactics with the J-20 and other fighter jets in previous mock competitive training and has gained some experience in acquiring air superiority, land attack and sea attack.

While the J-20 is more advanced than the J-16 and J-10C, they share advanced technologies like avionics and active electronically scanned array radars, according to Fu.

The J-16, the least stealthy of the three, can lead an attack and openly use radar to detect targets and attract enemy attention, while the stealthy J-20s can lurk nearby and launch surprise missile attacks when hostile targets engage the J-16, Fu said, noting that the J-10C, when equipped with the domestically developed thrust vector control engine, will excel at close-quarters dogfights thanks to super maneuverability.

Another tactic is to first have the J-20 destroy hostile strategic hubs, including early warning aircraft and aerial tankers, using their stealth capability, and then the heavily loaded J-16 can strike enemy ground forces including mobile radar stations as the J-10C takes over air supremacy, experts told the Global Times.

The J-20 has a kaleidoscope of tactics to fulfill their missions and more mock combat exercises should be conducted, Fu said, noting he also expects electronic warfare aircraft to accompany the J-20.

The J-20 made its first test flight in 2011, its public debut at Airshow China 2016 and entered military service in 2017.
Honoree Taylor Swift (L) accepts the Milestone Award from Andrea Swift onstage during the 50th Academy Of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium on April 19, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images for dcp)

Taylor Swift has revealed that her mother Andrea Swift has been diagnosed with a brain tumour with the discovery being made by doctors as she underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer.

The 30-year-old shared the symptoms of the tumour were very different what her mother had experienced with her breast cancer.

"While she was going through treatment, they found a brain tumour," Taylor told Variety. "And the symptoms of what a person goes through when they have a brain tumour is nothing like what we've ever been through with her cancer before.

Read more: Record label denies Taylor Swift's claims over old music

"So it's just been a really hard time for us as a family."

Andrea Swift and Taylor Swift in the audience at the 2010 American Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mazur AMA 2010/WireImage)

The news comes after Swift made the decision to limit her upcoming tour for her latest album, Lover.

She's opted to do just four dates in the United States after embarking on the European festival circuit in the summer, including headlining Glastonbury.

Explaining her personal reasons for the limited tour, Swift shared: I mean, we dont know what is going to happen. We dont know what treatment were going to choose. It just was the decision to make at the time, for right now, for whats going on.

Swift first told fans about her mother's cancer diagnosis in 2015, although initially kept the details of her illness private.

The You Belong With Me hitmaker is the focus of upcoming Netflix-produced documentary Taylor Swift: Miss Americana which explores her life and career.

It will debut the Sundance Film Festival on 23 January before being dropped on the streaming platform on 31 January.
TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amarillo Gold Corp. (Amarillo or the Company) (TSXV: AGC) (OTCQB:AGCBF) cordially invites you to visit our senior management at the 2020 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference. We look forward to this opportunity to provide shareholders and other interested parties with an update on our current activities and future plans.



Corporate Booth IE2621A: March 1-2



Show Hours

Sunday Mar 1 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Monday Mar 2 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

One on One Meetings

Tuesday Mar 3 - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Wednesday Mar 4 - 8:00 am to Noon



Show Location:

Metro Toronto Convention Centre - Investors Exchange

222 Bremner Blvd

Toronto, ON

Corporate Update  Amarillo is focused on permitting, engineering and financing the construction of its flagship Mara Rosa Project by mid-2020 with the goal of first gold production in early 2022. The Company is continuing exploration on near-mine satellite targets on the Posse Trend at Mara Rosa in Goias State, Brazil, and at the Companys second project at Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

Licensing  Amarillo received the Preliminary License (LP) for the Mara Rosa Project in 2016. This is the most important license and represents the social and environmental license for the project. The Company submitted an application for the License to Install (LI), or construction license, in December 2019, which was followed by an application for a license to take water from the nearby Rio do Oro. An application for a deforestation permit will be submitted this month and the final application for a water storage dam will be submitted in February 2020. The Company expects approval of these permits to be received in conjunction with the LI in mid-2020. These are the final permits required to build and commission the Mara Rosa Project as anticipated in the LP.

Feasibility Study  SRK Consulting (SRK) is preparing a Feasibility Study (FS) for the Mara Rosa Project involving inputs from various consultants. Australian Exploration Field Services has completed the resource update for the FS using the results of the 2018 and 2019 in-fill drilling. SRK is now completing a mine plan with the updated resource and will then develop the FS financial model. Aurifex Pty and ALS Global have completed FS level metallurgical test work. Ausenco Engineering (Ausenco) have completed a flow sheet and Basic Engineering for the CIL Plant and associated infrastructure. This Basic Engineering was included in the application for the LI. Ausenco is now gathering equipment quotations and anticipates completing the FS capital estimate shortly. GeoHydroTech Engenharia (GHT) has completed the design of the water retention dams and a dry stack tailings storage system which were also included in the application for the LI. GHT is in the process of completing final costing for inclusion in the FS capital estimate. GHT is also completing the design of a water reclaim system to take the required make-up water from the Rio do Oro and is assisting in the application for the final water storage dam license referred to above. We expect the FS to be completed in early Q2 2020.

Construction Financing  Auramet is acting as the Companys construction debt advisor and has commenced discussions with prospective financial sources.

Exploration  A program testing gold exploration targets along the north eastern portion of the 7-km long Posse Trend has started. The goal of the 3,000 m drilling program is to discover near-surface economic gold mineralization that could potentially extend the mine life of the Mara Rosa Project. Geosol Brazil has mobilized two exploration core drills to site. Exploration rights for 3 additional exploration concessions encompassing 6,000 ha of land overlying the favourable Posse Trend have also been acquired and exploration targets are being defined for drill-testing. In addition, for the first time in 8 years, a 3,000 m exploration core drilling program for the Lavras do Sul project is planned. Two drills are being mobilized from Geosol Brazil to test priority gold exploration targets that could potentially add to the current 523,000 ounce inferred gold resource at Lavras do Sul.

Investor Relations - In connection with the press release dated June 14, 2019 announcing the closing of the non-brokered private placement, in addition to the cash finders fee previously announced in the amount of $900 paid to Canaccord Genuity Corp., the Company also paid $26,400 as finders fee to Capital Markets Advisory CA (CMAC). CMAC provided capital markets advisory services, communications and investor relations type activities to the Company from August 2017 until January 2019. Under this arrangement, the Company paid a monthly fee of $4,000 until August 2018, and $6,000 per month until January 11, 2020. In August 2018, a bonus of $48,700 was settled with shares of the Company, and in August 2019 the company recorded a bonus payable of $72,000 related to the provision of advisory services. Effective January 11, 2020, the Company has restructured this arrangement such that all shareholder relations and communication will be handled jointly by the CEO, Mike Mutchler, and the CFO, Hemdat Sawh, while CMAC will assist the company as needed on future capital raises.

About Amarillo

Amarillo is developing an open pit gold resource at its Mara Rosa Project in the mining friendly jurisdiction of Goias State in Brazil. The Mara Rosa Project was awarded its main (LP) permit which provides the social and environment permission to mine. Amarillo is progressing toward obtaining an installation permit (LI). Based on the NI 43-101 Pre-Feasibility Study 2018 (PFS 2018) update filed on SEDAR on September 13, 2018, the Posse Deposit at the Mara Rosa Project contains estimated 513,000 ounces of gold in the Proven category from 9.6 Mt at 1.65 g/t Au, and 574,000 ounces gold in the Probable category from 14.2 Mt at 1.26 g/t Au, for total estimated Reserves of 1,087,000 ounces from 23.8 Mt at 1.42 g/t Au. In addition to the Mara Rosa Project, Amarillo has an advanced exploration project with excellent grades at Lavras do Sul, Brazil. A Mineral Resource Estimate Study (NI 43-101 technical report) for Lavras do Sul was filed on SEDAR on October 4, 2010. The Lavras do Sul Project is an advanced exploration stage property (190 sq. km.) comprising of more than 22 prospects centered on historic gold workings. The initial resource estimate at the Butia prospect reported 215,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category from 6.4 Mt at 1.05 g/t Au, and 308,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category from 12.9 Mt at 0.74 g/t Au using a 0.3 g/t cut-off grade. Both projects have excellent nearby infrastructure.

Mike Mutchler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 guidelines, and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure relating to the PFS 2018 in this section of the news release.

For further information, please contact:

Mike Mutchler

President & CEO

416-294-0736

mike.mutchler@amarillogold.com

or

Hemdat Sawh

Chief Financial Officer

416-671-4966

hemdat.sawh@amarillogold.com

82 Richmond St. East Suite 201

Toronto, ON Canada, M5C 1P1

Website: www.amarillogold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains Forward Looking Statements regarding the Companys current expectations regarding future events, including with respect to the Companys proposed issuance of Common Shares to settle outstanding debt, the approval of the Shares for Debt Transactions by the TSXV and its business, operations and condition, and managements objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Various factors may prevent or delay our plans, including but not limited to, the trading price of the common shares of the Company, capital market conditions, counterparty risk, TSXV approval(s), contractor availability and performance, weather, access, mineral and gold prices, and success and failure of the exploration and development carried out at various stages of the program. Permission from the Government and community is also required to proceed with future mining production. Readers should review the Companys ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Companys public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. Readers should also review the risk factors applicable to junior mining exploration companies generally to better understand the variety of risks that can affect the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any Forward Looking Statements whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as me be required by law.

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/7a157022-c742-4cdb-b5d3-be8e63354d80
New Delhi:

Petrol and diesel prices witnessed downward trend for sixth consecutive day on Tuesday, January 21. 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 74.82 per litre in Delhi, Rs 80.42 per litre in Mumbai, Rs 77.42 per litre in Kolkata, and Rs 77.72 per litre in Chennai, respectively. On the other hand, the diesel prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai remained at Rs 68.05, Rs 71.35, Rs 70.41, and Rs 72.90 per litre, respectively.

In Noida, petrol is retailing at Rs 76.10 a litre, while diesel price is Rs 68.32 a litre. The price of petrol in Gurugram is Rs 74.31 a litre while diesel was selling at Rs 67.02 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.
In 2018, the hymn was the only western tune that was played by the military bands whereas last year as well as in 2017, it was one of several western pieces played during the ceremony held annually on January 29.

Hyderabad: The Christian community is upset at the recent decision of the defence ministry to delete the hymn Abide With Me from the playing list of the Beating Retreat ceremony that marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations.

A centuries-old tradition, Beating Retreat marked the end of the days fighting during battle and soldiers returning to their camps in the evening.

Bands from the three defence services and the Central Armed Police Forces perform at Vijay Chowk in Delhi to mark the end of the annual Republic Day celebrations and Abide with Me has been part of their repertoire since 1950. It has been dropped from the list of 30-35 tunes played in order to accommodate more Indian tunes, apparently. After Abide with Me, the bands play Sare Jahan Se Acha. This year, the ceremony may end with Vande Mataram.

Abide With Me is one of the best known and most frequently played hymns in church services all over India, including churches in the twin cities. Written in the 19th century by Scottish poet Henry Francis Lyte, with music by William Henry Monk, this was a favourite hymn of Mahatma Gandhi.

In 2018, the hymn was the only western tune that was played by the military bands whereas last year as well as in 2017, it was one of several western pieces played during the ceremony held annually on January 29.
Men on TikTok are putting soy sauce on their testicles to see if they can 'taste' it after a study resurfaced online  but doctors insist that any sensation of flavor that they claim to detect is all in their heads.

The bizarre science experiments started after a TikTok user named Regan came across an article about a 2013 study that determined mice have a form of taste receptors in their testes.

'Did ya'll know that if a dude puts his balls in something he can taste it? He can taste it!' she says in the clip, pulling up a DailyMail.com article about the groundbreaking study.

All in the name of science! TikTok user Alx James put soy sauce on his testicles and claimed he could 'taste' the salt during a bizarre experiment inspired by a resurfaced study

'I wish I was kidding. I wish I was. I'm not. If you have testicles, please dip your balls in something,' she urges viewers. 'It's for science, and I must know. Thank you.'

It turns out, there were a few guys who were willing to test out the theory in the name of science, including TikTok user Alx James.

In his own video, he explains that he was drawn to a portion of the study that stated the taste receptors on the testicles and anus can detect the amino acid in soy sauce.

'I just went and got some soy sauce, and we're going to do this little science experiment together,' he says. 'And don't be nasty in the comments! This is the human anatomy.

'But I'm not gonna put it on my anus,' he adds. 'I'm gonna let my little boys just try it out. I'm literally feeding my twins.'

After applying some soy sauce on his testicles, he starts laughing hysterically.

Start of it all? A TikTok user named Regan came across an article about a 2013 study that determined mice have taste receptors in their testes, and she urged her followers to try it out

'Oh my God, I can taste the salt!' he claims. 'That's ridiculous.'

Another TikTok user Matthew Lush also claims to taste something in his video, though he admits he isn't sure if it's just his other senses a play.

'Everyone is saying you can taste soy sauce with your balls, so I'm gonna try it and see if I can f**king taste this. This better not ruin my Calvin Kleins I swear to God,' he jokes at the start of the video.

He starts to sense something, but he isn't sure how to describe it.

'I don't know if I am just imagining this,' he says, laughing. 'I literally I don't know if I just smell it and I taste it ... Wait. What the f**k?'

After the videos started going viral, Dr. Kirten Parekh, a 31-year-old foot and ankle surgeon in New Jersey, made his own TikTok clip discrediting the claims.

Hard to tell: TikTok user Matthew Lush also claimed to taste something when he put soy sauce on his testicles, though he admitted he wasn't sure if it was all in his head

Debunked: Dr. Kirten Parekh, a 31-year-old foot and ankle surgeon in New Jersey, made his own TikTok clip discrediting the claims

'This has more to do with male fertility and spermatogenesis,' he explains. 'The functional implications of taste receptors distributed throughout the body are still unknown. Chances are you won't "taste" anything in your dip experiments.'

'Just because you have taste buds in that area doesnt mean you can physically taste those flavors,' he told BuzzFeed News. 'Your body might receive it, but you wont have a perceptive taste of sweet, sour, or whatever flavor.'

Dr. Kieran Kennedy, a psychiatrist in Melbourne, Australia, agreed, telling Australian Men's Health that while studies have shown that various tissues  including the testicles  have taste receptors, none of the research has proved that any animal can actually 'taste' via these receptors.

He does, however, have an explanation for the salt the TikTok users thought they were tasting when they put soy sauce on their testicles.

'When you think about it, even if you imagine or anticipate tasting something salty (like chips) or sour (a lemon), then youll notice your mouth water and even a potential hint of a taste,' he said.

Candid conversation: 'Just because you have taste buds in that area doesnt mean you can physically taste those flavors,' Dr. Parekh explained

Explanation: Dr. Kieran Kennedy, a psychiatrist in Australia, noted that both smell and a mental memory of the taste of soy sauce is likely what caused the flavor sensation in their mouths

'Add that to the fact that these guys are probably getting a big whiff of soy sauce as they "prepare," and it likely explains away any reported "taste" experience.'

As its popularity continues to grow, TikTok has become the starting point for some of the biggest viral experiments.

People from around the globe have also been taking to the app to film themselves eating milk and cereal from a friend's mouth.

Eating out of someone's mouth or putting soy sauce on one's testicles is a relatively harmless, albeit messy, experience, making the latest social media trends far safer than some of it's equally bizarre predecessors.

The potentially-fatal 'Tide Pod Challenge' that went viral at the end of 2017 had teens filming themselves eating Tide Pod laundry detergent capsules, leading health officials to warn against participating in the craze after a spike in ingestion cases.

Even more alarming, the 'Bird Box Challenge' inspired by Netflix's hit thriller Bird Box led to people attempting everyday tasks blindfolded  including driving.
CAL FIRE knocks down overnight mobile home park fire

CAL FIRE is investigating the cause of an early morning fire that broke out behind a mobile home park. It happened at the Forest Ranch mobile home park. Action News Now spoke to a CAL FIRE representative on the scene who says the call came in about 12:40 a.m. Tuesday morning. Crews arrived in under ten minutes and put the fire out within 30 minutes.

FOUND: Missing dirt biker located in Berry Creek area

A successful search effort and recovery, after a dirt-biker, became lost in Berry Creek. The Butte County Sheriff's Office found 18-year old Rylan Fuentes around 10 a.m. Monday morning. Over 80 people took part in the search, when Fuentes disappeared Sunday night, after getting separated from a group of eight other dirt bikers he was with. Search and rescue said Fuentes made smart decisions to help in his own rescue.

Police: Violent sex offender returns to streets of Redding

A man with a record of being a sexual predator is calling Shasta County his home. And many people in the Redding area are now on alert. Daniel Selovich was once charged with sexual assault, battery, and first-degree kidnapping. In 2004, Redding prosecutors charged him with raping a woman, but he accepted a plea deal, and prosecutors dropped those charges. Still, Selovich spent 4 years in prison.

Chico City Council to consider alternative district maps

After many weeks of discussion and debate, the Chico City Council is set to choose a proposed map for city voting districts. The city council is going to see ten maps drawn up by a demographer as well as a few submitted by the public. The council will be able to make changes to any of the maps at the meeting.

Gridley FEMA trailer transition

Camp Fire survivors are continuing to transition out of FEMA trailers, 14 months after losing their homes. Everyone in a FEMA trailer will have to move out by May 12th of this year. But Butte County Deputy Chief Administrator, Casey Hatcher says the county has already requested a one-year extension of that deadline. That request is still pending federal approval.

Car vs. house collision near Sacramento

More details this morning on that deadly car vs. House crash that left an elderly woman dead. Sacramento County deputies say they have a man in custody. He is suspected of driving under the influence and could be facing charges of vehicular manslaughter. Investigators say his car plowed right into the living room of Rancho Cordova home, Sunday killing a woman and injuring two others.

A 3-year-old boy was attacked by a mountain lion in a California wilderness park

Some tense moments after a mountain lion attacked a southern California family. The family of six was walking just before 4:30 p.m. when the mountain lion grabbed a 3-year-old child by the neck. The boy's father threw a backpack at the animal, which dropped the child, then climbed up a tree. The animal was euthanized and that child is recovering at a local hospital.

Impeachment guide: Voting on the trial rules

After months of inquiries and debates, today is the day. In just a few hours the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump is set to kick off. In a 200 page filing, the president's legal team asks the Senate to speedily reject what they call a brazenly political attempt to remove President Trump from office. Arguments by both sides begin on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
BP pulls out of Iraq's Kirkuk oilfield



London, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



British energy giant BP said on Tuesday it had ended its involvement in Iraq's giant Kirkuk oilfields and would now step away from the six-year venture.

"In 2013, BP signed a letter of intent with the North Oil Company of the Iraq Ministry of Oil to support field activity studies in Kirkuk," the London-listed company said.

"As planned, in December 2019 BP completed field work, studies and recommendations."

BP had signed an agreement with state-run North Oil Company (NOC) in 2018 to at least double output from the Kirkuk fields.

David Fyfe, chief economist at Argus Media, said the announcement suggested an appraisal of the site last year "came in below expectations".

That appeared to have left BP "unable or unwilling to agree a development plan with NOC," he told AFP.

Recent political unrest within Iraq, the flare-up of tensions between Iran and the United States and local bureaucracy had likely contributed to the decision, the analyst added.

"They may not be the last foreign company to consider scaling back their exposure to Iraq while these factors persist," Fyfe said.

BP began working at the string of major oil fields in Kirkuk in 2013 but a year later Iraqi Kurds took over the site during the chaos of the Islamic State group's rampage across the country.

They had been exporting the oil to Turkey through their own pipeline but were dislodged by Iraqi forces in 2018 after the Kurds had voted for independence in a controversial referendum opposed by Baghdad.

BP, which has a history of producing and exporting oil in Iraq dating back to the 1920s, remains active elsewhere in the country.

It is working in partnership with a local company and Chinese energy giant PetroChina at the huge Rumaila oilfield near the border with Kuwait.

jbo/jj/phz/bp

BP
A mother with terminal cancer strangled her nine-year-old daughter then jumped out of an eighth-floor window in Russia after 'having a mental breakdown'.

Maria Russkikh, 29, survived the fall in the city of Novosibirsk, southwestern Siberia, and is in hospital.

She was found lying on the snow and moaning in pain by residents of her apartment block who called emergency services.

Maria Russkikh, 29, (pictured with her daughter) survived the fall and was found lying in the snow outside her flat in Novosibirsk, Siberia, moaning

Residents of her apartment block called emergency services after finding her lying on the ground and moaning (pictured is the scene). Her daughter was found lying in a pool of blood in the flat

Maria Russkikh, 29, survived the fall in the city of Novosibirsk, southwestern Siberia, and is in hospital. She was found lying on the snow (left) and moaning in pain by residents of her apartment block who called emergency services

A male resident told local media: 'The woman was almost naked. Her legs and hands were covered with blood though there were no wounds on her body.

'I asked her what happened but she did not reply.'

'She was only saying, ''Help me, I cannot feel my legs and arms''.'

A paramedic crew loaded the woman into an ambulance as police officers entered her apartment to discover her daughter, nine, lying in a pool of blood near the front door.

Forensic examination showed the child was hit on the head with a heavy object before being murdered.

The blood found on the Russkikh's body belonged to her daughter, investigators said.

Russkikh, who is being treated for numerous injuries, left a suicide note which read, according to a source: ''I cannot live with these unbearable headaches anymore. Forgive me. I love my daughter.'

Forensic examinators have found the child was hit on the head with a heavy object (pictured is the block of flats)

The woman, who has terminal cancer, left a death note in the apartment.

According to a source, the note said: 'I cannot live with these unbearable headaches anymore. Forgive me.'

At the end of her letter Russkikh wrote that 'she loves her daughter very much', the source reported.

The mother is now being treated for numerous fractures she had received due to the fall. Doctors say her condition is serious but stable.

A statement of the local Investigative Committee said: 'According to the investigation, on January 16, the woman strangled her nine-year-old daughter to death.

'After that she made an attempt to commit suicide and was hospitalised with numerous injuries.

'The suspect will be placed into custody after she is discharged from hospital.'

A woman living next door said that the mother almost never left the apartment and that her husband (pictured with his daughter) worked for the military

Police launched a criminal case for murder of a minor against the mother. Detectives assume the woman had a mental breakdown triggered by her disease when she killed the girl and tried to take her own life.

The family was regarded as a good one by its neighbours.

A woman living next door told: 'The woman was a housewife. She almost never left the apartment. Her daughter constantly carried heavy bags from the local grocery store.

'The woman's husband is a military man. He was always at work.'
Colorado is the third most-educated state in the nation, according to personal finance website WalletHub, which on Monday released its rankings of 2020s Most and Least Educated States in America.

Colorado has the nations highest percentage of associates degree holders or adults age 25 or older who have attended college, with 70% of the population. Utah came in second, followed by Washington, Minnesota and Oregon.

With 40% of residents holding a bachelor's degree, Colorado ranks second-highest in that category, behind Massachusetts, according to the data.

Colorado also is No. 1 for having the least amount of gender gap in educational attainment, which measures the difference between the share of female bachelors degree holders and the share of male bachelors degree holders. The difference in Colorado between the percentages of female and male bachelor's degree holders is 0.94%, which means there are more women than men with a bachelor's degree.

Fifteen percent of the state's adult population over age 25 hold a graduate or professional degree

To determine where the most educated Americans live, the company compared 18 metrics among the 50 states, ranging from share of adults aged 25 and older with at least a high school diploma to average university quality to gender gap in educational attainment.

Colorado's worst metrics were public high school graduation rates, ranking 45th lowest among the 50 states, and "average quality of universities," which ranks 44th lowest in the nation.

Colorado ranked fifth on the list in 2018 and third in 2017, although the methodology has changed over the four years of the study, according to a WalletHub spokeswoman.

In terms of the nations large metropolitan areas, Colorado Springs scored 12th best of Most and Least Educated Cities for 2019 and 2018.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show a correlation between higher education levels and higher income and lower unemployment rates, WalletHub says, giving importance and weight to the rankings.

Mississippi ranks as the least-educated state in the nation.

Snapshot: How educated is Colorado? (1=Most; 25=Average):

 14th  % of High-School Diploma Holders

 1st  % of Associate's Degree Holders or College-Experienced Adults

 2nd  % of Bachelors Degree Holders

 8th  % of Graduate- or Professional-Degree Holders

 1st  Lowest Gender Gap in Educational Attainment
The deceased - two couples and four children - were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountainous tourist destination.

Kathmandu: Tragedy struck a group of 15 tourists from Kerala in Nepal when eight of them, including four minors, died after they fell unconscious probably due to a gas leak from a heater in their room at a mountainous resort, police said, amidst cold wave in the Himalayan region.

The Indian nationals were airlifted to HAMS hospital in Kathmandu where they were pronounced dead on arrival, Superintendent of Police Sushil Singh Rathaur said. Makwanpur police said the victims might have fallen unconscious due to asphyxiation.

"All eight were airlifted and brought to hospital in Kathmandu. A doctor from the Indian mission was also immediately sent to the concerned hospital to check on welfare of patients and to provide necessary assistance," a source at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu told PTI. "We have now been informed that all eight patients did not survive," the source added.

The victims were identified as Praveen Krishnan Nair, Saranya Sasi, Sreebhadra Praveen, Aarcha Praveen, Abhinav Saranya Nair, Ranjith Kumar Adatholath Punathil, Indu Lakshmi Peethambaran Ragalatha and Vyshnav Ranjith.

The deceased - two couples and four children - were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountainous tourist destination. They were on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night.

According to the manager at the resort, the guests stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm. Although they had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a room and remaining others in another room, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside.

"Deeply distressed by the tragic news of the passing away of eight Indian tourists in Nepal," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.

Deeply distressed by the tragic news of the passing away of 8 Indian tourists in Nepal.Our Embassy @IndiaInNepal hs been closely following the situation.Embassy officials are stationed at the hospital& are providing necessary assistance.Our thoughts are with the bereaved families  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 21, 2020

The Indian mission has assured all necessary assistance to the family members of the victims.

In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Malayali tourists in Nepal. On the directions of the chief minister, officials have taken steps to expedite procedures for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the victims, his office said. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that Indian Embassy officials were taking steps to bring the bodies back to India as early as possible.

Nepal witnesses cold wave condition between December and January. Daman is a famous hill station situated 70-km south of Kathmandu, where people visit for magnificent mountain view.
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Linkedin Alana Riley (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 16:36 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad20605c5f5 4 Health health,hoax,fact-checking,Mafindo,medication,herbal-medicine,wellness,alternative-medicine Free

Medical professionals exist for a reason, yet most people rely on the internet to diagnose their illnesses with no regard whatsoever for their safety.

In a small clinic adjoining a medicinal herb shop, tucked away just outside Jakarta, a young woman sat as she had buckwheat seeds taped to her thumb. She had read on the internet that, according to Indonesias leading sujok practitioner Heriza Heri Budiman, it would cure her migraines.

Bamboozled: Some tape seeds to their thumb to cure headaches, but there is no evidence to show it works. (JP/Alana Riley)

Sujok is an alternative therapy originating in Korea, and only recently arrived in Indonesia.

Heri said sujok used colors, seeds or magnets on the hands to trigger certain reactions across the body. The alternative therapy recently went viral after a Facebook post circulated, encouraging parents to use it to cure their childs fever.

While the viral post stimulated interest in sujok therapy, thus indirectly promoting Heris new clinic, he was concerned that the message being spread did not contain all the facts.

Advising people against taking normal medication could be harmful and is not part of sujok practice, he emphasized. He also advocated the use of sujok within a combination of therapies.

This is only one treatment method. You can use all the methods not only sujok, he said.

Its complimentary, not absolute.

In Indonesia, there are endless internet and social media messages for alternative therapy promising to cure everything from a stiff neck to more serious diagnoses like cancer or stroke.

University of Indonesia neurology lecturer Pukovisa Visa Prawiroharjo knows first-hand how dangerous internet-based medical advice can be.

One of the many dangerous claims circulating on the internet is that blood-letting can cure strokes. People believe that if they prick their finger until it bleeds, this will release pressure in their brain and fix the stroke.

With strokes, you need to come to the hospital very early, Visa said.

But many of our patients come too late.

There have been cases of patients dying as a result.

With no research into exactly how many people turn to natural therapy first, Visa said it was time for studies into this topic, expressing a conviction that it was definitely putting lives at risk.

Many Indonesian communities still have a strong relationship with natural medicines that predate the acknowledgement of modern medicine.

Many people believe herbs or natural remedies give them a feeling of getting well from a disease, Visa said.

Visa falls into that category himself. Some natural therapies that were used on him as a child, he still uses today for comfort.

Safety and efficacy are therefore the two most important aspects to consider when looking at a new medical therapy.

Some traditional treatments have been around for hundreds of years [] checked by research to say they are safe and effective, Visa said.

Some natural treatments, such as ginger for nausea, have been proven. Newer therapies, however, usually have not been and Visa warns that people should be skeptical of them.

Skepticism alone, however, is not enough, according to the Indonesian Anti-Defamation Society (Mafindo), a fact-checking organization that has tackled hoaxes since 2015.

The head of Mafindos fact-checking committee, Aribowo Sasmito, said as much work as the group did, it would always come down to the digital savviness of the people reading the hoaxes.

Get it right: Fact-checker Aribowo Sasmito said the only solution to fight health-related hoaxes online was education. (JP/Alana Riley)

Our job is limited to these are the facts and this is the reason why we call it a hoax, Aribowo said.

While the group does its best to fact check as many hoaxes as possible, the clarified information will always be shared much less than the original disinformation.

There is no quick fix to the health-related hoax problems.

Mafindo believes in a multifaceted approach to combating hoaxes, two main focuses are education and law enforcement.

Whenever we talk about regulation, people will instantly react with you are trying to limit my freedom of speech, Aribowo said.

The best solution is the painful and slow process of education [] change peoples mindset.

Alana Riley traveled to Indonesia with the support of the Australian governments New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.
The Islamic Republic judicial authorities have filed three charges against the son of a mid-ranking cleric, Mehdi Karroubi, a dissident leader placed under house arrest since 2011.

"My brother, Hossein, is facing charges in two different legal cases for the recent letters our father wrote to the Islamic Republic Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Hassan Rouhani," Mohammad Taqi Karroubi disclosed on Monday, January 20.

Speaking to Radio Farda, Mohammad Taqi Karroubi also said that his brother's third case was related to a letter that he signed along with 76 political activists to condemn the brutal suppression of Iranians who poured into the streets across the country last November to protest government policies.

"I have been informed that my brother is currently in solitary confinement, and under constant interrogation by the agents of the Intelligence Ministry and other intelligence organizations," Mohammad Taqi told Radio Farda, adding, "hand in hand, the interrogators are pressuring my brother to admit committing unfounded and imaginary crimes."

Hossein Karoubi, son of Mehdi Karoubi, was arrested on January 14, three days after his father called on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to step down over the downing of a Ukrainian airliner by the military on January 8.

Hossein and Mohammad Taqi's father, twice the speaker of Majles (the Islamic Republic's parliament), has been under house arrest since February 2011.

Ayatollah Khamenei and his ultra-conservative allies have accused Karroubi, former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi (1981-89) and his political activist wife, Zahra Rahnavard, of "sedition."

Mousavi and Karroubi were the incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's primary challengers in the 2009 presidential election. The official outcome of the election, declaring Ahmadinejad's victory, triggered widespread anti-regime protests that lasted more than two years.

A vociferous opponent of Khamenei, 82-year-old Karroubi, has written several scathing letters, calling upon him to step down.

His son, Hossein, was once before sentenced to six months discretionary jail for "propaganda against the regime," in 2017 after he published a letter his father had written to president Rouhani.
Junior doctors who work long hours are at twice the risk of experiencing mental illness or suicide, compared to junior doctors who work fewer hours, according to new research.

Chief psychiatrist at the Black Dog Institute and UNSW Associate Professor Samuel Harvey said researchers were expecting to find a link between work hours and mental health, but they were "surprised by just how strong that link was".

Working long hours has been linked to dramatically worse mental health outcomes for doctors. Credit:iStock

The research, published in BMJ Open on Wednesday, found junior doctors who work more than 55 hours a week are at twice the risk of mental illness or suicide compared to their counterparts who worked between 40 and 44 hours a week.

"It's an extraordinary finding given that it's not at all uncommon for junior doctors to be working those hours," he said, adding the results were the same for men and women.
U.S. senators are bracing for a rancorous debate over the trials ground rules, which will determine how Democrats prosecute Mr. Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress linked to his Ukraine pressure campaign.

Senator Mitch McConnell, the chambers top Republican, angered Democrats on Monday by unveiling trial rules that would limit each sides arguments to 24 hours over two days, and require a separate vote to admit evidence unearthed in the fall by the House of Representatives.

Analysis: Mr. Trumps lawyers have not contested the basic facts of the case, and scholars say their central argument  that the impeachment charges are invalid because the president has not been accused of committing an ordinary crime  defies a long-established legal consensus.

Go deeper: The trial will include some of the same faces that animated President Bill Clintons impeachment trial 21 years ago. But Mr. Clinton did not command his own party the way Mr. Trump does now.

Related: The business and political elites who gather each year at Davos appear to be warming to Mr. Trump, even if some may roll their eyes behind his back, writes our DealBook columnist, Andrew Ross Sorkin. (One reason? He may be in office for another four years.)
A 22 year old man who admitted stealing a two thousand euro mountain bike from student accommodation in Dundalk, has been jailed for three months at the local district court.

The sentence was backdated to Monday, when Daniel Christodouliedes of Langfield, Dublin Road, Dundalk was remanded in custody at Ardee district court last Monday, after a bench warrant was executed in relation to a court appearance in Dublin he had missed.

The court heard gardai the defendant was identified on CCTV taking the mountain bike from a corridor in the Mourne View Hall apartment complex on May 21st 2018, having got entry to the building by telling someone who let him in that he lived there.

Daniel Christodoulides made admissions when he was interviewed by gardai three weeks later. He had 85 previous convictions including theft and handling stolen property.

The Defence solicitor said her client was in care from the age of two and moved from foster home to foster home before ending up in residential care homes.

He later moved in with his mother, who died from a methadone overdose in December 2018 having never taken that drug before.

Since then, the solicitor said the 22 year old has been trying his very best to get himself on the straight and narrow.

She said he's sick of prison having been in and out of custody for most of his adult life. The court heard he was supported in court by his mother's partner who he had been living with prior to going into custody two days before.

Judge Bernadette Owens noted a very valuable bike had been taken and was never recovered and the defendant was before the court with a large number of previous convictions. However, she said he was entitled to credit for his guilty plea.

The judge imposed a six month sentence with the final three months suspended for a year, on the accused entering a bond to remain under the supervision of the Probation for 12 months which she said was to try and give him some structure on his release from custody.
The Governments decision to cancel the controversial commemoration service for members of the RIC and DMP following a public outcry is a warning shot that must be heeded, according to academic and former politician Dr Maurice Manning.

Speaking at the launch of the newly refurbished Irish Wars 1919  1923 exhibit at the National Museum of Ireland this evening, the chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations said the decision to cancel the event at Dublin Castle this month was worrying, given some of the extreme language and political posturing we have seen.



Dr Manning, who served as a Fine Gael TD and senator for over two decades and was the head of the Irish Human Rights Commission for a decade, urged all political parties to tread carefully on the divisive issue.



I appeal this evening to all political parties and their leaders to realise that these are fragile times and that genuine leadership requires a proactive approach from them - all of them - in ensuring that the generous, curious and collaborative spirit of the past few years is not shattered.



Plans by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to commemorate members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) who were killed during the War of Independence at a ceremony at Dublin Castle on January 17 have been put on hold.



The climb-down came after some ministers with the Independent Alliance threatened to boycott the event while Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald and other politicians called for it to be cancelled.



Dr Manning said that while we were very clear in all of our statements that commemorations should not ignore differences and divisions he said the role of the commemoration committee was to ensure the integrity of the entire process, to ensure that the decade (of commemorations) belonged to the people and that there would be no manipulation for political or other purposes - whether it came from Government, other parties or factions.



He said a key consideration was that commemorations should remember the past while ensuring, as far as possible, that the commemoration does not re-ignite old tensions.



He made the comments as a new poll published today found 73pc of respondents believe the Government was wrong to propose the RIC/DMP commemoration.



The poll, conducted on January 13 by Ireland Thinks, found 97pc of Sinn Fein supporters and 90pc of Fianna Fail supporters were opposed while Fine Gael supporters were evenly split on the issue. People aged between 25 and 34 were the most likely demographic to oppose the event.



Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the event - which has been deferred for the time being - will only take place on the basis that there is cross party consensus in favour of them.



We want any commemorations to be inclusive, to be non-judgemental, not to threaten anyones loyalties and cause division in our country, he said while on the campaign trail in Cork today.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, head of UN-recognised government ponders United Arab Emirates motives inside Libya.

Libyas Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj questioned the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reasons for establishing a military base in its eastern territory, and stressed the importance of a political solution to the conflict.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, the head of the Tripoli-based and internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) said on Tuesday that Abu Dhabi has interfered in his country by supporting renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, head of the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA).

Libya does not have any common borders with the UAE, al-Sarraj said, adding this raises a question about its goals of interfering in the country.

Libya has been racked by turmoil since longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

The oil-rich country has since been split between two rival administrations based in the countrys east and west amid a conflict drawing increasing involvement from foreign powers. Since April, the GNA has been under attack from forces loyal to Haftar, which on January 6 captured the strategic coastal city of Sirte.

Pro-Haftar forces are supported by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Al-Sarraj has also accused Paris of supporting Haftar and tacitly backing his assault on Tripoli  claims denied by French officials.





Cautiously optimistic

Al-Sarraj also said Haftar is not a serious partner for achieving peace in Libya, and he will not sit with the military commander again following Sundays Berlin summit.

The summit, which was hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, sought a stronger commitment from world powers and regional actors to non-interference in Libya and to genuinely support a fragile truce and adhere to the UNs arms embargo.

It was the latest of many diplomatic attempts aimed at pushing Libya on a path to peace.

Haftar accepted a request to designate members to a UN-proposed military commission, with five members from each side to monitor the implementation of the truce.

Based on past experiences where the GNA could not find a political partner, al-Sarraj said he was cautiously optimistic following the Berlin summit.

Everyone has realised that there is no military solution in Libya, he told Al Jazeera. And despite [Haftars] party not believing in a political solution, the hope is that the parties loyal to [him] will reconsider their intentions so the political process for a solution can resume.

Discussing Libyas vital oil reserves, al-Sarraj said the North Africa nation would face a catastrophic situation if Haftars forces continued blockading oilfields. He expressed hope that foreign powers would put pressure on Haftar to reopen oil ports soon.

On January 12, the warring sides announced a truce in response to a joint call by the Turkish and Russian leaders. However, the talks for a permanent ceasefire ended without an agreement after Haftar left Moscow without signing the deal.
President Donald Trump addresses the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos, on Jan. 21, 2020. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Trump: US Will Join One Trillion Trees Initiative

The United States is joining the One Trillion Trees Initiative, President Donald Trump said on Jan. 21.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the United States is joining the initiative.

Were committed to conserving the majesty of Gods creation and the natural beauty of our world, Trump said.

America will continue to show strong leadership in restoring, growing, and better managing our trees and our forests, he added, drawing applause.

The One Trillion Trees Initiative was announced during the forum. It encourages countries to plant trees as part of the effort to combat climate change. The goal is to plant 1 trillion trees by 2050.

Ecologist Dr. Thomas Crowther told the forum last year that humans should plant 1.2 trillion trees to cancel out the past decade of CO2 emissions.

Theres 400 gigatons now, in the 3 trillion trees [currently in the world], and if you were to scale that up by another trillion trees, thats in the order of hundreds of gigatons captured from the atmosphereat least 10 years of anthropogenic emissions completely wiped out, Crowther said.

Trump told Davos attendees on Jan. 21 that the world should embrace optimism.

President Donald Trump addresses the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos, on Jan. 21, 2020. (Markus Schreiber/AP Photo)

To embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse, Trump said.

They are the errors of yesterdays fortunetellers, and we have them, and I have them, and they want to see us do badly, but we dont let that happen.

This is not a time for pessimism. This is a time for optimism. Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope and joy and optimism and action.

Trump later received criticism from some, including Greenpeaces international executive director, Jennifer Morgan.

Trump is living on a different planet because he seems to think the well-being of Americans can continue without taking into account the planetary boundaries, she told The Associated Press.

Trumps announcement of joining the trees initiative came as House Republicans plan to introduce a package of bills that will address climate change.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told the Washington Examiner that the legislation would use conservative, free-market principles as opposed to socialist proposals like the Green New Deal that rely on taxes.

He said younger voters are focused on climate change.

We need to have an open discussion about; what should the party look like 20 years from now, and we should be a little nervous, McCarthy said. We have to do something different than weve done.

The 12 in 20 bills some Republican House members have introduced include legislation expanding tax credits for projects that capture carbon, actively managing forests to reduce wildfire risk, and making sure fuel is available for nuclear technology.
Four Baby Trend mini stroller models recalled

Baby Trend, a maker of high chairs, car seats and other infant products has recalled four stroller models because of a potential falling hazard.

The four models of black Tango Mini strollers were sold at Amazon.com, and by Target, online as well as in store, in October and November of last year.

There have been no injuries reported. But in a statement on its site, the company said it decided to voluntarily recall the strollers after discovering that "under excessive pressure, both hinge joints could release, allowing the stroller to collapse and pose a fall hazard to children.''

The recalled models feature bonnets colored "Quartz Pink," "Sedona Gray," "Jet Black" and "Purest Blue,'' with their model numbers stamped on stickers on the strollers' rear legs.

Who's your role model?: Who inspires you? USA TODAY seeks your Women of the Century to commemorate 19th Amendment

All work, no pay?: Women's pay lags as they often work for free, says new report

The company will give stroller owners a refund or a different stroller and asks that it be contacted rather than the retailer where the product was purchased.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baby strollers recalled by Baby Trend though no injuries reported
The race to file nominations for the February 8 elections is down to the wire, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal still waiting in queue to file his nomination. Kejriwal, who was unable to file his nomination yesterday due to his roadshow, is token number 45, he informed on Twitter.In this photo, Arvind Kejriwal is seen waiting at SDM office to file his nominations for the February 8 election.
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!)
 Flash

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Monday that the Islamic republic will leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in case the nuclear case of the country is sent to the UN Security Council.

"If the Europeans continue their unjustifiable behavior or send Iran's nuclear dossier to the UN Security Council, Iran will leave the NPT," Zarif was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

The remarks by the Iranian foreign minister followed the last week move of the three European countries of Britain, France and German as they announced they had taken a step to trigger the dispute mechanism with Iran in response to Tehran's back-off the nuclear commitments over the past months.

In Nov. 2018, Iran informed Europeans that following the exit of the United States from the Iranian 2015 landmark nuclear deal, Iran triggered the dispute mechanism and concluded it, said Zarif.

Therefore, "the Europeans move (to re-trigger the mechanism) is by no means legal," Zarif added.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed that "in case the Europeans try to do another measure, Iran will consider the quit of the NPT."

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to put limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for the termination of western and UN sanctions. However, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal in May 2018 and slapped old and new sanctions against Iran.

Trump urged for new deal with the aim of more limits in Iran's nuclear program.

Iran dismissed the U.S. calls and, since May 2019, started to reduce commitments to the accord and recently announced that its had given up all the "practical measures" pertaining to the JCPOA.

Presently, Iran is only bound to the IAEA's supervisory measures enshrined by the NPT which Tehran accepted to undertake in 2015.

On Monday, Zarif noted that Iran will re-embrace its nuclear commitments if the Europeans honor their own obligations and help Iran reap economic interests that the nuclear deal safeguarded.
President Donald Trump sought to sell the United States to the global business community, telling an economic conference in the Swiss Alps that Americas economic turnaround has been nothing short of spectacular.

Mr Trump addressed the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, hours before his historic impeachment trial was to reconvene in the US Senate in Washington.

Mr Trump reminded the audience that when he spoke here two years ago, early in his presidency: I told you that we had launched the great American comeback.

Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, the president said.

Mr Trumps participation in the annual gathering of political and business elites in the Alpine ski resort will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them.

The two-day Swiss visit will test Mr Trumps ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Speculation had mounted that Mr Trump would cancel the trip due to the Senate trial, but aides said he remains focused on producing results for the American people.

Expand Close US President Donald Trump, centre, arrives in Davos (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook

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Climate issues were to be a main theme at the forum and Act On Climate was written in the snow at the landing zone where Mr Trumps Marine One helicopter set down in Davos.

Mr Trump, however, said he was attending the forum to encourage businesses to invest in the US.

America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, Mr Trump said before talking about a newly signed trade deal with China and a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

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Mr Trump also spoke of record low unemployment, stock market gains and millions removed from unemployment.

Mr Trump planned to meet with world leaders and business executives after the speech.

Swooping in for his second appearance at the conference, Mr Trump was set to depart on Wednesday, jetting back to Washington, which is consumed by the impeachment trial.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraines president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat and a Trump political rival.

Mr Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Mr Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they cannot deny him reelection in November.

Mr Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Mr Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the US.

Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world, he said at the White House last week.

Theres nothing even close. Ill be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here.

President Trump announces that the US will join the one trillion trees initiative launched at #wef20 and continue to show strong leadership in restoring, growing and better managing our forests  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Mr Trump is set to meet with.

But he is scheduled to hold talks Tuesday and Wednesday with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraqs self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forums founder, the White House said.

Mr Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Mr Trumps many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

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Shes new and shes formidable, said Mr Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice president at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for US-EU relations.

Mr Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100% on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports.

France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Mr Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a great discussion about the digital tax and will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.

President Trump highlights the progress that has been made since he last addressed Davos - from economic growth to the signing of trade deals, including two in just the last week. He tells #wef20 he's never been more confident in America's future  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

Mr Trump later retweeted Mr Macron, adding the word: Excellent!

The US has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on 7.5 billion US dollars worth of European planes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Mr Trump has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German cars, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Expand Close US President Donald Trump waits on stage (Gian Ehrenzeller/AP) / Facebook

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Mr Trump is just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial.

Mr Johnson and Mr Clinton were acquitted by the Senate.

There is precedent for international travel by an impeached US leader.

During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Mr Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

He travelled to Jordan for King Husseins funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted.

Two days after acquittal, Mr Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Mr Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial.

He also has talked about travelling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.
Why doesn't climate risk still figure enough in discussions of macro-economic stability and vulnerability? Are there commonalities in the circumstances of high-performing farmers that could be scaled up in different regions of the country? Is there a relationship between prior ecological conditions and subsequent improvements, which could indicate the regions where natural farming is more likely to succeed? Alokananda Chakraborty sums up.

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Qualcomm today announced three new chipsets for entry level and mid-range smartphones - Snapdragon 720G, Snapdragon 662, and Snapdragon 460. The first one promises to bring many of the Elite Gaming features of the 765G with support for HDR, dynamic color range and high-quality synchronized sound with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive.

The SD662 will bring triple-camera support, which is a first for a Qualcomm 6-series chipset. Snapdragon 460 might be most affordable of all three, but still will be able to provide an increase in CPU and GPU performance over other 4-series chipsets.

Chipset (process) Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) CPU Octa-core up to 2.3 GHz

Kryo 465 Octa-core up to 2 GHz

Kryo 260 Octa-core up to 1.8 GHz

Kryo 240 GPU Adreno 618 Adreno 610 Adreno 610 Photo Spectra 350L

Up to 192 MP; 4K @ 30 fps Spectra 340T

Up to 48 MP; 1080p @ 60 fps Spectra 340

Up to 48 MP; 1080p @ 60 fps Modem Snapdragon X15 LTE

DL: 800 Mbps, UL: 300 Mbps Snapdragon X11 LTE

DL: 390 Mbps, UL: 150 Mbps Snapdragon X11 LTE

DL: 390 Mbps, UL: 150 Mbps Connectivity Dual VoLTE; Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth 5.1 Dual VoLTE; Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth 5.1 Dual VoLTE; Wi-Fi 6

Bluetooth 5.1 Fast charging Quick Charge 4.0 Quick Charge 3 Quick Charge 3

According to Rajen Vagadia, president of Qualcomm India, the chip maker is introducing these three platforms for 4G markets where seamless connectivity access is still unraveling. Kedar Kondap from the product management team of the San Diego company confirmed the 720G, 662, and 460 will be able to provide gaming experience at a more affordable price.

Senior executives of smartphone companies such as Manu Kumar Jain at Xiaomi and Madhav Sheth at Realme confirmed they will work closely with Qualcomm to introduce phones with the new chips, including the most interesting of all three - Snapdragon 720G.

Source
A Martin Luther King Jr. bust for Black History Month and a "Go Eagles" banner for the Super Bowl decorate the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Read more

Civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is commemorated every year by the MLK Day of Service: Service to communities through volunteerism and homilies to the ideals of racial equity King fought for. Every year, politicians and other civic leaders tell the story of an America that has made immense progress on racial justice. Their accounts of the transition of America from slavery to Jim Crow to electing a black president are peppered with Dr. Kings quotes about racial harmony.

Both the story of Dr. King and the story of racial progress in America are more complicated than whether, as King dreamed, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. Racial injustice is rooted in policies and practices that live to this day on every level of government  and that can not simply be fixed by well-intentioned volunteers.

An observer of Philadelphia city government could conclude that since the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, political power in the predominantly black and Hispanic city has shifted away from a white hegemony. In 1968, 14 of the 17 Philadelphia City Council members were white and only three were black. In 2020, Philadelphia has 10 black Council members, two Asian members, one Hispanic, and only four white. Philadelphia had black mayors, black police commissioners, a black district attorney, black sheriffs, and black city commissioners.

But merely counting diversity in government does not tell the full story of racial inequality. In the half-century since the assassination of Dr. King, black Americans have seen many setbacks. That plays out in Philadelphia on a grand scale.

 READ MORE: Forget the notion of MLK as Dreamer,' say activists. He was a radical, whose rhetoric is used today.

According to a 2017 report by the Center City District and the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation, the poverty rate of predominantly black and Hispanic neighborhoods in West, Southwest, and North Philadelphia increased  by up to 29 percentage points between 1970 and 2015. An analysis of the Vera Institute of Justice found that the jail admission rate for Philadelphians has tripled over the same time period. The 2010 Census revealed that Philadelphia is the sixth most racially segregated city among the cities with the largest black populations. A recent analysis by the Washington Post of racial segregation of school districts found that Philadelphias public schools are not integrated.

None of these inequities happened by mistake. Restrictive covenants, housing and lending discrimination, criminal justice policies that target communities of color, privatization of education, and disinvestment all robbed black Philadelphians  and the city itself  of their wealth.

 READ MORE: Robbing Philly of its wealth | Editorial

Dr. Kings call for racial harmony was also rooted in criticism of policies that benefit the greed of the rich, racist practices that produce inequity, and American involvement in wars. All of these barriers to justice are as alive today as they were when Dr. King was assassinated  and none of them will be taken down by volunteering alone. It took a lot of power and resources to generate racial inequality, and it will take an investment in a similar magnitude but the opposite direction to deliver on the promise of racial justice.
Jenelle Evans' ex-husband Courtland Rogers has been arrested for felony larceny and drug possession.

Rogers, who was married for two years to the Teen Mom star, is currently in jail following his arrest over the weekend in New Hanover County, North Carolina, according to TMZ.

Rogers has been booked for one count of felony larceny and one count of felony possession of a schedule I drug, according to the website.

Arrested: Courtland Keith Rogers pictured in his mug shot following his arrest for felony larceny and drug possession

Police have not revealed what drug Rogers allegedly possessed, but drugs that fall under schedule 1 category include heroin, morphine, and mescaline.

In addition to the felony counts, Rogers is facing a misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia and a schedule II drug. Substances that fall under schedule II include pain medications.

Sheriff's records say Rogers remains in jail on a $15,000 bond, according to TMZ.

This is not Rogers' first brush with the law.

The way they were: Rogers does not share any children with his ex Evans, who he was married to from 2012 to 2014

Rogers was arrested over the summer after officials said he violated probation in a prior drug case.

The star was also arrested a year earlier amid accusations he had assaulted a woman.

Rogers does not share any children with his ex Evans, who he was married to from 2012 to 2014.

Happier times: The couple cuddled up together by the water front back in 2013

Evans revealed in her 2017 book Read Between the Lines: From the Diary of a Teenage Mom that she was pregnant with Rogers' child, and subsequently had an abortion, citing her health: 'I did what was best for my body at that time, and I have moved on from it.'

The pair had a turbulent relationship, culminating in both of them being placed under arrest in 2013 in connection with domestic violence and possession of heroin.

Evans remarried following her divorce from Courtland.

She tied the knot with David Eason in 2017, but filed for divorce in 2019.
Posted on: December 19, 2019 3:24 PM

[ACNS, by Rachel Farmer] An archbishop and a teenage activist have called on Anglicans around the globe to take action to address climate change in a passionate plea from an international convention in Madrid.



Speaking at COP25, the Bishop of Panama, Julio Murray, Primate of IARCA - the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America (the Anglican Church in the Central America Region) spoke out about the struggle against land grabbing in Panama, where farmers are attempting to set up sustainable agriculture without the use of chemicals, and called on Christians to support action against climate change.



He said: COP25 gives us an opportunity not only to represent Panama, it gives us an opportunity to represent the Anglican Alliance. I am here in representation of a group of people who are called to act in a preventative way over climate change. We have heard so many different aspects of climate change  now here in Madrid we are being asked to act.



The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The meeting in Madrid was the 25th event. It was led by Chile and attended by the 196 nations plus the European Union, which makes up the treaty. The aim of this years event is to move towards implementation of agreements on fighting climate change.



Archbishop Julio called on the churches to stand in solidarity with those attempting to mitigate the effects of climate change. He said: I call upon churches to be areas that create consciousness that there is a crisis which we are all part of I call upon the churches to work in a united way - as faith-based organisations we can make a difference working together.



He also commended the way young people at COP 25 had taken part in the discussions and said: I like the way young people are approaching this  they are saying we are the action.



One young delegate, Leah Namugerwa from the Anglican Church of Uganda explained how she had encouraged tree planting and set an example by planting 200 trees on her 15th birthday.



Speaking from COP25 she said: In Uganda plastic business is booming and although our government passed a plastic ban, it is not being implemented. So, I have set up a petition calling on the government to act and ban plastics.



In an impassioned plea to all members of the Anglican Communion she said: My message to Anglican churches is that it is not too late to join the struggle to save the planet. I want the Anglican church to raise this climate emergency through preaching every Sunday at services, letting people know what is going on in our world  to give us the climate justice we are looking for.



At the end of the two weeks of negotiations in Madrid members approved an agreement on a number of important topics, which will guide governments in their forthcoming work to tackle the climate emergency. The agreement encouraged governments to scale up their ambitions and acknowledged the need to mobilize support and finance for people and communities facing loss and damage due to the effects of climate change.



Archbishop Julio said: The important thing here is that climate change affects us all.



He said Anglicans had a mandate to act on climate change, The fifth mark of mission is about taking care of the planet or being good stewards of Gods creation. As the Anglican Communion we are also looking forward to making this part of the theme of the upcoming Lambeth Conference in 2020. We are here because we want to give testimony that there is time for us to act, and yes, we can make a difference.
Ayushmann Khurrana Asked If He Had Apprehensions Playing A Gay Character, Actor Questions Whats The Qualm Or Negative Side In This?"
Greta Thunberg (Image: Reuters)

The starkly opposed visions of US President Donald Trump and Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg on climate change will clash in Davos on Tuesday as the World Economic Forum tries to face up to the perils of global warming on its 50th meeting.

The four-day gathering of the world's top political and business leaders in the Swiss Alps gets under way seeking to meet head-on the dangers to both the environment and economy from the heating of the planet.

Trump, who has repeatedly expressed scepticism about climate change, is set to give the first keynote address of Davos 2020 on Tuesday morning, on the same day as his impeachment trial opens at the Senate in Washington.

Around the same time, Thunberg will also attend a meeting at the forum, where she is expected to underline the message that has inspired millions around the world -- that governments are failing to wake up to the reality of climate change.

The forum's own Global Risks report published last week warned that "climate change is striking harder and more rapidly than many expected" with global temperatures on track to increase by at least three degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) towards the end of the century.

There are no expectations that the two, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, will actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

Sustainability is the buzzword at the forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the entire thrust of the event.

"Climate change is a hot topic at Davos," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, adding there had been a "change in the atmosphere" and realisation that climate change represented a downside risk for the economy.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a welcome ceremony in Davos that "for too long, humanity took away resources from the environment and in exchange produced waste and pollution".

Business leaders attending the forum will be keen to tout their awareness on climate change but are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the IMF, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

"We are already seeing some tentative signs of stabilisation but we have not reached a turning point yet," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Other key priorities will be exploring how to battle biodiversity loss, narrow the digital divide between the internet haves and have nots and step up the fight against pandemics in the face of vaccine hesitancy and drug resistance.

"I am angry about the state of the world but I am also determined to engage and provide solutions and deliver," WWF director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "There needs to be healthy balance between these two sentiments."

The risk of global conflict will also loom large after the spike in tensions between the United States and Iran, following the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

But a planned appearance by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif -- which could have paved the way for a showdown or even meeting with Trump -- has been cancelled.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido -- who declared himself acting president last year -- will be attending the forum in defiance of a travel ban imposed by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.
High turnover, along with low delivery volumes, signals heightened trading activity and a lack of faith in the market direction.

Market players suggest traders trend to square up positions when there is no clear trend in the markets, which leads to lower delivery.

Sundar Sethuraman reports.

Photograph: Aly Song/Reuters

Delivery-based volumes continued to slide last year, even as the benchmark indices touched new highs.

According to experts, investors have taken to squaring up a large portion of their trades intra-day, to avoid bearing large losses on their trade or to book small profits, rather than carry over their position to the next day.

Market players added that falling delivery-based volumes were a sign of a bearish undercurrent in the market.

Delivery-based trades have been declining since April 2019.

For November, they stood at 33.2 per cent, even as the average daily cash market turnover for the month surged past Rs 44,000 crore.

For the first two weeks of December, the delivery percentage stood at 30.6 per cent, while the daily cash turnover for the period was Rs 35,913 crore.

If the delivery percentage for December stays at the current levels, it would be the lowest seen in the last 10 years.

Over the last 14 years, the monthly cash market turnover has been in excess of Rs 40,000 crore on only six occasions.

High turnover, along with low delivery volumes, signals heightened trading activity and a lack of faith in the market direction.

Market players suggest traders trend to square up positions when there is no clear trend in the markets, which leads to lower delivery.

A bullish market, on the other hand, would result in higher delivery, given that traders would be more confident of carrying forward their trades.

"As soon as the market develops any directional momentum, as is the case with the current market, speculative activity goes up. Second, mutual fund (MF) inflows are waning and this is hitting cash equities delivery in the market. MFs have been the most active participants in the cash market. When MF flows recover, you will see more delivery activity as opposed to more speculative activity in the futures and options," said Saurabh Mukherjea, founder of Marcellus Investment Managers.

The indices remained volatile throughout last year on account of a bunch of domestic concerns and a few global issues.

Globally, an uncertain Brexit, US-China trade tensions, and fears of global economic slowdown have worried investors for the major part of the year.

On the domestic front, rising instances of corporate default, moderate earnings growth, and sluggish economic growth have been major concerns.

The GDP grew at 4.5 per cent in the September quarter -- its weakest growth in over six years.

Fears pertaining to the health of financial firms have added to the uncertainty.

Domestic issues continue to worry even as global headwinds have eased after the UK general elections and a deal between the US and China.

Market players say a sustained uptick in delivery-based volumes could be a signal for improved sentiment.

"Once the conviction returns that there is genuine economic support for the rally, delivery volumes will come back," said Mukherjea.
NEW DELHI: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has busted a major multi-crore e-ticketing racket and arrested over a dozen people in this connection.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Railway Protection Force (RPF) DG Arun Kumat said, ''We're a step ahead in operation against e-ticketing racket. We've unearthed an organised gang. Its kingpin is probably sitting in Dubai. We're investigating the members of the gang, the manner in which the money is going to banks and some companies.''

According to the RPF Director-General, those arrested in this connection had hacked the railway website and forged its ticket booking software to book e-tickets.

The e-ticketing racket has its roots in Dubai, Pakistan and Bangladesh. One Hamid Ashraf, the alleged kingpin of the e-ticketing racket busted by the RPF, was earlier arrested by the CBI.

Hamid, who is said to be a resident of Basti district in Uttar Pradesh, is currently based in Dubai and believed to be operating the fake e-ticketing racket from there.

The busted racket is suspected to generate revenue of Rs 10-15 crore per month, according to the RPF DG. Hamid, who is also a software developer, is alleged to be involved in the bombing of a Gonda school in 2019, he added.

Gulam Mustafa (26), a madrassa-educated, self-taught software developer from Jharkhand. Mustafa was arrested from Bhubaneswar.

During his questioning, Mustafa revealed that in 2017, he had created an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) agent ID to book an e-ticket.

He later joined hands with the other accused and hacked the railway booking portal and created several fake IDs and started booking e-tickets illegally.

Due to the illegal booking of tickets, the Indian Railways incurred losses running in several crores.

Live TV

Mustafa also possessed a Pakistan-based software to hack central government websites, bank accounts etc. He had gained access to several government websites and other banned websites.

Mustafa had created hundreds of IRCTC IDs to book tickets and sell them.

He has been interrogated by the IB, Special Bureau, ED, NIA and the Karnataka Police is also probing the case, the RPF DG said.

The cash generated by selling e-tickets were routed to Dubai, Pakistan and Bangladesh through the Hawala network and used in anti-India activities.

During the operation, the RPF also seized software for creating fake Aadhar and pan cards and other government documents.

The efforts are on to nab all the accused, the RPF DG said.
Iran's civil aviation authority has confirmed that two missiles were launched at a Ukrainian passenger jet just after it took off from Tehran's international airport bound for Kyiv on January 8.



The authority said in a second preliminary report on the crash, which killed all 176 passengers on board, that it was still assessing the disaster.



"Investigators...discovered that two Tor-M1 missiles... were fired at the aircraft," the report said.



The Tor-M1 is a short-range surface-to-air missile originally developed by the former Soviet Union and designed to target aircraft or cruise missiles.



The Iranian statement confirmed last week's report in The New York Times which included a video recording that appears to show two missiles being fired at the Ukrainian plane.

Iranian officials have said that air defenses on high alert during heightened tensions after Iranian missile strikes "unintentionally" fired antiaircraft missiles at the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800.



The Iranian report also said Tehran has requested equipment from U.S. and French authorities to download data from the flight recorders but it has not yet received a positive response.



Canada, Ukraine, and other nations who had citizens on the flight have asked Iran to send the flight data and voice recorders to experts abroad for analysis.



"We hope that we can go a little further than just political discussions and discuss practical problems; among them in particular is the return of the black boxes," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystayko told reporters on January 20 after a meeting in Kyiv with the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami.



Afghanistan, Britain, Canada, Ukraine, and Sweden -- countries whose nationals were killed in the crash -- issued a joint statement calling for a "thorough, independent, and transparent" investigation. Most of the victims were Iranian and Canadian citizens.



Canada has said France would be the best place to send the black boxes because it was one of the few nations with the ability to read them. However, Tehran has given mixed signals about whether the black boxes would be handed over.



The Iranian official leading the investigation, Hassan Rezaeifar, was quoted by the Iranian media as saying the country might eventually send the black boxes abroad, adding, "But, as yet, we have made no decision."

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
In a news release issued Monday and provided to the Tribune, the small western suburb announced that it has received the resignation of Ragucci, effective at 11:59 p.m. Jan. 17. By Monday evening, his name and picture had been removed from the homepage of the suburbs website.
Apples AAPL assembly partner, Pegatron is reportedly planning to set up production facilities in Vietnam.



Per Bloomberg, the Taiwan based company is looking for a site in North Vietnam to build a brand-new facility. Moreover, Pegatron has already rented a separate facility in Haiphong to make styluses for Samsungs SSNLF smartphones.



Pegatron will become the third iPhone assembler, joining Wistron Corp and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, to set up manufacturing facilities in Vietnam.



Pegatron is likely to assemble iPhones at its Vietnam facility. Moreover, other assembly partners making Apple products in Vietnam includes GoerTek, which manufactures AirPods in the country.



Apple Inc. Price and Consensus

New Facilities Expected to Aid Apple



The two-year long U.S.-China trade war has forced electronics companies to look for alternate production bases, given the high tariffs imposed on China. The tensions between the two countries have also negatively impacted Apples supply chain.



Hence, production and assembly facilities in Vietnam are expected to aid the company in the long haul as it will diversify Apples global supply chain and assembly lines, thereby reducing dependence on China.



Notably, devices like Apple Watch and AirPods have been hit by tariffs related to the trade war. A tariff of 25% has also been placed on imported Mac Pro parts by the Trump administration.



Although the recent phase one trade deal between the United States and China has exempted core products like the iPhone, MacBook and iPad from tariffs, it essential to have a diversified supply chain as tensions between the countries is unlikely to fully subside in the near term.



Moreover, the tariffs which have already been imposed, including 25% tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imported goods, are not likely to be eased until the completion of phase two of the U.S.-China trade agreement.



Services and Wearables to Drive Growth



Apple is expected to witness a decline in iPhone sales in the coming quarters due to the absence of a 5G iPhone as well as stiff competition from Chinese smartphone makers.



Although it acquired Intels INTC smartphone modem business and settled its dispute with Qualcomm QCOM to possibly launch a 5G iPhone in 2020, competitors like Samsung and Huawei already have 5G phones in the market.



However, Apple is expected to benefit from robust performance of its services and wearables business segments.



Notably, per a Sensor Tower report, Apples App Store brought in $54.2 billion in sales, up 16.3% year over year in 2019.



The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter fiscal 2020 revenues is pegged at $87.7 billion, indicating growth of 4% from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.



Additionally, the consensus mark for earnings is pegged at $4.53 per share, up 0.4% over the past 30 days.



Zacks Rank



Apple currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!



It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.



Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.



Click here for the 6 trades >>

Click to get this free report QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Apple Inc. (AAPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Samsung Electronics Co. (SSNLF) : Free Stock Analysis Report Intel Corporation (INTC) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
He's a passionate animal rights advocate and ardent vegan.

And Joaquin Phoenix proved that he was dedicated to the cause, as he left SAG Awards festivities early to attend a vigil for pigs at an LA slaughterhouse on Sunday.

After snagging an award, the Joker actor made his way to Farmer John Cloughtery Packing Co. to protest against animal cruelty while still dressed up in a tuxedo.

Animal activist: Joaquin Phoenix attended a vigil for pigs headed to the slaughterhouse right after his SAG Award win on Sunday

During the event hosted by Los Angeles Animal Save, Phoenix comforted the animals as they made their way to the slaughterhouse.

Joaquin was somber as explained his reason for being there with vlogger Jane Velez-Mitchell in a video shared on Facebook.

'Most people don't really know of the torture and murder in the meat and dairy industry. I've seen it for what it is, so I have to be here,' he said.

'We have moral obligations to talk about it and expose it for what it really is. We are so indoctrinated with these happy images of animals on farms, on the covers of meat containers, at restaurants and it's a lie.

'I think people need to know the truth and we have an obligation to do that. Those of us that have seen it for what it really is, we have an obligation to expose it, so I have to be here,' he went on.

Serious: Joaquin was somber as explained his reason for being there with vlogger Jane Velez-Mitchell in a video shared on Facebook

Meat is murder: 'Most people don't really know of the torture and murder in the meat and dairy industry. I've seen it for what it is, so I have to be here,' he said

The right thing: 'We have moral obligations to talk about it and expose it for what it really is' he went on

The star has been taking his activism to awards season, helping convince the Golden Globes to have a vegan dinner menu for the first time ever.

And it seems that Joaquin's friends in the industry are 'receptive' to his message.

'There is a change that is happening and it's now just becoming undeniable,' he said. 'Slowly but surely we're getting there.'

'As heartbreaking as it is when we're here giving water to the pigs I have a certain optimism in our community and how committed everyone is,' Phoenix went on. 'People come down here week after week after week so I had to come here tonight and support and it's a little antidote to what I was just given, so I'm blessed to be here.'

Small comforts: Joaquin and fellow protesters gave the pigs water and comforted them before slaughter

Look see: Phoenix peered into the enclosures, where the pigs were being housed

Using his influence: The star has been taking his activism to awards season, helping convince the Golden Globes to have a vegan dinner menu for the first time ever

Joaquin's slaughterhouse visit came just hours after he won the SAG Award for Best Actor In A Motion Picture.

Phoenix has been on a roll, previously taking home a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award and tk for his role in Joker.

While some consider him a shoe-in for Oscar gold, he still has to face some tough competition.

Joaquin will compete against Antonio Banderas, Leonardo DiCaprio, Adam Driver, and Jonathan Pryce at the February 9 ceremony.
In todays meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council we had a detailed discussion of Libya. I had the opportunity to express the Greek governments stance and to characterize the Berlin Conclusions as an initial positive step. Positive because it confirms the will of all sides to seek a political solution, and positive because it reiterates the need to impose the embargo on arms entering Libya. Of course, it is only a first step. The outcome is still to be seen.

I also had the opportunity to express the Greek sides dismay, not only at its not being invited to take part in this process, but also  and mainly  because the conclusions did not include express reference to the unanimous decision made by the European Council in December. A decision that is binding for all of us. Especially when the leaders of all the European institutions were present in Berlin. The EU High Representative, Mr. Borrell, assured me that the European Unions position remains the same: that the memoranda are illegal and that these memoranda are void of content. But I must say that Greece is awaiting the rest of this whole process and expects to be included in the next stages of the Berlin Process.
An international business summit to promote France as an economic hub among foreign investors, including India, was held in French city of Versailles.

More than 180 company heads from various countries, institutional participants, and 20 ministers participated in the 'Choose France Summit' held in Versailles, France, on January 20.

"The annual international business summit aims to promote France's economic appeal among its foreign investors by its know-how and innovative capacity as well as the economic reforms undertaken by the French government," according to a statement issued by the Embassy of France in India.

Welcoming the Indian participation at the Summit, the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain said, "I am delighted with the strong participation of Indian majors in Choose France 2020."



"More than 150 Indian companies are already present in France, a dynamic and innovative economic hub providing access to Europe's 500 million consumers. The French government has greatly improved the ease of doing business through measures such as labour law reforms and corporate tax rate cuts," Lenain said.

Company heads from India with footprints in France included Anand Mahindra, Group Chairman - Mahindra & Mahindra; C Vijayakumar, CEO - HCL; Vivek Chaand Sehgal, Group Chairman - Motherson; Jaidev Shroff, CEO - UPL; Rajesh Kumar, Co-President, and Rajiv Kumar, President - S Group; Nitin Rakesh, CEO - Mphasis; and Mr Madhav Kejriwal, CEO - Electrosteel, the statement said.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered the closing address at the event.

Ranked among the top 20 countries in the Global Competitiveness Index compiled by the World Economic Forum, France is not only the most attractive European destination for industrial investors, but has now emerged as a popular investment hub for research and development, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


(front row from left to right) Takatora Nakajima, President of Minato Mitsubishi Motors, Masaaki Takei, Mayor of Minato City, Takao Kato, CEO of MMC

TOKYO, Jan 21, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has today concluded a disaster cooperation agreement with Minato City in Tokyo together with Minato Mitsubishi Motors Co., Ltd. located in the same city. MMC is promoting the DENDO Community Support Program, which aims to create systems that can quickly provide electric vehicles to the local government when disasters occur. Minato City is the 18th local government in Japan, and the first in Tokyo, to conclude the agreement.The purpose of these agreements is to eliminate time taken to confirm required information with local governments when disasters occur and to quickly provide disaster-affected areas, evacuation sites, and other places with MMC's electric vehicles that can serve as power sources, such as the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. As many companies are located in Minato City, a large number of people could be affected in the case of a disaster, including those unable to return home due to transportation disruptions. Securing electric power is necessary in such situations, and afflicted people can leverage the Outlander PHEV, which can store electricity generated by the engine in its high-capacity drive battery and supply it externally when needed."As a company that has its headquarters in Minato City, it is profoundly meaningful to us that we are able to make a contribution to people here," said Takao Kato, chief executive officer, MMC, at the agreement-signing ceremony held today. "At Mitsubishi Motors, we strongly aspire to provide safety and peace of mind to everyone in the City by securing electric power during emergencies utilizing our products and alleviating communities' uncertainties."MMC aims to enter into disaster cooperation agreements with local governments throughout Japan by the fiscal year 2022. As more people nationwide become increasingly aware of the need to prepare for natural disasters, MMC will work together with local governments to strengthen support systems while promoting understanding of EVs/PHEVs so they would be widely used.About MITSUBISHI MOTORSMitsubishi Motors Corporation is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has a competitive edge in SUVs and pickup trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company launched the i-MiEV - the first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, which was followed by the OUTLANDER PHEV in 2013 - a plug-in hybrid market leader in Japan and Europe. Mitsubishi Motors has 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Russia. Models, such as the PAJERO SPORT/MONTERO SPORT, TRITON/L200, OUTLANDER, ASX/OUTLANDER SPORT/RVR and XPANDER play a major role in achieving its growth. The global sales volume in fiscal year 2018 was 1,244,000 units, and the net sales of Mitsubishi Motors for the fiscal year 2018 was 2.51 trillion yen. Mitsubishi Motors is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.Source: Mitsubishi MotorsCopyright 2020 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Phoenix, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - January 21, 2020) - The Stock Day Podcast welcomed Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSXV: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF), a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid- based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. Chief Scientist and Founder of the Company, Dr. Guy Chamberland, joined Stock Day host Everett Jolly.

Jolly began the interview by noting that the Company recently received a favorable Letter of Advice from the FDA for QIXLEEF, an advanced cancer pain solution under the Company's drug development program for chronic pain. Dr. Chamberland expanded on the Company's focus on developing chronic pain solutions using biopharmaceuticals infused with cannabinoids and other plant-based compounds. Dr. Chamberland then shared that while there have been many that were surprised by the FDA's decision to support the development of such pharmaceuticals, he saw it as a natural progression of their pipeline. "Deliver the science and show it is safe, and the FDA will grant you the approval," said Dr. Chamberland.

"Why do you think the FDA is really supportive of dry flower-bud prescription drugs?" asked Jolly. Dr. Chamberland shared that it is important for regulators to obtain and review as much data as possible for drugs entering the marketplace, and explained that the FDA is supportive of new drugs as long as there is science and data behind them. "It's a question of the risk versus benefit, but if you don't do the science, you'll never be able to address that," said Dr. Chamberland.

Jolly then inquired about the Company's recent announcement regarding an agreement in Portugal. "We're now up to two pharamaceutical companies - the Portuguese one is actually one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies," said Dr. Chamberland. "They basically agreed that after we finish the trials they are going to be a company willing to sell and distribute the drugs to patients in Portugal," explained Dr. Chamberland, adding that the Company has also established a similar partnership in Mexico. "We're starting to see pharmaceutical companies position themselves to want to sell and distribute our product," he added.

The conversation then turned to CBD and GRAS status. "One of the problems is that there is not enough science. So, CBD has been isolated as an ingredient that we know from phytopharmacology that often when we isolate ingredients we discover things we didn't know about it," explained Dr. Chamberland. "One of the things we are discovering is that in relatively high doses that CBD can cause liver injury," said Dr. Chamberland. "The rest of the toxicology, if you look at what was reviewed by the FDA, is relatively good. So, overall you could say CBD is relatively safe, but CBD is also accumulating in the blood if you take it every day, so a regulator needs data," explained Dr. Chamberland.

"The consumers want the products faster than the industry can deliver the science. In my opinion, that's going to be one of the challenges in 2020," said Dr. Chamberland when discussing the importance of having regulators establish a safe and appropriate daily dose for CBD products and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Chamberland closed the interview by sharing his excitement for the Company's transformation in 2020. "We have to really become a pharmaceutical company in a sense, and that's going to be the year Tetra transforms," shared Dr. Chamberland, noting that the Company plans to follow an aggressive growth strategy to achieve its goals.

To hear Guy Chamberland's entire interview, follow the link to the podcast here: https://audioboom.com/posts/7483841-tetra-bio-pharma-discusses-their-2020-growth-strategy-with-the-stock-day-podcast

I nvestors Hangout is a proud sponsor of "Stock Day," and Stock Day Media encourages listeners to visit the company's message board at https://investorshangout.com/

About Tetra Bio-Pharma

Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSXV: TBP) (OTCQB: TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid- based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. The Company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of Bio Pharmaceuticals, Natural Health and Veterinary Products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant- based elements. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing bio pharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.

For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company's business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company's research and development strategies, including the success of this product or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward- looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on

forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.

For further information, please contact Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.:



Investor Contact:

Bruce Mackle

LifeSci Advisors LLC

646-889-1200

Tetrainvestors@LifeSciAdvisors.com

Andrew Mielach

LifeSci Public Relations

646-876-5868

amielach@lifescipublicrelations.com

Canada:

Carol Levine

Energi PR

514-288-8500 ext. 226

carol.levine@energipr.com

About The "Stock Day" Podcast

Founded in 2013, Stock Day is the fastest growing media outlet for Nano-Cap and Micro-Cap companies. It educates investors while simultaneously working with penny stock and OTC companies, providing transparency and clarification of under-valued, under-sold Micro-Cap stocks of the market. Stock Day provides companies with customized solutions to their news distribution in both national and international media outlets. The Stock Day Podcast is the number one radio show of its kind in America. Stock Day recently launched its Video Interview Studio located in Phoenix, Arizona.

SOURCE:

Stock Day Media

602-441-3474

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/51692
A fact-finding team sent by Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to Madhya Pradesh to meet the affected Sikh families whose houses were razed during an anti-encroachment drive in Sheopur district last month, accused the government officers having allegiance to BJP of persecuting the community deliberately.

The houses 11 Sikh community members were razed and crops around the houses levelled with tractors in last week of December as a part of the state governments anti-land mafia drive.

Punjabs revenue minister Gurpreet Singh Kangar heading the eight-member team said, After our meeting the affected families its clear that the Sikhs were singled out to persecute them with cruelty by razing their houses despite the fact they all have legal ownership of the land.

He said, The officers responsible for such cruelty are working for the BJP.

The minister said Kamal Nath government was not to blame for the action. The officers did this to defame the government in the eyes of the Sikh community.

He said the cruelty was unprecedented with which the houses were demolished ignoring the human rights and leaving the families including women and children out in the open in the winter.

Kangar said the houses and other properties damaged were worth at least 4 to 5 crore, I will submit my report to chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh who will then decide the next course of action.

The team had an interaction with the district collector Pratibha Pal and superintendent of police Nagendra Singh and asked them why the houses were razed without following the principles of natural justice and why only Sikhs were singled out under the drive.

BJP leader and local MLA Seetaram Adivasi offered a garland to the revenue minister while welcoming the team and said, My request is the poor tribals land be freed from the encroachment of people from Punjab and Haryana.

The MLA said, Thousands of acres of land of Saharia tribals were illegally occupied by people from Punjab and Haryana. I appreciate the action taken by Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath who has launched the drive to free land encroached upon illegally.

Another team of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) also visited the area and met the affected Sikh families on Tuesday.

Talking to the media, SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said, This was all done at the instructions of Kamal Nath government as Kamal Nath is anti-Sikh. If action was not taken against guilty officers and compensation not given to the affected families SAD will launch an agitation in this regard.

Sheopur collector Pratibha Pal said, The teams assessed the situation at their own level. We apprised them of the ground and facts based on which the action was taken. Our action is absolutely correct and we apprised the teams of the facts relating to the each and every case.

State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said, The Sikhs were victimised at the instance of Kamal Nath government. The BJP has already been raising the issue since the state government launched the drive that the real mafia is being shielded and innocents are being victimised. There are also reports about extortion by the government personnel in the name of anti-mafia drive.

State Congress media coordinator Narendra Saluja said, The state government has already taken action against certain government officials. The Opposition leaders are politicising the issue as people have rejected them and they are frustrated with Kamal Nath government having completed more than a year in office. Chief Minister Kamal Nath has assured all the Sikh families that no injustice would be done to them.

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For our clients, Amy's financial expertise and skill at developing adaptive business solutions will be a tremendous asset.

Axiom Bank N.A., a Maitland-based, leading community bank, recently hired Amy Carlson as VP, Commercial Team Lead. In this role, Carlson will work with Axioms commercial clients throughout Central Florida to help them achieve their business goals.

Carlson has over two decades of experience in financial management, customer relationship development, commercial lending and sales.

For our clients, Amys financial expertise and skill at developing adaptive business solutions will be a tremendous asset, said Ted Sheppe, Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking at Axiom Bank. Her stellar track record in leadership and strategy makes her a valuable addition to our team.

Carlson graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelors degree in financial management.

For more information about Axiom Bank and to find the nearest location, visit AxiomBanking.com.

About Axiom Bank

Axiom Bank, a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Central Florida, serves the financial needs of its customers through a wide range of banking solutions and a commitment to exceptional service. The bank has a rich history dating back to 1963. By definition, axiom means a universally recognized truth  the name exemplifies the banks principles of truth, trust, value, convenience, and service excellence. Axiom Bank holds the SBA Preferred Lender status, and specializes in commercial loans, treasury management and other merchant services. The bank also offers asset-based lending and invoice factoring through its division, Allied Affiliated Funding. Axiom is constantly working to expand its services and products and provides consumer banking through over 20 branches, primarily in select Walmart Supercenters, to conveniently serve local communities. Visit http://www.AxiomBanking.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
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Linkedin Sausan Atika (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

Air-conditioned malls or trendy cafes likely come to mind when Depok residents, in the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, think of a place to spend time with their families on the weekend.

But a new town square, the first one in the city, is the gem that residents have been longing for amid the scarcity of open spaces in the growing satellite city.

Inaugurated on Jan. 12 by Mayor Mohammad Idris, Depoks town square welcomes residents, young and old, to gather in the free public space.

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First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill with (back, from left), Tanaiste Simon Coveney, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State Julian Smith

The return of a Northern Ireland Executive earlier this month was greeted as a big step forward and a chance to tackle some serious policy issues that have festered over the last three years.

However, the expectations regarding the financial package that would greet the incoming Executive have proved to be overly optimistic.

The details of the financial package are still somewhat opaque, but we know that up to 1bn is to be provided for specific projects and policies, not least the recent industrial dispute in the public sector.

There is purportedly another 1bn Barnett-based investment guarantee from the UK government, though quite what that means exactly is still rather unclear.

The press release also included a paragraph on Northern Ireland seeking to raise its own revenues.

This would be an issue for the Executive but it was quite clear that the UK government believe this should be on the agenda.

Every time Northern Irelands finances have hit the buffers, the issue of revenue generation rears its head, and every time it does, it is firmly smacked down.

On the face of it, the prospect of Northern Ireland raising additional revenue requires more thoughtful discussion.

Such discussion is usually hampered by someone bringing up the issue of water charges. Water charges have been a political no-go area in Northern Ireland for some years and, as the recent experience south of the border shows, our antipathy toward charging for water is not unique.

Anyone who wishes to advance a discussion about revenue raising in Northern Ireland would do themselves a favour by dropping any mention of water charges.

This is not just because of their political toxicity but also because water charges are a terrible way of raising revenue.

Water charges are a deeply regressive form of taxation and any attempts to make them more progressive or to add an environmental dimension to them introduces massive complications.

The core principles of good taxation are equity, efficiency and, most importantly, simplicity.

For many other people, their objection to water charges is based on the notion that water provision is already funded through the domestic rates system already.

If we need more money for water and other services, should Northern Ireland then seek to add to its revenue through the rates system?

The short answer is yes. The rates system is well overdue for overhaul and the last NI Executive began this task.

However, even if that reform is brought to completion, the system of rates at present, both domestic and commercial, only raises about 600m each for local councils and the NI Executive. There are limits to how much more can be raised from a property value-based tax.

Many people point out that council tax, the equivalent of the rating system in Great Britain, is substantially higher than the average rates bill in Northern Ireland.

This is true, the average council tax bill in England in 2019 was 1,746. The average domestic rates bill in Northern Ireland in 2019 was almost half that.

However, there is a good reason for this. Local government in Northern Ireland provides significantly less services than their equivalents in Great Britain.

Councils there provide services related to transport, housing, education and most importantly social care.

It is true that half of our rates bill, the Regional Rate, goes to the Executive so maybe there is an argument that it should increase. However, the experience of local councils in England should point us to the danger of this strategy.

Over the last 10 years, the UK government has removed central funding and left local councils in England almost entirely dependent of council tax revenues to provide an increasing range of public services.

This has led to some drastic cuts in provision across many services.

There is a limit to how much money can be raised through domestic rates or council tax that are based on property values.

There have been arguments in Great Britain that a local income tax is a more progressive way of raising the revenue required for local services.

A local income tax sounds like a good idea, but in practice it is bedevilled with difficulty. The most obvious problem is that any variation in local income taxes among council areas could lead to large numbers of people shifting incomes about in order to seek a lower rate.

There is already evidence of this kind of problem with devolved governments too. Scotland exercised its right to vary income tax rates in 2017 and since then it has encountered difficulty in predicting revenues.

The evidence from other countries suggests that local and regional governments can play a part in generating revenue but there is a limit and that national governments are best placed to level progressive income taxation.

For Northern Ireland, we should seek to have a fair and progressive rates system for both local government and the Executive.

However, imagining that this is a silver bullet for the Northern Ireland public finances would be a grave error.

Paul MacFlynn is a senior economist at Neri
POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten Management is resolute in ensuring that the destination maintains its relevance in the ever-challenging cruise tourism market, and therefore has partnered with Ernst & Young (EY) Advisory Services, a reputable and global leader in their field to develop a Port St. Maarten National Development Plan 2020+ that would cover the 2020 decade and beyond.

During a recent kick-off session with representatives from EY on January 14, the main objective according to Port Management when it elaborated on its visions and goals with EY, is working holistically and ensuring that all stakeholders are part of the 2020+ future success of the cruise destination.

St. Maarten continues to remain at the forefront of the cruise market in the North Eastern Caribbean based on maintaining more than one million cruise passengers annually for the past 17-years  since 2002.

In 2005 the destination catered to 1,488,461 cruise passengers; and every five-year period, thereafter, has received over 1.5 million cruise passengers annually, 2010  1,512,618; 2015  1,901,617, with the exception of 2017 the year of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The destinations wow factor needs to be addressed even though the destination ranks high in passenger experience where tours are concerned, Port St. Maarten Management pointed out.

The private sector plays a key role in the future development of the destinations cruise tourism sector and therefore has the power to turn things around while the role of government is to facilitate the private sector besides its responsibilities for infrastructure etc.

We have been told in the past that a lot of destinations had emulated the St. Maarten success besides developing their own niches. Cruise lines have reinvented themselves by offering new products and services onboard besides setting up their own cruise destinations.

The destination needs to re-invent itself for the new decade and beyond, and we have partnered with EY and BDO Sint Maarten to assist with this process, Port Management pointed out.

BDO Sint Maarten has played an instrumental role in assisting Port St. Maarten in selecting the partner to assist with creating its high-level strategic development plan.

We will continue to be the sparring partner on various subjects in line with the strategic agenda of Port St. Maarten, said Paul Lungu (Managing Director BDO Sint Maarten). BDO recently announced global revenues of $9.6 billion, is represented in 167 countries and territories and employing more than 88,000 professionals.

Vernon Huerta, Partner/Advisory Services at EY Dutch Caribbean, stated that EY will assist Port St. Maarten in identifying, investigating and proposing one or more high-level strategies for the further development of the cruise and cargo activities at the port. The current planning is to have the strategic plan including an implementation roadmap ready by the end of June.

Within the next 24-months already, Port St. Maarten will finance out of its own cash flow a small replica of the salt pond; a heritage wall; and introducing more green spaces. This is to further enhance the guest passenger experience at the port since the cruise terminal is the last place they encounter before boarding their vessel.

Plans are being prepared to construct a permanent homeporting terminal to cater to the Fly & Cruise passenger which will enhance the experience of guests who arrive on the island to board a vessel for a one-week cruise.

Under the build back better principle, cruise pier south will be further strengthened to handle the increase in storm activity as well as their ferocity that they inflict on infrastructure.

Despite facing competitors, emerging new markets in addition to changes in travel trends of cruisers, destination St. Maarten still has the highest guest satisfaction rates which in the end is still the single most important business driver for the island. We need to stimulate destination ambassadors in order to maintain and grow these already high numbers of satisfaction.

Other areas that need to be addressed are the carrying capacity of the island which links to existing infrastructure as well as the distribution model of passengers.

Stimulating entrepreneurship is key to enhancing the product mix by involving new and innovative entrepreneurs/people and opportunities with talent and passion. By understanding your passengers demographics, one is able to develop authentic experiences for guests, therefore understanding the business model of tours is essential.

For the future success of cruise, the strategic plan to be developed will include the stakeholders. It is very important as a destination, that we take a holistic approach in moving forward together in 2020. We need everyone to be part of our success.

The cruise lines have identified one trend as being destination stewardship. With increased demand and growth in the cruise industry, comes responsibility to foster respect and cooperation with the places cruise lines visit.

In collaboration with local communities, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in its 2020 Cruise Industry Outlook, the cruise industry is exploring new and creative ways to manage the flow of visitors and implement the highest standards of responsible tourism.

The five areas identified by the cruise industry in its industry outlook are: partnerships with local governments; staggered arrivals and departures; excursion diversification; shoreside power; and local passenger spending. Destination St. Maarten has a lot to offer, but we need to be innovative and enhancing our tours and offering authentic experiences. Together we can accomplish more than we have ever envisioned and 2020+ holds much opportunities for the local cruise sector, Port St. Maarten Management said on Tuesday.

Additional trends according to CLIA in 2020 are: cruise and stay, 65 per cent of cruise passengers spend a few extra days at embarkation or debarkation ports; the plastic-free passenger, more than eight of 10 cruise passengers recycle and reduce using single-use plastics while traveling, and seven out of 10 cruisers forego plastic straws; generation cruise positive, more than 66 per cent of Generation X and 71 per cent of Millennials have a more positive attitude about cruising compared to two years ago; lone cruisers, cruise lines are responding to a shift in passenger demographics by offering studio cabins, single-friendly activities, eliminating single supplements and solo-lounges; micro travel, where many cruise lines offer bite-sized cruises over a three-to-five day period offering incredible itineraries and travel to exciting destinations.
An Italian senate committee was set to vote Monday on whether former interior minister Matteo Salvini should stand trial for allegedly illegally detaining migrants at sea last year. "They'll have to find a very large courtroom, for it will be a trial against the Italian people," Salvini, head of the far-right League party, said on Facebook Sunday. A tribunal has recommended Salvini stand trial for blocking migrants on a coastguard boat last July. Under Italian law ministers cannot be tried for actions taken in office unless a parliamentary committee gives the go-ahead. Should the committee vote in favour, the trial would proceed and Salvini faces up to 15 years in jail if found guilty. Should it rule against, parliament will be called to give its opinion in a vote likely to be held in February, Italian media said. Salvini had refused to allow 131 rescued migrants off the Gregoretti coastguard boat until a deal was reached with other European states to host them. A Catania court accused him of an "abuse of power" in blocking those saved on board from July 27 to July 31. Salvini insists that was not an individual decision, but one backed by the government and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Prosecutors in Sicily opened a probe into conditions on board the boat, where migrants shared one toilet between them. - 'Head held high' - This is the second time the League leader has risked trial over detaining migrants. Last year a court ruled that he should be tried for preventing 177 migrants from disembarking the Diciotti coastguard ship, but Italy's senate voted to defend his parliamentary immunity. Salvini called on League senators Sunday to vote in favour of the trial, "so we can clear this up once and for all". His opponents have accused him of using the incident to win support ahead of a key regional election by portraying himself as a man hounded by the government and law courts merely for doing his job. The then-interior minister's "closed ports" policy, aimed at stopping migrant arrivals from war-torn Libya, saw his popularity numbers shoot up. Italy has long complained it has been abandoned by Europe to deal with migrant arrivals alone. "If I have to go to jail for defending an idea, I'll go with my head held high," Salvini told a rally in the region of Emilia Romagna. The region, a traditional stronghold of the left, goes to the ballots on Sunday, pitting the ruling coalition parties -- the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and anti-establishment Five Star movement (M5S) -- against the League. Salvini's anti-immigrant party has a strong lead in national polls and is betting on a victory in Emilia Romagna being damaging enough to collapse the government and spark elections.
Two arrests have been made in connection with an FBI-seized site that gave some 12 billion personal credentials to cybercriminals.

Following an international investigation, the online website WeLeakInfo was seized and shut down by the FBI on Jan. 15 after the agency found it sold private user data from 10,000 data breaches.

Two 22-year-old men from the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, believed to be heavily involved in the operation, were arrested last week.

One was arrested in the eastern Dutch city of Arnhem, after a police raid on his home, following a tip-off by a Dutch cybercrime unit working with Britains National Crime Agency, the FBI, and the German police.

The suspect is involved in possessing and offering stolen usernames and passwords and has a facilitating role when it comes to cybercrime, Dutch police said.

The second suspect was arrested in the town of Fintona on suspicion of fraud and serious criminal offenses, Dutch police said in a statement.

Police said professional equipment found during the Arnhem raid made it possible to sell the suspects offered services via WeLeakInfo.

The domain for WeLeakInfo has since been redirected to a notice of seizure (NOS), which reads: This domain has been seized by the FBI in conjunction with the other European law enforcement agencies.

The seized site allegedly contained billions of leaks and stolen passwords siphoned from around 10,300 breaches around the world, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The stolen data includes information from popular websites and apps such as LinkedIn and MyFitnessPal.

The stolen information was organized into a searchable database that allowed users, who paid subscription fees starting from $2 a day, to look up someones email address. From there, users can access linked phone numbers, usernames, passwords, and IP addresses.

The site claimed its services were a legitimate method to carry out security research, reported Engadget.

In theory, you could search hundreds or even thousands of leaked passwords to try and gain access to peoples emails, their social media, and other accounts, the NOS said.

The siphoned data was then used in further cyberattacks in the U.S., Germany, and the UK, British authorities said.

The two suspects were also believed to have made over 200,000 ($261,000) from data sales on WeLeakInfo.

Dutch police said that the investigation, which began in August 2019, is still ongoing,

For that reason, more specific information cannot be shared, police said, reported NL Times.

Andrew Shorrock, senior investigating officer at the NCA, said the seized website had become an extremely valuable part of a cybercriminal toolkit.

Cybercrime is a threat that crosses borders, and therefore, close international collaboration is crucial to tackling it, he continued.

These arrests have resulted in the seizure of the sites data, which included 12 billion personal credentials, and so work is continuing by law enforcement to mitigate these and notify the sites that were breached, he said.

AFP contributed to this report.
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On Tuesday, his lawyers said they doubted the truth of the allegations, and questioned how the connections would not have been uncovered during the months of vetting that he endured before being granted a visa to enter the United States.

I find it really hard to believe that something that obvious slipped by the Department of State for a year, said Kerry Doyle, one of the lawyers.

Mr. Dehghani had previously spent two years studying at the University of Massachusetts and at least a semester at Northeastern University. He had returned to Iran in 2018 to spend time with his family, his lawyers said.

In interviews with 10 of the Iranian students who have been removed since August, many said that their visas had taken months to be processed, and that they had spent their entire savings, or taken out loans, to pay for plane tickets, entrance exams and university applications.

Even after crossing those hurdles, many said, they had been humiliated during the process of being vetted at airports, by being walked around by armed guards. One of the students said he was forced to wear handcuffs and leg cuffs.

Some of the students said they were brought to small, cell-like rooms with threadbare furniture and mattresses, and were not told how long they would have to stay there. They were not allowed to speak to family members or lawyers until they had arrived in other countries for layovers en route to Iran.

One young man named Amin, who asked to be identified by his first name to avoid jeopardizing his chances of being admitted to study in another country, said he was on his way to start a Ph.D. program at the University of Florida on Jan. 1 when he was pulled aside by an officer at the airport in Atlanta. The officer took him to a room for questioning while his suitcase and cellphone were searched by other officers in a separate room.
The agency will work with Parfait to strengthen its brand image and positioning in the digital space while providing a decisive and dynamic strategy for brand building and

Media Moments, a leading marketing communication consultancy that delivers integrated communications services to some of the best Indian and global companies, today announced the appointment as the communication partner for Parfait, the global size-inclusive lingerie brand. This is Media Moments second stint with the brand. Agency also partnered with the brand during its launch in 2018.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, United States Parfait is a global size inclusive lingerie brand that serves women across 20 plus countries through its 700 stores and online stores Worldwide. The brand made its debut in India in 2018 that was planned and conceptualised by Media Moments

On association with Media Moments Akhil Srivastava Managing Director at Parfait said We plan to scale Parfait as a leading lingerie brand that is dedicated to helping women find the perfect fit with our expansive range of sizes. As a brand, we advocate a customers first fundamentals and are passionate about delivering enhanced shopping experience to Indian women. We found a similar passion in Media Moments who perfectly understood this need. Their in-depth knowledge of the e-commerce domain, customer understanding and expertise in new age marketing makes them perfect partners.

Media Moments will work with Parfait to strengthen its brand image and positioning in the digital space while providing a decisive and dynamic strategy for brand building and also support in managing corporate reputation both online & offline along with media relations.

Sandeep Sreekumar Managing Director, Media Moments, said We are delighted to win this impressive mandate. The lingerie industry is gaining momentum in India and Parfait is placed in a very interesting category. In Parfait, we have found a perfect partner who also aims to break the mould with its unique approach and understands the power of integrated marketing. We are confident our unique digital offering based on brand vision will delightfully engage and encourage India women to enjoy a closer relationship with the brand.

Headquartered in Bangalore Headquartered in Bangalore, Media Moments has been recognized as one of the leading communication agencies in India offering cutting-edge marketing and communication services to many new as well as established brands from different sectors not only in India but also in many other countries.

Talking about the expansion plan of the Media Moments Preeti Pandey Head Business and Strategy at Media Moments said 

We are delighted to partner with Parfait once again. With this win, Media Moments has added another marquee brand to its growing portfolio of brands in the North. As communications become more integrated, we are confident Media Moments will be at the forefront of servicing both brands and their customers to connect better and enjoy stronger relationships. We are confident our strategic approach will definitely help drive a lot of meaning full visibility for the brand. We look forward to working together in amplifying the brands story to the next level.

Over the last 10 years, the agency has built a very strong expertise in integrated marketing. The portfolio already includes has a host of premium/ luxury brands in lifestyle/ FMCG/fashion/automobile/healthcare and start-up segment. Media Moments believes that a deep understanding of how to create and execute a hybrid communication plan on both offline and online that encompasses Creative/Social/PR /Digital/Offline media channels equips them to be a valued partner. They have successfully counselled brands like Aditya Birla Group, Myntra, VLCC, Max Fashion, Reliance Trends, One Plus, Blackberrys Menswear W for Women, LOccitane , TCL.

Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
On Monday, for the second time in three days, President Donald Trump tweeted support as thousands of gun-rights activists, many of them carrying semi-automatic weapons, descended on Virginias capital, Richmond. The protest was to denounce mild gun control measures moving through the Democratic-controlled state legislature.

According to Virginias public safety secretary, some 6,000 protesters passed through airport-style checkpoints to listen to an hour of speeches within the fenced-off State Capitol grounds, where Governor Ralph Northam had imposed a ban on guns and other weapons under a state of emergency he declared last Wednesday.

Gun-rights supporters demonstrate in front of the state Capitol in Richmond, Va., Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 (AP Photo - Steve Helber)

Thousands more people, many wearing camouflage and bullet-proof vests and carrying military-grade weapons, rallied in the streets of Richmond just beyond the secured Capitol grounds. News reports estimated the total turnout in the tens of thousands. Demonstrators chanted We will not comply! and circulated petitions demanding the ouster of Northam.

Over 100 localities in Virginia have declared themselves to be Second Amendment sanctuaries. Officials in these sanctuaries have pledged not to enforce any gun control measures passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Northam.

The crowd outside the secured perimeter on Monday included a number of armed militia groups that mobilized in force for the event.

Northam, a Democrat, had cited credible intelligence that neo-Nazis were planning to join the pro-gun rally and incite something similar to the August 2017 Unite the Right march in Charlottesville, Virginia. That rally ended with the murder of 32-year-old anti-fascist counter-demonstrator Heather Heyer by a neo-Nazi.

Demonstrators march after the pro-gun rally Monday in Richmond, Virginia (AP Photo - Julio Cortez)

At the Charlottesville event, fascists giving Nazi salutes and chanting The Jews will not replace us! and Blood and soil marched in a torchlight parade through the campus of the University of Virginia. Following the event and the death of Heyer, Trump declared that the far-right marchers included very fine people.

Last Thursday, one day after Northams state of emergency declaration, federal authorities announced the arrest of three members of the neo-Nazi group The Base, who were heavily armed and allegedly planning to carry out a violent provocation at the Richmond rally. The following day they announced the arrest of at least three more members of the group.

That day, Trump tweeted full support for the impending right-wing rally, writing: Your 2nd 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. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020. Thank you Dems!

Just before the scheduled start of the rally on Mondaythe day of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday and the eve of the substantive start of his Senate impeachment trialTrump retweeted his full support, declaring: The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Dont let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!

These interventions are part of Trumps response to impeachment and his strategy for the 2020 elections and beyond. He is relying not only on his legal defense in the Senate trial, but is deliberately inciting violence against his political opponents and seeking to instigate the growth of a fascist movement in the US. In a series of campaign speeches and Twitter posts, he has labeled the Democrats as far-left radicals and socialists and denounced them as traitors. He has stepped up this fascistic agitation since his order to assassinate Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani earlier this month.

This agitation is having a predictable impact. Over the weekend, Lee Carter, a Democratic state legislator, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, announced that he was going to an undisclosed location to work on Monday instead of the Capitol building, because he and his family had received multiple death threats.

In the event, the rally on Monday, though right-wing and pro-Trump, did not have the openly neo-Nazi character of Charlottesville. Under conditions of a heavy police presence, including the deployment of snipers on rooftops and a ban in airspace near the Capitol, the crowd dispersed quickly after the speeches, which were given by Republican state politicians, prominent gun-rights spokespeople and some local sheriffs.

Over the weekend, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, a pro-gun control group, canceled its annual vigil and lobbying day, scheduled to begin later in the day on Monday, out of fear of violent attack at the hands of militia elements and fascists.

No violence or arrests were reported at the rally. The police, generally sympathetic to the demonstrators, gave them free rein to parade around with their assault rifles and other gear. The fact, however, that the event went off peacefully does not diminish the threat to the working class and to democratic rights represented by the mobilization of far-right and politically confused elements on the basis of militarism, extreme individualism and national chauvinism.

One incident that highlighted the politically sinister character of the event was Alex Jones, the pro-Trump, right-wing talk radio host, driving an armored vehicle toward Capitol Square in the run-up to the rally.

The juxtaposition of the Richmond rally and the Senate impeachment trial of Trump underscores the absence of any democratic content in the Democrats impeachment drive.

Over the weekend, the Democratic House managers, who will serve as prosecutors during the proceedings, released their brief against Trump. It reiterates the charge that Trump betrayed the country and undermined US national security by temporarily withholding $391 million in military aid to Ukraine. He then allegedly used the withheld arms package as leverage to pressure the Ukrainian government to announce a corruption investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

This, according to the Democrats, was an attempt to secure Ukrainian interference in the 2020 elections against a possible Trump rival, Joe Bidena repeat of the supposed conspiracy between Trump and Russian President Putin against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The Democrats are not seeking to remove Trump from office, or at least rein him in, over his very real attacks on democratic rights, his promotion of fascist violence, his illegal assassination of a high-ranking Iranian official, his destruction of the right to asylum and persecution of immigrants, his unconstitutional appropriation of Pentagon funds to build his border wall with Mexico or his repeated threats to remain in office regardless the outcome of either the impeachment trial or the 2020 vote.

Instead, they are trying him in the Senate over foreign policy differences centering on his ostensible softness toward Russia, and specifically because he is seen to be disrupting longstanding plans to use Ukraine as a staging ground for war against Moscow.

In its brief in response to the Democrats, Trumps defense team asserts the authoritarian conception of the unitary executive to essentially argue that the president is not subject to any form of control by Congress or the courts.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the UKs Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed on consolidating efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement in Libya that involves all aspects, El-Sisis spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement on Tuesday.

El-Sisi met with Johnson at 10 Downing Street; the president is in London to attend the British governments UK-Africa investment summit.

El-Sisi and Johnson held closed bilateral talks, followed by a meeting with the delegations of the two countries, during which British premier stressed his keenness on enhancing bilateral relations with Egypt, and said that "Britain counts on Egypt's central and active role as a mainstay of stability in the Middle East and Africa," Rady said.

The two sides agreed to boost "joint Egyptian-British efforts, with the aim of settling the situation in Libya in a comprehensive and integrated manner that addresses all aspects of the Libyan crisis."

The two officials were among world leaders who attended an international summit on Libya in Berlin earlier this week, where key players active in Libya committed to abide by an existing UN arms embargo and stop sending weapons to the North African country.

The country is divided between two rival factions, the Tripoli-based govenment in the west and the eastern forces aligned with military commander Khalifa Haftar.

During his talks with Johnson, the Egyptian president stressed that his country is "looking forward to maximising bilateral cooperation [with the UK] in the coming period, and enhancing political and security coordination and exchanging visions on various issues of mutual interest.

El-Sisi also said Cairo is looking to boost economic ties with Britain, for more involvement from the UK in its development projects and for more UK investments in Egypt, against the backdrop of the recent reforms aimed at enhancing the countrys investment climate.

The pair also discussed ways of enhancing coordination efforts on countering illegal migration and terrorism, the statement added.

Earlier on Tuesday, El-Sisi met with Prince William, and the pair discussed boosting economic and trade ties and strengthening mutual cooperation, mainly in the fields of tourism and education.

El Sisi arrived in London on Sunday to participate in the three-day investment summit, which kicked off on Monday.

The UK is providing over 50 million between 2016 and 2020, to support Egypts continued stability and prosperity, in addition to guaranteeing a $150 million World Bank loan to Egypt. Support focuses on inclusive economic growth, education and youth, social development, and regional cooperation. This includes 12 million to support Egypts basic education reforms, targeting marginalised communities, a statement by Egypts Ministry of International Cooperation on UK-Egypt cooperation said.

The UK will continue its support for inclusive economic growth, youth, and social development. The UK is today announcing a further 13 million for Egypt to promote inclusive economic growth by supporting the business environment and the most marginalised. The UK will also provide 3 million to support financial inclusion and up to 8m to tackle youth unemployment in Egypt by improving the quality and diversity of higher education in Egypt, it added.

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DARIEN, Conn., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Donald Trump Jr.'s latest hunting escapade in Mongolia, where he shot a rare Argali sheep and received the permit to do so only after the kill signals that it is more than time for New York State -- the biggest port of entry for wildlife trophies -- to take steps towards ending this cruel industry and support legislation before the General Assembly.

From 2005 to 2014, 159,144 animals were imported into New York as trophiesincluding 1,541 lions; 1,130 elephants and 83 pairs of tusks; 1,169 leopards, and 110 white rhinos and 3 pairs of horns.

The New York State Senate passed the Big 5 African Trophies Act last year that would ban the importation, possession, sale or transportation of the trophies of African lions, leopards, elephants, and black and white rhinos and their body parts throughout New Yorkall threatened and endangered species. Now the New York State Assembly needs to act.

While permits from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency to hunt threatened and endangered species and import the body parts of the animals killed overseas are supposed to regulate the industry to ensure a species' survival, the truth is obtaining the permits are often a matter of political influence. And studies show that less than 3 percent of revenues from trophy hunting return to African communities for wildlife protection.

New York City Councilman Keith Powers has introduced a resolution supporting the state trophy ban legislation. The council should approve it and the state Assembly should act in its upcoming session to end the imports here.

"The only difference between 'illegal' poachers and trophy hunters with permits is wealth and political connections,'' said FoA President Priscilla Feral. "It's time for New York to end an industry that is contributing to the rapid decline of Africa's most persecuted and beloved species."

Friends of Animals, an international animal protection organization founded in N.Y. in 1957 and headquartered in Darien, CT, advocates for the rights of free-living and domestic animals. FoA is proud to be a woman-founded and -led organization for more than 60 years.

SOURCE Friends of Animals, Inc.

Related Links

www.friendsofanimals.org


Fast-bowler Ishant Sharma is doubtful for Indias upcoming tour of New Zealand after he sustained an injury during Delhis Ranji Trophy clash against Vidarbha on Monday. Ishants sustained the injury while appealing for a leg-before against Vidarbha skipper Faiz Fazal. The speedster twisted his ankle while back pedalling and was seen wincing in pain.

Also Read: Dhawan ruled out of New Zealand T20I series due to shoulder injury - Report

Ishant has suffered a Grade 3 tear on his right ankle after falling on the pitch during the Ranji clash and he will be out for at least six weeks. This could see him miss the two-match Test series against New Zealand which begins on February 21. The 96-Test veteran underwent an MRI after Mondays play, the report of which came on Tuesday.

Also Read: Sehwag on KL Rahul as WK, reveals difference in Dhoni & Kohlis management

Ishants injury is another blow for India ahead of their tour of New Zealand as earlier, an ESPN Cricinfo report suggested that opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series due to the shoulder injury he suffered during the third ODI against Australia.

Dhawan fell awkwardly while diving to save a run during the match in Bengaluru and he did not come out to bat during the run chase. He did appear for the post match celebrations but with a sling around his arm.

Also Read: Rohit trolls Chahal on collage with The Rock with hilarious caption

Dhawan made a brilliant comeback in the series against Australia as he scored 96 and 74 in the first two matches. He looked in good touch against the Aussie bowlers and this injury will be a big concern for the left-hander.

((With inputs from Khurram Habib))
The Congress on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah of spreading nine lies about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying the link between the two cannot be denied.

Their (Modi and Shah) first lie is that CAA is not discriminatory. The Constitution has five provisions for citizenship of India and religion is not mentioned anywhere. The Citizenship Act of 1955 also contains the same provisions, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said. Their second lie is that CAA has no connection with NRC. In April 2019, Shah said CAB will come first, followed by NRC... Third lie  Modi said on December 22, 2019 that there was no discussion on NRC... in the Presidents address to Parliament on June 20, the NRC implementation was announced.

Fourth lie  The process of NRC was neither notified nor is it legal... when NRC was adopted in 2003, Article 14 (a) mentions it as being legal... Fifth lie - NRC is yet to begin. NRC commencement notification has been issued effective April 1. Sixth lie  National Population Register (NPR) has no relation with NRC. The home ministrys report 2018-19 stated that NPR is the first step to implement NRC. Seventh lie  No Indian needs to be scared. Family members of ex-President Fakhruddin wasnt named in NRC...

Eighth lie  Modi said that there is no detention centre in the country... 988 people are imprisoned in 6 detention centres in Assam alone... And the ninth lie - no force was used against demonstrators. 28 people died in UP alone... The BJP government is lying, alleged Sibal.
PARMA, Ohio -- Looking for something fun to do during a wintry weekend? St. Francis de Sales Parish in Parma will have its annual Winter Fest this weekend (Jan. 25-26) in the parish cafeteria, 3434 George Ave., Parma.

Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 25) and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 26).

Stancatos will serve a catered dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The menu will feature chicken, au gratin potatoes, vegetable medley, bread sticks, salad, dessert, coffee and punch. Beer, wine, bottled water and soft drinks can be purchased for an additional fee. Pre-sale dinner tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children 10 and younger. Call 440-884-2319 for tickets or information.

The Boy Scouts will serve and prepare the food on Sunday, including hot dogs, pizza, sausage sandwiches, chips and coffee. Beer, wine, bottled water and soft drinks will be available for purchase. There also will be a chili cook-off and a bake sale.

The festival includes 50/50 sideboards, a Chinese auction, games of chance for those 21 and older -- money wheel, dice wheel and 50/50 card draw and tear -- plus toys and treats and gifts n gadgets booths. Childrens games will be available from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The grand prize drawing will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, with a $1,000 grand prize. Sideboard and auction prizes will be announced at 3:10 p.m. Sunday.

For more information on the festival, visit stfrancisdesales-church.org.

Information sessions: The American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio will have two information sessions for prospective volunteers at the regional headquarters, 3747 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

The sessions will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 25 and Feb. 29. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

The Red Cross is looking to increase its volunteer teams in Disaster and Blood Services. Red Cross officials said there is a critical need for local disaster response, blood drive and transportation specialist volunteers.

The sessions will explain why Red Cross volunteers are so passionate, share ways that volunteers can make a difference, allow attendees to ask questions of current Red Cross volunteers and provide an opportunity for prospective volunteers to complete an application.

To RSVP for one of the information sessions, contact Gail Wernick at 216-431-3328 or gail.wernick@redcross.org.

Snow tubing benefit: The Parma City Schools Foundation will have a benefit snow tubing event from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Polar Blast, 1146 W. Highland Road, Northfield.

Cost is $23 per tubing ticket for the three-hour session. Participants must register online at https://bmbw.wufoo.com/forms/zik7ml81irgy0a/.

For more information, call Nancy Fedek at 440-655-8224 or Richard Meeks at 440-897-4113.

Pasta, please: The seventh annual Support Our Schools Spaghetti Dinner will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 25) in the Brooklyn High School cafeteria, 9200 Biddulph Road, Brooklyn.

Spaghetti, salad, roll, dessert, water, coffee and juice will be served. Cost is $10.

There also will be a 50/50 raffle, baskets and door prizes.

Tickets are available at school offices and the Board of Education office.

Senior classes: The Encore Campus Fridays program begins Friday (Jan. 24) at the Western Campus of Cuyahoga Community College. The seven-week program is offered every Friday through March at 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma. It is designed to enrich the minds and lives of those 55 and older. The 50-minute classes take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A seven-week spring session will take place beginning March 20 at Tri-Cs Western Campus.

The overall course catalog at Western Campus features more than 50 options on a variety of subjects, including art, cinema, computers, history, music, religion, science, yoga and more. Classes are taught by Tri-C faculty, retired educators and subject experts.

The popular program also is offered at Eastern Campus in Highland Hills and Westshore Campus in Westlake.

Visit tri-c.edu/encore for more information or to register for Encore Campus Fridays. Potential students can also call 216-987-2274 for information.

Movie and discussion: Frontlines Separated: Children at the Border will be screened at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Parma-Snow Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, 2121 Snow Road, Parma.

The film will be followed by a discussion on issues surrounding immigration and how we are affected. Refreshments will be served.

Free tickets are available on the Facebook event page of the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network, facebook.com/events/505939776709598/. Or send an email message to immigrantneohio@gmail.com or call 216-220-7160.

The film shows the inside story of what happened to immigrant children separated from their parents at the border. It also explores the impact of the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy and how both the Trump and Obama administrations dealt with minors at the border.

The event is sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network. For more information, contact Don Bryant at 216-220-7160 or immigrantneohio@gmail.com.

Information, please: Readers are invited to share information about themselves, their families and friends, organizations, church events, etc. in Brooklyn, Independence, Parma, Parma Heights and Seven Hills for the Sun Postings column, which I write on a freelance basis. Awards, honors, milestone birthdays or anniversaries and other items are welcome. Submit information at least 10 days before the requested publication date to carolkovach@hotmail.com.

Read more from the Parma Sun Post.
Democrats call the proposal a national disgrace, say they will propose votes to try to amend rules package.

The United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday proposed a condensed, two-day calendar for each side to give opening statements in President Donald Trumps impeachment trial, ground rules that are raising objections from Democrats on the eve of the landmark proceedings.

The Republican leader outlined the process in a four-page resolution that will be voted on as one of the first orders of business when senators convene on Tuesday. It also pushes off any votes on witnesses until later in the process, rather than upfront, as Democrats demanded.

McConnell has been angling for a speedy trial towards the acquittal of the charges against the president, and the closely held rules package arrived on Monday after Trumps legal team asserted in a legal brief that he did absolutely nothing wrong, urging the Senate to swiftly reject the flimsy and rigged impeachment case against him.

With Republicans holding the Senate majority, McConnells proposal is likely to be approved by senators in the presidents party.

The Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, called the Republican leaders proposed rules package a national disgrace.

Its clear Senator McConnell is hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through, Schumer said. He promised to propose votes to try to amend the package.

White House welcomes resolution

The rules package arrived late on Monday as Capitol Hill was bracing for the start of the trial.

After the four days of opening statements  two days per side  senators will be allowed up to 16 hours for questions to the prosecution and defence, followed by four hours of debate. Only then will there be votes on calling other witnesses.

In the rare event that senators agree to call witnesses, the rules propose that any witness must be deposed and the Senate would then decide which ones, if any, would testify in public.

At the end of deliberations, the Senate would then vote on each impeachment article.

Trump waves before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House [Alex Brandon/AP Photo]

The White House welcomed the proposal for a speedy trial.

We are gratified that the draft resolution protects the presidents rights to a fair trial, and look forward to presenting a vigorous defence on the facts and the process as quickly as possible, and seeking an acquittal as swiftly as possible, said White House Legislative Affairs Director Eric Ueland.

In a brief from Trumps lawyers, they argued he did absolutely nothing wrong and urged the Senate to swiftly reject the flimsy case.

All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn, the lawyers wrote. The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted.

Demands for fair trial

The 110-page brief from the White House, plus the House Democratic response, come as the Senate could be facing 12-hour sessions for the rare trial taking place in an election year, with some of the very senators running to replace Trump as president sitting as jurors. Democrats warned that such a plan would almost certainly push the proceedings into hours when Americans may not be watching.

With security tightening at the Capitol, the House prosecutors made their way through crowds of tourists in the Rotunda to tour the Senate chamber. The White House legal team led by Pat Cipollone and Jay Sekulow soon followed, both sides under instructions to keep the chamber doors closed to onlookers and the media. Four TV monitors were set up inside to show testimony, exhibits and potentially tweets or other social media, according to a person familiar with the matter but unauthorised to discuss it who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Senators are poised for only the third trial of its kind in US history, but first, they must contend with a rules fight and whether to allow new witnesses.

In their own filing Monday, House prosecutors issued fresh demands for a fair trial in the Senate.

President Trump asserts that his impeachment is a partisan hoax. He is wrong, the prosecutors wrote.

The House Democrats led by Chairman Adam Schiff of the Intelligence Committee said the president cannot have it both ways  rejecting the facts of the House case but also stonewalling congressional subpoenas for witnesses and testimony. Senators must honour their own oaths by holding a fair trial with all relevant evidence, they wrote.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking during a news conference to announce impeachment managers on Capitol Hill in Washington [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]

The White House document released on Monday says the two articles of impeachment brought against the president  abuse of power and obstruction of Congress  do not amount to impeachable offences. It asserts that the impeachment inquiry centered on Trumps request that Ukraines president opens an investigation into Democratic rival Joe Biden was never about finding the truth.

The impeachment case accuses Trump of abusing power by withholding military aid from Ukraine at the same time as he was seeking an investigation into Biden and obstructing Congress by instructing administration officials not to appear for testimony or provide documents, defying congressional subpoenas.

In a brief filed earlier, House Democrats called Trumps conduct the worst nightmare of the framers of the constitution.

President Donald J Trump used his official powers to pressure a foreign government to interfere in a United States election for his personal political gain, the House prosecutors wrote, and then attempted to cover up his scheme by obstructing Congresss investigation into his misconduct.

But Trumps team contended on Monday that even if Trump were to have abused his power in withholding the Ukraine military assistance, it would not be impeachable because it did not violate a specific criminal statute.

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The presidents team issued several opinions from the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel to back up its claims and support its position that it had not illegally defied Congress.

While the Senate, with a 53-47 Republican majority, is not at all expected to mount the two-thirds vote needed for conviction, the presidents lawyers went so far as to suggest such an outcome would be an unconstitutional conviction because of the overly broad articles of impeachment from the House.

The Trump team claims that the constitution requires that senators agree on the specific basis for conviction and that there is no way to ensure that the senators agree on which acts are worthy of removal because a single count contains multiple allegations.

Administration officials have argued that similar imprecision applied to the perjury case in the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, who was acquitted by the Senate.

Trumps lawyers accused Democrats of diluting the standards for impeachment, an argument that echoed the case made Sunday by one of Trumps attorneys, Alan Dershowitz, who contended in talk shows that impeachable offences must be criminal-like conduct.

That assertion has been rejected by scholars, and Schiff called it an absurdist position.

The White House also suggests the House inquiry was lacking because it failed to investigate Biden or his son Hunter, who served on the board of a gas company in Ukraine while his father was vice president. There is no evidence of wrongdoing by either Biden.
Libya has been torn by civil war since longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi was killed in an uprising in 2011 following a NATO-led bombing campaign.



The conflict has descended into a proxy war as regional and international powers jostle to secure their own interests in the oil-rich North African nation.



The escalating war has hastened international efforts -- including a major conference hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on January 19 -- to reach a political reconciliation, although the prospects of peace appear far off.



Escalating Violence



Libya has been divided since 2011. The countrys west is ruled by the internationally recognized and UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) in the capital, Tripoli. Eastern Libya is run by a self-declared administration based in the city of Tobruk that is backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.



A former general, Haftar has portrayed himself as a figure who can restore stability and combat the Islamist militants that have grown in influence in the lawless country. His critics accuse him of carrying out a coup and wanting to create a military dictatorship.



In 2014, Haftar assembled former Qaddafi soldiers and, after a three-year battle, seized the main eastern city of Benghazi. He also captured the south with its crucial oilfields.

In April, Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army launched an offensive against the Tripoli-based government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. Haftar's forces have been unable to reach central Tripoli but have gradually advanced to its suburbs.



The clashes around Tripoli have killed more than 280 civilians and some 2,000 fighters, while at least 140,000 people have been displaced, according to United Nations figures released in December.



Internationalized Conflict



Since NATO pulled back from Libya following its 2011 intervention, a host of regional players have looked to fill the vacuum, providing military support to their local proxies.



Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt have backed the 76-year-old Haftar, a former ally of Qaddafi.



The United Arab Emirates has deployed jets and drones to aid Haftar. Russia has sent weapons, while there has been an influx of hundreds of mercenaries allegedly from the Kremlin-linked Vagner private security firm. Moscow has denied sending private mercenaries to support Haftar. With greater support from Russia, Haftars forces have made a renewed push to seize control of Tripoli.



There are also up to 3,000 mercenaries from Sudan, Niger, and Chad fighting for Haftar.



Established by the UN in 2016, the GNA is officially supported by the United States and other Western countries. But practically, Tripolis only foreign backer is Turkey, which has provided armored vehicles and drones to Sarraj.



Addressing the imbalance on the battlefield, Ankara this month sent dozens of military advisers to Tripoli and has deployed up to 2,000 Syrian fighters to support the government.



Russia-Turkey Proxy War



Moscow and Ankara have become the two most active international players in Libya.



Russia has condemned Turkeys decision to increase its military assistance to the Tripoli government. Meanwhile, Ankara has slammed the presence of Russia-linked mercenaries in Libya.



The result, Gareth Jenkins, an Istanbul-based political analyst said, was an increasingly overt Russia-Turkey proxy war in Libya.



There is a danger that Turkish military personnel embedded with GNA units could be wounded, killed, or captured in clashes with Russian-supported LNA units and the growing number of Moscow-supported Russian mercenaries in Libya, said Jenkins.

Wolfram Lacher, a Libya expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, said Turkeys military intervention is likely to aggravate the conflict.



Its possible that Haftars foreign backers will respond to Turkeys increasing intervention by boosting their assistance to Haftar [and] escalating the war further, Lacher said.



Competing Economic Interests



Turkey has allied itself with the GNA to advance its strategic and commercial interests, analysts said.



In November, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sarraj signed a military cooperation agreement and a separate deal on maritime boundaries that would give Turkey drilling and pipeline rights over a large swath of the Mediterranean Sea between the countries. The deal has been widely criticized.



Large reserves of gas have been discovered in the eastern Mediterranean and Erdogan has said he envisages joint energy-exploration activities with Libya there.



Libya, which has a long Mediterranean coastline, controls vast oil reserves and produces 1.3 million barrels a day despite the war.

Ankaras tensions with Egypt, which is run by the military, is viewed as another reason for Turkeys troop deployment. Erdogan was an ardent backer of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood government that was overthrown by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in 2013.



Erdogan believes that he needs the GNA to survive in order to try to legitimize Ankaras claims to natural gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean, said Jenkins. This agreement is designed not only to try to legitimize Ankaras natural gas claims but to create a barrier to Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel jointly exporting eastern Mediterranean gas to Europe.



Jalel Harchaoui of the Clingendael Institute in The Hague said Russia viewed Libya as a "commercial" but also "geostrategic and symbolic" opportunity.



He said Russias involvement in Libya permitted Moscow to counter NATO and EU influence in North Africa and illustrate that it can succeed where the West had failed.
Alison MacKenzie, 43, had been on an overnight excursion with Raggamuffin Catamaran tour that left on January 17th to Rendezvous Caye. She was reported missing on Saturday

Authorities in Belize are searching for an Arizona mother who vanished over the weekend while out on an excursion with her boyfriend.

Alison MacKenzie, 43, had been on an overnight excursion with Raggamuffin Catamaran tour that left on January 17th to Rendezvous Caye. The tour was to be for two nights and three days.

Her family shared on Facebook that she disappeared from the small island - that is less than an acre - on early Saturday morning.

The woman's boyfriend has been identified as 58-year-old Paige Rote. The pair had come to Belize in December and intended to stay until May 2020, according to 7 News Belize.

'They arrived on the island on Friday and were camped in tents and she was last seen walking around the island around 10 pm,' Sr Supt. Hilberto Romero of the NCIB shared.

'On Saturday around 6am Paige Roth reported that when he woke up he could not find his girlfriend and he made this report to the boat captain who then conducted a search of the island and she was not found. Information is that she was drinking on Friday night.'

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Her family shared on Facebook that she disappeared from the small island - that is less than an acre. Her boyfriend reported her missing

The woman's boyfriend has been identified as 58-year-old Paige Rote. The pair had come to Belize in December and intended to stay until May 2020. The couple (front center) pictured with friends in Belize in December

Cherie MacKenzie - the woman's mother - shared on Facebook that the Belize Police, the American Embassy and the tour company worker were all working with the family to give them information pertaining to what happened.

Rote took to his own Facebook to offer insight as to what happened to Alison and shared that the Coast Guard was also looking for the mother. He also offered that the woman was lost at sea.

Rote took to his own Facebook to offer insight as to what happened to Alison and shared that the Coast Guard was also looking for the mother. He also offered that the woman was lost at sea

'The strongest conclusion this far is that she may have went in the water and swept away, or slupped into the sea off the sea wall during the night taking a midnight stroll' he said in a Facebook message.

He continued: 'The island is very small, barely over an acre (and) we scoured for any foul play and did a boat search as well in naval grid fashion.'

In a statement to Breaking Belize News, Raggamuffin Tours shared that is was 'cooperating fully with law enforcement officers' in the investigation.

'We have given the Belize Police Department comprehensive details of all passengers and met with our crew,' the tour group added in their statement. 'We are aware that extensive interviews have been conducted by the Police at Rendezvous Caye and in Caye Caulker.'

'We assure them that we will continue to do all in our power to assist law enforcement in their investigation into her disappearance.

Alison's mother shared that her daughter's disappearance has greatly impacted the whole family.

'My whole family is beyond devastated, it just doesn't seem real' Cherie concluded in her Facebook post. 'Her 2 daughters are past being consoled. They have lost their Mother and best friend.'

Alison's mother shared that her daughter's disappearance has greatly impacted the whole family
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 : Eight tourists from Kerala have been found dead in a hotel in Nepal, Union Minister for State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan confirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media, Muraleedharan said the tourists comprising two families of Thiruvananthapuram were reported dead in Daman in Nepal's Makwanpur district.

"The families of Renjith and Praveen have been reported dead. What has been informed is they died due to suffocation. Their bodies have now been brought to Kathmandu and will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram," said the minister.

Superintendent of Police, Makawanpur District Police Office, Sushil Singh Rathaur confirmed that the Indian nationals were pronounced dead on arrival at HAMS Hospital in Kathmandu, the Himalayan Times reported.

The eight Indian nationals, two couples and four children, were part of a group of 15 people who had travelled to Pokhara from Kerala, and were returning home. Police said on the way back they had stopped at Everest Panorama Resort in Daman.

According to the resort manager, the guests who arrived at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday from Pokhara were staying in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep warm. Although the group had booked a total of four rooms, eight of them stayed in a single room while the remaining in the other rooms, the manager said. He said all windows and the room door were bolted.

Police were informed of their unconscious state after other members of the group went to check on them this morning, the manager said.

Subsequently, a helicopter airlifted the eight tourists to hospital in Kathmandu where they were declared dead.
The much-anticipated 2020 elections are finally upon us. Over the next 10 months, voters across the country will be casting ballots that eventually decide who sits in the White House, which party controls Congress and who gets to make the laws in states and cities.

Important stuff. And the best way to have a say is to exercise your right to vote.

As Thomas Jefferson noted, We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.

How is that working for us?

Only about 56 percent of the U.S. voting-age population cast ballots in the 2016 presidential election, a slight increase compared with 2012 but still less than the more than 58 percent in the record year of 2008. But even that puts the United States well behind countries such as Belgium (87.2 percent), Sweden (82.6 percent) and South Korea (77.9 percent).

And if you want to complain that My vote doesnt count, remember that George W. Bush won Florida by only 537 votes over Al Gore in 2000 and Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by a combined 79,646 votes in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Thats less than 80,000 votes out of 136 million ballots cast.

Elections have consequences and voters decide elections. Or, to paraphrase Jefferson: Dont vote? Dont complain.

For Texans, this years electoral participation begins March 3 with a full slate of primary races that will set the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.

If you are not yet registered to vote, you have less than two weeks to get that done.

The good news is that the process is fairly simple. You just pick up or print out a registration application, fill it out, and return it to your county Voter Registrars office at least 30 days before the election date, which in this case is Feb. 3. If youre mailing it in, it must be postmarked by that date.

Early voting begins Feb. 18 and ends Feb. 28.

Most everything you need to know about the mechanics of voting  the when, what and where  can be found at the secretary of states websites, SOS.Texas.gov and VoteTexas.gov.

Houston-area voters will have plenty to participate in, including a record number of candidates running for congressional seats, challengers to incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, state House and Senate districts, judicial races, district attorney, sheriff, the State Board of Education and more.

The marquee race will be the Democratic presidential primary battle for the states 228 pledged delegates, which are awarded proportionately by vote totals.

Although the front-runner status may be in flux after earlier votes in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina, the Texas ballot will feature former Vice President Joe Biden, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg. The field also includes Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as well as Tom Steyer, Andrew Yang and Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Although they have already dropped out of the race, former U.S. housing secretary and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro will be listed along with New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and spiritual author Marianne Williamson.

The March 3 results could have a significant impact on the race with Texas part of a substantial "Super Tuesday" lineup with Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont and Virginia.

President Trump is expected to dominate on the Republican side of the ballot against a field that includes former Congressman Joe Walsh and former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld.

This is your first (but not last) reminder: Get out and vote. It's important.
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Linkedin Adrian Wail Akhlas (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020

The governments plan to establish its own sovereign wealth fund has raised questions regarding the source of funding, as well as how the fund is managed to ensure it does not suffer the same fate as Malaysias 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The funds establishment will be regulated in the anticipated omnibus bill on job creation, which is currently being drafted by the government.

A presentation shared by the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister on the omnibus bill revealed that the funds establishment was aimed at managing and allocating a sum of funding and/or state assets. The funds assets will be in the form of state capital injection, assets/business development returns, state-owned enterprise assets, grants and other defined sources.

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The Iraqi government will soon deploy a delegation to study the options available.

A senior Iraqi lawmaker announced on Monday that the country's government is exploring buying Russian, Chinese, or Ukrainian air defense systems, possibly in exchange for Iraqi oil shipments.

The initiative comes following the U.S. lethal airstrike in Baghdad early this month against Iranian Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani, CNS News reports.

Badr al-Ziyadi, a member of the Iraqi parliament's security and defense committee, told the As Sabah newspaper that Iraq plans on sending delegations to Russia, China, and Ukraine to inquire about purchasing advanced air defense systems.

"The delegations intend to visit such countries as Russia, China and Ukraine, to negotiate the purchase of modern systems to protect Iraq's airspace," he said. "The Iraqi parliament is right now forming a joint executive and legislative delegation to visit the developed countries and sign contracts on procuring advanced weapons."

Read alsoSerhiy Zgurets: Ukraine needs to form a new face of its defense industry, which will be clear to consumers and the Army

Ziyadi said Iraq could potentially pay for the weapons systems with oil shipments instead of cash.

"Many nations indicated [their] readiness to ship modern weapons to Iraq in exchange for oil," he said. "This is the best way to ensure the shipment of good weapons to Iraq without corruption and bribery."
Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has given a withering assessment of Donald Trumps speech at the World Economic Forum and said the president has misrepresented the economy and failed to address the problem of climate change.

In his speech to political and business leaders at Davos 2020, Mr Trump lauded a list of supposed achievements by his administration since taking office three years ago.

However, Mr Stiglitz immediately rejected the speech and argued that the characterisation of the economy is totally wrong.

He managed to say absolutely zero on climate change, the economist said, voicing frustration at the presidents failure to tackle climate issues beyond a commitment to join an initiative to plant a trillion trees worldwide.

Meanwhile, were going to roast.

Mr Stiglitz also reportedly handed out a sheet of statistics in the auditorium where the president was speaking which challenged Mr Trumps claims about the economy.

Donald Trump addresses the World Economic Forum at the congress centre in Davos: AFP via Getty Images

The president's speech this year was met with almost total silence from the crowd, unlike his speech in 2019, when he was met with occasional boos and laughter.

Climate change is a focal point of this year's meeting in Davos for political and business leaders.

Kenneth Rogoff, a prominent American economist, has suggested Mr Trump avoided talking about climate change because it was an unpopular topic for his administration.

He would have been booed if he said anything much about this [climate change] and I think he was being very careful not to get booed, Mr Rogoff said.

However, the academic added that he believes some of the presidents statements about the strength of the economy were true.

What's true is that the US economy has done well, he said.

It wasn't doing badly when he came in, that's not true, but I think it's done better than most of this group [the World Economic Forum] would have expected.

Factcheck rebuttal to Trump's speech at #Davos, by the Nobel economist Joseph Stiglitz, being handed out in the auditorium where Trump is speaking pic.twitter.com/XqCQtMFwqu  Sheridan Prasso (@SheridanAsia) January 21, 2020

Mr Trumps speech came as climate activist Greta Thunberg told leaders they were not doing enough to tackle the climate emergency.

Story continues

We need to start listening to the science, and treat this crisis with the importance it deserves, she said.

In reference to the presidents announcement that the US would join the one trillion trees initiative to help capture carbon dioxide from Earth's atmosphere, Greta added that planting trees was nowhere near enough to tackle the crisis.

Read more

Greta Thunberg and Trump exchange glares and veiled barbs at Davos
The Sacramento Bee editorial board on Monday delivered a blistering critique of Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), declaring in an editorial that voters in his congressional district deserve better.

The newspapers board dissected new explosive allegations that Nunes  the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee  and his staff contacted shadowy Ukrainian figures in an effort to betray American democracy.

Text messages released by the House Intelligence Committee last week reveal that a top Nunes aide named Derek Harvey  who served on Trumps National Security Council before he joined Nunes staff  sought direct contact with Ukrainian officials in an effort to smear former Vice President Joe Biden, the editorial explained.

The editorial said Nunes knew the Ukraine allegations were true because his office was involved in the same plot. But he used his position in Congress as a platform to spread lies and mislead the public by continually defending President Donald Trump, who the House last month impeached over the scandal.

Regardless of whether you lean Democratic or Republican, heres an undeniable fact: Nunes lied, the board wrote. He lied to the American people and to his own constituents about the Ukraine allegations, dismissing them although he knew they were true.

Devin Nunes has betrayed the truth, betrayed the trust of voters and, quite possibly, betrayed our country, the editorial concluded. We dont know exactly where this new evidence will lead, or what fate has in store for Nunes, but we do know this: The people of Californias 22nd congressional district deserve better.

Read the full editorial here.

Continue reading on HuffPost
The Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will attend the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday 22 January and Thursday 23 January 2020.

The Secretary General will be a panelist for the session The future of NATO.

Mr. Stoltenberg will also have meetings with different high level officials in attendance.

For additional information on the event, please consult the website of the World Economic Forum: http://www.weforum.org.

Media advisory

Thursday 23 January:

11.15 Plenary Session: The Future of NATO (session on the record)

The session will be webstreamed live on http://wef.ch/live.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)
NEW DELHI: A delegation of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protesters from Shaheen Bagh met Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal on Tuesday and agreed to allow all school buses and ambulances to pass through the area. The delegation, while agreeing that their ongoing anti-CAA protest, was causing inconvenience to common public, said that their protest will continue.

However, they told Delhi L-G that they were open to finding a solution to this issue. The anti-CAA protesters at the Shaheen Bagh have already allowed ambulances to pass through the area.

The leader of the delegation, Tasir Ahmed, said that they are "open to coming up with a solution" over the road blockage in light of their ongoing anti-CAA protests.

Ahmed stated that they will wait for an order from the Supreme Court due on Wednesday. They said that Delhi L-G had assured them that he convey their concerns to the Central government.

Live TV

Thousands of people, including women and children, are protesting for over a month at Shaheen Bagh and nearby Jamia Millia Islamia to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Act protests (CAA) and the National Register (NRC).

The Shaheen Bagh protest entered 38th day on Tuesday and the protestors are not willing to quit without a concrete result on the new Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The Delhi Police had earlier urged the protesters at Shaheen Bagh to unblock the road after parents of schoolchildren expressed "deep anxiety" in view of the forthcoming board examinations.

The police had made a similar appeal last week, asking agitators to unblock the Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch in "public interest".

The Delhi High Court had refused to intervene on the issue of removal of protestors and the onus was on the administration, said Mehmood Pracha, a lawyer. "The fight is not only about the CAA, but to save the Constitution. The government design is mischievous and it`s also targeting Dalits," Pracha said.
Australias large superannuation funds that hold more than $2 trillion in retirement savings are coming under increasing pressure to do more to help combat climate change, as bushfires continue to ravage the countryside.

Joey Alcock, Principal Consultant at Frontier Advisors, which advises funds on investments, said there is "no doubt that the scale and the magnitude of the bushfires and their impact on people, property and animals is adding to the climate debate".

Experts say the recent bushfires are going to spur super funds to be more active in trying to measure climate change risks. Credit:Wolter Peeters

Super funds have a fiduciary responsibility to the beneficiaries of the money being invested, Mr Alcock said.

We think the bushfires and other events like them are going to spur super funds to be more active in trying to identify and also measure the [climate change] risks," he said.
Sonys upcoming film, Morbius, is looking to cash in on the success of villain and anti-hero films. Success was had with Venom, and while Spider-Man is the production houses most significant asset, it would be remiss not to note just how potentially profitable the villains of Marvel could be, especially if they are woven into the existing MCU. There is a lot to be said about the Morbius trailer, and there is plenty of evidence that Morbius does exist within the MCU, at least on a surface level. While many of the easter eggs may have been placed to connect Spider-Man to both universes, Sony and Disney could easily make Morbius a crossover character. After all, there are plenty of ways to connect Morbius to the existing MCU, just based on his storyline in Marvel comics.

Spider-Man uses Morbius blood to cure himself

Spider-Man and Morbius have a pretty rich comic book history. In fact, the connection between Spider-Man and Morbius goes back to the 1970s when Morbius was first written into Spider-Man comics as a horror villain. Morbius travels from Greece and ends up meeting up with Spider-Man. The ensuing fight leads to Morbius running off, but Spider-Man and the Lizard tracking him down, using a serum made from his blood to cure Spider-Man, restoring him back to the two-armed superhero everyone knows and loves.

The history between Spider-Man and Morbius makes it perfectly viable for Morbius to show up in an upcoming Spider-Man flick. Although that doesnt appear to be in the cards right this second, the Morbius trailer certainly made it clear that the living vampire absolutely exists in Spider-Mans universe, giving fans all over the globe hope that the two will eventually end up on screen together.

Morbius is also connected to Blade

Eric Brooks, better known as Blade, actually owes some of his superpowers to Morbius. During a fight with Morbius, Brooks is bitten by the living vampire. In a weird twist of fate, Morbius scientifically created vampirism reacts to Brooks vampirism and actually helps him gain more strength. Morbius bite erases some of Brooks weaknesses and makes him the daywalker he is known to be in the Marvel world.

Morbius is more deeply connected to Brooks than that, though. A character, assumed to be Morbius, appears at the end of the 1998 version of Blade. Presumably, Brooks is set to do battle with Morbius at the end of the film, so it would make sense that Morbius would turn up in the reboot of the film. That wont be for a while, though. The new Blade wont be part of Marvels Phase 4. Instead, Blade will kick off Phase 5. Its expected to release in 2022, according to Screenrant. No word on whether Morbius will appear in that film has been released.

A Sinister Six flick could include Morbius

Industry experts insist that the Spider-Man movies are building up to a Sinister Six screen adaptation, although discussions on the concept are hypothetical at best. CinemaBlend argues that if a Sinister Six movie does end up happening, it will most likely develop on the Sony side of the universe.

In that universe, Morbius and Venom exist, and there are plans to craft two more villain films from the marvel properties Sony currently owns the rights to. Silver Sable and Black Cat have a storyline planned. While the film was initially slated for production by Columbia Studios in conjunction with Sony and Marvel, plans have since changed. Sony, however, still hopes to produce the film. A production date for that movie, however, has not yet been announced, according to Gizmodo.
Lee Wylie admitted bribery and theft and was sentenced to six years imprisonment

A former manager at the company responsible for installing fire alarms at Grenfell Tower has been jailed for six years for taking 800,000 in bribes.

Lee Wylie, an 88,000-a-year divisional director at Lakehouse Contractors Ltd, told sub-contractors they needed to pay 100 sweeteners to guarantee jobs or he would go elsewhere, Southwark Crown Court heard.

He helped secure contracts for Richard Lee, 35, Mark Middleton, 51, and Stephen Ellis, 51, while Leslie Ratty, 68, laundered tens of thousands of the corrupt payments through bank accounts.

Wylie, 47, also received 10,000 in bribes from Costas Polycarpous, 42, whose firm Polytech supplied emergency lighting, fire alarms and hard-wired smoke alarms to Lakehouse.

Prosecutor John Hardy said although Lakehouse had supplied the fire alarms at Grenfell this case is wholly unconnected to the tragic events which took place.

Wylie, of Basildon, Essex, used the money to splash out on luxury holidays, cars, watches, and even a specially made grandfather clock.

He admitted bribery and theft and was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

A whistleblower who reported fraud within Lakehouse in 2013 sparked an investigation by Hackney Homes, which provides social housing for the London borough.

The wrongdoing was referred by the council to the Metropolitan Police in July 2014.

Lakehouse had been sub-contracted by Hackney Homes to carry out a fire risk assessment on properties owned by the council.

In turn they sub-contracted companies including Spicers Carpentry, run by Ellis and Lee, and MJM Ltd, run by Middleton.

Judge Michael Gledhill, QC, said: One of Hackney Homes' principal contractors were Lakehouse Property Ltd, who are well known and respected.

Outsourcing for public services is a fact of life. Regrettably it also provides fertile ground for corrupt practices.

Those issuing contracts can demand bribes in return for the contracts and the contractors can overcharge for work not actually done.

Such malpractice can be easily covered up and is very difficult to detect.

This case shows starkly what can happen when public work is outsourced.

But senior management at Lakehouse became concerned about how the fire risk assessment was carried out.

Prosecutor John Hardy said although Lakehouse had supplied the fire alarms at Grenfell this case is wholly unconnected to the tragic events which took place

In August 2013, a further allegation came to light - that payment for work by subcontractors had been invoiced when no work had actually taken place, said prosecutor Mr Hardy.

Most of the invoices, totalling more than 800,000, went to a sham company called K & R consultants, which existed solely for accepting the money, the court was told.

The court heard that Ellis, Lee and Middleton paid out of reluctance and with no particular enthusiasm.

London Fire Brigade failed to learn from 2009 Lakanal House blaze that killed six and senior officers didn't understand risks of cladding despite training on the topic The Lakanal House fire in 2009 in Camberwell killed six people London Fire Brigade failed to learn from a fatal fire at a tower block in Camberwell eight years before the Grenfell Tower disaster, the inquiry has found. The Lakanal House blaze in July 2009 killed six people and injured at least 20 more when flames ripped through the 14-storey block in South London. But the report by chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick found the LFB 'failed to learn the lessons of the Lakanal House fire', such as the danger of assuming crews would always reach callers. The report also claimed senior fire officers did not understand the risks of cladding despite being trained about the topic. Flames ripped through the 14-storey block in South London in 2009 London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton infamously told the inquiry that preparing for Grenfell would have been akin to preparing for landing a spaceship on the Shard. But Sir Martin said this evidence 'only serves to demonstrate that the LFB is an institution at risk of not learning the lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire'. In a pre-recorded video message, Sir Martin said: 'I consider that these represent significant systemic failings in the organisation or the LFB and show that it had failed to learn the lessons of the Lakanal House fire. 'But at the same time I find that, following the refurbishment, the external walls of the building did not comply with the Building Regulations because they did not adequately resist the spread of fire over them. On the contrary, they promoted it.' Grenfell United said senior firefighters had failed to learn the lessons from the Lakanal House blaze and called on them to 'stop hiding behind the bravery of their frontline firefighters'. The group said: 'While nothing can ever bring back our loved ones that passed away in the fire, this is a strong report with a forensic examination of the events of the night and clear recommendations that if implemented will save lives. 'The Government cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of Lakanal and ignore them. Justice means different things for all of us but the truth needs to be at the heart of our collective healing. We have been waiting a long time for this report.' Deborah Coles, of charity Inquest which advises people on state-related deaths, said: 'The residents of Grenfell Tower were catastrophically failed before, during and after the fire. 'Key findings of this report are strikingly similar to those which followed the Lakanal House fire in 2009. Had previous recommendations been implemented, those in Grenfell Tower may have been safe.' Advertisement

The position of Constantinos Polycarpou is somewhat different, said Mr Hardy.

Charles Rees QC, defending Wylie, said the sub-contractors were already employed by Hackney Council, and the authority set their rates.

They were each appropriately qualified to do the work they were required to do.

In relation to each piece of work, no member of the public or anyone else was placed at a risk of being in jeopardy or in danger.

Mr Rees added that there had been no loss to the taxpayer or public money.

Mark Milliken-Smith, defending both Lee and Ellis, said they have found themselves in substantial financial distress because of Wylie.

He said they paid out of a desire to keep what they had rather than enrich themselves.

They were certainly not living lavish lifestyles as a result of the money they paid, he added.

Christopher Harding, defending Ratty, said he had suffered a brain bleed after a stroke in 2012.

Doctors had confirmed that the brain injury affected, among other things, his recollection of the events covered in the trial.

The judge ruled that the sub-contractors had played a lesser part in the bribery than Wiley and spared them jail.

Wiley, wearing a grey suit, remained expressionless as he was led away to the cells.

Judge Gledhill, sentencing, said: Lee Wylie was first employed by Lakehouse in October 2007 and by 2012 he was the companys divisional manager, earning over 80,000 a year plus allowances.

He was responsible for projects such as installation of fire alarms and emergency lighting.

Although he did not himself award Lakehouse contracts to his sub-contractors, he could decide what work subs were given and this proved to be a very powerful lever indeed.

In April 2013, a freelance quantity surveyor made a number of allegations of corrupt practice and fraudulent activity on projects of fire assessment.

[The sub-contractors] were paying bribes or kickbacks to a company called K and R Ltd in return for securing Lakehouse work.

Middleton said Lee Wylie arranged a meeting in which he explained how much Lakehouse work was available. However in order to get that work he would have to pay Wylie 50 per job if there were no payments the [work] would be given elsewhere.

The rate was soon increased to 100 per job.

Six months after smoke alarm work had been completed, false invoices of 72,000 for work never done were made.

Middleton received money from Wylie and paid it in. He said hed done it because Wylie was a bully he had a mortgage and a family to support.

When K & R Mortgage was analysed it was readily seen as a sham company. Its sole purpose was to camouflage the payments for work not actually done.

Moneys were then used for the benefit of Wylie...and partners to fund high living, expensive watches, holidays and cars.

Lakehouse suspended Wiley in September 2013 and reported the allegations to police a few days later.

Wiley was patently the principal actor behind this extremely squalid scheme.

He used his position to persuade otherwise honest men to pay bribes in order to obtain work.

The judge told Wylie there was no doubt he was the 'prime mover of this sophisticated and long-running fraud' that was motivated by simple greed.

Polycarpou, of Barnet, north London, denied but was convicted of bribery. He was sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Ratty, of Braintree, Essex, admitted one count of money laundering. He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Ellis, of Maldon, Essex; Middleton, of Ruislip, west London, and Lee, of Coggeshall, Colchester, all admitted bribery and theft.

They were sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years each.
L

iquid Telecom is to launch the first 5G wholesale roaming service, days after MTN Uganda showcased a live demo of the same. Available from early 2020 in all major South African cities, this latest fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity will enable wholesale operators to create innovative, ultra-fast and scalable digital services for their customers.

The 5G wholesale network will also help accelerate the evolution of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa. Reliable connectivity up to 10 times faster than 4G will allow businesses to harness trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to innovate transformative new services, increase productivity and deliver more connected customers experiences.

This breakthrough 5G wholesale service will create innovation in every aspect of South African society and industry, says Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman, Liquid Telecom. For the first time, mobile network operators and ISPs will have open access to Liquid Telecoms new 5G mobile network. The launch of the service also underscores Liquid Telecoms vision to bring high-speed connectivity to everyone.

Liquid Telecom will use its 3.5GHz spectrum asset to build the 5G network and provide nationwide 5G wholesale services to the market early in 2020.

One of the most profound implications of the new service will be its impact on South Africas 4IR ambitions, where connected devices communicate with each other, automating the factory floor without the need for human intervention. The fusion of 5G, IoT and other technologies like AI and robotics will touch and transform every facet of business, creating entirely new ways of serving existing needs.

This is a milestone moment for Liquid Telecom South Africa, said Nic Rudnick, Group CEO. Our wholesale operating partners can exploit our new ultra-fast 5G roaming network to build the next generation of communications and make innovation possible, anytime, anywhere. 5G will facilitate real-time remote collaboration, improved business efficiency and lower costs  ultimately driving growth in the South African economy.

The launch of the 5G wholesale roaming service is another step towards Liquid Telecom Building Africas digital future. The organisation has been investing heavily across the continent where it operates Africas largest independent fibre network, spanning almost 70,000km in length.

Related
Leading physicians and healthcare management experts from Cleveland Clinic in the UAE, United States, Canada and its upcoming UK hospital will be sharing their vision of healthcare excellence and advances in treatments during the 2020 Arab Health event to be held in Dubai from January 27 to 30.

Cleveland Clinic has a longstanding association with Arab Health, providing Continuing Medical Education accreditation for the annual events conference sessions. This involves independently verifying the conference content is accurate, unbiased and up to date, and that it adheres to all relevant international professional and ethical standards.

Dr Nizar Zein, Chairman of Global Patient Services for Cleveland Clinic, who will be attending as part of the 27-strong international contingent, says: Cleveland Clinics expanding global presence is very noticeable in our diverse geographical list of delegates this year. Arab Health provides a forum for knowledge-sharing across borders, which reflects our system of a global healthcare network collaborating to advance medical expertise and improve patient outcomes.

In total, 33 physicians from the global Cleveland Clinic network will be moderating and speaking at sessions across the four-day event.

Dr Rakesh Suri, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, says: We are delighted to have so many of our own physicians sharing their knowledge at the conference this year. Since we opened in Abu Dhabi in 2015 as a partnership between Cleveland Clinic and Mubadala Investment Company, we have become known for our pioneering practices, including having the only multi-organ transplant program in the UAE, and performing the nations first successful cadaveric heart, liver and lung transplants. We are committed to building the healthcare system of the future and are already training students in medical specialties, nursing allied health care professions, as well as advancing research and innovation in the nation.

We feel privileged to share our expertise at this platform, and contribute to establishing the UAE as a hub for medical innovation in the region.

While Cleveland Clinic already has a presence across the US, Canada and in the UAE, it is expanding further, with a London outpatient clinic opening this year ahead of Cleveland Clinic London hospital opening in 2021.

Another international delegate, Dr Tommaso Falcone M.D., Chief of Staff, Chief Academic Officer and Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic London, says: The key to Cleveland Clinics global success is our value-based, patient-centric model of care and maintaining close ties between our hospitals, and collaborations between our physicians worldwide. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a prime example of this, and we are looking forward to replicating the model in London, where we are building a world-class team to excel in clinical care, research and education. -- Tradearabia News Service
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate has arrested NRI businessman C C Thampi, controller of Skylight Investments and a close aide of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in connection with a money laundering case.

He (Thampi) had been arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. He is also required (for questioning) in several other cases, a senior ED official said.

Thampi is now being probed for alleged contravention of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, in a case related to the purchase of property in Kerala worth a whopping Rs 1,000 crore.

He was summoned by the ED in the past, too, for questioning on his links with Vadra and fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Thampi, the owner of Skylight Investments, FZE, Dubai and the Holiday Group, has links with Bhandari, ED sources said.

They pointed out that Bhandaris firm Santech FZE bought a 12, Bryanston Square property for 1.9 million pound sterling from a private holding called Vortex.

As soon the property was sold, all shares of Vortex were mopped up by Skylight Investments, Dubai.

Also, many property deals were done in London, which the agency suspects were on behalf of Robert Vadra.

The ED is looking into allegations of Thampi helping Vadra route slush money through a maze of shell companies.

Interestingly, Vadras statement to the ED on how he first met Thampi, contradicts the latters version.

The agency claims Thampi met Vadra through an aide of Sonia, while Vadra contends he met him on board an Emirates flight some years ago.

We had recorded his statement earlier and now we have fresh evidence against which will further question him, ED officials claimed.
Bogota, Jan 21 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged countries worldwide to support the Venezuelan opposition's efforts to oust the South American nation's incumbent President Nicolas Maduro.

Pompeo made his remarks during a visit to Colombia, a close ally of the US in Latin America, on Monday, reports Efe news.

"The world must continue to support the Venezuelan people's efforts to restore their democracy and put an end to Maduro's tyranny, which harms millions of Venezuelans and has an impact on Colombia and indeed on the entire region," Pompeo told reporters after meeting Colombian President Ivan Duque.

Pompeo was participating in the III Hemispheric Ministerial Conference to Combat Terrorism, a gathering that the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly, Juan Guaido, also was attending in defiance of a Venezuelan court-imposed travel ban.

Guaido proclaimed himself Venezuela's interim president early last year in a bid to put pressure on Maduro and has been recognized as such by the US and roughly 60 other countries.

But he has no influence over the bureaucracy or armed forces, which have publicly declared their support for Maduro and rejected the opposition's overtures, including an unsuccessful attempt by Guaido in April of last year to spark a military uprising.

The opposition's control over the National Assembly in recent years has been largely symbolic because Maduro, who is still backed by China, Russia and dozens of other countries, sidelined the legislature in 2017 by creating a plenipotentiary body known as the National Constituent Assembly.

Pompeo said on Monday that Venezuelans and citizens throughout Latin America were "rejecting authoritarianism and embracing freedom, and that's good for all of us. We aspire to have a hemisphere of freedom".

He said the US appreciates Colombia's willingness to take in 1.6 million Venezuelan refugees who have fled the severe economic crisis in their homeland, saying the treatment those people have received "stands in sharp contrast to the misery inflicted by Maduro".

Pompeo placed the blame for the "humanitarian crisis" in Venezuela squarely on Maduro and his socialist policies, although President Donald Trump's administration has imposed severe sanctions on Caracas aimed at strangling its lifeblood oil industry.
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On the second day of Ukraine House Davos, panels addressed global trends such as strategic economic partnerships, infrastructure, technology and innovation, and the role of education in transforming society. The day's eventful program concluded with an engaging conversation with Tristan Harris, Co-Founder & Executive Director of the Center for Humane Technology.

During the day's first panel, titled "Ukraine and the EU: Strength through Economic Partnership", sponsored by CEO Club Ukraine, speakers discussed the strategic Ukraine-EU economic partnership and opportunities for further cooperation.

Mr Jean-Christophe Laloux, Director General, Head of Operations, EIB, said: "Ukraine is an important partner for us. Between 2014 and 2017, we have doubled our investments in Ukraine. Currently, 50 percent of committed funds for the Eastern European region go to Ukraine, amounting to a 6 billion portfolio."

The second panel, "Is Ukraine Europe's Last Great Infrastructure Play? Turning Potential into Investable Projects", sponsored by TIU Canada, focused on Ukraine's infrastructure investment opportunities, which are some of the most attractive in Europe.

Alain Pilloux, Vice President, Banking at EBRD said that Ukraine is a priority for EBRD: "Last year, 51 projects were implemented in Ukraine by EBRD with over 1 billion of disbursement". As a leading Canadian investor in Ukraine, Michael Yurkovich, CEO of TIU Canada said that Ukraine is "at the top of its game", becoming a market hub for agriculture, infrastructure, and IT.

In the afternoon, Noa Gafni Slaney, Executive Director of Rutgers Institute for Corporate Social Innovation led a thought-provoking discussion that asked the question "Will Technology Save the World?". The speakers agreed that technology is creating new synergies with other industries and focusing attention on sustainability. The panel was sponsored by IT Ukraine Association.

The final panel of the day was hosted by WNISEF and Victor Pinchuk Foundation, titled "Transforming Education - Transforming Society", where panelists discussed the far-reaching impact of investment in education and the positive role it pays in transforming society.

Wrapping-up the day was a vibrant conversation with Tristan Harris, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Center for Humane Technology.

Follow the event via social media on ukrainehousedavos and at:

Twitter: @UAHouseDavos

Facebook: @ukrainehousedavos

Instagram: @Ukraine.House.Davos

LinkedIN: UkraineHouseDavos

YouTube: ukrainehousedavos

About Ukraine House Davos

Ukraine House Davos Organizing Committee is led by five women who volunteer their efforts to launch this event:

Olga Afanasyeva , Executive Director of Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (UVCA)

, Executive Director of Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (UVCA) Jaroslawa Johnson , President and CEO of Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF)

, President and CEO of Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF) Svitlana Grytsenko of Victor Pinchuk Foundation

of Victor Pinchuk Foundation Lenna Koszarny , Founding Partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, and,

, Founding Partner and CEO of Horizon Capital, and, Alexa Chopivsky , Executive Director of Ukraine House Davos

Ukraine House Davos is made possible by the generous commitment of its sponsors

Ukraine House Davos is supported by the National Investment Council of Ukraine, UkraineInvest, Ukrainian World Congress, Atlantic Council, Reputation Institute.

Media Partners include NV, Liga.net, Ekonomichna Pravda, Ukraine Business News

www.ukrainehousedavos.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1080224/Ukraine_House.jpg
KANSAS CITY HOMICIDE COUNT NOW SKYROCKETS TO 10 IN MID JANUARY DESPITE PROMISES TO CURB THE MURDER RATE!!!

"Our greatest challenges remain even this morning in our community. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those whose lives were lost or impacted by last nights mass shooting. Thankful security appears to have kept the situation from being even worse."

"We're going to have a lot more work over the days ahead to make sure that we're addressing the needs of victims, and that we're finding justice for all the victims," he said in a live interview on KMBC 9 News.

When asked how we move forward as a city, Lucas said, "Step one -- we have to be resolved that we'll make a difference."

Presser Postscript

KCPD identifies victim, suspect in nightclub shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri, police identified the homicide victim and suspect in a Sunday night. In a Monday afternoon press conference, Police Chief Rick Smith said 25-year-old Raven Parks was shot and killed by Jahron Swift, a KCMO resident, at 9ine Ultra.

New York Times Covers Slaughter In Kansas City

Kansas City Shooting Leaves 2 Dead and at Least 15 Wounded One of the fatalities was believed to be the gunman, who was shot by a security guard working at the nightclub, the police said. A man opened fire at people outside a Kansas City, Mo., nightclub late on Sunday, killing a woman and wounding 15 people before he was shot dead, apparently by a security guard, the Kansas City Police Department said on Monday.

Preliminary Eyewitness Deets Claim Security Shot First

Kansas City nightclub shooting witness: Fights preceded deadly gunfire "A witness told 41 Action News that several fights preceded a deadly shooting outside a Kansas City, Missouri, nightclub on Sunday night." https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/kansas-city-nightclub-shooting-witness-fights-preceded-deadly-gunfire

Panic At The Disco

9ine Ultra Lounge customers dropped everything to run for their lives when shooting started KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Survivors returned to the scene of a nightclub shooting, which ended Sunday with two people dead and 15 others injured. Police say when they arrived at the 9ine Ultra Lounge at about 11:15 p.m., people were running away in a panic.

Nighclub Chaos Recalled

Bouncer recalls 'chaotic' scene at nightclub shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A member of the security team at 9ine Ultra Nightclub detailed the moments before and after on a line of people waiting to get into the club. 41 Action News reporter Sarah Plake spoke to the bouncer, who did not want his identity used.

U.S. Weekend Gunfire Trending

Six people, including 2 police officers, killed in multiple shootings A series of shootings across the country on Sunday claimed the lives of six people, including two police officers in Hawaii. In Kansas City, Missouri, police said say at least two people were killed and 15 more were injured in a shooting outside a bar.

Deadly Kansas City Shooting Big Picture Body Count

At least 2 dead, 15 injured in Kansas City shooting Authorities believe the suspect is one of the two dead people at the scene. At least two people are dead and 15 people have been injured in a shooting in Kansas City, according to the Kansas City Police. Officers were dispatched to the 4800 block of Noland Road in the southeastern part of the city at about 11:30 p.m.

KCMO 2020 MURDER #11

Police: 2 shot, 1 killed near E 80th Street and James A Reed Road KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - Police are investigating a double shooting Monday afternoon. Officers were called to East 80th Street and James A Reed Road just after 3 for reports of a shooting. When they arrived on the scene, they located a female that had been shot and a male that had been shot and killed.

A deadly nightclub shooting scene in Kansas City, Missouri resulted in multiple injuries and the death of two people.Accordingly and now that the blue sheet has been updated . . .At the outset of the new year the Mayor hoped to bring the murder total under 100. Now, the level of killing is TRENDING HIGHER THAN THE PAST 10 YEARS with still more than a week of January left to go.Here's the Mayor's hot take:Accordingly, here are more follow-up news links:Developing . . .
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned Australians travelling to China they may be at risk of a new deadly coronavirus sweeping across the country.

Mr Morrison urged travellers to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Chinas Wuhan area as the SARS-like virus continues to spread.

On Tuesday afternoon the Prime Minister said the risk was low, but later said the level had been upgraded when an Australian returned from China showing symptoms of the disease.

The virus, which has similar symptoms to pneumonia, broke out at the end of December and has so far killed four people in China.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) has warned Australians travelling to China they may be at risk of the deadly coronavirus

On Tuesday afternoon Mr Morrison urged Australians to 'exercise a high degree of caution'

'This afternoon I was briefed by the Chief Medical Officer Prof Brendan Murphy on the coronavirus detected in Chinas Wuhan area. The CMO has advised that while the current risk level is low, precautions are being taken to protect Australians,' Mr Morrison tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.

'We will be raising the level of our travel advice for Wuhan City to level 2 - exercise a high degree of caution. I urge all Australians travelling to check the DFAT Smartraveller website for specific updates.'

Mr Morrison said measures were in place to reduce the risk of infectious people entering Australia.

The warning comes after a Brisbane man with symptoms of the virus was put into isolation after returning home from a trip to China on Tuesday.

The man is being kept at his home as he awaits test results.

Chinese residents wear masks while waiting at a bus station near the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which has been linked to the outbreak of the coronavirus that started in December

The virus has been spreading rapidly since cases first appeared on December 31, 2019.

The total number of cases in the world currently stands at 222, but there are reportedly more than 1,700 suspected infections.

The disease has an incubation period of about a week, and there is currently no vaccine.

The virus involves cold-like symptoms including a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat and a fever.

There are also fears the mysterious SARS-linked virus could hit Bali after a second case was reported in Thailand on Friday.

A health worker monitors a thermal scanner as passengers arrive at Narita airport on January 17
Panama City (AFP) - Prosecutors in Panama have uncovered a mass grave with the bodies of six minors and a pregnant woman in a remote area close to where they raided an obscure religious sect the day before.

"The public ministry confirms the location of a grave with seven bodies," the prosecutor's office said in a brief statement.

The remains of six minors aged between one and 17 years old and a woman who was between four and six months pregnant were found at the site, in Veraguas province west of Panama City.

The pregnant woman was the mother of five of the minors, the statement said, though it was unclear how or when they died.

Authorities had on Wednesday reported the rescue of 15 people who had been held by a religious sect in the neighboring Ngabe Bugle region, a remote area populated by indigenous communities on Panama's Caribbean coast, about 155 miles (250 kilometers) from Panama City.

"The timely intervention of the Special Forces of the National Police prevented the murder of another 15 people," the prosecutor's office said.

The director general of the national police, Alexis Munoz, said the rescued people had shown signs of mistreatment by members of the sect, which investigators said goes by the name of "The New Light of God".

"They were trying to indoctrinate them," said Munoz.

Ten suspected members of the sect, including a minor, were arrested. They are expected to appear in court on Friday or Saturday.

One of those arrested is the father of the pregnant woman found in the grave, a source close to the investigation told AFP.

The discoveries come after the December 5 arrests of 17 foreign nationals, alleged members of another religious sect, in an operation carried out in the coastal town of San Carlos, about 45 miles west of the capital.
Disgraced TV icon Bill Cosby invoked the memory of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, the federal holiday in Kings honor.

Posted Cosbys official social media accounts, the 82-year-old comic says he is continuing Kings work while serving a three- to 10-year sentence for sexual assault in Pennsylvanias SCI Phoenix prison.

His message Monday afternoon read:

Martin said, Use Me GOD. show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself. The Revolution is not only in the home, but here in this gated community (SCI Phoenix). Thank you, Martin, for your strength, your courage and your purpose.

Cosby, or his social media team working outside the prison, punctuated his post with the hashtags : #youcanimprisonmybodybutnotmymind, #MLKLIVESFOREVER, #GODUSEMEFORYOURGOOD, #REVOLUTIONSTARTSINTHEHOME, #FARFROMFINISHED, #FREEBILLCOSBY

Cosby was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for drugging and assaulting a woman. He is serving three to 10 years and is currently incarcerated at a 3,830-bed facility in Collegeville, Pennsylvania .

Its not the first time Cosby spoken of King from prison. Last year, Cosby likened himself to King and called himself a political prisoner.

More than 50 women have accused Cosby of sexual abuse and he faced a number of civil lawsuits in addition to the criminal trail.

Suits brought by seven women were in the federal court here in Springfield. Cosbys insurer settled those cases in April 2019.

Cosby and his wife, Camille, have a home near the Franklin County village of Shelburne Falls.
Warm Up

For each of the following statements, state whether you strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree. Then, discuss with your classmates or explore in writing why you think the way you do. (Note to teachers: If youre doing this in a classroom context, you might do it as a Four Corners activity.)

The government has a responsibility to make sure no Americans go hungry.

Able-bodied adults should have to prove that they are working, or trying to find work, before they receive food assistance from the government.

Government safety-net programs like food stamps can create dependency and therefore hurt the very people they are intended to help.

Government safety-net programs that provide food, housing, child care, health care, retirement support and other services make the United States a better, more just, country.

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Read the article, then answer the following questions:

1. Why does the article begin with the story of Chastity and Paul Peyton? How do their struggles illuminate the impact of West Virginias change to food stamp requirements?

2. What changes to federal food stamp requirements were enacted in 1996? How were states able to get around these rules in economic hard times  like the great recession of 2008? How will the Trump administrations new rules affect states and people who receive food stamps?

3. What did Mitch Webb, the director of the Huntington City Mission, notice after the new food stamp policy in nine counties in West Virginia went into full effect? How were his observations similar to those of staff members in other homeless missions and food pantries across the state?

4. Why does Tom Fast, a Republican lawmaker, consider changes to West Virginias policy a success? How do studies by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and the Department of Health and Human Resources either support or challenge Mr. Fasts views?

5. What does the author mean by the never-ending logistics of poverty? Give three examples. How does Jerome Comers story illustrate these realities and challenges?
Aston Martin has made its much-anticipated return to Bahrain with new partner - Adamas Bahrain Motors.

The partnership will see the unveiling of an impressive new showroom in MODA Mall later in the year, showcasing the marques full range of award-winning Second Century models for the first time  led by its highly anticipated new SUV, Aston Martin DBX.

To commemorate the new partnership and celebrate the launch of one of the companys most important launches ever, Adamas Bahrain Motors is showcasing the all-new DBX at MODA Mall from January 22 to 25.

2020 is set to be a very exciting year for Aston Martin, and we are delighted to start with the announcement of the partnership with Adamas Bahrain Motors. The team has built a strong reputation for customer loyalty in some of the most competitive markets in the world, and coupled with their significant investment in a stunning new showroom, gives us confidence that Bahrain will become one of our statement locations globally, said Dan Balmer, President, Aston Martin Lagonda Middle East, North Africa & Turkey.

The new showroom, centrally located in the luxury retail destination MODA Mall, will feature the very latest Aston Martin global look and feel when it opens in Q2 2020 and will be supported by a state-of-the-art service facility complete with high-end customer hosting capabilities which will open in Q1.

Adamas Bahrain Motors is truly looking forward to be representing Aston Martin in the Kingdom of Bahrain; the brand fits our DNA perfectly. Our objective is to provide customers with the full Aston Martin product range, supported by our first-class service and customer experience. Bahrain is a market that is very familiar to us and the welcome we have so far received is testament to its remarkable people and culture, stated Karl Hamer, CEO, Adamas Motors.

Alongside the Bahrain showroom opening, 2020 will see Aston Martin active at the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix with partners Aston Martin Redbull Racing, a true highlight of the sporting and social calendar. Also, No Time to Die, the new James Bond film will premiere, featuring no less than four Aston Martins.

This year, deliveries of DBX, Vantage Roadster and the phenomenal Valkyrie Hypercar will start.  TradeArabia News Service
In a viral photo shared on the Internet, a Nigerian couple have caused a stir, following the release of their wedding invitation card.

The photo was shared by a social media user identified as Adaugetso.

From the photo shared, the invitation card has a 9-day celebration plan with different locations and time.

It was gathered that the couple would also travel to Niger Republic for one of their celebrations.

READ ALSO  Nigerian Couple Hold Wedding Reception Inside IDP Camp (Photos)

While no one knows the idea behind the 9-day wedding celebration, the couple have surely caught the attention of many.

See Photo Here:
Tate tried to stab his mother, but she was able to kick him and flee out the homes back door, authorities said. Tate followed his mother out the door and tried to stab her once more before the pair wound up struggling on the ground over the knife, Murphy said.
Zum Services is a nationwide company in seven states and looking to expand, account executive Mark Rising said. We came to Illinois to help school districts provide alternative transportation. Were not here to take away the yellow buses because thats the most cost-effective and safest way to transport students in the district.
On Saturday in New Orleans, revelers in masks and feathers, Mardi Gras Indians in hand-beaded suits, and ladies in rococo and gothic Victorian ball gowns paraded down a red carpet as the sounds of zydeco and a marching band wafted through the warm January air. It is now officially Carnival season, and the fifth-annual Bal Masque was in full swing at an 18th-century sugar mill in the Warehouse District.

For years, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, who began his career at the Creole restaurant Commanders Palace in 1982, has been contributing to this fundraiser to empower and educate New Orleanss youth. Lagasse is a longtime friend of chef Donald Link, whose charity, the Link Stryjewski Foundation, throws the masquerade.

In order to understand the food in New Orleans, you need to understand the culture and the people, Lagasse tells Architectural Digest. When I came to New Orleans, I spent a lot of time learning the culture, fishing with the local fishermen, and meeting the local farmers. Food and cooking not only adds to the sense of community in New Orleans, it connects people to their local purveyors, farmers, fisherman, and oyster farmers, and gives them a better sense of appreciation for the food and the culture of the cuisine.

Photo: Chris Granger

The former Essence of Emeril host's love of the city is what makes him want to give back. Mentoring children is very important in any community and is essential in New Orleans where there is a lack of quality education and opportunity for the youth," he says. "The Link Stryjewski Foundation has certainly made and continues to make a positive impact in New Orleans. Founded by James Beard award-winning chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski in 2013, the charity provides gap funding to multiple organizations working to end the cycle of violence and poverty for young people in New Orleans, including the Youth Empowerment Project and Son of a Saint, which mentors young boys whose fathers have been incarcerated for murder and opens up their worldview by taking them on international trips.

Story continues

Photo: Chris Granger

This year was a record-breaking one for the Link Stryjewski Foundation's fundraisingand Lagasse donated a highly unique experience to the Bal Masques extensive silent auction, one which well surpassed its starting bid of $20,000.

I donated a package for sunset cocktails and dinner for six guests in my home in Miramar Beach, Florida, where Ill cook with chefs Donald and Stephen, Lagasse says. The next day, following dinner, we will all go fishing on my boat, Aldente. The 14-time cookbook author and his wife, Alden Lagasse, have sold dinners at their home in charity auctions before. Winners should expect to dine and imbibe in the Lagasses' formal dining room, which, like much of the rest of the house, is decorated in tones of cream and sand, with a style that incorporates both Palm Beach design and old-world antiques.

Photo: Steven Freeman

See the video.

Of course, it is the promised meal which made a visit to Lagasse's house such a hot ticket among the generous, discerning palates of the crowd at the Bal Masque. During the event, 600 foodies sipped colorful libations and local beers in the renovated mill and feasted on small, innovative plates provided by 16 chefs across the United States. Colombian Afro-Caribbean music and a Creole zydeco band played, paying homage to the rich heritage of the Big Easy. Food has always brought the community together in New Orleans, one of the most fascinating food scenes in America.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
Last August, Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus suddenly announced that they were divorcing after just several months of being a married couple. Since then, both of them have moved on to date other people.

Hemsworth has remained largely quiet about his love life. Though, in December, he was seen with model Gabriella Brooks. While fans are still trying to gauge where this relationship is, there are actually reasons to believe that Hemsworth and Brooks are very much meant to be.

How did Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks meet?

Liam Hemsworth | Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images

Its not clear how Hemsworth and Brooks met, but the pair was first spotted in mid-December having lunch with Hemsworths parents in Australia. The atmosphere looked to be a friendly one, and it seems that Hemsworth and Brooks relationship could be getting more serious.

Liam feels comfortable with Gabriella, a source told Us Weekly. His family approves of her and really likes her, which is very important to him.

Additionally, the insider shared that Hemsworth is happy to be moving on from Cyrus.

However, another source recently told Hollywood Life that although Hemsworth and Brooks are spending a lot of time together, the pair currently has no label about what they are.

Gabriella lets him be himself and doesnt put any pressure on him, the insider said. They have no label on where things stand with them at this point and although theyre both really private, they feel comfortable enough with each other to step out in public and allow themselves the freedom to have a good time.

Why Liam Hemsworth might have found his soulmate in Gabriella Brooks

Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks Show PDA on Australian Beach https://t.co/4yftU14NY8  E! News (@enews) January 12, 2020

Things are looking rather good for Hemsworth and Brooks, and there are reasons to believe that the couple could stay together for a really long time.

For one thing, Brooks seems to understand Hemsworths need for privacy. When Hemsworth was dating Cyrus, it was clear to many onlookers that, while Cyrus enjoyed life in the limelight, he was not comfortable with all the attention that he was receiving.

Hemsworth has always tried to keep his personal life away from the publics radar, and it seems like Brooks is the same way. Neither Hemsworth nor Brooks has spoken to media outlets about their budding relationship, which is a good sign and shows that they simply want to keep everything between themselves.

Moreover, sources have also revealed that Hemsworth and Brooks have a lot in common. Both of them are from Australia and enjoy the same hobbies, like surfing and hanging out at the beach.

Has Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus divorce been finalized yet?

With all the news about Hemsworth and Cyrus starting new relationships, its easy to forget that the two of them still have a divorce to go through. Their divorce has not been finalized yet, but reports are stating that it could be done within a few months.

Back in August, The Blast shared that the divorce process should be smooth and amicable for Hemsworth and Cyrus since they both signed a prenuptial agreement before getting married. The news outlet reported at the time that everything should be finalized by Halloween 2019.

Of course, it looks like Hemsworth and Cyrus divorce did get pushed back a bit. Although they have reached an agreement on how to divide their property and who gets custody of their animals, it has been said that the divorce will likely not get finalized until March 2020.

In any case, an insider told People that Cyrus is relieved that she and Liam reached an agreement when it comes to the divorce.

She just wants to move on, the source shared.
Kellyanne Conway on Monday said that Martin Luther King Jr would be opposed to President Trump's impeachment.

The White House counselor made the remarks as the nation honored the memory of the slain civil rights leader.

Trump's Senate trial starts Tuesday on articles charging him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

'I've held my opinion on it for a very long time, but when you see the articles of impeachment that came out  I don't think it was Dr. King's vision to have Americans dragged through a process where the president is not going to be removed from office, is not being charged bribery, extortion, high crimes and misdemeanors,' she told NBC News.

'And I think that anybody who cares about "And Justice for All" on today and any day of the year will appreciate the fact that the president now will have a full throttled defense on the facts.'

WATCH: Asked about President Trump observing #MLKDay today, Kellyanne Conway discusses MLK's values and the impeachment effort against President Trump. pic.twitter.com/Tx5q70Yf1d  NBC News (@NBCNews) January 20, 2020

Kellyanne Conway (left), a top aide to President Trump, said on Monday that if he were alive today, Dr Martin Luther King Jr (right) would oppose impeachment

Conway, the White House counselor, said her boss, President Trump (seen above at the White House on Monday) 'agrees with many of the things that Dr. King stood for and agreed with for many years, including unity and equality'

She also pointed out that Monday was her own birthday.

'I, this morning, was reading some of the lesser-known passages by Dr. King and I appreciate the fact that we as a nation respect him by giving him his own day,' she said.

'I'm happy to share a birthday with this day.'

Conway also said Trump 'agrees with many of the things that Dr. King stood for and agreed with for many years, including unity and equality. And he's not the one trying to tear the country apart through an impeachment process and the lack of substance that really is very shameful at this point.'

Journalist Jamil Smith tweeted: 'This is so ignorant that it cannot be anything but deliberately cruel. Its like blackface on Halloween'

Fred Guttenberg, who lost his daughter in the Parkland high school shooting, tweeted: 'Message to [Kellyanne Conway], the queen of alternative facts, on her latest moronic comment. Using truly historic figures to support the lawless crook that you work for only reinforces that you are vile, disgusting, and useless.'

'There are many respectful ways to honor MLKs legacy on this day, including public service, talking to kids about his ethical principles, and quoting his powerful words to inspire others to improve themselves and lift up others,' tweeted David Priess. 'This is not one of them.'

One Twitter user posted a meme ridiculing the idea that King would oppose Trump's impeachment

Another Twitter user wrote: 'MLK Jr is turning in his grave.'

On social media, some did not take too kindly to Conway invoking the memory of King to praise her boss.

'There are many respectful ways to honor MLKs legacy on this day, including public service, talking to kids about his ethical principles, and quoting his powerful words to inspire others to improve themselves and lift up others,' tweeted David Priess.

'This is not one of them.'

Fred Guttenberg, who lost his daughter in the Parkland high school shooting, tweeted: 'Message to [Kellyanne Conway], the queen of alternative facts, on her latest moronic comment.

'Using truly historic figures to support the lawless crook that you work for only reinforces that you are vile, disgusting, and useless.'

Journalist Jamil Smith tweeted: 'This is so ignorant that it cannot be anything but deliberately cruel. Its like blackface on Halloween.

'You can count on this kind of rubbish every single Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

'This isnt merely gross co-option. It angers people, and she knows it.'

Another Twitter user wrote: 'MLK Jr is turning in his grave.'

'It was exactly three years ago today, January 20, 2017, that I was sworn into office,' the president wrote on MLK day, saying it was 'appropriate'

President Trump flashes a thumbs-up at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial Monday

Trump tweeted on Monday that it was 'so appropriate' that the day honoring King falls on the third anniversary of his own inauguration.

Trump fired off the tweet three years after he warned of 'American carnage' in his inauguration address and then sparred with the press over the size of his crowd.

Hours after his tweet, which drew some criticism online, Trump paid a visit to the King memorial in Washington, D.C. shortly before he was to fly to Davos to attend an economic conference.

'It was exactly three years ago today, January 20, 2017, that I was sworn into office.

'So appropriate that today is also MLK Jr Day. African-American Unemployment is the LOWEST in the history of our Country, by far,' Trump tweeted, citing employment gains during his tenure.

'So appropriate that today is also MLK jr DAY,' wrote Trump, acknowledging the federal holiday for the slain civil rights leader

President Trump cited low African-American unemployment during his tenure

Trump's comment drew criticism online. Steve Vladeck wrote: 'It's MLK Day, so it's time for me to pay tribute to...me'

Trump and his press team famously fought with the press over the size of his inauguration compared to President Barack Obama, the nation's first black president

Trump with his father Fred Trump, after graduating from college in 1968, the year King was shot

U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, U.S. January 20, 2020

'Also, best Poverty, Youth, and Employment numbers, ever. Great!'

While Trump has been able to rely on Kellyanne Conway throughout his presidency, her husband is another matter.

George Conway, the conservative lawyer who has emerged on social media as one of Trump's harshest critics, mocked a legal brief assembled by Trump's team of a dozen lawyers in a Washington Post op-ed, writing Trump's defense 'represents an attack on the impeachment process  and on the Constitution itself.'
A man killed a coyote with his bare hands after the animal threatened his child on a hiking trail in New Hampshire, officials said.

The attack was one of three coyote-related incidents reported in Exeter on Monday.

Ian O'Reilly said he, his wife and their three children were taking a walk on an Exeter trail when the animal came up and grabbed his 2-year-old son by the jacket, pulling the boy to the ground.

O'Reilly and his wife managed to separate the coyote from their son. O'Reilly said he tried kicking it and getting it to run off, but it wouldn't. He was bitten on his chest and forearm but managed to get on top of the animal and cut off its air supply.

His son wasn't bitten.

"In the middle of the moment you're not really thinking or recording a whole lot," O'Reilly said. "It's really just instinct. The fact that when we tried to kick and push and get rid of him, it became clear that he was not disengaging."

Earlier Monday, police warned the public of a coyote being spotted by a driver in Hampton Falls who reported the wild animal attacked their car Monday morning.

About 20 minutes later, a coyote bit a Kensington woman and one of her dogs. Resident Pat Lee told police the animal tried to follow her into her Hemlock Road home and bit her as she tried to keep it out.

Lee said she thought at first that the animal was someone's pet.

"I realized this was a coyote, and I just started screaming at the top of my lungs to try to get him to stop and go away," Lee said. "It was very, very scary, but it could've been a lot worse."

O'Reilly, Lee and two dogs have been given rabies shots, officials said. The coyote that was killed will be tested for rabies.

Fish and Game officials said they are trying to determine whether the same animal was involved in all three incidents.
The Pune session court on Tuesday rejected the bail application of accused Vikram Bhave in the Dabholkar murder case.

Last year, Pune Sessions Court had granted an extension of 90 days to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a charge-sheet against Bhave.On August 17, 2019, the court had rejected Bhave's bail plea.During the course of hearing, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prakash Suryavanshi, appearing for the CBI, had in June last year contended that Bhave helped the assailants to escape.The CBI had arrested Bhave and another accused Sanjeev Punalekar from Mumbai on May 25, 2019 in connection with the matter.Founder of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), Dabholkar was shot dead by bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The restructuring transaction will be implemented through a prepackaged Chapter 11 process that will be financed by a debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing facility of $2.81 billion. Subject to court approval, McDermott expects the DIP financing, combined with cash generated by McDermott, to enable the Company to stabilize its cash flows, continue operating in the normal course and fulfill its commitments to key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, joint-venture partners, business partners and employees.

The Company also has secured committed exit financing of over $2.4 billion in letter of credit facility capacity and will emerge from Chapter 11 with approximately $500 million in funded debt. The restructuring transaction will strengthen the Company's balance sheet, normalize its trade debt and position the Company for long-term growth.

All of McDermott's businesses are expected to continue to operate as normal for the duration of the restructuring. McDermott expects to continue to pay employee wages and health and welfare benefits, and to pay all suppliers in full. All customer projects are expected to continue uninterrupted on a global basis.

This morning, the Company commenced solicitation of votes from its lenders and bondholders in support of a prepackaged Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization ("the Plan"). The Company intends to commence the prepackaged Chapter 11 filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas ("the Court") later today. The Company's support from all of its creditor constituencies is memorialized in a Restructuring Support Agreement. The Company plans to move swiftly toward Court approval of the Plan, with confirmation expected within approximately two months from filing.

As part of the restructuring transaction, subsidiaries of McDermott have entered into a share and asset purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with a joint partnership between The Chatterjee Group and Rhone Group (the "Joint Partnership") pursuant to which the Joint Partnership will serve as the "stalking-horse bidder" in a court-supervised sale process for Lummus Technology.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Joint Partnership has agreed, and is committed, to acquire Lummus Technology for a base purchase price of $2.725 billion. McDermott will have the option to retain or purchase, as applicable, a 10 percent common equity ownership interest in the entity purchasing Lummus Technology. McDermott expects to hold an auction in approximately 45 days to solicit higher or better bids for the Lummus Technology business. Either the Joint Partnership or the winning bidder at the auction will purchase Lummus Technology as part of the Chapter 11 process, subject to regulatory and court approval.

Proceeds from the sale of Lummus Technology are expected to repay the DIP financing in full, as well as fund emergence costs and provide cash to the balance sheet for long-term liquidity.

"The restructuring transaction, which has the full support from all of our funded creditors, including our unsecured bondholders, is further recognition of McDermott's fundamentally solid operating business and proven strategy," said David Dickson, President and Chief Executive Officer of McDermott. "Our record backlog, the majority of which has been booked in the last two years, and high rate of new project awards demonstrates our customers' continued confidence in our business, the demand for our skills and our long-term opportunities ahead."

Mr. Dickson continued, "This financial restructuring will create a sustainable capital structure that matches the strength of our operating business. As a result of the transaction, we are eliminating over $4.6 billion in debt from our balance sheet and we will emerge with robust liquidity and significant financing to execute on customer projects in our backlog. Throughout this process, which we expect to complete expeditiously, McDermott will continue all business operations as normal and deliver on our commitments to our customers. I would like to thank our customers, employees, suppliers and partners for their ongoing dedication, and our lenders for their continued collaboration in reaching this comprehensive and definitive balance sheet solution. McDermott will emerge a stronger, more competitive company with a solid financial foundation, and we will build upon our reputation as a premier, fully integrated provider of technology, engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry."

As a result of the upcoming Chapter 11 filing, McDermott expects to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange within the next 10 days. McDermott common stock will continue to trade in the over-the-counter marketplace throughout the pendency of the Chapter 11 process. The shares are proposed to be cancelled as part of McDermott's restructuring.

Upon the Chapter 11 filing, more information about McDermott's restructuring, including access to Court documents, will be available at https://cases.primeclerk.com/McDermott or contact Prime Clerk, the Company's noticing and claims agent, at 877-426-7705 (for toll-free domestic calls) and 917-994-8380 (for tolled international calls), or email [email protected].

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to McDermott, Evercore Group L.L.C. is serving as the Company's financial advisor and AP Services, LLC, an affiliate of AlixPartners, is serving as operational advisor. Jackson Walker L.L.P. is serving as local legal counsel, Baker Botts L.L.P. is serving as corporate legal counsel, Arias, Fabrega & Fabrega is serving as Panamanian legal counsel and Prime Clerk is serving as administrative agent.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Term Loan Lenders, Centerview Partners LLC is serving as financial advisor to the Term Loan Lenders, Barclays is serving as agent to the Term Loan Lenders and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to the agent to the Term Loan Lenders.

Linklaters LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Revolving Lenders, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank is serving as agent to the Revolving Lenders, Bracewell LLP is serving as legal counsel to the agent to the Revolving Lenders and FTI Consulting is serving as financial advisor to the agent to the Revolving Lenders.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Brown Rudnick LLP are serving as legal counsel to the bondholders. Houlihan Lokey, Inc. is serving as financial advisor to the bondholders.

About McDermott

McDermott is a premier, fully integrated provider of technology, engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry. For more than a century, customers have trusted McDermott to design and build end-to-end infrastructure and technology solutions to transport and transform oil and gas into the products the world needs today. Our proprietary technologies, integrated expertise and comprehensive solutions deliver certainty, innovation and added value to energy projects around the world. Customers rely on McDermott to deliver certainty to the most complex projects, from concept to commissioning. It is called the "One McDermott Way." Operating in over 54 countries, McDermott's locally focused and globally integrated resources include more than 42,000 employees, a diversified fleet of specialty marine construction vessels and fabrication facilities around the world. To learn more, visit www.mcdermott.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, McDermott cautions that statements in this communication which are forward-looking, and provide other than historical information, involve risks, contingencies and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about improving McDermott's capital structure, McDermott's ability to effect its restructuring as expected, or at all, the inability of McDermott to execute on contracts in backlog successfully, intended use of proceeds from a transaction involving a sale of all or part of the Lummus Technology business and strengthening of McDermott's balance sheet. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Those statements are made by using various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous risks, contingencies and uncertainties, including, among others: negotiations with third parties; regulatory and other approvals; adverse changes in the markets in which McDermott operates or credit or capital markets; and actions by lenders, other creditors, customers and other business counterparties of McDermott. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see each of McDermott's annual and quarterly filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including McDermott's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. This communication reflects the views of McDermott's management as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, McDermott undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Scott Lamb

Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 832 513 1068

[email protected]

Global Media Relations

Gentry Brann

Senior Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Administration

+1 646 805 2849

[email protected]

SOURCE McDermott International, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.mcdermott.com


Award-winning filmmaker says has received death threats over Zindagi Tamasha, denies it has blasphemous material.

Islamabad, Pakistan  The government of Pakistan has advised that the release of an award-winning Pakistani film be delayed over objections raised by far-right parties who allege it contains blasphemy.

Zindagi Tamasha (Circus of Life) was scheduled to be released on Friday but the government said it requested the producers to delay it pending a review by a council of religious scholars.

The governments decision on Tuesday comes as the maker of the film reported receiving death threats.

The film has been previously passed by the countrys Central Board of Film Censors (CBFC), as well as two provincial boards, officials told Al Jazeera.

Taking into account the criticism of the film Zindagi Tamasha, the [CBFC] has decided to immediately consult with the Council of Islamic Ideology, said Information Minister Firdaus Ashiq Awan. The producers have been advised to delay the release of the film.

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The film, made by Sarmad Khoosat, deals with themes centred on class, gender and moral policing in the modern Pakistani society.

It won the prestigious Kim Ji-Seok Award after the film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival last year.

Khoosat told Al Jazeera he had received numerous death threats this week over the telephone, via text messages and on social media over the films Pakistans release.

[There is] heat and aggression and almost terrorism directed at me on social media, using words that I would never have imagined in my nightmares, Khoosat said, detailing how he was being harassed and threatened with violence.

Following the government announcement, the far-right Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) cancelled its nationwide protests planned for Wednesday, party officials said.

Led by Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the TLP has often held widespread demonstrations over the issue of blasphemy, with supporters calling for those who commit the perceived crime to be killed.

Blasphemy is a sensitive subject in Pakistan, where the crime carries punishments that include a mandatory death penalty for those found guilty of insulting Islams Prophet Muhammad.

Groups such as the TLP have also encouraged violence in the name of the blasphemy laws. While a TLP official Hafeezullah Alvi told Al Jazeera that the party did not support violence, the group has often publicly celebrated those who have murdered in the name of the blasphemy laws.

Since 1990, at least 75 people have been killed in targeted attacks and mob violence related to the blasphemy laws, according to an Al Jazeera tally. Those killed include people accused of blasphemy, their families, lawyers and, in at least one case, a judge.

Senior TLP leader Ijaz Ashrafi told Al Jazeera his party was satisfied with the step to refer the film to religious scholars, but reserved the right to protest if the release was to go ahead.

We will see what happens next after the committee has a look at it. Any anti-Islam narrative or criticism of Islam, if we can raise our voices for that today, we can do so tomorrow, said Ashrafi.

Khoosat, meanwhile, said the film did not carry content that could be construed as blasphemous. The films protagonist is a middle-aged man, a good enough Muslim [who] has a day job as a property agent, he has three daughters and a wife, he said.

At a friends wedding, egged on by friends, he dances to a Pakistani song, and that video spreads and goes viral, and that leads to a whole social boycott [by his community], said Khoosat.

Earlier on Tuesday, before the governments ruling, Khoosat said a decision on the release of the film had taken a back seat to concerns for his own safety.

200115150910673

I would only want to release the film so that these weird, horrific speculations about the film, accusing the content [can be] proved wrong, he said.

The TLPs opposition to the film appears to be focused on the protagonist also singing hymns in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, according to statements calling for the protest.

The central theme is that there is a man who is a reader of naats [hymns in praise of Prophet Muhammad] who is shown in a bad light  there are good and bad people in every profession, but this negative image has been particularly connected to Islam, said TLP official Alvi.

On Thursday, 86 TLP activists  including Rizvis brother and nephew  were given 55-year prison sentences for their involvement in widespread violent protests following the acquittal of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman, on blasphemy charges in October 2018.

Bibi spent eight years on death row before Pakistans Supreme Court ruled that the charges against her were concocted by her accusers.

In January 2011, governor of Pakistans Punjab province Salman Taseer was shot dead by his bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri for supporting Bibi during her trial.

Ive been sent messages saying that it is for people like you that Qadris are born and your Qadri is ready, said Khoosat.

Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim.
Marriage occupies a special place in Indian households and most communities have special ceremonies that take place to mark the solemn occasion. The Western state of Gujarat is known for its extravaganza as well as the festivals that are celebrated with much fanfare. But a recent article published in The Times of India is bound to leave you in splits.

In Bollywood super hit 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun,' groom Mohnish Behl's uncle Alok Nath and the bride Renuka Shahane's mother Rima Lagoo are put in a comically awkward situation when Nath's college-days crush on her is revealed by none other than Lagoo's husband Anupam Kher. All relish this harmless disclosure with laughs and the marriage passes off smoothly.



In Surat, however, marriage plan of two youngsters was shattered after the groom's father and the bride's mother revived their young days love and both reportedly fled. The marriage was scheduled in February second week, but the 48-year-old man and the 46-year-old woman, are nowhere to be found for 10 days now.

While the man disappeared from his house in Katargam area, the woman left her house in Navsari. It is strongly suspected that they have eloped, leaving the families in an extremely embarrassing situation. Both families have filed missing persons report with the police, according to TOI report.

unsplash/representational image

The bride and groom were preparing for their marriage for the past one year after they got engaged. They are from the same community and elders were taken in confidence before their engagement was done. However, the elopement, barely a month before the marriage has left everyone shocked.

The grooms father, Rakesh, (name changed), a textile businessman who also deals in property, went untraceable around January 10. Rakesh, who is also a member of a political party, is a native of Amreli district. He knew the brides mother, Swati (name changed), since their young age. They were neighbours in Katargam area and were good friends too, it is reliably learnt.

bccl/representational image

They knew each other since they lived in same society. Some of their close friends informed us after they eloped that they had a relationship in the past too. However, Swati got engaged with her current husband in Navsari, said a relative of both the families.

Swati, whose family hails from Bhavnagar district, got married to a diamond artisan who later became a broker.

The elopement has become a point of discussion on social media and photos of the couple are being widely shared. But in the midst of all these, the planned marriage has been called off as uncertainty looms large.
With the International Monetary Fund lowering India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday claimed an attack on the world body and its chief economist Gita Gopinath by government ministers was imminent.

IMAGE: IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath addresses a press conference during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. Photograph: PTI Photo

He also alleged that the growth figure of 4.8 per cent given by the IMF is after some "window dressing" and he won't be surprised if it goes even lower.

"Reality check from IMF. Growth in 2019-20 will be BELOW 5 per cent at 4.8 per cent," Chidambaram said in a series of tweets.

"Even the 4.8 per cent is after some window dressing. I will not be surprised if it goes even lower," the former finance minister said.

IMF Chief Economist Gopinath was one of the first to denounce demonetisation, he noted.

"I suppose we must prepare ourselves for an attack by government ministers on the IMF and Dr Gita Gopinath," Chidambaram said.

The IMF lowered India's economic growth estimate for the current fiscal to 4.8 per cent and listed the country's much lower-than-expected GDP numbers as the single biggest drag on its global growth forecast for two years.

In October, the IMF had pegged India economic growth at 6.1 per cent for 2019.

Listing decline in rural demand growth and an overall credit sluggishness for lowering of India forecasts, Gopinath, however, had said the growth momentum should improve next year due to factors like positive impact of corporate tax rate reduction.
Huawei CFOs lawyers say her actions, which the US alleges constitute bank fraud, are not illegal in Canada.

A lawyer for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou argued in a Vancouver court on Monday that she should not be sent to the United States for trial because her alleged crimes do not meet Canadas tests for extradition, in a case that has strained relations between Ottawa and Beijing.

Meng, 47, has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition in part because her alleged conduct was not illegal in Canada, an argument known as double criminality.

Unlike the US, Canada did not have sanctions against Iran at the time Canadian officials authorised starting the extradition process, her lawyers said.

The US has charged Meng with bank fraud and accused her of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltds business in Iran.

Court proceedings show the US issued the arrest warrant, which Canada acted on in December 2018, because it believes Meng covered up attempts by Huawei-linked companies to sell equipment to Iran, breaking US sanctions against the country.

Meng, the daughter of Huaweis billionaire founder Ren Zhengfei, arrived in court for the first phase of a trial that will last at least four days, as China repeated its call for Canada to release her.

She remains free on bail in Canada and has been living in a mansion in Vancouvers exclusive Shaughnessy neighbourhood.

US case an artifice

Extraditing Meng would undermine the double criminality rule, Mengs lawyer Richard Peck told the court.

Would we be here in the absence of US sanctions law, and  our response is no, he said.

In a typical case, double criminality is not contentious. This case, however, is founded on an allegation of breach of US sanctions, sanctions which Canada has expressly repudiated, he added.

Peck said the US cast the matter as a case of fraud against a bank, which he described as an artifice.

In reality, sanctions violation is the essence of the alleged misconduct  the US has a global interest in enforcing its Iran sanctions. Sanctions drive this case, Peck added.

Mengs legal team is currently only scheduled to call evidence in the last week of April and a second phase of the trial focusing on abuse of process and whether Canadian officials followed the law when arresting Meng is set to begin in June. Closing arguments are expected in the last week of September and the first week of October.

Huawei, one of the worlds biggest providers of telecommunications equipment, is at the centre of a significant dispute with the US.

The US Commerce Department in May placed Huawei Technologies Co Ltd on a trade blacklist, citing national security concerns. That allowed the US government to restrict sales of US-made goods to the company and a small number of items made abroad that contain US technology.

Huawei said in a statement that it stands with Meng in her pursuit of justice and freedom. We trust in Canadas judicial system, which will prove Ms Mengs innocence, it added.

Legal experts have said it could be years before a final decision is reached in the case since Canadas justice system allows many decisions to be appealed.

Richard Kurland, a federal policy expert and lawyer in Canada who is not involved with the case, called Mengs double criminality argument around the absence of Canadian sanctions against Iran a sure bet.

I think the defence has a slam dunk. There are no Iranian sanctions in Canada and anything (the prosecutors bring up) thats related to an Iranian sanction in Canada may well be dismissed, he said.

Politically motivated

Mengs legal team argued in November that she could not be extradited as Canada did not have sanctions against Iran at the time Canadian officials authorised commencing with the extradition, meaning her conduct was not illegal.

In response, Canadas attorney general said Meng was arrested on charges of fraud and misleading HSBC, which is a crime in both countries.

Our government has been clear that we are a rule-of-law country and that we honour our extradition treaty commitments. That is what we need to do and that is what we will do, Canadas Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said.

China has called Mengs arrest politically motivated. The resolve of the Chinese government to protect Chinese citizens proper legal rights is firm and unwavering, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters during a daily briefing on Monday. He called Mengs case a serious political matter.

Soon after her arrest in December 2018, China arrested two Canadians  former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor. China has denied their arrests were related to Mengs case.

The clear priority of everyone in our government  is the release and wellbeing of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. That is at the heart of all the work we are doing and rightly so, Freeland told reporters in Winnipeg on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat.

US President Donald Trump told Reuters in December 2018 he would intervene in Mengs case if it served US national security interests or helped close a trade deal with China. Freeland, who was Canadas foreign minister at the time, quickly warned Washington not to politicise extradition cases.
Young Derry people are being invited to have their say on how they are treated within their local community.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is inviting children, young people and parents to take part in a special consultation event in the Guildhall next month, as part of its bid to achieve Unicef Child Friendly Community status.

The Unicef Community and Youth Discovery Days will take place on Thursday February 6 and Friday February 7 in the Guildhall and will allow children and young people to discuss how they feel within their local community, as well as how their rights are respected or violated.

The event is being facilitated by Unicef UK in partnership with local statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations.

Local young people from the Unicef Youth Advisory Panel will take a leading role, presenting and facilitating on the day.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, encouraged organisations working with children and young people aged 10-18 to get involved.

Child Friendly Communities aim to create cities and communities where all children, whether they live in care, use a childrens centre, visit a leisure centre or local library have a meaningful say in and truly benefit from the local decisions, services and spaces that shape their lives, she explained.

With expert training and guidance from Unicef UK, the partnership sees politicians, staff and volunteers turning to childrens rights  as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  to guide decisions that affect children and young people.

Ongoing work has been taking place at a local level and a range of youth and adult stakeholders have already been involved in remote consultation.

This event allows children and young people to have an input into the decisions that affect them  from major policies, to decisions around the care they receive. We will be talking about things like spaces to play and meet friends, being healthy and feeling safe

At the event young people will learn more about childrens rights globally and nationally and hear about the local picture.

In the afternoon, attendees will work in groups to look at whats going well and what needs attention for children and young people in the Council area.

The agenda also includes a performance from young local musician ROE, winner of the Best Emerging Artist at the Northern Ireland Music Prize and support to Snow Patrol, Kodaline, Robbie Williams and The Coronas.

ROE is taking time out of her busy schedule as she embarks on her very first headline tour of the UK.

Claire Lynch, DSCDC Children and Young Peoples Coordinator, added: ROE is passionate about supporting the community, especially on topics like mental health, the focus of some of her heart felt and quirky music.

The performance will add value to the discussions and creative workshops planned for the day.

It will give participants an alternative way to explore emotions and encourage them to be open about challenges while focusing on the importance of facing those challenges head on.

Consultation has identified that one of the biggest priorities for young people is mental health.

We need to work with the relevant partners to ensure that we develop more child friendly and accessible services, tailored to our local needs.

The partnership with Unicef UK gives us an opportunity to focus our attention in a joined up manner through the Community Planning approach.

Youth Advisory Member, Liam Mc Clintock looked ahead to the event: I joined the group so I could give my opinion about things going on to try make Derry and Strabane a better place, he said.

Im looking forward to the day to see what happens.

Im organising for a video I created with Third Space about Disability to be shown at the event.

I have experience of going through things that could help others and I want everyone to know that people with learning disabilities can do what other people do.

I want people to know that if you have a learning disability you can do the things you want to do in life.

Naomi Danquah, Unicef UKs Director of Child Friendly Cities and Communities, added: This day is key in ensuring children and young people have the opportunity to contribute equally to decisions, share their views and help shape the direction of Derry City and Strabanes Child Friendly Cities journey.

Guided by their ideas and experiences, we can work together for better outcomes for all children and young people in the community.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Youth Discovery Day should register their interest at youth@derrystrabane.com.
Philippine officials on Tuesday reported the countrys likely first case of the new coronavirus, saying a 5-year-old Chinese boy from Wuhan city, where the disease appears to have originated, had shown symptoms and was under strict observation.

The boy, confined at a hospital in central Cebu City, was detected to have fever, throat irritation and cough upon his arrival in the Philippines from Wuhan on Jan. 12, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III told reporters.

Duque said samples were sent to specialists in Australia to identify which coronavirus strain the boy was carrying.

Samples from the patient were first tested at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and yielded negative results for the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome-related coronavirus or more often referred to as MERS-COV and severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, Duque told reporters in Manila.

He said the samples tested positive for non-specific coronavirus, meaning it could be the Wuhan coronavirus or any of the other four existing coronaviruses that can infect humans.

There are coronaviruses that can cause very mild symptoms. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to more serious infections such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Common signs of coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, he said.

In severe cases, it could cause pneumonia, respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death, Duque said.

The new coronavirus has already claimed the lives of at least six people while more than 200 have been infected internationally, according to news service reports on Tuesday.

If proven to be the Wuhan coronavirus, the boy would be the first case reported in the Philippines. Thailand has detected two cases linked to travelers from China.

As of Tuesday, the boy had a cough, although his condition is stable and his fever broke, according to health officials.

Duque said health workers should be vigilant in dealing with suspected cases, especially if patients had a known history of travel to China.

I urge travelers with symptoms of respiratory illness, either during or after travel, to seek medical attention immediately, Duque said. I also call on our health facilities to enhance standard infection prevention and control practices, especially in our emergency departments.

WHO efforts

Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, the World Health Organizations representative in the Philippines, said the U.N. agency was working with member states to better understand the new SARS-like disease.

SARS originated in China in 2002 and killed about 775 people, according to health figures. MERS, meanwhile, was identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and killed about 850.

We need to emphasize that at this point of time there are still a lot of unknown issues. We are not sure of the source of the virus  where it came from  an animal or another source. We believe that there may be human-to-human transmission, however, this is a premature situation, Abeyasinghe said.

Aside from the boy, three other Chinese tourists  a 21-year-old woman, a 3-year-old girl and a 65-year-old man  were being monitored after exhibiting mild symptoms of respiratory disease, according to provincial health officer Dr. Cornelio Cuachon.

We collected their specimens for confirmatory tests. Nonetheless, once they go back to China, they will have to get tested in the provincial hospital and be issued a medical clearance, Cuachon said.

They do not have a history of travel to Wuhan City, where the mysterious pneumonia started, he said.
Five people including a 70-year-old woman, her three children, and her daughter-in-law were killed in a fire that broke out at their home in Ho Chi Minh City on early Tuesday morning.

The fire started at a 30-square-meter house in a small alley on Do Xuan Hop Street in District 9 in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Three fire engines and 22 firemen were dispatched to the scene, but work to put out the inferno was challenged by the narrow alley, which denied any large vehicle access to the burning house.

When the fire was finally extinguished, five people in a family living inside were found already dead.

The victims include Le Thi Hue, 70, her three children Le Thi Tuyet Mai, 44, Le Hoang Thanh, 40, and Le Hoang Tam, 37, and Thanhs wife Tran My Tuyen, 30.

A police officer is stationed near the site of a house fire that killed five family members on Do Xuan Hop Street in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City on January 21, 2020. Photo: Le Phan / Tuoi Tre

Two of Hues grandchildren who live in the same house had previously returned to their hometown in another province for the Lunar New Year holiday and were not inside the building when it was consumed by the flames, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Ho Chi Minh City deputy chairman Vo Van Hoan and the municipal construction department's director Le Hoa Binh were at the site of the fire on Tuesday morning to monitor firefighting efforts and an investigation that followed.

Quyen, a distant relative of the victims, told Tuoi Tre the family is a near-poor household in Phuoc Long B Ward of District 9.

The victims get by doing labor work at construction sites, volunteering at a local pagoda, and babysitting.

Ho Chi Minh City deputy chairman Vo Van Hoan (L) and the municipal construction department's director Le Hoa Binh arrive at the site of a house fire that killed five family members on Do Xuan Hop Street in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City on January 21, 2020. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre

Police officers are stationed near the site of a house fire that killed five family members on Do Xuan Hop Street in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City on January 21, 2020. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre

Police officers take witnesses accounts of a house fire that killed five family members on Do Xuan Hop Street in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City on January 21, 2020. Photo: T.H. / Tuoi Tre

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January 21 : Senior actress Soni Razdan on Tuesday demanded a probe into why the 2001 Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru was made a "scapegoat" in a series of tweets and he was hanged in 2013, despite his raising questions against his investigating officer.

In what is being seen as dipping her finger into a burning cauldron, Razdan''s controversial tweet said: "This is a travesty of justice. Who is going to bring back a man from the dead if he is innocent? This is why death penalty is not to be used lightly."

The 64-year old actress, who is part German and part-Kashmiri Pandit and is the mother of top Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, said this is also why "there needs to be a solid enquiry into why Afzal Guru was made the scapegoat".

Razdans second tweet read, "There Should be Inquiry into Why Davinder Singh Was Let off after Afzal... There should also be an enquiry as to how people like Afzal are tortured and forced to carry out terrorist activities for criminals and then get the death penalty!", said Razdan, wife of acclaimed film-maker Mahesh Bhatt.

In her third tweet razdan said, No one is saying he is innocent. But if he was tortured and then ordered by his torturer to do what he did isnt that what needed to be fully investigated ? Why did no one take his allegations about Devinder Singh seriously. Thats the travesty."

Her tweets came in the context of the January 11 arrest of Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh, who has been charged for allegedly accompanying three dreaded terrorists in a vehicle.

Davinder Singh had been named by Afzal Guru in a letter that he had penned from Tihar Central Jail to his lawyer Sushil Kumar. Guru was hanged till death on February 9, 2013.

Afzal Guru was arrested and found guilty for the December 13, 2001, Parliament attack which left 14 dead including five terrorists.

Davinder Singh is currently being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan today held a meeting with students of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the American University of Armenia, as reported the news service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Greeting the participants of the meeting, Minister Mnatsakanyan highly appreciated the importance of such a platform for meetings and dialogue and attached special importance to the role of the American University in the educational life in Armenia.

Responding to questions from students, Minister Mnatsakanyan presented Armenias foreign policy priorities and touched upon regional and international issues and Armenias positions on and approaches to those issues.

During the meeting, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahagn Melikyan and Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Brian Ellison signed a memorandum on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences of the American University of Armenia, the aim of which is to conduct research and analyses within the scope of programs related to the sphere of activities of the ministry.
In America, if your mother is on American soil when she gives birth, you, the new baby, instantly receive the extraordinary gift of being an American citizen. This is true even if your mother is in America illegally or just stopped over for a vacation  especially a vacation to give birth in America. And there's your birthright citizenship.

President Trump, as part of his general crackdown on the dilution and degradation of American citizenship, plans to make it tougher to take advantage of America's lax birthright laws:

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to crack down on foreign nationals who visit the United States with the explicit intention to give birth, taking advantage of the country's birthright citizen laws. President Donald Trump is expected to roll out changes to visa requirements in the coming days in order to stifle the "birth tourism" industry, in which many pregnant women from across the world enter the U.S. to give birth, according to administration officials who spoke with Axios. The proposals would be the latest in the administration's efforts to clamp down on abuse of the U.S. immigration system. Every year, tens of thousands of foreign visitors enter the U.S. and give birth, taking advantage of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which gives automatic citizenship to anyone born on American soil. While it's difficult to calculate the exact amount, the Center for Immigration Studies estimates this number to be around 33,000 a year.

Even as the internationalists imagine a sort of one-world citizenship, with the little people milling from country to country in order to obtain the best welfare benefits, President Trump keeps advancing an old-fashioned notion: citizenship matters. It confers benefits and burdens unique to the country issuing citizenship and shouldn't be handed out like cheap thumb drives at a trade show.

Trump is both the leader of and the response to a wave of patriotism  or, as the left sneeringly refers to it "nationalism"  sweeping across the world, most recently in Britain with Brexit. Eighty-one years after World War II began, people are figuring out that patriotism, standing alone, is not toxic or dangerous. People who do not have pride in their country and their traditions are vulnerable to predatory people and ideas.

Healthy patriotism becomes dangerous only when it is combined with hatred for the other and greed for what the other possesses. Indeed, watching the rise of white nationalism, a little bit here, and a lot in Germany, it's apparent that if you deny people healthy patriotism, that seemingly innate yearning to love one's country will go underground, where it becomes perverted and dangerous.
Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has said the United States is 'over-concerned' about the Chinese company because it feels challenged by its technological ability.

Mr Zhengfei claimed the US has become accustomed to being the global technology superpower and is not comfortable with Huawei rivalling them.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum on the subject of artificial intelligence, Mr Zhengfei said the US blacklisting of Huawei as retaliation.

Mr Zhengfei's comments come as his daughter Meng Wanzhou, who is also Huawei's Chief Financial Officer, is in court in Vancouver.

She wanted by the US on fraud charges that she misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran.

Scroll down for video

Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has said the United States is 'over-concerned' about the Chinese company because it feels challenged by its technological ability (file photo)

Last year, the US imposed trade restrictions on Huawei over concerns about the company's security and ties to the Chinese government.

The US alleged that Huawei's telecoms equipment could be used to spy on people  something the Chinese firm has repeatedly denied.

'The US is over-concerned. The US has got used to being the world number one and thinking they should be the best in everything that they do,' Mr Zhengfei said.

'If there is someone who is better than them they might not feel comfortable.

'I think the US should not be over-concerned about Huawei and Huawei's position in the world.'

The Chinese firm's chairman added that he was confident Huawei could survive any further 'attacks' from the US, following the Trump administration's decision to add Huawei to the Entity List, which limits the amount of trade it can do with American companies.

Mr Zhengfei's comments come as his daughter Meng Wanzhou (pictured yesterday attending court), who is also Huawei's Chief Financial Officer is wanted by the US on fraud charges that she misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran

'Regarding the Entity List, Huawei was added to the list last year and it did not hurt us much.

'We basically withstood the challenges  we did some preparation before that,' he said.

'This year the US might further escalate their campaign against Huawei but I feel the impact on Huawei's business would not be very significant.'

The UK Government is under pressure from the US to block Huawei from being a part of the rollout of 5G networks in the UK.

A Government decision on Huawei and its role in 5G infrastructure is reportedly expected in the coming weeks.
Iran's civil aviation authority confirmed two Tor-M1 short-range surface-to-air missiles were fired at a Ukrainian Boeing 737 that was brought down earlier this month.



"Investigators... discovered that two Tor-M1 missiles... were fired at the aircraft," it said in a preliminary report posted on its website.

The authority added that an investigation was ongoing to assess the bearing their impact had on the accident, the AFP reported.

The Kiev-bound Ukraine International Airlines plane was shot down in a catastrophic error shortly after takeoff from Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board.
CINCINNATI, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- RSW/US, the nation's leading outsourced lead generation firm for marketing agencies, just completed its annual New Year Outlook Report.

More than in previous years, Agencies say one of their biggest challenges in 2020 will be proving out value to their marketing counterparts. While this isn't new, several cyclical changes look to enhance agency challenges in acquiring and keeping new clients.

For example, 94% of marketers say it will be somewhat to highly important for their agency to provide marketing data & analytics capabilities in 2020, and cite "technology", "digital", and a "better understanding of their brand", as central challenges agencies will face as they roll into 2020. Couple that with Marketers forecasting spend percentage decreases for the fourth year in a row and it's more important than ever for agencies to reinforce their client acquisition and retention tactics.

Two other factors come into play for agencies, related to these cyclical changes: first, Marketers plan to consolidate the number of agencies in their roster in 2020: 35% report they plan to use fewer agencies, versus 26% in 2018 and 15% in 2017. Additionally, specialty agencies need to reevaluate how best to show their value, as Marketers report a 19% drop in specialty agency usage since 2017.

The positive side to these stats? Agencies are anticipating these potential changes. Agencies show no signs of letting up in terms of business investment: 86% of agencies say they'll invest "somewhat" or "significantly" in their business in 2020.

Agencies also see the need to up their game from a new business standpoint in 2020:

69% say it's going to be more important to own a unique positioning for their agency

60% say it will be important to push out value-added, thought leadership content

And 71% said it will be more important to come to meetings with insights about a prospect's industry or company.

The RSW/US 2020 New Year Outlook Report will be a valuable asset as you look to trends and predictions that provide a better understanding of the 2020 landscape.

About RSW/US

RSW/US is the nation's leading outsourced business development group that helps marketing agencies find meaningful new business opportunities and get them closer to close. To learn more visit www.rswus.com or call Lee McKnight ( 513-559-3111).

Contact: Mark Sneider

Phone: 513-559-3101

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Reardon Smith Whittaker

Related Links

http://www.rswus.com


HDFC Bank Q3 net profit rises 33% to Rs7,416 cr

HDFC Bank has reported a 32.8 per cent growth in net profit to Rs7,416.5 crore for the third quarter ended 31 December compared with a net profit of Rs5,585.9 crore in the October-December quarter of the previous financial year.

The private sector lender said the higher profits were driven by interest and non-interest income.

Total income rose to Rs36,039 crore during the October-December 2-19-20 quarter against Rs30,811.27 crore in the year-ago quarter, HDFC Bank said in a statement.

"Net interest income (interest earned less interest expended) for the quarter ended 31 December 2019, grew to Rs14,172.9 crore from Rs12,576.8 crore for the quarter ended 31 December 2018, driven by growth in advances of 19.9 per cent, and a growth in deposits of 25.2 per cent," it said.

Net interest margin for the October-December 2019-20 quarter remained stable at 4.2 per cent, it added.

During the quarter, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of the bank 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.

The bank's provisions (other than tax) and contingencies increased to Rs3,043.56 crore against Rs2,211,53 crore reported in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. Of this, provision of NPA alone was Rs2,883.6 crore, it said.

The specific loan loss provisions in the current quarter include one-offs of approximately Rs700 crore, primarily relating to certain corporate accounts. Therefore, the core credit cost ratio (ie, excluding one-offs), was 0.92 per cent, as compared to 0.90 per cent in the quarter ending 30 September 2019 and 0.88 per cent in the quarter ending 31 December 2018," it said.

Other incomes of the bank increased to Rs6,669.3 crore against Rs4,921.01 crore in the same quarter last fiscal.

Total balance sheet size as of 31 December 2019 was Rs13,95,336 crore against Rs11,68,556 crore as of 31 December 2018.

HDFC banks total deposits rose 25.2 per cent to Rs10,67,433 crore, while total advances grew by 19.9 per cent Rs936,030 crore.

The lender's total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) as per Basel III guidelines was at 18.5 per cent as of 31 December 2019 (17.3 per cent as of 31 December 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).
Hours after candidature of BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga from Hari Nagar constituency was announced, #Bagga4HariNagar began to trend on Twitter.

With more than 25,000 tweets (at 11:42 am), #Bagga4HariNagar was the top trend on the microblogging site in India which explains Bagga's ability to use social media in his favour. From retweeting party heavyweights to selling merchandise which tow the BJP's line, Bagga has emerged as the party's front-running social media warrior over the last few years.

Branded as a "troll" by some, and at times trolled by those with opposing views, Bagga seems to have toned down over time, more so after being appointed as Delhi BJP's spokesperson.

BJP has fielded Bagga against Aam Aadmi Party's Princess Dhillon and Congress' Surender Sethi.

An avid Twitter user, the 34-year-old expresses opinions on a wide range of issues and also contests those who challenge his party's line of thought with each of post garnering massive engagement. His Twitter timeline was flooded with wishes from supporters soon after he was announced as candidate.

He also released a rap song which says 'Bagga, Bagga Har Jagah' and thanked everyone.

On January 17, days before the announcement, when a Twitter user asked: "I want to campaign for you. From where did you get the ticket?"

Bagga was quick to respond and said: "I am BJP, contesting from 70 seats. You are most welcome."

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Bagga said he joined RSS 'shakha' at the age of four and later become part of BJP youth wing when he was 16.

He said that he also ran online campaigns for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 Lok Sabha polls and for the BJP.

Bagga claimed that BJP will win more than 50 seats and form the government in Delhi.

He also alleged that the office of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) was burnt to eliminate evidence of corruption.

"BJP will win more than 50 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections and form the government. Kejriwal ji is afraid of this. That is why documents were burnt at Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) office, 15 days before the polls. There were scams in DTC, CNG and transport. Kejriwal was in fear that if BJP comes to power then guilty will be sent to jail," the BJP leader said.

Bagga also hit out at Delhi Chief Minister and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its promises.

"He promised wifi, 15 lakh CCTV, bus marshals, 20 colleges and 500 schools. Has he done anything? What he did was in the last three months. Earlier, he was saying Modi ji is not letting him do anything," he said.

Voting for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 8. The counting of votes will take place on February 11.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo: iStock

Here's the most recent top news you may have missed in San Jose.

Furries pulled assaulter out of vehicle, sat on him

A group of befurred bystanders intervened when they saw a man "whaling on" his girlfriend inside a car late Friday, witnesses and police said.

Read the full story on The Mercury News.

A kidnapped California teenager was rescued after she alerted her friends using Snapchat

The 14-year-old girl, who was found inside a motel room in San Jose, had allegedly been drugged and sexually assaulted.

Read the full story on Business Insider.

Fallout from San Jose mobile home eviction threats: widespread fear

The letters warning of a possible eviction that circulated around Westwinds Mobile Home Park this month shook more than homeowners  fear has rippled out to residents in other parks.

Read the full story on Mercury News.

Revamped plans sprout at key downtown San Jose site

A hotel and houses would be built on a choice site in downtown San Jose, a fresh set of proposals on file with city officials shows.

Read the full story on Mercury News.

This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday extended an invitation to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to visit Kathmandu, saying that the visit would provide the two countries to chart the course of action for the future.

Oli extended the invitation via video conferencing during the inauguration of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Jogbani-Biratnagar border.

"I would like to renew my cordial invitation to you to pay a visit to Nepal at your earliest convenience. Your visit will provide us an excellent opportunity to review the achievements made and chart the course of action for the future," Oli said.

Oli said that the time has come to resolve all pending issues between India and Nepal through dialogue in the lasting interest of the two countries, and asserted that his government is committed to working with New Delhi towards this end.

Oli and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the Integrated Check Post, built with India's assistance in a bid to facilitate trade and people's movement between the two countries.

A video showcasing the remarkable progress in the Indian government-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal was also screened during the inauguration.

The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built, the Prime Minister's office said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Democratic presidential contender Elizabeth Warren said Tuesday she would create an independent task force in the Justice Department to investigate corruption by government officials during the Trump administration.

The Massachusetts senator said her goal is to restore "integrity and competence" to the federal government after President Donald Trump leaves office.

"If we are to move forward to restore public confidence in government and deter future wrongdoing, we cannot simply sweep this corruption under the rug in a new administration," Warren wrote in the plan.

The progressive Democrat cited a report by a nonpartisan good government group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which found "unprecedented" corruption in the Trump administration, as well as other reports of self-dealing among administration officials and the president's family members.

Warren tweet

"That's why I will direct the Justice Department to establish a task force to investigate violations by Trump administration officials of federal bribery laws, insider trading laws, and other anti-corruption and public integrity laws, and give that task force independent authority to pursue any substantiated criminal and civil violations," she said.

Warren, who has been a fierce advocate of anti-corruption legislation, went a step further on Tuesday by calling for investigations and possible prosecutions of Trump administration officials.

Historically, presidents have been wary to pursue investigations of their predecessors, even from opposing parties. Trump has come under scrutiny for his attempts to wield the power of the Justice Department against his perceived enemies.
Cambodia will deploy around 2,000 officials across the country to monitor the return of Chinese nationals during the annual Chinese New Year celebrations this week, after a pneumonia outbreak in Chinas Hubei province.

The new coronavirus strain has been at the center of a pneumonia outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which has recorded around 136 new cases just ahead of the major Chinese holiday. The virus strain is being likened to SARS, which killed at least 800 people during an outbreak in 2002 and 2003.

Health Ministry spokesperson Ly Sovann said that thermal scanners were being used at airports and the land border crossing at Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province, adding that the government was used to dealing with similar outbreaks of influenza in the region.

In fact, we prevented a SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003, bird flu from 2004 to 2015, and had the MERS outbreak in 2015, as well as other global outbreaks, which means we have experience in prevention, he said.

There were no reported cases of the novel coronavirus in Cambodia as of Monday, Ly Sovann said, but that health officials were on alert during the Chinese New Year holidays.

Chinese travelers and nationals working in Cambodia make up the largest group of tourists and expat workers, respectively. Last year, at least 2 million Chinese tourists visited Cambodia.

Questions remain over the new virus and whether human-to-human transmission is possible. The World Health Organization in Geneva last Wednesday said there was very limited potential for human-to-human transmission, potentially among families, but that there was no evidence to show sustained transmission.

The WHO has announced that it will continue to monitor the condition and work with China to investigate the epidemic and provide technical expertise.
HACKENSACK, N.J., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royal Biologics , an ortho-biologics company specializing in the research and advancement of novel ortho-biologics solutions, today announced the launch of Cryo-Cord, the first DMSO-free viable umbilical cord graft. The company will be showcasing Cryo-Cord along with its new portfolio of Autologous Live Cellular (ALC) technologies at the NY20 Foundation for Podiatric Medicine meeting, held January 24-26 in New York, NY for more than 1500 clinical attendees.



The company will feature its full suite of surgical biologic offerings at exhibit booth #322, and on the podium for Innovation Theater presentations at 10:30am on Friday 1/24/20 and 12pm on Saturday 1/25/20. These scientific presentations will feature several products within the Royal Biologics portfolio. At its booth, Royal Biologics will showcase its comprehensive ALC portfolio designed to personalize live regenerative healing for a wide variety of wound types across the orthopedics continuum.

The launch of Cryo-Cord enables providers with the first DMSO-free viable umbilical cord tissue. Cryo-Cord has been obtained with consent from healthy mothers during cesarean section delivery and is intended for use as a soft tissue barrier or wound dressing. Cryo-Cord is processed using aseptic techniques and frozen with a proprietary cryoprotectant.

Cryo-Cord offers a new enhancement to traditional wound care therapies and we are excited to pave the way with the first DMSO-free cryoprotectant graft on the market, said Salvatore Leo, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Biologics.

Other featured products at NY20 will include Maxx-Cell, which was launched as the world's most advanced bone marrow aspiration device. Maxx-Cell offers a new technique to a gold standard approach of aspirating a patients autologous bone marrow cells. Maxx-Cell however does not require centrifugation to deliver a final end product. The Maxx-Cell system maximizes stem and progenitor cell yields by giving the surgeon the ability to efficiently harvest bone marrow from multiple levels within the medullary space, while restricting dilution of peripheral blood. As a result, Maxx-Cell delivers a high, most pure enriched form of bone marrow aspirate without the need for centrifugation.

This month, the company has also announced the launch of MAGNUS, which is a DMSO-free viable cellular bone allograft and demos will be available during the conference. MAGNUS presents a unique solution to traditional viable cellular allograft technology as it utilizes a DMSO-free cryoprotectant. This novel approach to the viable cellular allograft market differentiates MAGNUS from other technologies currently available.

Leo added, We are excited to participate in NY20 and share how our Autologous Live Cellular based therapies give the surgeons an efficient and effective way to enhance surgical outcomes by providing alternatives to conventional therapies for bone and soft tissue related injuries. We also believe that in a cost-conscious industry, we can provide novel viable cellular products that provide value at the point of care.

To watch the latest ALC product videos and learn more about the range of regenerative medical products offered by Royal Biologics, along with a schedule of 2020 conferences, visit http://www.RoyalBiologics.com .

About Royal Biologics

Royal Biologics is an ortho-biologics company specializing in the research and advancement of Regenerative Cellular Therapy. Its primary focus is on using autologous bioactive cells to help promote healing in a wide range of clinical settings, with its portfolio of FDA-approved medical devices. For more information on its line of products, visit www.royalbiologics.com.

For more media information, contact:

Lisa Hendrickson, LCH Communications

lisa@lchcommunications.com

516-767-8390

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee412ed7-d46b-40b7-9322-a65f5cb26430
Former premier Jay Weatherill admits mixed feelings about listing the familys Alberton home of two decades.

He's leaving the Queen Street property  and the state he led for six years prior to the 2018 election  for a job in Perth with Andrew Forrests Minderoo Foundation.

Mr Weatherill will take over as the chief executive of the foundations Thrive by Five initiative, which focuses on early childhood development across the country.

The 55-year-old, wife Melissa and their two teenage daughters, Lucinda and Alice, are heading west later this month.

Their renovated sandstone villa is going to auction on Saturday, February 1.

The 487 sqm property is being sold by Nick Psarros and Nathaniel Kennerdale of Ray White Port Adelaide.

The three-bedroom residence comes with an office.

It features polished timber floorboards, feature fireplaces and high ornate ceilings with a modern extension.

The renovations were carried out about 10 years ago.

The Weatherills bought the property in May 2000, having been renting a home around the corner.

Its always had a great community feel to the place, with people looking out for each other, he told The Adelaide Advertiser.
Prince Harry left the UK to rejoin his wife Meghan and son Archie in Canada Monday, British media reported, as the couple start a new life after their shock exit from the royal fold.

The Duke of Sussex is understood to have left the UK for Canada on Monday evening following one of his final official engagements as a working royal, Britains Daily Telegraph newspaper reported.

Harry boarded a 5.30 pm flight to Vancouver from Londons Heathrow airport, the Sun tabloid said, and is expected to be reunited with his wife and son in Canada -- where the couple are expected to make their home -- on Tuesday.

His departure for Canada will be deemed symbolic, coming just two days after Buckingham Palace announced that it was severing all official ties with the Sussexes as they walk away from public life, the Telegraph said.

Earlier, Queen Elizabeth IIs grandson, who remains sixth in line to the throne, attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, seeming in good spirits as he met the presidents of Malawi and Mozambique, and the Moroccan prime minister.

He also had an informal 20-minute private meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who hosted the event.

Harry skipped a summit dinner for visiting African leaders at Buckingham Palace in order not to overshadow his brother Williams hosting of the event, the Daily Mail reported.

Harry and his wife Meghan -- currently known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex -- are bowing out entirely from representing the British monarchy, in a crisis that has shaken the centuries-old institution.

He said on Sunday night they did not want to quit their royal duties but reluctantly accepted there was no other option if they wanted to cut loose from public funding and seek their own income in pursuit of a more independent life.

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Five energy companies either headquartered in or with a large presence in Houston are getting three more months in Venezuela as Trump administration sanctions approach their one-year anniversary without accomplishing their goal  ousting strongman Nicolas Maduro.

Hours before a weekend meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido in Colombia, the U.S. Treasury Department granted waivers to Chevron, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes and Weatherford  allowing the five companies to continue to do business in the troubled South American nation until April 22.

Despite sanctions levied against Venezuela, the five companies have been able to stay in the oil-rich nation through waivers and licenses issued by the Treasury Department every three to six months. The licenses, which were set to expire on Wednesday, were renewed just before midnight Friday

Chevron is a constructive presence in Venezuela, where we have been part of the local communities for nearly a century," the company said in a statement. "We remain focused on our base business operations and supporting the more than 8,800 people who work with us and their families. Our operations continue in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Politics: Energy companies caught in political tug-of-war over Venezuela

The Trump administration imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela in a Jan. 28, 2019 decision. Venezuelan crude oil exports to the United States fell to zero in a matter of weeks but the regime has since turned to Russia help to get shipments to customers in Asia.

Nearly a year later after the oil sanctions were put in place, Venezuela is still producing an estimated 714,000 barrels of crude oil per day, said Jorge Pinon, a Latin American expert with the University of Texas at Austin. Maduro remains in power despite protests, frequent power outages, rampant crime and shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities.

Every single day something happens to the Maduro regime and every day were surprised that they remain in power, said

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Before Maduro took power in March 2013, Venezuela was producing more than 2.3 million barrels of crude oil per day but those figures have since fallen by nearly 70 percent. With crude oil making 80 percent of the Venezuelan governments revenue, lower production and exports have hurt. But, Pinon said, the Russian oil company Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corp. made an aggressive push into Venezuela, providing Maduro a lifeline.

Energy executives and analysts fear that the Russians and Chinese would dominate the Venezuelan oil sector if the American companies leave. The South American nation holds the worlds largest proven oil reserves, mostly made a valuable type of heavy crude that is prized by refiners and that can easily extracted by conventional and less expensive forms of drilling.

Officials within the Trump administration are debating whether allowing Chevron and the other companies to remain in Venezuela is helping the Maduro regime stay afloat. But policy makers have so far decided that in the long-run, it is more important for the United States to maintain a physical presence in the South American nations oil market.

More: Read the latest oil and gas news from HoustonChronicle.com

Russ Dallen, managing partner with the Venezuelan investment banking firm Caracas Capital Markets, said his company has used satellites to document the Maduro regime and Rosnefts efforts using to get Venezuelan crude oil to customers in China, India, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

Over the past six months, Dallens company has documented tankers turning off GPS transponders when entering or leaving Venezuela as well as ship-to-ship transfers in the middle of the ocean to mix Venezuelan crude oil other varieties for sale on global markets.

Rosneft has access to Venezuelan oil through a joint venture with Venezuelas state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezeula SA, or PDVSA. The Russian company also receives barrels in lieu of cash payments to repay billions of dollars in past loans, Dallen said. Rosneft, he added, also is able to buy Venezuelan crude at a $10 to $12 per barrel discount before selling it on global markets at a markup.

The Russians arent doing this out of the kindness of their hearts, Dallen said. Theres a lot of money being made here.

sergio.chapa@chron.com

@SergioChapa on Twitter
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Apples Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature has made it difficult for online advertisers to use cookies to target Safari users based on their browsing habits, according to The Information, which cited data from The Rubicon Project.

Third-party cookies serve as the foundation for almost all advertising use cases, noted Jordan Mitchell, head of consumer privacy, identity and data at the IAB Tech Lab.

The blocking negatively affects the ability for brands to target audiences, and therefore the revenue earned by website properties, he told the E-Commerce Times.

I think much of what were seeing is specifically focused on advertising retargeting and clamping down on the bad actors who are leveraging tracking techniques to execute more bad spray-and-pray tactics pretending to be personalization, suggested Constellation Research Principal Analyst Liz Miller.

Serving me an ad that shows me the shoes I bought yesterday now, for a lower price, doesnt enhance the customer experience or foster trust and loyalty among customers, but it sure moves targeted ad units, she told the E-Commerce Times.

The Scourge of Advertisers

Safari users tend to be more affluent, and thus more attractive to users. Safari claimed nearly 53 percent of the mobile browser market in the U.S. last month, while Google Chromes share was about 40 percent.

Only about 9 percent of iPhone Safari users allowed outside companies to track their activity on the Web, versus 79 percent of Google Chrome browser users, Nativo told The Information.

Blocking tracking cookies has sent ad prices on Safari falling by more than 60 percent. Meanwhile, the cost of ads on the Google Chrome browser has risen slightly.

However, Apple is not alone in blocking tracking cookies.

Firefoxs Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks third-party cookies by default. Microsoft announced it will do the same with its Edge browser; and Google will add cookie blocking controls to its Chrome browser.

This news of more hurdles and roadblocks to profit and margin isnt good for ad agencies, media firms and publishers, Constellations Miller remarked. Ad units are shrinking while ad costs are increasing by as much as 6 percent, so everything could start costing more.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

That said, focusing on first-party data  the data gleaned after getting permission from consumers  is becoming more and more important to both advertisers and pubishers, observed Constellation Research Principal Analyst Nicole France.

Apple, FireFox, and Microsoft have all figured out that their browser users expect to have better data privacy and protection, she told the E-Commerce Times. Successful businesses are starting to come to the same conclusion.

Alternatives to Cookie Tracking

Personalization will remain a key issue for both advertisers and the ad industry. Members of the Association of National Advertisers selected personalization as the ANA 2019 marketing word of the year.

However, marketers should use caution with their personalization strategies and tactics because they might not be well received by consumers, advised the ANA, and because some believe that more personalization does not necessarily provide a better experience.

Advertisers are turning from tracking cookies to contextual advertising and other technologies.

Large-scale blocking of cookies, without a privacy-forward alternative for the industry, further undermines consumer privacy and results in unintended consequences, the IAB Tech Labs Mitchell cautioned.

For example, its encouraged misdirected innovation around more opaque tracking techniques such as fingerprinting, which cannot be detected or controlled by the consumer, or used in ways that preserve and respect their privacy choices, he pointed out.

Browser fingerprinting tracks Web browsers by the configuration and settings information they offer websites, creating profiles of consumers based on various factors. It is difficult to detect and thwart.

If advertisers move to platforms such as Facebook, Google or Amazon, consumer privacy could take a huge hit.

Amazon, Facebook and other platforms collect their own internal data from their customers, regardless of browser, so consumers might end up surrendering more of their online privacy than they might think, noted Keri Rhodes, marketing director at Etailz.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Amazon has seen explosive growth in its ad revenue over the last few years, she told the E-Commerce Times. More companies are taking their own search engine marketing knowledge and moving over to Amazon and Walmart through these companies software solutions.

Tokens May Be the New Key

The drive to limit tracking is accelerating marketing and advertising towards an alternative of tokenized networks where consumers are given more control over their data and what is shared in exchange for transparent value, Constellations Miller said.

Such networks are blockchain-based, and create a trusted connection between advertiser, publisher and user.

The IAB Tech Lab has issued a Proposal for Enhanced Accountability, which suggests the use of an encrypted, revocable token for ad delivery that builds consumer privacy into the fabric of the ad ecosystem.

We are calling for collaboration across industries to rethink the HTTP cookie as the only technical mechanism available for storing and respecting consumer privacy settings, Mitchell said.

Part of getting personalization right means understanding when, where and how to advertise in a way thats useful rather than invasive, France remarked. Thats where thoughtful advertisers and publishers can take the lead.
Medical staff transfer patients in Wuhan, where a new strain of coronavirus has been identified as the cause of a pneumonia outbreak: EPA

Covid-19, the deadly disease that began as a novel coronavirus causing pneumonia-like symptoms in central China, has now spread around the world and is having profound impacts on nearly every major economy.

The outbreak began with a trickle of concerning reports from around the Chinese city of Wuhan in mid-December, before China finally informed the World Health Organisation of the disease on the last day of 2019.

It appears to have had its origins in a seafood market in Wuhan. But it emerged at a time when many were travelling for the Lunar New Year, and Wuhan is a hugely popular hub for travel both within China and internationally.

The disease was isolated for study on 7 January, and by 20 January the Chinese authorities confirmed what many experts already suspected  that the virus spread easily from human to human.

Since then, coronavirus cases have been confirmed in more than 150 countries and territories across the globe.

Heres a breakdown of what we know about the disease, where it has spread and what you can do to help reduce your risk of catching it.

The novel virus is one of a family of diseases known as coronaviruses, a group that causes respiratory infections. They are all zoonotic, meaning they have the potential to be transmitted between animals and humans. Covid-19 is the seventh of its kind that is known to infect humans, while there are several others circulating only in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Other diseases to infect humans in this group range from the common cold and seasonal flu to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome).

SARS first infected people in southern China in late 2002 and spread to more than two dozen countries, killing nearly 800 people. The Chinese government initially tried to conceal the severity of the SARS epidemic, but its cover-up was exposed by a high-ranking physician.

The current coronavirus outbreak has an average fatality rate of around 2 per cent, rising for people over 70 and dramatically falling in younger patients. That makes it less deadly to individuals who catch it than SARS (with a fatality rate of about 10 per cent) and MERS (about 35 per cent), but more deadly than most seasonal flu strains (which have fatality rates of around 0.1 per cent).

Story continues

Covid-19 does also appear to be more contagious than the flu. Each patient with the new coronavirus is estimated to infect an average of 2.2 people, according to a 28 February paper. That compares to a rate of infection of about 1.3 people in seasonal flu.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are very similar to the flu  fever, tiredness, and dry cough.

Some less common symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and other aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.

In most people (around 80 per cent) these come on slowly and remain mild. In some patients, infection has been confirmed where they were exhibiting no symptoms at all  an issue that has made containing the outbreak a lot harder.

Older people are more likely to develop more serious symptoms, particularly those with underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes.

What should I do if I am worried I have coronavirus?

Experts say that the best thing to do if you experience these symptoms is to do exactly what you would for the flu  stay home, rest, and try not to pass it to others.

The WHO says people with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention, and most countries impacted by the outbreak have introduced localised instructions for people who experience an onset of symptoms.

People who have travelled to infection hotspots (more on those below) are also being urged to take extra precautions like self-isolating and informing their local health services, even if they dont have symptoms.

The UK government has set up a specific portal for those who either have symptoms or have travelled to virus-affected places. It emphasises that people with coronavirus symptoms should only use the portal to contact NHS 111 if they "cannot cope". They should and not go to see their GP or local hospital, which risks transmitting the disease more widely.

What about medicines? A vaccine? Garlic??

Scientists are working on a vaccine for coronavirus, but at present a safe, working solution is not expected to be developed for around 18 months.

There are lots and lots of rumours being spread around about things you can take to protect yourself from or cure Covid-19  unfortunately, the WHO says there is no specific medicine that can do this.

Patients are recommended to treat their symptoms as they would a bout of regular flu, while those with serious symptoms should seek professional medical care.

Specifically, the WHO has busted the myths that coronavirus can be staved off with antibiotics, sesame oil, garlic, rinsing your nose with saline solution, pneumonia vaccines, or by spraying your body with alcohol or chlorine.

Where has the virus spread?

According to John Hopkins Universitys live dashboard on the outbreak (as of 20 March 2020), there are 163 countries and regions with confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Globally, there are more than 247,000 cases, with more than 80,000 in mainland China.

There have been more than 7,100 deaths around the world, 3,100 of these in Hubei province, China, where the outbreak started. Numbers of new cases in Hubei and China in general have been falling in recent weeks, while they have been rising in the rest of the world.

Italy is by far the worst-affected European country, with an intense pocket of infections in the northern region of Lombardy. The country has more than 41,000 cases as a whole, and more than 3,400 deaths.

The UK has more than 3,200 cases and 130 deaths, while the US has more than 10,000 cases and 150 deaths, mostly in Washington state.

Iran has had a particularly high-profile struggle with the virus, with senior government officials getting infected. It has had almost 18,000 cases and at least 1,284 deaths.

What have governments done about it?

Around the world, major international conferences, business summits and other gatherings have been cancelled as preemptive measures to contain the virus, while the global aviation industry has taken a big hit as tourists have cancelled travel plans.

China has taken the most extreme measures at a government level, quarantining whole cities comprising tens of millions of people in the worst-affected Hubei province.

India has cancelled all visas for travellers from countries with large outbreaks, including Italy, Iran and South Korea, and said it will screen all international passengers arriving at its airports.

Several virus-affected countries have suspended school classes, effectively until further notice, including China and Italy.

And authorities around the world are urging citizens to avoid stockpiling of key items including face masks, hand sanitiser and medicines, as well as cracking down on companies suspected of doing so illegally.

The WHO issued a statement saying that a global shortage of personal protective equipment  face masks, gloves, goggles, gowns, aprons and so on  was caused by rising demand, panic buying, hoarding and misuse and putting the lives of health workers at risk. We cant stop COVID-19 without protecting health workers first, said WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

This article was updated on 20 March 2020

Read more

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WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - The Canadian government will unveil legislation to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal on Jan. 29, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters ahead of parliament's return on Monday, Trudeau said Canada would immediately move forward on ratifying the trilateral trade pact, known as USMCA, with the United States and Mexico.

"Passing the new NAFTA in parliament is our priority," Trudeau said while flanked by members of his cabinet following a three-day retreat. He noted millions of Canadians depend on stable, reliable trade.

Canada is the last country to ratify the revamp of the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that includes tougher rules on labor and automotive content. The deal cannot take effect until it has been ratified by all three member nations.

Last week, the United States Senate overwhelmingly approved the legislation to implement the USMCA on a 89-10 bipartisan vote, sending the measure to U.S. President Donald Trump for him to sign into law. [nL1N29L0XG]

Trump made the renegotiation of NAFTA a key element of his 2016 presidential election campaign, calling it the "worst trade deal ever made," while blaming it for the loss of thousands of American factory jobs to low-wage Mexico.
A new search led by Montana State University astrophysicist Amy Reines has revealed more than a dozen massive black holes in dwarf galaxies that were previously considered too small to host them, surprising scientists with their location within the galaxies. Credit: MSU. Credit: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez

A new search led by Montana State University has revealed more than a dozen massive black holes in dwarf galaxies that were previously considered too small to host them, and surprised scientists with their location within the galaxies.

The study, headed by MSU astrophysicist Amy Reines, searched 111 dwarf galaxies within a billion light years of Earth using the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, two hours outside Albuquerque in the plains of New Mexico. Reines identified 13 galaxies that "almost certainly" host massive black holes and found something unexpected: The majority of the black holes were not in the location she anticipated.

"All of the black holes I had found before were in the centers of galaxies," said Reines, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics in the College of Letters and Science and a researcher in MSU's eXtreme Gravity Institute. "These were roaming around the outskirts. I was blown away when I saw this."

The eXtreme Gravity Institute brings together physicists and astronomers to study phenomena where the forces of gravity are so strong they blur the separation between space and time, such as the big bang, neutron stars and black holes.

There are two main types of black holes, incredibly dense areas of space with gravitational pulls strong enough to capture light. Smaller, stellar black holes form as large stars die and are roughly 10 times the mass of our sun, according to Reines. The other type, known as supermassive or massive black holes, tend to be found at the center of galaxies and can have masses millions or even billions that of our sun. Scientists don't know how they are created.

The Milky Way, a spiral galaxy consisting of somewhere between 100 and 400 billion stars, has a massive black hole at its center, Sagittarius A*. Dwarf galaxies can be of any shape, but are much smaller than the Milky Way, with up to a few billion stars.

Reines' results confirm predictions from recent computer simulations by Jillian Bellovary, an assistant professor at Queensborough Community College in New York and Research Associate at the American Museum of Natural History, which postulated that black holes may often be off-center in dwarf galaxies due to the way galaxies interact as they move through space. The findings may change how scientists look for black holes in dwarf galaxies in the future.

"We need to expand searches to target the whole galaxy, not just the nuclei where we previously expected black holes to be," Reines said.

Reines' paper, "A New Sample of (Wandering) Massive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies from High Resolution Radio Observations," was published Jan. 3 in The Astrophysical Journal, and Reines reported the findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 5.

Reines has been searching the skies for black holes for a decade. As a graduate student at the University of Virginia, she focused on star formation in dwarf galaxies, but in her research she found something else that captured her interest: a massive black hole "in a little dwarf galaxy where it wasn't supposed to be."

Thirty million light years from Earth, the dwarf galaxy Henize 2-10 was previously believed to be too small to host a massive black hole. Conventional wisdom told us that all massive galaxies with a spheroidal component have a massive black hole, Reines explained, and little dwarf galaxies didn't. Yet Reines found one in the center of the dwarf galaxy. It was a "eureka" moment, she said. Her findings were published in the journal Nature in 2011 and Reines turned her research to searching for other black holes in dwarf galaxies.

"Once I started looking for these things on purpose, I started finding a whole bunch," Reines said.

Her next search of the universe shifted to visual data rather than radio signals. It uncovered over 100 possible black holes in the first systematic search of a parent sample of more than 40,000 dwarf galaxies. For her latest search, described in the paper released this month, Reines wanted to go back and look for radio signatures in that sample, which she said would allow her to find massive black holes in star-forming dwarf galaxies. Only one galaxy was identified using both methods.

"There are lots of opportunities to make new discoveries because studying black holes in dwarf galaxies is a new field," she said. "People are definitely captivated by black holes. They're mysterious and fascinating objects."

Reines' discoveries have poured new energy into the search for black holes in dwarf galaxies, opening up new areas of astrophysics as she and other scientists attempt to discover how these massive black holes form.

"When new discoveries break our current understanding of the way things work, we find even more questions than we had before," said Yves Idzerda, head of the Department of Physics at MSU.

Explore further Astronomers find wandering massive black holes in dwarf galaxies

More information: Amy E. Reines et al, A New Sample of (Wandering) Massive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies from High-resolution Radio Observations, The Astrophysical Journal (2020). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal , Nature Amy E. Reines et al, A New Sample of (Wandering) Massive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies from High-resolution Radio Observations,(2020). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ab4999
La Gare, one of Ethiopias largest mixed-use developments, took a major step forward last week with the launch of its first residential tower in Addis Ababa.

Developed by a joint venture between Eagle Hills Ethiopia and The City Government of Addis Ababa, ONE La Gare will offer 187 world-class urban living residences. The 360,000-sq-m development will create a new dynamic downtown in Addis Ababa, with more than 4,000 residential units, alongside a unique lifestyle, hospitality, retail, commercial and leisure offering.

More than 1,200 potential investors attended the three-day event at Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, demonstrating the vast popularity of the new world-class lifestyle destination.

Low Ping, CEO, Eagle Hills, said: La Gare is a truly unique development, and a real representation of our passion for creating new, exciting destinations around the world. With an unrivalled residential, commercial and leisure offering, La Gare is set to become the beating heart of Addis Ababa, delivering major benefits to local communities and the economy through commerce and job creation. The launch of ONE La Gare represents a major step towards the realisation of this vision, and we look forward to introducing this landmark development to prospective owners and residents.

Standing at 21 storeys tall, ONE La Gare houses one- to four-bedroom units that offer striking skyline views of the city, as well as an expansive lobby with abundant natural lighting. The building is equipped with 24-hour security and a resident parking at the podium level.

La Gare, translated from French to The Station, is being developed on the former site of Addis Ababas main railway station. Once a central part of the capital and a key connector route into the city, La Gare is once again set to become a major commercial and residential destination. Anchored by four and five-star hotels, and supported by retail outlets, offices and residential buildings, La Gare is 20 minutes away from the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, offering easy access to the historic Legehar Train Station, as well as the Addis Ababa Central Business District. - TradeArabia News Service
Downing Street has been accused of deliberately leaking negative parts of a review into the multi-billion pound HS2 rail project to 'condition' the public for parts of it to be axed.

Senior Boris Johnson aides Dominic Cummings and Andrew Gilligan - who have criticised the scheme - should not be allowed to 'determine what the outcome is', according to Andrew Sentance, who worked on the Oakervee review.

Reports on Monday suggested that the review into the viability of the project, led by former HS2 chairman Doug Oakervee, said it could end up costing as much as 106 billion but should go ahead subject to 'a number of qualifications'.

Economist Mr Sentance, a former member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, told the Times: 'The report was more positive about building the whole project but with provisos.

'This should be published. I'm quite annoyed about the way in which it has come out.

'The way it came across in the Financial Times was this was No 10 trying to put their spin on it. It's all very suspicious.

Senior Boris Johnson aides Dominic Cummings and Andrew Gilligan - who have criticised the scheme - should not be allowed to 'determine what the outcome is', according to Andrew Sentance, who worked on the Oakervee review.

Reports on Monday suggested that the review into the viability of the project said it could end up costing as much as 106 billion but should go ahead subject to 'a number of qualifications'

Economist Mr Sentance told the Times: 'The report was more positive about building the whole project but with provisos'

'If you have a government review you should trust people who have been involved in the review.

What is HS2 and how much will it cost? HS2 (High Speed 2) is a plan to construct a new high-speed railway line linking London, West Midlands, Leeds and Manchester. The line is to be built in a 'Y' configuration. London will be on the bottom of the 'Y', Birmingham at the centre, Leeds at the top right and Manchester at the top left. Work on phase one began in 2017 and the government's original plans envisaged the line being operational by 2026. The HS2 project is being developed by High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd. The project was originally estimated at costing approximately 34 billion. But the final bill for the project has been repeatedly revised upwards. It jumped to 42 billion in 2012 and then to 56 billion in 2015. An official estimate published last year put the cost at 88 billion. But the Oakervee report suggests it could end up costing as much as 106 billion. HS2 has already spent billions of pounds despite not yet actually laying any track. Advertisement

'Advisers like Andrew Gilligan and Dominic Cummings shouldn't determine what the outcome is. If that's the way we're going in this country I'm very disappointed.

'The majority view of the committee was that the benefits of this would be realised in an integrated project, not where we started chopping off great legs of the network.'

Mr Sentance's intervention came after Grant Shapps yesterday appeared to cast doubt on the future of the mammoth scheme to link London and Northern cities.

The Transport Secretary said ministers faced a 'massive decision' on whether the high speed rail initiative should go ahead as he insisted the way forward must be 'fact-based' and driven by data.

He also said that decision will be made 'quite shortly' and in 'weeks rather than months'.

Ultimately the decision on whether the project can proceed will be made by Boris Johnson who is being fiercely lobbied by both pro and anti-HS2 voices.

There are mounting concerns about whether the project represents value for money with costs ballooning from an original estimate of 34 billion to 56 billion and then to approximately 88 billion last year.

Construction chiefs have said scrapping the project would cause 'irreparable damage' to the industry but sceptical Tory MPs believe HS2 will end up being a 'white elephant'.

The HS2 high speed railway line is designed to better connect London with cities in the Midlands and north of England but there are growing concerns over the cost of the project

The HS2 route would initially link London and Birmingham with the second phase of the project then heading north to Manchester and Leeds

The review's seemingly reluctant backing of the infrastructure project presents Mr Johnson with a potential headache.

He is believed to be reluctant to cancel HS2 without there being a ready-made replacement on the table because of the message it could send to northern voters.

The review's findings mean Mr Johnson will have to shoulder much of the responsibility for the project should he agree to allow it to proceed.

The high speed railway line is designed to better connect London with Birmingham with a second stage of the network then pushing north to Manchester and Leeds.

However, the Oakervee report - seen by the Financial Times - apparently suggests that phase 2b should be paused for half a year.

This would allow further work to be done to figure out whether the proposed improvements could be delivered via more conventional rail.

This would likely save a lot of money but could risk undermining the purpose of the project.

Mr Johnson will face a fierce backlash regardless of whether he decides to proceed with HS2 or scrap it.

Many Tory MPs are opposed to the project either on cost grounds or over concerns about the route and what it could mean for parts of the English countryside.

A group of Conservative MPs who are opposed to the project are expected to meet with Mr Johnson this week to urge him to cancel it.

However, pro-HS2 Tories are believed to be signing a letter to Mr Johnson urging him to press ahead with the scheme.

There is also resistance to HS2 within some parts of the civil service.

But construction bosses are adamant it must go ahead amid concerns cancelling it would strike a hammer blow to the industry.

The chief executives of Balfour Beatty, Skanska and Morgan Sindall were among the signatories to a letter sent to Johnson, seen by The Times, which urged him to approve the scheme and noted that it would take 'many years to get an equivalent pipeline of work in place' if HS2 was cancelled.

Boris Johnson, pictured with Angela Merkel in Berlin yesterday, is expected to make a decision within weeks on whether to go ahead with HS2
Image: Reuters/Rupak De Chowdhuri

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has decided to bring a resolution opposing the recently notified Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on January 27, news agency ANI reported.

This resolution will be brought in a special assembly session at 2 pm on January 27, it was reported.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been consistently vocal about her opposition to the citizenship act as well as the NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise, saying that the NRC exercise will take place in the state "over her dead body".

West Bengal will be the second state to concretise its opposition of CAA after Kerala, where the Left Democratic Front government led by CM Pinarayi Vijayan had passed a similar resolution in the state assembly. The Left government, on January 19, also moved the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the act.

The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019, which guarantees Indian citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants who faced religious persecution in neighbouring Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, has earned the ire of many, with the country witnessing major protests.

However, despite massive protests, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the stance that the act will not be withdrawn.
Police on Martin Luther King Jr. Day were investigating an incident of someone scratching a 7-inch swastika into the side of a womans car in Northeast Philadelphia.

The woman, who is not Jewish, reported the incident to police Monday afternoon after discovering the hate symbol carved by an unknown instrument on the rear passenger door of her car in the 3400 block of Brookview Road.

Police detectives were investigating the report, which they considered to be credible. The woman said she had no idea why someone might target her car.
France to train Indian flight surgeons for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission

India

oi-Mousumi Dash

New Delhi, Jan 21: The Indian flight surgeons will be trained by France to enable them to monitor the health of astronauts selected for ambitious India's first human space mission Gaganyaan, officials of India's space agency (ISRO) said on Tuesday.

According to the report, the two-week training is a critical aspect of the Gaganyaan project that is aimed at sending three Indians to space by 2022.

The officials said to PTI that a memorandum of understanding on the matter is expected to be signed later this week when French space agency CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall arrives in Bengaluru.

ISRO official has also added that the flight surgeons, who will be observed by Indian Air Force doctors specialising in aviation medicines and responsible for the health of astronauts before, during and after the journey, will be shortlisted soo.

After they are shortlisted, they will then undergo two weeks training in France.

Brigitte Godard, a flight surgeon with the European Space Agency, was in India in July and August last year to start the training of physicians and engineers.

Mysore Defence Food Research Lab prepares food items for the astronauts of 'Gaganyaan' mission

France has a well-established mechanism for space medicine. It also has the MEDES space clinic, a subsidiary of CNES, where space surgeons undergo training.

Officials said talks are also on whether to send the astronauts to France for further training.

Earlier, four shortlisted astronauts, all test pilots from the Indian Air Force were already sent to Russia for an 11-month training programme.

India and France reportedly, share robust ties in the area of space. The two countries had signed a joint vision for space cooperation in March 2018, months before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Gaganyaan project.

ISRO selects 4 IAF pilots for manned mission 'Gaganyaan'

The vision statement envisaged developing technologies for human exploration of the universe under which ISRO and CNES would jointly develop capabilities and critical technologies.
Peter Weber stirred his own pot on The Bachelor Week 3. And quite frankly, were not sure how to feel about it. After the second episodes now-infamous Champagne Gate, the ABC reality series upped the drama by planting a seed of doubt in Webers mind. So who went home on The Bachelor Week 3? The third rose ceremony might be over, but the drama will continue into next week.

[Spoiler alert: The Bachelor Season 24 Episode 3.]

Victoria Paul opens up to Peter Weber in The Bachelor Week 3

Peter Weber | Michael Tran/FilmMagic

The Bachelor Week 3 opened with a one-on-one date between Weber and Victoria Paul. The two hung out in Webers hometown and went to a Country General Store before heading out to go line dancing. And during the date, Weber and Victoria P. admitted they were smitten with each other.

Later, Victoria P. shared details about her past, including her fathers death, her mothers addiction, and having to become the main caregiver to her younger sister at such a young age. Victoria P. also admitted she still wonders whether she is deserving of love.

I just feel so grateful because I feel like youve shown me the love I deserve, Victoria P. said. I was so scared to have this conversation because I know its a lot and youve had a heavy week.

You are what matters to me, Weber replied and ensured his date about their connection.

Then in a confessional, Victoria P. revealed she is falling in love with Peter after seeing his heart. And at the end of the date, Victoria P. received a rose from Weber.

Sydney Hightower and Victoria Paul call out Alayah Benavidez

Meanwhile, back at the house, drama ensued. Champagne Gate continued  but only for a moment. Kelsey Weier and Hannah Ann Sluss aired out their frustrations with one another. However, another source of drama emerged between Sydney Hightower and Alayah Benavidez.

Throughout the episode, Sydney was seen in a confessional, expressing her thoughts about Alayah. Sydney called Alayah manipulative and fake as she acted differently in front of the cameras versus real life. Then everything escalated after the group date hosted by Demi Burnett.

Burnett created a pillow fight arena for the women to air out their aggression and to fight for Webers love. In the end, Alayah won. But Sydney didnt seem happy about it, calling the former Miss Texas a princess facade who was there to perform an orchestrated show, learning from her pageant past.

Later, Sydney brought up her concerns to Weber without naming names. But then Weber seemed to panic. I could fall for someone and theyre fake, he said in a confessional. I saw it with Hannah [Brown] last season, fall for someone who wasnt there for the right reasons.

Weber then confronted Sydney in front of all the women, putting her on the spot to reveal exactly who she was previously referring to. Sydney called out Alayah and Weber walked away. After arguing with Sydney, Alayah followed Weber to explain the situation and spent the remainder of the episode defending her character. Sydney received the group date rose for her honesty.

When the group date ended, a few other women echoed Sydneys remarks about Alayah. And then Victoria P.  the former Miss Louisiana  revealed she knew Alayah before The Bachelor. Victoria P. also said Alayah told her not to say anything about their relationship and that she was open to all opportunities, outside of her experience with Weber.

Alayah and Weber spoke once more, and the former Miss Texas noted she was worried about being disqualified if producers found out about knowing Victoria P. beforehand. The logic and lies didnt make sense to Weber. And at the end of the rose ceremony, Weber walked out.

Who goes home on Peter Webers season of The Bachelor Week 3?

Peter Weber and his Bachelor contestants | ABC/Craig Sjodin

Weber stepped out of The Bachelor Week 3 rose ceremony to speak with Chris Harrison. Only two roses remained. But once the reigning bachelor returned to the room, Harrison took away one of the roses, meaning four women would be leaving. Heres who went home:

Alayah, 24-year-old orthodontist assistant from Texas: Eliminated

Alexa, 27-year-old esthetician from Illinois: Eliminated

Deandra, 23-year-old home care coordinator from Texas: In the running

Hannah Ann, 23-year-old model from Tennessee: In the running

Jasmine, 25-year-old client relations manager from Texas: Eliminated

Kelley, 27-year-old attorney from Illinois: In the running

Kelsey, 28-year-old professional clothier from Iowa: In the running

Kiarra, 23-year-old nanny from Georgia: In the running

Lexi, 26-year-old marketing coordinator from New York: In the running

Madison, 23-year-old foster parent recruiter from Alabama: In the running

Mykenna, 22-year-old fashion blogger from Canada: In the running

Natasha, 31-year-old event planner from New York: In the running

Sarah, 24-year-old medical radiographer from Tennessee: Eliminated

Savannah, 27-year-old realtor from Texas: In the running

Shiann, 27-year-old administrative assistant from Nevada: In the running

Sydney, 24-year-old retail marketing manager from Alabama: In the running

Tammy, 24-year-old house flipper from New York: In the running

Victoria F., 25-year-old medical sales representative from Virginia: In the running

Victoria P., 27-year-old nurse from Louisiana: In the running

Now, this isnt the end of Alayahs journey on The Bachelor. After the rose ceremony wrapped, Weber was shown speaking with a producer. He wasnt sure if he made the right decision. Then in the preview for next weeks episode, Alayah was spotted. So stay tuned.

Read more: Will Peter Weber Get Engaged? The Bachelor and Chris Harrison Say the Finale Will Break Tradition
At least four civilian deaths in Baghdad and Kerbala, two among security forces in Basra. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails and stones, police responded with bullets and tear gas. Three rockets fell near the U.S. embassy in the capital, inside the Green Zone.

Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The toll from renewed clashes yesterday between demonstrators and law enforcement officers in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is at least six victims, including two policemen, report Medical and security sources in the latest violence to interrupt weeks of apparent calm.

At least three people died in a hospital in Baghdad following gunshot wounds sustained during the protest in Tayaran Square. Two of the victims were hit by bullets, while the third was hit by a can of tear gas. A fourth protester was killed by police in the Shia holy city of Kerbala.

Protesters threw Molotov cocktails and stones at the police, who responded using tear gas and grenades. They should [the security forces] stop shooting and targeting people who are they and who are we? We are all Iraqis. Why are they shooting their brothers? "Shouts a woman in the crowd in Baghdad, who asks for anonymity.

In the southern city of Basra, two policemen were hit and killed by a car during a street demonstration. According to initial reports it was an accident, because the driver of the vehicle was trying to avoid the area of clashes between citizens and police; in doing so, he panicked hitting two of them.

Also in the south of the country, hundreds of demonstrators set fire to tires and blocked the main communication routes Nassiriya, Kerbala and Amara. According to the demonstrators, the interim Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not kept his promise to identify a new government that is "acceptable" for all Iraqis.

Since early October, an increasingly wider protest movement has developed across the country against the government and the authorities. Police have cracked down hard on demonstrations, but in the end Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had to resign. Protestors, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation, want to see the fall of the whole political class.

In late November repression intensified, when the Iranian consulate in Najaf was attacked twice, followed by the death of more than 450 dead and 20,000 wounded.

Also yesterday, three Katyusha rockets fell in the Green Zone in Baghdad, the maximum security area that is home to embassies and government buildings. They were launched from the district of Zafaraniyah, on the outskirts of the capital, and fell a short distance from the headquarters of the US diplomatic representation in Iraq, already the scene of targeted attacks in the context of the clash between Washington and Tehran on Iraqi soil.
Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika may take up the position of the presidents envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.



"Chaika has received an offer to become presidential envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District," Peskov said, saying that the decree has not been signed yet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Chaika and Igor Krasnov, candidate for the post of Russias prosecutor general, yesterday.

Yesterday, Putin has suggested dismissing Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika due to his transfer to other work.Putin nominated Deputy Head of the Investigative Committee Igor Krasnov as a candidate for the post. The candidacy is approved by two relevant committees of the upper house, the submission will be reviewed at a session of the Federation Council on January 22.

The position of Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District is currently held by Alexander Matovnikov.

The senior research fellow at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations Ahmet Yarlykapov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that Yuri Chaika will strengthen the federal center's policy in the North Caucasus. "This decision indicates that the policy which has been started in Dagestan will continue towards the whole district, that is, appointing people from the center, putting things in order and putting corrupt officials in jail," he said.
Over 1m people visited Irish whiskey distilleries and brand homes last year, the first time the landmark figure was ever reached.

The industry is seeing a boom in recent years with big increases in visitor numbers.

In just four years, the total number of visitors to Irish whiskey distilleries and brand homes has grown by 54% - from 653,000 in 2015 to our 2019 record of 1.02m," said William Lavelle, who is the head of Drinks Ireland / Irish Whiskey Association who released the figures.

Exceeding 1m visitors annually is a massive achievement and I congratulate the managers and staff of our 17 visitor attractions on achieving this milestone."

While tourists coming from North America remain the biggest market, there was a drop-off in cross Atlantic visitors last year.

However, this was off-set with an increase in Irish people visiting local whiskey distilleries.

Future growth in visitor numbers to established Irish whiskey distilleries and brand homes will require a fresh approach to attracting visitors, Mr Lavelle cautioned.

Recognising the disappointing fall-off in visitors from North America, we will be seeking to prioritise our promotional activities in the US and Canada, working closely with our state tourism agencies. We will also continue to keep a close eye on the impact of Brexit on tourism figures.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump will meet this week on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the Foreign Office announced on Monday.

Khan would attend the WEF in Davos, Switzerland, from January 21 to 23 at the invitation of Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF.

On the sidelines, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders. These include Prime Ministers meeting with US President Trump, the FO said.

This would be the third leadership-level interaction between Pakistan and the US since Prime Minister Khans maiden visit to Washington in July 2019. The two leaders had also met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September.

Their meeting comes amid tensions in the Gulf region between Iran and the US, and Pakistans efforts to drum up support on the Kashmir issue.

Ahead of the announcement of his meeting with Trump, Khan on Saturday warned that he feared an Indian false flag operation. He said there was an urgent need for UN Security Council to insist India allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) return to Kashmir.

I want to make clear to India and the international community that if India continues its military attacks killing civilians across LoC, Pakistan will find it increasingly difficult to remain an inactive observer along the LoC, Khan tweeted on Saturday.

India maintains that the UNMOGIP, established in January 1949, has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.

Several other meetings are also scheduled with a wide range of corporate, business, technology and finance executives, and representatives of international financial institutions, the Foreign Office said, disclosing details of Khans programme in Davos.

Khan would deliver a keynote address at the WEF Special Session, and interact with CEOs and corporate leaders at the Pakistan Strategy Dialogue.

Prime Minister Khan will also speak to international media and editors during a session with the Forums International Media Council.

Throughout his engagements at Davos, Prime Minister Khan will share Pakistans vision and achievements in the areas of economy, peace and stability, trade, business and investment opportunities, the FO said.

He will also highlight the current situation in Kashmir and Pakistans perspective on key regional and international issues, it said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Forum.

In keeping with the significance of this milestone, political leaders, business executives, heads of international organisations and civil society representatives will deliberate on contemporary economic, geopolitical, social and environmental issues at Davos summit.
Restrictions on cash withdrawals from the scam-hit Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank Ltd were based on the bank's liquidity position and ability to pay its depositors, RBI told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.

Justifying its action on putting cap on withdrawals, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said restrictions were placed due to liquidity and solvency issues but that does not "extinguish the liability" of the bank towards the depositors.

"The steps taken by RBI are not arbitrary in nature. Directions under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act 1949 (AACS) were issued in view of the large scale irregularities and wrong doings committed by the bank to prevent further deterioration of the bank's financials and also aim at protecting the interest of depositors," RBI said.

The submissions were made in response to a PIL seeking removal of restrictions on cash withdrawals from the PMC Bank.

The central bank further said that the move to restrict payment of deposits was based on available liquidity to prevent any discretionary and discriminatory payment to the small body of depositors.

Seeking dismissal of the plea, it told the court that all concerned authorities are working in close co-ordination for speedy resolution of this crisis and therefore no intervention from this court is desired at this juncture.

The RBI said is has not violated any fundamental rights of the petitioners and directions for invoking Article 226 of the Constitution of India against RBI and the petition was not maintainable.

The PMC Bank has been put under restrictions by the RBI, following the unearthing of a Rs 4,355-crore scam.

Cash withdrawals have been capped by the RBI at Rs 40,000 for a six-month period, causing panic and distress among the bank's customers, petitioner Bejon Kumar Misra had said in his plea.

In the petition, Misra had sought quashing of the RBI notifications by which the restrictions were placed on cash withdrawals from the bank.

He has also said a full insurance coverage of the depositors' money was the need of the hour, "considering the reoccurrence of financial scams in co-operative and nationalised banks".

The plea was first moved by Misra in the Supreme Court, which refused to entertain it last month and asked him to approach the high court.

Subsequently, he filed the petition in the Delhi High Court.

The petition has sought directions to the Centre and the RBI for constituting a high-powered committee to look into the working and operations of all cooperative banks "in order to have a robust and transparent mechanism, which can inspire confidence of the public in cooperative banks".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Donald Trump urged world leaders at Davos to 'reject the environmental prophets of doom' during his keynote address to the World Economic Forum on Tuesday.

The US President branded climate activists 'the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers' while rattling off a list of projections that he said failed to come true, including overpopulation in the 1960s and the 'end of oil' in the 1990s.

Trump's remarks were a clear swipe at 17-year-old Greta Thunberg who was sitting in the audience for his speech and had earlier chastised world and business leaders for 'doing nothing' to stop climate change.

He then touted America's fossil fuel revolution in the form of shale gas and oil, inviting European leaders to invest.

In her own speech just a few minutes afterwards, Greta urged leaders to immediately stop investing in fossil fuels, and to pull subsidies for companies making energy from them.

Donald Trump gave the first keynote address to the World Economic Forum in Davos on Sunday, telling world leaders to reject 'prophets of doom' on the environment and calling them 'foolish'

Trump insisted that 'now is a time for optimism' as he touted the American shale oil and gas revolution, while encouraging European leaders to invest

The remark was swipe at teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, who sat in the audience during his speech (pictured)

Greta had earlier in the day accused world leaders of failing to do anything to protect the climate, ahead of a second address due to take place this afternoon

Greta, who was due to give her own address shortly after Trump, was pictured leaving the auditorium while the US President was still on stage behind her

Donald Trump speaks to waiting members of the media following his keynote address at Davos on Tuesday morning

Also in the auditorium listening to the speech was Trump's daughter Ivanka (left) and her husband Jared Kushner (centre)

Trump used his speech to tout the US shale gas and oil revolution which has made America the largest producer of oil and gas in the world, before inviting European leaders to buy it

Greta had walked out while Trump was still stood on stage in order to deliver her address to a smaller audience, in which she insisted on the need for greater action on the climate.

(Scroll down for her full speech)

In a swipe at the President's pledge to join the 'trillion trees' initiative, she said that it is no good planting trees across Africa 'while at the same time forests like the Amazon are being slaughtered at an infinitely higher rate'.

'I wonder, what will you tell your children was the reason to fail and leave them facing a climate chaos you knowingly brought upon them?' she asked.

Parroting her remarks from when she addressed the conference last year, she added: 'Our house is still on fire. Your inaction is fuelling the flames by the hour.

'We are still telling you to panic, and to act as if you loved your children above all else.'

Meanwhile Trump insisted that technical innovation, not restricting economic growth, is the way forward. 'Fear and doubt is not a good thought process,' he said. 'This is not a time for pessimism but a time for optimism.'

Greta then gave her own speech to a smaller audience in which she urged world and business leaders to immediately stop investing in and subsidising fossil fuels

Parroting her remarks from Davos a year ago, Thunberg said 'our house is still on fire, and your inaction is fuelling the flames', before adding: 'What will you tell your children was the reason to fail?'

Donald Trump gave a thumbs up to reporters as he arrived at Davos, wearing special anti-slip covers on his shoes as he walked across the snowy ground

Trump was flown to Davos from Zurich on board Marine One (pictured close to the camera) ahead of his address on Tuesday

Trump waves to the media as he is surrounded by security at Davos on Tuesday

Trump arrived in Zurich on board the presidential jet, Air Force One, on Tuesday morning

Trump gave an insight into his thoughts as he headed to the conference, saying he aims to bring 'hundreds of billions of dollars' back to the US

Russian 'spies' detained ahead of Davos Two Russian men suspected of being spies were detained in Davos amid fears they were preparing an operation targeting the summit. The men were stopped by police in Davos in August last year, when at least one of them claimed to be a plumber. But suspicions were raised when the pair were found to be carrying diplomatic passports and could not explain how they got them. The men were eventually let go after Switzerland was threatened with 'repercussions' if they were arrested, Tages-Anziger reports. Putin typically boycotts the annual summit, which is attended by some of the Kremlin's strongest critics. Advertisement

'Without treating this as a real crisis we cannot solve it,' she said. 'It will require much more than this, this is just the very beginning.'

Thunberg is due to speak again around 1pm local time.

The forum's own Global Risks report published last week warned that 'climate change is striking harder and more rapidly than many expected' with global temperatures on track to increase by at least three degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) towards the end of the century.

There are no expectations that Trump and Thunberg, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, will actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

Sustainability is the buzzword at the forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trump's opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the entire thrust of the event.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a speech next to World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab at the conference

President Donald Trump talks with reporters falling his speech at the World Economic Forum

Greta Thunberg (pictured today) has told the World Economic Forum in Davos that leaders have 'done nothing' to fight climate change, despite increased awareness

The 17-year-old climate activist spoke on the opening morning of the conference ahead of a keynote address by climate change sceptic Donald Trump (pictured arriving in Switzerland)

Security is high around Davos as 3,000 world and business leaders are expected in the Alpine town during the three-day meeting

'Climate change is a hot topic at Davos,' said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, adding there had been a 'change in the atmosphere' and realisation that climate change represented a downside risk for the economy.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a welcome ceremony in Davos that 'for too long, humanity took away resources from the environment and in exchange produced waste and pollution'.

Business leaders attending the forum will be keen to tout their awareness on climate change but are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the IMF, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

'We are already seeing some tentative signs of stabilisation but we have not reached a turning point yet,' said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the world's 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Also expected at the conference are 1,200 environmental protesters who have spent three days walking there from the nearby town of Landquart

Ahead of the World Economic Forum, Greta gave a speech in the Swiss city of Lausanne in which she promised world leaders 'you haven't seen anything yet'

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, pictured during his welcoming address to leaders on Monday night

Other key priorities will be exploring how to battle biodiversity loss, narrow the digital divide between the internet haves and have nots and step up the fight against pandemics in the face of vaccine hesitancy and drug resistance.

'I am angry about the state of the world but I am also determined to engage and provide solutions and deliver,' WWF director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. 'There needs to be healthy balance between these two sentiments.'

The risk of global conflict will also loom large after the spike in tensions between the United States and Iran, following the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

But a planned appearance by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif - which could have paved the way for a showdown or even meeting with Trump - has been cancelled.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido - who declared himself acting president last year - will be attending the forum in defiance of a travel ban imposed by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.
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The Senate is scheduled to start paying 100% attention to the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on Tuesday, the same day he touted his economic achievements to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The House impeachment inquiry was triggered by Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. In the call, Trump pressed his counterpart to announce an investigation into Democratic rivals while withholding congressionally approved military aid.

A top government watchdog said Thursday that the Trump administration broke the law by withholding that military aid to Ukraine last summer "for a policy reason."

The report from the Government Accountability Office came a day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi authorized the transmission of the articles of impeachment to the Senate.

Pelosi refused for weeks to move the articles to the upper chamber in an effort to force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to agree to terms for what she has called a fair process that would include new witnesses.

She announced impeachment managers last week, nearly a month after the president had been formally impeached by the House on Dec. 18 on abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges.

McConnell has rebuffed Democrats' pleas to guarantee new witnesses, laying out rules that give each side 24 hours over two days to present their arguments in the trial, according to NBC News, which obtained a copy of McConnell's rules proposal Monday morning.

The rules also state that none of the evidence the House collected during the impeachment inquiry will be admitted automatically, according to NBC. Instead the Senate will vote on whether to admit any documents during the trial. The Senate will also be able to vote on whether to allow witnesses.

Chief Justice John Roberts, who will preside over the trial, was sworn in on Thursday, along with the senators, who will act as jurors.

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A father saved his two-year-old sons life by killing a wild coyote with his bare hands after the animal attacked the child in Kensington, New Hampshire, US.

The coyote leapt from woods where Ian OReilly was walking with his wife and three children, and knocked the youngest child to the ground, grabbing the two-year-old by his jackets hood.

Mr OReilly immediately went into protection mode, kicking the coyote before ultimately wrestling it to the ground and suffocating it to death, said New Hampshire Police Chief Scott Cain.

In an interview with local news outlet Boston 25 News, Mr OReilly said he was running on instinct and adrenaline during the struggle he says lasted 10 minutes.

There was no interest in it going away so ultimately I had to make the decision to become the aggressor and jumped on it, attacked it and was able to get it to the ground, OReilly said.

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When I was able to get on top of it I put my hand around its snout so it wasnt able to attack me anymore.

Ultimately one hand on its windpipe and one hand on its snout did the trick.

It was very much in attack mode, he said.

In a separate interview with CNN, Mr OReilly said he had never harmed an animal so it was a weird experience.

During the fight, the coyote bit Mr OReilly twice as he attempted to fend it off, leaving two considerable scratches.

His son was unharmed, reportedly due in part to his thick snowsuit.

It is possible the same coyote was behind two other attacks in the area the same morning, police said.

At around 9am, a coyote attacked a moving car at Hampton Falls, and then 20 minutes later another coyote reportedly attacked 62 year-old Pat Lee, biting her as she sat in her front porch with three dogs. The dogs were also attacked.

Ms Lee said she had to stop the coyote from entering her house.

New Hampshire Fish and Game recovered the body of the coyote after Mr OReilly alerted them to the attack.

The carcass is now being tested for rabies and DNA samples are being taken to check whether it was the same animal which attacked Ms Lee.

Mr OReilly and Ms Lee have both been given rabies jabs as a precaution.

By coincidence, on the same day in California, another father has been credited with saving the life of his three-year-old son, who was attacked by a mountain lion while the family of six were walking in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

The child suffered neck injuries, but was released by the animal when the father threw a rucksack at it.

The child is said to be in a stable condition.
Politicians have long deflected criticism onto the news media, blaming it for not covering them the way they want. But the frequency and tenor of the Sanders campaigns critique is unusual, a cant-miss leitmotif alongside Medicare for all, the Green New Deal, the millionaires and the billionaires.

I am not a candidate of the corporate media, Mr. Sanders has said.

A particularly visible contributor to this effort is Mr. Sirota, who even while working as a journalist seemed to delight in trolling the media from inside the house. Accepting the 2015 Izzy Award for special achievement in independent media (it is named for the radical muckraker I.F. Stone), Mr. Sirota spoke of doing hard-hitting investigations at an outlet that allows you to do it, which tend not to be legacy media outlets.

But assailing the mainstream media could prove tricky for the campaign. A recent Pew study found that 76 percent of Democrats believe journalists act in the public interest; many support what they see as the ferreting out of executive office malfeasance. Mr. Trump, highly unpopular among voters who will choose the Democratic nominee, routinely demonizes the press, labeling it the enemy of the people and attacking individual outlets in strikingly personal terms.

I think its politically naive, Todd Gitlin, a professor at the Columbia Journalism School and a prominent liberal writer, said of Mr. Sanderss press criticism, but also analytically misguided, and overlooking the significance of the investigations that the news media have delivered in the last three years.

The publisher of the progressive magazine The Nation, Katrina vanden Heuvel, who has endorsed Mr. Sanderss broader media critique, sees the challenge in the senators approach. I do think its tricky just to attack media, she said. It works best, she added, when he does it with a humane criticism that millions of Americans are being shorted in terms of the coverage of their own lives and communities.

Those associated with the campaign would insist that the Trump critique and the Sanders critique are substantively different.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The Justice Department on Tuesday lent its support to an Ohio law, currently blocked by a federal judge, that largely bans an abortion after a test shows a fetus likely has Down syndrome.

The friend of the court brief filed in front of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says the controversial law does not prohibit any abortions, but rather only forbids doctors from participating in an abortion if they know the woman is seeking one because of a Down syndrome diagnosis.

(You can read the full brief here or at the bottom of this story.)

The law bans abortions after a prenatal screening or test shows the fetus likely has Down syndrome. Doctors who perform an abortion with knowledge of a possible Down syndrome diagnosis face a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Attorneys for Ohio have argued the law is meant to prevent discrimination against children with the genetic disorder. The law, known as House Bill 214, is also called the Antidiscrimination Law.

Gov. John Kasich signed the law in December 2017. A federal judge in Cincinnati blocked the law in 2018 after the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sued on behalf of Preterm and Planned Parenthood, and wrote the law was unconstitutional.

A divided panel from the 6th Circuit upheld the Cincinnati judges ruling in October. However, the full court will review that ruling and hold oral arguments in March.

Eric Dreiband, an assistant attorney general for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, signed the brief. The names of U.S. Attorneys Justin Herdman and David DeVillers, whose offices are in northern and southern Ohio, respectively, are also listed on the brief.

This Ohio law prevents discrimination against individuals with Down syndrome, Herdman said in a news release. Accordingly, the state of Ohios interests in this matter are fully aligned with those of the United States and we are not only entitled, but compelled, to weigh in as a friend of the Court.

The Justice Department got involved because it has an interest in the undue-burden standard, which is the legal test judges use to determine whether a law is too restrictive of a persons constitutional right, the brief says. The test is often used in abortion litigation.

It also has an interest in the equal dignity of those living with disabilities, as well as preventing discrimination, according to the brief.

The brief says the law does not prevent women from seeking an abortion after a Down Syndrome diagnosis and that the ability to obtain an abortion is unfettered unless she tells a doctor the reason shes getting one.

And even if she were to volunteer this motivation, nothing in the law would prevent her from seeking out a second provider, the brief states, adding that women seeking abortions have no liability under the law.

The law also protects the integrity and reputation of the medical profession," according to the brief.

The law also wards against the slippery slope to medical involvement in race- or sex-based abortions, the brief states. And it protects women themselves by separating them from potentially coercive abortion providers who may seek to pressure them into obtaining an abortion because of Down syndrome."

ACLU of Ohio attorney Jessie Hill said the Justice Departments argument is similar to the states in that it is essentially asking women to lie or hide information from doctors. She said many women seeking abortions disclose their reason for doing so as part of counseling and the decision-making process.

Ohio does not keep statistics on reasons women seek abortion or whether aborted fetuses had been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Nationally, abortion rates after learning of a possible Down syndrome diagnosis likely range from 50 to 85 percent, according to a 2012 survey of abortion studies.
CAA has nothing to do with Muslims in India, says Delhi Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam

Jama Masjid may have to close again, says Shahi Imam

Anti CAA protests: Court modifies bail conditions, allows Chandrashekhar Azad to visit Delhi

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jan 21: A Delhi court on Tuesday modified the bail conditions of Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad and said he could re-enter the city providing a full schedule of his movements was submitted, at least 24 hours prior to his return.

The court said Azad would have to inform DCP (crime) about his schedule and day of his visit.

"In a democracy where an election is the biggest celebration, which should have maximum participation, it is fair that he should also participate," the Delhi court said.

The Delhi court on January 15 granted bail to Azad, one of the accused in Daryaganj violence case.

Azad was granted bail last week in a case related to anti-CAA protests at Delhi's Daryaganj on the condition that the Bhim Army chief should not be in Delhi for the next four weeks. The judge also said that Azad could not participate in dharnas for one month.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against Frost International Ltd, a Mumbai-based company involved in merchant trading, import and export of various commodities, and its promoters for cheating a consortium of banks led by Bank of India (BoI) of Rs 4061 crore in 2011.

Promoters Udai Jayant Desai, Sujay Udai Desai, Sunil Lal Chand Verma and Anoop Kumar Wadhera were among the 14 people, including directors and guarantors of the company, who have been named as accused in the FIR.

Look out circulars (LOC) have also been issued against all of them at airports and entry-exit points across India so that they dont leave the country.

Apart from BoI, Bank of Baroda (BoB), Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Andhra Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank, Syndicate Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, UCO Bank, Vijaya Bank, Allahabad Bank and the United Bank of India are the other banks in the consortium.

According to a complaint filed by Bank of Indias Kanpur branch, which is now part of the probe agencys FIR, Frost International has been banking with it and banks in the consortium since 1996.

The FIR says that in the loans taken from the consortium, BOI has the highest exposure of Rs 756 crore which the company has not repaid.

A forensic audit conducted by the banks found that there was a potential diversion of funds by way of providing unsecured loans to group companies and that there was no actual export of goods against merchant trade transactions.

It also found purchases and sales took place among parties known to each other and that the majority of payments towards sales were received from third parties and not from the parties to whom goods were sold.

The company is engaged in trading of multiple agro commodities, minerals and metals, bullion, polymer, chemical and petro products, plastic, textiles and other items. It has suppliers across the globe including Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, the US and the UAE, West Indies, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Taiwan etc.

Frost International Ltds registered office is in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, its head office and international marketing division is in Hospitality District, New Delhi and the corporate office is in Kanpur.
Its company-supplied information. The big picture, especially for Appalachia  Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia  is this facility would create demand for even more oil and gas extraction and kind of lock this region into that economy, said Courtney Bernhardt, research director for the Environmental Integrity Project. Right now, renewable sources of energy are available. And I know that this facility would be creating plastic, ultimately, but there are other ways to make plastic.
Former champion Maria Sharapova made her earliest Australian Open exit in a decade on Tuesday and said she was unsure whether her troublesome shoulder injury would allow her to return next year.

In the main draw on a wild card with a world ranking of 145, the 32-year-old Russian put up a dogged mid-match fight on Rod Laver Arena before crumpling to a 6-3 6-4 defeat at the hands of Donna Vekic.

It was only Sharapovas second competitive outing since last Septembers U.S. Open, where she fell at the first hurdle to Serena Williams.

Five-times Grand Slam champion Sharapova cut a forlorn figure in the post-match press conference as she was questioned about her injury problems.

Im not the only one, she said. You know, I can speak about my struggles and the things that Ive gone through with my shoulder, but its not really in my character to.

So, I was there. I put myself out there. As tough as it was, I finished the match and, yeah, it wasnt the way that I wanted.

Asked directly whether her 15th visit to Melbourne Park might be her last, Sharapova said there were no guarantees.

I dont know. I dont know, she said. I was fortunate to get myself to be here and thanks to (the organisers for) allowing me to be part of this event.

Its tough for me to tell whats going to happen in 12 months time.

Vekic proved a formidable opponent on the court where Sharapova won the 2008 title and the 19th seed raced to a 5-1 lead in the opening set before the former world number one found a way to get back into the contest.

With her trademark grunt at full volume, Sharapova made Vekic work hard to close out the set and quickly took a 4-1 lead in the second.

She was unable to maintain her momentum, however, and lost the next four games to leave the Croatian needing only to serve out to seal a second-round meeting with Alize Cornet or Monica Niculescu.

Sharapova produced a magnificent backhand return that kissed the line to save Vekics first match point but was well wide of the tramlines with a similar shot on the second.

Despite the dispiriting defeat, Sharapova said she still had the motivation to get back into the sort of shape that would enable her to play more than the eight tournaments she managed in 2019.

I would like to, she said. I dont know -- you know, I dont have a crystal ball to tell you if I can or if I will, but I would love to, yeah.
Sri Lanka: Several regulations for fisheries industry to be presented to parliament next week

January 21,2020 | Source: Adaderana

Nine regulations under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act including the prohibition on disposal of industrial or domestic effluent directly or indirectly to Sri Lanka Waters will be taken up for debate in Parliament on 21st January 2020. These regulations include a number of directives to protect fish and aquatic resources in the Sri Lankan waters.



Accordingly regulations related to disposal of any pollutant, waste or foreign matter and fill or reclaim the sea areas in a manner causing destruction to fish and aquatic resources in Sri Lanka waters, engagement in removing, cutting or altering mangrove eco systems grown in the coastal belt or in any area adjacent to the Sri Lanka Waters, engagement in any activity which causes a threat to the conservation of fish species in Sri Lanka Waters or coastal belt adjacent to it, will be presented to the parliament. Engagement in any fishing operation using spear guns or hand held spears within Sri Lanka. Waters and possession, or having on board any local fishing boat, any spear gun will be prohibited, a statement said .



Also catching, possession, transportation, purchasing, displaying for sale, selling or exportation the fish species Thambuwa, (cephalopholis sonnerati) within Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka Waters will be prohibited. There are also regulations pertaining to export of fishery products, import and re-export of fish and fishery products, registration for export, import and re-export of fish or fisheries, inspection of import and fish processing establishment for export or re- export of fishery products.



The Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Douglas Devananda will present the regulations to the Parliament in terms of the provisions of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996.
MUSKEGON, MI  A food incubator to help start-ups and existing food processors will be built at Muskegon Community College this year.

The FARM  which stands for food, agriculture, research and manufacturing  facility originally had been planned for the old Muskegon farmers market property on Yuba Street. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, it was announced the 12,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on campus property at Stebbins and Quarterline roads.

The facility will provide food-grade industrial space for entities ranging from startups to well-established companies in the food industry. It also will provide training to farmers and agribusinesses.

The goal is to expand the Muskegon areas food processing industry.

The facility will be owned by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County through a land lease with MCC. It will be operated by the West Michigan Shoreline Food Processing Initiative, supported by Muskegon Area First.

Port City Construction is expected to break ground on the facility this spring with completion by the end of the year, according to a press release from the Food Processing Initiative and the Community Foundation.

The effort is receiving assistance from a $2 million state appropriation.

The facility will include:

 Short-term production training space for new food processors.

 New products pilot testing space for medium and large food processors.

 Space for training in food safety and capacity building for food processors.

 Office space for food processor organizations and suppliers.

Plans originally called for a much larger facility, covering 30,000 square feet at first and expanding to 100,000 to 120,000 square feet.

Launched in fall 2017, the Food Processing Initiative aims to turn Muskegon into a key shipping port for food and agriculture products. The site of the former B.C. Cobb electric generating plant on Muskegon Lake has been eyed as a possible location for the port.

Michigan State University and MCC have worked with the initiative to develop training curriculum for new and existing food processors.

Read more:

Muskegon food processing project gets $2M state grant

Food processing incubator proposed at old Muskegon farmers market

Efforts to turn Muskegon into food processing hub continue
Adam Schiff admitted Tuesday morning that Donald Trump's defense team should have the right to call witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial along with Democrats being able to call individuals, as well.

'The House should have the right to call witnesses. The President should have the right to call witnesses, but material witnesses,' Schiff said during a press conference held just hours before the Senate will begin the impeachment trial.

During his remarks, Schiff was joined at the podium by fellow impeachment managers Jerry Nadler, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, and Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Hakeem Jeffries, Val Demings, Jason Crow and Sylvia Garcia.

Schiff, who is heading the Democratic manager team assemble to prosecute the president in the Senate trial, insisted in a clip of an interview that aired Tuesday morning that calling Hunter Biden as a witness would be an 'illegitimate' move.

The House Intelligence Committee chairman aid it would only be OK for Trump's legal team to call witnesses who can 'provide material information on the charges.'

House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff said Tuesday morning that Donald Trump's defense team should have the chance to call witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial

'The House should have the right to call witnesses. The President should have the right to call witnesses, but material witnesses,' Schiff said

In an interview with CBS that aired Tuesday morning, Schiff said Trump's team calling Hunter Biden would be 'illegitimate' and an 'abuse' of the ability to call witnesses

'It would not be appropriate for the president to seek to call witnesses merely to try to perpetuate the same smear campaign that was foiled when his plot was discovered,' Schiff said in reference to Hunter Biden. He was joined by three fellow impeachment managers in the interview: Val Demings (upper left), Jason Crow (bottom left) and Zoe Lofgren (bottom right)

'It would not be appropriate for the president to seek to call witnesses merely to try to perpetuate the same smear campaign that was foiled when his plot was discovered,' Schiff said in an interview with the CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell, which will air Tuesday night.

'Hunter Biden, for example, can't tell us anything about whether the president withheld military aid, whether he withheld that aid to coerce Ukraine to conduct political investigations or why he wouldn't meet with the president of Ukraine,' Schiff continued in the clip of the interview, which played Tuesday morning, just hours before the Senate impeachment trial will commence.

In the pre-recorded interview Schiff was joined by three other Democratic impeachment managers  Representatives Val Demings, Zoe Lofgren and Jason Crow.

'The only purpose in putting him on their list is they wish to trade material witnesses, like Mr. Bolton and Mulvaney and others, for immaterial ones that will allow them to continue to attack a political opponent,' Schiff said, naming two witnesses the Democrats intend to call should the Senate allow new testimony in the trial.

'That's an illegitimate, abuse of the trial,' Schiff asserted. 'The chief justice, who may have an opportunity to rule on the materiality of the witnesses, as well as senators should not permit that kind of abuse.'

Democrats have demanded the Republican-controlled chamber allow witnesses to be called in the trial. But members of the GOP have warned that it's a two way street  if Democrats get to call their preferred witnesses, the president's defense team would get to do the same.

Donald Trump has said he would want to call both former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter to testify in the impeachment trial

Trump has expressed a desire to call former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden to testify in the impeachment trial, claiming they engaged in a conflict of interest and contributed to Ukrainian corruption.

Hunter served on the board of Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings  a job he took in 2014 when his father was still serving as President Barack Obama's No. 2.

Trump insists that Biden removing a prosecutor who was looking into potential corruption regarding Hunter's position was a conflict of order the then-vice president used to prevent him son from getting into trouble.

The president also says he wants the still-anonymous whistle-blower whose report sparked the impeachment inquiry to testify.

But Democrats claim Hunter Biden's testimony would be irrelevant and inappropriate in regards to the charges being levied against the president  abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Attorneys Alan Dershowitz and Ken Starr will present opening statements for the president's defense, and are prepared to argue that the two articles are not actually impeachable offenses, according to the Constitution's detailing of high crimes and misdemeanors.

Dershowitz reminded Americans in an interview Sunday that the Constitution labels these as treason and bribery.

Jason Crow, a freshman representative and Iraq and Afghanistan Army veteran, said in the interview on CBS This Morning Tuesday that he believes the framers of the Constitution has 'exactly' this type of instance in mind when drafting impeachment into the document.

'The President of the United States has privileges and powers that no other person has. So the abuse of those very unique powers and privileges, is exactly what the framers had in mind when they drafted the impeachment procedures,' Crow, one of the Democratic impeachment managers, said.
Securities with the highest international rating make up 84% of Ukraine's total international reserves, the press service of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has reported on Facebook.

"What is the structure of Ukraine's international reserves, which reached a seven-year high and amounted to $25.3 billion at the beginning of this year? To date, 84% of the reserves are placed in securities with the highest international rating (primarily U.S. AAA-rated government bonds), about 11% is stored in cash, deposits and funds in correspondent accounts with other central banks, as well as top-notch commercial banks, while the rest is monetary gold," the report said.

The NBU noted that such a structure of reserves is fully in line with world practice.

In managing the reserves, the NBU adheres to three key principles: reliability, liquidity, profitability.

"It [the NBU] increases international reserves in a favorable situation on the domestic foreign exchange market and analyzes trends in the world economy and places reserves in various reliable instruments (top-rated securities, monetary gold, etc.)," the report said.

Thanks to the NBU increasing international reserves in recent years, their volume is sufficient to make both current payments on sovereign debt in foreign currency and to conduct foreign exchange interventions in the interbank foreign exchange market to maintain price stability.

Ukraine's international reserves grew by 22% in 2019, to $25.3 billion. This amount of reserves reached a seven-year high - the higher amount was recorded in December 2012.

op
Guy who built the world's fastest camera capable of capturing 10 trillion frames per second, has now built a specialized camera that can capture transparent and invisible phenomena at 1 trillion frames per second.

Caltech's Lihong Wang specifically built this new 1 trillion frames per second capturing camera for all the stuff the older 10 trillion frames per second camera couldn't capture.



A shockwave created by a laser striking water propagates in slow motion, as captured by a new ultrafast photography technology. Credit: Caltech

The breakthrough camera technology, which Lihong Wang is calling as phase-sensitive compressed ultrafast photography (pCUP), is not only capable of taking pictures of fully transparent objects but also of more ephemeral things like shockwaves and possibly even of the signals that travel through neurons, according to Phys.org.

By itself, phase-contrast microscopy was invented nearly 100 years ago by Dutch physicist Frits Zernike, which has been tweaked by Lihong Wang to work better at extremely high frame rates.

"What we've done is to adapt standard phase-contrast microscopy so that it provides very fast imaging, which allows us to image ultrafast phenomena in transparent materials," Wang mentions in a paper about the camera technology which appeared in the January 17 issue of the journal Science Advances.

A pulse of laser light travels through a crystal in slow motion. Credit: Caltech

Wang acknowledges that the technology is still early in its development and needs to be polished, but he's certain that it has applications in various fields, including physics, biology, or chemistry.

"As signals travel through neurons, there is a minute dilation of nerve fibers that we hope to see. If we have a network of neurons, maybe we can see their communication in real time," Wang says. In addition, he says, because temperature is known to change phase contrast, the system "may be able to image how a flame front spreads in a combustion chamber."

Wang isn't the only one breaking barriers, Chinese researchers have built a 4 trillion frames per second camera as well. Ultimately, it's amazing to imagine that an insanely fast camera is able to give us an up close and intimate insight into some of the most basic physics phenomena we've studied theoretically all this while, and the possibility of witnessing them in a practical way is no doubt exciting.


BRIDGEPORT  The city honored Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with its Bridgeport Has a Dream program at the Klein Memorial Auditorium on Monday.

The program, organized by Connect-Us, included a wide variety of music and dance performances, as well as readings by about a hundred school aged kids from around Bridgeport.
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh had talks with Vice President and head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland Guy Parmelin in Geneva on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (left) on Monday had talks with Guy Parmelin, Vice President of Switzerland and head of the country's Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research as part of his visit to the central European country.

Both sides agreed to hold celebrations for the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

Congratulating Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements last year, Parmelin expressed his belief the country would be a success in the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-21 tenure and the ASEAN Chair 2020.

Deputy PM Binh expressed his wish that both sides offer mutual support at multilateral forums, the UN and within ASEAN-Switzerland co-operation.

As of late September last year, two-way trade hit US$1.96 billion. Switzerland invested in 157 projects worth $1.95 billion, ranking 19th out of the 132 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Host and guest affirmed the two governments will continue providing support for Swiss and Vietnamese firms, especially in fields of Switzerlands strength and Vietnams demand such as finance-banking, insurance, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, farm produce and tourism.

The two sides will continue stepping up negotiations on the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), to which Switzerland is a member, meeting the demand of the two economies.

Binh thanked Switzerland for development co-operation programmes for Vietnam in personnel training, rural and urban development, and poverty reduction, contributing to realising sustainable development goals in Vietnam.

He asked the European country to continue assisting Vietnam in stabilising its macro-economy, reforming finance-banking, improving the capacity of global integration, coping with climate change, as well as reinforcing work across sustainable tourism, exports, labour market and social insurance with Vietnamese localities.

In education, the two shared experience in improving high-quality tertiary and vocational education in combination with science-technology development and discussed offering more scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in Switzerland.

They also highly valued the co-operation statement between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.

Binh proposed the Swiss government continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to stabilise their lives and bolster bilateral ties.

He applauded Switzerlands contributions to maintaining peace, security and development in the world.

The two leaders highlighted the significance of settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea).

During a meeting with Governor of Bern City, Canton Christoph Ammann, Binh said Vietnam treasures the development of friendship with Switzerland and wished that the canton would continue making contributions to bilateral ties.

Host and guest vowed to enhance the sharing of information to tap bilateral co-operation, especially in fields of Berns strength such as tourism, technology, environment, education-training and research.

The Vietnamese official asked local authorities and the business community to continue supporting talks on a trade deal between Vietnam and the EFTA, thus creating a new driving force for bilateral economic co-operation and facilitating trade and investment.  VNS
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services market worldwide is projected to grow by US$3.1 Billion, driven by a compounded growth of 5.8%. Selective Catalytic Reduction (Scr), one of the segments analyzed and sized in this study, displays the potential to grow at over 5.6%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over US$6.1 Billion by the year 2025, Selective Catalytic Reduction (Scr) will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798850/?utm_source=PRN

- Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 4.9% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over US$108.7 Million to the region's size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$93.5 Million worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of Europe markets. In Japan, Selective Catalytic Reduction (Scr) will reach a market size of US$334.9 Million by the close of the analysis period. As the world's second largest economy and the new game changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 8.5% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$820.3 Million in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.



- Competitors identified in this market include, among others, Alstom SA; Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.; Babcock Noell GmbH; Burns & Mcdonnell, Inc.; Doosan Power Systems; FLSmidth & Co. A/S; Fuel Tech Inc.; Haldor Topsoe A/S; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05798850/?utm_source=PRN



I. METHODOLOGY



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Global Competitor Market Shares

Industrial DeNOx Systems & Services Competitor Market Share

Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2019 & 2025

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

Table 1: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Global Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country:

2018-2025

Table 2: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Global

Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country:

2009-2017

Table 3: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 4: Utilities (Application) Global Market Estimates &

Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 5: Utilities (Application) Retrospective Demand Analysis

in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 6: Utilities (Application) Market Share Breakdown by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 7: Industries (Application) Demand Potential Worldwide in

US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 8: Industries (Application) Historic Sales Analysis in

US$ Million by Region/Country: 2009-2017

Table 9: Industries (Application) Share Breakdown Review by

Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 10: Selective Catalytic Reduction (Scr) (Type) World

Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 11: Selective Catalytic Reduction (Scr) (Type) Historic

Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009 to 2017

Table 12: Selective Catalytic Reduction (Scr) (Type) Market

Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2009 VS

2019 VS 2025

Table 13: Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (Sncr) (Type)

Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2018 to 2025

Table 14: Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (Sncr) (Type)

Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million:

2009 to 2017

Table 15: Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (Sncr) (Type)

Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2009 VS

2019 VS 2025



III. MARKET ANALYSIS



GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS

UNITED STATES

Market Facts & Figures

US Industrial DeNOx Systems & Services Market Share (in %) by

Company: 2019 & 2025

Table 16: United States Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to

2025

Table 17: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic Demand

Patterns in the United States by Application in US$ Million for

2009-2017

Table 18: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Breakdown in the United States by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

Table 19: United States Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018

to 2025

Table 20: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

United States by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for

2009-2017

Table 21: United States Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

CANADA

Table 22: Canadian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application:

2018 to 2025

Table 23: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Canada: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$

Million by Application for 2009-2017

Table 24: Canadian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 25: Canadian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 26: Canadian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 27: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009,

2019, and 2025

JAPAN

Table 28: Japanese Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services in US$ Million by

Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 29: Japanese Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 30: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Shift in Japan by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 31: Japanese Market for Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million

by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 32: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 33: Japanese Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

CHINA

Table 34: Chinese Demand for Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 35: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Review

in China in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 36: Chinese Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 37: Chinese Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2018-2025

Table 38: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic Market

Analysis in China in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 39: Chinese Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

EUROPE

Market Facts & Figures

European Industrial DeNOx Systems & Services Market: Competitor

Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2019 & 2025

Table 40: European Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 41: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by

Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017

Table 42: European Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Shift by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 43: European Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 44: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2009-2017

Table 45: European Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 46: European Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 47: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Europe in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period

2009-2017

Table 48: European Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

FRANCE

Table 49: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Quantitative

Demand Analysis in France in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 50: French Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 51: French Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for 2009,

2019, and 2025

Table 52: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

France by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 53: French Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 54: French Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

GERMANY

Table 55: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Germany: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 56: German Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 57: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in Germany by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 58: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 59: German Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 60: German Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ITALY

Table 61: Italian Demand for Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 62: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Review

in Italy in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 63: Italian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 64: Italian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2018-2025

Table 65: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic Market

Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 66: Italian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019, and 2025

UNITED KINGDOM

Table 67: United Kingdom Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services in US$ Million by

Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 68: United Kingdom Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 69: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Shift in the United Kingdom by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

Table 70: United Kingdom Market for Industrial DeNOx Systems

and Services: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 71: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type

for the Period 2009-2017

Table 72: United Kingdom Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

SPAIN

Table 73: Spanish Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application:

2018 to 2025

Table 74: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Spain: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million

by Application for 2009-2017

Table 75: Spanish Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 76: Spanish Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 77: Spanish Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 78: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Spain: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009,

2019, and 2025

RUSSIA

Table 79: Russian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Latent

Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 80: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic Demand

Patterns in Russia by Application in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 81: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Breakdown in Russia by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 82: Russian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 83: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Russia by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 84: Russian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF EUROPE

Table 85: Rest of Europe Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 86: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in Rest

of Europe: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2009-2017

Table 87: Rest of Europe Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 88: Rest of Europe Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type:

2018-2025

Table 89: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in Rest

of Europe in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 90: Rest of Europe Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ASIA-PACIFIC

Table 91: Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by

Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 92: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Asia-Pacific: Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by

Region/Country for the Period 2009-2017

Table 93: Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis by Region/Country: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 94: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Quantitative

Demand Analysis in Asia-Pacific in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 95: Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 96: Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application

for 2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 97: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Asia-Pacific by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million

for the Period 2018-2025

Table 98: Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 99: Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

AUSTRALIA

Table 100: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Australia: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million

by Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 101: Australian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 102: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in Australia by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 103: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Australia: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 104: Australian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 105: Australian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

INDIA

Table 106: Indian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by Application:

2018 to 2025

Table 107: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

India: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$ Million

by Application for 2009-2017

Table 108: Indian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 109: Indian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 110: Indian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 111: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

India: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2009,

2019, and 2025

SOUTH KOREA

Table 112: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 113: South Korean Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Application:

2009-2017

Table 114: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in South Korea by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

Table 115: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

South Korea: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 116: South Korean Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 117: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in South Korea by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF ASIA-PACIFIC

Table 118: Rest of Asia-Pacific Demand Estimates and Forecasts

for Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services in US$ Million by

Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 119: Rest of Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 120: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Shift in Rest of Asia-Pacific by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

Table 121: Rest of Asia-Pacific Market for Industrial DeNOx

Systems and Services: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in

US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 122: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in Rest

of Asia-Pacific: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type

for the Period 2009-2017

Table 123: Rest of Asia-Pacific Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

LATIN AMERICA

Table 124: Latin American Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Trends by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2018-2025

Table 125: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Latin America in US$ Million by Region/Country: A Historic

Perspective for the Period 2009-2017

Table 126: Latin American Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Percentage Breakdown of Sales by Region/Country: 2009,

2019, and 2025

Table 127: Latin American Demand for Industrial DeNOx Systems

and Services in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 128: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Review

in Latin America in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 129: Latin American Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 130: Latin American Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2018-2025

Table 131: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Market Analysis in Latin America in US$ Million by Type:

2009-2017

Table 132: Latin American Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019,

and 2025

ARGENTINA

Table 133: Argentinean Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 134: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Argentina: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2009-2017

Table 135: Argentinean Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 136: Argentinean Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type:

2018-2025

Table 137: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Argentina in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 138: Argentinean Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

BRAZIL

Table 139: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Quantitative

Demand Analysis in Brazil in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 140: Brazilian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Review in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 141: Brazilian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis: A 17-Year Perspective by Application for

2009, 2019, and 2025

Table 142: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Brazil by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for

the Period 2018-2025

Table 143: Brazilian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 144: Brazilian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

MEXICO

Table 145: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Mexico: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 146: Mexican Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 147: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in Mexico by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 148: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Mexico: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million

by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 149: Mexican Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2009-2017

Table 150: Mexican Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

REST OF LATIN AMERICA

Table 151: Rest of Latin America Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Latent Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application:

2018 to 2025

Table 152: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Demand Patterns in Rest of Latin America by Application in US$

Million for 2009-2017

Table 153: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Breakdown in Rest of Latin America by Application: 2009 VS 2019

VS 2025

Table 154: Rest of Latin America Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by

Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 155: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in Rest

of Latin America by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for

2009-2017

Table 156: Rest of Latin America Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

MIDDLE EAST

Table 157: The Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by

Region/Country: 2018-2025

Table 158: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

Middle East by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 159: The Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2009, 2019,

and 2025

Table 160: The Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Quantitative Demand Analysis in US$ Million by

Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 161: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

Middle East: Summarization of Historic Demand Patterns in US$

Million by Application for 2009-2017

Table 162: The Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

Table 163: The Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type:

2018 to 2025

Table 164: The Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Historic Market by Type in US$ Million: 2009-2017

Table 165: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

Middle East: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for

2009, 2019, and 2025

IRAN

Table 166: Iranian Demand Estimates and Forecasts for

Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services in US$ Million by

Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 167: Iranian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 168: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Shift in Iran by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 169: Iranian Market for Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million

by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 170: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Iran: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the

Period 2009-2017

Table 171: Iranian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

ISRAEL

Table 172: Israeli Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Addressable Market Opportunity in US$ Million by Application:

2018-2025

Table 173: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Israel: Summarization of Historic Demand in US$ Million by

Application for the Period 2009-2017

Table 174: Israeli Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Analysis by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 175: Israeli Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2018-2025

Table 176: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Israel in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period

2009-2017

Table 177: Israeli Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

SAUDI ARABIA

Table 178: Saudi Arabian Demand for Industrial DeNOx Systems

and Services in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 179: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Review

in Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by Application: 2009-2017

Table 180: Saudi Arabian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Share Breakdown by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 181: Saudi Arabian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period

2018-2025

Table 182: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Market Analysis in Saudi Arabia in US$ Million by Type:

2009-2017

Table 183: Saudi Arabian Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services

Market by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2009, 2019,

and 2025

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Table 184: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis

in US$ Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 185: United Arab Emirates Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by

Application: 2009-2017

Table 186: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Application: 2009 VS

2019 VS 2025

Table 187: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in the

United Arab Emirates: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis

in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 188: United Arab Emirates Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type:

2009-2017

Table 189: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in United Arab Emirates by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS

2025

REST OF MIDDLE EAST

Table 190: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in Rest

of Middle East: Annual Sales Estimates and Forecasts in US$

Million by Application for the Period 2018-2025

Table 191: Rest of Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market in Retrospect in US$ Million by Application:

2009-2017

Table 192: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Distribution in Rest of Middle East by Application: 2009 VS

2019 VS 2025

Table 193: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in Rest

of Middle East: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$

Million by Type for the Period 2018-2025

Table 194: Rest of Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type:

2009-2017

Table 195: Rest of Middle East Industrial DeNOx Systems and

Services Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

AFRICA

Table 196: African Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Latent

Demand Forecasts in US$ Million by Application: 2018 to 2025

Table 197: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Historic

Demand Patterns in Africa by Application in US$ Million for

2009-2017

Table 198: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market Share

Breakdown in Africa by Application: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025

Table 199: African Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2018 to 2025

Table 200: Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market in

Africa by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2009-2017

Table 201: African Industrial DeNOx Systems and Services Market

Share Breakdown by Type: 2009 VS 2019 VS 2025



IV. COMPETITION



ALSTOM SA

BABCOCK & WILCOX ENTERPRISES

BABCOCK NOELL GMBH

BURNS & MCDONNELL

DOOSAN POWER SYSTEMS

FLSMIDTH & CO. A/S

FUEL TECH

HALDOR TOPSOE A/S

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES



V. CURATED RESEARCH

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Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) looks on as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speaks during a campaign rally at University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, on Sept. 28, 2016. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Hillary Clinton Claims Nobody Likes Bernie Sanders, Declines to Endorse Him

Former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has denigrated Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), her primary rival in 2016, and declined to endorse him in the 2020 race.

Clinton, who lost in 2016 to Donald Trump, said in the upcoming Hulu docuseries Hillary that Sanders struggles to get support.

He was in Congress for years. He had one senator support him. Nobody likes him, nobody wants to work with him, he got nothing done. He was a career politician. Its all just baloney and I feel so bad that people got sucked into it, Clinton said.

The Sanders campaign didnt immediately return a request for comment.

Clinton told The Hollywood Reporter that her assessment still holds and declined to say whether shed support Sanders, even if he got the Democratic presidential nomination.

Im not going to go there yet. Were still in a very vigorous primary season. I will say, however, that its not only him, its the culture around him. Its his leadership team. Its his prominent supporters. Its his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women. And I really hope people are paying attention to that because it should be worrisome that he has permitted this culturenot only permitted, [he] seems to really be very much supporting it, Clinton said.

Sanders this week urged supporters to engage in civil discourse and not demonize people who may disagree with us.

Democratic presidential candidates former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) during a debate at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, on Feb. 4, 2016. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Clinton and Sanders had a contentious 2016 clash while vying for the presidential nomination. Emails published by WikiLeaks showed Democratic National Committee (DNC) officials disparaging Sanders and pushing for Clintons nomination. Several officials resigned after the emails were published. Sanders campaigned with Clinton after she won the nomination.

Sanders has denied telling Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) that a woman couldnt win the presidency, noting he said decades ago that a woman should be president. But Clinton was still asked about the alleged comments, and pointed back to what happened when she was running.

If it were a one-off, you might say, OK, fine. But he said I was unqualified. I had a lot more experience than he did, and got a lot more done than he had, but that was his attack on me, Clinton told The Hollywood Reporter.

I just think people need to pay attention because we want, hopefully, to elect a president whos going to try to bring us together, and not either turn a blind eye, or actually reward the kind of insulting, attacking, demeaning, degrading behavior that weve seen from this current administration.

Clinton will debut at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 25. It wont hit Hulu until March 6, after some two dozen states vote in the primaries. The company is billing it as a remarkably intimate portrait of a public woman that interweaves revealing moments from never-before-seen 2016 campaign footage with biographical chapters of her life.
Nothing goes without saying, and I have said and written many times that my father, Harry Weinstein, was crucial to my cooking and eating life. If you have browsed this blog over... Read more
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Jan 21 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Tuesday complimented his officials for busting a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module.



On January 16, Jammu and Kashmir Police had busted the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module and arrested a total of five terrorists. With this, the Police claimed to have averted a major terror attack planned on 26th January.

The DGP was accompanied by IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, DIG CKR VK Birdhi and SSP M Haseeb Mughal.

The team also interacted with police personnel at Nigeen Police Stations.

Arms and ammunition were also recovered. (ANI)


The Chattanooga Area Food Bank adds four members to its 2020 board of directors. The board is led by James L. Catanzaro, Jr., shareholder and chair of the Business and Nonprofit Sections at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.Also new to the board this year are Bill Buchanan, editor, WRCB-TV; Megan Flynn, vice president, Talent & Culture, Tennessee Valley Authority; Taylor Hamon, director of sales, Coyote Logistics (associate board chair); and Phil Harris, chief financial officer, Kelly Automotive Group, Chattanooga Brewing Company and Southern Honda Powersports.Other board officers include First Vice Chair Frank Hughes, executive vice president, Investor Relations, Smart Bank; Second Vice Chair Celeste Bandy Weaver, vice president of Finance and Regulatory Affairs, Ringgold Telephone Company; Treasurer Phil Harris, chief financial officer, Kelly Automotive Group, Chattanooga Brewing Company and Southern Honda Powersports; Secretary and Past Chair Fred Flint, director of Account Management, Starr-Mathews Agency.Our Board of Directors provides essential expertise and guidance to our operations that distributed more than 13 million meals last year in our 20-county service area, said Gina Crumbliss, president and chief executive officer of the Food Bank.We are fortunate to have representatives from a cross-section of businesses and industries so we can develop innovative ways to help the one in eight people  including one in five children  in our region who dont know where their next meal will come from.The Chattanooga Area Food Bank provides essential nutrition to our neighbors in need across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, Mr. Catanzaro said. But, it doesnt take being a board member to make a difference. With $1 helping to provide four meals, almost anyone can help make a difference in the lives of those facing hunger.Chattanooga Area Food Bank 2020 board of directors: Celeste Bandy Weaver, vice president of Finance and Regulatory Affairs, Ringgold Telephone Company (second vice chair) Bill Buchanan, editor, WRCB-TV James L. Catanzaro, Jr., chair, Business and Nonprofit Sections at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. (board chair) Jennifer Cookston, controller, Baylor School Matt Evans, founding and lead pastor, Rock Bridge Community Church Fred Flint, director of Account Management, Starr-Mathews Agency (secretary and past chair) Megan Flynn, vice president, Talent & Culture, Tennessee Valley Authority Taylor Hamon, director of sales, Coyote Logistics (associate board chair) Phil Harris, chief financial officer, Kelly Automotive Group, Chattanooga Brewing Company and Southern Honda Powersports (treasurer) Morgan Hopkins, Human Resources director, Tennessee Valley Authority Frank Hughes, executive vice president, Investor Relations, Smart Bank (First Vice Chair) Dallas Joseph, vice president of Finance and Operations, Baylor School Betsey Kirk McCall, executive vice president, Market Strategy and Corporate Operations, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, Inc. Daniel Yim, president, Kobayashi Consumer Products, LLC Jere Young, civic leader
Anyone picking up a jar of mayonnaise on a supermarket shelf can find a detailed list of ingredients on its label, including the percentage of fat, sodium and number of calories per 100 grams. The law that requires manufacturers to provide consumers with this information was passed to enable them to buy the products best suited to their health needs and taste. On the other hand, Israelis entering the voting booth on March 2 will find 30 party ballots from which to choose, some 22 of them fly-by-night organizations that they will encounter for the first and last time on that occasion. There is no law or even a regulation obliging political parties to present potential consumers of their brand with their ingredients. In fact, even those that bother to formulate a party platform simply offer voters a collection of meaningless cliches.

The right-wing voter, whether secular, religious or ultra-Orthodox, who believes prosecutors have indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on trumped up charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, will obviously pick up the slip of paper with the name of one of the parties comprising the right wing-ultra-Orthodox bloc (Likud, Yamina, Otzma Yehudit, Yahadut HaTorah or Shas) and stuff it into the ballot box. All of these parties are standing by the accused Netanyahu.

For more than a decade, Netanyahu has delivered the goods most in demand by voters of the Likud and company  more settlements and less peace, an abundance of narcissism and heaps of xenophobia. Congested highways, overcrowded hospitals, record-breaking poverty, a huge budget deficit and foreign policy and security problems all pale in comparison to the existential threat that Netanyahu and his chorus dub a left-wing regime.

On the most critical issue, the Arab-Israeli conflict, even a magnifying glass could not help in discerning a gap between the positions of Netanyahus wannabe Likud successors  Israel Katz, Gideon Saar, Gilad Erdan and Nir Barkat. All support annexation of the West Bank or parts of it and oppose a two-state solution. That is why the parties considered the Likuds natural partners will easily find a common denominator with whoever succeeds Netanyahu.

Those casting their ballot for the Likud or one of its satellite parties can be certain that they did not inadvertently lend a hand to territorial concessions or a permanent agreement with the Palestinians based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which offers withdrawal from the occupied territories in return for peace. Right-wing voters have no reason to suspect that when their elected officials say no to peace, they actually mean maybe. Anyone who has slightly deviated from the path, such as former Likud Knesset members Dan Meridor, Michael Eitan and Ronnie Milo, has found himself in a ditch, politically marginalized after opposing the radicalization of the party.

Right-wing voters, including settlers sick and tired of Netanyahu and his band, have the option of casting their ballot for the secular, right-wing Yisrael Beitenu, led by the hawkish former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman. On Jan. 18, Liberman even expelled Culture Minister Miri Regev from the family of man, refusing to say hello to her on live television, explaining that he only greets human beings. It is a fairly safe bet that Liberman will not be joining a coalition government if it includes the Arab Joint List, whose members he considers terror supporters. On the other hand, it is also safe to assume that Joint List Chair Ayman Odeh would not sit alongside Liberman, a settler who has called for the transfer of Israels 21% Arab majority to other countries. Voters for the Joint List are obviously at no risk of having their ballots used to perpetuate Netanyahus rule.

The lives of right-wing voters are paradise, as Liberman likes to say, compared to those of Zionist left-wing voters who never lose faith in the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Netanyahus removal from power has turned from being a means to regime change into the ultimate goal and an alternative to ideology. Knesset member Orly Levy-Abekasis, who is second on the Labor-Gesher-Meretz ticket, expressed it well. The linkage between myself and [Labor Party leader] Amir [Peretz] is not one of interests; it is a true ideological connection, said the one-time Knesset member for Yisrael Beitenu and former Gesher chair whose party failed to cross the electoral threshold in the April 2019 elections, leaving her out of the legislature. As for the recent alliance between Labor, Gesher and the left-wing Meretz, Levy-Abekasis added, There is a chasm between Gesher and Meretz on diplomacy and security issues.

How does Levy-Abekasis bridge the abyss over this teeny-weeny discrepancy? [By forming] technical linkages far removed from ideological linkages only in order to bring about a change in policy on important issues, she said, conceding that this technical link served only as a stopgap insurance policy to protect all three parties against possibly failing to cross the electoral threshold if they ran separately. In other words, left-wing believers who vote for the Labor-Gesher-Meretz alliance on March 2 should keep in mind that on March 3, Levy-Abekasis might sever her technical linkage with Meretz and leverage their votes to link up with her true ideological partners. She already has a mentor who can give her pointers in this regard. In 1992, David Levy, her father and a former Israeli foreign minister, easily flitted from the Likud to Yisrael Ahat, one of the temporary names adopted by Labor.

The 2014 law raising the electoral threshold from 2% to 3.25%, which was intended to keep Arab parties out of the Knesset, inadvertently gave birth to a technical linkage among four diverse Arab parties and to the Joint List emerging as the third largest Knesset faction. A Jewish Meretz voter wishing to protest the absence of Israeli-Arab representation in Labor-Gesher-Meretz would have a hard time voting for the Joint List instead, as the alliance also includes Islamist movement activists and Balad representatives.

Technical linkages is also a euphemism that can be used to describe the currently fashionable concoction constituting the Blue and White, which pretends to be a centrist party but would rather establish a government with the settler-supported right wing than cooperate with the Arab parties in a government coalition it hopes to form. A left-wing voter considering casting his ballot for Benny Gantzs Blue and White to boost his support and help him unseat Netanyahu should consider which of the following is worse: that Gantzs own views were reflected in his Jan. 14 visit to the City of David, the bastion of the Elad settler organization, and the declaration he made at the site  Jerusalem will remain unified for eternity  or that the former army chief is uttering false declarations to pick up votes on the right.

There is no room within Blue and White for left-wing voters even on non-defense issues. On Dec. 25, party senior Yair Lapid dissociated himself entirely from remarks by his Blue and White colleague Ofer Shelach, who dared to publicly support negotiations with the Palestinians on a two-state solution. Lapid instead promised Likud voters who switch allegiance to Blue and White, We will not bring back Oslo [the 1993 accords between Israel and the Palestinians], there won't be a second withdrawal [like the 2005 pullout from Gaza], we will not restore socialism and you will not even be leaving the national camp. Missing from Lapid's remarks is what there will be if his party takes the reins. He should remember that even the producer of a jar of mayonnaise has to reveal its contents.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) Tuesday said it has busted an organized gang involved in ticketing scams, money laundering and suspected terror financing with links to Dubai, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The RPF has detained 27 suspects thus far but its alleged mastermind Hamid Ashraf is absconding. He is currently suspected to be in Dubai. Ashraf had been arrested in 2016 by a joint team of CBI, railway vigilance and local police from Uttar Pradeshs Basti. He was allegedly involved in a case of bombing at a school in Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, RPF said.

The RPF said it has arrested Jharkhand-based Ghulam Mustafa who was selling train tickets in the black market in Bangalore. The gang was earning about Rs 15 crore per month through this, RPF said.

After we launched a nation-wide exercise against touting activities - Operation Thunder - Mustafas name began appearing a lot. Mustafa and the gang used advanced software and laundered the cash through the use of the dark net. They were also laundering money through bit coins and crypto-currencies. Mustafa had nearly 563 personal IRCTC accounts and a list of 2400 SBI branches and about 600 regional rural bank branches where he appeared to have operated accounts, RPF DG Arun Kumar said.

Mustafa had been arrested from Bhubaneswar once earlier. The RPF said it has seized two laptops with software named ANMS through which he had bypassed the barriers set up to curb illegal ticketing, like providing captcha and bank OTPs.

The ANMS software, developed by the gang, worked in tiers, with the main developer at the top of the chart, followed by the lead sellers or super admins who handled money and sent them to Ashraf through hawala accounts and crypto currency, the DG said. Lower on the order were panel sellers, the people who bought the software for selling tickets, and the last tier included agents, he said.

Railway police has also tracked involvement of an Indian software company in the railway ticketing racket run by the gang.

Kumar said Mustafa was interrogated by the NIA, the Karnataka Police and the Intelligence Bureau. Arun said the laptops were using heavy encryption had revealed links to Pakistan-based outfit Tableek-e-Jamaat.

He had many contacts with Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Gulf countries, Indonesian and Nepali numbers. The RPF has also identified a Singapore- based software company that was receiving money from the group. The company is being investigated by the Singapore Police for money laundering, he said.

RPF said it is also chasing the gangs finance manager code-named Guru ji.

He is a technical expert who used a Yugoslavian number and a VPN proxy. Guruji got about Rs 13 lakh from Mustafa through 71 bank transactions. He was facilitating Bangladeshi nationals to come to India for treatment in hospitals across the country, Arun said.
Photo: Contributed

Is lying really an important milestone in childhood development? If so, we come by it honestly!

Its certainly common among adults, ranging from little white ones up to real doozers.

It is difficult to catch someone in a lie. And consequences are usually minimal.

Our justice system relies on the honest testimony of witnesses. If lying is just as easy in the courtroom, and void of consequences, our justice system would be in shambles.

There are procedures that make lying much more difficult in a courtroom, cross-examination being one.

But a good liar, weaving their story around known facts, can go undetected. To dissuade those who thing they might get away with dishonesty in the courtroom, we have made lying under oath a criminal offence. And the courts apply suitably severe sentences.

The case of R. v. Chima, 1994 CarswellAlta 480, is an example. It was a landlord/tenant dispute.

Part of the dispute had to do with damaged linoleum. The landlord, Mr. Chima, presented an estimate of $2,763.81 for linoleum replacement. When specifically questioned about whether or not he had paid to have the linoleum replaced, he testified that he had, which was a lie.

It was a ridiculous thing to lie about. Whether or not he had actually followed through with replacing the linoleum was unlikely to have had an impact on the outcome of the case. The sentencing judge noted one must fairly conclude that there is no evidence that the accused benefited from his crime.

Mr. Chima had no criminal record.

With no criminal record and an inconsequential lie, you might have expected Mr. Chima to face a slap on the wrist.

The judge in Chima quoted from two previous cases where perjury was committed in the context of criminal prosecutions.

From one: Perjury is under ordinary circumstances a most serious offence. It undermines the very cornerstone of the administration of justice in our courts.

And from another: Perjured testimony strikes at the very heart of the judicial system. The court has always taken a most serious view of such offences and lengthy sentences are the usual course.

The judge considered whether the crime was less serious because it arose in a civil rather than a criminal trial. He concluded that it was not: The commission of perjury, whether in a civil or criminal case, visits the same type of damage on the judicial system. The system is absolutely dependent upon the honest evidence of those testifying under oath or affirmation.

Mr. Chima was sentenced to 12 months in jail.

Perjury is treated just as seriously in pre-trial proceedings.

In R. v. Foster, 1982 CarswellSask 186, a chief executive officer lied during an examination for discovery in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit and was sentenced to eight months imprisonment.

And in R v. Lukasik, 1982 CarswellAlta 184, a 30-year-old mother of four was sentenced to 9 months in prison for making false accusations of attempted rape against an innocent party during an preliminary hearing.

If you are ever called on to testify as a witness in a court proceeding, please take your oath (or solemn affirmation) seriously. Justice depends on it. And you face very serious consequences if you give perjured testimony.
Driver 'intentionally' rams car carrying 6 teenagers, killing 3, authorities say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A California man "intentionally rammed" his vehicle into a car carrying six teenage boys, killing three and injuring the others, before driving off, authorities said.

The deadly crash occurred Sunday night around 10:30 p.m. local time on a roadway in the Temescal Valley, some 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The hit caused the teens' Toyota Prius to slam into a tree off the road, and first responders had to free three of the boys who were trapped in the wrecked vehicle, according to the California Highway Patrol.

(MORE: Father and 4-year-old son shot in head while play wrestling when man's concealed gun discharges)

One of the teens died at the scene, while the other five were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from moderate to serious. Two of them were later pronounced dead, according to the California Highway Patrol. Their names and exact ages were not immediately released.

PHOTO: An officer with the California Highway Patrol's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team investigates the scene of a deadly crash in the Temescal Valley, south of Corona, California, on Jan. 20, 2020. (Watchara Phomicinda/The Orange County Register via AP)

Anurag Chandra, 42, of Corona, California, was arrested Monday in a neighborhood near the crash site after investigators found the suspect vehicle parked outside a home there.

(MORE: 2 dead, 5 injured as patron opens fire 'indiscriminately' at bar)

Our investigation led us to believe Mr. Chandra intentionally rammed the Prius, causing the driver to lose control," Lt. David Yokley of the California Highway Patrol said at a press conference Monday, calling the incident "an intentional act."

"The investigation has now changed from a hit-run collision to homicide," he added.

PHOTO: This Jan. 20, 2020, booking photo released by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department shows Anurag Chandra, 42, of Corona, California. (Riverside County Sheriff's Department via AP)

The incident remains under investigation. The motive was unknown.

Chandra was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside, California, where he is being held without bail on three counts of murder and other related charges. He is due to appear in court Thursday morning, according to online jail records.

It's unclear whether Chandra has obtained a lawyer.
Shares of Hindustan Zinc on Tuesday shed over 2 per cent after the company reported a 26.7 per cent decline in net profit at Rs 1,620 crore for the December 2019 quarter.

The stock opened at Rs 214 and slumped 2.19 per cent over previous close to Rs 211.75 on the BSE.

On the NSE, the scrip lost 2.17 per cent to Rs 211.65.

The company on Monday posted a 26.7 per cent decline in net profit at Rs 1,620 crore for the December 2019 quarter.

Net profit in the year-ago period was Rs 2,211 crore, the company said in a BSE filing.

Total income during October-December dropped to Rs 5,117 crore as compared to Rs 6,090 crore in the year-ago quarter, the firm said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
January 18, 2020  Middle East  National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

In todays complex and evolving security environment, Canada remains devoted to strengthening relationships with our partners in the Middle East to help build a safer, more secure world.

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan completed a visit to the Middle East yesterday. While in Kuwait, Minister Sajjan met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for Kuwait, his Excellency Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and discussed the situation in Iraq and the region, as well as opportunities to increase regional peace and stability. He also thanked Kuwait for their ongoing support to Canadas operational support hub.

Minister Sajjan also met with Brigadier-General Michel-Henri St-Louis and senior leadership of Joint Task Force IMPACT. He was briefed about the current situation in Iraq by Canadas ambassador to Iraq, Ulric Shannon, Major-General Jennie Carignan, Commander NATO Mission Iraq, and Brigadier-General Chris Ayotte, from Combined Joint Task-Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.

Following a meeting with his Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan at NATO, Minister Sajjan met with the Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major-General Yousef Al-Hnaity with whom he had a productive exchange on the ongoing regional situation, women, peace and security, and Canada's continued cooperative relationship with Jordan. He visited the Jordan Border Road Project, which increases border security.

Minister Sajjan also met with members of the international community to discuss steps that can be taken toward de-escalation. While in the Middle East, the Minister met with troops posted on Operation IMPACT in both Kuwait and Jordan. Minister Sajjan reiterated Canadas commitment to continuing the training and capacity building mission in Iraq when the situation allows, to prevent the re-emergence of Daesh.
San Antonio police were searching for the crime scene of one shooting when they came across a second shooting on the South Side on Tuesday morning.

Police arrived to the 3200 block of Bolmore Drive just before 4 a.m. when police say a 30-year-old man showed up to the location with a gunshot wound in his arm. The man said he didn't know who shot him or how it happened, officials on scene said.
live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

We expect 11,700-11,800 as a strong base for Nifty going forward and 2020 is likely to offer a lot of opportunities to the investors in the market, where a bottom-up approach is likely to be dominating theme, Himanshu Gupta, VP Research at Globe Capital Markets said in an interview to Moneycontrol's Sunil Shankar Matkar.

Edited excerpt:

Do you expect the positive momentum to continue till Budget 2020 and after that?

Yes the positive momentum is likely to be seen at least till Budget where Nifty can test levels of 12,700-12,800. The mood thereafter is likely to take cues from the Q4 earnings and the policy announcements.

Budget in general does not have very long lasting impact on market but yes in the short term volatility can surge around the event. Since the government has already announced a number of reforms over the last few months including the big corporate tax rate cut, one should keep expectations low as far as new announcements are concerned, given the tight rope of fiscal deficit that the government is walking on.

Also, at some point of time this market will pause and correct as the Nifty has been on a steady rise all the way from 10,700 odd levels. We expect 11,700-11,800 as a strong base for Nifty going forward and 2020 is likely to offer a lot of opportunities to the investors in the wider market, where a bottom up approach is likely to be dominating theme.

What are your top five expectations from the Union Budget?

We would like the government to announce measures to stimulate the demand on the ground. Opening the tap of government spending in whatever possible way is the need of the hour, given the growth rate plummeting to 11 year lows. Allocation towards schemes like MNREGA/ NREGA should be increased substantially which create employment opportunities in rural India, where the demand is seen taking a back seat in last few quarters.

We would also like a reduction in the income tax on individual so that more money is left at the disposal of the middle and upper middle class. Also rolling back long term capital gains tax and dividend distribution tax is something that would give a big boost to the investors and attract a lot of fresh buying in financial markets gradually.

Real estate is a sector which supports a large number of industries. Some important announcements have been made in the last few months to give a boost to this sector but we still believe that the demand is still benign. We would like fresh announcement to incentivize home buyers that could bridge the supply glut and increase the demand.

Manufacturing and Agriculture are two pockets of huge potential for a nation like India. Government needs to incentivize and attract more foreign investments in these sectors which can significantly boost the growth and provide a massive employment opportunity.

Will the government be able to meet its fiscal deficit target?

I think markets are not particularly worried about fiscal deficit number at this point of time, however, the market would like that amount to be spent towards stimulating the growth.

In our view markets are factoring in a 50- 75 bps loosening in the number already. Given the fact that the debt to GDP is at comfortable levels considering the past and compared to other nations, I think the government should not be too worried about achieving the target in this fiscal year.

As broader markets (midcap, small cap) started performing well since the beginning of 2020, do you feel it would be better year for them than large caps compared to last two years, and why?

Yes we firmly believe that there is much more to come in midcaps and smallcaps this year. The correction in this space started from 2018 and has lasted for almost 1 and a half year. The rationale remains, first the valuations have reached to comfortable level, however with the recent sharp rally seen already in last two months they are not as cheap as they were, but still look attractive.

Second, the overall risk sentiment globally has seen improving over past few quarters, given the accommodative stance by most of the central bankers across the globe that would offer more confidence to the investors to invest in these pockets and ample liquidity will ensure high returns in mid/small caps. This year is going to be a very rewarding year for bottom up investors, however the word of caution remains that one should be sticking to liquid and high quality names.

Q: What are top three sectors to bet on in 2020 and what should be your pecking order, and why?

Pharma - The sector has undergone a long underperformance and it looks like the worst in terms of regulatory issues from US is behind. We expect margin improvements with a sustained volume growth for the sector. Given the under ownership in the sector we expect a

Cement - The sector is expected to benefit from pickup in demand and new capacity building up. We also expect the players to benefit from a rise in prices that would help the bottom line to improve. The increased spending by the government in the infra projects will also benefit the sector

Private banks - Privates sector banks are expected to benefit from improved technology, better loan growth and higher provisioning for bad loans in past few quarters.

Q: What are your top five bets which could give more than 20 percent return by end of 2020?

DLF

DLF is Indias largest real estate developer. For the quarter ended 30-09-2019, the company has reported a Consolidated sales of Rs 1,715.51 Crore, up 28.87 percent from last quarter sales of Rs 1,331.19 crore and down 19.80 percent from last year same quarter sales of Rs 2,139.03 crore.

We believe that the Rs 12,000-crore inventory should liquidate in a three-four year period, depending on the pace of sale. We maintain buy rating after posting an encouraging quarter.

ICICI Prudential

ICICI Prudential is promoted by ICICI Bank and Prudential Corporation Holdings. It commenced operations in 2001 and has consistently been one of the leading private sector life insurance companies in India. It was the first private sector life insurer to cross the Rs 1 trillion mark in assets under management (AUM).

Its current total sum assured has crossed Rs 11 trillion. Its presence across channels ensures that it is able to cater to the varied needs of customers across all touch points.

Sun Pharma

Sun Pharma is the 4th largest global specialty generic company. It has 44 manufacturing sites across the world. The company is enhancing their share of specialty business globally. At the CMP of Rs 454, the stock is trading at P/E multiple of 25x.

JSW Steel

JSW is the first company to manufacture high-strength and advanced high-end steel products for its automotive segments.

As a leader in Indias steel industry, we recommend to buy at current price and accumulate on decline. At the CMP of Rs 273, the stock is trading at P/E multiple of 9.8x only.

ACC

ACC is India's foremost manufacturer of cement and ready mixed concrete with a countrywide network of factories and marketing offices. Established in 1936, it has been a pioneer and trend-setter in cement and concrete technology. Its brand name is synonymous with cement and enjoys a high level of equity in the Indian market.

On expectations that the government's recent push towards infrastructure creation will lead to price hike of cement on the back of increased demand. At the CMP of Rs 1,512, the stock is trading at attractive rate.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
JERUSALEM  Shortly before they were rounded up by Nazi troops in Belgium and deported to Auschwitz in 1942, the parents of 3-year-old Maurice Gluck placed their only child in the care of a local Christian family. Gluck forgot his Yiddish mother tongue and that he even had parents of his own.

After the war, his devastated father came to claim him and several months later he was introduced to a weeping woman who showered him with hugs and kisses.

My father said: Look, Maurice, this is your mother, Helen, he recalled.

Only years later, did Gluck discover that his birth mother had actually perished along with more than a million other Jews in the Auschwitz death camp. Helen was in fact his aunt.

Seventy-five years after Auschwitz was liberated, Gluck is one of 75 Holocaust survivors featured in a commemorative photo project that Israels Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial produced along with award-winning German portrait photographer Martin Schoeller.

The exhibition, which opened Tuesday before German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Ruhr Museum in Essen, is just one of the various events marking the anniversary and commemorating its victims.

The main ceremony will be the World Holocaust Forum on Thursday, in which dozens of world leaders will arrive in Jerusalem for the largest gathering ever focused on commemorating the genocide and combating modern-day anti-Semitism. Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, Britains Prince Charles and the presidents of Germany, Italy and Austria are among the more than 40 dignitaries who will attend.

It comes amid a global spike in violence against Jews and in a climate in which a survey showed that 80% of European Jews said they felt unsafe on the continent. Tel Aviv University researchers reported last year that violent attacks against Jews grew significantly in 2018, with the largest reported number of Jews killed in anti-Semitic acts in decades. They recorded 400 cases, with the spike most dramatic in western Europe.

Glucks own life story is directly connected to Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi death camp whose very name has become almost synonymous with the Holocaust.

Glucks father, Eugene, survived a series of camps and the notorious Death March out of Auschwitz in its waning days. His wife, Sara, died there in 1943, among more than 1.1 million Jews who were killed in Auschwitz and the adjacent Birkenau death camp in gas chambers or from starvation, disease and forced labor in the meticulous Nazi effort to rid Europe of its Jews. Overall, the Holocaust claimed 6 million Jewish lives, wiping out a third of world Jewry.

Aron Heller is an Associated Press writer.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Tuesday met a delegation of protesters from Shaheen Bagh and appealed to them to call off their agitation as it has been causing inconvenience to schoolchildren, patients and general public.

IMAGE: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal during a meeting with representatives of the Shaheen Bagh protesters regarding staging their agitation against CAA and NRC without blocking the road on Tuesday. Photograph: PTI Photo

The eight-member delegation submitted a memorandum of their demands, including withdrawal of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, to the L-G, an official said.

Thousands of people, including women and children, have been protesting for over a month at Shaheen Bagh and nearby Jamia Millia Islamia against the CAA and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

'Met the delegation of protesters from Shaheen Bagh. Assured them to convey their concerns to appropriate authorities. Appealed to call off their agitation in view of continued inconvenience to school children, patients, daily commuters, local residents, etc due to blockade of road,' Baijal tweeted.

In another tweet, the L-G said, 'I once again request all to maintain peace and order.'

Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) Devesh Srivastava and Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-east) Chimnoy Biswal were present in the meeting.

According to the L-G office, the delegation assured Baijal that they would convey his message to other protesters at Shaheen Bagh.

"The L-G also directed the police officers concerned to take all steps as per law to ensure peace and harmony in the area," officials said.

Earlier in the day, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) asked authorities to identify and arrange counselling for children seen at protests against the CAA at Shaheen Bagh.

According to the CAA, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to escape religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. It does not include Muslims.

Those opposing the CAA have contend that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution.

They also allege that the CAA along with the NRC is intended to target the Muslim community in India.

However, the central government has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the law is intended to give citizenship to the persecuted people from the three neighbouring countries and not to take away citizenship from anyone.
A view of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery complex from the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge. Hilco, a Chicago real estate firm that has acquired old power plant sites in Boston and in New Jersey, and is building warehouses on a former steel mill site in Baltimore, reached an agreement to acquire the refinery site. Read more

Bankrupt Philadelphia Energy Solutions has agreed to sell its shuttered South Philly refinery complex to a Chicago development company with experience repurposing old industrial properties for new uses, likely marking an end to the sites 150-year-old history as a petroleum refinery.

Hilco Redevelopment Partners, a Chicago real estate firm that has acquired old power plant sites in Boston and New Jersey, and is building warehouses on a former steel mill site in Baltimore, agreed to pay $240 million to acquire the 1,300-acre refinery site during a closed-door auction Friday, according to a U.S. Bankruptcy Court filing.

PES chief executive Mark Smith announced the deal Tuesday in a memo to employees, saying that Hilcos affiliate, HRP Philadelphia Holdings LLC, would announce its plans for the site at a later date.

We will continue to maintain the refinery complex, remove the hydrocarbon inventory in the facility, protect the facility and prepare for a safe handoff of the facility to HRP Philadelphia Holdings LLC, which is expected to occur within 60-90 days, Smith said in his memo.

Hilcos selection means that Philadelphias largest available commercial real estate parcel may emerge from bankruptcy with a less intensive industrial capacity, a goal of environmental and community activists who have rallied against the oil refinery. After more than a century of refining, the site will also need environmental remediation. But its not immediately clear when that will happen, and who will pay the bill.

Hilco officials could not be reached Tuesday afternoon. The Inquirer reported Friday that Hilco was a finalist.

 READ MORE: Bankrupt Philly refinery gets interest from 15 potential bidders; aims for a January auction

PES filed a formal notice of the agreement with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, where the company filed for bankruptcy protection last July after a devastating fire June 21 closed the refinery. The sales agreement needs to be confirmed by the court at a scheduled Feb. 6 hearing.

Hilcos precise plans could not be determined, and its possible it could lease some part of the site to operate as a fuel-production facility. The fire left one of the two refineries in the complex undamaged.

PES, the East Coasts largest refinery, employed 1,100 people before its closure. The Steelworkers Union contended that the refinery was capable of producing fuel but that the out-of-town investors who owned it cut their losses after the fire and shut it down, hoping to recover some of the plants $1.25 billion in insurance coverage. An insurance settlement is unresolved.

Environmentalists and community activists had pushed for a permanent closure of the refinery, which was the citys largest stationary source of air pollution, and for area residents the catastrophic explosion in June was a dramatic reminder of the risks posed by the fuel-refining complex.

With the approval of the bankruptcy court, representatives of Philadelphia city government were present during Fridays auction in New York and consulted with the bidders.

We welcome the selection of Hilco Redevelopment Partners as the winning bidder for the refinery site," Mayor Kenney said in a statement Wednesday. Though many challenges and years of work lie ahead, we are optimistic that the firm can develop this site in way that supports the core values in the citys recent report summarizing the work of the Refinery Advisory Group: a diverse range of uses on the site that put the publics safety as a top priority, has a more positive impact on the environment, engages meaningfully with the surrounding communities, and contributes significantly to the regions economy.

In the end, it was probably market forces that doomed any efforts to restart the plant, including a proposal by the refinerys former chief executive, Philip Rinaldi. According to sources, Rinaldis group, Philadelphia Energy Industries, was unable to obtain sufficient financing to restart the refinery in a market that seems to be oversupplied with refineries, and faces a long-term decline in the use of fossil fuels.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia refinery hit with $132,000 fine for violations related to June fire

Rinaldi made no secret of his interest in reviving the plant. He began organizing a rescue effort just days after the June fire, and in August announced the formation of his venture to make a formal bid.

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.

At least one other industrial redevelopment firm was said to be in the final competition.

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.

Industrial site

Oil has been refined at the South Philadelphia site since the 1860s, and the soil is heavily contaminated. A previous owner, Sunoco Inc., set up a mechanism to finance environmental remediation at all its former properties after it got out of the refining business in 2012.

Evergreen Resources Group LLC, which is managing the site restoration, aims to clean up the property for continued use as a refinery, and its unclear if a less intensive commercial or light-industrial use would require more extensive cleanup. The fund for remediation of all of Sunocos legacy sites was valued at $207 million at the end of 2017.

The PES complex is actually two refineries: Atlantic Refining Co. opened the Point Breeze refinery in 1870 and Gulf Oil Corp. opened an adjacent facility at Girard Point in 1926. Sunoco acquired the plants in 1988 and 1994. Eight years ago, Sunoco transferred ownership to a new entity, PES.

It was the larger Girard Point refinery that was damaged in the fire.

The property is linked to highways, railways, the Schuylkill, and pipelines, and contains a significant number of fuel storage tanks, which may be attractive to an energy company.

Sunocos affiliate, Sunoco Logistics, retained ownership of some key infrastructure assets after 2012, including the Fort Mifflin Terminal on the Delaware River, where crude oil is unloaded and stored in a Sunoco tank farm on Darby Creek. Sunoco also retained the Belmont Terminal, at 26th and Passyunk Avenue, where much of the refinerys fuel is loaded onto trucks.

Energy Transfer LP, the current owner of Sunoco Logistics, still maintains a critical interest in the outcome of the bankruptcy. It also provided a $75 million loan to the refinery, which was secured by some of its storage equipment.

Energy Transfer owns the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex on the Delaware River south of Philadelphia, and is also building the contentious Mariner East project to move natural gas liquids, such as propane and butane, across Pennsylvania to Marcus Hook. The Marcus Hook property, also a former refinery, is still connected by pipelines to the Philadelphia refinery site.

The Philadelphia site seems likely to host a renewable energy producer, RNG Energy Solutions, which already had an agreement in place with PES before the fire to build a $120 million digester to convert food waste into renewable methane gas. That facility, which would be built on a 23-acre site on the north edge of the refinery property, could operate independently of a petroleum refinery.

Prospects of oil refining

If PES does not reopen, it would be the fourth refinery to shut down in the Philadelphia area in the last 10 years, leaving only three refineries: PBF Energy Inc. plants in Paulsboro, Gloucester County, and in Delaware City, Del., and the Monroe Energy Refinery owned by Delta Air Lines in Trainer, Delaware County.

The PES refinery lacks the processing units of more complex refineries that can turn lower grades of petroleum into high-value fuels. PES is configured to use costlier light crude oil, which put it at a competitive disadvantage to other refineries.

Rinaldi had rescued a refinery out of bankruptcy in Coffeyville, Kan., before joining up with Carlyle Group to take on the PES project. Aided with a $25 million state grant, PES spent $130 million of its own money to build a rail terminal to receive long trains that delivered domestic crude oil from North Dakota. For a few years, the refinery thrived with a source of discounted crude oil.

But the bounty was short-lived: Oil prices fell in 2014, and the oil trains became a less attractive option. The refinery was required to pay the rail terminal  a separate company -- under a take-or-pay agreement and profit margins disappeared. So did PESs plans to go public in 2015.

The refinery paid back its investors, including Carlyle Group, and critics say that arrangement doomed the business. Rinaldi blamed what he called an unfair system requiring the refinery to pay hundreds of millions of dollars for biofuels credits to blend ethanol into fuel.

Rinaldi retired at the end of 2017. A few months later, PES declared bankruptcy for the first time.

When it emerged from bankruptcy in 2018, PES was largely owned by previous creditors, but weighed down by $700 million in debt. Without a change in business fundamentals, a 2018 report by Penns Kleinman Center for Energy Policy said, the refinery remained so uncompetitive that it was likely to face bankruptcy again by 2022.




Genius Kadungure must pay an additional US$58 000 excise duty for one of his recently imported top-of-the-range vehicles, a Bentley Continental GT, that he had undervalued on its arrival. The vehicle is under an embargo, although being kept at Kadungures house.





He is expected to pay up by Friday under the order issued last Friday by High Court judge Justice Webster Chinamora. He had previously paid US$82 450 as duty.





Explaining matters, Kadungures lawyer Mr Brighton Pabwe said: Zimra did its reconciliations and my client Kadungure was ordered to top up duty by US$58 469,09.





Initially, he had paid US$82 450. The car remains on embargo at his house until duty is paid before or by 24 January.

The development comes after Kadungure had approached the High Court last week seeking an order to prohibit the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) from confiscating the vehicle that is valued at R1,9 million.





Zimra officials and police officers from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) visited Kadungures Domboshava residence last week to impound the vehicle.





Kadungure told the court that he bought the vehicle from a South African company through his courier and clearing agents and took delivery of it on January 5.





Kadungure was also suing Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in his official capacity.
STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan attended today a meeting of the Defense Armys Military Council in Stepanakert convoked to sum up the activities of the army in 2019 and the 2020 action plan, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

In his speech President Sahakyan noted that in 2019 the Artsakh Republic Defense Army confidently fulfilled the tasks set before it, ensured the countrys and peoples security, maintenance of peace and stability in the region, adding that the Defense Army personnel carried out this mission through painstaking and selfless service.

President Sahakyan rated the results of the wide-scale activities carried out in the sphere of army-building as overall satisfactory and gave appropriate assignments concerning the pivotal tasks to be implemented in the current year.

The President highlighted that the Defense Army had always been and would remain the main guarantee of the independence, security and natural development of the Artsakh Republic expressing his confidence that the Army as always would do everything possible for proper solution of the set tasks.
We've all had awkward conversations we'd rather forget, but imagine having to endure that toe-curling exchange with your boss.

Employers from across the globe have revealed the most cringeworthy things they've had to remind their employees - including one forced to give a stern warning to members of staff about canoodling at lunch time.

The embarrassing stories, which have been collated online by Whisper, also include a telling off about clipping toenails at the front desk and handling vegetables after touching raw meat.

A further manager told how he was left with no option but to ask an employee to start using deodorant after a gross stench started circulating the office.

Back to basics! One employer, from California, had to inform his co-worker of one of the most basic kitchen skills - not to touch raw meat and then handle vegetables

Time out! Another manager, from an unknown location, was so fed up with his colleagues canoodling that he decided to take action

Going bananas! Another employer, from Illinois, lost his patience after an employee kept leaving fruit to rot in an office drawer

On the wrong foot! Another employer, from California, experienced a cringeworthy conversation with her employee after pointing out the obvious - to not walk bare foot in the office

Bare your teeth! One boss, from Alabama, had to tell his co-worker to wear her false teeth at all times

Final nail in the coffin! This employer, from Oklahoma, had to give a member of staff a telling off after noticing he was cutting his toenails at reception

Daft as a brush! Another employee, from an unknown location, had to tell his co-worker to stop brushing his teeth at the front desk

What a load of rubbish! Another, from Washington, wrote a note to female staff informing them not to leave their used sanitary products in the compost bin

The meat of the matter! This manager, from an unknown location, had to tell an employee not to thaw steak with hot water

Hair of the dog! This boss, from Texas, had to warn a bar lady of two things - not to turn up late, or drunk

Kicking up a stink! One manager, from an unknown location, had to tell an employer to use deodorant
trump mcconnell

Evan Vucci/AP Images

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was in a tough spot earlier this month.

It looked like he may have to cave to calls from moderate and vulnerable Senate Republicans to allow witnesses in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial.

The timing of the trial, just weeks before Trump was scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address, also wasn't ideal for the GOP.

But this week, McConnell drafted a resolution that would not only speed up Trump's trial but also give moderate Republicans what they want.

Constitutional scholars told Insider that McConnell's maneuver was "cynically Machiavellian" and a "hyperpartisan" manipulation of Senate norms.

Experts also said McConnell "blatantly lied" about following precedent in Trump's impeachment trial and that the public should use Trump's impeachment as "an evaluation of McConnell and the Republican Senate."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Two weeks ago, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was in a bind.

Cracks were beginning to form in the ranks of Senate Republicans, and some moderate and vulnerable GOP senators were voicing their support for calling witnesses in Trump's impeachment trial  a measure McConnell and other allies of President Donald Trump were staunchly against.

Then John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, said he was prepared to testify. The announcement was McConnell's worst nightmare. A pivotal witness who was in the president's inner circle had stepped forward and offered to testify in Trump's trial. Could McConnell and Senate Republicans really afford to turn a blind eye?

The Kentucky Republican was stuck  until he wasn't.

This week, he announced in a resolution that the Senate would begin opening arguments on Wednesday in Trump's impeachment trial. If the Senate votes to hear from witnesses, it will depose them first and then vote on whether they should publicly testify.

Story continues

The trial itself will be much more condensed than previous impeachment proceedings as well. If the Senate passes McConnell's resolution on Tuesday, each side will be given 24 hours to argue their case over three trial days. During former President Bill Clinton's trial, each side was allowed 24 hours of argument over four days.

Senators will then be given 16 hours for questioning.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., left, and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of N.Y., right, talk as they wait to speak at an event on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, regarding the earlier oral arguments before the Supreme Court in the case of President Trump's decision to end the Obama-era, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), program. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Associated Press

McConnell's 'cynically Machiavellian' maneuver

Democrats sharply condemned McConnell's resolution, calling it a rushed cover-up and a "significant" break from the precedent of Clinton's 1999 impeachment trial.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would introduce a series of amendments to McConnell's resolution.

"McConnell promised over and over again, senators repeated over and over again, we're going to follow the Clinton model," Schumer said during a Tuesday press conference. "This departs from the Clinton model in many very significant and very important ways in an effort to cover up."

Keith Whittington, a professor of politics at Princeton University and an expert on presidential impeachment, told Insider McConnell's proposal to depose witnesses and then determine whether they should publicly testify "follows the rules" that structured Clinton's impeachment trial.

"Depositions prior to public testimony seems to have been common in earlier impeachment trials as well," Whittington added.

But some legal experts have argued Trump's trial shouldn't be compared to Clinton's, in part because of how differently the two processes played out.

Clinton's impeachment was informed by independent counsel Ken Starr's yearlong investigation into his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. All the relevant witnesses in Clinton's case, including Lewinsky and the president himself, testified under oath during Starr's investigation.

"There is really no applicability whatsoever between the two cases," Allan Lichtman, a political historian at American University, told Insider. "McConnell blatantly lied" about the Clinton precedent being relevant and "that he would even follow it," he added.

Frank Bowman, a constitutional-law professor at the University of Missouri School of Law, called McConnell's move "cynically Machiavellian" and a partisan manipulation of Senate norms and rules.

"It's not only a rush to judgment, but it is an effort to structure rules to avoid any possibility that the Republicans will have their fingerprints on the results," he told Insider.

"It's a bad joke," he said of the speedy process. "You wouldn't set a briefing schedule like that in a DUI case."

Trump, Dershowitz

Mark Wilson/Getty Images

'The machinery of representative democracy starts to break down'

Constitutional scholars condemned Senate Republicans' handling of the impeachment process, which McConnell has publicly said he coordinated with the White House.

Jens David Ohlin, a vice dean at Cornell Law School who's an expert in criminal and constitutional law, told Insider that since the Senate trial is a public proceeding, holding closed-door hearings with witnesses who have key evidence that hasn't yet come out would deprive the public of crucial information.

"Absent national-security concerns regarding classified information, the depositions should be public," he said. "The entire check on the process is that the public has a chance to vote for senators who are up for reelection. But if the Senate is hearing witnesses behind closed doors, the machinery of representative democracy starts to break down."

McConnell's move to depose key witnesses behind closed doors "seemed designed to satisfy some members of the Republican caucus ... who might be insisting on leaving open the possibility of calling witnesses in at least some manner," Ohlin added. "McConnell doesn't want Bolton testifying in open proceedings, but at the same time, he needs to keep these senators from defecting and voting with Democrats on the witness issue."

Bowman argued that McConnell wants to rush the trial to exhaust the public and ensure Trump is acquitted before he delivers his State of the Union address on February 4.

"The obvious objective here, if you look at a calendar, is to have this thing done the day before the State of the Union," he said. "That's transparently what it's for, is to get him acquitted so that he can walk into the chamber the following day and declare triumphantly that he'd been exonerated."

Corey Brettschneider, a constitutional-law and politics professor at Brown University, told Insider the public should turn the Senate majority leader's "hyperpartisan" actions "into an evaluation of McConnell and the Republican Senate."

He added: "It's as much a trial of their willingness to uphold the oath they took as triers of impeachment as much as it is about the president."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Our overall performance in 2019 is a testament to the success of our 3-year strategic plan first implemented in 2018

Interjet Airlines announced record year-over-year results for December and full-year results for 2019. Highlights include:



Total traffic for December 2019 grew a robust 14.7 percent with YoY international traffic increasing 21.1 percent and domestic traffic growth of 11.8%

Overall traffic for the full-year 2019 increased 9.4 percent with international passenger traffic growing to a record 25.9 percent. Domestic passenger traffic increased by 3.2 percent

RPKs (revenue passenger kilometers) grew 15.1 percent overall with international RPKs up 28.4 percent

ASKs (available seat kilometers) increased dramatically as well with an increase of 9.6 percent overall and 19.8 percent for international travel

Our overall performance in 2019 is a testament to the success of our 3-year strategic plan first implemented in 2018, said William Shaw, CEO of Interjet Airlines. We continued to deliver on that plan in 2019, and the results speak for themselves with record growth and revenue. We could not have done it without the commitment of our more than 6,000 airline professionals who work at Interjet. I am extremely proud of what we've accomplished together and am excited about Interjets future, he added.

Other 2019 Highlights



Set new records for overall passenger traffic growth driven by a robust increase in international traffic

Introduced seven new international routes and expanded service to four other international destinations

Introduced four new domestic routes

Took delivery of six new Airbus aircraft including two Airbus A320s, and four Airbus A320neos.

Launched mobile and web check-in service from the U.S. to Mexico

Upgraded passenger experience at John F. Kennedy International Airport with a terminal relocation from T7 to T1

Announced new or expanded interline and codeshare agreements with American Airlines, Alitalia, Qatar Airlines and Emirates

Introduced global payment agreement with Worldpay

Celebrated Interjet's 100th million passenger milestone

Partnered with the Transportation Security Administrations TSA Pre program to offer passengers traveling from the U.S. to Mexico, expedited screening from all of the airports we fly from

Introduced Club2020, an exclusive travel membership program

For more information regarding Interjets results, call me at +52 (55) 9178 5500 x5833. To make a reservation, visit http://www.interjet.com or in the U.S. call (866) 285-9525

About Interjet

Interjet is an international airline based in Mexico City carrying 14 million passengers annually within Mexico and between Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central, and South America. In all, it provides air service to 55 destinations in 10 countries offering its passengers greater connections and travel options through agreements with major airlines such as Alitalia, All Nippon Airways (ANA), American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Air Canada, LATAM Group, Iberia, Lufthansa, Hainan Airlines, Qatar Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

Interjet was also honored with Skytraxs World Airline Award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Mexico and Best Cabin Crew in Mexico as well as being awarded the Travelers' Choice Trip Advisor Award as the best Mexico airline.

FB: @Interjet; TW: @Interjet; IG: @Interjet

Media Contact

Julieta Pena Flores

Tel. +52 (55) 9178 5500 x5833

Email: julieta.pena@interjet.com.mx
The General Election campaign posters of the Minister for Justice and Laois Offaly candidate Charlie Flanagan have been defaced with RIC lettering outside of his home town.

The posters were located in Derrycloney on the busy Portlaoise road into Mountmellick.

A spray can appear to have been used to spray the letters RIC in red across the front of the posters.

Locals report that were defaced overnight on Monday/Tuesday, January 20-21.

The defacement comes in the wake of the controversy involving the Government's plan to commemorate the Royal Irish Constabulary and the Dublin Metropolitan Police which was being overseen by Minister Flanagan. It was subsequently called off after opposition from many quarters.

Minister Flanagan declined to comment on the posters but did comment on the possible holding of the commemoration at the Fine Gael Laois Offaly campaign launch in Mountmellick.

"It will be a matter for the new Government. I accept that the consultation could have been better and broader. Its not something Im prioritising over the course of the next few weeks," he told reporters.

As to some of the reaction on social media to the event.

"I take the slings and arrows of politics. I don't take these issues personally," he said.

The defaced posters had been removed by Wednesday.
Tech giant Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei on January 21 said atom bombs were the biggest fear once, but now there is fear over artificial intelligence, but people must realise that the development of technology is for good.

Speaking at a session on 'A Future Shaped by a Technology Arms Race' here at the WEF Annual Meeting, Zhengfei said AI is not as damaging as atom bombs.

Speaking during the same session, historian Yuval Noah Harari, however, said the danger is not so obvious in AI as compared to atom bombs and there are benefits for some actors.

"You can win the race and dominate the world. It's a conversation in Beijing and San Francisco - in Washington they don't really understand what's happening," he said.

Harari said there is state surveillance in China, and surveillance capitalism in the US, with no serious third player in the arms race.

"On the most shallow level it could be a repeat of the nineteenth century industrial revolution, when the leaders had the chance to dominate the world economically and politically... I understand the current arms race as an imperial arms race... You don't need to send the soldiers in if you have all the data on a country," Harari said.

"To hack human beings, you need a lot of biological knowledge, enough computer power, enough data about me. You can hack my body, my brain, my life, you can reach a point where you know me better than I know myself," he said.

Zhengfei said, "technology is for good. Development of technology is for good, not for bad."

Over the last thousands of years, technological advancement was very much in synch with people's evolution and people's fears over innovations like steam ships and the mechanical age were gradually overcome, said.

"I believe in the face of new technologies humanity will be able to use them to benefit us. Most people aspire a good life, not a miserable life," the Huawei CEO said.

"Atom bombs were the biggest fear when he was a boy. Today, we're seeing fear over AI but it's not as damaging as atom bombs," he said.

"At Huawei, our research is so-called "weak AI", where there are clear boundaries in terms of where AI can be applied," he said.

On the US fears of China, Zhengfei said, "if you look at the education system in China, it's designed for the industrial age, so AI can't grow rapidly in China.... The US is over-concerned. The US has got used to being the world number one."

"Huawei used to be an admirer of the US, we learned a lot from them. We hired dozens of American consulting firms to learn how to manage our business. The US should feel proud of it, they have the US management system exported and implemented. They should not be overly concerned about Huawei and our position in the world."

He said this year the US might further escalate their campaign against Huawei but he feels the impact will not be too significant.

Because Huawei did not have the reassurance of American support they had to put in Plan B and that is why they have withstood the US position against the company, he added.

Harari said, "autonomous weapons are a real arms race and a very dangerous development, but everyone is saying the same thing, I don't want to be left behind."

"The point is when you gather enough data on people, you get to know people better than they know yourself. Are we at the point where companies or governments can hack millions of people, that means they know my medical history, personal weaknesses?"
They are both members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

And Samuel L. Jackson and Sebastian Stan made an appearance together in Atlanta on Monday night to promote their new movie The Last Full Measure.

The pair made for a dapper duo on the red carpet, with Jackson nattily attired in a patterned blazer while Stan went for a silky red bomber jacket.

Premiere: Samuel L. Jackson and Sebastian Stan made an appearance together in Atlanta on Monday night to promote their new movie The Last Full Measure

The Last Full Measure is inspired by a true story of a Vietnam War veteran and opens in theatres on January 24.

Veteran star Jackson paired his snazzy blazer with a black sweater and a pair of maroon jeans.

Stan cut a cool look with a faded black t-shirt, a pair of dark denim jeans and some white leather Nike Classics.

A-list: Veteran star Jackson paired his snazzy blazer with a black sweater and a pair of maroon jeans along with his trademark black beret

On trend: Stan cut a cool look with a faded black t-shirt, a pair of dark denim jeans and some white leather Nike Classics

Nylon chic: He sported a dark red nylon bomber jacket which he left unzipped

Dream team: The duo posed with writer/director Todd Robinson, who donned a blue gingham blazer with a black tie and matching slacks

Squad goals: They were also joined by co-star Travis Aaron Wade, film adviser John Pighini and producer Sidney Sherman

They posed with writer/director Todd Robinson, who donned a blue gingham blazer with a black tie and matching slacks.

They were also joined by co-star Travis Aaron Wade, film adviser John Pighini and producer Sidney Sherman.

The movie stars Jeremy Irvine as William H Pitsenbarger, a US Air Force Pararescueman who sacrificed himself to personally save more than 60 men.

Stan plays Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman, tasked with investigating a posthumous Medal of Honor request for the fallen soldier.
The all-new Hyundai Aura was officially unveiled to the public last month and today, the car has been officially launched in India.

Bookings for the Hyundai Aura compact sedan had started at an amount in the range of Rs 10,000  20,000, depending on the dealership. Essentially a sedan version of the new Grand i10 Nios hatchback, the Hyundai Aura is aimed to be the best all-round package in the countrys compact-sedan segment.

So what happens to the Xcent? Questions regarding the fate of the Hyundai Xcent, the compact-sedan already available in the South Korean brands Indian product portfolio, are on the rise. Latest reports suggest that it will be continued on the market, but with a Prime tag and strictly as a fleet / taxi sale. The Hyundai Xcent is based on the previous-generation Grand i10 hatchback. Below are the ex-sh, introductory prices of Hyundai Aura.

Aura BS6 P 1.2 MT P 1.2 AMT P 1.2 CNG P 1.0 MT D 1.2 MT D 1.2 AMT E 5,79,900 NA NA NA NA NA S 6,55,900 7,05,800 7,28,900 NA 7,73,800 8,23,700 SX 7,29,900 8,04,800 NA NA NA 9,22,700 SX (O) 7,85,900 NA NA NA 9,03,800 NA SX + NA NA NA 8,54,900 NA NA

Hyundai India claims that the Aura comes with 12 segment-first features to have an extra edge over its main competitors. This includes a loaded 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Arkamys premium audio, wireless charging, etc., to name a few. The car follows the latest iteration of the brands Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy. Whilst it has worked quite well with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and a lot of other modern Hyundai products, things have gone the opposite direction with the Hyundai Aura.

Even though the concept sketch of the Hyundai Aura looked convincing enough, the final product looks really old; especially from the rear. The silhouette may be functionally on point in terms of rigidity and packaging, but aesthetically, the result isnt that good. However, this is not a major issue since sub-four-metre compact-sedans are generally not about good aesthetics, but their main purpose  giving the sedan feel without eating up too much money and parking space.

The Hyundai Aura comes with three engine choices; all compliant with the latest BS6 emission norms. The 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine makes 82bhp and 114Nm while the 1.2-litre diesel motor is good for 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. The third option, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit, is borrowed from the Hyundai Venue, but detuned to make 100bhp and 172Nm. A 5-speed manual or AMT avatar does all the transmission duties. All petrol engine options deliver 20.5 kmpl mileage while diesel engine delivers 25.4 kmpl mileage.

Hyundai Aura is a serious rival to the likes of the Tata Tigor, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and the segment-leading Maruti Suzuki Dzire (which also grabbed the title of The Best Selling Car In India, recently).
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Bernie Sanders apologised to Joe Biden on Monday for an op-ed a prominent supporter wrote accusing the former vice president of having a "big corruption problem," and Sanders urged his backers to exercise civility on the heels of heated disputes with his rivals.

In an interview with CBS News, Sander expressed contrition for the op-ed, which was written by law professor Zephyr Teachout for The Guardian newspaper and was promoted by the Sanders campaign in a newsletter. Teachout endorsed Sanders last year, and his campaign touted her support.

"It is absolutely not my view that Joe is corrupt in any way. And I'm sorry that that op-ed appeared," Sanders said in the interview. A Sanders campaign spokesman confirmed his comments.

Biden replied to Sanders on Twitter. "Thanks for acknowledging this, Bernie. These kinds of attacks have no place in this primary. Let's all keep our focus on making Donald Trump a one-term president," he wrote.

It is rare for candidates to apologise for their actions or the activities of their supporters, particularly with the Iowa caucuses happening so soon, on February 3.

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

The remarks marked at least a temporary de-escalation between two rivals who sit at or near the top of the polls and who had grown increasingly hostile to each other in recent days. Sanders also appeared keen on calming tensions with Elizabeth Warren.; the two walked arm-in-arm at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in South Carolina six days after an explosive post-debate confrontation centring on a private conversation about gender and elections.

It was also a shift in tone for the Democratic race, which just 24 hours earlier had reached new levels of contentiousness. With President Trump's impeachment trial set to begin in earnest in the Senate this week, some Democrats have been hoping the party will project more unity.

Some Sanders supporters have aggressively criticised Biden and Warren on social media. Sanders told CBS he did not approve of personal attacks. "If anyone knows me, what I believe is we need a serious debate in this country on issues. We don't need to demonise people who may disagree with us," he said.

Sanders added, "I appeal to my supporters: Please, engage in civil discourse." Sanders said his supporters were not the only ones guilty of crossing the line. "We're not the only campaign that does it. Other people act that way as well. I would appeal to everybody: Have a debate on the issues. We can disagree with each other without being disagreeable, without being hateful. That is not what American politics should be about."

In her op-ed, Teachout wrote that "Biden has a big corruption problem and it makes him a weak candidate." She added, "I know it seems crazy, but a lot of the voters we need - independents and people who might stay home - will look at Biden and Trump and say: 'They're all dirty.' "

She accused Biden of being too close to the credit card, health-care and energy industries. Sanders adviser David Sirota highlighted the op-ed in his "Bern Notice" newsletter, which is distributed electronically.

Some Sanders campaign officials have long been pushing for the senator to be more aggressive against Biden. They have achieved mixed results. As recently as Sunday, Sanders directly attacked Biden's record on Social Security.

"I think anyone who looks at the vice president's record understands that time after time after time, Joe has talked about the need to cut Social Security," Sanders said in response to a question from The Washington Post as he left a radio interview in New Hampshire. "I don't think that that is disputable."

But Sanders has also shied away from other opportunities to go after Biden, including at a debate last summer. On Sunday, he called Biden a "nice guy" and a "decent person," chalking up Biden's strong standing among older voters to those traits.

At a Brown & Black Forum in Iowa on Monday, Biden said that he would not pursue any changes to Social Security that Sanders had referred to. "There will be no compromise on Medicare and Social Security, period," Biden said. "That's a promise."

On Saturday, Biden criticised a video of him speaking about the topic that a Sanders aide publicised online, asserting without evidence that it was "doctored." That did not appear to be the case. But fact-checkers said the video was trimmed in a way that was misleading.

Sanders acknowledged on Sunday that the video should have had "the whole context," even as he defended his larger critique, citing Biden's past support for a balanced-budget amendment as evidence the former vice president has been hostile to Social Security.

Speaking to reporters after Sanders' remarks at the Monday forum, Nina Turner, a national co-chair of the Sanders campaign, said that the senator and Biden were friends and he would not insult him.

"They disagree on many issues," she said, "but you have never heard Senator Bernard Sanders call Vice President Biden corrupt."

Washington Post
Housekeepers across major Vietnamese cities could bucket double or triple earnings amid sweeping Tet demand.

Ngoc Anh had called several housekeeping services many times to get some maintenance work done at home, but had drawn a blank.

The answer was invariably the same. "We will call back when someone is available."One particular well-advertised company with a huge staff even helped her to install an app to book appointments. But even after waiting for a whole day, she did not get a response.

"The agency did call me back afterwards to inform that no schedule was available on the day that I requested, and offered to change it to another date, on a working day. I had no choice but to accept the after-hours service, paying almost VND50,000 ($2.2) more per hour," said a relieved Ngoc Anh.

Thoan of northern Phu Tho Province has not left Hanoi despite Tet looming large and the annual exodus from the cities to hometowns already begun. She is a housekeeper who hopes to make some extra money during this period.

On average, during the 3-4 days before Tet, she gets work at 2-3 houses daily, getting paid several million Vietnamese dong (VND1 million = $43) "It normally takes me 3-4 hours to do the general cleaning. Big houses might take 5 hours. During these days, I get VND100,000 ($4.3) per hour," she said.

Tuan, manager of an online housekeeping service in Hanoi's Cau Giay District, said the hourly rate for cleaning and maintenance services increases every day as Tet nears. During the week before Tet, the rate, including cleaning, maintenance and cooking, could double or triple, going from VND50,000  60,000 ($2.2  2.6) per hour to VND150,000  200,000 ($6.5  8.6) per hour.

Quynh, manager of an agency in Dong Da District, also said that during the days close to Tet, their cleaning service rates increase by 170-200 percent on the first 3 days of the Lunar New Year, and return to normal on the sixth day.

Even if the customers are willing to pay premium prices, finding a housekeeper during these days is a real challenge. Even after offering VND700,000  800,000 ($30.2  34.5) a day, Tuan has gone through two days of searching in vain.

"There is a workforce shortage and many agencies are offering appealing rewards to attract workers, so I decided to take the price a little higher," he said.

There are even more difficulties, he added. Most families request that the housekeepers are well-trained and familiar with the jobs, so it would take a couple of days to instruct them even after some people are hired.

Most firms offering housekeeping services say customers should expect a daily fee of around VND1 million ($43) during the first five days of Lunar New Year, which peaks on January 25, and that they should book appointments as soon as possible. On average, a 3-day Tet package would cost VND3.3 million ($142).
A Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed after taking off from the Iranian capital on January 8 was downed by two short-range surface-to-air missiles, Irans Civil Aviation Organization said in a second preliminary investigation report.

The Tor-M1 missiles were launched at the Kyiv-bound Boeing 737-800 jetliner from the north, Bloomberg reported.

The report says that the plane took off from Tehran at 6:12 a.m. local time and lost all contact with air traffic control at 8,100 feet. The aircraft disappeared from secondary surveillance radar screens at 6:15 a.m. and from primary surveillance radars at 6:18 a.m.

The retrieved flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder are some of the most advanced equipment of their kind in the world and Iran lacks the facilities to decode them. French and U.S. accident investigation agencies have refused to send necessary equipment to Iran for decoding the black boxes.

As reported, a Ukraine International Airlines plane (Flight PS752) heading from Tehran to Kyiv crashed shortly after taking off from the Imam Khomeini International Airport at about 06:00 Tehran time (04:30 Kyiv time) on Wednesday, January 8.

There were 176 people on board  nine crew members (all Ukrainians) and 167 passengers (citizens of Ukraine, Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK).

On January 11, Iran admitted that its military had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accepted full responsibility for the downing of the Ukrainian airliner.

On January 20, Iran's Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Eslami arrived in Ukraine as an official authorized representative of the Iranian government with whom negotiations were held, including on the return of flight recorders from the Ukrainian plane.

ish
The introduction of water tankers to mid-Louth while the Tallanstown Boil Water Notice (BWN) remains in effect, would not improve the situation for residents as the water would still need to be boiled, councillors heard at the Louth County Council January meeting on Monday.

The issue was raised at the meeting by Cllr Erin McGreehan, who was speaking on behalf of her mid-Louth Fianna Fail colleague John Sheridan. Cllr McGreehan requested that as a gesture of goodwill to the residents affected by the BWN.

Cllr McGreehan's request was supported by mid-Louth FG councillor Dolores Minogue, who commented that if it was Dublin that was affected by a BWN, then water tankers would have been made available.

Cllr Minogue acknowledged that it was up to Irish Water to deal with the situation, but as councillors they should be doing something for the 600 people who are still affected by the BWN.

In response, Head of Finance at Louth County Council Bernie Woods, said that the introduction of water tankers would change nothing for the residents, as water from the tankers would also need to be boiled before drinking.

Cllr Minogue replied to Ms Woods that she accepted that, but added that it would still be cleaner than the water that is currently coming from the taps.

Ms Woods acknowledged this but added that if the tap is run for a minute the water will is clear, and then boil it can be boiled. She added however that she would raise the issue about a water tanker for the area again.
Peter Thiel. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

In mid-January, at the conclusion of a special meeting of the Mont Pelerin Society, the venerable free-market organization, after appearances by Condoleezza Rice and Niall Ferguson, Peter Thiel was slated to give closing remarks on Big Tech and the Question of Scale. The keynote was the latest in a series of public remarks and interviews in which the PayPal founder and Facebook investor showed his prominence in conservative politics.

Thiel has long been a political donor; in 2016, he gave $4 million across various campaigns, including $1 million to a super-PAC supporting Trump, on whose behalf Thiel spoke at the Republican National Convention. Hes known to have funded right-wing hoaxer James OKeefe and has been an enthusiastic sponsor of organizations for activists and intellectuals, like The Stanford Review, a conservative publication he founded in the 1980s. Earlier this month, he announced an investment in a Midwest-focused venture-capital fund led by Hillbilly Elegy author and social conservative J.D. Vance.

But unlike other major right-wing donors, Thiel seems intent on being known for his intellect as much as his wallet. Over the past year, he has played the role of outraged patriot, endorsing Trumps trade war and bizarrely accusing Google of seemingly treasonous behavior in its China dealings. He intermittently lectures at Stanford. Vanity Fair has written about his hot-ticket L.A. dinner parties, where guests (including, at least once, the president) hold deep discussions about the issues of the day. Last year, George Mason University professor and economist Tyler Cowen called Thiel the most influential conservative intellectual with other conservative and libertarian intellectuals.

This emerging Republican macher is a far cry from the ultralibertarian seditionist who used to encourage entrepreneurs to exit the United States and start their own countries at sea. But Thiel is no stranger to inconsistency. For decades, he cultivated a reputation as a radical Silicon Valley anti-statist; in 2009, he wrote that Facebook, in which he was an early investor, might create the space for new modes of dissent and new ways to form communities not bounded by historical nation-states. Yet, six years earlier, he had co-founded the most aggressively statist company in the 21st century: Palantir, the global surveillance company used, for example, to monitor Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal. Can you really claim to uphold individual freedom if youre profiting from a mass-surveillance government contractor? Are you really a libertarian if youre a prominent supporter of Trump?

It would be easy enough to chalk up the seeming contradiction of Thiels thought to opportunism or pettiness (he famously funded a lawsuit, in secret, to bankrupt Gawker, my former employer) or perhaps even a mind less ambidextrous than incoherent. But its worth trying to understand his political journey. Thiels increasing prominence as both an intellectual in and benefactor of the conservative movement  and his status as a legend in Silicon Valley  makes him at least as important as more public tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg. In fact, he still holds sway over Zuckerberg: Recent reports suggest Thiel was the most influential voice in Facebooks decision to allow politicians to lie in ads on its platform. What Thiel believes now is likely to influence the next generation of conservative and libertarian thinkers  if not what the president believes the next day.

How to square Thiels post-national techno-libertarianism with his bloodthirsty authoritarian nationalism? Strangely, he wants both. Todays Thielism is a libertarianism with an abstract commitment to personal freedom but no particular affection for democracy  or even for politics as a process by which people might make collective decisions about the distribution of power and resources. Thiel has wed himself to state power not in an effort to participate in the political process but as an end run around it.

If we wanted to construct a genealogy of late Thielism, one place to start might be a relatively little-read essay Thiel wrote in 2015 for the conservative religious journal First Things. Thiel is a Christian, though clearly a heterodox believer, and in Against Edenism, he makes the case that science and technology are natural allies to what he sees as the inborn optimism of Christianity. Christians are natural utopians, Thiel believes, and because there will be no returning to the prelapsarian paradise of Eden, they should support technological progress, although it may mean joining with atheist optimists, personified in the essay by Goethes Faust. At least Faust was motivated to try to do something about everything that was wrong with the world, even if he did, you know, sell his immortal soul to the Devil.

Thiel suggests that growth is essentially a religious obligation  building the kingdom of heaven today, here on Earth  and that stagnation is, well, demonic  the chaotic sea where the demon Leviathan lives. This binary appears frequently in Thiels writing, where progress is always aligned with technology and the individual, and chaos with politics and the masses. If Thiel has an apocalyptic fear of stasis, you can begin to see why his politics have changed over the past few years, as it has become less clear whether the booming technology industry has actually added much to the economy or to human happiness, let alone demonstrated progress.

Where some of his fellow libertarians have moved toward the center, attempting to build a liberaltarianism with a relatively strong welfare state and mass democratic appeal, others have found themselves articulating a version of what Tyler Cowen, in a recent blog post, called state capacity libertarianism, a concept he says was influenced by Thiels thinking. In its essence, its the admission that strong states remain necessary to maintain and extend capitalism and markets. Where Thiel would differ with state-capacity libertarians like Cowen is that he isnt merely a believer in strong states in the abstract as agents of economic progress. He is purported to be a specifically American national conservative, at least per his conference-keynote schedule. Thiel has suggested in the past that such a conservative nationalism is the only thing that can provide the cohesion necessary to re-create a strong state. Identity politics, he suggested in an address at the Manhattan Institute, the free-market think tank, is a distraction that stops us from acting at the scale that we need to be focusing on for this country. MAGA politics is the only way to grow.

This is the context in which it makes sense for a gay, cosmopolitan libertarian like Thiel to throw his support behind a red-meat conservative like Senate candidate Kris Kobach of Kansas. The technological progress Thiel associates with his own personal freedom and power is threatened by market failure and political chaos. A strong centralized state can restore order, breed progress, and open up new technologies, markets, and financial instruments from which Thiel might profit. And as long as it allows Thiel to make money and host dinner parties, who cares if its borders are cruelly and ruthlessly enforced? Who cares if its leader is an autocrat? Who cares, for that matter, if its democratic? In fact, it might be better if it werent: If the lefts commitment to identity politics is divisive enough to prevent technological advancement, its threat outstrips the kind of bellicose religious authoritarianism that Kobach represents. A Thielist government would be aggressive toward China, a country Thiel is obsessed with  while also seeming, in its centralized authority and close ties between government and industry, very much like it.

There is, of course, another context in which it makes sense for Thiel to join forces with social conservatives and nationalists: his bank account. Thiels ideological shifts have matched his financial self-interest at every turn. His newfound patriotism is probably best understood as an alliance of convenience. The U.S. government is the vessel best suited for reaching his immortal techno-libertarian future (and a lower tax rate), and he is happy to ride it as long as it and he are traveling in the same direction. And if it doesnt work out, well, he did effectively buy New Zealand citizenship.

*This article appears in the January 20, 2020, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other parties against new voters' register are protesting on the streets of Kumasi in Ashanti region today.

The protest is part of series of demonstration to kick against the compilation of the new register given the fact that, a new register is a waste of taxpayers money and could also create tension since the election is close.

The electoral commission, however, insists they will go ahead and create the register despite the disagreement by the parties and civil society organisations.

Last week, a coalition of major Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and key individuals under the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in a statement collectively rejected the decision of the Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a new voters register ahead of this years general elections.

The coalition, numbering about eighteen (18) CSOs are the latest to join several groups to criticize the ECs plan to introduce a new voter management system for the upcoming elections.

The members of the coalition include the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), IMANI Africa, SEND Ghana, Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), Financial Accountability and Transparency, Africa (FAT-Africa), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Youth Bridge Foundation.

The others are the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Citizens Movement against Corruption (CMaC), Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC), Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Parliamentary Network Africa (PNA), Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana), PACKS-Africa and the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC).

The first protest to challenge plans of the new register was held at Tamale in the Northern region few weeks ago.

---starrfmonline
Todays manufacturers have a wealth of data and tools at their fingertips, but figuring out how to leverage them to drive innovation and competitiveness is the challenge

ProcessMiner CEO Karim Pourak will host a panel discussion on the future of data in manufacturing during the Connected Manufacturing Leaders Summit 2020, the company announced. The Summit will take place on January 29-30 in Berlin, Germany.

Pourak will be moderating Connecting Data to a Purpose: How Can You Gather the Right Data in Support of Your Business Goals and Make Forward-Thinking Decisions? on January 29 from 9:40-10:20 a.m. local time. Karims leadership of ProcessMiner, a cutting-edge AI platform designed to help optimize manufacturing processes, puts him at the forefront of these issues.

Todays manufacturers have a wealth of data and tools at their fingertips, but figuring out how to leverage them to drive innovation and competitiveness is the challenge, said Pourak, who has over 25 years of experience in product design, software development and commercialization. The Connected Manufacturing Leaders Summit is known for its thought leadership on these issues, and I look forward to engaging in conversation with some of the most forward-thinking companies in this space.

The panel will feature a number of high-profile executives from industry leading industries on this topic, including:



Phillips

Dow

Coca-Cola

Solenis

Pourak will lead a discussion around key challenges, opportunities and solutions when leveraging data and technology in manufacturing optimization. Featured topics include collecting and analyzing data to drive measurable results, continuous change and competitive edge. Additionally, the panelists will focus on emerging areas such as purposeful data, use of real-time data, and AI and machine learning throughout manufacturing operations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate through interactive polling during the session.

To register for this panel and for more information, please visit the conference website.

About ProcessMiner

ProcessMiner Inc. is an Artificial Intelligence firm based in Atlanta that delivers SaaS-powered real-time predictive analytics, optimization, and actionable recommendations that address Product Quality challenges in complex manufacturing processes. The platform reduces variability, increases productivity and drives process improvement. For more information about ProcessMiner, please visit https://www.processminer.com.
POWELL  An Indiana man who illegally rappelled into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone this month before being pulled out by rescuers says he was searching for hidden treasure.

Dave Christensen, 55, is convinced the canyon holds the famed Fenn treasure  a multimillion dollar cache of gold and jewels that Sante Fe art dealer and author Forrest Fenn reportedly hid some time ago.

Christensen took a scouting trip into Yellowstone just after Christmas, loaded up with supplies back in Indiana, then snowmobiled into the park again on Jan. 6.

Armed with a rope, harness, helmet and other climbing gear, he tied off on a railing at a popular overlook and proceeded to climb down to the Yellowstone River  more than 850 feet below.

Yellowstone National Park rangers and search and rescue personnel were ultimately called to the scene, and it took them several hours to bring Christensen back to safety. Hes now facing misdemeanor criminal charges for the incident.

However, the Winamac, Indiana, resident says his attempt was to save others who may be injured or perish in attempts to discover the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. He sought to make that case in an email to Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly following the incident, laying out why he believes Fenns gold is in the canyon.

I am not a quack, nor have blind lust for hidden treasures, Christensen wrote. Im sending this so you can analyze the information, hopefully understand its validity, and thus, potentially circumvent a Mad Mad World or Rat Race of searchers in the near future, or spring when Yellowstone opens to wheeled vehicles.

Blogger Dal Neitzel estimates that nearly 250,000 people have searched for the treasure. Hes written about the subject for the past five years, prompting many to ask if he knows so much about the search, why doesnt he find the gold himself?

Believe me, Ive tried, Neitzel wrote last year, saying hed made more than 70 trips to the Rocky Mountains and planned more.

Fenn said the treasure is about 42 pounds of gold and jewels in an ornate, 10-inch by 10- inch Romanesque box. He was in his 70s when he hid the box, taking him two trips to carry the load to its hidey hole.

Please be cautious and dont take risks, Fenn has said. The search is supposed to be fun.

However, at least four people have died looking for the treasure and several have required rescue, including in Park County.

A couple from Virginia, Madilina L. Taylor and boyfriend Frank E. Rose Jr., had to receive assistance from search and rescue crews in 2013, 2015 and 2016 after trying to find Fenns fortune in the Wapiti area and Shoshone National Forest. Those misadventures included Taylor breaking her ankle in 2015, which required her to be airlifted to a hospital. After another trip in July 2016 resulted in encounters with grizzly bears, Taylor reportedly told the sheriffs office that she was headed back East with no intentions of ever returning.

Then in early June 2018, Jeff Murphy, a 53 year-old from Batavia, Illinois was searching for the treasure near Yellowstones Turkey Pen Peak when he accidentally stepped into a chute and fell to his death. A year earlier, Paris Wallace, a 52-year-old pastor from Grand Junction, Colorado, died while searching for the treasure in the Rio Grand Gorge in New Mexico. After the death, the New Mexico State Police asked Fenn to call off the search for the gold and jewels.

If someone thinks the treasure is hidden in a dangerous location, they should not search for it. There is no percentage in taking risks, Westword reported Fenn as saying at the time. The octogenarian then added a couple more clues, saying the treasure chest is not under water, nor is it near the Rio Grande River. It is not necessary to move large rocks or climb up or down a steep precipice.

Christensen ignored the additional clue. This is his [Fenns] life savings, Christensen said. Hes not going to put it where someone can stumble across it.

Christensen framed his decision to drop into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as an effort to ultimately help others.

I had to do this. The story has to end, he said. Too many people are getting hurt and killed.

The military veteran said hes been working for months on a solve to the poetic riddle that Fenn published in 2010, which launched the search for his treasure.

Christensen made a reconnaissance trip by rented snowmobile to the canyon on Dec. 26, checking the logistics of getting to the spot where he suspects the treasure is hidden. Then he returned to Indiana to prepare and purchase needed equipment, including special clothing, climbing tools, 1,000 feet of climbing rope and bear spray. He also was outfitted with a Garmin transceiver in case of an avalanche.

Christensen then returned to Yellowstone, rented another snowmobile near Pahaska Tepee, loaded it with all the supplies he thought he would need and entered the East Gate on a non-commercially guided snowmobile access program permit.

I knew it would be too hard to carry it out, he said of the treasure. I had my cellphone and I was going to take a picture to prove it was there and then move it.

Christensens preparation and experience in the Army  where he received the Bronze Star for his service in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm  gave him the courage to take that first step over the edge of the overlook, he said.

Despite his advance planning, he admits he may have made a couple miscalculations.

Christensen later told search and rescue personnel and park rangers that he dropped his backpack and went off-rope to retrieve it.

Then he slid down the canyon wall to the river. Christensen said a friend, who he didnt identify, was at the overlook and was supposed to help send down more rope when contacted to do so by two-way radio.

Rangers reported that after two hours of attempting to climb back up with his backpack, Christensen requested assistance.

He disputes the official report, saying that I could have climbed out, but they wouldnt authorize more rope.

Christensen said he turned back from the treasure location after seeing possible bear tracks and hearing a loud moan or growl; he claimed a bear might be skipping hibernation due to plentiful food  fish that die after going over the Lower Falls.

Further, rangers were yelling at him at the time, Christensen said.

They were yelling at me, asking what are you doing down there and I wasnt going to take the chance of pissing something off so I got out of there, he said.

Onlookers and park personnel couldnt believe their eyes.

He was like a turtle on his back in that heavy snow, said Gary Fales, owner of Gary Fales Outfitting and Snowmobile Tours in Wapiti, which had rented the sled to Christensen with no knowledge of his plans. This guy was lucky he didnt die.

A team of rangers and 11 search and rescue members responded from throughout the park, eventually lowering an expert climber approximately 800 feet to Christensen.

It took more than four hours to bring Christensen to safety, with the team finishing the operation at about 8:30 p.m. in snow flurries and frigid temperatures. Christensen was taken to Mammoth and received two citations for creating a hazardous condition and off trail travel in a closed area.

He isnt the first to be cited for going off trail in the canyon, said Klint Powell, incident commander and high angle technical rescues team member in Yellowstone.

Some cross-country skiers went into the canyon undetected, but were nabbed after the scofflaws bragged about their trip on social media.

The laws and regulations are in place for a reason, Powell said. This one  no off trail travel  is definitely for the safety of visitors and our folks here. It puts people at risk for these type of rescues.

Powell said hes been involved in many rescue missions while working as a law enforcement ranger. But most of them involved accidents, not intentional acts.

Seems like common sense to us here, but we get folks from all over the place and they dont understand its a truly wild place, he said.

The ranger, who has worked in Yellowstone a total of 10 years and trained extensively for rescues in the mountainous park, said Christensen was a novice climber.

Terry Dolan, an experienced hunting and over-snow guide for Fales Outfitting and Wapiti-area resident, happened to be leading a commercial trip to the canyon the day that Christensen made his descent.

Dolan took photographs of Christensen while he was flailing in the deep snow. Two days later, Christensen turned up at the Fales equipment drop-off. Thats when guide Dean Lavoy found out Christensen had been planning to search for Fenns gold all along.

The Fales will no longer lease equipment to Christensen now that they know his intentions, co-owner Dede Fales said. Both she and Gary are just happy Christensen wasnt hurt during his treasure hunt.

Youve gotta have your brains with you  you cant leave them at home, Gary said.

Christensen will get another chance to enter the park before it officially opens for the summer season, when he heads to U.S. District Court in Mammoth on April 2 to answer to the citations. His search could cost him time in jail and thousands in fines if hes found guilty. Christensen could also be banned from the park.

If they ban me for five years, Ill just have to wait to find the treasure, he said. I could have eventually climbed my way out. There wouldnt have been any need for a rescue if they would have authorized more line. Either way, I know my actions have consequences.

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Uttarakhand BJP president Bansidhar Bhagat on Tuesday hailed JP Nadda's appointment as the national party chief.

Bhagat, who called on Nadda in New Delhi to congratulate him, said the new party chief will carry forward the historic legacy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah under whose leadership the BJP became the world's largest party.

Bhagat, who became the state BJP chief recently, said Nadda had a close association with Uttarakhand as the party notched a massive victory under his leadership in the last state assembly polls.

Nadda was the party's election in-charge for Uttarakhand in the 2017 assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The co-living sector is expected to become an exciting asset class for real estate investors as the demand for beds, particularly with the tech-enabled organised players, outstrips supply. A new report by PropTiger.com, a real estate advisory firm, says that co-living fetches much better yields compared to traditional ways of renting property.

"Data available with PropTiger DataLabs show a property for students in Sector 125, Noida, for example, is expected to give approximately 8-9 per cent rental yield whereas, housing for professionals is expected to provide nearly 5-7 per cent rental yield on an average as compared to meagre 2-3 per cent traditionally," the report states. "As an investor, co-living sector serves as a new asset class for the investor to earn better yields," it adds. On an average, across India's top cities, rental yields of co-living spaces can go as high as 8-11 per cent, compared to the average yield of 1-3 per cent of residential properties.

Not only this, the sector can potentially prove to be the light at the end of a long dark tunnel for many developers stuck with residential inventory they cannot sell. Developers can repurpose their inventory towards co-living, suggested Dhruv Agarwala, the Co-founder of Elara Technologies. The company owns brands such as PropTiger, Housing.com, and Makaan.com. He estimated that between $350 million and $400 million has been invested in the sector till date.

Here are some interesting highlights from the report:

There were about 37.4 million students in India pursuing higher education courses in 2018-19 - 15 million of them are migrants. The overall occupancy recorded in hostels within college campuses across India was only 6.5 million in 2019. Therefore, there is a huge demand-supply mismatch which has traditionally been met by the unorganised PG accommodation sector. "In recent years, over two dozen organised players have entered this segment to bridge this gap," the report stated. The bigger companies in the co-living segment today include OYO Life, Zolo Stays, NestAway, CoHo, CoLive, Guesture, and Stanza Living, among others. The organised players mostly offer better facilities and security, besides a community and social layer.

By the end of calendar year 2019, organised companies contributed over two lakhs beds. Each bed earned Rs 12,000 a month on average. "Hence, the organised players in this segment are currently generating a combined Rs 2,880 crore ($407 million)," the report stated and predicted that the industry can grow to a Rs 2 trillion market size in the top nine cities by 2023.

"As the home ownership preferences have changed since the last decade, supply side also needs to change. Migrant millennials will drive the rental housing segment of residential real estate sector, where co-living is one of the strongest sub-segment," the report stated. The Model Tenancy Act, it added would also impact on the co-living sector, once implemented.

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Illinois authorities have classified the recent death of a man who was shot multiple times nine years ago as a homicide.

Marco Rainge, 41, was pronounced dead at 1.45am on January 14, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

Rainge's death was the result of complications of gunshot wounds that he suffered in 2010.

Marco Rainge, 41, was pronounced dead at 1.45am on January 14, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. Rainge's death was the result of complications of gunshot wounds that he suffered in 2010 in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood (file image)

The Chicago Police Department said on Monday morning that the original aggravated battery investigation has been changed to a homicide investigation.

No arrests were made at the time of the shooting.

Police said that Rainge did not cooperate with detectives at the time.

Rainge was shot multiple times in the 1200 block of North Kildare Avenue in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood on October 12, 2010, just before 10am.



He suffered injuries to the arm, chest and hip, according to police.

The department said the case remains an open investigation.
When three Signal Mountain police responded to reports of a fight in Old Towne Friday night, they found that the house at 404 South Street was dark.



Investigators soon learned from neighbors, however, that the lights in the house had been on prior to the arrival of law enforcement officers, and could see for themselves that the driveway and back yard were filled with vehicles. Further, they noticed a smell of marijuana coming from the house, Officer Randy Poland noted in his incident report. Consequently, they went to the front door and knocked, the report said.



The woman who opened the door identified herself as the person who had rented the house, a short-term rental property, Officer Poland and Police Chief Mike Williams said Monday afternoon.



The female stated there was nothing going on and they would quiet down . . . that they just wanted to get out of Chattanooga where the heat was on . . ., they noted. However, responding officers observed at least 10 people in the residence, one of whom was a validated gang member.



Meanwhile, investigators outside had found blood on the back porch of the property, Officer Poland and Chief Williams said. Further, a Nissan parked in the driveway turned out to have been stolen in North Georgia.



Based on that information, the two said, officers decided they needed to enter the residence to determine if anyone was injured and the woman who had rented the property gave them permission to come in.



Officers did locate a male in the bathroom area who was sitting on the floor and appeared to have been in a fight, according to Officer Polands written report . . . (and) one male in a bed and another hiding under a bed in another bedroom, where a semiautomatic pistol also was found.



Eventually, the report said, another 20 individuals came out of the back of the house, where they could not be seen, and into the living room, bringing the total number of suspects to 29.



At that point the three outnumbered Signal officers called for back-up, and personnel from Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriffs Department and Red Bank Police, as well as midnight shift Signal officers, came to the scene to aid in the investigation.



Several of the responding officers immediately recognized people at the gathering as validated Rollin 20s Bloods gang members, according to Chief Williams and Officer Poland. Gang members, in turn, recognized the officers.



There were some interesting conversations going on there for a while, the police chief said.



Bryson Curley, the owner of the short-term rental, was contacted, according to Chief Williams and Officer Poland. Mr. Curley gave officers permission to search the entire property and to remove everyone who was there.
Axine Water Technologies, Enbala Power Networks, GaN Systems, MineSense Technologies and Svante recognized as leaders in resource efficiency and industrial innovation

Vancouver, BC and Delft, Netherlands, Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chrysalix Venture Capital, a global technology venture capital firm that specializes in transformational industrial innovation, congratulates five of its portfolio companies that have been named on the 2020 Global Cleantech 100 list as the most likely to make significant market impact over the next five to 10 years. Year after year, Chrysalix remains the top independent VC for cleantech investments in Canada, with the majority of our portfolio companies being recognized by the Cleantech Group for their ground-breaking work in intelligent systems and industrial innovation for resource intensive industries. This year, five out of the 12 Canadian companies on the list are from the Chrysalix portfolio.

We congratulate our many portfolio companies that are consistently recognized for their innovative and disruptive work towards making the worlds energy intensive industries more sustainable, combining environmental impact and climate change mitigation with strong bottom line results. Investments such as these ensure that their customers or acquirers will have the innovative advantages necessary to preserve technological and commercial leadership in the face of rising C02 emissions and increasing global competitiveness, said Wal van Lierop, Executive Chairman & Founding Partner of Chrysalix Venture Capital.

Chrysalixs portfolio companies listed on the 2020 Global Cleantech 100 are: Axine Water Technologies , developers of a low-cost, breakthrough solution for treating toxic organic pollutants in wastewater; MineSense , a pioneer in real-time, sensor-based bulk ore sorting solutions for the mining industry; Enbala Power Networks , the leading Virtual Power Plant (VPP) software vendor; GaN Systems , the leader in Gallium Nitride (GaN) based power management devices, specializing in power conversion, semiconductors and transistors; and Svante (formerly Inventys), a leading carbontech company with the ability to capture carbon dioxide directly from industrial sources at less than half the capital cost of existing solutions.

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The Global Cleantech 100 is a prestigious peer-reviewed list of the top private companies and most promising ideas in cleantech  the ones best positioned to help us build a more digitized, de-carbonized and resource-efficient industrial future. The list is created by pulling together thousands of data-points from all over the world with the aim of identifying the consensus of sentiment and opinion among the international cleantech community. The report also provides a sector-by-sector overview of markets and trends from the Cleantech Group.

About Chrysalix Venture Capital

Chrysalix is a technology focused venture capital firm that builds, mentors and connects high growth companies. Founded in Vancouver, Canada in 2001, and with offices in Delft, Netherlands, Chrysalix has built its reputation on bringing disruptive innovation to the worlds largest industries by focusing on where technology meets physical science. The firms investments include breakthrough technologies like smart mining, 3D printing of steel, fast charging electric vehicle infrastructure, emissions-free solar steam, battery intelligence, C02 capture, wastewater management, and fusion energy. Chrysalix has one of the strongest investment teams in the industry with deep energy, technology, and entrepreneurial expertise, and is backed by more than 20 international blue chip industrial and financial investors. Chrysalix latest fund, the Chrysalix RoboValley Fund, is the firms second fund under management focused on industrial innovation. It recently did a second close ( read more ) and is expected to grow to over $120M in H1 of 2020. For more information visit: www.chrysalix.com or contact Allison Johnson at ajohnson@chrysalix.com .

Allison Johnson

Chrysalix Venture Capital

ajohnson@chrysalix.com
Toddler Missing Half Her Heart Gets Surprise 'Snow Party' After She Couldn't Go on Vacation

A little girl couldnt go on a snowy vacation with her family due to an ongoing health condition, so local officials near her Arizona hometown brought the vacation to her instead.

Quinn Walker was surprised with a snow party by the Casa Grande police and fire departments on Jan. 3 after doctors told her parents that the 2 year old would be unable to join them on their trip to Flagstaff, Good Morning America reported.

They said not this year  she was too sick to do it, Quinns mom Sandee Walker recalled to the outlet.

From the time she was born in 2017, Quinn has suffered from a condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the Casa Grande Fire Department said on Facebook.

The birth defect, which develops during pregnancy, causes the left side of a babys heart to not form correctly and prevents normal blood flow through the heart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

So far, Quinn has had two open-heart surgeries and has another procedure scheduled in April, GMA reported. Because of how severe her condition is, cardiologists advised Sandee and her husband Adam Walker to hold off on the wintery family trip.

Quinn Walker in the snow | Casa Grande Fire Department/Facebook

RELATED: Bullied Illinois 11-Year-Old Surprised by Police, Firefighters and Mayor at Birthday Party: He Is Glowing, Says Mom

Heartbroken, Sandee told GMA that she posted on the #QuinnStrong Facebook page, where she has documented the toddlers journey with HLHS, and revealed to all 1,386 followers that we couldnt go and we were was upset about it.

One of those followers happened to work with Adam at the Casa Grande Fire Department and mentioned to Corporal Mike Bejaran with the Casa Grande Police Department that they should do something special for Quinn so that she could enjoy some family fun at their Gilbert home without risking her health.

When Corporal Mike Bejaran heard that firefighter Adam Walkers two-year-old daughter Quinn couldnt make it up north to play in the snow, he took action, CGPD wrote in a press release.

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The CGFD noted in their release that officer Melissa Ramos helped Bejaran make the magic happen.

Together, the Casa Grande first responders managed to bring in five tons of snow to Quinns driveway, creating an unforgettable snow party surprise for the toddler and her brothers.

Quinn Walker and her family with local police | Casa Grande Fire Department/Facebook

We all love snow and she cant go to the snow obviously because of the oxygen and her medical conditions and its just the right thing to do, Bejarano told NBC affiliate KPNX.

Opening their door on that early January day, the Walkers were astonished to see the snowy surprise.

I couldnt believe it, Sandee recalled to the Phoenix-based outlet.

The children couldnt wait to get into the snow and spent the day sledding, making snow angels and a snowman, and having snowball fights, according to GMA.

Though Quinn needed to be connected to an oxygen tank during the outdoor activity, that didnt stop her and her family from enjoying the moment.

She has to be on oxygen while she plays, but well take it, Sandee told KPNX. Just trying to soak up as many memories as we can.

RELATED VIDEO: Local Firefighters Surprise Woman on 100th Birthday

She had the time of her life all morning, she added to GMA. Its definitely hard that my daughter is so sick that people come out and do stuff like this for us, but Im so grateful for the community we have.

Sandee also raved about the magical surprise on Quinns Facebook page, noting how excited her daughter was to spend time with her family outdoors before her upcoming surgery.

This was the BEST day ever! she wrote. So many amazing people came together to have snow made in our driveway for Quinn! We cant take her to the snow so the snow came to her! She loved it.

The snow hasnt melted yet and we are still soaking up as much snow fun as we can, she wrote in a follow-up post featuring photos of Quinn smiling. My beautiful little snow angel 
Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga on Tuesday said the world is on fire and everyone needs to work together to tackle the dangers before our as it cannot be seen as a job of the firemen alone.

"I look at the state of the world with a concern today. There is intolerance, hatred and revenge... We need to find the right balance for a common future," she said during a special address at the WEF annual meeting here.

The President of the Swiss Confederation said, "The world is on fire. We are seeing rainforests burning in Amazon and bushfires in Australia.

"The ecological balance of this world is in danger and we need to understand what all would be the consequences for all of us."



When economic benefits are placed above nature, then the consequences for humans and the economy are immense, she said.

Drawing an analogy, she said biodiversity is like the Eiffel Tower of Paris and if you remove one screw from the tower each day, nothing will happen in the beginning, but if you keep removing the screws, the tower will fall apart.

"We need politicians to take action in their own country and internationally on global warming and climate change," she emphasised.

She also showed a short video to delegates, underlining the importance of insects and biodiversity for the future of mankind.

She called on the private sector to tackle the threat to our biodiversity and urged politicians and all of civil society to take action.

Sommaruga also expressed concern over politically motivated hate, intolerance and revenge.

Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), outlined his vision for stakeholder capitalism, and launched a new open source platform for people to share ideas to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), starting with the oceans.

The world is in a state of emergency and the window to act is closing, he warned.

He also emphasised the need to take everyone's point of view into account, especially the youth.

He said the lack of trust and profound cynicism that prevails in many parts of society should spur us on to engage and work towards creating a better world.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, has postponed his trip to India, which sources said was scheduled later this week

Editor's note: In view of Microsoft's strong denial that Nadella has put off his visit, we have reviewed the reporting that went into this story, and found lapses. The article is therefore withdrawn, with apologies.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, has postponed his trip to India, which sources said was scheduled later this week.

One of the sources said that Microsoft's India team is waiting for fresh dates of his visit, which might happen at the end of February or early March. Things are not confirmed, yet, one of the sources said.

"We have nothing to share at this point," said a Microsoft India spokesperson.

During the trip, Nadella was expected to meet some executives of large companies and startups as well as government officials, and also take part in a talk with app developers.

A Microsoft spokesperson, however, said, "There was no trip planned for this week. We do not have dates to share at this point.

The change in plans comes just a week after Nadella's comments on the Citizenship Act grabbed a lot of attention in India and globally. Commenting on a question asked by BuzzFeed on the Citizenship Amendment Act in India, at an Editors roundtable in the US, the Microsoft CEO had said, "I think what is happening is sad... I think its just bad, if anything I would love to see a Bangladeshi immigrant who comes to India and creates the next unicorn in India, or becomes the CEO of Infosys, that should be the aspiration....

Soon after the Nadellas answer got plastered all over the internet and in newspapers, Microsoft had issued a statement from Nadella clarifying the remarks.

"Every country will and should define its borders, protect national security and set immigration policy accordingly," he said, in a company statement. And in democracies, that is something that the people and their governments will debate and define within those bounds.

Statement from Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft pic.twitter.com/lzsqAUHu3I  Microsoft India (@MicrosoftIndia) January 13, 2020

But, perhaps Nadellas statements did not go down well with the Bharatiya Janta Party.

Reacting to the statement, Meenakashi Lekhi, a BJP spokesperson, had commented on Twitter, How literate need to be educated! Perfect example. Precise reason for CAA is to grant opportunities to persecuted minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan & Afghanistan. How about granting these opportunities to Syrian Muslims instead of Yezidis in USA?

The Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by the Parliament in December. According to the legislation, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till 31 December, 2014, will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship.

Protests have broken out against the CAA across the country, with those opposing the law contending that it discriminates on the basis of religion and violates the Constitution. They also allege that the CAA along with the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) is intended to target the Muslim community in India.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Hundreds of students and civil society members gathered at Jantar Mantar in response to the call for Public Declaration Protests against CAA, NRC and NPR by over 100 youth organisations, student unions, student groups and civil society organisations in the country. The protests under the banner of Young India Against CAA-NRC-NPR saw individuals from across the country participate in massive protest marches.

The protesters in Delhi walked frm Mandi House to Jantar Mantar to protest against the unconstitutional and undemocratic law. In Delhi, Young India Against CAA-NRC-NPR along with Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC), ANHAD, JNUSU, Joint Forum for Academic and Social Justice, Karwan-e-Mohabbat, Shaheen Bagh Protest Committee (United Youth Brigade), We the People and many other groups conducted the Public Declaration March.

a demonstration in New Delhi

on Monday | parveen negi

Young India National Coordination Committee held these protests in Mallapuram, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Patna, Kolkata, Allahabad, Varanasi among others.

This march aimed to appeal to the SC to strike down the communal and unconstitutional CAA when it comes for hearing on January 22.

Social activist Harsh Mandar said: We are fighting against hatred with our love and Constitution. Young India is showing us hope and we will take back our India.

N Sai Balaji, AISA national president and former JNUSU president, said: Young India is one such powerful platform which not only unites all students and youth but today has showed that they wont get divided by hate.

Plea in SC over traffic issue at Shaheen Bagh

A petition has been filed in the SC seeking directions to the police to ensure smooth traffic flow on Delhis Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch which is closed for over a month due to anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests.

The Delhi HC on January 14 did not order forthwith removal of traffic restrictions, the plea said, adding the HC had said that no direction can be issued by it on how to handle an agitation or the place of protest and the traffic as it depended on ground reality and wisdom of police.
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was talking about the situation in Kashmir with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and will certainly be helping, a remark that came ahead of a meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Trump made the remarks at a media briefing before talks with Khan, who the US President described as his very good friend.

Were talking about Kashmir and in relation to whats going on with Pakistan and India if we can help, we certainly will be helping. Weve been watching that and following it very, very closely, said Trump.

Watch | Donald Trump calls Imran Khan good friend, says talking about Kashmir

Khan said Pakistan always hoped that the US plays a part in resolving the issue. India is a big issue for us in Pakistan and we always hoped that the US would play a part in resolving the issue because no other country can, the Pakistan PM said.

India has maintained that the Kashmir issue is an internal matter of the country. The remarks come ahead of an expected visit by Trump to India, which officials say could happen as early as in February.

Trump did not give a clear reply to a question on whether he will also visit Pakistan after his trip to India.

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When it comes to functional design, few structures in the history of architecture rival the ingenuity of international airports, not only for the efficiency with which they facilitate transport to distant lands, but for the virtuosity with which they shepherd travelers past the splendors of the duty free and all manner of other concessions on the way to their ultimate destinations.

This is not a non sequitur, but a thought that came to mind while riding the elevator up to O' by Claude Le Tohic, the gastronomic restaurant occupying the top two floors of One65, a multi-level culinary venue that opened in May, a block from San Francisco's Union Square.

You don't just walk into O' off the street, as it were. No, because beckoned by an atmosphere of butter, yeast, and sugar, rather than making a beeline for the elevator, you detour through the ground floor patisserie, reviewing an army of delightsNapoleons, eclairs, tropeziennes, brioches, croissants, berry tarts, a Pantone palette of macarons, and two dozen kinds of chocolatesas well as a carefully curated assortment of staples ranging from sea-salted Breton butter and Alain Millat fruit preserves to Pommery mustard and pretty silver tins of nicoise olive oil. So as you're going up in the lift, making note of the fact that you're ascending past One65 Bistro & Grill and Elements Bar & Lounge, you're also subconsciously compiling your end-of-the-night shopping list.

If it all seems particularly well thought out, perhaps it's because the concept was, in some sense, decades in the making, the vision of a chef who has dedicated his life to the art and craft of French cuisine.

Claude Le Tohic was born in Vannes, a city on the Gulf of Morbihan in southern Brittany. His mother ran a creperie, his father made cider; at the earliest opportunity, his parents put him to use.

"I was very young," Le Tohic recalled, "six or seven years old. "I was working with my father, making cider and drinking cider. My mom was putting me on boxes, and I was doing the draft cider, the draft beer... If you do that in the U.S.," he added conspiratorially, "you would be in trouble." By the time he was 12, he said, "I knew I wanted to work in the hospitality business, because I always loved the connection with the guest, and the speed of service."

Le Tohic attended culinary school in Vannes, an experience quite different from a typical culinary education in the U.S. "The way you do school in France is called apprentissage, which is half school and half working in the restaurant. Your training is very accurate, based on the business model. Here, you go to school, we teach you something, and that's it. There, you're inside of a service."

On graduating, Le Tohic stayed close to home, taking on a two-year apprenticeship at Les Hortensias, a one-Michelin-star restaurant near the touristic port town of La Trinite-sur-Mer. The food was familiar, said Le Tohic, "regional food from Brittany. So I started to work with a lot of fish and seafood." His next posting was in Lille in northern France, at the Belgian-born chef Ghislaine Arabian's two-Michelin-star Le Restaurant.

Claude Le Tohic and his mentor, the late Joel Robuchon. (Courtesy of Claude Le Tohic)

In 1987, at the age of 19, Le Tohic moved to Paris for a job that would shape his career for years to come. "In '87, it was difficult to find a position in the three-star Michelin, because so many people wanted to work on this level," he said. "I was looking for a great chef."



The great chef in this case was the legendary Joel Robuchon; the restaurant, Jamin. Before he began working there as chef de partie, Le Tohic said, "I didn't know much about Joel Robuchon. But when I got the chance, I quickly understand who was Mr. Robuchon, and the way he was working in the kitchen." The latter was a revelation. "He was a chef very, very precise. Everything in the kitchen you put some thought behind. You weigh everythingsalt, peppernot by intuition. It was very new for me. The rigor in the kitchen was very extreme. You got a lot of people who could not work in this kind of kitchen, because there was a lot of pressure."

Le Tohic handled the pressure adroitly, staying two years before embarking for a mandatory year of military service. He then spent several years in the kitchens of a pair of Relais & Chateaux properties in Brittany and Normandy before joining the culinary faculty at Le Centre de Formation des Apprentis Interconsulaire de l'Eure, an organization that trains apprentices in a variety of trades. In 2004, Le Tohic received the Meilleur Ouvrier de France award, for his dedication to the preservation, advancement, and perpetuation of traditional French cuisine.

"It's a big deal in France," Le Tohic said of the award, "the highest distinction you can get in the kitchen. You start with 600 chefs, and a couple of chefs get to the final. To be honest, after this competition, you get a lot of attention." Some of that attention came from a former employer and fellow Meilleur Ouvrier de France. "It was late at night," Le Tohic recalled. "Mr. Robuchon called me and said, 'Hey, I want you back. We're opening a complex in Las Vegas, a gastronomic restaurant and a L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. I want you to take care of these two restaurants.' I said 'I need to give you an answer when?'" "Tomorrow," Robuchon replied. "I talk all night to my wife," said Le Tohic. "I call the day after, and say 'I'm in.'"

The restaurantsRobuchon's first in the U.S.would be built in the MGM Grand which, along with a number of other casinos, sought to woo culinary travelers to Las Vegas by partnering with renowned French chefs, including Guy Savoy, Pierre Gagnaire, and Alain Ducasse.

"It was a big change, moving to Las Vegas," said Le Tohic. "To be honest, it took two years to adjust myself." The culture shock didn't impair his effectiveness as executive chef though and, in 2008, three years after the opening, Restaurant Joel Robuchon was awarded three Michelin stars, an accomplishment yet unrivaled in the desert gaming capital.

In 2016, Le Tohic traveled to San Francisco, where a six-story building at 165 O'Farrell offered an intriguing possibility for vertical integration. "I came up with the idea to put four different concepts in the same building," said Le Tohic. It was a dauntingly complex project, but ultimately, the chef said, "I'm proud of the way we designed the operation. It's very well done."

Among its cleverest features are a kind of minor factory, on the second floor, that centralizes the production of everything from baguettes and boudin noir to buche de Noel, and a system of dumbwaiters that allows Elements Bar & Lounge to swiftly shuttle cocktails to both restaurants, obviating the need for a bar in either. The peak achievement though is O', where Le Tohic deliciously demonstrates the enduring appeal of modern French cuisine.

Contrary to lingering prejudice about French cooking, a distinct lightness distinguishes the current winter tasting menu, which kicked off with a tiny tartlet, its scalloped crust filled with a delicate jasmine-tea-and-carrot mousse topped with a many-petaled flower cut from a slice of kabocha squash. The next dish, a study in red, combined an unctuous, sweet-tart pomegranate gazpacho, a smoky-sweet beet confit cooked overnight in a Josper charcoal oven, and a deep-fried crisp of dehydrated beet puree as illicitly crunchy as a kettle-cooked potato chip. And to wash them down, a dryly citrusy Monochrome from Champagne Jean-Pierre Launois, the first in a series of spot-on pairings by O's wine director, the newly vinted Master Sommelier Vincent Morrow.

Le Tohic's take on French cuisine is decidedly light, as in the lobster gelee, gernanium, and corn veloutepart of his Caviar Composition. (Nick Czap)

As the starters suggest, French cuisine is no longer an inviolable fortress of tradition. "If you go back to France," said Le Tohic, "you can see a strong personality and identity in the French food, but I think French cuisine can be influenced by different types of cuisine, like Asian cuisine, and South American also. We started to think about what was happening around us, not only about French ingredients. Of course the cuisine changed, but the technique is still there."

One can ponder this duality while savoring the fine, marine essence of the uni sabayon, or the corn veloute studded with slivers of geranium-infused lobster gelee that play leading roles in Le Tohic's Caviar Composition. The fundamental recipes for sabayons and veloutes can be found in the pages of Le Guide Culinaire, Auguste Escoffier's 1903 codification of classic French cuisine, although Le Tohic's interpretations have a decidedly contemporary feel.

"Ten years ago," said Le Tohic, "French cuisine was pretty heavylots of cream, butter. We changed, and did things differently. It doesn't mean we don't cook French any more, but we use less butter, less cream, and make everything lighter. I want guests to feel good when they leave, not stuffed, even if you want to enjoy the mignardises cart."

It was by no means the first time French chefs have adapted to changing times. In the early 1960s, Paul Bocuse's nouvelle cuisine took aim at the heaviness and ornamentation of grande cuisine, which Escoffier and his peers had streamlined once before, in the 19th century, as it migrated from the dining halls of palaces to the restaurants of palace hotels.

Where Le Tohic refuses to compromise is on the matter of sauce. "When a lot of people wanted to eat light," said Le Tohic, "chefs started to eliminate sauce. A lot of fine dining restaurants said 'We cannot put sauce any more.' And after that we started to put some emulsion. It's beautiful, but guess what happens when you put it on the table. It's air. It looks nice but it doesn't taste good. Cuisine with no sauce is boring. I'm sorry, but it's no good."

As dogmatic as that might sound, it rings true. How many emulsions I've poked at and forgotten I couldn't say, but I suspect I may never forget a dish of roasted lobster with bone marrow and sous vide-fermented red cabbage in a sauce au Chambertin et genievre. Made from reductions of red wine and veal jus seasoned with juniper, shallot and organic black miso, the depths of its earthy, softly sweet flavor were enough to take my breath away. Just as captivating was a stout little cut of roasted venison, its contours reflected in the mirror-like surface of a sauce grand veneur, a broodingly fruity concoction of venison bone stock, vinegar, sugar, pepper, juniper, red currant liqueur, and the merest splash of cream.

If you find yourself feeling the least bit self-conscious about sopping up every last fleck with your brioche or baguette, rest assured that the chef approves. "I see so many times, guests taking a piece of bread and eating the sauce on the plate," said Le Tohic. "People who love food take a piece of bread and enjoy the sauce."

// O' by Claude Le Tohic, 165 O'Farrell St., one65sf.com
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 08:34:52|Editor: xuxin

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MINSK, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has appointed a new defense minister, chief of the General Staff as well as state secretary of the Security Council, the press service of the head of state reported on Monday.

Major-General Viktor Khrenin, who led the troops of the Western Operational Command earlier, was appointed as defense minister.

Major-General Aleksandr Volfovich, who previously served as first deputy head of the General Staff, was appointed as chief of the General Staff.

Defense Minister Lieutenant General Andrei Ravkov was appointed as state secretary of the Security Council, the press service said.
One of the UK's top climate scientists has described federal Liberal MP Craig Kelly's understanding of climate change as being only "partial", after the parliamentarian quoted from a report she co-authored in a social media spray about "brainwashed climate cultists".

In response, Mr Kelly told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald he was happy to be called a climate sceptic, but said calling him a climate change denier was offensive.

"A denier is a slur equating you to a Holocaust denier, and trying to silence debate on this issue," he said.

Liberal MP Craig Kelly. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

In a fiery Facebook post last week Mr Kelly quoted a single line from a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Quaternary Science Reviews in 2011, which showed it was possible to link bushfires with climate changes over the past 70,000 years in Australasia, by measuring charcoal levels in the soil.
The Samsung Galaxy A51 may hit the retail shelves in the US soon. The device has been recently certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance with the model number SM-A515U. The U at the end denotes carrier-locked US version. Firmware leaks suggest that all four major US mobile carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint, will offer this device.

The Galaxy A51 is one of the first mid-range phones in Samsungs 2020 Galaxy A lineup. Launched alongside the Galaxy A71 in December last year, the device has the tough task of succeeding Samsungs highly successful Galaxy A50. Though the A50 was also released stateside, not all of the major carriers offered it. Samsung is looking to change that this year in order to cater to a broader audience.

Samsung also reportedly has a 5G variant of the Galaxy A51 in development. It will likely release in South Korea in the coming months. It remains to be seen if Samsung has plans to bring it to the US as well.

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Galaxy A51 US price

Theres no word yet from Samsung about pricing or release date of the Galaxy A51 in the US. The device is priced at 369 in Europe, just 20 higher than the Galaxy A50s launch price. Going by this, the A51 should not cost in the upwards of $370 in the US. The Galaxy A50 was priced at $350 when it first arrived in the US market last year.

If Samsung indeed launches the Galaxy A51 at under $400, itll make for an excellent proposition from the company. This device offers some valuable upgrades over the Galaxy A50 while carrying a comparable price tag. It is the first Samsung Galaxy smartphone to feature a macro camera. The 5-megapixel lens on the back makes it possible to capture clean close up images of a subject. The macro camera is flanked by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, a 5-megapixel depth sensor, and a 48-megapixel primary lens.

Thanks to smaller bezels, the Galaxy A51 gets a 6.5-inch fullHD+ (2040 x 1080) Infinity-O Super AMOLED display despite being as tall as and slightly narrower than the Galaxy A50, which has a 6.4-inch panel. The centered punch hole houses a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The Galaxy A51 also runs Android 10 out of the box with One UI 2.0.

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The rest of the specs are identical to that of Galaxy A50. Under the hood is an Exynos 9611 SoC, which is technically the same as A50s Exynos 9610, with 4GB/6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage. Theres also an optical on-screen fingerprint reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack. A 4,000 mAh battery fuels the whole package and comes with 15W fast charging support. The Galaxy A51 has a 3D Glasstic body with a prism-like crisscross pattern and a gradient effect.
Instagram has transformed the tattoo industry in recent years, growing from an estimated $1.6billion in revenue in 2007 to more than $3billion in 2018.

For many tattoo parlors that growth is directly attributable to Instagram, where photos of new tattoos can help inspire users to seek out their own new ink.

A recent report on tattoo parlors in the US found that as many as 70 per cent of new clients came in from Instagram ads or referrals, and for some social media savvy parlors report that figure can be as high as 90 per cent.

Tattoo artist Laura Martinez says that sharing her work as helped bring her international renown and grow her business

Instagram totally changed the tattoo community, Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Laura Martinez told CNBC.

Its an online portfolio for every artist, and it made me able to get my work seen internationally.

Jason Elliott, a tattoo artist in Texas, says he gained an extra 6,000 followers after one of his tattoos was reshared a mere 65 times, showing how powerful the photo sharing app can be.

Elliott began experimenting with paying to promote some of his own Instagram posts like ads, and found it led to four times as many views and comments, all of which added up to more business.

I was really skeptical about it at first because I was like I dont know. Im paying for something to be put out there, he said.

But I did notice that each time that I did it was real people who were interacting with it.

One tattoo artist reported more than 6,000 new followers after an Instagram post sharing his work was reposted by just 65 other accounts

There are around 20,000 tattoo parlors across the country, and more than one-third of people between 25 and 29 have tattoos, many of whom proudly announce their tattoos through social media, which can inspire others to want to get ink of their own.

Yet, as with any other form of impulsive online decision-making, the potential for making selections you end up regretting are high.

The tattoo removal industry has been growing almost as fast as the tattoo industry itself.

New York tattoo artist Keith 'Bang Bang' McCurdy cautions that sometimes Instagram popularity makes it harder to discern the quality tattoo artists from the lesser experience, which can lead to regret

Revenue from tattoo removal procedures grew 50 per cent between 2014 and 2017, with around 110,000 tattoo removal procedures taking place each year, generating $694million a year.

It speaks to just how its really hard to discern how great someone is from a really nice picture, New York based tattoo artist Keith Bang Bang McCurdy said.

Some peoples tattoo skills dont translate to their photo skills, and some peoples photo skills dont translate to their tattoo skills.
Ranjan Ramanayake, superstar turned to a politician is on a knife-edge these days over the leaking of his personal telephone conversations by unknown parties.





He took the time handsomely to respond to the point. At some point his sounds similar to President Donald Trump. I no need any character certificate from anyone as I know almost all are here are thieves robbed the national asserts, he has pointed.









Ranjan Ramanayake, superstar turned to a politician is on a knife-edge these days over the leaking of his personal telephone conversations by unknown parties. However, thanks to the Speaker of the Parliament for taking his request with democratic values and allowing him to respond in the Parliament today.




[January 21, 2020] National Spotlight On Philadelphia's Clean Energy Leadership With New Board Role For Energy Authority's Rigell

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia's growing clean energy market is once again in the spotlight. Laura Rigell, the Solar Manager for the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), putting a national focus on Philadelphia's rapid solar industry growth. Founded in 1954, ASES works at the intersection of science, industry, policy and communities to inform, engage and advocate for renewable energy. Rooftop solar installations in Philadelphia have grown 20% year over year since 2016 with over $10 million in private solar investment. PEA's solar efforts, led by Rigell, have resulted in the largest Solarize initiative in the nation, with over 650 homes adding solar, and the country's first three-year vocational training program for high schoolers in solar installation -- Bright Solar Futures, among other pojects.



In recent years, Mayor Kenney and Philadelphia City Council passed a suite of clean energy laws, including a new commercial building energy tune-up requirement, innovative new clean energy financing (C-PACE) and a City solar rebate. "The Philadelphia Energy Authority is getting things done in Philadelphia, and has launched over $100 million in clean energy projects in the last 3 years," said City Council President Darrell L. Clarke. "Their work on solar and energy efficiency is creating living wage jobs that help our city grow equitably. Congratulations to Laura for this well-deserved honor."

"We are proud to have Laura represent PEA, our region and Philly's unique urban perspective on solar on the ASES board," said PEA's Executive Director Emily Schapira. "Laura's leadership at PEA and beyond has helped build a major solar movement in Philadelphia that makes real impact on climate change, creates jobs and helps build communities." "Solar has incredible potential to address climate change and lift up marginalized communities," says Rigell. "It is an honor to have this opportunity to scale my impact as an ASES Board member." Laura also volunteers with Serenity Soular , a grassroots initiative to connect North Philadelphia residents with solar energy and jobs. About the Philadelphia Energy Authority The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance clean and affordable energy goals for the City. PEA has facilitated over $100 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since 2016, creating more than 1,000 jobs. CONTACT: Emily Schapira, 215-686-4483, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-spotlight-on-philadelphias-clean-energy-leadership-with-new-board-role-for-energy-authoritys-rigell-300990547.html SOURCE Philadelphia Energy Authority

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US President on Tuesday said the second phase of negotiations for the would begin soon and asserted that the two countries never had a better relationship despite the recent rough patch.

He also said he has a great relationship with Chinese President

"My relationship with Xi is extraordinary. He's for China, I'm for the US but other than that, we love each other," the American president said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit here.

He also announced that the US will join the 1 trillion trees initiative being launched at WEF.

"This is a time for optimism and not for pessimism. We must reject perennial prophets of doom who have been making alarmist predictions," Trump said.

Talking about reforms undertaken by his government, Trump said, "I knew that if we unleashed the potential of our people, cut taxes, slashed regulation, fixed broken trade deals and fully tapped American energy, that prosperity would come thundering back and that is exactly what happened."



"Years of economic stagnation have given way to a roaring geyser of opportunity," he added.

"We have launched a historic step of removing job killing regulations. We are removing all archaic laws. Today I urge the nations to follow our example and liberate their citizens from the shackles of bureaucracy and other archaic laws. There is no better place on the earth than the United States," he asserted.

Trump further said his administration is focussing on trade, which was neglected by his predecessors.

"We are also addressing chronic problems that undermined our trade. Our leaders earlier didn't do anything on this. The phase two negotiations for our China trade deal is going to start soon. Our relationship with China has never been better. We went through a rough patch, but things are good now. I've a great relationship with President Xi," Trump said.

"Our relationship with China right now has probably never been better. China has made on trade, particularly in intellectual property, ending forced technology transfers, lifting trade barriers on agricultural goods, opening up the financial sector and maintaining a stable currency," Trump said.

The first phase of the deal marks a de-escalation in the trade war pitting the two powerful economic giants against each other for nearly two years.
CIUDAD HIDALGO, MexicoHundreds of Central American migrants waded across the Suchiate River into southern Mexico on Monday in a new test of President Donald Trumps Central America strategy to keep them away from the U.S. border.

Some scuffled with national guardsmen on the riverbank while others slipped through Mexican lines and trudged off on a rural highway in small groups. Immigration authorities nabbed more there and chased others into the brush.

Most, however, remained at the rivers edge or stood in its muddy waters trying to decide what to do next, after being blocked from crossing en masse over the border bridge leading to Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico.

Mexicos president said he would give us work and an opportunity and look, said Esther Madrid, a Honduran vendor who left her six children in Honduras. Sitting on a rock among dozens of people who didnt know what to do next, she offered only one word when asked if she would consider returning to San Pedro Sula: Never.

Mexicos strategy, developed after the first migrant caravan in late 2018, to break up the mass of people repeatedly and into increasingly smaller groups appeared to be working. Over the weekend, government officials convinced about 1,000 people they should enter legally over the border bridge.

On Monday, migrants were detained at the river and along the highway. Those who continued could expect a gauntlet of highway checkpoints while trying to move north.

After the river crossing Monday, Mexicos National Immigration Institute issued a statement saying that it would detain any migrants without legal status, hold them in detention centers and deport those who did not legalize their status.

As feared, children suffered most in the clashes. On the Mexican riverbank, an unconscious 14-year-old girl was carried away for medical attention. A guardsman said she had started convulsing in the commotion.

Later along the highway, a mother sobbed after realizing her youngest daughter had been separated when migrants tried to escape authorities. Sauri Marubeny Ortega had been walking with her four daughters, ages 5 to 16. Another migrant who had been helping her by carrying the 5-year-old ran in another direction when the migrants scattered and she hadnt been able to locate them.

When the federales cars began arriving, he ran off that way and I took off after him, she said. But when she saw an agent nab another daughter she didnt know who to help and lost sight of the youngest.

I just beg the person who has her to leave her in a safe place and tell the police, the mother said as members of Mexicos migrant assistance force, Grupo Beta, loaded her and three of her girls into an ambulance. I dont want to leave here without my daughter.

The migrants started the day on the bridge connecting Guatemala and Mexico, where they read aloud a letter asking Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for permission to cross Mexico en route to the U.S. border.

Mexican officials replied that free passage would not be offered. They urged the migrants to enter legally, registering at the bridge and seeking protection and work permits if they wished to remain in Mexico. It was an offer many migrants viewed with suspicion.

That sent the migrants down to the Suchiate where hundreds forded its shallow waters and soon faced guardsmen.

On the Mexican side, migrants ran from side to side along the riverbank, kicking up dust and looking for an opening in the ranks of National Guard troops sent to meet them.

Guardsmen scrambled, too, trying to head off groups and detaining people where they could. There was pushing and shoving. Some guardsmen carried plastic riot shields that were hit by rocks thrown by migrants, and they occasionally zipped a rock back into the crowd. Others jogged to get into position with long staffs. Still, others carried assault rifles.

Many migrants moved back to the rivers edge and a smaller number crossed back to Guatemala.

You have two options: You go back to Guatemalan territory or you come with us, Mexican immigration agents said to migrants who crossed the river. They assured those who went with them that they would regularize their status, but few of the migrants believed them.

Riot police with shields also appeared on the Guatemala side of the river, raising questions about what options really remained for the migrants.

Mexicos government says the migrants are free to enterand can compete for jobs if they want to stay and workbut most such migrants stay in the southernmost states while their cases are processed by a sluggish bureaucracy. Those who do not request asylum or some protective status would likely be detained and deported.

The Trump administration has made asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their immigrations hearings play out in the United States or apply for protection in Central American countries, effectively removing one of the escape valves used by previous caravans. Under threats of trade or other sanctions from the Trump administration, Mexico has stopped an earlier practice of allowing migrants to cross its territory unimpeded.

The Guatemala government issued new data Monday showing that 4,000 migrants crossed into that country through the two primary crossings used by the migrants last week, and over the weekend nearly 1,700 entered Mexico at two crossings. It said 400 had been deported from Guatemala.

After two caravans successfully reached the U.S. border in 2018 and early 2019, Mexico began cracking down, and by April 2019 raided the last attempt at a caravan, rounding up migrants as they walked down a highway.

As this weeks caravan approached, Mexico sent soldiers to patrol its southern border and monitored the area with drones.
Photo: Glacier Media

Vancouvers former mayor is taking to the corporate world once again.

Nexii Building Solutions Inc. announced Tuesday its tapped Gregor Robertson as the construction firms new executive vice-president of strategy and partnerships.

The company, which was founded in Moose Jaw before relocating its head office to Vancouver, is known for developing a building material known as Nexiite that can be used as an alternative to cement and concrete for floors, walls and roofs.

Cement has a large carbon footprint, due to its energy intensity.

About 900 kilograms of CO2 is produced for every tonne of Portland cement, according to a 2018 study published in Science Direct.

Materials that have similar properties as cement, but lower carbon intensities, are being pursued as a way to decarbonize the construction sector.

Im proud to be part of a Canadian company with significant potential to make a huge positive impact on the environment and communities globally, Robertson said in a statement.

"We are currently facing a global housing shortage, and faster construction processes and retrofit solutions for existing buildings will help improve cost efficiencies and drive housing supply. We need zero emission buildings that are affordable to build and operate, and we need to retrofit existing buildings that are the number one cause of climate change."

The Nexii job isnt the former mayors first foray into the corporate world.

Robertson is the co-founder of Happy Planet Foods Inc., which he divested himself from in 2013.

Since announcing in 2018 he would not seek re-election for the citys top job, Robertson has been working part-time with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy as the organizations ambassador.
Alula's new partner program and resource center. Alula's comprehensive new program empowers independent, local security companies to compete with large tech companies that have encroached on the security space with well-funded marketing operations.

Alula, the leader in smart security and automation systems for professional installers and the award-winning inventors of the Connect+ platform, announced the launch of a professional partner program that provides incentives, marketing support, product training and access to an online resource center.

The Alula Pro Partner Program supports partners with all the marketing, training and sales assets needed to succeed and grow their business. This comprehensive new program empowers independent, local security companies to compete with large tech companies that have encroached on the security space with well-funded marketing operations.

Over the past year, weve had the opportunity to engage and learn with our smart home security dealer community and industry experts, explained Alula VP of Marketing Brad LaRock. We learned that they were eager for digital marketing support and training opportunities to help them keep pace with rapid technological change. This program provides instant access to the marketing and training resources our partners need to help them focus on their growth and expansion.

The Pro Partner Program gives dealers access to a robust set of tools and services to help them serve their customers and promote their business. Importantly, there is no charge or minimum purchase requirements to gain access to the program.

We wanted to make this available to all our partners to help them grow, LaRock explained. We know a lot of other companies require fees or minimum installation numbers, but for us, it was more important to empower our Pros to help them succeed, regardless of their market position.

The program includes a welcome kit that helps new partners ramp up product training and knowledge as swiftly as possible by providing information on how to quickly and easily connect with Alulas sales and marketing teams. The program also provides Pro Day Trainingvirtual and on-site tutelage so teams can feel confident about installing products in any scenario.

As part of the program, Alula also launched the Partner Resource Center. This exclusive portal for Alula partners offers a one-stop shop for training and marketing assets. This includes digital collateral and other marketing brochures that can be easily customized with the partners logo and contact information. The resource center also provides a well-organized, searchable library of install guides, training videos, product specs and image files.

Alula has done a great job of helping us with ideas and supplying us marketing assets to work with, says Nicholas Luciano, Business Development and Team Lead for Residential/Small Commercial at Floyd Total Security, a mid-size integrator in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Alula understands the fact that when they help one dealer, theyre essentially helping all their dealers.

For more information about how to become an Alula Pro, visit Alula.com/pro-signup.

ABOUT ALULA

Alula is the only vertically integrated security and home automation platform purpose-built for todays independent security and installation professionals. From sensors to hub to network, Alula offers a complete, end-to-end solution and one accountable partner. Today, thousands of partners across North America have nearly 300,000 active locations secured and connected with Alula. Designed for professionals, the Alula platform provides a complete security, automation and video solution for renters, homeowners and commercial installations. Alula is a business-driven platform designed to reduce truck rolls, increase RMR, simplify inventory and put todays professional providers in control of their business, their customers and their revenue. The Alula platform is available nationwide through distributors that cater to the alarm and integrator industry. For more information about the Alula Pro Partner Program, visit https://alula.com/advantage/. For more information about Alula, visit http://www.alula.com.
According to attorney Nicholas Hicks, lawmakers are making progress for the rights of immigrants in the state of New York.

BUFFALO, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 21, 2020 / It is widely believed that many accomplishments were made by lawmakers in New York last year surrounding immigration policy. Attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that one group, in particular, a progressive organization backed by various business groups, wants to make sure that those accomplishments will actually be followed through. The two new measures are very progressive, marking a turning point for the rights of non-citizens.

The first measure allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license legally. The "Green Light Law" now accepts foreign passports and foreign driver's licenses as forms of identification. According to Attorney Nicholas Hicks, applicants won't have to worry about their information leaking to immigration agencies without a court order. Now, undocumented migrants can live and work in New York without fear of being deported.

Supporters believe the new law will make roads safer and make the economy stronger. Previously when undocumented immigrants got in accidents and fled the scene, it was often hard to identify them or hold them accountable because they were in hiding. The new law is hoping to change that.

Attorney Nicholas Hicks notes that some other people are concerned about the lack of training at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Workers have never had to accept foreign documents before and may be overwhelmed by all the new accepted forms. For now, undocumented individuals will have to go to the state office while the transition is made.

The second law that went into effect last year was the DREAM Act, which gives undocumented immigrants living in New York assistance with Tuition. Lawmakers want to help people living in New York reach their full potential, and one-day give back to the state. Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains that supporters feel the new laws on immigration reform will provide a clearer path to citizenship, and allow immigrants to earn their right to say.

Both measures have also received significant backlash, causing many groups to be concerned about the laws actually being put into effect. Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains that some people feel like it's wrong to give driver's licenses to thousands of immigrants who broke our laws by entering the country illegally. They argue that immigrants are being rewarded for unlawful behavior.

Additionally, by not allowing the information from licenses to be accessed by the state, it blocks DHS law enforcement officers from investigating serious crimes. People are worried it will open doors for human trafficking, gangs, drug smuggling, and terrorism. Building cases against undocumented immigrants who are bad people will be challenging and leave the state at risk for more criminal activity.

Attorney Nicholas Hicks explains that some state residents are also very unsettled about the tuition assistance program for undocumented immigrants. Many people are voicing their beliefs that native-born New York residents should be receiving those perks from their government after working and contributing to the economy for their entire lives.

In a time with so much controversy surrounding immigration policy, it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out in New York. Attorney Nicholas Hicks believes the topic will be followed closely by democrats and conservatives alike.

About Lawyer Nicholas Hicks:

Nicholas Hicks was rescued from NYC foster care as a child at the age of 5 years old. Lawyer Nicholas Hicks attended both public and private schools where he eventually graduated from ECC, UB & UB Law School. He specializes in various areas of practice, including injury cases, debt elimination, criminal defense, divorce, child support, child custody, and more.

CONTACT:

Caroline Hunter

Web Presence, LLC

+1 7862338220

SOURCE: Web Presence, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/573716/Attorney-Nicholas-Hicks-Addresses-New-Immigration-Driving-Law-in-NY
A UN human rights panel has ruled for the first time that people fleeing the effects of climate change may be entitled to claim asylum, even as it dismissed an individual plaintiff's case against his deportation from New Zealand.

The UN Human Rights Committee published its ruling on Tuesday in the case of a man from Kiribati who was sent back to the Pacific island nation after being denied asylum by New Zealand in 2015.

The Geneva-based panel, which monitors states' compliance with the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, concluded that although the deportation was legal, similar cases might in future justify asylum claims.

The ruling has no immediate legal impact, but it is likely to be cited by people who say their rights are endangered by the impacts of climate change such as violent storms and sea level rise.

The plaintiff in the case, Ioane Teitiota, had argued that he and his family were threatened by the lack of fresh water and violent land disputes as the ocean encroaches on Kiribati.

The panel concluded that he had failed to provide sufficient evidence for his claims and that while Kiribati is likely to become uninhabitable, there is still a chance the island's government might avert this.

Still, the committee's 18 independent experts acknowledged that "environmental degradation, climate change and unsustainable development constitute some of the most pressing and serious threats to the ability of present and future generations to enjoy the right to life".

"This ruling sets forth new standards that could facilitate the success of future climate change-related asylum claims," committee member Yuval Shany said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Students unions of nine universities across the Northeastern region have called for a "total shutdown" of all varsities and colleges on Wednesday in view of the Supreme Court hearing on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a batch of pleas seeking to examine the constitutional validity of the contentious CAA.

"We, the students' fraternity of North Eastern universities, declare total shutdown of all the universities and colleges in the region on the occasion of hearing of the unconstitutional and contentious Citizenship Amendment Act in the Supreme Court," a joint appeal said on Tuesday.

Students of six universities of Assam and one each of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have called for the protest.

Simultaneously, the Cotton University Students Union has called for a mass protest from 10 AM to 5 PM inside the campus and appealed the general public to join them.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Sanjiv Khanna, which had issued notice to the Centre on various pleas, is likely to hear 132 petitions, including those filed by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on Wednesday.

The apex court had on January 9 refused to entertain an appeal praying that the CAA be declared constitutional, saying the country is going through difficult times and there is so much violence that endeavour should be for peace.

The CAA seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis entering India on or before December 31, 2014 from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after five years of residence here.

Meanwhile, protests against the Act continued across various places in Assam on Tuesday.

Thousands of people came out to protest against the Act in Tinsukia, Borguri, Behali, Narayanpur, Doom Dooma, Jorhat, Morigaon, Nagaon, Tezpur, Silapathar and Dhemaji.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Huawei P40 series hasnt launched just yet, and yet we already have some Mate 40 series info to share. A new piece of information surfaced, claiming that the Huawei Mate 40 Pro will include eight cameras overall.

This information comes from 91mobiles, and it is based on a design patent. This is a rather out there conclusion based on a patent, but it makes sense, actually.

If you take a look at the provided images below, youll see a phone that resembles the Huawei Mate 30 Pro quite a bit. Based on these sketches this phone looks like the Mate 30 Pro with two extra cameras.

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Patent sketches show the alleged Huawei Mate 40 Pro with eight cameras

You will notice that an extra camera has been crammed on the back, in the middle of the existing four. An additional camera has also been added on the front, inside the notch.

This patent has been filed by Huawei with the German patent agency called DPMA, reports the source. That patent does not mention the Mate 40 Pro or Mate 40 for that matter. So, we can only guess at this point.

Truth be said, we would have probably never mentioned this patent, if the provided device was not so similar to the Mate 30 Pro. It does seem like either the Mate 40 Pro, or a new version of the Mate 30 Pro. The former is more probable.

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The Huawei Mate 30 Pro was announced back in September. It was released in China, but due to the US ban, it did not really make it to a lot of markets around the world. Well, it did not reach them just yet.

Huawei is planning to release its very own alternatives for GMS soon, probably with the Huawei P40 series as the first devices to feature it. With HMS, Huawei will have an alternative for Googles apps and services to offer to its consumers.

That way, the company will be able to offer its new smartphones in a whole lot more markets. That includes both Europe and India. The Huawei P40 series will probably be the devices that debut HMS in global markets, but the Mate 40 series will continue the trend. All that under the assumption that the US ban will still be in place, and Huawei wont be able to use GMS, of course.

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The device is expected to resemble the Mate 30 Pro quite a bit

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro, if this is its patent, will resemble the Mate 30 Pro quite a bit. You can expect it to sport a curved display, and be made out of metal and glass.

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro will include two extra cameras, eight overall, and while the notch will still be there, it will be fairly thin. Leicas lenses will almost certainly be a part of the device as well.

If everything goes according to plan, the Huawei Mate 40 series will become official in Q3 2020. The Mate 40 and 40 Pro will probably launch, and well guess theyll arrive in September. It is possible that Huawei may push their release date to October or November, though.
Cars will have to re-test their emissions and teaching driving will be tightened. In addition, car imports from the EU will bear lower tariffs.

1/ On January 1, 2020, the Law on Preventing and Controlling the Harms of Alcohol and Beer 2019 took effect which prohibits people with alcohol concentration to drive vehicles.





This means that all the behaviors of driving vehicles, including road motor vehicles (cars, tractors, motorcycles, electric motorcycles, motorbikes) and rudimentary road vehicles (bicycles, cyclos and animal-drawn vehicles) after drinking alcohol and beer will be prohibited.



2/ Motorbikes will also have to have energy labels. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has released Circular 59 guiding the energy labeling for motorbikes made and assembled domestically, and imports.



The units that make and import motorbikes have to publicize information about the fuel consumption level before labeling. The energy labelling must be maintained by production, import and trade facilities until products are delivered to customers.

The units that make and import motorbikes have to publicize information about the fuel consumption level before labeling. The energy labelling must be maintained by production, import and trade facilities until products are delivered to customers.

3/ Cars will have to satisfy the new emission standards.



On March 28, 2019, the Prime Minister released Decision 16 setting up the roadmap for applying emission standards for cars in circulation and used car imports.



Under the decision, the cars in traffic made prior to 1999 will continue applying Level 1. The cars made in the time between 1999 and 2008 will apply the Level 2 from January 1, 2021. Meanwhile, the cars made after 2008 will also apply Level 2, commencing from January 1, 2020.



The next-generation cars will apply the Levels 4 and 5.



This means that from January 1, 2020, the cars made in 2008 onwards will have to satisfy the higher emission standards to be eligible for a license to join traffic.



According to the Vietnam Register, there are over 3.5 million cars in Vietnam. In 2020, it is expected that over 2.4 million cars made after 2008 will have to satisfy the new emission standards.



4/ The new driving license model with QR code will be applied from June 1, 2020.



The driving licenses granted prior to December 1, 2019 will still be valid in accordance with the time shown in the licenses.



5/ MOT has released a new legal document amending some regulations on the training and granting driving licenses.



Under the new regulation, trainees will have to examined by handling situations on simulation software.



6/Vietnam will open its market to the cars from the EU under the EU-Vietnam FTA.



The imports with the cylinder capacity of over 3.0 L from the EU will begin enjoying the tariff cuts step by step for nine years. After nine years, the tariffs on the cars from EU will be cut to zero percent, the same with the imports from Thailand and Indonesia currently.

Linh Ha

Vietnam car market still sluggish in year-end sale season Despite sale promotion campaigns launched by manufacturers, the car market remained gloomy in the last months of the year.
At this time last year, cannabis stocks appeared primed to push toward profitability. To our north, Canada had recently legalized adult-use weed sales, while higher-margin derivatives were set to hit dispensary shelves in the latter half of 2019. Meanwhile, a number of U.S. states were considering the legalization of recreational or medical cannabis. It looked like the perfect setup, but looks can sometimes be deceiving.

Following an incredible first quarter, most pot stocks spent the rest of 2019 in a precipitous downtrend. However, vertically integrated multistate operator (MSO) Trulieve Cannabis (OTC:TCNNF) was an exception to the rule. Trulieve's 47% gain in 2019 wound up handily outpacing the 29% return of the benchmark S&P 500.

The big question is, can this outperformance continue in 2020?

As you're about to see, I believe it can. But before digging into the numerous reasons Trulieve Cannabis looks to be a pot stock to own, let's review the various risks that could hold it back.

All marijuana stocks carry risks, including Trulieve Cannabis

Though you'll see a bit later that there are two sides to this coin, one concern would be that Trulieve has predominantly focused on the Florida market to open dispensaries and cultivation farms. This leaves the company exposed to increasing competition in the Sunshine State, with Curaleaf Holdings having deep pockets and MedMen Enterprises expected to open as many as 30 retail locations in Florida. Trulieve can ill afford to lose market share in its core market.

To build on this point, there's also the possibility that Florida could legalize recreational marijuana in 2022. While the idea of adding adult-use sales to the mix probably sounds amazing, it might be just the opposite for Trulieve, which has focused all of its efforts on building up its brand with medical cannabis patients. Recreational legalization in the Sunshine State would require Trulieve to completely reestablish its market share, which wouldn't be an easy task in a highly competitive state.

Another concern is that costs are expected to rise in the foreseeable future as Trulieve moves beyond Florida. The company already has a small presence in California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and Trulieve's margins could be hit by the company's efforts to mirror its Florida blueprint of brand-building in these states.

And, of course, there's the recent short-seller report from Grizzly Research alleging multiple layers of fraud, which the company has denied.

All of these factors could be negative catalysts for Trulieve Cannabis. Thankfully, there is a slew of reasons it's a marijuana stock you should own, not avoid, in 2020.

Here's why Trulieve is the MSO to own

To begin with, and as stated earlier, there are two sides to focusing on Florida. Whereas the company has put most of its eggs in one basket, focusing on one of the most lucrative weed markets in the world has also been responsible for allowing Trulieve Cannabis to keep its expenses down. Having opened 40 dispensaries in the Sunshine State, Trulieve has been able to effectively build its brand with medical marijuana patients and thus keep its operating expenses lower than those of its peers.

It's also worth noting that Florida is projected to be one of the top cannabis markets in the United States. The State of the Legal Cannabis Markets report from Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics has forecast $1.9 billion in annual weed sales for Florida by 2024. This would put Florida behind only Colorado and California in terms of annual sales four years from now.

Another core reason Trulieve deserves consideration as a buy is the fact that it's the most profitable pure-play pot stock of the bunch in terms of actual net income, not just earnings per share. During the third quarter, the company reported $70.7 million in sales, which puts it on track for more than $280 million in extrapolated annual weed sales. More importantly, cost of goods sold and operating expenses totaled $26.7 million and $20.6 million, respectively. This means Trulieve Cannabis generated an operating profit of more than $23 million for a single quarter without needing any help from fair-value adjustments or one-time benefits. No other marijuana stock even comes close to Trulieve's current operating income.

Trulieve also has sufficient cash on hand to fund its existing operations and expansion into California and Massachusetts. After ending September with $31 million in cash, the company wound up completing a debt deal that raised $61 million in gross proceeds. This pushed Trulieve's pro forma cash to just north of $100 million on Nov. 15, 2019. Given how difficult financing has been for U.S. pot companies recently, Trulieve's ability to generate positive operating cash flow, coupled with its healthy cash position, mean little to no worries about share-based dilution.

I believe it's also worthwhile to discuss Trulieve's valuation, which is another selling point of this pot stock. Not only is this the most profitable marijuana stock, but its forward P/E ratio of 15 is among the lowest in the entire industry. In fact, despite a growth rate that blows the benchmark S&P 500 out of the water, Trulieve Cannabis has a lower forward P/E than the widely followed index.

While Trulieve does have challenges to contend with, such as reestablishing its brand as dominant in the Sunshine State if and when recreational marijuana is legalized there, nothing supersedes the advantage of its mammoth Florida presence or of being the most profitable pot stock. Investors can buy Trulieve Cannabis with confidence in 2020.
Baghdad : Two rockets have landed near the US embassy in Baghdad located in the heavily fortified Green Zone, reported Al Arabiya citing security sources. The outlet in its report stated that sirens could be heard across the zone immediately after the rockets made an impact.

Green Zone is in Central Baghdad, where government buildings and diplomatic facilities are located.

#Breaking Rocket attack alarms sounding off multiple times on the #US #Baghdad Embassy Complex and Union III. Heard the booms myself on Union III. Speakers telling all to take shelter immediately. pic.twitter.com/F1lpbWm9RE Nafiseh Kohnavard (@nafisehkBBC) January 20, 2020

The development comes in the wake of escalated tensions in the region following the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq earlier this month.

Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike ordered by US President Donald Trump at Baghdad International Airport on January 3. Days later, Tehran retaliated by firing a barrage of missiles at two US military bases in Iraq.
The government will provide additional assistance to more than 500 North Korean defectors deemed to be facing harsh living conditions here. The person is the photo is unrelated to the story. Gettyimagesbank



South Korea will provide additional assistance to more than 500 North Korean defectors deemed to be facing harsh living conditions, the unification ministry said Tuesday.



The ministry said it conducted two rounds of surveys on the living conditions of North Korean defectors last year and found that a total of 553 of them need additional support to ease hardship in making ends meet.



Dire living conditions for some North Korean defectors came into the spotlight after a 42-year-old defector and her 6-year-old son were found dead in their apartment apparently due to starvation. The ministry did not provide details on how much and in what forms the help will be granted to the defectors.



North Korean defectors receive settlement support usually for five years from their arrival in the South, which includes helping them get homes, jobs and education.






The lawyer for victims of Maidan killings warns the appointment could translate into a breakdown in cases against Yanukovych.

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych's ex-lawyer Oleksandr Babikov has been appointed first deputy director of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

The SBI reported on the appointment on its website.

Read alsoCourt freezes US$10.3 mln related to ousted Ukrainian ex-president Yanukovych's allies

Babikov graduated from Ukraine's Yaroslav Mudryi National Law Academy. He worked at regional prosecutor's offices and the Prosecutor General's Office.

The SBI also appointed Oleksandr Sokolov as deputy head of the Bureau. He graduated from National Law Academy's Institute for training investigators for the Security Service of Ukraine. He worked at the SBU's regional departments, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the tax service.

Earlier on January 20, lawyer for victims of Maidan killings Yevhenia Zakrevska said that the appointment of Babikov to the post of the SBI's first deputy director could translate into a breakdown in cases against Yanukovych.

Yanukovych fled Ukraine for Russia in February 2014 amid Maidan protests during which the then authorities killed over 100 people.
Here are some of the stories making global headlines today.

22 men own more wealth than Africas 326 million women, Oxfam says Global inequality is out of control because of biased economic systems that exclude many women while allowing billionaires to amass huge fortunes that do little for society, according to Oxfam International.

Trump vs. Thunberg: The climate crisis could dominate Davos US President Donald Trump and environmental activist Greta Thunberg are getting top billing at Davos this year as the conference for global elites turns its attention to the climate crisis and sustainability.

Prince Harry expresses great sadness following news he and Meghan are no longer working members of royal family Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, expressed great sadness Sunday evening in his first public statement since Buckingham Palace announced he and his wife, Meghan, would give up their royal titles and would not represent the Queen as working members of the royal family.

Coronavirus spreads to Beijing as China confirms 139 new cases over the weekend China has reported 139 new cases of pneumonia caused by a new strain of coronavirus, including a third death, as the outbreak spreads beyond the city where the virus was first identified.

New York Times editorial board endorses Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar for Democratic nomination The New York Times editorial board on Sunday endorsed Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, a potentially meaningful boost for the two female senators left in the race with less than a month before the Iowa caucuses.

Singer-songwriter David Olney dies on stage at age 71 David Olney, whose music was recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Steve Young, Emmylou Harris and others, died of an apparent heart attack while performing on stage in Florida Saturday, according to a statement on his website. He was 71.

Robert De Niro honored at SAG Awards Robert De Niro reserves his right to speak up, so thats exactly what he did in his SAG Awards speech on Sunday night.

China has announced a new plan to crack down on most single-use plastics by 2025 The Chinese government has announced a new plan to crack down on plastic pollution across the country by 2025, including a ban on single-use plastic straws and bags.

Hank Azaria says he will no longer voice Apu, 3 years after The Simpsons character came under scrutiny After 30 years as a controversial Indian-American character on The Simpsons, Hank Azaria has announced he will no longer voice the thickly accented Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.

Damien Hirst medicine cabinet bought for under $800 could sell for millions Written by Lianne Kolirin, CNN London A work by Damien Hirst originally bought for under $800 could fetch more than $2 million when it comes up for auction in London next month. The 1989 piece Bodies, which has an auction estimate of 1.2 million-1.8 million ($1.6 million-$2.3 million) is a doorless medicine cabinet packed with everything from Optrex eye drops to Dioralyte rehydration sachets.

Africas richest woman ripped off her country Leaked documents reveal how Africas richest woman made her fortune through exploiting her own country, and corruption. Isabel dos Santos got access to lucrative deals involving land, oil, diamonds and telecoms when her father was president of Angola, a southern African country rich in natural resources.

Is it better to be the eldest child?  BBC Reel There are lots of stereotypes about the eldest child, youngest child and middle child  but are there really birth order characteristics? Follow BBC Reel on Twitter for all our latest videos and exclusive content.

How the world came to run on coffee  BBC Reel In just a few centuries, the world has developed a two-billion-cups-a-day habit. Made On Earth  a new series by BBC Future and BBC World News  looks into the everyday items that have shaped global trade routes and left a lasting imprint in cultures around the world.

What has Donald Trump actually achieved on trade? Is Donald Trump anything more than, as he once put it, Tariff Man? The US president uses the tool against trading partners to fight battles from unfair steel price practices to Frances digital tax on tech giants. Most prominent has been his trade war with China which has raised border taxes on almost $500bn of annual trade.

Meghan Markles husband speaks out about royal family split, kindly asks everyone to step off Harxit may not really roll off the tongue the way Megxit does  but Prince Harry would like to make it clear that the decision to bail on being royalty was actually his, thank you very much.

Facebook apologetic after a technical issue calls Chinas leader Mr. Shithole More like Egg-On-Your-Facebook, amirite? Facebook is striking an apologetic tone after Burmese text posted on the website showed Chinese President Xi Jinpings name as Mr. Shithole in an English translation. The social network is blaming the error on a tech foul-up. We fixed a technical issue that caused incorrect translations from Burmese to English on Facebook.

New 3D-printed electric scooter propels you underwater at 12 mph Diving into the ocean is as easy as riding a scooter. Sounds absurd, but here we are. Another underwater electric scooter made its debut in Germany on Saturday after a lightweight, handheld e-scooter made a splash at a water tank at the CES tech show.

Watch a SpaceX rocket break apart in a test that clears the way to crewed missions On Jan. 19, SpaceX performed its final test before putting astronauts in its Crew Dragon capsule by intentionally aborting a Falcon 9 rocket launch shortly after liftoff.
Those who wish to vote in the upcoming general election on February 8 must be registered by the close of business tomorrow.

With the deadline to be included on the electoral register fast approaching, those who wish to add their names last minute must do so by tomorrow afternoon.

With almost 700,000 people between the ages of 18 to 29 eligible to vote in General Election 2020, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is also calling on young people to make sure they are registered.

Q: Who can vote?

A: In order to vote, you must be over 18 and registered. You are not automatically registered to vote when you turn 18. Eligibility in different types of elections depends on your citizenship. Irish citizens can vote in every election and referendum, British citizens can vote in Dail, European and local elections, EU citizens can vote in European and local elections and non-EU citizens can vote in local elections.

Q: How do I check if I am registered?

A: To check if you are registered to vote, visit www.checktheregister.ie. Select your local authority, and enter your townland, street, or Eircode. If you are registered to vote, your name will appear along with your polling station and booth.

Q: What if my name isnt on the register?

A: If your name doesnt appear on checktheregister.ie, you are not registered to vote. If you are not on last years register or the supplementary register you have until close of business tomorrow to register.

Q: How do I register?

A: Download and fill in the RFA2 form, available on checktheregister.ie. You then need to get this form signed and witnessed at a Garda station. Completed forms need to be returned to your local city or county council by close of business tomorrow. As time is of the essence to register for February 8, forms should be returned by hand. Many local authorities have held events to get voters added to the electoral register since the general election was called, but most will be closed by 5pm tomorrow afternoon. Times may vary for each council.
A 43-year-old mother of three focused on improving the mental health system has announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination in the April 28 primary for the 87th state House district seat representing the eastern part of Cumberland County.

Nicole Miller is vying for the seat currently held by Republican Rep. Greg Rothman, who was first elected to it in 2015 and is seeking another term of office. Miller joins Camp Hill resident Sean Quinlan in seeking the Democratic nomination for this seat.

Millers 19-year-old son died as a result of mental illness two years ago after spending more than a decade to get him the necessary mental health care and education supports. According to a news release announcing her candidacy, the Hampden Township resident wants to turn her grief into action.

I am running because I know that many people living in the commonwealth are struggling to find help in a broken mental health care system. This affects our students, veterans, educators, and neighbors. I can no longer watch as we move forward at this slow pace while we are losing lives," she said. "The well-being of our children and adolescents in the 87th and across the commonwealth is not up for debate. It is too late to bring my son back; however, we can create the change needed so other people do not suffer this heartache.

Miller also said she would advocate for strong, safe schools, clean air and waters, and support for veterans, a cause fueled by the injuries her sister, a U.S. Marine, sustained in Iraq in 2005. If elected, she also would call for trauma-informed and fairly-funded public schools with increased resources as well as "affordable, accessible, and inclusive health care; support programs for veterans; juvenile and criminal justice reform; and LGBTQIA+ protections. "

Miller worked as an orthodontic technician before leaving her career to care for her children while working in the restaurant industry in the evenings.

The 87th District includes Camp Hill, East Pennsboro, Hampden Township, and parts of Silver Spring Township.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.

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.
Medicinal cannabis may not ease the sleep problems of people with chronic pain, a study has suggested.

Scientists in Israel believe frequent users of the drug build up tolerance to its effects, rendering it useless after time.

Researchers assessed the sleep quality and pain levels of 128 people being treated at a specialist clinic.

They found cannabis users were less likely to wake up during the night, compared to those who did not use the drug.

But over time, the benefit of cannabis on waking in the night was reversed, with the drug being associated with waking up more often.

Cannabis users also found it harder to fall asleep than those who steered clear of the drug, according to the study.

Medicinal cannabis is to be given to 20,000 British patients in first major trial of drug's clinical effect (file)

This indicated that tolerance to the beneficial effects of the drug may develop with further use, the researchers said.

Medicinal cannabis is not legally prescribed for sleep problems in the UK. Limited prescriptions are given out for cannabis-based medications which treat illnesses including multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

In the US, some states allow doctors to use prescribe medicinal cannabis to treat some conditions.

It is also legal for recreational use in 11 states, meaning that people are free to use it to try to treat their sleep problems.

The latest study was published in the British Medical Journal's Supportive and Palliative Care journal.

Study author Dr Sharon Sznitman, from the University of Haifa, said the findings may 'signal development of tolerance'.

What is chronic pain? Chronic pain is defined as continuous long-term pain that either lasts more than 12 weeks, or persists for an unusual length of time following trauma or surgery. It is widespread: almost ten million Britons suffer almost daily, according to the British Pain Society. The mainstay treatment is normally painkillers. However, a swathe of new studies shows that our most frequently used strong pain medications are not only ineffective for common conditions, they are also dangerous  and may even themselves cause chronic pain. Advertisement

She and her colleagues wrote: 'These findings have large public health impacts considering the ageing of the population, the relatively high prevalence of sleep problems in this population, along with the increasing use of medicinal cannabis.'

The scientists assessed the sleep quality and pain scores of 128 people over the age of 50 being treated at a specialist clinic.

Sixty-six of them used cannabis to manage their sleep problems, while a further 62 did not.

One in four (24 per cent) said they always woke up early and weren't able to get back to sleep.

And one in five (20 per cent) said they always found it difficult to fall asleep. Another 27 per cent said they woke up during the night.

Cannabis users had used the drug for an average of four years, consuming around 31 grams a month.

Most (69 per cent) smoked it, while around 20 per cent used either using cannabis oil or vapour.

Despite waking up less during the night, cannabis users did not get to sleep more quickly or wake up early less often.

The scientists took into account other factors which might have influenced people's sleep.

These included the average amount of pain people were experiencing, their use of sleep aids or antidepressants, as well as age and gender.

However, the researchers did say the study was only observational and so could not establish a causal link.

They also recognised there were not many people who took part in the study and the time of day when they had cannabis was not recorded.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The total food consumption in GCC is expected to reach 52.3 million metric ton by 2021. The fruit market in the region reached 20,051 metric ton in 2016, is expected to grow at 5.6% YoY, till 2024. Vegetable market in GCC reached 14,95,882 metric ton in 2016, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% till 2024. The increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables is attributed to the growing expatriate population and the economic prosperity of the region. Among the GCC countries, UAE has the highest expatiate population; about 85.5% are non-nationals of UAE. The same phenomenon is seen in all the GCC countries. The increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables is attributed to the growing expatriate population and the economic prosperity of the region. Among the GCC countries, UAE has the highest expatiate population; about 85.5% are non-nationals of UAE. The same phenomenon is seen in all the GCC countries.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778167/?utm_source=PRN

New Developments



- The Federation of UAE Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced its plans to increase the agricultural investments overseas.

- To improve food security in UAE, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development invested USD 35.4 million for developing 130 farms.

- In a goal to achieve food security in Bahrain, the Government of Agriculture and Marine Resources in Bahrain agreed to sign a MoU with a Malaysian company, for knowledge sharing.



Market Dynamics



Drivers

Conditions in the GCC countries are unfavorable for the cultivation of most fruits and vegetables. Out of the total area available, only about 1.7% is arable. Due to this, the domestic production levels are low, and most of the consumption is met by imports from various countries. Due to the growing consumption of fruits and vegetables the GCC countries tried to boost the agricultural output by increasing productivity so that they could be self-sufficient. The GCC countries could not continue with this level of production due to the scarcity of water resources, which in-turn increased these countries' reliance on import of fruits and vegetables. Due to the water issue, the GCC countries' domestic production will never be able satisfy its domestic consumption.



Opportunities



Signing of the GAFTA and other free trade agreements will open up different avenues of trade and procurement. GAFTA is expected to boost, both intra GCC, as well as, intra MENA trade. The governments of the GCC countries have undertaken several food security initiatives in the form of framing policies that encourage private investments in the agricultural sector. The governments started implementation of policies, which phase out domestic production of plants that need high amounts of water. This makes GCC the perfect market for exporters of fruits and vegetables. After recent land privatization law, passed by the African government, most of the governments of the GCC countries have invested in obtaining land in Africa and producing fruits and vegetables for the country. Many private organizations are trying to follow the same model, as the demand for fruits and vegetables is high in the GCC countries.



Market Segmentation

The agricultural market in Iran is segmented by type of products into fruits and vegetables. These are sub-segmented into onions, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cauliflower, cucumber, cabbage, beans, eggplant, lemons, apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, strawberry, watermelon, grapefruit, dates, and olives.



About the Market



- PESTLE Analysis (Overview): Macro market factors pertinent to the region.

- Market Definition: Main, as well as, associated/ancillary components constituting the market.

- Key Findings of the Study: Top headlines about market trends & numbers.

- Drivers: What are the key factors driving growth in the market?

- Restraints: Most relevant threats and restraints which hinder the growth of the market?

- Opportunities: Sectors of high return or quick turn around on investment?

- Market Concentration: Porter's 5 Forces Analysis quantified by a comprehensive list of parameters.

- Market Share Analysis: Top players in the market (by value and volume).

- Company Profiles: Pertinent details about leading, high growth, and innovation-motivated stakeholders with contact, operations, product/service offerings, financials and strategies & insights.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05778167/?utm_source=PRN



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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Maria Sharapova has lost in the first round at the last three Grand Slam tournaments. (Photo: AFP/John DONEGAN)

Nadal, one shy of Roger Federer's Grand Slam mark, dropped only five games as he swatted aside Bolivia's Hugo Dellien 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 in just over two hours at a sunny Rod Laver Arena.

"It was a positive start," said the reigning Roland Garros and US Open champion, wearing a bright pink singlet and matching trainers.

"What you want in the first round is just to win, and it's better if it's in straight sets."

He joins Federer and defending champion Novak Djokovic in round two in Melbourne as the Big Three look to tighten a stranglehold that has brought them all but one of the last 14 Australian Open titles.

Spain's Rafael Nadal beat Bolivia's Hugo Dellien in the first round. (Photo: AFP/John DONEGAN)

Nadal, the first player to be world number one in three different decades, is still thriving at 33 but it's a different story for five-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova, 32.

Sharapova, playing on a wildcard as she wrestles with a shoulder problem, lost 3-6, 4-6 to Croatian 19th seed Donna Vekic, making her an opening-round loser at three straight Grand Slams for the first time.

The future looks uncertain for the former world number one, who won Wimbledon when she was just 17 but has not reached a Grand Slam final since she lifted the 2014 French Open trophy.

"I can speak about my struggles and the things that I've gone through with my shoulder, but it's not really in my character to," Sharapova said.

"I was there, I put myself out there (playing). As tough as it was, I finished the match - it wasn't the way that I wanted."

Britain's Johanna Konta, a two-time Slam semi-finalist, also fell at the first hurdle as she battles to overcome a knee problem, losing 4-6, 2-6 to unseeded Tunisian Ons Jabeur.

'YOU'RE PATHETIC'

On a bumper day of 96 first-round matches, after rain wiped out half of Monday's schedule, former US Open champion Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic both moved safely through.

Italy's Fabio Fognini, two sets down against America's Reilly Opelka when their match was suspended on Monday, returned to win it in five on Tuesday after a stormy encounter when both players argued furiously with the umpire.

"You're pathetic. You give me one warning after one throw (of my racquet). He's thrown his three or four times, bro," Opelka, who stands 6ft 11ins (211cm) to Fognini's 5ft 10ins, told the chair official.

A new star emerged in 18-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner, last year's NextGen champion, who earned his first Grand Slam victory 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-4 against Australia's Max Purcell.

Later, Australia's Nick Kyrgios, who has spearheaded fundraising efforts for the country's deadly bushfire disaster, opens his campaign against Lorenzo Sonego of Italy.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev, who took Nadal to five sets in last year's US Open final, will play 2019 Melbourne quarter-finalist Frances Tiafoe of America.

And former world number one Angelique Kerber, the 2016 champion, will round off the evening on Rod Laver Arena against unseeded Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

Pollution from the bushfires, which dominated the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year, was blown away by Monday's heavy rain.
Charlotte Crosby has threatened to leave the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia.

The 29-year-old is said to have gotten upset over Monday night and said she wants to walk from the show.

A post shared by the show's official Instagram page reads: 'BREAKING: Overnight @Charlottegshore has chucked a tanty and threatened to walk.'

Out? On Tuesday, the official I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! Australia Instagram shared this photo of Charlotte Crosby (pictured) and told fans she's threatened to walk from the show

Viewers can see the outcome of the dramatic turn of events during Tuesday's episode.

The photo accompanying the post shows the former Geordie Shore star swatting away tears.

If she leaves, it will be a bad move, as Charlotte is the current favourite to win - according to Sportsbet, she has the shortest odds of winning at $3.10.

The post reads: 'BREAKING: Overnight @Charlottegshore has chucked a tanty and threatened to walk'

What is happening? Viewers can see the outcome of the dramatic turn of events during Tuesday's episode

Winner winner! If she leaves, it will be a bad move, as Charlotte is the current favourite to win - according to Sportsbet , she has the shortest odds of winning at $3.10

Her jungle love interest, Ryan Gallagher, is the least likely to win out of all the remaining campmates with odds of $12.

All was well the night before, as the reality star emotionally admitted that her relationship with fellow campmate Ryan, 31, was more than just a 'jungle romance'.

'I've been searching for someone like Ryan [my] whole life, who would literally just idolise you... I've never felt loved. Ryan shows love,' she confessed.

Love! All was well the night before, as the star emotionally admitted that her relationship with fellow campmate Ryan Gallagher (right) was more than just a 'jungle romance'

Feels: 'I've been searching for someone like Ryan [my] whole life, who would literally just idolise you... I've never felt loved. Ryan shows love,' she confessed

The pair shared their first passionate kiss in the jungle on Sunday's episode, and had previously been caught sneaking into each other's beds.

Speaking to campmate Tanya Hennessy, Charlotte said: 'He's so thoughtful and he remembers everything. And that's the qualities I want in a husband.'

Charlotte, who has been in several high-profile relationships in the past, then shocked her co-star by admitting: 'I've never had that. Never. I never felt loved.'
Jerusalem: Israeli troops on Tuesday shot and killed three Palestinians who threw an explosive towards them after attempting to cross the border from neighbouring Gaza, Israel's military said.

Family members of Hamouda Abu Amra gather around campfire to get warm in the winter's cold outside their destroyed house in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Credit:AP

The military said troops had cordoned off an area near the southern end of the Palestinian coastal enclave after spotting "three suspects" crossing the frontier.

"(They) searched the area towards the suspects who hurled a grenade or explosive device at the troops," who then opened fire on the three Palestinians, the military said in a statement. A military spokeswoman confirmed they were killed.

Two of the Palestinians killed were aged 18 and the third aged 17, a police source in Gaza said. The source said they were civilians without militant affiliations in Gaza. He questioned Israel's account that they threw explosives towards troops.
For the past few months, it seems that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have been in the news just about every day. Whether they are being criticized for using taxpayer funds in order to renovate their lavish cottage in Windsor, England, or if Meghan herself is coming under fire for acting a bit too celebrity for the British Monarchy, we can pretty much count on the fact that the news media will find something to pick apart.

In recent weeks, we have been hearing all about Megxit, which is the term used to reference Meghan and Prince Harrys exit from their roles as senior royals. Things have been pretty busy behind palace doors lately, as the entire world waits for further details regarding the split.

The royal family was pretty blind-sighted by Meghan and Harrys sudden and unexpected announcement. Although no one saw it coming, there are subtle signs that we may not have picked up on. So, did Prince Harry and Meghan intentionally skip Christmas with the royals over Megxit fears?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently split from the royal family

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Dominic Lipinski  Pool/Getty Images

Early in January, Meghan and Prince Harry made royal history when they announced that they would be resigning as working royals. We know that they have been having a pretty rough time lately, and the news media has been relentless in their criticism of Meghan.

Meghan even went so far as to say that royal life isnt exactly fair, and Prince Harry has expressed concerns for his wifes safety as she is being hounded by paparazzi like never before.

Just before the holidays, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would be taking a short break from their royal duties in order to spend some quiet time together at home with Baby Archie. While everyone expected them to return to their normal schedule as if nothing had happened, they instead shocked the world when they revealed that they would be stepping back entirely.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent Christmas away from the royals

From a spokesperson to the Sussexes pic.twitter.com/IfhtKpZzFs  Victoria Murphy (@byQueenVic) November 13, 2019

So, what was one of the major signs that indicated Megxit may have been coming? Well, instead of doing what the majority of the royals normally do and spend Christmas at Queen Elizabeths Sandringham estate, Meghan, Prince Harry, and Archie spent the holiday in Canada with Meghans mother, Doria Ragland.

According to Daily Mail, this isnt completely unheard of, especially for married royals who are splitting their time between two families. However, it did come as quite a surprise for several reasons.

First, Harry and his grandmother are extremely close. Also, the queen and Prince Philip are getting significantly older. And, Ragland has been invited to Sandringham in the past, so it is not as if she wouldnt have been able to spend Christmas with her daughter and her family had they not gone to Canada.

Perhaps it was an indication of what was to come?

Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle intentionally skip royal Christmas over Megxit fears?

Now that the news is out, many people are left wondering if there was more to the story of Meghan and Prince Harry skipping royal Christmas than we had originally thought. Although we didnt find out about their resignation until after the new year, it is safe to say that the royal couple has been planning it for quite some time.

Most likely, it had a lot to do with their decision to spend Christmas in Canada away from the rest of the royals. It would have been pretty awkward to spend a holiday at Sandringham just before making an exit from their positions.

Had Meghan and Prince Harry celebrated the holidays with the royal family, then they may have felt compelled to ask for permission or sharing their strategy with their family members. And, should they have stayed mum, then they would have seemed shady and duplicitous once they announced their decision to step away.
Shrimp processing at MInh Phu Seafood Corporation.Photo tienphong.vn

The statement was made after international and local media last weekend reported the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had launched an investigation into whether MSeafood, a US division of Minh Phu Seafood, violated US trade laws by evading anti-dumping taxes on frozen warmwater shrimp from India.

A report on undercurrentnews.com on January 16 said the CBP had sent a letter to MSeafood Corporation, located in Fountain Valley, California, regarding the initiation of investigation and interim measures.

In the letter, the CBPs acting director of Trade Remedy and Law Enforcement Directorate informed Minh Phu Seafood chairman Le Van Quang about the formal investigation as the CBP had found evidence that supports a reasonable suspicion that MSeafood entered covered merchandise into the customs territory of the United States through evasion and the CBP had imposed interim measures.

The investigation was initiated upon an allegation submitted by the Ad Hoc Shrimp Trade Enforcement Committee (AHSTEC) on evasion of anti-dumping duties by MSeafood, the letter said.

The AHSTEC claimed MSeafood imported Indian-origin frozen shrimp into the US, which was transshipped through Viet Nam, the letter said.

Minh Phu Seafood Corp has responded it had not received any official inquiries from the CBP and the interim measures were based only on evidence provided by AHSTEC without asking for co-operation from Minh Phu Seafood.

The firms US lawyer had registered with the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) to deliver evidence so the final measures could be made, the company said.

Minh Phu does not export finished Indian shrimps to the US. The company only buys raw materials for processing, the firm said, adding some information provided by CBP regarding its production and imports was inaccurate.

The company said it would fully co-operate with US regulators to settle the case.

In 2019, Minh Phu Seafoods total production was down 9.05 per cent on-year to 59,500 tonnes.

Total exports were 57,700 tonnes, worth US$643 million. The figures were down 14.69 per cent and 14.25 per cent on-year.

In the US market, the company recorded a 19.57 per cent annual drop in its exports, which retreated to $246 million.

Minh Phu Seafood shares (UPCoM: MPC) dropped 1.7 per cent to end Monday at VND22,500 ($0.97) per share. Its shares tumbled 6.2 per cent on Friday after the investigation was reported.
Next time, please spare us the view of the sausage making and make a damn choice.

Kristin Huckshorn

Boca Raton, Fla.

To the Editor:

Ive been reading the transcripts of the interviews that the editorial board conducted with several of the major Democratic candidates for president. Until your interview with Pete Buttigieg, they were, for the most part, friendly and collegial. The interview with Mr. Buttigieg, which started with his stint at McKinsey & Company, was so hostile that it took my breath away. You would have thought his joining McKinsey as an entry-level employee was the equivalent of his traveling off to Syria to join ISIS.

Donald Lubin

Greenwich, N.J.

To the Editor:

Bravo! Great job! You bucked tradition and, as far as Im concerned, you nailed it. I could feel the editorial boards passion about this election and the need for change in the explanation of why you made your choices. Yes! May the best woman win.

Michele Postal

Eugene, Ore.

To the Editor:

After reading your Feb. 23 article Klobuchars Taunts and Temper Stand Out in Sea of Tough Bosses, I cannot agree with your endorsement. This describes a fatal flaw in her personality. Can you imagine her in high-level meetings berating people who displease or disagree with her? If she cannot even handle her aides diplomatically, she should not lead the nation. We do not need this after what we have been through with President Trump.

I fear that your desire for a woman president has swayed your decision.

Steve Gill

Port Ludlow, Wash.

To the Editor:

As a strong supporter of Senator Elizabeth Warren, I suppose I should be unconditionally delighted that she shares in your endorsement for the Democratic nomination. But I am concerned that you have described the race as one between a radical and a realist.

The Democrats offer a choice between centrists with realistic goals and progressives with realistic goals. Ms. Warren has the clearest plans for accomplishing hers, as you noted. Each will have an easier time accomplishing these if Democrats win more Senate seats; each is likely to encounter problems along the way; each will take us toward a better world.

Senator Amy Klobuchar has tried to make the case that she is a realist in a world of extremists  Donald Trump on the one hand, Ms. Warren and Bernie Sanders on the other  setting up a bizarre false equivalency. There is nothing unrealistic about Ms. Warren or her plans.
Rachel Henry, 22, from Phoenix, is pictured in her mugshot after confessing to killing her three young children

A Phoenix mother was booked into a city jail late this morning on suspicion of murder after admitting to killing her three children, including an infant and two toddlers, who were found dead inside the family's home on Monday.

The Phoenix Police Department announced on Tuesday that 22-year-old Rachel Henry is in custody, charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

Video shot by the station AZ Family showed Henry. dressed in a white Hazmat suit with her hands restrained behind her back, being brought to the 4th Avenue Jail, where she is being held without bond.

Henry said nothing in response to questions from reporters asking her to address her children's deaths.

The parents of the three children who all live at a house in the 2500 block of East Vineyard Road near 24th Street in Phoenix called police at around 7.30pm on Monday to report an emergency.

Henry is pictured in police custody on Tuesday after allegedly confessing to murdering her three children, all under the age of four

Henry said nothing as she entered the Fourth Avenue Jail in Phoenix on Tuesday afternoon

A makeshift memorial is set up near a home where a 22-year-old Phoenix woman was arrested on suspicion of killing her three children after they were found dead inside the family home

A 7-month-old girl, a two-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy were found dead in the living room inside this home in Phoenix Monday

Police were called to this address on East Vineyard Road after getting a report from one of the parents signaling 'unknown trouble'

Responding officers found a seven-month-old girl, two-year-old girl and three-year-old boy in the living room, authorities said.

The children were unresponsive and were pronounced dead after officers administered CPR and firefighters provided first aid.

There was no obvious trauma to the children, and Henry claimed illness may have been a factor because the youngsters had been sick earlier in the night, police initially said.

'We are comfortable in saying now that the mother is responsible for the death of the children,' Police Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner will determine the causes of death.

Reports from Phoenix Fire officials initially described the incident as a drowning, but they later retracted that statement, according to Fox 10 Phoenix.

According to reports, officers first received an 'unknown trouble call' from one of the parents and when police arrived at the home, they were greeted by three adults.

Officers arrived at the scene in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday evening and found three young children unresponsive

The children's 22-year-old mother was arrested after allegedly admitting to killing her baby and two toddlers inside their Phoenix home

Police interviewed the mother, the children's 30-year-old father and another relative, aged 49, according to Phoenix police.

Fortune told reporters Henry 'has admitted to harming her three children, which caused their demise.'

The family moved to Arizona over the summer from Oklahoma.

A neighbor told local reporters he went outside after hearing a helicopter above the residential area.

David Ware said the property where the children were found included a landscaping business or plant nursery, with trucks often coming in and out.

Neighbors said the property where the children were found appeared to be a landscaping business, with trucks often arriving and leaving. Pictured (above) police at the scene last night

He told AZ Central: 'I've always just assumed it was an active business. I've never seen children on the property.'

Ware said that 'cops went frantic' at the scene, adding: 'I freak out, you panic. You want to make sure there's not a present danger to your children.'

Sgt. Fortune described the scene that first responders found as 'very difficult'.

First responders who tried to save the children's lives were sent home early after the traumatic event.

The family lives in a neighborhood with old homes of wood or stucco, where a white Spanish-style church graces a corner. But there is new construction going up all around, with a golf course and several housing developments of single-family homes priced at more than $500,000.
Multiple fire crews were called to a northern Sydney public school after a hall went up in flames on Tuesday afternoon, while others were battling to extinguish a warehouse fire near Sydney Airport as of 10pm.

The fire is continuing to burn at a two-level warehouse on Coward Street in Mascot, but surrounding buildings were not in danger, Fire and Rescue NSW said.

Smoke over Sydney skies from the factory fire in Mascot. Credit:Ryan Stuart

Eighteen trucks comprising of 70 firefighters were called to extinguish the blaze in an industrial area to the west of Mascot Station, close to where much of the suburb's residents live in high-density apartments.
Mainly Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province & Ringing Trips to Bahrain
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jan. 21, 2020 | BENTON, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jan. 21, 2020 | 10:39 AM | BENTON, KY

The Alzheimers Association will host a monthly support group in Benton for family members and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimers or another dementia related disease.



The group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, at the Marshall County Public Library in Benton. According to a press release, the setting is a small discussion group with an emphasis on sharing feelings, thoughts, experiences and education. The meetings typically last an hour.



Teresa Thompson, Community Educator for the Murray-Calloway County Hospital Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit and volunteer for the Alzheimers Association facilitates the support group along with volunteer co-facilitator, Michelle Goodwin, RN of Calvert City Convalescent Center. The support groups next meeting is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 5 at 10 a.m., at the Marshall County Public Library, located on Poplar Street in Benton Kentucky.



The support group is a free resource and anyone in the area who provides care for someone with dementia are invited to attend.



For additional information, call 270-762-1224.
Trump, EU commission chief discuss 'trade deal' in Davos



Davos, Switzerland, Jan 21 (AFP) Jan 21, 2020



US President Donald Trump and new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that they are working towards agreeing a US-EU trade pact, as both sides seek to reduce bilateral commerce tensions.

The United States and European Union have since 2017 been seeking to work on a trade deal, but efforts have stalled.

Trump's meeting with von der Leyen on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, their first since she took office, indicated both sides want to find a new momentum with the White House saying it now expected "tangible progress".

"We're going to talk about a good trade deal. We'll be discussing other things also," Trump, accompanied by top economic advisors including Wilbur Ross and Robert Lighthizer, told reporters as the meeting began.

A trade deal "is something that we all want to be able to make," he added.

Trump renewed his warning of possible tariffs on European automobile imports, saying that if there was no trade pact "we'll give that very strong consideration."

However, he said "we expect to be able to make a deal" and said "if they're fair, we're not going to have a problem."

Von der Leyen said she was looking forward to working with Trump, saying Americans and Europeans are "good friends".

The EU commission said after the talks the two sides would meet "soon" for new talks in Washington.

"I am convinced that we can engage in a positive US-EU agenda in trade, as well as on technology, energy and much more besides," von der Leyen said in a statement.

Trump joked he'd heard that the "highly respected" von der Leyen is "a very tough negotiator, which is bad news for us."



- 'Confront global challenges' -



But the White House was positive after the meeting, saying in a statement that Trump and von der Leyen "agreed that the United States and the European Union need to work together to confront global challenges such as China's unfair trade practices and telecommunications and energy insecurity."

"President Trump reiterated the importance of free, fair, and reciprocal trade, and that the United States expects tangible progress toward a United States-European Union trade deal in the near future," the White House said.

Trump also discussed a trade deal with Simonetta Sommaruga, the president of Switzerland, which is not an EU member, at a separate meeting. "They want to do a deal and we'll see what we can do," he said.

Sommaruga said she would also discuss global warming, something which Trump has frequently cast doubt on, despite the nearly unanimous agreement of scientists around the world that the phenomenon exists and is accelerating.

"I think it's worth also to talk about," she said.

The talks with the Europeans came shortly after Paris announced a truce in its tussle with Washington over plans for taxing US technology companies earning revenue in France. Trump had threatened to hit back with tariffs.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, speaking before a Brussels meeting with EU counterparts, said President Emmanuel Macron and Trump had talked and "agreed to avoid all escalation between the US and France on this digital tax issue."

A French diplomatic source said the French and US leaders, who spoke by telephone on Sunday, agreed to give negotiations a chance to avoid "a trade war that will benefit no one".

Trump said Tuesday that he "is very happy with the result."

Washington has also moved this month to ease tensions on other trade fronts.

The US Senate this month voted to approve a new trade agreement linking the United States, Canada and Mexico. The United States and China also signed a long-awaited, if partial, deal to ease trade frictions.
Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg made his $54 billion fortune off a media empire that bears his name, so he knows something about running media companies. And he thinks Facebook should be regulated like a media company.

The former New York mayor is joining other Democratic candidates and officeholders in calling for more regulation of Facebook. The Menlo Park company is already the subject of antitrust investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department.

So are other top tech firms including Apple, Google and Amazon. But it is Facebook, which is the dominant social media network for political advertising, that has drawn the most anger lately from politicians.

Bloomberg wasnt specific in explaining what regulation he would like to see, but he was definitive that there should be more.

They are a media company, and theres no excuse for not regulating them, Bloomberg told The Chronicles Its All Political podcast during a recent campaign stop in Oakland. When they say that their business model doesnt allow it, then change your business model. But we shouldnt change whats good for society.

Other politicians have been lashing out at Facebook for not doing more to keep foreign operatives from posting misleading content.

Facebook announced that it will not fact-check ads from politicians ahead of the 2020 presidential election. In contrast, Twitter said it will not accept political advertising and Google said it will limit the targeting of such ads.

In the absence of regulation, Facebook and other companies are left to design their own policies, Rob Leathern, Facebooks director of product management, said in a company blog post. We have based ours on the principle that people should be able to hear from those who wish to lead them, warts and all, and that what they say should be scrutinized and debated in public.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose San Francisco district includes large Facebook offices, wasnt buying it. In May, Facebook refused to remove a video of Pelosi that had been altered to make it appear she was slurring her words.

I think what they have said very blatantly, very clearly is that they intend to be accomplices for misleading the American people with money from God knows where, Pelosi said last week.

Facebook also has refused to take down a false ad from President Trumps campaign that accuses former Vice President Joe Biden of acting corruptly during his dealings with Ukraine while he was vice president.

Ive never been a fan of Facebook, Biden said Friday. Ive never been a big (Facebook founder Mark) Zuckerberg fan. I think hes a real problem.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren tried to call attention to the issue by running an intentionally fake ad claiming Zuckerberg endorsed Trumps re-election. Even though Zuckerberg privately recommended several hires to Pete Buttigieg, his former Harvard classmate, Buttigieg recently said Zuckerberg has become too powerful.

No one should have that kind of power, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., told the New York Times.

Bloomberg acknowledged that people love (Facebooks) product  thats why they have a billion-plus customers.

But he added, All organizations that distribute news should have the same responsibilities as The San Francisco Chronicle. You are responsible for what you print and deliver to your readers.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
McConnell Releases Rules for Senate Impeachment Trial, Allows Vote on Witnesses

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) released a resolution outlining his proposed rules for the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump late Monday.

According to the resolution (pdf), the trial is set to start in earnest on Wednesday at 1 p.m., with the Senate to vote on whether to admit materials from the House and new evidence only after opening arguments from both sides.

Managers representing the Democrat-majority House and the presidents defense team will have until Wednesday 9 a.m. to file any motions, and until 11 a.m. to file responses to any motions allowed under impeachment rules.

However, motions to subpoena witnesses or documents or any other evidentary motions will not be allowed for consideration until after the first part of the trial in which both sides will have a total of 24 hours spread across a maximum of two days to present their opening arguments regarding impeachment.

Senators will then have 16 hours to ask questions followed by 2 hours for each side to make closing arguments.

McConnells resolution says the Senate will then voteindependent of any intervention, motion, or amendmenton whether to allow any further motions for subpoenaing witnesses, documents or further evidence, and proceed to review such witnesses or evidence if granted.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will be presiding over the trial.

This Nov. 30, 2018, file photo shows Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts, as he sits with fellow Supreme Court justices for a group portrait at the Supreme Court Building in Washington. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

The resolution also stated that if the Senate agrees to review evidenceincluding that based on publicly available materials from the record of the House that are in accordance to House Resolution 660witnesses shall first be deposed and the Senate shall decide after deposition which witnesses shall testify, pursuant to the impeachment rules.

No testimony shall be admissible in the Senate unless the parties have had an opportunity to depose such witnesses, the resolution states. At the conclusion of the deliberations by the Senate, the Senate shall vote on each article of impeachment.

Democrats want four witnesses, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. They have also released new evidence that they want included as part of the official record that will be transmitted to the Senate along with the Articles of Impeachment. Republicans want other witnesses, including former vice president and presidential hopeful Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden.

Schumer Calls Cover Up

Following the release of the resolution, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded by saying he would do all he can to ensure that amendments are made to McConnells rules.

As soon as Senator McConnell offers this resolution, I will be offering amendments to address the many flaws in this deeply unfair proposal and to subpoena the witnesses and documents we have requested, Schumer said in a statement.

Similarly, drawing on the precedent set in President Bill Clintons impeachment trial (pdf), during which both sides were also given 24 hours to make their arguments but were not limited to two days, Schumer accused McConnell of rushing the trial through and orchestrating a cover up.

McConnells resolution stipulates that key facts be delivered in the wee hours of the night simply because he doesnt want the American people to hear them, he said.

As soon as Senator McConnell offers this resolution, I will be offering amendments to address the many flaws in this deeply unfair proposal and to subpoena the witnesses and documents we have requested. pic.twitter.com/g25Xl8RTmU  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 21, 2020

Trump earlier in the day wrote on Twitter: They didnt want John Bolton and others in the House. They were in too much of a rush. Now they want them all in the Senate. Not supposed to be that way!  Cryin Chuck Schumer is now asking for fairness, when he and the Democrat House members worked together to make sure I got ZERO fairness in the House. So, what else is new?

Senate to Vote

McConnells resolution is expected to face a vote as early as Tuesday and needs a majority vote (51) to pass.

Schumer and any other senators can propose amendments to the rules, which would then require 51 votes to be adopted into the resolution. Republicans control the Senate with a 53-47 majority.

The trial in the majority-Republican Senate formally began on Jan. 16 when senators were sworn in as jurors by Chief Justice Roberts.

Trump was formally charged on Dec. 18 by the Democrat-majority House on two articles of impeachment (pdf)abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. No House Republicans voted in favor of the articles, and a small number of Democrats broke with their party to vote against one or both articles. Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard voted present in protest of the House-led effort, which she called a partisan endeavor.

The charges from the House say that Trump abused his office by asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to look into possible corruption by the Bidens, noting that Joe Biden is a Democratic presidential contender. Theyve sought to connect a hold placed on congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine to the request, arguing Trump was using it to pressure Ukraine.

The House also argues that Trump blocked Congress from investigating the allegations against him by declining to allow some current and former advisers to testify to the House.

Trumps legal team asserted that neither charge amounted to a crime or an impeachable offense, and that the president was within his rights to make decisions about foreign policy and what information to give Congress. They also argue that the House pursued a flawed and one-sided process before voting in favor of the two articles of impeachment.

According to their legal brief, the case against the president is frivolous and a dangerous perversion of the Constitution.

His legal team includes Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz, White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and former independent counsel Ken Starr. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, former federal prosecutor Robert Ray, and Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow are also on the team.

The House will be represented by Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Judiciary Chair Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.).

Trump, who will be in Davos, Switzerland, during part of the trial, has repeatedly said he didnt do anything wrong. He earlier agreed with Gabbard that House Democrats are playing politics.

A two-thirds supermajority (67 votes) is required to convict an impeached president and remove them from office.

About 20 Republicans would have to break with their party and join the Democratic minority to achieve a supermajority. Meanwhile, a simple majority (51 votes) is required to dismiss the impeachment charges against Trump.

No president has ever been removed as a direct result of impeachment. Richard Nixon resigned before he could be removed. Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were both impeached by the House but not convicted in the Senate.

Zachary Stieber and Reuters contributed to this report.
Scientific and public appreciation for microbes--and the key role their communal actions play in environmental health, food production, and human wellness--has grown in recent years. While initially considered to be static, uniform entities, microbial communities are highly complex and contain internal chemical swapfests that are in constant flux.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign led by Associate Professor of Bioengineering Ting Lu have demonstrated that the dynamics of these communities can be explained and even predicted by examining the variability trait of microbial social interactions. Lu and his coauthors, including co-first authors Feng Liu and Junwen Mao and Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering Rashid Bashir, shared their work in Nature Communications.

"The ultimate goal of our research is to develop effective strategies to program the composition and functionality of microbial communities," Lu said. This broader goal is shared by the Microbiome Metabolic Engineering research group at Illinois' Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, of which Lu is a member. "But to achieve this kind of engineering capacity, there're several key steps. The first step is to understand how microbial communities change over time, the second is to predict the dynamics, and the third is to engineer it."

In the present study, Lu's group aimed to begin a transition between the first and second steps, from the perspective of microbial interactions such as competition and cooperation, major biotic driving forces of community behaviors.

"There is increasing evidence that microbial interactions are dynamic over time, instead of invariant," Lu said. "They often change with environmental cues, such as pH, nutrient and stress, and are also subjective to the population of microbes generating the interactions and the presence of other species."

"But there are little experimental investigations that are trying to elucidate how such variations contributes to community structures," Lu continued. "We hypothesize that this form of variation is an important determinate that regulates community dynamics and that characterizing it can empower the predictions of ecosystem succession from the bottom up."

To test the hypotheses, Lu and his colleagues wanted to utilize communities in which bacteria cooperate or compete in easily observable and controllable ways. They turned to synthetic communities of Lactococcus lactis, the bacterium that helps ferment milk into cheese, due to their reduced complexity compared to native ecologies.

One important way that microbes interact is through the exchange of the compounds they produce--nutrients, chemical signals, and even toxins that kill off competitors. Lu's team created two L. lactis strains, C and C, each of which could produce one subunit of an antimicrobial peptide (small protein) called nisin.

"Each of the strains is able to produce an inactive subunit. However, when together, the two strains released subunits that self-assemble into active nisin," Lu said. Experiments confirmed that, when teamed up, the engineered C and C could indeed cooperate to fight against Ks, another strain which produces its own toxin.

The team examined the outcomes of communities formed by C, C and Ks, and found that increasing the variations of C--C cooperation, from either altered labor partition or random sampling, drives the community into distinct structures. They also studied ecosystem succession in different environmental pH using C, C and another strain, Kp, that is resistant to bacteriocin at certain levels of acidity. Their study showed that, when the cooperation and competition are additionally modulated by pH, ecosystem succession becomes jointly controlled by the variations of both interactions and yields more diversified dynamics--some communities changed dramatically over time, while other stayed more stable.

The researchers constructed mathematical models that explicitly incorporated the variability of interaction into ecosystem description.

"Asking for seamless integration of experiment and modeling was the most challenging part [of the study]. But it was also the most exciting part, because the model--which incorporated the variability from the experimental measures--allowed us to correctly predict the behavior [of the microbial communities,]" Lu said.

The team hopes that this work would serve as a foundational step toward the analysis, prediction, and engineering of complex communities such as those that we rely on for many human endeavors and our own health. "This study used simple, synthetic consortia," Lu said "We look forward to working on naturally occurring communities . . . hopefully by studying those native ecologies, we will be able to establish basic rules of community organization and even develop feasibility to engineer ecosystem functionality."

###

First author Feng Liu is also affiliated with East China University of Science and Technology; first author Junwen Mao is also a physicist at Huzhou University. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and the Department of Energy.
A former loyalist prisoner who was on the same weekend parole programme as dissident republican John Brady told an inquest the news that Mr Brady had died in the custody suite of a Londonderry police station came as a "complete shock".

Mr Brady (40), from Strabane, was found hanged in the consultation room of Strand Road police station on October 3, 2009 where he had been taken after he was arrested the previous day in connection to an altercation involving his brother-in-law, John Kennedy.

Mr Kennedy alleged Mr Brady, a former IRA prisoner, had punched him and threatened to kill him.

Billy Slone told the court that while he and Mr Brady came from "very different backgrounds" they got on well and that he considered Mr Brady a friend.

Mr Slone said on the weekend Mr Brady died, he had left prison to return to his family but that unlike previous weekends, Mr Brady had hugged him and said "keep your chin up Billy".

The inquest, sitting in Omagh court, heard Mr Slone, when trying to make sense of Mr Brady's death, suggest to the court, "I can only assume he (Mr Brady) didn't want to go back to prison".

Earlier evidence to the inquest given by his solicitor John Finucane - now MP for North Belfast - and representations by the Brady family's legal representatives suggested the decision to charge Mr Brady with assaulting Mr Kennedy and the threats to kill him would mean Mr Brady could face a lengthy prison sentence.

Mr Brady had been due to be released from prison in approximately four to six weeks as part of the parole scheme and the court heard he had become disillusioned with the dissident republican campaign and intended to move to Donegal and make a new life for himself.

The inquest also heard that Mr Kennedy, who made the allegations against Mr Brady, had contacted the Coroner's Office by email on Tuesday of last week to say he wanted to make a statement to the court but refused to give evidence in person or via video link or Skype.

Mr Kennedy said this was because he feared for his own safety and the safety of his family. The legal representative for the Brady family outlined his objections to Mr Kennedy's statement being admitted into evidence.

In this statement, which was read out, Mr Kennedy detailed his family's departure from Strabane as soon as they heard Mr Brady had died.

The inquest will reconvene next Wednesday, January 29 when the Coroner will give his findings.
Kolkata, Jan 21 : A teenage girl here hanged herself after she was scolded by her parents for damaging her mother's mobile phone, police said on Tuesday. She died on way to hospital.

The 16-year-old girl, who was scheduled to appear for her secondary examination next month, died on way to hospital on Monday night.

The incident was reported from south Kolkata's Regent Park area.

According to police and local people, the girl had taken her mother's mobile phone with her when she went out on Monday afternoon. But while returning home, she accidentally dropped the phone on to the street and it got damaged.

"She called her father from another mobile, but he rebuked her for damaging the phone. When she returned home, again her mother scolded her for spending time with the mobile phone instead of concentrating on her studies. After some time, she was found hanging inside a room," a neighbour said.

The girl was rushed to the hospital, but died.
Dear Editor:

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan recently announced $250,000 in grant funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for a Green Careers Academy at SUNY Ulster to provide county residents with tuition assistance.

In addition, Ryan is initiating a Green Youth Fellowship to provide paid internships to area youths interested in the environmental and renewable energy sector.

I applaud these progressive initiatives. They not only prove Ryans campaign commitment to making Ulster County a climate leader, they also serve as green energy exemplars for the state and other municipalities, and they help make higher education more affordable.

Pat Ryan understands our future economy depends a great deal on renewable energy jobs in the solar, wind and hydroelectric power fields.

Ted Millar

Milton, N.Y.
Hundreds of bankers, corporate executives, celebrities, heads of state and cabinet members have arrived in Davos, Switzerland to take part in the 50th annual World Economic Forum (WEF), which begins Tuesday.

With the wealth of the worlds billionaires up by 25 percent in the last year alone, the Davos attendees have much to celebrate. But looking over the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, the oligarchs see themselves beset by a tide of social opposition and resentment.

A police security guard patrols on the roof of a hotel ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (AP Photo - Markus Schreiber)

WEF founder Klaus Schwab warned in a statement ahead of the meeting that the world is at a critical crossroads, noting that, People are revolting against the economic elites they believe have betrayed them.

Indeed, the meeting is being held amid a global upsurge of social protest over the past year from Chile and Puerto Rico to Sudan and Algeria, Iraq and Lebanon, Hong Kong and India and the United States and Mexico.

Across the world, protests fueled by growing social and economic inequality are continuing and are expected to grow in 2020, including in France, where the year began with mass strikes against President Emmanuel Macrons proposed pension cuts.

Ahead of its meeting, the WEF published a global risks report noting that members ranked domestic political polarization in a virtual tie as their number one concern, up from ninth last year.

The annual Edleman Trust Barometer survey found that a majority of people around the world think that capitalism is doing more harm than good. The survey noted a global discrediting of all institutions, with governments, the media, business and NGOs seen by masses of people as unethical and incompetent.

Ahead of the event, the British charity Oxfam released its annual report on social inequality, which it declared to be out of control.

According to Oxfam, the worlds billionaire population alone, just 2,153 peoplethe number of people who would fit comfortably on a modern cruise shipcontrol more wealth than the 4.6 billion poorest people in the world.

Meanwhile, the top 1 percent collectively has twice as much wealth as 6.9 billion people, nearly the entire worlds population.

Placing the mind-boggling gap between the rich and poor in perspective, Oxfam notes: If everyone were to sit on their wealth piled up in $100 bills, most of humanity would be sitting on the floor. A middle-class person in a rich country would be sitting at the height of a chair. The worlds two richest men would be sitting in outer space.

The conclave in Davos is an opportunity for the capitalist elite to posture as enlightened reformers while cutting backroom deals aimed at funneling ever more wealth from the bottom to the top, in the privacy of the exclusive Alpine resort town and under the close guard of Swiss police snipers and their own personal security retinues.

The theme for this years meeting is Stakeholders for a cohesive and sustainable world, with a focus on the issue of climate change. Events headlined by teenage activist Greta Thunberg are being given top billing and Britains Prince Charles is expected to deliver a talk on how to save the planet.

The billionaires and millionaires in attendance will be able to show their commitment to combatting global warming by refueling their private jets with greener sustainable aviation fuel available at Zurich Airports private terminal. Attendees are being encouraged to walk on foot from venue to venue in order to reduce their personal carbon footprint.

American President Donald Trump, who set off for Davos yesterday, is set to deliver a special address today, in his second trip to the World Economic Forum.

The red carpet treatment for Trump, a war criminal who has torn thousands of immigrant children from their families, and who just weeks ago brought the planet to the cusp of World War III with the assassination of Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani, explodes the events humanitarian pretenses.

New York Times reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin commented, With the stock market at record highs there is an increasing sense that Trump will be accepted, if not embraced (although some attendees may roll their eyes behind his back) when he arrives on Tuesday.

Sorkin concluded, Mr. Trump may be the new Davos Man.

The attendees warm reception for Trump expresses the embrace of dictatorship and fascistic forces by the financial oligarchy. Feeling themselves surrounded by social opposition, the oligarchs are turning ever more directly to dictatorial forms of rule.

As the attendees give moralizing sermons about sustainability and praise each others philanthropic efforts, in their minds will be the fact that most of the world knows that theythe oligarchsare the cause of the worlds problems.

It is they who benefit from wars, it is they who promote the rise of fascism and wage a frontal attack on democratic rights. And it is they who are responsible for the poverty and social misery afflicting the worlds working population.

The entry into struggle by millions of people all over the world is a recognition of this fact, combined with a determination to oppose it. However, any solution to the crises confronting the overwhelming majority of the worlds people requires the expropriation of the financial parasites gathered this week in Switzerland.

The seizure of the wealth of little more than 2,000 people and its placement under the democratic control of the international working class would lay the basis for providing billions of people with the food, water, education, health care, culture, internet access and housing that are their fundamental social rights. The social necessity of expropriating their ill-gotten wealth is inseparable from the overthrow of the capitalist system and the socialist transformation of society.
Five Upstate New York food producers won coveted 2020 Good Food Awards, recognizing them as some of the best of their kind in the U.S.

The awards were presented Friday at the annual Good Food Awards Weekend in San Francisco. Some, such as Fruition Chocolate and ImmuneSchein, both based in Ulster County, are repeat winners, while others took home the prize for the first time.

More than 1,800 products were entered into the annual contest. Of those, 417 were chosen across 16 categories as finalists and around 200 were chosen as winners.

Here are the Upstate New York winners, followed by the winners from the rest of the state.

Location: Shokan (Ulster County)

Category: Chocolate

Winning product: Spring Salted Dark Milk 56%

Location: West Hurley (Ulster County)

Category: Snacks

Winning product: Ginger Turmeric Scrolleez

Location: Warrensburg (Warren County)

Category: Cheese

Product: Kunik

Location: Middletown (Orange County)

Category: Pantry

Product: Rye Barrel Aged Maple Syrup

Location: Hurleyville (Sullivan County)

Category: Charcuterie

Product: Casellas Prosciutto Speciale

Subscribers only: Join an insider text group with Jacob Pucci to get the inside scoop on the restaurants and cuisines of Central New York. SIGN UP HERE

Other New York winners:

READ MORE:

CNYs best dishes: Our critics pick their favorites of 2019

25 Things That Make Syracuse Great: Salt Potatoes

What does the Central New York dining scene need? Here are 8 suggestions

Jacob Pucci finds the best in food, dining and culture across Central New York. Contact him by email at jpucci@syracuse.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

European Union (EU) Cooperation Council welcomed adoption of the Council Decision on the Conclusion of the EUKazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), signed in 2015, Trend reports with reference to European Council.

The agreement which has now been ratified by all EU Member States and the European Parliament will fully enter into force on March 1, 2020.

This was announced during the seventeenth meeting of Cooperation Council between EU and Kazakhstan held in Brussels on January 20, 2020. The Cooperation Council was chaired by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Croatia Gordan Grlic Radman. The delegation of Kazakhstan was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Mukhtar Tileuberdi.

According to the statement, full application of the EU-Kazakhstan EPCA will allow for even closer cooperation in areas which were not provisionally applied to date, in particular, in the areas which fall under EU member state competence such as Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The Cooperation Council confirmed the mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. The EU looks forward to the first official visit of Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart Tokayev to Brussels mid-February.

Highlighting that the implementation of a new European Green Deal is a top priority, the Cooperation Council welcomed Kazakhstan's National Strategy towards a Green Economy.

In the margins of the Cooperation Council, Tileuberdi hold a bilateral meeting with the EU High Representative Josep Borrell. The sides discussed EU-Kazakhstan relations as well as regional and international developments and cooperation.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
At Khureji Khas, the Rapid Action Force, an anti-riot force, is also out in significant numbers. This has led many to assume that the protesters may be evicted before Republic Day, a protester at Khureji Khas said.

Tuesday, January 21, was the protest against the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act entering Day 38 at Shaheen Bagh in the city. The protesters have been unrelenting on their stand seeking the repealing of the Act and not to revoke the protest until a concrete decision is arrived at the on the Act, either by the government or by the Supreme Court, which is to hear the plea whether the CAA violates the Constitution.

The protest at Shaheen Bagh, which has been helmed by women of the neighborhood and children, has spread all across the nation and the women of Shaheen Bagh have become a symbol inspiring people to protest against the CAA. In Delhi, protests are being held at 8 places including Khureji Khas, Jafrabad, Mustafabad, Inderlok, Yamuna Vihar and Zakir Nagar. The Delhi Police has urging the protesters of Shaheen Bagh to clear Road 13A as they are causing inconvenience to residents of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. The protesters have been saying they may withdraw or revoke their protest until the Supreme Court hears their plea against the CAA on January 22, which falls on Wednesday. The protesters hope the highest court of the land strikes down the CAA for violating Article 14 of the Constitution which promises equality to Indian citizens; the CAA, in turn, bars Muslim refugees from 3 neighboring countries from obtaining Indian citizenship.

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 & school going children. The matter has also come up before the Hon'ble High Court.  Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) January 17, 2020

We again urge protesters to cooperate & clear the road in larger public interest.  Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) January 17, 2020

Their parents have expressed deep anxiety in view of forthcoming Board examinations. Daily commuters, local residents and businesspersons are also facing acute harassment. We once again appeal to the protesters at Shaheen Bagh to clear the road and restore normal traffic.  Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) January 20, 2020

At Khureji Khas, the Rapid Action Force, an anti-riot force, is also out in significant numbers. This has led many to assume that the protesters may be evicted before Republic Day, a protester at Khureji Khas said.

On Sunday, Shaheen Bagh protesters denied allegations that they were getting paid to demonstrate and said that they were not doing it for money, but to protect the Constitution of the country. The protesters of Shaheen Bagh also welcomed Kashmiri Pandits and joined hands with them in solidarity. Satish Maldhar, a Kashmiri Pandit, said that before welcoming others into the country, they should be given the right to return to their homeland in Kashmir.

For all the latest National News, download NewsX App
TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:

Toronto Stock Exchange (17,597.39, up 38.37 points).

Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Up 10 cents, or 8.93 per cent, to $1.22 on 17.4 million shares.

Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA). Energy. Down 14 cents, or 2.63 per cent, to $5.19 on 6.1 million shares.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB). Health care. Down two cents, or 0.72 per cent, to $2.75 on 4.6 million shares.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE). Energy. Down three cents, or 0.25 per cent, to $12.08 on 3.7 million shares.

Zenabis Global Inc. (TSX:ZENA). Health care. Down one cent, or 6.25 per cent, to 15 cents on 3.4 million shares.

Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLDP). Industrials. Up 55 cents, or 3.49 per cent, to $16.29 on 2.45 million shares.

Companies in the news:

BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE). X. TekSavvy Solutions Inc. is appealing to Canadian consumers for support in a politically charged battle between Canadas independent internet service providers and the big phone and cable companies. Bell, Rogers and Canadas other major phone and cable companies asked the federal cabinet in November to overrule a 2019 regulatory decision that slashes how much they can charge independent ISPs like TekSavvy. The industry giants argued the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission overstepped its authority in August by cutting wholesale capacity rates by up to 43 per cent and chopping access rates up to 77 per cent.

Canam Group Inc.  A group of Quebec investors including the founding Dutil family is buying back the Canadian operations of the Canam Group architectural steel company, as well as certain assets in the United States and overseas, less than three years after selling them to a U.S. private equity firm. The transaction, which is expected to close in the coming weeks, will total more than $840 million and account for nearly 2,700 of the companys 4,900 employees..

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2020.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Men in the UK should be allowed to voluntarily donate their sperm after death, if they want to, argue ethicists in an analysis published online in the Journal of Medical Ethics.

Not only is it technically feasible, but it is also "morally permissible" to plug the gap in supply and growing demand for donated sperm, say the authors, who call for sperm to be added to the list of human tissue that can be donated after death.

The UK has a shortage of donor sperm, while demand is high, and increasing, note Drs Nathan Hodson and Joshua Parker of, respectively, the College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, and the Department of Education and Research, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.

Infertility is not life-threatening, agree the authors. But they insist: "If it is morally acceptable that individuals can donate their tissues to relieve the suffering of others in 'life enhancing transplants' for diseases, we see no reason this cannot be extended to other forms of suffering like infertility, which may or may not also be considered a disease," they write.

Sperm donation after death would also help to increase the diversity of supply, which may be a particular issue for certain ethnicities, say the authors.

The process of sperm donation during life can be quite cumbersome, which posthumous donation would avoid, giving men the positive aspectsthe desire to help others or see their genetic line continue-without any of the drawbacks, say the authors, who draw parallels with the differences between kidney donation during life and after death.

After death, sperm can be collected either through electrical stimulation of the prostate gland or surgery, and then frozen until required.

Published evidence suggests that sperm harvested from dead men can result in viable pregnancies and healthy children, even when retrieved 48 hours after death.

Any concerns about the possible transmission of 'unhealthy' genes can be addressed by carrying out health checks on the donor and the sperm, say the authors.

Families, could, of course veto a donation, just as they can do for solid organs. But they may derive comfort from knowing their loved one is 'living on' say the authors, who add that expectations about the status of any resulting child would need to be clearly addressed.

"The important point is that considerations of the family, including a romantic partner surviving the deceased man, do not justify a blanket ban on the use of sperm collected after death, especially if the donor has specified a desire to donate," they write.

The use of donated sperm might alter the nature of questions about consent and family veto, and there are issues around the integrity of donor anonymity, the authors note.

And as funding for infertility treatment in the UK remains contentious, it is also unclear who would pay for the harvesting of sperm after death.

But the authors conclude: "It is both feasible and morally permissible for men to volunteer their sperm to be donated to strangers after death in order to ensure sufficient quantities of sperm with desired qualities."

Explore further UK opens National Sperm Bank amid donor shortage

More information: The ethical case for non-directed postmortem sperm donation, Journal of Medical Ethics (2020). Journal information: Journal of Medical Ethics The ethical case for non-directed postmortem sperm donation,(2020). DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105637
New Delhi:

A special police officer was killed and an Indian Army soldier injured in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday, the police said. The encounter broke out in the district's Khrew area when the security forces had launched a cordon and search operation, a police official said.

Special Police Officer Shahbaz Ahmad was killed while an Army jawan injured in the exchange of fire, the official said. He said the operation was on till last reports came in.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Please refresh the page for the updated version. Keep reading News Nation for all latest updates. For other stories, click on english.newsnationtv.com

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
PITTSBURGH(BUSINESS WIRE)PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced initiatives to support Australian bushfire relief efforts.

The company will donate $50,000 USD ($72,432 AUD) to the Australian Red Cross to assist with emergency relief efforts. PPG has also committed to matching employee donations up to $25,000 USD ($36,193 AUD) for a total contribution of $75,000 USD ($108,625 AUD).

Locally, PPG employees in Australia are working with retail partners to establish and support a long-term community rebuilding program for affected areas, and hosting additional fundraisers at various PPG sites.

In Australia, PPG has nearly 1,000 employees working across two manufacturing sites, five sales offices, 12 automotive refinish branches and 49 paint store locations. Several of our local employees are volunteering in the firefighting efforts, and PPG is providing paid time off for their services.

Our thoughts are with our Australian colleagues and all of the people and wildlife of Australia as they face the devastating bushfires, said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation, global corporate social responsibility. We truly are one, global PPG community and lend our support through these relief efforts.

PPGs global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested more than $9 million in 2018, supporting hundreds of organizations across 28 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow todays skilled workforce and develop tomorrows innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.1 billion in 2019. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

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West Bengal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee on Tuesday said the ruling TMC will bring a resolution against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the Assembly on January 27.

"We had submitted the resolution to the Speaker on January 20. It will be placed in the assembly on January 27," Chatterjee said.

The Assembly had last September passed a resolution against NRC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


Positive Tumas Scoping Study Delivers PFS Go-Ahead

Perth, Jan 21, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Deep Yellow Limited ( ASX:DYL ) ( FRA:JMI ) ( OTCMKTS:DYLLF ) is pleased to announce the completion of a Scoping Study focused on the Reptile Project Tumas palaeochannel calcrete deposits.Importantly, the Tumas Scoping Study has delivered encouraging results, which provided the Board with the confidence to proceed directly to a Pre-Feasibility Study.The Board has made this decision to proceed to a Pre-Feasibility Study based on the economic benchmarks indicated in the Tumas Scoping Study. In view of the stipulations in the ASX interim guidance: Reporting Scoping Studies (November 2016) and the Deep Yellow use of predominantly Inferred Resources on which to base the economic outcomes, the Company is prohibited in divulging any production targets and associated financial parameters hence the qualified, cautionary nature of the release that follows.The Tumas palaeochannel system is located within the Company's 100% owned Reptile Project (EPLs 3496 and 3497) in Namibia, (see Figure 1*). At the commencement of the exploration campaign, initiated in 2016 by the new management team, the Company announced an Exploration Target of between 100Mlb to 150Mlb in the grade range of 300ppm to 500ppm U3O8 for the Reptile projects.This Exploration Target was based on Deep Yellow management's extensive and acknowledged experience, from exploration to successful mining and production, of these surficial calcreteassociated and channel-related deposits. Deep Yellow Managing Director, Mr John Borshoff and the management and technical team involved in development of the Tumas Scoping Study were also instrumental in the successful development of Paladin Energy Ltd. This team is the only group to have established two successful, conventional uranium operations in two countries on the African continent after a 20-year global uranium industry hiatus.One of these operations was Paladin's Langer Heinrich uranium operation in Namibia, which successfully mined deposits similar to those which occur in the Tumas palaeochannel system.Consequently, the Company is confident with the expertise this team is able to bring to these studies.Continued success over the past three years through various exploration programs has seen the resource base from this highly prospective palaeochannel increase threefold to a total calcrete/palaeochannel related Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 92.5Mlb eU3O8, grading 303ppm (refer to the Company's 2019 Mineral Resource and Reserve Statement dated 18 November 2019 and Appendix 1* attached).To date, only approximately half of the 125km Tumas palaeochannel system has been properly tested and the consequent trebling of the Mineral Resources over a 3-year period reinforces the Company's confidence that the announced Exploration Target will be achieved during future exploration work.Commenting on the encouraging outcome of the Tumas Scoping Study, John Borshoff Managing Director/CEO said: "The completion of the Tumas Scoping Study and the positive decision that has emanated from it, represents an important milestone in the corporate evolution of Deep Yellow."We have developed a unique and bold dual-pillar growth strategy to establish a multi-platform, low-cost global uranium company. Successful execution of our stated strategy aims to deliver a multi-mine 5-10Mlb per annum low-cost uranium production company with the expectation of each project achieving a minimum of 2-3Mlb per annum production capability. Development of our Namibian project portfolio is a critical element of this strategy and we are extremely pleased with the ongoing success we are experiencing in advancing our highly prospective Reptile Project."The impressive results from the Study clearly demonstrate advancing this project to the prefeasibility study stage is justified, appreciating that uranium prices are expected to improve strongly over the next two to three years. With this approach, the Company has a significant opportunity to continue prudently advancing the Tumas palaeochannel deposits in a cost effective and timely manner and assist in achieving our aim of establishing Deep Yellow as a tier-one uranium producer."Tumas Scoping StudyThe Scoping Study (Study) was undertaken to determine the potential viability of mining and processing the Tumas deposits, contained within a 30km radius of a purpose-built processing facility, (yet to be constructed) - see Figure 2*.The Study considered the timing and cost associated with permitting, site establishment, mining, material haulage, processing, administration and closure associated with the development concept. It is based on a combination of directly gathered project data together with highly relevant assumptions derived from the adjacent Langer Heinrich uranium deposit. (The current Deep Yellow management team had direct executive management involvement in establishing the Langer Heinrich operation from resource establishment, mining, processing design, operations, optimisation, ESG management and product marketing).Uranium ResourcesThe Study was based on a high proportion of Inferred Resources.The proportion of JORC (2012) defined "Inferred" and "Measured and Indicated" Resource is a ratio of 80:20 comprising 17.2Mlb eU3O8 grading 294ppm eU3O8 Measured and Indicated Resources and 73.7Mlb* eU3O8 grading 345ppm of Inferred Resources. See Table1*: Tumas 3, Tumas 1 & 2 and Tumas 1E deposits (also refer to the Company's 2019 Mineral Resource and Reserve Statement dated 18 November 2019 and Appendix 1* attached).The Company is confident in converting a sufficient amount of the Inferred Resource to Indicated to establish an Ore Reserve Statement for the Pre-Feasibility Study for the following reasons:- the depth of geological knowledge the Company holds regarding these palaeochannelrelated uranium deposits is very high; and- the management team's working familiarity with the resource base of the adjacent Langer Heinrich uranium mine deposits (the Company believes that the Tumas Project Resources are an extension of the palaeochannel system and resources located at the Langer Heinrich Mine).The Inferred Resource mineralisation established at Tumas is delineated in four discrete deposits occurring over a 40km long zone within the prospective palaeochannel system. 83% of the Tumas 1 & 2 deposits (occurring east-adjacent to the Tumas 3 deposit) is in an Indicated and Measured Resource status. This type of mineralisation is remarkably consistent over an extensive length. The Company is confident that the Inferred Resources at Tumas 3 will convert to a sufficiently large Indicated Resource for the purposes of Ore Reserve estimation during the Pre-Feasibility Study.Development TimingThe timing of both the Study and the Pre-Feasibility Study, as advised previously (see ASX release dated 24 September 2019), has been developed for a possible development decision (should all subsequent studies prove positive) which is at least two to three years away and based on the uranium price reaching US$60/lb to US$70/lb on a predicted supply/demand dynamic where shortages are anticipated at that time in the global uranium market.The studies are structured to provide Deep Yellow with sufficient time to align with a potential development in the period 2023-24.The Deep Yellow Growth StrategyDeep Yellow has declared its strategic growth plan on previous occasions, built around establishing the Company as a low-cost, tier-one global uranium platform able to offer production optionality. This is a two-pronged strategy focused on firstly advancing the development of its Namibian projects and secondly, via sector consolidation, to acquire additional projects through merger and acquisition. This utilises the strong uranium project development, operational and corporate capabilities and proven track record of the Deep Yellow management team.The Company remains well-funded to continue the execution of this strategy over the next 12 months.Scoping Study OutcomesThe analysis undertaken for the Study relies on many assumptions to be assessed in followon studies based on emerging project data as well as the relevant experience of the Deep Yellow management team. This evaluation indicates the Tumas Project meets the Company's investment criteria having the potential to achieve the stated corporate benchmarks required by the Deep Yellow growth strategy.Approval to Proceed to Pre-FeasibilityThe Board of Deep Yellow has determined that due to the positive results of the Study the Company will now progress to a Pre-Feasibility Study with immediate effect to further evaluate the potential economic viability of the Tumas uranium resources.The Pre-Feasibility Study is expected to be completed in the December 2020 quarter and will represent a further significant milestone in the Company fulfilling its stated ambition of becoming a multi-platform, low-cost, global uranium company.*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Deep Yellow Limited

Deep Yellow Limited (ASX:DYL) (OTCMKTS:DYLLF) (Namibian Stock Exchange:DYL) is a differentiated, advanced uranium exploration company, in predevelopment phase, implementing a contrarian strategy to grow shareholder wealth. This strategy is founded upon growing the existing uranium resources across the Company's uranium projects in Namibia and the pursuit of accretive, counter-cyclical acquisitions to build a global, geographically diverse asset portfolio. A PFS has recently been completed on its Tumas Project in Namibia and a DFS commenced February 2021. The Company's cornerstone suite of projects in Namibia is situated within a top-ranked African mining destination in a jurisdiction that has a long, well-regarded history of safely and effectively developing and regulating its considerable uranium mining industry.
Just as the Corporation was digesting the re-election of a UK government making disquieting remarks about the Licence Fee and how it is funded the BBC has been hit by the news that Director-General Tony Hall has announced that he will quit his post.





After seven years in which he took the reins of a national broadcaster in crisis in the wake of the resignation of George Entwistle amid a number of scandals, Hall leaves with the corporation under huge political pressure, accused of bias during the last General Election and in its reporting of issues related to Brexit. There has also been under unrelenting pressure from the BBCs digital rivals in particular Netflix and the SVOD players. Most importantly has been the issue of BBC funding. Even though during his tenure Hall secured an eleven-year funding package that was secure until 2027, there will be a mid-term review process to negotiate in the spring of 2022. Given the antipathy of the current Conservative government towards the BBC in general and the Licence Fee in particular, this is almost certain to be a fraught process. Hall noted that it was only right that one person was in place to lead the 2022 review and the next funding round for 2027.In a message to BBC staff, Hall told colleagues that he believed that he would be leaving the BBC in a much stronger place than when he joined, a very different organisation that was more innovative; more open; more inclusive; more efficient; more commercially aware.He added: Change has been tough at times - and, of course, theres still more to do. But I believe our recent record of transformation stands comparison with virtually any other creative organisation in the world...Without question, our values have never been more relevant to the society we live in. As our country enters its next chapter it needs a strong BBC, a BBC that can champion the nation's creativity at home and abroad, and help play its part in bringing the UK together. In an era of fake news, we remain the gold standard of impartiality and truth. What the BBC is, and what it stands for, is precious for this country. We ignore that at our peril.Within the next few weeks the BBC Board led by Chairman Sir David Clementi will publish a job description and advertise the job, seeking candidates within the Corporation and externally. As he announced his resignation, Hall revealed that he would be joining the UK National Gallery.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 20:53:08|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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BEIRUT, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- About 3,400 pharmacies in Lebanon are suffering from the drop in prices of pharmaceutical drugs, facing the risk of shutting down in the years to come if they can't secure enough revenues.

"Prices of some of the medicine have dropped in an unreasonable manner by the end of last year which impacted our profits to a great extent," Mohamed Jaber, owner of a pharmacy in Dahieh, a suburb in the south of the capital Beirut, told Xinhua.

Some of the selling prices have dropped below the purchase ones as importers did not adopt any measures to compensate for the losses, he lamented.

Worse still, the Lebanese health ministry adopted a mechanism where the profit of the pharmacist's is fixed at 86 U.S. dollars for chronic disease medications and other expensive medicines even if they are priced at 5,000 dollars or higher.

"What the health ministry did not pay attention to is that the pharmacist's will avoid selling these kinds of medications because their profit is so low that even the taxes imposed by the finance ministry are not covered," Jaber noted.

The Lebanese pharmacist said he understands the need to reduce prices to allow affordable medications since the government does not provide full health coverage for the citizens.

However, he added, importers who make huge profits must at least share some of their revenues with the pharmacist's.

But Joe Salloum, also a pharmacist, said even some of the importers are shutting down because they are not making the profit as they used to.

Salloum believes that the government must adopt a fair mechanism to benefit both pharmacists and citizens.

"Such a mechanism is necessary because around 1,500 pharmacists risk losing their jobs because of the drop in the profits of pharmacies while a big number of pharmacists are now employed on a part-time basis with half salaries," he told Xinhua.

Karim Jbara, head of Pharmaceuticals Importers Association, told Xinhua that importers' profit margin is half that of pharmacists, saying it is the manufacturer who should share profits with both pharmacists and importers.

For his part, Riad Fadlallah, advisor to the health minister, explained to Xinhua that the ministry reduces the prices of the medicine as they are higher in Lebanon than nearby countries.

"We take the lowest price and we price our medicine accordingly," he said.
The Centre has reportedly shortlisted global warship makers, including Russia's Rosoboronexport and French firm Naval Group, to build six submarines for the Navy. The project cost is about Rs 50,000 crore.

The other shortlisted foreign players include South Korean Daewo, German Thysenkrupp Marine Systems and Spanish Navantia. The Indian shipyards selected under the process include Larsen & Toubro and state-owned firm Mazagon Docks & Engineers, reported ANI.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved shortlisting of Indian Strategic Partners (SP) and the potential Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that would collaborate with SPs to construct six conventional submarines in India. However, the ministry did not disclose the name of shortlisted players. The meeting was also attended by newly appointed CDS General Bipin Rawat.

This programme comes under the 'Strategic Partnership Model', promulgated in 2017 to give a major boost to 'Make in India' in defence sector. SP Model aims at promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment, in addition to establishing an industrial and R&D eco-system capable of meeting the future requirements of the Armed Forces besides giving boost to exports.

Also Read: Indian Navy plans to build 24 submarines, including six nuclear warships

"The strategic partner is expected to play a transformational role in building an eco-system in the country, comprising development entities, specialised vendors and suppliers; especially those from the MSME sector," Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The DAC, in its first meeting of 2020 and after the constitution of Chief of the Defence Staff, also approved proposal for inclusion of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in Defence procurement procedure. "This would provide avenues in capital procurement for the Armed Forces to startups and innovators working for iDEX and provide huge fillip to their budding efforts," the ministry said.

"Today's decisions are also in keeping with the mandate given to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the newly-constituted Department of Military Affairs to promote use of indigenous hardware by the services," Ministry of Defence said.

Also Read: Indian Navy forbids personnel from using smartphones, social media at its installations

To promote indigenisation, the DAC approved procurement of equipment worth over Rs 5,100 crore from indigenous sources. These include sophisticated electronic warfare systems for the Army designed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured locally by the Indian industry. These systems will be used in deserts and plains and will provide comprehensive electronic support and counter measure capabilities to the field formations in both communication and other aspects of electronic warfare.

The DAC also approved prototype testing of trawl assemblies designed by DRDO for T-72 and T-90 tanks providing an important indigenous de-mining capability to the Army.

By Chitranjan Kumar
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, is among eight congressional members who have been picked by President Donald Trump to assist in his impeachment defense.

Stefanik announced on Twitter on Monday that she was picked by Trump to be on the president's Impeachment Defense Team.

"I am proud to stand up for the Constitution, my constituents, and the American peoples vote," she wrote.

The Senate trial on Trump's impeachment is expected to begin Tuesday following last week's ceremonial transmission of the U.S. House of Representatives articles of impeachment to the Senate. Trump faces charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Stefanik, a House Intelligence Committee member, played a prominent role in the impeachment hearings conducted in the House and was a strong Trump defender. Her high-profile role in impeachment hearings has landed the race for her district in the national spotlight, spurring millions of dollars in donations to both her campaign and that of her Democratic opponent, Tedra Cobb.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

And just last week, Stefanik was tapped by Trump's re-election campaign to serve as an honorary campaign chair for New York.

A news release from the White House Office of the Press Secretary stated Stefanik along with representatives Doug Collins, R-Georgia.; Mike Johnson, R-Louisana.; Jim Jordan, R-Ohio; Debbie Lesko, R-Arizona.; Mark Meadows, R-North Carolina; John Ratcliffe, R-Texas; and Lee Zeldin, R-Suffolk County, N.Y., will serve on the team to "combat this hyper-partisan and baseless impeachment."

"Throughout this process, these members of Congress have provided guidance to the White House team, which was prohibited from participating in the proceedings concocted by Democrats in the House of Representatives," the release stated. "The president looks forward to their continued participation and is confident the members will help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta on behalf of the American people."
In a humanitarian act, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on Tuesday carried a pregnant tribal woman in need of medical help on a cot for about six km to get her to a hospital in Naxal-hit Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, an official said.

During an area domination operation, a team of CRPF's 85th Battalion visited Padeda village where a school student informed them about the pregnant woman in need of medical help, said Prashant Kumar, deputy commandant of the CRPF's sector headquarters in Naya Raipur.

The company commander of the squad immediately reached the woman's house in the Gayatapara area of the remote village with his first-aid team, he said.

When the officer found the woman was in advanced stages of pregnancy and needed urgent medical help, he asked his team to act fast, Kumar said.

As it was not possible for an ambulance to reach the village surrounded by dense forests and rough terrain, the security personnel quickly assembled a makeshift stretcher by tying a cot to a long bamboo, the official said.

They put the woman on the cot and carried it on their shoulders, walking through the jungles having Naxal presence for 6km before reaching the nearest motorable road, he said.

An ambulance was arranged from there and the woman was shifted to the Bijapur district hospital in time, Kumar said.

The CRPF is deployed extensively in Chhattisgarh for anti-Naxal operations and the 85th battalion of the para- military force is stationed on the Bijapur-Gangalor road, located around 450km from the state capital Raipur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Admitting that he lied about having tenants in a New Orleans East apartment building so as to avoid paying back a Road Home loan, former state Sen. Wesley Bishop pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal crime.

Bishop spoke in a low voice as he entered his guilty plea in a federal courtroom, two months after he was charged with a single count of making false statements to a federal agency.

He faces a prison sentence of up to five years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Guidry at an April 21 hearing.

Bishop is the first area politician to be convicted of a crime since a federal jury found Patrick Dejean, a justice of the peace in Jefferson Parish, guilty of 16 corruption-related counts in February.

Tuesday's short rearraignment hearing wrapped up a federal probe of the prominent 52-year-old New Orleans Democrat that once encompassed further allegations.

For months, federal investigators probed whether Bishop committed payroll fraud related to his job as an associate chancellor at Southern University at New Orleans. Bishop ultimately paid the university back at least $20,000 for sick pay he claimed on days when he was serving as a legislator in Baton Rouge.

+2 Federal probe into state Sen. Wesley Bishop includes Road Home grant, sources say Federal authorities are looking into allegations that state Sen. Wesley Bishop violated the terms of a Road Home grant he received to renovate

In the end, federal investigators snared him on a separate allegation of financial wrongdoing.

In June 2012, Bishop received a $188,000 Road Home loan to help him restore a fourplex he owned at 10841 Roger Drive. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program was supposed to help return to the market small rental properties that were damaged in Hurricane Katrina.

Under the terms of the arrangement, if Bishop kept low-income tenants in each unit for 10 years, the government would forgive the loan.

But Bishop failed to submit proof that he was renting the units in 2013 and 2014, according to a court document known as a factual basis that was filed with his guilty plea. In August 2014, a state agency administering the federally backed program sent Bishop an alert that his loan was under review.

The requests for information grew more urgent with emails from an attorney for Louisianas Division of Administration in February 2017 and April 2017. The latter warned Bishop that he had days to send proof of tenants before a notice of default was issued.

Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

Soon afterward, Bishop emailed the attorney files purporting to show proof that the rental units had been occupied.

But Bishop knew the supposed proof was bogus. In the court document he signed, he admitted that his representations were false and material, and he intended for them to mislead HUD.

Retiring state Sen. Wesley Bishop subject of federal criminal probe, SUNO records show State Sen. Wesley Bishop, a Democrat from New Orleans who recently announced he would not seek re-election after eight years in the Legislatur

Under the terms of a plea agreement with U.S. Attorney Peter Strassers office that was finalized on Tuesday, prosecutors agreed not to seek any other charges in connection with the Road Home loan.

It remains unclear whether Bishop ever had any tenants in the property. The building hasn't had a working water meter since 2013, according to the Sewerage & Water Board.

Guidry, the judge, said Bishop might have to pay up to $188,000 in restitution.

The only moment of drama during Tuesdays hearing came when Guidry asked Bishop if he was pleading guilty because he was in fact guilty of the allegations against him.

Bishop, himself a lawyer, paused and whispered with his defense attorney, Harry Rosenberg, before Guidry repeated the question.

Yes, your honor, Bishop said.

He left the courthouse without commenting.

Bishop did not seek re-election to the Legislature last fall. State Sen. Jimmy Harris was sworn in this month to replace him.
Class had just let out Monday afternoon and students were filing out of Scarboroughs Woburn Collegiate Institute, among them Safiullah Khosrawi.

The Grade 10 student  shy and hard-working, but with a fun-loving streak  was on his short walk home, among a crowd of pedestrians at Ellesmere and Markham roads when, just after 3:10 p.m., gunfire rang out multiple times. Panicked students scrambled, one gunman fled the scene, and Khosrawi, just 15 years old, was left gravely injured.

Rushed to hospital, the boy died a short time later.

The shooting in broad daylight has stunned and devastated Khosrawis parents and three older brothers, upended his high school community, and resulted in second-degree murder charges against another 15-year-old boy who also attended Woburn Collegiate.

Its devastating news that nobody should ever face in their life, said Sha Fariad, a relative who had watched Khosrawi grow up and said Khosrawis father was originally from Afghanistan.

Describing the boy as someone who doesnt fit the paradigm of todays society, Fariad said Khosrawi spent most of his time at home with his family  an introvert, but a youngster who could also be a jolly kid.

As yet another teenager felled by a bullet, Khosrawi joins the growing ranks falling victim to Torontos increasing gun violence. Despite recent investments in policing aimed at combatting violent crime, the city has seen record-level gun violence: last year, 292 people had been killed or injured in shootings, the highest number in at least 15 years.

Of the four people killed in the first weeks of 2020, three were shot and were 25 or younger.

Whether Khosrawi was the intended target or an innocent bystander is too early to say. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Det.-Sgt. Andy Singh said police were considering both possibilities, though he said it was unlikely it was a case of mistaken identity, in part because the shooting happened in broad daylight.

Police are clear, however, that Khosrawi is completely innocent.

Theres nothing in his past to suggest hed be in a situation like this, Singh said.

The alleged shooter, who cannot be identified because of his age, was known to police. The youth  who was apprehended nearby not long after the shooting  had gang ties, though Singh added it was too early to tell if this was a factor in the shooting. He said he didnt believe the youth and victim were friends.

Noting many citizens would have witnessed the shooting and its aftermath, Singh urged anyone with information, or video footage, to come forward to police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers.

Police now conducting a painstaking review are looking into information another person may have been involved, though Singh stressed investigators had no indication that another shooter is involved.

Among the questions police are now probing is whether the alleged gunman brought the weapon to school Monday.

The Woburn community will come together to show our respect and support based on the familys wishes, wrote principal Karen Hume in a letter to parents, saying the school was mourning the tragic loss.

Khosrawi was a conscientious and hard working student, who Hume said would be sorely missed by our students and staff. Counsellors will be available to provide students and staff with support starting Wednesday.

Khosrawis death has prompted calls for urgent action to address the causes of rising violence in the city. Last year alone, 43 men and one woman were killed by gun violence, and scores more were injured.

At a year-end press conference last month, Toronto police chief Mark Saunders said there are now more firearms in the city, and he vowed to combat gang activity this year through greater use of forces intelligence and guns and gangs units.

Since the beginning of 2014, 186 young people aged 13 to 29  the age the city targets for violence prevention programs  have been killed in Toronto. That works out, on average, to about one young person killed every 12 days. Nearly a quarter of those people killed, 20 per cent, were teenagers. The numbers do not include killings believed to be domestic.

In a statement Tuesday, Mayor John Tory said the murder of a 15-year-old in Toronto is tragic and completely unacceptable.

This tragedy is deepened with news that Toronto police have charged another 15-year-old with this murder, Tory said, adding that he remains committed to stopping gun violence by investing in community programs, policing and by advocating for tougher gun laws.

Earlier this year, following a spate of summertime shootings, Tory announced that municipal, provincial and federal governments would each pledge $1.5 million to Toronto police to help fund immediate efforts to address the current gun violence.

Using the money, the force initiated a 15-week guns and gangs initiative that saw increase enforcement in high-risk areas. But ultimately, it did not result in a reduction in gun violence.

This is about two 15-year-olds who should never have been in this situation in the first place. We need to address the roots of youth violence, said Coun. Josh Matlow (Ward 12 Toronto-St. Pauls).

We need to provide opportunities to our youth as early as possible so that we can provide them a path that any one of us would want for our own children. This didnt need to happen.

Matlow pushed to implement a Toronto strategy to address the roots of youth violence in 2014 and has asked council to fund additional safe spaces for youth after school in recent budgets. He said theres much more to be done, and that all levels of government are responsible.

RELATED STORIES GTA Seven Toronto teens who were murdered in 2019

There is no reason that any of our kids should either choose to pick up a weapon or be victim of somebody with a weapon. Theres so much more that we can do.

In July 2018, amid escalating violence that summer, council approved an anti-gun violence plan totalling more than $50 million. To date, much of that plan remains unfunded, including about $25 million in community-based initiatives designed by city staff to intervene with youth in conflict and prevent violence from happening in the first place.

After the federal government rejected most of the citys requests for money for those programs, council has not found new funding to implement the plan.

Coun. Paul Ainslie (Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood), who represents the Markham and Ellesmere roads area, said he was stunned by the news.

Its just a senseless tragedy. Its mind-numbing. Its still mind numbing for me, Ainslie told the Star.

He said school-aged kids used to more commonly solve conflicts with fistfights.

Now theyre stabbing each other and shooting and I dont know what the root cause of it is . . . Kids just dont seem to have a respect for life like they should.

I dont think you could ever have enough youth hubs to deal with that and I honestly dont know where the solution lies.

A GoFund Me page to help pay for funeral expenses has been organized by family. It had raised nearly $4,000 by Tuesday evening.

Files from Jennifer Pagliaro

Jacob Lorinc is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @jacoblorinc
Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, released draft rules on Monday. They would limit each sides arguments to 24 hours over two days and permit the Senate to decline to hear new evidence.

Mr. McConnell has said the rules are based on those used during President Bill Clintons impeachment trial in 1999, but there are meaningful differences.

The Daily: Todays episode is about Mr. Clintons trial.

News analysis: Mr. Trumps lawyers have said that the articles of impeachment  for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress  are invalid because they dont accuse him of an ordinary crime. Its an argument that plenty of scholars have rejected, our Washington correspondent explains.

The details: Read the brief that Mr. Trumps legal team submitted to the Senate on Monday. The House has until noon to file a rebuttal.

Related: The president is in Davos, Switzerland, today, for the World Economic Forums annual meeting. He received a frosty reception there in 2018, but this time hes likely to be accepted, if not embraced, writes our DealBook columnist, Andrew Ross Sorkin. (One reason: He may be in office for another four years.)
Martin Weissgerber, a field organizer for Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign, in an undercover video recorded by Project Veritas. (Screenshot/Project Veritas)

Second Bernie Sanders Staffer Praises Gulags

A second field organizer for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) 2020 campaign has expressed support for gulags.

Martin Weissgerber, a field organizer for the campaign, made the comments to an undercover Project Veritas reporter.

Weissgerber said hes ready for the [expletive] revolution and that he hopes to guillotine the rich and send Republicans to reeducation camps.

Do we just dissolve the Senate, House of Representatives, the Judicial Branch and have somebody like Bernie Sanders and a cabinet of people make all decisions for the climate? he said. I mean, Im serious. What will help is when we send all the Republicans to the reeducation camps.

Video contains expletives.

BREAKING: 2ND PAID STAFFER PRAISES GULAGS South Carolina @BernieSanders Field Organizer @martinthemanic: Ill straight up get armedIm ready for the f**king revolution; Guillotine the rich; send Republicans to re-education camps FULL RELEASE 12:00PM#Expose2020 pic.twitter.com/tUCeKEY6aM  James OKeefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) January 21, 2020

Weissgerber said that gulags, or a system of forced labor camps established by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, were originally founded as reeducation camps. He claimed that Americans went to work on the Belomorkanal, a canal that linked the White Sea and the Baltic Sea. It was the first project exclusively constructed by prisoners, including innocent people who were imprisoned under the countrys legal system. Tens of thousands of people died building the canal, which was dug with hand tools.

Its a beautiful thing, Weissgerber said.

Weissgerber said that he studied the Soviet Union and learned that America at present has more people in prison than the Soviet Union did at the height of the gulags.

The Soviet Union was not horrible, he said, adding that he believes womens rights were a top priority under the Soviet system. Weissgerber in the footage expressed support for fighting if Sanders loses the 2020 election, saying: Ill straight up get armed. I want to learn how to shoot, and go train.

The field organizer said that Sanders, a self-described socialist, is center left, while he himself is a Marxist, or far left.

A mugshot from the Polk County Jail shows Kyle Jurek, an Iowa field organizer for the Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. (Polk County Jail)

Another field organizer for the Sanders campaign, Kyle Jurek, said in footage published by Project Veritas last week that supporters of President Donald Trump might be thrown into gulags.

The Sanders campaign still hasnt issued a statement on Jurek, who was paid more than $10,000 by the campaign. Jurek also didnt respond to requests for comment.

A number of field organizers for the campaign have since locked their Twitter accounts. Weissgerbers Twitter account was deleted on Jan. 21.

Project Veritas is an investigative journalism nonprofit.
SPRINGFIELD - Police are charging a 37-year-old homeless man with two recent armed robberies at cell phone stores on Armory and State streets, police said.

Miguel Santiago is charged with two counts of armed robbery, possession of burglary tools, threatening to commit a crime and witness intimidation.

He was arrested Monday afternoon in the area of 2000 Main St., said police spokesman Ryan Walsh. Officers stopped him because he matched the description of a suspect two armed robberies reported over successive days last week.

In each, clerks said Santiago threatened them with a pocket knife and then stole several new cell phones. No one was hurt in either robbery.

He is due to be arraigned Tuesday in Springfield District Court.
In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 21 ...

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Soldiers from the 4th Artillery Regiment based at CFB Gagetown clear snow at a residence in St. Johns on Monday, January 20, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

In The News is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to kickstart your day. Here is what's on the radar of our editors for the morning of Jan. 21 ...

What we are watching in Canada ...

ST. JOHN'S, N.L.  It's now Day 5 of the state of emergency in the St. John's, N.L., as cleanup continues from Friday's massive blizzard that dumped 76 centimetres of snow in the area.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says 450 troops  including about 175 reservists  will be in Newfoundland today to help the province dig out from the storm.

Travel remains difficult across eastern Newfoundland, and some residents are relying on each other for food.

The City of St. John's says some stores will be allowed to reopen today to sell "basic foods."

Most other businesses have to remain closed, with exceptions for gas stations and some pharmacies.

Search efforts will also continue for 26-year-old Joshua Wall, who was last seen leaving his home in Roaches Line on Friday to walk through a wooded area to a friend's home in nearby Marysvale.

---

Also this ...

VANCOUVER  The second day of a court hearing gets underway today in Vancouver over a request from the United States to extradite an executive of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei on fraud charges.

The hearing began Monday with Meng Wanzhou's lawyer arguing the fraud charges are a "facade."

Richard Peck told a British Columbia Supreme Court judge the charges filed by the U.S. are about the country trying to enforce its sanctions on Iran.

Meng's case fractured Canadian-Chinese relations after Beijing detained two Canadians and restricted imports in moves widely seen as retaliation for her arrest in 2018.

At issue in this week's hearing is the legal test of double criminality, meaning that if her alleged conduct is a crime in Canada then Meng should be extradited to face the charges in the U.S.

Meng is accused of lying to HSBC about Huawei's relationship with an Iran-based subsidiary, putting the bank at risk of violating U.S. sanctions against the country.

---

What we are watching in the U.S. ...

WASHINGTON  U.S. President Donald Trump's impeachment trial is set to unfold at the Capitol, a contentious proceeding to render judgment on his Ukraine actions as Americans form their own verdict at the start of an election year.

As the Senate reconvenes with Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the rare impeachment court, senators sworn to "impartial justice," the legacy of Trump's presidency and the system of checks and balances are at stake before a politically divided nation.

A first test will come midday when the session gavels open to vote on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's proposed rules for debate.

On the eve of the trial, the Republican leader offered a compressed calendar for opening statements, just two days for each side, as Trump's lawyers argued for swift rejection of the "flimsy" charges against the president and acquittal.

"All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the president's lawyers wrote in their first full filing Monday. "The articles should be rejected and the president should immediately be acquitted."

Democrats  as the House prosecutors practised opening arguments well into the night on the Senate floor  vowed to object to a speedy trial as they pressed for fresh witnesses and documents.

---

What we are watching in the rest of the world ...

BEIJING  China has sentenced the former president of Interpol, Meng Hongwei, to 13 years and six months in prison on charges of accepting more than $2 million in bribes.

Meng was elected president of the international police organization in 2016, but his four-year term was cut short when he vanished after travelling to China from France in late 2018.

Interpol was not informed and was forced to make a formal request to China for information about Meng's whereabouts amid suspicion he had fallen out of political favour with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Meng's wife, who remains in France with their two children, has accused Chinese authorities of lying and questioned whether her husband was still alive.

Grace Meng is now suing Interpol, accusing it of failing to protect him from arrest in China and failing to look after his family. Meng's lawyers last year filed a legal complaint in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

In a statement sent to The Associated Press, she said Interpol "breached its obligations owed to my family" and "is complicit in the internationally wrongful acts of its member country, China."

A statement Tuesday from the No. 1 Intermediary Court in the northern city of Tianjin said Meng accepted the verdict and would not appeal. In addition to his prison sentence, he was fined 2 million yuan ($290.000).

---

ICYMI (In case you missed it) ...

EDMONTON  The amount of unpaid property taxes that oil and gas companies owe Alberta rural municipalities has more than doubled over the last year, a trend some are calling a tax revolt.

Rural Municipalities Alberta said Monday that a survey of its members shows that they are owed a total of $173 million  a 114 per cent increase since a similar survey was done last spring.

In Ponoka County, south of Edmonton, Reeve Paul McLauchlin estimates his municipality is owed about $2.6 million out of a total municipal budget of $27 million.

"It creates operational constraints, our ability to provide community services. We have non-profits asking for assistance. We say 'no' more and more."

Industry says the way taxes are assessed is driving companies out of business. Properties are assessed by the provincial government, which evaluates them on replacement cost and not on market value, said Ben Brunnen, vice-president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

"We defend the need for the province to take a look at how assessment works and have it reflective of the market," he said.

---

Weird and wild ...

LOS ANGELES  The men bringing James Dean back to life for a forthcoming film are aiming not just to give his digital likeness a role, but a whole new career.

Dean's planned appearance in the Vietnam War movie "Finding Jack," and the possibility of future parts, comes as digital de-aging and duplication of real actors has tipped from cinematic trick into common practice. And it's giving new life to old arguments about the immortality and dignity of the dead.

"Our intentions are to create the virtual being of James Dean. That's not only for one movie, but going to be used for many movies and also gaming and virtual reality," said Travis Cloyd, CEO of Worldwide XR, who is leading the design on the Dean project.

Legally, they have every right to do it, via the full agreement of the Dean estate and his surviving relatives.

"There are thousands of images that we do have to work with," Cloyd said. "What we typically do is we take all those images and videos and we run them through machine learning to create that asset."

That will be added to the work of a stand-in actor using motion-capture technology.

The announcement of the role last year caused a quick backlash, but for the people behind the Dean project, the negative reaction is as inevitable as they believe the eventual acceptance will be.

Cloyd foresees a Hollywood where even living actors have a "digital twin" that helps in their work.

---

Know your news ...

The army is helping Newfoundland dig out from a massive snowstorm that buried the province last week. What Toronto politician called for the army's help when that city was hit with two snow emergencies in the space of 10 days in 1999?

(Keep scrolling for the answer)

---

On this day in 1992 ...

The Supreme Court of Canada began its review of David Milgaard's murder conviction in the death of Saskatoon nursing aide Gail Miller. The high court quashed the conviction a few months later and Saskatchewan decided not to retry Milgaard. On April 16, after nearly 23 years in jail, he was freed from the Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba.

---

Your health ...

Canada's chief public health officer says three people in Canada have been tested for contracting a new pneumonia-type illness, but coronavirus was ruled out as China grapples with the illness linked to three deaths and 200 confirmed infections.

Dr. Theresa Tam declined to say where in Canada the three individuals were from, but says they had travelled to the central Chinese city of Wuhan, where coronavirus is believed to have originated in a now-closed seafood market.

The illness has spread to another province on China and to Beijing as well as beyond to Japan, Thailand and South Korea, prompting the World Health Organization to plan an emergency meeting to decide whether the potentially deadly illness merits the declaration of an international emergency.

Tam says she has contacted her provincial and territorial counterparts to prepare to notify front-line staff about any patients exhibiting non-specific symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

She says Canadians are at low risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, but precautionary measures are being taken, including screenings at airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal of passengers who have those symptoms after travelling from Wuhan in central China.

---

Your travel ...

WINNIPEG  It doesn't take a master sleuth to figure out why people are braving the winter prairie winds and snow to flock to a field south of Winnipeg.

Bright white walls on a flat field hold within a wintry puzzle  the world's largest snow maze.

The 2,789-metre-squared snow maze located about 30 kilometres south of Manitoba's capital in St. Adolphe achieved the Guinness World Record honour during its first season open last winter.

Owner Clint Masse says the sections of wall are two feet wide and more than six feet tall. They appear almost as thick and dense as the walls surrounding medieval castles.

The maze is built on top of the Masse family's other big summer attraction  A Maze in Corn.

People focused solely on getting to the end take about 20 to 30 minutes to exit the maze. Those who get turned about or are just having a lot of fun inside will be in there a lot longer.

"It's a little bit whimsical," Masse said.

"I like the look on people's faces because they are just like, 'Wow!' Their eyes are wide open, and they are like 'Holy smokes. It's crazy.'"

---

Know your news answer ...

Mel Lastman. The Toronto mayor was widely mocked in other parts of the country for the decision to call in the army, but said he wouldn't have changed a thing when asked about it 10 years later.

---

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2020.
An off-duty Roselle Park, N.J., police officer fatally shot himself after crashing his car into two parked vehicles in Matawan on Sunday, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said Monday.

Edward Nortrup, a 39-year-old Aberdeen resident, lost control of his vehicle around noon and crashed near a two-story home on Broad Street across from the Matawan Municipal Community Center.

The prosecutors office said it appeared Nortrup struck two parked cars and then partially rolled over before coming to a stop. He was trapped inside his vehicle.

As first responders left the vehicle to get equipment to help with the extraction, the driver located a firearm and fatally shot himself, Monmouth County Prosecutors Office Spokesman Chris Swendeman said in an email.

Roselle Park Police Chief Daniel McCaffery did not say if Nortrup used his service weapon. He said an investigation into the gun used is ongoing by the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office.

Nortrup was a 13-year veteran of the department who served in the detective bureau and was a member of the Union County Emergency Response Team, according to a post on the departments Facebook page. He graduated from the John H. Stamler Police Academy in 2007.

We are grieving as a department for the loss of our officer," McCaffery said in an email to NJ Advance Media.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.

In New Jersey, there were 17 police suicides last year and 37 since 2016. Last summer, the state Attorney Generals office launched a program, called the New Jersey Resiliency Program for Law Enforcement, which will require every officer by the end of 2022 to attend a two-day training session that addresses mental health and coping mechanisms.

This is training that is necessary with the epidemic of law enforcement suicides nationwide, McCaffery said. We welcome any training that allows out officers to cope with the stresses of our jobs as best that we can.

Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com.
Enabled by Realtors Property Resource (RPR), data-sharing solution makes real estate listings available to members ahead of busy real estate season

LOVELAND, Colo., Jan. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Information and Real Estate Services (IRES), a Loveland-based regional multiple listing service (MLS) that serves Boulder, Weld, Larimer, Logan and Morgan Counties and also holds partnerships with other regional MLSs to expand access across the state, today announced a data-sharing agreement between IRES and REcolorado utilizing RPR. A similar agreement with Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. (PPRSC) has been in place since December 2017.

Increased collaboration is the future of real estate, and we are excited to work with other like-minded MLSs to offer a wide range of benefits to real estate professionals across the Centennial State, said Lauren Hansen, CEO of IRES. This partnership was designed to bring more value to brokers and consumers by creating a solution that empowers real estate professionals and facilitates seamless transactions.

Facilitated by Realtors Property Resource (RPR), the partnership provides REALTORS of all three MLSs with access to more listing data and a larger audience to help clients find and sell their dream homes.

REcolorado is thrilled to be collaborating with our neighboring MLS organizations, said Alan Smith, chairman of the board for REcolorado. This is the first step toward giving Colorado brokers access to a broader set of listing data they can use to serve their clients.

The three Colorado MLS organizations serve more than 35,000 real estate brokers in Colorado. The agreement will give the organizations members access to active, pending, withdrawn, expired and closed listings. Beginning today, shared data will be available to the three MLS organizations members.



As a REALTOR association-owned MLS, were excited to provide our MLS listings to other REALTORS in the state of Colorado via RPR View, said Patrick Muldoon, president of Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp. We look forward to future endeavors with our neighboring MLSs.

Story continues

Created by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) for the sole purpose of providing REALTORS with the data they need to meet the demands of clients, RPR provides comprehensive data, powerful analytics and client-friendly reports for each of NARs constituencies. RPR View is the most widely used MLS data share solution in the country. This platform allows MLSs to display listings to only their own customers or to larger audiences, such as all MLSs in the U.S. or a specific region.

For more information about IRES, visit ires-net.com . For more information about REcolorado, visit recolorado.com/ . For more information about Pikes Peak RSC, visit ppar.com/ .

About IRES MLS

Information and Real Estate Services, LLC (IRES) was formed in 1996 as the regional Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for northern Colorado by five Boards and Associations of REALTORS in Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont and Loveland/Berthoud. In addition to these five Boards and Associations, IRES is the MLS provider for the Estes Park Board of REALTORS and Logan County Board of REALTORS. ColoProperty.com for consumers is owned and operated by IRES. Its office is centrally located in Loveland, Colo.

About REcolorado

Since 1984, REcolorado has been focused on providing the most accurate and up-to-date real estate information for professionals and consumers. REcolorado is the largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Colorado with more than 25,000 professional subscribers who operate throughout the state. It is REALTOR owned and serves Aurora Association of REALTORS, Denver Metro Association of REALTORS, Mountain Metro Association of REALTORS, REALTORS of Central Colorado, South Metro Denver REALTOR Association, and Steamboat Springs Board of REALTORS. Contact a REALTOR for accurate information about your property and neighborhood.

About Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS (PPAR)

PPAR, the Voice for Real Estate, was founded in 1902 and currently represents 3,997 REALTORS and affiliates in the Pikes Peak Region. For more information about PPAR, visit PPAR.com .

About Pikes Peak REALTOR Services Corp (PPRSC)

A subsidiary of the Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS (PPAR), PPRSC is the provider of the Pikes Peak Multiple Listing Service (PPMLS), which powers PPAR.com and is committed to providing the best MLS services for REALTOR participants throughout the Pikes Peak region and surrounding areas.

###

Amy Leger

aleger@mapr.agency

720-358-5917
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the United Kingdom to investigate Nigerian fugitives who escaped to the UK amid corruption all...





President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the United Kingdom to investigate Nigerian fugitives who escaped to the UK amid corruption allegations.





Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as making the request during a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.





The two leaders met on the sidelines of the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020 holding in London.





There have been reports that UK is one of the popular places Nigerian politicians accused of corruption hide their loot.

Buhari specifically said the cooperation of the UK is still needed in investigating Nigerians who fled to the country as fugitives.





On the anti-corruption war, the President said though it was slow but painstaking, the cooperation of the National Crime Agency of UK was still needed, particularly in the investigation of fugitives from Nigeria finding accommodation in the United Kingdom, Adesina said in a statement.





Buhari was also said to have told Johnson of the development strides recorded by his administration in various sectors.





He said achievements in agriculture is gradually leading to self-sufficiency in rice and other grains, saving the country billions in foreign exchange.





On the war against insurgency, the president said things were a lot better, with the disabuse of the minds of the people on the true philosophy of Boko Haram.





He said the main challenge was in the area of resettling person displaced by the insurgency.





We have a long history with the British military, and we are collaborating, Buhari added.





In his remarks, Johnson thanked Buhari for being a regional leader who gives strong encouragement to the West.





He congratulated him on jobs being created through agriculture and urged him to do more.





He equally lauded the Nigerian president for what he called the social and economic benefits that had accrued to the country since 2015.





Johnson pledged that the necessary hand of fellowship would be extended to Nigeria on its war against corruption, through the National Crime Agency.





He pledged to cooperate with Nigeria and other African countries in the inter-basin water transfer, which could solve the Lake Chad problem, and enhance security in the sub-region.





On the Commonwealth Free Trade Area, the prime minister applauded the idea and pledged a careful consideration.





He charged the Nigerian leader to keep the national autonomy of his country intact, noting that in the future, Nigeria would not just be a continental power but an international power.




[January 21, 2020] HighByte Announces General Availability of HighByte Intelligence Hub for the Industrial Market

PORTLAND, Maine, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HighByte, an industrial software company, today announced that HighByte Intelligence Hub Version 1.0 is now available. HighByte Intelligence Hub is the first DataOps solution purpose-built for industrial environments. DataOps is a new approach to data integration and security that aims to improve data quality, reduce time spent preparing data for analysis, and encourage cross-functional collaboration within data-driven organizations. HighByte Intelligence Hub enables Operations to securely connect, model, and flow valuable industrial data to the users and systems that require this valuable information throughout the extended enterprise. The platform-agnostic software solution runs on-premises at the Edge, securely connects devices and applications via OPC UA and MQTT, is built for scale, and offers a codeless user interface. HighByte has positioned the software solution as the missing data infrastructure link to achieving the vision of Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. "As the number of applications that need to turn raw data into usable information increases, the customer is faced with having to recreate models in every application or develop their own solutions that integrate with the various APIs. Either choice slows down the initial deployment of Industrial 4.0 initiatives, inhibits the ability to scale, and places a huge maintainability problem on the customer," said HighByte CEO Tony Paine. "With HighByte Intelligence Hub, customers can standardize and maintain their data models in a single location, securely streamline information flows, and accelerate time to value for their Industry 4.0 investments." The Manufacturing industry is going through a dramatic step-change. The need to become more data-driven has kick-started the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Early adopters in factories around the world recognize the untapped value of industrial data coming from machines and process controllers on the plant floor. More users and systems want access to this data in real-time to convert it into useful information they can act onlike predicting machine failure, preventing downtme, and improving product quality. Unfortunately, raw operations data lacks context, standards, and correlation, impairing its ability to be used by business functions outside of Operations. This has created the need for DataOps solutions to enter the industrial market.



"Data conditioning is critical for the execution of Industry 4.0 at scale," said Matthew Littlefield, LNS Research President and Principle Analyst. "As the number of consumers of industrial data continues to increase, we see data modeling moving into its own abstraction layer in the technology stack. Solutions like HighByte Intelligence Hub are well positioned to capture data in motion and address the data interoperability issues faced by manufacturers." General availability of HighByte Intelligence Hub was preceded by a global beta program that launched in September 2019. HighByte leveraged the program to collect technical and business feedback from nearly forty (40) manufacturers, distributors, and system integrators representing fifteen (15) countries in preparation for the company's first commercial launch.

HighByte Intelligence Hub is available as a site license with an annual subscription. Visit the website for more information or call +1 844.DATA.OPS (+1 844.328.2677) and select option 1 to receive pricing information and request a free trial. Additional Resources Read more about Industrial DataOps

Learn more about the HighByte founding team

View all company and product news About HighByte

HighByte is an industrial software development company in Portland, Maine building off-the-shelf software that solves data architecture and security challenges for Industry 4.0. We've developed the first DataOps solution purpose-built to meet the unique requirements of industrial assets, products, and processes at the Edge. Learn more at https://highbyte.com. About LNS Research

LNS Research provides research and advisory services to guide industrial companies through digital transformations. The firm's research focuses on how digital technology drives transformations across the value chain and offers insights into the people, processes, and technologies required for achieving Operational Excellence. The firm's publications include quantitative research on trends and best practices, as well as Solution Selection Guides. The company's research analysts work with industrial companies, including manufacturers in discrete, batch, and process industries, to minimize risks associated with alignment, time, and cost in Industrial Transformation, from assessing readiness through solution selection and deployment. This work uses proven methodologies to drive convergence between IT and operations teams, and to empower team leaders to achieve goals and time-to-value, quickly and confidently. HighByte is a registered trademark of HighByte, Inc. Media Contact

HighByte

Torey Penrod-Cambra

Chief Marketing Officer

+1 844.328.2677 x701

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/highbyte-announces-general-availability-of-highbyte-intelligence-hub-for-the-industrial-market-300989123.html SOURCE HighByte

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Elder, a London, UK-based care home alternative, raised another 8.2m in a funding.

The round, which brought total raised to 16.5m, was led by Acton Capital with participation from MMC Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and expand its development efforts to increase efficiency in every aspect of care delivery  from communication between carer and family to in-home monitoring.

Led by CEO Peter Dowds, Elder is a technology-enabled care agency, which provides live-in care that allows elder people to get full-time, specialist support at home. It does this by matching self-employed live-in carers to families in need. Using proprietary logistical and matching technology, Elder can get a carer matched on individual needs and personality to any location in the UK within 48 hours. To date, the company has delivered more than 350,000 days of care in more than 300 towns and cities across the UK since 2016.

FinSMEs

21/01/2020
Ive been coming to this every year since I was a freshman, Taylor said. Its important to come back. Were celebrating more than a day of charity. Were talking about how we can continue his legacy in real life and not just for show. Its a good way to refresh what you learn about social justice, continue the legacy in my classroom, with my friends, not only equality but anti-racism, actively working against it.
Yes, The Post can have it both ways on climate change, because the two issues the letter raised, climate change and highway infrastructure, are two issues, not one. Even if every driver had his own traffic lane, carbon dioxide emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles would still be a problem. And if all vehicles emitted no carbon dioxide, there would still be a problem with inadequate highway capacity.
- Bianca Manalo never fails to amaze many netizens with her pictures on social media

- Recently, a photo that she uploaded caught the interest of some people in the online world

- They claimed that the former beauty queen is already pregnant with her first child

- The actress unhesitatingly responded to the intriguing comments of her followers

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Bianca Manalo finally aired her response to some netizens who unhesitatingly asked if she is already carrying a baby in her womb.

KAMI learned that the pregnancy rumor started when some netizens noticed that the belly of the gorgeous actress is already getting bigger.

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The photos that fueled the speculation were uploaded by the celebrity two days ago. She was seen wearing a jacket when she visited the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris.

A social media user commented on the post and she straightforwardly asked Bianca if she is already pregnant.

The Ang Probinsyano cast member willingly replied by saying no.

Another netizen also claimed that the actress does not want to admit the truth, to which Bianca responded by putting a thinking face emoji.

Screenshot via Fashion Pulis

Source: Instagram

In a previous article by , Bianca and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian celebrated their first anniversary as a couple on November 20, 2019.

Bianca Manalo is a prominent actress and former beauty queen in the Philippines. She won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title in 2009 and she represented the country to the Miss Universe pageant.

POPULAR: Read more news about Bianca Manalo!

Please like and share our Facebook posts to support KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinion about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Joe Biden takes a selfie with an elevator operator on his way to a meeting with The New York Times' editorial board: FX

A clip of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden taking a selfie with an elevator operator has gone viral after the former vice president failed to secure an endorsement from The New York Times.

The exchange was captured on camera when Mr Biden was on his way to meet the Times editorial board as part of a series of interviews with Democratic 2020 election candidates.

Ahead of his interview, the former vice president spoke to an elevator operator called Jacquelyn, who expressed her admiration for him.

I love you. I do. Youre, like, my favourite the woman said, before taking a selfie with Mr Biden.

Video of the moment has since been viewed more than 500,000 times in total on Twitter accounts for Mr Biden and Matt Hill, his deputy national press secretary.

The exchange is useful for Mr Biden as he has sought to counter critics who have argued he is the establishment candidate and does not connect with ordinary voters.

On Sunday, the Times endorsed both Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar and Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren for president over Mr Biden, who is currently the frontrunner in polling for the Democratic primary.

The decision to back two candidates from opposing wings of the Democratic Party  Ms Klobuchar is a moderate, while Ms Warren is a progressive  has been described as utterly confusing.

In an article explaining its decision, the Times editorial board suggested Mr Bidens current lead in national polls was a measure of familiarity as much as voter intention and criticised the framing of his campaign.

The editorial board noted Mr Biden was a figure of great warmth and empathy and the candidate with the greatest fluency on foreign policy but argued he was not the right candidate for the 2020 election.

Merely restoring the status quo will not get America where it needs to go as a society. Whats more, Mr Biden is 77. It is time for him to pass the torch to a new generation of political leaders, the editorial board wrote.

Story continues

The former vice president has led national polls for almost the entirety of the Democratic primary campaign so far and holds a lead of eight percentage points over his nearest rival, senator Bernie Sanders, according to analysis by RealClearPolitics.

Mr Biden is currently battling to win the influential Iowa caucus on 3 February  the first major contest of the Democratic primary.

Current polling averages in the state put him ahead in a tight race, in which Mr Sanders, Ms Warren and South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg are all in contention.

However, Mr Biden will have Iowa almost completely to himself for campaigning in the coming days as several of his top rivals have been forced to go to Washington to participate in the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

Mr Sanders, Ms Warren and Ms Klobuchar will all take part in the Senate trial, which will judge whether Mr Trump should be removed from office over charges stemming from his alleged efforts to pressure Ukraine into declaring a public investigation into Mr Biden and his son Hunter.

The presidents alleged efforts are based on discredited claims of corruption against Mr Bidens son during his time working for a Ukrainian energy company.

Read more

New York Times endorses both Warren and Klobuchar
* Banking and industrial stocks drag Singapore * Industrial and utility stocks weigh on Thailand By Soumyajit Saha Jan 21 (Reuters) - Singapore stocks dropped over 1% tracking broader Asia, as investors were spooked by an escalating coronavirus outbreak in China, while Philippines slid under the 1% mark for the second consecutive session on concerns of regulatory incursions into private contracts. The outbreak of a new coronavirus has spread to more Chinese cities, including Shanghai and the capital Beijing, authorities said on Monday. "Concerns over the spread of the virus is affecting market sentiments. Unfortunately, it's coming at a bad time because it's the travel season in China ahead of the New Year celebrations," said Linus Loo, head of research at Lim & Tan Securities. Losses in the banking and industrial sectors weighed on the city-state's benchmark as it fell to its lowest in nearly two weeks. Lender DBS Group Holdings lost nearly 1%, while conglomerate Jardine Strategic Holdings was down over 2%. Philippine shares were dragged down by heavy losses in the financial sector, with conglomerate Ayala Corp and real estate developer Ayala Land shedding 5.1% and 2.8% respectively. Regulatory scrutiny on certain projects related to the Ayala group had led to "possible regulatory risks involved in private sector's contracts with the government," Rachelle Cruz, analyst at AP Securities said. Foreign investors seem to have concerns about other companies that have similar contracts, and the possibility of probes into such contracts, Cruz added. President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he would review a government rail transit contract https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/19/news/headlines/duterte-to-review-lrt-contract-next/675652 with Ayala and Metro Pacific Investment Corp, while the presidential spokesperson had separately hinted at investigations into an Ayala IT park https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/20/news/top-stories/palace-isnt-done-with-ayala-targets-technohub/675908, on Sunday, The Manila Times reported. Thai stocks were also lower, hurt by losses in the industrial and utility sectors. Airport operator Airports of Thailand PCL dropped 3.7%, while chemical maker PTT Global Chemical PCL plunged 6%. For Asian Companies click; SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS AS AT 0318 GMT STOCK MARKETS Change on the day Market Current Previous Pct Move close Singapore 3243.93 3280.09 -1.10 Bangkok 1585.34 1589.11 -0.24 Manila 7481.12 7552.6 -0.95 Jakarta 6252.105 6245.043 0.11 Kuala Lumpur 1589.74 1588.88 0.05 Ho Chi Minh 982.09 978.63 0.35 Change so far in 2020 Market Current End 2019 Pct Move Singapore 3243.93 3222.83 0.65 Bangkok 1585.34 1579.84 0.35 Manila 7481.12 7,815.26 -4.28 Jakarta 6252.105 6,299.54 -0.75 Kuala Lumpur 1589.74 1588.76 0.06 Ho Chi Minh 982.09 960.99 2.20 (Reporting by Soumyajit Saha in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
Senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, representing Jha, told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana, that: "Legislative Assembly is one which is a creature of the Constitution of J&K and not the Constitution of India where Governor cannot be a substitute."

"The Legislative Assembly cannot be a substitute or the successor of even the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir," Dwivedi.

To bolster his argument, he said that the Legislative Assembly is the creature of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, which was a plenary sovereign authority unlike the Legislative Assembly.

He also added that J&K Constituent Assembly was dissolved in 1957 after the formulation of the J&K Constitution, and as a consequence, Article 370 was apparently frozen.

Dwivedi also argued that the presidential orders issued on August 5-6 are per se illegal in as much as the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir being outside the Constitution of India. "And Article 370, it can only be repealed, ceased or suspended in the manner prescribed by the supervising law of J&K only and not otherwise. What cannot be done directly, cannot be done indirectly also," he argued.

He insisted that these presidential orders, as they intend to apply all provisions of the Constitution of India are null and void, since they have the effect of repealing the Constitution of J&K and replacing it with "Constitution of India by an executive order".

He emphasised that Constitutions are real codes of governance for an undefined period, and they can only be modified or amended in exercise of the self-confined amendatory powers.

Dwivedi said that Article 370 was apparently a tunnel connecting the two Constitutions, and insisted that its sole object was to ensure that people of the region have a say in their governance through their own Constitution. The senior advocate argued that Parliament could exercise few powers on the erstwhile state - alter its boundary and change the name, but cannot convert it into a Union Territory.

He also urged the court to refer the matter to a larger bench against the backdrop of two conflicting decisions - 1959 and 1970 - by a five-judge bench of the apex court on the subject. While the former recognized the temporary nature of Article 370, the latter recognises its permanence by giving the source of power to the Union, and also allows it to regulate the governing relationship between the Centre and state.

The arguments on the matter will continue on Wednesday.

(Sumit Saxena can be contacted at sumit.s@ians.in)
In a clip that has gone viral, popular talk show host Ellen DeGeneres surprised a New Jersey family of five with Christmas gifts, after learning the family did not have much of a Christmas last month.

DeGeneres learned about the family after a News12 New Jersey report chronicling the Red Bank familys three children, all whom share the same birthday.

During the interview from late last year, the siblings, Josevic (7), Serali (4) and LeOmar (2) mused about their love for Ellen DeGeneres and shared that they would love to be on The Ellen Show one day.

Word got around to DeGeneres and she made their wish come true.

The shows receptionist, Jeannie, traveled to Red Bank to meet the family, who were elated to see her. And she didnt show up empty handed. Ellen spoke to the family from her shows studio via satellite, revealing she sent gifts from the shows 12 Days of Christmas promotion.

I really really love this family, DeGeneres said on Twitter.

The gifts included trips to Mexico and Jamaica, a large-screen TV, $2,500 in gift cards, Apple airpods, and a 5-year Netflix subscription.

I really, really love this family. pic.twitter.com/cPh2M2oYxm  Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 20, 2020

Tennyson Donnie Coleman may be reached at tcoleman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TennysonTV. Find him on Facebook. Have a tip? Let us know at nj.com/tips.
The price of renting a home in Spain rose 8.54% last year, compared to 18.35% in 2018, according to an annual report compiled by online property portal, Pisos.com. The average home being rented out in December had a surface area of 124 square metres and a monthly rental price of 966 euros. Prices increased by just 2.44% in the second half of the year.

According to Ferran Font of Pisos.com, there's "a slower growth trend in rents" after a period of strong growth which has seen demand spreading out from the largest cities to outlying areas.

"Many of our clients are real estate agencies and tell us that, if previously it took two days for a flat to rent, now it is taking from a week to ten days," added Font.

The three most expensive provinces to rent in are Madrid (1,744 euros a month on average) followed by Barcelona (1,531 euros a month) and the Balearics (1,394 euros a month). The cheapest are Teruel in Aragon (387 euros a month), Lugo in Galicia (424 euros) and Ciudad Real (424 euros). Catalonia was the region with the biggest increases in rental prices last year at 13.22%.

Malaga and Costa increase

In Malaga province, including the Costa del Sol, rental prices grew by 14.44% in 2019. Malaga stands out with the fifth highest average monthly rent of any province, on 1,236 euros a month, although Malaga city is lower on 1,011 euros, suggesting areas outside on the Costa are even more expensive to rent in.

The cheapest Andalusian province to rent in was inland Jaen on 448 euros a month. The average for the Andalucia region as a whole was 827 euros a month.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Chinese authorities have set up a headquarters in the city of Wuhan to combat the outbreak of the new type of coronavirus which has so far claimed 4 lives, Xinhua reported.

The center will act as a rapid response and control agency, and will isolate and treat infected patients.

The previously unknown virus was first reported on 2019 Dec. 31 in Wuhan.

The World Health Organization announced Monday that it was convening an emergency meeting.

The new disease is a coronavirus, a species common in animals that occasionally leaps to humans.

The virus causes pneumonia.

Within China, the virus has reached major metropolises such as Beijing and Shanghai, while its also traveled as far south as Shenzhen, which borders Hong Kong. Outside of China, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea have all recorded cases.

Initially healthcare officials believed the virus is spreading only animal-to-human, but now it is confirmed to be able to transmit through human-to-human contact.

224 cases are reported in China. 4 people have died.

According to reports, 95% of the infected patients have traveled to Wuhan.

The city markets in Wuhan, which might have caused the outbreak, are shut down.

Passengers at airports and railway stations are being screened for fever.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Nationals MP George Christensen misused his travel expenses by linking taxpayer-funded domestic travel to a month-long personal holiday that included visits to the Middle East and the Philippines.

Mr Christensen, who has been under fire for spending almost 300 days in the Philippines over a four-year period, has paid back more than $2100 in taxpayer funds after an audit by the independent expenses watchdog found he wrongly charged taxpayers for a domestic flight and a government chauffeur.

Nationals MP George Christensen paid back more than $2100 in taxpayer funds after an audit by the independent expenses watchdog found he wrongly charged taxpayers for a domestic flight and a government chauffeur. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Instead of returning to his home base in north Queensland after Parliament finished sitting in the nation's capital in March 2018, he claimed $125.40 for a Comcar to Canberra Airport and $136.42 for a domestic flight to Sydney before linking up with the overseas holiday that he paid for personally.

The audit by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA), released on Monday, found Mr Christensen breached expenses rules for charging taxpayers for the travel on March 30 that year, which was not used for the "dominant purpose" of parliamentary business.
NFU Cymru president John Davies and deputy president Aled Jones have been re-elected to their roles for a further two years.

Davies, a beef and sheep farmer from Powys, and Jones, a dairy farmer from Mid Gwynedd, were unanimously re-elected to their positions.

The pair were elected following a meeting of NFU Cymrus ruling body, Welsh Council on Tuesday (21 January).

John Davies said: There can be little doubt that it has been an eventful last two years for our industry, but I have taken great pride in fighting for Wales farmers during every day of my tenure.

I am under no illusions that huge challenges still face Welsh farming, but I remain committed to lobbying politicians in Cardiff Bay, Westminster and Brussels on the issues that matter to our members  not least bovine TB, water quality and future trade.

But we also need to be positive and seize the opportunities that come our way. I firmly believe that climate change presents a real opportunity for Welsh farmers to rise to the challenge and become the most climate-friendly food producers in the world.

Aled Jones said: It has been a privilege to serve the NFU Cymru membership over the past two years. One of the most enjoyable elements of my work has been travelling across Wales meeting farmers and hearing the issues that are affecting their businesses and their families.

I pledge to continue my work over the next two years voicing the concerns and issues raised by our members with politicians, stakeholders, broadcasters and retailers.
On the cold afternoon of Jan. 20, people of various ages, color and gender gathered in front of the Morton Theatre on Washington Street. Some were holding signs, others were setting up stands. Despite the crisp weather, people worked diligently in preparation for the MLK Day Parade and Music Festival.

Organized by the United Group of Artists, an event production company co-founded by Knowa and Mokah Jasmine Johnson, the fourth annual parade was held to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the messages he stood for.

Mykeisha Ross, vice president of Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, believes the parade perfectly exemplifies what King wanted to achieve in communities across the world.

I think its important for people to come together, show love and meet people you never would otherwise, Ross said. Were breaking racial barriers.

During the parade, spectators looked on as people walked through the streets holding signs with quotes from Dr. King, including the Athens chapter of Moms Demand Action, who marched to raise awareness for gun violence. Toward the end of the parade, a group of marchers carried a sign that read I am human.

Vendors selling products ranging from fried Oreos to traditional African clothing set up shop around the sidelines. Some vendors were veterans of the annual parade, while others were newcomers.

Pull Quote You can be black, white, Hispanic, it doesnt matter, everybody has a story and your voice is your power. No one else can write your story, so tell it. -Mykeisha Ross, vice president of Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement

Kishina Longino, a vendor for Alicias Little Bling Boutique, came from Atlanta to participate in the parade for the first time. After seeing MLK Day parades in Atlanta, she said wanted to see people show out in Athens.

To have parades like this goes back to honoring what Dr. King stood for and the fact that he didnt die in vain, Longino said. He stood for millions of people and this day shows we havent forgotten.

Other vendors like Precious Jones with MEplusTEA, a homegrown hand-blended loose leaf tea company, have participated in the parade since its inception in 2017. Jones said she feels Athens is a close knit community and the parade is a reminder of who we are.

200109_SHY_COMMUNITY-21.jpg Lila holds a sign in reference to new policy barring immigrants from being able to migrate to the United States. Her mother Hanna, says that t

I think Athens is a good example of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for, Jones said.

Attending the parade were people from all walks of life such as families and students.

Ross said her favorite part of the parade was its ability to break barriers and demonstrate that everyone has a story. She explained that events like the MLK Day parade help people find their voice.

You can be black, white, Hispanic, it doesnt matter, everybody has a story and your voice is your power, said Ross. No one else can write your story, so tell it.
NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Solomon Page, a leading global executive search firm servicing the Healthcare and Life Sciences industries, drives expansion through the hire of industry expert Luigi Frezza, who was named Managing Director, Life Sciences. Reporting into President & Global Practice Leader Marc Gouran, Frezza will be based in the London office and drive the growth of the Life Sciences team globally; partnering with companies in the Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Medical Devices and Diagnostics sectors.

Based in Manhattan, NY and with office locations throughout the U.S. and Europe, Solomon Page will continue to serve as a global partner in healthcare and life sciences executive search, while simultaneously expanding the company's footprint into new markets. "Our legacy of success spans across every branch of the Healthcare industry," Gouran said. "With Luigi now leading our Life Sciences practice based in London, we will continue to grow our global network by providing premiere consultative services and best-in-class solutions to both longstanding partners and new clients."

In support of this expansion, additional hires include Vice President Kristen Dorn and Consultant Shanon Yeow, who are both based in the recently opened Conshohocken, Pa. office.

Before joining Solomon Page, Frezza led the Pharmaceutical and Biotech practice of a medium-sized, boutique executive search firm across Europe and the U.S. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, including time spent at Korn Ferry, Frezza has an extensive background in working on search mandates across multiple functions, with a focus on senior roles in R&D, Technical and Commercial Operations, General Management as well as a broad range of corporate functional roles. "I am thrilled to be joining Marc and his team to support the growth of Solomon Page Healthcare & Life Sciences business on an international level," said Frezza. "In conjunction with Shanon and Kristen's efforts, the expansion of our Life Sciences division will round-out our full scope of services within the Healthcare sector. We look forward to making an impact on the industry by providing our clients, who trust us for our knowledge and experience, with valuable insight and unprecedented results."

About Solomon Page

Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of recruitment and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. The success of Solomon Page reflects an organic growth strategy supported by a highly entrepreneurial culture. Acting as a strategic partner to clients and candidates, Solomon Page focuses on providing customized solutions and building long-term relationships based on trust, respect, and the consistent delivery of excellent results. For additional information, visit solomonpage.com.

SOURCE Solomon Page
Most of my stipend goes into public transportation so I can get around the city. Theres not much left to make purchases with at the end of the day, but theres a freedom in that.

Im on my mothers health insurance, but that doesnt work well because I live in a different state, so I usually go to free clinics. I recently had to go to a regular clinic for a strep test and paid $120. That took me about five months to pay off.

The first few months of being away from purchasing things were just pure joy. It was easier then because I still had things from my purchasing days that I could get more use out of. It did get harder, and yet, another wave of creativity came with that; that spark of necessity.

I teach a catechism class at our local parish that doesnt have a lot of resources. There are whiteboards and markers that I use in class, but no erasers, and I didnt have the extra money to go buy one.

I had a pile of clothes in my room that were torn up beyond repair, but I wanted to find a way to use them. One day I thought, Im going to use my old underwear to wipe off the whiteboard every week. It works great, and nobody else has to touch it.

My fiancee has been a champ and supports me emotionally. Shes in medical school right now. We have learned to do different fun things together, like playing the piano. We both love to talk endlessly, so a lot of our time is inexpensively spent in conversation. She has also been really open and gracious if we do want to go out and eat together and disproportionately picks up the bill.
Wellness and beauty are becoming one. Were becoming more and more inclined towards products and brands that are using clean formulas that are devoid of ingredients that do more harm that good. Were seeing a change that the consumer is more and more conscious of what theyre putting into their body or applying on their skin. People are finally getting into the habit of reading about the formulation before buying the product.

Does this cream have microplastics? Does this mascara contain mercury? What is the first ingredient in this toner? Is this cream heavily scented? Is the packaging sustainable? Were finally asking the right questions.

And that has got brands to create more and more sustainable and clean products.

Heres a list of some of the products you can buy when youre in the US:

REFILLABLE DEODORANT AND SOLID SHAMPOO BAR:

Introducing a personal care brand called By Humankind that has zero carbon footprint and has made remarkable attempts to reduce single waste plastic by making biodegradable cotton swabs, refillable deodorant sticks (with eco-friendly refills) that you can keep upgrading as per your usage.

CLEAN COSMETICS:

This video features a number of beauty brands that are hugely acclaimed for their clean formulations. It is basically more love for your face, without the harmful ingredients in the pigments...something weve been applying on our faces for decades and has resulted in hyperpigmentation among other damages.

B07LC18KK5, B00OCJ5SW0

Ilia:

Ilia is sustainable and clean in every way. Even their boxes are biodegradable and the ink is made out of vegetable dyes. Ground up with a mix of natural and organic botanics as a base, Ilia has some very interesting products such as their Serum Foundation range. As make-up dehydrates skin majorly, foundations with nourishing ingredients are the need of the hour. Do try their lip conditioners as well. Apart from their website, the brand is also sold at Sephora in the US.

B06ZZ5XVR7, B00KCLZ6VU

Kosas

This brand makes its foundations with the skin hydrating elixir with six active botanical oils, called the Tinted Face Oil. If youre looking for make-up that doesnt dry your skin in winter or melt on your face in the summers, heres your perfect foundation!

While youre busy checking out their foundation, do try their Kosaport Lip Fuel, a lip balm that doubles as a cheek tint and is enriched with konjac root extracts to anchor spheres of hyaluronic acid on the lips. Anti-ageing for lips?

B0777K7BLR, B004X33GGA

Vapour:

Another clean beauty make-up brand with sensible products is Vapour. Look for High Voltage Lipstick in Primal when you check them out. Their lengthening and volumising mascaras are also a must-have.

PYT:

PYT has the best description of its philosophy on their website. It says that they toss harsh chemicals out the window and kiss goodbye to things like parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum in their formulas.

They also say: We refuse to charge a million dollars for lipstick and mascara that work great and look even better. If that isnt the claim of the year then what is?

Their best products include All + Nothing Dual Ended Concealer and Brush. At an affordable price this concealer comes with an attached brush that you can use to render small areas of your face like the side of your eyes etc. Along with that is their Strike Twice Lip Duo, a lipstick with attached lip gloss in the same shade!

Now that weve discussed cosmetics, lets take you to the regime thatll fill your skin with goodness, once you take off the make-up.

Following is the list of skincare products you should consider if youre travelling to a major city:

FARMACY:

This farmer-cultivated product has plenty of plant-powered elements that are extremely effective for all skin types. Their Honeymoon Glow AHA resurfacing night serum works like a charm for ones with hyperpigmentation and blemishes. Also check out their miraculous Honey Grail facial oil.

BIOEFFECT:

Made in Iceland, this brand boasts of its EGF formula that stands for Epidermal Growth Factor. As we grow older the epidermal growth in our skin slows down. This formula has a protein which makes the skin look younger. Their terrific EGF Eye Serum, EGF Day Serum and essence is something you should definitely add to cart! It wont be very pocket friendly, but itll be one of the best investments youll make for your skin.

GLOW RECIPE:

This brand is NYC based and has the best reviews online. Their eye cream was sold-out at Sephora and theyve recently come up with a really clean formula in their Banana Souffle Mask.

There are just too many products that you should buy from this brand but what you should definitely not miss is their Avocado Retinol Mask.

SUPERGOOP:

When talking about skincare, its criminal not to talk about sun protection. With all the right formulas and a variety of sun protection methods this brand offers, Supergoop have also introduced sunscreen for your eyelids.

HOLIFROG:

Holifrogs packaging is as adorable as their name! They also carry one of the mildest face washes Ive ever used. It is one of those rare brands that focus on balancing the pH level of your skin, rather than just talking about cleansing (and eventually drying it) This brand only makes face washes so far. But that shouldnt stop you from buying a couple of them at once.

Do try their Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash and Kissimmee Therapy Balmy Wash.

EVOLUTION 18:

Beauty mogul Bobbi Browns new venture Evolution 18 is all about consuming the right supplements to glow inside out, nothing like a delicious potion that helps you fit into that LBD. Also put their drinkable Beauty Collagen on your list. Find them at Walmart and Kohls.

SUNDAY RILEY:

Buy it from The States or not, youll find this brand in India soon. Known for its high performance skincare and rich vitamin serums, this brand extracts its goodness from plants and packages in glass. Watch the IGTV video to know about my favourite night oilLuna and the hot-selling/must-buy CEO range. Not to mention the Retinoid Serum being one of the best retinols ever.

MISCELLANEOUS, HAIR, AND DENTAL CARE:

The list would be incomplete without any hair perfumes, toothpastes and other miscellaneous items. Worry not, theres an IGTV for that too.
Graft allegations against Isabel dos Santos, daughter of Angola's former president, have turned a spotlight on Portugal, the country's former colonial power. The "Luanda Leaks" scoop, published on Sunday by some of the world's top media outlets, has put pressure on Portugal's government and some major corporations to explain what they know and what they did. A trove of 715,000 files charges that vast sums were siphoned out of Angola, an oil-rich country whose citizens are mostly mired in poverty, and then stashed abroad, including in Portugal. "Our investigation highlights a broken international regulatory system that allows professional services firms to serve the powerful with almost no questions asked," said the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which led the probe. "The looting of the Angolan people was led by Isabel dos Santos and her family with the complicity of the Portuguese political and economic elite," the national coordinator of Portugal's radical Left Bloc, Catarina Martins, said Monday. Ana Gomes, a former socialist MEP, said: "Portugal and many Portuguese are shown around the world to be accomplices, through acts or omission, of the Angolan kleptocracy." The public prosecutor on Tuesday vowed to "analyse any information that has become public." Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva also ended his official silence, telling parliament "the best way of defending Portuguese businesses and Portuguese workers is to uphold the law and be ruthless in fighting corruption." On Monday, he had declined to comment when questioned, other than to assert the independence of justice authorities and financial regulators. - Portuguese assets - Dos Santos has assets estimated by Forbes magazine at $2.1 billion (two billion euros). Among many Angolans, her wealth and privileged status have earned her the nickname of "The Princess." The 46-year-old tycoon has long been a figurehead for Angolan investments in Portugal, which intensified after the financial crisis that hit the country's former colonial master in 2011. She and her associates hold major stakes in at least 17 Portuguese companies. The holdings include the media giant NOS in partnership with the Portuguese-based Sonae group, which said it was following the Luanda Leaks scandal with "attention and concern". The magnate also has a major holding in Galp Energia, a major Portuguese energy group. The company declined to comment when reached by AFP. The Eurobic bank, for its part, said it cut off all "commercial ties" with dos Santos, its principal shareholder, after allegations that it helped her transfer ill-gotten funds. It said in a statement that it would convey the findings of an audit to Portugal's central bank, the Banco de Portugal, which said said it would "act accordingly" to the Luanda Leaks allegations. "Over the past years, the Banco de Portugal has closely tracked Eurobic's activities," it added, rejecting criticism that it had turned a blind eye to dos Santos's activities. After lawmaker Gomes lodged a complaint against dos Santos over alleged money laundering, Portuguese judicial authorities confirmed early this month that they had opened a probe. The daily Publico reported that another investigation has been under way since 2011. But there have been no indictments to date -- and when President Joao Lourenco paid a fence-mending visit in 2018, Lisbon pledged to help him recover any embezzled funds that had wound up in Portugal. Luanda Leaks, which originated from dos Santos's financial management firm based in Portugal, is published at a time when dos Santos is under investigation in Angola. Prosecutors last month froze bank accounts and holdings owned by her and her husband Sindika Dokolo. They are suspected of diverting more than a billion dollars (900 million euros) from the national oil giant Sonangol and diamond company Endiama. Dos Santos stopped living in Angola after her authoritarian father Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who ruled the country for nearly 40 years, stepped down in 2017 for his anointed successor, Lourenco. She denies the allegations against her and says she is the victim of a witch hunt. Isabel dos Santos has been tagged 'Africa's richest woman' by Forbes magazine, which estimated her wealth last year at more than $2 billion
Islamabad, Jan 21 : Time Magazine has featured Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with other world leaders, on its cover page in a special issue on the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos set to begin on Tuesday.

The other leaders featured on the cover illustration are founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF Klaus Schwab, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Microsoft Founder Bill Gates and Europe's Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, reports The News International.

On the cover, the five are seen sitting on a chairlift with the snow-covered Swiss Alps in the background, while US President Donald Trump and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg were shown in another chairlift.

Khan is expected to reach Davos on Tuesday for a three-day official visit to attend the Forum, with his trip costing a mere $68,000 due to austerity measures taken by the government.

He is expected to hold meetings with several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

His meeting with Trump will be the third leadership-level interaction between Pakistan and the US leaders since Khan's visit to Washington in July 2019.

The White House has also confirmed the Khan-Trump meeting.
A video of Maharashtra minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan purportedly saying that his party joined the Shiv Sena-led government on "insistence" of the "Muslim community" to stop the BJP from returning to power has gone viral on social media.

The remarks were purportedly made by the PWD Minister while addressing an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally in Nanded in Marathwada region of the state recently.

Chavn told PTI on Tuesday that he didn't specifically mention Muslims in his speech.

"We have a (coalition) government in place in the state. The Congress decided to join the government to avoid the (repeat of) losses the state had suffered in the last five years (when the BJP was in power). Our Muslim brothers also insisted that we join the government to keep the biggest enemy, the BJP, away from power," Chavan said in Hindi.

The senior Congress leader, who had served as a chief minister of Maharashtra during December 2008 to November 2010, also said the new citizenship law will not be implemented in the state as long as the present dispensation in at the helm.

The Congress is a part of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comprising the Shiv Sena and the NCP.

Calling for extensive debate on the CAA, Chavan said nobody's Constitutional rights should be allowed to be violated.

"Secularism is our foundation. The law (CAA) should be based on the Constitution," he said.

When contacted, Chavan said, "I didn't speak about Muslims specifically. I had only said that all communities had told our party to join the government".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW YORK - Rocker Ozzy Osbourne says that he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a nervous system disorder that affects movement.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - This June 11, 2018 file photo shows musician Ozzy Osbourne, left, and his wife Sharon Osbourne at the Metal Hammer Golden God awards in London. The 71-year-old Grammy winner and former vocalist for the metal band Black Sabbath said during an interview on Good Morning America that aired Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, that he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a nervous system disorder that affects movement. The diagnosis came after a fall last year. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File)

NEW YORK - Rocker Ozzy Osbourne says that he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a nervous system disorder that affects movement.

The 71-year-old Grammy winner and former vocalist for the metal band Black Sabbath said during an interview on "Good Morning America" that aired Tuesday that the diagnosis came after a fall last year.

Osbourne had to cancel tour dates last year due to health troubles. Osbourne said he really wants to get well and get back to performing because he misses his fans.

His wife, Sharon Osbourne, told GMA that the diagnosis "was not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination," but he had good days and bad days.

Osbourne and his family, including his children and wife, were the stars of their own reality show called "The Osbournes."
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will on Friday begin a four-day visit to India, primarily as chief guest on Republic Day and also to explore ways to boost trade ties at a time both the large economies are hit by slowdowns.

On his first visit to India after assuming power, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be paying a state visit to India from January 24-27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the chief guest at India's 71st Republic Day Parade on January 26," the External Affairs Ministry said.

Bolsonaro, a former army captain, won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October 2018 and took the reins of the country in January last year.

"This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the ministry said.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit.

Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.

On January 25, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold separate talks with Bolsonaro. Kovind will also host a banquet for the visiting dignitary.

The Brazilian president will witness the Republic Day parade on January 26 as the chief guest.

On January 27, Bolsonaro will address a group of Indian and Brazilian business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum, according to the MEA.

India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The volume of bilateral trade was USD 8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included USD 3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further.

"Both sides will focus on boosting trade and investment during the visit," said an official.

Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.

Indian investments in Brazil were around USD 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at USD 1 billion in 2018.

Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.

The two countries signed an agreement in 2003 for defence cooperation. It was ratified by Brazil in 2006. The agreement provides for cooperation in defence related matters, especially in the field of research and development, acquisition and logistic support.

"Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries," the MEA said.

Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations.

"The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said.

Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Prime Minister Modi met Bolsonaro on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka in June last year during which a raft of issues of bilateral importance were discussed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has urged Nigerian youth to give priority to acquiring information technology skills over having university degrees.

Mr Pantami gave the advice on Monday while commissioning a community information technology centre in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The minister said Nigerian youth are innovative and possess good ideas and skills, saying that is the reason the Federal Government is establishing community information technology centres across the country.

He said the centres would help the youth to acquire digital literacy and skills.

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Digital skills should have priority over even University degrees and certificates. If a student can acquire a certificate and skills married together, that is the best. But if the student graduates from university with only one, it is better to have skills than a certificate, Mr Pantami said.

The minister said the digital economy is all about skills rather than university degrees. He illustrated his argument with the story of the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, who he said displaced Bill Gates as the world richest person for three years through digital literacy.

He, however, acknowledged that Mr Gates later regained the position after his company, Microsoft, won $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract, beating off competition from Mr Bezoss Amazon.

Mr Pantami also urged Nigerian youth to use their digital skills in making money instead of spreading fake news and promoting disunity.

The ministers remarks were greeted with loud cheers at the event attended by hundreds of residents.

The federal government through the community information technology centres hopes to identify the brilliant youth with innovative ideas to be supported to put the ideas to use, the minister said.

The centres, piloted in Jigawa, Gombe and Rivers states, were constructed and equipped by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) with the aim to diversify the nations economy through digital literacy and skills.

A living testimony

The host governor, Muhammad Badaru, a businessman before venturing into politics, said business is more profitable and less risky with digital skills.

Mr Badaru said with digital literacy, he now manages his businesses around the globe from his sitting room, adding that information technology is the best business the state is committed toward.

He said the state government with the support of the emirate council would ensure the sustainability of the centre.

He said the government wants to take the state into the digital world through the development of digital skills and knowledge.

I can even donate my office for the sake of digital economy literacy, the governor said.

However, despite Mr Badarus remarks, PREMIUM TIMES found that three major places where youth access free internet services have not been providing the services since June last year.

It is not clear whether this is due to a technical issue, but critics of Mr Badaru said the government refused to settle the internet charges.
Kansas City Tax Time Reminder

Tax Assistance The Kansas City Public Library is committed to connecting our community to information resources. In addition to the tax forms and information you'll find here, the library will host TaxSlayer workshops at multiple locations and AARP-Tax Aide clinics at our Plaza and Waldo locations during the 2020 Tax season.

Living Among Overland Park Neighbors Seems Awful

Should you pay a fine for not shoveling your sidewalk? KC area advocates want change Driving on a busy four-lane intersection in Overland Park a couple of weeks ago, Rebecca Crowder noticed a woman wrapped up in a wool poncho and scarf, pushing a walker through inches of snow and slush on the sidewalk.

Super Bowl Not For Broke-Asses

This could be the most expensive Super Bowl ever with ticket prices soaring KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV/CNN) -- The Super Bowl matchup is set with the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, and this highly anticipated game has sent ticket prices soaring. On the online ticket platform SeatGeek, the average resale price is currently $6,232.

KC Dances Away Pain

Gun violence prompts KCMO mother to open dance studio KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A local mother who knows loss all too well is channeling her pain into fulfilling her daughter's dream. Timika Simms started the Imperial Goddessess Dance Studio last May in Kansas City, Missouri. Her daughter's father was killed two years ago, and she has lost several other family members and friends to gun violence.

Fast Fashion Consequences & Hotness

Kara Del Toro Makes a Great Bikini Model - Egotastic - Sexy Celebrity Gossip and Entertainment News Kara Del Toro comes from Houston Texas, and as they say everything really is bigger in Texas judging by her chest size. She grew to fame when she posed for a Guess campaign and later for Maxim magazine. Looks like she's found her calling as a bikini model in the new lookbook for some fast ...

China Sickness Spreads

4 people dead as China confirms Wuhan coronavirus can be spread by humans Officials in China are racing to contain the spread of a new coronavirus that has left at least four people dead and sickened hundreds after it was confirmed the infection can spread between humans.

Mexican Standoff

Migrant Caravan Crosses River into Mexico In Standoff With Security Forces Hundreds of migrants from Central America on Monday moved off a closed border bridge and waded across the Suchiate River at the Guatemala-Mexico border after Mexican officials informed the group they would not be permitted to move farther into the country.

Hillary Vs. Bernie Part Deux

Hillary Clinton in Full: A Fiery New Documentary, Trump Regrets and Harsh Words for Bernie: "Nobody Likes Him" With four-part Hulu series 'Hillary' set to premiere at Sundance, one of America's most groundbreaking (and polarizing) figures opens up about Monica Lewinsky, her marriage, whether a woman can win the presidency and her not-so-fuzzy feelings about Bernie Sanders: "Nobody wants to work with him."

Show-Me Old School Dedication

Missouri couple married 65 years dies on the same day A Missouri husband and wife who had been married for 65 years died just hours apart from each other Saturday, holding hands in adjacent beds at a nursing home in St. Louis. Jack Morisson met his future wife, Harriet, when he was a bus driver chauffeuring her father on a trip with a drum and bugle corps.

Kansas No Habla

University of Kansas to close its Languages school LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - The University of Kansas will close its School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures but departments within the school will remain open and students will not be affected, according to a school official.

Kansas City Artsy Reprise

Psychiatric Museum Exhibit Builds Momentum For The Comeback Of Kansas City Artist Arthur Kraft The posthumous resurgence of interest in Kansas City artist Arthur Kraft, who died in 1977, continues to gain momentum. In the past 20 years, two major retrospectives were launched at the Carter Art Center and the Albrecht-Kemper of Art, his murals have been rediscovered and a scholarship was established in his name.

Double Down Winter

Cold Tuesday, messy mix possible Wednesday Hide Transcript Show Transcript COATS, IT IS COLD, IT IS 50 DEGREES. IT IS ALL RELATIVE. NO ONE WILL ARGUE WITH THIS. THIS IS ALL CALLED. TWO BELOW ZERO IN MARYVILLE. IN LEBANON, AND LEE'S SUMMIT, THIS IS ONE OF THE COLDER MORNINGS WE HAVE HAD THIS WINTER SEASON.

Quick peek at pop culture, community news and all manner of worthwhile news items for edification and further discussion . . .is the song of the day and this is thefor right now . . .
China says SARS-like virus spreading, reports 136 new cases

The SARS-like coronavirus, reported first from Wuhan in central China, has now over 136 new cases and has spread to more areas in the country, including capital Beijing.

China last week reported the spread of the mysterious SARS-like virus and the death of three of the 140 affected persons, raising concerns as millions begin foreign trips for the Lunar New Year.

The new coronavirus strain has caused alarm because of its connection to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed nearly 650 people across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

A 45-year-old Indian school teacher is reported to be the first foreigner to have contracted the mysterious SARS-like coronavirus. Preeti Maheshwari, a teacher at an international school in Shenzhen, has been admitted to a local hospital after she fell seriously ill last Friday. Doctors on Monday confirmed that she was suffering from the virus and is being treated for it, a PTI report cited her husband Ashuman Khowal as saying.

Khowal, who is allowed to visit the patient for a few hours every day, said she was unconscious and doctors have said she could take a long time to recover.

Health authorities in Beijing's Daxing district said two people who had travelled to Wuhan were treated for pneumonia linked to the virus and are in stable condition.

In Guangdong, a 66-year-old Shenzhen man was quarantined on 11 January after contracting a fever and showing other symptoms following a trip to visit relatives in Wuhan, the provincial health commission said in a statement.

A total of 201 people have now been diagnosed with the virus in China. In Wuhan, 170 people are still being treated at hospital, including nine in critical condition, the city health commission said.

Wuhan, a city of 11 million, also is a major transport hub used by travellers, especially during the annual Lunar New Year holiday when hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel across the country to visit family.

While most of the patients that showed symptoms such as fever or cough are from the Wuhan and Shenzhen areas, health authorities in China are expanding the search, identifying suspected cases and conducting sampling tests across the country.

The authorities have also temporarily closed Wuhans Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market for carrying out disinfection, although epidemiological analysis of previously published cases found no exposure to seafood, according to a Xinhua report.

Meanwhile most of the over 500 Indian students studying in the Wuhan citys medical colleges are reported to have left for home for the Chinese New Year holidays.

On Friday, Indias health ministry advised travelers to China to follow simple public health measures like good personal hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and also following respiratory etiquettes - covering mouth when coughing or sneezing and to avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illness, such as cough, runny nose etc.

They have also been advised to avoid contact with live animals and consumption of raw/undercooked meats; avoid travel to farms, live animal markets or where animals are slaughtered; and wear a mask in case of respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose

For those returning to India, the ministry said, If you feel sick on flight, while traveling back to India: Inform the airlines crew about illness; seek mask from the airlines crew; avoid close contact with family members or fellow travelers; and follow the directions of airline crew while disembarking.

Those who feel sick within a span of one month after return from China have also been asked to report the illness to the nearest health facility and also inform the treating doctor regarding travel history.
Playbook lifecycle management is a key feature of the latest version of the Siemplify Security Operations Platform. 2019 was a record-breaking year for us with countless achievements, but perhaps most importantly, we placed ample focus on laying the foundations to support our ambitious growth plans for 2020.

Siemplify, the leading independent provider of security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR), today announced record results in customer bookings and revenue in 2019 compared to the previous year, underscoring high demand among enterprises and managed security services providers (MSSPs) for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their security operations.

In 2019, Siemplify continued to expand its footprint within global enterprises and MSSPs, serving as the security operations platform behind many of the worlds most advanced security organizations. Notable wins included a Top 10 global airline, a Fortune 100 logistics company, a Fortune 50 energy firm and a Fortune 500 food conglomerate. The company also cemented its leadership position as the most advanced SOAR platform for the MSSP market, adding several of the worlds largest MSSPs to its already impressive list of service provider customers.

Our success has been driven by not only helping to solve the most pressing challenges facing enterprises and MSSPs but also by the distinct ways we differentiate from our competition, said Amos Stern, CEO of Siemplify. This includes delivering a vendor-agnostic SOAR platform that is rooted in deep security operation expertise and acts as a complete workbench for the security operations center, a patented threat-centric approach, and a unique combination of power and simplicity, which appeals to security analysts and engineers alike.

Notable 2019 Siemplify developments and milestones included:



Doubling annual recurring revenue (ARR).

Doubling the customer install base.

Raising $30 million in Series C funding to support the companys continued growth, bringing total capital raised to date to $58 million.

Securing a new patent for the companys innovative method to organizing and connecting security threat data.

Garnering prestigious recognition, including Black Unicorn Awards 2019, 2019 SINET 16 Innovators, The Software Reports 2019 Top 25 Cybersecurity Companies and CRN Emerging Vendor 2019.

Launching a worldwide partner program to grow channel efforts. Overall, partners can expect to see margins of 20 to 25 percent delivering SOAR from Siemplify.

Launching four major releases of the companys security operations platform with many innovations, including a unique crisis management module and reusable playbook blocks for best-in-class playbook lifecycle management, all running on new high-performance Linux architecture.

Momentum for SOAR shows little sign of abating. Gartner estimates that by the year-end of 2022, 30% of organizations with a security team larger than five people will leverage SOAR tools in their security operations, up from less than 5% today.

Regarding the future of SOAR, the research and advisory company also states that numerous acquisitions have been occurring consistently for three years. Vendors are looking to build a security platform to add SOAR to, either natively or via acquisition, suggesting that more acquisitions are a real possibility. This scenario requires buyers attention to create a contingency plan in case their SOAR tool is acquired by another vendor. At the same time, SOAR products must be vendor-agnostic to maintain value due to integration. The reality will more likely be that for some time independent (SOAR) solutions will continue to do a better job with their singular focus on roadmap execution and better treatment of being vendor neutral with available integrations. (Gartner, Market Guide for Security Orchestration, Automation and Response Solutions, 2019, Claudio Neiva, et al, 27 June 2019).

2019 was a record-breaking year for us with countless achievements, but perhaps most importantly, we placed ample focus on laying the foundations to support our ambitious growth plans for 2020, Stern said. The combination of our strategic alliance partnerships, expanding network of distribution partners, raving customers and, of course, the amazing Siemplify team could not position us better to capitalize on the categorys continued growth.

About Siemplify

Siemplify, the leading independent security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) provider, is redefining security operations for enterprises and MSSPs worldwide. The Siemplify platform is an intuitive workbench that enables security teams to manage their operations from end to end, respond to cyberthreats with speed and precision and get smarter with every analyst interaction. Founded in 2015 by Israeli Intelligence experts, with extensive experience running and training security operations centers worldwide, Siemplify has raised $58 million in funding to date and is headquartered in New York, with offices in Tel Aviv. Visit us at siemplify.co or follow us on Twitter at @Siemplify.

Products, service names and company logos mentioned herein may be registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
A man wears a mask while riding on mobike past the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which has been linked to cases of Coronavirus, on January 17, 2020 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China.

Travel-related stocks in Asia fell on Tuesday amid growing fears surrounding an outbreak of a mysterious virus in China that has killed four people so far.

Airline stocks across the region took a hit. Hong Kong-listed shares of China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines dropped 6.7% and 6.51%, respectively, and Cathay Pacific plummeted 4.07%. Elsewhere, Japan Airlines slipped 2.97% in Japan while ANA shed 2.16%. Australia's Qantas fell 1.7%.

In Hong Kong, shares of insurers tumbled as AIA fell 3.42%. Hong Kong-listed shares of Ping An and China Life Insurance also dropped 4.31% and 4.95%, respectively. Stocks of casino operators also fell, with Wynn Macau plunging 4.81% and Melco International Development diving 4.35%. Wynn has a significant exposure to China.

Chinese authorities on Tuesday confirmed a fourth death in an ongoing coronavirus outbreak in the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to more than 200, Reuters reported.

An official has also confirmed that the disease can spread from person-to-person, the report said.

Outside China, cases have also been confirmed in Thailand, Japan and South Korea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The biggest risk actually is about the fact that Chinese  New Year is just around the corner, so the number of tourists domestically who will be just travelling within China actually adds to risk about  how widely could this virus spread from people-to-people contact in the shortest span of time than any other time of the year," Waqas Adenwala, Asia analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Tuesday.

Adenwala said the business impact could extend beyond tourism-related firms such as airlines due to the upcoming festive season.

"You will actually see a lot of impact on people who're running, you know, big retail conglomerates to as well, or FMCGs where you'd actually see a lot of people going in to buy festive products just ahead of the celebrations," Adenwala said, referring to fast-moving consumer goods which are typically sold quickly at a low cost.

Hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens are expected to travel domestically and internationally during the extended Lunar New Year holiday which starts on Saturday.

The annual mass movement of people has ignited fears of a further spread of the virus and kindled memories of the fatal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2002 and 2003. SARS killed 800 people  most of them from China and Hong Kong  during that period, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Also caused by a coronavirus, the SARS pandemic cost the global economy tens of billions of dollars.

The current situation is "slightly helped" by the presence of online commerce today as compared to the time of the SARS outbreak, Adenwala said.

"With the digital age, you can actually consume a lot, buy a lot of things online," Adenwala said. "Back then, you didn't have a lot of tourists or a lot of consumers going online to shop as much as you can see them doing now."

 CNBC's Huileng Tan contributed to this report.
ALBANY  Support for a series of recently enacted bail reforms is declining, according to a Siena College Research Institute poll released Tuesday.

Just 37 percent of New Yorkers said the new law, which eliminates pre-trial detention and cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, are good for New York  down from 55 percent last April, when the Legislature passed the measures. Nearly half of respondents  49 percent  said the reforms are bad for New York, an 11-point increase from April.

Another 10 percent of New Yorkers surveyed this month said it was either too early to decide, or the reforms are both good and bad, or neither.

Unsurprisingly, Democrats and Republicans were split in their views, with 53 percent of Democrats saying the changes were good for the state, compared to just 15 percent of Republicans and 29 percent of independents. Independents had the most dramatic shift in their opinion of the reforms  60 percent had supported them in April.

The upstate-downstate divide was also clear: 33 percent of upstaters backed the law, compared to 50 percent of people living in New York City. Thirty-two percent of individuals who live in the suburbs downstate said the legislative changes were good for New York.

State legislators have wrestled with the bail reforms for months, as Republicans have ramped up calls to repeal or reform them. Some Democrats, including Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, have indicated that they would consider altering the law, while others, including Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, have said they will not budge.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

But as state legislators consider their next steps on bail, the public is throwing support behind several of Cuomo's State of the State proposals. At least two-thirds of voters back 11 of the governor's plans, including guaranteed paid sick leave, a new domestic terrorism charge and a ban on single-use Styrofoam products.

Fifty-eight percent of New Yorkers also support legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, about the same as it has been over the past year.

Siena interviewed 814 registered voters between Jan. 11 and 16. The margin of error is 4.1 percent.
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Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | January 21, 2020

A DUI in Pennsylvania could cost you your right to own a gun. Meanwhile, Philadelphia International Airport is gearing up to roll out facial recognition scanners for passengers. Sticking to Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers sues the school district over failing to keep students and staff safe from asbestos. And, because we like to end on a positive note, we have a story about Jason Momoas visit to a Pennsylvania childrens hospital.

Those are the stories we are covering in the latest episode of Today in Pa, a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Julia Hatmaker. Today in Pa is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories in the state.

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Technavio has been monitoring the global digital education content market and it is poised to grow by USD 22.97 billion during 2019-2023, progressing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200120005321/en/

Technavio announced its latest market research report titled global digital education content market 2019-2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Growing emphasis on personalized content has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, challenges with increased availability of open educational resources, might hamper market growth. Request a free sample report

Digital Education Content Market 2019-2023: Segmentation

Digital Education Content Market is segmented as below:

End-Users

K-12

Higher education

Geographic segmentation

Americas

APAC

EMEA

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR30174

Digital Education Content Market 2019-2023: Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our digital education content market report covers the following areas:

Digital Education Content Market size

Digital Education Content Market trends

Digital Education Content Market industry analysis

This study identifies rising adoption of internet-enabled devices as one of the prime reasons driving the digital education content market growth during the next few years.

Digital Education Content Market 2019-2023: Vendor Analysis

We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the digital education content market, including some of the vendors such as Adobe Systems, Cengage Learning Holdings, McGraw-Hill Education, MPS and Pearson. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the digital education content market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support.

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Digital Education Content Market 2019-2023: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2019-2023

Detailed information on factors that will assist digital education content market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the digital education content market size and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the digital education content market

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of digital education content market vendors

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Kramer Levin is pleased to announce that Paris partner Dana Anagnostou has been elected co-managing partner of the Paris office, effective Jan. 13, 2020. Ms. Anagnostou shares the title with Renaud Dubois, who had served as the sole managing partner of the office since January 2016.

Ms. Anagnostou focuses on cross-border corporate and finance transactions involving French, U.S. and English law. She advises companies and financial services institutions on international M&A deals, with an emphasis on middle-market transactions, and provides strategic advice to a variety of French and international clients on corporate and compliance matters (including internal investigations relating to Sapin II and FCPA issues). Ms. Anagnostou also handles secured and unsecured commercial finance transactions, including cross-border credit facilities, securitizations and other types of structured finance.

An American who has lived in France for more than 20 years, Ms. Anagnostou is a member of the New York and Paris bars and a solicitor in England and Wales. She is also head of the Paris office's Corporate department and co-leads its Women's Initiative committee.

"Dana is a highly regarded lawyer, a trusted adviser to clients and colleagues alike, and an experienced leader," said her co-managing partner, Dubois. "The timing of her election could not be better, given our rapid growth in recent years. And I could not be more pleased that she is joining me in leading the Paris office."

Kramer Levin's 60-plus-lawyer Paris office has grown nearly 40% since 2016.

"It's an honor to be named co-managing partner of Kramer Levin's growing Paris office," said Ms. Anagnostou. "I look forward to working closely with Renaud to help ensure that our growth continues to align with our strategic objectives and that we maintain our distinctive culture, which is key to our being a great place to work as well as a trusted partner to our clients."

The announcement of Ms. Anagnostou's new role as co-managing partner demonstrates the strides Kramer Levin is making to develop diverse talent and bring women into leadership roles. The firm also announced this month that Marie Davy and Pamela Le Jeune were elevated to partner in the Paris office. In the past year, five of the firm's six new partners have been women (two of whom are also Asian American). And two of the firm's past three lateral hires were women.

About Kramer Levin Naftalis Frankel LLP

Kramer Levin provides its clients proactive, creative and pragmatic solutions that address today's most challenging legal issues. The firm is headquartered in New York, with offices in Silicon Valley and Paris, and fosters a strong culture of involvement in public and community service. For more information, visit www.kramerlevin.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005853/en/

Contacts:

Ludivine Danese

Kramer Levin Naftalis Frankel LLP

Paris

33 (0)1 44 09 16 32

ldanese@kramerlevin.com



Jennifer Manton

Kramer Levin Naftalis Frankel LLP

New York

212-715-7612

jmanton@kramerlevin.com



Peter Pochna

Rubenstein for Kramer Levin

New York

212-843-8007

ppochna@rubenstein.com
File photo of Pravin Kumar Nair and his family. (Right) The Everest Panorama resort where the tragedy took place.

Kochi: Eight tourists from Kerala were found dead in a resort at Daman in Makwanpur district of Nepal, reports said. The dead include a couple and four minor children.

The deceased were identified as Praveen Kumar Nair (39), Saranya (34), Ranjith Kumar T.B (39), Indu Ranjith (34), Sreebhadra (9), Abhinav Soorya (9), Abhi Nair (7) and Vaishnav Ranjith (2).

The deceased are from Chengottukonam in Thiruvananthapuram and Kundamangalam in Kozhikode. Praveen, a travel enthusiast hailing from Chengottukonam, went on the Nepal trip with his wife, three children and friends from Kochi, last week.

They were using a gas heater in the room. Suffocation might have caused their death, said superintendent of police Sushil Singh Rathore of the District Police Office in Makwanpur, news agencies reported.

According to newspaper reports here, the deaths occurred at a resort named Everest Panorama. They were airlifted to HAMS hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival, superintendent of police Sushil Singh Rathaur said.

They were part of a group of 15 people travelling from Kerala to Pokhara, a popular mountain tourist destination, The Himalayan Times reported.

They were on their way back home and stayed at Everest Panorama resort in Daman in Makawanpur district on Monday night.

The tourists are suspected to have died of asphyxiation after turning on the gas heater and shutting all the windows to keep warm. Hotel staff opened the room using duplicate keys as there was no response from the rooms when the other members of the group went to check on them.

According to the manager of the resort, the guests stayed in a room and turned on a gas heater to keep themselves warm. Although they had booked a total of four suites, eight of them stayed in a room, the manager said, adding that all the windows and the door of the room were bolted from inside.

All arrangements have been made to bring the bodies to Kerala at the earliest. The Union government is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Nepal. A doctor from the Indian embassy will be present during the post mortem. Other members of the group are being brought to Kathmandu by road, said Union minister V Muraleedharan.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that NORKA will coordinate with Nepal authorities to bring dead bodies.

Embassy officials are at the government hospital where a post mortem is being done. Formalities will be completed at the earliest and arrangements are in place to bring dead bodies by Wednesday evening. State government is in constant contact with Nepal authorities, said Kadakampally Surendran, tourism minister.
[January 21, 2020] Construction Starts Fall 21% in December

According to Dodge Data & Analytics, total construction starts in the final month of 2019 dropped 21% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $800.4 billion. The sharp decline was largely a response to hefty gains posted in November's utility and manufacturing sectors. When removing the influence of these two very volatile sectors, total construction starts only fell 3% in December. By major sector, nonresidential building starts fell 20% in December, while nonbuilding starts dropped 41%, and residential starts lost 4% over the month. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005373/en/ December 2019 Construction Starts (Graphic: Business Wire) The pullback in December pushed the Dodge Index down to 169 (2000=100) compared to the 213 posted in November, and just below the 12-month average of 174. For the full year, total construction starts were essentially flat when compared to 2018 at $817.6 billion. In 2019, nonbuilding starts gained 7% due to large gains in utility starts, while nonresidential starts fell 1% and residential starts declined 3%. Removing the massive 112% gain in utility starts from the total would result in total construction declining 3% from the previous year. "Last year (2019) will go down as one of the most volatile years for monthly construction starts due the lumpy nature of large projects," stated Richard Branch, Chief Economist of Dodge Data & Analytics. "Looking beyond the influence of these massive proects, it is evident that the uncertainty surrounding trade policy weighed on construction activity last year."



Nonbuilding construction fell 41% in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $171.4 billion following an extremely strong November, which saw the start of several large projects. The only category to post a gain in December was environmental public works, which increased 1%. Starts of electric utility/gas plants fell 76%, while highway and bridge starts fell 18% and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts dropped 17% from November to December. The largest nonbuilding construction project to break ground in December was the $900 million Sagamore Wind Farm project in Roosevelt County NM. Also starting in December was the $400 million Deuel Harvest Wind Farm in Clear Lake SD and a $400 million extension of US 401 to I-40 in Raleigh NC.

For the full year of 2019, nonbuilding construction rose 7% thanks to a 112% gain in the electric utility/gas plant category. When removing that category from total nonbuilding, starts were down 8% for year. Environmental public works gained 4% in 2019, while miscellaneous nonbuilding fell 19%. Highway and bridge starts were down 8% for year. Nonresidential building dropped 20% from November to December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $289.5 billion. The main reason for the decline in December was a 93% decline in manufacturing after a large petrochemical plant broke ground in November. Institutional starts rose 6% over the month fueled by gains in healthcare and recreation. Commercial starts rose 5% in December due to solid gains in warehouses and parking structures. The largest nonresidential building project to break ground in December was the $712 million National Geospatial Agency Headquarters in Saint Louis MO. Also breaking ground in December was a $570 million medical center renovation in Bethesda MD and a $400 million consolidated rental car facility at Newark International Airport. For the full year, nonresidential building starts fell 1%. Commercial building starts rose 6% last year due to gains in warehouses and offices, while institutional starts fell 5% with activity in all major categories seeing a pull back. Manufacturing starts fell 15% in 2019. Residential buildings starts fell 4% in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $339.5 billion. During the month single family starts lost 7%, while multifamily posted a tepid 1% gain from November. The largest multifamily structure to break ground during the month was the $470 million 1000 Michigan South Loop Condo Tower in Chicago IL. Also starting in December was the $215 million Koula Mixed-Use Tower in Honolulu HI and the $170 million Alta Xmbly Block 23 facility in Somerville MA. For the full year, residential starts were 3% lower than in 2018. Single family starts ended 2019 down 1%, while multifamily starts lost 7% for the year. About Dodge Data & Analytics: Dodge Data & Analytics is North America's leading provider of analytics and software-based workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities and execute on those opportunities for enhanced business performance. Whether it's on a local, regional or national level, Dodge makes the hidden obvious, empowering its clients to better understand their markets, uncover key relationships, size growth opportunities, and pursue those opportunities with success. The company's construction project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the industry. Dodge is leveraging its 100-year-old legacy of continuous innovation to help the industry meet the building challenges of the future. To learn more, visit www.construction.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005373/en/

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A Co Antrim church has criticised the new same-sex marriage arrangements, as couples who wish to marry in a religious ceremony are currently "being denied the right to do so".

Steve Ames - the pastor of Harbour Faith Community in Carrickfergus, which campaigned for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland - claimed that any LGBT couples planning to wed before an upcoming consultation on the new law is completed are not allowed to include hymns, Bible readings, prayers or blessings.

Nor will they be permitted to marry in a church building, he said.

Mr Ames explained that, as he is a religious celebrant, he cannot currently marry same-sex couples while civil and humanist celebrants may do so.

A law to legalise same-sex marriage here was passed by Westminster in July and came into force in October.

Secretary of State Julian Smith said the first gay marriage is expected to take place by Valentine's Day this year.

In an open letter to the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and other government agencies, Mr Ames said while he would be delighted to perform same-sex marriages in a religious context, he cannot do so until the conclusion of the upcoming consultation.

"Along with many others, we were pleased to see that marriage equality has been introduced, at least in part, in Northern Ireland," he said.

"We say 'in part' because we note with some dismay that same-sex couples who wish to marry in any kind of religious ceremony are still being denied the right to do so.

"By extension, entire faith communities are being denied the right to celebrate and affirm same-sex marriages among their own congregants, whilst those seeking civil or humanist weddings are facing no such embargo."

Mr Ames criticised the NIO on its "vague commitment" to hold the consultation later this year and asked what gave public servants the right to deny citizens religious freedoms.

"Christians and other people of faith want marriage equality too, without the unnecessary and arbitrary delay currently being imposed on their religious freedoms," he said. "Until then, we continue to call on our government to do the right thing and fulfil their mandate to serve the public fairly and evenly, without the discrimination currently being imposed on faith communities with regard to marriage equality," he added.

A spokesperson for the government stated that further regulations on same-sex religious marriage "with the associated protections" will follow after the public consultation which will "launch shortly".

"The consultation will seek views from religious bodies, other stakeholders and individuals on how we enable same-sex religious marriage in Northern Ireland, and how we protect those religious organisations that do not wish to solemnise such marriages," the spokesperson said.
Bill Clinton has spoken of his gratitude that Hillary did not leave him after his affair with Monica Lewinsky - but concedes she has 'paid' for the decision.

Holding back tears, the former president tells a new four part documentary about his wife: 'I was so grateful that she thought we still had enough to stick it out. God knows the burden she's paid for that.'

Bill Clinton was impeached for lying under oath on December 19, 1998 after he failed to come clean about an affair he was having with the former White House intern.

Acknowledging the very public revelations were 'painful' Hillary admits in a wide ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter: 'Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It's painful, but it's also revelatory because we've always loved each other and had each other's backs.'

But she adds: 'First, I'm grateful that he understood that this was a really terrible time. But I also think in every marriage there's not just one side. So, I could say the same for him, that I'm not always the easiest person to live with. I'm glad he stuck it out, too.'

The former presidential candidate has already described how staying in her marriage was her 'gutsiest decision'. She has now elaborated on that while promoting a new four part Hulu documentary, titled Hillary, and set to premiere at Sundance.

Hillary Clinton watches then President Clinton pause as he thanks those Democratic members of the House of Representatives who voted against impeachment. Bill has now spoken of his gratitude that Hillary did not leave him after his affair with Monica Lewinsky

Bill Clinton was impeached for lying under oath on December 19, 1998 after he failed to come clean about an affair he was having with White House intern Lewinsky, pictured in 2019

Hillary Clinton participates in the Hulu 'Hillary' panel to promote her new documentary

Hillary added: 'Once I decided that the film would be about more than a behind-the-scenes look at the campaign, I had to accept the fact it was going to be about my life. That was a major part of my life, which obviously played out in public.'

She says: 'Have we had ups and downs like every married couple I know? Absolutely. And maybe this film helps people think about that, that love and relationships and marriage are often colored in grays and beiges. We all suffer ups and downs in our lives.'

Clinton - who also defended taking money from Harvey Weinstein in the interview - goes on to touch on the subject of hypocrisy in politics. She adds: 'It was also true that, as we saw in survey after survey, he [Bill] could, if he ran today, get re-elected.'

She added: 'What is it about this double standard, both double standard in public and double standard in private? I think the movie does a good job of raising that issue. Trying to answer it conclusively is impossible, but at least we should be asking ourselves that question.'

The former presidential candidate, 72, was asked if she had any regrets about her lengthy association and close friendship with the disgraced movie mogul, 67, in a wide ranging interview with The Hollywood Reporter, pictured

Probed on her marriage being 'an arrangement' Hillary said: 'I hope it does [show that it is a love story] because it's real and it's been around for a long time now  nearly 50 years, for heaven's sake.

'I would love for that to be conveyed because I'd love to have the reality of my life story better aligned with the press and the public understanding of it. That would be a big step forward.'

And when asked about her association with Weinsteing Clinton told The Hollywood Reporter: 'How could we have known? He raised money for me, for the Obamas, for Democrats in general.

'And that at the time was something that everybody thought made sense. And of course, if all of us had known what we know now, it would have affected our behavior.'

Weinsten, who is facing life in prison if convicted in his upcoming rape and sexual assault trial, had been a longtime major donor to the Clintons.

He donated $250,000 to the Clinton Foundation and $10,000 to Bill's legal fund when he faced impeachment during the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Hillary had also been in talks with Weinstein to create a TV documentary about her failed campaign until allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against him.

'Have we had ups and downs like every married couple I know? Absolutely', Hillary says of her marriage with Bill. The couple are pictured in October last year

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It's painful', Hillary says on Bil's affair. But she also says every marriage has two sides and is glad Bill 'stuck it out too'. The couple are pictured in 1998

Hillary also touched on her dislike of Bernie Sanders in the interview with The Hollywood Reporter, telling them: 'It's not only him, it's the culture around him.

'It's his leadership team. It's his prominent supporters. It's his online Bernie Bros and their relentless attacks on lots of his competitors, particularly the women.'

She also says Donald Trump is a 'worse' president than she expected.
It has been revealed that the GH500,000 loan that was invested by the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) into Obaatanpa Microfinace Company Limited was at the instance of its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Christine Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.

A finance officer at MASLOC, Francis Bandoh, who is the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of the former MASLOC boss and Daniel Axim, a former Head of Operations, told an Accra High Court yesterday that the micro finance company had applied for a GH1 million loan through the CEO.

However, he said due to the unavailability of enough funds in MASLOC's accounts at the time, Ms. Attionu approved the payment of GH500,000 for Obaatanpa which is half of the loan requested.

Quarterly Requests

The court presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwey also heard that Obaatanpa, after receiving the loan amount, had failed to respond to any of the quarterly requests for interest payment written to the company.

Mr. Bandoh led in his evidence-in-chief by Senior State Attorney Winifred Sarpong told the court that since the loan request was at the instance of Ms. Attionu, he followed up on her to find out why Obaatanpa had not been responding to MASLOC's request for interest payment.

Ms. Attionu (then CEO) told me that it was a project with her boss so she will follow up and update me on when the interest payment would be made, the witness told court.

He claimed even on the last day of Ms. Attionu's tenure as the CEO of MASLOC, he went to her office again to ask about Obaatanpa not responding to their requests and her response was the same.

Evidence

Mr. Bandoh told the court that Obaatanpa had applied for a GH150,000 loan which was approved by the then CEO.

He narrated that after the approval of the loan, the company made another request through the former CEO for an amount of GH1 million.

He said Ms. Attionu called him to her office and showed him the request from Obaatanpa and asked whether they could meet the request as well.

Mr. Bandoh told the court that he had told the former CEO that he had to check their balance from the Accounts Department and after discussions he told her that they could meet the request so Ms. Attionu approved a loan of GH500,000 for Obaatanpa.

The witness also narrated that a cheque was then prepared in the name of Obaatanpa for GH500,000.

Trial

Ms. Attionu and Daniel Axim are facing 78 counts of charges including conspiracy to steal, stealing, unauthorized commitment, resulting in a financial obligation for the government; improper payment, money laundering and contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

The two accused persons allegedly stole a total amount of GH3,198,280 whilst at MASLOC and willfully caused a GH1,973,780 financial loss to the state.

Again, Ms. Attionu and her accomplice while in charge of MASLOC allegedly made unauthorized commitments, resulting in financial obligations for the government to the tune of GH61,735,832.50.

The charges against the two also include a GH22,158,118.85 loss to public property and improper payment of GH273,743.66, as well as money laundering of GH3,704,380.

Mr. Bandoh is expected to continue his evidence-in-chief today.

---Daily Guide
Tens of thousands of San Antonians of all races and creeds participated Monday in the citys 33rd march, which goes along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the East Side from Martin Luther King Jr. Academy to Pittman-Sullivan Park.

On ExpressNews.com: From Girl Scouts to Buffalo Soldiers, tens of thousands honor Martin Luther King Jr. in San Antonio

Elected officials and other community leaders were out in force, many of them speaking to the burgeoning crowd in the brisk morning, rousing the crowd before the march started as they emphasized Kings values of justice, equality and integrity.

Helicopters hovered overhead as the march, believed to be the largest in the nation, proceeded along its nearly 3-mile route. More than 100,000 people participated.

The event is much more than a march. Its a giant community fair.

Volunteers offered voter registration forms that many marchers signed. Girl Scouts lined the streets selling cookies. Civic and community organizations set up tables and tents to educate people about their causes. Supporters of Democratic presidential candidates held signs and wore shirts advertising their choices.
Two Colorado Springs residents were killed Monday in an accident south of Albuquerque, according to New Mexico state police.

Harlan Leroy Swanson, 94, and Elinor Swanson, 92, died at the scene at the crash, east of Bernardo.

The pairs SUV collided with a semi as it turned left for unknown reasons onto U.S. 60 from northbound N.M. 304. The 52-year-old semi driver was transported to a hospital, police said.

Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash and seat belts appear to have been used properly, police said in a release.
The carmaker is looking to pivot its strength on a family of electric vehicles called "EQ", which stands for Emotional Intelligence and will roll out in India.

The first one will be a sporty SUV called the EQC, which is priced at around Rs 1 crore and will come to the market in April, reports Pavan Lall.

Image: Mercedes Benz Concept EQ car at the India Auto Show 2018 in Greater Noida, India. Photograph: Saumya Khandelwal/Reuters

After a humbling setback in 2010, when arch-rival BMW stole a march on it and pushed it to second position, Mercedes-Benz India is firmly entrenched as king of the hill for the fifth year running on account of its growing sales and product strategy, which carved out a family of products for younger buyers worldwide.

Now, the company is looking to pivot its strength on a family of electric vehicles called "EQ", which stands for Emotional Intelligence and will roll out in India.

The first one will be a sporty SUV called the EQC, which is priced at around Rs 1 crore and will come to the market in April.

Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Martin Schwenk says that internationally there are around 10 EQ cars, most of which, if not all, will be brought into the Indian market.

The range of cars, which are purely electric, is separate from hybrid vehicles that Daimler makes worldwide and the latter will not be brought into the market because of the absence of a low goods and services tax for such vehicles and little road-tax benefit, Schwenk says.

For Mercedes-Benz, its parent company's stated that according to its "Vision 2039", by 2039 all of its cars will be carbon dioxide neutral-operated and to get there, by 2025 it will have to have at least 25 per cent purely electric cars, and by 2039 at least 50 per cent of its cars pure electric and hybrid.

Suraj Ghosh, principal analyst (powertrain forecast), IHS Markit, says that unlike in the Scandinavian countries, where cars like Tesla are giving other brands a real run for their money, in India they (electric luxury cars) will have a semi-halo status that will serve to demonstrate technical and engineering capability against generating serious unit volumes.

"However, such products do show is that an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) takes the Indian market seriously, as of now," Ghosh says.

Daimler's big pillar is "sustainable luxury" but Schwenk says that for a while to come fossil fuels are not going.

In the medium term electric cars will add a category that may drive volumes for the firm but, meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz, like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar-Land Rover, is grappling with the challenge of a very small luxury auto market that hasn't kept pace with the economy's growth. With the above four mentioned brands, the volumes annually are at 50,000 units or fewer.

Mercedes-Benz last year logged sales of 13,800 cars, which is small compared to the volumes it does in other countries.

By contrast in Thailand Mercedes-Benz sold almost 15,000 cars in 2018, translating into half the luxury market, or almost the same as what the Indian market retails, according to auto dealer periodical Wards Auto.

An analyst says the niche has been under pressure in India and not grown as expected for multiple reasons including high duties, which range from 50 to 100 per cent or higher, depending on the car engine size and type; an infrastructure that isn't entirely supportive of high-performance cars; and high maintenance costs compared to other vehicles.

Even so, there is a belief India has huge potential. "That's what we believe, that's what Stuttgart (Mercedes headquarters) believes, and that's also what our competitors believe," Schwenk says, adding there is a shift towards younger buyers for his cars. "Our average buyer is around 40 years old."

"We do see committed development in infrastructure such as roads and highways as well as enforcement principles with road and traffic safety regulations getting better, which are positive indicators," he adds.

Mercedes-Benz's top volume drivers have been the C-Class sedan, the E-Class sedan, which is its all-round best-seller, and the GLC and the GLE.

The company in the upcoming future will be refreshing several of its cars and UVs along with new cars. "This year will see one the highest launches ever from us," he adds.

Mercedes-Benz's dealer network has remained stable with minimal losses in outlets or dealers and sells its cars in 47 cities through 95 outlets operated by 25 dealerships.

"The thing about Mercedes-Benz is that our franchise offers a profitable business," Schwenk says.
 Flash

The extradition hearing of China's Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou began Monday morning in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada.



Meng was arrested on Dec. 1, 2018 at Vancouver International Airport at the request of the United States, which is seeking her extradition on fraud charges.

Both Meng and Huawei have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Half an hour before the start of the hearing, Huawei made a statement in Vancouver that it trusts in Canada's judicial system.

"We trust in Canada's judicial system, which will prove Ms. Meng's innocence. Huawei stands with Ms. Meng in her pursuit for justice and freedom. We hope Ms. Meng will be able to be together with her family, colleagues and friends as soon as possible," said a Huawei spokesman.

The Chinese side pointed out that what Canada and the United States did in Meng's case counts as arbitrary detention and a serious violation of the legitimate rights and interests of a Chinese citizen.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday implicitly compared Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and called the duo "babas" (saints) alleging that both are are telling lies about Citizenship Amendment Act.

His statement came after Shah held a rally in Lucknow on Tuesday to garner support for the CAA. Yadav said that the public will not fall for the "tricks of hypocrites" to extend support to the CAA.

"Was one Baba not enough in the state? Now, another Baba has come to give his discourse. Due to the way these hypocrites have tricked the public's confidence, the citizens will never back them in the support of the Citizenship Amendment Act," Yadav tweeted in Hindi.

"People will say this to the 'liar Baba'.. Baba, if you go this time ... then never come back," he further said.

Addressing a gathering at the Jan Jagaran Abhiyan here, Shah on Tuesday asserted that the opposition is free to protest against the CAA but the law will not be rolled back.

He further questioned the opposition party leaders for their stance on the citizenship law."Akhilesh Yadav should not say anything on this matter as he uses rhetoric on this issue. I also ask Mamata Banerjee what is the problem with CAA. Mamata had supported the idea of providing citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries in 2003," he said.

Protests broke out in different parts of the country against the 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.)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 20)  Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers have agreed to US President Donald Trumps proposal for a special meeting between him and the top leaders of the regional bloc.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Teddyboy Locsin Jr. tweeted Monday that ASEAN foreign ministers adopted the consensus to hold the ASEAN-US Summit with Trump during their retreat in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam last week.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said in his statement during the retreat that ASEAN foreign ministers welcomed Trumps invitation for a special summit this year. Minh said they will report this to leaders of their respective countries for their final decision.

Trump has skipped ASEAN summits for two years in a row, with most Southeast Asian leaders snubbing the scheduled US-ASEAN meeting in Bangkok, Thailand last year, where the US President sent National Security Adviser Robert OBrien as his representative.

Trumps invitation to ASEAN leaders was sent in November 2019, but Malacanang only released it to the media on Sunday.

It is not clear whether Duterte has accepted the invitation for him to come to the US. Trump has repeatedly invited Duterte to Washington, but the Philippine President has yet to make that visit.

Trumps invitation came ahead of the approval of proposals in the US Congress to ban Philippine officials involved in extrajudicial killings and what US senators have described as "wrongful detention" of opposition Senator Leila de Lima. The opposition senator has been in jail for more than two years over drug charges, with the court trial hitting a snag.

Since inviting ASEAN leaders to the US, the US Senate has urged Trump to deny US entry to and block all US-based transactions in property and interests of "members of the security forces and officials of the Government of the Philippines responsible for extrajudicial killings... and responsible for orchestrating the arrest and prolonged detention of Senator De Lima."

The move is in line with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, an American law which allows Washington to punish foreign officials implicated in "significant corruption or gross violations of human rights" in any part of the world. Under the law, the US President shall decide on requests to impose sanctions on human rights violators and corrupt foreigners within 120 days.

Trump also signed in December a spending measure which includes a reference to a Senate committee report which instructs US State Secretary Mike Pompeo to ban foreign officials who have had a hand in the wrongful imprisonment of opposition Senator Leila de Lima from entering the US.

EXPLAINER: How the US budget law bans Philippine officials

Tim Rieser, a senior foreign policy aide of Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, previously told CNN Philippines that it would not be easy for Pompeo to ignore the proposed ban as the State Department has taken notice of De Limas plight in human rights reports.

CNN Philippines Xave Gregorio and Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Restoration Builders, Inc. ("Restoration Builders" or "The Company") today announced it has completed the asset purchase of Aspenmark Roofing & Solar, Inc. ("Aspenmark") headquartered in Dallas, TX.

Restoration Builders was founded in 2017 with the goal of developing a strategic network of licensed contractors and other industry-related organizations geographically disbursed throughout the United States. The Company is building a nation-wide infrastructure of teams, offices, trucks, equipment and other resources which will operate in tandem to capitalize on the explosive growth of the $210B+ insurance restoration industry.

The Company estimates 2019 revenue will exceed $100 Million.

When he started in the roofing industry, Aspenmark Roofing CEO Chris Zazo really didn't know what he was getting in to. He had visited a former employee who had relocated to Florida to begin roof rebuilds following a major hurricane. His friend had more work than his staff could handle, so he gave Chris a stack of customer leads and asked him to help out by going and talking to the homeowners. The rest, as they say, is history.

Chris then spent a year helping rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. He observed a few business practices he believed could be improved and began to formulate plans to do just that. Chris decided he could help more people by opening his own roofing company that operated under honest and time-honored business practices. A company where the ultimate goal was to help people, where roofing technicians could take pride in their workmanship and where a handshake would mean something.

In 2005, Chris cashed out his 401K and launched Aspenmark Roofing out of his kitchen. Aspenmark has since grown to 19 employees and is now housed in a 12,000 square foot office. In 2014, driven by his personal conviction to make a positive impact on the world, Chris founded a charity organization named Roof Angels. The charity operates in partnership with Dallas Habitat for Humanity, providing assistance to families who cannot afford the cost of roof repair or replacement.

"I am honored to welcome Aspenmark Roofing & Solar to our growing team", stated John Lorenz, Chairman and CEO of Restoration Builders, Inc. "Chris is an industry pioneer who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our group. He has an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit combined with a solid background in business administration. He has developed a well-seasoned, synergistic team of highly skilled technicians who are well-respected in the industry. I know they will make a great addition to the Restoration Builders network."

Roofing contractors' is a $49 Billion industry of which roofing repair is one of the most rapidly growing sectors. Largely comprised of local, privately held companies, this sector remains significantly fragmented, with the vast majority of customers being insurance policy holders using their coverage for a roof repair or replacement.

About Restoration Builders, Inc.



Restoration Builders is a residential and commercial contractor operating within the United States. Their mission is to protect, restore and build properties, strengthen families and support the community. They are committed locally and ready to serve wide scale for disaster response. To learn more, please visit their website at www.restorbuilders.com

About Aspenmark Roofing & Solar, Inc.

Aspenmark Roofing & Solar is a premier residential roofing company in North Texas, earning spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the country on multiple occasions. Their company culture is centered on delivering superb craftsmanship, the safest and cleanest job sites in the industry, with an unrivaled level of integrity. Serving the greater DFW area since 2005, they've earned an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and GAF Master Elite Contractor status. To learn more, please visit: www.aspenmarkroofing.com

For further information please contact:

Janet Carnell Lorenz

[email protected]

(425) 999-6508

SOURCE Restoration Builders
Updated at 5:45 p.m.

The new coronavirus that has infected about 300 people in China and killed at least six has reached the United States with a man in Snohomish County, Washington, identified Tuesday as the first confirmed case here.

The man, in his 30s, began experiencing symptoms after returning from a recent trip to China and was described as quite ill, state and federal officials said. As of Tuesday morning, he was at a hospital in Everett, Washington.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement that it is working closely with the state of Washington and local partners. A CDC team has been deployed to support the ongoing investigation in the state of Washington, including potentially tracing close contacts to determine if anyone else has become ill.

The Oregon Health Authority is paying close attention to the outbreak, though the current level of concern is moderate, said public health physician Paul Cieslak.

Its really hard to know right now" how bad it will get in Oregon, Cieslak said.

But the state has asked hospitals to take several steps in case an infected person does make it to Oregon. The health authority requested that all health care providers get detailed travel history from any patients that come in with a fever and acute respiratory illness. If the patients say theyve been to Wuhan in the prior two weeks or have had close contact with someone being investigated in the outbreak, doctors should report the case to health authorities.

The agency hasnt asked doctors to ask patients if theyve been to Snohomish County, Cieslak said. The victim there was sequestered quickly, he said, so he expects the likelihood of any secondary infections spreading to Oregon from that person to be low.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people can reduce the risk of an infection by washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoiding contact with sick people. To protect others, the CDC says sick people should stay home, avoid close contact with others, cover their mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing  then dispose of that tissue and wash their hands  and disinfect the things and surfaces they touch.

Symptoms of this coronavirus include fever, cough and trouble breathing. While some patients have had severe symptoms and some have died, others had a mild illness, the CDC said.

Overall, it appears its not time to panic.

The risk to the American public at large remains low at this time, the federal agency said.

The international outbreak, believed to have started last month at a poultry-and-seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has already prompted federal officials to begin taking steps to protect the U.S. public. Three major airports  in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles  have begun screening passengers traveling from or connecting through Wuhan. Screenings also are being added at airports in Atlanta and Chicago.

There are now seven know coronaviruses that can infect people, four of them causing mild symptoms like a common cold. In addition to the type currently infecting people in China, two others  SARS and MERS  have killed people.

In the early 2000s, SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, infected about 8,100 people and killed about 800 worldwide, according to the CDC. Medical experts have likened the current coronavirus to SARS, which also started in China.

The CDC has a website with the latest information about the outbreak.

Fedor Zarkhin contributed to this report.

-- Douglas Perry

@douglasmperry

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Representative image

Three rockets hit near the US embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdads high-security Green Zone, reports suggest.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Sirens could be heard across the zone immediately after the rockets made impact.

The US has blamed Iran-backed paramilitary groups for a spate of similar attacks in recent months on the Green Zone, but there has never been a claim of responsibility.

(With inputs from PTI)
On Tuesday, the New York Times editorial board released an op-ed titled Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren Are Democrats Top Choices for President. The unusual choice seemed more an endorsement for women in general than either one of them in particular. Ive chosen to accept this as mainstream medias acknowledgement of the rise of the divine feminine.

Gender is, of course, a social construct. The divine feminine is beyond that binary, best understood as the energetic force of nurturing. Plenty of male-identifying individuals are in touch with this force, although women tend to be more likely to find their strength in the divine feminine, in part because of the way society commodifies the stereotypical responsibilities of sitcom motherhood, such as cooking, always being the one to remember when to buy toilet paper, and giving birth.

America, as it stands, is not even pretending to be a free country. We are living in an oligarchy structured by the hierarchy of the white, supremacist patriarchy, and this is where toxic masculinity has led us: into the greedy depths of a ruthless individualism that only benefits those at the top. Ten per cent of United States citizens control 76 per cent of the countrys wealth, the six wealthiest people in the country own as much the bottom 50 per cent, and CEOs from the 350 biggest corporations make 271 times more than the typical worker. You dont have to have the dystopian greatest hits memorized to assert that it is completely insane that there are billionaires ruling over kingdoms of yachts and beach houses while the public at large endures an eternal slap-fight over who gets to eat the s**t in the sandbox.

The most important way to see our deep need for the divine feminine is in the shape of our economic and justice systems. American greed is sustained by corruption and enforced by punishment. The United States has allocated about $989 billion on military spending this year. It costs between $31,000 and $68,000 to house an inmate. And yet, there is supposedly a reasonable argument at the Democratic primary debates over whether considering healthcare as a human right might be too expensive. Whats at stake is not cost, but prioritization of the military and prison industrial complexes over basic things people need to thrive. The inescapable fact is that we live in a country that is more willing to pay to send young black and brown people to jail than to college.

The shift to policies guided by unconditional love for the collective are also on offer from Bernie Sanders, and in Andrew Yangs insistence on public policy aimed at developing happiness. I have made it clear that my heart beats for Elizabeth Warren, although I think both Warren and Sanders insist on equitable public power in a way that can further inspire the political-awakening movement. (For any self-identified Bernie Bros reading this: I would note that I would be excited to support either Warren or Sanders in the general election. PS Please dont harass me.)

That said, I think it makes a difference if the person at the helm of this transformation is a woman, because of the lessons learned by anyone who has a female perspective on our crisis of toxic masculinity. The same could be more extensively discussed in terms of race in this election, if the Democratic party werent embarrassing themselves with not even a single black or brown candidate on the most recent debate stage.

 Clip of Elizabeth Warren's first ever TV interview resurfaces

Its ridiculous to assert that gender and race dont matter in a society that is defined by its systematic oppression of those characteristics. As Brittney Cooper wrote in regard to Bernie Sanderss identity, Being progressive doesnt mean that ones race or gender ceases to matter in ones leadership style and prerogatives, especially not in a world where gender and race are always presumed to matter for how women and people of color will govern.

Representation is not everything, obviously. I dont know that I can thank Margaret Thatcher for anything other than Sir Elton Johns production of Billy Elliot. And to be clear, many of the select handful of female leaders rule in the style of the toxically masculine. In order to get to the top, they often squeeze into the aesthetics of Brooks Brothers, working to hide their feminine traits as if they were a shameful secret. Kirsten Gillibrands primary campaign was revolutionary in that she made a case for the presidency built on her strengths as a woman. Far too often, the few women who get to the top have the strengths associated with femininity bludgeoned out of them, for fear they will be received as weaknesses.

As the daughter of a father, I feel compelled to honor the divine masculine. I am closely in touch with mine. The divine masculine is best understood as an energetic force that is assertive and pragmatic. The divine masculine protects you and gets s**t done.

Elizabeth Warren has tons of that energy.

The problem with masculinity is when it occurs as its shadow part. Toxic masculinity looks like this ongoing death rattle of the white supremacist patriarchy clinging to power. And, of course, we see the most grotesque manifestation of this sickness in the form of that demonic sweet potato who keeps us on the verge of World War Three because he cannot handle his own insecurity  which would be embarrassing, if our lives werent at stake.

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

I think a woman is our best bet at beating that. I think using feminine pronouns for the most powerful person in the world could help correct our overriding tendency toward the toxic masculine. The rugged individualism brought to you by capitalism means we are often moved by the self-interest of greed instead of investing in love for ourselves and, therefore, the collective. We need a push toward nurturing and caretaking to move our society out of a shared hell defined by precariousness. We need to prioritize public health and happiness, to building abundance for the majority, instead of sending our people into war, debt, and prison so that billionaires can continue to compensate for something.

In my humble opinion, the divine feminine will continue to rise and ultimately defeat the white supremacist patriarchy no matter what  but it would certainly help the process along if our transformation is led by our first chance at the concept of a Madame President.
Vladimir Putin has been accused of rewriting history to turn killers who carried out bloody massacres into victims in an ongoing and bitter dispute which erupted after he claimed that Poland was complicit with Hitlers Germany in the lead-up to the Second World War.

The Kremlin, claims Arkady Rzegocki, Polands ambassador to the UK, is seeking to deflect guilt and cover-up the legacy of the Nazi-Soviet pact  the Molotov-Ribbentrop treaty  which sought to secretly carve-up countries in eastern Europe between the two totalitarian powers.

Writing in The Independent, Mr Rzegocki says: President Vladimir Putin is harking back to the USSRs false wartime narrative and unfairly turning perpetrators into victims.

The denial of responsibility for the Nazi-Soviet pact being propagated by the Russian authorities must be continuously met with a firm response from the custodians of the truth. It must be opposed so that the 150,000 Poles who died at the hands of the Soviets did not die in vain.

All these were part of Russias continuous efforts to divert attention from its dark wartime past and reinforce Mr Putins narrative of a strong, faultless country which is a natural successor to war-winning USSR.

The Ambassadors charge comes during an extraordinary confrontation in the lead-up to the International Holocaust Memorial Day and the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

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Mr Putin has lashed out on a number of occasions after the European Parliament passed a resolution last September urging Moscow to acknowledge the brutalities of its Stalinist past, maintaining that the country had escaped the scrutiny of Germanys Nazi era.

But the Kremlin has accused the current Warsaw government of leading an anti-Russian campaign in the European Union, and retrospectively undermining the liberation of Poland from the Germans by Soviet forces.

President Putin and other Russian leaders have also charged Poland with working with the Nazis and virulent anti-semitism during the war.

In one speech, made to military officers in the Defence Ministry in Moscow, Mr Putin alleged that essentially they colluded with Hitler. This is clear from documents, from archival documents...

Giving examples from the diaries of Jozef Lipski, who served as Polish ambassador in Berlin from 1934 to 1939, Mr Putin pointed to promises made to put up a statue to Hitler in thanks for a German plan to deport Jews to Africa.

A bastard, an anti-Semitic pig, you cannot put it any other way... it is people like that who today are tearing down monuments to the liberating warriors, the Red Army soldiers who freed Europe and the European people from the Nazis, he said.

The Polish government has protested strongly, reiterating that nearly six million Polish citizens, half of whom were Jewish, died in the Second World War.

But the allegation of white washing Holocaust history is one of which the Polish government has itself been accused, after making it an offence to use the term Polish death camps or discuss the Polish states involvement in Nazi war crimes  a move on which it was forced to backtrack after an international outcry.

Now the row has escalated, with other countries being drawn in.

 Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor describes moment she was taken by Nazis

More than a thousand Auschwitz survivors will travel to the site of the concentration camp in Poland on 27 January for the anniversary of its liberation. The event will be boycotted by Mr Putin.

This week, another commemoration will be held at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial site in Jerusalem. More than 45 heads of state and international public figures are due to attend. Prince Charles will represent the UK in what will be his first visit to Israel.

But Polands president, Andrzej Duda, has pulled out after learning that he would not be allowed to speak at the event while Mr Putin would be addressing those present, along with others including Frances Emmanuel Macron, and US Vice-President Mike Pence.

The issue has caused controversy among Israelis.

Daniel Blatman, a specialist in Holocaust studies at the University of Jerusalem and chief historian at a museum of the Warsaw ghetto in Poland, told The Guardian: I can understand that a representative of Russia should speak at the anniversary, since it was the Red Army which liberated the camp. But why should the president of France speak, when the French government deported 30,000 Jews to Auschwitz, but not the president of Poland?
(Newser)  "I walked in and saw this little angel sitting at the bar. It was Pammy. She was like 19. I knew she would be a big star." So said movie mogul Jon Peters back in 2017 about his decades-ago first meeting with Pamela Anderson at the Playboy Mansion. The two ended up living together for a while, and Peters even proposed, but Anderson declined. He says he remembers telling her, "In 30 years, our age difference wont mean so much." Just about 30 years later, he turned out to be right: Anderson, now 52, and Peters, now 74, have been secretly back together for months, and got hitched in a private Malibu ceremony Monday, they confirm to the Hollywood Reporter. "There are beautiful girls everywhere. I could have my pick, butfor 35 yearsIve only wanted Pamela," Peters says. "She makes me wildin a good way."

story continues below

Both have been married four other times (though Anderson has only had three other spouses; she was married to Rick Salomon twice), not to mention had a number of other high-profile love affairs (Peters, who was a Hollywood hairdresser in the 1970s before he became a producer and studio chief, was famously in a relationship with Barbra Streisand for 12 years). While Anderson has remained in the public eye and has frequently made headlines for her activism, Peters has lately been reclusive and out of the spotlight. People notes he's been sued at least five times for sexual harassment, and Wikipedia notes that since 2009 he's only been credited for four projects. Does he have plans for Anderson's career? "Pamela has never seen her full potential as an artist. She has yet to shine in a real way," he tells THR. For her part, Anderson gave her statement to THR in the form of a poem noting, among other things, "He's been there all along / Never failed me" and "I love him deeply like family." (Read more Pamela Anderson stories.)
Ash Shorley, 32, is in hospital in Phuket after contracting a pneumonia-style bug while he was on holiday Koh Phi Phi island. (GoFundMe)

A British tourist is feared to to be the first Western victim of the pneumonia-like coronavirus that originated in China.

Ash Shorley, 32, is fighting for his life in a Phuket, Thailand hospital after the mystery bug infected both his lungs while he was on Koh Phi Phi island.

Although doctors cannot confirm what the illness is, they have found that his symptoms are consistent with the Chinese coronavirus, according to The Sun.

Mr Shorley, from Lancashire, was only one week into his travels around South East Asia when he was struck down with the virus on the 27 December.

Surgeons reportedly had to drain two kilograms of fluid from the backpackers collapsed lungs.

Shorley, from Lancashire, was only one week into his travels around South East Asia when he was struck down with the virus on the 27th December. (GoFundMe)

His parents Chris and Julie Shorley, both 55, flew to Thailand to be at his bedside.

Chris Shorley, of Thornton, Lancashire, told The Sun: He was two days from death. We are now waiting on tests. It is very serious.

The publisher added: If he wasnt so fit and healthy before he wouldnt be with us now. They think he is the first Western victim of the Chinese flu, we are waiting on tests.

Anyone travelling to Asia I would say to you, get a mask. Everyone here is wearing masks, there are people coughing everywhere.

Its Chinese New Year so this flu is likely to be spreading. It is very serious.

Travelers wear face masks as they walk outside of the Beijing Railway Station in Beijing after China reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected with a new coronavirus. (AP)

A GoFundMe page has been launched by in a bid to raise money to keep Mr Shorleys parents by his side as he continues his fight.

Some 136 new cases of the illness were found in the central China city of Wuhan, where the virus first emerged, bringing the total to 198, including three deaths.

READ MORE FROM YAHOO NEWS

Human-to-human transmission confirmed in China coronavirus

WHO says new China coronavirus could spread, warns hospitals worldwide

FACTBOX-New coronavirus outbreak spreads in China

Japanese health officials have reported a case of the virus in their country after a 30-year-old Tokyo resident, who had just returned from a trip to Wuhan, presented with the symptoms of coronavirus infection.

Story continues

The outbreak has also spread to the Chinese capital Beijing, where two cases were recorded, and the southern city of Shenzhen, where there is one confirmed case.

Zhong Nanshan, a prominent scientist who is leading a government-appointed expert panel on the outbreak, said in an interview on state-run television on Monday that the virus is capable of spreading from person to person. (Getty)

Two cases have been reported in Thailand.

Zhong Nanshan, a prominent scientist who is leading a Chinese government-appointed expert panel on the outbreak and was among the first researchers to identify the clinical existence of Sars, said in an interview on Monday that the virus is capable of spreading from person to person.

His statement puts increased pressure on Beijing to contain the growing crisis, as China enters its busiest travel season of the year, Chinese New Year.

The World Health Organisation has announced that it will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday to ascertain whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be made to manage it.
Under Solidays proposal, the new bar to shutter a coal plant wouldnt be met if: a state regulatory agency didnt require the consent decree - i.e. government agreement - that led to its closure, if only the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says closure is necessary, or the utility goes by its own interpretation, according to the bill.
Iraq may have serious problems in securing its energy needs if the United States doesnt extend a waiver for an Iraqi bank to process payments for Iraqs imports of electricity and natural gas from Iran, the head of the Iraqi bank told AFP on Tuesday.

Major Iraqi power plants are dependent on Iranian natural gas supply, and Iraq imports electricity from Iran, as Baghdads power generation is not enough to ensure domestic supply.

The U.S. has regularly extended the waivers for Iraq to continue buying natural gas and electricity from Iran, even after the U.S. slapped sanctions on Iran and continued to ramp up those sanctions over the past year.

The waiver for the Iraqi bank handling the payments to Iran in Iraqi dinars expires next month. If the U.S. doesnt extend the waiver, the bank

Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI)will stop processing payments, the head of the bank Faisal al-Haimus told AFP on Tuesday.

If the waiver ended, of course TBI will not pay for any gas or deal with any Iranian entity over gas or electricity. Absolutely, the banks executive told the agency.

The bank cannot afford not to comply with all regulations, including U.S. sanctions on Iranian entities, he said.

The U.S. sanctions typically work by cutting off access to the U.S. banking system of persons or entities that deal with sanctioned countries and businesses, as is the case with Iran.

Iraqs energy sector may become collateral damage in the recent U.S.-Iran tensions which unfolded on Iraqs territory.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened sanctions on Iraq earlier this month, after Iraqs parliament called on the Iraqi government to expel foreign troops out of the country.

If the U.S. follows through with the threat, it could block Iraqs access to a U.S.-based account, where Iraq deposits its oil revenues that make up 90 percent of the Iraqi budget. Such a sanction move could cause an economic collapse in Iraq, local officials told AFP last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
In provocative remarks, Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Surendra Singh has called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a "cruel-hearted" woman and also said if illegal Muslim migrants are allowed to stay in India, there will be Kashmir-like stone-pelters everywhere.

The Bairia MLA who last week compared Banerjee with "a demon", accusing her of protecting those "who killed thousands of Hindus", on Monday told newspersons, "She is not with the people of West Bengal but is standing alongside the 'shaitans' (devils) of Bangladesh."



"She is a cruel-hearted woman who will be removed from power in the coming assembly polls," Singh claimed.

Referring to Muslim immigrants from neighbouring countries, the BJP MLA said, "If the Bangladeshi and Pakistani Muslims are allowed to stay, every street in the country will have stone-pelters like in Jammu and Kashmir."



To a question, he said he stands by his earlier statement that Hindus should give birth to five children.

Last Monday, Singh had said Banerjee has "pure traits of a demon" in a democratic system. "She has no values or characteristics of women," he said.

Singh had also questioned her opposition to the amended citizenship law and had called BJP a "party of devtas" while SP, BSP and TDP "belong to 'rakshas' (demons)".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Sharecast News) - BP announced on Tuesday that its chief financial officer Brian Gilvary has decided to retire from the company and step down from its board on 30 June, having had a 34-year career with the company, including more than eight years as CFO.

The FTSE 100 oil major said he would be succeeded by Murray Auchincloss, who is currently CFO of its upstream segment, and would take up the role of BP CFO and join the board on 1 July.



It added that Gilvary and Auchincloss would work together between now and the end of June to ensure an orderly transition.



"We will miss Brian's financial stewardship and strategic insights," said chairman Helge Lund.



"He is one of the architects of today's BP, key to its transformation into a safer, simpler and stronger company."



Lund said that, after a "thorough selection process", the board was "pleased" to have chosen Auchincloss as its next CFO.



"With his international financial and commercial experience and a deep understanding of the whole group, he will play an important role as BP continues to develop in a fast-changing energy market.



"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Brian for all he has done for BP and look forward to welcoming Murray to the board."



Bob Dudley, BP group chief executive, added that he had worked closely with Gilvary for more than two decades, and had always valued his financial expertise, strategic guidance and his "unwavering dedication" to the company.



"It is difficult to overstate the contribution he has made to BP - few CFOs have faced challenges of the scale that he has, and far fewer have managed them as successfully.



"As now we both approach retirement, I will miss working with him."



Brian Gilvary himself said that his career with BP had been "a privilege", bringing opportunities and challenges that he did not imagine when he first started.



"But now is the right time to move on: BP is in good shape - strong and ready to face the future with new leadership.



"I am especially proud of the talented and diverse team of people we have built and all that we have achieved together - I'm certain BP will be in good hands."



Bernard Looney, currently chief executive of upstream and group chief executive from 5 February, said the entirety of the company would "greatly miss" Gilvary.



"I appreciate that he has agreed to stay in post until mid-year to ensure a successful handover to Murray.



"I have worked side-by-side with Murray for many years and have the utmost confidence in his ability to step into this critical role."
Bhama, the popular actress who is best known for her roles in Nivedyam and Ivar Vivahitharayal, got engaged to beau Arun. The couple got engaged in a low-key ceremony which was held in Kochi, in the presence of family members and close friends. Bhama herself announced the news through her official social media pages recently.

The charming actress also shared some exclusive stills from the engagement photoshoot, on her pages. Bhama dazzled in a custom-made handcrafted candy pink lehenga, which is designed by the renowned label T&M. The actress opted for a dewy-fresh makeup and minimal ornaments for her special day. Groom Arun, on the other, looked dashing in a simple beige kurta, which was teamed up with white pajama.

It is an arranged marriage for Bhama and Arun who was introduced to each other by the family members. Arun, who hails from Chennithala, Alappuzha, is a classmate and close friend of the actress's brother-in-law. He has completed his studies from Canada and is a businessman by profession.

The couple is expected to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony to be held in January 2020 in the actress's hometown, Kottayam. A wedding reception will be held in Kochi, which will be attended by the actress's close friends and colleagues from the film industry.

According to the actress, her fiance is totally supportive of her career. Bhama had recently made her television debut with the serial Kerala Samajam, Oru Pravasi Kadha. She had made a cameo appearance in the serial, which is being aired in the middle east edition of the Asianet channel.

Bhama, who entered Mollywood with the Lohitadas movie Nivedyam, later appeared in some successful films including Cycle, Ivar Vivahitharayal, Janapriyan, Sevens, Husbands In Goa, etc. The actress was last seen in the critically acclaimed movie Marupadi, which was directed by senior filmmaker VM Vinu.
As the university reopened on Monday after a prolonged winter break, the students of the women's college boycotted classes on Monday, demanding the resignation of the vice-chancellor, registrar and proctor over the university's failure to protect students from police excesses on the campus on December 15.

Aligarh, Jan 21 (IANS) The women students of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh have now joined the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests on the campus.

The women students, who later took out a protest march on the campus with "azadi" slogans, have also announced that their boycott will continue till the officials step down.

They also urged the administration to revoke the false charges and cases against the students.

Shaheen, a woman student, said that they would continue the boycott till AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor and Registrar Abdul Hamid quit their posts. She added that they have submitted a memorandum, addressed to the President of India, through the principal of the college.

The students of law, life sciences, commerce, science and agriculture faculties of the AMU have also joined the women students' protest.

They urged the Union government to immediately roll back the Citizenship (Amendment) Act stating that it is against the pluralistic foundations of India and tarnishes the principle of equality in the country.

Mohammad Ghiasuddin, a court member of life science department said: "We believe that the CAA is a divisive law that was principally brought after Assam NRC to accommodate the Hindus who could not make it into the list due to lack of documents. The Act deliberately kept the Muslims out of loop to send an 'Islamophobic' message to the nation. We reject the BJP's hatred for Muslims and want the Union government to roll back the CAA."

The protesters have demanded that the National Population register (NPR) exercise should be stopped immediately claiming that the initiative is the first step towards a nationwide National Register of Citizens.

The students said: "The CAA, NRC and NPR combine is anti-poor, anti-Dalit and anti-minority. A large section of Indians are poor and even homeless. They cannot even afford to obtain documents to prove citizenship."

They further stated that the police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) used disproportionate force against students during the violence on the AMU campus on December 15. The students have sought stringent action against the guilty.

They said that the campus is not safe under an insecure administration and demanded that the Vice Chancellor must resign along with his team so that students can go back to the classrooms.

amita/dpb
Analysts say that Future Forward Party still faces prospective dissolution in other legal cases.

Bangkok, Thailand  Thailands Constitutional Court has acquitted the opposition Future Forward Party (FFP) and its leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, of conspiring to overthrow the monarchy.

As a panel of judges read out the verdict, citing a lack of evidence to proceed with dissolution, supporters gathered at the reformist FFPs headquarters in Bangkok cheered in celebration.

Keep going Thanathorn! Get out Prayut! supporters yelled raising three fingers in the air, a gesture that has become a symbolic expression of defiance against the countrys military-backed establishment.

The complaint was initially filed in June 2019, when Natthaporn Toprayoon, lawyer and former adviser to the chief ombudsman, claimed that the party broke Section 49 of the 2017 Constitution.

Moreover, Natthaporn said the partys logo, an orange inverted triangle, looks eerily similar to the symbol associated with the Illuminati, a secret society that conspiracy theorists believe seeks world control, and that the resemblance meant the two were probably linked. The FFP decried the allegations as nonsense. Natthaporn also claimed the party leaders social media posts and other publications were anti-monarchy in nature.

After the verdict, FFP leader, Thanathorn, told a group of reporters that Future Forward will go on!

Legal challenges

Founded in 2018 on a pro-democracy platform, the FFP came third in last years general election, which saw a pro-military party win the largest share of the vote amid opposition claims that the results were manipulated. The race ultimately saw Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former military government leader, return to power as civilian prime minister.

Thanathorn has since emerged as a key anti-government voice while one of the FFPs goals is to reduce the militarys influence in Thai politics.

The party has come under significant legal fire since its conception, with the military-backed establishment filing 28 legal cases against it and the number of legal challenges escalating during last years general election campaign period.

Thanathorn has faced a number of charges already, ranging from sedition to cybercrime charges, and more recently for breaking election laws by holding shares in a media company while running in last years general election. The FFP leader has denied all the charges.

FFP politician Rangsiman Rome, widely considered as one of the leading pro-democracy voices in the country, told Al Jazeera that the party is ready for any situation alluding to the numerous pending legal cases.

If they try to ban [the FFP], it means that people will feel negatively towards the court, the 28-year-old said. Even if they do ban my party, they cannot stop Thanathorn from running the campaign outside of parliament. People will understand the problem with the country even more than before. People will then know whos the real problem.

Despite winning the case, the party also faces a separate pending case which analysts say could also result in its dissolution.

Thai political observers say the government views Thanathorn and his revolutionary approach as threatening to an establishment long entrenched by the military and royalist elites [Caleb Quinley/Al Jazeera]

Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political science professor at the Ubon Ratchathani University, told Al Jazeera that Tuesdays victory was unlikely to mark the end of the FFPs legal troubles.

They will remain a target of the government and the establishment. The court case today didnt give any guarantee that they wont continue to target them, he said. There is another case involving a loan that Thanathorn gave, that has stronger evidence to [dissolve the party].

Titipol was referencing Thailands Election Commissions (EC) decision to move forward with claims that the FFP violated the electoral law by accepting loans totalling 10 million Baht (approximately $330,000) from Thanathorn himself. The EC says the loans are a conflict of interest, and if found guilty, the party could be dissolved.

In November, Thanathorn lost his member of parliament status entirely.

Political observers say that the government views the FFPs approach to changing Thailands political landscape as threatening to an establishment long entrenched by the military and royalist elites.

I do not think that the networks of the Thai ruling elite will stop and make peace with the younger generation who think differently, said Charnvit Kasetsiri, a history professor at Thammasat University.

Freedoms under threat

Rights groups have said the raft of charges against the FFP is a sign of the deteriorating state of freedom of expression within the country.

Matthew Bugher, the head of the Asia Programme for Article 19, a human rights organisation, said the justice system was being weaponised.

The allegations against the Future Forward Party were devoid of substance, and the court had little choice but to rule in the partys favour, Bugher told Al Jazeera.

Todays ruling should not distract from the persistent efforts to weaponise the justice system against politicians threatening the status quo. More serious challenges await the Future Forward Party. Freedom of opinion is under threat in Thailand. Politicians and activists risk jail and political exile merely by declaring their support for democratic principles and human rights.

Amnesty International has described the legal cases being filed against the FFP as a relentless onslaught, while Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher on Thailand in Human Rights Watchs Asia division, told Al Jazeera that the state of Thailands democracy is still hanging by a thread.

There is a string of trumped up charges filed by ultra-royalists and cronies of the military that seek to dissolve the party, put its leadership behind bars, and ban them from politics  Democracy is still under attack, he said.

Yet, despite the significant legal issues facing FFP, some supporters said Tuesdays court victory brought a degree of relief.

We are so happy to hear this today, of course, were excited, said Chamikirn Phiwla-oung. But at the same time, were cautious and sad that the country even looked at the case. Its nonsense from the beginning. This is just playing with the emotions of the people of Thailand.








Fertility clinics should be allowed to take sperm from dead men as well as accepting donations from living people, scientists argue.

Organ donation is already widespread and, from April, everyone in England will automatically become an organ donor.

Sperm can  and should  be donated in the same way, according to experts from the University of Leicester and Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.

A dead man's sperm has been proven to still be able to impregnate a woman if it's taken even two days after he has died.

And collecting the sex cells could help to plug a short supply of donated sperm and help more people to have babies, the researchers said.

But critics have described the idea as 'impractical' and unlikely to boost the number of donors.

Two researchers in the UK said it would help to fill gaps in the availability of donor sperm if it could be taken from men after they had died (stock image of human sperm under a microscope)

The claim was made by Dr Nathan Hodson, from the University of Leicester, and Dr Joshua Parker, from Wythenshawe Hospital.

They wrote: 'If it is morally acceptable that individuals can donate their tissues to relieve the suffering of others in "life enhancing transplants" for diseases, we see no reason this cannot be extended to other forms of suffering like infertility, which may or may not also be considered a disease.'

Dr Hodson and Dr Parker said it could be 'cumbersome' to donate sperm while living and that men might be more willing to have it done to them after they have died.

If a man is dead his sperm can be surgically removed from the testicles or taken by 'electroejaculation'  electrically stimulating the prostate to trigger ejaculation.

HOW DOES SPERM DONATION WORK? Sperm donation is used to help people start families when they can't have children of their own naturally  if, for example, a male partner is infertile, if both parents are women, or if the mother is single. Clinics in the UK are not allowed to pay men to donate sperm, except up to 35 to cover expenses such as travel. More may be offered if accommodation is necessary. A law change in 2005 means men can no longer donate anonymously and must agree for any children born from their sperm to be able to find out who they are after they turn 18. However, a donor father will never be required to parent the child or pay child support. Sperm donors are usually aged between 18 and 41, although older donors may be allowed in some cases. A donor will visit a fertility clinic once a week for between three and six months to make a complete donation  at each visit the donor will ejaculate into a cup and their sperm be frozen. Donated sperm cannot be used to create any more than 10 families per donor, and the donor is allowed to withdraw his consent at any time until the sperm has been used. Source: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Advertisement

Electroejaculation is already used to try and treat men who are unable to ejaculate, and also to take semen samples from animals.

If a man donates sperm while he's alive he will usually have to masturbate at a clinic and collect his semen in a beaker.

Men do not get paid for donating sperm in the UK, and any children they father are allowed access to their name, date of birth and home address on turning 18.

Donor sperm was used more than 2,200 times in the UK in 2016, the study revealed, and in the same year between 30,000 and 60,000 children were born from donated sperm in the US.

But the UK is so short of sperm donations it imports thousands of semen samples from abroad every year  some 3,000 from Denmark and 4,000 from the US, according to the Government.

Donor sperm is used either in IVF or a process called intrauterine insemination, in which the sperm is injected into the woman's vagina as it would be during sex.

Dr Hodson and Dr Parker said sperm taken after death would have health checks done to make sure it was healthy and the genes were acceptable.

They added: 'Living sperm donation remains uncommon among British men.

'This may be because of the loss of donor anonymity and the demands of donating sperm which include health tests, counselling and intimate discussions, and travel to clinics to make donations weekly for three to six months.

'There are barriers to donating sperm in life that may prevent some men acting on their desire to help others or see their genes continue into future generations through donation.

'Posthumous sperm donation avoids most of these problems, allowing men to access the positives of sperm donation without the drawbacks.'

Experts in the field, however, were unconvinced.

Dr Virginia Bolton, treasurer at the British Fertility Society, said: 'This approach is at best impractical, and at worst likely to yield a negligible number of new sperm donors.

'What we would like to see is a determined and realistic dedication of adequate resources towards publicising the need for sperm donors, and towards making it easy for potential donors to understand how to make their generous gift a reality.'

Professor Allan Pacey, from the University of Sheffield, said he felt 'very uncomfortable' with the idea and that living donors should be prioritised.

'This is a very well argued paper but one that I find myself strongly disagreeing with,' he said.

'Given the distance we have travelled in terms of recruiting donors who are willing to be identified to donor conceived people, it feels like a backward step to then recruit donors who are dead and therefore they will never have the opportunity to meet.

'Id much rather that we invested our energy in trying to recruit younger, healthy, willing donors who stand a good chance of being alive when the donor conceived person starts to become curious about them, and would have the opportunity to make contact with them without the aid of a spiritualist.'

Dr Hodson and Dr Parker's letter was published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, by the British Medical Journal.
In the letter to Barr, Bondy wrote that due to the conflict of interest of your being involved in these matters as Attorney General, and in an effort to preserve the public trust in the rule of law, we request that you recuse yourself and allow the appointment of a special prosecutor from outside the Department of Justice to handle this case.
Dr Evas Great Escape on RTE One on Sunday night opened with a dire warning from the narrator: Dr Eva Orsmond is leaving  no, dont try to stop her!

Why, Id never dream of doing such a thing. I mean, the very idea! If the good doctor wants to depart this little country after 17 years as the scourge of the overweight and of anyone less blessed in the self-satisfaction department than she is, I certainly wont be the one to stand in her way.

So, farewell, adieu, bon voyage, toodle-oo, dont let the door hit you on the asterisks on the way out, etc, etc, etc. But there was a caveat, straight from the Orss mouth, as it were.

Im not gone, Orsmond promised/threatened. I hope Irish people dont think they can relax. Im still coming to check on them every three weeks.

Apparently, Orsmond and her South African husband, Wyatt, who separated for a time, thought their plan to buy a dilapidated hotel in the Algarve two years ago and convert it into a five-star health spa and weight-loss clinic was both a good commercial opportunity and a way of repairing their damaged relationship.

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Fair enough. How they spend their money and time is entirely their business. But why would RTE think the rest of us want to watch a three-part series about it?

Judging from the Twitter response to the first instalment, which ranged from hostility to bafflement, quite a few viewers were asking the same question.

Dr Evas Great Escape is a queasy hybrid of reality show, ostentatious property porn, intimate confessional and self-administered marriage therapy.

If you can say one thing in its favour, its that Orsmond is marginally less self-regarding than in her previous outing, last years How to Live Better for Longer. That was basically two hours of her admiring herself in a mirror  although this mirror had a built-in camera lens.

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At one point on Sunday night, the formidable Finnish fortress cracked a little as Orsmond got teary and wobbly-lipped when talking about leaving the Wicklow house where she and her husband had raised their two sons.

But any stirrings of empathy were quickly undermined by... well, everything else about the series. The whole enterprise is so witless, so bereft of any kind of self-awareness, so stunningly tone-deaf, it defies belief.

Wyatt blithely mentioned that they had a budget of about half-a-million to play around with for the renovation. Well be spending about 20,000 a week, he added, almost as an afterthought.

At a time when the housing and homelessness crises are worse than at any point in this countrys history, when rough sleepers are dying on our streets, and when a homeless man has just suffered life-changing injuries during a tent-clearing operation on the Grand Canal, it all felt horribly crass and out of touch.

Later on, Orsmond took a phone call from Ireland with some terrible news: theyd had a cash offer of 1.11m on the luxurious Wicklow pad, complete with swimming pool, they were leaving behind, but theyd have to wait six months get the money.

This meant Orsmond was forced to return to Ireland to work in the weight-loss clinics she owns. We should all have such problems.

The core weakness of the series, though, is its crushing tedium.

We see Orsmond dancing around an empty room, her and Wyatt bickering over buying knick-knacks, Wyatt and a builder bickering over foundations, and an interminable shot of the sons shifting pieces of wood.

The only thing that could have made it more boring was if Dermot Bannon had turned up. He didnt, but the trailer for next weeks episode let us know his buddy Diarmuid Gavin will be.

Anyone who believes RTE is more devoted to pleasing a small clique of familiar presenters than to pleasing licence payers will have found ample evidence of it in this dud.
Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real will play Boston and Northampton on its upcoming tour.

The rock band is scheduled for The Royale in Boston on April 11 and the Academy of Music in Northampton on April 13. The group then heads to Providence, RI for a performance at the Columbus Theater on April 14.

Tickets for the Boston / Providence shows are available through the bands website at lukasnelson.com.

Tickets for the Northampton show are available through the promoters website at dspshows.com. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m.

Lukas Nelson, son of country music icon Willie Nelson, formed Promise of the Real in 2008. The group has been the regular backing band for Neil Young after the rock star performed with them at FarmAid 2014.

Nelson co-produced the music for the film A Star is Born and his group served as Bradley Coopers band in the film.

Shop for concert tickets here: StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster.
Lucknow, Jan 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address a rally in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Lucknow on Tuesday.

The rally will be held at the Ram Katha Park in Bangla Bazaar area of the state capital.

According to BJP sources, Shah might even present some refugees and narrate their tales of woe that had made them flee from neighbouring countries.

This is the third pro-CAA rally by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh. Similar rallies have been held in Varanasi on January 18 and in Gorakhpur on January 19.

A pro-CAA rally will be held on Wednesday in Meerut which will be addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will address a rally in Kanpur on Thursday.

Newly elected BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda will address a rally in Agra on Thursday.
Scott Ratigan, 24, was from Gainesville but living in Arlington, according to public records. Police said they responded to a report of a cardiac arrest at an apartment on North Randolph Street near Wilson Boulevard, and found Ratigan at about 5:30 p.m. Friday. He was declared dead at the scene.
[January 21, 2020] New Study Published on Nature Medicine Unveils the Power of AI in Predicting Osteoporotic Fractures

KIBBUTZ SHEFAYIM, Israel, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zebra Medical Vision and Clalit Health Services announce the completion of a medical study that showcases how algorithms can be used to utilize existing CT data to identify patients at high risk for osteoporotic fractures. These patients can then be considered for preventive treatment. The osteoporosis algorithm was developed by Zebra Medical Vision, which collaborated on this research with the Clalit Research Institute and Ben-Gurion University, and has received wide interest from various healthcare providers around the world. The novelty in the algorithmic research of Zebra Medical Vision and Clalit Health Services is in the algorithm's ability to calculate bone density and identify existing vertebral compression fractures using CT scans that were already performed for other purposes. This approach enables leveraging existing CTs to identify populations at risk of osteoporosis, without the need for additional procedures or radiation exposure. The study shows how AI can help identify patients at risk for life-threatening fractures, as Zebra Medical Vision's technology for assessing bone fragility characteristics in CT scans was successfully translated into an accurate fracture risk predictor by the Clalit research team. The predictor was found to be as accurate as, and sometimes even more predictive than, FRAX, the current gold standard for evaluating fracture risk, which requires many clinical inputs and is underutilized. Osteoporosis is a significant burden on the healthcare system, costing nearly $18 billion annually in the U.S. alone. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over that age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. The risk of death in the first year after sustaining a hip fracture is over 20%. In spite of this, current diagnosis and treatment of the disease is subpar. Compliance with standard bone-density screening, known as DEXA, is low, and as a result many patients suffering from the disease are not diagnosed or properly treated. This new study is thus an excellent example of harnessing analytic capabilities and big-data techniques for the adancement of public health.



This unique achievement of Dr. Noa Dagan, Director of data & AI driven medicine at the Clalit Research Institute, and Dr. Eldad Elnekave, CMO at Zebra Medical Vision, points to the importance of research within the international healthcare technology arena and places both entities at the forefront of the growing digital health market. Prof. Ran Balicer, the director of the Clalit Research Institute, says: "This research presents results of great significance and we are thrilled for the long and fruitful collaboration with Zebra Medical Vision. There are hidden medical insights in imaging studies that the human eye cannot capture, but have the potential to save lives. We will continue our joint efforts to develop AI-based medical applications, providing physicians with the best tools and the most novel technologies. To this end, we are on the verge of developing a system that will present improved fracture prediction risk scores to all Clalit physicians and patients."

"We have always been aware that this is a common disease with a high risk of fatality, and even though there are some treatment options for prevention, we don't identify at-risk patients early enough," noted Dr. Eldad Elnekave, CMO at Zebra Medical Vision. "Together with our partner, Clalit, we found that all the information we need pertaining to at-risk patients already exists in CT tests done for other reasons. It's time to utilize that information." "This AI capability is now proven at scale to be able to massively increase the screened population for osteoporosis without exposing the patients for more imaging scans or radiation" stated Eyal Gura co-founder and CEO at Zebra Medical Vision. "We are happy to collaborate with Clalit on such groundbreaking research like this one and others that are coming." Clalit Health Services is the largest of Israel's state-mandated health insurance providers, responsible for providing healthcare services for its 4.5 million members. Clalit owns and operates 1,500 primary care clinics and 14 hospitals, including 30% of Israel's hospital acute care beds. Clalit Research Institute has been leading innovative research and AI translation into medical practice for more than a decade. The study, titled "Automated opportunistic osteoporotic fracture risk assessment using computed tomography scans to aid in FRAX underutilization," can be found in Nature Medicine Journal , one of the world's most notable medical journals. Read more on Zebra-Med's blog . About: Zebra Medical Vision's imaging analytics platform allows healthcare institutions to identify patients at risk of disease and offer improved, preventative treatment pathways, to improve patient care. The company is funded by Khosla Ventures, Marc Benioff, Intermountain Investment Fund, OurCrowd Qure, Aurum, aMoon, Nvidia, J&J and Dolby Ventures. Zebra Medical Vision has raised $52 million in funding to date, and was named a Fast Company Top-5 AI and Machine Learning company. Zebra-Med leads the way in AI FDA cleared products, and is installed in hospitals globally, from Australia to India, Europe to the U.S, and the LATAM region. Clalit Health Services is the largest healthcare organization in Israel, providing primary, specialty and hospital care to over 50% of the Israeli population, with minimal attrition throughout members life. Clalit has been a global forerunner in digital health innovation and at-scale implementation, and utilized for this purpose its unique database which holds over 20 years of payer and provider detailed EHR data. The Clalit Research Institute is the Data Science hub of Clalit, responsible for creating and integrating data into innovative digital health tools and insights, with an aim to allow proactive, predictive, and precise care in daily practice. Media contact:

Alona Stein for Zebra Medical Vision

[email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-published-on-nature-medicine-unveils-the-power-of-ai-in-predicting-osteoporotic-fractures-300990287.html SOURCE Zebra Medical Vision

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Armenia should not revert to the presidential system of government as a result of constitutional changes planned by its current leadership, Justice Minister Rustam Badasian said on Tuesday.

Badasian will be one of the 15 members of a state commission tasked with drafting fresh amendments to the Armenian constitution.

Under an executive order signed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on December 30, the commission will also comprise other state officials, representatives of the three political groups represented in parliament as well as six legal scholars. The latter will be chosen, on a supposedly competitive basis, by the Justice Ministry, suggesting that Badasian will play a key role in the work of the ad hoc body.

The Armenian government officially announced plans to amend the constitution in October as part of its strategy of reforming the national judicial and electoral systems. It has since been speculated that Pashinian is also considering restoring the presidential system of government which existed in the country from 1991-2018.

Badasian appeared to rule out such a possibility when he spoke to reporters. Asked whether Armenia will cease to be a parliamentary republic as a result of the planned constitutional reform, he said: I dont think so. That issue should not be discussed.

Armenia switched to the parliamentary system following sweeping constitutional changes enacted through a disputed 2015 referendum. Former President Serzh Sarkisian engineered that transition in an effort to hold on to power after completing his second and final presidential term in April 2018. Sarkisian was toppled in the ensuing Velvet Revolution led by Pashinian.

At least the most recent constitutional change in Armenias history can be described as a disgrace given the purpose of that change, said Badasian.

Still, the minister, who will turn 29 next week, indicated that the Armenian judiciary will be the main focus of the fresh constitutional amendments. He said the authorities want to restore public trust in the courts but declined to specify which amendments could be enacted for that purpose.

Some members of Pashinians political team have suggested that the planned reform should end what they call a Constitutional Court crisis in the country.

Most members of the court, installed by the former Armenian governments, have been under strong government pressure to resign in recent months. They have not bowed to that pressure so far. There have been suggestions that the authorities will try to get rid of them by constitutionally abolishing the Constitutional Court and creating a new high court in its place.

Badasian spoke out against such a solution. He said the commission will be working on major changes that will apply to the entire judicial system.
You are here: China

Beijing police detained a suspect who allegedly attacked three medical workers and one patient in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital on Monday, local police said.

The suspect, surnamed Cui, is a 36-year-old male, according to a statement released by the Beijing Public Security Bureau. The four injured are receiving treatment at hospitals and currently in stable condition.

The suspect was detained by the district public security bureau in Chaoyang, Beijing and the case is under investigation.

At around 2 pm on Monday, the violent incident happened at the ophthalmology department at the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University. An ophthalmologist, surnamed Tao, was seriously injured and suffered multiple injures by the kitchen knife held by Cui.

Earlier in December, a patient's relative fatally stabbed a doctor at the Civil Aviation General Hospital in Beijing and the suspect was sentenced to death on Thursday.
A dramatic episode of The Bachelor ended with a tense rose ceremony Monday, when Peter Weber, who was feeling very conflicted about a contestant named Alayah, first walked out mid-ceremony, then, ultimately, came back with Chris Harrison and an unexpected twist.

With only two roses left to give out, Peter consulted with Chris about Alayah, saying "I want to give it to her so bad, but I just do not want to regret this." Ultimately, after returning to the ceremony, Chris announced to the ladies, "There's been a little bit of a change tonight. This is now the final rose tonight." Chris then took away one of the remaining roses, meaning there was one extra lady being sent home, which we assume to be Alayah.

The moment wasn't a complete surprise to fans, as the two-hour episode was filled with drama surrounding one woman. Prior to Monday's episode, no one knew who Alayah was. However, the Texas pageant queen quickly was made into the night's villain after Sydney called Alayah out on not being genuine and turning herself "on" for the cameras.

Sydney's claim gave Peter, and viewers, flashbacks to being frustrated about Luke P. during Hannah Brown's season of The Bachelorette last year.

I know he has feelings for me... wow are you Alayah or Luke P?? #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/TQkrkZrNC5  hannahmahon13 (@hannahm70191038) January 21, 2020

When Allayah and Luke P meet at stage coach this year #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/IAEWucgmEE  Logan Farmer (@LFarm97) January 21, 2020

Peter dont pull a Hannah B and fall for Alayah like she fell for Luke P. #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/8hXhIxQTZa  bree  (@bwinchesterr92) January 21, 2020

I didnt know Luke P's sister was on the show. #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/EF9EwuPg8c  Kenzie  (@woahhkenzie) January 21, 2020

However, despite his doubts and concern, Peter decided to look past the red flags because he liked Alayah. That is, until Victoria P., whom Peter really likes, dropped a little tidbit of information.

Story continues

According to Victoria P., Alayah asked her to "not tell producers" that they knew one another from the pageant circuit prior to coming onto the show. "I didn't really understand why," Victoria P. told Peter. "I was like, I don't want to lie. I can't lie."

Peter then confronted Alayah about not being completely honest, which, ultimately, was the catalyst in his decision of sending her home, but not before Bachelor Nation had a chance to rush to Twitter to poke a little fun at Alayah for being caught in a lie.

Peter: did you tell Victoria to tell producers you didnt know each other before the show

Alayah:#TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/Z4x2ZQt7hB  Brett S. Vergara (@BrettSVergara) January 21, 2020

Alayahs face when Peter asked if she told Victoria P to lie #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/EnmoqDBiDg  Sarah Schragenheim (@Sarah_Schrags) January 21, 2020

When you run out of excuses #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/MJ74sH5px5  Pilot Pete (@PilotPete2) January 21, 2020

However, while you might think it's surprising that a villain was created and eliminated in one episode, think again. From what we saw in the preview for next week's episode, Alayah will be returning to get the last word.

The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Watch a champagne explosion going embarrassingly wrong on The Bachelor:

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Linkedin Rizki Fachriansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, January 21, 2020 15:39 721 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad206059c4d 1 National Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,social-media,Twitter,comic Free

A comic strip posted on President Joko Jokowi Widodos Twitter account that conveys the message of looking past appearances and instead judging people by their actions has been met with a less-than-favorable reception on social media, with many users pointing out the comics inherent irony in regard to the various instances of discrimination still plaguing the government's bureaucracy.

In a video that was viewed over 2.1 million times and retweeted by over 33,900 Twitter users as of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, a man who appears to be a cartoon version of Jokowi takes his grandson out on a trip aboard a commuter train.

As they look for available seats on the train, the grandson is scared when he sees a man with dyed hair, dressed in stereotypical gang attire, sitting across from him.

Grandpa, theres a scary-looking man, the grandson said.

Its okay, dont be scared, the grandfather replied.

On the next page, an elderly woman is shown boarding the train when it arrives at a station. The man with dyed hair catches sight of her and tries to get her attention, prompting fellow passengers to suspect that the man is up to no good.

Throughout the last several panels, the man is revealed to be a considerate individual who offers to give up his seat for the woman, despite his supposedly aggressive appearance suggesting otherwise. The man then tells the elderly woman that she was once his school teacher who had taught him that being an intelligent person was not enough, as he must also be kind to others.

In the last panel, the grandfather -- who is wearing a white shirt, similar to Jokowi's trademark style -- is shown giving advice to his grandson.

Dont judge a person by their appearance. Judge them by their actions, the man tells his grandson at the end of the strip.

The comic has since garnered a deluge of responses from social media users, including those who have criticized Jokowi's administration for failing to heed the advice.

Scores of Twitter users flocked to Jokowi's Twitter thread, with some posting sarcastic messages to express their disappointment at the government's discriminatory policies, including several regulations that prohibit members of the public who have tattoos from taking office as civil servants at a number of state institutions and bans on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

But why are [people] who have tattoos not allowed to work as civil servants, pak?" Twitter user @PamanKevin tweeted in reply to the comic strip.

Tapi kok tatoan ga bisa jadi pns pak???????? https://t.co/YAuEmkGLWN  Saint Caoimhin of Glendalough (@PamanKevin) January 19, 2020

Another user, @strawberrychaoz, wrote, I still dont understand why LGBT people are not allowed to apply for work as civil servants.

Terus ga ngerti kenapa LGBT gaboleh daftar PNS. https://t.co/QyzPIbmmYt  cara marianne (@strawberrychaoz) January 19, 2020

Why cant those who have tattoos apply for work as civil servants? Why are transgender people still not given the right to formal work? @_banggiel tweeted.

Rules forbidding public servants from having tattoos have been imposed in the country since the New Order era. Although some government institutions did not stipulate the ban among the job requirements for those applying for civil service recruitment last year, some institutions, including the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) and the National Civil Service Agency (BKN) still imposed the ban on tattooed applicants.

Meanwhile, at least two institutions have stipulated a ban on LGBT applicants during last years civil service recruitment, namely the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and the Trade Ministry -- although the Indonesian Ombudsman said the latter had removed such requirements shortly after receiving a backlash.

The AGOs special requirement even went as far as categorizing homosexuality and transgenderism as mental illnesses: Applicants must not be mentally disabled, including deviant sexual orientation and deviant behavior.

The requirement raised eyebrows as the countrys Diagnostic Classification on Mental Disorder Guidelines (PPDGJ) III, issued in 1987, states that homosexuality is not a mental illness.

At the time of the writing, neither Jokowi, through his official social media channels, nor his staff or ministers had released a statement regarding the comments.
IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva addressed the Peterson Institute, founded by the late Trilateral Commission member, Peter G. Peterson (19262018). The Peterson board of directors is a Whos Who of other Trilateral members. Trilateral Commission members (past or present) include Alan Greenspan, Frank Loy, George Shultz, Ernesto Zedillo, Robert Zoellick, Stanley Fischer, Richard N. Cooper, C. Fred Bergsten, Larry Summers, among others. Georgieva lays much of the future blame on global warming. The moral hazard is enormous because the IMF wants to kill Capitalism and Free Enterprise, and moreover, has the power and influence to do it. The mal-investment of trillions of dollars into futile and unproductive green investments breeds a self-fulfilling prophecy.  TN Editor ...

The head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that the global economy risks a return of the Great Depression, driven by inequality and financial sector instability.

Speaking at the Peterson Institute of International Economics in Washington, Kristalina Georgieva said new IMF research, which compares the current economy to the roaring 1920s that culminated in the great market crash of 1929, revealed that a similar trend was already under way.

While the inequality gap between countries had closed in the last two decades, it had increased within countries, she said, singling out the UK for particular criticism.

In the UK, for example, the top 10% now control nearly as much wealth as the bottom 50%. This situation is mirrored across much of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), where income and wealth inequality have reached, or are near, record highs.

She added: In some ways, this troubling trend is reminiscent of the early part of the 20th century  when the twin forces of technology and integration led to the first gilded age, the roaring 20s, and, ultimately, financial disaster.

She warned that fresh issues such as the climate emergency and increased trade protectionism meant the next 10 years were likely to be characterised by social unrest and financial market volatility.

If I had to identify a theme at the outset of the new decade, it would be increasing uncertainty, she said.

With disputes still raging between the US and Europe, she said the global trading system is in need of a significant upgrade.

Georgieva said uncertainty affects not only businesses but individuals, especially given the rising inequality within many countries.

She said that excessive inequality hinders growth and  can fuel populism and political upheaval.

Eric LeCompte, the head of debt charity Jubilee USA, said: The IMF delivered a stark message about the potential for another massive financial disaster that we last experienced during the Great Depression.

With inequality on the rise and concerns of stability in the markets, we need to take this warning seriously.

Read full story here
New Delhi/Patna: Long-brewing differences within the JD(U) over being in the NDA and supporting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Parliament came out in the open on Tuesday with senior leader Pavan K. Varma raising questions on the partys alliance with BJP for the Delhi Assembly polls despite differences over the twin issues of CAA and NRC.

Varmas letter came a day after the JD(U) dropped him and vice-president Prashant Kishor from the list of campaigners for the Delhi Assembly polls. The 20-strong list includes the names of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, party spokesperson K.C. Tyagi and other leaders such as R.C.P. Singh and Vashishtha Narayan Singh.

The JD(U) is fighting two seats in Delhi that of Burari and Sangam Vihar.

In the open letter, Varma sought ideological clarity on the issue of CAA and NRC.

He said that he failed to understand how the party has formed an alliance for the Delhi elections, given his (Nitish Kumar) own views on the BJP and the massive national outrage against the divisive CAA-NPR-NRC scheme.

I fail to understand how the JD(U) is extending its alliance with the BJP beyond Bihar when even long-standing allies like Akali Dal have refused to do so. This is especially so when the BJP through the CAA-NPR-NRC combine has embarked on a massive social divisive agenda aimed at mutilating the peace and harmony and stability of the country, he said in the letter.

It was your personal views as conveyed to me, that the BJP is destroying institutions and that there is a need for democratic and socialist forces within the country to regroup, he further said.

Earlier, Kishor had come out strongly against the CAA/NRC following which Kumar had said that there could be another debate in the state Assembly if needed on CAA and that Bihar would not implement the NRC.

On whether the state would implement the NPR, which many see as the basis for a future NRC, JD(U) spokesperson K.C. Tyagi said in Delhi that we want a separate caste census along with the NPR.

He also said that the government should begin a dialogue with those protesting against CAA.

After the letter was released by Verma on Twitter, both BJP and JD(U) leaders in Patna reacted strongly against him.

Talking to this newspaper BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said, The seat-sharing between NDA partners for Delhi election shows the rapport among the top leaders of NDA allies. He should not have written a letter and rather discussed it on party forum. In a way, he has raised a question on the top leadership of JD(U) which is against the discipline of party hierarchy as well as the collective essence and ethos of NDA.

Sources in the JD(U) told this newspaper that Varmas open questioning of the Chief Minister indicates that he might be contemplating leaving the party.
Teen-age activist Greta Thunberg told world political and business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday that their inaction on the climate crisis was "fueling the flames by the hour."

The 17-year-old exhorted the World Economic Forum audience to "act as if you loved your children above all else."

Thunberg said she had been warned that telling people to panic, as she had done last year at the same event, was dangerous but quipped "don't worry it's fine I've done this before and I can assure you it doesn't lead to anything."

And by panic, Thunberg said this did not mean relying on technologies that don't yet, or may never, exist on scale, or by talking about reaching carbon neutrality by "cheating and fiddling" around with numbers.

In fact, the climate activist said it was not a case of simply lowering carbon emissions or promising net zero but "real zero" emissions.

She said panic also did not mean offsetting emissions by just paying someone else to plant trees in other countries, like Africa.

Thunberg said if high emissions continued, the remaining carbon budget, something she spoke of during a panel earlier on Tuesday, would soon be "completely used up."

And while Thunberg agreed people were right to feel "outrage and worry" at the news the U.S. was to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, she pointed out that the leaders of the other countries in the accord did not seem bothered that they were about to fail on their commitments.

But she stated that this problem was not about political parties on the right, left or center but that everyone across the spectrum had failed at tackling the environmental emergency.
By ANI

WASHINGTON: American actor Peter Dinklage was adjudged the winner of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series at SAG Awards, and during his acceptance speech thanked all those who were responsible for the success of 'Game of Thrones'.

Keeping his acceptance speech short and sweet the actor said looking at the trophy, "Hello. Oh, my... I think he was on Game of Thrones."

"I would like to thank the people of Northern Ireland, who put up with us for nine years," he added.

SAG Awards even posted a clip of Peter's acceptance speech on their Instagram account.

"Dinklage receives his first individual Actor for the final season of Game of Thrones and in his sixth nomination as Tyrion Lannister #sagawards," read the caption of the post.

In the clip, Peter praised the entire team of the show and said: "I would also like to thank everyone at table nine and ten and beyond cause we put up with each other for nine years."

The actor concluded the acceptance speech by thanking his wife, Erica Schmidt.

"Finally and most importantly, I would like to thank my wife, who put up with me for more than nine years, but lived in a place far away from home, but made it home cause we were together," said Peter. .
JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation today announced the largest grant in its history, a contribution of up to $3 million for the Jackson YMCA's campaign to build a new building to serve thousands of the region's residents and spur more economic growth in downtown Jackson.

"Consumers Energy is committed to the prosperity of Michigan's communities and creating opportunities for the people who call them home," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's president and CEO. "We are excited to make a once-in-a-generation commitment to boost the YMCA's campaign to help them to move into a new building that will be a focal point for the community."

The Jackson YMCA is more than halfway through a $25 million fundraising effort to replace its 58-year-old downtown building with a new, state-of-the-art facility. The Consumers Energy Foundation's grant matches up to $3 million in contributions from others, and brings total pledged contributions today to over $17 million.

The YMCA serves nearly 1,000 community members every day. The new building will allow the 124-year-old nonprofit organization to enhance existing programs, develop new offerings and expand services in partnership with others.

"With its unprecedented gift, the Consumers Energy Foundation has energized the Y's efforts and validated our vision to build a new YMCA and create a healthy living campus in the heart of Jackson," said Shawna Tello, Jackson YMCA chief executive officer.

"We are truly grateful for Consumers Energy's commitment to its hometown and the ongoing work of the YMCA and our partners. Consumers Energy's incredibly generous contribution will help the Y and our partners serve as a catalyst for positive change, meaningful collaboration and community impact as we work to be inclusive to all."

The Jackson YMCA is in the second phase of a three-phase capital campaign. The current phase focuses on identifying collaborative partners whose expertise will expand the scope of the Y's vision for a healthy living campus. This phase is expected to wrap up by the third quarter of 2020.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is Consumers Energy's charitable arm. The foundation supports community efforts across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, ensuring that residents have access to world-class cultural, natural and educational resources.

In 2019, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $11.5 million to Michigan nonprofits. For more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.

Since 1896 the Jackson YMCA has worked to provide opportunities for individuals of all walks of life. The Y serves men and women of all ages, religions and economic backgrounds through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Jackson YMCA moved into its current facility in 1962, and has undergone numerous renovations since that time. Visit www.JacksonYMCA.org to learn more.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/consumersenergy

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/consumersenergy

SOURCE Consumers Energy

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The 19-year-old accused of shooting and killing two men and injuring five others at a River Walk-area bar on Sunday appears to have been scheduled to perform at the music event where the incident took place.

An Instagram account belonging to suspect Kiernan Williams contains a photo of the flyer for "Living the Dream," the music event hosted at Ventura Sunday night. Williams' stage name "32Baby K9" is included on the promotional graphic. He touted the event on his Instagram account as his second show and asked his supporters to ask him for discounts on admission.
DAVOS, Switzerland - Young climate activists including Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg told business and political elites gathered Tuesday at the World Economic Forum that they aren't doing enough to tackle the climate emergency and warned them that time was running out.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/1/2020 (721 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, center, leaves as U.S. President Donald Trump, rear right, and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, rear left, are seen at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020. The 50th annual meeting of the forum will take place in Davos from Jan. 21 until Jan. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

DAVOS, Switzerland - Young climate activists including Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg told business and political elites gathered Tuesday at the World Economic Forum that they aren't doing enough to tackle the climate emergency and warned them that time was running out.

At a panel in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, climate campaigners expressed hope that their generation could work with those in power to bring about the change needed to limit global warming even as Thunberg - a vocal critic of leaders' inaction - said not enough has been done.

We need to start listening to the science, and treat this crisis with the importance it deserves," said the 17-year-old, just as U.S. President Donald Trump was arriving in Davos, where he later gave a speech. Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the Paris accord to limit climate change and has traded barbs with Thunberg on social media.

Without treating it as a real crisis we cannot solve it, Thunberg said , adding that it was time to stop burning fossil fuels immediately, not decades from now.

The Swedish teenager came to fame by staging a regular strike at her school, sparking a global movement that eventually earned her Time Magazine's award as the 2019 Person of the Year. Last year she told leaders gathered in Davos that they should panic about climate change.

Speaking in the afternoon, Thunberg brushed aside Trump's announcement that the U.S. would join the economic forum's initiative to plant 1 trillion trees across the globe to help capture carbon dioxide from Earths atmosphere.

Planting trees is good of course but its nowhere near enough," Thunberg said. "It cannot replace mitigation," she added, referring to efforts to drastically cut emissions in the near term.

Thunberg accused leaders of "cheating and fiddling around with numbers" with talk of cutting emissions to 'net zero' - that is, emitting no more carbon than is absorbed by the planet or technical means - by 2050.

While there has been widespread criticism both inside and outside the United States over Trump's decision to pull the U.S. out of the 2015 Paris climate accord, Thunberg said the rest of the world, too, was effectively missing the targets set down in that agreement.

She dismissed the notion that climate change is a partisan issue, insisting that "this isn't about right or left."

Responding to those who have accused her of doom-mongering, Thunberg said her message was simply based on scientific facts, not irrational fears.

"My generation will not give up without a fight," she said.

Her views were echoed by other climate activists, such Natasha Wang Mwansa, an 18-year-old activist from Zambia who campaigns for girls and womens rights. She told an audience in Davos that the older generation has a lot of experience, but we have ideas, we have energy, and we have solutions."

Salvador Gomez-Colon, who raised funds and awareness after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico in 2017, said young activists are doing more than just talking.

Were not waiting five, 10, 20 years to take the action we want to see. Were not the future of the world, were the present, were acting now. Were not waiting any longer.

Autumn Peltier, the chief water commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation of indigenous people in Canada, said plaudits are not what they are looking for at the World Economic Forum.

I dont want your awards. If you are going to award me, award me with helping to find solutions and helping to make change.

Thunberg cited a report released in 2018 by the U.N.'s science panel that calculated the amount of additional carbon dioxide the atmosphere can absorb before global average temperature increases exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit). Leaders agreed to try to stay below that threshold when they signed the 2015 Paris climate accord, but scientists warn the chances of doing so are dwindling.

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Thunberg noted that the remaining carbon budget to confidently meet that target stood at just 420 gigatons of CO2 two years ago, the equivalent of 10 years of global emissions. Even with a more optimistic calculation, keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 C would require a massive reduction in emissions over the next two decades.

"These numbers aren't anyone's political opinions or political views," said Thunberg. "This is the current best-available science."

___

Read more stories on climate issues by The Associated Press here.

___

Kirsten Grieshaber and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report.
Residents of Forest Lake in Brisbane's south are the most likely to become victims of home and car theft, data from one of Queensland's largest insurers shows.

The suburb was home to more than 100 claims to RACQ in the past four years, with Inala and Sunnybank Hills ranking in the top three.

Residents of Forest Lake have made 106 home and car theft claims with RACQ since 2016, the most of any Brisbane suburb. Credit:Queensland Police Service

Forest Lake also saw the highest rate of home theft over the period with 79 claims, followed by Carindale and Kuraby.

RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said the organisation had seen a "steady rise" in car theft claims across Queensland between 2016 and 2019.
RICHMOND, Va. - Thousands of gun-rights advocates packed the streets around the Virginia Capitol on Monday, bristling with weapons, flags and threats of insurrection but never erupting into the violence authorities had feared.

Armed militias carrying assault-style weapons marched in formation until the crowds grew too thick. Protestors without firearms filed through 17 metal detectors at a single entrance to Capitol Square, where Gov. Ralph Northam had temporarily banned weapons, and cheered fiery speeches about the Second Amendment.

This was the aftershock of last fall's elections, when thousands of Virginia voters gave majorities in the General Assembly to Democrats who promised to enact gun-control laws. The losing side of that equation thundered through this city's streets on Monday. They were joined by self-styled patriots from all over the country, whipped into a near-frenzy by social media calls - including from President Trump - to make Virginia the bulwark against any retreat on gun rights.

Intelligence from law enforcement about outside threats had put Virginia officials on edge and led to a massive police presence. The crackdown also made Northam (D) a symbol of the country's cultural and political divide - as evidenced by harsh signs Monday depicting him as a "tyrant," "radical Ralph" and photoshopped into a Nazi uniform.

"Democrats in the state are demonstrating . . . unadulterated power without authority," Erich Pratt, senior vice-president of Gun Owners of America, thundered in Capitol Square. "No one listening to my voice should ever...vote for the party of gun control, the party of Nancy Pelosi, Charles Schumer," he said, interrupted by boos at the names of the Democratic leaders.

Inside the white-columned Capitol, the halls were strangely quiet as lawmakers went about their business. Young pages had the day off for safety; there was a skeleton staff, but beefed-up police presence.

Democrats who had met with pro-gun lobbyists Monday morning said they, too, were responding to thousands of fired-up constituents - the voters who put them into office on the promise of stricter gun laws.

"You will see sensible gun violence prevention legislation pass this year," Del. Alfonso Lopez, D, said before heading into a party caucus.

Police said about 6,000 people had passed through the checkpoint into Capitol Square. But there were differing estimates on the size of the larger crowd that remained on the streets. Public safety officials said about 16,000 people, based on how many blocks of street and sidewalk were filled, while rally organizers said they believed there were twice that many.

Authorities reported no major incidents and only a single arrest, of a 21-year-old woman charged with wearing a mask in public, despite the presence of numerous out-of-state militia and extremist groups that had threatened violence online and in social media.

"Intel proving correct," Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran said in a text message during the rally. "Big crowd, several militia members. Peaceful protest so far and hopefully all day."

One man was turned away at the metal detectors for having screws in his pockets. A pink smoke bomb went off near the entrance to Capitol Square, but police were unable to find out who detonated it.

Officers did remove a homemade guillotine that had been set up on the street, inscribed with the words: "The penalty for treason is death."

Northam praised law enforcement and said he was thankful there was no violence. "Today showed that when people disagree, they can do so peacefully," he said in a written statement. "The issues before us evoke strong emotions, and progress is often difficult. I will continue to listen to the voices of Virginians, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep our Commonwealth safe."

Militia members began arriving from other states the night before the rally, with more than 100 gathering for dinner and prayers in a remote part of Henrico County. Vehicles in the parking lot bore license plates from Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and more.

On Monday, before full light, thousands of people were converging on the Capitol, bundled against temperatures that didn't get above freezing until afternoon. By mid-morning, the streets were packed like Times Square on New Year's Eve. A militia's fife-and-drum corps mixed with the sounds of police helicopters whirring overhead.

On Ninth Street, the sea of gun-toting, camouflage-wearing humanity was too thick to move. A group of burly men formed a chain, each holding the backpack of the one in front, to try to make headway down the hill. Flags sprouted like flares - American flags, Gadsden ("Don't Tread on Me") flags, militia flags. Squadrons of militias formed lines and executed marches, then sat along the curb and warmed their hands and rested their weapons.

A reporter felt his bag snag on something, turned and saw that it had caught the edge of a long assault-style rifle. "Sorry, you're good," said the man carrying it, his face concealed behind a scarf and dark glasses.

Another man carried a gigantic .50-caliber Barrett M82A1 rifle, probably five feet long, and wore a helmet and body armor.

"This sends a strong visual message," said Brandon Lewis, patting the rifle. He had driven from Bergen, N.Y., where he owns a shooting range. The message, he said: "The government is not above us. They are us."

Elsewhere in the crowd, Justin Burns, 19, and his friend Spencer George, 30, flaunted their own arsenals: Assault-style rifles rested on their chests, bullets visible in the magazines. More ammunition was tucked into their bulletproof vests.

George, a welder from Ohio, said he gave Burns a ride from West Virginia - a total of 10 hours to get to the rally. He added that it felt "awesome" to see so many gun-toting gun-rights activists gathered in one place.

There were almost no signs of counter-protesters. In a rare clash, a man who said he was a shooting survivor confronted a teen carrying an oversize long gun. "Why do you need to have that gun?" the man demanded. A small contingent watched the two argue; they eventually shook hands and walked off peacefully.

Much of the crowd's ire was focused on Northam, who vowed to pass gun control after a gunman killed 12 people at a Virginia Beach municipal building last year. He has touted measures such as universal background checks, limiting handgun purchases to one per month and a "red flag" law allowing authorities to temporarily seize weapons from those deemed a threat. Democrats seem to be backing away from plans to ban assault weapons.

"Sign here to recall Radical Ralph," called out Chris Anders, 48, of Loudoun County, who was gathering signatures for Northam's removal on behalf of a group called Virginia Conservatives. "People are tired of someone trying to roll over them," he said.

He was suddenly drowned out by cheers. Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones was nearby, shouting angrily. "If you try to take our firearms it's another 1776!" Jones roared, calling Northam a "piece of trash."

"Okay, I'm not saying that," Anders said. "Threats are hurtful to the cause. I believe in political efforts."

Down the hill and across the street from the Capitol, long lines formed outside entrances to legislative offices in the Pocahontas Building - or, as one voice in the crowd could be heard saying, "the Elizabeth Warren building." That's a reference to the slur President Trump has used against the Massachusetts senator, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Trump hats, signs and shirts were popular throughout the crowd.

The people in line were waiting to lobby their legislators, as Virginiansdo every year on Lobby Day. Almost all wore orange "Guns Save Lives" stickers.

The Styslinger family of Virginia Beach got onto an elevator to find their state senator, Republican Jen Kiggans.

"We've seen the damage firsthand of not being able to defend yourself," Bill Styslinger, 51, said. He and his wife were both trauma nurses who had worked on victims of last year's mass shooting. They had brought their 12-year-old son, Mason, to Richmond to see what it was like to lobby a legislator.

"Do you want to have your constitutional rights when you get older?" Styslinger asked his son, who was nervous about the whole affair.

"Yes I do," Mason said.

"How do you feel when mommy and daddy carry their guns?" his mother, Barb, asked.

"Safer," Mason said.

On the streets, people had access to rows and rows of portable toilets, provided courtesy of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, chief organizer of the rally. Those inside the "pen" that police had set up on Capitol Square were not so lucky. No guns, and no toilets either.

The program of speakers took about an hour and featured lawmakers and conservative activists, includingStephen Willeford, who shot and wounded a mass shooter at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in 2018.

"We must be vigilant, we must be united and we cannot stand by," he said of the prospect of gun control. "The world is watching right now what we will do ... Our backs are against the wall. We will not comply."

Afterward, no one was happier than Philip Van Cleave, head of the VCDL.

"It was perfect," he said in an interview. "This was what we wanted - something totally peaceful to tell the General Assembly to stay away from gun control."
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ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- When word came from the capital, Nur-Sultan, that no Kazakhs were being held in "reeducation" centers in northwest China's Xinjiang region, many who didn't believe that claim sought help tracking down their loved ones.

They found it in Atazhurt Eriktileri (Volunteers of the Fatherland), a human-rights group founded by ethnic Kazakhs who moved from Xinjiang as part of a repatriation program after Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991.

Thousands of families have been separated due to dramatic changes in Chinas policies regarding ethnic minorities -- predominantly Muslim -- over the past two and a half years.

The fate of Chinas Kazakhs -- many thousands of whom have been forcibly taken to the reeducation camps -- is part of a much larger campaign in Xinjiang and elsewhere in China that targets Muslims, mainly Uyghurs but also Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and even Hui (ethnic Chinese Muslims).

China claims the camps are for vocational education and training. It denies people at the centers are abused or mistreated despite thousands of reports and testimonies from internees.

In October, just after Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi declared that there were "no [ethnic] Kazakhs" at the controversial Chinese camps, several residents of the Almaty region bordering Xinjiang came to Atazhurt Eirktileri's offices to tell their stories.

'Disappeared Without A Trace'

"I came again to tell people about my son," Taldykorgan resident Nauatkhan Zhaqyp said tearfully. "Maybe there is a person who will hear us, understand our feelings."

Her 30-something son, Zheniskhan Zhanbyrbai, a livestock farmer, was the breadwinner for his extended family.

When they decided to move from China to their historical homeland, Zhanbyrbai's parents and his school-age son were the first to settle in the Almaty region.

"He bought us a house and in 2017 went back to China to take care of some business," Zhaqyp said. "He disappeared without a trace."

The family eventually came to the conclusion that Zhanbyrbai had been taken to a "political reeducation camp."

She said that relatives in Xinjiang are reluctant to talk about the situation there. They don't go into much detail, limiting conversations to everyday topics like health.

"They speak in hints, they are afraid to say openly," she said.

The reality, she said, is that Kazakhs in China are afraid to speak with someone from Kazakhstan because they don't want to risk imprisonment.

"We were able to find out with difficulty that our son had been sentenced to six years," Zhaqyp said. "Our daughter-in-law and youngest grandson remained in a Chinese village. God only knows how they survive there. The eldest grandson lives with me, he is studying. We live on my Kazakh pension."

'Nothing I Can Do'

Sultan Saulebek moved to Kazakhstan from China in 2013. He was later followed by his brother, but their parents stayed behind in Xinjiang.

They have heard from their mother, who is now under house arrest, but have not heard from their father, now 75, since 2017.

"My heart breaks when I think about my father, Sultan Aqyn, and mother, Gulsinai, who remained in the village of Mazar," Saulebek told RFE/RL's Kazakh Service. "There is nothing I can do."

The Chinese authorities allowed the brothers to speak to their mother by telephone in late 2019. But "father was taken to the 'political reeducation camp' two years ago and there is no news from him," Saulebek said.

From what Saulebek understands, his father, who had a kidney removed in 2002, can no longer walk and has lost his hearing. Saulebek suspects that his father was persecuted because of his religion.

"In 2013, he legally performed the Hajj to Mecca," Saulebek said. "We believe that the Chinese authorities were attracted to him for this."

'What Kind Of Friendship?'

Bikamal Kakenqyzy visited Atazhurt Eriktileri's offices with her two daughters. "China did what God couldn't -- separate me from my husband," she said, crying.

Adilghazy Muqaiuly, who is in his late 40s, was arrested in July 2017 immediately after crossing the Chinese border, she explained. She regrets that he did not ignore his former employer's request for him to return.

"For 2 1/2 years he has been kept in a political reeducation camp," she said. "We learned about his fate after the Chinese police delivered his mobile phone and other possessions to his relatives in China. There has been no news from him."

Kakenqyzy rents an apartment in the village of Uzynaghash in the Almaty region. Her youngest daughter, who was five months old when her father left, does not remember him. The eldest daughter was two years old.

Kakenqyzy cannot talk about her family without breaking into tears and is thankful for the assistance she has received from Atazhurt Erktler.

Despite the fact that she is a citizen of Kazakhstan, she said she does not receive child support and she is not able to gather needed documents.

"Almost every day I hear about the friendship between the two states," she told RFE/RL. "What kind of friendship is this? Why can't the Kazakh government ask its friend about us?"

Even if the Kazakh authorities believe there are no Kazakhs in Xinjiang's reeducation camps, they are aware of the problems faced by ethnic Kazakhs in China.

One of the people who visited Atazhurt Eriktileri brought along a letter from the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.

The Foreign Ministry is working with the Chinese side to objectively examine complaints from Kazakh citizens seeking their relatives living in China," the letter reads. "In order to expedite a positive review of the issue, please provide complete information about your relative."
By Trend

Azerbaijan will produce some Turkey's food, industrial, textile and electronic goods, as well as spare parts for electronic products, Ministry of Industry and Technology of Turkey told Trend.

Currently, the negotiations on the subject are ongoing.

Turkey will also expand the cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of scientific research, and between the technology parks of these two fraternal countries.

Further strengthening of cooperation in the research field and between technology parks, along with the expansion of contacts, is very important for the exchange of expertise, the ministry said.

For this purpose, mutual visits will be organized in the period from 2020 to 2022.

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Whats the atmosphere like? Why did Democrats impeach Trump knowing the likely outcome in the Senate? Five questions answered ahead of Trumps impeachment trial.

Washington, DC  President Donald Trump has become only the third president in United States history to face an impeachment trial in the Senate.

The House of Representatives voted last week to forward two articles of impeachment against Trump for abuse of power related to his dealings with Ukraine and obstruction of Congress for his refusal to participate in the impeachment inquiry.

All 100 senators will sit as a jury at trial while the House seeks to prosecute its case for conviction and removal of Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors. The presidents lawyers will offer a defence.

Here are answers to five questions many have asked about the process and what the trial means for Trump:

1. What is the atmosphere in Washington on Capitol Hill? Across the US?

The mood in the Senate chamber on Thursday when the impeachment trial opened with 99 of 100 senators present was extraordinarily somber, even deadly quiet  a stark contrast from when the chamber votes on legislative matters. One senator was absent due to a family emergency.

Senators are required to remain in their assigned seats without talking during the trial, under pain of imprisonment, according to an 18th-century rule.

TRUMP IMPEACHMENT REFRESHER The impeachment inquiry centred on a call between Trump and Ukraines president in which Trump asks for a probe into the Bidens. Trump also wanted an investigation into a conspiracy theory about the 2016 elections.

At the time of the call, Trump was withholding $391m in military aid from Ukraine, and conditioned a White House meeting on the probes, according to witnesses.

Trump was impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He denies any wrongdoing.

Everyone stood when John Roberts, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, entered the chamber in black judicial robes and took an oath to administer impartial justice.

Democrat leader Chuck Schumer said he heard audible gulps from other senators on both sides as the chief justice ascended the Senate dias.

Senators were called individually to the front of the chamber one by one to sign an oath of impartiality.

Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts swears in senators during the procedural start of the Senate impeachment trial of US President Donald Trump in this frame grab from video shot in the Senate Chamber at the US Capitol [US Senate TV/Handout/Reuters]

One senator said he had the feeling of a pit in his stomach. Another said he could feel the weight of history on his shoulders.

Outside the Senate chamber, partisan division reigned as leading voices on both sides spun their cases for or against the president.

The country itself is sharply divided between Democratic and Republican voters over whether Trump should be removed from office, according to recent polling.

Most Americans are aware of the impeachment and say they are paying at least some attention, though it is not the obsession everywhere in the country that it is in Washington, DC.

2. Why did the Democrats vote to impeach, even though the outcome in the Senate is a near-certain acquittal?

There are several motivations behind the Democrats drive to impeach, which began almost as soon as Democrats won back control of the US House of Representatives in 2018.

The obvious big one is political. Control of the White House, Senate and House will be determined in the next election.

Even if the majority Republicans in the Senate circle a defence around their president and vote to acquit, Democrats are betting the impeachment itself will damage Trump and his Republican allies politically.

Another motivation is institutional. Trump has refused to cooperate with House Democrats not just in impeachment, but essentially in everything.

Congress guards its oversight responsibilities closely and Trumps attitude has been provocative. Hence the obstruction of Congress charge.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, is surrounded by the House impeachment managers and committee chairs as she signs the two articles of impeachment for US President Donald Trump before sending them to the Senate during an engrossment ceremony [Leah Millis/Reuters]

If you also remember, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi waited to launch an impeachment inquiry for months, despite growing pressure within her caucus.

She said she could no longer wait following the whistle-blower complaint about Trumps dealings with Ukraine and the Trump administrations handling of it.

The actions taken to date by the president have seriously violated the [US] Constitution, Pelosi said in September, adding that no one is above the law.

For many members of Congress, Trumps impeachment is an expression of both personal and political disapproval. Trumps governing style has been crude and divisive, at times laced with overt racism, ill-informed arrogance and bungling. That has invited animus.

3. Will there be Republican defections? What about within the Democratic party?

At this point, its unlikely that many Republicans will vote to convict Trump on the articles of impeachment, although that could change if witnesses are called and more facts come out.

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Republicans control the Senate by a 53-47 majority over Democrats and independents, which means it would only take four Republican defections to give Democrats control over how the trial proceeds.

So far, only three Republicans have signalled a willingness to side with Democrats on the question of calling witnesses, including Senators Mitt Romney of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.

Senate Democrats appear somewhat united on impeachment. One Democratic senator who is in a particular political quandary is Doug Jones of Alabama, a state where Trump is popular. Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, another state where Trump maintains high levels of support, has indicated he has not decided on whether he will vote to convict Trump.

Another Democrat to watch is Kyrsten Sinema, who has charted a fiercely non-partisan path in the Senate and represents a conservative state in Arizona.

4. What effect will a Senate trial have on Trumps popularity, legacy and 2020 prospects?

That is still somewhat of an open question given that Trump could still be re-elected to another four-year term in November.

House Speaker Pelosi says impeachment by the House, even if Trump is not convicted by the Senate, is already a permanent stain on his presidency.

President Donald Trump reacts after speaking during a campaign rally in Toledo, Ohio [Tony Dejak/AP Photo]

Trumps approval rating has been consistently low throughout his presidency so far, hovering around 42 percent according to polls, worse than any president since Jimmy Carter, who only served one term.

The impeachment trial will give Democrats several weeks of nationally televised proceedings to make their case that Trump is contemptuous of the US Constitution and unfit for office.

Trump plans to counter the Democratic messaging by attending the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Switzerland this week and emphasising the strength of the US economy, his best argument to US voters for re-election.

5. What is the likelihood that witnesses will be called during the Senate trial?

It is probable that witnesses will be called during the trial although the White House has been working with Republican leaders to try to prevent it.

Democrats are framing the issue of calling witnesses as a choice between a fair trial and a cover-up and are putting political pressure on vulnerable Republicans.

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton gestures while speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC [Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Photo]

Witnesses were called in the 1999 impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton and several Republicans have signalled a willingness to hear witnesses in Trumps case.

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton, who declined to be interviewed by investigators during the Houses impeachment inquiry said he would be willing to testify to the Senate.

Bolton has first-hand knowledge of how Trump orchestrated the pressure campaign on Ukraine to announce investigations of the Bidens.

Other potential witnesses Democrats want to hear from include; Mick Mulvaney, acting chief of staff, Robert Blair, a senior adviser to Mulvaney, and Michael Duffey, a senior White House budget official. Trump blocked them from appearing before the House impeachment inquiry.

One more potential witness is Lev Parnas, a Ukrainian-born businessman who was working with Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani to get the Ukrainians to announce investigations of Biden. Parnas turned over texts and emails to House investigators and said in media interviews he would welcome an opportunity to testify.

Some Republicans, on the other hand, have said they may want to hear from Bidens son, Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:40:33|Editor: mingmei

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CHONGQING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Locals and tourists have participated in a traditional "1,000-meter-long banquet" in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality as they welcome the coming Lunar New Year.

More than 20,000 tourists were among the guests served local delicacies at the banquet along a street in Chongqing's Zhongshan Old Town.

Red lanterns decorated the houses along the street, while sweet wine, steamed pork and smoked tofu delighted visitors.

"The event displays our tradition and culture and gives tourists a glimpse of how locals celebrate the Lunar New Year," said Liu Donglin, former head of the local cultural unit.

Residents of the town traditionally hold these banquets to welcome the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan. 25 this year. In the past, the town was a busy port, and locals would prepare food along the street to cater to business people and porters who could not make it home for family gatherings.

In 2005, locals decided to boost local tourism by resuming the tradition.
German dentist has been accused of trying to present 20 fake Picasso paintings as authenticated works in 2017.

According to the German-language magazine Monopol, the man from Neuss, Germany had presented the paintings, which included fake certificates of authenticity from the Picasso estate, to representatives from several auction houses for review at a hotel in Dusseldorf in January 2017.



He reportedly claimed the handwritten notes on the back of the canvases were from Picassos son. The auction houses, which went unnamed in the report, raised suspicions about the authenticity of the works, and authorities were soon contacted, ARTnews reported.

The dentist could now face being charged with the "unauthorized exploitation of copyrighted works" and the use of fake certifications, and he will stand trial at the Dusseldorf District Court on January 28.
International technology company JRI America has formally begun the planned expansion of its operations in Tralee with the announ cement of 21 new jobs at its base at the Kerry Technology Park adjacent to the Institute of Technology Tralee.

Last summer the company announced plans to expand its Tralee operations with the creation of 100 jobs over five years.

The New York-headquartered JRI America is a subsidiary of the Japanese IT financial services company Japan Research Institute, which is the specialist IT subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.

JRI established a base in Tralee in 2011 and employs 150 people here.

The initial new jobs will focus on specialist technical areas, while the company has also kicked-off its 2020 intern programme, with a large number of students beginning their placements.

Further to the commitment we made last May to hire across all areas, we have now delivered the first phase of our expansion.

We are delighted to welcome such engaged and high-quality talent to our expanding team, said JRI America managing director Michael ODea.

Regarding the intern programme, Shane Walsh who leads the Tralee operation, said: We have a close working relationship with a number of colleges.

In particular, our continued strong partnership with Institute of Technology Tralee continues to bear fruit.

"We have attracted top class students who have been offered an opportunity to work in a multinational technology company on their doorstep.
[January 21, 2020] Reveleer Raises Capital to Fund Next Generation AI Platform to Improve Payer Population Health Compliance

GLENDALE, Calif., Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reveleer, a secure and integrated cloud-based medical data acquisition and extraction platform that uniquely supports health plans and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in the Medicare, Commercial and Medicaid markets, today announced that the company has closed a Series C round of financing. Boston Millennia Partners led the financing joined by existing investor Upfront Ventures.

Payers face numerous challenges around government program compliance, with decentralized, inefficient processes driving high operating costs for record retrieval and review. Reveleer offers platform solutions to enable payers to efficiently execute and manage complex member data programs, including Risk Adjustment and Quality Improvement. Reveleers unique platform delivery that enables payers and MCOs to obtain necessary data while giving them total choice, transparency, and control over the execution of their programs has resulted in accelerated revenue growth of 60%+ for two consecutive years. In 2019, Reveleer achieved more than $10 million in revenue and signed a $16 million multi-year agreement with a top five national health plan to support record retrieval, review and submission with its platform. This has been a pivotal year for Reveleer, and we are fortunate to have strong investors to support our long-term objectives, said Jay Ackerman, CEO of Reveleer. We are also pleased by the trust our customers have demonstrated in our platform. Reveleer is now uniquely equipped to deploy software to more efficiently acquire, manage and govern data in accordance with an ever-changing regulatory environment, and that is exactly the reason why top Payers and Managed Care Organizations are gravitating to our platform. Our team has been watching this company for the past two years and were excited to join Upfront and the Reveleer leadership team in building a significant business focused on enabling health plans to chart their own course in Risk Adjustment and Quality, said Rn Roome, Principal, Boston Millennia Partners.



Reveleer, which has built a core platform for the future of data acquisition, enables health plans and MCOs with a dynamic workflow leveraging multiple capabilities including a powerful provider outreach module with advanced telephony, multi-modal secure record retrieval, automated document intake and QA, medical record review (coding and abstraction), analytics, and robust reporting. Reveleer will use the new funds to extend its Risk Adjustment solutions, advance Artificial Intelligence initiatives and accelerate go-to-market activities.

We've been believers in Reveleer since the start and are excited to double down and continue backing the team. As managed care health plans undergo an unprecedented shift towards value-based care they need, now more than ever, access to and data-driven insights on their patient medical records. Reveleer's cloud platform gives plans that transparent and compliant access, empowering them to take back control of their quality and risk initiatives," said Kevin Zhang, Partner, Upfront Ventures. The financing was secured with assistance from investment bank Bailey Southwell & Co. based in Nashville, TN. About Reveleer Reveleer is a healthcare software and services company that empowers payers in all lines of business to take control over their risk adjustment and quality improvement programs. The Reveleer platform enables payers to independently execute and manage every aspect of provider outreach, retrieval, coding, abstraction and reporting  all under one single platform. Leveraging its technology, proprietary data sets, and subject matter expertise, Reveleer also assists payers with full record retrieval and review services to support financial performance and improved member outcomes. About Boston Millennia Partners Boston Millennia Partners provides private equity financing to high growth companies in the healthcare industry. Our team brings over one hundred years of combined private equity experience to the investment process. Our expertise in finance; operations; engineering; business development; executive recruiting; and law provides significant value to the companies in which we invest. Since the early 1980s, members of our team have managed eight venture capital partnerships with very successful results for our investors and our entrepreneurs. The BMP investment team has been active investors in seven early stage companies which achieved billion or multi-billion exit values including: PAREXEL International, Inc., Ilex Oncology, Inc., Verio, Inc., and Bright Horizons, Inc. The growth and success of our portfolio companies have, in turn, allowed us to grow and expand our capital managed to over $700 million. About Upfront Ventures Upfront Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm making national investments in technology-forward companies and founders. Since 1996, Upfront has invested more than $2 billion in companies including Maker Studios (acquired by Disney), TrueCar, Ring (acquired by Amazon), Kyriba, Overture and Envestnet. Key investments include Bird, GOAT, Apeel Sciences, thredUP, The Wing, and Invoca, as well as health tech investments including GoodRx, Bionaut Labs, and Canvas Medical. upfront.com CLAUDIA GALLARDO 310 903 7392

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Here is what to look out for next as the proceedings advance in US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate:

January 20

- The House of Representatives filed its reply to Trump's response to the Senate trial summons.

- Trump filed a trial brief that called for an immediate dismissal of the House's two articles of impeachment.

- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, unveiled his proposals for how the impeachment trial would operate, if a majority of the Senate approves.

The plan has no guarantee that witnesses would be subpoenaed to testify. It provides a total of 48 hours for House Democratic prosecutors and Trump lawyers to deliver opening arguments, evenly divided and potentially in four 12-hour sessions.

Starting January 21

- The House has until noon EST (1700 GMT) to file a rebuttal brief to the White House trial brief, if it so chooses.

- The trial resumes at 1 p.m. (1800 GMT) and is expected to continue six days a week, with the exception of Sundays.

- A vote could be held sometime on Jan. 21 on McConnell's proposed rules governing the first phase of the trial, which would leave open the option of voting later on whether witnesses would testify and new evidence could be introduced.

- Democrats are expected to try to amend McConnell's rules to stipulate that witnesses must be called, possibly leading to extended debate over the rules of the trial.

- Once the rules have been adopted, Democratic House "managers" who form the prosecution team would begin to present their case against Trump. It is unclear whether that will start on Jan. 21 or the next day. When the House managers have finished, the president's team will respond with its opening arguments. During the arguments, senators sit as jurors and are not allowed to speak unless they are in a closed session.

- Following the opening arguments, senators would be given time to submit questions to each side.

Late January to early February

- Democrats are expected to continue pushing to hear from witnesses during the trial. If McConnell's resolution on initial trial rules is adopted, as expected, senators would likely vote some time after the trial has started on whether to introduce witness testimony sought by the Democrats. If the Senate decides to subpoena witnesses, they would first be deposed privately and the Senate would then decide whether they should publicly testify.

- Votes to present final arguments could occur if no subpoenas are issued and if witnesses are not approved by a majority of the Senate.

February 4

- Trump is scheduled to deliver the annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.
Ciudad Hidalgo (Mexico) (AFP) - Hundreds of Central Americans from a new migrant caravan tried to force their way into Mexico Monday by crossing the river that divides the country from Guatemala, prompting the National Guard to fire tear gas.

The Central Americans, from the so-called "2020 Caravan" of around 3,500 undocumented migrants, gathered on the Guatemalan side of the Suchiate River at dawn, demanding migration authorities let them continue their journey to the United States.

When authorities did not immediately respond, the migrants began fording the river, which is shallow this time of year.

Mexican troops fired tear gas in an attempt to force them back. Scores of migrants, many with cloths tied around their faces to protect them from the tear gas, pelted the military police guarding the river with large stones, as the latter sheltered behind riot shields.

"Let us through! Put your hands on your hearts," shouted a Honduran migrant named Jorge, who was traveling with his wife and two young children.

"They're trying to trick us. They tell us to register (with the authorities), but then they deport us," said another migrant, Tania, who has been with the caravan since it formed last week in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, around 650 kilometers (400 miles) away.

"We got desperate because of the heat. It's been exhausting, especially for the children," Honduran migrant Elvis Martinez, 33, told AFP on the Guatemalan side of the border as he prepared to ford the river.

"I'm asking (Mexican President Andres Manuel) Lopez Obrador to consider his conscience" and let the migrants through, he added.

But Lopez Obrador's government faces intense pressure to do just the opposite from President Donald Trump, who last year threatened to impose steep tariffs on Mexico if it did not do more to stop a surge of undocumented Central Americans arriving at the US-Mexican border.
New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday once again repeated his offer to "help" on Kashmir. It was Trump's fourth such offer since August, when the government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution that gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Trump is likely to visit India within a few weeks, his first visit to the country.

Addressing the media with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at his side, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland, Trump said: We are talking about Kashmir and with relation to what's going on with Pakistan and India. If we can help, we certainly will be helping. We have been watching it and following it very, very closely".

"There are issues that we want to talk about, like Afghanistan. Fortunately, we are on the same page... India, of course, it is a big issue. We always hope that the US will play its part in resolving that because no other country can," Imran Khan said.

Asked if he would visit Pakistan while heading out to India, Trump said, "We are visiting right now, so we won't really have to. But I wanted to say hello for both a relationship standpoint... we have had a great relationship".

In September last year, Trump reiterated an offer to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, but said he would only do so if both countries accede to the offer.

Trump had met Khan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, a day after accompanying Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a political event in Houston.

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A man and a woman have been arrested for allegedly staging a car theft and lodging a fraudulent insurance claim of $8,800.

One of the accused fraudsters, a 33-year-old woman, was arrested by detectives at a home in Bass Hill in Sydney's south-west in the early hours of December 18, 2019.

In pictures released by NSW Police, the woman can be seen covering her face with her hijab as she is escorted to an unmarked car by detectives.

Shortly after, a 49-year-old man was arrested for his alleged role in the conspiracy at a home at Punchbowl, also in Sydney's south-west.

A 33-year-old woman (pictured) who allegedly staged a car theft and lodged a fraudulent claim was arrested at a Bass Hill home in Sydney's south-west on December 18 last year

Police will allege in court that the man and the woman were involved in staging the theft of a Toyota Kluger.

It is also alleged that the pair knowingly lodged a fraudulent insurance claim valued at $8,800 in December, 2018.

Both of the accused fraudsters were charged with conspire with other to cheat and defraud and publish false misleading material to obtain advantage.

Fraudulent insurance claims put increased pressure on insurance companies, which drives up the cost of premiums for honest policyholders.

It is estimated that fraudulent insurance claims cost the economy up to $2.2 billion every year, according to the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Australia.

A Punchbowl man (pictured), 49, was also arrested in relation to the conspiracy. He and the woman allegedly staged the theft of a Toyota Kluger and knowingly lodged a fraudulent insurance claim valued at $8,800 in December 2018

The accused woman used her hijab to cover her face as she was escorted by detectives

The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the accused woman was granted conditional bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday.

Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad and Organised Crime Squad began investigating the fraudulent activities targeting family day cares in July, 2018.

During the investigation, Strike Force Mercury detectives received information about the alleged car theft conspiracy, which led to the arrests in December last year.
(Bloomberg) -- Sign up for Next China, a weekly email on where the nation stands now and where it's going next.

Huawei Technologies Co. founder Ren Zhengfei shrugged off the threat the U.S. will impose even stricter sanctions against his company, saying he was confident Chinas largest tech company can survive further attacks from Washington.

Tighter restrictions on the sale of American technology to the telecommunications giant -- something the White House is considering -- will not have very significant impact on Huawei, the billionaire chief executive said during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

This year, the U.S. might further escalate its campaign against Huawei but I feel the impact on Huaweis business would not be very significant, he said in response to a question about U.S. curbs. Were confident we can survive further attacks.

Huawei has risen to global prominence as the No. 2 smartphone maker and a leader in the fifth-generation wireless technology that will underpin future advances from autonomous cars to robotics. Its also become a major target for the U.S. as Chinas technological prowess grew along with its ambitions, encapsulating growing tensions between the worlds two largest economies.

Read more: Trumps Blacklisting of Huawei Is Failing to Halt Its Growth (1)

The Trump administration has pushed allies to ban Huawei equipment from their networks on worries about spying, and blacklisted Huawei along with a clutch of Chinese technology companies in fields from artificial intelligence to surveillance.

Ren initially estimated the May 2019 blacklisting in particular could wipe $30 billion off annual revenue and threaten his companys very survival, though he tempered that outlook in the ensuing months. Huawei mobilized a massive effort to develop in-house alternatives to American software and circuitry, while U.S. suppliers like Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. found ways to continue supplying Huawei vital components it needed to make its products.

Story continues

The U.S. should not be concerned about Huawei and our position in the world, Ren, looking at ease in a blazer and open shirt, told the panel.

Read more: Huawei Engineers Go to 24-Hour Days to Beat Trump Blacklist

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Gao Yuan in Beijing at ygao199@bloomberg.net;Edwin Chan in Hong Kong at echan273@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Peter Elstrom at pelstrom@bloomberg.net, Colum Murphy

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.

2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Dax Shepard opens up on Tuesday's edition of Ellen about his affection for Hollywood pal Brad Pitt, and a recent outing they shared that left him feeling enchanted.

Shepard, 44, recently guest hosted the show while Ellen was on a break, and she used the occasion to play a clip for him in which Pitt acknowledged their mutual admiration.

After she told the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star that Shepard has a crush on him, Pitt, 55, replied, 'I have a crush on Dax Shepard.'

The latest: Dax Shepard, 44, opens up on Tuesday's edition of Ellen about his affection for Hollywood pal Brad Pitt, and a recent outing they shared that left him feeling enchanted

The Milford, Michigan-born actor joked that Ellen made a 'dangerous move' playing the flattering clip from his A-list pal.

'You get hit with something like that - love of your life telling you that its not unrequited and in fact, he likes you back, that's overwhelming,' said the Bless This Mess actor. 'I proceeded on, we finished the show and I landed the plane.'

Shepherd, who has two children with wife Kristen Bell, 39 - Lincoln, six, and Delta, five - joked about a fun day out with the veteran actor, who looks to be in the driver's seat in the race for this year's Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in the Quentin Tarantino film.

'I went on a date with him - I'm not kidding you,' Shepherd said. 'In Brad Pitt fashion, it was spectacular, we took a helicopter to a motorcycle track, we both like riding motorcycles - just the two of us took a jaunt up to this motorcycle track.

Friendship: Shepherd joked about a fun day out riding motorcycles with the veteran actor

Great time: Dax joked, 'I felt like Pretty Woman; I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman!'

Family man: Shepherd has two children with wife Kristen Bell, 39 - Lincoln, six, and Delta, five

'I felt like Pretty Woman; I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman! I was waiting for him to set that chopper down on on Rodeo let me go wild with one of his credit cards.'

Shepherd credited Pitt for his skills on the bike, saying 'He is everything you could hope' and 'a warrior on two wheels.'

'He attacked that track like his character from Troy!'

Shepherd has long spoke about his fondness for Pitt, telling Ellen in an April 2014 appearance that he's been a big fan of the leading man since seeing him in the 1994 drama Legends of the Fall.

'I have really strong, strong feelings about Brad Pitt; always have,' Shepherd told Ellen. 'I really am obsessed with him. He has great taste, I love all his movies, he's a phenomenal producer, he's a philanthropist, he's aging so gracefully.'

Eye on the prize: Pitt who looks to be in the driver's seat in the race for this year's Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work as Cliff Booth in the Quentin Tarantino film
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Attendees at Purdue Extensions 2020 Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference will explore a variety of personal, family and farm issues that affect their lives and businesses. The conference returns to Muncie at the Horizon Convention Center on Feb. 19-20.

Speakers from Purdue Extension, Farm Credit Mid-America and Indiana Soybean Alliance will present breakout sessions. Topics include diversified agriculture, hemp, leadership, succession planning, farm life and business management.

The 2019 Purdue Women in Agriculture Award Winners Natasha Cox and Bec Wicker will share their leadership advice during the Feb. 19 keynote address. Jolene Brown, a farmer in Eastern Iowa and contributor to Successful Farming magazine, will address behaviors of successful legacy businesses on Feb. 20. Brown will continue sharing her life experiences and lessons in the afternoon keynote address, titled Harvest the Humor: A Celebration of Life on the Farm.

The pre-conference session on Feb. 18, Becoming the Employer of Choice, will help current and future farm managers and owners improve their human resource management skills. The session will teach effective leadership styles, hiring best practices and methods for addressing conflict.

Details of the entire Midwest Women in Agriculture Conference agenda are available in the conference brochure.

The cost for the pre-conference session is $75 or $40 with conference registration. Conference registration for a single day is $90 or $125 for both days.

A registration discount is available to high school and college students. Conference registration increases after Feb. 7. Visit https://ag.purdue.edu/extension/WIA/Pages/default.aspx to register or for more information.

Writer: Abby Leeds, 765-494-7817, mayer36@purdue.edu

Source: Beth Vansickle, bleonhar@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: 765-494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
Ukraine exports almost 34 mln tonnes of grain since July 1

15:00, 21.01.20 513

Ukrainian farmers have already shipped 15.4 million tonnes of wheat abroad.
OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- Prior to last Februarys appearance, it had been eight years since the Budweiser Clydesdales stomped their way through downtown Ocean Springs.

But with thousands of people flocking to the area for last years wildly successful event, the Clydesdales are returning -- scheduled to parade through downtown on Feb. 1.

Its a fun, family-oriented event, said Mayor Shea Dobson. The Budweiser people loved their time here in Ocean Springs last year and we love having them here. So bringing them back was something we really worked on and were happy its going to happen again this year.

The Clydesdales Ocean Springs appearance is the last of four on the Mississippi coast this year. The first three are in Biloxi (Jan. 29), Gulfport (Jan. 30), Bay St. Louis (Jan. 31). All three of those parades are slated to begin around 5 p.m.

Ocean Springs is the only one of the four to get a weekend appearance from the Clydesdales hitch. Staging for the parade will begin at 1 p.m., with roll time set for about 2 p.m. The Clydesdales first-ever appearance in Ocean Springs was for a 2011 St. Patricks Day parade.

As was the case last year, the eight-horse hitch will stop at various bars and restaurants along the parade route to drop off cases of beer. If last years event is any indication, the parade will take about three hours to run the route from the Ocean Springs Yacht Club to the Mary C. OKeefe Cultural Arts Center.

After arriving at the Mary C., the Clydesdales will remain for a meet-n-greet with fans.

Bar and restaurant owners reported brisk business during the Clydesdales appearance last year.

They certainly bring everyone out, Dobson said. The businesses definitely get the benefit of that. Were expecting it to be bigger this year. That turnout definitely helps our business, as well as drive tax revenues for the City.

Dobson was one of a handful of people who were invited to ride atop the Budweiser wagon as the horses pulled it through town.

Oh, man, was that fun, he said when asked about the experience. "Thats really the best way to enjoy the whole thing. You get to see everybody as you go by. Its great to see everyones faces as they see the horses -- the kids faces are wonderful.

Its just great to see everyone out, happy and having a good time, at these events.

The Budweiser Clydesdales were formed in April 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch III presented their father, August A. Busch Sr., with a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition, according to the Anheuser-Busch website.

The Clydesdales began touring the country almost from the outset and continue to make appearances across the U.S. each year. The breed is believed to have originated in Scotland, named for the eponymous Scottish county. The first recorded use of the name Clydesdale in reference to the breed was in 1926 and the breed was first officially registered in 1877.

During their stay on the coast, the Clydesdales will be housed at the Harrison County Fairgrounds. The public is invited to visit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 29-30 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 31.
New York, Jan 22 : US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he is talking with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan about Kashmir and he would help if he could.

According to a transcript of the remarks made by him and Khan before their meeting in Davos, Trump said, "We're talking about Kashmir and the relation to what's going on with Pakistan and India. And if we can help, we certainly will be helping." He added, "And we've been watching that and following it very, very closely." Trump was careful in his wording about possible involvement in the Kashmir issue compared to the past when he had made claims like Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for his help.

He qualified his statement by prefacing it with "if we can help".

India is opposed to any third party involvement in the Kashmir or other disputes between the two countries because of the 1972 Simla Agreement in which the two countries agreed to deal with their disputes bilaterally.

Trump said that relations between Pakistan and the US have been the closest they have ever been.

According to the transcript released by the White House, Khan suggested that Washington play a role in resolving the issues with India. He said, "For us, in Pakistan, it's a big issue. And, of course, we always hope that the US will play its part in resolving it because no other country can." Asked by a reporter if he would be visiting Pakistan during his forthcoming visit to India, Trump said he will not as he was meeting Khan in Davos.

"Well, we're visiting right now (with Khan), so we won't really have to. But we -- I wanted to say hello for both a relationship standpoint -- we've had a great relationship -- and from the standpoint of our two countries," Trump said.He added, "We're getting along very well. I would say we've never been closer with Pakistan than we are right now. And that's a big statement, although I wouldn't say at all times we were close, as a country. But we are very close right now because of the relationship that we have. So it's very important." Trump said that "trade is going to be of very, very paramount importance" in their talks.

He said, "And we're doing more trade as it turns." For both, the focus was on Afghanistan.

While Trump referred to it obliquely as "we're working together on some borders," Khan was more specific.

Khan said, "The main issue, of course, is Afghanistan because it concerns the US and Pakistan. And, fortunately, we are on the same page. Both of us are interested in peace there and an orderly transition in Afghanistan with talks with Taliban and the government." Khan's leverage with Trump comes from his role in facilitating a possible peace agreement between the US and the Taliban.

Trump would like to reach a deal with the Taliban, which is backed by Pakistan, before the November elections so he can pull back US troops from Afghanistan and claim he kept his 2016 poll promise.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in)
The security of the billions of new devices that will connect to the internet over the coming years was the focus of the first day of the Beyond IoT conference, at the Nimbus Research Centre in Cork Institute of Technology, yesterday.

The annual conference brings together start-ups, entrepreneurs, and academics to discuss the growing Internet of Things (IoT) technology. IoT will rapidly expand beyond computers and smartphones the number of devices connected to the internet to include consumer products, household appliances, sensors, vehicles, and machine components.

Nimbus Research Centre manager, Richard Linger, confirmed plans to expand the conference to Shanghai, in China, in October.

A number of speakers at yesterdays event highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, given the massive increase in devices that will join the global network in the coming years.

Lauren Knausenberger, the director of cyberspace innovation with the US Airforce, discussed both the benefits and the dangers of more connected devices.

She said that the US Air Force has saved half-a-million dollars a week on fuel in a single project, through the use of IoT sensors and algorithms. However, hacking such systems could have real-world consequences. Unlike the prior generations of hacking, you are not just hacking someones computer, so you can take their data. The stakes are much bigger now, because it causes a real, kinetic effect.

Imagine a hacker gets into a hospital at the wrong time: someone could die. We have to be careful with airplanes: a hacker could take out power grids. These are things that Government leaders have to think about, this critical infrastructure, Ms Knausenberger said.

Professor John Barrett, of the Nimbus Centre, said there was also a rush by tech companies to monetise IoT technology, with a disregard for the consequences.

He pointed to the staggering number of data breaches that occur worldwide in existing computer systems.

Even the companies that created the global platforms are themselves being hacked in huge numbers, he said.

We are proposing to happily connect fifty or a hundred billion devices to the internet of things. We are proposing to connect autonomous vehicles. We are proposing to connect peoples personal health devices. We are proposing to connect critical infrastructure to the internet and we are supposed to believe that it will be grand. That there will be no problem with security, Mr Barrett said.

The BeyondIoT conference continues at the Nimbus Centre, CIT, today.
This survey was commissioned by AARP in Oklahoma to gauge the support of small business owners in the state for a publicprivate retirement savings program.

Top Findings

Almost half of Oklahoma small business owners (47%) are concerned about themselves and their employees not having enough money to cover critical expenses when they retire.





Most (68%) small business owners in Oklahoma do not offer or participate in a retirement savings plan, largely due to the cost and complexity of such a plan.





More than two-thirds (68%) of Oklahoma small business owners support a privately managed, ready-to-go retirement savings option that would help small businesses offer employees a way to save for retirement.





Most (77%) small business owners in Oklahoma agree that state lawmakers should support a bill to help small business owner and their employees to access a retirement savings option.

Background

A financially secure retirement is out of reach for millions of American workers and small business owners. Retirement savings plans can be costly to operate and challenging to manage leaving many workers and small business owners without access to a way to save for retirement.

To help workers and small business owners better prepare for their retirement, AARP is supporting states in their efforts to create and implement a state retirement savings option that would enable small business owners and their employees businesses to save out of their regular paycheck. These publicprivate managed state programs would be easy for employers to set up with low costs and low risks to the employer and the state.

Methodology

This phone survey of 500 small business owners in Oklahoma was fielded in November 18 through December 18, 2019. The sample, including business owner names and companies, came from a Dun & Bradstreet business list and is weighted to reflect the Dun & Bradstreet universe of businesses in Oklahoma with 0100 additional employees.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Sauer at jsauer@aarp.org. For media inquiries, please contact media@aarp.org.

Suggested citation:

Sauer, Jennifer. AARP Survey of Small Business Owners in Oklahoma. Washington, DC: January 2020. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00369.001
OTTAWABoeing now doesn't expect that its troubled 737 Max jets will return to the skies before summer as it works to finalize its design fixes and get them endorsed by regulators.

In a statement Tuesday, Boeing said its telling airlines that operate the 737 Max and the suppliers that help build it that it now estimates the ungrounding of the jet will begin mid-2020.

Boeing said its best estimate is informed by our experience to date with the certification process.

It also accounts for the rigorous scrutiny that regulatory authorities are rightly applying at every step of their review of the 737 MAX's flight control system and the international process to determine new training requirements that will be also be implemented before the jet resumes commercial service.

Returning the Max safely to service is our number one priority, and we are confident that will happen, the aerospace giant said in its statement.

We acknowledge and regret the continued difficulties that the grounding of the 737 Max has presented to our customers, our regulators, our suppliers, and the flying public.

The news means further disruption for airlines, such as Air Canada and WestJet. Both Canadian airlines operate the jet, along with Sunwing, had already removed the Max from their schedules until March.

The 737 Max jet was grounded by regulators worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes in about five months that killed 346 passengers and crew.

Tuesdays new timeline was formally announced after it was first revealed by CNBC. It marks another setback for the company, which had predicted in November that it might resume deliveries of the jet to airlines the following month and that they could return to service the following month.

Instead, the drawn-out effort to get the 737 Max flying again underscores Boeings struggles to design a fix for the flaws, revise the training program for pilots and win back the confidence of skeptical regulators, who will decide when the jet is allowed to carry passengers again.

That last task has been made harder following the revelation of emails showing that Boeing employees derided federal rules and talked about deceiving regulators during the development of the 737 Max.

Read more about:
The Taal volcano in the Philippines woke from a 43 year long slumber earlier this month, which spewed a nine mile stream of ash into the air and covered the nearby towns in the black soot.

Now, environmentalists are mixing the residue with plastic waste to make bricks in response to the country's persistent problems of pollution and frequent natural disasters.

The ash is combined with sand, cement and discarded plastic, which officials said allows them to make 5,000 bricks a day in order to rebuild parts of the city that was destroyed by the devastating eruption.

Scroll down for video

Binan Mayor Arman Dimaguila said they will send the ashfall bricks to Batangas towns of Calaca, Lemery, Agoncillo when it's safe and the situation stabilizes

City environmental officer Rodelio Lee said: 'Instead of just piling up the ashfall somewhere, we are able to turn it into something useful. And it includes plastics, too.'

The eruption, which occurred on January 12th, forced around 120,000 people in the area to evacuate.

Fountains of lava were pouring into the lake surrounding the Taal volcano today after it spewed out columns of ash as high as nine miles into the sky on Sunday.

Clouds of ash blew more than 60 miles north of the volcano, reaching Manila and shutting down the country's main airport with hundreds of flights cancelled.

Environmentalists are mixing the residue with plastic waste to make bricks in response to the country's persistent problems of pollution and frequent natural disasters.

The ash is combined with sand, cement and discarded plastic, which officials said allows them to make 5,000 bricks a day in order to rebuild parts of the city that was destroyed by the devastating eruption

Not only was the area blanketed in thick ash, the Philippines is also battling a waste crisis, which officials said has nearly 60 million throwaway sachets each year.

It is also plagued by some 20 major storms annually and regular, powerful earthquakes which together kill hundreds of people each year.

Due to its position on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' zone of seismic activity, it also has periodic volcanic eruptions.

Not only was the area blanketed in thick ash, the Philippines is also battling a waste crisis, which officials said has nearly 60 million throwaway sachets each year. The bricks will be used to repair damaged homes

With volcanic ash and plastic both in plentiful supply, the officials in Binan see their project as a silver lining.

'During these times, our creativity becomes apparent,' said the mayor of Binan, Arman Dimaguila.

During the eruption earlier this month, lightning was seen crackling in the smoke that many officials feared could trigger a tsunami surging across the lake.

CNN reported that many of the bricks are making their way to Batangas towns that were devastated by the eruption.

Many homes (pictured) were completely covered in ash from the eruption, which forced 120,000 people to evacuate the area

The eruption began with an explosion of superheated steam and rock, but by early January 12th 'fountains' of lava had been spotted on Taal, the volcano monitoring agency said

Binan Mayor Arman Dimaguila said they will send the ashfall bricks to Batangas towns of Calaca, Lemery, Agoncillo when it's safe and the situation stabilizes.

During the eruption earlier this month, lightning was seen crackling in the smoke that many officials feared could trigger a tsunami surging across the lake.

The eruption began with an explosion of superheated steam and rock, but by early January 12th 'fountains' of lava had been spotted on Taal, the volcano monitoring agency said.
A major fire broke out at a seven-storey market complex in Surat, Gujarat on January 21.

A fire official told news agency PTI that there was no report of any casualty so far.

The blaze erupted in Raghuveer Complex, a large textile market in Saroli area, and gutted several shops, the official added.

It was later reported that the fire had been brought under control and cooling operation had begun.



Gujarat: Latest visuals from Raghuveer Market in Surat where fire broke out, earlier today. Fire under control, cooling operation underway. pic.twitter.com/NuWrRR1Icl Close

 ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2020

The fire brigade declared a 'brigade call' and deployed 60 fire tenders from across the city to douse the flames, the official said. The cause of the fire was not yet known.

(With inputs from PTI)
UK Prince Harry left UK on Monday evening and headed to Canada to his wife Meghan Markle and their son, eight-month-old Archie, The Sun reported.

According to the source, Prince Harry boarded an evening flight to Canada after participating in the British-African Investment Summit in London, where he met with the UK PM Boris Johnson.

Earlier, Prince Harry and his wife announced their intention to renounce the status of senior royals and be financially independent, as well as live in two houses both in Canada and the UK. According to the spokesperson for the couple, Meghan Markle returned to Canada, where she spent the Christmas holidays with her family, and is now there with her son.

On January 18, Buckingham Palace announced that the couple would no longer be able to officially represent the UK Queen Elizabeth II on official trips, perform other ceremonial duties and use the title of Their Highnesses. It was also announced that the prince's family would no longer receive budgetary funds, which covered the expenses of the duke and duchess of Sussex linked to their official role as members of the royal family.
Angry customers have slammed three Jamie Oliver restaurants at Gatwick Airport branding them 'awful' and 'foul' in negative online reviews.

The multi-millionaire celebrity chef, 44, who had a miserable 2019 after plummeting profits resulted in the closure of 22 of his restaurants, has received more than 330 'terrible' rating reviews at his diner in the South Terminal alone.

The three eateries in Gatwick Airport were saved after hospitality operator SSP bought them up, however despite the shake-up of ownership, recent customers have been far from satisfied.

Angry customers have slammed three Jamie Oliver restaurants at Gatwick Airport branding them 'awful' and 'foul' in negative online reviews. The multi-millionaire celebrity chef, 44, had a miserable 2019 after plummeting profits resulted in the closure of 22 of his restaurants

Angry customers have slammed three Jamie Oliver restaurants at Gatwick Airport branding them 'awful' and 'foul' in negative online reviews. One customer ordered a burger but said the 'foul' taste lingered for hours'

One hungry diner, who visits with her husband up to 10 times a year, blasted the restaurant after claiming to have been served a sloppy fry up.

The visitor said the promised Cajun potatoes were just 'awful' boiled potatoes plonked on a plate, and that her toast, halloumi and tomatoes were burnt - and lacked any flavour or seasoning.

Another called Paula added: 'We will never use the restaurant again there are so many other options now at Gatwick avoid if you are wishing for a nice breakfast.'

One customer ordered a burger but said the 'foul' taste lingered for hours.

He wrote: 'I could still feel the foul taste of the burger when I went to bed five hours later.'

Darren McNeill visited three days ago but he criticised the 'tasteless brioche roll with soggy bacon'. He added: 'You've clearly had enough of restaurants Mr Oliver as this is appalling'

Detailing the visit last month he said: 'My brothers had such burnt bread that he immediately returned it.

'I am always reluctant in returning stuff, on account of being perceived as a jerk, so I kept my one that was slightly less burnt.

'After biting into that I realized that this was a mistake. A taste equivalent of burned milk hit my taste buds.'

He later added to his scathing review: 'I will be thinking about this every time I reach for my Jamie Oliver pan at home. I sincerely hope that he turns this ship around.'

Another angry flier said the pre-flight dinner was ruined because of slow service.

Detailing the visit last month he said: 'My brothers had such burnt bread that he immediately returned it. 'I am always reluctant in returning stuff, on account of being perceived as a jerk, so I kept my one that was slightly less burnt'

They added: 'After so many closed we thought this one will be well maintained now but unfortunately not. That's a pity.'

Another customer started the New Year with a bite at the diner but claims even Jamie Oliver himself would not eat there.

They added: 'Rubbery scrambled eggs, unripe tomatoes, hard potatoes. Wouldn't recommend and wouldn't come again.'

Some reviews in the North Terminal at Jamie's Italian were just as bleak.

Here there are a combined total of 32 'excellent' or 'good' reviews compared to 98 'terrible' or 'bad' ones.

Another angry flier said the pre-flight dinner was ruined because of slow service. They added: 'After so many closed we thought this one will be well maintained now but unfortunately not'

The three eateries in Gatwick Airport were saved after hospitality operator SSP bought them up, however despite the shake-up of ownership, recent customers have been far from satisfied

Darren McNeill visited three days ago but he criticised the 'tasteless brioche roll with soggy bacon'.

He added: 'You've clearly had enough of restaurants Mr Oliver as this is appalling.'

Another customer described it as an 'overpriced Wetherspoons' after spending almost 40 on two woeful breakfasts.

TripAdvisor user slapped down a one star rating after being left waiting.

They wrote: 'Wow stood there for five minutes to be seated staff walking past. Once seated told some would a long shortly - 15 minutes later I walked out.

'It was not busyat 3pm sad until now I had always had good service at Jamie's. If this how staff run these eateries it is letting down the name over the door.'

One customer ordered a burger but said the 'foul' taste lingered for hours. He wrote: 'I could still feel the foul taste of the burger when I went to bed five hours later'

Another customer wrote: 'Terrible expensive breakfast pastries. They were stale so took them back for a refund.

'Shame on you Jamie, this cafe is doing you no favours. The lady on the counter even tried to persuade me yes they were fresh and it was due to the cold weather they were stale.

'This goes against everything to do with Jamie's concept and reputation. Come on guys you can do better.'

And the reviews for Jamie's Coffee Lounge, also in the North Terminal, were unflattering.

A total of 96 reviewers scored it as 'terrible' or 'good' compared to just 29 who believed it was 'excellent' or 'good'. Caffeine connoisseur claimed: 'It really comes to something when the coffee served on the plane is better than this terrible place'

A total of 96 reviewers scored it as 'terrible' or 'good' compared to just 29 who believed it was 'excellent' or 'good'.

One customer who needed a caffeine hit said: 'It really comes to something when the coffee served on the plane is better than this terrible place.'

However happy customer left a five star rating before adding: 'Judge a coffee shop by its black Americano. It was good coffee. And their small cups can be composted. Nice touch.'

A spokesperson for SSP UK, which operates Jamie Oliver's restaurants at Gatwick Airport said: 'We are committed to providing our customers with a great experience when they dine with us, and we would like to apologise to anyone who felt our high standards had not been met during their visit.

'Customer feedback is very important to us, and we have been looking into the detail of each complaint so that we can continue to improve our offer to our customers.'
Photo: BCLC

Ivan Dubinsky is set to let his career go dark after winning the lottery.

Dubinsky has been a lighthouse keeper for more than 20 years, but says he will call it a career after matching all 10 numbers in the Nov. 27 Lotto 649 draw to win the $1 million guaranteed prize.

For Dubinsky, its a career that is also a full-time lifestyle of looking after a lighthouse near Port Hardy, sending critical weather reports to aircraft and ships.

Dubinsky purchases his lottery tickets on PlayNow.com.

Its difficult to buy lottery tickets when youre at the lighthouse all the time, he said. You have to be granted leave, and theres not too many lighthouse keepers available these days.

Dubinsky found out he won the life-changing prize via an email notification from PlayNow.com.

When I got that email, I couldnt believe my eyes, I wasnt sure whether to believe it or not, he said.

Though Dubinsky was unable to get leave from the lighthouse for two months prior to coming to BCLCs Vancouver office to claim his prize, he now has a much more relaxing lifestyle ahead.

Ill slowly begin the retirement process, give some of my winnings to my brothers and sisters, and possibly buy a home in the north part of Vancouver Island, he said.
Officials are to determine institutions that will provide such services.

The Ministry for Veterans, Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine says sufficient funds have been laid down in its budget to provide psychological rehabilitation for war veterans and their families.

"We will determine which healthcare facilities will provide such services, and we will pay for them. The government has provided for this year sufficient funds for psychological rehabilitation services, which we will pay for really high-quality care," Minister Oksana Koliada, the Cabinet press service reports.

Koliada also spoke about a new approach, in particular in terms of providing housing for veterans, and called on veteran associations to set up their own projects and receive budget support for their implementation.

Read alsoUkraine's Rada grants combatant status to sailors captured by Russia in Kerch Strait

As UNIAN reported earlier, on January 13, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law to strengthen social protection of certain categories of persons with war-related disabilities.

The new legislation raises the level of social protection of all categories of participants in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) and people who partook in the implementation of measures to ensure national security and defense, in particular from among volunteers and participants in hostilities on foreign soil that are recognized as persons with war-related disabilities.

In particular, the law entitles them to free health care in facilities operated by the Ministry of Defense, Security Service, Foreign Intelligence Service, State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of the Ministry of the Interior, and other central executive bodies managing military units.
Police permanently shut down a Hackensack massage parlor after they arrested two woman accused of offering undercover cops sexual acts for money.

After police received an anonymous tip, an undercover police officer posed as a client on Friday at the Healing Hand Spa on Main Street, Detective Darrin DeWitt said in a statement. When the officer met with the masseuse, she offered him unspecified sexual acts in exchange for cash, police said.

The hostess, a 50-year-old New York woman, and the masseuse who offered sexual acts, a 41-year-old New York woman, were both arrested and later released pending a court appearance Feb. 3.

The spa, which is less than half a mile away from police headquarters, is now permanently closed due to violating the terms of its certificate of occupancy, said DeWitt.

Hackensacks city council adopted tighter regulations in February 2018 targeting illicit massage parlors. The more stringent municipal health regulations require documents like up-to-date and signed client lists and sterilization schedules, along with eliminating sleeping quarters in spas. Failed inspections result in loss of business licenses.

In the past, massage parlors cited in prostitution busts were able to quickly reopen, sometimes under new business names, because the charges file by undercover officers are against individuals.

Theres no actual reduction of trafficking in that approach, has said Rochelle Keyhan, who co-authored a 2018 report from Polaris Project tracking human trafficking statistics and trends.

Bergen, Middlesex and Somerset counties have the most illegal massage businesses, according to data compiled by the Polaris Project from quasi-legal review websites where users reveal sexual activities allegedly available.

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

Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Born on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, Bihar as Eric Arthur Blair. His father, Richard Walmesley Blair, was a civil servant. At a young age, he was sent to England where he was raised by his mother. The intelligent and industrious child was enrolled at St Cyprians preparatory school in Eastbourne. He later wrote an essay about his experiences there in the essay Such, Such Were the Joys, which described, among other things, the class discrimination he found there. He saw that the school treated wealthy students better than poorer ones. He found comfort in books and read works by Rudyard Kipling and HG Wells.

Career

Orwell won a scholarship to Eton College where he pursued his Form Six (roughly equal to the Class 12 in India). The family did not have the finances for a university education. Orwell passed the entrance exam of the Indian Imperial Police and joined the Burma division where he had relatives (Burma was a part of the Indian empire at that time). Soon, however, he began to see the negative side of the empire and left the service.

The next five years were difficult. He taught in private schools and, for a while, even worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant in Paris. To save his family from embarrassment, he adopted the pen name of Orwell from a local river. He had a bout of pneumonia and while recuperating in England, wrote the novel A Clergymans Daughter. He then worked at a bookshop where he met Eileen OShaughnessy, his first wife.

Orwell volunteered to fight in the Spanish Civil War for six months. He sustained a bullet injury in his throat close to the carotid artery. That was the phase during which his political views began to take shape. He became a democratic socialist and developed a strong dislike for totalitarian political systems such as Soviet communist regime. He had suffered lung hemorrhage and recuperated in England and Morocco. He joined the BBCs Eastern Service but was uncomfortable about having to broadcast British propaganda in India due to prevalent political situation. He resigned, became the literary editor of a socialist newspaper and became columnist for another publication.

Breakthrough

In 1944, he wrote the novel Animal Farm, which was critical of the communist regime in the Soviet Union. But publishers were reluctant to publish it and the novel was finally released in August 1945. He suffered a huge setback when Eileen died of heart failure during a routine surgery. Orwell also decided to raise, with his sisters help, a little boy named Richard Horation Blair, whom he and Eileen had adopted.

Later years and death

Orwell began to live on the Scottish island of Jura. Despite poor health, Orwell wrote his masterpiece Nineteen Eighty-Four there. By the time he completed the manuscript in 1948, he had to be admitted to a nursing home due to tuberculosis. The novel achieved international success on publication in June 1949, but, soon after, Orwell died in a hospital in January 21, 1950 at the age of 46. Before his death, he married Sonia Brownell.

INTERESTING FACTS

1. Animal Farm was a satire on the Soviet political system. It has two pigs as protagonists who were apparently based on Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. The novel brought Orwell international acclaim and success.

2. In George Orwells masterpiece dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four (or 1984), the world is divided into three nations. The government in it controls all aspects of a persons life, including his thoughts.

3. Orwell gave his views on language and style in the essay titled Politics and the English Language. The essay, that includes guidelines how to write good prose, includes guidelines for writers across the world.

4. While working as a producer for the BBC in 1941, he got literary greats such as TS Eliot and EM Forster to appear on his programme. As World War II was raging, he had to write propaganda in the national interest and hated his work. Despite this, years later, a statue of Orwell was installed at BBC. He supervised cultural broadcasts to India to counter propaganda from Nazi Germany designed to undermine Imperial links.

SOURCE: Orwellfoundation.com, biography.com
MightyVine, founded in 2015, is in the process of doubling its greenhouse footprint, from 15 to 30 acres, to meet rising demand for its tomatoes. The $16 million project is the second major expansion for MightyVine, which started as a 7.5-acre greenhouse and doubled in size in its first year.
(Alliance News) - IronRidge Resources Ltd on Tuesday said it has received positive results from the testing of samples from the Ewoyaa lithium trial in Ghana.

Brisbane-headquartered IronRidge sent coarse spodumene concentrate samples from Ewoyaa, with a grade of 6.3% lithium oxide, for conversion testing. This achieved over 99% conversion into acid-soluble beta spodumene, the company said.

This process produced lithium carbonate at a grade of 99.92%, which IronRidge said exceeds "most" specifications for battery-grade quality.

IronRidge's Chief Executive Vincent Mascolo said: "We are very pleased to have achieved these conversion test work results which demonstrate the Ewoyaa project's ability to generate battery grade lithium products from premium feedstock.

"These results are another significant milestone which underscore the commercial potential of the project, which also boasts exceptional logistics; adjacent multiple high-voltage power lines, sealed roads and lies within 110 kilometres of the operating deep sea port of Takoradi, all within the pro-mining jurisdiction of Ghana".

"Whilst the Ewoyaa project continues to deliver encouraging results, the company is working towards releasing its maiden resource estimate for first-quarter 2020, and will continue with project studies and regional exploration programmes," Mascolo added.

Shares were 0.2% lower on Tuesday afternoon in London at 12.60 pence each.

By George Collard; georgecollard@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
MANILA, Philippines  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said search operations are still ongoing for the seven fishermen who went missing after they left the shores of Dasol, Pangasinan.

In a statement, the PCG said an aerial search is being conducted to look for the missing fishermen. Personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy are also assisting in the search and rescue operations.

The missing fishermen onboard FB Narem 2 reportedly went out to catch some fish last January 6. The group was expected to return to Infanta, Pangasinan on January 14, according to fishing boat owner Christine Macaraig.

The vessel is skippered by Alberto Roldan, with crew members Roderick Montemayor, Homar Maglantay, Jerome Maglantay, Ejay Dela Cruz, Larry Legaspi, and Jefferson Bernabe.

The fishing vessels location was last reported at 60 to 90 nautical miles off Camaso Island in Dasol.

The PCG said another vessel will be deployed to help in the search effort.

The agency also called on other local fishers to report to authorities any sighting of the missing fishermen.  RRD (with details from Correspondent Aiko Miguel)

The post PCG still searching for missing 7 Pangasinan fishermen appeared first on UNTV News.
GRAFTON  Flood recovery efforts in this Jersey County community will be featured at 9 p.m. today on the CNBC program The Profit with host Marcus Lemonis.

On June 5  one day after Gov. J.B. Pritzker toured the flooded village as National Guard members stacked sandbags  Lemonis came to Grafton. Lemonis is chairman and CEO of Camping World, Gander Outdoors and Good Sam Enterprises, as well as host of the CNBC reality show The Profit, which is about saving small businesses.

The reason why I wanted to come to the Mississippi River is, when I think about it, it almost feels like the most important freeway in America, Lemonis says in the opening minutes of the program.

What I wanted to understand is how this river is being impacted by natural disasters, he said.

This summer, Lemonis bought property at 420 E. Main St. in Grafton, formerly known as The Mississippi Half Step. He said he planned to turn the property into a restaurant called The Key West of the Midwest.

The key to rebuilding this city is to invest in areas that are less susceptible to flooding, to put the money into the real estate that you know will be the least affected, he says in todays program.

The show also includes footage of Mayor Rick Eberlin, sometimes fighting emotions as he shows the flooded village to Lemonis by boat.

We dont want a hand-out here, Eberlin says. We just want a helping hand.

In June, Lemonis also said he planned to erect the tallest flag pole on the Mississippi River in Grafton. On Sept. 28, a team of veterans and first responders helped raise a 40- by 80-foot American flag on a 130-foot pole erected in the village.

Lemonis donated the flag but declined to speak at the event, asking that the attention be focused instead on the community, veterans and first responders.
A NSW Police strike force has been launched targeting online fraudsters who are ripping off vulnerable drought-stricken farmers.

Police have received complaints from across the state after farmers responded to advertisements on social media for heavily discounted hay bales.

Authorities have received complaints from the mid-north coast, Hunter Valley, Southern Highlands, Sydney's Hills District, Riverina, Penrith and Port Stephens.

In each case the victim paid a deposit for bales but did not received any hay.

A vet showed the devastating impact of the drought as five young heifers died after drinking contaminated water near Port Macquarie, NSW

Police on Tuesday launched Strike Force Woden to investigate and Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside urged farmers to only deal with reputable businesses and individuals.

'These are difficult times and it's disgusting to think anyone would seek to take advantage of people who have already been through so much,' Det Insp Whiteside said in a statement.

'I would encourage anyone buying supplies online to only deal with people and businesses that have proven to be genuine in the past.

'The age-old saying applies - if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.'

The Australian Army delivers hay bales to remote bushfire-affected farms on Kangaroo Island on January 13

Police are also urging anyone who has fallen victim to the alleged scam to come forward.

'It is important not to be embarrassed - scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch people off guard,' Det Insp Whiteside said.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott promised to throw the book at anyone found guilty of ripping off vulnerable farmers.

'At a time when we're seeing unprecedented levels of drought affecting every corner of NSW, it's unthinkable that anyone would seek to exploit those who most need our support,' Mr Elliott said.

'This is a pathetic act and the government will continue to back our police in their efforts to keep these online criminals away from communities struggling during these hard times.'
KAMPALA  Kenyas first Attorney General Charles Njonjo was in Mgahinga national park to track gorillas as one of the activities leading to the celebration of his 100th birthday on January 23, 2020.

The 99-year-old senior citizen of Kenya spent the better part of the cool morning of Sunday in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park tracking the gentle giants. He was flown in a chopper to Mgahinga a southwestern park in Uganda.

Njonjo was born Jan 23, 1920, and served Kenya as Attorney General from 1963 to 1979. He was also Minister of constitutional Affairs from 1980 to 1983. Mr Njonjo spent a large part of his life in the United Kingdom, where he studied law before returning to Kenya and serving as the countrys first AG for 17 years.

Njonjo revealed that he is fond of Uganda because of the experience he had at Kings College Buddo, a secondary school in central Uganda. I was very lucky to see the gorillas  two babies and two big bulls, (silverbacks) Mr Njonjo confessed.

After successfully tracking the rare mountain gorillas, he was awarded the tracking certificate to confirm the successful gorilla tracking exercise accomplished. The Chief Warden BMCA Pontious Ezuma thanked Njonjo for tracking in Uganda. Thank you Mr Njonjo for loving Uganda and visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The memory of hosting you will live forever, he said.

Kenyans, Ugandans and the global community alike took to social media to applaud Mr Njonjo for the great accomplishment to mark the centenary of life and share the delight. Great to know that a 100-year-old can do gorilla tracking. Happy birthday Attorney General Charles Njonjo, Dennis Mugarra wrote on Facebook. Nangayi Peter wrote Happy birthday Attorney, you and others laid the foundation for legal practice. Enjoy it mzee!

The Chairman of Uganda Tourism Board Hon. Daudi Mugereko described the visit by Sir Njonjo as a vote of confidence in Uganda as a tourism destination and it shows that the East African region can be marketed as a circuit. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi by Hon Sir Charles Njonjo former AG of Kenya is good news for our tourism industry. Getting leading personalities in East Africa taking interest in the various unique tourist attractions in the region does not happen every other day. On the other hand, it underscores the viability of marketing the region as a circuit, he said.

Uganda is a yearned for tourism destination with our parks having been voted among the must-see before one dies.

In 2019, CNN voted Bwindi impenetrable forest (Home of the largest number of Gorillas) as the best place to be in the World. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the worlds spectacular places, full of hidden and overt beauty in every corner that shouldnt miss on a bucket list of one looking for an outstanding adventure on a Uganda Safari. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are sister parks that makeup Bwindi  Mgahinga Conservation Area. With a total population of 1,063 Gorillas in the wild of which 459 are in Bwindi and 604 in the Virunga massif, (shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo), Uganda is home to over 50% of the global population of mountain gorillas.

Related
English French

Financial press release

2019 REVENUE

2019 revenue: 274.6 million

Reims, 21 January 2020

Cumulative data in  millions 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 Change % Champagne 209.4 232.6 -23.2 -10.0% Provence and Camargue wines 12.4 11.2 1.2 +10.7% Others (Port, Sparkling Wines and other) 21.7 23.6 -1.9 -8.0% Semi-finished products and generic wines 31.1 33.0 -1.9 -5.8% Revenue (*) 274.6 300.4 -25.8 -8.6% (*) under audit

The Vranken-Pommery Monopole group's revenue came to 274.6 million in the 2019 financial year, down 8.6%.

This fall in revenue is exclusively due to the drop in champagne and port sales in the French off trade. This in turn results from the coming into force on 1 January 2019 of the EGalim Act regulating French supermarket promotions, which brings sweeping changes to the traditional promotions that boost sales.



International markets remained buoyant and the share of exports continued to increase, reaching 57% of customer sales in 2019, compared with 43% for France.

These trends bear out the groups strategy of moving towards an increasingly premium positioning with strong international expansion.

Champagne

In the French off trade, while classed as a luxury product champagne is above all a product for celebrations and impulse buying. As with other products in this category, the EGalim act hurt champagne sales throughout the year. The removal of the usual promotions disoriented consumers, who sharply reduced the impulse purchases to which they had become accustomed for more than a decade.

Sales to other segments, including French restaurants, remained strong despite the impact of strikes on tourism and travel. The prestigious positioning of the Champagne Pommery & Greno international brand ensured that its sales increased slightly, with considerable growth for the Louise super premium vintage.



Provence and Camargue wines

The almost 11% increase in wine revenue was driven by strong growth in the Sable de Camargue gris wines. Pink Flamingo, an organic wine produced from a single vineyard, is one of our group's most powerful growth drivers, seeing volumes increase by nearly 20% in 2019.

The vineyard's extensive capacity secures the development of the Pink Flamingo brand, which continues to extend its customer base.

Our Provence wines continued to broaden their footprint. The implementation of a new vinification cellar using amphorae will ensure sophistication for the Chapelle-Gordonne wines, which are all produced in the outstanding Pierrefeu terroir.

Port Sparking Wines and other

Like champagne, port was affected by the introduction in 2019 of the EGalim Act in French supermarkets and hypermarkets. Port sales outside this segment were steady or, in the case of restaurants, increased.

Douro red wines saw continued growth in their domestic market.

Sparkling wines, still in the installation phase, represent a future area for development. Louis Pommery California is enjoying healthy sales in the United States.

Louis Pommery England won the gold medal at the Champagne and Sparkling Wines World Championship, a mark of recognition of the quality of the group's work.

Outlook

France:

The sharp fall in champagne sales recorded in France in 2019 in the low-profitability off-trade segment will have a moderate negative impact on the groups results, which it will publish on 30 March 2020.

As already stated, the group has shifted its focus from affordable luxury sales to an international prestige positioning.

Beginning in 2019, it has designed and rolled out new strategic measures to adapt the champagne branch:

Reduction of purchasing commitments

Adaptation of operating expenses

Reduction of the average cost of debt

Accordingly, we expect to honour the deleveraging commitments announced for 2020.

International:

In the United States, the group quickly adapted to the introduction of the 25% tax precipitously voted in in December by arranging for the local bottling of its rose wines.

The easing of trade negotiations with the United States on a possible tax on Champagnes is welcomed.

The group will open a Singapore office in February to support its profitable sales in that region.

By investing in global brands such as Champagne Pommery & Greno, Vranken-Pommery Monopole, confident in the excellent quality of its wines, has laid the indispensable foundations for successful worldwide expansion and premiumisation.

.

Next release

Publication of the groups annual earnings on 30 March 2020, after the stock market close.

About Vranken-Pommery Monopole

Vranken-Pommery Monopole manages 2,600 hectares of land, owned outright or under lease and spread over four vineyards in Champagne, Provence, Camargue and Douro. The groups wine-making activities range from production to marketing, with a strong commitment to the promotion of terroirs, sustainable wine-growing and environmental conservation.

Its brand portfolio includes:

the Vranken, Pommery & Greno, Heidsieck & Co Monopole, Charles Lafitte and Bissinger & Co champagnes;

the Rozes and Sao Pedro port wines and the Terras do Grifo Douro wines;

the Domaine Royal de Jarras and Pink Flamingo Camargue wines and the Chateau La Gordonne Provence wine;

the Louis Pommery California, Louis Pommery England, Brut de France and Pink Flamingo sparkling wines.

Vranken-Pommery Monopole is listed on NYSE Euronext (Paris and Brussels).

(Codes VRAP (Paris), and VRAB (Brussels); ISIN: FR0000062796).

Contacts

Vranken-Pommery Monopole:

Franck Delval, Financial Control Director

+33 (0)3 26 61 62 34, comfi@vrankenpommery.fr Media

Laurent Poinsot, + 33 (0)1 53 70 74 77 lpoinsot@image7.fr

Claire Doligez, +33 (0)1 53 70 74 25, cdoligez@image7.fr

Caroline Simon, +33 (0)1 53 70 74 65, caroline.simon@image7.fr

Attachment
by Melynda Fuller , January 20, 2020

Staffers at one of Tribune Publishings papers, the, are calling for new owners in an op-ed published inover the weekend.

Chicago Tribune investigative writers David Jackson and Gary Marx published Wi ll the Chicago Tribune Be the Next Newspaper Picked to the Bone? on Sunday, calling out Alden for its history of decimating local newspapers.

They wrote: Aldens strategy of acquiring struggling local newsrooms and stripping them of assets has built the personal wealth of the hedge-funds investors. But Alden has imposed draconian staff cuts that decimated The Denver Post and other once-proud newspapers that have been vital to their communities and to American democracy.

advertisement advertisement

Tribune Publishing owns the New York Daily News, The Baltimore Sun, The Hartford Courant, The Orlando Sentinel, The Sun-Sentinel, The Virginian-Pilot and The Capital Gazette.Buyouts were offered at each title after Alden acquired 32% of the company late last year.

Jackson and Marx noted in their op-ed that the ChicagoTribune has won 27 Pulitzer Prizes, while other Tribune Publishing titles have claimed another 37. Abraham Lincoln was once a subscriber.

To preserve the legacy of the newspaper and the important work of its staffers, Jackson and Marx called for a civic-minded local owner or group of owners, telling CNN Business theyve already spoken with several potential buyers in recent weeks in an informal effort.

Their op-ed argues: The alternative is a ghost version of the Chicago Tribune  a newspaper that can no longer carry out its essential watchdog mission.
A tugboat moves cargo towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Musandam province, Oman, July 20, 2018. Reuters



South Korea will dispatch troops to the Strait of Hormuz by expanding operational areas of its anti-piracy unit deployed nearby to help protect its vessels passing through the strategic waterway, the defense ministry announced Tuesday.

The forces, however, will not join a U.S.-led coalition, but conduct independent operations, the ministry said, a move seen as reflecting Seoul's consideration of relations with Tehran and Washington's request for contribution to its campaign to secure the waters off Iran.

"In consideration of the current situation in the Middle East, the government has decided to temporarily expand the Cheonghae Unit's sphere of activity in order to guarantee safety of our people and the freedom of navigation of our vessels," the ministry said in a release.

The 300-strong Cheonghae Unit, which has been on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia since 2009, will broaden its mission areas into the Gulf of Oman, and further to the Persian Gulf, starting Tuesday, as the 31st batch of the rotational troops along with the 4,400-ton destroyer, the Wang Geon, is to assume the role on the day, according to the ministry.

While the Cheonghae Unit will act on its own, two liaison officers affiliated with the unit to the U.S.-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) "for cooperation such as information sharing," the ministry said. The IMSC is headquartered in Bahrain.

"Since May last year, when tensions began to heighten in the Middle East, we've been reviewing diverse options," a senior defense ministry official said, adding that the government prioritizes the safety of South Korean people and vessels.

Before announcing the decision, the ministry had consultations with the U.S. and also explained reasons for the decision to Iran through diplomatic channels, according to the official.












Koryak Ridge Stacked Stones classic elegance and intricate detail combine with the simplicity of a panelized system to give this profile the appearance of a precision hand-laid dry-stack set. With the introduction of three intricate new color palettes, we are excited to go beyond standard color combinations with evocative new hues that contemporize the look and feel of stone while honoring the origins and characteristics of each profile.

Eldorado Stone, from Boral North America, unveils new, bright color palettes across three architectural stone profiles during the 2020 National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sea Cliff European Ledge, Loire Valley RoughCut and Koryak Ridge Stacked Stone showcase the manufacturers dedication to elevating the aesthetic appeal of stone as a design accent through the artful application of multilayered color tones and visually engaging depth patterns. Eldorado Stone is exhibiting in booth C4519 from January 21-23, 2020, alongside brands from several divisions of parent organization Boral North America.

Stone is one of the most captivating features in the natural world, with a seemingly endless array of colors and textures to inspire the design of our most treasured spaces in the home or workplace, said Sarah Lograsso, Director of Marketing. With the introduction of three intricate new color palettes, we are excited to go beyond standard color combinations with evocative new hues that contemporize the look and feel of stone while honoring the origins and characteristics of each profile.

TWEET THIS: New at #IBS2020: @EldoradoStone debuts new artisan color palettes for three popular #stoneveneer profiles: Sea Cliff European Ledge, Loire Valley RoughCut and Koryak Ridge Stacked Stone. http://bit.ly/Eldorado_Stone

New color profiles featured in Booth C4519 during IBS 2020 include:



Koryak Ridge Stacked Stones classic elegance and intricate detail combine with the simplicity of a panelized system to give this profile the appearance of a precision hand-laid dry-stack set.

Sea Cliff European Ledge creates the perfect fusion between old-world stonework and modern design. Evoking a unique balance of weather-worn surface contours and precision-cut stone, this modern interpretation of split-face travertine is assembled into tightly stacked ledge pieces with varying surface heights and lengths.

Loire Valley RoughCut mimics limestone with an assortment of embedded, fossilized artifacts and roughly cleaved, pronounced face.

To learn more about Eldorado Stone and its products, visit EldoradoStone.com.

About Eldorado Stone

Eldorado Stone, LLC is the manufacturer of the worlds most believable architectural stone veneer and is headquartered in San Marcos, California. For over 50 years, Eldorado Stone has demonstrated an undeniable passion for creating authentic products that elevate quality and design, including architectural stone and brick veneer, fireplace surrounds, fire bowls and outdoor living products. The company currently operates manufacturing facilities in several states with regional distribution centers across the U.S. For more information and to view a gallery of beautiful installations, visit http://www.eldoradostone.com.

About Boral North America

Boral North America, a division of Boral Limited, brings a diverse array of premium brands under one banner to deliver next generation building materials for this generations needs. Borals innovative manufacturers and passionate teams provide the highest quality architectural solutions and industry leadership in a variety of categories, including stone, brick, roofing, siding and trim, and windows. For more information visit BoralAmerica.com

About Boral Stone Division

The Boral Stone Division, within Boral North America, provides an extensive collection of sustainably manufactured solutions to match any design style and budget. With six unique brands and a global footprint, Boral Stone Division products enhance the aesthetic and tactile appeal of any project with the natural textures and authentic color palettes of architectural stone veneer. For more information visit BoralAmerica.com/Stone


/ -- AiR - Atman in Ravi's 23rd book 'Why Bad Things Can't Happen to Good People' has just been launched. It brings with it the answers to many questions such as why the nicest of people go through bad times or why innocent people experience hardships when they should be leading peaceful, blissful lives. AiR - Atman in Ravi delves deep into the subject of Karma in this latest book.

The book sheds light on Karma - the law which records both good and bad equally and responds to every action with an equal reaction. This does not mean that the Law of Karma is cruel. When this Law of Karma is understood and given significance, it helps many live a life with a positive attitude, accepting the consequences of their own past actions.

This book, 'Why Bad things Can't Happen to Good People' aims to help people realize who they truly are, understand their purpose on earth and ultimately be liberated, not just from the misery of the world, but from the constant cycle of death and rebirth. Atman in Ravi considers this as the mission of his life.

Reflecting on his work, the author, Atman in Ravi said, "When bad things happen, don't ask, why?Don't fold your hands and look at the sky, sure, we see misfortune strike at our door but look deeper and find out why you slipped on the floor."



Buy the book on Amazon or the AiR website.

About the author- AiR



AiR - Atman or the Soul in Ravi, is an embodied Soul whose only mission in life is to help people realize the Truth. He was born in Bangalore on October 15, 1966. As a part of the humanitarian initiative (http://airhumanitarianhomes.org/), a charitable hospital and charitable homes were set up. Today, over 600 homeless and suffering people are served and cared for in our destitute homes and provided with free shelter, food, clothing, and medical care.

A Shiva Temple (http:hivohamshivatemple.org/) was built in the year 1995 in Bangalore which is now known as the Shivoham Shiva Temple. AiR now believes that religion is just a kindergarten to Spirituality, and we all have to go beyond religion to truly realize God. One day, his Guru provoked him to introspect: What is the purpose of life? Is life just meant to seek pleasures and to live and die without any purpose? What happens after death? Will we be reborn? Where is God? Several questions like these took him on a quest, a search for the Truth. He gave up his life of Achievement and Fulfilment in search of the final peak of life: Enlightenment. After a few years of intense search in retreat, deep in the mountains, he realized that we are not this body or mind but the Divine Soul, the Atman. He metamorphosed to AiR - Atman in Ravi and gave up his entire life as RVM and started living as an instrument of God doing 'His Divine Will'. AiR has dedicated his life to helping people realize the Truth.

With AiR's own Realization, he has authored several books, composed bhajans, blogs, quotes, poems and taken up several other initiatives that can direct people towards the Truth and eradicate the ignorance that they live in. His vision, now, is to help people to Ask, Investigate, and Realize the Truth.

Photo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1079735/AiR_Book.jpg



Logo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/997558/AiR_Logo.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly flown back to Canada to be reunited with his wife and baby son after his decision to step back from royal life was endorsed by the chairman of his flagship charity.

Harry left the UK after meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson and world leaders at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, which is likely to be one of his few remaining official engagements before the Sussexes take a leap of faith and leave the monarchy in the spring.

The duke gave an emotional speech on Sunday night, saying he had no other option but to give up his official royal duties and forge a new life in Canada, where wife Meghan and son Archie are setting up home.

Johnny Hornby, chairman of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Harry and Lesothos Prince Seeiso, said the duke had indicated the solution was not something he ideally wanted.

Asked if it mattered to the Africa-based charity, which supports youngsters living with HIV, if Harry was royal or had a title, Mr Hornby told Radio 4s Today programme: No, I dont think it matters at all.

I think he has a kind of unique ability and an aura around him when hes with children, when hes with any gathering, I think his passion comes over.

We dont need from Sentebales perspective his title, we just need his time and his passion and hes committed to give us that.

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At a private event for Sentebale on Sunday night in London, Harry spoke about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a more peaceful life for his family.

His comments came after Buckingham Palace released the outcome of talks between the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and Harry over the future role of the Sussexes.

Harry and Meghan had wanted to remain as working royals, although not prominent members, and drop their public funding so they could become financially independent  a dual role many commentators said was fraught with problems.

In a statement issued on Saturday after royal family talks, the Sussexes announced they will stop carrying out royal duties from the spring, no longer use HRH and will repay the taxpayers millions spent on their Berkshire home.

Critics have accused the couple of turning their backs on the monarchy to enjoy the freedom of being able to take on commercial ventures.

The Evening Standard has reported the Queen had the choice of stripping Harry of his dukedom and using one of his lesser titles.

The newspaper quoted a source as saying it was seriously considered but another source told the PA news agency this was categorically untrue.

The discussions were described as extremely friendly and constructive when they ended.

In the Sentebale speech, Harry told invited guests: What I want to make clear is were not walking away, and we certainly arent walking away from you.

Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasnt possible.

Ive accepted this, knowing that it doesnt change who I am or how committed I am. But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.

He couldn't be more passionate then he has been to date, and he'll certainly be as passionate going forwardJohnny Hornby

Mr Hornby said he met Harry on Friday when they went through major events for the coming year, from trips to Africa to the opening of new camps that support teenagers living with HIV, and a research project the charity is doing with Royal Holloway, University of London.

He added of the duke: He couldnt be more passionate then he has been to date, and hell certainly be as passionate going forward.

Harry was not officially attending the investment summit at a London hotel but was holding one-to-one meetings with a number of foreign leaders at the request of the UK Government.

He sat down to talks with Moroccan prime minister Saad-Eddine El Othmani, Malawis President Peter Mutharika, and Filipe Nyusi, president of Mozambique.

It is likely the Government asked Harry to meet the African leaders because he has a keen interest in the continent and the royal family employs soft diplomacy to help strengthen Britains ties with her allies.

In a few months the duke will no longer be representing the UK in an official capacity and events like the summit will only be open to him as a guest.

Questions have also been raised about how Harry and Meghan will continue with their Sussex Royal brand when they cease being working royals.

This issue and other questions  including funding for the couple and son Archies protection  have yet to be resolved.
The coronavirus (CoV) is a large family of that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes, but the virus that has killed four people in is a novel strain not seen before.

Common symptoms of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) strain, which has infected more than 300 people since the outbreak in Wuhan in December, include respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, the (WHO) said.

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

According to the WHO, the CoV is a large family of that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

"Initial available data indicates that the novel Coronavirus-2019 (2019-nCoV) appears to cause less mortality than SARS CoV and MERS CoV. The disease manifestation ranges from asymptomatic to severe," G Arunkumar, director of the Manipal Institute of Virology, told PTI.

"As per the available limited information, initial transmission appears to be zoonotic origin, though the source is yet be identified. There is report of human to human transmission in the press but needs to be confirmed by authentic sources," he said.

The discovery of a novel strain of the virus in has compelled nations to quarantine passengers from the country and issue travel advisories, while prompting the WHO to convene an emergency meet on the matter.

Countries around the world have sounded an alert following the confirmation of the first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly infectious disease.

Cases have been detected in Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

India has instructed screening of travellers from at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata via thermal scanners.

The Emergency Committee on the novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) will ascertain whether the outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, and what recommendations should be made to manage it, WHO tweeted on Tuesday ahead of the meeting.

How are coronoviruses spread?



Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people, according to the WHO.

Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

On December 31, 2019, the WHO China Country Office was informed of mysterious cases of pneumonia detected in Wuhan City in China's Hubei Province.

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified as the causative agent by Chinese authorities on January 7.

The WHO has offered guidance to countries on how they can prepare for it, including monitoring the sick, and treating patients.

This includes protocols for testing samples, treating patients, controlling infection in health centres, maintaining the right supplies, and communicating with the public about this new virus.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.

The can also spread by touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands, the CDC said.

In pregnant women, the more severe versions of MERS and SARS coronaviruses can be serious. According to a case study published in 2014 in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, a woman infected with MERS had a stillbirth.

Till date, there is no vaccine to protect against this family of viruses.

However, based on currently available information, the WHO does not recommend any restriction on travel or trade.

Countries are encouraged to continue strengthening their preparedness for health emergencies in line with the international health regulations, the WHO said in a statement.

It said standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

WHO also advises that people should avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
The United States has added 15 Venezuelan aircraft to its sanctions list, the Department of the Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The following aircraft have been added to OFAC's (Office of Foreign Assets Control) Specially Designated Nationals list," the Treasury said in a statement that listed the models, tail numbers and serial numbers of each of the aircraft.

At the beginning of January, US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams said during a press briefing that the US was looking at potentially applying additional sanctions in Venezuela to put more pressure on the Maduro government.

In November, the United States sanctioned Cuba's Corporacion Panamericana over its activity in Venezuela's oil sector.

The long-running Venezuelan political crisis began last January when opposition leader Juan Guaido illegally proclaimed himself president of Venezuela following the election in which Nicolas Maduro was victorious. Guaido was promptly endorsed as the president by the United States and several Latin American countries, including Bolivia and Uruguay.

Maduro has characterised the situation in the country as an attempted coup prompted by the United States. A number of countries, including Russia, China, Cuba, and Turkey, rejected Guaido's claims to the presidency and continue to recognise Maduro as the only legitimate president of Venezuela.

At the beginning of the week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated his oft-repeated call for the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from office.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
D onald Trump today clashed with teenage campaigner Greta Thunberg at a global summit in Davos as she warned of a dearth of action to combat global warming  and he attacked prophets of doom.

The US President flew into the Swiss alpine resort to deliver a speech boasting of American economic success but making no mention of his impeachment trial which was due to start just hours later 4,200 miles away in Washington.

The 17-year-old Swedish campaigner took to the stage first at the World Economic Forum calling for far more to be done to tackle climate change.

The science and voice of young people is not the centre of the conversation, but it needs to be, she said.

Davos: World Economic Forum 2020 - In pictures 1 /46 Davos: World Economic Forum 2020 - In pictures AP Clarence House/AFP via Getty Images AP AP REUTERS REUTERS AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AP REUTERS AP US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AP Prince Charles and climate activist Greta Thunberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Clarence House White House Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump gestures as she delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators protest during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters US President Donald Trump holds a news conference at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davo AFP via Getty Images Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg addresses guests at the World Economic Forum AP Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump follow U.S. President Donald Trump as they leave the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland AP Demonstrators protest during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Bank of England head Mark Carney attends a session during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the World Economic Forum, AP U.S. President Donald Trump listens to FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak during a dinner with global CEOs during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters A banner hangs from the window during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters President Donald Trump meets with European Commission President Ursula von Der Leyen at the World Economic Forum AP President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum AP Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Police officers on a tower wait for U.S. President Donald Trump arrival to the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Air Force One carrying US President Donald Trump arrives at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland AP US President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at the airport in Zurich, Switzerlan AP U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters President Donald Trump delivers the opening remarks at the World Economic Forum AP Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg takes her seat prior to the opening session of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, AP Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg attends a session at the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland Reuters Marine One, center, carrying US President Donald Trump leaves the airport in Zurich, Switzerland headed to Davos AP

Mr Trump, 73, has been accused of turning a blind eye to global warming, having announced that he would pull the United States out of the Paris climate change agreement.

However, he hailed American air and water quality, announced it would take part in the one trillion trees project, but then added: Fear and doubt is not a good thought process because this is a time for tremendous hope, joy and optimism and action.

But to embrace the possiblity of tomorrow we must reject the perennial prophets of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse.

Mr Trump bashed "alarmists" in his speech, saying "they are the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers... and they want to see us do badly but we don't let that happen."

He said "they" predicted over population crisis in the 60s, mass starvation in the 70s and an end of oil in the 1990s.

"These alarmists always demand the same thing: absolute power to dominate transform and control every aspect of our lives," he said.

"We will never let radical socialists destroy our economy, wreck our country or eradicate our liberty. America will always be the proud, strong and unyielding bastion of freedom.

"A growing and vibrant market economy focused on the future lifts the human spirit and excites creativity strong enough to overcome any challenge, any challenge by far."

Greta Thunberg tells Davos climate summit: This is just the very beginning

The bulk of his speech was overflowing with boasts about Americas economy which he hailed as nothing short of spectacular.

He told business chiefs, political leaders and other influential figures at the exclusive gathering: Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before. America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, he added, referring to signing a new trade deal with China and a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

He also told how he is looking forward to negotiating a tremendous new deal with the UK after Brexit. Praising Boris Johnson, he added: They have a wonderful new PM who wants very much to make a deal.

The President arrived in Davos on his Marine One helicopter, with Act on Climate having been written in the snow at its landing zone.

Asked after his arrival if Miss Thunberg was right on climate change, Mr Trump said: Im a big believer in the environment. The environment to me is very important.

The presidents attendance was overshadowed by the start of his impeachment trial in the US Senate. The session was due to open today for a vote on proposed rules for the showdown, after the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives impeached Mr Trump on two charges last month: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress by refusing to co-operate with its investigation.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader:
Rush is by no means the only local hospital system to step up its commitment to LGBTQ care in the past 10 years. But it has been a local leader, one of the first two hospitals in Illinois (along with Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center) to apply for LGBTQ services accreditation by the Human Rights Campaign, and one of only 10 hospitals and clinics nationwide to receive perfect scores from the Human Rights Campaign in 2009.
[January 21, 2020] Leading Corporate and Renewable Energy Partner Joins Sheppard Mullin in Century City

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP is pleased to announce that Elliot Hinds has joined the firm's Century City office as a partner in the Corporate practice and as a member of the Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team. Hinds has more than 24 years of experience in private practice with industry-leading law firms and was most recently a partner at Crowell Moring. He is the second partner to join Sheppard Mullin in Century City this month. "Continuing to expand our energy practice is a key focus for us," said Sheppard Mullin Vice Chairman Jon Newby. "We've added more than 15 attorneys to our energy practice across the U.S. in the last few years. Having Elliot anchor our energy practice in Los Angeles will allow us to even better serve our clients in the renewable energy sector." Commenting on the addition of Hinds, Tony Toranto, Leader of the firm's Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance Team, said, "Elliot's broad experience across the renewable energy sector offers significant synergies with our current team. Our energy clients need counsel who understand not only project development, but also M&A and project finance." Hinds' practice primarily focuses on the energy sector, with a heavy emphasis on renewable energy, electic power and energy storage, where he concentrates on project agreements, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Engineering, Procurement and Construction agreements (EPC) and Operations and Maintenance agreements (O&M); mergers and acquisitions and project finance. He has worked on numerous projects, including those involving wind, geothermal, solar, biomass, natural gas, cogeneration and coal-fired electric power, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and bioethanol. Hinds also works with clients in a variety of other capital-intensive industries, including manufacturing and technology.



He received his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Hinds is currently chair of the board of directors of the Los Angeles Urban League and is a member of the board of directors of the Constitutional Rights Foundation. He has often been recognized as a leading lawyer in his field, including being listed among the Los Angeles Business Journal's "Most Influential Minority Lawyers in Los Angeles"; selected as one of the Top 25 Clean Tech Lawyers in California by the Daily Journal; named "Corporate Lawyer of the Year" by the Century City Bar Association; and recognized on the Lawyers of Color's Second Annual Hot List for the Western Region of the United States. About Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Sheppard Mullin is a full-service Global 100 firm with more than 900 attorneys in 15 offices located in the United States, Europe and Asia. Since 1927, industry-leading companies have turned to Sheppard Mullin to handle corporate and technology matters, high-stakes litigation and complex financial transactions. In the U.S., the firm's clients include almost half of the Fortune 100. For more information, please visit www.sheppardmullin.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121006096/en/

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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia  Tue, January 21, 2020 09:06 722 7f440ff09e92db75a02bbad2060479fa 2 Environment extinction,platypus,climate-change,pollution,environment,Australia,animals,extinct-animals Free

Prolonged drought and other effects of climate change are pushing Australia's unique platypus population towards extinction, scientists warned in a study published Monday.

The river-dwelling animal has already disappeared from up to 40 percent of its historical range on Australia's east coast due to the drought, land clearing, pollution and building of dams, which fragment their habitat, the researchers said.

They predicted that if the current threats persist, platypus numbers will fall another 47-66 percent over the next 50 years.

If projections about worsening climate change are taken into account, the numbers of the duck-billed, egg-laying mammal could plummet up to 73 percent by 2070, they wrote.

The platypus is listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

But the scientists from the University of New South Wales' Centre for Ecosystem Science said damage to river systems caused by years of little rainfall and high temperatures had worsened prospects for the animal.

These dangers further expose the platypus to even worse local extinctions, with no capacity to repopulate areas," said Gilad Bino, lead author of the study.

Read also: Greta warns world leaders at climate protest before Davos

The scientists said there is an "urgent need" for a national risk assessment to determine if the platypus should be downgraded to "vulnerable" status and to lay out conservation steps "to minimize any risk of extinction.

The study is the first across all platypus habitat zones to establish a so-called "metapopulation" model while also projecting the impacts of climate change on the species going forward.

The survey estimated the total platypus population had fallen by 50 percent since European settlement of the continent two centuries ago.

An earlier study published in November 2018 estimated the population had fallen by 30 percent over that period, to around 200,000.

"Under predicted climate change, the losses forecast were far greater because of increases in extreme drought frequencies and duration, such as the current dry spell," Bino said of the latest report.

The new study comes as unprecedented bushfires ravage vast areas of eastern Australia, fueled by the drought and record-high temperatures.

The platypus, which along with four species of echidna are the only mammals that lay eggs, is one of the world's strangest animals, with the bill of a duck, tail of a beaver, otter-like feet and a venomous spur on its hind leg.
This is the incredible moment a brave shop worker fends of three knife-wielding attackers all by herself.

Sundeep Kaur, 24, was running her father's shop alone in Coulby Newham, North Yorkshire, when the hooded thugs walked in.

She said she knew it was 'fight or flight' time as the suspects burst in on Friday afternoon to demand cash.

But the thugs quickly found out they'd picked the wrong shop.

As one of the masked trio brandished a knife at her, brave Ms Kaur stepped towards them, whipped out a can of criminal identifier spray and aimed it at their faces.

One of the knife-wielding raiders appears to threaten Ms Kaur, urging her to hand over some cash

Brave Ms Kaur (pictured in front of her father's shop) whipped out some criminal identifier spray and began fighting back

The spray is a red gel which stays on the skin for around seven days.

'It's hard to really have time to think, the first thing to do was to defend myself,' she said.

'I kind of just saw the knife and I thought "I don't want to get hit by this." I pushed back and moved forward to them.

'I tried to aim in the face and get the ones trying to get away. They did run pretty quick,' she added.

'I don't really think it's a hero move. You can either fight or flight really.'

Incredibly, Ms Kaur took a moment to compose herself, rang the police, before continuing on with her shift as normal.

She said: 'I kind of just had a breather, police came and I started calming down.

'I just opened up again back to normal.

'I was just kind of glad they ran off.

'I felt a bit of an idiot in case I did get hurt, I was in two minds afterwards.'

After she fended off the attackers (pictured, spraying the thugs), Ms Kaur took a moment to compose herself, rang the police, before continuing on with her shift as normal

Ms Kaur, from Stockton, said the shop is run by her father, Gurcharan Singh, who's had it for around 10 years.

She says she's previously trained in Gatka, a Sikh martial art, something which gave her the confidence to stand up and be counted.

Police are now hunting the suspects.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that police are investigating an attempted robbery.

'No arrests at present. Inquiries are ongoing.'
CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TransUnion (TRU) received a perfect score of 100 on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nations premier benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.



TransUnion is proud to be an employer of choice and the company believes that people are empowered at work when they can contribute their ideas and talents, share their passions, and learn from one another. TransUnion offers a number of benefits that support equality and inclusion, such as adoption reimbursement and medical coverage for gender confirmation procedures. Associates also have the opportunity to participate in affinity groups such as Out and About, which creates a platform to empower TransUnion LGBTQ associates and their allies. Additionally, in 2019 TransUnion signed HRCs pledge to support the Equality Act, legislation designed to provide protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education and other arenas.

It is an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our continued dedication to equality for our LGBTQ associates the second year in row, said Anne Leyden, Chief Human Resources Officer at TransUnion. We believe in providing the opportunity for all associates to learn, grow and contribute at TransUnion, and we strive to create a workplace that reflects these ideals.

The impact of the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe, said Alphonso David, President, HRC. These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do  it is also the best business decision. In addition, many of these leaders are also advocating for the LGBTQ community and equality under the law in the public square. From supporting LGBTQ civil rights protections in the U.S. through HRCs Business Coalition for the Equality Act, to featuring transgender and non-binary people in an ad in Argentina, to advocating for marriage equality in Taiwan  businesses understand their LGBTQ employees and customers deserve to be seen, valued and respected not only at work, but in every aspect of daily life.

Story continues

The 2020 CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories: non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion, public commitment to LGBTQ equality and responsible citizenship. TransUnions efforts in satisfying all of the CEIs criteria earned in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

For more information on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei .

About TransUnion (TRU)

TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing a comprehensive picture of each person so they can be reliably and safely represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.

A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

http://www.transunion.com/business

Contact Dave Blumberg E-mail dblumberg@transunion.com Telephone 312-972-6646




Union minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday drew a parallel between the Delhi assembly poll contest and the Mughal invasion of India as he asked people to vote for the BJP in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name if they wanted to escape the "slavery" which the country had earlier suffered.

In a video message posted on Twitter, the firebrand Hindutva leader accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Congress of "abetting urban naxalism" in the national capital and the rest of the country.

The Delhi polls, which are slated for February 8, are not merely about electing a new assembly but about "changing" the country's direction, the BJP leader said, asking people to vote for the nation and to give a befitting reply to "tukde tukde gang".

"Otherwise you remember when a handful of Mughals had attacked us during the Aryavarta's time. We became slaves for years due to some lazy, greedy and treacherous people. If you want to escape this slavery, then you rise above castes and personalities and look at Delhi through the vision of Narendra Modi and the nation.

"You have to vote to give a befitting reply to the tukde tukde gang. This is my request," he said.

'Aryavarta' was used in earlier times to refer to the region.

Delhi had voted for Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal for its development and nation-building in 2015, but people will have to rethink now, he said.

Accusing the AAP and Congress for alleged links with Shaheen Bagh protests against the CAA, he asked the people if they will vote for such parties.

"Let's go with Modi and have a BJP government in Delhi. Cast your votes thinking of India's honour," he tweeted.

The BJP cites "urban naxals" and "tukde tukde gang" to attack groups it accuses of working to promote violent leftists and separatism.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/20/2020



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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.

: Before the 90 Days Season 4 star Geoffrey Paschel is reportedly facing criminal charges, including kidnapping and assault, after an ex-girlfriend accused him of abusing her.Geoffrey, a 42-year-old from Knoxville, TN, who will be appearing on the upcoming : Before the 90 Days season when it premieres next month, appeared in court on Friday and waived an arraignment before Knox County Criminal Court Judge Kyle Hixson, the Knox News Sentinel reported Geoffrey reportedly pleaded not guilty on charges of aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault, interference with emergency calls and vandalism.The upcoming reality star was arrested in June 2019 after the alleged victim -- Geoffrey's then-girlfriend, a 30-year-old woman he lived with in West Knox County who has not been identified by name -- accused him of physically attacking her in the home they had shared, according to the Knox News Sentinel.Geoffrey, however, insists his ex-girlfriend is making allegations to sabotage his ongoing custody battle in Blount County involving a different woman, Geoffrey's estranged wife."It's all about child custody," Geoffrey told the Knox News Sentinel after his court hearing on Friday, adding that he's not guilty.Geoffrey is reportedly scheduled to return to court on March 26 for this case.Meanwhile, the alleged victim has been granted a temporary order of protection pending a court hearing in February.According to the petition Geoffrey's ex filed when seeking the order of protection, Geoffrey "repeatedly bashed/slammed my head into the hardwood floors of my home," the Knox News Sentinel reported."He dragged me through the house by my hair and continued throwing my body into walls and furniture. I know this because of blood on my walls, furniture, etc."Geoffrey also allegedly disabled the woman's phone before she took off to a neighbor's house and called the police from there.Geoffrey was reportedly arrested that night, and the woman sought medical treatment at a local hospital, where she was told she had suffered a concussion.In addition, the filing reportedly accuses Geoffrey of "pushing, hitting, choking" and verbally threatening the woman on four other occasions dating back to September 2018.Geoffrey will be starring on TLC's next season of : Before the 90 Days with his love interest, Varya, a 30-year-old from Russia."The last few years have been rough for Geoffrey. Shortly after his second marriage ended in divorce, he suffered the tragic loss of his son. But life started to look up when he met Varya on an international dating site," according to TLC's cast announcement."Despite their cultural differences, they quickly bonded over their shared love of adventure. Now, Geoffrey has a trip to Russia on the horizon and is considering proposing to Varya, but he must first prove to her family and friends that he's the right man for her."Following his brief appearance in court on Friday, Geoffrey declined comment on the current status of his relationship with Varya in his statement to the Knox News Sentinel.The fourth season of : Before the 90 Days premieres Sunday, February 23 at 8PM ET/PT on TLC, taking over the time period currently filled by 's seventh edition.Like : Before the 90 Days' first three seasons, the fourth season will follow Americans who started online romantic relationships with overseas partners as they travel overseas hoping to get engaged to someone they have never met in person and then begin the K-1 Visa immigration process.Along the way, they'll encounter challenges that include large age gaps, language barriers, cultural issues, and questionable pasts.: Before the 90 Days' upcoming season will also star six other couples , including returning cast members Darcey Silva and Tom Brooks Want more spoilers? Click here to visit our Spoilers webpage!
D onald Trumps impeachment trial has begun with a showdown as parties clashed over rules of the historic proceedings in the Senate.

Democrats objected strongly to the format proposed by the Republican leader for compressed arguments and a speedy trial.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, who is leading the prosecution, called the rules package a cover up.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had proposed that each side have 24 hours to present their arguments spread over two 12 hour days.

The Senate in session as the impeachment trial of Donald Trump begins on Tuesday / AP

He opened the chamber on Tuesday promising a "fair, even-handed" process.

But the first day of the trial burst into a partisan fight, with Mr Schiff saying: This is not a process for a fair trial, this is the process for a rigged trial.

Facing fierce opposition, Republican leader Mr McConnell later submitted an amended proposal for the record. He added an extra day and allowed House evidence to be included in the record.

Mr Trump stands accused of pressuring Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden and then obstructing an inquiry into the matter.

The president was impeached last month by the Democratic-led House of Representatives on charges of abusing power and obstructing Congress.

He denies any wrongdoing and described his impeachment as a partisan hoax to derail his 2020 re-election.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington / AP

It is only the third time in US history that a president is facing an impeachment trial.

The first test of the process was coming as senators prepared to begin debate and vote on Mr McConnell's proposed rules.

The package diverges in some ways from the most recent impeachment trial, of Bill Clinton, by condensing opening arguments into two days for each side.

It pushes votes to consider whether or not to hear from witnesses later in the process.

Republican senators, who hold the majority, were falling in line behind his plan.

The rare impeachment trial, unfolding in an election year, is testing whether Mr Trump's actions toward Ukraine warrant removal at the same time that voters are forming their own verdict his White House.

Mr Trump himself denounced the proceedings as "a total hoax", as he does daily, and said: "I'm sure it's going to work out fine."

The Democrats said the prospect of middle-of-the-night proceedings, without allowing new witnesses or even the voluminous House records of the trial, will leave the public without crucial information about Mr Trump's political pressure campaign on Ukraine and the White House's obstruction of the House impeachment probe.

"The McConnell rules seem to be designed by President Trump for President Trump," said the Senate Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer.

He vowed to call for a series of votes to amend the rules and demand evidence and documents, but it seemed unlikely Republicans would break from the party to join Democrats.

"This is a historic moment," Mr Schumer said.
Bill Weld, the former Republican governor of Massachusetts, thinks President Trump should be impeached. And hes not saying that just because hes running against Trump for the Republican nomination. Hes saying that as a former federal prosecutor who worked on the Watergate case against Richard Nixon.

I think he should be removed, Weld told The Chronicles Its All Political podcast Tuesday, noting that he worked as a lawyer on the staff of the House Judiciary Committee in 1974, researching what legally constituted impeachment.

Weld said the framers of the Constitution were most worried about two things: foreign interference in our affairs, and someone who would corrupt the office of the president by advancing his own personal interests as opposed to the country that he serves first.

Both those things are very much present in the Ukraine caper, said Weld, who was visiting with a campaign contributor in Atherton as part of a three-day swing through California. So its in a way, its a classic, quintessential impeachable and removable offense. And that clause in the Constitution is not an afterthought  they needed that there in order to persuade people that they werent having a king.

Assuming Trump survives the impeachment trial, Weld said he thinks his toughest Democratic competitor in November would be a more centrist candidate like former Vice President Joe Biden or Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Weld said Trump would probably beat progressives like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren or Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, partly because he would incesssantly call them socialists. Sanders identifies as a democratic socialist, while Warren has said she is a capitalist.

If Weld isnt the GOP nominee, he wont vote for Trump.

I think hes too erratic, Weld said. So, if its just Mr. Trump and a Democrat, Id have to swallow hard for the two most liberal (Warren and Sanders), but I think I probably could work my way to voting for the Democrat.

Weld voted for Barack Obama over Republican Sen. John McCain in 2008 and ran as vice president on the Libertarian Party ticket in 2016, which was headed by former New Mexico GOP Gov. Gary Johnson. They won 3% of the vote.

Welds presidential campaign hasnt profited from Trump facing impeachment charges in the Senate. Hes barely charting in the polls, he didnt make it onto the ballot for a variety of reasons in about a dozen states, and hes got just $208,043 cash on hand, according to his last campaign finance report. Trump has $83 million in the bank.

Welds narrow path to relevance in the GOP nomination contest relies on doing, as he puts it, better than expectations in the Feb. 11 New Hampshire primary. If that happens, he says, hell get a little puff of wind.

He says several states holding primaries on Super Tuesday, March 3  including California, Massachusetts, Vermont and Colorado  are attractive.

Theyre attractive because voters in those states might be more receptive to someone like Weld, who is part of a dying generation of moderate Republicans. Weld, 74, who served as Massachusetts governor from 1991 to 1997, supports abortion rights and same-sex marriage, and promised to tackle climate change as his first priority.

However, Welds strategy in New Hampshire is fraught. Hes counting on the 40% of New Hampshire voters who are independents to vote for him in the Republican primary. Under the states rules, registered voters can cast ballots in either partys primary.

But Weld acknowledged that some of those independents might very well be more intrigued by casting ballots in the more competitive Democratic primary.

And the argument Im making, Weld said, is that if you vote in the Republican primary you can be sure that your vote is coming out of Mr. Trumps total, whereas if you throw a dart at the Democratic field and try and predict whos going to be the nominee, youre voting against other Democrats. Youre not just voting against Donald Trump.

Weld has bigger problems in California, where only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary. His connections to the state go back to more moderate former Republican governors including Pete Wilson  Weld co-chaired the national finance committee of Wilsons short-lived 1996 presidential run  and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

People in the old days used to say that I was a natural for California: pro-gun and pro-gay, Weld said. But the state Republican Party is far more conservative now, and it now represents just 24% of registered voters in California.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
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The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived home after a 295-day deployment - the longest since the Cold War - allowing some sailors to meet their children for the first time.

The Lincoln left it's former home port in Norfolk, Virginia, on April 1, 2019, and returned to its new home port in Coronado, California, following a 10-month deployment that took them around the world and covered 64,000 nautical miles.

The Lincoln was originally supposed to arrive in Coronado in October, but had its deployment extended three months due to escalating tension with Iran.

While at sea, the 3,000-person Carrier Strike Group it led participated in maritime security and combat missions with various US allies around the world.

Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln were able to meet and hold the children born during the lengthy deployment for the first time on Monday

Many of the USS Lincoln crew missed the majority of their spouses' pregnancies and the birth of their children while they were deployed

Families were left to move from their Virginia homes to their new San Diego homes while their spouses were at sea when the deployment was extended past October

The USS Abraham Lincoln had previously been based out of Norfolk, Virginia, but made a pre-arranged port-swap in October

The USS Abraham Lincoln is seen here being tugged into port on Monday

During the 10 months they were away, a number of sailors missed the births of their children - meaning that they got to hold their babies for the first time ever Monday morning.

P02 John Aportela, who was finally introduced to his six-month-old daughter in person, told 10 News that he was 'blessed to be back and I thank God for bringing us back safe.'

Aviation Boatswain's Mate First Class Brian Johnson told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he was 'euphoric' about meeting his six-month-old son, Cameron, for the first time.

'I had to imagine what he looked like in real life,' Johnson said, noting that all he has was photos of the child, 'so I was just trying to figure out what he would actually look like. I didn't know what he smelled like or how he felt, so it's really nice to see that."

While their spouses were away on deployment, many of the sailors and Marines' wives and children packed up their homes in Norfolk and moved across country, because the Lincoln had been given a planned port swap.

Some spouses said that they didn't find out that the deployments were extended until they had already arrived in San Diego, expecting to great their loved ones in October

The USS Abraham Lincoln is seen in November 2019, traveling through the Strait of Hormuz

Brittney Lehman told the San Diego Union-Tribune that she was was waiting to introduce her husband - aviation ordanceman Austin - to their new five-month-old son, Colton.

She said that she had moved their family - which also included four-year-old son, Mason - from Virginia to California in October, only to find out that Austin's deployment was being extended the day after she arrived in San Diego.

'I left my family and all my friends in October because I thought he was going to be home,' Brittney said. 'I was in my new house and I got a phone call and he said, "Actually, I'm not coming home (yet)."'

The strike group's 10-month deployment is the longest carrier deployment in the post-Cold War era.

While the Lincoln was deployed, it assisted operations in the US 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas, working allies including France, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

While the Lincoln was deployed, it assisted operations in the US 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas, working allies including France, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Family members are seen on shore waiting to see their loved ones

A woman was seen on Tuesday holding a blue and white banner that reads: 'Welcome Home Sailor'

During the deployment, the Lincoln globe-trotted to ports in countries such as Singapore, Japan, Israel, Thailand, Australia and the Maldives, according to 10 News.

The Lincoln also operated out of the North Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman, supporting combat operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria for 222 days.

'Our mission there was to be a deterrent force. We were the response option,' Carrier Strike Group 12 commander Rear Adm. Mike Boyle told USNI.

'I truly believe, and its not a talking point  is our presence in the Middle East prevented us from going to war with Iran. Theres no doubt in my mind.'

During the deployment, the Lincoln globe-trotted to ports in countries such as Singapore, Japan, Israel, Thailand, Australia and the Maldives

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group returned to San Diego Monday, greeted by hundreds of loved ones anxious to see the sailors after 10 months at sea

The carrier group returned to its homeport, Naval Air Station North Island, around 10am, concluding their deployment

During its deployment, the Lincoln participated in combat sorties while supporting Operations Freedoms Sentinel and Inherent Resolve, while also doing partnership-building exercises with allied country Navies

Boyle said that the strike group supported troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Marines as they withdrew from Syria and added that 'if we can prevent one soldier, one coalition soldier, from getting killed, wed stay out there forever.'

He admitted that the deployment was 'probably one of the more challenging' that he's had 'not because it was long, but because the end date was uncertain.'

'If you can count down, you can pretty much do anything. But when you dont know when to start the count, its really, really challenging,' he said.

During its deployment, the Lincoln participated in combat sorties while supporting Operations Freedoms Sentinel and Inherent Resolve, while also doing partnership-building exercises with allied country Navies, CBS 8 reported.

While traveling from Norfolk to the North Arabian Sea and other parts of the world, the Lincoln navigated through multiple straits, including the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, the Bab-el Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca and the Surigao Strait, Fox 5 San Diego reported.
When an arm snaps, a leg cracks or a wrist twists, physicians set the bone to ensure it heals properly and with as little discomfort to the patient as possible. But the same cannot be said for most rib fractures.

Past practice and teaching call for little to no treatment, even if it takes months for the patient to breathe normally or just get back to work. The prevailing wisdom has been succinct. "Offer medicine for the pain and a ventilator if breathing is an issue," said Evert Eriksson, M.D., a trauma surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina and coauthor of the paper. "But otherwise, the bones will form a callus over time that allows it to function as it needs to." And while that idea has morphed over the last decade to make multiple-fracture repair more common, patients with less severe fractures often still go untreated despite pain.

This extended discomfort is what led Denver Health Medical Center surgeon Fredric Pieracci, M.D., along with several other trauma surgeons to conduct a study with members of the Chest Wall Injury Society. Twelve centers from across the United States came together to evaluate the success of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), which involves installing a plate to line up the two ends of the fracture and hold them in place throughout the healing process. They theorized that by stabilizing partially displaced and fractured ribs, patients' pain and quality of life would improve.

As recently published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, patients who underwent SSRF for three or more rib fractures with partial dislocation reported less pain on the numeric pain scale and a better quality of life after their stabilization surgery.

"This research shows that patients who have partially displaced fractures as well as some pulmonary compromise also benefit from a procedure that is usually reserved for a more severely injured cohort," said Eriksson.

Technological limitations have played a role in keeping surgeons from performing this procedure in the past. It wasn't until recently that surgeons acquired the right equipment to keep surgical incisions small and the risk of complications in the pleural space low. By pulling the muscles aside, instead of cutting through them, surgeons are able to access the chest wall and ribs less invasively. Even the material of the stabilization plates has improved, becoming less rigid and moving more naturally with the patient as the chest expands and contracts with each breath, according to Eriksson.

While the level of narcotic use did not change significantly in patients who received SSRF, these patients consistently reported more comfort and less pain at each interview interval than those who had not undergone the operation. The fractured ribs took just as long to completely heal, but the patients' experiences during this process were far superior, and they reported feeling less pain and easier breathing throughout.

Patients also experienced fewer complications from their rib fractures. By opening the chest, addressing any additional injuries, guiding the bones back into position and removing any excess blood from the area, surgeons decreased the chances that study participants would have any additional bleeding or fluid accumulation in that space.

And the difference was statistically significant. Surgeons reported that in the group that underwent SSRF, there was a zero percent pleural space complication rate from their patients' injuries, while the group that did not undergo the procedure experienced a 10% complication rate.

Next, Eriksson wants to look at other bones that are not treated surgically. "I had a patient from this study come to me and say, 'My chest no longer hurts. You fixed that. But now it's my shoulder that's the problem.' By stabilizing the chest wall, physicians may improve outcomes from clavicle or scapula fractures as well.

This collaborative multicenter effort presents an opportunity for surgeons to address a different population than is traditionally not considered for operational treatment. "It gives us an opportunity to help a new set of patients," said Eriksson. "And that is important."

###

About MUSC Health

As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available, while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 1,600 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians' practice plan, and nearly 275 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eight hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Florence, Lancaster and Marion counties. In 2019, for the fifth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the number one hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit http://muschealth.org.
By Trend

The United States, as a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group, remains strongly committed to helping the sides achieve a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a representative of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan told Trend.

We reiterate, as the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have done many times, that a fair and lasting settlement must be based, in particular, upon the principles of the Helsinki Final Act of non-use of force or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples, said the representative.

The embassy representative noted that the United States fully endorses the joint statement of the Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries at the Bratislava OSCE Ministerial Council meeting last December, which called for additional concrete humanitarian and security measures to foster an atmosphere conducive to peace and for the sides to engage in good faith substantive negotiations, and which stressed that the status quo is unacceptable and there can be no military solution to the conflict.

In that connection, the United States welcomed the intention of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers to meet again in early 2020 under Co-Chair auspices. The OSCE Minsk Group format remains the indispensable focal point for efforts to reach a sustainable settlement, added the representative.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding regions.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Gods Of Our Time "The author recreates the period of the 1920's in Paris in a tale full of culture, passion, self-exploration, and so much more. It is a riveting read that will tug on the reader's heartstrings."

Sixty Degrees Publishing will release writer Michael Bowkers 20th book, Gods of Our Time, on February 11th, 2020.

Bowkers first 19 books were non-fiction. This is his first novel. Random House, Rodale, Simon and Schuster and others have published his previous books. His first book, Playing from the Heart, just surpassed one million copies. Passage Pictures has optioned Gods Of Our Time for a motion picture.

The emotional and powerful novel transports readers back to the robust energy and romantic lights of 1920s Paris. It chronicles the life of Sophie Masson, a painter and healer and woman far ahead of her time. It is a story of culture, passion and self-discovery as she meets Jake, an irresistible American journalist, sent to Paris to interview the great artists gathered in France -- Hemingway, Picasso, Fitzgerald and others.

The author says, I didnt know where love ended and literature began. This book is a life long dream condensed into 260 pages.

Former Simon and Schuster editors write, "The author recreates the period of the 1920's in Paris in a tale full of culture, passion, self-exploration, and so much more. It is a riveting read that will tug on the reader's heartstrings. The writing is emotional and powerful...Overall this compelling story offers readers a dose of drama, romance, relationship tension, and even personal growth. The plot is refreshing and the characters are people with whom the readers can emotionally connect...It's a marketable and enjoyable read."

A heart attack survivor, Bowker is donating a portion of book proceeds to charities who support heart attack survivors who cannot afford therapy. His national book tour includes Santa Barbara, Kansas City, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Monterey, Phoenix, Salem, Seattle, Liverpool and Paris. Renowned London artist Yuliya Lennon created the book cover art.

Bowker has written 20 books, over 4,500 articles, 2 CBS Movies of the Week and 3 Lifetime Movies. His stories have been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, 20/20, the Oxygen Channel, Readers Digest and other outlets. For more information, visit: https://www.godsofourtime.org/

About Sixty Degrees Publishing-

Established in 1999, Sixty Degrees Publishing is a promotional company based in Santa Barbara, California. Other titles include Winning the Battle Within, Fatal Deception, Takin Over, The Visionary Leader and numerous other inspirational and transformative works. For more information, visit: For more information, visit: https://www.sixtydegreespublishing.com
Mumbai: Actor Alia Bhatt has debunked reports that she got injured while shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Reports of the leading actress suffering an injury on the sets of the film started doing the rounds after she posted on Monday a picture with her pet cat on her Instagram story that read, "Selfie time with mommy cause she's hurt her back and has nothing better to do at 2am. Eddie and mommy (2020)."

The actor again took to social media on Tuesday to clarify that it was an old injury that has been causing her trouble for the past few days and that now she is ready to resume work.

"To all those articles out there saying that I have hurt myself on the sets of my film.. they are NOT true.. This is an old injury that has been acting up for a while and just gave way one day at HOME.. No accident or nothing.

"Please do clarify next time before printing long long articles on what happened to me.. Having said that thanks to few days of complete rest and being horizontal I'm back in action and am resuming shoot from today. Thank you for all the get well soon messages as I have got well very very soon," Alia wrote.

Gangubai Kathiawadi, which is scheduled to be released on September 11, marks Bhansali and Alia's first collaboration.
Women's Advocacy and Human Rights Group to Lead Sit-in and Protest at Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Office Calling for an End to Infanticide in America

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Jan. 21, 2020

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2020 / Christian Newswire / -- A women's advocacy and human rights group will lead sit-in and protest at Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office calling for an end to infanticide in America. The sit-in will take place on January 22, at 11:00 AM, which is the 47th memorial of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that "legalized" abortion.

The location is the Longworth House Office Building at 15 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20515.

The group will first hold a news conference on the public sidewalk and then march to Speaker Pelosi's office which is 1236 Longworth.

The event is called #PurpleSashRevolution and is sponsored by Stanton Public Policy Center which is a women's advocacy and educational movement that works on issues of human rights and justice that empower and inspire women. It is affiliated with Stanton Healthcare which has life-affirming women's health clinics in America and internationally.

Here is a link to the Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/441784576710063/

Participants will be wearing purple sashes to stand in solidarity with the early suffragists who wore purple sashes demanding women have the right to vote as well as standing for human rights, justice and equality.

Since Roe v. Wade, thousands of children have been born alive from late-term abortions and left to die. #PurpleSashRevolution is demanding Speaker Pelosi allow a vote on the "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" which will give federal protection to children born alive from late-term abortions. Speaker Pelosi is refusing to allow a vote in the House of Representatives.

Brandi Swindell, Founder and CEO of Stanton Public Policy states,

"We are going to Speaker Pelosi's office to call for an end to infanticide and demand she allow a vote on protecting children born alive from late-term abortions. It is unconscionable that Speaker Pelosi is refusing to allow a vote on this critical human rights issue.

"Participants are wearing purple sashes to stand in solidarity with our founding sisters who heroically worked to empower and inspire women by securing the right to vote and strongly embracing human rights and equality. Suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton stood against abortion and rejected the notion that abortion violence is a way to advance women's rights.

"#PurpleSashRevolution is following in the footsteps of Susan B. Anthony who called women to 'Organize. Agitate. Educate.'



"As the #PurpleSashRevolution protest is taking place at Speaker Pelosi's office, it will mark a powerful kickoff to the 2020 national election in which infanticide and abortion violence will take center stage in the race for the White House.

"In the history of America we have never seen such a sharp divide on the issue of abortion between Presidential and Congressional candidates. With the vast majority of Americas opposing late-term abortions and infanticide, it promises to be a significant year for pro-life victories."

For more information or interviews call: Brandi Swindell at 208.867.1307

SOURCE Stanton Public Policy Center

CONTACT: Brandi Swindell, 208-867-1307

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The attack on Jawaharlal Nehru University shows that the ideological civil war in India has taken a new violent turn.

On a cold January evening, a gang of masked intruders armed with sticks and iron rods entered the ruggedly beautiful and usually well-guarded campus of one of Indias best-known educational institutions, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

They proceeded towards a venue where faculty members and students were peacefully discussing a rise in hostel accommodation charges and attacked those gathered there.

The mob, who JNU students have alleged were members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organisation linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), then proceeded to vandalise student residences, apparently also targeting Dalit, Muslim and Kashmiri students.

Remarkably, Delhis police, already amassed outside the campus, did not answer the victims calls for help as they were waiting for Vice-Chancellor, M Jagadesh Kumar, to give them permission to enter the campus.

Close to 30 people were wounded, including Aishe Ghosh, the head of the JNU Students Union, who sustained a head wound.

The incident elicited international media attention, including stinging editorials, and widespread condemnation from academics across the world, a testimony to JNUs profile rather than to the violence itself. For the fact is that violent attacks upon university campuses have become routine in India today.

Before the JNU incident, two historically Muslim universities, the Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi and Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh, had both been targeted, not by mobs, but by police, who beat student protesters. In a context where religious minorities are being singled out for discrimination and violence, the targeting of JNU, a public relations disaster, has puzzled some India watchers.

What happened has to be understood as the opening of one more battlefront in what is fast becoming an ideological civil war. This is an India where not just minorities but any person or institution pushing back against the onslaught of state-sponsored bigotry faces the threat of punitive violence, whether directly from the state or from mobs it apparently protects.

As of this date, in a Kafkaesque move that appears to be the new normal in India, charges have been filed against the victims of the JNU violence, including Ghosh, rather than those right-wing activists caught on camera perpetrating it.

This civil war, which has been quietly in the making for several years, has come to a flashpoint around the new Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has been pithily but accurately described by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as fundamentally discriminatory in nature in making religion a criterion for offering refuge and citizenship.

Combined with the planned National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR), it will render several communities, most prominently and significantly, Muslims  long demonised by the governing party  vulnerable to the removal of citizenship followed by detention and possible deportation.

In this context, the growing protests against the CAA, in which university students have been playing a major role, are significant and heartening. Many who have kept quiet for a long time are now standing up and refusing to be part of a fundamentally discriminatory national entity.

In all the protests I attended over the past few weeks, in more than one city, there have been repeated invocations of the Indian constitutions spirit of plurality and collective recitations of its famous Preamble.

It has been moving to watch people from different religious backgrounds recommit themselves to a vision of a nation that aspires to be just, equal and plural. It has also been impressive to watch Indian Muslims standing up in large numbers to lay claim to the nation, to their rights under the constitution and to their religious and cultural identities simultaneously.

There is no doubt that these protests are tremendously heartening to those great many of us whose hearts have been growing heavier with each passing day over the last six years in which Narendra Modis hardline Hindutva version of nationalism has made significant strides towards the achievement of an exclusionary and extremist Hindu nation.

Equally, what has become clear in the violence exercised on campuses and upon protesters and other dissidents is that this is a regime that is prepared to unleash not just the full force of the law and security forces but also to enable vigilante groups such as the mob that attacked JNU. Peaceful protesters against the CAA have been subjected to colonial-era legislation preventing large gatherings and detained in their hundreds when they have persisted in protesting.

Some, like former civil service officer Kannan Gopinathan and activist Sadaf Jafar, have been detained. Jafar has said she was beaten while in police custody in Uttar Pradesh.

The Dalit leader Chandrashekhar Azad was also detained for several days after protesting against the CAA. Dissent in India today is a risky activity.

The JNU attacks were above all a message that the current government is happy for the battle to no longer be simply ideological but to escalate into street violence. This is why it was important to break up a peaceful meeting of academics and students: discussion and debate are off the table in favour of the language of iron rods, stones and tear gas.

While state violence has been endured by the people of Kashmir for an unconscionably long time, the message now being conveyed across India, six months after the unilateral abrogation of Article 370 which gave that region a historically necessary special status, is that no form of dissent will be tolerated in India either.

JNU has been in the sights of this government before, not least because the question of Kashmir was up for debate and discussion  as it must be in any accountable democracy  on that campus. This brought colonial-era legislation against sedition upon the heads of JNU students.

In the past few days, New Delhis police commissioner has been given emergency powers under the draconian National Security Act, for the next three months. As one dissident journalist noted, the message that is now being signalled loud and clear is that Indian democracy may not have much time left.

Those currently in power are part of a political dispensation that may not be planning, in the long term, to put itself to a democratic mandate in the first place, still less accountability.

The world must worry. What happens in India happens to nearly one-fifth of the worlds population. And particularly in the context of the global rise of authoritarian ethnonationalism, the undermining and eventual abrogation of democracy in India will not be contained within the borders of that nation-state.

With a few exceptions, Western and other governments have been shamefully silent on the ongoing assault on democracy and constitutional rights in India. It may suit them to keep quiet but across the world, we must now form peoples alliances to resist what will almost certainly become a global assault on the very idea of democracy itself. Speak up for India, for you speak up for yourself.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
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PORTLAND (AP)  A federal appeals court on Friday dismissed a lawsuit by 21 young people who claimed the U.S. government's climate policy harms them and jeopardizes their future.

An Oregon-based youth advocacy group named Our Children's Trust and Earth Guardians filed a lawsuit in 2015 on behalf of the youngsters, seeking an injunction ordering the government to implement a plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions and draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide emission.





. . .
The Auditor-Generals investigation into the allocation of sports funding by minister Bridget McKenzie has drawn comparisons with Ros Kellys sports rorts affair in late 1993 and early 1994 and highlighted the accountability crisis in Australian politics. In a strange arc of political history, these events also provide some insight into the ongoing species extinction crisis that the recent bushfire catastrophe has so dramatically worsened.

Thousands of kilograms of carrots and sweet potato were delivered to endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies during the bushfire crisis.

The parliament worked to hold Ros Kelly to account for the rorting. They held an inquiry and sought to censure her and eventually she resigned. But Kelly wasnt just sports minister at the time, she was also environment minister. And way back in 1992, she established the Endangered Species Protection Act, an act that defined some clear environmental obligations for the federal government.

The environmental framework Kelly put in place was based on the Endangered Species Act that the United States had put in place in 1973. The US legislation has demonstrably improved the prospects for so many species. For instance, the bald eagle was once on the brink of extinction, now it is not even endangered. In Australia, there has been no equivalent recovery of our species; the list grows longer and our species move closer to extinction.

Both acts mandated the establishment of recovery plans for any species placed on the endangered list. These plans outline the steps required to recover the species until they are no longer endangered. In the US, the plans are written; they are implemented; and the species recovers. In Australia, the plans are slow to be written; they are almost never implemented; and the species move closer to extinction. The reason the US has succeeded and why Australia has failed is down to how we hold our governments accountable for their policy decisions.
The Gujarat High Court recently dismissed a plea filed by the Ahmedabad Automobile Association against the Regional Transport Office (RTO) here for not permitting transfer of vehicles manufactured on or before April 1, 2010, in Ahmedabad and Surat on the ground that they do not comply with Bharat Stage-IV norms.

The Union government had issued instructions for the implementation of Bharat Stage IV norms for four-wheelers in the National Capital Region and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Kanpur, Pune, Surat and Agra with effect from April 1, 2010.

Bharat StageIII compliant vehicles manufactured upto March 31, 2010 would be eligible for registration in these cities for some time after April 1, 2010, till the accumulated stock is exhausted, it had said.

The state authority issued a circular dated June 19, 2010 for implementation of the Centre's instruction.

Rejecting the AAA's appeal, the division bench of Justices RM Chhaya and BN Karia, in its order, stated that such re-registration in the garb of transfer, if permitted, would make it impossible to maintain emission standards and norms prescribed for cities like Ahmedabad and Surat.

The order said the insistence on part of authorities for meeting emission norms as provided under Motor Vehicles Act is "proper and legal".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Myanmar-appointed panel concluded Monday that some soldiers likely committed war crimes against its Rohingya Muslim community but the military was not guilty of genocide, findings swiftly condemned by rights groups.

The Independent Commission Of Enquiry (ICOE) released the results of its probe just ahead of a ruling Thursday by the UNs top court on whether to impose urgent measures to stop alleged ongoing genocide in Myanmar.

It conceded some security personnel had used disproportionate force and committed war crimes and serious human rights violations, including the killing of innocent villagers and destruction of their homes.

But the crimes did not constitute genocide, the panel decided.

There is insufficient evidence to argue, much less conclude, that the crimes committed were undertaken with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical (sic), racial or religious group.

Military operations from August 2017 forced about 740,000 Rohingya to flee over the border into sprawling camps in Bangladesh.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has always maintained the crackdown by the armed forces, or Tatmadaw, was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents after a series of attacks left a dozen security personnel dead.

But refugees carried consistent accounts of widespread murder, rape, torture and arson with them and have so far largely refused to return for fear of their safety.

 Far from transparent 

This is the furthest any Myanmar investigation so far has gone in accepting atrocities occurred.

But Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) dismissed the findings as a blatant PR exercise to deflect attention from the International Court of Justices ruling.

Myanmars deeply flawed investigation into human rights abuses in Rakhine State is another attempt to whitewash the Tatmadaws brutal violence against the Rohingya, said spokesman Tun Khin.

The report seems to scapegoat individual soldiers rather than place responsibility on the military command, said Phil Robertson from Human Rights Watch, calling for the immediate release of the full report.

The entire ICOE investigation, including its methodology and operations, has been far from transparent, he said.

The commission comprises two local and two international members, Filipino diplomat Rosario Manalo and former Japanese ambassador to the UN Kenzo Oshima.

Myanmars civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi last month personally went to The Hague to argue her country was capable of investigating any allegations of abuse.

She also warned the case, brought against Myanmar by West African nation The Gambia, could reignite the crisis.

If the court rules in The Gambias favour, this would be just the first step in a case likely to take years.

Myanmar also faces other legal challenges over the Rohingya, including a probe by the International Criminal Court  a separate war crimes tribunal  and a lawsuit in Argentina which notably alleges Suu Kyis complicity.
The chief ministers secretariat centre, announced by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray in December 2019 to reach out to every district in Maharashtra, began operations at the Pune divisional office on Monday.

Thackeray, during the last winter session of the state legislature at Nagpur, had announced the setting up of a chief ministers secretariat centre in all the divisional offices in the state.

The state has how many divisional offices?

He had said that the initiative was aimed at providing the public with access to the chief ministers office (CMO) at the district level across Maharashtra.

In Pune, the CMO secretariat at the divisional office in Council Hall, was inaugurated by Deepak Mhaisekar, Pune divisional commissioner, on Monday. Deputy commissioner (general administration department) Sanjay Singh Chavan and deputy collector Snehal Barge were present. The office will be headed by Pratap Jadhav, revenue department deputy commissioner.

According to a government official, the centre will accept applications and representations addressed to the CM and will provide an acknowledgement to the applicant. The revenue departments deputy commissioner will be the special officer-in-charge of the centre. A nayab tahsildar and a clerk have been appointed for now, to begin work.

Applications or letters which are meant for action at the Pune divisional level will be immediately sent to the department concerned for further action. The applications which need to be addressed at the level of the CMO will be forwarded to the chief ministers secretariat. An action taken report on the applications received, action taken and forwarded to other departments will be compiled and submitted to the chief ministers secretariat office before the fifth of every month, said Mhaisekar.

He appealed to residents to reach out to the centre in case they wish to communicate with the CMO in Mumbai.

12 cases received

- Since the centre began operations on January 20, 12 applications have been received so far.

- A nayab tahsildar and a clerk have been appointed to carry out routine work.

-The centre is located on the ground floor of the Pune divisional commissioner office at Council Hall, Pune

- Its work hour timings are from 10 am to 6 pm.

-The applications which need to be addressed at the level of the CMO will be forwarded to the chief ministers secretariat.
LITCHFIELD, MI  When patients visit the Litchfield Health Clinic, a new primary care provider will be there to greet them.

Family Nurse Practitioner Rachel Stump started at the clinic Jan. 13. A practicing nurse practitioner for 13 years, she previously saw primary care and walk-in patients at Hillsdale Health & Wellness.

Rachel will bring energy and eagerness to Litchfield Health Clinic, growing our services to better serve the community, Seth Gibson, Hillsdale Hospital practice administrator for outpatient clinics, said in a news release. Her occupational health background will help to enhance our offerings in Litchfield as we continue to build our partnership with the manufacturing community.

Stump became a nurse after helping take care of a family member.

I think a lot of people start off doing (nursing) because they need a job, she said. I had a family member that needed care when I was young, and it was always something I liked to do with them, so I started with a degree from Jackson Community College in medical assisting and just built from there.

As a medical assistant she worked in Angola, Indiana. While furthering her education at University of Toledo and working as a medical assistant, Stump waited tables, too. In some ways, this contributed to her current mindset at work, she said.

You have to have multiple things in your hand when you walk into the room and when you wait tables you have to have multiple things in your pocket when you walk up to a table, Stump said. You have to have a good memory when youre running around.

Stumps nursing career was spent primarily at Hillsdale Health & Wellness, but she worked part time in Jackson gaining critical care experience. She looks forward to working at Litchfield Health Clinic indefinitely, she said.

Im going to be able to do solely primary care in the occupational health, Stump said.
"We are sounding the alarm bells that if you are an investment institution and you're not embracing this and taking it into account, it's going to be at your own peril because your portfolios are going to underperform dramatically because there's a common repricing and common reallocation of assets around the world according to the ESG criteria," MSCI chairman and CEO Henry Fernandez said on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street."

Global index and fund provider MSCI said Tuesday that investors need to more readily integrate ESG metrics, or a company's environmental, social and governance factors, into investing philosophies.

Fernandez said that the pace of adoption is not happening fast enough, and that the need for guidelines outlining how to approach ESG considerations has "never been greater."

ESG-focused investing has grown to more than $30 trillion in assets under management worldwide and is set to keep growing as consumers call for greater action and transparency from companies. But there are issues with this type of investing, including that there's no standard way to evaluate how a company performs on these metrics.

The company rates more than 15,000 issuers on ESG criteria, and to make it easier for investors to evaluate how a company's ESG factors stack up against peers, MSCI published "Principles of Sustainable Investing," which helps investors integrate integrate this strategy into existing portfolios.

By the end of April the company plans to make its ESG ratings available for all of its equity indicies, as well as the largest mutual funds. About half of the data that MSCI analyzes for each company comes from company reported data and filings, while the rest is from a mix of third party sources including lawsuits.

"For now it's mostly a directional concept, and then eventually it will become very metrics driven, but you know it's an evolution," he said, adding that ESG is not just a fad, but a "permanent change in the way capitalism works."

His comments come as world leaders and business executives gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan and IBM CEO Ginni Rometty were among those calling for companies to focus more heavily on sustainable finance, rather than just shareholder returns.

Billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones also spoke out about the need for swift action on climate change in particular.

"If you had a blank sheet of paper and we were starting and trying to maximize societal happiness and output and we had those five stakeholders: shareholders, customers, employees, communities, the planet, would shareholders be the most important thing to manage companies around? I don't think so," he said Tuesday on CNBC's "Squawk Box."
A suspect wanted in a September 2019 killing at Fox Ridge Apartments in Kalamazoo was arrested just southwest of Chicago Tuesday morning.

Scott Kenneth Jones, 35, who had a warrant out for the Sept. 21 killing of Antonio Dewayne Reese-Manley, 20, was taken into custody shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, following a nearly four-hour standoff at a Kane County, Illinois, home.

When I heard the news, I was just like, oh, thank God,'" LaToya Reese-Adams, the victims mother, told MLive. Im just so thankful he was able to be caught. Im so very, very thankful.

The Montgomery Police Department responded to the home in the early morning hours Tuesday on a call of a domestic disturbance and received information that Jones might be inside the home, Kane County Undersheriff Pat Gengler told MLive.

Instead of attempting to arrest Jones, who was asleep at that time, responding officers backed out of the home and called in the Kane County SWAT team and a crisis negotiator at about 5:15 a.m., Gengler said.

The SWAT team tried unsuccessfully for a few hours to negotiate with the suspect from outside the residence, before going inside and making contact with Jones at about 8:50 a.m., the undersheriff said.

The Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, of which the Kane County Sheriffs office is a part of, had been tracking Jones for a while and working closely with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety on the case, Gengler said.

Jones, who was arrested without incident once officers made contact with him, is being held at the Kane County Adult Justice Center awaiting extradition to Michigan, a news release from the Kane County Sheriffs office said.

After months of grieving the death of her son, Reese-Adams said she hopes Jones arrest will now allow her to begin the healing process.

Gengler said he does not believe Jones had any warrants out for his arrest in Illinois and that he would be extradited to Kalamazoo soon.

While the SWAT team was present at the home, three adults and kids left the house. A female infant remained in the home with Jones. The infant was reported to be unharmed by the sheriffs office.

Jones is believed to be a relative of one the residents who lived at the home.

Also on MLive:

Kalamazoo police looking for homicide suspect in weekend shooting

Shooting victim at Kalamazoos Fox Ridge Apartments identified

Kalamazoo Countys 13 homicides in 2019 just above decade average

Kalamazoo County unsolved homicides of the past decade: 2010-2019
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  Ayala Land Inc. refuted Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo's claim that it is paying a measly rate to the University of the Philippines for renting the Technohub property in Quezon City.

In a disclosure, the property developer denied Panelo's claim that it has been paying only 20 per square meter (sqm) in monthly rentals to the state university.

Ayala Land entered into a 25-year lease deal with UP in 2006 to develop and convert the 37-hectare land across from the Diliman campus, located along Commonwealth Avenue. It said the effective lease rate paid to UP is actually 171 per sqm, nearly nine times bigger than Panelo's claim  which he said he "read on the Internet."

The Ayala Group has been under fire in recent weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out first at its subsidiary Manila Water for demanding the government to cover 7.39-billion in accumulated losses for a water rate hike proposal rejected under the Aquino administration. This led to the cancellation of Manila Water's contract extension to 2037, leaving its business beyond 2022 uncertain.

State lawyers have crafted a new concession agreement with Manila Water and Maynilad, and said that all other contracts with the private sector are now under scrutiny.

READ: Duterte to file plunder charges vs. Maynilad, Manila Water

Ayala Land said its Technohub property will yield a total of 10.23 billion in lease payments to UP from 2008 to 2033. When the contract lapses in 12 years, UP will own all buildings in the commercial complex and will receive all rental collections.

Ayala Land said UP would be getting 4.23 billion in lease payments and 6 billion worth of investments for 16 commercial buildings in the development.

"UP also continues to own the land which has appreciated in value since the start of the partnership," the listed firm said in the statement. "We welcome a transparent review and assessment of our partnership with UP."

Apart from Technohub, Ayala Land also built the UP Town Center mall along Katipunan Avenue, occupying the land where the elementary and high school classrooms of the UP Integrated School used to be. These deals were previously opposed by students of the university.

RELATED: Ayala Land denies talks of Sagada development

Ayala Land stocks plunged to a one-year low on Monday, a day after Panelo's radio interview blasting the Technohub agreement. Shares slid further as of Tuesday's morning trading.
The on Tuesday said Maharashtra Chief Minister should not be blamed for the "uncalled for" controversy over the birthplace of as nobody can tell whether the 19th century saint was actually born in Shirdi.

Noting that the Sansthan's assets are worth over Rs 2,600 crore out of which social works are done, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said Shirdi became "rich" because of the saint, and none can snatch away the richness of the town where he died.

It also said that Thackeray did not refer to Pathri in Parbhani district as Saibaba's birthplace "on his own", but on the basis of versions of some historians.

During a state Cabinet meeting on January 9, Thackeray said Pathri, considered the birthplace of Saibaba, would be developed as a site of religious tourism, and announced a grant of Rs 100 crore for the place.

The led to a row following which locals from Shirdi called for a bandh in the temple town on Sunday.

The bandh was, however, called off on Sunday midnight and Thackeray met some residents of Shirdi on Monday and the issue was resolved.

"The chief minister did not stoke any controversy. Pathri and Shirdikars, too, should not create it. This will lessen the glow of saints," the said in 'Saamana'.

The "uncalled for" controversy was put to rest after the chief minister promptly paid attention to the matter and cleared the government's stance on the issue, it said.

The Sena said Thackeray did not refer to Pathri during the January 9 meeting "on his own", but on the grounds of versions of some historians.

"appeared" at Shirdi in Ahmednagar district, but none can tell whether he actually was born there. When Saibaba first showed up in Shirdi, nobody knew what his name was and from where had come, the Marathi daily said.

"From where Baba came to Shirdi, whether he came from Pathri, there is a mention about this in Parbhani's government gazette that 'according to some, it (Pathri) could be the birthplace of Shirdi's saint Saibaba'," it said.

"The chief minister has not written or published the gazette. Hence, he should not be blamed for the controversy," the said.

The party further said Shirdi became "rich" because of Saibaba and none can snatch away the richness from the town where the saint breathed his last.

The Saibaba Sansthan's assets are worth Rs 2,693 crore and the temple daily gets donations in lakhs out of which social works are carried out, it noted.

"Why then the controversy over the birthplace of the fakir (an ascetic) who was a born fakir and appeared in Shirdi as a fakir? It is not going to lessen the importance of Shirdi," the ruling party said.

The importance of Pune's Shivneri fort, where Chhatrapati Shivaji was born, did not lessen after the Maratha warrior king died at Raigad Fort, which has now become a "tirth kshetra" (holy place), it added.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 07:10:48|Editor: huaxia

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Nearly one in three adolescent girls from the poorest households around the world has never been to school, according to a paper released Monday by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The paper, entitled "Addressing the learning crisis: an urgent need to better finance education for the poorest children," highlights major disparities in the distribution of public education spending and calls for a more equal allocation of resources.

It says that poverty, discrimination due to gender, disability, ethnic origin or language of instruction, physical distance from schools and poor infrastructure are among the obstacles that continue to prevent the poorest children from accessing quality education.

With data from 42 countries, the paper finds that education for children from the richest 20 percent of households are allocated nearly double the amount of education funding than children from the poorest 20 percent of households.

UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said that countries everywhere are "failing the world's poorest children, and in doing so, failing themselves."

As long as public education spending is disproportionately skewed towards children from the richest households, the poorest will have little hope of escaping poverty, learning the skills they need to compete and succeed in today's world, and contributing to their countries' economies, Fore added.

According to the report, 10 countries across Africa account for the highest disparities in education spending, with four times as much funding allocated to the richest children compared with the poorest.

Barbados, Denmark, Ireland, Norway and Sweden are the only countries included in the analysis that distribute education funding equally between the richest and poorest quintiles.

UNICEF suggested in the paper that within domestic resources allocation, funds must be distributed so that children from the poorest 20 percent of households benefit from at least 20 percent of education funding.

The paper calls on governments to provide at least one year of universal pre-primary education for every child. It says children who complete pre-primary education learn better, are more likely to stay in school and contribute more to their economies and societies when they reach adulthood.

"If we invest wisely and equitably in children's education, we have the best possible chance of lifting children out of poverty by empowering them with the skills they need to access opportunities, and create new ones for themselves," said Fore.
Reuters

China on Monday repeated its call for Canada to release Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, ahead of her expected arrival in a Vancouver courtroom for the start of a trial to decide whether she can be extradited to the United States.

The United States has charged Meng with bank fraud, and accused her of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business in Iran.

Court proceedings show the United States issued the arrest warrant, which Canada acted on in December 2018, because it believes Meng covered up attempts by Huawei-linked companies to sell equipment to Iran, breaking US sanctions against the country.

(Also read: Timeline: Key events in Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's extradition case)

Meng, 47, is the daughter of Huawei's billionaire founder Ren Zhengfei and remains free on bail in Canada. She has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition in part because her alleged conduct was not illegal in Canada, an argument known legally as "double criminality."

Unlike the United States, Canada did not have sanctions against Iran at the time Canadian officials authorized commencing with the extradition, her lawyers have said.

(Also read: China urges new Canadian govt to release Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou immediately)

The first phase of the trial will last at least four days, but legal experts have said it could be years before a final decision is reached in the case, since Canada's slow-moving justice system allows many decisions to be appealed.

Meng's legal team is currently only scheduled to call evidence in the last week of April, and a second phase of the trial, focusing on abuse of process and whether Canadian officials followed the law while arresting Meng, is set to begin in June. Closing arguments are expected in the last week of September and first week of October.

The case has had a chilling effect on relations between Ottawa and Beijing and China has called the arrest of Meng, who has been living in a mansion in Vancouver's exclusive Shaughnessy neighbourhood since it occurred, politically motivated.

US President Donald Trump told Reuters in December 2018 he would intervene in Meng's case if it served US national security interests or helped close a trade deal with China. Chrystia Freeland, Canada's foreign minister at the time, quickly warned Washington not to politicize extradition cases.

"The resolve of the Chinese government to protect Chinese citizens' proper legal rights is firm and unwavering," foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, told reporters during a daily briefing. He called Meng's case a "serious political matter".

'Slam dunk'

Richard Kurland, a federal policy expert and lawyer who is not involved with the case, calls Meng's double criminality argument around the absence of Canadian sanctions against Iran a sure bet.

"I think the defence has a slam dunk. There are no Iranian sanctions in Canada and anything (the prosecutors bring up) that's related to an Iranian sanction in Canada may well be dismissed," he said.

Soon after Meng's arrest, China detained two Canadians, former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor. China has denied their arrests were related to Meng's case.

"We are fundamentally convinced of her innocence. We have confidence in the rule of law ... her trial is critical for the company," Huawei Canada's Vice President of Corporate Affairs Alykhan Velshi told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp on Monday.

Meng's legal team argued in November that she could not be extradited as Canada did not have sanctions against Iran at the time Canadian officials authorized commencing with the extradition, meaning her conduct was not illegal.

In response, Canada's attorney general said Meng was arrested on charges of fraud and misleading HSBC, which is a crime in both countries.

(Also read: US stopped former Justice Department official from representing Huawei)
Nearly two decades ago, the Enron scandal brought public concern about the corrupting influence of money in politics to a fever pitch. Under pressure to respond, Congress delivered a comprehensive campaign finance reform bill  McCain-Feingold  that sailed through the House and Senate and was signed into law in 2002.

At the time, one especially prominent member of Congress tried to stonewall reform at every turn: Senator Mitch McConnell. Unfortunately, he got the last laugh. Ten years ago today, the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision undid this meaningful progress, allowing for limitless amounts of untraceable corporate dollars to flow into campaigns and completely alter the trajectory of American politics.

Democrats have fought to respond. In the last midterm election, Democrats won back the House with a message focused on anti-corruption and ending the influence of money in politics. The first bill passed in 2019 by the new Democratic House majority was H.R. 1, the For the People Act, an anti-corruption bill that, among other things, uses a Constitutional amendment to put an end to phantom donors and their dark money.

Still, McConnell's iron grip on the Senate ensures the bill will never see the light of day.

In the absence of legislative action, candidates and campaigns across the country have stepped up to try and limit dark money on their own. Seven years ago, Massachusetts set the bar: Senator Elizabeth Warren and then-Senator Scott Brown announced a Peoples Pledge  a voluntary agreement where each candidate promised to eschew outside spending and pay a penalty if outside interests intervened on their behalf. Heralded as a great success, the Pledge was adopted once again by Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Stephen Lynch the next year, in their race to succeed Secretary of State John Kerry.

The Pledge is more than a clever campaign tactic or catchy political message: It is an attempt to match Democrats talk with our walk, a good-faith effort to ensure that voters' voices are not overpowered by those with lots of money and little accountability.

The urgency of this effort is clear. Because the awful truth of the matter is that dark money works. In 2017, the special election for Georgias Sixth Congressional seat pitted Democrat Jon Ossoff against Republican Karen Handel in one of the most expensive congressional races in history. The national story was about Ossoffs record-breaking fundraising. But by the end, GOP-aligned outside groups helped Handel quietly outspend Ossoff by a factor of 2.5 to 1  and win with nearly 52 percent of the vote.

This influence extends beyond individual campaigns and candidates. The infamous Koch Brothers alone have financed 92 groups advocating against climate action, totaling over $127 million dollars of dark money.

Even our courts are not immune. From 2014-2017, a carefully orchestrated conservative effort raised and spent $250 million from mostly undisclosed donors to support conservative judges and causes like overturning Roe v. Wade and outlawing same-sex marriage. Those donors got what they paid for. Today, approximately 1 out of every 4 active judges on United States Courts of Appeals has been appointed by President Trump.

With this in mind, Ive called for a Peoples Pledge in the 2020 Massachusetts Senate primary race. Modeled after the version signed by Senators Warren and Brown as well as Senator Markey and Representative Lynch, this pledge would block Super PACs, party campaign committees and other outside interest groups from spending millions to try and influence the outcome of our election.

It only works if both candidates sign -- so Im asking Senator Markey to join me.

The beauty of our political system is that anyone can get involved. Anyone can run, anyone can donate, anyone can decide to knock doors or raise money or rally or protest. But in order to try and keep the playing field level  and the candidates honest  our broken campaign finance system offers a shred of accountability. Those who give directly to a candidate must put their name on their money and must give within the federal limits -- $2,800 per election, per candidate.

These direct contributions should be the foundation of any campaign and should be enough to effectively communicate a candidates vision and ideas to voters.

Put another way: We shouldnt need dark money to win. If we do, were just taking a page from the politician thanked by the head of Citizens United after that Supreme Court victory ten years ago today: Senator Mitch McConnell.

Congressman Joe Kennedy III is running for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 Massachusetts U.S. Senate race.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  A diversified conglomerate has turned over 23 million worth of relief goods and donations to evacuation centers in Batangas, including hot meals and feeds for rescued animals in the wake of Taal volcano's eruption.

In a statement, San Miguel Corporation said its unit San Miguel Foods accounted for the bulk of food donations, alongside face masks, blankets, sleeping mats, and clothes to thousands families forced to leave their homes.

Taal has been on alert level 4 since January 12, with authorities warning that a destructive eruption could occur within hours or days. All residents and business establishments within 14 kilometers from the main crater have been told to evacuate.

LIST: Where to send donations for Taal evacuees

Apart from the company's contributions, SMC said its employees mounted a donation drive for clothes, toiletries, sanitary napkins, footwear, detergent, powder, and sanitizing alcohol.

Better World Tondo, the group's corporate social responsibility arm, also brought its daily soup kitchen operations to serve 6,000 hot meals in six evacuation centers in Batangas. Huge packs of assorted animal feeds have also been turned over to civic group Philippine Animal Welfare Society for stranded or recovered pets or farm animals.

SMC Infrastructure also committed to deliver 15,000 five-gallon containers of drinking water via its subsidiary Bulacan Bulk Water unit, while the San Miguel Foundation said it will deploy portable water filtering systems for the use of evacuees.

The company also announced it will waive one-way toll fees for cars passing through the South Luzon Expressway and STAR Tollway carrying relief goods, volunteers, or equipment for the evacuation centers.
Gardai have stepped up patrols in Cork city amid fears of reprisals for the savage torching of a man during an aggravated burglary.

Individuals on either side of the dispute believed to be at the centre of yesterday's brutal attack in Mayfield, in which a 23-year-old father-of-three was beaten and set alight, have been issuing threats on various social media platforms.

It has also emerged that the victim taunted those he believed were connected to an attack on the home of a family relative just over two weeks ago.

In a post on Facebook, the victim appeared to throw down the gauntlet by giving his address and saying he would be there all night by himself.

He was attacked just before 4am on Monday when a gang of three men armed with a machete and an iron bar broke into his house in the Dunard estate where he was sleeping with his partner.

His children, all aged under 10, were not in the house at the time.

He was beaten around the head before he was doused with petrol and set alight.

His terrified partner raised the alarm before the man was rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital (CUH).

As well as the injuries sustained in the beating, he suffered severe burns to his head and upper body - injuries which have been described as life-changing.

He remains in an induced coma in CUH where his condition was said to still be listed as serious.

Gardai have not yet been able to speak to him given the nature of his injuries but senior investigators are said to be satisfied with the progress of their investigation.

While the victim has a conviction for assault and for threatening behaviour dating back just over four years, it is understood that Monday's attack has no connections to these previous incidents, and is linked to a recent dispute with different parties.

Garda forensics experts have concluded their examination of the scene of the attack and they have also concluded an examination of two seized vehicles - a Ford Mondeo and a Citroen Berlingo van - which it is believed were used by the gang to arrive at and flee the scene.

It is hoped that DNA and other evidence recovered from the scene and from the vehicles, combined with CCTV footage and statements, will play a crucial role in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Detectives have also ruled out any connection between the attack and an apparent revenge attack video which emerged on social media today.

Gardai at the scene of the burglary on Monday morning.

The 70-second clip shows a gang of up to five masked, hooded and gloved men, several armed with sawn-off shotguns and sledge hammers, driving to a house in the dark, before several men are seen smashing up a van parked in the driveway.

There were suggestions that it was staged in revenge for the Mayfield attack.

A garda spokesman said they never comment on videos posted on social media.

However, it is understood that detectives involved in the Dunard assault probe have reviewed the footage and are satisfied at this stage that there is no connection between it and the assault.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 17:48:51|Editor: huaxia

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By the end of 2019, China's high-speed railway network stretched 35,000 km, up more than 5,000 km from one year earlier. Thanks to the expanding railway network, a once slow and crowded journey during the Spring Festival travel rush is becoming an easier and cozier experience.



HEFEI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Spring Festival travel rush, or "Chunyun" in Chinese, has been in full swing as families reunite for the traditional holiday in the world's most populated country.

Official data showed that over 3 billion trips are expected to be made during the 40-day travel rush that started on Jan. 10, posing a considerable challenge to the country's transport system.

As more cities are linked with the country's high-speed railway network and more technologies and services are introduced, a once slow and crowded journey is becoming an easier and cozier experience.

Policemen escort a senior passenger to get aboard a bullet train at Fuyang West Station in Fuyang, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Cao Li)

FASTER SPEEDS

The word "Chunyun" first appeared in China in the 1980s when an increasing number of rural laborers flocked into big cities to find higher-paid jobs. They would return to their hometowns once a year to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their families.

Li Tengfei, a 25-year-old salesman working in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, is among the millions of passengers returning home during the holiday.

This year, Li's journey back home took half the time thanks to the operation of a high-speed railway line in his home city of Fuyang in eastern China's Anhui Province.

"There was only one slow train between Suzhou and my hometown that would depart early in the morning. The over 10-hour journey was a nightmare," said Li, who traveled home with his fiancee by bullet train this year.

As a major labor export city, Fuyang has a total population of about 10.7 million, exporting about 3.5 million migrant workers to the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta and other developed regions in China.

In December 2019, the city was included in the country's high-speed railway network, witnessing the historic moment of all 16 prefecture-level cities in the province entering the era of high-speed trains.

"The seating capacity is 610, but we have 718 passengers aboard with many holding standing tickets," said Wei Lianyu, the crew chief of train G7732, which makes three round trips per day between Fuyang and Hefei, capital of Anhui.

"Compared with other transportation means, high-speed trains are more comfortable and punctual. It is the preferred choice for many passengers," said Wei.

A crew member checks the condition of the bullet train G7787 heading for Hongqiao Railway Station, east China's Shanghai, at Fuyang West Station in Fuyang, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Cao Li)

The advent of the high-speed railway also shortens the travel time between Fuyang and Chizhou, a city in southern Anhui, where Chen Han, Li's fiancee, is from.

"We are getting married during the Spring Festival. It will be easier for my family and friends to visit me in Fuyang thanks to the high-speed train. It feels like the distance has been shortened," said Chen.

According to the National Development and Reform Commission, around 440 million trips will be made via railway during the travel rush. In Anhui alone, more than 15 million trips are expected to be made by train during the period, 7 percent higher than last year.

By the end of 2019, China's high-speed railway network stretched 35,000 km, up more than 5,000 km from one year earlier and accounting for nearly 70 percent of the world's total, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

China plans to expand its high-speed railway network, already the world's biggest, by adding 2,000 km of new lines in 2020.

Photo taken on Jan. 15, 2020 shows the bullet train G7732 from Hefei South Railway Station to Jieshou South Railway Station in east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Shui Jinchen)

MORE CONVENIENCE

China's transport authorities have also introduced new technologies and services to ensure a smooth and pleasant travel experience for passengers.

Instead of printing and collecting tickets at train stations, passengers can now pass through ticket checks with just their ID cards and facial recognition, as China has introduced an e-ticket system for high-speed railways.

"The e-ticket system has cut the ticket checking time by over 30 percent, efficiently relieving traffic congestion during the travel rush," said Shan Xinghua, chief researcher at the China Academy of Railway Sciences.

A total of 1,020 train stations in the country had adopted the system by Jan. 10.

Ticket booking is also more customer-friendly thanks to a series of improvements by 12306, the country's official online railway ticket-booking platform, including increasing its ticket capacity, extending daily work hours and introducing a waitlist function to improve booking efficiency.

In addition, to improve people's travel experience, new services such as food ordering and seat selection are now available on the ticket-booking platform.

"The passenger flow at Fuyang West Station can reach 43,000 people per day, and the station is expected to receive about 28,000 passengers at the peak of the Spring Festival travel rush," said Zhang Yuliang, head of the station.

"We are confident in meeting the strong transport needs and serving passengers well," Zhang added.

(Reporting by Liu Fangqiang, Shui Jinchen, Ma Shurui, Xu Ruiqing; Video reporter: Cao Li; Video editor: Lin Lin)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has found a Prairie premier he can talk to, which could be useful in an era when western separatists are holding rallies in Calgary and blaming the federal government for killing Albertas oil economy.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/1/2020 (722 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has found a Prairie premier he can talk to, which could be useful in an era when western separatists are holding rallies in Calgary and blaming the federal government for killing Albertas oil economy.

Mr. Trudeaus interlocutor turns out to be Manitobas own Brian Pallister. A year ago the two men could not say a good word about each other. The wheel has turned, however, and now  like it or not  they need each other.

Mr. Trudeau picked Winnipeg for this years cabinet retreat. His ministers were assured of a better reception here than they would find in cities in Saskatchewan or Alberta. Winnipeg elected four Liberal candidates to Parliament last October, while the grasslands west of here elected none.

In Regina or Edmonton, the retreating federal ministers might find angry western separatists picketing their gathering. No such thing was seen in Winnipeg. Mr. Trudeaus meeting with Mr. Pallister seemed at least polite and perhaps even productive. The premier emerged saying he might try again to design a carbon tax that would meet Ottawas expectations and, in that way, get the federal carbon tax lifted from consumers in this province.

Winning friends in Manitoba is not directly a way of appeasing the anger in Saskatchewan and Alberta, but may be a way of ensuring the anger does not spread. Western separatism is an emotional expression, not a practical program. Its futility must become apparent to all in due course, but in the meantime separatist talk may drown out more useful plans.

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The cabinet retreat provided a platform for useful plans. The cabinet heard presentations from Winnipeg movers and shakers who are developing businesses that have nothing to do with fossil fuels. Reasoning along these lines may help persuade alienated westerners that regional prosperity is possible and worth pursuing, even when the oil industry is in decline.

The Prime Minister's interlocutor turns out to be Manitobas own Brian Pallister. (Mike Sudoma / The Canadian Press)

Talk about these plans had to be sandwiched in among wider discussions about where Mr. Trudeaus government goes from here. The Liberals are likely to have a fairly smooth ride through the winter and spring while the opposition Conservatives are pre-occupied with stabbing each other in the back in their leadership race. Come fall, however, the Conservatives will have a new leader and most of todays problems will still be with us.

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou will still, in all likelihood, be resisting extradition. U.S. President Donald Trump will still be tearing apart the structure of military alliances and trade arrangements in which Canada has learned to prosper. People who used to enjoy lucrative jobs in the Canadian oil industry will still be recalling the old days and blaming Mr. Trudeau for ruining them.

In those conditions, Mr. Pallister may have a precious role to play. Canada will need calm and reasonable voices that are neither subservient to Toronto and Montreal nor subservient to the oil industry, but that are trying to make Canada work better. At the moment, Mr. Pallister is narrowly focused on Manitoba projects and what Canada can do for him, but events may be turning him into something else  a regional spokesman with a large understanding of how Canada has to work for all its people.

Mr. Pallister described Ottawas outreach to the west as noble in its intention, which is a charitable interpretation. It may also be drawing the Manitoba premier into a role he never planned to play.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : Fashion brand H&M on Tuesday announced its first global collaboration with the iconic Indian label Sabyasachi, which launches April 16.

The Sabyasachi x H&M collaboration themed "Wanderlust" will present hand-crafted, eclectic travel pieces that will resonate with the modern global nomad wanting to add that "extra" to their wardrobe.

"I am happy to announce the collaboration with H&M, as it gives us the opportunity to spread the Sabyasachi aesthetic to a wider audience in India and worldwide. Having done couture for the majority of my career, it is very exciting to bring that finesse of craft to 'ready-to-wear' and create whimsical and fluid silhouettes that bring relaxed sophistication to everyday life," Sabyasachi said in a statement.

"At H&M, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with iconic Indian designer Sabyasachi, known for his dynamic use of indigenous crafts and textiles - a language so stunning, that it permanently altered the fashion and design landscape of the country," added Ella Soccorsi, Concept Designer at Collaborations and Special collections, H&M.

As per the brand, the collection takes cues from India's rich textile, craft and history, and mixes modern and traditional silhouettes with a nod towards athleisure and glamping.

A key highlight of this collection will be Indian textile and print traditions brought to life by the Sabyasachi Art Foundation, meticulously crafted, embroidery and multicultural silhouettes.

The collection will offer a complete fashion wardrobe for both ladies and men, including accessories. The collection will be available in all H&M stores in India as well as selected H&M flagship stores around the world and online.
[January 21, 2020] Maple Rock Capital Partners Releases Open Letter to the Board of Optiva Inc.

Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc., which owns 22.1% of the subordinate voting shares of Optiva Inc. (TSX:OPT), released an open letter to Optiva's board of directors in response to Optiva's press release and associated analyst presentation of January 20, 2020. The full text of the letter, which was also sent to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), follows: January 21, 2020

Optiva Inc.

2233 Argentia Rd, East Tower

Suite 302

Mississauga, ON (News - Alert)

Canada L5N 2X7 Attn. Board of Directors Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc., which owns 22.1% of the subordinate voting shares of Optiva Inc., is Optiva's second largest shareholder since September 2017. We are excited about Optiva's long-term value creation potential; however, we have grown concerned that Optiva will be unable to reach its full potential with an ESW Capital, LLC controlled board of directors and an ESW-affiliated CEO who seem intent on running the company as if it were a private entity, without appropriate checks and balances. Governance Concerns and Entrenchment Tactics Maple Rock has sought to work constructively with Optiva to see appropriate governance practices implemented which will strengthen the company. The ESW-controlled board has resisted engagement and now unfortunately appears to be resorting to entrenchment tactics. Indeed, Maple Rock believes that the recent announcement that the company is planning a USD$100 million financing is not driven by the need for additional capital, but rather is an entrenchment tactic to dilute shareholders - this is especially true given the fact that Optiva turned down Maple Rock's two recent offers to provide capital. As you know, Maple Rock has also attempted to meet with the deemed independent directors on multiple occasions, as well as ESW leaders, but has been repeatedly rebuffed. Maple Rock neither welcomes nor relishes the fact it must now make its concerns public in this manner, but as a result of the board's responses and actions, particularly the company press release of January 20, 2020, it has been left with no choice - a public company must have a foundation of basic accountability and transparency at the board level. As described above, on two recent occasions Maple Rock offered to provide the company with additional capital. First, in the form of a CDN$15 million loan and then in the form of a CDN$50 million equity investment at a significant premium to the market and contingent upon minority nomination rights and basic governance improvements. These improvements included: retaining a globally-recognized compensation consulting agency to review the CEO's compensation in order to incentivize shareholder returns and address off-market levels relative to male peers; retaining a globally-recognized recruitment agency to recruit a full-time, independent and objective CFO; ensuring that non-ESW-related director approve any share issuances or related party transactions; and that the use of proceeds be used to invest in the business, not to redeem ESW's preferred shares. In both instances, these offers were rejected. The fact the company has made a public statement of an intention to raise USD$100 million with no indications on the sources of capital nor the method by which they intend to raise the funds suggests the board is not willing to entertain obvious governance improvements and instead is focused on further entrenching themselves and ESW.



Optiva Lacks Appropriate Checks and Balances on Board and Management Optiva's board is presently made up of seven directors, four of whom are selected by ESW as the only preferred shareholder. Additionally, two of the three non-preferred directors (labelled as "independent directors") are closely associated with ESW who, in addition to being the only preferred shareholder, apparently owns 27.8% of the subordinate voting shares. Maple Rock is very concerned that the deemed independent directors are not sufficiently objective or free from conflicts in order to effectively represent the interests of all shareholders. True independence is incredibly important, especially given the three independent directors have a critical role in overseeing transactions that involve and potentially benefit ESW.

We were encouraged, in mid-2018, when Optiva hired a new, independent, CFO that had no prior relationship with the CEO or ESW. However, we were quickly disappointed when that individual abruptly resigned in January 2019, and to date has not been replaced. Despite our encouragement and engagement and the urgency needed to fill the role, the company seems completely uninterested in hiring a permanent independent CFO and, to our knowledge, has not even engaged a headhunting firm. As a result, the company has been operating without the necessary and appropriate checks and balances a professional CFO would provide. Financially Questionable Information Provided to the Market In addition to these governance issues, Maple Rock is very concerned that the company has issued an analyst presentation with the apparent goal of making the company look weaker than it is. For example: - The company's enterprise value as calculated in its presentation is questionable, as it includes capitalization without cash on balance sheet or the cash proceeds from a warrants exercise (while including warrants as shares). - The company includes a slide titled "On-Premise Melting Ice Cube" which compares the on-premise software business to "global warming" and paints a substantially more draconian revenue outlook than recently discussed by the CEO in November on the company's earnings call, while cautioning "this is not a forecast". - The company has sought to use all cash flows from existing operations to invest into product innovation. This product investment is expensed instead of capitalized, depressing current reported earnings power and cash flow from operations. - The company is seeking to aggressively invest in cloud products but has offered no expectations for return on investment or when cloud should start to contribute meaningfully to revenue growth. Revenue is discussed in the presentation as if "no cloud growth, just a declining on-premise business" at the same time that the company is aggressively investing into cloud growth. We question why the company would issue an analyst presentation that relies on non-standard financial definitions and accounting practices which confusingly attempts to make the company looks less profitable than it is. Maple Rock Actions on Behalf of All Shareholders In light of yesterday's announcement by the company, Maple Rock has asked the TSX to carefully review any request by Optiva to approve a financing or other transaction in the near term. We are very concerned about inappropriate entrenchment tactics being employed. We are also urging the company to, in the interest of good governance, replace the deemed independent non-preferred directors with ties to ESW with directors that are truly independent, sufficiently objective and free from conflicts. Maple Rock remains willing to engage directly and constructively with the board to ensure Optiva delivers on the significant promise we see. Sincerely, Xavier Majic Chief Investment Officer Advisors Kingsdale Advisors is acting as strategic shareholder and communications advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP is acting as legal advisor to Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. Additional Information The information contained or referenced herein is for information purposes only in order to provide the views of Maple Rock and the matters which Maple Rock believes to be of concern to shareholders described herein. The information is not tailored to specific investment objections, the financial situations, suitability, or particular need of any specific person(s) who may receive the information, and should not be taken as advice in considering the merits of any investment decision. The views expressed herein represent the views and opinions of Maple Rock, whose opinions may change at any time and which are based on analyses of Maple Rock and its advisors. For Further Information: View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200121005984/en/

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MONTREALThe Bloc Quebecois plans to stand in the way of a fast-track adoption of the new trade deal between Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Tuesday he wants to approve the updated North American free-trade agreement quickly, adding that he plans to table legislation to ratify it next week.

But Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet told reporters after a caucus meeting in Montreal later in the day that his party will not agree to fast-track the deal. The Bloc, he said, wants the text of the agreement to be studied in committee and debated in the House of Commons.

Blanchet said the final deal reached in December does not provide the same protections for Quebecs aluminum industry as it does for the steel industry and Ontarios auto-manufacturing sector.

Im sorry to rain on their parade, Blanchet said. The discussions regarding whats in the deal arent over, he added.

Canada, Mexico and the United States originally signed a renegotiated North American free trade pact a year ago, but U.S. ratification stalled as Democrats in Congress and their organized labour allies bickered with Mexico over labour rights, as well as the deals treatment of steel and aluminum.

The revised deal was signed in December, but the aluminum sector was upset with the revisions, which saw Mexico agree to a tighter definition of what constitutes North American steel but not aluminum.

Blanchet said the Blocs researchers are studying the text of the new agreement. He said the revisions are unfair for the provinces aluminum industry.

And all of the weight of the inequity is weighing on the shoulders of Quebec, he said.

Without going into detail, Blanchet said his party would use the leverage at its disposal in a minority Parliament to stall the ratification in order to defend Quebecs interests.

Canada is the only signatory not to have ratified the new agreement, after the Republican-led U.S. Senate passed its implementation bill last week and Mexico did the same previously.

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As we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., its natural to remember his courageous advocacy for racial equity. But before he was assassinated, King had also begun to broaden his efforts to unify the around economic justice.

Thats worth remembering today.

In December 1967, King, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and other conveners laid out their vision for the first Poor Peoples Campaign. Seeing how poverty cut across race and geography, these leaders built the campaign into a multiracial effort including African Americans, white Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans aimed at alleviating poverty for all.

The goal was to lead a massive protest in Washington, D.C., demanding that Congress prioritize a massive anti-poverty package that included, among other things, a commitment to full employment, a guaranteed annual income, and more low-income housing. And they wanted to pay for it by ending the Vietnam War.

We believe the highest patriotism demands the ending of the war, King said, and the opening of a bloodless war to final victory over racism and poverty. Assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, while organizing Black sanitation workers, King never made it to the Poor Peoples March, but thousands did protest in Washington to honor Kings memory and to pursue his vision.

That vision remains to be realized. Today, 140 million Americans  over 40% of us  remain poor or low-income. As in Kings day, black and brown Americans are especially impacted, but so are millions of poor whites.

Our country may be polarized by party. But the truth is, we have more in common to fight for than what divides us.

A December survey by the Center for American Progress found that 52% of American voters across party lines reported experiencing a serious economic problem in the past year. This tracks with other research, including the Federal Reserve Boards finding that 40% of Americans dont have the money to cover a $400 emergency.

The same CAP survey shows that strong majorities  including nine in 10 Democrats, seven in 10 independents, and six in 10 Republicans  support government action to reduce poverty by ensuring that all families have access to basic living standards like health care, food, and housing if their wages are too low or they cant make ends meet.

Even at a time of stark partisan polarization, a majority of Americans support policies like raising the minimum wage  while opposing things like the Trump administrations draconian cuts to federal nutrition assistance programs.

King and the Poor Peoples Campaign promoted a vision of unity. But it wasnt a unity that avoided conflict  it was one where poor and low-income overcame their divisions to fight for economic justice together.

To revive that vision, a new Poor Peoples Campaign has emerged to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, and militarism  and what theyre calling the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. Over the past two years, this campaign has organized communities from all over the country to build lasting power for poor and impacted people.

Poor and low-wealth people are seeing the need to galvanize themselves around an agenda, not a party, not a person, but an agenda, said Reverend William Barber, one of the new campaigns leaders. What happens if a movement is able to help people see how theyre being played against each other? You could reset the entire political calculus.

As we head deeper into a divisive election season  and as we remember Dr. King  its worth remembering that our real enemy is injustice, not each other.

Jessicah Pierre is the inequality media specialist at the Institute for Policy Studies. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
Microscopic image of an HIV-infected T cell. Credit: NIAID

As infectious diseases that are new to science continue emerging around the world, researchers have not forgotten older foes, and are doubling down on efforts to conquer them. For HIV/AIDS, they've begun looking toward a cure.

Writing in the journal Nature, a team of three infectious disease experts from the United States and abroad assessed potential drug candidates in the pharmaceutical pipeline that might eradicate the virus. Their aim was deceptively simpleto underscore why and where a cure is needed and how it might be achieved.

A key take-home message from the authors, who hail from the University of California, San Francisco, the African Research Institute in Durban, South Africa, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, was that much of the HIV cure research is underway in countries where HIV/AIDS doesn't dominate vital statistics.

"Cure research remains focused in academic medical centers located in low-HIV-burden, resource-rich countries," wrote Dr. Steven G. Deeks of UC San Francisco, who along with his two colleagues, contend that cutting-edge innovation must take into account the needs and economies of people who need it most.

"There has been limited public discussion on the practicalities of product development, particularly as they relate to sub-Saharan Africa," Deeks, and his colleagues Dr. Thumbi Ndung'u of the African Research Institute and Joseph M. McCune of the Gates Foundation noted. "Failure early on to define a target product-profile risks developing a strategy that fails to be effective."

The vast majority of global HIV/AIDS cases are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization, where an estimated 65 percent of new infections and 75 percent of deaths caused by the virus occur. No other region of the world has greater need for a cure, experts say.

Hopes of snuffing out the viral cause of the global epidemic have emerged in earnest as scientists have begun testing variations on cancer immunotherapy and other groundbreaking approaches. Among evolving techniques under investigation is use of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9.

In October, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco reported in the journal Cell on a novel version of CAR-T cell therapy as a method of tackling HIV-infected cells.

CAR-T therapy is used to treat cancers of the blood by supercharging a patient's own T cells in a lab. The T cells are re-infused into the patient as emboldened fighters capable of zeroing in on a specific cancer biomarker. With HIV, Gladstone researchers are supercharging immune cells and proteins to seek out latent HIV that's hiding in the body, eluding detection by the immune system.

The Gladstone research and emerging technologies are offering fresh approaches to an infectious disease that has claimed 32 million lives globally since 1981, according to WHO. In the United States alone, 700,000 people have lost their lives to HIV within the same time period, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show.

Although current antiretroviral therapy (ART) has allowed many patients to reduce viremiathe amount of virus in the bloodto undetectable levels, the medications are not cures, despite their effectiveness. Deeks and colleagues who analyzed HIV-treatment technologies in the journal Nature say emerging treatments aimed at curing HIV must be practical as well as effective.

ART therapies, for example, can number as few as a single pill per day. But while the treatment can decrease viral load to infinitesimal levels, the expense of daily lifelong medication necessitates the need for a cure, the three researchers contend.

Assessment of potential cures by Deeks and his co-authors included several possibilities that ranged from gene modification to cell therapy, among others. CRISPR-based approaches could be designed to target and excise the integrated provirus, and likely would be curative, the scientists predicted.

But the new technology is being pursued amid a staggering statistic: Despite tens of millions of HIV infections worldwide since the 1980s, only two people to date have been declared cured of the disease. Both are known by the cities where their cures occurred: The Berlin Patient and the London Patient.

Each underwent a bone marrow transplant, a treatment that is expensive, highly specialized and required meeting strict criteria. Bone marrow transplants are not a feasible method for addressing HIV, doctors say.

As it turned out, neither patient underwent bone marrow transplantation with the aim of being cured of HIV. Both were infused with donor bone marrow to treat cancer of the blood. Both disorderstheir cancers and the HIVwent into remission. The HIV cures for both patients came as a surprise, doctors for the two patients have said.

The Berlin Patient was declared cured in 2007; the London Patient in 2019. The case study of the London patient was reported at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, which was held in Seattle last March.

As scientists move forward on a variety of cure-oriented research projects, it is important not to repeat past inequities should a cure emerge, according to the report in Nature.

"Only 60 percent of people who live with HIV [worldwide] currently receive antiretroviral therapy," Deeks and his colleagues wrote in the journal.

The remaining 40 percent, which amounts to millions of people, are intermittently treated or go without medication altogether. That vast swath of patients largely resides in the Southern Hemisphere.

More information: Thumbi Ndung'u et al. Why and where an HIV cure is needed and how it might be achieved, Nature (2019). DOI.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1841-8 Journal information: Nature , Cell Thumbi Ndung'u et al. Why and where an HIV cure is needed and how it might be achieved,(2019). DOI.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1841-8

 2020 Science X Network
The mother of a Kentucky teenager says her daughter was expelled from her Christian school for celebrating attitudes that are counter to [its] philosophy after she happily posed in a rainbow sweater with a rainbow cake while celebrating her birthday.

Kayla Kenney, 15, was expelled from Whitefield Academy in Louisville earlier this month after the school caught wind of the photo, which had been posted to Facebook, her mother Kimberly Alford told NBC affiliate WAVE.

She was happy, she looked beautiful. You know, of course, as a mom, I took her picture blowing out her candles and I posted that on my Facebook page, Alford said of the photo, which was snapped in December.

Not long after, however, Alford said she received a letter from the head of school, Dr. Bruce Jacobson, who said Kayla was getting the boot due to a post on social media, the Louisville Courier Journal reported.

The letter reportedly said that the photo demonstrates a posture of morality and cultural acceptance contrary to that of Whitefield Academys beliefs, and that Kayla had exhibited two years of lifestyle violations.

A representative for Whitefield tells PEOPLE in a statement that reports claiming Kaylas expulsion was based solely on the photo were inaccurate, and that she had violated the student code of conduct numerous times over the last two years.

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In the fall, we met with the student to give her a final chance to begin to adhere to our code of conduct. Unfortunately, she did not live up to the agreement, and therefore, has been expelled, the statement read.

The meeting referred to in the statement occurred in October after Kayla was found with Juul pods in her backpack, Alford told the Journal.

The freshman was allegedly put on probation after the meeting, though her mother said that since then, there have been no disciplinary issues.

Story continues

The Whitefield Academy handbook states that the school reserves the right to discontinue enrollment of a student if the home environment is not in harmony with the schools doctrinal belief in the centrality of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture and Biblical lifestyle. Examples listed include sexual immorality and homosexual orientation.

RELATED: Missouri High Schoolers Fly Confederate Flag in Cafeteria After Classmates Hand Out Pride Flags

The school added, Whitefield Academy is accredited by ACSI/AdvancEd and a member of the Non Public School Commission of Kentucky, and therefore we meet all Kentucky regulations and laws. Our code of conduct is on par with other private Christian schools in our area. It is unfortunate that one of the students parents chose to post internal family matters on social media, and we hope our former student is not adversely affected by what her parents chose to make public about her situation.

Though the rainbow flag has long been a symbol of LGBTQ pride, Alford told WAVE that Kaylas rainbow outfit and birthday cake were completely unrelated, and that shed simply asked the bakery for a dessert with assorted colors.

Still, when Alford appealed her daughters expulsion, she said Jacobson told her that the cake and sweater just kind of represents gay pride, and that she should have refused the cake, according to the Journal.

RELATED: Bar Makes Hateful Letter About Its Pride Flag Go Viral: We Need to Quash Ignorance

I just feel like its a label [school officials] have put on her. Just because Im wearing a rainbow doesnt mean Im gay, Alford told the Journal. She did nothing wrong.

Kayla has reportedly enrolled in public school, and her expulsion will be classified as voluntary withdrawal so that it does not appear on her record.

Shes adjusting really well, but she also seems stressed and overwhelmed at times. I felt like [Whitefield Academy] had a positive impact on her, but I just feel like those religious beliefs they are imposing now are very judgmental, Alford told the Journal. Thats not what I wanted for her.
It was unclear what legal recourse, if any, Mr. Parnass lawyers would have if Mr. Barr refused their request, seemingly a legal long shot.

The request comes as Mr. Parnas has catapulted to the center of Mr. Trumps impeachment proceedings.

Over the last week, House Democrats have released a trove of Mr. Parnass text messages with Mr. Giuliani and other players in the Ukrainian pressure campaign. The records, which Mr. Parnas shared with the House Intelligence Committee, showed the extent of his involvement in the campaign, contradicting Mr. Trumps allies who have portrayed Mr. Parnas as a peripheral player, and spurring calls for him to testify at the Senate impeachment trial.

Mr. Parnas also has gone on something of a publicity tour, granting interviews to the MSNBC host Rachel Maddow and The New York Times and taking aim at the president. In his interview with The Times, he said, I am betting my whole life that Trump knew exactly everything that was going on that Rudy Giuliani was doing in Ukraine.

Mr. Trump has denied knowing Mr. Parnas, and the White House has dismissed his comments as self-interested lies told by a criminal defendant.

The lawyers also said in the letter that federal prosecutors in Manhattan had refused to meet with Mr. Parnas and receive his information regarding Mr. Trump, Mr. Giuliani and others, all of which would potentially benefit Mr. Parnas if he were ever to be convicted and sentenced in his criminal case.

Mr. Bondy told The Times last week that his client was seeking to cooperate with the federal prosecutors in Manhattan. We very much want to be heard in the Southern District, Mr. Bondy said. We very much want to provide substantial assistance to the government.

A formal cooperation deal, if granted by the government, can lead to a defendants receiving leniency when he is sentenced.
Storyful

An affable deer created somewhat of a buzz in a neighborhood near Salt Lake City, Utah, he regularly visited over the holiday period.The deer, nicknamed Cooper by local residents, has been playing with children in the neighborhood of Herriman and was even spotted posing for photos, reports said.Herriman resident Angelica Lujan recorded footage of the tame deer interacting with her children outside of her home on South Rowell Drive.Speaking to KSTU, a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources representative said despite the deers friendly attitude, the best thing for the animal is for people to leave him alone.People dont realize these beautiful, cute deer can be aggressive as they get older. Weve had times in the past where these friendly deer, they do get aggressive, said Scott Root, Conservation Outreach Manager, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.Weve had kids hurt at bus stops. Bad things happen when we feed deer in a residential area, Root added. Credit: Angelica Lujan via Storyful
OTTAWAThe first body of a Canadian who died in the Tehran plane crash has come home, the countrys foreign minister said Tuesday, as the government pushed Iran to respect the wishes of family members who want their loved ones buried in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne confirmed the repatriation of a Canadian killed in the crash of Ukraine International Airlines jet near Tehran almost two weeks ago, but he offered no other details because of the familys request for privacy. The minister said other families would also be bringing their loved ones remains back to Canada, but he did not give specifics, citing their privacy wishes.

Champagne said a number of victims have already had their remains buried in Iran, according to the wishes of their families. The repatriation of Canadian remains has emerged as an issue because Iran does not recognize dual citizenships and claims anyone born in Iran as Iranian.

Every time that I receive an allegation that the wishes of the family will not have been respected we are taking these allegations seriously, Champagne said in Winnipeg.

He also said Iranian authorities have assured Canada they would respect families wishes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that by respecting the wishes of families, Iran would also be respecting the principles of Islam.

We recognize that it is a challenge that Iran does not recognizes double citizenship, but the focus that weve had on supporting the families has been to ensure that the families wishes are respected in regards to burials, Trudeau said Tuesday in Winnipeg after a cabinet retreat.

Respecting the wishes of the families lines up not with a question of citizenship, but it lines up also with international laws and practice and with principles around Islam for burials.

All 176 people on Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 were killed when the it crashed outside Tehran earlier this month after being shot at by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles.

Ottawa has confirmed that included 57 Canadian citizens and 29 permanent residents of Canada.

The Canadian Press has independently confirmed at least 90 victims with ties to Canada, many of them students and professors returning after spending the December break visiting relatives in Iran.

Irans aviation authority said Monday that the jetliner was carrying only five Canadian nationals, a number it said was based on the passports used by passengers.

That has raised concerns the bodies wont be allowed out of the country for those families wishing for burials in Canada.

Dennis Horak, Canadas last ambassador to Iran, said Trudeau may have been trying to appeal Irans basic humanity by couching a request of repatriation of bodies in religious terms, but added: Good luck with that.

Iranians are trying to make a political point that Canada really doesnt have a big political interest in this since it was mostly Iranians who were killed, Horak said. Its sickening for them to play this card in these circumstances when families are grieving but its what they do.

Bessma Momani, a Middle East expert with the University of Waterloo, said the locations where bodies are buried could have legal implications later when Canada pushes Iran for financial compensation for the crash victims.

If theyre buried in Iran, its only going to strengthen the Iranians argument that theyre really just Iranian citizens and the theyre not dual citizens, said Momani.

In Islam, she said, not burying the body is considered torture of the soul.

For some families, they may be stuck with the pressure to please bury the body because to retrieve it to Canada may take more hurdles, and thats not good for the soul of the deceased person.

Canada and its allies renewed their calls Monday for Iran to release the black boxes from the Ukrainian jetliner to another country so their crucial flight data can be downloaded. The request emerged from Champagnes Monday conference call with counterparts from Britain, Sweden, Afghanistan and Ukraine, all of which lost citizens in the crash.

Trudeau suggested that sending the data recorders to France would be a good idea.

The black boxes are key to the investigation and there are rules around making sure that they are analyzed quickly and properly in cases such as these. It is not simply a question of having the right experts in place to analyze the black boxes, Trudeau said. There is a question of significant technological requirements in order to do that that cannot be done in Iran.

A summary of Champagnes call with the four countries that lost nationals in the crash urged Iran to move the black boxes to a facility with all of the technology and expertise required to quickly and reliably download and analyze the data without delay ... Iran has indicated it is willing to do so.

The report released Monday by Irans Civil Aviation Organization said the black boxes were damaged but their recordings are intact.

Read more about:
Nouakchott, Mauritania (PANA) - The Mauritanian government and British Petroleum (BP) Monday signed a partnership agreement on the production of proper energies and their integration in the production of liquid natural gas, to reduce the emission of CO2 resulting from exploitation, the state-run Mauritanian news agency (AMI) reported here
New Delhi:

A Delhi court on Tuesday modified the conditions in the January 15 bail order to allow Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad to the national capital whenever for medical and election purposes, but he has to inform his schedule to the police.

Azad is an accused of inciting people during an anti-CAA protest at Jama Masjid in Delhi last month. Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau passed the directions while modifying the bail order of Azad in a case related to violent protests in Daryanganj area on December 20.

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 the case.

The court had directed the police to verify from the Election Commission whether Azad's office in Delhi is an office of a political party and asked it to submit a report by Tuesday. The court was hearing a plea filed by Azad seeking modification of the conditions imposed on him in his bail order.
By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Azerbaijan will soon provide travel documents to foreigners residing in Azerbaijan with refugee status, head of the State Migration Service Vusal Huseynov said during a press conference to sum up the results of 2019, on January 15.

Huseynov noted that the document, the preparation of which has been conducted since 2019, is ready and will be issued as of February 23.

"With this travel document, those living in Azerbaijan with refugee status will be able to freely travel to other countries.

Huseynov further informed that the number of foreigners and stateless persons in Azerbaijan increased by 11 percent from January through December 2019 compared to the same period of 2018.

"During this period, the number of temporary residents increased by 10 percent, those who received permit to work increased by 8 percent, and people residing on the basis of refugee status by 7 percent," Huseynov said.

The number of decisions made in terms of violations of the requirements of Migration Code decreased by 23 percent, he added.

The State Migration Program of Azerbaijan was approved on 25 July 2006. Its main purpose is to realize the State policy in the field of migration, to develop the migration management system, to regulate and forecast the migration processes, to improve the legislation in this field in accordance with international norms and current requirements, to ensure the efficiency of the law implementation, to create unit database in the field of migration as well as the modern automated control system, to prevent illegal migration and to undertake measures related to development of international cooperation.

On the base of approved State Migration Program, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, taking into account the importance of establishment of a special state authority implementing unified state policy in the migration sphere, signed Decree on establishment of State Migration Service of Azerbaijan  560 dated on 19 March 2007.

At the same time, the Regulation of the Service was approved according to the Decree. Since the establishment of State Migration Service necessary normative legal acts have been adopted and a number of institutional and organizational measures have been taken for the purpose of enhancing state control over migration processes.

In order to regulate migration processes with single and prompt procedures and facilitate the documentation, the head of state signed Decree on Application of one-stop-shop principle in the management of migration processes  69 dated on 4 March 2009.

The application of the mentioned Decree results in management of migration processes in the country with more prompt and flexible mechanisms, provision of efficiency in this area and elimination of problems to be solved. According to the decree one-stop-shop principle began to be applied in the management of migration processes from 1 July 2009 and the competences of unified state authority on this principle were entrusted to State Migration Service of Azerbaijan.

In the framework of one-stop-shop principle, State Migration Service carries out issuance of permits for temporary and permanent residence in Azerbaijan and relevant cards to the foreigners and stateless persons, registration of them, extending temporary staying period in the country of the foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan, as well as issuance of work permits for engaging in paid labour activity on the territory of the country.

Furthermore, the Service participates in citizenship issues and determines refugee status. In order to enhance preventive measures against illegal migration, to improve activity of the Service, State Migration Service obtained law enforcement status with the Decree  76 dated 8 April 2009 sighed by President Aliyev.

---

Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Perths Edith Cowan University has completed the first phase of its digital transformation by migrating almost 400 workloads to the Microsoft Azure cloud.

Since 2015, the university has relied on Atos, a managed service organisation to provide much of its technology infrastructure. But the arrangement lacked the flexibility or agility that ECU required, according to ECUs chief information officer, Vito Forte.

Forte told CIO Australia that the arrangement with Atos wasnt really cloud.

It was basically a Vblock cluster with poor management and no orchestration. It provided reliability at a cost but was manually-intensive and not agile. At that time cloud wasnt what it is now so its hard to make comparisons across different timelines and capabilities. It was all good though, we finished on the five-year mark.

The university has moved 96 per cent of its workloads  about 50:50 Windows and Linux-based  to Azure to cut costs and support its strategy to improve the student experience.

Weve migrated nearly 400 workloads into the environment, and those 400 workloads include all major applications from financial, payroll, student management and identity, which are critical to the university, Forte said.

We have also migrated a number of workloads to an on-prem Azure Stack environment because of specific requirements around latency and device proximity. Weve also got our analytics and our data warehouses in Azure. Theres a whole host of other subsidiary applications that hang around those main ones.

And most of those are not Microsoft-based. They are Linux and Oracle based. So it removes the perception that says you can only really run Microsoft stuff in Azure, which isnt actually true.

Nevertheless, the university has widely deployed Microsoft products including Office 365 and Teams Telephony, which is used by more than 1000 users. The university has also purchased Surface Hub 2, Surface Pros and Surface Go devices.

Forte and his tech team will soon refresh all of the universitys documentation records management, making greater use of Office 365 and SharePoint. He is also investigating how Azure artificial intelligence services such as Chatbots might be used to support staff and students. A pilot is in its second phase with plans to introduce the technology once verified to enhance the experience for students.

Meanwhile, Azure is changing the way that ECU uses technology to provide computer labs for students as they tackle assignments, exams and projects. Instead of having to buy and manage a host of computers for labs, which might sit largely idle outside of exam time, the uni can scale up to meet demand.

A proof of concept using Azure Labs to host a cyber security penetration testing module was rolled out with students accessing the module through their usual university sign on, from their own device when and where it suited them. Students logged in via the Azure Labs portal and used their Office 365 credentials to connect to the appropriate lab.

Forte said that the security credentials and track record of Azure was a key consideration in the universitys decision to select a Microsoft solution.

He said that as a result of the transformation, the university is seeing greater than 60 per cent reduction in operating costs as well as significant IT productivity improvements.

What we have now is fundamentally the same number of people with twice the amount of capability. So the level of effort is fundamentally halved.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 07:47:50|Editor: xuxin

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TASHKENT, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's newly-formed Senate, the upper chamber of the parliament, has approved Tanzila Narbayeva as chairwoman and accepted the government's resignation.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the Senate's first session following the election of the deputies of the upper chamber early in January.

Tanzila Narbaeva was first elected as chairwoman of the Senate in June, 2019.

The Senate heard Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov's statement on the resignation of the cabinet before the newly-formed Oliy Majlis in accordance with Uzbek laws.

The approval of the prime minister, ministers and their deputies will be held on Jan. 21 at a joint meeting of the chambers of parliament.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Allison Copening, CEO of Seasons Funeral Planning Services

I was dismayed to learn that Allison Copening, founder of Seasons Funeral Planning in Las Vegas, Nevada, recently died at the age of 55 after a cardiac event. When people younger than you die, its a mortality moment.

Ever a giving person, and a firm believer in organ donation, as death approached, Allison donated parts of her that will be life-saving to as many as 84 people.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 5pm-8pm at Kraft-Sussman Funeral & Cremation Services located at 3975 S Durango Dr #104, Las Vegas, NV 89147 (a great locally- and woman-owned service). The visitation is open to the public for those who wish to pay their respects.

A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, January 24, 2020 at 11:00am at Canyon Ridge Christian Church located at 6200 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89130. The ceremony is open to the public for those who wish to pay their respects.

A private, family only, procession will proceed to Palm Mortuary Northwest cemetery. Burial ceremony is not open to the public or press.

Allisons Podcast Interview

Allison was a guest on my A Good Goodbye podcast back in January of 2014. She had just started her business, and what a great idea!

Seasons Funeral Planning wasnt a funeral home nor were they aiming take the place of the funeral home. They were guidance counselors a family would see before visiting or selecting a funeral provider. They helped families better understand the process and determine the best funeral home to meet their needs and budget. Then they took on many of the tasks that funeral directors leave to the family. (It looks like the site has not been updated in a while.)

Heres what Allison had to say about why she started Seasons Funeral Planning:

It sprang from having attended the funerals of friends and family members, and walking away feeling somewhat disappointed in the way that the memorial service unfolded, she said.

She gave an example of a funeral for a vivacious woman was very somber and traditional, not at all reflective of her life.

We can and should do better than this. We should honor our dead in a proper way. They gave so much in the lives that they lived, that in this couple of hours that were bidding them a farewell, we should do it in the best way possible that captures their personality.

Allison spoke at length about topics such as:

How a funeral planning service is different from a funeral home

Why families are often uninformed about all the details associated with a death

What families need to know if theres an unexpected death

Who uses outside funeral planning services

What are Certified Celebrants and what they do thats so special

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST.

I pray that Allison did her own funeral planning and that the memorial events to celebrate her life will effectively reflect the warm and giving person that she was.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 22:08:16|Editor: huaxia

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DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng said here on Tuesday that the fundamental solution to problems in economic globalization lies in building an inclusive and open world economy together.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a speech at the 2020 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that as economic globalization stands at a crossroads, which way should be taken is a question that deserves attention and serious reflection.

To deal with the difficulties faced by economic globalization, it is essential to grasp the underlying patterns and general trend, Han said.

Economic globalization is a historical trend, an essential condition for productivity growth and a natural result of advances in science and technology, he said.

In a world where all economies are deeply integrated, no country can achieve sustainable development outside the global division of labor, he said.

Unilateral and protectionist practices, which run counter to the global trend, will lead nowhere and end up hurting everyone's interests, he said.

All countries should stay committed to consultation on the basis of equality and overcoming difficulties together, he said.

"We should make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all," Han said.

The Chinese vice premier urged the international community to uphold multilateralism and the core status of the United Nations in the international system and abide by the international law and widely recognized norms of international relations.

All countries should adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to bring about a brighter future, he added.
We are not done looking for those responsible.

This was the warning given by the Head of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) Supt Roger Alexander yesterday during the Beyond the Tape TV programme on TV6.

Earlier in the day, Alexander was part of several units which went searching for kidnap victim Mattie Maraj in the eastern division.
Delhi elections will not be about NRC, citizenship law

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Jan 21: The elections in Delhi are round the corner and the battle promises to be an interesting one. The question is whether the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will return with a similar mandate as it did in 2015 or will it lose the battle to the BJP.

Leading psephologist, Dr Sandeep Shastri speaks with OneIndia about the trends in Delhi and who has their nose ahead in the elections. He says that looking at the recent trends, it is clear that the voter is making a distinction between national and state elections.

Studies are consistently showing that the AAP is ahead and the people are happy with the performance of the party in the past five years.

Delhi Congress, BJP bigwigs file nominations; Kejriwal postpones filing of papers

The Aam Aadmi Party has done reasonably well particularly in the health and education sector. There is the goodwill that the party has earned on the ground on these issues says, Dr Sandeep Shastri.

The BJP cannot take into account its performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where it won all 7 seats.

I feel that it would be Modi for PM and Kejriwal for CM. The variations between the national and state verdicts will play out in Delhi says, Dr Shastri. As of today, the AAP is ahead, he also says.

Lucknow anti-CAA protest: Munnawar Rana's daughters, other women booked| OneIndia News

On issues such as NRC or citizenship law, the people have their stand on it. But the Delhi elections is not about these issues. The more the BJP makes these issues a campaign slogan, the more likely it would lose support. Issues such as Article 370 did not work for the party in Maharashtra and Haryana.

Delhi polls: Kejriwal releases AAP's guarantee card, promises quality education, free bus

These issues have ensured that the BJP is in power at the Centre, Dr Shastri says.

On whether the BJP should have announced a CM candidate, he says that it is useful as long as the candidate gets support. Just having a CM face for the heck of it, will not help. Moreover, the BJP's campaign does not revolve around a state face, Dr Shastri adds.

On the prospects of the Congress, he says that the party would end up a distant third. The fight is between two parties and the AAP and the BJP would be the frontrunners, Dr Shastri further states.
Ren Zhengfei, the founder and CEO of Huawei, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday. Photo: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

Huawei CEO Ren Zhengfei said on Tuesday that his company was now more confident that it could survive further sanctions by the United States.

This year, the US might further escalate their campaign against Huawei, but I feel the impact on Huawei's business would not be very significant, Zhengfei said, speaking at the World Economic Forum.

As part of a push to slow Chinas increasing economic and political prowess, the US in 2019 imposed an export ban that prevents companies from selling US-made parts to Huawei.

Officials in the US pointed to assessments that suggest Huawei equipment could pose a risk to national security, largely due to the companys close ties to the Chinese government.

The sanctions didnt hurt Huawei, Zhengfei said, noting that threats from the US had prompted it to spend billions on Plan Bs.

If we had a sense of security from the US, we would not have had the need to come up with our backup plans, he said.

We basically withstood the challenges, Zhengfei told a session at the forum, commonly known as Davos, that focused on the technology arms race.

READ MORE: US steps up pressure on Britain over Huawei 'madness'

The CEO was speaking on a panel with Yuval Noah Harari, the renowned author and thinker.

This here in 2020  since we already gained experience from last year and we've got a stronger team  I think we are more confident that we can survive even further attacks.

Zhengfei also said that the US should not be overly concerned about Huawei and Huaweis positioning in the world, pointing to the influence of the US on the company.

Huawei used to be an admirer of the United States, he said, noting that his company was quite successful today in large part because it took lessons from the style of management spearheaded in the US.

We hired dozens of American consulting firms teaching us how to manage our business operations, Zhengfei said.

The entire management system of Huawei is very much like the US. The US should feel proud of it. They have US management systems being exported and implemented extensively at Huawei, contributing to Huawei's development.
Mizoram Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai has urged the Centre to establish an AIIMS-like medical institute, an IIT and an IIM in the state, an official release said on Tuesday.

Sreedharan made the request during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at New Delhi last week, it said.

He also urged Shah to take steps to construct a road connecting Lawngtlai in south Mizoram with Bangladesh capital Dhaka and widen NH-306 (formerly 54) -- that connects the state with Assam's Silchar -- to four lanes, the release said.

The governor also raised issues of border fencing with Bangladesh and expansion of Lengpui airport, it said.

Mizoram shares a 318 km border with Bangladesh, of which 233 km is yet to be fenced, sources said.

Shah and Pillai also discussed security measures along the India-Myanmar border and setting up of an international trade centre at Zochachhuah village in Lawngtlai district, the release added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A dependence on only a few pharma companies to sustain the fight against superbugs is putting the world in a precarious position, a new report shows.

Progress in tackling drug-resistant infections isn't keeping pace with the rising threat, according to the latest Antimicrobial Resistance Benchmark, published Tuesday by the Access to Medicine Foundation. The pipeline of new antibiotics in advanced tests remains too small, the nonprofit found.

News from the field is grim as low profits discourage investment in crucial antibiotics. Since the group's last report in 2018, two major players, Novartis AG and Sanofi, have retreated from antibiotic research as the pharma industry shifts toward lucrative areas such as cancer. And two smaller drug developers, Achaogen Inc. and Melinta Therapeutics, have filed for bankruptcy.

"We don't have the luxury now to have another one of these few companies leaving antibiotic development," said Jayasree Iyer, executive director of the Netherlands-based foundation. The lineup of experimental products is "extremely fragile."

The study, released at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, also cited signs of progress, with some drug companies boosting efforts to discourage the overselling of existing antibiotics and sharing more data on where drug resistance is emerging.

GlaxoSmithKline Plc has the biggest batch of potential products, developing almost a fifth of all the research and development projects the group identified, according to the benchmark. The report also cited Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Entasis Therapeutics Holdings Inc. and Cipla Ltd. as some of the other leaders in the field.

Only 51 drug candidates are in advanced development to treat bacterial and fungal infections, and few of those are truly novel, according to the report. At least 40 projects are no longer in the pipeline. Studies suggest about nine out of 10 potential drugs fail to make it through human testing.

A separate report last week found that research and development spending for a group of 15 companies fell to $1.2 billion in 2018 from $1.9 billion two years earlier. The research, from the AMR Industry Alliance, raises concern about a shortfall in late-stage spending in particular.

The need for new antibiotics is rising along with the risks. About 700,000 people worldwide die annually as a result of superbugs, and by 2050 that number could explode to 10 million if the problem remains unchecked.

But antibiotic revenues aren't big enough for companies to recoup their research investment, and policies to spur activity haven't yet made much of a difference. Sales of any new antibiotic will remain low by design as doctors wary of promoting resistance keep it only as a medicine of last resort.

"This is not a situation where you need a scientific miracle," Iyer said. "You need an economic solution."

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

There are a number of efforts underway to fix a market seen as broken.

The U.K. last year said it would test the world's first "subscription-style" payment model. Paying upfront for access to drugs based on their usefulness to the National Health Service should reassure companies they will be compensated even if a medicine is stored in reserve, the government said.

Without incentives and a turnaround in investment, the worst-case scenario is that "a whole industry can collapse," said Aleks Engel, director of the Repair Impact Fund, launched two years ago by Novo Holdings A/S in Denmark to invest in companies tackling antimicrobial resistance.

Yet some new private and government initiatives globally could provide a "few rays of sunshine" in the second half of the year, he said. "We do see escalating interest from several parties as to the crisis that exists."
Climate change, futures research and playing the Infinite Game are among the topics on the agenda for Zespris Momentum 2020 conference at Mount Maunganui in February.

Expected to attract 400 New Zealand and international delegates, the conference is also a chance for the kiwifruit marketer to focus on its own future.

Standing Up and Standing Out is the conference theme and Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson says it is about resetting the industry in the midst of a period of real growth and success.

Were challenging ourselves to continue to grow and do even better in the years ahead. It means looking at new products and new thinking, while reminding ourselves of the values and principles that have helped us get here today and that will continue to help us reach our goals by working together, says Dan.

Well do that by standing up - demonstrating our leadership by addressing some of the challenges were seeing today, like helping reduce the use of plastics and looking after our waterways, and by ensuring our industry continues to look after our people, our communities and our environment.

And well also do it by standing out  making sure we continue to innovate so that we stay ahead of our competition and ensure Zespris brand continues to be recognised as the worlds leading provider of premium quality kiwifruit.

The two-day conference will be held on February 13 and 14 at Trustpower Arena in Mount Maunganui, when a range of international experts will be among the speakers. A number of Zespi customers and exhibitors from around the world, including Japan, China, Korea, Canada, Taiwan, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain will attend.

Among the speakers are J Walker Smith Chief Knowledge Officer of Kantar, a leading global foresights and futures research consultancy which helps clients profit from change.

Will Steffen, Earth System Scientist and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University, who was a member of the Australian Climate Commission until its dissolution in September 2013, will also address delegates.

Dr Niki Harre, professor of psychology at the University of Auckland, author of the book The Infinite Game How to Live Well Together will lead a session on sustainability pathways.

There will also be Zespri led discussions on the connection between kiwifruit and the brain, how to green the supply chain and managing unwanted biosecurity threats. Discussing the future of the Zespri brand will be Jiunn Shih, Zespri Chief Marketing Officer. Carol Ward, Zespri Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer will lead the brand and marketing sustainably framework launch.

The programme has been designed to enable delegates to attend workshop sessions across a wide-range of topics, and all workshops provide an opportunity for the audience to interact with the speakers and understand more about the industry.

Momentum coincides with the Zespri head office official opening on February 13 and the presentation of the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal on Thursday February 13, as part of the Momentum Conference and the 2020 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition Gala Dinner and Awards night on Wednesday, February 12.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D, Calif.), accompanied by other impeachment managers from the House speaks to reporters on Wednesday. Read more

WASHINGTON  House Democrats launched into marathon arguments in President Donald Trumps impeachment trial Wednesday, appealing to skeptical Republican senators to join them in voting to oust Trump from office to protect our democracy.

Trump's lawyers sat by, waiting their turn, as the president blasted the proceedings from afar, threatening jokingly to face off with the Democrats by coming to sit right in the front row and stare at their corrupt faces.

The challenge before the House managers is clear. Democrats have 24 hours over three days to prosecute the charges against Trump, trying to win over not just fidgety senators sitting silently in the chamber but an American public, deeply divided over the president and his impeachment in an election year.

Rep. Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, outlined what the Democrats contend was the president's corrupt scheme to abuse his presidential power and then obstruct Congress' investigation. He then called on senators not to be cynical about politics, but to draw on the intent of the nations Founding Fathers who provided the remedy of impeachment.

Over the coming days, we will present to you  and to the American people  the extensive evidence collected during the Houses impeachment inquiry into the presidents abuse of power, said Schiff standing before the Senate. You will hear their testimony at the same time as the American people. That is, if you will allow it.

After a dinner break, Schiff returned to the well of the Senate to detail the administration's hold on military aid to Ukraine. He played several clips of testimony from Ambassador William Taylor, who said the assistance was held back as Trump pushed the country to announce investigations of Democrats.

Most senators sat at their desks throughout, as the rules stipulate, though some stretched their legs, standing behind the desks or against the back wall of the chamber, passing the time. Visitors watched from the galleries, one briefly interrupting in protest.

The Democrats wrapped up the first day of their presentation shortly before 10 p.m. ET.

The proceedings are unfolding at the start of an election year, and there are few signs that Republicans are interested in calling more witnesses or going beyond a fast-track assessment that is likely to bring a quick vote on charges related to Trumps dealings with Ukraine.

Several GOP senators said Wednesday they'd seen no evidence to support the allegations against Trump even though, just 24 hours earlier, they had rejected subpoenas for witnesses and documents. Democrats, meanwhile, described the evidence against the president as overwhelming but said senators have a duty to gather more.

The trial marks just the third time the Senate has weighed whether an American president should be removed from office. Democrats argue Trump abused his office by asking Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden while withholding crucial military aid, and also obstructed Congress by refusing to turn over documents or allow officials to testify in the House probe. Republicans have defended Trumps actions and cast the process as a politically motivated effort to weaken the president in the midst of his reelection campaign.

A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows the public is slightly more likely to say the Senate should convict and remove Trump from office than to say it should not, 45% to 40%. But a sizable percentage, 14%, say they dont know enough to have an opinion.

One question theres wide agreement on: Trump should allow top aides to appear as witnesses at the trial. About 7 in 10 said so, including majorities of Republicans and Democrats, according to the poll.

The strategy of more witnesses, though, seems all but settled. Wrangling over rules for the trial stretched past midnight Tuesday night, with Republicans shooting down one-by-one Democratic efforts to get Trump aides including former national security adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, to testify.

Senators are likely to repeat those rejections next week, shutting out any chance of new testimony.

One longshot idea to pair one of Trump's preferred witnesses  Biden's son Hunter Biden  with Bolton or another that Democrats want was swiftly rejected.

That's off the table, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters.

Chief Justice John Roberts gaveled open Wednesday's session as senators settled in for the long days ahead.

Trump, who was in Davos, Switzerland, attending a global economic forum, praised his legal team, and suggested he would be open to his advisers testifying, though that seems unlikely. He said here were national security concerns that would stand in the way.

After the House prosecutors present their case, the president's lawyers will follow with another 24 hours over three days. They are expected to take only Sunday off.

Theres a lot of things Id like to rebut, said Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow at the Capitol, and we will rebut.

Then there will be 16 hours for senators, who must sit quietly at their desks, no speeches or cellphones, to ask written questions, and another four hours for deliberations.

The impeachment trial is set against the backdrop of the 2020 election. All four senators who are Democratic presidential candidates are off the campaign trail, seated as jurors.

Campaigning at stops in Iowa, Joe Biden also rejected having his son testify, or even appearing himself. I want no part of that, he said.

People ask the question, isnt the president going to be stronger and harder to beat if he survives this? Yes, probably. But Congress has no choice, he said. Senators must cast their votes and "live with that in history.

Some Republicans expressed disdain for it all.

Joni Ernst of Iowa spoke sarcastically about how excited she was to hear the overwhelming evidence" the House Democrats promised against Trump. "And once weve heard that overwhelming evidence," she added, raising her voice mockingly, I dont know that well need to see additional witnesses, but lets hear about that overwhelming evidence.

The trial began with a setback Tuesday for Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, who backed off his plans to limit each sides arguments to two days, as the White House had preferred.

But the GOP leader has been skilled at keeping even the most wayward Republicans, those with some concerns about Trump, united in batting back Democratic requests for witnesses and testimony. They ultimately approved a rules package that pushes off a final decision on whether or not to seek additional testimony until late in the trial.

Schumer bemoaned the remaining limitations, saying Wednesday the impeachment trial begins with a cloud hanging over it, a cloud of unfairness.

Republicans are eager for a swift trial. Yet Trumps legal team passed on an opportunity to file a motion to dismiss the case Wednesday, an acknowledgement that there were not enough Republican votes to support it.

The White House legal team, in its court filings and presentations, has not disputed Trump's actions. But the lawyers insist the president did nothing wrong.

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Alan Fram, Andrew Taylor, Laurie Kellman, Matthew Daly and Padmananda Rama in Washington and Bill Barrow in Osage, Iowa, contributed to this article.
Awareness about the benefits of consuming organic produce too is important. (Photo Credit: Photo For Representation)

New Delhi:

Organic food start-up Kesarwala on Monday sought incentives from the government in the forthcoming Budget for the fast growing sector to push the industry growth.

The industry needs adequate infrastructure in terms of number of testing and certifying labs in the country. This will help in cutting the cost as currently these things are expensive, Founders of Kesarwala Divaker Bhalla and Yousuf Khan said.

Organic sector needs support from the government

They said that starting from the farmers to the industry, the sector needs support from the government.

To replenish farm land for the purpose of growing organic produce, which are completely chemical free, a farmer has to wait for at least five years as he or she cannot use that land before that for organic farming. Leaving the land for five year is a long period. If government can announce some kind of subsidies to those farmers, it will provide a big help to them, Khan said.

He also said increasing awareness about the benefits of consuming organic produce too is important for the growth of the sector.

Bhalla said although people are gradually shifting towards organic foods, more steps needs to be taken in this direction in all big and small cities.

We can take cue from countries such as the US and Europe to taker forward this sector, he added.

Further, Khan said that skill development is another area, which needs to be focussed. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the budget for 2020-21 on February 1.

The company is running its organic food restaurant in Noida. It is planning to open 10 new franchise restaurants in the national capital region in next few months.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he was still comfortably in charge and open to direct negotiations with the US, in an interview published Saturday by The Washington Post. The interview was Maduros first with a major US outlet since February of last year, when he abruptly ejected all Univision journalists from Venezuela.

If theres respect between governments, no matter how big the United States is, and if theres a dialogue, an exchange of truthful information, then be sure we can create a new type of relationship, Maduro told the Post. The socialist leader said he was ready to hold talks with the US to negotiate an end to sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump intended to throttle the South American countrys oil industry and force Maduro from power.

Maduro indicated that, if Trump were to lift sanctions, US oil companies could benefit immensely from Venezuelas oil. A relationship of respect and dialogue brings a win-win situation. A confrontational relationship brings a lose-lose situation. Thats the formula, Maduro said. The US, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Maduros opposition rival Juan Guaido as the countrys legitimate interim president.

Guaido has called for a new presidential election to be held, on the grounds that Maduro is an illegitimate president because his 2018 re-election was tainted by fraud. Oil-rich Venezuelas economy is crumbling under Maduros rule, and millions have fled the country. But despite the humanitarian catastrophe and biting US sanctions, Maduro maintains power with the support of the military as well as Russia, China and Cuba.

While speaking to the Post, Maduro also expressed willingness to talk with Guaido, but appeared to dismiss his opponents main demand that he step down. Norway has mediated talks between Maduros and Guaidos representatives, but the meetings broke down in August. The US in early January threw its support behind negotiations in Venezuela, saying talks could establish a transitional government, lead to fresh elections and bring an end to the countrys long-running political crisis.
KALAMAZOO, MI  A Kalamazoo Public Safety police dog raced through several yards and hurdled numerous fences before successfully tracking a suspect who had fled from police on foot Monday evening.

Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1600 block of East Cork Street at around 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20 on the report of a domestic assault when they learned the suspect had fled on foot, a news release from the department states.

Officer Nicole Corstange and police dog Ozzy arrived on scene and tracked the suspect through several yards, before locating the suspect hiding in the backyard of a house in the 3600 block of Lincolnshire Boulevard, the release states.

The house on Lincolnshire Boulevard is located about a half mile southeast of where police initially began their investigation on East Cork Street.

The suspect, who has not been named pending arraignment, was arrested on charges of domestic assault, resisting and obstructing officers, and for two outstanding warrants, according to police.

The suspect was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail and their case is being forwarded to the Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorneys Office for review.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

Also on MLive:

Kalamazoo Public Safety offers higher pay to recruit experienced officers

Suspect arrested after shooting at apartment complex near Kalamazoo
President Donald Trump sought to sell the United States to the global business community, telling an economic conference in the Swiss Alps that Americas economic turnaround has been nothing short of spectacular.

Mr Trump addressed the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, hours before his historic impeachment trial was to reconvene in the US Senate in Washington.

Mr Trump reminded the audience that when he spoke here two years ago, early in his presidency: I told you that we had launched the great American comeback.

Today Im proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom, the likes of which the world has never seen before, the president said.

Mr Trumps participation in the annual gathering of political and business elites in the Alpine ski resort will provide a conspicuous split-screen moment in a presidency familiar with them.

The two-day Swiss visit will test Mr Trumps ability to balance his anger over being impeached with a desire to project leadership on the world stage.

Speculation had mounted that Mr Trump would cancel the trip due to the Senate trial, but aides said he remains focused on producing results for the American people.

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Climate issues were to be a main theme at the forum and Act On Climate was written in the snow at the landing zone where Mr Trumps Marine One helicopter set down in Davos.

Mr Trump, however, said he was attending the forum to encourage businesses to invest in the US.

America is thriving. America is flourishing and yes, America is winning again like never before, Mr Trump said before talking about a newly signed trade deal with China and a pending trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

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Mr Trump also spoke of record low unemployment, stock market gains and millions removed from unemployment.

Mr Trump planned to meet with world leaders and business executives after the speech.

Swooping in for his second appearance at the conference, Mr Trump was set to depart on Wednesday, jetting back to Washington, which is consumed by the impeachment trial.

The Democratic-controlled House impeached the Republican president last month for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after it was revealed that he had pressed Ukraines president to announce investigations into former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat and a Trump political rival.

Mr Trump withheld foreign aid that Congress had approved for the Eastern European nation and dangled the prospect of an Oval Office meeting as leverage.

Mr Trump denies any wrongdoing and argues that Democrats want to remove him from office because they know they cannot deny him reelection in November.

Mr Trump would be forced to leave office if convicted, but the Republican-controlled Senate is expected to acquit him.

Mr Trump said he would attend the Davos forum despite the awkward timing because he wants to encourage businesses to come back to the US.

Our country is the hottest country anywhere in the world, he said at the White House last week.

Theres nothing even close. Ill be meeting the biggest business leaders in the world, getting them to come here.

President Trump announces that the US will join the one trillion trees initiative launched at #wef20 and continue to show strong leadership in restoring, growing and better managing our forests  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

The White House has not named any of the business leaders Mr Trump is set to meet with.

But he is scheduled to hold talks Tuesday and Wednesday with the leaders of Iraq, Pakistan, Switzerland and Iraqs self-governing Kurdish region, as well as the forums founder, the White House said.

Mr Trump also will have his first meeting with the new European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the first woman to hold the position.

That meeting could be the most significant, said analyst Matt Goodman, given Mr Trumps many disagreements with Europe over tax and trade policy, like a new digital levy by the French that will force American tech giants such as Amazon and Google to pay up.

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Shes new and shes formidable, said Mr Goodman, who studies international economic policy as a senior vice president at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

He predicted a difficult year ahead for US-EU relations.

Mr Trump has smarted over the French tax, and his administration has announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs of up to 100% on cheese, wine, lipstick and other French imports.

France has threatened to fight back.

But after speaking to Mr Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that they had a great discussion about the digital tax and will work together on a good agreement to avoid tariff escalation.

President Trump highlights the progress that has been made since he last addressed Davos - from economic growth to the signing of trade deals, including two in just the last week. He tells #wef20 he's never been more confident in America's future  World Economic Forum (@wef) January 21, 2020

Mr Trump later retweeted Mr Macron, adding the word: Excellent!

The US has also threatened to impose retaliatory duties on 7.5 billion US dollars worth of European planes, cheese, wine and other goods in a separate dispute over subsidies for Airbus, a competitor to Chicago-based Boeing Co.

Mr Trump has sought to wring trade concessions from the EU by threatening tariffs on German cars, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

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Mr Trump is just the third American president, after Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, to face a Senate impeachment trial.

Mr Johnson and Mr Clinton were acquitted by the Senate.

There is precedent for international travel by an impeached US leader.

During his impeachment over an affair with a White House intern, Mr Clinton visited Japan, South Korea, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

He travelled to Jordan for King Husseins funeral in February 1999, just a few days before he was acquitted.

Two days after acquittal, Mr Clinton went to Mexico on a state visit.

Mr Trump is planning to make his first visit to India at the end of February, probably after the conclusion of his impeachment trial.

He also has talked about travelling soon to Beijing, although he has given no dates, to open a new round of trade talks with China.
The chief executive of PayPal (PYPL) has attacked the shareholder-focused capitalism that has dominated for decades, saying companies should put their staff above all else.

Speaking at the Davos conference on Tuesday, Dan Schulman said: From my perspective, and not everyone agrees with this, people can debate, but we each have multiple constituencies we serve. Employees, our customers, for us regulators, shareholders.

To me the number one constituency that we have to serve is our employees. By far and away, if you dont have passionate, engaged people who work with you, then you can never aspire to be a great company.

Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal. Photo: Albert Gea/Reuters

Schulman attacked the idea of shareholder primacy developed by Nobel-prize winning economist Milton Friedman. Friedman was an ardent believer in free markets and his ideas helped drive the wave of de-regulation in the West that shaped late-20th century capitalism.

I think its ridiculous that the idea of profit and purpose work against each other, Schulman said. I actually think they work together.

This whole Milton Friedman  that was not based on math, that was based on the power of a great soundbite. And it worked for a long time. But the truth of the matter is if you dont look at a multi-stakeholder world, you are sub-optimising what you can be as a company.

READ MORE: Do wealthy CEOs have what it takes to be president?

Last August the US Business Roundtable group, which represents some of the countrys top CEOs, said it was abandoning the idea of shareholder primacy. Instead, the group defined the purpose of companies as improving our society.

Schulman said on Tuesday putting profits before people was a huge issue, not just in companies ... but our democracy.

My favourite quote on democracy is democracy needs to be more than two wolves and one sheep voting on what to have for dinner, he said. That means you have to rise above your own self-interest for democracy to be effective.

But how can people rise above their own self-interest when this is the first generation ever where this generation growing up now does not think theyll be better off than their parents? This idea of hope  you start to turn against the system.

Story continues

We, as business leaders, need to make sure that our employees feel financially secure.

Business leaders have an ethical and moral obligation to think much more broadly than this idea of shareholder maximisation. We will maximise for shareholders if we look at a multi-stakeholder framework.

Schulmans comments came during a panel on the future of the digital economy at the World Economic Forums annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Around 3,000 political and business leaders are attending the conference, including US president Donald Trump.
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A Chinese tourist was drowned and three others were injured when their motorboat overturned on Tuesday after being buffeted by strong winds in the central Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed.

The Chinese Embassy said the accident happened at around 11 a.m. local time in the waters of Boracay island resort in Aklan province in the central Philippines.

Twenty-one Chinese tourists were on the boat when the strong wind battered and capsized it. One female Chinese national of 45 years old was dead and three others were injured.

The injured Chinese tourists were taken to a local hospital and all 17 others were properly arranged. All 20 tourists are now in stable condition.

The Chinese Embassy already offered necessary assistance to the Chinese tourists to deal with the aftermath.

The Philippine authorities were investigating the accident.

The popular Boracay resort, famous for powdery white sand, shallow azure water and spectacular sunsets, is a favorite beach destination of Chinese tourists holidaying in the Philippines.

According to the local government, around 434,000 Chinese tourists visited Boracay in 2019.
WELLESLEY, Mass., Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Babson College's Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA'92, PhD, president of the top ranked college for the study of entrepreneurship and a leader in education innovation, has received the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE).

USASBE honored President Spinelli with the John E. Hughes/USASBE Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement, which focuses on entrepreneurial and philanthropic achievement and commitment to entrepreneurship education.

Babson Colleges President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA'92, PhD honored for entrepreneurial and philanthropic achievement and commitment to entrepreneurship education.

USASBE, one of the leading entrepreneurship education organization, presented the honor during the organization's annual conference, where President Spinelli delivered one of the keynote addresses, Higher Education on the Precipice: Why Entrepreneurship Matters More Than Ever.

"What distinguishes Dr. Spinelli are his distinguished and sustained contributions as a leading scholar and as an administrator at Philadelphia University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Babson College," said Eric Liguori, USASBE president and Executive Director and Rohrer Chair of Entrepreneurship at the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Rowan University.

"Informed by his success as an entrepreneur and co-founder of Jiffy Lube International, as well as by his research as a scholar and by his time in the classroom, Dr. Spinelli has meaningfully helped to bridge academia and industry at each of the institutions that he has led," said Liguori.

"USASBE Hughes award winners are accomplished entrepreneurs who take the knowledge that they have gained in the field and share it to inform, transform, and empower the generations ahead," said Liguori.

"The impact of Dr. Spinelli on entrepreneurship education and research during the past several decades is known far and wide," Liguori added. "He has championed the growth and development of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the world's largest collaborative research project studying entrepreneurship activities and mindsets. Insights from GEM, which was cofounded by Babson, have helped transform education and public policy at a global level."

"Dr. Spinelli has supported entrepreneurship education worldwide, overseeing the expansion of Babson's Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators program, helping to scale its impact to hundreds of new educators and tens of thousands to new students across the globe," Liguori said.

"A leading champion for interdisciplinary education, Dr. Spinelli established at Philadelphia the unique Kanbar College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce, one of America's first multidisciplinary colleges," he said.

"Dr. Spinelli's accomplishments are vast and his impact unquestionable. Yet, he remains a humble servant leader, working daily to help transform education and empower students to thrive in an ever-evolving business environment. His continued perseverance and service-above-self philosophy of life are traits exhibited by Mr. Hughes himself and are central to why USASBE has selected Dr. Spinelli as the 2020 Hughes Award winner," Liguori said.

Higher Education on the Precipice: Why Entrepreneurship Matters More

President Spinelli's keynote at the USASBE annual conference focused on the need for entrepreneurial innovation in education that can impact society. His key points included:

Colleges and universities are contending with dramatically unfavorable demographic trends, declining enrollments, and a burdensome regulatory and cost environment.

The pace of change in the world and workplace is creating disruption in almost every industry.

The future of work is driving entrepreneurship education to the forefront of business education specifically and higher education generally.

This is a time of unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurial leaders who are nimble, opportunity-driven, innovative, and growth-oriented.

Babson provides a vision for higher education innovation by developing a system that will inspire and empower entrepreneurial leaders to thrive in any context; build and leverage an impactful, networked, global entrepreneurial ecosystem; engage learners on their terms; and model entrepreneurial leadership.

About President Stephen Spinelli Jr.

Dr. Spinelli began his journey at Babson as an MBA student and later as a professor and administrator. He has spent his career at the intersection of academia, business, and philanthropy.

During his 14 years at Babson, he served as the Alan Lewis Chair in Global Management, Chair of the Entrepreneurship Division, Director of The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship, and Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Global Management. An accomplished entrepreneur, Dr. Spinelli co-founded Jiffy Lube International. In 2011, he was inducted into Babson's Alumni Entrepreneur Hall of Fame .

He served for 10 years as president of Philadelphia University, and, after leading the successful merger of Philadelphia and Thomas Jefferson universities, he was named Chancellor of Thomas Jefferson University. As president, he established the unique Kanbar College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce: one of America's first transdisciplinary colleges. He championed the Master of Science in Sustainable Design, an award-winning, transdisciplinary, collaborative degree program that is among the most recognized sustainable design graduate degrees. He returned to Babson as President in 2019.

John E. Hughes/USASBE Award for Entrepreneurial Advocacy

Newly established in 2018, The John E. Hughes Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement recognizes an individual who, through significant and sustained entrepreneurial initiatives, has demonstrated a unique ability to accept and manage risk, exercise personal control, and acquire personal reward. The recipients should be an entrepreneur (new venture, corporate, and/or social) that is committed to entrepreneurship education and has demonstrated impact on the field of entrepreneurship, community leadership and philanthropic giving.

Nominee Criteria

Nominees should be an individual who has used business ownership to make a positive contribution to the world. Business ownership can be through startup or being a CEO of an existing organization.

Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to entrepreneurship education at any level, and their impact on entrepreneurship education will be considered a plus.

Nominees should exhibit philanthropic achievement recognizing the importance of "paying it forward" to help others (including organizations) positively impact their community.

John E. Hughes was born in February, 1927. He dropped out of high school in 1944 and volunteered for military service in World War II, serving with the parachute infantry. After leaving the service, he obtained a high school GED in 1947, and went on to receive his C.P.A. certificate, from the University of Illinois in 1957. In 1968, he founded his own C.P.A. firm. After selling his firm, he went on to be an owner and CEO at Archibald/Fannie May Candy Shops, Inc. from 1981 through 1991, selling his interest in October 1991. Mr. Hughes is passionate about self-employment and its positive impact on individuals and communities, which is why this award was established in his name supported by the Coleman Foundation where Mr. Hughes is Board Chairman Emeritus.

About USASBE

USASBE is an inclusive community advancing entrepreneurship education through bold teaching, scholarship, and practice.

About Babson College

Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader of Entrepreneurship of All Kinds . The top-ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action  as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value.

SOURCE Babson College

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 21)  The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the charges against high-ranking police officials who led the controversial Mamasapano encounter under the administration of then President Benigno Aquino III in 2015.

The fourth division of the anti-graft court on Tuesday granted former Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima's motion to quash the charges against him for graft and usurpation or unlawful use of authority. The court also found no probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against former PNP-Special Action Forces Commander Getulio Napenas for the same charges.

The court ordered the lifting of the hold departure orders against Purisima and Napenas and the release of the cash bails they had posted.

Purisima was accused of conspiring with and influencing Napenas so he could "willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously" perform the function of top cop in planning and supervising Oplan Exodus despite being under preventive suspension.

The botched operation resulted in the deaths of 44 members of the police's Special Action Forces, known as the SAF 44, after fighting Moro rebels in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

In its 18-page resolution, the Sandiganbayan said Purisima's role in Oplan Exodus was upon the orders of Aquino "who cannot be accused of and be found liable of usurpation of official functions" since he was only acting in his capacity as then President and Commander-in-Chief.

"Since, by contemplation of law, then President Aquino could not have committed the crime of usurpation of official functions herein, and accused Purisima could not have been 'under the pretense of official function' in following President Aquino's orders, the inescapable conclusion is that accused Napenas did not conspire with them in committing the said crime," the Sandiganbayan ruled.

The court, however, stressed that the former police officials "are without any liability in the conduct of the operations of Oplan Exodus."

The court in 2019 dropped the same charges against Aquino upon the request of Ombudsman Samuel Martires, who said it does not make sense to charge a President with usurpation of authority.

This complaint was filed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales in 2017, while dismissing the charges against Aquino for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides. She said what the former President did wrong was to allow Purisima play a major role in the Mamasapano operation while he was supposed to be suspended.

Solicitor General Jose Calida wants homicide charges filed against Aquino, Purisima and Napenas, saying they were liable for the deaths of the SAF 44. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed a petition backed by Calida seeking to charge them with homicide.

Napenas' camp said they have yet to receive a copy of the order signed by the division chairperson, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Alex Quiroz.

"Nonetheless, if it is indeed true that the Court dismissed the cases against General Napenas, we welcome such positive development and would like to send our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Honorable Justices for seeing to it that justice is served," Napenas' lawyer Paolo Mabazza said in a statement.

He said it was a victory for all uniformed personnel and that Napenas will continue to seek justice for the SAF 44.

CNN Philippines' AC Nicholls contributed to this report.
California is already one of the nations most liberal states, but a Bernie Sanders presidency would kick the states progressive tilt into overdrive.

Still, in many policy areas, Californians would feel far less of an impact than residents of more conservative states.

The Vermont senators call for a $15-an-hour minimum wage? Californias already moving there, with every worker slated to hit that mark by 2023. Legal status for Dreamers, undocumented young people brought into the U.S. as children? The state has moved to block all proposed deportation efforts. Banning for-profit prisons and ending cash bail? California already is working to do just that.

But the wide-ranging plans Sanders has proposed during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination go further and faster than those of virtually any other politician, inside or outside of California, which supporters call a major selling point.

Election 2020: How we cover the candidates The Chronicle is examining what California would look like if the major Democratic presidential candidates were elected and could implement their top policy priorities. The candidates' positions are taken from their websites, comments they have made during the campaign, and in some cases from legislation they have sponsored in office. Here are the other installments in this series: Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren. See More Collapse

Bernie Sanders is the only candidate Californians can trust to cancel all our student loan and medical debt, deliver the aggressive Green New Deal we need to avert the climate crisis and end homelessness in America, said Anna Bahr, a state spokeswoman for the senator.

If Sanders becomes president and he can push his entire agenda through Congress, it will bring dramatic changes to California.

Finances, taxes

Under a President Sanders, California would be getting more federal money. A lot more federal money. While the senator hasnt said exactly how much all his proposed programs would cost, hes put out enough information to show there would be multiple trillions in new spending. And since California has more than 12% of the nations population and one of the countrys highest poverty rates  much of that cash would find its way here.

According to Sanders campaign website, over the next decade he wants to spend $2.5 trillion to build affordable housing, pay off $1.6 trillion in student debt, use $16 trillion for his Green New Deal and provide $1 trillion for infrastructure. That doesnt include the estimated $30 trillion-plus cost of his Medicare for All health plan, or billions more to make public colleges free, provide universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, boost Social Security payments and provide, as his website puts it, a federal jobs guarantee, to ensure that everyone is guaranteed a stable job that pays a living wage.

The tsunami of federal money would be good news for plenty of Californians. The 17% of residents who owe money for health care would see much of that debt disappear, with the government paying past-due medical bills. State residents owe about $131 billion in college debt, and Sanders plans to cancel all of it.

Other Californians would pick up much of the bill. Sanders would pay for his plans with new taxes on big corporations and the wealthy. In a state with 157 billionaires  and more than a million millionaires  along with some of the nations biggest companies, those taxes would hurt.

Health care

Sanders health care plan is simple: Private insurance will be eliminated and almost every medical service will be provided by the government with no premiums, no deductibles, no copays, no surprise bills.

Thats great news, said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a consumer medical advocate.

It would be universal, more cost-effective, simpler and more focused on prevention rather than profit, he said. It can set prices that are fair but not inflated.

Its that pricing question that worries some in the medical industry, who are concerned that doctors and hospitals will pay the costs of the new plan.

We have 437 hospitals in California and about 38% of them are operating at a loss, said Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association. The goal for everyone in the health care industry is universal coverage, but (Sanders plan) is risky and potentially dangerous if hospitals arent paid enough to keep operating.

Not everything would happen instantly. Sanders 2017 Senate bill calls for a four-year transition period, with the Medicare age limit dropping each year.

The transition matters, Wright said. We dont want to leave anyone behind when were moving forward.

College education

Sanders calls for the federal government to pay two-thirds of the tuition and fees for everyone at public, four-year colleges, with the state picking up the rest.

If California opts in, it would still have to maintain its spending on its higher education system  it couldnt cut back on faculty costs, for example, to pay for tuition. Since living expenses are as much a barrier to college students as tuition, the federal government would increase Pell Grants to cover costs such as housing, books, transportation and other supplies.

That would still leave the state with plenty of problems, especially in the short run, said Tolani Britton, an assistant professor at UC Berkeleys Graduate School of Education.

Capacity is going to be a big issue, she said. There arent enough seats now to accommodate everyone who wants to come.

In 2018-19, more than 70,000 qualified students were turned away from Californias public colleges and universities. With more students looking at the chance for a free education, competition could become even more intense, possibly squeezing out the poor and minority students Sanders program is designed to help, Britton said.

But if California can push through the temporary problems, good things could happen. There are plenty of qualified first-generation students who dont consider college now because of the potential costs, Britton said.

The prospect of less expenses might be an incentive to apply, she said.

Environment

The Green New Deal, backed by Sanders and many other progressive Democrats, is a comprehensive plan that would dramatically change the way California deals with climate change and energy use.

While the state already is moving in a similar direction, Sanders would accelerate the process and take it beyond Californias targets.

California, for example, calls for providing 50% renewable energy by 2030. Sanders wants it to be 100% by then. While the state trimmed its rebate program for electric cars last year, Sanders is calling for 100% electric vehicles by 2030 and proposing more than $2 trillion in rebates to allow low- and moderate-income families to trade in their gas-powered cars for American-made electric vehicles.

While a few California cities, including Berkeley, are moving toward a ban on natural gas hookups for new homes, Sanders would look to bar all but electric energy from homes and businesses.

Sanders also plans to virtually eliminate the nations fossil fuel industry  he would ban production in the U.S. and eliminate imports and exports  and largely replace it with publicly owned utilities. He also wants to provide displaced energy workers with five years of salary, job training, housing assistance and job placement.

The speed and scale of those changes concern people in Californias business community.

Sanders timeline for the changes is completely unrealistic, said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, which represents some of the states largest companies. It reflects how he would try to transform Californias economy through energy policy.

The technology isnt there to completely switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy, and ending Californias oil and gas industry would kill off some of the businesses most responsible for good-paying middle-class job and put thousands out of work, Lapsley said.

How far, how fast is the question, Lapsley said. We support climate change goals, but want to do it in a way that doesnt do harm to the average Californian.

But climate change is a challenge that cant be addressed by halfway measures, Sanders said.

We are going to invest massively in wind, solar and other sustainable energies, the senator said at a Sacramento rally in August. We cannot turn our backs on this crisis.

Immigration

Like virtually every other Democratic candidate, Sanders plans to reverse President Trumps immigration programs, including construction of the border wall, attempts to limit immigration from Muslim countries, rules that deny public housing to families with an undocumented member, and efforts to cut federal funds from sanctuary cities such as San Francisco and Oakland.

Sanders would also change the way undocumented residents are treated. He would bar all deportations until a thorough audit of current and past practices is complete. He would immediately give legal status to all Dreamers and expand that definition to include anyone who came to the U.S. when they were younger than 18.

He would end criminal penalties for illegal border crossings, end immigration detention for families, children and immigrants who havent been convicted of a violent crime, and allow undocumented residents who have been in the state for at least five years to stay without being threatened with deportation.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 21, 2020

2020/01/21

Q: The WHO said they are holding an emergency meeting about the coronavirus outbreak. We want to know if China's sending representatives, and if so, who?

After the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, the Chinese government has attached high importance and made comprehensive deployment on prevention and control.

Acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility towards global health security, Chinese authorities shared information of the epidemic with the WHO, relevant nations and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions in a timely manner, including the genome sequence of the new coronavirus.

As far as I know, upon invitation from the WHO, China will join other affected countries at an International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee meeting on the night of January 22 Beijing time. Relevant countries, the WHO and experts will share information and come up with a science-based evaluation at the meeting.

China will continue to deepen international cooperation and work in concert with the international community to deal with the epidemic and safeguard regional and global health security.

Q: Given that now there there's confirmed human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus, is China stepping up prevention or control in outbound Chinese travelers from Wuhan?

A: Like I said yesterday, the Wuhan government has taken measures to control the flow of people leaving the city. The latest news is that they have stepped up control over the flow of people leaving or entering Wuhan. I'd refer you to the competent and local authorities for more details.

I'd like to stress again that Chinese authorities, acting with a high sense of responsibility, shared information of the epidemic with the WHO, relevant nations and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions in a timely manner. After receiving notification of cases from relevant countries, China has taken it seriously and stayed in close communication with all parties through bilateral and multilateral channels, while strengthening cooperation with all-out efforts to deal with them. We will work with all parties to jointly tackle the epidemic and safeguard regional and global health security.

Q: Yesterday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued its latest World Economic Outlook report, citing greater economic downward risks due to rising geopolitical tensions, intensifying social unrest and trade frictions. The report trimmed its 2020 and 2021 global growth forecasts to 3.3 percent and 3.4 percent respectively, but upgraded China's 2020 growth forecast to 6.0 percent. I wonder if you could comment on that?

A: We noted that report. The international landscape is complicated with a marked increase of instability and uncertainty. Since 2019, the IMF downgraded global economic forecasts several times. Doing so again at the beginning of a new year demonstrates persisting downward pressure.

Against such a backdrop, the Chinese economy has registered steady growth on the whole. According to the latest statistics, in 2019, China's year-on-year GDP growth stood at 6.1 percent, leading major world economies. Its GDP per capita crossed the threshold of 10,000 US dollars. China's GDP is expected to account for more than 16 percent of the world's total and its economic growth is estimated to contribute around 30 percent to world growth. IMF upgrading China's growth forecast indicates again international recognition of China's economic performance and confidence in China's economic prospects.

Despite mounting risks and challenges at home and abroad, China's good economic fundamentals for long-term growth remain. It still boasts solid internal growth momentum, great resilience and enormous economic potential. In 2020, we will continue to focus on supply-side structural reform and implement set policies and measures to sustain medium-high growth and move to a medium-high level of development.

I'd like to point out that as a powerful engine of world economic growth, the stable growth of China's economy also contributes to the world economy. Amid rising unilateralism and protectionism, China will continue to deepen reform, expand opening-up, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and work with other parties to foster an open world economy and improve global economic governance for strong, balanced, sustainable and inclusive development of the world economy.

Q: In light of the recent developments over the past 24 hours, will China be enforcing any more checks at airports or any other places where people would be leaving China for destinations in foreign countries in order to reduce risk of spreading this virus? You talked about restrictions on people entering and leaving Wuhan, what kind of advice is China giving to people thinking about going to Wuhan for the Chinese New Year?

A: I'll leave these questions to the competent authorities.

What I can tell you is that we have formulated comprehensive, strict prevention and control schemes in response to the pneumonia outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus. We are determined to curb any momentum of spreading.

Like I said earlier, Chinese authorities, acting with a high sense of responsibility, shared information of the epidemic with the WHO, relevant nations and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions in a timely manner. We will work with all parties to jointly tackle the epidemic and safeguard regional and global health security.

Q: Just a clarification of what you said about Wuhan. Is it that the entire population of the city are banned from leaving the city?

A: What I said is that the Wuhan government has enhanced control over the flow of people leaving or entering the city. My understanding is that the travelers will need to be examined instead of being banned from leaving or entering the city.

I'd refer you to the local government for more details.

With the Chinese New Year just days away, I believe many people have already had their overseas travels planned out. As we have seen cases where the safety of Chinese tourists has come under threat, here are some travel advisories for those who plan to travel overseas. Know the border entry and exit regulations. Make informed choices on your travel itinerary and activities. Be aware of potential risks and take due precautions.

In particular, we advocate traveling with good etiquette. While you are abroad, please comply with local laws and regulations, respect local culture, traditions, customs and religions, and be environmental-friendly. Seek redress rationally if your rights are violated. Remember, when you are traveling overseas, you are the image of China.

If you find yourself in an emergency, call the local police immediately. You may also dial the MFA 12308 hotline or contact us via the "Foreign Ministry 12308" smartphone app for consular protection and assistance.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and our diplomatic missions overseas will do our utmost to facilitate Chinese citizens' travels overseas and offer support and assistance when necessary. "Wherever you go, we've got your back."
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Tuesday cautioned the Centre against going ahead with the proposed hydrocarbon project in the delta district of Karaikal and Bahoor block here and warned of "big protests" if it was not dropped once and for all.

Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference here, the Chief Minister said the Centre was acting in an "autocratic and unconcerned" manner by letting the Vedanta group take up drilling operations both offshore and onshore in Puducherry and Karaikal regions for the hydrocarbon.

He said he had received a letter a couple of days ago from the Centre stating that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006 has been amended exempting hydrocarbon project proposed in the Cauvery delta region from public consultations.

He also said the Union Petroleum Ministry had informed the Puducherry government that the Vedanta group of company had been sanctioned permission to take up drilling operations in the Union Territory in addition to Villupuram and Nagapattinam in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

While 39 sq km in Karaikal would be taken up for drilling, an extent of two sq km land would be brought under exploration on shore in Bahoor in Puducherry.

Narayanasamy said he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan registering his government's strong protest against the Centre's "autocratic and unconcerned" approach in letting a private firm to take up the drilling operations.

He said he had also taken strong exception to the recent amendment to the EIA notification.

"I have very strongly opposed the Centre's stand that no no prior permission or clearance is necessary for the drilling operations from the concerned State government."



If the Central government went ahead with its decision to let the private firm to take up drilling operations in the Union Territory despite the objection by the territorial administration, the Chief Minister said, "we would stage a big protest and this would include an agitation to protect fishermen and farmers."



Narayanasamy called upon the Centre to drop the proposal for the project in the Union Territory as it was an "injurious threat to farmers and fishermen."He alleged that the Centre was acting with utmost grudge and rancour against the Puducherry government and has been planning to disturb the fragile environmental zone in Puducherry and Karaikal districts through the hydrocarbon project.

He wanted to know why the project had not been conceptualised for the northern part of the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW YORK - The Vatican has ordered an investigation of a sexual abuse allegation against Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who was previously named by Pope Francis to investigate the churchs response to clergy sexual abuse in Buffalo.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York received instructions on Jan. 7 to begin an investigation of allegations that DiMarzio molested a child while he was a parish priest in New Jersey in the mid-1970s, according to a statement released over the weekend by Dolans spokesman Joseph Zwilling.

As is our practice, the Cardinal will rely on outside professional forensic investigators to assist him in this matter, Zwilling said.

Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian notified church officials in November that he was preparing a lawsuit on behalf of his client, who alleges to have been repeatedly abused by DiMarzio and a second priest as an altar boy at St. Nicholas Church in Jersey City.

DiMarzio denied the allegation, telling The Associated Press I am confident I will be fully vindicated.

In October, Pope Francis tapped DiMarzio to investigate the Buffalo Diocese, where Bishop Richard Malone had come under fire for his handling of a burgeoning clergy abuse scandal. Malone resigned in December.
 Close Trump attacks climate change 'prophets of doom'

Greta Thunberg and Donald Trump have traded veiled barbs at Davos as climate change and sustainability lead the agenda at the World Economic Forum.

The teenage activist told the world's political and business leaders that the global youth movement inspired by her school strikes are just the very beginning and warned Mr Trump's pledge to join an initiative to plant one trillion trees was "nowhere near" the action required to avert catastrophe.

Despite his tree-planting vow, Mr Trump decried climate "prophets of doom" during his address to delegates and said the US would defend its economy, extolling the benefits of oil and gas. It comes on the same day that his impeachment trial in the Senate begins in earnest.

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LOS ANGELES, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominguez Firm is proud to announce that Founding Partner Juan J. Dominguez and Chief Trial Attorney Olivier Taillieu have been selected to the 2020 California Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers, a Thompson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in California are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

As Founding Partner of The Dominguez Firm, Juan J. Dominguez has appeared on Super Lawyer lists a total of 11 times, including the last six years in a row. He has also been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades over the course of his distinguished career, including being named Attorney of the Year by the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA). "I feel honored by my peers each year I am selected into the Super Lawyers list," states attorney Dominguez.

With his inclusion in the California Super Lawyers list for 2020, Attorney Olivier Taillieu has been recognized for the 6th consecutive year. Throughout his esteemed career, he has achieved numerous multimillion-dollar results in serious injury cases.

The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. Super Lawyers Magazines also feature editorial profiles of attorneys who embody excellence in the practice of law. For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com.

About The Dominguez Firm

The Dominguez Firm is a nationally recognized plaintiff personal injury, employment and workers' compensation law firm that has been successfully meeting the needs of its clients for over 30 years. To learn more about The Dominguez Firm or for a free case evaluation please visit dominguezfirm.com or call 800-818-1818.

SOURCE The Dominguez Firm, LLP

Related Links

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The Duke of Cambridge continued his busy week of royal engagements by making a speech at St James's Palace today.

Prince William, 37, who is the president of United for Wildlife, attended a meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces in London on Tuesday.

This is the second engagement in two days for the father-of-three, after he attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace last night with Kate Middleton, 38.

During the speech the Duke of Cambridge called on organisations to help end the 'abhorrent crime' of illegal wildlife trade, following what he called an 'encouraging' year of seizures and investigations.

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The Duke of Cambridge continued his busy week of royal engagements by making a speech at St James's Palace today

Wearing a navy suit, a crisp white shirt and a patterned red tie, William looked serious as he delivered his speech on unity to the room.

William welcomed Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to St James's Palace for a meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces.

Addressing the meeting, chaired by Lord William Hague and attended by US ambassador Woody Johnson, William called it an 'exciting time' for the two taskforces to be coming together.

'We start this year, and indeed this decade, in a very strong position,' he said.

'The world's largest transport and financial companies - many of whom are represented here today - are changing their everyday procedures.

'It is now becoming business as usual for transport companies to track down illegal wildlife products in their cargo, and for banks to investigate and report suspicious transactions related to illegal wildlife crime.'

But the duke acknowledged how 'crucial' the commitment from the Transport Taskforce and Financial Taskforce was, 'because sadly the demand for wildlife products has not diminished'.

Prince William, 37, who is the president of United for Wildlife, attended a meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces in London on Tuesday

'There are still too many criminals who know that they can find a market and believe they can act with impunity,' he said.

'Everything that you do to root out corruption, improve your processes and techniques, and flag suspicious activity to law enforcement helps make this trade too risky for criminals to stomach.'

The duke said it was 'encouraging' that last year saw a record number of wildlife seizures and investigations.

He praised Operation Blizzard, co-ordinated by Europol and Interpol, which resulted in 12 arrests and more than 4,000 seizures of live reptiles.

William concluded his address by thanking Lord Hague, the organisation's chairman, for leading it 'so deftly'.

He then asked the organisations to play their part in helping to end the 'abhorrent crime' of illegal wildlife trade, which includes the poaching of elephants for ivory and tigers for their skins.

'Please, please bring new ideas to the table, maintain and increase our momentum, and play your part in ending this abhorrent crime,' he said.

Created in 2014, UfW was founded by the Royal Foundation, a joint venture between William, Kate and Harry.

This is the second engagement in two days for the father-of-three, after he attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace last night with Kate Middleton, 38

Last night marked William's first solo reception at the palace, after his brother Prince Harry, 35, flew to Canada last night to be with Meghan Markle, 38, after a deal was reached on their departure from the royal family.

On Sunday night the Duke of Sussex has said he is 'taking a leap of faith' in stepping back from his life as a member of the royal family, but 'there really was no other option'.



Harry gave an emotional speech, where he told the 'truth' about leaving royal duties behind in a bid for a 'more peaceful life' for his family.

The duke attended his first public event since the announcement was released on Saturday that said from the spring, the duke and duchess will stop using HRH, spend the majority of their time living in Canada, and pay back the taxpayers' money spent renovating their Frogmore home.

He told invited guests: 'What I want to make clear is we're not walking away, and we certainly aren't walking away from you.

'Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible.

'I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am.

'But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.'

The Duke of Cambridge, as President of United for Wildlife, makes a speech during the meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces at St James's Palace, London
CNBC reports that Boeing is in talks to borrow at least $10 billion to help it survive its 737 Max crisis.

The company has reportedly secured $6 billion already, and is talking to lenders to increase this figure.

Banks which have already loaned money to Boeing include Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and J.P. Morgan.

According to the report, analysts were not expecting it to borrow as much as $10 billion  with one analyst forecasting a figure of around $5 billion.

Boeing suspended production of the 737 Max earlier this month, over 10 months after the planes were first grounded.

Recent developments suggest a more costly and protracted recovery for Boeing to restore confidence with its various market constituents, and an ensuing period of heightened operational and financial risk, even if certification of the Max comes relatively near-term, as expected, said Jonathan Root, Moodys lead Boeing analyst.

New software flaw

Boeing recently identified a new software flaw in the 737 Max that could further delay the planes return to the skies.

We are making necessary updates and working with the FAA on submission of this change, and keeping our customers and suppliers informed, said Boeing.

Our highest priority is ensuring the 737 Max is safe and meets all regulatory requirements before it returns to service.

Now read: New flaw found in Boeing 737 Max
Loren Dunton Memorial Award Barry Dayley, MRFC has worked tirelessly to uphold those values espoused by Dunton not only in his professional interaction with clients, but in empowering others to seek and succeed in a financial services vocation. IARFC Trustee Chair H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC . Past News Releases RSS Spring Issue of Financial Academic...

Burnett Marus, RFC Retired...

Financial Consulting Association...

Generally regarded as the Father of Financial Planning, Loren Dunton organized financial professionals in the late sixties and with their help created the financial planning movement. Dunton developed associations, magazines, colleges, university programs and foundations. He used his experiences to frankly explain what all financial advisors now recognize - that the ethical sales of financial products and the delivery of competent advice is a noble calling. Loren Dunton was a man of vision who cared deeply about both financial consultants and consumers. The Loren Dunton Memorial Award was first conferred in 2000 at the IARFC Financial Advisors Forum. The selection committee has strived to honor consultants who have demonstrated effectiveness in carrying the message of responsible financial stewardship to the public, and have high ethical and professional standards.

This years recipient, Barry L. Dayley, has worked in the financial planning and wealth management business since 1981 when he started his own Money Concepts Financial Planning Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1985 he received a request from Jack Walsh, the founder of Money Concepts, to serve as a consultant for Money Concepts and CUNA Mutual to develop a financial planning program for credit unions nationwide. In this role, Barry helped lead the establishment of over 600 financial planning programs in credit unions across the United States. Later, Barry accepted a position as the Division Manager of Member Services, where he led the operations of CUNA Mutual Group in the Northwest Marketing Division. In 1998, he returned to Money Concepts as a Senior Vice President with emphasis on financial institution development. Currently Barry is the Executive Vice President of Money Concepts with national and international responsibilities.

I met Loren Dunton in the mid 1980s at the annual meeting of the International Association of Financial Planning (now the FPA) in San Francisco. I was honored to talk to him and was impressed with the impact he had on the financial planning profession. He even gave me a copy of his latest book, About Your Future. Mr. Dunton was a true pioneer and selfless leader. It is a great honor to receive an award that bears his name. I will try to live up to the pattern he set for us.

Barrys educational background includes; a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University with a degree in Financial and Estate Planning (1980), the achievement of the Certified Financial Planner designation (1989), and the Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC) credential (2017). He is a student of the business and is a frequent speaker at functions of the American Bankers Association, the National Federal Credit Union Association, and other industry conferences. In addition, Barry conducts an ongoing series of training and continuing education programs nationally with the over 700 Representatives of Money Concepts Capital Corp. In spite of Barrys demanding corporate responsibilities, he still maintains a very small financial planning client base to keep his skills sharp, and maintain involvement in a profession he loves

The Loren Dunton Memorial Award celebrates an IARFC member who has dedicated their career to Duntons vision of the financial planning profession and the ethical treatment of clients, declared IARFC Trustee Chair and CEO, H. Stephen Bailey, MRFC. Barry Dayley, MRFC has worked tirelessly to uphold those values espoused by Dunton not only in his professional interaction with clients, but in empowering others to seek and succeed in a financial services vocation. I salute him for his commitment and his professional lifes work.

For additional information on the IARFC and the Loren Dunton Memorial Award visit the IARFC website.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 21

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

The production volume of crude steel of eight main steel companies in Iran was disclosed for the first nine months of this Iranian year (from March 21 through December 21, 2019), Trend reports referring to the report of the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

In accordance with the report, the companies produced 3.8 million tons of steel blooms, 3.6 million tons of steel billets and 7.9 million tons of slabs.

The figures (tons):
US President Donald Trump said at a meeting Tuesday in Davos with new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that they were discussing a trade deal.

Trump, accompanied by top economic advisors including Wilbur Ross and Robert Lighthizer, met with von der Leyen on the sidelines of the Davos economic conference.

"We're going to talk about a good trade deal. We'll be discussing other things also," he told reporters.

Von der Leyen said she was looking forward to working with Trump, saying Americans and Europeans were "good friends".

Trump said he'd heard von der Leyen is "a very tough negotiator".

The talks came shortly after Paris announced a truce in its tussle with Washington over plans for taxing US technology companies earning revenue in France. Trump had threatened to hit back with tariffs.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, speaking before a Brussels meeting with EU counterparts, said President Emmanuel Macron and Trump had talked and "agreed to avoid all escalation between the US and France on this digital tax issue."



A French diplomatic source said the French and US leaders, who spoke by telephone on Sunday, agreed to give negotiations a chance to avoid "a trade war that will benefit no one".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least four types of coronaviruses cause very mild infections every year, like the common cold. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives.

Another coronavirus that circulated in China in 2003 caused a more dangerous condition known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. The virus was contained after it had sickened 8,098 people and killed 774.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012, is also caused by a coronavirus.

The new virus has been named SARS-CoV-2. The disease it causes is called Covid-19.

How dangerous is it?

It is hard to accurately assess the lethality of a new virus. It appears to be less often fatal than the coronaviruses that caused SARS or MERS, but significantly more so than the seasonal flu. The fatality rate was over 2 percent, in one study. But government scientists have estimated that the real figure could be below 1 percent, roughly the rate occurring in a severe flu season.

About 5 percent of the patients who were hospitalized in China had critical illnesses.

Children seem less likely to be infected with the new coronavirus, while middle-aged and older adults are disproportionately infected.
NEW YORK  Rudy Giuliani's ex-associate, Lev Parnas, on Monday accused U.S. Attorney General William Barr of having a conflict of interest and asked Barr to recuse himself from the criminal campaign finance case against Parnas and allow a special prosecutor to handle the matter.

In a court-filed letter on the eve of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate, a lawyer for the indicted Soviet-born defendant cited Trump's "multiple references" to Barr in the matter at the heart of that case  the July phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the family of former vice president Joe Biden, a rival for this year's presidential election.

The exchange has been cited by House impeachment investigators as evidence that Trump improperly abused his authority by delaying nearly $400 million in U.S. military aid to Ukraine as he sought information that would benefit his reelection campaign. During the call, Trump told Zelensky "whatever you can do with the Attorney General would be great."

Barr has said Trump did not ask him to contact Zelensky and said that no such contact was made.

Citing the whistleblower complaint that was prompted by the Trump-Zelensky call, the letter argued that the whistleblower personally named Barr "as a participant in the President's abuse of the power of his office."

Additionally, the letter cited calls for Barr's recusal by the New York City Bar Association and by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, as well as professional links between Barr and Giuliani  the Trump personal attorney whom Parnas aided in seeking damaging information in Ukraine about Biden's family.

Government ethics guidelines bar federal employees from participating in matters in which their impartiality could be questioned, wrote Parnas attorney Joseph Bondy. He argued that Barr, the head of the Department of Justice, could not impartially oversee the case against Parnas.

Story continues

"Given the totality of the circumstances, we believe it is appropriate for you to recuse yourself from the ongoing investigation and pending prosecution of Mr. Parnas, and to allow the then-Acting Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor from outside the Department of Justice, so as to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest and to preserve the public trust in the rule of law," wrote Bondy.

The Department of Justice declined to comment on the request.

The renewed focus on Barr followed the public release of Parnas-provided instant messages, texts, documents and documents by House impeachment investigators. They used the material to press the Senate to allow testimony by the 47-year-old Florida businessman and others during Trump's trial.

As of Monday evening, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, had not publicly signaled whether any witnesses will be called during the proceeding.

Parnas is a potentially pivotal figure because he appears to offer first-hand evidence of Giuliani's effort to dig up dirt on Biden in Ukraine. At the same time, Parnas is a defendant in an unrelated criminal case in New York that accuses him and three co-defendants of funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign money to U.S. election candidates and campaigns.

Attorney General William Barr participates in an awards ceremony for 19 law enforcement officers for their efforts in criminal investigations, field operations and innovations in community policing, in the Great Hall of the Justice Department in Washington, DC on December 3, 2019.

Among the documents that House investigators released publicly last week was a previously undisclosed May 10 letter in which Giuliani sought a private meeting with Zelensky. In my capacity as personal counsel to President Trump and with his knowledge and consent, I request a meeting with you on this upcoming Monday, May 13th, or Tuesday, May 14th, Giuliani wrote.

The meeting never took place. However, House investigators argued that Giuliani's letter makes clear that his trip, which he publicly described at the time as an effort to 'meddle in an investigation, was undertaken with the knowledge and support of President Trump.

Trump and Giuliani have denied that contention.

Parnas also gave House investigators documents related to the ouster Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, over uncorroborated claims that she was disloyal to the Trump administration. Yovanovitch has denied such impropriety.

Parnas gave a series of media interviews last week in which he asserted that Trump "knew exactly what was going on in Ukraine" as Parnas and Giuliani sought information about Biden's family.

"He was aware of all my movements," Parnas said in a reference to Trump during an interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. "I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani, or the president."

However, Parnas's account is potentially undercut by gaps and inconsistencies. He told The New York Times that he stated Trump knew about the alleged scheme to pressure Ukrainian officials for information about Biden not because he'd spoken to the President but because Giuliani had assured him of it.

Trump's Press Secretary, Stephanie Grisham, a spokesman for Vice President Mike Pence, and the Department of Justice have all characterized Parnas as a liar who would say anything to win leniency in the criminal case against him.

These images provided by the Alexandria Sheriffs Office show booking mugshots of Igor Fruman (left) and Lev Parnas, associates of Rudy Giuliani who were arrested on an indictment that includes charges of violating campaign finance laws. The men had key roles in Giuliani's efforts to launch a Ukrainian corruption investigation against Biden and his son, Hunter.

Defendants in such cases typically maintain a low public profile if they seek to cooperate with federal prosecutors in hope of winning a recommendation for a reduced sentence after they plead guilty.

However, Bondy has waged an unusual public legal strategy of attempting to leverage Parnas's cooperation with House impeachment investigators to press federal prosecutors to consider accepting his client as a cooperating witness.

Referring to Barr in Monday's letter, Bondy argued that "this conflict of interest appears to have caused actual harm to Parnas" because prosecutors delayed turning over material seized from the businessman at the time of his arrest.

In turn, that delay held up Parnas's handover of the information to House impeachment investigators, making it difficult for the investigators to "make complete use of his materials or properly assess Mr. Parnas as a potential witness," wrote Bondy.

The defense lawyer also said prosecutors in the campaign finance case have thus far refused to meet with Parnas and receive his information about Trump, Giuliani, and others. That evidence "would potentially benefit Mr. Parnas if he were ever convicted and sentenced in his criminal case," wrote Bondy.

However, Parnas's attorney met with prosecutors in late 2019 and told them his client had been in contact with Ukrainian officials about removing Yovanovitch as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. But the attorney argued that Parnas did not seek the ouster at the urging of a Ukrainian official, as charged in the criminal indictment, the report added.

Contributing: Kevin Johnson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Impeachment: Lev Parnas accuses William Barr of conflict of interest
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, today announced that it is one of 325 companies across 50 industries included in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). The GEI expanded in 2020 to represent 42 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, and Russia for the first time. Companies range from a variety of industries, including automotive, banking, consumer services, engineering and construction, and retail.

The GEI tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation, and transparency. The reference index measures gender equality across five pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies, and pro-women brand. This year, Bloomberg expanded the eligibility for inclusion in the index to nearly 6,000 companies across 84 countries and regions.

Alliance Data was included in this year's index for scoring at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect a high level of disclosure and overall performance across the framework's five pillars.

"Diversity, equality and inclusion are core to our global workforce culture and how we operate every day," said Joseph L. Motes, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel & Secretary at Alliance Data. "For the second consecutive year, we are pleased to have been recognized by Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for our commitments in this area, and to be included alongside other reputable businesses that prioritize these same values."

"The 325 companies included in the 2020 GEI have shown their commitment to transparency and demonstrated leadership in gender-related data reporting," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg. "Disclosure of company statistics and practices is an important first step in supporting gender equality globally."

Through disclosure of gender-related metrics using the GEI framework, the firms included in the 2020 GEI have provided a comprehensive look at their investment in workplace gender equality and the communities in which they operate.

Both the framework and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. The GEI is a reference index and is not for use as a financial benchmark. The index is not ranked. While all public companies are encouraged to disclose supplemental gender data for their company's investment profile on the Bloomberg Terminal, those that have a market capitalization of USD1 billion are eligible for inclusion in the index. To learn more please visit the GEI website . Bloomberg Terminal subscribers can access the GEI at {BGEI } .

Press Contacts

ALLIANCE DATA

Tiffany Louder  Investor Relations

214-494-3048

[email protected]

Shelley Whiddon  Media

214-494-3811

[email protected]

Rachel Stultz  Media

614-729-4890

[email protected]

BLOOMBERG LP

Veronika Henze

Bloomberg LP

+1-646-324-1596

[email protected]

Liidia Liuksila

Bloomberg LP

+1 212-617-5424

[email protected]

About Alliance Data

Alliance Data (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today's most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500, FORTUNE 500 and FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Alliance Data consists of businesses that together employ over 9,000 associates at more than 50 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data's card services business is a provider of market-leading private label, co-brand, and business credit card programs. LoyaltyOne owns and operates the AIR MILES Reward Program, Canada's most recognized loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers. More information about Alliance Data can be found at www.AllianceData.com.

Follow Alliance Data on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Alliance Data Systems Corporation

Related Links

http://www.alliancedata.com


Value in Health, the official journal of ISPOR-;the professional society for health economics and outcomes research, announced today the publication of an article introducing a new framework for valuing health outcomes in cost-effectiveness analyses.

This new metric, "health years in total" (HYT), is a robust approach that overcomes specific limitations of quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and equal value of life (EVL) measures.

The report, "Health Years in Total: A New Health Objective Function for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis," appears in the January 2020 issue of Value in Health.

Researchers from the University of Washington developed HYT as an alternative to other frameworks for valuing health outcomes in cost-effectiveness analyses. In short, HYT equals the sum of life expectancy plus modified QALYs.

The modified QALYs are calculated over a time frame corresponding to the maximum survival of any given alternative. The Value in Health article establishes a theoretical framework, provides illustrations of the use of the HYT framework, and assesses decision-making thresholds for using HYT.

Despite the importance of QALY in cost-effectiveness analyses, its potential to be discriminatory toward patients with lower quality of life presents a critical challenge that has resulted in the exclusion of the use of cost-effectiveness analyses in some public healthcare decision making in the United States.

The use of the QALY in cost-effectiveness analyses has been publicly criticized, as highlighted in the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment, specific language in the Affordable Care Act barring the use of QALYs, resistance to the Institute of Clinical and Economic Review's activities, and the recent letter from the National Council on Disability to the President of the United States.

The main premise for these criticisms centers on the fact that QALYs, by definition, would value life extension for patients with lower baseline quality of life less than a similar life extension for patients with better baseline quality of life.

The National Council on Disability specifically calls for alternatives to QALY. However, alternatives to QALY, such as EVL, have not gained traction because EVL fails to recognize the quality of life gains during added years of life. And disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), recommended by the World Health Organization, have the same limitations as QALYs.

We propose a solution that can address this specific distributional issue of QALYs without failing to account for the quality of life impacts during the added years of life," In this article, we introduce the framework of health years in total, which separates life expectancy effects from quality of life impacts through the use of an additive, rather than multiplicative, approach. By disentangling life expectancy impacts from quality of life effects, the HYT framework enables patients with lower quality of life to fully benefit from interventions that extend life expectancy." Anirban Basu, author and PhD of The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington

The HYT framework proves a robust alternative to QALY in the use of cost-effectiveness analyses. Continued development, application, and testing of the HYT framework are needed to assess its potential for moving the field beyond the limitations of QALYs, DALYs, and EVL.
Tanvi Chauhan is a global studies scholar from the US-based Troy University. She is specialist on the MENA and Eurasia politico-military and security theaters.

21.01.2020 LISTEN

With the narrative that floats around, one is tempted to think that the Ukraine crisis is all about Crimea; that it started and ended there. So what about the internal oblasts like Odessa, Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk (the South- Eastern regions) where a protracted conflict broke out? Are they not part of the resolution to the Ukraine crisis? But before any party decides on how to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, it is crucial to understand what needs to be resolved.

What needs to be Resolved?

First, the negotiating status. Formal peace talks began with the Minsk-I ceasefire in September 2014 but Kyiv refused to engage with rebels as negotiation partners, even while Kyivs negotiators had no official status, proceeding to brand rebels as terrorists (Matveeva, 2018, p. 260). For as long as the insurgents are not considered cohorts in negotiating a peace deal and power sharing arrangements, the Ukraine crisis will not resolve. Second, the political fate of the insurgent territory. At the crisiss outset, Donbas seemed to concord with Russia about the federalization idea (Davies, 2016, p. 737), but as the conflict progressed, rebels aspirations were geared either towards complete independence or irredentism with Russia  the former, Ukraine would never give, and the latter, Russia did not want. The Special Status option running into a political impasse coupled with Ukrainian civil activist efforts against Minsk agreements meant that the crisis was not ripe for peace from Kyivs side. On the split side, the Donbas rebels dissatisfaction with Moscow and Kyiv for neglecting rebel wishes also meant that the crisis was not ready to be resolved from their side either. All parties were dissatisfied with the outcomes. It is not wrong therefore to say that Ukrainian nationalism and monist identity approach was only becoming stronger with rebels resistance to Kyivs biddings. Thus, for as long as the rebels are not awarded some sort of autonomy or freedom to live their Russianness, the crisis will not be resolved. At the same time, for as long as the rebels are firm on irredentist motives instead of attributing some form of loyalty to Kyiv, the SE-Ukraine crisis will prolong and cannot be resolved. It goes without saying that the resolution needs to be political, not military. As with any conflict, ceasefires are only temporary arrangements for until a greater political plan is formed. As the many (failed) ceasefire attempts indicate, Ukraine needs to seriously determine a political solution for the conflict to truly stop.

Ukraine Crisis and European Security

No matter how the Ukraine crisis is resolved, some things from the crisis serve as important notes for European security. First, the Donbas conflict is a strong reminder that for regional stability and order, it is necessary to devote attention to grassroots rebellions instead of single-mindedly fantasizing over the all-Putin narrative. Crimea was the tip of the iceberg; it is possible that such dormant grassroots rebellions could foment and induce a regional domino effect throwing the fragile balance off the continent. Second, it is unreasonable to take insurgent groups military organization and political aspirations for granted. Within Ukraine, rebels have showed the skill and experience needed to spontaneously mobilize and acquire modern warfare methods, which means, that such revolutions can very much happen despite state defense methods. Was (is) Ukraine prepared for this? Are Kyivs European friends prepared for this? Furthermore, when grievances are addressed in the form of violent conflict, a pro-war culture unites people with similar ideologies. How can Europe stop European fighters from fighting in Donbas? The moment that a cultural war becomes war-culture is indeed tricky  so Europe needs to take into account the strength of identities, symbols, and beliefs, and how that can affect the fragile security in the region, instead of brewing the Russia-orchestrates-all beverage. Lastly, with whatever political resolution that Ukraine comes up with, European security and stability is only possible with Russias cooperation. Antagonizing Russia will not help integrate pro-Russian factions within pro-West states like Ukraine. This would mean not only cooperating with Russia for further regional stability, but also not isolating it. Russias past attempts of halting the Novorossiya project in Donbas, postponing elections in rebel territories, enthusiasm for peace prospects including suggesting UN peacekeeping troops cannot be simply rewarded with more economic sanctions. That defeats good faith from Russia. This causes Russia to turn away from cooperation with the EU, and with it, induce its pro-Russian supporters (scattered all over the FSU) to imitate the same.

Ukraine Crisis and Russian Security

If a political-military resolution is found to end the Ukraine crisis, it has some implications on Russian security too. First, Russia needs to be prepared for calls to the Russian World. A population who was driven to go to war because they had faith Russia would repeat Crimea means that such dormant attitudes maybe present within other FSU populations. Matveeva (2018, 286) states that Russia does not have a universalist approach to regional conflicts, and Donbas is a clear example of that. Whatever the resolution is agreed upon for Ukraine, a big question that looms over Russian security is about how it would take care of regional military confrontations. Russia uses a bilateral and multilateral approach in order to bind states into a regional order, but the aspect about a military confrontation remains unanswered (Slobodchikoff 2014). Whether we look at CIS or some other multilateral organization, there needs to be some forum which either addresses collective security operations (actual military confrontations) or allows Russia to intervene as necessary. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has been a good tool for Russia in integrating Eurasia against external threats (Hansen 2013), but has Russia seriously considered civil and transnational (internal) conflicts which can turn into full-blown civil wars if allowed? Even if Russia finds it pointless to entertain civil skirmishes like the one in Donbas, how can it ignore the fundamental drive  Novorossiya  which served as the rebels motivational catalyst? All this indicates that Russian security is invariably a matter of regional stability, very much taking into account Ukraine. So, it is only in Russian security interests to mollify such uprisings using support from mainland governments and/or a multilateral security architecture, thereby standardizing its approach to such regional hostilities. Unless, of course, it is Russias wish to stay mysterious with its security approach. If that be so, such an approach does not bode well for regional security. Secondly, for any sort of crisis resolution to sustain, Russia will have to understand Kyivs perspective. Although it has to rush to aid its Russian World when she summons her, Moscow cannot overplay this cultural dimension so much as to explicitly challenge the West and thereby feed into the Western normative discourse. Ukraine will be more than unwilling to make any more concessions past Crimea, so Donbass resolution (when it happens), would require sacrifices on both fronts and acknowledgment of bitter history.

Of course rebels in Donbas or Kyiv, the governments in Moscow and Kyiv, as also the wider continents of Europe and America would appreciate a true peace, but peace cannot be viewed as an absolute dichotomy: either my way or the highway. A ceasefire may bring about a transient military resolution, but without a political one unanimously agreed by involved parties, it is unlikely that the Ukrainian crisis will end in spirit.

In order to avoid such future conflicts, both Russia and Europe must understand how overlooked conflicts such as those in Donbas have security implications for both of them. For Russia, it means acknowledging the dormant (but very potent) society within the Russian World, as also Russias obligation as leader of that world  and while doing all of this, maintaining a delicate balance between itself and the West. For Europe it means acknowledging indigenous uprisings, giving due value to cultural enthusiasm uncontaminated by political conspiracies that feed in the all-Putin perspective, and faithfully cooperating with Moscow to attain regional stability.

So as we see, there is much theoretical resolution to the Ukraine crisis and how that will affect Russian and European securities, but practically, one has to wait to see. As Matveeva (2018, 298) writes, we can only hope humanity survived in those who went through it, to which it would do well to add: I hope some foresight and rationality is present in those who are to resolve it.

About the author

Tanvi Chauhan is a global studies scholar from the US-based Troy University. She is specialist on the MENA and Eurasia politico-military and security theaters.

References :

Davies, L. (2016). Russias Governance Approach: Intervention and the Conflict in the Donbas. Europe-Asia Studies, 68(4), 726749.

Hansen, F. S. (2013). "Integration in the Post-Soviet Space." International Area Studies Review 16(2): 142-59.

Kofman, M., Migacheva, K., Nichiporuk, B., Radin, A., Tkacheva, O., & Oberholtzer, J. (2017). Lessons From Russias Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine. Santa Monica: RAND Corporation.

Matveeva, A. (2018). Through Times of Trouble: Conflict in South-eastern Ukraine Explained from Within. New York: Lexington Books.

Slobodhikoff, M O. (2017). "Challenging US Hegemony: The Ukrainian Crisis and Russian Regional Order." The Soviet and Post-Soviet Review 44: 76-95.
Its alarming that this has been the reaction to a report from a cybersecurity company indicating that Russias military intelligence service, known as the GRU, conducted an email phishing attack against Burisma Holdings  and sparking speculation that the Kremlin might use its findings to further foment discord among voters in the United States. Another firm was unable to validate the claim that the GRU was behind the breach, and even if it was, the incident could just be another example of Russias routine sabotage of its beleaguered neighbor. But theres ample reason to believe Vladimir Putins agents did this, because their fingerprints are all over it, because theyve done it before  and because the United States hasnt given them sufficient reason not to do it again.
Boris Johnson is preparing to kickstart trade talks with both the US and EU within weeks of Brexit, it emerged last night.

The Prime Minister will set out his vision for the countrys future in a major speech at the start of next month.

He is also expected to publish a detailed set of position papers outlining the Governments priorities for post-Brexit trade.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during the Conference on Libya in Berlin, Germany, January 19, 2020

Whitehall officials are gearing up for simultaneous negotiations with the EU Commission and the US after January 31

Whitehall officials are gearing up for simultaneous negotiations with the EU Commission and the US after January 31. However, formal talks with the EU could be delayed until the start of March while the bloc prepares its position.

Brexiteer Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused the EU of a deliberate ploy to run down the clock. However, Mr Johnsons spokesman said: I fully understand the EU have a process they need to work through.

Yesterday Mr Johnson said he would put people before passports when drawing up a post-Brexit immigration system to attract the best talent from around the world, wherever they may be.

In a speech to the UK-Africa Investment Summit he said he wanted to make the migration system fairer after Brexit.
Tuesday, January 21st, 2020 (8:07 am) - Score 7,167

UK ISP TalkTalk has today confirmed that their wholesale full fibre (FTTH) broadband network sibling  FibreNation  has been sold to the Goldman Sachs backed Cityfibre for 200m cash. In response Cityfibre has increased their fibre optic roll-out plan from 5 million UK premises by 2025 to 8 million.

Just to recap. FibreNation is the open access wholesale network sibling of TalkTalk, which since its creation last year has held a long-term aspiration of covering 3 million premises across the United Kingdom with a 1Gbps Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband network.

NOTE: FibreNation has so far been focused upon the Yorkshire region, where theyve already invested 60m.

Excluding their existing rollout to c.50,000 premises in York, FibreNation recently started its next deployment to 61,000 premises in Dewsbury (here) and they aimed to cover 100,000 premises across Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon in the future. However to reach the dizzy heights of 3 million premises they needed to raise around 1.5bn and so far thats proven to be somewhat of an obstacle.

Initially TalkTalk appeared to have a backer for their big deployment strategy  Infracapital  but they pulled out at the end of 2018 due to a disagreement over the value of the FTTP network and there were concerns that other investors could potentially run into a similar obstacle.

Since then TalkTalks sibling has attracted some interest from possible investors (here) and there were also rumours of a potential sale to Cityfibre (here), at least until the Labour Party pledged to deliver a free full fibre network to all and thus nearly scuppered the deal (i.e. it threatened to destroy the current commercial ISP market, causing private investors to pause).

Nevertheless Cityfibre has now reached an agreement to buy the business and as part of that they intent to add FibreNations ambition for 3 million FTTH premises to their own roll-out strategy, which is currently in the process of investing 2.5bn to cover 1 million premises across the United Kingdom by the end of 2021 (Phase One) and then 5 million by the end of 2025 via 60 UK cities and towns (here).

On the flip side TalkTalk can reduce its debt pile and has agreed to join Vodafone as a long-term retail ISP partner on Cityfibres full fibre network. We should point out that in the areas not served by FibreNation, TalkTalk still intends to harness FTTP services from Openreach (BT) and potentially other suppliers (here).

Tristia Harrison, CEO of TalkTalk, said: We are pleased to announce todays agreement with CityFibre, which is good news for TalkTalk, and good news for Britain and its full fibre roll-out ambition. Our investment over the last five years and the excellent work delivered by the FibreNation team, combined with CityFibres well- established platform, will support wide-geographic reach of full fibre and further drive competition in the market. The sale of FibreNation to CityFibre, in combination with a competitive wholesale agreement, enables us to continue our strategy to accelerate TalkTalks fibre growth for our residential and business customers, thereby delivering a superior customer experience at an affordable price.

Greg Mesch, Chief Executive of CityFibre, said: Digital connectivity has the power to transform our country into a nation of smart, connected towns and cities, boosting and levelling up our economy. Todays announcement establishes CityFibre as the UKs third national digital infrastructure platform allowing millions more consumers and businesses to benefit from access to faster, more reliable services. The UK is a service-based economy, and this runs best on full fibre. Ensuring national coverage is critical and this can only be achieved by driving infrastructure competition at scale. This deal demonstrates the appetite from industry to see it established.

The addition of FibreNations roll-out plan to Cityfibres existing programme is an interesting one, not least since FibreNations long-term strategy was never fully funded and weve always assumed that with projects this big there would be some large areas of overbuild between the two plans. Unfortunately FibreNation has never released a long-term deployment plan and so its impossible to know for sure.

Otherwise todays deal wouldnt have been possible without Cityfibres existing ISP partner, Vodafone, agreeing to add some flexibility to their existing contract (softer exclusivity arrangements). At present Vodafone gets exclusive access to the new FTTH, at least until each city build completes, although they must in-turn deliver a certain level of take-up (not easy to do).

Under the new agreement with Cityfibre, Vodafone will offer their related Gigafast Broadband packages on a rolling, 12-month exclusive basis as homes become available for service in each of the 12 towns and cities covered in phase one of the deployment. Previously, the period of exclusivity was dependent on the total time taken to roll-out the network in each city.

NOTE: Vodafone recently moved to take Vodafone recently moved to take Openreach s FTTP service too, which without todays deal might have looked awkward for Cityfibre ( here ).

In addition, Vodafone said they are backing a new trial in Salisbury in which Openreach (BT) will replace every copper-based telephone line within the catchment area with superior and more reliable optical fibre cables (here). Starting in the spring, Vodafone has agreed to migrate its customers in the area to Vodafone Gigafast Broadband (via Openreachs FTTP) without charging an upfront connection fee.

Vodafone UK CEO, Nick Jeffery, said: Vodafone is in a unique position to drive forward full-fibre deployment in the UK. By offering our partners a ready market in the form of Vodafone Gigafast Broadband, we played an instrumental role in encouraging Openreachs new wholesale service to build in additional places, and now we are enabling CityFibre to expand. The only way the UK will achieve its digital ambition is through strong partnerships, and Vodafone is leading the way.

Assuming Cityfibre can now deliver on their roll-out ambition then that may help the Government toward their goal of nationwide gigabit-capable coverage by the end of 2025, although most of their build will be urban and thus we expect lots of overbuild with Virgin Media and Openreach (i.e. not much of an overall improvement in gigabit coverage).

The deal suggests that Cityfibres investors will pledge an extra 1.5bn to help reach the new roll-out target of 8 million premises passed (4bn total investment). As a result the company now also estimates that up to 7,000 construction jobs outside London will be created at the projects peak (i.e. fibre engineers).

We should add that Sky Broadband were a wholesale ISP partner with FibreNation (i.e. the Ultra Fibre Optic branding) and they remain there under the new deal, albeit limited to FibreNations old terms (a new deal may be required before Sky jump fully into bed with Cityfibre). Lest we forget that the new flexibility means that more ISPs will now be able to sell services via Cityfibres network, thanks to Vodafone agreeing to relax their terms.

Cityfibre has also struck an extensive wholesale agreement with TalkTalk for business services. TalkTalk and CityFibre will now begin systems integration in preparation for the future launch of TalkTalks full fibre services. As usual the sale is conditional upon shareholder approval (most have already given a commitment to support it) and completion is targeted to occur in March 2020.
Recently, on my Facebook feed, there have been a lot of #notmyPM, as people showed their displeasure towards the Australian government in the way they have handled the fires.

However, this hash tag isnt something solely reserved for the Aussies, you see it with any leader over various different issues. It isnt just non-Christians (whom we cant hold to the same standard) using this but people who would identify themselves as Christian believers. However, can we Biblically say a leader isnt my leader because we disagree with them?

I am reminded of a time a few years ago when I was really struggling with the leadership in my area. I more than disagreed with them. I rallied, I protested. I sure did not vote for them and their policies were affecting my way of life.

The truth is that I had the problem, I was rebellious in my heart and I didnt realize how bad it had gotten until my three-year-old started chanting in the car that name of leader has to go. I nervously laughed and then I realized that I was discipling my children in my sin by teaching them they did not have to honor their leaders.

Nowhere in the New Testament are we given the right disrespect our leaders even though we may disagree with them. Peter, aware of that Nero (the leader at the time) was lighting Christians alive to use as human torches was inspired by the Lord to write verses such as 1 Peter chapter 2 verses 13 through 25 be subject for the Lords sake to ever human institution, whether it be the emperor as supreme or the governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good for this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of the foolish people.fear God. Honor the emperorsuffer for it you endure for this you have been called. God didnt exempt first century Christians, so he certainly doesnt exempt us today.

The verse doesnt say that you are to only honor leaders you like or the ones you voted for. As believers we have no right to use the #notmypm. It is sinful behavior and for the sake of Christ we must stop.

Take heart that even if you didnt vote for your leaders (as some are just appointed), we are reminded in Romans chapter 13 verse 1 that there is no authority except that from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Whoever resists the authorities resist what God has appointed.

We dont have the right to only follow our leaders or respect them when it is convenient for us, since God has put them in place for His own purposes. Disobedience to the governing authority is actually rebellion against a holy God, it is sin and we need to address our sin issue more than correct the government.

What can we do?

First and foremost we need to examine our hearts and see if we have been submissive and honorable to our leaders, and if we havent, then we need to repent to God for our own actions for He is quick to forgive. Then as we examine 1 Timothy chapter 2 verse 1 to 3 and see that God urges us to make prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving  for all the people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified . And pleasing in the sight of God.

It is God honoring for us to pray for our leaders. All of them have fallen short of the glory of God, none are perfect, they all sin just like us. You are called to pray for your leaders.

If you disagree with their policy, that is alright. You can publicly disagree with them with the respect and honor that is due to them as your leaders. You are to disagree in submissiveness. Name calling them or publicly referring to them as not your leader is not Biblical. We are called to a higher standard and through that people will be challenged by our faith. We are called to Gods standard not mans.

Write to them, start a petition about a policy but do it all in submission. Get involved in politics. We need more Christian men and women willing to lead as they follow Christ. Send encouraging notes to the leaders. It is heartbreaking to see what our leaders are called and the threats they get by some people, encourage them in the areas they are getting it right.

Meet your local leaders. Go take them for coffee, ask them how you can pray for them. Instead of taking it to Facebook to complain (which unfortunately is sin as well), we are to pray, write encourage, get involved. Next time we want to claim our leadership is not ours, be reminded of whom placed them in that position, it was God and do we not trust him enough to know that he knows what is best. Let us glorify our King by submitting to the leadership He has put in place.

Genevieve Wilson from Canada is a happily married pastors-wife who homeschools her 3 wonderful children, whose passion is to see people come to know Jesus.
Armenias parliament was poised on Tuesday to pass in the second and final reading a government bill that will make it easier for law-enforcement bodies to access bank account data.

Armenian banks have until now been required to provide tax and law-enforcement authorities with information about financial accounts of only those clients who are accused or suspected of certain crimes.

The bill passed by the parliament in the first reading last month would allow investigators to also see what individuals linked to criminal suspects have in their domestic bank accounts. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has said this will help the Armenian authorities fight against corruption more effectively.

Justice Minister Rustam Badasian likewise insisted on Tuesday that the existing bank secrecy rules impede anti-corruption efforts as he spoke during a final parliament debate on the bill involving draft amendments to two Armenian laws. Representatives of the pro-government majority in the National Assembly reaffirmed their support for the measure.

All countries, at least those aligned in the Council of Europe, are now trying to ensure a more transparent regulation of the banking and financial sector, said Vladimir Vartanian, the chairman of the parliament committee on legal affairs.

Opposition lawmakers continued to criticize the bill, however, saying that it could scare away investors. With these changes what messages will we be sending to investors if our investment climate is undermined as a result? said Mane Tandilian of the opposition Bright Armenia Party.

The Union of Armenian Banks called the government initiative a step backwards when Pashinians cabinet unveiled it in September. Some economists warned of capital flight from the country.

The Central Bank of Armenia sought to allay those fears at the time, insisting that the bill will not soften banking secrecy. It argued that investigators will continue to need permission from both prosecutors and courts to access information about bank accounts.

Badasian argued in this regard that the new rules also require law-enforcement officials to better substantiate their requests for such permission. Those will have to be approved by Armenias prosecutor-general or one of his deputies before reaching courts, said the justice minister.
A Florida man has been arrested for murdering his Trump-supporting boss in a political argument at a highway construction site and placing an American flag next to the body, deputies say.

Mason Toney, 28, who held anti-government beliefs, allegedly killed his boss William Knight, 28, who was a supporter of Donald Trump, on Monday January 20.

Toney was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for Knight's killing, according to an arrest affidavit from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

A preliminary report revealed the murder weapon was a trowel, a tool used for brick laying.

Florida construction worker Mason Toney, 28, (left) who has anti-government beliefs, allegedly killed his boss William Knight, 28, (right) who was a supporter of Donald Trump, on Monday January 20 following a political argument

They were lifelong friends and worked at the Florida turnpike construction site in metro Orlando at the time of the incident. The murder scene pictured above

Deputies were called to the scene around 10.30am on Monday with people calling in saying Toney killed their boss along the Turnpike near State Road 528

Coworkers told investigators that Toney and Knight were friends outside of work, despite their political differences.

Knight was described as an 'outspoken American who was 'pro-Donald Trump'. Toney was described as 'anti-government' and 'very outspoken in his beliefs that the government is bad and out to get him,' as per the arrest affidavit.

On the day of the murder Knight had picked up Toney for work and they were driving to different job sites when they started to argue, workers at the Florida turnpike construction site in metro Orlando said.

When they arrived at the Turnpike site workers heard Knight yelling for help by an exavator.

Toney was charged with first degree murder and is being held in Orange County without bond

After the stabbing Toney took off in this white pick-up truck before being caught by police

Workers ran over and saw Toney standing over Knight stabbing him with a trowel.

Workers tried to stop Toney by throwing items at him, but he then moved towards them holding what they thought was a knife. He then got into a truck and drove off, calling his coworkers terrorists as he sped off.

Workers found an American flag and the flag's packaging next to Knight's body.

Witnesses said that Toney showed up for work that day with a backpack which was highly unusual for him, according to the arrest affidavit.

Deputies were called to the scene around 10.30am on Monday with people calling in saying Toney killed their boss along the Turnpike near State Road 528.

Toney ended up crashing during a brief pursuit in Brevard County. He's now being held without bond in Orange County.

'He was a friend of the family. My son went to elementary school with him and to middle school and high school,' William Knight's father said to WESH.

The killing comes as a shock to the Knight family who said Toney was a generous and loving friend to Knight.

'He would give his shirt off his back to anybody, feed anybody,' he added on his son.
Waterford City and County councillors have agreed to self-regulate their social media accounts in a bid to discourage abusive and unsavoury content.

The move was initiated and worded by FG general election candidate Cllr John Cummins and presented as a joint motion by 21 council colleagues before being unanimously adopted at its monthly meeting. It is also set to be circulated to every local authority in the country for consideration.

The motion said the councillors have a responsibility to show leadership in efforts to improve the civility of public discourse on political matters.

Cllr Cummins said it is imperative that politicians should lead by example and behave respectfully towards others, not least during a General Election".

Along with regulating their own submissions, the councillors must ensure that any inappropriate comments left by members of the public are removed in a timely manner". Signed declarations indicating agreement or non-agreement with the measure will be published and updated annually on the council website.

Cllr Cummins said he made the proposal following derogatory observations made on Sinn Fein Councillor John Hearnes Facebook page last November. The comments strongly criticised FG Senator Paudie Coffey and former FG councillor Hilary Quinlan and included references to issues surrounding Waterford hospital.

They were particularly unsavoury as Mr Quinlan was unwell at the time," said Cllr Cummins.

Cllr Hearne said he was unaware of Mr Quinlans situation and removed the content and apologised as soon as he was informed.

Cllr Hearne also agreed that some of the comments directed at Paudie were completely out of order. Everyone deserves to be treated respectfully.

In drafting the motion Cllr Cummins did not seek support from the councils six Sinn Fein members, with several Independents also accidentally omitted.

Cllr Hearne and his colleagues nonetheless supported the motion, adding that party whips also should convene to install a code of conduct for debates during meetings.

Sinn Fein Cllr Conor McGuinness said that since being elected last year "I have been consistently shouted down in the chamber".

Some establishment figures dont like being challenged and it shows in their behaviour.

Labour Cllr Tom Phelan said he has seen some very nasty stuff masquerading as political commentary online and also supports the code extending to the chamber. Once you start shouting youve lost the argument, he said.
The US is in the midst of an economic boom never seen before anywhere in the world and the American dream is back, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday as he asserted that radical socialism will never be allowed to destroy the country's economy.

Speaking here at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet, whose theme is 'Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World', Trump said it is time for optimism and not pessimism.

"Today I'm pleased to announce the US will joining the one trillion trees initiative being launched here at the World Economic Forum," Trump said to applause from the audience.

Without directly mentioning climate change, Trump said he believed forecasts of doom were wrong.

At the start of his special address, Trump, who is facing impeachment trial back home, said he is proud to declare that the US is in the midst of an economic boom the like of which has never been seen before.

Underlining that years of economic stagnation have given way to a "roaring geyser of opportunity", the President said, "I knew that if we unleashed the potential of our people, cut taxes, slashed regulation, fixed broken trade deals and fully tapped American energy that prosperity would come thundering back ... and that is exactly what happened".

The American dream is back and it is better than ever, Trump said, adding that since he last addressed Davos two years ago, the US has enjoyed the "great American comeback" that he had predicted.

According to him, 11 million jobs have been gained by America since his election and average unemployment rate is the lowest for the tenure of any US President in history.

Amid simmering trade tensions between the US and China, Trump said the relationship with China has never been better. "We went through a rough patch, but things are good now," he remarked.

The first phase of the trade deal between the two economic majors was signed recently, which has helped in reducing trade tensions which have been a major concern for the global economy.

Trump added that he shares a great relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"My relationship with Xi is extraordinary. He's for China, I'm for the US but other than that, we love each other," the American president said.

The second phase of negotiations for the US-China trade deal would begin soon and the administration is focussing on trade, which was neglected by his predecessors, Trump noted.

The US president also said that to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial profits of doom and their predictions of the apocalypse.

"They are the heirs of yesterday's foolish fortune tellers... They want to see us do badly, but we don't let that happen. They predicted an overpopulation crisis in the 1960s, mass starvation in the 70s, and an end of oil in the 80s. They always want to dominate, transform and control every aspect of our lives.

"We will never let radical socialism destroy our economy and wreck our country or eradicate our liberty," he said.

Climate activists, including Sweden's Greta Thunberg, are also attending this year's summit.

While many leaders in Davos are talking about the need to end the use of fossil fuels, Trump said it was good news for all that the US was now "the number-one producer of natural gas, by far".

"While many European countries struggle with crippling energy costs, the American energy revolution is saving American families USD 2,500 every year," he said, adding that the US no longer needs to import energy from hostile nations.

"With an abundance of American natural gas now available, our European allies now no longer have to be vulnerable to unfriendly energy suppliers either. We urge our friends in Europe use America's vast supply and achieve true energy security," he noted.
Kerala Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday met the parents of the two CPI(M) workers arrested under the Unlawful Prevention of Activities Act (UAPA) for their alleged nexus with Maoists last year.

Journalism student Alan Shuhaib and Taha Fazal, a law student, were arrested in Kozhikode allegedly when they were distributing Maoist pamphlets in November last year.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had disowned the two and later the party had expelled them citing their alleged nexus with Maoists and Muslim extremists. Last week, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had taken over the case from the state police.

It was a courtesy call. We asked the parents in detail about the case. It seems there is no difference between home minister Amit Shah and the Kerala CM. Both misuse UAPA. In UAPA cases, you need solid charges and evidence but these two were held under some suspicions, said Chennithala.

The government had promised the poor parents that charges under the anti-terror law wont sustain but later the case was handed over to NIA, the Congress leader said.

He added Vijayan had cheated the family members, who were ardent supporters of the CPI(M), and that he will take up the issue in the upcoming assembly session.

If the CM has any evidence he should come out with it. I have assured the family all help, he said.

The mother of Shuhaib, Sabitha Madathil, later said the opposition leaders visit was a big relief.

He has shown enough curtsey but the party we believed throughout our life disowned us badly. It seems while in power the CPI(M) has a different face, she said.

Belonging to communist families, parents of both the men have maintained that their sons are innocent and charges against them were trumped up.

The Kozhikode district secretary of the CPI(M), P Mohanan, criticised Chennithalas visit.

The high-profile visit shows the bankruptcy of the Congress party, he said.

He had earlier said some Muslim extremist outfits were supporting Maoists in the state without taking their names.

The arrest two men had hit national headlines as the ruling CPI(M) had steadfastly opposed UAPA terming it a draconian law. Party general secretary Sitaram Yechury and senior leader Prakash Karat had also criticised their arrest under the act.

But the state government went ahead with the police claim that they were urban Naxalites.

The killing of the four Maoists in an alleged encounter in October last year and police decision to slap UAPA on the two for distributing Maoist pamphlets had angered many, especially left intellectuals and supporters.

Many film personalities, writers and activists had also condemned the decision to slap UAPA on them. Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, writer Satchithanandan, actor Joy Mathew and others said they had not expected such a decision from the left front government.
New Delhi:

Security forces on Tuesday eliminated two terrorists during a fierce encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Awanitpora. The slain terrorists are yet to be identified. According to the initial reports, the encounter between terrorists and security forces took place in Satpokhran Khrew area of Awantipora.

After receiving the specific input about the presence of several terrorists, the joint operation against the terrorists was carried out. The joint operation was carried out by the personnel of CRPF, the Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Earlier in the day, J&K Police said, "Encounter has started at Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow."

Take a look:

#Encounter has started at #Awantipora. #Police & security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice  Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) January 21, 2020

This comes a day after terrorists hurled a grenade at the CRPF camp in Newa village of Pulwama. However, the attack didn't cause any damage. Earlier in the day, three Hizbul terrorists were gunned down by security forces in Shopian following an encounter. One of the terrorists was identified as Adil Sheikh. He was also accused of looting weapons from the residence of then PDP MLA Azaj Mir in June 2018.

Also Read: Gujarat: Massive Fire Breaks Out In Surats Raghuveer Market, 40 Fire Tenders On Spot

On February 14, 2019, in one of the biggest terror attack in nearly two decades in Jammu and Kashmir, 42 CRPF personnel were killed in Pulwama on February 14, 2019. On February 8, a week before the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir police had reportedly sent an intelligence input to the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, Army and the Air Force warning of a possible IED attack.

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January 21st.

41 A.D.  Roman Emperor Caligula was assassinated at the Palatine Games by his own officers after a reign of only four years, noted for his madness and cruelty including arbitrary murder. His taste in men was far reaching. In fact, his taste for anything sexual, male, female, relative or animal seems far reaching. One of his playmates was a priest who he enjoyed screwing in public at religious events. He forced his officers into regular sex bouts. He is reported to have made them kiss his middle finger in public.

76 AD  Roman Emperor Hadrian was born near Seville Spain. Hadrian built the famous wall on the Northern fringe of the empire, in Britain, and put down the last serious uprising by the Jews. When his lover Antinous mysteriously drowned in the Nile Hadrian went into a deep despair then put all of his wealth into building memorials to his lover, even building a city in his name. It said that the beautiful Antinous copmmitted suicide before old age destroyed his looks. He was 21.

1712  Frederick the Great was born in Berlin, Germany. Perhaps in another life he would have been a poet or an architect, but his father wanted him to be a warrior. Frederick fled with his lover Hans von Katte, but the pair was captured and Frederick was forced to watch von Kattes execution. On his fathers death, when Frederick became emperor, he went to the palace of Sans-Soucci at Potsdam and came into his own. He excluded women and surrounded himself with sexual young men. On hearing that a particularly well endowed soldier had been arrested for Beastiality with his horse, the emperor said Fool dont put him in irons, put him in the infantry.

1965  Winston Churchill (1874-1965) died. He had been Britains wartime prime minister whose courageous leadership and defiant rhetoric had fortified the English during their long struggle against Hitlers Germany. I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat, he stated upon becoming prime minister at the beginning of the war. He called Hitlers Reich a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. Following the war, he coined the term Iron Curtain to describe the barrier between areas in Eastern Europe under Soviet control and the free West. In his biography of W. Somerset Maugham, Ted Morgan writes that Maugham once asked Churchill if it were true as Churchills mother had claimed, that the statesman had affairs with men in his youth. Not ture! Churchill replied. But, I once went to bed with a man to see what it was like. (The man turned out to be British musical-comedy star Ivor Novello) And, what was it like? Maugham asked. Musical, Churchill replied.

1975  The first international Lesbian Conference is held in Montreal. It was attended by more than 200 delegates from Canada and the US.

1978  25-year-old French songwriter/record producer Cerrones Eurodisco hit Supernature tops Billboards Dance chart.

2005  The anti-gay group Focus on the Family alleges that popular cartoon character Spongebob Square Pants promotes homosexuality and becomes a laughingstock.

In 2005, a promotional video which showed SpongeBob along with other characters from childrens shows singing together to promote diversity and tolerance was criticized by a Christian evangelical group in the United States because they saw the character SpongeBob being used as an advocate for homosexuality though the video contained no reference to sex, sexual lifestyle or sexual identity. James Dobson of Focus on the Family accused the makers of the video of promoting homosexuality due to a gay rights group sponsoring the video.

The incident led to questions as to whether or not SpongeBob is a gay character. In 2002, when SpongeBobs popularity with gay men grew,

Dobson later stated that his comments were taken out of context and that his original complaints were not with SpongeBob or any of the characters in the video but with the organization that sponsored the video, the We Are Family Foundation. Dobson noted that the We Are Family Foundation had posted pro-homosexual material on its website, but later removed it. After the laughable controversy, John H. Thomas, the United Church of Christs general minister and president, said they would welcome SpongeBob into their ministry. He said Jesus didnt turn people away. Neither do we.
January 21 : Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are one of the fittest and good looking stylish couple that Bollywood has to boast about today. This stunning couple was spotted yesterday by the paparazzi while they were on their way back home after enjoying a cozy movie date at PVR Juhu. The duo looked super sweet and proved to set out impressive couple goals in spite of their tight film schedules.

Image Source: Prokerala.com Kareena and Saif ALi Khan on a movie date

Image Source: Prokerala.com Kareena Kapoor in floral dress

The couple could be seen in a happy mode and smiled away peacefully at the media team. Both took on a very casual look, and they were well protected by their bodyguards. Kareena Kapoor had opted to wear a spring-themed light blue floral full-length dress making her look very adorable.

Image Source: news Helpline Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor spotted at PVR juhu

The dress has short flared sleeves with a couple of small layers around the waist. She teamed the attire with mossy green suede boots, a brown shawl, and a matching bag. Her makeup was minimal, with a touch of gloss on her lips and cool shades for the movie night out.

Saif Ali Khan flaunted his stellar frame in this dark green winter closed no-collar sweatshirt along with regular jeans. He could be seen opening the door for his wifey love and then making way to get inside the car himself. The Tanhaji actor is busy with the promotions of his upcoming film Jawaani Jaaneman that will release on 31st Jan 2020. Kareena Kapoor is on cloud nine with the success of her latest film Good Newwz. After this, she will be seen in Angrezi Medium that has been slated to release by March 20, 2020.
Jessica Mulroney, a Canadian fashion stylist is one of the Duchesses closest confidantes - WireImage

The Duchess of Sussexs best friend has sent love to all those who carry the weight of bullies and said there is light at the end of the tunnel in a cryptic social media post seen by some as a message of support.

Jessica Mulroney, a Canadian fashion stylist is one of the Duchesses closest confidantes, reportedly staying in Vancouver with Archie and his nanny while the Sussex's returned to the UK earlier this month. Her three children, Ivy, Brian and John acted as bridesmaid and page boys at the Royal wedding in May 2018.

Previously, just as the Duke and Duchess announced their intention to step away from royal life, she said on Instagram: A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.

Now, she has reappeared on the site, writing: Social media is not going away. It is a business tool, it can be an incredible place to find strength but it can be dark. I am organizing a conference on how to handle social media as a positive platform. I cant wait to share it with you soon.

Sending love to all those who carry the weight of bullies and lets find a way to teach our children proper decorum. There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

Misha Nonoo said she will be in Canada later this week Credit: WPA Pool/Getty Images

The post was quickly deleted, which has led to speculation that the Duchess of Sussex might make an appearance at the conference.

There has also been interest in the activities of Misha Nonoo, a US-based British-Bahraini fashion designer and another friend of the Duchess who announced that she would be visiting Canada at the end of this week.

She has teased a special collaboration on her social media pages and asked fans to guess who it could be with. On Sunday, she promoted 'The Husband Shirt', famously worn by Meghan at her first public appearance with Harry, which she previously said sealed the deal.

So far, the Duchess has not kept a low profile in Vancouver Island, visiting a womens shelter and driving herself to the airport to pick up another friend, Heather Dorak.

Story continues

Meghan Markle has been joined in Vancouver Island by friend and Pilates instructor HEather Dorak Credit: Instagram

The Pilates instructor and entrepreneur was once described by the Duchess as a "little blonde guru."

On social media she has celebrated her long friendship with the Duchess, and posted multiple pictures of the pair together, often in pilates poses.

At the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs wedding she was seated in the front row, next to Carolyn Bartholomew, a school friend and flatmate of Princess Diana.

It is not yet known when Prince Harry will return to Canada to be with his wife and young son, Archie, but he is understood to be attending a summit for African leaders in London on Monday.

The event will be hosted by Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton and will be the first time the brothers will be together since the so-called Sandringham Summit last week.
The lead House impeachment manager, Adam Schiff, joined the Senate Democratic leader in slamming the rules unveiled by Republicans late Monday for the Senate trial, calling the guidelines a process for a rigged trial.

This is part and parcel of an effort to cover up the presidents misconduct, Schiff, a California Democrat and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday morning.

Schiff and the six other impeachment managers spoke to reporters on the House side of the Capitol, a few hours before the Senate was set to begin proceedings.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released the rules Monday evening after keeping such a close hold on them for weeks that even President Trumps legal team had reportedly not seen them.

The biggest change from the 1999 Senate impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton was that the House managers  essentially the prosecution in the case  would have had only two days for opening arguments, a severe limit compared with what was done 21 years ago.

Democratic House impeachment manager Adam Schiff speaks at the Capitol on Tuesday. (Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

In 1999, the rules for the trial provided each side 24 hours to make its opening arguments, without regard for how many days it might take. Ultimately, House impeachment managers used three days for their opening argument, totaling just over 15 hours.

This time, McConnells rules initially gave each side 24 hours but limited the use of that time to two session days. And because arguments cant start until at least 1 p.m., that would have meant the impeachment managers would have to go well past midnight if they wanted to use the majority of their time.

What is Sen. McConnells interest in structuring the trial this way? Schiff asked. This is not the process for a fair trial. This is the process for a rigged trial.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called McConnells rules a national disgrace on Monday evening.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer at a press conference on Tuesday. (Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

But Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and can pass the rules with no Democratic support with just 51 votes.

Story continues

However, as the trial began a little after noon, McConnell submitted rules that had been altered to give each side three days, rather than two, to make opening arguments.

Schumer said Tuesday morning that he will offer a series of amendments to force votes on whether the Senate will subpoena documents that the White House has refused to turn over related to Trumps hold on military assistance funding to Ukraine, and on whether it will subpoena testimony from witnesses.

Right off the bat, Republican senators will face a choice about getting the facts or joining Leader McConnell and President Trump in trying to cover them up, Schumer said.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
Washington

The Trump administration is about to distribute billions of dollars to coastal states mainly in the South to help steel them against natural disasters worsened by climate change.

But states that qualify must first explain why they need the money. That has triggered linguistic acrobatics as some conservative states submit lengthy, detailed proposals on how they will use the money, while mostly not mentioning climate change.

A 306-page draft proposal from Texas doesn't use the terms "climate change" or "global warming," nor does South Carolina's proposal. Instead, Texas refers to "changing coastal conditions" and South Carolina talks about the "destabilizing effects and unpredictability" of being hit by three major storms in four years, while being barely missed by three other hurricanes.

Louisiana, a state taking some of the most aggressive steps in the nation to prepare for climate change, does include the phrase "climate change" in its proposal in one place, an appendix on the final page.

The federal funding program, devised after the devastating hurricanes and wildfires of 2017, reflects the complicated politics of global warming in the United States, even as the toll of that warming has become difficult to ignore. While officials from both political parties are increasingly forced to confront the effects of climate change, including worsening floods, more powerful storms and greater economic damage, many remain reluctant to talk about the cause.

The $16 billion program, created by Congress and overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is meant to help states better prepare for future natural disasters. It is the first time such funds have been used to prepare for disasters like these that haven't yet happened, rather than responding to or repairing damage that has already occurred.

The money is distributed according to a formula benefiting states most affected by disasters in 2015, 2016 and 2017. That formula favors Republican-leaning states along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, which were hit particularly hard during that period.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Texas is in line for more than $4 billion, the most of any state. The next largest sums go to Louisiana ($1.2 billion), Florida ($633 million), North Carolina ($168 million) and South Carolina ($158 million), all of which voted Republican in the 2016 presidential election.

The other states getting funding are West Virginia, Missouri, Georgia and California, the only state getting money that voted Democratic in the presidential race of 2016. California hasn't yet submitted its proposal, but in the past the state has spoken forcefully about the threat of climate change, in addition to fighting with the Trump administration to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars.

Half the money, $8.3 billion, was set aside for Puerto Rico, as well as $774 million for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Trump administration has delayed that funding, citing concerns over corruption and fiscal management.

Not every state has felt compelled to tiptoe around climate change. Florida's proposal calls it "a key overarching challenge," while North Carolina pledges to anticipate "how a changing climate, extreme events, ecological degradation and their cascading effects" will affect state residents.
Achieve TMS - Leading Provider of TMS Therapy for Depression Treatment

Manish Sheth, M.D., Ph.D, the medical director of Achieve TMS Centers, has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This is the associations highest honor, and Dr. Sheth is among a small, select group of psychiatrists in San Diego who have earned this prestigious distinction.

Dr. Sheths Distinguished Fellow status was effective as of January 1, 2020. He will attend the 2020 Convocation of Distinguished Fellows during the APAs annual meeting in Philadelphia, PA, where he will be officially honored during the April 27 ceremony. The APAs Distinguished Fellowship is awarded for outstanding contributions made in the field of psychiatry, particularly in the areas of administration, scientific/scholarly publications, community involvement, teaching, clinical excellence, or volunteering in medical or mental health activities of social significance, according to the APA.

Licensed and board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine, Dr. Sheth has vast experience in treating mental health conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, ADHD, and others. His ultimate goal is to promote patient health and wellness by combining psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and other innovative therapeutics such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in his treatment plans. Achieve TMS Centers uses this therapy to treat depression with electromagnetic stimulation of certain areas of the brain, and it can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty with psychotropic medications.

In addition to his role with Achieve TMS Centers, Dr. Sheth is clinical director for Achieve Medical Center, a private, multidisciplinary psychiatric and mental health practice with multiple locations in Southern California and Oregon. He is also on the clinical team with Achieve Concierge, which provides personalized, comprehensive mental wellness services. Dr. Sheth has served as the chief of psychiatry and medical director at Tri-City Medical Center in Vista, CA, as well as voluntary associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. He has trained at the Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School for TMS, and is a member of the Clinical TMS Society.

About Achieve TMS

Achieve TMS, a part of Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers, is a leading and highly trusted provider of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for treating patients with depression. For more information, visit http://www.achievetms.com.
European stock markets traded lower on Tuesday as the World Economic Forum (WEF) got underway in Davos, Switzerland, after concerns over a new strain of pneumonia in China hit risk assets.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 pared early losses to trade just 0.19% lower by the closing bell. Basic resources were the worst performing stocks, falling 1.2%, while financial services srocks logged 0.6% gains.

Market focus on Tuesday shifted towards the annual WEF event in Davos, where politicians and business leaders gathered.

Climate change and sustainable business will be a key focus for delegates at this year's WEF summit, but other political risks such as international trade and geopolitical instability are likely to be on the agenda as well.

High-profile attendees this year include U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Thunberg took to the stage Tuesday morning to tell world leaders that time was running out to tackle the climate emergency, while Trump urged countries to prioritize their own citizens, promoting his "America First" agenda while boasting of U.S. economic success.

The event itself has been criticized for putting climate change at the top of the agenda, with environmental activists arguing that delegates arriving on private planes represent some of the worst climate offences.

Meanwhile in Asia, equities turned negative earlier Tuesday amid heightened concerns over the spread of a virus in China, that is being compared to the SARS outbreak that killed 800 people in 2002/2003. The flight from risk assets spread throughout global markets.

Stocks in Hong Kong led losses regionally among major Asian markets on Tuesday after ratings agency Moody's cut its rating for the city to Aa3 from Aa2 on Monday.

In the United States, the three main indices moved marginally lower in morning trading.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear next week applications filed by telecom companies Vodafone Idea, Tata Teleservices and Bharti Airtel seeking modification of the court's order to permit them to negotiate a payment schedule with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the telecom companies, mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde for urgent listing following which the court listed the matter for next week.

The top court said the same Bench which had dismissed their review petition will hear their application.

On their request for an open-court hearing, Chief Justice Bobde said the concerned Bench will take a decision on the same.

Singhvi told the court that his clients are not contesting the payment but want to work out a schedule. "Companies cannot pay all dues by January 23", he said.

The telecom companies have been asking the apex court to allow them to discuss with the DoT and come up with a suitable time frame to make the payments.

Last week, the Supreme Court had dismissed the review petition of the telecom companies. They had sought review of its October 24 ruling ordering them to pay around Rs 92,000 crore to the Centre on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-21 15:53:35|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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NEW DELHI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day Parade on Jan. 26 in New Delhi, and he will arrive on a four-day state visit on Jan. 24, announced the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday.

The Brazilian president's India visit would be at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This would be Bolsonaro's first state visit to India.

India will hold the 71st Republic Day Parade this year. As per the set custom, various tableaux depicting India's art, culture, science and technology and military might are displayed in a march-past at the historic "Rajpath", a road in central Delhi connecting the President's House to the India Gate.

President Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, chairman of the Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation.

Earlier, India hosted the Brazilian president as the chief guest for the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004, said the ministry's statement.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, Jan. 21

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Turkish Ambassador Togan Oral, who presented his credentials the head of state, Trend reports with reference to the Turkmen Government.

An exchange of views took place on key areas of the development of interstate partnership, built on the principles of mutual benefit and long-term cooperation, the report said.

The priority areas of cooperation between the two countries included trade and economic sphere, energy, construction, textile industries, as well as transport and communication sectors.

In this context, the role of the Turkmen-Turkish intergovernmental commission and the joint business council was noted as effective mechanisms for expanding and diversifying mutually beneficial partnerships, the Turkmenistan State News Agency said.
New Delhi:

Amid tensions between US and Iran, top diplomat of Tehran has cancelled his trip and will not be attending the Davos Forum. The summit in the Swiss resort also comes after Iran earlier this month shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people on board. 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.

Irans top diplomat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, had been invited and plans had been made for him to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

However, according to Mousavi, officials at the forum changed plans involving Zarif, which led to the diplomat cancelling his trip, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Tensions also remain high between Iran and the U.S. after an America drone killed Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.

Three rockets hit near US embassy in Baghdad

Three rockets hit near the US embassy in the Iraqi capitals high-security Green Zone, security sources told AFP, with no immediate reports of casualties. Sirens could be heard across the zone immediately after the rockets made impact. The US has blamed Iran-backed paramilitary groups for a spate of similar attacks in recent months on the Green Zone, but there has never been a claim of responsibility. The Green Zone is the common name for the International Zone of Baghdad. It is home to government offices and foreign embassies of many countries, including America.

It is a 10-square-kilometer (3.9 sq mi) area in the Karkh district of central Baghdad. It was the governmental center of the Coalition Provisional Authority during the occupation of Iraq after the American-led 2003 invasion and remains the center of the international presence in the city.

The US embassy in Baghdad as well as the 5,200 American troops stationed across the country have faced a spate of rocket attacks in recent months that Washington has blamed on Iran and its allies in Iraq. One attack last month killed a US contractor working in northern Iraq, prompting retaliatory American air strikes that killed 25 hardline fighters close to Iran.

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People living near the scene of the blaze have said that the sky appeared to be alight with flames.

Medical student Serena Hamilton described the scene as the "ferocious fire" took hold.

She recalled: "It seemed as if the whole sky was alight with orange flares; it was as if it was coming from the building beside us.

"My flatmates and I decided to flee for our safety, so we hurriedly packed some stuff into one of our cars parked in the street.

"When all four of us went outside, orange coloured embers were falling like rain - on us and around us - and it wasn't long before our faces and coats were covered in black dots.

"The smell of smoke was so strong, we knew it wasn't safe to stay outside."

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By 10am yesterday, almost all that was left of the three-storey charcoal coloured former restaurant on University Road was a charred shell.

Red brick window frames minus their glass remained set in dark grey walls perched above a black sign bearing the eatery's now somewhat ironic name Blaze and Glaze in white capital letters.

Underneath a thick painted line, the same shade of red as the windowframes, were the words 'Fired up ribs + BBQ', also written in white.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Resident Daniel Martin Firefighters douse the building with water Kevin Scott Serena Hamilton A handmade poster in the window of a nearby property / Facebook

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A solitary, stationary PSNI car sat outside the front of the wrecked building as pedestrians shuffled along the section of the footpath outside the police cordon.

Serena, a 21-year-old trainee doctor, said that she was at home studying when one of the students with whom she shares a flat thought she heard fireworks.

"Another one of the girls smelled smoke and went into the kitchen to see what the problem was - that's how strong the smell was," she said.

"When I looked out the front window, I saw the police and the emergency services and when I looked up the sky was alight with orange flares and smoke was everywhere. It became clear that it wasn't on our street, so that was a bit of a relief. At 2am, University Road was crazy; full of fire engines and police officers."

The south Belfast resident said she went back inside and watched the rest of the drama unfold from an upstairs window until she finally fell asleep at around 6.30am. Meanwhile, Daniel Martin (52), who lives in nearby Claremont Court, said he was "just thankful" that his three grandchildren had not been staying with him when the fire started.

"I watched the flares flying up all through the night and I'm surprised the nearby buildings survived it," he said. "I grew up in Belfast during the Troubles so I wasn't overly scared, but it did wake me up. I heard a commotion and when I looked out the window I thought the sky was on fire.

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"The firefighters did a great job but I'm just glad my grandkids weren't staying with me."

Eventually, the raging inferno was calmed and there were no casualties. A handmade poster in the window of a nearby property said it all: "Thank you firefighters."
For decades Naftali Fuerst stayed silent about his horrifying childhood experiences of three Nazi concentration camps and a death march. So even he was surprised to find himself onboard a Luftwaffe plane heading for Germany and a photography exhibition in which he stars. "I don't know if I am dreaming or if it is true... because 75 years ago, I was suppose to be already in another world," the 87-year-old said on board the plane, in a video posted on Twitter by the German Defence Ministry. "To have such an experience, to be given this honour 75 years later, that's unbelievable." The Slovakia-born grandfather is one of 75 people whose portraits appear in the "Survivors - Faces of Life after the Holocaust" exhibition by acclaimed German photographer Martin Schoeller. The show is one of numerous events worldwide to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps later this month. Born in Bratislava in 1932, Fuerst and his family spent time in the Sered concentration camp in German occupied Slovakia before being deported to Auschwitz in 1944, where he was separated from his mother and father. In January 1945, as the Red Army approached Auschwitz, he was forced onto a death march and eventually ended up at the Buchenwald camp in Eastern Germany. After the war, he emigrated to Israel, where he worked as a photographer and a driving instructor. Yet it would be 50 years before he spoke of his experiences -- even to his family. "I had only six happy years of childhood," he said in Essen on Tuesday. "Since then, I have lived 81 years in the shadow of the Shoah." - 'Preserve the incomprehensible' - In the exhibition, Fuerst's face gazes from one of the 75 images with a fixed stare and a gentle half smile. It is one of a series of enormous, detailed portraits, each of them depicting a Holocaust survivor who now lives in Israel. Opening the exhibition at the Ruhr Museum in Essen on Tuesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed the portraits as "a truly impressive work". "Each portrait is a reminder to us to step up for humanity, to not be silent and not look away when somebody's dignity is attacked," she was quoted as saying in a tweet by spokesman Steffen Seibert. New York-based photographer Schoeller took all of the photographs in Jerusalem last summer. At a press conference on Monday, the 51-year-old described taking the photographs as "the most emotional project of my life". Known for his intimate, close-up portraits, Schoeller's previous subjects include Merkel herself, former US president Barack Obama and pop star Taylor Swift. "Survivors" is a cooperation between the Foundation for Art and Culture in Bonn and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Centre in Jerusalem. The exhibition will stay in Essen until April, before travelling to other cities across the world, including Toronto and Maastricht. It has also been published as a book, which publishing house Steidl describes as "an attempt to preserve the incomprehensible for generations to come". Its launch comes just days before the start of the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem on Thursday. More than 40 world leaders will travel to Jerusalem for the forum, including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron. In Germany, the anniversary arrives amid growing concerns over a rise in anti-Semitism. The interior ministry recorded 1,799 antisemitic offences in 2018, the highest number in over a decade. In Essen on Tuesday, Merkel reaffirmed her government's commitment to fight anti-Semitism, which she said was "an attack on the fundamental values which hold our society together". Naftali Fuerst was one of 75 people whose portraits appear in Martin Schoeller's project 'Survivors - Faces of Life after the Holocaust' Each of the pictures in the exhibition depicts a Holocaust survivor who now lives in Israel Merkel reaffirmed her government's commitment to fight anti-Semitism at the exhibition
President Donald Trump's lawyers submitted a trial brief Monday calling his impeachment by the House "a dangerous perversion" of the US constitution and demanding his immediate acquittal by the Senate.

Almost simultaneously, House impeachment managers responded to an earlier Trump filing, saying the president had engaged in "corrupt conduct... to cheat in the next election" and that the Senate should remove him from office "following a fair trial."



The dueling briefs provided the most extensive look yet at the arguments taken by the opposing sides, as they seek to win over not just senators but the US public.

The historic impeachment trial is set to open in earnest at 1 pm (1800 GMT) Tuesday, first with debate on what rules will govern the trial, overseen by the chief justice of the US Supreme Court, John Roberts.

The two briefs came on what normally would be a quiet federal holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

But the weeks to come will be anything but normal, as the Senate opens only the third presidential impeachment trial in US history.

In the president's brief, his 12-man legal team contested the very idea of his impeachment.

They called the two articles of impeachment -- approved largely along party lines in the Democratic-controlled House -- the product of "a rigged process" and "constitutionally deficient on their face" because they involved no violation of established law.

The brief said the theories underpinning them "would do lasting damage to the separation of powers under the Constitution."



One source working with the president's legal team told AFP the impeachment process was "illegitimate from the start," adding, "The president did nothing wrong."The 171-page brief maintained that the impeachment articles are "the product of an unprecedented and unconstitutional process that denied the president every basic right.""All of this is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn," the brief said.

The brief from the House managers, all Democrats, accused Trump of using "presidential powers to pressure a vulnerable foreign partner to interfere in our elections for his own benefit."



It added, "In doing so, he jeopardised our national security and our democratic self-governance."



"He then used his presidential powers to orchestrate a cover-up unprecedented in the history of our republic."



The two articles of impeachment charge Trump with abuse of power by pressuring Ukraine to provide dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son, and of obstructing Congress by refusing to allow top aides to testify.

The Trump team asserted that the president had both valid reasons and the constitutional authority to demand that Ukraine crack down on corruption, as he insists he did in a phone call with that country's president.

To the assertion by Trump's lawyers that the Senate could not remove him even if all charges in the articles are proved, the House briefers replied, "That is a chilling assertion. It is also dead wrong."



Trump turned to Twitter on Saturday to blast the process, saying, "What a disgrace this Impeachment Scam is for our great Country!" He will be abroad as his trial opens; Trump left late Monday for the economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, without commenting to reporters on the South Lawn.

Key issues surrounding the trial -- foremost, whether witnesses can be called and new evidence submitted along with the extensive record compiled during weeks-long House hearings -- remain to be determined.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell late Monday proposed rules calling for each side to have 24 hours over two days to present their arguments. That makes for long trial days and a significantly quicker pace than in Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in 1999.

The chamber will debate and vote on the proposed rules Tuesday.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said McConnell is rushing the trial and also making it harder for witnesses and documents to be presented.

"On something as important as impeachment, Senator McConnell's resolution is nothing short of a national disgrace," Schumer said in a statement.

Trump has called on the Senate, where his Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats, to quickly dismiss the charges. Republicans can in fact present a motion to outright dismiss the case. This would require a simple majority of 51 votes.

The question of additional witnesses is contentious. Democrats say they need to hear from key officials -- including former national security advisor John Bolton -- with close knowledge of the president's dealings.

Trump blocked their testimony during the House hearings.

Many Republicans say House Democrats had their opportunity and must now be content with the record to date.

The question is expected to be decided by a vote of senators, probably after both sides' advocates have laid out their full cases.

It would take only four Republicans to join all Democrats to approve the calling of witnesses.

But to remove Trump from office would require the votes of 67 senators, seen as a near-impossibility.

Even if the trial moves quickly, Republicans fear it might overlap with Trump's State of the Union address on February 4.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
My friends Facebook post tells a story, which I found multiple other references to, about Muste standing outside the White House during the Vietnam War and being approached by a reporter. The reporter is said to have asked Muste, Do you really think you are going to change the policies of this country by standing out here alone at night in front of the White House with a candle?
F or only the third time in history an American president is facing an impeachment trial.

Such a hearing could lead to President Donald Trump being removed from office.

The process first started after a whistle-blower alleged that Mr Trump may have abused the power of his presidency.

This was allegedly through withholding military aid as a means of pressurising the newly elected president of the Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, into doing his bidding and helping his re-election chances.

Presiding officer Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts swears in members of the Senate for the trial / AP

What is impeachment?

Impeachment is when a senior figure, suspected of committing offences while in office, is held to account by other senior figures.

Judges, cabinet members and presidents are examples of roles which can be examined.

The suspected party can be impeached for a whole host of reasons including alleged treason, bribery and misdemeanours.

Papers outlining procedures during the impeachment trial by Republican leader Mitch McConnell. / AP

After someone is impeached they go on trial in front of the upper house of Congress called the Senate.

The members decide if the person is guilty of the offence.

Impeachment is a political trial and not a criminal one.

What is Donald Trump accused of?

The US president faces two impeachment charges.

He is accused of seeking help from the Ukraine government to help himself get re-elected. It is claimed Mr Trump held back millions of dollars in military aid, agreed to a White house meeting and put pressure on the country to publicly announce an investigation into rival Joe Biden after polls suggested the Democrat could beat him.

The president needs a two-thirds majority from the senate to be ousted from his job / REUTERS

After the White House refused to allow staff to testify at earlier impeachment hearings, Mr Trump is accused of obstructing Congress  the branch of the government which introduces and writes laws. The president denies wrong doing and said the charges are flimsy.

What has happened so far?

A whistle-blower made claims against Mr Trump in August 2019.

An investigation took place in the lower house of Congress, the House of Representatives, in October 2019.

In December 2019, Democratic leaders voted to impeach Mr Trump.

House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving and Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson deliver the articles of impeachment / REUTERS

The case was passed up to the upper house of Congress, called the Senate in January 2020.

It is controlled by Mr Trumps Republicans and is where the trial will take place.

What happens at a Senate trial?

The constitution only has general rules about impeachment proceedings, which are largely based on the trial of President Andrew Johnson in 1868.

The other president to face an impeachment trial was Bill Clinton in 1999.

Both presidents kept their jobs.

Two people are deciding how the trial will be conducted.

The impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will be resumed in January 2020 / AP

Republican leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell and his Democratic counterpart, Chuck Schumer.

While Mr McConnell wants a quick trial and acquittal, Mr Schumer wants the American people to see exactly what has gone on and has accused the Republicans of trying to prevent evidence from being heard.

What is agreed however is that there will be no live-tweeting form the chamber and senators will not be allowed to speak to those sitting near them while the case is being heard.

The members will hear from both sides, lawyers and witnesses before been given a day to deliberate.

The Senate impeachment trial will take place in Washington / REUTERS

Mr Trump needs a two-thirds majority of 67 votes to be ousted from his position.

However as there are 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats in the Senate, the president is expected to be cleared.

If the Senate wishes to end the trial they only need a majority of 51 to stop proceedings.

Who presides over the trial?

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is leading the trial to make sure predetermined rules are followed.

However, the 100 senators will ultimately act as both judge and jury.

A group of Democrats will act as prosecutors and present the case for impeachment to the Senate.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts presides over the first session of the US Senate impeachment trial / REUTERS

These include Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler.

Mr Trumps defence team will include personnel who helped President Clinton during impeachment.

He will also have a lawyer on his side who represented OJ Simpson.

Will Donald Trump speak at the trial?

The president has the option to appear but it is likely that his lawyers will speak on his behalf.

His defence team, like the Democrat prosecutors, will be able to deliver opening and closing statements and question witnesses.

The Democrats would like several senior White House officials to testify, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton, whereas Mr Trump is keen for Mr Biden and the original whistle-blower to testify.

Donald Trump impeachment protests: December 2019 1 /33 Donald Trump impeachment protests: December 2019 People hold signs critical of U.S. President Donald Trump while participating in a protest in support of his potential impeachment in New York Getty Images People gather in Times Square Getty Images An anti-President Trump crowd gather at a rally in Times Square to protest and call for his impeachment AP Demonstrators join national impeachment demonstrations to demand an end to Donald Trump's presidency named "Nobody Is Above The Law" Rally - NYC at Times Square Getty Images for MoveOn.org A message pro-impeachment is projected on the facade of the City Hall building before the start of a protest in Los Angeles AFP via Getty Images A protester holds a sign during a demonstration in part of a national impeachment rally, at the Federal Building in San Francisco, California AFP via Getty Images Demonstrators gather in Times Square to demand the impeachment of Donald Trump Reuters People hold signs critical of U.S. President Donald Trump while participating in a protest in support of his potential impeachment in New York Getty Images People hold signs critical of U.S. President Donald Trump while participating in a protest in support of his potential impeachment in New York Getty Images People hold signs critical of U.S. President Donald Trump while participating in a protest in support of his potential impeachment in New York Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images for MoveOn.org Getty Images for MoveOn.org Getty Images for MoveOn.org Getty Images for MoveOn.org AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images Several hundred of protesters march down Market Street during a demonstration in part of a national impeachment rally, at the Federal Building in San Francisco, California AFP via Getty Images Connie Jeung-Mills of San Francisco holds a sign during a demonstration in part of a national impeachment rally, at the Federal Building in San Francisco, California AFP via Getty Images

Senators can question the witnesses by submitting questions to Justice Roberts in written form.

However, witnesses might not appear in front of the upper house and could be interviewed on video which is then shown to the chamber.

If the Republic-heavy Senate decides it wants a short trial, it could also bar witnesses from both sides with a 51 vote majority.

When will the impeachment proceedings finish?

After the lower house of Congress presents the impeachment case to the upper house, senators must sit in session every day, bar Sunday, until they make a final decision.

President Clintons trial lasted almost a month and this one is inspected to last for a good few weeks, but experts can only guess at this stage.

Folder with articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump / AP

Four Democratic senators, who are running for presidency, will have to leave their campaigns behind for the duration of the trial.

They will most likely hope the hearing is completed by February in time for the 2020 primary election which decides on the candidate nominated by the Democrats.

Listen to today's episode of The Leader:
Vedanta Ltd is quoting at Rs 155.65, down 0.8% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The stock tumbled 18.72% in last one year as compared to a 11.67% rally in NIFTY and a 2.09% fall in the Nifty Metal index.

Vedanta Ltd is down for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 155.65, down 0.8% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 0.22% on the day, quoting at 12197.3. The Sensex is at 41389.04, down 0.34%.Vedanta Ltd has added around 5.35% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty Metal index of which Vedanta Ltd is a constituent, has increased around 4.21% in last one month and is currently quoting at 2835.85, down 0.54% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 60.48 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 142.24 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark January futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 156, down 0.92% on the day. Vedanta Ltd tumbled 18.72% in last one year as compared to a 11.67% rally in NIFTY and a 2.09% fall in the Nifty Metal index.

The PE of the stock is 7.64 based on TTM earnings ending September 19.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
T Muruganandham By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The State Cabinet on Monday cleared several industrial projects, including the proposal to establish an oil refinery complex at Thoothukudi at a whopping Rs 40,000 crore. The project is being implemented by West Asian Al Kharafi. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, lasted for over an hour.

The Cabinet also cleared a manufacturing unit to be set up by Chinese company Wintech. Chinese automobile and electronics major BYD also got States clearance for its operations here. The high powered committee, headed by the Chief Minister, was constituted for expeditious investment facilitation and single-window clearances for the MoU signed during his visit to three countries. It has so far cleared 15 projects worth over Rs 6,608 crore.

State opens doors to West Asian, Chinese cos

Sources told Express that the facilitation Memorandum of Understanding for the Rs 40,000 crore oil refinery project was signed in 2015 and the site is yet to be selected. It is learnt that the project involves construction of a refinery, petrochemical complex, processing units, production units, storage tanks, a warehouse, administrative space and related infrastructure.

Family-controlled, privately-held Al Kharafi Group is one of West Asias largest conglomerates with interests in construction, telecommunications (Zain Telecommunication), finance (National Bank of Kuwait), energy, manufacturing, and hospitality and tourism sectors. The firm had earlier intervened in WBs Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd project.

China will mark its presence in the State in a big way with Shenzen-based BYD, Chinese manufacturer of automobiles, battery-powered bicycles,buses, forklifts,rechargeable batteries making a Rs 2,800 crore investment in mobile components facility, electric vehicles and batteries.
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The New Delhi assembly constituency is not just any other seat going to the polls on February 8, but has actually given the capital many of its Chief Ministers.

The New Delhi Assembly constituency was formed during the 2008 delimitation and elected former Chief Minister late Sheila Dikshit that year, and subsequently the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and current Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal twice, in 2013 and 2015.

The New Delhi magic touch is not restricted to just these three terms, as, before delimitation, a major part of the constituency fell under the Gole Market assembly segment, which too had elected Sheila Dikshit twice as the Delhi Chief Minister.

Delhi has witnessed six Assembly elections since 1993 and the city will elect the seventh Assembly next month.

The Delhi Legislative Assembly came into existence with the Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991, and has seen six assemblies till now with 70 members.

While the Congress has ruled Delhi thrice, AAP has been elected twice with one term lasting just 49 days.

The BJP had bagged the first assembly and had three Chief Ministers during just a single term.

Dikshit has been the longest serving Chief Minister of Delhi from 1998 to 2015.

In 1993, the BJP's Madan Lal Khurana, who won the Moti Nagar assembly seat with 54.10 per cent votes, become the Chief Minister. Later, Sahib Singh Verma, who bagged the Shalimar Bagh seat with 65.21 per cent votes took charge of the chief ministership.

Dikshit represented the Gole Market assembly constituency in the 1998 and 2003 elections and after the formation of the New Delhi constituency, she was elected from the seat in 2008.

In 1998, Dikshit defeated Kriti Azad, the then BJP candidate, with 53.95 per cent votes. Azad, who joined the Congress in 2019, came second with 41.66 per cent votes.

In 2003, Dikshit retained her Gole Market seat with 64.44 per cent votes. This time she defeated Kirti Azad's wife Poonam Azad, who got 31.31 per cent votes.

In 2008, Delhi underwent delimitation and a major area of the Gole Market seat was merged into New Delhi constituency.

Dikshit won the New Delhi assembly seat in 2008 with 52.20 per cent votes, defeating BJP's Vijay Jolly who got 33.85 per cent votes.

The political picture of Delhi, however, changed in 2012 with the formation of the AAP.

In 2013, Kejriwal challenged the then sitting MLA Dikshit from New Delhi and won. While Kejriwal got 53.46 per cent votes, Dikshit came second with 22.23 per cent, followed by BJP's Vijender Gupta with 21.68 per cent of the mandate.

In line with the past trend, Kejriwal became the Chief Minister in 2013 for 49 days after which he resigned.

The city went to the polls again in 2015 and Kejriwal retained the seat with 64.34 per cent. This time he defeated the then Delhi BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

For the upcoming polls on February 8, the Congress has fielded Romesh Sabharwal, former Delhi President of the party's student wing NSUI. He has been with the party for the past 40 years. The BJP has named Sunil Yadav for the constituency.

Meanwhile, the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat -- oldest of the seven parliamentary constituencies in the capital -- has been a preserve of the country's ruling political party, particularly since the 1992 by-elections. Out of the 16 general elections and two Lok Sabha by-polls, the seat has been won 13 times by the party that came to power at the Centre.

(Nivedita Singh can be contacted at nivedita.singh@ians.in)
Kerala's LDF govt refuses to update population register

Keralas Left Front government headed by Pinari Vijayan has decided against updating the population register, which is updated every 10 years following the census.

The state government has cited a report prepared by the state police chief which states that the updating of National Population Register (NPR) will be difficult this time around as it could give rise to serious law and order issues.

The state cabinet, which met today, decided to inform the centre that Kerala will not be updating the National Population Register (NPR). There are concerns that the data collected for NPR would be used to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the country.

The cabinet has decided to inform the Registrar General and Census Commissioner that the state will stay away from updating and renewing the NPR.

The state government, however, said it would cooperate with the Census work as it involves only counting heads.

There are lakhs of Bangladeshi migrants and even Rohingyan refugees from Myanmar in the state and the Left Front government is in no mood to address that issue.

The state cabinet also warned against liking NPR to the National Register of Citizens, which is opposed by opposition parties and groups working against the interests of the country.

The state will provide all cooperation in the conduct of Census operations. Any attempt to enforce NPR will only jeopardise the 2021 Census, finance minister Thomas Issac warned in a tweet.

A sense of fear has been generated among the people. It is the governments duty to help the people come out of their apprehensions and fear, and also to maintain law and order in the state. If NPR and NRC is implemented, it will give rise to an insecurity among people. That is why the state government took this decision, the cabinet stated in an official release.

The NPR or National Population Register is a register of residents in the country containing demographic and biometric details. While the Census is a population exercise conducted once in a decade, the central government has decided to prepare the NPR between April 2020 and September 2020, with the exercise conducted at the local, sub district, district, state and national levels.

It may be noted that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had even got a resolution passed against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and insisted that the state government is staying away from NPR since there were apprehensions among the public that activities related to NPR might lead to the implementation of NRC.

Last week, the chief ministers office repeated the governments stance on NPR by clarifying that the state will not undertake any works related to it. This was a clarification after Tahsildar of Thamarassery taluk in Kozhikode district issued a letter to a school principal stating that NPR is scheduled for this year.

The Pinarai Vijayan government has also moved the Supreme Court against CAA, which grants persecuted religious groups from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh right to citizenship in this country.
Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert from the University of Melbourne has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars in Tehran, Iran, in September 2019. (AAP Image/Supplied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Jailed Australian-UK Academic Claims Iran Tried to Recruit Her as Spy

An Australian British academic jailed in Iran is claiming that Tehran tried to recruit her as a spy in exchange for her release.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Islamic studies lecturer at the University of Melbourne, has described her ordeal in handwritten letters smuggled out of Tehrans notorious Evin jail and seen by The Guardian. In the letters, she described feeling abandoned and forgotten.

The detained academic was arrested at Tehran airport in September 2018 after attending an educational conference. Moore-Gilbert is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage, a charge that she and the Australian government have denied; an appeal against her sentence failed.

She remains in an isolated Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-run (IRGC) wing of Evin.

In 10 letters addressed to Iranian authorities between June and December 2019, the Cambridge-educated lecturer described how her physical and mental health had deteriorated, and begged to be released from the prison unit, where she has spent time in solitary confinement.

She lashed out at the IRGC for playing an awful game with her, claiming she was shown two conflicting imprisonment terms in October 2019one 13-month sentence and the other confirming her original 10-year sentence.

My case manager said that the 13-months decision was fake, and was an illegal attempt by my lawyer and my ambassador to free me from prison, she wrote. I am an innocent victim.

Moore-Gilbert said she is being denied visitations, phone calls to her family, and that she has little money to buy food. She added that her deteriorating health has led to multiple hospital visits.

Im taking psychiatric medications, but these 10 months that I have spent here have gravely damaged my mental health, she wrote in a letter dated from July.

A month later, she wrote: In the past month, I have been to the special care at Baghiatollah Hospital twice and the prison infirmary six times.

I think I am in the midst of a serious psychological problem.

She added in a letter that she has rejected offers to spy for Iran and work with the intelligence branch of IRGC, while maintaining that she had become the victim of fabrications and trumped-up accusations.

I am not a spy. I have never been a spy and I have no interest to work for a spying organization in any country, she wrote in a letter to her Iranian case manager. Under no circumstances will I be persuaded to change my decision.

This week, Australias Foreign Minister Marise Payne met with Javad Zarif, her Iranian counterpart, to discuss Moore-Gilberts case.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne at a panel discussion during Raisina Dialogue, a global conference in New Delhi, India, on Jan. 16, 2020. (Manish Swarup/AP Photo)

The government has been working extremely hard in relation to the ongoing detention of Kylie Moore-Gilbert, Payne said. We dont accept the charges on which she has been held and are concerned for her protection and the conditions under which she is held.

However, Iran has said it wont bow to pressure or submit to political games and propaganda.
(Newser)  Alarmed by a deadly new twist in the nation's drug addiction crisis, the government will allow states to use federal money earmarked for the opioid epidemic to help growing numbers of people struggling with meth and cocaine. The little-noticed change is buried in a massive spending bill passed by Congress late last year, the AP reports. Pressed by constituents and state officials, lawmakers of both parties and the Trump administration agreed to broaden the scope of a $1.5 billion grant program previously restricted to the opioid crisis. Starting this year, states can also use those federal dollars to counter addiction to "stimulants," a term the government uses for methamphetamine and cocaine. "Meth and cocaine are making a comeback and they are more potent than they were during the last wave," says Mark Stringer, director of Missouri's Department of Mental Health.

story continues below

"Where meth is much more prevalent than opioids, this will be a game-changer," Stringer says. In most states west of the Mississippi, meth is the biggest killer, according to government data for 2017. Meanwhile, the highly lethal opioid fentanyl maintains its grip on the East and Midwest. Cocaine ranks third overall nationally in drug-involved deaths. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat whose state has been hard-hit by the opioid epidemic, says she was hearing from all quarters last year that the drug-addiction scourge is gradually changing. "They were seeing much more impact from meth and from cocaine, substances they couldn't address because of specific language in the law," says Shaheen, referring to previous restrictions in the federal grant program aimed at opioids.

(Read more methamphetamine stories.)
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - A man in custody for several charges in Florida is a suspect in several local sexual assaults. Local detectives said the case spans several years.

Jason Wilhelm of Lafayette is in jail in the Florida Keys. There, his charges include theft, pawning an item that wasn't his, and using someone else's ID.

But investigators believe his crimes started in Lafayette.

According to a report by the Miami Herald, Wilhelm is suspected of using date rape drugs in sexual assaults in Indiana.

In September, the Herald said he arranged to visit an online acquaintance in Tennessee, only to allegedly dose him with a so-called "date rape drug" and rob his house of several guns.

In November, Wilhelm was arrested after trying to pawn a gun in the Florida Keys.

The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's office said they are now working with law enforcement in Tennessee and in Florida on the case. Investigators wouldn't be more specific about the nature or time frame of the local assaults.

Wilhelm can expect a lengthy legal process ahead, due to the many allegations over multiple states. His current bond is a combined $125,000.
The late-night talk show host and funny man Jimmy Fallon recently took a cheeky dig at the American President Donald Trump who would soon be facing impeachment trial.

According to USA Today, Fallon compared Trump's defence team to a "photo wall of Men's Warehouse employees of the month," as it mostly consists of ageing white men.

A couple of names that'll be defending Trump were pointed out by Fallon, one of which was Ken Starr, the independent counsel who headed the investigation for the impeachment of former American President Bill Clinton.

Another familiar name that Fallon mentioned was that of Alan Dershowitz, who is known for being one of the defence lawyers during the infamous O. J. Simpson case.

Even Bill Maher chimed in with Fallon by briefly listing the clients these lawyers have defended in the past.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Thailands tourism industry doomed if we dont embrace nature, Bensley tells TTF 2020

BANGKOK: Thailands tourism industry stands on the brink of disaster if it continues along its destructive path of unsustainable growth and can only be saved if it learns from nature, the celebrated architect, landscape designer and disruptor Bill Bensley has warned.

tourismenvironmenteconomicsnatural-resourcesconstructionproperty

By The Phuket News

Tuesday 21 January 2020, 01:10PM

Mr Bensley, a highly respected designer, architect and long-standing conservationist, told an estimated 1,000 travel industry delegates at Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) 2020 in Bangkok that now, as the world faces an unprecedented ecological emergency, they must change their ways if they want to survive, said a release by TTF organisers issued today (Jan 21).

Under the theme, BANG BANG, TTF 2020 was held at the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok yesterday (Jan 20). The event was a high-impact, quickfire two-hour stage event that focuses on the critical issues facing Thailands tourism and hospitality industries, explained the release.

Joining Mr Bensle on stage was Jesper Palmqvist, Area Director for Asia Pacific at hotel-industry analysts and benchmarking company STR.

Among those also taking to the stage were Bonn Paramacharoenroj, Associate Director of Business Development for YOO Worldwide, who urged Thailand to cash in on the cannabis tourism revolution, and Khongchanok (A-care) Paepipatmongkol, Innovation Project Manager at Fuchsia MuangThai Life Assurance, who discussed cross-industry collaboration, and how the Thai tourism industry can enhance the customer experience by working with other industries.

Driving the conversation, however, was Bensley, who shook up the crowd with his vision for 2050. The key question is: do you want your children and grandchildren to live on a scorched planet, where the forests have been destroyed, the sea is full of plastic, the air is poisonous and wildlife has collapsed? Or do you want to work towards a fresher future, where buildings breathe, everything we eat is organic and the natural world flourishes? You decide, he said.

To help hoteliers and developers embark on their path towards a cleaner tomorrow, Mr Bensley also used TTF 2020 to launch his white paper Sensible Sustainable Solutions, which includes a series of practical ideas and suggestions on how to make hotel business greener and help fight climate change.

STRs Mr Palmqvist revealed the data behind the decisions; according to STR there are more than 50,000 new hotel rooms on the way in Thailand, including 15,000 in Bangkok alone.

This development surge will put huge pressure on land and resources in the country. A series of other young speakers, including Khun Bonn and Khun A-care, highlighted how niche tourism concepts can help Thailand achieve positive and sustainable growth, in line with the worlds top social and traveller trends, said the release.

What will the world look like in 2050? It is a question we ask a lot, without seriously considering the answer. But this is no longer some distant future; 2050 is as close as 1990, and considering the widespread environmental destruction we have caused in the last 30 years, we need to stop greenwashing and start figuring out some real solutions. But the fact that this is such a massive problem doesnt necessarily mean we need big solutions  we can all make a difference on a small scale. It just needs a collective will. Together we can build a better world, said Mr Bensley.

Bonn Paramacharoenroj of YOO Worldwide urged Thailand to cash in on cannabis tourism.

While Thailand continues to focus on the elusive target of 40 million international visitors, the industry continues to cannibalise itself by degrading and destroying the very environment that makes it so attractive. Alarm bells are ringing and we want TTF 2020 to be the wake-up call the country needs to stop it sleepwalking into disaster, said Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, the co-organiser of TTF 2020.

To find the answers, weve welcomed 10 next-gen Thai hotel professionals to deliver quickfire Bang Bang thoughts on what future trends will drive the growth of Thailands tourism market. Bricks and clicks are all well and good, but what elevates the Thai brand is its human capital. We want to spark a candid, no-holds-barred debate.

TTF 2020 marked the ninth annual edition of the industry event, jointly hosted by The American Chamber of Commerce  Thailand (AMCHAM) and C9 Hotelworks. For more information about TTF 2020, visit www.thailandtourismforum.com
Anchovies are normally found in the balmy seas of the Mediterranean, but a number of the tiny fish have been caught off the west coast of Cork in an extremely rare haul.

The tasty fish - which are used as a pizza topping as well as a main ingredient in Caesar salads and Worcester sauce - are generally found off the coast of Spain and Portugal.

But half a dozen were caught off Crookhaven in Cork at the weekend.

The director of Dingle Oceanworld, Kevin Flannery, said it is a sign there is a shoal of the prized fish in Irish waters.

Its very rare", said the marine biologist. "The first recorded anchovy was back in 1830 in Ventry and there hadnt been any down through the years.

In the 70s there were five recorded in Ireland and now there is these recorded off the west coast of Cork. Its obvious they are moving into Irish waters.

You would normally find them off the south west of France and north coast of Spain and all the way down to the Mediterranean and Peru have the biggest fishery in the world for them.

It is thought warmer waters have attracted the tiny creatures which have to be caught with a special net.

Mr Flannery said:

It just goes to prove the point we may be losing some species but obviously there is great possibility of other species moving in instead.

He said the lucrative fish has already moved into the English Channel off the coast of Cornwall in the last few years.

They could work out at around 1,000 per tonne. The scarcity of them off the Spanish coast and off the French coast is leading to a greater price for them," said Mr. Flannery. They are used in everything from fish-based sauces to pizza because they give a beautiful taste."

As climate continues to warm the seas, he said Ireland could see the exit of some traditional fish and the arrival of exotic newcomers.

If there is an increase in sea temperature you are going to get more of these fish because fish are very vulnerable to a change in temperature. Hake is becoming more prevalent. We are getting fish like Trigger fish, Moray Eel and what you call Red Mullet now in Dublin Bay. They would be all warm water species beginning to move into Ireland. But cold-water species like cod will not survive in warmer waters.
Facebooks second in command has been told that social media companies must do more to tackle online abuse, in a meeting with Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister and Ms Patel, together with Culture Secretary Baroness Morgan, met chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg in No 10 following Facebooks announcement that it was hiring 1,000 more staff in the UK.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: While there has been progress in this area there is still more to do.

The Home Secretary made clear that we need to be able to track down terrorists, child abuse and other types of offenders and to work with social media to achieve that.

Expand Close Facebooks chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, with colleagues outside 10 Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Facebooks chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, with colleagues outside 10 Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The Home Secretary said we need to be able to shut down online space to these kind of people in order to protect our citizens.

Stopping in the UK ahead of a visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum, Ms Sandberg announced the firm would hire 1,000 new people before the end of the year.

A large number will work in the teams that develop technology to remove harmful content.

The additions will take its total workforce in London up to 4,000 by the end of the year, Ms Sandberg said on Tuesday morning.

More than half the recruits are expected to work in technology-focused roles across software engineering, product design and data science, as well as developing WhatsApp, and Workplace, its business-centred version of Facebook.

Expand Close Ms Sandberg announced that Facebook plans to hire 1,000 more people in the UK by the end of 2020 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Ms Sandberg announced that Facebook plans to hire 1,000 more people in the UK by the end of 2020 (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

London is Facebooks biggest engineering hub outside the US, and the company is building new office space in Kings Cross, due to open in late 2021.

Ms Sandberg said that despite uncertainty because of Brexit, the social network remained keen to invest in the UK, calling it a world leader in both innovation and creativity.

London is now our biggest engineering hub outside the US, she said.

It is home to our community integrity team that is doing such important work to keep people safe on our platforms, working to take down harmful content and keep people safe.

We know theres been some uncertainty about Britains future (but) we believe the UK is an important place for us to invest.
Express News Service

BENGALURU: Two years before the Congress suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2014 general elections and Narendra Modi landed firmly in the national capital as the Prime Minister, there was a possibility of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taking over the top job from Manmohan Singh who was then the premier.



It has now come to light that many senior leaders and the Congresss allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) had discussed with the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to bring in Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister in place of Manmohan Singh.

This was not because Manmohan was found incompetent but the seniors felt that they need to go to the polls with a new face and rejuvenate the party which was by then on a downhill journey.

Giving credence to the possibility of this change that could have altered the dynamics of Indias politics, many coalition partners, including DMK chief M Karunanidhi, too had taken it up with Sonia Gandhi.

They tried to persuade her on the need for this tectonic shift, Congress Working Committee member K H Muniyappa who was present at these discussions, told The New Indian Express.

But Sonia Gandhi had declined the suggestion, as she felt that it was not the right time to make such a radical shift in the leadership. And two years down the line, the 2014 LS polls gave Congress an electoral punch, from which it is only now showing signs of a slight recovery in some states polls.

From being the single dominant party in the country, it was reduced to double digits in the Lok Sabha then. And red flags were raised within the Congress circles to save it from ruin. The general elections threw up a leader in Modi and launched a new political discourse in the country.

Again, in 2019, the party met a similar fate. Rahul Gandhi immediately stepped down as party president.

As President of the Congress party, I am responsible for the loss of the 2019 election. Accountability is critical for the future growth of our party he had said in a tweet.

Muniyappa, who was first to speak for the Gandhi family at the recent CWC meeting, said the party failed to use that opportunity and it almost went to elections empty-handed.

Now, when the stage is again said to be set for Rahuls return to the top job in the party, the only option before Congress seems to be to make him the president.

Congress can accept none but Gandhi family

It is not possible for Congress to appoint anyone outside the Gandhi family as the party president. We have to make new strategies with him, and the seniors and the experts must guide him in taking people from all sections of the society into confidence, says Muniyappa.

Ironically, historian Ramachandra Guha had recently remarked that a fifth-generation dynast Rahul Gandhi had no chance in Indian politics against a hard-working and self-made Narendra Modi.

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.
Realme Philippines, the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the country, takes a greater leap forward as it enters the IoT (Internet of Things) with the new generation of true wireless audio experience with the realme Buds Air.

Realme Buds Air Introduces Best-Value True Wireless Sound Technology for only Php3,990

Set to hit the market on January 22, the realme Buds Air is designed to provide users a taste of true music freedom with real cable-free connection while ensuring a seamless audio experience for only Php3,990.

We are glad that we can offer to our Filipino squad the much-awaited realme-powered true wireless sound (TWS). Finally, Filipinos, especially the very active youth, need not worry about breaking the bank for an optimized wireless audio experience. Expect realme to bring more products--both smartphones and accessories--that attest to our commitment to real value, shares realme Philippines Marketing Director Austine Huang.

As an initial offering, it will be available at the official realme Lazada flagship store starting January 22, 2020 for only Php2,990. The special discounted price is only applied on January 22 and 29 and February 06. Customers must get ready to add to cart because realme Philippines is giving away a free wireless charging pad to the first 100 customers.

Realme Philippines will also be offering special vouchers on its official Facebook page from January 22 to February 6. The vouchers will further lower the price of the realme Buds Air by Php500.

The promos do not stop there! Also, customers who will purchase both a realme smartphone and a realme Buds Air enjoy an additional discount of Php1,000.
More than 15,000 has been spent on talking lampposts in South Dublin in an effort to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pet.

Walkers in Killiney Hill and four other parts of the capital may be bewildered to hear a male voice coming from an ordinary looking lamppost.

They play pre-recorded messages, encouraging people to clean up after their dog - and always carry waste bags.

Bemused

The motion sensor devices are being trialled in areas including Ballyogan, Marlay Park, Killiney Hill, Glenageary and Seapoint.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council believes the lampposts could help cut dog dirt by more than 80pc.

The initiative was welcomed by bemused dog walkers in Killiney Hill yesterday afternoon.

Terry O'Reilly, from Shankill, told the Herald that she believes it will make a significant impact.

"I suppose anything that helps combat this problem can only be a good thing," she said.

"This is one of my all-time favourite places to walk my dog and it would be a shame if it was overrun by dog dirt.

"There are some chancers who pretend not to notice their dog going to the toilet and walk away leaving it behind for others to step on.

"Children are particularly at risk because the dog dirt could get in their eye and do some serious damage.

"Giving people a friendly reminder like this is something that could be very effective."

Jennanne Fennelly, from Billy's Excellent Adventures premium dog-walking and minding service, believes that there are people who will always need reminding to clean up after their pets.

"Killiney Hill is a lot cleaner now than it once was, but if the speakers can act as an extra encouragement for those who need reminding then I say it's worth the money," she said.

"Once dog fouling becomes a problem it can ruin even the most picturesque location, but thankfully it doesn't seem like the council are letting that happen."

A spokesperson from the council told the Herald that RiteView Solutions was recently contracted to install six audio device units within the local authority at the price of 15,940.80.

"The cost includes the lease of six audio technology units from RiteView Solutions Ltd for a period of 12 months. This cost includes installation, device maintenance, battery change and relocation expenses," the spokesperson said.

"The devices will be rotated throughout the county over the 12-month period."

Failing to clean up after your dog has fouled can result in an on-the-spot fine of 150 or a summary conviction to a fine of up to 4,000.

According to recent figures, no dog fouling fines were issued in Dublin City last year. No fines were issued in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown either, and in South Dublin County Council, three dog fouling fines from January to November were issued to offenders.
The group Moms 4 Housing announced Monday that a sale is being negotiated of a house in Oakland that they had been occupying from November until last week when they were evicted.

The home at 2928 Magnolia St. was purchased in July by the Southern California-based firm Wedgewood Properties, but a group of homeless mothers moved into the unoccupied home on Nov. 18, prompting various community rallies about the city's housing crisis and a series of court hearings that ended with a judge ordering their eviction.

The eviction took place last Tuesday, with two mothers and two of their supporters arrested at the home.

But on Monday, Moms 4 Housing announced that a deal had been brokered between their group, Wedgewood, and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf's office to sell the home to the Oakland Community Land Trust, a nonprofit that buys properties and converts them to affordable housing.

According to the mayor's office, the property will be purchased for a price not to exceed its appraised value.

A vehicle struck and killed someone on a sidewalk in Berkeley as its driver tried to flee from a University of California at Berkeley police officer on Monday morning, a police spokesman said.

At about 10:30 a.m., the campus police officer was driving on Sixth Street when he saw a gray Nissan four-door sedan parked along the curb line and heard a woman inside the vehicle screaming for help, Berkeley police spokesman Officer Byron White said.

As the officer approached the Nissan, the driver sped away and ended up on University Avenue west of Sixth Street, where it hit and killed a female pedestrian on the sidewalk, according to White. Her name has not yet been released.

The Nissan continued fleeing onto Interstate Highway 80 and remains at large as of Monday afternoon, White said. He said a description of the driver and more details about the vehicle were not immediately available.

A 50-year-old South San Francisco woman died after getting out of a vehicle that had been rear-ended on U.S. Highway 101 in San Mateo early Sunday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The woman, identified by the San Mateo County coroner's office as Ivania Torres, died after an initial collision that occurred on southbound Highway 101 south of Third Avenue shortly before 1:50 a.m. Sunday, CHP spokesman Officer Art Montiel said.

Torres was a passenger in a white Toyota Yaris that a white Dodge Charger had rear-ended. She got out of the Yaris and walked east across traffic lanes to talk to the Dodge driver, but a black Toyota Camry also heading south then struck her and the Dodge, Montiel said.

Torres was pronounced dead at the scene while someone else inside her vehicle and someone in the Camry were taken to Stanford Hospital for complaints of pain, according to Montiel.

Both the Dodge and Camry drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Their names were not immediately released.

A woman killed in a hit-and-run collision in Oakland early Sunday morning has been identified by the Alameda County coroner's bureau as 42-year-old Brooke Smith.

The crash was reported shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday at Grand Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard.

Smith, an Oakland resident, was taken to Highland Hospital and died of her injuries there, police said.

Investigators determined that Smith was going east on MacArthur when her 2002 Subaru Outback was hit by a 2014 Audi A4 going south on Grand. The male driver of the Audi and two passengers fled after the collision and have not been found, according to police.

The Solano County coroner's office has identified a motorcycle rider who died in a collision with an SUV in Fairfield on Sunday afternoon as Justin Wilkinson, 30, of Suisun City.

The collision occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Waterman Boulevard and the eastbound off-ramp to Waterman just south of Interstate Highway 80, Fairfield police Lt. Jausiah Jacobsen said.

Wilkinson was taken to a hospital and died from his injuries a short time later, Jacobsen said. The 63-year-old Fairfield man who was driving the SUV remained at the scene.

The Solano County coroner's office has identified a man who died in a crash near Vacaville Sunday morning as Jeremy Perry, 31, of Suisun City.

The California Highway Patrol said the crash was first reported at 3:49 a.m. on Lyon Road at Cherry Glen Road just outside of Vacaville. No other details of the crash were immediately available Monday.

A fire has been extinguished after sparking at a boarded-up building in Redwood City on Monday morning, a fire battalion chief said.

The fire was first reported at 6:19 a.m. at 91 Winslow St., a boarded-up commercial building where firefighters arrived to find smoke coming out of it, Redwood City Fire Battalion Chief Geoffrey Balton said.

A second alarm was called but the additional crews did not end up being necessary and the fire was declared under control at 6:58 a.m., Balton said.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but Balton said crews suspect there may have been squatters inside the building. No injuries were reported.

A 38-year-old man was arrested for allegedly setting various trash cans on fire near a home and at a park in Sunnyvale early Monday morning, according to the city's Department of Public Safety.

Officers initially responded at about 2:20 a.m. to a report of trash cans burning near a residence in the 800 block of South Mary Avenue. The fire damaged a fence and parked vehicle before being extinguished, public safety officials said.

A man was seen on security video lighting the fire, but officers did not initially find him during a search of the area.

Then at about 4:15 a.m., officers received reports of about 11 trash can fires burning at Washington Park at 840 W. Washington Ave. They responded and found John Stahl near a bus stop near South Mathilda and West Olive avenues and identified him as the arsonist, public safety officials said.

Stahl, a transient, was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of multiple counts of arson.

Point Reyes-Petaluma Road remains closed at state Highway 1 and Platform Bridge Road in Marin County after a black SUV crashed into a power pole early Monday morning.

California Highway Patrol Officer Patrick Roth said an occupant of the vehicle suffered minor injuries in the crash at 13201 Point Reyes-Petaluma Road that was reported at 12:25 a.m.

PG&E responded to the crash that caused a power outage affecting more than 30 people.

AT&T assumed traffic control at the crash site because a large cable blocked both lanes of the road, according to the CHP. AT&T will notify the CHP when the repairs are complete and the road can reopen, the CHP said Monday afternoon.

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Softdocs Logo Administrators and students are not only looking for the best industry solutions, they are seeking the higher education expertise that both Softdocs and Jenzabar offer. The partnership is a clear win for our clients.

Softdocs, the education-focused enterprise content management (ECM) provider, today announced the launch of a new partnership with Jenzabar, a leading innovator, SIS, and ERP provider in higher education. Through this agreement, a Jenzabar-integrated version of the Softdocs Etrieve platform will be available to all higher education institutions leveraging Jenzabar solutions.

Supporting our mission to deliver institutions with increased levels of efficiency and data security, as well as Jenzabars focus on meeting the needs of the modern student, this partnership serves as a building block for the future of both solution suites and the institutions leveraging them, said Andrew Daniel, Vice President of Sales and Strategy at Softdocs. As a preconfigured, integrated solution complete with Jenzabar screen and file capture as integration points, Etrieve delivers a seamless ECM experience with ERP data.

As a strategic partner, Softdocs provides the Jenzabar community with:



A robust integration toolkit to integrate Softdocs solutions with Jenzabar solutions.

A user experience and API framework for building a seamless application on top of the ERP.

A cloud-based, browser-based ECM platformEtrievedesigned specifically for the education market and supported by a professional services team familiar with the nuances of business processes within education.

The opportunity to add value to existing technology deployments with the addition of document management, electronic forms, and workflow capabilities.

Softdocs enters this partnership with years of experience working with Jenzabar institutions to redefine business processes, improve student service and employee productivity, as well as provide institutions with control over how content is captured, processed, and distributed at an enterprise level.

Jenzabar and Softdocs are both experiencing excellent traction moving our clients to the cloud. Softdocs proven record in the cloud makes this partnership a great fit for Jenzabars strategic product direction, said Cameron Pforr, Vice President of Strategy at Jenzabar. Administrators and students are not only looking for the best industry solutions, they are seeking the higher education expertise that both Softdocs and Jenzabar offer. The partnership is a clear win for our clients.

About Softdocs

Softdocs develops document management, electronic forms, workflow automation and print customization solutions for the higher education and K-12 markets. The companys Etrieve platform, and complementary solutions, empower educational institutions to work more efficiently, communicate more effectively and collaborate more freely. Education-focused and SOC 2 Type I and II compliant, Softdocs is a trusted partner of over 725 colleges, universities, districts and schools. A privately held company founded in 1998, Softdocs is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.softdocs.com.

About Jenzabar

Created out of a passion for education and a vision for technology, Jenzabar offers disruptive, innovative software solutions and services that empower students success and help higher education institutions meet the demands of the modern student. Over 1,350 higher educational campuses harness Jenzabar solutions for improved performance across campus and a more personalized and connected experience for the student. For further information, please visit http://www.jenzabar.com or on Twitter @Jenzabar or LinkedIn.
Lets wait a little. I think government officials will give the answer to this question during tomorrows question-and-answer session in parliament. This is what Governor of Ararat Province Garik Sargsyan told reporters today.

This evening, Governor Garik Sargsyan and deputy of the My Step faction of the National Assembly Rustam Bakoyan had a meeting with livestock farmers who are discontent with the governments recent decision related to livestock animals.

The livestock farmers are against the provision of the law compelling them to organize the slaughter of animals at slaughterhouses.

Garik Sargsyan said a law cant favor everyone, if there are going to be some restrictions. He offered to have slaughterhouses accessible for everyone in the provinces that will be close to the communities.

Starting from January 15, 2019, upon a government decision, meat sold in all parts of Armenia must come with a document certifying the fact that it has been slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, meaning a safety warranty.

Livestock farmers and butchers have been holding protests in front of the government building for a couple of days now and demand that the government review its decision. Yesterday the protesters closed a major street in Yerevan for a couple of minutes and then called on all livestock farmers to close roads after they didnt receive any response from the government.
The Public Prosecution yesterday announced the arrest of a drug ring in Muharraq Governorate involving a doctor, pharmacists and military personnel.

According to Muharraq Governorate Chief Prosecutor Ahmed Abdullah Al Ramadhan, the gang is headed by a doctor who misused his authority to issue fake prescriptions so that his accomplices would have access to prescription pills and sell it in the black market to addicts.

Mr Al Ramadan explained that the ring was busted when the Military Police of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) informed the Anti-Narcotics Department in Interior Ministry that it arrested a military staff and two civilians while selling narcotics. Large quantities of narcotics and amounts of money collected from selling them were found in the arrestees possession.

The Chief Prosecutor said the prosecution launched its investigation into the incident, interrogated the arrestees, heard witnesses testimonies and reviewed a report prepared by the technical committee, which inspected the computers in a number of public and private hospitals, and analysed the entered data in them.

Explaining further in a press statement that was circulated yesterday, Mr Al Ramadhan said it was proven that the doctor issued fake prescriptions and reports stating that the individuals mentioned in them had undergone the necessary medical examination. He was able to do this after his companions provided him with copies of identity cards so he could prepare the reports and write the prescriptions.

The other suspects would buy the narcotics from certain pharmacies, where the pharmacists are also involved in their plot, and later sell the pills to drug addicts for higher prices.

Mr Al Ramadhan confirmed that the Public Prosecution yesterday ordered to detain the suspects pending further investigation, while it referred the military staff member to the Military Judiciary and issued an arrest warrant against other suspects whore abroad, in order to refer the case to the concerned criminal court.
The starkly opposed visions of US President Donald Trump and Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg on climate change will clash in Davos on Tuesday as the World Economic Forum tries to face up to the perils of global warming on its 50th meeting.

The four-day gathering of the worlds top political and business leaders in the Swiss Alps gets under way seeking to meet head-on the dangers to both the environment and economy from the heating of the planet.

Trump, who has repeatedly expressed scepticism about climate change, is set to give the first keynote address of Davos 2020 on Tuesday morning, on the same day as his impeachment trial opens at the Senate in Washington.

Around the same time, Thunberg will also attend a meeting at the forum, where she is expected to underline the message that has inspired millions around the world -- that governments are failing to wake up to the reality of climate change.

The forums own Global Risks report published last week warned that climate change is striking harder and more rapidly than many expected with global temperatures on track to increase by at least three degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) towards the end of the century.

There are no expectations that the two, who have exchanged barbs through Twitter, will actually meet, but the crowded venue and intense schedule mean a chance encounter cannot be ruled out.

When Trump and his entourage walked through UN headquarters last year at the annual General Assembly, a photo of the teenager staring in apparent fury at the president from the sidelines went viral.

No turning point

Sustainability is the buzzword at the forum, which began in 1971, with heel crampons handed out to participants to encourage them to walk on the icy streets rather than use cars, and the signage paint made out of seaweed.

Trumps opposition to renewable energy, his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord negotiated under his predecessor Barack Obama, and the free hand extended to the fossil fuel industry puts him at odds with the entire thrust of the event.

Climate change is a hot topic at Davos, said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, adding there had been a change in the atmosphere and realisation that climate change represented a downside risk for the economy.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said at a welcome ceremony in Davos that for too long, humanity took away resources from the environment and in exchange produced waste and pollution.

Business leaders attending the forum will be keen to tout their awareness on climate change but are likely also to be concerned by the state of the global economy whose prospects, according to the IMF, have improved but remain brittle.

The IMF cut its global growth estimate for 2020 to 3.3 percent, saying that a recent truce in the trade war between China and the US had brought some stability but that risks remained.

We are already seeing some tentative signs of stabilisation but we have not reached a turning point yet, said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Healthy balance

Activists meanwhile will be pressing for much more concrete action to fight inequality, after Oxfam issued a report outlining how the number of billionaires has doubled in the past decade and the worlds 22 richest men now have more wealth than all the women in Africa.

Other key priorities will be exploring how to battle biodiversity loss, narrow the digital divide between the internet haves and have nots and step up the fight against pandemics in the face of vaccine hesitancy and drug resistance.

I am angry about the state of the world but I am also determined to engage and provide solutions and deliver, WWF director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. There needs to be healthy balance between these two sentiments.

The risk of global conflict will also loom large after the spike in tensions between the United States and Iran, following the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

But a planned appearance by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif -- which could have paved the way for a showdown or even meeting with Trump -- has been cancelled.

Venezuelas opposition leader Juan Guaido -- who declared himself acting president last year -- will be attending the forum in defiance of a travel ban imposed by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.
When the Reale Seguros Madrid Fusion opened for the first time in 2003, cooking was undergoing a revolution - technical, ideological and cultural - and it changed forever the way that we view chefs.

It was the time of spherification, the air, the liquid nitrogen. "The kitchen of the brave", as it was called in its day by the journalist Pau Arenos. Eighteen years later, the profession has matured, shed its fireworks and changed the need to impress the audience.

Conservation techniques that allow better use of the products, menus that represent environmental problems, dishes where the idea is much more important than the technique - sensible cuisine has finally arrived.

One of the most mature speeches heard in the Ifema auditorium at this year's edition of the event last week came from the young Josh Niland, and it is not just a play on words about the maturation of fish proposed by the Australian.

"My speciality is fish, the most expensive protein there is. If I pay 220 dollars for a piece I can't afford to throw away 40 per cent of it." Neither can Nature. The solution is to use as much of the fish as possible: the eyes, liver, stomach and other organs are quickly processed in an endless number of elaborations, while the flesh undergoes a process of ageing that can make it last up to a month.

Maybe that's why Dani Garcia, who accompanied Niland during the presentation, is doing similar experiments in his restaurant Lobito de Mar - although he prefers to call it "rested fish, which sounds better".

The theme for this edition of the conference was basic cuisine, something that the chef of Nerua (the restaurant in the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao) has been practising for more than a decade. Joan Roca's speech stirred the audience's conscience, and he detailed the menu with which world leaders participating in the Climate Summit were fed. Under the title 'The Earth is Running Out', he offered a series of dishes designed to highlight problems such as the scarcity of drinking water, invasive species, the warming of the seas, wasted food and the environmental cost of producing animal protein.

Roca's imagination transformed this ideology into a freeze-dried fungi broth, an Atlantic blue crab fritter and a beetroot, watermelon and red onion Gaia. "The aim was to send a message to their palates, but above all to their consciences."

On the second day, Cadiz chef Angel Leon explored the role of artificial intelligence in creative cuisine. He answered the challenge of cooking for allergies and intolerances and even turned the menu order upside down. He cooked under dimmed lights and invited the audience to take off their traditional glasses and "look again at the food store infront of us". Without those traditional constrictions, the sea worm that lives in the mud of the marshes and is used as bait by fishermen becomes a delicacy.

Leon also presented a seafood stew with fish sausages and seaweed noodle soup, onions from the marshes and a sea honey, but the message was always the same: there is a lot of food in the seas beyond the twenty or so species that reach the fishmongers.

He also aims to raise awareness among younger generations with a project to promote the consumption of fish in schools by creating a pasta, pizzas and chicken wings that actually hide more than 75 per cent fish.

Nacho Manzano, the owner of Casa Marcial also broke molds when he suggested a change to the order in a menu. He said, "When you arrive hungry at a table you tackle the wild boar and the Gran Reserva wine better and then, when you've been in the restaurant two hours, you're ready for the salad and the Txakoli wine," he explained. The reasoning behind this is of overwhelming logic. Why haven't we thought of this before? Because we are too accustomed and no-one questions established practises.

Speaking of introducing changes in a sequence of dishes, imagine the challenge for the El Celler de Can Roca team to meet the needs of customers with allergies or intolerances. As Pitu Roca explained, 5.8% of his customers, 23% of the tables and 50% of the orders are accompanied by some change for reasons of health, religion, philosophy of life or simply fashion.

Faced with this challenge, the master of the room calls to "act with cordiality, generosity, hospitality and understanding". Putting the health of the diner in the hands of waiters and chefs is a great responsibility, but "we must enjoy the pressure, see it as a challenge. We cannot tell customers that we can't accept them because of an intolerance".

The challenge was taken up by sommelier Francois Chartier and technology giant Sony, who together have developed an artificial intelligence tool capable of establishing harmony between different ingredients to spur the creativity of chefs.

They gave Andoni Luis Aduriz a taste of the result. "The machine has given some good ideas, but behind it there is a great chef. He can complement anyone's talent, not replace it". Fortunately.
The session starts and the 12 participants gather to introduce themselves. One of them is Fernando, 55, who works in a shelter housing program in Ciudad Real and wants to put his life in order and improve his feelings about the state of humanity. Franka, 52, is finding it hard to get past her separation and cries as she admits to a tobacco and marijuana addiction. Then there is Taylor, a 22-year-old American who is wandering aimlessly around Europe and seeking direction.

Their stories are told in a villa in Fuente el Saz de Jarama, in the northeast of the Madrid region, where an inner evolution retreat run by Inner Mastery International is taking place. The retreat promises to bring about personal transformation with the help of ayahuasca (an entheogenic brew from the Amazon basin) as well as kambo and bufo alvarius, two types of toad venom. These substances, easily purchased online, are marketed as catalysts for self-knowledge that allegedly enable those who take it to overcome a specific trauma or even serious illness, despite the lack of scientific evidence. In fact, experts warn that imbibing these substances can trigger physical ailments and psychological disorders.

Alberto Varela speaks to one of the participants about inner growth. D.E.

Inner Mastery International is a market leader with regard to such retreats, charging between 168 and 190 a day, depending on the length of the course. The company is run by Alberto Varela, a 59-year-old from Buenos Aires who has been overseeing a network of companies in Spain and 39 other countries on five continents for more than a decade. However, on the Business Register, he is only down as head of Evolucion Interior S.L.; it is his wife, Paula Carmona, a 45-year-old Colombian, who is registered as the owner of Inner Mastery International. Meanwhile, another company called Gracias Ayahuasca S.L. is registered under the name of Maria Jose Torrabadella Gonzalez who deals with the legal side of Varelas business.

All these companies have their headquarters in Fuente el Saz de Jarama, or more precisely in the villa where Taylor, Franka and Fernando have gathered for the weekend. The amount we invoice is not relevant, says Varela, who is only prepared to say that 500,000 a year goes on advertising. In an article in El Confidencial some years ago, however, he stated that his business had an annual turnover of 2 million. Our house is in order and we have a team of lawyers in the event of lawsuits. In addition, we have 150 workers registered with the Social Security system, he says with regard to the army of self-employed workers who swarm around the villa managing the clientele, promoting courses and acting as monitors when it is time to take the hallucinogenic substances.

Legal status

The participants relax as they wait for the effects of the first ayahuasca shot. D.E.

Varela makes it clear that he is neither a psychologist nor a doctor, while hailing the properties of ayahuasca. This is a man who spent 14 months in jail between 2008 and 2011 for bringing the substance into Spain, although he was subsequently acquitted. He insists that everything they handle is legal, but that they take extreme precautions because the authorities are just waiting for them to make a wrong move.

In Spain, ayahuasca is not considered illegal. There have been no convictions for public health crimes linked to its sale or use, despite the fact it has featured in 26 court cases since 2007, according to Spains judiciary watchdog, the CGPJ. In all 26 cases, the plant is described as stimulating and psychotropic, although both the Foundation for Help against Drug Addiction (FAD) and Reguera Abogados, a law firm specialized in drug trafficking, say there are very few cases of trafficking ayahuasca, kambo or bufo alvarius, or even of dependence on these substances.

Alberto Varela, owner and director of Inner Mastery International S.L.U., and his wife Paula Carmona inside the villa in the Madrid region. D.E.

Meanwhile, Gonzalo Haro Cortes, director of the Spanish Society of Dual Pathology and professor at the Cardenal Herrera-CEU University of Castellon, points out that neither are considered drugs by the World Health Organizations 1971 Vienna Convention. On account of this, and the fact they are not widely consumed, they are not illegal. In the case of ayahuasca and bufo alvarius, the controversial substance is dimethyltryptamine (or DMT), which causes hallucinations just like other entheogens such as LSD, peyote and certain types of mushroom.

Inside the villa, participants are introduced to the medical and psychological team before the substance-taking session begins. One of the team members is Sergio Sanz, who guides the sessions at which participants express their troubles and worries. Our aim is to reach a deeper point of surrender, he explains in between strumming a guitar and hugging people. Ayahuasca is just a prelude. Many people bring a culture of punishment with them, and the idea is to be innocent. Here you realize that the best thing you can do for humanity is not to harm yourself. After finishing his studies in Barcelona, this 27-year-old joined the company and has been working with it for the past five years.

The participants are preparing to take the ayahuasca and are moved to the living room, a large space with candles, Buddha figures, strategically placed loudspeakers and 12 mattresses on the floor.

The stretch of land leading to the Inner Mastery International villa in Fuente el Saz del Jarama. D.E.

When a glass jar filled with a brownish concoction is brought out, Pancho Vazquez, an old hand at this, takes the opportunity to ask who will be trying the kambo the following day at an added cost of 125. Four people sign up and then the presentations begin, which is when Fernando, Franka and Taylor explain why they are here. After all 12 participants have introduced themselves  with English translations for a group from Bulgaria and Moldova  the silence resumes.

The shot

While one of the workers plays the djembe drum, another staff member, Fernando Alvarez, 25, appears on the scene. He explains the best way of taking ayahuasca as he passes round the medicine. His advice is to lie down and, in the event of nausea, to use the buckets that are placed by each mattress. Everything that comes out  sweat, vomit, poop  is what we needed to get rid of, he says. The vomit is an energy-charged vomit. It symbolizes something very special, which is why I suggest you look at it it before cleaning the bucket. I usually feel like giving it thanks. By cleaning the bucket, you are cleansing yourself.

The scene is set with incense and soft music. It is shortly before midnight and the session will last about five hours. Apart from those who are busy vomiting and visiting the bathroom, the participants remain horizontal, apparently in a stupor. The monitors, meanwhile, take turns putting on YouTube videos, giving out more doses of ayahuasca and also rape, a snuff which is inhaled through a small pipe.

Yawns are heard while Alvarez chants mantras such as: I open myself to the crazy plan of this mysterious love, and Enjoying every hug, enjoying every kiss, enjoying every moment. There is instrumental music and hits by Pablo Alboran and Ludovico Einaudi. When the session ends, participants can either stay on their mattress or go to bed. Almost everyone leaves. Before they do, Karim Pascua, 48, asks what time breakfast is. I had a very raw moment, he says, smoking a cigarette. But, apart from diarrhea, nothing.

Psychotic episodes Guillermo Fouce, president of Psychology Without Borders, considers substances such as ayahuasca and kambo to be harmful. They are often used by sects and sold as something that triggers a quest, but in reality, like any other drug, they cause changes in the body and create addiction, besides which they can trigger psychotic episodes, he says. According to Haro Cortes, There is now a type of consumer called a psychonaut  a traveler or researcher of drugs. Cortes adds that these substances are linked to one of the three happiness hormones  dopamine, norepinephrine or serotonin  as well as to introspection and visions. Its like a parachute jump, he says. Either nothing can happen or you can hit a rock.

English version by Heather Galloway.
2020 IOTA Dinner at Visalia International DX Convention

Will, WC6DX, Visalia IOTA Dinner Coordinator, reports:

Greetings, IOTA friends -- The 25th annual IOTA Dinner at this year's International DX Convention in Visalia, California will be held on Friday, April 24th, 2020.

If you have activated an IOTA during 2019 and might like to be a speaker, e-mail me privately. I'm planning the program now.

If you missed last year's dinner, the speakers included KO8SCA presenting his and VE3LYC's expeditions to TX0M OC-297 (New) Morane I. and TX0A OC-113 Maria Est; K9AJ presented his and KD6WW's expedition to /VY0 NA-207 Fafard I.; and a presentation and video sent by UA9KDF and UA1QV on the RI0B expedition to the four rare Arctic Islands of AS-054, AS-087, AS-104 and AS-121.

DX visitors included Bernhard/DL2GAC, Bo/OX3LX and his QSL Manager

Joergen/OZ0J, Tom/SM3DMP and Borje/SA3AAY, plus numerous North American IOTA activators that you have worked with many IOTA expeditions under their belt,

We will be celebrating a quarter century of IOTA Dinners ... plan to join us ! Another announcement will be made when reservations begin.
An Australian influencer praised for sharing unedited snaps on Instagram has revealed her disappointment at still being trolled for her cellulite - despite her popularity.

Ariella Nyssa, 22, a model from Sydney, has racked up 357,000 followers for posting 'real' pictures of her natural, voluptuous figure to her social media account.

Yet the lifestyle blogger has bemoaned the 'negative' private messages she receives criticising her cellulite 'all the time', and called for the stigma surrounding the marks to end.

Ariella Nyssa (pictured), 22, is known by her 357,000 Instagram followers for posting 'real' pictures of her natural, voluptuous figure to her social media account. But despite her popularity, she's admitted that she's constantly trolled

In an Instagram post (pictured) on Monday, the influencer bemoaned the 'negative' private messages she receives 'all the time', and called for the stigma surrounding the marks to end

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Ariella wrote: 'I still get DMs all the time about my cellulite. "How do you get rid of cellulite?", "your cellulite is too much, it looks so unappealing", "your cellulite looks like a plastic bag shrivelled up in the snow."

'These negative views on cellulite are still so precedent in this day and age and it makes me so friggen sad. (sic)'

Posing in a lacy G-string, she added: 'Cellulite is beautiful! Its apart of me. My marks that make me, me. I would never change them for the world, no matter what anyone else says! Your cellulite rocks gal, embrace it and love it.'

Posing in a lacy G-string, the influencer (pictured) said: 'Cellulite is beautiful! Its apart of me. My marks that make me, me. I would never change them for the world, no matter what anyone else says! Your cellulite rocks gal, embrace it and love it'

Ariella (pictured) added: 'These negative views on cellulite are still so precedent in this day and age and it makes me so friggen sad'

Ariella's post was soon praised by her followers, who confessed that they were inspired by the influencer to love their own bodies

Ariella's post was soon praised by her followers, who confessed that they were inspired by the influencer to love their own bodies.

One person wrote: 'Thanks to you I've learnt to embrace and love my cellulite. Looks exactly like yours. You always look great! Ignore the haters and negativity.'

Another said: 'I'm so thankful for your positivity! My cellulite is one of the biggest things I'm self conscious about.'

A third individual confessed: 'I wouldn't feel like myself if I didn't have cellulite.'

Faithful followers also told Ariella to ignore the haters, saying she looked beautiful in her post

In August 2019, Ariella told how she believed companies had turned her down for photoshoots because her body is too 'real'.

She added that she was 'so over' companies knocking her back on the basis she was too 'big' or her skin wasn't smooth enough.

Ariella claimed that while brands and modelling agencies never directly said her body was the reason for their refusal, their actions proved otherwise.

She told 9Honey even the brands that on the surface promoted body inclusivity would turn her away because she wasn't the 'right fit'.

'I was too short for them, my boobs were too big, they even weighed me and then told me I couldn't model for them,' she said.

While Ariella has been able to grow an Instagram following of hundreds of thousands, she said big companies reject or simply completely ignore her requests to collaborate.

One of her friends, meanwhile, was given work with a company who rejected her.

'They'd say "oh, we're not looking at the moment" - but then I'd see that my friend who is a size six has just started working with them,' Ariella claimed.

'Every time I try to push past these beauty standards I get shut down. I'm so over trying to show people the beauty in all of us.'
I Quit Dating Apps.

Five Times.

The story of a tortured relationship  with a happy ending.

Jan. 20, 2020

Youre 24 when you get seriously dumped for the first time. Its the kind of dumped that leaves you couch surfing with friends watching old episodes of Top Chef on repeat and inhaling bags of mini stroopwafels from Trader Joes. Its also the kind of dumped that propels you to scramble back to your hometown with a months notice after spending six and a half years building a meaningful life in another city.

You cry a lot, forgo makeup for a few weeks, and then, because of the arrogance of youth, you decide that youll meet someone better in mere months (before your ex because, yes, this is definitely a race). Youll try a dating app! People use them now; its normal! You move to the Lower East Side and download OkCupid and set off a near-decade-long journey  of seeking ultimately fruitless partnerships.

Still 24: You go on a few dates with an exceedingly nice man who went to college with Lena Dunham, a fact in which you feign interest, and with whom you see Force Majeure at the Angelika (its fine).

You invite him to the Christmas party youre hosting with your roommate because as you are making a creme Anglaise for the cinnamon ice cream that will accompany a pumpkin pie (which you also baked) you suddenly intuit that your ex has already moved on and is celebrating Christmas with his new partner. (Future you: You were right, he did move on first). You decide this nice man should meet your oldest friends because you two are ready for that.
Smash and grab robberies are rampant in San Francisco, where authorities do very little to discourage them. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, more than 31,000 people reported smash and grab robberies in the city in 2017 alone.

Hoping to document such a robbery, Inside Edition, a television program, placed GPS trackers inside items in a car parked in an area well known for theft. The items were a $250 speaker and a purse. Inside edition also placed video cameras throughout the car to be able to record the expected smash and grab.

Sure enough, as Fox News reports, two people soon robbed the vehicle. A man smashed open the cars back window, pulled out the purse, and threw it to his female accomplice. He then removed the speaker.

The Inside Edition crew used its tracker to find the thieves. They confronted the duo as they entered a train station.

The shows reporter told the man that five million people will view his theft. The man responded that he was going to call his mother.

Eventually, the man abandoned the speaker. Inside Edition then tracked the stolen purse to a garbage can.

But while all of this was going on, thieves broke into the crews car and stole the camera equipment. As a result, five million people wont see either theft, and Inside Edition is out thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

San Francisco has a new prosecutor, Chesa Boudin. His parents are murderers and he was raised by the notorious radicals (and criminals) Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn.

Boudin has vowed to end mass incarceration, eliminate cash bail, refuse to cooperate with ICE, and prosecute ICE agents who violate sanctuary city laws. Boudin also wants to stop prosecuting so-called minor quality-of-life crimes.

In San Francisco, theft of anything under $950 in value was downgraded in 2014 from a felony to a misdemeanor, which probably explains the rash of smash and grabs. With Boudin in charge, I wonder whether the theft of thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment will be winked at by prosecutors, as they focus on prosecuting ICE agents and corporations adventurous enough to remain in the jurisdiction.